A/N: Uh.... I normally have something to say, but I actually don't now. Oh! Yes, this is my first Harry Potter fic, and also I'm making this up as I go along. I have no idea what I am about to type.

Disclaimer: I will own this stuff eventually. Evil grin I just don't own it now.

Love.....Or Whatever This Is

Minerva was sitting in her office. Just sitting, nothing more. Her fingers were tracing the edge of the windowsill, and curled gently as they reached the glass. She was watching the students outside, undoubtedly hurrying to ask each other to the upcoming Yule Ball at the last minute. It reminded her so much of herself seeing them out there. She was always too shy to ask anyone until they asked her, or until there was hardly any time left.

She got up and realized that she really should be helping to decorate the great hall. Every other professor was down there working their hardest while she was dwelling on the past.

She made her way to the great hall, which was already brilliantly lit with floating candles and glistening ornaments on fresh pines, and the aroma of warm cooked turkey and pheasant filled the air.

Good evening, Minerva, Dumbledoor said, as he held up a golden garland for Hagrid to hang up.

Hello Albus. I'm sorry it took so long to get here, but I guess my head was elsewhere. It looks like you have this almost wrapped up. Is there any way I could be of assistance?Well, almost everything is under control.... He turned to Snape. Severus, do you need any help with the table?

Snape looked up from what he was doing, magically unfolding each tablecloth. I'm doing fine on my own.

Dumbledoor glances at the enormous pile of tablecloths left to be unfolded and draped over each table. Well, I'll send Minerva over there, nonetheless.

Snape rolled his eyes. Send a few more people my way, while you're at it, he said to himself, but Minerva had heard him.

Just like a Slytherin, she said, a hand on her hip and a smile on her face.

He ignored her and brought some more tablecloths over to him. Accio tablecloth.Well, would you like me to do? Do we just unfold these and lay them out? he said sourly, but she knew him all too well, and knew this was his way of being sarcastic.

Very amusing. Accio tablecloth. She went to folding beside him.

How goes the lessons this year? she asked, trying to make nice conversation.

Longbottom's still in school, how do you think?

Minerva gave him a small frown of disapproval, but also couldn't help to laugh a bit.

Well, I for one, am having a wonderful time with all of my students. But there is that Draco Malfoy... Have you heard of him?Yes well, different people, different tastes. Are you chaperoning the ball?Yes Severus, I always do. And you?Albus talked me into it.

McGonagall's mouth dropped a little. You? And what, may I ask, did he say to convince you to do this?He said there would be brandy.Well, that's always a good excuse, she said, a little snicker crossing her features.

Finally, it was time for the Yule Ball. It seemed like almost everyone was there. This was Snape's first Yule Ball, so he was suprised by how formal everyone was. The only difference in his outfit from his normal black ensemble was the green velvet-lined hood and embroidered silver snake on the side. Everyone else wore long formal gowns and more extravagant robes. And the great hall was fabulously decked with the decorations the professors had been slaving over all day. It all looked so much more elegant in these late hours.

He spotted McGonagall over by the other professors. He walked over to her.

I don't see the brandy, he said, touching her hand, but she pulled it away.

Ask one of the house elves by the kitchen. We couldn't put it out here with all the students now, could we?

He grumbled, and nodded, making his way towards the kitchen.

The night seemed to drag on tediously. For Snape, it was a small glass of brandy, sneer at students, another small glass, sneer at students.... and it progressed like that throughout the whole night. And by the end of it all, he was terribly bored and just slightly drunk. The last few songs were slow, and he watched as the students either headed back to their houses, or danced with their dates, happy with the new intimate setting.

When will they learn, he heard someone say beside him. It was McGonagall.

He nodded in agreement. I agree. Love doesn't come as easily as they think.My sentiments exactly.

As she said that, Dumbledoor approached.

Well, it appears as if this event is coming to a close. You can start telling everyone to go to bed now, and you can go as well, if you'd like.I'll get to that, Snape said. Goodnight headmaster.Yes, goodnight, McGonagall added.

And with that, both Snape, McGonagall, and a few other teachers shooed the students to bed, and left.

As Snape left, he quickly turned to McGonagall, and smiled slightly.

So I'll see you in a bit, then? he asked.

Just let me change, she said, a grin spreading over her face.

Then they left.