For The Last Time {Hugo}

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Hermione woke up early on the morning of September first with a sort of hollow pit in her stomach. It was the last time she’d be taking her baby boy, Hugo, to Kings Cross to board the train to Hogwarts. She could remember taking Rosie on her first day ever eight years ago. Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy had been starting their first year at Hogwarts too, and she could distinctly recall Ron warning Rose to best Scorpius in every class. It was funny, how these sort of things ended up playing out. Hugo and Lily had both wanted to board the train with their siblings, but fortunately only a year later they were able to truly join them on the Hogwarts Express. Hermione even remembered her first time on the scarlet steam engine powered train. It had been before she had any friends at Hogwarts, having come from a Muggle family, and she had sat next to Neville Longbottom before helping him find his toad around the train. She had been quite the insufferable know-it-all, having read all of her schoolbooks before even stepping foot past Platform 9 ¾. She was pretty sure Ron hated her at first sight.

Hermione pressed these thoughts aside, as she heard movements coming from her sons’ bedroom. Her son, Head Boy of Hogwarts; really, Hermione couldn’t be more proud of him. She hoped his Head Boyship would put a good influence on his cousin Louis; Bill and Fleur had revealed that their youngest had been named Prefect, which had surprised Hermione as he could usually be found getting into some sort of trouble. She rose from her bed, stretching and waving her wand to open the curtains to let in the bright sunlight. She slipped into her dressing gown and slippers, padding her way down to Hugo’s room. She knocked softly, and opened the door. “Good morning Head Boy,” she called softly, grinning despite herself. “And what would my handsome son like for breakfast?” she asked. She sounded ridiculous, but she didn’t care. It’d be the last time going to Kings Cross to see of her child to Hogwarts and it was only natural she’d get emotional!

@hugo

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Hugo lay in bed awake for hours, listening to the sounds of the world waking up around him. Today was the last day he would ride the Hogwarts Express to start a term. He was a seventh year now. How strange that sounded. He really didn't feel like he was old enough to be going in to his last year at school, especially since Xan would now be a year behind him there. That was definitely going to take some getting used to. He turned his head and the light coming through the window glinted off his Head Boy badge. Oh yeah. He was head boy now too. That was both a good thing and not. He hoped Headmistress McGonagall wasn't trying to stop his mischief by giving him so much authority. It hadn't worked when he was named prefect and it wouldn't stop now ... unless he was on duty. Of course, he planned to take things seriously when they required it, but he was also going to have some fun during his last year at school. This was going to be interesting.

He was still in bed when he heard someone moving in the house. His mother, he was sure. She knocked on it his door and opened it without waiting for him to say something. He grinned to himself. This was so like her, and he loved her for it. "Morning Mum," he answered lazily, looking over at her to show that he was definitely wide awake, but not sitting up in bed. His eyes glinted when she asked what he wanted for breakfast. He could tell she was getting emotional and he wanted to tease her out of that kind of attitude. He wouldn't have her getting upset on his account. "Everything you've got," he said, a sly smile quirking the corners of his mouth. "Or you can come over here and we can chat a bit. Then I'll help you cook." His smile widened, sure she would be sitting on the edge of his bed shortly. Talking this morning would definitely be a tempting idea for her. It was for him too. He loved spending time with his Mum.

@hermionejean

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Her son was awake, which did not surprise Hermione in the least. Her smile widened as she stepped into the room. “Are you sure? I may have stocked up in preparation for your last few days here. Unless you’ve been sneaking food after I’ve gone to bed,” she asked him teasingly as she sat down on the edge of his bed, his mattress creaking only slightly as she sighed. “Your last first day at Hogwarts,” she said, shaking her head a little. “Before you say anything, I am allowed to be sentimental - I am your mother after all,” she added with a teasing lilt to her voice. Hermione could remember what ended up being her first last day at Hogwarts. She was supposed to have graduated the year prior, but with the whole “No Muggleborns at Hogwarts” rule thanks to Voldemort, she had been delayed in completing her studies. Of course, Kingsley had told anyone who had fought in the Battle for Hogwarts they could go directly into the Ministry without graduating, but Hermione had loved her schooling too much to give up her final year. It had been worth it; McGonagall had made her Head Girl, and she had received O’s in all the NEWT exams she had taken. Ron in particular had poked fun of her actually wanting more schooling, but now that she was Minister she was glad of the good example she had set for younger generations.

“Now, what shall we talk about? Have you packed everything?” Hermione asked her son as she returned to the present, sweeping an appraising glance around Hugo’s room. Everything looked to be packed, but who knew - perhaps he had missed something. Her eyes settled on his Head Boy badge on his bedside table. “Taking after your mum and sister, have I told you how proud I am of you?” she said softly. Of course she had; multiple times. She had cried a few of those times as well, out of joy and happiness for her son. “You’ll do well to take care of the younger students this year,” she told him, knowing he would. She had a feeling that was more why McGonagall had given him the badge, and less that he had a pristine record for academic and rule following.

@hugo

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Hugo's eyes twinkled when his mother said that she stocked up, knowing he'd be here a few more days. Then he laughed, "Mum, when have I not sneaked food while you sleep?" He couldn't help it! Hugo got hungry in the middle of the night and had a tendency to make his way to the kitchen when that happened. He watched as she sat on the edge of his bed and scooted over a little so she wouldn't be able to fall off. He rolled his eyes a little as she started talking about what today was, smirking when she said she was allowed to be sentimental. "Yeah yeah. Want me to summon a tissue?" he teased, trying to lighten the mood. Hugo didn't want his mom crying, even if it wasn't for something bad.

He laughed as she started asking about whether he'd packed or not. That was his mother. "Of course I have. Packed it all last night, so I could enjoy this time with you," he lifted an eyebrow at her and smirked. Then he shrugged, "What do you want to talk about?" He was in such a good mood talking with her and was determined to take advantage that they could talk in person. They wouldn't be able to do that again until break. "Well, you haven't told me yet today." He nodded as she told him that it was his job to take care of the younger students. He knew that. While he was still determined to enjoy his last year at Hogwarts, he was going to do his mother proud as well.

@hermionejean

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Hermione laughed, nodding in agreement at Hugo’s claim. “You’re right, but the older you get the more food seems to be missing from my pantry, so I had to prepare for a seventeen year old raiding the kitchens,” she said, tousling her sons’ hair playfully. Truly, she didn’t know how he could eat so much, but having Ron and Harry as best friends had taught her just how much teenage boys could eat. When she would stay at the Burrow, she always thought Molly Weasley had gone all out with her cooking, but now she had realized it was due to how much they could consume in one sitting. “I brought my own tissues thank you very much,” she said, pulling out a pack from her robe pocket and blowing her nose. “It’s my baby going off to his last year at Hogwarts - this day next year I’ll wake up and it’ll be any other normal day,” she added, defending her emotions even though she knew Hugo was simply teasing her.

Hermione nodded her gratitude that Hugo had packed the night before to spend more time with her this morning. Her son was thoughtful like that, always taking other peoples’ feelings into consideration. Xanthippe was quite the lucky woman. “Well, shall we get the elephant out of the room first,” she finally said, and sighed a little. “Your father will be coming to Platform 9 ¾ to see you off, he confirmed he told you this already, but I wanted to make sure you knew he hadn’t forgotten.” Though Ron and Hermione’s marriage was almost certainly at an end, Ron loved his children fiercely. He wouldn’t miss his sons’ last first day of school for anything. “Rosie...well, you’ll have to see if you can tear her away from work,” she added with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

@hugo

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Hugo shrugged when his mother said she had to prepare more than usual for him to raid her kitchen. He knew she didn't mind. At least, not really. If she did she would have told him to stop, and Hugo would have. He'd just have to apparate places to get food when he wanted it. Luckily, that was not the case and he was glad for that. "What can I say? I have a large appetite." She definitely already knew that, but Hugo was trying to keep the topic of conversation lighthearted because he wasn't sure how much emotion he wanted to deal with today. He rolled his eyes and shook his head when she pulled out her own tissues. "Of course you did," he mumbled with a small chuckle. He really shouldn't be surprised by that. It was definitely something his mom would do. He leaned forward and gave her a hug. "Instead I'll be expecting you to give me a big meal before I head off to work," Hugo teased. Then he frowned thoughtfully, "Actually, that'll probably be more common when school gets out, come to think of it."

She started talking about an elephant in the room and Hugo watched his mother curiously and then nodded when she talked about his dad. "Yeah, he told me," Hugo confirmed with a smile. He loved both of his parents and, while their separation was hard sometimes, was sure that it was for the best. He wanted both of them to be happy. He laughed when she mentioned Rosie. "Naaah. I met with her the other day and told her she didn't have to come," he admitted. "We already said our goodbyes." Honestly, leaving for school for the last time didn't need to be a whole family affair, in his opinion. It wasn't different than any other year. The only chance would come a year from now, when he didn't go. "So I'm all yours," he smiled. "What do you want us to do?" 

@hermionejean

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Hermione snorted. A large appetite was putting it lightly, though she supposed she should be lucky her son enjoyed her cooking. She could distinctly remember a certain other Weasley who would complain about her cooking rather constantly, especially when they were living in a tent during what should have been their seventh year at Hogwarts. Really, there was only so much she could have done when it came to hunting and scavenging for food. Would she ever compare to Molly Weasley? Absolutely not, but Hermione was perfectly fine with that.

She was glad Ron had told him he’d be meeting them at the train station, and chuckled at his comment about Rose. “I mean it is your last year dear, and you are Head Boy, like she was Head Girl. It can’t hurt to be a family moment,” she chided lightly. She doubted Rose would be able to get away from the Ministry before eleven; it was only because she was Minister that she was allowed to go, as she dictated her schedule for the most part. “I would like us to go downstairs and make breakfast,” she decided after her son asked her what she wanted to do. She stood up, brushing the front of her robes down smoothly, before exiting the room. Down the stairs she went, bustling into the kitchen as she waved her wand, the bowls, pots and pans needed to cook. “What should we start off with?” she asked.

@hugo

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Hugo grinned when his mother snorted. He loved making her laugh, even if it was at him. Hugo didn't mind being laughed at in the slightest. He shrugged when she said that Rose might be there since it was a family moment. "She might," he conceded. "I just don't think it's likely." He wasn't upset about that either. He and his sister had a nice talk about the whole thing a few days ago and he didn't feel like she was ignoring him or anything. They were still pretty close. 

"Breakfast it is!" Hugo exclaimed, twisting and jumping out of bed with a grin on his face. "Give me just a few minutes to get ready and I'll be right down?" He was sure his mother would agree with that, but suggested it nonetheless. Then she was gone. Hugo hurried to get dressed and brush his teeth, packing away the few essentials that he'd needed this morning before bounding down the stairs and into the kitchen. "Bacon!" Hugo answered when she asked what to start with. Was that even a question? "Hmmm ... how do waffles sound?" He was all for the "traditional" movie-style breakfast, for today at least.

@hermionejean

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Hermione left her son to get dressed and to make sure everything was in order before Hugo made his way down the stairs. She didn’t have to check the fridge but she turn on the stove burners, assuming her son would want bacon. Of course, she was correct, and she smiled as with a wave of her wand several slabs of bacon made their way to the frying pan, filling the kitchen with a sizzling, popping noise as it began to cook. “Hmm,” Hermione pretended to ponder, then pulled out the waffle iron she had owned since the kids were toddlers. She had kept it in the most pristine condition since her kids seemed to love waffles so much, and had used a little magic if it ever short circuited. Still, it worked as reliably as it did from day one. “Agreed,” she said happily.

Hermione got out the batter ingredients from the fridge and began mixing it with a twirl of her wand. While it was mixing itself, she took out a few eggs from the egg holder and cracked them over the second pan. “Add some good protein in,” she told her son, before pouring the batter into the waffle iron. As the food sizzled, Hermione breathed in the scents of the different breakfast foods. “Good idea son,” she said, smiling over at Hugo.

@hugo

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Hugo couldn't help but grin when his mother had the pan all heated up for the bacon. Of course she knew what he would want. She was his mother, after all. She knew him better than perhaps anyone. He laughed when she pulled out the waffle iron. She knew him so well. Nothing he ever did surprised her. "Sounds like a good plan then!" He looked to her, "What can I do to help?" Hugo asked. He wanted to be a part of this, and to have fun with his mom before going to school.

He chuckled as she explained some of the cooking she was doing. She was a wonderful cook and a wonderful mother and he really appreciated everything she did for him. "All of my ideas are good, aren't they Mum?" The bacon was almost all done, so he reached over and took a piece, shaking it for a few seconds in the air before sticking it in his mouth quickly. "H-h-hot!" he exclaimed, laughing as he waved his hand in front of his face.

@hermionejean

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Hermione opened her mouth to tell her son to just sit back and relax, however she knew he wouldn’t listen. “Why don’t you cut up the fruit for a good fruit salad? We have fresh berries I picked up yesterday from that cute farmers market down the street,” she suggested, nodding to the refrigerator where the berries were located. She tossed a half dozen pieces of bacon onto the frying pan, listening to the satisfying sizzle as the bacon began to cook. Keeping an eye on the bacon, she waved her wand and lifted the jug of waffle batter up and let it pour slowly into the iron. Once there was a firm coating of batter, she shut the iron and watched the countdown light up on the panel. It was one of the Muggle contraptions that Ron had never quite understood how to work out before they’d gotten this particular brand - before he would always get them out before their time and they would have to live with undercooked waffles.

Hermione watched as Hugo took a piece of bacon. “Hugo-” she warned, but it was in vein. Her son popped the piping hot piece of bacon into his mouth and paid the price. She chuckled and shook her head, filling a glass of cool water and handing it to him. “Serves you right for trying to sneak a piece before it’s served,” she said teasingly. She got out two sets of plates and the bacon platter, moving the pieces onto the platter before setting it down on the counter. On cue, the waffle iron dinged and Hermione removed the cooked waffle with ease. She set it down in front of hugo with a smile. “Bon appetit,” she said cheerfully.

@hugo

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Hugo nodded when his mother told him to cut fruit. He followed her nod and it was easy to find, then he pulled out the cutting board and a knife. He knew he could use magic to do the work for him, but he did it anyway. He wanted to be able to enjoy this time with his mom, not to be bored while she cooked. He watched as she took care of the bacon and used magic to make the waffles. Oh man, he loved his mother's home-cooked meals!

He made a face at his mom when she said his name in a warning tone. He knew what he was doing! Granted, he got himself burned a little, but bacon was worth it. He'd try it again, but he expected to get his hands slapped by a spatula if he did. He gave a casual shrug, "It was worth it. Bacon always is Mum. Haven't I taught you that yet?" Then she was putting a waffle in front of him and Hugo grinned. "Yessss!" He summoned a fork and knife as he started loading his waffle with fruits, summoning Whipped Cream from the fridge and towering it on top. By the time his was ready for eating, another waffle was done. "Join me," he encouraged with a smile before taking a big bite. Perfect.

@hermionejean

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Hermione laughed at Hugo’s retort - of course her son would think bacon was worth it. She remembered the amount of bacon sandwiches Harry and Ron could put away in one sitting; it was no surprise to her that Hugo had inherited his father's bottomless pit of a stomach. She waved her wand and the rest of the bacon was listed onto a plate and set down on the wooden kitchen table. She shook her head with a small smile as Hugo loaded up his waffle with everything but the kitchen sink, and readily agreed to join him at the table with her own. Hermione was partial to pure maple syrup on her waffles, so she poured a generous amount over them, allowing the golden syrup to soak in to the waffle, making her stomach rumble.

“Cheers,” she said, clinking her glass of orange juice against his, before taking a sip and tucking into her own waffle. Hugo had started just moments before her, but she didn’t mind. She had never been the best cook growing up, and she very distinctly remembered the complaining Ron used to do when they were on the run from Voldemort about what she could do with fish. She knew waffles were easy enough, but she liked ensuring that her food was edible before being able to try a bite for herself. Sure enough, the waffle was light and fluffy, loaded down with the syrupy sweetness. “Mmm,” she said, closing her eyes and savoring the taste. “I bet if you asked the house elves they’d do a waffle bar once in awhile, especially if you visit them regularly. You are Head Boy after all,” she suggested mildly. It was very unlike Hermione to suggest anything to give the House Elves more work, but after many visits to the kitchens, she had come to realize that they LIKED being given challenges, and also loved being visited by the students. Might as well make the visit worthwhile she supposed.

@hugo

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Hugo liked his Mom's cooking. Sure, he'd heard stories of how she wasn't the best cook, but he didn't really care about any of that. She did well enough for him and he liked eating the food that she prepared. Maybe his father and Harry were just a bit skeptical. He grinned when she moaned at how good her waffle was and then rolled his eyes. He never could understand why she ate it with just syrup. She left out a bunch of stuff that made the breakfast meal way better. His eyes lit with excitement at her suggestion. "That's a great idea, Mum!" He exclaimed. "I mean, I visit them all the time anyway, but I never thought ... a waffle bar. You think Xan would join me?" He laughed. "Or I could have a waffle bar party if I could convince them to make it for me ..." Hugo trailed off thoughtfully before smirking at his mother. "On a Saturday of course, when people don't have to skip class or studying." He knew she'd studied on weekends when she was in school, but she knew him well enough to know that wasn't Hugo's style. He did well enough in school without having to study on the weekends. "Think that would appeal to anyone?" He questioned her. 

@hermionejean

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Hermione grinned, basking in her sons’ enthusiasm. “I think Xan would be delighted to join you Hugo, why wouldn’t she?” she declared, looking at him curiously. What a difference a year made; she could recall this past summer while on holiday with the Meagle family, and Hugo came to her and Ron to declare he had foreseen that he and Xanthippe would be married one day. Ron hadn’t taken the news well, but Hermione had not so secretly been overjoyed. She loved her goddaughter as if she was one of her own children; making her an official part of the family would just be the cherry on top. Then Xan had gotten sick, so sick that for a time not even Hermione could be positive the girl would live to see the end of the year. Fortunately, Xan had made a miraculous recovery, and though she had to repeat her sixth year at Hogwarts, it looked as though she was out of the woods health wise, and that was a huge relief. Still, she hoped that Hugo’s query was merely an innocent question

“You could do a waffle bar party, perhaps for the Prefects, or the OWL and NEWT level students? They’ll be working very hard this year and could use a break, and waffles,” she suggested, chortling as Hugo made sure to emphasize he would only do this on a weekend. Even if he didn’t wait for the weekend, as long as he wasn’t bullying people into skipping class it would be fine. It wasn’t as if Hermione NEVER did anything fun during the week as a student after all. “I think they’d love the idea,” she added, in case her position on the matter wasn’t clear as she began to clear away the empty plates. “Seconds?” she asked, wanting to be sure before she placed the dishes in the sink, to be washed after she brought Hugo to the train.

@hugo