When the Moment comes

“Another conspiracy mask.” James mentioned sourly. He was in a particularly foul mood because Lily refused to come to the ball with him after they had a fight over the worthless Slytherin slug. James saw Snivellus walking around with his nose buried in the book. He cast a patch of ice to form for the boy to slip on with tremendous success. It was most satisfying to see nasty Slytherin drop all his things and hit every stair on his way down. James failed to understand why Lily didn’t agree that it was funny.

“Do you think he might be scarred underneath?” Black suggested eagerly. “I wouldn’t waste time hiding under a patch of feathers and glitter if I had an attention of the most desirable bachelor of our world. There has to be a reason.” Being handsome and popular, Black never had shortage of proposals. He could talk nearly anyone to be his date. He was affronted personally to be outshined by some stranger.

“We can simply go ahead and ask him who he is.” Remus suggested reluctantly.

“Yeah right.” Black muttered. “If he is scarred he will not be confiding in us.”

James smiled struck by a new plan. “We don’t have to ask.” He said pulling Black closer by the elbow. “The prince must be diplomatic and share his dancing partner, not to mention grace us all more equally with his attention. Invite Teodosias to dance, to split them up. I will take his partner and unmask him.” James whispered feverishly.

“Fine.” Black whispered. He liked the plan a lot. They will be school heroes for solving the mystery. Not to mention they can embarrass this stuck up newcomer who didn’t think anyone but the prince was worthy of his socialization.

The orchestra finished the waltz and was in the process of rearrangement. The duo moved towards a couple with Remus hanging anxiously in the background. “Good evening.” James and Black came behind the couple.

Eradian who had a hand wrapped around Severus’ waist felt his partner jump. He tightened the protective hold and slowly turned around with an irrational resentment towards whoever startled them. “Good evening.” He returned the greeting politely. He faced an attractive man who had curly black hair and steel grey eyes.

“Forgive me for interruption.” Black smiled disarmingly. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sirius. This is my friend James.” He made a wide gesture encompassing part of the hall. “As a representative of the hosting school I wish to ensure that everything is to best comfort of our guests, including the social circle. I only express concern due to the narrowly selected company you chose. Hogwarts staff should know whether avoidance of others was caused by unintentional offence on our behalf. I will be delighted to clear any misunderstanding over a dance.” Eradian might have been fooled by the genuine sincerity and open friendliness the young man projected if his partner didn’t act like he was about to flee the room.

The evening started wonderfully for Severus. His godmother visited again. She dressed him in brown robes with amber embroidery along the sleeves and collar, which brought out the light in his eyes. Not that he knew about this detail. Eradian was waiting for him. He approached as soon as Severus entered the hall. Severus was happy to be locked in a secure embrace and swayed by the sound of the music. He never thought of protesting an arm wrapped around his waist although he hardly tolerated a touch from anyone. Touch usually brought pain. Eradian’s arm was natural wrapped around him. It belonged there.

His peace was shattered when he saw how close his arc-nemesis snuck up on him without his notice. He certainly was not fooled by the farce. Black wanted something. He noticed James stepping past Eradian closer to him. Nearly forcefully Severus freed himself of Eradian’s hold to step back. Did they suspect anything? Severus thought horrified. Black was good at making scenes to draw public attention and then his stepbrothers would know and tell Tanya. This would be the end of all his hopes if not a forfeit of his life. He heard Eradian through a fog thanking Black but also politely declining an invitation and a tense smile, more like a grin, plastered on Black’s face by the rejection.

This is when James sprung forth and tried to rip the mask off. Following an instinct Severus avoided the first grab but stumbled over Eradian and landed on his back on the floor. James tried again when his hand was suddenly grasped in an iron hold and he was pulled back so roughly that his feet nearly were lifted off the ground. Black jerked to assist his friends and then paused lost in uncertainty.

“I will not tolerate any farther assaults.” Eradian warned in a low tone, heard only by the four of them. He suppressed the anger although it was evident, bubbling underneath the cool façade. “Unless you wish for me to bring this incident to the attention of one of the guards and unless you wish to spend otherwise pleasant evening locked away, I recommend you apologize and seek entertainment else where.”

James glared nastily at the boy who was still on the floor. He detected something familiar in the pose when a sharp pain from the tightened grip and his hand getting twisted, made him pay attention to the prince. “I am sorry.” He said through the gritted teeth, not taking his eyes off the boy. “This will not repeat again.”

Eradian released the offender and turned away without another word indicating that their conversation was over. He kneeled besides Severus who climbed to a sitting position. “Are you all right?” Eradian asked concerned. “They had no right to touch you. Their behaviour is most inadequate.”

His hand returned in the rightful position around Severus’ waist. Eradian easily pulled his date up. He led Severus to one of the chairs and summoned a butterbeer presenting it to the boy who took it numbly. Once the shock passed Severus was embarrassed to be caught and even worse to have been frightened by the annoying gang.

Severus took a sip. His hand wavered. Eradian reached to steady the cup. Their fingers intertwined. Severus dared to look up. He was met with a soft smile. Either through their fingers brushing or from the butterbeer, Severus felt warmth spread though him and settle in his chest. He was happy to be lost in a moment listening to Eradian speak although sometimes he could not hear what exactly the other had said. He didn’t notice when Eradian got a hold of his hand. He waited when fifteen minutes was left to twelve, then ten, then five, until he could postpone it no longer. He rose reluctantly during one of the pauses. “Eradian…” He said apologetically.

“You are leaving so soon?” Eradian asked clearly disappointed. “Please stay.”

Severus shook his head. “I’m sorry.” He answered. “I must go.” Only three minutes remained before the charm wore off. He could not risk to be seen. He was certain of the worst punishment should his identity become known.

“Will I see you the next ball?” Eradian asked hopefully. Not ready to let go.

“I…” The words stuck in his throat. Severus could not lie to the young man. The decision did not belong to him. “I promise to miss you.” He whispered.

**********
Author's note:

Hhmmm considering a bit of snappish Snape in the next chapter. Although not likely.