Harry was in the nursery, quite alone, apart from little Alison cwtched into his shoulder. He was rocking her gently, humming softly into her downy-haired head. One hand supported her, the other smoothed her back in rhythmic circles. Alison's tiny hands were curled fists in Harry's robes, as she purred in comfort. Hermione's breath caught in her lungs. It looked such a perfect scene. Harry was more content than she had ever seen him, untroubled, just dancing there with a babe in his arms. And, for just a moment, Hermione felt the most intense sense of longing and loss she'd ever known.