Chapter Eight

"Attention school" said Professor Dippet one evening after school had started once more. "Mr. Potter, if you'd mind to stop talking, you might be surprised and find yourself interested in what I'm saying." James stopped talking to Lainie immediately and looked toward the front. 'Thank you, now I have the pleasure of informing you that Hogwarts will be holding it's annual ball in three weeks time" At this, little whispers broke out like small hissing fires round the hall. Professor Dippet smiled and then continued "It will be in the grand hall on Saturday the 24th January. You can either go with a partner or by yourself. The heads of the houses will give your more information closer to the time. Thank you"

"Wow, a ball, major social event" said Lainie while spearing a piece of chicken and and putting it into her mouth.

"Yeah, will you get asked or go stag" said Lily with her mouth full of potato.

"That would be depended on whether someone asked me, my dear Lily" Lainie said. "Of course someone will ask you, even if it is Snivellus, you know he had always had a thing about you. Probably has lots of dirty dreams with you in them" said James cheekily.

"God, James put a cork in it" they chorused in unision.

"Sorry, just saying" "Anyway, speaking of Snivellus. Look who's arriving"

They turned around to find Severus Snape approaching, his head bent, his black greasy hair hanging limply around his pale face which was dominated by his hooked nose. Amidst the boys loud snickers, he approached the table.

"Lainie, could I have a word please" he said quietly

"Go on then" said James with a glare that conveyed every ounce of hatred he felt for Snape. "Outside, please" Snape said trying to be dignified.

"Why" said James and Sirius simultaneously, leaping to their feet. "What can't you say to her that you can't say in front of us" they demanded.

"God guys, yeah, course I'll come Snape." She followed Snape out of the hall shooting a backwards glance at James and Sirius which clearly said " what were you guys on about" James and Sirius rolled their eyes at eachother.

Lainie followed Snape outside till the reached the courtyard. Then he turned around and looked at her.

"Lainie" he said very seriously "I would be very ummm..... well, what I would like to say is......., well, would you like to come to the ball with me. I mean, you don't have to if you don't want to but....." Here Lainie interrupted,

"Snape, I'll go with you. Cool"

"Thanks, well I'll see you later." He said awkwardly. Then he hurried awkwardly away, his shoulders hunched and his black robes billowing round him. Then she turned around and walked back inside.

"So, how did you let Snivellus down gently" said James.

He glanced down the table and grinned at Sirius and Remus.

"Didn't have to" Lainie replied with a grin. Thoroughly enjoying the looking on the six stunned faces the stared down the table at her.

"WHAT" everyone shouted. "You didn't" said a very shocked James

"Not Snivellus" said Lily

"But he's evil" exclaimed Livvy

"Honestly Lainie, you can have any guy but you chose HIM. Why...." Said Sirius

"Did someone dare you. Cause you don't have to do it" Remus said.

"No guys, I went with him because he asked me. And it's not that unusual. He was nice and sincere and yes, I do know that he is a slytherin and that you all hate him but it is only one night."

"But Lainieeeee" whined James "How could you. I mean, you know I hate him. I can't believe you,"

"James, my dear, you know I love you and would do anything to spare you but I really think that you can stand me spending one night with him" Lainie retorted with a grin

"But I'll look at you all prettied up and know it's for him" James snorted with disgust.

"Get over it James"

"Hmmmph"

So that was it Lainie was going to the ball with Severus Snape. She was pretty, funny and one of the more popular girls at school and he was greasy, slimy and well, a sleazy slytherin. The whole school was buzzing. Rumors were spread about it being a dare, a pity date or that they had done a deal involving the quidditch cup. Walking down the corridors Lainie received even more stares and Snape even received a few which was extremely rare. And James was still outraged that Lainie was going with ughhhh, him but he was still to work out who he was going to take. Normally that wouldn't have been a problem but......