I don't own Harry Potter or Mel, she belongs to the fabulous Vega Sailor. Check out either one of her fics! Harry Potter versus the Alien Hive or The Filth in Purity.
"Happy Birthday to you! Happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Gabby! Happy birthday to you!" Sang a chorus of voices as all the Gryffindors embarrassed the heck out of Gabby by singing at dinner time in the great hall while presenting a large vanilla cream cake. It was September 24, the Equinox again this year and Gabby's birthday, so of course the Gryffindors had ferreted it out and plan a special surprise… a song and cake, not to mention of course presents upstairs on her bed.
They seemed to have conveniently forgotten her dislike of the spotlight as the voices blended together horrifically. Gabby would've preferred nothing more then to slink down into her seat and vanish… yet that was impossible as her cousin and Ginny were holding her in place.
"I want you both to know, I'm writing to the Weasley twins… AND PRANKING YOU BOTH INTO OBLIVION!" The now-sixteen-year-old snarled as she was finally permitted to sit down to blow out her candles. There was a wild applause before the cake magically divided itself and Gabby grabbed a corner piece. Suddenly Dumbledore rose.
"It's always a pleasure to see one added another year of growth and experience to their belt! Now, I have the pleasure of making one small announcement. In light of events going on outside these walls, Professor Stanfield and I have agreed that the parents ought to come here and see that their children are perfectly safe and secure. Therefore, this year for the Easter holidays there shall be parents weekend. Our lovely new professor shall explain more, Professor." Smiling, Liz rose.
"This weekend will be for the students to show their parents their lives here at school, a day for the parents and teachers to discuss classes and student progress. But more importantly for you lot, I'm sire, there will be a Staff vs. Student Quidditch game and a Talent Competition," At that everyone perked up and began murmuring, and a few even lit up.
"There will be more information regarding try outs and all that I na few weeks. So everyone ought to get started preparing!" There was a small applause as the professor took her seat. At the Slytherin table Mel began making plans…
The next day, Mel said good-bye to Anna as the two parted, Anna to Arithmency and Mel to music. She was rather surprised, and a little annoyed, to hear somebody else using the special music classroom that was really more like a studio. Then as the person began to sing, Mel was struck by the beautiful voice that emanated into the hall, singing Christina Aguilera's "Reflections." Mel stepped into the room at the last verse to see a slender girl with messy raven hair and sparkling grey eyes. As she finished the song, Mel gave a clap, causing the girl to jump about twenty feet in the air.
Not that Mel noticed that.
"You're awesome! Be in my show!" The raven-haired girl turned beet-red.
"Uh, one- my singing stinks, two- I can't stand being in center of attention so obviously I hate performing. So no thanks."
"Well, one- you're singing does not stink, I'm part siren so I would know, two- we'll get you used to being the center of attention so it will be know problem, and three - I need another singer."
"Nice one coming up with that extra number, sorry about you needing another singer, but the answer is still no. How could you get me 'used to' being the center of attention?"
"There are ways."
"Well. That's lovely. Ever seen a panic attack?"
"Okay, that's fine, just let you vocal cords and your voice go to waste and deprive the entire school of your talent."
Gabby's response was a cheerful, "Gladly! I'm Gabby by the way, Gabby Stanfield." She then accordingly offered a hand for shaking, "New exchange student. From the states."
Mel, acting pissy, stated, "Hmph. I don't make friends with people who don't live up to their potential."
"Well potential is all a matter of opinion, like most things. A voice or song that sounds wonderful and beautiful to one person may sound god-awful to another. Like rap music. My friend Twix absolutely adores it. I think it sounds like a bunch of cats on top of carburetor that's been turned on," Gabby, very pleased Mel wasn't babying her retorted,
"Believe me I know what a good voice is." Gabby sighed, and rubbed the back of her head for a moment.
"Look, it's not that I don't want to help you, I do, but… I get panic attacks the moment I see the audience. I used to love performing, I was an ice-skater, and I've tried everything I can think of... but nothing so far has worked. And I'm sure you're amazing singer who deserves to display that to the school, but if you use me, it isn't going to happen. There are plenty of other singers around here." Mel paused, and her shoulders slumped. If the girl had a medical condition, who was she to force the issue?
"MMMM...well I can see I'm getting no where, so I'll see you around." Gabby smiled warmly.
"Sure! You seem nice! And if you like, I can still help you write the songs! Composing is half the fun, after all." Gabby let out a little giggle, "You should hear some of the stuff my Mum and I come up with. She can get me to do anything, I swear."
"Oh really." Mel asked, a mean little idea forming in her brain.
A Note fromThe Chica: Urggggggggggggggggggh! This was very frustrating to write. And I'm sorry for the lack of action. This building up to a bunch of stuff. So please bear with me!
