Chapter 36: Do the Hippogriff

For the rest of Free Period, Claire and Alanza made plans with the Weird Sisters for the concert. This included decisions on who to invite to the concert, how to secure things like a stage and sound equipment, and what songs would be played.

"The vibe of any given concert is usually determined by the first song on the playlist," Myron said. "Now, for this concert, we know we want to perform 'Do the Hippogriff,' 'This is the Night,' and 'Magic Works'. But one of these songs should be the first."

"Agreed," Kirley said, causing everyone to look at him. "I think Claire should choose."

"Wow, Kirley's so invested that he finally spoke up!" Orsino exclaimed.

"So what do you think, Claire?" Myron asked.

Claire paused and then said, "'Do the Hypogriff,' which would make sense because Merpeople are Magical Creatures."

"Excellent choice, Claire," Kirley complimented.

"That's one of our most popular songs," Orsino smiled. "And I'm sure it will eventually be in heavy rotation on the Wizarding Wireless Network."

"Probably," Kirley agreed.

"Then it looks like we're ready to get this show on the road!" Alanza declared. "Or down to the Lakeshore, in this case."

So after classes were over, Claire made her way down to the Lakeshore just as the sun was starting to set on the western horizon. A giant stage now occupied the barren stretch of beach with humongous speakers and microphones, which the Weird Sisters were testing with their vocals and instruments. Meanwhile, a bunch of chatting students were lingering around waiting for the concert to begin. Towards the back of the crowd stood Barnaby and Merula, whom Claire quickly approached.

"I hope they have a mosh pit, which Muggle concerts have," Barnaby said in an excited tone. "But I don't know what it is exactly."

Merula rolled her eyes in irritation. "We're not here to party, Barnaby, but to make a peace offering to the Merpeople so they can help Claire find the final Cursed Vault in the Black Lake."

"Still, I think we can have a little fun," Barnaby argued.

"Perhaps, but the mission's still the priority here," Claire said. "Though I must say, you're grumpier than usual today, Merula."

As Merula folded her arms defensively, she said, "I just don't like it that you've been making plans behind my back. We made the Circle of Khanna together, so the least you can do is keep me in the loop."

Sighing, Claire said, "Look, I'm sorry I haven't done that as much as I should have. Things have been pretty hectic lately, and I'm doing my best."

"Okay, so what's your plan when you do get back in the water?" Merula questioned.

Before Claire could answer, the chatter of the crowd became silent as Alanza walked up to the center microphone.

"Hello, everyone!" Alanza smiled. "I know you're not here to see me, but please welcome the Weird Sisters!"

The students clapped and cheered loudly as Myron approached the center microphone after Alanza got off the stage.

"Good evening," Myron began, while Orsino and Kirley got ready to play the drums and guitar respectfully. "Our first song goes out to a special friend who did a massive favor and made this concert possible. This is for you, Claire!"

Orsino then began with a simple drum beat while Kirley chimed in with a few chords as Myron took the microphone and began singing:

Move your body like a hairy troll! Learning to rock and roll!

Spin around like a crazy elf, dancin' all by himself!

As the music intensified, the crowd responded by waving their hands in the air in a back-and-forth motion.

"While I'm not a big fan of the Weird Sisters' music, I like 'Do the Hippogriff,'" Merula remarked. "As a guilty pleasure, of course."

Barnaby then looked over his shoulder and his eyes widened causing him to tug on Claire's arm. "Claire, look!"

So Claire followed Barnaby's gaze. A pair of Merpeople were poking their heads up from the water close to the shore of the lake.

"They must have heard the music, and I think I recognize one of them," Barnaby remarked.

While Kirley switched his guitar for a set of bagpipes that he played furiously, one of the Merpeople seemed to smile at Claire.

"That's the Merwoman who attacked me," Claire realized, recognizing the Merperson's yellow-green fish tail. "But she looks more friendly this time."

While the Merwoman with the yellow-green fish tail continued to smile, her similar-looking female partner waved at Claire motioning her toward the lake.

"Seems to me they liked the song, and want you to come with them," Merula guessed.

"Then it's a good thing I wore this waterproof dress that Andre made for me," Claire said, looking down at the kelp-green gown she wore that had silvery fishnet sleeves, dark-green tights, and brown boots with iron heels that would keep her from floating away.

Pulling her medium-length brunette hair away from her face, Claire cast the Bubble-Head Charm and dove into the lake while the Merwomen swam alongside her.

"Um, so…I'm sorry for attacking you before," Claire apologized to the Merwoman with the yellow-green fish tail. "I shouldn't have entered the Black Lake without permission, so I apologize for scaring you."

In response, the Merwoman with the yellow-green fish tail responded with "Kyee…."

"But I take it you liked the music," Claire said, changing the subject. "I read that your people like music a lot."

The Merwoman nodded.

"Now, um, where are you taking me?" Claire asked. "The reason I'm asking is — well, let me explain myself first. My name is Claire Krystal, and I'm a student at Hogwarts. I've also been on a quest of sorts to find Cursed Vaults that have been hidden around the school, mainly to find my brother, who was missing. But I found him, and now we're trying to stop this Dark Witch and her evil group called 'R' from getting their hands on whatever's inside these Cursed Vaults because we think something bad will happen if they get it. So with that said, I heard there may be a Cursed Vault in the Black Lake and thought your people could help me."

While the Merwoman with the yellow-green fishtail was silent, her partner didn't respond either.

To be continued…