Sorry it took so long to post a new chapter, I've had writer's block! Anyways, hope you enjoy. And please keep R & R, its most helpful.
Disclaimer: Same as before yada, yada, yada.
Also, as always, words in italics are character's inner thoughts.
The warmer late summer days had given way to the colder ones of early winter as November began in the wizarding world. Selene was thoroughly enjoying her time at Hogwarts, and being around young people made her feel exceptionally younger. Her classes were progressing famously, now even Neville could stay on his broom till the end of the obstacle course. She enjoyed refereeing and sometimes giving the teams a few unbiased pointers, although her pointers usually helped Gryffindor win, as if they needed anymore help anyway. They were at the top of the points, with Slytherin and Ravenclaw tied for second, and a sorry-looking Hufflepuff in third. But as Selene knew only too well, that fragile lead could change within a mere moment or a catch of the Snitch for that matter. The Dueling Club was all the rage again, and although betting was now punishable, it still went on silently in the background.
But what Selene found herself cherishing the most was the brief moments that she and Severus could speak alone. Whether it was in the hall after classes, over dinner or alone in his office, she valued them quite highly. Occasionally, Selene would say something that struck him as funny, and he would smile and, even more rarely, laugh. His whole demeanor changes when he laughs, she had often found herself thinking. She knew that very soon Christmas would be there, and so would the Christmas Dance. Selene found herself dreading that day, and she couldn't understand why. Maybe it was the fact that if no asked her to go with them, she would end up there alone, a wallflower. Or maybe it was the fact that Severus might ask her to go with him and then there would be even more questions flying around. As it was Professor McGonacall was sure that she and Severus were conducting a secret affair, and made it a point to toss Selene a knowing glance every time she saw her speaking with him. She couldn't take it anymore, the looks from the staff and the constant questions from students and teachers alike, but she figured she'd let them stare and gossip, let them have some excitement, she often thought.
November came and went faster than Selene had hoped, and the first day of December dawned cold and rainy. Great, teaching in the rain is so much fun, she thought sarcastically to herself. The day dragged on, as sheets of rain pelted the castle walls and wind blew leaves across the lawn. Mud was everywhere and more than once, Selene had to reach down and pull her booted foot out of a deep mud puddle, the grounds were so wet, it looked like a quagmire for as far as the eye could see. By lunch she was soaked, and had to go to her quarters to change before heading off to the Great Hall. After lunch, she was reluctant to leave the comforting warmth of the castle for the harsh cold outside, but she knew she couldn't just cancel class for a little rain. Braving the weather once more, she finished her afternoon classes and once again made her way to her chambers to change.
Dinner was scrumptious, roasted turkey and cranberry sauce, gravy and potatoes, and for desert, flaky cherry and raspberry tarts and warm apple pie. I would hate to know how much weight I have gained just tonight, she thought, as she polished off two slices of pie and numerous tarts.
Returning to her chambers to find her wet clothes folded and dry on her bed, she silently thanked the house elves for their hard work. Pointing her wand to the fireplace, and almost instantly a fire sprang to life. Grabbing a book and a blanket, she curled up in her favorite chair by the fire and began to read. Not much time had passed before a knock came at her door. And I was just getting to the good part too, she thought as she walked to the door. And much to her surprise, she found Severus standing before her. "Good evening Selene. Sorry to bother you at such an hour, but may I speak with you?" Wondering what he could possibly want, she invited him in.
"Well, Severus, this is a surprise. But it seems to be important so I won't keep you.", she said with a small smile. And that's when she noticed he wasn't wearing black, rather a midnight blue shirt and charcoal gray slacks. "So the man does own colors other than black. I'm pleasantly shocked!", she said just as he was about to speak, "but I'm interrupting. Please, go on." But Severus was flustered now and had forgotten what he intended to say, so instead he said exactly what he was thinking, "Yes I do own colors other than black. But they are reserved for a select few people."
"I guess that makes me one of them.", she said, tapping her finger against her lips.
"Did you figure that all on your own or did you have someone whisper the answer to you?", he replied sarcastically, crossing his arms.
"Are you mocking me, Severus? I don't think you want to do that.", she countered shaking her head.
"Really? And why not?", he responded, knowing it was an empty threat. He chuckled and began, "I apologize, forgive me. I was just having a bit of fun with you. I really came here to request something of you. Christmas draws near, as…umm…does the ball. I was wondering if you would…ah…if you would ever consider…" Severus struggled to find the words. He was not good with asking people out and this was exceptionally hard.
"You want me to go to the ball with you? Is that what you mean?" she said somewhat surprised, but mostly, ecstatic. She had never seen his so flustered before, but she hoped she had something to do with it. "Yes, that's exactly what I meant. So will you?" he asked her, a look of hopefulness in his eyes.
"Will I what?" she asked quizzically, knowing full well what he meant. "You know what I mean, Selene. Don't pretend like you do not know." he replied, walking toward her, a look of slight frustration across his face. "Of course I know what you mean, Severus, you silly git. I just wanna hear you ask me, that's all." she stated simply, shaking her head, chuckling slightly.
"Alright then. Will…you…accompany…me…to…the…ball?", with each word he stepped closer to her, looking straight into her eyes. Selene swallowed hard as he came to a stop mere inches from her. He was so close she could feel his breath on her skin and smell his aftershave. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, hoping it would calm her nerves, the same nerves that begged her to reach out and touch him. Upon opening them again, she found he was now smiling at her. I hope he doesn't see the effect that he has on me, she prayed as she opened her mouth to reply. I didn't realize what an effect I have on her, Severus mused as he waited for her reply.
"Alright, Severus. I will accompany you to the ball." she replied shakily, trying not to look into his eyes. He smiled and turned to walk to the door. But as he opened the door he said, "Excellent. It's a date then." And left, closing the door before Selene could even process that he had said the word "date".
"What?!" Date?!", she exclaimed as she ran to the door, hoping to catch Severus and ask him exactly what he meant by that. But by the time she yanked opened the door and looked out into the hall, she saw no one. She couldn't believe her ears, Severus Snape had asked her on a date. Well its not technically a date, but it counts as one in my book, she thought as she silently cheered.
Not to worry! There is much more cat and mouse to this story ahead than it seems. You'll just have to read and find out.
