A/N: This is one of my very few stories. So, tell me what you think!

Disclaimer: I wised upon a star that I owned this but it was just a bottle rocket...

"Attention! Attention everyone!" The shouting voices and clamor of silverware came to a slowed halt as the grey bearded head master stepped up to the podium. "I have an announcement to make." All was silent. " This year shall be the first of many years to come of the annual Hogwarts Masquerade ball. It is vital that in these uncertain times that we should remain close to one another and...have some fun while we're at it!" Many sequels could be heard coming from the four tables, mostly from the girls of course. Dumbledore raised his hand to silence them. "I will ask that only fourth year and up attend as is tradition of Hogwarts social events." Several groans irrupted from many of the third years as well as a few second year students. "You will be asked to wear a mask, of course and glamours may be used as well if you feel your identity must be totally hidden. Festivities will begin at 8 O'clock on November the 24th and will continue until the witching hour. At that time, your glamour enchantments will be removed and students will then be escorted back to their dormitories. Thank you." and he was seated once again. As he did voices chattered in the Great Hall and footsteps could be heard as many of the girls raced to their dormitories to plan for ball.

Hermione watched the many girls pass by her, the excitement plain on their faces. Half of them were almost in a dead sprint as they came by. "Come on 'Mione!" Ginny grabbed her arm and pulled her away so quickly that she almost dropped all of her study materials.

"Ginny! The ball isn't for two weeks!"

"But we've got PLANNING to do! You want to be ready don't you?"

"Well of course but I've got a paper due next week that I haven't even started on!"

"Oh come on! You'll finish it! You always do. Everyone knows you're the smartest student in the school! It can wait."

Hermione pulled her arm away as she entered the common room and tried to catch her breath. "That is... the precise reason that I have... good grades." she said, gasping for air. " I do my homework!" They both were still for a moment until Ginny's eyes widened and her lip quivered while her eyes had become glossy. "Ginny, don't give me that face! It's not going to work this time! I'm serious!" Ginny's nose reddened and the tears began to build . Hermione couldn't bare it. She tried to turn away but she hated anyone to cry. "Oh, alright. But only for an hour." she stated, defeated. Damn that face.

"Ok, I can work with that!" Ginny exclaimed, her face suddenly perky, as usual. She'd have to thank her mother for that little trick next holiday, she thought, smirking inwardly.

As soon as the last of the students exited the Great Hall, Severus Snape started to take his leave. But as he descended down the small steps he was stopped.

"Severus, my boy. Are you attending the ball?"

"Of course. I'll be going as a butterfly with glittery wings and red lipstick." He stated bitterly.

"Splendid! I think I'll join you." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he smiled at the pale man before him. The man scowled in annoyance . "Sorry Severus. But one of these days someone is going to take that sarcasm you love so much literally."

"I don't doubt it." he spat.

"But I do quite like you're idea," the old man mused.

"Surely not Head Master." Severus seemed almost shocked.

"Oh my dear boy, It is quite worth it to see that befuddled look on your face. But I think I shall be wearing a more traditional costume. Red lipstick does not become me."

"Well, if that's the case then, no. I refuse to attend such a ridiculous excuse for festivities. Idiots, running around hiding their faces...totally unaware of who their dancing...with." Severus pondered for a moment. It did not go unnoticed.

"Well if you change your mind, you're always welcome to attend."

He snapped back to reality, "Believe me, I shant be" and he walked quickly down the to the dungeons. Robes billowing and all.

"Hermione, hold still!"

"Oh Ginny! I don't think this was such a good idea."

"I'm almost done! Hold on! There!"

Hermione looked in the mirror. Her face expressionless. "Well?" Ginny asked.

"It's...it's..."

"Did I make the hair to dark, or the nose to wide?"

"No. It's...Perfect! Ginny, this is the best glamour I've ever seen!"

"Well, charms are my speciality." She stated modestly. "Now are you happy that you weren't doing homework instead?"

"Well, maybe. This is wonderful! I can't wait for the ball! No one is going to recognize me..."

"Perfect! Now do mine."

"No one would know it was me...I could brew a youth potion..that along with the glamour..." Severus paced back and forth in his rooms.

"Why do I want to do this?"

because you never even had a date to any of the dances.

"I chose not to have a date."

No you didn't, that was just the cover story that you used when you weren't asked or couldn't get up the nerve to ask anyone.

"I never wanted to go anyway"

yes you did, you wanted to be accepted, like everyone else.

" And whose says that?"

You do...

"So what do I do?"

Go, it won't hurt. Besides no one will know it's you, they don't expect you to turn up anyway. You'll blend right in.

"I must be insane."

Well, you are talking to yourself. That's the first sign.

"Oh shut up!...Finally."

A/N: R-read my story E-exclaim your thoughts V- (what starts with V?) I- ideas about improvement E-examine this story!

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