= Wands High =

Chapter 50 - 23 May 1998, Saturday

- What was that thing about the drugs that host guy was talking about earlier? – Jessie asked a little later, while they were waiting for the food and enjoying a drink. – I don't think it's the first time I'm hearing about it since I got here. Or ever.

- There have been more news lately about a new kind of magically infused drug traded off on the streets – Tyler answered. – I read about Aurors recently busting a local node of the drug network back in my hometown.

- More news? You mean in general? I don't remember any drug drama in the past few years – said Orianna reaching for her glass of Butterbeer.

- Yes, in the recent months. Chris, did Griffin mention anything about it? – Aaron turned to his bandmate.

- He might have, but nothing extensive. You know he's in a different department, drugs are not their specialty. And even if he did, it was old news.

- Have any of these cases happened near the school? – Jessie asked Aaron curiously. – I should really start reading newspapers every day again.

- Not really, but the closest one was less than 15 kilometers away, in another nearby town.

- Sorry for the interruption, mind if we join in? – it was Hermione and Daynen, drinks in their hands.

- Not at all – Zadie smiled and nudged Chris in the ribs. – Move over bro, you're taking space for two with those 2-meter legs.

- Huh? Sorry, I drifted away. Here you go guys.

While Daynen and Hermione were catching up with the drug topic and discussed the seriousness of the matter with the others, Orianna took a little time to observe the unusually quiet Chris. When asked if everything was okay, he had replied that it was the lack of sleep but the earlier mention of Griffin seemed to have upset him somehow. His eyes were wandering aimlessly across the room for a while and a barely noticeable wrinkle had appeared between his eyebrows giving him a thoughtful expression. There was something else on his mind, the girl thought, but maybe he wouldn't want to talk about it.

- ...Which reminds me – how do you fellas feel about going to the square for the opening of The Midsummer Festival? – Zadie's voice drew her attention back to the conversation. – Might get a bit noisy but the treats are great and the fireworks are always amazing.

- Sounds like a good idea.

- Not to me it doesn't – Daynen muttered without even bothering to shift his gaze away from the stage in front of them. The remark instantly drew a displeased expression from Orianna, but he didn't seem to even notice it.

A pair of teenage girls were performing a slow, instrumental piece, with one of them playing a flute, while the other – a violin. The crowd as a whole wasn't too excited about the act apparently, but the Patronus guitarist seemed to find it interesting to observe.

- There is nothing you won't do to prevent us from having a good time, huh?

The boy just shrugged.

- You guys were the ones who followed us here.

- Why you...

- A tad later, perhaps? – Hermione interjected, while being careful to gently pat Orianna's shoulder. – We do have some time before the Festival starts, if I am correct?

Zadie nodded.

- Sure, there are still about a couple of hours 'till midnight, but... I mean... not sure I can handle all that time in here...

He received a mean nudge in the ribs just then, which caused him to turn sharply and regard the culprit – Ty.

- You don't like it here? – Daynen asked Hermione, finally turning his head away from the stage.