Sure enough it was the first game of the year.
Ron was nervous while he headed to the table.
"Alright Ron?" Dean asked.
He got no answer.
"I'm counting on you Ron." Seamus said.
When he got to the table and sat down.
"So how was it then?" Ron asked.
"How was what?" Hermione asked.
"The dinner party."
"Pretty boring actually." She said.
"But I think Harry had a good dessert." Tracey said.
"Slughorn is celebrating Christmas to you know. And I'm about to bring someone." Hermione said.
"I expect you're bringing McLaggen. He's in the Slug club to isn't he?" Ron asked.
"Actually I was going to ask you." she said.
Then Astrid appeared.
"Good luck today Ron. I know you'll be brilliant." she said.
When she left he looked at Harry.
"I'm resigning, after today."
"Have it your way." He picked up a cup. "Juice."
"Hello everyone." Luna said with a lion on her face.
"You look dreadful Ron. Is that why you put something in his cup? Is it atomic?" she asked.
Hermione and Tracey looked at him and then the potion.
Harry had sent Tracey his idea through their connection while he handed Ron his cup.
"Liquid luck." Hermione said.
Ron looked at it and picked it up.
"Don't drink it Ron!" she said.
Then he drank it and Hermione looked at Harry.
"You could be expelled for that." she said.
"I don't know what you're talking about." he said.
"Come on Harry, we've got a game to win!" Ron said.
Then they shook hands and headed to the game.
While the game went on Ron was getting every ball away from the goal hoops blocked.
Harry looked around for the snitch and watched him.
Everyone was yelling Ron's name over and over again.
"YEAH! WHOA! YEAH!" Ron yelled.
When the game was over they were all cheering Ron's name.
"Weasley! Weasley! Weasley!"
"Knew you shouldn't have done it." Hermione said.
"I know, I could have used the cofungus charm instead." Harry said.
"That was different. That was different. That was try-outs, this was a natural game."
"Not really." Tracey said.
While she said that Harry took out his potion.
"You didn't put it in? Ron only thought you did."
Then they looked at them again.
Astrid walked over to him and kissed him.
Hermione stood there for a few seconds and then left.
Harry looked at Tracey.
"I'm gonna go check on her." he said.
"Alright." she said.
When he found her he saw her crying. He sat down next to him.
"Charm spell, I'm just practicing." she said.
"Well you're really good." he said.
"How does it feel Harry? When you see Dean and Ginny. I know. I see the way you look at her. You're one of my best friends." she said.
Then they heard someone laughing and saw Ron and Astrid.
"Oops, I think this room is taken." Astrid said when she saw them.
"What's with the birds?" Ron asked when she left.
Hermione stood up and looked at him.
"Oppugno!"
Then the birds started aiming at him and he jumped around then left.
She started to cry again.
"It feels like this." he said.
The next day Harry, Tracey and Hermione were at the library. Hermione was putting books away.
"I'm a free agent. He's at perfect liberty to kiss whomever he likes." Hermione said putting another book away.
"I really couldn't care less."
'Yeah right, you're ready to lose it.' Tracey said.
Harry fought not to laugh the best he could.
"Was I under the impression he and I would be attending Slughorn's Christmas party together? Yes. Now, given the circumstances, I had to make other arrangements." she continued.
"Have you?" Harry asked.
"Yes. Why?" she said.
"Well, I just thought seeing is not the risk at going with who we'd really like to, We should go together, as friends." he said.
"Why didn't I think of that?" she said.
"Who are you going with?" Tracey asked.
"Um, it's a surprise. Anyways, you have got to worry about. You can't take anyone. You see that girl over there? That's Romilda Vane. She's been trying to make a love potion."
"Really?" Tracey asked.
"She's only interested in you because you're the Chosen One."
"But I am the Chosen One." he said.
Tracey laughed knowing he was being sarcastic.
Hermione couldn't tell so she hit him in the head with some paper.
"Ow! I was being sarcastic! I'll ask someone I like, other than Trace of course. Someone cool." he said.
Later that night Harry and Luna were on their way to the party.
"I've never been to this part of the castle. I sleep walk you see. That's why I where shoes to bed. Luna said.
When they got there Neville appeared with a drink.
"Drink?" he asked.
"Neville!" Harry said.
"I didn't get into the Slug Club. It's Ok though. He's got Melvin hanging up towels in the looroom." he said.
"I'm fine thanks."
"OK." he said.
Then he saw Hermione going behind a curtain.
Tracey was close so he waved for her to come over.
"What?" she asked.
"Come on, Hermione is over there by herself for some reason." he said.
So they headed to where she was.
"Hermione, what are you doing?" Tracey said.
"What happened to you?" Harry asked.
"No I just escaped. I mean, I left Cormac under the mistletoe."
"Cormac?" Harry said.
"That's who you invited?!" Tracey said shocked.
"I thought it would annoy Ron." she said.
Then someone came something.
"Dragon tails?" he asked.
"I'm fine thanks." Hermione said.
Harry and Tracey shook their head.
"Just this one. They give you a horrible breath." he said.
"On second thought,"
She grabbed the entire helping.
When she got one in her mouth she saw Cormac coming.
"Oh god here he comes."
She handed Harry the food and left. A few seconds later Cormac came.
"She just left to powder her nose." Tracey said.
"She's a bit of a minx. Isn't she?" he said taking some food.
"Yeah, yeah." Harry said.
"What is this anyway?"
"Dragon balls." Harry said.
A few seconds later Snape appeared and Cormac threw up on top of his shoe.
"You just got a month detention. Not, so quick Potters."
They stopped and looked at him.
"I really should get back to my date sir." Harry said.
"Me too." Tracey said.
"I'm sure your dates can wait a few minutes. This is from Professor Dumbledore saying he wishes you two a happy Christmas. He's traveling now."
"Traveling where?" Harry asked.
Then Snape was interrupted by someone.
"Get your hand off me you squib!" Malfoy said.
"Professor Slughorn sir. I just discovered this boy lurking in the upstairs corridor. He claims to be invited to your party." Filch said.
"OK OK I was gate-crossing happy?" Malfoy said.
"I'll, escort him out." Snape said.
"Certainly, Professor." he said pulling his arm off Filch.
"Alright everyone, carry on, carry on." Slughorn said.
Harry looked at Tracey and then they followed Snape and Malfoy.
"Maybe I did hex that Bell girl. Maybe I didn't. What about you?" Malfoy said.
"I swore to protect you. I made the Unbreakable Vow!" Snape said.
"I don't need protection. I was chosen for this. This is my moment!"
Harry looked at Tracey.
"An unbreakable vow?" they said together.