Hermione was supposed to be meeting Ron to talk about... things. She wasn't sure what was going on between them, and talking to Ginny about it hadn't helped. In retrospect, she probably should have spoken with Penny, or someone else entirely about what was going on between-- And with a sudden jolt, Hermione was wrenched from those thoughts. There was crashing and screaming, and people running away down the Alley.
Of course, Hermione wasn't one to run from disaster. On the contrary, she had a feeling she might be able to do some good. She drew her wand as she fought against the stream of people, running toward the sound of the screaming, and then she saw it. A Quintaped! In Diagon Alley?? What the heck? And it had its sights set on an old man.
Hermione rushed forward, but someone else reached it before she did--someone who now became its target. There was a sickening crunch as the monster bit down on Anthony's arm. "Anthony!!" Hermione shrieked as she came closer and reached the monster. "Diffindo!" She cried out, slashing the nearest leg, hoping to draw its attention and get it to let go of Anthony.