How the Brunette defeated the Redhead

AN: Here’s the next chapter. I hope you guys enjoy! Thanks to all my reviewers! If you’ve reached this point, please R&R

Hermione squared her shoulders and prepared herself for what she needed to do. She raised her hand to knock, but then her courage failed her and she took a step back. I can’t do this, she thought to herself. Ginny is going to be so mad at me; I can’t stand losing a friend. It’s not like I ever had many. I just have to tell her the truth. They were broken up, and Harry kissed me, I didn’t go after him. I can do this. Inwardly scolding herself, she rallied her Gryffindor courage, and knocked.

Ginny opened the door and looked none too pleased with the fact that Hermione was on the other side. The two girls stood staring at each other before Mrs. Weasley came bounding over.

“Ginevra Weasley! Where are your manners? Invite the poor girl in the house.”

“Thank you Molly.” Hermione stepped inside the Burrow and glanced around, noticing how little had changed since she had first visited ever so long ago. Eventually she looked back at the two Weasley women, and noticed them both staring at her expectantly.

Repressing a sigh, Hermione said, “Ginny, I’d like to talk to you alone if that is at all possible?” Nodding, Ginny started to walk up the stairs toward her room.

Looking slightly put out as Hermione started to follow her daughter, Molly cried, “You two are perfectly welcome to talk here. I really think that I should be involved! This is the happiness of my children we’re talking about!!” But all she received was silence, so she went back to the cooking in the kitchen.

Once in Ginny’s room the two girls continued to stare at each other in silence for quite some time. Ginny couldn’t help all of the thoughts that were running through her mind. I can’t believe this boyfriend stealing bitch is in my house! Well, ok, maybe she didn’t steal my boyfriend, but he was mine first! What can she have to say to me? After the way I was embarrassed, I’ll never forgive her.

Finally, mustering her courage once again, Hermione said, “Ginny, I’m sorry about yesterday. It was very inconsiderate of Harry and me to announce our engagement that way. I knew that you still had feelings for Harry, but because you were obviously trying so hard last night, I agreed to let him announce it.”

“We should’ve talked to you and told you that we were together, and I am truly sorry about that. I’m also rather ashamed of the way I behaved last night, but seeing you kiss Harry made something inside me snap. We were once close friends, and I hope that we can fix this. I know that it will take time, but Harry and I are willing to do whatever it takes.”

Ginny sat deep in thought for a few minutes. Maybe she’s right. I mean he did break up with me, I just always figured that it wasn’t real and that he was going to come back to me. Hermione really was my first friend and she’s always been there for Harry when I couldn’t be.

Hermione was a little concerned that she wouldn’t answer, but eventually Ginny looked up and said, “I’ve always known it would be you. I tried so hard to distract him because I really did care about him Hermione. I know that it sounds stupid, but I always wanted to be with Harry Potter, ever since I was a little girl I read stories about him and fantasized about being with him.”

“As much as I love mum, she encouraged me to try and get him after he and Ron became friends. It seemed like we could all be a big happy family, you and Ron, and me and Harry. Mum still hasn’t accepted that Ron is with Luna. But I don’t think that I ever really saw him as just Harry.”

“Gin, I know that you cared about him at some point. But you let yourself get caught up in the supposed wealth and fame you would have after being with him. I mean that dress you were wearing last night, that wasn’t appropriate for such a public outing. It was very pretty and would’ve been suitable if you two were on a romantic dinner alone, but that’s it. You should’ve realized that Harry would’ve been embarrassed by that. You know he likes to ignore his public image.”

“And Molly certainly hasn’t helped. As the only daughter I can only imagine how spoiled you were. You were able to have anything you wanted and I’m sure that when it came to Harry you couldn’t possibly imagine him saying ‘no’. And I know that what I’m saying isn’t that nice, but you are an amazing, beautiful and talented witch. There is a guy out there who will love being able to show you off to the world. It just isn’t Harry.”

            The former schoolmates sat at in silence for what seemed like an eternity before Ginny reached up to wipe away a tear that was falling down her face and said, “Hermione, I’m sorry. But I need time, you have to go.”

            Flustered, Hermione nodded, quickly stood, and rushed out of the room and almost directly into Mrs. Weasley. Both women stared at each other until Mrs. Weasley spoke.

            “Dear,” she said, “you know I wouldn’t intrude unless the matter was important to me and my family.”

            “Yes, I know. Take care.” Hermione replied meekly before running down the stairs and apparating on the spot and directly into Harry’s waiting arms. 

            Ginny remained in her room all day, trying to figure out what she should do. How can she call me trashy? That outfit was appropriate for the ball! Well, I mean, I know that Harry doesn’t like to call much attention to himself. How could I have thought that he would’ve appreciated all the attention I was bringing him?

            Hermione’s right, I need someone that wants to take me out and show me off. I’ve been so stupid! He’s gone forever. But Hermione said that I’m worth it, that I deserve someone. And she’s right! I do deserve someone. There’s someone out there who is going to love me, exactly how I am, and that person just isn’t Harry. You can do this Ginevra.

….

            Six months later, Harry sat in the auror locker room with all of his fellow recruits. That day’s practice had been particularly grueling, as they had gone through a rigorous training drill that included a two hour dueling session, 12 mile non-magical run, and an endless lecture on the importance of disguise. Harry was glad that lunch time had finally rolled around.

            “Hard day so far, huh Scarhead?”

            “Yea…” replied Harry. It still seemed strange to him to be able to carry on a civil conversation with the man that he had once called his arch nemesis, well second to Voldemort of course. After the final battle, where Harry had saved Draco’s life 3 times, Draco had come over to the light side. At first, no one had taken him seriously. But then Draco delivered his father to the ministry and signed up for auror training. Harry was one of the first people to join the pro-Draco camp.

            Although the two couldn’t be described as best friends, they were rather good mates.

            Draco was concerned, because he knew what he wanted to ask, but was scared of Harry’s reaction. You can do this! You’re a Malfoy and this is just Pothead we’re talking about. There’s nothing to be scared of. I mean he only defeated and killed the Dark Lord, why would I think he’d do anything to me? Starting to panic, Draco gathered his courage and said, “So, What’s the situation with you and Gin?”

            “Just friends or trying to be. You know I’m engaged, and it’s perfect.” Harry said glancing at his friend. Blimey Malfoy, I’ve always known you were stupid, but seriously. You know I’m engaged. Wonder what he’s getting at?

            “So you wouldn’t mind if I take Ginny out?”

            Aha, Harry thought to himself. “No mate. Good luck dealing with the temper.” Draco simply smiled, grabbed his lunch and left, leaving Harry to wonder at the possibility of a Malfoy and a Weasley.