Disclaimer: I own nothing of J.K Rowling's . I only own my plot and characters.
A/N: Good God! I can't believe this story is so damned long. ok whatever I need to get out of this story soon so I can finally do the third book. Three years for this damned trilogy, huh? lol... what a long time. oh well. ok anyone talk to Snapeybot? I LOVE IT
Chapter 32: Mesmerized
The middle of the dance floor. A statement on it's own. I am standing here... Yes, I decided I wanted to show off my love of dancing by volunteering for the dance competition. Dumbledore waited for about three minutes to make sure everyone who wanted to be in was in before he started any chatter.
"The rules," He began, looking at the fifteen people, including myself, who were going to dance, "are that you must keep your hands to yourselves, meaning no pushing or tripping your peers. Secondly, if you stop for more than ten seconds, you are automatically out. Thirdly, the last person on the dance floor is the winner. Have fun!"
Why was I up here? Oh right, because Hermione insisted I dance with her.
The music began immediately. It was upbeat, giving me this sudden rush of energy. Hermione and I started to dance, and Gwen danced her way over to us. I didn't even notice she stayed on the dance floor, but then again why wouldn't she be on here. She's so energetic! My whole body was moving, and I did not stop once. One by one people started to get tired. One boy was breakdancing, which made everyone want to stop and watch, but we had to keep moving. Hermione told me she wanted some air, so I decided to tell her a little trick to help us out. Dumbledore said we had to move, but didn't say how...
"Just follow my lead, Hermione.. You can too, Gwen." I felt like a leader for once... It felt nice.
As did the Macarena. I began to do this dance and soon Mione and Gwen picked it up and jumped in. We were laughing, but at least we could catch our breaths for a moment. The other dancers saw what we were doing, but instead of being angry, they joined too! We were all dancing the Macarena, and as we turned, I caught a faint glimpse of Dumbledore smiling.
When the Macarena wore out for us, we pressed on with our normal dancing. Again, more people became tired, therefore losing the contest. Unfortunately, even Gwen fell tired.
Throwing her arms in the air, Gwen shouted, "Good God! Save me from exhaustion!" But by the time she finished saying it, her ten second limit was up and she was disqualified. Poor Gwen.. I need her enthusiasm.
Then there were three.. Hermione, some Ravenclaw kid, and I were left on the dance floor. I wanted to stop, for my body became tired. My mood leaned towards pessimism, but I fought it and kept moving. The Ravenclaw boy, whose name was Shawn, did a handstand and a backflip.
Show off... Heheh.
Although this boy was very flexible in his moves, Shawn eventually fell over mid-flip and eliminated himself from the contest. Hermione and I were left.. And we both stopped at the same time. There was no way we'd challenge each other.
When Albus saw us both give up, he approached us and announced, "This is very rare. Two best friends giving up together in order to stay equal. Miss Maranda Maguire and Miss Hermione Granger have both won. After the Prom, please see me for your small prizes. Now, if you two take a seat," he looked at Mione and I, "we shall go onto the next and last event of the evening."
I was shocked that Ol' Dumbley-Dore let us both win. I respect it, though.
So, I sat down at our table, The Kerfuffle Table, and Dumbledore waited for everyone to settle down before saying anymore.
"Now that I have your attention," Began Albus, speaking calmly, "I must tell you all that so far, this has been the greatest Prom I've ever seen. I'm so happy that you're all having fun. Without further adue, I inform you of the last event of the night before I let you on your own to finish dancing with your friends. Some of you have heard about this, and soem have not. Either way, this part of our prom tradition is most popular for pupils that have a hard time expressing their respect and adoration, if you will, towards classes and teachers which they favor. Yes, you all know what I'm referring to: The Professor-Student Dance-Off. No, this is not mandatory, nor is it a contest."
Many students broke out into chatter, but Dumbledore hushed them gently. I already started to feel nervous...Who would I dance with?
"Within the next half-hour," Dumbledore pressed on, "You will all have a chance to dance with the professor or staff member of your choice. You do not have to dance with a teacher, but you still have the option of dancing with your friends as usual. Remember, only a half-hour or so, and then I give you the rest of the Prom to do as you wish."
I, personally, have never heard the word 'dance' used so much in one night. There was no one I could even consider dancing with. As soon as Dumbledore stopped talking, Hermione ran to Lockhart's side. In fact, about twenty other girls, (and few boys), were next to the Poptart, clinging onto him like fleas on a rat. How could anyone like someone so perky and ...O.K. I'll stop picking on Gilderoy for now.
Gwen, Harry, Draco, Veronica, Ron, Neville, and Seamus all wanted to dance. Seamus asked me to join, but I said no.
"I just want to relax," I lied through my teeth, "That contest wore me out."
...Alone...
Everyone found someone to dance with, it seemed. The orchestra was playing a slow ballad. I sipped at my fruit punch and nearly spit it out. It was terribly warm. I got up from my seat, took another drink, sat back down, and sulked.
Almost every teacher in the room was taken, with the exception of Dumbledore, who was reading something, and Snape, who also seemed to be sulking about in his normal way. I actually kind of feel bad for him.. I bit my lower lip..My eyes were glued onto Snape.. There was something that made me want to ask him to dance. Perhaps it was just coicidence that both of us were alone, or maybe it was the realization that my hatred for him was slowly deteriorating. True, I felt like dancing. True, I didn't want to be lonely...
True...The Snake is slithering towards me..
"Miss Maguire," The icy words poured out of Snape's mouth silkily, "You are all by yourself."
I retorted, "I'm fully aware of this, thank you."
"Why aren't you with your little boyfriend?" Snape egged me on...He wanted to instigate again?
Holding my anger in, I calmly said, "I don't have a boyfriend, for one, and secondly I'm worn out."
Half-smiling, Snape asked as I looked up at him, "Do you use that excuse with everyone who wants to dance with you?"
Whoa! He did not just imply that he wants to dance... No, he's not..I'm just thinking to...oddly.
"I don't make excuses.." I stated meekly.
Taking a seat next to me, Snape spoke softly, "No, you don't make excuses, you just use them. You clearly didn't listen to me. I asked if you always use excuses with everyone who wants to dance with you."
"Are you implying that everyone wants to dance with me?" My words came out too quickly..I didn't mean to ask that.
Staring into my curious eyes, Snape answered, "No, not everyone...Just your dunderhead friends...and perhaps me."
"You? You want to dance with me? Why?" I couldn't believe it.. He did want to dance with me, didn't he?
"Because," He stood up, keeping the eye contact, "You are alone...I'm doing you a favor by getting you back in your hyper dancing mood."
I stood next to Snape, "Wouldn't Ibe doing you a favor, Professor?" Yes, he was still my professor even though we were having a real conversation. I added, "You are the one who hasn't smiled all night!"
"I don't smile...I grin maliciously.." Snape made...a joke?
My reply was, "At least you can admit it."
With that, I walked onto the dance floor, knowing the Snake was was behind me. The oddest thing was...I liked it. He actually showed me a somewhat playful side. . Almost...flirty.. (I have to forgive myself for not finding a better word to describe it.)
The orchestra stopped their jazzy tune and began a waltz. Ironically, it felt like I was the only one who didn't know how to waltz.
"I guess you never know until you try.." I randomly stated this as Snape helped me pose in the right way.
As his arm brushed against my back, for we were in a waltzing position, I felt shivers run down my spine. Shuddering in my own shock at this, I saw the look of wonder fill Snape's eyes. He said nothing, however, probably because I was beat red with blush. Continuing to lead me in the right way of the waltz, I finally eased into it. I eased into the flow.. Into the magic.. I learned quickly the steps, which relieved me tremendously.
With an almost whole 'malicious grin,' Snape teased, "Too bad you don't learn Potions this easily."
"Too bad you don't teach this easily.." I shot back with a grin of my own.
We continued to dance..I felt mesmerized as the world spun around us. I knew people were watching in amazement..Snape...socializing and actually waltzing with a student? He never really went near a student other than in class... Especially me. I kept smiling though, as Snape led me into a spin. This was beyond fun, and I despised admitting it.
Suddenly, Snape pulled me closer and dipped me. I saw the Great Hall upsidedown for a few seconds, but when he pulled me up, Snape's hold on me was strong. I desperately wanted to twiddle my thumbs, for I was blushing again. I didn't know what was wrong with me. Another song came on, and neither Snape nor I pulled away. We swayed back and forth, occasionally turning.
"Another dance?" I asked to let him know I was aware that we were in another song.
Raising an eyebrow, "Apparently."
Ok someone wake me up.. I feel like I'm in both a nightmare and a dream.
Looking to the side, I spotted Hermione dancing with Lockhart. She looked happy, but Ron didn't. He was standing by himself, glaring deviously in Gilderoy's directions.
"You'll be back next year. Don't think this is the last time you'll see Hogwarts." Snape suddenly broke into conversation.
"I know." My response was short.
He continued, "It's going to be troublesome working with you by my side..but I think it might work out..If we both point our temper towards other things..
The song came to an end, and I felt Snape take his arm off of my back. He put his arms by his side, as did I. There was no way I would let my thumbs twiddle right now.
"Thank you for the dances, Professor Snape." My mouth formed another smile.
With another raised eyebrow, Snape half-smiled and stated, "Your welcome. Thank you too, for I almost smiled."
"No," I grinned and shook my head, "you almost grinned maliciously."
Nothing else to say, I turned on my heel and walked over to Hermione and the gang. The Prom was almost over, and I could safely say it was the best time of my life.