A/N: I know I said a few weeks, but things have settled a bit faster, and everything is FANTASTIC!. Also, I just want to say thanks to everyone who's read and reviewed, however, I'd really appreciate it when you asked a question, you do so as a registered member so I can reply and give you an answer. I don't really like answering questions pubicly. That said, to the person who asked why I keep referring to certain characters as Dark skinned... It's because that's how they were referred as in Canon, and not because I'm a self hating white person. Also, I refer to Slytherins as Pure bloods supremicists for the same reason. I know not all slytherins are that way, and if you'd read a bit more carefully, you'd see that I don't lump them all together.

Also, to anyone who read "Could she be, Could He be? and didn't like it and think I should stop writing because i "killed" Harry. Get over yourself. It's a story, nothing more.

Finally, a huge thanks to Coasting for designing the cover for this story. It's pretty awesome and I am truly overwhelmed by the effort and the art. I've never had anyone care enough to send me fan art. I bow to you my dear friend. And now, onto the story!

"Alright ladies." Lavender said rising from the table. "Let's get to our shopping. Boys, we'll see you at noon at the Three Broomsticks. Don't be late"

Each girl gave a kiss to their respective boy, save for Parvati who was currently between boyfriends, and Hermione, because Zach had not shown up to breakfast. Hermione claimed they had been out late the night before, and he was likely having a lie in. Both Susan and Hannah gave significant looks to one another, but no one noticed. The girls then marched out of the Great Hall to the waiting carriages to take them down to Hogsmeade.

"Ok." Neville said when the girls were good and truly gone. "Any ideas about Christmas gifts?"

"I'm clueless here." Ron sighed heavily. "Lavender won't even give me a hint at what she'd like."

"They like being difficult." Neville sighed. "I've been trying since the beginning of October to get a hint at what she'd like. She always changes the subject. Usually using her lips in interesting ways."

"Ok, I don't think we need to hear what you and Hannah get up to." Harry said pushing his empty plate away.

"I could stand to hear a bit more." Seamus chuckled. Dean whapped him upside the head and scolded him for being disgusting. The Irishman just kept chuckling

"Oi, Ginny!" Ron shouted down the table to where her sister was sitting with some of her friends. Ron waved her and the other two fifth year girls to join them. The three younger Gryffindors took their new seats, the two girls, who Harry didn't know were smiling dreamily at him, making him a little uncomfortable.

"We need help." Ron said when the girls sat down. "We have to go shopping for gifts for our girlfriends, and we're…"

"Clueless." Ginny smiled sadly. "Do none of you pay any attention? They've probably given you hints all this time if only you paid attention."

"I pay attention." Harry said, mildly affronted.

"You're not fooling anyone, Harry." Ginny responded. "Except yourself. All of you are idiots if you're asking me for gift advice. But, I pity you all, so I'm going to help you. Mostly because it will ruin my Christmas if you're all in trouble. I really don't want to see you all moping and blubbering like prats."

All three boys gave Ginny perturbed looks while the redhead's friends giggled maniacally at their indignation and embarrassment. Ginny merely shrugged and gave them all a apologetic smile in return.

"The truth hurts boys." She said.

"Can you just help us out without the insults?" Ron said, finally fed up.

"What, and give up this perfect opportunity?" Ginny's smile had reached infuriating proportions now.

"GINNY!" All three boys shouted and the fifth year girl threw up her hands.

"Fine. Ok, listen up, because I'm about to let you all in on a few womanly secrets."

Ginny spent the next twenty minutes explaining just how Susan, Hannah, and Lavender had likely dropped subtle hints on what kind of gifts they would like. Neville was the first of the three to get the proverbial light bulb, and he grinned, proclaiming he knew exactly what to get Hannah for Christmas.

Both Seamus and Dean proclaimed they had good ideas thanks to Ginny, and quickly exited the castle to hunt down the proper presents.

Ron was left far more confused. Lavender had never given any of the hints Ginny mentioned, and he was left more confused and worried than before he had asked for help. Ginny had to admit that Lavender was likely far more subtle with her signals.

Harry did get an idea, and thanked Ginny for her help. The three boys rose together intending to head into Hogsmeade. Both Neville and Harry promised to help Ron find something for his girlfriend.

"Harry, can you wait a moment?" Ginny asked.

Harry told Ron and Neville he'd catch up, and he sat down with Ginny again, as she told her friends she'd meet them by the carriages.

"Harry, I know that you think you've got an idea about a gift for Susan, but I think I have something better in mind."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked puzzled.

"Harry, you and Susan are in a really unique situation, and because of that, you're missing out on some really important things. Things that are really important to the girl. Pivotal moments in the relationship." Ginny said, trying to make Harry understand.

"What are you getting at?" Harry asked.

"Every girl, from the time they understand what a marriage is, and all it entails, builds a fantasy around it. We spend years imagining how everything is supposed to go, and hoping our prince charming will outdo what we've imagined. Do you follow me?" Ginny looked hopefully at Harry, who still looked lost.

Harry shrugged and shook his head and Ginny slammed her head onto the table.

"Ugh! You're hopeless!" She grunted.

"Here's an idea. Why don't you just come out and tell me what it is you're trying to tell me." Harry said getting as irritated as Ginny seemed to be.

Ginny looked up at Harry glaring now.

"Because of your situation." She said whispering to prevent someone from overhearing. "You're not obligated to take her breath away. But, I think you should. You should propose to her. Buy her a ring, sweep her off her feet. Romance her until she's over the moon with you and then, get down on one knee and ask her to marry you. Make it something that she will tell her children's children, Harry."

"Propose?" Harry asked stunned.

"Yes, you idiot. Take her breath away and show her that she is the luckiest girl in the entire world because of how damned romantic you can be."

"And you think that would be a good Christmas gift?" Harry asked skeptically.

"Are you kidding? No girl would ever balk at jewelry. Plus, it's an engagement ring, and a proposal? Ask any girl and she'll tell you that it would become the standard by which all other gifts are measured."

"Wow." Harry said running his hands through his hair. "That's…I don't know. I mean, yeah we're going to be married one day, but proposing…"

"Makes it real?" Ginny asked, tilting her head and staring at him sympathetically.

"Yeah. I mean, This is so complicated." Harry said pathetically.

"No it isn't." Ginny argued. It's really simple. You simply have to ask yourself one question. Do you love Susan, or don't you?"

With that Ginny stood and headed for the carriages. Harry sat there for a moment pondering the question. He knew that he liked Susan. Cared for her. She meant a lot to him, there was no denying it. But was it love that he felt for her? Was he even capable of love?

Harry got up and began making his way to the carriages. He had to meet his friends in the village and he had to get started on his Christmas shopping. With every step he took, Ginny's words continued to echo in his mind. Why was one simple question so complex?

In Hogsmeade, a small group of sixth year girls were perusing the wares in Gladrags, each of them had a growing armful of clothing to try on, including the usually reserved Hermione Granger.

Hermione had once abhorred all things girlish. But in the company of her friends, it didn't seem so silly any longer. She idly wondered if it was due to the fact that you couldn't really learn about it from a book. Trying on clothing, gossiping and relaxing were things you just had to experience to understand. Hermione still preferred studying in the library, but hanging with her girlfriends was a very nice change to her norm.

"Hermione, you really need to try this one." Lavender smiled handing a dress to her dorm mate. Hermione looked it over with a critical eye. It was actually quite modest, which surprised the bookworm greatly. Lavender usually like more scandalous attire, and Hermione was loathe to admit that the girl had pretty good judgment in selecting something for someone else.

The dress was around knee length and looked like it would mold to her thin waist line, accentuating her slim curves. Hermione thought the combination of purple and black was quite nice, and the lacey sleeves made it look very elegant.

"Go on, try it on. I'll find you some shoes." Lavender urged.

Hermione smiled and headed for the changing room. Lavender watched her go before sidling up to Susan, who was admiring several high heeled pumps.

"I need to ask a favor of you." Lavender said softly.

"I'd be happy to help." Susan smiled.

"I need you to talk to Zach and find out what's going on with him and Hermione."

Susan stiffened and Lavender saw the redhead's eyes cloud over.

"What?" Lavender asked quickly.

"I… He… Oh gods." Susan shook her head.

"Oh, you have to tell me what happened." Lavender said urgently.

"Zach is being a prat." Hannah said as she joined the other two girls. "He tried to put the moves on Susan the other night, and she shut him down."

"He what?" Parvati asked as she also joined the girls.

"So it's worse than I thought." Lavender sighed, glancing to the closed door of the changing room.

"He said that since we've been back in school, she's been ignoring him." Susan said.

"That's not entirely true." Lavender said quickly. "I know she spends a lot of time with him. It's just not the kind of time he'd like. She's not a prude, but her studies are important to her. It's who she is. I thought he understood that."

"I think we all did. But I don't think he expected their relationship to be like it is." Susan said.

"Oh my gods." Parvati said as she pointed out the front window. The other girls turned and their jaws fell open as they all stared at the sight before them, none of them noticing Hermione stepping out of the changing room, looking stunning in the dress Lavender had picked out.

"Lavender, this really is a nice…what are you guys looking at?" Hermione asked. Before anyone could say anything, Hermione's sharp brown eyes found what had the others so entranced.

Across the street, standing in front of an antique curio shop was Su Li of Ravenclaw house. She was kissing someone very familiar, and as she took in the scene, Hermione's heart began to break, and her anger began to boil up inside her chest.

Forgetting that she was in a dress with no shoes on, much less a cloak, Hermione stormed out of the shop and into the snow covered street, ignoring the cries of the shop keep. Hermione strode quickly towards Su Li and her suitor, nearly knocking down a few shoppers.

"Excuse me." Hermione said grabbing the boy by the sleeve of his robe, tearing him away from Su Li's lips and spinning him to face her.

"Hermione?" Zach asked with terrified shock. "What are you doing here?"

"It's a Hogsmeade weekend, what do you think I'm doing here?" Hermione rebuffed. "What did you think, I'd be locked in the castle? You told me you were catching up on some work and you'd met me for lunch!"

Zach made a few incomprehensible noises but Hermione waved him off.

"If things weren't going well between us, you should have tried talking to me." Tears were coming now, though Hermione was trying not to break down.

"Look, I'm sorry, but I did try." Zach said.

"When Zach? When did you try to talk to me?"

"All the time!" Zach spat. "You're so focused on your books, and notes that you ended up ignoring me. I'm surprised you managed to keep Ron and Harry around as friends for as long as you have. No one can stand that much studying Hermione!"

"How dare you." Hermione snapped as she slapped Zach across the face, leaving a bright angry red mark on his cheek. "You told me that you understood how important school is to me. You said that it was why you liked me. You said it was because I wasn't so giggly that you liked me. Because I was driven and focused."

"I said that when we were spending proper time together." Zach argued.

"You mean over the summer when we were snogging all the time. You're just like every other boy. You don't care about me, or anyone else. You only care about one thing. You're pathetic."

Hermione turned and started back towards Gladrags.

"Hermione, Wait!" Zach tried.

"Save it." Hermione snapped. "I don't want to hear it. Just… just stay away from me."

Zach sighed heavily as he watched Hermione make her way back to the shop. It was then that he noticed Susan and Hannah standing in the doorway. They had clearly seen the entire episode, and Zach knew he'd be getting an earful later that night.

"You and Granger?" Su Li asked. Zach turned around, having completely forgotten about the girl he'd been kissing moments before Hermione had found them.

"I…"

Su Li punched Zach hard, knocking him off his feet. He landed in a puddle, staring up at the thin Asian Ravenclaw. She looked more than a little indignant.

"The next time you ask a girl out, be sure you're not already dating someone else, arsehole!" Su Li shouted before storming off.

Zach slammed his fists on the hard muddy ground shouting with rage.

"Are you alright?" Susan asked as Hermione pushed past the girl and went into the shop.

"I'm sorry sir." Hermione said to the shopkeeper. "I just forgot I was wearing it and I had to…"

"Doesn't matter, it belongs to you. Your friend took care of it." The man said nodding to Lavender who was smiling sadly.

"Lavender, I'll pay you back…"

"No you won't." Lavender said quickly. "It's a gift from me to you. I wanted to so don't even try to argue with me. Now go get changed and we'll go eat."

Hermione could only nod and she headed back into the changing room. When the door was locked, she sat down and began to cry. Her four friends waited outside of the door for her, giving her the space they knew she needed at the moment, all of them wondering just what was going to happen to Zach when Hermione's closest friends found out about what happened.

Harry had been thinking hard over all of what Ginny had said to him and as he and the other boys set about finding gifts for Christmas, Harry had been keeping his eyes open for a sign that Ginny had given him good advice. He knew that he and Susan were going to be married, there was no avoiding it, and in truth, he did want to propose to Susan. Sirius had once old him how his father had proposed to his mother, and Harry thought it was pretty cool. Harry just wondered if it was too soon for him to propose to Susan.

Still, his imagination kept showing him different scenarios in which he'd swept Susan off her feet with dinner and a romantic walk, or dance before dropping to his knee and presenting her with an engagement ring. Every single instance he dreamt of ended with Susan flinging herself at him and snogging him senseless. Harry liked the thought, and was having trouble stopping the grin from appearing on his face.

The boys first stop in Hogsmeade had been in a store where Seamus and Dean both felt they would find the gifts they sought. The other three Gryffindors wandered about admiring the bric-a-brac. Ron had asked opinions on a few things for Lavender, but the others had all responded in the negative.

The boys had gone shopping for friends and family after that, slipping into Scrivenshaft's, Dervish and Banges, Wiseacres Wizarding equipment, and Tomes and Scrolls.

After all those stops, Harry, Neville and Ron still were empty handed. Yet Only Neville seemed unworried.

Dean and Seamus wanted to stop into Zonko's, but Neville begged off, saying he needed to get Hannah's gift before they were to meet the girls at the Three Broomsticks for lunch. Ron and Harry decided to accompany Neville, who led them down the alley and off the high street.

"My Gran brought me here once a few years ago." Neville smiled. "Not a lot of other students know about it, but it's a really great little shop.

The three boys walked along towards a small shop set among some houses. The was a little sign hanging over the door that read Gems & I.

The three boys stepped inside, causing the bell above the door tinkling.

"Hello gentlemen." Said an attractive woman with curly blond hair that was piled on her head. She looked very smart in sleek black robes. "How can I help you today?"

"I need something in silver." Neville said confidently. "Preferably in and anklet or bracelet."

"You look familiar." The lady smiled, waving him over to a display case.

"I used to come in with my Gran." Neville smiled. "Ron, you might want to take a look. I gurantee you'll find something good."

Ron hurried over, and both Neville and Ron looked over the lady's silver offerings while Harry began to wander the tiny shop. He wasn't perusing long before he stopped short. Something had caught his eye, and made him stop dead in his tracks.

It sat on a pillow of black velvet, sparkling brilliantly.

It was a thin band with a small clear stone. It was breathtaking in its simplicity and all at once, Harry's hormonal musings had this ring at its epicenter.

"Miss?" Harry called out. The young woman smiled as she walked over to assist Harry. "How much is that one?"

"Trying to impress a young lady?" the woman smiled knowingly. " 500 Galleons."

Harry's smile fell a bit.

"I'm going to guess you don't have that much." The woman smiled.

"Not on me, no." Harry sighed. "And I won't be able to get into my vault for a while."

"Are you sure you have the finds?" The woman asked skeptically. Harry nodded emphatically. "Well then we can draw up a bank draft for payment. All you'll need to do is sign, and give a drop of blood for identification, and the goblins will simply transfer the amount from your vault."

"really?" Harry asked.

"Sure. Most people don't carry huge amounts of gold on them." The lady smiled, flicking a few strands of honey blonde hair from her face. "Shall I wrap it up for you?"

"Yes. Please." Harry grinned excitedly.

"I'll take this one." Neville smiled holding up the silver rope chain he'd chosen.

"Anything for you, sir?" the lady asked Ron.

Ron nodded as he pointed out a pair of silver stud earrings. Harry knew Ron didn't have much money, and he knew that Lavender's gift had probably just bankrupted his best friend. But Ron also looked quite pleased with himself.

"Well, I wish you all the best of luck with your lady friends, gentlemen." The woman said after she had concluded their business. "They're all truly lucky."

"Thank you." They waved as they left.

"Show when did Hannah say she wanted a bracelet?" Harry was curious as they headed off to the Three Broomsticks.

"Never." Neville smiled. "But, she adores silver. She likes it more than gold in fact, and I thought it would be a bit presumptuous to get a ring. Why'd you go with earrings Ron?"

Ron shrugged. "Really, it was all I could afford, and I just figured that she's a girl and they all like jewelry, right?"

"That's what Ginny said." Harry smirked. "I think you did all right, mate."

"Thanks." Ron said, his ear going slightly pink.

Neville and Ron began talking about the gifts they had purchased for some of their other friends while Harry thought about what Ginny had told him. He knew that she was probably right, and now he realized that he had only just begun putting together Susan's gift. He realized that he really had no idea of how he should move forward. But Ginny had mentioned that every girl had imagined their perfect scenario for this situation. Harry thought it might be a good idea to speak to some girls and get some ideas. He just had to figure out how to get the information without revealing what he was potentially planning.

Harry suddenly realized that this was going to be far more nerve wracking than anything he'd undertaken before.

"There you are!" Lavender said as Ron, Harry and Neville joined them at the table in the pub.

"Sorry." Ron smiled as Lavender kissed him. "We took a bit of a detour."

"What'd you get me?" Lavender grinned greedily, but Ron shook his head with a smile.

"You're just gonna have to wait." Ron said, and laughed when his girlfriend pouted. The others at the table chuckled as well and Lavender gave Ron a playful shove.

"Hey, where's Hermione?" Harry asked. The girls all went uncomfortably quiet, and Harry looked to Susan who was on his right.

"She wasn't feeling good." Susan said, clearly uneasy. Harry felt there was more to the story but before he could push for more, Susan shook her head with a pleading look on her face. Harry nodded that he understood that he'd hear all about what was going on later.

Madam Rosemerta came by a few moments later and took orders from the tens. Once she had bustled off, Susan excused herself to use the restroom. Once the redhead was gone, Hannah leaned over the empty chair and grinned at Harry.

"So what'd you get Susan?" She asked.

"I'm not telling." Harry smirked. "Don't want to chance that you'll accidentally spill the beans."

"I would never do it on accident!" Hannah protested.

Harry chuckled and shoved Hannah back towards Neville.

"Where's Susan going?" Ron asked. Everyone turned to look as Susan pushed past three third year Ravenclaws that were entering the pub.

"Susan?" Harry called out, but his girlfriend appear not to have heard him. Harry got to his feet and began chasing down his girlfriend who was now marching determinedly up the street.

"Hey!" Harry said when he caught up to Susan. "Where are you going?"

"I have to get to the caste." She said flatly.

"Why?" Harry asked

"None of your business, now please leave me alone."

Harry was suddenly on edge. Susan never spoke like this, even when she had been annoyed with him when they had only first been getting to know each other.

"What's that?" Harry asked, noticing the brown package in Susan's hand.

"Nothing. Never mind. Go away." Susan said, no getting irritated. "I have to take it to the castle.

"Suze!" Hannah cried out as she, Neville and the others came running towards them. "What's going on?"

"NOTHING!" Susan snapped. "I have to go.

Harry reached out and grabbed a hold of the brown package and ripped it out of Susan's hands. "What is this? Where did you get it?"

"You didn't have that when you went to the bathroom." Hannah noted.

"GIVE IT BACK!" Susan yelled, lunging at Harry, who held up his arm to keep her back.

"Grab her." Harry said, and Neville and Ron both took hold of Susan and dragged her back a bit. Susan kept struggling as Harry began to open the package. Susan stamped on Neville's foot and bit into Ron's wrist. Both boys released her with yelps of pain. Susan launched herself at Harry, knocking him to the ground and getting the mysterious package back. She was suddenly on her feet and running towards Hogwarts.

"Catch her!" Hannah shouted.

"Something's definitely wrong with her." Harry said getting back on his feet and joining the pursuit.

"You think?" Lavender asked rhetorically as she followed Harry.

The group were hot on the Hufflepuff redhead's heels when she drew her wand and began sending jinxes over her shoulder.

"What do you reckon?" Ron asked, trying to avoid a purple colored jet of light.

"I can't be sure, but she may have been Imperiused." Harry said. Harry sent a tripping jinx at his girlfriend, knocking her to the snow covered ground with a shriek of rage. Harry got to Susan first and snapped up the package once again.

"Susan, what happened in the bathroom?" Hannah asked.

"Piss off!" Susan snarled.

"Does anyone know how to cancel and imperious?" Lavender asked.

"Tr5y Finite Incantatem." Hannah said. Harry leveled his wand, but Susan had already gotten to her feet and lunged at Harry again, screaming for him to give her back the mysterious package. She clutched the brown wrapped parcel and Harry tugged it hard. There was a loud ripping noise and both Harry and Susan fell to the ground as the paper tore. Something flew into the air and sparkled strangely in the air before falling with a light clatter.

"Don't touch it!" Susan screamed as Lavender went to pick it up. Lavender winced in spite of herself and Susan took advantage of the blonde's hesitation. She quickly crawled to the object and reached out to grasp the strange looking item before it was blasted out of her reach by Harry.

The coveted object shot past Susan's hand, flip flopping over itself, glancing her wrist as it sailed out of her reach. As the object made contact with her skin, Susan's eyes rolled into the back of her head and she screamed in agonized pain. Her body shot high into the air, her face twisting with pain. An instant later, she fell in a heap on the ground.

Harry dashed to her side, and cradled her head in his hands.

Susan?" Susan? Are you okay? SUSAN!"

"Don't touch it!" Bellowed a voice. Once again, Lavender jumped as she was attempting to pick up the mysterious object. Hagrid had appeared and looked grave as he stumped towards Harry and Susan.

"We've got to get her to tha hospital wing, Harry. I'll carry her. I need you to take tha," Hagrid said, nodding towards the item near Lavender's feet. "And bring it to Professor McGonagall. But whatever you do, do not touch it. Understand?"

Harry nodded as Hagrid hefted Susan's body in his arms and began moving faster than Harry had ever seen him move before towards the castle.

"How do we take it to McGonagall if we can't touch it?" Ron asked.

"Are you a wizard or aren't you?" Hannah scowled.

"Wingardium Leviosa." Harry said, causing what he discover to be a strange necklace in the air, and began guiding it towards the castle. He didn't care what this thing was, all he wanted to know is how Susan had gotten a hold of it, and who the hell had Imperiused his girlfriend.

Harry was angrier than he'd ever been in his entire life, and he wanted blood.