Chapter 8

Ginny was in a daze. She was staring at a beautiful specimen of a man. Jared Baker was the cliche of tall, dark, and handsome. She was staring at his well developed arms. He was wearing a tight undershirt that showed off his muscles. She was picturing what he would look like with less on when she felt someone approach her.

"Earth to Ginny, come in Ginny, this is Hogwarts calling Ginny!"

She looked up to find her brother Ron standing beside her.

"Leave me be Ronald, I'm imagining myself on a deserted beach with a sexy hunk rubbing lotion on my back.

Ron, flabbergasted,"Who? What? If anyone dare touches you they'll have to answer to me!" He puffed out his chest and raised his wand in defense mode. She sighed, her brother was so over protective of her.

"Oh quiet down Ron I was only kidding. No really, I was just thinking of how Jared and I would make beautiful babies!"

"What!" Ron screeched. She started laughing hysterically. He finally realized she was making fun at him. "Oh please Ginny, like mum would ever let you date that american bloke. Besides, he's a seventh year and a complete git. He isn't even any good at 'Wizard's Chess'!

"That's what I am sooo worried about Ron, his ability to play a stupid game!"She said sarcastically.

Harry had just been explaining to Katie the effects of a Mandrake on a petrafied being when he heard Ron's outburst. "Good ol' Ron, a hot temper to match his red hair." He sighed and tried to go back to his conversation.

Ginny walked over to Katie and Harry and Ron followed her asking Harry," Do you know what she just said?"

"No Ron but at the moment I bet your going to tell me."Harry said rolling his eyes.

"Ronald don't bother! Besides Mum has already said I could go with him if he asked me so there!" She stuck her tongue out at him childishly.

"She wouldn't!"Ron said outraged.

"Well she did. It seems that our Mum knows his Mum and she has already met him. She said he was a nice honorable boy." She smirked knowing Ron was appauled at the idea of it.

"Well I don't have to like it!" He turned and folded his arms across his chest and pouted. He abruptly turned back toward Ginny," I'll be watching you two! If he makes a move to do ANYTHING, I mean anything and he'll be sorry!" He said wagging a finger at her. He then stormed off in a huff.

Katie laughed," Well I knew you said he had a temper Ginny but I didn't know he spit fire too!"

Ginny shook her head," Yes and to think I have to live with it all the time! Now excuse me I will be talking to the "American Bloke" trying to get myself a date." She left and struted herself over to Jared and his friends. His friends walked away and Ginny and Jared started to look like they were in a very cozy conversation.

Katie turned her attention back to Harry,"Speaking of dates, tomorrow everyone is going off to Hogsmeade, would you like to meet me for a drink? My treat?"

Harry blushed at the invitation," I...um...of course I would!" He was grinning like a cheshire cat.

Katie thought to herself,'This will be so easy, to think that the famous Harry Potter gives in so easily when it comes to a girl'. She smiled," Then its settled, I'll see you later." She ran off toward her room.

Harry sat there in awe barely processing what just happened when Hermione sat down beside him.

"Hello Harry!"

"How is it going Hermione? Has Malfoy drove you mad yet?" As soon as he asked the question he knew by the look on her face he shouldn't have.

"That evil little snot! Malfoy is driving me completely batty! He's arrogant, pigheaded, beastly,cheeky..." Harry cut her off laughing,"Really Hermione, tell me how you really feel." He could picture her and Malfoy locked in wand to wand combat and her suddenly dropping her wand to just strangle him with her bare hands. He smiled at the thought.

"No joke Harry! He's absolutely dreadful! Its only the first week and already I have to sit on my hands for I'm afraid I'll curse him!"

"Well take some time away from him and go to Hogsmeade with us all tomorrow. I hear the candy shop has a new shipment of Bertie Botts! We can go on a taste test frenzy!"

"I wish I could but I have two more chapters of summer homework to go over for potions class. Speaking of homework Harry." He groaned inwardly."Did you finish yours?" He kept his eyes from making contact with hers. She knew he bloody hell didn't.

"You know the Dursley's won't let me practice magic at home Hermione,"He whined.

"Harry Potter! When has that ever stopped you before!" Hermione said and was giving him a very disapproving look.

Knewing he would not win this one with her he jumped up," Dinnertime! Got to go! See you later!" He ran towards the stairs and out the portrait. Hermione sighed and decided she was hungry also and left for the Great Hall.