Sorry this took so long, but I had like two papers due and stuff, and I
went to a Linkin Park concert (heehee) so I was kinda busy. . .
Once again, I forgot the disclaimer in the last chapter, so here it is..
DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter's not mine, neither is Draco, Hermione, Ron, or anyone else (well maybe Lucius ::jumps up and down in excitement:: I CALL HIM! I CALL HIM! ::calms down::), but the all the ideas in this fic are mine, so please don't steal them . . . *ahem ahem* Yeah, anyways, I'm not J.K. Rowling. . . "I'm just a sucker with no self esteem". . .
Well, there's a lot of songs in this chapter, so if you want to download them, here they are, in order of appearance. . .
"Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence
"Keep Em Separated" by The Offspring
"Still Waiting" by SUM 41 (. . . I'm seeing them in July . . . ::grins furiously:: . . . and Simple Plan . . . and A.F.I. . . . and the Ataris . . . okay, I'll shut up now. . .)
"Get Free" by The Vines
"Like A Stone" by Audioslave
"Entertain Us" by Nirvana (The BEST F***ING BAND EVER!!!!)
And I don't know if I told this before, but here's band members and who plays what:
STRATEGEM
Harry - lead/rhythm guitar, vocals (think Sum 41, Ataris, Simple Plan, Weezer (kind of), etc.)
Ron - bass guitar, vocals (think Offspring, Ramones, etc.)
Hermione - drums
THE RENEGADE BRIGADE (I made half the names, so, yeah)
Draco - bass, lead guitar, vocals (Audioslave, Vines, Red Hot Chili Peppers in a way, etc.)
Marcus - rhythm guitar, vocals
Dave - bass
Chester - drums
By the way, thanks to everyone who sent songs in . . . I considered all of them, they are all on my favorite song lists, but they didn't fit here, but trust me . . . they'll probably be somewhere. . . and if you want me to randomly listen to something, just send me the name of the song and who sings it. . . maybe with a review too. . .
Don't stop with the reviews! They are so helpful! You guys are the best! I love you all!
Alright, on with the story. . .
CHAPTER FIVE
~ The Battle ~
After the Yule Ball, Harry and Hermione announced that they were a couple and were found on most nights in the common room snuggling on a couch as they did their homework, and sometimes something else.
~~~~~
One Saturday afternoon, Hermione, Lavender, and Parvati entered the Great Hall for a late lunch to find Harry and Ron sitting across from each other, stuffing pieces of pie into their mouths.
Nothing the empty plates surrounding them, Hermione asked, "Pie eating contest?"
Harry nodded, not stopping his eating.
After two minutes, the girls decided to start eating since it was all too obvious that Harry and Ron wouldn't be done anytime soon.
~~~~~
As they were finishing their dessert, the girls heard the sound of Ron throwing this fork on the table.
At the sound, the girls turned to see the outcome of the contest.
Both boys were looking sick, but Harry had a triumphant grin on his face.
"I won." He said to Hermione, holding his stomach.
"And what? You think I should reward you?" Hermione retorted.
Harry pouted, and Hermione tried to resist the urge to smile, but failed.
"Oh Harry." Hermione continued, picking up a napkin, "What am I going to do with you?" She wiped a piece of pie that was on the side of his mouth.
"Well," Harry replied, feigning deep thought, "you could kiss me and make me feel all better?" He asked hopefully.
Hermione laughed and gently pressed her lips against his. When she started to stand, Harry wrapped his arms around her and pulled her onto his lap.
"Harry!" She squealed, before Harry kissed her.
As their lips clashed, Harry slid his tongue along her lower lip, pleased when she opened her lips and allowed his tongue to explore.
Harry flicked his tongue against the roof of her mouth, relishing in her soft gasp, which caused him to kiss her harder.
"Oh, get a room!" Harry heard. With a light groan, he removed his lips from Hermione's. Looking in the direction of the sound, Harry saw the disgusted faced of Ron, Lavender, and Parvati.
Hermione grinned slyly and winked at Harry.
"Well, Harry, yours or mine?" She asked suggestively.
Harry caught on and replied, "Yours, definitely. I don't think Ron would be too happy if he found out we did it on his bed AGAIN."
They laughed at Ron's shocked expression.
"Ron, we were just kidding." Hermione said. "We did the nasty on Lavender's bed."
"But honey," Harry interrupted, "I didn't think it was that nasty. It was actually quite pleasant."
At this point, Hermione was almost bent double from laughing too hard. Harry couldn't help but laugh along with her.
10 minutes later, the group walked outside, and were found playing tag for the rest of the afternoon.
~~~~~
The next Friday, Harry was walking by himself to the Divination classroom when he noticed Draco ahead of him.
"Hey." He said as he walked up to Draco.
"Potter." Draco replied. "This Saturday's the Battle of the Bands, huh?"
It was well know that Draco's band, The Renegade Brigade, was battling Stratagem at The Hog's Head, one of the biggest venues in Hogsmeade.
"Yeah," Harry replied, "Good luck."
"Actually, I was wondering if you could do something for me." Draco stated as he forcibly lead Harry down a hallway.
"But," Harry protested, "I have to go to Divination!"
Draco smirked, "Do you WANT to go to Divination?"
Harry looked confused. "No?"
"Thought so. Come on."
~~~~~
After school, Harry sat at a table in the Great Hall, contemplating whether or not he should do what Draco asked him. He wanted to, but he wasn't sure Hermione or Ron would support him, and Ron might say he was "fraternizing with the enemy" or something.
As Harry thought some more, Hermione and Ron walked into the Great Hall, talking about the upcoming Battle.
"We only need to worry about Draco's band." Hermione was saying, "all the other bands are shit. We should be fine, because we are the school's favorite. Hey Harry." She added as she sat next to Harry.
Ron sat down across from them and asked, "What does Draco play?"
"Well, we both play guitar, bass, and drums, but he usually plays bass when he's performing. Sometimes he'll play guitar, but he'll usually get a band member or someone else to do it." Hermione replied.
All this time, Harry had been sitting silently, wondering when they would let him in the conversation.
"We need to go dancing." Hermione stated, directing her attention to Harry.
"Uhh. . . we do?" He asked, confused.
"Yes. Ron, you and Lavender can come too! Let's go to Nitelife. Oh, it'll be so much fun!" She added, with an excited expression on her face.
"It will?" Ron questioned, wearing a shocked expression similar to Harry's.
Hermione sighed, exasperated. "Yes, it will. Lav and I will be ready at 6. Wear something suitable. Well, I have to go get ready. Bye!"
After Hermione left, Harry and Ron stared at each other with identical confused expressions on their faces.
Women.
~~~~~
However, Harry and Ron didn't want to anger their girlfriends, so they were ready and waiting at 6.
When Hermione and Lavender entered the Common Room, Harry and Ron's eyes widened when they saw the girls' outfits.
Hermione had styled her hair into two loose braids, which made her look innocent.
Her outfit, however, was anything but.
Hermione, in support of her brother, had chosen to wear a Renegade Brigade concert tee, which she had cropped to reveal her flat tanned stomach. If that weren't enough, the shirt was at least two sizes too small for her, causing it to fit her like a second skin.
She had paired the shirt with a pleated black miniskirt, showing off her long legs, which were encased in black fishnets. Fishnets that seemed to be held up by-
"Holy shit. Hermione, is that a GARTER belt?" Harry exclaimed.
"Yup." Hermione replied, seemingly delighted with Harry's reaction to her outfit. "Like it?" She asked, twirling, an act that caused more of the lacy undergarment to be visible to his gaze.
Harry was speechless. Hermione laughed and dragged him out of the Common Room, following Lavender and Ron.
~~~~~
After twenty minutes of waiting, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Lavender finally got into Nitelife.
Since Ron and Lavender were feeling a little hungry, the decided to go to the bar and join Hermione and Harry on the dance floor later.
Harry took Hermione's hand and led her to the dance floor.
~~~~~
Music blasted from the speakers as Harry spun Hermione into his embrace.
"Harry!" Hermione gasped in surprise at his sudden movement. She placed her hands on Harry's upper arms as he rubbed his thumbs along the skin of her lower back that was exposed by the short tee shirt.
"Ooh, Mr. Potter, have you been working out?" Hermione asked as she massaged his muscled arms, easily visible through the tight-fitting forest green tee shirt he was wearing.
Harry groaned at the feel of her thin fingers through his tee shirt and pulled her closer, wanting - no - NEEDING to feel her against him
Hermione moaned softly as Harry kissed her neck. "Hmm." She sighed as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "You naughty boy."
Harry laughed softly and whispered in her ear, "I can't help but be naughty if you wear such naughty outfits." He said, stroking Hermione's thigh and tracing the exposed strap with his finger, relishing in her soft gasp. (Anyone wish they were Hermione right now?)
Harry captured her lips with his and started to sway to the music.
"Now that I know what I'm without
You can't just leave me
Breathe into me and make me real
Bring me to life
(Wake me up)
Wake me up inside
(I can't wake up)
Wake me up inside
(Save me)
Call my name and save me from the dark
(Wake me up)
Bid my blood to run
(I can't wake up)
Before I come undone
(Save me)
Save me from the nothing I've become
Bring me to life"
~~~~~
Ron and Lavender joined Harry and Hermione about an hour later and the four danced late in to the night.
At one in the morning, the quartet stumbled into the common room, tired and sweaty from the dancing they had done.
"Good night Harry." Hermione whispered as she stood on tiptoe to give him a soft kiss.
"Sweet dreams." Harry said as he gave her a hug.
After one last kiss, the couple smiled at each other and walked to their separate dormitories, where they fell asleep, dreaming about being in each other's arms.
~~~~~
The next day, the subject of everyone's conversation was the Battle of the Bands taking place that night. Hermione had the brilliant idea to sell Stratagem tee shirts, which were bought by all of the Gryffindors, some Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, and even a few Slytherins, to their great surprise.
However, while the students were carefree, the bands were anything but. At lunch, Draco could be seen twirling a guitar pick between his fingers and nervously running his hands through his hair. Hermione was spinning her drumsticks, staring into oblivion. Harry and Ron were reacting to their nervousness in the same manner: stare at their plates without moving, and maybe everything will turn out okay.
"I can't STAND it!" Hermione yelled suddenly. Harry and Ron, surprised by her sudden outburst, jumped in their seats, then looked at Hermione who was getting out of her seat.
"I'm going flying." She continued, heading to the Common Room to get her broom.
Harry and Ron, having nothing better to do, decided to follow her.
~~~~~
Fifteen minutes later, the trio walked out onto the empty Quidditch field with their brooms at hand.
"Ever played Broom Tag?" Hermione asked.
Harry and Ron shook their heads.
"Well, come on then!" Hermione yelled as she jumped onto her broom and flew into the air.
Harry and Ron followed her, feeling their nervousness die as they flew higher and higher.
"Broom Tag's simple really," Hermione stated matter of factly, "It's just tag. . . on brooms. Harry's it!" Hermione yelled as she flew 20 feet away.
Harry and Ron caught on quickly, and Harry chased after Ron, effectively "tagging" him in a matter of seconds.
The two boys turned to chase after Hermione, who was laughing at Ron's capture. But when she noticed the two boys chasing after her, she screamed and sped off.
"Come and catch me boys!" She yelled as she circled around on of the goalposts.
It took about 10 minutes for Harry and Ron to catch Hermione, but the trio played until dinner, when they decided to eat a light dinner and then head over to The Hog's Head where the Battle was supposed to take place.
~~~~~
At seven, the trio was in the crowd of students, waiting for the Battle to start. They were the second to last band to compete, so they could see most of the other performers.
Hermione was correct; Draco's band was the only one they needed to worry about.
Sooner than they expected, the trio needed to go backstage to prepare.
~~~~~
"Okay," Harry said. "We're the best bloody band out there, so let's give them the best we got."
Hermione and Ron nodded.
"Next up . . . STRATAGEM!" The announced called and the band walked out to the cheering fans that awaited them.
On the unlit stage, Harry adjusted the mike and looked at Hermione.
Hermione nodded and began to play.
Harry turned back to the mike and began to sing.
"You gotta keep 'em separated."
(Listen to the song and when they really start to rock is when the lights come on. . . just to let you know.)
The lights flashed on as the band started to rock.
"Like the latest fashion
Like a spreading disease
The kids are strappin'
On their way to the classroom
Getting weapons
With the greatest of ease
The gangs stake
Their own campus locales
And if they catch you slippin'
Then it's all over pal
If one guy's colors
And the other's don't mix
They're going to bash it up"
It was as if the audience was giving them the extra energy to do their best, and Harry grinned as he continued to play.
"Hey man you talkin' back to me?
Take him out
You gotta keep 'em separated
Hey man you disrespectin' me?
Take him out
You gotta keep 'em separated
Hey they don't pay no mind
If you're under 18
You won't be doing any time
Hey come out play."
The sound of the crowd was deafening, and all Harry could do was grin. He turned to Ron and Hermione and saw similar grins on their faces. This was one of the happiest moments in his life.
"Hello Hogwarts!" he said into the mike, causing all the girls to scream with delight. One girl screamed at the top of her lungs, "I LOVE YOU HARRY POTTER!", causing Harry to blush and Ron and Hermione to laugh.
"Let's ROCK!" Ron yelled and Hermione started to drums once more.
Harry began to sing, and soon the band was swept up in the music they loved.
"So am I still waiting
For this world to stop hating
Can't find a good reason
Can't find hope to believe in."
Harry never felt happier as he played his guitar with ease and perfection.
"This can't last forever
Time won't make things better
I feel so alone
Can't help myself
And no one knows
If this is worthless, tell me so"
Out of the corner of his eye, Harry could see Hermione on the drums. She looked so cute, beating the pulp out of her new baby pink drums.
"So am I still waiting
For this world to stop hating
Can't find a good reason
Can't find hope to believe in
So am I still waiting
For this world to stop hating
Can't find a good reason
For this world to BELIEVE!"
The euphoria the band felt carried them through the backstage area to the crowd, where they were now standing, full of dread, waiting for Draco's band to perform.
"Now, ladies and gents, THE RENEGADE BRIGADE!"
The cheers had the same volume as the welcome Stratagem got from the crowd, but Harry noted that most of the fans seemed to be in Slytherin.
Like Harry, Draco had quite a substantial female fan club, so he got his fair share of "I LOVE YOU"s as he came onto the stage.
As he readied his bass, Draco's gaze met Hermione's and she smiled, causing him to smile in return.
Draco looked around as his band members and they began to play.
"I'm gonna get free
I'm gonna get free
I'm gonna get free
Ride into the sun"
Harry noticed that Draco's singing style was different from his own, but they were both excellent. He wondered who would win, since they were both so good.
"Get (Get)
Me (Me)
Far (Far)
When I've a lot to lose
Save (Save)
Me (Me)
From (From)
Here (Here)"
Hermione's eyes never wavered from Draco. It seemed she was sending all of her positive energy to him, so he could play his best.
"She never loved me
She never loved me
She never loved me
Why should anyone?"
Harry noticed Hermione rubbing her eyes. 'Is she crying?' Harry thought. When she smiled at him, he decided he was wrong and returned his attention to Draco.
"Come here
Come here
Come here
You know you really oughta
Come here
Come here
Come here
Move outta California!"
As the song finished Hermione smiled and jumped up and down, cheering her brother on. Harry smiled at her obvious excitement, wishing he had a brother or sister to share the same love Hermione and Draco had for each other.
As Harry had reflected on Hermione and Draco's sibling relationship, Draco has switched from a bass to an electric guitar and had begun the Renegade Brigade's next song.
"In your house
I long to be
Room by room
Patiently
I'll wait for you there
Like a stone
I'll wait for you there
Alone
Alone"
Harry was enthralled by the expertise that Draco used to play his guitar. 'Wow' was the only thing that came to Harry's mind. It seems that Draco and the guitar were one as the music flooded his mind.
"In all I read
Till the day was gone
And I sat in regret
In all the things I've done
For all that I've blessed
And all that I've wronged
In dreams until my death
I will wonder on
In your house
I long to be
Room by room
Patiently
I'll wait for you there
Like a stone
I'll wait for you there
Alone
Alone"
As Draco strummed the last chord, the crowd went wild and screamed for more. The Renegade Brigade, however, was done performing.
While everyone was still cheering, Harry slipped backstage unnoticed by everyone, except Hermione.
~~~~~
"Well, that's all for tonight!" Seamus, the night's presenter, yelled. "And the winner is. . . oh my god! It's a tie! Stratagem and The Renegade Brigade!"
Backstage, Harry and Draco gave each other a high five, congratulating each other.
"Well, Harry, ready to go?" Draco asked.
Harry grabbed his guitar.
"Yeah. Let's do it."
~~~~~
The lights turned back on as Draco and Harry walked out together, each holding their instrument.
"Hey folks." Draco said into the mike. "Before we go, Harry and I have something to say. . . ENTERTAIN US!"
Draco and Harry looked at each other nodded in unison.
'Here goes' Harry thought as he began to play.
Draco was practically screaming into the microphone as they sang.
"With the lights out
It's less dangerous
Here we are now
Entertain us
I feel stupid
And contagious
Here we are now
Entertain us"
Harry saw Hermione in the crowd, and when she caught his gaze, she gave him to sweetest smile he had ever seen.
"A mulatto
An albino
A mosquito
My libido
Yeah
A denial
A denial
A denial"
With the last chord, the crowd screamed louder than they had before. Harry thought he would go deaf from the sound.
~~~~~
The rest of the night was a blur to Harry, but the only thing he remembered was the happy expression on Hermione's face when she ran up to Harry after the Battle.
And as Harry lay on his bed in the boys dormitory, reflecting on the evening's events, he thought 'life couldn't get better than this.'
~~~~~
~THE END OF CHAPTER FIVE~
God, I thought I would never have that done. By the way, Voldemort isn't in this fic. He would just spoil the whole romantic aspect.
And sorry about the whole crying thing in the concert. . . it may have a purpose, it may not. . . maybe Hermione was just suffering from P.M.S. . . like I have. . . just one of life's little mysteries.
CHAPTER PREVIEW:
Chapter 6: No Idea (that's not what it's called, I really have no idea)
Well, it's Valentine's Day! So that means dates, chocolates, and flowers galore! I think that this fic will only have like 8 chapters, so it is the third to last chapter (.
Thanks again to all my reviewers, especially. . . (I think I may have a Review Hall of Fame at the end. . . cuz I have no life)
Blue Eyes - Hermione - Mistress del Mare (nice name) - Jeni - PsychoticNetJunkie (another nice name) - Maddie - Kit - Julz - Meegie - JATLRBZL Fanatic - Shdurrani - Amanda - TheGeekishPixie (yet another good name) - nic-hp-06 - Crystalline Lily - SilverMuse - The Star Angel - gift - CrdCptr_Hikari - mary-jane - CheerPrincess - RussetWolf713 - harryandhermforever - MioneH/H556 - Linz
Thanks you guys. . . don't stop the reviews! They help, a lot! And write suggestions, just in case I run out of my ideas. Thanks!
Once again, I forgot the disclaimer in the last chapter, so here it is..
DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter's not mine, neither is Draco, Hermione, Ron, or anyone else (well maybe Lucius ::jumps up and down in excitement:: I CALL HIM! I CALL HIM! ::calms down::), but the all the ideas in this fic are mine, so please don't steal them . . . *ahem ahem* Yeah, anyways, I'm not J.K. Rowling. . . "I'm just a sucker with no self esteem". . .
Well, there's a lot of songs in this chapter, so if you want to download them, here they are, in order of appearance. . .
"Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence
"Keep Em Separated" by The Offspring
"Still Waiting" by SUM 41 (. . . I'm seeing them in July . . . ::grins furiously:: . . . and Simple Plan . . . and A.F.I. . . . and the Ataris . . . okay, I'll shut up now. . .)
"Get Free" by The Vines
"Like A Stone" by Audioslave
"Entertain Us" by Nirvana (The BEST F***ING BAND EVER!!!!)
And I don't know if I told this before, but here's band members and who plays what:
STRATEGEM
Harry - lead/rhythm guitar, vocals (think Sum 41, Ataris, Simple Plan, Weezer (kind of), etc.)
Ron - bass guitar, vocals (think Offspring, Ramones, etc.)
Hermione - drums
THE RENEGADE BRIGADE (I made half the names, so, yeah)
Draco - bass, lead guitar, vocals (Audioslave, Vines, Red Hot Chili Peppers in a way, etc.)
Marcus - rhythm guitar, vocals
Dave - bass
Chester - drums
By the way, thanks to everyone who sent songs in . . . I considered all of them, they are all on my favorite song lists, but they didn't fit here, but trust me . . . they'll probably be somewhere. . . and if you want me to randomly listen to something, just send me the name of the song and who sings it. . . maybe with a review too. . .
Don't stop with the reviews! They are so helpful! You guys are the best! I love you all!
Alright, on with the story. . .
CHAPTER FIVE
~ The Battle ~
After the Yule Ball, Harry and Hermione announced that they were a couple and were found on most nights in the common room snuggling on a couch as they did their homework, and sometimes something else.
~~~~~
One Saturday afternoon, Hermione, Lavender, and Parvati entered the Great Hall for a late lunch to find Harry and Ron sitting across from each other, stuffing pieces of pie into their mouths.
Nothing the empty plates surrounding them, Hermione asked, "Pie eating contest?"
Harry nodded, not stopping his eating.
After two minutes, the girls decided to start eating since it was all too obvious that Harry and Ron wouldn't be done anytime soon.
~~~~~
As they were finishing their dessert, the girls heard the sound of Ron throwing this fork on the table.
At the sound, the girls turned to see the outcome of the contest.
Both boys were looking sick, but Harry had a triumphant grin on his face.
"I won." He said to Hermione, holding his stomach.
"And what? You think I should reward you?" Hermione retorted.
Harry pouted, and Hermione tried to resist the urge to smile, but failed.
"Oh Harry." Hermione continued, picking up a napkin, "What am I going to do with you?" She wiped a piece of pie that was on the side of his mouth.
"Well," Harry replied, feigning deep thought, "you could kiss me and make me feel all better?" He asked hopefully.
Hermione laughed and gently pressed her lips against his. When she started to stand, Harry wrapped his arms around her and pulled her onto his lap.
"Harry!" She squealed, before Harry kissed her.
As their lips clashed, Harry slid his tongue along her lower lip, pleased when she opened her lips and allowed his tongue to explore.
Harry flicked his tongue against the roof of her mouth, relishing in her soft gasp, which caused him to kiss her harder.
"Oh, get a room!" Harry heard. With a light groan, he removed his lips from Hermione's. Looking in the direction of the sound, Harry saw the disgusted faced of Ron, Lavender, and Parvati.
Hermione grinned slyly and winked at Harry.
"Well, Harry, yours or mine?" She asked suggestively.
Harry caught on and replied, "Yours, definitely. I don't think Ron would be too happy if he found out we did it on his bed AGAIN."
They laughed at Ron's shocked expression.
"Ron, we were just kidding." Hermione said. "We did the nasty on Lavender's bed."
"But honey," Harry interrupted, "I didn't think it was that nasty. It was actually quite pleasant."
At this point, Hermione was almost bent double from laughing too hard. Harry couldn't help but laugh along with her.
10 minutes later, the group walked outside, and were found playing tag for the rest of the afternoon.
~~~~~
The next Friday, Harry was walking by himself to the Divination classroom when he noticed Draco ahead of him.
"Hey." He said as he walked up to Draco.
"Potter." Draco replied. "This Saturday's the Battle of the Bands, huh?"
It was well know that Draco's band, The Renegade Brigade, was battling Stratagem at The Hog's Head, one of the biggest venues in Hogsmeade.
"Yeah," Harry replied, "Good luck."
"Actually, I was wondering if you could do something for me." Draco stated as he forcibly lead Harry down a hallway.
"But," Harry protested, "I have to go to Divination!"
Draco smirked, "Do you WANT to go to Divination?"
Harry looked confused. "No?"
"Thought so. Come on."
~~~~~
After school, Harry sat at a table in the Great Hall, contemplating whether or not he should do what Draco asked him. He wanted to, but he wasn't sure Hermione or Ron would support him, and Ron might say he was "fraternizing with the enemy" or something.
As Harry thought some more, Hermione and Ron walked into the Great Hall, talking about the upcoming Battle.
"We only need to worry about Draco's band." Hermione was saying, "all the other bands are shit. We should be fine, because we are the school's favorite. Hey Harry." She added as she sat next to Harry.
Ron sat down across from them and asked, "What does Draco play?"
"Well, we both play guitar, bass, and drums, but he usually plays bass when he's performing. Sometimes he'll play guitar, but he'll usually get a band member or someone else to do it." Hermione replied.
All this time, Harry had been sitting silently, wondering when they would let him in the conversation.
"We need to go dancing." Hermione stated, directing her attention to Harry.
"Uhh. . . we do?" He asked, confused.
"Yes. Ron, you and Lavender can come too! Let's go to Nitelife. Oh, it'll be so much fun!" She added, with an excited expression on her face.
"It will?" Ron questioned, wearing a shocked expression similar to Harry's.
Hermione sighed, exasperated. "Yes, it will. Lav and I will be ready at 6. Wear something suitable. Well, I have to go get ready. Bye!"
After Hermione left, Harry and Ron stared at each other with identical confused expressions on their faces.
Women.
~~~~~
However, Harry and Ron didn't want to anger their girlfriends, so they were ready and waiting at 6.
When Hermione and Lavender entered the Common Room, Harry and Ron's eyes widened when they saw the girls' outfits.
Hermione had styled her hair into two loose braids, which made her look innocent.
Her outfit, however, was anything but.
Hermione, in support of her brother, had chosen to wear a Renegade Brigade concert tee, which she had cropped to reveal her flat tanned stomach. If that weren't enough, the shirt was at least two sizes too small for her, causing it to fit her like a second skin.
She had paired the shirt with a pleated black miniskirt, showing off her long legs, which were encased in black fishnets. Fishnets that seemed to be held up by-
"Holy shit. Hermione, is that a GARTER belt?" Harry exclaimed.
"Yup." Hermione replied, seemingly delighted with Harry's reaction to her outfit. "Like it?" She asked, twirling, an act that caused more of the lacy undergarment to be visible to his gaze.
Harry was speechless. Hermione laughed and dragged him out of the Common Room, following Lavender and Ron.
~~~~~
After twenty minutes of waiting, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Lavender finally got into Nitelife.
Since Ron and Lavender were feeling a little hungry, the decided to go to the bar and join Hermione and Harry on the dance floor later.
Harry took Hermione's hand and led her to the dance floor.
~~~~~
Music blasted from the speakers as Harry spun Hermione into his embrace.
"Harry!" Hermione gasped in surprise at his sudden movement. She placed her hands on Harry's upper arms as he rubbed his thumbs along the skin of her lower back that was exposed by the short tee shirt.
"Ooh, Mr. Potter, have you been working out?" Hermione asked as she massaged his muscled arms, easily visible through the tight-fitting forest green tee shirt he was wearing.
Harry groaned at the feel of her thin fingers through his tee shirt and pulled her closer, wanting - no - NEEDING to feel her against him
Hermione moaned softly as Harry kissed her neck. "Hmm." She sighed as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "You naughty boy."
Harry laughed softly and whispered in her ear, "I can't help but be naughty if you wear such naughty outfits." He said, stroking Hermione's thigh and tracing the exposed strap with his finger, relishing in her soft gasp. (Anyone wish they were Hermione right now?)
Harry captured her lips with his and started to sway to the music.
"Now that I know what I'm without
You can't just leave me
Breathe into me and make me real
Bring me to life
(Wake me up)
Wake me up inside
(I can't wake up)
Wake me up inside
(Save me)
Call my name and save me from the dark
(Wake me up)
Bid my blood to run
(I can't wake up)
Before I come undone
(Save me)
Save me from the nothing I've become
Bring me to life"
~~~~~
Ron and Lavender joined Harry and Hermione about an hour later and the four danced late in to the night.
At one in the morning, the quartet stumbled into the common room, tired and sweaty from the dancing they had done.
"Good night Harry." Hermione whispered as she stood on tiptoe to give him a soft kiss.
"Sweet dreams." Harry said as he gave her a hug.
After one last kiss, the couple smiled at each other and walked to their separate dormitories, where they fell asleep, dreaming about being in each other's arms.
~~~~~
The next day, the subject of everyone's conversation was the Battle of the Bands taking place that night. Hermione had the brilliant idea to sell Stratagem tee shirts, which were bought by all of the Gryffindors, some Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, and even a few Slytherins, to their great surprise.
However, while the students were carefree, the bands were anything but. At lunch, Draco could be seen twirling a guitar pick between his fingers and nervously running his hands through his hair. Hermione was spinning her drumsticks, staring into oblivion. Harry and Ron were reacting to their nervousness in the same manner: stare at their plates without moving, and maybe everything will turn out okay.
"I can't STAND it!" Hermione yelled suddenly. Harry and Ron, surprised by her sudden outburst, jumped in their seats, then looked at Hermione who was getting out of her seat.
"I'm going flying." She continued, heading to the Common Room to get her broom.
Harry and Ron, having nothing better to do, decided to follow her.
~~~~~
Fifteen minutes later, the trio walked out onto the empty Quidditch field with their brooms at hand.
"Ever played Broom Tag?" Hermione asked.
Harry and Ron shook their heads.
"Well, come on then!" Hermione yelled as she jumped onto her broom and flew into the air.
Harry and Ron followed her, feeling their nervousness die as they flew higher and higher.
"Broom Tag's simple really," Hermione stated matter of factly, "It's just tag. . . on brooms. Harry's it!" Hermione yelled as she flew 20 feet away.
Harry and Ron caught on quickly, and Harry chased after Ron, effectively "tagging" him in a matter of seconds.
The two boys turned to chase after Hermione, who was laughing at Ron's capture. But when she noticed the two boys chasing after her, she screamed and sped off.
"Come and catch me boys!" She yelled as she circled around on of the goalposts.
It took about 10 minutes for Harry and Ron to catch Hermione, but the trio played until dinner, when they decided to eat a light dinner and then head over to The Hog's Head where the Battle was supposed to take place.
~~~~~
At seven, the trio was in the crowd of students, waiting for the Battle to start. They were the second to last band to compete, so they could see most of the other performers.
Hermione was correct; Draco's band was the only one they needed to worry about.
Sooner than they expected, the trio needed to go backstage to prepare.
~~~~~
"Okay," Harry said. "We're the best bloody band out there, so let's give them the best we got."
Hermione and Ron nodded.
"Next up . . . STRATAGEM!" The announced called and the band walked out to the cheering fans that awaited them.
On the unlit stage, Harry adjusted the mike and looked at Hermione.
Hermione nodded and began to play.
Harry turned back to the mike and began to sing.
"You gotta keep 'em separated."
(Listen to the song and when they really start to rock is when the lights come on. . . just to let you know.)
The lights flashed on as the band started to rock.
"Like the latest fashion
Like a spreading disease
The kids are strappin'
On their way to the classroom
Getting weapons
With the greatest of ease
The gangs stake
Their own campus locales
And if they catch you slippin'
Then it's all over pal
If one guy's colors
And the other's don't mix
They're going to bash it up"
It was as if the audience was giving them the extra energy to do their best, and Harry grinned as he continued to play.
"Hey man you talkin' back to me?
Take him out
You gotta keep 'em separated
Hey man you disrespectin' me?
Take him out
You gotta keep 'em separated
Hey they don't pay no mind
If you're under 18
You won't be doing any time
Hey come out play."
The sound of the crowd was deafening, and all Harry could do was grin. He turned to Ron and Hermione and saw similar grins on their faces. This was one of the happiest moments in his life.
"Hello Hogwarts!" he said into the mike, causing all the girls to scream with delight. One girl screamed at the top of her lungs, "I LOVE YOU HARRY POTTER!", causing Harry to blush and Ron and Hermione to laugh.
"Let's ROCK!" Ron yelled and Hermione started to drums once more.
Harry began to sing, and soon the band was swept up in the music they loved.
"So am I still waiting
For this world to stop hating
Can't find a good reason
Can't find hope to believe in."
Harry never felt happier as he played his guitar with ease and perfection.
"This can't last forever
Time won't make things better
I feel so alone
Can't help myself
And no one knows
If this is worthless, tell me so"
Out of the corner of his eye, Harry could see Hermione on the drums. She looked so cute, beating the pulp out of her new baby pink drums.
"So am I still waiting
For this world to stop hating
Can't find a good reason
Can't find hope to believe in
So am I still waiting
For this world to stop hating
Can't find a good reason
For this world to BELIEVE!"
The euphoria the band felt carried them through the backstage area to the crowd, where they were now standing, full of dread, waiting for Draco's band to perform.
"Now, ladies and gents, THE RENEGADE BRIGADE!"
The cheers had the same volume as the welcome Stratagem got from the crowd, but Harry noted that most of the fans seemed to be in Slytherin.
Like Harry, Draco had quite a substantial female fan club, so he got his fair share of "I LOVE YOU"s as he came onto the stage.
As he readied his bass, Draco's gaze met Hermione's and she smiled, causing him to smile in return.
Draco looked around as his band members and they began to play.
"I'm gonna get free
I'm gonna get free
I'm gonna get free
Ride into the sun"
Harry noticed that Draco's singing style was different from his own, but they were both excellent. He wondered who would win, since they were both so good.
"Get (Get)
Me (Me)
Far (Far)
When I've a lot to lose
Save (Save)
Me (Me)
From (From)
Here (Here)"
Hermione's eyes never wavered from Draco. It seemed she was sending all of her positive energy to him, so he could play his best.
"She never loved me
She never loved me
She never loved me
Why should anyone?"
Harry noticed Hermione rubbing her eyes. 'Is she crying?' Harry thought. When she smiled at him, he decided he was wrong and returned his attention to Draco.
"Come here
Come here
Come here
You know you really oughta
Come here
Come here
Come here
Move outta California!"
As the song finished Hermione smiled and jumped up and down, cheering her brother on. Harry smiled at her obvious excitement, wishing he had a brother or sister to share the same love Hermione and Draco had for each other.
As Harry had reflected on Hermione and Draco's sibling relationship, Draco has switched from a bass to an electric guitar and had begun the Renegade Brigade's next song.
"In your house
I long to be
Room by room
Patiently
I'll wait for you there
Like a stone
I'll wait for you there
Alone
Alone"
Harry was enthralled by the expertise that Draco used to play his guitar. 'Wow' was the only thing that came to Harry's mind. It seems that Draco and the guitar were one as the music flooded his mind.
"In all I read
Till the day was gone
And I sat in regret
In all the things I've done
For all that I've blessed
And all that I've wronged
In dreams until my death
I will wonder on
In your house
I long to be
Room by room
Patiently
I'll wait for you there
Like a stone
I'll wait for you there
Alone
Alone"
As Draco strummed the last chord, the crowd went wild and screamed for more. The Renegade Brigade, however, was done performing.
While everyone was still cheering, Harry slipped backstage unnoticed by everyone, except Hermione.
~~~~~
"Well, that's all for tonight!" Seamus, the night's presenter, yelled. "And the winner is. . . oh my god! It's a tie! Stratagem and The Renegade Brigade!"
Backstage, Harry and Draco gave each other a high five, congratulating each other.
"Well, Harry, ready to go?" Draco asked.
Harry grabbed his guitar.
"Yeah. Let's do it."
~~~~~
The lights turned back on as Draco and Harry walked out together, each holding their instrument.
"Hey folks." Draco said into the mike. "Before we go, Harry and I have something to say. . . ENTERTAIN US!"
Draco and Harry looked at each other nodded in unison.
'Here goes' Harry thought as he began to play.
Draco was practically screaming into the microphone as they sang.
"With the lights out
It's less dangerous
Here we are now
Entertain us
I feel stupid
And contagious
Here we are now
Entertain us"
Harry saw Hermione in the crowd, and when she caught his gaze, she gave him to sweetest smile he had ever seen.
"A mulatto
An albino
A mosquito
My libido
Yeah
A denial
A denial
A denial"
With the last chord, the crowd screamed louder than they had before. Harry thought he would go deaf from the sound.
~~~~~
The rest of the night was a blur to Harry, but the only thing he remembered was the happy expression on Hermione's face when she ran up to Harry after the Battle.
And as Harry lay on his bed in the boys dormitory, reflecting on the evening's events, he thought 'life couldn't get better than this.'
~~~~~
~THE END OF CHAPTER FIVE~
God, I thought I would never have that done. By the way, Voldemort isn't in this fic. He would just spoil the whole romantic aspect.
And sorry about the whole crying thing in the concert. . . it may have a purpose, it may not. . . maybe Hermione was just suffering from P.M.S. . . like I have. . . just one of life's little mysteries.
CHAPTER PREVIEW:
Chapter 6: No Idea (that's not what it's called, I really have no idea)
Well, it's Valentine's Day! So that means dates, chocolates, and flowers galore! I think that this fic will only have like 8 chapters, so it is the third to last chapter (.
Thanks again to all my reviewers, especially. . . (I think I may have a Review Hall of Fame at the end. . . cuz I have no life)
Blue Eyes - Hermione - Mistress del Mare (nice name) - Jeni - PsychoticNetJunkie (another nice name) - Maddie - Kit - Julz - Meegie - JATLRBZL Fanatic - Shdurrani - Amanda - TheGeekishPixie (yet another good name) - nic-hp-06 - Crystalline Lily - SilverMuse - The Star Angel - gift - CrdCptr_Hikari - mary-jane - CheerPrincess - RussetWolf713 - harryandhermforever - MioneH/H556 - Linz
Thanks you guys. . . don't stop the reviews! They help, a lot! And write suggestions, just in case I run out of my ideas. Thanks!
