A/N: Hello Readers - I think you will like this chapter as Hermione comes to a realization. Some reviewers have been concerned with her dating so much. I know it seems odd but she was in a coma for 4 years straight after college. Prior to that, it was her first time being an adult on her own and I think she would have had some fun.

Thank you for your reviews! They mean so much to me.

Yay for Bri892! Thanks for editing!

Chapter 25: Party Planning

"Why the Burrow?" Severus rubbed his hand back and forth over his short dark hair as he paced the living room. In his other hand, a long piece of parchment shook with his agitated movements.

Hermione exuded serenity as she sat very still in her armchair. She spoke his name softly as if trying not to upset the crazy man in front of her.

"There are 45 people on this list! Why so many people? Why can't we just have a small dinner with cake? What are goodie bags? A theme, Merlin! It's a birthday party, what kind of theme overrides the birthday theme? This is ridiculous!"

"Severus, she wants a party. She has attended both muggle and wizarding parties. She wants one of her own. We have a large family."

"We are both ONLY children, Hermione!" He sat down heavily and sighed.

After pouring him a generous amount of firewhiskey, Hermione returned to her seat. "Severus, it's extended family and friends. Most of the adults won't attend but it would be rude not to invite them. Fleur and Bill will probably stay home with the twins. The Burrow has a nice large outdoor area; there aren't as many wards as Hogwarts so my family will not have such a difficult time traveling. Plus their Quidditch field is perfect for the lawn games."

Over the next few days, Severus grumbled under his breath as Hermione and Sabrina planned the most bestest pirate birthday party ever.

"Bestest isn't a word."

"But Daddy, we are going to have talking parrots and eye patches so it will be the bestest."

Hermione shuffled Sabrina to the fireplace quickly and they spun away as Severus yelled "Talking Parrots!"

~~~~O-O~~~~

Arriving at the Burrow, Hermione visited with with the family's newest members, Charlotte and Elizabeth.

"They are beautiful!"

The Weasley's gathered most of the family (adults and children alike) in the backyard to help transfigure a pirate ship for Sabrina's party. Hermione remained in the family room with Fleur and Ginny each holding a baby. Sabrina kept running in with progress updates and dashing back out so she didn't miss anything.

"Oh, how I wish I had been there to see Sabrina as a baby, I missed so much." Lamented Hermione.

Ginny giggled and she traded Jamie out for Elizabeth, "Maybe you and Lee will have babies."

"I seriously doubt that!"

Fleur smiled, "He is quite fun but he does not seem to be the family man type. How are things going, Hermione?"

Angelina waddled into the room, "I had to get out of the sun. What's this now, we are talking about Lee?"

Reflecting back on the last several dates, Hermione shared with the women, "He is fun and sexy! Definitely not serious; I don't think he's settling down anytime soon."

"I doubt he will ever settle down. He has never had a girlfriend longer than three months." Angelina filled them.

"Are you okay with that, Mione? I don't want you getting hurt." Ginny asked her friend.

The women passed the babies around again as Pam and Molly joined them.

"Since our men are walking the plank to test the cushioning charms; we thought we would join you."

"Don't worry, Molly put Arthur in charge of first aid." Pam added.

Hermione caught up them up to the discussion, before adding, "I am having fun but I think I am really looking for a serious relationship. It seems that there hasn't been any substance to my previous relationships. I don't know, I just feel like I need something more."

~~~~O-O~~~~

Sabrina was happy to fill in every single detail of upcoming party to her father over dinner. Hermione's blush was firmly in place as she placed the blame on the Weasley men and Harry.

"But, Mummy, it was your idea to walk the plank."

Severus smirked, "A pirate ship with a plank and talking parrots. Are you going to blind the children in one eye to ensure authenticity?"

"I canceled the goodie bags! And the parrots are just stuffed animals charmed to say a few phrases. And I was just reviewing everything that pirates did, I didn't intend to create an actual ship with a plank."

The family continued bantering and laughing through dinner, bathtime and bedtime.

Despite bedtime, the argument had not been put to bed. Hermione and Severus retired to the living room still bickering.

"Shall I order rum in sippy cups for the children? It would go well with the theme."

"I could use a rum right about now."

"Do you have the guest list?"

Hermione summons the parchment and passed it over to Severus. He reviewed it while muttering about being an only child.

"Are you not inviting your boyfriend?"

She shook her head.

"Do we need to have 'girl talk'?"

Laughing, Hermione leaned back in her chair. "No, Severus, no need for 'girl talk.' Lee and I were just having fun. It's not serious and I didn't want to introduce him to Sabrina."

Looking uncomfortable, Severus cleared his throat, "I see, well then."

"To be honest, I need to rethink my dating life. It's not going as I thought it would."

He watched her face as it was reflecting far more than her words, "I don't think relationships are ever what we expect."

She looked down at her hands, and then back up into his glittering dark eyes. "Well, I think that is enough girl talk for one evening."

Severus walked past Hermione's chair heading for the hallway before turning back around. He placed his hand on her shoulder, "You deserve the life you want without exception. The person you are with should cherish every moment with you."

Hermione reached her hand up and covered his, "Thank you, Severus. You are very sweet."

~~~~O-O~~~~

A/N: Updated Guide to the Weasley's as more babies have been born.

Molly & Arthur - raising Teddy, Age 8

Charlie - Single

Bill & Fleur - 5 kids: Victoria age 7, Stephan age 5, Rose age 3, Newborn Twins Charlotte & Elizabeth

Percy - Estranged from the Family

Fred & Angelina - 1 kid & pregnant, Colin age 4

George & Pam- 2 kids, Julianna age 3, Robert age 2

Ron - Single

Ginny & Harry - 1 kid - James Arthur