Disclaimer: None of the characters that you recognize are mine. They belong to J.K. Rowlings and not to me!
A/N: Ok, I guess I've kept you in suspense long enough! Honestly, I wish I could just sit down and write and write until this story was finished, but I have had so much homework that I'm lucky to have any free time to eat.
Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed! Every review put a huge smile on my face! You don't know how much I truly appreciate it! Now, on with the conclusion to Chapter 11!
Chapter 11
Part 2 of 2
Where we left off…
"Thank you Mr. Goyle for that… interesting choice. Could I please have… Neville Longbottom?" Prof. Starr's voice rang out.
Hermione saw Neville's face absolutely drain of color. He looked like he was about to pass out in a dead faint. Where he got the strength to get up, she'll never know.
* * * * *
Hermione watched with a pained look as Neville slowly made his way to the stage. She looked over at Professor Starr who looked like she hated herself at the moment for how scared Neville was. Hermione also glanced over at Professor Snape who couldn't have looked any happier if Harry told him he was leaving Hogwarts to live with the Dursleys. She wanted to hex him into another decade she was so mad at how much pleasure he took in other's grief.
Neville eventually got to the microphone, trembling all the way, all while Malfoy and his crowd were snickering loudly at poor Neville's anguish. The music began and Hermione was not surprised that Neville had opted for traditional karaoke since she feared if he had to sing solo, he would be traumatized for at least the next 28 years.
Neville started singing but Hermione had to truly strain to hear any noise come out of his mouth. His soft voice had a sweet sound to it and it calmed her nerves about singing. Slightly.
I been locked out
I been locked in
but I always seem to come back again
when you're in that room
what do you do
I know that I will have you in the end
and the clouds they are crying on you
and the birds are offering up their tunes
in a shack as remote as a mansion
you escape into a place where nothing moves
and I been locked out
By the time Neville finished singing, he was bright red and smiled when the auditorium erupted in applause. Hermione herself didn't know if she was clapping for a job well done or for him not fainting or throwing up halfway through the song.
"That was excellent, Neville. Truly brilliant. Remarkable job," Professor Starr praised. Hermione figured that Prof. Starr thought if she commended Neville enough, she would be forgiven for inflicting such torture on him, and she was right. Neville was nearly glowing from all the recognition as he sat back down in his seat.
"All right. Next is…." Hermione braced herself. She was ready to just get it over with so she was hoping to be next.
"Lavender Brown!" No such luck. She clapped for her friend and Lavender confidently walked up stage wearing an extremely short purple skirt and matching halter top. Hermione saw her 5 inch purple heels and knew if that had been her, she would of fallen flat on her face 2 minutes ago.
Lavender tapped her shoe to the beat and let her voice loose, doing a solo performance.
http://www.cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=523139896/pagename=/RP/CDN/FIND/album.html/ArtistID=HOKU/ITEMID=1178858 Click Another Dumb Blonde
I think that it's time
that I should just let you go
So I'll tell it to your face
instead of tell it to you on the phone
You see I thought that you were special baby
something unique
But lately I've come to find
That you're not really interested
in my heart or mind
That's alright
That's OK
You never loved me anyway
And I think that it's time for you to just move on
That's alright
That's OK
I bet you never thought you'd hear me say
That I think it's time for you to find another dumb blonde
Cause it's not me, no no
Cause it's not me, no no
Oh no
The audience gave an enthusiastic response, cheering for Lavender as she completed her song. "That was fantastic, Lavender. Thank You. Could Vincent Crabbe please come on up?" Prof. Starr asked innocently. Hermione would have bet all her chocolate frogs that Prof. Starr loved to see some of her students made complete idiots of themselves. And she wasn't disappointed with Crabbe's performance.
It took a while for it to sink into the young Slytherin's head that he was to go up and sing. He jumped up, caught his foot on the corner of the aisle, fell down, got up like nothing happened, and slowly walked to the stage, limping all the way. When the music started and he began to sing (Karaoke, naturally), it truly sounded like a dying cat. And when she heard the lyrics to the song, she couldn't help it. She burst out laughing, and she wasn't alone. All the students were stifling giggles and Hermione even saw Prof. McGonagall's lips turn upwards.
Smelly Cat, Smelly cat what are they feeding you?
Smelly Cat, smelly cat it's not your fault...
They won't take you to the vet.
You're obviously not their favorite pet.
You may not be a bed of roses,
And you're no friend to those with noses.
Smelly cat, smelly cat what are they feeding you?
Smelly cat, smelly cat it's not your fault!
Hermione had to give Crabbe a little credit though. He knew most of the words and only had to repeat Smelly Cat 3 times when he got lost. The auditorium politely clapped, all the while giggling.
"Thank you, Mr. Crabbe for that… malodorous performance," it looked like Crabbe smiled at what he had thought had been a compliment. "Next is Blaise Zabini."
"Hey, Hermione. What does malodorous mean?" Harry asked as Blaise walked up for her turn at the mike.
"Well, it has several meanings but the one I think she means it that his performance stunk," Hermione responded with a smile.
Blaise got to the stage and Hermione winched at what she was wearing. Her outfit rivaled Lavender's except Blasie wasn't the petite size 3 that Lav was and a short, skintight skirt, with a skimpy tube top wasn't exactly appropriate. Her ensemble was bright pink, and I mean bright. Hermione was instantly reminded of her Barbie's convertible she was inseparable with throughout pre-school. Ok, throughout third grade but she didn't like to say so.
Blaise assumed, what she must have thought was a sexy pose, bending one knee, to get ready but her top started inching down so she opted for standing up straight, and remained that way throughout her performance.
http://www.cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=523139896/pagename=/RP/CDN/FIND/album.html/artistid=AQUA/itemid=441083 Click Barbie Girl
I´m a barbie girl, in a barbie world
Life in plastic, it´s fantastic.
you can brush my hair, undress me everywhere.
Imagination, that is your creation.
Come on Barbie, let´s go party!
I´m a blond bimbo girl, in a fantasy world,
Dress me up, make it tight, I´m your darling.
You are my doll, rock´n´roll, feel the glamouring thing,
kiss me here, touch me there, hanky panky.
The auditorium was dead silent for a few seconds when she finished before Prof. Starr began clapping, forcing everyone else to do the same. Blaise smirked at what she must of thought was a killer performance and merrily bounded towards her gaggle of girlfriends who were just so impressed and cooed at how great she was and they were all stunned silent so that's why they didn't clap right away.
Next up was Dean, followed by Seamus before Millicent took the stage in an unforgettably horrible rendition of Britney Spears.
She wore a tight red leather halter top with matching pants which did nothing to flatter her figure.
(http://www.cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=523139896/pagename=/RP/CDN/FIND/album.html/artistid=SPEARS*BRITNEY/itemid=1434316) Click I'm A Slave 4 U
I'm a slave for you
I cannot hold it, I cannot control it
I'm a slave for you
I won't deny it, I'm not trying to hide it
Baby, don't you wanna dance up on me
To another time and place
Oh, baby, don't you wanna dance up on me
Leaving behind my name and age
Like that. You like that?
Yeah. Now watch me
The funniest part was during the entire performance, it seemed that Millicent was singing only to Malfoy. She was pointing her index finger directly at him every time she said "You." Hermione peeked over at Malfoy who was doing his best to totally ignore her. Millicent completed her song with a wink in Malfoy's direction and merrily skipped (well, as stealthily and evily as Slytherins skip) away to her seat.
"Very nice, Ms. Bulstrode. Well, we certainly have had some interesting performances today. Everyone is doing so… good," Professor Starr said tentatively, as if she was afraid to voice her true opinions. "Next up is…Pansy Parkinson!"
Pansy tossed her long blond hair behind her shoulders and marched up to the stage as if she owned the place. When the music came on, she opened her mouth and did a solo performance.
(http://www.cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=523139896/pagename=/RP/CDN/FIND/album.html/artistid=FORD*WILLA/itemid=1401449) Click I Wanna Be Bad
Oh, I, I,.....I
I wanna be bad witcha baby
I, I, I, I, I wanna be bad with ya baby
Do you
Understand what I need
From you
Just let me be the girl
To show you, you
Everything that you can be
Is everything that I can be (I wanna be)
My turn
Let me let you know that I, I can't
Promise that I won't do that
So, boy
State the time and place
'Cause you make me wanna misbehave
I wanna be bad (bad)
You make bad look so good
I've got things on my mind
I never thought I would
I, I wanna be bad (bad)
You make bad feel so good
I'm losing all my cool
I'm about to break the rules
I, I wanna be bad
Hermione joined her classmates in clapping at the end of her song. She was very surprised at how well Pansy had done.
"Very nice work, Ms. Parkinson. All right. Two of you are left," Prof Starr reminded. Hermione and Ron exchanged a look as they were the two leftovers. "Could Ron Weasley please entertain us?"
Ron sucked in a breath and closed his eyes for a moment. He got up and Hermione knew he was almost as nervous as Neville but hid it much better.
Ron took a deep breath up onstage and when the music began, he sang like he was born to, in a fabulous solo performance.
(http://www.cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=523139896/pagename=/RP/CDN/FIND/album.html/artistid=REO+SPEEDWAGON/itemid=1543412) Click I Can't Fight This..
I
can't fight this feeling any longer
And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow
What started out as friendship, has grown stronger
I only wish I had the strength to let it show
I tell myself that I can't hold out forever
I said there is no reason for my fear
Cause I feel so secure when we're together
You give my life direction
You make everything so clear
And even as I wander
I'm keeping you in sight
You're a candle in the window
On a cold, dark winter's night
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might
And I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
It's time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars, forever
Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
And if I have to crawl upon the floor
Come crushing through your door
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore
My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you
I've been running round in circles in my mind
And it always seems that I'm following you, girl
Cause you take me to the places that alone I'd never find
And even as I wander I'm keeping you in sight
You're a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter's night
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might
And I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
It's time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars, forever
Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
And if I have to crawl upon the floor
Come crushing through your door
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore.
Hermione was shell-shocked after he completed his song. Could it be true? Could he truly have feelings for her? Wait. He didn't look at you once during his song. What if you're jumping to idiotic conclusions. Hermione tried in vain to ignore that little voice inside her head that made her doubt her own existence but it kept on talking. He was looking a whole lot at Lavender. Maybe he's trying to reach out to her. Or… Oh no. He was looking at Pansy! Right at her!
Hermione's eyes grew wide as she saw what she couldn't comprehend. Ron's eyes had been practically fixated on Pansy, her mind remembered, as he sang his dear little heart out. As Ron made his way down the stairs to his seat, she didn't know what to do. A look of fear crossed her face. Should she say something? Ron, I'm so glad you have feelings for me too. I have been in love with you for a year or so now. Let's date and then we can get married and see if we can beat your mother in how many little Weasley's we can have running around at once! Oh, yeah that would go over real well.
"Brilliant, Ron! I must say, you have a lot of talent, young man. A lot of talent. Could Hermione Granger please come up?"
Hermione was so deep in thought about Ron that she nearly missed Professor Starr calling her name. She took a deep breath and stood up. She finally resolved what she would do. When she sang, she wouldn't look toward Ron at all. She'd look directly down the middle. Little did she realize that the Slytherins were seated in the center.
* * * * *
"What did I do?" Ron moaned to Harry as he sat down, his eyes watching Hermione go up to the stage.
"You were great, Ron. You were probably the best singer today," Harry encouraged.
"That's not the point! Did you see her face? She was mortified! She couldn't believe I had any feelings for her! I'm such an idiot. I'm so lucky I couldn't look directly at her while singing. At least now I can play it off as liking someone else. Oh! How could you talk me into singing a song for her?" Ron complained.
But whatever Harry was going to answer was halted by Hermione taking the microphone. Ron thought Hermione looked absolutely beautiful up onstage, all dressed in white. Actually, he always thought she looked beautiful. Even when she was in her pajamas, with bed head and morning breath, but he never dared say so.
Hermione began singing and it took Ron's breath away. (Click on I Surrender)
(http://www.cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=523139896/pagename=/RP/CDN/FIND/album.html/artistid=DION*CELINE/itemid=1499992)
There's so much life I've left to
live
And this fire is burning still
When I watch you look at me
I think I could find the will
To stand for every dream
And forsake this solid ground
And give up this fear within
Of what would happen if they ever knew
I'm in love with you
'Cause I'd surrender everything
To feel the chance to live again
I reach to you
I know you can feel it too
We'd make it through
A thousand dreams I still believe
I'd make you give them all to me
I'd hold you in my arms and never let go
I surrender
I know I can't survive
Another night away from you
You're the reason I go on
And now I need to live the truth
Right now, there's no better time
From this fear I will break free
And I'll live again with love
And no they can't take that away from me
And they will see...
'Cause I'd surrender everything
To feel the chance to live again
I reach to you
I know you can feel it too
We'd make it through
A thousand dreams I still believe
I'd make you give them all to me
I'd hold you in my arms and never let go
I surrender
Every night's getting longer
And this fire is getting stronger, babe
I'll swallow my pride and I'll be alive
Can't you hear my call
I surrender all
'Cause I'd surrender everything
To feel the chance to live again
I reach to you
I know you can feel it too
We'd make it through
A thousand dreams I still believe
I'd make you give them all to me
I'd hold you in my arms and never let go
I surrender
Right here, right now
O give my life to live again
I'll break free, take me
My everything, I surrender all to you
Right here, right now
O give my life to live again
I'll break free, take me
My everything, I surrender all to you
When Hermione finished, everyone, including Prof. Starr was stunned. Ron knew Hermione could sing, but he had never in all his 15 years heard anyone sing as good as that. The entire auditorium erupted in the largest standing ovation ever and Ron could tell even Snape was impressed.
When the applause died down, Prof. Starr motioned for Hermione to stop walking offstage.
"Hermione. I have never heard anyone who wasn't a professional sing like that. That was beyond words. You have such an amazing gift. A gift only about 1 in a million are blessed with. I am just… so surprised," Prof. Starr smiled. "Congratulations. You truly are a star."
Hermione smiled back shyly and went back to her seat with everyone whispering words of awe and astonishment as she went by them.
It was just then that the words of Hermione's song sunk into Ron's thick skull. He was overjoyed for a minute. She likes me! Then his mental smile faded and a feeling of dread spread over him. Oh no. She didn't look at me once during her performance. She was looking at Harry. Wait. No. She was looking at someone else. Right at Draco Malfoy. Ron's face drained of color. She's in love with Malfoy.
* * * * *
"I know it."
"Ron," Harry sighed. "You don't know anything. For the thousandth time, Hermione is not in love with Malfoy!"
"Yes, she is!" Ron insisted. "She had her lovey dovey eyes set only on him the whole time! I should have seen this coming."
"You are being absolutely ridiculous, Ron. I'm going to let it go, calling it side effects of being in love. You need to work this out with Hermione. Be brave! You weren't put into Gryffindor for nothing," Harry encouraged.
Ron shook his head. "I'm telling you. She likes him!"
Harry threw his hands up in exasperation. "You're right. How could I have been so blind. My, all those times Hermione has complained about, yelled at, and slapped Malfoy, was all in the name of denying her everlasting love for him. You are so quick."
Ron seriously looked at Harry. "See. What did I tell ya. Love hurts. Especially if it's forbidden. That's why she likes him. She's acting out of her perfect, good-girl image." At this point, Ron began furiously pacing the floor of their dorm room.
"And!," Ron lit up, "The song matched her feelings. 'I'd surrender everything, to feel the chance to live again.' Ha! She's saying how she would give up everything and everyone to be with him since she knows no one would approve. She feels alive with Malfoy since she's acting out." Ron stopped pacing for a moment. "Man, I'm good."
Harry couldn't contain his chuckles any longer. "Ron, you have thought this over way too much. What if she's simply saying that she'd forget all her doubts and fears, by letting you into her heart. So what if you cross the line between best friends and something more? She would be willing to do it."
Ron shook his head, pitying Harry. "Sorry, mate. You've got it all wrong. When you have more experience with women, you'll understand."
"And O' Great Knowledgeable One, what great romantic experiences have you had?" Harry asked with a smirk.
Ron turned red. "That's besides the point. The point, " he emphasized, "is that our best friend, whom we have practically grown up with, is in love with our worst enemy. And not with me," he finished, his shoulders drooping.
Harry knew Ron was focusing so much on Hermione and Malfoy since he feared rejection. Just because Hermione didn't pop out of her seat, kiss Ron soundly on the lips, and declare her undying love for him at the exact moment he completed his song, made Ron think that Hermione would never like him.
"Ron," Harry said slowly. "You are hopeless."
* * * * *
"How could I do that?"
"Hermione, it's ok," Parvati said consoling her anguished friend.
"No, it's not!" Hermione shouted into her pillow. She was lying on her stomach, on her bed, her face buried in her soft feather pillow that was currently drenched in her salty tears. "It will never be ok, unless I can turn back time and do a different song," she wailed.
The three other teens, Lavender, Parvati, and Ginny, exchanged worried looks.
"You were fantastic, Hermione," Lavender tried.
Hermione finally sat up, wiping her tears from her red face. "Yeah, but Ron didn't think so. He had this look of..of.. of humiliation on his face! He was ashamed! He can't stand the thought of being with me! And he was practically drooling over Pansy," she cried, blowing her nose rather loudly in a tissue Ginny had thoughtfully handed her.
"Umm. Hermione. Parvati and I were there and Ron was in no way, 'drooling over Pansy.' He was definitely drooling over you, though." Lavender said.
"Oh yeah? Then why did he completely avoid my eyes?" Hermione asked, her own eyes filling up again. "How can I be so stupid? Here I am, Hermione Granger, crying over……BOYS! I should be studying for next month's Transfiguration test or writing to my parents, or having a S.P.E.W revival, but not wasting my perfectly good tears over Ron Weasley."
"Hermione, you just need a good night's sleep is all," Ginny reasoned and proceeded to tuck Hermione in bed, an extra-large box of Kleenex tissues with Lotion, on her nightstand.
"Ok. Only, wake my when this year is over," Hermione pleaded.
The other 3 rolled their eyes.
"Goodnight, Hermione," they chorused.
"Night."
* * * * *
Sorry to end it here guys. I have so much more planned that I wanted to put in this chapter but I figured I'd better get something out before everyone forgets about me! You didn't really expect me to just put the 2 lovebirds together so quickly did you? :) Don't worry, they'll get together. Eventually. I'll try to put Chapter 12 out this weekend!
I Surrender blongs to Celine Dion
Can't Fight This Feeling belongs to REO Speedwagon
I Wanna Be Bad belongs to Willa Ford
I'm A Slave 4 U belongs to Britney Spears
Smelly Cat belongs to Phoebe of the NBC show Friends
Barbie Girl belongs to Aqua
Just Another Dumb Blonde belongs to Hoku
Locked Out belongs to Crowded House