Disclaimer: See Chapter One

-CHAPTER EIGHT-

The Grimorium Neromanum

Harry still hadn't asked Cho to the ball, everywhere she went she seemed to be accompanied by a group of giggling fellow Ravenclaws as if there was some kind of conspiracy to stop him asking her. Harry was beginning to feel desperate, he knew Dean Thomas had already successfully asked a girl who had just transferred from Beauxbaton, and George had dropped big hints during one of their Quidditch practices, much to the annoyance of Oliver Wood that he would like to take Chaser Angelina Johnson. Angelina hadn't said no but with a teasing look in her eye told George she would have to think about it, Harry suspected that Angelina had a soft spot for George but just wanted to enjoy making him wait for her answer. Harry's nervousness and fear of making a fool of himself was beginning to be overpowered by the anxiety that if he didn't ask Cho soon then someone else surely would beat him to it.

So he was quite unprepared when first thing on a rainy Monday morning as he hurried into the library to return a book on the history of the goblin riots before the Transfiguration lesson he saw Cho sitting at a table on her own. Harry watched her for a moment crouched over a scroll of parchment, her long shinny black hair tumbling across her face and onto the table. Harry's pulse suddenly quickened, his mouth dried and he had to force his now lead-heavy legs to walk towards her.

"Er… Hi Cho," stammered Harry, feeling his cheeks burning.

"Oh, hello Harry," smiled Cho looking up from her parchment.

"Willyougototheballwithme?" Harry blurted.

"Sorry?" replied Cho with a puzzled expression, Harry thought that she even looked pretty with a frown. He took a deep breath and tried again.

"Will you go to the ball with me?"

Cho looked at him for might have been just a few seconds while she considered his question but to Harry it seemed like an agonizingly long time.

"I mean if you don't want to go with me then I under…"

"I'm sorry Harry, it's not that," Cho interrupted him with a friendly but slightly sad smile. "It's just I'm not going to the ball."

"Oh," Harry nearly choked; he had gone through all that worry just to discover that she wasn't even going to the ball.

"My brother is getting married on Halloween and I have to go, I'm a bridesmaid."

"Oh, that's nice," Harry muttered still feeling foolish.

"But thank you for asking."

Harry left the library with a strange mixture of elation and disappointment, naturally he was frustrated that Cho wasn't going to the ball but at least she hadn't said no, in fact she had seemed quite pleased that Harry had asked her which he took as a promising sign. Harry was so caught up in his thoughts that it wasn't until he had walked half way down the corridor towards the Transfiguration classroom that he realised he hadn't returned the book. He felt pretty stupid and he was now cutting it fine to get to class on time but the book was already two days late, there was another student waiting for it and Madam Pince had told him she would overlook the fine just this once if he promised to return it that morning, so Harry turned on his heels and ran back to the library.

Harry was in luck; he reached Professor McGonagall's lesson to find everyone still waiting in a line outside the door. When Professor McGonagall arrived a few minutes after Harry she apologised for keeping them waiting but she had been delayed in the staff room by a discussion regarding the preparations for the Halloween ball. The lesson was spent trying to transform white mice into candlesticks. To Harry's surprised as he thoughts kept drifting to Cho he managed a basic silvery candlestick with a slightly bent white candle at his fifth try, to Ron's horror his candlestick tried to scurry off the bench with its small pink feet and the wick of his worryingly furry candle was also pink and twitched from side to side. Hermione was the only one in the class that achieved a perfect candlestick, it was golden, ornate and had a red candle although lavender Brown produce a nice one of twisted silver but not matter how hard she tried she just could banish the ears from her candle.

Harry was still thinking about Cho when the Transfiguration lesson finished, he was walking down the corridor with Ron and Hermione when he realised that he had forgotten to pack his text book. As Hermione had Arithmancy next lesson she left the boys as they doubled back so that Harry could collect his forgotten "An Intermediary Guide to Transfiguration" by Emeric Switch they found several of the teachers deep in conversation blocking they path down the corridor. It was still lashing down with rain and both Harry and Ron didn't fancy cutting across the sodden lawn courtyard to avoid the teachers and get to the Transfiguration classroom. So slowly they made their way towards the huddle of professors.

"You know what your problem is, Severus," Professor Planchette's voice rose over the pounding rhythm of the rain.

"No," Snape returned with an unfriendly hiss. "But I am sure that you are just dying to tell me."

"You're far too boring and uptight…I was only saying to Morwenna Saturday evening zat what you need is a nice little witch to put a spring in your step and a smile on zat sullen face," Planchette beamed smugly.

"Really," Snape hissed in return.

"Yes…and I 'ave ze answer…zere a new barmaid at ze Zree Broomsticks, pretty blond zing with 'uge…"

"Leon!" Professor McGonagall scolded sternly while Madam Hooch raised a questioning eyebrow.

"I don't think so," Snape snapped cutting Planchette off before he could finish his sentence, he shot a glance at Professor Raven before looking disdainfully down his hooked-nose at his friend for a moment before adding with a cruel sneer. "I have no doubt that this witch has her attractions…and I was a second rate wizard like yourself, with nothing but daddy's money behind me than any real talent then maybe I could be satisfied with the likes of mere barmaid. Fortunately I am not and my standards are much higher than yours. I wouldn't even entertain courting any witch less than my equal. So I would appreciate it if you kept your nose out of my private life or I'll ruin your chances with that barmaid…how about I forget to brew you that slimming tonic your are so reliant upon…won't be so cocky then I dare say." And with that Professor Snape turned sharply on his heels and strode down the corridor in a flurry of black robes.

"Magic is not allowed in the corridors," Snape bellowed from a round the corner his seething anger erupting upon two first years Hufflepuffs students he had spotted desperately trying to dry their rain sodden parchments before their next lesson.

"I…I was going to say earrings…'uge earrings 'onestly," Planchette blushed as both Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch gave his disapproving glares, he couldn't tell if they were about his comments about the barmaid or the revelation that Planchette took a slimming tonic, which explain how someone which such an enormous appetite managed to keep slim without any obvious exercise, Professor Raven just smiled weakly. "Poor Severus 'e really does need to lighten up…no?"

"Well really," said Professor McGonagall with a dismayed frown. "I really don't know what has got into Severus this term. I realise that he isn't the most congenial member of staff but that last comment was down right rude."

"Don't worry about 'im," Planchette insisted with a feeble smile but it was obvious that Snape's threat to deprive him of the slimming potion had hit a raw nerve. "Severus' 'armless enough h's bark is far much worse zan 'is bite. 'e's just sore zat I am so popular with the ladies, all I 'ad to do was sweep zem off zier feet."

"Oh yes, Leon dances like a dream," Professor Raven interjected admiringly.

"I bet he does," said Madam Hooch dreamily. "I mean…if he does then I would be ever so grateful if you could assist me period two tomorrow?"

"I would be more zan 'appy to Madam 'Ooch," Planchette replied flashing his pearly white teeth. Harry could have sworn he heard Madam Hooch sigh. "I really don't know why Severus' is so jealous," Planchette continued. "I mean, 'is flare for potion brewing is far more impressive…if anyone should be 'arbouring the green eyed monster it should be me as I always secretly dreamt of being able to mix a potion without some kind of disaster, zat is far more impressive no?" Planchette gave Professor Raven a friendly nudge.

"Er…I beg your pardon Leon, you were saying?" Professor Raven replied a little distracted. She had been too preoccupied watching Professor Snape whom after dishing out detentions to the misfortunate Hufflepuffs had retreated to the shelter of a stone archway on the other side of the courtyard where he now stood, arms folded across his chest, his steely black stared intently at her.

"Leon was saying that he envies Severus for being the Potions Master," said Professor McGonagall who glanced over to where Professor Raven had been so lost in thought. When Snape realised that Professor McGonagall was looking at him he stormed off in the direction of the great hall.

"What has got into Severus?" she muttered under her breath as the bell for lunch sounded.

"Is zat ze time…I wonder what delights we will 'ave on ze menu today? I am starving," said Planchette patting his perfectly flat stomach.

The next day, the third years all gathered in the great hall, a chatter of anticipation echoing about the high, house banner draped walls. The four long wooden tables and benches had been pushed back to the sides exposing the stone floor.

"Right then class," said Madam Hooch briskly clapping her hands for attention. "As you all well know the Halloween Ball is only three weeks away which doesn't give us a lot of time to teach you all the dances that are required in the wizarding social calendar but I hope to show you the main ones." This announcement was greeted with a groan. Harry looked at Ron and shrugged.

"How tedious," drawled Draco making a disapproving face as if there was a bad smell under his long, thin nose. Crabbe and Goyle chortled stupidly; Harry didn't think that they were going to be particularly light upon their huge, flat feet.

"You can groan all you like third years," Madam Hooch returned sharply putting her hand upon her hips and fixing them all with her unnerving yellow eyes. "But I will not have my pupils attending such a special occasion unable to dance the waltz, polka or jig properly."

"Forgive my lateness Madame 'Ooch," apologised Professor Planchette as he hurried into the hall, his long dark chocolate coat lapping wildly about him carrying what only could be describe as a large glass ball held in place on a golden stand with clawed feet by a frame of four thin strips of gold under his arm. Harry could see that when Planchette carefully set the object which reminded him of a globe down on the stage at the end of the hall that it had several smaller coloured balls about the size of a golf ball positioned at intervals along the frame. Professor Planchette gave the top of the glass ball a loving pat and then joined Madam Hooch flashing one of his pearly smiles. Suddenly all the girls found the idea of learning to dance much more agreeable.

"That is quite alright Professor Planchette, you can trip the light fantastic as well as Morwenna claims then I shall be grateful for your help," Madam Hooch returned with a girlish smile.

"Leon, please," Planchette insisted.

"And thank you for the loan of your melody globe, a top of the range Handelle, I am most impressed."

"My pleasure Madam 'Ooch…Per'aps I should ask Professor Raven if she is free on Thursday to 'elp?" Madam Hooch's smile quivered slightly.

"Let us see how this lesson goes first shall we," she returned curtly.

"I think Planchette becoming really fond of Professor Raven," Harry said to Ron with a nudge but his remark was greeted with a scornfully annoyed looked from his friend, but perhaps not as fond as Ron Harry thought with a playful smile.

"Today we are going to learn one of the more lively jigs and 'Wytche's Waltz'…" said Madam Hooch.

"Ahhh…ze waltz…to 'old ze woman you love in your embrace, so close zat you can feel 'er breath upon your skin 'er 'eart fluttering against your chest…" enthused Professor Planchette his dazzling blue eyes were half close in fond memories as he threw his arms around an imaginary woman.

"That is quite enough Professor!" snapped Madam Hooch crossly. "We will be only concerning ourselves with the dancing," Everyone grinned while Professor Planchette went a deep scarlet.

"Right…everyone find a partner and then I want you to make two lines down the centre of the hall boys on the right and girls on the left facing each other," Madam Hooch instructed while she guided Professor Planchette to take his place opposite her at the head of the lines. Pansy Parkinson gave Draco a scolding frown and he let her take him by the hand, while Harry asked a strangely reluctant Hermione, she hadn't seemed to notice that Harry want to be her partner as she was too busy staring at Ron. Ron asked Lavender Brown with a half-hearted shrug if she would dance with him, to which she agreed, going slightly pink. Dean Thomas asked Louise Darnell, who had transferred from Beauxbaton school when her parents had moved to England to work in the foreign relations department at the Ministry of Magic, she was a pretty girl with a short blond bob and sea green eyes. To Harry's surprise Seamus paired up with Lucy Featherstone, leaving a rebuffed Parvati Patil's with the choice of Neville, Crabbe or Goyle, she decide that Neville was probably the best of a bad lot, but gave Seamus a disapproving glare.

Draco was standing next to Harry, with Pansy in front of him while Crabbe and Goyle who were the only ones who didn't have a partner had to settle for each other. There was a slight disagreement upon which of them should join the girl's line until Madman Hooch settled it with a toss of a Sickle that was in her pocket. Crabbe lost out much to the amusement of the other Slytherins and had to join the girl's line.

"Now listen carefully. The first dance we are going to learn is called The Nightshade Jig. Now I want you to take a step toward your partner, the boys bow and the girls curtsy then take a step back…like so," Madam Hooch took Planchette's hand and demonstrated. "This is done four times, but on the fourth time the lead couple, which is Professor Planchette and myself take each other hands and dance up and down the middle of the two lines then back down once more where we join the end of the lines. This part of the dance is open to some improvisation; some people like to add a bit of fancy footwork but for now as we are just learning the basic dance we shall just concentrate on get in the right place in time with the music. While the lead couple dance the lines everyone else can clap in time with the music which is usually very lively as it is one of our more energetic dances. Then the second couple that are now at the top of the line now becomes the lead couple…the process is repeated until the end of the dance when the starting lead couple are once again to the head of the lines."

"It's all at bit pointless then if you ask me," Draco drawled unimpressed, Pansy shot him a nasty disapproving glance.

"It's a dance Malfoy…there isn't meant to be any point," hissed Hermione.

"There is another dance, The Wraith Walk, which similar in principle but much more sedate and complicated, we may attempt that one next week," continued Madam Hooch ignoring Draco's comment.

"Ohhh, I adore zat dance," sighed Planchette. "Zere was Zis pretty, little…" a sharp look from Madam Hooch stopped Planchette's reminisce.

"Okay lets us try it with some music, if you would be so kind Leon," Madam Hooch smiled.

"Certainly…I 'ave just ze zing," replied Professor Planchette as he walked over to the Melody Globe and selecting a green ball he slid it to the top of the globe. Twisting the ball clockwise Planchette picked up a tiny golden wand which had been slotted in on of the golden feet and walked back the head of his line while the globe slowly started to fill with green mist.

"Give it a moment," he smiled pointing the wand at the globe. "My family 'eirloom takes a bit longer zen zese modern Japanese Melody Globes but ze music quality is far superior". Harry watched fascinated as the green smoke inside the glass globe suddenly started to spin like a mini tornado and his ears were filled with the familiar sound of fiddling, pipes and drums. Harry guessed that the coloured ball must be the wizarding equivalent of CDs and that Planchette must have bought one from Beltaine, the band that had been playing in the Three Broomsticks. The music was indeed loud, lively and sounded as if the band playing was there in the hall with them.

"Okay everyone," Madam Hooch cried over the music counting out the beat with a nod of her head. "And now…step up…bow…step back…good. Neville try not to step upon Parvati's toes…and again." By the time Madam Hooch and Professor Planchette had danced up and down the line everyone apart from Draco who still scowled disapprovingly was clapping their hands and stomping their feet. It was hard not to get caught up the music, he felt just as he had in the pub but Harry had put it down to the Butterbeer and jovial surroundings. The music seemed to have captured the atmosphere of that night and was somehow affecting them, pity it couldn't help with Neville's sense of co-ordination thought Harry as he nearly crashed into him and poor Parvati gave up and limped back to her place in the line. Ron surprisingly on the other hand seemed like a natural much to Lavender Brown's astonishment and relief, they even managed to do a fancy little turn at the end of their dance in-between the lines. This was acknowledged by an approving smile from Madam Hooch while Professor Planchette applauded with his usual gusto. Ron grinned from ear to ear and his grin got even wider when it became painfully evident that Draco was in possession of two left feet. No wonder he wasn't keen on dancing lessons Harry grinned Malfoy can't dance. Harry discovered that he and Hermione danced pretty well together but not half as good as Ron and Lavender. Harry had to confess that he was a little bit envious but also really pleased for Ron especially as this was totally humiliating to Malfoy. As the last bar of the music echoed about the hall the miniature tornado seemed to disperse, the green smoke settling at the top of the globe.

Harry was surprised to see Professor Dumbledore sitting at the teachers table that morning as the headmaster usually took his breakfast in his office. Harry gave the table a quick scan as he wrestled the milk jug off Ron and pour some over his cornflakes. There was no sign of Professor Raven or Professor McGonagall but Professor Planchette was chatting merrily away to Snape. Planchette waved his buttered toast about most enthusiastically as he spoke while Snape sulkily sipped at his coffee looking thoroughly bored and wondering how his companion could be so annoyingly vibrant first thing in the morning. Harry still found it hard to believe that Planchette and Snape were actually best friends; but obviously they had forgotten their argument at the beginning of the week and despite Snape's threat to stop brewing the slimming tonic Planchette did seemed to be enjoying his breakfast.

When the post arrived there was a postcard from the South of France from Hermione's parents who although muggles used the owl post in order to keep in contact with their beloved daughter, a letter for Seamus and a large package for Parvati. She ripped the brown paper to reveal a white cardboard box; there was a gasp of delight as lifting off the lid she spied a pair of sturdy Doctor Martin boots. Lavender squealed her admiration as Parvati struggled to pull them on, the boots were ankle high with a chunky sole, while the majority of the leather upper was black, sprayed in a mottled effect in dark crimson and had a small silver bat glued to the outer sides. Parvati smiled broadly pleased with her new boots, now confidence that even Neville's clumsy feet couldn't harm her delicate, tiny feet.

Once the owls had delivered the mail and all flown back to the Owlery, Professor Dumbledore rose to his feet.

"Good morning Hogwarts," he said with a warm smile. "I would like to take this opportunity to remind all students that the first periods of lessons after lunch are cancelled and that everyone is to assemble in the library where we shall be holding a brief ceremony to open the newly decorated north section." Harry and Ron looked at each other then across to the Slytherins table where Malfoy sat looking particularly smug.

"Settle down class," Professor Raven appeared at the door of her office. "As you will have been informed at breakfast we will be gathering after lunch for the dedication of several rare and valuable books to our library by Mr Lucius Malfoy." Professor Raven spoke in a dull, impassionate tone which only added to Harry's suspicion that she didn't really care much for the man. "Madam Pince has kindly allowed me to borrow one of the said books this morning ahead of the dedication to help illustrate this lesson." she gave smile as if to say but don't let Mr Malfoy know that. "Okay, last lesson we looked at the dark wizard Grindelwald and today we are going to look briefly at the work of a wizard that many consider being a master of the Dark Arts…" A gasp rippled through the class and Harry and Ron exchanged apprehensive glances.

"No…I am not talking about Lord Voldemort…" at the uttering aloud of the Dark Lord's name most of the class gasped and cringed. "Although there are many in the Wizarding world than believe that Lord Voldemort admired and studied the works of Lord Eldritch and would have gone on if not defeated to rival his dark power."

Professor Raven sat upon the edge of her desk and propping the large heavy book upon her knees flicked through the pages until she came to a black ink illustration, a woodblock print depicting the head and shoulders of a man who because of the crudely carved woodblock and heavy application of black ink bore more than a slight resemblance to Professor Snape.

"Hey…look at his big hooked conk…he's looks just like Snape," Ron smirked unable to resist pointing out the likeness to Harry.

"That's enough Mr Weasley," Professor Raven snapped with uncharacteristic annoyance making Ron jump as she gave him a most disapproving frown. "It's insensitive and stupid comments like that which are not only rude but dangerous. It was only a few centuries a ago that many in our community held similar beliefs as muggles, that those magical people that were considered not as attractive as some of us were in league with demons."

"I'm sorry," Ron apologized sheepishly suddenly unable to look Professor Raven in the eye. Harry gave Ron a stern glance he should have known better than to say that after the conversation that had overheard between Planchette and Raven. Harry guessed that Professor Raven had become a little more tolerant of Snape since hearing about his troubled past.

"Lord Devilus Eldritch lived at the beginning of the ninetieth century, in London, he was also known as The Black Wizard. He is documented as an ugly, embittered and perverse man who was shunned by Wizarding society for his study of the dark arts and unhealthy obsession with death and the quest for immortality. In his writings the Grimorium Neromanum Eldritch claimed to have translated several ancient texts that adorned the walls of the Temple of Isis, the original manuscript in Eldritch's own hand is due to be put up for auction on the 1st of November," she mused almost dreamily. "Eldritch devised some of the now infamous spells and potions, including 'Black Lighting' and 'The Draft of the Living Dead' by conducting grotesque and scandalous experiments upon his servants and followers. The most terrible and dangerous of the dark arts explored by Eldritch was necromancy, the art of divination by raising the spirits of the dead but Eldritch sought to delve deeper into the darkness claiming that with the Necrous chant, which Eldritch clams to be a translation of the first fragment of Isis, he could cheat death itself." The whole class sat mouths gaping open in stunned silence.

"What is the fragment of Isis professor?" asked Hermione.

"The fragments of Isis are an ancient, some believe mythical spell that will not only bring the dead back from the grave but possess to power to make one immortal… of course there is no proof as the three fragments have never been found, although Lord Voldemort claimed to be in possession of one. No spell how ever powerful can truly bring someone back from the dead but Eldritch claimed that in performing the Necrous chant one could if catching the dying just at the brink of death could return them to life. Eldritch recorded in his memoirs that in his own experiments he was able to bring back the spirit of the dead but could not return it successfully to the body. These unfortunates were known as Shadow Wraiths, spectral parasites that must feed of the living in order to survive. But Eldritch did document that a particularly strong Shadow Wraith could possess a host body."

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked in a hushed whispered.

"That the spirit and the host or vessel willing or not would become one, two spirits inhabiting the one body. The host would then possess the knowledge, memories and powers of the dead person."

"But that's horrible," gasped Hermione. "Especially if it had been forced upon you."

"I agree, Miss Granger, particularly as the strongest of the two personalities would eventually take control of the host body…imagine engaging in vile acts so disgusting and immoral but too weak of will to stop yourself doing them," she shuddered. "But then this is all conjecture as thankfully although the Necrous chant has been reproduced in several volumes on the Dark Arts there are few among us, no matter how powerful that would be foolish enough to use it."

"And let us hope no one ever will," a familiar sneering voice made Harry turn around only to see Lucius Malfoy standing in the doorway.

"Forgive my intrusion Miss Raven," continued Malfoy. "I wondered if I could have a word with you in private," he gestured towards her office.

"I'm in the middle of a lesson Mr Malfoy," Professor Raven said firmly.

"As I can see but Professor Dumbledore granted me the indulgence to interrupt considering the matter concerns this afternoon, I was wondering if you would past your scholarly eyes over my speech," he forced an unconvincing smile.

"Alright, if Professor Dumbledore insists…"

"Oh yes he was quite insistence that I speak with you, my dear."

"Right…while I assist Mr Malfoy I would like you all to turn to page seventeen and begin the chapter on ghosts, phantoms and wraiths, and there will be an essay set on this subject for homework."

"I can't believe the silver-tongued Lucius Malfoy would need help writing a speech, besides it only for the dedication of books to a library," muttered Harry as Professor Raven ushered Mr Malfoy up the stairs and into her office.

"Of course he's not asking her to check over his speech," hissed Hermione. "He's just using that as a convenient excuse, I bet what he really wants is to discuss the Grimorium Neromanum with her."

"I wonder why Malfoy doesn't bid for Lord Eldritch's manuscript himself, it's not as if he is short of money," said Harry, thinking out loud. "You'd think he'd want that Necrous chant to bring back Voldemort."

"He's not that powerful a wizard, besides he probably got it in another of his books, Professor Raven did say it has been reproduced in several other volumes…"

"I think she wants that Grimo Nercomum…" said Ron looking up from the chapter.

"Grimorium Neromanum,"Hermione corrected.

"Whatever…because she likes collecting old books, nothing more sinister than that."

"Let's hope you're right," said Harry darkly.

Lunch had been a rather tasty Shepherd's with carrots, peas and gallons of gravy, which Harry noticed Professor Planchette had managed two helping due the fact that Snape had barely touched his own meal. He had just sat staring into space as if lost deep in thought as he sulkily pushed the mashed potato about the plate with his fork until Planchette couldn't bare it any longer and asked him if he was going to eat it. Snape had just shrugged glumly, letting Planchette whip the plate from under his nose. Harry frowned Snape had always been cantankerous and vile but this term there were times when he seemed quite morose, maybe it was just because Planchette was always so friendly and happy but Harry had never actually seen Snape genuinely smile.

"I don't see why we all have to be there to bow and scrape to Lucius Malfoy," grumbled Snape still looking just as sullen as they all made their way down to the library. "I've far better things to do with my time."

"Because, Severus," Harry heard Professor Dumbledore's calm voice from somewhere behind him. "We are all going to benefit from Mr Malfoy's generous donation and because he especially asked if you would be there."

"Fine," Snape snorted and strolled off to stop two fourth years in his house from sneaking off.

The library was crowded and smelt of fresh paint. A small platform had been set up at the back of the room upon which were positioned three chairs at the front and then several more arranged diagonally across the stage in two neat lines. Professor Dumbledore took the chair in the middle while Madam Pince took the one to his right and Lucius Malfoy settle down in the chair on the left, his gloved hands resting upon the snake-headed handle of his cane and a conceited smile upon his face. The other vacant chairs were taken up by Professor McGonagall, Professor Sprout, Madam Hooch and Madam Pomfrey who all chatted quietly to one another. While opposite them sat Professor Flitwick, Professor Planchette, Professor Raven, Professor Snape and even Professor Trelawney who had ventured down from her lofty classroom for the occasion. She kept giving Snape a sideways glance her expression deeply troubled as she dabbed the corners of her eyes behind her enormous glasses with a dark, red lace handkerchief. Snape did his best to ignore the woeful looks of Professor Trelawney beside him but he couldn't help but shoot Harry an icy, venomous glare. Professor Planchette was muttering something into Professor Flickwt's ear which made the tiny wizard chuckle so much that he almost fell off his chair. Harry guessed that it might have had something to do with the library counter upon which was set a two large gold trays one held golden goblets and the other looked like dishes of party nibbles, which naturally Professor Planchette already had his eye upon. Professor Raven sat silent her delicate hands folded neatly in her lap her head slightly bowed but every now and again she would glance over to where Lucius Malfoy was sitting.

"Are we all here?" asked Professor Dumbledore as he got to his feet and looked across the rows of expectant faces to where Mr Flich stood in the doorway with Mrs Norris in his arms. The caretaker gave him a nod and the doors of the library close behind him.

"Right then, I am pleased to announce that as from this afternoon, our wonderful school library is once more restored to fountain of knowledge and haven of quiet reflection for all those students who have need of it. I must thank all students and staff," Dumbledore glance sideways at Madam Pince "for your patience and regret the inconvenience that the restorations have caused over the last month but the storm damage was sever and took a little longer to complete than originally expected…"

"They expect everything had to enchanted again," Hermione muttered to Harry under his breath. "Hogwarts is such an ancient building with so much enchantment protecting it, things aren't as simple as just slapping on a new bit of plaster."

"But this reopening of the library is a double celebration as Mr Lucius Malfoy has most generously donated several rare and valuable books to add to our already impressive collection…" Professor Dumbledore started to applaud as Lucius Malfoy rose from his chair; several of the teachers behind followed the headmaster example, even Professor Raven but Snape clapped his hands very slowly as if it pained him to do so. Lucius gave the sea of expectant upturned faces a patronizing, complacent smile, his cold grey eyes searching for Draco, who was standing in the front with Crabbe and Goyle on his right and a fawning Pansy on his left, he grinned back proudly.

"Due to my contacts at the Ministry of Magic it came to my attention that certain budgets were to suffer cuts and I was mortified to learn that the annual educational fund allocated to this school was one of them. The Malfoy's have been attending Hogwarts for centuries, as a former pupil and now a parent my greatest concern is and always shall be the welfare of this school and all its students…" Harry could help but noticed how Mr Malfoy had struggled to forced himself to say all students. It was common knowledge that Lucius Malfoy prided himself on being a pureblood and hated the idea of anyone with even the slightest muggle heritage even being allowed to attend Hogwarts let alone being taught magic.

"And so I have decided to donate many of the antiquated books that have been gathering dust upon my own library shelves to the school where I hope that they shall once again be put to good use educating and shaping your young minds…" There was a brief silence and then Professor Dumbledore rose from his chair again.

"I am sure that everyone here will join me in thanking Mr Malfoy for his generous gift," he started to clap again. There were some childish whoops from Crabbe and Goyle, Pansy made an enthusiastic display of clapping and kissed Draco upon the cheek, Draco's pale complexion flushed slightly with embarrassment but received a smile of approval from his father, Lucius obviously considered Miss Parkinson a suitable aspirant for his son's affections.

After several minutes Professor Dumbledore hand up his hand for silent and a hush fell over the students.

"Now as Mr Malfoy so rightly put it we are here to educate so if you will all head off to your lessons in a quiet and orderly fashion, with the exception of Professor Snape's, Flickwit and Raven's classes."

Harry sighed as Draco, Crabbe and Goyle pushed passed them and made themselves comfortable on the large sofa next to the section on magical history.

"Surely there is little reason myself and my class to remain behind?" complained Professor Snape. "I really must insist that…"

"But I insist you stay Severus," said Lucius with a mocking smile as he handed Professor Snape a goblet of red wine. "There are several books among the collection that I believe will be of particular interest to you." Mr. Malfoy studied Snape for a moment and then walked off to interrupt Professor Planchette who was enjoying a small sandwich while conversing with Professor Raven. She sipped from the golden goblet nodding politely but her dazzling violet eyes seemed to flit between Lucius and Snape.

"Well, there is no need for my class to waste any more time standing around here," Snape continued. "They have a lot of ground to cover before their final exams. Most of my year seven…" he glanced towards a heavily set Hufflepuff boy with wavy blond hair who quickly avoided the steely gaze of the Potions master "Are quite capable of setting up in readiness for the lesson."

"Yes…yes, Severus they may go," Professor Dumbledore sighed as he gestured for the year seven Potions class to leave, not all of them seemed pleased to be returning to the dungeons, especially if there was a chance of leftovers.

"Now everybody gather around," said Professor Flickwit sloshing his goblet of wine over his shoes and holding a sausage on a stick in his other hand as he beckoned over his Charms class.

"We won't get much time to do anything this lesson so I suggest that you take advantage of being in our restored library and perhaps have a browse through books on subject other than those on your current timetable, there's an amusing section just behind Professor Raven on magical muggle fiction which is worth a look, I would like you all to read the chapter on summoning spells for homework as we will be beginning work on those next lesson."Professor Flickwit then took a large sip from his goblet and wandered off the find Professor Planchette who was chatting to Madam Hooch.

"Come on," sighed Hermione a little disappointed that they weren't going to start the Summoning spells now until next lesson. "Lets have a look at the magical muggle fiction section," Ron didn't need to be asked twice as it meant walking past Professor Raven who was looking particularly stunning in an ankle length dark red gown of crushed velvet, her long nails and lips were painted to match and her black hair was neatly coiled on top of her head. Harry wasn't really bothered about magical muggle fiction but when he saw Lucius Malfoy striding over to speak with Professor Raven, he couldn't resist the opportunity to eavesdrop.

"Professor Raven…" Lucius Malfoy drawled handing her a large, old tattered looking volume. "I think this book would be of particular interest, to you, especially page forty-nine…and if I could just have a brief word with my son before you whisk him off to further defend himself against the perils of the dark arts, his mother does worry about him so," Lucius beckoning Draco over. "Motherhood is something that you, Miss Raven have yet to trouble your pretty little head about…but just imagine if you and…" he suddenly stopped as he realised that Draco was looking up at him with a puzzled frown.

"I hope to have children one day," Professor Raven said curtly clutching the book to her chest.

"Of course my dear, you've just got to find the right wizard," Lucius sneered a little unkindly.

Patronising git thought Ron giving Lucius Malfoy an evil glare from over the top of a book entitled The wizards of the Jade Mountain .

"Of course you may speak with your son," Professor Raven returned to the subject in hand. "But any time he misses from my class I will expect him to make up during lunch break tomorrow."

"Then I shall try not kept him any longer then is necessary," retorted Lucius leading Draco aside, Professor Raven watched him for moment then laid the heavy volume upon a table. She flicked through the pages until she had reached number forty-nine that Lucius had recommended, her expression flickered with sudden anxiety and she swiftly closed the book. Professor Planchette joined Professor Raven and handed her a goblet of wine, his eyes seemed to light up when he spied the title of book and seemed quiet excited when she insisted that he take it to read before her.

"Bloody hell," groaned Ron thrusting the novel back on the shelve in disgust. "These muggle are useless, that the second book I've skimmed through and none of the wizards were any good."

"What was that Mr Weasley?" Professor Raven asked with a smile. Ron suddenly went quite red, he could see both Lucius and Draco sneering at him, Ron suddenly longed for the ground to open up and swallow him. Professor Raven lent forward and peered at the tiny writing on the spine of the book Ron had returned to the shelf.

"The wizards of the Jade Mountain," she muttered with a grin/ "I don't blame you for giving that one a miss, it isn't very good."

"None of them are," huffed Ron. "Muggles just haven't a clue."

"I wouldn't say that Ron, I read quite a few good books about witches before I knew I was one myself," interject Hermione who was flicking through a slim book with a colourful dust jacket/ "This one called Charmed Life might be worth a look/"

"Yes, that one isn't bad, it's meant for young children but the story has some very interesting ideas, there's a character in there that reminds me a little of Professor Planchette…but my favourite muggle novel has to be…damn…I haven't got a copy with me but I'll contact my uncle, I'm sure he won't mind finding and sending it to me. Anyway I better get my darling Slytherins off to class," and with that Professor Raven turned on her heels, gesturing it was time for her class to leave the library.

"So little bro," asked Fred that evening in the common room as he flopped down on the sofa as Ron's knight chased Harry's bishop off the chess board. "Have you asked anyone to the ball yet?"

"Er…no," replied Ron sheepishly glancing up from the game.

"I think Lavender wouldn't mind going with you Ron," Neville piped up from his seat between Seamus and Hermione, who had her nose stuck in a book on how to sew your own fancy dress costumes.

"Well you better get your act together mate," added George with a wicked grin looking at Fred with a strange expression. "Before all the pretty ones get snapped up."

"What?" asked Harry, he frowned as he moved his piece only to be quickly checked by Ron's queen.

"Oh nothing," George smiled playfully, "just Fred asked Professor Raven to the ball."

"You didn't?" gasped Ron not knowing if he was more impressed at the nerve of his brother to actually ask her than jealous.

"Of course she gracefully declined," beamed George.

"Hey…I'm not the only one she turned down Oliver Wood as well," snorted Fred indignantly.

"Wood asked her as well?" said Ron enviously

"I expect…" Hermione finally entered the con.versation looking up from her book. "That the teachers aren't allowed to go to the ball with pupils anyway."

"Yeah but it was worth it as she promised to save a dance for me," Fred said smugly. "Anyway, George, you still haven't had an answer from Angelina."

"True," agreed George, he glanced over to the other side of the common room where Angelina was sat flicking through a fashion magazine with her friend and fellow Chaser Katie Bell.

"Oi! Angelina," George yelled. "are you coming to the ball with me or not?"

Angelina slowly looked up from the pages of her magazine with a smile; she whispered something to Katie whose cheeks seemed to suddenly turn quite pink.

"I will…if Fred takes Katie," Katie's whole face had flushed bright crimson by now. George gave his twin an inquiring look and Fred nodded, he gave Katie a little wave looking rather pleased with the arrangement but Katie had grabbed the magazine out of Angelina's hand and was hiding behind it lost to a fit of giggles.

"Well there are two women helpless to the old Weasley charm; lets just hope our little brother has inherited it too. What about you Harry?"

"Oh" sighed Harry as finally he had to admit defeat; Ron was just too good at chess for him to beat. "I asked Cho Chang she's not going to the ball; she's going to her brother's wedding."

"Bad luck mate," commiserated Fred. "But there's plenty more fish in the sea," he winked, this advice was greeted by a loud sniff from Hermione.

"I don't think anyone has asked her yet," whispered Harry glancing at Ron who just shrugged and started to pack the chess pieces back into the box. The Weasley twins bid everyone a cheery goodnight and disappeared up to the boys dormitories.

"I don't think I'll bother asking anyone," yawned Seamus. "it's not like this ball is a big deal or anything."

"That's such a pathetic excuse Seamus and you know it," Hermione snapped bitterly closing her book with a sharp, angry thud. Harry, Ron and Neville all glanced at her in surprise but Seamus was doing his best not to look Hermione in the eye.

"Well it is…Seamus says he can't be bother to ask anyone but really he just hasn't got the guts to ask Lucy Featherstone if she'll go with him."

"Lucy Featherstone?" gaped Harry and Ron as if this was news to them; Seamus squirmed uncomfortably in his armchair, his cheek aglow with embarrassment.

"Men," Hermione huffed crossly glaring in the direction of Harry and Ron. "It's like you all walk around with your eyes shut."

"Well…er…I admit she's quite…er pretty," Seamus stammered a protest as if that fact that he had noticed was something to be ashamed of. "But…but she's in Slytherin…"

"Who cares…it is obviously that you have a crush on Lucy and she really likes you."

"She does?" Seamus gulped weakly. "How do you know, what has she been saying to you?"

"Nothing…but she does like you Seamus. I know she's in Slytherin and she was pretty vile in the first year but she's changed since she's started hanging around with some girls from Ravenclaw, honestly Lucy's quite nice once you get to know her and she's a brilliant artist. I thought you could ask…"

"But…but she's in Slytherin."

"I can't believe you are still using that as an excuse, just admit you're a coward or worse prejudice …I mean what next you won't date a girl who isn't a pure blood…you're end up like Draco and Pansy."

"Hang on, Hermione, that not fair," said Ron. "Seamus wouldn't do that remember his father is a muggle, you can't say that he is prejudice like Malfoy…"

"Well I still think its discrimination," Hermione huffed. "It's attitudes like that which cause all the unnecessary and nasty rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin…"

"Not all Slytherins turn out bad," said Neville trying to sound helpful. "I mean if they did then surely the school would get rid of the house and refuse to teach anyone that would have been sorted into Slytherin."

"Neville's right," agreed Harry. "Everyone that show magical ability deserves a chance, surely not all Gryffindors, Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs live up to their house reputations."

"Oh, really?" Hermione snatched up her book and struggled out of the soft, comfortable armchair. "I was going to offering putting in a good word for you with Lucy next Care of Magical Creatures lesson but if you are too arrogant and stupid…" she stormed up to the girls dormitories.

"I'm not arrogant am I?" asked Seamus looking worried.

"Er…no mate," reassured Ron with a yawn. "Don't know about you lot but I'm ready for bed."

"No, of course your not," agreed Harry. "If you really like Lucy then I think you should ask her to the ball."

"Yeah, I suppose," Seamus muttered, as he rose from his chair and joined Ron heading to the dormitory.

Harry sat for a while in the now empty common room thinking somewhat guiltily about what he and Ron had overheard Professor Planchette had said about his time as a student at Hogwarts with Snape. True, on the surface Professor Snape was so typical of those in Slytherin, cunning and power-hungry, but Harry wondered, the Sorting Hat had obviously recognised these traits in Snape to put him in that house, his stomach twisted uncomfortably could the prejudice attitude of Snape's peers (namely Harry's father and his friends) from the others houses further shaped him into the bitter, cruel adult he was now. Harry shuddered; the fire had burnt out and the chill night air nipped at his bones, he yawned eyes starting to feel heavy, longing for sleep and so Harry ascend the stairs to the boys dormitory and the welcoming warmth of his bed.

TBC

R&R!