A\N- Here is chapter two. I do not own very much. Thank you everyone who reviewed! Much Love! It was pointed out that it is only noon in the US when it was evening in Britain. So, let us just assume that Ron knows about as much about the US as I do about Britain. Also, I hoped you guys noticed that Hermione has recently "re-entered" the wizard world. She's been…otherwise involved for a while. J

************************************************************* Weasley Manor, Entry Hall, 8:09 PM *************************************************************

"Hermione?" Ron felt suddenly numb. Hermione Granger, his old friend, who had virtually disappeared from the Wizarding World 10 years ago, was now standing in his hallway, looking slightly older, certainly prettier, and she had two kids. This whole idea was a bit hard for him to swallow.

"Hermione!" Harry seemed to feel few of his friend's qualms. His words were excited and very friendly, but he made no move to hug Hermione, or even shake her hand. "It's been forever! What have you been up to?" With this, he looked at the sleeping child in Hermione's arms, and Alex, who was now looking at his idol and his mother with an awed expression. (HIS MOTHER AND HARRY POTTER WERE FRIENDS! Just wait until he got back to first grade next month.) "Never mind." Harry smirked, his eyes twinkling. "I can see what you've been up to." (He also noticed her left hand was void of a wedding ring. My this was an interesting situation.)

Hermione was about as comfortable in this situation as Ron was, but she managed one of her old glares, and a slight grin. "Humph."

Harry looked at Ron, his grin becoming wider. "Her." He mouthed.

Ron stared at him in shock. "NO WAY."

"Well." Said Hermione. "I think I'm gonna start back home now, It's time for bed. It was…nice…to see the two of you again."

She took Alex's hand again, and began to back out the door.

"But Mumm." Alex began.

"Hermione wait!" Ron called suddenly. "We have a business proposition for you." Hermione stood there for a moment, half in, half out of the house, then, at Alex's pleading allowed herself to be pulled to the parlor. ************************************************************* Weasley Manor, Business Parlor, 8:15 PM ************************************************************************

Despite herself, Hermione was impressed by the room in which she now sat, Rion asleep on her lap. Floating candles illuminated the room, and a soft snow seemed to fall from the ceiling. There was an enormous Christmas tree, but despite the nearness of the holiday season, there was only a smattering of presents below it. The ornaments on the tree were no doubt gifts from Fred and George, as they kept changing shape and color, and often trying to knock each other off the tree. It was indeed a breathtaking room, but Hermione could not help but feel it seemed a little remote. There was not a speck of dust anywhere and the gifts were perfectly wrapped. She doubted Ron and Harry had changed that much! Moreover, although the tree ornaments were humorous and cute, they were arranged so perfectly that they lost some of their appeal. She was willing to bet big money there was not a single hole in that tree, unlike her own, back at the apartment.

"So Hermione," began Harry, "I hate to be so blunt, but am I correct in assuming you aren't married?"

Harry's abruptness snapped Hermione out of her dream like state, and she narrowed her eyes ever so slightly. "Divorced." She said slowly. Just what business proposition did they have in mind?

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Weasley Manor, Business Parlor, 8:19 PM

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"You want me to do WHAT?" Hermione asked in shock when the whole deal had been explained to her. She looked guiltily at Rion, who mumbled slightly but continued to sleep. Hermione lowered her voice. "I can't pretend to marry Ron. You guys are crazier than I remembered."

Harry sighed. Hermione had always been rather stubborn. Clearly, a decade and motherhood hadn't changed that. Fortunately, Ron at least was warming to the idea. Out of sheer desperation sure, but it did make Harry's job a good deal easier. Harry settled back in his armchair and let Ron take over the debate. Arguing was what they had always been good at after all. The seeker smiled slightly. Up until "the end" they had fought just like an old married couple. That was when Harry noticed Hermione's oldest son looking at him. Up till this point the six year old, now obviously high on adrenaline, had been "enchanted" by the ornaments on the tree, but they held his attention no longer. After holding Harry's gaze for a split moment he looked toward his mother and Rion, then looked back towards Harry, this time adverting his gaze bashfully. Harry understood this subliminal message, and grinned in response. At this Alex scampered over to him and climbed into his lap.

"Oomph." Said Harry.

"Sorry." Alex told him, then commenced watching the exchanged between his mother and this red haired guy from his new perch with sleepy contentment.

"Hermione, all you have to do is pretend to be married to me until my business deal closes." Ron repeated for what felt like the hundredth time.

Hermione was still staring at him. She never would have thought that her two best friends from school would have even considered such trickery for a business deal. Sure, they had not always followed the rules, but this just seemed wrong. "Ron!" began Hermione firmly

"You'll be paid of course." Ron interjected. "Enough for your troubles." Hermione looked at him hard, and then at her children. Alex was looking at her so hopefully. Moreover, it was just a few days. She'd have enough money to pay for Christmas presents. "Ok." she said slowly.

"Yay!" cheered Alex. Harry looked pleased, and Ron looked relived. "Two thousand Galleons." Ron said. "You stay until the deals closed." Hermione nodded in a daze, both at the idea of that much money and the idea that Ron would through that sum out on the table like pocket change. Things had changed all right.

"What about school?" Ron asked her. "Will your boys be able to get there by floo powder?" Hermione shook her head. "Alex is out for Christmas break. Rion isn't in school yet; he usually stays with Padma Longbottom during the day.

Ron nodded. "And you? You'll be able to get time off work I suppose?"

Hermione smiled a tight, mischievous smile. "I should think so Boss." The room sat in silence for a long time. Hermione smiled to herself, pleased at the shock she had caused. Harry cleared his throat, and Ron seemed to shake himself out of his daze.

"Good then." He clapped his hands twice, and a two slivery spirits in servant uniforms appeared out of nowhere. Alex stared in shock and burrowed himself farther into Harry's chest. Qudditch, brooms and magic wands were all well and good, but ghosts were not a part of the wizarding world he had become accustom to.

"Prepare three rooms please." Ron said. "For these three. My family has come home."

A\N-I know this was a short chapter, but I want to start the next part as a new chapter. Read and Review ~CR~