Harry, Ron, and Hermione were making their way to Hagrid's hut for Care of Magical Creatures class, laughing and joking on their way. The trio had left for class early so they might talk to Hagrid before class began. As they opened the front door to the hut, they saw a red-headed girl running out the back door. Hagrid invited them in, and they all sat down.

"Ginny was jus' in here a minute ago," Hagrid began. "She was fairly upset, see. Complainin' that she loved ya, Harry, but was too shy ta tell ya."

"See, I was right! My sister is in love with my best friend!" cried Ron.

Harry started, "But- I don't know. I need a date to the Christmas ball, but…" He turned to look at Hermione, who immediately shook her head no.

"Sorry, Harry. I'm going with-." She glanced over at Ron, who nodded.

"Ron!" Harry exclaimed. "You're going to the Christmas ball with Ron!" Hermione and Ron nodded their heads remorsefully.

Later that day, Harry sat somberly in the Gryffindor common room, thinking. He could please Ginny, or he could please himself. Well, he thought, they're the same thing. I love Ginny, and she loves me. Now, all I've got to do is ask her.

As Harry returned from his reverie, Ginny ran downstairs and landed in front of Harry. Instantaneously, Ginny started speaking. "HiHarrywillyougototheballwithmeIloveyou." Harry was shocked and didn't know how to reply. He did not have much luck dealing with girls, and he remembered his many disastrous dates with Cho Chang just last year.

"Umm…Okay, I guess," Harry responded.

Harry sat down in the Great Hall for dinner. Plates of food sat on each table, and students were filing in. Luna Lovegood walked over to the Gryffindor table towards where Harry was sitting.

"Harry Potter, would you like to go with me to the annual Christmas ball?" questioned Luna.

Responded Harry, "No, I can't. I'm going with-." But Luna had run off in tears. Harry turned back to his food. I will never understand girls, he thought.

Just then, Hermione walked in, and immediately confronted Harry. "I saw Luna run out of here, crying. What did you say to her? You boys have no taste!"

"Hey," began Harry. "What was I supposed to tell her? I can't lie!"

"Well, genius, you could have apologized to her, or told her that you would se her another time."

Said Ron, "Oh, Hermione, you're too picky. Just leave Harry alone!"

"If I wasn't dating you, I would stop speaking to you all together!"

Harry and Ron turned around and snickered.