Chapter 6

"So do you like anyone anymore, I know you liked Ben something or another last year..." Ginny asked.

" No, well I mean... no I don't like anyone." Hermione said.

" Are you sure?"

" Of course I am, I think I'd know if I liked someone."

" Okay you know what I'm not going to dance around the conversation, Ron likes you, well at least that's how he acts," Ginny stated, " and frankly I think you like him."

" Well, you thought wrong so bug off and mind your own business!", Hermione snapped, " And you know what else, don't try to give me a lecture on relationships when you can't even manage one yourself with Harry!"

Right then Harry and Ron walked out of the restaurant. Ginny grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him in the direction of the park. Ron and Hermione followed.

When they entered the park, Harry and Ginny wandered off away from Ron and Hermione.

" Ginny what's wrong? Did something happen between you and Hermione, c'mon you can trust me." Harry pleaded with her.

Ginny hesitated. How could Hermione be so cruel. Okay maybe I went a little far in the Ron/ Hermione situation but she didn't have to bring Harry up. It's not like I like him anymore anyway.... or do I?  No of course I don't , I'm over him... Ginny looked up at Harry. He looked so concerned. She decided to tell him what happened, purposely leaving out Hermione's little remark about her and Harry.

"... and now she's upset with me but she was being so mean to me, I'd rather not say what she said though..."

" Don't worry Gin, everything will work out. I'll talk to Hermione the next chance I get. I'm sure whatever she said, she didn't mean to say, it probably just blurted out accidentally which just  made matters worse." Harry said trying to comfort her.

He put his arm around her and she looked up at him. She loved his green eyes and the way his hair was always messed up. He'd really grown up over the summer. He used to just be this frail boy, but he'd grown a few inches and by the look of it, had been working out.

" Ginny?" Harry asked.

" Yes Harry."

" Umm...", Harry said.

He didn't know what to say. He had fallen for Ginny, again. But as usual didn't know how to tell her. He pushed her closer to his chest. He took his free hand and reached under her chin and slightly pushed it up, forcing her to look him in the eye. Harry leaned in for a kiss. Just as their lips were about to touch, Ron and Hermione ran through the bushes behind them.

" Hurry up Harry we have to leave now!!!," Ron yelled gasping for air.

" W-What Ron? Hermione what's wrong?"

" There's no time to talk, let's go!"

At that Hermione grabbed Ginny's arm and pulled her up and forced her to start running. Harry was running beside Ron.

" What's going on?" Harry yelled to Ron.

" That, that thing, that Quar thing, it's here! It nearly killed us! Let's just get to the Leaky Cauldron NOW!"

The doors of the Leaky Cauldron burst open.  To all of their surprise, Hagrid was right there to greet them.

" Hagrid! Hagrid! There's this thing after us!!" Ginny screamed as she entered the Leaky Cauldron.

Hermione ran up to Hagrid and gave him a big hug.

Ron and Harry shut the doors and picked up the nearest table to them and put it in front of the entrance.

" What's all the commotion, what's after you all?", Hagrid asked quickly.

Ron and Hermione told everyone what happened.

" We were sitting at a table talking and Hermione heard something rustle behind me in the garden. She stood up to see what it was. I got up and followed her. We weren't really that concerned. She just thought it was a small animal that might need help, you know Hermione. Man were we wrong. Hermione screamed and I looked at what was standing in front of her. She whispered Quar and I freaked. I grabbed her hand and practically dragged her in the opposite direction of the Quar. It's rather slow. We got away from it quickly and found Harry and Ginny and now we're here." Ron took a deep breathe after he finished.

Hagrid looked everyone over. It appeared that no one had been hurt.

"Alright, well Professor Dumbledore sent me to check on you and since you're all right then I'll just be leaving. He told me to tell you not to go outside at night and well this is why. So no more midnight adventures okay?" Hagrid demanded.

" I want to stay with you but I have some official Hogwarts business to attend to. Professor Dumbledore gave me strict orders that I am to follow. Now up to your rooms now. Harry I need a word with you."

Ron said goodnight to everyone and goodbye to Hagrid and went upstairs. The girls did the same and soon after followed. Harry sat down at a table in front of Hagrid.

" Harry, I want you to look out for your friends and yourself. Do not go outside after dark and tell no one what has happened. If people knew something like a Quar was following you into Diagon Alley, the magic folk wouldn't be too kind about it. It's only a week before school starts so just stay out of trouble, okay?", Hagrid said.

Harry looked at Hagrid. He looked so concerned. He was one of Harry's favorite people in the whole world.

" Okay I promise to stay out of trouble." Harry laughed at what he had just said. It's not like he could just keep himself out of trouble but he'd do his best to try.

Harry stood up, gave Hagrid a hug and went upstairs for bed.