A/N: Right. Now we jump a couple of years. Just to fill you in, Harry plays professional Quidditch for Puddlemere United and Alicia is Chaser Coach for the Holyhead Harpies. For simplicity's sake, Voldemort was defeated in Harry's last year. Harry is now 20 years old and Alicia is about to turn 23.

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Chapter 1

Saturday night. Best night of the week according to many. Time to party and let loose.

BEEP!

"Dinner's ready!" Alicia Spinnet exclaimed. The only other living creature in the house just stared up at her. "Oh, don't look at me like that."

Jasper, Alicia's white Persian cat just meowed and wound himself around her legs. "Settle down, fluff ball," she grabbed his bowl and emptied a can of cat food into it.

With Jasper happy, Alicia pulled her own dinner out of the microwave and removed the seal with relish. Then she frowned. Why did it always look better on the box? She sighed heavily and grabbed a fork and went to eat in front of the television. Alicia didn't think she'd be able to survive without Muggle appliances. Her father was a Muggle so she'd grown up with electricity. Thank God.

Neighbours was on. It was a horrible Australian soap opera but it was entertainment enough. Alicia had just begun to eat when there was a knock at the door. Typical.

"Coming!" she placed her cooling dinner down on the coffee table and ran to the door. She left the chain on and opened the door.

"All right, Licia?" Fred grinned.

"I should have known," Alicia groaned and removed the chain. Fred entered followed closely by George.

"Business was booming at the shop today. We came as soon as we could," George explained.

"You needn't have bothered," Alicia snapped. "I don't want to talk about it." She stomped back to her dinner and the twins hurried after her.

"You and Julian left pretty early last night," Fred winked.

Alicia shoved some peas into her mouth so she wouldn't have to answer. But the twins were persistent.

"Did you have breakfast with him?"

"I hate you both," she replied airily and took a bite of half cooked meat.

"It can't have been that bad," George reasoned.

"Was he a dud shag?" Fred asked.

"We didn't even get that far if you must know."

"Why the hell not?"

Alicia gave up on her tasteless food and placed it back on the table as calmly as she could. "It just didn't work out."

"What did you do?"

"I didn't do anything, you git!" she punched George in the arm.

"Then what went wrong?" Fred demanded. "You were perfect for each other. We wouldn't have set you up otherwise."

"Honestly, you two are as thick as posts," Alicia rubbed her hands over her face. "Julian is gay! You idiots set me up with a gay bloke!"

"Bollocks," Fred shook his head. "We may have only just met him but we know a queer when we see one."

"I'm telling you he's as straight as a pretzel!"

"Why would he invite you back to his place then?" George countered.

"Because I told him I once played Quidditch with Oliver Wood."

"There you go, he likes Quidditch," Fred said adamantly.

"He likes Oliver! He has a shrine! A shrine for Merlin's sake!" Alicia exploded. "He wanted to know if I've ever seen Oliver in a towel! You two are going to put me off blokes forever!"

The twins had paled considerably. Jasper came sauntering into the room and jumped onto Alicia's lap. She stroked his soft fur to calm herself down. Jasper always knew when his mistress was stressed and was quite happy to offer himself as a form of relief. Besides, he got a nice scratch out of it.

"We're sorry, Leesh," Fred said, puppy dog eyes at full capacity.

"That's what you said with the last two guys you tried to set me up with," she glared. "And here I was thinking it couldn't get any worse than Evan and Miles."

"I still don't see what was wrong with them," George said.

"Evan had trouble looking away from his mirror to talk to me and Miles had a belly button fetish."

"I still don't see it."

"George!"

"I'm only kidding, pet," he soothed. "So we haven't had a great track record. We'll try harder next time."

"There won't be a next time!" she hissed through her teeth. "I'm sick of you trying to set me up with guys you grab off the street!"

"Hey, I'll have you know not all of them are off the street. Some actually come into the shop before we show them your picture."

"Well, I've had enough of it!"

"We're only trying to help," Fred pouted.

"Yeah, you need a man in your life," George added.

"I don't need a man," Alicia lifted her chin. "I have Jasper."

Fred just raised his eyebrows. "Well, Jasper licks his own crotch. That doesn't say much about the company you like to keep."

"Don't you have fiancés you can annoy?" she sighed.

"Katie has to work late and Angelina has some important meeting," George answered.

Katie worked for the Ministry and had recently been promoted to the Department of Magical Games and Sports and was now spokesperson for the Equal Representation of Women in Sports Office. Hence the party the previous night.

Angelina played for the Montrose Magpies. She'd only managed to break out of the reserves a few weeks ago. That had constituted another party. That was when she'd been introduced to stupid Evan and his stupid mirror.

"We're all worried about you. Since you broke up with Kieran-"

"I told you not to mention his name in my presence," Alicia interrupted softly.

Ah, Kieran. The beginning of all the problems. They met as soon as Alicia left school. He was a hot shot Seeker for the Appleby Arrows when Alicia got her first job with the Arrows. She'd been unable to resist his abundant charm. They dated for two years before he proposed. Then they remained engaged for about one and half years before it all ended in a blaze of glory.

Alicia walked in on Kieran with another woman. In her bed of all places. It wasn't just any woman either. It was his coach's wife. Alicia went through a month of hell as it was splashed all over the papers. Kieran was fired and later picked up by the Canons. Alicia couldn't handle the sympathetic looks from her work mates so she found another position at the Harpies. At least there was no chance of her falling in love with one of the Harpies' players. But the bad luck didn't end there, it was only beginning.

When she was most vulnerable Lee Jordan had shown up.

He'd been travelling all over commentating Quidditch and had returned when he heard what happened. Sweet, sweet, Lee. They spent two beautiful months together before Alicia told him she didn't think they had a future. It broke his heart.

Since then, Alicia had left a trail of hopeless relationships in her wake. None had lasted more than a month. She was ready to give up.

"Look, I appreciate your concern but I'm fine," she forced a smile.

"Fine?" George said doubtfully. "It's Saturday night and you're at home eating a TV dinner and watching soap operas. It's only seven and you're already in your pyjamas, love. You're seriously telling me you don't see a problem with this?"

"It might not be the ideal way to spend a Saturday night but you have to let me find my own dates."

"Where?" Fred prodded her. "You won't meet anyone at work with a team full of witches. And I doubt you're going to find someone just sitting around your house like this."

"We can get in touch with Lee," George suggested.

"I've already tried it with him. There wasn't enough chemistry."

"But you told us he was good in bed."

"Fred, you and I both know that's not enough to base a relationship on," Alicia rolled her blue eyes. "Like I said before, I appreciate the concern but this has got to stop."

The red heads exchanged a quick glance and nodded in perfect unison. "All right, we'll hang up our Cupid wings."

Alicia smiled. "I'm glad we have an understanding."

"How about we make up for all the mistakes we made?"

Alicia stopped stroking Jasper and he meowed indignantly. "I'm listening."

"How about we take you out to dinner tomorrow night? Our shout."

"Dinner where?"

"You know that posh Muggle restaurant in London? Bella Notte or whatever it's called."

Alicia managed a small nod. Bella Notte was flashy. Anybody who was anybody ate there. Or was at least seen in the general vicinity. "Nice thought, boys, but it takes months to get a reservation."

"Then I guess it's lucky we already have one."

She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "I hope you didn't kill anyone for it? Or tie anyone up in a broom closet like that time in seventh year?"

"Nothing like that. One of our Muggle suppliers set up a business dinner type thing there with us but today we found out he won't be able to make it. There's no point having a table and not using it. Ang and Katie are busy tomorrow night so we thought we'd take you instead. You interested?" Fred smiled charmingly.

Alicia's eyes widened. The hardest choice she ever made was whether to get the fat free TV dinner. "Ok, it's a date."

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"Do I look all right?" Alicia twirled around her bedroom. Jasper peered at her distractedly then went back to licking his paws. Alicia studied herself in the mirror. "Is it the colour? Maybe I should wear my hair up?"

It was the whole damn outfit. Her ensemble of Muggle dresses was seriously lacking. She had a total of four to choose from. One made her look like a hooker, another had some unidentifiable stain that only spread when she tried to magic it away and the nicest dress was the one she had bought for her engagement party. Too many bad memories there. The only thing that stopped her burning that dress was the fact it had cost a fortnights pay.

So Alicia found herself left with a floor length, off-white dress. It looked like she'd wrapped a curtain around herself. Classy. She definitely couldn't wear it to a place like Bella Notte.

What had she been thinking? She didn't belong in a place like that! She didn't even like gourmet food. She was a bangers and mash girl through and through. But it had been ages since she'd been out any further than the pizza shop down the road.

Back to square one then.

"Crystal!" Alicia yelped suddenly and, picking up her dress so she didn't trip, dashed out of her room and straight out the front door. She leapt over the flowerbed that separated her front garden from her next door neighbour's and knocked on the front door after taking a few deep breaths. A tall, dark skinned male opened the door and flashed a bright smile.

"Alicia! Nice to see you." He looked her up and down. "Say, why are you wearing a table cloth?"

"It's not a table cloth, Michael!" she stomped her foot. "Is Crystal home? It's sort of an emergency."

"Sure, come in," he stepped aside and she practically ran into the house. She found Crystal sitting on her bed reading a magazine.

"Crys! Quick, quick! I need a dress!" Alicia jumped up and down.

Her Muggle friend's eyes skimmed over her distressed figure and Crystal giggled. "Yes, I can see that."

"Are you going to help me or not?!"

"Sure, darl, just relax," she scrambled off her bed and began to rummage through her own collection of dresses. "You got a hot date or somethin'?" was the muffled enquiry.

"Not exactly. Fred and George are taking me out to a fancy restaurant to apologise for screwing up my love life."

"Oh, that's nice of them. Here, try this one," Crystal handed her an ice blue dress made of shimmery silk. She turned back to find some shoes as Alicia shimmied out of the curtain dress and slipped on the new one.

The first thing Alicia noticed was how well it fit. Even though it was a little tighter than she was used to, it was perfect. The material was light and felt lovely against her skin. It floated down to swim around her ankles and it was halter necked. A fair amount of her back was bare and the neckline dipped between her breast.

It was sexy yet elegant. Alicia had never even contemplated wearing anything like it. But it was about time to take a risk. Who knows, she might spot a handsome, rich and eligible bachelor at the restaurant? Better to look sexy than frumpy.

"You look gorgeous!" Crystal exclaimed as she handed over a pair of strappy, silver heels.

Alicia sat down and put the shoes on as well then stood in front of the full-length mirror. She spun until she got dizzy but she still couldn't find any flaws. "You sure it isn't too showy?"

"You look beautiful!" Crystal steered her back over to the bed then ducked underneath and drew out a pink make-up case. "Just let me do something with that hair of yours. And a little makeup couldn't hurt."

"Whatever. Just make it quick," Alicia brought her hand to her mouth and began to habitually bite her nails.

"Ladies don't bite their nails!" Crystal slapped her hand away. "Right, I think my silver chopsticks will do the trick."

Alicia gasped and covered her head with her arms. "You're not putting any food utensils in my hair!"

"I don't use them to eat, you daft prat," she pulled her arms away. "They're ornamental. They're meant to go in your hair."

"Oh."

"You really are clueless," Crystal sighed wearily.

It was a further fifteen minutes before Crystal announced her satisfaction and allowed Alicia to look in the mirror. It was like looking at another person. Alicia never wore makeup or did her hair all fancy, but she had to admit she looked nice. Very nice in fact. If only Kieran could see her now.

"Thanks, Crys. You're a life saver," Alicia hugged her friend delicately, not wanted to ruin anything.

"Glad to help," she ushered her back to the front door where Michael was trying to fix the malfunctioning doorbell. He dropped his screwdriver when he caught sight of Alicia. Crystal just giggled. "I think that said it all."

"Thanks again. I'll bring everything back tomorrow after work."

"That's fine. Just make sure you're home before midnight. You don't want to turn into a pumpkin."

Alicia cocked her head. "Cinderella didn't turn into a pumpkin, she was-"

"Oh, just go and enjoy yourself," Crystal gave her a slight shove out the door.

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"Right this way, madam," the waiter directed Alicia to her table. She smirked at the formality. Nobody ever called her madam.

He pulled out a chair for her and she sat down, making sure she didn't step on the hem of Crystal's dress. She was only five minutes early and there was no sign of Fred and George. Alicia was starting to get a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. She would kill the twins if they dared to stand her up.

"Allow me, madam," the waiter shook out a napkin and placed it over her lap. "Here's your menu. Would you like to wait for the rest of your party to arrive before you order?"

"Uh, sure, whatever."

The waiter pursed his lips briefly then scuttled off. Alicia allowed herself a quick smile. His Italian accent was so fake. While she waited for the boys she took in her surroundings. It was a beautiful place though it oozed pretentiousness. It was full of couples holding hands and whispering sweet nothings.

A candle lit each table and Alicia peered around in search of celebrities. She thought she saw David Beckham for a second but it was just some bloke with the same haircut. A couple of guys were checking her out which made her blush and cross her arms over her chest.

The poncey waiter returned. "Ms. Spinnet?"

Alicia looked up in surprise. "Yes?"

"Two gentlemen dropped this off just before you arrived." He handed her a folded piece of paper then ponced off.

With an overpowering sense of dread she unfolded it.

Alicia

Sorry, but George and I can't make it tonight. Angelina has training and mum is going out so I'm babysitting Jordy tonight. George has to help me and stuff.

Again, we're sorry to leave you like this. So sorry in fact that we've arranged a replacement.

Don't swear or scrunch this letter up! He's a really nice guy. We didn't get him off the street this time. And we're sure he isn't gay this time. We're also pretty sure he doesn't carry around a mirror or have an unusual fascination with belly buttons. At least 99% sure anyway.

Don't worry about paying for dinner either. He'll pay. He's like that.

You can thank us later. Just remember it's unladylike to shag on the first date. Not that you're that type of girl of course.

Your favourite twins in the whole world,

Gred and Forge.

P.S. We're only doing this because we love you and we know what you're thinking but you can't hurt us. You wouldn't want Jordy to grow up without a daddy. Same thing with soon-to-be-daddy, George.

"Those bloody tossers!" Alicia dropped the note onto her plate. The couple at the next table scowled, their romantic moment spoiled.

But she should have known they were up to something. Those two always were. Fred even had the nerve to bring his 11-month-old son into the scam. If Alicia didn't love her godson so much she would inflict some bodily harm upon his father and uncle. But they were going to pay.

Alicia decided that it would be best to leave before Fred and George's chosen suitor showed up. It would be best in the long run if she took her leave quickly.

"So much for meeting a handsome bachelor," Alicia mumbled to herself. She threw the napkin on the table.

"Here you are, sir."

Alicia groaned. The stupid waiter was back and she'd been hoping to sneak out unnoticed. Now she was going to have to come up with an excuse. But the stupid waiter wasn't alone this time.

"Uh, I think there's been a mistake. I was supposed to be dining with two gentlemen this evening."

Alicia gazed up at the tall stranger as he addressed the waiter. Merlin's beard he was gorgeous. The stranger, not the waiter. The waiter was getting all narky and momentarily dropped his accent. "There's no mistake, sir, I assure you this is your table."

"I wasn't supposed to be dining with a young lady," Mr gorgeous-stranger insisted. He turned to Alicia for help and she gasped. Brilliant green eyes behind oh-so familiar glasses.

It was Harry-freaking-Potter.

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A/N: I hope you enjoyed it! I know it turned out a little Bridget Jones-esque but I didn't mean for it to be like that when I started. It just turned out that way.

I'd like to thank everyone at Chasing the Snitch for their support and inspiration. I used a lot of your ideas if you couldn't tell. Hehe. TV dinners.