Sweets, Biscuits, and Chocolate

Author's Note: Originally published on January 3, 2010

As Hermione quietly entered her home, she was greeted with a loud clang followed by Rose's piercing wail. She pulled off her boots and raced to the kitchen, but stopped in the archway after observing the scene in front of her.

A tray of shattered Christmas biscuits lay overturned on the floor and her six-year-old daughter was curled in Ron's lap, bawling on his shoulder. Hugo sat at the table and stared at them with a trembling lower lip, a sweet clutched in his pudgy hand.

"Don't cry Rosie, it was an accident." Ron cuddled his daughter and soothingly patted her messy plait. "We've made more than enough already."

Rose's voice was muffled as she spoke into his shirt, her sobs beginning to subside. "Mummy... is going to be angry with me... for making such a big mess."

"Evanesco!"

Ron waved his wand, the baking sheet and biscuit remnants instantly vanishing. "See? All gone."

He tickled her lightly, causing her to giggle, before catching the morose look on his son's face. "All right, Hugo? Your sister is fine. No need to get upset, mate."

Rose pulled back and addressed her brother, giving him a sheepish smile. "I'm okay, Hugo."

Hugo nodded before devouring the rest of the treat in his hand, causing them both to laugh. Hermione quietly chuckled from her spot at the entrance.

"Mummy will be so proud of you for making these, Rose." Ron looked up and gave Hermione a wink. "We love Mummy very much, don't we?"

"Yes, Daddy, but you love her the most."

"Why do you say that, Rose?"

"Mummy!" She jumped down from Ron's lap and ran across the kitchen to where Hermione was now kneeling.

Rose gave her a hug and whispered secretively. "Don't worry Mummy, Hugo and I love you lots, but Daddy said he loves you more than all the sweets, biscuits, and chocolate in the world."

She gave Hermione a look of wide-eyed innocence before stretching her arms out wide. "That's loads!"

Hermione laughed at the look of wonderment on Rose's face. She tapped her daughter on the nose and kissed her forehead. "Take your brother and wash up for dinner."

Hermione pulled Hugo in for a hug and a kiss as the children exited the kitchen. She walked over to Ron and was promptly pulled into his lap, where she let out a sigh and rested her head in the crook of his neck.

"Long day, Hermione?"

"The longest, but it was all worth it to come home to this." She nuzzled his neck and smiled. "You love me more than all the sweets in the world, do you?"

"Of course."

"And biscuits?"

"Yes."

"And chocolate?"

He grinned. "Even chocolate."

"Merlin, I love you, Ron. I don't tell you enough, but you're a wonderful husband and father."

"Hermione, you tell me all the time—in the way you look at me, smile at me and..."

"Yes?"

"Kiss me," he said, meeting her lips in a long, leisurely snog.