Angel *currently being edited because I started writing this when I was younger*

4- Flint Daren and a forgotten night of purity

It was finally time to get ready for the Christmas Ball, Eloise walked over to her wardrobe to where her dress was. It was beautiful: tight at the top, like a corset down to the waist, and then it flared out like a Victorian dress would. The dress was blue, with sequins scattered all over it. Eloise slipped it over her head and did the zip up at the back. She then walked over to the mirror and smiled at herself, silently thanking Pen for this truly magical dress.

Meanwhile, in the chambers next door, Snape had just finished marking some papers and now was leaving to go on punch duty. Every year there was always some young fools, spiking the punch. But not this year, no, Snape made sure that if he saw anyone acting suspicious, then he would put a spell on top of the punch, a little force field. He pulled on his robe and then left, making sure to activate all of the protection spells over his chamber.

Eloise was now in the hall, the music played by the orchestra was so soothing and calming that she almost didn't notice the young man in front of her. He bowled down, took her hand and kissed it. "May I have this dance?" He asked politely. When he looked up, Eloise noticed that he was the new divination teacher, Flint Daren. "I would be delighted!" She answered, and he led her onto the dance floor, where they took their positions and waited for the music.

They were in the middle of their third dance when a certain someone caught Eloise's eye. Snape was by the punch and looked like he had taken a trip to loony land and back...in other words, he looked very drunk, in fact he was very drunk. At that moment he turned his head and his eyes met hers. He looked shocked and stood up, then an angry expression appeared on his face. He stormed over towards her, but with the elegance of a swan.

Flint was so caught up in the dance that he didn't notice a furious figure next to him, until he paid attention to Eloise's worried expression. With a swift movement, Snape stopped their dance, took Eloise by the upper arm and snarled his most threatening one ever. Flint was wide eyed, but was clever enough to run away and find a new dance partner, after giving Eloise an apologetic look who sent a smile back.

Snape, still holding her upper arm, lead (or rather dragged) Eloise out of the hall, through the corridors and outside, into the cool night air. They then came to a halt and stood to face each other. She looked up questionably to him, the cold had no affect on her. "What was that?" He broke the silence, but instead of growling his words in anger, he spoke in a mere whisper. "I was dancing." She didn't see what was wrong with dancing.

Snape seemed to of found his voice and replied with anger. "Yes, with FLINT DAREN." He nearly spat out the name, as if it was acid on his tongue. Eloise was still confused. "He asked politely, and I said yes. And we danced, I don't see what the problem is." She sounded desperate to know. "Flint Daren," he started more calmly, trying not to spit the name. " would have had you in his bed tonight, just like that girl on Halloween, and the valentines ball, and all of the other balls where he could physically get the chance to touch women."

Eloise trusted Snape, and knew that he was telling the truth. "Well, then I suppose I ought to thank you for saving my innocence." She smiled and hugged him. She instantly smelt the alcohol, and felt Snape sway slightly on the spot. "Come on, we better get you to your chambers. She tried putting his arm around her, when he spoke. "I'm not that drunk, I just need you to make sure I can't topple over." There was a hint of humour in his voice, but it was well hidden by anger.

Eloise settled for holding his hand, entangling her fingers with his as a lover would. This intimate gesture made something in Snape start to feel better, for that day was when Eloise had first started to heal Snape's heart. They were walking slowly, both smiling...yes you heard correctly, Snape was smiling....and drunk, yes, but never the less, smiling! Occasionally on their walk to the dungeons, Eloise would squeeze Snape's hand and he would squeeze back.