Belle of the Ball
by Lady Snape
disclaimer: AS ALWAYS NONE OF THE CHARACTERS FROM THE HARRY POTTER SERIES BELONG TO ME THEY BELONG TO JK ROWLING
I want to apologize for the delay in updating. Other than real life butting in, I simply had a case of lock jaw of the brain.LOL. I want to thank all the lovely reviewers for the reviews you have given me, reading them made me want to continue to write.
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Hermione stood in the main Hall, mouth agape as she stared at Snape as he stalked off down to the dungeons. "The bloody nerve of that man!" Thought Hermione as her mouth snapped shut and she began to feel the beat of the music tickle its way upwards from the tips of her toes. Letting her eyes drift shut, her ire melting in the face of the music, she gave herself over to the drive to dance. Her head began to bob up and down as she snapped her fingers and tapped her toes. Hermione sauntered off in search of a partner, not caring who, she grabbed the hand of the first boy she ran into. Crooning, "Man what a beat," she tugged at Goyle to follow and proceeded to drag the hapless 7th year along with her onto the dance floor.
As though hypnotized, Hermione moved to the beat of drums, motioning to Goyle to do the same. With muted surprise she felt Gregory take her hand and swing her out as he duck walked towards her. Looking up into his face, Hermione noticed the semblance of smug joy on his face at his display of something other than his usual clumsiness. That was all she needed, grabbing his shoulders and kicking her feet up into the air behind her, Hermione let out a squeal as Goyle wrapped his hands around her waist and flipped her from side to side before settling her down with the last beat of the music. 'Who would have thought that Gregory Goyle could dance like that.' Mused Hermione as she stepped away and looked over at the Slytherin boy as if it was the first time she had noticed him. Goyle had changed from a pudgy 1st year to a well built muscled 7th year without an ounce of the baby fat that had given him such a baby face, to be replaced by chiseled features, resembling that muggle actor when he was younger, Sylvestor Stallone.
"Umm..thank you for the dance, Hermione." Mumbled a sheepish looking Goyle.
Giving him a mischievous wink, Hermione only smiled as she moved away, drawn once more by the music that had begun to taunt her soul, inciting her to dance. Casually as possible she moved stepping in time to the faster paced music, weaving in and out of the already dancing couples. 'there has to be someone who's not dancing' screamed a little voice inside her head, not wanting to dance alone, Hermione scanned the student body for another partner until her eyes rested on one of her fellow Gryffindors. Longbottom. 'Well girl let's see if your potions partner is any better at dancing than he is at potions.'
Making a beeline for Neville, Hermione didn't notice her dour Potions Master re-enter the Hall, nor did she see him fade into the shadows as she grabbed Neville by the lapels and virtually levitated him onto the dance floor with a brusque "Let's dance."
Her hips swaying, she sang along with the music. "Hey sister, soul sister..." as she moved backwards pulling Neville into the center of the throng of remaining teachers and students.
"Hermione!" Neville yelled over the music. He had never seen his friend like this and didn't know what to make of her. He had always liked her--- as a friend, truly he had a thing going with a girl in Hufflepuff, who was now sending glares his way. 'What had gotten into Hermione? She had never behaved like this before, but ever since she had won Snape in that auction she has been acting completely different. Like she has nothing to lose.' Neville mulled over the change in his friend as he tried again to get her attention while managing to barely keep up with her fast dance moves. Like potions, dancing was not one of his finer points.
As abruptly as the dance with Neville began it ended leaving a perplexed looking Neville in Hermione's wake. Mumbling a brief "Thank You," Hermione began to switch dance partners with every switch of the music. Moving in a trance she barely noticed who she danced with, as long as she continued to dance. As the night wore on the faces became a blur, having danced with almost every male in the 7th year through to those on staff.
Exhausted, Hermione glanced around at the students and teachers still milling about. Relieved that there was a break between songs, Hermione took the opportunity to grab some punch to cool herself down hoping beyond hope that it was near midnight. Reluctantly she had stayed in the hall after every attempt to leave was thwarted by the start of a new song, igniting her inner 'passion' to dance. Looking around she started to notice that many of her classmate were sending her mixed looks. Curious. Even Harry and Ron, who were talking to Sirius, were giving her odd looks. Sirius had been pardoned when Voldemort had been defeated. The capture of Wormtail, a.k.a. Peter Pettigrew, brought to light his innocence to the Ministry. She remembered how happy Harry had been, knowing that he would no longer have to return to the Dursleys. His godfather had made a promise to him that he could come stay with him as soon as it was safe to do so. Once he received his pardon Dumbledore extended and invitation to teach the Defense Against Dark Arts classes, which he readily agreed to, wanting to be near to his godson. Wondering what was with the looks, Hermione decided not to wait to find out, but went straight over to where the three men were standing and asked them pointedly without preamble, "What IS the matter? Why are you two looking at me like that?"
Amused, Sirius just looked from his godson to his godson's friend and with wave of his hand, motioned for them to give her an answer. He certainly wasn't going to tell her what they were talking about, considering that it was plainly about her and her 'Belle of the Ball' manner tonight, following a very interesting display with...Snape.
"Well Mione, it's.just.umm," Harry started to say but stopped when he looked up at Ron with a look that plainly said 'Help me!'
Not missing a beat and knowing she didn't have much time before the next song was going to start, Hermione snapped at them. "What. Is. Going. On?" she repeated in a low voice as she gave each of them the eye, scarily like Snape.
Deciding to come to his godson's rescue, Sirius gave each of the boys an exasperated look as he uttered, "Always a Gryffindor until faced with a woman's scorn. I suppose there is a little Hufflepuff in all of us." Laughing at the shocked looks he got from the two boys, he turned to Hermione to explain.
"It's seems my dear, that you are quite the 'Belle of the Ball'. We were just commenting that you have been dancing non-stop all night long with not only Gryffindors but Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws and gods forbid Slytherins! Shocking as it was to see you dance the competition with Snape, although I do understand Dumbledore expressed the rules for it to be interhouse couples, you could have at least showed some house loyalty after the contest was over!" declared Black with a look of dismay.
Plastering an obviously false grin on her face, she merely eyed her DADA professor, reminding herself that he was indeed more than her friend but also her teacher. Placing one hand on Harry and the other on Ron, she looked into her teacher's eyes, her smile never faltering. "I have already explained to these two that I had been already paired off with Snape for the contest and as for the 'dance-a-thon', my shoes are spelled to drive me to dance." Hermione hissed, noting the dawning of understanding she continued, "Have you not noticed them before? They are pink fluffy slippers! The spell draws on my natural ability to dance, unfortunately they wont let me stop. I have till the stroke of midnight before the spell wears off and then I will find rest. Honestly I think detention would be easier to handle than dancing all night."
Hermione's revelation to the trio left them stunned, a spell was behind all the dancing. In light of her predicament Sirius tried to soothe her, "Well it is almost midnight, Hermione, rest will come soon."
She gave him a look of utter relief with acknowledgment of that tidbit before it was squashed by the lyrical sounds wafting through the Hall. Giving her professor a pleading look, he extended his arm, which she took gratefully as he led her out onto the floor. Harry and Ron just watched them disappear before they too found their girlfriends for one last dance.
It was when she was dancing with Sirius Black that she noticed him. Felt him really, felt his steady glare follow her on the dance floor, while she moved to a slow waltz with the newest DADA teacher. A feeling that shook her out of her trance. 'It couldn't be,' thought Hermione remembering that he had left. 'He wouldn't come back, not after how he left.' Puzzling over the feeling that she was getting, she didn't notice the scrutinizing look that Sirius was giving her as he whirled her around the dance floor.
"Hermione, what is the matter?"
"Hmmm?"
"I said 'What is the matter?', you have an odd look on your face."
"What, oh..nothing really, thought I felt someone watching me is all..silly really. It's not like I haven't been stared at all night."
"No it's not silly, if it makes you aware of a difference, that is what most call your gut feeling. So who is it that you think is watching you in particular?"
"Professor Snape, but he left the dance, that is why it puzzles me."
"Why would he be watching you, wait it has to do with that trip to 'Fantasy Island' doesn't it?" Sirius watched the expression on Hermione's face become shadowed confirming what he had heard from Dumbledore and McGonagall. There was more to Hermione's relationship with Snape than meets the eye. Not really caring for the greasy git, Sirius wouldn't have pressed Hermione but he couldn't help himself, he didn't like to see his godson's friend look so distressed by the mention of his nemesis of bygone days.
"Hermione tell me what is the matter? Maybe I can help."
'Help?' thought Hermione, 'but how?' Mulling over that question, a very Slytherin idea formed in her mind, giving her teacher and friend a feral look she simply replied "Perhaps you can." Knowing that Snape must be somewhere in the Hall, she moved in closer to Sirious as she proposed her plan. "How would you like to pretend to be interested in me and say.go out for appearance like a couple?"
"Say what? Hermione when I offered help I didn't mean breaking any rules, well maybe a few but you are my student and Harry's friend!" stammered a shocked Sirious.
"Yes I know that, but technically I am of age, and Dumbledore already approved of me and Snape, but Snape is being a prat about it. I know he wants me and I know I want him, so if I can't convince him otherwise, why not play the jealousy card, also known as the hard to get card. Besides I did say pretend, just long enough to make him see reason. Well...?" Hermione said as she batted her eyes and giving him a pouty look.
"Well, it would be fun to make the old boy squirm a bit, I suppose." muttered Black.
"You suppose? Does that mean you will do it?" queried Hermione, looking hopeful at the prospect of a jealous Snape.
"Yes I will, but only if Dumbledore approves, I won't jeopardize my newfound position as the DADA teacher over your determination to ensnare Snape" agreed Sirius even though it appeared to cause him pain to do so.
Hermione could have kissed him for being so agreeable, but settle for giving him a hug instead. Wanting to get her plan off to a good start, she asked Sirious if they could talk to the Headmaster tonight seeing how he was still dancing with McGonagall. Agreeing that there was no time like the present, the co-conspirators made their way towards the dancing couple as the bells began to toll midnight. The music died, as the last bell rang out, much to the relief of Hermione. Feeling a slight breezy tingle pass over her feet, she looked down to see that indeed the spell faded with the final stroke of midnight. Finally she could rest without the pull to dance.
Reaching the Headmaster and the Deputy Headmistress, Professor Black and Hermione didn't waste time as they detailed Hermione's little plot to capture the heart of the Potions Master.
Dumbledore couldn't help but chuckle to himself at the interesting idea the Hermione and Sirius presented to him. "My dear Hermione, I must warn you that Professor Snape does not like to be toyed with, but then again maybe it is time for him to be made aware of what he is missing. Tread with caution Miss Granger, Professor Black..I'm sure that you will beat a Slytherin at his own game." Mused the Headmaster, as he studied his teacher and student, his ever present twinkle winking merrily at them.
Thanking the Headmaster, Sirius and Hermione put their plan in action, leaving the Hall together by way of the gardens.
Stepping out of the shadow for the first time since returning, Severus Snape began to follow them before turning with a flourish. Exiting the Hall in the direction of the dungeons, Snape pitied the student that blocked his path deducting points with a vengeance.
A/N: "Man what a beat" is a quote from the Disney film "The Jungle Book" said by the character Baloo the Bear. Also the way I described Hermione when she says that line is also inspired from the same movie. "Hey sister, soul sister." is from the song "Lady Marmalade."
disclaimer: AS ALWAYS NONE OF THE CHARACTERS FROM THE HARRY POTTER SERIES BELONG TO ME THEY BELONG TO JK ROWLING
I want to apologize for the delay in updating. Other than real life butting in, I simply had a case of lock jaw of the brain.LOL. I want to thank all the lovely reviewers for the reviews you have given me, reading them made me want to continue to write.
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Hermione stood in the main Hall, mouth agape as she stared at Snape as he stalked off down to the dungeons. "The bloody nerve of that man!" Thought Hermione as her mouth snapped shut and she began to feel the beat of the music tickle its way upwards from the tips of her toes. Letting her eyes drift shut, her ire melting in the face of the music, she gave herself over to the drive to dance. Her head began to bob up and down as she snapped her fingers and tapped her toes. Hermione sauntered off in search of a partner, not caring who, she grabbed the hand of the first boy she ran into. Crooning, "Man what a beat," she tugged at Goyle to follow and proceeded to drag the hapless 7th year along with her onto the dance floor.
As though hypnotized, Hermione moved to the beat of drums, motioning to Goyle to do the same. With muted surprise she felt Gregory take her hand and swing her out as he duck walked towards her. Looking up into his face, Hermione noticed the semblance of smug joy on his face at his display of something other than his usual clumsiness. That was all she needed, grabbing his shoulders and kicking her feet up into the air behind her, Hermione let out a squeal as Goyle wrapped his hands around her waist and flipped her from side to side before settling her down with the last beat of the music. 'Who would have thought that Gregory Goyle could dance like that.' Mused Hermione as she stepped away and looked over at the Slytherin boy as if it was the first time she had noticed him. Goyle had changed from a pudgy 1st year to a well built muscled 7th year without an ounce of the baby fat that had given him such a baby face, to be replaced by chiseled features, resembling that muggle actor when he was younger, Sylvestor Stallone.
"Umm..thank you for the dance, Hermione." Mumbled a sheepish looking Goyle.
Giving him a mischievous wink, Hermione only smiled as she moved away, drawn once more by the music that had begun to taunt her soul, inciting her to dance. Casually as possible she moved stepping in time to the faster paced music, weaving in and out of the already dancing couples. 'there has to be someone who's not dancing' screamed a little voice inside her head, not wanting to dance alone, Hermione scanned the student body for another partner until her eyes rested on one of her fellow Gryffindors. Longbottom. 'Well girl let's see if your potions partner is any better at dancing than he is at potions.'
Making a beeline for Neville, Hermione didn't notice her dour Potions Master re-enter the Hall, nor did she see him fade into the shadows as she grabbed Neville by the lapels and virtually levitated him onto the dance floor with a brusque "Let's dance."
Her hips swaying, she sang along with the music. "Hey sister, soul sister..." as she moved backwards pulling Neville into the center of the throng of remaining teachers and students.
"Hermione!" Neville yelled over the music. He had never seen his friend like this and didn't know what to make of her. He had always liked her--- as a friend, truly he had a thing going with a girl in Hufflepuff, who was now sending glares his way. 'What had gotten into Hermione? She had never behaved like this before, but ever since she had won Snape in that auction she has been acting completely different. Like she has nothing to lose.' Neville mulled over the change in his friend as he tried again to get her attention while managing to barely keep up with her fast dance moves. Like potions, dancing was not one of his finer points.
As abruptly as the dance with Neville began it ended leaving a perplexed looking Neville in Hermione's wake. Mumbling a brief "Thank You," Hermione began to switch dance partners with every switch of the music. Moving in a trance she barely noticed who she danced with, as long as she continued to dance. As the night wore on the faces became a blur, having danced with almost every male in the 7th year through to those on staff.
Exhausted, Hermione glanced around at the students and teachers still milling about. Relieved that there was a break between songs, Hermione took the opportunity to grab some punch to cool herself down hoping beyond hope that it was near midnight. Reluctantly she had stayed in the hall after every attempt to leave was thwarted by the start of a new song, igniting her inner 'passion' to dance. Looking around she started to notice that many of her classmate were sending her mixed looks. Curious. Even Harry and Ron, who were talking to Sirius, were giving her odd looks. Sirius had been pardoned when Voldemort had been defeated. The capture of Wormtail, a.k.a. Peter Pettigrew, brought to light his innocence to the Ministry. She remembered how happy Harry had been, knowing that he would no longer have to return to the Dursleys. His godfather had made a promise to him that he could come stay with him as soon as it was safe to do so. Once he received his pardon Dumbledore extended and invitation to teach the Defense Against Dark Arts classes, which he readily agreed to, wanting to be near to his godson. Wondering what was with the looks, Hermione decided not to wait to find out, but went straight over to where the three men were standing and asked them pointedly without preamble, "What IS the matter? Why are you two looking at me like that?"
Amused, Sirius just looked from his godson to his godson's friend and with wave of his hand, motioned for them to give her an answer. He certainly wasn't going to tell her what they were talking about, considering that it was plainly about her and her 'Belle of the Ball' manner tonight, following a very interesting display with...Snape.
"Well Mione, it's.just.umm," Harry started to say but stopped when he looked up at Ron with a look that plainly said 'Help me!'
Not missing a beat and knowing she didn't have much time before the next song was going to start, Hermione snapped at them. "What. Is. Going. On?" she repeated in a low voice as she gave each of them the eye, scarily like Snape.
Deciding to come to his godson's rescue, Sirius gave each of the boys an exasperated look as he uttered, "Always a Gryffindor until faced with a woman's scorn. I suppose there is a little Hufflepuff in all of us." Laughing at the shocked looks he got from the two boys, he turned to Hermione to explain.
"It's seems my dear, that you are quite the 'Belle of the Ball'. We were just commenting that you have been dancing non-stop all night long with not only Gryffindors but Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws and gods forbid Slytherins! Shocking as it was to see you dance the competition with Snape, although I do understand Dumbledore expressed the rules for it to be interhouse couples, you could have at least showed some house loyalty after the contest was over!" declared Black with a look of dismay.
Plastering an obviously false grin on her face, she merely eyed her DADA professor, reminding herself that he was indeed more than her friend but also her teacher. Placing one hand on Harry and the other on Ron, she looked into her teacher's eyes, her smile never faltering. "I have already explained to these two that I had been already paired off with Snape for the contest and as for the 'dance-a-thon', my shoes are spelled to drive me to dance." Hermione hissed, noting the dawning of understanding she continued, "Have you not noticed them before? They are pink fluffy slippers! The spell draws on my natural ability to dance, unfortunately they wont let me stop. I have till the stroke of midnight before the spell wears off and then I will find rest. Honestly I think detention would be easier to handle than dancing all night."
Hermione's revelation to the trio left them stunned, a spell was behind all the dancing. In light of her predicament Sirius tried to soothe her, "Well it is almost midnight, Hermione, rest will come soon."
She gave him a look of utter relief with acknowledgment of that tidbit before it was squashed by the lyrical sounds wafting through the Hall. Giving her professor a pleading look, he extended his arm, which she took gratefully as he led her out onto the floor. Harry and Ron just watched them disappear before they too found their girlfriends for one last dance.
It was when she was dancing with Sirius Black that she noticed him. Felt him really, felt his steady glare follow her on the dance floor, while she moved to a slow waltz with the newest DADA teacher. A feeling that shook her out of her trance. 'It couldn't be,' thought Hermione remembering that he had left. 'He wouldn't come back, not after how he left.' Puzzling over the feeling that she was getting, she didn't notice the scrutinizing look that Sirius was giving her as he whirled her around the dance floor.
"Hermione, what is the matter?"
"Hmmm?"
"I said 'What is the matter?', you have an odd look on your face."
"What, oh..nothing really, thought I felt someone watching me is all..silly really. It's not like I haven't been stared at all night."
"No it's not silly, if it makes you aware of a difference, that is what most call your gut feeling. So who is it that you think is watching you in particular?"
"Professor Snape, but he left the dance, that is why it puzzles me."
"Why would he be watching you, wait it has to do with that trip to 'Fantasy Island' doesn't it?" Sirius watched the expression on Hermione's face become shadowed confirming what he had heard from Dumbledore and McGonagall. There was more to Hermione's relationship with Snape than meets the eye. Not really caring for the greasy git, Sirius wouldn't have pressed Hermione but he couldn't help himself, he didn't like to see his godson's friend look so distressed by the mention of his nemesis of bygone days.
"Hermione tell me what is the matter? Maybe I can help."
'Help?' thought Hermione, 'but how?' Mulling over that question, a very Slytherin idea formed in her mind, giving her teacher and friend a feral look she simply replied "Perhaps you can." Knowing that Snape must be somewhere in the Hall, she moved in closer to Sirious as she proposed her plan. "How would you like to pretend to be interested in me and say.go out for appearance like a couple?"
"Say what? Hermione when I offered help I didn't mean breaking any rules, well maybe a few but you are my student and Harry's friend!" stammered a shocked Sirious.
"Yes I know that, but technically I am of age, and Dumbledore already approved of me and Snape, but Snape is being a prat about it. I know he wants me and I know I want him, so if I can't convince him otherwise, why not play the jealousy card, also known as the hard to get card. Besides I did say pretend, just long enough to make him see reason. Well...?" Hermione said as she batted her eyes and giving him a pouty look.
"Well, it would be fun to make the old boy squirm a bit, I suppose." muttered Black.
"You suppose? Does that mean you will do it?" queried Hermione, looking hopeful at the prospect of a jealous Snape.
"Yes I will, but only if Dumbledore approves, I won't jeopardize my newfound position as the DADA teacher over your determination to ensnare Snape" agreed Sirius even though it appeared to cause him pain to do so.
Hermione could have kissed him for being so agreeable, but settle for giving him a hug instead. Wanting to get her plan off to a good start, she asked Sirious if they could talk to the Headmaster tonight seeing how he was still dancing with McGonagall. Agreeing that there was no time like the present, the co-conspirators made their way towards the dancing couple as the bells began to toll midnight. The music died, as the last bell rang out, much to the relief of Hermione. Feeling a slight breezy tingle pass over her feet, she looked down to see that indeed the spell faded with the final stroke of midnight. Finally she could rest without the pull to dance.
Reaching the Headmaster and the Deputy Headmistress, Professor Black and Hermione didn't waste time as they detailed Hermione's little plot to capture the heart of the Potions Master.
Dumbledore couldn't help but chuckle to himself at the interesting idea the Hermione and Sirius presented to him. "My dear Hermione, I must warn you that Professor Snape does not like to be toyed with, but then again maybe it is time for him to be made aware of what he is missing. Tread with caution Miss Granger, Professor Black..I'm sure that you will beat a Slytherin at his own game." Mused the Headmaster, as he studied his teacher and student, his ever present twinkle winking merrily at them.
Thanking the Headmaster, Sirius and Hermione put their plan in action, leaving the Hall together by way of the gardens.
Stepping out of the shadow for the first time since returning, Severus Snape began to follow them before turning with a flourish. Exiting the Hall in the direction of the dungeons, Snape pitied the student that blocked his path deducting points with a vengeance.
A/N: "Man what a beat" is a quote from the Disney film "The Jungle Book" said by the character Baloo the Bear. Also the way I described Hermione when she says that line is also inspired from the same movie. "Hey sister, soul sister." is from the song "Lady Marmalade."
