Chloe gazed at herself in the mirror. There was to be a New Year's celebration that night, and she wanted to look her best. She had chosen an emerald green sweater with a droopy neck, skinny black pants borrowed from Hermione, and her black boots from home. The boots were wearing out, but she would buy new ones soon. She had used her roommate Malachi's red lipstick, Luna had braided her hair, and (of course) she was wearing her letter C necklace. She had "borrowed" a pair of earrings from the lost and found, and Luna had spritzed her with a perfume called Dirigible Plum.

The Great Hall looked amazing, with floating silver orbs that glowed, and a band of ghosts, and a place cleared for dancing. Dinner was mainly little bites of things, which Chloe ate with glee. She had always loved tiny foods. The teachers were seated at their high table, but even they seemed happier than usual, thanks to the mead in their goblets. Professor McGonagall's cheeks were flushed, Dumbledore was singing, and Professor Flitwick had toppled over altogether.

Someone behind her cleared their throat, and Chloe whirled around. It was Malfoy, his eyes shining. He was wearing a deep green blazer with the Slytherin crest on the pocket and black trousers. His hair was slicked back with gel or magic, though probably a combination. He looked happy and powerful.

"Hi Chloe," he said, smirking his trademark smirk.

"Hello," she replied coolly.

He looked slightly taken aback at her tone, but persevered. "I was wondering if maybe, after dessert, you'd like to dance?"

Chloe laughed. "Sure, alright. Find me after dessert."

Three pieces of fudge, a mini lemon tart, and a slice of baked pudding with chocolate sauce later, Chloe was waiting at the edge of the dance floor. She didn't want to look overeager, or send the wrong message. Malfoy made a beeline for her.

"May I have this dance?" he asked, bowing comically.

Chloe mimed a curtsy. "I would be honored."

The band struck up a jaunty tune, and the two of them carefully waltzed their way about the dance floor. Hermione and Ron were dancing, and by the look on Hermione's face, Ron kept stepping on her feet.

                                                                            *                *                   *

That night, as Chloe lowered her necklace into its box, she noticed something in the corner that she had never noticed before. Inside the box, on the very corner of the satin lining, was a careful, inked D.