One of A Kind

Chapter 9: Seasons Greetings

            November flew by in a blur of essays and Quidditch practices. Before long, Christmas was only a week away. Harry was in a panic. He had no idea what to get for Ginny. Things were made exceptionally difficult now that he could not go into Hogsmeade.

“What am I going to do?” he asked for what seemed like the millionth time that morning. And it was only nine o’ clock.

“You could make her something,” Ron suggested.

“Yes, but what?”

Hermione’s face suddenly lit up. “I have it!”

“What is it then?” Harry asked. But she continued as though she had not heard him.

“Of course, you’ll need a little help with it. Most advanced. But I won’t mind to help. Oh, it’s going to be perfect!” She gathered her books and rushed out of the common room before either of them could say anything.

“Where is she off to?” Ron asked, frowning.

“Where she always goes.”

They looked at one another, then said together, “The library.”

~*~

            That night, Harry sat with Ginny, huddled over his Potions book. One thing he had discovered about her over the summer was that she was a very talented student. And Potions was her specialty, much to Snape’s dismay. However, the most casual observer could plainly see that not much studying was happening.

Harry felt a light tingle skitter across the back of his neck. He glared at Ginny with mock anger.

“Gin, I have to get this essay done, or that slimy git will just have another excuse to take points from us,” he insisted.

She shot him a hurt look and pouted. He tried to ignore the wrenching feeling in his gut.

“Gin, I know that was just an attempt to break me. But you forget, I know your tricks.” he said playfully.

“Oh, alright,” she said, sighing. “I was only trying to have some fun. But I’ll be serious now, I promise.” She looked at him solemnly and he laughed.

“Not that serious, Gin.” She smiled at him and then pointed down at the book. He rested his chin in his hand, watching her as she spoke. But he lost track after the first few sentences. What is Hermione’s idea? She has been in the library all day. And it’s Saturday!

            The sound of the heavy text book slamming shut snapped him out of his thoughts. He looked over at Ginny, thinking she was angry because he had not been paying attention. She did look angry. But she was not looking at him. Her cold gaze rested on the slim figure in front of them. He glanced up and met blue eyes.

“Hi, Harry,” Avril said. Her gaze flicked over Ginny.

“Um, hullo Avril,” he said uncertainly.

“I was just wondering if you needed any help with your Divination essay.”

“Er . . .” Actually, he did need help. He was suddenly very aware of the two pairs of eyes focused on him. He felt his face get hot.

After a few moments’ silence, he answered, “No. Thanks anyway, though.”

He noticed that Ginny relaxed instantly. He thought he saw a flash of anger on Avril’s face, but she was still smiling.

“Okay, then. Tell me if you need anything.” As she walked away, Harry slid down in his seat, avoiding Ginny’s scrutinizing stare.

                                                                        *

“Harry! I found it!” Hermione exclaimed, sliding to a halt in front of the table, her arms around a large book. Harry held back laughter. “I found what you can give . . .” She trailed off as her eyes fell on Ginny, who was staring at her. Her face paled before she pasted on a smile.

“Hi, Ginny,” she said. She threw a glance at Harry.

“Oh, um, will you excuse us for a moment Gin?” Harry stammered, catching on. She nodded slowly and he followed Hermione to a corner.

“All right, what is this about?” he whispered.

She pointed her wand at the book and it opened to a page in the middle. He looked at her inquiringly.

“It’s a bookmark charm. We learned it ages ago. Honestly, don’t you pay attention?” She sighed loudly.

He rolled his eyes and leaned in to look at the book. As he read, his eyes widened. He glanced up at her.

“Hermione, it’s perfect. But can we do it?”

She grinned at him, her eyes gleaming. “Harry, think about who you’re talking to.”

He smiled. “When do we get started?”

~*~

“What was that about?” Ginny asked.

“Nothing much. Hermione just wanted to show me something,” Harry replied.

“Hmm. Alright then, let’s get back to work.”