2018
Hermione woke as the sun shone through the bedroom curtains tickling her nose. She looked at the clock on her bedside table which read 9 am. She shifted her body to get a glimpse of her sleeping husband next to her. His soft snores indicated that he was still fast asleep and she decided to let him rest for a bit longer.
She made her way downstairs into the kitchen, passing her kids' silent rooms. Turning on the coffee machine she settled down into one of the chairs at the table, thinking about how she would start the conversation she had been dreading having with the kids for days now. Hermione rested her head on both of her hands and sighed deeply. There is no way this will go smoothly. Her kids were understanding yes, but they were also on the verge of puberty which meant that their own needs would be put before anyone else's. They both inherited the combined stubbornness of their parents, which won't be helpful either.
The beeping sound of the coffee machine pulled her out of her thoughts and she stood up again, taking a mug out of her cupboard and laying it on the counter before filling it up to the edge.
“Good Mornin’,” a sleepy voice coming from the stairs called out. Hermione turned around to be met with her daughter standing on the very last step of the stairs. Her hair was just as messy as her own, with the only difference being the colour.
She smiled at her, “Good morning, did you sleep well?”
Rose nodded before plopping down onto her spot at the table, “just not long enough. Hugo forced me to read his stupid book to him yesterday. As if he can’t read perfectly fine on his own.”
Hermione chuckles, “He just enjoys your company.”
“I am honoured,” she replied rolling her eyes, “Dad’s not awake yet?”
“No, sound asleep,” she walked over to sit opposite to her daughter, “Should we start with breakfast?”
Rose shrugs, “Yeah I guess.”
The two started making breakfast with Hugo joining them shortly after and setting the table. The sleepy boy almost dropped his sister’s favourite mug and earned himself a death glare from Rose. As Hugo set down the last mug, Ron came down the stairs to join his family.
“Of course,” Rose rolled her eyes, “Joining us as soon as we are done.”
“You know it,” Ron replied, ruffling through her hair before kissing her head, “it is what I do best.” He sat down in between Hermione and Hugo and grabbed a sausage.
The four of them enjoyed their family breakfast, though Hermione didn’t manage to calm down and relax completely. She knew the kids didn’t notice, but she also knew she couldn’t fool Ron, who had placed a comforting hand on hers throughout the meal and mouthed ‘It is gonna be okay’ multiple times.
“Do you kids have anything planned today?” Ron asked.
“Not really,” Rose replies, “Just wanted to write to a few friends and then do nothing all day.”
“Me too,” Hugo simply says.
“Good,” Ron exclaims, “Because we need to talk to you two about something today.”
“That’s never good,” Rose mumbled.
“It won’t be that bad,” Hermione tried to comfort her, though she knew it was a lie.
“Can you do it now then?” Rose asked, looking at her directly.
“Uhm-,” she stuttered, “I mean- sure I guess.”
“Is it good that we are already sitting down?” Rose asked chuckling, “Because you seem nervous.”
“Rose!” Ron glares at his daughter, making her face drop immediately.
“Sorry,” she mumbled softly.
“Anyways,” Hermione starts, “The Ministry has somewhat offered me a new position.”
She carefully studied her kid’s expressions who were looking more confused about why they would care about that.
“And it would be a big deal,” she continued, “That’s why I- We wanted to talk to you guys first.”
“How would your job affect us more than it already does?” Hugo asked sincerely.
Hermione hesitated and gave her son a sympathetic smile, “Kingsley suggested that I would be a great candidate for the next Minister of Magic position.”
She watched as the jaws of her children dropped.
“This is a great opportunity for your mother, but you also need to understand that it is gonna have a huge impact on you guys too,” Ron chimed in, “So therefore we wanted to talk to you guys before making any decision.”
Hermione nodded in agreement, “Yes exactly. Kingsley wants a decision when I get back to work after the holidays.”
Rose sighs, “Well damn, this is for sure something.”
“Yeah,” Hugo whispered.
“But like, I don’t know it is not really our decision to make?” Rose asked, “This is your life after all.”
“You guys are part of my life, Rose.”
“Yes, I know but this is bigger than us. Like that is the biggest position you can have,” Rose explained.
“I know. It is kind of a big deal,” Hermione stated.
“The biggest deal,” Hugo agreed.
“I think you should do it,” Rose stated smiling at her mother, “It is a great opportunity and let’s be honest it's kinda cool.”
Hermione smiled back at her, “Thank you, Rose. I appreciate this.”
“Yeah don’t worry about it. I think you’re gonna be great!”
Hermione shifted her attention to her son, who looked rather taken back still, “What about you Hugo?”
Hugo looked up from his plate, “Huh? Oh- yeah I think you should take it,” he said softly.
“Hugs, are you sure? You can be honest,” Hermione explained, but Hugo just nodded.
“Why not?”, he shrugged, “It is a great opportunity,” a small smile forming on his face.
Hermione returned the smile, “Thanks Hugs.”
“So it is settled then?”, Rose spoke up again, “You’re gonna do it?”
Hermione took a deep breath before responding, “I guess so. But please don’t tell anyone. I don’t need Skeeter annoying me about it before Kingsley even knows about it.”
Rose giggled, “That barmy old lady. Will she ever retire?”
“You never know with her,” Ron said laughing as well, “She has been bothering us since 1994.”