The Hufflepuff dormitory was a warm, inviting cocoon. Laughter bubbled like a cauldron of happiness as Jane and her friends prepared for the evening's festivities. The air was thick with anticipation, a sweet blend of Christmas sweets and freshly laundered clothes. Soft yellow lamplight cast dancing shadows on the walls, adorned with proud Hufflepuff banners, creating a homey atmosphere.
Lily was the first to call out, "Jane, can you help me with this?" She held up a dress, a size too big, her eyes pleading.
"Of course," Jane replied, hurrying to her side. With a flick of her wand and a murmured incantation, the dress shimmered and adjusted to Lily's perfect measurements.
"Thank you, Jane! You're a lifesaver!" Lily exclaimed, twirling again, her face beaming. Hardly a moment passed before her cheerful expression faltered. "Oh no, what am I going to do with my hair?" she lamented, running a hand through her fiery red locks.
Olivia rushed to Lily's side, the curlers on her head bouncing with each step. Grabbing the dress, she held it up to Lily's hair, envisioning how different hairstyles would complement the fabric's flow. "I can totally see you in big, bouncy curls with this," she mused, twirling a strand of the dress.
Jane turned her attention to Eleanor, whose face was flushed with frustration as she battled a stubborn zip. Her fingers danced awkwardly around the metal teeth, their efforts seemingly in vain.
Jane asked, "Need some help, Eleanor?" She was already stepping forward, her hand extended towards the troublesome zip. "Yes, please,"
Eleanor sighed in relief, her face flushed with frustration. With a quick flick of her wand, Jane muttered a charm, and the zip slid smoothly into place. Eleanor beamed, her face lighting up with gratitude as she turned to face her friend.
"I'm so excited for tonight!" Eleanor gushed, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at her reflection. She turned slowly, allowing the dress to swish around her. "Do you think this necklace is too much?" She held up a sparkling pendant, its facets catching the light.
Lily squealed, her eyes wide with admiration. "It's perfect! You look stunning. We deserve to go all out tonight."
The room was now a kaleidoscope of colour and movement, filled with the sight of beautifully fitted dresses and the sound of restless chatter and nervous energy. Laughter bubbled like champagne as the girls exchanged compliments and shared excited whispers. As they transitioned to the art of makeup, the air became thick with the sweet scent of perfume and the delicate touch of brushes. Eyeshadow palettes were spread out like artists' canvases, and lipsticks lined up like soldiers ready for battle.
Eleanor, her fingers deftly applying a shimmering gold eyeshadow, turned to Jane. "Are you excited for the party? I feel like you've been awfully quiet tonight," she teased with a playful grin.
Jane laughed. "Absolutely," she replied, anticipation dancing across her voice. "I can't wait to see everyone and dance the night away. But most importantly, I can't wait to see you shine on the dance floor."
Turning towards the mirror, Jane hands instinctively reaching for her hair. It was a wild tangle of curls and waves, refusing to cooperate. She sighed, her fingers tentatively running through the mess. Before she could summon her wand, Olivia was already there, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Leave your hair as it is and poof it up some more," Olivia insisted, her hands already reaching for a hairspray can. "It'll be a statement look! Just like that muggle celebrity my mom is obsessed with. What's her name…? Diana Ross!"
Jane hesitated, her hand hovering over her hair. She wasn't used to being the centre of attention. "I don't know, Olivia," she dismissed. "I don't really want to stand out that much."
Olivia rolled her eyes playfully. "Nonsense," she replied, grabbing a bottle of volumizing spray. "Trust me, it'll look amazing. Besides, all eyes will be on you for other reasons tonight." She winked conspiratorially.
Despite Olivia's enthusiastic encouragement, Jane ultimately decided against the dramatic hairstyle. She hesitated, a thoughtful expression on her face, before reaching for a periwinkle banana clip. With a few deft movements, she pulled her hair back into a puffed up ponytail, securing it with the clip.
Eleanor, noticing Jane's bare face, frowned playfully. "Jane, you have to put on at least a bit of lip gloss," she insisted, handing her a tube of shimmery pink gloss. "You can't go to a party without any makeup!"
Jane sighed, a hint of amusement in her eyes. She took the lip gloss and applied it to her lips, the shimmery pink enhancing her natural colour. "I just don't see the point," she muttered playfully. "It's not like I have anyone to impress."
Lily, her own reflection momentarily forgotten, glanced at Jane mischievously. "What about Remus?" She probed, curling another strand of hair with her wand. "I thought you two were getting along well. And he is invited tonight."
Jane smiled faintly, tired of this repeated conversation. "We're just friends, Lily," she explained softly, her eyes drifting away from her reflection. "And that's probably all we'll ever be."
"Well, that's a shame." Olivia gave a pouty look as she wrapped her arms around Jane's waist. Resting her head on Jane's left shoulder, she squeezed gently. "I think you would make an adorable couple."
Jane chuckled softly, a warmth spreading through her at Olivia's words. She looked down at her friend, grateful for their bond. As she looked around, she couldn't help but notice how stunning her friends looked. Lily's white dress perfectly complemented her fiery red hair, while Eleanor's off-the-shoulder pink ensemble was especially striking. They were a vision of young womanhood, radiating confidence and excitement.
A pang of self-doubt crept in as Jane compared herself to her friends. She was comfortable in her simplicity, but in this moment of heightened glamour, she felt a flicker of insecurity.
Lily's eyes lit up as she admired Eleanor's dress on her for the first time. "Eleanor, that dress looks absolutely gorgeous on you! I bet Sirius will love it."
Eleanor blushed slightly, her hand going to her neck. "You think so? I wasn't sure if it was too much."
Olivia grinned with approval. "Not at all," she affirmed, leaving Jane to get a better look. "You look amazing."
Jane smiled and went to her wardrobe, pulling out a familiar bundle of denim. With a flick of her wand, the fabric transformed, shaping itself into a simple denim dress. It was comfortable and practical, just the way she liked it. As she slipped it on, Eleanor teased, "Going for the casual look, Jane?"
Jane awkwardly laughed, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Someone has to keep things grounded," she replied, trying to appear nonchalant.
Lily, ever the supportive friend, stepped forward. "You look lovely, Jane," she complimented, giving her a reassuring smile. "The dress is really flattering."
With the final touches in place, Jane moved to her bedside table and picked up her knitting supplies. She drew her wand, pointed it at the transfigured yarn and knitting needles, and muttered a shrinking spell. The items reduced in size until they were small enough to slip into her pocket. Olivia shot her a questioning look,
"Just in case the party gets boring," she muttered a bit defensively as she tucked them away.
Olivia laughed. "Always prepared, aren't you? Maybe you should bring a book next time."
Eleanor giggled. "Or a crossword puzzle."
Jane shrugged. "You never know."
The girls, their nerves almost physically palpable, descended from the dormitory and stepped into the Hufflepuff common room. It was like stumbling upon a magical winter wonderland. The once familiar space was transformed into a warm, inviting haven. Their eyes widened in awe at the charmingly mismatched and homemade Christmas decor that adorned the room.
It was clear that the students had poured their hearts into creating a festive atmosphere, with each decoration telling a story of the student that made it.
The walls were adorned with garlands of paper chains in various colours, interspersed with hand-drawn pictures and stars that dangled on strings. Above the fireplace, garlands of oranges and cranberries intertwined with hand-cut snowflakes and poorly knitted socks. Twinkling muggle Christmas lights were meticulously wrapped around the bannisters and draped across the windows. All charmed to cast a warm, inviting glow. Some of the lights flickered in a playful manner, evidence of their magical nature.
A charmingly lopsided Christmas tree stood proudly in a corner, its branches laden with homemade treasures. Knitted baubles in a rainbow of colours, popcorn strings strung with care, and delicate origami stars adorned the tree. Paper angels, their halos dusted with glitter, clung precariously to the branches, their wings slightly crumpled from enthusiastic crafting.
A makeshift dance floor, constructed from polished floorboards that creaked invitingly with each step, occupied a central spot in the room. Its edges were playfully adorned with bunting, a patchwork quilt of mismatched fabrics stitched together with loving care. Scattered pine cones and sprigs of holly added a touch of rustic charm to the festive display.
A makeshift stage stood at one end of the room. A lively group of students were busy arranging their eclectic instruments. Guitars, both acoustic and electric, were being tuned, while a quirky percussion section, composed of enchanted pots and pans and a tambourine crafted from a repurposed frame and jingling bottle caps, was taking shape. The musicians chatted and laughed as they prepared to fill the room with their unique sound, a testament to Hufflepuff's ingenuity and musical spirit.
A veritable feast of homemade Christmas treats awaited the students. Trays of mince pies, their edges boasting charmingly imperfect crimps, sat alongside platters of gingerbread cookies shaped like whimsical stars and reindeer with endearingly mismatched antlers. Bowls of fruit-studded punch and steaming jugs of mulled cider promised warmth and comfort. The room was enveloped in a captivating aroma, a symphony of cinnamon, cloves, and the irresistible scent of freshly baked goods.
"Wow," Lily breathed, her eyes wide with delight as she took in the charmingly mismatched decorations. "This is so... Hufflepuff," she finished, a warm smile spreading across her face.
Jane nodded in agreement, her heart swelling with pride. "It's perfect," she gushed, a warm smile spreading across her face.
The girls moved through the room, greeting friends and admiring the decorations with a sense of fondness. Laughter filled the air, the anticipation for the evening's festivities evident in every smile and chuckle.
Lily turned to Jane, a scheming look washing over her. "So, Jane, ready to impress Remus tonight?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, but the undertone was clear.
Jane snorted, shaking her head. "I told you, we're just friends."
Olivia rolled her eyes playfully. "Well, friends can dance together, can't they?" she stated.
Jane's eyes narrowed slightly as she glanced between her two friends. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to their teasing than met the eye. "We'll see," she replied, a hint of challenge in her voice.
As the girls snacked on plum pudding, their attention was suddenly drawn to a figure standing in the corner. Snape, an unexpected and incongruous presence, stood like a dark shadow against the vibrant tapestry of the room. His usual black robes seemed to absorb rather than reflect the festive lights, creating a stark contrast to the cheerful atmosphere. His hair, typically lank, was pulled back in an unusual attempt at order, revealing a countenance that was as impassive as ever. Yet, there was an almost comical effort in his posture, as if he were a statue trying desperately to blend into a lively painting.
Lily noticed Snape and motioned for him to join them. A silent invitation, clear and direct. He hesitated briefly, his gaze flickering between them, before stepping forward, his expression guarded yet somewhat curious.
Olivia, always the friendly one, approached him with a welcoming smile. "Hello, I'm Olivia. It's nice to see you here." Her voice was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the usual chilly atmosphere that surrounded Snape.
Snape nodded slightly, acknowledging her greeting. "Good evening," he replied in a tone that attempted politeness but carried an undertone of discomfort. His gaze darted around the room, taking in the festive decorations and the cheerful chatter of the students.
Jane exchanged a questioning glance with Lily, who quickly explained in a hushed tone, "Severus wanted to come, so I invited him. He seemed interested." Her voice was laced with a hint of amusement as she observed Snape's awkwardness.
Jane nodded in understanding, though a surge of irritation washed over her. She hadn't anticipated encountering Snape, let alone being forced into his soul-sucking company.
It was at that moment that the atmosphere shifted dramatically as James and Sirius made their grand entrance into the Hufflepuff common room. Their arrival was a whirlwind of bravado and arrogance, as the pair swept into the room. Their figures striking silhouettes against the festive ambiance. Dressed to impress in their finest robes, they were the epitome of Gryffindor flair. Drawing whispers and admiring glances from the witches around them.
James, ever the centre of attention, spotted Lily and the girls. He couldn't resist a cocky grin as he strode purposefully towards them. By the time he reached their group, Snape had already slipped away, his retreat as silent and swift as a shadow.
"Good evening, ladies," James greeted with a flourish, his hazel eyes twinkling mischievously behind his glasses. "I must say, you all look positively radiant tonight."
Lily gave a straight look, trying not to let his charm affect her. "Flattery won't get you far, Potter," she retorted, though it was obvious that it would.
Beside her, Eleanor giggled, playing along with the banter. "Oh, but James, you always know the right thing to say," she teased, her eyes dancing with mirth as she glanced at Lily.
Sirius, ever the suave counterpart to James, had sauntered over to where Eleanor stood, his grey eyes gleaming with playful admiration. "Eleanor, my dear," he began, taking her hand and planting a light kiss on her knuckles. "You look absolutely ravishing tonight. Can I tempt you to a dance later?"
A blush crept across Eleanor's cheeks as she basked in Sirius's attention. "Oh, Sirius Black," she purred, "you have a way with words. I might just consider that offer."
Olivia couldn't contain her amusement at the flirtatious exchange. "Seems like Eleanor has finally met her equal," she murmured to Jane.
Jane chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Leave it to them to turn a party into a dramatic performance," she remarked, a wry smile curving her lips.
James, mid-charm offensive on Lily, was interrupted by Peter's hesitant approach. "James," Peter began, his voice low, "Snape's here."
James's expression soured at the mention of Snape. Turning abruptly, his gaze locked onto his nemesis, a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes. Pushing his way through the crowd, he confronted Snape, his voice laced with venom. "What are you doing here, Snivellus?"
Snape, maintaining an impassive exterior, met James's hostile glare. "I'm here with Lily," he replied calmly, his voice low and controlled.
James scoffed, his anger palpable. "You've got some nerve, Snape," he retorted, his arms crossed defensively. "Lily's here to enjoy herself, not to be your prisoner."
Snape's expression hardened at the implication. "She invited me," he stated firmly, his voice carrying a note of defiance.
Before James could respond, Lily intervened, stepping between them with a determined look on her face. "James, Severus," she began, her voice calm yet assertive. "There's no need for this. Severus is here as my guest."
James looked incredulous, his frustration evident. "Lily, may I have this dance?" he asked abruptly, attempting to redirect her attention.
Snape however, remained composed. "I'm afraid Lily's dance card is already filled," he stated smoothly, a smug look in his eyes.
Lily sighed softly, sensing the tension between the two. "I'm sorry, James," she informed apologetically, meeting his gaze with a hint of regret. "Severus and I have already planned to dance."
"Lily," James pleaded, his voice dropping to a softer tone. "Just one dance, please? It won't kill you."
Snape stepped closer to James, his eyes cold and calculating. Looking down his hooked nose, he sneered, "The lady has already been spoken for. I suggest you leave with your dignity still intact."
James's jaw tightened, but he nodded stiffly, conceding to her decision. "Fine," he muttered tersely, stepping back. His eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and hurt as he turned away, his retreat as dramatic as his entrance.
Snape offered Lily his arm, a surprising gesture of politeness. A small, almost tender smile graced his lips as he extended his hand. "Shall we?" he asked, his voice softer now. Lily hesitated for a moment, then nodded, placing her hand in his.
As they stepped onto the dance floor, it was clear that Snape was a far more accomplished dancer than anyone had anticipated. Their movements were fluid and precise, a stark contrast to the boisterous energy of the other couples. The room fell silent as all eyes were drawn to the unexpected grace of their partnership.
James watched with growing irritation as Snape led Lily effortlessly across the dance floor. His possessive instincts flared as he saw the way Snape held Lily, a stark contrast to his own clumsy attempts at charm.
As other couples joined the dance floor, Remus approached Jane, his face flushed with a mix of nervousness and hope. "Jane, would you care to dance?" he asked, his voice barely audible over the music.
Jane returned his smile graciously but with a hint of reservation. "Sure, Remus," she replied gently, her voice filled with a gentle warmth. "But just so you know, I see you as a friend. I'm too busy with everything else to think about dating right now."
Remus nodded understandingly, a warm smile spreading across his face. "That's alright, Jane," he assured her. "I just wanted to be friends too."
Once they were on the dance floor, Remus led Jane in a clunky waltz, his steps hesitant and unsure. Jane couldn't help but notice that Remus seemed preoccupied, his gaze flickering down towards his feet, as if he were counting his steps.
"Remus, why are you so focused on your feet?" Jane teased lightly.
Remus smiled wryly, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "It's a habit," he admitted. "I've never been the most confident dancer."
Jane chuckled softly. "You're doing just fine, Remus. Besides, confidence isn't everything. Enjoy the moment."
"Thank you," Remus replied, with a bit more confidence in his steps than before.
They took a few turns around the dance floor, keeping in rhythm with the holiday music. Jane's intense focus broke Remus from their dance. Her lower lip caught between her teeth, she strained to decipher something in the distance. Intrigued, Remus followed her gaze, finding James across the room. His face was a mask of anger and bewilderment as he locked eyes with Snape.
Remus cleared his throat, his voice a soft counterpoint to the charged atmosphere. "James and Snape have always had... difficulties," he offered carefully, his gaze lingering on Jane's face.
Her eyebrows drew together in a worried frown. "I've noticed," she admitted softly, her voice laced with concern. "What's the story there?"
A shadow passed over Remus face as he sighed. "It started in our first year," he began, his voice low. "James and Snape were at odds from the beginning. James was convinced Snape was involved in something sinister, particularly with dark magic."
Jane nodded slowly, her mind working to connect the pieces of the puzzle she already knew about James and Snape's complex relationship. "And this... rivalry, I suppose you could call it, has endured all these years?" she asked quietly, her gaze drawn back to the two men engaged in their silent battle across the room.
Remus nodded solemnly. "Yes," he confirmed, his voice filled with a quiet weariness. "James is convinced Snape is a detrimental influence, while Snape harbours his own deep-seated dislike for James. It's a vicious cycle that has raged for years. I've tried to mediate between them, but it's like trying to reason with a Banshee."
Jane sighed, the weight of their complicated history settling on her shoulders. "It sounds exhausting," she admitted, her voice laced with sympathy.
Remus offered a rueful smile. "It is," he agreed. "But for now, let's focus on enjoying this evening. The music, the company... it's a welcome distraction."
Jane nodded, grateful for the reprieve. She forced a smile and turned back to the dance floor, determined to put the brewing tension out of her mind for the moment.
Jane gracefully excused herself from Remus, a polite smile playing on her lips as she drifted towards the snack table. After grabbing a glass of punch, she found a quiet corner and settled into a chair, her knitting needles clicking rhythmically. Her attention was drawn to the dance floor, where a new dynamic was unfolding. With a curious tilt of her head, she watched as James approached a Ravenclaw girl, his smile confident and almost challenging as he extended his hand. It was clear he was intent on putting on a dazzling display, a silent competition with Snape playing out in the spotlight.
Jane watched the dance floor, a silent observer to the growing tension between James and Snape. What had once been a simmering rivalry now boiled over, a public spectacle of one-upmanship. Each dance, each step, was a calculated move in a game of dominance. Their eyes locked in a battle for supremacy as they vied for Lily's attention and the approval of the crowd.
James, normally the epitome of carefree charm, wore a mask of intensity as he moved across the dance floor. His steps were precise, his movements calculated, and his gaze never left Snape or Lily. With each graceful twirl and confident flourish, he seemed to be making a silent declaration: a bid to prove his worthiness not just as a skilled dancer, but as a potential suitor for Lily's affections.
Snape moved with a controlled elegance that bordered on disdain. His dark eyes flickered with a mixture of irritation and grim determination as he effortlessly mirrored James's steps. Yet, he infused each movement with a subtle complexity, his spins and dips drawing admiring murmurs from the crowd. It was a silent battle of skill and style, a dance of dominance played out beneath the watchful eyes of their peers.
Lily, caught in the magic of the moment, was blissfully unaware of the tempestuous undercurrents between James and Snape. Her laughter was light and carefree, her smile radiant as she surrendered to the rhythm of the music. The world seemed to narrow down to the present, to the joy of dancing and the warmth of friendship that surrounded her.
James and Snape, locked in a silent battle of wills, exchanged pointed glances and subtle nods, their rivalry fueled by years of simmering animosity. Every step, every turn was a declaration of superiority, a silent challenge to outshine the other in the eyes of Lily and their peers. It was a a competition that extended far beyond the ballroom floor. The effortless grace and precision with which they moved suggested an extensive dance training, a skill perhaps honed in the exclusive circles of the Sacred Twenty-Eight.
Jane watched the unfolding drama with a mixture of amusement and concern. Behind the polished facades of confidence, she sensed deep-seated insecurities and a history of unresolved conflict. It was a tragic dance of ego and rivalry, a spectacle that was both captivating and disheartening.
As the music swelled to a crescendo, the dance floor erupted in a frenzy of movement. A growing sense of anticipation crept over her as she wondered how long the simmering tension between James and Snape could be contained before it inevitably boiled over.
In that split second as the music reached its peak, James made his move. With a flick of his wand, a Jelly-Legs Jinx shot towards the Slytherin. But fate, or perhaps a fortunate twist of circumstance, intervened. Snape, in a swift and desperate attempt to shield Lily, spun her away from the oncoming curse. The jinx, intended for Snape, found its mark on Lily instead.
Lily collapsed to the floor, her body buckling under the weight of the Jelly-Legs Jinx. Snape's face contorted into a mask of fury and concern as he assessed the situation. With a swift, almost brutal efficiency, he scooped Lily into his arms, her limp form cradled against his chest. Ignoring the stunned silence that had fallen over the room, he marched towards where Jane was seated, his every movement radiating an aura of protective intensity.
Snape carefully lowered Lily onto a nearby chair, his movements gentle despite the obvious tension in his body. A soft murmur of thanks escaped her lips as she caught her breath. Snape moved with practised efficiency, his wand hovering above Lily's immobilised legs. A precise incantation escaped his lips as he focused on reversing the effects of the jinx. With a final, decisive gesture, he completed the spell, and Lily's legs began to respond to her control once more.
Lily took a moment to regain her balance, her eyes closed in relief as the sensation returned to her legs. When she opened them, she turned to Jane, a tentative smile curving her lips. "What are you knitting there, Jane?" she asked in between muttered threats to kill whoever dared to hex her. She began to carefully cast the counter curse over her leg.
Jane glanced up, her eyes meeting Snape's, and a flicker of annoyance crossed her face. "Just some Christmas gifts," she replied, turning back to Lily.
Snape stood beside Lily, his body subtly positioned to shield her from the rest of the room. His stance was protective, almost possessive, as if asserting his role as her guardian.
Snape couldn't resist a dismissive scoff. "Christmas gifts," he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with sarcasm. His gaze flickered to Lily before returning to Jane with a challenging look.
Jane's irritation flared at Snape's obvious disdain, but she chose to ignore his provocation. Turning back to Lily, she offered a bright smile. "Are you planning to go back out there to dance?" she asked, hoping to steer the conversation away from the tense atmosphere Snape was cultivating by simply existing.
Lily considered for a moment, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "I think I'll sit this one out," she decided finally, her gaze drifting to Snape. A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes as she added, "Sev, why don't you take Jane for a spin on the dance floor?"
Snape's eyebrow arched in surprise at Lily's suggestion. His dark eyes darted between her and Jane, his reluctance clear.
"I'm not sure dancing is my forte," he smoothly lied.
"Bollocks!" Lily almost shouted. "If you can't dance then what was all that just a minute ago?"
"Luck," Snape responded flatly.
Lily stood, her determination a stark contrast to her earlier composure. Her eyes fixed Snape with a piercing stare, her voice carrying a hint of steel. "Severus," she began, "you can't spend the entire night on the sidelines. Your dancing is too good to be wasted on just me. Jane deserves a chance to enjoy it as well."
Jane, caught off guard by Lily's insistence and Snape's discomfort, glanced between them, unsure of how to respond. "It's okay, Lily," she interjected tentatively, "I already had a dance with Remus."
Lily's expression morphed into one of feigned shock. "One dance?" she exclaimed, her voice overflowing with disbelief. "That's hardly enough for a party," she countered, her tone firm. "Severus, you're taking Jane out there, and that's final."
Snape shifted uncomfortably, his gaze flickering between Lily and Jane. He was caught in a vice, his usual defences rendered useless against the combined force of Lily's beauty and determination. A flicker of annoyance crossed his face, but he resigned himself to his fate.
Reluctantly, Snape sighed heavily, his pride begrudgingly conceding. "Fine," he muttered, offering his hand to Jane with a resigned expression. "But don't expect me to enjoy it." His hand extended towards Jane, a gesture that felt more like a surrender than an invitation.
The scratchy guitar melody scraped against Jane's already frayed nerves as Snape reluctantly led her onto the dance floor. His grip on her waist was like an iron vice, more a statement of ownership than courtesy. He moved with a practised efficiency, his dark robes swirling around them like a brewing storm.
With each spin, Jane could feel the tension crackling in the air between them. It was a dance of barely concealed dislike, punctuated by jerky steps and clipped turns. They were two mismatched puzzle pieces, forced together with disastrous results.
Suddenly, a voice sliced through the tense silence. "Honestly, Sev," Lily called over from the sidelines, her voice laced with exasperation, "That's the most pathetic excuse for a waltz I've ever seen!"
Her words were like a spark igniting a hidden tinderbox. Jane, determined to salvage a shred of dignity, gritted her teeth and offered a strained smile.
"Perhaps," she growled, trying to sound polite, "gliding around like a funeral procession the only way you know how to dance?"
Snape's black eyes narrowed, his lip curling into a sneer. "There's nothing wrong with my dancing, Lewis," he seethed with disdain. "Perhaps it's the lead weight on my arm that's causing the difficulty."
He spun Jane around with a flourish that sent her denim skirt flying and her head spinning. Despite his sharp words, his movements were now precise, almost balletic. Jane couldn't help but notice the practised ease with which he navigated the crowded dance floor, a stark contrast to her own awkward fumbling.
Furious at his jibe, Jane retaliated. "Charming," she spat. "In the interest of politeness, I was just wondering about Christmas. Hoping for anything in particular?"
"Anything," Snape replied curtly, "would be preferable to one of your... knitted... creations."
His words were a direct insult to the lovingly crafted scarves Jane spent hours working on. This time, her smile was nonexistent. "My scarves are perfectly good gifts, thank you very much," she retorted, her words tight with anger.
Snape let out a derisive snort as he dipped her low, his dark hair falling from his hair ribbon, brushing against her cheek. "Wonderful," he drawled, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Just what every young wizard dreams of - an ugly scarf."
Jane's temper snapped. "Maybe they're better than receiving nothing at all!"
In a voice that cut through the music but held a touch of desperate defiance, she added, "Perhaps you secretly wish you had one of those scarves to keep you warm in your cold, lonely dungeons!"
He had dipped her. Their faces were inches apart now, his dark eyes holding a strange intensity. A dangerous current crackled between them, fueled by anger and something more that made Jane even more uncomfortable.
"Never!"
He pulled her back up to standing so abruptly her head swam. Incensed, Jane ripped her hand free from his grasp. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, Snape," she ordered through gritted teeth, her cheeks burning with a mixture of anger and embarrassment.
Without another word, she stormed off the dance floor, only stopping to get her knitting supplies. As she weaved through the crowd, completely oblivious to James Potter approaching Lily with a hopeful smile, all she could think about was the infuriating Snape and his utter lack of appreciation for a good scarf.
Fury thrummed through Jane like a rogue curse. Every step she took back to her dormitory echoed with the infuriating image of Snape's sneer. Reaching her room, she slammed the door with a bang that rattled the windows. Ignoring the tremor in her hands, Jane marched to her trunk, yanking it open.
From its depths, she retrieved a dusty ball of crimson yarn, a leftover from a past scarf she had made earlier for Lily. The leftover yarn, a vibrant red that perfectly matched Gryffindor colours. It was the perfect material for her revenge.
With a pair of sharp scissors, she snipped off a generous length, the defiance in her heart colouring her choice. Transfiguration was the only answer. With a muttered incantation and a flick of her wand, the yarn writhed and pulsed, transforming into something altogether more… horrendous.
A vibrant shade of hot pink, the yarn shimmered with an obnoxious amount of glitter. To the touch, it felt like a troll's beard – coarse and scratchy. A cruel smile twisted Jane's lips. This, she thought, was exactly what Snape deserved.
Snatching a spare piece of parchment, she scrawled a single, pointed sentence across it: To keep you warm this Christmas. The mocking cheer in her voice echoed in the empty room. Wrapping the monstrosity of a no in leftover brown paper, she addressed it in bold lettering: "Severus Snape."
With a final glare at the offending package, Jane stormed out of her dorm, her mission far from over. The owlery awaited, and with it, the sweet satisfaction of delivering her little Christmas surprise.
A/N In the words of my lovely friend who is my beta who hates this ship, "okay that scene made me feel something other than rage." For me when writing this scene months ago, I squealed with delight. Did I say months ago? Yup :) Just finished writing chapter 30 today and guys, if you like this scene it only gets better. Unfortunately due to pacing I can't update everything at once. But don't worry. I am currently blocking out book two. As always, if you want to bring any dopamine to this gremlin of an author, likes and reviews make my day and will keep me sane :)