* New year *

Although it was the first New Year eve since the war ended, it was a merry one. Or at least it seemed like it. George was slowly recovering from his twin's death. He had his ups and downs like everyone else (more downs than up, mainly), but he was getting back on his feet thanks to his family (especially Ron who was helping him at the shop every chance he got) and his new girlfriend Angelina. Since the shop was back on, he had decided to bring little treats to celebrate the new coming year. He started with very loud firecrackers which had 7-month-old Belle crying in angst as her mother held her. The rest of the Weasleys seemed to be having a whale of a time with those things, but Hermione was clearly feeling otherwise. After unsuccessfully trying to calm her daughter down one more time when another firecracker exploded, she had decided to call it a night and go back inside the Burrow. She went straight into Ron's room and held her daughter tight, rubbing her back and singing softly as she looked down the window. After a couple of minutes, the crying ceased, and little Belle seemed to be content and calm in her mother's arms. Hermione didn't know how long she and Belle stayed there, just looking out the window.
"I was wondering where you've gone." a familiar voice said from behind her. She turned her head around and looked at Ron who was wrapping his arms around her waist and smiling broadly.
"The firecrackers were really scaring her. So I thought to bring her here for some peace and quiet. Plus, you have a good view for the fireworks." she explained.
"You know, if firecrackers scare her, don't you think fireworks will do that too?" Ron asked, kinda worried. Hermione just nodded.
"That's why I placed a silencing charm on the room. We can watch the fireworks without hearing them." she said, kissing her daughter's head.
"Always the smart one." Ron said, smiling and kissing Hermione's head. They stayed in silence for a while just looking at their daughter who was peacefully sucking her thumb and looking at her mom curiously. Hermione just smiled and kissed her.
"She's perfect." she said looking at her little girl with so much love. Ron smiled and nodded.
"Just like her mom." he said.
"I still can't believe she's here. A year ago we were running for our lives and now she's here with us." she said. Ron nodded.
"I know. It's amazing." he answered.
"Do you... do you regret it?" she asked between worried and scared. He looked at her, confused.
"Regret what?" he asked looking at her.
"Being parents so young." she said looking down. He tilted her head to him with his hand.
"I regret many things, Hermione: not asking you to the Yule Ball, fighting with you for silly things for so many years, dating Lavender when I could have clearly dated you back, but I never EVER regret having Belle in our lives. You heard me? NEVER." he said. Her eyes welled up with tears and she smiled a bit, sniffing. "Do you... regret it?" he asked, afraid of her answer. She shook her head vigorously.
"Not for a second." she answered.
"Then, why are you doubting?" he asked. She shrugged her shoulders.
"I just... I started thinking about my parents and everything, and... I don't know! I'm so stupid! I guess I just... I don't know. I thought that now that you're in Auror training and everything, that maybe... maybe you did regret it." she said. He sighed. He was annoyed, she knew it.
"I know having a baby is A LOT of responsibility, Hermione. And many people would say that having a child now would slow down our careers and everything, but we're managing quite well. We have our system and we're doing fine. I would trade any Auror training just to have you and Belle with me safe and happy." he said.
"Really?" she asked. He nodded.
"You and her are the best things that ever happened to me. I don't know what I would do without you two in my life." he said, then he kissed her. It didn't last long as Belle decided she was a bit uncomfortable in their embrace and moved a bit. They pulled away immediately and looked at her.
"It's almost midnight." Hermione said. And the countdown began: 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1... "Happy new year, Ron." she said, smiling shyly at him. He smiled back.
"Happy new year, love." he said, then they kissed. Belle moved and giggled. Outside, fireworks of many colours and shapes were colouring the blue sky and everyone was singing and celebrating. After all, it was a new year. A new beginning of a new life.