CHAPTER FIVE

Intestines as Shoelaces

The very next day, Professor Dumbledore confirmed that Hogwarts would indeed be hosting a Christmas ball. "This is the grand idea of a student," he said, his voice booming throughout the Great Hall, where all the people were eating breakfast.

"Most of the staff," Dumbledore continued, shooting a brief look at Snape, "Support this idea greatly. If you made a good friend or two when the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang's came here for the Triwizard Tournament, then you are allowed to send them an owl, inviting them to the ball as well."

The faces of the people in their House tables shone with excitement, and they began to whisper to the person sitting next to them.

Dumbledore cleared his throat and went on. "The Ball will take place on December seventh, at the end of the term, right before Christmas break begins, at seven o' clock. We will also have a Christmas feast at that time. Also, if you may have any ideas for the decorations, music, suggestions, or maybe some interesting things to include in the ball, please see Mr. Ronald Weasley for assistance."

Dumbledore sat back down at the staff's table, and began eating his scrambled eggs. Instantly about a hundred people circled around Ron and bombarded him with ideas and questions.

"Can you book the Weird Sisters?"

"Maybe you could have enchanted icicles hanging from the ceiling, that would be neat."

"Why are you the one we have to talk to if we have any ideas?"

"Do you think that you can have a booth where couples can get their pictures taken?"

Malfoy walked over to where Ron was sitting. "Hey, Weasley - can you make it a Masquerade?"

Ron didn't enjoy talking to him, but felt that he had to reply all the same. "Yeah, I guess. Why?"

"None of your business," Draco said coolly. "Also, give this to your sister, and don't tell her it's from me."

Malfoy reached into his robes and handed Ron a green envelope with a letter obviously inside.

"Get your owl to deliver it, I don't want a bloody thing to do with your little escapades Malferret," Ron spat.

"My owl's out delivering another message," he replied. "Just give it to her. Don't read it. Trust me, if you do, I'll know."

Ron delivered the letter to Ginny later on, and she read it through, looking close to tears about something, stomping up towards the girl's dormitory. Ron didn't even ask her what it was about - there was no way she would tell him.

Ron made a small box where people could write down their ideas and questions on a piece of parchment along with their name, and put them in that box. At the end of the day Ron would check the box to see all the new things written down on the paper inside. There were a few that caught his eye, such as:

Ron, what are you playing at? Are you the one that had the idea for the ball? Why does Dumbledore want everyone going to YOU if they have a question or something? Well anyway I know whom I'M asking, but really, Ron. This is a big job, setting up a ball on your own. Maybe you could check in the library for a book called Magical Decorating Ideas. I made Lockhart an enchanted Valentine that sang and blew kisses by using the information in that book. Maybe, if you are indeed in charge of the decorations for the ball, would find the book useful for something like that. See you in Potions later.

Love from

Hermione

Ron smirked when he read the next one.

Ron, the ball's a great idea! Do you think I should ask Hermione? What if she has already been asked by someone? What if Neville asks her again or something? Good luck mate, see you in potions. I want to make a potion that makes me have a muscular body, just for one day. Hmm…

Harry

Ron's smirk fell when he read the following, however.

Weasley,

Meet me at the back of the library after lunch. We'll be late for Potions, but since I happen to be his favorite student, I can back us up. We need to talk about what we discussed earlier.

D.M.

Ron could only think of one person who had the initials D.M: Draco Malfoy.

Ron cautiously met Malfoy at the library after lunch, as the letter had told him to. He carried his wand with him, just in case it was some sort of trick. Ron walked to the back table, and saw Malfoy, who, for once, was not accompanied by Crabbe and Goyle.

"Hello Weasley," he said calmly. Ron wondered why he didn't have the usual sarcasm in his voice.

"Now, let me explain something to you that I haven't told anyone else. I really want to invite your sister to the ball. I really, really like her. I need you to help me."

Ron's stomach plummeted. So he did want to ask his little sister. But did he want Malfoy to? Ron thought very hard. He was very protective over his sister. But Malfoy loved his sister nonetheless. And even though Malfoy usually was nasty and cruel, all Ron thought was that he must have a soft side deep down. Very, very, very deep down.

"I will help you Malfoy," said Ron through gritted teeth, "But I swear that if you hurt her in any conceivable way I will cut open your stomach, pull out your intestines, slice them up, and use them for my shoelaces!"

Draco smirked. "You'll probably do that anyway. After all, how else are you going to afford the shoelaces?"

Fortunately for Draco, Ron could tell he was joking.

Ron had decided to completely forget about using the small book that controlled the mind. In case he really needed to, anyway. He decided that it caused too much trouble, and that he really didn't need to know everyone's secrets. Besides, the grand ball was coming up, and Ron would be kept busy by making sure Harry went with Hermione. Very, very busy….