"No mortal man, moreover is wise at all moments."
I had heard the names had been drawn, including Harry Potter's. The entire school made a huge fuss over it. Apparently, he was not of age to take part in the games, but the Goblet never lies. I don't know if that is true, but it's what all the students say.
I was to accompany Snape to a meeting, discussing whether or not Harry should partake in the tournament. Harry was there, along with Professor McGonagall, and Mad-Eye, a new teacher.
"This can't go on, Albus." McGonagall said. "First the dark mark, now this."
A few days before, at the Quidditch World Cup, Voldemort's mark was discovered in the sky and several Death Eaters attacked the festivities.
"What do you suggest, Minerva?" Dumbledore asked.
Snape didn't speak up during the conversation. He evaluated and analyzed everything around him before he spoke.
"Put an end to it. Don't let Potter compete." McGonagall replied.
"You heard Barty. The rules are clear." Dumbledore said.
Minerva scoffed. "Well, the devil with Barty and his rules. And, since when did you accommodate them?"
"Master," Snape said, "I too find it difficult to believe this mere coincidence, if we are to truly discover the meaning of these events perhaps we should, for the time being, let them unfold."
"Do nothing?" I asked. "Offer him up as bait? Potter is a boy, not a piece of meat."
"I agree with Severus." Dumbledore said. "Alastor, keep an eye on Harry, will you?"
Mad-Eye nodded. "I can do that."
I spoke up again. "Headmaster, I-"
Severus threw me a look. "It has been decided."
I hung my head and sighed. It just felt so inhumane to throw Harry out into the tournament, like nothing. Harry was to partake in the tournament that was filled with danger. I could see Professor McGonagall disagreed too. But, it was decided that Harry would compete.
He was rather upset in class. I noticed that he and his red-haired friend, Mr. Weasley, weren't speaking to each other. Severus, of course, didn't even notice or care. I went to Harry's side and asked him what was wrong.
"I'm fine, Professor. Nothing's wrong." he mumbled.
"My door is always open, Mr. Potter." I said, with a smile.
He just gave me a single nod, and continued with his notes.
The tournament was turning out well. Harry got his egg by fighting a dragon, as part of the competition, and the next level would take place in the lake outside the castle. The champions would have to figure out the clue within the egg.
The Yule Ball would occur a few nights before. Everyone was going and it would've been insulting to go without a proper date. I was hoping to go, but I didn't have a date.
I ran into Dumbledore and Snape while I was heading to the forest for some quiet time.
"Ah, perfect timing, Arabella." Dumbledore said.
"Headmaster. Professor." I greeted, bowing my head to both of them.
My parents had taught me it was proper and respectful to give a small bow to anyone above you. I didn't mind, considering I grew up doing it.
"As you know, the Yule Ball is tomorrow evening." he began. "All the staff is required to go and set the example for the students."
"It's a requirement?" I asked, raising my eyebrows in surprise.
"Indeed, it is." Dumbledore replied. "Were you not planning on attending?"
I gave a small shrug. "Well, honestly, no. I couldn't really find anyone to go-"
"Perfect." Dumbledore chirped. "I'm requiring the staff to attend with someone, again to set the example. Seeing as Professor Snape.."
Oh, God, no!
"..has recently accepted you as his apprentice, it seems fitting that you attend the ball together."
Snape had agreed to take me as his apprentice, but I didn't think attending a ball was in the job description. I wanted to argue but it would've been immature. It's not like we were supposed to be together the entire time.
"I hope that you enjoy yourselves for having a night away from grading and such." Dumbledore said, leaving the both of us alone.
It was terribly awkward. I couldn't read what Snape was thinking. He had his typical solid face.
"Have you ever attended a ball, Miss Strauss?" he asked, suddenly cutting off the awkwardness.
"No, but I have-"
"Listen carefully," he said, leaning into my face, "there will be several students there as well as the whole staff. And, I beg that you promise to contain yourself for one evening. Don't make a fool of yourself or of me. Is that understood?"
"I will make no such promise. The only promise I'm making is to Dumbledore. I promise to attend with you, ignoring how much I don't want to." I said, sternly.
He seemed pleased with my response. "The champions are required to dance, first. Then, it's open to anyone. Know this, I do not wish to dance."
I lowered my eyelids in annoyance. "I'll try to contain myself from asking you to dance."
He stood completely straight and grunted, content.
"I'll expect to see you in the front of the ball. Don't. Be. Late." he said, strictly.
With that, we went our separate ways. I journeyed through the hall and stopped when I saw Neville inside the Dark Arts room alone. He was staring at a wardrobe of some sorts.
"Neville?" I asked, entering the room.
He turned with a fright. "Oh, Professor Strauss. I was just practicing...well, first I worked on my dancing for the ball, and now I'm-"
I contain my small laughter. "It's alright, Neville. The Yule Ball is starting to get a lot of hype, isn't it? Might I ask why you're standing in fron to this wardrobe?"
He turned, as if to make sure the wardrobe was still there.
"Oh, this? Well, it's not exactly an average wardrobe. Professor Lupin brought it last year when he was teaching this class."
"What's inside?" I asked, noticing that the wardrobe was moving.
"It's a boggart. It's supposed to transform into what you fear the most. I was trying to overcome my own fear." he said, biting his lip.
"Well, there's no harm in that. I'll just give you some time to-"
"No, wait!" he said, quickly. "I-I was actually hoping...you would stay and help me. Just to be with me. I'm not sure I'm ready to face this alone yet."
I smiled. "Of course. Whenever you're ready. I've read a bit about boggarts so don't worry. I'll be right here."
He faced the wardrobe and it opened. My eyes widened when I saw Professor Snape walk out. He tilted his head and frowned at us.
"That's what you're afraid?" I asked, in disbelief.
Neville nodded, nervously. "Y-Yes...I still haven't gotten over it. Well, not completely."
"Don't worry, Neville. When I'm finished here the only thing you'll have to fear about Professor Snape are his potion exams." I said, rolling up my sleeves.
I stood behind Neville and Snape kept his not-very-impressed face on.
"You remember the spell, right?" I asked.
Neville nodded, taking out his wand. "Okay, okay...I can do this."
His hand started to shake, but I grabbed his arm to keep his aim steady.
"Riddikulus!" he said, thrusting his wand.
Suddenly, Snape's dark cloak turned into a petticoat. On his head, a large with a feather. A red handbag appeared in his right hand. I put my hand to my mouth and let out a muffled laugh.
Neville smiled. "I did it! It worked this time!"
"Congratulations, Neville! Was it difficult before?"
"I guess I'm struggling to do it when I'm on my own. Professor Lupin helped me last year, so I just need to work on that." Neville replied.
I smiled. "Keep working on it, Neville. Are you attending the ball?"
He nodded and smiled proudly. "I even got a date! I've been improving on my dancing too. Watch."
To my surprise, he started dancing with an invisible partner. He hummed to himself and I couldn't help but smile. Neville's parents, I heard, died when he was young. They were tortured. He was such a bright and kind boy.
"You've got good rhythm. Keep it up and you'll outshine every other gentleman at the ball."
"I will. Oh! I should get going now, Professor." he said, glancing back at Professor Snape.
"Oh, I'll get the boggart back into the wardrobe. Run along, Mr. Longbottom."
He smiled and ran off. His teeth hung out of his mouth, and it gave him this innocent look. Such an innocent young man.
I turned towards the Snape boggart and laughed again. It gave me a look and glanced behind me. I turned and my heart stopped.
Professor Snape was standing at the door. I turned and waved my wand at the boggart. It disappeared into the wardrobe. I hurried towards the door pretending nothing happened.
"Going somewhere?" he asked, as I walked past him.
"I swear it wasn't me. I was simply assisting Neville-"
He held up his hand. "Enough. The less I know about it, the better."
I grimaced. "You're not...upset?"
He sighed. "I try not to let immature jokes bother me. You should try the same."
"I'm sorry you had to see that." I said, giving a small giggle.
He shook his head.
"So, I'll see you tomorrow. Good evening, Professor."
"Good evening."
A/N: This story is very, very, very difficult to write, but it's a good challenge. More to come...and please leave any thoughts, questions, comments, concerns, complaints...lol
