Date: August 1, 2007


The following day was hazy. It was the day after, the calm after the storm. The clouds outside were a light gray, nothing like the darkness that had enveloped them the day before.

It was morning, and I had just gotten back to the common room from breakfast. Now it was time for class work. I had brought my books and bag to one of the desks in the common room and set the things on the floor beside the chair. When my quill touched the clean sheet of parchment, ready to start a brand new essay for Charms on the effects, purpose, historical backgrounds, and movements of the ever so popular Anger-Inducing charm the portrait slammed shut and my head whipped towards the door. Malfoy had strolled in, looking flustered, and was throwing quite a loud fit, mumbling incoherent words and throwing his belongs onto the couch and various tables. I cleared my throat, telling I was here and obviously working on an assignment (I was sitting at the desk).

"Oh, shut up, mudblood." He sneered and grabbed the book he had just thrown to the couch.

"Excuse me, Malfoy, but I don't believe I am the one you should be taking your anger out on. You really do need to learn how to control your emotions." I said, angry. How dare he insult me for absolutely no reason!

"Yes, I'd just love to see you try if you were me." He threw a glare in my direction.

"I'd rather not even imagine having to be you. 'Hated by all' isn't too appealing to me, despite your obvious attraction to the title." I did not move my eyes from his as I spat out the insult. Okay, maybe not everyone hated him. His mother had to like him, right?

Malfoy only glared at me. If looks could kill, I would have been buried long ago. But if I omit all the other times he's glared at me, I would have dropped dead on the spot. He let out an angry noise and stomped over to his room, slamming the door as well. I gritted my teeth; why did he have to slam things?

Taking a deep breath I tried removing all thoughts of Malfoy from my mind. Too bad it didn't work. I sighed hopelessly and dropped my quill. Bloody Malfoy, he just has to ruin everything.

I stood, not up for essay writing anymore. I could do it later once his ferret face was gone from my mind. Walking calmly, I entered my room and shut the door. I flicked my wand lazily, allowing the music to start from the player, opened one of the two doors to the balcony to allow a nice breeze to trickle in, and jumped onto the bed.

Listening to the music, I felt my mind slowly clear and I began singing along, trying to erase my thoughts.

---

"-match! You can't have won! How could you… you've never before now!" Ron was making quite the commotion whilst talking to Harry.

"Nope, all deals are final. You lost, fair and square." Harry said, smirking.

"What happened?" I approached curiously, not knowing if this was a good idea or not.

"He beat me! He actually beat me!" Ron said with pure shock.

"Erm… at what?"

"Chess." Harry said happily. I smiled at this comment; Ron had always been so cocky about his skills. About time Harry beat him at his own game!

"Great job, Harry!"

"Great job… GREAT JOB?! What do you mean 'Great job, Harry'? I lost and that's not even the half of it!" He slumped down on the couch, his face red with anger.

"What do you mean, 'not even the half of it?'" I looked over at Harry inquisitively, who was grinning bigger than ever.

"We made a bet. Loser has to sign up for the talent show tomorrow." Harry couldn't help but chuckle by the end of the statement. My jaw dropped, and I looked over a Ron.

"Ron! That was horrible, taking advantage of your skills. I think you deserved to lose after hearing that!"

"I-I didn't know he was going to actually win!" he said madly, arms flailing dramatically. It wasn't until then that I found the humor in the matter. I couldn't help but burst out in giggles,

"And what are you going to be performing, Ron? A tap dance with spiders, maybe?"

His face turned an even deeper shade of red, if that was possible, "I don't know what I'm doing, yet." He said tightly. Harry and I, however, were in peals of laughter.

"We'd better go and sign you up, eh Ron?" Harry said happily. Ron only sneered and followed the two of us out of the common room to sign him up for the fate he had marked himself.

---

Monday morning rolled in and it was again time for classes. After a grueling double-Potions, an incredibly difficult class of Arithmancy, and a (to my delight) simple review day in Charms, it was almost dusk and I was back to working on everything I had piled up. The day before, I had been able to finish the Charms essay I was thrown off from doing earlier in the day and had also gotten the assignment from Ancient Ruins finished. That only left (at least from last weeks' assignments) a very long essay for Snape that was due the following Potions class, which was Wednesday.

I got to work on the essay and was able to complete about three-fourths of it until I heard Malfoy enter. Looking up at the clock I noticed that it was already eight o'clock; I had been working for an entire hour. I set down my quill, wanting to take a small break before working on the conclusion, and stood from the chair to stretch out my legs.

Not bothering to acknowledge Malfoy's presence, I walked to the small kitchen-like area and took an apple from the bowl of fruit set out by the house elves. Allowing my thoughts to wonder as I sliced and ate my nighttime snack, I recalled the chat Ron, Harry, and I had had about the talent show tomorrow.

Turns out that Ron had come up with an idea for the show – make jokes. Both Harry and I were very skeptical about the idea, trying to tell him (as politely as possible – you've heard of the Weasley temper, no doubt) that he probably shouldn't do something that required the audience to interact. Before I left, I heard Harry suggesting a Quidditch demonstration with something to do with Keeping and saw Ron's eyes light up at the idea. Hopefully his initial idea was thrown out. As comical as Ron was, she just didn't think stand-up was his… 'thing'. He was more of a 'funny-because-I-accidentally-fell-over' type.

Hoping he made the right choice and moving my thoughts elsewhere, I cleaned up the small mess I had made, including washing my own dishes with a simple spell.

"Why do you always do that? That's what house elves are for." Malfoy piped up.

"How would you like it if your responsibility was to cook and clean up after hundreds of children and adults each day?"

"Well… I suppose if I enjoyed it as much as a house elf does I wouldn't mind. Though that will never happen, mind you." I looked at him indignantly and huffed in protest,

"The only reason they enjoy it is because they have been doing it for centuries."

"Exactly, so why stop now?"

"That's besides the point."

"You enjoy… schoolwork. Why?"

"Because, it's interesting. I like learning new things and being able to apply them in life. It makes me feel more proud and – I just enjoy it."

"Now I don't enjoy schoolwork. I think it's a bother. But does that mean I'm going to… do you schoolwork for you because I think you should start seeing what is really 'fun,' or at least what's fun in my opinion." I stared at him, not quite knowing what to say.

"Well… that's completely different. If the elves were educated then they would-,"

"But they're not. And that is just how things are." Malfoy shrugged, looking casual by firm.

"Harry and Ron say the same things, you know. I'm not going to change my view though. You bring up a good point, I suppose, but there are hundreds of more to contradict your opinions and I doubt you want me to start." Best changed the subject. Or just drop it. He seemed to agree and didn't say anything more.

Then I realized that was probably the first civil conversation we've had in a while. Considering it, I decided it was quite nice. Not having to deal with Malfoy would take out quite a bit of stress I have. Maybe I should try and be nicer.

I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. I guess he felt my eyes on him because his eyes met mine and he gave me a rude look and turned back to his book. Shrugging it off, I went back to my essay, ready to finish it.

However, when ten minutes had passed and I was (thank Merlin!) almost finished, Malfoy spoke yet again.

"Doing the talent show, Granger?" I gave him a look.

"No, why would I?" I was genuinely curious as to why he would even ask.

"Well, you do sing quite a bit. I had only assumed you would do something."

"Oh." I said, looking at him fully now. He had heard me sing? I didn't even want to think about it. No one had ever heard me sing. Possibly my mum, but no one else had ever, ever heard me. And it completely unnerved me that one of my enemies had.

I tried to be collective, not making it obvious that I was very uncomfortable with his knowledge. But I'm not sure if it worked. He didn't seem to notice, but I couldn't be too sure. Maybe I was just overreacting. Trying to focus, I moved back to my Potions essay. I really needed to get this done.

Ten more minutes, and I had a complete, yet slightly sloppy towards the end, essay completely analyzing the Cerebisum Potion. Gathering my things quickly, I rushed to get out of the room. Or, away from Malfoy at least. I slung my bag over my shoulder and took a few steps towards my room. But, as it may be, Malfoy spoke once more.

"You would do good, if you entered…" he was quiet, shy almost. Draco Malfoy was not a shy person. I turned to look at him, and saw that he would not meet my eyes, as he kept his fixed to the book in front of him. Not knowing how to react to his statement (or did he just compliment me?), I walked the rest of the way to my room and shut the door.

---

Doomsday, as Ron had recently proclaimed it as, had finally arrived, and still words Malfoy had spoken were continuously ringing through my ears. He had complimented me, which was a rare sound, and in doing so he also confused me to an almost maddening extent. Why would he suddenly be nice after playing cruel the entire year? Was I really good? Or was he only lying in order to see me choke in front of the school? I suppose it didn't matter anyways. It was much too late now.

It was 5:30 p.m., and the students who weren't performing were gathering in the Great Hall to be seated. I had met up with Harry minutes before, and he told me that Ron had left half an hour earlier to prepare for the show along with all of the other performers.

"Do you know of anyone else who's going to perform?" I asked Harry as we mad our way into the Hall, which was crowded with students who were being seated.

"Lavender, Ernie, the Hufflepuff in our year, I heard a rumor about Pansy doing something as well. Otherwise, it's a surprise to me."

"Er, what did Ron end up choosing?" I asked, not fully wanting to know the answer.

"He went with the Quidditch demonstration, and thank Merlin! Could you imagine him trying to get the lot of Slytherins to laugh?" Harry grimaced at the idea. I nodded, agreeing whole-heartedly.

We took our seats a moment later within the area surrounded by the other Gryffindors. Although the event was partially to encourage house unity outside of lessons, it seemed as though the students had other ideas. I couldn't help but frown at the outcome. I was Head Girl… perhaps I should sit among the Ravenclaws or… somewhere.

"Er, Harry… I think we should sit over there a bit." I pointed to the right, which was where the crowd clad in blue were seated.

"Why?" he looked skeptical.

"Well I am Head Girl, and this event is meant to support house unity…" I drifted off, hoping he'd get the idea. He sighed but compelled nevertheless. Moving a few rows over we somehow happened to be seated in front of a row of Slytherin, behind a group of Ravenclaws, and to our left was a sea of Hufflepuff-yellow.

"Way to support." Harry grumbled, looking behind him to the Slytherins. Thankfully, it was just a couple of small first-years, who looked rather frightened by his presence more than angered. I turned and sent them a small smile, which they adverted their eyes from. Ignoring their reactions, I turned my gaze to the stage before me.

"To start off, I would like to thank the entire staff for putting this together for all of us to enjoy! I'm glad to see so many of you have willingly attended!" Professor Vector's happy voice was projected through the hall. I couldn't help but smirk at the comment. The students were more excited to see someone make a mistake than to support any of them.

Focusing back to the stage, she saw the curtains being drawn back and the first performer, who happened to be Lavender doing her gymnastic routine (which she had been bragging about for the past week!), was center stage. As the upbeat music continued I couldn't help but admit that Lavender had, as always, had lived up to her bragging. The routine was quite a spectacular sight. When she had finished, a loud applause was given from the students and Lavender beamed happily and waved, taking in all the attention she was gaining from the crowd.

Unfortunately, compared to Lavender, most of the other performers were quite dull. One of the younger Hufflepuff students, however, did quite the skit impersonating a muggle magician, which was very amusing for everyone. One group of girls danced, which was met with one of the girls falling part way through, and resembled an uncoordinated pepper trying to dance throughout the rest of the performance. Quite a few others tried to sing, and I was required to plug my ears a few times, all of which I excused with itching and hair-brushing. Nearing the end of the show it was Ron's turn and when he walked on stage I gave Harry a worried look which he exchanged. Ron was pale and shaking slightly from nerves, but his facial expression looked strong and confident.

"Thanks everyone for coming." He greeted the crowd, who looked at him, a few smirking from the stupid comment. He seemed to have realized what he had said after the fact and quickly recovered with,

"Er, right. I'm going to be demonstrating a few techniques for Keeping in Quidditch (well obviously Quidditch), and, er, you know that already from the pamphlet I'm guessing…" his face was bright red now, and he was clearly very embarrassed by his words. Nevertheless, he continued, clearing his throat,

"I, er, got this one from the book Quidditch Through the Ages, and added a bit of my own ideas to it." he reached for his wand and waved it at the Quaffle, making it hover in midair.

"Er, well first you…" I stared at him, feeling sorry for him at first before turning my anger towards Harry.

"You never should have let him do that! I can't believe you, Harry!" I whispered to him, but when I saw the shocked look on his face (with a hit of amusement) I stopped and looked back at the stage, almost immediately regretting it when laugher rang through the all.

It seemed as though, within the minute I had looked away, Ron had managed to show the school how to get pummeled by the Quaffle rather than stop it. I covered my hand to my mouth, muffling the gasp I couldn't help but emit. He had also managed to knock something behind the stage over, and you could hear from the projection charm casted on him that he was trying to help fix it.

I look at Harry, and he looked right back at me. We both stood up at the same time and headed to the steps that leaded to the left side of the stage, where Ron was standing.

"I can't believe you didn't take back the bet after he had lost!"

"Oh, come on! He wouldn't have for me. Besides, who'd have thought something like this would have happened?" Harry said, not sounding sorrowful at all, but highly amused.

I glared at him.

"Ah, come on! He'll be laughing about it tomorrow!" Harry tried again, but I could only glare. Honestly, that was almost him up there making a complete fool of himself!

Now, most of the students were laughing happily at the display Ron was putting on. When Harry and I reached the side of the stage we saw why. Ron seemed to have forgotten that he was a wizard and was trying to mop up the water that had spilled from the glasses that belonged to Luna (who had performed some strange charms on them a few acts before Ron) with his robe! Not being able to stand seeing my best friend in such a state I rushed up to the side of the stage with my wand.

"Evanesco," I pointed towards the water and it cleared from the stage floor. Following that I muttered the drying spell on Ron's robes and threw them at him so he would put them back on.

"Thanks 'Mione." His voice, which he had forgotten was amplified echoed into the hall. I gave him a sympathetic look.

"Maybe you should call it an act, now." I suggested, not wanted to see him any more red than he was.

"But, I have to use the stage time, it was on the sign up sheet!" Ron whispered, trying to quiet his voice. It didn't work. "I'm going to kill Harry." Hermione couldn't help but smirk at that.

I bit my bottom lip nervously. There were two choices: 1) Make Ron go back out there, he lost the bet so he should finish his show! 2) Make Harry do something as revenge for making Ron go up there in the first place. Or 3) Go up there myself.

Quite frankly, none of them appeared.

"What if you don't use it? How much time do you have left?" I asked, but then muttered, "Quietus," to reverse the effects of his voice.

"I'm not sure! Snape's been helping run it though. You don't suppose he'll make me go back up there, do you?" Ron said, looking very frightened and pale once again. Staring at him for a moment longer I took a deep breath and said without further though,

"Don't worry, you've got me now." I looked at him, trying to reassure him (and myself), and walked onto the stage without giving myself a chance to hesitate. I could see that Ron was about to speak, but I held up a hand to object.

I looked out to the students, noticing how many people were actually in Hogwarts for the first time. Too many, much too many. I closed my eyes for a moment and turned to the side slightly. Pulling out my wand, I pointed it to myself and said quietly,

"Sonorus," turning back to the crowd I looked at them again, not knowing what to do now, "Er, hi." I said shakily, and heard a few people talking. Noticing I sounded just about a dim as Ron had I quickly recovered, "Er, well I'll be taking Ron's spot for the rest of his… act."

Everyone had stopped their laughing and was watching curiously, wondering what I was going to do. It was well-known fact I was dreadful at Quidditch, so I clearly wasn't going to continue that demonstration.

I was shaking slightly in fear but forced myself to continue… for Ron. I looked at Harry from the side of the stage, and he too had a curious look on his face but also looked encouraging. I smiled at him and then looked back to the crowd nervously. It was now or never.

I opened my mouth, ready to start, and it seemed as though everyone was holding their breath to hear my voice! Or maybe it was just me. And the first note left my voice,

When they push, when they pull, tell me, can you hold on?

It wasn't the best I had ever sung, but it was just the first line. I continued, expecting my voice to become accustom to the singing after a few more words. Warming up would have been a bit helpful, I chastised myself for not remember to.

When they say you should change, can you lift your head high and stay strong?
Will you give up give in, when your heart's crying out: That is wrong
Will you love you for you, at the end of it all?

I opened my eyes, which were closed tight, in fear of reactions to everyone else. Surprisingly, I was met with two-hundred shocked faces. I looked sideways to where Harry (and now Ron) were standing and was met with two gaping teenage boys. I glanced at Malfoy amongst the Slytherins, not knowing why I had in the first place. But, to my surprise, he was wearing one of is oh-so-famous trademark smirks. Not knowing why, I was stimulated to continue and so I did,

In life, there's gonna be times when you're feeling low
And in your mind, insecurities seems to take control
We start to look outside ourselves for acceptance and approval
We keep forgetting that the one thing we should know is

Don't be scared to fly alone, find a path that is your own
Love will open every door it's in your hands, the world is yours
Don't hold back and always know all the answers will unfold
What are you waiting for, spread your wings and soar

Keeping my eyes open now I was, again, shocked to see people staring to murmur within the crowed. Others looked transfixed by my singing. I looked over a Harry, bewildered, who had finally snapped his jaw shut and gave me a glance that shouted 'Keep going!'

The boy who wonders is he good enough for them
Keeps tryin' to please 'em all but he just never seems to fit in
Then there's the girl who thinks she'll never ever be good enough for him
Keeps tryin' to change and that's a game she'll never win

In the mirror is where she comes face to face with her fears
Her own reflection now foreign to her after all these years
All of her life she has tried to be something besides herself
Now, time has passed and she's ended up someone else with regret

What is it in us that makes us feel the need to keep pretending? Gotta let ourselves be

Don't be scared to fly alone, find a path that is your own
Love will open every door it's in your hands, the world is yours
Don't hold back and always know all the answers will unfold
What are you waiting for, spread your wings and soar

I took a breath after the last note, but heard no sound from the audience. My heart stopped. I stared at all the faces, trying to read them, but what with the lights and my nerves, all I wanted to do was get off the stage. Now.

I turned and walked off, standing by Ron and Harry now. I pointed my wand at myself again and un-amplified my voice. Still, they looked simply astonished.

"I…" I didn't know what to say. I was completely mortified. Was this good or bad? I couldn't help but think it was the latter.

"Wow." Ron said, almost as if stuck in a trance. I stared at him.

"Hermione… that was… amazing." Harry said in a daze, "How come you never told us you could do that?"

"I… never really… I don't like to sing in front of people." Now I was uncomfortable. It was flattering, oh yes, but they were my best friends! Of course they had to say I was good.

"Why the blood hell not? You're great!" Ron said loudly. I only blushed at muttered small thanks.

"Er, well, I'm going to go up to my common room now." I was so… embarrassed. I was sure my face was a ripe as a tomato! But I was just… mortified. I began to walk away from Harry and Ron, and neither stopped me. Walking along the edge of the Great Hall I managed to leave and slowly made my way up to my common room.

It was official. Never, ever, again would I do anything like that, even if it was for Ron.



A/N:
Phew! And there's the second chapter. Also revised. Like the summary says, I'm not sure where I'm going with this one! But next chapter will be the schools reactions as well as all the other fun stuff that happens after a talent show (Like Harry running from his best friend). And, I can't forget to mention the ever-staying Malfoy and his 'I-told-you-so' attitude. With that, I'm finished for tonight. It's 4:00 in the morning and I've been writing since 1:40. Yeah. I have no life, which is why I can wake up at noon happy. Until next time!

Disclaimer: Character are owned by J.K. Rowling. Lyrics to Christina Aguilera, the song Soar.