Chapter Fifty-four
This chapter is for thecurmudgeons. Thanks so much for the idea! It's not exactly what you wanted, but I still managed to squeeze it in before I had to get back to the main Hogwarts action. ;) :) :)
Sarah Michelle raised her hand and shouted out, "Araminta Malpot!"
The whole crowd took up the chant. "Mal-pot, Mal-pot, Mal-pot," they cheered until she made her way up to the front.
Araminta took the microphone from Dumbledore. "This evening went by so quickly, and so many people wanted to sing! I'd like to invite two good friends from Slytherin House, which hasn't really had a chance to sing tonight, to come up and join me for the last song. Pansy Parkinson, Millicent Bulstrode, would you please sing with me?"
Pansy and Millicent came to the front, looking pleased but also rather nervous. "It's okay," Araminta whispered. "I've been practicing singing with a phoenix for so long that I think I can do all the parts."
Araminta stepped to the center.
Every night in my dreams
I see you, I feel you,
That is how I know you go on
Far across the distance
And spaces between us
You have come to show you go on
Pansy and Millicent moved so that they stood beside and a little behind Araminta. To Araminta's surprise and pleasure, they chimed in with complementary notes that sounded good with Araminta's voice.
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on
Love can touch us one time
And last for a lifetime
And never let go till we're gone
The candles began to swirl around to make it look like they were actually standing on the front of a ship with the reflected light on water making wiggly patterns on the ceiling and walls. A soft mist rolled across the floor to heighten the mood.
Love was when I loved you
One true time I hold to
In my life we'll always go on
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door
And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on
As the music swelled, a sniffle came from behind them. This was no ordinary sniffle--most of the listeners, at least, those with any sensibility, were crying by now. This was the sniffle of Severus Snape, who stood up awkwardly and sang the last in a clear bass voice.
You're here, there's nothing I fear,
And I know that my heart will go on
We'll stay forever this way
You are safe in my heart
And my heart will go on and on
Severus Snape and Pansy Parkinson stared at each other for a long moment, and then Snape waddled away as if his feet hurt. Pansy stared after him as the music faded away.
"Are you okay, Pansy?" Araminta asked, worried. "Did he do something to you?"
"I'm great. Just great," Pansy replied and went back to her seat. "No, there's nothing between us."
Dumbledore waved his wand. "There. I've returned everything in the Great Hall to its original state, and I must remind you that tomorrow will be a good time to finish your work or work ahead, since Spirit Week at Hogwarts is such a busy time! Don't forget about the Quidditch Ball which will be held here next Saturday, one week from today. And now, I bid you a fond goodnight."
(How will Araminta get through the busy time of Spirit Week? Updates tomorrow!)