Chapter 13
Masquerade
- - - - -
Autumn was continuing to slip away as students hurried across the windy campus, large piles of brightly tinted leaves whirling around them.
Willow ducked inside the main building and shook off her wool coat. It was early Monday morning, the last Monday in October. It had been just two weeks since Pansy's come-uppance and so far, Draco and his friends hadn't plotted any revenge. It didn't mean that Willow wasn't worried though, because she was. Pansy was capable of Cordelia-like antics, and after living with Cordelia's stupidity through elementary and high school, she was ready for anything else that woman threw at her.
Monday was also the day of their postponed Potions test. She wasn't too concerned about it, since she and Keira had been holed up in the Library with Hermione all weekend, listening to the other woman explain every bloody detail. After their fifth hour the night before, Willow had finally awoken from her stupor and yawned, clearly annoying the other girl.
Like she told Keira at midnight when the two had finally gone back to their dormitory, she wasn't worried.
Breakfast was a tense atmosphere since nearly half of the students had the morning Potions lecture. Their usual table was no exception. Hermione had propped the textbook against the coffee pot and was reading through her notes so fast her eyes were blurred. Ron was glancing over her shoulder, idly toying with the ends of her hair. Harry was sitting across from them, frowning at notes he'd taken from Hermione's stack. Neville sat on the other side of Harry reading from the textbook, but unlike his Hogwarts persona of being in a pure state of panic, he was relatively calm.
Keira wasn't awake yet, but Willow was hardly surprised. Unbuttoning her coat, she took the seat next to Harry, who beamed at her. She smiled at him and set her bag and her coat on her other side. Pulling a platter of French toast towards her, Willow dished herself up.
Keira appeared five minutes later, looking as though she'd just run a marathon. Her backpack was still open and her Potions textbook was crammed in her other arm. She dropped everything next to Willow before taking the empty seat.
"Wasn't so sure you were going to make it," Willow teased her as Keira poured herself coffee.
"Ye of little faith," Keira grinned as she glanced at the dishes and platters around. "Damn, this looks good."
After a hurried breakfast, all of those in Professor Crieux's morning class rushed away. Once in front of their lecture hall, they started testing one another.
The doors opened and the class trooped in. Taking her usual seat between Keira and Harry, Willow looked around. All of the faces were somber and serious. Even Draco looked more tired than normal, his silvery eyes clouded as he scanned his notes.
Professor Crieux showed up five minutes later and handed out the rolls of parchment. Willow took hers and stared down at the long, long test. With a sigh of resignation, she put her quill to work.
An hour later, she handed in her test and made her way out of the lecture hall, stretching. She was joined a few minutes later by Ron. His hair was standing on end after he'd run his hand through it over and over again.
"That wasn't as bad as it could have been," he admitted as he waited with Willow outside their classroom.
"I'm not too sure how I did on the question about the Draught of Everlasting Peace, but I think I did okay," Willow said, as they both sat down across the hallway, waiting for their respective significant others to finish the test.
"I thought it was easier than what old Snape would have given us," Ron muttered, trying in vain to flatten his hair.
"I've heard a little bit about how bad he was," Willow said sympathetically. "He reminds me of Snyder, the principal of my old school."
For the next fifteen minutes, she and Ron traded stories. His were of a certain hook-nosed, oily-haired professor who constantly picked on the trio, while hers described an anal, hopeless, dateless disaster of a man who allowed himself to be eaten by a giant snake.
Keira was the first to emerge, but she looked slightly less pale and more bright-eyed. "At least I think I passed, and that's a start," she said cheerfully, dropping down on Willow's opposite side.
"I hope they're done, soon," Willow said, frowning at the closed door in front of them. "I have to get to class soon, and don't you guys have Practical Defense?"
Both Ron and Keira groaned at the thought of spending yet another hour in that doomed class. Ever since learning that stupid new game, they had worked on fencing and archery, and were now strengthening what Professor Gabon had called their 'physical endurance'. Keira considered it to be torture, while Ron just made a face, turned red, and didn't talk about it.
Professor Gabon believed that every witch or wizard needed to be strong. So, not only were they expected to become professionals at her stupid games, but they were also expected to participate in fitness tests. Different obstacle courses in various levels of difficulty had been erected for each class period. The last one involved a lot of rope climbing and swinging from rope swing to rope swing. Keira was still having problems getting the blisters to go away as she so colorfully told everyone who would listen. Ron would just turn red and look away.
Apparently the thought of Hermione in either a bathing suit or something that resembled gym clothes was a bit too much for his slightly younger mind.
She stood up when the door opened again, but it admitted three students she didn't know, and they barely glanced at her before hurrying away.
"I should get to class," Willow said, biting her lip and casting a look at the door.
"We'll watch after Potter, Wil," Keira said, getting to her feet and throwing an arm over the redhead's shoulders. "You'll see him at lunch, right?"
"I... I guess," Willow said, feeling slightly more morose.
Introduction to Magic passed as though the minutes were years. Willow was staring at the clock so often, she felt as though time had stopped. It was obviously very off-putting for Professor Weasley, who kept glaring at her and raising his voice whenever he read from the book.
They did simple switching spells and Professor Weasley passed back their homework. Willow smiled at the bright red ten in the upper right-hand corner of her parchment as she slipped it back within its folder.
To her irritation, though, Professor Weasley held her back after class.
He wasn't in such a stellar mood, either.
He glanced up as she approached, still tucking away her things. "Were you trying to perform illegal magic on my clock, or were things far too dull for your fancy?" he asked her in his biting tone.
Willow at least had the grace to blush. "Sorry, sir... it's just that... with everything else..."
"I'd hate to put someone with such a flawless record on restriction," he said, cutting through her babbled apology, "you showed bad judgment in acting quite foolishly. Did this school not accept you for your extraordinary powers, Miss Rosenberg?"
She opened her mouth, but the sound wouldn't come out. Why did this man have to chew her out as her father would have done?
He was gazing at her panic-stricken face and the lines around his eyes softened. "I have placed in charge of this year's Halloween celebration, which falls on Friday this year. As such, I have been looking for a student to be placed in charge of the committee I have been asked to create. Considering your poor performance in class today, I will ask you, in case you would like to earn some... extra credit?"
Willow was curious now as she pulled over the chair and sat next to his desk. "What exactly did you have in mind, sir?" she asked, pulling out her notebook. He appeared to be slightly impressed with her readiness and focus.
"I am uncertain," he said, frowning as he glanced at her. "What have been your past experiences with Halloween?"
Oh, where to begin... every Halloween on the Hellmouth had been that much more interesting. The best was when she'd actually become a ghost after Ethan Rayne pulled his stunt. "They've been... interesting," she said uncertainly. "There was one year... I was in the eighth grade, when werewolves stormed the school during our talent show, and some idiot turned the ballet team into dancing monkeys."
He stared at her for a moment in disbelief. "Okay," he said slowly, "continuing on... I want you to head to student committee. We have to find something that all students can attend."
"Dances are always fun," Willow piped up, making a note on her pad. "Especially costume balls... but only if you don't turn into the costume you're wearing, because if you're wearing a ghost, chances are you'll turn up all dead and see-through-y."
"I do like the idea of a costume ball," Percy said, sitting back in his seat and eyeing the woman sitting in front of him.
"We could have a masked costume ball," Willow suggested. "You know, wear the sparkly sequel masks and the dashing Zorro eyepatch... it'd be fun. It'd give us students a chance to unwind, especially since Professor Crieux nearly killed the class with his test today, and History of Magic won't be much better on Friday."
"That seems like a good idea to me," he said, also writing down the idea. "Now, Willow, I want you to find your own committee. And, no, I don't mean just Isley, Potter and my brother, although I know you are very fond of all of them. I want a representative from each house, including the house that Malfoy is in. I want this project to promote school and house unity. I know you two have had your differences, but I want things to be fair and just."
If he wanted to be fair and just, he would just burn down that house and start over, Willow thought dryly.
"I do want Keira on my team though," Willow said. "What else do we need to work on?"
"Entertainment, refreshments and decorations," Percy said, consulting the parchment next to his usual clipboard. "You have Practical Potions tonight, however, do you not?"
"Yeah, but I can meet you after," she said, already jotting down ideas.
"Let us meet at nine," Percy said, setting his quill aside and getting to his feet. "Now, I want your committee to be chosen so that they may be informed before tomorrow, and I can tell the rest of the staff we do have a plan for what to do on Halloween."
"Sounds good to me," Willow said, tucking her things back inside her bag. "Can I go now?"
"Of course," he said, nodding. "Enjoy your lunch."
By the time Willow actually got to the cafeteria, everyone was nearly done eating. Running in, she muttered her apologies as she sat down in her usual space next to Keira, who raised her eyebrows slightly at her.
"Where have you been?" she asked interestedly.
"Professor Weasley held me back," Willow said breathlessly, and proceeded to explain what was going on.
"So, let me get this straight," Keira said, holding up her hand, "Professor Weasley wants to promote school unity by involving the pure-bloods in this committee? Is he bloody mad?"
"That's Percy for you," Ron said from Keira's opposite side. Hermione, sitting on Ron's other side, gave him a pained look before leaning over the table.
"Don't worry, Willow. I'm sure everyone will jump at the chance to be on the first student-led committee," Hermione said consolingly, glaring at Ron.
"That only leaves me with just under nine hours to support house unity," Willow muttered, staring at her watch.
"Well, you've got your alpha picked out for ours," Keira said, grinning.
"Does she?" Harry asked, glancing up from his stew as he eyed Keira darkly. "How do you know she doesn't want her --"
Keira started giggling. "Oh, right, Harry! You just want to join the committee so that you and Willow can spend more personal time together!"
Harry turned a brilliant shade of red as he stood up, knocking over his empty goblet.
"Harry, sit down, please?" Willow asked from across the table, her eyes trying to convince him to understand. He sat down, muttering under his breath. "Keira, no... just, no. The second you join, we wouldn't get any work done!"
"That's not true!" Keira protested. "You and I work very well together!"
That statement was answered by a snort of laughter from Hermione.
"What?" she asked, turning to the other woman.
"You two... working well together?" Hermione asked doubtfully. "No offense, Keira, but whenever you two are together, you are twice as likely to accomplish nothing!"
Willow nearly choked out her juice as Keira stood up indignantly. Ron decided to step in quickly as peacemaker and soon Keira was exchanging a dark, knowing look with Harry before staring at her nearly-empty plate.
Willow, on the other hand, had just finished her stew and was glancing around the table. She spotted one dark hair and rose, grabbing her book bag. "If you'll excuse me," she said quietly, hurrying away.
Harry watched as his (potential) girlfriend ran after the cult now leaving the great hall. Sighing, he turned back to his lunch.
It was still cool as Willow ran outside, the heels of her boots clicking on the marble as she followed the group to their usual spot by the fountains.
It didn't take her long to be spotted. She watched as Kaz stood up to face her, but Draco put out his arm, his silver eyes curious. "Yes, Rosenberg?" he asked.
"I was hoping I could talk to--"
"What are you doing here?" Pansy asked coldly, suddenly appeared at Willow's right elbow.
"The right thing, for once," Willow replied, grabbing the girl by the elbow and dragging her around the corner, despite the minor protests.
"I'm not going to hurt you," Willow said, letting go of the other girl, who stared at her, darkness flashing through her eyes. "I just wanted you to know..."
"If it's about that prank your friends pulled, it worked," Pansy said darkly. "If you want to push the knife in the wound a little deeper, I suggest leaving. I'm not in the mood for--"
"Look," Willow said, shaking her head vigorously. "I didn't plan anything. That was all Parvati and Keira. I don't condone what they did, because in my mind, you didn't deserve it. Now, listen, you know a lot about parties and other social events. I've been placed in charge of the Halloween festivities coming up Friday night. I want to do a masked costume ball. I was told to form a committee for this thing, and I'm asking you. Please say you'll accept."
Pansy wasn't quite sure of what to say. First of all, Willow had to be the nicest person she'd ever met, and she knew quite a few. And then there was the fact she was Keira Isley's friend and Harry Potter's potential girlfriend. Lastly, the girl was fun to be around, despite the fact she wasn't a pure-blooded witch like herself.
"All right," she said after a long pause. "But only if I can pick a male from my house to be on the team with me."
"I was going to ask Blaise," Willow said quickly. "He's probably the only other person in the house I can tolerate."
"Well, of you insist," Pansy said, examining her nails. "What's this committee all about, anyway?"
"Professor Weasley wants to promote school unity, therefore he wants a committee with all four houses represented," Willow said in a tired voice.
"And you asked me, of all people?" Pansy asked, sounding surprised.
"I figured you earned it," Willow said with a shrug. "I didn't want to... well, let's just say I feel bad about what happened."
"As long as you don't put Isley or Potter on the committee, I'm good," Pansy said with a scowl. "I may have to kill both of them if I have to spend time in a room with them."
"I won't ask Keira or Harry," Willow replied. "On second thought, who would you want me to ask?"
"It doesn't really matter," Pansy said. "Do you have any idea about people from the other houses?"
"I'll figure something out," Willow said, grinning. "Okay, so meeting tonight in the Intro to Magic classroom at nine."
"Do you want to tell Zabini or should I?" Pansy asked.
"I'll do it."
The entire group looked stunned to see both women walking in a civil manner towards them. They figured Pansy would have thrown a few punches at the very least. But they actually smiled once they parted, and Willow walked directly to Blaise.
"Uh, what do you want?" he asked her coolly.
"Relax, Zabini," Pansy said curtly as she took her usual spot next to Draco. "Rosenberg has a favor to ask."
"Do you want to be on a student committee to plan and organize Halloween?" Willow asked him sweetly.
"Maybe..." he said, glancing at Pansy, who just nodded, arching one eyebrow in amusement. "Okay, fine," he said glumly as Willow clapped her hands, her face brightening.
"Yay, that's two for two," she said happily, doing the one thing no one expected she would ever do. She threw her arms around him, gave him a brief squeeze and then pulled back, still radiating and beaming. "Okay, so meeting tonight at nine in the Intro to Magic classroom. It's two-oh-four if you were wondering. I've got to go! So much to do, so little time!"
And they watched her breeze away.
"How about that?" Draco asked softly, glancing at Pansy sitting next to him, toying with one of her bright silver rings.
"I told you she was different," Blaise said sharply as he sat down on Pansy's other side, much to her annoyance.
"What's this Halloween event anyway?" Draco asked without much interest.
"A dance, what else?" Pansy asked, grinning as she ran a hand through her short, dark hair. "Oh, and we're going to make sure it'll be one they remember for a long, long time, aren't we Blaise?"
"What? Oh... sure..." Blaise said, still looking off after her.
"Oh, give it up, honey, because you're never gonna get her," Pansy said conversationally, digging in her bag for a file. "Just wait till Isley hears about it."
At that thought, Draco smiled evilly.
Practical Potions was another class that took forever to get through. Even though Ron and Willow were one of the first groups finished with their encouragement draught, she still wasn't ready to sit down at a meeting with Percy Weasley, and a large group of people she didn't know.
Keira and Neville, surprisingly enough, were becoming one of the most efficient teams. She did a lot of the spell-work while he read off instructions, collected ingredients and wrote out their Potions report. They were the first group done, much to the surprise of the rest of the class.
Keira was waiting for them outside of the room. Neville stood next to her, shyly looking at a girl he was quickly considering his friend, now that she didn't think of him as some stupid, bumbling oaf any longer.
"Going to your meeting?" Keira asked archly.
"Yeah," Willow said, crossing her arms.
"Did you pick your alpha yet?" she asked, cautiously. Willow had gotten so tired of the bickering between Keira and Harry that she'd skipped dinner completely, paying for it up at that new shop.
"Well, I wanted to pick a male," Willow said, ignoring Keira's scowl, "and picking Harry is way too cliché, so I chose Ron instead."
"You did?" Keira asked, her eyebrows lifting as she regarded the tall, gangly redhead next to her close friend. "I suppose it could have been worse. You could have asked that Pansy bitch."
"Right now," Ron said, interrupting this conversation. "We've only got a few minutes to get up there, Willow. Let's go."
"Wait," Hermione said, coming out of the room.
"Well, we'll be ready as soon as Mister and Mrs. Weasley say their goodbyes," Willow replied, smirking as she and Keira walked away, the dark-haired girl dragging Neville with her.
Ron joined her five minutes later and the two of them made it to the classroom on time.
Inside was Percy, sitting at a long table with six others. They all looked up when Ron and Willow walked in.
Ron's eyes widened when he saw both Pansy and Blaise sitting there, representing their houses. He turned accusatory eyes to his best friend's new girlfriend, but received an innocent smile in exchange. No wonder she hadn't asked Harry... he would have hexed her on sight had he been the one she'd asked!
Ron was still staring at Willow as she took the seat to Percy's right. He offered her a glass of water or one of the snacks displayed nicely on the trays scattering the table.
"Okay, so, you have all been asked here by Miss Rosenberg to discuss plans for the students' entertainment this Halloween," Percy said anxiously.
"I think I liked Willow's idea," Pansy Parkinson said, leaning across the table to snatch a rice-crispy bar from one of the silver trays. "A masquerade ball would be fantastic fun. It'd be a great chance to let loose and literally have a ball."
"Will there be alcohol served or is this something we have to decide on?" one of the other girls asked, glancing at Willow uncertainly. The only reason Willow had asked her was because she was the only girl in the House of Invocation she knew. And, she'd told the girl to invite her boyfriend from the other house she knew no one from. It didn't matter, since they were both in History of Magic.
"I was considering it," Percy said, frowning. "But considering the behavior of some of our students..."
Willow felt her cheeks growing pink. She'd only been drunk once, and it had been in the presence of... Blaise Zabini, who was giving her a quirky smile, his eyebrows rising. She coughed a bit and Percy cut off, glancing at her, concern in his eyes.
"Are you all right, Willow?" he asked her kindly.
"Oh, just great," she said, giving Blaise a mocking glare before grabbing her water glass. "I'm okay, continue on."
"Perhaps alcohol would be a bad idea, unless you had a few responsible students in charge of it," Blaise said, finally turning to look at the elder Weasley.
"I hope you're not suggesting yourself," Ron said, scowling.
"And if I was?" Blaise asked, amusement clear in his tone. But before Ron could cut back in, Willow laid her hand on Ron's arm to hush him.
"I like your idea, Blaise," she said loudly. Ron turned and looked at her in surprise. "I had a few, too, but I think yours is the best."
Harry was going to kill both of them, Ron realized. He was going to kill Ron because he'd actually accepted Willow's offer. And he was going to kill Willow because she invited two of Harry's enemies to this meeting. The poor bugger had no idea.
"As for sounds, I was thinking a band or a disk-jockey," the girl named Annah said, glancing up from her own parchment full of notes. "There was this fantastic band I heard of when I was in Canada last. I brought a tape I bought and I think Ricky here brought a stereo."
Lifting the battery-powered device, she slipped in the tape.
"Oh, my God," Willow whispered as Devon's familiar voice started ringing out.
"I don't remember what they were called, but the last time I checked, they finally got a record deal," Annah said happily.
"Dingos Ate My Baby," Willow said softly.
"I'm sorry?" Annah asked, blinking in confusion at Willow.
"That's the name of the band," Willow explained. "It's called 'Dingos Ate My Baby'. It was based in my hometown..."
"You're from Sunnydale?" Annah asked happily. "Oh, we were there about two years ago! I love it there! Except everyone is kind of... weird."
"You're telling me," Willow said dryly, as the sounds of Oz's guitar started. Closing her eyes, she turned away.
Ron knew what this was all about and placed a comforting hand over the feminine hand still on his arm.
Pansy was glancing at the look on Willow's face. Daniel Osbourne, this musician boyfriend Willow had mentioned... was a member of this band, surely. This redhead would only react this way if something this painful had been done... and she was surely acting strangely. Her lips quivered into a painful smile as she leaned across the table, offering the tray of snacks to the redheaded girl. "Here, take one of these. And we don't have to call up this band."
"In fact I have a better idea," Blaise said slowly. "There's this band at school here."
"Why would we want someone not famous that can't sing?" Pansy snapped at him.
"It's Daire's band," Blaise retorted. "I think they're called Wicked, and they can sing pretty damn good. We don't have to trouble ourselves in finding if this band is available or not--"
"No," Willow said quickly. "If you want Dingoes, I'll call... I'll talk to Devon. And Oz."
Pansy knew then she was absolutely correct. Who knew that getting this redhead drunk would spill such wonderfully intimate details?
"We don't have to," Pansy told her soothingly, turning to glare at this Annah girl. "Could you please turn that off, or do you expect her to lynch herself next?"
Annah gasped and quickly turned off the sound, the beautiful, heartbreaking lyrics cut off. Willow gave her a soft smile of thanks before returning her gaze to her notes.
"I think we still have decorations to discuss," Pansy said sharply, reaching for her glass. "Moving on..."
Oh, Harry was definitely going to kill him, Ron thought miserably as he dropped his chin onto his fist, glaring at Blaise and Pansy across the table, acting ever so concerned with the poor redhead next to him, looking as though her heart had been smashed all over again.
Ron was a dead man walking, if Harry ever found out...
- - - - -
It was nearing midnight when Ron and Willow walked back inside their house. Ron immediately went into the corner to find his girlfriend, who was curled up at the fireplace in her usual armchair, reading her History of Magic text.
"How was the meeting?" she asked, glancing up at him and moving the book away.
"Long," Ron grumbled. "Way too long, if you ask me. Percy wanted details on every single detail."
"That sounds like your brother," she said, as he dropped down next to her and wrapped his arms tightly over her shoulders. "Mmmmm... I could just sleep here."
He dropped a kiss onto her hair and smiled. "Just seeing you makes this whole crappy night better," he sighed.
"Besides Percy, what else could go wrong?" Hermione asked curiously.
"I think it has something to do with Zabini and that bitch Parkinson," Ron growled.
"They were there?" Hermione asked, turning to lay on her back, her head on the armrest.
"Yeah, she asked them to be there," Ron said moodily.
"Willow asked Blaise and Pansy to be at this meeting," Hermione said slowly. "I don't believe it."
"Believe it," Ron grumbled. "I was there nearly three hours. It was near torture."
"How did she act around them?" Hermione asked, sitting up straighter in his lap. He relaxed his arms around her waist.
"Happy," Ron said softly. "They were rather helpful and they really know how to plan a ball that much I'll give them."
"So, what's the big event?"
"A masked costume ball. You dress in a costume and wear a mask."
"Like we're twelve?" she asked, playing with his red hair thoughtfully.
"With alcohol," he added helpfully.
"Like we're a load of drunks."
"Pansy had this clever idea that the girls should ask the guys," Ron complained.
"Like you?" she asked, drawing her face closer to his.
"Like me, what?"
"Oh, ever so deviously clever," she said, pressing her forehead against his.
"But you love me."
"I really do."
"Then prove it."
"What?" Hermione asked, pulling back, laughing.
"Or you could just get back here," Ron said, pulling her even closer, despite her weak, playful protests.
"Oh, Ronald!" she moaned just before he took her face in both hands and kissed her, leaving her breathless.
Willow closed the door to her room on the fifth floor and glanced around, seeing Padma sitting at her desk, poring over her History of Magic textbook.
"Studying already?" she asked with a yawn, tossing her bag onto her bed.
"I didn't do so well on the first test," Padma groaned as she gently marked her page and closed her book. "I was also waiting for you to get back. What did you all plan?"
"A ball in which the girls ask the guys, alcohol and espresso are served, and international snacks are commonplace," Willow said with a sigh, starting to unbutton her blouse to change for dinner. "There's other stuff, too. It's all in my notes if you want to look."
Padma practically dove for Willow's leather book bag and pulled out the parchment.
"The announcement is going up in the morning," Willow informed her, opening the door to her wardrobe and stepping behind it. A moment later, her grey blouse fell to the ground.
"This is going to be fun," Padma said, setting the lists aside. "I have an idea for you..."
Willow pulled back, dressed in a pair of fuzzy pink pants and a matching tank top. "Yeah?" she asked, pinning her hair up.
"How about a sleepover?" Padma asked. "That huge room where Keira sleeps is perfect for such a place. We can comfort each other with ghost stories and junk food."
Willow giggled. "That sounds... great," she said, picking up her clothes and folding them. "Let's just get to Friday first, okay? We've got a lot of work to do, and you have a man to think of asking to this ball."
"We have to have a date?" Padma grumbled as Willow walked out of the room again, train case in hand.
By the next morning, everyone was talking about Friday night. Keira caught up with Willow before breakfast, beaming.
Their table was full of excited chatter, along with the rumors of who was asking who. Hermione had already asked Ron, which surprised no one. Willow was working up her courage to ask Harry, but before she could open her mouth to ask him, Aura came out of nowhere, glowing. With her was Parvati, grinning in a sheepish way.
"Are you going to explain your big goofy smile or do we have to guess it?" Willow asked, sipping her coffee.
"We've just been talking about who we're going to ask out Friday night," Parvati said, giggling a little breathlessly.
"Oh," Willow said, finding herself giggling along with them. "Speaking of asking..." She turned to Harry, a smile breaking out across her face, she said, "So, want to go to the dance with me on Friday night?"
Harry looked startled for a moment before turning pink and trying to speak several times, he finally managed, "Sure."
"Great!" she said, leaning over and kissing his cheek. "Now if you'll all excuse me, I have a band to book."
Willow jumped to her feet and lifted her bag onto her shoulder. Taking one last bite of toast, she headed off.
"Why does she keep doing that?" Aura asked.
"I don't know," Keira muttered. She was well aware now that the announcement said that the ladies had to ask the guys. The problem was, she wasn't really sure that she wanted to go with any guy. And hearing all of these rather flirtatious females talking about it wasn't going to make her any more comfortable.
Sure enough, Aura turned to her and, grinning, asked, "So, who are you asking Keir?"
"I don't know," Keira said shortly.
This caught Harry's attention. "You don't know?" he asked, surprised.
"You probably should ask someone soon," Ron piped up. "Because you should coordinate outfits with your partner."
"Yeah, well, not really much with coordination, am I?" Keira asked sullenly, adding milk to her coffee.
The rest of the table started talking about the dance again, but Keira wished that they could find something else to talk about.
Potions was torture for Keira. Harry and Willow spent the entire period whispering and settling on a costume idea before filling out the little advertisement Willow had. Harry then took it and promised that Hedwig would deliver the package on time.
It was really ridiculous, all of this talk about dances and stuff. Keira had never cared much for social events, unless she planned them, and squeezing into a tight circle of gyrating bodies swaying to crappy music wasn't her idea of a quality Halloween.
Lunch was also brutal, but at least Keira could find a tiny room in the Library and lock herself away all after to study for History of Magic. Willow had Runes and wouldn't be there, which brought Keira some sense of relief.
Pansy and Blaise caught up with Willow just before she could head upstairs to Runes. "Hey!" Pansy called out, jogging over to her. "We heard you booked Wicked."
"I did this morning," Willow said, glancing down at the pair of them.
"Great!" Blaise enthused sarcastically. Seeing the glare both women were throwing him, he added a mild, "What?" in annoyance.
"Shove off," Pansy growled. Blaise raised his eyebrows at her, yet walked off, calling a less-than-cheerful goodbye at the both of them. "Boys... anyway, I wanted to let you know everything has been cleared for decorations. I hope you don't mind me going to Draco, but with his resources, he can pull a rabbit out of a hat. He's agreed to help us out. As for food and alcohol, I'm assuming those other idiots can handle it?"
"They'll manage," Willow said, setting her heavy bag down on the stairs. "I talked to Annah this morning."
"A bit of a dim-wit, isn't she?" Pansy asked sweetly. "I mean, she's absolutely brilliant, but when it comes to planning and organizing, the poor bint just falls apart."
"That's the tragic history of most of us," Willow agreed. "Have you asked someone out yet? As one of the chairs of the project, you pretty much need a date, Pans."
"Oh, don't worry about me," Pansy smirked. "I got my guy picked out and asked. Have you settled on a costume yet? I was planning on Cleopatra, but asking my man to settle for Mark Antony is a different matter completely."
"Cleopatra..." Willow said, frowning as she considered this. "That's ambitious. Not to mention you're going to completely rip Draco apart."
"How did you know I wasn't seeing him anymore?" Pansy asked lightly.
"I read people pretty well," Willow said with a shrug. "In this case, I can safely say that you and Draco aren't together."
"Not anymore, anyway," Pansy said with a dramatic sigh. "Trust me, he's got girls lining up across the block. I heard Daire asked him out, and he turned her down flat. Blaise even got asked..." A sour look adorned her face as she sighed huffily. "I sure as hell hope he turned her down."
"Turned who down?" Willow asked softly.
"Patil, of course," Pansy snapped, running a hand through her hair. "Parvati Patil, Blaise's one-time, one-night fling has come running back... and has asked him to our dance."
"Parvati and Blaise..." Willow mused, smiling at that. "You never know. Opposites do attract you know."
"Sometimes," Pansy replied, shrugging. "I suppose you should get going. Don't you have class now?"
Willow checked her watch and cursed. "Oh, crap, yeah... I'll see you tonight?"
"See you!" Pansy said, giving her an airy wave as Willow disappeared out of sight.
As she turned around, she met the bitter, snarling face of Keira Isley.
"What the bleeding hell are you doing with her?" Keira demanded angrily.
"We were just talking, Isley, relax," Pansy said with a cool smile. "You see, unlike you, Rosenberg has class. She doesn't humiliate her enemies. She keeps them close... maybe closer than you'd like."
"I know you're just using her to get at me," Keira said, backing the shorter girl into the corner, her face and tone livid. "You stay away from her, you filthy little bitch, or I will make sure you won't see the light of day again. Do we understand each other?"
"Why don't you ask her why she picked me to be on her little committee?" Pansy asked sweetly as Keira's eyes widened.
"You... you bitch!" Keira cried, and losing control completely, she slapped Pansy hard across the face before storming off.
Pansy touched her cheek, laughing under her breath. "We'll see who has the last laugh, my dear... because Willow isn't being coerced into anything... not anymore."
Turning, she walked the opposite way, her cold laughter echoing in the long corridor.
Keira walked into the place where all of the birds were kept. She spotted Ailis quickly and moved to her raven. "Hey, girl," she said as Ailis flew down, landing neatly on her outstretched arm. "At least you understand..." she whispered, neatly stroking her raven's gorgeous black cover.
By the time she returned to the great hall for dinner, she made up her mind to be gentle when asking Willow what the hell she'd been thinking.
But Willow wasn't at dinner. In fact, neither was Ron, something Hermione noticed but didn't say anything about.
After forcing herself to study her History of Magic notes for another hour after dinner, she finally couldn't stand it anymore and walked up to Willow and Padma's room. Knocking a few times, Willow answered, looking wary.
"I suppose you want to know why," she said, holding the door open as Keira passed by in front of her.
"That would be a hell of a good start," Keira snapped. "Pansy Parkinson, Wil... Pansy Parkinson?"
"Look, I don't know this stuff, okay? She was the best choice and once she gets on her own, I happen to think she's rather nice!"
"Nice and manipulative, you mean, Willow. You're so naive! She's trying to manipulate you!"
"Then why is she helping out?" Willow retorted. "She and Blaise have done basically everything! The rest of our group, sans Ron, is hopeless!" Her face softened as she took in the shock on her close friend's face. "Besides, it's not like you care anyway."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Keira asked angrily.
"I read people well," Willow said, sitting on her bed and reaching for a teddy bear. "I know your parents had a really crappy marriage and you saw a lot--"
"Stop with the pity party, because I'm not interested," Keira said coldly.
"The point is, Keira, you don't want to go because you can't let it go," Willow said softly. "Do you know how many men would jump at the chance to go out with you?"
"Yeah, right," Keira muttered.
"Blaise Zabini told me that if you asked him, he would say yes in a second," Willow said gently. "And I'm sure Seamus or Dean or Neville or one of the others would--"
"Uh, how about not?" Keira asked, glaring at Willow. "I didn't come here to become some part of some squishy couple and get laid, all right? I came here to learn, and so far the only thing I've learned how to do is to hate someone I don't even know and protect the first friend I've ever met in the magical world. There... you happy now?"
Willow put the stuffed animal aside. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you," she finally said. "But we're working hard to make Friday a success. I really hope you decide to come, because I want my best friend there." Seeing the dark look on Keira's face, she continued. "I promise I'll watch my back around Blaise and Pansy, too. But you have to let all of that pent-up rage go... she doesn't deserve all of your hate."
"She's tried to ruin my life, Willow," Keira said, blinking. "And yours, too, remember?"
"It's all in the past," Willow said, glancing at her feet. "I just want there, for once, to be unity. You know... reality."
"If they transform us all into hyenas, I'm going to say 'I told you so'," Keira said dryly. Yet she crossed the small room and dropped down next to Willow, wrapping her arms around the redheaded girl.
"Thank you," Willow said, hugging her friend back.
"I don't condone what you did," Keira said, her eyes still full of pain, "but I know why you did it."
- - - - -
By the time Thursday night came around, everyone was beyond excited. Most costumes had arrived during owl post at lunch. Hedwig appeared with a mail-order owl carrying a large brown bundle. Willow took it and squealed as she examined the contents with Harry.
Meanwhile, Keira still hadn't asked anyone, and most everyone was taken or going stag. She'd finally ordered something, but wasn't expecting it till Friday, considering she'd just ordered it the night before.
Willow had been excused from lessons all of Friday to help prepare for the masquerade ball. Ron had been given that time, too.
Friday morning was full of excitement as everyone awoke to small black-and-orange bags stuffed full of both Muggle and non-Muggle candy were hanging on everyone's doors.
Keira's included a small apology note, which made her smile sadly. Willow always was considered the thoughtful one.
The only thing to put a damper on everyone's spirits was the History of Magic test at one that afternoon. Willow and Ron, along with Blaise, Pansy and the rest of their group, all took it before breakfast and came out of it, looking both pale and drowsy.
Decorating that morning was a full-time chore. Daire and the rest of her band mates appeared around lunch time with submarine sandwiches and sodas for all of the people trying to organize the large, circular room.
Willow and Ron did most of the arranging, while Blaise and two other boys hung large banners on the walls. Real fairies locked in a cage were delivered shortly after lunch. By the time mid-afternoon had come and Harry and Hermione visited, the place looked to be transformed into a real castle.
For one, there were realistic-looking dragons perched on the stone columns outside both entrances.
The caterer had just arrived and Pansy hurried over to help him unload his carts while Blaise and Annah chased around one of the charmed dragons which had broken loose and was stampeding all over the large gazebo at one end.
"This place looks fantastic," Harry said breathlessly as Willow walked up behind him, looping her arms over his shoulders.
"I know," she agreed, dropping her head on his shoulder. "Look at this world we made... isn't it pretty?'
"Not as pretty as you're about to be," Harry agreed, resting his head against hers.
Ron and Hermione were having a more private moment. Willow took Harry by the hand and led him around the large room. "I didn't know this room had two levels," he said as they walked upstairs.
"It was magically concealed," she said, as they crossed to a railing. Tiny orange string lights were hanging from the edge. Directly below them was a fountain of pumpkin juice, sprouting from three levels into a pool of the thick, orange liquid below.
"I can't wait till tonight," he said, pulling her closer.
"Mmm... neither can I," she agreed with a kittenish giggle, just as she heard Pansy calling her from below. "Duty calls," she said, pulling away with a regretful edge to her tone. "I'll see you in a few hours?"
"I'll pick you up from your room at ten to eight," he said, kissing her quickly as she darted off.
Keira smoothed the long, rich folds of fabric and stared at her reflection in the three-way mirror at the end of the hall on the sixth floor. Hearing a whistle sound behind her, she glanced up and met the reflection of a pair of eyes staring at her bare back from behind her.
"I didn't expect to see you," she said softly.
"You look amazing," the voice replied, soft brown eyes staring her up and down. "Almost like a queen."
"I don't think any queen would wear this," she said, turning, her long bare arms glistening from the effort of putting the dress on. It was a deep royal blue, with gold braiding. With it was the gold-sequined mask she wore over her eyes, concealing their obsidian depths. Her dark hair had been pulled up into a beautiful twist, a long length of gold braid acting like a headband.
"You shouldn't have to go alone," the voice said nervously, taking a few steps forward before offering her a small blue box. "I know it's against tradition, but I was hoping you would come with me tonight."
"I thought you had a date," she said, glancing at the figure in surprise as she removed her mask.
"I said no," the figure replied, pushing the box into her hands. "See, there's only one person I'd even consider going with tonight, and she didn't even have the guts to ask me."
Keira felt her breath catch in her throat as she opened the box. Inside was the most beautiful golden orchid. She let out a soft breath as he took it in his hands and pushed it onto her left wrist.
"See? Beautiful... just like you," the figure said, stepping closer and gently brushing a few black strands from her face. He could see his face reflected in her shining dark eyes.
"Why are you doing this?" she asked softly, lifting a hand to hide the tears springing to her eyes. But his gentle hand moved up and captured hers, while tender fingers brushed the tears from her carefully made-up eyes.
"Because for once, just once... you deserve your chance to shine," the figure said, taking the box from her hands. "Say you'll go with me."
"How can I say no?" Keira asked, her lip trembling now. "You have no idea what this means... I was always the weird girl who never got asked out and now... thank you."
"No more tears," the boy said, moving to her side and examining her costume more critically.
Her own eyes were staring at his suit, royal blue with golden braid. "Did you plan this?" she asked breathlessly.
"I knew you'd never have enough courage to go against the norm, so yes," the figure said, giving her a soft smile. "Now, let's go before we're late."
"Willow--" she started.
"-- is being escorted by Harry," the figure replied, offering her his arm. "Now, please, come on. We don't want to miss one hell of a coronation."
Keira had no choice but to go with him. Inside, she was already glowing.
- - - - -
Willow was ready at ten to eight as she had promised. When she opened the door to let Harry in, she gasped and felt her jaw drop.
"I... wow..." she said softly.
"I think I'll raise you a wow and an 'oh my'," Harry said, his eyes nearly bugging out. For some odd reason, he sure as hell knew how to pick them.
Her costume was that of a stunning princess, or something like it, as she'd hastily explained. It was more daring than ninety-five percent of her wardrobe and yet she still amazed him with these risks she continued to take.
She was wearing a long, silver strapless gown. Most of her upper-body was sprinkled with some sort of glittery, shiny lotion or spray that made her skin glow. Her gown fell down to the floor and belled out dramatically, leaving room for her silver high-heeled sandals. Her hair was pinned up in a swirl, with tiny silver stars and rings of silver lining her hair. Her make-up was done to the point where she seemed to glow even more.
She was, in a word, intoxicating.
His coordinating costume was a full-up silver suit, complete with the matching shiny silver shoes. The tips of his hair had even been spiked with silver. He wore his own glow-in-the-dark silver mask on his face. She held one on a stick, a long strand of silver dangling from the edge, showing off a few more shiny stars.
All in all, they made a gorgeous couple yet again, he realized as he helped her into a shawl that was little more than a wisp of smoke across her shoulders.
"Where's Padma?" he asked conversationally as she grabbed a small silver clutch bag.
"She's with Parvati and her old Ravenclaw friends," Willow replied, grabbing her room keys and her lip gloss, sticking them both into her handbag, which she thought was ridiculous, yet it matched her outfit. "Shall we go?"
"We shall," he said, offering her his arm.
They reached the ballroom just shy of eight and found the parlor crowded with couples. Once inside though, she smiled at the real fairies floating above them. The dragons were roaring realistically, and the tables with actual rubber hands that were charmed to act real, were passing out snacks. The pumpkin juice fountain was a huge hit, as was the bar, which she spotted Blaise and Parvati.
"He went with her after all," Willow gasped softly. But Harry wasn't looking at them. His eyes were on the couple who had just walked in and were taking in the beautiful surroundings. "Keira?" she asked.
Keira released her date's arm and moved over to embrace her close friend. "It looks amazing!" she squealed. "And so do you... you look like a goddess!"
"And you look fantastic!" Willow said, hugging Keira again. They both paused to watch a mer-couple pass by, laughing as their tales kept whacking the floor, making squishy fish noises. There were many long, flowing ballroom gowns. There were cute costumes, such as a large pair of fuzzy dice walking around. One couple even dressed as a pair of butterbeer bottles, wearing cap-shaped goggles.
Another rather pleasant surprise was seeing Pansy Parkinson walk in with her date. Willow didn't see exactly who he was, but she recognized the outfit immediately. A strapless bra top with plenty of silver jewelry and red lipstick that was borderline black against her pale skin... the outfit matched Pansy's outfit perfectly.
She appeared to be the only one who saw her costume in a positive light, however.
"She looks like a tramp," Harry said, throwing Pansy a sneering look.
"She doesn't look that bad," Keira said, watching as her date approached the bar.
"Her date's in a toga," Aura laughed as she approached the group. "Oh, my goodness, Keira! You look smashing! So do you, Wil, and so does this room! How did you do it?"
"I believe it was with my help," said a cool voice. The group turned to see Pansy Parkinson standing there as Cleopatra herself, complete with the Elizabeth Taylor attitude. Willow was the first person to step forward and extend her hand.
"You did an awesome job, Pansy," she said, giving the woman a bright smile. Keira grudgingly agreed.
Pansy was stunned by Keira's change of heart, but didn't ask about it. Her date suddenly approached, and with him was Ron and Hermione. They were both wearing bright red riding habits and gear, looking as though they were having the time of their lives. They were both carrying firewhiskey and they both greeted the others before disappearing to the dance floor, depositing their drinks on the table.
"That's a first," Harry muttered, pulling Willow aside, his arms moving around her waist. "Do you... would you..."
"Dance with me?" she asked suddenly, taking one of his hands and dragging him under the bright, flashing orange lights.
And yet, compared to the Yule Ball four years ago, this seemed almost... casual. No evil Professors overlooking them to make sure every step was perfect. With Willow, he could finally relax and be himself.
She helped him place one hand on her waist and took the other firmly in hers as her opposite hand went to his shoulder and rested against his neck. They moved easily through the few dancers. Ron and Hermione were doing a rather interesting dance that looked more as though they were trying to leap vaults. But it was Keira's partner that his eyes rested on. "Hey," he said, leaning over to whisper into her ear. "Isn't that..."
"Yeah," she said, grinning up at Harry. "Couldn't you see that coming a mile away? I sure as hell couldn't."
"Imagine that," he said, turning Willow abruptly so he could keep his eyes on her. Willow moved him back slightly so she could peer over and stare, too. "I never thought he had it in him."
"I think they're cute," Willow said, a soppy look appearing on her face.
"You sap," he said, turning back to focus on her.
"And don't you forget it, mister," she said, wiggling her eyebrows. Forgetting all pretenses, he pulled her closer, wrapped his arms around her, and swayed to the music. Meanwhile, Willow's eyes closed as she rested her head contentedly on his shoulder.
It was a night they would all remember, she was sure. Photographers danced around, taking black-and-white moving photographs to be recorded in an album for later use.
Keira and her partner moved seamlessly through the crowds. He was surprisingly light on his feet, considering for the past ten minutes he'd been telling her how awful he'd used to be at dance. Until he had finally taken lessons.
"You're a great dancer," she said as they continued to tango around in their crazy half-circles.
"You're better," he offered.
"Not by much," she said, wrinkling her nose.
"Well, you never know," he replied, twirling her again. She gasped as he dipped her and as he pulled her back, their faces were inches apart.
Time seemed to stop moving around them. All that really existed was this tiny bubble she never knew existed. It was as though happiness were wrapped up within time, and it allowed her to see what she hadn't seen before. It allowed her to see with the eyes of a woman bowled over by kindness, generosity and boldness. She never would have expected it of him. She had mocked him, critiqued him and called him a coward.
But inside, she was the coward. She was the quivering little girl afraid of a real commitment. Willow was one of the only people she'd allowed to get close. And now this boy was standing before her, such sincerity in his gaze as he smiled at her. He wanted to be with her, here and tonight. His other date was glaring at him with such reprove that she felt slightly awkward, but when he held her... nothing else mattered.
She was still wrapped up in her bubble.
By eleven, most of the couples had moved to more private areas. Harry sat with Willow perched on top of him, both of them sipping butterbeer. Ron and Hermione were in the chairs next to them, drinking their firewhiskey and talking quietly.
Keira was still out on the dance floor, and Pansy and her date had taken over bar duties so that Blaise and Parvati could get a few dances in before the masquerade ball was over.
"I'll be back," Willow said softly, standing up and moving across the floor. As she did, Blaise caught her eye and he said something quietly to Parvati, who grinned at him, kissed his chin, and disappeared.
"I think I owe you this one dance," he said, prying her back onto the floor.
Meanwhile, Aura and Hermione practically had to push Harry back into his seat to keep him from storming across the floor in a jealous rage. Parvati, seeing the look on his face, quickly hurried over to claim her herself.
"For old time's sake," she said, tugging Harry upwards. "The one time we danced was crap, Potter, and you know it."
"Maybe just one," he said, glaring at Blaise from across the room.
Wicked was still playing, despite a forty-minute break in which they'd used a DJ. But now they were playing a song well familiar to Willow, and she closed her eyes to listen to it as she and Blaise drifted over the floor.
while she was lost in the lyrics, Blaise was gazing at the redhead in his arms and feeling slightly foolish. Was this the same woman he had played again and again at the beginning of the year? Was this the same woman he had once thought an idiot?
Was this the one girl who could actually befriend Pansy Parkinson and not get murdered by her true friends for doing so?
And why was Harry glaring at him like that. Smirking, he lowered his hand down to her waist, causing Willow to open her eyes and slap his arm. "Hey, no touchy-feely," she muttered into his shoulder.
"But you're so touchable," he teased as she pulled back, giving him a mocking pout. He just leaned over and brushed her red bangs from her eyes. "You look incredible, Wil. If anyone out there deserves the credit for tonight, it's you."
"It's all of us," she said quietly. "Besides, I feel kind of good knowing that you and Pansy, for once, stayed true to your word and helped us pull a rabbit out of a hat."
"It was a pretty big rabbit," he teased, as she smiled, and they continued to dance.
Harry, on the other hand, was moving like a statue. "Why are you going out with that jerk again?" he asked darkly.
"Don't call him that," Parvati said, glaring up at him. "He's grown up a lot since... well, since last month, really. He doesn't deserve your prissy attitude, and frankly I don't know why Willow puts up with it. You're so down about people. Maybe it's time you grew up, too."
He shut his mouth as they finished off the rest of the song.
Before long, Willow was back in Harry's arms as Wicked announced it was playing the final song of the evening. Everyone was up and dancing now, and suddenly a beautiful ring of candles was lit above them.
And the one song Willow had requested they play was playing.
Looking back on the memory of the dance we shared 'neath the stars alone… for a moment all the world was right… how could I have known you would ever say goodbye?
Keira glanced up into the masked face of the man who had, for once, swept her off her feet. She had not wanted to go at all, and now she couldn't imagine not wanting to go. Her hand reached up and touched his face and he turned to her, his eyes glistening behind his mask.
"You're still a coward, Isley," he said quietly.
"I don't see that changing much," she said softly.
"Maybe not yet… but give it some time…"
"What do you mean?" she asked, confused as they continued to sway to the music.
"I think we should try doing this again," he said, indicating the fact that she was having fun in the company of one member of the opposite sex and she hadn't insulted him once that night. "You might enjoy it. I know I probably would."
"You must really like me if you actually want to spend time with me," she teased.
"Maybe I really do… or did you never consider that?" he asked softly.
She didn't have an answer for him.
And now, I'm glad I didn't know how it all would end the way it all would go… our lives are better left to chance, I could have missed the pain, but I'd had to miss the dance...
Ron and Hermione were barely moving to the music. All he felt was the way she breathed into his ear, and the intensity he felt every time she moved in his arms.
"Did I tell you how beautiful you looked tonight?" he asked her softly.
"Mmm," she sighed. "I heard it once or twice from you, yeah."
He gave her arm a light slap as she laughed, the sound resonating through his body. How he loved the sound of her laughter.
Holding you I held everything… for a moment wasn't I a king… but if I'd only known how the king would fall, hey who's to say you know I chanced it at all…
"How are you doing?" Harry asked worriedly. Willow had been clinging to his neck for the past few moments, making soft purring noises.
"Sssh," she said softly. "I like this song."
"More than you like me?" he asked.
She pulled back slightly to look into his eyes. Then, with a smirk worthy of Pansy Parkinson, she answered, "Maybe."
He kissed her then, something out of the blue. As they parted, he saw the way the frost-colored make-up she wore glistened in the candlelight from above. Raising her eyes softly, she grinned. "Or maybe not."
And now, I'm glad I didn't know how it all would end the way it all would go… our lives are better left to chance, I would have missed the pain, but I'd had to miss the dance.
- - - - -
Two hours later, after they had both changed into comfortable sleepover clothes, they both grabbed their wands, their blankets and their pillows. Taking out two candles, she handed one to Willow and with a single incantation, their candles were lit.
They were met in the corridors by other faces holding candles. With a crate of goodies floating before them, the women climbed the stairs to find Keira.
She had just changed into a black nightshirt and appeared to be startled to see a large crate drop on her floor.
But she grinned at the surprise of a dozen candle-wielding figures floating behind it.
- - - - -
Chapter 14... Keira gets her inner-diva on; Pansy starts to realize that being nice will get her everywhere; Willow gets another dramatic surprise.
The song in the chapter above was the one this fic was named for, "The Dance" by Garth Brooks. It was requested at my sister's wedding reception, so I happen to think it's okay slow-dance music. Especially if you've had a lot of rum.
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. It was longer for a reason. It's been over a month since I last posted, and I felt like finishing up this chapter for a Dance update. Three hours... three little hours tonight I took to write a third of it. I don't know if I got across what I wanted to, but for once Halloween was a good experience for all. I'm hoping one week between updates now, but you never know. They'll be slow in coming, I'm afraid. Work and work and family stuff and other stuff, and all that good. I'm still aiming for 25 chapters, so I'm about halfway done with this story. And it will have a point, which we're getting to shortly…
BIGHARRYFAN -- Thank you :) I felt bad for Pansy, but with what I intend to do with her, I'll feel sorry for whomever gets in her way... one thing about Dragons, when wounded in a corner, they become vicious.
Krylancelo-- I tend to update fast. Real life catches up fast though. Thanks!
Vampyr Moon -- I like my Malfoy too. So far I've written him as a total "prick" and as a sickeningly sweet guy. I wanted a moderation, so I chose creepy Malfoy. I love Willow FAR too much to let her be all "oh my God, revenge is so sweet" and all that. She's above all of that.
dawn of the new world -- Buffy will come in a few chapters, or so I'm thinking. I think it'll start when a little problem with Faith comes around...
Jewel34 -- many, many thanks :) I hope it stays that way!
snave bobst -- yeah, that was a typo. I should go back and fix it. This is really unbeta-ed so any mistakes I make are probably going to pass my eyes, since I read and reread these chapters so frequently sometimes. Willow/Percy? Not in this fic and probably not in this lifetime. For me, that choice was been Willow/Harry all the way. I just wanted to see where it would go. Other pairings are still up in the air, and I still have more OCs to introduce and stuff yet.
Lucy – wish granted, tonight. I hope you don't mind.