Heathen (Severus Snape x Reader)

41 - Last but not Least

How cute is that AI-generated image of Severus above? Did it frighten you? Good. Me too.

Anyways, this will be a long chapter because it is in fact the last part of the story. Deeeply apologize for once again taking a whole damn month to post. I give you permission to chuck me off the astronomy tower. Buuttt I hope you enjoy. Honestly, I am going to miss this story, but I'm excited to announce that:

I have another story coming out right after this one ends, I don't want to state a date because I never honor those but keep watch for it if you're interested. :)

----------------------------------------------------------------

In the morning when I woke up, we had about 12 hours until the dance. That gives me 5 hours for classes, 4 hours to ask somebody...or get asked, and 2 hours to mentally prepare. I giggled to myself as I hopped out of bed and got dressed for the day. I put my robe over my clothing and headed out, starting towards The Great Hall.

I had no clue of who I would ask. I didn't even begin to think of this. The only person I'd want to dance with was Severus, but that would be impossible...could I go alone? Or does that make me seem like a loser? Would that make people more suspicious?

As I sat at the table, I noticed Draco and Amelia saunter by, their laughter echoing in The Great Hall. I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. The two of them, the face of grace, had made quite the entrance, laughing loudly and teasing each other. Their chatter about the impending evening's ball only added to my growing unease. The Yule Ball had enchanted every student of Hogwarts, but for me, it brought a mix of excitement and anxiety...mostly the latter. I was terrified to walk in there alone.

Perhaps I would appear lost, or out of place. Maybe people would make fun of me? Oh, what do I care, really? This is in fact my only Yule Ball. 

Before I could even realize, a few people sat across from me. I wasn't expecting this, as most of my friends had moved on from me. I looked up and an immediate look of shock consumed my face. There sat Ron, Hermione, Harry, Amelia, Luna and Draco. 

I softly smiled at the lot of them, to which some smiled back while others gave me a slight nod. 

"We figured we ought to join you today, we heard you are nervous about the Yule Ball." Luna spoke up, causing me to look over at Amelia who was anxiously rubbing her neck as she noted that I knew she was the one who told them I was worried. I smiled at Luna and nodded. "A bit. I just don't want people thinking I'm weird for going alone, you know?"

Hermione spoke up next, "Don't worry, Y/N. The Yule Ball is just one night. Enjoy the magic while it lasts."

Which might I add, completely stunned me. Her and I were not on the best of terms. I thanked her awkwardly as I looked over at Ron who spoke after.

"Blimey, who knows, maybe you'll end up having the best time of the lot of us."

I shrugged, not really believing that, but I smiled at him anyway. It was nice to not sit alone today, especially given the fact that I was extremely nervous about the events coming up. 

----TS----

My first class of the day was Potions. Severus, with his usual stern expression, seemed to be immune to the festive atmosphere. I, however, couldn't help but steal glances at him during the lecture, my mind occupied by thoughts of the upcoming ball. He looked up, catching my eye, he raised an eyebrow but quickly went back to ignoring me.

After potions, I had History of Magic. It went as usual, boring and common knowledge to most everybody in there. Following that, I had Arithmancy, again, boring and maybe even a bit useless...at least in my opinion. My fourth class, Divination, was actually cut short because of them calling the Quidditch captains to the pitch. I was confused, but of course I went anyway. Hooch was there and asked of us each if we had planned to bring dates to the Yule Ball. I was now extremely confused, and also a little embarrassed, for every captain in the other houses had said yes. Not me. I was the only one without somebody to go with. Nobody laughed, but it still felt embarrassing to live through.