Under the Mistletoe

It was just after the scrumptious Christmas feast when Peeves decided to make an entrance. The plates were gone from the long, scarcely populated tables, but the few students who remained over the holidays were still seated, clutching hot beverages in mugs. A groan floated through the small crowd. Like usual, the resident poltergeist wanted to wreak havoc, or, at the very least, annoy as many people as possible.

"I have put mistletoe up in certain locations around the school," Peeves announced, while gliding across the Slytherin table. "For entertainment purposes, of course." He flashed an evil grin. "We all know what to do when we find ourselves under the mistletoe, and so, if Harry Potter and Hermione Granger would care to look above their heads..." his voice trailed off as he looked toward the ceiling. Slightly panicked, Harry's gaze followed Peeves's. He saw the mistletoe that was hanging over the Gryffindor table, directly above himself and Hermione.

Oh no, he thought. Even with the small student body and the staff there, the situation was terribly embarrassing. Harry looked over to Hermione, who was grinning like mad. Oh no, thought Harry once again, she's going to kiss me in front of everyone!

As this was rushing through Harry's thoughts, Peeves glided over to the Gryffindor table, grinning his evil smile at the two friends. "So, what are you waiting for?" Asked the nuisance.

Hermione's grin got bigger. Harry panicked.

Then Hermione spoke, loudly enough for the whole hall to hear. "Peeves, you fool! Don't you know that mistletoe is only magical when it's been cut by a Druid using a golden sickle?"

There was a collective gasp from the people in the hall, and then everyone broke into laughter.

"She's right, of course," piped in Professor Sprout. "About the mistletoe. For putting something that we've learned in class to good use, I give ten points to Gryffindor."

Hermione beamed, Harry became calm once again, and Peeves left without a word, defeated by the brains of Hermione Granger.