Severus was in his dress robes waiting in Lexi's chambers for her to finish getting ready. He didn't like to be late, but Lexi liked to be 'fashionably late'. When she finally came out of the bathroom, his jaw dropped. She looked stunning in a royal blue strapless ball gown.

"Sev, can you zip me up? You clean up alright" she winked as she brushed the hair back from his face. "You should wear your hair back once in a while. Let everyone see your face"

"I have something for you" Severus pulled a small box out if his pocket. When Lexi opened it, there was a beautiful jeweled hair comb. Lexi had her hair pinned up and Severus fit the comb into her updo.

"It's beautiful" She breathed

"It was my mother's."

"I love it. Thank you"

"I don't know what Lucius has planned for tonight. He's not above using the imperius curse to get what he wants. I will stay with you as much as I can without arousing suspicion."

Severus and Lexi walked out to the gates to apparate to Malfoy Manor.

Severus offered Lexi his arm as they walked through the gates to the manor where he spent so much time while serving the Dark Lord.

"Are you ok? I know this can't be easy for you to be back here" she whispered

"I'm fine" Severus was impressed by her perception

"Severus. So nice to see you. And who do we have here?"

"Narcissa, this is Alexianna Lee. She is my assistant professor. Alex, this is Narcissa Malfoy"

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Lexi's American accent had softened and her voice was a bit deeper. Severus was witnessing Lexi the socialite. It was easy to forget she was brought up attending events with the New York Elite.

"Likewise my dear. Severus, you know most everyone here. I'm sure everyone will be anxious to meet your beautiful assistant"

Severus escorted Lexi inside and they mingled among the crowd. Lexi charmed everyone she met.

"Alex. I'm so glad you were able to be here" Lucius kissed her hand

"Lucius, so nice to see you again" Lucius looked much better than the last time Severus had seen him. "Have you met my son, Draco and his fiance Astoria?"

Lucius pulled her away from Severus to introduce her the the couple of honor. Severus followed close enough to overhear without acting suspiciously.

"Draco, this is Alexianna Lee. She is the new Potions Assistant at Hogwarts"

"It's a pleasure"

"Likewise. So you're assisting old Snape. You have your work cut out for you. He isn't the most pleasant person to be around"

"He is a firm but fair teacher. He certainly commands respect in his classroom"

"That's a very political answer Alex." Draco laughed

"Would you care for a drink my dear?" Lucius walked Lexi over to the bar.

Severus found Narcissa to talk.

"I hear Lucius has been staying at your house on Spinners End"

"Yes. He said he had no where else to go"

"And he seems quite taken with your assistant"

"Yes. It seems that way..." Severus didn't want to sound like he was prying.

"You have known Lucius for a long time Severus. You know our union was the joining of the two most powerful pure blood families in England"

"I do"

"These last twenty years I have overlooked his... indiscretions. And there have been many. However, he was unable to overlook my one affair. I find it quite hypocritical"

"Yes quite" So that's what happened.

"Ah Severus. Glad you could come. And bring your lovely assistant" Lucius seemed to be parading Lexi around in front of Narcissa. "Alex my dear, would you care to dance." It wasn't a question

Lucius lead her to the dance floor. Having similar backgrounds, both were graceful dancers.

"She's very lovely Severus. Well bred, pure blood I assume."

"Yes. She is from New York and has been to her fair share of high society social events."

"She's a good match. I'm surprised you are standing here, while she is out there with Lucius."

"I don't know what you're talking about. She's far too young for me. Nearly half my age"

"Yes. I can see that. You haven't taken your eyes off her all evening"

"I'm simply making sure Lucius doesn't take advantage."

"He's just trying to make me jealous. It won't work. I've never been jealous of his affairs. He expects me to turn the other cheek and I simply want the same."

"I will never understand wanting to be with someone other than one's spouse"

"That's because you are a hopeless romantic, Severus. Lucius and I were betrothed as children. We didn't choose each other. Draco is grown and on his own. There's no need to keep up the pretences any longer"

Lexi and Lucius came over near Narcissa and Severus

"Alex you my dear are a delight. I can't imagine what you are doing at Hogwarts as an assistant professor."

"I love my job. I have always been passionate about potions and being able to foster that passion with students is a dream come true."

"Severus, you should go save your assistant. Go ask her to dance. She looks absolutely miserable. Although she hides it well."

Severus offered his hand to Lexi with a small bow. He didn't need to speak. She took his hand and he led her to the dance floor.

"Oh thank god" she whispered "He is a terrible conversationalist. All he does is talk about himself or says something incredibly patronizing. Why on earth do women fawn all over him."

"Money. Status."

"Well I don't need either. I would rather have someone intelligent, caring, and who will fuck me blind" she whispered

Severus chuckled hoping no one heard.

"Do you Quickstep?" Alex asked as the music picked up

"Not in a long time"

"Come on, lets show off a little" He couldn't say no to that devilish grin. As they danced, they got quite a few stares. Lexi started to trip on her dress at the end, but Severus helped her recover quickly.

"Where did you learn to dance? I don't know many men who can do that" she smiled

"Here and there"

"Such an enigma. What were you and Narcissa talking about?"

"She is upset that over the years she has overlooked Lucius' affairs, but he couldn't do the same. She thinks he's using you to make her jealous. But it won't work."

"Maybe it's best if they separate. That's not how it's supposed to work. I mean in this circle, it does. I get it. My parents didn't choose each other. They tried to arrange a marriage for me, but I refused. It was quite the scandal."

"Professor" Draco had finally come to greet his old teacher

"I am no longer your professor, Draco"

"Severus then. I'm surprised to see you here"

"I came at the request of your father. Have you met Alexianna, my assistant"

"Yes. My father has been entertaining her all evening. It's bold of him to parade one of his new tarts around right under my mother's nose"

Severus felt Lexi hold her breath. She was trying not to make a scene.

"Draco, I have never been nor will I ever be involved with your father. Whatever his motives are, they are not mine." She put her hand on his arm. Draco turned around in a huff and left.

"What a little fuckwad"

Severus laughed

"Seriously. Like I would want to do anything with Lucius. He's a fucking nightmare"

"I knew you couldn't keep up the high society act for the entire night"

"I don't need to around you. Now come on and dance with me before Lucius tries to steal me away again."