Who: Stephen, Vee, Saffron, and friends. When: Backdated like WHOA! April 21st Where: Room of Requirement What: Surprise! It's Saffron's Birthday Celebration!
Vee sidled up to Stephen as they were leaving the dining hall, "Does Saffron suspect anything about tonight?" she asked.
"I'm sure she's vaguely suspicious something is up, but I doubt she really knows," he confided. "I have to collect the cakes from the kitchen - do you need me for anything else?"
"No, just make sure you get her to the Room of Requirement in an hour. I'll get the rest set up," Vee grinned up at her co-conspirator.
"Yes ma'am!" Stephen saluted and then glanced around, his eyes falling on a fellow Hufflepuff. "Actually, it would be easier to do that if I get Eleanor to pick up the cakes," he indicated Roger Davies' younger sister. "She's reliable."
Vee followed his gaze, "Good plan. And please make sure she doesn't primp too much. She likes to pretend to be above it but she preens like a budgie if not reined in. Have you seen Tyler or Bet anywhere?"
"I thought I saw Bet earlier, but I have no idea where she is now," Stephen beckoned Eleanor forward. The willowy brunette hurried over and, once given her instructions, was on her way to the kitchens with assurances that she would get the cakes in double quick time.
"I'll go and grab Saffron - and ensure she doesn't mess about," Stephen assured Vee, giving her shoulder a pat before turning away to search for his housemate.
Saffron was feeling better after talking to her brother. Not automatically healed and happy, however, she could now smile and actually mean it. Her thoughts weren't clouded with anger and hurt and betrayal, she was seeing clearly now. Which was good, since she had been noticing that her friends were up to something. She'd been noticing for most of the week but had been able to say anything for fear she'd pick some inconsequential thing to start an argument about, end up saying something she would regret.
She was feeling back on her game that was why Stephen found her waiting patiently for him in the common room. She didn't believe she would be able to crack him. No the weakest link was Bet. Belinda just laughed when she asked. Vee turned the other way and Tyler was damnably like his brother at times. And Stephen ... Stephen could be harder to read than she was sometimes.
Stephen knew why Saffron was off-colour earlier in the week, but he didn't pry. He hoped she knew to talk to him if necessary and also kept an eye on her, just in case the blue mood lasted too long. However, she seemed to have come out of it now and therefore there was no concern in his eyes when he greeted her with a smile as he walked into the common room. "Your cakes are on their way so shall we join them to ensure no one dares steal a lick of the icing before you?" he asked with a wink, picking up his violin case from where he'd stashed it on one of the shelves before dinner.
Dark eyes followed Stephen's movements in narrowed eyed suspicion but also in thoughtfulness. "I'm not sure that I want a party." She said lightly. Which was half true and half falsehood. Truth, because she didn't think she could be in a room with people without saying anything. Something mean. Taking it out on someone. Because she tended to do that when she was hurt, upset. Defensive. However, falsehood because she always, always loved parties. She liked receiving presents and she liked to know people remembered her. She liked going to parties, she liked throwing them and seeing the looks on people's faces when they opened hers; as she waited in smug-nervous anticipation over their reaction. She loved it all. That didn't mean she should have one right now, not if she was thinking logically. After all she wanted to play for the Falcons and she wasn't getting that. Though it was barely visible facially, Saffron began to sink into a sulk. Again.
Her mood was going down again and Stephen frowned slightly, the concern returning. He put down the case and stood in front of her, hands reaching forward to rest lightly on her shoulders as he bent to met her face to face. "It's a gathering of friends who care about you and want to celebrate you. At least come and have some of the cakes?" he put on a look of comical dismay. "Did I slave over a hot stove for nothing?"
"Well." Saffron took a mental breath and quickly composed herself. Smiling a smile that was actually more than a quarter genuine, she replied, "We both know I would never attempt to stop those who wanted to celebrate me. And I would never turn my nose down to anyone's genuine hard work."
Vee smiled at the comfortable setting the Room of Requirement had created for Saffron's party. The light was moderate just dim enough to create ambiance but not dark by any stretch of the imagination. She double checked the decorations and to see if the Wizard Karaoke machine was operational and settled on one of the cushions to await the guest of honor. And hope that said guest of honor was in the mood to celebrate.
After about ten minutes Vee began to worry. She knew that Saffron had been in a funk because of her grandfather refusing to allow her to play Quidditch it was entirely within the realm of possibility that she flatly refused to come with Stephen.
"I'm relieved to hear it," Stephen smiled and stepped back to pick up his case again and then hold out his free arm to Saffron. "May I escort the birthday girl?"
Affectionate amusement caused her smile to up it's percentage to sixty-seven in genuine. Standing up and taking his arm she nodded, "Yes. You may."
Relief made Stephen beam and he escorted her out of the common room like a proper gentleman escorting a Lady. It wouldn't take long to reach their destination and he was sure all the guests (and the cakes!) would be there by now. Hopefully Vee wasn't worrying about the length of time it was taking them either.
"I knew the two of you were planning something. Thank you." Saffron said when they reached the room of requirement. At least where it was supposed to be. "I didn't say that before. But thank you both."
"That's what friends are for." Stephen said with a grin.
"That's what I've heard."
"Enough with the mushiness, get in here!" Vee said from the doorway. She'd taken special care with her appearance because she knew that it was important to Saffron. She had on her one denim skirt, a deep red T-shirt, and a black zip jacket.
"Mushiness? We're mushy?" Stephen made a face at Vee and then guided Saffron inside. He had also dressed up a little, in black trousers and blue silk shirt. On seeing the setting for the party, he nodded in approval and then glanced over at the table where Eleanor Davies was standing. His eyebrows lifted in silent query and Eleanor smiled, sliding her eyes to the end of the table where something was covered - or two somethings. Satisfied, Stephen smiled and looked at Saffron to gauge her feelings on the site of her party.
Saffron's eyes quietly roamed the room taking in all of their hard work. The look on her face was completely impassive as she thought it over. She saw her cousin standing in the corner with an impish grin and the sight caused one to break across her own face. Her friends were something else and she was blessed. It wasn't so very odd in that very moment to realize that when she felt overwhelmed she could count on them to force her to slow down, regain her perspective. She would probably ignore that soon enough, because apparently she was too stubborn for her own good, but it was good to know right at this moment.
"We're beyond mushy." She said with a beaming smile, right before she turned to give Stephen, then Vee, then her cousin, and heck even Eleanor Davies a hug, "Mushy is too undignified for us." She continued. "I think we might transcend it." Her smile shrinking, but no less bright, she turned to Vee and Stephen-who she had no doubt were the masterminds and said, "Thank you. You're better at being sneaky than I thought, Robin."
"Of course I am, Batman," Vee grinned.
The beaming smile reassured Stephen and once the hugs were all finished with, he took out his violin and started tuning it - since he played to play 'Happy Birthday' when the cakes were presented. "So, presents or cake first?" he asked Saffron, not mentioning anything about the other activities that were planned.
A thoughtful expression came over Saffron's face, "I think ... I want to open presents first." She answered slowly. Her eyes were already roaming the room for them.
Vee pointed her wand at what looked like a part of the wall and the illusion dropped and you could see a table stacked with presents. She crossed the room to them and fished out an envelope, "Here, Saff, this is mine. Sorry it isn't expensive."
(inside is a handmade card with the following quote, "There's nothing free in life except leftovers and friendship and even friendship costs. Thing is, we don't mind paying the coin." --Trader, Charles de Lint. Also included are half a dozen coupons for house cleaning to be used at a later date and a sheet of pale green parchment with the following poem
"Shadow Boxing (Doing the Tango with My Soul)"
Shadow boxing Dancing with my soul (myself) maybe Turning my mind Around In circles.
Backing myself Into a mental Corner, Faking Right then Left In a vain attempt To psych myself out.
It all seems so hopeless I'm too smart for my own good.
I tell myself that it isn't real That it's simply My mind Playing tricks On itself (myself).
Dancing with myself Doing the tango with my soul.
My soul leads I follow. I turn and dip With a rose in My teeth.
Trying to figure out Who I am.
Shadow boxing Moving first one way Then the other Trying Vainly To psych myself out.
"Well, you know." She said softly. "The most valuable, important things don't have to be of monatery value. Charles de Lint ..." Saffron turned and gave Vee a smile. "I'll be using these on your room first." She said with a giggle. She could have been upset with the poem, but it was so thoughtful and while she was a bit irritated, the value and the thought of it meant much more to her. And it was right ... She was too smart for her own good. Saffron gave Vee another smile.
"I felt bad that I couldn't buy you a gift," Vee's voice was restrained.
"It was a beautiful poem," Stephen said before handing Saffron a small, wrapped box and a large envelope. "Here birthday girl, this is from me," he stooped and kissed Saffron's cheek. Inside the box were a pair of gold and garnet earrings, the envelope contained a card with a crown on the cover which sparkled and inside it said 'Happy Birthday to the Queen of the Universe!' in Stephen's clear handwriting. The envelope also contained a musical score titled 'Saffron'.
As Saffron opened her gifts, Stephen put his violin in place and began to play the music from the score. He'd composed the piece three weeks ago and the music was a mixture notes which invoked Saffron's personality and included a section which aimed to bring out the sensation of flying high on a broom. Since he'd composed this before the whole Quidditch issue, Stephen hoped that Saffron wouldn't take this the wrong way.
"And what exactly do you know about buying cleaning supplies?" Saffron's tone was snooty but her smile and the look in her dark eyes, reassuring, "You know how particular I am about mine. Best to get such things myself. Besides ... I don't think a brought gift would be as lovely." She murmured. Tears were beginning to prick in the back of her eyes. Saffron was an emotional person but she had such good control. Very good, however, with the incident with her grandfather and the wonderfulness of her family and friends ... She had spent an hour bawling over the owl of Liam's present.
It was self-control that kept her from throwing her arms around Stephen when she saw his presents. That wouldn't do. Especially since he was playing her piece.
"Now all we have to do is put this on a billboard." Bet said as she pecked her cheek.
"Or in the sky." Belinda rolled her eyes.
"Baby steps." Saffron said lowly, before shooting Stephen and Vee brilliant smiles. "I love my presents. All of them." She said the last three words firmly as she held Vee's eyes.
Vee smiled at Saffron and made a silent promise to herself that she would get her friend something fantastic next year.
Stephen ended Saffron's song with a flourish and was glad to receive a brilliant smile, showing her appreciation for the gift. "I'm glad," and it wasn't just her liking for the gifts he was referring to.
"Stephen that was beautiful, as always," Vee smiled up at her much taller friend. She'd worried that there would be awkwardness with Stephen after the conversation in the cupboard. She was nearly certain that she'd somehow managed to make a fool of herself.
"Are there any more presents?" Saffron asked as she looked at the other three people in the room and then let her eyes drift to the presents on a table.
"Never with the subtlety are we?" Belinda asked with a smirk.
"You know I'm not."
"You've been a right dragon, I don't know if I should let you have your present ..."
"Stephen, tell her to give me my present. Now. Please."
Since Stephen thought he'd made much more of a fool of himself than Vee did, he certainly felt no awkwardness towards her and his smile wasn't strained when he looked at her. "Thanks, Vee."
He chuckled at the teasing Saffron was receiving and then, in a sing-song tone, replied. "Yes ma'am. Give her present to her, now," he tossed a grin at Belinda before reverting to his normal tone. "For the sake of our sanity at least."
Vee chuckled, "No kidding!"
Saffron sulked for only a brief instant at their words and teasing before quirking a demanding brow at Belinda, "Well?" She quested.
Belinda rolled her eyes before pulling a small box out of her robes, "It goes with Liam's."
Saffron carefully pulled at the silver ribbon and quickly, though nearly as carefully, removed the red wrapping paper.
Inside was a velvet case. She rose a brow and gave her friend a mischevious grin which only served to cause Belinda to roll her eyes again.
The blonde was a bit nervous. Although she hated to say it this was the first time that she'd gotten Saffron a present on her own, any of her friends a present on her own. Usually it was Liam who chose, Bet who added a little creative card, and she gave her stamp of approval. Presents weren't really done at her house; however, she wanted to be different this year. She hadn't wanted to be the one who seemed not to notice what kind of mood her friend was in. It had taken many owls to get Liam to help her. The prat. He lectured more and in aways that Saffron could never dream of. And he also had an off-beat, slightly malicious, humor. It was interesting. Who knew?
Saffron's eyes rose and she just managed to catch the uncertainty.
"It's small but it's charmed to enlargen when you open it. On the other side you can put us now, with our newer friends ... or whatever else you want." The last words were rushed but Saffron had caught the last three before them: our newer friends
She cleared her throat, "So, you buy presents with Liam all the time?" She asked with a knowing smirk. Between them that translated into: Thank you so very damn much.
"Shut up." However, Belinda smirked.
Saffron's eyes widened and looked at Bet. Her cousin looked just as surprised as she did but more pleased than flabbergasted.
"You and Liam?!" She squealed. "How cute."
"There is no you and Liam."
"Upset that you didn't see what was right in front of you Queen of Keen Perception?" Belinda asked in a sing-song tone which was no where as nice as Stephen's had been. It was much more smug.
"I didn't miss anything. There is no you and Liam." Though Saffron narrowed her eyes in annoyance and thoughtfulness. She wondered if she should tack on a 'yet' onto that. At the thought she nearly, but not quite, stiffled a grin. Poor Belinda.
"What?" Belinda asked, her own smile waning just slightly as she narrowed her own eyes.
"Or we could do food," Vee suggested. Unlike most of the rest of them she'd been in the room with Stephen's cakes for nearly an hour.
Stephen turned away when Saffron, Bet and Belinda started teasing each other and busied himself with checking over the cakes. Satisfied they were still fine and no one had sneaked a lick of icing, he looked up in time to hear Vee's suggestion and laughed. "Vee's got a good idea, why not take a break from presents for a bit?"
Vee wandered over to Stephen, "They look fantastic."
Only interested in taking a break from being right and from presents for food, Saffron placed her presents down onto an empty table. Walking over to the cakes she began to put on the locket. "Oh, wow ... Stephen. All for me?" She breathed as her eyes fell on the cakes.
"Only if you want to turn into a little round ball," he teased, giving her a hug from behind and then pointing to the one on the right with his wand, lighting the candles that decorated it. Immediately they burst into rainbow coloured little flames that flickered cheerfully. "That's the one with the vanilla frosting, the other is cream cheese and lemon. If you cut both of them then you get two wishes."
"Promise me that you'll make me a cake for my birthday, Stephen. You missed my eighteenth but I don't mind," Vee said from off to the side.
"Ohhh... Pretty." Saffron's eyes widened as they followed the flicker of the rainbows, as she leaned into Stephen's hug to return it with one of her own. Red. Ooo. And Yellow. And other nice ones. "Two? Two wishes? Really? Or in the muggle sense?" Saffron's lips thinned in anticipation. Wishes and vanilla. Yum. Her dark orbs alighted with giddiness.
"Funny you should mention that, Vee, I have been thinking about that..." Stephen's lips curved in a mysterious smile. He'd not really gotten to know Vee when her birthday rolled around, but now he wanted to make up for that lack.
He laughed at Saffron's question, playfully resting his chin on her shoulder. "Any sort of wishes you want, although I only know the Muggle tradition for cake and wishes, so I might be setting myself up for a fall here."
"You and me both Stephen," Vee laughed before tugging on his sleeve, "What's going on in that brain of yours?"
Saffron pouted slightly before shrugging, "Those are good too. They are the only ones that I know but I was wondering if you did something." She tilted her head slightly to look at him. It was one of the rare moments she wished she was taller, so Stephen and Liam wouldn't have to crouch down as much.
"My brain? Nothing, nothing at all," Stephen smiled innocently at Vee and then winked. He gave Saffron one last hug before straightening and stepping back slightly so she could cut the cakes. "I may have, but you'll have to find out," he teased, a mischievous expression on his face. Actually he had placed an extra present in the cake with the vanilla frosting that she would find when she cut into it: a charm bracelet with charms representing her favourite things. It even included a little golden snitch.
"Somehow I don't believe you," Vee sent Stephen a mock dirty look.
Saffron gave him a brief suspicious and slightly considering look, before smirking slightly, "As long as Belinda and Bet didn't help you I suppose I can trust that it's not going to kill me or maim me. Seeing as the latter can't cook and the former is jealous of me."
"Hey!" Both girls shouted. However,they were ignored for by Saffron as she turned towards the cakes.
"Which first?" She asked her friends.
"The vanilla," Vee had noticed the nervous looks that Stephen was giving the vanilla frosted cake and figured he had something up his sleeve.
Stephen just shrugged and smiled, not saying another word as he waited for Saffron to choose which cake to cut first.
"Decide already, Saff, I'm starving!"
"The vanilla then." She said casting Stephen another suspicious glance before smirking and moving to cut the cake. "Nothing had better pop out of this or I will be severely annoyed with you Stephen Summerby."
"I'm wounded that you don't trust me," Stephen laid one hand on his chest and adopted a mock-tragic look.
Vee rolled her eyes and laughed before grabbing plates and forks for everyone.
"She doesn't trust anyone." Belinda replied tartly. "Not even herself."
Saffron stuck her tongue out at both of them, before she turned to the cake and began to cut into it but barely halfway through it seemed like there was something inside of it. She shot Stephen a look that was a mixture of curiousness and amusement, "Remember." She warned. "If something explodes in my face I will hurt you." She said with a giggle. Taking out her wand she said a quick spell to extract whatever was in the frosting. Some of the vanilla splattered her lightly on the cheeks.
"That was not my fault," Stephen smirked and reached over to wipe the frosting away with his thumb, which he then licked off.
"What was in there?" Vee asked.
"Oh Stephen," She whispered softly as she pulled out the rectangular box. Gently removing frosting from it she opened it to find the lovely little charm bracelet. "Oh, Stephen." She said again, a slow smile starting across her lips. "Look." She showed the other girls. She wondered by Merlin what she'd done to recieve such wonderful things. It wasn't the gifts. Though she'd never push away something shiny, it was more than the gift. It was the security and the love behind it. She liked expensive things yes, however, she also loved things that looked like they had hours spent on them. It was the thought. The surity that she had some place special in the hearts of those she cared of. Even when she was being a pain as she had the past few days.
"It's beautiful, Saff," Vee said before heading back to the table to get drinks. She hated that she was feeling a little jealous. But the fact of the matter was she was. She'd turned eighteen in October to no fanfare. No cards no cake...nothing. She'd spent the evening alone with a book while the rest of the dorm played exploding snap in the common room. She knew that her next birthday would be different but she was honest enough with herself to admit that, at that moment it didn't matter. But she wouldn't let her hurt spoil her friend's party.
Stephen grinned a bit sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck, pleased by his friend's reaction and also a little embarrassed at the same time. One thing his close friends soon learned about him was he was extremely generous and loved showering gifts on the people he cared about, without ever really caring about whether he got a multitude of gifts in return. "There's space to add more charms," he said finally. "My mother has one, she says that charm bracelets are a nice way to remind you of important moments and things. And since this is your last birthday before the real world begins, I felt it was appropriate."
"It is." Saffron turned and gave him a hug. "It is very, very appropriate. Everything I've gotten so far is. I love it all. I know ... I know I was rather bitchy lately and, and, I, well, I appreciate this. You all are terrific friends." She favored him with a wide and bright smile. She had been more relaxed today than she had in a while. It had started with her talk with her brother the other day and this party have furthered it.
Stephen hugged her tightly and dropped a kiss to her forehead. "Hey, we all have our moments and you had every right to be in a bad mood lately. He released Saffron and took the charm bracelet, unhooking it and then placing it gently around her wrist.
"Okay Saff, do you want to do the rest of the gifts or move on to the entertainment portion of the evening?" Vee asked once she'd returned with the drinks for everyone.
Saffron's eyes lingered on the gifts but she managed to pull them away with the tiniest quirks of her brow and a small frown, "Entertainment? Do I want to know?" She asked with a slightly wary smile. As much as she did love them and loved that they were so wonderful, they were her friends. She'd come to realize that they weren't exactly all ... sane. Not that she'd change them. Much. Ever. Nevertheless, she'd walk out if she naked people popped out or if she had to divulge deep dark secrets, while standing on her head or something.
She gave Stephen a brief thankful smile when he finshed placing on the bracelet. She brought it up to eye level. It really was very pretty. And it tinkled quite nicely together.
"Yes, entertainment," Vee rocked back on her heels and smiled at her friend.
"Don't worry, it's nothing hideous... as far as I know," Stephen raised an inquiring look at Vee.
"Vee was in charge of entertainment?" Saffron's lips twitched in amusement. "Poor Stephen. Prepare yourself for a night of fangirling."
"I'm ready to run if I have to," he laughed and then nodded to Vee, giving her the chance to introduce the entertainment.
"So not fangirling. I'm not completely boy crazy I'll have you know. And which do you want first? The conversation aspect or the performance aspect?"
The was the briefest quirk of Saffron's brow and she had no idea how much she truly looked like her grandmother at the moment. "Performance aspect?" Then her lips twitched and the effect was ruined. "Unless it's a recitation of why I'm the best quidditch player in the world or naming all the names of anyone one who has ever played for the Falcons backwards, I'm not performing."
"Don't make judgments before finding out what it is," Stephen was obviously highly amused by Saffron's reaction and covered his mouth with his hand to stop from laughing out loud.
"So which one? Don't make me choose," Vee's smile could only be described as wicked.
"Oh by Helga." Saffron shot a glance at Bet and Belinda but they weren't helping.
"Performance. But I'm not singing and I'm not dancing." She hadn't done a dance performance since ballet and that was quite a while. Not that she didn't practice it every now and then, would be a waste of all those years if she didn't, however, she still wasn't. It was her party. They should be performing for her.
She regretted not bringing a camera.
"What do you think Stephen? Is she allowed to be a mere spectator?"
"It is her party, so I suppose we shouldn't be forcing her. Besides, she might decide to join in later."
"Okay. Who first then?"
"We'll just see about that." Saffron said.
"Don't look at me." Belinda snorted.
"I'll go!" Bet chriped. "What I do? Sing? Dance? Do a mime impersonation?"
"Stephen, can you explain how it works. I think it sounds fun but I'm not clear on the details," Vee turned to her co-conspirator.
"Great, drag me into this..." Stephen mock-complained. However, he willingly stepped up, taking the small cards that were stacked next to the karaoke machine. "All right, if this is awful then I blame the person who told me about it," he warned. "As you can see, we have a karaoke machine here. Now ordinarily the person singing gets to chose their song. However, in this game, the idea is to challenge the singer - without being mean," he added quickly. "The birthday girl gets to choose a song for the singer to perform from these cards and the audience will rate the performance out of ten. The person with the most points at the end gets a prize. Simple," he handed the cards to Saffron. "We picked your favourites and threw in some show tunes from Broadway musicals as well. All you need to do is read out the name of the song and the karaoke machine will start up."
"I've never heard of this!" Saffron laughed, her eyes widening slightly with interest and a large, toothy grin spreading quickly across her features. "Okay. Nothing mean, you say. Sometimes I find showtunes to be mean." She retorted. Which was true, even though she had a very soft spot in her heart for the King and I. Shuffling the cards Saffron pulled one out from the stack. What was written there caused her to giggle softly as she raised a brow. " 'Oh What A Beautiful Mornin' ' from Oklahoma."
Vee laughed, "Have you heard that one Bet?"
"No, I haven't. I only know one Oklahoma song."
A disgruntled look passed over Belinda's features and an amused one over Saffron's, "And she would NOT. Stop. Singing it." They said at the same time.
"At least it's not the tomorrow song from Annie," Stephen added, sotto voice.
Vee giggled.
Belinda made a face and Saffron rose a brow before responding, "I sort of like that song. It's rather optomistic isn't it?"
"Ooo. Can I sing that?"
"Just sing what's on the card, Elizabeth." Saffron said.
"I can sing it." She pouted.
"And sound like a dying animal." Belinda muttered.
Saffron pressed her lips together not to laugh.
"Merlin, I hate the both of you!" She exclaimed with a stomp of her foot.
"No, you don't Bettie, don't be ridiculous."
"Just sing the song already Bet."
She shot a glare in their direction.
"If you don't to sing, then I'll step up," Stephen tried to make peace. "Although you'll have to pick out a different song, Saffron. Rules of the game and all that," he cast a look at Vee which said 'back me up on this one'.
"Yeah, and you're always telling us how important rules are Saff."
Saffron frowned for a moment before shaking her head, "I never said that she shouldn't sing."
"I'll sing!" Bet protested. "I'll sing", she repeated, quiter this time. Taking the microphone from Stephen she took in a calming breath,
"There's a bright golden haze on the meadow, There's a bright golden haze on the meadow, The corn is as high as an elephant's eye, An' it looks like it's climbin' clear up to the sky."
She wasn't Elodie Evers but Bet's voice was clear and had a sweet, though slightly reedy, quality to it. It was high and yet still pleasent enough to listen to.
Oh, what a beautiful mornin', Oh, what a beautiful day. I got a beautiful feelin' Ev'rything's goin' my way.
All the cattle are standin' like statues, All the cattle are standin' like statues, They don't turn their heads as they see me ride by, But a little brown mav'rick is winkin' her eye.
Oh, what a beautiful mornin', Oh, what a beautiful day. I got a beautiful feelin' Ev'rything's goin' my way.
All the sounds of the earth are like music, All the sounds of the earth are like music, The breeze is so busy it don't miss a tree, And a ol' weepin' willer is laughin' at me!
Oh, what a beautiful mornin', Oh, what a beautiful day, I got a beautiful feelin' Ev'rything's goin' my way. Oh, what a beautiful day."
Saffron clapped for her cousin with a small grin.
Vee clapped, "Brava, Bet!"
Stephen added his applause and then stepped up to take the mic from Bet. "All right, let's get this over with..." he looked at Saffron. "Pick something."
Saffron lifted the next card and her brows rose slightly as she read what was on it. "Are you sure you want to get it over with?" She successfully managed to control the laugh that wanted to rise up.
"That sounds ominous, Stephen," Vee grinned at him.
"There's a surprise," he smirked and then nodded at Saffron. "All right, Batman... humiliate me."
"Love is a Battlefield."
Bet's eyes widened and she was nice enough to cover her mouth.
Belinda, however, nearly fell off her chair but she attempted to control her laughter because she knew what was coming.
"And I expect you to shimmy." Saffron said placidly, her eyes twinkling. "Full dance. You have seen the video haven't you?"
"I can transfigure Pat's blue ensamble for him if you'd like," Vee's grin was puckish.
Stephen's eyes widened and for a brief moment he was tempted to refuse. However, he knew he'd never hear the end of it if he ran away (although he probably wasn't going to hear the end of it anyway), so he kept his ground. "Actually I haven't seen the video," he confessed with mild relief. "So you'll have to put up with my own interpretation of 'shimmy'. And no costume changes, after all... she didn't have to," he pointed at Bet.
With as much dignity as he could muster, he brought the microphone to his lips as the music started.
We are young, heartache to heartache we stand No promises, no demands Love Is A Battlefield We are strong, no one can tell us we're wrong Searchin' our hearts for so long, both of us knowing Love Is A Battlefield
Of course Stephen's rendition was different from the original. He couldn't possibly imitate Pat Benatar's voice after all and wasn't going to kill his vocal cords by trying. So what came out was a decidedly male version of the song, sung in a warm tenor voice.
You're beggin' me to go, you're makin' me stay Why do you hurt me so bad? It would help me to know Do I stand in your way, or am I the best thing you've had? Believe me, believe me, I can't tell you why But I'm trapped by your love, and I'm chained to your side
He wasn't quite sure how to 'shimmy', but did his best and sung to each girl in turn. Saffron was first, then Bet.
We are young, heartache to heartache we stand No promises, no demands Love Is A Battlefield We are strong, no one can tell us we're wrong Searchin' our hearts for so long, both of us knowing Love Is A Battlefield
Turning away from Belinda, Stephen looked at Vee. He felt the need for revenge for that evil suggestion to put him in costume.
We're losing control Will you turn me away or touch me deep inside? And before this gets old, will it still feel the same? There's no way this will die But if we get much closer, I could lose control And if your heart surrenders, you'll need me to hold
Just as he sang about getting closer, Stephen reached out and took Vee's wrist so he could spin her up against him in an almost lover-like embrace, only letting her go before launching into the chorus.
We are young, heartache to heartache we stand No promises, no demands Love Is A Battlefield We are strong, no one can tell us we're wrong Searchin' our hearts for so long, both of us knowing Love Is A Battlefield
Finishing, Stephen tossed the mic in Saffron's direction. "There," he gasped, feeling quite thirsty after singing so hard. "And if anyone took any photos I will hunt you down and hurt you."
Vee took a step back. She was still completely speechless and breathless by Stephen's teasing embrace. She felt almost like she'd been kicked in the chest. Before she could analyze her reaction any further she raised her hand, "I don't know how anyone would be able to top that but someone must. I'll go next. Do your worst Saff."
Saffron would have died laughing if somewhere in the back of her mind there wasn't an automation of her grandmother: Young ladies do not snort when laughing. Young ladies do not choke on laugher. Young ladies ... However, that didn't stop her from going the way of Belinda and laughing rather loudy, nearly falling off of her chair. It brought tears. Tears were currently prickling her eyes and she had look away from Stephen other-wise she would have choked. Shoulders shaking in non-stop giggles Saffron finally did manage to make them stop. When she finally did manage to look at Stephen, her eyes were moist and twinkling maddly, "I will find a way to have you redo that performance in front of a camera. Wait and see." She promised. Still grinning she turned her attention towards Vee. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she thought she saw something, nevertheless, she said nothing. She kept her smile as it had been before. "I don't pick on purpose. It's only what's written."
She flipped the card over and frowned slightly for a moment. If she didn't know better ... "Adore her, by Elodie Evers." She was very tempted to say she'd look for something more lively. If she had seen what she had thought she had seen on Vee's face, anything lively would be better.
Stephen pulled a face at Saffron as he flopped down into a chair after grabbing a large glass of juice. "Not if you want to live, Capper," he said in a mock-growl.
He didn't know why Saffron was frowning when she read out Vee's song. "That's not bad," he smiled encouragingly at Vee.
Vee looked embarrassed, "I've never heard it before."
"All right then, I'll pick another one. It's another Benatar song." She read from the card, "Hell is For Children. You know that one right?"
She asked with a small teasing smile. They knew practically all the Benatar songs. Turning to Stephen she quirked a brow, and then smirked, "I accept your challenge, my good man."
Vee took the microphone from Stephen and stared thoughtfully at it for a moment before bringing it to her mouth. She had sung this song alone dozens of times and she knew the words by heart.
"They cry in the dark, so you can't see their tears They hide in the light, so you can't see their fears Forgive and forget, all the while Love and pain become one and the same In the eyes of a wounded child Because Hell Hell Is For Children And you know that their little lives can become such a mess"
By the time she was finished with the first verse Vee had forgotten that there was a reasonably large audience watching her and she really started getting into the song.
"Hell Hell Is For Children And you shouldn't have to pay for your love with your bones and your flesh It's all so confusing, this brutal abusing They blacken your eyes, and then apologize You're daddy's good girl, and don't tell mommy a thing Be a good little boy, and you'll get a new toy Tell grandma you fell off the swing Because Hell Hell Is For Children And you know that their little lives can become such a mess Hell Hell Is For Children And you shouldn't have to pay for your love with your bones and your flesh No, Hell Is For Children Hell Hell is for Hell Hell is for Hell Hell Is For Children Hell Hell is for Hell Hell is for Hell Hell Is For Children Hell Hell is for Hell Hell is for Hell Hell Is For Children Hell Is For Children Hell Is For Children"
She looked up as the last note faded and smiled slightly.
Stephen's expression was unreadable as Vee sang. He couldn't help thinking how lucky he'd been to be adopted so young and to a couple that wanted him. He had vague memories of the orphanage and they weren't the best, and he often wondered if his life would have been better or worse if his mother kept him. He could have ended up in Vee's situation, and that thought prompted him to stand when she finished, clapping his hands slowly and then approaching her to give her a brief hug. "Well sung."
"Thanks. I listen to a lot of Benatar because of Saff. I mean, I did before but not as much as I do now."
"Benatar should be herald as a Queen." Saffron answered seriously. "You kept the emotion." Saff said with a slight smile when she finished clapping.
She was truly starting to think that the cards weren't plain cards. "You are no Benatar ..." Saffron gave a teasing smirk, "but who is?"
"Her daughter," Vee answered with a straight face.
Saffron shot her a droll look.
Bet giggled, before a sly expression came over her features, "Who's next Stephen?"
"Why are you asking me?" he shrugged and glanced at Belinda. "although it's probably your turn," he said to her with a smile.
"Because it's your game." Bet pointed out, thoughtfully with a smile.
"Ohhh-ho-ho. Highly unlikely." She said drily. "Pick someone else."
"The only other logical choice is Saffron," Vee pointed out.
Saffron simply quirked a brow before sighing. Well, why not? They'd gone through all this trouble for her. The least she could do was sing a tune. She disliked being logical sometimes.
It wasn't that she couldn't sing. She could. Rather well if she did say so herself. And Merlin knew she loved the attention on her. It was simply that ... well, the unhabitual emotion of shyness washed over her. That and annoyed uncertainty. What if she made a fool of herself? She hated being embarrassed. Truly, and really despised it. Definitley more than she despised Slytherins. What person with any sort of ego liked embarrassment. What's more Saffron wasn't so hard up for attention that she would take any type, even the bad kind.
Vee glanced at Stephen, she wondered if he realized that Saffron was embarrassed, "Maybe we should finish this game up later and go on to the next one."
"No." The birthday girl said firmly. "It's fine. One of you pick the next card."
Stephen guessed that Saffron wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea of singing in front of them, but since she was very firm when she agreed, he just shrugged and nodded. Taking the cards, he closed his eyes and pulled one out.
Reading the song name, he smiled slightly. "This must be the theme of the night, but it's another Benatar song and very apt for you... 'Invincible'."
Saffron glared at the cards in her good friend's hands with narrowed eyed mistrust. There was absolutely no longer any doubt in her mind that they were possessed or hexed or charmed or somehow able to read minds. However, she didn't say that outloud. Her friends thought she was paranoid enough.
It was logical-okay, perhaps that was a bit much-in her mind to think they were. She had had that song on repeat the night she had recieved her grandfather's owl. His command.
Taking the microphone from Vee, she mentally, in a quick fashion of someone who knew the lyrics backwards and forwards, went over the words before bringing the microphone closer to her mouth. Her lips pressed together in annoyed pensviveness. As the drums sounded, Saffron allowed the beat to go through her-relaxing slightly-as she tapped her right foot, unconsciously, to it.
"This bloody road remains a mystery." She licked her bottom lip nervously, taking a shallow breath from her nose.
What are we waiting for ? Won't anybody help us ? What are we waiting for ? We can't afford to be innocent stand up and face the enemy. It's a do or die situation - we will be invincible.
This shattered dream you cannot justify. We're gonna scream until we're satisfied. What are we running for ?" Relaxing even further, Saffron slowly began moving the rest of her body to the beat, a small grin quirking her lips.
We've got the right to be angry. What are we running for when there's nowhere we can run to anymore ?
We can't afford to be innocent stand up and face the enemy. It's a do or die situation - we will be invincible. And with the power of conviction there is no sacrifice." Saffron's grin widened even more as she started moving even quicker to the guitars. Merlin She did love this song. "It's a do or die situation - we will be invincible.
Won't anybody help us ? What are we running for when, there's, nowhere ... Nowhere we can run to anymore ?
We can't afford to be innocent stand up and face the enemy. It's a do or die situation - we will be invincible. And with the power of conviction there is no sacrifice. It's a do or die situation - we will be invincible."
Having seen the video more than ten times, she tilted her head back and belted out a "Yeeeeahhhh!" in tune. "Oooooo."
"We will be invincible."
The music faded out and she let out a low breath, a wide grin splitting her face. Then she shrugged, a bit embarrassed and releaved that she hadn't gotten as carried away as she could have. "It's a good song." Her tone a tiny bit defensive.
"It's a very good song and you did a great job with it," Vee smiled at Saffron.
Stephen applauded enthusiastically. "Bravo!" he grinned. "Knew it was your song."
"Well, of course I did and it was." She attempted for nonchalance, even as she felt her cheeks growing warm.
"Are we going to get Belinda up there or should we just move on with the night's entertainment?" Vee turned to Saffron.
"Would she stand up for a duet?" Stephen asked, giving Belinda a speculative look.
"She's afraid of the microphone." Saffron succintly realized. Which made sense because given that she was friends with half-bloods and muggleborns, Saffron was pretty sure that Belinda had never reached the non-magical amphiplier part of her education.
"I'm not afraid. Just ... how does it work?"
Saffron nearly rolled her eyes, but she did smirk. They were going to be here all night. When Belinda allowed herself to be curious, and willingly admitted that she didn't know something, she was worse about the wanting to know than Bet was.
"I'll tell you later." Bet promised. "How about the next form of entertainment?"
Belinda shrugged, however, the look in her eyes told Bet she would hold her to it.
"It's a game. Sorry Stephen, I hate to defer to you again but I can't remember the rules," Vee turned to Stephen.
"I should have written it down for you," Stephen teased, but he accepted the task with good grace. "This is a game called 'I've Never' and it can get very silly or as daring as you like. It's usually a alcoholic drinking game, but since I'm sure none of us want to be caught weaving through the corridors, we'll be sticking with the non-alcoholic beverages and the winner will be whoever has the least amount of empty cups."
"The rules are simple. We sit in a circle and take turns saying something we've never done. However, if someone has done whatever it is, then they have to take a sip of their drink. So for example, if Vee says 'I've Never played the violin' then I would have to have a drink. Easy."
Saffron nodded, "Okay. Let's play then. Who starts?" Walking to the center of the room she sat daintily down on the floor.
"I'll go," Vee volunteered, "I've never been caught snogging."
Stephen, who was sitting next to Vee, made a face and drank. "Now I'm really glad we're not using alcohol," he muttered. "Hm... I've never put on make-up."
Saffron just barely stopped herself from rolling her eyes and she took a drink. As did Belinda and Bet.
Vee rolled her eyes before taking a drink herself.
"Ooo. My turn!" Bet exclaimed. "I've never snogged someone on the first thirty minutes of the first date!"
She took a drink.
"Who!?" Saffron jumped on that, slightly wide-eyed for a moment before narrowing them.
Bet waved a hand at her over-protective cousin as if that would fend her off. "Two years ago, Hogsmeade weekend. I won't tell you because he likes his body parts I'm sure."
"I'm sure he does too." Saffron replied darkly.
"I'm safe," Vee grumbled.
"Me too." Belinda shrugged. The only reason she wasn't being nosy or annoyed was because she'd accidently happened to find out who the bloke had been two years ago.
Stephen thought for a moment. He was fairly sure he'd never snogged a girl under thirty minutes on a first date. Not even Morag, although he remembered kissing her on the first date at some point. "I think I'm safe," he commented.
"I suppose it's my turn, I might as well continue the current thread." Saffron said drily, giving her cousin another look. Bet looked pointedly at the ceiling. Looking a cross between exasperated and amused. "I've never been kissed by someone not family." Saffron said.
Belinda took a drink.
Bet took a drink.
"What kind of kiss?" Vee asked.
Saffron gave her friend a quick, pensive, look from the corner of her eye, "What kind of kiss would you like it to be?"
Of course, Stephen drank and once more was thankful he was only drinking juice. Vee's question caused him to glance over at her and he realised she was likely referring to the friendly kiss on the cheek he'd given her when they were in the broom closet.
"If you mean a real kiss then no, I haven't," she looked down at her juice. Suddenly the game didn't seem like as much fun as it'd sounded when Stephen was talking about it.
"Don't worry. Neither have I." Saffron said, not at all bothered by the fact. Not much. She was waiting. However, her words were accompanied by a gentle smile.
Vee tried to smile back but was only partially successful.
"You just have to be patient." She told her friend.
Vee let out a long sigh, "I'm trying, Saff."
"Then your patience will pay off. Patience always does. You'll see." She said confidently, "It's your turn."
"Okay," Vee closed her eyes and tried to come up with a question that would take them away from relationships, "I've never broken a bone."
Saffron took her second drink.
Bet took a drink.
Stephen sighed and drank, finishing his glass. "Okay, I've never... worn a dress," he said finally, failing to find any other inspiration. He was beginning to appreciate why alcohol was usually involved in this game, it would be a lot funnier. Perhaps they were just suffering from burnout. "You know, I think I'm losing this game quite rapidly."
"It's okay, it just means you've had a more interesting life than the rest of us," Vee's tone was pragmatic as she took a drink of her juice.
"My turn." Belinda said after she took a drink. She'd been saving this one. "I never folded and color-coded my socks."
"Oh, ha-ha." Saffron said sardonically, taking yet another drink.
"I never recieved detention with Flich two weekends in a row." Bet giggled.
Saffron muttered under her breath and took a drink.
"Damn dress code," Vee too took a drink.
Stephen smiled angelicly. "Clearly I'm in the company of some very strange delinquents."
"There is nothing strange about my delinquency," Saffron said primly.
"And it isn't my fault that I hate to wear robes," Vee answered more annoyed than prim. Her friends knew well that one of the things she was most looking forward to was the fact that, after graduation, she would no longer be required to wear them.
"You're still strange," Stephen teased Saffron. He glanced at Vee, raising one eyebrow. "Don't take it too seriously, Vee," he reached out and lightly tugged her hair. "Just resolve to campaign for abolishing the dress code when you're rich and powerful," he winked.
Vee snorted, "Me rich and powerful? In Bizzaro World maybe."
"You don't know that." Saffron pointed out. "And if I'm strange," Her features took a pointed expression as she turned towards Stephen. "what does that make you?"
"A stranger in a strange land," he returned in a calm, almost zen tone.
The smile that quirked Saffron's lips was barely there, near infinitesimle even, but it was still a smile. A very tiny quirk of her lips.
She nodded slowly, as she took in his words and his tone, "Should I call you Martian Man-Hunter then instead of the Commissioner?" Her smile widened slightly. "Or should I expect you to go up north and die from hypothermia-" Saffron said, referencing the Iron Madien song. Her aunt Violetta and Bet, with her electic tastes, were fans.
"He died frozen in ice!" Her cousin protested and reminded.
"He died first, love." She said before continuing, "Only to have your body unthawed millions of years later."
"Hundreds."
"Yes, but millions sounds much more exciting." Saffron pointed out in that logical tone of hers.
Stephen gave them all a baffled look. "You are nuts," he pronounced firmly and then rose to his feet. "and I think this game has come to an end."
"I'm the picture of sanity." Saffron protested.
Bet leaned into Belinda who'd just rolled her eyes in a 'duh' manner, and she whispered, "It took him long enough to notice."
"Okay," Vee grinned. "Who's next?"
"Does anyone remember?" Belinda asked in semily dry tone.
Saffron opened her mouth but was cut off, "Anyone who isn't anal enough to actually keep track."
The birthday girl glared at one of her closest friends.
Bet giggled. "Shouldn't matter. Who ever wants to go next goes. And that'll be me! I never slept through Transfiguration."
They all laughed. Neither of them had ever had that much of a death wish. They spent the rest of the dawning evening playing games and sharing surprising, disturbing, and endlessly quirky secrets.
Watching her friends, a group of bloody barmy and wonderfully thoughtful different individuals, and wishing that Liam was still in school. Saffron was certain that was going to go down as one of her best birthdays ever.