Harry Potter and the Emerald Raindrop
AkashaWinters
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the Harry Potter world. JK Rowling owns the Harry Potterverse anyone who doesn't know that should be exiled to Mars, I make exceptions only for poor penniless people in remote corners of third world countries, who cannot read and don't have the money to buy the overly priced one – thousand paged books. I make no money from my poor attempt at fanfiction. A necklace of raindrops was written by Joan Aiken, I do not own any of the rights etc.
AN: YAY! 100 Reviews! Love you all! Since no-one noticed the link between Chapter 23 and the title of chapter 24 (I'll give you a clue, it was something Luna said…), this Chapter is dedicated to Blueyesangel1186 for presenting such a persuasive argument for me to post quickly! Thank you and enjoy!
Chapter 25Halloween Part One
Harry woke early on Saturday morning in the Wagon, glancing over Jay he noticed he was already up and had already left. Throwing on an old pair of Jodhpurs and a shirt he grabbed some toast on his way out. It was 6.30am and already the grounds were alive with movement. Large white canvass tents were being put up and tables levitated into place. A large rectangle was being fenced off as McGonagall transfigured the grass to sand inside it. There was motion everywhere, Jay, Gavin and Megan were washing and grooming their horses, while others were practicing moves. "Hey," Harry said, as Taz gave him a look as if to say 'you're late'. Harry just laughed and magically filled a bucket with water and warming it before throwing it over Taz and giving him a good scrub. The horse whickered in response to having a warm bath.
"Today is going to be great!" Jay grinned looking at the mass of movement around them, plaiting his chestnut horse's tail, it was not the horse that pulled their wagon, that was the huge black and white Vanner horse that stood proudly beside them, its long mane and tail groomed out immaculately. Gavin also had two horses, a brown one and a Vanner horse that pulled his wagon; he explained that he planned to sell the brown horse today, since his horse was getting a little old now and wasn't really up to heavy work. Megan stood grooming her tiny grey pony; Penny, she herself had had a bath and her long blonde hair was drying off still. By 7.30, the horses were groomed and plaited and were let loose for the next hour and a half, until the shows began at 9am.
Harry noticed that the growing crowd now consisted of not only the Hogwarts staff and the Gypsies, but also Wizards from Hogsmeade and magical animal traders from all over. One man had just Port-keyed in with four Hippogriffs and a group of shop attendants from Zonko's joke shop were setting up a stall to his right. Suddenly he spotted two identical red heads, "Greg, Forge!" He yelled jokingly as the two came over to him grinning from ear to ear.
"Harry, our man, nice to see you!" They said thumping him on the back.
"Have you got a stall here?" He asked curious.
"Yea, but we're also here for an act as well…"
"…But it's a secret so we can't tell you what it is."
"And don't you go telling anyone we told you…"
"…Or we might have to go telling everyone that you told on us telling you!"
Harry just laughed; he never could keep up with Fred and George. "Ron'll be pleased to see you." The twins grin evilly… "Or maybe not…" What had those too got planned?
"We heard you're doing a bit of showing off yourself, Harry." Fred said, or maybe it was George?
Harry grinned, "I'm taking part in the Horse-dancing class and the Tricks display." Harry told them, "Are you going to join in for the great race after lunch?"
"We can't ride…"
"…And don't have horses…"
"…But it does sound fun…"
"Jay and Gavin have got two horses, you might be able to borrow and just cast a sticking charm to stop yourself falling off, you can't do any worse than anyone else." Harry smirked…he'd heard rumours about the great race, apparently two years ago some bright spark had decided they should do it late in the evening after all the celebrations and consequently nearly everyone taking part had been completely hammered. Jay's horse had taken him two metres before throwing him off and refusing to allow him back on in his intoxicated state. Whoever said horses weren't smart had obviously never met the ones the Gypsies owned.
Gavin was just leaving for the trading posts to tie up his brown horse for sale when the castle doors and the gates to the grounds opened allowing students out and the public into the fair. "Time to get changed," Jay winked at Harry as they retreated into the wagon. Harry's costume was really quite exposing, he wasn't sure he entirely liked it. He wore tight black jodhpurs and a thin medieval forest green silk shirt that hang open at the front in a V-shape exposing most of his chest, the loose sleeves rippling as he rode along. He also wore heavy black boots that reached his needs and had sliver heels and a ingrained pattern, he had a belt and hat to match, the hat was dipped in the middle and Jay made him wear it lopsided with his long black hair tied back in a silver clasp. Actually Harry thought, studying his appearance, he didn't look half bad. Jay smacked his ass. "Hey!"
"Stop worrying, you're only going to have about most of the school assaulting you in that outfit." Jay teased, Harry blushed; the outfit really did leave little to the imagination. "Ready?" Jay asked. He was wearing a white and sky blue and he looked stunning himself, his outfit wasn't tight and open like Harry's, he wore more traditional wear with a long sweeping cloak. Never the less, he looked stunning. Harry smiled and the exited the wagon with him, fortunately their Wagon was round the back of one of the large tents so they weren't in view. Megan was waiting for them, she wore a white skirt over her leotard and leggings, which she wore for her vaulting sequence later, the white had golden unicorns all over it and her blonde hair was in two plaits; she looked adorable. Harry threw a black clock over his outfit and checked his watch. 9a, exactly, the horse dancing was about to start and Jay had the opening routine.
"You'd better go or you'll be late, don't worry we'll be watching!" Harry smiled as he took Meg's hand and they stepped into the crowd.
There were old-fashioned brass loud speakers floating above the crowd, "Welcome to Hogwarts first open Halloween fair!" The announced, "Today we have a large variety of stalls for you look at and purchase from, many magical creatures to be bartered for and several displays to be given by our resident Gypsies, both dancing and riding. Could I please remind parents to keep young children away from the Hippogriff pens? Later there will be a singing talent show for all Hogwarts students to take part in, it you are a student and wish to take part, please notify the judging box by the stage and be ready to perform by 12 o'clock. There will be a 10 Galleon prize the person who guesses the weight of the theastral, located by the gamekeepers hut. To start off our celebrations today there will be a Horse dancing display, so if you could please make your way over to the ring side we will be underway shortly."
Harry and Meg took up a place next to the ring as the ever-growing crowd filled up around them; Harry kept seeing glimpses of Jay riding back and forward inside the performer's tent at the far end of the ring. Harry was already feeling nervous and there were three more riders before him. Taking off his hat, because it made him feel silly he gave it to Megan and waved across at Ron and Hermione when he spotted the red head.
"Ladies, Gentlemen, magic folk alike…May I present Jacob Ferox and his beautiful mare Sundance." Jacob and Sundance, the chestnut pranced in. Jacob smiled and waved at the crowd as they clapped and rode to the centre to take position. They looked stunning. "Bolero!" The commentator announced and Harry realised that was the name of the song as it began to play and Jay and Sundance moved. They moved perfectly in time with the classical music, Jay had explained that the softer the music and the more complex the beat, the harder it was to keep in time, or rather the easier it was to notice when you were out of time. Jay was doing remarkably, it was defiantly some of the best riding Harry had seen; such great control. He looked around at the crowd; they was a huge turnout people had come from all over, not all wizards either, it was a great feeling.
As the music finished and Jay received his applause Harry made his way over to Taz, saddling him up and checking him over. The tack matched his boots, belt and hat and he was sure they would look very good together. As he and Meg walked over to the tent, he almost walked straight into Severus. "Hello Professor." He said uncertainly, knowing in public Snape had to play loathing, but round the back of the tents there were few people about.
Keep his voice indifferent Snape asked, "Are you about to perform, Potter?" He nodded shyly, as Meg watched their exchange.
"He has to wear a Costume!" Meg piped, "But it's different to mine."
Snape looked like he was trying not to laugh, "Really he asked?" Intrigued.
Meg nodded enthusiastically as Harry blushed very deeply, "Yes, he looks very Sexy!" Meg announced proudly, pleased that she remembered the word Jay had used. Harry closed his eyes slowly wishing he could die.
Severus chuckled evilly, "Well I just might have to watch the show then mightn't I?" he winked at Harry when Meg was looking the other way and made his way out to the ringside.
"Oh my God oh my God oh my God," Harry hyperventilated, making his way into the tent in a daze.
"Harry are you alright?" Jay asked concerned.
"Please don't ever use words like 'sexy' around Megan again!" Harry begged, still bright red.
"What, why? What happened?" Jay asked confused.
Meg spoke up, "We were talking to this man about Harry riding and I said he looked sexy in his costume!"
Jay smiled confused, "Oh Harry, people are going to call you sexy once in a while, its nothing to be ashamed off."
"It was Snape."
Jay face split into the biggest grin Harry had ever seen and he howled with laughter, barely managing to duck out the way when Harry lunged for him.
"Oi! Potter isn't it? You're up next, you might want to get a move on." A Man with a clipboard told him.
Harry left Jay and Meg, taking deep breaths he calmed himself and removed his cloak. I'm going to die, he thought. I wander what Snape's going to think of your outfit…and music Shut up! Swinging up into the saddle, the speaker announced; "And next up Harry Potter riding Tasmanian Devil!" Harry was exiting the tent seeing everyone staring at him when there was a hiss behind him.
"Oi! Potter!" He turned around to see that man with the clipboard toss his hat at him. Leaning sideways he plucked it out of the air and planted it on his head. Taking both reins again he Stopped in the centre, took a bow and waited for the music.
"The Way You Move by Outkast!"
This was it he was going to die! Breathe, damn it! He started trotting side ways…
Slow trotting round in a circle…
Cantering….
Rearing up… Taz's front legs lifting high up in time.
Walking backward…no hands…
Oh God! There was Severus…looking right at him…or rather…his body. Concentrate, Damn it! Left…
Jumping in the air…then to the right…
And back to the first bit…
Okay this wasn't too bad, they'd got it all right so far and his friends were cheering in the crowd…and Severus looked…well he looked like he wanted to pull him off his horse and shag him senseless there and then…Oh good God! He could not get a hard on now…
Not long to go now…. chorus again…
One more time…Harry grinned…this was great, he didn't feel nervous any longer…he felt down right sexy! Take that Voldemort and stick it up you're…
And Taz bowed, one knee down on the floor…
"Let's hear it for Harry and Taz everybody!" Harry grinned punching the hair and the crowd cheered wildly. He felt great…
"Harry, that was amazing!" Hermione cried hugging him.
"Thank 'Mione…I was so nervous!" Harry laughed, embarrassed at all the attention.
"Only because a certain somebody was watching you…" Jay grinned slyly. Harry flipped him the finger.
"Who? There's someone you like. Harry?" Hermione asked, Harry blushed very red and tried to look indifferent.
"Tell us mate!" Ron exclaimed, Harry shock his head, observing a nearby stall. He had about an hour before the Tricks display; there was some dancing being displayed on the stage at the moment. "Who is it Jay?" Ron asked.
"Uhuh! My lips are sealed, at least until Harry admits he likes him." Harry glared at Jay, but Jay just grinned back at him.
An hour later Harry found himself waiting in the tent again as Meg and Jay finished their vaulting routine. He was holding Meg's unicorn skirt, she had done extremely well, and the crowd had been amazed by the performance. Harry felt very proud and hugged her as she and Penny came back to the tent followed by Jay and Sundance. Next he was up. He wasn't vaulting, he was making Taz do tricks while standing on the ground. He was supposed to do it without a rope, only a long whip and he was a little nervous it would go wrong. Remembering his last performance and the way he had felt, Harry cleared his mind of all negative thoughts. They were going to go out there and show off to the best of their abilities…and they were going to rock. He kissed Taz on the nose and they walked out into the centre of the arena as their names were announced, Taz following unleashed at his shoulder.
"Let Me Entertain You by Robbie Williams!" There was a lot of cheering from the muggleborns at this announcement as Harry and Taz began their routine…
Harry and Taz came alive at the music…Taz was doing it all perfectly, hardly needing prompting; rearing, bucking, trotting, cantering and jumping in time. He was showing off as much as Harry was. When Harry spotted Severus watching him again he grinned back and although Snape's face was indifferent, Harry could see his eyes smiling back at him. As the song came to an end he and Taz bowed to all four sides before leaving, Harry waved and Taz reared a few times before leaving…his horse was such a show off, he thought fondly. As soon as they reached the tent Harry gave him some carrots to munch on.
"All right Harry!" Jay high-fived him, impressed.
They grabbed a snack for lunch when it was announced that the talent show was about to start, Harry had forgotten about that and Jay dragged them all towards the stage. They spent the next hour watching many of the younger students perform. Some were good, some should have been shot, but they cheered all the same; everyone was having fun. Harry was surprised when Luna sung a song 'Every time' by Britney Spears the blonde muggle singer. She song quite beautifully and Harry could see her shy, dreamy personally worked well with the song. The applause was very generous. But it was an act later that had them all in hysterics.
Somehow Fred and George had boycotted the performing student's stage; they were both wearing tight leather pants and mesh shirts and before anyone could stop them they were singing and strutting along to 'I'm too sexy' by 'Right Said Fred'. It was the funniest thing Harry had ever seen and what was more they pulled it off excellently. They could both sing pretty well, although to be fair all it really involved was a low sexy male voice. Ron was mortified, but the rest of them were laughing their guts up, even the teachers who made no attempt to stop the performance. Harry heard Dumbledore telling McGonagall it was enough to stop any Dark Lord in his tracks before popping a lemon drop into his mouth and cheering along with them…
I'm too sexy for my love too sexy for my love
Love's going to leave me
I'm too sexy for my shirt too sexy for my shirt
So sexy it hurts
And I'm too sexy for Milan too sexy for Milan
New York and Japan
And I'm too sexy for your party
Too sexy for your party
No way I'm disco dancing
I'm a model you know what I mean
And I do my little turn on the catwalk
Yeah on the catwalk on the catwalk yeah
I do my little turn on the catwalk
I'm too sexy for my car too sexy for my car
Too sexy by far
And I'm too sexy for my hat
Too sexy for my hat what do you think about that
I'm a model you know what I mean
And I do my little turn on the catwalk
Yeah on the catwalk on the catwalk yeah
I shake my little touche on the catwalk
I'm too sexy for my too sexy for my too sexy for my
'Cos I'm a model you know what I mean
And I do my little turn on the catwalk
Yeah on the catwalk on the catwalk yeah
I shake my little touche on the catwalk
I'm too sexy for my cat too sexy for my cat
Poor pussy poor pussy cat
I'm too sexy for my love too sexy for my love
Love's going to leave me
And I'm too sexy for this song
They finished by ignoring the cheering crowd and walking right off the stage, for which the crowd just cheered louder. When the cheering died down there was an announcement; "Ladies and Gentlemen we have one final act, may I present Pansy Parkinson and Draco Malfoy!" Jay grinned, Harry frowned; the commentator had forgotten to tell them what the song was. As the pair came onto the stage he noticed that Draco wore a very hansom Blue tailcoat and Pansy was for once looking stunning in a gold renaissance dress. Malfoy walk up to the front of the stage and conjured up a speaker, Harry noticed both Draco and Pansy's parents were in the crowd, Lucius was talking to Severus.
"Just before we start, I'd like you to first know that a friend of mine approached me this morning when they heard about the competition and asked me and Pansy to sing this. It's for two people in the crowd, he assures me they'll know who they are, and I'd just like to say good luck and I hope you enjoy this." There was a scattered applause at Draco's cryptic message. He stood back next to Pansy and they began…
Tale as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly
Just a little change
Small to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared
Beauty and the Beast
Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise
Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise
Tale as old as time
Tune as old as song
Bittersweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong
Certain as the sun
Rising in the east
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the Beast
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast
Harry was looking at Severus, who was looking right back at him. Jay had conveniently disappeared, but Harry suddenly didn't care he was lost in those onyx eyes. He felt filled with that warm fuzzy feeling again, a longing, and happiness he'd never felt before. The song was still playing in his head; he was completely lost. Neither of them noticed Albus or Hermione who had noticed the two starring.
Chapter 26…Halloween Part Two. The Great Race, the ritual and the feast…and could it possibly be…Harry and Sev's first kiss? Grins Evilly Remember…next chapter was going to the person who guessed Draco's surprise correctly! Wmahahaha no dedications for that chapter then…it's all mine!
Special thanks go to….
hittocerebattosai – thanks for reviewing so quickly!
lady sakura cosmos – glad you're still with me.
Lady Lily3 – you're wish is my command!
Kyaku-kun – thankyou, again!
Lady Foxy Roxy – What did you think? Hmmm-good idea. A later possibility maybe? Hehehe, what would Lucius say! Next chapter will be dedicated to you!
Blueyesangel1186 – Quick enough for you:-)