Harry, Ron, and Hermione boarded the Hogwarts Express with their trunks, which were packed their school effects, as well as their new books for sixth year. They deposited them in an empty compartment, and waved goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.

They sat down in the compartment, settling themselves in for the journey to Hogwarts that lay ahead of them. Hermione took a book out of her truck and began reading while Ron and Harry entertained themselves with a game of Exploding Snap, occasionally taking a break to discuss the latest Quidditch stats.

About an hour into the ride there was a knock at the compartment door. The three of them looked up to see Luna Lovegood standing in the compartment doorway with the familiar dreamy expression on her face. Luna had taken it upon herself to keep contact with Harry and Ron over the vacation. Every week one of them would receive an owl from her inquiring about their summer holiday, and plans they had. She seemed to have taken a deeper interest in Ron, though, and had begun sending him small, odd, gifts. Mostly, they were things that she had made herself. A pillow stuffed with Eagle down and covered in a pillowcase made out of a silky fabric, a candle that laughed when you lit it, and a card with hearts drawn all over it. Ron had written to Hermione, telling her of the gifts, and she couldn't help but become completely furious.

Now, Luna stood in front of her, smiling admiringly at Ron. Hermione had the sudden urge to kick her, but restrained herself by ignoring her and looking back down at her book.

"Hello Ronald," came her dreamy sounding voice.

"Hi Luna," he replied.

"Mind if I join you?" She asked, looking around at everyone.

"Not at all," said Harry, as he motioned to the empty space next to him.

Luna ignored his gesture however, and plopped herself down in the middle of Ron and Hermione. Ron shifted away from her a little bit. Hermione looked livid, but was still gazing down at her book, though not really reading it.

"Are you all excited about the ball?" Luna asked.

"What ball?" Ron and Harry asked at the same time, looking quite interested. At this point Hermione looked up from her book, intrigued by Luna's statement as well.

"The Halloween ball that is going to be held at Hogwarts this year," she smiled.

"So, it's going to be like the Yule ball?" Harry asked. He noticed Ron and Hermione exchange a look as the words 'Yule ball' escaped his lips. He remembered all too well what had happened after the Yule ball in their fourth year. Hermione had brought Viktor Krum as a date and Ron, whether he would admit it or not, had been insanely jealous. He remembered walking into the common room while they were in the midst of a fuming row about it.

"Oh no, I expect it will be quite different. We have to wear costumes, you know," Luna said, looking back at Ron. "We can go as Romeo and Juliet. You know, the characters from the muggle play? They were in love."

Hermione slammed her book shut.

"Well, Luna, I'll, er, certainly consider that," he replied, looking a bit peeved.

Luna smiled, "I should go and change into my robes," she said. "We'll be arriving soon." With that she took her leave of them.

"Well, another ball. That's certainly, er, interesting." Harry said, looking at Ron and Hermione who were still exchanging looks at each other out of the corner of their eyes.

"That's if you even believe her," Hermione said.

"What do you mean 'believe her'? You think she's lying?" Ron asked.

"Well, yes. She's probably just heard Parvati and Padma gossiping about some stupid rumour of another ball."

"You just don't like her is all," Ron smirked.

"That has nothing to do with it!"

"Yeah, it does, and you'd hate it if I went with her,"

"Even if there was a ball, you wouldn't go with her," Hermione glared at him.

"Why wouldn't I?"

"Because-, because I don't like her!"

"Well, I didn't like Vicky, but you still went to the Yule ball with him!"

Harry sat back and looked out the window, trying to block out the yelling. Ron had done it. He had brought up the Viktor and the Yule ball, and it was quite obvious that a huge row was about to happen as a result of it. He always tried hard to stay out of Ron and Hermione's arguments, and had succeeded thusfar. He knew that even if he did try to make them stop fighting, he would just be ignored.

"What does Viktor have to do with this?!"

"Everything." Ron huffed.

"Care to elaborate?"

"No." He turned away from her and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Fine," Hermione said, glaring at him.

After that, the rest of the train ride was a quiet one. Harry had tried striking up a conversation, but neither seemed to be in much of the mood and he had quickly given up.

Soon the train was pulling into Hogwarts, and the three of them shared a carriage up to the castle in silence. Rain pounded down on the grounds around them, and lightening flashed as they ascended the steps to the castle. They entered the great hall and settled down at the Gryffindor table as Dumbledore got up to speak.

"Good evening everyone! I realize that you are all quite soaked from the rain and eager to eat, so I'm sure you'll be glad to hear that I only have one announcement to make tonight," he smiled. Many students let out sighs of relief. "The announcement is one that I am sure you will all be excited to hear," he continued. "This year, a Halloween ball will be held a Hogwarts." Everyone seemed to stir excitedly. Ron smirked and gave Hermione a look that clearly said 'I told you so'. She rolled her eyes and looked back up at Dumbledore.

"The ball will be held on the 31st of October, and all students are welcome to attend. Proper dress will be required, which means costumes!" He smiled down at the students, "Now, I think I have prolonged the feast long enough. Let's eat!"

Food appeared on the tables, and everyone began stuffing themselves with turkey, potatoes, vegetables, shephards pie, rolls, and everything else that littered the table before them. After the feast was over, the Gryffindors made their way up to their common room, ready for a good night's sleep. Ron plopped himself down on his bed and kicked off his shoes. He lay back on his pillow with his hands behind his head. The announcement of the ball was still ringing in his mind, and as he turned onto his side he couldn't help but remember what Hermione had said to him during their row about the ball 4th year, 'Next time there's a ball, ask me before someone else does, and not as a last resort!'. These words echoed in his ears as he drifted off into a restless sleep.