Severus never liked those special events. He didn't like dancing, and he never would. Not without Lily, he thought sourly.

Some things may have changed. He met you, became friends (although it was a painfully slow process), even best friends with you. He could remember the many dinners he spent with you under the artificial night sky in the Great Hall.

This time, it was mandatory because it was his last year before he could graduate. A small ball would be held for all seventh years. He, admittedly, would avoid it but the gods were not on his side because you kept talking about it.

..You've influenced him a lot now. You've offered to practice dancing with him. No one knew how good he was, he had lessons with the Malfoys since they held events there and he had to go to them for unsaid reasons.

So, here he was. Permanent scowl on face, old eyes set on you. Waiting for you.