Draco Malfoy was a menacing, smart, but evil student. However, he knew his way around the school, around foes, and around rumors. So, when he heard a rumor about "Weasel" and the "Mudblood," he thought it was too perfect to be true, that is, until he saw inside the compartment. He was on his way, like many other students, to the food trolley, when he saw a sight that made him quiver with pleasure and disgust. Harry Potter's girl with the low-down pure-blood. This was exactly what he needed.
"I knew it!" Draco accused with glee as he watched Ron and Hermione's joy. Hermione got up quickly and spoke, "Please, I know you hate me, and I know you hate Ron, but please don't tell Harry! You hate him worse, and you would love this! You would love the fact that his girlfriend is sneaking behind his back, and you know it!" Stunned by the truth, Draco stepped back as Ron got up. "Draco, we belong together," he said, wrapping Hermione in his arms, "Harry doesn't seem to get that." Draco stepped closer, as though ready to attack. Ron stepped in front of Hermione, protecting her. "Alright. I won't tell Harry!" Draco spat, turning around. He stopped suddenly, and with a drastic change of character, he said, softly, "But you should." Hermione and Ron looked at each other with despair. They both loved Harry dearly-he was, after all, their best friend. Draco was right.
Hermione and Ron went back to the common room separately. The other students were getting ready for something special. Hermione gasped. She had completely forgotten the ball. "Hermione! You haven't even gotten your hair done! Come on, I'll help you!" Lavender pulled her up the stairs into the girls' dormitory. "Come here Ron! I'll help you look good. Maybe a girl will ask you to go with her!" Harry said, smiling, "God, Hermione is going to look beautiful!"
Half an hour later, Harry, Ron, and Seamus were at the bottom of the grand staircase, waiting for Lavender and Hermione. All of the sudden, Hermione and Lavender appeared, looking prettier than ever. Ron's mouth dropped open, and Harry rushed forward. Seamus followed Harry. When they reached the top, Lavender kissed Seamus on the cheek and slipped her arm into his. Harry tried kissing Hermione, but she turned away. Ron sensed what she was thinking. As Harry led Hermione down the stairs, his hand gripping hers, Ron looked at her, and their eyes met. They both knew at that moment, that tonight was the night Harry would find out.