When Hermione woke up the next morning, her decision was made. The guys had let her sleep on it. She had a long warm shower, and dressed slowly, deliberately taking her time. She giggled when she imagined Ron and Harry waiting impatiently for her, glancing at the door every few seconds.

She descended the stairs and sauntered into the Great Hall. Plopping into a seat between Ron and Harry, she didn't say a word or even make eye contact. Hermione struggled to keep a wide grin off her face, as you could practically cut the anticipation in the air with a knife. You could tell by how rigidly both boys were sitting that they were dying to ask her what she had decided, but were biting their tongues so as to avoid a flat refusal.

Hermione's eyes twinkled mischievously. She planned to prolong the suspense as long as she could. Hermione selected a piece from the pile in front of her and carefully sliced it into perfect quarters. She delicately chose a section, and nibbled at it daintily. From the corner of her eye she glanced at the boys on either side of her. They were perched on the edge of their seats. --Good--, she thought with satisfaction. After finally finishing her toast, she sipped some pumpkin juice and dabbed her mouth with a napkin. Placing her hands in her lap, she cleared her throat. Ron and Harry leaned in eagerly. Hermione paused. "I'm in," she said simply. No sooner than these words were uttered, Ron exploded. "Yes!" He cried, leaping out of his seat and receiving a reproving look from Professor McGonagall. He sank back into his chair with slightly redder cheeks.