My apologies for the wait but I have been tied up with school quite often these past few days. I hope you enjoy the chapter though :)

Also, on a note to the anonymous review I got from someone named "Jane": I'm sorry those mistakes bothered you so much, but I have learned how to catch them over the time that has passed since the publishing of the first few chapters. And furthermore, next time you decide to review try using "constructive" criticism because it will get your farther.

As Neville trudged up the steps to the ballet dormitories he wanted nothing more then to crawl into his bed and have a good cry before he fell asleep.

But when he opened the door he was surprised to find himself met with loud, happy voices and cheering.

Hermione and Ginny saw him standing in the doorway and came rushing up to him with huge grins on their faces. "Oh, Neville!" Hermione said. "You'll never guess what's happened!"

"What is it?" Neville asked.

"Pansy was so embarrassed last night," Ginny said excitedly, "that she's refused to go on stage again until she has a period to rest."

"Which means you're the new leading soprano!" Hermione squealed.

Neville forced himself to smile for them. "That's great," He said. "Now we won't have to hear that screeching voice."

"Thank God!" Ginny said rolling her eyes. She grabbed Neville's hand and pulled him inside. "Everyone's celebrating," She said, "so come join in!"

"No thanks, Gin," Neville said pulling his hand back. "I'd rather try to get some sleep."

Hermione and Ginny looked at him in surprise.

"But you should celebrate, Neville," Hermione said. "Its all for you after all."

McGonagall suddenly appeared behind Hermione and laid her hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Let him rest, my dear," She said. "He's had a long night and he's going to have to work hard tomorrow."

Hermione nodded understandingly and bid Neville goodnight with Ginny. Neville said goodnight back and then slunk off to his bed where he pulled the covers up over his head.

And only then with the sounds of the celebration all around him did he finally give way to his tears.

Neville was a sensation as leading soprano. A full house turned out every night he performed making Lupin and Black happier then ever.

After each performance however Neville would slip away from his crowd of admirers to his dressing room where Severus would be waiting to take him down below.

Neville felt as though the only thing inside him was pain and every time he had to treat Harry with cold contempt it would sharpen. The only times in which he could forget his pain was when he sang or when he was with Severus. Otherwise it was as sharp as broken glass.

Hermione and Ginny noticed the sudden change in their friend and worried over him constantly despite his constant reassurances that he was fine.

Time flew by in this manner until one day Pansy returned and although she was given her part back she drew in a considerable smaller crowd then Neville. This made her furious and had the mangers seriously considering having Neville take her place permanently.

Around this time they were rapidly approaching New Year's and Black and Lupin announced that there was going to have a Masquerade Ball on New Year's Eve to celebrate the coming of the new year.

Everyone was thrilled of course but Hermione and Ginny most of all for they hoped that this event would bring the light back into Neville's eyes.

"Remind me why I have to wear a dress for this?" Neville asked as he waited outside the doors to the party with Hermione and Ginny.

"Because you'll be attending it as Naomi Longs," Hermione said, "the famous soprano of the Opera Populaire and not as Neville Longbottom the random chorus boy."

"Right," Neville sighed, still wishing that he could be wearing pants for once instead.

At least the outfit that Hermione and Ginny had forced him into look good on him.

The top was sleeveless and the tight pale fabric had threads of opals embroidered across it. The bottom of the dress was made of a light, soft white fabric that seemed to flow out around him. He was wearing his usual wig of honey blond curls but it had been brought up into an elaborate bun tonight that was held together by two silver hair combs. His mask was white, only covering his eyes, and like the top of its dress it had opals stitched into it.

"Stop being so glum!" Ginny grinned pulling her own mask down over her face. "Tonight is a night to have fun!" And with that she opened the doors and hurried into the light and laughter of the party.

"She's right you know," Hermione said. "You should try to enjoy yourself tonight."

Neville gave her a small smile. "For your sake," He said, "I'll try."

"Thank you," Hermione smiled taking his hand and leading him inside.

Neville tried to stay with Hermione but they were separated the instant people figured out it was who it was under that mask. He eventually escaped from his gibbering admirers only to find himself being accosted by swarms of men, all wishing to dance with him.

Which was how Neville found himself stuck dancing with some poor fool who was constantly stepping on his foot.

Suddenly a hand was placed on the man's shoulder and all too familiar voice said, "Excuse me but can I cut in?"

Neville stiffened instantly and looked at Harry who was standing next to the man. He was wearing a stiff black jacket with bright silver buttons and simple black dress pants. His mask covered like Neville's covered only his eyes and was black as well.

"Oh, of course, Count Potter," The man blinked and released Neville before wandering off the dance floor.

Neville glared at Harry as he wrapped his arm around his waist and took his hand. He had been trying desperately to enjoy himself like Hermione had suggested and Harry was not making it easy.

Their dance was slow, unlike the people around them, and neither of them spoke for a few moments.

"You can stop glaring at me now," Harry said finally.

"Why should I?" Neville demanded. "I told you to stay away from me Harry."

"So, Severus is watching is he?" Harry asked.

"That has nothing to do with anything," Neville snapped. But even as he said that he was scanning the room for any sign of Severus. He hadn't mentioned anything about coming or not. Could he be standing in the shadows watching him with Harry? The thought made him shiver.

"Then why are you trembling?" Harry demanded.

"Its nothing now let me go!" Neville said. He tried to pull away from Harry but his grip was too strong.

"Not until you tell me the truth," Harry said.

"I've already told you the truth!" Neville said desperately. "I love Severus! I belong to him—"

But his rant was cut short as lips suddenly went crashing onto his.

He tried to pull away but found he had no will to. This is what he had been craving every time he saw Harry, this kiss and the rush of warmth that came with it. So forgetting about Severus's ever watchful eyes, he kissed Harry back with a reckless abandon that was met with an equal passion.

When the kiss ended, Neville pressed his face into Harry's shoulder as he cried. "He was going to kill you!" He sobbed. "I had to promise to make you believe I didn't love you! It was the only way!"

Harry wrapped his arms around Neville and rubbed his back soothingly. "Everything will be alright now," He whispered into his ear.

Neville raised his head and looked into Harry's eyes. "Promise?" He asked softly.

"Promise," Harry said. "Actually..." He reached into the pocket of his pants and pulled out something that made Neville's eyes go wide.

It was a gold band the large diamond and the emeralds that surrounded it glinting in the candlelight.

Harry smiled at Neville and took his hand so that he could take off Severus's ring and replace with his own.

"There's my promise," He said kissing Neville's finger.

Neville beamed at him and threw his arms around Harry. But then he saw something that made him go pale.

"Neville, what's wrong?" Harry demanded worriedly as Neville's arms trembled and released him.

The music came to a screeching halt as everyone stared in surprise at the person standing there. Harry turned to see what was so horrible and his mouth fell open in shock.

At the top of the grand staircase stood someone dressed as Red Death with an eerily perfect skull mask.

There was no doubt in anyone's mind who he was.

It was the Phantom of the Opera!

Severus slowly began to make his way down the stairs, a smug smirk on his face.

"Why so silent, good messieurs?

Did you think

That I had left you for good?

Have you missed me, good messieurs?

I have written you an opera

Here, I bring the finished score."

He held up a black music case and threw it down on the steps. "Don Juan Triumphant!" He cried. Turning back to the watching crowd he spread out his arms and continued on.

"Fondest greetings to you all

A few instructions

Just before rehearsal starts."

He turned and began to make his way towards Pansy, his voice now cold.

"Pansy must be taught to act

Not her normal trick of strutting around the stage."

Pansy turned red and began to sputter angrily at him but he had already moved onto Pettigrew.

"Our Don Juan must lose some weight

Its not healthy

In a man Pettigrew's age."

Pettigrew blushed and looked away as Severus moved towards Black and Lupin, his eyes narrowing.

"And my mangers must learn

That their place is an office

Not the arts."

Black glared at him defiantly and Lupin grabbed his arm incase he might foolishly try to attack the man.

Severus turned from them now and his eyes locked with Neville's.

"As for our star

Miss Naomi Longs."

Neville watched in fear as Severus began to move down the steps towards him. He paused when he reached the end of the stars and held out his hand.

As if he was being pulled by some invisible cord Neville found himself pulling away from Harry's hold and moving towards Severus.

Severus smiled when he reached him but when he held out his hand that smile vanished instantly. And Neville's eyes went wide with horror when he realized why.

He had reached out with the hand that should have Severus's ring on his finger but it was no longer there.

Severus's face contorted into one of pure fury and he grabbed Neville's hand in a bone crushing grip and pulled him roughly to him. "Your chains are still mine!" He roared down into Neville's face.

Neville shrank back from Severus, terrified as he remembered what the man was like in such a rage.

But before Severus could do anything else someone grabbed hold of Neville and pulled him away from the Phantom. When he looked up to see who his savior was, Neville was relieved to find that it was Harry.

Severus's upper lip curled as Neville pressed his face into Harry's chest and he glared at the Count.

"He belongs to me!" He snarled.

And then in a sudden flare of flames and smoke, he was gone.