Rebecca woke up the next day early. A lot earlier than she really wanted,
but she needed to get down to work on her third complete wolfsbane potion
and if she wanted to get to Cathrine's party shortly after it started she
needed to get a jump on the potion. She crept around the room getting ready
trying not to wake anyone up. Unfortunately, Cathrine jumped at of bed when
Rebecca came out of the bathroom.
"What are you doing up?" the prankster questioned.
"Oh, I, um, have to go down and work on the potion for the lawyers," Rebecca answered after the shock of seeing her friend up and going already.
"Can I come with you?"
"Um, sure, I guess. ... You aren't going to set up a prank, are you?"
"Oh, no! I'll be good. It is just that it seems that it has been almost impossible to talk to you. Everyone keeps coming up to you and dragging you away. What is up with that?"
Rebecca looked at her friend not wanting to lie at all, but not wanting to tell her the whole truth.
"Well, let's just say I did a lot of dance lessons this week."
"Are you serious?" Cathrine asked as she followed Rebecca out the door of their room.
"Yep, I promised Harker that I would teach him and that made me have to teach all of Ravenclaw. Hufflepuff found out and they sweet talked me into giving them lessons. And well when Cassie found out, Slytherin got lessons, even though Ryan could have done it himself."
"Wow, that and then having the potion, when did you get everything done for class?"
"At night when everyone was asleep, I was in bed working on homework until I passed out."
"Are you serious?" Cathrine commented as the girls continued down the stairs talking the whole way.
The girls walked to the potion room catching up with each other. As Rebecca worked on her potions Cathrine got her talking about what was going on with her and Charlie.
All the emotion that Rebecca felt the weekend before arose once again. She really hadn't had too much time with everyone talking to her on the party to dwell on the incident that started the complex row. It was sort of a blessing since she and Charlie hadn't been able to resolve anything. Of course, her being so busy was the reason why there had been no steps made towards an understanding.
Rebecca continued to work on her potion hoping that her emotions wouldn't cause her to mess up the potion. She was so close to getting the task complete that she didn't want to start it over. Cathrine was determine to stay with her the whole time, which Rebecca was sure ended up being a blessing to everyone who was getting the party set up. Rebecca just wished that they could get onto a less emotional topic, but it didn't matter what they talked about everything seemed to come back to Charlie.
Sara came in at lunch time with sandwiches to make sure that Cathrine was truly with Rebecca.
"You guys want to go for a walk outside around three?" Sara asked as she got up to leave.
"Yeah," Rebecca automatically answered knowing Sara's reason for the walk.
"Well," Cathrine slowly responded.
"Jacquelyn was coming, too," Sara quickly added.
"Oh, so a girls' walk? I'm in."
Cathrine couldn't help but smile at the idea that she could hang out with her girlfriends without the guys. Sara and Rebecca smiled knowing that they have a sure fired way to get Cathrine out to the party without arising suspicion in their friend.
Rebecca finished her potion in the early afternoon. She was emotionally and mentally drained.
As she cleaned up everything with the help of Cathrine, Rebecca couldn't help but feel nervous about having to see Charlie at the party. She didn't want to have another row with him, but felt as though it could happen with the emotional state she was in.
Around three, Rebecca and Cathrine walked out of the potion room to meet Sara and Jacquelyn for their 'walk.'
"Hey! Ready to go?" Sara asked as the two approached.
"Yep!" Cathrine stated.
"Let's go then!" Jacquelyn cheerful said barely able to contain her excitement.
Sara pushed open the door and Jacquelyn walked out with Rebecca. They had a mission to give everyone warning that Cathrine was coming.
As soon as Cathrine walked out and into view of the party she heard, "SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!"
"WHAT IN THE WORLD!" Cathrine exclaimed as she looked around to see the whole school standing around outside all looking at her with big smiles.
Finally she noticed a banner that read 'GLAD YOU'RE UP, TYSON!'
"Oh, you guys."
Rebecca, Sara, and Jacquelyn rushed to give their friend a big hug as Cathrine sputtered out more amazed comments.
"Hey Smiley! What about me? I helped too!" Colin said as he walked up to the girls. He then slyly added, "Well, me and the rest of the school."
Cathrine laughed and took her boyfriend's hand to be lead more into the party followed by Sara and Jaquelyn.
As Cathrine talked with her well wishers, Rebecca scanned the crowd looking for Charlie. It took her a while but she found him talking to Greg and Adam.
She was about to head down and see if she could pull Charlie away from the group when she heard, "Accio punch!"
CRASH!!!!!
Sudden Rebecca felt a wave of wet sticky liquid cover her.
"Rebecca, I am so sorry!" Matt called as he rushed up to her. "I guess I need more practice."
"Repairo," Rebecca said pointing her wand at the glass bowl that had dropped all the punch on her and broke when it fell to the ground. "Don't worry about it. I am going to get out of these clothes and you can get more punch."
Rebecca handed the bowl to Matt as she started back into the castle.
"I have to go talk to Becca," Charlie said seeing her heading back into the castle as James walked up to group.
"Uh, I hate to ask this, but could you wait until a little later," James asked looking hopeful.
"Can I ask why?" Charlie restrained himself from following Rebecca.
"Well, I need to Becca not to be emotional when..."
"What?"
"She been getting upset a lot lately when she talks with you and..."
"You know if people would just let us talk she would have no reason to get upset."
"Charlie," Bill said noticing that Charlie was getting a little hot under the collar. He had originally walked over to talk to Adam, but decided he had better get his brother calmed down so that there were no problems at the party.
"What?" Charlie asked following his older brother.
"I need some help," Bill said deciding to distract Charlie instead of making him talk about what was going through his head.
"What is it?"
Bill let out a sigh of relief glad that Charlie was already ten times calmer.
"I have a surprise for Lennon, and I want to make sure that she is around when it happens so could you talk with Jenna and get her in on it?"
"Sure, what are you doing so that I can let Jenna know what to look for?"
"Um, just tell her that when I am over there," Bill pointed to a picnic table that a band made up of mostly Ravenclaws were close to, "to get Lennon to watch."
"Will do!"
Charlie went off to find Jenna, thankful that he had something to keep him from going back to the group of guys. He just couldn't understand why James would have been so keen needing Rebecca before he talked to her.
'I guess I will find out later," Charlie thought as he approached Jenna.
Rebecca made it up to her room, quickly changed into a new tee and pair of jeans after a quick shower, and headed right back out to the party. She was about to the outside door when she met up with Russel.
"Did you get all the punch out?" he asked opening the door for her.
"Yeah," Rebecca quickly answered as she practically ran out of the open door.
"Well, have fun. Maybe we'll dance later."
Rebecca rolled her eyes and walked a way hoping that he wouldn't make her have their date then.
Before Russel could say anything, James came running up to them saying, "Hey Becca! Glad you are back now the entertainment can begin."
"What?" Rebecca gave him a very confused look. "Why does the entertainment depend on me? Lennon was supposed to get everything going."
"You'll see," James slyly said as he took her hand and led her down to the group that was standing around the party's band.
As the two Gryffindors walked off, Dan came up to Russel.
"You do know that you could have her on your arm all night if you wanted, or did you forget about your little agreement?" Dan asked. He had been wondering all week why Russel hadn't used his power to make it so that Rebecca could only dance with him.
"Dan, Charlie is here," Russel simply stated. "He will watch us like a hawk and Rebecca would make sure she knew where he was at all times. I don't want that on the date. I want her to listen to me and she wouldn't at this."
"Oh."
"So what is going on down there?" Russel questioned as he headed towards the band.
"From what I gathered there was a dance competition organized. The houses voted on who they thought were the best dancers and they are going to go up against each other and Professor Dumbledore will be judging."
"Rebecca and James for Gryffindor then?"
"Yep, and Ryan got Kirsta up to speed for us. It looks like Harker and Clearwater teamed up for Ravenclaw."
"What about Hufflepuff?"
"Um, not sure."
"I guess it doesn't matter. Come on let's go watch."
"James, what is going on?" Rebecca whispered as James drug her through the crowd to an open area where Ryan and Kirsta were standing with Adam, Miranda, Gabin Mansfield, a sixth year Hufflepuff with sandy brown hair, and Samantha Henson, a fifth year Hufflepuff with dark red curly hair.
Before James could say anything, Lennon stepped on to the picnic table and announced, "Welcome everyone! Now that Rebecca came back we can start our dance competition."
"What?!" Rebecca looked at James totally confused. "When was this arranged and when was it decided that I was going to be dancing with you?"
"Well it came out of you giving the other houses dance lessons," James answered. "As for us the house voted when you were working your potion a couple nights ago. Each house only got one team, hence the vote. It was unanimous since we taught everyone in the house."
Rebecca nodded looking at their competition as Lennon said, "Would Headmaster Dumbledore and our guest of honor please approach the stage?"
As Professor Dumbledore approached with a smile, Cathrine walked up giving Lennon a bit of a strange look. She didn't quite see why she needed to go up.
"These are the two judges of applause. That's right you all are going to judge the house teams by clapping for them after they show off their moves. And Cathrine and Professor Dumbledore will be responsible for telling us how got the loudest. Are the teams ready?"
"Yep," responded all the competitors except for Rebecca. She was flattered that her house had chosen her and James to represent them, but she would have preferred if she could have talked to Charlie first so that her mind was completely clear.
"Okay then, Maestro, take it away!" Lennon said to Kurt James who besides playing bass was leading the band made up of Aaron Woods on guitar, Jess Bookmyer, a fourth year dark haired Ravenclaw on drums, and Kris Tyson singing back up with Alise Belvidere. Kurt nodded and then counted off for the band to start playing.
Sugar , ah honey honey
You are my candy girl
And you've got me wanting you.
James and Rebecca waited a moment to get the beat and then James holding on to his partner's hands pushed Rebecca way from him. He then drew her into him lifting there arms and crossing so that Rebecca back was against his chest.
The two then proceed to do some modified cha-cha steps to the rhytme the song. James sung into Rebecca's ear causing her to giggle slightly as she turned her head to get a side glance of him.
Honey , ah sugar sugar
You are my candy girl
And you've got me wanting you.
James lifted his arm causing Rebecca to spin to face him. Before she had a chance to stop her spin, Rebecca felt James lifting her other arm tell her to keep spinning. This time instead of bringing her right in front of him James took a side step so that Rebecca was right beside of him for a few more modified steps.
I just can't believe the loveliness of loving you
(I just can't believe it's true)
I just can't believe the one to love this feeling to.
(I just can't believe it's true)
After letting go of Rebecca's hand that was the farthest from his body, James slipped his hand to Rebecca's waist so that he could give Rebecca a push so that she spun out a way from him.
As Rebecca left James side she caught sight of the other teams. Everyone seemed to be doing okay for the moment though it was obvious that some teams were struggling. From the little that Rebecca saw it was obvious that Ryan and Kirsta were their only true competition, which coincided with what she had seen during the dance lessons.
Ah sugar , ah honey honey
You are my candy girl
And you've got me wanting you.
Ah honey , ah sugar sugar
You are my candy girl
And you've got me wanting you.
Excerpt The Archies' Sugar Sugar
James obviously realized what Rebecca had about their competition. With a quick look at each other and a nod, the two agreed to give the others a fighting chance. After all they could care less about winning. They just loved to dance. They kept up with their modified cha-cha steps and twirls, but didn't try any of the fancy dips and turns that the Gryffindor students were use to seeing them doing.
Kirsta had always known that Rebecca and James were an unstoppable team and were bound to win. Even though she had given up on Russel she still didn't like Rebecca mostly out of jealousy so when the Gryffindor team was close enough, Kirsta stuck her leg out trying to making it look like she was doing an awkward step.
Rebecca fell backwards as Kirsta gave her a smirk. James did a quick move and managed to catch his partner so that it looked like they were performing a dip. With his hand behind Rebecca's neck he lowered her a little more and then popped her up into his other arm for another dip that made it look like the two might kiss.
"You ready to blow her away?" James whispered as he lowered Rebecca little more. She just nodded as he brought her up to let him know that she would follow what ever steps he wanted to do.
It was only a matter of moments before the two had the eyes of everyone including the other couples staring at them. James led Rebecca through all the fancy steps that he knew would work into the rhytme of the song as well as the twist and turns they could do.
James and Rebecca finished the song in the dip that gave the illusion they were going to kiss.
As he brought her up, they both heard an eruption of applause and then the band started a new song with a salsa beat. Instantly, James spun Rebecca around several time as he got the beat so that as soon as he stopped Rebecca they could start their steps.
Once again the two managed to steal the song with a breath taking finish where James was down on one knee with Rebecca sitting on his knee leaning back into his arms. They both smiled at each other happy with their performance, but secretly hoping that would be the last song in the competition.
"Okay, folks, are you ready to vote?" Lennon announced causing the crowd to sort of moan that there wouldn't be more of James' and Rebecca's fancy moves, but they knew that there would be more time for dancing later and the two would make an encore appearance.
As James and Rebecca got up and walked up to the stage to get judged, she got glance of Kirsta, who of course looked very perturbed. There was no shock there, but when Rebecca caught sight of Ryan's disgusted face she couldn't help but wonder what his problem was.
James and Rebecca took their spots in the line up of the other dancers. Rebecca looked over to see that Ryan was glaring her. She almost immediately backed into James who just put his arm around her shoulders not even aware of the look, because it was probably the creepiest look Ryan had ever given her.
Not wanting to see that look anymore, Rebecca started to scan the crowd to see if she could find Charlie. She saw Greg, Sara, Jacquelyn, and Colin standing in a group near the front of the crowd ready to cheer for their friends.
A smile couldn't help but form on her face when she saw her friends' smiles, but when she realized that Charlie wasn't with them her smile faded.
"Let's hear it for the Hufflepuff team of Samantha Henson and Gabin Mansfield!" Lennon announced which caused a polite round of applause for the team to ensue. Rebecca clapped with everyone else but was looking for Charlie even harder. "Good job, Team Hufflepuff. ... How about the Ravenclaw team of Adam Harker and Miranda Clearwater?"
Rebecca followed everyone else with the applause as she caught sight of Bill who had Charlie next to him. Charlie was wearing a sober expression as he applauded for the Ravenclaw team.
"Congrats, Team Ravenclaw. Now, let's hear it for the Slytherin team of Ryan Malfoy and Kirsta..."
The Slytherin burst into applause trying to get their team to win before Lennon had a chance to finish her sentence.
Charlie glanced over to see Rebecca looking at him. He wanted to smile her, but he knew what their conversation was going to be rough since so much time had passed. Rebecca felt as though she was going to cry. She hated when Charlie wasn't smiling and this time she was the reason that he wasn't smiling, which made it ten times worse.
"Well done, team Slytherin!" Lennon announced breaking up the applause of the Slytherins and bring Rebecca back from her sulking about Charlie's lack of smile. "Now what did you all think of the Griffindor team of..."
Lennon couldn't get anymore out because the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. James and Rebecca looked at each other shocked. They knew that they had pulled out a lot of their best moves, but they never expected a reaction like that.
It took several minutes, but eventually Lennon managed to get everyone settled down with the help of Bill who walked around and calmed down the Gryffindors, especially Sara, Jacquelyn, Anna, and Chelsea.
"Okay, Judges who received the most applause."
Dumbledore and Cathrine whispered to each other for a second. With a twinkle in his eye, the headmaster nodded to Cathrine walked up onto the picnic table with Lennon.
"James and Rebecca win!" she yelled barely unable to contain her excitement as the crowd erupted with cheers and clapping.
James and Rebecca once again looked at each other shocked, not so much for the fact they won, but by how excited everyone was that they did. James put his other arm around Rebecca to give her a hug and kissed her temple as the crowd rushed the two to congratulate them.
Though they both were enjoying the attention, Rebecca wasn't enjoying the fact that everyone closed in on her. James realized that Rebecca was getting very close to passing out and tried to get to her and usher her out of the crowd. Unfortunately, they were getting separated by the other students so James was having troubles getting to her.
Rebecca slowly worked her way to the edge of the crowd trying to be as gracious as possible, but she was not sure how long she was going to be able to keep herself from fainting. She was almost to the edge when she saw another wave of people going at her.
Just as Rebecca started to feel really dizzy and her vision began to blur, a hand came towards her from behind everyone. She grabbed for it without any hesitation. Rebecca didn't know who was attached to the hand, but felt better as she was led out of the group by the hand.
After a moment of being out away from everyone, Rebecca regained her vision and saw that the hand that was holding hers belonged to Aaron.
"You okay?" he asked as he walked her over to the band so that she could sit down without getting crowded around again.
"Um, yeah, just felt really crowded in," Rebecca softly answered.
"Understandable," Aaron said as he started to strum his guitar with a song that was very familiar to Rebecca.
"When did you learn that?" Rebecca asked astonished that Woods was playing the song that she had sung what seemed so long ago.
"After you sang it, I couldn't get it out of my head so I played around until I got it. I think Lauren was just about as obsessed with it, she kept telling me when I was messing up. I think she really wants to know what the words are. ... You want to sing? Give her a chance to learn the words."
"Um, not right know, okay? I need to get some punch before I can sing anything."
Aaron looked lightly disappointed, but he couldn't really argue with her. After all, Rebecca didn't say she wouldn't sing.
Rebecca got up and started to walk towards the punch bowl when the band started up with another song. Even though she had no intention to dance anymore until she talked to Charlie, Rebecca found herself getting pulled on to the dance floor by Kevin. Without missing a beat Rebecca started a few steps with Kevin and managed to catch Audrey's hand to give to him to continue to dance with her.
Rebecca walked away thinking that she might have a chance to make it to the punch bowl now, but Calloway was in her way. He did a bow that she couldn't help but sneer at. As quick as she could she spun out and grabbed Cassie's hand and got Calloway to switch out hands.
She was closer to the punch bowl, but still got caught up with James standing right in front of her. The two instantly started to dance with the song until they were close enough to Jacquelyn and Rebecca could switch her spots.
As James and Jacquelyn danced away, Rebecca walked to the edge of the dance area and headed start for the punch. She took a glass and started to drink.
"Hey Rebecca congrats on your and James' win."
Rebecca turned around to see Jenna coming towards her.
"Thank you," she responded as Jenna picked up a cup of punch for herself.
"It seems that everyone wants to dance with you."
"Yeah, so it seems. I wish that I could get a moment to be around with Charlie. I haven't got to talk to him yet."
Rebecca looked around and to see if she could find Charlie, but couldn't find him at all. Suddenly she saw Russel heading towards her with a smirk on his face that was unnerving.
"Hey Jenna, I haven't seen you out on the dance floor yet."
"Yeah it is cool to have a boyfriend in the band unless that is who you want to dance with."
"I understand. I want to dance with Charlie and can't seem to get to him without someone grabbing me to dance."
"Hey do you want me to take the next song for you?"
"Would you?"
"Yeah, I will step in and take all the guys that ask you out on the floor and step on their feet."
"Except when Charlie asks me."
Jenna rolled her eyes and reluctantly agreed. "Okay, everyone except Charlie is mine to dance with."
"Rebecca, you did a wonderful job with James on the competition," Russel said as he reached the two girls who immediately stopped their conversation.
"Thanks," Rebecca softly said moving away from him as she got some more punch.
"So would you like to dance with me?"
Before Rebecca could even start to say anything, Jenna jumped in with, "why don't you let Rebecca relax for a little bit and you and me can take a turn at stepping on each other feet?"
Rebecca started to laugh at the sight of Russel's face.
"You aren't that bad. Kurt just hasn't caught on how to lead yet."
"Oh so that's my problem. Come on let's see if a new partner will improve it."
Jenna didn't even wait for Russel to answer. She grabbed his hand and dragged him away from Rebecca and onto the dance floor.
Relieved that she hadn't need to make up an excuse for her not to dance with Russel, Rebecca turned back to watch the couples dancing. It was quite impressive to see everyone able to find the beat of the song and try to fit the steps she taught them into their dancing.
"Hey, Rebecca," Ryan said as he came to get some punch.
"Hey," Rebecca responded with a big smile. Ryan didn't look nearly as disgruntled as he did after the competition. "You taking a break too?"
"Um, sort of. I wanted a drink, but also I thought I would take the opportunity of you actually not being on the dance floor to see if I could squeeze in a dance with you before the guys start lining up."
Rebecca took a deep breathe and was about to decline, but couldn't help but remember the look he had given her earlier and she really didn't want to see that again.
"Okay," Rebecca said starting to walk out to the dance floor with Ryan close behind.
They started to dance, but had a slight bit of a problem getting in sync with each other, but they got it finally and went around the dance floor.
"So, you and James pulled out all the stops tonight," Ryan finally said with a perturbed tone in his voice.
"Well not all of them," Rebecca defensively responded. "We still have a few up our sleeves."
"You know it wasn't exactly fair for you too to do that." Rebecca looked at him shocked that his voice had raised so much.
"What do you mean? Kirsta tried to trip me up so that we would lose. At least what we did was honest. Your partner was trying to win by trickery. Of course, I shouldn't be surprised after all Slytherins are known for using 'any means to reach their ends.'"
Ryan face went red not from embarrassment, but from anger.
"You know that holier than thou attitude doesn't fit you, Rebecca. Maybe you shouldn't hang out with Weasley anymore?"
"I haven't had time to hang out with anyone this week so don't get on me."
"You know it is moments like this when I don't like being your friend."
"Well dear cousin, you know you do have a choice in the matter, don't you?"
"Oh, I know and if it wasn't for my uncle, you would be at the mercy of having the Slytherins against you."
"What does your uncle have to do with us being friends?" Rebecca asked through gritted teeth. She complete ignored the fact that Ryan had just threatened her. It was of little importance to her, but Lucius Malfoy having an interest in her being friends with his nephew was news of great significance.
"He said that I need to be friends with you. Obviously, he is afraid of you falling into the wrong crowd."
"Wrong crowd?" Rebecca parroted back starting to get really upset.
"Does he still believe that Muggle's ways are beneath him?"
"They are. That butler of yours poisoned your mind so that you don't see it."
Rebecca instantly spun out and grabbed the first girl's hand that she could reach and exchanged places. She was not about to have Ryan bad mouth Wadsworth when her beloved butler had been nothing but generous with her and him.
Rebecca walked to where Bill was standing still fuming about Ryan's comment.
"Hey, Becca. What's the matter?" he asked as Rebecca turned around to see that she had switched out with Lennon.
"OH, MY!!!!!!! I am so sorry, Bill. I didn't realize that it was Lennon who I grabbed. I was just so mad at him that I wanted to get away," Rebecca spurted out going from anger to guilt in a blink of the eye.
"Becca, it's okay. What did he do to you?"
Rebecca didn't hesitate she told Bill everything about Ryan's insult.
"No wonder you weren't seeing straight," Bill commented when she finished.
"I wish that I was though I wouldn't have got Lennon."
"Don't' worry about it," Bill said as though he was indifferent to the whole matter. Rebecca looked at him curiously.
"Are you still going to go through with it?"
"Yep, might as well try. Besides can't let all those lessons you gave me go to waste." Bill gave her a playful wink. "Guess now is as good of time as any."
He walked away leaving Rebecca alone, a blessing in disguise because she finally got a clear view of Charlie and he of her. The two started towards each other not wanting to miss another chance to talk.
Rebecca kept glancing over to see if anyone who would stop her from talking to Charlie was heading her way. Luckily, all she saw was Bill talking to Kurt. All she could do was smile she knew what was going to happen.
Charlie and Rebecca finally made it to each other, but neither seemed to know what to say. They to get there conversation started. Before they could continue to stare at each other for too long, Kurt's voice came over the crowd.
"Okay folks the band is going to take a break." A lot of groans came from the students before he finished by saying, "But never fear the talent show potion of the evening. Mr. Bill Weasley will start it all off!"
Jenna on cue made Lennon turn around and watch what Bill was doing. Bill got up, sat on the picnic table with Aaron's guitar, and started to play.
Everyone stopped for a moment and just watched him. Some of the first, second, and third years came up close and took seats on the ground while the older students took a step closer wondering when Bill learnt to play the guitar.
Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they're here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday.
Rebecca looked over at Charlie to see if they could sneak off and talk while Bill had everyone entranced. Unfortunately Charlie was fascinated by Bill playing the guitar just like everyone else. Rebecca appeared to be the only one indifferent on the matter. Of course she was the one to teach him so why would she have been shocked by it.
Suddenly,I'm not half the man I used to be
There's a shadow hanging over me
Oh, yesterday came suddenly.
Charlie took a few steps backwards and leaned up against the tree that Rebecca and him were standing under. Rebecca looked back, but decided that it would be best to stay where she was. If Charlie wanted her to be with him, he would have wrapped his arms around her. He had did it before they were going out after all.
Why she had to go I don't know she wouldn't say.
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday.
'What a song Bill picked,' Rebecca thought as she scanned the crowd. 'I bet there are a lot of people who can relate to this song.' Russel glanced over to catch Rebecca's eye as she continued to look around. He appeared to be wishing for another time that was before the headache curse. Rebecca immediately turned to keep watching Bill who was looking right at Lennon as he continued to sing.
Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play.
Now I need a place to hide away.
Oh, I believe in yesterday.
Lennon looked down to the ground not sure what to make of the song. It was one of her favorites, but it was hard to say what Bill was trying to tell her with the song. Was it he loved her enough to learn how to play the guitar and practiced her favorite song? Or was it an 'I think that it is time to break up' message?
Why she had to go I don't know she wouldn't say.
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday
'Maybe he is telling me it is my choice?' Lennon thought to herself as she looked up to see Bill still intensely looking at her. 'I am going to have to talk to him after this. We can't keep going on the way we are.'
Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play.
Now I need a place to hide away.
Oh, I believe in yesterday.
(The Beatles' Yesterday)
Everyone started to clap when Bill finished. Lennon took a few steps closer to him and away from Ryan who she had been standing by. She looked amazed and confused all at the same time.
Bill handed the guitar back to Aaron who said, "Lauren get up here. It's your time to sing."
Lauren got up from the ground and timidly walked up to the make-shift stage as Bill walked over to Lennon and simply said, "It's your choice. Just let me know."
Aaron helped Lauren up on the table and then sat down with his guitar.
"So what will it be, kid?" he asked giving Lauren a huge smile.
"Do the song you did at the Ball!" Colin shouted up to her.
Lauren laughed and shook her head that she would do it.
"Looks like we are taking requests folks," Wood called out to the crowd before he started to play.
The sunlight on my shoulders
The smile on my face
My secret weapon, my favorite place
The reason my heart skips a beat
The broom that sweeps me off my feet
As Lauren continued with the song Charlie walked up and took Rebecca's hand. He continued to walk and Rebecca curiously followed.
As he led her into the dancing area, Charlie said, "Becca, I am sorry about all this."
"You're not the only one," Rebecca whispered back feeling the tears well up as Charlie turned to face her to start dancing.
"Hey, there is no reason to cry. It was just a busy week and we just had a problem having time to straighten out our misunderstanding," Charlie softly said as he wipe a few stray tears away.
"But I did kiss him, after..."
"I know."
Rebecca looked up at Charlie and wonder if that was it. If they were over, it was because of that stupid kiss.
"Did you mean to kiss him?"
"No," Rebecca timidly said feeling a few more tears come down her face.
"Okay then, know that we have that established, did you mean to slap me?"
"No," Rebecca replied completely confused by the question.
"So it was an accident?"
"Yeah."
"Well there you have it, you didn't mean to kiss him so it was an accident," Charlie said drawling her in closer to him trying to placate her nervousness. He could just sense that she feared the worst would come out of the conversation. "I know you're not going to do it again, so don't worry about it."
"Oh, Charlie, I am so sorry about everything."
"Me, too, Becca. Me, too."
Charlie and Rebecca hugged each other and stood there silently until Lauren announced up on the stage, "I think Becca should sing!"
Rebecca's head jerked up as she heard several comments follow.
"Yeah!"
"That would be great!"
"Come on Becca, sing!"
"Yeah sing for me, please!" Cathrine begged.
Charlie pushed her out of his arms towards the stage, pretty much telling her that he wanted her to sing just as bad as everyone else.
Rebecca took a deep breathe and tried to figure out what song she would sing as she headed up to the makeshift stage wiping the tears out of her eyes. She felt so much better and there was on need for her to be crying anymore.
Aaron took Rebecca's hand to help her up the table and asked if she would do the song they were talking about, but Rebecca declined. She loved the song, she always would, but it brought up the memories of Wadsworth singing it to her or them singing it together and those memories made her smile and cry all at the same time. Rebecca just didn't want those emotions stirred right then. After all she had had enough emotional moments for the week. "Hey Sara! Why don't we do a duet?" Rebecca asked as she turned around up on the picnic table thinking that maybe she could keep Aaron from being too disappointed with her. Before Sara could answer, Greg pushed her towards the stage. Sara joined Rebecca up on the table and the girls quietly discussed what they were going to sing and how they were going to do it. After a moment, they turned to the band and said something to them. As the girls turned back to their audience, the music started.
REBECCA: Throw the covers off my head
Shake my body out of bed
Stretch my arms up, I look out the window
Greg walked over to where Charlie was happy to see Charlie with a smile on his face. James, Jacquelyn, Colin and Cathrine joined their two friends.
SARA: The sun is rising, birds are singing
I am greeted by the gift of another new morning
BOTH: And I know tonight as my head hits the pillow
I will ask myself as I look out the same window
"Hey do you thing this would be a good time for Firework?" Colin whispered to Greg, James and Charlie.
The three boys looked around to see that no one was dancing, but intensely watching and listening to Rebecca and Sara.
"Don't see why not. Do you need help?" Charlie whispered back.
"Nope, got everything under control." Colin slipped away from the group and disappeared in a flash.
At the end of the day {BOOM}
Did I laugh and dance enough
Did I tell my friends how much they really mean to me
At the end of the day {BOOM}
Did I really push myself
Or was I too afraid
To give my heart away
At the end of the day {BOOM}
Colin set off a few more well timed fireworks that had the audience captivated. Rebecca and Sara both watched the bursts of colors in the sky with everyone else. Of course, they had to fight to keep focused on that they were singing.
SARA: I wanna learn I wanna love
Take some big chance and just trust
In my instincts and my intuition
REBECCA: If I win or if I lose
Any road that I choose
I will drive all the way
BOTH: I wanna know tonight as I fall fast asleep
I am one day closer to who I wanna be
At the end of the day {BOOM}
Did I laugh and dance enough
Did I tell my friends how much they really mean to me
At the end of the day {BOOM}
Did I really push myself
Or was I too afraid
To give my heart away
At the end of the day {BOOM}
To never forget what matters most
To never have to answer no
When I ask myself
REBECCA: Did I laugh and dance enough
Did I tell my friends how much they really mean to me...
BOTH: At the end of the day {BOOM}
Did I laugh and dance enough
Did I tell my friends how much they really mean to me
At the end of the day {BOOM}
Did I really push myself
Or was I too afraid
To give my heart away
At the end of the day {BOOM}
(Kellie Coffey's At the End of the Day)
Everyone stood up and cheered when the girls finished. Both bowed and started to get off the make shift stage. Charlie and Greg rushed forward to help the Rebecca and Sara down. There were several complaints voiced that the girls wouldn't be singing another song. Luckily, Lennon had already lined up other acts including her singing with the band.
Charlie and Rebecca danced a few more dances and then walked away from the crowd so that they could have some time alone. They hadn't had a chance all week and now that they had made up it looked like no one would be looking for either of them or at least that is what they thought.
"Where is Miss Carter?" came a voice over the crowd.
Rebecca and Charlie instantly stopped walking and turned around to see Professor Snape looking over the crowd of students.
After a quick worried look at Charlie, Rebecca started back towards the teacher, not letting go of Charlie's hand as she went. She finally let go when she was about ten feet from the teacher. Rebecca walked up and talked to Snape unaware that the whole school was staring at her back.
After a few moments, everyone heard Rebecca say, "REALLY?!"
Snape nodded his head.
Rebecca said a quick thank you and then turned around quickly ran towards Charlie. She surprised him when she jumped into his arms knocking him off balance causing them to tumble to the ground.
Greg, Sara, Cathrine, Colin, James, and Jacquelyn pushed their way to where Charlie and Rebecca were to hear Rebecca say, "I DID IT!"
"What?" Charlie asked sitting up with Rebecca still in his arms.
"I got the last potion done to Snape's standard. I am done with that part of the stipulation!"
"OH, BECCA THAT IS WONDERFUL!"
Charlie gave her a huge hug and kissed her as their other friends looked at each other and then rushed the two to give Rebecca a big group hug.
The eight friends sat on the ground laughing with each other. The girls gave Rebecca individual hugs and the guys gave her a kiss on each her cheeks. Bill came and gave her a bear hug from behind as well as a kiss on her check. Lauren ran over and about knocked Bill and Rebecca over when she went to hug her friend.
"Can we get in on what is going on?" Ryan asked agitated that he didn't know what they were celebrating.
Rebecca looked at him and as she and her friends got up she simply answered, "No."
The group of Gryffindors walked of to the side to continue there celebration of Rebecca's feat.
Ryan watched as Adam walked over and found out what was going on as did Matt. He fumed at the fact that Rebecca would tell anyone else what is going on. Ryan had no clue that his little comment about Wadsworth had hurt Rebecca so much.
"Hey Lennon!" Ryan said forceful as he grabbed her fore arm that caused her to look him shocked. "Go up and find out what is up with Rebecca for me."
Lennon gave him a weird look and then went off with no intention of coming back. She spent the rest of the night with the Gryffindors to teach Ryan a lesson.
The party continued until about midnight. And when Colin set off the last firework, Professor Dumbledore stood up and announced, "It was a wonderful party! Cathrine we are all glad that you are awake and out of the infirmary! However, I think that it is time for us all to go in!"
Moans softly filled the air, but everyone started towards the castle tired.
Bill walked up to Charlie and Rebecca with a sleeping Lauren in his arms.
"She went out when I took her out for that one dance. Poor kid had a heck of a time avoiding Harvey," Bill explained after seeing the concerned look on Rebecca's face.
"What did Harvey do to her?" Charlie asked knowing that Rebecca would want to know as well.
"He kept bugging her to dance with him, but also to sing again I guess. I have to admit I would have liked to hear her sing again, but I was around the last time he came up to her and it was sort of creepy the way he did it. That is why I took her out on the dance floor so that he would leave her alone."
The three walked in discussing the whole Lauren and Harvey situation.
After putting Lauren into bed, the three said good night and headed to their own beds, but not before Charlie gave Rebecca a slow, sweet kiss.
Rebecca skipped up to her room ecstatic that she and Charlie were back to normal.
"What are you doing up?" the prankster questioned.
"Oh, I, um, have to go down and work on the potion for the lawyers," Rebecca answered after the shock of seeing her friend up and going already.
"Can I come with you?"
"Um, sure, I guess. ... You aren't going to set up a prank, are you?"
"Oh, no! I'll be good. It is just that it seems that it has been almost impossible to talk to you. Everyone keeps coming up to you and dragging you away. What is up with that?"
Rebecca looked at her friend not wanting to lie at all, but not wanting to tell her the whole truth.
"Well, let's just say I did a lot of dance lessons this week."
"Are you serious?" Cathrine asked as she followed Rebecca out the door of their room.
"Yep, I promised Harker that I would teach him and that made me have to teach all of Ravenclaw. Hufflepuff found out and they sweet talked me into giving them lessons. And well when Cassie found out, Slytherin got lessons, even though Ryan could have done it himself."
"Wow, that and then having the potion, when did you get everything done for class?"
"At night when everyone was asleep, I was in bed working on homework until I passed out."
"Are you serious?" Cathrine commented as the girls continued down the stairs talking the whole way.
The girls walked to the potion room catching up with each other. As Rebecca worked on her potions Cathrine got her talking about what was going on with her and Charlie.
All the emotion that Rebecca felt the weekend before arose once again. She really hadn't had too much time with everyone talking to her on the party to dwell on the incident that started the complex row. It was sort of a blessing since she and Charlie hadn't been able to resolve anything. Of course, her being so busy was the reason why there had been no steps made towards an understanding.
Rebecca continued to work on her potion hoping that her emotions wouldn't cause her to mess up the potion. She was so close to getting the task complete that she didn't want to start it over. Cathrine was determine to stay with her the whole time, which Rebecca was sure ended up being a blessing to everyone who was getting the party set up. Rebecca just wished that they could get onto a less emotional topic, but it didn't matter what they talked about everything seemed to come back to Charlie.
Sara came in at lunch time with sandwiches to make sure that Cathrine was truly with Rebecca.
"You guys want to go for a walk outside around three?" Sara asked as she got up to leave.
"Yeah," Rebecca automatically answered knowing Sara's reason for the walk.
"Well," Cathrine slowly responded.
"Jacquelyn was coming, too," Sara quickly added.
"Oh, so a girls' walk? I'm in."
Cathrine couldn't help but smile at the idea that she could hang out with her girlfriends without the guys. Sara and Rebecca smiled knowing that they have a sure fired way to get Cathrine out to the party without arising suspicion in their friend.
Rebecca finished her potion in the early afternoon. She was emotionally and mentally drained.
As she cleaned up everything with the help of Cathrine, Rebecca couldn't help but feel nervous about having to see Charlie at the party. She didn't want to have another row with him, but felt as though it could happen with the emotional state she was in.
Around three, Rebecca and Cathrine walked out of the potion room to meet Sara and Jacquelyn for their 'walk.'
"Hey! Ready to go?" Sara asked as the two approached.
"Yep!" Cathrine stated.
"Let's go then!" Jacquelyn cheerful said barely able to contain her excitement.
Sara pushed open the door and Jacquelyn walked out with Rebecca. They had a mission to give everyone warning that Cathrine was coming.
As soon as Cathrine walked out and into view of the party she heard, "SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!"
"WHAT IN THE WORLD!" Cathrine exclaimed as she looked around to see the whole school standing around outside all looking at her with big smiles.
Finally she noticed a banner that read 'GLAD YOU'RE UP, TYSON!'
"Oh, you guys."
Rebecca, Sara, and Jacquelyn rushed to give their friend a big hug as Cathrine sputtered out more amazed comments.
"Hey Smiley! What about me? I helped too!" Colin said as he walked up to the girls. He then slyly added, "Well, me and the rest of the school."
Cathrine laughed and took her boyfriend's hand to be lead more into the party followed by Sara and Jaquelyn.
As Cathrine talked with her well wishers, Rebecca scanned the crowd looking for Charlie. It took her a while but she found him talking to Greg and Adam.
She was about to head down and see if she could pull Charlie away from the group when she heard, "Accio punch!"
CRASH!!!!!
Sudden Rebecca felt a wave of wet sticky liquid cover her.
"Rebecca, I am so sorry!" Matt called as he rushed up to her. "I guess I need more practice."
"Repairo," Rebecca said pointing her wand at the glass bowl that had dropped all the punch on her and broke when it fell to the ground. "Don't worry about it. I am going to get out of these clothes and you can get more punch."
Rebecca handed the bowl to Matt as she started back into the castle.
"I have to go talk to Becca," Charlie said seeing her heading back into the castle as James walked up to group.
"Uh, I hate to ask this, but could you wait until a little later," James asked looking hopeful.
"Can I ask why?" Charlie restrained himself from following Rebecca.
"Well, I need to Becca not to be emotional when..."
"What?"
"She been getting upset a lot lately when she talks with you and..."
"You know if people would just let us talk she would have no reason to get upset."
"Charlie," Bill said noticing that Charlie was getting a little hot under the collar. He had originally walked over to talk to Adam, but decided he had better get his brother calmed down so that there were no problems at the party.
"What?" Charlie asked following his older brother.
"I need some help," Bill said deciding to distract Charlie instead of making him talk about what was going through his head.
"What is it?"
Bill let out a sigh of relief glad that Charlie was already ten times calmer.
"I have a surprise for Lennon, and I want to make sure that she is around when it happens so could you talk with Jenna and get her in on it?"
"Sure, what are you doing so that I can let Jenna know what to look for?"
"Um, just tell her that when I am over there," Bill pointed to a picnic table that a band made up of mostly Ravenclaws were close to, "to get Lennon to watch."
"Will do!"
Charlie went off to find Jenna, thankful that he had something to keep him from going back to the group of guys. He just couldn't understand why James would have been so keen needing Rebecca before he talked to her.
'I guess I will find out later," Charlie thought as he approached Jenna.
Rebecca made it up to her room, quickly changed into a new tee and pair of jeans after a quick shower, and headed right back out to the party. She was about to the outside door when she met up with Russel.
"Did you get all the punch out?" he asked opening the door for her.
"Yeah," Rebecca quickly answered as she practically ran out of the open door.
"Well, have fun. Maybe we'll dance later."
Rebecca rolled her eyes and walked a way hoping that he wouldn't make her have their date then.
Before Russel could say anything, James came running up to them saying, "Hey Becca! Glad you are back now the entertainment can begin."
"What?" Rebecca gave him a very confused look. "Why does the entertainment depend on me? Lennon was supposed to get everything going."
"You'll see," James slyly said as he took her hand and led her down to the group that was standing around the party's band.
As the two Gryffindors walked off, Dan came up to Russel.
"You do know that you could have her on your arm all night if you wanted, or did you forget about your little agreement?" Dan asked. He had been wondering all week why Russel hadn't used his power to make it so that Rebecca could only dance with him.
"Dan, Charlie is here," Russel simply stated. "He will watch us like a hawk and Rebecca would make sure she knew where he was at all times. I don't want that on the date. I want her to listen to me and she wouldn't at this."
"Oh."
"So what is going on down there?" Russel questioned as he headed towards the band.
"From what I gathered there was a dance competition organized. The houses voted on who they thought were the best dancers and they are going to go up against each other and Professor Dumbledore will be judging."
"Rebecca and James for Gryffindor then?"
"Yep, and Ryan got Kirsta up to speed for us. It looks like Harker and Clearwater teamed up for Ravenclaw."
"What about Hufflepuff?"
"Um, not sure."
"I guess it doesn't matter. Come on let's go watch."
"James, what is going on?" Rebecca whispered as James drug her through the crowd to an open area where Ryan and Kirsta were standing with Adam, Miranda, Gabin Mansfield, a sixth year Hufflepuff with sandy brown hair, and Samantha Henson, a fifth year Hufflepuff with dark red curly hair.
Before James could say anything, Lennon stepped on to the picnic table and announced, "Welcome everyone! Now that Rebecca came back we can start our dance competition."
"What?!" Rebecca looked at James totally confused. "When was this arranged and when was it decided that I was going to be dancing with you?"
"Well it came out of you giving the other houses dance lessons," James answered. "As for us the house voted when you were working your potion a couple nights ago. Each house only got one team, hence the vote. It was unanimous since we taught everyone in the house."
Rebecca nodded looking at their competition as Lennon said, "Would Headmaster Dumbledore and our guest of honor please approach the stage?"
As Professor Dumbledore approached with a smile, Cathrine walked up giving Lennon a bit of a strange look. She didn't quite see why she needed to go up.
"These are the two judges of applause. That's right you all are going to judge the house teams by clapping for them after they show off their moves. And Cathrine and Professor Dumbledore will be responsible for telling us how got the loudest. Are the teams ready?"
"Yep," responded all the competitors except for Rebecca. She was flattered that her house had chosen her and James to represent them, but she would have preferred if she could have talked to Charlie first so that her mind was completely clear.
"Okay then, Maestro, take it away!" Lennon said to Kurt James who besides playing bass was leading the band made up of Aaron Woods on guitar, Jess Bookmyer, a fourth year dark haired Ravenclaw on drums, and Kris Tyson singing back up with Alise Belvidere. Kurt nodded and then counted off for the band to start playing.
Sugar , ah honey honey
You are my candy girl
And you've got me wanting you.
James and Rebecca waited a moment to get the beat and then James holding on to his partner's hands pushed Rebecca way from him. He then drew her into him lifting there arms and crossing so that Rebecca back was against his chest.
The two then proceed to do some modified cha-cha steps to the rhytme the song. James sung into Rebecca's ear causing her to giggle slightly as she turned her head to get a side glance of him.
Honey , ah sugar sugar
You are my candy girl
And you've got me wanting you.
James lifted his arm causing Rebecca to spin to face him. Before she had a chance to stop her spin, Rebecca felt James lifting her other arm tell her to keep spinning. This time instead of bringing her right in front of him James took a side step so that Rebecca was right beside of him for a few more modified steps.
I just can't believe the loveliness of loving you
(I just can't believe it's true)
I just can't believe the one to love this feeling to.
(I just can't believe it's true)
After letting go of Rebecca's hand that was the farthest from his body, James slipped his hand to Rebecca's waist so that he could give Rebecca a push so that she spun out a way from him.
As Rebecca left James side she caught sight of the other teams. Everyone seemed to be doing okay for the moment though it was obvious that some teams were struggling. From the little that Rebecca saw it was obvious that Ryan and Kirsta were their only true competition, which coincided with what she had seen during the dance lessons.
Ah sugar , ah honey honey
You are my candy girl
And you've got me wanting you.
Ah honey , ah sugar sugar
You are my candy girl
And you've got me wanting you.
Excerpt The Archies' Sugar Sugar
James obviously realized what Rebecca had about their competition. With a quick look at each other and a nod, the two agreed to give the others a fighting chance. After all they could care less about winning. They just loved to dance. They kept up with their modified cha-cha steps and twirls, but didn't try any of the fancy dips and turns that the Gryffindor students were use to seeing them doing.
Kirsta had always known that Rebecca and James were an unstoppable team and were bound to win. Even though she had given up on Russel she still didn't like Rebecca mostly out of jealousy so when the Gryffindor team was close enough, Kirsta stuck her leg out trying to making it look like she was doing an awkward step.
Rebecca fell backwards as Kirsta gave her a smirk. James did a quick move and managed to catch his partner so that it looked like they were performing a dip. With his hand behind Rebecca's neck he lowered her a little more and then popped her up into his other arm for another dip that made it look like the two might kiss.
"You ready to blow her away?" James whispered as he lowered Rebecca little more. She just nodded as he brought her up to let him know that she would follow what ever steps he wanted to do.
It was only a matter of moments before the two had the eyes of everyone including the other couples staring at them. James led Rebecca through all the fancy steps that he knew would work into the rhytme of the song as well as the twist and turns they could do.
James and Rebecca finished the song in the dip that gave the illusion they were going to kiss.
As he brought her up, they both heard an eruption of applause and then the band started a new song with a salsa beat. Instantly, James spun Rebecca around several time as he got the beat so that as soon as he stopped Rebecca they could start their steps.
Once again the two managed to steal the song with a breath taking finish where James was down on one knee with Rebecca sitting on his knee leaning back into his arms. They both smiled at each other happy with their performance, but secretly hoping that would be the last song in the competition.
"Okay, folks, are you ready to vote?" Lennon announced causing the crowd to sort of moan that there wouldn't be more of James' and Rebecca's fancy moves, but they knew that there would be more time for dancing later and the two would make an encore appearance.
As James and Rebecca got up and walked up to the stage to get judged, she got glance of Kirsta, who of course looked very perturbed. There was no shock there, but when Rebecca caught sight of Ryan's disgusted face she couldn't help but wonder what his problem was.
James and Rebecca took their spots in the line up of the other dancers. Rebecca looked over to see that Ryan was glaring her. She almost immediately backed into James who just put his arm around her shoulders not even aware of the look, because it was probably the creepiest look Ryan had ever given her.
Not wanting to see that look anymore, Rebecca started to scan the crowd to see if she could find Charlie. She saw Greg, Sara, Jacquelyn, and Colin standing in a group near the front of the crowd ready to cheer for their friends.
A smile couldn't help but form on her face when she saw her friends' smiles, but when she realized that Charlie wasn't with them her smile faded.
"Let's hear it for the Hufflepuff team of Samantha Henson and Gabin Mansfield!" Lennon announced which caused a polite round of applause for the team to ensue. Rebecca clapped with everyone else but was looking for Charlie even harder. "Good job, Team Hufflepuff. ... How about the Ravenclaw team of Adam Harker and Miranda Clearwater?"
Rebecca followed everyone else with the applause as she caught sight of Bill who had Charlie next to him. Charlie was wearing a sober expression as he applauded for the Ravenclaw team.
"Congrats, Team Ravenclaw. Now, let's hear it for the Slytherin team of Ryan Malfoy and Kirsta..."
The Slytherin burst into applause trying to get their team to win before Lennon had a chance to finish her sentence.
Charlie glanced over to see Rebecca looking at him. He wanted to smile her, but he knew what their conversation was going to be rough since so much time had passed. Rebecca felt as though she was going to cry. She hated when Charlie wasn't smiling and this time she was the reason that he wasn't smiling, which made it ten times worse.
"Well done, team Slytherin!" Lennon announced breaking up the applause of the Slytherins and bring Rebecca back from her sulking about Charlie's lack of smile. "Now what did you all think of the Griffindor team of..."
Lennon couldn't get anymore out because the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. James and Rebecca looked at each other shocked. They knew that they had pulled out a lot of their best moves, but they never expected a reaction like that.
It took several minutes, but eventually Lennon managed to get everyone settled down with the help of Bill who walked around and calmed down the Gryffindors, especially Sara, Jacquelyn, Anna, and Chelsea.
"Okay, Judges who received the most applause."
Dumbledore and Cathrine whispered to each other for a second. With a twinkle in his eye, the headmaster nodded to Cathrine walked up onto the picnic table with Lennon.
"James and Rebecca win!" she yelled barely unable to contain her excitement as the crowd erupted with cheers and clapping.
James and Rebecca once again looked at each other shocked, not so much for the fact they won, but by how excited everyone was that they did. James put his other arm around Rebecca to give her a hug and kissed her temple as the crowd rushed the two to congratulate them.
Though they both were enjoying the attention, Rebecca wasn't enjoying the fact that everyone closed in on her. James realized that Rebecca was getting very close to passing out and tried to get to her and usher her out of the crowd. Unfortunately, they were getting separated by the other students so James was having troubles getting to her.
Rebecca slowly worked her way to the edge of the crowd trying to be as gracious as possible, but she was not sure how long she was going to be able to keep herself from fainting. She was almost to the edge when she saw another wave of people going at her.
Just as Rebecca started to feel really dizzy and her vision began to blur, a hand came towards her from behind everyone. She grabbed for it without any hesitation. Rebecca didn't know who was attached to the hand, but felt better as she was led out of the group by the hand.
After a moment of being out away from everyone, Rebecca regained her vision and saw that the hand that was holding hers belonged to Aaron.
"You okay?" he asked as he walked her over to the band so that she could sit down without getting crowded around again.
"Um, yeah, just felt really crowded in," Rebecca softly answered.
"Understandable," Aaron said as he started to strum his guitar with a song that was very familiar to Rebecca.
"When did you learn that?" Rebecca asked astonished that Woods was playing the song that she had sung what seemed so long ago.
"After you sang it, I couldn't get it out of my head so I played around until I got it. I think Lauren was just about as obsessed with it, she kept telling me when I was messing up. I think she really wants to know what the words are. ... You want to sing? Give her a chance to learn the words."
"Um, not right know, okay? I need to get some punch before I can sing anything."
Aaron looked lightly disappointed, but he couldn't really argue with her. After all, Rebecca didn't say she wouldn't sing.
Rebecca got up and started to walk towards the punch bowl when the band started up with another song. Even though she had no intention to dance anymore until she talked to Charlie, Rebecca found herself getting pulled on to the dance floor by Kevin. Without missing a beat Rebecca started a few steps with Kevin and managed to catch Audrey's hand to give to him to continue to dance with her.
Rebecca walked away thinking that she might have a chance to make it to the punch bowl now, but Calloway was in her way. He did a bow that she couldn't help but sneer at. As quick as she could she spun out and grabbed Cassie's hand and got Calloway to switch out hands.
She was closer to the punch bowl, but still got caught up with James standing right in front of her. The two instantly started to dance with the song until they were close enough to Jacquelyn and Rebecca could switch her spots.
As James and Jacquelyn danced away, Rebecca walked to the edge of the dance area and headed start for the punch. She took a glass and started to drink.
"Hey Rebecca congrats on your and James' win."
Rebecca turned around to see Jenna coming towards her.
"Thank you," she responded as Jenna picked up a cup of punch for herself.
"It seems that everyone wants to dance with you."
"Yeah, so it seems. I wish that I could get a moment to be around with Charlie. I haven't got to talk to him yet."
Rebecca looked around and to see if she could find Charlie, but couldn't find him at all. Suddenly she saw Russel heading towards her with a smirk on his face that was unnerving.
"Hey Jenna, I haven't seen you out on the dance floor yet."
"Yeah it is cool to have a boyfriend in the band unless that is who you want to dance with."
"I understand. I want to dance with Charlie and can't seem to get to him without someone grabbing me to dance."
"Hey do you want me to take the next song for you?"
"Would you?"
"Yeah, I will step in and take all the guys that ask you out on the floor and step on their feet."
"Except when Charlie asks me."
Jenna rolled her eyes and reluctantly agreed. "Okay, everyone except Charlie is mine to dance with."
"Rebecca, you did a wonderful job with James on the competition," Russel said as he reached the two girls who immediately stopped their conversation.
"Thanks," Rebecca softly said moving away from him as she got some more punch.
"So would you like to dance with me?"
Before Rebecca could even start to say anything, Jenna jumped in with, "why don't you let Rebecca relax for a little bit and you and me can take a turn at stepping on each other feet?"
Rebecca started to laugh at the sight of Russel's face.
"You aren't that bad. Kurt just hasn't caught on how to lead yet."
"Oh so that's my problem. Come on let's see if a new partner will improve it."
Jenna didn't even wait for Russel to answer. She grabbed his hand and dragged him away from Rebecca and onto the dance floor.
Relieved that she hadn't need to make up an excuse for her not to dance with Russel, Rebecca turned back to watch the couples dancing. It was quite impressive to see everyone able to find the beat of the song and try to fit the steps she taught them into their dancing.
"Hey, Rebecca," Ryan said as he came to get some punch.
"Hey," Rebecca responded with a big smile. Ryan didn't look nearly as disgruntled as he did after the competition. "You taking a break too?"
"Um, sort of. I wanted a drink, but also I thought I would take the opportunity of you actually not being on the dance floor to see if I could squeeze in a dance with you before the guys start lining up."
Rebecca took a deep breathe and was about to decline, but couldn't help but remember the look he had given her earlier and she really didn't want to see that again.
"Okay," Rebecca said starting to walk out to the dance floor with Ryan close behind.
They started to dance, but had a slight bit of a problem getting in sync with each other, but they got it finally and went around the dance floor.
"So, you and James pulled out all the stops tonight," Ryan finally said with a perturbed tone in his voice.
"Well not all of them," Rebecca defensively responded. "We still have a few up our sleeves."
"You know it wasn't exactly fair for you too to do that." Rebecca looked at him shocked that his voice had raised so much.
"What do you mean? Kirsta tried to trip me up so that we would lose. At least what we did was honest. Your partner was trying to win by trickery. Of course, I shouldn't be surprised after all Slytherins are known for using 'any means to reach their ends.'"
Ryan face went red not from embarrassment, but from anger.
"You know that holier than thou attitude doesn't fit you, Rebecca. Maybe you shouldn't hang out with Weasley anymore?"
"I haven't had time to hang out with anyone this week so don't get on me."
"You know it is moments like this when I don't like being your friend."
"Well dear cousin, you know you do have a choice in the matter, don't you?"
"Oh, I know and if it wasn't for my uncle, you would be at the mercy of having the Slytherins against you."
"What does your uncle have to do with us being friends?" Rebecca asked through gritted teeth. She complete ignored the fact that Ryan had just threatened her. It was of little importance to her, but Lucius Malfoy having an interest in her being friends with his nephew was news of great significance.
"He said that I need to be friends with you. Obviously, he is afraid of you falling into the wrong crowd."
"Wrong crowd?" Rebecca parroted back starting to get really upset.
"Does he still believe that Muggle's ways are beneath him?"
"They are. That butler of yours poisoned your mind so that you don't see it."
Rebecca instantly spun out and grabbed the first girl's hand that she could reach and exchanged places. She was not about to have Ryan bad mouth Wadsworth when her beloved butler had been nothing but generous with her and him.
Rebecca walked to where Bill was standing still fuming about Ryan's comment.
"Hey, Becca. What's the matter?" he asked as Rebecca turned around to see that she had switched out with Lennon.
"OH, MY!!!!!!! I am so sorry, Bill. I didn't realize that it was Lennon who I grabbed. I was just so mad at him that I wanted to get away," Rebecca spurted out going from anger to guilt in a blink of the eye.
"Becca, it's okay. What did he do to you?"
Rebecca didn't hesitate she told Bill everything about Ryan's insult.
"No wonder you weren't seeing straight," Bill commented when she finished.
"I wish that I was though I wouldn't have got Lennon."
"Don't' worry about it," Bill said as though he was indifferent to the whole matter. Rebecca looked at him curiously.
"Are you still going to go through with it?"
"Yep, might as well try. Besides can't let all those lessons you gave me go to waste." Bill gave her a playful wink. "Guess now is as good of time as any."
He walked away leaving Rebecca alone, a blessing in disguise because she finally got a clear view of Charlie and he of her. The two started towards each other not wanting to miss another chance to talk.
Rebecca kept glancing over to see if anyone who would stop her from talking to Charlie was heading her way. Luckily, all she saw was Bill talking to Kurt. All she could do was smile she knew what was going to happen.
Charlie and Rebecca finally made it to each other, but neither seemed to know what to say. They to get there conversation started. Before they could continue to stare at each other for too long, Kurt's voice came over the crowd.
"Okay folks the band is going to take a break." A lot of groans came from the students before he finished by saying, "But never fear the talent show potion of the evening. Mr. Bill Weasley will start it all off!"
Jenna on cue made Lennon turn around and watch what Bill was doing. Bill got up, sat on the picnic table with Aaron's guitar, and started to play.
Everyone stopped for a moment and just watched him. Some of the first, second, and third years came up close and took seats on the ground while the older students took a step closer wondering when Bill learnt to play the guitar.
Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they're here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday.
Rebecca looked over at Charlie to see if they could sneak off and talk while Bill had everyone entranced. Unfortunately Charlie was fascinated by Bill playing the guitar just like everyone else. Rebecca appeared to be the only one indifferent on the matter. Of course she was the one to teach him so why would she have been shocked by it.
Suddenly,I'm not half the man I used to be
There's a shadow hanging over me
Oh, yesterday came suddenly.
Charlie took a few steps backwards and leaned up against the tree that Rebecca and him were standing under. Rebecca looked back, but decided that it would be best to stay where she was. If Charlie wanted her to be with him, he would have wrapped his arms around her. He had did it before they were going out after all.
Why she had to go I don't know she wouldn't say.
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday.
'What a song Bill picked,' Rebecca thought as she scanned the crowd. 'I bet there are a lot of people who can relate to this song.' Russel glanced over to catch Rebecca's eye as she continued to look around. He appeared to be wishing for another time that was before the headache curse. Rebecca immediately turned to keep watching Bill who was looking right at Lennon as he continued to sing.
Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play.
Now I need a place to hide away.
Oh, I believe in yesterday.
Lennon looked down to the ground not sure what to make of the song. It was one of her favorites, but it was hard to say what Bill was trying to tell her with the song. Was it he loved her enough to learn how to play the guitar and practiced her favorite song? Or was it an 'I think that it is time to break up' message?
Why she had to go I don't know she wouldn't say.
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday
'Maybe he is telling me it is my choice?' Lennon thought to herself as she looked up to see Bill still intensely looking at her. 'I am going to have to talk to him after this. We can't keep going on the way we are.'
Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play.
Now I need a place to hide away.
Oh, I believe in yesterday.
(The Beatles' Yesterday)
Everyone started to clap when Bill finished. Lennon took a few steps closer to him and away from Ryan who she had been standing by. She looked amazed and confused all at the same time.
Bill handed the guitar back to Aaron who said, "Lauren get up here. It's your time to sing."
Lauren got up from the ground and timidly walked up to the make-shift stage as Bill walked over to Lennon and simply said, "It's your choice. Just let me know."
Aaron helped Lauren up on the table and then sat down with his guitar.
"So what will it be, kid?" he asked giving Lauren a huge smile.
"Do the song you did at the Ball!" Colin shouted up to her.
Lauren laughed and shook her head that she would do it.
"Looks like we are taking requests folks," Wood called out to the crowd before he started to play.
The sunlight on my shoulders
The smile on my face
My secret weapon, my favorite place
The reason my heart skips a beat
The broom that sweeps me off my feet
As Lauren continued with the song Charlie walked up and took Rebecca's hand. He continued to walk and Rebecca curiously followed.
As he led her into the dancing area, Charlie said, "Becca, I am sorry about all this."
"You're not the only one," Rebecca whispered back feeling the tears well up as Charlie turned to face her to start dancing.
"Hey, there is no reason to cry. It was just a busy week and we just had a problem having time to straighten out our misunderstanding," Charlie softly said as he wipe a few stray tears away.
"But I did kiss him, after..."
"I know."
Rebecca looked up at Charlie and wonder if that was it. If they were over, it was because of that stupid kiss.
"Did you mean to kiss him?"
"No," Rebecca timidly said feeling a few more tears come down her face.
"Okay then, know that we have that established, did you mean to slap me?"
"No," Rebecca replied completely confused by the question.
"So it was an accident?"
"Yeah."
"Well there you have it, you didn't mean to kiss him so it was an accident," Charlie said drawling her in closer to him trying to placate her nervousness. He could just sense that she feared the worst would come out of the conversation. "I know you're not going to do it again, so don't worry about it."
"Oh, Charlie, I am so sorry about everything."
"Me, too, Becca. Me, too."
Charlie and Rebecca hugged each other and stood there silently until Lauren announced up on the stage, "I think Becca should sing!"
Rebecca's head jerked up as she heard several comments follow.
"Yeah!"
"That would be great!"
"Come on Becca, sing!"
"Yeah sing for me, please!" Cathrine begged.
Charlie pushed her out of his arms towards the stage, pretty much telling her that he wanted her to sing just as bad as everyone else.
Rebecca took a deep breathe and tried to figure out what song she would sing as she headed up to the makeshift stage wiping the tears out of her eyes. She felt so much better and there was on need for her to be crying anymore.
Aaron took Rebecca's hand to help her up the table and asked if she would do the song they were talking about, but Rebecca declined. She loved the song, she always would, but it brought up the memories of Wadsworth singing it to her or them singing it together and those memories made her smile and cry all at the same time. Rebecca just didn't want those emotions stirred right then. After all she had had enough emotional moments for the week. "Hey Sara! Why don't we do a duet?" Rebecca asked as she turned around up on the picnic table thinking that maybe she could keep Aaron from being too disappointed with her. Before Sara could answer, Greg pushed her towards the stage. Sara joined Rebecca up on the table and the girls quietly discussed what they were going to sing and how they were going to do it. After a moment, they turned to the band and said something to them. As the girls turned back to their audience, the music started.
REBECCA: Throw the covers off my head
Shake my body out of bed
Stretch my arms up, I look out the window
Greg walked over to where Charlie was happy to see Charlie with a smile on his face. James, Jacquelyn, Colin and Cathrine joined their two friends.
SARA: The sun is rising, birds are singing
I am greeted by the gift of another new morning
BOTH: And I know tonight as my head hits the pillow
I will ask myself as I look out the same window
"Hey do you thing this would be a good time for Firework?" Colin whispered to Greg, James and Charlie.
The three boys looked around to see that no one was dancing, but intensely watching and listening to Rebecca and Sara.
"Don't see why not. Do you need help?" Charlie whispered back.
"Nope, got everything under control." Colin slipped away from the group and disappeared in a flash.
At the end of the day {BOOM}
Did I laugh and dance enough
Did I tell my friends how much they really mean to me
At the end of the day {BOOM}
Did I really push myself
Or was I too afraid
To give my heart away
At the end of the day {BOOM}
Colin set off a few more well timed fireworks that had the audience captivated. Rebecca and Sara both watched the bursts of colors in the sky with everyone else. Of course, they had to fight to keep focused on that they were singing.
SARA: I wanna learn I wanna love
Take some big chance and just trust
In my instincts and my intuition
REBECCA: If I win or if I lose
Any road that I choose
I will drive all the way
BOTH: I wanna know tonight as I fall fast asleep
I am one day closer to who I wanna be
At the end of the day {BOOM}
Did I laugh and dance enough
Did I tell my friends how much they really mean to me
At the end of the day {BOOM}
Did I really push myself
Or was I too afraid
To give my heart away
At the end of the day {BOOM}
To never forget what matters most
To never have to answer no
When I ask myself
REBECCA: Did I laugh and dance enough
Did I tell my friends how much they really mean to me...
BOTH: At the end of the day {BOOM}
Did I laugh and dance enough
Did I tell my friends how much they really mean to me
At the end of the day {BOOM}
Did I really push myself
Or was I too afraid
To give my heart away
At the end of the day {BOOM}
(Kellie Coffey's At the End of the Day)
Everyone stood up and cheered when the girls finished. Both bowed and started to get off the make shift stage. Charlie and Greg rushed forward to help the Rebecca and Sara down. There were several complaints voiced that the girls wouldn't be singing another song. Luckily, Lennon had already lined up other acts including her singing with the band.
Charlie and Rebecca danced a few more dances and then walked away from the crowd so that they could have some time alone. They hadn't had a chance all week and now that they had made up it looked like no one would be looking for either of them or at least that is what they thought.
"Where is Miss Carter?" came a voice over the crowd.
Rebecca and Charlie instantly stopped walking and turned around to see Professor Snape looking over the crowd of students.
After a quick worried look at Charlie, Rebecca started back towards the teacher, not letting go of Charlie's hand as she went. She finally let go when she was about ten feet from the teacher. Rebecca walked up and talked to Snape unaware that the whole school was staring at her back.
After a few moments, everyone heard Rebecca say, "REALLY?!"
Snape nodded his head.
Rebecca said a quick thank you and then turned around quickly ran towards Charlie. She surprised him when she jumped into his arms knocking him off balance causing them to tumble to the ground.
Greg, Sara, Cathrine, Colin, James, and Jacquelyn pushed their way to where Charlie and Rebecca were to hear Rebecca say, "I DID IT!"
"What?" Charlie asked sitting up with Rebecca still in his arms.
"I got the last potion done to Snape's standard. I am done with that part of the stipulation!"
"OH, BECCA THAT IS WONDERFUL!"
Charlie gave her a huge hug and kissed her as their other friends looked at each other and then rushed the two to give Rebecca a big group hug.
The eight friends sat on the ground laughing with each other. The girls gave Rebecca individual hugs and the guys gave her a kiss on each her cheeks. Bill came and gave her a bear hug from behind as well as a kiss on her check. Lauren ran over and about knocked Bill and Rebecca over when she went to hug her friend.
"Can we get in on what is going on?" Ryan asked agitated that he didn't know what they were celebrating.
Rebecca looked at him and as she and her friends got up she simply answered, "No."
The group of Gryffindors walked of to the side to continue there celebration of Rebecca's feat.
Ryan watched as Adam walked over and found out what was going on as did Matt. He fumed at the fact that Rebecca would tell anyone else what is going on. Ryan had no clue that his little comment about Wadsworth had hurt Rebecca so much.
"Hey Lennon!" Ryan said forceful as he grabbed her fore arm that caused her to look him shocked. "Go up and find out what is up with Rebecca for me."
Lennon gave him a weird look and then went off with no intention of coming back. She spent the rest of the night with the Gryffindors to teach Ryan a lesson.
The party continued until about midnight. And when Colin set off the last firework, Professor Dumbledore stood up and announced, "It was a wonderful party! Cathrine we are all glad that you are awake and out of the infirmary! However, I think that it is time for us all to go in!"
Moans softly filled the air, but everyone started towards the castle tired.
Bill walked up to Charlie and Rebecca with a sleeping Lauren in his arms.
"She went out when I took her out for that one dance. Poor kid had a heck of a time avoiding Harvey," Bill explained after seeing the concerned look on Rebecca's face.
"What did Harvey do to her?" Charlie asked knowing that Rebecca would want to know as well.
"He kept bugging her to dance with him, but also to sing again I guess. I have to admit I would have liked to hear her sing again, but I was around the last time he came up to her and it was sort of creepy the way he did it. That is why I took her out on the dance floor so that he would leave her alone."
The three walked in discussing the whole Lauren and Harvey situation.
After putting Lauren into bed, the three said good night and headed to their own beds, but not before Charlie gave Rebecca a slow, sweet kiss.
Rebecca skipped up to her room ecstatic that she and Charlie were back to normal.