Chapter Three

Ginny and Hermione perched on an overstuffed couch in a cozy sitting room in the Burrow. Both girls had pulled out all the stops getting ready and were dressed to kill. Hermione wearing a turquoise blouse and skirt and Ginny dressed in cinched-waist, knee length, green dress. Both girls were chatting animatedly. "So he didn't tell you anything?" Ginny asked?

"For the thousandth time: no!" Hermione replied exasperatedly, "He just said to be ready for the best night of my life." At this point, Hermione's eyes took on a misty, lovesick look that caused Ginny to playfully shove her arm. Hermione blushed lightly and shook her head to clear it. The corners of Ginny's mouth quirked. She really likes him. Ginny thought. Merlin knows why, but she does.

Out of curiosity, and to give her friend a chance to recover herself, Ginny asked "What do you think they're up to?" Her statement was punctuated by the Weasley's floo-bell. Excited, Ginny and Hermione turned to face each other. In a slightly breathless tone Hermione replied, "I don't know but I have a feeling we're about to find out!"

Just then, both men strode into the room. Ron, confident and Harry uncharacteristically shy. Ron swept a low bow and spread his arms regally. "Ladies!" he announced, "Your men have arrived!"

"Well send them in!" Ginny jibed.

Ron's face fell. "Oh very funny." Ron said dryly with a withering glare. Harry, Hermione noticed had remained completely silent throughout the entire exchange, staring intently at his shoelaces. "Are you alright, Harry?" she inquired.

Harry jumped and said, a second too soon "What? Who me? I'm fine!"

"Right." Hermione said totally unconvinced. "Shall we go?" she asked of the general air, half-hoping one of the boys would slip up and tell her where they were headed. Ron chuckled, "you know where we're going, dear?" He was clearly enjoying knowing something Hermione didn't. Hermione gave a small harrumph of annoyance, but looped her arm within Ron's. Ginny did the same. Both boys looked at each other, nodded, and Apparated away.

The next moment, the couples were in the heart of Hogsmeade standing outside-----

Ginny let loose an excited squeal. Hermione's jaw dropped. "You didn't." Harry and Ron turned to face her. "We did."

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