Hermione turned to see Pansy leading Draco onstage, who had a painful expression on his face. He saw Hermione and again looked down as if embarrassed. Hermione frowned for a second. What was with him tonight? But all of a sudden was caught in an amazing lift by Viktor, and she laughed loudly as he set her down and held her closely. Wow, she thought, he is just incredible.

 You haven’t kissed him yet?’ she put a hand over her mouth, ‘I would’ve been right in there seeing as-’

‘Maybe I have!’ said Hermione loudly, cutting across Lavender. 

‘You have? You?’ Lavender cried incredulously.

‘Yes, me!’ said Hermione sharply, standing up suddenly. Why did everyone have this idea that she'd never kissed a boy? 

Maybe because you haven't, said a small voice in her head.

 Hermione’s eyes searched the crowd as forever ended, as the music reached its final light-hearted crescendo, as the crowd disintegrated and fell into applause. She pushed forward from the shadows. Yes, there he was. She spied the boy in blood-red and smiled. He was searching for her. Malfoy’s presence still lurked overhead, chilling her, but she tried to shake the quiver. She walked into the light, towards the dance floor, and she shimmered, a lonely blue star in the expanse of the sparkling sky.