Title: Wishes are for Dreamers (WAD)
Author: Yih
Disclaimer: All rights are JK. Rowling except for the lyrics and the situation ^_^.
Warning: This is slash, don't read if you don't like it!
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3: Fixing the Reverie (July 29, 2003 to August 2, 2003)
He was not good with children. That was one reason he thanked the gods above him that he was gay and not straight. No chance of having children, unless he married a psychopath that wanted to adopt. No bloody way that was going to happen. It wasn't like he could stay in a permanent relationship long enough for that. It was just too bloody hard.
"You should go after him," Lucius murmured into his ear suggestively. "Stop thinking and just go after him. I'd enjoy seeing you have to grovel and beg a bit. All this bloody fan worshipping is making you a complete prick."
Severus glared at him. "What makes you think I'll do that?"
Lucius smirked. "You'll have to if you want him to even look at you seriously. He may be a huge fan of yours but he isn't like one of those drooling fangirls. If he has an ounce of pride, he'll make you crawl on your hands and knees. You deserve to. I may be malicious but christ, Severus--- he's terminally ill! Could you be more cruel to him? More of a heartless bastard?"
Terminally ill people hit close to home for Lucius, Severus knew. Narcissa, his wife had died from breast cancer ten years ago. While he hadn't been madly in love with her, he had loved her--- they'd been best friends. All three of them had been great friends. Lucius had been devastated when she'd died.
There was nothing Severus could say to deny what Lucius had said. He had been a complete bastard to the boy, and he really hadn't meant to be. If he had known the child was there in the room, he wouldn't have said what he'd said. It wasn't like he wanted to hurt the boy's feelings; he just needed to get his frustration vented out at Lucius. The aim had been to relieve his anger before he met up with his fan so he wouldn't lose his temper.
There was nothing to do but grumble. Which Severus did as well as running his hand violently through his silky raven locks to give his hands something to do. "At least I'm not slimy and sly."
Clutching his heart dramatically, Lucius faked a hurt expression with the ease of a well versed actor. "Your words wound me, Sev." Severus narrowed his eyes, he hated when Lucius shortened his name. A fact Lucius was quite familiar with. "They really do. I've got scars from the sharpness of your tongue, imagine what you did to poor Harry who isn't accustom to it?"
Words were Lucius' favorite weapons and he was far too skillful at using them. Then again, Lucius always did have a talented tongue. Just thinking about Lucius' talents made him recall their past pleasurable liaisons. Maybe he'd take Lucius up on his offer. It'd been a long while since he'd relieved himself sexually. That might explain his foul temper. It was starting to get to him.
"You need to go after him," Lucius reminded him, his expression not bemused anymore but grave. An upset terminally ill kid was nothing to laugh about. "You won't get any peace of mind 'til you do."
~
It was a striking sight, seeing the crushed young man standing next to the expanse of glass that oversaw an excellent view of London overhead. Grave, solemn expression that didn't suit his boyish though classically sculpted cheekbones. A beautiful boy, his father would certainly eat him up. If his tastes ran in that direction, he might have been severely tempted. Even if he wasn't so inclined, it was hard to deny the young man's beauty. But he was unfortunately straight. It didn't stop him from appreciating the graceful form however. Malfoys enjoyed the finer things in life.
"He didn't mean what he said," Draco murmured softly, not wanting to startle the young man. "He was just trying to rankle my father," he tried to explain, though it sounded like a lame excuse. "He really does care about his fans. It's just that he doesn't socialize well."
"I know that," Harry said with a small smile. It was as he turned to smile at the elegant blond that he noticed the magnificent grand piano situated in the far corner. It called to him like the music that hummed in his veins. Addictive compulsion. He had to move to the piano, had to touch it.
Draco watched in utter fascination as Harry ran his fingers lightly over the keys. The reverence paid was like that of a lover's gentle touch. It was aching similar to the way Severus treated his instruments. Funny coincidence. "Do you play?"
The voice broke the intensity of the pull, but it didn't dissolve it. It did however bring Harry out of his daze. He looked up from his absorbing stud y of the piano and met sapphire eyes with his own emerald ones. "I play."
"Why don't you play then?" Draco offered amicably.
Harry hesitated, thinking Severus Snape wouldn't like having a stranger playing on his piano. But what the hell? Who cared! He hurt, might as well play--- it'd temper his raging emotions. Only music had the ability to soothe him. He found himself nodding and saw Draco grinning out of the corner of his eye. Here goes nothing. Poising his fingers over the keys, he thought momentarily what he would play.
Classical? No, he needed something edgier. Snapish. It seemed only fitting to play one of Snape's compositions on his precious piano. Sweet justice. Crashing his fingers with the precision of a master piano player, the piano sang the dark melody--- haunting and devious of the broody yet smashing successful single of "Living in Nightmares."
~
"This is for you," Poppy said softly, not wanting to disturbed the harmonic scene that one of her very favorite patients made sitting on the window sill letting the wind blow through her long dark hair. Hermione looked very good considering what she'd just come out of a few days before. "It's from Harry." She handed Hermione the square white envelope. "I thought you might like to have it after your transplant surgery."
Hermione had heard a lot about Harry, he was the boy that was giving her a chance to live. It was too good of him to give her a gift like this when his own life was slipping out of his fingers. She didn't know if she could be as selfless as him even if the probability of the transplant succeeding was as low as it was. It was still something, and by giving this up--- he had nothing.
It was a miracle when she had first heard word. Her parents had lost hope; she had lost faith. But out of the blue, Poppy had called her to tell her that their was a bone marrow that matched hers. That another one of her patients was passing over the bone marrow for her since it matched her so well even though he was next in line. Even though, theoretically the bone marrow matched him well enough for him to be the first one to get it, considering how long he'd been on the list.
But he'd let her because it almost guaranteed she'd live. It was a close to perfect match, such things like this didn't happen often. Rarely was there an 85% chance of success. It was a miracle. She smiled at Poppy sweetly. So far everything was going excellently. It looked like her body was accepting the donation as her own bone marrow. "I'd like that very much. Thank you." She took the envelope and carefully opened it. A note and a CD. She looked at the note first.
It read: Never give up. Never. I'm rooting for you. Believe that a miracle's arrived. --- Harry Potter.
She glanced down at the CD, wondering what was on it. She then looked up at Poppy with a questioning expression, thinking that Poppy might be able to explain. "Harry plays music. I think he recorded something for you."
"Oh." Hermione touched the CD lightly, immensely touched by the endearing gesture. Such a sweet boy, she hoped a miracle came for him. She popped the CD into her Sony Discman. She pushed the play button and the song burst out into her headphones. Soft and beautiful, harmonic. At first she thought it was merely instrumental when a throaty voice yet sweet sounding voice filled her eardrums. It must be Harry's voice. A good though not great voice. Not a true singer's voice but more than decent.
It wasn't his voice that made her want to listen to the song. No, it was the hypnotic music in the background and the beautiful lyrics. The message of the song was so uplifting; it was exactly what she needed after her surgery. It was the perfect song for the moment. So optimistic, when she did have hope rising in the horizon.
"Wishes are for Dreamers" by Yih
Wishes are for dreamers
Dreams are for believers
But what is left to believe in?
That a miracle is coming
Faith remains to those who are faithful
Mercy comes to those who are merciful
You get what you give
People say life isn't fair
I don't believe them
Life isn't always fair
But it isn't always rotten either
Wishes are for dreamers
Dreams are for believers
But what is left to believe in?
That a miracle is coming
It's coming for those who believe
What is left to believe in?
That a miracle is coming
And it's coming, coming soon
Voice Out: I wrote this song when I was still innocent.
It's hard to believe, but I want to think life's still decent.
~
Who the fuck was playing on his piano? That was the first overriding thought. He was damn good. That was the second and the much more tamer thought as his anger cooled. It could be Draco. No, it couldn't. Malfoys never played with passion. It's what made them fine businessmen but unimaginative artists. They lacked the ability to let loose. An integral gift of a true musician.
It wasn't Draco, then who was it? There was no one else that could play that well, unless it was. but it couldn't be--- it was the brat. He couldn't deny it, not when he was seeing it with his own eyes. The boy had talent, certainly the passion behind the music. Simply brilliant. Even his finger movements were inspired.
"He's good," Lucius murmured like velvet into his ear as he ranged up behind Severus. "Very good. Then again, I knew he would be. I did choose him after all."
"You knew?" Severus asked, trying to keep the astonishment out of his voice.
Lucius nodded thoughtfully, staring at the breathtaking scene his son made with the dark hair young man bending over in the posture of a passionate piano player. It was nothing like the dignified pose that Draco took when he played, there was a driving force behind Harry's playing that Draco lacked. "I knew that he played the piano," Lucius remarked, "but I did not know he played like that."
Obviously one could not glean that kind of information from a profile sheet that Lucius must have gotten from that McGonagall woman. True, it may have said he was a talented piano player, but Draco was gifted and he was not like this. It took him a moment to recognize the song that Harry was playing as one of his own compositions. The boy had changed it, the nuance of the music had been altered. Cleverly. It sounded almost like a different song entirely.
He stepped into the sitting room. Immediately, he felt Draco's silver eyes rest on him. They were reproaching and forewarning. Do not harm Harry. He gazed back at Draco, meeting his eyes with his own. His look wasn't challenging, merely accepting. He was the one at fault, and he knew it. What he had was said was unforgivable. It was snarky and snide, even for him.
Using the mellifluous voice control that he'd been coached through by his voice instructor, he made the tone he used to address the young man warm like heated honey, "You changed my song."
Harry knew that voice anywhere. It was Severus Snape. His body stiffened and he stopped playing mid song. At first, he was alarmed to hear Severus' voice, but he quickly got over that feeling. While he was more hurt than angry, it was his fury that appeared on his face when he turned his head to where Severus was standing. It was a defensive mechanism; he'd gotten good at maintaining a façade. He had to for his mother's sake. He didn't want her to know he felt as hopeless as she did. She was already crying herself to sleep every night as it was. His brave front made it easier.
The ferocity of the boy's--- no the young man's expression held as much emotion as his passionate playing. This young man was an artist, how intriguing. Very few people had the creative intuition that composers had to have. There were even fewer people that could manipulate one of his compositions into something like that--- so different yet so familiar. That was a gift.
Maybe the week spent with Harry wouldn't be so bad, he mused. Of course, first he had to repair the damage he had wrought in his misinformed vent at Lucius. It'd be easier if Harry was fickle, thought it pleased him that he wasn't. As Lucius had warned him, this wasn't going to be easy. All the better, he decided, since he thrived on challenges. The stern press of the young man's lips gave every impression of a stubborn mindset. A challenge he would be. Excellent.
He ought to apologize, but that wasn't his style. Even the wily and manipulative Lucius was hard pressed to get an apology wrung out of him when he didn't want to apologize. He didn't particularly want to now, even if he should. Anyway he didn't think saying sorry would do any good. Actions spoke much more decisively than words ever could. He was going to have to be considerate. Bloody hell. Lucius was going to get a kick out of this.
"You play my piece," Severus remarked, "even with the variations fairly well. Can you play a piece of your own or do you merely copy other people's hard work?"
It wasn't exactly overly considerate, but this was his normal personality speaking. He wasn't about to change it, though his conscience did remind him to be a little kinder with his diction than usual. Point taken. It appeared that his response was just what the doctor called for as Harry glared at him in one long lingering look before turning back to the grand piano.
"How dare you!" Minerva cried out, having followed Lucius and Severus into the sitting room though not having caught their privately whispered conversation. "I'll have you know that Harry---"
"Minerva," Harry cut in sharply, "I can handle this myself." Indeed, he could. While he still ached a little inside, his anger and desire to prove that he wasn't the typical drooling fan were overriding his pity parade. It was a good thing too. He disliked feeling self pity. It was a disgusting, wretched emotion. He hated falling into that hole.
Also, it didn't hurt the logical part of his brain had kicked in either. It must be bloody hell to be harassed by annoying fans when all you wanted to do was write the music churning in your veins. That thought didn't make the pain go away, yet at least it justified the source. Luckily, Severus had ignored the situation and had isntead acted in the manner that Harry expected.
Sharp. Critical. Blunt. What a welcomed relief. He hated self pity, but he despised pity from other people even more. It was intolerable; it was unbearable. This request was bearable, and it was tolerable. Music he could play. Music he could deal with. It was his lifeline. As his mother fondly said, it was his vent mechanism. Too true.
"Will you play?" Severus asked softly, seeing the conflict of emotions cross over Harry's face.
Harry stared down at the gleaming white keys. His biggest dream had always been to play one of his compositions to Severus Snape. Now he had the chance and his mind was blank. What to play. what to play? His mind had drawn an utter blank. His first thought was to play Rhapsody, but his gut said to play something else. He wouldn't have even consider it if he hadn't recorded it a few days ago.
The original title had been 'Wishes are for Dreamers,' but since he'd sung the song for Hermione Granger--- he'd gotten around to calling it 'Hermione's Miracle.' It wasn't a great composition; after all, he had written it when he was 12. But it was a sweet and optimistic song. It had a positive outlook on life. Then again, he'd written the song before cancer had ravaged his body.
"Please play," Draco murmured.
Someone was asking him to play. His forefinger touched the A key, it was compulsion to play when someone asked. He had played the first note of 'Hermione's Miracle,' there was no going back now. Positioning his other hand over the keys, he let the melodic tempo of the song guide him. It was a happy song, a hopeful song--- a song that believed in better.
His head was bent down in concentration, his raven black hair covering his vision. The way his lightly tanned hands glided over the keys spoke of a familiarity only a composer had with a piece composed by himself. It was a breathtaking sight. Severus fought the urge to smile. This song was happier than expected, a song that resounded and resonated vibrations of blessed joy.
It wasn't to be expected from a child that had death written in the wings. Yet it did seem to fit Harry. Everything about this young man pulsed out purity. Highly unusual. It was intoxicating. Mental warning flashed in his mind. Damn Lucius for even putting the thought in his head. Why did the boy have to be so obviously a young gorgeous man?
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Author's Note: Thanks for all your reviews! I've never received so many before. It makes me smile ^_^. Unless something happens to my muse, I will update weekly. I like what I did for the Hermione scene, even if it doesn't give that much info. Keep reviewing ;p. It makes my muse write. Choices: HP/SS is given, a Draco scene, a Lucius scene, a 'Mione scene--- reasons?
Severus' Song/Voice: I see his music a bit of a mixture of Dido/Evanescence with a voice like Jason Mraz (The Remedy) or this Korean guy -drools- his voice is SEX. I'll try to upload a clip for you guys to download if you're interested on my fanfic blog.
Thanks to Starlina, MA (eventually yes), Veritas4Eternity, DraconisSenshi (you're back!), Louisa, Lady LaCroix, Hippy Flower=Voldie's kid, Nightshade, athenakitty, kat, fan, Magami, Maximum Poofy-Queen of AU (I ADORE your fanfic, I need to review it, just haven't had time w/ my writing, I will though!), ntamara, Elizabeth, Kimdalia, BlackUmbridge, Melanie, IceTastesNice, Erica, Rose in the Globe, Ms. Padfoot, April Flower, Black Rose1, Wolf Lupin, Jewelclaw Lady of Wind (Minerva's Ms. Overprotective), abraxis (the demon is life), Deus, wintermoon2, Lady, selua, slytherinsela, Midnight Flower, Quickjewel (got you out of bed, uh huh!), Corgi1, Kateri1.
Setsuri: I hope the 'Mione scene pleased you. I thought it was sweet. And I hope my additional of Harry's musical talent was just what you asked for! You definitely helped kick my muse in continuing in the direction.
Domaris: Severus is back with a fury! I hope you're still left salivating for more.
oldone: You're spot on--- on the foil theory.
Lapis Lazuli2: I hope to finish this for you sweetie!
Jane: The road isn't going to be smooth, I'll give you that. OB fanfic? He'd be an actor instead of a singer ;p. And I wouldn't have to think he's famous 'cuz he is!
Malakai: Considering you're the inspiration for this fanfic your opinion matters most! UST is my thing! Tense atmosphere! When will it erupt?
Tempest8: Draco did some sly underhand action instead, satisfied with his part? You're dead on, the song is Severus'.
Eaiva le Fay: You're my most faithful reviewer. You always give me an opinion and I thank you for it! You're awesome! I live for your reviews! Yes, Harry's parents are Lily and James. Remus and Sirius may show up, depends on how long I make the story.
Author: Yih
Disclaimer: All rights are JK. Rowling except for the lyrics and the situation ^_^.
Warning: This is slash, don't read if you don't like it!
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3: Fixing the Reverie (July 29, 2003 to August 2, 2003)
He was not good with children. That was one reason he thanked the gods above him that he was gay and not straight. No chance of having children, unless he married a psychopath that wanted to adopt. No bloody way that was going to happen. It wasn't like he could stay in a permanent relationship long enough for that. It was just too bloody hard.
"You should go after him," Lucius murmured into his ear suggestively. "Stop thinking and just go after him. I'd enjoy seeing you have to grovel and beg a bit. All this bloody fan worshipping is making you a complete prick."
Severus glared at him. "What makes you think I'll do that?"
Lucius smirked. "You'll have to if you want him to even look at you seriously. He may be a huge fan of yours but he isn't like one of those drooling fangirls. If he has an ounce of pride, he'll make you crawl on your hands and knees. You deserve to. I may be malicious but christ, Severus--- he's terminally ill! Could you be more cruel to him? More of a heartless bastard?"
Terminally ill people hit close to home for Lucius, Severus knew. Narcissa, his wife had died from breast cancer ten years ago. While he hadn't been madly in love with her, he had loved her--- they'd been best friends. All three of them had been great friends. Lucius had been devastated when she'd died.
There was nothing Severus could say to deny what Lucius had said. He had been a complete bastard to the boy, and he really hadn't meant to be. If he had known the child was there in the room, he wouldn't have said what he'd said. It wasn't like he wanted to hurt the boy's feelings; he just needed to get his frustration vented out at Lucius. The aim had been to relieve his anger before he met up with his fan so he wouldn't lose his temper.
There was nothing to do but grumble. Which Severus did as well as running his hand violently through his silky raven locks to give his hands something to do. "At least I'm not slimy and sly."
Clutching his heart dramatically, Lucius faked a hurt expression with the ease of a well versed actor. "Your words wound me, Sev." Severus narrowed his eyes, he hated when Lucius shortened his name. A fact Lucius was quite familiar with. "They really do. I've got scars from the sharpness of your tongue, imagine what you did to poor Harry who isn't accustom to it?"
Words were Lucius' favorite weapons and he was far too skillful at using them. Then again, Lucius always did have a talented tongue. Just thinking about Lucius' talents made him recall their past pleasurable liaisons. Maybe he'd take Lucius up on his offer. It'd been a long while since he'd relieved himself sexually. That might explain his foul temper. It was starting to get to him.
"You need to go after him," Lucius reminded him, his expression not bemused anymore but grave. An upset terminally ill kid was nothing to laugh about. "You won't get any peace of mind 'til you do."
~
It was a striking sight, seeing the crushed young man standing next to the expanse of glass that oversaw an excellent view of London overhead. Grave, solemn expression that didn't suit his boyish though classically sculpted cheekbones. A beautiful boy, his father would certainly eat him up. If his tastes ran in that direction, he might have been severely tempted. Even if he wasn't so inclined, it was hard to deny the young man's beauty. But he was unfortunately straight. It didn't stop him from appreciating the graceful form however. Malfoys enjoyed the finer things in life.
"He didn't mean what he said," Draco murmured softly, not wanting to startle the young man. "He was just trying to rankle my father," he tried to explain, though it sounded like a lame excuse. "He really does care about his fans. It's just that he doesn't socialize well."
"I know that," Harry said with a small smile. It was as he turned to smile at the elegant blond that he noticed the magnificent grand piano situated in the far corner. It called to him like the music that hummed in his veins. Addictive compulsion. He had to move to the piano, had to touch it.
Draco watched in utter fascination as Harry ran his fingers lightly over the keys. The reverence paid was like that of a lover's gentle touch. It was aching similar to the way Severus treated his instruments. Funny coincidence. "Do you play?"
The voice broke the intensity of the pull, but it didn't dissolve it. It did however bring Harry out of his daze. He looked up from his absorbing stud y of the piano and met sapphire eyes with his own emerald ones. "I play."
"Why don't you play then?" Draco offered amicably.
Harry hesitated, thinking Severus Snape wouldn't like having a stranger playing on his piano. But what the hell? Who cared! He hurt, might as well play--- it'd temper his raging emotions. Only music had the ability to soothe him. He found himself nodding and saw Draco grinning out of the corner of his eye. Here goes nothing. Poising his fingers over the keys, he thought momentarily what he would play.
Classical? No, he needed something edgier. Snapish. It seemed only fitting to play one of Snape's compositions on his precious piano. Sweet justice. Crashing his fingers with the precision of a master piano player, the piano sang the dark melody--- haunting and devious of the broody yet smashing successful single of "Living in Nightmares."
~
"This is for you," Poppy said softly, not wanting to disturbed the harmonic scene that one of her very favorite patients made sitting on the window sill letting the wind blow through her long dark hair. Hermione looked very good considering what she'd just come out of a few days before. "It's from Harry." She handed Hermione the square white envelope. "I thought you might like to have it after your transplant surgery."
Hermione had heard a lot about Harry, he was the boy that was giving her a chance to live. It was too good of him to give her a gift like this when his own life was slipping out of his fingers. She didn't know if she could be as selfless as him even if the probability of the transplant succeeding was as low as it was. It was still something, and by giving this up--- he had nothing.
It was a miracle when she had first heard word. Her parents had lost hope; she had lost faith. But out of the blue, Poppy had called her to tell her that their was a bone marrow that matched hers. That another one of her patients was passing over the bone marrow for her since it matched her so well even though he was next in line. Even though, theoretically the bone marrow matched him well enough for him to be the first one to get it, considering how long he'd been on the list.
But he'd let her because it almost guaranteed she'd live. It was a close to perfect match, such things like this didn't happen often. Rarely was there an 85% chance of success. It was a miracle. She smiled at Poppy sweetly. So far everything was going excellently. It looked like her body was accepting the donation as her own bone marrow. "I'd like that very much. Thank you." She took the envelope and carefully opened it. A note and a CD. She looked at the note first.
It read: Never give up. Never. I'm rooting for you. Believe that a miracle's arrived. --- Harry Potter.
She glanced down at the CD, wondering what was on it. She then looked up at Poppy with a questioning expression, thinking that Poppy might be able to explain. "Harry plays music. I think he recorded something for you."
"Oh." Hermione touched the CD lightly, immensely touched by the endearing gesture. Such a sweet boy, she hoped a miracle came for him. She popped the CD into her Sony Discman. She pushed the play button and the song burst out into her headphones. Soft and beautiful, harmonic. At first she thought it was merely instrumental when a throaty voice yet sweet sounding voice filled her eardrums. It must be Harry's voice. A good though not great voice. Not a true singer's voice but more than decent.
It wasn't his voice that made her want to listen to the song. No, it was the hypnotic music in the background and the beautiful lyrics. The message of the song was so uplifting; it was exactly what she needed after her surgery. It was the perfect song for the moment. So optimistic, when she did have hope rising in the horizon.
"Wishes are for Dreamers" by Yih
Wishes are for dreamers
Dreams are for believers
But what is left to believe in?
That a miracle is coming
Faith remains to those who are faithful
Mercy comes to those who are merciful
You get what you give
People say life isn't fair
I don't believe them
Life isn't always fair
But it isn't always rotten either
Wishes are for dreamers
Dreams are for believers
But what is left to believe in?
That a miracle is coming
It's coming for those who believe
What is left to believe in?
That a miracle is coming
And it's coming, coming soon
Voice Out: I wrote this song when I was still innocent.
It's hard to believe, but I want to think life's still decent.
~
Who the fuck was playing on his piano? That was the first overriding thought. He was damn good. That was the second and the much more tamer thought as his anger cooled. It could be Draco. No, it couldn't. Malfoys never played with passion. It's what made them fine businessmen but unimaginative artists. They lacked the ability to let loose. An integral gift of a true musician.
It wasn't Draco, then who was it? There was no one else that could play that well, unless it was. but it couldn't be--- it was the brat. He couldn't deny it, not when he was seeing it with his own eyes. The boy had talent, certainly the passion behind the music. Simply brilliant. Even his finger movements were inspired.
"He's good," Lucius murmured like velvet into his ear as he ranged up behind Severus. "Very good. Then again, I knew he would be. I did choose him after all."
"You knew?" Severus asked, trying to keep the astonishment out of his voice.
Lucius nodded thoughtfully, staring at the breathtaking scene his son made with the dark hair young man bending over in the posture of a passionate piano player. It was nothing like the dignified pose that Draco took when he played, there was a driving force behind Harry's playing that Draco lacked. "I knew that he played the piano," Lucius remarked, "but I did not know he played like that."
Obviously one could not glean that kind of information from a profile sheet that Lucius must have gotten from that McGonagall woman. True, it may have said he was a talented piano player, but Draco was gifted and he was not like this. It took him a moment to recognize the song that Harry was playing as one of his own compositions. The boy had changed it, the nuance of the music had been altered. Cleverly. It sounded almost like a different song entirely.
He stepped into the sitting room. Immediately, he felt Draco's silver eyes rest on him. They were reproaching and forewarning. Do not harm Harry. He gazed back at Draco, meeting his eyes with his own. His look wasn't challenging, merely accepting. He was the one at fault, and he knew it. What he had was said was unforgivable. It was snarky and snide, even for him.
Using the mellifluous voice control that he'd been coached through by his voice instructor, he made the tone he used to address the young man warm like heated honey, "You changed my song."
Harry knew that voice anywhere. It was Severus Snape. His body stiffened and he stopped playing mid song. At first, he was alarmed to hear Severus' voice, but he quickly got over that feeling. While he was more hurt than angry, it was his fury that appeared on his face when he turned his head to where Severus was standing. It was a defensive mechanism; he'd gotten good at maintaining a façade. He had to for his mother's sake. He didn't want her to know he felt as hopeless as she did. She was already crying herself to sleep every night as it was. His brave front made it easier.
The ferocity of the boy's--- no the young man's expression held as much emotion as his passionate playing. This young man was an artist, how intriguing. Very few people had the creative intuition that composers had to have. There were even fewer people that could manipulate one of his compositions into something like that--- so different yet so familiar. That was a gift.
Maybe the week spent with Harry wouldn't be so bad, he mused. Of course, first he had to repair the damage he had wrought in his misinformed vent at Lucius. It'd be easier if Harry was fickle, thought it pleased him that he wasn't. As Lucius had warned him, this wasn't going to be easy. All the better, he decided, since he thrived on challenges. The stern press of the young man's lips gave every impression of a stubborn mindset. A challenge he would be. Excellent.
He ought to apologize, but that wasn't his style. Even the wily and manipulative Lucius was hard pressed to get an apology wrung out of him when he didn't want to apologize. He didn't particularly want to now, even if he should. Anyway he didn't think saying sorry would do any good. Actions spoke much more decisively than words ever could. He was going to have to be considerate. Bloody hell. Lucius was going to get a kick out of this.
"You play my piece," Severus remarked, "even with the variations fairly well. Can you play a piece of your own or do you merely copy other people's hard work?"
It wasn't exactly overly considerate, but this was his normal personality speaking. He wasn't about to change it, though his conscience did remind him to be a little kinder with his diction than usual. Point taken. It appeared that his response was just what the doctor called for as Harry glared at him in one long lingering look before turning back to the grand piano.
"How dare you!" Minerva cried out, having followed Lucius and Severus into the sitting room though not having caught their privately whispered conversation. "I'll have you know that Harry---"
"Minerva," Harry cut in sharply, "I can handle this myself." Indeed, he could. While he still ached a little inside, his anger and desire to prove that he wasn't the typical drooling fan were overriding his pity parade. It was a good thing too. He disliked feeling self pity. It was a disgusting, wretched emotion. He hated falling into that hole.
Also, it didn't hurt the logical part of his brain had kicked in either. It must be bloody hell to be harassed by annoying fans when all you wanted to do was write the music churning in your veins. That thought didn't make the pain go away, yet at least it justified the source. Luckily, Severus had ignored the situation and had isntead acted in the manner that Harry expected.
Sharp. Critical. Blunt. What a welcomed relief. He hated self pity, but he despised pity from other people even more. It was intolerable; it was unbearable. This request was bearable, and it was tolerable. Music he could play. Music he could deal with. It was his lifeline. As his mother fondly said, it was his vent mechanism. Too true.
"Will you play?" Severus asked softly, seeing the conflict of emotions cross over Harry's face.
Harry stared down at the gleaming white keys. His biggest dream had always been to play one of his compositions to Severus Snape. Now he had the chance and his mind was blank. What to play. what to play? His mind had drawn an utter blank. His first thought was to play Rhapsody, but his gut said to play something else. He wouldn't have even consider it if he hadn't recorded it a few days ago.
The original title had been 'Wishes are for Dreamers,' but since he'd sung the song for Hermione Granger--- he'd gotten around to calling it 'Hermione's Miracle.' It wasn't a great composition; after all, he had written it when he was 12. But it was a sweet and optimistic song. It had a positive outlook on life. Then again, he'd written the song before cancer had ravaged his body.
"Please play," Draco murmured.
Someone was asking him to play. His forefinger touched the A key, it was compulsion to play when someone asked. He had played the first note of 'Hermione's Miracle,' there was no going back now. Positioning his other hand over the keys, he let the melodic tempo of the song guide him. It was a happy song, a hopeful song--- a song that believed in better.
His head was bent down in concentration, his raven black hair covering his vision. The way his lightly tanned hands glided over the keys spoke of a familiarity only a composer had with a piece composed by himself. It was a breathtaking sight. Severus fought the urge to smile. This song was happier than expected, a song that resounded and resonated vibrations of blessed joy.
It wasn't to be expected from a child that had death written in the wings. Yet it did seem to fit Harry. Everything about this young man pulsed out purity. Highly unusual. It was intoxicating. Mental warning flashed in his mind. Damn Lucius for even putting the thought in his head. Why did the boy have to be so obviously a young gorgeous man?
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Author's Note: Thanks for all your reviews! I've never received so many before. It makes me smile ^_^. Unless something happens to my muse, I will update weekly. I like what I did for the Hermione scene, even if it doesn't give that much info. Keep reviewing ;p. It makes my muse write. Choices: HP/SS is given, a Draco scene, a Lucius scene, a 'Mione scene--- reasons?
Severus' Song/Voice: I see his music a bit of a mixture of Dido/Evanescence with a voice like Jason Mraz (The Remedy) or this Korean guy -drools- his voice is SEX. I'll try to upload a clip for you guys to download if you're interested on my fanfic blog.
Thanks to Starlina, MA (eventually yes), Veritas4Eternity, DraconisSenshi (you're back!), Louisa, Lady LaCroix, Hippy Flower=Voldie's kid, Nightshade, athenakitty, kat, fan, Magami, Maximum Poofy-Queen of AU (I ADORE your fanfic, I need to review it, just haven't had time w/ my writing, I will though!), ntamara, Elizabeth, Kimdalia, BlackUmbridge, Melanie, IceTastesNice, Erica, Rose in the Globe, Ms. Padfoot, April Flower, Black Rose1, Wolf Lupin, Jewelclaw Lady of Wind (Minerva's Ms. Overprotective), abraxis (the demon is life), Deus, wintermoon2, Lady, selua, slytherinsela, Midnight Flower, Quickjewel (got you out of bed, uh huh!), Corgi1, Kateri1.
Setsuri: I hope the 'Mione scene pleased you. I thought it was sweet. And I hope my additional of Harry's musical talent was just what you asked for! You definitely helped kick my muse in continuing in the direction.
Domaris: Severus is back with a fury! I hope you're still left salivating for more.
oldone: You're spot on--- on the foil theory.
Lapis Lazuli2: I hope to finish this for you sweetie!
Jane: The road isn't going to be smooth, I'll give you that. OB fanfic? He'd be an actor instead of a singer ;p. And I wouldn't have to think he's famous 'cuz he is!
Malakai: Considering you're the inspiration for this fanfic your opinion matters most! UST is my thing! Tense atmosphere! When will it erupt?
Tempest8: Draco did some sly underhand action instead, satisfied with his part? You're dead on, the song is Severus'.
Eaiva le Fay: You're my most faithful reviewer. You always give me an opinion and I thank you for it! You're awesome! I live for your reviews! Yes, Harry's parents are Lily and James. Remus and Sirius may show up, depends on how long I make the story.