Severus and Minerva Clean Up After a Party

The Great Hall was near-empty, now that the students had left with their dates. The Yule Ball had been more enjoyable this time around than in Severus's original life, but perhaps that had more to do with having someone to dance with and watching his children and their friends dance. Of course, the night hadn't been perfect; Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley had gotten into an argument involving Viktor Krum, and Marley had gotten into an argument with Miss Weasley regarding the latter's date with Neville (the revelation being that Miss Weasley had only agreed because she hadn't known Harry was looking for a date).

The issue that had bothered Severus the most was that Alice-Marie had failed to find a date, something which she could only tolerate for so long before leaving the Great Hall in tears, resulting in Miss Chang leaving Mr. Diggory. When the other girl had returned, Severus had gone off to find her, only to find instead that she was sitting with Mr. Nott, and the two seemed to be at peace. He hadn't heard what they were discussing, but it was enough for a smile to appear on her face.

Upon returning to the Great Hall, Severus found that only Headmistress McGonagall, or Minerva (now that they were alone), had remained. Severus drew his wand and assisted her in bringing down some of the decorations.

"Lily went to bed early," Minerva explained. "She seemed like she'd had too much to drink."

"I noticed," Severus replied. "I assume dancing like a lunatic wore the rest of her out."

Minerva chuckled. "Just like her daughter, then."

"One of them, at least."

Severus felt a hand gently touch his arm. "How's Alice? I saw her leave earlier."

"Miss Snape was sitting with Mr. Nott," Severus answered.

"Really? I didn't realize the two were so close."

"Neither did I." Severus hated admitting when he'd been blindsided by a development such as this, and he hoped it would be the last time.

"Do you think they fancy each other?"

"Absolutely not," Severus answered firmly, repressing the thought of Alice-Marie smiling at Mr. Nott.

"Oh well," Minerva said, although her voice made her sound like she didn't believe him. "In any case, let Alice know that if she needs anything, my office is always open."

"I'll pass that along." Severus continued cleaning, folding up the tablecloths while Minerva took down the chandeliers.