Here I am!!!! I know the update wasn't as soon as I said it would, but I forgot that I had a concert on Monday, and concert days drive me crazy. But in a good way. I get really excited, and hyper, but it's impossible for me to write. Anyways, I also change the last part, I had it completely different, I hope you like it.

One of my friends, have this awesome quote I love, and I think it goes perfect with this chapter, and I want to share it with you, so here it is: "Think of me as the doll you'll never get to play with" (Hermione should apply it, don't you think?)

But I won't distract you more, here's the chapter.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter mine???? Think again. In case you don't know, it belongs to the terrific J.K.Rowling.

Of love and bets

Chapter 5

Conversations and plans

Hermione ran off to the garden and let herself fall on the grass. She was about to cry. Why does Ron always has to make her feel miserable? In times like this, she wondered why did she like Ron. Half of the things he said to her, were things that, either, offended her, make her feel bad, or both. And fighting her was kind of his favorite sport, and it would be okay, if it wasn't because always, after the fight was done, she would end up crying.

She remembered she had liked Ron since first year. He had something that she couldn't explain back then, and, even after seven years, she still didn't know what it was that had captured her attention. Over the years, her interest for Ron had grown, and what had started as an innocent crush, was now love. But he was completely oblivious to her feelings. Even during the three last years, when all the people thought they liked each other, and there were rumors all around the school. Hermione hoped that, with all those rumors, Ron would open his eyes and see how much she liked him. But he just laughed about the situation. And just two years ago, he dated Lavender. He broke her heart. Even though she knew he didn't really like Lavender, it made her sad to think that Ron had chosen Lavender over her.

But then, he kissed her during the Battle of Hogwarts. Well, technically, she had kissed him, but he kissed her back. She had thought that finally, he had noticed how much she liked him, and they could be together. But nothing had happened. If more, he had come back to the insults and fights. She didn't know what to do anymore. Maybe Ginny was right and she should move on. But she was scared about making a huge mistake she might regret later on life. If it wasn't because of the seriousness of the subject, it would be funny. Here she was, the brightest witch of her age, one of Harry Potter best friend, who helped defeat Voldemort, and she had no idea of what to do about a boy.

Hermione was so lost in her thoughts; she didn't heard Fred calling her.

"Hey! Hey! Hermione! Is someone in there?" Fred had been calling Hermione for at least a whole minute without any response, so he decided to tap Hermione in her shoulder, which startled her. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scared you"

"It's ok" reply Hermione automatically "But, what are you doing here?"

"Well, I don't know if you noticed, but I live here"

"Ha ha!" laughed Hermione in a bored voice "What I meant, was, what are you doing out here in the garden, alone? Shouldn't you be pulling a prank or something?"

"First of all, I'm alone, because, in case you don't remember, my dear twin left me alone in my misery, to go out in a date. And, I don't pull pranks alone; I need a partner, which is normally George"

"Why do you say George left you alone in your misery?"

"Because we had plans. I didn't know he had a date with Angelina, so I made plans for us. But, as you can see, he decided to leave me alone and bored, with nothing to do. Are you done with your inquiry, or is there anything else you need to know?"

"Sorry. I didn't mean to be nosy" Hermione blushed

"It's cool. Can I ask you one question of my own?"

"You just did" pointed out Hermione with a smile

"Don't play those tricks with me Hermione" Fred wave his hand annoyed "Anyways, what are you doing out here alone? Shouldn't you be snogging my little annoying brother?"

Hermione's face fall, and she looked down at the grass. For a wonderful moment she had forgotten about Ron, but now there he was again.

"Seems like I said something wrong" said Fred when he saw there was no response, while he watched Hermione's face carefully. He sat down next to her and asked "So tell me, what my idiot brother did this time?"

"Nothing really, the usual fights" answered Hermione still without looking up.

"You know Hermione, I know is none of my business, but I think you shouldn't let my brother treat you as his favorite toy he can use whenever he wants. It's just wrong"

Hermione didn't respond. She just covered her eyes with her hands and sighed.

"Especially when you don't feel good"

This captured Hermione's attention. She looked up and met Fred's eyes.

"Excuse me? When I don't feel good? Who said I don't feel good?"

"C'mon Hermione, it was absolutely obvious the news about your parents totally bumped you. You almost faint when Kingsley told you"

"I don't think it was that obvious. No one besides you noticed"

"Of course they did"

Hermione shocked her head. "I tell you they didn't. Otherwise, Ginny would have told me something, as well as Harry. I don't think they even remembered"

"So it did affect you" pointed Fred out smirking

"Hey! Who's playing tricks now?" Hermione frown, trying to look annoyed

"I'm sorry"

"It's ok"

"No, I'm talking about your parents. I'm sorry you won't be able to see them for a while. I'm sorry you're gonna have to wait to tell them all the brave staff you did to defeat Voldemort. If I were you, I would be really depressed"

Hermione closed her eyes once more. Fred was right. She had tried to pretend that the news hadn't affected her, because she didn't want to ruin Ginny's plans with Harry. But the truth it was she was really down by the news. She had never expected that something like that would happen. Maybe she had expected it, but she'd always hope it would never happen.

She rubbed her eyes and turned to look at Fred. Of all the people she thought she would talk about her parents with, Fred never figured out in the list. What he said, took her aback. She never thought of Fred or George in that case, as the thoughtful kind of people. They were always pulling pranks on people and joking around, so she never took them seriously. As a matter of fact, the only time she had seen them serious, was during the Battle of Hogwarts.

"Why do you care?" Hermione finally asked. She was somewhat confused by Fred's consideration, so she decided to find out what was going on.

Fred just shrugged. "Dunno. Sorry if its bothers you me asking"

"No, it doesn't bother me at all" She sighed "I guess I feel kind of disappointed and sad that I'm not going to see my parents for a while. Although I knew this could happen, I always hope it wouldn't, and I guess I hope so hard, I started to believed it"

They remain quiet for a couple of minutes, until Hermione broke the silence

"You didn't answer one of my questions" she said with a smile

"I told you Hermione; don't play those kind of tricks with me"

"It's not a trick. You see, I asked you why were you out here in the garden alone, and you said you were alone because George's on his date, but you didn't tell me why are you out here" explained Hermione smiling

"I was bored in my room, so I started wondering around the house. I ended up here, in the garden, and I saw you. You looked kind of upset, so I came over, but you were really zoomed out. I called your name for about a minute and you didn't responded, so I tapped you in the shoulder. And I was right"

"You were right about what?"

"About you being upset. I was guessing it was Ron what was bothering you"

"Well, you were right about that too"

"Seeing as I am such a genius, you should follow my advice, and forget about little ickle Ronnienkins. Or else"

"What do you mean by 'or else'" questioned Hermione raising an eyebrow

"I mean getting revenge" answered Fred grinning

"You mean, like pulling a prank on him?"

"Yep. So what do you say?" nodded Fred looking excited

"Mmmm, I don't know Fred" answered Hermione doubtful

"Oh, c'mon Hermione. Just a little, innocent prank" As Hermione was still dubious, he added "Look Hermione, is a no-one-loses situation. You'll feel better for getting back at Ron for making you feel bad. Ron will learn not to mess with your feelings; and I'll have some fun"

Hermione thought it over. Fred had a point. Ron did deserve a prank. Maybe nothing serious, just something to give him a fright would be just fine. And it would definitely cheer her up.

"Ok. But nothing too serious. And no one has to know about this, understand?"

"Yes, mum, I understand"

Hermione frowned at this, but Fred ignored her.

"Have anything in mind?" he asked her

"Actually, I think I might have an idea" said Hermione with an evil grin in her face

"So let's hear it"

"Ok, first…."

"Ok, everything is set up" whispered Fred while he sat down in front of Hermione in the living room.

"Are you sure?" asked Hermione closing her book and turning to look at Fred

"Absolutely" nodded Fred

"Perfect" said Hermione smiling "Now, we just have to wait 'til dinner, which will be soon enough"

"I have to admit, I didn't know you had it in you, but you do. I'm really impressed. You're a little devil" Fred declared grinning at Hermione

"Yeah, well, now you know you shouldn't mess with me"

But before Fred could answer that, the door opened and four people appeared at the doorway

"Mum!!!! We're home!!!!" shouted Ginny

Mrs. Weasley came out of the kitchen right away, to meet her children.

"So how did it go? Did you kids have fun? Did you have any troubles?" asked her while she hugged everyone, leaving them without breath.

"Everything went fine mum" responded Ginny "Now, are we going to have dinner soon, I'm starving"

"We're just waiting for your father and brothers, they're on their way. Are you going to stay for dinner Angelina darling?" she asked addressing Angelina

"Um, sure"

A couple of 'pop' were heard, and Charlie, Bill, Fleur and Mr. Weasley appeared on the middle of the living room.

"God, what a day!" exclaimed Mr. Weasley "Lots of work. Anyways, is dinner ready yet?"

"Everything is ready, Arthur, we were just waiting for you. But now that you're here, let's go eat"

Everyone entered to the kitchen and sat down when Harry noticed

"Um, where's Ron?"

"Oh, he's probably in his room, I haven't seen him all day" answered Mrs. Weasley

"Do you want me to go get him?"

"Oh, no Harry darling, I'll just call him"

She exited the kitchen, and called Ron a couple of times. Then she returned to the kitchen, and started serving dinner.

About a minute later, everyone heard Ron screaming, and running downstairs.

Hermione and Fred couldn't avoid looking at each other, and exchanged a huge smile, which no one but Ginny and George noticed.

HA! I bet you thought I would said what the prank was, didn't you???? Got ya!!!!

Well, I'm still not really sure what the prank should be, so I'm open to any ideas you guys have. (Just a little note, I know some of you are mad at Ron, but we're trying to keep him alive, so don't come up with extremely dangerous pranks, ok?)

I'll update as soon as I decide what to do with the prank.

Mean while, remember to review, I mean, how am I supposed to know if you guys like it or not if you don't review? Unlike everyone in the story, I'm not a witch.

Love ya all

Samy