Disclaimer: See Chapter One
-CHAPTER THIRTEEN-
The Hallowe'en Ball
Harry, Hermione and Ron rose before dawn, eager to catch Professor Dumbledore before breakfast. Even though they still had no real proof that Snape was trying to kill Professor Raven, Hermione had argued that if only to put their minds at rest that they must speak with the headmaster.
"Sherbet Lemon," said Harry, when frowned as the stone gargoyle refused to move aside, denying them entrance to Professor Dumbledore's office. "He must have changed to password."
"Indeed, and with good reason it would seem," they sprung around to see Professor McGonagall, her arms folded and a stern look upon her face.
"We need to see Professor Dumbledore," Hermione explained, "right now, its very urgent."
"Well, I am afraid that won't be possible Miss Granger as Professor Dumbledore left for London first thing and he won't be back until late this evening," Professor McGonagall sounded awfully cagey. "Is there anything that I can help you with?"
"It's Snape," Ron blurted out, he couldn't help himself. "We weren't helping him look for that snake last night; we were trying to stop him using it to murder Professor Raven."
"And how was Professor Snape intending to achieve this murder Mr Weasley?" Professor McGonagall snapped angrily.
"By charming the snake with an Assassin Draft, it's the only way to get a Golden Nile viper to attack someone," Hermione explained.
"An Assassin Draft? Do you realise what you are accusing Professor Snape of Miss Granger? Attempted murder, for which, the penalty is life imprisonment in Azkaban."
"No less than that greasy git deserves," retorted Ron bitterly.
"Mr Weasley! You will not speak about Professor Snape in that manner."
"But…bu-"
"Silence! Not another word from you, Mr Weasley, if you can't keep a civil tongue in your head then I would rather not hear you at all. I wouldn't count Severus Snape as one of my friends, in fact, I wouldn't even go as far as to say that I particularly like the man, but I can assure you all, he is not trying to kill Professor Raven."
"But Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape took that book Lucius Malfoy donated to the library which contained the Assassins Draft. Then Harry caught him brewing it in his office," explained Hermione.
"You have proof of this?"
"Er…no, Professor Snape will have poured the rest of the potion away, and he reduced the snake to ashes late night," replied Harry glumly.
"Because it was distressing Professor Raven, now why would he destroy the snake if his intention was to kill her?"
"To destroy the evidence," Ron muttered under his breath. Professor McGonagall gave him a stern look but said nothing.
"Please, Professor McGonagall," Hermione pleaded. "Can't you just…"
"Okay, Miss Granger, I shall pass on your concerns to Professor Dumbledore when he returns but on the condition, that you will refrain from discussing this matter any further until I have spoken with the headmaster…do I make myself clear?"
"Yes professor," they all chorused. "Now off to breakfast with you…and Mr Weasley, if I ever hear to refer to Professor Snape in that manner again, I will not hesitate in giving you detention."
None of them felt much like eating breakfast after that, Harry and Hermione both sat frowning in silence trying to work out why Professor Dumbledore had suddenly gone to London. While Ron just sulked over the fact that even though Professor McGonagall had admitted that she didn't really like Snape, she was still willing to give him detention if she even caught him bad mouthing the Potions master again. There was no sign or either Professor McGonagall or Professor Raven at the teachers table but Snape was sitting watching Ron, sipping angrily at his morning coffee as if he knew exactly what Ron had been saying about him. Snape drained his cup of coffee, and then slowly rose from his chair. Instead of leaving the great hall by the side door as usual, which was quickest route to his dudgeon classroom; Snape made a point of walking down the hall between the tables, his lips curled into a condescending sneer, but his cold, black seethed with the same hatred that he had shown towards Lucius Malfoy that day of the book dedication. Ron shuddered under his gaze making Snape sneer all the more before he swept off out of the main door.
"Did you see him smiling at me? He knows, Snape knows what I call him and he's going to get me for it…" he grumbled trying to force down a spoonful of now soggy cornflakes. "Teachers, they're all the same, even McGonagall…Always stick together in the end."
"That's not fair, Ron," replied Hermione. "Professor McGonagall never actually said she was going to tell Snape what you called him."
"Yeah, the miserable, slimy git is still probably livid about last night," Harry whispered trying his best to lighten Ron's dark mood.
"Come on, let's try and get to Defence of the Dark Arts before everyone else, I don't care whether Professor McGonagall believes us or not, we can't risk waiting for her to tell Professor Dumbledore. If Snape finds out that Dumbledore isn't here then he could grasp the opportunity for another attempt on Professor Raven's life and I for one couldn't live with myself if I thought we haven't warned her about him."
Harry, Hermione and Ron suddenly froze in their tracks; all hope vanished as opening the door to the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom they found Professor Snape sitting at the desk flicking through the notebook that Professor Raven usually kept locked away in the top drawer.
"I am so sorry to disappoint you," said Snape in a soft silky voice that didn't harbour the slight hint of him actually being sorry about the situation, in fact he looked positively delighted. "Professor Raven had some urgent personal business to attend to in London, rather mysterious and very inconsiderate of her if you ask me," Snape mused as he twiddled the silver antique Slytherin pin between his thin ashen fingers. "So I offered to step in…but don't worry you can rest assured that your precious Professor Raven with be back by the Halloween Ball…in fact I am counting on it."
"That's Professor Raven's pin," snapped Harry, annoyed that not only had Snape had jumped at the chance to teach Professor Raven's classes but that he had his grubby fingers all over her personal items.
"Is it really, Potter?" Snape retorted with a strange smile, his black glittering eyes narrowed to slits as holding the fastening pin of the tiny, ornate brooch between his
forefinger and thumb he examined it more closely.
"Yes it is," returned Harry hotly.
"Then we better make sure nothing terrible happens to it," Snape answered silkily as he closed the notebook and placed both the book and the pin back in the drawer, where he had found them. "Now sit down, Potter."
The rest of the class seemed just as dismayed to discover that Professor Raven wasn't taking the lesson as they all liked her very much, but under the menacing, cold glare of Snape everyone sat down glumly and took out their books.
"As Professor Raven had to dash off to London so unexpectedly, I have been left no record of the topics you have covered so far this term…"
"Please sir, we're looked at Gnomes, Banshees, Chichevaches, dark apparitions, Morgan La Fay, the dark wizards Grindle and Lord Eldritch, Shadow Wraiths, fairies …" Hermione said quickly. "And I believe Professor Raven intended us to start on werewolves, for our end term project…"
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Snape muttered coldly to himself. "Put your hand down you foolish girl, I didn't ask for information. It was merely a comment on Professor Raven's lack of organisation."
"Professor Raven's brilliant," piped up Dean Thomas boldly, his ears suddenly becoming quite pink.
"She's the best Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher we have ever had," said Ron not wanting to by out done by Dean but turning just as pink. There was a murmur of agreement from the rest of the class to which Snape's thin lips again briefly twitched into that strange smile.
"Well…I really have no idea what could cause Professor Raven to neglect such devoted students?" Snape replied softly.
I do Harry thought and right now he's sitting behind her desk.
The rest of the lesson was to Harry's amazement was pretty tolerable. Snape ceased with his snide remarks criticising Professor Raven and even continued with the planned lesson discussing werewolves. Harry already knew from overhearing the argument between Snape and Professor Raven in the staff room the evening of her first day at Hogwarts that the Potions master despised werewolves with a cruel passion. So it wasn't surprising that Snape was extremely knowledgeable on the subject, especially on the ways of recognising and killing the creatures. A frightened collected gasp erupted from the class as Snape conjured up an enormous, horrifying realistic vision of a werewolf, complete with glowing red eyes, dirty, long claws, glistening fangs and foul breath, which seemed to amuse him greatly. Harry was loathed to admit it even as Snape gleefully set the class a three foot long essay upon how to spot and dispose of a werewolf, that it had been one of the most informative Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson so far.
The rest of the day was just as surprising and pleasant. Professor Planchette was too excited about the Halloween ball to concentrate on teaching them about Northern European talismans he abandoned the idea completely to give the class an extra dancing lesson. Professor Flickwit, the Charms teacher had them helping him bewitch several boxes of black and orange candles in preparation for the change of ceiling display on the great hall. Harry noticed that the little wizard also had a number of large crates labelled rubber bats, which he intended to get his four year class, whose lesson was on the morning of the ball to cast flutter charms upon to keep them occupied.
Harry was greatly troubled to learn at breakfast from Hermione, who had already been to see Professor McGonagall, that both Professor Dumbledore and Professor Raven had been delayed in London. She had learnt that Professor Raven wasn't due back to Hogwarts until late that evening and Professor Dumbledore wasn't expected until the evening of the ball.
"What is Dumbledore doing up in London anyway?" asked Harry exacerbated. "Do you think he knows Professor Raven is there too?"
"Well Professor McGonagall was pretty vague but she did give me the impression that she was just as mystified about Professor Raven's sudden absence and the Dumbledore knows nothing about it either," sighed Hermione.
The next day passed pretty much the same as the day before with most people too excited to put their minds seriously to lessons. And even Snape seemed a little distracted as he took double Potions on the morning of the ball.
They hurried up the stones steps from the dungeon straight to the staff room to find Professor Raven only to be greeted by a stern looking Professor McGonagall. So at Hermione's suggestion Harry and Ron headed for the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom while she nipped to the great hall to get them all an apple and a packet of crisps to munch while they waited for Professor Raven as it might be their only chance to warn her about Snape's plans.
"It's not that I minded taking your classes, Morwenna," it was Snape; his voice was soft, silky, almost warm.
"And very admirably Severus, I've just spoken to young Dean Thomas who gave me a glowing report of your lesson on werewolves; although I do think your personal dislike of the creatures biased you a little, I would have tried to give the class a more balanced view. Even the werewolf that attacked me, with the correct medication was able to control his inner beast; in fact we became quite good friends."
"Well you do have a very forgiving nature Morwenna…pity it doesn't extend beyond those filthy, detestable creatures, maybe if I had a shaggy coat, fangs and…"
"Now…now boys it is very rude to listen in on people's private conversions…No?" scolded Professor Planchette grabbing both Harry and Ron playfully by the ear.
"Potter and Weasley…I might have known," snarled Snape as Planchette pushed them into the classroom.
To Harry's dismay, Snape didn't leave once the bell has sounded for the lesson to begin but sat stiffly on a chair, arms fold and stony faced as Professor Raven continued with the lesson on werewolves. She was just as clued-up on the creatures as Snape, who tutted and rolled his black eyes as Professor Raven put forward a very convincing case why werewolves should be given the help and opportunity to be integrated back into society. Harry though he saw Snape's already sallow features whiten all the more when Professor Raven narrated her own experiences dealing with werewolves, including the attack in Prague.
After lunch, Harry and Ron escaped the Gryffindor common which seemed to have become a riot of giggling, excitable girls for a stroll down to Hagrid's hut. They were soon roped into helping Hagrid carry the huge, freshly harvested pumpkins up to the castle, where they were quickly set upon by Professor Sprout's first year Herbology class. By the time Harry, Ron and Hagrid had staggered up with the second batch, most of the pumpkins were now sporting, with varying degrees of success, spooky, grinning faces. Professor Flickwit was balancing on a step ladder arranging the enchanted candles and now fluttering rubber bats, while Professor Planchette was flapping around as usual but didn't appear to actually be doing anything constructive.
"Well, thanks for yer help," smiled Hagrid as he set the last pumpkin down. "Yer best get off to get ready."
"Nah…we've got plenty of time yet," Ron replied with a grin as he spied the first tray of Halloween treats being brought into the hall, he wasn't the only one, Professor Planchette was making a swift beeline towards the Hufflepuff boy with the tray on the pretext of helping to carry it. It was usual for the whole school to gather in the great hall on Halloween for a midnight feast but due to the ball the first and second years would being having their feast early.
"I hope Snape's got a nice big bottle of the sliming tonic mixed up, looks as if Planchette's already started celebrating," Ron smirked as he watched Professor Planchette stuff his pockets with iced biscuits.
"Well I'll see yer two later then," said Hagrid. "Got to sort out me costume," he winked and lumped off back to his hut.
Harry and Ron hung about in the hall for another hour, assisting Professor Flickwit and pinching the odd fairy cake or iced biscuit as the trays went passed. But once the first and second years started to trail in with gasp of amazement and eager hungry looking expressions, Harry and Ron decided it was about time they braved the common room and got ready for the ball.
Harry, Ron, Seamus, Dean and Neville changed into their costumes up in their dormitory, all looking a little nervous and self-conscious, but it was far too late to change their minds now. Harry and Ron knew already what each other was going as and both looked the part, Harry in his shimmering chain mail, golden crown and Excalibur and Ron dressed in a long dark, grey robe and huge floppy hat. Seamus was wrapped from head to foot in bandages, Dean had opted for a werewolf costume and Neville was dressed as the headless horseman, complete with a latex pumpkin mask.
The common room looked strange crowded with people all clad in different colours instead of the usual mass of black robes. Lavender rushed shrieking over to Ron, much to Hermione's disgust, the hooded scarlet cloak of her costume flying out behind her.
"Er…Little Red Riding Hood," said Ron trying to sound casual. "Er…very nice."
"Thanks," returned Lavender grabbing him by the arm.
"Er…see you down in the hall then," cried Ron to Harry as he was dragged away towards the portrait hole.
"Really!" snapped Hermione as she adjusted her long blond wig and smooth down the countless sparkling blue and green dragon scale sequins that she had spent several nights sewing onto her mermaid's tail. "She's only going with Ron because he's the best dancer in the year."
Harry had a suddenly sick feeling in his stomach, even though Hermione and Ron been bickering more than usual, he suspected that she had secretly hoped that Ron would have asked her to the ball. It was like Seamus and Lucy, before they had finally started to date if seemed they had spent all lot of time bickering. Some crazy notion started to form in the swirling depths of Harry's mind…what if Snape was bickering with Professor Raven because…Harry shuddered at the thought…no…don't be so stupid.
"You look very nice," Harry said awkwardly.
"Thank you for noticing," retorting Hermione as she finally turned her gaze from the portrait hole. "I suppose we better go after them."
The great hall had been transformed since the Halloween feast; the long dinning tables and benches had been pushed to the side of the room, but were still groaning under the weight of food and flickering, fat pumpkin lanterns. The stone floor that would have normally been beneath the tables was now a large dark square, this was to be the dance floor and was dusted with multicoloured glitter that sparkled in the flickering torch light. The starry black ceiling was lit with hundreds of black and orange, hung with garlands of twisted icy and glittering cobwebs that the enchanted rubber bats were fluttering in and out of happily. At the top of the hall in front of the stage were the teachers usual sat for meals was a long table, draped in a black satin cloth and upon it were several huge glass cauldrons. Two of these contained a bubbling pale orange liquid that Harry guessed was pumpkin juice, another was full of bright blue punch and there was also a smaller cauldron with something red that smoked. On the stage which was draped with dark blue velvet curtains covered in silver stars there was Professor Planchette's Melody Globe from which rose an exquisite and haunting orchestral piece. There were also placed two stools and a tray of glasses with a decanter of Gillywater, Harry frowned but soon forgot about it as Hermione pulled him across the dance floor towards empty seats.
"Now remember," said Hermione in a low whisper. "We're not here to enjoy ourselves, we can't risk taking our eyes off Professor Raven for a second…where's Ron got to?"
Harry searched around the great hall; he could see Seamus, who was already sitting next to Lucy dressed as Cleopatra, and holding her hand. Dean and Neville were standing to the right of the long table nervously eyeing up the cauldrons punch, while Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle were huddled in the corner whispering. Draco had come as Vlad the Impaler, (the character it was rumoured by Muggles that Dracula had been based upon) he was dressed in a fabulous and expensive blood red velvet robes and hat trimmed with black fur. He wore a wig of long dark ringlets but had obviously given up on wearing the moustache which was hanging out of his robe pocket. Crabbe and Goyle were dressed as ghouls, wrapped in what looked suspiciously like bed sheets, no doubt stolen from some poor unluckily first year Slytherins. Pansy was wearing a long purple gown and ankle length golden wig, she would have made quiet a pretty Rapunzel if her expression wasn't as if there was a bad smell under her nose. She looked at Hermione and Harry, then whispered something in to Malfoy's ear, he sneered at them, mouthing I like your costume mockingly, while Crabbe and Goyle sniggered behind him.
"Come on," snapped Hermione. "So what if his costume came from a fancy shop in Paris, we've more important things to think about. I wonder where Snape and Planchette have got to?" They found Hagrid, who was already drinking from a large tankard, Harry guessed he had come as a Thorny Devil due to the horns that were sticking out of the top of his bushy head and the long fluffy tail he had pinned to the back of his moleskin coat. Hagrid was standing next to Madam Rosmerta and the pretty blond barmaid from the Three Broomsticks, both ladies looked wonderful in their brightly coloured saloon girl outfits, topped off with large feathers in their headdresses. Madam Rosmerta was chatting to Hagrid and handing out bottles of Butterbeer to anyone who didn't fancy the punch, while the barmaid glanced about the hall anxiously, Harry wonder if she was looking out for Professor Snape.
"There's Ron," Harry pointed out, waving goodbye to Hagrid as he took Hermione's hand and they pushed their way through some sixth years to join Ron among the teachers, chatting to Professor Raven, much to the disgust of Lavender who stood next to him scowling. Professor Dumbledore sat upon a high-backed chair at the right of the long table, positioned so he could get a good view of the festivities. Next to him stood Ron, Lavender and Professor Raven who was ladling out a goblet of dark red liquid from the small smoking glass cauldron. Harry and Hermione hurried to join them.
"Hello," grinned Ron taking a sip from his goblet. "Thought it was best to stay close," he whispered into Harry's ear.
"Yeah," Harry nodded as he caught Professor Dumbledore's eye and smiled.
"Do you think Professor McGonagall told Dumbledore about Snape?" Hermione hissed.
"I don't think so," Ron shrugged.
"That is a very fine costume, Mr Weasley," Professor Dumbledore smiled approvingly. "I believe that The Lord of the Rings is one of Morwenna's favourite novels, she gave me a copy one Christmas but I am ashamed to admit that I still haven't read it." Ron was thankful that his oversized hat kept flopping down over his face as it was now covering up his blushes, Lavender snorted indignantly and went to sit next to Parvati and her twin sister Padma. Professor Dumbledore himself was dressed as a wizard, in a long black robe covered in silver stars and crescent moons with a pointed hat that was set upon his head at a jaunty angle. He looked to Harry how before he had discovered truth about his past (that he was a wizard himself) he might have pictured a wizard. In fact this was the point, it was one of Dumbledore's little jokes and he had come to the fancy dress ball a muggle wizard. Professor Raven on the other hand looked as if she had just stepped from the pages of an Arthurian romance dressed in a long forest green velvet medieval gown, embellished with shimmering golden braid. Her long, wavy black and streaked green tresses were loose, cascading over her shoulders and were crowned with a circlet of gold.
"This is a special one only for the teachers I am afraid," Professor Raven smiled at Harry as he went to help himself to the dark red, smoking liquid. "But I've heard the pumpkin surprise is rather nice." She pointed to a larger glass cauldron with was filled with what looked like fizzy pumpkin juice that had several black plastic spiders floating upon the surface. Professor Raven's cheery smile suddenly faded and Harry turned to join her gaze only to see Professor Planchette grinning sheepishly as he hobbled into the great hall on crutches wearing a dark brown suit, long coat and deerstalker hat.
"Don't worry Professor Raven," Harry offered kindly with a sly grin. "I am sure Ron would love to dance with you, Madam Hooch says he is the best dancer in our year."
"Sorry," Planchette smiled with an awkward shrug as he joined them. "Tripped over an encyclopaedia of charms and twisted my ankle, I am truly…" But Planchette apology was interrupted by sudden squeals of excitement coming from some Hufflepuff girls, all dressed as black cats that were huddled close to the main doors as Professor Snape made his entrance.
Snape strode, his head held high, through the oak doors with a commanding and sinister elegance about him. The black, enchanted velvet billowed out around him, the hem of the coat just skimming the stone floor as he crossed the hall, his dark, glittering eyes sought out Professor Raven. People muttered, heads turned admiringly, Draco Malfoy's mouth gaped open in surprise and there were even a few girlish giggles from a group of year seven Slytherins as the head of their house swept pass them. Hermione had a shocked but impressed expression on her face, the pretty blond barmaid suddenly smiled and Harry swore he heard Professor Raven sigh.
"Wow," Planchette enthused. "Zat was some entrance Severus; I am going to 'ave to borrow zat coat off you some time."
"I don't think so, Leon," Snape replied softly. "I didn't spend all that money for you to benefit from it."
"Is that enchanted velvet, Severus?" Professor Raven asked sounding more than a touch envious.
"Go on 'ave a feel," Planchette nudged her encouragingly. "Severus won't mind, will you and ze serpents are totally 'armless." Professor Raven gingerly brushed her fingertips over one of the dark velveteen sleeves. "Oh! It's so lovely and soft," she exclaimed in amazement. "Even the snakes."
"You approve then?" Snape sounded surprised but very pleased as his sallow cheeks were slightly tinged with colour.
"Oh yes, I think your coat is fabulous," she smiled as her hand seemed to linger upon Snape's arm.
"Have you tasted the Dragon's Blood yet Morwenna?" Snape asked with an almost conceited smile. "Leon let slip that it was a particular favourite of yours…I do hope that I have got it just right, Dragon's Blood is a rather difficult blend to achieve."
"Yes, it's just as good as the Dragon's Blood I had in Prague…perhaps even a little better," she smiled.
"Well, I'm on my second goblet," Professor Dumbledore grinned. "It's truly the most delicious thing I have ever tasted Severus." Dumbledore tipped his goblet approvingly at Snape. "This wine calls for some unusual ingredient, it must have taken you weeks to brew and in secret too, I am impressed at your getting into the spirit of things." Harry shot a glance at Hermione, surely it hadn't been the Dragon's Blood that he had seen Snape take out of the locked cupboard in his office, he had been so certain that Snape had been brewing the Assassin Draft, and the Golden Nile viper, there was no mistaking that the snake had been charmed to kill Professor Raven. He had heard it from the snake itself.
"It was nothing," Snape returned proudly, a sly smile playing upon his thin lips, his dark eyes never leaving Professor Raven's face.
"Well, let's have a goblet of zis stuff zen," Professor Planchette beamed trying to steady himself upon his crutches. "I am dying to see what all ze fuss is about. When Severus said 'e was going to brew some Dragon's Blood I zought 'e was mad…" Planchette took a cautious first sip. "Wow…now zat is really something, no wonder you been raving about it Morwenna."
"How precious," drawled a mocking voice. "Dragon's Blood…where ever did you get your hands upon that?" Everybody turned to see Lucius Malfoy, he was dressed in a dark grey suit and cloak, fancy dress it seemed was a little beneath him.
"Lucius, I am so delight you could make it," beamed Dumbledore whose cheeks had taken on a rather rosy glow. "Do have a goblet of Dragon's Blood, Severus brewed it…"
"I'd rather not Albus," Lucius graciously reclined peering into Planchette's brimming goblet, "alcohol tends to cloud the judgement, encourages the apparently discerning person to act upon the very impulses and desires that, when sober they keep deeply buried, afraid of ridicule or shame."
"Crumbs…someone 'ad a bad experience with ze crab-apple cider when zey were younger" said Professor Planchette a little stunned at Lucius' remark. "I am sure one tiny little goblet wouldn't 'urt…"
"And you are?" Malfoy sneered looking down his long, thin nose at Planchette.
"Professor Leon Planchette, I teach Ancient Magical Artefacts…but tonight I am Sherlock 'Olmes."
"Really?" Lucius twisted his mouth into a hideous smile of surprise. "Although I don't recall Sherlock Homes having crutches." Lucius turn away from Planchette before he could utter a reply in his defence.
"Ahhh, but your costume is far most befitting the occasion, my dear," Lucius smiled at Professor Raven as he took hold of her hand. "Morgan La Fay, one of the most beguiling and infamous witches in history, but even she couldn't hold a candle to your talent and beauty…I doubt there is a wizard alive that wouldn't eventually succumb to your charms, my dear." Professor Raven snatched her hand back as if the brush of Lucius' lips had burnt her skin and Harry thought he saw Professor Snape stiffen as Lucius kissed her hand.
"Salazar Slytherin," scoffed Lucius as he gave Snape's magnificent coat a quick, sneering glance. He looked at Professor Snape with an expression somewhere between burning envy and utter contempt. "How original Severus…considering you are the Head of Slytherin house…a bit extravagant for you though, not trying to impress somebody are we?" Lucius questioned coldly arching a pale eyebrow. "I may have to get the Ministry of Magic to take a closer look into teacher's wages; obliviously you are being paid far too much if you can splash out on such a garment."
"What I choose to do with my wages is no business of yours Malfoy," hissed Snape. "True…I only hope she's worth it," Lucius returned with unkind smile. "Women can be so cruel, so fickle with their affections…they lead you on and when they got what they want from you…drop you like a leaky cauldron…"
He watched with wickedly delight as Snape rather lose his temper stormed off in the direction of Professor Flickwit, who was dressed as a Cornish Pixie.
"What was all that about?" asked Hermione as she took a goblet of pumpkin surprise from Harry.
"How should I know?" shrugged Harry, "maybe Snape's had second thoughts about that barmaid, she is awfully nice," Hermione rolled her eyes but said nothing and took a sip of her punch.
The music suddenly stopped and Professor Dumbledore rose, a little unsteady to his feet.
"If I could just have your attention please," he called over the chatter. "Welcome to the Halloween ball, you will find refreshments dotted about the hall, please feel free to help yourselves. As some of you will know I have been away in London for a few days, but before I reveal the reason behind my absence I would like to thank Professor Planchette for persuading me that the ball should have a live band and for his excellent recommendation…so everyone can you please put your hands together and welcome Beltaine to Hogwarts."
Everyone applauded loudly, stomped their feet and wolf whistles from some of the older boys as the band walked onto the stage and struck up with a lively jig. After the second bar of music the dance floor was still empty and both Professor Dumbledore and Professor Planchette were looking disheartened, Madam Hooch was flashing her yellow eyes at anyone that dared looking her direction.
"Oh come on, Mr Weasley," sighed Professor Raven pulling the wide brimmed grey hat from Ron's head and handed it to Hermione. "We can't let poor Madam Hooch's classes go to waste." Ron turned crimson but still let Professor Raven whisk him onto the dance floor. She led Ron to the front of the stage and facing him started the opening steps of the Nightshade Jig. They had just completed the first sequence of the dance when Fred and George both dressed as skeletons, Angelina Johnson and Katie Bell who were brides of Dracula in long white flowing gown, blood red lips and plastic fangs joined them; soon there were two long lines of students and a few teachers dancing.
"Er…do you want to join them?" Harry asked Hermione who was looking enviously at Professor Raven and Ron, so was Lavender.
"No, thanks, I think I'll sit this one out," Hermione replied glumly and went to sit with Neville and Dean, who were munching their way through a plate of angel cake slices and gingerbread bats while Susan and Louise chatted happily not really bother if they danced or not.
The Nightshade Jig was followed by the Poison Ivy Polka, Ron danced this with Lavender and as Hermione still didn't feel like dancing Harry partnered Professor Raven. Well thought Hermione with a sigh as she bit the wing off one of the gingerbread bats Neville had offered her, at least Snape won't be trying anything while she dancing with Ron or Harry. Hermione watched them dancing for a bit but after the fourth dance, the Goblin Gavotte, Ron was dancing with Professor Raven again, and although she did have to admit that he was defiantly the best dancer in their year she soon got bored and decided to watch Snape instead. Professor Snape had been standing with Professor Flickwit, sipping his Dragon's Blood wine watching everyone on the dance floor until the little wizard had been asked to dance by Professor Sprout, in the guise of a Viking maiden, with blond plats and a horned helmet. But Snape was soon joined by the pretty, blond barmaid, they chatted for a few minutes, then taking Snape's goblet she woven her way through the dancers towards the long table. The dance ended and before the band struck up into another jig Professor Raven left the dance floor, Angelina grabbed Ron's hand dragging him back while Harry was surprised to suddenly be dancing with Madam Hooch. Professor Raven walked over to see Professor McGonagall who was standing behind Snape chatting to Hagrid. Professor Raven smiled politely as she passed Snape and to Hermione's surprise the thin taut line of his lips broke into a brief smile. But Professor Raven's smile soon faded as she was caught in the scorching jealous glare of the barmaid. Snape looked first at Professor Raven and then at the barmaid but said nothing; this must have upset the barmaid as she thrust Snape's goblet into his hand and stormed off. Snape looked shocked, he considered going after the barmaid then must have thought better of it and drank deeply from the goblet instead looking utterly miserable.
"You are not dancing 'Ermione?" Professor Planchette flopped into the chair next to her and pinched a slice of angel cake from Neville's plate, Neville didn't mind as by now he was becoming sick of the stuff.
"No," Hermione returned bluntly.
"I see," Planchette replied sympathetically. "Neither, alas, am I," he pointed sadly at his ankle. Hermione turned to look at him and couldn't help but release a little chuckle; Planchette had taken off his cloak but still insisted on wearing his ridiculous Deerstalker hat.
"You like my 'at?" he smiled, pleased to see Hermione looking more cheerful.
"Oh yes, very much," she lied, trying to stifled another giggle.
"Zat is good. Monsieur Weasley is in great demand…no?" Planchette observed glancing towards the dance floor. This time Ron was dancing with Parvati, who was fully recovered from her broken toe, Harry with Padma and Oliver Wood, the biggest grin on his face since Gryffindor first won the Quidditch cup with Harry as their new Seeker with Professor Raven.
"I guess," said Hermione, not only was she annoyed that neither Harry or Ron had bothered to ask her to dance but also they seemed to have forgot that Professor Raven could still be in danger.
"But 'e 'as not asked you to dance…but I zought zat you…you are a good dancer too," Planchette stopped and looked at her thoughtfully "But 'ere you are, stuck with me, zis is not so good. You 'ave to be brave 'Ermione ask 'im to dance or in failing zat get a friend to 'elp you," Planchette smiled encouragingly, his bright blue eyes seemed to flash in the direction of Professor Snape and then to Professor Raven on the dance floor. "I could ask 'im for you..."
"No, its alright, honest I am not that bothered," she lied, Hermione was very bothered that Ron hadn't even seemed to notice her let alone asked her to dance but she certainly didn't want Professor Planchette to help, she would just have to hope that the batty Professor Trelawney was right and all she had to do was be patience, Ron would notice her eventually.
The barmaid walked pass Professor Snape with a glare and two bottles of Butterbeer in her hand only to sit down next to Professor Planchette. He glanced across at Snape who just shrugged; he didn't seem bothered if Planchette want to try his luck with her. Professor Planchette didn't need telling twice, he grabbed the barmaid by the hand and started complimenting her in his thickest, velvety French accent. The barmaid squealed in delight and Hermione decide to move down a couple of seats, she was now sitting within earshot of Professor Snape. She sneaked a side way glance at him; he was staring out across the dance floor and knocking back the dregs of his wine. Ugly, insensitive and arrogant, Hermione thought bitterly no wonder you're alone.
"Got a bit of a soft spot for red-heads…I don't know what's worse Morwenna, a Weasley or that…just don't let history repeat itself, my dear," sneered Lucius Malfoy as he swept pass Professor Raven who was now making good on her promise to Fred, carrying to goblets towards Professor Snape. Fred looked at Professor Raven with a puzzled frown, she just shrugged and smiled weakly back at him, but her gaze was now fixed upon the two men.
"Draco was terrible upset about the death of Cleo, he was very fond of that snake as was I," said Lucius coldly as he offered Snape a goblet brimming with Dragon's Blood wine, Lucius was sticking to pumpkin juice.
"It was a little foolish to entrust your son with a Golden Nile viper in the first place," Snape retorted defencelessly as he snatched the goblet from Lucius, spilling most of the wine on the floor.
"Careful," Lucius snapped stepping back as the wine splashed his shoes. "These shoes alone cost more than I dare say you earn in a term." Snape didn't answer just glared at Lucius with the hatred that he usually only reserved for Harry.
"And it was equally foolish of you to let the snake escape…you were lucky someone didn't get killed," Lucius continued unruffled by Snape's loathing stare.
"It didn't escape…besides Golden Nile vipers are harmless unless…" Snape hissed angrily
"Come along Severus, Mr Malfoy…" it was Professor McGonagall who stepped in to calm the situation. "Surely you gentlemen are not going to let poor Morwenna spend the whole evening dancing with the pupils? I still think she would prefer to be dancing with someone, a little more mature?" Professor McGonagall's voice had a strange playfulness to it and there was a slight flush to her cheeks, Hermione guessed that she had been enjoying the Dragon's Blood as well.
"I really don't think so," said Snape, he glanced at Professor Raven and then back at Professor McGonagall. "I mean…" Snape continued in his silkiest voice. "I couldn't possibly dance with Professor Raven, I'm not a dancer."
"That talent, a little beyond you, Severus?" Lucius smiled unkindly.
"Nonsense! Severus," Professor McGonagall scolded him like a naughty pupil, much Lucius' amusement as the pace of the music slowed to a less energetic waltz. "What's the point in taking private dancing lessons from Madam Hooch if you don't put what you've learnt into practice…it's only a waltz" she continued, ignoring the seething look of horror upon Snape's face, her mind was made up and she beckoned Professor Raven over. So that's what he was up to late at night, thought Hermione sneaking off to have dancing lessons with Madam Hooch.
"Dancing lessons…full of dark secrets aren't we Severus," Malfoy said giving Snape a look that suggested he wasn't referring to the professor' twilight liaisons with Madam Hooch.
"But…but…" Snape stuttered in protest giving Madam Hooch an evil glare, his sallow complexion suddenly took on healthy if embarrassed glow. But it was too late Professor Raven and Fred had already crossed the dance floor to join them, quickly followed by Harry and Ron.
"Severus was just telling me he hasn't had a dance yet?" lied Professor McGonagall. "I think he was hoping for a waltz with you."
"Really?" Professor Raven gasped catching her breath, she sounded a little surprised. "I thought you couldn't dance, Severus."
"Well if you would rather sit this one out…" Snape quickly suggested trying to hide the relief in his voice.
"It's seems Severus has been taking secret lessons from Madam Hooch," Lucius sneered almost daring Snape to proof himself. Snape glared at Lucius who just smiled smugly, then took Professor Raven by the hand onto the dance floor. Snape held her awkwardly, as if the thought of holding her that close was quite repellent, his movements were stiff, clumsy and he kept stepping on Professor Raven's toes. Hermione winced as much as she disliked Professor Snape she hated Lucius Malfoy. She had been hoping that Snape was going to wipe that conceited smile off Lucius' face.
"Oh really!" Lucius sighed rolling his pale grey eyes in wicked delight; with an arrogant toss of his flowing blond hair he strolled towards Professor Raven to rescue from Snape's two left feet. But it seemed to Harry as Lucius cut in that despite Snape's clumsiness Professor Raven would have rather danced with him than Lucius.
Professor Snape's dark eyes narrowed with hatred as Lucius laughing pulled Professor Raven out of his arms. He sloped, bitter and dejected off the dance floor muttering angrily to himself and sat down next to Planchette, who cringing with embarrassment for his friend handed him a goblet of Dragon's Blood, much to the annoyance of the barmaid whom he had just been about to kiss.
"I guess you just need a few more lessons," Planchette said with a weak smile.
"Just look at him," Snape snarled as he watched Lucius sweeping Professor Raven effortlessly across the dance floor.
"The arrogant, devious bastard," Snape took a huge gulp from his goblet. "If she only knew the truth about him…"
"Steady on, Severus," Planchette warned placing hand upon Snape's shoulder. "You don't want to over do ze Dragon's Blood, you're not using to drinking a lot and zat stuff is even more lethal zan ze Absinthe Mead."
"I know that…I suppose you think I am stupid as well as…as," Snape snapped shrugging off Planchette and draining the remains of the goblet in one.
"Of course, I don't zink you are stupid…nor zose other zings zat depress you when you've 'ad too much to drink. Severus I know zings aren't working out 'ow you 'oped but I really don't zink zat getting blind drunk is ze solution."
"And why not…it seemed to work for my father," snapped Snape as he slammed down the empty goblet and headed off to get himself yet more Dragon's Blood.
Lavender had come over to ask Ron for a waltz and Angelina dragged Harry up off his chair.
"Sorry," Harry called over his shoulder. "Keep up the good work watching Snape."
"Sure," retorted Hermione, folding her arms. "I've a good mind to ask Professor Snape to dance myself," Harry looked at her as if she had gone insane shaking his head manically.
"What do you care," Hermione muttered under her breath, Professor Snape might be just as clumsily as Neville on the dance floor but she would risk a few bruised toes for someone to dance with. Hermione was so irritated and angry that she actually stood up and was just about to find Professor Snape when Draco Malfoy appeared beside her.
"Not dancing then Granger?" Draco asked with a slight smile.
"Pansy dropped you for someone who can actually dance?" Hermione returned
"I don't care for dancing, it still seems a wattle of time to me," scoffed Draco.
"An opinion not shared by your father, he' seemed pretty keen to dance with Professor Raven, he's been watching her all evening, what would your mother think about that?"
"Nothing," Draco replied hotly. "My mother can't dance, she has weak ankles, where as my father is a most graceful dancer, he's bound to grasp the opportunity if it comes along…"
"You obviously take after your mother then, when it comes to dancing…" Hermione sighed, not really believing that she was actually having an intelligent conversation with Malfoy.
"Like I said, I don't care for dancing…so what if Weasley and Potter can dance it's not as if that Professor Raven would be interested in either of them anyway…" said Draco almost sympathetically, handing Hermione his goblet brimming with pumpkin juice.
"I reckon Raven's got the hots for Planchette," Goyle chuckled.
"No one asked you Goyle," Draco snapped. "Besides you're wrong as always…I've just discovered something very interesting about our Professor Raven."
"What?" Hermione asked taking another large gulp from the goblet, there was something different about the taste of Draco's pumpkin juice, sharp but not altogether unpleasant.
"Not here," Draco whispered low and secretively. "Let go out into the entrance hall." He smiled at Crabbe who went to get them more goblets of punch.
It was several, more livelier dances later when Harry and Ron returned to their seats to find that Hermione wasn't there.
"Where's has Hermione gone?" puffed Harry indignantly as he collapsed onto the bench next to Ron's wizard hat.
"I don't know…" Ron replied as he tried to smooth the creases out the grey fabric. "She was meant to be watching my hat but just look at it…we'll never get our deposit back now" he held the crumbled hat up at Harry. "I think some idiots sat on it." But Harry wasn't really bothered about losing their deposit he was more interested in Professor Snape who by Harry's estimation had just finished off his fifth goblet of Dragon's Blood wine.
"I can't help feeling that something isn't quite right with Snape, for someone would is usually so cold and calculating he seems a little on edge."
"A little on edge!" Ron stuttered nearly spilling his pumpkin punch down his robe. "If I was going to commit bloody murder then I would be more than a little on edge."
"But that's just it Ron, I don't think he isn't tonight anyway, he's drunk far too much of the Dragon's Blood to get away with it," muttered Harry, there was something about the way Snape was watching Professor Raven and Lucius dancing that nagged at him. It was obvious Snape hated Lucius Malfoy but could it be that he was jealous of him as well. Professor Planchette had said that part of Snape's cruel, bitterness was a defence against his own insecurities, his neurosis of failure and Lucius Malfoy was certainly enjoying playing on those tonight.
As the music stopped Lucius leaned over and whispered something into Professor Raven's ear, for a moment she seemed shocked then she laughed as if suddenly grasping the punch line of a joke. Lucius left the hall, then, about five minutes later so did Professor Raven. Harry and Ron followed her as she picked up her cloak from behind one of the suits of armour that stood at the top of the steps leading down into the entrance hall, which once she had put the cloak she hurried down, towards the main door. Harry and Ron were just about to follow Professor Raven down the steps when they heard a terrible groan in the shadows. They turned the corner only to discover Hermione and Neville both sitting on the floor under a large portrait of a now snoozing Victorian gentleman.
"Hermione!" cried Ron with concern as she was suddenly sick into Neville's pumpkin head mask.
Now he notices me she thought as the putrid smell of regulated gingerbread and pumpkin juice hitting her nostrils caused another wave of sickness to rip through her stomach.
"Please don't let Ron him see me like this," Hermione groaned from the depths of the mask, she was beginning to understand exactly how Snape must have felt that night he had drunk too much Absent Mead and she regretted laughing at him now.
"Go away Ron…Oh my god, not again!" Hermione was sick yet again and Neville looked fearfully up at Harry.
"You better follow Professor Raven," suggested Harry. "Go on Ron, I'll help Hermione."
"Okay, if you're sure." It was the first time all evening that Ron had chosen to be with Hermione over Professor Raven and now Harry was sending him away.
"Yes, Hermione will understand now go before we lose sight of Professor Raven."
Ron gave Hermione another anxious glance and then sped down the steps after Professor Raven. Harry knelt down next to Hermione who was cradling the pumpkin head in her lap. She looked up; her face was as whiter than the sheets that were wrapped around the smirking Crabbe and Goyle who had now stepped into the torch light.
"Thank goodness," said Neville in a small, worried voice. He was kneeling next to Hermione trying to hold back the long blond tresses of her wig as she was violently sick again. "I think we should get Madam Pomfrey Hermione's really ill, I've lost count how many times she's thrown up."
"Nah…don't worry about Granger, she just can't hold her drink," Draco smiled wickedly; he was leaning against the opposite wall looking extremely pleased with himself. But his grin quickly faded as a large, hooked-nose shadow loomed over him.
"What is going on here?" Snape questioned coldly, grabbing the goblet out of Draco's hand. As Snape wafted it under his nose, his thin lips curled into an angry snarl. "If I am not mistaken Leon, this drink has been spiked with something," Snape said handing the goblet to Professor Planchette who had hobbled up behind him.
"I would 'ave to agree," said Planchette, his face twisting with disgusted as he took a tiny slip. "Tastes like Romanian vodka to me…I'll never forget the taste of that stuff."
"Hand it over," Snape demanded coldly, glaring at Draco.
Draco shrugged and reluctantly fished the small clear bottle from a pocket in his robe. Snape snatched up the bottle his dark eyes narrowed as he read the red and silver label.
"Romanian vodka triple strength…You idiot boy!" screamed Snape thrusting the bottle at Planchette and grabbing the shocked Draco by the fur trimmed collar of his costume. "Do you know how potent and dangerous that stuff is? How much did you give that girl? What imbecile gave you the vodka in the first place?" Snape shook Draco so hard that Harry thought Snape would smash his skull against the castle wall. Snape was furious, his face so close to Draco that he covered the terrified boy with spittle as demanded answers. Crabbe and Goyle had stopped sniggering, ashen-faced they had retreated back against the wall, their eyes wide with fear. Harry had never seen Snape become so enraged, he was really scared, suddenly his doubts about Snape being able to murder someone vanished, whether it be by subtle magic or brutal rage, at that moment Snape was seemed certainly capable of murder.
"Severus…please…calm down," Planchette pleaded, his clutches clattered to the ground as he struggled to pull Snape off Draco, who was turning a worrying shade of purple.
"I…am…calm," Snape snarled through gritted teeth, his dark eyes burning with rage.
"You're insane…and drunk! I can smell it on your breath," Draco gasped hoarsely, clutching at his throat.
"Why you little…" Snape rounded on Draco, he went to slap the boy with the back of his hand, but just as Snape was inches away from striking Draco, he stopped an expression of absolute terror flashed across his face.
"You wait until I tell my father…he'll have you sacked for this…and worse. You saw him Goyle, Snape was going to hit me!" Goyle just shrugged weakly his frightened gaze was still fixed upon Professor Snape, Crabbe looked just as fearful.
"You'll pay for this," Draco sneered as he fled down the stone steps towards the main entrance door.
"It's no more than you deserve…" Snape bellowed after him.
"Let 'im go run to daddy" Planchette said as he grabbed Snape by the back of his collar. Harry noticed that strangely Planchette no longer seemed to need the use of his crutches.
"You'll only make matters worse. If Monsieur Malfoy is so dead against ze evils of ze demon drink as he makes out zen I don't zink young Draco will get a lot of sympathy zere…Now Severus you are calm…no?"
"Yes," Snape growled shrugging off Planchette's hold upon him.
"Zen may I suggest zat you go outside for some air and clear your 'ead, I trust zat you will not going looking for young Monsieur Malfoy."
"Yes…okay," Snape grumbled.
"Good zen I'll deal with Mademoiselle Granger and zen bring you something to sober you up."
Snape muttered something foul under his breath, glaring at Planchette, and then strode towards the main entrance his magnificent black frock coat billowing about him like a shadowy tempest as if it could sinisterly reflect the wearers raging, dark mood. Crabbe exchanged a worried glance with Goyle; both seem froze where they stood.
"I would get yourselves back to your common room boys…if you don't want to be in anymore trouble" Planchette suggested "Professor Snape will deal with you in ze morning, now go" Crabbe and Goyle didn't need tell more than once, they scurried like, oversized frightened white mice towards the Slytherin common room.
"Right 'Arry I zink you better help 'Emione down to the 'ospital wing while Neville goes and gets Madam Pomfrey, she dressed as ze Snow Queen tell her to use some of Snape's anti- intoxicant potion zat will do ze trick and stop ze poor girl being sick."
Once Madam Pomfrey had arrived and started to fuss over Hermione who was still throwing up Harry hurried back to the entrance hall and pounded down the stone steps into the night desperate to find Ron and Professor Raven. Harry paused at the foot of the steps, next to one of the winged-hog gargoyles searching the shadowy lawns not know in which direction he how search for Ron first; he was about to head across the grass towards the Dark Forest when he heard the voice of Professor Planchette from the baloney above him. Harry stepped back into the shadows, pressing his back up against the ivy covered stone wall, he froze chilled to the bone as Planchette spoke, he sounded angry and his words were strangely harsh.
"You're an utter fool Severus, your drunken paranoia and impatience 'as nearly ruined everything,"
"But…but" protested Snape.
"Lucius Malfoy was right, zat little fracas with Draco only proves zat ze alcohol affecting your judgement, I know it was wrong of Draco to spike 'Ermoine's pumpkin juice but with your anti-intoxicant zere is no real 'arm done. Drink zat black coffee and when you're more sober you will see zat I am right, I promised to 'elp you Severus…no?" Planchette's voice had returned to its usual softness.
"Yes," Snape replied sounding reluctant. "But I had set my heart on doing it tonight, on Halloween"
"Why is 'Alloween so special? Patience mon ami with my 'elp your plans for Morwenna can not fail."
Harry felt every word hit him in the stomach like a well aimed punch, so it was all lies, all a spiteful sham. Professor Planchette with his enthusiastic gusto, his charm, his friendliness were a mocking façade, he had fooled them all, pretended so convincingly to be Professor Raven's friend when secretly he was plotting to help Snape kill her.
TBC
R&R!