Wednesday's classes past as smoothly as they had on Tuesday. In the morning, during Potions, Professor Slughorn issued Draco, Hermione, Ginny, and Zacharias invitations to his first Slug Club formal dinner on Saturday night.

"Hope to see you all there! Especially you two, Ms. Granger and Ms. Weasley. We'll have lots to talk about!"

Hermione and Ginny were reluctant to go, while Zacharias was very pleased and excited he had been invited. Draco, on the other hand, said, "I'd rather eat cockroach clusters. There's no bloody way I'm going. We have to arrange Quidditch tryouts, remember? Who's the Ravenclaw Captain again?"

"Trevor Birch. He's sitting over there, the blond." answered Ginny promptly. "He's not bad, but he's a major kiss-up to all the teachers, especially Slughorn. He's a pretty-boy, too. A lot of girls in my year like him. They always talk about his 'piercing blue eyes.' Eugh."

"I seem to remember he fancied Gilderoy Lockhart at one point." remarked Draco innocently. "Anyways, are you going, Ginny?"

"Maybe. I guess it depends on how much homework we have and how exhausting the waltzing class is."

"I think we should go." said Hermione. "But just to this first one. Only as a sign of respect, you know what I mean?"

Zacharias added his two cents, "I've heard the parties are absolutely amazing! There's no I way I'm NOT going. Why don't you want to go, Draco?"

"It's a waste of time." said Draco sullenly. "Even sleeping is more productive."

"He does have a point there." agreed Hermione. "With Quidditch, NEWTs, and our leadership duties, it'll be hard to also fit in extra social time throughout the year."

"Yeah, and they're not as fun as you think, Smith." Ginny added darkly. "Most of the people invited are only there because of their familial connections, no matter how insipid they really are."

"Connected people are always fun to meet! High-class society is what I strive for." replied Zacharias happily.

"I'm only going to the first one," Draco maintained, "because Hermione's right."

"Me, too." agreed Ginny.

"You guys are no fun." Zacharias pouted, as his potion started overflowing.

"I think Draco's catching up to you, Mione." said Ginny as she helped herself to mashed potatoes during lunch. "His potion was almost as pristine as yours."

Hermione giggled. "Remember our conversation from this morning, Drakie?"

Draco rolled his eyes. "Of course. How could I forget? You admitted to me that I'm an infinitely better wizard and that you'll always look up to me, literally and figuratively."

Hermione scowled while Zacharias snorted into his pumpkin juice. "Very funny." she said.

Trevor Birch came up to their tables. "Hello, I'm Trevor Birch, Captain of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team." he introduced himself. Before either girl could protest, he had grasped a hand from each, and kissed it lightly. Hermione could hear a deep rumble from within Draco's chest, which stopped when she kicked him from underneath the table. Zacharias, despite his so-called "upper-class" upbringing, was shocked as well, his mouth hanging open.

The audacious Ravenclaw Captain then extended his hand to Draco, who sneered, "What is this, the eighteenth century?" Another swift kick from Hermione had Draco shaking Trevor's hand vigorously.

After an awe-struck Zacharias shook hands with the newcomer, the point of the meeting was established. "I've come to discuss the Quidditch tryout schedule." he announced. "They'll start next week, as Professor McGonagall probably already told you. I know from your notices and sign-up sheets that next Friday evening's unavailable because all Houses are involved. Could we each choose a day between Monday and Thursday?"

"That sounds good." said Ginny quickly, so Draco couldn't make another snide remark. "Gryffindor can take Monday."

"Hufflepuff can have Tuesday." added on Zacharias.

Everyone turned to look at Draco, who didn't respond at first. Hermione could tell that he was thinking furiously, probably trying to pick the day that Trevor wanted more. Hopefully, it wasn't obvious to everyone else. Way to make a good first impression, Drake. she grumbled silently.

Through narrowed eyes, Draco looked directly at Trevor, and said, "Slytherin will take Thursday."

Trevor didn't seem the least bit fazed, much to Draco's chagrin. "Great, Wednesday will be perfect for Ravenclaw. Well, see you all around. I'm looking forward to seeing you at the waltzing class." He said the last part with his gaze trained on Hermione, who looked away and decided to concentrate on her pork chops. She crossed her fingers that Draco could keep his temper.

As Trevor walked down back to his table, Draco drew out his wand.

"No!" yelped Hermione, snatching it out of his hand. "Honestly, you can't just jinx anyone that doesn't strike your fancy."

"He's really nice." said Zacharias. "He shook my hand! How high-class!"

"Zacharias." said Ginny, glaring at his giddiness. "Shut up."

"He's such a prat." said Draco through gritted teeth.

"Yes, yes he is." comforted Hermione. "And so is Zach. But you haven't hexed him yet, have you?"

"At least Smith doesn't know how stupid he is." sighed Draco. "But you're right. He's not worth it."

"There you go." said Hermione, smiling and handing him back his wand." Raising her voice so the others could hear, she said, "C'mon guys, let's back to the Montecino Tower. We should get as much homework done as possible during break so we can have time tonight to waltz."

They all got up, and started walking towards the entrance of the Great Hall. "Montecino Tower?" asked Ginny curiously. "Montecino as in Lady Montecino?"

"Yes." said Hermione. "What? Does it sound bad?"

"No…" said Ginny slowly. "But I don't think that name's going to stick."

"Why?"

"Because after you and Draco graduate, people are obviously going to name it after you two, since you guys were the first ones to use it."

"Well, I'm fine with them changing it after we're gone. It would just feel so weird to call where you live after yourself!"

"What about Draco's home?" asked Zacharias. "Isn't it called 'Malfoy Manor,' mate?"

"Yes, but that's different." said Draco evenly. "I didn't name it after myself. Some stupid, narcissistic ancestor of mine did."

They all laughed, reaching Lady Montecino's portrait. They headed straight for the balcony, and with lively chatter, occasional death threats, and much laughter, they did their homework as a team.

During dinner, Hermione couldn't help but feel excited. I'm going to be dancing with Draco Malfoy in just a few minutes! she thought, savoring her delicious shepherd's pie.

Professor McGonagall appeared in front of their tables.