Notes: The giggling of Parvati and Lavender is a homage to the 'Giggle Queen', Andrea. :)
Also, the curse Draco uses is completely made up by me. :) You'll see what it results in during the next chapter.
* * * *
Snape sat at the head table on Halloween night, staring disdainfully down at the students who had gathered eagerly in the Great Hall. Dress robes of every colour assaulted his eyes wherever he looked. Colours invaded the Hall ranging from the bright pink robes worn by Parvati Patil to the solemn black that was draped over the broad shoulders of Draco Malfoy. Snape paused in his careful examination of the Hall to smile approvingly at Draco. The young man had matured greatly over the years, developing a cunning that could rival that of his father, Lucius. A Death Eater he would never be, his respect for Dumbledore and the Wizarding community as a whole was too great, though he would never admit to it. Snape was relieved to know that Draco would never follow in the footsteps of his father.
"Having a good time?" Snape asked, his eyes flickering carefully from Draco's face to the crowd of students.
Draco Malfoy shrugged. "All right I suppose. None of the girls from the other houses would have me ask them, so I'm without a date." A sly grin crossed his face. "May need to spice things up a bit, if you don't mind Professor."
Snape allowed himself to smile back. "Mind? Now, why would I mind Draco? I feel this celebration is in need of a little pick up." The genuine smile faded quickly, leaving behind a scowl that would make anyone believe the smile had never been there. "Mind you don't hurt anyone Draco. We don't need that, not now."
Draco's smile faded as well. "Of course not Professor. Just a little fun, perhaps with that Granger girl. I'm still itching to get something on her."
"Leave Miss Granger alone," Snape said sharply.
Draco looked at him, his pale eyes wide and confused.
"She is . . . she's had a rough week, according to Dumbledore," Snape said quickly. "Leave her alone for tonight Draco."
"All right," Draco said, nodding slowly. "Have a nice night Professor."
Snape nodded curtly, then watched as the young man snaked carefully through the crowd. His movements were quick and efficient, his actions always to better himself. Snape had to admire that in Draco Malfoy, he knew how to push himself forward in the world, even if it meant trampling on the back of another.
Near the head table, Parvati giggled and elbowed Lavender. Snape frowned and glanced at them, wondering what else they could possibly have to giggle at that they hadn't already. The Hall was decorated with shimmering jack-o-lanterns that floated mysteriously in the air, candles burned brightly along the walls. The enchanted ceiling that hung over their heads flashed with lightening and the occasional rumble of thunder would shake the room, causing the lights to dance. Parvati and Lavender had giggled like they were mad when that happened for the first time.
Instruments were set up at the back of the room, enchanted to play different types of music for the rest of the night. Parvati had giggled when the drum set had gone off, flying drumsticks crashing down on the cymbals. They had both giggled as well when Ron Weasley had entered the room with a very nervous, yet beautifully dressed Hermione Granger on his arm.
Snape now followed their gaze across the Great Hall to the doorway. Standing there, trying to look inconspicuous, was Oliver Wood. He looked nervous, twisting the sleeve of his black dress robes between the fingers of his right hand. Clutched tightly in his left hand was Kendra Rayne's hand. She was murmuring something to him, apparently trying to ease his nerves. Snape didn't know what he had to be nervous about, Oliver had left Hogwarts nearly four years ago as almost a hero. The best Quidditch captain in decades was the title that students still remembered him by.
Snape tapped his fingers thoughtfully on the table. What would Oliver Wood be doing taking Kendra Rayne to the All Hallow's Eve Ball? A girl nearly four years younger than he was and yet he looked so very nervous. With a sigh, Snape shook his head. He was always trying to find the worst case scenario in everything, it was a habit he had to break. He couldn't afford to be pessimistic with the Dark Lord gaining more power every day.
The thought of Voldemort was enough to send Snape spiralling into depression, guilt tugging at his mind. Angrily, Snape tugged at his robe, trying to forget the things he had done, trying to accept that they were in the past. It was only when he felt someone staring at him, did he realize how deep his guilt really ran. Despite his insistence that he was fine with his past actions, the ice blue eyes of Kendra Rayne were carefully studying his face. Her mouth twitched, on the verge of a frown and tears shone in her eyes.
Snape stared back at her for a long moment trying to convince both of them that his past was where it belonged . . . in the past. After a moment Snape found himself studying Kendra, wondering what it was about her that made her mind so open to his guilt, what exactly it was that made his mind refuse to let him look away. Clear blue eyes, a high, pale forehead, her lips pressed into a thin line. Straight, shiny dark hair that fell over the shoulders of her violet dress robes. She was pretty, but nothing amazing, nothing so attractive that she would cause men's heads to turn as she walked by. There was something else about her, something else entirely that had attracted Oliver Wood to her in the first place.
A frown deepened Snape's dreary image as he continued to study her. Her face was pretty enough, too grown up perhaps for an eighteen year old girl, but Snape found her attractive enough. Her body was hidden under her robes, but he had seen her in her skirt and blouse before. A little too thin maybe, but otherwise just as attractive as any other girl in the school. That wasn't it though, Snape knew there was something else about her.
*Her connection,* he thought a second later. *It's because she's one of The Five. People feel protected around her.*
Snape had noticed it before when he was close to her, or Hermione, or any of the others. He'd never been one of those teachers that blatantly stared at their students but sometimes, when he was in close proximity to Hermione, Kendra or Parvati he couldn't help himself. It wasn't that he was attracted to them, he realized with a start, but that he felt safe in their presence. Whenever Harry or Ron served detention with Snape, a warm feeling came over the room, under their power, Snape would be safe.
It was suddenly so obvious that Snape had to refrain himself from laughing. Whether or not the students were popular didn't matter. All that mattered was they cast a protected feeling over those around them. He couldn't believe that he hadn't realized it before.
With a nod in Dumbledore's direction, Snape stood and walked quickly down the steps. He had served his time at the Ball, figured out exactly why people found The Five so appealing and was now ready to spend the rest of the evening locked in his room.
He swept briskly through the crowd, nudging students aside that were blocking his path. He stopped near the door to stare at Kendra and Oliver. Hermione and Ron were talking with them, laughing and smiling. Harry hung back a little, the youngest Weasley hanging on his arm.
Kendra found him watching them and smiled gently. Snape nodded his head, acknowledging her. Without thinking, he walked toward them and stopped only inches away from their group.
"Miss Rayne, Miss Granger, you both look very lovely tonight," Snape said, his dark eyes boring into each of them in turn. He turned to Oliver next. "Good to see you back here Mr Wood. Have a pleasant evening." Then he stalked across the room and disappeared down the hall.
Oliver frowned and glanced at Kendra. "Was that the same Snape that was here four years ago?"
Hermione's frown matched Oliver's. "Was that the same Snape that we had in Potions yesterday?"
Kendra looked equally as startled, even though she was the one who understood him the most. "He said we looked lovely." Even as the others marvelled at Snape's comment, Kendra felt almost happy for the distraction. She wasn't the best of friends with the group and yet here she was, standing with them as if she belonged. Hermione had always done her best to make sure that Kendra had felt included, but Harry and Ron were still slightly uncomfortable talking to her, especially after Ron had asked her to the Ball.
"Lovely?" Hermione said again, frowning. "Did he actually say we looked lovely?"
Ginny Weasley pouted, nudging Harry. "He didn't say I looked lovely."
There was silence as Harry pondered this statement. Hermione sighed, then tried to stomp discreetly on his toe.
"Oh, uh, you look lovely Ginny," Harry stammered, as Ron and Oliver both laughed at his sorry excuse for a compliment.
"Yes, very lovely indeed," a smooth voice drawled from just outside their circle.
Harry glanced back to find Draco Malfoy standing against the wall, staring at them. His blonde hair had been cropped short over the year, the longest piece just falling onto his forehead. He had grown, he was tall and muscular, his body built like that of a football player. Ron and Harry had given up defending themselves against him years ago. When he couldn't beat them with magic, Draco had the tendency to find them after class and use his fists.
Ginny blushed furiously and turned away from Draco's prying eyes. He grinned, then turned his astonishingly blue eyes to the other girls first studying Hermione, then Kendra.
"Both lovely as well," he said finally.
Hermione frowned and glared at Draco while Kendra just looked away and moved closer to Oliver.
"Get out of here Malfoy," Ron said tightly, trying to keep his anger in check.
"Or you'll what, exactly?" Draco asked.
Oliver stepped forward and cleared his throat. "Look Draco, we don't want any trouble. We're just enjoying the Ball, all right? Just, clear out or I'll have to speak with Dumbledore."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Fine then Mr Big Shot. I'll go." He turned to leave and began walking away, giving the impression that he really was going. When the group had gone back to their conversation, Draco faced them once more with a smile and pulled his wand from his robes.
"Be a good conversationalist now," he whispered and pointed the wand at Kendra's hand. "Don't say anything . . . dirty." A soft white light grew at the tip of Draco's hand and collected until it was a large ball of sparkling light and energy. It snaked across the room, completely unnoticed by everyone but the spell caster. The light reached its target in a few short seconds, enveloping Kendra's left hand. Just as it began to soak into her skin, she reached out and touched Hermione's elbow to get her attention. Draco grinned as some of the white light soaked into Hermione's robe and disappeared just as the rest of the energy seeped into Kendra's skin.
Draco went to find a good seat, the show would be starting any minute.
* * * *
Also, the curse Draco uses is completely made up by me. :) You'll see what it results in during the next chapter.
* * * *
Snape sat at the head table on Halloween night, staring disdainfully down at the students who had gathered eagerly in the Great Hall. Dress robes of every colour assaulted his eyes wherever he looked. Colours invaded the Hall ranging from the bright pink robes worn by Parvati Patil to the solemn black that was draped over the broad shoulders of Draco Malfoy. Snape paused in his careful examination of the Hall to smile approvingly at Draco. The young man had matured greatly over the years, developing a cunning that could rival that of his father, Lucius. A Death Eater he would never be, his respect for Dumbledore and the Wizarding community as a whole was too great, though he would never admit to it. Snape was relieved to know that Draco would never follow in the footsteps of his father.
"Having a good time?" Snape asked, his eyes flickering carefully from Draco's face to the crowd of students.
Draco Malfoy shrugged. "All right I suppose. None of the girls from the other houses would have me ask them, so I'm without a date." A sly grin crossed his face. "May need to spice things up a bit, if you don't mind Professor."
Snape allowed himself to smile back. "Mind? Now, why would I mind Draco? I feel this celebration is in need of a little pick up." The genuine smile faded quickly, leaving behind a scowl that would make anyone believe the smile had never been there. "Mind you don't hurt anyone Draco. We don't need that, not now."
Draco's smile faded as well. "Of course not Professor. Just a little fun, perhaps with that Granger girl. I'm still itching to get something on her."
"Leave Miss Granger alone," Snape said sharply.
Draco looked at him, his pale eyes wide and confused.
"She is . . . she's had a rough week, according to Dumbledore," Snape said quickly. "Leave her alone for tonight Draco."
"All right," Draco said, nodding slowly. "Have a nice night Professor."
Snape nodded curtly, then watched as the young man snaked carefully through the crowd. His movements were quick and efficient, his actions always to better himself. Snape had to admire that in Draco Malfoy, he knew how to push himself forward in the world, even if it meant trampling on the back of another.
Near the head table, Parvati giggled and elbowed Lavender. Snape frowned and glanced at them, wondering what else they could possibly have to giggle at that they hadn't already. The Hall was decorated with shimmering jack-o-lanterns that floated mysteriously in the air, candles burned brightly along the walls. The enchanted ceiling that hung over their heads flashed with lightening and the occasional rumble of thunder would shake the room, causing the lights to dance. Parvati and Lavender had giggled like they were mad when that happened for the first time.
Instruments were set up at the back of the room, enchanted to play different types of music for the rest of the night. Parvati had giggled when the drum set had gone off, flying drumsticks crashing down on the cymbals. They had both giggled as well when Ron Weasley had entered the room with a very nervous, yet beautifully dressed Hermione Granger on his arm.
Snape now followed their gaze across the Great Hall to the doorway. Standing there, trying to look inconspicuous, was Oliver Wood. He looked nervous, twisting the sleeve of his black dress robes between the fingers of his right hand. Clutched tightly in his left hand was Kendra Rayne's hand. She was murmuring something to him, apparently trying to ease his nerves. Snape didn't know what he had to be nervous about, Oliver had left Hogwarts nearly four years ago as almost a hero. The best Quidditch captain in decades was the title that students still remembered him by.
Snape tapped his fingers thoughtfully on the table. What would Oliver Wood be doing taking Kendra Rayne to the All Hallow's Eve Ball? A girl nearly four years younger than he was and yet he looked so very nervous. With a sigh, Snape shook his head. He was always trying to find the worst case scenario in everything, it was a habit he had to break. He couldn't afford to be pessimistic with the Dark Lord gaining more power every day.
The thought of Voldemort was enough to send Snape spiralling into depression, guilt tugging at his mind. Angrily, Snape tugged at his robe, trying to forget the things he had done, trying to accept that they were in the past. It was only when he felt someone staring at him, did he realize how deep his guilt really ran. Despite his insistence that he was fine with his past actions, the ice blue eyes of Kendra Rayne were carefully studying his face. Her mouth twitched, on the verge of a frown and tears shone in her eyes.
Snape stared back at her for a long moment trying to convince both of them that his past was where it belonged . . . in the past. After a moment Snape found himself studying Kendra, wondering what it was about her that made her mind so open to his guilt, what exactly it was that made his mind refuse to let him look away. Clear blue eyes, a high, pale forehead, her lips pressed into a thin line. Straight, shiny dark hair that fell over the shoulders of her violet dress robes. She was pretty, but nothing amazing, nothing so attractive that she would cause men's heads to turn as she walked by. There was something else about her, something else entirely that had attracted Oliver Wood to her in the first place.
A frown deepened Snape's dreary image as he continued to study her. Her face was pretty enough, too grown up perhaps for an eighteen year old girl, but Snape found her attractive enough. Her body was hidden under her robes, but he had seen her in her skirt and blouse before. A little too thin maybe, but otherwise just as attractive as any other girl in the school. That wasn't it though, Snape knew there was something else about her.
*Her connection,* he thought a second later. *It's because she's one of The Five. People feel protected around her.*
Snape had noticed it before when he was close to her, or Hermione, or any of the others. He'd never been one of those teachers that blatantly stared at their students but sometimes, when he was in close proximity to Hermione, Kendra or Parvati he couldn't help himself. It wasn't that he was attracted to them, he realized with a start, but that he felt safe in their presence. Whenever Harry or Ron served detention with Snape, a warm feeling came over the room, under their power, Snape would be safe.
It was suddenly so obvious that Snape had to refrain himself from laughing. Whether or not the students were popular didn't matter. All that mattered was they cast a protected feeling over those around them. He couldn't believe that he hadn't realized it before.
With a nod in Dumbledore's direction, Snape stood and walked quickly down the steps. He had served his time at the Ball, figured out exactly why people found The Five so appealing and was now ready to spend the rest of the evening locked in his room.
He swept briskly through the crowd, nudging students aside that were blocking his path. He stopped near the door to stare at Kendra and Oliver. Hermione and Ron were talking with them, laughing and smiling. Harry hung back a little, the youngest Weasley hanging on his arm.
Kendra found him watching them and smiled gently. Snape nodded his head, acknowledging her. Without thinking, he walked toward them and stopped only inches away from their group.
"Miss Rayne, Miss Granger, you both look very lovely tonight," Snape said, his dark eyes boring into each of them in turn. He turned to Oliver next. "Good to see you back here Mr Wood. Have a pleasant evening." Then he stalked across the room and disappeared down the hall.
Oliver frowned and glanced at Kendra. "Was that the same Snape that was here four years ago?"
Hermione's frown matched Oliver's. "Was that the same Snape that we had in Potions yesterday?"
Kendra looked equally as startled, even though she was the one who understood him the most. "He said we looked lovely." Even as the others marvelled at Snape's comment, Kendra felt almost happy for the distraction. She wasn't the best of friends with the group and yet here she was, standing with them as if she belonged. Hermione had always done her best to make sure that Kendra had felt included, but Harry and Ron were still slightly uncomfortable talking to her, especially after Ron had asked her to the Ball.
"Lovely?" Hermione said again, frowning. "Did he actually say we looked lovely?"
Ginny Weasley pouted, nudging Harry. "He didn't say I looked lovely."
There was silence as Harry pondered this statement. Hermione sighed, then tried to stomp discreetly on his toe.
"Oh, uh, you look lovely Ginny," Harry stammered, as Ron and Oliver both laughed at his sorry excuse for a compliment.
"Yes, very lovely indeed," a smooth voice drawled from just outside their circle.
Harry glanced back to find Draco Malfoy standing against the wall, staring at them. His blonde hair had been cropped short over the year, the longest piece just falling onto his forehead. He had grown, he was tall and muscular, his body built like that of a football player. Ron and Harry had given up defending themselves against him years ago. When he couldn't beat them with magic, Draco had the tendency to find them after class and use his fists.
Ginny blushed furiously and turned away from Draco's prying eyes. He grinned, then turned his astonishingly blue eyes to the other girls first studying Hermione, then Kendra.
"Both lovely as well," he said finally.
Hermione frowned and glared at Draco while Kendra just looked away and moved closer to Oliver.
"Get out of here Malfoy," Ron said tightly, trying to keep his anger in check.
"Or you'll what, exactly?" Draco asked.
Oliver stepped forward and cleared his throat. "Look Draco, we don't want any trouble. We're just enjoying the Ball, all right? Just, clear out or I'll have to speak with Dumbledore."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Fine then Mr Big Shot. I'll go." He turned to leave and began walking away, giving the impression that he really was going. When the group had gone back to their conversation, Draco faced them once more with a smile and pulled his wand from his robes.
"Be a good conversationalist now," he whispered and pointed the wand at Kendra's hand. "Don't say anything . . . dirty." A soft white light grew at the tip of Draco's hand and collected until it was a large ball of sparkling light and energy. It snaked across the room, completely unnoticed by everyone but the spell caster. The light reached its target in a few short seconds, enveloping Kendra's left hand. Just as it began to soak into her skin, she reached out and touched Hermione's elbow to get her attention. Draco grinned as some of the white light soaked into Hermione's robe and disappeared just as the rest of the energy seeped into Kendra's skin.
Draco went to find a good seat, the show would be starting any minute.
* * * *