Eleanor sighed, crossing her arms. Why had she even bothered getting ready? Why had she bothered even coming to the dance after getting ready? There she was...sitting at a table in her beautiful black silk gown and gloves, her hair done up perfectly in a bun, her make-up dazzling... and she was only sitting. Next to her, Severus sat in his usual black robes staring out at the crowd. He looked so unhappy. "Are you sure you don't want to dance, Severus?" His friend Kaela asked, kicking him in the shin. He glared at her. "I'm positive." "Well, I'm going to go for a walk or something." Eleanor sighed, slamming her hands onto the table and standing. "Honestly, Severus, I thought that if you were going to ask me out you'd at least acknowledge me while I'm here." She walked away, heading for the doors to the Entrance Hall. Once she'd made it outside, Severus had caught up with her. "Eleanor, wait." He grabbed her hand, stopping her from walking away. "I'm sorry, I just..." She just looked at him. His face didn't even change from its evil sneer as he was apologizing. It was pathetic. "You just what? You're just no fun? You just don't like people? You don't like dances? You can't dance?" "No, I can't. I can't dance. I hate dancing. I hate being in crowds of people." He sighed. "It makes me nervous." She smiled. Finally, his face had relaxed. Not that that was attractive even...but it was a start. She sighed, looking around the courtyard. They'd planted bushes and added a fountain. Colourful faeries nested in the bushed and hung above their heads. It was absolutely beautiful. "Walk with me." She stated simply, linking his arm. He stiffened as if he didn't like the contact, but slowly loosened as he followed her down the stone path toward the fountain. They were silent until they sat on a stone bench just feet away from the stone fountain. "Eleanor..." Severus looked down at his hands. "Yes?" She smiled, looking over at him. She wondered why he was getting so nervous. He didn't answer her, but rather gave a pained expression. He seemed to be having some sort of an inward fight with himself. "Severus?" She leaned forward to see his face. Suddenly, he turned to her, cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. Shocked, she didn't even think to do anything about it until he moved closer to her, wrapping his arms around her waist. She pushed at his chest and shoulders, but he still tried to force himself forward. Perhaps he didn't understand. "Severus, stop! What are you doing?" "Shhh. Don't talk." Again, he kissed her. Growing angry, she kicked him in the shin. As a reflex, he brought up his hand to hit her. "SEVERUS!" He stopped immediately and spun around on the bench. Heading toward them, his wand pointing right in Severus's face, was Remus. He looked furious. Eleanor stood quickly, walking over and taking his arm. She'd never been more happy to see him in her life. Severus's mouth opened in shock. "But...Eleanor..." He stammered. "Good night, Severus." Eleanor glared at him before pulling Remus back toward the castle. Once they were out of earshot, she sighed. "How...where-" Remus seemed to already know what she was asking. "I came down to the Ball late. I saw you walking out....and I saw him follow you. Just thought I'd..." He cleared his throat, forcing back a smile. "Check up on me, eh?" She smirked. "Well...it's Severus Snape. Honestly, Nell...what were you expecting?" "I didn't know what to expect, honestly. You think you know a person and they surprise you." She bit her lip, knowing that sounded a little mean. And she'd meant it mean....but for some reason she didn't want to hurt him. "I'm sorry." "No, it's okay." He looked down. "Look, Nell-" "I've missed you." She blurted out. He got quiet immediately. She even surprised herself. He stopped walking and turned to face her. His eyes were slightly wider and he smirked. "Missed me already?" She nodded, biting her lip. "Terribly." "I'm sorry I didn't tell you everything, Nell." He started, taking her hand in both of his. "I was so afraid that you'd hate me for it. I couldn't bear to lose you. These past few days have been killing me. If I could-" She reached up and pulled him forward, kissing him gently. It seemed like years before she finally pulled away. He didn't open his eyes at all and seemed to be savouring the feeling. She watched him closely, smiling, as he bit his lip and laughed quietly. She lifted his chin to look into his eyes. "I'm...I'm forgiven then?" She laughed, nodding her head. "I forgive you, Remus..." He laughed and hugged her tightly. "Oh, I love you so much, Eleanor." She kissed his neck. "I love you too. Hey, let's go enjoy ourselves, alright?" He seemed to not want to let her go. When he finally did, she grabbed his hand and took off at a run toward the Great Hall.