Thanks so much for the reviews! Sorry for the lack of R/H in the last chapter, but I felt the need to explain the curses, etc. Hopefully I'll make up for it in the next few chapters. Let me know what you think of this one

For those who haven't reviewed I'd really appreciate some feedback, good or bad, just be polite about the bad. This story has had over 3,000 hits and only 57 reviews. What's up with that?

A million thanks to my beta Scarlet Summer for spellchecking and suggesting additions/changes before chapters are published.

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July 25 – Ron's room at the Burrow

'Two bloody months! I haven't seen or heard from them in almost two bloody months! Well she did say she missed me in those two letters that I got from George and they couldn't send owls because of security. But, all she did was write about Harry. Harry is sad, Harry is angry, maybe you can stay here so you can help Harry, Harry needs us, Harry, Harry, Harry! Shit! Shit! He is my best mate and his dad is dying. She's bloody right he needs our help, my help. I knew this would happen once I got to the Burrow. I told myself I would be happy for them. They are both brilliant and meant for each other and she cares just about Harry and what he needs. They were friends before she even gave me the time of day and he's my best mate. I'll act happy and forget that I've been dreaming about her and the Gryffindor couch for almost two bloody months! That's it, I'm happy for them' Ron thought. He began to write a quick response that George would give Hermione.

Hermione,

Summer at the Burrow has been fine, but it's been weird to have Fred without George and mum has been cranky about it. Fred has also been a bit strange. I'm sorry about Malfoy's mum and Professor Snape, but I'm excited to see you and Harry. Fred is leaving with George tonight and the rest of us will be there on the 28th and stay for Harry's birthday. I asked mum about staying longer, but she won't give me an answer. I missed you too.

Ron

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So, the day of the Weasley's arrival finally came. It was almost noon and Hermione was frantic. 'Where are they? Did they change their mind? Did something happen to them?' she thought. Then she saw the blue light that announced their arrival. She felt her heart race and ran to the door. There he was, standing in the back yard, lanky, red-haired, blue-eyed Ron, looking taller and a bit more muscular. She felt like she forgot how to breathe for a few seconds and saw Lily and Severus dragging Harry past her to greet to their friends.

"It's good to see you mate" said Ron as he embraced Harry in a brief and manly hug.

"Same" said Harry nonchalantly.

Ron's eyes finally landed on Hermione's figure. She was standing by the back door perfectly straight and wearing simple jean shorts and a white top. Her brown eyes were full of life, her bushy hair was tamer than he remembered and her figure was curvier than when he last saw her. She had him in a trance and he wasn't sure what to do next.

Harry continued saying unexcited hi's to the rest of the Weasleys and Hermione finally made it all the way outside to greet everyone. When she reached Ron she felt an immense desire to kiss him, at least on the cheek, but she held back and gave him a brief hug. He made sure to let go of her quickly, feeling her hair under his chin even for one second drove him insane.

"Nice to have you back," she said shyly.

"Yeah," he barely articulated.

Hermione continued greeting the rest of them and gave Ginny a tight hug. Last year Ginny had been one of the few people that didn't treat her like she was going to fall apart any second. She somehow understood Hermione's loss and her need to stay strong and normal. She was very happy to see Ginny again and it was also wonderful to meet little Artie. He had blondish red hair, brown eyes and a few freckles dusting his small face. The toddler seemed to be full of energy.

"Let's get inside, lunch is almost ready!" announced Lily enthusiastically.

The afternoon flew by between having lunch, the announcement of Lily's pregnancy, settling in the rooms and watching Artie play. Hermione was thrilled about having the Weasleys with them. This was by far the best day of this summer, even though having Estella officially meet Mr. and Mrs. Weasley was awkward at best. Hermione was glad she had always been on Mrs. Weasley good side because she didn't seem like a fun person to have dislike you. Finally around four, Harry, Ron and Hermione were able to sneak into the empty attic and spend some time together.

"So, how was your summer? Anything new?" asked Ron dreading to finally hear about a Harry-Hermione relationship.

"Dad is worse, but that's obvious... He really did awful things during the war, but I'm supposed to let go of that because he' sorry and he changed. Mum is a mess because she worries about him. Oh and the baby, that's just bloody great… except that baby won't have a father because he's basically already dead, but otherwise a brother or sister would be perfect. What else? Draco! He found out his mum is being tortured so he locked me out of our room and didn't come out to eat for the longest time. Then we got in a huge row and somehow became sort of friends. And Estella is her sneaky Slytherin self and has been meeting with my mum and dad in closed chambers every other day. She probably knows them better than I ever will. Her and Draco also spend all sorts of time alone doing Merlin knows what… and after Estella got better your brother went back to being hilarious as usual, working on his prank schemes even though everything around here is hell. He's just over the bend about her and doesn't get affected by much else. I reckon he doesn't even know half her secrets either. So, everything around here has been fucked at best. How about you? Good summer, yeah?" said Harry, filled with irritation.

"Stop it! It's not Ron's fault!" yelled Hermione.

"Sorry," said Ron morosely.

"No Ron! You shouldn't be sorry to ask us about the summer; it's a perfectly natural question," Hermione said. "And Harry I know it's been hard, but stop taking your anger on everyone around you, especially Ron, he hasn't done anything! And your dad is a good person! He is spending time with Estella and Draco to help them deal with what happened, like he and your mum did when bad things happened to me! And DO NOT say anything bad about the baby or pick on George! That baby has been a blessing for everyone. It's made all of us happy, and Ron's brother has done nothing but try to help, plus his feelings for Ella are none of your business! But just so you know she told him about her secrets, and they figured things out and have been sneaking out of the house when they think no one is looking, AND if George has fun and plays pranks on us it's because he simply wants to! You might have noticed all that if you talked to us, if you looked in our direction instead of leaving after every meal to go sulk!"

Harry tried to speak, but Hermione stopped him.

"No Harry, I've had enough! When Fred came back with George you were foul to him and now Ron just got here and you are being completely unfair. We are all doing our best! Your mum and dad are trying to enjoy the time they have left together and you have every chance to talk to him about the past and try to spend time with him as well! If you don't, you will regret it! Trust me, my parents are gone and I miss them every day and you WILL miss your dad too!" she yelled before barging out in tears.

"Bloody hell! What's wrong with you?" Ron yelled as he moved closer to Harry.

"You wouldn't fucking know! YOU have been living your happy life with your perfect family in the Burrow!" Harry answered angrily as he pushed pass Ron and left as well.

Ron stood dumbfounded; he had no idea what all the arguing was about. 'Should I go find Harry or Hermione? I think Harry would punch me right now, she was right, he's angry. I'll find her first,' he quickly decided. Ron went downstairs to the room Hermione, Ginny and Estella were sharing, hoping that she was there. He knocked and Estella answered.

"Oh Ron, come in. I'll leave you two to talk," said Estella as she made a quick exit. Hermione was sitting on one of the beds sobbing quietly.

"Hi," uttered Ron shyly.

"Hi," she answered, wiping a few tears from her cheeks.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm sorry I exploded like that."

"No, it's alright… I'm… What's going on?" he asked awkwardly, completely unsure about how to proceed.

"Well Harry actually summarized it pretty well. Severus' magic is getting weaker, Lily is stressed, Ella and Draco are better, but also sad and keeping secrets among themselves. The only normal person around here is George and I tried to be as well" she said.

"Hermione…" he muttered as he sat on the bed next to her.

"The thing is… even though we are all upset, we've tried to enjoy the good things, like the baby and Ella's recovery from that awful curse, and just being in here safe. You should have seen Severus the day Lily realized she had been pregnant for about two months; he seemed so full of life. And George the day Ella woke up and was not screaming in pain anymore, he was really happy. Even Draco who found out his dad is keeping his mum as a prisoner and torturing her managed to be somewhat cheerful those days. You know, Harry got into a fistfight with Draco not that long ago, but somehow it actually seemed to help and got Harry, Draco and me to talk about things. And I have to admit Harry HAS been better, not his normal self, but better, until this week. I really don't know what to do anymore. I've tried talking to him, letting him sulk, sitting around him quietly, but he's just… I guess I made it worse yelling at him."

Ron wasn't sure what to do, but he knew he had to make her feel better somehow.

"Harry is just like that sometimes. And he was angry today because of me, because he thinks I've been having a great time at the Burrow. He said so after you left" he said trying to smile at her. He moved one of his hands to her face and cleaned away the few tears that were left with his thumb.

The touch was electrifying and they both blushed. He continued caressing her face and thought about how much he had missed seeing her. She felt like his hand left tingles in every area it landed and as one of his long fingers accidentally touched her neck she began to lose herself in his touch.

"Ron…" she whispered as they closed their eyes and their faces began to move closer.

Suddenly a knock on the door broke them from their trance. Ron stood and moved towards one of the walls as Hermione asked who it was.

"It's me" Harry stated.

"Come in" said Hermione.

"Hermione, ummh, Ron… I...I... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said all that," Harry uttered sincerely. An uncomfortable silence followed.

"It's alright. I'm sorry I yelled at you" said Hermione finally breaking the ice.

"No. I 'm, I'm surprised you didn't scream at me before," said Harry with clear regret in his tone.

"It's okay," she said.

"Well, she can be way louder than that, so I reckon you are safe," said Ron trying to lighten the mood.

"I am not!" replied Hermione at full volume

"You see," Ron uttered and he laughed goofily.

Harry finally let out an honest smile and said, "It's good to have you here mate."

"Good to be here."

"So, how was your summer?" asked Hermione looking in Ron's direction, but unable to look straight at his face.

"It was alright. Mum and Fred were weird. I reckon she is still hacked off because George stayed here and disobeyed her and Fred just missed him. It was strange not to have them together finishing each other's sentences all the time," he said.

"I think George missed Fred too. He kept trying to recruit us to test products and prank each other. He got Draco and Harry to trick me into drinking something that gave me blue hair for days!" said Hermione.

They all laughed and were finally able to spend time together talking and joking around. It didn't take long for Ron and Harry to get set to play chess on the floor while Hermione happily sat on her bed reading a book.

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The next couple of days went by quickly. Harry talked to his parents and it seemed like they were on much better terms. Harry's birthday was wonderful. Lily made Sheppard's Pie, his favourite, and Mrs. Weasley baked a huge chocolate cake. Harry seemed to be done with his moods and he smiled, talked and had fun with everyone. His parents gave him a quidditch set, complete with quaffles, bludgers and a golden snitch. Ron expression when looking at Harry's present was cheerful, but also a bit annoyed.

"Let's play quidditch!" Fred said.

Within seconds all the Weasleys, Harry and Draco had disappeared into the backyard. Luckily, it didn't take long for the room to fill up again since there were only three brooms in the shed. The disappointed boys and Ginny sat morosely around the room while the parents, Bill, Liana and Charlie went to the kitchen to clean the dishes and chat. Dena took Artie to bed and Ella and Hermione sat playing exploding snap. Soon the room was filled with laughter and all sorts of games. Hermione even taught the others a couple of muggle card games. Time passed quickly and it was beginning to get dark when the twins slipped away into the cellar. They returned with mischievous smirks on their faces.

"What did you do?" asked Estella looking at George.

"Nothing," he said.

"Right and I am a sweet girl that believes anything anyone says... Spill it out or I might have to work on making you," she threatened with a smile.

"I might like that," George teased.

"Yuck, none of us needed to hear that," Draco said while making a puking face.

Soon Fred and George pulled a few small bottles from their pockets.

"We used a shrinking charm," said Fred.

"So we could hide them and have some fun later," added George.

"Is it Firewhisky?" asked Ginny excitedly.

"Yes," said Fred.

"And some Elven-wine," added George while sitting next to Estella and wrapping an arm around her.

"Are you mad? They would kill us for drinking that!" stated Hermione sternly while looking at the kitchen door.

"That's why they won't find out," assured Fred.

"It's getting late and I think Harry and Ronniekins are knackered and will go to bed soon," said George gaining questioning looks from Harry and Ron.

"Then you, Hermione, might get tired and join them upstairs," said Fred.

"Then Draco, Ella, Ginny and the two of us will follow," stated George.

"Once we're all upstairs a simple silencing charm can keep our activities to ourselves," guaranteed Fred.

"And Bill and Charlie will keep mum and the rest from checking on us," said George.

"Brilliant!" said Ron.

"We know," the twins answered in unison.

"What about tomorrow?" asked Ella, earning her questioning looks from the rest. "Oi! If we're all sick from drinking tomorrow they'll know we did something. You should brew hangover potion and take that before drinking anything. There are all sorts of ingredients in the small closet next to the professors' room, I reckon you can get all you need from there."

"NOW we have a brilliant plan!" George uttered before kissing her cheek and running off with Fred to brew the potion in question.

The twins came back after about an hour and gave each of them a small vial with the yellow potion. They drank it and the plan was set in motion. Ron and Harry made their way upstairs and Hermione was next. She said her good nights, changed into a pair of pyjamas and her robe, and then went to join the boys in their room. 'I can't believe I agreed to this, but it is for Harry's birthday,' she thought. However, as soon as she was inside their room she felt her body shake and an alarm loudly rang through the house. Everyone ran upstairs and looked at Hermione.

"I... I just stopped by to say good night," she said unsure of her lie.

"It's fine, dear," assured Lily.

"What happened? Artie is awake again!" said Dena in frustration while holding the toddler.

"I'm sorry, the alarm was not meant for you Hermione. But it will keep the boys' rooms just for boys and yours just for girls, at least during the nights. No sleazy business will take place while we are all here," said Mrs. Weasley sourly while looking straight at Estella.

"Oh Dena, I apologize, we'll help you with the baby," said Mrs. Weasley again leaving the teenagers alone upstairs.

"Well that was lovely" said Estella before leaving the hallway and going into the girls' assigned room.

"I think we need some," said Ginny.

"Some what?" asked Ron.

"Some of the bottles you daft, I reckon mum put Estella in a mood and some wine should help" uttered Ginny with a smirk.

"Right, because you only want the wine for Ella," said Draco teasingly.

"Of course!" she answered.

"I suppose we did get the wine for the ladies," said George as he handed Ginny a few small bottles.

"It'll be boys' night with the Firewhisky!" added Fred excitedly.

"Oi! Add the silencing charm before you spoil the whole thing with your big mouth," said Draco.

"Since when do you talk so much and give orders like a bossy git?" said Fred before muttering the charm.

"Since you seem to be ready to muck up your plan yourself," said Draco cheekily. Ginny laughed at her brother.

"Ella will know how to enlarge it," George added and soon they separated and left to their respective rooms.

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The next morning Hermione woke up early as usual, but with the weirdest feeling. She felt like a part of her told her she should be sick, but somehow she wasn't. 'So that's how it feels like to wake up after drinking, but taking hangover potion ahead of time,' she thought as she made her way to the shower. The warm water felt wonderful as it hit her skin and hair, so she just stood in the shower enjoying the sensation as she remembered last night.

'Merlin! I told them! Ginny got us to play that stupid question game and I told them I fancy him! They won't say anything, they promised... They might even forget... please let them forget. What did they confess? Ginny said she fancied Harry when she was eleven, but that's past and that she thinks Draco is yummy even though she started dating Michael Corner right before the end of the term. Then, Ginny! She did! She actually asked Ella about sex and she explained a bit. WE talked about SEX! Thank Merlin she didn't go into detail, I don't really need to know that much about her and George. Oh my God! I did! I told them I read about it. I sounded like an idiot explaining theories and Ella! She gave me a book; what was it called? Where did I put it? Is it laying somewhere in plain view?" she worried and quickly the exited the shower, got dressed, and ran to her room.

The infamous book was sitting on the night table and she quickly read the title, "The Joys of Sex". She put it in her trunk and locked it. 'How did she get a muggle book in the first place? Urrgh! I'm never listening to either of those two again! I got sloshed and acted like a complete idiot!' she thought before she made her way downstairs to help Lily with breakfast.

"Hi Dear."

"Hi Mrs. Weasley, I thought I would come down and help with breakfast."

"Oh, no need, I told Lily last night I would take care of it and she should sleep in. But since it's almost ready you can call the rest of the girls down."

"I'll go get Ella outside and then wake Gin."

"Estella is not outside. Isn't she in bed?" asked Mrs. Weasley angrily.

"Her bed is made and I haven't seen her this morning. I'm sure she went to sit in the backyard, she does that sometimes," Hermione answered uncomfortably, hoping that Estella wasn't anywhere near George this minute.

"They have no respect! That's it! George Weasley!" hollered Mrs. Weasley as she made her way upstairs.

Molly barged into the room the twins were sharing and screamed at George while looking for Estella behind curtains, in the closet, and under the bed.

"What in bloo..." muttered Fred cutting himself short quickly at the sight of his mum.

"What is it?" asked George while yawning.

"Where is she?" asked Molly clearly exasperated.

"What? Who?"

"Your girlfriend! I clearly told both of you, no funny business!"

"She is not here! And there has been no funny business! How long will it take to stop giving us grief over the same thing?" George yelled while standing.

Artie's cries were heard through the house and many more Weasleys as well as Lily and Severus were making their way towards the commotion.

"Then where is she?" asked Molly.

"Maybe outside, sometimes she likes to sit by the oak tree in the backyard," George answered trying to cool down.

"She is not! I would have seen her go through the kitchen. Just tell the truth."

"The truth! The truth is I JUST WOKE UP AND I DON'T KNOW!" he yelled as he picked some clothes and headed to the loo.

"Molly, what is it?" asked Arthur worriedly as he saw Molly looking at the spot that George had left and on the verge of tears.

"Estella is not in her room so Mrs. Weasley came to look for her," answered Hermione in a quivering voice and regretting ever mentioning anything about it.

"Fred has Ella been here?" asked Lily coolly.

"No, I haven't seen her since last night and George has been with me since," he answered gently, hoping to clear things up and not make his mum angrier.

"Hermione please ask Ginny and the rest of the boys to come down for breakfast while we look for Estella," said Severus, clearly trying to bring calm back to the situation.

Hermione nodded in agreement and left the twins room swiftly. She went to her room and Ginny was already awake so Hermione told her what happened briefly and asked her to hurry downstairs for breakfast. She then ran to the room across the hallway. She knocked on the door but there was no answer. 'Come on! How can you not be awake after all that yelling!' she thought, but still nothing. She tried the door and it opened, but when she entered she only saw one person sleeping.

"Ron! Ron!" she yelped and she shook him.

"Ummh," he moaned pleasantly before pulling her to the bed into a tight hug.

'Merlin, he feels nice' she though as she let herself fall and enjoy his embrace. 'No! If Mrs. Weasley saw this right now... I don't even want to think about it!' she told herself as she wiggled and tried to move away while still yelling at Ron.

Finally he began to wake. His eyes opened wide in horror as he realized what he had done and felt Hermione struggling in his arms. 'Bloody hell, I thought I was only dreaming about her' he thought as he let her go and pulled the covers to his lap hoping with all his might that she didn't feel his morning hardness.

"Wake up! Breakfast is ready and Estella was not in her bed. Your mum is not happy, so you better come down quickly! And WHERE are Harry and Draco?"

"Dunno... I'll be right down," he said pretending to still be half sleep, but knowing well that feeling her body against him had gotten all his senses wide awake.

Hermione made her way downstairs and saw Severus enter the house through the back door.

"She's not out there," he said with a worried tone.

Soon Ginny and Ron had joined the rest of the Weasleys, Hermione, Severus, and Lily.

"Where is Harry?" asked Lily looking at Ron and Hermione.

"Dunno," Ron answered anxiously.

"And Draco?" asked Severus.

Both Ron and Hermione shrugged to show they didn't know. Soon George came down stairs to talk to the rest.

"They're gone..."

"What?" asked Severus and Lily together.

"She left a note on my nightstand, I didn't notice it earlier," he said as he showed them the parchment.

Dear George,

Pretty boy and I had to go and take care of a few things. Don't worry, I'll be careful and tell Lily and Severus that I'll watch over him.

Love,

Ella

"This is only about her and Draco. Where is my son?" asked Lily, completely overtaken with worry.

"Don't worry I'll search through the house, I'm sure he's here somewhere," said Severus trying to calm her, but clearly worried himself.

Everyone helped in the search, but there was no point, Harry was clearly gone.

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If you want to kill me about the almost R/H kiss I totally understand, but all in good time