Under the Mistletoe

Under the Mistletoe

"Hogsmeade is so beautiful this time of year. The snow gliding softly over the rooftops, couples holding hands. It just really puts you in the spirit of Christmas. You know, buying your friends presents and stuff," Hermione hinted not so subtly.

"What's that you're going on about?" questioned Ron stupidly.

"Boys," Hermione muttered angrily and began walking away.

"Where's she walking off to, Harry?" Ron asked.

"Couldn't have anything to do with you being a prat, could it?" said Harry, laughing at his best mate.

"What should I buy her?" muttered Ron, ignoring Harry's last comment. He began walking towards a jewelry store. He had never noticed it before. Perhaps it was because he had never had a reason to go there before. "Jewelry for a Witch," Ron read aloud. "Not a very creative name, is it?"

"Not really, no," Harry said, laughing at the title.

The pair peeked into the windows and saw exquisite jewelry for every type of girl. There were pink beads and bangles and many rings in various shapes and sizes. On the counter was a large and most ancient book. Ron wondered what it might be. They two walked inside and Ron had every intention to leave the store with a present for Hermione.

"Hello, my dears, and welcome to 'Jewelry for a Witch'. I am Emerald. How may I help you?"

"Er, we, I mean, I, was, er, looking for a present for my best friend," Ron stuttered.

"I see," she said, smirking at Harry. "And what type of jewelry are you into, dear?"

"Oh, not him. A female friend, her name is Hermione," Ron quickly responded.

"Ah, I see. Now, what kind of jewelry is she into?" Emerald inquired.

"Well, er, I'm not sure. See, I normally buy her a book, but I wanted something nice to give her."

"We have silver and gold and other various metals in many different colours. What do you think she would like?"

"Er, Harry?"

"You're the one buying for her mate, not me," Harry sniggered.

"Prat," whispered Ron.

"I heard that!"

"Boys, enough. Now, let me see." She walked to the counter and picked up the ancient book. "What is your friends name again? Hermione, did you say?"

"Yes, Hermione Granger."

"Granger, Granger. Yes, here we have her."

"What is in there?" Ron said in awe.

"Every witch ever born and her ring size and what type of jewelry she likes."

"Why couldn't you have told me this before?" Ron exclaimed.

"I was seeing if you really knew your girlfriend."

"She's not my girlfriend. Well, I mean, she's a friend and she's a girl, but not my girlfriend."

"Okay, okay. Now, she wears a size six on her ring finger and she prefers silver to gold, rubies over diamonds, and sapphire more than emeralds. So, what do you think you will buy her?"

Ron and Harry looked around on the shelves. They went past at least ten cases until Ron finally saw the one he wanted. It was a silver ring and a necklace. The ring was covered in jewels; rubies and emeralds interchanged and glittered magnificently. The necklace was silver with a large ruby in the center with a smaller emerald on each side. He thought they were the most gorgeous things he had ever seen, besides Hermione, of course.

"I want those," he said proudly, pointing to them. His face fell however when he saw the price. 10 galleons, 8 sickles, and 2 knuts. It was his life savings. 'Oh well,' he thought. 'She's worth every ounce.'

"Here you are. I'm sure she will be very happy with your thoughtful purchase."

The door swung open, and there was Hermione.

"What are you all doing in here?" Hermione questioned. "What did you buy?"

"Oh, nothing," Ron stammered, "Just something for Ginny."

"You bought your sister jewelry?" asked Hermione.

"Well, of course. She kept telling me about all these beautiful jewels she wanted and so I decided I'd be a good big brother and buy them for her," Ron lied.

"Right," said Hermione, looking disappointed. "Well, I still have some more things to buy, but I can wait if you all aren't done in here."

"Well, actually," said Harry. "Now that Ron brought it up, I think I'd like to buy Ginny something too."

"Why are you buying for Gin, Harry?" said Ron skeptically.

"Because he fancies her, of course! You are so thick, Ronald," Hermione scowled.

"Well, what is this young ladies name, then?" she wondered.

"Ginny Weasley," Harry said.

"Ah. This girl has good tastes. She likes amethyst, amber, and gold. Very good choices. Plus, they look beautiful together. I have something she will love." Emerald went into the back and came in with a velvet case. She opened and they all dropped their jaws in amazement. There was a necklace of gold with a large amethyst jewel in the center and on each side was a smaller amber jewel. The necklace was gorgeous.

"I'll take it," Harry stated without hesitation.

"Lovely. Thank you both for purchasing at our store today. Please, come back again." She watched them leave with a smile.

"Well, that was a very productive day," Ron said happily.

"Yeah, it was great." Hermione said this with very little enthusiasm.

"What's wrong with you?" Ron asked.

"Oh, nothing. I just still have a lot more presents to buy. That's all," Hermione sniffled. "I think I'm going to go in this store and find something for a friend. I'll meet you all at the Three Broomsticks in an hour."

After they were out of sight, she entered the store. Inside was an assortment of things ranging from candies to clothes to quidditch supplies to furniture. It truly has everything. She began browsing for the perfect gift for Ron. Although she was hurt that they both bought something lovely for Ginny, but nothing or her, she still wanted to give him something he's remember. Candy and quidditch supplies were out of the question. He could get those anytime. She needed something spectacular. In the corner of the store, she saw an antique Swiss army knife. It has a black handle, with a hint of brown shine, and the blade was unworn. She grabbed this to keep in hand, but kept on perusing. She saw a beautiful sweater that would look great on Ron, plus, she knew how much he hated them, she thought it would be funny. Hermione grabbed that and brought it to the cash register.

"Mione, what did buy?" Ron inquired.

"Oh, just something for Victor," she said with a sneer.

"Oh, Vicky. Well, then, don't want anyone to know about that," Ron said, getting huffy.

"Ron, you still can't be mature about that, can you? Vicky this, Vicky that. You are so jealous!"

"Jealous? Me? Of what?" Ron yelled.

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe that Harry and I can both have real relationships, but you have failed to do so?" Hermione screamed back. She suddenly realized what she said and wished so heavily that she could take it back. "Oh, Ron," she softened her voice," I am so sorry, I didn't mean..." She didn't get to finish. He was walking slowly away. "Ron! Wait! Oh, Harry. I'm such an awful, awful person. That was such a terrible thing to say. He'll never forgive me and it's almost Christmas." Harry hugged her while she cried into his shoulder.

Ron continued walking down the snowy cobbled road. He was so hurt by Hermione's words. Breaking down and crying seemed like a great idea at the moment. He turned around to see Hermione in Harry's arms and his heart reached out to her against his will. Hermione looked up and saw Ron watching. She ran over to him and bombarded him with hugs and kisses.

"Oh, Ron! I'm so sorry. I'm so very sorry!" she said through her tears. "Please forgive me."

"Herm, it's ok. I know you didn't mean it," he said doubtfully stroking her hair.