Chapter Three
PLATFORM TEN AND ONE HALF
The next three days passed quickly, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione interacted just as would if they were already at Hogwarts. The conversation Harry and Hermione had had after Ron had fallen asleep was both the first and last of its kind. For the remainder of their time at the Borrow, there were no heartfelt exchanges, and Hermione didn't make another midnight appearance in Ron and Harry's room. In other words, things were unusually normal, considering the surrounding circumstances deep within the magic community.
Mrs. Weasley went easy on the boys and Ginny in their final days before leaving Hogwarts, keeping the chores she required of them at a minimum. She left them to do their own things, be it developing new practical jokes for the twins or spending time alone in her room for Ginny. Harry, Ron, and Hermione spent their last days of freedom doing everything imaginable in The Burrow. One particularly memorable experience came on the afternoon they discovered a secret entrance at the edge of The Burrow. It turns out that the lovely, enchanted swimming hole they spent hours splashing around in was Mr. Weasley's present to Mrs. Weasley when they first purchased the property.
The night of August the thirty-first was filled with a lot of last minute scrambling and dozens of anxious cries about where particular belongs had disappeared to. Fortunately, by the time the four Weasley children, along with Harry and Hermione, had grown quite tired, everything was ready for their trip to Hogwarts the next day. The Ministry had been kind enough to provide Mr. Weasley with two Muggle cars for the trip, and Mrs. Weasley began commanding everyone off to bed right after the cars arrived. However, her directions were halted when a dark brown owl swooped into the window, carrying several pieces of parchment addressed in green ink. He deposited six of the posts into the correct set of waiting hands before flying back out the window, presumably to make more deliveries.
Harry immediately recognized the Hogwarts stationary when he opened his letter. He had just finished reading the note silently when Hermione began reading the message out loud for the Weasley parents to hear.
"We hope this letter reaches you excited and prepared for beginning of tomorrow's term. In light of recent events in the magic community, some new safety regulations will be announced at your arrival tomorrow. Also, please make note that the departure location for the Hogwarts Express has been moved from platform nine and three-quarters to platform ten and one half at King's Cross Station. The same entrance procedure will apply. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
"Ten and one half?" questioned Mrs. Weasley, but looking back she didn't seem all that surprised. "When did this come about? Oh well, I'm sure you'll find out when you get there. Off to bed! We have an early morning before us!"
* * *
It wasn't difficult to pass through the wall between platforms ten and eleven, just as it hadn't been difficult to do the same between platforms nine and ten. The trick to boarding the Hogwarts Express lay instead in how well one could pass through the wall without attracting any Muggle attention. It wasn't always an easy task for the Weasleys, considering just how many people, trunks, and pets they always needed to get aboard the train.
"Remember to write your poor mother at least an owl or two this year!" called Mrs. Weasley as the twins disappeared through the wall. She turned to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, who were standing right behind her. "They didn't send me a single letter last year! Not even at Christmas! Harrumph... Harry and Hermione, you're next."
There were good-byes and waves as they leaned casually against the wall. A few seconds later, they were standing on the Hogwarts platform, which was, now, at ten and one half. Just a few short seconds after Harry and Hermione had passed through the wall, Ron and Ginny tumbled through with all of their things.
"Back to Hogwarts!" said Ron, passing his trunk to one of the handlers while opting to hold onto Pig's cage. Harry and Hermione did the same, except it took Hermione longer to calm Crookshanks, her cat, than it did either of the boys to settle down their owls.
They had arrived a bit early this year and were easily able to find an empty compartment. Ginny had immediately disappeared with her own group of friends, but they left plenty of room for Fred and George in case the twins chose to join them.
"Do either of you know anyone to be sorted this year?" Harry asked, settling down into his comfortable seat. He'd been racking his brain since he'd boarded the train for names of anyone's younger siblings.
Ron shook his head, but Hermione bit her lip in thought. "I know Padma and Parvati have a younger sister," she said finally, "but I'm not sure if she's old enough to attend Hogwarts yet."
She had just finished her statement when the Hogwarts Express threw itself into motion. Harry and Ron both lounged in their seats as the three friends started their usual chatter about their hopes for classes, professors, and such, but Hermione kept better posture. The twins didn't come in to sit with them, but a few minutes after the train started, Neville Longbottom stopped by to greet them and managed to trip into their compartment. Other then that, the first thirty minutes of the ride were fairly uneventful.
Hermione heard the witch getting closer with the snack cart, and she excused herself to the girls' lavatory at the back of the train. On her way back, she was startled so much by a familiar voice that she nearly screamed.
"Hermione Granger! It's good to see you again. Fifth year now, correct? A prefect? Well, I can't say I'm not surprised."
Hermione's jaw nearly dropped when she turned around to see Professor Remus Lupin chuckling behind her. "Professor Lupin!" she exclaimed. "What are you doing here? You aren't, by any chance, our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher again, are you?"
"Correct you are, Hermione, as usual," said Lupin with a smile. "I was thrilled when Dumbledore offered it to me just two days ago, even though the circumstances I received it under aren't the best. I've missed Hogwarts."
Hermione turned back to smile at him. He had walked behind her towards the Ron and Harry's compartment, which was near the front of the train. "I'm glad you got the position! I don't think Professor Dumbledore could have picked anyone better."
"You're too kind, Hermione," said Professor Lupin. It had been two years since she'd seen him, but he looked about ten years older. Still, his eyes were twinkling merrily. "Harry and Ron wouldn't happen to be around here somewhere, would they?"
"Did I hear my name?" Ron had gotten up from his seat and poked his head out the compartment door. "Professor Lupin!"
Ron's exclamation also drew Harry from his seat, and within moments, the three students and their favorite Defense professor were having a lively conversation about the upcoming studies. Once the witch with the snack cart arrived, however, Professor Lupin excused himself back to his own, private compartment at the back of the train and promised to talk to them once they reached Hogwarts.
The rest of the trip was completely uneventful, with the exception of Draco Malfoy's usual visit. They didn't let his sourness ruin their good moods, however, and the three friends were still talking excitedly about the return of their former professor when the train arrived at Hogwarts. The weather was much more pleasant than the year before, and none of the first-years had to fear their boat capsizing, which elicited many scornful glances from the second-years that had met such a fate the year before.
The older students arrived first, piling out of their carriages and looking up and the castle that would be their home and school for the next months. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were a little behind everyone entering the castle because Crookshanks had tried to squirm away from Hermione when she exited the carriage, but they still made it.
Their fifth year at Hogwarts had officially begun.
* * *
As the students gathered in the Great Hall to watch the Sorting, Ron and Hermione pulled Harry off to the side and attracted Professor McGonagall's attention. Harry explained the slight predicament he was in with his broken arm, and she quickly dismissed the three of them in the direction of the hospital wing.
"Harry Potter!" exclaimed Madam Pomfrey when she caught her first look at him. She obviously hadn't been expecting patients so soon, as she was still setting up this and that in various corners of the hospital wing. "Why, the first dinner hasn't even been served yet! What kind of trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?"
"No real trouble," said Harry quickly, noticing Ron and Hermione had dropped behind him. "I stay with my Muggle relatives during the summer, so when I broke my arm, it was set in a Muggle hospital. I was wondering if you could-"
"Oh, oh, of course," said Madam Pomfrey instantly, leading Harry over to one of the beds and pushing on his shoulder to get him to sit down. She brought out her wand and began to inspect his cast. "Well, first I'm expecting this will have to go, and then you'll need nothing more than a simple mending spell. How did this happen?"
"It was just a fall," said Harry, automatically using the Dursleys' excuse. He could practically feel Ron and Hermione shooting him their disapproving looks.
"It was not," said Ron.
"His hideous cousin did it," added Hermione.
Madam Pomfrey shook her head, and Harry felt a slight tinge in his arm. When he looked down, it seemed to be healed. "All better," said Madam Pomfrey cheerfully. "Though I would watch out for such Muggles in the future. Hurry along now, and you might get to see part of the Sorting yet."
"Just a moment, Madam Pomfrey." Harry, Ron, and Hermione all turned around at the familiar voice. Sure enough, Professor Dumbledore was standing at the entrance of the hospital wing, a cheery smile on his face. "Don't look scared now. You may go on, Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley, but I'd like to have a short word with you, Mr. Potter. Don't worry; I'll return you to your friends at no time at all. Come along now."
Harry gave his friends one last glance before following Dumbledore. He had no idea what the Headmaster wanted with him, but he had no choice but to follow.
* * *
A few moments later, they were sitting in Dumbledore's quarters, and Harry had been amused to find that the password to his office was, once again, "Sherbet lemon." Dumbledore's cheerful smile relaxed him, and he'd ceased to worry about the meeting.
"I'm sorry to pull you away from your friends and the Sorting, but I wanted to get a quick word in with you," said Dumbledore. He was standing at the window, his back to Harry. "Most of all, I wanted to express my apologies."
"Your apologies?" Now, Harry really was confused.
"Yes, my apologies," said Dumbledore. He almost looked amused. "I'm sure you heard about the volume of owls I received from Molly Weasley asking me when you could leave your relatives to stay with them, and I'm sure you heard about how long it took me to give permission for you to come."
"Well," said Harry, "yes."
"I kept you there for so long because I felt it would be the safest place for you. If one wants to keep track of a witch or wizard, it is much easier to do so when they are within the wizarding world. I was quite worried that Voldemort would try and seek you, and I knew it would be more difficult for him to do so when you were with the Muggles. However, I never fully realized how awful your relatives were until I heard about your immediate need for a visit to the hospital wing from Professor McGonagall, and I felt that an apology was in order."
Suddenly, everything made more sense to Harry. He had to admit that Dumbledore was right: he would much rather be subjected to the Dursleys for several weeks than become Voldemort's next victim. "I'll admit that I was a bit confused," said Harry, "but it makes sense now that you've explained it."
Dumbledore smiled. "Onto the next order of business then. I could tell that you and your friends were a bit perplexed by my decision to make all three of you prefects." Seeing Harry's perplexed expression, he gave him a knowing wink. "Like I said before, it's much easier to keep track of someone when they're within the wizarding world.
"First, your prefect announcements came so late because a certain staff member fought Professor McGonagall's initial decision bitterly and only relented in that week before the beginning of the term. He simply couldn't argue that anyone else in school had as much experience in fighting Voldemort as the three of you. After what happened at Beauxbatons, security here is more important than ever. I feel confident in your abilities to recognize the presence of Dark Arts, and those possessed by Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley, than the abilities of any other student. It is for that reason that I chose you as prefects."
As Harry nodded, he had yet another sudden realization. "Oh no!" he said, wondering why the thought hadn't dawned on him earlier. "Hagrid! I haven't seen Hagrid yet. He wasn't at Beauxbatons with Madame Maxime, was he?"
Dumbledore shook his head fervently. "Fortunately, neither of them was at the castle at the time of the attack. Madame Maxime was obviously devastated by the occurrence, and Hagrid asked me to stay a bit longer with her in light of what happened. I granted his request, and they should be back, together, sometime this week."
Harry breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good to know. I-I have one more question."
"Go on," said Dumbledore. His smile was almost grandfatherly. "You do not need to be shy in front of me, and you do not need to ask permission to speak, Harry."
Harry knew this already, but there was a lot to take in at the moment. "Is Sirius okay?"
"Your godfather is doing find. I have been owling him almost daily since you arrived at the Weasleys to inform him of how you are doing. He is leading the `old group,' as we might call it, now that I have requested Professor Lupin's services here. I would not be surprised, Harry," said Dumbledore with a twinkle in his eye, "if you saw him sooner than you might expect.
Harry nodded as he turned to leave Professor Dumbledore's office, thinking the Headmaster was done talking to him.
"Oh Harry?"
Apparently not. Harry turned back to the seasoned wizard, who wore an all-knowing smile. "Yes?" he said.
"I just wanted to let you in on a little secret, one that you might want to pass along to your friend, Miss Granger."
"What is it?" asked Harry.
"It was a very, very long time ago that I was once your age and attending Hogwarts." Dumbledore chuckled. "It was either the summer before my fifth or six year that my Muggle parents, too, doubted my studies here."
Harry was dumbfounded, but the look in Dumbledore's eyes told him that he wasn't joking. "Your Muggle parents?"
"Don't sound so astonished," said Dumbledore with a wink. "Everything eventually worked itself out. They always are if you give them enough time. Best of luck this year, Harry."
* * *
Harry returned to the Great Hall just in time for dinner. He had no sooner sat down in the seat Ron and Hermione had saved for him when great amounts of food appeared instantly on the table. He was eager to pass Dumbledore's secret onto Hermione, but he had decided it would be best to wait for a time when Ron wasn't around, so Harry quickly thanked his friends for saving him a seat as he helped himself to a large serving of roast chicken.
"How'd it go?" asked Ron once everyone around him had begun eating. His own mouth was filled with a generous bite of boiled potatoes.
"Don't talk with your mouth full," snapped Hermione, pausing to chew. "And don't chew with your mouth open, either. But how did it go, Harry? I would hope you're not in trouble for something already!"
"It was fine," said Harry, answering Ron's question. He looked across the table to Hermione. "He just wanted to tell me something."
"What would that be?" asked Ron. This time, he made a great show of chewing with his mouth shut and without talking. Hermione stuck her tongue out at him.
"He apologized to me for making me stay with the Dursleys for so long," said Harry. He lowered his voice. "He seems really concerned about Voldemort's return. Dumbledore told me how it's easier to keep track of someone within the magic world than the Muggle one. If anyone happened to be looking for me, he wanted to make it as difficult as possible to find me."
"My family doesn't exactly live in the middle of an all witch and wizard village like Hogsmeade." Ron scratched his head.
Harry shrugged. "I guess it's close enough. It's for that same reason that he made us all prefects. He thinks we'd be most capable of spotting signs of the Dark Arts because we've had so many run-ins with them."
"I knew it!" exclaimed Ron, receiving quite a few stares from either direction. He pretended to be highly interested in his potatoes as his face flushed to the color of his hair. "Sorry," he mumbled.
"Oh, stop it," said Hermione. "I know you don't believe us, Ron, but you really are good enough for the job. Don't be so hard on yourself!"
Ron blushed again; he was obviously embarrassed that Hermione had instantly known what his was thinking.
"Madame Maxime wasn't at Beauxbatons when it was destroyed," said Harry. "I hadn't even thought about her, and Hagrid, until I was with Dumbledore. He assured me they were both fine."
"Oh!" said Hermione. "I can't believe we hadn't thought of poor Hagrid, and Madame Maxime! I can't imagine how she must feel!"
"Like hell, I'm sure," Ron suggested, and Hermione glared at him. "What? I didn't do anything this time! I've been chewing with my mouth closed! I'm not trying to talk through a mouthful of food!"
"I think," said Harry, laughing, "she gave you that look over what you said. There's probably-er, more polite ways to put it."
"Harry's exactly right," said Hermione, giving him a nod and smile.
"Girls," Ron muttered, rolling his eyes and becoming very interested in his plate once more. Harry was reminded of another conversation they'd had, days before, back in the Burrow. He didn't have much time to remember, however, because Dumbledore had just stood up in front of the four tables and waved his arms for silence.
"Thank you," said Dumbledore as silence moved swiftly across the Great Hall. "I have a few words for you now that all your bellies are full, and I have a few more start-of-term reminders than usual. First things first, though. Welcome to another year at Hogwarts!"
Claps and cheers rang from each of the four tables before him, and the Weasley twins both stood to give him a standing ovation. They took great bows, and Dumbledore chuckled when they finally returned to their seats.
"Very nice, Mr. Weasley, and you too, Mr. Weasley," he said. Suddenly, his look grew much more serious. "As you all know, there's been much cause for concern lately in the magical world, and I'm sure some of you have had your fears. When I alerted you of Voldemort's return at the end of our last term, I simply meant to prepare you. I am more thankful than ever to have spoken those words. You may be feeling anxious after the attack on Beauxbatons, and I'm not going to fill your heads with false assurances. There are more important things to fill them with, and the panel of teachers seated behind me is more than willing to do that filling. Therefore, I am pleased to announce Professor Lupin's return as our Defense Against the Dark Arts master!"
Once again, George and Fred stood to clap and bow, and this time, Harry, Ron, and Hermione joined them. However, for each cheer that Lupin's name brought, it all brought an equal amount of hisses and mutters. Dumbledore waved his arms again to quiet everything.
"Now, I'm sure that the attack on Beauxbatons was as much of a shock to you as it was for me. While the odds of an event of such magnitude happening at Hogwarts are miniscule, they do exist. For that reason, several new precautions have been put in place this year.
"First, I warn you not to stray near the edge of the Hogwarts property. I won't spoil the surprise in the event that you still wish to do so, but I will warn you that it will be one great surprise. This-we'll just call it the Surprise-has been put in place to keep unwanted visitors from leaving Hogwarts undetected, as well as keeping students in.
"Next, the set punishment for wandering the halls after hours is three detentions to be served with whoever catches you, along with an automatic deduction of ten points from your house. Should you be caught a second time, the amount of points deducted will be fifteen. Don't do it.
"Finally, I strongly recommend that you travel in pairs wherever you go. Should you need to leave class for any reason, the teachers will reinforce my advice."
Dumbledore started back towards the head table, but he stopped suddenly and turned back around. "Oh," he added. "All of last year's rules still stand, which includes those about performing magic in the hallways and entering the Forbidden Forest. Quidditch tryouts will be held two weeks from tomorrow. And any student that looses more than sixty points from his house during the first term might be denied the right to attend the first ever Hogwarts Christmas Dance. Good luck this year, and sleep well!"
Everyone stood at once, making it much harder to exit the Great Hall. Hermione headed straight into the commotion to help the first years, but Harry and Ron only followed when she called out their names and gave them a very stern look. A few minutes later, someone else yelled for them as well.
"Ron? Harry? May I have a word?"
"You're popular tonight, boys," whispered Hermione. The three friends were at the rear of the group of Gryffindors scrambling through the hole concealed by the Fat Lady's portrait. The process was taking longer than usual that night, for the Fat Lady was feeling particularly chatty. However, Harry, Ron, and Hermione had been so engrossed in their own conversation that none of them had noticed Professor McGonagall walk up behind them.
"I'll only need a moment of your time, boys," she said with a wave to Hermione, who promptly disappeared through the portrait hole.
"We aren't in trouble, are we?" asked Ron immediately.
"No," said Professor McGonagall. She raised an eyebrow. "Why do you ask, Mr. Weasley? Have you done something I should be made aware of?"
"No," said Harry quickly. "It just seems that we've been pulled aside for a lot of talks today."
Professor McGonagall gave them a small smile. "Nothing too personal, I hope," she said. "If the two of you hadn't noticed already, we don't have nearly as many first year students as usual. We filled the dormitory, and there were two empty rooms left on the boys' side. Our prefects from years six and seven took the first room, but I was wondering if the two of you would like the second?"
Harry and Ron shared a look of amazement. At the same time, they grinned and exclaimed, "Of course!"
"I figured that you would," said Professor McGonagall, "so I already directed the house-elves to move your things. I also wanted to inform you of a prefect meeting tomorrow afternoon immediately after class in the Great Hall. Would one of you please inform Miss Granger of the meeting, as well?"
"I will," said Harry.
"Returnus vargas," said Ron to the Fat Lady, and the two friends darted through the portrait hole and up the stairs to explore their new room.
* * *
Sure enough, Ron and Harry's things were already in their room when they arrived, and a note had been left on one of the nightstands informing them that their owls had already been taken up to the Owlery. The room really wasn't any different than their old room they had always shared with Seamus, Neville, and Dean, but it seemed much bigger because it only had two beds in it. To fill the extra space, two comfy chairs, just like the ones in the common room, had been placed along one curve of the room.
"All right!" exclaimed Ron, taking in the area. He grinned at Harry. "No offense to Neville or Dean or Seamus, but I'd rather just share a room with you. They're all fine and jolly, but I get kind of tired of them after awhile."
"Yes," said Harry, nodding as he kneeled in front of his trunk. He wasn't very tired yet, and he knew he'd have to unpack the thing eventually. "Besides, it's hard to get any time alone with that many people around at all times."
"Oh bloody hell," muttered Ron. Harry turned around, wondering what he'd done.
"Did I say something?" Harry asked.
"No," assured Ron. "I think Mum-or at least Mum's wand-got a little confused when she was helping us pack last night. I have an entire trunk full of clothing, but not a single book or caldron or anything like that."
Harry wandered over to Ron's side to inspect the trunk. He pulled out the first thing in the trunk, which happened to be a robe. He scrunched up his noise as it fell towards the floor.
"I'm pretty sure this isn't yours," said Harry finally. "It's not nearly long enough and made for something a little stockier."
"It's George's," said Ron. "I recognize that rip on the bottom seam."
Harry looked down. Sure enough, there was the slightest tear at the bottom of the robe. "Do you think they have some of your things?"
"I have to hope so," said Ron seriously, but Harry could tell he wasn't too worried. "Why don't you go tell Hermione about tomorrow afternoon's meeting? It looks like I have to make a visit to my lovely older brothers."
"Good idea," said Harry. He helped Ron fold George's robes back into the trunk, and together they dragged it out into the hall and to the door of Fred and George's dormitory. Ron knocked on the door, and Harry headed on down to the Gryffindor common room.
A few students, mostly sixth and seventh years, were still sitting around, along with two third years that were playing chess next to the fireplace. Hermione was nowhere in sight, but did see a familiar flash of red hair about to head up the stairs to the girl's dormitory.
"Ginny!" he called, and the youngest Weasley turned to face him. She was actually wearing a smile for once. "I was looking for Hermione. Would you mind telling her that I'm down here, and I need to talk to her?"
The smile immediately turned into a scowl. "That's nice," she mumbled, and she started to walk up the stairs again.
"Ginny! I really need to talk to her!" said Harry.
Ginny whirled around, glaring at him. "I never said I wouldn't tell her," she said exasperatedly, and she disappeared into the dormitories.
Harry sighed. He had no idea if she was going to get Hermione or not, and he really did need to talk to her. He'd seen her looking a little glum at various times throughout the day, and he had a feeling that he knew why. He also had a feeling that she'd feel better if she heard what Dumbledore had said.
"I think Ginny's in one of her moods," said Hermione.
Harry looked up. Hermione had just come from the direction of the girls' dorms. "I wasn't sure if she was going to get you or not."
"I'm surprised she did," said Hermione. "We're in the same room this year. She came in, looking scornful, and she announced that you were looking for me. Then, she snapped at Lavender because the house-elves had placed her trunk in front of the bed she had last year!"
Harry shook his head as the two of them settled into two comfortable chairs in the corner of the room, away from the handful of people still there. He leaned forward and quietly relayed what Dumbledore had told him.
"You're kidding," said Hermione sharply as soon as he had finished.
"I'm not!" insisted Harry. Hermione still looked unsure. "Come on, Hermione. Would I make something like that up?"
"No," said Hermione finally. "You wouldn't. Thanks for telling me, Harry."
Harry studied her intently for a few seconds. "Do you feel any better about what happened with your parents this summer?"
"A little, I guess." Hermione shrugged. "I'd better get to bed."
"I should, too." Harry wasn't sure what came over him, but he reached forward and gave Hermione a hug. "Oh, I'm also supposed to tell you that we have a prefect meeting tomorrow, after classes, in the Great Hall."
Hermione nodded, and she waved to him as she headed back up into the girls' dormitories. "Thank you, Harry!" she called. "See you in the morning!"
* * *
The next morning, both Harry and Ron managed to oversleep, but Harry still managed to get down to breakfast at about the same time as everyone else. Ron, on the other hand, still hadn't emerged from the Gryffindor tower when the food appeared on the table.
"Where's Ron?" Hermione asked as soon as she noticed Harry.
"Grooming himself, I think," said Harry with a laugh. "We both overslept, but Ron took a little longer in the showers than I did. I'm trying to figure out why he's suddenly so concerned with his appearance."
Hermione shrugged, but she had a devilish grin on her face. "You never know."
The two of them took their usual seats at the table, and Harry put his bag in Ron's usual seat to save it. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing at all," said Hermione airily. She took a single piece of toast and an apple from the table while Harry loaded his plate with generous helpings of everything from warm, freshly baked cinnamon rolls to scrambled eggs. "There is something I can tell you, though."
"What's that?" asked Harry, still wondering what she had meant earlier.
Hermione leaned forward. "Ginny must have snuck out of the dorm last night," she said quietly. "She wasn't in the room when I woke, and her bed didn't even look like it had been slept in."
"Where did she go?"
"I'm not sure," admitted Hermione. "She breezed in a few minutes after the other girls got up. Lavender asked her where she'd been and nearly got her head bitten off."
"Are you going to tell Ron?"
"Should I?"
Harry bit his lip. He figured Ron had the right to know, but Harry also knew that his friend was already worried by his little sister's behavior. "Not yet," he said finally. "See if she does it again. We'll tell him if she does, but otherwise, no. I don't want to get Ron worked up over nothing."
"That's a good idea," said Hermione thoughtful, finishing her toast. "I really don't know what's going on. I guess we'll just have to wait and see."
One thing was for sure: Ginny Weasley was definitely acting strangely.
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