Oh boy most of this does not belong to me. The characters I'm borrowing' from Miss J K Rowling. The plot twists and occasional lines are being borrowed from Austen and Maybe one of the Bronte sisters. The only thing that belongs to me is the original characters.
Hermione gazed up at the amazing edifice, which stood before her. It wasn't even small enough to be called a house, only edifice would do. She gawked at the ornate entry doors as Cassius walked her up to them, followed by Claudia.
A few weeks had passed the since the visit of Harry and Ron. Claudia had found Hermione a disgusting dress to wear. It was plaid taffeta but after some transfiguration it looked more like dark green velvet with tassels of gold for trim. She wanted to look like Vivian Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind. Claudia picked out a sort of flapper dress that suited her well with her newly (in other words falsely) bobbed hair. She painted her lips a blood red for the night. Hermione chose instead to just apply a light blush and a red tint to her own lips. She wanted to look like Scarlett, the bell of the ball. Cassius choose a similar type of dress for the time period, but he looked more of a Darcy than a Rhett.
The horseless coaches were a grand touch to the whole ordeal. It was as if they were transformed back into the 1800's. Hermione was in love with it. She loved how they had servants at the door handing out masks (apparently Mrs. Bell had made some slight changes the day before). She thought it was absolutely brilliant to not know whom you were dancing with. The evening was defiantly going to be grand. She let her mask down for a bit to gawk at the entrance hall. Then she was shuffled into the ballroom that was located at the right end of the corridor, if it could be called that. She felt as if she was at the breakers.
Cassius put his arm around her pulling her tighter towards him. It was a protective move as it was a bit crowded in the corridor. Not everyone had ventured into the ballroom where the band currently played. It played many different things in the short time Hermione had been there, she recognized Handel and Bach off the bat. Some of the others she didn't know. She was never well versed on classical music. Mostly just things from the 60's and 70's. The stuff her parents listened too. She could definitely recognize a T-Rex song from The New York Dolls, but all the old stuff was Greek to her.
Claudia had disappeared. Where to Hermione had no idea. She knew the girl was probably off to check in with her over protective mother.
Hermione come with me, meet my parents, Cassius said gliding her into the Ballroom.
Hermione tried to pick them out before Cassius could point them out. She tried to look for a semi-handsome man with dark hair and a lady with even darker. That is how she always pictured them in her mind. Beauty like Cassius and Claudia, ravens trapped in the bodies of Roman gods and goddesses. When she found herself though staring at something very much like that only a bit off. The man had a hooked nose more like the professor than his brother. He had black eyes and his hair was black with gray streaking through it. The woman had mauve eyes and dark dark red hair. She looked as if she could have been a descendent of a Weasley. They both were fairly pale and stood much like Lucius Malfoy and his wife, very snobbish and stoic. They greeted some people by bowing slightly. She soon saw what could only be her former potion's master kissing his mother on the cheek and seeming to ignore his father. The woman smiled at her son and put a hand on his upper arm. She said something to him but looked as though she had pain in her eyes as said it. Hermione felt sorry for the woman to have such a son.
Hermione soon found herself standing in front of the couple. They looked like they couldn't have been celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary let alone their 50th. Then again she had noticed that many of her professors and elders never looked their ages. She smiled at them as Cassius was introducing them. The father had a cold stoic look to him. He looked almost bored. The mother smiled politely extending her hand for Hermione. Hermione shook the hand and offered her thanks and congratulations.
Granger I'm afraid I don't recognize the name, The father stated.
Her parents are muggle, Cassius stated.
The man looked as if she were lower than a house elf now. He sneered; Hermione shuddered at the likeness between father and son. The woman jabbed the man looking annoyed at him, as if to say be nice'. Hermione instead choose to bow before the man (which seemed to only anger him) as a courtesy to show she was a bigger human than he was. She left the vicinity of the couple and went to seek out Claudia who was talking with a girl, a young man and her uncle. She smiled at the girl. Hermione chuckled silently to herself. Claudia's uncle, the dear professor, sneered saying something to the little group. They all frowned a bit. Hermione always thought him unpleasant. Granted she had always respected him and thought the man should be trusted, but it didn't mean she had to like him. He was the type of man who should never go into teaching, seeming to take his personal problems into the classroom. He was the worst type of teacher. It reminded her of A Lesson Before Dying, a novel she read two summers previous. He seemed, like the teacher in the book, to do more harm than good.
Hermione sighed, making her way over. She found herself having to push her way through, her skirt being incredibly difficult to walk around in. She wondered how all the ladies before her did it. Not to mention the corset being a smidge too tight. She felt a pang of sympathy for all her dead female relatives from that time. She was lucky she hadn't tripped as her shoes had stiletto-like heals.
The girl Claudia was talking to was dressed like a maid, the boy like zoot suit. The potion's master on the other hand fit well into his 1700's looking get up. It didn't look too much different from his regular clothing, high neck, undershirt, vest, and coat over top. The only difference was the color and the lower half. The pants were of course drastically different. At least he wasn't wearing a white wig.
Hermione finally made her way over a bit out of breath, as the corset was indeed too tight and the hoop skirt a bit heavy. She placed her hand on Claudia's shoulder.
Well, the most pleasant people of my experience! Hermione stated sarcastically.
Oh yes, I'm sorry if I forgot to inform you not all of my family is full of nit-wits. It must have slipped my mind, Claudia stated.
God I feel like I've got cinder blocks tied around me. Remind me to look up about dress styles next time I go to one of these things. I swear all women back in the 1800's must have been either insane or masochistic. Probably both I suspect. I guess one would have to be abusing absinthe or some sort of drug to actually enjoy these sort of restraints, Hermione growled.
I told you so! But no it has to be authentic' with you doesn't it? You have to be that stubborn. You could have worn something a lot lighter. Perhaps something from the 50's I suggested. No it just wouldn't do would it? Claudia scoffed.
Alas I must live with my stupidity in dress. Well Claudia you outsmarted us all.
Someone outsmarted you, mudblood? Draco stated.
He received an audible smack on the back of the head from the girl for that one. Hermione gasped a little but not loud enough to be heard.
Well of course I should have known it was you Ferret boy. Who else could manage to look deathly pale and overly healthy at the same time.
You're just jealous. Anyways Granger I'd like to you to meet my girlfriend. I think you know her and her brothers though, Draco drawled in a haughty manner.
Ginny lowered her mask. She had apparently charmed her hair to look blond but her light dusting of freckles remained. Hermione was beyond shocked as the Weasley's hatred of all things with the name Malfoy was well known. Draco looked smug. How could he have seduced her? Hermione was puzzled beyond belief.
Sensing trouble or a brew Severus stepped in, Miss Granger, pray tell me where your costume is from, a book I suppose.
No actually it's modeled after a muggle movie that was from a book. Not directly out of the book. It's from Gone with the Wind. Of course it is overlooked for what it really is, as popular novels tend to be. Still I frankly admire the strength of the main character.
Strength? Sappy indecisive manipulative woman is what you mean Now please excuse me I must be off to find that idiot brother of mine, Severus stated leaving Hermione to chew on those words.
Hermione was a bit angry, but she hid it well. Claudia looked nervously at Hermione then at Draco. Ginny smiled at Hermione but secretly was pinching Draco on the wrist. Claudia glanced around to see her mother approaching her. Claudia excused herself to avoid talking to her mother. Hermione turned back to converse with Ginny when a new song started up. Before she knew it someone behind her was pulling her into the position of Waltz. She came face to face with Cassius and smiled.
My Darling! Oh are you having a good time? I'm sorry I became separate a bit back there. I had to take care of some business with some old friends. I hope that you didn't start the fun with out me, Cassius laughed heartily.
Not at all. I was just talking with some old school mates and your brother. He's looking for you I think I ought to warn you. It's hard to believe you two to be relations! It boggles my mind sometimes, Hermione stated.
Oh you went to school with Draco Malfoy? Charming little snot isn't he? Think he's spent too much time around my brother. The girl's not so bad, charming really. Nothing compared to you though, He stated whirling her around.
Ginny is a good friend, how and why she fell for a Malfoy I have no idea. I must explain that we have a mutual hatred for each other. I find him disagreeable at best. The first 6 years of school he went about acting if he better than us all. He had the audacity to call me Mudblood every time he could. So of course I natural took a dislike to him. Sometimes I wish he were pushed off a high cliff. For now though I take pleasure in calling him Ferret boy, Hermione stated.
Cassius looked amused. The song soon stopped and Cassius excused himself, as he had to tend to some more business with acquaintances. Hermione stood there for a while feeling utterly lonely. She decided she did not like big balls, once you got past the ridiculous décor really they were like any other party. She sighed as she swished her newly retrieved drink. The red liquid swirled and she was lost in it like a child. She wanted someone to come relieve her boredom. She would have to wait another quarter of an hour for that to happen.
Dear Miss Granger, do me the honor, Draco stated swirling her onto the dance floor.
Draco let me go, She growled.
Now you're being to difficult. It's about time we have informed you that you are seeing a man who is not as he seems. I think we all know that you've not have many experiences with men. Granted there was Weasley and Potter, Draco stated in a cheeky way.
Hermione laughed, Harry? No no I don't think so Draco. I'm not his type.
Well it doesn't matter anyways. You see Cassius Snape, I hate to inform you, is a womanizer. I with a loving heart would like to inform you, you're not his type. No not his type at all. For one you have a brain second your rather plain aside from your eyes. I'm afraid to inform you, your current object of lust doesn't prefer brains over beauty, Draco stated.
Now Hermione was incredibly mad. Why did everyone feel the need to interfere with her relationships? She didn't care that this probably wouldn't last; she wanted something to hold on to for a little bit. This was something she wanted to do. She liked the man for god's sakes and she wanted to spend time with him.
So? Doesn't matter to me. I enjoy his company, Hermione stated.
Enjoy his company? Right, I'll believe that on the fifth of never. I really don't see how you can actually stand the man! I mean he has no mind of his own, he's overly false and he's just too damn cheerful. Not to mention has a malicious streak that you can't even see your so blinded by your prejudice.
At least I'm not blinded by pride, Malfoy. That's what it's really about isn't it? For some reason I'll hurt the honor of the Snape name in your eyes. You just don't want to see their blood dirty. That's it isn't it Malfoy. You want to become in this family, as they are so much grander than your own from the looks of it. For some reason they won't fall apart like your own. You see Malfoy you're only in love with pride and those who mistake that they have it, Hermione retorted.
Glad to see you've grown a backbone granger, but no I don't give two straws as to what this family thinks. If you only knew the half of it what it meant to be a Snape. I'd rather see you suffer when your heart gets broken. The only reason I'm warning you Granger is because there are some who care for you even though they shouldn't, Draco spat.
The music at that point had stopped, but they continued to be in the middle of the ballroom. Both staring foolishly at each other. The music started back up and they resumed dancing.
You're a damn fool throwing the precious time you could be having away. You're too much of a damn romantic to even consider the flaws of Cassius Snape. I'll hate you forever Granger, because for being so smart you're awfully dimwitted, Draco sneered.
I don't need you telling me what I am! Hermione bit at him.
Excuse me Draco, let me dance with Miss Granger, A silky voice stated.
Before she knew it Hermione was exchanging partners once again. Was everyone going to dance with her that evening? It was bad enough that she was dancing with the brother of the man she was seeing now.
What, thought you come and rescue me? She spat.
Miss Granger, my dearest niece noticed you in conflict with Mr. Malfoy. Not to say it is a surprise but she thought it most prudent if I were to intrude. She has of course been ordered to behave herself this evening and cause no gossiping or uproar of any kind.
She was at a loss of words for a moment before regaining her foothold, Well I thank you, but I can manage on my own, I assure you. I really do not wish to be rescued by anyone no matter what Claudia may think.
It was a blatant lie and they both could tell. She had wished to be rescued, but not by this man in front of her. Hermione just wanted to be dancing in the arms of Cassius. She knew that was not possible at this moment. She stared intensely at the man, hoping the frown on her face would be enough to scare him off.
Perhaps professor time would pass a bit more quickly if we were to create some chit-chat. It is customary to talk to one's partner at this sort of dance, Hermione stated in a cool manner.
I suppose so but what does one talk about in these sort of dances? Severus asked emotionless.
You should perhaps remark on the number of people, or perhaps on the décor. Something frivolous that will have no hold on memory whatsoever. I believe it's common to ramble on about trivial matter such as the weather or politics or even the society pages, although I do believe neither one of us takes interest in that sort of thing, Hermione responded.
I do not ramble, Miss Granger, not about anything. I dislike idle chitchat if I want to talk I will talk about something that at least has some meaning to it, Severus stated.
Well I'm sorry for assuming this would be a normal dance. Excuse me if I would like to forget about the world for a few minutes of my day. There is a time and a place for every type of talking, I do not believe that serious tête-à-tête should be conducted such a surrounding. Also, if I wished to have a such a conversation the last person I would look for is you, Hermione spat.
Well that is grievous indeed Miss Granger, forgive me for assuming you were an educated young woman. I see you are nothing more than a false personality. You wear a mask of having an interest in education but I see you do not wish to actually put that knowledge to use outside a classroom. It's a pity such a mind should be wasted, Severus stated with some venom behind his voice.
You seem to think so ill of me but I assure you although I am a great reader I do not wish to talk of books and theories for the rest of my life. I'm tired of being the bookworm to solve everyone's problems or to be there source of entertainment. I just wish to live my life! Why can't you people just leave me be! Hermione said, agitation becoming clearer.
Perhaps Miss Granger it was a mistake for me to relieve you of Mr. Malfoy. I see he would have been a much more pleasant partner to you, Severus state bowing out.
Hermione was fuming when the music had stopped. She would have rather suffered through Draco than Severus. She at least was prepared to handle Draco's attacks on her personality. She wasn't sure she could survive Severus's. She only saw ridicule in the man's statements, what she failed to see was the compliment hidden behind the venom.
Hermione hiked up her skirt a bit and headed over towards Claudia. She wanted to have a nice chat' with the girl. It took her a while to make her way through the room, her hips and ribs were starting to ache from the costume but she ignored it. She was never one to complain of such frivolous things. She stood a while feeling overly hot while Claudia chatted with a girl she apparently knew. They were talking in French rapidly. Before the conversation ended she felt a tap on her shoulder. Hermione whirled around to see Ginny standing before her.
Hermione hissed before her voice became regular, I need to talk to you. Your, whatever you want to call that vial being, insisted on dancing with me. Then after trying to ruin my life left me in the care of that, that, that man! I wanted to murder him. Both of them I wanted to kill right there on the dance floor!
Hermione dear I'm sorry for his interference. I assure you his intentions were only honorable. I wouldn't have allowed him to dance with you otherwise. From what I've heard Hermione you've attached yourself to Cassius Snape, who I can assure you is not the most honorable in his intentions! Ginny stated.
You heard this from where? Draco who heard it from our former professor? I can assure you the hatred runs deep there! He would say words against his brother, he hates him enough! He would only wish me harm as well! I cannot take anything that man says for face value and neither should you.
Hermione you used to stick up for the man. You said we should all trust him.
That situation was different entirely. You know that, Hermione spat.
I don't want to argue Hermione. I just don't want to see you hurt. I think you better tread lightly in this relationship or you might find yourself with a broken heart, Ginny stated.
Shouldn't I be saying the same to you? Hermione said eyeing the girl over.
They were never the best of friends and they could not pretend to be. They were too alike and too different to actually be more than a little friendly. They stared at each other for a while before Ginny left her company leaving her alone once again in the big room. Claudia had apparently moved on. Hermione was left to herself choking back a sob stuck in the bottom of her throat. She took a few short breaths and scanned the room. Cassius was making his way towards her. Her heart fluttered a bit and she felt light headed. She wondered when he would come rescue her.
M'Lady would you care to dance, He asked her.
I was wondering when you would ask me, Hermione stated smiling.
I'm sorry caught up in business as usual. You see Hermione everyone I know wants me to see a new player; he wants me to see a new Potter or a new Krum. I grow so tired of all this smoozing just to find the right players. I guess that's why they pay me so much, Cassius stated laughing.
Yes of course! Oh Cassius I'll be glad to get out of here as soon as possible, Hermione began to confess, I ache so much and I've not been having a fun time. First you go off after your father snubs me, then Draco Malfoy insisted on dancing with me. Afterwards your brother decides to rescue' me only making me more upset. Your niece keeps on disappearing and everyone is trying to warn me off of you! It is the most distressing evening I've had in a while!
Hermione felt so light on her feet and her head after that confession of hers. She felt she could dance all night in Cassius arms. She felt as if it was all a dream and she didn't want to wake up. Hermione was the happiest she had been that night.
My Brother! He stated interrupting her thoughts, How dare he lay a finger on you, and he insulted you to boot! I'll have a nice brotherly chat with him! Dearest Hermione, do not let them get you down. I must admit at times I do act a bit rash but honestly I pose no threat to you.
I know that Cassius. I just was hoping to enjoy myself tonight. I wished I could have spent a bit more time with you, Hermione stated.
I know, I'm deeply sorry about that. Tell you what' this Sunday I will come and visit and we will go for a picnic. I will make the best food you've ever tasted in my life. If there is one great thing to having Snape as a last name it is that we can all cook beyond your wildest dreams. You will be incredibly pleased I promise, Cassius responded.
That sounds wonderful, Hermione stated feeling a bit dizzy.
Hermione felt sluggish and lightheaded. She whirled around but felt as though she couldn't stop. Slowly everything got darker and finally she felt herself falling. She heard some screams and gasps. Everything went black as night and even more silent.
Erg. I know it's so late. Thank you my wonderful Beta- kisses. I'm so happy with this part because I took some time off to write drabbles, you have no idea how cathartic and free it made me(you can find them at my newly posted like but i warn you now they contain SLASH. I think after this is done I'm only going to write to challenges and short stories. I hate having to come up with sucky plots or ripping off one. Also I've lost all interest in PtM so this and a couple of short stories I have planned (one part is written). Unfortunately that though will not be HG/SS.
