The Alumni Ball of Class '91 was just in a few hours, and yet, Severus Snape and Hermione Granger hadn't moved a muscle to prepare – yet. Both were equally occupied with their jobs and didn't think of the upcoming event as important.
Oh, but it was important – very important, indeed.
In the dungeons of Hogwarts, Severus cursed loudly as he knocked over a bottle of mandrake juice. As far as the ghosts and portraits of Hogwarts knew, the Potions Master never knocked over anything. Threw, maybe, but accidentally knocked over? The word itself cannot be found in the man's vocabulary. And yes, Severus Snape has a very complicated way with words.
Maybe it was the stress, or maybe it was the perception of facing hundreds of people who were ready to smother him with their deadly perfumes. Better yet, maybe it was the idea of meeting someone from his past – someone he longed to forget, but needed near.
Hermione snapped a quill as she was editing another entry for the world-famous Potions Journal – Potio Effingo. She sighed deeply and dabbed beads of sweat on her brow. Tucking away the piece of parchment, she snatched up her handbag, and strolled out of the office. There was exactly 3 hours before the ball, and she hadn't bought a single item of clothing. She, apparently, needed all the help she could get, and rather grudgingly, Apparated into the Potter's living room.
"Hermione!"
"Oh, Ginny, I am so pleased to see you."
"What brings you here?"
"I actually need help – again."
"For the ball?"
She nodded mutely in response. Ginny was always the right choice for make-overs to balls, parties or any formal event.
The redhead beamed in delight and pushed Hermione into the sunlight.
30 minutes later…
"This dress, 'mione. I'm sure Severus won't stop looking at you."
"GINNY!" She blushed brightly and stifled a groan.
"I'll make you a deal. I won't mention his name, but you will not complain and I will decide what you wear to the ball."
"Fine. Start now."
Ginny dragged Hermione from store to store and after two hours of shopping, they looked ready to go to the ball.
Grinning from ear to ear, Ginny surveyed Hermione from head to foot.
"Severus won't know what hit him."
A pout escaped the older girl's lips and she said in response. "Who said anything about Severus?"