= Wands High =

Chapter 39 - 20 May 1998, Wednesday

- Okay, there is only one thing that I don't understand – Hermione said with a little smile almost an hour later while they were gathering their things for the first class. – Why would you make me tell Daynen about this change of plans? It's not out of lack of courage, that I'm sure of.

Orianna smiled; the question brought back in her mind the conversation they had the previous night with the other two band members once Daynen and Hermione had left for a stroll...

...- There's something I wanted to talk to you about, guys – she began once it was only the three of them in the room. – It's about the weekend.

- Don't tell me you're suddenly missing it for Quidditch! – Jessie poked her lightly with her drumsticks.

- Quite the opposite, sis – Orianna smiled crookedly. – I have a suggestion I wanted to hear your opinions on. I know for sure what Daynen's response would be so I'd rather leave him for last.

- Plotting behind a friend's back? This place is starting to feel more and more like home – James grinned and pulled back the chair he had already returned to its original place, then sat on it. – Just joking. You have my unwavering attention.

- I was thinking that we could invite another band to join us for the weekend and try to collaborate on something, or do some out-of-the box brainstorming and challenge each other to get out of our respective comfort zones, music-wise. You know..., like giving the members of the other band a simple melody that they have to turn into a full song, or them picking a song for us to cover, stuff like that. We know what we like and want to play, but we can't keep sticking only to the well-known and hope to grow up and develop as artist, right?

- That's... not a bad idea actually – James replied rubbing his chin thoughtfully. – And definitely not something I've done in the recent years – or that I would intentionally seek to do. But I'm up for the challenge.

- No need to convince me, you know I'd try anything that seems at least a little bit fun – Jessie winked at Orianna. – But what about D-Guitar? From what I've heard and already seen you can barely make him be around other people, let alone collaborate with another artist.

- Yup. And he barely tolerates most bands we have here – Orianna laughed. – But don't you worry about him, I've got that covered.

- And the band you're thinking of inviting? – James asked. – Looks like you have something on your mind about that too.

- I think it's obvious even to newcomers like us, Frontman-man – Jessie chuckled tossing a larky look at the other girl.

- Well, I'm sure none of you thought that I would ask Wands High – the bassist laughed heartily. – Yes, I was thinking of War of Elements. To some extent I know them all, not just Chris, and as a band too. I'm sure we can be of use to each other. I'm also sure that even of it doesn't really work out for one reason or another, at least there won't be any tension or trash talk, or other crap.

- No argument there – Jessie shrugged. James nodded.

- I'd work with anyone willing to collaborate and capable of bringing something interesting to the table.

- Great – the blue-haired girl smiled. – I took the liberty of talking to Chris about it, he'll probably tell the others tonight too. Thanks for being on board, guys. I'll take care of the last part tomorrow...

- Oh, I can go talk to him immediately without hesitation – the other girl laughed, returning to the present. – But it would end pretty quickly with hissing at each other like pissed off cats. If I told him all three of us agreed that it would be a useful exercise, his reaction would be: "Yeah, cool, you don't need me for that, I'm okay just contributing the way I've been so far." In way less and much more peppery words, of course.