13- "More To the Music"
Exams were fast approaching, and more and more, Jerrod and Beck relinquished time practising their music. But after their performance at the Christmas feast, more than a few students had expressed an interest in joining the performance group. After a few short consultations, Jerrod and Beck had accepted four other students to "Songs For The Phoenix." Larson Holden, a Hufflepuff turned out to be an astounding percussionist, while Vera Northern could handle herself on a piano. The biggest surprise came when two well-built Slytherin brothers named Evan and Jake Keen performed with their guitars. After a few practise seesions, they had written their first song as a group, and with the Headmaster's approval, were being allowed to perform it at the Quidditch Cup final presentation.
Jerrod sat alone in the communal study hall. In his hour between before Potions and after Enchanting on Thursday, he pored over recipes for complex potions that were supposed to be part of the examination. His mind kept returning, however, to Voldemort.
'How could the Headmaster keep such a secret?' he kept asking himself. Jerrod knew of the legends surrounding the famous Harry Potter, but couldn't help feeling apprehensive. He shook himself out of the reverie, and made his way to Potions, a full fifteen minutes before schedule.
That evening, Jerrod hurried toward the Quidditch pitch, along with the countless students of Hogwarts. A light sprinkling of rain covered the students, who's spirits were far from dampened by the bad weather and growing dark. Teachers conjured up magical floodlights, which lit up the entire stadium complex. After a short pre-game program, composed of a few short speeches, Professor Wood, the flying teacher, began the game with a sharp blow on his whistle.
The rain pelted down on the stadium, soaking the players and spectators alike. Two blue-clad Ravenclaw players streaked through the downpour, one with the quaffle, flying for the goalposts.
'And Gregor is looking to score!' shouted the commentator, whose amplified voice was all but lost in the wind. Jerrod watched the game from a lower stand, which gave him at least a modicum of protection from the rain. A loud cheer erupted from the Ravenclaw stands as Gregor put the quaffle through the centre hoop, narrowly avoiding both a bludger and the keeper. A sharp pull from somewhere sent Jerrod tumbling backwards down the stairs. Beck stood over his prone form, grinning. She pulled him up, and together they raced back to the castle.
In his room in the Ravenclaw dorm, Jerrod fell back onto his bed, Beck following him down. The soft mattress was more than big enough to accommodate the two elder teens. With a wave of his hand, Jerrod shut the curtains, the door, and brought into existence a few candles, which ignited moments later.
'You cheek!' said Beck, nuzzling him on the neck. Jerrod felt a thrill run through his body. Cold fingers found their way underneath Jerrod's t-shirt, pulling it over his head. He snaked his own hands up Beck's back, teasing her thick jumper off.
'I love you' she whispered. Jerrod's head went into overdrive, imagining the countless possibilities if this statement. A soft music began to play inside Jerrod's head, convincing him of the only worthwhile answer.
'I love you too.'