The Potions Master and the Ravenclaw

The Yule Ball

Author's Note: Some of the dialogue is a direct quote from Goblet of Fire. Credit to J. K. Rowling, of course.

...

Christmas night was cold, crisp, and snowy (perfect for the Yule Ball), and the Great Hall had been transformed into a winter wonderland.

Madeline was wearing a new formal dress, black of course. It was simple and elegant, off the shoulder and floor length with a Slytherin green satin sash cinching the waist. Her formal cloak was black velvet and lined with the same green satin as her sash. The clasp was ornate, decorated with emerald colored jewels. Her hair was up in a sophisticated twist that played up her features perfectly, and her lips were, as always, painted blood red.

Snape wore his finest dress robes and looked as handsome and distinguished as ever.

"I can't stop looking at you, Severus. You're so beautiful," she beamed up at him.

He looked at her in wonder. How could she find him beautiful? He would never understand it, but he would be forever grateful for it. His perfect angel.

"I love you my, gorgeous girl." He touched her cheek and smiled at her. "Like a dark queen, you are. So beautiful." He kissed her hand and she giggled.

They held hands and watched as the champions led the first dance. All the students looked so lovely in their formal clothes. Then Madeline beamed as Dumbledore and McGonagall took to the dance floor together.

"They're adorable," she said to Severus. He rolled his eyes and she laughed.

Snape took her hand and led her onto the dance floor, as well. They gazed and smiled at each other as if they were the only two people in the entire room, and everyone who saw them could feel how much they loved each other. How perfect they were for each other.

The evening felt enchanted.

When they tired of dancing, they sat for a while watching the students and drinking punch.

"Look at Draco and Pansy," said Madeline.

"Mmm. She does appear to have quite the crush on young Malfoy."

Madeline frowned.

"Why do you dislike her so?"

"It's just a feeling I get. She's a mean and spiteful girl. Draco can do better. You know... my friend Emily's little sister, Astoria, would be perfect for him. Maybe I'll introduce them sometime."

"You care for Draco."

"I do. Of course I do. He's a very clever boy. Handsome like his father. And there's a sweetness in him underneath all that bravado and swagger."

Snape smiled sardonically. "You've got quite a talent for recognizing that, Madeline."

"Maybe," she said, smiling wryly. "I think I'll dance with Draco at the next song. Why don't you dance with Professor McGonagall?"

"Alright," he said, squeezing her hand. "But do you know that you are the most beautiful woman in this room?"

"You have to say that because you're my husband," she said, blushing.

"No, sweet. Everyone can see it. I saw them watching when we were dancing before. They certainly weren't looking at me, I assure you. You are radiant. And you are all mine." He kissed the inside of her wrist.

"I love you," she whispered.

"And I love you."

At that moment, the song ended and Madeline and Snape stood. Madeline removed her cloak, baring her shoulders, and Snape's breath caught in his throat. She smiled up at him and he tipped her chin up to look into her eyes.