Students flocked to the hallway, flooding the stone filled corridors like water from a rushing river. The minutes rolled over like hours and the hours moved as fast as days, after what had seemed like an eternity, the day of the talent show finally arrived. Participants grabbed for their costumes, instruments, lyrics and belongings while students grasped their tickets tightly in their fists. Some students slipped the small piece of parchment into the pockets of their robes, others enclosed them in their hands as they made their way to the Great Hall. Ron grabbed a seat at a table positioned right in front of the stage. The stage, about 5 feet high from the ground was all wooden and was conjured up during the night by the Headmaster Professor Dumbledore with black velvet curtains swept back and restrained by golden strings. Hermione made her way over to the table with a black dress bag draped over her right forearm. She sat down in a seat next to Ron and placed the bag on the table top in front of her.

"What's that for?" Ron pointed to the bag and cocked his head to the side in a questioning manner.

"That's my costume for my performance later this evening." She stated very matter-of-factly.

Ron just shrugged and turned back to look through the door.

Soon the table had been filled with students, the seating went Ginny; Ron; Hermione; Harry; Oliver; Rielly; Fred; George; and so on until the entire Great Hall was filled to the brim with students and staff members a like.

The lights began to dim and the enchanted ceiling above began to appear. The ordinary stone and wood ceiling that once was there was now replaced by strings upon strings of multicolored lights, white lights and such. Speakers began to appear in corners and a microphone stand took center as Dumbledore came up behind it. He tapped it three times with his forefinger before picking it up and bringing it to his lips.

"Students as you all know, the time has come to put your peers to the test, to prove their talents to you this year." He began. The student body began screaming with excitement and agreement to his statement. Students hadn't even begun to take the stage and yet the energy was flowing like crazy from the crowd.

"Please, calm yourselves while I speak. First of all, I'd like to say good luck to all of you that are participating. You have shone bravery getting up here on stage and doing what you believe you do best at in front of the entire student body." He continued, one hand up, his palm facing the audience.

Ron gulped at the words 'entire student body'. He ran a hand through his hair and looked around at the jam-packed room of teenagers and teachers. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all, he thought quietly to himself.

"Now for the first prize winner, the grand prize, you will not only receive a trophy, but all of your exams will be cancelled for the end of the year."

Students screamed at the top of their lungs, now there was something worth fighting for. Draco shot a murderous look towards Harry's table, he was determined now.

"Second prize and so forth receive trophies for their efforts and time. Now with that being said, let the show begin! First to take the stage will be our own, Mr. Harry Potter!" He clapped as he removed himself from the stage.

Ron jumped and shot his head to where Harry's seat was to find it unoccupied. He scratched the back of his head and moved his gaze back to the stage to see Harry entering from stage right.

"Oi, where was I?" he quietly asked himself.

Harry took the stage, made his way over to the microphone and placed one hand on top of the mic. Piano music started to play, probably from some enchanted piano from Dumbledore no doubt. From each table you could hear a handful of girls swoon to Harry Potter in a white button down shirt with the top three buttons undone and black jeans, his glasses removed. Opening notes flowed by before the sound of a melodic voice began to sing.

*And now I know Spanish Harlem are not just pretty words to say I thought I knew But now I know that rose trees never grow in New York City

Until you've seen this trash can dream come true You stand at the edge while people run you through And I thank the Lord there's people out there like you I thank the Lord there's people out there like you

While Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers Turn around and say good morning to the night For unless they see the sky But they can't and that is why They know not if it's dark outside or light*

Harry shut his eyes as the notes and words flowed from his mouth. The lyrics rolled off his tongue with much ease. He ran a hand through his untidy jet black hair.

*This Broadway's got It's got a lot of songs to sing If I knew the tunes I might join in I'll go my way alone Grow my own, my own seeds shall be sown in New York City

Subway's no way for a good man to go down Rich man can ride and the hobo he can drown And I thank the Lord for the people I have found I thank the Lord for the people I have found*

As he finished he shot two very thankful looks to his table where Ron, Ginny, Hermione and the rest sat clapping wildly then a look to Dumbledore at the head table which was now transformed into the judging table. Dumbledore nodded to Harry as Harry bowed to the audience. He grinned widely to the clapping crowd before retiring backstage as Draco pushed past Harry to make his entrance next.

"And next we have Mr. Draco Malfoy." Dumbledore informed from his seat.

Author's note - I am so sorry that I haven't updated any of my fanfics lately, guard season finally ended . . hallelujah! And we're on spring break right now so I have some time on my hands since my laptop has crashed. I was working on a script for specs_88, a movie that we're making. That's almost done so yeah. I'm gonna update all these as soon as possible, believe me!!!Until then, LUV AND PEACE!