Notes at end.
Part Two: Spells and Slow Dances
Carved, glowing pumpkins floated between floor and ceiling, providing an almost eerie, flickering light for those below. It was strange, Gedia decided, to see her fellow students all in costume. Instead of standard Hogwarts robes there were ghosts, mummies, werewolves, and of course, a plethora of princesses and princes.
Music was playing and most everyone was dancing, talking, and laughing. Her heavily lined eyes scanned the room for James, but instead she saw Lucius. He was dressed to kill in tight jeans a black shirt and a leather jacket. A sugar cigarette dangled casually from his lips as he approached the two.
"James Dean?" she inquired with a soft smile.
He bowed low. "Rebel without a cause, at your service, my queen." He took her hand, pressing it to his warm lips, glancing up at her in a way that caused a shiver to course down her back. He turned to Snape. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to steal the young lady away for a dance or two, Severus my friend." Gedia worked hard to hide the smile on her face.
Before Snape could respond, Malfoy had swept her out onto the dance floor, just as the music slowed down. She allowed her hands to slide up around his neck, her fingertips brushing lightly against this white-blonde hair.
It was amazing really, how time changed her perspectives. A few years ago, she would have rather killed herself than let Malfoy touch her. But now... now she found it strangely nice. His hands around her waist were secure and comfortable, and his blue-gray eyes held a depth of emotion that she rarely saw in Severus'.
They didn't speak as they held each other, but Gedia simply allowed her head to rest on his thin shoulder, careful not to stab him with a point on her crown. When the song was finished, Lucius turned his head to lightly kiss her cheek. "Perhaps... we will dance later?"
She smiled up into those pale eyes and nodded. "Perhaps."
Snape scowled as she made her way back to him. "I hope you enjoyed yourself."
"I did, thank you. Now let's get going."
It didn't take long before Gedia snagged James at the refreshment table after Lily left for the bathroom. He was dashingly dressed in Shakespearean garb. "Nice costume," she commented, sipping a glass of pumpkin juice.
"Thanks. Same to you."
"Who are you supposed to be, exactly?"
He grinned lopsidedly. "Romeo. Lily's Juliet.
She resisted the strong urge to gag into her pumpkin juice. She also had to hold back a comment about how the fictional star-crossed lovers had both ended up dead. "Cute," was what she managed instead. She glanced up at him. "Care to dance while Juliet's powdering her nose?"
He hesitated a moment, glancing towards the door, before nodding and extending his hand to her. "Sure."
She tossed a triumphant glance over her shoulder at Snape before following James out onto the dance floor.
"Damn her," muttered Snape. She made it look so bloody easy.
"Damn who?" inquired a cheery feminine voice.
He whirled to find Lily Evans smiling at him. "N-no one."
Her smiled widened as her eyes took in his ensemble. "Severus. I wasn't expecting to see you here, much less wearing a costume!"
"Blame Gedia."
"I will be sure to do so. Where is she?" She stood on tiptoe to peer at the crowd.
"Dancing, probably."
"Then I'd better go find her." She took a step inside the Great Hall and Snape frowned. He should have known he wouldn't be able to ask her. Gedia was right, he was better off trying to glare her into submission.
"Giver her my regards," he muttered darkly.
"You won't be able to do that yourself?" He glanced at her, confused. She laughed in that purely girlish way she had. "Surely such a fine military gentleman like yourself wouldn't leave a girl unattended, would he?"
An almost undetectable smile flickered onto his face. It must be a gift that only female gender possessed- to completely understand men without being understood at all themselves. He offered the pretty redhead his arm. "Shall we dance, then?"
And they did, gliding around the room to a lively waltz that Dumbledore had requested as he pulled Professor McGonagall onto the floor. Severus thanked Merlin that his mother had insisted on his being taught ballroom dancing as a child. Lily was impressed, which would make this the first and last time he impressed anyone, or even wanted to.
But for the life of him, he could not think of a thing to say. *Talk about Potions, then,* came Gedia's voice in his head.
What else could he do? "How are you doing in Potions?" he asked, realizing too late how idiotic he sounded.
But Lily only smiled. "Well enough to pass, I suppose. I don't really... understand it like you do, I guess. James tries to help, but he's not the greatest at it either, you know."
The smile that tugged at his lips was horribly smug, but he made no effort to hide it. "I could help you..." he bit his tongue, shocked at the words that had just tumbled out of his mouth. "I mean... if you want, that is."
Merlin, he hoped he wasn't blushing.
He couldn't bring himself to look her in the eyes as she responded. "I might have to take you up on that, Severus."
She didn't mean it. He knew it- could tell by her voice and the fake smile that she gave him. "Very well."
They danced in silence from then on, in growing uncomfortableness for Severus especially. This dancing thing wasn't quite what it was made out to be, he decided.
He caught sight of Gedia and James dancing slowly a slight distance away. "I believe we have found Kacela." He jabbed his chin in their direction and she turned her head to glance over her shoulder.
"Ah, trying to steal James away, I see." Her twinkling gaze turned back to her dance partner. "Not a plot, is it Severus?" His eyes widened slightly, but she only laughed. "I'm kidding, of course."
She turned and headed towards James, with Severus following behind her. "Of course."
When James saw his red-haired Juliet approaching, he immediately broke away from Gedia and took Lily's hand, as if he hadn't seen her in years. "Miss me?" he grinned.
She squeezed his hand affectionately. "Not at all. I was dancing with Severus."
"Ah." Potter tossed a dark look at his rival. He had never been able to prove it, but he knew it was Snape's fault that he and the Marauders had lost eighty points first year, consequently aiding in losing the House Cup. He just knew it. "Well... why don't we leave the two Slytherins to themselves, Lily?" He pressed a kiss to her cheek, his eyes locked meaningfully on Snape's.
"Alright, dear," she responded as the two left Severus and Gedia alone.
The two stood by themselves as the crowd continued to dance around them, oblivious to the mini-drama that had just been acted out. Snape gazed after the swishing red hair, feeling strangely relieved. Indeed, he had not lost all... desire for Lily, but he now knew that it would have never worked. And it was a relief, after all.
The feeling didn't last long, because moments later Gedia stepped over to him and took his hands in hers, placing them around her waist. The move took even him by surprise, even with the years of experience he'd had dealing with her impulsive behavior.
"Dance with me," she whispered. The slight edge to her voice surprised him more and made him realize once again the exact reason why she had gotten five boyfriends. But his ear, trained to know the meaning behind her words, picked out her intention. And it was certainly not romantic.
"So the night will not be a complete waste after all, right?" He let his wand slip down from his sleeve so that the tip rested easily in the palm of his hand. He felt Gedia do the same, the smooth wood pressing lightly against his neck.
She pointed her wand at Lily and whispered, "Clumsio." The Gryffindor girl abruptly tripped on her dress and stepped on James' foot. Gedia dropped her face onto Snape's shoulder to muffle her snort of laughter.
He, on the other hand, was not amused. With a wave of his wand and a soft spell, he sent James into a fit of sneezes. That produced a satisfied grin on his sallow face.
Gedia nudged her friend, a bit harder than needed, with her knee. "Very funny. Leave him alone." A flick of her wand caused the bottom of Lily's skirt to begin to unravel.
"Then stop it." James' glasses broke.
"You first." Someone standing near Lily promptly spilled their pumpkin juice all over the Gryffindor's front.
"After you." He was about to cast another hex when he realized that the two had finally made it out of the Great Hall without further... accidents. "Oh."
The two Slytherins looked at each other, slow smiles spreading across their faces. "Well, that was fun, wasn't it?"
He nodded, noticing for the first time that their 'fun' had been noticed. "Indeed, except for the fact that a certain Sirius Black was watching us the entire time."
Her eyes widened to blue orbs. "Ooops."
"Yes... well, I'm heading outside before the little twerp tries something."
"Good plan." She eyed Sirius carefully. He was not exactly... amused by their antics, it was obvious.
"Care to join-"
"There you are!" interrupted the smooth voice of Lucius, appearing suddenly at Gedia's side. "I've been looking for you." He smiled in the devilishly charming way he had. "About that dance..."
"Well, I was just about to..." She was about to say 'join Severus outside,' when she noticed that the dark-haired boy had already gone. Ah well. "... look for you."
"Exquisite." Within moments, she found herself in his arms again. Her cheek pressed lightly against his as he held her close. "Have you... enjoyed yourself tonight, Gedia."
She smiled to herself. She most certainly had... in more ways than one. "I have. It has been... a night to remember. And yourself?"
His breath was quite warm against her skin. "I am enjoying myself much more now."
"Good," she whispered back, weaving her hands into his platinum hair.
He kissed her cheek again, moving his lips steadily closer to her mouth. A warm feeling spread through her causing each nerve ending to tingle pleasantly. But as she was about to turn her head to oblige Lucius, she caught sight of Sirius stalking towards her and she stiffened. Lucius paused as well, his mouth almost touching hers. Oh, Merlin... "Gedia, I wish to ask you..."
Sirius had now pulled out his wand. She broke away from Lucius, calling back to him. "I have to go!" As she lost herself in the crowd, she mentally damned Black to hell for all eternity.
She soon found her way among the dancing couples to the outside and she wandered around until she finally came across Severus. He lay at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, stretched out languidly on a blanket that he must have summoned. His black robes pooled around him. She'd figured he'd magically change out of his costume as soon as possible.
He glanced up as she approached. "That was quick- is Malfoy really that bad of a dancer?"
She shrugged nonchalantly, knowing that Snape would not want the details. "You know I don't like to dance."
"That is true."
She nudged him with the toe of her book. "Scoot." He obliged her and moved over to make room for her next to him. She lay down and rested her head on her friend's shoulder. It was a natural action, one she had done many times before. But to Severus, it felt strangely different tonight.
He cast a lazy Warming Spell around them, following it with an Invisibility Shield, so that patrolling professors wouldn't disrupt them as they stargazed together.
"Mmm..." she breathed tiredly. "This is better than any silly ball... my feet don't hurt anymore." She had kicked her boots off and wriggled her toes as if to prove her point.
He smiled softly, if only for the reason that she could not see him. She was too busy counting the stars. "How many can you see?"
She gently poked her elbow into his side. "I lost count, thanks to you."
"Sorry."
She readjusted her position, tucking the top of her head under Severus' chin. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, warming her more against the cold. It was nice, she decided. 'At least,' she thought, 'I will not freeze to death this time, if we do fall asleep out here.' And she let herself relax into his embrace.
"Now be quiet," she admonished lightly before beginning against her task of counting the stars. "One... two... three... four..."
Severus fell asleep to the sound of her voice, and when he dreamed, he dreamed of the stars.
END
Author's Notes: This turned out a bit fluffier than I first intended, but I do like it, despite it all... I had fun exploring the boundaries of their relationship. Severus is just... fun. *giggles at the thought of him dressed as Napoleon* To any Lily/James fans, I apologize for the slight bashing they recieved... hey, I'm a Slytherin at heart, I can't help it.
Dedicated to... Ed, just because fictional characters have feelings too. *grins at Storm*
Much thanks and appreciation to all who reviewed. Be on the lookout for my Year Three fic. You know you want to read it. Go on, admit it.
Part Two: Spells and Slow Dances
Carved, glowing pumpkins floated between floor and ceiling, providing an almost eerie, flickering light for those below. It was strange, Gedia decided, to see her fellow students all in costume. Instead of standard Hogwarts robes there were ghosts, mummies, werewolves, and of course, a plethora of princesses and princes.
Music was playing and most everyone was dancing, talking, and laughing. Her heavily lined eyes scanned the room for James, but instead she saw Lucius. He was dressed to kill in tight jeans a black shirt and a leather jacket. A sugar cigarette dangled casually from his lips as he approached the two.
"James Dean?" she inquired with a soft smile.
He bowed low. "Rebel without a cause, at your service, my queen." He took her hand, pressing it to his warm lips, glancing up at her in a way that caused a shiver to course down her back. He turned to Snape. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to steal the young lady away for a dance or two, Severus my friend." Gedia worked hard to hide the smile on her face.
Before Snape could respond, Malfoy had swept her out onto the dance floor, just as the music slowed down. She allowed her hands to slide up around his neck, her fingertips brushing lightly against this white-blonde hair.
It was amazing really, how time changed her perspectives. A few years ago, she would have rather killed herself than let Malfoy touch her. But now... now she found it strangely nice. His hands around her waist were secure and comfortable, and his blue-gray eyes held a depth of emotion that she rarely saw in Severus'.
They didn't speak as they held each other, but Gedia simply allowed her head to rest on his thin shoulder, careful not to stab him with a point on her crown. When the song was finished, Lucius turned his head to lightly kiss her cheek. "Perhaps... we will dance later?"
She smiled up into those pale eyes and nodded. "Perhaps."
Snape scowled as she made her way back to him. "I hope you enjoyed yourself."
"I did, thank you. Now let's get going."
It didn't take long before Gedia snagged James at the refreshment table after Lily left for the bathroom. He was dashingly dressed in Shakespearean garb. "Nice costume," she commented, sipping a glass of pumpkin juice.
"Thanks. Same to you."
"Who are you supposed to be, exactly?"
He grinned lopsidedly. "Romeo. Lily's Juliet.
She resisted the strong urge to gag into her pumpkin juice. She also had to hold back a comment about how the fictional star-crossed lovers had both ended up dead. "Cute," was what she managed instead. She glanced up at him. "Care to dance while Juliet's powdering her nose?"
He hesitated a moment, glancing towards the door, before nodding and extending his hand to her. "Sure."
She tossed a triumphant glance over her shoulder at Snape before following James out onto the dance floor.
"Damn her," muttered Snape. She made it look so bloody easy.
"Damn who?" inquired a cheery feminine voice.
He whirled to find Lily Evans smiling at him. "N-no one."
Her smiled widened as her eyes took in his ensemble. "Severus. I wasn't expecting to see you here, much less wearing a costume!"
"Blame Gedia."
"I will be sure to do so. Where is she?" She stood on tiptoe to peer at the crowd.
"Dancing, probably."
"Then I'd better go find her." She took a step inside the Great Hall and Snape frowned. He should have known he wouldn't be able to ask her. Gedia was right, he was better off trying to glare her into submission.
"Giver her my regards," he muttered darkly.
"You won't be able to do that yourself?" He glanced at her, confused. She laughed in that purely girlish way she had. "Surely such a fine military gentleman like yourself wouldn't leave a girl unattended, would he?"
An almost undetectable smile flickered onto his face. It must be a gift that only female gender possessed- to completely understand men without being understood at all themselves. He offered the pretty redhead his arm. "Shall we dance, then?"
And they did, gliding around the room to a lively waltz that Dumbledore had requested as he pulled Professor McGonagall onto the floor. Severus thanked Merlin that his mother had insisted on his being taught ballroom dancing as a child. Lily was impressed, which would make this the first and last time he impressed anyone, or even wanted to.
But for the life of him, he could not think of a thing to say. *Talk about Potions, then,* came Gedia's voice in his head.
What else could he do? "How are you doing in Potions?" he asked, realizing too late how idiotic he sounded.
But Lily only smiled. "Well enough to pass, I suppose. I don't really... understand it like you do, I guess. James tries to help, but he's not the greatest at it either, you know."
The smile that tugged at his lips was horribly smug, but he made no effort to hide it. "I could help you..." he bit his tongue, shocked at the words that had just tumbled out of his mouth. "I mean... if you want, that is."
Merlin, he hoped he wasn't blushing.
He couldn't bring himself to look her in the eyes as she responded. "I might have to take you up on that, Severus."
She didn't mean it. He knew it- could tell by her voice and the fake smile that she gave him. "Very well."
They danced in silence from then on, in growing uncomfortableness for Severus especially. This dancing thing wasn't quite what it was made out to be, he decided.
He caught sight of Gedia and James dancing slowly a slight distance away. "I believe we have found Kacela." He jabbed his chin in their direction and she turned her head to glance over her shoulder.
"Ah, trying to steal James away, I see." Her twinkling gaze turned back to her dance partner. "Not a plot, is it Severus?" His eyes widened slightly, but she only laughed. "I'm kidding, of course."
She turned and headed towards James, with Severus following behind her. "Of course."
When James saw his red-haired Juliet approaching, he immediately broke away from Gedia and took Lily's hand, as if he hadn't seen her in years. "Miss me?" he grinned.
She squeezed his hand affectionately. "Not at all. I was dancing with Severus."
"Ah." Potter tossed a dark look at his rival. He had never been able to prove it, but he knew it was Snape's fault that he and the Marauders had lost eighty points first year, consequently aiding in losing the House Cup. He just knew it. "Well... why don't we leave the two Slytherins to themselves, Lily?" He pressed a kiss to her cheek, his eyes locked meaningfully on Snape's.
"Alright, dear," she responded as the two left Severus and Gedia alone.
The two stood by themselves as the crowd continued to dance around them, oblivious to the mini-drama that had just been acted out. Snape gazed after the swishing red hair, feeling strangely relieved. Indeed, he had not lost all... desire for Lily, but he now knew that it would have never worked. And it was a relief, after all.
The feeling didn't last long, because moments later Gedia stepped over to him and took his hands in hers, placing them around her waist. The move took even him by surprise, even with the years of experience he'd had dealing with her impulsive behavior.
"Dance with me," she whispered. The slight edge to her voice surprised him more and made him realize once again the exact reason why she had gotten five boyfriends. But his ear, trained to know the meaning behind her words, picked out her intention. And it was certainly not romantic.
"So the night will not be a complete waste after all, right?" He let his wand slip down from his sleeve so that the tip rested easily in the palm of his hand. He felt Gedia do the same, the smooth wood pressing lightly against his neck.
She pointed her wand at Lily and whispered, "Clumsio." The Gryffindor girl abruptly tripped on her dress and stepped on James' foot. Gedia dropped her face onto Snape's shoulder to muffle her snort of laughter.
He, on the other hand, was not amused. With a wave of his wand and a soft spell, he sent James into a fit of sneezes. That produced a satisfied grin on his sallow face.
Gedia nudged her friend, a bit harder than needed, with her knee. "Very funny. Leave him alone." A flick of her wand caused the bottom of Lily's skirt to begin to unravel.
"Then stop it." James' glasses broke.
"You first." Someone standing near Lily promptly spilled their pumpkin juice all over the Gryffindor's front.
"After you." He was about to cast another hex when he realized that the two had finally made it out of the Great Hall without further... accidents. "Oh."
The two Slytherins looked at each other, slow smiles spreading across their faces. "Well, that was fun, wasn't it?"
He nodded, noticing for the first time that their 'fun' had been noticed. "Indeed, except for the fact that a certain Sirius Black was watching us the entire time."
Her eyes widened to blue orbs. "Ooops."
"Yes... well, I'm heading outside before the little twerp tries something."
"Good plan." She eyed Sirius carefully. He was not exactly... amused by their antics, it was obvious.
"Care to join-"
"There you are!" interrupted the smooth voice of Lucius, appearing suddenly at Gedia's side. "I've been looking for you." He smiled in the devilishly charming way he had. "About that dance..."
"Well, I was just about to..." She was about to say 'join Severus outside,' when she noticed that the dark-haired boy had already gone. Ah well. "... look for you."
"Exquisite." Within moments, she found herself in his arms again. Her cheek pressed lightly against his as he held her close. "Have you... enjoyed yourself tonight, Gedia."
She smiled to herself. She most certainly had... in more ways than one. "I have. It has been... a night to remember. And yourself?"
His breath was quite warm against her skin. "I am enjoying myself much more now."
"Good," she whispered back, weaving her hands into his platinum hair.
He kissed her cheek again, moving his lips steadily closer to her mouth. A warm feeling spread through her causing each nerve ending to tingle pleasantly. But as she was about to turn her head to oblige Lucius, she caught sight of Sirius stalking towards her and she stiffened. Lucius paused as well, his mouth almost touching hers. Oh, Merlin... "Gedia, I wish to ask you..."
Sirius had now pulled out his wand. She broke away from Lucius, calling back to him. "I have to go!" As she lost herself in the crowd, she mentally damned Black to hell for all eternity.
She soon found her way among the dancing couples to the outside and she wandered around until she finally came across Severus. He lay at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, stretched out languidly on a blanket that he must have summoned. His black robes pooled around him. She'd figured he'd magically change out of his costume as soon as possible.
He glanced up as she approached. "That was quick- is Malfoy really that bad of a dancer?"
She shrugged nonchalantly, knowing that Snape would not want the details. "You know I don't like to dance."
"That is true."
She nudged him with the toe of her book. "Scoot." He obliged her and moved over to make room for her next to him. She lay down and rested her head on her friend's shoulder. It was a natural action, one she had done many times before. But to Severus, it felt strangely different tonight.
He cast a lazy Warming Spell around them, following it with an Invisibility Shield, so that patrolling professors wouldn't disrupt them as they stargazed together.
"Mmm..." she breathed tiredly. "This is better than any silly ball... my feet don't hurt anymore." She had kicked her boots off and wriggled her toes as if to prove her point.
He smiled softly, if only for the reason that she could not see him. She was too busy counting the stars. "How many can you see?"
She gently poked her elbow into his side. "I lost count, thanks to you."
"Sorry."
She readjusted her position, tucking the top of her head under Severus' chin. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, warming her more against the cold. It was nice, she decided. 'At least,' she thought, 'I will not freeze to death this time, if we do fall asleep out here.' And she let herself relax into his embrace.
"Now be quiet," she admonished lightly before beginning against her task of counting the stars. "One... two... three... four..."
Severus fell asleep to the sound of her voice, and when he dreamed, he dreamed of the stars.
END
Author's Notes: This turned out a bit fluffier than I first intended, but I do like it, despite it all... I had fun exploring the boundaries of their relationship. Severus is just... fun. *giggles at the thought of him dressed as Napoleon* To any Lily/James fans, I apologize for the slight bashing they recieved... hey, I'm a Slytherin at heart, I can't help it.
Dedicated to... Ed, just because fictional characters have feelings too. *grins at Storm*
Much thanks and appreciation to all who reviewed. Be on the lookout for my Year Three fic. You know you want to read it. Go on, admit it.
