Chapter 7: Surprises

A/N: hello readers! i will be including a short background on what happened to harry in mrs. figg's pov as she inform the order. they are already in 5th year and i will be doing my best for this story. enjoy the chapter!

3RD PERSON'S POV

Fred was caught off guard when his mum screamed, but also his little sister ginny. while he was running down the stairs getting curious and worried she shouted words that made him stop.

"Hermione just arrived!" My Mia just arrived! and days before katherine's birthday! he thought. he saw her luggage floating upstairs on its own while he hears her laughing downstairs at the kitchen.  when he saw her, he was in awe. she was more beautiful and happy. Merlin, help me he thought. she suddenly turned and smiled even wider.

"freddie!" she said running into his arms.

"mione!" he said and gave her a tight hug.

" i missed you fred" she said and buried her face on his chest.

"me too mia, me too" i smiled.

ginny suddenly faked a loud cough. "hey, i'm still here though" she grinned in a teasingly way

hermione laughed and left fred's arms. she linked her arm to ginny as they went upstairs to fix her stuff. fred saw hermione wearing the ring he gave to her a week ago. 

"why are you early hermione? the birthday party is days away" ginny said as she slump herself on her bed whilst hermione unpacks her stuff, fred leaning at the doorway and listened to their conversation.

"well, my parents will be going to this 5 day convention since they are muggles and it's about their job. they'll be attending it so that they could have a better image as dentists. " she smiled.

"by the way, i bought you this ginny" she gave ginny a small black box with a white ribbon on it. ginny opened it while giggling, she gasp as she saw a silver heart locket inside

"i kinda bewitched it so whenever you open it, you can see any of us in there." she said.

she opened it and saw a photo of her family, the day they went to egypt. another popped out beside it and saw harry's photo. another popped and it was hermione and ginny's photo. 

"you can add more-" she was startled when ginny hugged her tight.

"it's perfect. thank you hermione!" she looked at fred and winked at him and grinned.

"well well well... look at what we have here! Granger's back. no wonder my twin is so happy" george said as he gave her a hug.

"missed you too george. how's katherine?"

"busy for her party since it's days away and since her parents don't know, she had to be careful and all" he said. Fred pulled her arm and wrapped his arm on hermione's shoulder.

"Anyway, how was astradam?" 

"brother, i think it was amtersdam" Fred corrected him. she laughed 

"it's AMSTERDAM and it was a fun trip"

---------------------------------

after 2 days, they were transferred to grimmauld place, the head quarters of the Order. now that harry is in danger, he wasn't the only one who needs protection. using fred and george's new product for their jokeshop which is the extendable ears, they heard that they will be picking up harry from the muggles. he will also attend a hearing for using magic since he was still underage. 

"how did dementors even travelled into harry's place?" ron asked as they were at the twins' room. 

"i don't know, but i'm pretty sure someone ordered them to go there" hermione said while thinking

"who would even know their address in the wizarding world?" george said

"it's impossible that the ministry has something to do about this." ginny said

"but they are under orders of the ministry-" ron said

"but since you-know-who's back, i'm pretty sure someone bribed them into this" fred said

everyone was quiet for some time. 

"harry and his statement about you-know-who is a threat to the ministry" hermione said.

"they're still in denial that he's back." ron sighed. everyone looked at the door as they heard foot steps. when the door opened, it revealed harry. ginny was the first one to hug him. though, harry's expression was a mixture of confusion and disappointment. 

"harry." hermione said as she gave him a comforting hug.  after that, they gave him space to think and speak his thoughts. 

harry was furious about how they never wrote back to him this summer.

"we're sorry mate. we really wanted to-" ron said

"but dumbledore made us swore not to tell you anything" hermione said in a worried tone

"it's difficult to explain everything in a letter harry. someone might read it. hedwig or any owl might get hurt" george said

"it's also a way to protect you if ever any death eater might ask you or go into your mind to get information" fred said. harry ruffled his hair in frustration and sighed

"i'm sorry. everything is so frustrating and upsetting. my aunt knows something and won't tell me about the last howler which arrived at the house. now i'm being left out because of what happened last year" he groaned

"harry you've suffered a lot. so just calm down and rest. " hermione said. ginny sat down beside him and wrapped her arm around him

"it was a tough week for him" ron said. we went to the other room for harry and ginny to have their own private time. and also to talk to him better.

"i'm worried for harry" hermione said. fred pulled her close and kissed her forehead. 

"we all are love" he whispered. 

"does katherine know about this george?" george shook his head 

"she can't know. her parents are purebloods and just like the malfoys, they are also loyal to you-know-who" he sighed

"that's tough mate" fred said. 

"but i told her we're safe. she's been worried since harry came back with cedric" that memory haunted them until now. 

"we should sleep. i'll tell harry to go here" she kissed fred on the cheek and patted george on the head. 

"good night Mia" he said and kissed her hand. she blushed and smiled. when she left the room, harry arrived as fred laid back on his bed grinning.

"are you guys official?" ron asked. fred looked at him as he thinks of a good alibi.

"no uh.. not yet" he said scratching the back of his head. harry gave him a confused look

"what? but... she's been kissing your cheek," harry said

"hugged her," ron said

"putting your arm around her," george said

"holding hands" all three said

"and you're still not the owner of hermione jean granger?! " george said

"she's like a sister to us" harry said "so don't go playing with her feelings fred" ron said

"but..." george looked at them and grinned

"you're so slow!" they all said and laughed. Fred groaned

"you guys made your point then. when everything is settled" he said

"and when is that?" harry asked

"i don't know.. but i'll figure it out. we have bigger problems to solve" everyone nodded at his statement

"really mate, make her cry and you'll answer to the boy who live" ron said

"i won't make her cry... only a git would make her cry" he said

AT Katherine's Townhouse

Katherine's birthday is on the 7th of august. 5 days before harry's hearing. molly knows the kids need a break with all the issues coming up so they allowed them to go to her birthday party at blackheath village at south east london.

her place screamed elegance underneath the party designs in a muggle way. hermione has already attended a few muggle parties like this. her townhouse has a theme of masquerade. she decided to do this theme so that they could blend in with the muggles in a formal way. it's a advantage for their group. 

she looked at them with a wide smile.

"hey guys! thank you frank for escorting them inside. i'll handle it from here" she smiled as the butler bowed and left. she suddenly put her finger on her lips as a sign to remain quiet. she lead them to her room with a silencing charm on it

"i'm sorry but i need you guys to stay here until the party starts" katherine said as she opened the cabinet with their clothes to wear. their masks on the table arranged. everyone looked confused

"i'm sorry i couldn't tell you guys in the letter but.. my parents will be joining us" 

"what's wrong with that love?" katherine held on his arm tight

"they also invited the malfoys.  i tried to reason with them, but they won't let me do my celebration on my own. the malfoys respects my decision to celebrate my birthday with my muggle friends because they're important. i'm sorry. i shouldn't-"

"hey katherine breathe" hermione said as they tried to calm her down

"i can send you guys back now for your safety-" 

"we're staying" ginny said. harry smiled at her 

"yeah. we'll stay" katherine was getting more worried

"you guys aren't listening-"

"love, calm down. we can handle this alright?" she nodded and buried herself in george's arms.

"here, dye your hairs black." hermione said. "harry, i'll transform your glasses into a mask so that you won't have any difficulty. "

the weasleys dyed their hair black to blend in. they all sat in the room as they settle the color for an hour. hermione and ginny were looking for formal dresses on katherine's closet which has an extendable charm on it. it also includes the boys' suits.

"george?" hermione said as she rinses ginny's hair on the sink

"yes granger? need help?" she chuckled

"no. but i was wondering about katherine. her ex is malfoy right?"

he nodded "yeah. so?"

"isn't that a bit awkward for later?" he rolled his eyes and grinned

"liste granger, malfoy the ferret has nothing. unlike me, i have everything. good looks, a sense of humor and-"

"and bringing out the good in bad people" katherine said as she slid her arms on his waist. hermione gave ginny a towel to dry her hair

"ugh. black hair does not suit us weasleys" ginny said annoyingly.

"not really, i look madly handsome. aren't i mione?" fred said as he combed his hair after drying his hair

"yes you look ravishing" she laughed. 

Once everyone is done, they all slipped into their clothes. Katherine had to choose for them because they had to wear dark colors. they were all wearing a navy blue, gray, black and green suits. George in a black suit. the first 2 buttons of his polo were open, and wearing a plain black mask. Katherine however was wearing a silver long gown with a silver mask. her hair tied in a half braided style with curls. ginny in a navy blue long gown with a slit until her thigh with a navy blue mask with feathers. her hair tied in a bun. she slid her arm into harry's who's wearing a dark blue suit with a royal blue mask. hermione in a black and green tube long gown, her hair straight and tied into a half pony while fred smoothly puts on his dark green coat, covering his black polo bothe wearing matchy green masks. 

Hermione brought out her camera while they formed their own positions. after picture taking with them, she gave them multiple copies before going to the ball room. Katherine leads the way with george beside her. Katherine praying to merlin that this party will end earlier for the safety of her friends.

HERMIONE'S POV

i held into Fred's arm tight while my purse was on the other arm. there were already many muggles in sight and wearing the same colors as us. we split up instead of going into groups. 

"if anyone asks or talks to us, use a different name" fred nodded as we look around the place. harry and ginny were at the food table laughing. i hope harry leaves the place without anything to worry.

we greeted katherine's muggle friends and found an empty table with harry and ginny

katherine and george approached our table smiling. 

"how are you guys?" she asked

"we're good katherine. how are the people?" harry asked as he sipped on his drink

"well, i'll be announcing that food will be served and i'll be playing better music later." 

"are the malfoys-" george was interrupted when someone spoke from the speakers

"good evening ladies and gentlemen! i am jonathan, the emcee for tonight. i would like to announce that dinner will be served in 10 minutes. there are a lot of available tables and don't hesitate to dance with your dates or friends at the dance floor after." jonathan greeted katherine with a kiss on the cheek

"jonathan darling! i can't believe you made it!"  

"well why would i miss your birthday darling" he said with a french accent. 

"oh i would like you to meet my friends at school. and my boyfriend-"

"Fabian. Fabian uh... Lockhart" George said. we all tried not to laugh at his last name.

"nice to meet you Fabian-" 

"jonathan!" we saw a woman in a black ball gown and gloves reaching until her elbows. her brown hair in a neat bun. her arm intertwined with a man in a three piece suit with a stoic expression.

"Natalie Grimstone!" he said and gave each other a hug

"how nice of you to be here! i have missed you so much!" katherine's mother exclaimed

"well drop by to paris to have a little talk then!" jonathan chuckled as he gave a formal bow to her father Christopher.

"katherine, join us on our table and bring your guest with you" her mom said as she emphasized the word guest as she  looked at george. i can feel fred's hand curling into a fist.

"calm down fred." i whispered. 

"i would love to. but sadly, i prefer to sit here with my friends Mother. Father.please say hello to the malfoys for me" katherine said as george pulled a chair for her and sat in front of us

"fine. but you will meet Draco later. don't be hard headed. " his father said in a serious tone. she sighed and nodded at once. her parents left with jonathan and everything became silent

"i apologize for my parents. they don't really care who's in front of them"

"it's fine. but why do you have to meet Malfoy?" ginny asked. we were interrupted when the food arrived. 

"they still think i'm in a phase where i still want to date before... agreeing to their deal." she said in a disappointed tone

"wait, you're telling us that-"

"that she and that git are forced into marriage" george said. forcing himself to calm down. 

"but why? i mean there are a lot of wealthy people in our world" ron said after swallowing his food. she smiled sadly

"the malfoys influence are as great as us. we're like in the same status. oh so they said" katherine said irritating way.

"what happens if you agree?" harry asked "the malfoys are in you-know-who's side" he whispered

"and soon even my parents" everyone fell silent. their family butler came and whispered something to katherine. she groaned in annoyance after he left.

"i will deal with my parents. the malfoys arrived. blend in. i can't afford to get you in trouble." she kissed george on the cheek and left.

"did you know brother?" fred asked. george nodded and gave a small smile. 

KATHERINE'S POV

i remained composed and calm as i approached my parents' table. the malfoys were a stunning family. they dress like they are better than other people and families. they were also wearing mask since i told them that they should follow my rules since it's my party. i removed my mask for a while and showed them a positive expression.

"Katherine! you have become a lovely lady!" Narcissa said as she stood up and gave me a quick hug. she also gave me a present and thanked her.

"Katherine. Lucius Malfoy. thank you for having us today at your celebration. " he smiled. i bowed my head to give my thanks.  i was about to talk when someone appeared

"Kate." i closed my eyes and breathed. i turned around to great Malfoy with a smile

"Draco. how lovely to see you. i thought you won't come" i said in a sarcastic tone

He grinned in a mischieviously way. "i wanted to see you. happy birthday" he closed the gap between us and gave me a hug. 

"it will be the best birthday you will have" he whispered as he too gave me a gift. 

"thank you." and put them on the chair beside me "if you'll excuse me, i will be going back to my friends" 

"how's your boyfriend kate?" draco suddenly said. i am so close to turn this boy into a ferret permanently

"boyfriend? maybe just another fling draco. " Narcissa said in a serious tone

"he's fine. Draco. how about you and pansy?" i smiled sweetly. his smile left his face and held me by the waist.

"you know i only dated her to make you jealous" i laughed 

"as if-" the music changed into a slow and formal ball song.  i tried to push him away but he pulled me back and grinned

"you're not going anywhere" ugh this boy won't give up. 

"ladies and gentlemen, the Birthday Celebrant will be dancing her first waltz with her escort Draco Malfoy!"

"escort?!" i exclaimed but he already grabbed my arm and pulled me to the dance floor. i rolled my eyes and went with it.

"i don't know what you're playing at, but i will not agree to any of this" i whispered as i looked for george but he keeps blocking my way

"you know our parents will disappoint. and i don't want to either. that weaselbee is not good enough-"

"and you are?" i snapped. he gripped my waist tighter

"yes. i am" i laughed humorlessly 

"he may not be in a powerful family, but he's not a coward. not like you. " suddenly we stopped dancing. 

"get ready" he whispered. i looked at him confused when jonathan gave him a mic

"good evening everyone. i am thankful that all of you came to witness a very beautiful event. " what the hell? i said to myself as malfoy started to give a speech.

"Kate love," he paused "i am so in love with you. and i want to spend the rest of my days with you, forever. Katherine Grimstone" shit. i can't believe it i thought. he got into one knee and opened a small box containing a diamond ring. it looks like an heirloom though. Damn! i looked at everyone. then i saw them. my friends at the back of the room, holding george as he was furious at malfoy's stunt.

"oh my god! that's so sweet!"

"say yes katherine!"

"they are a cute couple"

"she looks stunned!"

"they look good together"

i forced myself to smile but i was too pressured and with a big crowd, everything was turning.

"kate?" i looked at malfoy. his face was blurring. i can't. i can't breathe....

"i'm sorry. i... i have to go" i ran outside, to the garden. i needed air. everything was spinning.

breathe girl, breathe! george!  i thought 

i went to the hidden part so no one could see me. i can't believe my parents agreed to this! i can't do this. i know what will happen if our families will unite! 

i'll never join the dark lord's side. never.

"katherine!" someone was looking for me. i tried to hide when i head people muttering familiar words. i slowly showed myself and saw my friends. i removed my mask and cried as i saw my George. he was furious and worried at the same time. 

"george" i said sobbing. he saw me and ran towards me to give me a tight hug. I was crying hard on his chest.

"are you alright?" he asked as he continues to calm me down. i nodded.

"please leave. all of you. i'll follow. is it alright to stay with you guys?" i asked. everyone was giving me a worried look

"of course you can." ginny said

"as long as you want" ron said. 

"go. before they find you" george stopped me

"i'm staying-"

"no you can't. i need to get my stuff and i'll follow." he tries not to argue and nodded. he kissed my fully on my lips "be careful" he whispered

"see you soon love" i said and ran back inside.

everyone was on the dance floor with up beat music pounding on my ears. i asked someone about my parents and the malfoys and told me they were at the main hall.

i straightened and remained calm as i went out. i saw them confused and disappointed as they talk.

"Katherine Grimstone what stunt was that?!" Father said as he approached me

"that father was called panic attack. i apologize for running but when draco did... that. everything was spinning" Draco had a worried expression on his eyes but completely replaced by irritation. but he too tried to remain calm

"it's alright christopher. no harm done" Lucius said and smiled

"the girl was shocked since we all planned this to surprise her-"

"and this is why i disagreed to the plan" Draco said "she needs to think about her decisions before giving a concrete answer" he held my hand and placed the box on my palm. my hands started to sweat and cold.

"calm down. we won't rush this. wear it if you made up your mind" he said. i sighed and nodded.

"excellent! draco, before you enjoy the party will you escort katherine to her room to get some rest?" mother said. he nodded and placed an arm around me

when we vanished from their sight, i removed my arm and walked faster

"katherine-"

"don't talk to me!" i said with a high tone. he looked disappointed

" i didn't do that because our parents asked me to! i did that because i am in love with you" i laughed

"love?! we pretended! and you you were mean to me as a boyfriend and as a person! you didn't have your freedom! so i shoved it into your face" i said as i opened my bedroom door and to the bathroom to change. it was quiet so i thought he left. after getting dressed into comfortable clothes i saw him sitting on my bed. i wave my wand so that all my stuff will get pack neatly. even my hogwarts stuff. 

"you're leaving?" he said and stared at me

"so what? i will inform my parents."

"katherine-"

"no! i will not give in to all of this!" i shouted. 

"i will not agree to this marriage! your parent may have influenced mine to join his side. but not me. never" i said ephasizing the last word. 

he nodded slowly and walked to the door. he left his silver mask on my bed. he looked at me and said

"you're still My Katherine. whether they force me or not." and left. 

i looked at the time and it was already midnight. i looked at the ring and sighed. complicated as hell.

3RD PERSON POV 

George was pacing back and forth at the living room wearing pyjamas and a sweater. Ginny and Hermione were talking, their cups on the table. Harry, Ron and Fred were playing wizard's chess.

"where is she?" he kept mumbling to himself

"george could you please relax and sit down? you're making me dizzy" ginny said as she tugged on his pyjamas. 

"how can i relax? that ferret proposed to my girlfriend in front of me!" he groaned

"well just to please his father as always" harry said as ron made his move

"just clear your thoughts george" hermione sat beside him and patted his shoulder "her life is as complicated as malfoy's" he sighed and drank the water in one gulp.

they suddenly heard a knock on the door. george scrambled to his feet and opened it wide revealing katherine with a luggage beside her, and her broomstick on the other. 

"i hope i wasn't too late" she smiled sadly. he pulled katherine inside and buried her in his chest.

"i was so scared" george whispered.  hermione and ginny dragged her luggage inside.

"sorry, i had to argue with my parents about my sudden departure" she chuckled. they showed katherine where she will sleep. the boys helping out on her luggage. they were also kind to leave the two alone

"george-"

"i'm not mad love." he sighed "just hard to believe" he wrapped his arms on her and rested his head on her shoulder

"you're not going to are you?" he asked. there was silence

"no." she finally answered. she felt him relieved.

"george. promise me you won't leave" she said 

he kissed her shoulder "never." she wiped her tears away

"i never got to open the gifts" he chuckled "our presents are here. we didn't bother to bring. you know in case" she nodded as she felt his hug tightened.

"malfoy said things to me before he left. that he did that because he loves me" he snorted

"i know. i won't involve myself deeper to them." someone knocked on the door and saw mrs. weasley smiling

"i heard that you just arrived." katherine smiled and gave her a hug

"i'm sorry for being too suddent about my stay"

"nonsense. you can stay as long as you want dear" she smiled

"now go get some rest and sleep." 

"mum i feel tired too. i'll sleep here instead" george said pretending to be sleepy. katherine laughed at his acting.

"oh fine. but only tonight." she bid goodbye and closed the door.

On the other room, hermione was alone as ginny snuck off to be to sleep at harry's room.  She was staring at the ceiling, thinking how to open up to fred about how she feels. g"why is it hard to admit?" she asked herself

"admit what?" she looked around in the dark and grabbed her wand 

"lumos"  she saw his blue piercing eyes. "fred?" she whispered

"hi 'mione. i can see you're still wide awake. that makes two of us"  he whispered and sat on my bed. it was quiet for a while

"so what were you saying?" he asked

"oh... that." she said thinking of a reason 

"yeah... admit what?"

"that.... transfiguring a person into an animal is hard for me" she lied. 

"really? i thought you can do that easily?" he said in a confused way. so hard to lie  she thought.

"well... yeah. i'm not perfect you know" she chuckled. she felt the bed move as fred asked

"do you mind?" he rested his head on her lap

"sleepy?"

"i think so.." 

"then go back to your room" she joked

"can i sleep here? i'm already sleeping" she laughed

"good thing the bed is big" she said and he smiled.

they were facing their backs at each other.

"night 'mione" he said

"night fred" she said and drifted to sleep.

-------------------------------------------------

Her eyes slowly opened as she felt someone breathing next to her. she  saw fred asleep, his face inches from her. she smiled to herself as she  slowly got up from bed so that she won't wake him.

"wake up! wake up! fred's missing!!!!!!!!!" george shouted as hermione was at the kitchen eating

"what's wrong george?" ginny said rubbing her eyes

"fred! fred's not in his bed! i can't find him! freeeeed!!!!!" he shouted

"OI! george why are you shouting?!" fred said coming down the stairs

"where have you been? where did you go?!" he said

"calm down gred.... i slept in 'mione's room" he said... everyone looked at us with wide eyes

"did you-?!" 

"NO!!!!" they both exclaimed

"i slept in her room because i visited and fell asleep there-"

"and was simple as that okay?" she said as she finished his sentence

"okay if you say so" ginny said grinning.

"good morning" katherine said and sat beside ginny, grabbing toast from the plate

"good sleep?" ginny asked

she looked at george and grinned "better" she laughed.

"how did you know the address of grimmauld place?" ron asked as he poured juice on his glass

"hermione left a note behind the bathroom door" i winked at hermione

"and erased it so one will see" she said enjoying her breakfast with the gang.

A/N: hello readers! i hope you guys appreciate this long chapter!