Disclaimer: If I wrote Harry Potter I wouldn't have killed one of the wonder twins; and if I wrote these songs what would I be doing here? lol
'Italics'- thoughts
'Bold'- singing
'Bold/italicized'- just the song that goes to the chapter
'((Bold and in double parentheses))'- Singing with Siren abilities, with only one set of parentheses its talking with the ability.
Author's Note IMPORTANT: I've redone this chapter like a few others, I got so caught up in getting them done I didn't proof very well, so here it is proofed and changed a bit, and longer as a sort of apology. Thanks to those who told me I had one too many mistakes please don't be afraid to tell me if I do! ^_^ Enjoy.
Chapter 21
I looked up at the sound of a group making their way towards me it was Rose, Lily, and the boys. James looked slightly confused and completely drained; his mother must have really torn him a new one…
"Hey," Rose said as they approached.
"Hi…To what do I owe this visit?" I said lightly pushing my book away.
"Oh, don't get all tight and snooty now Alexis, we need your help with something." Rose said with a stern look on her face.
I looked from her to James, and he looked away, "Okay, want can I do?"
"Can you hide James for a while, we've got to go and hold off the search parties," She casted a glance over to her cousin, "I'm sure someone is bound to come looking him...So you think you can take him somewhere and make sure no one finds him?"
"Yeah, I suppose that's the least I could do right?" I closed my book and stood up looking over at James, he still didn't look at me. 'This is going to take some fixing…' "Any idea on where to hideout for today?"
"No, but I can say that it shouldn't be anywhere in the castle or out at the Quidditch pitch. Look we have to get back to the common room so Ashley doesn't freak out and come looking for us," She cast a quick glance at James again, "So I guess we'll see you later." She gave James a hug and he half-hearted gave one back; he wasn't exactly thrilled about being left with Alexis for the day.
We watched them leave and then we settled into an uncomfortable silence. "So, any place you prefer to go?" I asked and he finally looked at me and shook his head 'no'. "Okay, I think I know a safe place to hide out." I bent down and gather my things threw my bag over my shoulder and walked down towards the lake but veering off to the left slightly, making my way to a thin patch of woods; James followed silently.
I kept walking careful not to step in any mud; I had found this place a while ago when I was supposed to be in detention in Mr. Flitwick's class, when he asked where I was I just told him I was in the Hospital Wing because I was sick, the sucker bought it too. We walked out into a little opening at the shore of the lake, there was a huge bolder on the shore; as big as the one Rose, James, and I sunbathed on at the beginning of the year. You couldn't see this little piece of shore from the castle or the front yard, so James would be safe here as long as he doesn't mind seating outside for a while.
"Okay, well here's our little safe haven for today no one should see us here, at least I've never seen anyone and no one's ever seen me the times I've come." I said looking over at him and setting down my bag. James just looked around not answering, I sighed, "Okay…" I summoned a blanket and sat down, reopened my bag and pulled out my Charms book and picked up where I left off.
I was four pages into the chapter and James still hadn't said a word, I wasn't good at breaking silences in awkward situations so I would cast him the odd glance and continue reading. He never sat down, he would stand in one place for a while then move to another and the pattern would continue; he was fighting an inner battle that much was obvious, which battle I didn't know. I had no idea what was going through his head and that awkward weight on my chest kept reminding me that I cared…ugh stupid feelings…
"EVEN AFTER ALL THIS TODAY, THERE STILL ISN'T ANY COMPASSION!" James turned and roared at me.
My head snapped up from the book and my eyes must have been as big as a Divination seeing ball, "What?" That was all I could say, bewildered at his outburst.
"AFTER EVERYTHING THAT'S HAPPENED THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY, 'WHAT?' Really? Is that really how shallow and cold-hearted you are?" James said having his voice come down back to its usual passive tone.
Natural reaction when a snake is provoked, it attacks, "Well, what the hell do you expect me to say? I'm sorry I didn't know that there was a camera man there to shoot our picture but I should have warned you anyway? DAMMIT! Don't stand there and try taking all of this out on me! Ever hear the expression, 'It takes two to tango?'" I shouted back standing up quickly and matching his angry gaze.
"I HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO BLAME IT ON YOU, DAMMIT!" James shouted back at me sarcastically, "YOU'RE THE ONE WHO WAS LIKE, 'HERE JAMES LET ME FEED YOU THIS PEICE OF CANDY, NOTHING WILL HAPPEN!' I knew I should have listened to that voice in my head telling me not to, there was no way that could have ended well; mum was right…" James said once again his voice dropping as he talked. When he finished he saw something dangerous flash across Alexis's face and she clinched her jaw tight.
James noticed that the water near the shore trembled as she shouted her next words, "YOU COULD HAVE TURNED DOWN THE PEICE OF CANDY YOU NO-SPINE-BASTARD!" James looked shocked, "AS FOR THAT LITTLE VOICE IN YOUR HEAD, THAT'S REALLY A BAD THING YOU KNOW, YOU SHOULD GET THAT CHECKED OUT BY A DOCTOR! AND AS FOR WHAT YOUR MOTHER WAS RIGHT ABOUT, I DON'T GIVE A HOUSE-ELF WHAT SHE HAS TO SAY ABOUT ME BECAUSE SHE DOESN'T EVEN KNOW ME, AND I'LL BE DAMNED IF I AM FRIENDS WITH SCUM WHO THINK LIKE THAT!" Alexis's stony gaze never faltered as she shouted her words at him, she wasn't walking away from this one and there was no one here to step in.
It would be so easy for me to let voice 'run free' so to speak and really hurt him, but I wanted him to hear what I had to say not just pass out; it took almost all of my self control to keep it under control as I shouted at him. The silence stretched between us, I had won, but I was not going to be the first to look away…
Then he did something that shocked me, he took a few steps toward me and lower his gaze, along with his voice, "I'm sorry, you're right I could have turned the candy down… Just after everything mum said…she said just the right things…she grew up with a different kind of Malfoy so she's really paranoid about you. And I think her knowing that you and Rose are close only makes her more cautious. I'm sorry it was not right for me to lash out like that, when you're here making sure no one finds me."
"Then let your mom be paranoid, her thoughts don't have to be yours…" I said as softly as he had.
"I know…she just holds us in check; I guess is a way to put it." James said and his hand twitched to reach for mine.
I wasn't sure what to say at first he just gave me the most honest apology I had ever heard and now it was just an awkward silence again, I detested awkward situations. "You needed to vent and I needed to put you back in line." I said smiling up at him; I no longer could look him directly in the eye he was a good half inch taller than me now, if not more. I grabbed his hand and he didn't blush or tense, and lead him over to the blanket where my book was laid out and sat down.
He followed and sat down with me. As I picked up my book he grabbed my wrist, my head quickly turned to face his, "I know I shouldn't…but…can I ask a favor?"
I frowned my brow, "Sure, I guess."
James quickly ran his hand through his hair, he was so sexy when he did that, "I just…would you sing a song?"
"Right now?" James nods. "I guess which one?" I asked putting my book back down, James didn't let go of my wrist though, so I placed my other one on top of his and turned towards him slightly.
"Um, I don't know that name of it…but you sang it that day Aunt Hermione and I came to your house; it was in a different language." James said blushing and looking down, he must have notice my hand on his, his palm got sweaty.
I smiled at him, "I know many songs in different languages."
"Really?" When I nodded he thought for a few seconds then started to bob his head to a beat and then he began to hum a tune, within seconds I recognized it, it was Vivaldi's Rain. I bobbed my head a little to get into the beat then sang a few lines.
"Sono confuse, lo confonde
Gli voglio dire che l'amo
E spero dira lo stesso"
"Is that the song you're referring to?" I asked looking over at him.
His face lit up and he let out his breath in a sigh, "Yea," I just nodded and began to sing it from the beginning and he never took his eyes off of me. He leaned his weight on his other arm as he continued to watch me sing, he made me hesitate a bit the way he was watching so intently, I had to make sure that I wasn't singing with my gift unnoticed. When I finished he lay down on his side and propped his head up with his hand, "Sing another one…please..." He gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
I looked down, his hand was warm between my two, I looked back to him and turned towards him tucking my legs closer together under me and started another song; Scarborough Fair. He still watched me just as intently as before. He startled me when I felt his hand leave mine and I watched as it stretched across my waist and he gave me a gentle pull, pulling me towards him. I smiled as I sang and readjusted my body to lie next to him; and readjusted my skirt it didn't ride up as I adjusted, and his arm continued to rest on my waist.
"This doesn't bother you does it?" he asked in a quiet voice. I shook my head and gently traced my fingers up his arm until my hand rested on his bicep and continued singing closing my eyes. He was being quite bold and flirtatious considering what just happened.
When I finished I rolled onto my back and James flipped onto his stomach and he rested his arm across my stomach again; and we just laid there silently listening to the breeze roll across the lake and through the trees. I began tracing patterns on his arm as we lay there, "Thanks," James mumbled into the blanket.
"No problem," I wondered to myself why he wanted to sing in the first place, but this wasn't the time to ask.
"So, you get a letter from your Father yet?" James asked peeking one of his eyes open looking at me.
I paused before answering, "No, I sent a letter out yesterday. I told mom about what had happened and asked if she'd keep the paper from Father." I looked over at him and he chuckled…
"Guess I should have thought of that hn, could have avoided this whole thing."James said with a spiteful smile on his face closing is eyes.
"Actually…I wrote a letter to your Dad yesterday too." James's eye's flashed open at me in disbelief. "I sent it to his work, thinking he'd still be there but I guess I was too late, sorry."
"No, I think dad got your message, he came into McGonagall's office this morning; a bit late but he gave me his cloak and took mom away. I think I understand what he meant when he said he needed to talk to her." James seemed to be relaxed now as he closed his eyes again.
We continued talking throughout the afternoon; we talked about family, the past, and classes and teachers. We laughed and became very serious as we talked, James asked a lot of questions about real Mother and I hesitantly answered all of them. In return I asked questions about his Mother, he was hesitant at first too but he answered them as well.
James took a deep breath as he sat up, "I think I'm ready to face the crowds, what do you say?"
"You're the one who was hiding from them this morning, why ask me if I'm ready?" I said smiling.
He shoved me away from him, "Oh, snod off." I rolled back laughing at him.
"Jerk, come on we've already missed lunch," I asked standing up and dusting my bum off.
"Yeah…I never got hungry though." He got up and ruffled his hair a bit before we started walking up to the castle.
"Yeah me neither…" We carried a light conversation as we walked back to the castle.
"Hey I got something else to ask you," James said as he bent over and picked up my bag while I charmed the blanket away.
"Yeah, shoot." I replied turning to him.
"Since we're not like in a rush or anything, can you…well can I hear you sing with your Siren voice?" James asked me never looking to the ground and what scared me was I saw a little twinkle of excitement in his eye.
I stood there staring at him for almost a full minute; I couldn't believe he had actually asked that, nobody asks to be sung to by a Siren, why would James ask that? In fact the only people I've ever sung to in my Siren voice was my Father and Mother; and she was unaffected by it, they both said it was beautiful though. After all this ran through my mind I finally answered him, "No." I could tell he was about to protest, "James I don't think you understand it as well as you think you do-"
"I don't but I'd like to hear it…" James said over me and I just stared back at him.
"No James," I walked over and took my bag from him, which was a bit of a struggle since he didn't give it up at first, "If I sing to you using my ability it will distort your perspective, literally; I would become your main focus, all of the time. Everything you would do you would somehow tie it back to me… It's not safe or healthy for me to sing to you James." I took a few steps back from him as I finished.
"It would affect me that way even though we're friends?" James asked in a disappointed voice.
I gave a chuckle, "Yes James, our main talent is getting who we want or what we want; in this case everything you would do you work flip it and twist it so it would benefit me in some way, or it would turn in to some way of you showing how much you like me. The effect doesn't just turn off if I sing to a friend James, we use it to get what we want end of story." I said looking down for once, I always thought of my Mother when I talked about my Siren talent and what she did to Father; I would never be like that…
"Oh, well that's bollocks…" James grew silent in thought and I began to make my way back to the castle. "But you know we spend a lot of time together already…"
I tuned him out after that, I knew what he was going to say so I turned back to him and stopped, "Stop right there James, just because we are together a lot doesn't mean a thing when it comes to this. It would be different if I sang to you; everyone would notice it's not something you can just hide by hanging around me more. Listen James, I would be your full center of attention one way or another; and that's not something I ever plan on doing." I turned back and continued to the school.
James had started to paint a picture about how I felt about my Mother and my talent as everyone called it, "You hate your ability don't you?..."
I shook my head, "No I don't hate it James, its' just…it's complicated James…" I said as I continued to walk.
"Well…maybe we can talk about it next time when we hangout like this…" James said in a quiet voice.
I chuckled, "Yea James next time." I was almost certain that it wouldn't happen again so I could avoid that conversation.
When we got inside the castle and were about to go our separate ways James stopped me, "Hey thanks for hiding out with me today…so until next time then." He said smiling.
"Yeah maybe next time we'll skip the candy fiasco though." I smiled back and gave him a wink making my way to the staircase leading to the dungeons.
• • • •
I got all my class work done before dinner but two classes; Divination and Herbology…So pushing those two books aside, it was dinner time and I was starving but I decided to make a stop at the Owlery again, so I grabbed a yellow box from my night stand and made my way there.
I sat down in my usual spot next to Scorpio and Troy at the Slytherin table, "Where were you for half of the day?" Scorpio said in a grumpy tone.
"Avoiding the crowds, why?" I asked back giving him a 'what of it' look.
"Everyone has been riding me for information, they think we're like normal siblings and tell each other everything it's annoying. That and if Caroline asks me one more time where you were I woulda' hexed her myself…she wants to pick a fight with you because rumor has it that you snagged 'the catch of Hogwarts'." He said planting me with an annoyed stare.
I laughed at the misery he went through today. "Sorry bro, I'll take you with me next time I go hide." I looked over to the Gryffindor table; my owl still hadn't come yet…
Then a few minutes later I caught sight of my owl flying in out of the corner of my eye and continued to watch as he dropped off my package to James.
James looked up as a black owl swooped down and dropped a decent size box in front of him, he looked around the table and everyone just shrugged. James reached forward and picked up the folded piece of paper on top of the box and read it.
Until the next time we sneak away...
Alexis
After her name James noticed that she drew that little ink snake that slithered up and winked at him again, same as the one she drew during study hall… He lightly smiled and opened the package, then he did he erupted in laughter. Everyone around him was leaning over to peek in so James ripped away the rest of the paper; Rose let out a little chuckle while the boys laughed out right like James did. It was a box of Strawberry Surprises, the very same candy that got them in trouble.
James leaned to the side to see past Rose and smiled at me, I just winked back at him and turned back to Scorpio; who was now distracted by the ruckus the Gryffindor's were making.
James ate a few of the strawberry candies, Rose ate one, and Al picked one up and studied it for a few seconds, 'What can he possibly-' My thought was cut off when he threw the Strawberry across the table and it hit Steve straight in the face, that wasn't the worst part though, the berry actually exploded; like it does in your mouth when you bite down, on Steve's face. James roared again in laughter and Steve reached over and grabbed two; after a frantic struggle with Al, then he launched them at the poor red-haired boy who was ducking under the table. After Steve grabbed a few more before Al got smart and ducked behind his cousin, Rose gave Steve a look that must have been a death threat against his future children because he quickly lowered the strawberry's and put them back in the box. Al laughed calling Steve a wuss, then Rose gave him an annoyed look and levitated one of the berries and sent in flying into his face, he was too busy laughing to notice until it was too late. I laughed at their little candy fight and ate my own food as it appeared; something I didn't notice for once was the extremely annoyed look that became planted on Ashley's face as she watched James play with the candy I gave him.
• • •
The next few weeks passed like a blur, everything was pretty much back to normal I still hear the odd joke about James and I, but that was pretty much it. Physical contact between James and I was at an all time low; after that afternoon it just seemed like taboo for some reason, aside from the brief moments in class when we'd brush hands; usually helping in some gross Herbology experiment that Mr. Longbottom cooked up, but besides that my random kisses that caused him to blush had stopped, me grabbing his hand and dragging my away had stopped…and that lioness couldn't have been more happy.
I had held up my end of the agreement with James, I stopped picking fights with her whenever I saw her; that was a more challenging feet then I had originally thought… Since I stopped talking to her she had stopped talking to me, which I was slightly upset over if she started it I could cut her down all I wanted right? *Wicked smile*
But enough of that, it was finally time for the Halloween dance and time for me to have some fun. I trimmed my bangs to they were just above my eyes again, put on black eye liner around my eyes; not too much but enough for that 'come hither' look, and some forest green eye shadow to top it off. I put on my green dress and shook my hair out; I still wore it perfectly straight down. I put on a necklace with a single red teardrop ruby on it and then the finishing touch, I cast a little charm on my teeth to make my canines into fangs; they wouldn't really puncture anything but we weren't going for that it was just for looks, and amusement… So after going over my outfit one more time and checking my makeup I went down to where I was going to meet the girls, the girl's bathroom on the second floor; Rose picked it I have no clue why.
I walked into the bathroom, "What! Your already dressed Alexis!" I looked in front of me and Jasmine was standing there with her hands on her hips.
"What? And no this is my usual attire…" I said sarcastically.
"What, I thought we were all getting ready together…" Crystal said coming out of the stall in her slip and a bra.
"Well I'm here now...I still have to change my hair color if that helps." I said shrugging.
The Rose emerged from the other side of the circle of sinks in the middle of the bathroom, "Hi Alexis, now that my hair is done, can we do the makeup and get on with this?"
"Whoa, calm down oh-eager-one. Don't sound too excited about it. And why are you complaining you're going to have a great time." I said walking over to her and checking out her hair, they had her wear it half up half down in large elegant curls, it suited her very well.
"Oh yes, let's all go and have a wonderful time at the dance; two points if you step on your partners toes and four if you actually cripple them!" A winey, ghostly voice called out; I looked over and in fact there was a young ghost girl floating above the stalls.
"What's her problem?" I said leaning down to Rose; she was sitting on a stool in front of the mirror.
"She never got to go to a dance during her time here." Rose said not moving and closing her eyes for Crystal to put eyeliner on her.
"Her name is Moaning Myrtle, she's been here for some time…"Lily said leaning over another sink to put on her own eye liner.
"Right…" I leaned against a sink watching Crystal doctor her up; she put on bright red lipstick and did dark eye liner and eye shadow, Rose was starting to look downright sexy I dare say. I went to the next sink over and turned on the faucet and tested the water until it wasn't freezing cold.
"What are you doing?" Rose asked while holding still for Crystal to finish her work.
"Changing my hair color, Lily can I hand me a towel? Do we even have a towel in here?" I asked as I swept my hair to one side of my neck.
"Yeah we do, here you go." Lily said laughing a bit; she stood by to see the transformation.
I wet the ends of my hair then closed my eyes and focused on the spell, then I dipped my head under the faucet and worked the water through my hair and it slowly started to change color.
"You should have done it before you got your dress on…" Lily said as she watched me grope for the towel.
"Yea I realized that a while ago, you know a drying charm?" I said peeking at her as I scrunched my hair in the towel. She chuckled and motioned me to face her so I did, she mutter the simple charm.
"There that should do it." I reached my hand up to feel and it was dry, so I threw my head back and shook it all out again, then readjusted my bangs a bit.
"Black?" Rose asked from behind me.
I spun with my black hair trailing after me and smiled, "I wasn't going to do red…"
"Yeah…that would just be completely weird." Rise said agreeing before her head was forced straight again by Crystal.
Then it hit me, I forgot to put lipstick on! "Hey, what shade do you think goes best with my dress?" I asked out loud.
"Look at me," Crystal commanded, "I'd go for a darker red if I were you, but not like dark red; like a shade darker than brick…I should have a stick like that in my bag that shade. Check the left side inside, it should be in one of those little pockets." And she turned her attention back to Rose's person.
"I agree," Lily said as she resumed her makeup activities. I dug through Crystal's bag until I found it and put it on, she was right this was a good shade for this dress and my complexion.
"We almost ready to go, I can hear the music," Jasmine said walking out of a stall in her dress all ready to go.
"Just one more thing then I need to put on my dress!"Crystal said as she sprayed some perfume on Rose's neck.
We packed up the little makeup bags as Crystal got dressed and, she came out as we finished, "Good timing" I said with a smirk.
"Thank you," she said curtsying and smiling "And nice hair change by the way, people probably won't recognize you."
"Thank you," I said curtsying like she did. "Okay, let's go make our entrance." I said with a devilish grin. Rose groaned and we laughed as we walked out and made our way to the Great Hall.
We walked in the doors and took a moment to look at the changed Great Hall; the teacher's table had been replaced with a raised stage where some choir people were performing, lights were flashing everywhere, and all the long tables had been replace by smaller round once scattered around the outside of the large dance floor in the middle.
Justin Bell was on the stage singing 'Get Busy' by Shawn Paul, I smirked and let out a loud wolf whistle; half of the dance floor looked and the other half looked because the other half was looking. I brought both of my hands up and rested them on my ribs: hands on hips means you're angry, hands up higher means seductress, mom taught me that…
"You know how to make an entrance don't you?" Rose grumbled out while playing with her hands.
"I'll say…" Lily said in an amazed voice.
I laughed with my fangs showing, "Would you expect any less?" She just shot me a look and we our way to the dance floor to find our group. "Hey handsome," I said I found Chris, I checked out his outfit, "A Quidditch player? That's the best you could come up with?"
"What about you, Vampire, let me know when you're not one!" He said laughing when I tried to take a swing at him and pulled my close and began to dance against me to the beat and I kindly returned the gesture.
Then one of the seventh year girls, Rico, got up on stage and sang 'Whine up' by Kat DeLuna. I smirked as I moved so my back was against him and he smirked back. Just as we found a good grove some boy grabbed my arm, "Hey your Alexis right?"
I glared at him, "Who's asking?"
He shook his head a bit, "I'm Joey, in seventh year chorus, you ready to go on stage? They said you were next."
"Oh, yeah sure, bye love" I whispered in his ear before slowly dragged my hands down Chris's arms, then I let one trail across his chest. I gave him a smirk and he bit his lip; I love that guy. I grabbed Al's hand as I passed him, "Come on your playing guitar for me."
"What? Why not Chris?" Al shouted over the music.
I shrugged, and then smirked, "Because I want you Al…" I said casting a sultry look over my shoulder. He gave a dry laugh a followed me to the stage.
I got ready to take the stage after Rico got done; I was opening with a song I was now known for, 'Misery Business'. When the lights went out Rico ran off and I ran on and shouted before the lights even turned on…
WHOOOAAA, I NEVER MEANT TO BRAG,
BUT I GOT HIM WHERE I WANT HIM NOW!!
It got silent and the lights turned back on and the band began playing from the beginning.
I'm in the business of misery
Let's take it from the top
She's got a body like an hourglass
That's ticking like a clock
At first people stared not recognizing me at first, 'Crystal called it' I thought smirking as I continued to sing. I played to some of the boys in the crowd and they ate it up; one particular Raveclaw boy in the front who was quite attractive. Half way through Chris came up to the stage and I turned my attention to him and played with him, and he played along perfectly.
When I finished Misery Business finally I decided to sing another Paramore song, 'Crushcrushcrush'.
I got a lot to say to you
Yeah, I got a lot to say
I noticed your eyes are always glued to me
Keeping them here
And it makes no sense at all
They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
You little spies
They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
You little spies
I found James on the other side of the hall with my eyes, he was dancing with Ashley but his eyes were spending more time on me, studying me, so I smirked at him.
Crush, crush, crush
Crush, crush
(Two, three, four)
Nothing compares to
A quiet evening alone
Just the one, two
I was just counting on
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than this
I bobbed my head to the drums beat and looked back over to him during the next verse and his eyes were still on me…
If you want to play it like a game
Well, come on, come on, let's play
'Cause I'd rather waste my life pretending
Than have to forget you for one whole minute
I continued to stare at him as I sang; maybe this night would be more interesting than I had originally thought.
They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
You little spies
They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
You little spies
I jumped in time with the beat and I held out my arm to show the crowd they were to start doing the same, and everyone got into it.
Crush, crush, crush
Crush, crush
(Two, three, four)
Nothing compares to
A quiet evening alone
Just the one, two
I was just counting on
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than this now
I started clapping in time with the drums beat,
Rock and roll, baby
Don't you know
That we're all alone now?
I need something to sing about
I did little head bobs to match the beat.
Rock and roll, hey
Don't you know, baby
We're all alone now?
I need something to sing about
I did full head bob, from head height down to my knees; Chris got a kick out of it I could hear him laughing over the music.
Rock and roll, hey
Don't you know, baby
We're all alone now?
Give me something to sing about
I shouted a bit louder to finish out the song.
Nothing compares to
A quiet evening alone
Just the one, two
I was just counting on
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than
No ohh
I looked directly at James and finished the song.
Nothing compares to
A quiet evening alone
Just the one, two
I was just counting on
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than
More than this
Oh, uh whoa
Whoa, uh, whoa
Uh
I went on to sing several other songs; 'Beautiful, Dirty, Rich' and 'Boys Boys Boys' by Lady Gaga (A/N: Who is outrageous but awesome!), 'Everytime We Touch' by Cascada, and 'Homecoming' by Hey Monday. Then I couldn't resist singing this song; 'Cuz' I Can' by Pink, I heard some laughter as I started the song.
Hahaha
Wooooh, rock and roll
Ra Ra
Alright I drink more than you
I party harder than you do
And my car's faster than yours too
I pointed to random people as I spoke.
M A L F O Y
P I M P
I'm back again
I know you all missed me
I'm so so sick
Can't handle it
Yeah I talk Shit
Just deal with it
My rims are 23 inch
And they're black on black
No they're not his
Diamonds all over my neck
You can try and try you can't beat me
I cracked a wicked smile.
So I'll cash my checks and place my bets
And hope I'll always win
Even if I don't I'm Fucked because
I live a life of sin
But it's alright
I don't give a damn
I don't play your rules I make my own
Tonight
I'll do what I want
Cuz I can
(Ice cream, ice cream, we all want ice cream)
I made sure to find Ashley for this next part and lucky me, she was glaring right at me which caused me to smile bigger as I sang.
I know I'm rare
You stop and stare
You think I care
I don't
I made my face go stoic, which wasn't hard trust me…
You talk real loud
But you ain't saying nothing cool
I could fit your whole house in my swimming pool
I smile again and laughed. I walked until I was that the stages edge and stared at Ashley; everyone could tell I was still honed in on her, and I sang the next part to her again, I so sweet ain't I?
My life's a fantasy
That you're not smart enough to even dream
My ice is making me freeze
You can try and try you can't beat me
So I'll cash my checks and place my bets
And hope I'll always win
Even if I don't I'm Fucked because
I live a life of sin
But it's alright
I don't give a damn
I don't play your rules I make my own
Tonight
I'll do what I want
Cuz I can
I walked back to the middle of the stage.
Yeah
Uh
Break it down
It's tough times out here ya know what I'm saying mmhmm
Yeah I'm super thick
People say I'm much too chick
Come and kiss the ring
You just might learn a couple things
I'm trying to school you dog
Ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff
I'm your worst nightmare
Bring it we can take it there
What are you scared
So I'll cash my checks and place my bets
And hope I'll always win
Even if I don't I'm Fucked because
I live a life of sin
But it's alright
I don't give a damn
I don't play your rules I make my own
Tonight
I'll do what I want
Cuz I can
Yeah
(Ice cream, ice cream, we all want ice cream)
So I'll cash my checks and place my bets
And hope I'll always win
Even if I don't I'm Fucked because
I live a life of sin
Yeah
But it's alright
I don't give a damn
I don't play your rules I make my own
Tonight
I'll do what I want
Cuz I can
Yeah
(Ice cream, ice cream, we all want ice cream!)
I laughed as I finished the song, Ashley was furious and I was thoroughly amused. "Okay, guys my next one is going to be my last one for now, so grab someone who you fancy okay." I place the microphone in a stand and waited for the vocal part in the song. I had heard this song a while ago and fell in love with it so I put my all in to singing it, but not too much of course…
Down, to you
You're pushing and pulling me down to
But I don't know what I
Now when I caught myself, I had to stop myself
From saying something that I should have never thought
Now when I caught myself, I had to stop myself
From saying something that I should have never thought of you
Oh you
You're pushing and pulling me down to you
But I don't know what I want
No I don't know what I want…
You got it, you got it
Some kind of magic
Hypnotic, hypnotic
You're leaving me breathless
I hate this, I hate this
You're not the one I believe in
With God as my witness
James watched as Alexis sang the song flawlessly like usual, but there was something different about this time, there was real feeling behind her words she was really bringing the song to life. That and James was fascinated with the black haired Alexis, she look so much more mysterious and alluring, if that was possible.
Oh, Oh
Now when I caught myself, I had to stop myself
From saying something that I should have never thought
Now when I caught myself, I had to stop myself
From saying something that I should have never thought of you
Oh, you
You're pushing and pulling me down to you
But I don't know what I want
No I don't know what I want!
James continued to watch Alexis as she sang since Ashley refused to dance to this song. He just sat the table and listened to the lyrics of the song; it always seemed like whatever Alexis sang was engraved in his brain forever. James found that this song was becoming a favorite for her to sing, it made him feel something even if he wasn't sure what it was there was defiantly something; and he couldn't help but think that the song related to his relationship with Alexis.
Don't know what I want
But I know it's not you
Keep pushing and pulling me down
But I know in my heart it's not you
He did feel pulled to Alexis; he also felt that he could do anything about it…
Ou, ou, ou,
Whoa, Whoa
Now when I caught myself, I had to stop myself
From saying something that I should have never thought
Now when I caught myself, I had to stop myself
From saying something that I should have never thought of you
I knew, I know in my heart it's not you
I never know what I want, I want, I want
Oh no, I should have never thought
Alexis finished the song in a voice that would be deemed shouting but when she did it in her tone it could only be called singing, she finished it beautifully if you asked James. At that moment James decided to go talk with her, he didn't know what about but he just wanted to talk with her and maybe, if possible, dance with her. Before he had any other thought but that one his body was moving.
"James, where are you going?" Ashley called out to him.
Oh, that's right he had a date; yep he actually bucked up the courage to ask her and she leapt into his arms and yelled yes, and at the time James could have not have been happier. "Going to get a drink, do you need a refill?" James asked not wanting to be rude or lead on to his true destination.
Ashley looked at her glass, "No, I'm fine thanks." With that James was gone weaving his way through the dance floor to the drink fountain, might as well wet his whistle if he's going to go through with this…
3 3 3 3 3
I had been dancing with the Ravenclaw from the front row of my performance, he was charming dark hair, gorgeous blue eyes, had a decent build, and turned out to be a seventh year. At the moment Chris and Steve were making Rose blush by tag teaming her on the dance floor, at first she wouldn't dance and covered her face but after a few minutes she began slowing moving with them, the boys just laughed at her and continued their antics. Steve seemed to be taking more care though his hands were rested gently against her hips and he would lean down every so often and whisper something to her and she smile, they really were cute together.
My dance partner pulled me closer to him and I returned my attention to him pushing more against him in the rhythm we had fallen into. I turned and I snaked my hand up around his neck and pulled him down closer to me and slyly smiled at him. I let my head roll to the left and saw some older Slytherin boys giving the Ravenclaw nasty looks then I saw something else, more importantly someone. James was over at the drink fountain staring straight at me, I smirked at him and leaned back to my dance partner, "I need a break." I didn't even listen to what he said I just unlaced myself from him and walked over to the drink fountain, it was play time.
"Diet Coke please," I said leaning against the drink counter briefly before turning to James, "So, enjoying the dance James?"
James could have sworn that Alexis just purred his name, his Quidditch uniform suddenly felt tight, "Yeah it's not bad."
"Well maybe you should dance with other people, then it would be fun." I said taking a drink watching him out of the corner of my eye, he just smiled and looked down. I threw my cup away as another song started and grabbed his hand giving a gentle pull as I took a step towards the dance floor. "Come dance with me…" I said tilting my head causing my some hair to fall in my face, at first I could see him fighting it, "Come on one dance, I promise you won't regret it." I gave his a sultry look with my fangs showing.
James couldn't figure out if she knew just what she was doing to him or not, she had the sexiest 'come hither' look with her hair in her face and her fangs just in eye sight, and she was still gently pulling on his outstretched hand. As she stated to sway to the beat James caved he threw his cup in the trash and took a step towards her.
I smiled and turned towards the dance floor making our way back to the group. As we walked through the crowd I felt James close behind me and when we finally reached the group Chris called out to him, "Dude! You made it; I didn't think you'd ever make it over here!" Chris shouted over the music, "But if anyone could get you here it'd be her." Chris said nodding to me and giving him a knowing look.
James blushed a bit and I placed myself in front of him, "Don't you have a dance partner who needs to be grinded on?"
Chris laughed and pointed to his friend, "Yea and this guy needs to be grinded on…" He turned away to another Gryffindor girl and I just smirked.
I took hold of one of James's hands and placed it on my hip then trailed my hands up to his shoulders, and then I moved against him in the simple beat. He didn't fight it as much as I thought he would, hell he didn't fight at all he just fell into the beat with me, that's when I started pushing a bit more. I looked up at him and found him staring down at me, then pushed back.
James didn't have a second thought when she began to move against him, he moved with her. When she pushed against him more he looked down to her and found her teasing, daring gaze and James didn't want to back down so he didn't and pushed back. James thought in the back of his head how ironic the song was, a guy was singing "I know you want me, you know I want cha." Then James's mind shifted to the thought of how Alexis was moving so smoothly against him, not that primal passion he had felt with Ashley; no this was smooth, no roughness, it was sensual.
Without missing a beat I shifted so that our legs were staggered; his, mine, his, mine, and I felt one of his warm hands slip on to my back, I let one of my hands fall from his shoulder and go to his back where I gave a light teasing drag of my nails and he tensed. Then the song was over and we stood still, but did not separate. "I like your hair dark," James mumbled out as it the music almost came to a stop and I looked up and smirked up at him letting my fake little fangs be seen again.
"Okay, this is my last song tonight so I wanna see you all get freaky!" The guy on stage shouted and I looked up to James seeing if he would stay.
When he didn't move I started to sway to the new beat, it was a faster pace than the last one. James chuckled and pulled my closer leaning his head down; I could feel his breath on my shoulder…
When she flashed her fangs at him James thought he would die right there, her dress looked like it molded to her skin certain places, her hair was dark and that for some reason was driving him crazy, and she had vampire fangs to top it off; James defiantly needed larger pants… 'But one more dance can't hurt right?' James thought briefly before pulling Alexis close to him, she felt good against him.
I spun around in his arms before he got to comfortable so I could mold against him better and he must have liked it because he dipped his head back down and I could have sworn I felt his lips graze my shoulder. I began lipping the song and I felt him chuckle.
'Was this song already over? Damn…' We slowly separated but I held on to one of his hands as he pondered what to do I started to sway to the beat of the next song, tempting him to stay…and he did, he pulled me back to him.
The new guy singing said that this song was called 'Call of The Wild' and Alexis only had a figment of an idea about how badly James was fighting his. Alexis was facing him again as they dance and she moved perfectly to the beat, and still so smooth, the way her hips would graze his was driving him insane.
I was shocked when I felt his grip tighten as we continued to dance and then he firmly pulled me against him for a deep grind I let my eye flitter a bit before looking up at him, 'So he's finally ready to play…' I smirked and tightened my arm around him neck returning the gesture, I saw the muscles in his neck tense, I had to bite my lip to keep myself from latching onto that glorious neck of his… "Screw it!' I leaned up a bit and placed a gentle kiss on his neck, then dragged my lips down his neck a bit as he pulled back a bit. I looked up and he was giving me a curious yet excited look I just smirked and pulled him back down to me roughly, he smiled big.
We got back into our grinding ritual and once we got into a comfortable pace I pulled his neck back to me and smirked against it, he didn't tense this time… I flicked my tongue out to taste his skin and he grinded a bit harder into me, that lioness was missing out… Then I thought of a spell Crystal, Jasmine and I had discussed; it would occur if we bit someone, it would appear like a vampire bite mark but it would disappear in twenty-four hours. Why not has James be the first?
I traced the cloth around his neck with my fingers, seeing if I could move it easily; it seemed to give easy enough. I felt his hands tighten on my waist again, this only encouraged me this time, I slowly pushed part of his collar further from his neck. I cast a glance at our group to see if anyone was staring but they were busy with their own dance partners so I leaned up to James's ear, "Told you, you wouldn't regret it love…"
He turned his head towards mine but I was already down at his neck. I slowly opened my mouth and let my teeth graze his skin, there were goose bumps instantly, then I bit down and he froze. I lifted my lips from his skin but I didn't stray, I let them graze his skin as I rocked against him getting him to move with me again. I placed a kiss at the side of my bite before I pulled away to see if it worked, and James's reaction.
I looked and there were two dark circles where my fangs should have been, it actually looked pretty wicked. I smiled at my handy work before looking up to James, his eyes were…unreadable, I couldn't even guess at what he was thinking about. I slid his collar back over the mark, "I wouldn't let anyone see that…" I said just loud enough for him to hear and he raised his eye brow at me, "You'll see if you check it in a mirror." He just smirked and shook his head.
He rested his forehead against mine as we continued our heated dance each pushing just as firm as the other, daring each other go to farther, at least I was… I saw him lick his lips a few times he must have wanted to; I bit him so he should kiss me that's fair right? *hehe* I pushed up on his head causing my nose to graze his as we kept in pace with the changing rhythm at the end of the song; taunting him to do it. This one was almost over to and I didn't know if he'd stay for another… So when it ended and another picked up I pulled back waiting to see what he'd do.
"I should go, I was just supposed to get a drink…"James said reluctantly and sounding out of breath.
I just smiled at him, "Got more than you bargained for?" I slowly moved away from him and let his hand go and I felt someone moved behind me.
"Dude, you're leavin'?" Chris said from behind me, James gave him a shrug. "Well no worries, I'll keep Alexis busy." Chris said smiling wide and pulling me tight to him and began to move and I easily fell into his rhythm. Chris looked back up to his mate and James was giving him a look that could only be described in 'guy code'... I felt Chris laugh before turning his full attention to me and we got into our grinding pattern teasing each other, tempting each other.
James got back to Ashley and she looked…relieved to see him? "Hey, what happened to you?" She didn't sound mad…
"Sorry, Chris saw me and pulled me on the floor for a while…but I'm still in one piece so that's good." James said laughing and she seemed to believe him; but she knew there was something else too but he came back to her so that's all that mattered. She smiled up at him and led him to the dance floor and began to dance against him again. James noticed it was rough like before, James found himself missing the way Alexis moved against him…
For the next hour I moved from Chris to two different Slytherin boys, and then back to the Ravenclaw boy; its fun being popular demand. The Raveclaw boy even got me drinks when I got tired, I found out his name was Ryan; and I had him made for a sweetheart.
At different times during the night I would go up on stage and sing a few more song, but the boys mostly took the stage and I wasn't going to argue they put out good tunes to dance too.
• • • •
While James and Ashley were taking another break she leaned across the table, "I'm kind of tired, would you mind if we walked back now?" She asked giving him a little hesitant look, wondering if he'd vouch to stay here.
"No, yeah we can walk back." James replied standing up and collecting his cape that he had ditched a while ago; she was his date it was his responsibility to at least show her back to the rooms, then maybe he could come back…
He walked into the common room with Ashley and only a few others had left the dance so it was empty although they could hear the conversations from the dorms up stairs. "Well good night, I hope you had a good time." James said politely.
Ashley gave him a shy look, "Actually I'm not that tired anymore…" James raised his eyebrow and Ashley took a step closer to him, they were almost touching now. James remained quiet and unmoving as he watched Ashley continue to slowly close the gap until he felt her lips on his. She pulled back after a second and James swallowed hard before he leaned down and kissed her back she laced her arms around his neck and seemed to take control of the kiss, and James was helpless against her…
Two hours later, up in the boy's dorm Chris, Steve, and Al walked in talking boisterously and James slowly sat up from his bed, "Finally done are we?"
"Yeah, what about you Mr. I'm-going-to-bail-early?" Chris said as he removed his shirt.
"Ashley said she was tired so I walked her back thinking I could go back to the dance, and then she just kinda…snogged me…" James said smirking, not blushing.
Al praised his older brother and gave him a solid pat on the back the rest of the boys did in a different verity. When Chris leaned over to ruffle his hair James notice something on Chris's neck, "Got a love mark there mate?"
Chris touched his neck, "Nah, Alexis bit me." He said smiling proudly, "Yeah, they got this cool charm thing with their teeth that when they bite someone it looks like they really bit them and it lasts for like twenty-four hours or something, pretty nice hn?" Chris had taken his probing look the wrong way and explained the bite mark; in fact James was quite bothered by it. 'Why did she bite him too?' Wait! What was he thinking? He just snogged Ashley not a few hours ago! He can't think of Alexis like that, 'why not?' A little voice chimed in the back of his head as flashes of them dancing together entered his head, followed by the feel of her lips on his neck, then her biting him...oh Merlin…
"Yeah…clever mate." James said acknowledging his friend before lying back down letting his hand grace his own bite mark and trying to go to sleep, only to find the need to use the loo.
So he got up and did his business, while he was washing his hands Chris was in brushing his teeth. Chris's toothpaste was suddenly everywhere, "Dude!" Chris said grabbing James's shirt, looking straight ahead in the mirror.
James looked over at him like he had grown another head, "What's your bloody problem?" Then James's looked into the mirror where his friend was looking and saw nothing but the two of them. When looked back to his friend in the mirror he noticed his friend's gaze was lower than his face, 'Oh, bugger…' Was all James thought when he heard Alexis's words again about not letting anyone see it…
"Dude, she bit you too! You stud, just when I had no hope for you." Chris said punching his shoulder.
James turned his head examining the mark again, he really liked the look of it; but didn't like the look of it on his mate.
His brother came in, "What are you bellow'n about in here?"
"Alexis bit James too! The sly devil." Chris said smiling big.
"No way…" Al said reaching past and pulling the collar of James's night shirt out even further, James yanked it back.
"Yeah she did okay? Now can you two keep it down unless you want the girls to hear…"James readjusting his shirt while staring at the mark.
Chris and Al just laughed, "Yeah bro no problem, hey you'll never guess who Rose bit…" Al said wiggling his eye brows. James just gave his little brother a disbelieving look before Al almost shouted the answer, "Steve!"
James's eyebrows shot up a bit before smirking, "Wanna mess with him?"
"Hell yes!" Chris whispered back and James just smiled before nodding.
He walked out of the bathroom and over to Steve's cot, he was still getting ready for bed. "Hey, so I noticed you and Rose were getting chummy on the dance floor." Steve's eyes shot up in worry at his mate. Then James squinted his eyes a bit, "Is that one of those bite marks from the girls? Who gave it to you?" James said trying to sound causal as he watched his friend sweat.
"Yum, well…" Steve started to stumble out before he heard his brother roar in laughter behind James and it took Steve all of three seconds to figure out what had just happened. "Bloody Wankers!" Then the wrestling match ensued.
A full hour later all the boys were in their cots and ready for a well earned night's rest, James absentmindedly felt the mark on his neck again. "Hey Steve," He got a groan in response, "I know I don't need to tell you this but if something happens and I find Rose crying…"
"I wouldn't ever do that mate I swear, if I do I'd kick my ass then let you do it again." Steve said back in a straight voice.
"Good." James rolled over and rested his hand over the mark Alexis had left.
"Does that mean I get your blessing to ask her out?" Steve asked.
"If you buck up to courage to…"James said chuckling and earning laughs from his brother and other mate.
"Very funny…" Steve grumbled out before drifting off to sleep. James followed shortly after and dreamt of black haired vampires and platinum haired sirens, both having Caribbean blue eyes…
Author Note: Again let me know if there are any big issues with my story and thanks again for being excellent readers guys, I think I'm really getting better, at least I think I am lol. L8r Until the next update! ^_^