Victor had barely reached the bottom of the staircase when he spotted Harry and Ron waiting outside the entrance to the Great Hall.
Harry looked up immediately. "Wow, Victor, you look great."
Victor's black dress robes were elegant without being extravagant. Ron followed Harry's gaze before instinctively looking down at himself.
His own robes looked even worse now that he had someone to compare them with — ancient maroon with frilly lace cuffs and a matching collar that belonged to another era, clearly handed down from one of his older brothers.
Despite Mrs. Weasley's best efforts, they still looked hopelessly old-fashioned.
Ron tugged at one of the lace cuffs with a look of utter misery. "Why couldn't Mum have found something from this century?"
Victor smiled sympathetically. "You're being too hard on yourself. You both look good."
Harry gave him a doubtful look. Ron snorted. "You're either incredibly kind or completely blind."
Victor glanced at the frills hanging from Ron's sleeves, then at the oversized lace collar. After a moment's consideration, he nodded. "...Perhaps slightly optimistic."
Harry couldn't help laughing, and even Ron managed a reluctant grin.
Before they could continue, Professor McGonagall appeared, scanning the Entrance Hall. "Potter, have you found your partner yet?"
Harry looked thoroughly uncomfortable. "Er... no, Professor."
McGonagall blinked at him in disbelief. "No partner? But, Potter, you are one of the Triwizard champions. The champions are expected to lead the opening dance."
"I... I didn't think—"
"Clearly not," McGonagall interrupted. "Come with me. We haven't a moment to lose."
Without waiting for a reply, she turned and headed into the crowd. Harry shot Victor and Ron a helpless glance before hurrying after her.
Ron watched him disappear. "Glad I'm not the one opening the ball."
Victor smiled faintly but said nothing.
A few moments later, movement near the staircase caught his attention.
Hermione was walking toward them.
She wore flowing periwinkle-blue dress robes that shimmered softly beneath the candlelight, her bushy hair transformed into sleek curls gathered elegantly behind her head.
There was no trace of the girl most students had grown accustomed to seeing in the library. Conversations nearby faltered, and more than a few students turned to stare as she crossed the Entrance Hall.
Ron looked up absent-mindedly. His eyes widened. For several seconds he simply stood there, speechless.
Victor's gaze rested on Hermione as she stopped before him. A warm smile spread across her face. "Well?" she asked, smoothing an imaginary crease from her robes. "How do I look?"
"Beautiful," Victor said simply. "I don't think any other word would do you justice."
A faint blush rose to Hermione's cheeks and her smile widened. "Thank you." She slipped her hand through his arm with quiet confidence. "Shall we?"
"Let's."
As they started toward the Great Hall, Victor glanced back at Ron. "Have a good evening, Ron."
Ron barely heard him. He was still staring at Hermione's retreating figure, his expression caught somewhere between disbelief and regret.
***
The Great Hall had been transformed. The four House tables replaced by dozens of smaller round tables draped in white linen, silver decorations gleaming along the walls, the enchanted ceiling sparkling with stars.
At the far end, the Weird Sisters tuned their instruments as students found their seats.
Hermione took a slow look around. "It doesn't even feel like Hogwarts."
Victor nodded. "For one night, it doesn't."
They walked at an easy pace, neither in any hurry. After a short silence, Hermione looked sideways at him. "You've hardly said a word since we came in."
"I've been distracted."
"By what?"
He turned to meet her eyes. "You."
Hermione blinked, caught off guard. "Me?"
"I've seen you every day for the last four years." A brief pause. "But not like this."
A warm blush spread across her cheeks. "You've already complimented me."
"I know."
"Then why do I get the feeling you're about to do it again?"
"Because one compliment doesn't seem enough."
She laughed quietly, shaking her head. "I spent ages wondering whether this dress looked right."
"It does."
"You didn't even have to think about your answer."
"I already did."
Hermione looked at him curiously. "When?"
"The moment I saw you outside."
Neither of them spoke for a second. Hermione lowered her gaze with a shy smile before tightening her hold on his arm just a little. "I don't think anyone's ever said something like that to me."
Victor's expression softened. "Then someone should have said it sooner."
Hermione looked back at him, eyes bright beneath the candlelight. "You know..."
"Hm?"
"I'm supposed to be making you nervous tonight. That was my plan."
"And how's it going?"
She let out a small laugh. "Rather badly. Because somehow I'm the nervous one."
Victor smiled, and without thinking brushed an escaped curl gently back behind her ear. "You don't look nervous."
Hermione's heartbeat skipped. "That's because I'm trying very hard not to."
*****
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