Nanny
Hermione kept looking at the photo of Rose and Hugo looking up at her while trying to concentrate on Jodi Perkins, the woman who took over the part-giant legislation platform. Hermione still had one hand in the process, trying to make sure everything went through and there was more protection for Hagrid and wizards like him. They were looking at an expansion to cover all creature influenced persons, including werewolves and guaranteeing their right to work and housing.
"People are coming around to part giants, Hermione, but werewolves…"
"This isn't the nineteen seventies anymore," Hermione replied, rubbing her forehead. "A potion to help has been developed and production through a reliable source has been streamlined. They don't even have to make it themselves anymore, there are companies that stock it."
"But the infected are afraid to buy it publicly and out themselves," Jodi countered.
"Talk with the public relations department," Hermione said, finally grabbing her briefcase, stuffing papers inside as she stood. Jodi followed suit, standing across from her. "We need to remove this stigma and it's going to take the legislation as well as a campaign. Something to run in the Prophet and posters in Diagon Alley."
"Okay, and can we talk about—"
"Sorry, Jodi, but I need to go pick up Rose and Hugo," Hermione said. "We'll chat tomorrow?"
"Okay," Jodi said with a sigh.
Hermione lead her to the door, then turned towards the lift. "And one more thing," Hermione shouted over her shoulder. "They're people, not the infected."
Hermione rushed through the crowds at the ministry, getting to the fireplaces and getting as close to Hugo's school as possible. She checked her watch. She was a full hour behind. Hermione walked quickly, holding the front gate open for another mum and her daughter, then entered.
"Oh, Mrs. Granger," the receptionist said, stopping her before she turned down the hallway.
"Yes?" Hermione asked.
"I'm sorry, your husband already came by for Hugo," she said.
"Did he?" Hermione asked. "Was there something wrong?"
"He is just always here right at three and Hugo started asking about why no one was here and we called to check," she said.
Hermione reached into her pocket for her cell phone.
"I didn't receive a call—"
"We called your husband," she said. "Since he seems to be the one in charge of pick ups."
"We both do pick ups."
"Oh, well," the receptionist started looking awkward in her chair. "We hadn't seen you in a while, but… but we can make sure to call you first next time... o-or as well, if you'd prefer."
Hermione stayed still for a moment, trying to remember exactly when she had been here last. Yes, Ron took the children each morning, but they had discussed doing equal pick-ups. The last Friday she had a late meeting. The Monday before, there was a last minute emergency. The week before that she had spent almost every night working on a deadlined bit of work. Almost three weeks and she thought her and Ron were dealing with her new schedule well, but then there were times before then that Ron had taken over her days as well.
"No, that's alright," Hermione said. "I'll talk to him about letting me know."
"Alright Mrs. Granger," the receptionist said. "Have a nice evening."
"You as well," Hermione said.
She walked down the street towards Rose's school, though she already knew she wasn't going to find her daughter there. Once she passed the empty school yard, she looked around and apparated home, setting down her briefcase.
There were endless giggles coming from the kitchen. She took a breath and walked in through that door. Ron was making cookies with Hugo and Rose sitting on the counter near him, a wide smile plastered on Ron's face. She leaned against the doorway, watching how his hair fell across his eyes. He needed a haircut, but she liked the unkempt look and how it seemed to match the flour spattered apron and the bit of dough across his nose.
Hugo laughed with his head completely stretched back and Rose's giggle trilled happily through the room. She had flour in her hair and on her cheeks as well. It became clear why in a moment when she dipped her hands in the container with the flour, rubbing them together, then patted her hands against her cheeks, her mouth in a faux surprised o, eyebrows raised. The flour made a cloud of white as Hugo laughed even harder, Ron's laugh added to it, loud and clear.
"What sort of nonsense is happening here?" Hermione asked, walking over to Rose. She ran her fingers through Rose's hair, trying to get some of the flour out. Ron caught her eye and Hermione smiled at him.
"We are making Grandma's cookies!" Hugo said. "Daddy let me have some of the dough."
"Ron, I just read a study about illnesses that—"
"It's fine," Ron interrupted her, scooping up some of the dough with his fingers holding them right in front of her mouth. He smiled at her, raising his eyebrows. "Don't fret so much."
Hermione sighed and leaned forward, taking the dough between her teeth. Ron turned on the water, washing off his hands as she ate the dough.
"I want some more," Hugo said.
"Not until after dinner," Ron said.
"I'll get something started," Hermione added, moving towards the other side of the counter.
"There's already baked pasta in the oven," Ron said, grabbing Hugo and taking him off the counter. Rose was next, the two of them tackling Hermione's legs. She hugged each and turned to grab a butterbeer from the refrigerator.
"Mum, come out and play with me!" Rose said, tugging on her hand.
"It's a bit cold out there, sweetheart," Hermione said.
"I put a cover charm on the yard."
"You shouldn't—"
"I'll take it off when the kids are done," Ron said. Hermione let out a breath.
"Alright, then off you two go," Hermione said. "If it starts getting chilly, come back in, yes?"
"Yes, Mum," Rose replied, exasperated.
Ron took two spoons, using them to start making little shaped balls of dough on cookie sheets, preparing them to be baked.
"How was your day?" Ron asked.
"Fine," Hermione replied, shrugging off her jacket and walking over to grab a stack of plates. "I wish you would have told me you were getting the kids, though."
Ron shrugged. "The preschool called. I figured you must be running late, and since Rose can't stay long after they release her I—."
"I had it under control," Hermione said. Ron stopped.
"I never thought you didn't," he said. "Do you have a problem with me picking them up?"
"Of course not," Hermione said. "I just would like to know if you've already done it so I don't waste my time."
"Sorry, I didn't want to interrupt with a Ministry memo," Ron said.
"You could make use of the cell phones and send me a message. I would have gotten it," Hermione suggested. Ron tilted his head. "I'll show you later."
"Think you'll be out on time tomorrow?" Ron asked, opening the oven door and pulling out a dish of pasta, replacing it with the cookie dough.
"I was out on time today," Hermione snapped. "Work is until five, Ron, I was out by four. We both know I rarely even work past six. "
"That's what not what I meant," Ron replied, tracking her with his eyes as she began chopping lettuce for a salad. "Rose's school has the parent-teacher night tomorrow. I just wanted to make sure you're able to make it."
"Of course I'll make it."
Hermione and Ron looked at each other and she could tell they each had something else to say, but both of them bit it back, turning to the dinner.
"I'm going to need to go in tonight to finish up some work," Ron said. "I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all," Hermione said. "Is there a lot extra happening in the department?"
"No, just catching up from leaving early."
Hermione stayed quiet again, knowing an argument was coming if she continued that path. They called in Rose and Hugo as Ron dished up their plates. As they all settled into place, Hermione reached over, placing a hand on Ron's knee. He looked over and smiled, leaning over to give her a kiss.
"Yuck!" Hugo said.
Ron turned to him, laughing. "Just wait until you like girls," Ron said.
"I'll never like girls," Hugo declared as Rose laughed.
"What did you do at school today?" Hermione asked Rose.
Hermione loved this part of every day. She could forget about the politics of work, the public relation nightmares that could be created by the simplest statements, and the number of people she needed to get back to. She could just enjoy Rose's excitement about projects and reading and writing. She could watch as Hugo tried to play the comedian, mimicking things he had heard through the day.
After everyone ate, Hermione assigned the two to go find stories to be read and stood side-by-side with Ron, cleaning dishes. She remembered a time they would have bantered and splashed water at each other, ending in Ron turning her in his arms and kissing her. Now they both stayed quiet, not wanting to break the tenuous peace by bringing up the wrong thing. Hermione kept thinking about one of those wrong things. Ron obviously didn't want to have to go back into work and Hermione had early morning meetings often enough that it didn't make sense for her to drop off the kids. She wanted to bring up something she knew wasn't going to go over well. So she waited for a better time.
They took turns reading stories, all four of them squeezed into the nook Ron and Arthur built for Rose's own little library, which she now shared with her brother. They would outgrow it, but Hermione loved that it was there. Rose picked out a muggle fairy tale book her parents had bought and Hugo insisted on Ron reading Rabbitty Babbitty in the silly voice he always did. Hugo laughed throughout and Hermione leaned back, closing her eyes.
"Time to tuck Mum in," Ron said and Hermione jolted awake.
"But where's her teddy bear?" Hugo asked.
"Daddy's Mum's teddy!" Rose declared.
"No way," Hugo said. "Daddy's not fluffy enough."
Hermione pushed herself up, taking a deep breath.
"Daddy's getting fluffy enough 'round the center," Ron said with a groan, struggling to get up himself, bent over in the kids' shortened space. "Now off to bed, one and all."
The kids both groaned, but Ron continued to prod until they headed out and into Rose's bedroom, Rose climbing into the bed as Ron ushered Hugo to the room across the hall. Hermione sat on the edge of Rose's bed, tucking her up in the blankets and leaning over to kiss her temple.
"Mum," Rose said quietly. "Why don't you ever come to my school?"
"I graduated ages ago," Hermione teased.
"No, Mum," Rose said, entirely serious. "Why don't you ever come to get us like Dad? Do you not like my school?"
"No, sweetheart. I have a job."
"Dad does, too," Rose said.
Hermione swallowed. "I have a new job. But once I get settled, I will come and pick you up more, alright?"
"Alright," Rose said.
"And tomorrow I'll be going to meet your teacher," Hermione added.
"But it won't be the same."
"Why not?" Hermione asked, tilting her head.
"Because I won't be there," Rose said.
Hermione leaned forward, kissing her forehead again, lingering as she closed her eyes, feeling it again. Feeling the expectations placed on her from every angle and knowing she couldn't fail. Not at any of it.
"Next week, I won't be late," Hermione promised. She would clear an entire day, if it meant being to the school to pick them up on time.
Hermione had felt great about the speech she was allowed to give at the Magical Beings Equality Symposium held in Oxford until she looked at her watch when she was done. The entire board of education had been in attendance and she grew anxious as one of its older members came up to talk to her about her topic. She continued to try and bow out gracefully, but the old man would be cordial enough to "allow her to leave," then start it up again before she could actually escape.
After she pulled herself from that, there were three others trying to chat her up, each time Hermione knew she couldn't be too abrupt without ruining important contacts and relationships. She looked at her watch. 6:30.
"I'm sorry, I really must excuse myself," she said at last, though Irene Kelly was in the middle of sharing an experience of a werewolf friend she had when she was in school.
Hermione all but disillusioned herself to get passed everyone else and to an apparition point, making it to the empty park across from Rose's school. She pulled out a compact mirror, straightening her appearance and getting through the front doors at the school. One of the administrators was manning a desk at the front and gave Hermione an informational packet.
"You missed the school, but the one-on-ones are happening in the classrooms," he said.
"Thank you," Hermione said, looking at the map and trying to remember exactly where the class was on from the first day they dropped her off. She hurried down the hall, seeing a couple parents she remembered vaguely. One woman waved at her and she smiled, moving towards their queue.
"Ron is in there with Miss Ford now," the woman said.
"Thank you," Hermione replied, moving towards the door and trying to remember that woman's face. She would have to try and overhear someone say her name. Or maybe Ron would remember.
Through the window Hermione saw Ron and Miss Ford laughing. She paused a moment. She knew they had gotten a new teacher, but Hermione had not realized just how young she was. She was pretty, with dark chestnut hair, and a wide smile as she shook her head slightly at something Ron was saying, biting her bottom lip and leaning towards him. Hermione reached for the door handle, pulling it open. The two turned towards her.
"Sorry, I was caught up at work," Hermione said, hurrying forward, taking a chair next to Ron. He gave her a questioning look.
"That's quite alright," Miss Ford said, adjusting to be facing them equally. "Ron was just telling me about Rose playing teacher with her younger brother."
"The two do have fun with that," Hermione said with a humoring grin. "I'm sure you have other parents to get onto, though."
"Yes," Miss Ford said, straightening into a more professional demeanor. "I'll admit, I was stalling a bit there in hopes that you might still come. Rose is delightful to have in class. She is motivated, ambitious, and smart. She is one of my best students in almost every area."
Hermione could think of no higher praise, smiling wide and looking over at Ron, who was looking at Miss Ford, though his expression was more somber than it had seemed when Hermione was out of the room.
"She is a model student, however I am a little concerned about her in the more social aspects of the classroom setting."
Hermione's smile faded, leaning forward against the table between them and Miss Ford. "Concerned how?"
"Nothing irreparable," Miss Ford said quickly. "She just has a tendency to let what others say rile her up a bit. It's not atypical for children of divorce to feel a little—"
"We aren't divorced," Hermione interrupted. Miss Ford stopped, looking between the two, struck dumb for a moment. As an afterthought, Hermione reached over, taking Ron's hand. He looked just as confused.
"I'm sorry," Miss Ford said, forcing a grin. "Just… some things Rose mentioned… and, well it's my fault for assuming."
"What did Rose say?" Ron asked this time.
"Oh, nothing really," Miss Ford stammered, her cheeks going pink. "Honestly, I think the high divorce rate and what I've seen just made me jump to conclusions. I apologize, really."
Hermione swallowed, wondering what about them said divorce. Ron smiled easily at Miss Ford waving off the moment.
"It's alright," Ron said. "But back to Rose."
"Yes, Rose," Miss Ford said, regrouping as she cleared her throat. "Rose struggles with fitting in with the others in her class. Sometimes that happens when one child doesn't have something the others do."
"What doesn't Rose have?" Hermione asked.
"Well, I know the other students have thought it odd she doesn't have a cell phone," Ron said. Hermione wondered how this hadn't come up before.
"She's six," Hermione said. Ron shrugged.
"That and a telly or other electronics," Miss Ford said. "I'll clarify that I don't think it is a poor decision for parents to keep them from being influenced by such technology so young. It is probably the reason Rose is so intellectually acute, but she doesn't always react well when the others start in on her with that."
"How exactly does she react?" Ron asked.
Miss Ford hemmed and hawed for a little and Hermione thought she knew what was coming. "There have been accusations of her zapping them or making it so they couldn't speak. Children's imaginings, of course, but she does seem to be frustrated or angry and it isn't helping her build those friendships with her peers that are so vital at this age. Which is my main concern, of course."
Ron and Hermione exchanged a glance. They had talked to Rose about keeping her magic in check around the muggles. Ron hadn't needed to worry about it as a child, since most of their associates were wizarding families in their village, and Hermione only remembered on occasion summoning books on high shelves or making flowers come back from wilting when she was young. Since Rose was so much like her, Hermione hadn't worried that Rose would have any problems.
"What do you suggest?" Hermione asked.
"Playdates might be a good start," Miss Ford said. "Even if she had a couple good friends here that saw not everyone lives in the same types of houses with the same things, I think that would bolster her confidence when others pointed out those differences."
"Anything else?"
"We'll be working to encourage positive interactions on our end and keep you updated on how that develops as well," Miss Ford said. "And really, we love having Rose in our school and I enjoy your daughter immensely."
"Thank you," Ron said with a smile.
Miss Ford stood and they followed. She shook Ron's hand first, then enthusiastically shook Hermione's, walking them to the door, saying she hoped that she would get to teach Hugo in a couple years and bid them goodbye at the door.
Hermione walked by Ron in silence, holding his hand all the way out of the school, the person at the desk waving them goodbye as Hermione gave a tight, polite grin to them. They waited until they were down an empty road before they apparated together. Molly was helping Rose and Hugo make bread in the kitchen. Hermione was struck just how much Ron had been like his mother the other day. And she hadn't even noticed.
"Mum!" Hugo shouted, jumping right off the counter and precariously into her arms. Someday she wasn't going to be ready and drop him, she was afraid. Hugo pulled back and held on. "Grandma said we need to visit her house right away."
"Oh did she?" Hermione asked.
"Mmm-hmm, so she can give us lots of cake and candy and so Grandpa can tickle our ears and we can play with their new cat."
Molly smiled warmly and continued to knead. Rose had a notebook and was writing.
"Well she can have you," Ron said, ruffling his hair.
"Not forever, Dad," Hugo clarified.
"Mum, can Grandma read us a story tonight?" Rose asked.
"I think that's a question for her," Hermione said, setting down Hugo and grabbing one of the two plates of food Molly had left out for them. "Make sure she doesn't have to get home to Grandpa."
"Grandma?"
"Of course I will read you stories, love," Molly said. "Ron, can you finish this here?"
"Sure," he said.
The children went happily with Molly and she stayed until they were tucked into bed, staying to check in that Ron was doing alright and eating enough, saying he was looking rather peaky to her. Ron rolled his eyes and said he was fine. They filled her in on news and she suggested that anytime they wanted a night out, she would be happy to have Rose and Hugo, just as she normally did, then kissed Ron and Hermione each on the cheeks and headed off to bed.
Once Molly was gone, Hermione moved up the steps, going into Rose's room.
"Rosie," Hermione said, pushing back her hair. Rose's eyes eased open. She hadn't quite been asleep yet. "Rosie, I wanted to ask you something."
"What?" she asked, turning towards Hermione.
"Did you tell Miss Ford anything about Dad and me?"
"Like what?" Rose asked.
"Just anything," Hermione asked. "Any assignments or writing? About your family?"
Rose moved, sitting first, then standing on her bed, pointing to a paper she had pinned over by the window. There were several boxes with stick figure drawings in various colors and a few simple sentences.
"Tell me about it," Hermione asked.
"Miss Ford wanted us to write three things about our family," Rose said.
Hermione read through each of the sentences. One was that her brother hated broccoli. The second was that she loved when Grandma Granger brought her new books. The third was that Mum and Dad sometimes didn't want to be in the same place. Hermione looked at the drawing. There were two angry looking stick figures, one of them clearly by an open door.
"What is this drawing of, Rosie?" Hermione asked.
"It's Daddy going into the office," Rose said. Hermione couldn't look away from it. The deep semi-circle frowns staring up at her. "Mum, I'm tired."
"Alright, sweetheart," Hermione said. She kissed her cheek and Rose fell back to the bed, wiggling back into her pillow.
Hermione stood, seeing Ron at the door, an odd expression on his face. Neither of them said anything, Hermione bringing out the paper and Ron taking it, looking for himself as they both moved about their own business for the evening. Hermione was the first in bed, reading with the nightstand lamp when Ron went into the bathroom, changing and brushing his teeth, letting out a deep breath as he moved onto the bed, laying out.
Hermione looked at him, closing her book carefully and turning. She leaned against him with hands on his chest. Ron raised his eyebrows.
"We need to figure out how to talk to Rose about using her magic at school," Hermione said.
"You realize she doesn't use it on purpose, right?" Ron said.
"That's beside the point," Hermione said. "She's at school with muggles. She needs to be more careful."
"Or we could just put her into a wizarding primary school," Ron said.
"The academy has the best educational opportunities and—"
"Alright, I get it," Ron said, then sighed. "I'll probe her tomorrow, see who she gets along with best. Let's start with helping her make friends, then we can talk about the rest if that doesn't seem to help."
"Okay," Hermione said.
"I've been wanting to talk to you," Ron said, his right hand moving to her waist, stroking up and down her side. "I don't mind getting the kids, but I know Harry's getting flack for me leaving early so often."
"Ron, I am doing the best I can—"
"I know," Ron said, hushing her. "I know, Hermione, I just can't keep making it difficult on my department either. I know it isn't always easy. We could switch days, maybe, or do it on a week-by-week basis?"
Hermione pulled out of his touch, turning back and shaking her head. "You act so understanding, but then I suggest we get someone who can get them every day—"
"I've told you why I don't want that," Ron said, propping up on one elbow.
"We don't have a choice, Ron. Both of us have jobs that require us to be there when the kids get out of school."
"We can make it work," Ron said. "We both do enough overtime, I just need to be able to stay twice a week. Twice a week and the others will be off mine and Harry's backs."
Hermione took a deep breath. This was a pointless conversation. It would only go around and around. She nearly stood and went into the office, but then thought of Rose and her drawing. They needed to stop that. They needed to finish these things in a way that didn't affect Rose and Hugo.
"Alright," Hermione said. "I have Mondays and Fridays."
Hermione had to swallow a comment when Ron looked doubtful. She turned off the lamp and both laid down, falling to sleep.
That Sunday, Hermione's parents were hosting a big party for Hermione's Aunt and Uncle's fortieth anniversary. They dressed Rose and Hugo up and headed to the house after Ron finished a report in their home office. Hugo rode into the party on Ron's back and Hermione took Rose's hand in, reminding the both of them about good manners. There were several younger children there for the two to play with and they were both engrossed quickly as Hermione turned, reminding Ron who was who. There were far fewer gatherings of Hermione's extended family than happened with the Weasleys. Most of the people here, he had only met at their own wedding, and Hermione hardly expected he would remember everyone from that day.
"Hi, bug," Mr. Granger said, reaching out to give Hermione a kiss on the cheek. "How are you, Ron?"
"Good, I'm good," Ron said.
"Why don't you come on this way," Mr. Granger said. "I'll introduce you to my cousin Jim. He'll chew your ear off, but then you won't have to remember too many names for the evening."
"Only if I get a drink first," Ron said with a grin.
"I wouldn't leave you with Jim without one," Mr. Granger said.
Ron winked at Hermione and walked off with her dad. Hermione smiled as they moved through the crowds.
"There you are," Mrs. Granger said and Hermione turned, wrapping her arms around her mother's neck.
"It's so good to see you, Mum," Hermione said, holding on a little tighter. She hadn't even realized how much she had needed her mother recently until this moment.
"You alright?" Mrs. Granger asked. She pulled Hermione back, pushing back her hair a little.
"The last few weeks have been rough," Hermione said with a sigh.
Mrs. Granger grabbed two mimosas from trays, handing one to Hermione. "We'll talk in a bit, dear," she said. "Why don't you relax first? Make the rounds?"
Hermione moved around, kissing cheeks of cousins, aunts, and uncles. She mingled, stretching her neck every now and again to make sure her children were behaving themselves, but Rose seemed to have gathered a handful of younger children, making them follow the leader pretty well. And she, of course, was the leader.
When she had finished chatting with her great aunt, Berta, Mrs. Granger pulled Hermione into a corner, grabbing them each another drink.
"So what's happening?" she asked.
"I don't know, Mum," Hermione said with a sigh. "It's just… this new job… these jobs… it's just a lot to adjust to. And then there's everything at home and… You know, I'm sure it will be fine. I'll be able to figure it out."
"You will," Mrs. Granger said with conviction. "But you can always talk to me, you know that right?"
"I know," Hermione said. She looked around, making sure there weren't unwanted ears around. "Ron and I just… it's causing a lot more tension."
Mrs. Granger nodded. "You know, your dad and I went through that."
"Really?"
"When you were very little," she said, taking a sip at the wine. "The thing no one tells you, is that if you want it all there are always, always sacrifices. Everything you're doing is so noble, Hermione. And we couldn't be more proud of you. The balance…"
"Balance is hard," Hermione said. Her mother nodded in agreement.
"You probably don't remember this, but I stopped working until you were about… four."
Hermione straightened up. "No, I didn't know that."
"Yes, well, I kept saying I was going to go right back to work and keep everything up, but the second I had you in my arms… I knew it had to wait."
"You think I should stop working?" Hermione asked.
"No, dear, that's not at all what I meant," Mrs. Granger said. "Your father and I had a practice together. I knew I could go back whenever I was ready. Very different than what you're doing, but it's about choices. You choose day by day and just know what you're choosing. And you'll get there."
"Thanks, Mum," Hermione said, taking a shuddering breath.
"I need to go check on the food," Mrs. Granger said, nudging Hermione's chin with her fingers.
Hermione nodded and sat alone for a few moments, finishing her drink, the emerging from the corner, mingling once again. She stopped when she saw her cousin Judith. Judith was nearly a decade older than Hermione, but she remembered her fondly, as Judith had babysat her once or twice. They exchanged stories and happenings. Judith's daughter, Brittney, had just turned twenty and was in University in London.
"I can't believe that," Hermione said. "I swear, she was just a toddler, wasn't she?"
"Yours too," Judith said. "That little Hugo of yours is a real charmer."
"Thank you," Hermione said, looking around, not seeing them. She knew she should probably check on them soon. "Is Brittney here today?"
"No," Judith said. "She's been trying to find work, actually. She had some catering job, but she's hoping to find something more steady. So many jobs want such a time commitment, though. It's hard for her to do that with school."
"No don't!" Rose squealed across the way. Hermione looked over, seeing Ron with Rose in his arms, tickling her sides as she laughed, trying to pull away. He grabbed Hugo in his other arm before he could get away. Some of the youngest cousins were all joining in the fun, tackling Ron.
"How would Brittney feel about being a nanny?" Hermione asked.
