You guys are gonna kill me, but anyway, sorry for taking so long to update! And, by taking so long, I am referring to the last update I did. A combination of life, and writer's block kept me from updating. I am still trying to redeem myself slightly. Hopefully, I will get the next one out soon enough.

Anyway, in honor of the Harry Potter coming out, I decided to bit the bullet and just get this stuff out. Now, sit back, get comfy, and enjoy the read!

Chapter 11: I love you?

Lily slipped into the dinner area through the side door, having begged Narcissa not to make her walk down the steps again, feeling it was pushing her luck. Narcissa finally agreed when Lily said that she didn't want to ruin all Narcissa's hard work by tumbling down the stairs and destroying the effect of wild seductress.

The dining room was empty. Lily sighed in relief and began walking towards the ballroom. She opened the door. It struck something with a loud crack.

"Ouch," said Draco as the door whacked him.

"Oh, there you are," he grinned sheepishly, rubbing his shoulder.

"I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" gasped Lily, reaching out to feel his shoulder and make sure the door hadn't broken anything.. Then she looked over his shoulder. No music was playing, and all the guests were standing around waiting.

"It's nothing," he stopped grimacing, taking Lily's hand in his own. "Come on, we have to start the dancing," Malfoy said. "Let's go!" He tugged on her hand. This time, Lily didn't care about making him upset. She dropped his hand.

"You didn't say anything about this," she grimaced. "I can't...I've never danced before."

"That's okay. I'm a good leader. Come on! Everyone is waiting!" he looked at her slyly. "Don't forget who just smacked who with a door."

"I should've hit you harder," grumbled Lily, but she let herself be dragged onto the dance floor, feeling it was more dignified then running back into the dinning hall or throwing a tantrum.

Malfoy put a hand on her waist, and she put a hand on his shoulder. She leaned back from him, feeling to close, but he jerked her closer. Then, to the first strains of a violin, he took her hand, and lead her in an elegant waltz. Lily mentally cast a levitation spell, just so she was an inch above the ground. That way, she couldn't step on his feet.

"You don't have to do that, you know," whispered Malfoy, as she stepped above his feet. "I don't care if you step on my feet." Malfoy smiled crookedly.

"I'll remember that," muttered Lily. The song ended.

"Excuse me," said a voice Lily recognized. "May I cut in?" It was Snape.

"Of course," said Malfoy.

Lily really could have kicked him this time. She gritted her teeth a little, but let Malfoy pass her on to Snape.

Before he let go, he whispered in her ear, "You really are a natrual dancer. Just loosen up a bit. I'll be right there, waiting for you the moment the next dance is done." Then Malfoy bowed, and walked out of sight.

The music started again. It was a Swing. Snape pulled her into the promenade position almost immediately.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Lily asked, after several moments of silence.

Snape pushed her away into a turn. Lily couldn't help noticing how good he was at dancing. Better than Malfoy, even. She didn't feel lost in the dance at all. He got her to complete intricate steps by a slight touch and positions of his hand. Lily found herself loosening up, and starting to smile. The song seemed to go on and on, and Lily enjoyed every second of it. The music stopped just as Snape pulled her back into the circle of his arms. Lily was so dazzled by his closeness that it took her a moment to realize that the music had stopped. She looked up into his face. He looked his usual calm and stoic self, but his eyes, betraying his emotion, glittered with intensity. Lily realized that his eyes, described by harry as cold and lifeless, were really the only part of him that was alive.

Lily let her realization show on her face. "Sev, I-," she stopped talking, noticing that Snape's gaze had intensified further, and wondering why. Just then, Malfoy walked up.

"I'll take her back, then," he said, a quick look of warning crossing his face.

Snape's eyes lingered on Lily's eyes, just as his fingertips lingered on her hand and shoulders, as he slowly let go. Lily felt each of her fingers slowly leave his palm. Her fingerstips suddenly felt cold and icy.

"You look great, by the way," said Malfoy, flashing her a grin, as he walked her away from Snape. "I was so dazzled by your appearance that I couldn't tell you earlier."

Malfoy pulled her close as the orchestra struck up a lively song. Lily had no idea what the dance was called, but it was extremely fast. She was pulled dazzlingly fast towards him, and pushed away, just as rapidly, on the next beat. It didn't help that she kept remembering how wonderful a dancer Snape was, and knowing she wouldn't be as lost if he were her partner. Ten minutes later, Lily was both extremely dizzy and out of breath.

"Can—can we go up to the roof?" she gasped. "I need some fresh air."

Malfoy started walking away, hand still clasping hers. They wove their way through the guests, Malfoy greeting each by name, but walking straight past Professor Snape when they chanced upon him. Lily kept her head down, cheeks feeling slightly hot, though she convinced herself she was just warm from the vigorous dancing. After they passed, Lily could not resist the urge to look back. She saw Snape jerk his head, and look at the old witch he had been talking to. She kept looking at him over her shoulder and thought she caught him looking at her from the corner of his eyes, though she could not be sure.

Then Malfoy pulled her behind a marble pillar and opened a side door. They both slipped through. Lily doubted that anyone saw them leave. They walked up the stairs, two sets, and then Malfoy touched a door, which silently slide open. Lily rushed up past him, into the cold, clear, night air, gasping at the chill, but wonderfully pure air. She rushed over to the balcony and looked down. She whistled.

"It's a long way down," she commented. Then she turned abruptly to Malfoy. "In about a year and a half, you will stand on a roof, just like this one, but perhaps, considerably higher in the sky," Lily looked up at the stars. "You will then make one of the biggest decisions of your life." Lily leaned over the balcony again. "You will not be alone, up there," she sighed. "But in the end, everything depends on you." Lily turned to face him again. "You will face much in the next year. A great project will consume all your waking moments," She sighed again. "I wish it did not have to be so, I really do," Lily concluded.

"What are you talking about?" asked Malfoy, eyes slightly widened. "How do you know this? What do you mean?"

Lily froze, realizing what she had just said. She turned away again and closed her eyes. She blinked. Nothing had happened. She was still on the balcony. "I sometimes...know things. Things that will happen," Lily said, evasively.

Malfoy blinked. "What else do you know?" he asked, eagerly.

"I can't say," answered Lily.

Malfoy looked away. "But you know something," Malfoy said.

Lily turned back to the balcony again. "I know everything," she said. "To a point, but believe me, you don't want to know, and I couldn't tell you even if you begged me to," she turned back to him to flash him a quick smile.

He had an odd expression on his face, suddenly intense. Her heart started beating twice its normal pulse. She was suddenly very afraid for some reason. Lily took a step back, hitting the balcony. She realized that she had nowhere to go, but down.

He paused, then turned to her. "I love you," he said, before closing the space between them.

So? What do you think? Do you hate me? Review!