Disclaimer: (Clears throat and taps at microphone) I, Madam Arianna, do
not own anything in the Potterverse.although I would not complain if I did.
The plot is mine and a couple of the new characters. All others belong to
You Know Who.
~Chapter 16~
The doors to the Great Hall were opened at promptly eight o'clock. The students filed in from the hallway and talked excitedly about everything from the decorations to who was with whom. The ceiling was bright blue, and all of the stars shone brightly with the occasional shooting star streaming by and disappearing past the boundaries of vision. An enormous Christmas tree was standing in the center of the area where the head table usually sat. It contained huge gold and silver ornaments that shimmered with every reflection of light. Suspended across the room was an array of snowflakes that each concealed a tiny candle causing an elegant glow to spread across the glittering mist that covered the floor.
"How do you like the decorations?" Hermione sneaked up behind Ron and Harry and whispered. She was in a rather cheery mood.
Ron tuned around with a slight air of irritation. "Hermione, where have you been~" he stopped abruptly upon facing Hermione. "Wow.I mean.you." Ron's face burned with embarrassment, "look great."
Hermione's face beamed. "Thank you. You look nice in your new dress robes."
Ron's mouth curved up in an embarrassed smile. Harry, who had been looking around to spot Cho, was now staring at Hermione with amazement. Harry didn't think he'd ever get used to seeing Hermione dressed up with her hair completely tame. She looked even more impressive than she had the previous year. "The decorations do look great, Hermione. Dumbledore really went all out this year."
Hermione grinned as if holding back a secret as the three made their way to a round table in the corner. Neville, Jenny, Seamus, and a third year named Ana soon joined them. Harry noticed that Ana seemed to be quite nervous as Seamus pulled the chair out for her. Everyone around the table smiled at her in an attempt to make her feel more welcome, but it seemed to have the adverse effect.
Ron turned his attention back to Hermione. "Are you wearing perfume?" He had never known Hermione to wear perfume before, but he found himself rather enjoying it.
"Yes, do you like it? I borrowed it from Ms. Angeline."
"She's got great taste. It smells just like chocolate chip cookies."
"Cookies?" Hermione rolled her eyes and turned her attention across the room.
"What? Isn't it supposed to?"
From across the room, the faculty began to enter and fill the horseshoe of tables at the front of the room. As they walked, the glittered mist swirled about their feet. At the front of the procession was Dumbledore, and at his arm was Professor McGonagall. They were both smiling and whispering as they took their seats. They were followed by Hagrid and Madam Maxime, and then Madam Hooch, who was escorted by a tall, black- haired man with green, animal-like eyes. A few of the girls giggled when he entered the room as their dates exchanged jealous looks. The next couple in sent Harry's table gawking. Joining the faculty were two returning Tri-Wizard competitors: Fleur Delacour and Victor Krum. Fleur and Krum both looked over at the table where Harry and Hermione were and waved enthusiastically. Ron felt his blood pressure rise.
Shortly after the remaining students entered and sat down, a second wave of faculty entered the room. Professor Sprout was being escorted by a short, sandy-haired man. The two seemed as though they had known one another for years, and Harry wondered if he might be Professor Sprout's husband. Several other professors filed in after them, and at the end of the progression came Snape and Angeline.
Every head in the room turned and followed their path to the table. A low hum of whispers filled the room. The Slytherins kept their composure. They never approved of letting anyone think that they were the last to expect anything. The other houses were quite shocked to see Angeline at Snape's arm, and even more shocked to see that she was actually enjoying herself. Hermione was one of the few who smiled approvingly.
Snape became quickly aware of all the commotion their presence had caused. Angeline, who was quite unaware of the disturbance, looked at Snape curiously. "Is anything the matter, Severus?" she whispered as they sat down at the table with Dumbledore and McGonagall.
Snape looked at her and allowed his defensive nature to melt away if only for a little while. "Not at all," he answered simply but continued to look at her. Instead of the sapphire blue robes that she normally wore, she now had on a flowing, velvet emerald green robes which caused her bright, green eyes to seem to shine brightly. Angeline's usually untamable, flowing red hair was drawn up into a type of small bun with curls falling down in perfect spirals that landed neatly just above her shoulders.
Angeline glanced over at Snape and realized that he was still watching her. "Severus, are you sure nothing is wrong? You mind seems to be working overtime tonight."
Snape allowed a brief smile to cross his face. He wasn't accustomed to having anyone fret over him as Angeline did. "I'm quite fine, I assure you."
"You should do that more often."
"What's that?"
"Smile. It suits you."
Snape looked at her curiously as McGonagall tapped her glass and Dumbledore stood to make his speech. "I would like to welcome everyone to this year's Yule Ball. I would like to recognize some of our special guests before we begin the feast. Mr. Tonic from the Ministry of Magic's Defense of Magical Creature's Division," the man escorting Madam Hooch stood and smiled at Dumbledore as everyone clapped. "Mr. Sprout from the Herbological Commission," Professor Sprout's husband stood and nodded as another round of clapping began, "and two friends who I am sure most of you shall remember: Mr. Viktor Krum, our Quidditch celebrity and Ms. Fleur Delacour, a graduate of Beauxbatons and newest member of the Auror's Department here in our own country." A friendly round of applause followed as Krum and Fleur blushed and stood. Once the applause subsided, Dumbledore continued with a smile. "I would also like to recognize our decoration committee for the splendid job this year. Professor Angeline Atwood, Madam Hooch, Madame Flitwick, and Miss Hermione Granger."
As the four stood, Harry noticed the tiny woman who was next to Professor Flitwick. She matched his height exactly, much to Harry's amazement. He had never imagined Professor Flitwick to be married.
As Hermione sat back down, Ron leaned over to whisper, "So this is where you've been spending all of your free time today."
Hermione smiled, quite pleased with being given credit along side the adults.
"And now, let the feast begin," Dumbledore clapped his hands and the golden plates across the hall were immediately filled with food of all variety. The candles burned brighter than they had when everyone first entered, and they remained bright until every plate had been cleared. They then resumed their prior elegant glow.
As everyone sat socializing after the feast, the Broomfield Wizards made their way to the stage at the side of the dance floor. The students all turned and waited for the professors to fill the dance floor. The band began to play a beautiful slow song and Dumbledore stood and offered his hand to McGonagall, leading her onto the floor. As they began dancing, McGonagall turned a bright shade of red as all eyes focused on them. Dumbledore was enjoying himself thoroughly and chuckled softly when he realized Minerva was blushing. Momentarily they were joined by Madam Hooch and Mr. Tonic as well as Professor Sprout and her husband.
Angeline smiled at Snape. He had been avoiding her gaze since dinner had ended. She had noticed and decided she was going to have to force him onto the dance floor. "All right now, it won't be that bad. I even promise not to step on your feet. C'mon."
Snape sighed and faced her. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you are enjoying this."
She allowed a giggle to surface. "Humor? Well, I have seen everything now," she teased as Snape stood and offered his hand to lead her onto the floor.
Snape raised an eyebrow but did not get irritated. Although he would never admit it, he was enjoying being with her. As a Slytherin, he was definitely in control of his emotions in front of others. "I should warn you, I haven't danced since I was a student here."
"Then you're much more experienced than I. I've never danced before in my life."
Snape could not read her face and assumed that she must be joking due to her calm attitude as they began to dance.
Eventually all of the professors were on the dance floor. Harry watched each of them and wondered if they were as uncomfortable as he had been last year. He let his mind wander and began scanning the room for Cho. He hadn't seen her come in and had thus far not been able to spot her at any of the tables. Soon the music was over and all of the students were clapping and moving to the dance floor themselves. The band played a faster tune and the students took over as the faculty moved back to their seats.
"I though you said you hadn't danced in years," Angeline leaned forward to talk above the band.
"And you said you had never danced before at all."
"I haven't.but you made it easy to learn. Do you want to have another go at it?" she asked as the music slowed again. "I could certainly use a competent teacher." They stood and resumed their place on the floor. If they had turned, they would have seen their entire table exchanging grins and nudges.
"Ron, are you going to dance with me, or are you going to sit there all night?" Hermione's patience was wearing thin.
"Oh, c'mon, Hermione. We've already danced twice. Can't we sit out on this one?"
Hermione crossed her arms and sat down defiantly but offered no further objections. Several songs later, however, she had started complaining again.
"It's just dancing, Hermione. What's the big deal?"
Hermione rolled her eyes and stood. "Fine. I'm going to get some punch," she said as she stormed off towards the other side of the room.
Harry moved over next to Ron. "What's wrong with you?" Harry began. "Why did you have such a big fuss about bringing her if you weren't going to dance?"
"Harry, I'm lousy at it. I kept stepping on her feet and bumping into people on the first two songs."
"But she still wants to dance with you, right?"
"Yeah, so?"
"So maybe it's more important to her for you to try than for you to be good at it. You both like each other, and that's all that's important, right?"
Ron's face turned red. Across the room he saw Krum leading Hermione onto the dance floor. "Why that back stabbing little."
Harry followed Ron's stare and saw the source of his anger. Before he could say anything, Fleur appeared next to him. "'Arry, would you dance wiz me?" Her English had improved slightly, Harry noticed.
"Sure," he said, leaving Ron steaming at the table. As they made their way to the floor, Harry decided to position himself next to Hermione and Krum. They began dancing and Harry caught Hermione's eye while pointing for her to look back at their table.
"'Arry, you did not come by yourself tonight, did you?"
"Yes, but it's not so bad."
"Listen," Fleur drew closer and began to whisper, "I really need to speak wiz you some time zis week. It is ra'zer (rather) important, so I must ask you to be very discreet wiz ze information zat I give you."
"Alright, we can go outside and talk now~"
"No, no. It must be in private. Can you arrange to meet me Thursday night after dinner?"
Harry's curiosity was running wild, but he remained poised as to not attract attention. "I believe so. Will you be at the school?"
"No. It would be less suspicious if you could meet me in town. Zer will not be anyone in ze inn after dinner, and we will be able to talk freely."
"I don't know, Fleur. If Snape catches me sneaking out, he'll have me expelled." Harry thought about the Marauder's Map locked safely in Snape's office. Granted, he and Snape were on better terms, but he knew better than to put anything by him like sneaking off after hours. He looked over at Snape and Angeline dancing and thought hard. "I'll try, but if something happens, I'll send Hedwig to let you know."
Fleur nodded and smiled gratefully. Seconds later, the song ended and Ron was pushing his way to where they stood. "Alright, Hermione, you proved your point, now will you come on?"
Hermione shot Ron a warning glance. "No, I don't think I will. You're being rude, and I don't appreciate it."
"Me? You're the one who abandoned me." Ron tried not to raise his voice, but was having trouble controlling himself.
"Hermi-own-ninny, Vhat is he talking about?" Krum looked apologetically at her, not knowing exactly why Ron was upset.
"Look, if you'd rather be with him," Ron said despairingly, "I won't stand in your way. I can't compete with a Quidditch celebrity." Ron turned with his spirits broken and headed towards the door. Hermione looked like she was going to cry, but she offered no objections.
Fleur looked at Harry and then at a confused Krum. "Come, Viktor, let's dance, and I will try to explain," she said and winked at Harry.
"Hermione, um, would you like to dance with me?"
"I don't feel much like~"
Harry took her hand and made her dance. "Look, Ron's nervous around you. He said he didn't want to dance with you because he kept on messing up, stepping on your feet and such. Just go talk to him."
Hermione sighed, "Alright then, I will." As she swept out the door, Harry found himself alone on the floor. He moved quickly over to the table and poured himself something to drink.
"All by yourself, Potter? Pitty. Guess you won't be running for Yule King then, eh?" Malfoy stood across the table from Harry. Pansy Parkinson was clutching his arm and smiling in a smug manner.
"What do you want, Malfoy?"
"Now, is that any way to talk to someone who has a message for you?"
"What are you talking about?"
Malfoy excused himself from Pansy and ushered Harry into a corner. "Consequently, Pansy heard one of the Ravenclaws say that Cho was sitting alone up in the library. Said she refused to come down."
"Why are you telling me?"
Malfoy made a kicking motion at the ground. "Let's just say that I owed you one." He cleared his throat and realized that some of the other Slytherins were beginning to watch them. "But don't let it go to your head or anything. We're even now," he added as he walked back over to Pansy.
Harry stood in silence for a few moments. One thing he had never expected was for Draco Malfoy to do something tactful and considerate. Of course, he had never expected to get sympathy from Snape either, but it had happened. "What a year," he muttered to himself as he slipped out the front doors to go up to the library.
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
"Perhaps we should make our rounds outside," Snape said to Angeline. "This is approximately the time of evening when everyone tends to sneak off to the bushes in the courtyard."
"Very well," she smiled as Snape lead her into the courtyard.
Several students were sitting in the small carved benches chatting away. They lowered their conversations as Snape and Angeline passed by, but resumed when nothing was said. Moments later, Snape blasted through a rosebush and sent two of the students to running. "Some things never change," he mumbled with a bit of annoyance.
Ron and Hermione were a little further down the path and were arguing too fiercely to notice the professors moving toward them.
"Would you just listen to me?" Hermione was trying desperately to make Ron stand still.
"Just go on back in there with Krum. I'm not stupid, you know. I knew you went to see him this summer but I didn't say anything because I didn't want to embarrass you."
Hermione's face turned pink. "Yes, I did, but I also had time to get to know him as a friend. That made it easier to explain to him."
"To explain what to him? That you wanted to string me along to have some fun torturing me?"
"No, Ron. To explain that I truly enjoyed having him as a friend~"
"Great! That makes me feel loads better~"
"Shut up and listen!" she yelled while pointing a finger into his chest. "I told Viktor that I wanted to be his friend, but that ~"
"You what?" Ron asked, his temper still soaring.
"Well," she fidgeted and opened her mouth to finish, but nothing came out. She swallowed every ounce of pride within her and proceeded to grab hold of Ron's shoulders and kiss him hard on the lips.
Ron, who had been caught completely off guard, did not fight it, but rather found his anger disappear completely.
Snape and Angeline approached just in time to see Hermione and Ron kissing in front of the dragon statue in the middle of the rosebeds. Angeline could sense the embarrassment that was about to erupt.
Snape cleared his throat loudly and stepped towards them with Angeline still at his arm. Hermione and Ron both jumped back, and Ron smacked into the dragon statue.
Snape's black eyes glittered and a smile crept upon his lips. "My, my, what have we here?"
"Severus," Angeline stepped in front of them to face Snape, "I thought I heard Professor Dumbledore. He'll want us inside for the crowning ceremony." Snape crossed his arms but continued to smile. Angeline turned to Hermione and Ron. "Perhaps you two should head back inside."
Ron and Hermione greatfully accepted the intercession and scurried back into the Great Hall.
"They should have had points deducted from their house," Snape said as they headed back inside.
Angeline stopped him. "For what? They were just kissing. That happens, you know."
"They are fifteen and they're sneaking about in the bushes fraternizing~"
"So tell me, Severus, how old were you when you were caught sneaking about to kiss a girl?"
Snape eyed her cautiously. Finally, after some silence, he said, "Thirteen."
Angeline laughed and shook her head.
"And I'll have you know that Apollyon Pringle, the old groundskeeper, lectured me for weeks," he added as he recalled the night. "I never went near the lake with a girl again."
Angeline was laughing and wiping the tears from her face and trying desperately to control herself as they entered back into the Great Hall.
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
Harry slipped quietly into the library and scanned the room. There were no laterns lit, so the isles were much darker than usual, but from a corner Harry saw a hint of light. He proceeded over and saw Cho sitting at a table with her back turned. He stood and watched her a moment and then decided to speak.
"Cho," he whispered. It was too quiet to speak any louder.
Cho jumped, startled, and turned to face Harry. "Oh, Harry, you scared me."
"Sorry." There was a long pause while Harry gathered his courage. "Um, I was wondering, why aren't you down at the ball?"
"Oh, I just wasn't in the spirit for a large crowd of cheery people. Why aren't you down there?"
"Well, I was kind of looking for you," he said, feeling his cheeks burn. He didn't quite know how to read the look on her face, but it seemed almost somber. "Is everything alright?"
Cho forced a smile. "Sure, Harry. I've just been writing a letter. I haven't had much time during break with all of the homework I had to do." She placed her quill back in the ink well and looked down before speaking again. "The letter is to Mr. and Mrs. Diggory."
Harry felt a familiar knot forming in his stomach as he looked down at the floor. "Oh."
Cho raised her gaze to look at Harry. "I just got to thinking the other day," she began as tears formed at the corners of her eyes, "that this is their first Christmas without him." She fought the urge to break down crying. "I guess I-I'm still having trouble~" her voice became shaky.
Harry sat down in the chair next to Cho and handed her the handkerchief from the pocket inside his dress robe. She took it and dabbed at her eyes. "I understand," he said with some effort. Cedric was a topic that he had bottled up inside him with hopes that he would not have to discuss it again. Unfortunately, his name seemed to be haunting him since school had resumed.
"Harry, I just don't understand. Why did You-Know-Who have to kill Cedric? Cedric never did anything to anyone." Cho's anger was creeping out while the tears streamed down her face. "And his poor parents! They were simply devastated."
"I know.I wish I had done more.ore been more prepared."
"Harry, you didn't kill Cedric. V~" she stopped and took a deep breath, "Voldemort killed Cedric. It wasn't your responsibility to be prepared for what he pulled."
Harry looked into Cho's eyes. She had stopped crying, but she still had a pensive nature. "I feel like I should have done more~"
"And if you were there again, what would you do differently?"
The question caught him by surprise. "I - well." he stammered. In actuality, he couldn't have done anything different.
Cho knew that she had struck a nerve. "Don't you see? You were both in the wrong place at the wrong time. I despise V-voldemort for what he did and for the pain he caused, and I don't understand how anyone could be so heartless and cruel." Cho took Harry by the hand. "I guess I'm having trouble because I want a reason for his death - for me and his parents and his friends." Harry looked back down at the floor. "The worst thing you could do right now, Harry, is to let Voldemort win by punishing yourself for the past."
Harry took in her words and nodded in agreement. "Thank you," he said as she let go of his hand. "Everyone has been trying to tell me that, but I guess I really didn't hear it until now." Harry smiled; his guilt had finally fled. "Would it be alright if I helped you with that letter?"
"I'd like that," she said.
As they began to write, Harry took a moment to watch Cho. They might not be dancing downstairs with the rest of the school, but there was no other place that Harry could think of that he would rather be.
~Chapter 16~
The doors to the Great Hall were opened at promptly eight o'clock. The students filed in from the hallway and talked excitedly about everything from the decorations to who was with whom. The ceiling was bright blue, and all of the stars shone brightly with the occasional shooting star streaming by and disappearing past the boundaries of vision. An enormous Christmas tree was standing in the center of the area where the head table usually sat. It contained huge gold and silver ornaments that shimmered with every reflection of light. Suspended across the room was an array of snowflakes that each concealed a tiny candle causing an elegant glow to spread across the glittering mist that covered the floor.
"How do you like the decorations?" Hermione sneaked up behind Ron and Harry and whispered. She was in a rather cheery mood.
Ron tuned around with a slight air of irritation. "Hermione, where have you been~" he stopped abruptly upon facing Hermione. "Wow.I mean.you." Ron's face burned with embarrassment, "look great."
Hermione's face beamed. "Thank you. You look nice in your new dress robes."
Ron's mouth curved up in an embarrassed smile. Harry, who had been looking around to spot Cho, was now staring at Hermione with amazement. Harry didn't think he'd ever get used to seeing Hermione dressed up with her hair completely tame. She looked even more impressive than she had the previous year. "The decorations do look great, Hermione. Dumbledore really went all out this year."
Hermione grinned as if holding back a secret as the three made their way to a round table in the corner. Neville, Jenny, Seamus, and a third year named Ana soon joined them. Harry noticed that Ana seemed to be quite nervous as Seamus pulled the chair out for her. Everyone around the table smiled at her in an attempt to make her feel more welcome, but it seemed to have the adverse effect.
Ron turned his attention back to Hermione. "Are you wearing perfume?" He had never known Hermione to wear perfume before, but he found himself rather enjoying it.
"Yes, do you like it? I borrowed it from Ms. Angeline."
"She's got great taste. It smells just like chocolate chip cookies."
"Cookies?" Hermione rolled her eyes and turned her attention across the room.
"What? Isn't it supposed to?"
From across the room, the faculty began to enter and fill the horseshoe of tables at the front of the room. As they walked, the glittered mist swirled about their feet. At the front of the procession was Dumbledore, and at his arm was Professor McGonagall. They were both smiling and whispering as they took their seats. They were followed by Hagrid and Madam Maxime, and then Madam Hooch, who was escorted by a tall, black- haired man with green, animal-like eyes. A few of the girls giggled when he entered the room as their dates exchanged jealous looks. The next couple in sent Harry's table gawking. Joining the faculty were two returning Tri-Wizard competitors: Fleur Delacour and Victor Krum. Fleur and Krum both looked over at the table where Harry and Hermione were and waved enthusiastically. Ron felt his blood pressure rise.
Shortly after the remaining students entered and sat down, a second wave of faculty entered the room. Professor Sprout was being escorted by a short, sandy-haired man. The two seemed as though they had known one another for years, and Harry wondered if he might be Professor Sprout's husband. Several other professors filed in after them, and at the end of the progression came Snape and Angeline.
Every head in the room turned and followed their path to the table. A low hum of whispers filled the room. The Slytherins kept their composure. They never approved of letting anyone think that they were the last to expect anything. The other houses were quite shocked to see Angeline at Snape's arm, and even more shocked to see that she was actually enjoying herself. Hermione was one of the few who smiled approvingly.
Snape became quickly aware of all the commotion their presence had caused. Angeline, who was quite unaware of the disturbance, looked at Snape curiously. "Is anything the matter, Severus?" she whispered as they sat down at the table with Dumbledore and McGonagall.
Snape looked at her and allowed his defensive nature to melt away if only for a little while. "Not at all," he answered simply but continued to look at her. Instead of the sapphire blue robes that she normally wore, she now had on a flowing, velvet emerald green robes which caused her bright, green eyes to seem to shine brightly. Angeline's usually untamable, flowing red hair was drawn up into a type of small bun with curls falling down in perfect spirals that landed neatly just above her shoulders.
Angeline glanced over at Snape and realized that he was still watching her. "Severus, are you sure nothing is wrong? You mind seems to be working overtime tonight."
Snape allowed a brief smile to cross his face. He wasn't accustomed to having anyone fret over him as Angeline did. "I'm quite fine, I assure you."
"You should do that more often."
"What's that?"
"Smile. It suits you."
Snape looked at her curiously as McGonagall tapped her glass and Dumbledore stood to make his speech. "I would like to welcome everyone to this year's Yule Ball. I would like to recognize some of our special guests before we begin the feast. Mr. Tonic from the Ministry of Magic's Defense of Magical Creature's Division," the man escorting Madam Hooch stood and smiled at Dumbledore as everyone clapped. "Mr. Sprout from the Herbological Commission," Professor Sprout's husband stood and nodded as another round of clapping began, "and two friends who I am sure most of you shall remember: Mr. Viktor Krum, our Quidditch celebrity and Ms. Fleur Delacour, a graduate of Beauxbatons and newest member of the Auror's Department here in our own country." A friendly round of applause followed as Krum and Fleur blushed and stood. Once the applause subsided, Dumbledore continued with a smile. "I would also like to recognize our decoration committee for the splendid job this year. Professor Angeline Atwood, Madam Hooch, Madame Flitwick, and Miss Hermione Granger."
As the four stood, Harry noticed the tiny woman who was next to Professor Flitwick. She matched his height exactly, much to Harry's amazement. He had never imagined Professor Flitwick to be married.
As Hermione sat back down, Ron leaned over to whisper, "So this is where you've been spending all of your free time today."
Hermione smiled, quite pleased with being given credit along side the adults.
"And now, let the feast begin," Dumbledore clapped his hands and the golden plates across the hall were immediately filled with food of all variety. The candles burned brighter than they had when everyone first entered, and they remained bright until every plate had been cleared. They then resumed their prior elegant glow.
As everyone sat socializing after the feast, the Broomfield Wizards made their way to the stage at the side of the dance floor. The students all turned and waited for the professors to fill the dance floor. The band began to play a beautiful slow song and Dumbledore stood and offered his hand to McGonagall, leading her onto the floor. As they began dancing, McGonagall turned a bright shade of red as all eyes focused on them. Dumbledore was enjoying himself thoroughly and chuckled softly when he realized Minerva was blushing. Momentarily they were joined by Madam Hooch and Mr. Tonic as well as Professor Sprout and her husband.
Angeline smiled at Snape. He had been avoiding her gaze since dinner had ended. She had noticed and decided she was going to have to force him onto the dance floor. "All right now, it won't be that bad. I even promise not to step on your feet. C'mon."
Snape sighed and faced her. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you are enjoying this."
She allowed a giggle to surface. "Humor? Well, I have seen everything now," she teased as Snape stood and offered his hand to lead her onto the floor.
Snape raised an eyebrow but did not get irritated. Although he would never admit it, he was enjoying being with her. As a Slytherin, he was definitely in control of his emotions in front of others. "I should warn you, I haven't danced since I was a student here."
"Then you're much more experienced than I. I've never danced before in my life."
Snape could not read her face and assumed that she must be joking due to her calm attitude as they began to dance.
Eventually all of the professors were on the dance floor. Harry watched each of them and wondered if they were as uncomfortable as he had been last year. He let his mind wander and began scanning the room for Cho. He hadn't seen her come in and had thus far not been able to spot her at any of the tables. Soon the music was over and all of the students were clapping and moving to the dance floor themselves. The band played a faster tune and the students took over as the faculty moved back to their seats.
"I though you said you hadn't danced in years," Angeline leaned forward to talk above the band.
"And you said you had never danced before at all."
"I haven't.but you made it easy to learn. Do you want to have another go at it?" she asked as the music slowed again. "I could certainly use a competent teacher." They stood and resumed their place on the floor. If they had turned, they would have seen their entire table exchanging grins and nudges.
"Ron, are you going to dance with me, or are you going to sit there all night?" Hermione's patience was wearing thin.
"Oh, c'mon, Hermione. We've already danced twice. Can't we sit out on this one?"
Hermione crossed her arms and sat down defiantly but offered no further objections. Several songs later, however, she had started complaining again.
"It's just dancing, Hermione. What's the big deal?"
Hermione rolled her eyes and stood. "Fine. I'm going to get some punch," she said as she stormed off towards the other side of the room.
Harry moved over next to Ron. "What's wrong with you?" Harry began. "Why did you have such a big fuss about bringing her if you weren't going to dance?"
"Harry, I'm lousy at it. I kept stepping on her feet and bumping into people on the first two songs."
"But she still wants to dance with you, right?"
"Yeah, so?"
"So maybe it's more important to her for you to try than for you to be good at it. You both like each other, and that's all that's important, right?"
Ron's face turned red. Across the room he saw Krum leading Hermione onto the dance floor. "Why that back stabbing little."
Harry followed Ron's stare and saw the source of his anger. Before he could say anything, Fleur appeared next to him. "'Arry, would you dance wiz me?" Her English had improved slightly, Harry noticed.
"Sure," he said, leaving Ron steaming at the table. As they made their way to the floor, Harry decided to position himself next to Hermione and Krum. They began dancing and Harry caught Hermione's eye while pointing for her to look back at their table.
"'Arry, you did not come by yourself tonight, did you?"
"Yes, but it's not so bad."
"Listen," Fleur drew closer and began to whisper, "I really need to speak wiz you some time zis week. It is ra'zer (rather) important, so I must ask you to be very discreet wiz ze information zat I give you."
"Alright, we can go outside and talk now~"
"No, no. It must be in private. Can you arrange to meet me Thursday night after dinner?"
Harry's curiosity was running wild, but he remained poised as to not attract attention. "I believe so. Will you be at the school?"
"No. It would be less suspicious if you could meet me in town. Zer will not be anyone in ze inn after dinner, and we will be able to talk freely."
"I don't know, Fleur. If Snape catches me sneaking out, he'll have me expelled." Harry thought about the Marauder's Map locked safely in Snape's office. Granted, he and Snape were on better terms, but he knew better than to put anything by him like sneaking off after hours. He looked over at Snape and Angeline dancing and thought hard. "I'll try, but if something happens, I'll send Hedwig to let you know."
Fleur nodded and smiled gratefully. Seconds later, the song ended and Ron was pushing his way to where they stood. "Alright, Hermione, you proved your point, now will you come on?"
Hermione shot Ron a warning glance. "No, I don't think I will. You're being rude, and I don't appreciate it."
"Me? You're the one who abandoned me." Ron tried not to raise his voice, but was having trouble controlling himself.
"Hermi-own-ninny, Vhat is he talking about?" Krum looked apologetically at her, not knowing exactly why Ron was upset.
"Look, if you'd rather be with him," Ron said despairingly, "I won't stand in your way. I can't compete with a Quidditch celebrity." Ron turned with his spirits broken and headed towards the door. Hermione looked like she was going to cry, but she offered no objections.
Fleur looked at Harry and then at a confused Krum. "Come, Viktor, let's dance, and I will try to explain," she said and winked at Harry.
"Hermione, um, would you like to dance with me?"
"I don't feel much like~"
Harry took her hand and made her dance. "Look, Ron's nervous around you. He said he didn't want to dance with you because he kept on messing up, stepping on your feet and such. Just go talk to him."
Hermione sighed, "Alright then, I will." As she swept out the door, Harry found himself alone on the floor. He moved quickly over to the table and poured himself something to drink.
"All by yourself, Potter? Pitty. Guess you won't be running for Yule King then, eh?" Malfoy stood across the table from Harry. Pansy Parkinson was clutching his arm and smiling in a smug manner.
"What do you want, Malfoy?"
"Now, is that any way to talk to someone who has a message for you?"
"What are you talking about?"
Malfoy excused himself from Pansy and ushered Harry into a corner. "Consequently, Pansy heard one of the Ravenclaws say that Cho was sitting alone up in the library. Said she refused to come down."
"Why are you telling me?"
Malfoy made a kicking motion at the ground. "Let's just say that I owed you one." He cleared his throat and realized that some of the other Slytherins were beginning to watch them. "But don't let it go to your head or anything. We're even now," he added as he walked back over to Pansy.
Harry stood in silence for a few moments. One thing he had never expected was for Draco Malfoy to do something tactful and considerate. Of course, he had never expected to get sympathy from Snape either, but it had happened. "What a year," he muttered to himself as he slipped out the front doors to go up to the library.
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
"Perhaps we should make our rounds outside," Snape said to Angeline. "This is approximately the time of evening when everyone tends to sneak off to the bushes in the courtyard."
"Very well," she smiled as Snape lead her into the courtyard.
Several students were sitting in the small carved benches chatting away. They lowered their conversations as Snape and Angeline passed by, but resumed when nothing was said. Moments later, Snape blasted through a rosebush and sent two of the students to running. "Some things never change," he mumbled with a bit of annoyance.
Ron and Hermione were a little further down the path and were arguing too fiercely to notice the professors moving toward them.
"Would you just listen to me?" Hermione was trying desperately to make Ron stand still.
"Just go on back in there with Krum. I'm not stupid, you know. I knew you went to see him this summer but I didn't say anything because I didn't want to embarrass you."
Hermione's face turned pink. "Yes, I did, but I also had time to get to know him as a friend. That made it easier to explain to him."
"To explain what to him? That you wanted to string me along to have some fun torturing me?"
"No, Ron. To explain that I truly enjoyed having him as a friend~"
"Great! That makes me feel loads better~"
"Shut up and listen!" she yelled while pointing a finger into his chest. "I told Viktor that I wanted to be his friend, but that ~"
"You what?" Ron asked, his temper still soaring.
"Well," she fidgeted and opened her mouth to finish, but nothing came out. She swallowed every ounce of pride within her and proceeded to grab hold of Ron's shoulders and kiss him hard on the lips.
Ron, who had been caught completely off guard, did not fight it, but rather found his anger disappear completely.
Snape and Angeline approached just in time to see Hermione and Ron kissing in front of the dragon statue in the middle of the rosebeds. Angeline could sense the embarrassment that was about to erupt.
Snape cleared his throat loudly and stepped towards them with Angeline still at his arm. Hermione and Ron both jumped back, and Ron smacked into the dragon statue.
Snape's black eyes glittered and a smile crept upon his lips. "My, my, what have we here?"
"Severus," Angeline stepped in front of them to face Snape, "I thought I heard Professor Dumbledore. He'll want us inside for the crowning ceremony." Snape crossed his arms but continued to smile. Angeline turned to Hermione and Ron. "Perhaps you two should head back inside."
Ron and Hermione greatfully accepted the intercession and scurried back into the Great Hall.
"They should have had points deducted from their house," Snape said as they headed back inside.
Angeline stopped him. "For what? They were just kissing. That happens, you know."
"They are fifteen and they're sneaking about in the bushes fraternizing~"
"So tell me, Severus, how old were you when you were caught sneaking about to kiss a girl?"
Snape eyed her cautiously. Finally, after some silence, he said, "Thirteen."
Angeline laughed and shook her head.
"And I'll have you know that Apollyon Pringle, the old groundskeeper, lectured me for weeks," he added as he recalled the night. "I never went near the lake with a girl again."
Angeline was laughing and wiping the tears from her face and trying desperately to control herself as they entered back into the Great Hall.
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
Harry slipped quietly into the library and scanned the room. There were no laterns lit, so the isles were much darker than usual, but from a corner Harry saw a hint of light. He proceeded over and saw Cho sitting at a table with her back turned. He stood and watched her a moment and then decided to speak.
"Cho," he whispered. It was too quiet to speak any louder.
Cho jumped, startled, and turned to face Harry. "Oh, Harry, you scared me."
"Sorry." There was a long pause while Harry gathered his courage. "Um, I was wondering, why aren't you down at the ball?"
"Oh, I just wasn't in the spirit for a large crowd of cheery people. Why aren't you down there?"
"Well, I was kind of looking for you," he said, feeling his cheeks burn. He didn't quite know how to read the look on her face, but it seemed almost somber. "Is everything alright?"
Cho forced a smile. "Sure, Harry. I've just been writing a letter. I haven't had much time during break with all of the homework I had to do." She placed her quill back in the ink well and looked down before speaking again. "The letter is to Mr. and Mrs. Diggory."
Harry felt a familiar knot forming in his stomach as he looked down at the floor. "Oh."
Cho raised her gaze to look at Harry. "I just got to thinking the other day," she began as tears formed at the corners of her eyes, "that this is their first Christmas without him." She fought the urge to break down crying. "I guess I-I'm still having trouble~" her voice became shaky.
Harry sat down in the chair next to Cho and handed her the handkerchief from the pocket inside his dress robe. She took it and dabbed at her eyes. "I understand," he said with some effort. Cedric was a topic that he had bottled up inside him with hopes that he would not have to discuss it again. Unfortunately, his name seemed to be haunting him since school had resumed.
"Harry, I just don't understand. Why did You-Know-Who have to kill Cedric? Cedric never did anything to anyone." Cho's anger was creeping out while the tears streamed down her face. "And his poor parents! They were simply devastated."
"I know.I wish I had done more.ore been more prepared."
"Harry, you didn't kill Cedric. V~" she stopped and took a deep breath, "Voldemort killed Cedric. It wasn't your responsibility to be prepared for what he pulled."
Harry looked into Cho's eyes. She had stopped crying, but she still had a pensive nature. "I feel like I should have done more~"
"And if you were there again, what would you do differently?"
The question caught him by surprise. "I - well." he stammered. In actuality, he couldn't have done anything different.
Cho knew that she had struck a nerve. "Don't you see? You were both in the wrong place at the wrong time. I despise V-voldemort for what he did and for the pain he caused, and I don't understand how anyone could be so heartless and cruel." Cho took Harry by the hand. "I guess I'm having trouble because I want a reason for his death - for me and his parents and his friends." Harry looked back down at the floor. "The worst thing you could do right now, Harry, is to let Voldemort win by punishing yourself for the past."
Harry took in her words and nodded in agreement. "Thank you," he said as she let go of his hand. "Everyone has been trying to tell me that, but I guess I really didn't hear it until now." Harry smiled; his guilt had finally fled. "Would it be alright if I helped you with that letter?"
"I'd like that," she said.
As they began to write, Harry took a moment to watch Cho. They might not be dancing downstairs with the rest of the school, but there was no other place that Harry could think of that he would rather be.