Sailor Witches 25
Dance With Me part 2
I do not own Harry Potter, Sailor Moon or the songs in this chapter! Here's present number 2. You might want to open this one slowly for best results. (wink—wink)
Ron sat down on a bench with his long arms hanging over the back. "What do you think of Hogwarts, Ami?"
"It's great," she replied.
"You went to a wizarding school before you came here, right?"
"Er, yeah," Ami said. She started to wonder if the scouts should've come up with a plan before they came to Hogwarts. Then she remembered what Raye said to Draco about her shrine so she decided to use it. "The Cherry Hill Academy."
"Cherry Hill?" he said, raising an eyebrow. "That's interesting."
There was a silence. Ami cleared her throat and looked around the grounds. She shivered slightly.
"You cold?" Ron inquired.
"Only a little," she answered.
"Sit down," he said, nodding to the spot beside him.
"Uh, well, I," she mumbled, her cheeks turning pink.
"It's okay," Ron said with a grin. "I won't bite."
"Well, maybe just for a while," she said quickly. She sat on the far end of the bench, her hands folded in her lap. Ron raised his eyebrow and shook his head. 'She's a shy one,' he thought. He kind of wanted to put her arm around her as he watched her sit there and shiver but it would probably scare the daylights out of her. He decided to just get her to talk.
"What subjects you like?"
"Runes and Arithmancy," she replied, looking at her hands. "History of Magic."
"You actually enjoy History of Magic?" he questioned. "Binns doesn't make you go to sleep?"
She smiled, "yes, he can seem to do that but I find it interesting."
"Well, Ami, I've got to admire you for that," he said as he titled his head back, staring at the stars.
She bit her lip nervously and looked around. She felt an odd sensation in her gut.
"How'd you do it?"
"I ask a lot of questions," she told him. "And I take notes."
"I probably should do that," he said as he rubbed his head. "So, how many times have you read Hogwarts, A History?"
"I haven't been able to finish it," she replied.
"Hermione knows it by heart."
"Yes, she's pretty smart," she replied, "We're in Arithmancy together."
"Hey, Ami," he said as he sat up.
"Yeah?"
"I was just thinking," he began, "you seem really smart. Well, you're in Ravenclaw—of course you are—you want to study with me?"
"Huh?"
He shrugged. "Why not? You can help me with my grades and maybe we can play a game of chess."
'Oh great,' Ami thought. 'What do I say?'
"How about tomorrow?" he added as she tried to think it over.
Ron knew he could ask Hermione, just as she sometimes helped Harry and Ron before. But Hermione got on his nerves when she would bring out SPEW in the middle of everything or demand him over and over why he hadn't read Hogwarts, A History. Maybe it was because Ami seemed so shy it made him want to talk to her. It was kind of nice to sit with a smart girl without her having to go off with every thing she knew, whether you liked it or not. He probably didn't expect Ami to speak to him again but since she was new in the school, what would it hurt? They might become good friends.
"Ami?"
Ami blinked and looked at Ron. "You really want to study together?"
He nodded. "I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want to."
Ami didn't mind helping people with their studies. She helped Serena all the time. The problem was that she never had a study session with a boy before. She thought of Greg. He was a smart guy and pretty shy himself. He wanted to take her out on a date to an amusement park and they did eventually. Ron seemed like the guy that wanted to do that stuff, but here he was, sitting with a girl with her brains asking her to help him study. What were the odds? Maybe it would be a nice twist to study with a guy. They were from different houses but didn't matter. They could study in the library or the great hall. Since he was also a chess player, they could do that for fun. He was quite funny and she laughed, quite shyly at most of his jokes.
"Sure, Ron," she replied finally.
"Great!" he said. "Tomorrow?"
She shrugged. "Yeah, okay."
He got up and his foot caught on the leg of the bench. He fell flat on the ground and scraping his hand on the walking path.
"Ow!" he cried.
Ami bent down to him to help him to his feet. "You okay?"
"Yeah," he said, "just tripped. Must be taking coordination lessons from Neville…"
"You're bleeding!" she took his hand.
"Only a scratch," he insisted.
"It's okay," she told him. "I know first aid."
"First what?"
"There's a fountain over there," she said. "I'll go clean that out."
"Ami, it's okay," he said but she pulled him over and dipped his hand in the water. Ron had a thought…if he kept hurting himself…maybe that will help Ami out of his shyness.
--
"You have got to be kidding me!" Raye hissed. "Pansy will--,"
"Didn't you hear me?" he asked, trying hard not to lose patience. "Pansy is in the bathroom. We have enough time for one song…perhaps even two."
Mississippi in the middle of a dry spellJimmy Rogers on the Victrola up highMama's dancin' with baby on her shoulderThe sun is settin' like molasses in the skyThe boy could sing, knew how to move, everythingAlways wanting more, he'd leave you longing forRaye's eyes darted at the door. If Pansy Parkinson knew she was dancing with Malfoy she would play all sorts of tricks on her. However, Raye knew he wouldn't' let her off unless she danced with him.
"Trust me, Raye," he whispered. "My dancing skills are far greater than Goyle's if that's what you're worried about." He stepped back, bent into a low bow with right arm folded neatly on his back and his arm stretched out.
It was amazing how such a jerk could act like a complete gentleman. Raye looked at his hand for a while and a song came on. "Oh, all right."
She took his hand and he lifted her up out her chair. He led her to the dance floor, keeping his eyes on her with his arm stretched out, still holding her hand and his other arm folded on his back. She could start to feel some people staring at her besides her new dance partner. She saw Lydia whispering to Serena.
"Why is Raye dancing with Malfoy?" Lydia asked. "Where's Vladimir?"
"No idea," said Serena.
Malfoy twirled Raye once before pulling her to him. He put his arm around the small of her back and looked deep into her violet eyes.
"This is how it should have been, Raye," he whispered. "You and me, dancing together like this."
"Why?" she demanded.
"Because," he said, breathing into her ear. "We were made for each other."
She shivered. "Come on. You've got to be kidding me."
"I am quite serious."
"We've got nothing in common," she muttered. "Nothing."
"Oh, on the contrary," he said with a grin. "My dear Raye, we do have more in common than you realize."
"Yeah?" she questioned. "Like what?"
"We're in the same house."
"So are Pansy Parkinson and the rest of the snakes like you."
He smiled. "Ah, that is true. But…if I must say so, Raye…we have the same taste in clothes." And at that, rubbed his fingers along her black velvet dress. She gasped as looked at her dress and at his black robes, his black velvet robes. They matched!
Black velvet and that little boy's smileBlack velvet with that slow southern styleA new religion that'll bring ya to your kneesBlack velvet if you please"Oh dear," she muttered, wishing she had got different robes.
"Oh dear yes," said Draco with a grin. "Dear me how gorgeous you look…how gorgeous we look together. You and me, Raye…we are a perfect match."
Her mind seemed to wander. Certainly it was just coincidence that their robes matched. Just because they were both wearing black velvet dress robes did not mean they were destined for each other, was it? She swallowed.
"It's just a coincidence," she whispered.
"Perhaps," he said, "a nice coincidence."
He continued to lead her around the room. He was right. He was a good dancer. In fact, he was better than Vladimir. Vladimir was an average skilled dancer but he was nowhere near as skilled as Draco Malfoy. Vladimir stepped on her feet once or twice and Raye stepped on his more than that. Vladimir, however, didn't seem too bothered by it.
Draco Malfoy--Raye couldn't help wondering--danced as if he was born to do it. She wondered how he could be so good at the age of fourteen.
Up
in Memphis the music's like a heatwave
White lightening, bound to drive you wild
Mama's baby's in the heart of every school girl
"Love me tender" leaves 'em cryin' in the aisle
The way he moved, it was a sin, so sweet and true
Always wanting more, he'd leave you longing for
"Draco," said Raye.
"Yes sweetheart?" he inquired with a smile.
Raye decided to ignore that. "How long have you been dancing?"
"Oh, you are admiring my skills aren't you?" He asked softly as he glided around the room. "Well, I started dancing when I was five."
"Five?"
"Yes."
"Wow."
"I know," he said as he twirled her around. "But I haven't been with a with a partner with your skills, Raye. It helps me."
"You kidding?" she demanded. "I'm not that great."
"You haven't stepped on my foot yet, Raye," he told her. "Your are following me perfectly well."
"I am?"
"Yes."
"Well, uh, thanks."
"My pleasure," he told her. "You are much easier to dance with than Pansy."
"She steps on your feet?"
"Yes," he said. "Too stiff and she can't read me. Talks too much."
"You're talking quite a bit right now," said Raye.
"Even when we're not dancing," Draco said, "really, she talks far too much. Her damn robes were too girly."
"Why don't you like her?" she asked. "She adores you, Draco."
"Because we just don't match," he told her. "I mean, I thought we did in our first year but then you came."
Raye couldn't believe she was having a civil conversation with Draco Malfoy. What was going on?
Black
velvet and that little boy's smile
Black velvet with that slow southern style
a new religion that'll bring ya to your knees
Black velvet if you please
"What you see with Pansy is what you get," Draco added. "There is no mystery. I can't stand that."
Raye had to agree. Just one look at Pansy and you knew what she was thinking.
"But you Raye are full of it."
"Full of what?" she demanded as if he insulted her.
"Mystery," he whispered. "It is absolutely seeping from you. You're the most mysterious girl I've come across. Where have you been all my life?"
"Japan," she told him simply.
"I know that…"
"Well, Draco," she smiled. "I don't know where else I've been."
Of course it was a lie. She's been to many places. Draco was right in saying she was mysterious. The reason why she was here was even mysterious. The song ended and Draco stepped away to bow in gratitude.
"Thank you, Raye," he said. "I really enjoyed myself."
Every
word of every song that he sang was for you
in a flash he was gone, it happened so soon, what could you do?
If you please, if you please, if you please
Raye glanced at the door. Pansy wasn't back yet. Raye really didn't' want to go back to the common room now but she had no one to dance with now that Vladimir had left. Raye really didn't' like Draco Malfoy but slowly, she was starting to stand him a bit more than usual.
"Hold on," she said, "one more."
He raised his eyebrow and smirked. "Does my lady want another dance?"
She wished he'd quit the drama and just get on with it. "Yeah."
"If that's what my lady wants," he said, drawing her closer. "That's what my lady's going to get."
This new song was slower and Draco knew how to adjust to the music. A thousand thoughts were going on in her head to add to the feelings in her heart. She took time to ponder this rather than talk to her partner. Draco didn't seem to mind and he pushed her back forward to let her head lay on his shoulder. She let out a sigh and closed her eyes.
Okay, maybe Draco Malfoy was a total creep and his father was a Death Eater. Raye knew that the moment she saw his stuck up face at the World Cup. But now she was starting to see him in a whole new light. She wasn't even getting any bad vibes. It was really strange but as they soared over the dance floor she couldn't help but think of why Draco felt so drawn to her. Was it really that obvious how mysterious she was?
'Why does Draco have to be the son of a Death Eater?' she thought. 'Then this wouldn't have to be so difficult.''
Another thing she really couldn't get her head around was how Draco could be so handsome and charming and still be so bad. It wasn't fair. It was a very dangerous combination. But right now, Raye was too confused to make heads or tails of any of it.
Draco's chest heaved as he took a breath and he rubbed her back. Raye fitted perfectly in his arms. He could never dance like this with another girl and feel so good. He didn't want the song to end because he knew he would have to let her go.
"Raye," he whispered in her ear. "You look so beautiful tonight. I know I've said this before but…you really are. You're the most beautiful girl here."
"Thank you, Draco," she said, lifting up her head. She decided she might as well say something how he looked. "And you look quite handsome yourself."
He smiled. "Now this is new. How come you can't always talk to me like this?"
"Because you really got on my nerves," she replied. "And now you're not."
"After this dance," he said, "I've gotta know…"
"What?"
"Will you go back to the way you before?" he inquired. "Does this change anything between you and me?"
"I'm not really sure," she whispered. "I'm really confused. Up unto you asked me to dance I totally despised you but now…I still kinda do…but I liked dancing with you. I don't think we really are made for each other."
"I think so," he told her.
"I have a lot to think about," she sighed.
"Fine," said Draco. "I can wait."
He smiled at her and she rested her head on his shoulder again. She closed her eyes for a moment and saw Serena dancing with Harry.
"What are you doing?" Serena mouthed to Raye.
"Dancing with Draco," Raye mouthed back.
"Twice?" Serena hissed. She did not mean to use her voice.
"What'd you say Serena?" Harry inquired, lifting his head back.
"Oh nothing," Serena said to him. "My friend Raye is just crazy."
"She's dancing with Malfoy," he said as they turned around. "I thought you told me she doesn't like him."
"She doesn't," Serena replied. "I'll talk to her later. Anyway, Harry. You've improved since we've started dancing!"
"I know," he said, looking quite proud with himself. "I kind of feel like I've done this before but I can't remember from where."
"That's weird," said Serena.
"I know," Harry whispered as Serena laid her head back on his shoulder. "Weird."
The song ended and Raye let go of Draco. She was surprised to feel disappointed that it was over. 'Come on Raye,' she thought. 'You know who his father is. You know what kind of person Draco is, even if he is cute.'
Draco felt equally if not more reluctant let go of his dancing partner. He wasn't looking forward to spending the rest of the evening with Pansy. He was thankful. However, it was drawing to a close.
"That was nice, Draco," said Raye. "Thank you."
"It was my pleasure, Raye," he said as he ran his thumb over the back of her hand and kissed it.
Raye smiled sadly at him and she turned around, wondering if she should've just said yes to Draco.
Draco watched her go back to her table. Draco ached to walk back with her. He stood there as he felt his heart sink. Would it have made a difference if he asked Raye before she asked Vladimir? Even though he did like her fiery temper, it was nice being able to talk to her civilly—as if they were—he had to believe it, as friends. Why couldn't Raye feel the way about him at least half the way Pansy did?
He didn't have time to ponder this for Pansy came up to him and kissed him right on the lips, nearly scaring the hell out of him. "Did you miss me, Draco?" she put her arms around him in a death grip. "I missed you!"
Serena and the other girls came to sit next to Raye. "Okay, what was that about?" Serena demanded. "Why were you dancing with Draco?"
"I thought you were here with Vladimir," said Ami.
"I am, well, I was," Raye said. "Goyle trampled over Sofia's feet when they were dancing so Vladimir walked her back to the ship. The timing was impeccable because Pansy went to the bathroom right after that so Draco came and asked me to dance."
"And you said yes?" said Serena. "Raye, hello, don't you know what kind of guy Draco is?"
"Of course I do!" Raye muttered, slamming her hands on the table. "I didn't really want to dance with him but I he talked me into it."
"Oh, so I guess you'll just let him talk you into becoming a death eater too, huh?"
"Stop it!" Raye snapped and a few nearby people looked at them. She lowered her voice. "No. It was just a dance, okay Serena?"
Serena looked like she was going to add something but was interrupted by Lydia, who gave a burp. Lydia was drinking butterbeer to return the energy she used up dancing with Seamus earlier. "Sorry," she whispered and she took a long slurp.
"How come you danced with him twice?" Lita asked less irritably. "Isn't once enough?"
"Yeah, especially if there's a risk Pansy could've seen it?" Mina added.
"I know," Raye groaned. "I probably didn't have to tell him I wanted to dance again but, well, I didn't want to just linger around the dance."
"So go back to the common room," Ami suggested.
"I thought of that," Raye said, "but well, I wouldn't know what to do once I got there to tell you the truth. I don't know. I guess I kind of liked dancing with Draco. He's a total creep but he's a great dancer."
"Oh, don't go on saying how you like to look into his blue eyes!" Serena groaned.
"His eyes aren't blue they're silver!" Raye snarled.
Serena looked back in shock. "Oh, okay, they're silver."
"Sorry," Raye mumbled, rubbing her head. "You know—I think I'll go for a quick walk. I've got to clear my head."
"Okay," said Lita.
"Talk to you later," Raye sighed and she walked out of the Great Hall.
--
As Harry and Serena continued to dance, he kept performing moves he never knew he had in him. It surprised both him and Serena.
"Wow, Harry," Serena said as he whipped her out and reeled her back in. He had his arms around her and they grasped hands. She lifted her head up and looked at his bright green eyes. "Where'd that come from?"
"I don't know," he mumbled, looking down at her. "Never did it before…but at the same time…I feel like I did."
"You know, that's funny." She said as Harry twirled her around. "I never danced like this before but I feel like I have."
The song ended and Serena felt Harry pull her down in a dip. She saw the crazed, surprised look on his face. He stared down at her for a moment and pulled her back up.
'When this ball started I was stepping over Serena's feet,' he thought; 'now I feel like I've done this my whole life.'
"Wow Harry," Serena smiled. "You're a natural!"
"Thanks, Serena," he whispered. "I guess you were right what you said earlier."
"What'd I say?"
"About me leading you before the night is over," he replied.
As couples danced or sat around drinking butterbeer, Lydia and Seamus were sitting at a table with a bunch of butterbeers giving an Irish drinking toast. They were high with sugar, waving their butterbeers around. .
"Here's to you and yours. And to mine and ours. And if mine and ours ever come across to you and yours, I hope you and yours will do as much for mine and ours as mine and ours have done for you and yours!"
"What does that mean?" Dean Thomas inquired.
Seamus lowered his butterbeer. "I don't know!"
He and Lydia started laughing and took deep swigs of their butter. They looked at each other and lifted their butterbeers in another toast.
"When we drink, we get drunk." Seamus began with a belch.
"When we get drunk," Lydia added, "we fall asleep."
"When we fall asleep," said Seamus as he stood up, "we commit no sin."
"When we commit no sin," Lydia stood up also, "we go to heaven."
They grinned at each other and shouted the last line in unison.
"So, let's all get drunk, and go to heaven!"
AN: Don't drink and drive!
Seamus and Lydia let out throaty chuckles, clinked their bottles together and chugged down their butterbeers. People around them laughed.
"I got that one!" said Dean.
"But butterbeer can't make you drunk," Parvarti said.
Seamus and Lydia spat out the butterbeer they had in their mouth. They looked at the crowd and then each other. For a moment Parvarti thought she ruined the song but Lydia and Seamus looked at each other and grinned.
"Hey, we should write a butterbeer toast!" Lydia said excitedly.
"Yeah!" Seamus exclaimed as he held his chin and pondered. "Butterbeer is sweet."
"A wonderful treat!" added Lydia.
"Drink at home!"
"Drink at play!"
"Drink at work!"
"Drink at school!"
"It won't make you drunk."
They paused trying to find another line. Lydia gasped. "So it's okay!"
"Yay!" said Seamus. "I'll drink to that!"
Some people applauded, lifted up their butterbeers and joined them in the new butterbeer toast.
--
Raye returned to the ball and spent most of her time sitting at a table drinking butterbeer. She wished she could go and join Lydia in her butterbeer toast with Seamus but she didn't want to give anyone any ideas. She just sat there as if she was at a concert and watched the Weird Sisters play. She clapped after every song. She looked around the room at the couples and people looking happy.
Draco was dancing nearby. Pansy kept sighing dramatically and saying his name. He saw the look in his eyes as he stared at Raye. Raye could understand why he didn't like the girl. She was infatuated with him but it didn't seam real at all. She didn't know Draco Malfoy as a person. She may have known Draco more than Raye but she just knew that he was handsome and rich. Maybe Pansy knew more but she didn't act like she did. In those two short dances Raye had with them, she felt that she connected more with Draco Malfoy than in the four years in Slytherin House Pansy had with him.
The song ended and Raye decided to go and talk to the Weird Sisters. She couldn't bear the look Draco was giving her anymore. As Raye crossed the room the lead singer—Myron Wagtail--turned and talked to the rest.
"Right, which should we use for the last song?" Myron asked the group.
"Something slow," said the drummer Orsino. "My arms are getting tired."
"Yeah," wheezed Gideon, the bagpipes player. "Particularly something where I don't have to play the bagpipes."
"Oh come on!" Myron muttered.
"Hey," said Merton as he lowered his cello, "as the last song, it should be slow."
"Make a decision quick then," muttered Herman as he nodded to the staff and students that paused to wait for a song. "Before everyone leaves!"
By the way, I got the names of the weird sisters off the Lexicon and somehow they seem to have guy names
"Excuse me?" said Raye as she came up.
"Yes?" said Myron the lead singer.
"Hi, I just wanted say you're really good." Raye told them.
"Why thank you!"
"I like to write songs," Raye continued, "and I want to be a singer someday. You wouldn't happen to know…well…how many OWL's I need or anything?"
The band laughed.
"OWL's?" said Dongaghan Tremlet, the bass player. No, all you need is talent."
"Hey, we're trying to figure out which song to end with," the rhythm guitarist Heathecote told her. "Which song did you like best?"
"Er, well, uh," Raye mumbled. "They were all pretty good."
"Hey, didn't you say you like to write songs?" Myron asked.
"Yeah."
"How about we play one of yours?"
"What?" she cried and shook her head, crisscrossing her arms. "No-no-no! It's been a while since I sang in front of so many people before!"
"Oh, so you sang once?" said Myron. "Let's use one of your songs."
"Yeah," she answered with a blush.
"Cool," said the cello player. "You've had practice."
"How many songs have you written?" the drummer inquired.
"Two." She whispered.
"Are either of them slow?"
"Yeah," she replied. "One's…kinda a love song."
"Great, let's use it!" Myron shouted as he pulled her up on the platform.
"No, I don't think," she mumbled.
"Hey, this will just give you more practice," Myron told her. "Keep practicing…that's probably the best advice I can give you. What's the name of the song?"
"Oh, Starry Night," she mumbled nervously.
"Perfect!" said Heathecote and he nodded to Donagahan. "Start out with some chords…Maybe if the we can get the ceiling to give off more stars…"
"How are we going to do this?" Raye inquired. "I only wrote the lyrics…you don't' k now how it goes and I don't think I remember all the words."
"It's okay," Myron said softly. "We'll improvise. Right, what's your name?"
"Raye Hino," she replied, seeing all the people turn to look at her now. Her friends were grinning and waving at her. She waved back nervously.
"Right, Raye," said Myron as he pointed to each member of the band, "our drummer Orsino's gong to start slowly…give a beat, Orsino."
Orsino beat the drums for two measures with Myron counting, "and Don will come in with his bass guitar, you'll have twelve beats…you'll have to count with me…count with me Raye…."
"Uh, one, two, three," Raye whispered, slowly. She started wishing Chad were with her.
He continued telling her who was going to start off so she knew when to start singing. They told her just to look at them when it was all right for them to do a solo. Raye had no idea how this was going to work. They didn't have time to do a proper rehearsal. People returned from walks and looked up at the platform. She started to wish that everyone would just go for a walk.
"Look you guys," Serena said excitedly, "Raye's going to sing!"
"You got all that, Raye?" Myron asked after giving her a two-minute account on how they were going to do the song.
"I think so," she said uncertainly
"Don't worry," Kirley McCormack, the lead guitarist said with a wink as he noticed her nervous face. "We'll let you know when you come in."
"Oh thank you!" she whispered, her face relaxing.
Myron smiled and nodded at Raye and he turned to the audience. "Sorry to keep you all waiting for the last song, everyone," he said. "But as we were trying to make a decision, Raye Hino here of—" he turned to Raye quickly, "uh, which school are you from?"
"Hogwarts," she told him through the corner of her mouth.
"Hogwarts!" he shouted and some of the Hogwarts students clapped. From the corner 'Go Hogwarts!' could be heard from the Weasley twins. It added to Raye's nervousness. "Told us she was an aspiring songwriter and singer. So, we will give this chance to Raye to shine as she sings one of her own songs! Please give it for Miss Raye Hino!"
He whispered in her ear. "Be sure to tell them the title of your song."
"Okay."
The crowd, especially the Hogwarts students cheered loudly. Even some of the Gryffindors looked pleased. Pansy rolled her eyes.
"Oh come on, Draco," she said to him. "Let's go back to the Common Room."
"Now, Pansy," he grinned at her, "it is the last song. We should support Raye—she is in our house, you know."
Pansy face faulted and Draco looked up at Raye, beaming and clapping hard. Raye approached the front and Myron patted her on the back. She waited for the applause to die down.
"Thanks everybody," she said softly. She cleared her throat. It couldn't go rough. Not now! "The name of this song is called Oh, Starry Night. Professor Dumbledore, can you make the enchanted ceiling become more starry?"
"Of course," he said and he pointed his wand at the ceiling. Instead of snowflakes coming down the ceiling had many bright stars.
"Thanks," she said and she nodded to the band to start. The drummer began to give some soft raps, followed with the guitar players. Raye began counting.
"One, two, three, four," she whispered nervously, "one, two, three, four…"
Lita smiled as Cedric approached her with his hand held out. The moment she was waiting for all night finally came. He didn't say anything. He didn't have to. They both knew they were going to have the last dance together. She grasped his hand and he started dancing with her. Lita winked at Raye for good luck.
Some people weren't dancing yet. They were waiting for Raye to start singing. It didn't help much. Kirley rested on a chord and nodded at her to start singing. Raye opened her mouth and focused on her voice.
"I've waited all my life," she started shakily, "For the day when love appears--Like a fairy tale in days gone by. He will rescue me from my fears."
She looked at Kirley for him to do a solo. He smiled and whispered, "It's okay, it's okay." And he and the guitar players played for a couple of measures while Raye just nodded her head and tapped her foot, trying to look like a real singer.
Serena noticed Harry looking at Cho. She wasn't dancing with Cedric since he was dancing with Lita. She was smiling and bobbing her head to the music as she watched the band sing. Serena knew Harry liked Cho and she felt that she could do that she would never, ever do with Darien.
"Ask Cho to dance," she whispered.
"Huh?" he gasped as he turned to her.
"Go on," she urged. "Ask Cho Chang to dance. I know you like her Harry and you wanted to ask her to the ball. She's alone now. You can ask her."
Harry's eyes darted from Cho to Serena. He would love to dance with Cho but after dancing with Serena all night, he wasn't sure. Still, it would be nice to dance with Cho, at least once so he knew what it was like.
"Serena," he began, "it's the last song."
"It's okay," she whispered. "Go and ask her while you've got the chance. Someone might ask her before you do."
"You sure?" he inquired.
"Yeah," she replied, giving him a reassuring smile. "I'm sure. It's okay. I'll be fine."
He smiled back. "Thanks, Serena." He walked away and asked Cho to dance.
"Sure, Harry," Cho smiled and they started dancing. Serena looked around the tables and saw Neville sitting all y himself. Ginny was dancing with a boy from Ravenclaw.
"Why aren't you dancing, Neville?" Serena asked as she approached him. "Where's Ginny?"
Neville nodded at the boy she was dancing with. "She's dancing with Michael Corner."
"Oh," said Serena.
"I stepped on her feet too much," he said gloomily.
"Oh," Serena mumbled. "Well, Harry's dancing with Cho--,"
"Did you step on his feet too?"
Serena smiled, "well, yeah—but I told him to dance with Cho. Come on, Neville." She seized his hand. "Dance with me!"
"But aren't you worried about her feet?" he asked as she dragged him out of his chair.
"Don't worry, Neville," laughed Serena, remembering Harry's own words, "I'm just as likely to step on your feet you are on mine!"
Raye took a breath and started singing again. People looked up.
"And now I feel him standing close to me. And how can I tell him what he means to me? My heart stands still - has he come?"
She looked at the guitar players again, giving them the fingers for how many beats to play. She was starting to get hang of this. Myron was smiling and bobbing at her left, saying, "Mmm, mmm, mmm."
Draco wasn't able to keep his eyes off her as she was singing. Pansy Parkinson was fuming and staring at their feet. She caught his eyes and looked down. Draco oddly felt as if she was singing the song to him. Raye whispered, 'this is the chorus," to the band and began continued to sing. They gave her an appropriate rhythm for her to start in.
"Oh starry night. Is this the moment I dream of? Oh starry night. Tell me, is he my own true love?"
The stars twinkled as she continued to sing as if they were singing with her. She saw a shooting star go by. She paused and the cello and lute player played a short solo.
"Hey, Lita," Cedric said as they danced. "Your advice…about taking a bath with the egg…it really works."
"It gave you ideas?" Lita asked hopefully.
"Yeah, sorta," he replied. "That's what I was supposed to do!"
"What do you mean?"
"That wailing I hear when I open the egg," he began, "are merpeople. You can't understand what they're saying out of the water but in the water I can. It's some sort of riddle. They're going to take something of mine and I have to go and get it."
"Wow," she whispered. "That's all you had to do was take a bath with the egg?"
"Yeah," he replied, "and figure out what he riddle means. Taking a bath helps you think and—the thing you said about writing things down—helped a lot. I didn't have to keep dunking my head in the water to get all the lines. I just had to write 'em down and look at them."
Lita laughed. She helped Cedric work out on his egg! All she told him was what she did to come up with the idea she used to ask him to the Yule Ball.
"Really?" she said excitedly. "That's great, Cedric. Congratulations!"
"Thanks Lita," he smiled. "Couldn't have done it without you!"
"Every night I think of him. Here in my lonely room. Waiting for my prince to come. Wondering if he'll be here soon."
As Raye continued to sing, she could see Draco's silver eyes sparkling at her from the crowd. The song did kind of fit their situation. She lifted up her hand and reached out. Draco lifted his hand off Pansy's back. He wanted to push Pansy aside and rush up to the front to watch Raye sing with the other students that weren't dancing. Pansy kept trying to get his attention.
"Have I told you yet, Draco," she purred, "how gorgeous you're looking tonight?"
"Yeah," he mumbled, still watching Raye.
"And I sit patiently, waiting for a sign. And I hope that his heart longs for mine. He calls my name, is he the one?"
'Yes, Raye,' Draco wanted to shout. 'I am here. I am your prince. I am the one. My heart does long for yours. What more of a sign do you need? Raye, oh, Raye…I'm the one that's waiting…I'm waiting for you…Raye…'
Raye started to sing the chorus again. This time, she was surprised to see was that Myron was singing with her. She just let him sing along for it added to the mood.
"Oh starry night," she and Myron said together. He paused for her to say the next line alone.
"Is this the moment I dream of?"
"Oh starry night," Myron's voice was louder, much like a shout. It startled her and almost made her laugh. He kind of reminded her of Chad.
"Tell me, is he my own true love?"
The two singers rested as the band continued to play. It became more bold and dramatic.
"Hope you don't mind me joining in," Myron whispered to Raye as he nodded to the music.
"No problem," she said.
It was odd for Harry to dance with Cho. He did like it and she seemed like she did too. He didn't step on her feet. But he didn't feel comfortable enough to try any of the moves with Cho as he did with Serena. They talked about some things but it still felt awkward. He glanced over to Serena dancing with Neville. The two of them were taking turns accidentally stepping on each other's feet or making other clumsy movements.
"Oops, sorry, Serena."
"Oops, sorry, Neville."
As Ron danced with Ami, she kept asking about his hand. "I'm fine, Ami…" he insisted. "But, I think I had something tonight that didn't agree with me." She explained to him earlier what first aid was and that she were planning on being a doctor. This added to his advantage of getting her over her shyness. Not only could he act hurt, he could act sick too. He suddenly had a picture of him lying in the hospital wing and her sitting next to him.
"Oh, Ron…is it your stomach again?"
"You still want to dance?" Ami inquired. "Perhaps you should go and rest."
"No, I'll be fine," he winced bravely. "It's the last song." He leaned against her. "Must…keep…dancing…"
"Big finish," Raye whispered to the band, nodding to Myron.
"Oh starry night."
"Is this the moment I dream of?" Raye's voice went higher, stronger, louder. More stars in the enchanted began to appear, flashing brightly.
"Oh starry night," Myron sang softly in the background.
"How will I know? Will his love show? Is he my own true love?"
"Oh star-rryyy nnn—iii—iii—iiggght!"
Raye looked out, looking into everybody's faces. They were applauding like mad. She wanted to leap in the air and have the people catch her. She took a bow and held her hand out to Myron and the band. They acknowledged their applause.
"Raye Hino, ladies and gentlemen! Give it up!" Myron exclaimed.
"Yeah, Raye!" Serena cried, jumping.
"Way to go, lassie!" Lydia called.
The applause died down and Raye turned to talk to the band. They told her all about how great she was going to be and gave her some pointers on her song.
"Thanks, Serena," Neville said.
"Yeah, bye Neville," she waved at him as he walked off. Harry thanked Cho and came over to Serena.
"That was fun, wasn't it?" Harry inquired.
"Yeah, it was."
"Thank you, Cedric," Lita smiled.
"And thank you," he said, kissing her on the hand. He went to collect Cho.
"Come on," Pansy hissed at Draco, who was still applauding for Raye. He couldn't help it. She did so well. He wanted to go up there and give her a hug. He wanted to tell her how good she was and he wanted to tell Pansy to leave him the hell alone.
Draco let out a sigh. "Fine…let's go."
Harry and Serena walked with their Gryffindor group through the door. Serena noticed that Ami was supporting Ron's' weight. His long arm was draped around her shoulders and his head was dangling.
"Ron, what's wrong?" she asked. "Are you okay?"
"He said he wasn't feeling very well," Ami explained for him and Ron gave a moan. She looked at her date carefully. "Ron, I think it was those lamb chops you had…they looked kind of funny.'
"Don't tell Hermione," he mumbled. "She'd think…I don't like…the house elves…cooking…"
"We'd better get you up to Gryffindor Tower,' she said quickly.
"All the way up there?" he asked, trying to make his voice as pitiful as possible. "I'll…try…oh…wait…Serena, Lydia. Thanks for setting me up with Ami, by the way. We had fun."
"Sure, no problem," said Serena.
"Come on, Ron," Ami was as she pulled Ron up the stairs. "You do feel a bit warm. It probably wasn't good for us to go outside."
"Hey—Harry!" Cedric called as Serena and Harry started up the steps. Cedric ran up to them. "I've got to tell you something, real quick." He lowered his voice and glanced at Serena.
Whatever Cedric was about to tell him, Harry would probably tell Serena anyway. Nevertheless, he turned to his partner.
"Go on, Serena," he said softly. "I'll catch you up."
"Sure," she said and she went up the stairs.
"What is it?" Harry inquired. If he hadn't had such a good time with Serena, he probably wouldn't want this conversation with Cedric right now. But it didn't matter to him now.
--
Serena was at the top of the stairs when Harry finished speaking with Cedric. She glanced over her shoulder when she heard him running after her.
"Serena," he whispered. "Sorry."
"It's okay," she said and she took his arm immediately. "What did Cedric want? Well, if it's champion stuff, maybe I'm not supposed to know, huh?"
"He told me how to work out the egg," he replied. He didn't' care if Serena knew or not. He thought Cedric's advice was odd, even if it did sound honest and he wanted to tell someone about it. "I've got to take a bath with it."
"Take a bath?" she demanded, wrinkling her nose. "How is that supposed to help?"
"Dunno."
"Maybe you're supposed to boil it," she joked and Harry let out a ticked, throaty chuckle.
--
"Here you are," Ami said as she rested Ron at the wall when they came up to the sixth floor. "Go and get some rest. You may need to drink more fluids."
"Thanks, Ami," said Ron.
"You sure you don't need to go to the hospital wing?" she asked.
"I'm sure," he replied. "Maybe I just need fluids and rest…like you said…so, I'll see you tomorrow then?"
"Yeah," she nodded. "Eleven? Or is that too soon?"
"No. No that's fine."
"You sure? You might need a lie in."
"I'l be fine, Ami," he told her with a slight grin. He kind of like how she was acting so concerned about him and acting like his private nurse. He could so get used this very easily.
"Well, er, goodnight, Ron," she said and she backed up.
"Yeah, goodnight Ami."
She blushed softly and she bowed quickly, turned the corner and went down the Ravenclaw hall. He watched her leave, straightened up and approached the portrait hole. He was striding through the common room, some of the people giving him funny looks.
"Ron, I thought you weren't feeling well," said Lydia.
"Huh? Oh," he groaned and held his stomach. "I'm feeling rather poorly…got to get upstairs and lie down."
--
The couples were dispersing from the Great Hall as they all said good night. The staff told Raye she did an excellent singing job and left. Raye stayed behind to help the band with their stuff.
"Very good song, Raye," said Myron.
"Thank you," she said. "We did pretty good for not having rehearsed it."
"Just keep practicing," Myron told her. "I have a suggestion though."
"Let's hear it," she said excitedly.
"It would be really good if you can get a guy to sing with you."
"Huh?" she mumbled. That was not what she expected to hear, especially since he just sang with her.
"What are you talking about?" Donagahan Tremlett demanded as he put his guitar away. "You sang with her."
"Just back up," said Myron said impatiently. "What I meant was—like a man's part to it in his point of view. You got a boyfriend that could come up with it? Who was your date?"
"Well, um," she began, "I came with someone from Durmstrang but—"
"Hey, you were dancing with a guy in black velvet, weren't you?" he asked quickly.
"Just twice," she told him, feeling heat come to her face. "He wasn't my date though. Don't really like him that much."
"Really? Weird though, because I saw you two dancing," Myron explained. "You looked like you connected or something. Does he like you?"
"Yeah he does," she moaned.
"Ask him if he could write the second part to your song," he said. "Your song was great with you singing it, Raye but if you can add your 'prince' to it—it would be perfect! Trust me!"
--
Serena and Harry talked for a while longer in the common room. Even though it was nearly one in the morning neither of them wanted to go to bed. The room was scarce with couples. Then finally, Serena yawned.
"I think its' time to say goodnight," she said sleepily.
Harry came to his feet and let out a sigh. He offered Serena his hand to help her up.
"Thanks," she said as he walked her to the foot of the stairs. "Well, Harry, goodnight. I had a great time."
"Me too," Harry said. He wasn't quite sure what to do now. "Well, uh, goodnight, Serena."
Serena moaned pleasantly and hugged Harry. Harry closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. He didn't realize how good she smelt with the whole time of dancing with her. She looked up and seeing the hair down in his face, instinctively pushed it back.
"Thanks," he said.
Serena was looking at his scar. She frowned. "Harry, does your scar ever hurt?"
"Sometimes. If Voldemort's near."
"I hope it never hurts," she said and she quickly pecked his scar. She drew back and started up the stairs. Harry looked up at her, trying to find something to say. Maybe ask her out to something else. But what?
"Serena, wait," he said.
"Yeah?" she looked over her shoulder. 'Don't fall down, again,' she told herself. 'Harry won't forgive you if you flatten him another time.'
Harry swallowed. "Er, I," then it came to him, "there's this old British tradition—people go to the beach on Boxing Day. Well, since the beach is too far away, we can go to the lake."
Serena turned around carefully and put her hand on the wall. "The lake?"
"Yeah," he said. "Just walk around…you…uh…want to go?"
Serena looked at him for a moment. The tradition sounded kind of funny. Who goes to the beach the day after Christmas? There's not much to do. But Harry was looking up at her with his green eyes full of hope and she would like to spend extra time with him. She smiled.
"Sure, Harry."
"Great. Goodnight."
--
When Draco and Pansy arrived at the Slytherin Common Room, he flung himself on the couch. She glared at him.
"Well," she said. "Aren't you going to kiss me?"
"No," he muttered.
"Why not?" she demanded.
If Draco could help it, he wasn't going to let his goodnight kiss be with Pansy Parkinson. She had already kissed him enough times. He sighed.
"You kissed me enough already, Pansy," he told her.
She walked over to him. "Kiss me!"
"No," he groaned. "Now go downstairs, Parkinson—you look like you could use your beauty sleep."
A few people in the room gasped and hooted. They waited for a fight to perk up. She stared at him with narrowed eyes. Draco got to his feet and started for the stairs. He wasn't going to sit there with Pansy looking at him all night.
"Draco!" she shouted after him.
"Goodnight!" he hissed over his shoulder as he ran down the stairs.
She groaned and went down the girls' dormitory stairs.
--
Lydia was staring outside the window, mumbling to herself quietly so she wouldn't wake the other girls, though they looked like they weren't sleeping either.
Serena approached her.
"Lydia, what are you still doing up?" she asked softly.
"Nothing," Lydia said, quickly wiping away tears.
"Doesn't look like nothing," said Serena. "What's wrong? I thought you had fun with Seamus tonight."
"I did," Lydia smiled through her tears. "Really, I had loads of fun. It's just that—I was thinking about Fiore. I feel well, guilty."
"Why?"
"Here I am," Lydia muttered, "dancing with another guy, having a good time when Fiore's out there in outer space. Who knows what's happening to him? I shouldn't be acting like this."
"Hey," said Serena, "I'm sure Fiore would want you to have fun on Earth."
"But, he doesn't want me to forget him!"
"You didn't!" Serena said. "You still remember him, even after your date with Seamus. You're wondering if he's found his home yet and if he's having fun too. Nothing to feel guilty about, Lydia."
"What if he's not okay though?" Lydia asked, looking at the stars. "He could be a prisoner on another planet or in some kind of battle. I don't have a way of keeping in touch with him."
"What about the love blossom he gave you?" she inquired. "It doesn't wilt when you still love each other…if he's still alive. Have you looked at it?"
"Yeah, it's still the same."
"See, Fiore's fine," she smiled. "And he's got your prism to protect him. He'll find his home soon. And even if he does get in some trouble, think of all the nice stories he'll have for you! Floating around space, visiting the planets, getting in a battle or two…you'll have plenty to talk about when you see each other again."
"Yeah, you're probably right," Lydia smiled. "We would…both of us…but what if he finds someone else out there? What if…something more develops between Seamus and me?"
Serena shrugged. "I wouldn't worry until you see Fiore again. But he's still alive and he's okay. Just follow your heart, Lydia."
Lydia nodded and smiled. "You're right."
They both looked outside the window for awhile, saying a joke or two about astrology in divination class.
--
Raye pondered what Myron just told her as she made her journey back to the common room. Tell Draco to write a guy part to her song? Why not Vladimir? He was her date? She tried to cover this by singing a Christmas song since her voice was already warmed up.
"I've got to go home—but baby it's cold outside. Do-do-do-do!"
As she sang the song softly to herself, entering the common room, she stopped suddenly when she saw Draco Malfoy sitting in his usual chair. He smiled, stood up and clapped softly.
"Beautiful, Raye," he said. "You have a lovely singing voice. Really, that was a remarkable song you wrote."
"I was singing a Christmas song," she said quickly.
"No, not that," he told her. "The one you sang for the last song. I loved it."
"Thanks," she said. "Well, I uh, go downstairs now." She started for the staircase. Draco stepped behind her.
"But baby it's cold down there," he said.
Raye groaned. 'No, not now," she thought. 'I cant' deal with this now.'
"Draco, not now," she looked over her shoulder. "I'm really tired."
"This won't take long," he said, taking her hand. "It's important."
"What can be so important?" she demanded.
"I have a present for you."
"You got me something for Christmas?" she inquired.
"Yeah," he nodded. "I couldn't give it to you before because I didn't' see you at the common room all day."
"I was with Vladimir and Sofia," she said.
"That's fine," he said quickly. "I didn't wrap it, so you have to close you eyes."
"Close my eyes?" she echoed. "Are you serious?"
"Yeah," he smiled. "Sorry…didn't have time to wrap it and was never so good at wrapping presents anyway."
"Uh, okay," she said, closing her eyes reluctantly. '
"I'm just going to use a levitating charm on it to bring it out," he told her.
"All right," she said, her eyes still closed. She felt ridiculous but at the same time, she felt quite anxious. "It's not cursed, is it?"
"No," he laughed. "It's not cursed—but it's enchanted all right."
"Good. I don't want anything to make me turn into stone or anything."
"I wouldn't give you something cursed, Raye," he told her. He took out his wand and pointed at Raye's present. "Wingaridum Leviosa!"
Raye felt surges of excitement go through her. What did Draco get her? He was pretty rich. It was probably a really pretty necklace…or shoes…she could use some new shoes.
"Hoverto!"
"What was that?" she asked.
"It's just hovering," he replied. "Okay, you can open your eyes now. Right above your head."
"Above my…?" she looked up and saw a ball of green leaves and red berries. Mistletoe!
"Draco Malf—" she began but Draco cut her short by pressing his lips against hers.
She tried to push him away but he was holding onto her so tight. She rolled her eyes angrily, wishing she had just gone downstairs to bed. This was her first kiss. Why did her first kiss have to be Draco Malfoy? Of all the guys in the world—why Draco? Then suddenly, as Draco made the kiss linger, she started to feel very weird. Her eyes began to flutter and she closed them slowly. She felt light headed and though she felt hot on her skin, the inside of her was quite cold, as if Draco was breathing a fresh, chilly breezy air inside her. It was strange to feel hot and cold at the same time. But it wasn't a sick, fluey feeling. She really couldn't explain it but it felt kind of good. Her arms felt very weak and heavy. Fearing that they might fall off in fear, she clung at Draco's robes.
Draco's heart was beating rapidly against hers. They were both beating so fast, so in sync as if they could merge into one. Raye heard a lot of noises in her head she couldn't make out. She felt as if she had gone someplace else in the cosmos as Draco kissed her. She started to wish he wasn't going to stop. But why? She hated his guts. Didn't she?
The kiss finally ended and they were gasping for breath. Draco's silver eyes were lost in Raye's mysterious violet ones.
Draco pulled her to him. A million things went on in their heads. When Draco was able to breath normally, he spoke in a gasp.
"I know that you would be mad," he said in her ear. "But I had to try. Vladimir left so I knew you wouldn't' get a goodnight kiss tonight. Couldn't let you go without one, Raye and I…didn't want to kiss Pansy. I wanted my goodnight kiss to be with you."
Oddly enough, Raye could understand. She would be going to bed that night lonely. She may had ended it with a bang since she sang the last song, but she wouldn't get a goodnight kiss. She was sure that Pansy probably kissed him enough tonight as it was. She felt rather grateful.
"Sure," she whispered. "Tha-thank you, Draco."
She lifted her head and smiled. He cupped her face. "I bet no one's ever kissed you like that before."
"No," Raye replied, looking down. "Actually…that was my first kiss."
"What?" he looked rather upset. "Are you telling me, as beautiful and—and smart—and—just damn amazing as you that you've never been kissed before? Never?"
"No," she shook her head as she looked up. "I haven't."
"What kinda prats did you hang out with before you came here?" he demanded.
She shrugged. "Couldn't tell you. I didn't know too many guys.
"Incredible," he muttered. "I guess they didn't like mystery about you—bunch of fools."
Raye laughed. He glared at her.
"You think that's funny now do ya?"
Now Raye thought Draco being angry was cute. "Well…"
"How did it feel never to be kissed until now?"
"Well, I don't know," she said thoughtfully. "I guess I wanted to be kissed before, just never got the opportunity I suppose. Maybe they didn't like that mysterious side of me. Thought I was scary."
Draco looked at her for a while and pondered the situation. "Well, I must say," he said as a smile crept on his face. "I feel honored to be the first one to taste these lips."
She blushed at his choice of words. He was speaking as if they were in the twelve hundreds. He could've just said, 'kiss you first' she thought to herself.
"Uh, thank you, I think," she whispered.
Draco gave her a quick soft kiss. "Goodnight, Raye."
He really wanted to stay up half the night with her and tell her about how he felt when she was singing the song but they both felt tired, especially now. But soon, he was certain, they'd get to talk some more.
"Yes, goodnight, Draco," she said and she walked down the stairs to the Girl's dormitory. She peeked inside and luckily all the girls, especially Pansy Parkinson were fast asleep.
TO BE CONTINUEDWell, that was your 2nd present! I hoped you enjoyed it! At it will still be here—so it's a gift that keeps on giving, doesn't it? So you can read it over—and over—and over!
Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas!