Forsaken
folder
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
50
Views:
2,180
Reviews:
4
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
50
Views:
2,180
Reviews:
4
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
A Masquerade Ball
Chapter 46- A Masquerade Ball
Severus sighed loudly, tapping his fingers on his arm as he waited with Kingsley in the hallway.
“Quit that,” muttered Kingsley. “You’re bugging the hell out of me.”
“Well, she’s taking bloody long enough,” said Severus.
“The difference between doing something half-assed and doing something well is time,” said an irritated female voice in their ears. “But really, fellas, you’re starting to get on my nerves.”
“Oh, just as much as you get on ours?” said Severus silkily, holding his headset mic near his mouth. “I hardly think you’re one to talk.”
“Oh for the love of God,” muttered Harry into his headset.
“Shut up, Potter,” said Blaise’s voice. “At least they’re amusing. It’s not like there’s anything going on over here.”
“You stay in that tree, Zabini,” said Kingsley sternly. “It’s the best vantage point we’ve got.”
“It’s not like I have anywhere else to be,” muttered Blaise.
“Alright, I’m going,” said Kingsley. He turned to Severus, thrown off a little by the man’s disguised face. “Just don’t kill each other.” Severus snorted.
“I make no promises,” he murmured. Kingsley shook his head and walked downstairs.
“What every girl dreams of hearing,” said Tonks through the closed door. Severus raised the mic arm of his headset.
“It’s not like I was trying to keep you from not hearing it,” he shouted. “Aren’t you done yet?” The door swung open, revealing a furious Tonks dressed to the nines in a set of dark blue satin robes. Her hair was auburn red, done up in a simple French twist with curled tendrils framing her morphed face. Her dark brown eyes flicked up and down Severus’s trim frame covered in decadent dark red robes, accentuating the brown coloring of his hair and his sapphire blue eyes.
“Hm,” said Tonks. “Not bad.”
“And just think,” said Severus, readjusting his headset. “This look didn’t take me all day.”
“Lucky you,” said Tonks, disillusioning her headset. “Too bad you couldn’t transfigure a decent personality to go along with those dashing good looks.”
“Oh, how romantic,” said a voice in obvious falsetto.
“You lovebirds keep it clean, now,” said Kingsley. “There are children listening.”
“Hey!” shouted several voices at once.
“Remind me to kill him when this is all over,” muttered Severus, checking his pockets for his Smoking capsules, a few potion vials, and his party mask.
“I’m going to kill all of you if you don’t shut up,” said a grizzled voice. “Constant vigilance, you rugrats!” Tonks rolled her eyes and made a face. Severus took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
“Okay,” he said, his tone intensely quiet. “Everybody report in.”
“Blackbird, standing by,” said Blaise.
“Scarhead’s floating above the front gate,” said Harry.
“Ninja’s on the east side,” said Caitlyn.
“Bald eagle’s to the north,” said Kingsley.
“I’m in position at the south exit,” said Moody.
“Spoil sport,” whispered Tonks. Severus grinned a little.
“Thing 1 and 2 ready on the west wing,” said George.
“Four-eyes is completely lost in the damn topiary garden,” hissed Percy, “but I’m here. Wherever here is.”
“Jesus Christ,” muttered Severus. “Weasley, I will string you up by your fingernails myself if you blow this!”
“Alright, keep your hair on,” snapped Percy.
“Let’s walk and talk,” said Tonks softly, pulling on his arm.
“Red Flame, in position,” said Ginny.
“Drama Queen’s here as well,” said Pansy. “Red Flame and I have got the ballroom covered.”
“And last but not least,” prompted Severus.
“The Herbologist is ready when you guys are, Raven,” answered Neville. Severus stepped off the last stair and took Tonks’s cloak off the coat rack by the door. He held it out for her, raising an eyebrow at her skeptic face.
“The black bat has manners,” whispered Tonks, not wanting to wake Mrs. Black’s portrait. “I’m shocked.”
“I’m just full of surprises, sweetheart,” said Severus quietly. He swung his own cloak over his shoulders and lifted his hood as Minerva and Molly came up from the kitchen.
“Be careful, both of you,” said Minerva. “Alert us immediately if something goes wrong.”
“We will,” said Severus. “Come on.” He held his arm out to Tonks, who slid her arm in with his. Molly opened the door for them, glancing up at Arthur on the second floor landing as they walked out the door.
Severus led her to the side of the house, glancing around to make sure no one was scouting the 12. He quickly pulled out the party invitation and reread the arrival instructions. He slid it back into his pocket and rested his hand on top of Tonks’s on his arm.
“Your hands are cold,” she said quietly, her voice wavering a little with nerves.
“All of the other signs of nervousness I can hide flawlessly,” he said calmly,” everything but my hands going cold.” Tonks smiled a little and put her other hand on his arm.
“Raven and Nemesis are on their way,” said Tonks into her headset. Severus nodded once and turned on his heel to disapparate them both.
~+~
“Right this way, please,” said a monotone voice to their left. Severus stepped down off the makeshift apparition platform and helped Tonks down.
“Invitation, please,” said the servant standing beside them. Severus pulled the card out of his pocket and handed it to the man. The servant glanced down at it briefly.
“Sir, this is a special invitation,” he said. “If you and your date will step this way, please.”
“Oh shit,” muttered Blaise into the headset, having heard what the man said.
“Of course,” said Severus. The man led them away from the rest of the party’s attendees. Severus casually unbuttoned his left sleeve and slid it up, revealing the Mark on his arm to the servant.
“Have an enjoyable evening, sir,” said the servant, his voice a little wobblier than before. Severus grinned smugly as the man opened the door of one of the many carriages lining the drive up to the mansion. Severus helped Tonks into the carriage before stepping up himself. He exhaled slowly as the carriage jolted into motion.
“Good thing you came along or this would’ve been a short trip,” muttered Tonks.
“Indeed,” said Severus thoughtfully, redoing the buttons on his sleeve. “Makes me wary of what other special surprises Taylor has in store for certain guests.”
“Just remember we can pull out at any time, kid,” said Moody. “Just say the word, and we’re gone. Tonight is not the night for idiotic heroics.”
“This is me you’re talking to,” said Severus.
“I know,” said Moody. Severus chuckled softly.
“Things are getting pretty crowded by the front doors,” said Harry.
“You will never guess who just walked into the ballroom,” said Ginny morosely. There was a long pause.
“Then why don’t you enlighten us, Red Flame?” said Kingsley.
“Scrimgeour,” said Ginny.
“What?” hissed several voices.
“Scrimgeour, as in the Minister of fucking Magic Scrimgeour?” said Fred.
“Do you know any other Scrimgeours, you idiot?” snarled Ginny.
“Damn it!” whispered Severus angrily, unable to see Tonks’ face pale in the darkness of the carriage. “Alright. Just keep an eye on him. We’ll avoid him as much as we possibly can.”
“Why do I suddenly have a very bad feeling about this?” said Tonks.
“Join the club,” muttered Severus, rubbing his eyes with his fingers. He slipped his mask on just as the carriage stopped. The door was opened by yet another servant, who held his hand out for Tonks. Severus quickly followed her out, not wanting to lose sight of her just in case. He glanced to his left, but made no show of recognizing Braeden Jugson and Antonin Dolohov, who were stepping out of the carriage behind his.
“Here we go, Adrianna,” murmured Severus into Tonks’ ear. “Stay close to me and be careful of who you engage.” Tonks lifted her mask to her face and slipped her arm into his. She looked upwards for a few seconds as they moved towards the long queue leading in through the front doors.
“Gotcha, Nemesis,” said Harry. “Watch your backs. You’ve got Death Eaters before and behind you.”
“Thing 1 and 2 aren’t seeing anything on this side of the house,” said George. “Request permission to move.”
“Granted,” said Moody. “Give our ladies more eyes on the ballroom.”
“Just send a fragile package to the Ministry,” said Percy, slightly out of breath. “Don’t know who the girl was, but she was all over Jakob Montague.”
“Tracey,” said Caitlyn. “Had to be. Daphne would be in the house.”
“She’s right here in front of me,” said Pansy.
“Good work, Weasley,” said Moody.
Severus and Tonks made their way into the house, handing their cloaks to the attendant at the door. Severus gently put his hand on the small of her back and led her towards the ballroom.
“Watch your hands,” mumbled Tonks.
“As if,” murmured Severus. “You’re not even close to my type.”
“Thank God,” said Tonks. “I’d have to kill myself if I was.” She stumbled slightly, her heels catching on the rug.
“Can you wait until after the party to self-destruct?” said Severus, grabbing her arm to steady her. “Jesus Christ.” They entered into the huge room. Overwhelmed by the massive crowd, Severus quickly skirted around the outside of the room, pulling Tonks with him.
“Where are we going?” she hissed.
“I need a drink,” said Severus. He stepped up to the table and quickly ordered a glass of scotch from the house-elf that was taking orders. As soon as the drink appeared, Severus slammed it back. He snapped his fingers and pointed at his glass.
“A drink, Severus?” teased Kingsley.
“Oh shut up,” mumbled Severus into his glass. He flicked his eyes at Tonks as he threw back the second drink and swallowed. He glanced between her and the house-elf. “Did you want anything?” Tonks chuckled.
“No,” she said. “Come on. We should dance.”
“What?” said Severus dully. “You can’t be serious.”
“You’re not scared, are you, Professor?” asked Blaise.
“I don’t dance,” he said, smiling tightly at Tonks.
“Yup,” said Fred.
“Definitely scared,” said George. Severus’s nostril flared as he clenched his jaw.
“Oh come on,” said Tonks, giving him a significant look. “You didn’t bring me along just to be a wallflower, did you?”
“I like my toes,” said Severus through his teeth.
“Watch yourself, Severus,” said Kingsley. “Tonks is quite the dancer when she wants to be. You should have seen her at the Auror’s party last Christmas.”
“I am not dancing,” said Severus slowly.
“I don’t believe we’ve met,” said a pompous voice behind him. Severus looked over his shoulder and turned around at being face-to-face with Scrimgeour. He quickly shook the Minister’s hand, plastering the fakest smile on his face.
“Minister Scrimgeour, it is an honor, sir,” said Severus respectfully. “Ethan Dawes, and this is my lovely date, Adrianna Keyes.” He glanced at Tonks and caught the stern look she gave him.
“Nice to meet you in person,” said Tonks. The headsets were tensely silent.
“Ethan Dawes,” repeated Scrimgeour, releasing Tonks’s hand. “You wouldn’t be the same Ethan Dawes who does the Potions research, would you?” Severus smiled.
“One and the same,” he said. “Though I must admit I’m flattered that a man such as yourself would bother reading Potions journals.”
“Nice one,” muttered Harry appreciatively.
“I like to stay on top of all important research ventures,” said Scrimgeour grandly. “Especially when they involve restoring two war heroes’ health.”
“The Longbottoms were very dear friends of mine,” said Severus quietly. “I haven’t had as much time recently to devote to that particular project, but I will never give up on it.”
“Very noble of you, Mr. Dawes,” said Scrimgeour. “Well, it was very nice meeting you. I’m sure we’ll see more of each other in the future.”
“Oh, I’m sure we will,” said Severus softly, watching the man as he walked away. Tonks stared at him in slight shock.
“How long?” she asked. Severus looked out over the many dancing couples.
“Since they were admitted to St. Mungo’s,” said Severus softly. “I haven’t had much success yet, but I feel I’m close. I just need the time to really focus on it.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Neville.
“It’s the least I can do,” muttered Severus, smoothing out the front of his robes. He grabbed Tonks’s arm and pulled her towards the dance floor. “I need to think.” Effortlessly, he twirled her around and eased her into the slow waltz, allowing his mind to wander.
“Damn, look at him,” said Fred. “My opinion of you has gone completely wonky, Professor.”
“You mean it wasn’t already,” said Severus. He winced as Tonks stepped on his foot.
“Sorry,” she said, finding the count again. “Waltzing isn’t my dance.”
“Obviously,” said Severus snidely. Tonks sneered at him, lengthening her fingernails and pressing them hard into his shoulder.
“My pain tolerance is quite high,” hissed Severus, pulling her closer to him. “You’re going to have to try much harder than that, kitten.”
“You’re a bastard,” whispered Tonks. He bent his face towards her ear.
“Good to see you haven’t forgotten,” he whispered. He paused, feeling a sharp thrum of pain shoot up his left arm. Not a second later, there was a loud hiss of pain over the headsets.
“What?” asked Tonks, seeing the blood drain quickly from Severus’s face.
“Abort,” whispered Severus into his headset. “I repeat - abort.”