Gradually Hermione's eyes adjusted to the warmth of the crackling fire. Her head, on top of Scabior's chest moved with every breath he drew. Blissfully, Rose was silent.
She had fallen back asleep? So soon?
Glancing at the clock, she saw it was just after seven in the morning.
Must have been the Blishen's. She rarely imbibed, and she had rather a decidedly low tolerance regardless.
She felt him stir underneath her as she snuggled into him. They had slept together. But just slept. That was different.
"Morning," he said groggily, playing with her hair, twisting a tendril around his fingertip.
"Morning," she replied, untangling herself as he rolled back over into his pillow with a grunt. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood, plodding over to the loo. She'd brush her teeth and then see what he wanted to do for the day.
For one of his days.
For one of his only days before being locked up, back in Azkaban.
She shuddered to herself. She would have a year to prepare, and bring his petition before the Wizengamot again. She would keep trying and never lose hope until he was released.
As she finished her teeth she heard Rose start with the snuffling. Hermione sighed to herself. Soon the baby would be screaming her head off. Hermione was a good mother; a kind mother. But she was so very tired. And she tried so hard to be patient, but felt she was consistently falling short. Logically she knew a baby would be difficult, but she was learning every day just how difficult it could be. She was having trouble reconciling her thoughts. Perhaps she should speak with Madam Pomfrey when she was back at school.
Her hand reached for the faucet as she heard his voice, gently shushing Rose. The door muffled the sounds somewhat, but she could tell he was comforting the baby.
She opened the door, and Scabior was there, Rose in his arms, rocking her back and forth as he walked with her. And, bless her ovaries, making soft cooing noises. She simultaneously wanted him to stop that and continue; but feared if he didn't stop she'd end up pregnant again.
Her tongue moved to wet her upper lip. "W-what would you like to do today?," she asked him, the sight of him holding their daughter stirring something deep within her.
"I have to settle a few things. Then maybe we can meet, spend the day together?"
"Oh. We can come with you-,"
"No," he said, almost a little too forcefully. Taking in her pained features, he qualified. "It's…I'd better go alone."
She raised her eyebrows at him, and he continued. "I-can't say more than that."
She looked genuinely worried.
"Please…just leave it."
She walked over to him and held her arms out for Rose. He took it as a rejection.
"No…it's time for her…I have to feed her."
Realization dawned on his face, and color crept into his cheeks as he gingerly handed the baby over.
Hermione was unsure why he was being so evasive about where he was going. But perhaps it was a surprise of some sort? She could find out later. For now, she was going to tease him a little.
"Are you….uncomfortable when I feed her?," she asked, a lilt in her voice.
At first he turned towards her, his face blank. Realising she was teasing him, the corner of his mouth quirked.
"Not so much uncomfortable as jealous," he said, giving her a wink. He moved past her into the loo.
After Rose was fed and they were both dressed for the day, he carried the baby to the landing of the stairs, Hermione following behind and locking their door. As they descended, he spoke to her.
"Meet back here, yeah?"
"Yes. I'm going to pick up a few baby things and I'll come right back. Maybe meet up with a friend and grab a tea if I can; if she's good."
"Alright. I'll be as quick as I can."
Suddenly they were at the door of the Leaky. Hermione moved the open the door, as Scabior held Rose to his chest. As she did, he moved in with his free hand, wrapped it round her waist and pulled her to him, his lips meeting hers in an instant. After a few moments, Rose made a tiny, gurgling sound of protest which caused them both to laugh as they reluctantly pulled apart.
The door opened and Hermione assumed they'd step out into the empty early morning street.
She was wrong.