Harry's POV

A few weeks had passed and Ari was settling in nicely. She and Hermione were attached at the hip and constantly in fits of giggles. It was odd to see our straight back book loving friend giggling so often but it made me happy. Hermione finally had a girlfriend who she could relate to. Ginny was fine, don't get me wrong but she was too...immature for someone like Hermione. Whereas Ari...well she was perfect. She studied hard, knew everything if not more than Hermione in classes and always managed to stop and have some fun. Like right now. We were lounging outside near the lake. Hermione had, as always brought a massive book to read while we all rested but within the first ten minutes Ari had taken the book, ripped Hermione's shoes and socks off and demanded that she act her age and relax! Hermione tried to look stern while asking for her book back but failed miserably and decided the only way to get Ari off her back was to relax. I smiled and shook my head bringing myself back to the present. Ron and I were playing a very heated game of chess while the girls were laying on their stomachs talking about a new potion that was suppose to help cure acne or something. Judging by their tones, they weren't impressed. Ari had her socks and shoes off and was wiggling her toes in the grass. She had the nicest legs. Long, lean and tanned. Perfection.
"Oi mate! You still with me?" I heard Ron's voice interrupt my thoughts as my eyes travelled up Ari's legs. I spun around and blushed at the raised eyebrows of my best mate.
"Was just checking on the girls." I mumbled. He grinned and looked around me to look at the girls. He raised his eyebrows again.
"Oh I can see why. They are looking mighty fine aren't they?" He said with a low whistle. I bit my cheek to stop myself from attacking him. He grinned when he saw the look on my face.
"Relax mate, I'm not staring at your girl." He turned back to the game.
My girl. His words rang in my head. The green eyes monster that was raging in my head minutes before purred contently. I liked the sound of that.
"She isn't my girl.' I mumbled. Ron just chuckled.
"Not yet anyway but the way you two look at each other and act around each other, I'm betting it won't be too long until she is." I looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
"What?" he asked after a minute.
"I was just wondering when you got so wise." I grinned.
"Oh sod off mate. " His ears went a bright red.
"Hi boys." A large lump plopped down next to me, so close it was almost on my lap.
"Hi Gin." Ron said without even looking up.
"Hi." I mumbled before turning back to the game again. Things had been...weird. Ginny seemed to be everywhere and was getting more and more touchy and feely. A few months ago I would have been in heaven. But that was before Ari. Now, I only had eyes for her and this whole ignoring personal space business Ginny had was starting to bug me. I could tell it was starting to bug Ari and even Hermione as well.
"What are you boys doing?" she asked as Ron's Rook attacked. We both looked at her.
"We're...ah...playing chess." Ron answered with a shake of his head. I hadn't asked him or spoken to him about it but I was starting to get the impression that Ginny's new attitude was starting to annoy Ron as well. Ginny latched onto my arm.
"Oh are you winning Harry?" she asked. I coughed awkwardly and Ron's ear went even redder.
"Ah no. I never beat Ron." I said rubbing the back of my neck. She sighed and laid her head on my shoulder.
"I'm sure you will one day Harry. You are so smart." Now Ron's face was going a bright red.
"Were going to go for a walk. Did you boys want to come?" A soft voice interrupted the awkward situation. I looked up and saw Ari and Hermione standing there. Hermione was looking at Ginny with a frown and Ari was looking at me with an odd look...she almost looked defeated.
"No"
"Yes" I looked at Ginny who had said no the same time Ron and I had said yes."
"Oh Harry I was comfortable. Don't go for a walk. Stay and play your game." Ginny purred, tightening her grip on my arm. Ron stood up.
"No I think we are pretty much done here."
"You can stay if you want to 'Arry." Ari whispered softly before turning and walking away. Hermione shook her head.
"Maybe you should just make a decision Harry." She looked pointedly at Ginny before turning on her heel and walking away.
"You coming or staying mate?" Ron asked, almost spitting out the word Mate.
"No Ronald. He is staying. Right Harry?" Ginny looked at me. I frowned as I looked at her. I once thought she was the most beautiful girl in the world. But lately all I can see is this new ugly side coming out. I shook my head.
"Sorry Ginny but I think I do need a walk after all." I shook her off and stood up. "Come on Ron let's catch up to the girls." Ginny stared at me with an opened mouth.
"But harry! What about me?" She asked.
"What about you Ginny?" I turned around and said.
"Don't you want to stay with me?" She pouted. Again I never realised how childish that looked where before it was attractive. Ari would never pout like that.
"No. I really don't. I don't what you are doing Gin but I can tell you right now it is ugly all over. "And with that I turned and walked away. I hope Ari didn't get the wrong idea. I really didn't understand girls. When I showed interest, Ginny didn't want it but now I'm not interested, she acts like I'm the most fascinating thing around. Weird. I said so to Ron as he caught up.
"I don't know mate. Chess I get. Women...I don't think anyone will ever truly understand them. "He clapped me on the back and we hurried up to catch the girls.