A Bit Early

The End: Original

We reached the top of the final staircase where five boys waited.

Harry looked smooth in a black suit with a white shirt and silver tie. He bowed as Parvati approached him, as she giggled and curtsied in return. Cho walked down to meet Cedric who kissed her hand, causing her to blush just enough to match her dress. Ginny, Luna, Padma, and I had reached the bottom of the steps, drawing numerous sets of eyes towards us.

I noticed a boy who seemed to be dressed in the formal dress robes of the 18th century. He had attempted to slick his hair down, but it was sticking up in odd places; his shoulders were hunched from the weight of his collar. Then I noticed the familiar blush along his ears. No, it can't be-

"Hello Ron. I see mom sent you your dress robes," Ginny said smirking. Neville tapped her on the shoulder, and her smile grew wider as she noticed who it was. "Hi Neville. Just hold on and let me take my coat off." I cracked a smile.

As she removed her long coat dozens of jaws dropped. She giggled, flipped her hair, and wrapped her arms around Neville.

"Let's go," she cooed, and then winked at us. She smiled as the left our group to enter the Great Hall.

"Good evening, Padma," said Ron sullenly. He lifted his eyes and finally noticed that she wasn't alone. "Hello Luna. You look marvelous. You do as well of course, Padma. Hermione." He nodded his head towards me, and smiled brightly at Luna, and his date.

"You look quite disheveled, Ron. It's quite spontaneous," Luna declared.

"Yes, well-er-thank you. We must catch up with Harry-"

"Harry's dancing with the champions along with Parvati, and Cho," I stated. "But Luna is free. I'm sure she'd love to join you."

"Of course. Have fun dancing with your champion," said Ron, curtly.

"Sorry Padma," I whispered in her ear as she and Luna escaped from my sight. I felt someone take my hand, and turned to see Viktor.

"Her-my-any, you look beautiful. Very beautiful," he said as he looked me over. I felt self conscious and was happy when his eyes stopped on my face.

"Shall we enter?" he asked. I nodded nervously finally feeling the butterflies Cho had been feeling about leading the other dancers, my fellow classmates. I quickly grabbed his arm tightly.

"Viktor, I'm scared. I don't remember half of the steps, and I just know I'll trip in these heels-" he cut me off quickly with a kiss. I backed up a little, but he caught me elbows. This isn't this kiss that I want, I thought miserably. What am I going to do? He thinks I went with him as more than a friend.

"You must not feel fear. For I shall be with you," he tried to soothe me, but his kiss had put my on edge even more. You have to calm down, Hermione. For Parvati, who would love to be in your place. And for Luna. It's her first dance and she won't know what she's doing.

This thought consoled me enough to carry on. I placed my hand on top of his as the choir began singing. I watched my peers gawk at Cho, Parvati, and I. And I proudly smiled as the both waved to their friends in the crowd. Catching Padma's eye, I waved and giggled as Ron raised his hand, and gave it a little shake; he seemed to smile. An embarrassed expression took over his features when I truly caught his eye, and he realize who I was waving to. I smiled sympathetically; Viktor pulled me closer.

"On three," McGonagall trilled. Professor Flitwick tapped his wand, assembling the orchestra, "One, two, and three!" She had chosen the most elaborate waltz we had learned, but no one seem to be having trouble. Viktor spun me, lifted me, dipped me; everything he should do. Except when boy would catch my eye; then he d spin me away.