Over the next week or so, the buzz about the upcoming auditions had reached it's peek. Two weeks before the ball was to take place, the auditions were held and the turnout was better than any of the planners could have predicted. There were twelve auditioning as solos. Nine pairs had signed to sing as duos and there were three full, five memeber groups that would be auditoning.
Hermione was more than happy not to be one of the judges.
She had permitted Asha to work on her makeup for the preformance that day and she had to admit, the girl had done a good job. Admit to herself, only, of course. Both she and Lily had to be told several times to quit fidgeting lest they wanted lipsticks on their nose. They calmed down, both knew Asha wasn't above doing just that.
After what seemed like hours of waiting and preparing, the auditions had finally begun. They were open doors, meaning anyone who wanted to listen and watch the preformances were more than welcomed to do so. It turned out that the room being used had to be expanded just to fit the curious audience.
Asha, Charlotta, and Chaylse wished the two girls the best of luck before slipping into the main room where the two girls would be preforming shortly.
Being only second in a long line of people, neither girl was certian as to what the out come would be. Neither being able to play insturments of their own, Lily and Hermione had to do their research until they were able to charm a radio to play their music inside of the school. Hermione found a trick that would cause the radio to play only the music, not the words to the songs. Leaving them to sing without sounding even partially fake.
Once they were introduced, the girls walked out onto the stage that had been constructed just for that day. The way it had been set up, the twenty-four total groups would be narrowed to twelve that day, six the following, then to three. The final three would be narrowed to two. The two would share the chance to play at the Ball, giving both preformers a chance to actually enjoy the Ball.
The people watching fell silent as a steady, pulsing beat began to rise from the speakers.
Hermione smiled to Lily and the redhead returned the gesture as she stepped forward, each girl claiming a charmed microphone.
I saw him dancing there by the record machine
I knew he must have been about seventeen
Lily's voice was the first to be heard, coming in as almost a purr. Surprising much of the people who were watching, they were most accustomed to the more reserved Head Girl. Her words were combined with stalking walk towards the edge of the stage
The beat was going strong, playing my favorite song
And I could tell it wouldn't be long
Hermione moved in the same motion as her friend, her voice holding a different, somewhat smoother quality. The girls turned to face the side of the stage, their backs pressed together as they both sang the next bit.
till he was with me, yeah, me
And I could tell it wouldn't be long
till he was with me, yeah, me, singin'
As they sang the end of the first verse, Hermioner bent her knees just slightly, leaning against the other's back for support as she slid down.
I love rock 'n' roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock 'n' roll
So come and take your time and dance with me
The girls pushed apart from one another, putting all they could into the song. The combinations of their voices blended to make the sound rough yet saucy.
Lily moved back towards the edge of the stage as her next part started.
He smiled, so I got up and asked for his name
"That doesn't matter," he said, "'cause it's all the same."
Hermione let her gaze slide over the audience in an almost-seductive mannor, her eyes resting on Lily who smiled slightly.
I said, "Can I take you home where we can be alone?"
And next we were moving on
and he was with me, yeah, me
And next we were moving on
and he was with me, yeah, me, singin'
Both girls moved back into the chorus, knowing the other knew where they were at in the song.
I love rock 'n' roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock 'n' roll
So come and take your time and dance with me
I said, "Can I take you home where we can be alone?" Hermioner sang, drawing out the last word before Lily cut in with the next line.
And next we were moving on
and he was with me, yeah, me, singin'
I love rock 'n' roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock 'n' roll
So come and take your time and dance with me
The girls finished the song with a final repeat of the chorus. When the applause started, both Lily and Hermione were grinning from ear to ear. When they had both calmed enough, they let the next song begin, the music was much slower than their first song though there was still a steady beat.
Hermione took a deep breath and stepped to the front of the stage, bringing the microphone up to her lips as she began to sing softly but clearly.
Lying in my bed I hear the clock tick,
And think of you
Caught up in circles
Confusion is nothing new
Flashback--warm nights--
Almost left behind
Suitcase of memories,
Time after--
As soon as the verse was over and the word 'after' was sung, Lily moved forward, standing next to Hermione, each girl facing different direction. Hermione faced and sung to the right while Lily sang to the left.
Sometimes you picture me--
I'm walking too far ahead
You're calling to me, I can't hear
What you've said--
Then you say--go slow--
I fall behind--
The second hand unwinds
When the chorus started, they let their voices to blend together once more.
If you're lost you can look--and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you--I'll be waiting
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you--I'll be waiting
Time after time
After my picture fades and darkness has
Turned to gray. Lily sang the first part of the next verse.
Watching through windows--you're wondering
If I'm OK. Hermione's voice cut in as soon as Lily's voice ended the word 'gray'.
Secrets stolen from deep inside Lily took up the next phrase as Hermione drew to a close on hers.
The drum beats out of time-- Hermione let her voice carry through the crowd before both girls let their voices blend for the chorus, once again.
If you're lost you can look--and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you--I'll be waiting
Time after time
At the insturmental break, the girl's stepped back from the edge of the stage and took a deep breath, Lily stepping forward again as the final verse started up.
You said go slow--
I fall behind
The second hand unwinds--
This time, only Lily sang the chorus, Hermione staying in the background.
If you're lost you can look--and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you--I'll be waiting
Time after time.
Hermione's soft voice sang the last repeated phrase, fading out in the end.
Time after time.
Time after time.
Time after time.
Time after time.
Hermione and Lily exchanged grins and embraced eachother as the applause sounded through the room. They gave delighted squeals as they moved from the stage. Rather than joining the rest of the audience, the girls decided to get a few brief moments of quiet where they could celebrate their preformance. Even if they didn't win the spot to play at the Ball, it was worth it just to preform.
"We did it!" Lily beamed. "Wow. That was so much fun!"
Hermione grinned and nodded in agreement, "It was. Do you know who else will be preforming today?"
"I'm not completely sure. I thought I heard Sirius and James talk about preforming. I think I heard Sirius, Charlotta, and Chalyse trying to talk Remus into doing a Solo," Lily said thoughtfully.
"Did you hear whether or not he was going to do it?" Hermione asked in a would-be nonchalant manner.
Lily smirked in amusement but shook her head, "He wouldn't say."
The sound of applause came from the room they had just vacated, telling them that another group had just finished their first song. Hermione turned her gaze back to Lily, squeaking slightly in surprise when she was plowed into, arms embracing her tightly.
"You two were amazing!" Asha beamed.
"Thanks Ash," Lily smiled, hugging the girl once she'd released Hermione.
"How was the group that's just went?" Hermione asked.
"They were alright. I think they thought they were more syncronized than they actually were though," Asha replied.
"Who else will be preforming, do you know? I'm sure there will be more than just myself and Lily from Gryffindor, but what about the other Houses?"
Asha looked thoughtful and shrugged, "It's anyone's guess. Alot of people signed up but I think there have been several who've dropped out of the competition already. Nerves."
Another round of applause broke their conversation. Hermione glanced towards the door and then back to the other two girls, "What do you say we watch the rest of the competition?"
"Sounds like a plan to me," Lily shrugged.
The three girls quietly re-entered as the next preformer was setting up. It wasn't until they got settled and finally stopped their chatter that they realized just who was on stage. It seemed that James and Sirius had taken their comments seriously as the two boys were currently tuning instruments and preparing.
After a few moments of silence, the music started up and James stepped to the microphone, Sirius standing just off to the side.
Everybody needs a little time away I heard her say,
from each other
Even lovers need a holiday
Far away from each other.
James's warm tenor voice echoed through the room as the slow beat started.
Hold me now
It's hard for me to say I'm sorry
I just want you to stay
Sirius's voice moved to completment James's on the three phrases before fading out to just James once more.
After all that we've been through
I will make it up to you
I promise to
And after all that's been said and done
You're just a part of me I can't let go.
Couldn't stand to be kept away
Just for the day, from your body
Wouldn't want to be swept away
Far away from the one that I love
Sirius stepped up to the microphone and boy of the boys sang the chorus, Sirius's lower tenor completmenting the higher tenor voice of his best friend.
Hold me now It's hard for me to say
I'm sorry I just want you to know
Hold me now
I really want to tell you I'm sorry
I could never let you go
Sirius stepped back again, letting James finish out the song.
After all that we've been through
I will make it up to you
I promise to
And after all that's been said and done
You're just a part of me I can't let go
And after all that we've been through
I will make it up to you
I promise to
Everyone was rather surprised at the performance. Not because it was bad, just the opposite it was really good. But everyone had expected the boys to make a mockery of themselves with some off handed, crazy song. The fact that they chose a mellowed song, impressed most the audience, granted, disappointing some.
This time, James stepped back into the background, playing, as Sirius took a step forward to the microphone.
Little ditty about Jack and Diane
Two American kids growin up in the Heartland
Jacky's gonna be a football star
Diane's debutante in the backseat of Jacky's car
The more upbeat song fit the tone and personality of the singer. Hermione found herself impressed at the song choice.
Suckin' on chili dogs outside the Tasty Freeze
Diane's sittin' on Jacky's lap
He's got his hand between her knees
Jacky said "Hey Diane lets run off
Behind the shady tree
Dribble off those Bobby Brooks
Let me do what I please."
And Jacky said,
Sirius what might be confused as a cocky slur to his voice as he sang, but he was simply getting into the song. James stepped forward to accompany Sirius on the chorus, just as Sirius had done for his song.
Oh yeah, life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin' is gone
Oh yeah, say life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin' is gone,
they walk on
James steps back again and Sirius took over the next verse.
Jacky sits back reflects his thoughts for the moment
Scratches his head and does his best James Dean.
"Well you know, Diane, we oughtta run of the city
Diane says "Baby, you aint missin' no-thing"
Jacky say yeah
James stepped forward and both boys finished off the next part together.
Oh yeah life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin is gone
Oh yeay say life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin is gone, they walk on
Gonna let it rock
Let it roll
Let the Bible Belt come down
And Save My soul
Hold on to 16 as long as you can
Changes come around real soon
Make us women and men
Sirius grinned at the audience as he finished the song alone.
Oh yeah life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin is gone
Oh yeah say life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin is gone
Little ditty about Jack and Diane
Two American kids doin' the best they can.
Both Gryffindor boys grinned as the audience erupted in applause. Hermione glanced sideways to her redheaded friend to see her clapping as enthusiastically as anyone. She chuckled inwardly and joined the applause.
The rest of the performances were just as good as the first few, save one or two who only attempted because they could, not because they had the talent. There had been preformances from each house, she found it a shame that none of the 7th year Slytherins had auditioned, but it wasn't surprising, really. It seemed to take forever to get through all the contestants, but finally they reached what was to be the last one.
Hermione, who had been speaking in hushed tones to Asha, slapped her hands over her mouth when she saw another familiar friend. Remus clearly wasn't as comfortable on stage as his other two friends, from where she was sitting, Hermione could see the pink tinge staining his cheeks.
The song started out slowly and Remus stood alone at the microphone. After a moment of just music, he sang softly, his tenor voice let the words roll from his tongue making the song soothing to the audience.
I hope the days come easy
And the moments pass slow
And each road leads you
Where you want to go
And if you're faced with the choice
And you have to choose
I hope you choose the one
That means the most to you
And if one door opens
To another door closed
I hope you keep on walkin'
'Til you find the window
If it's cold outside
show the world the warmth
of your smile
But more than anything
More than anything
My wish for you
Is that this life becomes
All that you want it to
Your dreams stay big,
Your worries stay small
You never need to carry
more than you can hold
And while you're out there gettin'
Where you're gettin' to
I hope you know somebody loves you
and wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish.
Remus had apparently forgotten his stage fright during the song, the blush had disappeared from his cheeks and his voice had become stronger during the chorus.
I hope you never look back
But you never forget
All the ones who love you
And the place you left
I hope you always forgive
And you never regret
And you help somebody
Every chance you get
Oh, you find god's grace
In every mistake
And always give more than you take
But more than anything
More than anything.
His hands had wrapped around the end of the microphone, not pulling it from the stand, but remaining positioned just behind it. His voice remained strong throughout the verse and the chorus.
My wish for you
Is that this life becomes
All that you want it to
Your dreams stay big,
Your worries stay small
You never need to carry
more than you can hold
And while you're out there gettin'
Where you're gettin' to
I hope you know somebody loves you
and wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish.
My wish for you
Is that this life becomes
All that you want it to
Your dreams stay big,
Your worries stay small
You never need to carry
more than you can hold
And while you're out there gettin'
Where you're gettin' to
I hope you know somebody loves you
and wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish.
This is my wish
I hope you know
Somebody loves you
May all your dreams stay big.
He let his words fade out and then exhaled heavily has his ambered gaze moved over the audience who looked slightly stunned. He felt heat rising over his cheeks again but it only worsened when the applause errupted. Remus smiled and caught his breath. Once the audience fell silent another soft melody started and he stepped forward to the microphone once again.
In a book in a box in the closet
In a line in a song I once heard
In a moment on a front porch
Late one June
In a breath inside a whisper
Beneath the moon
There it was at the tip of my fingers
There it was at the tip of my tongue
There you were and I had never
Been that far
There it was the whole world
Wrapped inside my arms
And I let it all slip away--
His words were strong but his voice was soft and light with the first verse of the song. It gew slightly louder when he started on the chorus.
What do I do now that you're gone
No back up plan, no second chance
And no one else to blame
All I can hear in the silence that remains
Are the words I couldn't say.
There's a rain that'll
never stop falling.
There's a wall that I've tried
to take down
What I should've said
just wouldn't pass my lips
So I held back and now
we've come to this.
And it's too late now--
What do I do now that you're gone
No back up plan, no second chance
And no one else to blame
All I can hear in the silence that remains
Are the words I couldn't say.
What do I do, What do I say
And no one else to Blame
All I can hear in the silence that remains
Are the words I couldn't say.
His voice softened and faded out at the end. He took another deep breath and exhaled as he stepped back from the microphone, a smile on his face.
After the many rounds of applause given, the students were dismissed from the room. The judges would debate on the performances and at the end of dinner, the six finalists would be notified so they could prepare a song for the next round of preformances the following morning.
The chatter was loud as the students made their way towards the Great Hall. It was still fairly early but dinner would be welcomed after all the excitement. The group of Gryffindor 7th year performers exchanged compliements and hugs were shared.
Hermione gave Remus a warm smile as they hugged lightly, "You were great, Remus. The songs you picked fit your voice perfectly."
He flushed slightly but smiled, "Thanks, you and Lily were really good as well."
Sirius moved forward, drapping an arm over each of Hermione and Remus's shoulders, "Well, I sure would hate to be those judges right now."
Hermione smiled and shrugged slightly, "Well, there's no use waiting here, come on, we should at least go get something to eat. I was so nervous I couldn't touch breakfast."
"Same here," Remus agreed.
The group chatted happily as they made their way towards the Hall, thoughts of who may or may not win left their minds. They were all pleased with the way their performances went. If they didn't get the spot, so be it.
Author's Note: This chapter went smoother, in terms of writing, than any of the others. I hope you enjoyed it. Here is a list of the song titles and artists for you, they're not my songs, I claim no rights to them.
I Love Rock 'n Roll - Joan Jet
Time After Time - Cindy Lauper
Hard to Say I'm Sorry - Chicago
Jack and Diane - John Cougar Mellencamp
My Wish - Rascal Flatts
Words I Couldn't Say - Rascal Flatts