- In the days that follow, Hermione and Ron are definitely not getting along.
- Hermione has to figure out someone new to take to Slughorn's Christmas party, as she had been planning to bring Ron until, well, you know.
- Harry had thought he and Hermione would go together as friends, but by the time he runs this idea by Hermione, she's already asked someone else. Who? It's a surprise.
- That leaves Harry dateless, and Hermione tells him he can't just take any old girl. Case in point: there's Romilda Vane, who apparently has been trying to trick Harry into taking a love potion.
- Yes, that kind of sneakiness sounds right up Harry's alley. Not. He says he'll take someone cool.