Hermione tossed and turned all night unable to calm down enough to actually sleep and knowing that even if she did sleep it wouldn't be for long and it certainly wouldn't be restful. She tried not to move too much as Rose had cuddled into her side and drifted off. She stroked a stray ginger curl off of her beautiful daughter's forehead, hopeful that she had made the right choice. She could hear Lily stirring across the hall and decided that there was no need for Harry or Ginny to get up since she was already awake, pressing a kiss to Rose's forehead she moved from the bed and across the hall to sooth the restless baby.

Hermione scooped up her brand new goddaughter and stood in the window simply rocking Lily back and forth and watching the rain trail down the windowpane. She knew that the days ahead would be difficult, and that the press would have a field day when they heard what had occurred. Molly would be more than willing to paint her as the harlot, she had always been so quick to judge.

Black clouds are behind me, I now can see ahead
Often I wonder why I try hoping for an end
Sorrow weighs my shoulders down
And trouble haunts my mind

Hermione's mind reeled as she settled into the rocking chair by the window and her memories drifted back to her fourth year when that foul Skeeter woman had denounced her in the press, claiming she was stringing along Harry and Victor at the same time. Molly had been so quick to believe the worst in her, and she knew that nothing had changed. It was Molly who pushed Ron, who questioned Hermione's need to work, her desire to only have the two children, who put the bug in Ron's ear that maybe Hermione had caused the complication that determined Hugo would be their last. Her thoughts brightened as she looked down at precious baby Lily and knew that at least Harry believed her, Harry had saved her and come at moment's notice.

But I know the present will not last
And tomorrow will be kinder
Tomorrow will be kinder
It's true, I've seen it before
A brighter day is coming my way
Yes, tomorrow will be kinder

As the first rays of light crept into the room, Ginny entered the room, clearly shocked that Lily hadn't woken her up crying. "Mione?"

"Morning Gin...sorry I couldn't sleep, and she sounded restless. Figured it was the least I could do after you two took me in." Hermione replied.

Ginny crossed the room to her friend and daughter, "Mione you're my family...and Harry and I talked it over last night, he and I both thought about it and there's so many things that we easily could have seen. You haven't been yourself in ages, I don't think I've seen you smile except to Rose or one of the boys and even then the smile doesn't reach your eyes."

"But Ron -" Hermione started, but Ginny cut her off.

"He's wrong Mi, brother or not, there is no excuse for terrorizing your wife, and breaking her spirit. Mione you were once so strong, you were never afraid to tell Ron where to go and to pull his enormous head out of his ass. I miss that Mione, that was the friend I knew, loved and tolerated."

Hermione stifled a laugh.

"There she is..." Ginny smiled, "I know there's been tears galore Mione but I've missed your laugh, it'll be nice to hear it again."

"I just don't know where to start Gin. I need to get a new place for us, a new start, and the press..."

"Yes the press...you and I both know that they haven't exactly been our biggest fans over the years." Ginny replied.

"And then some..." Hermione replied wryly.

Today I've cried many a tear
And pain is in my heart
Around me lies a somber scene
I don't know where to start
But I feel warmth on my skin
The stars have all aligned
The wind has blown, but now I know
That tomorrow will be kinder

"Harry and I will support you, we'll be there every step of the way. It's a new day Mione, and you've already started it off well by getting out of that place." Ginny said pressing a hand to Hermione's shoulder.

Hermione gripped her friend's hand in thanks and passed a fussing and hungry Lily to her mother, "Thanks Gin, your support means everything."

"One day at a time Mione, we'll take it one day at a time."

Tomorrow will be kinder
I know, I've seen it before
A brighter day is coming my way
Yes, tomorrow will be kinder

Hermione entered the spare room to see Rose sprawled out on the bed and a small smile graced her face because seeing her daughter sleep peacefully and comfortably. Hugo was a solid sleeper unless jarred awake, and he remained peaceful in Lily's room in one of the boys' old cribs.

Hermione grabbed a change of clothes and went to wash away the terrors of her old life. Ginny was right she would take it one day at a time, and while she knew she had a long road ahead it was a road that she knew she would take, because it would be better for her family.

A brighter day is coming my way
Yes, tomorrow will be kinder

A/N song is Tomorrow Will Be Kinder - The Civil Wars