The Marauders Masquerade
Chapter 3 – Questions and New Developments
The Great Hall was utterly quiet and still as Dumbledore made his departure, most still trying to process what had just happened. But that was short lived as soon there was even more whispering and talking than before. Girls erupted in giggles and boy grinned amongst themselves.
"This is going to be brilliant!" Sirius exclaimed to the other marauders. James and Remus exchanged grins but when they turned to Peter his face was blank.
"Are you deaf or did you not just hear the announcement?" asked Sirius not at all lightly.
"Sorry, what are we talking about?" he answered blandly; the other three shook their heads and continued.
"I know," James began and paused before finally deciding to speak his thoughts out loud. "I've been thinking that this might be the perfect opportunity to get Evans to see me for me." He looked down not wanting to see how his friends would react.
"I was thinking that too, it looks like your luck has changed Prongs!" Sirius grinned broadly and gave him a shove on the back. Remus hadn't spoken since the announcement and James was suddenly worried when he saw the grim look on his face.
"Hey Moony, what's up?" he asked softly.
"That's exactly it, there is a full moon coming up soon and what if the…" Already reading his thoughts Sirius butted in.
"Do worry, I'm sure Dumbledore will make sure its not then, he thinks of everything." This made Remus smile for the first time after the announcement.
"Now back to the ball," said Sirius in a business like manner. "What on earth was Dumbledore on about when he said 'or even when it or they will be'? Does that mean their will be more than one ball?"
"I've been thinking about that and that is certainly what it is suggesting and I really want to know how far we go to keep out identity a secret." Remus answered simply by raising another question. All the marauders looked at each other in thought except, of course, for Peter who had been playing with his shoelace.
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
"Dumbledore seems off his nut." Lisa stated simply after the announcement which caused Lily to roll her eye irritably. Lisa scowled at her in return.
"Well then tell us what all the quick mumbo jumbo was about."
"Dumbledore was giving us clues about the ball without trying to give everything away. For instance he left us to question whether there would be more than one ball and when they will be. He also wanted us to think about what we think we could do to keep ourselves unrecognizable." Lily replied simply causing Reese to raise an eyebrow.
"You really scare me sometimes." Reese joked. This caused all the girls including Lisa to laugh.
"I'm so excited! I want to get with Sirius Black or Frank Longbottom!" Lisa squeaked randomly causing the girls to giggle more.
"I have never heard you mention Frank Longbottom, that's a new development."
"As if Reese, he's a hunky beater with a heart of gold. Come on; don't tell you've never thought of it."
"He is cute but not my type, anyway I more interested about finding out more about the ball right now." Reese concluded with a nod of her head.
"Me too but what if…" Lily bit her trying to decide whether it was a good idea or not. "what if I kiss someone like James Potter without knowing?" Her two friends laughed at this causing her to turn the shade of her crimson hair.
"Well for one it would be a blessing for us but I doubt it. You would be smart enough to know it was him before he had the chance." Reese said reassuringly.
"Shame though." added Lisa.
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Snape was intrigued by Dumbledore's words and gave the ball a moment of thought while the hall was still silent. This ball was turning out to be more interesting than he first anticipated. All this changing one self to create a good enough disguise, maybe he could have...no he would not degrade himself. But maybe he could go just to have fun rather than laugh at everyone else. That would be a nice change. He left the Great Hall with a swish of his cloak and of his long black greasy hair. Avery was quick to get to his feet and followed.
"Avery, did I say come no but since you are here you may as well follow." Snape said all too quickly but Avery seemed pleased with his answer and continued.
"Snape I know you said say nothing about the ball but I just wanted to tell you I was going all the same. If it doesn't cut in with Quidditch or anything you need me to do that is." He waited quietly for an answer, prepared for what every Snape could dish out.
"Do I own you? Is there a collar around your neck saying you belong to me?"
"No but I thought…"
"It seems you did everything but think but if we are going to play the whole master game why don't you fetch me my potions book." Snape continued coldly. Avery set off for the dungeons even though he could use magic but before he got to the end of the corridor he stopped.
"Does that mean I can go to the ball?" Avery shouted but waited in vain for an answer as Snape rolled his eyes and turned the corner. It was then that the poster for the ball caught his eye. It had changed. Snape smiled and read.
Dear Students
You have been told enough about the ball to make
you long for more information.
Well I offer you this in the form of a meeting
tomorrow evening in the Great Hall.
But the catch is only two representatives
are allowed from each house,
one boy and one girl to stop fuss.
This boy and girl will then become
you houses Masquerade ball representatives and
will help organize the houses.
You will vote or elect however you
decide but there must be two chosen
before eight tonight.
Choose wisely.
Professor Dumbledore.
Snape was going to make sure he was one of the representatives, even if he had to resort to magic. Nobody stood between him and what he wanted.