It was a rare Saturday morning when Hermione Granger-Snape found herself at home, a break from her demanding job as an Auror. Severus, needing much time for himself, had gone out for the day, leaving Hermione in charge of their three-year-old son, Septimus. It was the first time since she had started working that she would be solely responsible for Septimus's routine, and she felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
Severus had left her a detailed list of instructions, outlining Septimus's daily routine with the precision of a Potions Master. Hermione glanced at the list, her brow furrowing slightly. She was determined to follow it to the letter, but she couldn't shake the feeling of unfamiliarity with her own son's daily habits.
"Alright, Septimus," Hermione said brightly, looking down at her son, who was still in his pajamas and clutching his favorite stuffed dragon. "What shall we do first?"
Septimus tilted his head and looked at her with wide, curious eyes. His eyes are so much like his father's and are as dark as night. "Daddy makes me breakfast now."
"Of course," Hermione said, trying to exude confidence. She led Septimus into the kitchen and glanced at the list. Breakfast: 8:00 AM. Septimus likes scrambled eggs, toast with a thin layer of marmalade, and a small glass of pumpkin juice.
She gathered the ingredients and set to work, her wand in hand. "Accio eggs," she muttered, catching them as they floated from the fridge.
"Meow," Septimus said, climbing onto a stool to watch her, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Hermione smiled. "No meowing this morning, my little cat. Let's see if Mummy can make breakfast as good as Daddy."
Septimus watched with rapt attention as Hermione cracked the eggs into a bowl. She waved her wand over them, and they began to whisk themselves. She reached for the bread, spreading a thin layer of marmalade on the toast. So far, so good; she felt a bit more confident.
But when she poured the scrambled eggs into the pan, she realized she had forgotten to add a pinch of salt and pepper. Septimus wrinkled his nose, clearly noticing the difference.
"Daddy puts the white and black sprinkles in the eggs," he said helpfully, pointing to the salt and pepper shakers.
"Right, of course," Hermione said, quickly adding the seasoning. She gave the eggs a final stir, hoping it would be enough.
She placed the plate in front of Septimus, who eyed it critically before biting. His face lit up, and Hermione felt relief wash over her.
"It's good, Mummy!" Septimus said, beaming up at her.
"Thank goodness," Hermione muttered under her breath, smiling. "Now, what's next on Daddy's list?"
After breakfast, the list said to get Septimus dressed and ready for the day. She led him to his room, where she encountered the first real challenge: choosing an outfit.
Septimus looked at the array of tiny clothes with a discerning eye. "Daddy always picks the green shirt and the blue pants."
Hermione nodded and found the requested items. She helped him into his clothes, feeling a small accomplishment when Septimus looked satisfied.
Next on the list was playtime in the garden. Septimus grabbed her hand, leading her outside with eager excitement. They spent the next hour playing with his toy broomstick, kicking a ball, and chasing butterflies. Hermione laughed as Septimus ran circles around her, his energy infectious.
"Mummy, look! A ladybug!" Septimus pointed excitedly at a small red dot on a leaf.
"Yes, it is," Hermione said, crouching down to examine it with him. "They're supposed to bring good luck."
Septimus nodded solemnly, watching the ladybug crawl onto his finger. "Daddy says they're special."
"They are," Hermione agreed, feeling a tug at her heart. She realized how many of these small moments she had missed. "Just like you," She added as she pinched his hooked nose, making him giggle.
As lunchtime approached, Hermione glanced at the list again. Lunch: 12:00 PM. Septimus likes a small sandwich, sliced apples, and a glass of milk. She led him back inside, determined to follow Severus's instructions precisely.
She prepared the sandwich, cutting off the crusts, as Severus noted. But when she placed it in front of Septimus, he frowned.
"Daddy cuts it into triangles, not squares," he said, looking up at her.
Hermione sighed but smiled, taking the sandwich and cutting it into triangles. "There, how's that?"
Septimus grinned. "Perfect, Mummy!"
After lunch, it was time for Septimus's nap. Hermione read him a story, his favorite about a brave dragon, before tucking him into bed. She watched his eyelids grow heavy, and he finally drifted asleep.
Hermione tiptoed out of the room, feeling exhaustion and satisfaction. She glanced at the clock, noting that Severus would be home in a few hours. She took a moment to sit down and reflect, realizing how challenging and rewarding it was to care for their son.
When Severus finally returned, Hermione greeted him with a tired but genuine smile. "How was your day?" she asked, taking his coat.
Severus looked at her, noticing the smudges of marmalade on her shirt and the tired lines around her eyes. "Eventful," he said, his voice warm. "And yours?"
Hermione laughed softly. "Let's just say I have a newfound appreciation for everything you do."
Severus smiled, a rare softness in his eyes. "You did well, Hermione. Septimus looks happy."
"I tried to follow your list," Hermione admitted. "But he corrected me a few times. Apparently, you cut his sandwiches into triangles."
Severus chuckled, pulling her into a gentle embrace. "He's very particular; he must've got it from me. But you managed wonderfully."
As they stood holding each other, Septimus's voice called out from his room. "Mummy, Daddy! I'm awake!"
They walked together to Septimus's room, finding him sitting in bed, his stuffed dragon beside him. He beamed at them, his eyes bright with love and excitement.
"Mummy did a good job," Septimus declared, reaching out for her.
Hermione felt tears prick as she scooped him up and held him close. "Thank you, love."