Ch 11: Party
Hermione POV
Hermione was just entering the Gryffindor common room when she ran into Harry. Who was carrying a giant box. With the force of impact, he was lucky he didn't mess up his glasses.
"Hey," she exclaimed.
"Sorry Mione." Harry apologized. He was looking at her a lot more apologetic than she anticipated. Usually, he would just look sheepish.
"You seem to be in a hurry." If him running into her wasn't an indication then his anxious expression was. She could always tell when he was up to something. His eyes got shifty and he tried to avoid eye contact.
"Ya well Slughorn's party is tonight and unfortunately I am unable to get out of it."
How unfortunate. She knew he had been avoiding Professor Slughorn's extracurricular get-togethers. Such as shame that he couldn't miss this one. "Mmm, I wonder why?"
He gave her a suspicious glare. "Yes, well apparently someone told him my schedule"
"Who on earth would do that?" She tried to bite her lip to stop herself from smiling. In her defense, the teacher did ambush her and she couldn't help but reveal Harry's schedule to him. She didn't have time to think of a lie.
"Ya so now I need to prepare for tonight. "
"Is that what the box is? A suit from Sirius?" It made sense, Harry wasn't one for fancy clothing and would have had no need to bring some with him on the train. This wasn't like their fourth year when it was mandated for students to bring some. No. Slughhorn's party was only for a select few.
"Well it's from Sirius but it's not for me?" She was only able to ponder his words for a second. Harry thrust the box into her hands before she could even register what he was doing. And then he made a mad dash out of the portrait before she could protest.
Silently she was seething. She had to close her eyes and take a deep breath to prevent herself from yelling after him. He knew how much she hated gifts. And yet he bluntly indulged Sirius.
Oh well. She would have a word with him later about it and Sirius would definitely be getting an earful.
She tossed the box onto the end of her bed and began looking through her trunk to find a book. She had forgotten all about it until later when Ginny joined her in her dorm to ask her some questions she had about homework.
Ginny was lying on her stomach and had splatters of ink on her face from when she kept putting her head down on the parchment and sighing in frustration.
"What's with the box?"
"Sirius sent it," Hermione responded without looking up from her own parchment and quill.
"What is in it?" Her voice was laced with curiosity. If it were any of her roommates Hermione wouldn't have indulged them but she never minded Ginny's questions.
"See for yourself." She continued to scribble away as she heard rustling.
"Hemione!"
She sighed at her excitement and dropped her quill in defeat. "I told him not to spend money on me."
She turned to face the redhead. Who was sitting upright now with the box next to her. The dress was still neatly folded in the box. "This is gorgeous," Ginny exclaimed.
"And probably expensive." Hemione didn't want to know how much it actually cost.
"And Gorgeous," Ginny repeated again.
"Good you can wear it." Just because she didn't want to wear it didn't mean it had to go to waste.
"You're not going?"
Hermione couldn't help but laugh "Absolutely not.'' She had way too much homework to do. With all of her meet-ups with Professor Snape and with Madam Pomphrey, she was behind on her homework. Well, she wasn't behind, just not as ahead as she usually is and would like to be. Then on top of that, she didn't like parties. She knew that this wouldn't be like the parties hosted in the Gryffindor common room after they won a quidditch match. A festivity that was loud and rumbustious and just too much for her liking. But she knew that Slughorn would be inviting students from all four houses. Who most didn't particularly like her. It would be filled with fake pleasantries and feel stuffy and stiff. It wasn't her thing. She didn't do well, to begin with in a big group setting. But Ginny on the other hand thrived. "So do you want to wear it or not?"
"I would love to say yes. Have I mentioned that it is gorgeous? But no, this dress is literally made for you." She bristled at the thought. She wouldn't put it past Sirius to actually have a custom dress made. And if she found out he did she just might hit him. "Why don't you want to go?"
"Because I don't want to go to a party hosted by someone who collects people and who is only nice to someone to collect favors from them later." At first, she was flattered by the interest he had in her but after a while, she realized how unfair it was to favor those with only talent in one area of magic.
"Okay, I see your point. But think of it this way. You could go to this party and quite possibly be the only muggle-born surrounded by snotty Purebloods and prove that you belong there just as much as they do." The idea was tempting. And she couldn't deny the thrill she had when proving bigoted and prejudiced people wrong. Of course, Ginny knew exactly what to say to pique her interest. "So will you come? Please don't leave me alone with these people." Her eyes went wide as she begged.
After a moment of looking at Ginny's pleading eyes, she reluctantly said "Fine."
"Yes, and you are wearing that dress," Ginny said, clapping her hands in excitement with a gleam in her eyes.
The room was a lot more crowded than Hermione expected. She figured that this would be just for the students but there were witches and wizards from various age ranges. Hermione suddenly was glad that she wore the dress Sirius bought her. She felt both like everyone was staring and gossiping about her while also being completely invisible. The room was decorated with emerald, crimson and gold hangings The entire room was bathed in a red hue cast from a single golden lamp. Chatter was loud, but in the background was singing and the sound of instruments. There was a variety of platters floating around with refilling food. There was a large table with a fountain pouring out a clear beverage. Champagne glasses surrounded the flowing liquid. And Hermione was fairly certain they were serving something more potent than pumpkin juice. She grazed across several people's shoulders trying to find a place to stand in an opening amongst the mass.
She heard him before she saw him. Much to her surprise. She didn't anticipate seeing him again until her next Hogsmeade trip to plan out Harry's Christmas gifts. "Wow, kitten, you look stunning." There was only one person who called her that. And of course, he would make reference to the dress..
Hermione quickly turned around. "Sirius, what are you doing here?" He was dressed in black trousers and a white button-up. He didn't wear a tie or a dress jacket instead he wore his leather jacket. He was definitely a sight to be seen.
"Since I have been exonerated I am more of a celebrity than ever before. So good old Sluggy has invited me and I figured I could visit Harry and you while also making fun of and insulting all of the people here." He grabbed a champagne flute and quickly guzzled it down dramatically, sighing as if he hadn't had anything to drink in days.
Already he was making a scene. People have started to take notice of him and his lack of manners and grace.
"Really. You seriously had nothing better to do."
"What's better than seeing you in that dress?" He grabbed her empty hand and gave her a tiny spin. Wanting to see the dress in its full glory.
She was already regretting coming here. After he had stopped spinning her she was able to make out the way the people around her were staring at her and whispering. Great. Just great.
"I will be returning this," she said as she slipped out of his grasp.
"But it has pockets." He protested with a pout.
"I am not keeping it," she stated firmly.
"It was a gift. But I see there is no pleasing you then." Hermione couldn't help but roll her eyes at his theatrics,
The dress was beautiful. There was no denying it. The fabric was made from a rich deep blue-purple satin. The neckline was a bit lower than she would have liked. But it covered her chest nicely and just managed to cover the end of her scar. It had two thin straps. One which was haltered around her neck and the other was simply connected to the back. The back was low cut but was covered with thin crisscrossed straps. The bodice clung to her body before flaring out slightly at her hips until it ended at her knees. It also had pockets which was a pleasant surprise. She wore simple black heels. And she let her hair flow freely though she did tame some of the frizz so her curls appeared more structured. Since she wasn't with her parents all summer she completely forgot to get a haircut but to her surprise, the extra length has weighted her hair down so it looked a little less crazy as of late. Though some days it was a nightmare to pull a brush through. But she couldn't deny the effect her hair has had on her confidence.
Sirius was making some weird and strange faces at a couple who were openly staring at him but it was clear he was looking for someone. "Where's Harry?"
"He's grabbing his date," Hermione said with a smile as she took a sip from her own champagne flute.
Sirius nodded at first before shaking his head in realization. "A date? That sly dog never said anything about a date?" Of course Harry wouldn't say anything. Sirius had this way of taking things completely out of proportion.
"Her name is Luna and she is a friend." Sirius had a huge grin on his face and it was clear to her that this was just the start to his endless teasing.
"Nonetheless I want to meet this date." Oh, she was sure that would be an interesting encounter. Sirius would either love her or be incredibly weirded out by her. But she was more inclined with the former.
At least when he found Harry and Luna it would give them something to do. She was growing uncomfortable with how people were just looking at her. And the way some of the men looked at her made her skin crawl. Sirius didn't seem to notice and she wasn't planning on saying anything. She knew if she did he would start throwing punches. She tried to relax but it wasn't working so instead she decided to follow Sirius' lead and search for Harry.
She didn't see him but she did find someone else. Who she would never think in a million years would be here. If this party wasn't her thing then this definitely wasn't his.
He was still dressed in his teaching robes. Unlike everyone else, he didn't dress up for this party. She didn't even know why he was here. No doubt he would be able to get out of coming here unlike Harry. But Professor Snape always had his reasons for doing things even if she didn't understand them.
She could feel his eye on her. It felt intense and heated but she didn't feel intimidated by his gaze. Only left curious. Snape looked at her in a way she couldn't decipher. He wasn't looking at her as some of the other men were looking at her. But he did seem surprised by what he saw. And she couldn't help but wonder if he saw a child playing dress up. Or just his student standing in front of him. Or the person he has come to know as his partner.
But as his eyes connected with her he returned to his normal self. Composed and rigid and his face revealing nothing. It was only for a moment but he could have been looking at her longer. She only just noticed him. He could have seen her before she saw him.
He took long and purposeful strides towards her. He never spared a glance towards Sirius nor acknowledged his presence. She found herself standing up straighter. "Sir."
"Miss Granger," he said rather pleasantly. Though she could practically feel Sirius roll his eyes beside her at his tone. "I was told to give you this by the Headmaster." The Headmaster? She had never personally spoken to the man. Why would he want to start now? This didn't make any sense.
He handed her a folded piece of paper. Sirius looked at her curiously while Professor Snape looked at her expectantly waiting for a response. She looked down at the paper. Monday 3:30. She wasn't sure what Professor Dumbledore's handwriting looked like. But she did recognize Professor Snape's slanted and sometimes ineligible scratching.
This wasn't a message from Professor Dumbledore, it was from him. He was using Dumbledore's name as an excuse to ensure a meetup for Monday. It wasn't their usual get-together day. And that's why he had to ask with a note. And he was waiting on an answer.
She folded the note back up and stuffed it into her pocket. "Thank you." She met his eyes. "Would you tell him that I will meet him then? I assume you are more likely to run into him than I?" Hermione said a little too exuberantly. But she was trying to go along with his cover story.
"I am not your lap dog," he said with a scowl. "Good evening Miss Granger." He turned on his heel and strode away disappearing into the crowd. He disappeared like mist.
"That was odd. Is Snape feeling okay?"
In Sirius' book, Professor Snape was always odd. But he must have noticed his behavior before he came over to talk to her. Which she could agree was slightly out of his ordinary. But then again these were stressful times. "I think he just has a lot on his plate right now." She turned and found Sirius still looking in the direction Professor Snape left in, "And we don't make it easier for him."
He gave her a side-eye. "We? You mean you. You are the one who decided to drag him into this. If you recall. I protested on the matter. Continuously."
"Yes and quite vocally," she muttered under her breath. She had heard him say every word in the dictionary about Professor Snape, repeatedly.
He narrowed his eyes at her. "What's that supposed to mean?"
She took a sip of her drink. "I swear I could hear Padfoot's whining from here."
"Okay first of all I don't whine and second. Ya, I have no second." She wasn't too surprised, just that he admitted it. "And back to what I was saying. It seems you made Snape speechless." Why would she make Professor Snape speechless?
It was her turn to look at him. She didn't quite like what he was insinuating. "Don't be ridiculous."
"What? Why wouldn't he be awestruck? Look at you, you are a sight to behold. Plus you are standing next to Britain's most eligible Bachelor."
Of course. Hermione shook her head. He was going back to the dress. For a moment it seemed as if he was suggesting Professor Snape⦠Well, clearly he wasn't. And neither was she for that matter. The idea was complete folly. And it was ridiculous that it even came to her in the first place. He was her teacher and though she did think he was clever and that she respected him, that was all to it. It was how she felt about him for the past several years. And spending several evenings together a week didn't change anything.
"That's probably the reaction you saw from him. The realization that he would have to look at your face tonight." Perfect timing, Hermione thought as she spotted someone in the crowd. She didn't know much more about Sirius' antics than she could keep up with. Normally she could keep going and end up running circles around him but her previous thought had left her a little dazed.
"You know I think I preferred it when you weren't talking to me."
"Okay" Hermione started to walk away when she heard Sirius shuffle behind her.
"No wait, come back," Sirius said in a panic. Despite his teasing, he really didn't want to be alone here with all of these people just waiting for the opportunity to give their fake apologies and try to latch onto his fortune as the sole heir of the Black Family fortune.
She turned back to look at him and gave him a fake confused look. "I figured you would want to see Harry."
"Where?" Sirius started to look around the room before noticing where she was gesturing to. "Well doesn't he look sharp." He did look very put together but unfortunately, that hair of his was not doing him any favors in making him blend in. Despite the suit fitting him well and the color making his green eyes appear brighter, his hair gave him a youthful and child-like quality. That she very much hoped would still be there when this war was over. He may feel as though he has the world on his shoulders, but there were moments and glimpses where his youth came out. And despite her reservations about coming to this. She was glad she did. It was good for her to take time to relax and have fun. And though Ron couldn't be here with them. Harry was.
"And who is that bird again?" Hermione nudged him in the side causing him to spill his champagne.
She put on a beaming smile as the pair approached. "You look beautiful Luna." And she honestly did. Her dress was unusual. It almost looked like various clothes and patterns were patched together. To make one dress. There were silver frills at the top and the bottom highlighting the different pink hues in the different patterns. Her hair was down and she was wearing a pair of earrings with radishes on them. But it suited Luna. It took Hermione a bit to warm up to the odd girl. A part of that being she wasn't familiar with being friendly with other girls. But Luna Lovegood was nothing like other girls. She lived in her own fantasy world. And came across as looney. But she was a loyal and strong female.
"Thank you, Hermione." Her voice was light and airy and made her seem mystical. "That color seems to keep brightening up your aurar. Makes you more grounded. But it seems to have attracted the attention of the wakspurts."
Oh yes, she was perfectly aware of the attention the wakspurts were giving her, especially seeing her hang around with Sirius Black and Harry Potter. And she didn't like it one bit. "That's okay I am only wearing it for one night." She let her voice drop and become tenser allowing the message to be loud and clear to Sirius.
Harry sensed her displeasement over Sirius' nasty habit of buying her things without her permission. Quickly changed the conversation. "I didn't know you were coming, Sirius."
"Of course. How could I resist a night out on the town. And be introduced to your colorful date." She could see the hesitancy in Harry's face at the word date. She had a flashback to the summer when Sirius implied they were dating and how well that went. This time she wouldn't be helping him out with his explanation. He was on his own.
"Did you know that you bear a remarkable resemblance to Stubby Boardman?" Luna's voice interrupted the silent looks. "Daddy would be thrilled if you would like to do an interview for the Quibbler."
Sirius threw his head back and gave a bark of a laugh. She couldn't tell if it was due to the absurdity of the comment or because he generally found it funny. "You are an absolute delight."
