Part Two

Daphne peered into the mirror, smoothing down her gown for the seventeenth time. The dress fit perfectly, the bodice hugging her waist, thin, capped sleeves covering her shoulders in a way that she looked modest enough for a lady, yet stylish enough for a young witch. The skirt flowed down from the waist, touching the silver heels on her feet. Biting her lip, she twisted around, watching as the rhinestone necklace she wore glittered under the light of the little candles Pansy had hovering around the mirror. She had wished she had worn real diamonds, yet it was not what concerned her most. What if the turquoise dress she wore didn't match Blaise's suit? She had picked it as a colour that would not wash out her blonde hair, but now was not so sure it was the right choice.

"Do you think I should wear my hair down?" she asked, turning to the girls.

Tracey shook her head and pushed her away from the mirror, trying to fix the shoulder strap on her burnt-orange dress robes.

"You look fine," Pansy said, rolling her eyes at Tracey. Taking out her wand, she helped the girl with her strap before turning to Daphne with a mischievous smile. "I bet your date is going to be real appreciative of it," she said, winking.

Daphne turned away, feeling a blush rise to her cheeks. She really should get that under control. She wasn't annoyed at Pansy's suggestive comment, however, for it was because of the brunette that Daphne had the date of her dreams. Pansy had come through with her promise, announcing at breakfast the morning before that "Daphne shall go to the ball!" When pressed for how she had managed to arrange it, Pansy had simply shrugged her shoulders, told her, "the boy was easy enough to find, and pleasantly surprised," before steering the conversation back to talk of dress robes and Draco.

"Come on, we're late." Clipping the lid onto the tube of pink lipstick she held, Pansy faced the group. "Ready?"

"But I thought you wanted us to make the boys wait?" Millicent protested, finally able to jam her left foot into a purple shoe.

Pansy rolled her eyes and walked over to Daphne, linking arms. With a tug, she pulled her out of the room, not leaving anymore time for adjustments or second-guesses.

Daphne felt the butterflies begin to take over her stomach, as they had for the last few days. Her palms felt a little clammy, and it took all of her strength to keep her head up and remained poised. She stared straight ahead as they descended the staircase into the Slytherin common room, looking up only once they had reached level ground and she could be sure she wouldn't stumble or fall.

Her eyes lit up as she spotted Blaise on one of the emerald leather lounges. His dress robes made him appear older, in a way, a teal tie hanging loosely around his neck. His hair was carelessly brushed back. In his lapel pocket, a silver tiger lily hung loosely, the dark green stem complementing the look. Daphne felt her heart pound in excitement; he was perfect. Beside him, Theodore sat upright, similar black robes accented with aquamarine, and Draco stood in front of Crabbe and Goyle, lecturing to them about who knew what.

"Drakie! You look dashing!" Pansy released her grip on Daphne's arm and skipped over to Draco to latch onto him instead.

"Uh, you too," Draco said, eyeing her frilly, pink robes. Then, composing himself, he smiled and said, "Shall we go, then?"

Pansy nodded eagerly and Draco guided her out the door, followed closely behind by Crabbe and Goyle—or rather, two monkeys in a suit. The amusing thought was almost enough to distract her from her nerves, until she realised that she stood alone, Millicent and Tracey having become distracted by the seventh year boys who had just arrived. Licking her lips, she peered at Blaise through her thick lashes, wondering if she should go up to him, or wait for him to take her arm.

The butterflies in her stomach whirred around furiously as Blaise eventually stood up, raking a hand through his locks. She brushed her hands against the back of her dress, hoping that they wouldn't be sweaty when Blaise took them. She needn't have worried, however, for Blaise passed her with no more than a quick smile, and began to head out the door.

Ok, perhaps she was being too old-fashioned. Holding hands was more a Malfoy/ Parkinson type of thing; Blaise was casual and cool. Calming herself, she took a step forward, ready to join her date.

"You look nice."

Pausing, she turned her head back to the lounge. Theodore had stood up and was now standing in front of her, holding out a white lily with a light blue ribbon tied around it. She stared at it, not comprehending.

"Here, I got this for you," Theodore said, closing the gap between them. Then, seeing that she had not moved, took her hand and placed it on her palm. "It's ok, you don't have to actually wear it. Pansy only suggested I get one; she said your favourite colour was pink, but this one matches your eyes." Closing her palm around it, he took a step back.

"Pansy—what?" Daphne stared at her hand, still not sure why it was Theodore that stood in front of her and not Blaise. Pansy had assured her she would sort out her date; she had been there when Daphne was staring at—oh.

"Well, should we go or…?" Theodore trailed off, taring at her expectantly.

No, no, no. It should be Blaise watching her! Why was this happening? No, she had to sort it out; she had to tell Theodore that this was just a mistake. She couldn't very well show up at a dance boasting glitz and glamour with a geek.

Looking back to Theodore's face and meeting his eyes, her explanation died on her lips. They appeared sad, almost defeated, as though he was expecting her to reject him. Just great.

"Alright," she whispered, allowing him to take her arm and escort her to the Great Hall.

This was going to be a long night.