A/N: So I was sitting in my Comp Sci class wishing that I could update with all my heart and I finally decided to leave you in suspense no longer! Sound good? I knew it would! :) Thanx to:
Mel: Thanx keep reading!
Kagome19: Just getting good, eh? Well here's chappie 8!
Cheese Diva: I already have an idea for Voldemort... just wait and see...:)
Natalie Potter731: Sorry you didn't...:( Try harder this time!
Lily106: Here's MORE!
morgan: There aren't enough words in the English language to explain to you how much I love getting reviews from you! You make my day so much brighter! I am so glad you like my fic!
David Ken: I love your fic Groundhog Day! It's so cool! Thanx for checkin out my fic!
Icebreaker20037: Thanx so much and I'll check out your fic!
Ashley: Here you go have fun!
Chapter 8: Of Holidays and Shopping
It was soon a week before the Christmas holidays. Harry was beginning to feel a bit better about school with the prospect of Christmas now staring him in the face. He didn't know what he was going to do however. He figured he'd probably just stay at Hogwarts for the holidays just like he always did.
Ron was planning on going home for the holidays and Harry was feeling a bit down. He didn't want to stay at Hogwarts all by himself. Sure, he thought Hermione was great and all, but she just wasn't Ron.
"Don't worry," Ron had told Harry. "I'm sure you'll have tons of fun this Christmas. Just you wait."
Harry had been rather confused at that comment, but decided to let it slides. He didn't want to admit to Ron that he was slightly jealous that Ron that he had a family to go home to and Harry didn't.
One brisk December morning, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were all sitting at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall. Harry was picking at his bacon and not saying much, as Hermione talked briskly about the Hogsmeade weekend.
"So, what I'm saying is we should get all our Christmas shopping done soon, so it's out of the way. I guess I can go with Ginny when I shop for you guys. By the way, what do you two want?"
Hermione's words were cut off however by a small owl flying directly towards Ron. He quickly reached out a hand and grasped the twittering ball of feathers and took the letter from his leg.
"Hold still you pathetic excuse for an owl!" he said and then slit open the letter with a smirk on his face.
"What's that, Ron?" Harry asked still picking at his bacon not feeling the least bit hungry.
"A letter from my mum," Ron said grinning at them. He handed the letter to Harry and Hermione looked over his shoulder to read it with him.
Dear Ron,
It would be positively lovely to have Harry and Hermione spend Christmas with us at our house. Be sure that Hermione asks her parents although I have complete confidence that she won't forget something like that.
Can't wait to see all three of you,
Mum
Harry grinned up at Ron. "You had already asked your Mum if we could come didn't you?"
"Well I couldn't leave my two best friends here at Hogwarts with nothing to do, could I?" Ron asked giving Harry and Hermione a lopsided smile.
"This is terrific!" Hermione said grinning happily at Ron. "I've got to owl my parents and make sure it's alright, but I'm sure I can. They've never said no to an invitation from you before."
She turned rather pink and Ron's ears turned red, but he grinned at her.
"Like I said I didn't want you two to be bored and-" he glanced at Harry, "I wouldn't have fun without you two."
"Thanks, mate," Harry said grinning at suddenly feeling very hungry. He gulped down hi bacon as he watched Hermione who was still smiling at Ron.
"That's really nice Ron," she said gulping down the rest of her orange juice.
"Hey, it's the least I could do," Ron said bringing the subject to a stop.
A week later Harry, Ron, and Hermione were all packed and ready to go to the Burrow for Christmas. It was a gorgeous winter day and the three of them wanted to get outside and enjoy it before they had to leave.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione wearing winter cloaks, walked outside onto the grounds where everyone many of the other students who were happy to be let out of class for the holidays, were playing in the snow.
As the three of them walked Harry suddenly began to walk slower and held back so that Ron and Hermione walked in front of him. He bent down and picked up a clump of snow and threw it as hard as he could at the back of Ron's head.
Ron whirled around to see whom the culprit was only to see Harry laughing at him and running as fast as he could the other direction.
"You'll pay for that one, Harry!" he said and chased him with his own snowball.
Harry dodged Ron's snowball and watched as Ron gathered up more snow in his gloved hand. Harry grabbed fistfuls of snow and threw it so that it shattered in Ron's face.
He laughed and then noticed something was missing. Hermione had been standing on the sidelines shaking her head at the boys with a slight smirk on her face.
Suddenly a snowball came out of nowhere and hit her on the shoulder. Harry turned to see Ron laughing at her and grinning as he dusted off his hands.
"Ron Weasley!" she exclaimed losing all dignity and chasing after him with a clump of snow in her hand. "I'm going to get you, Ron! You'll be sorry you ever threw that at me!"
Ron continued to laugh and throw snowballs at Hermione as she pretended to be frightened and threw back with all her might.
Harry grinned at the pair of them feeling that this was definitely the best scene he had ever seen. Ron and Hermione openly flirting, not even caring who was watching.
Suddenly Hermione caught up with Ron and tackled him, pulling him into the snow bank.
"Say it!" she shouted pink in the face from the cold. "Say I win!"
"Never!" Ron said overdramatically lightly shoving her away from him.
"Yes!" she said pinning him down with her hands on his shoulders.
Harry was shocked to see Hermione make such a move and walked over so he could hear the conversation better.
Ron stared at Hermione whose face was very close to his own. "You win," he said softly gaping at her as she continued to pin him down.
Hermione slowly got to her feet, removing her hands from Ron's shoulders. She looked absolutely horrified at herself for pinning him down like that.
"Er," Harry said running a hand through his now damp hair, "Let's get to the train or we'll miss it."
"Right," Ron said still looking at Hermione who nodded briskly.
The three of them gathered their trunks and left the other students to have their own snowball fights. Some of them were gaping at Ron and Hermione and whispering behind their hands.
When they had found a compartment on the train they stowed their trunks and sat down. Hermione was sitting across from the two of them still looking rather embarrassed.
Harry decided to try and break the ice that seemed to have frozen over any means of conversation.
"So, er, Ron? What are we going to be doing at your house?"
"I don't know," Ron said fiddling with the button on his cloak. "It's Christmas in a week, right? So my mum will probably take us to Diagon Alley or something if we have to go shopping. Other than that what we always do at my house."
"Wicked," Harry said. The compartment went silent again and Hermione and Ron were still not looking at each other.
"Ok," Harry said rolling his eyes. "How come nobody's talking? What's wrong with you two? You're not even arguing like usual!"
This last statement made Ron smirk and then he started to laugh. Pretty soon Hermione joined in and then the whole compartment was filled with laughter and Harry was feeling much better.
"Sorry, Harry," Hermione said wiping tears of mirth from her eyes. "I don't know what came over us."
"Yeah," Ron said choking slightly. "You know something's wrong with Hermione and me when we're not arguing."
With that the silence was broken and the three of them talked happily all the way to the Burrow.
"Harry! Hermione!" Mrs. Weasley said as she pulled them into a hug. "It's so good to see you both."
"You too Mrs. Weasley," Harry and Hermione said in unison.
"Come on in, and we'll have dinner. Then you'll will all have to go to bed early, if we are going to go to Diagon Alley tomorrow."
The three of them walked into the Burrow and Harry knew that this was going to be the best Christmas of his life.
The next morning Mrs. Weasley, who was shouting at Ron to get out of bed, awakened Harry early in the morning.
"Mum, I'm tired!" he protested after being dragged out of bed by his leg. "I want to sleep!"
"You, Harry, and Hermione need to go Christmas shopping! Now get up!" She left the room shutting the door behind them.
Suddenly Ron was wide-awake and dressed before Harry could even summon his clothes to his bed.
"Harry, I got to ask you something," Ron said sitting on the end of his bed and looking nervous.
"What is it?" Harry asked with a yawn as he finished up getting dressed.
"It's just that, well, I don't know what I should get Hermione for Christmas," he blurted out his ears turning red.
Harry froze. Had Ron just made some sort of confession? "Well why don't you get her that new Charms book she's been wanting or something like that?"
Ron shifted on his bed uncomfortably. "Well, I guess I could get her that, but I…" he seemed to be thinking of what to say. "I want to get her something, something…special."
Harry grinned. "What do you mean, Ron? Why do you want to get her something…special?"
Ron colored and mumbled something incoherent.
"What's that Ron?" Harry asked the grin on his face even bigger than before.
"Because…because…she's my friend and I…want to be nice," he finished lamely.
"Is that all, Ron? Or is there something else to your wanting to be nice?" Harry asked shifting to look Ron in the eyes. This was hard because it was the thing Ron was avoiding to do at all costs.
"I don't know what your talking about, Harry." He shifted uncomfortably and turned rather red.
"Oh I think you do, Ron," Harry said leaning back. This might take a while. "You like her as more than a friend. Don't you?"
Ron turned red and mumbled something.
"What's that? Come on you can tell me! I'm your best friend for crying out loud!" Harry said starting to get fed up the way Ron and Hermione danced around their feelings so often.
"YES! THERE ARE YOU HAPPY NOW?" Ron shouted at Harry. He lowered his voice and said to Harry in a voice almost lower than a whisper. "I've liked forever, but I think now I might…well it might have changed."
"Are you trying to me you love her?" Harry asked. This was getting rather juicy.
"Yes," he said slumping down into his pillow. "I think I really do Harry."
"Then what's the problem? So you love her. What else can you say?" Harry said staring at him. This had suddenly gone from being funny to being a very serious conversation.
"What do you mean, 'what's the problem?'" Ron hissed at him. "Of course it's a problem!
"Why is this a problem?" Harry asked again throwing his arms in the air. "You just tell her and live happily ever after! It's that simple."
"But I…I…that's not the problem! The problem is what do I get her for Christmas?"
"I don't know Ron," Harry said standing up and walking to the door. "I guess you'll know when you see it, right?"
Ron nodded looking read to kill but followed him out of the bedroom all the same.
"Hey, you guys!" Hermione said yawning slightly and scooting over to allow Harry and Ron to sit on either side of her, which made Harry smirk slightly as Ron was careful not to do anything stupid.
"It is way too early to be up," Ron muttered to himself as he poured himself some orange juice.
"You three were the ones that wanted to go to Diagon Alley, Ron," Mrs. Weasley reminded him as she spread butter on Harry's toast.
"Whatever," Ron muttered keeping eyes away from Hermione.
"Hey, Ron," Hermione's voice rang in Harry's ears as he smirked at his freckled friend. "Would you pass the marmalade?"
Ron hurriedly grabbed the jar of marmalade and handed to Hermione without looking at her.
"Here," he mumbled and kept eating at full speed.
Harry stifled his laugh by shoving some bacon into his mouth, but that only caused him to choke.
"Are you alright, Harry?" Ginny asked looking slightly alarmed as he choked on his bacon.
"Oh yes. I'm fine," Harry said when he had composed himself. He shot Ron a knowing look and watched as his ears turned red.
~*~
"All right you three," Mrs. Weasley said as she tucked at her scarf. "We'll meet back at Flourish and Blotts at half past noon. That way we can get a bite to eat before going home."
"Yes ma'am," came the chorus of Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione. Soon the four of them, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were all walking together through Diagon Alley.
"So where to?" Harry asked as they stopped to plan out their route.
"I've got an idea," Hermione said pulling at her scarf so that the falling snow would not get in her robes. "How about Ginny and I go together and Harry and Ron go together and then we'll swap. That way we can all get presents for each other without them being there."
They all agreed and Harry and Ron walked in the separate direction from Ginny and Hermione.
"Now what?" Ron asked as he rubbed his gloved hands together.
"Well I suppose we get presents for your sister," he smirked, "and Hermione."
Ron turned pink. Harry wasn't sure if it was from the cold or if he was rather embarrassed. He assumed the latter.
"Alright then," Ron muttered and the both of them walked into Flourish and Blotts.
After Harry has purchased his gift for Hermione, the new Charms book she had been asking for, he searched around for something to buy Ginny. He hadn't really thought about it before, but he wasn't quite sure what to buy Ginny. The only girl he had ever shopped for was Hermione and she was easy because she would be happy with any book and she was one of his best friends.
But Ginny was slightly different. Harry had noticed that Ginny and definitely become one of better friends ever since his fifth year at Hogwarts, but he still wasn't quite sure if that was all he felt for her. She was exceptionally pretty and he got a slightly queasy feeling in his stomach when he looked at her smile.
"Hey, Harry," Ron muttered to him as they walked out of Flourish and Blotts, "Where should we go? I mean to look for Hermione's gift?"
"Well what do you have in mind?" Harry asked smirking at Ron.
"I don't know, Harry. You're supposed to tell me!" Ron hissed, getting rather annoyed.
"Hey we all know of my great experience with girls don't we?" Harry said sarcastically.
"Sorry Harry. It's just I have know idea what to do."
"Yeah, I think maybe we should try a jewelry shop," Harry said out of the blue. He didn't know what had inspired him to say that, but it sounded good. Maybe it was because that was what he was secretly thinking for Ginny.
So the two of them walked into Jasmine's Jewelry together and Harry hit the shelves on one side and Ron the other. Harry was just examining a simple charm bracelet for Ginny when he felt Ron tap him on the shoulder.
"Harry how's this?" Ron asked holding up a golden locket on a delicate golden chain. Harry thought it looked like any ordinary locket and wondered vaguely what it was doing in a magic jewelry shop, but nodded.
"That's great, Ron," he said. "She'll love it."
"Yeah I hope so, but look what it does!" Ron carefully opened the locket and Harry was astonished to hear the unmistakable sound of Phoniex song. It washed over him and he suddenly felt wonderfully happy. It was perfect.
"Buy it right now," Harry said as Ron closed the locket.
"Ok," Ron said raising an eyebrow at Harry. He walked over to the counter and Harry followed holding the charm bracelet he planned to buy for Ginny.
The boys left the shop and quickly regrouped with Hermione and Ginny.
"So who should go with who?" Harry asked and then noticed Hermione open her mouth quickly.
"I'll go with you Harry," she said and hurriedly grabbed his arm and walked away from Ron and Ginny. Harry noticed Ron had a strange expression on his face, one mixed with relief and disappointment.
"Hermione," Harry said as they walked into Flourish and Blotts. "What was that for?"
"I need to ask you something," Hermione mumbled hastily looking around to see whether or not anyone was watching the pair of them.
"Well let's hear it then," Harry said, still rather disgruntled that Ron hadn't gotten to go with Hermione.
"I want to know what you think of my Christmas present for Ron. I need a boy's opinion."
"Ok, let's see it than," Harry said getting rather excited. Hermione was obviously worried about what to get Ron. Just like he had been worried about to get her.
"Oh well you see I didn't actually buy it yet," Hermione said shifting her weight to her other foot. "I was thinking about buying him a brand new broom. I can't afford a Firebolt, but I know he would love a Nimbus, and well I don't know. Do you think so?"
Harry stared at Hermione absolutely shocked at he was hearing. Hermione was spending that much money on Ron? This was wonderful!
"That's great Hermione! He'll love it! I mean if you really want to spend that much money on a broom-"
"I do," Hermione interrupted him, "I know Ron will love it to bits and I want him to be happy. I mean all those years of me buying him things like homework planners. I figured it was our last year and he deserved something special." Hermione blushed furiously and Harry grinned.
"He'll love it Hermione," Harry said simply and followed her into Quality Quidditch Supplies.
After Harry and Hermione had made their purchases (Harry had bought Ron a broom servicing kit just like the one Hermione had bought him for his birthday) they headed out to find Ron and Ginny.
The four of them quickly hurried back to Flourish and Blotts lugging their parcels (The Nimbus had a shrinking charm placed on it and was hidden in a bag of candy) behind them.
They met up with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley there and after eating a hurried lunch they headed home in a sprinkle of Floo Powder, Ginny being too young to Apparate.
Once home again Harry and Ron headed upstairs to wrap their presents.
"Are you sure Hermione will like this, Harry?" Ron asked as he fingered the locket in his hand.
"Yes Ron, Phoniex music is beautiful and can be very helpful in times of need. Besides Hermione is a girl and girls like lockets she'll love it." The truth was that Harry thought that Hermione would like it not because she was a girl, but because he was sure that she liked Ron.
"Yeah, ok whatever," Ron said and placed it back in the small box and magically wrapped it. Harry thought it was great that they could use magic outside of school now that they were 17. He could even Apparate, but didn't do it often because he didn't see the point in Apparating every few feet as Fred and George did.
The evening went on and soon Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were going to bed. Ron and Harry trudged up to Ron's room and fell into their beds.
"Well, good night Harry," Ron said and rolled over falling into a quick sleep.
"Good night," Harry said and turned out the light with a flick of his wand. Then he too rolled over and fell into a deep dreamless sleep.
A/N: Ok I haven't written chappie 10 yet so I may be a bit behind in posting chappie 9, because I want to make sure I always have a stock of chappies ready for update! So please bare with me and I'll do my best! *click the button click the button!*
Mel: Thanx keep reading!
Kagome19: Just getting good, eh? Well here's chappie 8!
Cheese Diva: I already have an idea for Voldemort... just wait and see...:)
Natalie Potter731: Sorry you didn't...:( Try harder this time!
Lily106: Here's MORE!
morgan: There aren't enough words in the English language to explain to you how much I love getting reviews from you! You make my day so much brighter! I am so glad you like my fic!
David Ken: I love your fic Groundhog Day! It's so cool! Thanx for checkin out my fic!
Icebreaker20037: Thanx so much and I'll check out your fic!
Ashley: Here you go have fun!
Chapter 8: Of Holidays and Shopping
It was soon a week before the Christmas holidays. Harry was beginning to feel a bit better about school with the prospect of Christmas now staring him in the face. He didn't know what he was going to do however. He figured he'd probably just stay at Hogwarts for the holidays just like he always did.
Ron was planning on going home for the holidays and Harry was feeling a bit down. He didn't want to stay at Hogwarts all by himself. Sure, he thought Hermione was great and all, but she just wasn't Ron.
"Don't worry," Ron had told Harry. "I'm sure you'll have tons of fun this Christmas. Just you wait."
Harry had been rather confused at that comment, but decided to let it slides. He didn't want to admit to Ron that he was slightly jealous that Ron that he had a family to go home to and Harry didn't.
One brisk December morning, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were all sitting at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall. Harry was picking at his bacon and not saying much, as Hermione talked briskly about the Hogsmeade weekend.
"So, what I'm saying is we should get all our Christmas shopping done soon, so it's out of the way. I guess I can go with Ginny when I shop for you guys. By the way, what do you two want?"
Hermione's words were cut off however by a small owl flying directly towards Ron. He quickly reached out a hand and grasped the twittering ball of feathers and took the letter from his leg.
"Hold still you pathetic excuse for an owl!" he said and then slit open the letter with a smirk on his face.
"What's that, Ron?" Harry asked still picking at his bacon not feeling the least bit hungry.
"A letter from my mum," Ron said grinning at them. He handed the letter to Harry and Hermione looked over his shoulder to read it with him.
Dear Ron,
It would be positively lovely to have Harry and Hermione spend Christmas with us at our house. Be sure that Hermione asks her parents although I have complete confidence that she won't forget something like that.
Can't wait to see all three of you,
Mum
Harry grinned up at Ron. "You had already asked your Mum if we could come didn't you?"
"Well I couldn't leave my two best friends here at Hogwarts with nothing to do, could I?" Ron asked giving Harry and Hermione a lopsided smile.
"This is terrific!" Hermione said grinning happily at Ron. "I've got to owl my parents and make sure it's alright, but I'm sure I can. They've never said no to an invitation from you before."
She turned rather pink and Ron's ears turned red, but he grinned at her.
"Like I said I didn't want you two to be bored and-" he glanced at Harry, "I wouldn't have fun without you two."
"Thanks, mate," Harry said grinning at suddenly feeling very hungry. He gulped down hi bacon as he watched Hermione who was still smiling at Ron.
"That's really nice Ron," she said gulping down the rest of her orange juice.
"Hey, it's the least I could do," Ron said bringing the subject to a stop.
A week later Harry, Ron, and Hermione were all packed and ready to go to the Burrow for Christmas. It was a gorgeous winter day and the three of them wanted to get outside and enjoy it before they had to leave.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione wearing winter cloaks, walked outside onto the grounds where everyone many of the other students who were happy to be let out of class for the holidays, were playing in the snow.
As the three of them walked Harry suddenly began to walk slower and held back so that Ron and Hermione walked in front of him. He bent down and picked up a clump of snow and threw it as hard as he could at the back of Ron's head.
Ron whirled around to see whom the culprit was only to see Harry laughing at him and running as fast as he could the other direction.
"You'll pay for that one, Harry!" he said and chased him with his own snowball.
Harry dodged Ron's snowball and watched as Ron gathered up more snow in his gloved hand. Harry grabbed fistfuls of snow and threw it so that it shattered in Ron's face.
He laughed and then noticed something was missing. Hermione had been standing on the sidelines shaking her head at the boys with a slight smirk on her face.
Suddenly a snowball came out of nowhere and hit her on the shoulder. Harry turned to see Ron laughing at her and grinning as he dusted off his hands.
"Ron Weasley!" she exclaimed losing all dignity and chasing after him with a clump of snow in her hand. "I'm going to get you, Ron! You'll be sorry you ever threw that at me!"
Ron continued to laugh and throw snowballs at Hermione as she pretended to be frightened and threw back with all her might.
Harry grinned at the pair of them feeling that this was definitely the best scene he had ever seen. Ron and Hermione openly flirting, not even caring who was watching.
Suddenly Hermione caught up with Ron and tackled him, pulling him into the snow bank.
"Say it!" she shouted pink in the face from the cold. "Say I win!"
"Never!" Ron said overdramatically lightly shoving her away from him.
"Yes!" she said pinning him down with her hands on his shoulders.
Harry was shocked to see Hermione make such a move and walked over so he could hear the conversation better.
Ron stared at Hermione whose face was very close to his own. "You win," he said softly gaping at her as she continued to pin him down.
Hermione slowly got to her feet, removing her hands from Ron's shoulders. She looked absolutely horrified at herself for pinning him down like that.
"Er," Harry said running a hand through his now damp hair, "Let's get to the train or we'll miss it."
"Right," Ron said still looking at Hermione who nodded briskly.
The three of them gathered their trunks and left the other students to have their own snowball fights. Some of them were gaping at Ron and Hermione and whispering behind their hands.
When they had found a compartment on the train they stowed their trunks and sat down. Hermione was sitting across from the two of them still looking rather embarrassed.
Harry decided to try and break the ice that seemed to have frozen over any means of conversation.
"So, er, Ron? What are we going to be doing at your house?"
"I don't know," Ron said fiddling with the button on his cloak. "It's Christmas in a week, right? So my mum will probably take us to Diagon Alley or something if we have to go shopping. Other than that what we always do at my house."
"Wicked," Harry said. The compartment went silent again and Hermione and Ron were still not looking at each other.
"Ok," Harry said rolling his eyes. "How come nobody's talking? What's wrong with you two? You're not even arguing like usual!"
This last statement made Ron smirk and then he started to laugh. Pretty soon Hermione joined in and then the whole compartment was filled with laughter and Harry was feeling much better.
"Sorry, Harry," Hermione said wiping tears of mirth from her eyes. "I don't know what came over us."
"Yeah," Ron said choking slightly. "You know something's wrong with Hermione and me when we're not arguing."
With that the silence was broken and the three of them talked happily all the way to the Burrow.
"Harry! Hermione!" Mrs. Weasley said as she pulled them into a hug. "It's so good to see you both."
"You too Mrs. Weasley," Harry and Hermione said in unison.
"Come on in, and we'll have dinner. Then you'll will all have to go to bed early, if we are going to go to Diagon Alley tomorrow."
The three of them walked into the Burrow and Harry knew that this was going to be the best Christmas of his life.
The next morning Mrs. Weasley, who was shouting at Ron to get out of bed, awakened Harry early in the morning.
"Mum, I'm tired!" he protested after being dragged out of bed by his leg. "I want to sleep!"
"You, Harry, and Hermione need to go Christmas shopping! Now get up!" She left the room shutting the door behind them.
Suddenly Ron was wide-awake and dressed before Harry could even summon his clothes to his bed.
"Harry, I got to ask you something," Ron said sitting on the end of his bed and looking nervous.
"What is it?" Harry asked with a yawn as he finished up getting dressed.
"It's just that, well, I don't know what I should get Hermione for Christmas," he blurted out his ears turning red.
Harry froze. Had Ron just made some sort of confession? "Well why don't you get her that new Charms book she's been wanting or something like that?"
Ron shifted on his bed uncomfortably. "Well, I guess I could get her that, but I…" he seemed to be thinking of what to say. "I want to get her something, something…special."
Harry grinned. "What do you mean, Ron? Why do you want to get her something…special?"
Ron colored and mumbled something incoherent.
"What's that Ron?" Harry asked the grin on his face even bigger than before.
"Because…because…she's my friend and I…want to be nice," he finished lamely.
"Is that all, Ron? Or is there something else to your wanting to be nice?" Harry asked shifting to look Ron in the eyes. This was hard because it was the thing Ron was avoiding to do at all costs.
"I don't know what your talking about, Harry." He shifted uncomfortably and turned rather red.
"Oh I think you do, Ron," Harry said leaning back. This might take a while. "You like her as more than a friend. Don't you?"
Ron turned red and mumbled something.
"What's that? Come on you can tell me! I'm your best friend for crying out loud!" Harry said starting to get fed up the way Ron and Hermione danced around their feelings so often.
"YES! THERE ARE YOU HAPPY NOW?" Ron shouted at Harry. He lowered his voice and said to Harry in a voice almost lower than a whisper. "I've liked forever, but I think now I might…well it might have changed."
"Are you trying to me you love her?" Harry asked. This was getting rather juicy.
"Yes," he said slumping down into his pillow. "I think I really do Harry."
"Then what's the problem? So you love her. What else can you say?" Harry said staring at him. This had suddenly gone from being funny to being a very serious conversation.
"What do you mean, 'what's the problem?'" Ron hissed at him. "Of course it's a problem!
"Why is this a problem?" Harry asked again throwing his arms in the air. "You just tell her and live happily ever after! It's that simple."
"But I…I…that's not the problem! The problem is what do I get her for Christmas?"
"I don't know Ron," Harry said standing up and walking to the door. "I guess you'll know when you see it, right?"
Ron nodded looking read to kill but followed him out of the bedroom all the same.
"Hey, you guys!" Hermione said yawning slightly and scooting over to allow Harry and Ron to sit on either side of her, which made Harry smirk slightly as Ron was careful not to do anything stupid.
"It is way too early to be up," Ron muttered to himself as he poured himself some orange juice.
"You three were the ones that wanted to go to Diagon Alley, Ron," Mrs. Weasley reminded him as she spread butter on Harry's toast.
"Whatever," Ron muttered keeping eyes away from Hermione.
"Hey, Ron," Hermione's voice rang in Harry's ears as he smirked at his freckled friend. "Would you pass the marmalade?"
Ron hurriedly grabbed the jar of marmalade and handed to Hermione without looking at her.
"Here," he mumbled and kept eating at full speed.
Harry stifled his laugh by shoving some bacon into his mouth, but that only caused him to choke.
"Are you alright, Harry?" Ginny asked looking slightly alarmed as he choked on his bacon.
"Oh yes. I'm fine," Harry said when he had composed himself. He shot Ron a knowing look and watched as his ears turned red.
~*~
"All right you three," Mrs. Weasley said as she tucked at her scarf. "We'll meet back at Flourish and Blotts at half past noon. That way we can get a bite to eat before going home."
"Yes ma'am," came the chorus of Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione. Soon the four of them, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were all walking together through Diagon Alley.
"So where to?" Harry asked as they stopped to plan out their route.
"I've got an idea," Hermione said pulling at her scarf so that the falling snow would not get in her robes. "How about Ginny and I go together and Harry and Ron go together and then we'll swap. That way we can all get presents for each other without them being there."
They all agreed and Harry and Ron walked in the separate direction from Ginny and Hermione.
"Now what?" Ron asked as he rubbed his gloved hands together.
"Well I suppose we get presents for your sister," he smirked, "and Hermione."
Ron turned pink. Harry wasn't sure if it was from the cold or if he was rather embarrassed. He assumed the latter.
"Alright then," Ron muttered and the both of them walked into Flourish and Blotts.
After Harry has purchased his gift for Hermione, the new Charms book she had been asking for, he searched around for something to buy Ginny. He hadn't really thought about it before, but he wasn't quite sure what to buy Ginny. The only girl he had ever shopped for was Hermione and she was easy because she would be happy with any book and she was one of his best friends.
But Ginny was slightly different. Harry had noticed that Ginny and definitely become one of better friends ever since his fifth year at Hogwarts, but he still wasn't quite sure if that was all he felt for her. She was exceptionally pretty and he got a slightly queasy feeling in his stomach when he looked at her smile.
"Hey, Harry," Ron muttered to him as they walked out of Flourish and Blotts, "Where should we go? I mean to look for Hermione's gift?"
"Well what do you have in mind?" Harry asked smirking at Ron.
"I don't know, Harry. You're supposed to tell me!" Ron hissed, getting rather annoyed.
"Hey we all know of my great experience with girls don't we?" Harry said sarcastically.
"Sorry Harry. It's just I have know idea what to do."
"Yeah, I think maybe we should try a jewelry shop," Harry said out of the blue. He didn't know what had inspired him to say that, but it sounded good. Maybe it was because that was what he was secretly thinking for Ginny.
So the two of them walked into Jasmine's Jewelry together and Harry hit the shelves on one side and Ron the other. Harry was just examining a simple charm bracelet for Ginny when he felt Ron tap him on the shoulder.
"Harry how's this?" Ron asked holding up a golden locket on a delicate golden chain. Harry thought it looked like any ordinary locket and wondered vaguely what it was doing in a magic jewelry shop, but nodded.
"That's great, Ron," he said. "She'll love it."
"Yeah I hope so, but look what it does!" Ron carefully opened the locket and Harry was astonished to hear the unmistakable sound of Phoniex song. It washed over him and he suddenly felt wonderfully happy. It was perfect.
"Buy it right now," Harry said as Ron closed the locket.
"Ok," Ron said raising an eyebrow at Harry. He walked over to the counter and Harry followed holding the charm bracelet he planned to buy for Ginny.
The boys left the shop and quickly regrouped with Hermione and Ginny.
"So who should go with who?" Harry asked and then noticed Hermione open her mouth quickly.
"I'll go with you Harry," she said and hurriedly grabbed his arm and walked away from Ron and Ginny. Harry noticed Ron had a strange expression on his face, one mixed with relief and disappointment.
"Hermione," Harry said as they walked into Flourish and Blotts. "What was that for?"
"I need to ask you something," Hermione mumbled hastily looking around to see whether or not anyone was watching the pair of them.
"Well let's hear it then," Harry said, still rather disgruntled that Ron hadn't gotten to go with Hermione.
"I want to know what you think of my Christmas present for Ron. I need a boy's opinion."
"Ok, let's see it than," Harry said getting rather excited. Hermione was obviously worried about what to get Ron. Just like he had been worried about to get her.
"Oh well you see I didn't actually buy it yet," Hermione said shifting her weight to her other foot. "I was thinking about buying him a brand new broom. I can't afford a Firebolt, but I know he would love a Nimbus, and well I don't know. Do you think so?"
Harry stared at Hermione absolutely shocked at he was hearing. Hermione was spending that much money on Ron? This was wonderful!
"That's great Hermione! He'll love it! I mean if you really want to spend that much money on a broom-"
"I do," Hermione interrupted him, "I know Ron will love it to bits and I want him to be happy. I mean all those years of me buying him things like homework planners. I figured it was our last year and he deserved something special." Hermione blushed furiously and Harry grinned.
"He'll love it Hermione," Harry said simply and followed her into Quality Quidditch Supplies.
After Harry and Hermione had made their purchases (Harry had bought Ron a broom servicing kit just like the one Hermione had bought him for his birthday) they headed out to find Ron and Ginny.
The four of them quickly hurried back to Flourish and Blotts lugging their parcels (The Nimbus had a shrinking charm placed on it and was hidden in a bag of candy) behind them.
They met up with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley there and after eating a hurried lunch they headed home in a sprinkle of Floo Powder, Ginny being too young to Apparate.
Once home again Harry and Ron headed upstairs to wrap their presents.
"Are you sure Hermione will like this, Harry?" Ron asked as he fingered the locket in his hand.
"Yes Ron, Phoniex music is beautiful and can be very helpful in times of need. Besides Hermione is a girl and girls like lockets she'll love it." The truth was that Harry thought that Hermione would like it not because she was a girl, but because he was sure that she liked Ron.
"Yeah, ok whatever," Ron said and placed it back in the small box and magically wrapped it. Harry thought it was great that they could use magic outside of school now that they were 17. He could even Apparate, but didn't do it often because he didn't see the point in Apparating every few feet as Fred and George did.
The evening went on and soon Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were going to bed. Ron and Harry trudged up to Ron's room and fell into their beds.
"Well, good night Harry," Ron said and rolled over falling into a quick sleep.
"Good night," Harry said and turned out the light with a flick of his wand. Then he too rolled over and fell into a deep dreamless sleep.
A/N: Ok I haven't written chappie 10 yet so I may be a bit behind in posting chappie 9, because I want to make sure I always have a stock of chappies ready for update! So please bare with me and I'll do my best! *click the button click the button!*