Angelina smiled while primping in front of her mirror ("Smashing, poppet! But aren't your robes a bit short? It is October!"). She moved to leave the room, then hesitated, returning to the mirror to review her look on last time. She wanted to look her best for the festival, especially since she would be performing. Tugging a curl into a more suitable position, Angelina nodded her approval and headed to her kitchen, where she'd set out the things she'd need. She grabbed her wand and cloak, and picked up the bag that had been sitting on the table. She had found Alicia a costume too, as part of the incentive to convince her friend to get out of the house for the day. Checking one last time that she had everything, she concentrated, and disappeared with a soft pop.

Alicia was thoroughly enjoying her evening at home. She'd already had an extra-long shower, and was curled up on her sofa, reading the latest in the Quidditch stats. There was Ron, right near the top for Keepers, and Katie was right up there for Chasers. Smiling widely when she read her own name there in black and white, she traced it fondly. This is what I've been wanting for so long. She got up and headed to the kitchen. She felt like brewing some coffee. While the water was boiling, the wards let her know someone had Apparated nearby. Scowling slightly, she walked over to the door and opened it just as Angie was about to knock. Instead of the taller girl's hand connecting with the wood of the door, Ali had to dodge quickly to avoid getting hit in the face. Instead, Angie rapped her smartly on the shoulder.

"Well, it appears I was a little over-eager to get the door," Alicia laughed, opening the door fully so her friend could enter. "You look brill, by the way! I take it you're off to Hogsmeade?"

Angelina held up her bag with an evil grin, "You mean we are off to Hogsmeade."

"Angie, tell me you're kidding?" Alicia looked pleadingly at her friend, who shook her head. "I was really hoping to stay home tonight you know. It's gonna be packed with people, and the music will be..." She caught the sudden look of excitement on Angie's face as she mentioned the music. "You're singing. Aren't you? Man! Angie. Of course I'll come. What kind of friend would I be otherwise?" She snatched the bag from her friend, who was smirking in triumph. "What did you pick out for me? If it's horrid, I won't wear it. You, on the other hand, look bloody fabulous, as I said."

Angelina twirled around to show off her costume, "I found it in a Muggle shop. Isn't it just the bee's knees?"

Laughing at her own bad pun, Angelina shooed her friend away to change.

"Make yourself at home, Angie. I'll be out in a mo'." Alicia smiled and scampered into her room. She pulled out the costume Angie had found her, and gasped. It would look really cute, and then she and Angie would be nearly matching. She changed quickly and looked at herself in the mirror. Hmm, I suppose I should do something with my hair, she mused, and maybe some makeup... She raced into the bathroom and did her quick charmwork, her hair suddenly in large, lazy ringlets. She strolled out to her sitting room where Angie was looking at the photo of their seventh year Quidditch Team. "Well, you picked out a hell of a costume, Angie. I love it." She was interrupted as an owl started tapping on her window. Not recognizing it, she warily opened the window to let the creature in. Giving it a treat, she removed the parchment from its leg. Unrolling it, it had only four words scrawled on it. Turn on the Wireless. Confused, she flicked the Wireless on, in time to hear an announcer start speaking.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, for your listening pleasure, we have a new artist on the WWN song lists for you to enjoy. Starting tonight, you will get to hear your favorites, mixed up with some of the new talent that the Wizarding World has been producing. Here, singing her original song 'Puddles', is your very own, Angelina Johnson."

With that, the music started, and Alicia turned to look at her friend. Grinning ear to ear, she spoke, "They're a day early! I asked them to start playing it as of November first. Well, it's even better this way. Happy Birthday, girly."

Shocked, that's what Angelina was, completely shocked. She'd been trying to get the WWN to play her music for years and now here she was standing in her mate's flat in a bee costume listening to her debut. 'Surreal' did not even come close to describing the situation.

Finally working past her shock to the point where she could find words again, Angelina asked in awe, "Merlin, Ali! How'd you manage it?"

Alicia shrugged, there was no way she was telling her friend the whole truth. "I waltzed in the day before your birthday, gave away a couple signed jerseys, and they were more than willing to change things up a little bit. I think they've finally realized that their listeners prefer to hear more than three artists in a given day." Alicia smiled at her friend. "Is it an okay birthday gift? I know it was late and all..."

"It's brilliant, Ali! You could have told me this was your birthday present in March and I'd bloody love it! It's a dream come true," Angelina spun around and did a few steps with the music, laughing.

Alicia laughed and, grabbing her friend's hands, twirled around with her. "I'm glad you like it. They don't give me those jerseys for free you know!" Making a mock-stern face, Alicia couldn't help but grin that her friend was so happy. "Well, what do you think? Should we stop dancing in my sitting room and go dance around the bonfire I hear tell that there is?"

"I think we shall!" Angelina agreed, wrapping her arm around her friend in a quick hug. "Meet you in Hogsmeade?"

The two girls Apparated to Hogsmeade, ready to join in the party. Alicia had completely forgotten her plan to stay home, as the joviality of the party-goers rubbed off on her. She noted with no small amount of excitement that the Sticks looked like it was in great shape, and... "Healing Hands?" Alicia looked at Angie questioningly, catching a sight of red hair and a girl getting kisses on the cheek. "Did Ginny open her own practice?"

"Oh, I hope so. I remember Fred telling me that she wasn't getting nearly enough recognition at Mungo's. Do you think he's here?" Angelina wondered absently as they wandered High Street towards the glow of the bonfire.

Angelina was nearly buzzing with energy, she was so excited. All the people shopping at the stalls and getting drinks from the Sticks were going to hear her sing tonight, whether they liked it or not. She, Angelina Johnson, was part of the official entertainment of the evening AND she was being played on the wireless. Her head spun at the thought that this one evening had been more influential to her career than most of what she'd done in the past five years.

"Come on, Superstar! The bonfire's this way. Let's go dance around and make all the boys drool over our outfits. They're sure to be bug-eyed." Alicia laughed, grabbing her friend and leading her to the fire. Once there, she turned to Angie, a serious look on her face. "Alright. If we get separated, I'll be front and center for your set, yeah? What time does it start?"

"Nine and I'll be looking for you, so you better be there!" Angelina warned. "Now, let's dance! Show me what all those hours of Quidditch practice have done for you!"

"Bring it sister... You're the one who does the dancing." Alicia smiled. This was life at its finest. Spending time with a best friend, dancing around a massive bonfire. This is going to be a great evening, she thought, smiling as she and Angie twirled around each other.

{SUMMARY: Angelina convinces Alicia to go to the Halloween Festival and gets one last birthday present.}