Music drifted from the orchestra of golden instruments playing themselves. Couples swayed on the dance floor.

She entered alone.

The dress was long, hugging every curve of her body in black silk that shimmered into grey where the candlelight caught it. Her hair was swept up, exposing the elegant line of her neck.

At the far end of the Hall, standing by the staff table with a goblet in hand, Severus Snape went still.

His dark eyes followed her as she walked past the dancers, past the chattering groups of students, past the burning jack-o'-lanterns that lined the walls.

She didn't seem to notice him. She reached the drink table, took a cut-glass goblet, and filled it with pumpkin juice.

His gaze lingered on the curve of her waist, the movement of her fingers around the glass.