Faded Pictures
Chapter 6 pt. 2: Aww, Ain't It Sweet?
Well, Hermione thought anxiously, here goes nothing. Without saying a word, she stood and walked shakily to the stage. This ought to be interesting. She selected the song out of the memory and stood in the center of the platform, looking nervously out at the table of all her friends.
As the music started, Hermione let her emotions wash over her and soon the words spilled out of her mouth without her even noticing.
I waited 'til I saw the sun.
don't know why I didn't come...
I left you by the house of fun.
don't know why I didn't come...
I don't know why I didn't come.
When I saw the break of day,
I wished that I could fly away
Instead of kneeling in the sand,
catching teardrops in my hand.
My heart is drenched in wine.
You'll be on my mind forever.
Out across the endless sea,
I would die in ecstasy.
But I'll be a bag of bones
driving down the road alone.
Heart is drenched in wine.
You'll be on my mind forever.
Hermione's voice sounded foreign even to her own ears as the sounds of the song drifted over the room. She let her eyes trail over her table as the music played. Fred and George kept sending quick glances between each other and from her to Ron. Ron, she noted, held her gaze.
Ron's blue eyes were shining brightly. Hermione smiled as she remembered looking into those eyes so many times in the past. Never taking her eyes from his, she continued her song.
Something has to make you run.
don't know why I didn't come...
I feel as empty as a drum.
I don't know why I didn't come.
I don't know why I didn't come.
I don't know why I didn't come.
Hermione blinked back tears as the music ended. Moving slowly, she stepped down off the stage and returned to her seat. Harry stood and wrapped his arms around her.
"I admire you, Hermione. Do you know that?" The green-eyed man kissed her cheek softly before heading toward the stage she recently vacated.
Ginny wrapped an arm around her friend and whispered in her ear, "That was beautiful." She squeezed the woman's shoulders quickly before releasing her and turning an ear to the man now in front of the crowd.
You've heard this a thousand times before,
I'm in love with you.
You'll hear it at least a million more.
Baby that's the truth.
It's the small things that endear me
every time that you are near me.
The way you laugh at what I say,
the way you look at each new day,
the way your tears fall right on cue,
that's what I love about you.
Nobody else knows me by heart,
takes me where I can reach the stars,
makes me believe in love,
the way you do.
You see me the man that I can be.
and I'm thanking you...
You've given me all I'll ever need.
all I wanted too...
I know how blessed I am.
Dray, you are my best friend.
Harry's so-called earlier performance was put to shame as he stood, singing his heart out to the cheesiest song he could've picked. Hermione watched silently, wondering why he'd sang so craptastically earlier. She supposed it was just for fun the first time.
Green eyes latched onto gray ones as Harry continued singing. Hermione wondered how they had ever become so close. She figured one would die if he didn't have the other and suddenly she was overcome with jealousy. It wasn't fair to her that they had someone like that and she had so royally screwed up things with Ron. It just wasn't fair.
The way you do.
You gotta listen, Baby.
The way you laugh at what I say,
the way you look at each new day,
the way your tears fall right on cue,
that's what I love about you.
Nobody else knows me by heart,
takes me where I can reach the stars,
makes me believe in love,
the way you do.
The way you do.
The way you do.
Draco kissed Harry softly and scowled when Snape snorted in derision. "I know, Severus, it was cheesy and sappy and all that jazz. At least I have someone to sing that kind of crap to me." Snape's mouth clamped shut, turning swiftly into a thinly pressed line. "Don't say a word. I don't want to hear it. You won't ruin this night for me, old man. I'm going to do my song now. So, Neville, Blaise... If you would so kindly join me onstage..."
Draco made some obscene gestures toward his godfather before pulling a black bandana from his back pocket and tying it around his head. Making their way up to the front, Neville and Blaise flanked him, putting on their own bandanas. Hermione could have sworn, by the looks of things that this was a very common thing for them to do. Bewildered, she looked on, unable to speak.
Curious, everyone turned their attention to the three men at the head of the room, growing extremely quiet. The only person not looking deathly serious was Pansy, who was grinning madly at her friends.
Neville
Nigga we doin this shit from Cleveland to LA
nigga whatever you niggas want we bringing it
Thug Luv nigga what time is it yo
I don't give a fuck where you lay at
it's time to slay these bitch made niggas
Draco overlapping Neville
Pac Pac run wit us run wit us run wit us
Pac Pac run wit us Pac and RIP with Thug Luv
Neville
they ain't even knowing what type of niggas we is
where my thugs at Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
I know you niggas been waiting for this shit for a long time
well here it is nigga here it is what you gone do with it
Everyone's jaws dropped as the men on stage started doing 'their thing.' Everyone except for Pansy, of course...
"I know they're not going to do what I think they're going to do. Are they George?" Fred turned partially to his twin.
"Oh, I think they are..." George muttered.
They both looked at Pansy who was happily mouthing along with Draco, cocking an imaginary gun in the air and shooting it off in time to the song. Turning back to the stage, they saw that the three onstage were doing the same.
Draco
Well I must be close to the Armageddon lord you know
That I won't fly by that lesson you taught me to pull out my Wesson you brought me
And am I stressing it softly get 'em up off me cause all
We wanted was harmony been bombing 'em yell up outta my ghetto
I won't settle get on my level they can't
Stop me or drop me nigga they got me fuck naw
Little Pac get schizophrenic and manage to damage all y'all
I'll talk about 'em and you don't really want it
Cause they're cornered and I want 'em to jump up
I'd rather say that we came to shut 'em all down
So quick to test bullet yes declare war
Roll and I'll blow when I get the gun for the murder mo' horror
For what the did it all pause for the cause and I
Fin to pull a nine or pistol little nigga wit mine fuck dem niggas it's on
All y'all fall Bizzy gettin bitches test me bless the floor
In any attempt to arrest me stress me lord
Looking at death with the last of my breath
Follow follow my kids but don't sin in my steps
Yet the weapon is kept with the best of my secrets
Deep in the leaves I'm alone nigga believe
That I can see it if needed an if you really want me in
Well let it be and get the greens and be runnnin up over Cleveland
Collectively, the group, mouths still agape, turned to see Harry's reaction. The man, pale as a ghost, sat with a look of amazement on his face, transfixed with his man's fluid words. It almost seemed as if he were about to cum in his pants from sheer ecstasy. At the sound of Neville's voice again, however, they turned their attention back to the front.
Neville
Hahaha what's poppin nigga
put your motherfucking hand on your strap nigga
Thug Luv nigga we can do this like gangstas
and slug it out or be like punks and punk it out
pull your strap on me nigga and you better kill me thug life baby
"NEVILLE?" Ginny squealed, rubbing her eyes in what appeared to be disbelief. Hermione couldn't believe it either. Little Neville... nice, quiet Neville... clumsy, awkward, unassuming Neville was rapping. Not only that. He was rapping as Tupac Shakur... Hermione didn't think she could take it anymore. This was way too shocking.
I'll probably be punished for hard livin blind to the facts
Thugs is convicts in gods prison hand on the strap
Praying to father please forgive me police be rushing when they see me
I flaunted America's most wanted live on TV life
Pleasure and pain stuck in this game holler my name
We all gone die we bleed through similar veins
You'se explain to me now don't panic when my gun burst
Heard the last jam nigga this ones worse
My nigga bone held the chrome till I came home
Thug Luv playas tell these bitch niggas bring it on
I caught a plane out to Cleveland late last evening
To help my niggas clean up some niggas no longer breathing now
Who do you believe in hit the weed and breathe it's a
Cold ass the world them niggas kill you in your sleep
Until they stop me bury murder me or drop me
I got Thug Luv for my nationwide posse feel me
Pansy smiled even more broadly. Whether out of pride in Neville or happiness that Blaise had just stepped forward, Hermione couldn't tell.
Blaise
Little thug from the land nigga never ran
Motherfuckers out to get me they don't understand
It's the #1 nigga out with a nation of niggas
Down to put in some work do some dirt
Fuckin round with the band Bone Thugs N Harmony
Follow down the road we stroll to meet karma
Everything I do it seem to cause drama
Ready for the war like a knight in my armor bomb ya
So quick to test us nigga wanna crash me eat dust
For the love of the lust niggas bustin on us
Hit 'em up with he buck 12 gauge erupt it's the Art Of War
Putting niggas on the floor
when I'm comin through the door bringin nothin but terror
Causing much to the nigga that dared us
trying to put a twist in this thugsta
era Paired up with a nigga like Pac
and a nigga like me gotta stay high
Thug Luv till I die keep my prayer to the sky
but I'm still in the hood smoke and fry
So I beg the lord to save us all escapers of misery
Bless my niggas in penitentiaries soldiers of the century
More Blaise
Here to get it told my niggas to get the hell down
Down with the dirt and we don't fuck around
Buck a couple of rounds and if you're passing through then hit the ground
And don't get caught up in the crossfire nigga
Artillery thick and you don't want to get to fuckin with this
I'm straight devil not a punk and pretend
I reload buck a little more flee the scene
'fore the po-po even know what you lookin for
They don't know a motherfucker with a leatherface hey
Man she said I ran this way said I ran that way
You hoes'll never know because I got away yeah
A criminal mind a nigga on the level sometimes
so get high and analyze your crime
Directly organized with results you'll be surprised
Harry had sat back in his seat until he saw Draco step forward again. Leaning forward eagerly, he glanced over at Hermione and Ron who were both laughing hysterically at his excitement.
Draco again... sexy mofo that he is...
Oh nigga can you feel the vibe we can ride playa hating niggas you gots to die
It's over wit Bone better leave it alone Mo Thug I'm cracking fuckin domes
Still in the hood where the thugs play fuckin wit nothin but thugs man
Ain't taking no shorts or no losses we crackin them domes around my way
Give it to 'em on another level nigga
get a shovel you can dig a hole bitches is dead
Infrared to the head you can beg but still gone bleed bloody red
Fuck with mine will be see in the moonlight
cause we out ridin looking for you
Better run for cover nigga duck we about to bust
Straight got the Infrared put it on his forehead make some moves
Send flowers straight to his home
put a card in the motherfucker send it to his mama
Tell her he was dead wrong dead wrong gone now he long gone
All three
Pac Pac run wit us run wit us run wit us
Pac Pac run wit us Pac and RIP with Thug Luv
"Where the HELL did that come from, Dray?" Harry pulled Draco down into the chair beside him.
"Oh that?" Draco smiled sweetly in Fred and George's direction. "That was just a past time of ours. Right, Neville?"
Neville simply smirked and nodded from his seat beside Ginny. Ginny had latched herself to his side and wasn't showing signs of letting go anytime soon.
"Well," Pansy began when she saw that Draco wasn't going to give any further explanation, "I guess it started 7th year when we came across poor Neville here in the dungeons by himself. Why he was there... we still don't know. He was singing "Thug Luv", though, and when we met up with him, we just had to stop. Once we had found out that we shared a love of Bone Thugs, we started meeting secretly about three times a week to just rap. "Thug Luv" has always been a tradition of ours to do, since it's what spawned our odd friendship. I think it was pretty difficult for Neville keeping up the charade of being enemies with us. We're awfully proud of each other, though."
Hermione just smiled at everyone, still internally mulling over her odd feelings at being reunited with Ron after such a long, confusing time. She had another song to sing, but she wasn't sure what kind of a reaction it would bring, and it was a pretty big decision. As she poured all her attention into her own thoughts, she hardly noticed Harry, Ron, Neville, Draco, and Blaise leave the table. It was only when Ron's voice cut through the air with an authoritative air that she was able to tear her eyes and thoughts to the stage.
I wish I never told you you should leave.
I wish me and you never had my seed.
No, I better stop it, that's a lie
cuz girl you were the apple of my eye.
Took a little time for me to see
that girl I need you right here next to me.
I could let you walk away
but I'm not going out that way, no.
Ron's eyes were holding Hermione's in a gaze so fierce, she felt unable to look away. She wanted to turn away and not hear what he was trying to tell her, but she couldn't. The song began to infiltrate her thoughts, moving her deeply.
Words can't describe how I feel about you.
Only heaven knows how much I do...
Girl, I'd put own life on the line.
I'd cherish and protect you with my life.
All that shhh I said, girl, I didn't mean.
I'd die without your love, baby, if you leave.
I could let you walk away
but, baby, I'm not going out that way.
Hermione felt tears in her eyes but was unable to keep them from rolling out over her cheeks. The left a burning trail on her face as well as in her heart as she let Ron's words encompass her. She knew how Ron felt about her, and knew that he meant every word that he sang.
I love you
And even though I'm sayin' you can leave me
I wanted other chances to adore you
Won't you take the time
Take the time to see
I don't wanna have to live my life in misery
I wasn't ready for you to set me free
Ron's voice hung in the air and made Hermione feel justified in her song. She knew she had to sing it now. She wondered only whether things would get better or if it was the beginning of something terrible. One thing was for sure, something was going to happen.
As the boys made their way back to the table, Hermione rose and walked steadily for the stage. She avoided eye contact with any of her friends. Her song would speak volumes and she wouldn't have to try to explain. She had everyone's attention by the time she reached the stage, cleared her throat and started to sing.
Lately, been thinking bout you, baby,
just sitting away,
watching the days go by.
Lately, been thinking bout you, baby,
just sitting away,
watching the days go by.
Have you ever felt a breeze hit your heart?
Like the wind was blowing it apart?
Had you spinning like a merry-go-round?
Indications of a storm touching ground
I wish that I could weather in your storm,
but I guess it was a heartbreak from the norm.
It was a day I will always remember,
the saddest day in sweet November.
Hermione saw the oddest look cross Ron's face. It was one she could never remember seeing before. It was the embodiment of heartbreak and despair mingled with bittersweet love. It was absolutely heart-wrenching. She wanted to look away with all her heart, but was simply unable. Her eyes were caught in his gaze and her mind drifted into the past as her voice carried the words.
Baby, I'm on my knees,
praying, God, help me please.
Bring my baby back.
Right back to me
If loving you is right,
then I don't go wrong.
So, I'll drown myself with tears,
sitting here,
singing another sad love song.
Lately, Been thinking bout you, baby
(and everything you do)
Just sitting away,
watching the days go by.
Hermione sang with everything in her, putting everything she'd felt since that fateful day into the words. She felt the tears coming long before they spilt onto her cheeks and didn't bother to brush them away. She simply let them roll silently down her face.
Baby, I've been torn apart.
I wish you hadn't broke my heart.
I'm missing you, baby,
missing you everyday.
Before Hermione knew it, her song was over and she was walking toward a new future. Whether it was a future with Ron or Xan, she did not know. Her eyes were clouded with tears as she made her way back to the table, ignoring the fact that she had just bore her soul in front of Severus Snape. As she took her seat, strong arms enfolded her in a tight embrace and someone wiped the tears from her eyes.
When she could see again, Hermione was staring into the deep blue eyes of Ronald Weasley, who still had her wrapped in one arm. He was steadily wiping away her tears, ignoring his.
"Let's get out of here, 'Mione. I think we need to talk now." Ron smiled weakly through his tears as he helped Hermione stand and led her toward the door.
The pair waved over their shoulders at their group of friends left shocked in their wake. No one saw Harry's knowing smile as he saw Ron pat his pocket, apparently for reassurance that the ring box shaped lump was still there.
Author's Note: I know I'm the worst. You all don't even have to tell me that. It has been forever since I've updated. This you can be sure of, I have not forgotten about this story. All of my stories, in fact, are still in progress. For those of you reading Dream Connections, I'm sure you'll be thrilled that I've updated that as well. There's definitely more to come there, and maybe a chapter or two here. I have about three chapters each of some other stories I'm sure you all will love. My personal favorite is Dimension Dreamer and is a Harry Potter/X-men crossover. It is good though. I promise. I don't normally like my work, but I'm quite proud of that one... probably because I have more of my own, original, characters. I don't think I did so well on Xan and Leslie. Anyway, big thanks to my beta reader/roommate/bestest best buddy, N.C. PsyChick, and my little sister. I have to, of course, take this time to declare my undying love for my fiancé as well. I love you, baby, even though you don't read this.