Hermione was perfectly content to spend her birthday in bed, but duty called. Being Minister of Magic sucked sometimes. Sure, being an authority figure and leader of a magical government had its benefits, but it meant that Hermione was constantly under pressure to perform.
So when Kingsley's Patronus appeared in her bedroom at five in the morning, she sighed, unwound herself from Ron (who, mind you, had to be up at eight), and stumbled into the loo.
Only then, when the bright lights nearly blinded her, did she realize it was her birthday.
Birthdays had lost meaning a long time ago. After seventeen, every birthday was blurred. She had been thrown into a war, reparations, and Ministry work since then. Now her birthdays were celebrated with late nights and hastily-baked cupcakes (courtesy of Ron, Rose, and Hugo), and shoddily-wrapped gifts. While she appreciated the efforts, she missed being young and having celebrations at Hogwarts, where she had fun.
Fun was a rare commodity.
Hermione's day started with an impatient pair of goblins who had come from Gringotts. A tedious meeting with the Ministry Heads followed, and then she'd had a stack of paperwork taller than her to tackle.
When Ron came to her office at half-past eight pm, she was elbow-deep in files and righteously pissed off.
"I brought supper," he said, holding up a bag.
Hermione pounced on him. "I'm starving," she moaned. "You're the best."
"Damn right I am," Ron joked, but he quickly sobered up and cocked his head. "You look exhausted."
"If everyone did their jobs around here, I would still look young and beautiful," she grumbled, "and not look like I aged twenty years in one day."
Ron laughed. "Anything I can help with?" he offered.
"Yeah, if you could take my job, that would be a real help."
He laughed again. "If only."
They ate in silence, Hermione blissfully closing her eyes as the delicious roll entered her mouth, buttery and warm. "You're a life-saver," she murmured.
"I know." Ron watched her carefully, eating little, and giving her more food. Hermione pretended not to notice.
"Here, have this, I'm stuffed," she said, pushing the canteen towards him.
"Did you eat enough?"
"I'm stuffed," she repeated.
"Okay."
As he spooned some onion soup into his mouth, Hermione wiped her mouth with a napkin, amazed they hadn't been interrupted. "Where are the kids? Who's taking care of them?"
"I left them with their grandmum and grandad," he said. "Mum was more than happy to watch them. She'll keep them in line."
Hermione felt a surge of gratitude towards her mother-in-law. Molly Weasley had been like a second mother to her. While she was stern, she loved fiercely with her whole heart and had been quick to accept Hermione into the Weasley family.
"Thank you," she said quietly, meeting her husband's eyes. Ron seemed to sense she wasn't thanking him for just bringing her food.
"Of course," he said. Something lit up in his eyes. "It's your birthday. We shouldn't be here. Let's go surprise Rose and Hugo."
"But the paperwork — "
"— can wait until tomorrow." Ron seized her wrist from across the desk and spun, Apparating them both to the Burrow.
"Ron —!"
"I'm sorry," he said, cupping her face with his hands. "But we haven't celebrated your birthday properly in years. Let's have some fun."
Hermione's last protest died in her throat and she nodded.
Molly and Hermione's children were waiting for her, but this time, it wasn't just them. It was the entire Weasley family. As she stood in the entryway, stunned, Ron whispered, "Surprise."
Harry and Ginny approached them, carrying a large cake. "Happy birthday, 'Mione," Harry said, using an old nickname of hers. He was smiling warmly at her, just like everyone else there.
Hermione blinked back tears. "How — I —"
Ginny smiled. "Happy birthday," she echoed.
"I don't understand."
"It's your birthday," said Harry, "and we wanted to do something special. We've all been busy around this time and we never get to celebrate. You do so much for us and we reckoned it was time to return it in kind."
Hermione felt warmth wash over her. She glanced at her children and they both beamed. Ginny followed her line of sight and beamed as well. "It was their idea," she said. "They Flooed and owled everyone we know. They were the masterminds behind all of this. We just helped decorate and make a cake."
"You did this for me?" Hermione asked of Rose and Hugo and they nodded simultaneously. "Thank you. I love you both so much."
"Enough of the sentiments," George broke in. Angelina elbowed him and he winced. "Let's get to partying."
Hermione giggled. As her family surrounded her, she couldn't help but think that this was the perfect ending for a day that had seemed mundane.
"Thank you," she said to Ron, who smiled and wrapped her in a hug.
825 words
Capture the Flag - Birthday
