Opening Act

Disclaimer: JKR owns all Harry Potter characters. And the songs referenced belong to Sara Evans and Loreena McKennitt respectively.

Thank you, Sempra, for all your hard work and keeping me in line.

Serena sat in her dressing room, staring sadly into the mirror. Wistful green eyes gazed back at her, and she sighed. For a change she wanted to stay, but a nagging inside her insisted she move on. She ignored it for the time being and looked in the mirror at the person behind her. Charles was there, and she snickered.

"Oi! Right! You think it's hysterical. Bloody funny! What if it isn't enough," he rioted, pacing back and forth.

"Well, one, you are pacing, which simply isn't you, Charles, and two, it will be enough... Trust me." She smiled to waylay his worry. Serena sensed his franticness and turned to face him. She got up and approached him, then gently placed her hands on his, and he immediately felt warmth spread through his body, calming him. He stood there and breathed a sigh of contentment.

"There, that's better, isn't it?"

"How do you bloody do that?" Charles stared at her, shaking his head to clear his muzzy thoughts.

"Well, now that I know you'll listen... It will be enough," she said sternly, placing her hands on his shoulders and looking into his eyes.

"Yes, mother," he saluted.

Rolling her eyes at him and letting go of his shoulders, Serena added, "Now, where is John? You two are so opposite, everything will work. You both make up for each other's weaknesses."

There was a knock at her door, and Serena moved to open it. John stood there, looking calm. Serena observed him and smiled knowingly. "Just a few jitters, huh?" she asked, and he nodded.

"How does she bloody do that?" Charles asked in an exasperated plea and then rolled his eyes.

"It's magic." Serena smiled mischievously, for this wasn't a lie, but the boys didn't know that. "You've done all the research. You have your acts together. The club looks fantastic. You have bouncers, both magic and Muggle. You've crossed every T and dotted every I for the Ministry of Magic and the Muggle government. Now it's time to reap your rewards," Serena voiced enthusiastically, breathless as she ticked off every detail while her eyes danced back and forth between her two friends.

"Now go out there, show off your new club, and get ready to start the show." She smiled, and they both shot beaming smiles back at her. "You know, I'll miss you both," she began on a more serious note. "Please don't think I'm rude if I don't hover after my performance. I'll send for my things as soon as I get where I'm going," she told them.

The smiles left their faces briefly but returned at her scowl. Serena beamed at them again and announced, "Hugs!" And they all gathered in a warm group hug.

"We'll miss you, deary. You know you are always welcome if you are ever in the neighborhood," John told her, his warm hazel eyes meeting hers intently.

"Be safe, and remember, we are here if you ever need us," Charles conveyed.

Serena smiled warmly. She was definitely going to miss the boys. They had been inseparable for several weeks now. Sort of like an old soul finding a home, but her soul couldn't rest yet. It still hadn't found its home... its roots. There was a nagging deep within her she had been ignoring for days. Yes, it was time to move on yet again. She knew she had been doing this for long enough, but tonight, somehow, felt different.

As the boys left to do as she said, she was alone in her dressing room. She did the usual things to prepare for her leave. She never knew where she was going or where she would end up. But it was always the same, and while it was hard to explain, she would know where she was going when she got there.

Serena checked her robes for everything. A majority of her instruments and equipment would remain here for the time being. She was only taking the essentials, and she would wait to don her robes because even though everything was shrunken, they always made her feel weighed down at times. She really despised that feeling.

For her performance, she had green dress robes that shimmered. They were transparent at the sleeves with a flare at the wrist and showed just a bit of leg to the knee with a generous slit up the side from the floor. The green was the perfect shade of emerald that complimented her eyes, and there was even a hidden pocket for her wand.

Yes, she would definitely have to remember Madam Malkin. The woman had known what Serena wanted even before she had known it herself, and that was saying something. The seamstress had shown her a white chemise, which was heaven against her skin, and then the dress robes, which were made of several layers of modal and silk. She was wearing it all. With so many layers, she thought it would feel bulky or heavy, yet it was all light. The robes and chemise had been rather expensive, but John and Charles had insisted on purchasing them for her. She had let them indulge... She did feel guilty, but pushed the feeling aside for once. For some reason she felt she needed these clothes. Serena had never owned anything so comfortable, yet so... provocative.

Serena stood at the full-length mirror and smiled at her reflection fervently. Mmmm... yes, she thought, perhaps she looked quite good. The dress robes flowed as she turned, hugging and revealing, but letting the imagination do the work. It almost looked like she was floating. Perfect, she thought with a smirk.

"Five minutes to curtain call..." John yelled from beyond her door.

There they were, right on cue, the butterflies in her stomach. Like always, Serena took a deep breath to settle them. Silently, she slipped her wand into its secret pocket and left the room to make sure the band and everything else was set up right.

Backstage was a mass of action. The girls from the act following hers were running back and forth putting on makeup. Serena scrunched up her face as she looked at what they were wearing. Nude colored leotards covered in sequins and some type of white plumage stuck to their bottoms like tail feathers. Hideous! But they had sounded good in their rehearsal. Might want to change their image soon, she concluded.

As Serena arrived at the back of the stage, the band was already seated and arranged. They all had their music, and her stool was set at the front with a microphone. Her piano was to her left, and her guitar was in its stand to her right. Perfect. She carefully stepped over all the wires running to the amps and sound booth and made her way to the front of the stage.

Serena grinned and waved at each member as she went past, each smiling in return. John had done a great job selecting each person of the band and, in turn, acquiring some of the best in their field in the area. She was very pleased with this because it would ensure not only the popularity of Achelous but its future success as well. She really was going to miss them all. She made it to her seat finally, but remained standing. She raised the microphone, intending to stand for the first song, and beyond the curtains, she heard murmuring and laughing. Serena took a deep breath and waited the last few minutes quietly.

Severus Snape made his way into the night club with a nod to the man at the door. He looked left and right, taking in the people and atmosphere, ensuring no one would recognize him. He also looked for Mundungus in his hideous hag gear, but didn't see him either. Well that's one bright note to the evening, he reflected.

Scanning the club around him, he noted the bar with glowing blue neon off to the right. The walls had a shimmer to them as if they were filled with water, making the club seem like it was under water. The walls also glowed with aqua-blue color. Ahead of him, there was a shimmering, iridescent-green curtain hiding the stage, and in front of that was a dance floor.

Surrounding the dance floor were tables made from large pieces of coral with clear glass tops. Each was flanked by two chairs which looked like an open shell. Severus searched to find an empty table toward the back and spotted one in a small niche around to the right of the bar. There weren't too many people here yet, even though the show was about to start. However, he felt if it did get crowded, he could see well enough from here and even manage to slip out if needed.

Staring ahead, he went over the plan they had come up with silently. While Minerva had not agreed at first, he closed his eyes at that thought, she had finally agreed that he and Albus were only looking out for her best interests and the school's. She'd had to admit they couldn't all attend the show as it would draw attention. So here he was, about to abduct a woman on the pretense that she was someone who should have been dead, was someone who had an ancient power the Dark Lord might want and was the grandniece of the Deputy Headmistress. Odds were, none of this was true, but these days they couldn't take chances.

Severus looked up to the stage when the curtain rose. And she is beautiful, his mind yelled. He closed his mouth, as it had dropped open in astonishment. Here, before his eyes, on the stage was a vision. This woman seemed to hover in the center of the stage with her green robes floating about her. Her deep, rich mahogany hair was half piled on top of her head, and the rest flowed down her back in a cascade of waves and curls. Her skin looked creamy at her chest where the neckline of her robes dipped between her breasts. The robes clung to her, accentuating the curve of her hips and the swell of her breasts. One could only imagine what she looked like beneath them. Last, her face was like a pixie, with full lips, high cheek bones and bright green eyes. Yes, thought Severus, Serena fits the bill for a Siren alright.

Severus shook his head and recalled what Minerva had told him. Yet, she could never have prepared him for this. Quickly, he slipped the sound mufflers into his ears. He would be able to hear, but any of the ethereal sounds of a Siren would be filtered. The plan was to wait until the show was over to make his move. So, when a waitress walked up to him, he ordered a Butterbeer and leaned back to listen.

Serena held her breath as the curtain rose. Quickly, she scanned the small crowd seated at all the low tables. As she scanned, her eyes seemed drawn to the small table in the alcove to her left. When she noticed the man seated there, she took a sharp intake of breath and her mouth almost fell open. The man at the table was simply delicious. His black hair fell in a curtain about his shoulders, and his hooked nose gave him a look of nobility.

He was wearing what looked like Muggle attire, which was all black: black trousers and shoes, with a black long sleeved shirt with a high collar and a black, enameled button at his throat. His black eyes seemed to rove over her body as the atmosphere sizzled. Serena felt her skin begin to heat as the first strains of her song filled the air, and she began to sing.

"The rockin' horse came, from an old oak tree

Just missed the house, when it was hit by lightning"

Quickly she grabbed the microphone and swung her long tresses.

"My daddy painted that horse, a midnight blue

And it was something magic out of something frightening"

She closed her eyes and let out just a little bit.

"That's how I live my life

The rockin' horse inside the tree"

Severus listened to the words. This song was definitely American. As he looked around again, feeling the need to stop staring at the woman on the stage, he noticed more people filing in. Many of the people already seated were watching Serena avidly, and many of the men had a dreamy look about them. He sneered at them as a feeling washed over him like icy fingers in his gut. What is that, he wondered. Severus swung his head back around to look at Serena again. He needed to do a test so he took one sound muffler out of his ear and listened.

"A broken heart means deeper feelings

It's just something magic out of something frightening"

As Serena went to the chorus again, Severus had to shake his head to clear his thoughts. He had been almost in a trance. However, it wasn't so bad he couldn't think. Severus found himself pondering several things. Serena was either controlling the power very well or this was all the power she possessed. Nevertheless, he put the sound muffler back in his ear. He didn't want to take any chances, as a few men around him were drooling. "Dunderheads," he said under his breath and gave a sniff.

"Ohhhh... things aren't always as they seem

Ohhhh... take the nightmare from my dreams"

Well, he could certainly identify with this song. He watched Serena once more as she opened her eyes, scanning the room as she had when the curtain went up, and her eyes rested on him. They simply seemed to linger on him, and for a moment, it felt like only the two of them existed. Her singing and him watching her.

Serena's gaze drifted from him to rove yet again, and briefly he felt lost. But he shook his head and it cleared. There was something else to try. Breathing deeply, Severus cleared his thoughts with the practice of Occulmency and looked up with his mind clear. When Serena looked at him again, his mind filled with her despite his attempt to shield himself. Since Severus prided himself on his talent for Occulmency, it came as a shock to him when Serena could tear down his defenses without even trying. He realized being close to her was going to be very dangerous for him, especially if she ever fell into the hands of the Dark Lord. What will Albus think, he pondered. His eyes narrowed. He didn't think there would be a twinkle in the old man's eyes with this revelation, or would there be?

Severus sneered at the thought as the song ended and applause began. Just then, a short, stocky man with thick blond hair and blue eyes mounted the stairs to the stage, clapping. "Ah, very wonderful, Serena, love. Thank you. Hello, all! And welcome to Achelous. We hope you are enjoying yourselves. I'll only bother you for a few moments, and then we'll get back to the entertainment." Charles beamed at the crowd.

"First, I would like to thank Serena for all her hard work in helping Jonathan and myself get started." He paused at the applause. Serena started to scowl at him, but then looked away shrugging. Resigned, she smiled timidly and nodded at the crowd.

Severus wondered at this reaction as Charles spoke again. "We have a wonderful line up tonight. After Serena, we have The Harmonious Harpies, and then, to wrap up, we have The Pixies. Also, in addition to the first drink free, we have two for one until midnight." There was loud applause at this announcement. "So, please... Remember Achelous. The place to celebrate and wash away your cares," Charles finished with a flourish and made a movement for Serena to take it away again.

Serena nodded at the band, sat down and reached for her guitar. The drummer tapped off the beat and the song began. Serena closed her eyes and strummed as the words softly floated out of her mouth.

"I'm a leaf on a river, falling from the tall oak tree

I'm restless"

Another American number, Severus thought, but the words spoke volumes. Could this be how she felt, he wondered. More people had wandered in, attracted by the music no doubt, and he noticed they had the door propped open.

Several couples circled the dance floor, but soon there would be standing room only. Serena opened her eyes and searched again for the man in black. Why she continued to seek him out, she didn't know. This was so unlike her, especially when she couldn't get a vibe in the crowd. Several people stood in front of his table now, but she could still feel his eyes on her as she continued.

"Am I an angel, fallen from heaven's grace

This is my callin'"

The crowd was really thick now, and Severus was going to have to stand to see. However, he hesitated. He doubted anything would happen to the main act with this large of a crowd around, but he moved anyway and remained in the shadows so as not to draw attention. He moved, enabling him to see Serena once more as her song continued.

"Oh, to hold somebody close that cares

But until then, I'll just keep movin'"

Severus stared at Serena, who gazed back at him. The fact that he had moved made no difference. Her eyes found him again, and he couldn't help but stare back. After the song finished, the next one began.

This song had a Gaelic feel. Well, that is some change up, he decided. He had to admit this song had a more ethereal feel to it. As he looked at all the faces in the crowd, many looked in a trance or in and out of one, at least. The dance floor was full, and now there was standing room only as Serena continued.

"When in the springtime of the year

Are dressed in ribbons fair"

Serena gazed at Severus and their eyes played a sort of dance. Severus broke the stare this time to search those close to him. Most looked like Muggles, and none looked familiar. For this he was relieved.

"A garland gay we bring you here and at your door we stand...

The work of Our Lord's hand"

As Serena sang the chorus again, Severus popped out a sound muffler again to test the strength of her power. This song was definitely stronger because of the music type, but he could still clear his head with a gentle shake. Swiftly, he popped the device back into his ear.

Severus watched the couples on the floor dance with abandon. Some appeared to be in a trance-like state, and to him, the music seemed seductive. As the song ended, applause erupted from the crowd, and he clapped as well. He heard a few whoops and whistles from the back, then saw Serena try to cover a blush.

"Thank you," she said soberly and smiled. Severus' breath caught. She was simply stunning when she smiled. Severus frowned; he did not understand his behavior at all.

The band behind Serena had begun a murmuring tune like those of a sanctuary. A picture of a tall monastery popped in his head. "And for our last piece, Dante's Prayer," Serena told them as she moved to her piano.

While her fingers caressed the keys, she conveyed a little sorrow, Severus thought. Someone pressed against him, and he looked up into the back of a head. Someone had simply backed into him. He scowled and moved back further.

"When the dark wood fell before me

I tilled the sorrows of stone"

Severus started to make his way to the exit. Serena had said this was the last song. There was no way she could leave from the front. She would probably slip out the back where Fletcher had overheard the conversations. Severus smirked sinisterly. He would be waiting for her.

"Cast your eyes on the ocean

Please remember me..."

Her words rang in his head as he moved stealthily toward the door. Silently, he slipped through the crowd with ease.

"Please remember me...

Please remember me..."

As Severus approached the door and gazed back at Serena, he reflected, How could I not, now that your image is etched into my memory?

A/N: Songs referenced in this chapter include:

Rockin' Horse and Restless by Sara Evans

Mummers Dance and Dante's Prayer by Loreena McKennitt