Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing of hers!

Chapter 13

Ron awoke early the next morning. It was a rough night of sleep for him. Standing tall at two meters, Ron was not a small man. Therefore, sleeping on a couch was not an easy task. For two nights now, he magically expanded it which helped a bit, but it was nothing to the comfort of his own bed. 'The same bed Hermione and our daughter are sleeping in.' Ron smiled. He couldn't believe that it was all real. There was still much to sort out, but, they were both here with him. Ron knew that he had one more day to convince Hermione she needed to stay in England. Right then he made a plan.

He stood and stretched his cramped body out. He returned the couch to normal. He then made his way to the second bathroom in the flat. Returning after 15 minutes in the shower, he entered the second bedroom, which was used as a makeshift office. Sitting in his large coffee colored padded chair, he grabbed a piece of parchment and dipped the quill on the desk. He wrote to a trusted coworker who specialized in detective work. He asked if he could discover any form of manipulation with the mail coming to and from the Auror Academy three years ago. He left out major details, wanting to speak with him personally. He gave it to his owl, and he flew off soon after. After scribbling a second parchment sheet, he left the room.

Ron returned to the living room, finding it was still quiet. He placed the piece of parchment on the dining table where the three had eaten the night before. It said that he went out for a bit and would be back soon. Looking toward his bedroom door, he headed that direction. He slowly reached for the handle and turned it. Silently opening, he peeked in. His heart warmed at the sight. Rose was closest to the inside of the bed. She was tucked away in the same position as the day prior with her bum in the air, her face facing her mum. Hermione was toward the left side of the bed. She was also turned on her side facing Rose. Her pillow was turned lengthwise and pulled under her head, resting her left hand on it. She shifted, humming slightly and snuggling deeper into her pillow. Ron wondered what she was dreaming about… and interested if it was anything like he dreamed in that same spot the day prior. Worrying he'd wake them if he stayed any longer, he slipped behind the door and closed it as quietly as possible behind him. Ron walked out the front door and Apparated into town.

It was still quite early on Sunday morning, making the streets very quiet. Ron liked the quiet streets, there was some fog still lingering while the sun was still rising. He knew this time well, unfortunately his job called for him to be up and about by this time. Yet, he was showered, clothed, and walking down the street in town on his day off. Others would be astonished to see him up and out on his day off. But Ron knew the reason why, and that's all that mattered. Rose and Hermione. Those were his reasons. He needed to do everything in his power to make them comfortable enough to stay.

He finished his journey to his destination. He peeked through the glass door to the shop. It's long before opening hours, but Ron knew many of the shop owners from his childhood, being part of the golden trio, and through his career. He spotted the man who was dusting off some merchandise and tapped gently on the glass. The old man looked up and grinned, swishing his wand to remove the wards and allow Ron in.

"Mr. Weasley! What a pleasure to see you!" Mr. Fern spoke, putting his wand in his pocket to shake Ron's hand. He was a small old man. In the muggle world he would be far too skinny and short to own such a large furniture shop. Without magic, he'd hardly be able to make any of the items budge. Unlike most older wizards, he had no facial hair, and instead of a traditional wizards hat, he wore a cabbie cap. It made complete sense that he was a half-blood. He pushed his thick, round glasses up the bridge of his nose, enlarging his brown eyes about three sizes.

"Good to see you too Mr. Fern." Ron firmly shook the man's hand and grinned. Mr. Fern looked curiously at Ron and smiled back.

"Odd to see you before opening hours… and so happy." He raised an eyebrow and eyed Ron. Ron gave a small chuckle and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. He didn't necessarily want to say anything before his parents knew they had another grandchild.

"Well," Ron began, "I have a friend, who is in need of a crib… and a bed." Technically he wasn't lying as Hermione was his friend, and she was in need of a crib for their daughter. Mr. Fern crinkled his eyebrows.

"A friend, eh?" Mr. Fern looked at Ron seriously. Ron swallowed and nodded his head. Mr. Fern make a 'tut' with his mouth, and showed Ron the selection in the baby area. Ron chose a handcrafted crib with simple lines, nothing too fancy, that was painted white. It wasn't cheap, but Ron didn't have to worry about money, and they were worth it. While Mr. Fern went to complete some paperwork on the crib, Ron looked around. The store was mainly brown and black but the baby section was filled with pastels of lavender, pink, blue, green, and yellow. Ron chose a light yellow polka dot cover for the crib mattress. As he turned to meet with Mr. Fern, he saw a display of stuffed animals mixed with magical and muggle animals. He thought Rose would love a duck, seeing her reaction during bath time. Searching through the pile, he discovered a white lamb. It had soft black eyes, white fluffy material for its wool, and a light yellow bow tied around its neck. Ron smiled when he saw it. For some odd reason, it reminded him of Rose. He stroked the fur with his thumb, and decided that was the one he'd get.

Ron brought his items to the front of the shop where Mr. Fern had the crib and bed shrunk down and sitting in paper to be wrapped with the rest of the items. Ron paid for his items and watched as the old man finished wrapping the purchase. He had known Mr. Fern since he was a child. His parents came here to buy secondhand items, that Mr. Fern would discount even further just for them. He'd also give Ron chocolate frogs while his parents were browsing. Ron saw his face once he said what he was in need for. He looked disappointed. Ron knew he'd have to make it up to him later.

Mr. Fern handed him his package, neatly wrapped in brown paper and twine.

"Thank you sir." Mr. Fern nodded and Ron turned to leave the shop. As he was about to push the door open, Mr. Fern spoke.

"I do hope you'll bring the baby in once the announcement is made." Mr. Fern said pushing his glasses up his nose once more, giving him a firm look. Ron gave a small smile.

"Will do, Mr. Fern." And he walked out the door.

...

Hermione shifted in her sleep. She opened her eyes, then quickly closing them against the harsh light. Sunlight was breaking into the room waking her for the new day. She tucked her face into the pillow more. Taking a deep breath, her memories came flooding back to her. Where she was, why she was there, who she was with... she opened her eyes again and began to push herself up into a sitting position. Rose was still curled with her bum above her head sleeping soundly next to her. Hermione smiled and gave a soft laugh. She adored when her daughter slept like that. It was a classic 'Rose Pose.'

Rubbing her eyes, she stretched and released a yawn. Looking over Rose's form she noticed a picture on the end table on the opposite side on the bed. There were figures dancing. One in a deep red dress and curly hair, the other with flaming locks and a crooked grin. Hermione thought back to that day, before the war. It was before all three had been lost their innocence and naivety. 'Why does he have that in here?' She thought skeptically. 'Did he have it all along? Or is it something he just put up...' Hermione shook her head; he did have two hours to prepare for them.

She grabbed her items, and started the shower without shutting the door. She wanted Rose to be able to get to Rose as rapidly as possible, if she needed her. She toweled off and dressed in white capris and a simple breezy blue top. She fussed with her hair until it decided to give in and calm down for the most part.

She walked back into the bedroom returning her items to her bag, glancing at Rose as she was doing so. Rose was still dozing away. Hermione checked the clock on the bedside table. It was just after nine in the morning. Her sight returned to Rose quickly. 'Rose never sleeps in this long' Hermione noticed her anxiety level start to rise. She knew that Healer Clarke said she'd be sleeping more, but how long was too long? Hermione searched for the paperwork she left the hospital with. Once found she read through until the instructions for her care after her discharge. She felt marginally better after reading the paperwork. She often forgot that Healer Clarke could also read her vitals for a week after she left so she could notify Hermione if anything had gone wrong. She knew Healer Clarke had it under control, but she still felt that she should document Rose's sleeping patterns, just in case.

Hermione shuffled through the bedside table looking for a quill. She found one and wrote the information on the parchment. Returning the quill, Hermione noticed a stack of letters bound with twine. Her curiosity was grew, and she removed the letters from the drawer. They all appeared to be upside down when she sat them in her lap. She unbound the stack and turned them over. The front read Ronald Weasley in her own neat handwriting. She opened the first one and read it. It was definitely her letter. It told of what was happening at the burrow and how much she missed him. She put that letter back and opened the next one; the same thing. All her words she wrote to him, all in her cursive. She continued and as she read the fifth letter she noticed something different. It was not a letter she wrote. Yes, it was her handwriting- there wasn't a difference between the neat script of this letter and the last several. But, the words were the ones spoken from Ron's mouth just days before when Ron was arguing with her. It mentioned nothing about Hermione's pregnancy. It said that he had hurt her. That it was a mistake. That it would be best if they didn't see each other again. Hermione couldn't believe her eyes. She swiped her wand across it muttering a spell to detect magical manipulation.

Nothing.

It was a completely normal letter. But Hermione knew she didn't write it. Before she could ponder further on the subject, the covers shifted, and Rose was sitting up looking at her mother sleepily.

Hermione set the letters back in the drawer and closed it shut. She scooted deeper into the bed. Rose was crawling over to her, and placed herself over her mum's hips, laying her body on Hermione's torso. Hermione stroked Rose's hair for a few moments. The house was still quiet, and she was enjoying the peaceful nature of knowing her daughter was safe and healthy, and here with her. Hermione released a deep breath.

She thought of the future. Would she always be with Rose like this? Or would there come a time where she would be at her father's for a few days. Hermione wasn't sure how split families worked in the Wizarding World. Tears threatened to spill at the thought. She dared to think what would happen if Ron did want her back. She knew he wanted Rose, but what about her? He's been sending signals that he hoped both of them would stay since he appeared at the hospital. Hermione knew what she wanted. But would it be worth it having to relearn everything about each other? Hermione knew she had changed dramatically over the past three years. Would Ron still accept her?

Rose pushed back from her mum and rubbed her eyes. She gave a smile behind her dummy, making Hermione grin as well.

"Are you about ready to get up for the day?" Hermione asked, tickling Rose's sides. She giggled and nodded her head. Hermione laid her on the bed and conjured a nappy and a fresh outfit for Rose. As she changed and dressed her, Hermione cast the quill to write down the time Rose had woken up, keeping her records correct. After vanishing the dirty nappy, she pulled up a floral summer romper. It was a cream colored background with red flowers spread all over, with tiny pastel pink polka dots covering the empty spaces. Hermione pulled the straps over her daughter's shoulders, thinking about how much she loved that romper. It came down in shorts over Rose's thighs, and had ruffles around her bum. When Rose walked the ruffles would bounce and Rose would squeal with delight. But, the romper was growing tight in some places, and Hermione realized that she would only be able to magically expand it for a bit longer before Rose grew out of it.

It was bittersweet watching her daughter grow. She loved when Rose was an infant, and then a baby. It was thrilling to feed her new foods, tear jerking when she wobbled her first steps, and remarkable when she spoke her first word. She loved when Rose turned one, and then two. She marveled at the time that had passed. There were moments that she desperately wanted to end quickly; like when she was in labor, when she brought Rose home to an empty house just the two of them, or when Rose was sick. Other times she never wanted to end. Like when she took Rose to the zoo for the first time, when they went to the park and Rose played for hours, or when Rose would fall asleep on her mum after a long day. Hermione stood there watching her daughter as she played with some of the fabric of her romper, still lying on the bed. Hermione smiled at her and began pulling the front of her daughter's hair back to keep it out of her face. Yes, her daughter was indeed growing up. The yearn of having Rose's baby days was hitting her full force. Hermione sighed and shook the idea out of her head; right now it was too much to hope for.

Hermione clipped Rose's hair into place and pulled the dummy out of her mouth with a 'pop.' She moved Rose to the floor and set her on her feet. Rose looked up at her mum and gave her a toothy smile while grasping her hand and carting her toward the bedroom door.

Hermione opened the door to continue into the living room and through it to the kitchen. Hermione knew Rose would be hungry since she slept so long, and she wouldn't mind having some nourishment either. As they arrived to the kitchen, they spotted Ron placing some dishes at the dining table. He turned to return to the stove when he saw them. He was wearing a Chudley Cannons tee shirt and dark jeans which were both covered by an apron which spread from his chest to his thighs. It was obvious from the maroon color and the golden 'R' on the breast, that it was an invention of Mrs. Weasley's. A slight smile grew on Hermione's face at the thought. Ron stopped in his tracks and gave a lopsided grin to his girls.

"Good morning sleepy heads. Breakfast is almost ready if you'd like to take a seat." He nodded his head toward the dining table as he made his way to Rose. She was likely having the same idea, because she dropped her mum's hand and was currently bouncing her way toward him as well. When he caught her, Ron swung her in the air and up to his hip, as she shrieked and giggled in excitement. He gave her a kiss on her forehead as she slipped her arms around his neck, squeezing him in a tight hug. Ron chuckled and walked back to the stove where he removed eggs from a skillet and dished them onto a plate, Rose watching the whole time. Hermione paced over to the dining table and sat down in the same place as the night before. She watched as Ron carefully held their daughter while transferring the food from the stove. Hermione felt something she hadn't felt in quite some time. Her heart started beating faster, and she was sure the room had started to heat up. Hermione's brows furled. 'Is this turning me on?' Hermione questioned herself. Ron then turned around and began walking to the table, still balancing the tot and the dish of eggs. Hermione instantly flushed, thanking Merlin that he couldn't read minds. Ron set the dish on the table and placed Rose in her high chair, buckling her in for safety and securing a bib on her chest; just as Hermione did the night before.

Hermione averted her eyes from him and pulled her napkin onto her lap. Attempting to slow down her breathing and place her thoughts elsewhere, she glanced at the feast Ron had produced. Bacon, eggs, toast, pancakes, jams and jellies of all kinds, pumpkin juice, and a kettle of piping hot tea. It all smelled incredibly delicious and she once again was astounded by the man before her.

"I thought you weren't a cook." Hermione teased. Ron finished checking the buckle once more and moved slightly to sit in his chair. Rose was between the two. He laughed and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand.

"Well, at about any other kind of meal I not." He mentioned, beginning to pour Hermione's teacup to the brim. "But, I cook a mean breakfast." He grinned again, making Hermione worry about making it through breakfast without lustful thoughts. She cleared her throat and began a plate for Rose.

When breakfast was finished Hermione released Rose from her high chair. Rose went straight to the living room where her toys were from the night before. She plopped down and began playing contently. Hermione starting helping by clearing the table, but, was waved off by Ron.

"No, no. I've got this. Why don't you go play with Rose?" Hermione looked at him skeptically. Never in all the years she'd known Ron, had he helped without complaining, let alone volunteered to clear the table himself.

"Sure, I guess I will." He smiled and continued to clear the table without looking up at her. She slowly turned and walked to the living room where Rose was currently stacking blocks, all the while pondering Ron's behavior. 'He must have really grown up since the war…' She crouched down and lay on her stomach facing Rose who was now handing her blocks.

"Mummy, stack blocks pwese." They had made four high towers of blocks by the time Ron entered the room. Rose jumped to her feet and stood proudly by her towers.

"Towers Daddy!" Rose grinned. Using both hands to display her work. Hermione laid her head on her outstretched arms and viewed her daughter's pride.

"Wow Rosie! Those are some tall towers!" He walked closer and sat on the ground near the two, trying to discreetly keep something behind his back. Rose was a very smart two year old and noticed her father's unusual behavior. She stretched her neck to see what he was hiding. Ron smiled and pulled a small yellow gift bag out from behind his back. He set it on the floor in front of him and spoke.

"Rose, I have a present for you." This piqued Hermione's interest and she brought herself to a sitting position with her knees bent in front of her and her feet on the carpeted floor. Rose was also looking attentive and moved closer to the bag. Once she was as close as she could get, she began to reach her hand in, as she looked at her father for approval. He smiled and nodded his head encouragingly. She put one hand on the bag and dug the other deeper. Peeking in, she gave a small smile and removed the small lamb Ron had purchased for her earlier that day. Rose stared at it with huge eyes. She gently brushed its head with her hand and her small smile grew to spread across her face. She looked up to Ron's eyes.

"From Daddy?" Rose questioned. Ron nodded again, trying to keep his emotions in check. Rose returned her eyes to the small toy. In a flash, she brought it to her neck and gave it a huge squeeze. A moment passed where Rose happily embraced her toy while her parents watched on. Rose then ran at her dad and clung to him as well. Ron rocked her gently and gave kisses to her hair.

All of a sudden, green flames burst in the fireplace, causing the trio to jump in shock. A figure was still coming from the plume of ash when she began to speak.

"Ron! What the hell is going on! Harry won't tell me wha-" The redheaded woman stopped in mid-sentence when she saw Hermione sitting in her brother's house.

"Hermione?" Ginny asked completely taken by surprise. Just as Hermione opened her mouth to speak, another flash of green flames engulfed a figure in the fireplace. Harry rushed forward breathing heavily.

"Sorry mate, she wasn't buying the excuses anymore and decided she would come see what's going on herself." This broke Ginny from her stare at Hermione to finally look at her brother, who was holding a small redheaded child. Rose huddled into her father a bit deeper, startled by all the commotion. Hermione sighed and scooted right next to Ron and Rose. Ginny was clearly flabbergasted. Her mouth was slightly open and her eyes were moving quickly trying to analyze the situation. Ron looked to Hermione, knowing it was her decision on what she said.

Hermione nodded and stroked Rose on the back for comfort. Rose was momentarily brought out from her hiding to crawl onto Hermione's lap, lying her face on Hermione's shoulder and clutching her lamb in front of her face. Turning to Ginny, and glancing at Ron, Hermione spoke.

"Hi Ginny. Meet Rose, our daughter."

A/N: Well, to be completely honest, I am not thrilled with this chapter. I had my first experience with writer's block for this story and it was extremely difficult for me to write. Hence, the longest span I've waited before posting. I have a list of things I want to get to in this story, but this chapter had to come first. I hope it isn't too dull and I promise the next chapter will be better.

Also, if you're in the mood for some other Romione Fanfics, I highly recommend looking up AzaleaBlue. I personally like all her work, however maybe the two I am most excited about are: "In Search of Hermione" where Hermione is a Slytherin and Ron is given the task of protecting her, and "A Bad Case of Amnesia" where Hermione finds herself in an interesting situation after drinking a bit too much one night.

Are there any other Romione Fanfics you just love that you'd want to share? Please do! Thank you for reading, and please let me know what you think.

More to come!