This is it guys, this is the last chapter. I'm sad to see it at an end as I've really loved writing this fic :D I just want to take the opportunity to thank every single one of you who has reviewed this fic. I have loved hearing all your responses.

I really hope you all enjoy this final chapter! :D

Chapter Seven

Party day arrived.

Harry and Hermione were wide awake by 10:00am; both had showered, got dressed and eaten breakfast ready to begin their day of planning the best birthday party that Ron had ever had.

Harry had gone out to get the decorations, whilst Hermione had begun making some of the food. Mrs. Weasley had offered to prepare the majority of the food, including Ron's birthday cake, but Hermione insisted that she and Harry helped too.

"I'm back!" Harry called out, as Hermione rushed to the hallway to greet him, wearing an apron covered in flour and she was holding a spatula in her hand.

Harry laughed "How's the baking coming along?"

"You don't want to know" Hermione said with a chuckle, but she did look stressed out also "Did you manage to get it all?"

"Yep, all here" Harry said, indicating the two large cardboard boxes in his arms "I'll make a start on decorating then I'll come and help you, yeah?"

"Oh you don't need to, I can do it."

"I don't mind" Harry said, sincerely "I can't let you do all of it, it's not fair."

'Wow, I wish all guys would be so considerate and caring' Hermione thought to herself.

They parted to get on with their jobs.

Harry began decorating the entire flat; he had got literally every party decoration he could get his hands on. From a heck of lot of balloons, to party streamers, banners, birthday bunting and paper chains, flashing lights (which looked like Christmas lights) being draped across the walls. Magical birthday decorations like inflatable birthday cakes which burst confetti every thirty minutes before reassembling themselves to repeat the process over and over again. Harry had also got hold of lots of pictures of Ron as a youngster and had them blown up to large pictures and put them on the walls around the flat.

Hermione came to check how Harry was getting along an hour later and she laughed.

"Oh wow! Look at the pictures" she said giggling at them all "Ron is going to kill you y'know for putting all of these up."

Harry grinned, mischievously "Ah well, it'll be a good laugh."

Hermione smiled "Well you've done so well Harry! The flat looks amazing. Wish I could say the same about the food."

Harry got down from the sofa, after attaching the last banner to the wall in the living-room "Come on, I'll come and have a look."

Hermione led the way into the kitchen to find a tray of burnt sausage rolls and a cake which had not risen properly. As well as obvious cake mixture splattered on the worktops, with a new bowl of it situated on the counter.

"See, it's a total disaster!" Hermione cried, aggravated with herself more than anything.

"It's alright" Harry tried to reassure her "It's easily fixed."

Harry tried to dip his finger into the cake mixture, but Hermione slapped it away.

"Oi!" Harry said, in protest.

Hermione giggled "And no you cannot lick the bowl after I'm finished with it."

"Aww come on, you've got to let me have a try!" Harry pleaded, giving Hermione his best puppy dog eyes, Hermione's heart melted instantly.

"Oh alright" she sighed "You may aswell tell me what you think?"

Harry dipped his finger in and tasted it, coughing instantly "Wow, that's … well it's got a taste of its own!"

Hermione tried some herself and she looked disgusted "Too much…"

"Sugar!" they said instantly in unison, and the pair of them burst out laughing.

"I'm no good at baking am I?" Hermione said, glumly.

Harry put his arm around her "If I'm honest Hermione…then …no."

Hermione hit him with a tea towel "Oh cheers!" she said, giggling.

Harry smiled and kissed the side of her head "We can't all be good at everything, Hermione" he dipped his finger in the mixture and dabbed it on her nose "So don't worry your pretty little head about it."

Hermione wiped the mixture off her nose and grinned at Harry as he left the room.

"Ooo you are in such big trouble!" she called loudly, giggling as she dumped all of the ruined food away and gave up.

Instead going to help Harry with the decorations, hoping Mrs. Weasley would be baking enough for the large amount of people who were attending.

Luckily Mrs. Weasley arrived an hour later, all the food prepared and she had cooked enough to feed the five thousand.

"Here you go my dears, that's the last" she said, putting Ron's birthday cake on the breakfast bar. It was covered in Orange icing with a quidditch theme on the front.

"Aww thanks so much Mrs. Weasley" Hermione said gratefully "There is plenty of food here for everyone!"

Mrs. Weasley smiled "I'm glad. Right i'm going to get changed. I'll see you just before 5:00pm?"

"Okay" Harry commented "See you then."

Mrs. Weasley disapparated, leaving Harry and Hermione in the kitchen.

"Right" Harry clapped his hands together "Got to get the drinks now, party starts in just over an hour. Do you want to come and help me?"

Hermione shook her head "No I want to get all this cake stuff off me, do my hair and get changed."

Harry nodded "Okay" then he wiped some of the flour off her cheek with the pad of his thumb "Although you look great the way you are."

Hermione blushed but also raised her eyebrows.

"Oh yeah, covered in flour with mad frizzy hair, that's the perfect look for a 21st birthday party!" she said, sarcastically.

"Hey, works for some people" Harry said with a cheeky grin and he disapparated just as Hermione made to hit him, playfully, on the arm.

Harry apparated back and forth from the flat to the shop with many bottles of champagne, firewhisky, butterbeer, pumpkin juice, wine and beer. Every time he arrived back Harry could either hear the hair dryer or Hermione singing to herself in her bedroom, which just made him chuckle to himself.

Harry returned back to the flat for the final time, all the glasses and plates having been laid out ready for people to grab when they arrive.

"Hermione, i'm back" Harry knocked on her bedroom door "Are you decent?"

"Not done yet, you go and get changed I'll be out in five minutes" Hermione called back, from inside her bedroom.

"Alright, but party guests are arriving in five minutes so you had better be ready!" Harry finally said, before retreating to his bedroom to get changed.

Harry changed into a long sleeved navy shirt and some black trousers and shoes, it took him no more than two minutes to get ready.

"Hermione, come on!" Harry said, pacing the space outside their bedrooms, before he heard a knock on the front door "People are outsi…"

However Harry instantly silenced himself as Hermione stepped out of her bedroom, and walked a couple of steps to stand facing Harry.

Hermione had the majority of her curly brown hair tied up high with fancy jewelled clips, whilst some of her curls fell down her back and a few strands framed her glowing face. She was wearing make-up. Something Harry hardly ever saw Hermione wear, it suited her completely. However, the most stunning thing of all was her dress.

Hermione was wearing a beautiful satin red dress that fell to her knees; complete with some quite high silver shoes, that were not at all dazzling but complimented the dress perfectly. Hermione was also wearing a tear drop shaped diamond necklace that sparkled under the light. She looked stunning.

Hermione was beaming at Harry "So, what do you think?" she gave a twirl on the spot.

Harry looked absolutely dumbfounded as he continued to gaze at her "Wow! ... Hermione! … you look beautiful!"

Hermione's heart melted for the second time that day "Aww Harry that's so sweet, thank-you" she came to stand closer to Harry, eyeing his attire "You scrub up pretty well yourself, Mr. Potter."

"Nothing compared to you" Harry said, earnestly which just made Hermione blush.

There was more frantic knocking on the front door and Hermione had to click her fingers in front of Harry to get him to stop staring at her "Harry…the door?"

"Oh yeah, right yes" Harry, reluctantly, tore his eyes away from Hermione to let the first party guests in.

Hermione using her wand to dim all of the lights in the entire flat, it looked much cosier and it set the atmosphere just right for the party.

The flat filled up fast, as so many people came flooding in through the doors, all grabbing a drink from the kitchen and mingled with eachother, laughing and dancing to the music.

Harry and Hermione managed to gather everyone together.

"Right I'm going to get Ron and Luna, you guys stay as quiet as possible" Harry informed everyone "I will be back in a couple of minutes."

Harry apparated into Ron and Luna's flat and Ron gave a startled jump.

"Harry! Hey, what are you doing here? Luna has told me to get all dressed up for something."

Harry grinned "Well first off Happy Birthday, mate" Harry gave him a hug "And secondly, you had to get dressed up because you and Luna are coming to mine and Hermione's for a birthday dinner. We've spent hours preparing it for you."

"Aww you guys, you really didn't have to" Ron said, humbly "But thank-you. Alright let's go" and the three of them apparated into the flat.

The second they were heard apparating into the flat, Hermione switched the lights on and everyone, including herself, Harry and Luna, cried out "Surprise!" to Ron as they set off party poppers and started singing 'For he's a jolly good fellow'.

Ron looked utterly stunned but was laughing and smiling.

Harry had put his arm around Hermione's waist as they joined in the singing, followed by a round of joyous applause.

"Bloody hell!" Ron said, everyone laughing "Did you two plan this?" he said to his best friends.

Harry and Hermione nodded "Yep, took us blimin' ages to get this place sorted!"

Ron grinned "You two are the best friends a guy could ever wish for, come here" he gave them a joint hug before starting to join the party with all of his guests.

Ron's presents had been piled into the corner of the hallway, ready for him to take home and unwrap later. The flat was largely bigger than many flats nowadays, but the place was starting to get crowded as everyone spilled out into the different areas. This was difficult as Harry and Hermione's bedrooms were off limits. Dance music was constantly playing throughout the flat and everyone was dancing along to the music. Ron was downing as much food and drink as he could get his hands on, enjoying chatting to all of his friends and family.

Not long later, Harry stood on one of the chair's that had been placed in the living-room, and grabbed a microphone.

"Okay guy's can we have a bit of hush a second. I just want to wish Ron a very Happy 21st Birthday" there was a loud cheer in agreement and applause, before Harry could continue "And also if anybody has any music requests then come and find me and I'll put them on for you. So to kick off, I've chosen a song for all you couples in the room to enjoy, but I'd like to invite a very special lady to come and dance with me. You will know who you are as soon as you hear the song."

Harry got down off the chair and put the song on, everyone instantly recognising the lyrics to 'Lady in Red'. Hermione blushed brightly as she was sat on the sofa, Ginny and Luna had winked at Hermione knowingly.

Harry came over, holding his hand out to her.

"Would the lovely lady in red care to dance with her favourite flat mate?"

Hermione giggled "Would love to" and the two of them danced closely together, smiling at eachother. Both of their stomachs felt like they were filled with a million butterflies. Their hearts racing at how close they were dancing. Hermione was smiling as she listened to the lyrics, whilst Harry was also smiling brightly, thinking how the lyrics of the song matched perfectly to how he was feeling about Hermione tonight.

"This is the best party ever!" Ron said, as he excitedly bounded over to Harry a couple of hours later.

Harry laughed "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, mate."

"Would enjoy myself a lot more if there was cake?" he looked hopeful.

As if right on queue Harry turned the music off and Hermione came into the room, candles lit on the cake, everyone began singing 'Happy Birthday'.

"Make a wish, Ron!" Luna called, happily as she stood next to her boyfriend.

Ron smiled as he instantly blew the candles out, followed by cheers, applause and a chorus of 'Hip hip, hooray'.

Once Hermione had finished cutting the cake, Ginny rushed up to her in the kitchen.

"Hermione, I've been sent to come and get you."

Hermione looked utterly confused and Ginny led her back into the living-room, Ron was about to make a speech.

"Right, at last she's here!" Hermione blushed, before everyone's attention drew back to Ron.

"Okay, well I firstly wanted to say thanks so much for coming everyone. This has been the best birthday ever! Secondly I want to thank Harry and Hermione for organising this whole surprise party and for them kindly letting us having it in their flat." Harry and Hermione smiled at eachother, even though they were standing in different parts of the room. "Okay onto the big thing, both Harry and myself have something to announce, but as Harry is the host I'll let him go first" and Ron handed the microphone over to Harry.

Harry just stood there, silence filled the room, Ron looked at Harry in confusion.

"Go on, say it…come on, Harry."

Hermione was looking directly at Harry with a frown on her face, just as bewildered as everyone, not knowing what Harry was planning.

"I'm sorry, I can't" Harry shoved the microphone back into Ron's hands and fled through the crowd of people and out of the room. Hermione was hot on his heels, hearing Ron starting to talk but Hermione could not make out what he was saying, as she saw Harry enter his room and shut his door. Hermione rushed inside too, closing the door after her.

"Harry?" Hermione said in confusion "What was that all about?"

"Nothing Hermione" Harry said, sitting on his bed "Nothing at all."

"Oh come on, you don't go to make an announcement and then flee the room if it's just nothing?"

"I just couldn't do it, Hermione!" Harry said, stressed out.

Hermione wished she could understand what he was talking about "Couldn't do what, Harry?" she came to sit on the end of his double bed.

"Y'know when you left Chris" Hermione froze at Harry's words, not wanting to discuss this issue "And you said you couldn't go through with it...going back to the flat by yourself?"

"Yeah…" Hermione replied with a frown "Harry, what are you getting at?"

"But you got through it?" Harry continued, eager to know the answer.

Hermione nodded "Yes, you helped me through it and I've been moving on from that for the past two months. Moving in here has been the best decision I've ever made, I doubt I could have got over Chris cheating on me if I hadn't of moved in here and had you supporting me."

Harry gave a small smile "So you're definitely over him then?"

Hermione nodded "One hundred percent" she was frowning again "Harry, I'm so confused, what has all of that got to do with what has just happened?"

"I just needed to know …"

Then the two of them were interrupted as they heard loud cheers and applause coming from the living-room and Harry smiled "Ron must have finished his speech, that or they've started a firewhisky shots competition."

"Harry" Hermione touched his arm, their contact making their hearts skip a beat "Talk to me" she gazed at him, seriously.

"I don't know if I can. I'm too scared" Harry admitted, innocently.

"Don't be scared" Hermione rubbed his arm "Come on, just say it. Whatever it is I can handle it."

"No you can't. You'll freak out, or you'll run away."

"No I won't, I promise" Hermione was looking at Harry, intently.

Harry gazed off into space his head screaming 'Just say it, just say it!"

"Harry?" Hermione was staring at him, waiting for an answer, almost in tears "Harry? Say it!"

"I can't!" Harry lost his nerve "I just can't!"

Hermione stood up immediately "Fine! You don't want to share it with me, then fine. I'm going!" and she stormed out of the room.

Harry sighed, internally kicking herself, before running out after her.

"Hermione!" Harry shouted as he saw her run into the living-room, where everyone still seemed to be congregated "Hermione, wait!"

The whole room fell silent, a path seemed to have formed between Hermione, who was now standing near Ron and Luna at the end of the room, and Harry who was standing in the doorway.

Hermione was looking directly at Harry.

"Why couldn't you just tell me what it is?" she sounded hurt, then a sudden thought occurred to her "Is it me, have I done something to upset you?"

"You could never do that to me, Hermione!" Harry retorted, shocked at her very suggestion.

"Then what is it?" Hermione stressed, her voice slightly raised "If you don't tell me what it is, I'm walking straight out of this party, right now!"

"Hermione, you can't do that!" Harry objected loudly, his voice crying out, pleading for her not to leave.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't?"

Harry exclaimed "Because I love you!"

Some of the guests gasped, others looked on in stunned silence. Harry felt like an entire weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

Hermione was staring at Harry, stunned "You, you what?"

"I love you" Harry repeated confidently, edging a few steps towards her "I always have. I've been trying to tell you for so long, Hermione! I've just been so nervous that you wouldn't return my feelings. I didn't want to wreck our friendship, I just …"

"Harry…" Hermione interrupted him, taking a few steps closer to her flatmate "Y'know you are: brilliant, generous, thoughtful, courageous, kind-hearted, but d'you know sometimes you can be so thick!" she grinned "Harry Potter, I think I need to spell some things out for you. You should never have been scared to say anything. You could never wreck our friendship, and d'you know why?" she smiled affectionately "Because I love you too!"

Harry did not react with words; he reacted with an action, as he pulled Hermione closer and kissed her fully on the lips.

The whole room erupted in cheers, wolf-whistles and applause. Luna was crying happy tears and Ron just rolled his eyes and couldn't help but smile.

"About bloody time and all!" Ron called, loudly and lots of people laughed, before everyone began talking amongst themselves again.

Harry and Hermione pulled away from the kiss, their foreheads touching as they gazed lovingly at eachother.

"You really love me?" Hermione asked with a dazzling smile, thinking this was one of her dreams, like the many she had experienced the past few months.

"I do. I really love you, Hermione" Harry kissed the tip of her nose "I can't believe I was so scared of saying those three little words."

Hermione grinned "And you've been wanting to say it all this time?"

Harry grinned bashfully "Yeah, I'm stupid for not speaking up aren't I?"

Hermione giggled "Well if it's stupid then that makes two of us" and they kissed again, thoroughly glad that their feelings, at last, were now out in the opening. No longer secret anymore.

"Oi! Enough of that already" Ron said with a grin, as he approached them both, with Luna holding his hand.

Harry and Hermione broke apart, blushing.

Luna said, dreamily "So Hermione, what do you think?" she showed her left hand which was sporting a glittering diamond engagement ring.

"You're engaged!" Harry and Hermione chorused together in shock at Ron and Luna.

"Yeah" Ron chuckled "Proposed after you scarpered, Harry. You two could have had the decency to stay and watch me do it, y'know." He raised his eyebrows in an amused expression.

"I'm so sorry, mate" Harry said, apologetically before giving him and Luna a hug "Congratulations guys!"

Hermione hugged them too, having realised why she and Harry had heard the applause when they had been in the bedroom.

"Was rather a brave thing to do though Ron, proposing to Luna on your birthday?" Hermione said, surprised.

"What d'you think I wished for when I blew out my candles?" Ron said with a chuckle "I wished she would say yes. Thank god she did otherwise my brother's and Ginny would have teased me forever!"

Harry circled an arm around Hermione's waist and kissed the side of her head, Hermione leaning into him.

Ron and Luna smiled at them both.

"You make a great couple y'know" Ron said, happily "But can you both just promise me one thing though?"

"What's that?" Hermione inquired.

"Please don't disappear and end up missing our wedding too."

The four of them laughed.

"We'll try not to" Harry said, cheekily, causing the four of them to laugh before Ron and Luna went to get some champagne.

Harry kissed Hermione's cheek and took her hand "Come with me" he whispered in her ear.

Hermione grinned and Harry led her into his bedroom, closing the door behind them.

Harry then wrapped his arms around Hermione's waist, looking directly at her. Hermione smiling up at Harry as she in turn wrapped her arms around his neck.

"What are you thinking?" she asked, curiously.

"How much I love you."

Hermione giggled "Wanna know a secret?"

Harry nodded, eager to hear what she was thinking.

Hermione smiled vividly "I was thinking exactly the same thing."

They smiled happily at eachother, before reaching in for another meaningful kiss. Knowing that this was it. This would be their future. Both of them together. For all eternity.

...

So, what did you think? I hope you enjoyed it.

Probably the cheesiest ending ever! Lol but I don't see anything wrong with that :P I finished writing this at just gone 1:30am lol that's how dedicated I was to get this finished for you guys (and myself) to enjoy.

For those of you who have been waiting till the end of the fic to review – go on now's your chance :D and for all of you regular reviewers, a review again would be brilliant :)

Remember to check out my other stories! Hope you enjoyed this fic. Thanks so much for reading! xx