The day of the Halloween dance dawned overcast and cloudy. Rolling dark gray clouds whirled overhead and while not cold, the weather was raw and oppressive. Severus Snape turned away from the window in the Headmaster's study and leaned against the heavy stone sill."You know what I think of this idea, Albus. It's asking for trouble."

"I heard you the first five times, Severus. The students are worried about their families, particularly the children of Muggle parentage. This weekend allows them to meet with their families in the relative safety of Hogsmeade and reassure themselves. It's good for morale; surely you must see that."

The Headmaster rooted through a drawer at the side of the desk before surfacing with a plain paper sack. "Ah, here they are. Mmmm, would you like one? No? Alright then, since you are so concerned, why don't you take the afternoon off and go to town yourself. You've been working yourself too hard anyway."

The black clad Potions professor snorted. "Fine Albus, I'll go play watchdog. I know Minerva is planning on going as well. Seems Miss Granger wishes to show off her parents to her favorite teachers… it's a wonder I wasn't invited." He rolled his eyes with a smirk. "But I'll be there, don't worry." He turned back to the window casing and traced the paths of the students across the lawn with intense eyes.

*** ***

Draco ran over the list again in his head, as well as the directions to the less frequented magic shop run by Alfonse Gliberman. He shouldered his rucksack and squinted his eyes at the sky before starting up the path to Hogsmeade. He'd seen Willow and Professor McGonagall walk out earlier with the Granger girl, ostensibly to meet her parents for lunch. Not wanting to be saddled with henchmen to stupid too realize what was going on;
he fobbed Crabbe and Goyle off on Pansy and Millicent, saying he had some errands to run for his mother. The others were suitably intimidated by Narcissa Malfoy to leave him alone.

His mother was a remarkable woman. She was the dragon lady of the social scene, running things her way and only her way for years. She organized the parties, banquets and fundraisers. She manipulated the backstage politics like a master. She was ruthless and socially ambitions. And she loved her son dearly. An endless supply of treats had made their way into the Slytherin common room courtesy of Narcissa, and she always seemed to know just what to get him for his birthday. She always seemed to know a lot of things, as it turned out. She'd come to his room right before school started and sat down to have a little chat.

Draco hadn't realized that she'd noticed any change in behavior over the last few months; Merlin knew his father noticed nothing. On the surface, their relationship was as it had always been. Lucius was mildly disappointed in his son's every action, and Draco was barely tolerant of his heavy-handed parenting. They stayed out of each other's way, mostly, except for mealtimes, wherein their conversation had mostly consisted of current events and Quidditch. It was rather boring.

Despite being the wife of a preeminent Death Eater, Narcissa had no interest in the politics of war. Her battles were fought over napkin arrangements and salad plates. She had no interest in Voldemort and his plans, as long as they didn't interrupt her brunch schedule. So when she sat on Draco's bed that sticky summer night and told him to be careful, his father would figure it out in time, he hadn't really been all that surprised. She'd hugged him close, and reminded him that she was always her son, no matter what happened, and that would always come first. Draco merely nodded his head and hugged her back, wrapped in the familiar sensation of home.

The path to Hogsmeade ended eventually and he turned his thoughts to the now rather than the then. Turning down a narrow lane three stores down from Honeydukes, he saw a shallow doorway marked only by a golden cauldron on the door. He opened it cautiously and stood in front of a dark wood counter to ring the bell. From behind the desk wandered the thinnest man Draco had ever seen. Skeletal in the extreme, Gliberman was almost six and a half feet tall, with long thin fingers and wild white hair.

"May I help you, sir?"

Draco nodded and handed him the list he'd fished from his bag. "My name is Draco Malfoy, sir, and my mother Narcissa believes you can help me obtain these items."

Gliberman plucked the list from Draco's outstretched hand. Skimming over it briefly, he arched one white eyebrow before responding. "Hmm, these items are not usually seen together any longer. It will take a few minutes, Master Malfoy. Unless I am mistaken, you may wish to make a trip to Nimela's Glitters across the way. She would probably stock something suitable. I will have the items ready for you when you are finished."
Nodding his thanks, and understanding, Draco left the small shop and turned further down the alley. Nimela's turned out to be an artfully decorated store specializing in ornamental metalwork, especially jewelry. Draco grinned, grateful for Gliberman's advice; the shop would indeed be perfect. Nimela herself was behind the counter when he arrived. Before he had a chance to ask, she was already speaking.

"Ah. You're in search of something specific, aren't you my dear. A pair of somethings, unless I'm mistaken."
Taken aback, Draco nodded and described the details. Nimela returned with a tray of items to choose from, and Draco's eyes lit up. "These two will be perfect. Please wrap them in the same box, if you will." She nodded and wrapped them in shiny opalescent paper. Slipping the box into his bag, he returned to Gliberman's.

"Here you are, Master Malfoy. Please give your mother my warmest regards. And if you would be so kind, let her know that the Chameleon Eggs she so favors are back in stock." Draco thanked the elderly shopkeeper and turned only to stop short at the reflection in the window.

With a gasp, he backed up slightly, wondering if there was an enchantment on the glass. Draco was certain he could see himself, 20 years in the future, before he came to his senses and realized he was staring at his father. Lucius was staring right back with a scowl on his features. Sighing, Draco left the shop.

"Father."

Lucius nodded. "Draco. I was not aware you would be in town today. No matter, you may as well come see the show. It's about to begin." With an empathetic swipe of his cane, Lucius strode down the alley, a curious Draco at his heels.

*** ***

The Three Broomsticks was bustling with weekend visitors. Hermione's parents were gracefully hosting a herd of witches and wizards for lunch. Harry and Ron were there of course, as well as Fred and George, taking the afternoon off from their joke shop, Minerva McGonagall and Remus Lupin held down the teacher contingent, and Willow sat at the far end with Hermione. The table with Willow and her companions was just as noisy
as the rest of the pub and she found herself wishing for a little more peace and quiet. It seemed that the Grangers felt the same way, and with a volleyof good wishes, they stood to leave. Politely excusing herself, Willow stood as well.

"I hope you don't mind me walking out with you. I want to do some window shopping before heading back to school."

Mrs. Granger smiled warmly. "Not at all dear, you're welcome. We're so glad you could join us for lunch. Hermione says you come from a similar background in America, and it's good for her to have friends that can relate."

Laughing a tad nervously, Willow responded. "Er, yes. Well. I'm delighted to have gotten to know Hermione and her friends as well. Everyone here has been very friendly, but they are closer to my own age than most of the teachers."

The Grangers nodded before gathering up their things. "We're headed over to the rail station. Wish the floo network worked for our home, but not during the school year. Ah well." As Mr. Granger bent down to pick up a shopping bag, Willow noticed a faint shimmering in the air behind them.Out of nowhere, several black robed figures popped into the middle of the street. Deep hoods obscured their faces and the fabric of their robes was
so dark it seemed to absorb the light. The middle figure of the three pointed his wand at the Grangers and muttered something unintelligible.

Suddenly the pair of Muggles screamed as they were yanked 20 feet into the air. Patrons rushed out of the Three Broomsticks and Hermione flung herself down the stairs at the attackers. Before she got very far, however, one shouted out "Petrificus" and she fell to the ground, petrified. As the Granger's screams became those of pain, panic threatened to boil over.

Willow stood away from the crowd. The first few seconds of the drama, she merely watched. The next few, however, she reminded herself that she was in fact capable of doing something. Then she did.

Soundlessly, she raised her arm and curled her fingers. The Grangers were suddenly no longer floating; they were on the ground near a newly unpetrified Hermione. Sobbing, she embraced her parents. Their prey abducted, the Death Eaters rounded on Willow.

"Oh please," she said. "You aren't even trying very hard. Floating? Lame. It's so been done before." She ducked as all three sent hexes and curses her way. "That's just sad. Let me show you how it's done."

With one flick of her wrist, the wizard's wands burst into flame. "See, that's much more dramatic. Wood is just so fragile and easy to burn." The three Death Eaters dropped their flaming wands with small shrieks of pain. Snarling, the self-styled leader leapt at Willow. With one whispered word, "Thicken," he stuck and hung midair.
Inwardly, Willow was having a battle of her own. The magic, so long contained was rushing through her system. She could feel the power, swirling through her, and it called to her. It told her how to defeat the enemy, so powerless and puny. It called for their destruction; it was only just. She shook her head as her eyes began to glow with night.

Fighting for control, Willow screamed, "No!" as she gathered the three to her with invisible strands and pushed. Then there was silence. The street was empty of black clad figures and Willow stood alone, her hands limply by her side, her head bowed, eyes closed. She trembled and stood as still as she could, binding the magic back inside.

*** ***

Down the streets, three sets of eyes watched with great interest. Severus Snape had just stepped out of the bookstore. He saw the Death Eaters appear at the end of the street, but was too far away to do anything. With growing dread, he watched Willow dispatch them quickly. He didn't see a noble hero, he saw someone desperately fighting herself, and nearly loosing. A cold feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. Assured that Minerva and Remus would keep everything together, he strode rapidly down the path back to Hogwarts.
The Malfoys stood near Honeydukes. Draco watched his father's face shift from arrogant amusement to black rage and frustration in a matter of seconds. "Who is she?" he snarled.

Carefully schooling his features into blank neutrality, Draco responded, "Well father, you were right. That was quite a show." Lucius sent Draco a look that would melt stone and with a flick of his wand, he apparated away.
Draco stood for a few minutes watching the scene in down the street. The bystanders began to move again, and McGonagall had reached Willow's side. He couldn't hear what she said, but Willow shook her head. He hefted the weight of his pack in his hands and his face broke out into a very wolfish grin. A long time ago, when Draco was very small, his father and mother had taken him to the races. Sitting on Lucius's knee, Draco was
asked to pick the winner. He pointed to a particularly beautiful silver stallion, the same color as Draco's eyes.
"That one, Father." Lucius raised his eyebrows and pointed discreetly towards a massive, ugly beast, rearing away from its handler.

"No Draco. This one. Always bet the most powerful horse, son. Power is everything." The ugly horse won the race beating the beautiful stallion by almost a length. Standing now in the shade of a garishly colored candy store, he thought back on that early lesson. Now, now Father, the rules have changed. And you may be surprised at the outcome. He watched Willow being led back into the tavern and had to admit for the first time that he was just a little bit in love. Shaking his head, he hummed as he started back to school.

*** ***

Willow accepted the mug of butter beer with slightly shaking hands. The tavern was quietly rumbling with fevered talk and the group from lunch was crowded close around her. Pushing past the boys, Hermione threw herself at Willow in a massive hug.

"Thank you! Thank you! I don't know what you did, but it saved my parents." Her eyes were full of tears and her voice trembled. Her parents followed close behind and both embraced Willow as well.

"Hermione said it best. We don't know what to say, except thank you. I don't know what those awful men were up to, but if it hadn't been for you…"

Mr. Granger let the thought trail off.

"I'm sure someone else would have done something. I just happened to be closest," she murmured quietly, desperately hoping to be left alone.

Sensing her distress, Minerva shooed the others away saying, "You'll all have an opportunity to talk to Willow later. I think it would be best to give her a little space now, don't you think?" Reluctantly the crowd dispersed to other tables, but Willow could still feel their eyes.

She stared at the mug and gently swirled the golden liquid around. "You saw, didn't you." Minerva cocked her head as she took a seat. "Oh, maybe you didn't. It doesn't matter."

"You did a very brave thing, child. I don't know what's bothering you so much, but rest assured, you did more than anyone could have asked, especially so rapidly." She patted the back of Willow's hand. "I am proud of you, dear. There's to be no doubt about that. You look tired. I'm sure you'll want some rest before the big dance tonight. And rest assured that everyone will know about this afternoon by then. You probably won't
get a minute to yourself."

Willow had to smile at that. She was fairly sure she hadn't done anything illegal; she'd used no unforgivables and hadn't harmed the attackers. Well, it's nice to have some recognition for once. I'll take a nice long bath when I get back. That should do the trick. Taking a deep breath she stood.

"You're right Minerva, I am a little tired. I think I'll head back now that I've done my shopping, had lunch and beaten the bad guys."

"That's the spirit. Come, I'll walk back with you. Leave Remus here to deal with the children and the questions." She pulled the werewolf aside as they headed out of the door. "Remus, Willow and I are going to walk back to the school. If anyone starts asking questions, try to head them off. As for the wand, encourage them to think they just over looked it in the excitement."

Remus nodded, "Will do. Hope you get some rest this afternoon, Willow, cause you'd better save a dance for me." He winked and went back inside.

"Dance," Willow squeaked, pulling her cloak closer to fend of the wind. "I haven't danced since Cotillion when I was twelve."

Minerva laughed, "Don't worry dear, you'll do fine."


Chapter 10

The Great Hall was decked out in its usual Halloween splendor. Giant pumpkins, large enough to stand in, were hollowed out and lined with candles. The floating candles that normally adorned the ceiling were black and trailing streamers of orange, gold and black. The house elves charmed several shadows to prowl around like black cats and Hagrid had brought in a collection of fruit bats and set them loose.

At the far end of the hall was a stage full of instruments both convention and… slightly unusual. The band members were loitering by the punch bowl, liberally spiking their punch before ascending the stage. No students had arrived yet, but the teachers all gathered by the head table.

"Everyone all ready for this?" Minerva asked. The teachers responded with various levels of excitement. Remus Lupin was fairly bouncing, though part of that was due to the arrival of Sirius Black. The old friends were delighted to have some time to chat once Sirius had ascertained that Harry hadn't been any sort of target that morning. The other teachers fell down the scale of anticipation ending with Severus Snape. Poor Severus looked miserable, but Minerva suspected that it had something to do with the events in Hogsmeade rather than the dance. He'd never liked chaperoning them, but he'd never been this jumpy. He stared at the doorway like it was going to bite him and paced back and forth.

She vaguely paid attention to the threads of conversation swirling through the faculty, but when she heard Poppy Pomphrey say, "So, did she say where she sent them?" She stepped in.

"Poppy, I believe we covered this already. Miss Rosenberg stated that once she destroyed their wands she apparated them somewhere it would be very difficult to come back from on their own. They would have to be located by whoever sent them and manually collected." She did not add that she didn't really understand Willow's rather cryptic statement of "Mall of the Americas" though she gathered it was someplace unpleasant. The gossip quieted down as the first of the younger children filtered in as herds of non-mingling boys and girls.

Gradually, the older students began to arrive. Entering from different doors, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Dean, Seamus and their dates headed for the dance floor opposite Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy, and Millicent. Their dresses and robes were much more complicated and intricate than the younger set. Some were beautiful, though some, like Millicent's swirling neon pink puffball, were in questionable taste. The music was loud, but varied, and everyone found something they wished to dance to. A black clad Draco lurked near the wall. His robes were of a much more severe cut than the other students and were trimmed with a platinum border. He surveyed the crowd with distain and helped himself to punch, sighing as he spiked his cup from an elegant silver hip flask, glaring at Madame Sprout as she made a motion in his direction. She decided he wasn't hurting anything and left him alone.

Remus walked over to his friend and handed him a glass. "Here you go, Sirius. How're you holding up?"

The lean, dark haired man waved his hand non-commitally. "Fine I guess. Nearly had a heart attack this morning. I just can't wrap my head around a bold attack in the middle of Hogsmeade. Seems stupid."

"Yeah. But I guess they were hoping to catch us off guard. I know Severus' mark has been bothering him recently, so we sort of suspected something, but not this. We were lucky to have Willow there."

Sirius favored his friend with a close look. "Yes; what about this Willow? Harry mentioned she was American, but he didn't mention how she could soundly kick the asses of three Death Eaters at once."

"Well, you'll see for yourself in a moment. She is… unique and potentially very valuable to our cause if we work with her right. She gives Severus the wiggins though. Never could figure out why. Pretty girl," he added as an afterthought. His friend snorted. "Fine, disagree if you will, but you should look for yourself." He waved a hand to the doorway where Willow stood framed in backlight from the hallway.

Her hair hung loose and smooth, cascading to just around her shoulders. The deep forest green of her robes appeared almost black in the low light. She fidgeted with her fingers before moving more fully into the hall. The robes were two layered, the under layer a lighter green than the top and made of a slightly shiny material. The upper layer was of smooth napped velvet and clung close to her curves. It was fitted through the sleeves and had a low sweetheart neckline and high collar. She scanned the room for familiar figures and broke out into a smile when she saw Remus leaning against the table. She walked swiftly over and accepted a glass of punch.

"Willow, this my friend Sirius Black. You may have heard of him…" He arched an eyebrow in question.
"I have. Nice to meet you, Sirius. Pretty decorations." She mused as she looked around. The hall was getting noisy, and she moved closer to hear the men's responses.

"Well, Willow, It's nice to meet you as well. I can honestly say how glad I am you were visiting Hogsmeade today. In case you didn't know, I'm Harry's godfather, and anything to do with Death Eaters makes me nervous." He smiled a winning smile as he took her hand. "And as such, will you do me the honor a dance?" Willow blushed but nodded and he led her out to the dance floor.

Harry grinned and waved as he pointed out the dancing couple to his friends. The music was upbeat and brisk and in no time, Willow was giggling breathlessly. She was almost sorry when the dance came to an end, but she was whirled off into Harry's arms before she could object. While not as adept as his godfather, Harry's enthusiasm was contagious. He managed not to step on her feet as he twirled her around. Gasping for air, she begged off of the next dance and returned to the head table.

"Looks like you enjoyed your dancing, dear." Willow fanned her face as Minerva handed her a glass of ice water. "I told you that you'd have no problem."

"Well, this isn't too exact. I just have to keep my feet out of the way." She looked out at the tumultuous crowd and a dark shape by the doorway caught her attention. Snape was regarding her much like a cobra looks at a mongoose and she shivered slightly. "Is this the sort of music you usually play at these dances? I always thought it would be sort of… weirder. Or at least that's what the books said. This is so… modern, for lack of a better word."

"Well, we do have a traditional Halloween dance that is quite complicated but that comes at midnight. I suppose that gives people enough time to relax enough to want to try their hand, or feet, at it. Not many know how to do it these days, but some of the teachers, and definitely the ghosts, want to participate. I used to love to dance…" she trailed off. Willow smiled sympathetically, reminded that others had lost people close to them as well. Until that moment, she was shocked to realize that she hadn't thought of Tara all night.

Frowning, she didn't even notice Hermione and Ron approaching. Hermione gave Ron a shove in her direction. "Willow." Hermione poked him in the back. "Would you like to dance?"

She couldn't help grinning as she nodded. "Sure, Ron, I'd love to. Lead the way." Ron trotted out to the edge of the dance floor and awkwardly grasped her hand.

"Erm…"

She cocked her head. "Not a dancer, Ron?"

"That would be a huge no. Not at all. To be honest, I'm only out here cause Hermione threatened to break my broom." He gave a woeful look in his girlfriend's direction. Seeing no sympathy there, he sighed. "No chance you'd want to lead then?"

Willow smiled sadly, "No Ron, I don't mind at all. I'm used to leading." She careful coached his hands into a more comfortable position and gently rocked them around in the typical young person's 'circle' dance that mostly consisted of trying not to tread on each other's toes while checking out the other people on the dance floor. To her surprise, she didn't see Draco's familiar white hair. "Uh, Ron, not that you'd know, but where's Draco?"

Ron stiffened in surprise. "I have absolutely no idea. Off plotting something horrible no doubt." He sighed. "Actually, he's standing over there by the wall, watching us. I hate when he does that; it's creepy."

Willow craned her head in an attempt to casually look around. Guiding Ron so his back was to the wall, her eyes met Draco's and to her surprise he winked back at her before moving further down the wall into a darker corner. Well. Maybe he is planning something then. The musical number ended and she and Ron walked back to a waiting Hermione.

"Well, I see you managed not to step on her toes Ron." He blushed. "You look lovely tonight, Willow. Mom and Dad wanted to make sure that you knew that you were welcome to visit them at any time. Or, if the need arose, come to them for dentist stuff. They have this teeth thing, you understand."

Nodding, Willow rolled her eyes. "Oh yeah. Except with my parents, it was whether I was 'normal' for my age group. They're psychiatrists", she added as a way of explanation.

Hermione nodded knowingly, but Ron looked back at her blankly. She added, "You probably don't have them in the wizarding world, or they aren't very common. Just trust me; I'm very glad my parents were dentists instead." He nodded, but still looked confused. Ron looked towards the clock at the head of the room.

"Oh, it's almost 11:30! Only half an hour till the entertainment starts."

"Entertainment?" queried Willow.

Waving his hand to indicate the crowd, Ron said, "You know- the traditional Halloween screw-up? Where a bunch of people who have no idea how to dance try to replicate the Preatur Arabesque. It's hysterical. Though, it can be beautiful if you do it right. My mum says when she was at school here McGonagall and her husband used to put on a show. Some of the ghosts can do it right, but none of us kids ever learned." He grimaced. "Actually, I think Mum tried to teach us when we were little, but since she couldn't do it right and Dad has even less rhythm than I do; it was a colossal failure."

Remus wandered up. "I see you're checking the clock. Perhaps I could get that dance you promised me, Willow, before the witching hour. You can already see all the ghosts lining up at the walls. They get so excited." He extended his hand and led Willow to an empty space at the center of the floor. "I'm glad we got a chance to dance. You looked like you were having fun with Sirius and Harry earlier, though Ron could probably have used some help."

She nodded a bit ruefully. "Yeah. But he was very nice about it and let me lead." Smiling the couple turned a few more times around the floor before the music stopped.

The leader of the band tapped on his microphone. "Ladies, gentlemen and gentleghosts. We are going to take a short break before getting on with the hit of the evening. So take a breather yourselves and grab some punch." He nodded at his band mates and they set their instruments down.

Remus and Willow joined Sirius, Harry, Ron and Hermione at a small round table circled with chairs. "So, is anyone going to try it this year?" Sirius asked indicating the whole table.

Ron burst into hysterical laugher and Hermione rubbed her feet. "I rather think not."

"So not you two. What about you, Willow, Remus?" Willow blushed and shook her head.

"I'm afraid I'd have no idea how. I've never seen it done."

"That's a shame, it's quite nice." At the collected stares, he amended, "So I hear. I've never managed it myself. No patience." They relaxed back into their chairs and watched the band reassemble. When they were almost set, Willow jumped at touch at her elbow.

When she turned around, Draco stood in a shadow, the platinum lining on his robes gleaming like starlight. He held out his hand. "Care to honor me with this dance?"

Willow held out her hand in response without realizing what she was doing. It was only steps from the dance floor that she came to her senses. "Draco! I have no idea how to do this dance. I didn't think any of the students did."

He placed one hand around her waist and the other grasped her hand firmly. "I wouldn't worry about that if I were you. I am a Malfoy; I learned how to do this dance with my Mother when I was very young. And as for you- dancing is like magic. Just feel it flowing through your limbs. Relax and let it take you away." His voice had gotten softer and softer as he spoke until his lips nearly touched Willow's ear. She found herself melting into the words and embrace and only belatedly realized they were moving. Startled, she stiffened. "Shh," he whispered. "Just be here in the now. Let me guide you through the steps; don't think."

With a sense of detachment, she surrendered to the dance. She kept her eyes on Draco, noticing his robes, the smooth line of his hair as it fell down his shoulders, the angular set of his jaw, the icy chill of his eyes as he looked down into her face. Suddenly, the quiet part of her brain began to scream, too soon! Too soon! She gasped slightly and Draco arched one smooth eyebrow in response before spinning her out into a series of complicated turns.

When he recaptured her, he bent his head to hers again.

"Did something startle you?"

"No… I just had a small argument with my subconscious."

"Hmm, that must have been quite interesting. But I can think of something considerably more interesting, your little show this afternoon, for instance. I must say, that does answer some questions about your behavior in the greenhouse the other day."

Willow's first reaction was to flee. Pushing back slightly out of the hold, she found herself caught even tighter in Draco's embrace. He ran his hand down her side to rest at the curve of her hip.

Bending near, his voice was silky and deadly all at once. "Ah, ah. Little Firestarter, you are mine for at least this dance, perhaps longer if I have my say. I don't mean to startle you. In fact, I'd like to say how impressed I was. I don't think I've seen my father that upset in a long time. Congratulations."

Willow looked up and was surprised to discover his eyes were no longer hard and glacial. They were open and almost vulnerable and she found herself leaning closer to the warm length of his side.

Without warning, he separated them and guided Willow through a set of complicated steps. She found if she continued to look at his face, she paid no attention to where her feet were leading her. She could vaguely sense the crowd had receded to leave a space around them, but it was of no consequence. Her heart was thumping, and the tips of her fingers were tingling where she touched Draco. The pair seemed to float along the steps of the dance in their own world.

He led them back together for the final turns of the dance. "See how well you dance, Firestarter? I knew you'd be perfect since the moment I saw you." He drew her near again. He sighed. "I never wanted to alarm you. You do believe me?"

She nodded without taking her eyes from his. "I know. I'm just… cautious. You can never tell about people, and you don't have the most… trustworthy reputation."

Draco grinned outwardly at that remark. "Perhaps not. And perhaps it is deserved, but that doesn't change how I… never mind." He directed his attention to making sure the ending to the dance was perfect. The last few steps were executed in silence until he and Willow stood side by side as the music died.

When Willow came to her senses, she saw that she and Draco were alone in the middle of a vacant dance floor. The entire rest of the Hogwarts population lined the floor and were clapping. Her eyes widened in surprise. Draco smiled a bit lopsidedly and he indicated they should bow. "It's nice to show them how it's supposed to be done, isn't it?" With that parting comment, he raised Willow's hand to his lips. Meeting his eyes over her hand, Willow inhaled sharply at the intensity she saw lurking behind the silver irises. Then he was gone. She found herself surrounded by thoroughly impressed friends.

"You said you didn't know how to dance!" Hermione shrieked. "That was amazing! Who knew Draco could do that? And you! You held out on us, all little Miss 'I've never seen it done!' Liar!"

Willow blushed and shook her head. "Really, I never…" but she was cut off by a thump on the back.

Remus and Sirius were standing there with broad grins on their faces. "Next year, you'll have to show us how to do that." She smiled, searching the hall for the familiar silver head.

"Erm, fine. I will. If you'll excuse me."

She worked her way out of the crowd of well wishers, trying to find the object of her search. She couldn't see him anywhere so she headed out the main doors. She turned to head outside but was arrested by a light touch on her arm and softly hissed words.

"Going somewhere Miss Rosenberg? And after such an amusing display…" She wheeled around to face Severus Snape, his eyes glowing darkly as he pulled her down the hallway towards the less frequented area of the castle.