The next week seemed to be going in slow motion. Almost everyone in the entire school signed up to stay over the Christmas holiday. The halls buzzed with anticipation now that the Ball was only a day away. Eleanor, Lily, and Ally sat at a table in the library, reading different books. They'd been bored out of their minds with nothing left to do. Of course, they were only looking a the pages and, instead, their minds were focused on their conversation. The librarian had long since given up her attempt to quiet everyone in the library. "I think I'm going to wear my hair up." Lilly stated simply, shrugging. "Maybe have a few curls coming down..." "That sounds cute. I was thinking about doing that too, you rotten little idea stealer." Ally laughed. They heard someone clear their throat from behind them. They were obviously trying to get their attention. All three spun around, confused. Standing behind them, in robes of black with his long, geasy black hair down to his chin, was Severus Snape. Each just stared at him wondering what the hell he wanted. After a moment of silence, he spoke again. "A word, please?" He asked, looking at Eleanor. She hesitated before standing. "Uhh...I'll be back, guys." She turned and followed Severus off through a maze of bookcases. She slowed to a stop, it finally occuring to her that hemight attack her or hex her or something. "Severus....what is this about?" He turned to her, his eyes squinting as though he were appraising her. "I just wanted to ask you-" His head snapped in every direction as he made sure no one was listening. "-if you would go to the Ball with me tomorrow night?" Eleanor just stared at him, not sure she had heard him right. This seemed to make him uncomfortable and he looked around again. "I...well..." She stammered. "Sure." He snapped his head in her direction, his black eyes wide. "Well...seeing as I don't have a date...why not?" He just stared at her still as if he hadn't expected that answer. After a moment, he cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure. "Right....see you tomorrow night, then." He quickly walked off. "See you." And she was left to make her way back to the table. When she finally did, she sat down across from Ally and Lilly. They only watched her, waiting for her to explain. "Severus asked me to the Ball." "Ew!" "What a little creep!" "How could he even think you'd go with him?" "I know...ugh. Slimeball." When Eleanor didn't respond, they stopped commenting. "Don't tell me you-"Ally started. But she couldn't finish. "Well...I didn't want to hurt his feelings." "OH, IN THE NAME OF MERLIN!" Lilly screamed. The librarian rushed over, her face bright red. "Now, now! You girls are too noisy! Out! OUT!" They were hurriedly ushered out of the library, the doors closed in their face. Lilly and Ally couldn't find their words. They just turned and walked to the library for lunch. They stopped when they heard hushed voices somewhere near the Entrance Hall. "Oh, honestly, Snape!" A girl said. "You're pathetic!" "Well...you were the one who told me to-" "I was joking! Asking a Gryffindor...you must be out of your mind. Imagine what the rest of the Slytherins will say. And I'm stuck being friends with you!" "I'm not making you stay friends with me..." He said, sounding sad. "Oh, shut up. I wasn't being serious..." She sighed. "Just...ugh. Why that Gryffindor though? Didn't you know she's got a boyfriend?" "They broke up. Everyone knows...." Ally, Eleanor, and Lilly hid behind a suit of armour as Severus and the Seeker from the Slytherin Quidditch team walked by them. Then they hurried into the Great Hall. "Everyone knows about Remus and I?" Eleanor suddenly felt like her life was being watched through a microscope. She looked up, expecting to see a giant eyeball. Thankfully, there wasn't one. "Of course they do. This is hogwarts. Word gets around. And after not seeing you two all over each other anymore....rumours fly." Lilly stated, taking her seat. The guys hadn't gotten there yet. They began shoveling food onto their plates in silence. "I still can't believe you said yes." Ally muttered, shoving a cheese sandwich into her mouth. Eleanor rolled her eyes and refused to comment. Moments later, the guys came in, sitting around them. Eleanor didn't look up. "Morning, ladies." James said as he kissed Lily's cheek. "How is your morning going?" Sirius added. "Oh, just peachy." Lilly said, glancing at Eleanor. Sensing something deep, Sirius just had to ask. "What happened now?" "Why don't you tell him, Nell?" Lilly added with a smile. Eleanor placed her fork down and looked up at them all with a smile. "I was asked to the Ball this morning. By Severus Sanpe. And I told him I'd be delighted to go." After glaring at Lily, she pushed away from the table and stormed out of the room. "SNIVELLUS?" Sirius shouted, looking like he was going to be sick.