I Do Not Own Harry Potter.
Okay, now here's the moment you've all been waiting for, or at least I hope you've been waiting for it. :o)
I will not post anymore of this story until I get reviews (at least three) for the parts I have posted. Just to know that there are people reading this and that I'm not doing this for my health. :o)
The day of the Yule Ball came and the whole castle was in a frenzy of activity. The professors were putting the finishing touches on the castle's decorations, and the students who had decided to stay, which was most of them, were running around trying to get ready for the night's festivities. It didn't help that Dumbledore's mistletoe were popping up with a vengence.
They had been relatively calm since the announcement of their being. Eva had only been caught twice by them and both times Draco was the one to kiss her and make it disappear. She had been hoping that one would appear in the middle of one of Harry's training sessions, but she had no such luck. Dumbledore had surprised her with a trunk a week before the Ball. He had gone to the Manor and asked one of the house elves to pack her a trunk of things she might need.
The trunk had contained much of her wardrobe and all of her favorite books. She had been so happy when she received it that she hugged the Headmaster on an impulse. She apologized profusely afterwards, but he just smiled with that twinkle in his eye, as was his way. She had dug through all the clothes that were in the trunk and she was delighted to see that the gown she'd had in mind for the Ball was in there. She would never figure out how it was that her house elves always knew just what she needed. She pulled out the gown and hung it so the folds would be just right for the Ball.
It was nice to have her things with her because now she could have Hermione and Ginny help her get ready and she could help them. They talked the day before and decided that they would go to Gryffindor tower after lunch and help each other get ready. Eva was so excited that she had already put out everything that she would be taking with her the night before and sat looking at it most of the day.
It was a bit strange for her to have nothing to do on her birthday. She'd always had a party, whether big or small at the Manor to celebrate and here there was very little fuss. She had not even received a package from her mother for her birthday. She knew that her present was the dress that was now in the possession of Ginny Weasley, but she thought Saveage would have at least written her daughter a note.
She was beginning to feel quite depressed about her day when there was a knock at her door. "Who's there?" she called. She was really in no mood for visitors. She wanted to sulk about no one remembering her day.
"It's your father," came the voice.
Eva sighed and got up off of her couch. She knew that her father would not go away. She would have to endure whatever talk he wanted to have. She opened the door and found him standing with his hands on his hips and his robes over his arms; it looked like he was a tent.
Severus smiled and said, "Happy birthday." He stepped aside and revealed his present. Her mother was standing behind him with a small cake in her hands.
"Happy birthday, baby," said Saveage.
Eva stood there, staring at her mother with wide eyes. Her mouth was doing what Hermione's did when she was at a loss for words and Saveage laughed at her. "Am I dreaming?" breathed Eva.
"No, you're not Eva," said Severus. He allowed Saveage to enter the room and closed the door behind him. "The Headmaster had this planned for you since your mother's last visit. I daresay, she may have twisted his arm to get permission."
Saveage sent Severus a glare. "I did nothing of the sort. I simply explained that I had not missed a single birthday and I really did not plan on starting." She sent Severus a satisfied smirk and then turned a smiling face to Eva. "Happy birthday, baby," she repeated as she put her arms around her daughter.
Saveage had not noticed how much Eva had grown up. She was not as tall as her mother, maybe an inch or two above 5'5". Saveage pulled away from Eva and held her at arms length. She studied the face of the young woman in front of her.
Eva was still in shock at seeing her and she just stared at her mother blankly. Saveage took the opportunity to really take stock of her daughters beauty. She had Saveage's cornflower blue eyes. Her mother knew that Eva's eyes would sometimes change color when her mood changed, but right now they were their natural light blue. Her nose was like her mother's, too, for which she was infinitely grateful. She had no problems with Severus' nose, but it would have been atrocious for Eva to inherit it. She had Saveage's high cheek bones and her parent's light complexion. It was a stunning contrast with her raven hair. Her lips were shaped like a bow and they had a lovely pink tint that was completely natural. Saveage felt tears spring into her eyes.
"I can't believe how much you've grown up," she whispered. Her hand moved to cup her daughter's cheek and Eva leaned into it and closed her eyes. "You are a beautiful woman, Severa."
Severus watched the two women watch each other. He felt a pang of gloom in the pit of his stomach. He knew that Eva had not always looked like she did right now and it only really struck him how much he had missed out on as he watched Saveage and his daughter. He had not seen her change from an infant to a girl; from a girl to an adolescent; and now into a young woman. He had not been able to hold her in his arms just after she was born, not watched her take her first steps, or get her first tooth. He'd not been able to comfort her when she had nightmares or when she hurt herself. He had not realized that they had turned and were looking at him until Eva smiled at him.
She moved towards him and extended her hand. He took it and placed a kiss on the palm. She took the other hand and wiped it across his cheek; he'd not noticed that he was crying. She must think him weak. He quickly cleared his throat and straightened. She just smiled at him and giggled. "I promise I won't tell anyone," she teased.
Severus gave her a stern look, but his heart wasn't in it. Instead he just sighed and turned to Saveage. "Shall we give it to her now?"
"I don't know, maybe we should wait until tonight. We could even wait until tomorrow. It is Christmas," she said.
Eva's face beamed. "My present? Ooh, can I have it now?" She was fairly bouncing with anticipation.
Saveage laughed at her obvious pleasure. "Okay, I guess we can give it to you now. It might come in handy when you're getting ready for the Yule Ball tonight."
Severus moved closer to Saveage and pulled a box out of the inside of his robes. It was thin and rectangular. Eva knew it had to be jewelry. She took the box and opened the lid. A gasp left her mouth as she looked down at her gift.
Inside the box, nestled among black velvet, lay a diamond necklace with an emerald in the shape of a heart at the base. "It's gorgeous."
"It was your father's idea," said Saveage.
Eva looked to her father and smiled. She threw her arms around his neck. "Thank you so much, Dad. I love it."
Severus smiled down at her and took the necklace out of the box. He turned her around and clasped the necklace in the back. It fit her just right. She whirled around and smiled; holding her head up a little to show off her gift.
Saveage had a bit of a frown on her face as she looked at Eva. "It would look better if it was a sapphire. Your gown is blue and it won't go with the necklace."
"Oh, I meant to write to you about that." Eva looked down at her feet and worried her hands. "I kind of gave the dress to Ginny Weasley." She quickly explained without looking her mother in the eye. "She really wanted to look nice for tonight and the dress went so well with what Neville is wearing; that's her date you see. I thought you would understand if I gave her the dress. It really didn't go with what Harry is going to wear and so I picked out -"
Saveage held up a hand to stop Eva's rambling. "It's alright, Eva. I do understand. I'm glad that you care enough about others to give your possessions to them without a thought. It shows that I didn't screw up too badly in raising you."
"You're not angry?" asked Eva.
"No, baby, I'm not angry." Saveage hugged her daughter. "I would like to know what you're planning on wearing to the Yule Ball tonight, though."
"If you ladies are going to be talking about clothes and hair, I think I will take my leave," said Severus. He turned and was almost out the door when he heard Eva and Saveage.
"Don't you think that's a bit short for the occasion, darling?" asked Saveage. She was trying very hard to keep the smile out of her voice.
"It's only six inches above the knee, Mum. I was also thinking about that top I got from Brianna; the one that only has the strings in the back." Eva was much better at being serious than her mother.
"Oh, you mean the one that looks like a kerchief with strings?"
"Yes! That one. I know Harry would like that."
Severus turned and walked back to his daughter; fury was written on his face. "You will not be wearing anything of the sort!" he cried.
Eva kept an innocent face, but Saveage burst out laughing. "I don't see what's so funny!" cried Severus. Turning to Saveage in disbelief he said, "Are you really going to allow her to go to a dance filled with hormonal teenage boys half-naked?!"
"Oh, lighten up Severus," said Saveage. "We were just playing with you. She's wearing that dress," she said pointing to the dress hanging on the inside of the wardrobe.
Severus looked at the dress. It was in the Slytherin colors, which surprised him; Eva did not usually sport her House colors. It was in a peasant style with a dark green bustier; Severus did not like that. He knew that if Eva wore that, Harry would spend more time looking at her neckline than her face.
Eva noticed the line across his forehead. "You don't like it?" she asked.
Severus put a passive look on his face. "I think you could wear something more modest," he said.
Saveage took the dress down from its peg. "I think it will be lovely." She looked at Eva critically. "I think you've filled out a bit since I got you this dress. It might be a little difficult to get the top fastened."
Severus looked on in utter bewilderment. Sage was actually encouraging his daughter to go out in half a dress. He had to do something. "I refuse to let you appear in public in that dress," he said.
"Dad, it's a bit late to forbid me to go to the Yule Ball. It's only a few hours away," said Eva. She had the strangest feeling that her mother was making him uncomfortable for a reason.
"Yes, really Severus, I thought you were more level-headed than this. Didn't you have something to do?" she asked dismissively.
Now Eva knew she was doing this to get on his nerves. She only spoke like that to grandfather when she was trying to get him to lose his temper. Eva absently wondered what her mother could possibly get out of picking a fight with her father. Severus' face was beginning to go purple with suppressed fury. Eva thought this was a good time to make a hasty retreat. "I think I'll go and have lunch now. I made an agreement with Hermione and Ginny to help them get ready after lunch. I'll see you later." She took the dress from her mother's hands and placed it over her arm. Neither of her parents were paying attention to her at this point and she was glad for it.
She left the room and both adults were still glaring at each other. She did not hear the first shouts until she reached the end of the corridor. Professor Dumbledore came from the direction of his rooms and Eva stopped him. "I wouldn't go in there, Professor. This one might go down in the record books."
The Professor raised his eyebrows. "Really? I wonder if I should tell the other professors that your father might not be a chaperone."
"Why would you do that? I'm sure it will only be a quick fight. Dad will be at the Ball; he wouldn't miss the opportunity to take House points from students."
Dumbledore just smiled at her. She had the feeling that she was missing something, but she quickly put it to the back of her mind. She walked to the Great Hall and sat with Hermione and Ginny. They had their lunch quickly, before Harry could come and see her dress and then headed for Gryffindor Tower.
Eva helped the two girls prepare for the Ball. Hermione had taken Eva up on the offer of the dress and she loved it. Eva saw her twirling around just to feel the dress fall around her legs. Ginny was still in shock of receiving such an extravagant gift from Eva. She seemed afraid to sit down for fear of wrinkling the perfect gown. The dress Eva had selected did prove to be a problem as her mother had said. She'd had to hold onto one of the posts on Ginny's bed while Hermione pulled the strings taut. Eva wasn't very comfortable, but she loved the way the bustier made her look more shapely.
The three girls stood in front of the full-length mirror at the far corner of the room and admired the work of the last few hours. Ginny had charmed a few strands of her hair to curl; Eva and Hermione had placed daisies throughout her tresses and it seemed to soften the blaze of red hair. Hermione had smoothed out her bushy hair and pulled it into a nice twist with some tendrils falling down her neck. Eva had thought it would be nice if she had a choker and Ginny produced a sage colored ribbon from her trunk that went perfectly with the dress. Eva had pulled her hair into a twist as well, but because of the length a lot of it was spilling down in soft curls; Hermione said it looked like she had a fountain of hair coming from her head. Her new necklace lay against her chest and matched perfectly with the color of the bustier.
There was a knock at the door as they stood admiring each other. Ginny went to see who it was. Lavender had been sent to tell them that their dates were waiting for them at the main staircase. She thanked the girl and grabbed her cloak from the bed.
"I guess this is it," she said.
The other two girls also retrieved their cloaks and put them on. Hermione was the only one who spoke as they left the room. "Tell me again why we're wearing the cloaks?" she asked Eva.
"Because we want to surprise them when they see us, and because in the event they ask us to go for a walk, we'll have something warm to wear outside."
"I'm nervous," said Ginny.
Hermione took her hand and squeezed it. "He's going to flip when he sees you, don't worry."
They were soon at the main staircase and Eva spotted their dates before the other girls. Even from that distance, Harry looked wonderful. His hair looked like it always did and Eva was glad that he hadn't done anything to it; she liked the way that it just did its own thing. His robes were an emerald green that looked heavenly on him; she was so glad that Ginny had accepted the dress, now she and Harry were perfectly matched. She saw him look up and she smiled at him. He gave her a hesitant grin in return before climbing the stairs to her. Neville and Ron were right at his heels.
"You look lovely, Ginny," said Neville. He placed a corsage on her wrist and kissed her hand.
Ginny was surprisingly composed, considering how nervous she'd said she was. "Thank you, Neville." She hooked her arm through his and he led her towards the open doors of the Great Hall.
"Hermione," said Ron. He held out his corsage and Hermione held out her wrist for him to slip it on. He held out his arm and she hooked her through it. He began to walk her to the Great Hall and Eva saw him whisper something into her ear. She giggled and said thank you.
Harry looked at Eva and couldn't help but be nervous. She was so beautiful and he hadn't even seen her dress yet! It didn't really matter, she could wear a paper sack and still look more beautiful than any of the girls in the school. She looked a bit nervous and he couldn't help but be confused.
"Is something wrong?" he asked.
Eva smiled shyly at him and leaned closer. "This is the first dance I've gone to where most of the attendees are under the age of thirty," she whispered.
Harry chuckled and said, "Don't worry, this dance will be a lot more entertaining than any one you've been to before." He held out his arm and she hooked hers through his. He led them towards the open doors of the Great Hall, but stopped just before entering. "I almost forgot."
He reached into his robes and pulled out a small package. "Happy birthday."
Eva took the long, thin box and smiled. "How did you know it was my birthday?"
"I asked Hermione. She seems to know an inordinate amount of things about you. I got this after our first training session. I thought you might like it."
Eva looked back down at the box and took the lid off. Inside was a charm bracelet of a brilliant colored silver with one charm on it, in the shape of a raven. "Harry, it's beautiful."
"I hoped you'd like it," he said as he took it out of the box.
Eva held out her wrist for him to place it on her. "I love it. You really shouldn't have."
"I wanted to. Someone as beautiful as you deserves the most beautiful things in the world." He raised her hand and kissed it. He'd been practicing that line all day and was happy at the way it had come out.
Eva smiled. She'd thought that the Ball would be the only bright spot on her birthday. Even Draco seemed to have forgotten what day it was. She kissed Harry sweetly and hugged him. "Thank you so much, Harry. You've just redeemed my entire day."
"Glad I could help," he said.
They both laughed and Harry held out his arm. She placed her hand in the crook and they entered the Hall. Eva's breath was taken away by the decorations. The look for Halloween had nothing on Christmas. There were at least a dozen trees and the shortest looked like it was seven feet tall. They were lit with fairy lights and cast an almost dream-like glow about the whole hall. The ceiling had been enchanted to make it look like it was snowing inside. Eva had seen the Manor decked out in all its finery for Christmas before, but this was one hundred times better than anything she'd ever seen at her home.
There was a house-elf at the door who was waiting to take their coats. Harry took off his cloak and handed it to the house-elf. He turned to help Eva with her cape and she untied the cord at her throat. When he looked back from giving the house-elf the cape, he was stunned speechless. Eva was wearing the most gorgeous gown he'd ever laid eyes on. Well, it was probably gorgeous because she was in it, at least most of her was.
The colors were definitely Slytherin and Harry thought it very fitting that she should wear it. He was probably the most well-known Gryffindor, whether he wanted to be or not, and she was wearing her house colors. Gryffindor and Slytherin; who would have thought? She turned around to look at him and she smiled at the appraising look on his face. She twirled and gave him a coy smile. "Do you like?" she asked.
"I like, I like very much."
She laughed and they walked over to the table that the other two couples had already arrived at. Harry helped Eva to her chair and sat next to her and across from Neville. He liked this arrangement, you got to see everybody you sat with and the conversation was always more pleasant if there were only a few people. He wondered if Dumbledore would consider making this permanent.
Dinner went by wonderfully with only a few incidents. Draco passed by with Pansy Parkinson on his arm and gave Eva look that screamed 'help.' Harry laughed at his predicament and Eva scolded him.
"He may not be your friend, Harry, but would you honestly wish Pansy Parkinson on your worst enemy?"
Harry had to agree with her to a point. No one deserved Pansy, except maybe Voldemort and he would definitely wish Pansy on him. "I'm sorry. If it makes you feel better, I'll let you dance with him tonight."
"Are you giving me permission to dance with another boy?" she asked incredulously. "Am I not allowed to dance with anyone else?"
"I didn't mean it like that," began Harry.
"Open mouth, insert foot," said Neville.
The other people at the table laughed. Eva knew that Harry had only meant to say that he would be okay with her dancing with Draco, she just thought it was an odd way of putting it. To prove that she had forgiven him, she sneaked her hand under the table after they had finished the main course and were waiting for desert. She rested her hand on his thigh and felt him tense at the touch. Eva continued her conversation with Neville and Ginny while Harry tried to listen to what Hermione was saying to him. It was very difficult to hear anything but buzzing noises coming from her mouth when Eva was stroking his thigh in slow, but insistent patterns. Just as he was about to ask Hermione a question about something he'd read that morning in the Daily Prophet, she brushed her hand against his semi-hard member. His voice cracked a bit as he spoke and he cleared his throat before continuing. He did not see the smile in Eva's eyes as she listened to Neville explain the properties of unripe mistletoe. She was only half-listening to him; most of her attention was on making Harry as distracted as possible.
Finally, their desert came and Eva moved her hand from Harry's thigh. She dug into the tart without a thought to what she had just been doing. Harry also began to eat his desert but much slower than Eva. He had his mind concentrated on trying to calm down his raging hormones so they would not give him away as soon as he stood from the table. As dinner was winding down, music began to waft softly over the people in the Hall. It was upbeat music, but no one seemed to eager to lead in beginning the dances.
All the plates were cleared and people were walking around and talking to each other, but no one was moving towards the dance floor. Eva saw that the tables that were vacated in the front disappeared when all the individuals had left. There was now a more than ample space to dance, but still no people. She looked over at Harry, but he was talking with Neville and Ron. The three boys seemed to want to avoid dancing at all costs and thought a nice long conversation away from their dates would stall for a good time. They obviously did not have the right idea.
Eva began to sway to the music that was playing and soon Hermione and Ginny were following her lead. A new song came on, it was a new tune by the Weird Sisters and all the students looked like they were dying to dance. Eva took the initiative and pulled on Hermione and Ginny's arms so they would follow her out to the floor. The three of them danced in a small circle. Neville soon came and took Ginny, then Ron came and took Hermione. Eva smiled as her friends danced with their dates. She did not want to continue dancing alone and as some of the students had begun to filter onto the floor, she began to move to the side.
A hand caught her right before she was completely away from the dancers. She looked and saw Harry smiling nervously at her. "I don't know how to dance all that well, but I'll give it a shot if you like."
Eva smiled and took his hand. When they reached the middle of the floor, the song changed to something much slower. Harry smiled nervously at Eva and she just smiled back and snuggled close to him. She was glad that this song had come on. She'd wanted to get as close to Harry as she could tonight. She'd been noticing that he always held back when they were alone. She'd often wondered why, but she'd just chalked it up to being nervous.
She put her head on his shoulder and allowed him to lead her in the dance. She loved the way he always smelled. It was hard to place a distinct label to it, but it made her feel like she was outside on a warm summer day, just flying for fun. He always made her feel safe and comfortable; she had no need to pretend to be a perfect young lady with impeccable manners. She was just Eva.
Harry leaned his head down to place a soft kiss on Eva's neck. He loved the way her hair felt under his fingers and he took a few strands in between their hands, just so he could feel it while he danced with her. He inhaled her scent and felt like he was in the school gardens. She always had the scent of rose petals about her, just like she always tasted like lemon. He felt good with her; safe and without a worry of being Harry Potter, he was just Harry.
The song ended and they parted to clap. Harry took her by the elbow and steered her towards the punch bowl. "Do you want to dance with Draco?" he asked as he poured their drinks.
"I think I'll let him dance with Pansy's two left feet for a while before saving him, just so he'll be more grateful."
Harry grinned. "And I thought you were too nice to be in Slytherin."
"Like I told Pansy, I'm more of a Slytherin than most people think."
Harry lifted an eye brow at Eva and she just smiled. He studied her profile as she looked out at the dancing couples on the floor. She did have a dark side to her, he'd sensed it on more than one occasion, but she knew how to control it. He always guessed that that was the reason she was so good at Legilimency and wandless magic; she knew how to control herself. Everyone had a dark side; Harry knew that he had one himself, he just had some trouble controlling it every once in a while. Most people had already seen how dangerous Harry could be, but he could not recall Eva really losing her temper. She'd gotten a bit hot-headed a few times, but nothing too bad. He smiled at the thought of what would happen when someone, say Parkinson, made Eva really lose her temper, that would be a sight to behold.
"Sickle for your thoughts," said Eva.
"I was just thinking about what would happen it one day you completely lost your temper," replied Harry.
Eva smiled and then laughed. "You'd be too terrified to be around if I lost my temper. Nocturino tempers are legend, and I'm learning that Snape's are famous for theirs. I think I may have inherited both."
"Well, then we must do everything we can to keep you happy," said Harry. He extended his hand to her and began to lead her to the dance floor again.
He twirled her into his arms and she looked into his eyes. "You've already made me happier than I've ever been in my life." She hugged him and kept her head on his chest for the whole of the dance; listening to the heart of the man who had stolen her own.
Harry and Eva sat out the next few dances. They walked around the Great Hall and talked to some people they knew. All the students they talked to were surprised to see them actually together; most thought their arrangement was just a game of some sort. Harry and Eva enjoyed watching the faces of different people when they walked up to them holding hands and talking amiably. It wasn't a show by any means, but it always amused them to see the reactions that they got from people.
After a few songs of talking, Harry nudged Eva in the ribs and nodded his head towards where Draco was on the other end of the hall. Pansy was tugging on his sleeve, obviously begging for another dance. Draco looked absolutely annoyed and caught Eva's eye. He sent her a scowl of reproach, as if it was her fault that he was with Pansy. She giggled and turned to Harry.
"I think now would be a good time to ask for a dance. Do you mind?"
"I'd rather keep you to myself all night, but I know you have to dance with him at least once. Go ahead; I'll wait for you."
Eva kissed him softly on the lips and smiled. "You're too wonderful for words, Harry."
"I know," teased Harry.
Eva was giggling as she walked across the hall to where Draco was sitting with Pansy. He stood as she approached and pulled out a chair for her. Eva thought it was kind of mean of him to ignore Pansy like that, but she figured she wouldn't be too nice to her either if she were Draco.
"No, thank you, Draco. I was wondering if you would like to dance?" she asked hopefully.
"He has this one reserved, Nocturino," said Pansy from behind him.
"I don't recall asking you, Parkinson," said Eva. Her tone was completely polite, but her eyes were shooting daggers at the girl. "What do you say, Draco?" She held out a bent arm to him, like he would have if he'd asked her. She saw the crooked smile on his face and knew he was going to accept.
"It's alright. Pansy, I'll be back." He didn't hook his arm through Eva's; instead he took her elbow and led her to the dance floor.
The last song was just ending when they got to the middle of the floor. "What does Potter think of you asking me for a dance?" he asked.
"It was actually his idea. He seems to pity your predicament," she said.
"I don't need his pity," spat Draco.
"In that case," Eva moved towards where she knew Harry was waiting for her.
"No!" cried Draco.
Eva laughed and hugged him. "He's nicer than you think," she said. "Just to prove it to you, I'm going to request a song and I know he will not come over here and interrupt us."
She walked over to the DJ that Dumbledore had hired for the night. She whispered in his ear for a bit. The man looked absolutely mystified when she was walking back to her dance partner; he'd never heard of a pure-blood witch who listened to Muggle music, let alone American Muggle music.
"What did you ask for?"
"Just a little song I heard last summer in an American film," said Eva.
"What was the name of the film?"
"Bad Boys."
The song started out rather quietly, but when the sirens ended and the beat started, Eva got that Cheshire cat smile on her face. She began to dance, while Draco stared at her for a while. She was actually the only one moving on the dance floor, everyone else was shocked to hear a Muggle song at their dance.
Eva had to turn and bump against Draco to pull him out of his shock. He began to move slowly to the music and soon all the couples on the floor were dancing again. Eva did not see Harry's look directed at Draco. If looks could have killed, Draco would have been dead three times over. He was not the only one who noticed the couple in the middle of the dance floor.
Severus and Saveage had finally joined the festivities and Severus had found her at once. He did not like the closeness of the two on the floor and it took Saveage a while to pull him to the table where the refreshments were. They had missed dinner and she was starving.
"Where did she learn to dance like that?" Severus asked Saveage.
Saveage looked to where Severus' gaze was directed and saw Eva dancing with Draco. "She learned from her cousin Brianna from America. I usually take her for a month or so every year and they teach each other new things." Saveage saw the look of anger on Severus' face. "Severus, she's actually being rather tame. She knows more seductive dances than that. You have to realize that she is now sixteen and full of hormones that are just dying to get out."
"Yes, but I don't have to encourage it," he said.
Saveage just rolled her eyes and watched Eva dance with Draco. She was really growing up and Saveage wondered if her daughter was dating Draco. "Severus, do you know if Eva is seeing anybody?"
Severus yanked his gaze from Eva and looked down at Saveage. "Has she not written to you about Potter?"
Saveage shook her head.
Severus returned his attention to his daughter. "Our daughter seems to have an unhealthy attraction to Harry Potter. I have already expressed my discontent at her choice."
"You didn't tell her she couldn't see him, did you Severus?"
"Not yet, but I believe that will be the only way to keep her safe. People close to Potter seem to be prone to injury."
"That's true for anyone, Severus. You can't tell her she is forbidden to see anyone. She's got to be free to do what she thinks is best for her. I think Harry Potter is a much better choice than the one I'm sure you would make for her. I would prefer her to make her own choice."
"I would not make a choice for her, but I would make a suggestion," said Severus.
The song had ended and was replaced with a waltz. Severus watched as Draco led Eva back to where Potter was standing. He was amazed at how civilized both boys were being. He guessed his daughter was more important to them than their little rivalry, which was as it should be. Eva whispered something into Harry's ear and the boy looked at bit nervous. He nodded his head and led her onto the dance floor. Severus was surprised, he'd only seen Potter dance formally once, during the Yule Ball of his fourth year, and he'd been forced to then.
Potter moved a bit mechanically and Severus could tell that he stepped on Eva's toes more than once by the quick wince now and then. She just smiled at him and kept of following his lead. Harry looked to be getting better at the dance as it progressed and Severus wondered if Eva had taught him how to dance.
Saveage watched her daughter dance with Harry Potter and smiled, remembering her first dance with Severus. It was at the ball held by the Malfoy's to help her find someone suitable to wed. He'd seemed rather cold to her when he approached, which suited her because she was really in no mood to be fawned over. He bowed slightly and then held out his arm for her to take. She had been amazed at how graceful he was and had enjoyed the conversation they'd had immensely. She sighed at the memory and hoped her daughter was enjoying herself as much as she hoped.
Severus turned to Saveage at the sound of the woman's sigh. Her face looked like she was a thousand miles away and he guessed she was thinking about something in their past. He took her upper arm and she looked up at him. "Would you care to waltz?" he asked.
Saveage was completely surprised. Her mouth opened and closed but nothing came out. Finally she looked down and collected herself. "Your students?" she asked.
"Let them die of the shock," he said as he led her to the floor.
They danced together again and ignored the looks of astonishment that were directed at them. Eva seemed to be the only one who was happy for them, besides Dumbledore, of course. The Headmaster watched the older couple dancing together and a familiar twinkle appeared in his eye. Harry looked over his shoulder to see what Eva was smiling at. He got a look of complete shock on his face and stepped on Eva's toes again.
This time Eva gave a little 'oh' and he apologized. "I've never seen your father dance before," he explained.
"Neither have I," she said.
The dance ended and the couples clapped. Slowly many of the pairs left the floor and made their way to the tables or the refreshments. Harry and Eva stayed on the floor and danced to the upbeat song that had come on. It wasn't long before someone came over and asked to cut-in. Harry let her go and went to the side to watch her dance with the Ravenclaw. The boy danced for about two minutes before another boy cut-in. The next song was claimed by a boy from Slytherin and halfway through he was cut-in on by a Gryffindor. Harry watched in amusement as his date danced with boys from every House in the school. Quite a few times they were boys that were one or two years her junior, but she danced with them just the same.
On the fourth song he decided it was time to reclaim his date and went to cut-in on Seamus Finnigan who had taken her from Dean Thomas. Eva gladly began to dance with her date. She was much more comfortable getting close to him than with the other boys. It was another upbeat song and she took great pleasure in getting as close to him as she could.
The song ended and Harry was going to ask her if she wanted to sit down for a bit when another waltz began to play. He knew that she loved waltzes and asked instead if she wanted to keep on dancing. She said yes like he knew she would and they began their dance. It was not to soon after that Harry felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned with every intention to refuse whoever it was, but was shocked to turn to find Professor Snape.
"May I, Potter?" he asked in a cordial tone that Harry thought was impossible to come from him.
Harry couldn't really refuse him and so he just placed a kiss on Eva's hand and then placed it in her father's hand. She turned to Harry and blew him a kiss as he walked away before she turned to her father.
"Miss Nocturino," said Severus as he bowed to her.
"Professor Snape," said Eva as she curtsied.
They began their waltz and Eva smiled up at her father. It was her first dance with him and she was overjoyed. She was amazed at how smoothly he moved around the floor. She really felt like she was just floating on the floor.
Saveage watched as Severus and Eva danced. She was near tears at the sight of her daughter and the man she loved most in the world dancing together for the first time. She was pulled out of her thoughts by a tap on her shoulder. She turned and saw Draco Malfoy standing there.
"I was wondering if you would do me the honor of a dance?" he asked.
Saveage smiled. "I would love to."
Draco held out his arm and Saveage hooked her through his. Draco bowed and Saveage curtsied. They twirled on the floor and moved in wide circles since many of the students did not know how to waltz and had left the floor to those who did. Eva caught a glimpse of her mother and Draco and smiled at them. She looked over her shoulder at them when her father turned her around. She looked up at him and saw that he had a slight smile on the corner of his mouth; she had to take the chance.
"Is that a smile I see, Professor?"
"Yes, it is and if you tell anyone I'll tell your Mum that you hexed Parkinson."
"Oh, now there's a threat."
Draco moved gracefully across the floor with Saveage. "I am glad to see you Auntie Saveage."
"I am glad that I was able to be here for Eva's birthday." Saveage smiled at the young man she was dancing with. "I am glad to see that Narcissa succeeded in teaching you how to dance. I remember that you hated it when we made you dance with Eva for practice."
Draco smiled and looked down, he didn't miss a step though. "I was kind of young at the time. I think I still believed that girls had the heeby-geebies."
Saveage laughed. "I'm glad you don't think that anymore."
"So am I. I actually wanted to ask you something, Auntie Saveage."
"Sure."
"I was wondering if you would allow me to see your daughter? I know about what you and my father have been planning; he told me about it. I would just like to give Eva the opportunity of a real relationship."
Saveage studied the young man in front of her. She had known that Lucius would tell Draco about the negotiations he'd started with Saveage. "Draco, I appreciate the sentiment, but I think you should talk to Eva about this. You are a wonderful young man and you have my permission to court her, if she agrees to it."
"Thank you, Auntie Saveage."
The song ended and Draco went to return Saveage to Professor Snape, who was talking with Eva at the edge of the dance floor. Eva saw them approaching and broke into a big smile. She held out her wrist to her mother.
"Look what Harry gave me for my birthday, Mum. Isn't it beautiful?"
Saveage inspected the charm bracelet. "Platinum. Very nice." She flattened the charm on Eva's hand and looked at it closely. "Is that a Raven?"
"Yes, isn't it nice?"
"It's lovely, precious," said Saveage. Her daughter was obviously happy with Harry. She wondered if she should not have talked with Eva before telling Draco what she did. She noticed that Severus looked annoyed. "Is there something wrong, Severus?" she asked.
"Nothing. Would you care to accompany me on the rounds of the gardens?"
"Of course," she took his arm and smiled over her shoulder at Eva and Draco.
"Potter gave you that bracelet?" asked Draco.
"Yes, isn't it lovely."
"Quaint, indeed," drawled Draco.
Eva wasn't about to let Draco get to her. "Well, at least he remembered it was my birthday," she said.
"I know it's your birthday, Eva. I am just waiting until tomorrow to give you your gift."
"Okay. Will you take me to Harry, please?"
Draco snorted and led her over to where Harry and a few other people were standing. He left her there and made his way to a corner where a bunch of Slytherin boys were standing. He was in no mood to put up with Pansy right now.
Eva hooked her arm through Harry's and stood by him as he finished his conversation with Roger Davies, a Ravenclaw sixth year. When Roger took his leave to dance with his date Eva pulled Harry closer to the wall. "Could we just sit a few out. The dance is almost over and I think I've danced to 90 percent of the songs."
Harry chuckled and led her to a vacant table. "It's your own fault for accepting all those dances with other guys."
"You're not mad are you?" she asked as he sat down next to her.
"No, I'm not. I'm glad you're having a good time and that everyone has enough sense to return you to me when they finish their dance."
"Return me? I had no idea I was on loan," she teased. She took his hand in hers and leaned into him.
Harry gave her a quick kiss on the lips and then turned again to the people on the dance floor. Eva did not like it that Harry was not kissing her more and she pouted for a bit before she saw Professor McGonagall's eyes dart to their table. She forgot that the professors were watching them. She smiled. Harry did want to kiss her, he just didn't want to get caught by a professor. Eva looked around for the closest exit and saw her mother and father return from outside. She knew there would be no one walking around the gardens.
"Harry, could we walk in the gardens?" she asked innocently. Her eyes, however, showed her intentions very clearly.
Harry turned to look at her and was a bit shocked at the look she was giving him. He chuckled at little at the situation. "I thought the guy was supposed to make those kinds of propositions."
"I never made a proposition. I just asked for a walk in the gardens. What we do there is completely up to you."
Harry cleared his throat and jumped out of his chair. He took her by the hand and walked her to the closest exit. A house-elf appeared with their coats and they took them. Harry walked her through the rose garden and they sat down at the farthest bench. She placed her head on his shoulder as they looked out at the lake. Harry was just enjoying the view when he felt her hand start to sneak up his thigh.
"I've really enjoyed myself tonight, Harry," whispered Eva.
"So have I," said Harry. His voice was thicker than he would have liked.
Eva looked up at him and smiled. She kissed a spot just behind his ear and heard him hitch in his breath.
"Why did you do that?" he asked.
"Because I knew you wouldn't." She looked down at her hands. "Harry, I really like you . . ."
Harry couldn't believe his ears. She was telling him that she liked him. Wasn't it his job to do that? "I like you a lot, too, Eva."
"Then why do you always hold yourself back when we're alone?"
Harry groaned at his transparency. He thought he'd hidden it very well. "It's not you, Eva, really. It's just . . ."
Eva waited for him to continue. "Just what, Harry?"
"I don't want to start something that I might not be able to finish," he said.
"You mean Voldemort, don't you?" she asked.
Harry just nodded.
Eva sighed and turned as much as she could so she could face him. After casting another warming charm on both of them she began. "Harry you can't live your life if you're constantly thinking about something that you can't possibly do anything about. Remember what I said when we first started training? There is no way that anyone can know what will happen between you and Voldemort. I won't say that I know what you're feeling, but I can say that I understand the things going through your mind. When I first learned about the responsibility that came with my gift, I had no idea what to think. No Healer lived beyond the age of forty, and that's extremely young for a witch."
"I don't want to hurt you, Eva," he said.
"It hurts more that you don't want to get close to me, Harry."
Harry took her hand in his and caressed it with his fingers. He lifted it to his lips and looking up to see her reaction, placed a kiss on each of her fingertips. He liked the way that Eva bit her lower lip when he kissed her. He placed her palm on his cheek and held it there with his own hand.
Eva leaned closer to him and waited for him to look her in the eye. "Let go, Harry. Enjoy life like a sixteen-year-old."
Harry closed his eyes and kissed her. He went slow at first, teasing her a bit before licking her lips. She opened her mouth to him willingly and he deepened their kiss. Eva moved her hand to the nape of his neck, where her fingers played with his hair. She felt him shudder at her touch and she inwardly smiled.
Harry heard the crunch of snow under boots and quickly stopped. Eva frowned and leaned close to him, but the look on his face stopped her. She listened and also heard the sound he did. Harry raised a finger to his lips and motioned for her to follow him. She ducked behind a statue in the middle of the garden with him and waited for whoever it was that was there to show. They both gasped when they saw that it was Neville and Ginny. Eva tried hard to suppress the giggle that was rising in her throat; she would never have thought either of them would go off into a garden to snog.
Harry put his hand over her mouth, but she could see that he was trying just as hard as she was to suppress his mirth. They didn't know what to do but stay where they were and just wait for them to have their little snog session. Harry placed another warming charm on them and pulled her close to him. They stood in each other's arms for a few minutes when they heard the crunch of snow again. Eva peeked from behind their spot and was greeted by the sight of her father and mother walking towards the garden.
"It's my parents," she whispered to Harry.
Harry quickly grabbed her hand and ducked low. He made for the other end of the garden and hoped that Snape could not hear them running. He heard the professor take twenty points from Gryffindor for catching Neville and Ginny. Harry and Eva made it back inside out of breath. They laughed at their close call. Harry led her to a nearby table with no one sitting at it. He placed his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. They watched the couples that were still dancing. Quite a few people had called it a night and had gone to their dormitories. The DJ called out the last dance and Eva looked up at Harry.
"Come on," he said.
Eva smiled as she followed him onto the floor. He pulled her closer than he had before and she was glad. He didn't seem as shy as he had before their talk. She placed her arms around his shoulders and her head on his chest. Harry placed a kiss on her head and his arms around her waist. They swayed to the music and enjoyed the night as long as they could. Neither saw the man in black robes walk into the hall with an anxious Saveage at his heels.
Severus spotted Eva on the dance floor with Potter and saw red. She'd managed to save his neck. He knew she'd gone into the garden with him and he knew just what the students did when they went outside during a dance. Saveage put her hand on his arm.
"See, I told you that she was fine. You must calm down Severus. I will not have you spoil this evening for her. It's her birthday and her first school dance."
"I am her father. I was making sure that she is safe," he ground out.
"Yes, I know. You have seen that she is more than safe. Now will you please loosen up and enjoy what remains of the evening. Really, Severus, you act as if she was with some sort of deranged man."
"I know the students of this school better than you, Sage, and therefore am a better judge of how safe our daughter is."
"Come off it, Severus," said Saveage. "You just want to control her. Just because you weren't there for her childhood, doesn't mean that she is still a child. She's sixteen years old for Merlin's sake!"
Severus saw a few people look over at them and took Saveage by the elbow. "We'll not have this conversation here." He led her out of the Great Hall and towards Eva's room in the East Tower. Saveage had made arrangements to stay with Eva so they could talk about some issues that were still unresolved for both of them.
Eva did not see her mother and father enter or leave the Great Hall. She was to busy enjoying the sound of Harry's heart under her ear. The only one who noticed the quick departure of the couple was the Headmaster. The twinkle in his eye was a bit more apparent than usual.
Saveage fumed as Severus led her to Eva's rooms in the East Tower. She hated the way he was treating her. She had spent the last sixteen years cultivating a free-spirit in Eva. Saveage really could not see what Severus was so upset by. Eva was probably the most obedient child that Saveage had ever met, and she knew it was not just because Eva was her daughter. Saveage had tried her best to make sure Eva's spirit was intact, but that her will to disobey was firmly under control. She thought she'd done a good job, if she said so herself.
Severus walked up to the portrait that guarded Eva's door and said, "Roses." The door opened to him and he allowed Saveage to enter before him.
The witch took a seat by the now roaring fire and waited for Severus to begin his argument. When he just stood there staring at her she looked up with a question in her eyes.
"I never got to hold her when she was born," was all he said.
Saveage's bad mood disappeared quickly. A sharp stab of remorse hit her right in the chest. "Severus," she breathed. Standing, she went to him and took his face in her hands. "I would take you back sixteen years to the day she was born if I could, but that would be impossible. I'm so sorry. I now realize how hard this must be for you. I wish I could show you how much she really has grown, but I don't know how."
"I know she's not a child, Sage. I just see her and I wish I could start at the beginning." Severus sighed and pulled Saveage closer to him.
Saveage rested her head on his chest and inhaled the scent of him. She liked it when he would just hold her like this, it reminded her of when he would hold her after making love. She smiled at the thought, and then at the several naughty thoughts that came next. "Severus?"
"Yes, love?"
"How long do you think it will be before Eva gets back?" So he would understand what she was talking about she moved her hands in circles on his chest.
"Sage, we're in our daughter's room," he said in disbelief.
"I know. It's what makes it so exciting." She pulled at his robes and let them fall to the floor. She smirked at the fact that he was not fighting her on this. "Looks like you don't have that much of a conviction about this."
Severus smiled wickedly at her. "Well, I must say that I do like it when you're the aggressive one. It reminds me of what I started sixteen years ago." Severus leaned down and planted a kiss firmly on her lips. Saveage always tasted sweet, just like the sugar she was constantly consuming.
Saveage wrapped an arm around his shoulders and began to undo some of the buttons of his shirt. She could feel him pull on her robes and let them fall onto the floor. She felt him pull at the strings at the back of her gown and smiled into his mouth. She reached down and began to undo the zipper of his pants.
Severus pulled back from their kiss. "Not here; in the bedroom."
Saveage nodded and began to move backwards to where she knew the bedroom was. She felt her gown sliding down her shoulders and pulled it down the rest of the way. She turned when it hit the floor and led Severus into the bedroom. He only let her lead a few steps before sweeping her into his arms. He gently placed her on the feather bed and lay down next to her. Saveage immediately reached up and began to pull Severus' shirt off his shoulders. He, however, was planning on being the one in control. He began kissing her face; her lips, her nose, her eyes, her cheeks. Then he moved down her jaw to her neck, but not before nibbling on her ear lobe.
Saveage abandoned her quest to rid Severus of his vestments by the stimulation he was giving her with his touch. He soon had Saveage devoid of any clothing and moaning to his touch. He sat back on the bed and ran a hand down her body, from her collarbone to her hip, where he put his head and kissed the stretch marks that were visible; his daughter had made those. "You're the most beautiful woman in the world," he breathed.
Saveage smiled and a tear fell down her cheek. She'd never felt so loved in her whole life. Here was Severus kissing an obvious flaw on her body and he thought she was beautiful. She pulled him up to her and kissed him passionately. "Prove it to me," she breathed. He proceeded to do just that.
Harry and Eva watched from a table as all the remaining students filtered out of the Great Hall. They did not want to get caught in the crowd so they waited for all the students to leave. They were soon joined by Ron and Hermione, who looked like they had been outside for a while. Eva hid her smile at the sight of Hermione's slightly smudged lipstick. She managed to motion to her friend that it was noticeable and the girl quickly wiped her mouth. Neville and Ginny had already gone to Gryffindor Tower. They were soon the only students left in the Great Hall. Professor Dumbledore walked over to their table.
"I hope you all had a good time," he said. The quartet nodded and smiled. "The DJ is still set up if you would like to hear one last song," he suggested.
Eva perked up at the suggestion. She quickly ran over to the DJ and asked for, yet again, another Muggle song. She walked over to the table and bowed to Harry. He laughed and stood to curtsy, even pulling at an imaginary skirt. Dumbledore watched the two walk out to the now lonely dance floor and begin to sway to the song wafting through the hall. His eyes sparkled as he heard the words of the song Eva had most definitely picked on purpose.
If you're not the one then why does my soul feel glad, today?
If you're not for me then why does my hand fit yours, this way?
If you are not mine then why does your heart return my call?
If you are not mine would I have the strength to stand, at all?
We'll never know what the future brings, but I know you're here with me now,
We'll make it through and I hope you are the one I share my life with.
Dumbledore smiled and turned to leave the remaining four students alone. Ron and Hermione had now joined the other two on the dance floor. Eva had looked up at Harry from the start of the song and was singing the words to him. Harry heard what she was saying and was amazed that she could feel like that; it was just how he felt, but did not know how to express it. He listened to her soft voice and was soothed; it had much the same effect on him as phoenix song did. He pulled her closer to him and rested his forehead against hers. She continued to sing the song to him.
If I don't need you then why am I crying on my bed?
If I don't need you then why does your name resound in my head?
If you're not for me then why does this distance maim my life?
Harry surprised her by pulling her close for the next lines of the song. He'd obviously heard it before and knew what was coming.
If you're not for me then why do I dream of you as my wife?
I don't know why we're so far away, but I know that this much is true
We'll make it through and I hope you are the one I share my life with.
And I wish that you could be the one I die with.
And I'm prayin' you're the one I build my home with.
I hope I love you all my life.
I don't wanna run away, but I can't take it, I don't understand.
If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am.
Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?
'Cuz I miss you; body and soul, so strong that it takes my breath away.
And I breath you into my heart and pray for the strength to stand today.
'Cuz I love you, whether it's wrong or right
And though I can't be with you tonight
You know my heart is by your side.
I don't wanna run away, but I can't take it, I don't understand.
If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am.
Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?
Harry and Eva did not know when they stopped moving to the music, nor did they know that the music had even stopped. They stood in the middle of the dance floor just looking into each other's eyes. They did not know how long they had been standing there when Ron cleared his throat loudly and they turned to see him and Hermione standing near them with amused grins on their faces.
"I think it's time that we head back now," said Hermione.
Harry and Eva just nodded; neither of them trusted their voices enough to speak. The quartet walked out into the Entrance Hall and toward the East Tower stairs.
"Would you like to come up?" asked Eva. She was really inviting Ron and Hermione, since her death grip on Harry's hand made sure he knew he was going up, whether he wanted to or not.
Hermione looked between Harry and Eva. If her line of thinking was correct, Eva was only inviting them to be polite. As much as she did not want to go back to Gryffindor Tower right now, she wanted Harry to have as good a time as possible. He, of all people, deserved a break from reality for a while.
"We'd love to," began Ron.
"But we have some stuff to do," finished Hermione. She took Ron's hand and squeezed it. "Don't we, darling?" she asked.
Ron looked at her puzzled, and then thought of some 'stuff' he'd like to do. "Oh, yeah. We do have some stuff to do." He looked back at Harry and Eva with a huge grin on his face. "We'll see you tomorrow. Good night."
They turned towards the stairs that led to their tower. Eva and Harry looked at each other and smiled.
"What do you think they're going to do?" asked Eva.
"Probably the same thing that we are," he answered.
Eva smiled and turned to start up the stairs. Harry wrapped his arm around her waist and synchronized his steps with hers.
Eva walked up to her portrait and said, "Roses."
"That's the first time I've actually heard you say the password," said Harry.
"I thought it might come in handy for you later," she said suggestively.
Harry just raised his eyebrows at her and smiled. He did not fight when she took his hand and led him into the living area of her rooms. She sat down on the sofa and pulled him down next to her. Harry put his arm around her shoulder and she snuggled close to him.
They sat looking at the fire for a while. Eva was surprised to find that Harry was the one to make the first move this time. She smiled as he started by kissing the top of her head and then he began to make circles with his finger, on her arm. She turned to face him and was immediately greeted by his mouth on hers. She was very much pleased with how aggressive he was being. She really should have told him to act like a sixteen-year-old sooner.
She slowly fell back onto the couch and felt Harry's weight fall on her. She undid the first few buttons of his shirt before he pulled back. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked. He wasn't even sure what 'this' was.
Eva just nodded. She knew that she cared about Harry more than she cared for anyone. No, she thought, I love him. "I promise I'll tell you to stop when I'm not comfortable with it."
Harry nodded and kissed her again. She continued her removal of his shirt and soon it was laying next to the couch, along with the bustier of her dress. Without that specific part of the dress, the top began to drop farther down Eva's chest. She felt Harry's hand move from her waist up towards her breast, but it stopped right before it got where she wanted it to be. "Touch me, Harry," she breathed.
Harry allowed his hand to continue the path that it had begun and softly touched Eva's breast. She inhaled sharply and he quickly looked up and moved his hand. "Did I hurt you?"
"No," said Eva. She raised her head to capture his lips again.
Harry resumed his exploration of her. He gained some confidence from her assurance that he was not hurting her, although he was still a bit reluctant about going too far with her. He still had that nagging voice in the back of his head that told him it was wrong to do this with her if he was not sure he would even be around this time next year. His body, however, seemed to be doing the majority of his thinking for him right now. He could feel himself getting harder as he kissed Eva's neck and touched her body; it didn't help that she was moving rather seductively under him.
Harry felt her move her hand towards the zipper of his trousers and her fingers brushed his erection. He took a sharp breath and opened his eyes to look at her. She had that mischievous smile on her face again. "Is that a banana in your pocket, Mr. Potter, or are you just happy to see me?" she teased.
Harry laughed, but stopped when something caught his eye. There was something lying on the floor near the fire, just far enough away for them not to have seen it sooner.
"What's wrong?" asked Eva.
Harry's mind was working a mile a minute. He knew that his robe was draped across the back of the couch and that Eva's cape was in the coat closet. Neither of them had lost any item of clothing that was not lying right next to them. "Eva, did you change in here today?"
"No, why?"
"Did your Mum change in here?"
"I don't know. Why do you want to know?"
Harry just nodded his head towards the pile of clothes lying on the floor. Eva had to twist uncomfortably under him to see. Harry moved off of her and helped her off the sofa. Her dress was just barely hanging on her and Harry had to stop himself from helping it fall off. Eva moved towards the pile of clothes and picked up what looked like a robe. It was a little too big to be Harry's and it was definitely not hers. She held it up and caught a whiff of cologne; her stomach did a back flip. It was her father's. She looked down at the other item on the floor and picked it up. This was definitely not one of her gowns. She recognized it as the dress her mother was wearing at the Yule Ball.
"Harry?" Eva held her hand out behind her and Harry quickly took it in his own. She pulled him closer to her and looked towards her bedroom door. It was slightly ajar, but there was no noise coming out of the room.
She moved towards it with Harry close behind. She peeked into the room, but Harry kept his head firmly away from the door. He did not even want to think about what could be in the room.
Eva saw knickers strewn across her floor and two bodies lying on her bed. She quickly turned and ran towards the couch again. She pulled Harry's robe around her shoulders and grabbed his shirt off the floor and threw it at him. "Hurry, we have to get out of here," she said in a whisper.
Harry knew what she'd seen and did not argue with her. He quickly put his shirt back on, but did not notice he'd buttoned it wrong. He took Eva by the hand and they dashed out of the room without a sound. They forgot that her bustier was still lying by the fire.
Okay, once again, songs!
The one Draco and Eva were dancing to at the Ball is: Shake Your Tailfeather by Nelly and Murphy Lee, from the Bad Boys Soundtrack.
The one that Harry and Eva danced to afterwards is: If You're Not The One by Daniel Beddingfield.
In case you haven't noticed, I am very 'into' music. I actually got a lot of my inspiration for this story from listening to music and picturing the characters. Enough of my babbling. I'll keep on editing the rest of the fic.
Mattie :o)