Look at the Stars

Hermione gave Viktor a parting handshake, then headed immediately for Sirius. She smiled at him. Just then, a dark-robed figure stepped between them. "Miss Granger," said Severus Snape in an oily voice, pushing his oily black hair behind his ears. "Might I have a word with you?"

"Uh. . . Professor Snape. . . I was just. . ."

"I think what I have to say will be of interest to you. . . Hermione. Shall we dance?"

Hermione looked over Snape's shoulder at Sirius, whose tightly-pinched lips appeared to be holding back laughter. Hermione was, again, rather disappointed. She'd hoped to share the next dance with Sirius. Before she could respond, the music started, and Severus forcefully pulled her onto the dance floor. Despite her annoyance at Snape, she burst into laughter when the song, "Boot Scootin' Boogie," started and the students began line dancing. "What is this, a barn dance?" Hermione said.

"Don't you find, Miss Granger, that American muggle country music is the most. . . romantic?"

"Huh?"

Snape began singing along as he stomped his feet across the floor. "Get down, come around, go to town, boot scootin' boogie! I love this song!"

Hermione was bewildered.

"But," Severus said, moving his head toward her ear, "Hermione, we have more serious matters to discuss. I have to confess, I overheard part of a conversation you had with Professor Black--how that buffoon got the Defense Against the Dark Arts job I'll never know--and you said something that indicated something to me."

Hermione remained silent, trying to imagine what she'd said.

"You said I was. . . ahem. . . hot," Snape said, "and I just wanted you to know, Hermione, that I don't think there's anything wrong with interfaculty relationships. I just wanted you to know that."

She could hardly restrain her laughter at this point. "Thank you, Severus. That means so much to me."

"So, Hermione. . ." Snape wrapped his arm around her and leaned his head toward hers.

"No!" Hermione yelped, pushing him back. "I must confess, Severus, that it was unfortunate that you overheard a tiny bit of joking I was engaging in with a friend of mine. Please understand that I in no way intended to attract your attention and accept my apologies for the misunderstanding."

"I see," Snape said coldly, continuing the dance in silence.

*~*~*~*~*

Sirius had been upset when Viktor Krum had stolen Hermione, but now, he had to admit, he was simply annoyed. Severus Snape? What the. . .? He watched them on the floor. At least this time I know I don't have anything to worry about, he thought, observing Hermione's disgusted look. Snape's acting pretty silly tonight. . . is he singing?

Sirius shook his head at the ridiculousness of it all. Would he ever get to dance with his date? Whoa, he thought, is Snape trying to kiss Hermione? What is this? He laughed as she pushed Snape away, causing him to stagger across the floor. Good for Hermione, he silently cheered.

When the song ended, he maneuvered across the dance floor as quickly as possible. He would not have her stolen again. He reached her just as a solo flute began the delicate opening notes of an oddly undanceable, though rather pretty, piece.

"Hermione," he smiled.

"Sirius," she whispered, "you've no idea what I've been through. . ."

"Well, now you're all mine," he laughed, taking her hand. "What is this music? How are we supposed to dance to this? The Transfiguros have some unusual selections for the night."

"Just dance, Sirius. And I believe this is Princess Leia's theme from Star Wars--you've seen it, right?"

"Yeah, I have. . . Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. . . that Chewie character?" he said, spinning her around.

Hermione spun back into Sirius's arms. "You know, when you first got out of prison, you looked kind of like Chewbacca. . ."

"Let's tango," Sirius said. "And thanks. You always reminded me of Princess Leia."

Hermione was flattered. "Thanks. . . because I'm bossy, right? And this is not tango music."

"And your point?" Sirius laughed as he pulled her close and led her down the floor. "As for you and Leia. . . bossy--I suppose that's part of it. But mostly, she has your fire," he said, dipping her backwards.

"As for you and Chewbacca, it's not just the long hair, it's the temper," Hermione winked. "And the brute intelligence."

"Yeah, I thought it was something like that," he said. The music swelled to its romantic climax. "This is actually a great piece of music," he commented, now spinning her out completely in conflict with the rhythm of the brass strains.

"It's lovely, yes," Hermione said, suddenly silent as she spun back in, closing the gap between them into virtually nothing. The two paused for several seconds in silence.

"Hermione, I. . ."

Just then a gray owl dropped a letter between the two. They parted uncomfortably as Hermione began opening the envelope. "I wonder what this is. . . a letter. . . at this time. . ." she trailed off uncomfortably.

Seeing her frightened face as she began reading the letter, Sirius panicked, "What is it?"

Hermione wordlessly showed him the letter.

"Hermione Granger,

Any friend of Harry Potter's is an enemy of mine. Don't begin to think you're safe.

Sadis Oscuro."

Ben and Viola sat near the wall whispering and laughing as they watched Professor Snape on the dance floor. "Using a love potion on the potions master! Brilliant, Vi!" Ben whispered.

Viola looked proud. "Thanks. . . I can't believe he fell for it!"

"I know this night probably hasn't ended up the way either of us expected, but I've had a really good time," Ben said.

"Me too, Ben," Viola said, looking at him seriously.

Ben brushed aside a strand of Viola's long brown hair. "I hope you won't think I'm moving too fast," he said, moving closer.

"No. . . I don't. . ."

"Mr. Calvert," a cold voice interrupted them. "I suppose I should have expected something like this, but I thought the Head Boy might have the decency to avoid putting love potions in teachers' drinks."

"What, Professor Snape? I don't know what you're talking about?"

"I know it was you, Mr. Calvert, and I don't doubt that Miss Smith here was involved, as well. Professor Trelawney has just informed me that she saw you putting something in my drink."

Viola discretely pulled out her wand. "OBLIVIATE!"

"Enjoying the ball, Mr. Calvert, Miss Smith?" Snape said. "What am I doing over here talking to you?" He shuffled away swiftly.

Ben smiled. "Nice work, Vi. . . now, where were we?"

She kissed him softly. "Was that it?"