Whenever they got to skip class, it was exciting.
After breakfast, the young wizards set off, streaming out of Hogwarts Castle in groups.
Winter in England was bitterly cold. The wind cut across their faces like knives, making them sting. But when they thought of the steaming Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks, these little inconveniences didn't matter.
"First, we'll go to the Three Broomsticks, then Honeydukes and Zonko's Joke Shop. If we have time, we'll visit the Shrieking Shack too."
On the way, Ron laid out his plans to Harry in a very methodical manner. To his surprise, his friend looked confused.
"Wait a second. Weren't you meeting Lavender?"
At those words, Ron suddenly remembered.
Oh, right. He wasn't a miserable single guy anymore~
"Ahem. Pretend I didn't say any of that."
Ron chuckled and patted Harry on the shoulder.
But in the blink of an eye, his expression changed. He spoke again, very seriously.
"Harry, we're best mates, right?"
"Of course."
Harry looked puzzled, unsure what Ron was getting at.
"Then my sister is your sister too. That's right, isn't it?"
"You're right about that."
Harry had been wondering why Ron had suddenly turned so serious, but now he understood. Blushing, he nodded.
"Then don't you dare bully Ginny. If I find out you have, not only will our friendship be over, but George and the others won't let you get away with it either.
You know how many tricks they have for tormenting people."
Ginny was the only girl in the Weasley family, and everyone doted on her. Though they were always bickering, Ron still cared a lot about his only sister.
Even if she'd grown up now and, in only her second year, had already fallen for his best mate and made a move on him.
But