2005
Hermione knew that having a baby was going to change her life and for the most part it enriched it. She loved spending time with Rose, she already had so much personality for being barely a few months old. The little life she had created with Ron meant more to her than she could have ever anticipated. She had slowed down her life in a lot of ways. Hermione found herself just watching her daughter sleep from time to time, simply doing nothing but enjoying her presence. Her small breaths had a calming effect and she would do anything to keep her this little. She never thought that being a mother would fulfil her this much, but her heart had grown twice its size ever since.
The other side of the coin of motherhood, such as sleepless nights, sore breasts and not enough hours in one day, was something she would gladly get rid of. She never thought she would miss sleeping this much. Last night was no exception either. Rose had woken up every 2 hours and even though she and Ron had a rotating schedule of taking care of their daughter at night, neither of them got enough sleep. By the time Rose had woken at 6 in the morning Ron had given up putting her back to sleep and brought her to bed talking to her in a whisper. Gestures like these warmed Hermione’s heart. Ron was so naturally good at being a father and had stepped into the role with such ease.
Hermione often found herself falling in love with him all over again, when he made sure that she would get her breaks too. He knew she would take on too much work, whether it was career-wise or personal. There was no point in arguing when Hermione failed to comfort Rose when she was crying too much because Ron would just take over, kiss her head and tell her that it would be okay. Having a baby was hard, but Ron made it easier.
Not only was he a good father, but he never stopped being a good husband. He would often whisper sweet nothings to her while she was breastfeeding Rose. And when Rose was finally asleep he would make sure to spend quality time together. Hermione didn’t know how he did it, but she couldn’t ask for a better husband and father for her child.
Slowly opening her heavy eyes, she caught a glimpse of her husband and daughter next to her. Rose was blowing raspberries laying on Ron’s chest, while he was gently drawing circles on her back. Hermione reached out her arm and pushed a tiny red lock out of her daughter’s face
“Good morning, sweetheart,” she whispered, smiling.
Her piercing blue eyes stared right back at her and she made a squeaky noise. Rose had recently started to learn how to make a sound and it fascinated her so much that she was now babbling to herself every second of the day.
Hermione shifted her weight so that she was sitting up, shivering as the cold air hit her skin.
“Good morning, gorgeous,” Ron whispered.
“Morning,” Hermione responds, “I’m sorry you had to get up even though it was my turn.”
“It’s no big deal. We’ve had some pretty conversations already,” Ron picked Rose up and held her over his head, “right, Rosie?”
He brought her down so that his face was in front of hers and rubbed his nose against hers. Hermione watched them, smiling, “has she been good?”
“She’s perfect, ‘Mione.”
Ron put his daughter back on his chest and turned his head towards his wife, “You know, she is.”
Hermione chuckled, “I know, but after what happened yesterday I wanted to make sure.”
“What do you mean ‘after yesterday’?”
“At the Burrow.”
Ron gave her a puzzled look indicating he clearly didn’t know what she was talking about.
“She was crying a lot yesterday, and I felt bad for your family. It was probably one of the worst Christmas Eves ever.”
“You’re exaggerating, love.”
“I don’t think I am. She was crying as soon as we arrived and then stopped for a little until Freddie dropped that stupid spoon. And then it took ages to calm her down again, which only lasted for about an hour. I just feel so bad.”
“Love…”
“And your mum tried to help so much and it only made Rose cry even more, which made me feel even worse. The poor woman just tried her best.”
“Hey…”
“And don’t get me started on the walk situation. She was fine for two seconds before screaming again.”
“Hermione, please breathe,” Ron chuckled.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, “I’ve just been thinking about it.”
“I can tell. But I promise you, you are looking at it the wrong way.”
“Enlighten me.”
“Well first of all it is normal for her to cry since she is a baby,” Ron began.
“I know tha-”
“Let me finish, love.”
“Sorry.”
“Second of all, she behaved so well when everyone wanted to hold her. We were so worried she was gonna hate it, but she did so well. Third of all little Rosie has mum wrapped around her little finger. She knows exactly that crying will get her more cuddles from her.”
Hermione laughed, “I suppose you’re right.”
“You know I am. And finally, that walk ended with her seeing snow for the first time and loving every second of it. So, in the most loving way possible, you are exaggerating, love.”
Hermione looked back and forth between Ron and Rose and sighed, “I don’t know how you do it, Ron.”
“How do I do what?”
“Being this good at parenting.”
He shrugged, “I just try to take it as it goes and to focus on the good things.”
“It’s admirable, really. I worry too much.”
“That’s what makes us a good team,” he chuckled, “always has.”
Hermione moved closer to him and cupped his face gently, making sure he wouldn’t have to move and disturb Rose and kissed him then, mumbling ‘I love you’ against his lips. She felt him smile against her and pushed her hand to the back of his neck into his hair. The kiss was short but gentle and loving. When they pulled apart, Hermione moved so her head was resting on his shoulder, so she could watch their now-sleeping daughter, reaching out to draw circles on her back.
“You’re right,” she began, “she is perfect.”
“It’s because she is ours.”