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

Chapter 14

Ginny stayed frozen in her shocked state. Hermione looked down at Rose as she brushed her hand over Rose's curls; her hair bouncing back into place when her hand left it. Ron's gaze shifted from Rose, to Hermione, to Ginny. Harry looked nervous as he stepped forward to place a gentle hand on Ginny's arm. She jumped at the intrusion to her thoughts.

"Your what? Wait, OUR?" Ginny was looking intensely between the pair still sitting on the ground. Ron swallowed and thought about what to say.

"What the bloody fu-" Ginny shouted as Harry put a hand over Ginny's mouth.

"Watch it!" Ron said offensively. Hermione quickly covered Rose's ears. Ginny removed herself from Harry's hand and scowled at him. He began whispering in hushed tones in Ginny's ear, trying to calm to redhead down. Clearing her throat, Hermione spoke.

"Why don't we discuss this later?" She suggested. Harry nodded his head and moved his hand to Ginny's shoulder.

"Agreed." Ron huffed, put off at Ginny's reaction. At the silence, Rose turned in her mother's lap, bringing her lamb down and her face into view. Ginny gasped and Harry led her to sit on the floor across from the three. Hermione watched as Ginny's eyes filled with tears; staring solely at the tot in front of her. Harry was also watching the child, but also made eye contact with Hermione and smiled.

"Rosie," she softly spoke, "this is your Aunt Ginny and Uncle Harry." Rose clutched her toy in her chubby arms close to her chest, snuggling further into her mum's lap instead of exploring the new visitors. Hermione smiled and gave a quick peck to her daughter's head. This was the behavior she was familiar with.

"Can you say hello, darling?" Hermione whispered in Rose's ear, earning her a small grin. Rose said nothing as she tilted her head a bit more to eye the people whom she thought looked familiar, mainly from the pictures at her house.

"Hi, Rose." It was Ginny who spoke. Her tone had softened dramatically and she was slightly crouched forward to remain in Rose's downcast view.

"I like your lamb. She's very pretty." The redhead added. At the mention of her new toy, Rose pulled it from her body a bit and looked at it once more. She carefully brushed the fluff on the top of its head and squeezed it to her body again. Ginny gave a small laugh, and glanced at Ron, who had a stone face and quiet disposition since Ginny's outburst. A slight smile was now etched in his features as he tucked unruly burgundy curls behind his daughter's small ear.

"How is she doing Hermione?" Harry asked, breaking the silence that had settled in. Hermione raised her head from watching the small child in her lap.

"She's much better. St. Mungo's is still tracking her vitals, in case anything goes awry." Harry nodded his head as she spoke. "She has been tiring more than usual and sleeping longer. But, she has made a miracle of a recovery." Hermione felt tears sting her eyes as she spoke the last few words. Leaning down, she placed her lips on the crown of her daughter's head and breathed in her sent. Pulling back up, she stroked Rose's bouncing curls.

"Recovery from what?" Ginny asked eyeing the three adults curiously. Hermione sighed and leaned back against the sofa behind her. She picked up one of the discarded toys and manipulated it in her hand as she told her tale of just a few days prior.

During which, Harry pulled a picture book to him that was lying nearby. He smiled as he read the fancy script on the cover: Beauty and the Beast. A large furry creature, not unlike one found in the magical world, was dressed in a deep blue suit dancing with a woman who was as beautiful as could be. She wore a pastel yellow ball gown, as her hair cascaded down her back in soft mahogany ringlets. Her large brown eyes were looking upwards, and staring at the beast's that met hers while looking down. It was a common muggle childhood fairy tale that Harry remembered from primary school. He cracked the book open and began to turn the pages.

As he did so, Rose straightened in her mum's lap, eyeing inquisitively toward the raven haired man. Hermione began her trip to St. Mungo's with Rose that horrid night, while Ginny listened intently. As the adults were engrossed in Hermione's experience, Rose slipped from Hermione's lap, and plopped down next to Harry. He broke his gaze from the book to look down at the tot, who began to quickly close the book on his hand. Harry pulled his hand from the book promptly; his eyebrows ruffled in confusion. Ron was observing the scene as well, while Hermione didn't miss a beat in her story, yet still tracking her daughter's movements.

Ron thought Rose must have been offended that Harry was messing with her things. Harry shot a glance at Ron with questioning eyes. The redhead gave a small shrug, and as he did so, Rose opened the book to the first page. The men sat still watching her look at the book. After a few moments, she looked up at Harry and glanced down at the book expectantly. She put her chubby hand on the page, running it over the elegant font. A crooked grin grew on Ron's face as he realized just how similar Hermione and their daughter were. Harry began to quietly read from the book, making the child next to him quite content.

Much later Hermione ended her story. She left out a few parts, mainly just mentioning her trip to collect Ron, and overall focusing on Rose. By that time the story had ended and the small child was dozing on her father's lap, holding her lamb.

"Oh, Hermione." Ginny began, left a little misty eyed. "That sounded horrid." Hermione nodded, knowing that it was one of the scariest times of her life.

"But, I don't understand. Why would you leave for three years? ...Ron, why didn't you tell us?" Ginny asked, Harry looked up from Rose and agreed with Ginny. He was ready for some answers too.

Ron turned his view to Hermione to see what she wanted in this situation. Hermione sighed and looked at the clock. It was well past lunch and almost time for an early supper.

"Why don't we talk about it over dinner?" She suggested.

Hours later dinner was made and consumed. Discussion about what happened was told by both Ron and Hermione's perspectives. Letters were written, yet the messages or the physical parchment, were never received.

"Someone must have tampered with them!" Ginny exclaimed as Hermione cleared the table and Ron wiped his daughter's face with her bib, barely removing any of the smeared food on her face. Hermione placed the dishes in the sink, washed her hands, and patted them dry. She looked somber as she looked at Ginny.

"I checked them for any magical manipulation. None." Ginny turned to Ron.

"What about yours?" He looked down as well, vanishing some food that Rose had dropped below her high chair.

"Same." He said reserved and refusing Hermione's gaze. Ginny looked disappointed, her mouth handing slightly open, as if ready to speak.

"Well, we've got to do something!" Ginny protested. Ron pulled his lips into a tight line, while removing Rose's tray and unbuckling her. He lifted the tot securing one arm under her bum and the other across her torso and held her firmly to his chest.

"I've owled a coworker who specializes in detective work. I asked him if he could look into the situation." He turned to Hermione, meeting her gaze.

"I hope that's okay." He said with a shrug. She nodded her head and spoke.

"Of course. I want to find out what happened just as much as you." A moment passed where no one spoke. Hermione paced over to Ron and gently ran a wet washcloth over Rose's face; the stubborn food still clung on.

"Looks like another bath tonight Rosie." Hermione said with a smile.

"Yay!" Rose yelled while clapping her hands joyfully. Ron chuckled and bounced her slightly in his arms. Hermione laughed as well, moving to take Rose from his arms.

"I can get her tonight." He suggested. Hermione looked a bit surprised at the idea.

"Oh yea, of course." Ron grinned and looked at Ginny.

"Want to help Gin? Rose here loves bath time." A smile plastered across her face and she nodded her head eagerly.

"Bath time! Ducky!" Rose squealed with excitement as she kicked her legs, while Ron carried her to the bathroom and Ginny followed closely behind.

Harry and Hermione finished cleaning up dinner, while listening to the sounds of Rose enjoying her bath. Hermione set the kettle on the stove and made two cups of steaming tea. They made their way into the living room. Hermione curled into one of the padded chairs while Harry chose a seat on the couch. She tucked her feet to the side of her and rested them under her bum. They sat in content silence for a few moments before Harry spoke.

"I suppose I owe Ron an apology." He said with a nervous laugh. "I was angry with him for not telling me about Rose, even more so for him not wanting to be with the two of you." Hermione gripped her teacup close to her mouth, and looked into it. Avoiding the topic Harry was on.

"It was while you were sleeping in the hospital and Ron and Rose were awake. He tried to tell me he didn't know... But I didn't believe him. I figured I would talk with you later about it." She looked up then into those bright green eyes.

"Who knew I'd end up owing him an apology." Harry swirled his cup and sipped his tea. He set the teacup on the saucer and placed it on the low table in front of him.

"Hermione," Harry began. Hermione raised her head from her cup and looked at her friend. "He was a mess when you left." Harry shifted in his seat, turning toward Hermione more. Hermione lowered her teacup and held it in her lap as Harry continued.

"When he read the letter saying that you were leaving, he went mad. He tried everything he could to leave the Auror Academy, but I convinced him to stay for the last few weeks. Then once it was over he left to America as soon as he could. He looked everywhere for you." He swallowed and looked away.

"The only reason he came back was because he had to start his career as an Auror. He kept checking with the American Ministry; but nothing. They said they had no trace of you. He was devastated, Hermione. I've never seen him so down. As time passed, he ended up putting everything into his work. He couldn't take that they never found anything on you. It made him extremely successful as an Auror, but a horribly broken man." Harry paused for a moment, looking apprehensive to carry on.

"He also… he turned to the bottle." Hermione looked surprised at this.

"It wasn't an occasional drink either. Unless he was at work or the Burrow, he was typically pissed. I've even Flooed over before and found him passed out with bottles around him. A sobering potion was in his morning routine, but then after work he would start drinking again. I've tried; his family has tried too, to talk with him that is. But, he just didn't care. The light had just gone out of him. The Ron I knew had vanished."

Harry turned to look back at Hermione. She had tears in her eyes, as she willed them not to fall; she had done enough crying for the past few days. She could see the sincerity in Harry's gaze as she swallowed down the dry lump in her throat. She could remember that time too. She was in a new country, alone, starting a rigorous intern program, adjusting to pregnancy, and doing all she could to learn how to be a mum. And how did Ron handle it? By throwing himself into his career and drinking until he couldn't remember what he had done?

"It wasn't an easy thing for me to do, Harry." She whispered. "Getting a letter from him saying that what we did was a mistake was-" Her voice broke then. She bit her lips in an attempt to keep a sob contained. Harry was shaking his head and put his hand on her arm.

"No, Hermione. I didn't mean to upset you." He gave a small squeeze. "I just wanted to tell you some things you might need to know..." Hermione sniffed and wiped her cheeks as Harry removed his hand. She took a deep breath and nodded at Harry to continue.

"And as I said, he put everything he had into his career. I guess to help take his mind off of you until he heard anything… After a few months, the heads of the departments were really impressed and offered him a spot in the Auror Special Forces." Hermione raised her eyebrow at this statement and gave Harry a questioning look. He leaned forward, placed his elbows on his knees, and clasped his hands together. He looked at his hands as he heard the distant sound of Rose squealing and the adults' laughter.

"It's the highest you can go in the Auror Department. They liked all his experience in the battle, and his work at the Auror Academy, so they offered the two of us positions the earliest they have ever done. It's not a position many take because, well, it's really dangerous." Hermione became serious, pondering what Harry had told her.

"How dangerous Harry?" She reluctantly asked.

"Well, let's just say Ginny refused to let me take the position. Not that I wanted it anyways. They are the first to be called on to do the missions with the highest level of danger. They get more training, and have to go on missions that extremely secretive and have them gone for weeks at a time." Hermione heart dropped. 'Could I really let Rose around Ron when he could be taken from her life at any minute? Could I have him in my life only to be ripped away again?' She furled her eyebrows and met Harry's gaze again.

"Why are you telling me this?" Harry held the handle of his teacup and slowly spun it on its saucer.

"I figure you'll need it to make a decision. I know you are planning on returning to America when Rose is allowed to Floo." Hermione couldn't deny this. She planned to go back to America and make visits to Ron a few times a month.

"Please don't go. Since I saw him in the hospital, that fire has been lit inside him again. He's so good with Rose, and you can see how much he loves her. This is the cleanest I have ever seen Ron's flat. The bottles are gone, and he obviously didn't drink today. He's making a change for you Hermione." She shook her head.

"I'm not so sure Harry." Hermione sighed. "He's definitely doing it for Rose, but for me? I just don't know."

"Hermione, we've known him for fourteen years. He's been my best mate for fourteen years. I know him Hermione; I've known that he's loved you for years before he was able to admit it. He still loves you today. Someone tampered with those letters. And once Ron proves it, I hope that you'll see it too." Hermione was prepared to respond when a screaming toddler, her hair still dripping wet and only wearing a nappy, was running through the living room right to Hermione. She jumped up into Hermione's lap still squealing, as Ron came chasing her in the room with her nightdress in his hands.

"Daddy gonna get me!" Rose giggled again as she squirmed into Hermione's embrace. She smiled and held onto her daughter.

"That's right Rosie; I'm going to get you… Wait just a minute! Where did Rose go?" Rose turned in Hermione's arms and peeked out to Ron.

"She was just here a minute ago! I wonder where she could have gone…" Ron voiced aloud. Rose stood giggling still watching Ron look for her around the living room.

"Ginny, have you seen Rose? I could have sworn she was right here!" Ginny had just walked into the room. Her arms were crossed and she smiled as she sat down next to Harry on the couch.

"I think you lost her Ron. I don't know where she is!" Rose giggled, and turned completely in Hermione's loose hold. She threw her hands up in the air and yelled.

"I here daddy! Daddy gonna get me!" Ron turned around to face her and snatched her from Hermione's embrace.

"There's my girl! Where did you go?" He exclaimed as he quickly brought the nightdress over her head. Rose was giggling and wiggling in his hold.

"Mummy!" She answered. He lowered her on the ground to pull down the rest of her clothing, once that was accomplished he ambushed her with tickles. Rose screeched and wailed with laughter.

"I told you I would get you!" Ron laughed as well. Hermione stayed in her seat watching the scene with a smile on her face. She thought about what Harry had told her. 'He is amazing with her…' She thought. She glanced at Harry who was giving her a knowing look. She shook her head and continued to watch Rose play with her father.

"We should probably let you get her to bed." Ginny mentioned a while later. Rose was lying on the ground next to Ron, also lying on the carpet. Both exhausted and a bit winded from the tickle attack that was served earlier. Hermione nodded as Harry and Ginny stood. Ron stood as well, collecting Rose on his way up.

"The crib is lovely by the way, great choice." The redhead said to Hermione, who looked confused at the statement. They quickly said their goodbyes and were about to hop in the Floo when Ginny turned to Hermione and spoke.

"We'll see you at the Burrow tomorrow, right?" Ginny asked. Hermione looked concerned.

"…Aren't family dinners at the Burrow on Sunday nights?"

"Mum had to go with dad to visit one of our aunts who is sick. So they postponed it to tomorrow." Ginny explained, looking between Ron and Hermione for any hints of what their answer would be. Ron glanced at Hermione doing the same.

"I'm not sure Ginny…" Hermione began.

"Great, we'll see you tomorrow then!" She gave her a quick peck on the cheek and did the same to Ron and Rose then disappeared into the green flames with Harry.

A/N: I wasn't sure this was going to make it up today! I have been going back and fixing errors that I have found in the previous chapters. If you ever see any please PM me and I will get it fixed! I have read this about six times, and it's hard to catch everything myself. I want to thank you all for staying with this story and reviewing.

More to come!