"Oh, don't give me that look, Hermione," Ron said good-naturedly, still chuckling as he gave Harry another glance. Sometimes he thought it'd be better if he didn't tease her, especially when he got those glares, but he couldn't help himself. It wasn't until afterwards that he ever doubted himself--and maybe those looks were better than none at all. "Not my fault books are easy to guess."
Despite what he'd said, he wasn't nearly as curious at Harry's book as he was at his present. Even if his had been book-shaped, he'd have been curious. Hermione put thought into everything, and that included her Christmas presents. His wide grin was back as he reached for the package and pulled it into his lap, not even hesitating a second before ripping into it.
"Merlin. I've never seen anything like this." He pulled the strangely-shaped board out of the box, leaving the playing pieces in their wrappings for now so they wouldn't get lost. "This is great, thanks." He gave her a genuine smile, just long enough to feel the usual tugs deep in his chest before he had to look away. He pointed at Harry and then at the chess set. "Tomorrow. Me and you."
Moving onto one knee, he grabbed his presents from under the tree and passed them to his friends. Harry had been easy. That fancy broom polish that was hard to find, and a year's subscription to his favourite Quidditch magazine--which just happened to come with a large clock featuring Oliver Wood's face that made him laugh every time he looked at it. Hermione's had been harder, but the Muggles in London had been really helpful, and he'd found tickets to a show they claimed she'd love.