Illusion

Author's Note: Originally published on February 12, 2017

It had been her idea, after all. Though now she was regretting it.

Their opportunities to go out together, on actual dates, were few and far between as Hermione helped her parents resume their lives in England. If she was correctly keeping track, it was only their fourth formal date since the end of the war.

She didn't count their time together in Australia. That had been him mostly comforting and supporting her through a difficult situation. Not the most ideal time for carefree fun and romance.

She hadn't even paid much attention to the show, fully aware of all the classic tricks the performers were completing. No, she'd spent more time watching Ron's reactions in the darkened theatre, unsure of what he'd think.

Would he be offended? Horrified? Would he ridicule her on her choice of outing? It wasn't as if she'd been on any dates before they'd finally gotten together. He had stood and clapped at the conclusion, but maybe it was just out of pity, not wanting her to feel bad. Perhaps it was an illusion.

Now, as they exited the small auditorium, she couldn't help but stare up at him again, his face giving away nothing.

Despite the lovely feeling of his warm hand capturing hers as they strolled done the street, she remained silent.

"What's wrong?"

She shook her head, broken out of her reverie. "Nothing."

"I know you better than that."

She could feel her throat closing and her eyes dampen. "Oh, you hated it, didn't you? You must have thought it was childish and ridiculous. I've gone and ruined our date!"

Ron chuckled and nudged her to the side, out of the way of the other pedestrians, before placing his hands on her shoulders and gently turning her towards him. She did her best to avoid his eyes.

"Well, I believe I've been accused of being childish and ridiculous, so it must not be that bad."

She tried her best not to let the corners of her lips curve into a smile, but she couldn't help it.

"If you must know, I thought it was brilliant!"

She glanced up, and saw the huge grin across his face.

"I really thought the bloke in the cape had cut his assistant in half. But her feet were still moving… I wonder how he did that? Oh, and it was hilarious when that rabbit just popped out of his hat."

"You really enjoyed it? You're not just saying that?"

"I really did, it was cool to see Muggle magic."

"Well it's not really magic, more of a combination of sleight of hand, distractions, mirrors…"

"Shhh!" Ron admonished her. "Don't ruin it!"

She laughed and wiped at her eyes. "I just wanted you to have a bit of fun."

He took her hands in his. "It was really fun, and you know what the best part was?"

"What?"

He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. "Spending time with you, love. That's always magical to me."