AN: I 30, and the prompt is: "In my defense, I've learned my lesson."

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"Harry, next weekend is Hogsmeade weekend," Hermione conspiratorially whispered to Harry as he sat down at the breakfast table in the Great Hall.

Harry gave his friend a surprised glance. "Sorry, Hermione. I can't. You'll have to go with Ron alone."

"Harry!" Hermione huffed, a little annoyed. "I didn't mean you were supposed to go with us. You ..." Hermione fell silent as Ginny sat down next to Harry. Looking Harry into the eye, she nodded her head meaningfully at Ginny.

Suddenly getting Hermione's whispered announcement, Harry took a deep breath and grinned at Hermione. "I already asked her. I'm going with Ginny." Giving his girlfriend, who was filling her plate, a reassuring smile, she said. "Don't we, Gin?"

"Where are we going?" Ginny asked, hearing her name.

"Hogsmeade," said Harry. "We're going to Hogsmeade together."

"Yes, of course, we're going to Hogsmeade," Ginny replied. "You asked me immediately after the announcement has been put out in the common room."

"Oh, that's good," Hermione said with a satisfied smile. "I just thought I should remind you after ..."

"Oh, Hermione," Harry shook his head. "I know I'm a bit thick, but in my defence, I've learned my lesson. Never again ask at the last minute. Yule ball. Do you remember?"