Padma Patil

Well, Pav was there so she already knows, but this way we can all talk about it.

Lav, you will never guess what happened today at Daph's dance party.

Well, you'll guess some of it. Daphne's clearly absolutely, utterly moony over that dancing instructor of hers. And he's quite dashing, it's true. But he's far too old for her, honestly. If he's actually interested back then I'll be shocked if they don't wind up in trouble about it! Really after Bole she ought to know better.

And Perks showed up with Jeremy Stretton, of all people. And he was much clumsier on land than he is on a broom.

But. That's not the interesting thing. Or maybe the terrible thing. We're still not sure what to call it.

Zabini and I danced. Twice. I had to go again to make sure because the first time--well. He's been dancing forever, you know, so he really knows how to lead. Which is such a relief--I mean, Page was utterly hopeless and the less said about Davies the better. And of course, Seamus can dance but he's not particularly masterful about it. But Zabini--well. Like I said, he just sort of--took control. And the whole time we were dancing I was just sure I was shaking! My palms got all sweaty and I was so embarrassed I could hardly talk. I just stared at him like a dunce. But that actually helped, you know, because I could almost see where he was going to turn or throw in something fancy. And then he complimented me on 'keeping up' with him!

Which I didn't like, I can tell you.

But afterward my hands felt all tingly, sort of, and the next dance was with Stretton and he was all stiff and I had to push him through the moves a bit. So later (I waited out one or two to give the other girls a turn), I asked Blaise Zabini if he wanted to give it another go. He said something like, 'Sure, why not?' and it happened again!

I dunno. He's such a complete pillock it's unbelievable. But I think if I only ever had to dance with him, that would be all right.

Who knew?

Look, don't tell anyone, will you? I don't want people to think I've gone and done something daft like fallen in love--with Zabini, of all people! It's utterly inane to even consider it.