= Wands High =

Chapter 43 - 22 May 1998, Friday

- Bored already?

Hermione lifted her gaze away from the book for just a half-second, before going back to it with practiced efficiency.

- Was hoping it would take you guys a bit longer, actually. I doubt I will have much time for reading these next couple of days.

The right side of her lips curved up as she noticed a finger reach out towards her with her peripheral vision.

- Yes, my thoughts precisely – she muttered, quickly discarding the book on the table behind her, but instead of reaching out for Daynen's wrist, she dived in underneath it, taking away the still actual sized guitar.

- You going to play me something, Ms. Granger? I tremble with anticipation!

- Don't hold your breath, silly. I am just checking something.

- Hey, what's the big deal, you jerk?

Orianna had entered the kitchen and by the looks of it she was more than mildly annoyed. Jessie emerged behind her a moment later, preventing the door from slamming behind them both.

- Please lower your voice; there is no need for name calling.

- Like hell there isn't!

- I have disappointed you – Daynen added, somewhat in semi-question form, but not really.

- Orianna just feels that – said Jessie, hugging her friend from behind and trying to keep her calm, - you are not as invested in this challenge as she is.

- Well, that is because I am not. Most likely.

That didn't seem to improve his friend's mood at all.

- In my eyes, the reason for us coming here is mainly to relax and get in "the groove" to write some good music – Daynen said, taking a seat next to Hermione and reaching for the backpack he had brought with him. – If the second does happen – great, if not – then at least we would have had a nice stress-free weekend. With everything already going on at the school this year, I'd say we all could use some peace and quiet, don't you? I understand the challenge is important to you, Orianna, and I assure you, I am not going to belittle it when we play the song. It's just... it isn't really a challenge to me, on a personal level. As a musician. Or as an individual. Well, maybe it is a little. What I am trying to say is...

He turned to Hermione who had been staring at him intently for the past several seconds, one eyebrow raised.

- Am I sounding like an arrogant jerk again?

Without changing her face expression at all, the girl just nodded, be it ever so slightly.

- Alright, tell you what – Daynen said, turning back to Orianna. – If you are displeased with how I play the song in the end and if you find we aren't performing it well enough once we do all sit down to play it, then you can blame me for it all you want. And figure out how to punish me accordingly. But for now, I'm asking you to trust me, okay? I think I've earned at least a little bit of trust all these years?

Orianna just growled again, but finally sat down also.

- Fine.

- There, how was that? – he asked Hermione, but received even more resigned horizontal head shakes.

- Baby steps... – the girl sighed, handing him back the instrument before exclaiming upon the sight of what he had taken out of the backpack. – Is that what I think it is?

A small, cube-shaped bottle with dark-brown liquid inside of it had appeared on the table. It had a black and silver label, and it was clogged with a large cork plug.