Shadow and Light {Severus Snape x OC}

Chapter 12 part 2

Alice then entered the Great Hall, leaving behind the somewhat tense exchange with Umbridge. Although she had been involved in the event's preparation, the hall seemed even more beautiful and enchanting now that it was filled with guests. The sparkling garlands, the elegantly set tables, and the floating candles created a warm, festive atmosphere.

Her eyes quickly scanned the crowd until she spotted a trio she knew well: Harry, Hermione, and Ron. They were gathered by one of the tables, laughing heartily. Harry was the first to notice her and gave her a cheerful wave.

Alice returned the gesture with a quick wave of her hand and a warm smile but chose not to approach further. She didn't want to interrupt their moment, preferring to let them enjoy the evening with their friends.

The evening had only just begun, yet a gentle euphoria filled the room. Alice initially made her way toward the buffet, her serene smile blending with the festive mood. Yet, deep down, she was searching for one particular person: Severus Snape. She wanted to thank him for his rare compliments, an unusual kindness coming from him, and she hoped to return the favor. She had found him particularly elegant tonight, a detail she couldn't ignore.

But despite her efforts to spot him among the guests, he seemed to have mysteriously vanished. Alice suspected he was deliberately avoiding her, true to his habit of preferring the shadows to the spotlight. Resigned and somewhat frustrated, she returned to the buffet, hoping some hors d'oeuvres would help her push past her disappointment.

Just as she was about to sample a canapé, a familiar voice called out to her dramatically:

"Alice McGarden, the little prodigy!"

Alice jumped, hastily swallowing her snack before turning around.

"Kingsley Shacklebolt, the great incorruptible!" she responded with a burst of laughter, her face lighting up with happiness.

Kingsley opened his arms wide, and Alice didn't hesitate for a moment, throwing herself into his embrace, a radiant smile on her lips.

"I thought I was going to be bored at this teen ball!" Kingsley joked in his deep, warm voice. "I'd heard you took a position here, but I didn't expect to run into you tonight!"

"This is a most pleasant surprise, Kingsley!" she replied enthusiastically. "You're here with the Minister, I presume?"
Kingsley leaned in slightly, closing the distance between them with a conspiratorial air.

"He refuses to go anywhere without a bodyguard," Kingsley said, his tone playful. "But honestly, I can't complain—it counts as overtime!"

Alice burst into laughter, her crystal-clear laugh cutting through the noise of the hall. "We're a far cry from Millicent's time, aren't we?"

Kingsley nodded, a glint of nostalgia in his eyes. "For sure. So, tell me everything, Alice. How have you been?"

She shrugged, a sincere smile on her lips. "I'd say I'm getting better. I think I'll eventually get back to full strength. I don't have as much time to train as I used to, but it's slowly coming back."

Kingsley nodded in agreement. "That's good. Do you think you'll join us again?"

Alice paused for a fraction of a second before answering, crossing her arms with calculated nonchalance. "I'm not sure yet... I want to see how things evolve here. And what about you? What have you been up to these past ten years?"

Kingsley took a deep breath before answering with a slightly mischievous smile. "Well... I got a promotion, I got married..."

Alice's eyes widened in surprise and joy. "Oh wow! Who is Mrs. Shacklebolt?" she exclaimed, genuinely delighted by the news.