The Piano
Minerva McGonagall's voice could be heard around the hedges, calling for Snape. As soon as he heard her, he put Katie on the ground, and placed his finger to his lips for her to be quiet.
"Down here, Minerva!" He called, quickly running around the hedge, leaving Katie out of sight. Katie peered through a small opening in the leafy wall as Snape met McGonagall on the other side.
"I just got an owl at my sister's house from the Ministry with wonderful news and I couldn't wait to tell...you..." her voice trailed off, when through an opening between the flowers and leaves in the hedge wall, she caught a glimpse of someone moving behind it. Looking at Snape inquisitively, and back at the opening, she hesitated, allowing him a moment to explain who was there. However, he ignored the invitation, and she decided to not pursue an inquisition with him, especially since she knew him to be quite difficult.
"Please, Minerva, tell me!" He commanded, uncomfortably and impatiently.
She continued with her excitement, "The Order wishes to sponsor a Masquerade Ball for Halloween in celebration of recent events!" Waiting for his immediate response, she hoped that he would share her excitement.
"Severus, don't you think we need a good party after all that's happened? I came to get your approval. Representatives are on their way here to meet us in the Great Hall for discussion on the matter." McGonagall caught another glimpse of the feminine figure behind the hedge wall.
Snape hesitated. "Why in the hell are they planning that now, of all times? It is only May, for the love of Merlin!"
McGonagall looked at him suspiciously for his use of foul language. That way of talking was completely out of his usual regal demeanor.
Exasperated at the inconvenience of having been interrupted, and knowing the old witch had seen Katie, he decided to diffuse his anger in an effort to get rid of the old woman. Clasping his hands behind his back, he stuttered, "Yes, um, you go ahead and I will be right behind you. I will meet you at the castle." Standing in place, he waited until McGonagall turned to leave and he hurried back behind the hedge to Katie.
"Everyone you know is gonna find out about me. I understand how they feel about Muggles 'n all 'round here, but..." He put his finger over her lips to quiet her.
"I will bring you to light very soon. You have my word." He said, as he pulled her into him, kissing her with a bit more familiarity.
McGonagall still had doubts about trusting him, and she felt it her duty to find out who else was at Dumbledore's grave. She quietly peered around the hedge in time to witness Snape and Katie kissing intimately. Putting her hand over her mouth in astonishment, she whirled around and briskly started toward the castle.
Snape quietly took Katie back to his quarters and immediately headed down to the Great Hall to meet with the guests. As he walked, he realized he was humming Katie's version of Puccini. He stopped at a mirror to check his appearance.
"She's too young for you, you know?" Peeves said, sticking his head out of the mirror, blocking Snape's reflection.
Snape switched to the smaller mirror next to Peeves. "Oh,yeah? What do you know?" He asked playfully, smoothing his stringy black hair. Continuing to his destination, Snape ignored the obnoxious ghost making crude faces behind his back as he walked away.
There were several representatives waiting for him in the Great Hall including Kingsley, the new Minister of Magic. Also present were Harry, Hermione, and Ron as representatives of the Order, as well as the Ministry. Professor McGonagall stood with Katie's book clutched under her arm, anxiously waiting for Snape. He saw the book as soon as he entered the room and he stood next to her to guard it.
Kingsley began the meeting, "So sorry to once again disturb your vacation, Severus, but I'm afraid this couldn't wait." Shaking hands with Snape, Kingsley almost laughed when he saw that Snape had apparently combed his hair.
Snape wore his dry, sulking personality as he nodded recognition to everyone in the room, "Potter, Weasley, Granger. I see you've all taken jobs with the Ministry. Congratulations on your success."
"I'll get right to the point," said Kingsley in an authoritative voice. "We must be current on all activities of the enemy. There are still active Death Eaters carrying on in the name of Voldemort who are seeking to avenge his death."
Professor McGonagall studied the book's cover as she listened. She peered over her bifocals at Snape, her clear, blue eyes already had all the answers to every question she wanted to ask him.
"Now," Kingsley continued, "Not all supporters of Voldemort became Death Eaters, but the ones remaining are aggressively recruiting new members. Their hatred of Mud Bloods continues, but their tolerance for Muggles remains increasingly low. Although the momentum of the Death Eater memberships seems to be on a downswing, I will not underestimate the powers that be. Therefore, we will need to upgrade security for this event in order to ensure the safety of the students. I would request that it be done in a manner that does not cause panic or distress in any way. We are all looking forward to a social that is celebratory and respectful of all those who have fallen as a result of recent events. Be on alert, Severus, they are certainly not happy with you. Of course, we will repair the rest of the Wards on Hogwarts as soon as you are up to it. For now, they will hold off any intruders, but one may still apperate within the grounds of Hogwarts. Unfortunately, that was Dumbledore's spell and he took the secret of it to his grave."
All eyes in the room suddenly landed on Snape when Dumbledore's name was mentioned. He realized they were not looking at him with hatred, but with apprehension as to what his reaction would include.
Without taking his eyes off the book, Snape replied in a businesslike manner, "Do what you have to do and I will support it." He simply wanted all of them to leave.
"We will draw up the plans and bring them back to discuss it in a couple of days," said Kingsley.
McGonagall became animated. "We should have a feast! Everyone bring a guest. Ron, you should bring your family if they're up to it. I know it has only been a few days since...but it will be so nice to have the Hogwarts family together again after all that has happened," she said, motioning to all of them. "The war is over and we need to celebrate. I am so happy to see you all here." Her eyes became watery, and her voice broke, "Life will continue, my friends. Be glad we still have one another. The next chapters are up to us."
"Of course we accept!" Kingsley's enthusiastic, deep voice replied, answering for the rest of the group.
Hermione took her former Transfiguration professor's slim, wrinkled hand, and squeezed, giving her a reassuring smile. Ron placed his hand on Hermione's shoulder, and nodded at Mcgonagall.
"I'll work on Mum and Dad. They are still very upset. I'm the only family member who has left the house this week. I'll be here."
Harry nodded, shoving his hands deep in his pockets, and he realized that he was standing in the very spot where Fred's lifeless body and been placed.
Kingsley motioned for them to prepare for their magical departing, and he waited for them to find their places. Disapperating together, they left McGonagall and Snape alone in the Great Hall.
"Who was that young woman in the garden, Severus?" McGonagall firmly asked, as though the question had been bottled up inside her for ages.
He quickly took the book from McGonagall. "Um, well, she is..." He stuttered.
She waited for his answer, looking at him over her bifocals, pursing her lips, as though she were about to place him on detention. Watching him awkwardly search for an explanation, she smiled devilishly. She knew quite well what they had been doing in the garden when they were certain they had been alone.
"I should like to see her at the feast," McGonagall instructed, standing directly in front of him. "Maybe then you can answer my question," she reprimanded, leaving for her quarters.
Snape was relieved she did not pursue the subject further, as he knew she was capable of interrogations of the most uncomfortable kind. At the moment, he could only think of getting upstairs to Katie. Knowing that he would now have to bring her to light and introduce her excited him. Looking around the room, he made sure he was alone before practicing introductions.
"Hello everyone, this is my Muggle girlfriend, Katie, from the United States." Stopping to think of what he just said made him laugh. "Girlfriend? ...me?" Leaving the room, he said the word girlfriend over and over under his breath.
Snape stopped in the kitchen for dinner before going to the tower. As soon as he entered, the house elves placed in his hands a silver tray with two place settings of the finest dishes and silverware in the castle. Chilling in an ice bucket was a bottle of wine only served at special occasions, along with pressed red linen napkins, tall white candles, and goblets of the finest crystal. Red roses and Baby's Breath adorned the centerpiece, and the aroma of Fillet Mignon under the gleaming silver cover reminded him that he had not eaten since breakfast.
"Well done....Well done, indeed," he mumbled approvingly.
Catching himself wasting time, he commanded, "That will be all! Thank you!"
He hurried up the stairs to his tower, leaving the house elves staring after him, as well as one another. They cheered joyfully and scattered throughout the kitchen to carry on with their chores.
Snape entered his chambers to find a dark, quiet room. He heard the bath draining out the last of the water, and thought Katie may still be in there. Leaving the door open, he used the outside light to find the dining table. After lighting the two tapered candles on the tray, he took one in his hand and closed the door. He heard the bedroom door creek open and Katie appeared, wearing a white floor length night gown. She placed her hands on either side of the door frame, slightly above her head. Stretching and yawning audibly, she caught sight of him and twirled around to model her new garment. She had no idea the light coming from behind her allowed him to see the silhouette of her body through the gauzy cloth.
Snape was unaware that he was gaping at her with his mouth open, as the candle he was holding dripped hot wax onto his hand. After the fifth drip, he jumped and blew it out, shaking his hand to cool it off.
Katie laughed and bounded over to the dining table.
"This looks good!" She said, lifting the lid to the main dish. "I'm hungry as hell! How 'bout you?"
He could not move. The sight of her in that night gown presented a feminine side of her he had not yet seen. So far he knew her to be boisterous, rowdy and attractive, but now he saw her as diffused, delicate, and irresistible. He was awestruck.
"You ok?" She asked, crunching on a carrot stick as she approached him.
"Yes, um, I am fine. Where did you get the...uh..." he said, motioning to her clothing.
Katie gracefully twirled around again with her arms to either side, bubbling with excitement. "You like it? House elves! Can you believe it? Winky just now sewed it for me and we had a really nice girl talk. She said I needed clothes. Happy little things, aren't they? ...And fast! C'mon, Sev, let's eat," she said, motioning to the table.
"Sev?" he asked, pulling the chair out for her, grinning as he found his seat.
"Is that ok? It just sorta came out. I won't do it again if you don't like it," she said in a playfully reprimanding way.
"I like it the way you say it. It can be yours to call me," he said approvingly. Chuckling, he repeated it with a southern drawl imitation, "Say-ev."
"Do I really sound that bayad?" She joked, looking at him through her eyebrows.
"No, but I do enjoy your many syllables in single syllable words," he teased, noticing the playful grin on her face.
They enjoyed the private candlelight dinner with delightful conversation and banter. When their bellies were full and the last glasses of wine had been poured, they made themselves comfortable on the sofa in front of the fire. Nervously sitting next to her, he held his goblet with both hands, too shy and inexperienced to put his arm around her. Katie unexpectedly scooted closer to him and leaned on his chest, pulling his arm around her. After sitting rigid for a few moments, he became relaxed, unafraid to touch her, and he caressed her hair, pushing the tip of his nose into its softness. He listened as she talked of her recital.
"You are talking as if you are not going back to perform." He said into her hair. Closing his eyes, he secretly hoped she would not consider going back.
"Sev, I don't think I want to go back, but if I don't, I'll have to live with the regrets of unfinished business. I haven't practiced in three days. Missin'out on that time has set me back. I just don't think I'm gonna be ready. I mean, you don't just quit practicin' when you're playin' Liszt and that's what's happened." Katie moved out of his embrace, and sat up cross legged, facing him, slumped over with her elbows on her knees.
"You must not give up so easily on what matters most to you, Katie," he advised. "From the sound of it you have sacrificed part of your life to prepare. It is already within you to do well." He couldn't help noticing that she left a hint of lavender fragrance on him after she moved.
"You're right. I mean, there prob'ly won't be anybody there to hear me screw up, anyway," she said negatively.
"You are better than that, Katie," he lightly reprimanded in a low voice. "You are humble. I admire that in you, but never underestimate your talents. One never knows when or where opportunity may come."
Snape put his goblet on the table in front of him and leapt from his seat. "Come with me, Katie, I want to show you something! This cannot wait!" His eyes gleamed with excitement.
Taking her hand, he pulled her, jogging down the rotating steps. Her bare feet slapped the cool stone floor, and her night gown billowed behind her as they ran. He pointed his wand at the torches, making them dance with light as they ran along the darkened corridors, all the way to the Great Hall.
He stopped at the door, out of breath, "Wait here!"
Entering the room, he closed the doors behind him, leaving Katie to wait alone in the Great Foyer. She noticed a portrait of an old man staring at her. When she looked at him, he flirted with her by winking and waving.
"Sorry, dude, I'm taken." She said, shrugging her shoulders.
He frowned and Katie sympathetically said, "But if I weren't, you'd be the first I'd call."
The old man in the portrait bowed, still ogling over her when Snape ceremoniously opened both tall, heavy doors from the inside, inviting her to enter. Katie stepped into the room and saw a shiny, black grand piano propped open. Numerous candelabras with thick, glowing candles stemmed from the stone floor, evenly distributed throughout the room. Hovering over the piano was a gleaming silver chandelier holding countless smaller candles. Their flickering flames perfectly reflected in the piano's finish.
Clasping her hands to her mouth, she gasped tearfully. Running to the piano, she touched it to see if it was real or magic, and she hugged it as though it was a person when she realized it was a Steinway. Feeling the smooth texture of the black lacquered wood with her hand, she traced the edge as she walked the length of it to the keys. She caressed the black and white ivory, touching random notes from high to low pitches, and took her place on the bench. Lightly rocking, she rubbed her hands on her legs to warm her fingers, and she gently placed them in her lap, deciding what to play first.
Snape circled his wand and a plump, leather chair appeared beside him. He slowly sat on the edge of it, not taking his eyes away from her. Sitting at the piano, she looked tranquil and he was pleased with himself for giving her a small piece of her life back. The flickering candles glowed brighter as she placed her hands gracefully over the keys and began to play a waltz. The music conjured feelings of delight and exhilaration, but had a residue of sweetness and melancholy. It was the most pleasingly played piece of music he had ever heard.
Mesmerized, he did not see the house ghosts floating through the walls, whispering to one another. They gathered behind him and listened politely, as if attending a major pompous social event. As she played, the music filled the Great Hall with excitement and happiness. The tempo picked up, and six transparent couples in period clothing began waltzing, perfectly in sync, all around the room. Her music was fast, brilliant, and it sounded like a party. When the piece ended, they bowed to one another, and applauded politely toward her, awaiting the next song.
Katie stood beside the bench to take a bow, but stepped backward, tripped over the bench, and fell to the floor when she saw them. Snape ran to her as the ghosts gasped and crowded to see what had happened. He lifted her head to check for blood, but there was none. Winky jogged into the room and held a fat, green worm under Katie's nose. Making a horrible face from the stench caused by the worm, she woke, gasping for oxygen. Winky pocketed the worm and happily trotted away. Katie opened her eyes, still grimacing. The ghosts huddled around, curiously waiting for the pianist to regain consciousness in order to continue entertaining them.
"Say, Miss, are you alright?" Nearly Headless Nick asked jovially to where she was laying in the floor. "That was a jolly good tune you just played. You could give it another go if you're up to it!"
She took Snape's arm for protection, still unsure, "I'm sooo sorry, ya'll, I'm j-just not used to...um...g-ghosts," she said to the crowd of transparent people floating about. Snape shooed them away like flies, and he helped her to her feet.
The ghosts floated away, talking among themselves on the way out through the wall. "That was bloody brilliant! Shall we do this again soon? What a lovely soiree!"
Setting the bench upright, he placed it so that he was standing between it and Katie. He put his hands on her waist to steady her and he felt her soft, lean curves under the delicate fabric of her flowy gown.
She leaned against the keys, causing some of them to sound, and she rubbed her forehead. "Ah'm such a klutz! Ah could just crawl in a hole and die right now!"
"You have nothing to be embarrassed about," he assured. "I enjoyed your music and I must say you impress me. You are superior in your art, Katie Lee Hawkins from the South."
Easing her hands around his neck, she smiled, looking slowly up into his yearning, midnight eyes, "Thank you for this...it made me feel like I was home again."
He slid his hands around her, pulling her closer to him. "Feeling better?" He asked, trembling as he timidly caressed her lower back.
"Yes," she whispered, as if giving him permission to touch her.
Losing all sense of time or place, he kissed her as he had wanted, consuming her completely. The piano keys sounded underneath her, making a dissonant noise that echoed through the Great Hall, and into the empty corridors of the castle.
He untied the ribbon holding her neckline together, and he pushed the fabric gently away from her shoulder, exposing her soft, smooth skin. Tracing the white mark of her tan line with his fingers, she sighed, giving him complete control to take her as he pleased. She put one foot up on the piano bench, inviting his body to draw closer as he kissed her neck down to her bare shoulder. Arching her back, she ran her fingers through his hair, causing his body to tremble, and his heart to pound against her chest. His breath was hot on her neck, and she wanted more.
The door creaked open and Professor McGonagall, in her night cap, peeked in holding a candle. She was speechless at the sight of the headmaster about to make love in the Great Hall. Before she could decide exactly what to do, she scolded, "For heaven's sake, Severus, we eat in here!" She quietly closed the door and left.
Severus and Katie froze as they were, breathing heavily, hearts pounding. His face was flushing with hot waves of embarrassment and Katie started to pull up her night gown back onto her shoulder.
"Don't." he whispered on her neck, taking her hand away from the ribbon. "Hold on tight to me," he said, breathily onto her lips. Wrapping both arms around her tightly, she clung to him, and he disapperated them both to his chambers.
End Notes: I promise some lemons when I get up my nerve. It's on its way, but not yet! I'm still working on my nerve! Nerve? Here, nerve!
