Jezebel
--by Egon Starcollector
Chapter 5: Tonight Is Magic for Love
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and co. are the property of J.K. Rowling. "Annie's Song" copywright John Denver. "Magic" copywright Michael Nesmith-- and yes, I know some of the words are misspelled, but that's how Papa Nez spelled them. *shrug* Who am I to argue?
Author's note: Sorry this took so long. I wasn't planning to make this part a songfic, but I gotten bitten on the nose by this little idea bunny...so I had to find these lyrics. Then we had company all weekend because of a blizzard...yowza.
Acknowledgements are at the end.
Severus Snape pulled a black robe with electric blue satin trim out of his wardrobe. "Not that one, it makes you look like a peacock!"
Snape glared at his mirror, but put the robe back and pulled out one with a touch of green. "NO."
Snape grumbled, put the robe back, and pulled out one with silver trim. "Perfect."
"You pick this one every time I have to go to one of these things. People probably think it's the only dress robe I own."
"I'm just trying to keep you from looking like even more of a git than you already are."
"When I want your opinion, I'll give it to you." With that, Snape stormed off for the shower.
"Oh, don't forget your hair potion. It's starting to wear off, and you don't want to go to the ball looking like that Muggle Don King."
"AAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Meanwhile, in the Gryffindor boys' dormitory....
"You fill up my senses, like a night in the forest...."
Ron Weasley groaned and buried his head under his pillow. Usually when Harry was in the shower, he only got through the Backstreet Boys' "Larger than Life" and Duran Duran's "The Reflex." This time, however, he'd gotten through those, Sugar Ray's "Every Morning," Jimmy Buffett's "Margaritaville," Rick James's "Super Freak"--and now he was starting on John Denver's "Annie's Song." The young man was giving Ron a veritable college education in Muggle music!
It wasn't that Harry was a bad singer; far from it. It was just that at this rate, none of the rest of them would have time to prepare for the ball. Seamus Finnegan pounded on the bathroom door. "Come on, Harry, you're not the only one with a date you know!" Indeed, Seamus had been babbling all week about how Parvati Patil had agreed to go with him.
Just then, Harry stepped out of the room. *Oi, he sparkles!* Ron thought. Just as Harry stepped out of the way, Ron, Seamus, and Dean Thomas ran for the bathroom at the same time. It took them nearly ten minutes to get untangled and unstuck.
The Harvest Festival Ball and the harvest moon happened to fall on the same crisp Saturday night that year. The enchanted ceiling in the Great Hall showed the moon in all her glory, and the hall was decorated in shades of gold to match. Gold streamers hung from the walls, gold cloths covered the tables, and gold tapers wound with red-and-gold leaves floated in little gilded fruit wreaths in the air.
The students chattered excitedly as they entered the hall. Ron made a beeline for Lavender, who wore a lavender off-the-shoulder gown that shimmered softly in the candlelight. Seamus was soon arm-in-arm with a royal-purple-clad Parvati. Much to the surprise of everyone who hadn't been in their History of Magic class, Dean Thomas was wrapped up in an intense conversation with Parvati's twin Padma, who wore a gown of fuschia silk.
Everyone, it seemed, had someone special--everyone except Ginny Weasley, who'd been unable to choose between two boys, and the two young men who'd asked her. Consequently, Ginny had offered to help with the decorations (the twins, Fred and George, had invented some special fireworks, and it was Ginny's job to fire them off when Dumbledore gave her a signal), while her two would-be suitors--Neville Longbottom and Draco Malfoy--had a tentative appointment to glare at each other in the library.
Even Draco's rejected admirer Pansy Parkinson had a date. She and Milicent Bulstrode had dates with Draco's friends Crabbe and Goyle (both of whom were turning out to be slightly less dull than anticipated).
When Hermione stepped into the hall, Harry's heart nearly stopped. Her gown was the same blue as a January moon. It had a gathered neckline that she'd pulled discreetly off her shoulders and a fitted bodice that flowed slowly into a full skirt which swept the floor. Her long, thick hair was up in a french braid that set off not only her silver-and- aquamarine necklace, but also the slender neck that held it. *Just how exactly did it take me this long to realize I adored her?* Harry wondered.
"Good evening, students," Dumbledore spoke, grabbing the attention of everyone in the room. "First of all, I'm sorry to have to tell you that the Astronomy Tower is closed off due to a problem with the stairs." There were several groans, and Dumbledore relaxed. They fell for it. There'd been some...awkward developments...following past dances that occurred on full moons, and he didn't want that to happen this time. "The band for this evening is Enchante, a group of recent Beaxbatons graduates. They specialize in Muggle music from the 1980's, so I hope you enjoy them. And with that, let the ball begin." He waved his hands grandly, signalling the start of the music.
The band's opening song was "Super Freak." Crabbe and Goyle were leading Pansy and Milicent clumsily through the polka. Both young witches looked like they wanted to sink straight into the dungeon.
Snape leaned towards Flitwick. "Do you want to inform them they're doing the wrong dance or should I?"
"I believe it's your turn, Severus."
"Is not."
"Is too."
"Is not."
"Is too."
"Is not."
"Is too."
"Is not."
"Is too." The conversation proceeded thusly until the song ended, thereby eliminating the reason for debate. It was the best solution the men had ever devised.
Harry and Hermione sat in chairs near the wall, shyly trying to make conversation. *Nothing like going on a date with your best friend to kill comfortable banter,* Hermione thought wryly.
"Hey, look at that!" Harry pointed across the room to where Ron was attempting to dance with Lavender.
"What in the world...?" Ron's dance was unlike any Hermione had ever seen--or any that any living person had ever seen, for that matter. He was jumping up and down, flapping his arms, and evidently doing his best to look like a deranged chicken. Ronald Weasley had many gifts, but a sense of rhythm clearly was not one of them.
"Is he supposed to be doing that?"
"I think he's trying to signal something." She squinted slightly, as if trying to decipher a code. "My--horse--has--green--hair." Harry burst out laughing and nearly sprayed punch out of his nose.
"You're joking, right?"
"I _think_ so."
Harry studied the redhead a moment longer. "Are you sure his shorts aren't on fire?"
"Ah...ah...th-that's his business."
Midway through the evening, the band took a break while the students ate dinner. The main course was baked ham with glazed apples, with side dishes of pasta and baby carrots.
Following a towering German chocolate cake, the band resumed with some slow jazz instrumentals to let everyone's stomach settle. Soon enough, though, they picked up the beat. "Guys, grab your jolies femmes because it's time to rock and roll!" With those words, the band broke into "Wake Me up Before You Go-Go."
Snape thought for a moment, looking at McGonagall. *Why not...just for old times' sake?* He walked over to her. "Minerva, may I have this dance?"
She was stunned, but gave a faint shrug and agreed. They stepped out onto the floor, and he began to lead her through the jitterbug.
Harry and Hermione were the only other couple dancing (most of the others gave up). Snape and Harry suddenly made eye contact and nodded as they reached a silent understanding. Snape suddenly swung McGonagall into a complicated spin, while Harry made Hermione slide between his legs (and if she hadn't ducked, he'd have gotten her nose right in his zipper). A few turns later, Hermione and McGonagall breathlessly met each other's eyes. Snape and Harry were trying to out-dance each other, and they as their partners were merely being dragged along for the ride!
Dumbledore and Flitwick watched the proceedings with amusment. "Fascinating...I don't think I've seen Severus dance since his sister died."
"I believe you're right, Albus...didn't he and Augusta win the jitterbug contest shortly before her demise?"
"They certainly did. I see Severus hasn't lost his touch. Do me a favor, though...check his pumpkin juice and make sure it hasn't fermented."
Harry finally won the impromptu competition when he swept Hermione into his arms for a mind-shattering kiss. Snape threw up his hands in defeat and declared, "No offense, Minerva, but I can't compete!" She chuckled understandingly and said he was an excellent dancer nonetheless.
A few songs later, the candles suddenly dimmed. "The full moon is the moon of amour, mes amis. And love...means slow dancing." After saying this, the lead singer--a tall, dark-haired wizard named Michel--cleared his throat and began to sing in a doo-woppy falsetto:
This nite is magic
I can tell by the stars
This nite is magic
With you in my arms
It would be tragic
If we ever part
Tonight is magic for love
"Hermione...may I have this dance?" Harry whispered nervously.
"Certainly." She slid her arms gracefully around his neck. He pulled her close and started to sway.
You know I love you
Look in my eyes
You know I love you
It's paradise
For me to love you
And drift through the skies
The skies of magic and love
If you believe it will always come true
That's the magic of love
I keep believing I'll always have you
That's the magic of trust
"I love you, Hermione...I know I wouldn't be alive now if it weren't for you."
"Oh Harry...how many times do I have to tell you you're a great wizard?"
"No Hermione...I'm only great when you're by my side."
"Harry...!" She squeezed him gently, burying her face in his shirt to hide the faint blush that crept to her cheeks.
This love is magic
I feel it inside
This love is magic
There's nothing to hide
Our life is magic
We'll stay side by side
And feel the magic of love
Hermione let go reluctantly as the song ended--but Harry had other ideas. He pulled her into a gentle kiss, knowing in his heart that he would be great...because he knew he would always have his Hermione. With her near him, he could do anything.
Snape kicked back in his chair, a faint, satisfied smile spreading across his lips. He watched as the two young lovers smiled at each other as though they'd looked into the mirror of Erised and been told everything they saw would come to pass.
Snape had looked into that blamed mirror once and had nearly gone mad from what he saw. It showed him, married to Minerva McGonagall and raising a houseful of children--and it showed Augusta, playing the doting aunt. It had taken every ounce of his strength not to smash the mirror then and there.
No, he could never bring Augusta back. No, there would be no happy ending for him personally, anymore than there had been one for Augusta (who'd so richly deserved one). This was as close to a happy ending as Severus Snape would ever get--and looking at Harry and Hermione, he decided that it was enough.
*Mission accomplished,* he thought. *I suppose now I can go back to being the strict, grumpy git everyone's come to expect.* Then he heard the band start another jitterbug. *_After_ the ball.*
Author's note: Whew! Now for some thank-you's.
First of all, God.
Second, all of my reviewers (even the negative reviews help me learn something).
A special thanks to two reviewers in particular:
E.C.R. Potter: it means a lot to have a genius review every chapter.
And most especially...
Animagus-steph: I could never have gotten through this brute without your constant encouragement. Thanks forever. :)
A big thanks also to my betas:
Ghostdreaming Angel and Big Mama: Between the two of you, you keep me balanced. As I always say, best friends wear Harry Potter slippersocks and drool over the cute guys in Lord of the Rings. ;)
Nanyan Shikaze: You're the Harry to my Hermione. Thanks babe.
Translations:
Jolies femmes: pretty women.
Amour: love.
Mes amis: my friends.
--by Egon Starcollector
Chapter 5: Tonight Is Magic for Love
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and co. are the property of J.K. Rowling. "Annie's Song" copywright John Denver. "Magic" copywright Michael Nesmith-- and yes, I know some of the words are misspelled, but that's how Papa Nez spelled them. *shrug* Who am I to argue?
Author's note: Sorry this took so long. I wasn't planning to make this part a songfic, but I gotten bitten on the nose by this little idea bunny...so I had to find these lyrics. Then we had company all weekend because of a blizzard...yowza.
Acknowledgements are at the end.
Severus Snape pulled a black robe with electric blue satin trim out of his wardrobe. "Not that one, it makes you look like a peacock!"
Snape glared at his mirror, but put the robe back and pulled out one with a touch of green. "NO."
Snape grumbled, put the robe back, and pulled out one with silver trim. "Perfect."
"You pick this one every time I have to go to one of these things. People probably think it's the only dress robe I own."
"I'm just trying to keep you from looking like even more of a git than you already are."
"When I want your opinion, I'll give it to you." With that, Snape stormed off for the shower.
"Oh, don't forget your hair potion. It's starting to wear off, and you don't want to go to the ball looking like that Muggle Don King."
"AAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Meanwhile, in the Gryffindor boys' dormitory....
"You fill up my senses, like a night in the forest...."
Ron Weasley groaned and buried his head under his pillow. Usually when Harry was in the shower, he only got through the Backstreet Boys' "Larger than Life" and Duran Duran's "The Reflex." This time, however, he'd gotten through those, Sugar Ray's "Every Morning," Jimmy Buffett's "Margaritaville," Rick James's "Super Freak"--and now he was starting on John Denver's "Annie's Song." The young man was giving Ron a veritable college education in Muggle music!
It wasn't that Harry was a bad singer; far from it. It was just that at this rate, none of the rest of them would have time to prepare for the ball. Seamus Finnegan pounded on the bathroom door. "Come on, Harry, you're not the only one with a date you know!" Indeed, Seamus had been babbling all week about how Parvati Patil had agreed to go with him.
Just then, Harry stepped out of the room. *Oi, he sparkles!* Ron thought. Just as Harry stepped out of the way, Ron, Seamus, and Dean Thomas ran for the bathroom at the same time. It took them nearly ten minutes to get untangled and unstuck.
The Harvest Festival Ball and the harvest moon happened to fall on the same crisp Saturday night that year. The enchanted ceiling in the Great Hall showed the moon in all her glory, and the hall was decorated in shades of gold to match. Gold streamers hung from the walls, gold cloths covered the tables, and gold tapers wound with red-and-gold leaves floated in little gilded fruit wreaths in the air.
The students chattered excitedly as they entered the hall. Ron made a beeline for Lavender, who wore a lavender off-the-shoulder gown that shimmered softly in the candlelight. Seamus was soon arm-in-arm with a royal-purple-clad Parvati. Much to the surprise of everyone who hadn't been in their History of Magic class, Dean Thomas was wrapped up in an intense conversation with Parvati's twin Padma, who wore a gown of fuschia silk.
Everyone, it seemed, had someone special--everyone except Ginny Weasley, who'd been unable to choose between two boys, and the two young men who'd asked her. Consequently, Ginny had offered to help with the decorations (the twins, Fred and George, had invented some special fireworks, and it was Ginny's job to fire them off when Dumbledore gave her a signal), while her two would-be suitors--Neville Longbottom and Draco Malfoy--had a tentative appointment to glare at each other in the library.
Even Draco's rejected admirer Pansy Parkinson had a date. She and Milicent Bulstrode had dates with Draco's friends Crabbe and Goyle (both of whom were turning out to be slightly less dull than anticipated).
When Hermione stepped into the hall, Harry's heart nearly stopped. Her gown was the same blue as a January moon. It had a gathered neckline that she'd pulled discreetly off her shoulders and a fitted bodice that flowed slowly into a full skirt which swept the floor. Her long, thick hair was up in a french braid that set off not only her silver-and- aquamarine necklace, but also the slender neck that held it. *Just how exactly did it take me this long to realize I adored her?* Harry wondered.
"Good evening, students," Dumbledore spoke, grabbing the attention of everyone in the room. "First of all, I'm sorry to have to tell you that the Astronomy Tower is closed off due to a problem with the stairs." There were several groans, and Dumbledore relaxed. They fell for it. There'd been some...awkward developments...following past dances that occurred on full moons, and he didn't want that to happen this time. "The band for this evening is Enchante, a group of recent Beaxbatons graduates. They specialize in Muggle music from the 1980's, so I hope you enjoy them. And with that, let the ball begin." He waved his hands grandly, signalling the start of the music.
The band's opening song was "Super Freak." Crabbe and Goyle were leading Pansy and Milicent clumsily through the polka. Both young witches looked like they wanted to sink straight into the dungeon.
Snape leaned towards Flitwick. "Do you want to inform them they're doing the wrong dance or should I?"
"I believe it's your turn, Severus."
"Is not."
"Is too."
"Is not."
"Is too."
"Is not."
"Is too."
"Is not."
"Is too." The conversation proceeded thusly until the song ended, thereby eliminating the reason for debate. It was the best solution the men had ever devised.
Harry and Hermione sat in chairs near the wall, shyly trying to make conversation. *Nothing like going on a date with your best friend to kill comfortable banter,* Hermione thought wryly.
"Hey, look at that!" Harry pointed across the room to where Ron was attempting to dance with Lavender.
"What in the world...?" Ron's dance was unlike any Hermione had ever seen--or any that any living person had ever seen, for that matter. He was jumping up and down, flapping his arms, and evidently doing his best to look like a deranged chicken. Ronald Weasley had many gifts, but a sense of rhythm clearly was not one of them.
"Is he supposed to be doing that?"
"I think he's trying to signal something." She squinted slightly, as if trying to decipher a code. "My--horse--has--green--hair." Harry burst out laughing and nearly sprayed punch out of his nose.
"You're joking, right?"
"I _think_ so."
Harry studied the redhead a moment longer. "Are you sure his shorts aren't on fire?"
"Ah...ah...th-that's his business."
Midway through the evening, the band took a break while the students ate dinner. The main course was baked ham with glazed apples, with side dishes of pasta and baby carrots.
Following a towering German chocolate cake, the band resumed with some slow jazz instrumentals to let everyone's stomach settle. Soon enough, though, they picked up the beat. "Guys, grab your jolies femmes because it's time to rock and roll!" With those words, the band broke into "Wake Me up Before You Go-Go."
Snape thought for a moment, looking at McGonagall. *Why not...just for old times' sake?* He walked over to her. "Minerva, may I have this dance?"
She was stunned, but gave a faint shrug and agreed. They stepped out onto the floor, and he began to lead her through the jitterbug.
Harry and Hermione were the only other couple dancing (most of the others gave up). Snape and Harry suddenly made eye contact and nodded as they reached a silent understanding. Snape suddenly swung McGonagall into a complicated spin, while Harry made Hermione slide between his legs (and if she hadn't ducked, he'd have gotten her nose right in his zipper). A few turns later, Hermione and McGonagall breathlessly met each other's eyes. Snape and Harry were trying to out-dance each other, and they as their partners were merely being dragged along for the ride!
Dumbledore and Flitwick watched the proceedings with amusment. "Fascinating...I don't think I've seen Severus dance since his sister died."
"I believe you're right, Albus...didn't he and Augusta win the jitterbug contest shortly before her demise?"
"They certainly did. I see Severus hasn't lost his touch. Do me a favor, though...check his pumpkin juice and make sure it hasn't fermented."
Harry finally won the impromptu competition when he swept Hermione into his arms for a mind-shattering kiss. Snape threw up his hands in defeat and declared, "No offense, Minerva, but I can't compete!" She chuckled understandingly and said he was an excellent dancer nonetheless.
A few songs later, the candles suddenly dimmed. "The full moon is the moon of amour, mes amis. And love...means slow dancing." After saying this, the lead singer--a tall, dark-haired wizard named Michel--cleared his throat and began to sing in a doo-woppy falsetto:
This nite is magic
I can tell by the stars
This nite is magic
With you in my arms
It would be tragic
If we ever part
Tonight is magic for love
"Hermione...may I have this dance?" Harry whispered nervously.
"Certainly." She slid her arms gracefully around his neck. He pulled her close and started to sway.
You know I love you
Look in my eyes
You know I love you
It's paradise
For me to love you
And drift through the skies
The skies of magic and love
If you believe it will always come true
That's the magic of love
I keep believing I'll always have you
That's the magic of trust
"I love you, Hermione...I know I wouldn't be alive now if it weren't for you."
"Oh Harry...how many times do I have to tell you you're a great wizard?"
"No Hermione...I'm only great when you're by my side."
"Harry...!" She squeezed him gently, burying her face in his shirt to hide the faint blush that crept to her cheeks.
This love is magic
I feel it inside
This love is magic
There's nothing to hide
Our life is magic
We'll stay side by side
And feel the magic of love
Hermione let go reluctantly as the song ended--but Harry had other ideas. He pulled her into a gentle kiss, knowing in his heart that he would be great...because he knew he would always have his Hermione. With her near him, he could do anything.
Snape kicked back in his chair, a faint, satisfied smile spreading across his lips. He watched as the two young lovers smiled at each other as though they'd looked into the mirror of Erised and been told everything they saw would come to pass.
Snape had looked into that blamed mirror once and had nearly gone mad from what he saw. It showed him, married to Minerva McGonagall and raising a houseful of children--and it showed Augusta, playing the doting aunt. It had taken every ounce of his strength not to smash the mirror then and there.
No, he could never bring Augusta back. No, there would be no happy ending for him personally, anymore than there had been one for Augusta (who'd so richly deserved one). This was as close to a happy ending as Severus Snape would ever get--and looking at Harry and Hermione, he decided that it was enough.
*Mission accomplished,* he thought. *I suppose now I can go back to being the strict, grumpy git everyone's come to expect.* Then he heard the band start another jitterbug. *_After_ the ball.*
Author's note: Whew! Now for some thank-you's.
First of all, God.
Second, all of my reviewers (even the negative reviews help me learn something).
A special thanks to two reviewers in particular:
E.C.R. Potter: it means a lot to have a genius review every chapter.
And most especially...
Animagus-steph: I could never have gotten through this brute without your constant encouragement. Thanks forever. :)
A big thanks also to my betas:
Ghostdreaming Angel and Big Mama: Between the two of you, you keep me balanced. As I always say, best friends wear Harry Potter slippersocks and drool over the cute guys in Lord of the Rings. ;)
Nanyan Shikaze: You're the Harry to my Hermione. Thanks babe.
Translations:
Jolies femmes: pretty women.
Amour: love.
Mes amis: my friends.