Under the Mistletoe

Christmas Eve

Things had been awkward between Ron and Hermione ever since the Hogsmeade trip. Many silences and sad looks had followed the incident. Ron and Hermione both continued to contemplate whether to give their presents to each other or not. Hermione thought that Ron had not gotten her anything and Ron thought the same. They were in a huge dilemma.

"Ron, you should get to bed soon. Santa Claus might bring you a good gift. Possibly a girlfriend?" Harry teased.

"Shut it, you prat," Ron growled back. "Don't make me hit you."

"Right," laughed Harry.

Hermione walked in, interrupting their argument.

"What are you two going on about?" questioned Hermione.

"Oh, nothing," Ron answered too quickly.

"I see," Hermione added sadly. "I guess I'll go get my presents and add them to the tree," she said, pointing lamely at the tree that had brought up. "I'll be right back."

Once Hermione was out of earshot, the testosterones kicked in again.

"Good job, Ron. You made her mad. Again. That's what, twice in two weeks?" mused Harry.

"Harry, I'm warning you. One more mention of that and I'll," Ron started. He wasn't able to finish for account of Hermione and Ginny coming down the steps. He quickly looked down. Both girls brushed past them and placed their presents under the tree.

"Hey, Ron. We should probably do the same," said Harry, moving towards the boy's dormitories.

"Yeah, you're right," Ron added, following him.

"Are you still mad at Ron for not getting you anything?" Ginny asked Hermione.

"I don't want to be. I mean, I just was hoping, you know, that he'd get me something special. But both of them bought for you, and I feel left out because they are my best friends. And I guess I was just hurt," Hermione said with tears in her eyes. "I'm rambling aren't I?"

"Just a bit, yes," laughed her friend. "Here," she said, handing her a tissue. "Don't let the boys see you've been crying."

"Hey, Ginny, Hermione. How are you all doing?" Neville stopped, seeing the look on Hermione's face. "What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing," she said, quickly drying her tears. "Nothing, really. I'm fine." She smiled briefly at him.

"Okay. Well, Merry Christmas," said Neville, walking away. Seamus and Dean both said a few words while passing by. Ginny and Dean had been a little awkward around each other ever since they broke up. Ron and Harry were back now with the presents. Hermione tried to see if one was addressed to her, but she didn't see it. She didn't know what to expect now.

It was nearing midnight and the quartet was playing Wizard's Chess. Ron was, of course, dominating, with Harry fairly far behind. Hermione kept shooting glances towards the tree, in hopes of seeing a present from Ron under there for her. So far no luck, though. When it was around three in the morning the foursome fell asleep on the couch, too tired to make their way upstairs.