Ch7

Black and White
The little kitten was nothing to mess with when it came to giving him a bath. Stacey soon realized that he came fully equipped with a set of claws and teeth. This is just great, I look like I just came out of a war. Meaby it wasn't such a good idea to give him a bath. She though as she dried him off with a towel

"Now little guy the only thing you need is a name. Humm how about patches. No that's a name for a dog. Well let's see, looks like someone sprayed you with salt and pepper. Hey that's it, I'll call you Pepper." Pepper looked at her. He was a lot cleaner now that all the dirt was gone. And his coat wasn't corse anymore. Dumbledore said that she may have the kitten, despite all the facts of why she shouldn't that were being stated by Snape. If he can have a raven then there is no reason why I can't have a kitten.

Laurelle was supposed to visit her that morning. She had told her that she had an early Christmas gift to give her. Wonder what this early surprise is supposed to be. Knowing her it's probably a gag gift that she just couldn't wait till Christmas to give. More then likely I'll have my hair turned green or something. That is if peeves doesn't get to me first. She gave a loud sigh and continued to dry off pepper who by this point was trying to get away.

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* Just before she was getting ready to leave for lunch there was a nock on the door and a voice behind it.

"Hey Stac, open the door before I throw your gift out the window." Stacey walked over to the door and opened it with a smile on her face. In Laurelle's hands was a large package. It looked soft so she assumed it was a pillow or a sweater. Laurelle walked in and plopped the package on Stacey's bed.

"Aren't ya goanna tell me what you got."

"Stac, you're no fun at all. Before you open my gift I have to ask ya, are you going to the Yule Ball tonight." Stacey hadn't though about it much. She wasn't planning on going. For one she didn't want to see Lockhart and two she didn't have a dress. She didn't own any dresses. What would she need them for? She didn't go out to dinner parties, dances, or fancy restaurants. There was no need. She gave a sigh and looked at her friend

"No I hadn't really though of going. I have no dress and I was asked by someone to attend with him at the ball." Laurelle was confused.

"OK stop, if someone asked you to go to the ball, then why is that an excuse not to go." Stacey gave a look of disgust before answering. Just then the mirror behind her answered in a mocking tone.

"Because it was Lockhart who had asked her."

"DIDN"T I TELL YOU TO KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!?" there was no response from the mirror, only Laurelle's laughter could be heard.

"Are you serious? Lockhart! Oh my god, I can see why you don't want to go."

"Gee thanks for being so supportive LAURELLE!" She said sarcastically.

"Your welcome" she smiled "That' besides the point. Your going to the ball weather you like it or not. I paid too much for this gift for you to say no." Stacey eyes her suspiciously before heading over to the package. Slowly she undid the ribbon and removed the wrapping. She gasped as she unfolded a beautiful dress robe that was as white as the snow. It was a one piece dress that came with a cloke that was just as white. The neck line was a little low but Stacey didn't mind. The bottom part was puffy almost like a prom dress but made out of velvet. The hooded cloke had a gold clasp in the front that was in the shape of a Unicorn. The cloke itself came down to her feet and was covered in a glittery material, which Laurelle informed her was stardust and would not come off of the cloke, it too was also made out of a heavy velvet.

"Laurelle, how much was this? There is no way I can accept it."

"You have to, besides I have one like it that I'm wearing in a dark blue."

"Are you serious, how did you afford this?"

"You know my family is wealthy, But we don't flonder it around like the Malfoy."

"Yuck! Please don't say that name to me."

"Why! What did that little twit Draco do?"

"No, it wasn't Draco. I had the misfortune of meeting his father." Stacey cringed

"LUCIOUS! You do know that he is a death eater right! Stacey do you realize that he is a BIG muggel hater! If I were you I would do everything in my power to stay away from him!"

"Funny, that's what Sev...I mean Snape said."

"Well for once I agree that he's right....wait a second. When did you two become on a first name basis with each other? hummm" Stacey knew exactly what she was trying to get at.. She turned red, but not from anger.

"Laurelle it's not like that. We work together, and besides he's 31! 31, He's a lot older then I am." Laurelle began to smile" Don't give me that look, I know exactly what your thinking."

"Stacey, you like him don't you! You never said you didn't. Mind me asking why, I mean he isn't the most, uhhh, attractive guy in the world."

"Wait a second I never said I liked him so how can you assume....."

"Stacey, I can read you like a book. Now stop stalling and tell me why." Stacey bent her head down in defeat and sighed

"Well I don't know exactly, I can't give you a solid answer. It just has something to do with the way he is."

"The way he is? Stacey how inarticulate of you. My senile grandmother could have phrased it better then you." Oh great now she's picking on my use of words.

"Well what do you want me to tell you? I like his body and his ummmm uhhh tool?" Laurelle threw her head back and laugh "Well what?" Stacey giggled "I mean I can't tell you why, if I ever come up with the words I'll tell ya...ok."

"Fine, Fine... You know we really should get to lunch before it ends. And since you do eat like a cow ..." They got up and moved toward the door.

"Hey what is that suppose to mean hummmm?" Laurelle opened the door

"Oh nothing," She said innocently. "Just that I wouldn't want to eat near you, I might lose a hand." She punched Laurelle in the arm and gave a small giggle

"Ouch, watcha do that for."

"Serves you right for calling me a cow." They both laughed and went to lunch

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

Stacey was having a hard time ignoring Gilidory. He was still persistent in getting that date with her. As tempting as it was she knew that she simply couldn't take a bat and lug him over the head. He's like a damn shadow that doesn't go away even when it's dark out. Doesn't he have anything better to do then to talk about his awards and damn books? Meaby I can slip away and.......

"So Stacey will you be attending the Yule ball?" Asked Gilidory......Again.

"Yes, but as I said before I'm not going with you." She gave a fake smile and went back to her dinner.

"You know my dear there are ways of forcing you to go." He whispered in her ear which made Stacey jump and clench her fist.

"Magic? Hah, Lockhart if you think threatening me is a wise action then by all means go ahead and do so, but know this, I am not someone you want to go and mess with. What ever you start, I will finish." He gave a look of astonishment.

"My dear, that wasn't meant as a threat at all. I was simply proposing an agreement." Stacey felt a little stupid there for a moment, but quickly got over it.

"Oh, ummm sorry there, but once again there is nothing I could want from you that you could use in a compromise."

"Well if you change your mind, just so you know Stacey, I was the winner 5 times in a row for witch weekly's best dancer award."

"That's good for you." She gave two thumbs up toward him with a fake smile. She turned quickly away to face the person to her left. Crap. I forgot it was Severus. Umm ok Stacey quickly think of an excuse.

"Miss. Vitale is there something you want? Is there a reason once again why you're staring at me?" He said taking another sip of his tea.

"I don't want to talk to...him..."she gestured with her head to Gilidory beside her, but he was to wrapped up in a conversation with poor Minerva to pay much attention to what she said. "And I wasn't really staring at you. I was kinda lost in my train of though there and I forgot where I was looking"

"Do you really expect me to believe that? I've heard the students come up with better material."

"Well it' the truth so if you don't believe me then......" Lockhart had tapped Stacey on the shoulder to get her attention.

"I will be picking you up at 7:30 tonight for the dance."

"No, I'm not going with you Gilidory and that's final!" She was red with anger at him.

"Who may I ask is this friend you're going with? There is no need to be shy my dear; I understand that it may be hard to process the fact that a famous author like me is asking you on a date." He pointed to himself then smiled. Stacey was looking around the room to see who he was talking to. What part of No didn't he understand?

"Excuse me" Stacey stood up "I have tons of work to do. And then I must get ready for tonight....Wipe that smile off your face Gilidory, If I catch you anywhere near my door, you'll be missing several teeth from that smile of yours." Gilidory looked a little confused while Snape seemed to be amused by that little statement. She left thinking that this was going to be something that se would surly never forget.

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
It was 6:30 and she had an hour to go before she would have to confront everyone in that room. Laurelle had come 20 minutes before to do Stacey's hair. She wasn't even dressed yet. She was in a pair of sweatpants and a t- shirt. Her hair was wet because she had gotten out of the shower and was pacing around waiting for Laurelle. The door flew open and in popped Laurelle carrying a big box of makeup and hair pins.

"Don't you knock?"

"Nope, you open your door to me once and that's my invention to come in as I please." Laurelle smiled "Ok sit; I'm going to do your hair first then your makeup." She sat down in the chair closest to the mirror.

"You say one word mirror, and out the window you go. Got that?" the Mirror gulped

"Good." She turned to Laurelle who was taking out her wand. "What do you need your wand for?" Laurelle rolled her eyes

"To dry your hair. I can't do anything if It's wet now can I?" Stacey looked a little worried, the last thing she needed was to have Laurelle say the wrong words and her head blow up. Wonder how that would come over with her father? "Stop looking so nervous! I'm not going to set your hair on fire. You'll look gorgeous by the time I get done with you."

"Oh yea that was reassuring, Laurelle"

"Wasn't it though" Laurelle was done drying her hair and reached for the makeup. "Mind me asking why you left the great hall so quickly? You know Snape was watching you leave the whole time. I'm telling you Stac, he has the hots for you."

"Yea ok sure Laurelle and my name is Merlin."

"Why hello Merlin, I'm Laurelle. Pleased to meet you."

"Cut the theatrics. Look he doesn't even call me by my first name unless he has to. What makes you think he has something for me? Besides he's as cold as a rock. A man like that likes no one, not even himself" Laurelle raised her hand as if she was going to do a big speech but she pointed to her eyes instead. "Ok, what does that have anything to do with it?"

"It's called observation. I've noticed a few things when it comes to Snape. One he doesn't look anyone in the eyes except when he's looking to intimidate or scare the shit of them, well with the exception of Dumbledore. Anyway I've noticed some things. He usually always looks you in the eyes and talks to you more then he does to the staff. I grantee you that you will at least get one dance out of him tonight." Stacey had to laugh at this.

"Bah...What makes you think he dances? I'm sorry but I can't imagine him dancing at all."

"Hold still, do you want your eye shadow to be on your cheek?"

"Sorry, I bet you 5 gallons your wrong And I'll throw in a box of chocolate frogs as well." Laurelle smiled at this.

"Ok, But if I'm right, I also get a sugar quill."

"You're on."

"Oh and one more thing, If he asks you to dance DON"T SAY NO, ok." Stacey mumbled.

"Damn, how do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Seem to be able to read people so well?"

"Ehh it's what I do best." She shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. "Stop moving!"

"Sorry"

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
About half an hour later Laurelle was done and Stacey went inside the bathroom to change. Stacey took one look at herself and smiled. She almost didn't recognize herself when she looked in the bathroom mirror. She had never looked so.....pretty. Laurelle did a really good job with the hair and make up. Her eye shadow was white with a little bit of black eyeliner at the bottom. her lips were a natural color and the blush was a light brown. Laurelle had also done a nice job with her hair. It was set in a lose bun which she promised Stacey would not fall out because it was enchanted with magic. Stacey had some lose curly strands of brown hair randomly pulled to give a soft effect to her face. Stacey was happy but wouldn't come out of the bathroom.

"Stacey come out I wanna see my work!" Yelled Laurelle

"No, I'm still trying to decide who this person in the mirror is."

"I know who she is! Her name is Stacey and she needs to come out so she can lose a bet!" Stacey decided Laurelle was right and came out of the bathroom. Laurelle's jaw dropped. "Meaby I should have worn the white dress." Stacey smiled and turned around in a full circle.

"What do you think?" Laurelle put her finger to her chin and tapped her foot on the ground.

"It's missing something...but what?"

"Well shoes for one" Stacey picked up the hem of her dress to reveal bare feet.

"Oh yea I almost forgot, these are my cousins. Try not to break them or she will hunt you down. Believe me it's happened." Laurelle reached into a big old box of makeup to reveal a pair of white open toed shoes. It had two straps. One that went across the ankle and another that went across her foot. They were more like platforms then heals, but they went at a slanted angel that gave her an inch more of height.

"I can just imagine myself tripping and cracking my scull open."

"Eww save me the gory details. You won't trip and break anything because the shoes are enchanted so you won't lose you balance. Oh great Ice princess." Laurelle took a dramatic bow

"Cut that out would ya. You look like Lockhart when you do that." Stacey laughed while Laurelle stuck her tong out.

"Hummm it's still missing something." Stacey moved over to the mirror and began to stare.

"I know you told me not to talk, but might I suggest a necklace." A little light went off inside Stacey's head. She knew exactly which one she would use. She walked over to a draw and pulled out a red velvet box. Inside was a gold chain and a pendent at the end that looked like a unicorn horn. She put it on and turned to look at Laurelle.

"What do you think?"

"Wow, it matches with your clasp. Is that yours?"

"It was my mothers, before she passed away." Stacey looked at the ground.

"I'm sorry; if your mother could see you know I bet she would be proud"

"Yea I know, Hey come-on lets get to the ball. I don't want to be late."

"Ok After you Unicorn Queen"

"Stop that!"

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
Stacey and Laurelle were at the doors to the great hall. They were a little early but knew that most of the staff would be there. Stacey paused and Laurelle stood at her side. She was nervous, but not because of Lockhart, because of Snape. Laurelle put a reassuring hand on her shoulder and gave a nod. She wasn't exactly sure what Snape would do or how he would react. Would he think she was doing this all for him, or even worse Lockhart? Well that though just made her sick to her stomach.

"I'm not to sure about this Laurelle."

"Stac I'll be there every step of the way. Besides I'm going to need that money when you lose."

"Hardy har har. Can we get this over with?" Laurelle pushed the doors open and they both walked in. The great hall was beautiful. The ceiling was enchanted so it was giving off the illusion it was snowing which just made her dress stand out more. She glanced around the room. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at her. Snape's mouth was open, but he quickly composed himself and Lockhart looked as if he was drooling. Laurelle leaned over and whispered in her ear

"Umm add on another chocolate frog would ya." Stacey elbowed her and they both made there way inside the great hall. All four of the giant tables were gone and everyone was dancing. The music sounded a little old fashioned to her, like something that was in Mozart's era and most of the teachers were standing aginst the walls supervising the students who appeared to be having the time of their lives.

"So where is this boyfriend of yours? I wanna meet him." Laurelle began to scan around the room in hopes of locating him amongst the hundreds of people dancing.

"Umm uhhh, oh there he is, come-on I want you to meet him." Laurelle took off and Stacey was finding it very hard to keep up. She finally caught up to her and was suddenly face to face with someone who reminded her of a....well she didn't know exactly.. Boy aren't I out of the loop? "Stacey, meet Rob. Rob this is Stacey." They shook hands and Stacey looked at Laurelle. "Rob is in Ravenclaw and is in his last year...like me... and is training to be in the Ministry of Magic."

"I'm hoping to kick that git, Fudge out of his position. I'm pretty sure it shouldn't be too hard.....Hey aren't you the new Muggel Studies teacher?"

"Yea, why?"

"Oh no reason in particular....Just heard some rumors that say your going out with Lockhart? By the way that's not true is it?" Stacey threw her head back and laughed.

"Aren't you Ravenclaws suppose to be known for your intelligence? No I'm not dating Lockhart, although he has been trying for some time now to get a date." He gave a chuckle and then turned to face Laurelle.

"My dear shall we dance?" Rob offered his elbow and Laurelle looked at Stacey. It seemed she was torn between staying at her friend's side and dancing with the one she loved. Stacey shook her head and made a shooing movement with her hand.

"You two get going and have fun. I'll be fine avoiding Lockhart, don't you worry. Now scoot before I take away house points for being stubborn." Laurelle smiled and mouthed a thank you before accepting his arm and walking on to the dance floor. Aww soo cute! She though and was about to walk off the dance floor when the last person she wanted to see tonight, Blocked her way. Gee wonder what he wants?

"Stacey, I must say you look Devine tonight. May I have this dance?" Lockhart held out a hand and Stacey groaned. God I wish a bolt of lighting would come down now and pummel me at the place I stand! She figured if she didn't dance with him at least once she would never get rid of him. Before she was able to answer she noticed that Gilidory's attention was focused on something behind her. A smooth and calm voice came from behind and she knew exactly who it was.

"Miss Vitale would you care to dance?" close enough She turned around to see Severus standing there with his hand extended much like Lockhart's was. Stacey accepted it.

"Yes, I would love to." They walked to the middle of the dance floor and began to waltz. "I didn't know you could dance. Aren't you full of surprises?" He stiffed a small chuckle and looked into her eyes.(A.N: Yea ok I know It's getting a little mushy, but hey Severus Snape does have a heart...right?)

"There are a lot of things you don't know about me, Stacey. And I assure you most you won't wish to know." Whoa...what was in that punch? Did I just hear correctly or did he just use my first name? It would have been a sight to see them together on the dance floor. Severus in his black robes, hair, and eyes. Stacey in her white robes and dark Brown hair. You could tell there were two different people. Night and day, Ying and Yang......Black and white. "Oh and by the way. You are now in my dept." Her eyes grew big,

"What, how am I in your dept? You didn't do anything to help me." Severus gave a small snort and gave an evil smile (Well it was sort of a smile...as big as he could give anyway,)

"Ah, but you see that is where your wrong Stacey. I am sure you would have loved to dance with Lockhart, you know I hear he's a good dancer for somebody who has two left feet." Not only did she lose the bet with Laurelle, but now she had to pay off the dept she owed to Severus. This was turning into a inserting night. What next.....a flying pig. After giving it some though she decided that meaby it wouldn't be so bad after all. She was a teacher after all not a student. The worst he could do was help him grade papers.

"Fine, but on one condition."

"What?"

"I'm going to need a partner to assist me in my demonstration for the karate lessons. So I was wondering if you could help me?"

"As long as it doesn't require me to make a mockery of myself."

"Good. Don't worry it can't be any worse then the little demonstration you and Lockhart are suppose to perform." He stared at her. How did she know about that?

"Just so you know, the teachers have a bet going on who's going to get their ass kicked. Personally I put in 10 stickles saying that Lockhart is going to get his butt blown into the wall." Well that cleared things up for him. He should have figured there was a bet going around. He was also sure that the students had a few going on as well.

"Mind telling me why you did such a childish thing. I would have expected that from a student."

"I swear you have no fun," She rolled her eyes " Don't you do anything besides roam around and take points off from every house but your own?" He glared at her

"What I do is my business and mine alone, Miss Vitale." Oh great now we're back to the Miss Vitale crap again. Why doesn't he just stick with one or the other? She was about to respond, but before she could the song ended. They stopped dancing and he stepped away and gave a bow before walking away. Stacey though it best to go to the garden. Now that Severus was on the other side of the room it would be fair game for Gilidory. She really did not want to dance with him.
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
It was snowing outside and the garden was glowing with thousands of tiny, magical, white lights. Stacey though of how it reminded her of her house when it was Christmas. When her mom was still alive she would always help her with the outside decorations. Stringing lights in the front yard, setting up the Christmas tree and afterwards have a nice big cup of hot chocolate. She missed it and knew it would never be the same. This is why she could never really be happy on the holidays. Too many memories of happiness that she knew she could never have again. What a wonderful way to spent the holidays, huh?

Grabbing her cloak tighter she stood still and looked up at the moon. It was a harvest moon. She liked the moon, it always reminded her that nothing stays the same; it will always be forever changing. She stood there like that until she heard a familiar voice behind her.

"Do you always stand like an utter moron and stare at the moon?" She jumped and turned to see who it was.

"Humph. No, but I like the moon. It calms me down when I feel like I need to rip someone's head off." She turned away from him to once again stare at the moon. "Is there something you want?" She said not bothering to look at him.

"Yes, we need to discuss the way you will be paying me back for that little dept that needs to be paid."

"Oh goody, let me guess. You want me to clean out your potions cabinet or have me scrub the tables with a tooth brush?"

"No, I need you to assist me with a potion." She turned and gave him a strange look.

"Have you forgotten or do you not remember the fact that I was the one who blew up the last potion in you class. I have no skill in potions."

"That's why you are going to help me. I need someone with as little potion making skills as I can find. You will be at my classroom tomorrow night at 8:00 sharp. Do not be late Miss Vitale or I will be forced to have you pay of the time that you wasted." She crossed her arms to her chest

"Don't worry, but if it blows up then don't blame me. I warn you now" He gave a nod and went on his way. Stacey saw that he didn't get ten feet before he turned and kicked a near by rose bush. Stacey almost fell on the floor laughing when she saw who it was. Laurelle and Rob both jumped out of the bush when he kicked it. Her hair was messed up and his wasn't any better. She also had a missing shoe.

"Mr. Mayor, Miss. Wallach? Mind telling me what you two are doing out here in the snow...behind a rose bush?" Severus crossed his arms waiting for an answer.

"We a....We were just ummmm uh. Well you see it's a very funny story really I........"She turned bright red and was cut off by Snape

"Miss. Wallach 50 points from Gryffindor. Mr. Mayor, 20 points from Ravenclaw." Laurelle's jaw dropped and Rob gathered himself together and walked (More like ran) towards the school. "Miss. Wallach you're not a fish." She closed her mouth and watched as he went to another bush to take more points off. After Stacey was done laughing she walked over to the still confused Laurelle.

"Now Laurelle, tell me something. What were you two doing behind there?" She elbowed Laurelle's shoulder playfully

"Nothing! Why do you think we were doing something?!"

"Hah, Laurelle was caught snogging!"

"So!"

"If it doesn't mean anything then why is it bothering you? Hummmmm"

"That's not what's bothering me! It's that big nosed vampire! Did you see what he did? Why did he only take 20 points from Ravenclaw and 50 from Gryffindor!" She turned and pointed a finger at Stacey. "You're a Professor, why don't you do something?"

"Oh and what would you have me do? Be unfair and load up Gryffindor with unearned house points?"

"Yea!" Stacey and Laurelle both began to laugh "Oh and Stac."

"Yea"

"I believe you owe me 5 Galleons chocolate frog, and a sugar quill."

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

A.N: Yea yea I kno. what a weird way to end a chapter....but I've been suffering from writers block...AGH....you wouldn't believe how long I've been staring at a blank screen....it's really depressing. And not to mention I'm trying not to turn this into a fucken Mary Sue story.. I've though up some new material and will be applying it to my story..MUHAHAHAHA...scary isn't it? And yes I know that the Yule ball doesn't come until the g.o.f but I just couldn't help myself.. .