Chapter 92

The house never looked cleaner. Even when they used magic to do the job, Ron had never been more attentive to every speck of dust that existed than he had been that morning. He'd run his wand over the place three times and then used the Muggle duster just to be extra sure. The place practically sparkled.

In the two days Hermione had spent in the hospital recovering from Rose's super quick birth, Ron had spent his evenings going over books in preparation for them both coming home. Rose's bedroom was ready, the house was free of dust that could get into her little nose, and he'd changed the sheets and washed everything so it was comfortable for Hermione. He'd also made sure to scrub the place where the birth occurred again to spare Hermione the memories.

While she insisted she was okay, Ron knew she was still exhausted — especially because Rose apparently didn't like to sleep at night.

Not on the second night anyway.

When Ron had turned up at the hospital that morning after finishing up his cleaning, he'd found Hermione fast asleep in bed, to which she claimed it was the first time she'd actually managed to sleep since three in the morning.

"I should have stayed," was all Ron had said, immediately regretting leaving once again and giving into her insistence that he go home. He could have helped.

But Hermione had merely smiled and said, "It's too late now." She had been keen to leave, having her bags packed and out of bed fifteen minutes later.

Once Hermione was ready, Ron lifted Rose from her bed, cradling his daughter close to his chest. She was thriving, eating well and doing everything a two-day-old baby was expected to do. He'd spent yesterday learning how to change nappies, which Hermione forbade him from using magic for. The baby had slept well (except at night, it seemed) and her eyes were blue and bright and curious.

She was going to be as clever as Hermione, he decided.

"Ready?" he asked Hermione.

Hermione nodded. "More than ready. I can't wait to sleep in my own bed again. Hospital beds really aren't that comfortable."

"Agreed. Can't say I've enjoyed my few times lying in one."

Despite her insistence that she was well, Ron couldn't help but note Hermione walked slowly towards the lifts. He didn't mind, because she had just had a baby, and anyway, it gave him more time with Rose. Holding her, he decided, was his new favourite thing. She fit so perfectly into his arms and he simply didn't want to let her go. He'd spent months waiting for her and now that she was finally here, he wasn't letting his daughter out of his sight.

It never occurred to Ron that using the Floo would be unsettling for a baby who was only two days old. But he and Hermione learnt the hard way that maybe they should have taken things a little slower when she coughed, spluttered and then screamed her little lungs out due to the shock of it.

Hermione all but snatched Rose from his arms, comforting and apologising and rocking her back and forth, trying to soothe her. Ron took out his wand and removed the ash from her skin, feeling immensely guilty.

"Well, that's a great start to our lives as parents," Ron said, stowing his wand back in his pocket. "We take her home and the first thing we do is frighten her and she cries."

"Everything is so new to her," Hermione said. "It's all going to scare her."

Ron watched as Hermione settled Rose, love washing over him. She was already so good at it and it filled him with so much joy. With Hermione around, they were going to be just fine. After a few moments, Rose settled. Hermione smiled at him. Ron smiled back.

"I added a few little touches to her room. Do you want to see?"

"Maybe in a little if that's alright? I'm not sure I feel up to walking up the stairs just yet."

"Of course." Ron guided her to the sofa instead and helped her sit down. Rose wriggled. "Is there anything you need?" he then asked.

Hermione shook her head. "Maybe just bring her bed down here? That way, we can put her down and she can sleep."

Ron nodded and went upstairs to get the bassinet that was set up in their bedroom. He pulled it back into the living room and set it in the corner, then sat next to Hermione on the sofa. Over her little fright with the Floo Network, Rose had fallen back asleep.

"She's pretty good," he couldn't help but comment. "I mean, she settles easily."

"Yeah, during the day." Hermione smiled. "How are you going to handle your first night with her? Being woken up multiple times? Having to get out of bed…"

"I'll be alright," Ron said.

Hermione scoffed. "Sometimes it takes me five goes to wake you in the morning."

"Yeah, but she's cute enough to get me up, I think." Ron ran his hand over Rose's head. "I can't wait for all the days to come with her. I just… love her so much already."

"Me too," Hermione said quietly.

Ron watched her, searching for any sign of distress or memory that might be stirring in her, but Hermione simply watched Rose fondly, her eyes filled with adoration.

A knock at the door caused them both to jump. Hermione frowned, looking at Ron questioningly.

Ron grimaced. "I think that's your parents," he told her.

"What?" Hermione cried. "They're here?"

"Yeah." Ron stood up. "It's harder for them to get here to see us, and now it will be harder for us to see them with a baby. So I thought they should at least have the chance to meet her before she's introduced to the abundance of Weasleys who'll terrify her. Won't that be fun, having all those cousins to grow up with and torture her?"

Hermione smiled. "They're here?"

"Yeah, but not to stay," Ron assured her. "They're not stupid. They don't want to interfere, they just want to… meet her. That's all." Hermione didn't seem as excited as he thought she might be. "You want me to send them away? They have a hotel for a few nights… they won't mind." I don't think.

"No," Hermione said. "I just didn't know. It's all been a bit of a whirlwind…"

"Which is why I thought your parents being here is better than my family barging their way in and Mum offering unsolicited advice…"

"Maybe you should let them in?" Hermione suggested.

"Yes, right…" As he hurried to the entrance, Ron couldn't help but wonder if he'd overstepped. He'd thought she'd appreciate family being around her, but her reaction hadn't been what he'd anticipated.

He flung open the front door. "Hi!" he said, a little too quickly.

Jane and Robert looked at Ron, alarmed. "Everything okay?" Jane questioned.

"Yes," Ron said, stepping aside to let them enter. "It's fine. Crazy, as we've just got her home, but everything's okay. You know I could have brought you here via the Floo. You didn't have to drive."

"Oh, no." Robert laughed, but it wasn't a cheerful laugh. "It might be quicker, but having everything on the ground is much more enjoyable."

"Besides," Jane added, "we'd like to spend a few days here." She paused, her brows furrowing. "If that's okay, of course. We certainly aren't going to intrude on your lives as new parents. But we're here if you need us."

Ron beamed, a deep affection for his in-laws flowing through him at that moment. "Want to see her?"

"Of course we do," Jane said. "We haven't even seen a photo yet."

"Yeah, well… I can't work a Muggle camera too well," Ron confessed. He indicated the hall down to the living room.

Although they tried to hide it, Ron sensed their excitement as he followed Hermione's parents back to where she and Rose were still on the sofa.

Both Jane and Robert stopped at the entrance, their eyes falling on the small bundle that was their granddaughter. Hermione looked up, giving her parents a tired smile.

"Hi," was all she said, but it was enough for Jane and Robert to continue into the room and sit on either side of her.

"How are you?" Jane asked. "Ron has filled us in on all that happened… it's been a stressful few days not being able to see you…"

Hermione nodded. "I'm fine. She was just… in a hurry to get here after staying in for three days too long." She laid Rose along her lap, her bright blue eyes alert and taking in her new surroundings. Ron came to stand nearby, but didn't interfere. As much as he wanted nothing more than to spend every moment with his daughter, he would have a million more chances to hold her than either of Hermione's parents would.

No one spoke for a while, all watching Rose as she darted her eyes backwards and forwards. Ron doubted she actually noticed anyone, but her gaze seemed to linger on Hermione just that little bit longer.

"Well, she certainly looks like you, Ron," Robert said. "She's got your hair at least."

Ron smiled, but didn't speak.

"My dad had red hair, so I suppose it runs on both sides of the family," Robert continued.

"Oh, Hermione," Jane sighed, "she's so, so beautiful."

"Do you want to hold her?" Hermione asked.

Jane didn't need to be asked again. She reached out her arms and Hermione passed Rose over to her grandmother.

"So, how's everything going?" Robert asked.

"Well, she's spent most of her life in the hospital so far," Hermione said. "Tonight will be the big test. First night in her own bed… in her house…"

Robert's eyes flicked to the bassinet by the wall. "Is this where you're planning on keeping her every night?"

"No," Hermione said, smiling. "She'll be upstairs with us in our room for the first few months, at least."

"And then we'll hopefully convince her to move into her own room," Ron added. "Though, I've heard that can be difficult with some. Dominique is still refusing to go to her own room, and it's been four years."

"Which one is Dominique?" Robert questioned. "You have a fair few nieces and nephews. I've lost track."

"My brother Bill, his youngest daughter."

"Bill's the oldest, right?"

"Yeah."

Robert grinned. "You'll need to map it out for me one day, Ron. Where does Rose fit into it?"

"Eh, somewhere in the middle, I'd imagine. Eventually," Ron said. "But for the moment, the youngest and the one who'll get all the attention." He smiled at the thought, suddenly excited to introduce his daughter to his family.

"Would be nice to grow up in a large family ," Jane said.

"Chaotic," Ron replied. "Crazy."

"Oh, you love it," Hermione said. "You know you do. And Rose will, too. She'll have so many cousins to grow up around. So many friends before she even starts school. It'll be so good for her."

And so many to compete with, Ron thought, but he didn't voice that opinion. That had been something he'd learnt to deal with himself and he hoped Rose wouldn't feel the same pressure as he had growing up. He wanted only the best for his daughter in all aspects of her life.

It was something he really liked about Hermione's family. Everything was always so calm when they were here. He imagined growing up in that household never really felt like a competition.

Hermione's parents took turns holding Rose. They both seemed completely besotted by her, Jane cooing and Robert doing his best to not show just how pleased he was to have a granddaughter. Ron brought in some snacks and drinks for everyone, and it was one o'clock when they finally decided to head to their hotel.

"You have our mobile number," Jane said, giving Hermione a hug. "Just call if you want us over tomorrow, but otherwise we will give the two of you some time with your beautiful daughter."

"Thank you," Hermione said.

"Yeah, if you need to catch up on sleep, give us a call. Will be more than happy to take her for a walk."

"We'll be sure to ask," Hermione said, though, by the sound of her tone, Ron didn't think that would be the case. He couldn't blame her. They just needed some time alone to spend with little Rose.

Hermione showed her parents to the door, Ron trailing slightly behind carrying Rose. When they were gone, she turned back to him, giving him a tired smile.

"Why don't you get some rest?" he suggested, looking at the dark circles under her eyes.

"Oh…" Hermione looked down at Rose, who'd fallen asleep. "I'm not sure…"

"We've got this," Ron assured her. "You did it all the last two nights. Get some rest. We'll be fine."

"What if she gets hungry —"

"Then I'll come and get you." Ron stepped forward to kiss his wife's forehead. "What good am I going to be as her dad if you won't let me share the job?"

He half expected her to argue again, but exhaustion seemed to take over at that moment, and she nodded. "I won't be too long. Maybe an hour —"

"Take as long as you need. We'll be fine."

Taking one last look at them, Hermione made her way slowly up the stairs, turning to look back only twice before disappearing. Ron waited at the bottom until he heard the bedroom door close and then looked down at his daughter.

"Well, Rosie," he said, "it's you and me for a bit now. What do you want to do?"

The only response he got was Rose turning her head slightly.

…

When Hermione came back down, an hour and a half later, Ron had Rose lying on a blanket in the living room. Her eyes sometimes glanced at the rattle he held in front of her, but mostly they darted around the room.

She'd only cried once in the whole time Hermione had been gone, and he'd managed to settle her all on his own, which he felt proud about.

"Hey," he said, "you look better."

"I feel better." Hermione sat on the sofa. "But I heard her cry…"

"Yeah, just a little. She's alright, though hungry now, I think. Was just about to come and get you."

"What are you doing?" Hermione asked.

Ron smiled. "Just playing. She likes this one Harry and Ginny got her." He picked up a bright orange rattle with the Chudley Cannons emblem on it.

"Does she like it, or is that the only one you've shown her?" Hermione asked, smiling.

"She'll be a Cannon," Ron said. "I'll make sure of it."

Upon hearing Hermione's laugh, Rose's face screwed up, and within moments, her cry filled the room. Her head turned towards Hermione, who got off the sofa to pick her up.

When Rose was settled again, eating, Hermione said, "So you had fun with her?"

"Yes," Ron said. "She's perfect. I loved every moment of it."

That was the absolute truth. The first time he'd been completely alone with his daughter, he'd been worried sick about Hermione. But today, he'd really started to get to know her. She was only a few days old, but every moment with her had taught him something new. He had taken nothing but pleasure in just watching her and falling more and more in love with every passing second.

He knew now, more than he ever had before, that this really was what he wanted. The feeling was better than he had ever imagined. Rose was better than any daughter he'd concocted in his head. She was everything and more, and he'd do absolutely anything in the world for her.

"I'm glad," Hermione replied. "You've really gotten to know her over two days."

Ron frowned, unable to determine the nature of Hermione's comment. Outwardly, it sounded like she was pleased, but the knowledge of how she had spent the first few hours after Rose's birth hung over him. Part of him even felt guilty for having those extra few hours. But… Hermione had had the nights.

"I don't mean that in a bad way, Ron," Hermione said gently, as if reading his thoughts. "It's beautiful. You seem to have bonded with her already."

Ron shrugged, finally dragging himself from the floor and to his feet. "I dunno. There's still a lot to learn about her. She's only a few days old." He looked at them, snuggled on the sofa. "It's getting close to dinner time. Do you want me to get something? Cook something?"

"I'll do whatever you want," Hermione said. "I'm not up for decision-making about food right now."

Ron laughed. She was usually one to be incredibly picky about the food, planning what they'd eat a week in advance. No doubt after a few weeks and they got into their routine with Rose, it would go back to that. But currently, Hermione was relaxed — and probably very, very tired.

"Alright, I'll go and get something in a bit. It's been a busy few days." He studied Hermione for a moment.

"What?" Hermione asked.

"What do you mean, what?"

"You're looking at me funny."

"I'm just grateful," Ron said. "Happy. I'm happy we have Rose, but I'm mostly happy that we have Rose together. I like being her dad. I just feel happy."

Hermione smiled. "Me too. I'm happy we have her."

It made the wait for her feel so worth it. It was so long ago now when he'd first expressed his desire to have a baby to Hermione behind the Burrow, and she'd promised they could talk about it in a year. Then a year came, and she had agreed, and then everything that had happened between then and finding out they were having Rose. It had hurt then — it still did — but not as much now. Because if none of that had happened, then they wouldn't have Rose.

Ron sunk back into the sofa, smiling. "I love you," he said. "I love both of you so, so much."

Hermione returned his smile. "We love you, too," she whispered. "Thanks for all you've done these past few days. We wouldn't be here without you."

That wasn't entirely true, but Ron accepted the compliment. Hermione had done a far lot more than he had in the past nine months, but she wouldn't accept this as an argument.

After a moment of silence, Ron felt Hermione's head lean against his shoulder. This was the first time the three of them had truly been together without Healers or family around.

Their first family moment. And Ron couldn't wait for many more.