Win a Date with Harry Potter!

Harry, Ron and Hermione were eating breakfast, dreading their upcoming 7^th-year, Advanced Potions lesson when the Owl Post arrived. Harry was very surprised to see Hedwig among the usual mass of brown and gray. He assumed that she would just be flying in to get a bite to eat, however, she had a letter in her beak. After Harry took the letter, Hedwig stole of Harry's bacon and pumpkin juice, nipper his finger and flew off back to the Owlery.

"What do you reckon this is?" Harry asked, opening the letter.

"Another fan letter or something," Ron said, keeping his attention focused on the Daily Prophet in his hand.

Harry began reading the letter, and almost choked on his porridge when he reached the third line.

"What? What is it?" Hermione asked, looking over Harry's shoulder. She began laughing.

"What's happened?" Ron asked, tossing his paper aside so it narrowly missed knocking over Neville's snack of toast.

"It's nothing. Just a bit of rubbish," Harry said, crumpling up the letter and dropping it on the table. "Just forget it."

Hermione was still trying to suppress her giggles. Ron reached over and grabbed Harry's crumpled letter. He opened it and read aloud.

"Dear Mr. Potter,

It has come to our attention that recently your reputation had taken a slight fall. We have had an idea that could reverse this unfortunate problem. We would like to sponsor a contest where a lucky, young witch wins a chance to go on a date with you! This would greatly improve your approval rating with the public. Please send an owl back with your response.

Thank you very much,

Mervalyn Skower

Mervalyn Skower, spokeswitch for Mrs. Skower's Magical Mess Remover."

Ron put the letter down as a smile grew on his face. "You should do this, Harry," he said. "A free date! Why not? It could be fun."

"Oh, Ron," Hermione said, shaking her head. "Don't do it, Harry. It's just a silly promotion for Mrs. Skower."

"What I don't get is...what are they talking about, my reputation's taken a 'fall'?" Harry asked.

"Probably the fact that you only got 8 OWLS, or you started an illegal school club, or you dated three girls on one year, or..."

"So my reputation's fallen because I can't keep a girl interested in me?" Harry asked, outraged.

"Like I said, it's just a silly promotion. Now we'd better go, or we'll be late for Potions." Hermione scooped up her bag and led the way to Snape's dungeon.

* * *

Later that night, in the common room, Ron and Harry were sitting together, doing homework, waiting for Hermione to return from the library.

"So, have you thought anymore about that date contest?" Ron asked Harry.

"What?' Harry asked, accidentally smudging his Transfiguration essay.

"You know, that Mrs. Skower's thing? Where you get to go on a date with someone?" Ron asked, putting down his quill.

"I know what you meant," said Harry, also putting down his quill. "But why would I have been thinking about it?"

"So you can decide to do it," Ron said slowly.

"But...well, Hermione said it was just a stupid promotion," stammered Harry.

"What does Hermione know? She's still in touch with Krum," said Ron, trying and failing to keep the anger out of his voice.

"Yeah, I guess you're right." Harry reached into his schoolbag where he had stuffed the letter from Mrs. Skower. He opened it and began reading it again. "You know, maybe I'll do it. What would it hurt?"