A/N: Sorry again about the lateness of this, but hopefully some of you are still reading!

Chapter 9

"Ron, are you sure this is the way you wanna go?" Harry asked. Ron swiveled around to see Harry struggling under a large pile of books. He rushed forward to catch the books falling off the top of the pile.

"Sorry mate. It's just that Hermione's birthday is coming up soon… and it's the first one where we're a couple." Ron said, rubbing the back of his head with his hand. Harry placed the rest of the books on the floor so he could place as hand on Ron's shoulder.

"Ron, you are complete rubbish at gift giving." Harry responded, a smirk starting to form on his lips. Ron threw off Harry's hand before sifting through a few books. He was trying to keep his composure but his ears were turning pink at the tips. He didn't Harry to tell him he was rubbish at giving gifts to Hermione, he remembered the perfume well enough. This was the first birthday where he was her boyfriend though, and he didn't want to look like a sod. He wanted to make it look like he cared, because he did. Harry shook his head at his friend. Didn't he realize Hermione didn't care what the gift was? She only cared that it was from Ron. "It's okay Ron, I'm rubbish at gifts for Ginny too. I don't know what teenage girls want for gifts." Harry said, trying to make Ron feel better.

"I think the snogging makes up for that." Ron joked, a feigned look of disgust. He had gotten used to them being together, although he did prefer they kept the snogging to a minimum. He continued around the store, picking up books he thought would be interesting. "What about this one?" He asked, flipping through the pages.

"I'm not sure that The History of Quidditch: The Fails and the Triumphs is really going to interest Hermione." Harry said shaking his head. He picked up a book, recognizing his face on the cover. "How about this one, Harry Potter, the Chosen One, and the Golden Trio?" Ron made a face at that suggestion. "What? I think you could learn valuable information from this on your best friend of eight years. Such as, did you know that you weren't actually my best friend first year? It was actually another redhead person who died, so I replaced him with you?" Harry read directly from the book. Ron ignored him, still making his way around the store, before putting his head in his hands and groaning.

"I don't think there's a blasted book that Hermione hasn't read." He moaned.

"Like I said, maybe this wasn't the best place to pick a present." Harry said, leaning against a book case.

"Oh, shut up." Ron said, swatting him.

"Why don't you get her jewelry or something?" Harry asked. He had given Ginny jewelry before, with great success.

"Maybe because Hermione never wears jewelry? And besides, you know I'd be rubbish at it." Harry nodded his agreement, deep in thought.

"Wait, I've got a plan!" He exclaimed, before leaning close to Ron's ear so he could hear.

Since Hermione's birthday was going to take place after the new school year had begun, Ron decided to take her before it. They were out an about in Diagon Alley, stopping in stores so Hermione could get her school supplies. Ron stood anxiously by as Hermione excitedly bought the best supplies. He couldn't wait for her to stop her normal shopping so he could give her the birthday present. Finally, after what seemed a million years, Hermione, overrun with bags of supplies, slumped down at a table. "And it's done! All my school supply shopping for this year!" She said, somewhat relieved. She grabbed Ron's hand under the table. "Let's go back to the Burrow, I am all done with shopping." She said. Ron felt panic stricken for a moment. He brought out his wand and the shopping bags disappeared.

"Don't worry, I've sent them to the Burrow ahead of us." He said, before Hermione could ask. "I have a birthday surprise for you."

"But it's not even my birthday for a few weeks!" Hermione exclaimed, "You don't have to this for me Ron. The fact that we're still alive is a gift enough." She finished, leaning in to give him a peck. He grinned, but stood up, pulling her along with him.

"I know you weren't expecting it, but that's what makes it a birthday surprise." He said, leading her along. He led the way, looking back every once in a while to see Hermione's expression. At first it was angry, then confused, and eventually happy as they pulled up in front of the shop. Ron gingerly opened the door and they stepped in. Hermione's eyes widened as she looked around the shop. "Hermione, I tried to find a book to give you as a present, but I think you may have read all the ones I was looking at…" Hermione smirked, "So, I've decided to bring you here, so you can look at them yourselves, and buy whatever book suits your fancy." He said, reacting just in time to catch Hermione as she jumped into his arms.

"I love you Ron! This is the best present I could have ever asked for!" Hermione exclaimed, kissing him on the lips before jumping out of his arms to explore the store. Ron's ears turned bright pink as he watched Hermione pursue the store. He had actually gotten a good gift, for once.

A/N: If you like this, please review.