A/N: Warning: Extreme fluff ahead. Honestly, you may want to get a bucket. In fact, if you have any sort of aversion to fluff, avoid this chapter completely. I mean it.

Consider yourself warned…

A/N #2: I always thought Hermione would be turning sixteen in Book 6, until JKR proved me wrong on her website. In the F.A.Q.'s, Jo clearly states that Hermione was nearly twelve when she started at Hogwarts. With her birthday being in September, she would have turned twelve within the first few weeks at school. Therefore, she'll be turning 17 in her sixth year. I guess I'll take Jo's word on it (hehe), so here follows Hermione's seventeenth birthday.

Chapter 20 – Hermione's Surprise

The grayish hues of the early morning light fell across the grounds of Hogwarts. Harry's trainers were already soaked through from the dew on the grass. He was jogging his usual path around the grounds, looping around Hagrid's cottage, along the lake, around greenhouse two, along the far side of the Quidditch pitch, and back up to the castle. This morning found Harry jogging the course alone, except for the usual company of security officials. They, however, kept their distance, allowing Harry the solitude he learned to appreciate at this time of day. Professor Pandoran no longer joined Harry every morning, claiming that she could no longer keep up with him.

While Harry had initially dreaded these early morning training sessions, he now found himself looking forward to them. All of his worries seemed to disappear as he took in the beauty of the Hogwarts grounds. He found solace in the early morning, which served as a stark contrast to the remainder of his day.

Harry nodded a farewell to the security officials as he climbed up the stairs to the castle. He made his way to Gryffindor Tower, hoping for a quick shower and an hour's time to work on homework. Harry climbed through the portrait hole, and made his way to the staircase leading to the boys' dormitory.

"Morning, Harry."

Harry stopped, his hand on the banister and his foot frozen mid-air over the bottom step. He turned around and saw Ron stretching on the couch in front of the fireplace.

"What are you doing here?" Harry asked, crossing the room towards Ron.

Ron yawned widely before replying, "Waiting for you."

Harry raised an eyebrow as he plopped down into an armchair. "Well," he replied, "here I am."

Ron surveyed Harry. "I can't believe you willingly get up this early."

Harry shrugged. "You get used to it."

Ron paused and ran his fingers through his hair. He took a deep breath. "Have you thought of anything for Hermione's birthday?"

Harry swore silently to himself. He had completely forgotten about his agreement to help Ron plan something spectacular for Hermione's birthday.

Harry shook his head and apologized. "Sorry, Ron. I haven't even thought about it."

Ron nodded and stared at the empty fireplace. "I know you've been busy."

Harry frowned at Ron. "Have you come up with anything?"

Ron shrugged. "I have a few ideas, but each one is as hopeless as the next."

Harry leaned forward, intrigued. "Maybe not, Ron. Let's hear them."

Ron sighed and looked at Harry skeptically. "Promise not to breathe a word of this to anyone else?"

"Promise."

Ron glanced around the room, and then leaned toward Harry. Ron spoke quickly and quietly, his face burning red the entire time. Harry's eyes widened as he listened to Ron, deeply impressed.

"Wow, Ron. I never knew you had it in you," Harry said leaning back in his chair. "I don't know why you even asked for my help."

Ron raked his fingers through his hair. "Well, while you have been justifiably busy, I've been thinking of nothing else. Besides, I'll need help organizing it, not to mention your moral support."

"You've got it, mate," Harry replied. He then furrowed his brows together. "I think we're going to need another person's help, though."

Ron frowned. "Who?"

"Well, neither you nor I can go into the girls' dormitory…" Harry began.

Ron's eyes widened. "Not --"

"Ginny," Harry said nodding his head.

Ron groaned. "She'll tease me worse than Fred and George would."

Harry grinned. "Well, I guess I could ask Parvati --"

"No!" Ron interrupted. "Let's keep my humiliation within the family."

Harry chuckled. "Don't worry, mate. I have a feeling Ginny will be all over this."

"What am I going to be all over?"

Ron and Harry jumped as Ginny's voice floated from the girls' staircase.

"Impeccable timing, Miss Weasley!" Harry said cheerfully.

Ginny raised an eyebrow at Harry as she sleepily walked to the armchair opposite Harry. "Ugh, Harry. Just because you're teaching us doesn't mean you have to sound like a professor." She threw herself into the armchair, swinging her legs to dangle over the arm. "Why are you so cheerful, anyway?"

Harry grinned. "I'll let your brother explain."

Ron sighed and looked at Ginny. "We're planning something for Hermione's birthday."

Ginny raised her eyebrows. "What are you planning?"

Ron glanced at Harry, who nodded encouragingly.

"Well, I g-guess it's more so me … I mean … I-I'm planning something for Hermione's birthday," Ron stammered.

Ginny swung her feet to the floor and leaned forward in her chair.

"Go on," she said, her curiosity evident.

"I – I … I want to do something nice for her," Ron continued, his face crimson. In a whisper, he added, "Some – something romantic."

Ginny's jaw dropped. A wide grin spread across her face as she looked from Ron to Harry and back again.

"Did you say 'romantic'?" Ginny asked.

Ron threw Harry an 'I-told-you-so' look. "Yes, Ginny," Ron said steely. "That's what I said."

"That's fantastic!" Ginny exclaimed.

Ron's head shot up to look at Ginny in shock. "What?" Ron asked, disbelieving.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Ron. It's about time. What can I do to help?"

Ron stared dubiously at his sister. "You're not going to say anything else? You're not going to tease me mercilessly?"

Ginny grinned happily. "No. I'll save the teasing and torment for when the two of you are finally dating. So, what's the plan?"

Ron breathed a sigh of relief and then shared his idea. By the time he was finished, Ginny's mouth was hanging open and her eyes were wide.

"Oh, Ron! She'll love it! I can't believe you came up with that on your own!" Ginny exclaimed.

Ron slouched back into the sofa. "Yeah, but will it work?"

Harry and Ginny looked at each other, then replied in unison, "Definitely."

Harry ran into the common room early Friday morning after his daily jog. He had hoped the run would calm his nerves, but he was far too anxious.

Blimey! You'd think I was the one professing my love for Hermione today, Harry scolded himself.

As he entered the common room, he found Ron pacing in front of the fireplace. His face was pale and his hair was standing on end.

"You all right, mate?" Harry asked as he crossed the common room.

Ron shook his head. "I can't do it. I've changed my mind," Ron said miserably.

Harry shook his head. "You can and you will do it. There's too many people involved to back out now."

Indeed, in addition to Ginny, they had also enlisted the help of Dobby and a surprisingly helpful Professor McGonagall.

Ron opened his mouth to reply, but then turned to the sound of footsteps on the girls' staircase. Ginny bounded down the stairs, smiling widely. "It's done."

Ron sank into the couch and put his head in his hands. "What have I done?" he muttered.

Ginny sat beside her brother and rubbed his back consolingly. "It's going to be fine, Ron. Besides, you've got to get your game face on, or all of our plans will be for nothing."

Ron ran his hands over his face and nodded. "Right."

Another scurry of footsteps on the girls' staircase brought their conversation to a halt. Ron, Harry, and Ginny held their breath as Hermione appeared at the bottom of the staircase. She was clutching a bouquet of red roses in her arm, and her face was flushed. She stopped in her tracks as her eyes landed on her best friends.

The room fell silent as Hermione surveyed her friends before her.

"Happy Birthday, Hermione," Harry said, attempting to eliminate the awkward silence that had fallen upon them. He walked over and wrapped her in a hug, careful not to crush the roses.

"Thanks, Harry!" Hermione replied. "What are all of you doing down here so early?"

"We all wanted to be the first to wish our favourite girl a happy birthday," Ginny said smoothly, hugging Hermione tightly.

Hermione grinned. "Thanks."

Ron stood and smiled awkwardly at Hermione. "Happy birthday, Mione." He gave her a quick hug and then arched his eyebrows at the roses.

"What's with the roses?" he asked.

Wow, he's good, Harry mused.

Hermione's face flushed. "They were lying on my pillow when I woke up," she said smiling.

Ron frowned. "Who are they from?"

Harry bit the insides of his cheeks. He's really good.

Hermione shrugged as her cheeks coloured. "I don't know. They just came with this," she said, holding out a small piece of parchment.

Harry, Ginny, and Ron leaned in to read the parchment. In a beautiful calligraphy were the words:

Seventeen roses

for each of your years …

Harry frowned. "That's awfully vague."

Hermione shrugged. "I think it's intriguing."

Ron snorted.

Hermione narrowed her eyes. "Ronald, just because you have the emotional depth of a rain puddle doesn't mean that everyone else is limited to that level."

Harry held his breath. Hermione's going to regret that one, he thought. Harry watched as Ron took a deep breath.

"What are you saying? You've got a secret admirer or something?" Ron asked sharply.

Hermione surveyed Ron. "I'm not saying anything, Ronald, but it is possible."

Ron shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Whatever you say, Hermione."

Hermione frowned at Ron and then turned to Ginny. "Come on, Ginny. Let's go put these roses in some water."

Ginny nodded and went to follow Hermione up the stairs. Ginny turned to face Ron and Harry on the bottom step and gave them a thumbs up. She then spun around and followed Hermione up the stairs.

Ron collapsed onto the couch. "How'd I do?"

Harry grinned at his best friend. "Brilliant. Absolutely perfect."

After a quick shower and more encouraging words for Ron, Harry dragged Ron downstairs to meet Hermione and Ginny in the Great Hall. Hermione was talking excitedly about the book Harry and Ron had given her as a present.

"Thank you both for the book," Hermione said smiling as Ron and Harry sat down across from her. "I'm sure it will help prepare me for my apparition test."

Harry smiled. "You're welcome. It was Ron's idea."

Hermione raised her eyebrows at Ron who had been staring blankly at his empty plate. Her eyebrows fell into a frown as she surveyed Ron.

"Are you feeling all right, Ron?" Hermione asked.

Ron's head shot up and his eyes darted to Harry and Ginny before they focused on Hermione. "I'm fine. Why?"

Hermione frowned. "You haven't eaten anything yet."

Ron shrugged. "I'm not hungry."

Hermione set her spoon down and clasped her hands in front of her on the table. "Now I know something is wrong. What is it?"

Harry nudged Ron and handed him a plate of toast. Ron grabbed a couple slices and began munching absently. "I'm fine," Ron repeated.

Hermione opened her mouth to voice her disbelief, but was cut off by a long white box dropping onto the table in front of her. She glanced up at the owls swarming overhead, but could not discern which one had delivered it.

"Well, aren't you going to open it?" Ginny exclaimed excitedly.

Hermione's hand slowly removed the ribbon tied neatly around the box. She lifted the lid to reveal six slender roses. Hermione slipped her hand into the box and retrieved a piece of parchment. Her cheeks flushed as she read the note aloud:

"Seventeen roses

for each of your years,

Six roses more

for the years you've been near…"

Ginny giggled. "This is getting interesting."

Harry leaned forward and looked at the note curiously. "Any name this time?"

Hermione shook her head.

"Who do you think they're from?" Ginny asked.

Hermione looked at her friends wide-eyed. "I have no idea."

"Has she said anything?" Ginny whispered.

Harry glanced at Hermione. She had her new book, Getting There in One Piece: Apparition at its Simplest, propped up in front of her lunch and was completely immersed in its pages. Ron sat beside her, twiddling his spoon absentmindedly in his soup.

Harry turned to Ginny and whispered, "She's not saying anything, but I've seen her rereading the notes under her desk in class. Her curiosity is definitely piqued."

Ginny giggled softly. "And this afternoon?"

"All set," Harry whispered.

A large brown owl swooped down to the table in front of them and began nibbling the corner of Hermione's book. After several seconds, Hermione finally noticed and snatched her book away. The owl hopped over, dropping two roses and a piece of parchment on her plate. Hermione's eyes widened as she reached for the parchment. She read the note silently, clasping a hand over her mouth.

"What is it?" Ginny asked.

With a shaky hand, Hermione handed Ginny the note. Harry and Ginny read it together.

Seventeen roses

for each of your years,

Six roses more

for the years you've been near,

Two roses now

since you've entered my heart…

Harry smiled as Ginny handed the note to Ron. Ron's face flushed as he handed the note back to Hermione.

"It appears you have an admirer," Ron said thickly.

Hermione stared at the note in her hand. "Yes, it appears so."

They finished their lunches, taking guesses as to who Hermione's admirer might be. Neville, Seamus, Draco, Crabbe and Goyle were contemplated as possible admirers, much to the chagrin of Hermione. Harry had caused Ginny to choke on her pumpkin juice when he suggested that Pansy Parkinson might be a likely candidate since Malfoy's indiscretion in the training room. Hermione, for her part, cast Harry an exasperated glare.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione parted ways with Ginny as they headed to their afternoon classes. Harry and Ron continued to throw names around, to Hermione's utter annoyance.

"Honestly, you two are driving me mad! I wish I had never shared this with you!" Hermione hissed.

Ron suddenly stopped dead in his tracks.

Harry turned to face Ron. "What is it, mate?"

Ron slapped his hand to his forehead. "I've forgotten my book bag in the Great Hall."

"How could you forget your bag?" Hermione scolded.

Ron shrugged. "You guys go ahead. I'll meet you there."

"Hurry, Ron! McGonagall doesn't take tardiness lightly!" Hermione called as Ron raced down the hallway.

Harry and Hermione walked into McGonagall's classroom and took their seats. Harry slid in beside Parvati hesitantly. She had been acting strangely lately; she either attached herself to Harry's side and didn't give him room to breath, or did little more than acknowledge him politely. So far, today had been the latter.

Parvati glanced coolly at Harry. "Hello, Harry."

"Hey, Parvati," Harry said smiling. "Have a good lunch?"

"Yes, not that you care," she answered stiffly as she flipped through her Transfiguration text.

Harry sighed and shook his head. He refused to get into a row with Parvati today.

Harry sat silently waiting for class to start. He began doodling on the corner of his text.

"Harry!" Hermione hissed. Harry looked up at Hermione to see her twisted in her seat to face him. "What's taking Ron so long?" Hermione whispered.

Harry bit the insides of his cheeks and shrugged as McGonagall entered the classroom. The door slammed shut behind her as she strode to the front of the classroom. Hermione cast one last worried glance at the door before turning to face Professor McGonagall.

McGonagall cleared her throat as she cast an appraising glance over the students. "Good afternoon. Today we will be studying--"

"Sorry, Professor!" Ron exclaimed as he burst into the classroom.

McGonagall shot Ron a withering glare. "Would you mind explaining why you are late, Mr. Weasley?"

Ron blushed as he sat down beside Hermione. "I forgot my books, Professor."

McGonagall peered over her glasses at him. "I don't appreciate being interrupted, Mr. Weasley. Now, if you don't mind, may I continue my lesson?"

Ron nodded. "Of course, Professor."

McGonagall raised an eyebrow at him and then continued. "As I was saying, today we will be studying the theory of--"

"Hey, Harry! Do you have an extra quill?" Ron whispered loudly, receiving glares from both Hermione and McGonagall.

"Mr. Weasley, when you come to my class I expect you to be on time and to be prepared. I should think your years thus far in my classroom would have made that clear!"

"Sure thing, Professor," Ron replied offhandedly.

Hermione's mouth dropped open as she kicked Ron under the table.

"Ouch! Whatcha kick me for?" Ron exclaimed.

Hermione buried her face in her hands as Harry bit the insides of his cheeks so hard he thought he might be drawing blood.

"Mr. Weasley! Detention! Tonight!" McGonagall exclaimed.

Ron looked sheepishly at Professor McGonagall and nodded his head.

The remainder of the afternoon passed by incident-free. Ron had even managed to get Hermione to forget about his behaviour in Transfiguration when he joked that Harry might be her secret admirer.

"Ron!" Hermione said shaking her head, "that's like me saying that Ginny fancies you!"

Ron screwed up his face. "Yuk! I take it back!"

Hermione laughed as they climbed through the portrait hole. Ginny bounded up to them, her cheeks flushed.

"Hermione! You've got another owl!"

Hermione followed Ginny to the couch in front of the fireplace to find an owl perched on the armchair. Hermione glanced at her friends, and then untied the parchment tied to it.

She sat down and read the note. Her face turned red and her hand fluttered to her chest. When she raised here eyes to her friends, they were wide and shining brightly.

"What did it say, Hermione?" Ginny asked softly, sitting beside Hermione.

Hermione handed Ginny the note. Ginny glanced at Ron and Harry, and then read aloud:

Seventeen roses

for each of your years,

Six roses more

for the years you've been near,

Two roses now

since you've entered my heart,

The final rose, dear,

I must wait to impart.

A delectable feast,

for you I will prepare,

It's taken all my courage,

it's taken all my dare,

The time has come

that I must take a leap,

Tonight I will give

my heart for you to keep,

Do with it what you may,

in you I place my trust,

Please promise to hear me,

now this is a must,

Our friendship I treasure,

yet I dare ask for more,

But please know this,

it's you I adore,

So meet me tonight,

and I promise you bliss,

If you will only grant me

love's tender kiss.

Room of Requirement, 6:00pm

A tear escaped down Ginny's cheek as she looked briefly at Ron. She then turned to Hermione and hugged her. "It's beautiful!"

Harry glanced at Ron, who was watching Hermione intently.

"Are you going?" Ron asked quietly.

Ginny and Hermione broke apart. Hermione swiped her fingers across her cheeks.

"What?" Hermione asked.

Ron swallowed and stared at her. "Are you going?" Ron repeated.

Hermione glanced at the parchment and then looked up at Ron. "I'm not sure…I'd like to find out who it is," she said softly.

"Don't you know?" Ron asked, his eyes boring into hers.

Hermione blinked the tears from her eyes. She stared at Ron contemplatively. She moved her gaze to the parchment in her hand. "No, I don't think I do," she said quietly.

Ron stared at Hermione furtively before slouching in his seat and moving his gaze to the floor.

Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Harry sat quietly in front of the fireplace, keeping their thoughts to themselves. Ron was becoming increasingly fidgety, but only Harry noticed it.

Ron raked his fingers through his hair. He suddenly jumped up and said, "I'm going to get cleaned up before McGonagall's detention. I'll see you guys later."

"Ron, wait!" Hermione called, standing up and reaching her hand towards Ron.

Harry watched Ron's shoulders rise and fall as he took a deep breath before turning to face Hermione. Ron's jaw clenched as he peered down at Hermione. "Yes?" he asked.

Hermione fidgeted with the piece of parchment in her hand. "Do you think I should meet this person?" she asked, her eyes penetrating Ron's.

Ron took a step toward Hermione, put his hands on her shoulders and peered into her eyes. He spoke softly, his words clipped and forced, "I think you should go. I … I hope you're happy with what you find."

Ron then turned abruptly and strode away from Hermione and climbed up the stairs to the boys' dormitory. Hermione stood staring at Ron's retreating back, her mouth parted slightly. Hermione turned to face Harry and Ginny, her forehead wrinkled in confusion and disappointment.

"I guess I'll be going, then," she said quietly, sinking into the couch beside Ginny.

Ginny patted Hermione's leg and smiled, "It'll all turn out right, Hermione. I just know it."

Hermione gazed at the empty staircase where Ron had disappeared. "I'm not so sure, Ginny." She then turned to the piece of parchment and re-read it. She turned abruptly to Harry and Ginny. "You two have to come with me."

"What?" Harry and Ginny exclaimed.

Hermione leaned forward and spoke urgently. "You haveto come with me! I don't know who this person is. It might not be safe!"

Ginny shook her head. "Someone off their rocker can't write poetry like that," she said, nodding towards the parchment in Hermione's hand.

"Yes they can!" Hermione insisted, her eyes wide. "Even if he's not dangerous, what if it's someone that I really don't like? If you're there, you can help me escape!"

"I don't think the bloke was wanting you to bring anyone with you, Hermione," Harry said sagely.

"That's exactly why you need to come," Hermione insisted.

"No," Harry said, crossing his arms.

"Please?" Hermione asked.

"No," Ginny replied.

Hermione folded her arms across her chest. "Some friends you are!" she sniffed. "Fine," she continued, "I won't go then."

Harry and Ginny bolted upright in their seats. They had never considered that Hermione might not go.

"You have to go," Ginny insisted. "You have to at least solve the mystery."

"I don't care," Hermione said stiffly.

"You do too," Harry said. "I saw your face when you read that poem. You're dying to know who it is."

Hermione squirmed in her seat. "I don't want to get this person's hopes up by meeting him, only to turn him down once I'm there."

"Who says you're going to turn him down?" Ginny inquired.

Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes. "If I don't fancy him, I'm not going to go out with him just because he went through all of this trouble for my birthday. I'm not going to lie."

"What if you do fancy him?" Ginny pressed.

Hermione glanced at the boys' staircase. "I doubt I will."

Harry leaned forward in his chair, trying one last attempt. "You should go, Hermione. You can't leave him waiting there all night. At least have the courtesy to meet him, even if it is only to turn him down."

Hermione sighed and frowned at Harry. "You're right," she said, "I should go. But, only if you'll come with me."

Harry groaned frustrated. "Hermione! Where's your Gryffindor courage?"

Hermione shook her head primly. "This has nothing to do with courage!"

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Give us a break, Hermione. The poor guy would be so embarrassed if Harry and I walked in with you."

Hermione's eyes darted between Harry and Ginny. "Use Harry's invisibility cloak. That way I'll know that you're there, but he won't."

"Hermione – " Harry began.

"Hold on," Ginny said, holding her hand out to interrupt Harry. She turned to face him. "You have an invisibility cloak?" she whispered, seemingly scandalized.

Harry frowned at Ginny. "Yeah, didn't you know?"

Ginny's mouth dropped. "No, I most certainly did not know! How long have you had it?"

Harry shrugged nonchalantly. "Since my first Christmas at Hogwarts. It was my dad's."

Ginny leaned back in her chair. "Have you ever used it?"

Harry grinned. "Loads of times."

A mischievous glint shone in Ginny's eyes. "How is it that I don't know about this?"

Harry shrugged his shoulders and leaned back in his chair. "It's not like we advertise that I have it. But it has come in handy on numerous occasions."

"As it will tonight," Hermione insisted, nodding her head curtly.

Ginny surveyed Harry with a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "You're just full of surprises, Potter."

Harry smiled half-heartedly. "Yeah. I'm an abyss of secrets."

Ginny frowned at Harry, trying to determine what he meant by his comment. Hermione interrupted her thoughts.

"So, will you two come with me, then?" Hermione asked.

Ginny met Harry's gaze and raised her eyebrows questioningly. Harry shrugged his shoulders and nodded.

"Fine, we'll come," Ginny said, turning to Hermione, "with Harry's cloak. At no time do we want our presence to be known."

Hermione threw her arms around Ginny. "Thank you!" Hermione exclaimed. "Now come help me get ready."

Ginny smiled as Hermione tugged her arm. "I thought you were just going out of courtesy?"

Hermione shrugged. "That doesn't mean I shouldn't look nice," she said plainly. She turned to Harry. "Meet us back here in an hour and bring your cloak."

Harry saluted Hermione with his hand to his forehead and replied, "Yes, ma'am."

Harry scribbled furiously across the parchment spread before him. He had decided to work on his Charms essay while Ginny helped Hermione get ready for her birthday surprise. Why girls always seemed to need "help" getting ready was beyond Harry, but it nevertheless gave him the opportunity to get a head start on his homework.

Hermione would be so proud, Harry chuckled to himself as he proofread his notes. After a few edits and additions, Harry smiled, satisfied with his work.

"What's with the smile, honey?"

Harry looked up to see Parvati grinning at him. He raised an eyebrow questioningly. She had stayed clear of him all day, and now she was calling him 'honey'? Girls were so complicated.

Harry shrugged and replied, "I'm just happy to be done Flitwick's essay."

Parvati's face spread into a wide smile as she slid into his lap and put her arms around his neck. "Does that mean I can have you to myself tonight?" Parvati purred in Harry's ear.

Harry swallowed as he pulled Parvati's arms from around his neck. "I thought you were mad at me," Harry said, pushing Parvati back so he could look at her.

Parvati pouted. "What made you think that?" Parvati asked, snaking her hands around Harry's neck again.

Harry stared at her, his mouth agape. "You barely acknowledged me all day."

Parvati sighed and rolled her eyes. "You're so silly, Harry."

Harry frowned, feeling a ripple of anger flash through him. "Are you saying you didn't ignore me all day?"

"Harry…" Parvati murmured as she leaned towards him for a kiss. Harry stopped Parvati by placing his hands on her shoulders.

"I want an answer, Parvati," Harry said sternly.

Parvati's eyes narrowed. "What's your problem, Harry?"

Harry pushed Parvati off his lap and began gathering his parchment and books that were spread on the table. "I refuse to play this game with you, Parvati," Harry said, shoving his books roughly into his school bag.

"Please don't go, Harry," Parvati pleaded.

Harry spun around to retort, but stopped himself when he met Parvati's teary eyes.

"Parvati – "

"Please, Harry. I'm sorry," Parvati began, her bottom lip trembling. "I just --"

"Harry! Are you ready to go?"

Harry turned to see Hermione calling to him from the bottom of the girls' staircase. Harry returned his gaze to Parvati. She was staring at Hermione with narrowed eyes. Harry sighed.

"I'm sorry, Parvati. We'll have to finish this conversation later. I've got to help Hermione with something."

Parvati swallowed and moved her narrowed eyes to Harry "Of course. Go help your friend . Your girlfriend will just have to wait," Parvati said coolly.

Harry ran a hand through his hair. "Don't do that, Parvati."

Parvati's voice was sharp. "Do what? Speak the truth?"

Harry felt anger flare up inside him again. "You're right, Parvati. I'm helping one of my best friends on her birthday. If that makes me an inconsiderate prat, then so be it," Harry spat, slinging his bag over his shoulder. He turned and called to Hermione, "I'll be right back, Hermione."

Harry ran upstairs and threw his bag violently on his bed. He kicked his trunk as the frustration from his conversation with Parvati coursed through him.

"Trouble in paradise?"

Harry jumped and turned to face the voice that had come from the doorway. Ginny stood leaning against the doorframe with a small smile playing on her lips.

Harry snorted. "I'm definitely not in paradise," Harry muttered, raking his fingers through his untidy hair.

"I can hex her if you want," Ginny replied, drawing her wand from her robes.

Harry chuckled despite himself. "No, that's okay. I don't need you to fight my battles, Ginny."

Ginny surveyed Harry seriously. "As long as you know that I will gladly hex anyone who hurts you, Harry."

Harry swallowed hard as Ginny's words caused a tightening in Harry's chest. He stared into Ginny's eyes and saw her honesty and determination. "I know, Ginny. Thank you."

Ginny smiled softly as she tucked her wand away. "You should grab your cloak. I'm sure Hermione's worn a hole in the carpet from her pacing by now."

Harry nodded and leaned into his trunk to retrieve his invisibility cloak. He folded it tightly and tucked it inside his robes. He turned to face Ginny. "Shall we?"

Ginny nodded and smiled. "Let's go."

They met a very anxious Hermione in the common room and rolled their eyes as Hermione admonished them for taking so long.

"Relax, Hermione!" Ginny said, exasperated. "We still have plenty of time."'

Hermione wrung her hands nervously. "I don't want to make a bad impression by being late."

Harry chuckled. "By the sounds of that poem, you don't need to worry about the kind of impression you'll make, Hermione."

Hermione straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. "You can never be sure, Harry."

Ginny stifled a giggle as Harry rolled his eyes again.

They clambered through the portrait hole and began to make their way to the Room of Requirement.

"I wonder if he's a member of the D.A.," Hermione wondered aloud.

"What makes you say that?" Ginny asked, glancing briefly at Harry.

"Well, other than the students in the D.A., it isn't very likely that anyone else knows about the Room of Requirement," Hermione stated.

"You may be on to something, Hermione," Harry replied. Ginny shot Harry a look of warning at which Harry just grinned.

Hermione sighed. "I just can't imagine who it could be, and no, I don't need to hear any more suggestions, Harry."

Harry chuckled, and then turned to Ginny. "Well, Gin. I think it's time we go undercover," Harry said, pulling the invisibility cloak from inside his robes. He glanced up and down the hall before shaking the cloak to its full length. Harry then stepped toward Ginny and threw the cloak around them.

"I can still see your feet," Hermione said, staring at the disembodied feet.

"You'll have to get closer, Ginny," Harry whispered as he hunched over to let the bottom of the cloak touch the floor.

Ginny turned her head and raised an eyebrow at Harry. "Are you trying to get fresh with me, Potter?"

Harry felt a flush creep into his cheeks. He ignored the flips in his stomach as he retorted, "Is that a request?"

Ginny laughed and elbowed Harry in the ribs.

"Ouch!" Harry yelped, grinning.

"Sshh!" Hermione scolded as she continued down the hallway with an invisible Harry and Ginny in tow. Harry and Ginny stopped and watched as Hermione walked by the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy three times. On her third pass, a door appeared on the stretch of wall opposite the tapestry. Harry and Ginny glanced at each other anxiously.

Hermione looked up and down the hallway. "Where are you two?" she whispered.

"Right behind you."

Hermione jumped and then nodded. "Okay. Follow me in. I'm sure this won't take long, and then you can follow me out."

Hermione's hand reached hesitantly to the doorknob. She paused, her hand trembling inches from the door. Ginny reached through the folds of the invisibility cloak and nudged Hermione in the back.

"Okay! Okay!" Hermione hissed. She straightened her shoulders and raised her chin as she pushed the door open.

Hermione and Ginny gasped as they walked into the room. Harry nudged Ginny in warning as they followed Hermione, although he too felt his mouth drop open at the sight. The room was nearly wall-to-wall with roses. In the centre of the room was a small table with two place settings. Silver domes covered the feast that had been prepared among the candles on the table. Candles also hung suspended around the room, casting a warm glow.

Harry and Ginny stood huddled together by the door as Hermione stepped slowly towards the table. Ginny grabbed Harry's arm tightly as a slight movement in a darkened corner of the room caused Hermione to jump. A dark figure could be seen standing just beyond the dancing flicker of candlelight. Hermione turned to face the corner, her hands twitching by her side.

The figure stepped forward slowly. A tall, red-haired boy stepped into the candlelight, clutching a single red rose in his hand. The boy raised his eyes hesitantly to Hermione and took another step towards her.

"Happy birthday, Hermione," he said, his voice cracking with emotion and fear.

Hermione's hands flew to her face. Harry and Ginny held their breath, both knowing they should turn around and leave, but neither able to tear themselves away from the scene before them. Hermione's shoulders shook as she took in a ragged breath.

"Ron?" she whispered.

Ron walked forward, closing the space between them. "Your final rose, as beautiful and perfect as you," Ron said softly, holding the rose out to her.

Hermione's hand shook as she took the rose from Ron. She brought the flower to her nose and breathed in its sweet smell. Ron stood silently before her, his face filled with anguish.

"Ron…" Hermione said, her voice breaking.

"Yes?" Ron replied, his voice low and strained.

Hermione raised her eyes to Ron. "I thought you had detention with Professor McGonagall."

Ron cleared his throat. "No. That was a set up so I could take off earlier and it wouldn't look suspicious."

"Professor McGonagall knew about this?" Hermione gasped.

Ron raked his fingers through his hair nervously. "Yeah. She even taught me the method to transfigure these roses."

Hermione's mouth fell open. "You did all of this for me?" she whispered.

Ron swallowed and nodded. "Yes, Hermione. I did it all for you."

Hermione's gaze swept around the room before landing on the rose in her hand. She stared at the rose as a single tear rolled down her cheek.

"Ron, I don't know what to say," Hermione said softly.

Ron hung his head and frowned at the floor. "It's okay, Hermione. I never dared to hope that you felt the same way about me, but I couldn't deny it any longer. I had to tell you. I hope it doesn't ruin our friendship."

Hermione shook her head. "That's not what I meant, Ron," Hermione said. She stepped closer to Ron and tilted his chin up with her finger to raise his eyes to hers. She held his gaze and whispered, "I wanted it to be you."

Ron swallowed hard, his eyes holding Hermione's. "You did?" he asked throatily.

Hermione nodded as she closed her eyes and sniffed the rose again. She opened her eyes and looked at Ron searchingly. "Did you mean everything you said?" Hermione asked softly.

Ron nodded as he raised his hand to caress her cheek. "I meant every word."

Hermione leaned her head into his hand. "Will you keep your promise, then?" Hermione whispered.

Ron frowned. "Pardon?"

Hermione closed her eyes and recited, "So meet me tonight and I'll promise you bliss…"

Ron smiled and continued, "…If you will only grant me love's tender kiss."

Hermione opened her eyes and stared up at Ron. "I would grant you anything, Ron."

Ron grinned and cocked an eyebrow at her. "Anything?" he teased.

Hermione smiled as she slipped her arms around Ron's neck. "Well, let's see how this goes first."

Ron swallowed nervously as he cupped Hermione's face in his hands. He gazed into her eyes before leaning his head forward and capturing Hermione's lips with his own. Neither noticed the soft opening and closing of the door.