… Don't Pass me By…

SilverDawn

Don't Pass me By

Chapter 2: The Ball

            Night came very quickly the next day, and many of the girls were complaining that they did not have enough time to do their make-up and all, leaving Hermione rather disgusted. Currently, the Yule Ball Committee was busy putting up the last decorations whilst several Professors came by and looked around approvingly. They had no part in the planning, and thus, were rather pleased to see everything in perfect order.

The tables of the four houses had been shifted to one of the sides, transfigured to look smaller and used to contain the platters of party food that the house elves had made. Bowls of punch were placed by one of the tables, and so were champagne and wine, but those were subtly magicked so that only people who were sixteen and above could take it – courtesy of Harry and Draco. Also, small high tables, with chairs that looked right out from pubs, had been placed at many different areas of the Hall, allowing the students to rest and converse around should they feel tired with the dance and music. The committee had even asked Professor Dumbledore to allow them to create a balcony that led into a large garden (enchanted of course) for people who do not like the exceedingly loud music.

The ceiling, which was still depicting the skies outside, was also decorated with streamers and taffeta that ranged from all colors, giving the hall a lively feeling, one that was with odds to the fear that still loomed outside the castle… Hermione surveyed the room with satisfaction, picking up a few flutes of punch and giving them to Ron, Blaise, Draco and Jonathan (a Ravenclaw prefect), all of whom were magicking gifts in front of the overtly huge Christmas tree situated in the center of the Hall. Unlike the usual trees they had for Christmas, this one was magicked to be of a pure white color, and at touch, it was as cold as the snow surrounding the school. Ron was making some last touches with the blue ribbons on the trees, and the others were arranging the presents that were for all of the students and teachers present for this night. (A/N: Imagine the amount!)

"People," Hermione started with a smile, "I think this is enough. We have only an hour left to the actual ball, so all of you, go change!"

"Good idea, I'm feeling very grimy after all these running about, getting everything done." Ron intoned, wanting very much to have a bath before the ball starts.

"Okay, so the things are all settled here." Draco decided, motioning for the other committee members to gather. Everyone went to the Christmas tree within seconds, awaiting the leader's orders, feeling tired, but nonetheless, in high spirits. Grinning widely, Draco started, "I think this can be considered a job well done. Now we'll rest and change. During the Ball, I don't think we'll know who's who, so don't bother to find out."

The platinum-blond-haired boy knew that all of them were going to use Glamourie as their form of masquerade, and it was practically impossible to see through Glamourie once they were cast. The others grinned at him, and as one, moved out of the room, with Hermione and Draco bringing the rear. When everyone was out of the Hall, they magically locked it to prevent anyone from entering before everything starts, and made their way into the shared apartment.

There, Hermione and Draco sank into the couches by the fireplace, feeling totally deadbeat. They sat there in companionable silence, each left to their own musings, Hermione thinking about her dreams, and Draco about what will happen in the ball. Finally, the Head Boy broke the silence, asking, "You'll use the bathroom first?"

"I think so… but we'll have to put on our disguises only after the speeches are done." Hermione replied derisively before knocking her hand on her head, "Shit! I haven't chosen my disguise yet."

"As did I." Draco countered sardonically, "The organization of the ball was far too taxing."

"Agreed." Hermione uttered softly, feeling slightly dizzy as her vision went slightly fuzzy… nothing looked clear anymore. This scared her very much, and she proceeded to enter the bathroom – to be out of her friend's sight lest he find something amiss with her – but Draco spoke out, "Bookworm, wear something simple. I'll do your disguise and you'll do mine later."

Hearing this, Hermione halted mid-step, surprised by the boy's idea. Taking on a teasing tone that sounded slightly forced to herself, she started, "Aren't you afraid that I'll make you look like Crabbe." This statement brought a shudder into the platinum-haired boy's spine, but he answered wryly, "I know you won't do it, just as I won't make you look like Millicent, or Pansy for that matter." At this, Hermione laughed genuinely, "Alright, I'll do yours, but make sure that you won't back out on it."

"You too, Hermione." Draco smiled as the brunette made an 'okay' sign with her left thumb and index finger, closing the bathroom door at the same time.

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            "…Once again, thank you all for being willing to stay back during the Christmas holidays for this Yule Ball, everyone. So please, relax, and have fun!"

            Speech given, Draco stepped down from the rostrum with Hermione's hand looped elegantly over his right elbow. Both of them were still dressed in their school robes, and this proved to be a peculiar scene, being in a Hall full of people in gowns, robes, costumes and tuxedoes. The duo graciously accepted the multitudes of praises that were heaped their way, but both of them were anxious to get away from the people, eager to try their respective disguises on one another. Thus, Draco used the spell that allowed them to be as inconspicuous as possible, and the duo sneaked out of the riotous Hall easier than both had expected, though they hadn't seen the amused gaze that a man sent to them…

            Severus Snape stood by the Corinthian pillars near the entrance to the enchanted garden, looking at the Head Boy and Girl slip out of the Hall as unobtrusively as possible. It had already amused him greatly to see Draco not decked out in fine clothes, but it was even more hilarious to see the boy try to creep out of the room, with the Head Girl in tow, heading off to god-knows-where. Controlling his mirth, he took a flute of champagne from a nearby tray, savoring in its sweetness as he surveyed the place.

            Minerva was already plagued with many admirers, all of whom were boys smitten by her beauty. Of course, no one would have realized that it was she, but not surprisingly, Severus knew, for the disguise she had taken was a simple one – she took to dressing up, as she was when she was merely eighteen. Indeed, she's a beauty of her own, regal looking with those black tresses that reached the middle of the back, eyes shining with wisdom that does not match her years. Dressed in a medieval gown (more or less gifted by Dumbledore), she sat in on of the pub chairs, not wishing to participate in the dance, but her 'suitors' seemed relentless. Finally, she conceded, joining one of the boys in a simple waltz.

            Severus laughed out loud at this, a low, throaty chuckle that sounded a little out-of-use. A young man spotted this, and went over to the Potions Master, commenting, "Severus, I'm glad that you are starting to enjoy this." This caught Severus a little off-guard, and he raised a finely sculpted eyebrow, staring the man, or elf, with mild interest. Oh yes, he'd changed the original color of his hair to a deep shade of brown, but those blue eyes that twinkled merrily could only belong to one person whom he knew.

            "Albus." Severus acknowledged the man, erm… elf with a nod. It hadn't been that widely known, but Albus had been of half-elven heritage. This was actually what he truly ought to look like save the hair – it was supposed to be blond, but the Headmaster had disguised it under countless Glamouries (a/n: this explains how he could live until such an old age). Only a selected few colleagues had seen his true form, of which Severus had included.

Albus smiled widely at Severus, looking at the man in a paternal manner as he took to examine his dress code. As predicted, Severus was wearing black, but instead of the usual robes, he had took to wearing a black, cashmere turtleneck, and a pair of pants that looked very expensive. Armani… Dumbledore thought absently, speaking aloud at the same time, "Severus, you have an excellent taste on clothes, and these," he referred to his 'costume', "should be worn more often, along with your face."

            Hearing this, Severus scowled, "I don't think the students will be able to get used to this face Albus."

"Nonsense! It is handsome as it is!" Dumbledore replied in an indignant tone.

This caused the Potions Master to narrow his eyes, scowling even more. Indeed, even when he was scowling, he looked, as Dumbledore had mentioned – handsome… in a dark way. With eyes that were a black so deep that the irises could not been deciphered from its pupils, set under aristocratic brows, and hair slightly mussed up by the wind blowing from the gardens, plastered softly against his pale (no longer sallow) skin, it had a huge impact on people nearby. In fact, everyone would agree that he could grace the pages of Witches Weekly as one of the best looking bachelor alive… and this was excluding his to-die-for physique. Yes, Severus Snape would have been the man of all woman's dreams… if he wasn't so detached from the world.

            Furthermore, alongside Dumbledore, who was now dressed as an elf, they made a formidable pair. One looked brightly handsome, and the other looking darkly attractive. This drew the stares of practically the entire female population, causing Severus to fidget a little, for he feared that his much hoped for solace would be sought in vain.

And it was, as he had feared…

Because in just seconds, their conversation was delayed, due to the group of females swarming to where they were standing, asking them to dance with them.

            Of course, Dumbledore obliged the girls, but Severus just stood there stoically, not responding, not talking, until the elf of a Headmaster spoke in a musical tone, "Mellon, come join us."

            "I'm starting to wonder whatever got into me to agree to this…" Severus muttered in Elfish, a language that he'd taken a liking to… He was about to curse, but was interrupted when two girls pulled him over to the dance floor… to dance in tune to a hip hop music.

            Albus, I'll get you for this.

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            Back in the shared apartment of the Head Boy and Girl, Hermione and Draco were grinning at one another, both of whom were eager as to what their disguises would turn out.

            "The party looks successful, doesn't it?" Draco said gleefully as Hermione nodded her head, relieved that her headache had receded greatly. Amidst the laughing, she choked out, "Did you see Crabbe? Or Goyle? Who in the world was able to make such… odious clothes?"

            Draco thought back to their overstuffed tuxedoes, and sniggered helpless, replying, "God knows. Thank Merlin that I'm not wearing something like that."

            "How do you know that you wouldn't?" Hermione suggested slyly, brandishing her wand like a sword. This action, along with the evident gleam in the brunette's eyes, made Draco grow cautious, and the boy shook his head, warning his friend, "Oh no… you are not going to do that to me."

            The girl just shrugged, pointing her wand to Draco's forehead, murmuring at the same time, "Expressionia Transformis."

            Immediately, a change could be seen. Draco had already been tall, but with the spell, he shot up another inch, aged a few years and his body mass increased to fill the now-taller physique. His originally pale blonde hair darkened to a rich honey-gold shade and it was now waist length, as soft as his hair originally was. Also, several thin side braids were plaited near his sideburns and his gray eyes deepened into a rich sapphire, ears lengthening into pointed ends. Clad in simple leather clothing, soft, leather boots, velvet green cloak with an ornate pin in the middle, small daggers on the belt at his waist, and a long bow plus a quiver full of arrows, Draco no longer looked like Draco, but like an elf just out of the forest, bow and all.

            Bringing a mirror in front of him, Hermione allowed the boy to look at her masterpiece, eager for any reaction from him.

As predicted, Draco scowled a little at the image before shaking his head in defeat, asking in an accusatory tone, "You did this on a purpose, didn't you?"

            Hermione grinned at his exact prediction, replying, "You do fit the image…"

            "Yeah right," The elf retorted sarcastically, "you just want an Orlando Bloom look-a-like for you to hug."

            "You can't blame me. I've gotten hooked to Lord of the Rings long ago, and Legolas does fit your image for tonight…"

            Draco sighed at Hermione's cheekiness, but did not bother to correct her attitude. Instead, he pointed his own wand at the brunette's head, muttering the same spell, "Expressionia Transformis."

            Hermione closed her eyes, feeling a light tingle as the spell started to take place. The school robes dissolved into shimmering, spaghetti-strapped white gown that tapered at her narrow waist, before flaring out into a full skirt. Chocolate-brown hair faded into a rich silvery-white, and her body blossomed into one of a young woman in her twenties. When Hermione felt that the transformation was complete, she opened her eyes slowly… a peculiar sort of grayish blue that was speckled with amber if one looked close enough. Taking out a bottle of perfume, Draco took the liberty to spray some on the woman, and surprising, the light, sweet scent of dewberry suited the glamouried Hermione very much.

            "Eww… what did you spray on me?" Hermione made a face at the elf boy.

            "Something I concocted myself. Don't worry, it smells nice on you, though it'll last for the entire night." Draco replied non-plussed. He then took the time to admire his handiwork before passing a mirror to his friend, interested in what she thought about it.

            Half in doubt at what would be looking back from the Wizarding mirror, Hermione practically went in shock at the face that looked back at her, and slowly, the mirror dropped from her frozen hands, breaking into a multitude of shards that left Draco stunned. Carefully, the boy/elf pulled Hermione from the floor of glass remains, asking cautiously, "Are you alright?"

            Oh man, this cannot be real.

            "Okay." Hermione managed feebly, trying to think of the reason why it was this particular Glamourie and not others. Thinking of none, she finally realized that this might actually be the reason why she kept dreaming about the same dream night after night. Taking her thoughts to somewhere more positive, she saw Draco's concerned look, and gave the boy a bright smile, "Really, I'm fine. Just a little shocked by it."

            She then proceeded to clear up the mess that she had caused, muttering, "Arghh… seven years of bad luck!"

            From behind, Draco chuckled at her comment before swallowing up his mirth as Hermione glared at him. Sighing, she allowed Draco to bring her to the Great Hall, fearing that the inevitable will come.

            Merlin, don't let the dream come true…

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            Severus had immediately caught sight of the beautiful couple when they entered the Hall. The elf had the woman's elbow hooked tenderly in the crook of his, and he looked a little worried at the overtly bright lady dressed in white. He could not hear the exchange of conversation between the couple, but the way they conversed had Severus more than a little jealous. Then, when the elf kissed the woman's forehead in a lingering manner, Severus had to move into the darker corners before his temper blew.

            Weird. When had I come to care for this woman that I don't even know?

            The black-haired man grabbed a flute of wine, downing it in one gulp as he felt his temper cool down after the initial shock got over.

            What in all hell is Merlin thinking of doing? Torture me to death?

            Slinking over to the entrance of the balcony, he was about to make his way out of the noisy Hall and seek peace in the enchanted gardens. However, he looked over to the dance floor, seeing Dumbledore the Elf engaged with the silvan-haired woman in a slow waltz, and became unable to tear his gaze from the dancing woman. Oh, she was beautiful all right, but this was most probably just due to the guise of Glamourie. Then, there was the grace she exuded in waltz; perfect and confident of the steps she took. No doubt she could rival even the best dancers in the room, of which included McGonagall, Hooch and himself.

            Seeing her dance made Severus change his mind about entering the gardens. He went over to one of the bar stools, where he was offered a flute of white wine from McGonagall, who was finally able to plead tiredness from her 'suitors' and had over to rest with one of her more familiar colleagues. Severus nodded his thanks absent-mindedly, eyes fixed on the dancing couple.

            Minerva saw this, and amusement tinkled those raven-black eyes.

            "That lady there dancing with Albus looks stunning." The black-haired beauty spoke up.

            "Indeed." Severus murmured, thinking of the last few nights where the same dream haunted his sleep. McGonagall just looked at him in anticipation, wondering if the almighty potions master had fallen for the mysterious lady. She was never given time to think though, for Albus took this time to walk over to their table… with the lady in tow.

            Hermione had been having a great time with the friendly elf who introduced himself as Glorfindel. She had raised her eyebrow at she first heard his name, commenting that she had seen a Legolas, Arwen and Galadriel in the Hall, and wondered how many more elves there were in this Hall. This remark made Glorfindel chuckle, and in a joking manner, he had commented that the others were still within Middle-Earth, unable to make it for such a feast. Amidst friendly conversation, she had agreed to dance with Glorfindel after introducing herself as Adariel. She had also seen Ginny (disguised as Galadriel) dancing with Draco, and this had made her smile.

            After the dance, Glorfindel pulled her over to one of the small bar tables, explaining that he wished to introduce some friends to her. Hermione agreed to it, but stiffened slightly on realizing whom it were that she was about to be introduced to. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw the black-haired man that had haunted her dreams, and when black eyes met grayish blue, both man and woman felt a certain something pass through them.

            Minerva took to smiling slightly at this, and Albus grinned at their reaction, before explaining to the two people sitting down, "I wasn't able to identify whom she was. But she introduced herself as Adariel." This statement brought a surprise both professors… After all, it was a rare case that Albus was unable to figure out who a person was. Severus smelt her scent of dewberry, tinged with a little jasmine, and frowned too. He had never encountered such a scent on a person before…

            Confused, Hermione looked at Dumbledore, inquiring, "Glorfindel, they are…?"

            "I'm Alexandra." Minerva offered her middle name on hearing that Dumbledore had used his. Severus eyed the Head of Gryffindor with much amusement, before giving his own, "Dominic." It was seldom that all three Professors would use their middle names, but in such an interesting situation, it would probably be for the better.

            "This Glamourie is wonderful. How did you do it?" Minerva asked in an interested manner. She had been able to see through most of the Glamouries, but this one had been impenetrable. Hermione smiled at this, explaining modestly, "I would not have been able to do it myself. My friend actually did this for me."

            "And you gave her the idea?" Severus asked suddenly, causing Hermione to blush slightly. The silvan-haired woman shook her head negative as Minerva added in thoughtfully, "Then the only possible person I can think of is Ms. Gr… Hermione."

            Although McGonagall had changed the Ms. Granger part to Hermione, Hermione heard the abrupt change very well, and suddenly, she wondered if all three of them were professors. However, Albus noticed Minerva's sudden change of terms too, and hurriedly, he added in, "Alex, Hermione isn't the only one who's good at Charms."

            "Indeed," Hermione further supplied in a nonchalant manner, "After all, it wasn't Ms… Hermione who did the charms for me." The 'Ms' part had been deliberately added to confuse the three people, and they really became muddled by her. In all three professors' minds were the thought that this woman might not be a student, and she might not be a professor either… so who was she?

            Intent on starting a conversation, Hermione continued asking, "What are all of you interested in?"

            "Potions." Minerva lied smoothly, causing Severus's mouth to twitch.

            "Transfiguration." Severus continued as Minerva coughed slightly, choking on her champagne.

            "Divination." Albus replied brightly, causing Severus, Minerva, and Hermione to blanch. The Headmaster frowned a little at their reaction, and Hermione spoke up in a wry tone, "I had been interested in Divination, Glorfindel, but seeing Sybil Trelawny in action disappointed me very much."

            "Now that's an understatement." Minerva, or Alexandra, commented sardonically.

            "I'll second that." Severus replied, passing flutes of wine to both Glorfindel and Adariel. The flute of wine did not disappear on reaching Adariel's hand, thus all three professors could safely predict that she was above the age of sixteen. Taking a sip of the wine, Hermione smiled blissfully, murmuring softly, "Ah… iced Chardonnay 1979. Definitely better than butterbeer anytime."

Hermione had been into wine tasting since the age of twelve, courtesy of her favorite maternal aunt who owned a vineyard in Germany. Her aunt had commented that she had a sharp tongue after letting her try some wine of different years and ever since then, she had taken into collecting wine as a hobby. In fact, several of the alcoholic drinks provided had been taken from her own collection.

            This comment, though soft, was heard by the professors, and all of them looked very much surprised. Not many people could tell the year of the wine, nor its type, without seeing the labels. Albus smiled Hermione, before saying gaily, "We've been talking for far too long. How about another dance, Alex? Dom, can you take Adariel?"

            Severus and Hermione stiffened slightly at Albus' request, but Severus nodded his head, standing up to lead Hermione to the dance floor…

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End of Chapter 2

Geez, Fanfic.net is closing down this fic due to its NC-17 status, so I've changed it to R and posted it up once again. Also, about the addition of Tolkein characters, it was just for the fun of it. Indeed, I really had a good time on Draco's change and his reaction to it. Made me laugh quite a bit. So hope you guys don't mind =)

Then again, I'm sorry I have to stop here and delay it once more, along with the Awakening of a Royal as I'm having my promotional exams soon. So I'll have to stop everything and concentrate on my exams. I really need to pass this!

Thus, thanks to all of you who have reviewed the first chapter. I'll get to the actual scene next chapter, so look forward to that! But I'm sorry… it'll only come out during October… my exams should have finished by then!

So, kudos or flame, please do review!

Toodles,

SilverDawn