'The Vampire Diaries' Episode 9 Preview Clip: Damon & Elena Gear Up

This week on "The Vampire Diaries," it's time for the Homecoming dance, which means of course that something terrible is about to happen in Mystic Falls.

After the catastrophe of this year's Senior Night, it seems that any time there's a big school-related event, Elena and the others end up in mortal danger.

In this preview clip of this week's episode, "Homecoming," Stefan notes the pattern as well. "If I look at your track record at high school dances, it's pretty tragic," he tells Elena. Of course, despite being "compelled" to protect her, Bad Stefan seems a little more concerned with finding a good tie to wear.

Damon also shows his protectiveness over Elena in the clip, but in different ways. First of all, he refuses to tell her his "secret contingency plan" in case their arsenal of stakes and wolfsbane doesn't work on the hybrid, and secondly he keeps her from tinkering with grenades. What a nice guy.

This episode marks the mid-season finale, so expect some fireworks. Or wolfsbane grenades. Or something.

Watch the preview clip of "The Vampire Diaries" season 3, episode 9 "Homecoming" below: