It was the night of the Halloween ball and Harry was in his chambers getting ready. He was facing the mirror, trying to smooth out his more formal robes while his blonde parasite of a friend prattled on behind him about his Ginny problem. "It's just, what if she doesn't come tonight. What if she thinks it's just a friend thing and decides she has more important things to do." Draco was lounging in his chair, laying his legs over the arm of the chair like he lived there. He had been ready for the ball for hours, having to be just right. Harry, on the other hand, had waited until five minutes before the staff had to be there before he even looked for his clothes.

"It's weird that you even invited her to begin with. We're chaperones, not attendees." Harry answered him, not even bothering to try to tame his hair. He gave a nod of approval at his appearance before turning to his friend.

Draco sighed, "It's not like we have many other times to invite people to Hogwarts. We're teachers. I decided to be proactive."

"Proactive. Right." Harry shoved his shoes on and motioned for Draco to get going. Draco rose from the chair gracefully, something Harry was jealous of. Harry had all the grace of a flobberworm. "Ok, but if you wanted it to seem less like friends, you probably shouldn't have invited Hermione and Ron as well."

"Well I panicked!"

"You're such a girl."

Harry and Draco took the short trip from his rooms to the Great Hall. The Ball started at 7, but the staff had to be there at 6:30. The headmaster thought that they needed a reminder on how to chaperone.

Draco was pouting when they entered the room, which was decorated beautifully. Jack-o-Lanterns littered the room. It was the only source of light, which gave the room an eery glow. The room was covered in cobwebs and enchanted bats flapped above the tables. There was an area of the floor cleared in the middle for any dancing that may occur. A table of sweet refreshments sat against the back wall.

This was the third Halloween Ball since Harry had begun working at Hogwarts. All of the tense and sad memories that littered the halls of Hogwarts were a thing of the past and it was a decision among faculty to be more festive.

There were a few people already in the room. Harry nodded towards professor Flitwik, who was finishing the last few charms needed to enchant the room. He made his way towards Hagrid, who was silently standing in the corner. "Hey Hagrid!"

"'Arry!"

Draco had separated from him, not wanting to talk with the large man. Instead he made his way over to talk to Professor Sinistra.

The talking created a dull layer of noise in the hall, but it all stopped as the Headmaster walked in. It was a sign of respect for the man as each person moved to pay attention.

Harry couldn't help but notice that Snape was dressed well for the occasion. He was in all black with hints of orange throughout. He did not wear themed robes as Albus once had, but he still attempted to get into the spirit of the holiday. Harry appreciated the attempt, though he doubted that Snape really cared what he thought of his choice of apparel.

Harry shook the thoughts away as he realized that the man was talking. "The Ball will end at 11 sharp. But seeing as they are all young students, we will continue to patrol until midnight to wrangle in those who lost their way to their dorms." Some of the teachers chuckled.

"We will rotate who stays in the Great Hall and those that patrol during the Ball. You should have your first assignments that I sent out last week. I assume you all know what is acceptable behavior and what is not." There was a slight shift of the Headmasters eyes as he glanced at Harry and Draco. He continued, "And if you must, have some fun."

He dismissed the professors. Harry's first patrol was in the Great Hall, as was Draco. He was excited. He loved to see the look on the student's faces when they first saw the room decorated. It was the same look he was sure he had on his face when he was a student and saw the Yule Ball. Harry strolled over to the refreshment table and took his place, taking it upon himself to be in charge of making sure no one spiked the pumpkin juice. Though he was almost tempted to do it himself. He chuckled to himself at the thought.

"Laughing at yourself, Potter?" Draco was next to Harry without him noticing.

Harry smirked at the blonde, "Well someone should. I'm pretty funny."

Draco snorted. He kept glancing at the door to the Hall, obviously waiting for Ginny to show up. "She'll show." Harry reassured him.

"How do you know?" Draco asked quietly. He was a lovesick fool sometimes. With all his confidence, he couldn't even ask a woman out on a date.

"Because you're an attractive man with a good heart and anyone would be lucky to have you." Harry stated, something he had told the other man countless times. It never seemed to work though.

"You're not here to confess your love for each other, Professors." A deep velvetly voice said from behind them.

Harry jumped and turned around. He really needed to stop letting his guard down. Draco just rolled his eyes. "There aren't even any students here yet, Severus." He said.

Harry's eyes grew wide and he stammered, "And more importantly, we weren't confessing anything!"

Draco laughed at his friend and caught his Godfather's amused eyes. "Do you want something to drink, Sev?" Draco asked the intimidating man.

Snape nodded, "Please." And Draco poured him a cup of the pumpkin juice.

Harry felt awkward and busied himself by getting his own drink. He also began perusing the sweets that were offered. Snape took a sip of his drink and looked around the empty dance floor. "Is Ms. Weasley supposed to be in attendance tonight, Draco?"

Draco sighed again, looking at his own drink in his hand, "That's the question of the hour, Godfather."

Snape chuckled, which made Harry look up at him. Snape was looking fondly at his Godson, a look that made Harry's stomach clench. He didn't know what was wrong with him. It was just Snape. Greasy git.

Snape looked up at him and caught his eye. Harry froze for a moment, wondering if Snape had read his thoughts. But the look in Snape's eye was one of amusement and he tilted his head towards Draco, asking a silent question. Harry snapped out of it and shrugged in response, showing his exasperation towards the blonde. Snape put a hand on Draco's shoulder, comforting the man. "Don't fret, little dragon."

"I hate when you call me that." Draco muttered and shook Snape's hand off his shoulder. He gave both men a glare and walked off towards the group of tables.

Snape was silent as he watched Draco retreat. Harry traced the lip of his cup with his finger. He cleared his throat, "Did you speak to Professor Moore? I didn't see him earlier."

Snape glanced at Harry, "I did. He resigned."

Harry gasped, "What? Who is going to teach potions?"

Snape shrugged and took another sip of his juice before putting it on the table, "I am looking for a replacement. Right now my best option is to suspend the class until I find someone suitable."

Harry considered the man's words. "How long could that take? Where would that leave those taking their OWLs and NEWTs?"

Snape nodded his head, he understood the problem better than anyone else. "Do you have a better solution, Potter?"

Harry heard the Great Hall doors open and three of his favorite people strolled in. He gave a quick glance towards Draco sulking in the corner. Then an idea formed in his head and he grinned. "Actually, Headmaster, I might," he answered as his best friends neared him. He hugged Hermione and turned to face Snape, "Headmaster Snape, you remember Hermione Granger right? Head of our class, know it all extraordinaire, top NEWT score in each of her classes, including potions."

Snape gave Harry an incredulous look and bowed his head to Hermione, "Greetings, Mrs. Granger."

Hermione looked between the two men, confused on what was going on, "Hello, Headmaster. I hope you're doing well."

Harry smirked and turned to give Ron and Ginny hugs and greetings. "I'm doing well. How have you faired?"

"Also well." Hermione and Snape exchanged more pleasant conversation as Ron gave Harry a confused look.

"What was that all about?" Ron asked.

"Just trying to solve problems, as usual." Harry answered with a laugh. It had been awhile since he had seen his best friends. They sent each other owls often, but Harry's schedule did not often line up with theirs. Ron had been working as an auror for over 5 years, whereas Hermione went on to university to continue her education. Harry was sure she was trying to become a master in every subject. Ginny was working with her brother Charlie in Romania. It felt strange to be adults with jobs and responsibilities, Harry mused.

"Always up to something, Harry. By the way, where has Draco run off to?" Ginny asked with a masked curiosity. Harry could tell she was trying to not seem too interested and he grinned.

"Malfoy? Interesting that he's the first thing you ask about." Harry teased and laughed when she blushed from head to toe. He would keep that little secret to himself. He held up his forefinger to let her know he would answer in just a second. He turned to where the Headmaster was still discussing with Hermione. "Excuse me, sir, do you mind if I borrow Hermione?" He asked as he tilted his head towards his friends.

Snape nodded. "But don't forgot you're not here to socialize, Mr. Potter." And Snape turned to walk off.

Harry watched him leave for a second, taking a moment to appreciate the way his robes fit and how he walked with such ease. Harry shook his head and faced his friends with a smile, "Let's go get the ferret."

Harry had to leave his friends about an hour after the Ball officially started, as he had to rotate patrol areas. The hall was alive with music and laughter as students made the most of their time. Harry appreciated the lighthearted mood. After dealing with heartache and sadness for so long, Harry was content to enjoy the simplicity.

Ron and Hermione were busy dancing to a slow song and Harry didn't bother asking them to join him on his patrol. Ginny had been with Draco for a while and he wasn't interrupting that either. So he walked alone to the front entrance of Hogwarts.

The moon was bright and almost full, lighting up the ground as if he had flipped a switch. He saw some groups of students milling about. Harry enjoyed the brisk air as he started his patrol. He hoped it didn't get much colder, because he didn't think to bring a cloak. He glanced about at each person he passed, making sure nothing was amiss. He saw a pair of students standing a little too close to each other by the lake. But at this time, it looked like nothing more than some snogging. Harry made a mental note to keep a close eye on them.

Harry nodded to some of his students who greeted him as he passed. He made his way around the lake, watching the forest for any sign of lost students. He saw Hagrid's hut and saw no sign of movement. The students seemed to be keeping on the near side of the lake, where they could still hear music through the open doors. He began his way back to the castle. More students were out and about. He didn't understand why they weren't inside dancing. Not that Harry was a dancer. But if he had someone to dance with, he would be taking advantage of that closeness.

Harry sighed. Despite his love for his job, sometimes when he was alone, he wished for a partner to share the day with. He missed having someone with him all the time, as he had Hermione and Ron when they were in school. Going to sleep alone and worse was waking up alone. Sure if he really wanted a warm body in his bed, he could get someone without a problem. But he didn't want a fling. He wanted the real thing. He wanted the romance and the fun. Something that wasn't complicated. But what in Harry's life wasn't complicated.

Harry stood at the edge of the lake closest to the castle and watched the moon reflect off the water. It was a nice night. Would have been a perfect night to fly. If only he wasn't chaperone a bunch of hormone ridden teenagers. He didn't think the headmaster would approve of him abandoning his post just to fly.

With a smile, Harry pulled out his wand and conjured the time. Surprisingly It was almost time for him to go back inside. It didn't seem like he had been out there that long. He gave one last look at the water and then turned to head back. But there was someone there blocking his way.

Harry jumped in fright, "Shit!" His heart was racing and he couldn't quite catch his breath. But he didn't know if it was the scare that caused it or if it was the identity of the person standing there.

"Really, Potter?" Headmaster Snape was standing there looking amused. "I thought I trained you better than that."

Harry stood up straight and glared at the man, "Maybe if you made some kind of noise. Wore a bell. Or maybe didn't stand behind people like a stalker."

Snape smirked. "I was just coming to relieve you from your patrol."

"Even the ghosts make noise." Harry muttered, not seeming to hear what the headmaster had said. He gave the man a glare, "No wonder you made such a good spy." Harry glanced around before looking back at the headmaster.

Snape was just staring at him. Harry squirmed under the scrutiny. "Having a good night, sir?" He asked, wanting to smack himself upside the head for being an idiot.

Snape nodded, "As well as can be, Mr. Potter."

"Right. Well um, I'll leave you to it." Harry began walking towards the doors, "Oh and there is this couple over there that look like they may be planning to go the distance tonight. In case you wanted to intervene." He didn't bother to wait for a response. But one came.

"Mr. Potter."

Harry turned cautiously towards the Headmaster. "Yes?"

Snape stared at the younger man with a look that Harry couldn't quite read. He looked concerned, but maybe that was just his imagination. Harry waited for the man to say something but Snape stood silent. Harry turned back and continued to walk, wondering what just happened.

The night was coming to an end. The students had been steadily trickling out of the Great Hall towards their dorms and those that stayed were sitting and talking at the tables. Harry was taking advantage of the slow time and was enjoying his friends.

He took Hermione by the hand and pulled her towards the dance floor. An upbeat, loud song was playing and Harry wanted to have some fun. He put his arms on her waist and began to twirl in circles, making the witch laugh. Harry skipped with her from one side of the floor to the other, causing the students that were still on the dance floor to quickly dart out of their way. They wildly danced, as if they had never danced before in their lives. They probably looked like fools. Harry really didn't care.

Draco and Ginny were dancing close by, in a more dignified fashion. They had been conversing quietly when Harry and Hermione sped by.

"Potter! What the hell kind of dance is that?" The blonde exclaimed.

Harry slowed down as he neared the pair. "I'm just having fun, Malfoy. You should try it sometime."

"By making a fool out of yourself?"

"Yep!" Harry laughed again. Draco shook his head in pretend disgust. Harry saw the absolutely happiness in his friend's eyes. He was glad that they were having a good time. And mentally prepared himself to hear all about it the next morning.

Unfortunately the fun had to end when the song went from upbeat to slow. Harry could have continued dancing with Hermione, but he recognized the song as one that Ron and Hermione danced to often. He took her by the arm and gave her away to his best friend with a bow and watched as they enveloped each other. Draco put his own arms around his dance partner and began their own special moment. Harry gave a wistful smile and went off to find a drink.

He found a comfortable corner of the wall and did his job as professor. He watched. Somehow, his eyes landed on a confusing subject. Headmaster Snape stood by the Great Hall doors, bidding the students that were leaving goodnight. Harry didn't know why his mind kept coming back to the dark-haired man. There was something different this year. He didn't know if it was his fault or Snape's.

The man in question looked across the hall and caught Harry's eyes. The look was full of something and it frustrated Harry to no end that he couldn't figure it out. Here was this man that he had known his entire wizarding life, whom he hated for years and then worked alongside during the war. And now, he was watching the man as if he had never seen him before in his life. Maybe it was the long nights and the loneliness, but there was something wrong with him. Snape seemed to think so too as he scowled, not breaking eye contact. He was probably wondering why this prat was staring at him. Harry blushed and looked down, a coward worse than most.

There was a chime that echoed throughout the hall, telling the students that their curfew was up and the Ball was over.