Late Arrivals and Lifetime Rivals: Snape's Worst Halloween

Chapter 23: Which Witch

Septima noticed that Snape continued to look around the room in misery. Septima was about to say something to him when she was distracted by Moody, who had also not gone costume shopping this year. Vector assumed that the response he got last year was too tempting for the old, grizzled wizard. Moody was once again dressed as Professor Snape and was swooping around in his glory, much like last year.

Moody was still deducting House points and sneering. He continued to use all the ammunition in his arsenal for a gross impersonation of Snape that had those around them beside themselves with mirth and bent over in hysterics.

Vector steered Snape quickly away from the crowd before the "basilisk" could strike. It took some time because the costume was so heavy. The "Constant Vigilance" had gone far enough in her estimation. Moody was so enthusiastic, it was exhausting.

Professor Snape then proceeded to pat the side of his costume. She dearly hoped he was not trying to draw his wand…

She was interrupted for a moment, because she thought she heard faint snickering…it was then that the mirror glowed and vibrated.

Septima lifted the mirror. It was Sirius and the children again.

"Hello, Septima. How is the party at the Broomsticks? More importantly how is the basilisk doing? Has he slithered to the loo yet?"

Snape had heard this time and let out a breath of frustration which moved the basilisk head's red tongue around.

Vector noticed that Sirius and the kids were certainly holding down the fort. She knew they would be monitoring the basilisk's activities all evening.

"Relay to that fool…that if he makes one more jest, I will gladly…" Snape stopped and tried to look into the mirror over Septima's shoulder.

His eyes met those of Sirius Black's….

"Good evening, Snivellus. I just wanted you to know that Crookshanks…well, he sends his best," offered Sirius.

The shouts of laughter ended as Vector snapped the mirror abruptly shut.

The party was still in full swing an hour later. Septima drank her punch that was smoking from a black goblet that resembled a mini-cauldron. It was now safe to do so. It had taken nearly that amount of time to recover from the staff's costumes…and Snape's.

Hagrid was dressed, to no one's surprise, as a blast-ended skrewt. She marveled that the pub had not burnt to the ground yet. Three other Hogwarts staff members, most likely remembering the reception Mad-Eye Moody received at last year's party, were costumed as three people they did not particularly care for.

Sprout was Rita Skeeter, McGonagall was Dolores Umbridge, and Flitwick made quite the charming Gilderoy Lockhart. Septima only wished that Aurora were here.

It was most likely Flitwick who got the most laughs. He had on a ridiculous, wavy blonde wig, and informed anyone who asked bout it that it was very similar to the one Gilderoy wore. Flitwick was too polite to approach other people and tell them this; it was more of a suggestion and only if they asked. However, the seed was planted and several Lockhart fans were determined to look into this revelation---the following day.

"Oh, you weren't aware that he wears a…" was repeated several times that evening. "…could be wrong, though," said Flitwick innocently.

Septima looked around and overheard Fleur tell Molly that she liked another woman's Celestina Warbeck costume. Also, that it was a shame that Celestina was pretty but couldn't sing. Molly grimaced and led Arthur (President Lincoln) over to the bar.

Septima was rather enjoying herself, so she sidled up to Snape. However, she could not have chosen a more inopportune time. It was then that her mirror went off and the staff, Molly, and Arthur walked over to see if everything was well at Sirius' house.

"Hello, Septima. Tell that lot that we are fine and we hope they are having a great time. I heated Molly's leftovers after the exploding snape game broke up. Where's Snape?" asked Sirius politely.

She knew he had to ask.

"He's fine, er, quite well," Septima offered weakly.

Sirius' eyes looked out from the mirror. The slate gray eyes caught a sole basilisk neck drinking firewhiskey.

"Awwww! Are there any toads at the party?"

McGonagall, in costume, looked about ready to raise her hand, but restrained herself.

"Er, no," replied Septima.

"Shame, isn't it?" replied Sirius, "he could have laid some eggs…looks like he needs some basilisk mates."