When they returned to Hogwarts after dinner that evening, Hermione wasn’t ready for the day to come to an end. Luckily, it seemed like Rick was in the same boat because he invited her to join him and the kids in his rooms for a while.
The castle tended to decorate living quarters based on the occupant’s tastes. Rick’s tastes ran towards natural wood furniture and a fair bit of cowhide used as rugs.
Hermione helped put the kids to bed before joining Rick in the sitting room for a cup of coffee.
“Did you enjoy yourself today, darlin’?” Rick set his empty coffee cup on the coffee table. “I know me and the kids did.”
Hermione smiled and nodded. “I had a great time. I spend so much of my time managing my life that I often forget to really live it.” She leaned forward and set her coffee cup next to his on the table.
“I definitely understand that.” Rick chuckled and nodded. “I’d like to live life with you more often if that’s okay with you? I know I sprung the whole boyfriend thing on you back at Fred and George’s shop.”
Hermione scooted closer, cuddling into his side as his arm wrapped around her shoulders. “That’s more than okay with me.”
“Good.” He leaned down and gently kissed her.
***
ONE MONTH LATER
It was a peaceful Sunday evening when all hell broke loose. Rick had brought Judith and Carl to spend time with her in her rooms. The couple had taken to alternating between their living quarters for their evening alone time. On this particular Sunday, Hermione and Rick were curled up together on the sofa while Carl worked on his homework at the coffee table. Judith was in a magical walker that hovered a few inches off the ground.
A loud knocking on her chamber door broke the silence and solitude of the room.
“Who would be calling on me this late?” Hermione huffed as she detangled herself from her boyfriend and got to her feet. Walking to the chamber door, she pulled it open. She was in no way prepared for the sight that greeted her. “Ron?”
The redhead gave a sheepish nod. “Hey, Hermione. Sorry for stopping by so late, but this is the only time I could get away from work.”
“What are you doing here?” Had he forgotten that they didn’t speak anymore? The last time that they had seen one another, Ron had called her a frigid bitch if her memory served her correctly.
“Baby, who’s at the door?” Rick walked up to her side and casually wrapped his arm around her waist.
“Rick, this is my ex-boyfriend, Ron Weasley. Ron, this is my boyfriend, Rick Grimes,” Hermione made awkward introductions.
Hermione saw Ron clench and unclench his jaw when he learned who Rick was to her. The two men shook hands, but Rick’s arm never left her waist. He was marking his territory, but she was surprisingly okay with that. Sure, Rick was possessive but in the right way and, unlike Ron, knew when to back off and when not to be an arsehole. “You never told me why you were here,” she reminded him.
“Right,” Ron took a deep breath. “Mum’s ill. It’s not looking good, and she’s asked to see you.”
ns 15.158.61.51da2
