Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

The Prize	By : Kvarta Category: HP Canon Characters paired with Original Characters > Het - Male/Female Views: 3468 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction. Harry Potter is owned by J.K. Rowling. This story is purely for entertainment purposes, no money is being made from it.

Chapter List
- 26
- 27
- 28
A/N: I did not forget or abandon this story, but I did have stuck with it for a while. ;)
AT THE MINISTRY BALL – ROCKY START
Severus was drumming the nervous beat on the pristine coffee table, his left leg followed that beat. He was in his best dressing robes, black and soft with a slight hue of the softest silky cotton. “The monkey is dressed and ready to be exhibited at the freak show.” The question, and partially the reason for his nervous drumming, was would he be exhibited alone or with Katya, she was still locked in her room. Poppy and Minerva left his home hours ago, but she was still refusing to get out of the room. Not for the first time he wondered didn’t he pushed her little too much? There was no excuse if she would not accompany him to the ball, since he refused to allow Mr Polkins to be Katya’s companion, he regretted bitterly that decision, she would be Polkins’ problem now.
Past week was a nightmare of its own. Katya was moody, hissing at him, arguing in one moment, then almost timid and withdrawn in the next. It was impossible to have any type of class or practice with her, and only persons who managed to reach to her without many consequences were Tippy and Hermione. And he had his own demons to battle, the more time passed, the more difficult was for him to exit on the street, to be among the people, his wand hand was twitchy. More than once this past week, Occlumency failed to protect him, and he would retreat to the basement and meditate there, barefooted. He despised the fact that he needed her guidance, lashing at her at any given opportunity. Their relationship was worse than ever.
The door handle rattled in the hallway and he stopped the drumming. Katya appeared in the door frame few seconds later, he felt speechless. Unease tightness in his chest forced him to realize that he is sharing his apartment with attractive young woman. Katya was dressed in elegant dressing robes. Upper part was hugging her body tightly while lower part was flowing around her legs. The material changed colors, shifting from blue to green, depending on how light reflected from it. Her hair was pulled to the back with a band that looked like a silver vine. She had minimal amount of makeup, just a touch of silver on her eye-lids and thin black line that emphasized almond shape of her eyes and bit of shine on her lips. She was in a silver flat ballet shoes. He stood up and made a move, suddenly glad that he was forced to take her, for once in his life he would be on a social event with a beautiful woman at his hand.
Before he managed to tell her anything she spoke and he was yanked in to reality, the magic of the moment shattered
- Why are YOU wearing a dress? –
- These are formal dressing robes, wizard’s dressing robes. – he squeezed dryly
- But you are dressed like me. –
- Every wizard who holds to its appearance are going to be dressed like this, Miss Katya. –
- But…. –
- For our many flaws, we do have one bright side, we all dress the same witch and wizard alike. Equality, Miss Katya, in our world is expressed in many ways, including the way we dress, at least formally nowadays –
- You want to tell me that you had to wear that constantly before? –
- I did. As a student, and as a teacher. –
- Do you have anything underneath? – her eyes widened
- That question is highly unbecoming of a Lady. – he hissed - In the same way it is impolite to be late, which we are. –
- But … -
- We. Are. Going. That is final. You know how to behave, you know how to dance. Do. Not. Embarrass. Me. Tonight. –
She just nodded and accepted his offered hand. They stepped in to the floo and exited in a designated apartment, not far from the Ministry building, Polkins with seven other Aurors was waiting for them. The boy bowed slightly
- Master Snape, Miss Katya. We will be your escort to the ball. –
- This is not necessary Mr. Polkins. –
- All War Heroes are required to have official escort. – smiled young man – You look lovely tonight Miss Katya. – she just blushed and doubled in her effort to cut out his circulation, digging the fingers in to the crook of his elbow.
- Lead. The. Way. Mr. Polkins. –
Without the word, Auror lead them to the cars outside, they were ushered in to the middle car, of three vehicles in front of the building. Short drive through the muggle London was revelation to Katya, who remained silent but pressed her nose to the window at awe. He was just annoyed, keeping his wall high and strong suddenly unsure in his ability to be among people.
They took them to the Ministry, and lead them through the long, winding corridors to the Hall, leaving their cloaks at the entrance. Kaya’s fingers, once again, were digging holes in the crook of his elbow, he stopped at the entrance of the Ball Room, his feet glued to the floor. He cast a glance around the faces in the room, people with whom he fought, sometimes shoulder to shoulder, sometimes against them. People who, at one time, not so long ago, would gladly separate him from his life without shred of remorse. He fought to regain inner peace, not to allow sweat and trembling to show, to maintain his aloof mask of indifference and boredom. To hide behind his walls, after all he lived the role for nearly twenty years, he lived it so long that he lost himself to it. If he was to start anew, he would have to revert to an angry, spiteful, vengeful boy he was, and even that was taken from him – he was not that boy anymore either. His heart was beating fast, filling his ears with the rush of blood, fighting for the air and to keep at least a pretense of normal breathing, he longed for the peace of meditation. He wished that he could be in his cellar, barefooted, the strength and the peace of Earth running through his body. Echoes of that calming energy was present, but muffled and distant, not sufficiently strong to fulfil his needs.
Katya’s fingers released their painful grip, her hand glided to the upper part of his hand and slide to the exposed skin of his palm, wrapping her fingers around his icy cold ones. Suddenly, same calm earthy peace enveloped him, like a warm and fuzzy security blanket. His lungs filled with much needed air and he managed to lock all his undesired insecurities and fears behind his walls.
~ S ~ S ~ S ~
Katya could see the tension leaving his shoulders, he didn’t slack or looked more relaxed, but he was relaxed and that was enough for her. She couldn’t afford him being so tense, not when she was near the point where she would gladly run and hide.
The room was full of people, all dressed in same dress-like outfits, man and women alike. It was almost disturbing sight. She smiled when Hermione, Ginny and Harry walked towards them. Severus on the other hand stiffened his back. They paced towards them, slowly.
- Katya! Maser Snape! How nice to see you tonight, come, join us, we managed to steal one secluded corner at the back. – called Hermione with a brilliant grin, she was in champagne colored robe and her hair was subdued in a neat pile of curls on the top of her head. Ginny was in a red robe, almost identical to her hair color. Harry had a plane light blue robes, similar to Snape’.
- I am honored to see you again, Sir. And you, Miss Katya. – the boy spoke
- Thank you, boy. – she smiled turning to Hermione – I don’t think it is smart for us to join you. Your boyfriend does not look happy you came to greet us, his mother as well. Maybe it is better for us to find some other corner. –
- Master Snape gave me assignment for the extra recommendation, I am working closely with him in the following months, and as any good student I came to greet my Master. –
- Miss Granger, I am not you Master…. –
- Temporarily you are, and I will act accordingly. Besides, even Molly and Minerva think it is great honor to be tutored by Master Snape, even if he does not accept apprentices. –
- Thank you, Miss Granger, but I do believe that Katya is correct, we will settle ourselves with Minerva and Poppy. They are calling us already. –
Severus bowed slightly to the group of young people and lead her towards the corner where was the group of people with Minerva and Poppy. She heard his low hiss
- Behave yourself, this is entire Hogwarts teaching staff is in that corner. Be respectful and do not socialize, they are your teachers. Do not force my hand in to action Miss Katya. – she just nodded.
For the next hour and a half, Katya was bored out of her mind. It was so long since she attended any formal party, she forgot how much she detested fake smiles and empty phrases. Snape, apparently, had the same train of thoughts maneuvering them to more secluded areas. But he was the one of the heroes, and no matter where they went people managed to find them and talk to them.
Katya felt as all hairs on her neck stand still when she noticed the group that approached them. Young man had a lovely girl attached to his hand, he separated from his parents the moment they entered, but the young couple wasn’t greeted by any of the young people. Only Harry made a brief effort to stoop and say few words to them. Katya felt sorry for the young man and his escort. The older Mr Malfoy and his wife headed towards them, pausing as some people stopped them for brief conversations.
- Why are they coming to us? – she huffed
- Lucius and Narcissa are my friends, and I’m the only friend in here they have. It is only natural that they will accompany us. –
- I don’t like that man. –
- You will behave yourself. –
- I won’t make a scene, but… -
- There is no “but” Katya, you will be polite. – he growled at her ear and she nodded stifling the growl. The couple finally reached them
- Severus! I am so glad to see you! – woman’s voice was measured but held the note of fondness in it – Miss. –
- Madam. – Katya nodded to the woman
- It is nice to see you Cissy, how are you holding? –
- As I must under the circumstances. – replied woman and Severus inclined his head in silent agreement and understanding
- I see that I did win my bet Severus. – drawled the man – You did come to the ball with your friend. –
- I wasn’t aware we had a bet Lucius. But Katy was invited, more like order to be here, same as me, which I’m sure you knew, even…if you forget to mention it. –
- Did I? I do apologies for that my friend, you know how it is. –
- Indeed, I do. But let me give you advice Lucius, do not branch out to postal services, you are lousy carrier pigeon. -
- I appreciate the insight. – smiled Lucius, one sour but polite smile. His wife giggled covering her face with hand, her elegant form complemented her husband’s appearance fully.
- Boys will be boys, always. – she smiled at Snape. They lead light conversation about some Ministry gossip, and Katya tuned out observing the dancers on the podium. After a while Mr Polkins approached them
- Mr Snape, may I ask Lady Katya for this dance? –
- If you want to ask the Lady, ask her not me, you baboon. – hissed Snape and Polkins blushed turning to her
- May I have this dance? – she glanced at Snape but he was uninterested to what was going on so she accepted outstretched hand.
~ S ~ S ~ S ~
Fighting the urge to start shooting hexes left and right, Severus withdrew behind the wall in his head. He knew that he would appear much the same as he was for years, detached and cold, but it was far better option than alternative. He didn’t care either way, not one person in this crowd was worthy of his attention anyhow. Well, Narcissa may be the exception, she always was nice to him.
Lucius was doing his best to tick his nerves, but that was Lucius. “With the friends like these…” he thought bitterly. With all this charade only silver lining was that he did attend this freak show with extremely handsome and powerful witch. Given that they plainly stated that they are not couple, plenty of wizards tried to get their grubby hands on Katya, and failed, running into her own spiky armor.
- Is it smart to let her dance with that Ministry idiot, Severus? – quipped Lucius
- I do not direct her actions, as you may very well know Lucius. –
- Too bad, such a delicious little creature. – Lucius was following the dance with his eyes, missing his wife’s wince at his words – Do you mind if interfer? –
- She is not my property Lucius, but I would respect her warnings. –
- Nonsense my dear friend, there is no woman able to resist Malfoy charm. –
Lucius stalked to the dance floor and Narcissa lowered her eyes. He grabbed a glass of Ogden’s from passing tray and took Narcissa’s hand as she prepared to walk away.
- Severus… - her quiet voice was full of pain
- I’d watch this Cissy if I were you. – he drawled not even raising his eyes.
Even if his nose was stuck, practically glued, to the rim of his glass, with a corner of his eye he followed the developments carefully. Lucius walked to the couple and tapped Polkins on the shoulder, cutting in almost rudely. He didn’t miss the tightness of Katya’s muscles after her dance partner changed. She maintained polite distance as much as it was possible, given that Lucius turned all his charm, pulling her close to him. He squeezed Narcissa’s hand supportively, when Lucius pulled Katya close to him, whispering in her ear. For the moment, he was sure that girl might just lose the battle, she leaned on to Lucius, her hand glided from his back to his hip and then disappeared between them. Suddenly, Lucius stopped dancing, he was standing still, eyes wide, releasing his hold of Katya. Katya bowed slightly and marched to them
- I warned you Severus. – she growled and turned to Narcissa – I do apologies Madam, I’m afraid I render your husband useless for the next day or two. –
He raised his eyes, knowing well that he looked as he is bored to his companions. Lucius was still frozen on the same spot on the dance floor, but Narcissa was more relaxed, even if she maintained her dignified posture.
- That is quite all right Miss, but you do have to teach me that neat little trick some time. –
- Whenever you wish madam, I’m at your disposal. – Katya did know how to swim in the murky waters of high society – Severus, I think I’m going to take a walk in the garden. – he nodded – Madam. –
- You knew she would react like this? –
- She took a strong dislike of your husband. – he replied still maintaining the air of bored indifference, even though he had a desire to smack Lucius right on the nose.
- Thank you. –
- Why are you putting up with him? –
- You know why. –
- Times change. –
- Times does, but our world stayed the same. – sad smile danced over Narcissa’s perfect lips – I do believe that I would take your friend to her offer and really learn that trick she used on him. –
- Smartest thing you can do. –
- You are true friend Severus. –
He just nodded. Lucius unfroze from his position and walked towards them slowly, if not all too pompously, in attempt to retain what was left of his dignity. He took another good swing from his glass.
- You didn’t train that wild cat of yours Severus. –
- As I notified you before Lucius, she’s not mine and not a pet. –
- I’d deem her as interesting and quite resourceful young lady. – added Narcissa – I do believe I will enjoy her company. I will send you the owl Severus, when to expect me. Can I presume that Draco and Miss Greengrass are welcome as well? –
- Naturally. –
- Cissy! Don’t tell me you are still willing to let him… -
- I do. – she gave Lucius cold smile – Same as I did hope to have a lovely evening with my husband, sadly that is not possibility anymore. –
- I am sure I have no idea what are you talking about. –
- I’m sure you do. Now be a dear and find me another glass of champagne. – she pushed her empty glass at Lucius who looked insulted but only kissed his wife’s hand and walked away.
- Remind me never to get on your bad side Cissy. –
- You couldn’t even if you try. May I give you friendly advice? – he glared at her – No? Well, you going to hear it anyway. Don’t let that girl run off on you. Any woman that is capable of resisting Malfoy is worth keeping around. –
- She is a friend…. –
- Nonsense Severus, I am sure that you do have to lie to everybody, but she is not your long-lost friend. She is someone new in your life and crazy enough to care whether you live or die. Be a smart man, be a Slytherin and utilize that properly. We will talk more. Thank you for the drink my dear. – she smiled at approaching Lucius
He listened for a while spousal bickering, not that many people would guess that thy are in fact arguing, one would have to know how to listen for that. Wishing that he is in the peace of his library more than anything else his eyes roamed the hall. Suddenly he realized, Kata was nowhere to be seen.
- Narcissa, I’ll wait for your owl. Lucius. –
- Where are you going. – asked Lucius bluntly and he raised eyebrow at him
- I am not married to you Lucy. – he groused and walked away, followed by Narcissa’s laughter.
Even if he tried to avoid people they still bumped at him, encircling him. He fisted his hands in attempt not to give in to his instincts, the need to defend was overwhelming.
- Professor, if I may have a word with you. – Potter called after him and grabbed him by the sleeve, he jerked his hand turning sharply, his whole body ready for attack or defense
- Potter, never ever do that again, not if you have any desire to live. – he hissed, blood rushing in his ears
- Yes, sorry about that. – Potter smiled at him broadly and just a tad tipsy – I know how it is. –
- I sincerely doubt. –
- I was just wondering… -
- Potter, this is not the place, send me an owl and arrange a meeting. Now, if you excuse me, I must find Katya. –
- She was at the balcony, hidden behind the drapes, last time I’ve seen her, Professor. – airy voice of Luna Lovegood injected into conversation
- Thank you Miss Lovegood. Potter. – he twirled on his heel and marched towards the balcony, this time people moved out of his way as he progressed. Small pang of fear mixed with avalanche of anger stabbed him when he realized that she was not on the balcony. “How did I managed to lose her out of my sight?”
- SEV!!!! – he froze, her voice echoed over the noise from the hall “Where is she?” – Down here, Sev! –
Anger bubbled in his chest. She was on the stone bench, jumping up and down like five-year old, waving her hand at him, much to the amusement of other park occupants.
- 26
- 27
- 28
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

The Prize