CHAPTER 35: AN EX-CITING FOLLOW-UP

When the uncontrollable laughter had subsided into mere chuckles, the hostesses announced the next group. "And now, moving right along." the blonde in green called.

"Our next military quadrant, 'THUNDER-PANTS'." the brunette finished as the Weasley twins and Lee Jordan jogged across the dance floor to eager, energetic cheers from three of the four Houses and much of the staff. The two masked musicians winked at the red-haired boys as they moved off stage.

Lee picked up the drumsticks and spun one between the fingers of his right hand. George grabbed the bass guitar his father had magicked to work without electricity, a beautiful black and white guitar with an abstract design climbing the neck in a vibrant royal blue. Fred slipped the strap of his own guitar over his head and moved to his spot beside his brother. This guitar was mainly black with an intricate decoration of flames covering it. The three guys' outfits were pretty simple, Muggle jeans and black shirts.

When the music struck up, everyone was enjoying the talented trio's skill. Then, Fred began to sing, his voice decent, but not great, clearly unaffected by magic.

'WHEN HE WAS SEEING HER

YOU COULD SEE HE HAD HIS DOUBTS

AND NOW HE'S MISSING HER

BECAUSE HE KNOWS HE'S MISSING OUT

NOW IT'S HAUNTING HIM

THE MEMORY'S LIKE A GHOST

HE'S SO TERRIFIED

CAUSE NO ONE ELSE EVEN COMES CLOSE'

During the song, as he continued to sing his own lyrics, Fred looked into the audience, but only saw the honey-brown eyes he'd come to care for so deeply. The only person on his mind as he and George jumped into the chorus was Ella.

'HE'S A GUY THAT YOU SHOULD FEEL SORRY FOR

HE HAD THE WORLD BUT HE THOUGHT THAT HE WANTED MORE

I OWE IT ALL TO THE MISTAKE THAT HE MADE BACK THEN

I OWE IT ALL TO MY GIRL'S EX-BOYFRIEND'

Many people were out on the dance floor, having fun. George watched as his beautiful Katie laughed as she, Angelina, and Alicia let loose and danced like idiots. He couldn't help but smile as his brother began the second verse.

'SO THEN ALONG COMES ME

THIS UNDESERVING MESS

WHO WOULD BELIEVE MY LIFE

WOULD BE SO BLESSED

TWO YEARS AGO

HE LEFT ALL THAT DEBRIS

WHO WOULD HAVE KNOWN

IT WOULD BE EVERYTHING I NEED'

Lee kept the constant pattern of drumming as the twins repeated the chorus. His eyes wandered to Angelina, the girl of his dreams. He was so nervous about his plans for after the battle. He really hoped that she would be impressed by his musical ability enough to agree to go to Hogsmeade with him. His attention was captured by the song as the bridge began.

'IF IT WASN'T FOR HIM

I WOULD STILL BE SEARCHING

IF IT WASN'T FOR HIM

I WOULDN'T KNOW MY BEST FRIEND

IF IT WASN'T FOR HIM

HE WOULD BE ABLE TO SEE

IF IT WASN'T FOR HIM

HE WOULD BE AS HAPPY AS ME

WHEN SHE AND I SETTLE DOWN YOU CAN BET

THAT'S HE'S GONNA HAVE TO SETTLE FOR LESS

HE'S SOMEONE I WOULD HATE TO BE

I GOT THE GIRL AND HE'S LEFT WITH JUST THE MEMORY'

The song came to a close with a repeat of the chorus and the bridge. Loud cheers resounded across the hall. The three pranksters took overly dramatic bows before jumping into the crowd.