Disclaimer/Author Note/Rating: Please see Chapter 1 for full disclaimers, legal info, etc.
Go raibh maith agaibh:
Thanks to everyone for all the reviews on the last chapter!
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Chapter 11: May I Have this Dance?
Two days after the Quidditch tournament was the formal banquet and ball that would be the final event during the Alumni celebration. Tables spilled from the Great Hall out into the courtyard for the meal and Dumbledore had taken great effort to ensure the weather would be most pleasant for the festivities despite the late time of year. The banquet had every possible food you could imagine: turkey, pheasant, duck, roast beef, and baked ham. There were platters of delectable desserts including frosted cakes, various pies, and berry tarts of all descriptions. There were crystal cups with chocolate custards in them and bowls filled with perfectly ripe strawberries topped with generous dollops of thick, fresh, chantilly cream.
Two hours after the banquet ended, the formal ball began. Serena walked into the Great Hall and paused. It looked amazing. The ceiling illusion held a night sky dotted by stars surrounding a silvery full moon. Rather than single candles suspended in air, there were chandeliers of crystal with seven tiers of candles within them.
Unlike her usual attire, Serena wore an elegant black dress. It fit closely in the bodice and the long sleeves came down to her wrists. The skirt reached the floor and moved gracefully as she walked. Tiny threads of silver gave it the illusion diamond dust being scattered throughout it. Around her neck, Serena wore a black velvet choker with a single clear jewel on it. Her hair was caught up on the sides with silver combs.
"Why, my dear, you look extraordinary!" exclaimed Sir Nicholas as he glided through the wall next to her.
"Thank you, Sir Nicholas. That's very kind of you to say," she replied with a smile. Across the room she saw Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch chatting at the side of the expansive dance floor and she quickly went over to join them.
"Well you look none the worse for wear," said Hooch with a smile. She hadn't seen Serena since the incident on the Quidditch field.
"Thank you," said Serena. "It took a bit of work, and Severus was kind enough to brew me a potion that took all of the swelling away."
Well, that was quite thoughtful of him, thought Hooch, somewhat surprised.
"You managed to break his nose, you know." As always, Minerva McGonagall's accent added extra color and inflection to her words.
"Did I?" The innocence in Serena's tone told them both that she was well aware of exactly what she'd done to Lucius Malfoy's younger brother, and in no way regretted her actions.
"I must commend you for your restraint." Both Serena and Minerva continued to look out at the students on the dance floor, but at the edge of her vision, Serena saw a satisfied smile come over McGonagall's face when she made her final comment.
The three women were silent for a few minutes, watching the students dance and mingle. Cho Chang and the Patil twins all had new boyfriends this term and were huddled together laughing. Hermione looked lovely with her wavy hair braided up. She was wearing a deep mauve dress with a square neck and wide straps. As the next dance started, Harry elbowed Ron in the back.
"Go on, you coward," Harry whispered.
Ron's ears turned red. "Um, ah, well… Hermione, would… um, ah…"
Behind him, Harry rolled his eyes. Hermione looked at Ron, puzzled.
"Um… would you… want to dance?"
"Well," said Serena from her spot along the floor, "it is about time young Mr. Weasley mustered the courage to do that."
McGonagall and Hooch tried hard not to laugh. It was quite obvious to everyone – except perhaps to Ron and Hermione – that they were quite infatuated with each other.
Also on the dance floor was Draco Malfoy and a girl from Slytherin House, Arachne Weaver. Watching them, Serena's smile faded and unexpectedly, she no longer saw Draco, but rather his uncle, Malificus, when he was Draco's age.
"Professor, you look lovely tonight," said Wood politely.
She flinched, not having seen Wood come up to her, but then she smiled at the young man. "Thank you, Oliver. I must say you looking quite dapper in your suit."
Wood's eyes lit up and he smiled.
"And that was a bloody wonderful game the other day!" his father said, appearing out of nowhere at his son's side.
"Really, Angus, must you always talk about Quidditch? I'm sure Professor Castleton-Black is just a wee bit tired of talking about that game!" Mrs. Wood shook her head and took her husband by the arm. They took a few steps and then stopped as she realized her son was still standing with Serena.
"Oliver. We should go. I think your friends are looking for you."
"Aye, Mum. I'm coming." There was the merest hint of reluctance in his voice.
"Have a lovely evening," said Serena as they left and she couldn't help but smile.
"He has such a terrible crush on you, you know," said McGonagall, but she too was smiling.
"I know," said Serena. "It is rather sweet."
Unexpectedly, Professor Snape appeared out of the crowd, seeming to simply materialize in front of them. "Good evening," said Snape.
"Professor," said Hooch.
"Severus," said Serena. McGonagall cocked an eyebrow.
Snape was wearing a tailored black coat, three-quarter length, which fell to mid-thigh, with silver buttons embossed with a Celtic knot. The collar had a Mandarin flavor and stood up around the base of his neck.
He took a deep breath and offered his arm to Serena. "May I have this dance?"
Serena blinked, utterly surprised, and for a moment, said nothing. That momentary pause nearly made Snape withdraw. He'd been rejected so many times as a youth, laughed at by so many… for a moment he thought it was going to happen again.
I knew I shouldn't have…
"I would love to dance, Severus," said Serena, taking his arm, and this time it was Snape's turn to blink in surprise.
A song began that Serena didn't recognize as Snape escorted her to the dance floor. She slid her left hand up onto his shoulder and he drew her right hand out in a classic dance position. He curled his right arm around her waist and surprised Serena by pulling her in close, pressing her against him. Stepping off, Serena realized instantly that he was a firm lead and a good dancer.
No, she corrected herself immediately, he is an excellent dancer.
They stepped and spun their way across the floor, the tails of Severus' coat and the bottom of Serena's dress swirled around them as they moved. At first, Serena looked around at the ballroom as it whirled by but then she looked up to find Severus looking down at her intently, a small smile quirking the corner of his mouth. She couldn't help but smile back at him. They spent the rest of the song looking at each other with growing intensity.
Each step, each turn spoke of a passion that ran below the cool exterior he presented to the world. At the very end, he whirled her around one final time and dipped her. He pulled her back up with a flourish, sliding both of his hands around her waist. They ended up nearly nose to nose, and color rose unexpectedly to her cheeks.
"Thank you for the dance," he said stepping away from Serena. "It was a pleasure."
She smiled. "Thank you for asking. It was wonderful."
Severus offered her a nod of his head. "If you'll excuse me..." He turned then and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Serena a little flushed and staring after him.
"Did you see that?" Professor McGonagall asked Dumbledore.
"I did," he said with an enigmatic smile. "Indeed, I did."
McGonagall and Dumbledore weren't the only ones who noticed either. Plenty of students had stopped and stared, never having seen the dour Professor Snape do anything that looked remotely fun.
"Did you see that?" said Hermione.
"I think I'm blind," whined Ron.
"I think Wood's going to be sick," said Harry with a nudge to Ron. Across the room from them, Oliver Wood was sitting, his arms on his knees. The three others went over.
"You okay?" asked Harry. "Wood?"
"She danced with Snape," he said. "Snape!"
"Relax, Wood. It's not like she's going to marry him," snorted Hermione.
"Don't even think that!" He looked around, unfocused. "The love of my life, dancing with Snape…"
Hermione shook her head. There would be no talking to Wood over this.
Students weren't the only ones whose heads turned during that dance, either. In a reclusive alcove, Malificus never took his eyes off the pair while they floated across the floor. With each step, each turn, the simmer in his blood turned to a boil.
I won't see that lout Snape succeed where I failed, he growled to himself.
And he was not the only Malfoy to watch the unexpected dance partners. Lucius Malfoy had come into the room near the end of the dance and his eyebrows shot up as he watched Snape dip Serena and pull her closer at the end of the dance. Perhaps this explained Snape's behavior on the Quidditch field the other day…
"What are you doing?" Lucius caught Severus by the arm as the potions professor walked past him.
"I was dancing," he replied curtly.
"I realize that, but with... her?"
Snape turned a level eye at Malfoy and then flicked his gaze down to where Lucius held his arm.
"Forgive me," said Lucius with excessive politeness as he let go. "I merely wondered because there are so many other young ladies who are more... understanding."
"Understanding?"
"Those of us fortunate enough to be part of Slytherin House, part of our… group… have our own perspective on many things."
"Indeed," said Snape slowly, forcing himself not to touch his arm where the Dark Mark would appear if Voldemort was near.
"Tut, tut. No need to be snippy, Severus. I merely think you should consider who you keep company with..."
Snape glared at him. "And I suggest you mind your own business, Malfoy."
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
As promised, the relationship begins to take shape. Hope you're still enjoying. Please let me know what you think… I always appreciate reviews!
Go raibh maith agaibh:
Thanks to everyone for all the reviews on the last chapter!
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Chapter 11: May I Have this Dance?
Two days after the Quidditch tournament was the formal banquet and ball that would be the final event during the Alumni celebration. Tables spilled from the Great Hall out into the courtyard for the meal and Dumbledore had taken great effort to ensure the weather would be most pleasant for the festivities despite the late time of year. The banquet had every possible food you could imagine: turkey, pheasant, duck, roast beef, and baked ham. There were platters of delectable desserts including frosted cakes, various pies, and berry tarts of all descriptions. There were crystal cups with chocolate custards in them and bowls filled with perfectly ripe strawberries topped with generous dollops of thick, fresh, chantilly cream.
Two hours after the banquet ended, the formal ball began. Serena walked into the Great Hall and paused. It looked amazing. The ceiling illusion held a night sky dotted by stars surrounding a silvery full moon. Rather than single candles suspended in air, there were chandeliers of crystal with seven tiers of candles within them.
Unlike her usual attire, Serena wore an elegant black dress. It fit closely in the bodice and the long sleeves came down to her wrists. The skirt reached the floor and moved gracefully as she walked. Tiny threads of silver gave it the illusion diamond dust being scattered throughout it. Around her neck, Serena wore a black velvet choker with a single clear jewel on it. Her hair was caught up on the sides with silver combs.
"Why, my dear, you look extraordinary!" exclaimed Sir Nicholas as he glided through the wall next to her.
"Thank you, Sir Nicholas. That's very kind of you to say," she replied with a smile. Across the room she saw Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch chatting at the side of the expansive dance floor and she quickly went over to join them.
"Well you look none the worse for wear," said Hooch with a smile. She hadn't seen Serena since the incident on the Quidditch field.
"Thank you," said Serena. "It took a bit of work, and Severus was kind enough to brew me a potion that took all of the swelling away."
Well, that was quite thoughtful of him, thought Hooch, somewhat surprised.
"You managed to break his nose, you know." As always, Minerva McGonagall's accent added extra color and inflection to her words.
"Did I?" The innocence in Serena's tone told them both that she was well aware of exactly what she'd done to Lucius Malfoy's younger brother, and in no way regretted her actions.
"I must commend you for your restraint." Both Serena and Minerva continued to look out at the students on the dance floor, but at the edge of her vision, Serena saw a satisfied smile come over McGonagall's face when she made her final comment.
The three women were silent for a few minutes, watching the students dance and mingle. Cho Chang and the Patil twins all had new boyfriends this term and were huddled together laughing. Hermione looked lovely with her wavy hair braided up. She was wearing a deep mauve dress with a square neck and wide straps. As the next dance started, Harry elbowed Ron in the back.
"Go on, you coward," Harry whispered.
Ron's ears turned red. "Um, ah, well… Hermione, would… um, ah…"
Behind him, Harry rolled his eyes. Hermione looked at Ron, puzzled.
"Um… would you… want to dance?"
"Well," said Serena from her spot along the floor, "it is about time young Mr. Weasley mustered the courage to do that."
McGonagall and Hooch tried hard not to laugh. It was quite obvious to everyone – except perhaps to Ron and Hermione – that they were quite infatuated with each other.
Also on the dance floor was Draco Malfoy and a girl from Slytherin House, Arachne Weaver. Watching them, Serena's smile faded and unexpectedly, she no longer saw Draco, but rather his uncle, Malificus, when he was Draco's age.
"Professor, you look lovely tonight," said Wood politely.
She flinched, not having seen Wood come up to her, but then she smiled at the young man. "Thank you, Oliver. I must say you looking quite dapper in your suit."
Wood's eyes lit up and he smiled.
"And that was a bloody wonderful game the other day!" his father said, appearing out of nowhere at his son's side.
"Really, Angus, must you always talk about Quidditch? I'm sure Professor Castleton-Black is just a wee bit tired of talking about that game!" Mrs. Wood shook her head and took her husband by the arm. They took a few steps and then stopped as she realized her son was still standing with Serena.
"Oliver. We should go. I think your friends are looking for you."
"Aye, Mum. I'm coming." There was the merest hint of reluctance in his voice.
"Have a lovely evening," said Serena as they left and she couldn't help but smile.
"He has such a terrible crush on you, you know," said McGonagall, but she too was smiling.
"I know," said Serena. "It is rather sweet."
Unexpectedly, Professor Snape appeared out of the crowd, seeming to simply materialize in front of them. "Good evening," said Snape.
"Professor," said Hooch.
"Severus," said Serena. McGonagall cocked an eyebrow.
Snape was wearing a tailored black coat, three-quarter length, which fell to mid-thigh, with silver buttons embossed with a Celtic knot. The collar had a Mandarin flavor and stood up around the base of his neck.
He took a deep breath and offered his arm to Serena. "May I have this dance?"
Serena blinked, utterly surprised, and for a moment, said nothing. That momentary pause nearly made Snape withdraw. He'd been rejected so many times as a youth, laughed at by so many… for a moment he thought it was going to happen again.
I knew I shouldn't have…
"I would love to dance, Severus," said Serena, taking his arm, and this time it was Snape's turn to blink in surprise.
A song began that Serena didn't recognize as Snape escorted her to the dance floor. She slid her left hand up onto his shoulder and he drew her right hand out in a classic dance position. He curled his right arm around her waist and surprised Serena by pulling her in close, pressing her against him. Stepping off, Serena realized instantly that he was a firm lead and a good dancer.
No, she corrected herself immediately, he is an excellent dancer.
They stepped and spun their way across the floor, the tails of Severus' coat and the bottom of Serena's dress swirled around them as they moved. At first, Serena looked around at the ballroom as it whirled by but then she looked up to find Severus looking down at her intently, a small smile quirking the corner of his mouth. She couldn't help but smile back at him. They spent the rest of the song looking at each other with growing intensity.
Each step, each turn spoke of a passion that ran below the cool exterior he presented to the world. At the very end, he whirled her around one final time and dipped her. He pulled her back up with a flourish, sliding both of his hands around her waist. They ended up nearly nose to nose, and color rose unexpectedly to her cheeks.
"Thank you for the dance," he said stepping away from Serena. "It was a pleasure."
She smiled. "Thank you for asking. It was wonderful."
Severus offered her a nod of his head. "If you'll excuse me..." He turned then and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Serena a little flushed and staring after him.
"Did you see that?" Professor McGonagall asked Dumbledore.
"I did," he said with an enigmatic smile. "Indeed, I did."
McGonagall and Dumbledore weren't the only ones who noticed either. Plenty of students had stopped and stared, never having seen the dour Professor Snape do anything that looked remotely fun.
"Did you see that?" said Hermione.
"I think I'm blind," whined Ron.
"I think Wood's going to be sick," said Harry with a nudge to Ron. Across the room from them, Oliver Wood was sitting, his arms on his knees. The three others went over.
"You okay?" asked Harry. "Wood?"
"She danced with Snape," he said. "Snape!"
"Relax, Wood. It's not like she's going to marry him," snorted Hermione.
"Don't even think that!" He looked around, unfocused. "The love of my life, dancing with Snape…"
Hermione shook her head. There would be no talking to Wood over this.
Students weren't the only ones whose heads turned during that dance, either. In a reclusive alcove, Malificus never took his eyes off the pair while they floated across the floor. With each step, each turn, the simmer in his blood turned to a boil.
I won't see that lout Snape succeed where I failed, he growled to himself.
And he was not the only Malfoy to watch the unexpected dance partners. Lucius Malfoy had come into the room near the end of the dance and his eyebrows shot up as he watched Snape dip Serena and pull her closer at the end of the dance. Perhaps this explained Snape's behavior on the Quidditch field the other day…
"What are you doing?" Lucius caught Severus by the arm as the potions professor walked past him.
"I was dancing," he replied curtly.
"I realize that, but with... her?"
Snape turned a level eye at Malfoy and then flicked his gaze down to where Lucius held his arm.
"Forgive me," said Lucius with excessive politeness as he let go. "I merely wondered because there are so many other young ladies who are more... understanding."
"Understanding?"
"Those of us fortunate enough to be part of Slytherin House, part of our… group… have our own perspective on many things."
"Indeed," said Snape slowly, forcing himself not to touch his arm where the Dark Mark would appear if Voldemort was near.
"Tut, tut. No need to be snippy, Severus. I merely think you should consider who you keep company with..."
Snape glared at him. "And I suggest you mind your own business, Malfoy."
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
As promised, the relationship begins to take shape. Hope you're still enjoying. Please let me know what you think… I always appreciate reviews!