How the Brunette defeated the Redhead

Disclaimer: I own nothing; it’s all the brilliant work of J.K. Rowling.

Later that week, Harry took Hermione out for a romantic dinner date. The two were dressed to the nines and excited for a night out on the town. They were having dinner at a cozy little restaurant outside London. Both were excited to get away from their stress and simply spend time together.

“How was work love?”

“Grueling, yet another hard day of training. But I guess that all Aurors go through this at some point.” Harry sighed, rather dejectedly.

“I’m sorry dear. I suppose a massage would help?” Harry wiggled his eyebrows at her seductively and she simply giggled, knowing she was in for a fun night.

“How was your day at St Mungo’s, ‘Mione?”

“It was fine. Spent a lot of time with patients today, so that was rather interesting. There were lots of children with Quidditch injuries in my ward today. I have you to thank for making me accustomed to those injuries.”

Harry laughed and said, “I’m glad that all of my pain helped you.”

After placing their order, the couple sat in a comfortable silence. Harry smiled at his girlfriend, and placed her hand over Hermione’s. “I’ve missed you this week. We’ve both been so busy.”

Hermione smiled at him, she couldn’t help but agree that it had been a while since they had talked. He’s so perfect! Ron wouldn’t think that going only a few days without having a serious conversation was an issue, but Harry knows me so well. I love him so much.

Just after they had received their food, they heard the tinkling of bells. Being such a small restaurant, they had a clear view of the door. They were both shocked to see Draco and Ginny walk inside together.

The four of them stood staring at each other in an awkward silence until finally Harry turned to Draco and said, “Hey mate. You guys here for dinner?”

“Yes, Potter, that is why people usually go to a restaurant.” The two men chuckled, hoping that their lame attempt at a joke would lighten the mood, but the two women were unmoved, staring at their feet. The boys shrugged and waited to see what happened.

Eventually Ginny looked up and said, “Hi Hermione.”

Hermione looked up in surprise and said, “Hello Gin, Draco. What brings you two here? Well I suppose Draco already answered that, dinner of course.” She laughed nervously and looked entreatingly at her fiancé to help her.

Taking pity on her, Harry said, “Hermione and I were just getting our food to go, so we’ll be going then. Have a good time. The wine is really good here.” Then wrapping an arm about Hermione’s waist, the couple walked out. Hermione looked over her shoulder at Ginny as they walked out, and attempted a smile. Gin waved in recognition, but then looked away, entirely embarrassed by the situation.

“Well,” Draco said, “That was interesting. I didn’t know that they would be here Gin; I’m not that big of a prat. Are you alright?”

You can do this Ginny, the redhead told herself. You’re a Weasley! Just because you saw Harry and Hermione together doesn’t mean that you can’t have a nice time with Draco. Besides, as he said, he had no idea they would be here. He wouldn’t do this to me.

Draco looked at his date nervously, not knowing what to say to relieve the tension. Bloody hell! Now she thinks that I’m the biggest prat in the world. Of course she’s upset; she had to see Harry Bloody Potter with his girlfriend. Ginny must hate me.

After a very prolonged, awkward silence, she looked up at him and smiled, “Yes Draco, I’m perfectly fine. Now how about we try some of the wine Harry suggested?” Draco smiled at her, and the two sat down to have a very enjoyable dinner.

Back at the apartment, Hermione cautiously glanced at Harry. Sensing her discomfort he said, “What is it darling? I know you have something to say.”

“It’s just, well did seeing Ginny out with Draco upset you Harry? I’d understand if it did, I mean you used to date her, it would be perfectly understandable.” How can he not be jealous? She looked so pretty, and Harry has always looked out for her, and he must hate that she was with Draco. I can’t lose him!

Harry chuckled, but seeing the hurt look on Hermione’s face he stopped, and said, “No ‘Mione, it didn’t bother me at all. I actually knew that Draco wanted to ask her out, and I’m completely ok with it. You should understand. I mean, do you get upset when you see Ron with Luna?”

“Of course not Harry! Even though the 3 days I dated Ron were pure bliss,” She sarcastically remarked, “It makes me happy to know that he is happy with Luna.”

“I feel the same way with Gin. I’m glad that she’s dating. It means that I can stop worrying about her messing this up, and focus on you.”

“I know what you mean Harry. It seems like lately all we’ve done is worry about her reaction. It was possible that she would try to break us up. Well, I suppose that her kissing you in front of me was an attempt.  I just want to focus on us now. I love you so much.”

He got down on one knee, pulled a white box out and said, “Hermione, will you marry me?”

            She giggled, Hermione Granger giggled, as she saw her fiancée on the ground asking her to marry him. “Harry, I already said I would after the last battle. We’re engaged remember.”

            “Hermione, will you marry me next week?” he opened the white box and revealed the most amazing engagement ring. Hermione fainted, and hit the floor.

Harry panicked and quickly performed the spell to bring Hermione back to consciousness. He pulled her onto his lap and held her for a moment in complete silence. What’s wrong with him? Oh hell, it must be reminding him of the battle. No wonder he’s so scared. Hermione said, “I’m ok Harry, I’m ok.”

“I just, I saw you how you were after Dolohov hit you with that curse back at the ministry in 5^th year.” He choked back tears, and took a moment to get a grip on his feelings, “That was the first time I ever realized that I loved you. Hermione, I know that we’ve always said we would wait to get married, but I want you to be my wife now. And I know that you already have an engagement ring, but it’s just one that I transfigured out of a coin. So I want you to have this ring. It belonged to my mum, and I found it when I went through my vault. If you want a newer ring or something bigger we can go pick something out, you don’t have to accept this ring…” But he was cut off when Hermione kissed him.

“Oh, Harry, it’s absolutely perfect. I can’t imagine having any other ring. And yes, this is a little fast, I hadn’t planned on getting married until next year, but I want to your wife. I can’t imagine waiting any longer.” Harry beamed at her, and picked her off the ground, spinning in circles.

AN: Thanks to all of my reviewers! If you’re gotten this far, please review so that I can get all of your feedback!