Disclaimer: You don't have to sue me because everyone who's reading this story knows the characters aren't mine!

I'm really enjoying writing this story. It's becoming more pleasure than hard work as was with my first story! I tried last chapter to fix dumb mistakes I might've had and all and I hope it was better than the chapter before it! And I'll try hard with this one too!

On another note I just have to thank the recent reviewers! You guys rock!

Silver Ice: Seamus isn't a really bad guy but I agree with you that he needs to be gone! Thanks for reviewing once again!

JoJo the Jellyfish: Yeah I tend to write things fast-paced. Don't mind it much. And yeah I do want to keep quick updates in tact on my priority list lol. Oh by epitome I meant something along the lines of heart-attack or overreacting! Thanks for the review!

bncsammy: I can't tell you if she is or isn't going to dump Seamus but yeah it is a weird couple! At first I was almost going to make it Percy but it somehow didn't work with the plot too well. I hope you keep reviewing! Thanks!

Ingenious: Well I hope you enjoy their reaction! Thanks a bunch for reviewing!

Beth: I'm counting on PAMS PAMS PAMS being something good lol. Thank you for reviewing!

And I owe a MAJOR apology to BuckNC! I spelt your name wrong in the thank-yous last time! Just goes to show how big of an idiot I can be! Anyways thanks for your review! Now on with the story...

As he had expected, his mother had threatened to thump a scalding frying pan over his head when Ron arrived at the Burrow half an hour late. There had been a huge line waiting to floo somewhere at the Leaky Cauldron and Tom was in no position to let him jump the queue.

"Where were you anyways?" Harry questioned, sitting at the table and using his wand to blow up balloons. The rest of the Weasleys and Luna were also caught up in birthday chores. Mrs. Weasley was baking layered cake and the smell was wafting welcomingly through the house. Fred and George, who were supposed to be hanging up streamers were instead jinxing them to bind themselves like snakes around guests as they entered the house for the party. Bill was owling all of Ginny's friends to make sure they could come and Charlie was busy helping Luna tidy up the house. Percy was "supervising."

"I was in Diagon Alley," Ron said, then lowered his voice and added, "Buying Ginny a last minute present."

Harry gave him a disgusted look. Ron was glad he didn't mention he was there with Hermione. He didn't want to imagine what Harry's expression would've been then. Ron was sure Harry had been very hurt that Hermione hadn't written to him all these years.

"Oh, don't you give me that, you only remembered because Luna reminded you," Ron scowled, "And it doesn't matter since my gift is going to be the best one this year."

"That's what you said about last year's fruit cake," Harry teased. Ron blushed profusely.

"Hey! That was one heck of a fruit cake!" he defended himself. Harry smirked.

"Whatever mate."

"So where is Ginny?" Ron inquired.

"Neville had to ask her out on a date to get her out of the house," Harry laughed, "It was hilarious."

"Neville? And my sister? He didn't do it of his own will, did he?" Ron asked.

"If you can consider Fred and George holding their wands up to his back as he asked her free will then yeah," Harry replied calmly, "But between you and me I think he was rather pleased when she said yes."

Ron decided to ignore that bit of the story. He didn't like picturing his little sister with anybody. Maybe for a while in fifth year he'd thought it kind of cool if she could snag Harry, but those dreams were smashed when Harry began dating Luna.

"Hey mum, where's Dad?" Ron asked. Mrs. Weasley's face darkened considerably.

"He's at work," she said with pursed lips. Ron nodded. Suddenly, there a loud bang from the living room and every rushed in there. One of the twins wands was lying on the ground flailing dangerously, shooting sparks out of it's tip. Fred was on the ground fighting off a rogue streamer attempting to strangle him.

"For heaven's sake! Will you two never grow up!" Mrs. Weasley shouted, taking off the spell with a quick swish of her wand. The streamer immediately let go of Fred and lay lifeless. Fred himself was left looking rather silly tied up in a streamer. George was keeled over beside him, rolling with laughter. The sight of both of them there was enough to make everyone erupt into laughter excluding Mrs. Weasley.

"BACK TO WORK! NOW!"

At around six, Ginny's friends began arriving. It seemed every student in Ginny's year at Hogwarts was here. She was quite the popular one. They all crowded into the Burrow which had been magically expanded to accomodate them all. Even some members of the Wizarding Media had attempted to sneak into the exclusive party. Of course, they were instantly thrown out by Bill and Charlie who had taken on the role of bouncers today. Even Mrs. Weasley seemed too happily caught up with family and friends to notice that certain streamers were attacking some guests.

"Hah, look that one over there got Colin Creevey!" George said, grinning gleefully.

"No, I'm pretty sure that's Dennis Creevey," Harry said, craning his neck to look around.

"What does it matter who he is? All that matters is that he's putting up quite the battle!" Fred commented wickedly, "Oooh, there it goes getting Fleur! Bill's not going to like that!"

Ron's mind floated away from the conversation and circled around Hermione. He was wondering anxiously when she'd arrive. He still hadn't told anyone about the extra guest. Guests if you counted Seamus. Somehow Ron had a feeling no one would mind Seamus as they would Hermione. But once Harry and the rest saw her, they couldn't possibly hold a grudge could they?

"Ron! Ron, dear! Could you come over here for a bit?" Mrs. Weasley called pleasantly, but there was a hint of demanding in her voice. He rose and gave them all confused stares. They returned them, but once he caught Luna's eye he realized that she wasn't telling him something. Without getting too hassled by Ginny's friends, he managed to make his way over to his mother.

"What's up, mum?" Ron questioned, looking around at the people standing there. Two middle-aged wizards and a witch were standing around a younger, prettier witch. She flashed Ron a dazzling smile and he felt his knees go slightly weak and his ears become redder.

"I just wanted you to meet Becky!" Mrs. Weasley said, smiling smugly, "Becky this is my son Ronald. You two are about the same age."

Then Ron immediately understood. His mother was trying to set him up with some pretty witch and Luna had known about it! Possibly even helped! He felt anger course through him but then a voice of reason piped up, 'What's so bad about a beautiful witch?'

" 'Ello Renold" Becky said with a heavy accent. Sounded french.

"Hi Becky," Ron said, trying not to meet her eyes. He didn't fancy people setting him up with other witches. He could only be interested in one witch at a time. And currently that witch was Hermione!

"Becky's an old friend of Fleur's, Ron" Mrs. Weasley said, obviously wanting them to continue their conversation, "She's an Auror with the Ministry of Magic in France and she was in town so I thought it appropriate to invite her!"

"Thought it appropriate did you?" Ron muttered through clenched teeth.

"You are en Auror 'ere?" Becky asked eagerly.

"No, I'm an Unspeakable. My friend, Harry, over there's the Auror" Ron said, gesturing his neck back in the direction where Harry was lounging.

" 'Arry Potter?" Beck gasped excitedly.

"Erm, yeah," Ron said, squirming. He could feel her watching him and it felt uncomfortable.

"Vell an Unspeakable iz jus as gud as un Auror," Becky continued. Ron knew he would have to meet her eyes soon so he risked looking up. Pure blue delight! Her eyes were such a forget-me-not blue that Ron couldn't help but smile at her a bit. She returned the favor.

"Oi, you scarvy dogs! Ginny's just arriving with Neville!" Fred yelled, earning frowns from members of the crowd, Mrs. Weasley, and Percy. The room fell silent and when Ginny opened the door deafening cheers erupted chorused by, "SURPRISE!"

As soon as she entered a streamer came alive and attempted to pounce upon the birthday girl, but Bill quickly waved his wand so that all it did was roll up and bounce off Neville's head.

Ginny looked taken aback for only a moment then went back to her usual self and squealed when she noticed a group of particularly close friends. After many rounds of hugs with ex-classmates she came round to the people who had toiled away at making this night perfect.

"Mum, this is wonderful!" Ginny cried ,throwing herself on her mother. After she pulled away, Mrs. Weasley straightened her robes a bit.

"I'm glad you like it Ginny, dear," she smiled.

"Where's Dad?" Ginny asked, looking around.

"At work," Mrs. Weasley said silently. Ginny's face fell but she quickly recovered.

"And you lot were great too!" Ginny said, hugging the rest of them in turn.

"Well, this better be worth it because my ears are still ringing from all those fools screaming so loudly," George muttered, pulling on his ear.

"Ron!" Ginny said, hugging him. Ron wrapped his arms around her protectively.

"I hope you didn't get me fruit cake again," Ginny frowned, untangling herself from his grasp.

"No!" Ron retorted, face flushed.

"So," Ron began shiftily, "Neville was a gentleman wasn't he? 'Cause if he wasn't..."

"Oh, Neville was perfectly nice," Ginny said, "I wonder where he is now..."

And she drifted off into the crowd of people. Ron couldn't help but be disappointed. Hermione hadn't shown up yet. Perhaps she wasn't coming at all. He noticed Becky seemed to be warming up to Harry out of the corner of his eye. He also noticed Luna's was naive, dazed expression; she hadn't noticed Becky flirting with her fiancé.

Ron decided to get some quiet time for a bit and headed off to the back yard. It was completely empty and he sat hunched over a large rock. He sighed heavily. Hermione had directly broke a promise and yet here he was still loving her. She'd broken his heart so many times. Each time he'd written over the summer after seventh year and hadn't received a reply was complete torture for him. At first, he'd thought it was a huge misunderstanding and that Death Eaters were intercepting their letters, and he'd even gone so far as to make sure she was alright and hadn't been abducted or anything. Once he'd gone to the flat where he knew she was staying for the time being and actually slipped the letter in through the window. He'd watched, in dismay, as she looked at it and at once threw it in the fireplace. He had been torn apart by heartbreak and hadn't let anyone see him for weeks. And now here he was spending entire days with her and inviting her to parties as if they were okay. He knew he should be angry, hurt, and furious but all he was was happy. Happy to see her becoming a part of his other wise meaningless life.

"Knut for your thoughts?"

Ron looked up. Ginny.

"Why aren't you in there with all your friends?" Ron said, running a hand through his hair.

"Because you're out here without anyone," Ginny responded, "I saw you coming out."

"Oh yeah," Ron mumbled.

"Care to tell me what's bothering you?" Ginny repeated.

"Ah, it's nothing," Ron murmured, "Come on, let's get back to the festivities."

Ginny stared at him in concern for a moment before agreeing to return to the party. Once Ron was blocking you out about this emotions, it was no use pressuring him to tell you. It just distanced him more.

The party was bustling with party-goers and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. After a little encouragement from Ron, Ginny left his side to go dance with some young wizard.

The music was interrupted as a loud buzz sounded throughout the room.

"S'alright. Only the doorbell folks," Charlie said and the people turned back to whatever they were doing. Charlie strode over to the door and opened it. Ron was stunned by who it was. Hermione stood there looking rather apprehensive. She was wearing lovely robes of opal. Her hair was tied up into a loose bun and Ron ran forward to greet her.

"Hey Hermione! Looking good!" Ron said heartily.

"Thanks Ron," Hermione said, stepping in and looking over his shoulder at someone. Charlie, being as polite as he was, didn't comment at all on her surprise turn-up. Ron turned around and saw Harry's face. It was steely and his gaze only lingered on Hermione's face for a mere second before returning to Luna. But Luna could only keep her eyes solidly on Hermione.

Ron led Hermione to where most of the Weasleys and Harry and Luna were sitting.

"Hermione, long time no see," George commented, "But I see the time has done you good. Back for a couple of free piecces of cake then? I don't blame you, mum's cake is the best."

"Now, I just want it understood that I invited Hermione here-"

"Why?" Harry asked sharply. They all fell silent. Ron was unpleasantly reminded of their teen years where Harry had been so grumpy that everyone had thought of him as a human time bomb.

"Harry-" Luna said, placing a soothing hand on his arm, "Don't start this."

"Why not? Don't I have the right to now why after three years of ignoring us completely she's come back?" Harry snapped. Ron didn't dare look at Hermione.

"Harry, please just don't overreact. Just do it for the sake of my birthday okay?" Ginny pleaded. Harry glared at Hermione for a moment longer than looked away, silenced. Mrs. Weasley buslted over just then.

"It's almost cake time!" she said excitedly, "And-oh my goodness, is that Hermione Granger standing in my living room once again? What a pleasure!"

Mrs. Weasley reached over and gave Hermione a tight hug. Ron felt eternally grateful to her for being so welcoming.

"It's good to see you too, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione sighed, "It's good to see you all."

They all grinned and each in turn gave her a hug. Harry was the only one who avoided her and went upstairs. It left Hermione looking crestfallen.

"Hermione, ignore him. He's just-" Ron started.

"I'm going to go talk to him," Hermione said, cutting across him. With that, she also headed upstairs. Ron felt utterly annoyed. The one day when he should have Hermione to himself she was somewhere with Harry comforting him. Ron slumped down on the couch. It was unfair! He couldn't help but feel foreboding towards Harry, but then he scolded himself. It really wasn't Harry's fault per se.

"I'm glad you brought her here," Luna said suddenly, "It'll do everyone a lot of good to see her again."

Ron grinned at her. He got up from where he was sitting and went to sit beside her.

"You think so?" Ron said.

"Everyone thinks so," Luna replied.

"Not everyone, but I'm glad I have your okay," Ron sighed, "Luna you know that I'm-"

"-still in love with Hermione," Luna finished, "It's obvious. You are soul mates."

"Oh god Luna..." Ron said helplessly, "That's a bunch of rubbish!"

"No, it isn't," Luna said calmly, "It even says so in Wonkydunt Bible."

"What-oh never mind. I don't want to know," Ron said, shaking his head.

They both fell silent. One of the things Ron liked most about his strange friend was that whenever a silence fell between them it wasn't at all odd. It was more peaceful. Ron wondered what she was thinking of.

"So, what did you think of Becky?" Ron questioned. Luna furrowed her eyebrows. Ron realized she had noticed Becky flirting with Harry. She seemed deep in thought and, after a while, she spoke up.

"She seemed nice. I didn't get much of a chance to talk to her," Luna explained. Ron arched an eyebrow at her calmness.

"She took a liking to Harry, huh?" Ron grinned. Luna shot him an unreadable look. He didn't know why he had tried to provoke her into feeling jealous. Could it be because he, himself, was jealous to death of Seamus?

"Why don't you go check on Harry and Hermione?" Luna piped up, "They've been up there for a while now."

Ron leapt up at the oppurtunity. He crept up the crooked stairs in the Burrow. Most of the landings were dark and empty of life. The stairs gave moans of protest as he walked over them and, when he finally reached a bedroom with the door slightly ajar, he could hear the muffled voices of Harry and Hermiome talking. Harry's voice didn't sound so angry anymore. Ron stuck his head in the gap and watched them. Harry was sitting on the bed and Hermione had plopped down beside him. He was shocked to see they were both smiling.

"So you're still living in London then?" Harry asked.

"Well, the editor of the Daily Prophet must stay at headquarters," Hermione grinned.

Ron was dumbfounded by how fast she had calmed him. They were talking as if they were still the same old Harry and Hermione from school before the uprise of Voldemort. His two best friends were once again able to be in each other's company without one of them being upset. Relief washed over him. He accidently stepped forward and the door creaked. Harry and Hermione both spun their heads to face him.

"How long have you been eavesdropping then?" Hermione demanded.

"Don't worry, I missed all the emotional stuff" Ron replied, pushing the door open further and stepping inside.

"I'm sure you would've loved to see me cry," Harry mused.

"No, I believe I would have been frightened," Ron said alarmed.

"Well, no need to shiver in your boots, Ron, because no one cried," Hermione said. Ron glared at her for a moment before turning to Harry who hastily said he needed to get downstairs. After Harry had shuffled out of the room, Hermione patted a spot on the bed beside her. Ron sat down beside her gingerly.

"I didn't think you'd show up," Ron said.

"Well, I practically promised, didn't I? It would've been rude to not come," Hermione explained. Ron smiled.

"Thanks for inviting me," Hermione continued softly, "I'm glad to have things cleared up with Harry."

"How did you manage that anyways?" Ron implored.

"I have my ways," Hermione smiled knowingly.

"Where's Seamus?" Ron said.

"Had to meet that wizard again," Hermione said and Ron could sense resentment in her voice.

"Seamus is a busy bloke. Do you even get to spend time together?" Ron asked in what he hoped was an innocent voice.

"Yes, we do, but sometimes..." she trailed off. Ron decided not to ask. He didn't need any deatils of her relationship with Seamus. They were an odd couple. Two people you never suspected to get together, but, when they did, it worked out for them.

"Shall we head down for some cake?" Hermione suggested. Even though Ron was perfectly happy being here alone with her he agreed.

Downstairs the party was still raving and Mrs. Weasley was just placing the large cake on the table. Fred was pulling Ginny to the front of the table as the crowd gathered around them. A slow but merry chant of Happy Birthday echoed through the house as Ginny beamed at them all. When the song had ended to Ron's great relief, Ginny blew out her candles. All nineteen of them. The clapping was thunderous as Mrs. Weasley began cutting the slices to feed all the eager mouths. Ron decided to go in for the kill before the cake was all eaten.

The night wore on. Ron was elated to see everyone had warmed up to Hermione and was treating like a member of the family again. When it was way past midnight, guests started to make their way out of the house in twos and threes. When very few people were left, Ginny drew towards Hermione.

"How're you getting home tonight?" Ginny questioned.

"Oh, it's odd because Seamus said he'd drop by the party and we'd leave together," Hermione said frowning slightly, "I wonder what's keeping him."

Ron hoped that Seamus would never come. But, sadly, when only ten guests remained Seamus showed up. His face looked flushed and he looked rather harried.

"Hello all," Seamus said, nodding at them, "Happy Birthday to you, Ginny. Hermione, I'm sorry I'm so late. Do you want to get going now?"

"Sure, let me just get my purse," Hermione said, looking around for her purse, "Oh, I must have left it upstairs. I'll be right back."

Seamus took in a deep breath and settled down where Hermione had been just minutes before. Ron shifted in discomfort and moved away a bit.

"For a second I thought she might've caught me," Seamus breathed out.

"Caught you doing what?" Ron asked testily.

Seamus looked at Ron as if sizing him up, "I'm planning to propose to Hermione."

Harry looked up at Seamus, but Luna looked at Ron.

"That's...wicked, mate," Harry said. Ron left like a cold hand had reached into his stomach and was messing up his insides.

"I'm afraid she won't say yes," Seamus said, "I'm not sure she's madly in love with me like I am with her."

"What-what w-will I do if she says no? I've already told my parents I'm planning on asking her. I-I need to do something fabulous for her to say yes. Maybe something like get phoenixes and unicorns to dance all around her until she'd say yes. I need someone who knows her well to tell me what she'd like you know? Someone, someone like Ron here," Seamus said now on an all out rant.

When he mentioned Ron, he paled.

"No, no, I'm not your man, Seamus," Ron said incredulously.

"Yes, yes, you are. I remember back in Hogwarts everyone thought you and Hermione were made for each other! So you must know some of the things she'd like to see when a man proposes to her?" Seamus hiccuped.

Ron looked at him nervously. He didn't remember Hermione ever talking to him about how she'd want a man to propose to her. If she had, he probably hadn't been listening. Now he almost wished he had just so he could tell Seamus the exact opposite of it.

"Please," Seamus begged. Ron had a feeling that perhaps Seamus had had one too many butterbeers. "Please, help me. I-I love her."

By now everyone was staring intently at Ron. He wanted to tell them all to bugger off but something stopped him. Seamus loved Hermione. He and Seamus felt the same way about her. Maybe if he couldn't have her, he should actually help Seamus, who had a chance, get her? What was the point in bringing Seamus down to his level of heartbreak?

"Alright, settle down mate, I'll help you get the girl," Ron said. He could see Luna arch an eyebrow out of he corner of his eye.

The sudden sound of footsteps on the stairs above them made them all look up. Hermione came down. Everyone was watching her closely. At first, she was moving at her usual rate but then she slowed and observed them watching her intently. She immediately stiffened and looked back at them all suspiciously.

"What?" she asked, "Do I have something in my teeth?"

Author's Note: Da na na! Some of the summary finally joins the story! This chapter was a bit more cheerful and happy but next chapter is sure to be dramatic and have more angry Harry. Well not just angry Harry. Angry everybody! Cheers!