Disclaimer.
J.K Rowling went out one day so I took her characters out to play.
We ran around, they laughed with glee,
All this fun and she works for free!
Hi all. I really tried to get this out before HBP but work, that pesky necessity, got in the way.
NOW…I have read many of the spoilers which I am sure most of you have (My guaranteed Saturday delivery of the new book didn't come through.) If you know what I am talking about, I will ask the following and set a requirement: Should I continue this story as an AU? The story is completely laid out in a skeleton, it just needs to be written in full. I guess the only way I will know your answer is if you return a review and tell me. So, do I leave it or continue. If you've never reviewed before please do now. If you have, do you want me to finish?
I'm going to take some time off for two weeks – Work and reading the new book – and then I'll see what your response is. Don't get me wrong, Phaelan is the person I'd like to be and her dialogue is how I speak – I really am a sarcastic bitch ask my hubby. I want to write the story to share but I already know the end so it's up to you – my loyal readers. You tell me.
MY love either way!
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Severus didn't stay long in Phaelan's chambers. Just long enough to ease the tension between them. He flooed back to his own chambers to shower and change for his evening chores. Phaelan had risen from her bed to prepare for the Halloween celebration and culmination of the auction. As she showered, she thought over how much had happened over the past day. Her flight, what had to be the shortest kidnapping on record and her rescue. Why did this seem almost normal, she wondered? Shaking her head she decided to just to forget it for now and enjoy the coming party.
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The Gryffindor common room was brilliant with colour. The students dressing for the Ball were resplendent in retro-fashion from the Disco era. Pastel coloured Leisure Suits mixed with sequin emblazoned shirts on the boys. The girls competed for the Farrah Fawcett feathered look or big hair and strappie platform shoes. The entire effect was one of the 1970's competing with the 1980's none of which won out.
Ron and Harry were almost conservative in their outfits; powder blue bell bottoms and shirt for Harry and brown pants and beige shirt for Ron, courtesy of Mr Weasley. Hermione had transformed string into faux gold chains for them which were now around their necks.
"I feel like a right ponce in this get up." Ron said in an aside to Harry.
Harry snorted, "You look no worse than you did Third year in the lace ruffles." He teased.
"Yeah, well we'll see how you feel if one of the fudge packers comes around to cop a feel of your jewels." Ron retorted.
"Come to think of it, how come I got the powder blue? You've got the blue eyes." Complained Harry.
Ron pretended to inspect his left manicure while holding his right wrist limp, "Well, it'th like thith, Hawwy, the bwown jutht thet off the highlightth in my hair." He taunted as he pretended to primp the back of his head.
"Cut it out you bloody fairy. You might give someone the wrong idea." Laughed Seamus coming up behind them in a tie-dye shirt that hurt the eyes.
"Bloody hell Seamus, you should give sun glasses away when you wear that thing; it's blinding." Said Ron.
The portrait entrance opened to permit the entry of a young woman who went unnoticed in the hubbub of the room. Harry turned and did a double take. It was Ginny. She looked as pretty as he had ever remembered. Her hair was tied back from her face and fastened at the back of her head with a large silver clasp allowing her red locks to tumble down past her shoulders. She was wearing a burgundy dress with a chiffon skirt and belled sleeves that made her look older than her seventeen years.
Taking a deep breath, Harry approached her. "Hi Ginny, we didn't know you were coming tonight."
"Hello Harry." She said avoiding his eyes.
Harry tried to lighten her mood. "So, are you back to stay?" he asked.
"Yes."
Harry tried again. "Do I get a dance tonight with the prettiest girl at the Ball?" he asked as the tried to look into her eyes.
"I wouldn't want to get in your way." She answered sullenly.
"Ginny, I'd rather dance all night with you than do anything else. I told you how I feel." He said quietly as the reached out to tip her chin up to have her look at him.
"Then why Harry? Why?" she asked in a plaintive voice.
"I..I don't understand Ginny." Harry told her, confused about what she meant.
"Why did you kiss her?" she asked. Seeing his confusion she told him the name. "Daphne Greengrass."
Taking her hand Harry led her to the side. "Did you see that mess?"
"I saw her put her arms around you and kiss you." She told him tearfully. "You lied to me Harry."
"No Ginny; it was a practical joke. Didn't you see me hex the buggers behind the tapestry?" he begged.
"No, I ran away while you were kissing." She whispered.
Harry looked around. No one noticed them together. Grabbing her hand, Harry pulled her along and out of the portrait.
"Come on, we're going to see Dumbledore." He told her. "I'll show you."
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Phaelan had dressed and put her teaching robes over her dress before going to dinner. She had planned to return to her rooms to have Polly fix her hair before the Ball. For now, however, Dumbledore had asked her to come to his office to check out the bids on some of the items from the auction. Apparently there were a couple of ties in the anonymous bids.
"Interesting," said Phaelan, "I didn't expect this, at least, not from that quarter."
"Indeed but given certain, shall we say, small revelations of late, I'm not terribly surprised." The old man commented.
"These bids might result in a cat fight, Headmaster." Noted Phaelan looking at the other tied bid.
"Yes, this will prove interesting. Now, your proposal for breaking the ties?" he asked with his familiar over the glasses smirk.
"Open bidding on the floor by the two parties, I should think. That would keep it all above board." Said Phaelan waiting for affirmation of her choice.
"Yes, that will suffice. Now…" Dumbledore was interrupted by a gong. Raising his eyebrows he looked at Phaelan and said, "Unexpected company. Enter." He admitted the newcomers.
Harry and Ginny arrived in the office. Ginny was obviously upset.
"Miss Weasley, it is good to see you again. Why are you so distressed?" the old man asked gently.
"Ginny, I hadn't heard you were coming tonight. I'm glad you're here but why are you crying?" Phaelan asked as she approached to comfort the young woman.
"Professor Dumbledore, Ginny has told me why she was so upset the day she…the day she was very sick." Harry began.
"Go on." Dumbledore encouraged.
"Well, Ginny saw an incident involving me and a group of Slytherin's but she only saw part of what happened. May we use a Pensieve to retrieve my memory so that she can see it all." Asked Harry in a breathless voice.
Dumbledore thought for a moment and went to his fireplace. Throwing in floo powder, he bent down and called. "Madam Pomfrey, can you step through for a moment?"
"Miss Weasley," Dumbledore asked, "do you wish to relive this memory from Harry's point of view? I should not like to have you endure a painful experience needlessly if such it was."
"Harry said it was a practical joke. I thought he had lied to me about…about how he feels." Ginny said quietly.
Madam Pomfrey stepped into the office and waited while the Headmaster apprised her of the problem.
"Well Ginny, it's up to you love." Said the Mediwitch kindly. "I would suggest you take someone not involved in the matter with you."
Ginny played with her skirt as she considered her choice. Coming to a decision, she looked over to Professor McKenzie who was still in the room.
"Professor, would you come with me?" asked Ginny timidly.
Phaelan, taken by surprise uttered a particularly articulate, "Huh?"
"Professor," began Harry, "will you share the memory with Ginny so that she's not alone? It's very simple."
Smiling at her confusion, Dumbledore explained how the Pensieve worked. "We extract Harry's memory of the event from his mind and place it in this receptacle. To view the memory, you lean forward and touch the surface to be pulled in. When the memory ends you return here. You cannot interact with the people in the memory only observe."
"Please Ma,am, it's very easy and the memory isn't that bad, just a bit embarrassing for me." Coaxed Harry.
Taking a deep breath, Phaelan nodded, "Okay, let's do it." What a day this has turned out to be she thought to herself.
Phaelan took Ginny's left hand and Harry her other. Together, they leaned forward and fell into the memory. Looking around Phaelan found herself in the hallway leading from the Prefects Bathroom. From behind her she heard someone call Harry.
"Where were you Ginny?" she asked.
"Over by the corner there." Ginny pointed.
"Ginny, turn and watch." said Harry.
Phaelan and Ginny turned to watch the scene unfold. As Daphne reached up to pull Harry into a kiss, Ginny sobbed. Phaelan put her arm around the young girl who was heart sore.
"Wait Ginny, just watch." Urged Harry.
Suddenly they saw Harry push the girl away and aim his wand at a wall hanging. As the curse hit the wall, they saw the Slytherin's fall out, laughing hysterically while Daphne kicked them.
"See Ginny, it was a game, a joke nothing more. I don't want to be a boyfriend to anyone but you. Please Ginny, give me a chance." Harry pleaded.
Suddenly, they were being pulled out of the memory, back to Dumbledore's office. Ginny was still crying but her tears were not of anger or hurt. They were cleansing tears of hope renewed.
"Oh Harry, I'm so stupid," she hiccupped, "I should have talked to you or someone. I should have known you would never cheat on me."
"It's all right Ginny. It's alright." Murmured Harry hugging her and stroking her back.
Dumbledore nodded and smiled. It appeared another hurdle had been cleared in the recovery of the littlest Weasley.
Madam Pomfrey bundled Ginny and Harry off to the Hospital wing muttering about calming potions and cleaning up leaving Phaelan and Dumbledore alone.
"Do you think they'll make it?" Phaelan asked.
"If the fates and elements are in our favour, I believe they stand a chance." The old man said as he twinkled at his brightest.
Changing the subject, Phaelan asked, "So Albus, do you have a costume for tonight?"
"Ah yes indeed." He replied." A conservative little suit I bought at an auction some years ago."
"Excellent." She responded. "Well I'd best get to dinner." With a nod she left to go to the Great Hall.
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In the dungeons far below the celebrations taking place in the Great Hall, an Elf was shooing two Boggarts into their hiding places. Once they were secure, the same elf snapped his fingers to summon two dinner trays which appeared in each of the cells.
"I is Buggit." Began the small creature." I not Inlish speak good. I is elf of Ogwarts. You is bad men that great master says I serve. Buggit sure must be bad elf to have such bad job. You eat now, Buggit will come back with ….with…..arse wipe paper for you in case of …of chamber potty emergency accident. Yes."
With a snap of his fingers Buggit was gone.
"What did he say Phin?" Asked Liam as he was trying to recover from his experience with the Boggart.
"He says eat Liam, then he's bringing some toilet paper in case we shit ourselves." Phin replied.
Moving over to his tray, Phin uncovered the food supplied. Taking a look, he threw the cover back on the tray. His companion looked as well and exclaimed. "Look Phin it's not half bad. Pea soup, Baked Beans on toast along with stewed Prunes and custard for afters."
"Right you are Liam, but you'd better be down wind when you finish eating." Phin warned.
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Dinner was a sumptuous affair in the Great Hall. The food was rich and plentiful. For the younger set, the sweet was particularly sugar filled. Sweets and Candy of every kind were laid upon the tables to be pocketed by the first years in hopes of later indulgence. Hermione looked around and shook her head knowing how her parents would shudder in horror at the intake of cavity producing food around the room.
Dumbledore stood as Minerva called for attention.
"Happy Halloween to you all and for those who follow the old ways, a Joyous Samhain to your family here and beyond. Let us thank our ever resourceful elves who have provided the wonderful feast this evening." Dumbledore led the applause. The thanking of the Castle elves had been Hermione's idea since her attempt to emancipate them been universally ignored by the elves.
"Now, I ask our first through third years to return to their common rooms where the prefects and Heads of house have arranged a pleasant evening. Snacks will be provided before curfew but the sweets in your pockets, I'm afraid, will disappear when you leave the hall."
The Headmaster's last announcement met with groans as the students made their way out.
"Now, if I may ask everyone else to vacate for a few minutes; our Great Hall shall be transformed by our hosts, Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy."
The student body made its way out while Hermione and Draco joined Professor's Flitwick and McGonagall at the centre. When the hall was empty, they began to transform the space into a ballroom complete with cocktail size table's, romantic lighting and a great reflective ball in the centre of the ceiling that rotated and made sparkles splash across the floor and walls. The disc jockey had set up before dinner behind the teachers table. Off to one side the elves were setting up a non-alcoholic bar and for later, a buffet table.
Professor McGonagall approached the bar and inspected the punch bowl that had been set up. Passing her wand over it several times, she nodded in satisfaction before placing several warding spells on it.
"What's that for Professor?" Draco asked.
Pursing her lips together and tilting her head to look at him, "I'll not have any repeats of years past when the punch has been spiked. It took forever to stop some of you from jumping up to break dance in the middle of class last year." With a snort she turned and walked over to the DJ.
Hermione walked over to Draco and asked. "What was that all about?"
"'Fraid I'll take your place as favourite to our charms mistress Mudblood?" he sneered.
"Hardly," she replied with a sneer of her own. "I doubt she likes the stench of snakes that crawl around in the dirt on their bellies and leave their skin droppings all over."
Giving her a look of loathing, Draco went to advise the Headmaster all was ready.
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Phaelan had returned to her rooms and summoned Polly who, to the elf's great delight, fixed Phaelan's hair into a myriad of ringlets that cascaded to her shoulders with the front pulled off her face with a silver ribbon. Phaelan paused and looked at her appearance in her mirror. If this won't get him to dance a slow dance I don't know what will she thought.
Phaelan had chosen a metallic fabric halter dress that plunged to her waist in the back. The front consisted of two pieces of fabric attached at the waistband from centre back to side seam and crossing over at her breasts, revealing her midriff. The waist was cinched above a full skirt that would flair out if she should spin as she danced. To finish the effect, Polly transformed Phaelan's favourite shoes into sparking sandals.
Taking a final look in her mirror, Phaelan donned her teaching robes over her dress just as Severus knocked on her door.
Opening the door, she looked at the dour faced man and shook her head.
"Well, I see you went all out Severus. It must have taken at least thirty seconds to get ready." She drawled as she took in his dress of a formal frock coat and high collar shirt.
"I do not participate in juvenile masquerades madam. I have made a concession to the party however." Snape retorted.
"Wait don't tell me, let me guess." Phaelan teased as she closed her eyes and pointed to her forehead. "I've got it." She exclaimed, "You're wearing black boxers with bright orange pumpkins printed on them and a tee shirt that says BOO!"
With a look of condescension, Severus sniffed pretentiously, "Hysterical. Are you ready?" he asked.
"I'm all set. So, what was the concession? You took the broom stick out of your ass? What?" she grinned back at his side long grimace at her.
"I left my teaching robes in my chambers." He told her.
"Oh," she replied sarcastically. "That'll lighten up the mood considerably."
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A large group of students had gather in front of the Great Hall waiting for the doors to open. Only when the Head boy and girl were present would they be opened to admit the party goers.
Ron was escorting Hermione down the stairs proudly bearing her on his arm. She had gone to her mother and asked to wade through the old clothes her mother had kept in storage. It hadn't taken long for Hermione to pull out a cherry red wrap around dress. The sleeveless style crossed in front with a silver ruffle going from right to left, shoulder to hem. The skirt clung to her hips and flared to mid calf where it swirled around her legs as she moved. Silver pumps completed the ensemble. Ron had been dazzled when he saw her and had yet to utter a coherent sentence; only able to stutter a "Wwwwow Hermione." when he first saw her. Hermione smiled at him and thought how appropriate her hair was for once; she let it's propensity to look 'large' run wild tonight.
Hermione and Ron met Draco at the doors. With a sneer worthy of his father, Draco leered at Hermione, looking her over head to toe.
"You clean up nice Granger. It's amazing what a liberal dose of Mrs.Skower's All-Purpose Magical Mess Removerwill sanitize."
Ron stepped in front of Hermione to face Malfoy, "Shut your filthy mouth or we'll take this outside now." Ron threatened in a low voice.
Draco laughed in Ron's face quietly, "Well, I suppose for a ….Weasley it was the best fuck you could afford."
Just as both young men went for their wands, the voice of Shacklebolt stopped them. "I wouldn't if I were you. If I were to witness such an action, I'd have to shut down our little party and we wouldn't want that, would we, gentlemen."
"No sir," they each echoed as Kingsley stood between them.
"Well then, lets get the doors opened, we want to dance." Announced Shacklebolt with a brilliant smile.
Draco and Hermione tapped their wands to the doors which opened to admit the crowd. As the DJ played the Bee Gee's Night Fever in the background, the young people moved in and took in the decorations. Professor McGonagall arrived in a gown that would have made the Wicked Witch of the West look good, replete with her high pointed hat, striped stockings and a monkey on her shoulder.
An excited fourth year Muggleborn girl ran up to her and said in excitement,"Professor McGonagall, you look like a real Witch."
Pursing her lips to hide her amusement, Minerva told the Hufflepuff girl, "Indeed, Rowena, we only use the REAL witch clothes on Halloween." And then arched her brow and watched. Realizing what a silly thing she had said, the girl turned pink.
"I'm sorry Professor that was a really stupid thing to say." She said contritely.
Minerva could hold her laughter no longer; it happened every year. "Och, away with ye; it's Halloween and we all need a bit o' fun."
Phaelan and Severus entered the transformed room to the sounds of more of the Bee Gee's; Jive Talkin'.
"Bring back memories?" Phaelan asked.
"I hated this music." Severus replied.
With a deep sigh of frustration, Phaelan looked around at who would be fun to be with besides her escort and made a plan to join that table with Severus. She began to laugh and pull Severus to one side.
"Kingsley, where did you get that outfit? "she asked in and amused tone.
"Oh," he demurred, "Just a little thing I had in the back of the wardrobe."
Looking again at the plaid bell bottoms with cuffs, deep collared shirt open halfway down and the banana yellow blazer, Phaelan had to ask. "So Kingsley, were you like a pimp or something before you became an Auror?"
Throwing his head back he laughed heartily, "No. I was dating a Muggle girl at the time, who thought I looked like some fellow named Shaft."
Phaelan laughed even harder to Snape's consternation. He wanted her attention back on him.
"Phaelan, would you care for some punch?" he asked in his best manners learned at his mother's knee.
"Thank you, Severus." She replied with a smile.
Severus returned bearing two cups of punch and joined Phaelan at a table. Taking a sip, Phaelan noticed there was no one dancing as yet.
"So, what are they waiting for?" she asked.
"Usually the Head boy and girl lead off but than isn't likely to happen tonight." He told her.
The music was morphing into another Bee Gee's tune, one that was softer and slower. Phaelan decided to take the plunge.
"Okay, lets go." She said grabbing his hand.
"What?" he exclaimed at her request.
"Lets dance; the kids just need someone on the floor." She told him, but at his look of horror she changed her mind. "Or…Never mind."
Making her way down the hall, Phaelan met Charley Weasley. Snape watched as she whispered into the Dragon Keeper's ear. With a smile, Charley led her back to her table.
Resplendent in a dragon leather jacket, Charley turned a few female heads as he walked down the dance floor with Phaelan.
"Evening Snape, I'll just borrow your date for a dance or two. Hope you don't mind." He said.
Phaelan took the time Charley spoke to Severus to remove her teaching robes. Neither Severus nor Charley noticed her attire at first. Remus had moved to their table to say hello and began to assist Phaelan. As he eased the robes from her shoulders, Remus was immobilized by what Phaelan had on. His mouth was open but no sound uttered forth.
"Remus," Charley had begun to ask a question as he turned but, "What do you saayaave me Merlin." was what came out as he too saw Phaelan. Severus, curious at the outburst, turned and saw his lady smoothing her skirt down from her…Gods preserve us, where is the rest of her gown.
"Well Charley, can we get this dance started or what?" she asked, enjoying the discomfort in Severus's eyes.
Charley cleared his throat nervously, "Yeah, "he croaked and coughed again, "Sure, lets get it going in here."
With a backwards smirk, Charley led her onto the empty dance floor. As they began to dance, Phaelan notice several couples begin to join. Turning around, she finally saw Snape and the dark look he was giving Charley. Serves him right for not dancing with me thought Phaelan.
Charley turned again and pulled her closer to speak into her ear. "You are making a, shall we say, lasting impression in the minds of every man here. I doubt many of them have seen this much female flesh outside of a swimming pool before."
Phaelan gave him a small smile, "That was somewhat the idea. That and getting Severus up off his ass to dance." She sighed, "Doesn't he know how to dance?"
Charley snorted, "Phaelan, he's a pure-blood Wizard of the old Master class. Dancing, art, music instruction, and languages are pounded into their head from birth." Looking around at some of the students, he frowned. "Mind you, I have noticed that the pureblood kids in the school now, with a few exceptions, are severely lacking in the usual snobbery."
"Isn't that a good thing?" Phaelan asked.
"I'm not sure." Charley replied as the song ended.
Charley led Phaelan back to her table, where both Remus and Severus stood to receive her.
"Thank you Charley." She smiled as he pulled out her chair.
"Thank you Miss McKenzie, you dance delightfully." He replied and with a bow made an exit.
"Phaelan," began Remus, "You look astounding this evening. What do you say Snape?"
Severus was looking at the table in front of him, refusing to meet Phaelan's eyes.
"Severus?" asked Remus again.
"I'm sure, Phaelan will leave an indelible memory in the minds of every man present." He replied sullenly.
"Indeed," commented Remus at seeing Phaelan's face fall slightly, "Well, I think perhaps there is only one mind present that could hold out any hope of having the memory linger more than an evening. I'll see you later." He finished as he rose and bowed his goodbye.
Phaelan sipped her punch and looked around for the Headmaster. She sighed and looked across the table at Severus who was scrutinizing a group of fifth years giggling in the corner.
"I'm sorry." She said only loud enough for him to hear. "I thought if you saw me like this you would want to pay attention to me and keep me away from any other dance partner. I…I guess I miscalculated." She took a deep breath before continuing. "I must stay until the ties in the auction have been sorted out. I'll leave right after. I don't want to embarrass you any further. Excuse me, I must powder my nose."
As she made to stand, she felt a hand clamp over hers resting on the table. Looking down, she saw Severus holding her hand in a deceptive manner as the light touch would not let her rise.
"Don't leave." He said as he finally looked at her. "I am ….unaccustomed to having a beautiful woman on my arm Phaelan. This is the first time I have ever felt such..such…"
"Jealousy?" Phaelan finished for him.
"Yes." Came the simple reply. "I feel so much within me I don't know what I should be reacting to." Severus looked into her eyes with a depth of emotion she had not seen before.
"Severus, I'm not interested in any other man in this room. I might dance with them, but I'm going home with you." She smiled at his little boy look of surprise. "Do you like my dress at all?"
"I think it is the most wonderful piece of wardrobe you own. There is one thing I am thankful for however." He replied warmly.
"What's that?" she asked coyly.
"The tattoo is still for my eyes only."
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Harry brought Ginny into the great hall with out any fanfare and escorted her to the table with Hermione and Ron.
When he saw his sister, Ron's eyes widened to the size of saucers. "Ginny!" he exclaimed.
Both Harry and Ginny shushed him. "Please Ron, don't make a fuss. I just want to slip in, okay?" Ginny looked at her big brother with a smile.
"Sure Ginny, if you want. I'm glad you came tonight." Replied Ron with a smile.
"So, do you think you made it for the auction bid Ron?" Asked Harry.
"I hope so. My mouth is watering just thinking of all the Christmas sweets I can get and share of course." he smiled.
Hermione leaned her head on his shoulder "My generous boyfriend, a gobstopper in every stocking."
The foursome laughed together like old times. Just then, Hermione looked over to the doors which had opened.
"Oh my stars! Is that the Headmaster?" she exclaimed.
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm'
Phaelan and Severus were talking to Shacklebolt and enjoying punch which and been livened up by the Auror with a little vodka.
"Minerva put a charm on the punch bowl." He complained.
"It's to stop the dunderheads from drinking." Snape reminded him.
"Yeah, like that'll work." Shacklebolt retorted. The three laughed quietly together.
Phaelan took a sip as she saw the door to the hall open. The vision approaching caused her to inhale instead of swallow and she passed a quantity of punch painfully through her nose. Severus handed her a handkerchief and used his wand to remove the spill from her dress.
"Is that Albus?" She sputtered.
"Indubitably." Snape replied with a pained expression.
"Oh my god." She muttered as she beheld the sparkling suit and fur trimmed cloak the old man was wearing. "He calls that conservative."
"It beats the year he came as Neptune, eh Snape?" Shacklebolt chuckled.
"Thankfully the Merfolk were generous with the seaweed." He averred.
The old man was approaching them ignoring the mutterings and stares of his students.
"Phaelan my dear, shall we go and settle the auction bid ties?" Dumbledore asked as he offered his arm.
"Certainly sir. "she replied standing to be escorted to the front.
"You are creating quite a stir this evening Phaelan." Said the old man as he patted her hand.
"I didn't mean to cause a problem…."
"Nonsense, I remember the 1970's and 80's. I always enjoyed the fashions of the time." Said the smiling Wizard.
"Professor, "began Phaelan, "Your suit this evening, you said you bought it at an auction?" she asked.
"Ah yes. I had taken a holiday in Las Vegas several years ago to attend a convention of bridge players and I saw a notice on the wall at my hotel. A gentleman was holding an auction of his wardrobe for charity and he looked so jolly, I had to attend." The old man told her.
Phaelan frowned, Las Vegas? "What was the gentleman's name, do you recall, Albus?" she asked.
"Indeed I do. He was a lovely chap; invited me for tea afterwards. His name was Liberace." He told her with a smile. "Here we go."
Phaelan closed her eyes and inwardly shook her head thinking, this place just gets weirder every time I think I've figured it out.
Casting a Sonorous charm, the Headmaster addressed the attendee's.
"Welcome all to the annual Hogwarts Halloween Ball. Thank you to the Head boy and girl for their wonderful theme and the choice of musical entertainment." At that, he led a round of applause.
"Now, Professor Flitwick if you please, will you read off the successful bids for our auction."
The small professor stepped forward and began to read off names. The successful bidders in the crowd came forward to accept certificates to redeem for the item.
"Honey dukes, a popular bid if I may say was won by…..Ron Weasley!"
The Gryffindors stood and cheered as Ron accepted his certificate.
"Madam Hooch's donation of tickets to the Chudley Cannons was won by….Gregory Goyle."
The Slytherin contingent clapped loudly.
"Professor Snape's donation of a potion of choice was … not bid on by a student, but Professor Trelawney has placed a bid and has won."
"Now we are down to the last two items and there is a tied bid on each. Professor Dumbledore, if you please." The diminutive man stood aside.
"Since the auction was done anonymously, we didn't know who had bid on any item until the end but in this case there were identical amounts offered and we must decide who will be the winner. So, I call upon Professor McKenzie to finish the auction with live bids from the party's involved."
"For the bid offered for Madam Malkins, will the following please step forward." Announced Phaelan thanks to the Sonorous cast by Dumbledore. "Lavender Brown and Pansy Parkinson."
The two girls came to the centre of the hall ready to bid on their desired item.
Phaelan looked at them and said, "You each have bid twenty galleons for the certificate from Madam Malkins which is valued at eighty galleons. Now, we open the bids with Lavender." Phaelan nodded at the girl to begin.
Lavender thought and said, "Twenty five."
Pansy looked at her and countered "Twenty eight."
"Thirty."
"Thirty two."
"Thirty five."
"Thirty six." Pansy said as she began to look worried.
"Forty." Lavender responded impatiently.
"A moment professor." Pansy asked Phaelan who nodded.
Trotting to the side, Pansy grabbed Draco and quickly whispered in his ear. He shook his head in negation.
"Please Draco. I'll do what ever you want. I'll even…even let you do me up the back." She begged.
"Pansy, let it go. I don't need you to be my whore." He told her finally and walked away.
Neither noticed their House Master scrutinizing the encounter with a frown of consternation on his face.
Tears poured down her face when Pansy turned back to the centre and looked over at Phaelan and shook her head before running from the room.
"The bid is won by Lavender Brown." Announced Phaelan amid the cheers of Gryffindor once more.
When the cheers wound down Phaelan announced the last bid. "The tie for a flight with me in an F14 Tomcat jet fighter is between Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy. Gentleman."
Draco and Harry came forward to the centre.
"The tie was for fifty five galleons. She announced, "Draco please start."
"Fifty seven." He announced.
"Sixty." Harry countered.
The bidding went on longer than Phaelan expected finally reaching Harry's bid of "One Hundred ten galleons."
Phaelan and Dumbledore watched the boys looking at each other. Neither showed any emotion. The students from Slytherin looked at their Head boy expecting his next bid but instead. Draco sneered and with a bow to the professors turned and left the Hall.
"Bid won by Harry Potter." Phaelan announced as Gryffindor again erupted in cheers.
Dumbledore indicated to the DJ he should begin the music once more and escorted Phaelan back to her table.
"That was odd some how." Said Phaelan when she reached Severus.
"Severus, is there something I should know?" Asked the perceptive old man.
"I wouldn't know sir, I am as mystified as the next." Said Severus as he locked his thoughts away.
Phaelan watched the silent byplay between the two and saw a smile appear on Dumbledore's face.
"Well then, have a pleasant evening." With a nod the old man left to circulate among the tables and coerce the unsuspecting to dance.
TBC
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