Hello, all!
Thanks again for the awesome reviews and feedback. Really, we writers need to hear from you in order to know how we're doing.
So, I'd like to address something many of out pointed out about the previous chapter. A very valid point at that. While we can agree that the Baron's refusal to take no for an answer is appalling, you are all right that we can't necessarily hold someone from his century to our standards of morals and ethics, as he was just one of...well...everyone who thought it was basically acceptable at the time. Back then, consent was very ill defined so I imagine that the only thing viewed wrong about his actions in that era was the murder itself and no one would have batted an eye at his fixation with Helena. So you're right, we can't exactly hold him truly accountable for something he and everyone else was taught to be acceptable behavior when it came to consent.
That being said, Simone and Severus do not have the ability to step back from the moment and analyze it over the course of a few hours to a few days like we all are able to as readers of the story. They're in the moment; they're sort of caught up in the initial feelings of discomfort the Baron's fixation causes them, so they haven't taken the time to be analytical about his actions and how they were shaped by his society.
Now, some argued that Helena may have at some point loved the Baron and/or still does. I'm went by the books and Pottermore, which imply that she never had feelings for him; that it was always one sided. But even if she had at some point loved him, that doesn't negate ANYTHING. He still shouldn't have murdered her, and he still should have backed off when she rejected him. It would be like saying it is okay for a guy to stalk a girl because he knows she is "playing hard to get" or a girl harassing a guy because she "knows he wants her". No matter what a person's present feelings are, if they say 'no' that should always be respected. I'll be frank, I don 't give a damn if Helena ever once loved the Baron; he ignored her verbal refusal to grant consent and continued to pursue her. That will always be wrong, regardless of what she was secretly feeling. Plenty of people still love someone they know is bad for them and separated themselves from; those lingering feelings would NOT make it okay for that person to continue pursuing them. At the end of the day what a person says in regards to their consent trumps what ever their suitor reads between the lines.
Now enough about that, on with the show!
If Someone Cared Enough
Chapter Forty-Five: Holiday Slug Club
"Finally!" Simone huffed when Severus finally met her outside the Portrait Hole for Gryffindor Tower.
The evening of Slughorn's holiday party was finally at hand and festivities were kicking up all over the castle. Since most of the student body was not invited to Slughorn's private event, most people were having their own 'end of the term' bash here or there before they'd take the train home in the next day or so. Many common rooms were bustling with activity in the form of garlands and tinsel, yule logs and trees, and snacks galore—courtesy of the Hogwarts elves or students breaking into their Honeydukes stashes.
Some exchanged gifts, others lit candles and taught each other their own family traditions for celebrating the season. Professors who had opted not to attend Slughorn's overly eccentric party crowded around the staff table in the Great Hall where a feast had been set up open to all staff and students. McGonagall, never one to enjoy Slughorn's over the top displays of pompous showboating, was more than happy to supervise the Great Hall and partake of the delicious meal.
While everyone else was busy making merry, Simone was stuck waiting for her fellow Slytherin to hurry the hell up.
Standing in the drafty hallway, Simone tapped her foot impatiently as Severus strolled up to her.
"Took you long enough!" she griped as he drew near. She placed her hands on her hips, "How can a guy possibly take so long to get ready? You're outfit is a bloody, freaking robe!"
"With far more buttons and clasps than I am used to," Severus defended himself.
It was true; never had Severus worn such a detailed or complicated outfit before. Though simple black in color, the garb was a stark contrast from Severus's usual plain attire of a turtleneck and slacks. Modestly slim fitting, the inner robe hung close to his frame, outlining Severus broad chest and torso. A long line of buttons trailed vertically down from a high collar neckline and ended just at belt level. From there the robe split open in the front to fall down to about knee height on either side of his legs and showed off the long limbs clad in fine black slacks.
Both sleeves were tight and ended just over the wrist line, buttoned securely and leaving no possibility for rolling the sleeves up.
The outer robe was a flowing, cape-like piece that went down the length of Severus's back and just barely brushed the floor. The cape split open at the shoulder for his arms to come through, giving it a vest-like feel. On his feet were dragon hide boots.
To feel less like a child playing dress up and more like an adult worthy of the outfit, Severus spent a long time in the bath earlier that evening, scrubbing until his skin was damn near spotless and his hair as clean as can be.
"This is far more extravagant than anything I've ever worn or even owned," Severus stated, holding his arms out to display his outfit in its entirety.
"And it looks marvelous," Simone said admiringly.
"I feel like a fool," Severus growled.
"Well you look like a king," Simone said, circling him, "Did you style your hair?" she asked.
"No," Severus said quickly, his hand going to his head to smooth his black locks behind his ear, "I just brushed it."
"Sure," Simone teased.
Severus scowled, "Moving on, I see you're all ready for tonight."
Simone smiled proudly, "But of course." Sporting a more traditional formal look, Simone was dressed in a dark navy dress with a high neck of cravat ruffles. The shoulders were bare, with the sleeves starting at the forearm and ending right at the base of the fingers, tight like a second skin. Over her bare shoulders, she wore a very short cape that hung open and framed her bosom, displaying the fine embroidery work over the chest of her dress. The mermaid skirt went to the floor and fanned out in a pool of fabric that hid her feet, clearly spelled to repel dirt as she walked.
She wore a single necklace, a simple chain of silver that met in the middle to hang down in one long chain that ended right where her navel would be.
"My mother's" she explained, gesturing to the chain, "Sometimes we appreciate subtle beauty."
Severus nodded disinterestedly, "I see. Well," he crossed his arms, "You said you were waiting for me…shall we go in?"
"Don't take that tone with me," Simone warned, "You're the one who took his sweet time." She knocked three times on the portrait hole, ignoring the Fat Lady's indignant cries about being treated like a common door. After a few minutes of silence—a part from the Fat Lady's complaints—the door opened to reveal Marlene, decked out in a garish holiday sweater and tinsel in her hair.
"Welcome to the party," she crowed, waving the pair of Slytherin's in. Her words slurred slightly; clearly she had already hit the pilfered firewhiskey, "Things are just getting started."
"Thank you, dear, but we won't be staying," Simone said plainly, stepping through the portrait hole. She spared Marlene a glance, "Don't you look…festive."
Marlene grinned crookedly, tugging on her sweater, "You like? My friend Molly made it for me. Just arrived by owl this morning." She hiccupped, "She's married now. Miss Mollywobbles is all grown up!" she smiled blearily at Simone before wandering off towards the fireplace.
"I've always liked that girl," Simone observed, "She's very laid back."
"If she drinks like that all the time, I can see why," Severus quipped, "So where is Lily?"
Simone jerked her chin towards the stairs, "Upstairs. Thea's helping her get ready."
"Will they be long?" Severus inquired, cautiously sweeping the common room with his eyes.
"Not very," Simone replied, "And relax; Lupin sent them to sneak some sweets out of Honeydukes. The Moron Marauders will be gone for a bit."
From across the room, Remus waved at them with his free hand, the other busy fending off the grabby hands of a tipsy sixth year girl. His struggle went on for a few minutes before Mary breezed by and plucked the girl up by the elbow, leading her to the stairs and up to bed.
She spotted Severus and Simone on her way back to the couches.
"Severus," Mary greeted happily as she approached, "And Simone; good to see you both."
"Mary," Severus greeted with a kind smile, "Enjoying yourself?"
Mary grinned, raising her bottle of firewhiskey, "Responsibly; been nursing this one for a while, taking my time. I figured someone should try and have a clear enough head to supervise."
"You seem like the wise enough sort to do it," Severus complimented.
"Thanks," Mary said, tucking some hair behind her ear, "You look nice, by the way. Very distinguished."
Severus looked down self-consciously, "Thank you. It's…new."
"I can see that," Mary commented, "You look good with your hair back. It lets me see your face better."
Severus's hand went to his hair, "You think it looks okay?"
Mary smiled warmly, "More than okay," she lightly gave him a playful punch to the chest, "You're not half bad, Severus."
Severus rolled his eyes with a laugh, "You might have had a little more to drink than you let on."
Mary laughed jovially, "Maybe I have." Some movement on the stairs caught her eye, "ooh, here comes Lily!"
Severus turned to the stairs and as if by magic, his breath was taken away.
Lily stood at the top of the stairs in a lilac cocktail dress. A wide strip of lace across the top of the dress acted as straps that hung off the shoulders and left her arms bare, a strip of lace rising up from chest to wrap around her neck like a choker. Hanging longer in the back than the front, the skirt ended at the knee and hung down to the back of her ankles from behind. Deep purple piping ran down the front of the dress in two vertical stripes that narrowed as they reached the waist and widened at the hips, accentuating an hourglass shape. Her hair was pulled over one shoulder and curled and her feet bore light purple ballet slippers.
Thea came up from behind her in a slimming burgundy floor length dress with corseted waist, her hair braided into two plaits. Smiling down at Simone and Severus, she pulled out a light lace robe and helped Lily put it on.
Severus swore Lily practically glided down the stairs to him like some sort of angel.
"Sorry if you waited long," Lily said breathlessly, "We misplaced my shoes."
"More like some busy bodies hid them when they heard who she was going to the party with," Thea muttered to Simone, pointing to a far corner. Across the room, Meldonna and Jess watched the Slytherin trio suspiciously Abigail taking cues from them and mimicking their expressions of disapproval.
Simone flashed them a viper-like smile, prompting the girls to feign nonchalance and look elsewhere.
Severus smiled nervously at Lily, his tongue feeling too thick for his mouth, "We only just arrived; you didn't make us wait at all."
"You all are so lucky," Mary gushed, "A gala sounds so fancy. I'd kill to go to something like that."
"You too fancy for us common folk, Mary?" Marlene teased inebriated from fireplace. She stumbled over to a couch of her friends and plopped down across their laps, sending them into a fit of giggles, "S'thinks were not good enough for her…" she chuckled to her friends.
"Not it at all, Marley," Mary called back.
Marlene smirked, "Sure, sure. Well you're stuck with us tonight anyway," she hiccupped loudly then turned her attention to Severus and Lily, "Run along you fancy-folk. Go and enjoy your 'soph-hic-sticated' evening. But hurry back before midnight, or you'll all turn into pumpkins." Marlene giggled to herself.
"Is that how that shit goes?" she asked a friend, "…Muggles are so weird…a pumpkin? Hysterical!"
Severus opened his mouth to correct her, but Lily placed her hand on his.
"She's close enough," Lily assured, "We should go before Potter and the others get back anyway. Wouldn't want them to throw a fit about all these Slytherins."
"Yes, they might think we're turning their common room into our new evil lair," Simon said in jest. She offered her arm to Thea, "Shall we?"
Thea laughed at her friend's antics, linking arms with Simone, "Let's."
Following their lead, Severus offered Lily his arm, pleased when Lily flushed prettily and rested her arm at the crook of his elbow. Waving goodbye to Mary—and ignoring Marlene's inanely crude jokes and calls—they ducked out of the portrait hole and down the hall.
It was quite fortune they left when they did, as moments later, the portrait hole swung open yet again and three familiar Gryffindors came charging through.
"The cavalry has arrived!" Sirius declared, winking at a group of tispy seventh years and making them swoon.
"And we brought reinforcements," James added. He opened up his cloak to reveal armfuls of cakes and sweets, "We even made a side trip to the Three Broomsticks!"
He gestured to Peter with an encouraging smile and the pudgy boy proudly pulled several more bottles of firewhiskey out of his robes, his smile growing wider when people cheered.
"Good on you, mate," Gideon said admiringly, taking one of the bottles and passing it around, "You nicked these yourself?"
"We left money," Sirius put in quickly to head off Remus's lecture of theft; his friend was glaring disapprovingly at them as he drew nearer, "But Peter here snuck us in."
Fabian thumped Peter on the back, "Good job, mate! Very good job."
Peter positively beamed under the attention. A few fourth year girls even smiled his way.
"You let him have this one?" Remus asked, sliding up next to Sirius.
Sirius shrugged, "You're the one who said we should be nicer to him."
When Remus continued to stare knowingly at him, Sirius sighed, "He's been feeling a little bummed about how his exams went; I figured he might like playing the hero for once," he scratched the back of his neck, "Besides, we really couldn't have done it without Wormy slipping inside and letting us in the back of the place."
Remus smiled, "I'm glad you're including him more," then he punched Sirius in the arm, "But you better have been telling the truth about paying for this stuff."
"We did," Sirius whined, rubbing his arm, "Honest. We left the money on the table. Come on, Moony, I'm not a common thief."
"I should hope not," Remus harrumphed, but his stern expression, lightened some.
"You're the one who sent us to get this crap anyway," Sirius pointed out.
Remembering his ruse, Remus nodded, "Well, yeah…you alone drink like a fish. I knew we'd be needing more refreshments before the evening wore out." For added measure he pointed at Marlene, "I'm pretty sure she's had a bottle and a half to herself so far."
Sirius followed Remus gaze and whistled, "You're right. That girl sure can put it away. Hey, McKinnon! You're supposed to share that!" Sirius took off to the couches, determined to wrestle a bottle away from the inebriated quidditch captain.
Nearby James with a smile as Peter soaked in the praise.
"I'm so glad you're back, Jamie," Jess cooed sidling up to James and wrapping her arms around his neck.
James gave Jess his trademark charming smile, "You know I can never stand to be away from you for long."
"It was sooo dull without you here," Jess went on, batting her eyes at him, "You're the life of the party."
"Plus, those Slytherins really brought down the mood," Meldonna huffed, crossing her arms, "They're slimy doom and gloom attitude was ruining the vibe."
James whipped around in shock, "There were Slytherins here?"
Meldonna nodded, "Snivellous and those two tarts he hangs out with. Simone and Thea, I think?"
James bawked at her, "How'd they get in?"
"There isn't a rule against visiting other common rooms," Abigail pointed out timidly, "As long as it's before curfew. Mary let them in."
"For Godric knows what reason," Meldonna sneered, "She's had those girls over here a few times actually. This the first time Snape wormed his way in." The expression on her face told them all just how much it rankled her.
"I know if you were here you would have kicked them out, Jamie," Jess said adoringly.
"You're damn right I would," James agreed, "Why were they even here?"
"They're all going to Slughorn's Christmas party," Abigail explained, "They stopped by to get Lily." At James's growing expression of displeasure, she trailed off, "…I think I'll go thank Peter for the drinks…" she quickly rushed away.
"Wait, so Lily isn't here?" James asked. His eyes scanned the crowd, but he caught no glimpse of flaming red locks of hair.
Jess shook her head, "No, she went with Snape and the other two. We tried to talk her out of it earlier, but she wouldn't listen."
"Oh," James's hand loosened its hold on Jess's waist, "So she's off with Snivellous?"
"Mh-hm," Jess hummed as she snuggled into James's arms, oblivious of his lessening attentions.
"Alright there, James?" Remus said, strolling over to them.
James perked up instantly.
"Definitely," he said enthusiastically, drawing Jess in closer, "It's a party with my best girl," he pecked Jess's cheek, making her giggle coquettishly, "Why wouldn't I be having the time of my life?"
"Just checking in on everyone," Remus offered with a shrug. He held a cup of firewhiskey out to his friend, "I hope you don't have too much fun. Wouldn't want you hungover in the morning like last time." He wrinkled his nose, "I've seen enough of you sick for a lifetime, thank you very much. You don't make a very attractive picture with your head stuck in the toilet."
Meldonna and Jess giggled.
"Let's not dwell on the past," James said hastily, steering the girls over to the refreshment table, "We're here to have some fun."
"I will so get you back for that," he hissed at Remus as he passed.
Remus smiled cheekily, "Bring it on."
{page break}
In Slughorn's quarters, the party was in full swing. Similar to the ceiling in the Great Hall, the office ceiling had been enchanted to resemble a moonlight night. Wispy clouds conjured for the occasion sprinkled snow into the air, the flakes magically disappearing before they reached anyone below. Fairy lights hung from every high nook and cranny, twinkling merrily at the partygoers.
Beneath the illusionary sky, nearly every available surface lay burdened under the weight of a magnificent display of food, any decadent morsel one could imagine spread out in a lovely presentation. Towers of sweets sat on double, triple, even quadruple layer circular racks, their arrangement of white frostings and blue sprinkled confections looking like sugary frozen fountains or sculptures.
Off to one side, a small band of goblins gather to play soothing, peaceful melodies on their violins and cellos, a tall, thin, and feminine being with a bald head standing among them and crooning alluring notes in an almost operatic fashion, the glitter of her silver frock shimmering in the fairy lights.
"He managed to top last year," Simone stated, returning to from a short mix and mingle around the room. She handed Lily and Severus a glass of punch, her own cup floating next to her, "Could have done without the goblins being used as entertainment, though," she added with a sniff.
"They're music certainly is lovely," Lily commented, "Do goblins celebrate Christmas?"
Simone shook her head, grabbing her floating cup and taking a dainty sip, "They celebrate the Solstice to some degree, but not to the level we do. The decorations, the glitz, the glam, it is all considered quite garish to them. Goblins only use gold and jewels in their weapon making, as they believe it imbues their craft with strength and resilience. Outside of weapon making and maybe some architecture, Goblins are far more reserved than humans are; they don't do fancy or showy. The do intimidating and composed. All these festivities are quite frivolous from their perspective," she looked over at the band, "Which is why it is sort of rude to ask them to entertain us in our merry-making."
"Slughorn doesn't mean anything by it," Thea assured, patting Simone on the arm, "He's oblivious to many faux pas he makes."
Simone hummed noncommittally, "Ignorance is certainly bliss, hm?"
"My, that is a beautiful necklace, Thea," Lily said, changing the subject, gesturing to the choker around Thea's neck.
"This?" Thea blushed, lightly touching the pendant etched with a depiction of a three-headed serpent, "Thank you. It was a gift…"
"Oh?" Lily leaned forward, intrigued, "From an admirer?"
Thea's blush deepened, "You could say that…"
"Enough gossip, ladies," Simone teased, patting Thea on the head, "We're here to enjoy ourselves, not gab like women at a stitch and bitch."
"I'd like to think I've gotten used to your occasional crude colloquialisms," Severus said dryly, "But then I see you dressed like a debutante while something outrageous falls from your mouth and I'm at a loss again."
Simone shrugged, "I find a colorful vocabulary keeps things interesting."
"You aren't allowed to cuss at all at home, are you?" Severus deadpanned.
"No, and so I shall do it as often as I like at school," Simone shot back primly. She placed her hand a top Thea's head, "Come Thea, we shall smooze with the illustrious. While we're at it, let's look for something suitable for our wonderful musicians to eat…I believe the House elves would be able to bring up some rarer meats…" she guided Thea through the throng of people, side stepping Slughorn as he swayed between guests, a flute of champagne in his fist.
"Severus m'boy!" the sizeable professor greeted with a jolly smile, "Just the boy I was looking for—Miss Evans! Aren't you a vision, tonight?"
"Good evening, Professor," Lily replied with a curtsey.
"Stunning," Slughorn praised, "Quite the lovely young lady." He winked encouragingly at Severus, "You're a lucky boy, Severus."
Severus flushed up to the roots of his hair.
"Oh," he stammered, he and Lily looking anywhere but at each other, "We're not…I mean that is to say…"
Slughorn waggled a thick, sausage like finger at them, "You can't fool me, young man. Ah, but where was I?" he placed a meaty hand on Severus shoulder, beginning to lead him through the crowd, "Come, come. I was just telling Belby that you'd be here—he remembers you, lad!—and he is quite interested in speaking with you again."
The evening went by in a blur, Severus and Lily being whisked here or there by their enthusiastic professor and talking with various people of noteworthy success whom Slughorn took credit for 'discovering the potential' in them. Severus had very little interest in making small talk with rising quidditch stars or the up and coming face of Witches Weekly's top beauty line, but he did enjoy his time speaking with those of likeminded academic interests.
There was a herbologist from Peru who was hoping to unlock potential healing properties in Devil's Snare, believing it's clingy and near unbreakable grip could bode well for a possible muscle strengthener in those who were lame and weak. An Alchemist from the Far East was attempting to recreate Nicolas Flamel's famed success in creating the Philosophers Stone.
It was Belby that most intrigued Severus, though. Not long out of Hogwarts himself, Damocles Belby was apparently researching the theory of using diluted forms of the most effective poisons for werewolves to instead weaken their hold on the afflicted lycanthropes. As Wolfsbane had mysterious the same debilitating effect on werewolves as it did actual wolves, it was Belby's theory that this very plant could hold the key to separating the beast from the man. It didn't sound like he was very optimistic for an outright cure, but clearly Belby felt some positive outcome of his research could arise and prove beneficial in lessening the werewolf threat.
Severus, of course, was more than interested in such a cause, still admittedly wary of werewolves despite Lily's sympathy for their predicament. He was growing more comfortable with Lupin, it was true, but still some distrust flared up near the full moon and Lupin's tired, haggard appearance the days prior. Curing, or at the very least taming, the bestial nature lurking within Lupin might take care of Severus's remaining unease so he couldn't say he wasn't eager for such a solution to be invented.
He and Belby spent a great deal of time conversing on the adverse effects of wolfsbane and how it may be used to neutralize the potency of the curse flowing through an infected person's veins, perhaps dull it. Considering that the plant was toxic to even regular humans, its properties would most likely be unable to be applied when the infected was wholly human, but maybe it could be tolerated in measured doses closer to transformation, when the curse ran stronger and enhance the afflicted person's senses and body in preparation for the change.
Lily gladly partook in their discussion, her own prowess in potions proving helpful in some troubleshooting over whether it was better to use chopped wolfsbane or the juice crushed from the plant.
The trio dined on an assortment of food and accoutrements like imported cheeses and exotic fruits while talking avidly, Slughorn having long since wandered away to refill his drink and boastfully engage other guests in conversation.
{page break}
"So you really have to go home for the holidays," Simone asked Thea quietly.
The pair stood off to the side of the buffet table, watching people mingle and dance. From where they stood, they had a clear view of Severus and Lily chatting the evening away with one of Slughorn's guests and several of their Housemates and classmates engaging in various forms of revelry around the room. Everyone was having a relatively wonderful time.
Thea had been having a fantastic time before Simone decided to return to a very tender subject.
Nevertheless, she nodded, "My parents were very insistent that I spend time with them. Since we're graduating this year, they said it is their last time to have their little girl at home before I am old enough to strike out on my own."
Simone scoffed, "More like they just want you close by to monitor what you're doing."
"It's not like that, Sim," Thea protested weakly.
"Please," Simone said, "They despise that you associate with me."
Thea bit her lip, "It's not that they disapprove…"
"You know they do," Simone stated flatly.
Thea looked down at her shoes.
Simone sighed, "Listen, whatever they want you home for is nothing good. Just keep your eyes peeled and above all contact me if something happens."
"They're my parents, Sim," Thea said in exasperation, "They wouldn't do anything to me."
"Maybe not to you," Simone muttered, "But who knows what they may want to do for you…"
{page break}
By the time Belby bid Severus and Lily farewell, citing a very important seminar he needed to get up for in the morning, it was bordering on eleven at night.
"I told you this would be fun," Lily pointed out after they waved Belby goodbye, "And to think, you didn't want to come."
"I didn't want to make a fool of myself pretending to be a stuffed shirt," Severus shot back, taking a sip of punch.
Lily nibbled on a toast point, "You were worried for nothing; you look dashing in that robe."
Severus felt his face burning.
"Thank you," he said, searching for a reciprocal compliment, "And you are…a vision of loveliness."
Lily snorted, "Taking pointers from Slughorn?" she smacked Severus's arm playfully, "That's such a grandparent compliment. It's like saying 'you look precious', or 'like a princess.' Don't give me grandpa compliments."
"So what should I call you, hm?" Severus asked with a wry grin, "Stunning? Sophisticated? Enchanting? Alluring?"
Lily cut him off, "You think I'm alluring?"
Severus blinked, his words catching up to him. Now his face felt like it was on fire, "I…"
Lily batted her eyes at Severus, "Sev…?"
Unwilling or perhaps unable to meet her eyes, Severus looked away. There were quite a few people dancing now, swaying slowly to the music as if in a sleepy daze. The instruments were playing by themselves, Severus spotting Simone and Thea sharing a large chair and talking animatedly with several of the goblin musicians over a plate of steak tartar and goose liver pate. Slughorn had wrangled the lead singer a rather unenthused woman of presumably Veela descent into a conversation about Slughorn's travels to Egypt several summers ago.
Scanning the crowd, Severus's gaze landed upon Regulus occupying the space by a flower arrangement, sipping on punch and nodding with feigned interest to his companion. The speaker had their back to Severus, but Severus would recognize that platinum blond hair anywhere.
Regulus's eyes drifted boredly from his companion. When his eyes fell on Severus, he jerked with a start, and then tried to discreetly redirect his attention elsewhere, as if to not alert his friend. But it was too late; the speaker turned around and Severus found himself making eye contact with Lucius Malfoy.
"Shit," Severus cursed under his breath.
"Sev?" Lily questioned, her demure gaze turning to one of concern.
"We've been spotted," Severus stated, gesturing to the other side of the room. Despite Regulus best efforts to recapture Lucius's attentions, the blond was having none of it. Eyes fixed determinedly on Severus and Lily, a slick smile spread across his face as he began making his way over.
Severus growled, "Great…just great." Squaring his shoulders, Severus stood at his full height, ready to engage the arrogant Pureblood in what was sure to be a polite ruse of casualty to hide insults and thinly veiled threats for Severus's spurning You-Know-Who's offer of power.
He made to move forward, but Severus had hardly taken a single step when a slim hand clamped down around his bicep and pulled him forcefully in the other direction.
"Lily?" Severus gasped in surprised.
"We're not dealing with him tonight," Lily said firmly, dragging Severus through the crowd. She ducked under the arm of a waiter serving crab cakes and slipped around a corpulent woman with far too much perfume giggling loudly to a man half her age.
"This is supposed to be a fun evening for us," Lily continued, "I won't have that bigot starting something and bringing the entire evening down."
"But Lily," Severus protested. He struggled to keep upright, stumbling over his own feet as he tried to keep up with Lily, "I can't just run away. I'm not a coward."
Lily ducked behind a curtain by one of the windows, shoving Severus into the cramped space with her.
"I know you aren't," she said seriously, "And he does too. That pompous….ass would never have put himself in danger for someone else. You're braver than he is and he knows it. He just wants to take advantage of being safe in public to taunt you where you can't hex him for it. He's the coward."
She took Severus hands in her own, staring up pleadingly at him, "Sev, I know standing up for yourself is very important to you, but you don't need to prove anything to him. Not tonight." She stepped closer, "This was supposed to be about us; about having fun together. I don't want him to ruin that."
Severus stared at her, torn. On the one hand, he truly couldn't stand the idea of being seen fleeing from the likes of Malfoy—it was a given Severus could wipe the floor with that arrogant cad in a duel any day of the week. On the other hand, he had promised Lily he'd try to have a good time tonight, if only to make up for how he had avoided her after their close encounter in the alcove. His pride was warring with his heart and as much as he knew it would look weak of him to retreat, disappointing Lily would cause him far more grief than making Malfoy think he was afraid.
Closing his eyes, Severus sighed.
"Fine," he said finally, leaning his head back against the wall, "I don't need to confront him."
Lily's eyes lit up like Christmas lights, a relieved smile stretching across her face.
"Do you think he saw where we went?" Severus asked peering past the curtain.
Lily hazard a peek around the curtain. After a moment she shook her head, "No, it looks like he got snagged by Slughorn halfway across the room."
Severus snorted, "Bless that man for timing. So…" he leaned back, feigning nonchalance, "What do we do now?"
"Well I'd rather not be spotted by him," Lily replied, resting against the window sill, "But there isn't much to do here…"
Severus hesitated, awkwardly shifting from side to side. The music of the bands' enchanted instruments carried to their hiding place, lofting over them in a tranquil tempo.
"Would you…" Severus began carefully, "Like to dance?"
Lily blinked, and then blinked again. A rosy flush rising to her cheeks, she nodded quickly.
"Yes," she said nervously, "I-I'd love to."
Stepping up to Severus, Lily raised her hands and settled them gently around Severus's shoulders. Not sure what to do with his hands, Severus hesitantly put them at Lily's waist, the barest of touches. He was more than surprised when Lily boldly took a step closer, their middles almost touching.
"I won't break, you know," she teased softly.
"Right," Severus stammered, clearing his throat with a cough. Stepping closer, he left one hand at Lily's waist and moved the other to the small of her back.
For a moment, neither said or did anything, just standing there in silence.
Severus took a deep breath, "I guess we just…sort of…" he started to sway side to side.
Lily followed his lead, copying his movements, "Would you believe I've never danced with anyone who wasn't a cousin or my father before?"
Severus chuckled slightly, "Would you believe I've never danced with anyone ever?"
They stumbled a bit and Lily giggled, "Yes, I can definitely tell."
Severus made a face at her, "Brat."
Lily laughed some more, starting to relax, "So, I heard from Simone that the two of you have made quite some leeway with the diadem mystery and the Bloody Baron. She tells me it is quite the tale of love and loss."
Severus rolled his eyes, "Only if you count stalking and harassing someone 'love'. That man is barmy, I tell you…"
They continued to dance as Severus regaled Lily with the frustrating week he and Simone had dragging the truth out the Grey Lady and her unwanted suitor. When all secrets were revealed and the party had finally come to an end, they slipped out into the crowd before Malfoy could spot them. On their way out, they caught sight of Simone leading a sleepy Thea back down to the dungeons. Flashing them a smile, Simone waved with her free hand, her other one wrapped securely around a drooping Thea's waist.
Severus and Lily walked shoulder to shoulder back to Lily's dorm.
"Tonight was fun," Severus observed, "It was…wasn't it?"
Lily nodded, a bright smile on her face, "It was great. Perfect even."
Severus allowed himself a small, relieved smile, "I'm glad. I didn't think I would be good company for that sort of thing."
"You were wonderful company," Lily assured him, "I can't think of anyone else I would rather have spent the evening with."
"Not even Potter," Severus ventured.
Lily scoffed, "Do you honestly see him at a fancy event and not making a fool of himself showing off?"
"Truthfully, no," Severus smirked.
Lily giggled, "Thought so," she shuffled her feet, "Well…good night—"
This time, Severus kissed Lily on the cheek, ever so close to the corner of her mouth.
"Goodnight," he said hastily, afraid to meet her eyes in his embarrassment. He fled before Lily could respond.
Watching after the dark haired boy, Lily heaved a soft sigh, climbing through the portrait hole and off to bed.
"We're getting there."
Ooh, the tension is getting thicker. Someone get a knife!
Hope this chapter was pleasing to you all. Not much to say here as things were pretty straight forward.
Read and review :)