A/N: Thankyou to all the people that review chapter 8. Sorry it took me so long to update. You know I've had my yearly exams and I had to study. Well here's my update.

CHAPTER 9: The Performances and Changing Relationships

Two weeks passed dreadfully fast for those preforming in Hogwarts idol. These two weeks were spent practising and picking out outfits for the first live concert.

The morning of the first concert came all to quickly for those involved. As usual Harry woke up with Hermione sleeping on his chest. Harry watched silently as Hermione slept. Then he gentle shook her awake.

"Morning sleepyhead." Harry greeted her grinning.

"Morning to you too." She answered him with a small smile as she put her hands on his chest and pushed herself up.

"Ouf." Harry groaned. "Did you have to do that?"

"Yes I did." She answered with her own grin.

"Nervous about today?" Harry asked her getting up.

"A little." She said. "You?"

"Terrified." He told her.

"What. The Boy Who Lived can repeatedly thwart Voldemort's plans but can't handle singing in front of a crowd." She teased.

"Well I do have a reputation to uphold Mione." Harry said holding his chin up.

"Deflate that bighead Mr Potter or I shan't kiss you until you do." Hermione said.

"The you'll be waiting awhile Miss Granger. But I know you'll kiss me 'cause it'll be torture for you." Harry said flashing her his devilish grin.

Hermione's eyes flashed with defeat. "You're right."

"I kn…" Harry started but was cut off when Hermione pressed her lips to his. Harry quickly responded and ran his ran along her bottom lip asking for entrance, which she granted just as quickly.

Harry stuck his tongue into Hermione's mouth. Harry heard a soft moan escape her lips. But as the tongues duelled there was a knock at the door. They pulled apart looking slightly pissed off.

"What." Harry yelled at the door.

Hermione playfully whacked Harry on the arm. "Be nice. Come in," she said.

The door opened to reveal Parvati and Lavender.

"Are we interrupting something?" Parvati questioned.

"Yes." Harry said at the same time that Hermione said 'No'.

"Ok. Anyway we're here to get Hermione." Said Parvati.

"Did you forget we were going to help you get ready today?" Lavender asked.

"No I didn't forget. Go to my room and I'll be right there." Hermione said.

"Ok. Don't be to long." Parvati said as they both turned and walked out of Harry's room.

" I have to go get ready." Hermione told Harry.

"So should I Mione." Harry agreed.

Harry bent down and kissed her again.

"Bye then." Harry said."

"See you down there." Hermione said walking out.

"Well." Said Parvati. "It's about time Hermione."

"Sorry. I had business to attend to." Hermione stated simply.

"Sure. Ok. Where's your outfit for today?" Lavender asked.

"I'll just get it." Hermione said retreating to her walk in closet. Then returning with her outfit.

"I'll just go and get changed and then you two can do my hair and makeup?" Hermione said walking into the bathroom and shutting the door.

Hermione emerged from the bathroom not five minutes later.

"K. Lets do your hair first Hermione." Instructed Parvati.

"What do you think Parvati?" Lavender questioned her.

"I think curly will look nice." Parvati answered Lavender.

"Right you are." Lavender said. "Parvati, will you do the honours?"

"Yes of course." Parvati said as she raised her wand and performed a spell to curl Hermione's hair.

"Makeup now." Lavender said. "Now Hermione hold still we only have 10 minutes to apply the makeup."

"Fine. Fine. Just hurry up." Hermione said impatiently.

Parvati and Lavender quickly, but carefully, applied Hermione's makeup. Hermione stood up and looked in the mirror. Pleased with the outcome, she thanked the two girls the followed them to the room behind the place where the staff table usually stood. There now was a stage in front of a thousand or so seats.

"Ok. I'm nervous now." Hermione told Parvati as they walked into the small room.

"You'll be fine Hermione." Said Harry coming up behind her.

"Thankyou Harry. Well don't you look good." Hermione complemented Harry.

"Your welcome and you look absolutely stunning Hermione." Harry said.

"Guys. It's almost time. Students and teachers are starting to come into the hall. Make sure your ready to preform when you're called out." Said Phoebe.

5 minutes later the Great Hall was full and the competition had begun.

"Ladies and gentlemen." Said Fred Weasley.

"Welcome to the first Hogwarts Idol." George said.

"Let us introduce you to our judges for the competition." Fred said.

"First we have head of Gryffindor house and transfiguration teacher, Professor McGonagall." George introduced.

The spectators clapped politely but stopped when Fred spoke again.

"Next is Charms teacher, Professor Flitwick."

Again applause broke out but quickly died out.

"And last but not least Potions master. Professor Snape." George announced.

The applause this time was not as enthusiastic.

"Alright. Our first contestant is Draco Malfoy." The twins announced together as they moved aside when Draco took the magical microphone off the twins.

Draco was wearing a black, a punk shirt and black pants. His hair was not gelled like it usually was.

"Thankyou. I will be singing American Idiot for you today." Draco said before he started to sing.

"American Idiot

Don't wanna be an American idiot.
Don't want a nation under the new mania.
And can you hear the sound of hysteria?
The subliminal mind fuck America.

Welcome to a new kind of tension.
All across the alienation.
Everything isn't meant to be okay.
Television dreams of tomorrow.
We're not the ones who're meant to follow.
For that's enough to argue.

Well maybe I'm the faggot America.
I'm not a part of a redneck agenda.
Now everybody do the propaganda.
And sing along in the age of paranoia.

Welcome to a new kind of tension.
All across the alienation.
Everything isn't meant to be okay.
Television dreams of tomorrow.
We're not the ones who're meant to follow.
For that's enough to argue.

Don't wanna be an American idiot.
One nation controlled by the media.
Information age of hysteria.
It's calling out to idiot America.

Welcome to a new kind of tension.
All across the alienation.
Everything isn't meant to be okay.
Television dreams of tomorrow.
We're not the ones who're meant to follow.
For that's enough to argue."

Applause broke out in the hall as Draco finished his song.

"Ok. That was great. Now for the judge's comments I think." Said Fred. "Professor McGonagall."

"Thankyou Mr Weasley. That was a good first performance. I would like to see you use the stage a little more but that was fine." McGonagall complemented.

"Professor Flitwick." Said George.

"I agree with everything Professor McGonagall said. It was very well done." Flitwick said.

"And what about you Professor Snape?" Questioned Fred.

"Excellent Mr Malfoy. You did very well." Professor Snape answered.

As Draco walked off the stage Fred and George announced the second performance.

"And now please welcome Mr Harry Potter to the stage." George and Fred said at the same time.

"Good luck Harry." Hermione said wishing Harry good luck and giving him a quick kiss.

"Thankyou. Good luck yourself." Harry said before heading out onto the stage. He was wearing a tux with a green tie and his hair was slightly less wild than it usually was.

"Thankyou. I will be singing Chain Reaction." Harry announced.

"One Shot in a revolution
One drop from a poison pen
One fruit too small and bitter
One tree too proud to bend
One man to start the trouble
One kiss to seal your fate
One kid that needs some action
One Link in a chain reaction

I got a fever, ohh, a fever in my soul
No I don't want to die
Before I get old
It took some time just to bring me here
Nobody's gonna put me down
Do I make myself clear

One Shot in a revolution
One drop from a poison pen
One fruit too small and bitter
One tree too proud to bend
One man to start the trouble
One kiss to seal your fate
One kid that needs some action
One Link in a chain reaction

I've got trouble, oh, trouble in my life
And I've been living
On the edge of a knife
But I don't intend to let you down
I'm gonna give you love
Before I hit the ground

One cruel and callous lover
One blow below the belt
One chance without another
One heart too cool to melt
One link in a chain reaction
One link in a chain reaction

One Shot in a revolution
One drop from a poison pen
One fruit too small and bitter
One tree too proud to bend
One man to start the trouble
One kiss to seal your fate
One Link in a chain reaction
One Link in a chain reaction"

Applause, screams and cries rand throughout the hall. Fred and George said a word of congratulations before the judges gave their comments.

"Now. Please welcome Miss Hermione Granger." Said Fred and George.

Hermione stepped out onto the stage. She was wearing a floral, summer halter-neck dress with white high heels and light makeup.

"Thankyou. I will be singing Visualise." Hermione announced.

"Visualise winning
It's all in the mind
If your head is spinning
Find a way
To make it fly

I can really feel your pain
It eats into my soul

We can make this together
You must never surrender
This is now or never
Close your eyes
And visualise

Visualise swimming
In the oceans
In the sky
Go back to the beginning
To the place where you can fly

Whole lives can get crystallized
In moments like this

We can make this together
You must never surrender
This is now or never
Close your eyes
And visualise

oh!

I visualise happiness
A thousand words I can't express
I visualise happiness
A part of me won't be suppressed
I visualise laughing hard
and open up a deck of cards
Singing til the day is through
I make a call
I know it's you

We can make this together
You must never surrender
This is now or never
Close your eyes
And visualise
And visualise"

The crowd went wild as Hermione finished the song.

"Judge's comments." Said Fred and George.

"Amazing, simply amazing. You look stunning and the performance was great. Well done." Said McGonagall.

"Marvellous Miss Granger. No complaints here." Flitwick told them.

"It was good." Mumbled Snape under his breath.

Applause broke out in the hall again at these comments.

Hermione walked of stage smiling while Paige was called out.

Paige wore simple jeans and a pretty red top. She announced that she was to sing 'Poison'.

"You better stop better run away
You better listen to what I have to say
I'll keep you hanging on the line
With just one kiss I will blow your mind
Your desperation makes you feel insane
Fever running high you will never be the same

Chorus
Don't you treat me bad
Don't you make me sad
Our love could be deep as the ocean
If you can't be true
I've got news for you
Just remember I can be poison

Some people say that I'm hard to tame
They know that trouble is my middle name
To dangerous what you want from me
This chemistry in my body
I've got you scared and now your running blind
Don't make me mad
Cause you know I won't be kind, oh so kind

Repeat chorus

Don't give empty reasons baby
Cause I don't want your lies
And don't think you can deceive this poison inside

Repeat chorus to fade"

The crowd was stunned, to say the least that a professor could sing. And quite well at that. Even the judges were impressed.

Next out was Ginny. She was wearing a black top and skirt. She told the crowd that she would be singing 'Because of you'.

"I will not make the same mistakes that you did
I will not let myself
Cause my heart so much misery
I will not break the way you did,
You fell so hard
I've learned the hard way
To never let it get that far

Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid

I lose my way
And it's not too long before you point it out
I cannot cry
Because I know that's weakness in your eyes
I'm forced to fake
A smile, a laugh everyday of my life
My heart can't possibly break
When it wasn't even whole to start with

Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid

I watched you die
I heard you cry every night in your sleep
I was so young
You should have known better than to lean on me
You never thought of anyone else
You just saw your pain
And now I cry in the middle of the night
For the same damn thing

Because of you I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt
Because of you I try my hardest just to forget everything
Because of you I don't know how to let anyone else in
Because of you I'm ashamed of my life because it's empty
Because of you I am afraid

Because of you
Because of you"

The crowd was impressed enough to quite loudly. The judges were also impressed with the song.

Next up was a small fifth year by the name of Brinley Vogele. She was to sing 'Haunted'.

"Long lost words whisper slowly to me
Still can't find what keeps me here
When all this time I've been so hollow inside
I know you're still there

Watching me, wanting me
I can feel you pull me down
Fearing you loving you
I won't let you pull me down

Hunting you I can smell you - alive
Your heart pounding in my head

Watching me, wanting me
I can feel you pull me down
Saving me, raping me, watching me

Watching me, wanting me
I can feel you pull me down
Fearing you... loving you
I won't let you pull me down"

The crowd was not as impressed with the performance than some of the others. Even the judges seemed t agree on it.

The next performance was a duet. Olivia Newman and Brighton Adams. They were to sing 'Summer Nights'.

"Summer lovin', had me a blast
Summer lovin', happened so fast
Met a girl crazy for me
Met a boy cute as can be
Summer days drifting away
To, uh oh, those summer nights

Well-a, well-a, well-a, uh!
Tell me more, tell me more
Did you get very far?
Tell me more, tell me more
Like does he have a car?

She swam by me, she got a cramp
He ran by me, got my suit damp
Saved her life, she nearly drowned
He showed off splashing around
Summer sun, something's begun
But, uh oh, those summer nights

Well-a, well-a, well-a, uh!
Tell me more, tell me more
Was it love at first sight?
Tell me more, tell me more
Did she put up a fight?

Took her bowling in the arcade
We went strolling; drank lemonade
We made out under the dock
We stayed out till ten o'clock
Summer fling don't mean a thing
But, uh oh, those summer nights

Tell me more, tell me more
But you don't gotta brag
Tell me more, tell me more
'Cause he sounds like a drag

He got friendly holding my hand
Well, she got friendly down in the sand
He was sweet, just turned eighteen
Well, she was good, you know what I mean
Summer heat, boy and girl meet
But, uh oh, those summer nights

Tell me more, tell me more
How much dough did he spend?
Tell me more, tell me more"

The crowd was not impressed with this performance and neither were the judges.

Nathaniel Carrey was next up singing 'The Last To Know'.

"Where does love go
When you're not in love?
How does it feel when nobody wants it?
Tell me, does it float around
Like a little lost cloud
When a heart is not it's home?
What does love do
When it's not being used?
Feeling like it just don't belong
Tell me, is it laying awake in the middle of the night
Just thinking 'bout what went wrong?
'Cause when I look in your eyes
It's just not there
When I hunger for affection
The cupboard is bear
I don't know why I keep holding on
When love's got the message and it's already gone

Why am I always the last to know?
Tell me why is it always me alone
Still dancing when the party's over
Why am I always the last to see
Just a fool who believes you're still in love with me
Even love can see it's over
I'm always the last to know

What do I do
'Till I'm back on my feet
Do I hang around and try to pretend
That I'm really over you
And it won't take long
'Till love says it's my turn again

'Cause when I look in your eyes
It's just not there
When I hunger for affection
The cupboard is bear
I don't know why I keep holding on
When love's got the message and it's already gone

Why am I always the last to know?
Tell me why is it always me alone
Still dancing when the party's over
Why am I always the last to see
Just a fool who believes you're still in love with me
Even love can see it's over
I'm always the last to know

The next time I fall
I'll be taking my time
To find out if her heart is mine

Why am I always the last to know?
Tell me why is it always me alone
Still dancing when the party's over
Why am I always the last to see
Just a fool who believes you're still in love with me
Even love can see it's over
I'm always the last to know"

He was actually better than the two performances before him so the crowd and judges liked him.

"And last but not least, Leo Wyatt." Announced Fred and George.

"Well this song is called 'Photograph' and I dedicate it to my wife and family." He said.

"Look at this photograph
Every time I do it makes me laugh
How did our eyes get so red
And what the hell is on Joey's head

And this is where I grew up
I think the present owner fixed it up
I never knew we'd ever went without
The second floor is hard for sneaking out

And this is where I went to school
Most of the time had better things to do
Criminal record says I broke in twice
I must have done it half a dozen times

I wonder if It's too late
Should i go back and try to graduate
Life's better now then it was back then
If I was them I wouldn't let me in

Oh oh oh
Oh god I

Every memory of looking out the back door
I had the photo album spread out on my bedroom floor
It's hard to say it, time to say it
Goodbye, goodbye

Every memory of walking out the front door
I found the photo of the friend that I was looking for
It's hard to say it, time to say it
Goodbye, goodbye

Remember the old arcade
Blew every dollar that we ever made
The cops hated us hangin' out
They say somebody went and burned it down

We used to listen to the radio
And sing along with every song we know
We said someday we'd find out how it feels
To sing to more than just the steering wheel

Kim's the first girl I kissed
I was so nervous that I nearly missed
She's had a couple of kids since then
I haven't seen her since god knows when

Oh oh oh
Oh god I

Every memory of looking out the back door
I had the photo album spread out on my bedroom floor
It's hard to say it, time to say it
Goodbye, goodbye

Every memory of walking out the front door
I found the photo of the friend that I was looking for
It's hard to say it, time to say it
Goodbye, goodbye

I miss that town
I miss the faces
You can't erase
You can't replace it
I miss it now
I can't believe it

So hard to stay
Too hard to leave it

If I could I relive those days
I know the one thing that would never change

Every memory of looking out the back door
I had the photo album spread out on my bedroom floor
It's hard to say it, time to say it
Goodbye, goodbye

Every memory of walking out the front door
I found the photo of the friend that I was looking for
It's hard to say it, time to say it
Goodbye, goodbye

Look at this photograph
Every time I do it makes me laugh
Every time I do it makes me"

As Leo finished the crowd and his family went absolutely wild.

"That was fantastic Leo." Said McGonagall.

"I agree" said Flitwick.

"It was ok." Was Snape's response.

Applause rang throughout the hall once more as the Weasley twins announced the end of the show. They told everybody that an enchanted box would be put in the Great Hall the next morning and strongly encouraged all students and teachers to vote.

After that, the students returned to their normal routine and left the singers alone to talk to one another.

The first thing that Harry did when he saw Hermione was to kiss her.

"Congratulations, Miss Granger. You were amazing out there." He told her.

"Why thankyou Mr Potter. You weren't quite bad yourself you know." Hermione said in return as she leant up to kiss him again.

Harry and Hermione took a moment to look out at the other singers in the room to see what they were doing.

Paige and Leo were surrounded by their family. Olivia and Brighton were together. Brinley stood chatting with Nathaniel. But the most surprising of all was that Ginny was talking sweetly to Draco Malfoy who actually seemed to be enjoying the conversation.

"I'll bet you 10 galleons that those two will be together by the end of today." Hermione said to Harry suddenly.

"Your on." Was Harry's reply. They shook hands to seal the bet.

"Come on. Lets go for a walk around the lake." Harry said offering his hand to Hermione.

"Sure. Ok" She replied taking his hand then entangling her fingers in his.

They walked out of the hall and through the main entrance doors to get to the grounds. From there they commenced their walk to and around the lake.

All of a sudden Harry stopped, which caused Hermione to stop also.

"What's wrong Harry?" she questioned.

Harry didn't answer but instead fumbled around for something in his pocket before kneeling down before her on one knee with a small box in his hand.

"Hermione Jane Granger. I know we haven't been going out for very long but I can't stand to be apart from you already. I want you in my life forever. I have loved you for quite some time and I know the feeling is mutual. So will you, Hermione, do me the honour of becoming my wife?" Harry asked her somewhat nervously.

Hermione's hands flew to her mouth as she let out a small gasp. She managed to get a 'Yes' out before she pounced on Harry.

Harry opened the box to reveal a gorgeous diamond ring, which had an old look to it. He pulled the ring from the box and placed it on her left hand on the ring finger.

"This was my mother's engagement ring. I have reason to believe that it is a Potter family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation. And there is no-one I would wish to wear this ring more than you my love." Harry said.

"Oh Harry it's beautiful." Hermione commented while admiring her new ring. "Oh lets go and tell everyone. Dumbledore first I think and then we can write a letter to my parents. And after that we'll tell the Gryffindors and the Halliwell's." Hermione directed.

"Sounds like a plan." Harry said as he hugged her and followed her back into the castle.

They stopped walking when they reached the stone gargoyle that guarded Professor Dumbledore's office.

"Toffee Apple." Hermione said. The gargoyle sprang to life at these words. They then proceeded up the stairs and knocked on the office door.

"Come in." came Dumbledore's friendly voice.

Harry and Hermione opened the door and stepped into the office.

"Ah. I wondered when I'd be seeing you two." Said Dumbledore.

"What do you mean headmaster?" asked Hermione.

Dumbledore smiled mysteriously. "I do believe congratulations are in order." He said.

"Why thankyou headmaster." Harry said.

"Your welcome. You two have a bright but hard future ahead of you. You'll have to work together to overcome these obstacles. I assume I am the first person to be told. Yes." Said Dumbledore.

"Yes headmaster. Um do believe that we should do an interview with the 'Daily Prophet' so nothing we don't want to get out get out doesn't. You know so we can give the facts straight. No lies or rumours like Harry's marrying me because I'm pregnant type rumours." Hermione asked.

"Great idea Ms Granger." Dumbledore said. "Do you agree Harry?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yeh. I'll send Hedwig with a note scheduling a meeting for tomorrow headmaster." Harry answered.

"Ok. Well off you go. You again congratulations." He said in a dismissive tone.

Harry and Hermione bid him farewell and headed to the Head boy and girl dormitories to write the letter to Hermione's parents to tell of the engagement. After they were finished, they sent Hedwig out and went to find the Halliwell's in their rooms. They coincidently found Ron and Luna in there with them. They were talking about the performances earlier.

"Uh. Guys we need to tell you something." Said Harry getting everyone's attention.

"What's up Harry?" asked Ron. "Nothing's happened has it?" He asked worriedly.

"No. Nothing's happened. We're engaged." Hermione said smiling.

"Oh congratulations guys." Said Paige.

"Yeah congrats. Come show us the ring and tell us exactly what happened." Said Phoebe.

So Hermione sat in the middle of the women and explained how Harry had proposed and showed them the ring while Harry stood talking to Leo and Ron.

"Harry mate. Don't you think your rushing it a bit?" asked Ron.

"Not at all. I mean Hermione's my one weakness and my one greatest strength. I love her and I want to marry her sooner rather than later." Harry said. "Leo can I talk to you to private for a minute please?"

"Sure Harry." Leo said as they walked over somewhere where they wouldn't be overheard. "What's up?"

"I know this might sound weird but can you please tell me what it's like being married?" Harry asked shyly.

"Well. It's an amazing feeling. I mean if you really love the person your married to you two are bonded for life. If she's happy, you're happy. If she's sad you're sad. And they same goes for her. A little bit of advice: Never leave a room angry, always talk through you problems with her and never keep secrets because they tend to find out and then your in trouble." Leo told him.

"Thankyou Leo. This means a lot to me." Harry said.

"Your welcome Harry. Now go and join your new fiancé." Leo told him.

Harry obeyed Leo and went over to Hermione.

"Mione. Where's Ginny?" he asked.

"Don't know. You wanna you find her?" she asked.

"Yeah. Let's go." Harry said.

They walked out of the room and started their search for Ginny. They found Ginny on the 4th floor. But they were sort of shocked by what they saw. Ginny Weasley kissing Draco Malfoy.

Hermione stuck out her hand and said, "Pay up Harry."

"Damn. Your always right." Harry grumbled.

"Well you should have remembered that before we made the bet then, shouldn't have you." Hermione retorted, smiling.

The sudden noise of Hermione talking made Ginny and Draco pull apart and look surprisingly at Hermione and Harry.

Ginny was the first to regain her senses. "Please don't tell Ron about us." She begged.

"We won't. On one condition." Hermione said.

"What. We'll do anything." Ginny said.

"Be one of my bridesmaids." Hermione told her.

"Uh." Ginny said.

Hermione repeated her request.

"Your getting married." She said shocked.

"Yep." Hermione said calmly.

"Congratulations Harry." Came Draco's voice.

"Thankyou Draco." Said Harry using Malfoy's first name like Malfoy had used his. "By the way that means you have to be one of my groomsmen."

"What? Why would you want me to be one of your groomsmen after all I've done?" Draco asked in shock at Harry's request.

"Well Ginny trusts you so I do to. And don't you believe in second chances?" Harry said.

"I wasn't brought up that way but thankyou Harry for the second chance." Draco said softly.

"So you'll do it?" Harry asked him.

"Yes." Draco replied.

"Thankyou." Harry said

"I'm so happy for you Mione." Said Ginny.

"Thanks Gin. Anyway you two find somewhere better to kiss. And please tell Ron about you soon. K." Hermione said

"Yes Hermione. Now I have some unfinished business if you don't mind." She said with a grin.

"Bye Gin." Harry and Hermione said as they headed back to their dorm where they went straight to sleep thinking about each other.