= Wands High =

Chapter 13 - 12 May 1998, Tuesday

An hour or so later, after bidding Orianna a swift goodbye, as she had suddenly realized that she had been running late, Daynen practically collapsed on one of the couches, feeling exhausted from all this rapid spellcasting.

- This is way harder than I expected.

- You could have picked a smaller, simpler object, like a button or a bottle cap – Hermione noted, probably for the third time now. – Even someone who has had some experience with Vanishing would have likely faced difficulties with a whole cupboard.

- I doubt you would.

The girl simply smiled, then finding a seat next to him.

- I should head back as well.

- You don't have to – he said as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders, gently pulling her down. – I've barely seen you today.

- Technically, we were in the same room almost all the time – she noted, that all-knowing tone coming into play again.

- Doesn't really count if there are other people around, does it?

- No, I suppose not – Hermione said, placing the tip of her fingers on his chest, preventing him from kissing her. – People are walking around us, Daynen.

- And? It's a common room after all. Are you shy?

- Arggg, no, I'm not shy! – she laughed in a frustrated manner. – I just don't want to be one of those people, who make out in public places all the time, that's all.

Daynen just ended up looking at her, laughing almost entirely in silence, simply kissing her on the forehead once she had noticed it.

Minutes slowly slipped by as they motionlessly laid on the couch together, her head slightly resting on his shoulder.

After a while he added:

- You still don't have to go.

- I won't – Hermione said. – But you did promise to entertain me.

She did laugh after that last remark, most likely remembering their unusual conversation during the Defense Against the Dark Arts class.

- Indeed I did, didn't I? Come to the band meeting with me then?

- What? No! I am not part of the band.

- In all seriousness, it isn't really a band yet. But perhaps tonight it will become one – Daynen said, his words trailing off into thought.

- Don't you go in there, Daynen!

She always complained when he was beginning to drift away deep into himself, as he often did, usually unintentionally.

- I am sure it will be fine and the rest will not mind – he said again. – Plus I could always tell them you are my muse and I am nothing but a bubbling, string pulling noisemaker without you.

- You are a real sweet talker, Daynen Tiberius. You sure you don't go to afterschool classes?

As he turned his head down to look into her eyes, Daynen's smile only became all the wider, seeing that she was already doing the same.

- Aren't we supposed to go soon? – she asked in a little while.

- Yes, it's not a bad idea. Let's go create some epic music– he grinned and got up, then gave her a hand.

* * *

- Dang, I've forgotten how the second verse starts... - Chris stopped playing, frowning for a moment, then looked at Orianna who was sitting on top of the adjacent desk. – Ri, you remember it?