I'm sorry that it took so long to update this. I have not given up on this fic, believe me, I have many ideas for this story. Please note, this is unbet. Hope you enjoy!

It was nearing the end of October, October 31st to be exact. Halloween. The one holiday that witches and wizards treated like Christmas, maybe even bigger then that. It said Halloween was the most magical night out the whole year! Everyone was excited, including little Emily. After Dawn had told her of the muggle traditions back in America for little children, she was excited more to hear that the children could get sweets for free and get to dress up. When Severus had heard of this, he quickly said it was 'nonsense' and 'childish'. After seeing the sad look on his daughter's face, he said with a heavy sigh that they would try this "trick or treating" next year. But, this year they were invited to the Malfoy Manor for their annual costume ball and spend the a few days there. Dawn shuddered inside at the mere thought of staying at the place where Malfoy had lived and be stuck with him without any way of escape.
But, after their little "kiss", he had been avoiding her besides asking for help in the lessons plan. Dawn smirked when he was sore the next day, he had taken quiet the beating from her. Now she only hoped that he wouldn't try anything funny while during their stay. Or else he would be very bruised for the next few weeks.
Dawn was packing her suitcase for the trip ahead. She packed what was needed for a few days and the costume she had gotten after she heard about the costume ball from Marcy. Even it was with the Malfoys, it was still a costume ball. It was require all of the guests attending to wear masks. It was a Masquerade ball! Dawn had always wanted to go to one after Alisa got her to read the "Phantom of the Opera" series. As she was packing she was humming the song from the play.

"What on earth are you humming?"asked a smooth voice from the doorway.

Dawn turn around and was surprised to see Severus standing there.

"It's a muggle song sir, called 'Masquerade'. It's from a play."Dawn replied

"Well, just pack your bag quickly, the carriage will be here soon. I don't want to leave you behind."he said, he turn on a heel and walked out of her sight.

Dawn sighed and finished packing and shrinking it in size for her pocket. She grabbed her black robe and began to walk swiftly towards the front entrance.
-----

It's been at least five hours since they took off from the Snape Manor. Dawn and Emily had played some cards for a few hours, Dawn was teaching her both muggle card games and some she thought up when she was about Emily's age. Severus just sat in the seat, either watching them play or reading a book. Emily had asked her father to join in but he turned it down and continue reading. Dawn image what would Severus look like as he was playing strip poker with her and her friends, knowing he would lose against Stacy, the Poker Queen. She laughed slightly at the sight of Severus in only his underwear. Sitting on a chair, his dark hair brushing against his shoulders, a body that wasn't flabby but well build. His pale skin looking like alabaster, beautiful looking with his black hair. She shook her head. Where in the world did that came from? She sighed and thought it was from the lack of sleep.
Emily had tired herself out and was now sleeping with her head in her father's lap as he petted her hair softly. The carriage ride was now silent, Severus was reading his book and Dawn was looking out of the carriage window at the landscape.

"How long 'till we get there?"she asked suddenly as she played with the deck of cards in her hand.
He looked up from the book and stared at her for a few moments before replying.

"In an hour, at the latest, just in enough time to get ready for the early dinner."he said
"Din...dinner?"Dawn stuttered

"Yes, just something for Lucius, Mister Malfoy, to have for his personal guest before the ball. It's so we will not get hungry later on."explained Severus
Inside Dawn was screaming her head off. She couldn't even stand being in the same room with Draco, but his father? She hoped to the gods that he was at least better then his son. But, as they say, like father like son. She let her emotions settle before replying.

"That sounds nice of them."she said, trying to sound pleased

He cocked an eyebrow at her, seeming sort of surprised at her comment but made no move to reply. Dawn was already setting up for a game of 'Solitaire' for herself. Noticing there were no conversation between them anymore, Severus continue to read silently to himself.
It was half an hour later when Dawn saw gates up ahead with 'M' with a snake wrapped around it, she knew they were there. She gently woke up Emily from her slumber. She yawned as she rubbed her eyes from sleep.

"Are we there yet?"she asked, sleepily.
Dawn turn to Severus who gave a small nod and she turn back to Emily.

"We are, Emily, so get ready, okay?"

Emily nodded and jumped from the seat and stretched out her muscles before jumping back on the seat once again. Dawn quickly put away the cards and placed them back into her pocket. In a few minutes of waiting the carriage pulled into a slow pace and finally stopped. Two coachman open the door and helped both Emily and Dawn out and Severus came out last. Dawn smiled at the coachman and turn her head to the building in front of them. She thought Snape Manor was huge, but this took the cake. It wasn't much taller but looked bigger and more elegant, it was more of a castle then a manor. Roses under every window, balconies near the top, fine stone towers, and many windows. Her thoughts were disrupted when she saw Severus walking ahead of her with Emily trailing behind, she quickly jogged up to them towards the front doors. There a small, little house elf wearing what looked to be a dirty towel with a rope for a belt open the door and bowed it's head. It moved aside and let them in, knowing who they were.

"Shall Bibby fetch Master Malfoy for you?"it squeaked
"No need, Bibby."said a new voice from top of the grand stairs.

Dawn watched a man, no older then Severus, with long blond hair, gray eyes, and dressed in fine clothing. This just had to be Draco's father, they looked the same, expect for the high cheek bones the older Malfyo had. He walked down the steps and stood in front of Severus.
"It's been awhile, Severus,"he said
"Likewise."he said simply, nodding his head.
"Hello, Uncle Lucius,"said Emily sweetly, holding her father's hand.
Lucius smiled at her and bend down one knee, eye to eye.
"Hello to you too, young Emily. Has your father been treating you well?"Lucius joked almost smirking, she nodded.
"Very good,"he stood up and turn to Dawn, looking at her with intense eyes.
"Ah, you must be Dawn Phoenix, am I correct?"he asked
"Yes, sir,"
"My son has told me so much about you. It is a pleasure to have you in my home, Miss Phoenix,"he kissed her hand.

Yep, defiantly his father alright.
"Now,"Lucius clapped his hands and turn to Bibby,"Please take our guests to their rooms."
"Yes, Master."Bibby said
"I will see you are dinner then."Lucius bid farewell before walking out of the room.

Bibby motion with his hand to follow them. Bibby led them to one of the floors, Dawn lost count, he put Emily and Severus in different rooms and Dawn was left alone with the elf.
"Follow Bibby, Miss, Master Malfoy wanted to you have the former mistress' room."

Dawn swallowed and continue to follow the house elf along the hallway. He stopped in front of a door at the end and open it and let her in. A bed with green and silver sheets was the first thing she notice. See through curtains hung around the bed frame, there were craving of snakes in the bed post. Dawn looked around the room, noticing a walk in closet, a small bar at the corner, a balcony just outside the window, and door that led to the bathroom no doubt.
"Dinner will be served in an hour, Miss,"Bibby said
"But I don't have anything to wear."Dawn said, she didn't pack anything fancy in her suitcase.
"There are dresses in the dresser, they belong to the former mistress, they should fit your size. Good day."Bibby said as disappear in a 'pop'.
Dawn sighed and sat herself on the bed.
-----

After taking a quick bath in the bathroom, Dawn was searching in the closet, trying to find a dress that wasn't so dressed up in some words. There were many dresses in there, in many colors and shapes. All in fine fabric material that could put Marcy's creations to shame. She spotted a dress made of dark blue velvet material with silver designs and lining to it. Noting that it was the last one in the closet, she might as well wear it. Dawn slipped it on and felt silk push against her body, giving a warm feeling. She slipped into a pair of blue shoes and looked for any jewelry that could match. She rummage through the vanity table, it took several minutes but she pulled out a necklace with a dark blue tear shape jewel with a gold chain and matching earrings. After Dawn put them on, she began to work on her hair. She stopped what she was doing when she heard a knock. She put down the brush, quickly putting her hair in a bun. She walked towards the door and open it. She saw Bibby outside.

"Bibby is to escort Miss Phoenix to the dining hall."Bibby said

Dawn only nodded and let Bibby led the way. As they walked, Dawn looked at the moving portraits of past ancestors looking down in her, in either digest or interest. She hung her head low and kept her sight on Bibby, avoiding getting lost in the labyrinth of hallways. Finally they reached two tall double doors, Bibby waved his hand and the doors swung open for them. He let Dawn in first before following after her. There in front of her was not so long table she had hoped, fine china and silver ware, candle operas along the middle, and fine wooden chairs. Already seated was Severus, Emily...and Draco. She gulped slightly as she saw him almost smiling at her, more like a smirk. Bibby lead her to the seat near the head of the table, straight across from Draco and right to Emily. Inside, Dawn was praying that nothing bad would come from this. Bibby pulled the seat for Dawn and waited for her to be seat before pushing it in again and waiting by the door for further instructions. Lucius enter the room a moment later and sat down at the head of the table.

"That will be all, Bibby,"he said to the elf,"Now, go tell the other elves we are ready for dinner."he finished. Bibby nodded and disappeared.
Food instantly appeared on the plates in front of them, red wine for the adults and pumpkin juice for Emily. Everyone began to eat silently until near the half of the meal was finished, Lucius began to speak.
"Miss Phoenix, may I ask where you were before you were employed by Severus here?"he asked
"England, well, Diagon Alley to be more clearer."she answered
"And how long were you living there? You sound a bit American."
"A few years, maybe six, tops. I lived in America for most part of my life."Dawn replied
"Draco tells me you grew up in a orphanage before going to Magic School, am I correct?"he asked
"Yes, sir."
"Did you know anything about your father or mother before you went there? Even a clue to their heritage?"he asked
"No, went there only when I was a year old. I didn't bother checking out who they were and where they are, I was happy with who I was."Dawn said, trying to figure out what he was getting to.
"I see,"Lucius paused before continuing,"So you don't know if your pureblood or muggle-born?"
"Mister Malfoy,"Dawn said, trying to keep her cool,"I don't think is any of your business. Whether I'm muggle born or pureblood or even half troll, it's not your business!"she stood from her seat,"I think I should get ready for the ball. Good day."she said before storming out.
"Little feisty one she is."Lucius drawled before taking a sip of his wine.
-----

Dawn finished applying the blush on her cheeks, giving it a extra shine. She put on the small, half white mask on her face and saw her blue eyes shining through. She charmed her hair to be extra lighter to match her costume. She stood up and smoothed out the creases in her gown. She smiled as she looked at her full reflection. White, sleeveless gown, small white wings in the back, glitter going up and down her bare arms and on her chest. She was dressed as an angel. Or at least what looked to be one. Her hair was let down, some curls in them, and her once normal blonde hair now a few shades lighter. Her stomach was doing flip flops at the mere thought of dancing among strange people. Probably rich, pureblood, aristocrats just like Draco and Lucius Malfoy. Even they were rude and stuck up kind of people, it wouldn't be nice to treat the people providing shelter for her rudely. But, still, after what Lucius asked her during dinner was both strange and kind of rude. Lucius had no place to know if she was pureblood or muggle born, she was happy the way she was! She sighed. She better stop thinking about the Malfoys before she was thrown outside for hexing both men until they begged for mercy. Dawn check if everything was in place before heading to the ballroom. She wasn't going to allow a group of gits ruin her fun.

Two men in red uniforms were at the door that lead to the ball room, they open the door for her, she nodded her thanks and enter the grand ball room. Inside was filled with people dressed in costume, from fairies to princesses, the whole room was dressed up. Everyone was chatting to each other, either talking about Quittech or what happen in the news paper. The room went silent when Lucius stood on a platform before the musicians. He was dressed in a deep purple tailor coat with gold buttons and black pants, a little black mask laid on his face. He tapped his wine glass to get attention.
"Welcome all to my humble home!"he began,"It's a great pleasure for all of you to come, we have a great things coming up. And please, try not to drink too much, rather nothing happen like last year,"everyone laughed and nodded,"Now, let the dance begin!"he said
Once he stood from the platform, the musicians at the bottom began to play dancing music. Everyone either took a partner or continue talking in a group. Dawn felt as an outcast, she had no intention to talk to the guest, not knowing what in the world they were talking about! And she was too shy to ask someone to dance. She stood there nervously as she looked around the room. She was startled when a young man with brown hair stood in front of her.
"Would you like to dance?"he asked
She nodded and took his outstretched hand and lead onto the dance floor, a pair of eyes following her every move.
-----

Dawn was beginning to enjoy this ball much more as she predicted, after a few dances with the guests, more and more gentlemen asked her to dance. She clapped with everyone as the song was finished and some people moved off to the side to get refreshments. She felt someone tap her shoulder and faced with a man with long white hair and a red and yellow costume with a yellow mask. He smirked, showing off pearly, white teeth.
"May I have this next dance, Miss Phoenix?"he asked, she instantly recognized that voice.
Draco Malfoy.
Seeing she had no choice, the next song was about to begin, she nodded 'yes' and he smirked ever more and grabbed hold of her. He pressed his body very closed to his and took one of his and held it on her as the other kept to her waist. When the music started again, they began to dance in a waltz.
"You know you have to let go of my sometime, I do need to breath."she said
"Oh? And why would I want that? It's so comfortable with you in my arms, just like a perfect fit."Draco said
"Your very lucky this is a public place or else your little face would be purple by morning."she warned
"You have fiery temper don't you?"he spun her around and brought her back to him,"But I'm willingly to tame your fire."he whispered in her ear.
--------

Severus watched from the small refreshment stand, a cup of orange punch in his hands, as he watched the 'couple' of the hour. He watched as the angel danced with the son of the devil. He had watched the angel danced with nearly every gentleman here, from young to old, tall to short. Her feet almost seemed to glide against the polish floors, a bright smile on her face. But, it seem her smile faded when the young Malfoy asked her to dance, like everything was going to hell. He sighed and took a deep sip of punch. He turned his head when he heard his name being called.

"Severus, you shouldn't be on the side lines when a elegant dance is being held,"said the man next to him.
"I prefer to stay in the shadows, Lucius,"he said coldly as he looked at the blonde man.
"Really keeping up the rumor of you being a vampire, Severus,"he chuckled,"Come, you have to at least dance once."
"No, thank you, I don't dance. It's bad enough I have to get dressed up for this...silly nonsense."Severus said
"What? Your just wearing your normal black clothes with a black mask. Not much of imagination do we, Snape?"he smirked
He rolled his eyes and drowned the rest of the punch.
"But stick around, soon something magical is going to happen to change both mine and your's lives forever!"Lucius said smiling, he patted Severus arm before leaving off towards the small platform.
What could his old friend mean by that?
----

Dawn pushed Draco off of her, glaring at him.
"What do you mean by 'willingly to tame my fire?' about?"she asked
He took her hand and kissed slightly on her knuckles, smiling at her.
"You will see in a moment, love."he said casually before nodding his head towards the platform.
She turn her head where Malfoy senior stood upon the platform once again, tapping his glass to get the guest's attention.
"Sorry to interrupt your dancing everyone, but I have great news I would like to share,"he begin, getting everyone attention,"As you know for sometime my lovely wife, Narcissa, was killed during the Finale Battle, it was hard time for me and my son, Draco to coop with the lost of his mother and his bride-to-be,"he sighed and paused,"And as you know, no one lives forever, rather or not how good looking we are,"everyone laughed at his joke,"But, my Draco has recently informed me of a special girl he wishes to marry..."

'No...' was a thought of two people in the room.
"And that lucky little woman is, Miss Dawn Phoenix!" he said

Everyone turn their heads to Dawn, smiles on their faces as they clapped to the good news. Her was wide open, horror written in her eyes. They looked at her like she was suppose to do anything. She did what she could only do this situation.

She ran.