Saturday morning I woke up about 10 minutes before Saturday detention started. I put on my trusty leggings, an oversized hoodie, and my chucks. Magic'd my hair into a bun and got to the classroom right on time. The 2 students were already there. I heard them sigh with reliywhen they saw me. I guess they were expecting Professor Snape.

"Don't worry guys. Professor Snape left me a list for you guys, do you aren't getting off easy" On my desk was a list of chores in his neat script and a cup of coffee. I silently thanked him for that.

"Alright, first thing is to clean the pile of cauldrons in the washroom, then pickle the rats brains that have been set aside, and lastly, disembowel the barrel of horned toads. No magic. Get to it."

The last note he wrote said "DO NOT HELP THEM" in bold script. I shook my head. He knows me so well already

I sat at my desk and started working on the papers that I needed to grade. Assigning homework sounds fun, but then I have to grade it all. After an hour, I needed a break.

"So what did you two do to get detention on a Saturday" I wanted to check their progress on the cauldrons and keep them on task so I'm not late to the staff meeting.

"We got caught dueling in the corridors" said a blonde boy I only knew as Frost

"Who won?"

"Huh?" Said the other boy Hawkins

"I said who won?"

"Well we didn't get to finish, but I was one spell away from winning" said Frost

"What would have been your final spell?"

"Oh. um. Flipendo"

"You wouldn't have won with that. Too predictable." I laughed

Frost's face got red and Hawkins started laughing

"Keep moving on those cauldrons. If you don't finish before I have to leave, then you're going to have detention next Saturday and I can almost guarantee the jobs you get next would be a thousand times worse"

They finished all of their work by 230, so I had time to change into something a little less casual. I put on jeans and a sweater, but kept my chucks. I made my way up to Minerva's office and found Harry on the way.

"Hey! I feel like we haven't talked all week"

"I know. I have been doing extra tutoring for my OWL students to get them back on track by next month. Last years Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers basically only taught them unforgivable curses and they are terribly behind"

"Oh that's awful! If you need help, let me know. Professor Slughorn did an excellent job on our kids so they are doing really well. Oh and last night Myron Wagtail brought me to one his shows! It was awesome"

"Wow that's brilliant. I'm surprised the Daily Prophet hasn't splashed your picture all over the front page by now!"

"Oh god I hope they don't. How embarrassing. Besides, we're just friends"

"That doesn't matter. If it sells papers they'll print anything"

In Minerva's office I sat next to Snape.

"Thanks for the coffee this morning" I whispered

He nodded quickly

After talking about our first week, it was time for questions. Of course I had one

"I feel like we need to do something to boost morale. I see so much sadness in the kids. Can we plan a couple of fun events?"

"What would you suggest?"

"How about a Halloween Ball. A couple years ago for my birthday, I held a Masquerade Ball where everyone got super dressed up and we wore masks and had music and food and dancing. it was so much fun."

"I think that's a great idea"

"And if there's any student whose parents can't get them dress robes, send them my way." I added. What's the point in having a vault full of hold and nothing to spend it on?

"That's very generous of you" Filius smiled at me

"Oh and leave the music to me. I know someone" I winked at Harry.

"Also, I had two students in detention today ehowrre caught dueling in the halls. After talking to them, it sounded like they needed more practice" I laughed "Can we get a Duelling Club up and running? I think it will also help Harry with his students who fell behind after last year"

"Yes Alex's and I dicussed this over the summer and I think we could get a group together weekly." Filius was almost bouncing in he seat

"Good. We can start with these two items. Alex, you are in charge of music for the ball and assisting Filius with anything he needs for the Duelling Club."

"Perfect. Everyone get your dress robes ready. It's going to be so much fun!"

I practically ran back to my chambers to send a letter to Myron. Halloween was on a Saturday this year, so I was hoping they didn't already have something lined up.

Myron,

I am planning a Masquerade Ball on Halloween for the Hogwarts students. I would love for the Weird Sisters to come play. Money is no object. We just need a morale boost for the kids.

Thanks Love,

Lexi

I received a letter back within a few hours

Lexi,

We would love to. We played at Hogwarts during the Triwizard Tournament a few years ago and it was smashing. The only charge is to save a dance for me.

See you on Halloween love,

M

Gah. I'm so glad they can do it. This is going to be amazing. And I need to get a new gown.

Over the next few weeks, Filius and I were able to get the Duelling Club up and running. Harry was an excellent dueler and was always willing to assist in demonstrations. His OWL students were doing well and we were able to get them caught up with the practical part of the exam. Between Duelling Club, my own classes, grading papers, covering all of Snape's night patrol and detentions, I barely had time to think. The weekend before the ball I made plans to go into London to find a gown. I stopped at a shop in Diagon Alley called Twilfitt and Tattings. The owner ushered me inside when I told her what I was looking for. She took a few measurements and brought up a few options. One caught my eye immediately. It was perfect. She had it sent up to the castle for me. I didn't want anyone to see it before the ball.

That week started the impromptu OWL exams for the 6th year students. Ministry Officials proctored the exams, so it was a bit of a break for the teachers. The ministry would grade the exams by the following week so we could get our advanced students in the classes they needed for NEWTS.

"Once the advanced class is set, what do you think about doing a Potions Club. To give our future Potion Masters some extra experience. Doing more advanced stuff." I asked Snape while grading paper during our free period

"I think that could be arranged."

"Are you excited about the ball this weekend? I mean I know we are chaparones, but it's still fun to get dressed up and stuff"

"Not particularly."

"Oh don't be such a grump. It'll be great."

"Did you just call me a grump?" he raised his eyebrows at me

"Yes. Professor Grumpy Pants who never smiles at anything. You know it takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown?"

"Then my face gets a good workout"

"Oh. My. God. Did you just make a joke? Like an honest to God joke. Someone alert the presses"

I might have even caught a smile in there.