Chapter 21
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
After dinner, Amelia dragged her feet back to the familiar confines of the Slytherin common room. She sighed heavily and collapsed onto a black leather couch, burying her face in her arms. Despite her best efforts to calm down, her breathing remained ragged and uneven. She was struggling to grasp why she was so upset about not being able to attend the ball. As she sat there, lost in thought, she assumed the common room was empty and let out a loud, frustrated groan. The sound echoed back to her, and she felt a pang of embarrassment. With a sudden surge of emotion, she punched one of the pillows, tears welling up in her eyes.
Amelia sat on the couch, tears streaming down her face as she exclaimed, "It's not fair!" The weight of her frustration hung heavily in the air.
Suddenly, a voice called out, startling her. She quickly turned her head to find Scorpius standing there, his eyebrow raised inquisitively and a concerned look on his face.
Feeling embarrassed and vulnerable, Amelia stammered, "It's stupid... really... d-don't worry about it."
But Scorpius wasn't going to let it go. He took it upon himself to sit at the other end of the couch and gently lifted Amelia's legs, placing them in his lap. She could feel the warmth of his body and the weight of his care as he sat there in silence, offering her a comforting presence.
"If it's gotten you this riled up, surely it can't be all that stupid," he encouraged, trying to lighten the mood.
"First-years aren't allowed to attend the Christmas ball," she pouted.
"Well, that's just ridiculous. What are they afraid of? A bunch of 11-year-olds tearing up the dance floor?" Scorpius joked, earning a small chuckle from Amelia.
Observing the look in her eyes, Scorpius asked:
"And yet, you still want to go?" The piercing intensity of her gaze answered his question before she spoke. "Yes, of course I do. I want to go so badly, and I wish I could convince him to change his mind, but I know there's no point."
Scorpius gently rubbed Amelia's ankles, admitting to herself that the massage felt nice. "Sometimes we can't get what we want," he said.
A faint smile tugged at Amelia's lips as she responded, "But if you try sometimes, you just might find... you get what you need." She half-sang the words, and Scorpius raised an eyebrow in confusion.
The sound of her laughter filled the room as she clarified, "It's a Rolling Stones song, a Muggle rock band my brother likes." After a slight pause, they continued their conversation, lost in their own world of thoughts and emotions.
"I have an idea," he said, "since you won't be able to attend the ball, would you like to dance with me in the astronomy tower?"
Amelia was surprised and touched by Scorpius's offer. "You want to dance with me?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief and gratitude.
Scorpius's eyes lit up with hope and excitement. "Of course I do," he replied. "Seeing you happy would make me happy too."
Amelia smiled, feeling grateful and comforted by Scorpius's kindness. "Thank you, Scorpius," she said. "That means a lot to me."
HGSSHGSSHGSSHGSS
Headmaster's Bed Chambers
Severus' Dream:
Saturday, December 15, 2012
The young family of four was bustling with activity as they prepared for the annual Christmas Ball, an event they all looked forward to with great anticipation each year. Hermione and Severus had a long-standing tradition of dropping their kids off at either the Weasleys or the Potters while they attended the ball. However, they decided to change things this year and visit Charlie in Romania for the holidays.
Eight-year-old Alex, wearing a smart suit, was fidgeting with his clip-on tie, repeatedly fastening and unfastening it, his excitement palpable. Meanwhile, Severus was in the restroom, taking great care in getting ready for the evening. He was dressed in his formal black robes, which were impeccably tailored, with a crisp, white collared shirt beneath. A dark evergreen tie was tucked neatly beneath the collar, adding a dash of color to his outfit.
On the other hand, Hermione was radiant in her shimmering emerald, strapless dress. The dress hugged her curves in all the right places, and the fabric seemed to shimmer and sparkle under the light. She paired it with a gorgeous shawl draped elegantly over her shoulders, giving her ensemble an atmosphere of sophistication and glamour. Her hair was styled into loose waves, and her makeup was subtle yet striking, accentuating her natural beauty.
Amelia, the five-year-old with curly black hair, looks dazzling in a bright pink ruffled dress with rainbow sparkles scattered around the ruffles, making her outfit look like a fairy tale. The weekend before, her parents took her to a muggle mall in London, where she saw the dress in one of the windows and was immediately captivated by it. She began crying and demanding that her mee-maw buy it for her. Eventually, her grandmother gave in and bought her the dress. Amelia placed her silver tiara, studded with colorful gems, on her bushy black hair, making her look like a princess. She then smiled broadly at Hermione, showing off her perfect white teeth.
"I's pwencess's mummy." She squealed.
"Of course, you are my love." Hermione kissed her forehead.
"Severus, are you ready?" Hermione asked as she picked up her daughter. Severus sprayed on some last-minute cologne and exited the restroom.
"As ready as I'll ever be." Severus groaned. When his eyes met Hermione's, he took in her beauty. He is a fortunate bloke.
"You are beautiful, Hermione," Severus commented, closing the gap between them and pecking her cheek.
"Wat 'bout me, Daddy?" Amelia giggled.
"You are as pretty as a princess, my dear." He also pecked her cheek.
"Alright, Alex, are you ready?" Severus turned to his son. He shot up and almost sprinted to his parents.
"I'm ready!" Alex said gleefully.
The Christmas ball is in full swing; the ceiling lights sparkled like a disco ball, like Alaska's northern lights, adding a dash of red and white to the mixture. Hermione had gotten the idea from when they took a holiday to the States and stayed in Cooper's Landing, Alaska, and thought it would add that extra pizzazz. Severus and Hermione watched the students dance and have fun, admiring all the unique fashion styles from the newest generation of witches and wizards. Towards the end of the dance, a slow song began. "From Here To The Moon and Back." By Dolly Parton and Kris Kristofferson. Hermione noticed Alex dancing with Amelia; they were not dancing well but were having fun. Hermione nudged Severus to witness this brother-and-sister moment.
"Look there, love. Isn't that adorable?" She asked. Severus snaked an arm around her waist to bring her closer.
"It is. While they are entertaining themselves now, would you care to dance with me?" Severus quirked his lip. Hermione kissed his cheek.
"Always." Together, the couple danced to the rhythm of the melody.
'From here to the moon and back,
Who else in this world will love you like that?
Love everlasting, I promise you that…..
From here to the moon and back.'
Hermione softly sang along as the song ended, staring into her husband's eyes. It is as if they're the only two souls in the room.
"I love you," Hermione whispered.
"I love you too." Severus bent to place a loving kiss on her lips. As the night went on, the great hall started to empty out.
"Mummy, I have to use the potty." Alex said, clearly trying not to do the 'potty dance', Hermione chuckled.
"Alright, son. Come with me." She paused and turned to Severus:
"You'll be alright with Amelia for a few minutes?" She asked.
"Of course." He nods. Hermione took Alex by the hand. Before entirely exiting the Great Hall, she turned to talk to the DJ. Severus wondered what she wanted from him but then turned to give his attention to his daughter.
"Alright now, this is the last song of the night. This is an extra special song that was requested. I hope you enjoy this one." The lights dimmed, and the beginning of the last song began to play. "Have I told you lately that I love you?" By Rod Stewart. 'That's what she wanted.' Severus thought to himself.
"Daddy…dance with me?" Amelia tugged the hem of his robe. He peered down at his young daughter. He couldn't help but pick the girl up in his arms. Her tiny hand clasps onto his while her other hand gently grasps his shoulder. Her contagious smile warmed his heart as he swayed back and forth with her on his hip.
''Have I told you lately that I love you?
Have I told you there's no one else above you?
Fill my heart with gladness, take away all my sadness.
Ease my troubles; that's what you do."
The memory of this moment with Amelia will be etched in Severus' mind forever. As he held her close, he couldn't help but marvel at how tiny and fragile she was. The warmth of her body against his skin, the sound of her gentle breathing, and the sweet scent of her hair filled him with a sense of profound joy and tenderness. Despite her young age and inability to remember the occasion, this moment will always hold a special place in Severus' heart.
Severus awoke with a smile as the light from the window peeked through the curtain. He turned over and pulled Hermione closer to him. Her warmth radiated. Hermione's eyes fluttered open, yawning before she looked up at him.
"Good morning, my love." Severus grinned.
"Good morning to you, too. You're happy, I see." She smirked.
"I had a marvelous dream last night."
"Yeah? What is that?" She asked.
"We had to take the kids to the Christmas ball that year. Both the Weasleys and the Potters went to Romania that year. Amelia's and I first dance." Severus replied. He gently massaged Hermione's spine, rolling up and down on her back. Hermione groaned, enjoying his ministrations.
"I remember that night." She said, thinking back. It was one of her favorite Christmas balls.
As they enjoyed their peaceful moment, an owl suddenly flew into the room through the window, crashing onto their bed. This slightly startled Hermione, causing them to sit up against the bedpost. As she grabbed the letter, the owl quickly flew out again. Meanwhile, Severus read the letter with Hermione, looking over her shoulder.
Headmaster and Deputy Headmaster Snape:
We are writing to inform you that the hearing for Casey Stone will be held on Friday, November 30, 2018, at 2:00pm. Please arrive 15 minutes before the examinations.
In your service,
Mathilda Stern
Hermione turned over to Severus. Severus let out a sigh of relief.
"Well, we now have something to look forward to." He said sarcastically.
"I believe we do."
A/N: And here's another one! I have gotten this little plot bunny from tik tok. There was a photo of Severus holding a little girl in a pinky ruffled dress, and I just fell in love with it. Also, you didn't think I forgot about Casey Stone, did you? Let me know what you think I should do with him!