Chapter 40
The Sisters' Revenge
Two weeks went by quickly, and with them, two concerts as well. Every Saturday evening, without fail, the Hogwarts Sisters would diligently stage a concert for the student body's benefit. The concerts were an absolute hit with the students, but were received far differently by the musicians themselves...
Friday found the Hogwarts Sisters tuning up for the third concert appearance. Xiomara Hooch groaned, wiggling her aching fingers. "I'm sorry, but this is simply too much. My poor fingers just aren't what they used to be."
"You've gone soft, Xiomara. Myself, why...I´m not tired at all," Minerva observed, her fingers dancing confidently over her keyboard. "However, you do lead the conversation quite nicely to where I wanted it to go anyway. I think it fitting that we exact some sort of revenge upon Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Ms. Abbot and Mr. Heech for what they've been putting us all through."
Xiomara narrowed her golden eyes, thinking. "Hmm. What if I were to use that spell I used that time on Professor Dippet? You know that one. I think those four would look just grand with rainbow-colored frizzy hair!"
Minerva snorted at that. "Yes. Though, might I pose you one question, Xiomara dear? How do you feel about joining me in my juvenile deliquent look? Because believe you me, Mr. Weasley would have no qualms whatsoever about doing just that if you ruin that new hair style he's so fond of."
Xiomara looked warily at her friend, eyeing her clothing, tattoos and the like. She then replied, "Do you know, I've always wanted my tongue pierced. I think it makes one look rather savage."
"XIOMARA!" the other ladies exclaimed in surprise. Xiomara grinned, then laughed softly.
"You always were the trend setter, Xiomara," McGonnagal observed with a small smile at her friend.
"Me? Have you taken a look in the mirror of late, Min?"" Xiomara replied, grinning savagely.
"Droll, Xiomara," McGonnagal answered back, sticking her pierced tongue out at her.
"Ah! I've got it!" Minerva announced after a long period of silence. Her friends and band members looked over to her curiously. "We'll somehow have them sing with us all---on stage during our concert. Wouldn't you say that sounds about right, ladies?"
"Comical, Min," Sylvia said, laughing.
"Yes, Sylvia...but a bit daring as well," Poppy added. "You all do realize that by doing this we're going to be in serious trouble?"
"Pah! You always did worry too much, Poppy. I like it!" Xiomara said in her usual devil-may-care manner.
"And you, my dear Xiomara, never worry enough!" retorted Poppy in a frosty voice, that made Hooch blink.
"Oh! Poppy's right. I mean, still...should we?" Sylvia said. She then giggled nervously, adding, "There's no denying that it'd be fun..."
"All right, ladies. So...are we going to do this or not? I say we go for it. Who's with me?" Minerva asked and held out her hand, palm down.
"As the Yanks say, 'Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!'" Xiomara proclaimed, laying her hand atop Minerva's.
"Oh dear. This is madness! Sheer madness," Sylvia complained. She then grinned mischieviously, adding, "But I'm still doing it, so there!" she said and laid her hand atop Xiomara and Minerva' hands.
"It's up to you, Poppy dear," Minerva observed softly, looked over at the most reserved of the Hogwarts Sisters.
Poppy looked at her friends, one at a time, before relenting. She sighed theatrically, resigned to her fate. "Oh very well, then. However, should I end up looking like an aging juvenile delinquent come Sunday, I will be blaming you personally, Minerva McGonnagal," she warned, putting her hand over the others, and sealing the deal.
Meanwhile, in his dormitory in the Gryffindor Tower, Harry was fast asleep in his bed. Saturday, he thought as he lifted an eyelid. Hmm, about time for another concert, I think. He smiled, then closed his eyes again, continuing to drowse.
Ron came rushing in, puffing. "Harry! Wake up, mate! You've got to," he said, his face fraught with panic.
"Hold up! What is it? What's the matter, Ron?" Harry asked, looked over at him.
"Well, it seems that our friends, the Hogwarts Sisters, have whipped up a bit of revenge on us," Ron told him in a rush. "They've gone and told everyone---over breakfast, mind---that we've agreed to sing with them at tonight's concert! Harry! I can't sing! You've heard me!"
"Hmm. Just like Dumbledore did when he told us all about the student versus teacher Quidditch match, eh?" Harry said. "Very clever, Professor McGonnagal...tell them all over breakfast, so no one can even protest."
"Too right, mate! Well, I've talked with Hannah and Patrick, and well, they say they're going to sing! Can you believe that? We don't have any choice now, really. But they both agree that paybacks are going to be hell for those four! Both of them suggested making the other three up just like you've done with McGonnagal. What do you think, Harry?"
"Hmm, that's sounds good. Ooh, and we should make them color their hair too," Harry suggested after a moment.
"Right! Only this time, make sure their all awake when they get their piercings and tattoos! Serves them all right for trapping us like this," Ron growled, nodding. "See you later, Harry."
McGonnagal is going to pay for this, Harry thought to himself. Yes, but how? Then he knew just what to do. He drafted up a letter.
Hello!
I have just gotten a piercing. I also am an Animagi. I've a question: with my new piercing, may I still transform into my animal form? You may send your answer with this owl, Hedwig.
Respectfully, Leo
Leo was the nickname he had taken since he had become an Animagi. He carefully folded up his letter, and took to the stairs up to the owlery. There, he found Hedwig, and strapped the letter to her leg, and instructed her to where he wanted his letter delivered. Hedwig nodded, and launched herself out the huge window of the owlery. He watched her briefly soar off before heading down to eat his lunch.
In the Great Hall, he spotted Professor McGonnagal. Once she caught his gaze, she looked back at him and smiled craftily. Harry smiled back cleverly, which make the good Professor loose her haughty and commanding look in a hurry. It was quite evident that she now understood that she and her Sister weren't getting away with this unscathed.
Harry began to eat, sitting and chatting with Ron and Hermione, when he saw Hedwig come soaring down to land on the table. She regally raised her leg, which had the response that Harry had been expecting. He gently removed the parchment, and read it's contents.
Dear Leo,
No, it´s not dangerous in the least way to transform into your animal form with your piercing. They simply disappear when in your animal form, and will return when turn back into your human form.
Thomas Penniman Owner Hogsmead Body Arts and Piercings
Harry looked up grinning, and looked over to where McGonnagal was sitting. "Hedwig," Harry said looking at his owl, who blinked in recognition. "Please fly over to Professor McGonnagal and get her attention, would you?"
Hedwig took off for a brief flight to Professor McGonnagal, where she landed and hooted twice loudly.
McGonnagal looked up to where Hedwig stood before her. The intelligent owl then looked her in the eye, then looked back over her shoulder to where Harry sat. McGonnagal understood and looked over to Harry, who pointed out towards the hallway. She took the hint, excused herself from the table, and rose from her seat, walking out into the hallway, followed by Harry.
When she and Harry was alone Harry began to speak. "So, we're going to sing with you all this evening, are we?"
"That you are, my boy. Which is only fitting after all you've done, don't you think? Now, as to your retribution...I'm ready, Mr. Potter. You may do your worst," McGonnagal said bravely.
"Right," Harry said, impressed despite himself. "Meet me in the common room, this upcoming Sunday then."
"Gryffindor Common room?" McGonnagal said. "And here I thought we'd be off to Hogsmead for my next bit of tacky body art."
"Fraid not, Professor," Harry explained. "Ron, Patrick, and Hannah are reserving that particular treatment for your friends and Sisters."
McGonnagal tried, but could not help laughing softly. "Oh dear, Poppy's just going to love this. I do believe that she's going to be quite cross with me as well," she said, shaking her head.
"You all wanted to play...so this is the cost of your playing. Just make sure you come to the common room next Sunday," Harry said and started to walk towards the stairs leading back to the Common Room.
"Oh, Mr. Potter," McGonnagal called after him.
Harry turned back, reluctantly. "Yes? What is it?" Harry asked just a bit put out.
"Might I inquire as to just which song you're going to sing?" McGonnagal asked. "I and the girls have to plan. It's a part of the show, you see..."
Harry frowned, then thought for a moment. "I'll be singing 'The Bells of Notre Dame'," he declared.
Professor McGonnagal nodded and made her way back inside the Great Hall.
That night the four students involved in the bet, met to discuss things briefly just outside the Great Hall doors.
"So...what's everyone singing?" Harry wanted to know.
"I told them that I would sing, 'Part of Your World'," Hannah told them.
"I decided upon 'Wanna Be Like You'," Patrick explained, smiling and blushing slightly.
"I...er, well, will sing, 'A Whole New World'," Ron said. "It´s a really cool song, really. Besides...it's Hermione's favorite." Ron blushed.
Harry grinned. "Since all of you have told me, I'll tell you. I'm going to sing 'Bells of Notre Dame'," Harry said.
They all shut up as the door opened, and McGonnagal appeared. "Are all you children ready to meet your audience?" she inquired, her eyes gleaming. They all nodded a very nervous yes.
McGonnagal led them into the Hall, and down the central aisle to the stage. Along the way they were met by a rousing wash of applause. Minerva led them up stage left, where Madam Hooch now stood, carefully tuning her guitar. Just to her right, Profesor Sprout stood, blowing softly into her flute, trilling notes. Next to her and a bit further back than the others, Madam Pomfrey sat behind her drums, tapping softly on the drum heads and adjusting them. Professor McGonnagal walked on all the way to the right, and sat down before her keyboards. The Hogwarts Sisters stood, arranged in a semi-circle.
Madam Hooch did the honors of starting this nights concert. "Good evening, all! We're going to start tonight's entertainment with one of our favorite songs. And, as a special treat, one of your own, Ms. Hannah Abbott will sing 'Part of Your World' along with us as the first song of the night!" Madam Hooch announced. Hannah gulped, looked to her friends, then made her way to the middle of the stage, looking out over the audience before her. It was very scary being alone up there, but this was what she had to do. She looked over to Professor McGonnagal and nodded. Madam Pomfrey set the time with her bass drum, and the others started to play. Hannah screwed up her courage, tilted her head back slightly, and began to sing:
See what I have,
Isn't it neat?
Wouldn't you think my collection's complete
Wouldn't you think I´m the girl,
The girl who has everything.
Look at this trove,
Treasures untold.
How many wonders can one cavern hold?
Looking around here, you think,
Sure she´s got everything.
I got gadgets and gizmos a plenty,
I got whos-its and whats-its galore,
Do you want thingabobs?
I got twenty!
But who cares,
No big deal,
I want more.
I wanna be where the people are,
I wanna see, wanna see them dancing!
Walking around on those---
what do you call them again?---Oh, feet.
Flipping your fins, you don't get too far.
Legs are required for jumping, dancing,
walking around down a---what's the word again?---Street
Up where they walk, up where they run,
Up where they stay all day in the sun.
Wandering free,
Wish I could be,
Part of that world!
What would I give, if I could live outta these waters?
What would I pay to spend a day, lying on the sand?
Bet you on land,
They´ll understand.
Bet they don't reprimand their daughters,
Bright young women,
Sick of swimming,
Ready to stand.
And ready to know what the people know,
Ask them my questions and get some answers.
What's a fire and why does it---whats the word? ---burn?
When is my turn?
Wouldn't I love,
Love to explore that shore up above.
Out of the sea,
Wish I could be,
Part of that World.
Everybody cheered when Hannah finished her last. Even the Hogwarts sisters. Hannah bowed slightly, then scurried off the stage.
"Our next performer will be Patrick Heech! He will be singing 'Wanne Be Like You'. Whenever you're ready, Mr. Heech," Madam Hooch announced. Patrick was not nearly as good a performer as Hannah had been, but he wasn't bad.
After Patrick was done, Ron was up to perform his song next. And that only left Harry... After Ron moved off the stage, the applause still chasing after him, Harry moved forward to take center stage and sang his piece. Oddly enough, he didn't even sense anything but his own singing. It was then that he realized that he had finished his song, and was done. He was quite surprised when he heard that the cheering, which sounded many times as loud as it did in upon the Quiddtich field. Moving off-stage, he gave Professor McGonnagal a quick look. She was smiling at him, though a bit oddly. Harry was confused. Maybe she thought that she was going to get away with all this, Harry thought. But were that the case, she was wrong. Absolutely without a doubt wrong...
The Sisters' Revenge
Two weeks went by quickly, and with them, two concerts as well. Every Saturday evening, without fail, the Hogwarts Sisters would diligently stage a concert for the student body's benefit. The concerts were an absolute hit with the students, but were received far differently by the musicians themselves...
Friday found the Hogwarts Sisters tuning up for the third concert appearance. Xiomara Hooch groaned, wiggling her aching fingers. "I'm sorry, but this is simply too much. My poor fingers just aren't what they used to be."
"You've gone soft, Xiomara. Myself, why...I´m not tired at all," Minerva observed, her fingers dancing confidently over her keyboard. "However, you do lead the conversation quite nicely to where I wanted it to go anyway. I think it fitting that we exact some sort of revenge upon Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Ms. Abbot and Mr. Heech for what they've been putting us all through."
Xiomara narrowed her golden eyes, thinking. "Hmm. What if I were to use that spell I used that time on Professor Dippet? You know that one. I think those four would look just grand with rainbow-colored frizzy hair!"
Minerva snorted at that. "Yes. Though, might I pose you one question, Xiomara dear? How do you feel about joining me in my juvenile deliquent look? Because believe you me, Mr. Weasley would have no qualms whatsoever about doing just that if you ruin that new hair style he's so fond of."
Xiomara looked warily at her friend, eyeing her clothing, tattoos and the like. She then replied, "Do you know, I've always wanted my tongue pierced. I think it makes one look rather savage."
"XIOMARA!" the other ladies exclaimed in surprise. Xiomara grinned, then laughed softly.
"You always were the trend setter, Xiomara," McGonnagal observed with a small smile at her friend.
"Me? Have you taken a look in the mirror of late, Min?"" Xiomara replied, grinning savagely.
"Droll, Xiomara," McGonnagal answered back, sticking her pierced tongue out at her.
"Ah! I've got it!" Minerva announced after a long period of silence. Her friends and band members looked over to her curiously. "We'll somehow have them sing with us all---on stage during our concert. Wouldn't you say that sounds about right, ladies?"
"Comical, Min," Sylvia said, laughing.
"Yes, Sylvia...but a bit daring as well," Poppy added. "You all do realize that by doing this we're going to be in serious trouble?"
"Pah! You always did worry too much, Poppy. I like it!" Xiomara said in her usual devil-may-care manner.
"And you, my dear Xiomara, never worry enough!" retorted Poppy in a frosty voice, that made Hooch blink.
"Oh! Poppy's right. I mean, still...should we?" Sylvia said. She then giggled nervously, adding, "There's no denying that it'd be fun..."
"All right, ladies. So...are we going to do this or not? I say we go for it. Who's with me?" Minerva asked and held out her hand, palm down.
"As the Yanks say, 'Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!'" Xiomara proclaimed, laying her hand atop Minerva's.
"Oh dear. This is madness! Sheer madness," Sylvia complained. She then grinned mischieviously, adding, "But I'm still doing it, so there!" she said and laid her hand atop Xiomara and Minerva' hands.
"It's up to you, Poppy dear," Minerva observed softly, looked over at the most reserved of the Hogwarts Sisters.
Poppy looked at her friends, one at a time, before relenting. She sighed theatrically, resigned to her fate. "Oh very well, then. However, should I end up looking like an aging juvenile delinquent come Sunday, I will be blaming you personally, Minerva McGonnagal," she warned, putting her hand over the others, and sealing the deal.
Meanwhile, in his dormitory in the Gryffindor Tower, Harry was fast asleep in his bed. Saturday, he thought as he lifted an eyelid. Hmm, about time for another concert, I think. He smiled, then closed his eyes again, continuing to drowse.
Ron came rushing in, puffing. "Harry! Wake up, mate! You've got to," he said, his face fraught with panic.
"Hold up! What is it? What's the matter, Ron?" Harry asked, looked over at him.
"Well, it seems that our friends, the Hogwarts Sisters, have whipped up a bit of revenge on us," Ron told him in a rush. "They've gone and told everyone---over breakfast, mind---that we've agreed to sing with them at tonight's concert! Harry! I can't sing! You've heard me!"
"Hmm. Just like Dumbledore did when he told us all about the student versus teacher Quidditch match, eh?" Harry said. "Very clever, Professor McGonnagal...tell them all over breakfast, so no one can even protest."
"Too right, mate! Well, I've talked with Hannah and Patrick, and well, they say they're going to sing! Can you believe that? We don't have any choice now, really. But they both agree that paybacks are going to be hell for those four! Both of them suggested making the other three up just like you've done with McGonnagal. What do you think, Harry?"
"Hmm, that's sounds good. Ooh, and we should make them color their hair too," Harry suggested after a moment.
"Right! Only this time, make sure their all awake when they get their piercings and tattoos! Serves them all right for trapping us like this," Ron growled, nodding. "See you later, Harry."
McGonnagal is going to pay for this, Harry thought to himself. Yes, but how? Then he knew just what to do. He drafted up a letter.
Hello!
I have just gotten a piercing. I also am an Animagi. I've a question: with my new piercing, may I still transform into my animal form? You may send your answer with this owl, Hedwig.
Respectfully, Leo
Leo was the nickname he had taken since he had become an Animagi. He carefully folded up his letter, and took to the stairs up to the owlery. There, he found Hedwig, and strapped the letter to her leg, and instructed her to where he wanted his letter delivered. Hedwig nodded, and launched herself out the huge window of the owlery. He watched her briefly soar off before heading down to eat his lunch.
In the Great Hall, he spotted Professor McGonnagal. Once she caught his gaze, she looked back at him and smiled craftily. Harry smiled back cleverly, which make the good Professor loose her haughty and commanding look in a hurry. It was quite evident that she now understood that she and her Sister weren't getting away with this unscathed.
Harry began to eat, sitting and chatting with Ron and Hermione, when he saw Hedwig come soaring down to land on the table. She regally raised her leg, which had the response that Harry had been expecting. He gently removed the parchment, and read it's contents.
Dear Leo,
No, it´s not dangerous in the least way to transform into your animal form with your piercing. They simply disappear when in your animal form, and will return when turn back into your human form.
Thomas Penniman Owner Hogsmead Body Arts and Piercings
Harry looked up grinning, and looked over to where McGonnagal was sitting. "Hedwig," Harry said looking at his owl, who blinked in recognition. "Please fly over to Professor McGonnagal and get her attention, would you?"
Hedwig took off for a brief flight to Professor McGonnagal, where she landed and hooted twice loudly.
McGonnagal looked up to where Hedwig stood before her. The intelligent owl then looked her in the eye, then looked back over her shoulder to where Harry sat. McGonnagal understood and looked over to Harry, who pointed out towards the hallway. She took the hint, excused herself from the table, and rose from her seat, walking out into the hallway, followed by Harry.
When she and Harry was alone Harry began to speak. "So, we're going to sing with you all this evening, are we?"
"That you are, my boy. Which is only fitting after all you've done, don't you think? Now, as to your retribution...I'm ready, Mr. Potter. You may do your worst," McGonnagal said bravely.
"Right," Harry said, impressed despite himself. "Meet me in the common room, this upcoming Sunday then."
"Gryffindor Common room?" McGonnagal said. "And here I thought we'd be off to Hogsmead for my next bit of tacky body art."
"Fraid not, Professor," Harry explained. "Ron, Patrick, and Hannah are reserving that particular treatment for your friends and Sisters."
McGonnagal tried, but could not help laughing softly. "Oh dear, Poppy's just going to love this. I do believe that she's going to be quite cross with me as well," she said, shaking her head.
"You all wanted to play...so this is the cost of your playing. Just make sure you come to the common room next Sunday," Harry said and started to walk towards the stairs leading back to the Common Room.
"Oh, Mr. Potter," McGonnagal called after him.
Harry turned back, reluctantly. "Yes? What is it?" Harry asked just a bit put out.
"Might I inquire as to just which song you're going to sing?" McGonnagal asked. "I and the girls have to plan. It's a part of the show, you see..."
Harry frowned, then thought for a moment. "I'll be singing 'The Bells of Notre Dame'," he declared.
Professor McGonnagal nodded and made her way back inside the Great Hall.
That night the four students involved in the bet, met to discuss things briefly just outside the Great Hall doors.
"So...what's everyone singing?" Harry wanted to know.
"I told them that I would sing, 'Part of Your World'," Hannah told them.
"I decided upon 'Wanna Be Like You'," Patrick explained, smiling and blushing slightly.
"I...er, well, will sing, 'A Whole New World'," Ron said. "It´s a really cool song, really. Besides...it's Hermione's favorite." Ron blushed.
Harry grinned. "Since all of you have told me, I'll tell you. I'm going to sing 'Bells of Notre Dame'," Harry said.
They all shut up as the door opened, and McGonnagal appeared. "Are all you children ready to meet your audience?" she inquired, her eyes gleaming. They all nodded a very nervous yes.
McGonnagal led them into the Hall, and down the central aisle to the stage. Along the way they were met by a rousing wash of applause. Minerva led them up stage left, where Madam Hooch now stood, carefully tuning her guitar. Just to her right, Profesor Sprout stood, blowing softly into her flute, trilling notes. Next to her and a bit further back than the others, Madam Pomfrey sat behind her drums, tapping softly on the drum heads and adjusting them. Professor McGonnagal walked on all the way to the right, and sat down before her keyboards. The Hogwarts Sisters stood, arranged in a semi-circle.
Madam Hooch did the honors of starting this nights concert. "Good evening, all! We're going to start tonight's entertainment with one of our favorite songs. And, as a special treat, one of your own, Ms. Hannah Abbott will sing 'Part of Your World' along with us as the first song of the night!" Madam Hooch announced. Hannah gulped, looked to her friends, then made her way to the middle of the stage, looking out over the audience before her. It was very scary being alone up there, but this was what she had to do. She looked over to Professor McGonnagal and nodded. Madam Pomfrey set the time with her bass drum, and the others started to play. Hannah screwed up her courage, tilted her head back slightly, and began to sing:
See what I have,
Isn't it neat?
Wouldn't you think my collection's complete
Wouldn't you think I´m the girl,
The girl who has everything.
Look at this trove,
Treasures untold.
How many wonders can one cavern hold?
Looking around here, you think,
Sure she´s got everything.
I got gadgets and gizmos a plenty,
I got whos-its and whats-its galore,
Do you want thingabobs?
I got twenty!
But who cares,
No big deal,
I want more.
I wanna be where the people are,
I wanna see, wanna see them dancing!
Walking around on those---
what do you call them again?---Oh, feet.
Flipping your fins, you don't get too far.
Legs are required for jumping, dancing,
walking around down a---what's the word again?---Street
Up where they walk, up where they run,
Up where they stay all day in the sun.
Wandering free,
Wish I could be,
Part of that world!
What would I give, if I could live outta these waters?
What would I pay to spend a day, lying on the sand?
Bet you on land,
They´ll understand.
Bet they don't reprimand their daughters,
Bright young women,
Sick of swimming,
Ready to stand.
And ready to know what the people know,
Ask them my questions and get some answers.
What's a fire and why does it---whats the word? ---burn?
When is my turn?
Wouldn't I love,
Love to explore that shore up above.
Out of the sea,
Wish I could be,
Part of that World.
Everybody cheered when Hannah finished her last. Even the Hogwarts sisters. Hannah bowed slightly, then scurried off the stage.
"Our next performer will be Patrick Heech! He will be singing 'Wanne Be Like You'. Whenever you're ready, Mr. Heech," Madam Hooch announced. Patrick was not nearly as good a performer as Hannah had been, but he wasn't bad.
After Patrick was done, Ron was up to perform his song next. And that only left Harry... After Ron moved off the stage, the applause still chasing after him, Harry moved forward to take center stage and sang his piece. Oddly enough, he didn't even sense anything but his own singing. It was then that he realized that he had finished his song, and was done. He was quite surprised when he heard that the cheering, which sounded many times as loud as it did in upon the Quiddtich field. Moving off-stage, he gave Professor McGonnagal a quick look. She was smiling at him, though a bit oddly. Harry was confused. Maybe she thought that she was going to get away with all this, Harry thought. But were that the case, she was wrong. Absolutely without a doubt wrong...