Chapter 20

Monday, November 26, 2018

Great Hall

As the day drew to a close on a peaceful Monday evening, the Great Hall was alive with the sound of animated conversation during dinner time. The students' voices echoed off the high, vaulted ceiling, creating a symphony of noise that filled the room. The tantalizing aroma of roasted duck wafted through the air, making everyone's mouths water in anticipation of the delicious meal that awaited them.

Seated at the center of the head table was Severus, a man of impressive stature, his intense gaze surveying the room with a keen eye. On his left sat Hermione, her eyes sparkling with intelligence and curiosity, while on Hermione's other side sat the formidable Minerva, her aura radiating power and authority.

Next to Minerva sat Trelawny, her eyes closed as if lost in a trance, while on Severus' right sat the towering Hagrid, his booming voice filling the air as he regaled Flitwick with tales of his adventures. Severus savored the last bite of his succulent roasted duck before rising to his feet, the scrape of his chair on the stone floor echoing throughout the hall. As he cleared his throat, Hermione gazed at him in wonder, captivated by his commanding presence that had silenced the Great Hall.

The Great Hall was bustling with activity. Students were chatting, laughing, and enjoying their meals. Suddenly, the sound of silverware hitting the plates ceased, and everyone turned to the Headmaster, Professor Snape. He cleared his throat and spoke up, his voice echoing across the hall.

"Excuse me, may I have your attention." he said, projecting his voice so that all could hear it. The noise level dwindled, and all eyes fixed on him.

"I hope you all had a good weekend's rest," he began, "As we gear up for the festive season, I have an announcement to make. We will have our annual Christmas ball, a tradition that has been a part of Hogwarts for many years. The ball will be held on the third weekend of December, following an extra Hogsmeade weekend. You will have plenty of time to prepare and get ready for the grand occasion." Severus paused, looking out at the sea of faces before him. "However, I must emphasize that this event is only open to third-year students and above. Unfortunately, no exceptions can be made to this policy. I urge you to remember this as you make your plans."

As Severus spoke, Amelia sat at the Slytherin table, her heart sinking. She had heard about Hogwarts Christmas Balls since she was in diapers and wanted to attend this year but realized she would have to wait until next year to attend. Her father's announcement had dashed her hopes, and she felt disappointed.

" I have sent a letter to your parents outlining all the necessary details. It is essential that everyone is aware of the event's timings and dress code, so please ensure that your parents have received the letter. I also want to address any students who may be facing financial difficulties. Do not feel discouraged if you cannot afford proper attire for the event. You can approach me or the Deputy Headmistress, Professor Snape, for assistance. We have planned to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to attend the ball in the appropriate attire. That is all." His eyes scanned as Severus took his seat beside his wife, and Hermione smiled at him.

"I almost forgot about the ball this year," she said.

Severus replied, "I almost did, too, until Neville brought it up earlier today."

"Really? Neville?" Hermione turned her head to see Neville talking to Professor Jenson, who taught Apparition.

"He has come far from when he trembled at the sight of me. True Gryffindor, that man is now." Severus smirked. Typically, he always referred to him as 'boy,' but in the last few years, he has gained Severus' respect for the Herbology department.

"Wonderful. I know Amelia will want to go."

"Hermione—you know the ball is for third years and up. I can't just let her go because she's our daughter. That wouldn't be fair for the others." He explained. Hermione sighed.

"I know love. You should've seen her face light up mentioning the ball. And the light faded just as fast when she realized she couldn't go."

"I'll pull her aside a little later. Maybe before that night ends, I can spare a father/daughter dance in our room." Severus replied.

"I think that would be lovely, dear," Hermione said, taking a bite of her mashed potatoes.

Gryffindor Table

The Great Hall was abuzz with anticipation as students chatted and laughed around him. Alex sat thoughtfully at the Gryffindor table, flanked by his close friends James and Oliver. The announcement of the upcoming ball had him feeling uncertain. He was worried that his lack of dancing expertise would lead to embarrassment in front of others. The thought of stepping on someone's toes or tripping on the dance floor made him hesitant to attend. Understandably, these thoughts might make him question whether he should even go to the ball. He then uttered his words with conviction, ensuring his message was heard loud and clear. James' gaze fell upon Mallory Malfoy, seated at the Slytherin table.

"I hoped we were going to have a ball this year. Last year was great. I want to ask Mallory to the ball this year."

"How could you even consider her, mate? She's a Malfoy!" Oliver exclaimed, taking a bite of his chicken. "I like her. She's pretty has a bad-arse personality, and is into Quidditch," James confidently replied.

"Mallory is horrible to my sister. Scorpius told me her reaction when she found out that Amelia was on the team wasn't so supporting." Alex commented. Alex isn't a fan of Mallory Malfoy because of her attitude.

"She must learn to grow some skin and a backbone, Alex. She is in Slytherin. She needs to be on her Ps and Qs." James retorted. Putting his fork down, he stood up from the table.

James sauntered over to Mallory with a playful grin on his face, drawing the attention of Alex and Oliver. "What are you up to, James?" Alex inquired, keeping a watchful eye on his friend's actions.

With a spring in his step, James approached Mallory, who was sitting with Erin Basic and Julie Roberts. To get her attention, he shouted her name like a child who had just discovered a new toy. Clearly irritated, Mallory grumbled and asked what he wanted. With a mischievous grin, James asked if she wanted to go to the ball with him. Mallory, unamused, rolled her eyes and replied with a simple "No." James' cockiness vanished into thin air, just like a magician's trick, as the surrounding Slytherins burst into hysterical laughter.

"Why?" James asked.

"You're not my type." That seemed to knock a peg of his ego down a bit. He scrunched up his face angrily, with his tail tucked between his legs back to Gryffindor's table.

"There's that Gryffindor courage," Erin said sarcastically.

Seated together at the head table, Hermione and Severus couldn't help but observe with interest as the eldest Potter made a spectacle of himself in front of the entire Great Hall and the Slytherin students in particular. Every word he spoke seemed to dig him into a deeper hole, and Hermione found it so amusing that she couldn't contain her laughter. Even Severus, whose reputation for being stern and unapproachable was well-known, allowed a hint of a smile to tug at the corners of his mouth, though he quickly tried to hide it by biting his lip.

"Like father like son, I say," Severus said, sipping his goblet.

"Poor lad. Maybe he needs to just stick with Gryffindor or ask a Hufflepuff out. They'll more than likely accept." Hermione responded. Severus rolled his eyes.

"Believe me. His type will be able to get almost anyone else. I doubt his father would be pleased if Ms. Malfoy accepted his advances, to begin with. Draco would more than likely have a stroke." Severus remarked. Hermione couldn't help but laugh again, knowing her husband was right

A/N: Oh my goodness, I have made it to chapter 20! I've been working on this story for a little over a year. Granted I had some major writers block for a few months and life events taking place. But, I haven't abandoned it! Please review and let me know what you think!