A/N: Since you all were begging – next Chapter here. And in this one, Poppy's plan unfolds. And what can I say, those three fear nothing. lol
Thanks to all my reviewers.
And Jadey: I tried to say it, but cannot even do it slowly. I definitely need more sleep – and a vacation would be nice (4 month to go though).
Minervarette: Sorry, not really Dumbledore's pov.
Dedication is still the same: To you Selene, keep going.
Chapter II: The Yule Ball
Several weeks later, the Yule ball was in full swing. Nearly everybody in attendance had a great time and after almost two hours the dancefloor was packed with dancing couples.
Minerva McGonagall was one of the few people not to really enjoy herself. She had come alone. Although there had been a few times, where she thought he would voice the question, Dumbledore had never even attempted to ask her. Thus, she was standing in a corner in a rather bad mood.
She looked good in her Bordeaux-colored dress and with her long black hair loose - she knew it. After all, four hours in front of the mirror should account for something. Some of the teachers had complimented her on her appearance and she had even gotten some low whistles from one or two students. But the man in question - the one she had gone through all this trouble for - had not said anything. In fact, he had seemed to be even more uncomfortable. Damn that man! If only, she wasn't in love with him. If only, she could find out if he felt anything for her. And where, for Merlin's sake, were Lena, Poppy and Sera?
At that particular moment, none other than Albus Dumbledore stepped onto the small stage that had been erected in front of the head table. "May I have your attention please!"
When the commotion died down, he went on. "I am very pleased to see that everybody is enjoying themselves." The Great Hall erupted in cheers. "It is my pleasure to announce that we even have a little bit of entertainment tonight. Several people, who you all know very well, are so kind to give a small presentation. Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome with a warm applause: 'The Hogwarts Mermaids'!"
This very second it was as if a bomb exploded in the Great Hall. As soon as the 'Hogwarts Mermaids' had entered the stage, the whole school was hooting and hollering on top of their lungs. With mikes in their hands Helena Hooch, Poppy Pomfrey and Serena Sinistra stepped in front of the masses. They all wore pink etui dresses Jackie O.-style and black wigs that were high on top then straight down and ended in a one big outward curl (watch the Cher-video and you know what I mean).
Many students could barely recover from one fit of laughter before they fell into the next one. Some simply stood there with their mouths wide open. Others just shook their heads in disbelief. The teachers didn't fare much better. Even the Headmaster didn't know if he should laugh or have his mind tested.
Finally, Pomfrey held up a hand to calm people down. She took the microphone and said: "Dearest audience, my fellow Mermaids and I are very pleased to see that you like our show so far. Now, we want to sing a song for a very special friend. Some time ago, she asked for our advice - and here it is." She nodded towards the side and the tunes of the "Shoop Shoop Song" started.
Sinistra, who had taken the role of the lecturing woman, started to sing:
Does he love me? I want to know
How can I tell, if he loves me so?
Here the others chimed in:
(Is it in his eyes?)
Where she answered:
Oh no, you'll be deceived
(Is it in his sighs?)
Oh no, he'll make believe
If you want to know if he loves you so
It's in his kiss
(That's where it is)
(Is it in his face?)
Oh no, that's just his charms
(In his warm embrace?)
Oh no, that's just his arms
If you want to know if he loves you so
It's in his kiss
(That's where it is)
Hug him and squeeze him tight
Find out what you want to know
If it's love, if it really is
It's there in his kiss
(About the way he acts?)
Oh no, that's not the way
And you're not listenin' to all I say
If you wanna know if he loves you so
It's in his kiss
(That's where it is)
It's in his kiss
(That's where it is)
During the instrumental part the three Diva's showed their carefully choreographed stage show. They swayed with the rhythm and danced in perfect synchronisation.
Hug him and squeeze him tight
Find out what you want to know
If it's love, if it really is It's there in his kiss
(About the way he acts?)
Oh no, that's not the way
And you're not listenin' to all I say
If you wanna know if he loves you so
It's in his kiss
That's where it is
It's in his kiss
That's where it is
The whole school was mesmerized. Students and teachers alike stared breathlessly at the scene unfolding. Many students and some teachers as well already tapped the rhythm, too.
When the song was finished everybody cheered and whistles were heard.
Serena commanded silence and gave her breathless farewell speech: "Well, thank you Ladies and Gentlemen for being such a wonderful audience. It was our greatest pleasure to perform for you." At this the 'Mermaids' curtsied somewhat coquettishly, producing another uproar. "However, as we said before - we performed this song for a good friend, who asked for our advice. Well, that was it. Now - how about the person in question acts accordingly. Thanks again, people." With that the singing stars disappeared from the stage.
Minerva was still in her corner. She felt completely dazed. Never - in her entire life - had she seen something so ridiculous. She didn't know, if she should laugh or cry. What had gotten into Poppy, Lena and Sera? How could they pull such a stunt on her? And what, for Merlin's sake, was their advice? Surely, they didn't mean that she should just go over to Albus and kiss him. That could not seriously be their advice.
Once again, the noise became deafening as "The Hogwarts Mermaids" came back into the Great Hall, now clad in their ball dresses and without the wigs. Students and teachers alike applauded. Some pranksters even asked for autographs.
Minerva decided to make her stealthy escape. She knew what was to come and she didn't like it one bit.
Thus she stepped out into the garden hoping to find a little peace and quiet. However, soon she realized that she wasn't alone. Somebody else had fled the noise of the ballroom. A certain someone.
Disclaimer: Forgot that one. Nah, just didn't want to give away something. Lol. Okay, the song and everything around (like the video) belong to Cher, the composer, writer and producer.