Disclaimer: I am not J.K. Rowling and none of her wonderful characters are mine. Sigh. This was written for Cheeky Slytherin Lass' Next Generation Family Challenge and the prompt was "laughter" - I hope you enjoy!
The summer had seemed unusually brief. Although the glorious sunshine lingered, its warmth was dwindling and there was a slight coolness in the air. Pulling her cardigan tight around her, Hermione looked proudly at her little family.
Hugo and Ron were engaged in an animated conversation about Quidditch, gesticulating wildly with their hands. Generally laidback, both seemed to gain added vitality when discussing the Chudley Cannon's chances. Truthfully, it could have been a foreign language to Hermione, but she was content to nod in the right places and enjoy their infectious enthusiasm.
Beaming, she turned her attention to her oldest child, who was positively skipping with joy. Since returning from Hogwarts, she had delighted in recounting some of her wilder exploits and Hermione had been thrilled with her academic progress. Rose had certainly enjoyed the summer, but Hermione could tell she was eager to return to the castle. Indeed, Rose had almost dragged them to King's Cross and her excitement was heartwarming. Sporting a mass of curls and a confident smile, last year's insecurities seemed a long time ago.
As she'd predicted, Rose had loved Hogwarts and had garnered a close group of friends. She'd remained close with Albus and even James, in his clumsy way, had watched out for her. Unsurprisingly, there had been a few cases of jealousy and fortune-hunting, motivated by her illustrious connections, and Rose – on more than one occasion – had felt the weight of expectation. However, in true Gryffindor style, she had risen above it and finished at the top of her year.
Hermione couldn't have been more proud.
She'd certainly inherited her mother's brains, but her father's sense of mischief had not bypassed her either. Despite herself, Hermione couldn't repress a smirk at some of her daughter's wilder exploits. There had been a series of incidents with the younger Malfoy and Minerva had written several letters on the subject. Although she'd scolded her daughter, Hermione was privately amused at her audacity. Not many first years knew enough magic to turn someone's hair red and gold…
Before Hermione knew it, it was time for Rose to board the train. At the sight of her beautiful girl, Hermione felt a lump rise in her throat. She knew it was the best thing for her, but parting was always difficult and she'd missed Rose like mad. Before she could scramble away, lured by the cries of her friends, she gathered Rose into a hug.
"Mum," Rose groaned, "you're embarrassing me!" Despite her protestations, however, she relaxed into the embrace. It was easy to forget, in light of her brains and independence, that the redhead was still a little girl. She, too, missed her family and she clung on tightly to her mother. "I'll miss you," she whispered.
"Me, too," replied Hermione, releasing her and placing a kiss on her riotous hair. Withdrawing, she gazed at her daughter. Rose's bottom lip was trembling and she looked sad. A moment later, however, she regained composure. Flinging her arms around her father and insulting Hugo under her breath, she made to clamber aboard. Before she left, though, Hermione had a few parting words.
"Now, I don't want to hear anything about Scorpius Malfoy this year," she said, feigning severity. Rose scowled at this, but brightened at her mother's next words. "Even, if he does look good in red and gold," Hermione continued, sharing a conspiratorial wink with Rose. Her daughter's mouth fell open – her mother never condoned the pulling of pranks – and she couldn't prevent a giggle escaping. Before she knew it, they were both laughing and Hermione watched with a smile as the train began to leave the station.
Waving wildly, she followed her daughter's progress, still laughing uproariously, and continued to smile until Rose rounded the corner. It didn't lessen the pain of parting, but the sound of her daughter's laugh was oddly soothing. Rose was happy and, in all honesty, that was all Hermione could ask for.