Page 58 of Wallflower

However, I thought, remembering what he'd said in the car, Dare did have a valid point about it being a sure thing. There was no way Dad wouldn't notice my presence. Maybe not at first, but he'd see me and know something had changed. Plus, for whatever reason, Dare seemed to want me there.

Flutters began in my tummy again, but I forced them to stop.

A clear head, a bit of music, and some time with the animals, I decided. That was what I needed. When I arrived at the shelter, I let out a sigh of relief. It had been Paris's idea. Once she discovered, I played the cello she had asked me to come in and play for the animals. She'd found an article that said many of our four-legged friends appreciated music as much as humans did, maybe even more with their keen hearing. Every now and then (okay, about once a week) I played for the dogs and cats, and they seemed to love it.

I always tried to bring a variety, but for the most part, I stuck with soothing pieces. Sometimes I'd go for a more upbeat or serious song, but I always made sure I gave it my best.

Hermione and the others deserved no less than that.

When I sat down in a chair, setting up in the middle of the floor and pulled out my cello, several of the dogs started barking, the cats calling out with meows. I took it as applause and smiled to my audience.

"Thank you, thank you," I said with a slight bow. "It's my great pleasure to play for you all. Are there any requests?"

I heard Hermione's bark over the rest.

"I'll play something beautiful for you girl. No worries," I said.

Professor Snape growled at that, and I nodded.

"A piece with feeling, Professor? You got it."

And then I was off.

Sometimes music carried me away, and it did almost every time I played for the shelter. Maybe it was because I so desperately wanted to take them all away from here. Even if it was only for a few minutes. My strings released notes that were deep, resonant. It was the beauty of the cello, and why I had picked it instead of one of the higher-pitched instruments. The sounds were like wading into deep chocolate or a blanket on a cold night. All I wanted to do was warm the souls in this shelter, and I used the music to help me do it.

When I reached the end of my third piece, I let the bow rest at my side.

There was complete silence—but a good silence.

I smiled at Hermione as I met her eye and saw her tail wagging. I looked around and saw several others' tails thumping the ground—though noticeably not Professor Snape's.

"Please no applause," I said to the others. Then I gave Snape a look. "And don't worry, Professor Snape. I know that little scowl is just how you say you loved something."

To that, he huffed and turned his back.

Paris spoke up from behind me. "Viola, you have a visitor."

"Really?" I said and started to turn. "Who—"

The question died on my lips as I spotted the guy standing at her side.

"Tough crowd," Dare said, gesturing to Professor Snape's cage. "I thought it sounded good."

I couldn't believe it was actually him. For a second, I thought I was dreaming.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, all of my surprise coloring my tone.

"My dad's across the street looking at new furniture. I saw your car parked outside." He shrugged. "Just thought I'd stop by and see why you like coming here so much."

"Dare and I have been chatting while you played," Paris said with a smile. "I tried to get your attention before, but you were in your blissed out musician state."

My cheeks went hot. "I was not," I said then stiffened my spine. "I just wanted to give the fur-babies my all."

"And that you did." Paris shot me a wink. "I'll just leave and let you guys talk."

Good Lord, that was the last thing I needed.

"Oh please stay," I said, begged really. Dare had already shown up somewhere that was special to me, throwing me completely off my axis. Being alone with him didn't seem like the best idea. "We could all talk together."

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