Late Arrivals and Lifetime Rivals: Snape's Worst Halloween

I wish I had a butterbeer, too.

Chapter 4: The Chamber of Secrets, Er, Has Been Opened Again

Well, the party was progressing nicely and everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time. Molly blasted Celestina Warbeck and the Weird Sisters on the Wizarding Wireless.

Tonks had asked Lupin to dance with her but he politely declined. No matter, she did alright moving to the music of the Weird Sisters by herself. Soon, most of the guests were enjoying the music and gaiety and talking animatedly to those around them.

And Warbeck…could that really be true about her and Lockhart? I wondered…no…couldn't be…

It was just then that a knock could be heard at the front door. Flitwick was nearest and recognized the knock of an Order member. It couldn't be Moody. He wasn't due to arrive for at least another hour…

Flitwick opened the door slightly and left it ajar.

His jaw dropped and he remained stunned into silence. His face immobile, still absorbing the shock.

It took no longer than mere seconds for all of the people in the room to stop what they were doing to gape in awe, disbelief, and including myself, horror.

It took me a few seconds to register. The only one to yell was Hagrid.

"WHAT THE RUDDY HELL…?"

Severus Snape was standing in the doorway. Well, not exactly Severus as we all knew him.