Hogwarts Ball - Arrivals

[fi_admin]

Date: Saturday, 03 March, 2001
Time: 5:00pm
Location: Hogwarts
Rating: PG
Characters Involved: Anyone who wishes to attend

Comments

[birdwotcher]

Tonks had arrived relatively on time for the ball, a feat for her, given she was chronically late. While she wasn't officially working during the ball, there had been a sort of dialogue between her and Minerva, where Minerva had expressed her wishes that Tonks at least keep an eye on things to make sure everything went all right. While Tonks couldn't really, in her official capacity as Auror for the Minitry for Magic, work, as it could be considered a conflict of interests among other things, she did intend on not drinking too much and keeping an eye out for any suspicious behaviour.

So, for the first time in a very long time, she stood near the entranceway wearing a rather dramatic black dress. It'd been that or a bright pink one, but she didn't want to attract too much attention, so black it was. And heels. Heels. As if she were actually supposed to walk, let alone dance tonight. She'd considered a pair of heeled combat boots, but the whole point of black instead of pink had been not to stick out like a sore thumb. So much to her

[subtle_simmer]

Severus was the picture of icy composure, a feat all the more necessary and yet difficult considering the upcoming unveiling of the 'anonymous' memorial. As a representative of Hogwarts, he had taken unusual care with his appearance, having even taken the trouble to have a proper haircut again last weekend. It seemed only fitting, since it was Myron Wagtail who had all but forced him into the new 'look' all those months ago, that he should make the effort to maintain it, at least when likely to see the other man.

Wizarding robes were a light-weight, brushed velvet in his house colours, the outer-robe being a rich green trimmed in silver accents. (Not real silver, of course!) The tightly-buttoned waistcoat was black with similar accents on the buttons and wrists. Since December, he had taken to wearing his high-necked clothing open at the throat, in a silent protest of his Ministry device. The leather collar encircling his neck was clearly visible, though the tiny portkey studs were worn to the back so as to be concealed by his

[birdwotcher]

Tonks had just decided to brave the length of the hall, where she fully intended on taking advantage of whatever alcoholic beverage they were serving, when she heard an all-too-familiar voice. Not that she was complaining, really; at this point, even bad company was at least company. Then again, whether or not Severus Snape could be considered 'bad company' was really just a matter of opinion, she reminded herself. And how grumpy he was on that particular day

[subtle_simmer]

"It is called 'decorum' and 'modesty', girl. Two terms of which you are clearly ignorant," he replied dryly. He was equally unimpressed with the front of the dress, though it did, thankfully, offer slightly more concealment than the back.

"So I've been told," he admitted, glancing about the room and spotting Molly Weasley. He would have to make a point to stop and speak with her, since it had been she, so many months ago, who had told him to stop dressing like a... "Someone suggested to me that I ought to stop dressing like a Vicar.

"My estimate of an hour was more a compliment to your intelligence than your ability to stay on your feet - I assumed someone capable of becoming an Auror would know when prudence was the better part of valor and remain seated as long as possible. Then again, you were a Gryffindor, so this is likely another concept which escapes you

[birdwotcher]

The corner of Tonks' lips twitched upwards slightly in an amused sort of half-smile. "No one has ever accused me of being modest, and decorum is a matter of opinion, when you think about it. Nothing inappropriate is showing. I'm not really even displaying any sort of cleavage. It's black, which is the epitome of decorum, and unless you're afraid of a little leg, then really, you can't imply I've dressed to be anything but just another member of the crowd. And," she added, "I'm completely natural today. If that isn't modest, then I don't know what is

[subtle_simmer]

'Approachable' was not the look he was going for, but he supposed it was better than his usual.

"Don't be ridiculous - I do not meddle in Muggle remedies," he replied with a snort. "If I had become suicidal, I know a plethora of effective techniques which would not involve breaking my neck or ruining the shine of my shoes.

"As for pain and danger, I've had my share of both. I'll risk it. I am not afraid of you. I am however, rather intimidated by Minerva, who would be seriously annoyed with me if I was not making good-show at being sociable this evening, so there you are. We will dance, later."

[birdwotcher]

"Well then," Tonks said with a slight inclination of her head. "I'd hate to see you lose your good standing with Minerva, so by all means, do look me up later for a dance. We wouldn't want you looking antisocial, after all."

Shifting from one foot to the other in an attempt to relieve the pain in her insteps and toes, she tugged nervously on the same lock of hair she'd been twirling. She wasn't anxious about anything in particular, merely how the night would go. It'd be lovely to see her favourite band perform, but if the only conversation she was going to have was with Severus, well, then perhaps next time she'd have to wear the pink dress, if only to get noticed for the sake of a little interaction.