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~ Dancing and Bickering ~

Severus stood in front of the mirror in his bathroom. He was wearing black dress robes and had brushed through his long, black hair.

It had been nearly two weeks since Katya had told him she'd go to the party with him. Now it was ten minutes before he was supposed pick her up for the party. He felt like a schoolboy getting ready for his first date. True, it was his first date, but he was definitely not a schoolboy. He was nearly 38 years old for crying out loud! Yes, I am only 38, he thought to himself, but I look 45! That's what I get for becoming a deatheater. Deciding he was as ready as he'd ever be, he went to get Katya.

* * *

Katya was nervously pacing the floor in her blood-red dress robes. She knew she looked good. The robes showed off her slim figure without being too tight. She had done her long hair in ringlets with half of it pulled back. Her make-up was done to perfection, in fact, it looked completely natural.

What's gotten into me? It's not like I've never been on a date before! Not to mention it's only Severus Snape. We're just friends. Barely friends as a matter of fact!

Someone knocked on the door. Well, here goes nothing. Oh Merlin I hope I don't make a fool of myself.

Katya opened the door to find Snape in his usual black.

"Katya," he began to say, but stopped as he fully took in her beauty, "wow," he muttered under his breath. Collecting himself, Snape continued, "Katya, you look lovely this evening."

Katya's face went redder than it had already been under his scrutiny. He thought she was pretty! "Thank you," she murmured, "You look good too."

"Thank you," he said although he didn't believe it, "Well, shall we go?" He offered her his arm.

"Let's shall," she replied slipping her hand into the crook of his arm. Snape's breath caught. Why did she have this affect on him?

On their way out of the castle they ran into Dumbledore and McGonagall.

"Hello Severus," Dumbledore greeted, "Katya, my don't you look more beautiful than usual! Wouldn't you agree, Severus?"
"Yes," Severus agreed, "beautiful."

A red sheet slowly started to return to Katya's face. "Well, you two are just being nice. I mean how could you possibly think me beautiful when Minerva is standing there looking positively stunning?" She pointed to McGonagall trying to push attention off of herself.

"Yes, she is stunning, isn't she?" Dumbledore agreed.

Getting tired of this conversation Snape interrupted, "Come along Katya, the carriages are here."

"You two enjoy yourselves!" Dumbledore called after them as they headed for the horseless carriages.

After a short ride they arrived at the Diggorys' estate.

"Wow," Katya breathed. The estate was beautiful. A tree-lined private lane brought them to an enormous white house. Beyond the house an expansive green lawn could be seen. Dotted here and there with small, attractive flower gardens.

"Come along," Snape's voice brought her back to earth. Slipping her hand onto his arm she followed him into the mansion. They followed a butler to a large ballroom.

Katya stared around in awe. A chandelier in the center of the cherub-covered ceiling lit the entire room. Couples danced to the music of an invisible band. The walls were covered with tall, arching windows.

Snape smiled as he watched Katya's face. She looked so beautiful. He would have been content watching her all night. What are you thinking?! Don't think about her that way. You are only friends, barely even! There's no way a witch like her would ever feel that way about an ugly git like you. Even if she did, all tender feelings would be eliminated the minute she found out what you've done.

Katya became aware of Severus's eyes on her. "May I have this dance?" she asked turning to him.

"I'm afraid you have it backwards. You see I asked you on this date. I should be the one asking you to dance."

"Well, you weren't doing anything so I figured I'd have to take matters into my own hands! If it's so important to you then ask me to dance."

"May I have this dance gentle lady?" he requested.

"Why, kind sir, I thought you'd never ask!" she played along as she took his offered hand.

Katya was amazed. Severus was an exceptional dancer. No one would have ever suspected. Katya hadn't until he took her into her arms and they began to waltz. He led her around as though she were nothing more than air.

Severus was fully enjoying himself for the first time in years. Holding Katya close he was amazed at how well they fit together; the top of her head coming just below his chin.

After the song was finished he led her to the refreshment table in the next room. There they ran into the Diggorys.

"Severus!" Amos Diggory said amiably, "How are you old chap? Haven't seen you in ages! Right spiffing of you to come. Are you enjoying yourself? Well, that's wonderful! Goodness! Who do we have here? Is this your date? Well, I must say I'm amazed. Such a lovely little flower with a tall dark weed like you?" Amos laughed at his joke. Severus smiled grimly at him.

"I'm Katya, Mr. Diggory. It's a pleasure to meet you," Katya said offering her hand while slipping the other around Severus's arm, "It's a lovely party. We are thoroughly enjoying ourselves."

"Ah! Are you American?" he asked, recognizing her accent. She nodded. "Really? What school did you attend?"

"The Salem Academy in Massachusetts." (Salem was in Mass. right?)

"By golly! Did you know Professor Crame? Jolly good fellow, a bit rough. I really should drop him a line."

"Yes, he was my potions professor. Very nice man, yes, a little rough around the edges but that's understandable when dealing with a subject as serious as potions," she said knowing that Severus was paying extra attention to what she was saying.

"Yes, yes, a bit rough," Amos repeated, "In fact, you are the first one of his students I've come across who has actually said anything good about him!"

"What can I say? I guess I just have a soft spot for potions professors." She smiled up at Snape, "Oh do you hear that? They're playing a cha-cha. I love the cha-cha! Come on Sev!" And with that she pulled him back into the ballroom.

"You didn't have to do that you know," Severus told her as they danced.

"Do what?" she asked.

"Say the stuff you did about your old potions professor. You could have said what you really thought about him. I wouldn't have been offended."

"Why would I think you would be offended? That was my real opinion about him."

"It's bad enough that I know that you only came on this date with me out of pity or desperation. You don't need to make up lies to protect my feelings."

Katya stopped dancing, "What makes you think I came with you out of pity?"

"Oh please, isn't it obvious? A witch would have to be out of her mind to want to go on a date with me."

"I must be out of my mind then," she said quietly, then added, "But it's better to be out of my mind then to be a cranky, old man who's afraid to think someone might actually want to be with him. For Merlin's sake Sev! Can't you see that you are behaving like a child?" She looked at him with watery eyes. "I have to go," she said and ran out of the ballroom and into the gardens.

Severus stood there not knowing what to do. Just then a couple danced passed him. It was Dumbledore and McGonagall. "Might I suggest going after her?" Dumbledore said. Snape looked at him. "Go," Dumbledore said, gesturing towards the gardens with his head. Snape nodded and left.

"Honestly," he said to Minerva after Snape had gone, "I don't know what that boy would do without me."

"I don't want to think about what a mess he would be," his date replied.

A/N: holy cow this is a long chapter! Sorry if it's too boring. Please review! Anyways, I know I made Snape younger than a lot of people think he is, but it makes since to my logic. Also, because I didn't describe it very well I'll tell you. The ballroom is supposed to look kind of like the ballroom in Disney's movie Beauty and the Beast. I just love that room! Also, sorry for those of you who may not appreciate the little fight. The characters have minds of their own.