Dawn to Dusk

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This felt like a dream. She and Bella were finally getting along. To say Hermione was happy would be an understatement. She was exhilarated, euphoric and filled with joy. She wasn't the only one who was feeling this way. Bella's eye gleamed warmly when they talked. Her smile was not strained but sincere.

Charlie had been surprised when he found the two preparing dinner together, but it lasted only momentarily. The positive change was a welcome, and for the first time sat down together like a happy family, trading stories about their days and cleaning the dishes together.

Before she went to sleep, Hermione heard Bella approach Charlie's room and knock on the door.

"Bella?" She heard Charlie's voice.

"I just want to apologize." Bella sounded sincere. "The way I behaved... I know it wasn't easy for you and Hermione too. And I have been nothing but a pain in the ass for the both of you."

"You are a pain in the ass." Charlie chuckled softly. "But you are my pain in the ass, and I love you, Bells. No matter what happens."

"I know." Her voice cracked like she was about to cry. "I know Charlie. I love you too."

Hermione smiled. Her heart filled with warmth. Happiness bloomed inside her. This day was perfect. She could only hope it would last forever.

***

The next morning Hermione woke up early to prepare breakfast. Thankfully she had shopped a lot for dinner yesterday so the fridge was fully stocked. She pulled some ingredients from the fridge and some pans and bowls from the cupboard. Her hands moved fast and steady, cracking and beating eggs, frying strips of bacon and mixing the batter for pancakes. In no time at all, breakfast was almost ready.

Bella walked into the kitchen just as Hermione transferred the last batch of pancakes from the pan onto a plate.

"Morning." She yawned as she sat.

"Morning." Hermione placed the plate of pancakes on the dining table. "Breakfast?"

Bella beamed at the sight of the warm pancakes. Hermione handed her an empty plate and silverware.

"You know it's been awhile since I woke up to a delicious looking homemade meal." Bella chirped, placing some pancakes onto her plate.

"Well excuse me for not knowing how to cook." Charlie, who just entered the room, chimed in. "Morning girls."

"Morning." Hermione and Bella answered with a small laugh.

Charlie poured himself a cup of coffee, while Hermione brought another plate full of bacon and scrambled egg.

"Thank you for cooking, Hermione." Charlie said while filling his plate.

"You're welcome."

"Wow, Hermione. This is really delicious." Bella said after her first bite. "Did your mom teach you how to cook? My mom is terrible at it."

"My mom was not that good either. Dad usually cooked but he never got to teach me either." Hermione said after sitting between Bella and Charlie. "My boyfriend's mother was the one who taught me to cook."

"You have a boyfriend?" Charlie dropped his fork that was halfway to his mouth. "How old is he? Is he a nice guy? How long have you been dating?"

Bella and Hermione chuckled at Charlie's sudden 'protective dad mode'.

Bella leaned towards Hermione. "He was the same when I started dating Edward."

Dads will be dads, she guessed. "His name is Ronald Weasley. He went to school with me. I've known him since I was eleven but we just got together recently. He's really nice and funny. He cared for me a lot. I hope you'll meet him someday. You'll love him."