Chapter Thirty Two

That Old Fool

Snape was furious. Once again that old fool was messing up his life. Once again he was getting dragged to a bloody dance with Minerva. He was ready to walk out the castle and not come back until tomorrow. The hell with that old fool, what has he ever done for me. An inner voice answered him. He took you in from Voldemort's lap, trusted you when no one else would, gave you a job and respect.

"Oh bugger off!" he said out loud to the empty room. "I'm going, I'm going!"

Fixing his dress robes he put the most annoyed look on his face storming out of the dungeon to the Great Hall.

Harry walked Ginny to the Great Hall with Ron and Hermione next to them. All too soon Padma Patil showed her face forcing Harry to let go of Ginny's hand and take hers. Draco strolled up unheard, settling in directly behind Ginny he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her against his body. Ginny's breath whooshed out of her in sickening shock.

"Come love, lets rule the ball." Dragging her away with a sadistic smile on his face. Ginny looked to be on the verge of being sick and kicking his bloody ass.

"Someone must want us to be together, be good to me tonight and I swear on my families name I'll leave you be tonight. Give me hell and I will make sure you feel my wrath. Maybe I'll even invite father…"

"This is an outrage," Daphne Greengrass complained "Not only do I get stuck with a Gryffindor, its got to be a Weasley. How the hell can Draco be happy with his luck? Oh, come on, Lets get this over with." Grabbing Ron's hand she drags him into the Great Hall, leaving Hermione to wait for Justin. Moments later he showed up with a weak smile.

"Let's just make the best of this."

"I agree Justin, it could be much worst for both of us."

He offered him his arm and led her into the ball. Hermione was impressed despite herself. The Great Hall was totally done up in red, pink and white. Curly streams dangled from the walls and chandeliers. Tiny fairies fluttered about dropping an endless supply of confetti that disappeared when it hit the ground. All around her students and teachers alike wore dress robes, suits or dresses. Hermione was wearing a deep red velvet dress that reached to the floor. Her companion had on a black suit that while nice was definitely muggle made. Harry and Padma had both worn black, his was a suit and she had a knee length dress with tiny silver beads dangling from it. Ron had worn the dress robe that Harry had bought him over the summer. He looked good despite Daphne in her way to short white dress. If you could call that a dress it was damn near see through. Ginny and the snake look good too. She had worn a powder blue gown with lace frill, while ferret boy had an obviously expensive gray suit that brought out his evil eyes. Hermione thought it was weird but it almost looked like they were getting along. Music had started playing and the couples took to the floor under Dumbledore's watchful eyes. Hermione had to admit it was not so bad at least not for her. Although Justin was a good dancer and held up a decent conversation she could not help but be sad every time she was turned just right to see Severus in the firm grasp of her Transfiguration teacher looking miserable. How much she wanted to break away from Justin and run to him. She wanted to pull him free as well and go back to his quarters to be alone with him. Too bad she couldn't, their relationship would have to be keep secret at less until she graduated from school. Oh well at least it was less then 2 years away. Catching his eyes she mouthed a single word, "later" He inclined his head slightly and Hermione smiled at least there was always later.

Harry was slowly working his way across the room with Padma until he was right next to Ron with Daphne. Turning her so her back was to Ron, he did the same to Daphne. The boys started a silent conversation with each other all the while keeping their dates as happy as possible.

"Room of requirement, two hours" Harry mouthed

"Wish it was sooner" Ron mouthed back to him

Harry dipped Padma just as Ron dipped Daphne bringing the boys heads right next to each other. The smiles sealed the deal it was going to be a great night as soon as they got through this.

"Tell me the truth, is this really so bad?"

"No, Draco your not that bad when your like this."

"Do you like anyone for real?"

"No.. do you?"

"No….I have a deal for you if you want it."

"I'm listening."

"Just for tonight, let us not be enemies. Let us enjoy each other, I promise I won't hurt you. No one wants to be alone on Valentine's Day."

"Your trying to trick me, you will get me in your room and hurt me again."

"No, I won't please just think about it."

Ginny nodded, she was scared but at the same time she saw his reasoning. She really didn't want to be alone, especially tonight.

Almost two long hours later the music changed tempo to a fast dance. Hermione had worked her way over to stand right next to Severus. Dancing with Justin she lost her balance landing in the waiting arms of Severus.

"Careful Miss Granger, you might hurt yourself."

Looking in this face she caught his drift.

"Too late," she grimaced

"What?"

"My ankle hurts, I think its twisted.."

"Oh for Merlin's sake, come on"

He lifted her into his arms, Hermione had a real look of shock on her face.

"I'll take you to Madam Pomfrey, you really must be more careful." He said with disgust in his voice

Leaving the Great Hall he smiled down at her, turning to make sure no one was looking he carried her right in to the dungeon not putting her down until he placed her on his bed.

The song ended, and Dumbledore stood to speak.

"I hope all of you had a good time and got to know someone new. Now off you go, its time for bed. Harry and Ron ditched their dates as fast as they could and all but ran for the room of requirement before anyone got up to that hall. Entering they saw a king size bed in the center of the room with red satin sheets. They dropped onto it after striping off all their clothes. At last they were alone.

Taking Ginny's chin in his hand he whispered to her.

"Don't leave me lonely tonight, meet me outside the dungeon in 10 minutes, I'll have a cloak for you."

Draco walked away leaving her with a tough choice. After ten minutes of debating with herself she gave in and slipped from the room. Draco stood leaning against the wall. Quickly passing her the cloak she looked around, saw no one and slipped under it. Draco led her to his room with out incident. Once inside she shed the cloak, still somewhat doubtful. Draco advanced on her and took her in his arms, kissing her passionately. Breaking the kiss he looks into her eyes.

"Just think we have tonight thanks to that old fool."