A/N: Hey guys i have another chapter. This chapter was written by my friend Emma and I. Em has been a big help in this story, i have been able to bounce ideas of her, she reviews my story and lets me ramble on about it and helps me when i'm stuck. Emmathank you so much for helping me, she would have helped me write this author note but sheis busy. Lub u ems:)

Thank you so much to everyone that has reviewed, i appreciate it alot, alot alot! So guys i hope you like this chapter, i'll try to update again about this time next week. Please review and let me know what you think, i accept anonymous reviews! Thanks everyone!

Hugs,

Mel :)

Chapter 9

Soon enough Hermione was walking through the door of Fabio's with Margot behind her. Hermione walked over to the desk where a pretty Italian woman in her early 30's was standing talking to a couple. The woman called over a waitress and the couple were led away. The woman saw Hermione and smiled brightly.

"Hello Hermione, I was wondering when you would be here"

"Hello Liliana. Has everyone else arrived?"

"Yes they have"

"Good, now it's just the birthday girl" Hermione leaned in so Margot couldn't hear. "Everything set? The cake, the boys, the decorations and most importantly the table"

"Yes Hermione everything is set. Everything is running smoothly, no need to worry"

"Thanks for this Liliana"

"It is my pleasure, tell me how is Frederick?"

"Fred's good, he's having a night in tonight. Is Giovanni out back cooking up a storm?"

"As usual"

"Say hi to him for me than, oh and say hi to Sebastiano and Carlotta. Well best not keep everyone waiting."

"I will, have a nice night"

Hermione smiled and walked into the dining area with Margot behind her,

"You know the owners," she hissed in awe.

"Yes their lovely people" Hermione went right down to the back of the restaurant where it was more private. Fold out screens surrounded the sides of each private table that didn't have a wall. They walked into the private table in the far left corner.

"Happy Birthday" half shouted/half whispered the group of girls waiting for them. Margot stood there stunned. The area had been decorated for a birthday and there was a big banner. Helium balloons bobbed against the ceiling and others were held down by weights. Around the table was an assortment of women.

"Now I have two very special people here that I thought you would like to see," said Hermione, Margot looked at her questioningly. Two young women Margot's age made their way over to Margot smiling brightly. Margot stood their shocked looking at them before she engulfed them in a humungous hug.

"Happy Birthday Margot" said Claire who had curly strawberry blonde hair, bright green eyes and a nice golden tan.

"Happy Birthday Margot" cried Alana who had raven black dead straight hair, ice blue eyes and a pale complexion.

Hermione had personally found the girls and flown them into London and found them accommodation. At Hogwarts Claire and Alana had been Margot's best friends, and like her were loners and shy like Margot. After Hogwarts they had failed to keep in touch. Claire had been flown in from California, America two days ago. Hermione had found her in Los Angeles. Claire was down to earth and had really adapted to the beach life style. She could surf, was a part time lifeguard and lived in tank tops, swimmers, boardies and hippie skirts. Claire had a slight American accent and had opened her own business, a clothing store that featured her own clothing line. Claire's store was doing very well and Claire had a boyfriend, Mark whom she had been dating for six months. Alana on the other hand had flown in two days ago from the other side of the world, Australia. She had been living in Canberra and also had a slight Australian accent going on. Alana was not as easy going as Claire, she was more organised, a very neat person but she was a nice girl. Alana was studying at the Australian Wizarding University of Canberra; Alana wanted to become a healer and was doing her practical part of her study at St Julius'. Alana had a more sophisticated look, wearing designer clothes and the like. Her parents were rich and influential Australian Wizards. When Alana was three they moved to England for business and than moved back to Australia when Alana was seventeen. Alana was currently single.

"I can't believe you're here! I missed you both so much! I'm sorry I never kept in touch," said Margot.

"I'm sorry, I missed you too," cried Claire sniffling.

"I'm sorry I never contacted you there really is no excuse, but from now on I promise to write, fire call whatever. You look great Margot, you look fantastic! Drop dead Gorgeous!" added Alana.

"Thanks it's all because of Hermione. I'm just so glad you're here. I can't thankyou enough for doing this Hermione"

"Oh stop it. Now sit down so we can order"

The other people at the birthday dinner were Janelle (the boss), Kelly (a co-worker), Charlotte (A secretary, and friend), Martha (Co-Worker), Gabbie (cousin) and Lara (cousin). They all complimented Margot on her new look making her blush to no end but inside she was feeling so happy and pleased.

A waitress brought their food out soon after they ordered and the air was filled with the sound of laughter, chatter and the clinking of glasses, cutlery and plates. The food was delicious. Hermione had gone for their famous Italian style Lasagne and salad. Some other chose the Lasagne too; others had assortments of pasta's, spaghettis, ravioli etc. Dinner was lovely and many photos where taken. When the plates had been cleared away they bought out the presents. Margot received photo frames, make up, jewellery, clothing and money. Hermione saw Liliana moving around the restaurant and she discreetly caught her eye. Liliana mouthed 'now?' to her and Hermione nodded, with a grin Liliana disappeared into the kitchens.

"Something wrong Hermione?" asked Margot.

"No everything's great, are you having a good time?"

"A fantastic time, best day of my life I think" Everyone at the dinner smiled, pleased that Margot was having a good time. Hermione saw the five guys come out holding a birthday cake and she smiled even more.

"And it's just about to get better"

"What are you talking about?" asked Margot than she saw the guys and the cake and her face burned with embarrassment. Suddenly the guys broke into song. They were professional singers that sung regularly at the restaurant.

"Happy Birthday to you…

Happy Birthday to you…

Happy Birthday dear Margot,

Happy Birthdayyy to yoouuuu!"

They placed the cake in front of her. "Hip hip" shouted one of them.

"Hurray" shouted everyone else.

"Hip hip"

"Hurray"

"Make a wish Margot" called Alana. Margot smiled and with a big intake of breath she blew all the candles out at once. Everyone clapped and whistled. Than one by one the five guys kissed her cheek wishing her a happy birthday, Margot never looked so embarrassed before. The five men bowed to everyone and than discreetly left the group. The cake was cut and handed out; they had chosen a double chocolate mud cake with white icing and edible pink and purple flowers on top. The cake was scrumptious and it bought on many more conversations and eating.

Meanwhile………….

Fred sat on the couch musing on what he was going to do. He had spent all day down in the basement working on new products and tinkering with old ones. Now it was nearing dinnertime and he was thinking of something to do. When it hit him. The England vs. Australia cricket match was on tonight; he could order pizza and get Harry to come over for a guy's night in. Resolutely Fred stood up and walked over to the fireplace. Not five minutes later Harry's head appeared in the fireplace.

"What's up Fred?"

"Nothing. What are you doing tonight?"

"Nothing at all"

"Cool, want to come over, we'll have pizza and watch the cricket."

"Sure sounds brilliant, I also know that James Bond: Die another day is on tonight too. I'll bring the beers?"

"You've got yourself a deal see you in 10?"

"I'll be there"

After Harry's head left the fireplace Fred got up and went to order pizza from the nearby Pizza Place. Harry arrived not too much later stumbling out of the fireplace holding a case of beer.

"Hey right on time" said Fred clapping Harry on the back, "How are you holding up man?"

"I'm cool, yeah it hurt but I'm getting over it. I'll be fine"

"Good to hear, good to hear, I am really sorry for the way Ginny treated you, you didn't deserve it, really you didn't."

"Hey Fred mate it isn't you're fault, seriously don't feel like you need to apologise for her. Really mate, don't feel like you need to say anything"

"But I do, it wasn't right, you're a great bloke and you didn't deserve it. You were nothing short of a devoted husband, and you loved her so unconditionally and she just ripped out your heart, chucked it on the floor and stepped on it. I don't know how she could so something like that to you. Harry seriously you'll come to me if you need to talk won't you" insisted Fred.

"Yeah of course buddy, I promise I will."

The doorbell interrupted them.

"That will be the pizza," said Fred going out to the front hall. Fred returned moments later with two large steaming pizzas. He set them down on the table and plopped down on the couch, were Harry joined him. They quickly decided on what to watch and turned the telly on to the movie channel to watch James Bond.

"You know I never imagined you would end up settling down. I was shocked when George got married and everything but you, I thought you would be the young, carefree, prankster always." Said Harry thoughtfully chewing his slice of pizza.

"Yeah at one stage I thought so too. I always said I'd be a bachelor doing his own thing and always being the prankster that never grew up but hey things didn't turn out like that. Things changed, I changed, I realised I umm… wanted what everyone else had I suppose. Someone who was always going to be there, someone to love every day and be with and that person is Hermione. Hermione is…she's everything to me, she's wonderful. She's caring, sweet, funny and so cutely stubborn " he paused to laugh softly.

"Every time I see her it's like time stops around me and all I can think about is her. I love everything about her, the way she does her hair, they way it smells of strawberries, the way she laughs, her smile and even the look she gives me when I do something she disapproves of. I don't know how to describe it but I still feel the butterflies in my stomach every time she smiles. I love how she just listens to me and takes what I say seriously, how she always knows what to say and that she's not afraid to take chances and wants to be so independent. I love the fact that when I wake up in the morning she's going to be there and I just love everything about her, the good and the bad."

Harry gave a smile, "Yeah I know how that feels, well felt like" he said quietly.

"You'll feel like that again I know you will, with some one special"

"Yeah. I can really see that you love Hermione so much. You're completely head over heels for her"

"Yeah I am" said Fred quietly looking at the photo frame on the table next to the pizza box. It was of Hermione and Fred on Christmas Day. In the picture Fred came up behind Hermione and wrapped his arms around her, both of them laughed and the Hermione in the picture turned around to wrap her hands around Fred's neck. In the photo they shared a kiss and looked so happy, the picture of the perfect couple. As Fred looked at the picture he came to such an obvious conclusion, he looked back up at Harry with wide eyes.

"What?" asked Harry.

"I love her," he said in an awed whisper. Harry laughed at his expression,

"Yeah mate we know other wise you wouldn't have married her"

"No I mean, I love her, I really love her. I love her so much it hurts" he said as if realising it for the first time. Harry nodded and smiled rolling his eyes,

"Yeah Fred, we know. It sounds like you're only just releasing it" Harry laughed at the absurdity of it turning back to the T.V.

Fred sighed softly taking a drink of beer. "I am," he said so quietly that Harry never heard him.

Hermione as quietly as she could unlocked the front door and slowly opened it cringing as it creaked. Silently she closed and locked it behind her. Hermione shrugged off her coat and put it in the hall closet with her handbag and took of her shoes. She tiptoed down the hall and up the stairs careful not to bump into anything, she knew she was home later than anticipated. After dinner they had gone out clubbing and now she was home at three in the morning and Fred would be fast asleep. Hermione tiptoed into the bedroom grateful that the carpet could now muffle her footsteps. Hermione grabbed something quickly and slipped into the bathroom. Hermione sleepily took of her make up and jewellery and put on the clothes she grabbed. After going to the toilet Hermione slipped back into the bedroom. With a tired yawn she quietly crawled into bed. She froze as Fred mumbled in his sleep. She pulled the covers up to her chin and tried to get comfortable. She stopped fidgeting as Fred mumbled again and rolled over to her, flinging his arm around her. Hermione stayed as still as possible thinking she had disturbed him. Fred mumbled once more pulling her closer to him. Hermione could have sworn she heard him mumble her name.

"Hermione." he murmured again in his sleep confirming that Hermione was not hearing things. Hermione studied Fred's face, he looked so peaceful and relaxed and he had a small smile on his face. Hermione relaxed and than almost immediately fell into a deep sleep.

Hermione groaned as sunlight filtered through the window. It was way to early to get up. She rolled over away from the sun burying her head in to Fred's chest as best she could, she didn't even register what she was doing all she knew was she wanted to sleep. She sighed tiredly drifting off to asleep again. She was woken again when she felt someone watching her. Hermione sleepily looked up to see Fred silently watching her with a small smile his arm still around her.

"Hey you" said Hermione softly.

"Hey" he replied but he didn't seem very focused his eyes looked distant.

"Did you have a nice night?" asked Hermione.

"Yeah, Harry came over, did you have fun?"

"I did. Margot looks sensational, I've never seen her look so good, she's couldn't stop thanking me for helping her get a new look. She loved dinner and it was just a great night."

"I didn't hear you get back last night"

"Yeah it was pretty late, you were dead to the world."

"And how late is pretty late?"

"Umm…. three o'clock"

"What? What in gods name where you doing at three o'clock in the morning?"

"Ahh clubbing" she replied weakly.

"YOU'RE PREGNANT!" shouted Fred.

"Yes Fred, Pregnant not dieing!" she exclaimed sitting up angrily.

"You shouldn't endanger yourself! You're supposed to be relaxing and looking after your health! You have a child to think of!"

"Yeah but it doesn't have to rule my life. Honestly Fred, don't worry so much. It's not like I was drinking or anything!"

"Yeah but everyone else around you was! You could have been hurt or raped for god's sake! What happened to your common sense?"

"I am not that stupid! I was looking after myself just fine besides the girls were there. Anyways the only reason I went in the first place was to look out for the girls and make sure none of them got too drunk and got home safely."

"That's not an excuse Hermione! One of the older women could have done that job and you could have come home and rested. You can't just do everything you used to at full speed, you have to take time out and watch yourself!"

"I think I should go make breakfast before I say something I will regret" Hermione got out of bed and stormed downstairs. Hermione angrily used her wand to fry eggs in the frying pan. It took her less time to cook with her wand and in no time at all had breakfast finished.

"Fred" called Hermione angrily slamming his plate down.

"Coming" he answered from somewhere in the house, he joined her moments later. Hermione sat down and silently began eating. Hermione noticed that Fred was watching her.

"What?" she snapped.

"Nothing" he replied.

Hermione frowned at his answer, clearly it was nothing but she didn't say anything further. Hermione cleaned up after breakfast and than went upstairs to have a shower and change. Deciding to leave Fred alone to his own devices down in the basement, Hermione made her way down to her office. When she reached the ground floor she could hear him stomping around in the basement and he was slamming things around, Hermione winced, as there was a breaking of glass and swearing when Fred slammed something down to hard, he was quite angry. She didn't want to deal with him like that, the Weasleys were well known for their temper. Hermione worked hard through the morning blocking out the swearing, explosions and breaking of glass coming from the basement. At lunchtime Hermione emerged from her office to make lunch, when she was done she set lunch on the table and went over to the door leading to the basement. She rapped on the door loudly, the tinkering stopped and there was silence.

"Fred?"

"What!" he snapped back. Keeping her growing frustration and anger in check Hermione answered calmly.

"Lunch is ready Fred, would you please come out of there and have something to eat"

There was a brief silence as if he was thinking it over.

"Fine, be there in a minute" came the brief answer. Hermione sighed and than turned around going back to the kitchen. Fred came in shortly after sitting down he didn't say a word. As soon as he was done Fred silently rinsed his plate and stacked it in the dishwasher and than as soon as he came he left returning back into the safety of the basement. Hermione sighed with her head in her hands. What was she going to do with him? Her emotions were running on high and she felt like hitting something or someone. Hermione angrily stacked her dishes in the dishwasher and tidied up the kitchen after lunch before she went back to her office to finish her work. By mid day she was finished and was feeling bored. She couldn't talk to Fred, god she just wanted to give him a good swift kick to the backside. Hermione decided to play a game that she had found the other day called Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. Hermione waited for it to load and than she began to play………………..

Fred growled furiously stirring the purple liquid in the cauldron. He stopped to add some monkswood before stirring it clockwise five times. Fred sighed

Was he over reacting?Fred shook his head.

No of course he wasn't. He had been worried about her and the baby! He had every right to be.

Is that the real reason you're avoiding her? Piped up a little voice in his head. Fred frowned; yes there is no other reason. Fred laughed suddenly, who was he kidding? Of course there was another reason. He was upset because he couldn't tell her how he felt because he knew she didn't love him back. Fred checked his watch and noticed it was time to make dinner. Fred sighed taking the cauldron off the fire and pouring the liquid into vials to set before going upstairs. Fred frowned when he heard Hermione shouting; curiously he wandered down the hall to her office. As he neared her office her shouting became clearer. Fred lent an ear to the door frowning.

"DIE DIE DIE! YOU SON OF A BITCH! TAKE THAT!" came Hermione's voice angrily and vigorous banging of the keyboard. Fred raised his eyebrows, his eyes widening slightly.

'What is she doing?' he thought.

"YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE SUCKERS! EAT LEAD!" shouted Hermione laughing manically. There were the sounds of banging on the keyboard again accompanied by gunshots and the squealing of tires. 'What the?' thought Fred. He creaked the door open a little and peered in through the gap. Hermione was sitting at her desk leaning towards the computer screen with a look of intense concentration on her face and her hands posed over the keyboard. Suddenly she shouted again.

"DDDDIIIIEEEE!" Fred furrowed his brow it looked like she was playing some game where you drove cars and went around shooting people. Since when did Hermione play games like that? Fred silently moved away from the doorway and headed to the kitchen to make dinner.

Hermione whirled around to face the door. Seeing nothing she shrugged thinking she'd imagined the shadow across the computer screen and went back to her game. She paused again about an hour later but this time because a very nice smell was wafting through the ajar door. Hermione looked at the time, it was seven o'clock, must be time for dinner. Saving her game and exiting it Hermione struggled for a second to get up from her comfy office chair and than went out for dinner. Hermione found Dinner already on the table; Fred was just setting out a glass for her as she sat down. Fred filled her glass with Tomato Juice; she had been craving that lately.

"Thank you" she murmured sitting down. Fred nodded in acknowledgement showing that he heard her. Hermione tried to get Fred involved in conversation but he didn't seem all there, he just mumbled every now and than. After dinner they cleaned up silently, Hermione finally sighed in frustration.

"All right I can't take it any bloody longer!" she finally shouted.

"What?" he asked bewildered.

"Oh stop acting so ignorant! I've had it up to here with you! Look I'm sorry I got angry at you, I know you're just worried but you also have to realise I'm a big girl and I can look after myself. I do appreciate it I do, I really do. I'm sorry, I didn't think about how you would feel I was only thinking of myself. Will you please stop ignoring me, I can't stand it!"

Fred sighed running a hand through his hair.

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry too, I just care about you and the baby, I just get worried is all" Hermione softened.

"I know you do and I promise I'll keep that in mind."

"Okay"

"Good. I'm going to go to bed early, don't stay up to late working okay?" Fred nodded.

"Good night Fred" she murmured.

"Night" Fred kissed her cheek and than disappeared into the basement.

So what do u think? Please Review. I have a poll of sorts. Do any of you believe Ron should find a girlfriend in this story? If so should it be a muggle/a new character/ or a witch he knows (give me a name)