Harry ran out the gate and round to the south side of the garden wall where he was expecting Ron to be. Ron was sitting under an old oak just a couple of meters behind the wall. When he saw Harry he immediately got up and started waling toward Harry to bridge the gap between them.

Harry stopped in front of Ron with his wrapped gift in hand, "Look Ron, I am

"Smack!" Harry's explanation was cut off by Ron's fist squashing Harry's nose against his face.

Ron sat under the oak tree reveling in his fantasy fight with Harry. His world came back into focus when he saw Harry come around the corner. Ron got to his feet and started toward his foster brother. Ron crossed his fist behind his back and could have sworn he could feel Harry's swashed nose against his knuckles. 'Ok, stay calm; let's hear Harry's explanation. If we don't like it then we will pummel him.' Ron thought as he closed the gap.

Harry stopped in front of Ron with his wrapped gift in hand, "Look Ron, I am sorry," Harry not looking Ron in the eye.

With His fist clench behind him Ron spoke though clinched teeth, "Sorry for what exactly Harry?"

Ron could tell that Harry was nervous. Until Ron asked his question Harry never looked him in the eyes, until now. Ron could have sworn Harry was going to break down as Harry started to speak. "Look Ron, You are my best friend and now my brother. I do not want to loose you as either. I am sorry for not telling you about the dreams. It was hard enough for me to deal with them. I was so excited about having a family I wanted to take full advantage of it. You will never know how hard it is not to have a mother to confide in."

Ron swallowed hard, trying to get rid of the slab of guilt building in his throat. He was not going to show him this though, "What about the present in your hand? Why didn't you open it with the rest of the family's?"

Harry's brow furrowed, dripping with sarcasm, "That's it Ron I really want to open a present from a friend when he is angry at me. It does not make the gift true. It is just something you give to me because you feel you have to."

Ron hard slab of guilt was now choking him. "Boy, I never think do I? Why is it I can be such a stupid git? As Ron stood not looking his new brother in the eyes, Harry placed the unwrapped gift in his hand. Ron was jerked from his self-wallowing, "Harry no," He said pleading, "I am sorry. I am the git who owes the apology. Please take my gift not because I am mad. Because you are my friend and you deserve it." Ron offered the gift back to Harry.

"That is what I wanted you to say." Harry's face lit up wit a grin, he added, "If you think of hitting me again you will be hurt brother."

Ron's face turned red, "Oh sorry... Wait a minute, how did you know that I wanted to hit you?"

"I didn't you just told me." Before Ron could react Harry was on to of him in a headlock giving Ron Noogies.

After a few minutes of wrestling around, the both were covered from head to foot in grass and dirt. Neither opponent was winning. They were just wrestling for the fun of it. Ron finally pinned Harry to the ground. With gasping breaths, "Are you going to open my present to you or not?"

Harry grinned mischievously with his shoulders to the ground, "If you would stop picking fights with me I would."

"Who started this by giving me noogies?" Ron shoved Harry's shoulders harder to the ground faking anger in his voice.

Harry shoved Ron off his chest, "Who was sitting and contemplating my broken nose?"

Ron growled in annoyance, "Are you going to open the bloody present or not?"

Harry grabbed the present and shook it like a finger in Ron's face, "Don't be bloody cursing at me Ron!"

The two boys smirked at the statement and burst into laughter. After a few moments of deep guffaws Harry ripped into the present. Harry stood in shock for a moment. In his hand he held a copy of Quidditch Weekly the most up to date information of the teams around the world. On the cover was a picture of Harry in his third year on his Firebolt; the world around him was in a blur as he raced to catch the snitch in front of him. The caption said "Will Harry Potter a shoe in for The All Hogwarts' Team! There was also a note on the cover "There are 52 more issues coming."

Harry stammered, "You got me a subscription?"

"You bet Harry," Ron smiled and continued in a fake command, "you had better let me read em'."

Harry clutched the magazine to his chest in mock anger, "What let a friend read them who fantasizes about punching me in the nose? Ron stuck out his lip in a pout. Harry smiled of course I will let you read them," Ron's face brightened, "When they are a week old." Harry broke into laughter at the look on Ron's face of disappointment.

Harry's smile faded as he stuck his right hand out, "Friends?"

Ron grabbed his hand and pulled him into a manly hug, one arm and three slaps on the back, "No Harry bothers." Ron turned facing the direction Harry was facing and draped his arm over his new bothers shoulders. "Come on, I hear your party is just starting."

Ron dragged Harry by the shoulders back towards the front of the house. They were about to turn the corner of the north wall when Bam!!! A streak of red long red hair slammed into then knocking the exhausted boys off their feet.

Both Harry and Ron rolled on the ground in laughter. Ginny just stood red-faced not looking in the direction of the two jocular boys. Ron finally started to catch his breath in mid laugh yell at Harry, "Harry, When did Bludgers get red hair? OW!" Ron yelled in shock as the younger sister kicked his shin while he lay on the ground. "Help Harry! The Bludger is still hitting me!"

Harry rolled on the ground at the exchange between the two siblings, "Sorry bro, I am a Seeker not a Beater."

Ron jumped up to retaliate on the kicks he was receiving from Ginny. He suddenly stopped when he was given the 'Play time is over' look from his younger sister. Finally after what seemed to be forever, "Ron, Please leave so I can talk to Harry," Ginny said flatly, "Alone!"

Ron being the git he was to his sister, this just fueled the fires of taunting. "Awe, Does ickle Ginny-kins have a" His words were cut short by a Pele kick to the shins from Ginny that even made Harry flinch. "Owe!! Um... Harry I will see you inside," Ron said quietly as he hobbled to the house.

Harry flinch as Ginny turned her angry gaze on him. It was only a flinch because as soon as Ginny look at him he face softened and changed bright red from embarrassment. "Harry," she started nervously, "I wanted to talk to you, but not in front of everyone."

It was now Harry's turn to blush a deep shade of red. "OK," his voice cracked and he cleared his throat and continued, "What would you like to talk about?"

Ginny shifted nervously, "I wanted to give you your present but I was afraid you would not like it. So I waited."

"Ginny anything from you I am sure I would love it."

"Harry you are one of the worsted liars I have heard," Harry crinkled his brow in confusion as she continued, "you don't think I don't know you. Well here is a news flash. If you don't like a gift would smile politely and say thank you so much' and give the giver one of your million dollar smiles."

"How did you get so smart?"

"What Harry I have only been around you for three years. Your tails are evident. Do you want your present or not?"

Harry held up his hands in mock surrender, "I give; I'll take your present."

Ginny crossed her arms and looked at Harry sternly, "One more thing I can already see it. No snide remarks I put a lot of care into this. Promise?

Harry rolled his eyes and with forced breath in frustration, "Fine no snide remarks, promise.

Ginny reached into her pocket and produced a small velvet ring case. Immediate Harry's mind wanted to blurt out, 'Aren't we a little young to get married? Fortunately his other side of his brain shut his mouth and reminded Harry of his promise; Harry just spread his lips in a small smile.

Ginny's hand was shaking as she handed him the present. She felt it was like an eternity before Harry opened the gift and there was a reaction. Harry sat in shock. Inside was a small silver ring, with a tiger's eye stone set in the middle. The band, a quarter inch in width, was simple yet elegant. The stone was not too large so it would not be gaudy on his hand. Ginny watched as his face brightened and he took the ring from the box. Ginny was about to say something as Harry immediately gone to place the ring on his right hand. He then noticed written on the inside of the ring.

To my protector, let this ring help protect you.

Ginny watched Harry nervously. He was not saying anything. Harry did not even look at her. Ginny mind started to race 'He hates it he hates it. He does not want to tell me to not hurt my feeling. She started swallowing the lump in her throat was not going down. She reached out tentatively to take the ring back but froze.

"Ginny" Harry said in a whisper.

Ginny finally looked into his face and saw the glitter of light refracting off the pools forming in his eyes. Ginny's started to crumble 'I knew it he hates the ring I knew I should not have made it!'

"No Ginny," his voice, cut her thoughts still a whisper, "I love that you made me this. No one has ever taken the time to even give me a present. Let alone make something so special."

The pools in his eye disappeared as they started to make tracks down his face. Ginny instinctively, before she knew, reached out and wiped the tear way. "Why are you crying?"

Harry placed the ring on his finger and a sudden warmth and calmness raced through his body. A smile broke the deep emotion in his face, "Lately I cannot help it. Even the smallest things set me off. I cannot explain it. I'm sorry."

Ginny eyes went wide. Before she knew it he was engulfed by the biggest bear hug she could give. "Don't be embarrassed by that. I am just sorry my gift made you sad."

Harry wrapped his arms around the small of her back and pulled his face just far enough way so that their nosed were just inches from touching. He smiled his broadest smile while a tear leaked from his eye, "No Ginny, I truly love the ring. You have really made me feel special."

For what seemed like an eternity the just stared into each other's eyes. By instinct they started decreasing the space between them. Their eyes went shut and tilted just slightly. Ginny felt the electricity rocket through her body as she felt his warm breath mingled with hers.

Harry's lips lightly touched Ginny's and he drew back for a moment. The shock of the feelings racing though they were now tangible, the air was thick as the world around them faded. Please kiss me Harry! Ginny's mind Race with this one thought.

"I am going to kiss you, Ginny."

Ginny had no time to comprehend that Harry just answered her thought. The power that had held them together jolted them apart with a jolt, "Harry, Ginny! Where are you we have more to celebrate! The voice was the loving concern of Molly.

The young couple's faces became crimson. Harry stammered something about going inside as Ginny nodded mutely. I had my chance and I blew it. Ginny's mind raced in frustration as she could still feel the texture of Harry's lips on hers. Again a broken record the same thought echoing in her frustrated young teen mind.

Harry stopped her on the sidewalk, "I was not being to forward?"

"No." Ginny said flatly as her emotions of crimson glowed on her face. Ginny got very hot and flustered. She suddenly had to be anywhere but here. Ginny bolted into the Burrow leaving an embarrassed yet happy young Potter reveling as he followed not too close behind. He had a strong feeling to stay away for a while.

The festivities of cakes and crackers wound through lunch. At the time of lunch the kitchen was full of confetti and each person was wearing at least on paper crown on their head. Fred and George, unnoticed by the others, were getting antsy. The pestering of the twins was truly annoying Mr. Weasley.

"Come on dad." George whispered.

"We need the car to get to the party to night." Fred interjected

"You know how slow the Knights bus can be and Bagman got us the reservation for a certain time."

"You don't want us to loose those?"

"Fine!" Arthur yelled in annoyance, "If you step out of line with the new car, and don't even think of coming home without retribution."

The twins smiled and turned to the now interested rest of the family. "Ready?" the said in unison. The four younger teens smiled warily and hugged Molly and followed the twins out the door. Arthur was already in front of the garage dangling the keys. He however did not have a happy look on his face. As the George took the keys from his father Arthur muttered something under his breath. The younger four were curious in a macabre was to know what he said to make his lighthearted sons turn go ashen.

Instead they got into the car quickly and headed on their way to Birmingham. The four were able to sit in the expanding back and talk about general chitchat. The trip was truly nonevent full.

Before they knew it the car lurched to a stop in front if an odd looking restaurant. The building itself stood out from the businesses around it. It looked of a rustic American log cabin but on a larger scale. Oddly for Birmingham it had seating out side, "like that'll ever be used." Ron mused.

This was not what drew the group standing in front to the building it was the sign on top. In huge orange letters was an H and tters, the 'oo' were the eye of a cartoon owl.

"Hooters," Hermione pondered out loud, "Oh!

Harry was confused at the reaction to Hermione realization there was a twinge of nervousness until she said, "Of course, because of the noise owls makes. Hoot!"

Still the twins did not relax there were nervous smile on the usually jovial twins. "Well before we miss our reservations let's go in." Fred distracted them. The twin led them to the side entrance saying, "We will miss the crowd and noise is we go in this way."

On the inside Harry was taken aback by what he saw. It was still rustic on the inside but reminded him of what a bachelor would have in his home. The walls were clad either in neon beer signs or posters scantily clad women. There was a large table set up in orange and white ribbons and a banner saying, "We hope you have a very 'Hooter' birthday."

Harry was sitting down trying to stifle a laugh at the turn of fraise when Hermione and Ginny gasped in shock. The two sat frozen with their mouths agape half trying to cover their eyes. To no use there eyes were transfixed on something behind Harry. Harry sat beside Ginny as he watched their not speaking ant half not trying to look. Their eye would to move from the spot behind his back. Harry was not even more nervous when Ron nudged him under the table gesturing him to look behind him. That was nothing to the looks on the twin's faces. Their eyes wide and mouths hung agape.

Harry finally got the nerve to look. Without a side-glance he spun face to navel with the bare mid-drift of their waitress. It was not Harry's turn to look the part of a codfish. The waitress patiently smiled. She was a platinum blonde a little over 3 meters high, slender with curves in just the right place. The uniform, more like nightclothes, she was wearing accentuate the curves, a small tank to with the same logo on the front as the sign on the building. Below the bare mid drift was a very small tight pair of bright orange shorts. The waitress snapped the boy out of their fawning while the two shocked girls were still in shock, "Hi, I'm Candy," The table was silent, "I'll be your server tonight? Still nothing, Candy Roller her eyes and covered the front of her shirt with the service platter. This had the immediate effect she wanted. The males of the group snapped out of the hypnosis, "All right boys, who wants to start?"

Before Ron could even think the worst thing came out of his mouth, "I know how you can help, OWE!"

This reaction was due to the sharp kick to the shins. He was about to admonish whoever kicked him, but couldn't. Both Hermione and Ginny were starring daggers at the now sore Ron. There was no way of telling which on or both of the females had used his shin like a football (American, or International.)

Candy just giggled and said "Why don't I give you a moment to find out what you want to drink and how hot you want your wings. With this she strutted away with the eyes of both the twins and Ron, ignoring the pain, glued to her anatomy.

Harry turned and was the reddest he had been in his life and there was no way of hiding it. The redness had overcome his face and neck. Harry swore he was glowing. A very unhappy Hermione finally broke up the group after a tense moment.

"An Owl restaurant my ASS!" Hermione hissed at the group.

Ron leaned to whisper one simple word in Hermione's ear; "Langu..." his voice was cut short by the elbow to the ribs from one enraged Hermione.

"Don't even lecture me right now Ronald Weasley!" Hermione had turned on the young man pointing her index finger as menacingly like a wand at his nose. You would have thought his nose would sprout wart at any moment, "Undressing that woman with your eyes.

"She did not have that much on." an even bigger mistake for Ron to say.

Hermione and Ginny's eye went to slits. The two women were linked in this testosterone filled building by rage. "So you undressed her more than once for as long as you were looking." Hermione had voiced the thought for the both of them.

Ron sat for a moment opening and closing his mouth. There was not a good reason for what he had done. He knew that no amount of explaining was going to get him out of trouble with these two.

With no answer from Ron the two ladies without words got up to leave. Harry hung his head in defeat. 'It was starting to get fun,' was the thought that ran through Harry's head.

The twins saw the look on Harry's face and beat the angry ladies to the door. The two flung themselves at the door barricading it with their bodies. "Wait!" they yelp, "Please stay." the twins pleaded in unison.

The two now connected girls were reacting like the apposing twins keeping them from leaving. "Give us one good reason," Hermione started.

"Why we should stay?" Ginny finished.

A flash of worry was transferred between the twins. "We don't want to ruin this for him," Fred gestured at the young man with his head hung low looking on the verge of tears.

"We wanted to have it just be a guys night out but you caught us trying to talk mum into it." George continued.

The two took on look and their stone cold faces melted. They knew now why they did not want them coming, because they would react exactly like this. "Fine," Ginny started in a sigh, "but if we get caught it is on your heads." The twins readily agreed.

Hermione added as she was about to turn back to the table, "This in no means we are going to give Ron an inch when it comes to this.

"Well, Well, brother," George smirked to try and lighten the mood.

"You're right, George," the smiles spreading on each of their faces, "We can defiantly see the green monster of jealousy." George stated as he snickered.

Hermione gritted her teeth, "WE can still leave if you bring that up." Hermione was looking smug and the expressions of the twins immediately changed from evil smirks to sheer panic.

Carefully the twins guided the two back to the table. Right before the sat them next to Ron and Harry George whispered, "We promise not to bring it up again tonight." Hermione was about to turn and tear right into George but was stopped by the look on Harry's face.

Damn his puppy dog eyes, Hermione mused, I will take care of you twins later. "Harry, why are you looking so down?  This is your birthday party right?"

"Well yeah but I thought you two were mad at me." Harry said sheepishly dropping his gaze from Hermione.

Ginny took the cue and rubbed Harry's back making him blush, "It's not you we just wish some people would have told us what kind of place they were taking us." The end of her statement she was shooting daggers with her glare at the two nervous twins.

Hermione finally broke the uncomfortable silence, "Well are we going to have a party or what?"

Ron smiled, "bout time you lightened up Hermione," Ron was just about to slap her on the back in support when he caught the look she was giving him. Ron just sat stunned for a moment with his hand in mid swing behind her, confused by the angry look he was getting. As usual like a light going off in his hear the elevator, to Ron's brain, went all the way to the top finally. He gave a nervous smirk and tentatively pulled his hand back like any sudden moves would make the dangerous animal in front of him, Hermione, attack. If only he knew how close he was to the truth.

The rest of the group was snickering at the exchange. They all knew, except for Ron, that this was not going to be a great party for the young red head. The group was finally stopped before Ron caught on to the inside joke by their waitress Candy.

"Is it safe to order now?" they all nodded in unison, "This group is I for a real treat. You were given a special all you can eat and drink Buffalo wings and soft drinks. How hot would you like them?"

"There is more than one temperature?" Harry red face clearing over the new appearance of the scantily clad waitress.

"Sure we have from just plain boring to our killer recipe "3 Mile Island"

Hermione was just about to order the hot when Ron interrupted her order, "Let me guess our resident smart girl and 'baby' sister are going to get the plain" with the worst girl mocking tone her could muster he continued his taunting, "I'm just a girl I can't handle things too hot."

"Hermione rolled her eye and shook her head as she spoke, "I was actually about to order the hot to not embarrass you. I can take the heat better than you could any day."

Ginny broke up their mutual glare fest by taunting Ron, "Are you going to back down to an obvious challenge from Miss Granger are you?"

Ron though his gritted teeth, his stare not wavering from the young Hermione, "Not on your life. Candy?"

The waitress with a small knowing smile at the lover spat, "Would you like the '3 Mile Island Wings'?

Both Hermione and Ron Growled at the same time never looking at Candy, "You bet."