A/N: Here is chapter two. Yes, I'm in a hurry. I hope to upload everything by Christmas. This was one story I divided up so the chapters are quite uneven, sorry.

After the Yule Ball

Chapter Two

Her sixth year was one of much devotion to her studies. She had decided she wanted to become a healer. It made sense, since so many of her family members had been taken away from her by plagues and diseases. She spent almost all her time in the library, buried in books, trying to take in all the information she could.

She turned seventeen around mid September. I sent her a book as a present, which made her tearful with joy. The only other person who ever sent her gifts was her great-grandmother, who, at the time, was going through difficult times, with health problems and financial troubles.

She returned for her seventh year looking more beautiful than ever. It was amazing how much she had changed, and yet, she was still that same innocent little girl who was so different from the others.

Her excitement towards the announcement of the Triwizard Tournament concerned me. She claimed to have nothing to lose and everything to gain, which was, I daresay, complete foolishness. I eventually talked her out of her dreams of being a champion, with weak arguments I don't recall. I never fully understood my position regarding the tournament, but I suppose my concern for her safety outweighed my doubts. Amy needed someone to tell her when to stop and, apparently, I was that person.

Traditionally, a Yule Ball would be held on Christmas, and each head of house was required to instruct their students on the techniques of ballroom dancing, much to my dismay. This was humiliating, unnecessary, and pointless. Those no-good students were barely able to learn magic. Whatever would they make of waltzing?

Unable to convince Dumbledore to change his mind, or find someone else to teach the children, I was condemned to being locked in a room with a bunch of teenagers who didn't have the maturity to listen without making humorous remarks to each other, and had the uncanny need to laugh at the smallest things.

I began by explaining the reason we were gathered for such a joyful experience. I then proceeded to explain the importance of coordination, precision, rhythm, and concentration. Knowing I had to take time to demonstrate the procedure, I invited the one I felt the most comfortable around to help me with this task.

"Amy Parker, would you care to help me illustrate this step?" I said, while turning on the music.

She stepped forward, slowly and elegantly. She stood before me and smiled. She didn't seem at all bothered by my request. In fact, her eyes had that light in the corner that appeared when she was excited. I placed my hand on her waist and took her small hand into mine. Gradually, we both loosed up, and I was able to lead her across the dance floor.

The world around us completely forgotten, we gave in and let notes and scales be our guides. Despite the circumstances, it turned out to be quite enjoyable. I spun her around every now and then, getting a few sweet smiles in return. She seemed to be having fun with this.

But my male instincts managed to destroy our blissful atmosphere. I couldn't help it, her cleavage was inviting and tempting to the eyes. But the sight awakened on me feelings I had long been fighting back. Feelings that made me feel more embarrassed than any dance class could.

I abruptly ended my demonstrations and invited the students to form pairs and practice. I left the room quickly, and ran down the empty hallways. I entered a bathroom and bent over a sink, splashing water on my face to snap myself back to my senses. I looked in the mirror to find a reflection I did not recognize as my own. My breaths were shallow and my heartbeat fast. What was happening to me?

I calmed down enough to return to the room, where several pairs spun around madly. These students weren't able to take anything seriously. I raised my voice and demanded focus. Suddenly, I felt myself again.

Searching around for Amy, I caught a glimpse of her laughing loudly in the arms of another seventh year boy. An old feeling arose in my chest, as it had so many years ago. That same feeling that people have when someone they like is around someone you don't. Jealousy, they call it.

In contrast, seeing her enjoying herself with someone her age served as a reminder of how things should be. In fact, I felt a hint of happiness, both for the weight it took off my shoulders, but also because she was happy.

Class was dismissed a while later. The students, who were quite satisfied with the outcome of the event left to the sound of laughter and cheery conversation. Quite the opposite of how I felt on the inside. After a moment of meditation, I looked up to find Amy standing in the doorway, observing my movements. Speechless, I stared back at her, my mind racing to do something, anything, other than stand still and look stupid.

She then spoke, her voice soft, like an angel's, "Are you alright, professor?"

Leaving my hypnotic state, I replied, "Yes, miss Parker. I appreciate your concern. I am very well."

I disliked lying to her. I already lied to nearly everyone around me, why include her? Regardless, she smiled beautifully and left me to my internal conflicts.

After that... incident, I began subtly avoiding her. She also found new company not only amongst the members of her own house, but also the students of the guest schools. I wasn't sure how deep her friendships went, but that was neither my business nor a topic I planned on giving much thought to. I managed to push her out of my mind and concentrated on more important things, like protecting Potter from the dangers of this tournament, and the occasional warm sensation that erupted from the dark mark. Anything that could get my mind off Amelia Parker.

A/N: This was short, I know. But I'll make up for it. Although I have a feeling my ideas of long chapters are below standards. Oh well. Thank you for reading!