Conquering Fear

Author's Note: Originally published on October 31, 2009

Ron enthusiastically grabbed his girlfriend's hand and tried pulling her into the queue for the Muggle haunted house.

"C'mon Hermione," he pleaded. "Harry and Ginny had a great time here last year."

She stubbornly stood her ground and shook her head. "I'd really rather not go in, Ron."

He was surprised by her lack of enthusiasm. She usually put up a token fight before indulging in one of his impulsive ideas, but the frown on her face indicated something deeper than mere reluctance. Worried by her reaction, he walked her away from the line and tenderly cupped her face between his hands, brushing his thumbs across her cheeks.

"What's wrong, love?"

He watched as her glance strayed to the dark entrance, studying it for a moment, before she met his eyes.

"It reminds me of Grimmauld Place—that horrible night we escaped from Bill's wedding. Do you remember the Dumbledore jinx?" She closed her eyes and visibly shuddered, reliving the frightening memory. "It was terrifying."

He pulled her in close and soothingly rubbed her back. "I'm so sorry, Hermione, I thought this would be a bit of harmless fun. Please let me take you home." He smiled into her hair. "I can even nick some treats from your parents; it's the only day there's anything sweet at your house... besides you, of course."

She groaned and stepped back, her cheeks pink from his corny compliment. She couldn't help but return his infectious smile. As he searched for a hidden spot from which they could Disapparate, she gripped his forearm and halted him.

"I'm acting silly. There's nothing to be scared of in there."

He seized her hand once again. "Are you sure? We don't have to."

"It'll be fine," she insisted quietly. "Just don't let go."

He leaned down and kissed her softly, before whispering against her lips. "Never."

He wrapped his arm protectively around her back as they stood in line. The couple finally gained entrance to the elaborately decorated home and began to make their way through. After encountering a few "monsters" and "ghosts" which had sprung out of hidden chambers and closets, Ron noticed Hermione relax and begin to enjoy the attraction.

He looked around in wonder at the painstaking detail and was impressed, even if their depictions of supernatural creatures were amusing to him. The extravagant coffin in the living room and the giant spiders on the wall did unnerve him slightly. The entire time, his eyes kept darting to Hermione, making sure she was alright. Just as he'd promised, their hands never separated.

Upon completing their tour of the house, she hugged him tightly. "Thank you."

"I meant what I said, Hermione. I love you and I'll always be here for you."

His sudden, heartfelt declaration caused her eyes to shine, and she stood on her toes, kissing him with all the passion she could muster.

After they broke apart, he grinned and licked his lips. "Mmm... you are the sweetest treat of all, Hermione."