Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing of hers!
Chapter 27
Ron stirred when something tickled his nose. He scrunched his face and turned his head more to the side, only to meet a comforting smell he had only woken to once before. He opened his eyes knowing exactly what he'd see, but something he had only dreamed of, for years. Hermione was curled into his side with her head resting where Ron's shoulder met his chest. Ron smiled at the sight, inhaling her beautiful scent. It was an intoxicating mix of fresh peaches and warm vanilla. He hadn't smelled the scent since his first year as an Auror when he came across a vat of Amortentia. He also noticed her left leg had twined around his.
On his chest, clinging tightly to his shirt with one first, the other lying on Hermione's chest, was their daughter. This widened the smile on his face. He loved having his family with him like this. Yes, he'd held Teddy, and even Victorie as they slept before. But, there was something so special knowing the child who was snuggled into him now, was his own flesh and blood; a perfect combination of him and the woman he loved. Having them both there together made his heart swell with pride. He watched his two girls sleep in content silence, until Hermione began to stir.
She peeked an eye open and looked up at Ron. She instantly smiled and closed her eyes, feeling safer than she had in a long time. She hummed happily and snuggled in deeper to Ron. Ron chuckled gently, squeezing her to him tighter. Suddenly, her alarm went off on the side table. She groaned and waved her hand, silencing the alarm.
"I think that means you're supposed to wake up, love." Ron whispered closely to her ear. Hermione opened one eye again and closed it firmly.
"Shhh. Trying to sleep…" Ron chuckled and kissed her forehead.
"Stay home today." Ron whispered nuzzling his face in Hermione's unruly curls. She curled up closer to his face, tilting her head back marginally so she could open her eyes to gaze into his.
"I can't just skip work." She whispered back, inches away from his lips. Ron watched as the witch below him seemed fixed upon his lips, her massive rich eyes were flitting around causing her dark eyelashes to frame them so beautifully. 'I really am turning into a milksop.'
"It wouldn't be skipping. You could take a personal day." Ron tilted his head to the side to indicate a shrug without waking the sleeping tot on his chest. "...Maybe it could be something you do every time I come home from a mission?" Ron left the thought in the air, knowing how much he would enjoy spending the day with his daughter and the woman he loved after being apart from them.
Hermione's mind was toying with the idea. She wanted to stay home with Ron and Rose all day. They were her two favorite people in the world. But, the idea that this would become a tradition; knowing he'd leave for days- even weeks at a time on some dangerous mission, made her ill. She noticed he was watching her reaction, and she placed a partial smile on her face; not feeling like she could convince him with a whole faux grin.
"Maybe I could take the day off..." she smirked up at Ron. A grin grew on his face and he reached down to meet her lips. Hermione decided that sealed the deal. Once the kiss ended, she untangled herself from Ron's body and removed her daughter's hand from her chest. She slipped from the bed and left through the bedroom door. Ron watched her hips sway as she waltzed from the room.
She returned momentarily, closing the door quietly behind her. She sauntered toward the bed picking toys and clothing off the floor as she went. Ron gazed at the woman, who was still in her lightweight pajama bottoms and vest; her hair still its wild bedhead. Ron had sworn motherhood made the witch even sexier than he remembered. She placed the items aside, and in the laundry bin, now crawling up to him on the bed.
What he would do if Rose wasn't with them right now.
She turned and laid herself next to him once more. This time, leaning up on the pillows as Ron sat up straighter too. She wrapped her arms around his, and pulled her legs up to his waist. She leaned in and snuggled her head on his shoulder once more. He loved the contact and rested his hand on her knee, rubbing his thumb absentmindedly over her pajamas.
"Well, that's taken care of." She sighed, and Ron was thrilled Hermione would rather stay with him then go to work. Sometimes, he just wasn't sure.
"Good, I have my girls all to myself today. What shall we do?" Hermione smiled at his phrasing. At this precise moment, Ron's stomach grumbled, causing Rose to jump in her sleep. She stirred and looked up at her parents. Her eyes were wide and startled, then relaxed as she saw their faces doting on her. She yawned, causing her dummy to fall from her lips. She reached out to Hermione, which surprised her greatly.
Hermione detached herself from Ron, as the toddler crawled her way to Hermione. The darling girl was growing but she was not quite too large to be cradled by her mum. Hermione held her close, and fussed with her curls, as the tot fell back to sleep, clutching her mum's vest. Ron twined his arm around Hermione's back, and pulled her closer to him.
"I would recommend breakfast first." Hermione teased, smirking at Ron. He chuckled and they laid in a content silence watching their daughter sleep.
Their morning was lovely and lazy. Once Rose awoke, they ate breakfast together. Ron played with Rose while Hermione spent some time to herself getting ready for the day. She dressed in jeans and forest green long sleeve shirt, wrapping a scarf around her neck. The weather was turning to autumn, and Hermione was thankful the heat of the summer was over.
They had decided to venture in to Diagon Alley to run a few errands; after all, they no longer had a reason to hide away now that the public knew they had Rose. Hermione pulled down Rose's white long sleeve shirt, which fell around her bum with ruffles galore, complete with a matching bow restraining her curls. Ron shook his head not understanding why Hermione dressed their daughter so. Yet, he had to admit that she looked quite adorable in it; even more when she walked around and the ruffled swished around her bum. This little human had him wrapped around her tiny finger.
They walked in Diagon Alley cautiously. Ron carried Rose on his hip, and held hands with Hermione who walked closely by him. It was just after Hogwarts had begun for the term, so it wasn't bustling with children as it normally was. Luckily, there were only a few magical folk about, and they mostly kept to their business; other than the few looks and whispers as they passed by. Ron could tell Hermione was a bit anxious. She walked quickly to keep up with his long strides, and kept close to his side. They visited a few shops and gathered some materials they needed back at the flat.
Ron also introduced Rose to Honeyduke's smaller shop. It was a fraction of the size as the one in Hogsmeade, but it was the closest they had for now. Ron was determined to take Rose to the 'real' one, he liked to call it, when Hermione would allow him. For now, he enjoyed Rose's eyes light up at all the colors and smells surrounding her. Hermione had let her have sweets before, but not often. So, being engulfed with all the new delicious items - Rose was in heaven. Hermione put her foot down that Rose could have one thing today and possibly take a few home to try. Hermione had a sweet tooth as well, but she knew that moderation was important.
She settled for a box of sugar quills, while Ron loaded up on every sweet he could find. Ron finally came to the point for Rose to decided what she wanted. Ron gave her some simple options for a two-year-old. That's when Rose noticed an enchanted candy floss spindle. It was like the spun sugar was wrapping itself and placed onto paper cones to be devoured. Rose reached out to point to the sweet she desired. Needless to say, she loved it. Ron was thrilled at their daughter seemed to have a sweet tooth like him, and Hermione was pleased that her daughter was enjoying herself.
They continued drilling down the alley, allowing Rose to walk out some of her energy. She held tightly to Ron and Hermione's hands, as she bounded between them.
"Let's go in here. I have someone I'd like you to meet." Ron nodded toward a shop on the right side of the street. The trio entered the shop, full of furnishings. Rose was instantly drawn to the section bursting with toys and children's furniture. She pulled her mum's hand toward one of the piles of toys, releasing Ron's without noticing. Hermione followed her daughter, while Ron departed to speak with the owner.
Mr. Fern was behind the counter in the middle of the store, peering at parchment and squeezing his eyes to read the print. The old man was muttering to himself, and then scribbling on the paperwork.
"Mr. Fern," Ron spoke, clearing his throat, and gaining the elderly man's attention. He looked up, squinting and adjusting his glasses. As he gained his vision, a smile grew on his face.
"Ron. So good to see you." He stepped around the counter to shake Ron's hand firmly.
"Nice to see you too, sir." Ron met his grasp securely.
"What brings you in today?" Ron grinned and rubbed his hands together, excited for his old friend to meet the two most important people in his life.
"Well, I have someone for you to meet," Ron glanced back to the children's area that Rose had pulled Hermione to. He turned back to Mr. Fern and motioned for him to follow. Ron found Rose sitting by a dollhouse, and playing with the dolls contained inside it. Hermione was standing near her, looking at some mobiles hanging from the ceiling, and brushing her hand along a cot lying below. The men approached the pair, as Hermione turned to face them.
Ron slid his arm around Hermione's waist, and spoke.
"Mr. Fern, this is Hermione Granger, my girlfriend. Hermione, Mr. Fern. Owner of this fine shop, and longtime family friend." Ron spoke proudly. Mr. Fern stuck his hand out to shake hers gently.
"Why, it's nice to meet you Miss Granger. Thank you for all you have done for the Wizarding World." Hermione blushed softly.
"It is nice to meet you as well. And don't mention it, I just helped my friends out."
"Congratulations to the addition to your family by the way. How far along are you?" This took Hermione by surprise, and looked at the elderly man puzzled.
"Oh, erm... I'm not… pregnant, sir." She looked up at Ron, obviously perplexed.
"I'm sorry. Ron here, he... well he came in..." he looked to Ron as well, confusion written on his features.
"I came in here to buy a cot. Mr. Fern here asked me to bring you in once the family knew. What I didn't mention was that we weren't having a baby. Instead, we already had one." He removed his arm from Hermione's waist and picked up Rose, who didn't seem to mind being taken away from the toys, as she still had her lamb. He returned next to Hermione and Mr. Fern, who adjusted his glasses further up his nose.
"This is Rose, our daughter. Rosie, this is Mr. Fern, my friend." The tot took in the man in front of her. Mr. Fern looked confused, but happy.
"It's very nice to meet you Miss Rose." He gave the young child a warm smile, which Rose returned. "But, I don't seem to understand...you came in for a cot just a few weeks ago..." Hermione thought that it was rather odd that he hadn't heard anything about the three of them.
"Well, that's because I just only learned that I had a daughter then. The day after I found out, actually." Ron continued to tell him a summary of the events that had passed since Rose came into his life.
"Ah. I stopped reading the Daily Prophet back when Skeeter started spewing her lies. Can't trust a word she says." Hermione watched as Rose played with the dollhouse as the adults spoke a while longer.
They said their goodbyes and returned home, enjoying the time spent together. Rose stayed close to Ron through the evening, and when the tot fell asleep, Ron laid her in her cot. He returned to the den where, as soon as he partially closed the door, Hermione was calling his name. She nodded to the Floo, which indicated someone wanted through. Ron quickly cast the spell, revealing who it was, and opened the connection instantly.
Auror Kensington walked through the Floo, a concerned look on his face.
"I'm sorry for the intrusion, but I have some urgent information that will be announced any time now." He paused, taking a deep breath, while Ron and Hermione held theirs. "Lavender Brown's handwriting sample came back positive for the letters allegedly sent by Hermione. She was arrested." Hermione and Ron looked a little more relieved. But, they still were unsure why the Auror standing in front of them was so concerned.
"However, she hired a solicitor, allowing her to roam free until her trial instead of being held in Azkaban."
"WHAT?" Ron roared, outraged.
"Ron! Shh! Rose." Hermione whispered as she shot a silencing spell toward the bedroom.
"How could she get off on something like this? You have proof she did it!" Ron asked, still angered, but did lower his voice.
"You know as well as I do that this wasn't a serious enough situation for us to command she stay in Azkaban until her trial. It may feel like it to you, Ron, but you know the law says differently." Auror Kensington explained.
Ron looked put out at that, as Hermione looked quizzical.
"Wait," She said, putting her hand out before anyone else could speak. "You said she tested out positive for the letters Ron received. What about the letters mailed to me?" Hermione asked warily. The Auror had a grim look on his face.
"Negative. She didn't write those." Ron and Hermione looked solemn at the information. "Unfortunately, we're out of leads at this point. We might just have to take what we can get. I'm sorry, but I must be off. We're watching the development of the story in the Daily Prophet for tomorrow." The Auror nodded his goodbye, and Flooed back to the Ministry.
Hermione gently sat on the settee, leaning back and clasping her hands tightly in her lap. Ron groaned and flopped beside her, resting his head in his hands. It was a bittersweet moment; knowing that one of the suspects had been handled, but having her on the loose, and having another one out with her. They sat in silence for a few moments. Both lost in their racing thoughts.
"Ron?" Hermione whispered, causing him to raise his head from his hands and look at the brunette beside him. "Do you think Isla could have written the other letters?" She asked, partially afraid of his reaction to her question. Ron exhaled, and relaxed into the sofa as Hermione was. She watched his face. He thought for a few moments, keeping his face hard. Finally, he raised his arm and draped it around Hermione's shoulders, pulling her closer to him.
"I don't know." He sighed deeply; he knew Hermione wouldn't be happy with that answer. "I mean, I want to say no. But, I didn't think she would tell Skeeter about our family either. So, I'm just not sure." He rubbed her arm with his hand. She accepted his answer and laid her head on her shoulder.
"I'll ask Kensington to test her handwriting tomorrow. We'll get to the bottom of this, love." He kissed her temple, and they sat like that for a while longer.
"I'm not reporting her for exposing information about a minor." Ron looked at her surprised. "I guess if she tests positive, then she'll get the time she needs in Azkaban. If not, then maybe what she did truly was a drunken accident."
"Who knew you to be so merciful Mione?" Ron chuckled, while Hermione raised her head to hit his chest.
"Watch it. If you remind me anymore about how she tried to seduce you, I might hex the both of you." She laid her head back on his shoulder, while Ron thought about how she never ceased to surprise him.
A few days after Auror Kensington had come to their flat, they tested Isla's handwriting for both sets of letters. Both resulted as a negative. Ron was slightly relieved by that; glad that what she had done was just a mistake, like he had done. But, he was still irritated that they had no new leads in their case.
Hermione awoke one Friday morning, to an amazing smell coming from the kitchen. She looked over and realized Rose was not in her cot, and the bedroom door had been left open a crack. She smiled, knowing Rose was with her father, and quickly got ready for the day in the bathroom. She emerged fully dressed in a plum pencil skirt and a cream blouse. She exited the bedroom, walking out to find Rose being held by Ron, with the lights dimmed. Ron was holding a plate of pancakes covered in a strawberry syrup – Hermione's favorite. A candle was placed in the center of the pile.
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear mummy, happy birthday to you!" Ron sang as Rose did her best to keep up with him, basically singing every third or fifth word. Hermione's face was a huge smile, Rose clapped her hands thrilled with the situation. Hermione blew out the candle with a single puff.
"Happy birthday mummy!" Rose cheered, reaching her arms out to her mum. Hermione retrieved Rose from Ron's hold, as he turned the lights back on.
"Thank you darling!" Hermione trilled, kissing her daughter on the cheek and holding her close. Ron moved over and slipped his arm around her waist. She looked up into the blue pools of his eyes.
"Happy birthday Mione." He whispered as he leaned in and met his lips to hers. They sat down and enjoyed their breakfast.
"Now, love," Ron began. Hermione placed another bite of pancake in her mouth as she glanced up at the wizard.
"I know you'll probably not be happy with me, but you aren't going to work today." Hermione raised her eyebrow, giving him a surprised look.
"I'm not?" She quipped.
"No, you're taking a personal day. You'll instead be spending the time with Ginny. She has a whole day planned for you." Now both of Hermione's eyebrows were raised.
"That's really unnecessary, Ron. We can celebrate when I get home; we already have a birthday dinner at the Burrow this weekend." Hermione explained to her boyfriend. Ron shook his head.
"You work so hard Hermione. You deserve a day off, to spend on yourself." He watched to see if Hermione was changing her mind. He decided to add one more fact.
"Kingsley also said that if you show up to work today that he'll make Ruchekent your next assistant…" Ron knew that Hermione had a difficult time with Ruchekent, an intern who had a difficult time listening and often shared every detail of his life with everyone he came into contact with.
"Merlin, you've convinced me!" Hermione laughed, after removing a nauseating look from her face at Ron's threat. Ron grinned smugly.
"Good. I also have one more thing to ask you." Ron cleared his throat and shifted in his chair as Hermione wondered why Ron looked nervous…
"I know you wanted to take things slow… But, I think it's about time we go on our first date." He shifted again, leaning toward her and reached over to take her hand in his. "Would you go on a proper date with me tonight?" Hermione smiled luminously.
"Absolutely. I'd love to." At her words, a crooked smile spread across his face.
"Well, good! I might already have the reservations made…" He winked at the witch, as he ate another bite. Hermione bit her lip, and thought about how excited she was for their first date, through the rest of breakfast.
"What about this one? It would look gorgeous with your skin tone, Hermione." Ginny pulled out a emerald green, floor length dress, with a deep v-cut in the front.
"Ron would sure love it too!" She added, as she noted how low the neckline plunged.
"I don't think so, Gin." Hermione looked warily at the dress; she had never been comfortable showing that much cleavage.
"Why not?" Ginny demanded. "Your breasts have gotten huge since Rose! You know what I would do with a chest like that? Or more like what Harry would do for that matter."
"Ginny!" The brunette reprimanded as she looked around to make sure no one heard the conversation. "The answer is no for that dress." Ginny rolled her eyes.
The pair had spent the morning at a muggle spa, where Ginny insisted they get massages, facials, pedicures, and manicures. Hermione had to admit she felt utterly refreshed as their spa day came to an end. They then went to a late lunch at a café next to a few boutiques; which Ginny suggested they roamed for a new date dress.
"Ugh. Fine." Ginny groaned as she returned the dress to the rack. They went to a few more shops, when Ginny stopped outside of a lingerie boutique. Hermione looked up at the shop windows displaying the fine pieces of undergarments. She shook her head.
"No Gin. Don't even think about it. Let's keep moving." She insisted, pulling Ginny's arm to continue. Instead, Ginny pulled her back.
"Who says it's for you Hermione? I might want to take a look around." Ginny walked into the store, pulling the witch behind her. Moments later Ginny already had an armful of items she was buying, while Hermione browsed, sometimes blushing at the more risqué items.
"Merlin these muggles sure know how to make things… Come on, Hermione. Nothing?" She asked exasperated.
"I'm sorry, but I don't need any of this right now." Hermione explained, her face flushing. Ginny sighed.
"Look, Hermione. Yeah, you may not need it right this minute. But, you should have something you can wear for you. Something you feel confident and sexy in! Ron doesn't have to see it. As long as you feel good in it. That's what matters." Hermione thought about it for a few moments. Why shouldn't she have something she feels sexy in, even though she's not having sex?
"Alright, fine." Hermione said with a smirk. Ginny grinned, obviously pleased that she got her way.
"Yay! Let's find you something…" Hermione decided on a simple lace bra and knicker set that was a deep plum color. She never treated herself, so she decided one pair wasn't something to feel bad about.
To find her dress, they had to go to a few more shops. Ginny had found a small black dress that ended just below her knees. The top was a solid charcoal sweetheart neckline, with a midnight black lace overlay which draped across her collarbone. The bottom had more lace which was crosscut around her knees, and a simple ruching brought up the smooth fabric to her hip. Hermione wasn't sure at first, it did fit awfully tight, but she ended up buying the dress.
The girls returned to Ron's flat, and Hermione spent her time getting ready for the evening. As she got dressed in the bathroom, Hermione glanced over to the neatly wrapped lingerie she had purchased. Biting her lip, she gathered her Gryffindor courage and slipped into the lacy material.
Ginny was absolutely right. Grinning widely when she saw herself in it. She had never been too fond of her body, always too thin or thick in certain areas, or too long or short. And since she'd given birth to Rose, she had rarely even looked at her body. Knowing what she saw was dramatically different from what she used to see. But now, as she looked in the mirror, she smiled. Yes, her body had changed over time, but for the first time in years, she felt truly confident with what she saw.
Hermione allowed Ginny to help her with her hair and makeup, wearing more and using more product than she normally would. When she was done, she slipped on a pair of red heals and let Ginny look her over.
"If Ron doesn't shag you on the table during dinner then he's barmy." Ginny said awestruck.
"You think so?" Hermione asked quietly.
"Oh yeah. You're one sexy mama!" That's when the Floo came alive with flames and Ron called out. Hermione continued putting in her pearl earrings, as Ginny exited the bedroom and met Ron in the den.
"After you see her, just remember who your favorite sibling is." Ginny winked, pecked Ron on the cheek, and waved goodbye as she Flooed away. Ron went into his room, changing from his Auror uniform and into dress trousers and a formal shirt with a tie. He didn't care for getting dressed up, but he knew that tonight was special, and he needed Hermione to know that.
He exited the bedroom and fiddled with the wrappings on the bouquet of flowers he got for her.
"Ron?" He looked up, and saw a goddess before him. She was wearing a tight black dress, which fit her exceptionally well. It was incredibly sexy, yet modest enough that he could believe the witch before him was Hermione. Her hair was pinned to the side in an elegant plait that hung over her shoulder. He stood there gaping at the brunette. Hermione grinned and giggled gently at his reaction. This broke him from his gaze, clearing his throat and moving forward to her.
"Wow. You look… bloody amazing, love." He sputtered, trying to keep his thoughts under control, knowing his arousal was growing every moment he let them wander. Tonight, was going to be harder than he thought.
"Thank you." Hermione replied, blushing at Ron staring so brazenly at her. He shook his head from his thoughts and realized he hadn't even given her the flowers.
"These are for you." He hummed as he handed her the bouquet. She took the flowers and breathed in their scent.
"These are beautiful. Thank you, Ron." She paced closer to him and gave him a firm kiss. Ron threaded his hand up to her face and held her there, deepening the kiss.
The crumpling of the bouquet's paper brought the pair from their embrace. Both flushed and breathing heavy. Hermione went to the kitchen, placing the flowers in a vase full of water, and returned to Ron.
"Are you ready?" She asked Ron, who nodded his response; not trusting his voice. And they Apparated to an alley outside of the restaurant.
Several hours later, the pair returned to the flat. It was just after eleven and Hermione had enjoyed a wonderful dinner and dessert with the man she had loved for years. Hermione walked to Ron and planted a deep kiss on his lips. He responded enthusiastically, holding her waist and pulling her close to him. She tried to hold back a moan as she stepped back from him, his hands still on her waist.
"I should probably pick Rose up." She whispered close to his lips.
"Actually, mum and dad have her for the night." Ron replied, looking for her reaction. She watched him just as carefully, obviously thinking through his words. After she hadn't said anything after a few moments, Ron thought he should do some damage control.
"I didn't mean to imply that we'd do anything. Just that we had some time to ourselves, and a night where you could sleep without Rose waking you up." Ron watched her features and felt her hand slide down from his arms to his hand resting on her waist. She intertwined their fingers and she walked backwards pulling Ron toward his bedroom.
A/N: I hope this chapters answered some questions for you all. A huge shout out to all who have read, reviewed, favorited, and followed! I am so appreciative. I love hearing your thoughts and I often reply to show how thankful I am!
I was also notified that Three Years Later was nominated for the Romione Awards! I was so surprised when I heard. This story is so much more than I ever imagined it to be. Thank you to whoever nominated this story! I can't wait to hear what you think of this chapter!
More to come!
Scarlet