This Is What It Feels Like Chapter Thirteen, a harry potter fanfic

*I want a girl with a mind like a diamond

I want a girl who knows what's best

I want a girl with shoes that cut and

Eyes that burn like cigarettes

I want a girl with the right allocations

Who's fast, and thorough, and sharp as a tack

She's playing with her jewelry, she's putting up her hair

She's touring the facility and picking up slack

The singer's voice bellowed loudly through the great hall where a writhing mass of student bodies were dancing (if you could call it that) to the rhythm of the music.

I want a girl with a short skirt and looooong jacket

Severus stayed to the back of the hall, in a dark corner. Students would come to snog and grope in the darkness, and he would be here to surprise them, even though it wasn't his shift.

I want a girl who gets up early

I want a girl who stays up late

I want a girl with uninterrupted prosperity

Who uses a machete to cut through red tape

With fingernails that shine like justice

And a voice that is dark like tinted glass

She is fast, thorough, and sharp as a tack

She's touring the facility and picking up slack

The evening started with a little bit of wizarding classical music, before almost immediately falling headlong into this...this...well, Severus wasn't sure what it was. It was even worse than wrock. Maybe this was American wrock. The students seemed to be enjoying it, but he didn't know what Gayle was thinking.

I want a girl with a short skirt and looooong...looooooong jacket

Gayle. A full hour had passed and she was yet to be seen. Several students - including the Price twins - had set up and directed a few of the featured singers into place once the 'formal dancing' (otherwise known as real dancing) was finished. A chorus of nah nahs were being belt across the hall. Where was she?

I want a girl with a smooth liquidation

I want a girl with good dividends

And at the city bank we will meet accidentally

We start to talk when she borrows my pen

She wants a car with a cup holder armrest

She wants a car that will get her there

She's changing her name from Kitty to Karen

She's trading her MG for a white Chrysler La Baron

I want a girl with a short skirt and a looooooooooooooong jacket

While another chorus of nah nahs echoed across the hall, Severus snagged another amorous student couple, deducting points from both Ravenclaw and Gyffindor in the process. Catching students were the highlights of these events, which wasn't saying much. He'd rather be in his rooms, alone, reading and writing, grading and planning, and, most of all, plotting a way to get to the bottom of Odessa Gayle so he could go about his life in peace.

The heavy cords of another song started almost as soon as the other ended.

**Oh, baby, don't you know I suffer?

Oh baby, can you hear me moan?

You caught me under false pretenses

How long before you let me go?

His mind wandered briefly to his time as a student at Hogwarts. Lily was always excited when a ball or party was held. He could care less, especially since it meant having to deal with Potter, Lupin, Black, and Pettigrew. Yet, for her sake, he went along with it.

Ooooh

You set my soul alight

Ooooh

You set my soul alight

Maintaining the balance between her and his Slytherian 'friends' had been difficult. He wasn't especially popular in Slytherin for hanging around the mudblood Gryffindor, but no one really gave him too much bother for it either (Lily was, after all, exceptionally gifted and quite beautiful)...except for other Gryffindors.

Ooooh

You set my soul alight

Ooooh

You set my soul alight

Severus felt her before he saw her. It was a split second, but it was enough. Every cell in his body suddenly stood at attention. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a muted flash of gold and green in the darkness.

I thought I was a fool for no one

Oh baby, I'm a fool for you

Gayle. Entering and then standing at the very back of the room, the light of the entrance outside the hall pouring though enough to identify her. She was the definition of perfection. Golden-red hair falling in soft, glistening curls down her back like waves of rose gold. Jeweled pins held the hair away from her face. Her face. It was perfectly sculpted. Cheek bones that were high without being gaunt. Even though she was in profile, Severus could see her pink mouth quiver as he watched her exhale.

You're the queen of the superficial

And how long before you tell the truth?

As if sensing his presence, her head turned slowly toward him. Their gazes silently locked. Even in the dim light he could see her big and beautiful eyes glowing, which were now even more pronounced and accentuated with tasteful makeup. For a moment, for just a moment, Severus thought he saw surprising vulnerability. She was upset about something. Just as quickly her face was composed. The corners of her mouth turned up and she raised a manicured hand slightly in greeting. He gave a short nod in acknowledgement, carefully concealing any emotion.

Ooooh

You set my soul alight

Ooooh

You set my soul alight

As Gayle began to make her way toward her entourage of student aides, the singer began to whisper-sing something Severus completely couldn't understand. Mercifully, the song ended less than a minute later. The following song was light and upbeat.

***I remember when

I remember, I remember when I lost my mind

There was something so pleasant about that place

Even your emotions have an echo in so much space

And when you're out there, without care

Yeah, I was out of touch

But it wasn't because I didn't know enough

I just knew too much

Severus watched her carefully, moving out of the shadows and glancing around the heads of students. She approached one of the twins - probably Marcus - immediately. They moved together to the side of the stage further into the darkness. The other twin followed a moment later.

Does that make me crazy?

Possibly

Severus moved forward a little faster now to keep them in eyesight.

And now that you are having the time of your life

Well think twice

That's my only advice

He could see shadows of their motions in the darkness as he moved closer...one of them was waving their arms.

Come on now

Who do you, who do you, who do you, who do you think you are?

Ha ha ha

Bless your soul

You really think you're in control?

Well

I think you're crazy

Just like me

The twins stepped out of the shadows suddenly, one not looking particularly happy. Severus was still too far away to notice if it was Marcus or Michael.

My heroes had the heart

To live the life I wanna live

And all I remember is thinking

I wanna be like them

Mmhmm

Odessa emerged next, but didn't look upset at all. She went to stand at the edge of the stage with her student entourage, gathering them up in a huddle. Both twins had vanished behind the stage before emerging again moments later.

Ever since I was little

Ever since I was little, it looked like fun

And it's no coincidence I've come

And I can die when I'm done

Maybe I'm crazy

Maybe you're crazy

Maybe we're crazy

Probably

As the last cords of the song played out, the lights came up enough to cast away most of the shadows. Odessa broke the huddle and moved to the stage while the muti-hued haired singer stepped back with his guitar to stand with the rest of the band.

Smiling, Odessa raised her hands for silence as the students turned their attention to the stage. In the light, Severus could see her more clearly than before. She was breathtakingly...beautiful? It seemed too tame a word to describe her. Her mermaid-styled gown hugged her curves then flared out at the lower skirt. It was a gold and dark green brocade. She was wearing elegant makeup that unnecessarily accentuated her beauty. Dark red jewels glittered in her hair, ears, and both wrists. The gold locket remained the only item around her neck, however. Her beauty was almost sensory overload. All she needed was a crown and she could be mistaken for royalty.

"I hope you all are having fun-" She was interrupted by loud cheers and clapping. She raised her hands again, nodding pleasantly. "Good, good...but we're going to slow it down a bit. Take the hand of your favorite partner."

Severus was pushed further to the side of the hall, a little more than halfway to the stage now, as students paired up while Odessa continued. "I'm pleased to announce a very special guest singer who has traveled all the way from the United States. Please give a warm welcome to Deuce!"

There was clapping and a couple of whistles as the lights came down again and a dark figure moved to the front from the back of the stage. He was in a robe that covered his face. As he stepped the short way to the charmed microphone, the band began to play again...and it was surprisingly soft and sweet. Student couples began to sway in place, cozying up to each other.

****Well you only need the light when it's burning low

Only miss the sun when it starts to snow

Only know you love her when you let her go

Whoever he was, Deuce's voice was dark and hypnotic. The beautiful voice of a fallen angel. Severus was shocked.

Only know you've been high when you're feeling low

Only hate the road when you're missing home

Only know you love her when you let her go

Deuce's voice may be captivating, but Severus hated the song. It reminded he acutely of Lily.

And you let her go.

He grit his teeth at that, a short musical interlude playing while the scene of him calling Lily a mudblood played through his mind, followed by the regret he had felt when he realized Voldemort was targeting her.

Staring at the bottom of your glass

Hoping one day you'll make a dream last

But dreams come slow and they go so fast

The abject, searing agony he felt when he found her cold and lifeless on the floor.

You see her when you close your eyes

Maybe one day you'll understand why

Everything you touch only dies

The only thought afterward was to take his own life.

But you only need the light when it's burning low

Only miss the sun when it starts to snow

Only know you love her when you let her go

Only know you've been high when you're feeling low

Only hate the road when you're missing home

Only know you love her when you let her go

Pain shot through him, surprisingly swift and sharp. He could feel his pulse quicken as he choked back the emotion that threatened to boil over and expose him. It occurred to him then: Deuce's voice. It was literally magical, but in a very, very subtle way. Was he...Veela?

Staring at the ceiling in the dark

Same old empty feeling in your heart

'Cause love comes slow, and it goes so fast

He tried to resist Deuce's voice by use of Occlumency. It was surprisingly difficult, but it worked.

Well you see her when you fall asleep

But never to touch, and never to keep

'Cause you loved her too much and you dive too deep

The chorus repeated itself, but Severus had already stopped paying attention. Now that he was once more in control of his emotions, he found Gayle and was surprised to see that she was staring in his direction through the darkness. Whether by coincidence or purpose, almost as soon as his gaze turned in her direction, she turned back to the stage.

Deuce's song ended and another, more upbeat, one began. He sang a variety of tunes, all very well and very hypnotically, for almost an hour before Odessa returned to the stage. She had remained at her station by the stage with her entourage the entire time.

"I hope you enjoyed our first featured singer! He's quite good, isn't he? Let's give him a round of applause before he leaves!" "Disappointed groaning could be heard as well as loud applause and whistling as Deuce exited to the back of the stage.

Odessa smiled. "For the next hour, we're going to have some karaoke so you all can participate in the entertainment. But first, I'd like to take a moment to entertain you with a song of my own. I dedicate this to my forever Valentine and unrequited love."

Awwwwls could be heard throughout the room. "If a lady like that can't snag a man, then my case is hopeless." moaned Agatha Brinewood, a Hufflepuff student who stood near Severus. Her friend, Violet Roth (and also Hufflepuff), murmured agreement. Severus found himself in accord with Miss Brinewood. Even though Odessa held no charm for him, with her beauty, lineage, skill and magical power (even though he had never seen her perform anything remarkable, he heard nothing but praise for her teaching), most men, both muggle and magical, would be falling all over themselves for her. What would make her unrequited love reject her?

Odessa cleared her throat. On cue, chords of a piano began to play.

*****On the first page of our story

The future seemed so bright

Then this thing turned out so evil

I don't know why I'm still surprised

Even angels have their wicked schemes

And you take that to new extremes

But you'll always be my hero

Even though you've lost your mind

Her voice was absolutely lovely, but there was nothing enchanting about it like Deuce's. Severus had expected more. And the words to the song, being dedicated to her true love...what did it mean?

Just gonna stand there and watch me burn

Well that's alright because I like the way it hurts

Just gonna stand there and hear me cry

Well that's alright because I love the way you lie

I love the way you lie

Despite some feeble excuses, Odessa had said that her love interest was a good man, but from the song, Severus couldn't help but doubt it. He once again found himself wondering who the bloke was and why would someone like Professor Gayle fall for such a man.

Now there's gravel in our voices

Glasses shattered from the fight

In this tug of war, you always win

Even when I'm right

Cause you feed me fables from your head

With violent words and empty threats

And it's sick that all these battles are what keeps me satisfied

Severus glanced out of the corner of his eye as Minerva stepped beside him. She was watching Odessa with a furrowed brow.

Just gonna stand there and watch me burn

Well that's alright because I like the way it hurts

Just gonna stand there and hear me cry

Well that's alright because I love the way you lie

I love the way you lie

There was a small musical interlude. Severus noticed that all the students were staring at the Charms mistress intently. When he glanced back to the stage, he was surprised to find Odessa staring directly at him.

So maybe I'm a masochist

I try to run but I don't want to ever leave

Til the walls are going up

In smoke with all our memories

Just going to stand here and watch me burn

Well that's all right because I like the way it hurts

Just going to stand there and hear me cry

Well that's alright because I love the way you lie

I love the way you lie

The song ended with applause that, while gracious, was not very enthusiastic. Her beautiful voice seemed unremarkable after Deuce's performance. Beside him, Minerva sighed. "A pity." she murmured to Severus.

He arched a nonchalant eyebrow. "A pity? How?"

She gave a sad smile. "I remember hearing her sing when she first was a student here. Her voice was astonishingly. Extraordinary. I personally believe more magical and powerful than that of a Veela, even. Truly amazing. I'm convinced that's one of the reasons she was so good at casting spells and charms, the power in her voice. It seems that it has diminished, however. Still lovely, but quite a normal. Very strange, what a pity." she repeated.

Severus turned back to the stage as Odessa was stepped off. Very strange indeed.

"Looks like a Grace Kelly Barbie doll, doesn't she?" a voice chided behind them. Severus and Minerva both turned slightly to see who was speaking. Thomas.

"That's quite enough, professor." Minerva scolded quietly.

Thomas merely chuckled while Severus folded his arms and turned away. Minerva, seeing a student near the punch bowl with a vital in hand, quickly stepped away. Thomas moved in her place next to Snape. "Do you think she has enough makeup on?" he murmured nastily.

Severus' expression remained impartial as he said silkily, "Jealous much, Thomas?"

Thomas' glare was a sharp as a dagger. "My my," he sneered. "Taking up for Gayle, are we?"

"No," Severus said in the same vein, not so much as glancing at the Potions professor. "I simply don't like you."

With a snort, Thomas stomped away.

A few moments later, a soft alto voice came from behind him. "Do you really think I look like a Barbie doll?"

Severus whipped around sharply, unfolding his arms. Odessa stood behind him, all dewy eyed with a teasing smile. He blinked, but said nothing, trying not to respond to her physical beauty. She began to play with her locket as she looked at him expectantly. He finally found his voice.

"I have no idea what a Barbie doll is." he said evenly and truthfully.

She laughed. "No, I'm sure you don't. Nevermind." She stepped beside him. "How are you enjoying the ball so far?"

"The same as I've enjoyed every one before."

"You're very elusive tonight." she said, smile still fixed on her face.

Severus said nothing to this, as there was nothing to say. "Who is Deuce? His voice is very...powerful. Is he Veela?"

Odessa's smile faded a little. "As far as I know, he does have Veela in his blood. It's probably the reason his voice is so captivating. Not many Veela hybrids receive this recessive trait."

"You seem to know a lot about the topic."

"As you know, my family was very much into genetics."

They stood side by side, saying nothing, as karaoke began. The first student was terrible, but didn't seem to know it. Odessa laughed. "Perhaps karaoke wasn't the best idea after all."

Severus gave her a sidewise glance. "Perhaps not. Excuse me."

As he turned to leave, she grabbed his arm. "Hey, if I don't see you beforehand, where should we meet for our patrol?"

"Front of the hall." He left then, quickly. He had about all he could take for one evening...and he didn't like the way his arm tingled after she touched him.

*Short Skirt/Long Jacket by Cake

**Supermassive Black Hole by Muse

***Crazy by Gnarls Barkley

***Let Her Go by Passenger

***** Love the Way You Lie Pt. III by Skylar Grey

A/N: Other songs probably sung by Deuce at this event would be Creep by Radiohead, Leave Out All The Rest by Linkin Park, Endlessly by The Cab, and Yellow by Coldplay. Also sung was probably a version of I Can't Make You Love Me (I personally like Adele's), How Long Will I Love You by Ellie Goulding, I Never Told You by Colbie Caillat, Back From The Dead by Skylar Grey, and Spell by Marie Digby. These songs are inspiration for this story. I encourage you to YouTube them.

I know that most of these songs weren't written by the time these events took place. Use your imagination and pretend they were. :) Reviews are warmly welcome, PLEASE REVIEW me your thoughts and input! I'd love to start dedicating chapters to my readers! :)