"Well, let's think about this logically," Hermione began. "Where were you when you last had it?"
Harry shrugged and thought back. He'd gone to classes, then quidditch practice, and then- well, he didn't see it when he had been gathering up his things. He was sort of rushed at the time, but he could easily get it back later.
"It's okay, mate," Ron chimed in helpfully, "Scarves are easy to lose. I'll bet we can get you a new one in Hogsmeade today. Maybe before your secret date- or better yet, forget the scarf altogether and let her keep you warm!"
Harry groaned as Ron winked and nudged at him. He had made the fatal mistake of telling his friends that he would be meeting someone else at Hogsmeade later. They had pushed him all week to tell who this mysterious date was, but his willpower was impenetrable. Luckily Hermione ignored Ron's last comment, fixated as she was on his attire.
"Ron," Hermione said sternly, "Harry's neck could freeze out in the cold before we even reached Hogsmeade. In this weather, the only appropriate attire includes coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. It is important for all of us to stay as warm as possible so that our bodies are better able to fight off this year's bought of winter illnesses."
Harry and Ron rolled their eyes, and Harry mumbled, "It's okay. A few minutes in the cold without a bloody scarf never hurt anybody."
Hermione adopted a stubborn look and began to enter full lecture mode about a scarf, when the doors to the Great Hall opened to reveal the sixth-year Slytherins. Their entrances seemed to be increasingly dramatic by the day. Draco Malfoy was in the lead as usual, parading his attractive looks and stunning outfits. Only this time- what was that around his neck?! It couldn't be!
Draco Malfoy was wearing a gold and red striped scarf. A scarf, Hermione noticed, that looked distinctly like the one Harry was missing. Ron turned around and gaped, "Oy! What is Malfoy doing with a Gryffindor scarf?!"
Harry blushed, but luckily all eyes were away from him. Malfoy caught Ron's comment and sauntered over to the Gryffindor table. Harry looked down as though he were immensely interested in his toast with jam. Hermione glanced over and seemed to consider his reactions. She was always too quick.
"Why, hello, Potter. Fancy seeing you this morning!"
It figured Malfoy would be in a good mood. Harry muttered, "Yes, one would never expect to see me eating breakfast at the table I frequent every morning."
Malfoy was undeterred by the rude comment and sat himself down with a smirk. The Slytherins looked as confused as the Gryffindors as to why their self-appointed leader would be sitting with his arch-nemesis.
Harry frantically hissed, "What are you doing? Why are you wearing my scarf?"
It apparently did not strike Draco's fancy to answer. Instead, he graciously turned to Hermione, extended his arm, and smiled winningly, "Hello, I don't believe we've met. I'm Draco, Harry's date for the day."