A week had passed since the First Task, and Harry could not tamper the smile that flitted across his face. He had secured first place, narrowly besting Jean-Pierre. Even low marks from Snape were not enough to outweigh the perfect scores he received from Professor Dumbledore and Madam Maxime. As sweet as victory was, it paled in comparison to seeing the smug expression wiped off Jean-Pierre's face. He could only imagine the poor bloke's chances with Ginny now.

After he finished the First Task and secured the Egg, a party was held in the Gryffindor Tower in his honor. There was more food and butterbeer than Harry had ever seen, and the students could ever hope to finish, and everyone was in high spirits. Harry's Quidditch teammates took turns hoisting him in the air. He must've shaken every hand in the room, save for Ron and Dean's, who both deliberately avoided the party. Ginny too could not be found, which Harry had understood but had nevertheless been disappointed by.

During the party, the Golden Egg was passed around. Harry kept his eye on the Egg all times, and after Neville nearly dropped it, he took it back and held it up for all to see.

"Who wants me to open it?" he shouted, and his friends shouted their encouragement. As soon as Harry opened the Egg, a terrible scream erupted, its wail haunting and painful. The students immediately clapped their ears with their hands. Harry winced and shut it immediately. He looked at the Egg quizzically, searching along the seams for some clue on how to open it. Realizing that he'd need to figure out a way long enough to hear the clue, Harry sought Hermione out. Unfortunately, she had left the party early, most likely to provide Ron with company. The celebration eventually ended, and Harry retired to his dorm, making sure to keep the Egg safe under his bed. He took in a last round of congratulations from his fellow Gryffindors before his head hit the pillow, and Harry enjoyed his most restful night of sleep since coming to Hogwarts.

It seemed that his victory had turned the opinions of nearly all the school. Whereas the Hogwarts students were tormenting Harry the week leading up to the task, now they all desperately wanted to be his friend. This was at least a situation Harry was familiar with from Beauxbaton. The familiar feelings of suspicion and annoyance at all the hanger-ons returned in full force. He was especially irked that the same students who'd lobbed insults at him just days ago were now asking him to sit with them in the library. Harry had few needs in a friend, but above all else, he desired loyalty. He was happy that the student body was now supporting him, but Neville and Hermione remained Harry's only true and steadfast friends. And Ginny, of course. But he couldn't tell anyone that.

Ron seemed to be the only Hogwarts student not trying to get on Harry's good side; he was still determined to hate Harry with every fiber of his being, and Harry oddly found some honor in that. At least Weasley was loyal to his beliefs, Harry thought.

Unfortunately, Harry's good fortune came at a cost. James had taken Harry's performance and run with it. During lunch one day, he overheard James telling Hagrid how Harry was going to become the most famous Potter in history, how his victory would be spoken of for centuries to come. Harry thought for a moment about trying to avoid his dad, lest he start asking for Harry to sit for a painting in celebration of his great success. But he decided on the much more mature solution of asking his mum for help.

"You need to tell Dad to cool it," he pleaded, and Lily smiled and stroked his head.

"I know, but he's just so excited for you. Telling your father not to be overly enthused is like telling a Mandrake not to wail. Just be patient with him and try not to let it get to you. Focus on the task at hand. You have started on that, right?"

Harry gulped and looked away. He knew that his Mum could tell when he was lying just by staring at his eyes. Harry supposed she had an unfair advantage in that respect.

"I basically have it worked out," he said while staring at a rather interesting set of cauldrons. He looked back in time to see Lily roll her eyes.

"Harry, don't put this off to the last minute like it's homework. You can't afford a Dreadful grade on your next task."

"I promise I'll get right on it," Harry said, rather unconvincingly.

"Sure you will," Lily laughed. "Now get out, I have students coming who actually enjoy my class."

Harry took his mum's words to heart and spent most of the next few days thinking about how best to open the Egg. Harry was a clever boy but not clever enough to crack the riddle. He needed help and again sought out Hermione for help. If anyone could figure it out, it would be her. But Hermione was nowhere to be found. After his last class of the day, Harry searched the library, going through every row of bookshelves before giving up and continuing his search elsewhere. He checked the Gryffindor common room to no avail. He checked as many empty classrooms as he could and still Hermione wouldn't turn up. He was ready to give up when he came across his dad talking with Hagrid in the courtyard.

"Harry!" he shouted upon seeing Harry across the courtyard. Hagrid waved Harry over with his big hands, causing James' cloak to billow.

"How yer doing with classes, Harry?" Hagrid asked.

"Going ok, I suppose."

"Wish I had yer for Care of Magical Creatures."

"Me too," Harry answered honestly. "Maybe I can stop by one evening and you show me some of what I'm missing? Mum said you had a lesson on thestrals?"

"Oh, that was a doozy. Beautiful creatures, you ask me. Completely misunderstood."

Hagrid glanced at his watch and his eyes went wide. "I best be off. Important appointment to keep." He turned to James and patted him on the back, causing James to nearly lose his balance. "I'll see you for dinner and we can grab that firewhiskey after."

"Sounds like a plan, Hagrid." James said and with that, Hagrid left James and Harry.

"Bet you ten galleons his appointment is with Aberforth at the Hog's Head." James grinned. "So, figured the Egg out yet?"

"Ugh, don't remind me," Harry groaned. "Any chance you could bend your moral code for one day and give me a hint?"

"And what sort of father and Ministry official would I be if I did that?"

"The best kind?"

James laughed and slung his arm over Harry's shoulder. "You'll figure it out. You're a smart lad." The two walked back inside the castle. "So, what are you up to now?"

"Trying to find someone. I've looked through the entire castle and she isn't turning up."

Suddenly James stopped walking and smacked himself in the forehead. "I'm an utter dolt!"

"What's wrong?" Harry asked, concerned etched on his face.

"Come with me." James grabbed Harry and dragged him to his and Harry's mum's quarters. Harry waited outside while James disappeared, reemerging several minutes later waving an old piece of parchment in his hand.

"I was planning on giving this to you weeks ago, but it just slipped my mind with everything going on."

He thrusted the parchment into Harry's hand. Harry ran his hands over the crinkly piece of paper, its edges yellowed with age.

"What is this?" he asked, looking up at his Dad, who wore a huge grin from ear to ear.

"This, my son, is the answer to your problems. Though it might create a few."

Harry eyed the parchment, looking over every inch but seeing nothing. He again looked to his Dad for an answer.

James removed his wand from his robes and tapped the center of the parchment.

"I solemnly swear I am up to no good," he said, almost song-like. Suddenly, black lines began appearing on the parchment. Harry could start to make out words and shapes. Eventually, he realized he was now looking at a map. In the center, Harry read:

"Messrs. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot & Prongs

Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief-Makers

Are proud to present

THE MARAUDER'S MAP"

"Marauder's Map?" Harry asked and James nodded. Harry looked at the name Prongs.

"You made this?"

"Well, Remus probably did the bulk of the work, but Sirius and I played our part. Even Peter helped."

Harry was mesmerized by what his hands held. He opened the map and was even more blown away. On the map was every room, staircase and passageway in Hogwarts. Even more amazing was all the names floating around. Every student, teacher, and even ghost was represented. Harry saw Neville and Luna walking on the 4th floor, Dean and Seamus' names were huddled closely in the Gryffindor dorms, and even Dumbledore pacing back and forth in his office.

"This map is what made my years at school so much fun. Your godfather and I got up to so much trouble with it."

"This is the most brilliant thing I've ever seen," Harry said in a hushed voice.

"It's yours now, son."

"Really?"

"Who else would I give my most valuable possession to?" Harry beamed at the comment and launched himself at his dad, hugging him for all he was worth.

"Thanks, Dad."

"No problem. Now, don't abuse this. Only use it for sneaking out after curfew and for finding the best snogging spots." James wiggled his eyebrows at Harry. "You can start by finding that friend of yours."

Harry scanned the map for Hermione's name, and after a minute, found it. Unfortunately, it was nearly on top of Ron's name in the Prefect's Bathroom. Harry's face turned bright red.

"Ugh!" he exclaimed and promptly folded the map back up. The writing remained.

James tapped the parchment once again. "Mischief managed," he said, and the ink disappeared. He took the map and folded it up before placing it in Harry's robes. "Careful who you show that to. Filch has been trying to get his hands on it for years."

Harry gave his dad another hug and departed to the Gryffindor tower. He found a cozy spot against the window and removed the map. Harry spent the next few hours poring over it, regularly checking to see when Hermione would become free. Harry checked on a few other names, but he spent the most time focused on one name in particular, watching as her name flew up and down the Quidditch pitch. Harry had never before focused so intently on a piece of old parchment, and it was only when he heard the footsteps of his dormmates hurrying down the stairs to go to dinner that he finally pulled his eyes away. Harry gave one last glance at the map, shuddering upon seeing Hermione and Ron still in the Prefect's bathroom before putting the map away and following the other students to the Great Hall. Harry was halfway through his Shepherd's Pie when he saw Hermione and Ron enter the Great Hall, hand-in-hand. Ron looked particularly disheveled and Harry fought the urge to spew his food onto his plate.

As dinner drew to an end, Harry was surprised to see the headmaster approach the lectern. After calling for quiet, Dumbledore cleared his throat.

"Christmas is truly a wonderful time of year and I'm sure many of you are looking forward to spending time with your families. For those considering staying at Hogwarts, however, I am pleased to offer up a rather engaging source of entertainment. As is the tradition during the TriWizard Tournament, I would like to announce that we shall hold a Yule Ball in celebration."

At once the Great Hall erupted in exciting chatter at the revelation of a dance. Dumbledore held up his hand, and the students quieted immediately. "As I was saying, in the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation between the three schools, the Yule Ball serves as a chance for students from the different schools to get to know one another and form lasting bonds. All students fourth year and above may attend, and any student below may only attend if accompanied by an older student. "

There were many audible groans and shouts from the younger children, as well as many of the older boys who now had the obligation of finding a date.

"Lastly, for our three Champions, you will all have the distinct honor of opening the festivities with the first dance. I suggest you all find a partner for the evening sooner rather than later. And with that, I bid you all a good night!"

Harry's heart sank at the announcement. As if life wasn't stressful enough with fighting dragons and trying to open an egg, he now faced the most terrible task of all: finding a date. His previous desire to find Hermione receded to the back of his mind.

The entire student body was in a tizzy about the Yule Ball for the next few weeks The younger girls all giggled excitedly about the chance to go to the Ball, while both the older and younger boys all seemed dreadfully frightened about the affair. As Harry walked back from dinner Wednesday evening, his eyes connected with Jean-Pierre, who seemed rather excited about the idea of the dance. Harry knew that Jean-Pierre would relish the position he was in as a Champion who would have his pick of possible dates. But Harry also knew who Jean-Pierre had his eye on. The question was whether her eyes would land back on Jean-Pierre and if Harry would do anything about it.

By the time Harry returned to the dorms and plopped himself down on the couch, his mind was so cluttered he had forgotten what day it was. It was only when Hermione had returned to the dorms and reminded Harry that he realized and hurried off to meet Ginny. He thanked Hermione, still too embarrassed to meet her eye, and ran out of the common room. As he hurried towards the 7th floor, Harry began to worry about how he was going to get Hermione to help him crack the Egg if he struggled to even look her in the eye.

Harry wound up running into Ginny at the bottom of the staircase.

"Fancy meeting you here," she said with a grin and the pair ascended the stairs together. The thought popped into Harry's head about asking Ginny for help with his Egg problem. It made sense, he thought. Ginny was pretty clever, and it would give them an excuse to spend more time together.

Harry explained his problem with Ginny as they walked towards the Room of Requirement for their weekly meeting on Wednesday.

"The Egg didn't offer any clue when you opened it?" she asked as they climbed the stairs.

"It made an awful noise, kind of like a woman screeching. But I couldn't take it much longer and closed it pretty quick."

"That isn't helpful. Definitely ask Hermione. She could probably identify the scream as some obscure ancient ritual from Romania or something like that."

"Are you saying Hermione knows a lot? Our Hermione?"

"She's been known to read a book or two," Ginny said before launching into a near-perfect imitation of Hermione explaining the origins of the Romanian banshee. Harry clutched his sides and had to stop walking.

"Let me see what I can find out," Ginny said once Harry stopped laughing.

"You're a lifesaver, Ginny," Harry said, and he put his hand on her shoulder, causing Ginny to tense. The moment his hand touched her shoulder, a vision passed through Harry's mind of the two of them dancing at the Yule Ball; Harry's hands around her waist, Ginny's cupping the back of his neck. The air suddenly grew warm, and Harry removed his hand quickly.

"We should get going," Ginny said, and the pair walked in silence towards the 7th floor corridor and the Room of Requirement. But Harry noticed that Ginny kept eying him as they walked. Several times he started to say something but then the words would catch in his throat.

"You ok?" Ginny asked, and Harry knew he was not as inconspicuous as he had hoped.

"Fine, why?"

"It just seems like you have something on your mind. Bit quiet is all."

"You're not so chatty yourself," Harry said a bit too forcefully.

"Maybe I have a lot on my mind," Ginny countered, sticking out her tongue. Harry let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding in. Ginny always seemed to be able to break him out of his moods, frequent thought they may be.

"Anyone ever tell you how frustrating you are?"

"Almost every bloke I've dated," she said before adding, "and now you."

Harry instinctively moved his hand to the back of his neck, feeling the raised hairs and heat against his palm. But he was thankful that Ginny unknowingly gave him the opening he needed.

As they entered the Room of Requirement, Harry finally got up the nerve to broach the subject closest to the front of his mind.

"So, speaking of dates, crazy about the Yule Ball, innit?"

"What's so crazy about it? It's tradition."

Stupid, Potter, Harry chastised himself.

"No, that's not what I meant. It's just, er, at Beauxbaton we didn't really have dances."

Ginny shrugged. "Same here. Only time I ever really danced was at my older brother Bill's wedding. And that was a bit of a disaster."

"Not very graceful on the ground, Weasley?"

"More like the wizard couldn't stop stepping on my feet."

Harry laughed. "Well, maybe it's because they're so big."

Ginny scoffed. "I'll have you know my feet are small and dainty and quite ladylike," she said in a very posh voice while pointing her toes towards Harry.

"Eh, looks like it's impossible to avoid crushing them," Harry countered as he eyed her feet. In truth, they were rather small and narrow.

"Is that a challenge, Potter?" Ginny said, mischief in her eyes.

"Oh, I, uh, I'm not much of a formal dancer. Probably break a few of your toes." Harry saw Ginny's face falter slightly and he silently cursed himself. Harry would be the first to admit he was rather hopeless when it came to girls, but even he knew he just mistakenly turned down her offer to dance with him.

"Interesting," she said thoughtfully.

"What?"

"It's funny that you have no problem facing a dragon but the idea of dancing with a girl scares you shitless."

"Hey! It's not my fault. Worst thing a dragon will do is burn you to a crisp. I imagine you could do much worse to me if I step on your toes one too many times."

"You got me there," Ginny said before the pair dissolved into a fit of laughter.

"Besides, it's not the dancing that bothers me. It's the asking the girl to dance that I'm bloody nervous about."

"I'm glad girls don't need to worry about that," Ginny said.

"So," Harry began, "I assume a ton of blokes already asked you to the ball then?" Harry said, his stomach tightening with each word.

"Perhaps," Ginny coyly responded, twisting her hair around her pointer finger.

"And who's the unfortunate soul that got to you first?" His voice was casual with a hint of amusement, but Harry's stomach clenched even tighter, dreading the answer to come.

"Haven't said yes to anyone yet."

Harry was visibly surprised but recovered quickly enough that he didn't think Ginny noticed. "Cutting it rather close. And I thought you gave most blokes a chance, though."

"There's a big difference between agreeing to go on a walk and saying yes to the biggest event of the year."

Harry looked away so Ginny wouldn't see him smile. So, she was being particular about who she chose, he thought to himself. The bloke would have to be really top-level, someone Ginny would feel comfortable around. And as far as Harry was concerned, no one fit that bill. Ginny was very independent and wouldn't be the type of girl that would need to have a date. Maybe Harry could suggest she go alone, or maybe with someone as a friend. Just not with-

"I think Jean-Pierre is going to ask me," she said, and that awful sensation in Harry's stomach returned.

"Oh, er, ok," he sputtered. Neither said anything for what felt like an eternity to Harry. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Ginny staring intently at him. "What do you think you would say if he did?"

Ginny shrugged. "Not sure yet, am I? I still don't know much about him, and the only person who I trust that does won't give me anything to work with."

"Hey! I told you he seems alright," Harry lied, "but I don't really know him. We weren't exactly chums at school."

"Really?"

"Really. 'Sides, you don't need me influencing your decision or telling you who you should or should not date. You're your own person, right?"

Ginny looked at Harry for a moment and then flopped back into the couch. Harry heard her mumble something like 'noble git' but before he could ask her to repeat herself, Ginny stood up and started pacing in front of him.

"Maybe I should give him a chance. He is a champion after all, so that means he is intelligent and brave. Can't go wrong with that. And I need to say yes to someone soon or else I'll have no one left to go with except Filch. Plus, he's easy on the eyes." Harry scoffed and rolled his eyes. "And he's French."

"What does being French have to do with anything?"

"They're romantics."

Harry quirked a brow. "Since when did Ginny Weasley need to be romanced?"

"It's a bloody Yule Ball. Romance sort of comes with the territory at these things."

"Well, it's not what I'd consider a good time as a date."

"Oh, yeah?" she challenged. Harry stood to meet her.

"Yeah. Way too stuffy and formal. Have to get dressed up in really expensive robes that you can't spill anything on. Boring dancing."

"I know you have an aversion to it, but dancing isn't boring." Ginny had continued pacing and Harry took to walking backwards in front of her. Every time Ginny turned, so did he.

"It is when it's for a fancy ball. Trust me, I had to attend too many of them. There is nothing fun about the foxtrot."

"I thought you said you didn't have many dances at Beauxbaton."

"No, these were for Ministry functions my Dad made me attend. There were loads of them, and I had to go to every single one."

"So you have a lot of experience dancing at these?" Ginny asked with a mischievous smile.

"Oh, yes, I've probably danced with every sixteen-year-old heiress to some distant wine vineyard in the Alsace Region. So trust me when I say that dances are incredibly dull."

"Maybe it's just you, since you hate dancing and all."

"I do not hate dancing," Harry argued. "I can cut a rug with the best of them."

"Cut a rug?" Ginny said with a laugh. "Are you as old as Dumbledore?"

"Is that even possible? I'm just saying that I much prefer dancing in muggle clubs to actual music than to Celeste Warbeck. At least there you don't need to get rejected by girls when you ask them to dance. You just all dance together. Not that I'm any good."

"Ooh, this I'd love to see. Harry Potter 'cutting a rug' at a muggle dance club."

"Maybe one of these days I'll take you," Harry said, his voice going low. They had stopped walking by this point. Ginny gulped in some air, and Harry noticed at that moment the two were standing awfully close. Harry stared intently into Ginny's chocolate eyes, seeing himself in the reflection from her pupils.

"You'd have to ask me, and you said yourself you're a bit frightened at the prospect."

The words deflated Harry. They felt too on the nose for comfort. But he kept staring at Ginny, as if something was willing him to push forward.

Eventually, Ginny broke the spell. "So, um, who are you thinking of taking to this stupid Ball? Seeing as you have to go with someone."

"Another stupid blood tradition, you ask me," Harry moved away and sat back down on the couch, running his hands through his hair and messing it up even further. "I wish I could just go stag."

"There's not anyone you want to go with?" she asked, taking the seat next to him.

Harry looked away. "If I did, I doubt they'd want to go with me."

Ginny rolled your eyes. "You know, if you want sympathy, you should at least complain about something that's actually true. You're a bloody Triwizard Champion! Witches are probably chomping at the bit to get you to ask them."

"Great," he snorted. "Just what I want. More girls after me for my achievements. It'd be nice if a witch just wanted to go with me because she actually liked me. Even if I wasn't a Champion or a Potter."

"Woe is you. Triwizard champion, desired by all the witches in school, too many galleons in your vault, and your eyes are too green."

"Too green?" Harry asked. His eyes bulged and Ginny cringed.

"Definitely too green," she said. "So, let's see here. You need a date, but someone who will not be all into the whole champion thing. Maybe go with someone as a friend?"

Ginny tapped on her chin, deep in thought. Harry couldn't help but find it irresistibly cute.

"I got it! You can take Luna."

"Who?"

"Oh, you know Luna. You've seen her around. Bit taller than me. Blonde wavy hair." Ginny gestured to her own hair, which Harry thought was more straight than wavy. Not that he was an expert in hair matters, if his own mop was any indication.

"Oh, right, I've seen the two of you walking together. Ravenclaw, right?" He now formed a mental picture of this Luna person. Her hair was rather wavy and long, and more white than blonde. She wasn't entirely unappealing, though Harry did recall her wearing rather peculiar earrings.

"She's a bit of an odd duck, isn't she?"

Ginny frowned. "I suppose so, but I consider that part of her charm. Besides, wouldn't you rather go with someone unique and interesting instead of vapid and boring?"

Harry rubbed his chin, pretended to consider this, and Ginny gave him a playful shove. "Fine, I'll take her. If she lets me, that is. And just as friends."

"Of course," Ginny said, her smile lighting up the room. "I'll let her know. She'll be so excited!"

Harry felt a bit relieved to not need to worry about a date for the dance, and the rest of the evening was spent trying to figure out how to open the Egg. Eventually they had to call it a night, and the pair walked back towards the Gryffindor common room as curfew quickly approached. As they were about to enter through the portrait of the Fat Lady, Harry heard a most unwelcome voice from behind them.

"Ginny!" Jean-Pierre shouted. Harry turned and saw his nemesis leaning against the stone wall. Jean-Pierre pushed himself off and began walking towards them.

"You go on in without me," Ginny said.

"What about curfew?" Harry asked, willing her to follow him inside.

"I'll be fine. Besides, don't want anyone wondering why we are walking in together, right Potter?"

Harry nodded, his eyes moving to Jean-Pierre. The boy eyed Ginny and then gave Harry a lecherous grin.

"Right, guess I'll leave you to it." Harry moved into the Common Room, glancing back just in time to see Ginny smile at Jean-Pierre before the door closed.

Immediately, Harry was bombarded with shouts and loud bangs. He took in the scene in front of him. Ron and Hermione were standing inches apart next to the fireplace. Ron towered over Hermione, but she looked to be the more aggressive of the two, jabbing her fingers in his chest several times.

"You're bloody mental, you know that, right?" Ron shouted.

"That's only because you make me that way, Ron." Hermione huffed. "Maybe if you thought of anyone but yourself for a change, we wouldn't be having this fight."

"What did I do wrong?"

"What did you do wrong? Are you that thick?" Hermione's face grew even redder. Harry slinked his way to where Neville was standing nearby. Neville was holding his hand over his mouth to keep from bursting out laughing.

"What's going on?" Harry whispered.

"They're fighting," Neville replied through fits of laughter. "Nothing out of the ordinary, except Ron is digging himself in deeper than normal."

"Well, this should be just the pick-me-up I need, then."

"Why are you so down, dragon slayer?" Neville grinned and Harry rolled his eyes.

"Never you mind," Harry said before turning his attention back to the night's entertainment.

"Why do I need to ask my girlfriend to the Yule Ball?" Ron said, throwing his hands up in frustration.

"Oh, I don't know, Professor," Hermione said dryly. "Maybe because the Yule Ball comes once in a generation and a proper boyfriend would do the romantic thing and ask his girlfriend to go. Not complain about having to learn to dance and asking if we could skip it and snog in a broom closet!"

"But, Hermione, it's going to be so dull and… fussy!"

"You are so frustrating, Ronald Weasley. Argh!" Hermione's face grew so red Harry thought she might combust.

"Fine! Hermione Granger, would you go with me to the Yule Ball? Will that make you happy?"

"No, you dolt! What would make me happy is you understanding that just because we are in a serious relationship doesn't mean you get to stop trying."

"Stop trying to what?" Ron asked, his face contorted in confusion.

"To woo me!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Woo you?" Ron was no longer angry but incredibly flummoxed. Harry looked between the two and noticed all the anger seemed to dissipate, replaced by something he couldn't put his finger on but made him feel a bit sad for them.

Hermione let out a great breath. "It's silly, I know. And usually I'm not like this. You know that." Ron simply nodded. "But from time to time I'd like it if you made more of an effort, like you did when we were just starting to date and you'd show up at Potions with flowers for me. The Ball felt like a great time for that. And I just wish you'd remember that I used to be worth all the fuss."

Tears began to trickle down Hermione's cheek and she turned and fled up the stairs, leaving a thoroughly befuddled Ron standing alone. Eventually Ron started up towards his dorm but stopped when he saw Harry.

"What are you looking at, Potter?" he sneered.

Harry smirked. "Nothing, Romeo."

Ron narrowed his eyes and shouldered past Harry and up the stairs. Harry could hear him mutter "what's a Romeo?" before disappearing.

The next evening Harry found himself standing outside the Ravenclaw common room, which was located on the western side of the castle at the top of the spiral staircase on the fifth floor. Harry knew he was in the right place but was confused by the fact the door did not seem to have a knob. Rather there was a simple bronze knocker in the shape of an eagle, positioned right in the middle. Not knowing what else to do, Harry lifted the knocker and let it fall against the wooden door with a loud thud. He then repeated this several times before a voice called out.

"Only those of quick wit and mind," said a haughty woman's voice, "are permitted to enter Ravenclaw Tower. If you wish to join your peers, you must prove yourself by answering this riddle."

Harry groaned. "Is that absolutely necessary if I just want to ask someone a question?"

"Why, it is absolutely imperative. If only to make sure you are able to ask the right question."

"That's some sound logic for you," Harry muttered to himself.

"Entry requires you to be smart, not a smart arse," the voice responded. "Now then. Answer this riddle:

Tear off one and scratch its head,

What was red's now black instead

"Er, let's see," Harry pondered the question but was utterly stumped. He stood there, mouth slightly agape, staring at the knocker, struggling for the answer.

"What are you doing, Harry?" another voice called from behind him. Harry turned to see a seventh-year girl named Cho Chang staring at him. He vaguely knew of Cho, mainly that she was the Ravenclaw seeker and quite fit.

"I'm trying to find someone, but this blasted door won't let me in."

Cho approached the door and the woman's voice repeated the riddle. Cho massaged her chin with her fingers before her eyes lit up.

"A match, of course," she said with a smug smile.

"Well reasoned," responded the voice and the common room door swung open. She walked through before turning to Harry.

"I can't let you in, unfortunately. Who is it you want to see?"

"Her name is Luna… something,"

Cho furrowed her brow. "You mean Loony Lovegood? Why on earth would you want to see her?"

Harry scowled. "I wanted to ask her about the Ball, if you must know."

Cho's mouth fell open in surprise, but she quickly recovered. "You want to take her? But she's so…odd." Cho eyes Harry up and down smiled seductively. "You know, Harry," she said, stepping back through the doorway towards Harry, "I haven't been asked yet either."

Harry decided that he really did not like this woman. "Well, I'm sure lots of people will have to go alone so don't feel too put out. Now, could you please get Luna for me?"

Cho frowned before turning and storming off, slamming the door in Harry's face. A short moment later the door opened again and out stepped Luna Lovegood.

Harry had seen her around the castle from time to time, but always from afar. Typically, she was either skipping or walking as though floating off the ground. Even now that she was standing in front of him, Harry felt that she moved back and forth like a pendulum. Her hair was blonde, though Harry thought it was closer to white, and wavy. Luna was nearly a head shorter than Harry. Looking at her up close, Harry begrudgingly admitted that Cho was at least somewhat right about Luna. She was a bit…odd. She had radish-earrings and wore a crown of daffodils on her head. She was not dressed in robes but instead wore a long purple dress that skimmed the floor. Luna wore no makeup, yet her cheeks were pink. Her purple eyes bulged, as if she were perpetually amazed by her surroundings.

"Hi, Luna. I'm Harry."

"Hello, Harry. I'm aware of who you are. But it's nice that you know who I am."

"Er, yeah, right." Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "So, listen, I imagine Ginny spoke with you about the Ball?"

"Oh, yes. It was quite nice for her to ask me out on your behalf. I imagine it's much easier than doing it yourself."

Harry wanted to take offense at the comment, yet he saw absolute sincerity on Luna's face. He felt a calm wash over him.

"Right, well I still thought it was right to ask you in person. Would you want to go to the Ball with me? As friends?" Harry felt the need to emphasize this last point.

"I'd love to go as friends!" Luna beamed, exposing her crooked smile. "It makes it much more comfortable knowing you won't try to kiss me at the end of the night."

"Er, right. I'm glad it's settled then. So, I guess I'll see you around?"

"I imagine so. We both live in the castle, after all."

Harry laughed. He was glad to be going to the Ball with Luna with no pressure for it to mean something. And she was funny, so he figured he'd at least have a good time and a bit of a laugh.

He was about to leave when Luna said something that stilled his body. "Ginny will be so glad to know we are going together as friends."

Harry turned back to Luna, her face still unreadably serene. "Wait, Ginny will be so glad we're going together? Or going together as friends?"

Luna's already bulging eyes protruded even further, and she put her hand gently on Harry's shoulder. "Oh, Harry. I wouldn't be a good Ravenclaw if I didn't let you figure out the answer for yourself."

With that, Luna turned abruptly and skipped back into the Ravenclaw common room, the door shutting behind her.

Harry didn't understand how word spread about him taking Luna Lovegood to the Yule Ball, but by the end of the week, nearly everyone he knew had asked him about it. It seemed the idea of a Triwizard champion taking Loony Lovegood to the biggest event of the year was quite the story.

When Hermione found out, she began peppering Harry nonstop about the other girl.

"You know she believes there is an international conspiracy of vampires who secretly control the Wizengamot, don't you?" she said one day while they were studying in the library.

"She told me it was giants." Harry smirked back, and Hermione scowled. Harry had finally gotten the images of Hermione and Ron in the Prefect's Bathroom out of his mind, and his friendship had returned to normal. Hermione was still cross with Ron, and Harry was smart enough to not bring his name up in her presence.

"What do you really know about her, though?"

Harry shrugged. "Not much, honestly."

"Then why agree to go with her? Surely there are more normal girls who want to go with you."

Harry scoffed. "Luna doesn't view me as some prize. In fact, I'm pretty sure she doesn't like me at all like that. Which is part of the appeal."

"What boy would want to take a girl to the Ball who doesn't fancy him?" Hermione paused and gave Harry a once over. "On second thought, you and Luna make sense. You're both utterly mental."

"Well, it was all Ginny's idea, so that makes three of us."

Hermione smiled mischievously. "Oh, so this is Ginny's doing. I really must have a talk with that girl."

"Drop it, will you?" Harry muttered before returning to his notebook. They both looked up as Neville entered the library and took a seat in the corner.

"I feel bad for Neville," Hermione said.

"What's he got to do with it?"

"I think he was a bit disappointed to learn you were taking Luna."

"Neville and Luna?" Harry thought about it and found that the idea made sense in his mind. He did notice looking rather glum the last few days but assumed it was due to end of term exams. "Maybe I should have a chat with him."

"Don't! He'd know I told you."

Harry assured Hermione his lips were sealed, but he was already forming a plan.

"I'm surprised you haven't asked for my help with the Egg," Hermione said, and Harry could sense the disappointment in her voice.

"Oh, sorry, I was actually trying to find you the other day for exactly that, but you were, er, distracted, I suppose."

Hermione shot him a confused look, but then suddenly her eyes went wide and her face flushed. "Right, I think I was busy with homework that day. Anyway, I'd like to help if I can."

"That'd be great. Me and Ginny are still a bit lost."

"You and Ginny are, are you?" Hermione grinned.

"I said drop it," Harry said but grinned back.

The pair continued studying in silence, though Harry's thoughts stayed far away from his assignments. Giving it up as a lost cause, Harry closed his books and decided to pull out the Marauder's Map. He searched for Ginny's name, and frowned when he found it next to Jean-Pierre's. They weren't on top of each other's like Hermione and Ron's were, but still too close for Harry's comfort. Suddenly in a foul mood, Harry shoved the map into his bag and gathered his books.

"I'm calling it a night," he announced to Hermione. He left the library and headed back to the Gryffindor dorms. Upon entering, he was immediately confronted by a gaggle of boys all commiserating around the fireplace. He noticed Ritchie and Jimmy both looking rather depressed, and the Creevey brothers were consoling each other. He found Parvati Patil playing gobstones with Lavender Brown and plopped himself down next to them.

"Who died?" he asked, gesturing at the sad group of boys.

"Their romantic hopes and dreams," Lavender replied with a giggle.

"What in the world are you on about?"

"You didn't hear?" Parvati chimed in. "The whole castle must know by now."

"You going to leave me hanging in suspense? Out with it."

"Fine. It's Ginny. That French boy Jean-Pierre asked her out a few days ago and Ginny just told him yes. Can't believe she bagged a Triwizard Champion."