The Fifth Annual War Veterans Memorial Christmas Ball

By BertaS

10/30/08

Description: Just a little Christmassy fic. Harry is bored at a party and a bored Harry is going to cause trouble. And who better to cause trouble with than Severus Snape.

Warnings: Names that are way too long, as well as fluffiness and fainting. Slash if you squint.

Disclaimer: The only things that I can truly claim are mine are Hubby, Bubba, Sissy, Shadow dog, fishy and George the cat. However I suspect that they only allow me to think that, so I will feed them.

A/N: Inspired by the wonderful people over at the Severus *Sighs* yahoo group. I actually wrote this before reading the wish list. I am happy to see that it actually answers Melissa's request for a PDA on a grand scale.

The FAWVM Christmas Ball

Harry didn't want to be here. He was sick and tired of all the parties, celebrations, memorials, balls, reunions and get-togethers he had been forced to attend in the last five years since the end of the 'Second War with He-who-still-shall-not-be-named'.

He just wanted to get on with his life. He wished he could be like Severus and sit in a corner and snarl at anyone who got within two meters.

The man's growled response to Harry's greeting didn't deter Harry one bit as he took in the seat next him and sighed, "I hate these things."

"Then why do you persist in showing up?" Severus sneered.

Harry snorted, "Why do you?"

They both looked to the other side of the room where the Headmaster was the current center of attention.

Severus raised his glass tipping it slightly in salute to Harry, before sipping. They both knew the other was forced by the old man to attend as many of the ridiculous things as they could. It surprised many that the two men sat for quite a while in what seemed to be companionable silence.

Eventually Severus spoke quietly, lips barely moving, "Potter, they are all staring. What do they expect?" He snarled, "Do they think we are going to jump up and fling hexes at each other right here in the middle of the," his voice dripped sarcasm, "Fifth Annual War Veterans Memorial Christmas Ball"

"Gods what a mouth full." Harry laughed softly not that anyone was close enough to overhear them. "Probably, since you never let anyone stay by you this long." Harry's laugh was rather wicked as he leaned closer, "We could always give them what they want. It might liven thing up a little." He looked around at the crowd milling about talking while the dance floor remained empty.

Severus sneered, "I think not." as he glared at the boy. "I do not intend to provide entertainment for the masses."

Still laughing Harry leaned even closer and whispered something in Severus ear.

Severus jerked away snarling, "Potter, have you lost what little mind you poses?"

Still grinning like a mad man Harry shrugged slightly as he replied easily, "Definitely. Come on, I bet we can get some of the old biddies to faint." His shrugging gesture was one from the war to signal without being obvious or pointing what direction to look for the enemy.

Severus arched an eyebrow before turning his glair on the still staring crowd, casually scanning to see just who was present. There were many older people from the oldest pure blood families, as well as many ministry flunkies including the current Minister.

When he turned back to the boy it was to find him with a challenging smirk on his face. Almost as if Harry were daring him to go along with the insane plan to shock the merry makers at the stupid party with the asinine name.

One more look around the room and he stood, "Fine," he held out his hand, "Come along then."

The next thing Harry knew he was being expertly whirled about the dance floor. When the music stopped there was complete silence as Severus Snape and Harry Potter stood locked in the embrace of the last stance of the dance. They were both breathing rather hard and so absorbed in each other's eyes that they never noticed the number of people who had indeed fainted or who simply looked outraged. Nor did they notice the amount of camera flashes from the members of the press in the gallery above the ball room.

Harry eventually turned his head toward the band and smiled, "Something slow now, please."

When the music started again Harry twined his arm around Severus' shoulder and began idly playing with the soft hair at the nape of the taller man's neck. He whispered, "I never dreamed you would actually agree." He grinned, "Especially just as they started a tango."

Severus just pulled the smaller man closer. After all dancing was the only time Harry let him lead.

The End

Happy Christmas to ya'll.

BertaS