A lot has happened since Harry's and Ginny's first kiss. The next day was Christmas and Harry received a firebolt that McGonagall suspected to be jinxed. Harry was then busy learning the patronus charm with professor Lupin as well with Qudditch practice and going between Ron and Hermione who were once again arguing.
Snuffles, has once again disappeared but according to the house elves, he left with a package of food. It was a fine evening just before the Ravenclaw/Gryffindor match. Harry was slouching in one of the sofas with an arm round Ginny, who was curled up against him reading. The rest of the common room was busy admiring the firebolt that has just been cleared of all jinxes and hexes. It was rather peaceful till Harry noticed Hermione was sitting opposite them.
"How are you getting through all this stuff?" Harry asked her.
"Oh, well – you know – working hard" said Hermione. Close to, Harry saw that she looked almost as tired as Lupin.
"Why don't you just drop a couple of subjects?" Harry asked, watching her lifting books as she searched for her rune dictionary.
"I couldn't do that!" said Hermione, looking scandalised.
"Hermione, if you don't drop a couple subjects, you'll drop dead any second being overworked." Ginny cried out, looking worried for her friend.
"Arithmancy looks terrible," said Harry, picking up a very complicated – looking number chart. Ignoring Hermione's and Ginny's annoyed looks.
"Oh, no it's wonderful!" said Hermione earnestly "it's my favourite subject! It's –
But exactly what was wonderful about arithmancy, Harry never found out. At that precise moment, a strangled yell echoed down the boys' staircase. The whole common room fell silent, staring, petrified, at the entrance. There came hurried footsteps, growing louder and louder – and then, Ron came leaping into view, dragging with him a bed sheet.
"LOOK!" he bellowed, striding over to Hermione's table. "LOOK!" he yelled shaking the sheets in her face.
"Ron, what - ?"
"SCABBERS! LOOK! SCABBERS!"
Hermione was leaning away from Ron, looking utterly bewildered. Harry looked down at the sheet Ron was holding. There was something red on it. Something that looked horribly like –
"BLOOD!" Ron yelled into the stunned silence "HE'S GONE! AND DO YOU KNOW WHAT WAS ON THE FLOOR?"
"n – No" said Hermione, in a trembling voice.
Ron threw something down onto Hermione's rune translation. Hermione and Harry and Ginny leant forward. Lying on top of the weird spiky shapes were long, ginger cat hairs.
"I get the feeling, that it won't be peaceful around here for a long time" Ginny said her eyes never leaving the cat hairs.
Authors note: sorry it's short please review and I'll try to update sooner.