The Hint

"Luna and I are going to swing by Madam Puddifoot's, then I think we're going to hit the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer," Neville announced after he had walked a few paces; hand in hand with Luna. "Anyone care to join us, say, around one?"

"Sure," replied Harry. "Ron? Hermione?"

"I have some shopping to finish first, I'll meet up there later," Ron said glumly.

"I'm going to stock up on parchment and quills for after the holidays, I think I'll see everyone there later as well," Hermione added.

"Maybe I'll check out the new shipment at Quality Quidditch Supplies," Ginny thought aloud.

"Mind if I join you, Gin? I wanted to have a look at that too."

"Sure Harry," responded the youngest Weasley.

After they had all mapped out their plans for the day they scattered.

Ron began thinking, once again, what he was going to buy for Hermione. He was convinced that he could find a good deal somewhere in Hogsmeade.

Most definitely not a book, perfume maybe? No, I did that last year just because it was on sale. I need something very unique and meaningful. Bugger, this is hard! Jewelry? Hmm... I guess it's worth a shot, I can atleast go in the shop and look around. I hope no one from Hogwarts sees me there.

Ron walked into Hogsmeade's jewelry store, only to find three salesmen dressed to the nines. He suddenly felt a thousand times more worthless and poor than he had ever felt in his whole life.

The salesmen eyed him suspiciously as he began browsing the jewelry enclosed in spotless glass containers. A bald man with a golden name tag reading "Stephan" approached him.

"Can I help you, Sir?" he asked politely.

"Er-I'm looking for a Christmas present for my gir- my friend. I need something very reasonably priced, please." Ron blushed heavily as he said these last words, looking down at his feet.

"May I direct you over to this display, young man?" the salesman said, ushering Ron to another glass case.

Ron looked through the glass only noticing gaudy, obviously fake, diamond jewelry.

Hermione wouldn't appreciate any of this, Ron though glumly.

As Ron continued to search the store for something that stood out as "Hermione," Harry and Hermione had just sat down at a booth in the Three Broomsticks to talk.

"Oh Harry, I just think this whole thing is hopeless," sighed Hermione.

"No Hermione, its not. He's an oblivious prat. Ron doesn't notice anything," replied Harry.

"I just... I don't know Harry. I smile, I flirt as much as I can without turning into Lavender, and I'm still just his friend."

"Are you sure of that Hermione? Because I'm quite sure Ron fancies you, its just that he is too daft to realize it."

"I wasn't aware that people could fancy someone and not even realize," Hermione replied.

"Oh Hermione, us blokes are so daft sometimes. The person could be right under your nose and you couldn't even have noticed how much they meant to you until they're gone." Harry sighed, glancing over at a certain red-head, then looking away when she grasped hands with Dean over the table.

"You too, huh?" Hermione noted.

Harry only replied with a sad smile. "Well, that can be our next plan," suggested Harry. "Now, we're getting you and Ron together." Harry reached across the table, giving Hermione a comforting hand-squeeze.

Little did they know, Ron had returned from his shopping, coming through the door just in time to witness Harry's comforting gesture.

Ron fled immediately. He couldn't believe this. He had just found the perfect Christmas gift for Hermione and he walks into that.

How could Harry do this to me? I knew the bastard cared for her. They've been especially close lately. They're probably together, and they didn't even bother to tell me.

Ron pushed his way through the crowded streets of Hogsmeade, not caring who he ran into. It could have been the Minister of Magic standing in his path, and he wouldn't have cared.

He continued to walk quickly when he ran into someone. Hard.

"Hey Weasel! Where are you going in such a rush?" called a bitter voice. It was none other than Draco Malfoy. Not in the mood for Malfoy's taunting, Ron turned, fuming.

"The bank's this way!" Draco yelled. "But I guess you wouldn't need to know that, considering you've never been there." Malfoy's slugs laughed behind him.

Do they go everywhere with him?

Malfoy approached him, wanting to see just how far he could push him.

"So when was the last time you bought new robes, Weasel? Or are these one of your brother's? Oh wait... they've probably been all of your brothers' at one time or another, right? Can't go spending your father's life savings on a new pair of robes, can you?"

By this time, people were beginning to stare. Ron had just about lost it.

Malfoy reached out to see how worn Ron's robes really were. The second Malfoy's fingers reached Ron's sleeve, Ron snapped. Draco was welcomed by a swift right hook to the nose. Ron glared at Malfoy's sidekicks.

What? You want a taste of some of this too, Ron thought bitterly. Crabbe and Goyle were too busy picking up a disheveled-looking Malfoy.

Ron turned, walking away from the scene, still as angry as he was before.

What right does Harry have? Sure, maybe he can afford to buy Hermione her expensive text books and fancy lab equipment. If that's what she really needs then I'll die working just to make her happy. But I'll be damned if I don't at least try to have something, anything, with her.

Ron set his face on a determined, don't-mess-with-me expression as he continued his path up to Hogwarts.

Now, later, Hermione, Harry, Neville and Luna were finishing up their last butterbeer and drawing their conversations to a close.

"Where's Ron?" Hermione wondered outloud.

Ginny looked around, "No idea."

Hermione stood up, trying to make it not so obvious that she was looking for that flash of red hair. There was none to be seen except for Ginny, who was already at the booth with them. Hermione pushed down the worrying feeling that was beginning to creep up on her.

"Hopefully he went back to Hogwarts," she thought.