"Hermione, are you even listening to a word I'm saying?" The she-Weasley said.
Instantly, Hermione was brought out of her momentary daze, "Oh, Ginny I'm so sorry. Lack of sleep. Just worried about examinations. You were talking about Christmas…?" She gave Ginny a small smile.
Ginny glared suspiciously at Hermione, but continued her conversation, "I asked you what you planned on doing for the holiday! I want to take a trip into Hogsmeade before we leave for the break. You are coming home with us, right?"
Hermione blushed, "I can't Ginny. I'm working on a new potion with Snape, and as part of my apprenticeship, I have to stay here or I won't have enough hours to show the Ministry."
Ginny frowned, "Hermione, mum was really looking forward to seeing you. Perhaps you can sneak out for a day or two?"
Hermione shrugged, "I would like to say 'yes', but I really have no idea at this time. I would, however, love to accompany you to Hogsmeade. I do have a few things to pick up."
Ginny smiled. "Perfect. Tomorrow? I'm sure if you ask nicely McGonagall will let us use her floo."
Hermione was about to interject that Snape would gladly let them use his, but bit her tongue and nodded at her friend in agreement.
Ginny moved herself off the bed and walked to the exit. "I'll meet you in front of the Great Hall at ten tomorrow morning, okay?"
"Sounds perfect!" Hermione smiled and watched her friend leave.
Hermione turned to look out her window. She had been thinking about Christmas and the holiday quite a bit over the past week. She remembered the events of the past week: arrangements had been made, spells cast, and- much to her chagrin- elves put to work furnishing a special wing off the potions lab. Headmaster Snape insisted that Hermione have her own wing for experimentation and privacy during the holiday. Professor McGonagall, always wanting the best for her Hermione, merely smiled in approval.
It was a perfect escape for Hermione. She no longer had to reside in the main dormitory because of the rights granted to her as a "Potions Mistress in Training." She laughed at the title mostly because it had nothing to do with her private room. Snape decided living with other students was starting to become something of a "nuisance" and would definitely be problematic in the near future.
It was a lavish place she was only allowed to mention to Harry, Ron, and Ginny. The boys couldn't have cared less, but Ginny found it a perfect place for their many late night chats and review sessions.
It was perfect. It was everything Hermione could have wished for and more. She frowned. There was one more thing she wished she had- the perfect gift for Snape. The thought rang through her mind. It was necessary she find and gift him the most exquisite and thoughtful gift he had ever received, but she was completely lost.
Perhaps tomorrow will give me some ideas, she thought.
Severus sat in his chair quietly, both pointer fingers massaging the large bridge of his nose.
It must be perfect. She deserves absolutely nothing less. Severus was having a hard time deciding on a present for Hermione. With Christmas just a week away, his time was running out and he still had no ideas.
"May I make a suggestion, my boy?" Severus sighed at the sound of Albus' voice.
"Do I have a choice, old man?" He retorted.
Ignoring the reply, Albus smiled warmly and spoke, "You must find something suitable for a woman that is representative of yourself."
"Oh?" Severus drawled.
"What are some of the most prized tokens sought by women, Severus?"
Severus was genuinely stumped. He had never picked out a present for a woman before, much less a woman he was in a relationship with.
As if reading his mind, Albus continued.
"Jewelry, Severus. It's thoughtful, and can be kept forever."
"I fail to see my representation in the matter," Severus retorted.
Albus chuckled lightly, "Your color, Severus. Your most prized characteristic. It is who you are."
The light in Severus' eyes began to glow. He knew exactly what he was to gift Hermione. It was jewelry, but not only representative of him- it was of her as well. It was also extremely rare.
It is as rare as you are, my dear, Snape mused.