Hello! I'm very sorry that this has taken so long, but I had writers block but, due to the help of Caroline, my lord and savior, I was able to write this chapter. But anyways, thank again for the reviews, I appreciate all reviews, criticism or flames or whatever you want.

chiquitabanane

Hermione had arrived within minutes of her apparation, but stalled before ringing the doorbell to the apartment. Do I really want to do this? What if Ron really does come? How will I be able to handle it? Oh shut it Hermione. You've already made it this far, no reason to turn back now. Everything will work out fine whether he is there or not. Oh but what if he comes over to talk to me again. I cannot handle this. Ugh, here I go again, talking to myself like some nut job. I think I really am becoming insane. She looked down the hallway to see if anyone around her heard what she was thinking. That's right Hermione; see if anyone heard you were thinking. I am most definitely off my rocker. But, just to make sure she did not make a fool in front of anyone, she looked down the hallway again. It was quite a homey place. Not gaudy like some of those muggle apartment buildings that she'd seen. There were no fake crystal chandeliers or dozens of fake or copied paintings on the wall. Nothing was overdone here. There were, however, little lamps on the walls giving off just enough light to see a lovely, but still simple pattern on the walls. They were of a light, cream color, but perfectly appealing to the eye.

Finally setting her thoughts straight, she turned to the door in front of her. Apartment 2B, the 'best one in the building' according to Ginny. Apparently, it had a great view. Hopefully she would make it through the apartment to the balcony without running in to Ron.

Before she could think of something else that would drive her crazy, she pushed on the little buzzer to the left of the door. She heard the little humming noise go off when she pressed it, and after a minute a voice from inside called out to her.

"Be right there!" it said. Unfortunately, they came before Hermione could apparate away and save her self from the night to come. But, she was not a sear. How would she know how bad it was going to be?

Not a second too soon, a young woman opened the door in front of her. "My, oh my, 6:17, I must say I was expecting you sooner Hermione." She laughed quietly before welcoming her into her home.

"Oh, well, I took me quite a bit of time to get ready Ginny," Hermione told the woman in the doorway. "You see, I have to look extra special for tonight, it is Harry's birthday after-all. But you can't tell anyone. If word got out that I cared what I wore, I, well, let's just say it would not be pleasant."

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

Immediately after walking into the apartment, she ducked her head. Just before Hermione came in, Ginny had enchanted the ceiling to make confetti constantly fall down. "Sorry Hermione," Ginny was saying to her. "I was just thinking about Hogwarts and I remembered the enchanted ceiling that they had and it made me think, 'hey, maybe I could do a similar thing with confetti.' So I tried it and guess what? It worked." Hermione could not help but laugh. Ginny had done a wonderful job of enchanting the ceiling, though not as good as I could have done, Hermione thought to herself. She was suddenly much happier about the night to come and was ready to face anyone who she may see later that night. Yes, even Ron. Though, she still hoped that he would not be there. But, when she moved deeper into the apartment, she found it was much more than just a birthday party for Harry.

Following Ginny out of the little front entrance where she had hung up her jacket and set her purse down, they head to the living room. Before she could start some small talk with Ginny, however, she saw two banners hanging from the ceiling. The first, decorated with little balloons and confetti read "Happy Birthday Harry." The balloons on the banner were floating around while the little confetti constantly fell to the bottom of it. Leave it to Ginny to liven things up in any way she can, Hermione smiled to herself, though it did not last long. For, within seconds of reading the first, to her horror she read the next. "Welcome back Ron." Oh no, thought Hermione, Oh no, oh no! Ok Hermione, keep your cool. Just calm down and remember you are here for Harry, not him. You do not have to so much as look at him; you did not know he was coming.

Ginny noticed the look of horror spread across her friends face. Oh boy, I knew this would happen. Damn Harry and his bad ideas. Ginny quickly glanced at the ceiling, hoping the party would run somewhat smoothly. She hastily asked Hermione to help her with the food and drinks before she could ask questions.

Setting up for the party was just what Hermione needed to calm her thoughts and pull her self together. She was going to see Ron for the first time since he left, and the last thing she wanted him to notice was how much she had missed him.

Within ten minutes people started to arrive. First to arrive was Neville and Loretta Longbottom. Parvati and Padma arrived shortly after with their new boyfriends, who were, of course, twins. The guests soon began coming in at a steady pace. By quarter of seven, most had arrived. Towards the middle of the pack, Ron had walked in. However, Hermione had been too busy playing hostess to notice him.

Making her way back from the kitchen, a tray of wine in her hand, she walked through the parlor when she saw Ron in deep conversation with one of Harry's female teammates from England's National Quidditch Team. Hermione stood there for a minute, eyeing the two in what appeared to be casual flirting, though it seemed to be escalating the longer she stood there. Tears were welling up in the corners of her eyes and the pain was becoming too unbearable. She quickly scanned for a quick exit, but unable to do so. Without thinking, she turned away and collided with a Weasley twin, spilling wine all over them as they and the glasses fell to the ground.

"Where's the fire 'mione?" joked the twin on the ground with her. Upon closer observation, she realized it had to be Fred.

"I think it's over there," came from behind, as the George approached her, pointing to their younger brother.

"I'm glad it's not over here, I know I'm hot 'mione, but I'm not hot enough to be up in flames," Fred smirked, giving his brother a wink.

A quiet laughter erupted among the nearby guests who witnessed the little fiasco. Unfortunately for Hermione, their little 'fiasco' also attracted the attention of Ron. He had been waiting for the chance to approach Hermione all night and saw this as his opportunity. Without saying good-bye to Harry's teammate, Ron rushed over to Hermione.

Seeing Ron approaching, she quickly attempted to stand up and bolt for the door, though her attempt was in vein, for, upon standing up, she immediately tripped over Fred's leg and fell to the ground again. It was too late for her to try again, for there was Ron, standing above her and offering his hand to help her.

"No thank you, I think I can manage on my own," She shrieked. She hurriedly grabbed onto George's arm and pulled herself up, though almost pulling George down in the process. With that, she pulled out her wand, muttered a quick incantation, and had the mess cleaned up within moments.

Before Ron could process her rejection, she was out the door and into the hallway. Ron sighed before promptly running after her.