Draco Malfoy had been doing his level best to not look at Granger. He'd heard her announced and had turned his face away from the entrance. Sadly, it was just about then that he'd discovered that the walls were mirrors. Still... Draco watched as she entered. She was wearing a skirt that went down to just above her knees - it looked like an A line, but she was walking far too boldly for that - no, it was pleated in the back, and just barely magic enough to keep the lines. She was wearing a royal blue blouse, billowy like robes, but gathered at her wrists. Malfoy could just imagine the wand holster on her inner thigh. No, he thought to himself, crossly, We are not thinking about that.

Draco felt rather than saw Blaise approach, as Draco swiftly turned his eyes towards Luna - her dress looked like some sort of metallic, flexible armor. Where had she gotten that? Draco blinked, and then chuckled to himself. Of course she hadn't bought it! She'd asked her friends to weave it, out of metal threads. Not the world's best armor, but certainly the loveliest. Granger said something to Luna, and Luna flourished a spear she'd transfigured out of nowhere.

Of course, Draco thought with a dash of chagrin, Leave it to Luna to wear THAT outfit! For all that Draco had compared Hermione to a Valkyrie, it was Luna who was busy planning, honing her blades, and polishing her thoughts. In her maniacally subtle way, Luna was announcing that she was going to fight. No one was going to understand, but Luna never thought anyone would.

Draco wasn't here to fight, not even with Weasley who smelled like he was eighty. And female. And a bed-wetter.

No, Draco thought, as he saw Hermione sweep up a small girl in her arms. He was here for her.

Draco felt jealous of the small girl in Hermione's arms (Hermione was leading, being taller), and he knew that was beyond stupid. It was insane.

"I thought you might want some spinach dip," Blaise said beside Draco, also looking into the mirror. "You know, because you seem to be feeling green."

"Thank you," Draco hissed to his friend, "Thank you so much for noticing."

Blaise just smirked.

Oh, Draco well knew how stupid it was to be jealous of a first year girl, only dancing with Hermione so she could attend the party that everyone had been going on about. Didn't stop him from feeling it, of course. Just made him rage at himself like he was not just an idiot, but mad to boot.

[a/n: Draco just wants Hermione to himself, of course.

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Valkyries are Choosers of the Slain, and Luna's guise is far from coincidental.

(It's okay to be confused. The story's not ending with the dance, I promise!)

Valkyries are often, but not always shown with helmets. Luna's head is perfectly visible.]