Chapter 289 - Approaching Christmas (2/2)

”I don't think anythin' hav' left,” Hagrid's voice shook. And without warning, he burst into tears.

”Hagrid!”

A few passing students looked alarmed and scrambled very fast. Ginny touched Hagrid's hand sympathetically as Chris and Colin quickly led him outside. As soon as they were out on the snowy ground Hagrid sat down on a bench. It was very cold outside, Chris rubbed her hands on her arms looking around. Aragog, a gigantic talking spider, who dwelled deep in the Forbidden Forest was ill for a long time. Hagrid was helping him as he was the one who brought him here.

”He. . .” gulped Hagrid, his beetle-black eyes streaming as he pulled out his spotted handkerchief and blown his nose in it. ”The tribe . . . Aragog's family . . . they're gettin' a bit funny now he's ill . . . bit restive . . .”

”Oh, Hagrid!” Ginny patted Hagrid.

”He was ageing, wasn't he?” said Chris sadly. ”I know it's sad but at least you are with him.”

Hagrid hiccuped but looked a little less sad at Chris' words.

They talked about other creatures a little bit and Hagrid's spirit lifted. After a while when he realized that Chris, Ginny and Colin were almost freezing he asked them to go inside.

As they went back to the entrance hall, Dean passed them without looking at them and Ginny snorted.

”Hey, everything okay between you two?” asked Chris surprised.

”No,” Ginny replied shortly but the anger in her voice was audible.

****

”I didn't know you were this good at Ancient Runes,” said Chris smiling.

”Yeah,” Adrian grinned. ”Thanks for noticing.”

Chris rolled her eyes.

They were walking back from the Ancient Runes class together.

”Decided yet who are you going to Slughorn's Christmas party with?” asked Adrian casually.

”Nope,” shrugged Chris. ”Still thinking.”

”My offer still stands, you know,” Adrian tilted his head smirking.

”You never get tired, do you?” laughed Chris.

”Nah, a boy got a try,” he grinned.

”You are going to get a punch on your face,” said Chris giggling.

”Worth it,” Adrian whispered and they both broke into a fit of a giggle.

Chris never thought she could banter like that if not for Adrian. He was a great friend. He never asked about what's serious things were going on in Chris' life or the gossips that were around the school about her. He just talked, laughed and made her feel light no matter the situation.

They reached the seventh-floor corridor and Chris stopped. She just caught a glimpse of Jason disappearing around the corner.

What the hell is he doing on the seventh floor?

Chris was still staring at the corner when Adrian nudged her.

”What?” Chris looked up at him and he pointed up and Chris saw mistletoe hanging above them.

”Don't you start,” Chris rolled her eyes smiling. ”I already knocked out Dan Moon for trying to stand under the mistletoe with me.”

”He is that sixth year Gryffindor, isn't he?” Adrian laughed.

”Yeah,” Chris looked back at the corner where she saw Jason disappearing. ”Listen, I will see you later. Just remembered a thing. Have to run. Bye.”

”See you later,” Adrian nodded.

Chris waved at him and ran towards the corridor where Jason was. She couldn't restrain her curiosity anymore.

What are you up to, Jason?

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To be continued. . .