Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing of hers!
Chapter 39
"Okay arse. Just a bit further."
"Oh, please… erg…I'm fine. I could go for hours."
"Don't make me laugh," Ginny scoffed as she helped Ron back onto the mattress. He groaned in pain and released a heavy breath, leaning back on his pillows.
"See? What did I tell you? Good as ever!" Ron scooted himself back as Ginny helped him place his legs up on the bed.
"How'd our little patient do this time?" Harry asked, walking into the room sipping a container of tea as he slipped his arm around Ginny's waist.
"Piss off, 'arry," Ron grunted, adjusting his body more comfortably on the mattress.
"He made it down half the corridor this time," Ginny explained, placing a peck to Harry's lips.
"That's improvement!" Harry encouraged his friend with a smile.
"But, you've got to keep practicing. The wedding is less than a week away! I am not having you ruin my wedding," Ginny joked, although Ron knew just how upset she would be if Ron wasn't able to be up standing with Harry at the wedding.
"It'll be fine Ginny! I'll be out of here in no time."
Ron looked over his healing body. Since he woke from his coma, many things had improved. His organ functions were quickly restored, boosting the rest of this recovery. His bruises and scrapes all faded away, and his broken bones were strongly mended. His damaged spinal vertebrae was holding firmly, as the healers kept careful watch over it. The only fickle issue with his recuperation was cultivating the missing bone structure in his leg. The damage was so severe, they decided to remove all shards and regrow his femur, fibula, and tibia. It had taken days of consuming Skele-Gro and other bone restoring spells, to get him where he was today. Now, the bones were there as structure, and Healer Driscoll urged him to practice using his leg as much as possible; to help ease the transition for his body. He was prohibited from putting his full weight on it, therefore, whenever he was to exercise it, he needed assistance. It was a painful go, and he was still on a very strict regimen still, to keep his body from regressing.
"You don't know that. If you're not healed to their standards, they won't let you leave!" Ginny insisted, clearly concerned that he wasn't taking it seriously.
"I told you, Gin. I'll be there, everything will be fine! Now, what time is it? Hermione said she'd be by with Rose by nine," the redhead peered past the two, hoping to see his next guests coming through the doorway. He listened carefully, hearing two faint voices; making his heart race with anticipation.
"Twenty-four, twenty-five, and… twenty-six. And here we are!" Hermione sang, looking down at her eager daughter, who had been counting the rooms with her. They entered the room moments after Ron had begun watching.
"Daddy!" Rose skipped in, still holding Hermione's hand, tugging her along as well.
"Hey there, Rosie Posy!" Ron's face lit up at the excitement their daughter showed. His anxiety melting away at the sight of the pair. After their most recent time apart, Ron had cherished every moment he had with his daughter, and couldn't wait for more.
"I go up now?" Rose asked, her feet popping with her excitement. Hermione nodded, and lifted the girl into her arms.
"Now, remember, be very gentle with Daddy. He's still healing. Okay, Rose?"
The tot nodded her head swiftly, causing her deep red curls to bounce, "I be careful, Mummy!" The tot promised.
Hermione pecked her forehead and handed her to Ron, who was reaching out to gather his daughter. Ron hugged the small girl tightly against his chest, as she wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled in. He placed kisses to her hair, giving her a gentle squeeze.
Ron remembered the first time Rose was brought in to see him while awake. It was just a few days ago, but, something he doesn't ever think he'll forget. Ron had requested to see his daughter, as he was desperate to hear her sweet voice and joyous giggles he had missed so much. However, Hermione was concerned with the state he was in, frightening the small child. This caused a bit of a row between the two, causing them both to consult Harry. He understood his best friends, but, since Ron hadn't seen the tot awake since before Hermione took off, he sided with Ron. Hermione bit her tongue at the decision, knowing in her gut her daughter would be uncomfortable. She prepared her daughter the best she could before entering the room. Explaining to her, that her father was hurt on his mission, and is now healing at the hospital. Of course, the injuries that the tot could imagine could all be mended with a plaster or two, so she threw on a thrilled face, knowing she would get to see her daddy. Though, as they walked into Ron's room, the three adults knew it had been a poor decision. Rose was instantly frightened by the man who laid upon the mattress. His body parts rigid and stable, cuts and bruises still fading from his pale skin. Rose clung to her mum and called for her daddy through her cries. Hermione stepped closer, attempting for the child to see that it was truly her father. Several moments were taken trying to calm the tot and convince her. Ron spoke in quiet tones, trying to keep his own emotions from the soothing voice she would recognize. Eventually, they were able to calm Rose enough to lift her teary eyes from Hermione's blouse and glance at the man in bed, still speaking reassuringly towards her. Rose watched him with a serious face, deciphering if she could truly trust him. Her eyes rose to the blazing ginger hair that was a few shades lighter than her own. Looking back at her mum for permission, she cautiously reached out a hand to touch the red locks, causing all the adults to sigh a breath of relief.
"I missed you Rosie. Were you good for Mummy?" He pulled back to look the tot in the eye.
"I be good!" Rose replied, laughing as if she was anything but good for her mum. She gazed into her father's eyes and leaned forward to place a kiss on his nose, then wrapping her arms around him once more to snuggle.
"Awww," Ginny released, not meaning to disrupt their family time. Ron glanced up to see his sister cuddled into Harry's side; fully enamored watching the father and daughter. Hermione was standing a few steps back from where she had been. Her arms crossed, but, not angrily. She watched on as Rose and Ron interacted.
This was how Hermione was since he woke; keeping her distance. She spoke to Ron or others when they spoke to her. She would bring Rose in to visit multiple times a day. But, she would stand back, and let the two interact, only stepping in when the tot called for her. Hell, when Ron's hand grazed against hers when transferring their child, she jumped back, like his hand had burned her. Ron was discouraged by this new lack of interaction between them. He knew she would be upset, and that things wouldn't resolve overnight. But, the lack of any improvement was worrisome for the ginger.
"Ron made it halfway down the corridor today," Ginny prompted, causing Ron and Hermione to look at the witch. Hermione's eyebrows were raised in surprise. Then lowered, as she thought.
"Really? That's days ahead of what they thought," Hermione voiced to Ginny, before glancing at Ron flipping through a story with Rose.
"Always a tone of surprise," Ron smirked at Hermione, as the witch swiftly turned to face Ginny. Ron scrunched his brows at her reaction.
"He might have had a little extra motivation..." Ginny shrugged innocently.
"I don't think labeling me as the sole person responsible for ruining your wedding and three bat bogey hexes count as motivation," Ron scoffed, grinning when he saw a laugh escape Hermione.
Ron smiled a crooked grin at the witch. At this, Hermione turned toward Ginny once more and cleared her throat. Ron's smile faded, and he returned his focus to the tot sitting on his lap.
A silence settled across the room, as Ginny, Harry, and Hermione spoke quietly. Ron was attentive to the busy toddler, who pulled the nappy bag closer, reaching in to yank out the coloring book and crayons her mum had packed along. Handing Ron, a bright orange, and telling him just where to color on the page, reminding Ron of her mum.
"Hermione, come get some tea with me?" Ginny suggested.
"Sure," Hermione responded as she glanced once more at the two on the mattress.
Ron went back to coloring with Rose after the women left. He glared at the page, unintentionally coloring harder than normal. Rose hardly noticed, as she kept adjusting her dragon toy to sit properly next to her as she colored.
"It'll get better, you know."
Ron continued to color as he viewed Harry sitting in the chair pulled next to the bed, from the corner of his eye.
"I'm not sure it will," Ron replied shaking his head negatively, "She has hardly spoken to me since I woke. She doesn't look me in the eye, and she only stays in a conversation long enough around me to be polite. There's no indication there that it's getting better."
Ron sighed, shaking his head again. He thought for a moment, and then lowered his voice while glancing at Harry, "You know what happened after I woke up and she came in with the healer and had everyone leave? She wanted a paternity test."
Harry's features reflected the same shock Ron had at the time. Yet, Harry's displayed on his features for a moment, before disappearing; replaced by his brows scrunching in deep thinking.
"I don't get it! I mean, I do. I asked for one and all... but, I never actually meant it! I was just paranoid and it was made worse by the potion! I knew Rose was mine, then and now. Hermione knows that too. I mean, why then, ya know? Ugh!"
"Well, when you think about it, it makes perfect sense," Harry explained calmly, baring a hint of a smile at Ron's disbelieving face.
"Come again?" Ron asked; his full attention on Harry.
"Ron, you and Hermione have been faltering and causing issues for years now. Both of you want the same thing: to be with each other; the person you love. But, you have these bloody insecurities, and Hermione is terrified of being hurt again," He held up his hand to stop Ron when he began to argue. "When she left for America, she was heartbroken! Yet, she refused to say a word about you, knowing it could possibly lead to another heartbreak. All seemed well for a while, then she showed up in the middle of the night pouring her heart out to Ginny. She left because she was hurt, and that was something she wasn't prepared to feel again, I'm sure," Harry took a deep breath.
"What I'm trying to say, is that, this is actually, a sign of hope, you know, that Hermione demanded a paternity test. She's removing your doubt. Doing what she can to help this rocky relationship of yours... if that doubt is out of the picture, and crystal clear that Rose is your child, then it eliminates another possibility of heartbreak for her. Are you following?"
Ron thought for a few moments. He knew Hermione was a planner. She liked everything to be mapped out, and of course, under her control as much as possible. Harry did have a point. But, he saw nothing else to show that she still cared; that she wanted a relationship with him once more.
"...You know, the night after you woke, she stayed with us. I suggested it, as I didn't want her staying alone right now... She didn't need to be going through all this by herself. I went to check on her just before midnight and I could hear her crying through the door. It was like she woke from a nightmare or something. I almost went in, because of how much it concerned me. That's when I heard her whispering that 'he's okay' and 'oh Ron,' before she started sobbing again," Harry's cheeks painted a light shade of pink repeating what he had heard.
"She's trying to protect herself, Ron! But… she's terrified of losing you... whatever way that might be. Gin thinks the same thing."
"Really?" Ron asked, surprised by the information. Harry nodded at the ginger. Ron glanced down at the tot on his lap, carefully positioned away from the leg that was regrowing the bone. She reached up to shove a wayward curl out of her face. Hermione often took the time to clip the wild locks away from her face, as they often fell forward, obstructing her view; Hermione had plenty of experience with that herself. Ron reached for the clip and threaded the current bundle into the fastening.
The tot looked upwards at Ron, his face upside down to hers. She grinned widely, showing all her small teeth.
"Tank you daddy!"
Ron chuckled and kissed the tot on her nose, leaving her quite content to continue with her coloring. Ron's thoughts lingered back to what Harry had said, also filtering through all he and the witch had been through, especially over the past few months. He sighed, knowing Harry was ultimately right. Hermione was just trying to protect herself. She needed time, and plenty of patience; something Ron was lacking, but, knowing he would make it through. He loved Hermione. He loved her more than anyone else. His daughter and, said witch, had been the best things to have ever happened to him. He knew they were both worth waiting for. What's a few more...Weeks...Months...Years...To wait?
"How do I get her back, Harry?" Ron groaned, flopping further back against the pillows.
The raven-haired man shrugged, "Just keep at it, I suppose. Show her that you love her and care for her, and I reckon she'll come around when she's ready."
A knock sounded at the door, interrupting the pair's conversation. Healer Driscoll poked her head in.
"Hello all," she stepped into the room, "I just wanted to check in with Ron."
She approached the bed and smiled at the tot, who glanced up at the woman.
"Nice to see you again, Miss Rose," the healer waved at the child, who snuggled back into Ron shyly. Ron got a kick out of how anyone who met her was instantly smitten with his daughter.
Healer Driscoll chuckled, before returning her focus to the other redhead in the room.
"My records indicate you made it halfway down the corridor and your vitals stayed strong. Well done," she smiled.
"I did. Does that mean I'm any closer to going home?" Ron asked eagerly. He didn't mind Mungo's as much as others did, but, nothing beat the comfort of his own bed.
"Well... you know our agreement was you had to walk the full length with someone else. However, given your speed in recovery, I'll make you a new deal. If you walk halfway once more by 1:00 pm, then I'll sign your release papers and you can continue your regimen at home."
Ron looked ecstatic, "Really? That's great! I can do it now, and-"
"Hold on there," the healer laughed, stalling Ron's movements from the bed, "We'll still need to go over your treatment and everything." Ron grumbled as he settled back onto the bed.
"First, I need to know who you'll be living with. You'll need assistance with various things. Managing your potion schedule, getting your exercises in, helping you about the house, and such," Healer Driscoll listed, looking between Harry and Ron.
Ron glanced at Harry, "I'm sure Harry could help out… Gin, maybe?"
"I was called for a mission for tonight and tomorrow. I don't think Ginny will be able to… she's awfully stressed about the wedding. Perhaps Arthur and Molly?" Harry suggested.
"Dad'll be working, and if you think Gin's stressed about the wedding, then mum's ten times worse!" Ron sighed.
"Mum's ten times worse what?" Ginny asked, returning to through the door with a cup of tea, Hermione followed behind.
"Ron's probably going to be released today, but needs someone to help with his regimen. I'll be on a mission… and you'll be, erm, busy with things… I suggested your parents, but, he think they'll both be busy…" Harry looked at the two women and sprouted an idea.
"Hermione can do it," Harry stated, causing Hermione to falter when sipping her tea. She swallowed with a cough and watched Harry with wide eyes.
"Pardon?" Hermione asked, directly to her best friend, raising her eyebrows at the man.
"Well… Your work is flexible; you can get things done at home, giving you time to help Ron out a bit. And, that's where you were living before… Wouldn't that make sense?" Harry ended, as he saw Hermione's eyebrows raise higher into her hairline.
"It sounds like Hermione will be helping Ron out then. Let's go over his potion regimen. You may want to take some notes. Now, he's not allowed to cast any charms for a week or two. His physical activity should be strictly limited to physical therapy for his leg. I have his list of exercises here. He also has a strict potion schedule…" The healer pulled out a long piece of parchment, and began speaking with Hermione about the various potions and spells Ron would need over the next several weeks.
…
"Ron, stop! You know she said not to walk on your own until tomorrow! And that's only for a bit!"
Ron wanted out of St. Mungo's desperately, so as soon as he was allowed, he gathered Harry to take his walk down the corridor. Healer Driscoll looked on the entire time, watching how he used the limb just enough to be working it, but, without damaging the leg further. That's when the exit paperwork began, allowing Ron the free time to feed Rose her lunch before they were cleared to go home.
Ron flopped on the settee, truly tired from his Floo back to his flat. Hermione followed him, with a hold on Rose and carrying a bag full of potions.
"I'm fine. Just needed to make it here is all," Ron groaned, attempting to be reassuring as he adjusted his achy body on the furniture.
"Mummy, tummy hurt!" Rose moaned, grabbing at Hermione's blouse and twisting herself in her arms. As long as they were in good health, children could start using the Floo network at the age of one year. Rose, however, still sometimes had some tummy troubles when they took trips too close together or right after eating.
"I know Rosie, I'm sorry," she placed a quick kiss to the tot's ginger hair.
"Could you take her? I have some stomach settling potion for children in the cupboard." Hermione looked toward Ron. He instantly held out his arms for the upset girl. As she realized she was going to her father, she instantly detached from her Mum and cuddled into his chest. Ron wrapped his arms around her protectively. Hermione dropped the nappy bag from her shoulder and shuffled to the medicine cabinet.
"There, there, Rose. Mummy'll make it all better now."
Before Ron could finish his sentence, Hermione reappeared in the room with a bottle. She was swirling it gently, while raising it against the afternoon light, peering closely at it.
"That should do it. Make sure she drinks the whole thing. The taste isn't the best, but, I mixed it with some pumpkin juice to hide the flavor." Ron nodded as he took the bottle, carefully convincing the small girl to take it. She drank from it devotedly, having experienced it before. Soon the tot was calming, and eventually drowsy on her father's lap.
He set the empty bottle on the low table his leg was resting on, and leaned backwards, letting the child relax on his chest. He pecked her temple as she shifted forward, snuggling deeper into his abdomen. Ron leaned his cheek on her ginger curls, realizing just how close he had been to losing the tot once more. He thought back to the conversation he had with Harry earlier on. He just wasn't sure if it would work. He knew he'd try his damnedest, but, what if she didn't want to deal with him anymore? She did get roped into being his nurse for the next few weeks. He knew Harry was trying to push them together, and this was his way of doing it.
"She drank it all then?"
Ron was broken by his thoughts when Hermione entered again, her arms full of potions, with the parchment scroll teetering amongst them all.
"Yea. She did... Thanks…erm, for doing that," Ron muttered. Hermione paused, looking at him skeptically.
"She's my daughter. It's my job to take care of her," Hermione stated, still confused by his comment. Ron could feel the tips of his ears heating up at his obvious blunder of a compliment. Luckily, Hermione sat in a padded chair and carefully released the vials on the table. She unraveled the parchment allowing her eyes to scan over the document.
"Well, it's time for your potions. I don't know why they didn't just give them to you before we left. It would have been simpler. You need to drink half of this vial to continue the healing of your inner organs. A full vial for blood replenishing. Three quarters of..." Ron lost count of the concoctions he had been consuming since he'd been conscious. Hermione continued to list the tonics, as she poured the correct dosage and handed it to the redhead. Ron took the vials as she gave them to him. But, he never said a word. He hated the way they tasted -some even smelled rather manky- yet, he swallowed one by one with the most dignified look he could manage. He couldn't let Hermione think he was ungrateful for her help. Even though, at this very moment, drinking the revolting liquids she was handing him, was the last thing he desired.
"Finally, two full vials of Skele-Gro."
He vacillated before swallowing the ghastly potion. The witch watched on, to ensure he finished every drop, he presumed. A tremor ran through his body as the tonic slid to work, causing the tot on his chest to startle awake once more, before tightening her hold on his shirt and closing her eyes again. When he drank every potion prescribed, Hermione vanished the vials to wash themselves and instead of sending the potions to the cupboard, she crouched and gathered them in her arms; the glass containers clinking together in her hold.
"Thanks," Ron spoke, this time more confident in his efforts to show the witch that he was grateful for her.
She paused her movements and her brows furrowed, before she stood completely.
"I mean, I'm sure you have plenty of other important things to be doing, and here you are tending to me. I'll remind Harry that he owes you quite a bit. Gin too," Ron added lightheartedly, not being able to fully read Hermione's countenance.
After listening to Ron's words, she swallowed before shrugging slightly, "It's fine. I suppose I am able to work away from the office more comfortably than those two… I..." Hermione stared at Ron for a moment, before shaking her head a minuscule amount, and promptly leaving the room.
Ron followed the witch as far as he could with his eyes before she disappeared from his sight. As he heard the clinking glass settle next to each other on the shelves, he allowed himself to ponder what Hermione would have said if she hadn't stopped herself.
Ron began to feel sleepy from all the potions administered, something he loathed about taking his healer assigned regimen. He yawned and reached for a pillow on the couch to bring it closer to his head, trying carefully not to jostle Rose in her slumber. He cautiously maneuvered his body to lay the length of the settee, propping the pillow against the arm, and resting his head on the soft material.
"Did you want to lie down in your room?" Hermione asked, as she reentered the room.
"No, I'm alright here. Thanks though… Could you bring in the wireless from the master? The Cannons are playing in a bit… I figured I could get Rose to listen to her first game," He rested his hand on the tot's back, moving to pat her nappy covered bum a few times.
"Sure," Hermione left, and promptly returned with the wizarding wireless, setting it on the low table next to him.
"Anything else?" She asked, moving to the nappy bag left by the fireplace.
"No. I'm good. Thank you."
"You've got to stop thanking me after everything. You've done it four times, and we've only been back for an hour!" Hermione huffed, exasperated, yet, without the anger she had intended.
"Look, I'm sorry. It's just," he sighed, and looked up at the witch with honest eyes, "I really appreciate that you're doing this for me. I know you're busy, but, you're still doing this when you have no obligation to. I don't want you to think I'm not grateful. Please know that."
Hermione took a moment to respond. She stopped her movements and watched him with a wide gaze.
"Okay. You are welcome," she paused, as if she was contemplating her next words.
"I am...I'm relieved you're alright," she ended, swallowing and taking a deep breath. Ron's heart leaped and his breath caught. This was the first real evidence that Ron could identify, showing she still cared. He gave a crooked grin.
"That doesn't mean I'm not thanking you anymore. But, I suppose I could make it once or twice a day…" Ron jested, noticing that Hermione struggled to hide her own smile creeping onto her face.
"Fine." She pressed her lips together, and shook her head gently as she scooped up the nappy bag. She removed Rose's shrunken cot, settling it into her hand, and the bag on her shoulder. Ron looked up as he was fiddling with the wireless. The woman stood and began to pace to the room Ron had been staying in since the two girls had arrived.
"Where are you going?" Ron questioned, not fathoming why she'd be taking Rose's cot there.
"I thought it would be easiest if Rose and I took this room. The other has a larger bed and an attached bath making it easier for you to use by yourself," Hermione explained, pausing her steps to answer the redhead's question.
"No," Ron shook his head, "You'll stay in the master bedroom and I'll keep staying in the other. There's no need to change it."
Hermione sighed, predicting another row, "It would be much more convenient if you just took your room back. Rose and I can manage in the other perfectly fine."
"Have you seen the size of that room? It hardly fits the bed. There's not enough room for her cot as well."
"It will be fine. We'll manage. We always have."
"We could all share the room together… like before…"
"No," she said definitively, "You need to be well rested, and… besides, it will get your routine back to normal if you just go back to the way things were before Rose and-."
"I don't want to go back to that. Things have changed and I would like to adjust to them together. It may take time, but, I am ready to make that change."
A silence passed between the two. Hermione had ended with her hand on her hip, the other loosely holding onto the cot. Ron had lifted a bit on the settee, sitting up more upright. This caused Rose to sit up, her drowsy eyes blinking furiously to wake completely. They both knew the underlying message being sent between them.
"You're not going to change rooms, are you?" Hermione asked, after some time had passed.
"Nope."
"Stubborn git," Hermione muttered quietly as she changed her direction and made her way to the other room.
Ron watched her leave, slightly frustrated that she was still attempting for him to go back to the way things were before she and Rose came. His tired state did nothing to help the mixed messages she was sending.
He returned his gaze in front of him again. Meeting his eyes were two massive teal ones looking back at him sleepily. When they met, a wide smile grew across her face.
"Daddy," she stated happily, leaning forward slightly to place her hands on his cotton shirt.
"That wasn't a very long nap Rosie Posy," Ron threaded his large hands around her small middle, holding her securely on his abdomen, "Mummy won't be happy with that," he added with a whisper.
He adjusted, sitting up a bit further on the settee, still observing the tot.
"Today's a big day sweetie. Today you're going to listen to your first Cannon's game." He shifted his hands to her armpits and lifted her to stand on his stomach, not wanting to chance her bouncing on the upper part of his healing leg. She giggled as he showed his excitement.
"I've always dreamed of this day. Did you know? Now, I had always thought my first born would have been a boy. You see, we Weasleys seem to only produce males... Nevertheless, I have always dreamed of sharing this moment, with my firstborn: you, Rose." Ron grinned at the tot, who was still watching her father as if she hadn't a clue what he was saying, but still actively engaged. Ron chuckled, unbelieving just how adorable his own child was; settling on the fact that she was much more of Hermione than him.
"So, first thing's first. There are only two teams we cheer for. The first being the Holyhead Harpies. Now, we only root for them because Aunt Ginny is a chaser for them. The real team we need to focus on is the Chudley Cannons. Can you say Cannons?"
"Canons!" Rose replied enthusiastically, hoping to please her father. Ron laughed as she emphasized the long A sound. She sat down once more on his toned stomach.
"Brilliant!" Ron enthused, "Now, the Cannons have been in a bit of a slump. That makes the other teams think they're rubbish. That's not true of course… They may not be the best team in the league, but, that doesn't matter. Because it's nothing how amazing you are at something; it's about how much work and heart goes into it," Ron ended, gently poking his finger at Rose's chest, emphasizing where her heart was.
He lowered his voice to a whisper, "And if the two ever play against each other, we look like we're cheering for both teams. But, we're secretly just wanting the Cannons to slaughter 'em. Got that Rosie? Oh, and we never, under any circumstances, cheer for Bulgaria. Only gits play for them."
Rose nodded enthusiastically, leaning forward to touch noses with Ron because of the whispering.
"Okay, so let's hear your best cheer. Say, go Cannons!" Ron demonstrated by thrusting his fist in the air.
"Go Canons!" Rose cheered, following Ron's lead, and thrust her small fist in the air.
"Look what I found, Rosie," Hermione called, walking into the room. She held out her daughter's favorite stuffed lamb toy.
The tot gasped as she saw her Mum holding out her treasured toy. Hermione passed the toy to her daughter, who squeezed the item tightly to her chest. She was thrilled to have it back, and Hermione was happy that her daughter might actually follow a routine once more.
The announcer's voice rose louder on the wireless, signaling the beginning of the game.
"This evening's match is between the Wilbourne Wasps and the Chudley Cannons!" The roaring of the crowd grew through the speakers.
"Go Canons!" Rose shouted, raising her arms, and her lamb, in the air, like Ron had shown her.
Hermione raised her eyebrows as Ron looked at her smugly.
"Really?" She asked, as Ron knew exactly what she was at.
"I'm just getting her started young. She needs to know what good, quality quidditch is, and which team to follow, of course," Ron added giving a wink to the tot.
Hermione sighed, shaking her head at Ron's obsession with the Cannons. But, she did have to admit, the bonding between the two was quite adorable.
"Well, you enjoy your game. I'm going to get some work done. Call if you need anything," she swiped a gentle hand over her daughter's curls before exiting the room.
Hermione sat at the desk in the prior office, sorting through the paperwork she needed to catch up on since her sudden holiday from work. She knew she could finish it quickly, but, much of it was not favorable to complete since it reminded her of the failure her law had become. She sighed and covered another legal form she needed to complete with another packet of parchment. This time, a case a solicitor at the Ministry needed assistance on. This was the type of work she truly enjoyed doing. Here, she was fighting for the rights of others; doing real work that changed how things were for the better. At least cases like these were changing things more quickly than her proposed laws were.
Before she knew it, it was time to begin dinner. Her mobile rang at the very time it usually did, indicating that her mother was sticking to their nightly agreement for a chat. Hermione had kept them short the past few days, even missing one when she had fallen asleep at the hospital. So, tonight, she kept the device to her ear while she cooked dinner for the redheads currently cheering for a long-awaited goal for the Cannons.
Ron ate on the settee, while Rose threw a fit having to eat in her high chair at the dining table with Hermione, and not with her father. This caused some upset on all sides, prompting Hermione to compromise by dragging the high chair to the settee. This caused Rose to calm and eventually eat so she could play with her father more.
By the time the game ended in another disappointing loss for Ron, Rose was very ready for bed. Hermione took her for a shower as Ron flipped through a quidditch magazine, having been threatened by Hermione, that if he were to move, she'd call Ginny over to scold him. Before he knew it, the tot was bathed and dressed for bed. Ron read the small child her favorite story on the settee as Hermione sat by his extended feet in her dressing gown, listening to his soothing voice. When Ron ended, Rose was terribly sleepy, and nodding off. Ron kissed her temple as Hermione carried the tot to her cot.
Ron too was feeling the exhaustion the day had given him. Being blindsided when Hermione returned with her armful of vials he needed to consume. He noticed, however, that she was no longer in the dressing gown she was wearing before, instead, she was dressed in a silky forest green vest with matching shorts. They were rather, revealing. Especially odd for the chilly weather they had in November. She leaned forward, causing the lace trim at the top, to press tightly against the smooth skin of her breast. Ron swallowed thickly, feeling as though he had not had adequate time to prepare himself to see Hermione in such attire.
"Do you think you could cast a cooling charm? It's a bit warm in here, I think," Ron choked out, trying to keep his eyes off her enticing body as she shifted positions to sit upright again; the alteration did not help his current situation.
"You're not too cold? Healer Driscoll warned me to keep it toasty for you. I was sweltering in my gown, Rose was a bit too warm as well," Hermione clicked her tongue as she set about casting some cooling spells around them.
"There. Is that better?" Hermione asked, as she poured another vial halfway full of a thick purple liquid, bubbling as it settled in to the curve of the glass.
Ron nodded rapidly in response. She checked the parchment once more, before instructing him to drink the correct potions. Twenty minutes later, she sent the vials off and moved to the end of the settee.
"Now, the instructions say you may sit in a bath, but, you're not allowed to shower until you can stand completely on your own, without a crutch or cane," she glanced up at the clock, "perhaps we'll try that in the morning. I feel we've both had a tiring day. So, I'll help you to the bathroom and I'll give you some time to get ready, and then I'll help you into bed. Okay?" Hermione explained, as her eyes scanned over the document for the millionth time since receiving it, to make sure she had covered everything asked of her.
"Yea, sure," Ron replied, swallowing hard at the thought of her helping him into bed. Internally he was counting the moments before he was alone behind a closed door, until then, trying to keep his thoughts tame while Hermione helped him about in her meagre night attire.
"Alright," Hermione set the parchment on the low table and helped Ron's splinted leg off the couch and straight in front of him. She gathered his crutch, and she went to his other side to support him. She carefully placed his arm around her shoulder, making cautious effort not to place too much weight on his previously broken arm; the very reason he wasn't allowed to use both crutches.
"Okay, on three. One, two, three."
She began to stand as Ron used her to support some of his weight. Once they were both standing, she handed Ron the crutch. He placed it under his other arm, shifting his support to the crutch, not wanting to crush the witch under him. He could feel her body pressed into the side of him. He desperately wished for his brain to stop replaying their stolen moments in Australia; when her body had been just as close. Ron cleared his throat, and leaned further onto the crutch. Their movements were awkward, but, they shortly made it to the guest bath. When their feet touched the cool tile floor, Ron leaned on the countertop, allowing Hermione to slip from under his arm. Ron knew it was difficult for Hermione, as she had a much smaller frame than him, even with the charm to ease the weight. It was difficult for Ron to see her adjusting her vest back into place, as it had twisted from the friction of moving between them. He moved his eyes quickly back up to her face, as she smoothed invisible wrinkles from her nightclothes.
"Right. Well, I'll be in the den. If you need anything just call."
She nodded once as Ron muttered, "Yea, okay."
She swiftly left the bathroom, shutting the door tightly behind her. She exhaled, taking a moment to calm her shaking hands and racing heart. She knew that it would be difficult acting as nurse to Ron. Being in the close proximity they were… she knew that she would physically react to him. As much as her brain warned her that wit wouldn't be wise to dive quickly back into their relationship, her body -especially her heart- acted much differently. She took a few more calming breaths, reminding herself why exactly she was waiting instead of storming into the bathroom and jumping him, right then and there.
The witch pushed herself from the door and paced into her room, slipping into her robe again, now feeling the chill of the cooling charm. She moved to the den, cleaning up the mess of vials and removing the bottles of potions to organize in the cupboard. She looked around, seeing what else could be done before returning to the redhead.
Just then, she heard a strangled grunt, before a scattered thump followed. Her heart raced, as she bolted to the bath, desperately hoping that her temporary patient was okay.
She rested on the doorknob, "Ron?" She called, hurriedly.
When no response came, she plowed into the room.
"Ron? Are you okay? Oh my-" the words she had been yelling were stunned with a gasp by the view she was greeted with.
Ron was leaning back against the counter, being supported by it, while the other secured tightly to his crutch, keeping him upright. However, it was his other hand that had taken her breath away. His right hand, broken only days ago, was wrapped tightly around his well-endowed shaft. His face was flushed with exertion, and his eyes were shut tightly as his hips moved in a rhythmic motion into his fist. Her eyes stared widely at the scene; her mouth gaping. Seconds after she opened the door, his lids flew open and his lust induced brain managed to analyze the situation.
"Shit!" Ron swore as he adjusted away from the shocked witch. Hermione swung the door shut instantly.
"Sorry!" The witch squeaked, outside the door. She sped into the den, swiftly sitting herself on the settee. She put her head into her hands. Although the event was a fraction of a minute, she still felt the embarrassment of stepping in on Ron... pleasuring himself. She shook her head trying to clear it from her mind. That was the last thing she needed to be thinking about if she was already trying to keep herself from him, so she wouldn't get hurt.
She glanced toward the bathroom door and then to the kitchen. She figured he would need some time before he faced her again. Standing, she made her way to the kitchen to brew a hot cup of tea.
...
Thirty five minutes later, and Hermione hadn't heard a sound from the bathroom. She walked to the door teetering on her feet a few moments in indecision before she raised her hand and knocked gently on the door.
"Ron? Are you ready for, erm, are you ready to go?" Hermione flushed hard at the thought that she would be helping him to bed. She didn't think either of them could handle her verbalizing it.
No sound came from the room, but, a moment later the faint click of the lock sounded, and Ron slowly opened the door. His face was beet red, continuing to his ears, and flowing down his neck. He stumbled a bit as his weight wasn't completely on the counter.
Hermione took a deep breath as she gained the courage, and self-control, she needed to swoop in under his arm. His body tensed under her touch, barely putting any weight on her small body. Their trifle walk back to his room was as awkward as could be; both refrained from verbalizing the situation.
She stood him against his office table as she turned down the covers. Noticing Ron hadn't looked at her since opening the door, she couldn't let it go on.
"I'm sorry, you know," she began, once the covers were turned down. She stepped over to him, slowly angling him to sit in the mattress. He didn't respond, but, his blush seemed to deepen.
"I should have knocked. But, I was concerned you fell or something, so... I didn't." She lifted his leg, him unable with its bracing to bend it, to lay on the bed.
"We're not talking about this," Ron stated humiliated as he lifted his able leg onto the mattress.
Hermione swallowed and attempted to keep her demeanor strictly professional, as a faint blush painted her cheeks.
"It's only natural, you know... Humans... they are ph-phyysical beings, that have biological needs and desires to be met... M-many men and women mast-"
"Merlin's balls, Hermione! Please stop!" Ron groaned, bringing a pillow to cover his flushed face.
Hermione was slightly offended by his outburst. "Well, you don't have to be so rude about it. I was only saying it was natural! Nothing I haven't-"
"What's natural about the person featured in your wank walking in on you in the act?!" Ron exhaled exasperated. He uncovered his face and bore into Hermione's shocked disposition. He knew he caught her off guard, but, it certainly stopped her from giving him a sexual education lecture. Although, if he had to listen to one from anybody, Hermione would be his only choice.
Her eyes grew wide as, red flared in her usually honey colored cheeks.
"I-I..." Hermione uttered, still as red as an overripe tomato.
"Yes?" Ron asked, hoping to prompt the witch into her sentence. He was desperately interested as to what she would say.
Hermione snapped her jaw closed, and sucked in a lungful of breath.
"I'm going to bed," she managed, turning on her heel, and grasping the doorknob in her hand.
"Goodnight."
The door was promptly shut behind her.
Ron groaned as he leaned back on the mattress. They had been doing so well before that incident. It seemed as if they were always going to have bumps in the road. Ron adjusted stiffly on the bed, attempting to find himself a comfortable position in his healing state. As he stilled, his thoughts returned to the witch. He drifted off to dreams of what he wished to be the future for his own little family.
...
Sunlight crept into the room, as the ball of fire was piercing the darkened sky with its light. However, that was not what had woken Ron. It was the owl perched in the open window; rolled parchment tied to its leg. He motioned the bird over with a grunt, untying the twine, and shooing it over to the treat bowl. Ron rubbed his eyes sleepily as he observed a copy of the Daily Prophet before him. He unfolded the item with a yawn, stopping suddenly when he saw the front page.
A/N: To be completely honest, I took so long on this chapter because no matter how many times I rewrote it, I wasn't happy with it. I'm hoping you all enjoy it more than I do. Thank you for sticking with this story. Next up is the Potter wedding.