8 September 1992—Hagrid's Hut

"Oi! What're yeh doin'? Who is that?" Hagrid called, stumping out of his house and frowning at the shock of bright red hair that was ducking behind a gigantic pumpkin in his garden.

A small girl—a first-year, by the look of her—straightened up. She looked very embarrassed, and was glowing pink beneath her instantly recognizable hair.

"Ah," Hagrid said, his frown disappearing. "Yer the younges' Weasley, aren' yeh?" he asked. The girl didn't move for a moment, then nodded quickly. "Well, c'mere an' say hello, no need ter be shy," he called, coming down his front steps and standing with his arms open. Fang came trotting after him, and Hagrid caught hold of his collar to stop the dog from frightening away their guest.

Slowly, and keeping her eyes on the boarhound that was easily twice her weight, the girl came over to Hagrid, nearly bending backwards to look up at him.

Hagrid extended his huge hand. "Nice ter meet yeh," he said kindly. "Yeh can call me Hagrid, an' this here's Fang," he said, indicating the dog.

The girl took Hagrid's hand nervously and shook it. "I'm Ginny Weasley," she said in a small voice. "It's nice to meet you."

"An' what are yeh doin' all by yerself on yer afternoon off, Ginny?" Hagrid asked.

Ginny didn't look up at him, instead turning to Fang and tentatively reaching out to scratch his ears. "I was just—er—exploring," she said, in a would-be casual voice. "My brother Ron mentioned that he likes to visit here. I thought I might see—er, him." She blushed a brilliant scarlet and fell silent, busying herself with Fang, who was looking perfectly content and drooling on her robes. Hagrid released his collar.

"Well, why don' yeh come in an' have a cuppa?" he said, chuckling. "Maybe Ron'll turn up."

"I…er…all right," Ginny said nervously, smiling.

"C'mon in," Hagrid said gesturing toward the house. "Tell me about yer firs' week." Closing the door behind them, Hagrid chuckled to himself, making a mental note to tease Harry when next he saw him.

WOOP! SNEAK ATTACK! Double post. :) I re-read CoS the other day, and Hagrid ribbing Harry about Ginny...hahaha. I couldn't resist!