A Significant Improvement

Ron sighed and sat down in the living room of Grimmauld Place, relieved that he was alone and could process everything that had happened. His dad had been attacked, nearly killed, and his best friend could read an evil nutter's mind. Such things needed to be processed.

What a lousy Christmas this is, Ron couldn't help but think.

His heart was heavy, his head was spinning and all Ron wanted was to curl up in his bed in the Burrow and sleep away all his troubles... after eating a bit of Mum's chocolate pudding, that is. Pudding would make him feel a little better.

Ron decided that that's what he'll do. He got up and walked into the hallway. As he did, he heard a breathless sigh and the stomping of some boots. He quickly turned his head towards the door and his heart couldn't help but skip a beat.

Hermione. She was bundled up in warm clothing and her beanie helped tame her bushy snow-covered hair. Her cheeks were a lovely rosy pink that contrasted quite nicely with her pale skin. Ron's lips immediately curved upwards and he realised that no pudding or sleep could compare to this – the sight of her, her presence.

"Hermione," he said, the smile only growing wider as his lips formed her name. "What are you doing here?"

Hermione glanced up at him and immediately beamed. Ron couldn't remember why he'd been so down. "I heard about what happened and thought it's best if I came here." She took off her beanie and her hair sprang up, no longer being pushed down by the hat. Ron wanted to laugh. "I'm going to be spending Christmas with you."

And, just like that, Ron's Christmas improved significantly.

A/N Let your heart be light, your troubles out of sight and your belly be shaking like a bowl full of jelly, filled with all the Christmas food you could ask for!

A review would be a lovely Christmas present. ;)