A/N: For those of you who are reading my other fic, The Prayer, umm I just wanted to let you know, that I probably won't be continuing it because I honestly have no idea where to go with it, and frankly I kind of tired of it, but if you guys have ANY ideas whatsoever about what to do that would like me to continue it please let me know...Anyway here's chapter 5...enjoy...oh and I know that the characters are OOC and personally I think I like it this way....Oh and this is the longest chapter I have written in my life!
Disclaimer: (insert disclaimer from chap 1)
Battle of the Bands
Chapter 5: Round One and an Understanding
After the incident with Malfoy Hermione decided to retreat back to Gryffindor Tower to practice for Round One tomorrow, and get her mind off of Draco. She entered the common room only to find Harry and Ginny once again in a compromising position, "Honestly you two, you're just as bad as two rabid rabbits in mating season." Harry and Ginny broke their kiss to look at an exasperated Hermione, "Ok, ok, Mione, don't get your knickers in a twist, or go find someone who would like to twist them for you. Oh and this came for you a few minutes ago." Ginny said as she started to hand Hermione a roll of parchment. "Don't be cheeky with me Miss Weasley, or else your mum is going to find out what you and Harry here are doing behind her back!"(A/N: and the sad part is that Harry and Ginny have been official for only 2-3 days.) Almost immediately as she said that and snatched the parchment of Ginny's hands, their faces went from smiles to frowns. Hermione chuckled at their solemn expressions, "I'm only joking," they let out a sigh of relief as she continued, "by the way, do you know who sent this to me?" The two "love birds" shook their heads as she opened it. The letter read as follows:
'Miss Granger,
A first year student has reported to me that earlier this evening you and Mr. Malfoy were once again using violence to settle your disputes. For this reason I'm assigning you and Mr. Malfoy two days of detention. Your first detention will be held after the first round of the talent show tomorrow evening with Professor Snape. Your second detention will be held with me after the second round of the talent show the following week. You are to report straight to the dungeons after the first round eliminations are announced and you are dismissed. Be there at 10 o clock sharp, don't be late.
Professor M. McGonagall'
"I HAVE TWO DAYS OF DETENTION WITH MALFOY!!! WHAT THE F?!?!" Hermione shouted causing both Harry and Ginny to jump in their seats. "Blimey, Hermione what's all this about?" a sleepy Ron said as he emerged from the stairs. "Malfoy and I got into another fight sort of and once again we got caught and now I have two days of detention with him, and tomorrow it's with Professor Snape." Ginny snorted, while Harry and Ron both said, "bummer." "Ugh...let's just practice for tomorrow so I don't have to think about this right now." The boys nodded as did Ginny. They rehearsed their song until Ron started to complain about how Hermione was trying to torture them with sleep deprivation with all the rehearsing. Reluctantly Hermione called it quits, and they all headed to bed, but before Hermione could leave Ginny grabbed her arm. "Hey Hermione about tomorrow don't worry we're ready, and two don't worry about the detentions just block out Malfoy's incessant whining that you know he's going to do. Ok? It won't be so bad, but anyway...goodnight." Ginny gave Hermione a hug, "thanks." She said as she left through the portrait door for the Head Dormitories...
Slytherin Common Room (The same time Hermione was in the Common Room)
"Draco is something bothering you?" Blaise asked during the five minute break their band was having. Draco looked up fiercely at Blaise, "No why?" "Oh nothing man, I mean you just look like you got your arse kicked or something." 'You have no idea.' Draco thought to himself. Blaise then took a seat next to him, "so what is it girl trouble?" he prodded. "I guess you could say that." Draco answered trying to not say too much. Blaise just continued his questioning, "Oh, well man who is she?" 'Oh shit, what do I do? I can't tell him it's Granger, but I sure as hell am not going to say it's Pansy or Millicent, oh God no ummm...' Draco waited a second before he came up with an answer, "You would never guess..." but before Draco could finish his answer there was a tapping at the window. Goyle opened the window for the owl that went straight for Draco and dropped a parchment in his lap. He gave the bird a little treat before she flew off. "What is it, Draco?" Blaise asked. Draco skimmed it and it read as follows:
'Mr. Malfoy,
A first year student has reported to me that earlier this evening you and Miss Granger were once again using violence to settle your disputes. For your inappropriate behavior I am assigning you and Miss Granger two days of detention. The first detention will be held after the first round of the talent show with Professor Snape. The second detention will be held with me after the second round of the talent show the following week. You are to report straight to the dungeons after the first round eliminations are announced and you are dismissed. Please be there at 10 o'clock sharp, don't be late.
Professor M. McGonagall'
"Oh this is just great!" Draco said dejectedly. The other three band members gathered around him, "what is it Draco?" Crabbe asked. "I have two bloody detentions! And with damn Granger no less!" 'You know detention with Granger might not be so bad, I mean after all I do think she's kind of cute...What! Wait! No! I did not just say that Granger's cute again! Oh yes you did don't deny it; just think of this as an opportunity to possibly annoy the hell out her. Maybe you'll be able to get a good rise out of her; I mean you know that you think she's sexy as hell when she's angry. I know that, but why is it though that whenever I come this close to hitting her and giving her what she deserves, I can't? Hmm...maybe you fancy her. Well that would explain it, hang on what! I don't, I can't, but do I? Do I fancy Hermione? Oh God I do, I just used her first name, I'll never hear the end of this...' Draco finished his conversation with himself and his thoughts with a shake of the head, and voice of Goyle's voice.
"Don't worry about it Draco, you can just use your detention time to torture her to death, but we really need to practice right now..." "Yes, Goyle you're absolutely right, no worries, and hey you guys, I've written this song that I thought we could do for tomorrow." Draco said as he handed them the song with sheet music to go along. "This is awesome Draco, there's no way in hell that they can keep us from winning." Blaise said. They began practicing the song until about 4 a.m. when they decided to call it a night They decide to get some rest because they had a talent show to win later on in the evening...
The Talent Show, Round One...
"Welcome Friends, Family, and Foes to Hogwarts first annual Talent Show. By special demand I and my brother here have been asked to host the show. I'm Gred by the way and this is Forge..." The Weasley twins went on with the opening comedy skit, but then immediately went to the first category, Dance. The first act was Luna and Michael in a seductive Tango routine, after that the show seemed to move a lot faster until the last category of Bands was up. The Ravenclaw group A.S.N was the first to go since they were going in alphabetical order. But while they were playing, chaos seemed to be going on backstage.
"Nervous! What do you mean you're nervous, we're about to go on in 15 minutes and you're just now getting jitters!" Hermione shouted at a nauseated Ron. "Sorry Hermione, just umm...give me a minute..."Before he could finish his statement he ran for the nearest trash can where he emptied out the contents of his stomach. The rest of the band grouped around him. "Are you ok Ron? Do you need to lie down?" Harry asked looking very concerned for his best mate. Ron nodded his head, and the trio led him to a couch that Hermione had transfigured from a chair. "Ok Harry, you watch over him, and Ginny, can you come and help me?" Hermione directed. Ginny nodded and followed her to a little space between the wall and the makeup area.
"Ginny, do you think this outfit's too much?" she asked as she opened her robe to reveal what she was wearing, Ginny gasped at the sight. Never in her life had she ever seen Hermione Granger, the Golden Girl of Gryffindor in a mini red and black plaid schoolgirl skirt. Her top was black and sleeveless with slashes across her chest that showed off a little cleavage. She also had several spiked bracelets on her wrists and a small silver crucifix on her neck. (A/N: it looks better than it sounds. It's roughly based on an outfit that I saw at Hot Topic.). "Hermione it's absolutely perfect, but here let me do something with your hair and makeup." Hermione put back on the robe as Ginny lead her to the make up chair. "Ok, trust me here, and close your eyes don't open them until I tell you to." Ginny said as Hermione sat down. "Ok, Ginny, I trust you." She closed her eyes, and let Ginny work her magic (literally).
Yet as Ginny was giving her this little quickie makeover they heard the next act go on. "Ok, well now, for our next act is Black Night led by our favorite bouncing white ferret, Draco Malfoy." Malfoy and the band shot Fred and George dirty looks as they began to set up for their performance. Ginny turned back to Hermione. "You know Mione, that Malfoy even though he's a prat is quite gorgeous." "Ginny, what are you getting at?" Hermione asked a little worriedly. "All I'm saying is that maybe you should try to make the best of your detention with him tonight I mean you can just ignore and yet stare at his gorgeous face." Ginny said very dreamily. "Right, Ginny?" "Yes, Mione" but before Hermione could tell Ginny what she wanted to say the sound of Malfoy's voice filled their ears. "Ok, well this song, I wrote late yesterday night, it's called 'Faint'. Then the music started up....
(Blaise)
"I am
A little bit of loneliness
A little bit of disregard
A handful of complaints
But I can't help the fact
That everyone can see these scars I am
What I want you to want
What I want you to feel
But it's like No matter what I do
I can't convince you T
o just believe this is real
So I let go watching you
Turn your back like you always do
Face away and pretend that I'm not
But I'll be here 'Cause you're all that I got"
(Draco)
"I can't feel
The way I did before
Don't turn your back on me
I won't be ignored
Time won't heal
This damage anymore
Don't turn your back on me
I won't be ignored"
(Blaise)
"I am
A little bit insecure
A little unconfident
'Cause you don't understand
I do what I can
But sometimes I don't make sense
I am
What you never want to say
But I've never had a doubt
It's like no matter what I do
I can't convince you
For once just to hear me out
So I let go watching you
Turn your back like you always do
Face away and pretend that I'm not
But I'll be here 'Cause you're all that I got"
(Draco)
"I can't feel
The way I did before
Don't turn your back on me
I won't be ignored
Time won't heal
This damage anymore
Don't turn your back on me
I won't be ignored
No!
Hear me out now
You're gonna listen to me
Like it or not Right now
Hear me out now
You're going to listen to me
Like it or not Right now
I can't feel
The way I did before
Don't turn your back on me
I won't be ignored
I can't feel
The way I did before
Don't turn your back on me
I won't be ignored
Time won't heal T
his damage anymore
Don't turn your back on me
I won't be ignored
I can't feel
Don't turn your back on me
I won't be ignored
Time won't heal
Don't turn your back on me
I won't be ignored"
Hermione and Ginny could here the crowd's wild applause causing both of their stomachs to jump. "Don't worry you guys, We're so much better than them." Harry said as he put an arm around his girlfriend. Ron soon joined them looking a lot better than he did 10 minutes ago. "Wow, Hermione, what did you do? You look awesome." He exclaimed. "Oh yeah, Ginny can I open my eyes now?" she asked hopefully. "Go ahead. We're going to go get our instruments." They walked away as Hermione opened her eyes. To say she was shocked would've been the understatement of the year. She stared in the mirror at the disbelief of her appearance. Her hair was no longer bushy chestnut curls, but it was straight and silky and JET BLACK. She noticed the dark eye make up with light lip gloss and a little jewel located on her right temple. "Ginny, I love you!" she shouted excitedly as she ran hugged Ginny. "You're very welcome. Now let's go out there and kick some seriously Arse!!!!" with that the whole of Serendipity cheered and headed to go onstage.
As they were waiting to be announced the previous band walked by them, and for some reason something in Hermione made her do this, not knowing what really. "Hey Malfoy!" Draco turned to face her. "Great song, I loved it." She said. He just nodded at her and said, "Good luck, Granger." before leaving to join the rest of his band. Harry and Ron just looked at Hermione like she was nuts. But before they could comment they were announced and made their way to the stage. As they were getting ready, Draco decided to stand backstage where he could watch his competition. "Hello, as Fred and George said we are 'Serendipity' and this song was written by Harry Potter and myself, and it's very special to us as a band. It's called 'Bring Me to Life' Hermione looked over at Ginny who began to play the keyboard... (A/N: Bold is Harry, Italics is Hermione, Italics and Bold is both)
"How can you see into my eyes like open doors?
Leading you down into my core;
Where I've become so numb.
Without a soul my spirit's sleeping somewhere cold.
Until you find it there and lead it back home"
(Wake me up!) "Wake me up inside!"
(I can't wake up) "Wake me up inside!"
(Save me!) "Call my name and save me from the dark."
(Wake me up!) "Bid my blood to run."
(I can't wake up!) "Before I come undone"
(Save me!) "Save me from the nothing I've become."
"Now that I know what I'm without,
You can't just leave me
Breathe into me and make me real
Bring me to life."
(Wake me up!) "Wake me up inside!"
(I can't wake up) "Wake me up inside!"
(Save me!) "Call my name and save me from the dark."
(Wake me up!) "Bid my blood to run."
(I can't wake up!) "Before I come undone"
(Save me!) "Save me from the nothing I've become."
"Frozen inside without touch,
Without your love darling
Only you are the life among the dead"
"All of this time I can't believe I couldn't see;
Kept in the dark, but you were there in front of me"
"I've been sleeping a thousand years it seems;
Got to open my eyes to everything."
"Without thought, without a voice, without a soul."
"Don't let me die here."
"There must be something more."
"Bring me to life"
(Wake me up!) "Wake me up inside!"
(I can't wake up) "Wake me up inside!"
(Save me!) "Call my name and save me from the dark."
(Wake me up!) "Bid my blood to run."
(I can't wake up!) "Before I come undone"
(Save me!) "Save me from the nothing I've become."
"Bring me to life."
"I've been livin a lie;
There's nothing inside."
"Bring me to life."
After the four Gryffindors finished they couldn't hear anything because the applause was deafening. All the Gryffindors in the audience were now up on their feet cheering. All of this cheering even made Draco jump. He then retreated with his fellow band members on the couches back stage. The Gryffindor band ran backstage and began to hug one another. "That was awesome, let's do it again!" Ron said as he lifted his little sister into a bear hug. "So you're over your stage fright now, mate?" Harry asked quizzically. Ron just smiled in response. "Hermione you were awesome beyond words!" Ginny exclaimed as she and Hermione embraced. "Thanks, we all did excellent, now we've just got to wait for the verdict in 20 minutes." The group then split up to do their thing. Ginny and Hermione left so they could change, and Harry and Ron went over to talk to Neville and Seamus. ..
20 minutes later...
Hermione and Ginny emerged from the girl's dressing room looking like themselves again. They soon joined Harry and Ron. Then Professor Dumbledore's voice was heard throughout the Hall. "Will all participants please come onto the stage. We are ready to announce the first eliminations for the competition." Everyone in the show soon filed out onto the stage waiting anxiously for the judges's decision. Professor Dumbledore then stood from his spot again, "Now, you all were wonderful there's no doubt about that but some showed more ability than others so unfortunately we must eliminate one person or group from each category, now when I finish calling your name please exit the stage: Padma & Parvati Patil, Hannah Abbot, Pansy Parkinson, Seth Clark, Roman Caesar, and A.S.N." After he finished calling out the names the two remaining bands both took a deep sigh of relief; while those who were cut made all sorts of exits such as crying, cursing, throwing temper tantrums that sort of thing.
Detention...
Soon afterward they were dismissed and Hermione headed down to the dungeons to detention. As she walked into the Potions classroom she spotted a certain platinum blonde Slytherin. "Malfoy." He looked her up and down, 'back to a prude I see' seeing that she was in her school uniform again, "Granger." Professor Snape then walked in carrying a mop, broom, and two buckets; one with soap water; the other was empty. "Here you two will clean every inch of my floor until shines like those white teeth of yours Mr. Malfoy. Also, there will be no use of magic so hand over your wands." Both Hermione and Draco gave him their wands very reluctantly and took the equipment. Snape then disappeared into the other Potions lab to continue his work. "Well what do we do now?" Draco asked. "Well obviously, one of us sweeps the floor while, the other mops behind where we just swept." He just nodded and took the mop, and waited for Hermione to start sweeping.
They worked together in a very uncomfortable silence until Hermione decided to start a "civil" conversation, "So Malfoy, what was your inspiration for the song?" He stopped and just stared at her, "Excuse me?" She rolled her eyes and stopped sweeping, "I asked what was your inspiration for your song." "Oh, well actually a lot of stuff, what about you? What was the inspiration for your song? I liked it by the way." Hermione continued sweeping as she answered, "stuff." Malfoy mopped behind her, "well that's vague." She stopped again and this time turned to face him, "It was just as vague as yours."
They then went back to the uncomfortable silence again. "Malfoy?" "What Granger?" Draco asked starting to get annoyed. "Why didn't you hit me?" She turned to face him again as she asked. He stood straight up and placed the broom into the water, "I have my reasons." "And they are?" Now he was really starting to get annoyed with her, "Why are you curious about the reason why I didn't beat the shit out of you?" "Because, you hate me." 'Or so you think.' He thought as he replied, "more than you'll ever know." She stood her ground however, "you still haven't answered my question." "Granger, there is more to me that you could ever possibly comprehend."
"Try me." She said trying to get him to open up a little. "Why? So you can go tell all my secrets to your little boyfriends? I don't think so." "You know what Malfoy? I'm trying to be civil here but you're making this really difficult for me so you know, F!# you." Hermione said with an angry glint in her eyes. Draco noticed this immediately, 'you know you are making this difficult and she's obviously trying to be friendly, but look she's getting angry. God she's so hott when she's angry.' Draco smirked, "yes, f!# me please." Hermione's eyes went from angry to disgusted, "Bite me!" She turned back to her broom and began sweeping once more, but then all of a sudden she could feel someone teeth biting her shoulder. It wasn't a hard enough bite to break skin, but it was hard enough to hurt. Yet somehow some part of her was actually enjoying being bit that is until she realized who was biting her. "Malfoy get off!" she yelled as she slapped hard on the arm.
"Well, Granger, you told me to bite you, and I did, and you enjoyed it didn't you?" He said as he saw that a slight blush was coming across her cheeks. "You perv." She said trying to keep her composure. Draco stepped closer to her, "Admit it Granger, you liked it and you know you did." His face was so close to hers that she could feel his breath on her lips. She closed her eyes as if waiting for him to close the gap between their lips, but then reality hit her and she pushed him back. "No, I can't! I don't know you! You don't know me! This is way too soon and just, just, just too weird!" she yelled as she pushed past him towards the door. She had to get out of there; this just way was too much. "Hermione!" he called after her, and at hearing her first name she stopped and tried to turn around, but her shoe was caught in a crevice in the stone floor and the floor was slippery from being mopped on and she fell. CRACK!
Hermione screamed as she could feel the pain throbbing in her newly broken bad ankle. Draco ran over beside her, "Hermione! What is it?" he asked not hearing her ankle snap. Hermione had to tell him in between sniffles, "My (sniffle sniffle) ankle's (sniffle sniffle) broken, it hurts (sniffle sniffle) so bad." Draco called for Professor Snape, but clearly he had a spell on the door that didn't let him hear what was going on after Draco's constant yelling for him didn't even make him stir. Draco turned his attention back to the wounded lioness. "Hermione can you stand up?" She nodded and tried, but it only increased the pain so she cried out. So instead of her standing up Draco picked her up in his arms, and started towards the hospital wing. After a few minutes her sniffles had subsided, and she looked up at her "rescuer", "you said my name." He looked down at the beauty in his arms. "yeah?" She just continued to stare at him, "I hate you" she said softly. He just smiled, the first smile he ever gave her, and said softly, "I hate you too." Then Hermione closed her eyes, and buried her head in his chest as they walked (correction as Draco walked) to Madam Pomfrey's feeling as though they may have finally come to an understanding...
A/N: so who's really confused so far? If you are then good, and if you aren't well then good. Oh and yes you can break your ankle by falling on a newly mopped floor cause I almost did once and it wasn't fun. Oh and I wrote this starting at 9 30 p.m and didn't finish it till 2 17 am. So just know that I love you guys enough to do this....so you know what to do...oh and the songs are linkin park's faint and evanescence's bring me to life.