A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Give Me Stitchez. For making me feel better about my life. grin
Hermione held herself together after that. It was hard – now more than ever she felt as though she was wearing a mask and just acting a part. The door she thought she had closed firmly behind her was slowly opening, and all she had to stop it was her willpower. However, willing something not to happen doesn't mean it won't happen – even if you are a very stubborn and powerful witch. It was a few days later that the door opened even further.
Hermione sat near the stage, her black curls constantly falling into her eyes. It was her equivalent to Nate's bed-head hair. She had discovered it by accident one day when she was running late. Sometimes I wonder whether discovering it outweighs the lecture I would have received if Aria didn't absolutely love the look. She brought her glass of water to her mouth, but didn't drink any of it. She was scanning the crowd as usual; trying to figure out which songs she should sing tonight. However, something felt different. She couldn't quite place her finger on it, but the base of her neck was tingling.
She placed the drink back on the table, careful not to spill any on her dress. It was one of her favorites, and looked killer on her. The dress was a red silk Qu Pao dress and had gold dragons embroidered on it. The lights on the stage made the dragons shimmer and sparkle. The neck was high cut, but there were two slits on either side of the dress, which made it easier to move on stage. Of course, the guys like it because it shows off my legs. She smiled slightly and shook her head. On the other hand, it's snug enough everywhere else to satisfy them also. It fits like a glove.
She felt the spotlight hit her back. Time to go on. I just wish that the spotlight wouldn't blind me for a few seconds while I'm walking up the stairs to the stage. She made it up the stairs without incident and picked up the microphone in time to sing the first verse of her first number of the night.
"Stupid cupid, you're a real mean guy.
I'd like to pick your wings so you can't fly
I am in love and it's a crying shame
And I know that you're the one to blame
Hey, hey, set me free
Stupid cupid, stop picking on me."
As she was singing, her eyes adjusted to the light. It's a good thing that I completely trust the boys. If they weren't in their places for this dance, I'd be on the floor faster than you could say René – or Bella. Unfortunately, that nickname had caught on like wildfire with the rest of the guys. Like they need another name to call me by. She smiled, and wrapped up her part of the song.
"You got me talking like a crazy clown
And I don't feature what you're putting down
Since I kissed his loving lips of wine
The thing that bothers me is that I like it fine.
Hey, hey, set me free
Stupid cupid, stop picking on me."
She stood at the side of the stage while Taylor and the boys wrapped up the song. As she was looking over the crowd when she saw something that made her pause. It that…could it be…but why would Ron come here? He's always gone to one club and only one club. And yet that red hair wouldn't disappear.
Numbly, she took her bow. She saw Aria signaling her, so she exited the stage gracefully, but quickly. Aria weaved her way through the crowd dancing on the dance floor to Hermione. "René, I have a favor to ask."
"What is it, Aria?"
"Well, there's this gentleman who's willing to pay very dearly to sing a duet with you. Says he wants to dedicate it to an old friend in the crowd. Would you –"
"Sure, sure. Aria. It can't hurt me if he can't sing, right?" She smiled at Aria, but her mind was still on Ron or Ron's look-alike. "Just signal me when he's ready." Aria moved off, and Hermione sat down at her table again.
She let her eyes wander the crowded club. There was only one table shrouded in darkness. Hermione frowned at this. I know that table's usually lit up enough for me to pretend to be able to sing to them. In fact, that's where I usually focus when I'm singing… I wonder why it's dark tonight. She saw Aria waving at her again. She moved closer to her, and her heart stopped. Sitting beside Aria was Ron Weasley – and there was a girl with him.
Before she got too close, she took a moment to appraise the other woman. A pretty girl, with brown hair and blonde highlights framing her face. Her hair was pulled back, and although several wisps of hair fell out from the up-do, framing her face, she still managed to look regal. Her dress was a simple sheath dress, consisting of blues, greens and purples. It complimented her nicely. If Hermione had just seen her in a crowd, she would have considered her elegant.
"René! This is the gentleman I was referring to earlier. Ron Weasley, meet René Mighero."
"Oh my god! This is such an honor, Miss Mighero!" The blonde said, even before Ron could open his mouth.
"Please, call me René. Everyone else does." She said this with a smile.
"Hello, René. Jessie here has been talking about this club for forever, it seems. She's constantly raving about their singer. I understand it's a real honor for you to grant my request." His eyes smiled up at her.
"It really isn't that big of a deal. I'm flattered that she thinks I'm that good." That's good, Hermione. Stick with your standard response. She turned to the girl – presumably Jessie. "What do you do, Jessie?"
The girl looked up at Hermione with something close to awe on her face. If you only knew the half of it, kid. "I work in medicine, on a team with Mr. Weasley here." Hermione noticed that her light blue eyes were rimmed with gold. She almost looks like a tiger, with the eyes and the hair…
"Jessie, I've told you that you can call me Ron. After all, we've worked together for nearly a year now. I think the "Mr." is starting to wear a little thin, don't you?" Ron said.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry Mr. Weas – I mean, Ron." She looked upset that she had upset Ron.
Hermione laughed. "Calm down, Jessie. I'm sure you didn't hurt Ron's feeling by calling him by his last name." Her eyes twinkled at Ron. I'd say she's just nervous because she's here with Ron, her boss and a legend. If she's working with him that would make her a medi-wizard for his Quidditch team. Poor Ron, he probably doesn't even realize the turmoil this poor girl is going through. Satisfied that this wasn't a date, she turned back to Ron and said, "Are you ready to sing that song now?" She was caught in his eyes for a minute before being able to break away. Just don't look into his eyes anymore, Hermione, and you'll be fine. She snorted. Right, and pigs will fly.
"I'm ready." He handed her a piece of paper with words written on it. "These are the lyrics, in case you don't know them."
She read the words quickly. He couldn't… He remembers this? But all she said out loud was, "A Moulin Rouge lover, eh?"
A blush covered his cheek. "Actually, it started in school. We just made up a love song to release tension – from school of course." He said this last part in a hurry. Oh yes, "school." The universal word for "preparing to fight a battle with a creature of evil and not knowing if we'd win or lose…" He continued, "When we saw "Moulin Rouge" earlier this year, I was amazed at how close the lyrics are to the ones we made up. I know she felt it too… Just like I can feel she's here tonight…it's like a never-ending tingle at the base of my head that won't go away."
Oh my god…he feels it too… But all she said out loud was, " And what would you say to her if you found her?" I must sound like the biggest busybody. "You don't have to answer that if you think it's impertinent of me.""I would say I'm sorry." He looked down at the ground. "I hurt her, and I never meant to do that."
She wanted to say something else, but what? I can't forgive him; I don't think he recognizes me. For some reason, that just made the pain in her heart hurt even more. She excused herself, and walked over to the band, which was wrapping up another number. She leaned over and told Zach the song.
Small favors come to us all. If the boys hadn't caught me singing this before rehearsal one day, they wouldn't have learned the music to it. They really do love me, these boys. She smiled, and stepped up to the microphone. "I have a guest singer tonight. This song goes out to an old friend of his – you know who you are. Ladies and gentlemen, Ron Weasley."
The band struck up the opening notes to a very familiar song. Ron held the mike in his hand nervously – it was clear he was only up here because he wanted her to hear this song. He began;
"Never knew I could feel like this
Like I've never seen the sky before.
Want to vanish within this bliss.
Every day I'm near you more and more.
Listen to my heart, can you hear, it sings
Telling me to give you everything.
Seasons may change, winter to spring
But I'm with you until the end of time.
Come what may, come what may
I'll be with you until my dying day."
Hermione picked up where he left off; never glancing at the paper he presented her. He had sung their song, so she continued it.
"Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place
Suddenly it moves with such a perfect grace.
Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste.
It all revolves with you."
He joined in to sing;
"And there's no mountain too high, no river too wide
Sing out this song and I'll be there by your side.
Storm clouds may gather and stars may collide
But I'm with you until the end of time.
Come what may, come what may
I'll be with you until my dying day.
Oh come what may, come what may
I'll be with you until my dying day."
She added, almost under her breath,
"Suddenly how wonderful life is… with you."
They finished in rousing harmony, playing perfectly off each other, both voices filled with despair, hope and love.
"Come what may, come what may.
I'll be with you until my dying day."
The applause was loud and long. I knew our voices blended together wonderfully, but I didn't expect to finish with people crying over our duet. However, Ron was still searching the crowd with his eyes. Looking for me, I assume. Idiot! Can't you feel me next to you? Didn't you recognize my voice as we sang together? What's wrong with you, Ron?!?!
Next to her, she heard Ron mutter, "Where are you, 'Mione?" Her heart broke then. As they left the stage, she hugged him and whispered, "I'm sure she forgives you." Then she turned and walked away. She went to the back room, where the band usually spent its break. She just wanted to be alone. Unfortunately, she could hear the band announcing one of those breaks right that second. She snuck out onto the roof. I just want to be left alone. Just let them let me be, please.
Seth had other ideas, however. "Bella, talk to me. Please?" He must have followed me out here. How Seth of him.
She turned to him, a small smile playing on her face. However, as she looked into his concerned eyes, and remembered how Ron's eyes hadn't recognized her, something inside her burst. Whatever self-control she had while talking to Ron fell apart, sitting there with Seth. And Seth just held her – as Draco and Ron both had one night almost a year ago – and whispered comforting things into her ear.
Disclaimer: Songs in this chapter were: "Stupid Cupid" from "The Princess Diaries" & "Come What May" from "Moulin Rouge" (although "Come What May"s words are changed a little for the characters involved.)
Thanks Section:
Hyper Kitty: Glad you are enjoying the story. I'm flattered you think I'm capturing Hermione as well as JKR.
Sara Hillen of Gryffindor: If you are reading this, then you should know how Harry died. Go back and read the story again if you don't, especially chapters 3 and 4. Hope that clears it up for you.
Azangelicgurl89: If I told you who it was, it wouldn't be a surprise when Hermione finds out, now would it? raised eyebrow
Buffy Anne Summers: Hope you enjoyed your cameo. Tell me what you think.
Give Me Stitchez: As I said, this chapter is dedicated to you. I have to agree with you about my ex. I do deserve better. I just wanted you to know why it's been so long for me to update. wink Never fear about Draco. He'll be back in focus soon enough. grin
And, as always, to my beta reader, just for being herself. smile
Everyone should go check her out under her NEW name : enoimreH.
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