= Wands High =

Chapter 22 - 14 May 1998, Thursday

- Jaded Cauldron? – Orianna tossed him a questionable look.

- No idea.

As the lights went up, Daynen managed to spot up to four musicians, though their attire and overall appearance wasn't much of an indication of their gender. Even though they were close to a several dozen meters away, he couldn't really see clear enough through all the make-up and wild, hedgehog-like hairstyles.

I'm staring at a broken door...*

There's nothing left here anymore...

My room is cold,

It's making me insane...

- Woah... - Jessie uttered, loud enough for the words to reach his ear.

The volume was not all that high anyway, Daynen realized, as the lead singer – presumably a boy around the age of fourteen - was singing quietly, almost plainly speaking, while the rest of the band – drummer, lead and bass, seemed to be playing with the predetermined intention of being quiet.

Following the first four bars, Daynen could actually hear Orianna chuckle, though she seemed to be doing her best to hide it. As usual – it wasn't really working.

The vocalist had been crouching down at the start, but now he slowly moved next to one of the giant amplifiers – though voice enhancing through magic was great and all, the event organizers had discovered that sometimes the muggle way was just better – and actually sat down on it, using it as a chair, before continuing, all the while the soft, rhythmic tempo was kept going.

I've been waiting here so long

But now the moment seems to have come

I see the dark clouds coming up again

Running through the monsoon

Beyond the world

To the end of time

Where the rain won't hurt

Fighting the storm

Into the blue

And when I lose myself I think of you

Together we'll be running somewhere new...

- This is just too great to be true – Orianna said, rubbing her hands together. – I can't believe the day has finally arrived.

- They are still kids, I think there isn't much point making fun of it.

- Oh, I'm not making fun, James! I'm loving it! I can barely hold myself from cutting both my wrists with a guitar string!

Through the monsoon

Just me and youuuuu....

- Right... - Daynen muttered, again looking at the singer, who was now much closer to where they were standing, and more precisely his heavy shadow eyeliner, numerous earrings, fingernails painted all black.

- I actually think it's kind of nice – Hermione said, turning her head to regard Daynen and the others, giving out a little shrug. – What? It's not a masterpiece or anything, but it has something appealing about it, can't really explain it.