A few weeks later, in mid October, the foursome were eating dinner at the Gryffindor table. By this point, Lindsay and Ron had become almost completely inseparable, because Lindsay made the team and shared his undying interest in Quidditch, they never ran out of things to talk about, and though she hid it, this irritated Hermione to no end! But for the sake of her friendships with Harry and Ron, she put up with it calmly. Though she would not admit it, Hermione had feelings for Ron, THAT's why his extremely close friendship with Lindsay bothered her.
Lindsay however was indeed NO threat to Hermione's place in Ron's heart, in fact, she had confided in Ron about her massive crush on Harry. He thought it was cool, and he guessed that Harry was interested in her too! Ron had also told Lindsay about his feelings for Hermione, he had asked her what she thought Hermione thought of him, but she pretended not to know, despite the fact she did. She wanted them to figure it out themselves, and besides, it was good entertainment watching them try.
Where is Harry in all of this? He is totally oblivious of how Lindsay feels, and also enjoys watching Hermione and Ron go at it. He's got a bet going with Lindsay as to who will be the first to break down and confess their feelings. Lindsay's betting on Ron, Harry's money is on Hermione.
"Pass the salt?" Ron asked from across the table.
"No problem!" said Harry and Lindsay in unison, as they both reached for it at the same time, their hands brushed against each other and Lindsay felt herself blush and pulled her hand away thinking 'Merlin! Did he mean to do that? Was it just an accident, were the fates bringing us together, does he like me, or is he just flirting?' her head was spinning as she sunk into her world of love struck thoughts... and as her elbow sunk into the butter dish.
"Oi! Linz! You're getting butter all over your robes!" Ron said, his mouth half full of food.
This was enough to knock her back to reality "shit" she uttered under her breath. As she looked around the table with an apologetic-but-I-meant-to-do-that look.
But before she could receive any well deserved ribbings from the Gryffindors, Professor Dumbledore stood up at the staff table and asked for silence. "There have been many requests over the past 2 years to start a tradition of seasonal balls for the fourth-years and above, that I have decided to do so. The first shall be a Halloween ball to take place 2 weeks from tonight, the next a Christmas ball, then a valentines day ball and an end of semester ball, that we will allow all students to attend, but third-years and below MUST retire by 11pm unless escorted by a fourth-year or above. The Halloween ball is to be a costume ball, no admittance without a PROPER costume! Professor McGonagall will be standing guard at the door and is prepared to transfigure you're outfits to something more appropriate.
At this Lavender and Pavarti pouted, so much for their playboy bunny outfits!
"Also" Dumbledore continued "there will be an after party for sixth years and above, should you wish to attend, there will be an opportunity for you to get into your robes. Enjoy the rest of your meal."
At this the hall erupted with chatter about the upcoming dance, most of the hall was bursting with anticipation but 4 kids were thinking
"will he go with me does he even know I exist?"-Lindsay
"will he get up the balls to ask me THIS time?!(Gryffindor my ass!)nah, he'll prolly just ask HER! Ugh)-Hermione
"should I ask her, what if she does not want me to, even Linz didn't know! What do I do??"-Ron
"Lets see, Ron and Hermione will eventually go together, I hope, and somebody's bound to ask Lindsay in the next 24 hours, and cho and I have not spoken in months, well, guess I'm going stag!"-Harry