SuperFantastic says: Finally on to the auditions! (After like, a year... yeah I know, I'm a lazy bitch).
Author's Note: This story is rated "R" for language, drug use, sexual content, and mature/controversial themes (such as AIDS, homosexuality, poverty, etc). The characters in Harry Potter are the property of J.K. Rowling; the RENT libretto, music, and characters belong to Jonathan Larson. All other characters depicted in this story are fictitious. Any similarity to any person living or dead is merely coincidental. No copyright infringement intended. This story is purely fictional and fun.
Harry Potter and the High School Musical
By SuperFantastic
Chapter IX
"American Idol"
The big day had finally arrived. Harry Potter paced nervously in the Gryffindor common room as he anxiously awaited his turn. His call time was not for another few hours, yet his pulse was already racing. He had rehearsed his audition piece, "One Song Glory," only a few times, and now wished that he had practiced more. Next to him, Hermione was silently studying her music one last time. Although she didn't show it, Harry knew that she was just as nervous as he was. Across the room, Neville could be seen practicing dance steps. Fred and Ginny had already gone to the Choir Room for their auditions. Ron sat across from Harry and Hermione, anxiously eyeing his friends. Although he was not trying out, the tension in the room was so thick it was making him uncomfortable.
In the Slytherin common room, the atmosphere was similar to that of the Gryffindors'. Draco Malfoy stood in front of a large mirror, fidgeting with his hair and clothes. Gregory Goyle was nervously tapping on the drum set in the corner. Adrian Pucey was lying on a chaise with his eyes closed with a pair of large headphones on his head. Blaise Zabini was sitting on the floor tuning his guitar.
Earlier that week, Snape had requested that more Slytherins participate in the musical. Only three Slytherins were trying out for singing roles, and no one had signed up for stage crew or production. He knew it was because of the Muggle-themed musical, but also knew that it would make both him—and his House—look bad if hardly any of them participated in the school production. Furthermore, the Minister of Magic himself was invited to the show; with many Slytherins already suspected of being Death Eaters, it would be unwise to remain uninvolved with the musical. Therefore, he sternly told the students that more of them had better participate or else. Pucey, Nott, Zabini, and Goyle, had already been playing with Muggle musical instruments; thus, with Malfoy's encouragement, they volunteered to be in the band.
Meanwhile, in the Choir Room…
"Horrendous, absoulutely horrendous," Snape muttered under his breath. Professor McGonagall, who was representing Gryffindor, winced outwardly. The Hufflepuff judge, Professor Sprout, shook her head in dismay. And poor Professor Flitwick, the Ravenclaw representative and Hogwarts' own Concert Master, felt as if his ears were bleeding. The four judges looked toward the center of the room, at Pansy Parkinson, who had just finished her piece on a glass-shatteringly high note.
"Would you like me to sing another piece?" Pansy asked, blind to the judges' reactions.
"NO!" The four judges shouted in unison.
"Thank you, dear," McGonagall said with a forced smile. "We'll let you know when the results are out." Pansy smirked, confident that she would get a lead role. She flipped her hair and flounced out of the room as all the judges let out a collective sigh.
"NEXT!" shouted Professor Flitwick.
--
The auditions flew by as students came and left. With a few exceptions, the judges were impressed by how good most of the students were. Vincent Crabbe had a surprisingly rich voice, and Ernie MacMillian sang an impressive tenor range. Ginny Weasley was full of energy, and her brother, Fred, made all of the judges laugh (except for Snape, of course). Luna Lovegood mixed up the lyrics in her piece, but still managed to sing in tune. Cho Chang started off uncertainly, but finished strong. Her ex, Cedric Diggory, was (predictably) as charming and perfect as ever. Hermione Granger not only sang confidently, but also presented the judges with a ten page essay on Muggle life in New York City. However, the biggest surprise was Neville Longbottom, who shocked all of the judges by not only singing perfectly well, but also topping it off by performing a well-choreographed dance.
The auditions were drawing to a close. Only two names remained on the list: Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter.
Harry walked slowly toward the Choir Room. He didn't know why he felt so nervous. "It's just a stupid audition," he thought. "I've been up against much worse. I should be able to handle this…" He checked his watch and saw that he still had some time to kill. He sat down on a bench outside the Choir Room, and tried to control his nerves. He was glad for a moment of peace and quiet. Ron had offered to come down with him earlier; admittedly, Harry was glad for his best friend's support, but in the end he felt more comfortable going alone. However, his moment of solitude was shattered by a distinctively snooty voice that could only belong to one person.
"Well, well, look who's here," Draco Malfoy sneered. Harry looked up to see Malfoy coming down the hall with his Slytherin posse. "Do you really think you even stand a chance, Potter?" asked Malfoy, looking down at Harry, who chose to ignore him. Malfoy smiled and sat down next to Harry. "Looks like it's your lucky day," Malfoy said. Harry raised an eyebrow.
"What's he up to now," he thought to himself.
"Since I'm feeling generous, I'm going to give you some advice," Malfoy continued. "You know, these auditions are essentially a talent competition," he said slowly, as if speaking to a retarded child. "Therefore, actually having musical talent is crucial; and seeing as you don't, perhaps it would be in your best interest to quit while you still can," Malfoy finished, smiling with feigned earnestness at Harry. The Slytherins laughed as Harry's face reddened.
"Piss off, Malfoy," he muttered. Malfoy usually knew what to say to get on Harry's nerves, and today was no different.
"Aww, don't be angry, Potter. I'm just looking out for you," Malfoy said innocently, as the other Slytherins snickered.
"NEXT!" The Choir Room door swung open. "Draco Malfoy!" called one of the judges. Malfoy stood up, ran a hand through his hair and walked in confidently.
After what seemed like ages, the Choir Room door opened and out walked Malfoy with a self-satisfied smirk.
"Harry Potter!" McGonagall called. Harry's stomach turned and he felt his heart pounding as he got up.
"Good luck, Potter!" Malfoy called out sarcastically. "You're gonna need it!" Harry could hear all the Slytherins bursting out into laughter as the door shut behind him. He turned to face the judges, and realized that his auditions were about to begin.
"Hello, Potter," McGonagall smiled kindly at him. Harry managed a small hello as his throat felt dry all of a sudden. He swallowed nervously and glanced around, feeling very small in the large Choir Room.
"By all means, move at a glacial pace, Potter," Snape sneered sarcastically. Harry felt his face growing hot. He mentally kicked himself for letting his friends talk him into this. Maybe Malfoy was right; he really had no musical talent. What the hell was he thinking? Maybe it wasn't too late to change his mind…
"What piece have you prepared, dear?" Sprout's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Um, I'll be singing "One Song Glory,"" Harry said, trying not to sound too nervous. "Guess it's too late to back out now," he thought to himself. "Better just do the best I can." Flitwick smiled and cued the pianist. The music started and Harry drew a deep breath.
"One song…glory…one song, before I go…" Harry began softly. Harry closed his eyes and tried to pictured himself in character. He tried to focus on the music and ignore his nerves, pouring all his energy and angst into his voice as the music rose to a crescendo.
"…One blaze of glory!" He finished loudly. The silence in the room was overbearing as Harry looked nervously at the judges, waiting for the criticism that was sure to come.
"That was awful," Snape said.
"That was brilliant," Flitwick said simultaneously. McGonogall smiled at Harry.
"Thank you, dear," she said. "We'll let you know when the results are posted." Harry thanked the judges and walked out, slightly dazed. Did he sound alright? He felt rather good after singing, and only hoped that he did not completely look like a fool. And although he did not want to admit it, he secretly hoped to get a part in the musical. It would really piss Malfoy off. He was looking forward to the audition results.
SuperFantastic says: A big 'thank you' to all of my new reviewers!
To IWannaSpankLongbottom'sBottom: In any bad situation, Harry usually seems to come out ok (God knows how...) Oh, and not to worry, more Neville action is coming up next. To DeadRav: Thank you! I do try! :) To SoNotEmo: Thanks for reviewing! Very interesting idea... we shall see! To DevilInPrada: Thanks again, love. I will have more playlists sometime soon. And of course, this story is nothing without the FASHION! -- It's not too late to leave ideas or suggestions about the casting. Leave a note, let me know what you think! Reviews are always welcome.