A/N: I know…you all hate me now…well I have VERY good reason on why I didn't post this the other day…(drum roll) We didn't have any internet! (ducks as flying tomatoes come her way and the crowd boos "PATHETIC EXCUSE!" and "LAME!")…but it's true!!! (sobs)
Lol…after that little emotional fit…Wow! I must say, I wasn't really expecting more that two reviews for the last chapter! I was just about to finish answering your reviews when I noticed that I was already taking up two pages just for your answers! When I finish the last one (Harry and Ginny), then I'll update again with all my answers to your wonderful reviews! I promise!
Disclaimer: I own nada but the plot
Now here's the second installment of my Christmas cheer!::::
I SUPPOSE SO…
"Hermione!" Lavender's voice floated through Hermione's curtains, "Wake up already! It's Christmas morning!"
"Get up, Hermione," Parvati's voice intervened, "None of us would be expecting you still to be sleeping this late, even if it's only seven in the morning. Look! You've a bundle of presents!"
Hermione groaned under her pillow; she had been trying to block out their voices for the past twenty minutes, and she decided that it wasn't working at all. When Parvati and Lavender wanted you to follow them for something, you would have no choice but to follow.
"And," Lavender's voice came back, "I think I've found this nice little present on the top of your stack from a certain tall, blue-eyed, Keeper-"
"-Keeper of her heart, more like-"
"-I wonder if it's another bottle of perfume-"
"-or an 'I Love You' necklace-"
"-or a wedding ring!-"
"-or a…wait…a wedding ring?-"
Lavender giggled as Hermione furiously swung her curtains open, "Yep! It certainly seems small enough…"
"All right, that's enough!" she practically screamed at the two, now laughing-their-heads-off, girls. She snatched the small box out of Lavender's hand and carefully placed it back onto her pile. She looked back at the two with a face that dared them to continue. Not feeling threatened, they continued anyway.
"Gosh, Hermione," Parvati looked at the seething girl, "It's Christmas; you shouldn't be too excited about everything, you know."
Lavender nodded, "Anyway, you should know by now that Ron looks at you more than as a friend," she tapped her chin, "Come to think of it, you two have actually stopped some of your fighting since we got back from the Summer holidays."
"Oh, right," Parvati beamed, "I suppose that is has to do with you making up-"
"-or making out-"
"-for the bickering for the past six years?"
Hermione couldn't take it anymore. She stomped into the bathroom to get ready with her face burning bright with red. Lavender and Parvati continued to giggle even after she closed the door.
After a good fifteen minutes, she cautiously peeked through the keyhole hoping Lavender and Parvati left already. When she saw that the coast was clear, she quickly opened her presents one by one, saving (well, whose do you know…) Ron's last.
Her parents gave her a nice, casual light blue sweater. Hagrid gave a book on different creatures, while Harry gave her one about spells and enchantments and how wizards properly use them to protect whom and what they love the most. Mrs. Weasley gave her a mountain of treats (Chocolate Frogs, Pumpkin Pastries, Bertie Bott's, Cauldron Cakes, and Licorice Wands) and a sweater (bright red, this time). Fred and George gave her some interesting things, which she decided she would not use at all, but admired them all the same. Viktor gave her a long novel about suspense and horror (she hated those kinds).
After many more presents, Ron's finally came to view. She was both eager and nervous about opening it; after all, it was rather…well, tiny. What would you expect? Slowly and carefully, she untied the gold and red ribbons and took off the top of the deep blue box.
Inside was a little scroll that read, 'Happy Christmas, 'Mione. Sorry, but your present isn't quite ready, yet. Now, before you rip this parchment up, let me promise to you a Hogsmeade day off today. Meet me at the Great Hall at ten am, and I promise to act like a real gentleman. You won't regret it. I promise! Love from -Ron. '
"Well!" she angrily muttered under her breath. She threw the scroll onto her bed, put on the sweater her parents gave her, and dashed out of the room. Spotting Harry near the fireplace devouring what looked like a red lollipop, she sat next to him and hit him hard on the shoulder.
"Ow!" he yelped, "What was that for?" he asked furiously as he rubbed his shoulder.
"That was for your best friend for being such an insensitive jerk!"
Harry grinned as she said those words.
"Where is that git, by the way? He knows that we have to patrol the corridors." she refused to notice the grin on his face.
Harry coughed, "He, erm, went out."
"Out…?"
"Yes, out."
She looked at him closely, "You're not helping, you know."
Harry beamed, "I suppose that makes me a good friend."
She rolled her eyes and got up from the couch.
"I'm going to go and find him and-"
"No! Don't!" Harry grabbed her arm.
Hermione looked down at the boy suspiciously, "Is there something you want to tell me, Harry?"
He quickly looked down, "No!"
"Oh, really? Where's Ron, then?" she asked fiercely.
Harry shook his head, "I can't say."
"Tell me!"
"No."
"Please?"
"Hermione-"
"Ugh!" and with that, she stomped out of the room and back to her dormitory.
She fiddled with his little note for a while and noticed a red stain on one of the corners. After running her fingers through it, she concluded that it was-
"Paint?" she wondered out loud.
The door opened and in came Parvati and Lavender who were both dressed to get ready for the Hogsmeade day trip.
"Aren't you going to get ready for your Knight in shining armor?" Parvati teased.
"Shut it, Patil," Hermione snapped.
"Hermione, is it your time of the month again? You had yours just two weeks ago. Don't tell me-"
"Parvati!" Lavender hissed as Hermione threateningly got up from her bed, "What she means, Hermione, is that you should really lighten up a bit, especially during Christmas," she grinned, "Now, how about we give you a makeover for the day? It won't be too extravagant like last time, we promise you."
"Oh no, you two," Hermione put her hands up, "When you say 'less extravagant,' it just means no jewels, but more make-up to balance it out."
Parvati pouted, "Now, really, Hermione, it's our personal Christmas present to you. Other than that box set of lip gloss we picked out."
"It'll be fun! Trust us!" Lavender looked at her like an eager puppy. Finally, Hermione sighed and said, "I suppose so…"
Therefore, about an hour later, Hermione was primped, polished, and glowing. She took one look at the mirror and couldn't help but congratulate the two for their 'less extravagant' way of giving someone a makeover.
"You should give less extravagant makeovers more often," she commented as she lightly touched her cheeks. To her surprise, it wasn't drowning in blush.
"Well, Ginny will be our target for next year." Parvati replied.
"I know!" Lavender nodded, "Have you seen the way Harry looks at her? Even if she is a year younger? If they don't get together by the end of the second semester, I'm sure we can help fix it!"
Hermione shook her head in disbelief, "What do you mean by 'the way he looks at her?' How does Harry look at her?"
Parvati rolled her eyes, "Honestly, Hermione…you may be smart, but you're also really thick."
After many urgings for her to get out of the room, she finally did and went off to the Great Hall for a quick breakfast. She didn't know what to expect for today.
"Hermione! Why are you here so early?" a voice called out.
"Ron!" she exclaimed as she saw him come over.
"Yes, me, why?" he took his seat next to her, "You weren't expecting someone else, were you?"
Hermione shook her head.
"Great," he answered and took a muffin, "when you're finished, we could go and get to the carriages early," he checked his watch, "It's only nine o'clock, anyway. Nice sweater, by the way."
She only blushed and continued eating. Ron continued to eat his muffin delight and started to look around. Harry came over after a few minutes and greeted them before heading to where Ginny was sitting.
"Are you all right with that, then?" Hermione nodded in their direction as he sat next to her.
"All right with what?"
"With Harry fancying your sister."
"What?! Harry? Fancies Ginny?"
"Well, yes."
Ron didn't answer; she grinned.
Hermione, as she finished her last bit of toast, turned to look at him, "Well, Mr. Weasley, shall we go and head for the village now?"
He grinned and replied, "Why, Miss Granger, I second that motion."
As they left the Great Hall, Hermione noticed that Harry and Ginny were still talking in low voices and they seemed rather close to each other. I don't think Parvati and Lavender need to help Harry and Ginny anymore. They seem to carry on fine by themselves. I wonder why I never noti-
"I suppose they do look good together, right?" Ron's voice suddenly broke her thoughts in the carriage.
"Sorry, what?"
"Harry and Ginny," he repeated, "they look good together."
"Oh," she replied, "Well, yes, I suppose they do," she looked at him and said in her warning tone, "Ron, don't start spying on them or anything. I'm sure they wouldn't want that."
Ron grinned.
They finally arrived and Hermione clutched her bag to keep herself from falling.
"Here," Ron went down on the other side and took her hand to help her get down.
"Thanks," she said.
"No problem."
They walked first into Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop for some new equipment that was on sale for the holidays. Hermione bought a new feather quill and two inkbottle refills. Ron tried out some of the quills, but didn't end up buying anything.
Hermione noticed that Ron was rather cautious about not mentioning her gift to him: a shirt that read 'King.' (She made a mental note not to tell him that she had her own shirt that read 'Queen.')
She knew Ron had to satisfy his playful manner so they ventured into the Zonko's next. Ron stayed there for a good twenty minutes choosing and buying many new treats.
"Ron, I think you'll get an overload with all of these…erm, goodies."
Ron laughed, "I suppose, but this isn't for me, 'Mione. It's for Fred and George, in case they haven't seen the new products they have here."
She grinned.
They walked into the Three Broomsticks later on and ordered two Butterbeers and their own meal.
"What did your mother give you?" she was desperate for conversation.
"Oh, the usual," he replied, his mouth not entirely full, "A maroon sweater and more sweets."
She laughed, "You know, blue is more of your color. It matches your eyes."
His ears and her cheeks turned red as she said it, "Erm, thanks…?"
They continued to eat and they continued to catch each other's eye every so often.
Madam Rosmerta came over to collect their plates and they paid for their own share.
"I wonder where Harry and Ginny are right now," Hermione asked as they approached the Shrieking Shack.
"Well, for sure, they're together," Ron answered her almost miserably.
"Oh, Ron, don't be so hard on them, they can take care of each other."
"They'd better not be snogging when we get back or I'll-"
"Ron!"
"Sorry."
They stayed just outside the gate looking at the tall and looming house and Hermione whispered, "I miss him."
"I know," he whispered back.
"Oh, Ron, I don't know how Harry can cope with all of this."
Ron playfully put his arm around her shoulder, "Don't worry, 'Mione, Harry's strong; he'll pull through in the end."
She sighed, "I suppose you're right."
They walked back after a few more minutes and Hermione noticed that he didn't take his arm off her shoulder.
"Do you know what's bothering him, then?"
Hermione shook her head, "No idea. I suspect Ginny does; she comes in my dorm telling me about how much he's hurting and how much she wants to help him."
Ron looked at her, "They've been talking to each other? When? I hardly have Harry out of my sight."
Hermione giggled, "You're such a typical brother. Look at Ginny; she's fifteen already…She's tough enough to handle any boy, especially since she's lived her whole life with a house full of them."
Ron grinned and used his free hand to run his fingers through his hair. "I suppose you're right, too, then."
Ron checked his watch as they headed out into the snowy field, "Twelve thirty…we have another two hours to spend here, so what do you suppose we do?"
A snowball was sent flying in their direction and Hermione ducked out of Ron's comfort just in time. The snow slowly slid off the side of his cheek and stopped right on his shoulder. The look on his face was so comical that she just started laughing.
Dean bustled over, said a quick apology, and went back to his snowball fight with Seamus, Parvati and Lavender.
"Think it's funny, do you?" Ron asked Hermione's laughing figure menacingly.
"Yes!" she managed between gasps. She went back to laughing and she squealed when he lunged at her. She ran over to hide behind Dean and yelled to the others, "Help! He's going to murder me!"
Everyone immediately turned their attention to Ron and started throwing in his direction. They all started laughing when he came down. He fired back, and soon, the boys outnumbered the girls by means of strengths.
"Ahh!" Lavender squealed as Seamus hit her square on the chest. She went to gather more firepower but he snuck up behind her and poured wet snow down her back. She screamed and started chasing him down the road.
When they finally stopped and decided that the boys won, Ron and Hermione bid them all good-bye to a quieter and snowier place (their little fight messed up the natural effect of snow).
About half an hour later, they formed a rather familiar snowman; having a pair of round 'glasses,' a huge branch (supposed to be the broom), a wooden stick (supposed to be the wand), and a light trace of a scar on its forehead.
"Well, I think we've done Harry much justice," Ron complimented as they stood back to admire their work.
Hermione laughed, "Yes, I suppose we have."
"Ron," Hermione sighed as they rode back to the castle, "What's my present?"
Ron looked at her rather uncomfortably, "Well, you know that I can't say. Because then I'll be giving it away."
She rolled her eyes, "I suppose so."
He tweaked her nose, "You say that too much."
"Say what?" she asked as she rubbed her nose.
"'I suppose so."
Hermione blushed and shrugged her shoulders rather nonchalantly, "Well, I do…suppose so, that is," she replied.
"Okay," he looked at her, "Just so you know."
She smiled at him.
Hermione went straight to the tower to change quickly to warmer clothes while Ron ran in the opposite direction. He didn't say to her where he was going exactly, but as she reminded herself that it probably had something to do with her gift, a smile would just appear on her face.
"I just hope he didn't do any drastic measures for this one. It'll just end up in disaster."
She gave up brushing her hair and proceeded to the Common Room to wait for Harry and Ginny. She spotted them huddled over what looked like a drawing. Ginny turned her head an inch and stuffed the paper in Harry's pocket when Hermione approached them. Her hand was still in his robes even as Hermione cleared her throat.
"And just what are you two discussing?"
Harry turned bright red as Ginny looked away and finally took her hand out. Hermione smirked.
"Erm, let's get some dinner; I'm getting really hungry," Harry said. He got up and raced out of the Common Room. Ginny coughed and followed him at an even faster pace. Hermione shook her head.
"Honestly."
Hermione followed them, but felt an arm go around her waist. She gasped as a hand covered her mouth.
"Promise not to scream?" Ron's voice asked.
Relieved, Hermione nodded. As soon as he released her, she immediately slapped him hard.
"Why did you have to sneak up on me like that?!"
Ron gave a lop-sided grin, "Sorry…wanted to make an impression and all, you know…C'mon. It's ready."
"What's ready…?" she asked him suspiciously.
"Erm, dinner," he answered calmly.
"Dinner," she repeated suspiciously.
"Yes, dinner."
Hermione stuck up her nose, "Fine. Keep your secrets."
He grinned, "Thank you."
They walked together to an empty classroom and just outside the door, Ron handed her a handkerchief.
"I suppose this is for me to tie around my eyes…?"
Ron grinned, "You suppose right, 'Mione."
Hermione sighed, "Let's get this over with."
Ron smirked again and eagerly helped her tie the knot at the back; she blushed whenever his hands brushed over hers. He took her arm, linked it around his and carefully led her inside.
"Just remember that this particular gift has been seven days brewing."
Hermione just nodded.
"Wait…"
Ron took off her blindfold and Hermione took in the sight. Standing in the middle of the classroom was a beautiful painting of an otter swimming in motion with many swirling colors surrounding it. It was framed with red and gold embroidery and it said, 'Happy Christmas, Hermione.'
"Wow…" was all she could say.
Ron frowned, "You don't like it, don't you."
"No! It's beautiful!" she smiled happily, "I never knew you could draw! Let alone paint!"
Ron offered her another silly grin "Really? You really like it?"
"Yes! It's so wonderful!" she blushed, looked at him and started laughing, "So I suppose that you were adding the finishing touches to this painting?"
"Yeah," Ron said, clearly relieved that Hermione was happy about it.
"But I have one question, though."
Ron gulped, "What is it?"
Hermione looked at the painting and back at him, "Why an otter as your focus point?"
He fiddled with the hem of his robes and said, "Well…Yo-you're Patronus takes the form of a-an otter, so I figured, that it would be a…erm…a…a nice thing to paint for you, since it does fit your…well, your personality…the otter, I mean…fits your…yeah."
Hermione smiled at his attempt of explaining himself. She launched her arms around his neck and squeezed. Ron, stiffened by her action, hesitantly wrapped his own arms around her.
"This is the best present ever, Ron," she whispered, "Thank you," she let go of him and planted a light peck on his cheek. Ron seemed to come to himself again and placed his hand on the spot.
"Er…you're welcome…?"
Hermione laughed, "Well, don't just stand there. Help me take this up and send it home!"
Ron shook himself, "Oh, right, right…"
They went up to the Owlery and chose the biggest Owl that could take the painting to Hermione's parents. A huge Great Grey Owl looked perfect and eager for the job (A/N: info on this bird: at least 33 inches tall when adult and has a wingspan of about 5 feet…hehe…just for wraps). Once they sent it, they walked back together to the Common Room.
"Ahem," a voice came as they entered, "Ron…Hermione…there seems to be a plant dangling above your heads."
Ron cursed under his breath as Harry grinned at them. Ginny was smirking along next to him on the couch waiting for them to do the provided action when standing under this particular plant.
"But, Harry, it might be infested with nargles," Ginny giggled.
Hermione looked at them, "Nargles…?"
Ron shook his head in disbelief, "Forget it, it's just a stupid holiday tradition." He tried to move from his spot but found that he couldn't move an inch, "Ginny," he said sinisterly.
Ginny shrugged, "Harry," she pointed at him.
"'Harry'? What do you mean 'Harry'? It was your idea!" Harry glared at her.
Hermione tried to move from her spot, too, and gasped, "You didn't!"
"We did!" the two chorused happily.
"Now you have to follow the tradition and kiss each other or we won't take away the charm," Ginny announced what the pair was dreading her to say.
Hermione glanced up at Ron, who looked equally as horrified as she was, "But do you two have to look?" he whined, "It's bad enough for my baby sister to watch muggle romance movies! What more if she watches her older brother kiss in front of her?"
Harry laughed, "She's not a baby anymore, mate. Deal with it," Ginny blushed.
"Ron," Hermione said soothingly, "Let's just get this over with."
His ears turned red as she spoke and as he turned to look at her, the familiar blush crept up his cheeks. Hermione felt the same happen to herself. Almost instantly, it seemed as if Ron was the only other person in the room. Gone were Harry and Ginny. All that stood around her was Ron.
"Well, if you say so, then…I suppose it's best, right?"
"Right," she bit her lip.
"And it's only a friendly kiss, anyway…Just a quick one."
"I suppose," she licked her lips as he moved closer.
"You say that too much," he whispered, his face now dangerously closer to hers. She could count the freckles scattered on his face. Her long eyelashes seemed to tickle his own, and their noses barely touched.
"Say what?" she whispered and he closed the gap. His lips touched hers almost hesitantly and Hermione felt him pull away. Not wanting the electricity through her body to end, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Ron seemed to pause as she did this, He's probably not expecting me to be this bold, she thought and decided that it was time to end it. She started to pull away, but to her surprise, Ron pulled her closer this time. He had wrapped his arms around her waist, without her knowing, and was now using one free hand to run through her hair…
Hermione heard a sudden 'Whoop!' in the background and immediately pulled away. She forgot Harry and Ginny were still watching and she blushed furiously before looking up at Ron. He was blushing to the roots of his hair and looking down at her with a distant look on his face, muttering things like 'beautiful,' 'wow,' and 'again.' She giggled when she heard the last one.
"I win the bet!" Harry danced around the Common Room. Ginny pouted and crossed her arms and legs on the couch.
"What bet?" Hermione asked dangerously. She moved her legs to test the charm and found that it finally wore off. Ron snapped out of his trance when he heard Harry shout and followed behind her and stopped in front of his dancing. He grabbed his shirt and pushed him back down on the chair.
"What bet?" she asked again, her eyes narrowed to slits.
Harry and Ginny's eyes met for an instant; they hopped over the arms of the couch, ran in the opposite direction and jumped up their stairs two at a time. Ginny yelped as Ron came after her and Harry laughed at Hermione's attempts to grab his shirt and pull him back. Harry and Ginny were safe on the stairs while Ron and Hermione stopped at the foot of their opposite dormitories and blushed.
They crossed the room and met each other in the middle.
"Good night, Ron."
"G'night, 'Mione."
"Good night, Ronniekins!" Ginny's falsetto voice called from the stairs.
"I hope we can snog again!" Harry's deep exaggerated voice drifted in.
"Yeah! Meet me behind the statue of Arse the Amazing!"
"Great choice! I'm sure that-" but Harry's voice didn't get to reach the end of his teasing. A loud yell was the last thing Hermione heard from him that night as Ron, as red as a ripe tomato, started cursing Harry to oblivion and chased him up the dorms.
"Ronnie? Ronnie!!!" Hermione followed suit and Ginny squealed as she lunged at her.
A/N: Lol…I enjoyed writing this one…especially the bit with Harry and Ginny…
This one was rather long for just a one-shot (4,000 words!). It should be two-shot! Erm…haha…corny, I know… (It's the Filipino in me)…
Again, if you liked it, please review! If you didn't…well, review anyway! Cookies for everyone who are reading right now! (::) Chocolate chip! for those who are planning and do review! (;:)