CHAPTER 36 STEALING CARS

In the wings, the blonde Muse was cheering, but her brunette companion was shaking with excitement. Her eyes were focused on Fred, a longing shining through the deep pools of blue.

The fair-haired girl nudged her friend in the side gently, succeeding in getting her attention.

"Grab a cloak, lose the mask, and go get him," she told the dark-haired Muse.

"Thank you," the shorter of the two grinned extremely wide, before doing exactly as she was told.

Wrapped in a cloak, her outfit hidden for once, Ella jumped off the edge of the stage behind the curtains. She had a wide grin splitting her face, and her honey brown eyes were glinting with eagerness in addition to the constant mischief.

It was a simple task to sneak up on her target as he was preoccupied with thanking his fans. With a well-known smirk, Ella ran up and tackled Fred to the floor.

While her companion was otherwise engaged, the blonde announced the next band alone. "Marching into battle, give it up for 'The Alchemists'."

The cheers continued as four Ravenclaw seventh years came onto the stage.

"This song is called Grand Theft Autumn," called the dark-haired guitarist, Joe.

Rather than opening with the music, the blond guitarist, Mike, started singing.

'WHERE IS YOUR BOY TONIGHT

I HOPE HE IS A GENTLEMAN

MAYBE HE WON'T FIND OUT WHAT I KNOW

YOU WERE THE LAST GOOD THING ABOUT THIS PART OF TOWN.'

Once he finished, Joe began a quick-paced guitar entrance. Just a few seconds later, Mike, Ryan bass guitar, and Sam drums, joined in with their instruments.

After a few bars of well-played instrumentals, Mike began the first verse, with Joe and Ryan providing the back up vocals.

'WHEN I WAKE UP

I'M WILLING TO TAKE MY CHANCES ON THE HOPE

I FORGET THAT YOU HATE HIM MORE THAN YOU NOTICE

I WROTE THIS FOR YOU.'

The music was great, the singing above average for a guy, and the lyrics were well written. But, the guys weren't just playing. They were actually moving around the stage and rocking out, clearly energized by performing. Sam was also really into it, but couldn't do much more than head banging. Once again, people were dancing in front of the stage.

'YOU NEED HIM

I COULD BE HIM

I COULD BE AN ACCIDENT

BUT I'M STILL TRYING AND THAT'S MORE THAN I COULD SAY FOR HIM.'

After the bridge, they repeated the chorus. There was break in the lyrics, and their timing when cutting off on their instruments was impressive and was obviously rehearsed a lot.

Mike then started singing the second verse.

'SOMEDAY I LL APPRECIATE IN VALUE

GET OFF MY ASS AND CALL YOU

BUT FOR THE MEANTIME

I'LL SPORT MY BRAND NEW FASHION

OF WAKING UP WITH PANTS OFF AT FOUR IN THE AFTERNOON.'

McGonagall did not appreciate the choice of words in that last verse, but as the bridge and chorus were repeated, she found herself enjoying the song too much to actually care.

As Mike stepped back to start a guitar solo, Joe and Ryan stepped up to the edge of the stage and flipped back. It was really impressive.

Sam, Ryan, and Joe joined Mike in another instrumental break. With two repeats of the chorus, the song ended.

The cheering was almost deafening. Many people assumed that 'The Alchemists' would be named the winners, but there were still five acts yet to go.

As Ryan, Sam, and Mike took their bows, Joe was overcome with excitement. He dove into the audience, guitar and all, and crowd surfed to the back of the Great Hall.