Author's Note: Here's chapter 3...hope i'm maintaing your interest...i've been struggling to write more, but it doesn't come easy, so chapter updates will be few for the time being...anyways, you know the drill...Read, Review, & Enjoy!
Hermione was the first to reach the backstage entrance door. There was a young woman sitting on a stool next to it. "Stop right there," she said, "Do you have a backstage pass?"
"Well, no, I'm afraid I don't," Hermione said.
"Nobody gets backstage without a pass," the young woman said.
"But my boyfriend's back there," Hermione said.
"Let me guess," the young woman said, "One of the band members?"
"As a matter of fact," Hermione said, crossing her arms, "He is."
"You must think I'm an idiot," the young woman said, "Hun, I've heard that excuse more times than I can count. If your boyfriend really is a band member, he should've given you a backstage pass."
Hermione was starting to get heated. "Listen here, bitch," she said, "I haven't seen my boyfriend in almost three months. Now, if you don't let me back there and see him, we're going to have a problem."
The young woman hopped off her stool and glared at Hermione. "Then it appears we have a problem," she said, "Because I don't take well to threats."
Hermione balled up her fists and prepared to fight, as did the young woman, when Alice showed up with Harry, Ron, and Ginny in tow.
"What the hell is going on here?" Alice asked.
"Ms. Saint," the young woman said, the tone of her voice changing drastically, "There's no problem at all. I was just about to take care of a pushy fan looking to try and get backstage without a pass."
"That pushy fan happens to be Jason's girlfriend," Alice said.
The young woman was speechless. "My apologies," she said as she opened the door up for everyone.
Alice led them down a hallway into a lounge area. There was a nice-looking couch, some chairs, a long wooden table, and a kitchen area. There were suitcases and instruments everywhere.
"Stay here," Alice said, "I'll go find the guys."
Alice wandered off as everyone took a seat on the couch. Different band members were walking through the halls with groupies hanging onto them.
"I can't wait," Ginny said, "I'm going to find Draco."
Before anyone could protest, Ginny hopped to her feet and disappeared around a corner. Hermione thought it over and stood up.
"If Ginny's going to find Draco on her own," she said, "I'm going to find Jason." Upon saying that, Hermione disappeared around another corner.
Ginny walked around the halls, searching for her fiancée. She finally heard his voice and followed it to a room. He sounded upset. There were also other voices in the room with him. Female voices.
"That awful prat," Ginny thought to herself, "He's cheating on me!"
She was about to blast the door open, but hesitated when she swore she heard Draco say "No." She leaned in and listened to the conversation.
Draco was in his dressing room, changing his shirt and splashing on some cologne. Jason had told him that Ginny was here and he didn't want to smell like sweat when he finally saw her again. As he was getting ready to put on another shirt and leave, the door opened. Draco whirled around, hoping it was Ginny only to watch two scantily-clad women walk in.
"Who are you?" Draco asked.
"I'm Star," the first girl said, "And this is Snow. We're big fans of Firestorm."
"Well, I'd say you came to the wrong room," Draco said, "I'm not in Firestorm. I'm only a temp drummer."
"Just because you aren't an official member," Snow said, inching closer to Draco, "Doesn't mean you can't get a taste of official groupies."
"Sorry, ladies," Draco said, turning back to the mirror, "But again you came to the wrong room. I'm not interested."
"Oh, don't tell me you're batting for your own team," Star said.
"Far from it," Draco said, "But I'm engaged."
"Your fiancée doesn't have to know," Snow said, pressing herself against Draco's back.
Draco quickly shrugged her off. "I'm serious," he said, "I'm not interested. Now leave."
"Are you really going to turn down such a nice piece of ass as us?" Star asked.
"As a matter of fact," Draco said, "Yes. Now get out."
"And if we say no?" Snow asked.
Suddenly, the door burst open and Ginny barged in. She had heard enough. "You two sluts get out of here or so help me I'll curse you into next week," she said, wand at the ready.
Snow and Star, startled, ran out of the room. Ginny slammed the door, put her wand away, and turned to face Draco.
"Honey, I can explain," Draco said, "You see…"
Draco was cut off when Ginny leapt onto him and pressed her lips against his. Ginny's hands explored Draco's shirtless torso while Draco snaked his hand underneath Ginny's shirt. As they were heavily engaged in their activity, the door once more swung open, startling both Ginny and Draco. It was Alice. At first shocked, Alice relaxed and placed her hands on her hips.
"When you two are done," Alice said, "Everyone's out in the lounge waiting."
After Alice left, Draco and Ginny held each other close. "Why didn't you tell me, Draco?" Ginny asked.
"I wanted to surprise you," Draco said, "I spent over a month learning how to play so I could show off in front of you."
"You didn't need to show off a new skill to win my heart, Draco," Ginny said, "You already have it. I spent a lot of time being mad at you because I thought you were chickening out."
"How could you think that?" Draco asked, "I'm many things, but a man who goes back on his word is not one of them."
Ginny smiled and kissed Draco. "Come on," she said, "Everybody's waiting."
Draco nodded, grabbed Ginny's hand, and walked out of the room
Jason was de-stringing his electric guitar and double checking his suitcases when he heard a knock at the door. "Come in," he said, not looking at the door.
He heard the door open and heard it close. Jason didn't look up until he felt someone in very close proximity to him. He whirled around only to be tackled by a brown-haired witch. Hermione held him in a lip lock as they both hit the floor. Her hands tugged roughly at his hair.
"Calm down, babe," Jason said between kisses.
"No," Hermione said, grinding her hips against his.
Jason reached underneath Hermione's shirt and began exploring every inch of her skin. Hermione sank her nails into Jason's back, causing Jason to grunt loudly. He leaned into her and softly bit the nape of her neck. Hermione moaned loudly and reached down to unzip Jason's pants.
"Thank Merlin I wore a skirt," she said, straddling Jason.
Before they could do anything else, the door to the room opened up, prompting a shriek from Hermione and Jason, which was reciprocated by Thomas and Paul.
"Hi, Hermione," Thomas said, shielding his eyes.
"Hi," Hermione said, embarrassed.
"We thought we'd let you know that Alice and your friends are waiting for you in the lounge," Paul said.
"Thanks," Jason said.
Bright red with embarrassment, Thomas and Paul exited the room and closed the door. Hermione and Jason sat there for a moment, still embarrassed.
"Was all that from 3 months of absence?" Jason asked.
"That," Hermione said, "And from seeing you onstage. You looked and sounded…different."
"Different how?" Jason asked.
"Well," Hermione said, "When you played before, you sang in a cheery tone usually with a smile or half-smile. Tonight, you sang rougher and you looked more savage than usual. It…well, it…"
"Turned you on?" Jason asked. Hermione nodded.
Jason smirked and pulled Hermione in for a deep kiss. "Everyone's waiting for us," he said. "Screw them," Hermione said, "They can wait."
"They've been waiting, babe," Jason said.
Hermione sighed. "Alright," she said as she followed Jason out the door.
Jason and Hermione rounded the corner to see everyone waiting in the lounge. "About time," Ron said, "You two done shagging each others brains out?"
"Don't be so vulgar, Ron," Hermione said.
"Come on, it's getting late," Harry said.
"Jason you staying at the hotel tonight?" Thomas asked.
"Actually," Jason said, "This is where our paths split."
"What do you mean?" Paul asked.
"I only bought a one-way ticket here," Jason said, "I'm going back with Hermione."
"What about Dragonfire?" Paul asked.
"I spoke to Abernathy," Jason said, "All my credits and status have been transferred to Hogwarts. I'm finishing up my schooling here."
"What?" Thomas asked, "Why? All that business with those Death Eaters is done."
"Not quite," Jason said, "Voldemort is still alive and until he's vanquished for good, it will never be over."
"What about the band?" Paul asked, "Louie's arm's gonna heal and he'll be back in the drummer seat, but where are we gonna get a guitarist and vocalist?"
"There are other musicians at Dragonfire," Jason said, "You'll find replacements."
Thomas looked upset, but pulled Jason into a hug. "Promise you'll come visit us," he said. Thomas and Paul both walked to their dressing rooms, heads hung low.
"Well, that didn't go as bad as I thought," Jason said.
"I know this band meant a lot to you," Alice said, "But look at it this way: Tomorrow morning you'll wake up next to your girlfriend with a new year at Hogwarts to look forward to."
"Yeah," Jason said, "You make a good point."
"Well, I don't know who hired the limo driver," Ron said, "But I doubt he'll wait much longer before he requires more money."
Everyone made their way out of the building and around where the limo was still parked. Jonas had just finished a cigarette.
"Evening, folks," Jonas said, opening the door.
Everyone began to get into the car when Draco stopped and turned to Jonas. "Take the long way home, Jonas," he said.
"Yes, Mr. Malfoy," Jonas said.
As Draco climbed into the car, he saw everyone was looking at him. "Okay, I might as well spill the beans," Draco said, "I'm the benefactor behind the limo. I thought maybe you guys would like to ride in style."
The ride home, everybody chatted and laughed and caught up with one another. Jason and Hermione sat in the back, holding hands and watching to conversation. Ron and Alice were filling each other in about what they had done on their summer vacation, but were also speaking to each other through their thoughts.
"I'm glad you're here, Alice," Ron said, "I've missed you terribly."
"I told you we'd come back," Alice replied, "You have no idea how much I've missed you."
"I know you did. I just wish you didn't have to be gone so long," Ron said, "I've been going crazy without your touch."
"Well, now I'm back and we have another year to look forward to," Alice said, "If you only knew the things I want to do to you once I get you alone."
Ron turned bright red. Alice's eyes widened in shock. "So, when's your brother's wedding?" she asked, "Did you read my thoughts?"
"In about three weeks," Ron replied, "It's something I've been learning. Conversational multitasking. I'm certain you heard my thoughts."
"Must be exciting," Alice said, "Yes, I did. We should probably stick to one or the other, though, to avoid confusion."
"You have a point," Ron said.
The limo finally pulled up to the burrow. Everyone climbed out of the back and bid farewell to Jonas as he drove off. As everyone walked up to the front porch, they saw that Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, and George were waiting for them.
"So, how was the concert?" Percy asked.
"It was fun," Ginny said, holding Draco's hand tightly.
"I see you got the first surprise," Fred said. Ginny cocked her head, confused.
"We arranged for Draco to send the limo out here," George said.
"I had to clue them in to what my surprise was," Draco said.
"The Burrow's got a Fidelius charm, after all," Charlie said, "I had to show Draco how to get here so he could make sure the limo made it here."
Ginny smiled put her arm around Draco's waist. "Now for the second surprise," Bill said, "And you can thank Ron for this."
Ron grinned and stepped away from the group, drawing his wand and aiming it at Draco. "Hold still," he said.
Ginny, in a panic, stepped in front of Draco, shielding him. Draco, panicked as well, grabbed Ginny and moved her out of harm's way as Ron shot a curse at Draco. The curse blasted Draco and knocked him to the ground. Ginny leapt to her feet and rushed to Draco's side.
"Are you mad, Ron?!" Ginny shouted, "What's gotten into you?!"
"Relax, Gin," Ron said, putting his wand away, "He's fine."
Draco sat up and looked at Ron, puzzled. Ron pointed to something behind Draco. Draco and Ginny turned around and saw a small cottage appear out of nowhere.
"We spent the last few months building a one-room cottage for you and Draco to stay in while he's here," Bill said.
"We cast a Fidelius charm over it so mum and dad wouldn't see it," Charlie said, "We all took turns being the secret-keeper."
"What I just did to Draco was transfer the position of secret-keeper from me to him," Ron said. Ginny hugged Ron as Percy helped Draco to his feet.
"I don't know what to say," Draco said, "Except for thank you."
"Don't mention it," Percy said, "You make our little sister happy, so the fact that you're a Malfoy doesn't bother us too much."
"But we do ask that you make good use of silencing charms," Fred said.
"Wouldn't want to hear any strange noises in the night," George added. Ginny rolled her eyes as Fred and George cackled like hyenas.
"We already took the liberty of moving your things into the cottage, Ginny," Bill said.
Ginny hugged each one of her brothers before she joined Draco in walking to their cottage. "What are they going to do when your mother and father find out Draco's here?" Hermione asked.
"Not a whole lot, I imagine," Ron said.
"Mum and dad already know Draco's coming for the wedding," Fred said. "And Ginny and Draco are engaged to married themselves, after all."
"Seems like only fair they get a chance to be together," Percy said.
"Well, I don't know about you all," Charlie said as he stretched out, "But I'm tired. I say we call it a night."
Nobody argued the fact. Everybody walked into the house and milled through the living room. "By the way, Harry," Bill said with a sly grin, "There's a surprise for you as well. It's up in your room."
Everybody milled up the stairs and to their respective rooms. Ron and Alice were allowed to stay in the same room together, seeing as they were also engaged. Not to feel left out, Hermione and Jason were allowed to share a room together, provided that they keep any lewdness to a minimum. Harry had a room all to himself, which made him feel sort of like the odd man out. Nonetheless, Harry trudged up to his room and opened the door to find someone standing at the window, their back to Harry. Through the darkness, Harry found it hard to make out the figure.
"Excuse me," Harry said, "I think you may have the wrong room."
The figure turned to Harry and smiled wide, moonlight lighting her face. "Hello, Harry," Cho said.
A grin broke out on Harry's face as he rushed to Cho and scooped her up into her arms. "When did you get here?" he asked, "I thought you weren't coming until next week."
"I changed my mind," Cho said, "I got here a few hours ago. Everyone told me that you were at a concert with the others."
"Well, I'm glad you're here," Harry said, wrapping his arms around Cho's waist.
Cho flung her arms around Harry and they held each other, moonlight shining on them. Cho and Harry, still halfway in their embrace, wandered to the bed and laid down, cuddling close together as they slowly fell asleep.
Ron and Alice were laying in their bed, engaged heavily in conversation without speaking a single word.
"So, Ron," Alice thought, "You have a semi-naked girl who's crazy about you in your bed mere inches from you. What are you gonna do?"
Ron pondered the question for a moment. "Well, first of all," he thought, "I'm going to wish I'd cleaned this room a little better."
Alice snorted out a laugh at Ron's response, but Ron was dead serious. His room was a mess. There were books and clothes everywhere.
"And after that?" Alice asked.
"Well, I hadn't thought that far ahead," Ron replied.
Alice snickered again and kissed Ron on the cheek. "You know what just dawned on me?" she asked.
"What's that?" Ron asked.
"In as little as year," Alice began, "I could be Alice Elizabeth Weasley."
Ron smiled and put his arms around Alice, holding her close. Alice curled up to Ron and placed her head on his chest.
"I love you, Ron," Alice said.
"I love you, too, Alice," Ron said. They both closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Ginny and Draco found it hard to sleep. Sleeping in such close proximity with no one else around stirred their desires. They found it harder than ever to not give in to what they both wanted.
"Why are we fighting this so much?" Draco asked.
"I wish I knew," Ginny said, "But the year isn't up yet, so we should try and make an honest effort to last as long as we can."
"I agree," Draco said, "But your long shirt and knickers doesn't help the matter."
"Look who's talking, mister silk boxers," Ginny said jokingly.
"They're comfortable," Draco said.
They both shared a quiet chuckle as they held each other close, purposely letting the other know how aroused they were by such close quarters.
"So, what role, if any, do I play in Bill's wedding?" Draco asked.
"I'm not sure," Ginny replied, "You'd have to ask Hermione in the morning. She's got all the information."
"Speaking of morning," Draco said, "What's your mum and dad going to say when they see me walk in from the garden?"
"Well, since I hadn't really told them you canceled, they still expect you to show up," Ginny replied, "I'll wake up a little early and make sure I'm already inside so they don't catch on that I've been with you all night."
"Sounds like a good idea," Draco said. Sleep soon caught up with them as well and they drifted off in each other's arms.
Jason and Hermione were wrapped up in each other's arms, passionately exploring each other's bodies.
"Three months," Hermione said, "Three months since I've felt you next to me."
"Far too long," Jason said, snaking a hand up Hermione's shirt.
Hermione shivered at his touch, overwhelmed with sensation. "You know what I'm going to want to do, right?" she asked, a devilish grin on her face.
"Our first night back together," Jason said, "And sex is all you can think about?"
"Are you saying you're not thinking about it?" Hermione asked.
"I never said that," Jason said, "In fact, I'm thinking about it right now."
Hermione straddled Jason, kissing him rougher, their desire for each other burning themselves alive.
"After three months," Jason said, almost out of breath, "Volume is going to be a problem."
"Silencing charm," Hermione said.
"Where's your wand?" Jason asked.
Hermione stopped what she was doing and looked around the room. "Oh bloody hell," she said, "I left it downstairs."
"As did I," Jason said, "So it would go without saying that perhaps we should do this another night."
Hermione nodded and laid down next to Jason, a hand on his chest. Jason suddenly noticed the ring on Hermione's finger.
"So, you decided to wear it?" Jason asked.
"I haven't taken it off in three months," Hermione said, "Just like the locket you gave me." Jason smiled and kissed Hermione on the forehead as they both succumbed to sleep.
As everyone slipped into a deep sleep, the marks on their chest, symbolizing their portion of the Infinity Pendant, began to glow a dull red. The dull red glow traveled from their marks throughout their bodies, consuming them in the glow. Suddnely, the glow shot straight to their head and plunged them into a dream. They each found themselves standing atop a cliff, looking out over a never-ending field.
"Where are we?" Hermione asked.
"I'm not sure," Jason replied.
"I think the bigger question should be," Harry began, "How are we all in the same dream together?"
"Perhaps I am best qualified to answer both of those questions," a familiar voice behind them said.
Harry wheeled around and came face to face with Dumbledore. He seemed more youthful than before, his trademark smile on his face.
"Hello, Harry," Dumbledore said.
"Dumbledore," Harry remarked, "But how?"
"Simple," Dumbledore answered, "You're in a realm between the living world and the netherworld. Where past, present, and future intersect. This is where dreams, nightmares, and visions come from."
"So, why are we here?" Ron asked.
"Because, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore explained, "You're about to witness a part of the future."
Dumbledore stretched out his hand and pointed off to the distance. Everyone followed his gaze and saw the once blue sky slowly turn red.
"What's happening?" Ginny asked.
"Every few centuries, the stars align and the skies turn red. It's called a Red Dawn."
"What does it have to do with us?" Cho asked.
"The Red Dawn will be coming around once again," Dumbledore answered, "It is through this act of nature that you can truly unleashed the powers of the Infinity Pendant upon Voldemort."
Dumbledore's last words echoed as the dream ended and everyone awoke, not with fright, but a sense of uneasiness. Dumbledore hadn't been specific on when the Red Dawn would appear. This fight with Voldemort could go on for years. After relaxing, everyone soon fell back asleep, refusing to awake until morning.
A/N: So there's chapter 3...the plot thickens...review away...chapter 4 up as soon as I get a chance...