Chapter 35: Signs of What's To Come
Ron's recovery was frustratingly slow for him, but it was also faster than anyone except for him had anticipated. Hermione ensured that each potion dose was taken precisely on time and every therapy exercise was done exactly as prescribed. Despite some eye rolling and impatience on the part of the patient, her diligence in supervising his recovery had him healing faster than expected. He and Hugo stayed with Rose and Hermione for the first two weeks while Ron was still taking potions around the clock. While there was part of both Ron and Hermione that wanted to extend their stay, they could sense Hugo was struggling with missing his own home as his nightmares had also increased. The first night back in his own home, Hugo was visibly more relaxed than he had been since Ron's injury.
"Can we read again, Ron? It's been a while since we read just the two of us."
"Of course, Hugo. And, you know even if we are spending a lot of time at Hermione and Rose's home, you can always tell me you need some time for just us."
"Yeah?"
"Definitely. I apologize I didn't make that clearer before. And if something comes up in the future where the girls are here a lot for some reason, or we are there, you should definitely just let me know you want some time for you and I to read, or go for a fly, or whatever it is. No matter what is going on, I will always make time for just you and me."
"Good. So, I'll go find our book and meet you back on the couch, ok?"
"Brilliant."
When Hermione called Ron later than night to check that he had taken his potions, he told her how much more relaxed Hugo was back in his own home.
"I'm glad for him," she said. "But it was the opposite in this house. Rose and I missed you both and were quite grouchy the rest of the evening."
"I'm sorry, Hermione."
"Well, it is what it is I suppose. You know what I was wondering?"
"What?"
"Well, since the kids will be at school and I will be at work this week, maybe you can work on finalizing that vacation we talked about. It would give us all something to look forward to as they finish their last weeks of the term."
"Brilliant plan, Love. That is just what we need. Not to mention I will need a project to ensure I don't go batty by myself with nothing to do."
"Excellent. And, well, maybe we could figure out how to have some time alone there, as hopefully all of the – uh – restrictions on your activities will be lifted by then."
"Oh trust me, Love, I am absolutely counting on that."
When July came and the summer holidays finally arrived, Ron was bursting with excitement about their upcoming trip. He had kept the details a secret, with Hermione only knowing the dates so she could get the time off work. The kids didn't know a thing, and he was so excited to finally unveil the surprise.
Since school was out, Rose had been spending most days with Ron and Hugo when Hermione was at work. But that Friday Hermione's parents had come to take the kids to the cinema in the afternoon, so Ron had time to organize a special evening to surprise everyone. Now that he was healthy again and there were no restrictions on his use of magic, he was able to transfigure all kinds of things to decorate the kitchen and eating area. He had changed the kitchen table and chairs into an outdoor dining set complete with sun umbrella and beach towels. Then he's conjured fairy lights and strung them all around the room. He was hoping to see if they could guess where they were going to go based on the clues he was going to plant.
He'd been thrilled a week or two prior when he'd gone to a junk shop hoping to find some fun things for the night and had actually found a few serving dishes in the bright, colorful Mallorca style. While he wanted to have an elaborate fish paella, he knew that was quite beyond his skill level. So, he thought he would improvise and go with a "tapas" theme he read about in one of the travel brochures. He chuckled to himself realizing how much Hermione had rubbed off on him as he would never before have read anything about a vacation spot. But, he'd wanted to find a perfect place for the four of them, so he had done his research.
He'd also picked up a few things for everyone to have and enjoy as they got ready for their trip. He'd bought Hermione a couple books on the history of the Mediterranean island, as well on what to see when visiting. Then he'd bought Hugo some books focused on the art of the region that explained the colorful pottery and painting style that had developed there. He had struggled some on what to get for Rose. But then on a hunch he owled Hagrid and asked if there were any magical creatures known to be from that region, and Ron was thrilled to discover that there had been sightings of the rare pegacorns, an extremely endangered crossbreed between a unicorn and a pegasus, on the island. Ron was able to find a small book about the history of the legends and the various places they had supposedly been seen. With candles lit, Spanish wine poured, various tapas of olives, almonds, manchego cheese, bread and a back-up plan of pizza, he couldn't wait for them to arrive. He'd even come up with a variety of Spanish puddings from a local bakery.
The children arrived before Hermione, and he blocked them from the kitchen altogether, which peaked their curiosity. They parked themselves on the floor in the hallway begging Ron for clues as to what was in the kitchen. He tortured them with vague and useless clues, but he loved how excited they both were. When Hermione walked in, the two practically assaulted her at the door and dragged her to the hall in front of the kitchen which Ron was blocking.
"What in heaven's name is going on in here?" Hermione asked laughing at the shouts of the kids.
"Ron won't let us in the kitchen! He says there is a surprise, but he won't tell us what it is!" complained Rose.
"He is being horrid to us, but now you can tell us what is going on, Hermione," Hugo retorted.
"Well I don't know what's going on," Hermione said.
"You don't?" Rose asked.
"None of you know," announced Ron with a broad smile on his face. "Alright – all of you go wash your hands for supper, come back here, and all shall be revealed."
The three dashed off to the loo and quickly returned showing off their clean hands.
"Ok, NOW can we go in?" whined Rose.
"Let me tell you what's going on," grinned Ron. "Tonight's surprise is really about revealing another, upcoming surprise. So, when you go into what was once the kitchen, you will see a number of clues. So, let's go in and see what you three come up with."
He stepped aside while the kids rushed through the doorway. Hermione simply looked at him with a questioning smile. She put her arm around his waist and kissed him.
"What are you up to?" she asked.
"Oh, no, no. Don't think you can wile it out of me by being all sexy and sweet," he protested.
Hermione crinkled her nose. "Can't I simply kiss the man I love?"
"You? No. I doubt it. But, I'll never turn you down. Just don't think it earns you any extra clues," he laughed as he kissed her.
Hermione mocked offense, kissed him again and headed into the kitchen. When she got there, she stopped in her tracks and stared at the transformed space. Both Rose and Hugo were gawking at the scene. Rose was entranced with the fairy lights while Hugo seemed to be taking in the outdoor dining set and colorful pottery. Ron watched them from the door, enjoying their awe and confusion.
"What is all of this?" Rose finally asked.
"Well, that is what you need to figure out," teased Ron.
Hermione walked around to the table and saw all of the food placed on the table. She tasted some of the almonds, and Ron offered her a glass of wine.
"What kind of wine is this?" she asked.
"I think some might call it a vino tinto," smiled Ron. "But technically it is a Spanish Syrah."
She eyed him carefully with a smile as Rose swung her head around to face him.
"You don't speak Spanish," she stated.
"That is correct," said Ron with a grin. "But sometimes I am motivated to learn new things."
Hugo took a seat in one of the deck chairs and realized there was a beach towel on it.
"Why are there towels, Ron?"
"Why do you think we would need towels?"
"Because we're to have a food fight and then we'll have to take a bath?"
Hermione laughed. "I hope that's not it."
Rose's eyes lit up. "We're going to the seaside, aren't we?"
"Yes, Rose, you are the winner of the bunch. We are, indeed, going to the seaside."
"When do we go?" asked Rose.
"I'll give you then when," conceded Ron. "We leave in ten days and we will be there for two weeks."
Rose and Hugo started jumping up and down in excitement.
"Where are we going?" squealed Hugo.
"That you still have to figure out," said Ron, thoroughly enjoying the torture he was causing.
Hermione walked around the room, taking in the work Ron had put into it. She sipped her wine and looked at the table. She ate an olive and then picked up the bowl that held the food.
"Spain," she said smiling. "We're going to Spain, aren't we?"
"SPAIN?!" yelled the children looking at Ron for confirmation.
"Si!" smiled Ron. "We are going to the Spanish island of Mallorca where we have a house at the seaside for two weeks in July."
The room erupted into excitement, yelps and squeals as the three of them reacted to his news. Hugo threw the beach towel around his shoulders and pretended it was a cape as he ran around the room. Rose came up and hugged Ron.
"You pulled off the seaside family vacation. Thank you, Ron!"
"You are most welcome, Rose. I have to thank you for the brilliant idea. I think you were so right to point out we needed a few weeks off on holiday."
She hugged him again, and Hermione watched from across the room loving it.
"Ok, so one last part of the surprise," said Ron. He went to pick up the three packages that he had stashed in one of the cabinets. "Let's see, this one is Hugo's, this one Hermione's and this one Rose's."
Each opened their book and was instantly excited to open it and begin diving in. Soon Ron had them eating their tapas dinner, supplemented with pizza, and talking about the vacation ahead of them. Hermione was surprised to learn they would travel by portkey and not airplane, but was thrilled to discover Ron had arranged a villa for them to have for the entire two weeks. They could take day trips to different sites or activities if they wanted, but the majority of the time would be for the four of them to just have together relaxing on the beach and exploring the island. When they had their fill, Hugo and Rose went off to look up Mallorca on the computer to see the island where they would be staying. When they left the kitchen, Hermione scooted her chair closer to Ron's and took his hand.
"That was, as you would say, 'bloody brilliant,'" she said as she leaned over to kiss him seductively.
"Mmm," sighed Ron contentedly as he kissed her back. "So was that."
They had landed at a small wizarding office where a young clerk welcomed them to Mallorca. Ron had arranged for a muggle rental car that Hermione could drive so they could explore the island during their holiday. Just the drive from the town out to the villa was stunning. The water was incredible colors of blue and turquoise, and the white sand was almost blinding.
"I sure hope you packed a lot of sun potion," quipped Hugo. "Ron, it looks like you could be as red as a tomato in no time flat."
Hugo and Rose started giggling at the idea.
"I am so pleased to know you are both so concerned about the state of my pale skin," joked Ron. "And yes, there is a lot of sun potion in the bag, so I am hoping for only a mild pink instead of a lobster red."
They pulled into the driveway of the secluded seaside villa. It was a small building but surrounded by an incredible outdoor terrace that looked over a pool and then went down to a private beach. While they weren't too far from town, the home was tucked into a small cove, so there were no other homes in view.
"Oh my God!" squealed Rose. "Do we have the whole place?"
"Well, someone told me they wanted a country, seaside holiday for just the family, so, yes – it's all ours."
Rose dove at Ron to hug him. "It's perfect, Ron. Thank you!"
"And no library trips required," he whispered in her ear. She laughed and hugged him again before running off to see the house.
Hermione was taking in the scene as she picked up some of the luggage from the car. "It really is beautiful, Ron."
He smiled and simply picked up the bags as they went inside. The made their way through the open kitchen, dining room and living room that looked out to the sea. The kids quickly came back to report the overview of the house.
"There is a master bedroom down here and an incredible upstairs with two bedrooms off a bathroom that's connected to a game room with a tele and a pool table!" reported Hugo. "I get the room with the green bedspread," he claimed as he dashed back off. Rose was quick on his heels.
"So, there are three bedrooms," Ron explained to Hermione. "There is a master down here, and the two bedrooms and playroom upstairs. I can set up with Hugo upstairs or in the playroom if you want."
"Ron, you spent two weeks sleeping in my bed with Rose and Hugo in the house. I think we are passed that issue at this point, aren't we?"
He grinned. "I'd hoped so."
By that evening they had been to the local market to pick up food and managed to make a dinner all four enjoyed out on the terrace listening to the waves. Ron and Rose had squeezed in a game of wizard chess, Hermione had read a few chapters, and Hugo had started sketching some of the scenery around them. Ron got the kids tucked in and came back down to the terrace to find Hermione. She'd cleaned up the kitchen and locked everything up for the night and was waiting for him in the kitchen.
"This place is absolutely perfect for us, Ron. I can't imagine how you found it, but I am so glad you did."
"Me too. I have been looking forward to this for weeks. Not just this," he said gesturing between the two of them, "though that has been high on the list, but just time for the four of us. It's what all of us need I think."
"I agree. But, this," she laughed repeating his gesture between the two of them, "is what I need right now." With that she took his hand and led him back towards their bedroom. Ron set up silencing charms quickly and then turned to look at the witch he loved so desperately.
"Come here," she said quietly. He obeyed and leaned down to kiss her slowly and tenderly. She sighed and leaned into his kiss, leisurely stroking her fingers up his neck, face and ears.
"It's felt like an eternity since we could do this," she finally said.
"I know. I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize," she said between kisses. "It wasn't your fault you were almost killed on top of the fact we rarely get moments alone together. I am just so thrilled I get you all to myself every night for two weeks."
"You can't possibly be as thrilled as I am, Love," he said as he pulled her shirt over her head.
They were quickly lost in their desire for each other, kissing passionately as they shed layers of clothes. Hermione kissed his newest scars on his chest, while Ron closed his eyes. He really didn't want to think of what had almost been when he was in her arms. But while he was worried she would get somber at seeing this reminder of him almost dying, she simply seemed turned on by this symbol of how he had protected her. And for Ron, there wasn't anything better than a turned on Hermione.
They made love several times that night, but before he could fall asleep Hermione insisted they put some clothes on just in case the kids wandered in overnight or in the morning. She was apologizing for it, but he quickly informed her that as long as he got to sleep with her in his arms, he didn't care what she wanted to him to wear.
They had enjoyed several days on the island. Hermione couldn't remember the last time she had been this relaxed. The day before they had gone off to explore some of the gorgeous sights, but they had all decided to spend a day on the beach. Hermione was in a beach chair under an umbrella reading a book while Hugo was in the chair next to her, also in the shade, sketching some of the scenery. Ron and Rose and gone off on a beach hike to find interesting shells and rocks.
Between the plot of her book and the lull of the wind and waves, Hermione was slightly startled when Hugo spoke up.
"Hermione," he asked in a quiet voice, "can I ask you something?"
"Of course, darling, you can always ask me anything."
"Do you ever feel bad about feeling happy?"
"Oh Hugo," she said, closing her book and turning towards him. "I miss your dad so much. But I am happy right now. So, I think I have gotten to a point where I can feel sad and happy at the same time, but I don't feel guilty about being happy."
"It's just that sometimes I wonder if it is ok to be happy."
"It is absolutely ok be happy. And it also ok to be sad, Love. But I know in the depths of my soul that your parents and your grandparents wouldn't want you to not let yourself be happy. They all loved you so much. All any of them wanted was for you to have a happy and full life. I get so angry sometimes that you won't have them around as you grow up, but I can't do a single thing about that. Missing them and losing out on their presence in your life is hard enough. You shouldn't have to be unhappy on top of that."
"I wouldn't want Mummy and Daddy to think I am glad they are gone. Or that I don't love them and miss them, because I really do, Hermione."
"Of course you do, Hugo. I love them and miss them too. But that doesn't mean we aren't allowed to be happy. I think how your Daddy was after Collin died is a good model. He loved his brother so much, and he was so devastated when he died. But he allowed himself to live after that. He went to school, he met your mummy, and he was so, so happy when you were born. He wished Collin could have been there, but he didn't force himself to only be sad for the rest of his life."
"But, I am really happy with Ron and you and Rose. And that wouldn't have happened if they were still here. And I don't want to be glad they are gone, but I am happy about things now. And I don't know how to feel both somehow."
Hermione tried a different way of explaining things. "You know Harry, right?" Hugo nodded. "Did you know that he lost his parents when he was one year old?"
"No," Hugo said quietly. "Did his godfather raise him too?"
"Well, no. That is the extra awful part of the story. I am not 100% of all of the details, because Ron mentioned it in passing, but apparently his godfather had been wrongfully accused of murdering Harry's parents when it was really some dark wizard. Anyway, because of that, Harry had to go live with his horrible aunt and uncle who were really mean. They made him live in a cupboard under the stairs and didn't even tell him he was a wizard even though they knew about it. They didn't even feed him enough food."
"That's horrid! Who does that?"
"Precisely what I said when I heard about it. Eventually his godfather got out of prison and Harry learned the truth – that he hadn't killed his parents. I think life got in the way again, and he didn't really get to live with him. But, Ron's parents took Harry in mostly. He spent Christmas with them and most of summer holidays each year."
"I'm glad I don't have to live with a horrible aunt and uncle," said Hugo a little frightened.
"Well, right, but that wasn't meant to be the point of the story. I was trying to say that Harry's experiences growing up – whether bad experiences with his horrid relatives or good experiences being welcomed by the Weasleys – were separate from the death of his parents. One was miserable and one was wonderful, but neither changed the past. But, Harry deserved to be happy. And only Harry could be in charge of whether or not he let himself be happy – not his parents, not his godfather, not his mean relatives and not Molly Weasley. Only Harry. But everyone who loved him – both living and dead – wanted him to choose happiness. The only ones who ever wanted him sad were those terrible people who made him sleep under the stairs."
"So you think I should be like Harry and be happy with the good things now but still miss my parents even though it couldn't all be at the same time?"
"I can't tell you to be happy, darling. All I can do is tell you that I know in the very bottom of my soul that your parents would want you to be happy. They would want you to feel loved and to love others and enjoy each day. If it was me who had died and it was your dad was having this same conversation with Rose, that is precisely what I would want him to say. I promise you it is the same for your parents. It is your choice to seize joy or not. But neither choice will change the past."
"You make it sound easy. I am still really sad and really angry at the same time I really love Ron and you and Rose."
"I never meant to make it sound easy. I get so angry and sad when I think about how unfair it is. And even if I don't think about you, I just get mad for me. I miss Dennis and Collin so much. It is just bloody awful. But if I spent my whole life being angry and sad about it, I would never get to have the joys of my own life. And then that simply adds one more destroyed life to an already sad story. And I know Collin and your dad would never, ever, ever wish that for me. So, if they can't bring you to the seaside and admire your art work and hear about your experiences at school, then maybe I can do it for all of us. Maybe at least I can feel proud of you and excited for you and worried for you since they can't. But if I didn't let myself be happy, then I could never really do that for them, could I?"
"No, I guess not. But, it's really hard, Hermione," he said with some tears in his eyes.
"Oh Hugo," she said gesturing for him to come sit on her lap. "It will be the hardest thing you ever do. But we are all here to try to help."
"I don't know what to do sometimes, you know? Ron said flying helped him, and I think that helps me too. But, you can't fly all the time. It hurts to remember, but I don't want to forget. So I don't know what to do."
Hermione considered this for a bit. Finally she said, "Well if you want to meet with a counselor or mind healer, we can do that, as a lot of people say that helps. I think Ron's brother George found that helpful after Fred died. But, sometimes doing helps more than talking. I know Ron mentioned you were talking about ways to preserve your parents' memories. Maybe we could work on a project to do that. We could put together a book or something – you could do the pictures and we could all write down stories or little details to help you remember."
"I like that idea. I haven't drawn any pictures of them since the accident, but I used to do it a lot. I mean, drawing people is hard, but it seems like that could help too. I don't want to forget them either."
"You won't. At different times in your life you will remember different parts more than another. And anytime you start to forget, you can just ask for help remembering, ok? Between how well I knew your daddy, how well Ron knew your mummy and how well my parents knew your grandparents, we can all be there to help you remember. I promise you that. I think a memory book is a great plan. You could start right now, and we could tell more stories to each other about times we remember."
Hugo hugged her. "I love you, Hermione. Thanks."
Hermione kissed him and hugged him tightly. "I love you so, so much, Hugo. Since the day you were born, Love."
Hugo moved back to his own chair, picked up his sketch pad and flipped to a new page. Thinking as he picked up his pencil, he asked, "Did Daddy ever come to Spain?"
"Actually, he did go to Spain once. It wasn't this island, but he did go. It was the summer before Collin went to Hogwarts, so your daddy would have been ten I guess. The whole family went to Madrid and Barcelona on holiday."
"Did he like it?"
"Well," laughed Hermione, "I remember hearing how he and your grandad decided that they didn't like the milk or cheese in Spain. Collin said those two complained the whole time about how nothing compared to British milk. Your grandmum was so annoyed at the both of them. She wanted to go to shops and museums and have this fabulous modern city trip, and there were your dad and grandad just grumbling about wanting some good British milk. My mum and I laughed and laughed at that story."
Hugo was giggling now. "I can see that happening. Those two were so weird about the flavor of milk."
"I know," laughed Hermione. "You should have seen them when they came to visit us in America. It was like someone had asked them to drink chalk powder mixed with water. They were definitely dairy connoisseurs!"
"You really think it is ok for me to be happy again?"
"Absolutely, Hugo. That is the only thing they would want for you. And you can still miss them and be happy too. This is a great trip, and you should let yourself enjoy it. You love being with Ron and Rose."
"And you," Hugo insisted.
"Thank you, Love. It is ok to be happy and to be grateful. It doesn't mean you are happy your parents aren't here. It just means you are making the best of the life you do have. And that is all any of us can do."
Hugo got up and hugged Hermione again. "I'm really glad you're here, Hermione. And I am really glad you and Ron have figured out how to make us all a family."
Hermione was taken aback at Hugo's raw honesty and had tears in her eyes as she nodded and hugged him tighter. "Me too, Darling. Me too."
Ron and Rose had hiked up the beach about an hour, exploring the different tidal pools and rocks along the way. They had just started walking back towards the villa when Rose started asking Ron about Hogwarts.
"Were you nervous when you went?"
"Sure. I may have been more familiar with magic and Hogwarts because of my older brothers, but I was so scared to leave home. Mum had homeschooled us, so I wasn't sure even how I would handle a different teacher. And I'd never had any real friends outside of my siblings. But, sure enough, right away I made the best friend I could have ever imagined. And I learned so much. And, even though there were a lot of hard things during those years, I wouldn't have traded that experience for anything."
"Did you worry about your family when you were gone?"
"Well, there were more of us at Hogwarts than at The Burrow back then, so no, not in the way you mean. But, I did miss my parents and Ginny that first year."
"I'm worried about Mum. I will miss her a lot. I get to go to school and make all kinds of new friends. But, she will just be here. I worry she will be really sad."
"She will be really sad when you go. But she will also be happy too. All she wants is for you to be happy. And she knows this is what is best for you right now. So, she'll miss you terribly, but she will be fine. And Hugo and I will take good care of her."
"I'm worried about Hugo too."
"I know. I am a little worried about how much he will miss you too. You are an amazing big sister to him, you know."
She beamed at him.
"But he will be ok. And in just two years he will go too, and he'll have a much easier time being there because he will have you to help him."
"But what if we are sorted into different houses?"
"Then you are sorted into different houses. It will be fine. You'll still see each other at meals and in the hallways. One of my closest friends from school was a Ravenclaw. She was and is a fabulous friend. Actually – I think her twins will be there when you are. Anyway, the point is you and Hugo will be fine no matter what houses you are in."
"He's going to be all alone for two years though."
"No. He won't be all alone. We'll still go to The Burrow and see all of my nieces and nephews. And Lilly Potter will be looking for someone to play with since Al and James will both be up at school with you."
"That's a good idea. Maybe he can go over for dinner sometimes."
"I promise you we will make sure he isn't always alone and stuck with boring grown-ups."
They walked in silence a while longer until Rose spoke again. "Ron, I want to talk to you about something else too, but I am not really sure how to say it."
"Ok. You can tell me or ask me anything, Rose. I hope you know that."
"I know. It just feels a little weird on this subject," she hesitated. "Um, well, I know you love Mum a lot."
Ron felt his ears turn beet red, but nodded and smiled at her. "I do, Rose. I love your Mum very much."
"I just want to be sure you know that makes me happy. I am so glad you two have found each other. Even with everything that has happened since January, I've never seen her happier. And, it makes it easier for me to go to school, you know, knowing you'll be there for her? And, I'm not just glad you are in Mum's life. I am glad you are in mine, too, Ron."
Ron stopped and put his arm around Rose's shoulder. "Thank you, Rose. You have no idea what it means to me to hear you say that. I love your mum. But, I want you to know that I love you, too. These past six months with you and Hugo and your mum, well, it has been the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me. I know I don't have much experience at all of this, so I really appreciate how patient you have been with me as I have learned what is what."
Rose smiled and leaned into Ron's side hug. "You don't give yourself enough credit. You are a natural dad."
Ron got tears in his eyes and tried to swallow the knot in his throat and just hugged her tighter.
"Ron?"
"Yeah?" he said, his voice slightly shaky.
"Would it be weird if I said I hope you marry Mum?"
Ron stopped walking and took Rose's hand. He sat them down on an outcrop of rock that sat near the shore. "Rose, I love your mum very, very much. And I absolutely want to marry her someday. To hear you say that me marrying your mum is not only something you could tolerate, but something you actually want, well, that is just the most wonderful thing I could imagine."
"Does Mum know you want to marry her?"
"Yes. She does."
"And she wants to marry you, right?"
"Well, we've talked about it, and she said that she does want to marry me eventually."
"So, if you both want to marry each other then why aren't you engaged?"
"I guess it's a little more complicated than that, Rose."
"Why?"
"Oh, a lot of things I suppose. But, the top of that list is that we both want to be sure you and Hugo are ok. I don't want to get in between you and your mum at all - especially now with you leaving for school in September. You have been the 'Granger Girls' since the beginning, and it will take time to figure out how to add another person, or actually two people, into that dynamic. And Hugo has been through a hell of a lot in the last six months. I want to be sure he knows I am there for him for whatever he may need. And then on top of all of that, your mum and I have both been single a really long time. I mean, Harry and Ginny got married more than fifteen years ago. All of that time your mum and I have each lived lives where we didn't have to learn to compromise and communicate like people in relationships do. That kind of change takes time for both of us to learn and adjust to. So, your mum and I will just take our time. But, I'll be really honest with you, just knowing that your mum wants to marry me eventually, well, that is bloody amazing. And, I don't mind waiting one bit. It took me this long to find her. What's a little longer?"
"Ron, I am only eleven so I don't know a lot about these things. But, if you two love each other, and Hugo and I are both wanting you two to get married, then why wait?"
"Well, maybe think about it this way. Where would we all live? You and your mum live in your home, and while I don't care where I live, Hugo wants to live at the home he was in with his parents. And he isn't ready to even wash the sheets on their bed yet. So, if we all moved into that house, we would have to leave that bedroom alone which would only leave his room and the guest room. So what about you?"
"That seems kind of dumb, Ron. You almost died a few weeks ago. Why would you let something as silly as which nice house we would all live in stand in the way of marrying the person you love?"
"Well, uh…"
"Exactly. I was born in a refugee camp. Once Mum found me we lived in a tent together for a year. Home is where my family is. And for a long time that was Mum. And then it meant Hugo, and now it means you too. You and Mum are really smart. You can figure this out. Just know I want you two to be together. And, while I haven't asked him, I am pretty sure Hugo does too. Don't let the silly stuff get in the way of the important stuff."
Ron looked at the young girl who he realized he loved as his daughter. "You are so brilliant, Rose. Not just a smart brain, but a smart heart too. I am so lucky to have you in my life. Thank you for telling me all of this. You are so right – the house stuff is silly, and we shouldn't let it get in the way. But, your mum and I have only really known each other, let alone dated, for a few months. Marriage is something we both take really seriously since it's a lifetime commitment. But, we need to be sure all four of us are ready for that step. We both want to have a good marriage, like my parents, your grandparents, Harry and Ginny, or Dennis and Fi. And to do that, both people have to not only be sure about who they are marrying, but also really learn a lot about themselves and the person they are going to marry so you communicate better and learn to put the other person's needs ahead of your own. I know your mum and I will get there, but we still need to work on those parts. Does that make sense?"
Rose nodded and hugged him. "Yeah. The grown up stuff is complicated. I get that I don't understand all of that. Just don't use Hugo and me as an excuse to put it off, ok?"
"I promise, Rose. And married to your mum or not, I love you so very much, and I will always be here if you need me." With that he kissed her cheek, and they headed back up the beach, Rose beaming all of the way.
When they arrived back to the beach where Hugo and Hermione were sitting, Ron said he was going to go in and make lunch and get out of the sun for a bit. Hermione wanted to do the same, and the kids decided to come up with them and swim in the pool for a while. Watching the kids through the sliding door, Ron and Hermione enjoyed the cool air conditioning as they puttered around the kitchen.
"How was your walk?"
"Really great, actually."
"Was it pretty up the beach?"
"Well, yes, it was gorgeous," said Ron, "but that isn't what I was referring to."
"Care to explain?"
"I was just getting to that Little Miss Impatient," he teased. After she stuck her tongue out at him, and he swatted her with a dishtowel, he continued. "It was great because your daughter is fantastic, perceptive and as eloquent and persistent as her mum."
Hermione gave him a questioning look.
"Well, we had a lovely chat about Hogwarts and how worried she is about leaving Hugo. Well, and you too. So we talked about that a bit and how she shouldn't worry about either of you. But then she said she hoped you and I got married."
"Oh my God. She said that?"
"I am trying to remember her exact words, but she started with 'I hope you marry Mum' and then that was followed by something like 'I know you and mum love each other so why aren't you engaged?'"
"Wow."
"Yeah."
"So, what did you say?"
"Well, I told her that I wanted to marry you eventually, and I thought we would probably end up married, but that it is more complicated than just that. Then I told her that you and I wanted to be sure both she and Hugo were ok, and we didn't want to rush anything, but she didn't buy that for a second."
"What do you mean she didn't buy it?"
"She said that she and Hugo wanted to us to be married so we shouldn't use that as an excuse, so I said something about not wanting to get in the way of the relationship you two had as well as needing to be focused on Hugo after the accident. She pushed back again and said that was silly. So I tried to give an example about where would we all live since Hugo needs to be in his home and you two love your home – and well, I should have known better than to try to get in a logical argument with a Granger Girl. She said I was being ridiculous and that home is where family is and that you two were at home in a tent at the beginning, so home was wherever we all were, and that you and I were smart enough to figure out the 'silly stuff.'"
"She said that?"
"Yeah – only much more eloquently. So, then I said that marriage was a really big deal and you and I both wanted to do it right. And, I said we wanted to have a great marriage like my parents or your parents and since we'd only even been close friends for six months and dating for much less than that we probably needed more time to learn about each other and how to communicate and such."
"So what did she say?"
"She said she would leave the grown up complicated stuff to us to figure out but to not use her and Hugo as an excuse."
"Whoa."
"Yeah. So, pretty much I just got a pre-marital counseling lecture from your eleven year old daughter. And she was brilliant. Rather a lot like her mum."
"Did you have any idea she thought all of that?"
"No. I mean I thought she liked that we were together, but I didn't have any idea she was ready for all of that."
"Me either. Huh. Well, the kids are in deep moods today. I had a rather intense conversation with Hugo too."
"About us being married? Do you think they're teaming up on us?"
"No – well, uh they might be ganging up on us, but no, our conversation wasn't about marriage. Out of nowhere he just started talking about how he feels guilty about feeling happy with the three of us."
"No…" Ron winced.
"Yeah. But, it was a good conversation. At least I thought it was. He seemed good at the end, and more open to choosing happiness and not feeling guilty about it. I tried to tell him about Harry and how he had a bad time with his horrid relatives and a good experience with your family, and how being happy or sad in those two situations were totally separate from how he was sad about his parents being gone. But, he also talked some about how he needed help handling his feelings about everything. We came up with an idea to make a memory book where he would draw pictures and we would all come up with stories about his family to write down."
"Oh! That's perfect. And, I forgot – back before we knew you and Rose were magical we had all of their school friends write down stories about Dennis and Fi. Ginny was collecting them, I think. I'll have to ask about that. But, was he ok at the end?"
"Well at least better if not ok. I think he was just happy here with the three of us and wondered if that was somehow dishonoring his parents' memories. At the very least I told him all his parents wanted and would want is for him to be happy. I guess time will tell if he believed me."
"Quite a morning. The kids are intense today, huh?"
"No doubt. But it seems like they are both ok. I still can't believe Rose said all of that to you."
"Did I answer it ok? I wasn't really sure how to handle the question, but I wanted to be honest with her."
"Oh Ron, yes. I love you, and I very much still want to end up married to you." She walked over and hugged Ron tightly. "I have to confess, though, I am a little blown away by what Rose said to you."
"That she asked about it?"
"Well, no, that she was trying to hurry us up I think."
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
"I would have thought I would think it was a good thing. But, honestly it feels strange. Maybe there is some part of me that somehow fantasized she thought our life was so perfect with the two of us that she wouldn't want anything to change."
"Hermione, the life you have built with her has been perfect. She doesn't want things to change because she's unhappy. She loves you more than anything in the world. She mentioned she's never seen you happier, and she wants what is best for you, just like you want for her. And, I think a part of it is that she's worried about leaving you alone when she goes to school. She needs to know you are taken care of so she is free to grow into this next chapter of her life."
Hermione's eyes welled with tears. "Sorry," she sniffed against Ron's chest. "I don't know why I'm crying. They are all good things, and I know that. But, I'm her mum. I am not used to her looking out for me, you know? It's so strange. I'm not ready for this role reversal, and I know I am not ready for her to leave home yet. I missed the beginning of her life, and now I feel like I am getting cheated out of the last seven years I was supposed to have with her at home."
Ron held her as she cried against his chest. He wasn't quite sure what he should do, but he had learned that when in doubt, holding Hermione close seemed to be the best plan.
"And this feels even sillier," she cried, "because I want to marry you, and now I find out she wants me to marry you too. So why am I crying like a blithering idiot?"
"Maybe because even if the next chapter of our lives is exactly what you want, you still aren't ready to be done with the current chapter yet."
"You're right," she cried softly. "I'm not. But, she leaves in six weeks whether I am ready or not."
"So make it an amazing six weeks."
"Well," Hermione said as she tried to steady her breath and regain her composure. "If I can't have an amazing six weeks starting off here in this incredible place then I am in trouble."
The next day the four of them rented some kayaks, and Hermione sought out the chance to share her boat with Rose so they could have some alone time to talk. As they paddled around a calm cove, their conversation was focused on the beautiful sites around them as well as the multitude of marine life they could see through the clear water.
"Are these shells similar to the ones you saw on the beach when you went walking with Ron yesterday?" Hermione asked.
"They seem similar," Rose mused. "But it's hard to tell as I think a lot of them got a little beat up in the surf before being washed up on the shore." They paddled for a few moments in comfortable silence, and then Rose added, "Did Ron tell you about our conversation?"
"Some of it," Hermione admitted. "But, you know Ron, he just said you were bloody brilliant or something like that."
Rose laughed. "Well, I just wanted to make sure he knew I am really happy that you two are together and that I hope you two get married."
"I was surprised when he told me you said that."
"You didn't know I want you to get married?"
"Well, I knew you cared for him a lot. But, you and I have never really talked about the idea of he and I getting married."
"We buried Hugo's parents and grandparents. And then Ron was hurt and we could have lost him too. After going through all of that in just a few months it feels like the lesson is not put things off. We need to make sure to be with the people we love now and not wait."
"But do you think there is a balance between not putting things off but also not rushing into things?"
"Probably. But do you really think you'd be rushing into things with Ron?"
"No, I guess not."
"To me it feels to me like we are already a family of four, so why wait to have you guys be married when it seems like we are kind of already there?"
"Knowing that the next year is going to be really different for us anyway with you going to school, how do you think Ron and I getting engaged or married would change it one way or the other?"
"I don't really know I guess. But, I don't like thinking of you being sad at home alone. I want to think of you with Hugo and Ron."
"Ok. What about when you come home on holiday?"
"I don't know. That's the hard part, Mum. I want to have Ron and Hugo there for dinner and playing chess and taking care of you, but then on Saturday mornings I still want to come crawl into bed and have you to myself where we can talk about the world and watch shows on the tele in our pajamas all morning if we want."
"So, how would that change?"
"Well, I guess Ron would be there too."
"Maybe. But maybe we kick him out those mornings. Or he and Hugo do something just the two of them. I don't know. I am not ready to lose the special times I have with you either, Rose. Whether I am engaged or married or single or whatever – I'm your mum."
"If you married Ron would he be my dad?"
"I don't know. I think that would be up to you and Ron more than me. What would you want?"
"For a long time I wanted a dad, but then I never thought I would like anyone enough to have him marry you. But it turns out I was wrong. Ron's great, and I really can't imagine our lives without him anymore. But at the same time, he doesn't know all of our traditions and history and everything. So, he would never be 'Dad' the way you are Mum because we just weren't together for the whole first decade of my life, and I don't know how you change that."
"I don't think you do. I think you start where you are, just like we did. I missed the first few months of your life, and I couldn't pretend otherwise. But, we developed our own shared history and stories and traditions, and it would be the same with Ron. He's taught you wizard chess, he's teaching you magic and all kinds of things that frankly I could never do. So, you and Ron will have your own special relationship from here forward, and it will be different than what you and I have."
"Do you think if you got married it would still be like he's in charge of Hugo and you're in charge of me?"
"I hadn't thought of it that way. Our situation is really unique. Ron and I each have a history and a relationship with Hugo that is different, but also neither of us are his mummy or daddy. While we may be parent figures, we definitely don't want to replace Dennis and Fiona in any way at all. And with you, well – you two are still developing your own relationship right now. I really do think that will take time, and only the two of you will be able to figure that out."
"Kind of weird trying to think of him as dad, but at the same time – he kind of already is in a lot of ways. But then he's not like an uncle or a dad or a neighbor or whatever – I guess he's just my Ron."
"I think that is a great place to start."
"Me too."
Later that night, Ron and Hermione were sitting out on the terrace listening to the waves after the kids had gone to bed. Ron had enlarged one of the lounge chairs in order to fit both of them, and was laying on his back looking at the stars with Hermione tucked into his side with her head on his chest.
"I had the second part of that intense conversation with Rose today," she said quietly.
"Yeah? What happened?"
"We somehow got talking about what would be the same or different if you and I were to get engaged and get married. And, you know, in a lot of ways I realized I hadn't really spent enough time thinking about what that would mean for us."
Ron listened to Hermione talk, but wasn't sure what she was getting at. "Do you mean about being married to me or being married in general?"
"I don't know. Both maybe? I know I can't picture my life without you anymore. But on the other hand, I have been on my own so long, I guess I don't even know what I don't know about being married. I am not really sure how it would change things."
"I know what you mean, actually. When Rose and I were talking the other day, I really felt like I couldn't give her a good reason on why we were waiting other than my gut told me we didn't really know what we were doing yet and needed more time to get prepared so we don't screw it up. But that seems kind of dumb when I say it out load like that."
"I know I love you. And I know I want to be with you for the rest of my life. But for so many years I fantasized about meeting the right person – honestly, usually you in those fantasies, and then getting married that I never really spent a ton of time thinking about what it meant to be married. It's not like you and I aren't having sex now-"
"And I just want to say that I am very happy about that," Ron jumped in.
"Me too," she laughed. "But that isn't the point. Or, maybe it is – what would change when we get engaged and then married?"
"I'm sensing 'more sex' is not the answer you are looking for?"
"Ron!" she said as she smacked his stomach. "I'm being serious here."
"I know. I know. I'm sorry. I just don't want to minimize that – and that is serious. I just love feeling so connected with you like that. It's hard when we aren't together all of the time to try and squeeze in any real physical contact with you. And, I don't like that. So, when you talk about what will change – I know saying more sex sounds quite cheeky, and maybe it is. But, I want us to be living together and sleeping in the same room every night and getting to have sex other times than when we are on vacation or we get our families to babysit."
She sighed. "I know. I want that too."
They lay in silence for a while. Finally, Hermione asked, "would we have to be engaged or married for that? I mean, what if we lived together once Rose goes to school. We'd have to think through the details, but it is at least something to consider."
"I didn't think you'd even want to consider that, but yeah – we should think about it. Hugo is really adamant about needing to be at his home, so we would probably need to live there. But, I would love it if you were there."
"Let's just say for the sake of argument that we do that and I am living with you two and we are having all kinds of lovely and regular sex and getting to actually sleep in the same room each night and so on. Then, it takes me back to the other question. What would be different if we got married? It's not that I don't want to be married – it's that I am trying to get my head around what that really means – not to the rest of the world, but to you and me."
Ron thought for a minute and then said, "When I think of the really successful marriages I have seen, it seems that they each have the kind of commitment where two people can fight and work it out, or they learn to compromise and put the other first. I'm not saying I am any good at any of that. Living together and sleeping together and caring for the kids together, all of that is great. But it is that lifelong commitment that changes it. If ever anything goes wrong for you, I will be there and vice versa. It won't be a question. At all. For the rest of our lives. And the details of life – the part where I come up with a new career and you do all kinds of amazing things to help people who have no voice – all of that will fall into place. But, I want to know that we are in it together for the rest of our lives."
"I worry that both of us have a lot of ingrained habits we aren't even aware of from being on our own so long. And I am rather sure being married will bring those to the surface rather quickly. So, it could be rocky for a while. I mean, look at how we handled it when you were in the hospital – it was pretty clear we both handle processing that kind of situation really differently."
"We have both managed a lot of rocky in our lives, Hermione. But I want to be married to you because I want to help each other get through those rocky parts. And then get to enjoy together whatever is on the other side."
"Maybe marriage doesn't change much about our daily life but just changes us," said Hermione.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, daily life might not change much at all. But, instead of making decisions on our own about our separate lives like we have been, thinking of 'us' instead of individuals would over time force us to adjust and grow both as individuals and as a couple. Do you think we are making a mistake by waiting?"
"No. We don't know what we don't know, and I love you too much to screw this up - for either of us let alone the kids. Why? Do you think we are making a mistake?"
"No. I don't. I am just trying to figure it all out. You know, because that it is what I do – find out every single bloody detail and obsess over them until it drives me up a wall. Actually, maybe I should get some books on what couples should discuss before they are married, I don't know why I hadn't thought of that."
Ron chuckled. "You do that, Love. And you give me the highlights, but please don't make me read them."
"Are you mocking me?"
"No. Just loving you enough to be honest and tell you I am not up for reading a stack of books on marriage theory."
"I guess I'll always opt for honesty."
"What I will commit to do instead of reading is to talk to some people who are in marriages I admire. Maybe that could offer some insights."
"That's a great idea, Ron." Then she chuckled softly.
"What's so funny?"
"I'm just laughing at myself, actually. Growing up as a little girl I had this overly romanticized vision of getting engaged. But now that we are creeping up on it, I really appreciate that we are taking an ever so much more practical approach to really understanding what we are committing to. Maybe that's what being in your late 30s does as opposed to your early 20s."
"Or maybe being a parent?"
"Maybe. Whatever it is, I appreciate that we both have it."
"Me too," he said as he kissed her again.
The following night after dinner Hugo had let Ron know he needed some alone time with just Ron and that he wanted to read without the girls before bed that evening. Ron assured him that was a great idea, and he would be looking forward to it. They decided to read up in Hugo's room so they could have some "guy time," while they read. But, before Ron had a chance to read one word, Hugo wanted to chat.
"Ron, did Hermione tell you about what she and I talked about the other day on the beach?"
"She told me you guys had an important conversation. She didn't tell me everything, but I think she gave me the highlights. Do you want to talk about that tonight?"
"A little bit. I had told her I was feeling kinda bad about being so happy. But she said Mummy and Daddy wouldn't want that at all, and that they would want me to be happy."
"She's right, you know?"
"I guess so. It's just strange. I am having such a good time here. I always loved Rose like a sister, but now it feels like we kind of are sisters. And that makes me really happy. But it wouldn't've happened if Mummy and Daddy hadn't been killed. So, how can I be happy about it? Seems like that makes me a horrible son."
"No, Hugo. You are anything but a horrible son. And I know exactly what you mean. These past six months with you and Hermione and Rose, it has been the most amazing time of my entire life. And while I am so grateful to get to have this amazing chance to be with you, and to get to know Hermione and Rose, I know it wouldn't have happened if your mummy was still alive. I hate that they died. I hate it so much, and I miss your mum every single day. I can still hear her voice in my head making fun of me and telling me what I need to do, you know? And at the same time I am happier now than I have ever been. Kind of messed up isn't?"
"Yeah. That's exactly how I feel: sad, happy and messed up."
"It is absolutely, completely buggered up, Hugo. But, it's where we are, and we can't bring them back. All we can do is make the lives we do have as wonderful as possible and keep their memories alive."
"So, are you going to marry Hermione?"
"You and Rose are something else."
"Why? What did Rose say?"
"She more or less asked me why I was taking so long to ask Hermione to marry me."
"It's a good question. What'd you say?"
"The short version is that I said I did think we would get married eventually, but we didn't want to rush into it. We wanted to make sure you two were ok, and we need time to get to know each other better so we can be sure we build a good, strong marriage like your parents had. What would you think about the idea of us getting married?"
"I think'd be cool. You two are good together. You mellow her out and she gets your act together."
"Well put," Ron laughed.
"Where would you live?"
"Hugo, I don't even know when we might get engaged, let alone married. So, we definitely haven't talked about where we would live. But I've promised you that you will not have to leave your home if you don't want to. And I am sticking to that promise, alright?"
"Thanks, Ron," Hugo said as he hugged him. "It helps me remember them, you know?"
"I know, buddy. And that is so very important. Hermione said you talked about making a memory book of pictures and stories. I think that is so brilliant. It's a good way to remember them and be happy instead of remembering them and be sad."
"What do you think Mummy would say to you about Hermione?"
"You mean after she teased me?"
"Yeah," Hugo laughed. "Because she so would!"
"She'd tell me to hurry up and propose to Hermione before I have a chance to bugger it up."
"Mummy was really smart, Ron. You should listen to her."
"Do you think I will bugger it up?"
Hugo shrugged with a bit of a smirk on his face. "Probably not. But why push your luck?"
"Why push my luck? I'll show you pushing your luck kiddo," Ron declared as he laughed and began to tickle Hugo until he squealed in laughter.
The two weeks seemed to speed by, and soon it was their last evening on the island. They'd talked about whether they should make a fancy dinner for their last night, but Ron and Hermione finally came to the conclusion that neither of them was either very good at cooking or really enjoyed it. So, instead they made a lovely picnic and the four of them ate down on the beach as the sun set, and then they built a small campfire to roast marshmallows while they all enjoyed the last of the waves and the amazing star filled sky.
As Ron lay in the sand, with Hermione's head on his stomach and both Rose and Hugo's heads against his legs, he was in awe of how they had become a family of four in such a short time.
"Do you learn about stars at Hogwarts?" Rose asked.
"Sure," Ron answered. "You take astronomy, and then there are parts of the stars and such that they covered in divination, but I was always rubbish at that class."
"Do you believe in signs, Ron? Like in the stars and such?"
"Huh. I don't know, Hugo. Smarter witches and wizards than me have studied the movements of everything and decided it means something. But, I just don't know that I think certain things happen because of how the planets are aligned. But, I think that we can get signs or inspiration from the sky."
They were all silent for a while and then Rose finally said, "I think your parents and grandparents are looking down on us now and smiling, Hugo."
"Really?" Hugo asked.
Before Rose could answer, all four of them gasped as four clear shooting stars shot across the dark sky.
"Really," Hermione said through tears as she turned to kiss Hugo while Ron squeezed his hand.
"I guess so," Hugo said smiling with tears slowly falling over his cheeks.
(Author's Note: I'd love to hear your thoughts on this chapter as the four of them begin to work through what being a family could mean for each of them..thanks for staying with the story...carrytheotter)
