Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any related characters.

A Perfect Evening

"Easy there."

Ron grasped his wife's elbow, keeping Hermione upright as she waddled towards the sofa.

"You know how proud of you I am, right?" Hermione encouraged, wincing as she eased herself at snail's pace down onto the cushion. Her swollen feet were throbbing, and she felt instant relief from no longer having to exert any additional pressure on them.

"Of course."

They were returning from a gala at the Ministry in honor of Ron and Harry, who were awarded a plaque for five years of exemplary service in the Auror department.

"I just couldn't stay there a moment longer, my feet were killing me in these dreaded heels. I can't believe I even talked myself into wearing them. I'm almost eight months pregnant, for Merlin's sake—"

"Eight months pregnant and still beautiful," Ron interrupted, resting a flat palm against her cheek.

Hermione groaned and leaned into his soft hand, closing her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Save the lines for when I'm not too weak to actually believe them."

"You're the only one calling them lines, Hermione. Besides, what I said is true. You astound me with how beautiful you are, sometimes." Ron blushed, taking her hand in his and placing it on his lap. "I've always known, even when I was too much of a git to admit it."

Hermione's heart swelled with love for her husband, who she thought was being entirely too sweet to her after practically begging him to leave the event early, just so she could change out of her ridiculous shoes.

"What can I do for you, love?" he inquired, already bending over to unlatch the buckles on her heels to slide them off her feet. She wiggled her now-free toes, releasing a happy sigh. Ron bent over to place a kiss on each of her ankles before sitting back up.

"I can't even reach my feet anymore," she whimpered, squeezing her eyes shut. It was difficult for her to feel helpless, and although Ron was gentle, doting, and attentive towards her, she felt guilty for having to constantly ask for his help with the simplest of tasks nowadays.

"I'd love a foot rub." She popped one eye open to watch her husband curiously, almost going rigid in complete shock as he kneeled down next to the sofa to inspect her toes. "I didn't think you'd actually—"

"Whatever I can do to make you happy, yeah?" He grinned up at her, propping her foot up in his lap. Holding on to her foot with one hand, he leaned closer to plant a quick kiss to her lips before reaching over her head for his wand on the side table. With a swish and flick, soft, soothing jazz music started to play over the muggle speakers they had installed a few years ago.

Mood music. Hermione allowed her muscles to relax and dropped her head back to rest on the perfectly placed cushion while closing her eyes.

Vaguely aware of Ron sliding his thumb and index finger to the base of her big toe, she nearly moaned out loud when he gently pulled, stretching and kneading her delicate skin. He bent and flexed her toes in a repeated motion, loosening up any stiff spots. His hands moved to the arch of her foot, using the pads of his thumbs to apply gentle pressure and rub in slow, circular movements.

Hermione felt her eyes growing sleepy, her nervous system stimulated as she allowed herself to fall into a beautifully meditative state.

He was working her muscles like a well-trained masseuse, and it was throwing her for a loop. How did she go so many years without realizing how skilled he was with his hands? She blushed, holding back a giggle from her impure thoughts.

"I like seeing you smile, especially after being so stressed lately," Ron commented and her eyelids fluttered open. "It's no good for you or the baby if you don't take the time to relax more."

"Ron, this was supposed to be your day, and here I am making it all about me."

"Hermione, I've already had way too much attention on me today. All I want right now is to spend some quality time with my wife and make her happy. Am I making you happy, love?"

"As long as you're happy, I'm happy." Hermione grinned from ear to ear.

She was invigorated by the intensity of his gaze, and even though it took her several seconds to sit up fully, she pressed a sweet, loving kiss to his lips.

A perfect end to an evening well spent celebrating their accomplishments, and showing their love for one another.