Shadow and Light {Severus Snape x OC}

Chapter 12

Several weeks had passed, and the much-anticipated day of the ball had finally arrived. The date had been set for the eve of the winter holidays, so that everyone could fully enjoy the magical atmosphere of the festivities. Dumbledore had even canceled the day's classes, officially to allow the students to prepare, but in reality, it was another blow to Dolores Umbridge's authority, which was fuming at the sight of her control slipping further away.

Alice had spent the morning helping with preparations. She hadn't planned to get involved so much, aside from inviting Cornelius Fudge, but a certain motivation had taken hold of her over the days. This motivation was largely fueled by the infectious enthusiasm of Tammy Singer and Eva Baudelaire, two students full of ideas and energy.

That afternoon, the Transfiguration professor, Minerva McGonagall, had joined Severus Snape, and they had spent some time walking together. They discussed the recent events, particularly the shifting atmosphere at Hogwarts, and the students' drastically changed behavior with the arrival of the bureaucrat.

Their conversation was suddenly interrupted when they saw Alice McGarden, hidden around the corner of a hallway. Her furtive behavior piqued their curiosity, and they approached, somewhat concerned.

"Alice, what's going on?" asked Minerva, furrowing her brows.

"Are they here?" Alice whispered, glancing quickly to the left and right, as though she were a fugitive on the run.

"Are you haunted, Alice, or have you finally gone mad?" Severus quipped, arms crossed.

"If I'm crazy, Severus, you must be at least as mad as I am. But no, I'm talking about the fourth years!" she replied in a hush.

"Students? You're hiding from students half your size?" Snape replied, his tone heavy with sarcasm.

"Why are you hiding from them, Alice?" Minerva asked, choosing to ignore the barbed remarks and focus on the situation.

Alice let out a deep sigh and straightened up slightly, though she continued scanning the surroundings nervously. "The fourth years... Singer, Baudelaire, Hatchette, Coleman... and others. There are several of them." She lowered her voice. "Someone must've whispered that I was the one who convinced the Minister to prevent Umbridge from interfering with the ball. And to thank me, they offered to do my hair and makeup. You know, the whole package..."

"And you accepted," Minerva concluded, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"And now you regret it," Severus added sharply.

"They were just so happy..." Alice admitted with a shrug. "But now, I'm not sure I want to be the victim of their frivolities." She made a face. "Well, I figure if I can lock myself in my office until the very last minute, I can claim that, alas, I just didn't have time..."

Suddenly, feminine voices and hurried footsteps echoed down a nearby corridor. Alice tensed up, and without further ado, darted off toward her classroom. In her haste, she cast a locking charm on the door, magically sealing herself in behind her.

Severus and Minerva, who had stayed motionless, exchanged a glance of mixed perplexity and resignation before they found themselves surrounded by a group of young girls, all smiles and clearly on a mission.

"Hello, Professors!" exclaimed Tammy Singer, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "Say, have you by any chance seen Professor McGarden?"

"Why are you looking for her?" Minerva asked calmly, though she already knew the answer.

The group of students hesitated for a fraction of a second before awkwardly hiding behind their backs the makeup boxes, combs, and various accessories they were carrying.