Chapter Fifteen
Boo!
As the Quidditch captains finished their performance, grins spread across all four faces. The mass of students, teachers and family members sat in silence for a moment. No one knew what to think of the four boys standing on the stage. Each was a harsh competitor, always fighting with at least one of the other boys on the stage. And here they all were, grinning like they had all been best friends for years.
The first to stand and applaud were the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Fred and George Weasley whooped loudly. Katie, Alicia and Angelina screamed shrilly in support of their captain. Ron was just clapping, a stunned look on his face. After the example was set, the rest of the Quidditch players were on their feet, cheering their captains, some wearing the same astonished stare Ron wore, others just happy to see a lull in the intense rivalry.
Finally, the rest of the people in the audience came to their senses and applauded. Most were too stunned at the friendly actions shared by Slytherin's infamous bad boy and Gryffindor's legendary goodie two-shoes to do more than clap loudly.
Terry and Ernie separated first, with Draco and Harry following suit an instant later. They all grinned jovially at each other before splitting and going to their seats. Harry and Draco just walked off the stage together, since they were sharing a loveseat.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Draco moved into the aisle first, gaining incredulous looks from every Gryffindor as he passed. As he was easing himself onto the soft olive fabric, Vin and Greg leaned over and hissed at Draco.
"What do you think you're doing?"
"What was that all about?"
Draco shrugged at his two friends. "Calm down, boys. It was just one song."
The two hefty Slytherins looked utterly scandalized. "Why didn't you tell us about it?" asked Greg, the beginnings of a whine tainting his voice.
Draco looked down his nose at Greg. "Would you really have been able to keep that a secret?" He shook his head. "I highly doubt it."
Vin looked as though a pout was about to form on his lips. "We could too."
Draco merely raised an eyebrow at his friends. He shook his head again and settled back into his half of the loveseat. He glanced over to where Harry was still having a quiet discussion with his own friends. Would the Mudblood and Weasel leave him be already? Draco's legs twitched involuntarily. I need to put my feet up after that performance…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Harry followed Draco down the row. He, too, was getting surprised stares trained on him from his housemates. Harry tried to ignore them and just watch where he was going. Unfortunately for him, or maybe fortunately, the only place Harry could look without seeing the gawping of his classmates was straight ahead.
And straight ahead was Draco Malfoy's rear end.
Harry fought hard to keep from drooling over Draco. He took a deep breath and just kept moving. Finally, Draco's backside was hidden from view as he plopped into their shared seating. Harry breathed a sigh of relief and set himself down next to Draco.
As he did, Hermione and Ron leaned over to speak to him.
"What in Merlin's name were you thinking? Are you mad?" cried Ron.
Hermione batted at her boyfriend's arm. "Be quiet Ron. We've already had enough attention on us this afternoon." Then Hermione turned to look at Harry. "But really Harry. Why on earth didn't you tell us about this?"
Harry just shrugged. "I didn't think you would believe me. Besides. It's no big deal."
"No big deal?" screeched Ron. He took a moment to compose himself and then he repeated. "No big deal, Harry? Really, are you mad? You've just been onstage. Singing. With Malfoy."
Harry nodded, the hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I know. It was Terry's idea. He caught each of us after practice a couple days ago. We've been practicing as much as we could on the pitch so no one would see us."
Hermione's eyes lit up as she put two and two together. "So that's why you kept leaving for Quidditch practice without taking Ron or anyone else with you!" Harry nodded, a smile fighting its way through his nonchalant façade. Hermione's eyes grew brighter still. "And that's why you didn't mind switching seats with Ron so he wouldn't have to sit with Malfoy!"
Harry nodded again. "Yep. I've kind of grown used to the git while we were practicing together." He glanced over his shoulder at the blonde, who was settling himself into the cushions. "Even though he is the biggest pain in my ass I've ever met." Harry shrugged again. "It's really no big deal."
Before either of his best friends could say anymore, Harry turned away and sat back into the soft padding of his seat. Once he was settled, he found his lap full of Slytherin feet yet again.
"You and your little friends discuss things far too much, Potter," drawled Draco as he got himself situated.
Harry just smiled. He set one elbow on the arm of the loveseat and draped the other lazily over Draco's legs. Harry glanced at his seatmate, realizing that today might be the end of the rivalry he and Draco had harbored for so many years. He grinned at Draco.
Draco merely raised an eyebrow and then smirked at the Gryffindor. He wiggled once more, digging a heel into Harry's leg just enough to make Harry yelp.
Harry sighed, putting his chin in his upturned hand. Then again, maybe not. His eyes left the pale face of the Slytherin and ventured up to where Seamus was again standing at center stage.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Seamus grinned at the audience. They were still chatting quietly about how surprising it was to see Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter standing together on the stage.
Seamus spread his arms wide and smiled. "Now didn't I tell you that was going to be fabulous?" The crowd erupted with applause, and Seamus' smile grew even more. "Now that they're through, I'm allowed to tell you all who they are, as if you didn't know. That was Terry Boot of Ravenclaw, Ernie Macmillan of Hufflepuff, Draco Malfoy of Slytherin and Harry Potter of Gryffindor. Let's give our Quidditch captains another big hand!"
Everyone whooped and cheered the boys again. Terry and Ernie stood, waving. Draco, and therefore Harry as well, merely grinned broadly and waved.
"And now it is my privilege to introduce our next act. Our second, and final, non-student performance for tonight will be brought to us by the Ghosts of Hogwarts!" Seamus grinned and made his way off the stage.
From somewhere behind everyone, there was the sound of a door creaking open, and footfalls could be heard going up the aisle toward the stage. But no ghosts could be seen. In the distance, a wolfish howl was heard, sending shivers down everyone's spines. Then music started and the howling continued. It sounded as though the howling was coming from the Dark Forest. The first and second years all started huddling closer to each other.
Finally, the raspy ghost of a voice started to sing.
"It's getting scary
And something's lurking, hiding in the walls
Try not to tarry
'Cause there are spirits haunting every hall"
Suddenly a translucent man appeared on the stage. His clothing was distinguishable even though it was just as transparent as he was. A black fedora was atop his head, tilted down to hide his face. He was wearing a red leather jacket and black pants that were a bit too short for him. Black shoes covered his sheer feet, and white socks peeked out between pant and shoe. There was a shimmering white glove on one hand.
"A ghost you've spied
You run away wishing for ghost-free shelter
You want to hide
But we'll come out and right before your eyes
Materialize"
Several ghosts drifted out of the walls around the crowd. They floated over the mass and grinned down at their captive audience. But as all the living beings noticed, none of these ghosts were the one singing. Everyone figured it must be the ghost onstage that was singing.
Then the red-and-black clad ghost lifted his head. It was Peeves. He leered at the scared looks on the younger students' faces, and then cackled. He along with the ghosts already present started singing the chorus. More of the ghostly residents of Hogwarts Castle appeared as the chorus progressed.
" 'Cause you're at Hogwarts!
Hogwarts ghosts
Come out in day or night,
And we can all give you a fright
Ya know it's Hogwarts!
Hogwarts ghosts-
You want to flee the school
Instead you
Have to
Get through
The years!"
Peeves took off his hat and grinned evilly at the people sitting in the front rows. He swept his gloved hand out to the side.
"You hear the door slam
And realize there is nowhere else to go"
He put a hand up to his cheek as the ghosts flew out over the masses, sending wave after wave of chilly air over everyone.
"You feel the cold breeze
You're trapped with one of us, yeah, doncha know"
Peeves covered his eyes, a look of mock fear on his face.
"You close your eyes
And hope this life is your imagination
But all the while"
He threw a thumb over his shoulder as he uncovered his eyes.
"You feel our presence comin' from behind
You're outta time!"
Even more ghosts appeared out of nothingness, joining Peeves and their fellow apparitions in singing. They all leered down at the children as they sang.
" 'Cause you're at Hogwarts!
Hogwarts ghosts-
Hogwarts is where we stay"
Several dozen ghostly fingers were suddenly pointed at Albus Dumbledore while the ghosts smirked.
"Headmaster won't send us away
Hogwarts!
Hogwarts ghosts-
You cry 'please send me home'
Instead you
Have to
Get through
The years!"
Peeves grinned out at his spectators.
"Night keeps on comin' and ghosts keep up their evening hall patrol"
The ghouls that were hovering nearby Peeves took on soldier-like stances and marched in a line behind the poltergeist. At the next line, each of the "patrolling" ghosts shook their fists at the crowd and sneered.
"There's no escaping the wrath of the spirits ahead
There's someone waiting for you!"
Peeves pointed out toward the audience.
"We're out to get you
We're coming out to give you all a shock
And we won't let you"
The poltergeist shook his head and spread his arms out wide. The ghosts behind him started to strain against his arms, as though they were trying to get past him.
"Scamper off 'cause all your paths are blocked
Now's not the time
For you to try and flee since you'll be denied
Tonight's the night"
Peeves stepped off the stage and flew over to a bunch of first year girls from Hufflepuff.
"We'll huddle close, you'll never leave the scene"
He pulled face and a couple of the girls squealed in fright. Peeves smirked nastily.
"We'll make you scream"
Peeves and the rest of the spirits floated around over the crowd, pulling faces and occasionally fussing with a nearby student.
" 'Cause you're at Hogwarts!
Hogwarts ghosts-
Hogwarts is our abode
And we won't leave you kids alone
Hogwarts!
Hogwarts ghosts-"
Each ghost wiggled their way in between students, putting their non-existent arms around the shoulders of the closest pair of children.
"You wish we'd leave you be
Instead you
Have to
Get through
The years
With us
By your sides!"
The ghosts flew up and away from the students.
" 'Cause you're at Hogwarts!
Hogwarts ghosts-"
A handful of ghouls swept down and poked at random students and a couple teachers.
"We'll never set you free
We'll torture you eternally
Hogwarts!
Hogwarts ghosts-
You scream 'just go away'
Instead you
Have to
Get through!"
Peeves and the rest of the ghosts floated around over the audience, and Peeves quietly sang one line.
"Gonna fight tonight…"
The Bloody Baron, Slytherin's resident ghost, floated up to center stage. As the rest of Hogwarts' ghosts floated out over the crowd, the Baron recited a few lines in his deep, sinister voice.
"Darkness falls across the land
Your final hour may be at hand
And whosoever shall be found
Will be attacked and taken down
Or if they wish to take a stance
May surely have a fighting chance
We ghouls shall hunt in search of you
Tonight will be the last for you"
The Baron glared at everyone that was not a Slytherin. The other ghosts were still hovering over the students and teachers. They now were each singing a quick like as they flew by.
"Gonna fight tonight"
"Hogwarts"
"Oooh"
"Hogwarts"
"Hogwarts ghosts"
"Hogwarts"
"Oh darlin' "
"Oh babe"
"Oh babe"
"Hogwarts"
"Hogwarts ghosts, babe"
"Hogwarts"
"Oh darlin' "
"Oh baby"
"Hogwarts ghosts"
"Hogwarts ghosts"
"Oooh!"
The Bloody Baron was still at center stage and recited a few more lines. As he spoke, ghosts began dispersing and disappearing.
"The foulest ghouls are in the air
The anger built over the years
And irate ghosts from every room
Are closing in to seal your doom
And though you fight to stay alive,
Your body starts to shiver
For no mere fleshie can resist
The tempting of Hogwarts ghosts"
The Baron finished his lines and a hauntingly nasty smile spread on his lips. He was the only ghost left visible in the room. Then all of a sudden, he threw back his head and laughed maniacally, long, loud, and low. As he laughed, a howl sounded off in the distance. He faded away and out of sight. Then footfalls were heard again going down the aisle and away from the stage. A creak of a door, and all the ghosts were gone.
It was a few minutes before anyone moved. At long last, Seamus stood slowly. He moved to take the stage, casting several wary looks over his shoulder. Once he was on the stage, he turned to face the group. "Well," he started.
Without warning, Peeves showed up sitting on Seamus' head. A few girls screamed in surprise.
The poltergeist grinned down at Seamus and then out at the people before him. "Sweet dreams," he said nastily. Then he bounced off Seamus' head and flew through the nearest wall and out of sight, cackling all the while.
Seamus, visibly shaken, looked after Peeves. Eventually, Seamus took a deep breath. He turned to face the audience once more, and said one simple sentence.
"Well. That was disturbing."
~*~TBC~*~
