Hogwarts was decorated beautifully for Halloween. I slept in on Saturday morning since there was no detention to cover and all my papers were graded the night before. It was almost lunchtime before I rolled out of bed. The ball wasn't until 6, but I needed to be in the Great Hall by 5 to make sure everything was running on schedule. I threw on some leggings and a tee shirt, put on some music and cleaned up my chambers. I didn't want the house elves cleaning my room. I just didn't feel right about it. I mean the United States fought a whole war about that kind of thing. When it was time to get ready, I washed my hair, which is no small task. I used magic to dry and curl it. I wanted to leave it down, but I pinned it to one side. Everyone sees my hair up all the time, which is easy to keep it out of the way, but it really is one of my favorite things about myself. I took my gown out of my wardrobe. It was very fitted with a trumpet skirt, long sleeves, and an open back. It's emerald green color complimented my auburn hair. I chose a small silver Masquerade mask and silver shoes. I kept my makeup light but did a deep red lip.
The great hall had been completely transformed. small tables were near the walls with a dance floor taking up most of the space. A stage had been set up where the staff tables usually are. Everything was perfect! The band was starting to get set up and do a quick sound check. The other chaparones started to arrive at 5:30. Harry, Neville, and I talked right up until the doors were opening. Everyone was seated for dinner, the staff table was in a quiet corner. I was the last one to the table, as I kept getting stopped by students who were grateful for a fun evening. Snape stood and pulled out my chair as I arrived at our table.
"How chivalrous." I smiled "And you look amazing" and he did. He wore all black suit was fitted to his lean frame and a much shorter fashioable cloak than usual. His hair away from his face.
"Likewise" there was that almost smile.
After dinner, it was time for the fun. Myron came to my table to ask for the first dance. He grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips. Everyone stared as we walked out to the floor and had the first dance. After a few minutes I motioned for everyone else to join us. The dance floor was packed and everyone was having fun. After the first song I went back to the staff table. I was able to convince the rest of the chaparones that it's easier to do the chaparoning while on the dance floor with the students. I asked Filius to dance thinking he would be the most fun. Boy was I right. He was sprightly. I asked Snape to dance a few times, but he declined. I was determined to get him out there before the end of the evening. As it started getting late, some of the younger students went back to their common rooms. I found Snape near the door watching a few couples dancing almost too close.
"I'm not taking 'no' for an answer this time. Come on and have a little fun." I grabbed his hand and dragged him out to dance.
"It's about time you had a little fun Severus" said Minerva, who was dancing with Harry and laughing
"See? Everyone's having fun but you" I said
He sighed, but relented. The band was playing a more traditional song. He put his hand on my waist. He was surprisingly light on his feet.
"Looks like Professor Grumpy Pants is a good dancer. Who knew right?"
"And who knew you could get thru a whole evening with no foul language"
"The nights not over yet" I laughed
"Mind if I cut in?" Myron again.
Snape kissed my hand and handed me off to Myron. We danced the last dance, his hand kept veering lower and lower on my back, which was not appreciated. I tried to laugh it off to not cause a scene. After the song was over, it was time to get the few straggler students to their dorms and get the band packed up. The house elves needed to get the great hall back to normal. I made my way down to the dungeons. I couldn't remember the last time I had that much fun that didn't involve whiskey. I noticed Snape's office light on. I knocked and peeked my head in.
"I hope you had even a little bit of fun tonight. You really do look nice dressed up"
"Goodnight Miss Lee"
"Can you please call me by my first name outside of class?"
"Goodnight Alexianna"
"Goodnight Severus"