= Wands High =

Chapter 25 - 14 May 1998, Thursday

Like a wave coming from deep in the sea to crash with all its might over the shore, shouting emerged from within the crowd and flooded everything around. It was already dark as the night had fallen, and in the light of the floating spheres along the perimeter around the stage all members of Patronus could see a forest of raised hands, many of them showing the famous "rock horns" sign.

All of them except Daynen left their instruments to the staff members responsible for the quick setting and retraction of each band's equipment, then waved to the crowd and got back behind to take their stuff from the dressing room.

- I don't think I've ever felt so tired after playing so little – were Orianna's first words as they were leaving the backstage. But for some reason none of the other band members found it weird, as each of them seemed to be caught in his own thoughts for a moment. – I'll go get something to drink. You guys want anything?

- Something cold, juice or something – Daynen replied. – Actually make that two if you'll be able to carry everything, in the meantime I'll find Hermione.

- I'll help – Jessie said. – James, anything for you?

- Just water please. I need to sit for a moment, so I'll go find a spot somewhere around where we were watching from earlier and wait for you there.

- Everything okay?

- Yes – my knee is acting up every now and then when I stand for too long, childhood flying accident.

- Okay, guys, see you in a minute.

They headed off in different directions. As Daynen went back to the front stage zone looking around, he ran into Hermione before he even had to try shouldering his way through the thickest crowd.

- Hey, Mr. Serious – she smiled widely and gave him a tight hug. – I was just heading back to that place where we stood earlier hoping I'd find you easier.

- Good, James is somewhere around there waiting for us and the others went for some drinks – he held her for a moment then took her hand and they headed back to the less crowded part of the area surrounding the stage. – So, how was it?

- You know I'm no expert in that – the girl shook her head, smiling.

- I'm not asking for expertise but for an honest opinion – Daynen laughed and nudged her gently. – Come on.

- Well, to be absolutely honest, there were a few moments where I could see a little confusion between all of you...

- Yes, it didn't exactly go as planned – Daynen frowned. – That little demonstration earlier almost achieved what it was mea...

- Let me finish, silly – Hermione said, her smile broadening, and gently squeezed his hand. – I was about to say that I noticed it because I had the chance to watch you prepare and it wasn't a hundred percent new to me as it was for everyone else here. But if I hadn't, I wouldn't have guessed that the band was formed only a few days ago. Your performance was beyond impressive. And I'm not exaggerating

- I hope you're not just being too nice to tell the truth – he laughed.

She pretended to frown and hit him lightly in the shoulder.

- I am not a people pleaser, Daynen Tiberius.

- But I see you have picked up some of Orianna's pet peeves – he teased her and rubbed his shoulder, pretending to be hurt.

- And I will put them to good use if needed – she let out a tiny smile as they reached the spot where James was sitting.

- We've just received our first feedback – Daynen pointed out as they joined him and smirked. – We didn't suck... much.