Chapter 10 – Mistletoe and Misunderstandings

Though Harry tried extremely hard to not think about what he and Ron heard outside the bathroom, he couldn't help it. What Ginny had said about not being vulnerable anymore, was it true? The truth was that for so long he had looked at her as Ron's little sister, it never really registered that she was only a year younger than him.

Because Hermione and Ginny still did not know what the boys had heard, she acted pretty normal. But Harry could tell she was hurting. He was just waiting for Ron to say one wrong thing to make Hermione mad.

Ron and Harry had later vowed not to tell the girls they had eavesdropped unless they had to. They knew they would probably be furious if they found out. Still, Harry was happy he had heard what he did. Ginny didn't tell him everything, and in this situation, he felt that he needed to know a little more.

November was fast passing and the cold winds and icy temperatures had once again picked up. Harry found himself with more and more schoolwork as the holidays drew closer. Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione were returning to the Burrow for the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Hermione's parents were coming to visit as well.

Soon all classes had come to a halt, though Snape did assign a rather nasty essay over break. The first snow had fallen and the Hogwarts grounds looked magnificent. A week before Christmas, they all traveled back to the Burrow. This still gave them time to buy gifts that they had neglected to purchase in Hogsmeade.

Hermione was overjoyed to see her parents, but Harry couldn't help noticing their unusual attitudes towards Ron. It seemed as though Hermione had not yet filled them in on her relationship with him. Though she never really was openly affectionate towards him at school, other than the first encounter he and Ginny had regretfully walked in on, it seemed even less now. It seemed as though she didn't want them to know: she was hiding it.

But Ginny had been grabbing Harry's hand and kissing him on the cheek all the time in front of her parents, which was always at least a slight bit uncomfortable. Every time, Mrs. Weasley just smiled at him though, so he felt he didn't really have to worry about telling them or asking permission to date her or something. He was basically family anyway…which is kind of weird if you think about it. Anyway, maybe Hermione's parents were different though.

The friends set a date to go shopping for Christmas gifts. They flooed to Diagon Alley later in the week and met Fred and George. Looking spiffy as usual, they proceeded into the Leaky Cauldron to grab some butterbeers. Fred and George had a lot to tell them about the shop and new products. Apparently knockoff chocolate frog cards were in now.

The girls branched off to buy their own gifts. Later they met up with the boys, laden with shopping bags from Madam Malkins, Turnipill's Trinkets, and Gifts by Gladice Gillywater. When Harry asked what they had bought, Ginny giggled and told him it was a surprise.

Hermione's parents didn't come with them but preferred to stay home and talk to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Mrs. Weasley seemed hesitant to send the kids alone at first but they assured her they'd meet up with Fred and George as soon as they flooed over. Harry doubted that this reassured her, however. They set a time that they had to be back at the Burrow.

Harry and Ron shopped around. They bought some things but not half as much as Ginny or Hermione. When Hermione said it was just a few small things, Ron snorted. He replied:

"See, Hermione, small, in our world, means less than any amount that can fill almost an entire room!"

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Please, Ronald."

When they arrived back at the Burrow, they were greeted by the Weasleys and the Grangers, with looks of utmost disapproval on their faces.

"You're a half hour late dears," Mrs. Weasley said, not in her usual sweet tone.

"Strange, Molly," Mrs. Granger said, "You bring that up when clearly there are more pressing matters at hand."

"More pressing matters!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, shocked, "Jane, in our world we are on the brink of war. Anything could have happened to them!"

"Yes, Molly, forgive me, but right now I'm more worried about my daughter's, well, innocence! Well being if you could call it that!"

"Mum, "Hermione intervened as Mrs. Weasley paced, "What are you talking about?"

"Hermione Jean, I am talking about this boy," she pointed at Ron, "putting pressure on you to date him!"

Ron was staring, open-mouthed now. Harry knew he would never do anything like that to Hermione. Mrs. Granger had got it all wrong. He was starting to dislike her more and more.

Mrs. Granger spoke again, "Hermione, I cannot believe you didn't tell me. I could have done something. Hermione, what is wrong? This is just not like you-"

"Mum!" Hermione yelled, finally grasping exactly what her mother was accusing Ron of, "I want to date Ron! I want to! It was my decision! He's really sweet and wouldn't even have it in him to hurt me! Mum, are you listening? Mum?!"

She moved backward and grasped hands with Ron and smiled gently at him. He smiled back.

Mrs. Granger spoke now, "Molly, I think someone is coming in the door."

Mrs. Weasley looked peeved at the intervention. Clearly she wanted to settle this now. She then moved to the door to open it for whatever guest it was this time. Hermione stood firm against Ron and stared directly into her mother's eyes.

Suddenly, there was an intake of breath and it was a moment before Mrs. Weasley found her voice, "Percy?"

Everyone was staring now, open-mouthed at the visitors.

"Hello, mother. I'd like to introduce my co-worker and fiancé, Cassidy Bayleaf."