"… And I would like most to thank you all for coming to this reunion. I hope you all have a wonderful time. Thank you."

She walked off the platform with the most realistic fake-smile she could muster up. During her entire speech, she looked through the crowds for his platinum locks. Her heart jumped when the great hall doors opened only to crash down to see that it was only Blaise and Harry.

"Hello Hermione."

She smiled as she looked up. "Hi Severus."

It had been about a year since they dated. And although their relationship failed, their friendship grew. She ran up and hugged him.

"Brilliant speech I might say. Although you did seem a bit distracted."

He had really been heartbroken when she abruptly broke off what would seem like the beginning of a relationship. But he remembered the time he asked Draco if it would be alright to date her, and the look he had on his face. He never quite got over her. He supposed neither of them did.

"You know I'm not used to giving speeches to big audiences. I always feel like I will fumble with my words and say something utterly ridiculous."

"Well, it really is wonderful to see you. You haven't by any chance seen my godson though, have you?"

Her head fell as the reality hit her. He hadn't come.

"Oh, I thought you would have seen him. I've been preparing for this speech all day."

"Well, I must say, you look absolutely spectacular tonight."

"Oh Severus, you were always the charmer."

He extended his hand to her and smiled.

"A dance?"

Hermione laughed as she placed her hand in his. She knew in her head they were only friends. That's the way she wished it to be like. She only hoped he wished the same.

They gracefully waltzed around the room. Snape was an excellent dancer, very graceful on his feet. Hermione was another story, always a bit of a klutz. But during the time she dated Draco, she was expected to go to these big functions, to dance and be graceful. So for the sake of not looking like a complete idiot, she took dancing lessons. After breaking up with Draco, she found dancing a bit relaxing. Plus, it prevented her from tripping over her feet like she used to.

"May I have the next dance?" Someone tapped Severus out, and Blaise took his place. As Severus bowed and kissed her hand goodbye, Blaise took Hermione in his arms and gracefully lead her around the room.

"You look absolutely stunning tonight."

"Oh, but Ginny is even more."

"Ah, I can't say anything there. But I have to say, I'm a little biased. I am married to her."

She laughed a little as she looked around for the little Weasley. "Where is she?"

"She is dancing with Neville I think. He did always have a bit of a crush on her. I suppose it's a good thing I'm rather conceited and know she won't be able to do any better than me."

"Conceited indeed."

They danced along in silence for a moment before he leaned down closer to her and whispered into her ear. "Go outside."

She looked up at him as he stopped the dance walked away. Rather confused, she contemplated on running after him, but he had already tapped Neville out and was dancing with Ginny once again. Feeling the urge to know what exactly was outside, she walked out of the great hall and into the cold.

Once outside, she found that there was nothing but a few carriages and a few couples snogging near the bushes. Feeling an incredible need to get away from the crowd, she walked further down, closer to the lake. She stared up at the bright moon, and the sparkling stars dancing around it. The sky was having a ball also. The cold breeze swept her as she shuddered, looking around for something to keep her a bit warm. It was then when she saw him.

A lone figure sitting out next to the lake, throwing rocks into the water. His green dress-robe being creased by the rough rock, his platinum blonde locks, his silver eyes. He was once the Slytherin prince. And anyone could see why. And for some reason, he was the last person she wanted to see.

Turning around she, quietly crept away and stopped. No, she had to speak to him. She's waited five years for this it had to be now. But she couldn't bring herself to do it. She wanted to, but couldn't. And as she stood there, contemplating, she didn't notice that the figure had already left his rock.

---------

"That was some party."

"It was awesome. I can't believe I haven't seen some of these people for so long!"

The ball had ended, and people were starting to leave. Soon, the house-elves would be cleaning up.

"Hermione dear, you have a ride?"

She turned to see the Zabini's. Ginny had thought that if Draco didn't take this chance to talk to Hermione, maybe she could force it. But so far, she had no luck locating the twit.

"Oh, I'm fine. I actually, I came here with Harry and Ron, if I could only find them…"

"They already left." Ginny quipped. "You can share the carriage ride out with us."

"Oh, it's fine, I need a bit of the fresh air."

"Good God Hermione, It's below zero and that cloak can only do so much. Plus, it's a two-mile stretch, so just come with us. There is plenty of room." Blaise said.

Hermione nodded as she followed the couple to a gorgeous white carriage. The door opened and there he was. The no-show. Everything she wanted, everything she thought she needed. Draco.

She nearly fainted at the spot.