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Italics are characters inner thought if you didn't already know.

          The anticipation of the Yule Ball and what it would bring sat in the pit of Selene's stomach like a rock since Severus had asked her to accompany him. She could not understand her apprehension, the same fear that kept her awake until late in the night, staring at her ceiling. She woke in the morning, irritable and quick-tempered, quite unlike her usual personality. Even Severus noticed the change in her, and when he asked her if everything was all right, she had snapped at him, and it took him aback. He was worried about her, she had lost the sunny disposition that he had come to enjoy and look forward to everyday and she also looked extremely worn out, as if something heavy was weighing on her soul. He hid his worry from every one behind his usual cantankerous behavior, but when Severus was alone, he paced his room, debating within himself whether he should go to her and voice his concern for her well being. He finally decided that the next time he had a quiet moment with her, he would talk with her about how she was doing and see if he couldn't figure out what had made her change.

          The Yule Ball was barely a week away, and the students were going on a trip to Hogsmeade that very weekend. Selene thought it would be just the thing she needed, to get out of the castle and into the crisp December air, which smelled faintly like Christmas trees and fireplaces, and get her mind off of her thoughts. The morning of the trip dawned with bright sunshine, but still cold enough to see your breath, causing everyone to buddle up in coats, scarves, and gloves. Feeling festive, Selene wore an emerald green cloak with beautiful scarlet trim over her robes and around her neck, a Gryffindor scarf. As they made their way to Hogsmeade, Selene felt significantly better. I guess this is what I needed, she thought as her feet crunched under the drifts of newly fallen snow, the ground a blanket of white for miles as the eye could. But once I get there, I'm heading straight for Honeyduke's and buying some of their famous chocolate, she thought dreamily. But as she was contemplating the assortment of sweets that awaited her there, she felt someone's eyes burning into her back. She stopped in her tracks and turned to find Severus staring at her, a far-off look in his eyes. She couldn't miss this opportunity, because she knew she would never catch him like that again.

          "Are you thinking about me, Severus?" Selene said mischievously.

He snapped back to reality and smiled at her gently. "Whom else would I possibly want to think of?" he said as he closed the distance between them. They fell into step as they continued on their way to Hogsmeade. "Would you join me for a drink at The Three Broomsticks?" he asked, hoping she would say yes. "I'd like that very much." she replied, smiling up at him.

Now is my chance to talk to her, he thought as they made their way through the crowded streets to The Three Broomsticks. He held the door open for her, and they made their way to a quiet table in the far corner of the room. A waitress came and took their orders, a butterbeer for each. Selene was surprised by his order, figuring him more of a liquor drinker than a butterbeer one. He must have picked up on her reaction as he said, "I don't seem like the person who would order a butterbeer, do I?"

Rather than lie, she said truthfully, "Yes, I figured you as a liquor drinker instead. But, then again, I should have known not to judge by appearances."

"So that is how you see me? As a heavy drinker?" Severus stated, somewhat taken aback by her comment.

"No, Severus, not at all. I meant that you seem more likely to drink something made for adults rather than something that children adore." she replied, trying to remove her foot from her mouth.

"May I ask you a personal question?" Severus said.

"Of course, as long as it is not about the color of my underwear. Ask away." Selene said playfully.

Severus leaned in and whispered, "I wouldn't mind knowing what color your underwear is, but even more so, I wouldn't mind seeing it either." Then he sat back and laughed.

Pretending to be appalled, Selene huffed, "Well, I never. Severus, you are incorrigible." But she couldn't help it either, and she began to laugh as well. "Now what did you really want to ask me?" she said, pushing a wisp of hair behind her ear.

"You don't have to answer it if you want, but I am concerned about your change in disposition. You seem preoccupied, as if something is bothering you greatly. It pains me to see you this way, and I was wondering if I could help you in some way?" Severus questioned, a serious yet concerned look on his face. If the concern written on his face wasn't enough, he reached across the table and took her hand in his, giving it a gentle but reassuring squeeze.

 "Unless you have a cure for insomnia that does not require a potion of some kind, you won't be much help to me. Sometimes I have a hard time sleeping and when I don't get enough sleep, I become cranky and irritable. I recently received a letter from my mother and she said she was ill with a cold. Now I know that that should not be something to get overtly worried about, but, being that my mother is no longer young, it worries me when she gets ill. And in worrying, I lose sleep and end up the way I am. I appreciate your concern very much, Severus. I didn't think anyone was paying so much attention to little old me." Selene finished quietly.

"I'm not the only one paying you a great deal of attention although I almost certainly pay you the most out of everyone concerned. I'm pleased to see that it was nothing too serious and feel free to speak to me if you ever experience the need." he finished with a smile.

And they continued to talk about their lives, their pasts. Some of it was hard for them, but they trusted each other enough to reveal everything. As morning turned into afternoon and The Three Broomsticks began to fill with students, Severus and Selene both decided they should do what they were supposed to have been doing all morning: chaperoning. They ran into each other through out the rest of the day in various shops and in the streets, Selene had the feeling that he was following her around, but she could care less. Dusk came quickly and the students made their way reluctantly back to Hogwarts, excitedly showing off their purchases to their friends. A wonderful feast was awaiting their return in The Great Hall. As Selene walked up the stone steps to the castle, she felt as though a weight had been lifted off of her shoulders, for she no longer worried about what the Yule Ball would bring. She was entirely ready for it.

The students reveled in the warmth of the Hall's many fireplaces, blazing in bright red orange fire. Trays of food were emptied at lightning speed, but were quickly replaced by fresh platters of the same succulent dish. Selene was in high spirits and everyone noticed she was her usual sunny self. Dumbledore stood up to announced the winner of the Yule Ball 'Dance with a Professor' contest. Selene had signed up as "the professor" and now she would be dancing with three boys from the student body.

"Now to announce the winners of our contest. As you all know, 3 young men from our student population have been chosen at random from those who entered and our very lucky winners will be dancing with the lovely flying professor, Ms. Hawkins. Without further a due, our first winner is Fred Weasley of Gryffindor." At that, Fred shot up from his seat and jumped and cheered as if he had just won the Quidditch Cup, high-fiving his friends. Selene couldn't help but laugh at his excitement. "Our second winner is Marcus Flint of Slytherin." He cheered and high-fived his friends, but inwardly Selene shuddered. She had always thought Marcus was a little creepy, ok, a lot creepy, and now she would have to dance with him. Great, she thought, forcing a smile. "And our third and final winner, another Gryffindor, Mr. Harry Potter." Harry just sat there, his mouth agape in surprise, as his friends slapped him on the back in congratulations. Inwardly, she cheered for Harry.

As she walked from The Great Hall to her chambers, she considered the reactions from the winners. I guess I'm still as beautiful as I used to be. I overhear them sometimes calling me a "fox" and a "babe", so I guess that's a good sign, she mused as she rounded the corner and walked down the short corridor to her door. That's when she noticed a small package set in front of the entrance to her chambers. What's this, she thought excitedly as she quickened her pace and bent to retrieve the package. It was wrapped in soft midnight blue velvet and as she undid the ribbon that held it together, the velvet fell open to reveal a mother of pearl barrette, in a gleaming silver setting. Who would give me such a gift, she thought as she searched the present for a tag, and found it hanging from the silver ribbon. It read:

Selene

When I saw this beautiful barrette, I thought of you.

It would please me if you wore it to the Yule Ball.

Severus

A single tear rolled down her cheek as she pushed open the door to her chambers. How could I turn down such a request, she thought as she wiped the tear away and closed the door behind her.

Who knew Snape could be such a sweetie!! The Yule Ball is comin' up next chapter, so stay tuned!