- Back in the Gryffindor common room, the three amigos plus Ginny are talking about Harry's new secret Potions helper, the Half-Blood Prince.
- We flash forward a little in time (it's snowy now) and Harry, Ron and Hermione are walking into Hogsmeade. Hermione is still hung up on Harry using the Half-Blood Prince's book and thinks Harry should be a little more curious about who this dude is—after all, he's taking all kinds of advice on potion-making from him.
- Oh, look who's also heading into town: Professor Slughorn. And he mentions The Three Broomsticks pub.