Sorry for the lack of update… had to go to some social areas to get some inspiration.

Disclaimer: Once again, I own nothing. I especially don't own Harvest Moon, which is a kick-ass game.

********* A Winter Spell

Chapter 3- Hogsmeade

And when Ron awoke, he was filled with great anticipation. Today would be the most important Hogsmeade weekend he would ever have. Today would decide what would happen between Hermione and himself. But first, he thought, breakfast.

And so breakfast commenced, with lots of chit-chat about the upcoming trip. Ron ate merrily, as he didn't want to waste any time in Hogsmeade for eating. He wanted the most amount of time focused on finding Hermione the perfect gift. As if on cue, Ginny shows up once he reaches exactly what he wanted to get her.

"Need any help with your 'search',"

"No, I think I've got an idea"

"Oh, really? What is it then?"

"You'll see… you'll see…"

"ARGH WHY DO YOU ALWAYS SAY THAT?!?!?!? Sorry, it just gets a bit annoying… What with 'see' being in every sentence."

"I see…" and then both of them burst into hysterics (A/N My humor's a bit weird…). "Yea… We should probably go to the carriages now before they all leave without us."

"Good idea."

Hogsmeade came into view and soon the carriages came to a halt. Everyone dispersed with their own groups. Some going to Zonko's, others going to the Three Broomsticks. While Harry and Hermione were going to the Three Broomsticks, Ron slipped away unnoticed while Hermione was advising Harry on how to get Ginny (A/N I've read too many R/Hr fics that had H/G that H/C seems a bit weird to me). Slip away from friends unnoticed, check. Full stomach, check. Went to the bathroom… oops. So Ron made off to the nearest loo before heading off. I knew I was forgetting something… oh well. Now, where's that store… Ah yes. Ron entered a jewelry store debating on what would fit Hermione just right. A necklace… no. Bracelet… no. Earrings… does she even have piercing? Probably shouldn't risk it. Merlin's beard! There's nothing in here that screams 'Hermione' all over it. I guess I'll have to look somewhere else. So off he went, making sure nobody saw him without his other friends. Lucky for him, Draco had some serious detention that cut into his Hogsmeade visit. But, he almost got caught by Harry who could've seen him for a split second.

"You know, I wonder where Ron is," said Harry, "I hope nothing bad has happened to him."

"Oh my gosh I didn't even notice!" replied Hermione with the most concerning look on her face," What if the Death Eater's got him? What if Malfoy put him under the Crutacious curse?"

"Don't worry, I'm sure he can take care of himself. I just thought I saw him just a second ago…"

Damn, almost got caught. Now, where else to go… So he continued walking through the streets of Hogsmeade. While walking through the café section of Hogsmeade, he couldn't help but notice all of the couple sitting together, wrapped in each other's arms, and whispering comments that always made the girl giggle. While growing up, Ron would always feel a jolt in his stomach whenever he saw a couple doing this. Of course that pain didn't get worse until the Yule Ball in 4th year. When he saw how beautiful Hermione was, he knew he should've regretted not asking her before. But to top it all off, he saw her with Krum. Star athlete and wealthy Bulgarian. After his row with Hermione, Ron would've done anything to kill himself then and there. He had no more will to live. It had hurt him so much that he'd practically cry himself to sleep every night after that dreaded ball. He regained his composure after Krum left Hogwarts, but seeing couples together had hurt much more. Don't worry, Ron. The pain will all end soon… hopefully. Now his passion grew stronger. He was more determined and would not give up until he found the perfect gift. Even if that meant having to walk back to Hogwarts without the Marauder's Map. As Ron was feverishly window-shopping, a small pamphlet got picked up in the wind smacked right into Ron's face. Argh what is this? Wait a sec… This could be a bit useful… The pamphlet was for a new shop that sold various oddities regarded as treasures in their homelands. Now this'll make Hermione happy. Something with sentimental value from a foreign land. He he, research… Nah, it'd still have some sentimental value, which counts. So Ron set out for this new shop now with "Under the Bridge" in his head. Every waking moment felt like what the song portrayed. Or at least the first few verses. That'll all change. Once she sees how much time you've put into finding her such a sublime present, she'll be speechless… I hope.

As Ron entered the shop, the warm smile of an older man met him. "How can I help you today?" the old man asked.

"I'm just brows… actually, I need some help."

"Well, what are you looking for, neh? (A/N: KOSZYK… sorry. Inside school-joke,)"

"I'm looking for a gift for a friend."

"Ah is this friend special to you?"

"Yes, very much."

"Hm, she must be a girl then, neh?"

"How'd you…"

"I was once your age. I remember my Mary-Ann… Well, go on."

"She's… well a very clever girl who loves reading. But, she's a great person and I really want to express how I feel about her with a Christmas gift."

"We'll you've come to the right place. I've got something that suits your description. How long have you loved her?"

"Six years."

"I know just the thing. You just wait here, neh."

"Alright."



So the shop-keeper went to the back of the shop and came back with a blue feather. This blue feather came with a piece of paper. Probably explains what it was used for. "Here you are," said the shop-keep, "All you have to do is give this to her, and the rest is up to her, of course. That'll be 1 galleon, 26 sickles, and 5 knuts. Take care now, neh."

"Thanks, I will," and as Ron finished paying, he read the description of what the feather meant and left, chuckling a bit (A/N: You'll see in the next and final chapter). He hid the feather inside his robes and headed back to the Three Broomsticks. This time, however, he hoped that nobody would find him there. Looks like luck was on his side today, since neither Harry nor Hermione were there. He sat down, had a butter beer, and waited till the time came for all the students to return to Hogwarts. Ron didn't have to wait to long, and he soon caught up with Harry and Hermione.

"Where've you been, Ron," asked Harry.

"Yes, where have you been, Ron Arthur Weasley," asked Hermione in a very motherly tone, "I was worried sick! You could've been captured by Death Eaters, or got lost or…"

"Hey, calm down 'Mione. I'm here now aren't I?" replied Ron. Harry let out a small laugh, while Hermione still looked upset. "Now, how much longer till we get to Hogwarts? I'm starving."

"You and food Ron… you and your food," retorted Harry.

"Hey, don't blame me that my love for food is as strong as it is for Herm- dah, I mean Her Majesty (A/N: Don't forget, we're in the UK. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!)." Whew, that was close.

"Very funny, Ron," said Hermione.

"Yep, I'm your replacement Fred and George," and with this, the entire carriage burst into laughter.

*********

I think I'll leave you there for now. Don't worry, this'll be done by the end of the week so hold on tight for the conclusion.

--Satsukiyami