Disclaimer: Not mine.

A/N: I'm really trying to update asap. I already have the first five chapters written and I'll post as soon as I can get them typed. Thanks to everyone who reviewed; please keep it up!

Also, you might be wondering when exactly this takes place. Christmas is on a Sunday, so this chapter takes place on Saturday- one week and one day before Christmas. Just thought I'd clarify that. Okay, I'm done. Now read!

The next morning, Fred very deliberately sat across from Hermione at breakfast. After teasing Ginny for a few minutes, he put his plan into action. He "accidentally" bumped his knee into Hermione's, and she looked up from her breakfast, startled.

"Sorry." said Fred, trying very hard to look sheepish. "Oh, Hermione, I forgot to ask you: I need more gift ideas. Do you think you could help me?" He knew it sounded lame, but it was essential to "the plan."

Hermione looked doubtful. "I don't know, Fred. I'm really busy today. I'm not even very good at the whole what-to-get-who thing…"

"Oh, okay." Fred said. Apparently she was going to make this hard for him. But he wasn't going to give up.

That evening, as Hermione sat in her room writing a status report, a knock sounded at the door. "Mmm?" Hermione said, not looking up. When Ron poked his head in, she smiled. "Hey, Ron! I thought you and Danielle were going out tonight?"

"We are." Ron said. Hermione's smile dimmed the slightest bit. "But I wanted to make sure you were all right." he continued. "You've stayed up here pretty much your whole visit."

"Sorry for being so antisocial," Hermione apologized, "but I'm working towards this big promotion…"

Ron listened to her explanation, but noted, "I always said you worked too hard, Hermione!"

"Well, compared to how hard you work…" Hermione teased.

Ron grinned, but looked at his watch and said, "Well, I'm glad you're okay and good luck with that promotion thing but I have to meet Danielle soon, so I gotta go."

"Okay, Ron." Suddenly she wished he would just stay and talk to her.

"And, Hermione, try to remember to have some fun!" Ron told her.

Hermione nodded, but didn't even consider taking his advice. If she was bad at one thing, it was having fun, especially having fun with other people. She considered on her report. "…and the inscription is Arabic and refers to the birth of the first born son…"

Fred didn't even bother knocking. He simply burst into Hermione's room, pulled up a chair for himself, and sat on it backwards. "Are you busy?"

"Yes." Hermione replied irritably. She disliked people who didn't knock.

"Good." Fred said, obviously disregarding her answer.

"You can't just burst in like that! What if I had been changing?"

Fred grinned cockily. "Even better!"

Hermione looked to be somewhere between annoyed and shocked.

"Relax, I'm joking!" Fred said. "Now, if you're ready, let's go!"

"I'm not ready!" Hermione exclaimed. "Wait, go where?"

"To the party!" Fred told her.

"What party?"

"The Christmas party!"

"What Christmas party?"

"Well, we could play this game all night, but we'd be late." Fred said with a straight face.

"Hold up! I wasn't invited to any Christmas party." Hermione said suspiciously.

"I know." said Fred. "That's why you're coming with me."

Hermione couldn't tell if he was joking.

"I'm serious!" Fred said. "Get dressed!"

Hermione was just about to ask if it was dressy or casual, but caught herself and said instead, "Fred! I really am busy!"

"What?" said Fred. "You're standing me up!?"

"What!?" Hermione shrieked. How could she stand up someone she hadn't made a date with?

"Stop yelling!" Fred admonished.

"I'm not yelling!" Hermione yelled. Then she realized that she was. "I mean, sorry. But what's going on?"

Fred ignored her question and looked her over. "You should wear maroon." he advised.

Hermione stared blankly at him. "Are you crazy or am I?"

Again, Fred ignored her and began going through her closet. "Why don't you have any red?"

"Because I don't like re- Fred! I'm not going anywhere!"

Fred sighed and flicked his wand. A deep red dress appeared on the bed. "Why don't you put that on?"

Hermione was dumbfounded. Fred exited the room, presumably giving her privacy for changing. Then he popped his head back in. "Don't forget the shoes!" He gestured to a pair of strappy black heels near the bed. Hermione just nodded uncomprehendingly.

She looked at the outfit and felt obligated to put it on. Actually, she thought as she changed, it was very tasteful. The dark red, short-sleeved, knee-length dress really suited her. Still thoroughly mixed up, Hermione followed Fred's directions and donned the dress and shoes.

Fred looked up as she stepped into the hallway wearing the dress. He had known she would do it. He had used his special persuasion technique. (The trick was to completely overwhelm them with absurd information.)

As he looked her over, he had to admit that he was pleased with his handiwork. "You look great," he told her, helping her into her coat. She just blinked at him and mumbled "Thanks." Fred steered her to the car. (He wasn't sure if it was safe for her to apparate in her condition.) Anyway, he was sure the shock would wear off in the car. Then he could show her a thing or two about fun.

"Phase One" was under way.

A/N: I love this chapter! What do you think? Please review! Consider it a bribe to convince me to update soon… Next chapter: the party!