A New Beginning

It was a dreary, rainy day at the beginning of a new term. The rain fell hard, and lightning pierced the sky. The Golden Trio and one extra sat in the carriage chatting the entire twenty minute ride from Hogsmeade station to the castle.

"Oh, Ginny I'm so glad that Professor Dumbledore bumped you up to our year. This is going to be so much fun!" Hermione squealed, her mid back, curly, brown hair bouncing as the carriage hit a bump.

"Oh, I know 'Mione! I heard that Dumbledore has hired a Musical Arts teacher, and is putting on "The Phantom of the Opera"!" Ginny shrieked.

"Hey, "Mione, Ginny, you two should try out! You both have beautiful voices!" Ron piped in enthusiastically.

"If we audition, you guys must audition too," Ginny challenged.

"Okay," said Ron.

"You're on," Harry said as the four of them shook hands making it official.

Everyone continued to talk until the carriage came to a sudden halt at the castle door. Students ages twelve to seventeen were filing in the heavy, ornate, oak front doors.

"So, are you Gryffindor prats going to try out for the play?" a drawling voice questioned from behind.

"We certainly are Malfoy. Are you and that pug-faced girlfriend of yours going to as well?" Hermione answered not even turning around.

"Yes we are, Granger. Do you have a problem with that?"

"Of course not, but you might want to tell Pansy to cry now because she can't beat Hermione or Ginny," Harry retorted smirking at Draco as the students entered the Great Hall.

All Draco did was glare as he headed toward the Slytherin table Pansy in tow. The four others took their seats at the Gryffindor table and immediately started conversations with all the people around them about the musical set to take place in January. A tap on the golden goblet from the teacher's table sounded and a hush fell over the Hall as Professor Dumbledore stood and began to speak.

"Welcome, welcome to another year at Hogwarts. As I am sure you are all aware, some renovations have taken place here at Hogwarts to repair various problems. Also, you have probably noticed that our beloved Professor Snape has resigned because of his failing health. To take his place, is Professor Flowers. Professor Lupin has also returned to fill the role of Defense Against the Darks Arts teacher. Also, everyone by now has heard of our new Musical Arts class and the production of "The Phantom of the Opera". I am pleased to present to you Madame Kirkbell. Auditions for the world acclaimed musical will be held September 12. For those trying out, please prepare a selection from the musical. Auditions are two weeks away, so prepare well. Now, before I bore you all to sleep, tuck in!"

With that, food appeared before the ravenous students. Everyone began to eat like they had not had food in weeks. Slowly, things began to wind down as the students became full of all the sweets which were only crumbs on the platters. Dumbledore stood up and the specs of food all disappeared.

"Dismissed," Dumbledore said followed a big belch.

The students giggled as the left the Great Hall and headed to their respective Houses. The halls were all a buzz with talk about the play. This year was going to be a year unlike any other.

Once back in Gryffindor Tower, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny played the soundtrack to the play, and listened to it all the way through. One by one they found their perfect song. Harry chose 'All I Ask of You', Ron chose 'Music of the Night', Hermione chose 'Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again', and Ginny chose 'Think of Me'.

On the opposite end of the castle Draco, Blaise, and Pansy were doing the same thing. Draco chose 'The Point of No Return', Blaise chose 'Music of the Night', and Pansy chose 'Angel of Music'. The three soon grew tired and went off to bed.

Back in Gryffindor Tower, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were getting ready for bed. Each one humming their respective song, they slowly sauntered back to the Common Room to tell each other goodnight. Soon, the 'goodnights' had been said and they headed to their dormitories.

The next day there were no classes. Most students spent their days in their dorms or in private rooms practicing their songs.

Harry was in Hagrid's cabin as it was empty. Hagrid was once again out on an adventure with Madame Maxime. Ginny was in her dorm room, seeing as all her friends went to Hogsmeade. Ron was in his dorm since Harry and Neville were both off practicing. Hermione was in the Room of Requirement. She sat at the piano plunking out notes and singing along. She had great musical talent, able to play any song at the piano perfectly the first time. Suddenly, the door flew open and in swept the infamous bad boy of Hogwarts.

"Malfoy? What are you doing here?"

"What does it look like, Granger? I came here to practice. You are quite good at a piano, you know," he said staring,

Hermione hadn't even realized she had continued playing. She looked down at her hands and blushed. "Thanks, Draco. Do you want me to play your piece while you sing?"

"Sure. Thanks, but if you get to hear mine, I get to hear yours."

"You've got yourself a deal, ferret boy."

"Ladies first."

"Fine." Hermione began to play the opening of her song. She began to sing. "You were once my one companion, you were all that mattered. You were once a friend and father, then my world was shattered."

All Draco could do was stare. She was definitely tons better than Pansy could ever be. She would most likely get Christine unless little Weasel-bee was any better that her. He seriously doubted it though. If he ended up as the phantom he would actually have to kiss a Mudblood. Oh, God, his father would have a fat ass cow. His thoughts were shattered by the end of Hermione's song.

"Help me say goodbye. Help me say goodbye."

"BRAVO!" Draco bellowed as he clapped enthusiastically. "Hermione, that was gorgeous. I am completely at a loss for words. That was simply exquisite."

"Thanks, Draco," she said again blushng.

"No need to be embarrassed, Hermione."

"Well, I wouldn't if the compliments weren't coming from my arch enemy who has hated me with a passion ever since first year," Hermione admitted.

"I guess it could be quite awkward. Well, I guess we should get on with my song before someone comes in on us getting along."

"Yea. That would be utterly embarrassing. What song?" she asked sticking her hand out for his music.

"The Point of No Return."

"Ooh, that is such a good song. It will fit you well." She grabbed his music and began to play the keys with ease.

Draco soon entered. "Past the point of no return. No Backward glances: the games we played til now are at an end. Past the thought of "if" or "when". No use resisting: abandon thought, and let the dream descend."

His voice was a pure baritone. His range was perfect for the phantom. If he were the phantom, and she Christine, she would have to kiss Draco! How would her friends react? How would Ron take it since he has the biggest crush on her? Oh, God, this is going to be hard.

"Beyond the point of no return," Draco finished.

Hermione hit a chord as to end the song and applauded fervidly. "Wow, Draco! You have the chance of getting the Phantom. Actually, I am almost 100 you'll get it."

"Aww, shucks, Hermione. Thanks, he replied blushing.

"Well, you better get out of here while you have a chance if you want to avoid meeting anyone you don't want to."

"Yea, you're right. Well, thanks again, and I guess I'll see you at dinner."

"You will. Bye."

"Bye," Draco said leaving the room to Hermione once again.

Hermione stayed in the room as to avoid making anything look suspicious. She gathered her things and head back to Gryffindor Tower.

Aspiring, young stars practiced well into the night. Throughout the castle, music could be heard creating the true "music of the night".

This was truly going to be a year to remember. A year so unlike any other, it would surely go down in Hogwarts: A History. A new beginning, and new classes was exactly what some of the students needed.