In Response to the Guest Review: Yup, Mary's forte is definitely not barbershop or musical theatre. And, furthermore, it should definitely prove interesting! Moreover, in regards to Penelope, I will say that her attitude will probably have to change if she wants to actually get anywhere.

With M/M, I'm trying to think of how they'd be as teenagers who are getting the chance to be in the limelight. Matthew's tended to strike me as someone who can warm up to being in the spotlight, but would like things to be simpler. Mary definitely strikes me as someone who needs to be in the limelight. Hence, why they're going in this direction.

And, oh, I am beyond tickled you got a kick out of Moseley's audition! Writing it just kept cracking me up –– and, yes, good ole Phyllis for supporting him.

Furthermore, I think you'll get a bit of answer answer with Ellie! And, yes, speaking of stars, Jimmy is definitely all of that and more.

And, finally, as overwhelmed as Linda was getting, I do believe she'll get into the swing of it soon enough!

Author's Note: I confess, this next chapter is a bit shorter than I'd like! But, if it's any consolation, the length will be picking up again, I just had no interest in overwhelming you all [let's just say it would've been quite the lengthy chapter].

And, finally special thanks to a FFN guest reviewer who coined a phrase I adore and will be using in this chapter to describe the administration –– thank you once again for that!

_._

Friday, the 17th of January, 2020

7:12 a.m.

If anyone asked her later, Claire Morris never ran up the steps to the second fourth floor. She calmly trekked up the stairs –– think andante, not vivace –– and she definitely didn't almost smack into the banister twice.

Now, she could honestly say that she needed a moment before she entered the second fourth floor. Not only might Mrs. Hughes or Mr. Carson be there this early in the morning, and that'd be absolutely embarrassing, there was always the chance of running into a fellow classmate. Because, yes, she didn't doubt that at least one other person would be sneaking up to see the callback list long before everyone else.

Taking a few breaths, struggling to be entirely at-ease with the situation, the next few moments were a blur as she proceeded to officially enter the second fourth floor. Her tentative steps echoed all around but no one in sight –– something that made it easier to do all of this.

Repeatedly drawing out deep breaths, feeling her heartbeat furiously quicken the closer she got, Claire averted her gaze at the sight of a piece of paper pinned near 402's main entrance. She could see the phrase "Callbacks" printed in beautifully bold letters, the sight causing her to close her eyes for a few seconds. Out of a hundred-and-something students, she wasn't really likely to get a callback for anything.

But, she still hoped for something. Still wanted the chance.

Opening her eyes hesitantly, Claire's vision began to gradually work its way from staring at the ground to looking at the official list. And, since she was determined to look from the bottom-up, instead of the typical fashion, she saw the Rent set-up first...

"Seasons of Love" Callbacks:

First Female Solo: Alyssa Cummings, Daisy Robinson, Isabel Johnson, Ivy Stuart

Male Solo: James Kent, Tony Gillingham, Robert Thompson

Second Female Solo: Alyssa Cummings, Daisy Robinson, Isabel Johnson Ivy Stuart

Smiling at the sight of Alyssa's and Isabel's name up there right along Daisy's and Ivy's –– two girls she knew were in the Concert Choir –– the young soprano felt a renewed twinge of hope. It was that same twinge that had pushed her to audition in the first place. That twinge had told her she really did have a chance, that it wasn't all guaranteed to go to the advanced students.

And, cautiously bringing her gaze up to the auditions she really cared about, she held her breath and forced herself to look it all over...

"One Day More" Callbacks:

Valjean: Benjamin Adams, John Bates, John Drake

Marius: Aaron Aviery, Evelyn Napier, Matthew Crawley

Cosette: Anna Smith, Edith Crawley, Ellie Bell, Lavinia Swire, Maribel Diaz

Eponine: Claire Morris, Mary Crawley, Ruby Quincy

Enjolras: Andrew Parker, Charles Blake, Tom Branson

Javert: Leo Sommer, John Bates, Howard Johnson

Thenardier: Neal Mitchell, Kemal Pamuk, Thomas Barrow

Mme. Thenardier: Ethel Parks, Gladys Denker, Hannah Roberts

No way–– Quickly re-reading the list, her jaw continuing to drop the more it registered that she had a callback, Claire let out of a sound that crossed between an incredulous squeal, a nervous squeak, and a chortle. She then furiously blushed, instinctively speeding off back to one of the stairwells in case Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes were nearby and wanted to investigate the noise.

Only once she was two floors away from the choir rooms, did she pause to regain her bearings and send out a well-deserved text message.

Congratulations on the Rent callback, Isabel! –– CM

She was still reeling from the shock of it all, but that didn't mean she couldn't congratulate her friend on getting a callback as well. And if that text eventually resulted in her mentioning that she, too, got a callback, well that would be kind of cool in her opinion.

_._

8:53 a.m.

"This is ridiculous! Entirely ridiculous!"

Alyssa Cummings snickered at the sound of Camellia Botterill, the one real prima donna that Bel Canto had this year, as she continued to complain to her entourage of one. The bully hadn't gotten a single callback, something that Alyssa thought served her right.

Add to that, Maribel hadn't shaken off the wonder that they'd both gotten callbacks and it all meant that Alyssa was in a great mood. Her best mate and her had a chance of getting a solo, Camellia got a taste of her own medicine, and everything was going her way today. And with a minute or two before class officially started, they could continue to revel in the opportunity.

"Well, you better believe it because they've got it in writing!"

"Like I said," Camellia chimed in, disgruntled and content to stir up trouble, "Entirely ridiculous!"

"That's enough of that attitude, Camellia," Leave it to Mrs. Hughes to put a stop to Camellia's attitude. "And, may I just say that, whether any of you ladies received a callback today or not, that should not stop you all from continuing to audition."

Exactly. Even if she didn't get anything today, Alyssa now knew that it was possible to get called back. Which meant that it was equally possible to get an actual role.

"Now, since there are less auditioning for 'Seasons of Love', we will start auditions today there before transitioning to 'One Day More'. Just like before, anyone not auditioning will be warming up with Mrs. Bird while Mr. Carson, Miss Vance, and I listen to the auditioners in 403."

The soprano nodded to herself, having forgotten all about Mrs. Bird helping them out on this. Seeing as how "Seasons of Love" and "One Day More" were two of the three songs that would involve every choir, Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes explained that the solos for these pieces were important enough to involve outside help. And, since Mrs. Bird didn't teach a second period class, she volunteered to help "corral the chorale" while they worked through the auditions for these pieces.

"Alyssa? You coming?" Isabel, the only other Bel Canto auditioner for "Seasons of Love", concernedly asked the young woman from the doorway. It seemed like the soprano had forgotten to keep moving the more she thought about everything.

"Of course!" Ignoring Camellia's snickers –– at least Alyssa had a chance for a solo, unlike the blonde soprano –– the young woman carried herself proudly out of the door, sending an encouraging smile in Maribel's direction for when it was time for the dark-haired girl to audition.

Whatever else happened, they gave it a shot.

And that really was all that mattered.

_._

9:02 a.m.

Beryl Patmore could consider herself many things as a band director: great at effectively communicating to both faculty and students, stubborn enough to push her students to be the best instrumentalists they could be, and as patient as she needed to be to do all of that. After all, refining someone's technique, coaxing them to rise past what they think themselves possible of, it required all of those qualities.

And, even though she knew all of this, today was one of those days in which none of it mattered.

"Mrs. Patmore! I think someone is playing the C-sharp in measure 43 a little too sharp!"

Why, Elsie? Why did you have to give Daisy and Ivy a call-back for the same parts?

"Well, Mrs. Patmore, I think that someone's making B natural on measure 44 is a little too flat!"

Maybe he's to blame for this. Maybe it's Mr. Curmudgeon who's to blame for the fact that none of my wind section is able to concentrate!

"Mrs. Patmore..." Whoever was to blame, they'd be getting quite the tongue lashing, that's for sure. That's if she made it out of this rehearsal alive!

_._

9:47 a.m.

"Won't you be joining the others for their audition, Ethel?" The young woman in question pointedly looked away from Melinda, a fellow alto, and discreetly shot a look of disdain in the direction of 403 –– the room where callbacks were being currently held.

"Oh, I don't think so." Madame Thenardier, after all, was not a role befitting a young lady of her considerable talent. "I told Mrs. Hughes as such already."

Ethel did no such thing, not caring if the choir teacher was offended or not. If she and Mr. Carson were content to waste their time on people like Ellie Bell and Lavinia Swire for the real roles, then Ethel wasn't interested.

"Oh." Melinda grew quiet at this, rightfully so in Ethel's opinion. Clearly, the singer understood the entire situation and would be leaving her well-alone.

Yes, well, she really didn't care at all about auditions. Not in the slightest. She didn't bat an eyelash at Thomas being all over Andy for getting called back for Enjolras or Andy for doing the same with Thomas and Thenardier. She didn't sneer at Anna and John pretending to be surprised by their callbacks, looking so astonished as they were shepherded out of 402 for their next audition. She also didn't roll her eyes at Gladys bragging about auditioning specifically for Mme. Thenardier to Septimus.

Nevertheless, there was something funny about observing the people getting callbacks. One auditioning singer in particular was interesting to watch.

Ethel was amused by the fact that Mary Crawley was decidedly not okay with the fact that people like Ruby Quincy and Claire Morris were her only competitors. The eldest Crawley sister desperately hid it, speaking to her sisters and Matthew as though she'd already had the role of Eponine in the bag. But Ethel knew that the dark-haired girl was confused as to why such "amateur talent" were only her competition.

Something that would continue to amuse the alto to no end...

_._

2:02 p.m.

However it went, I'm crossing my fingers for you, Thomas! –– DB

Thomas tried not to blush at the text, unable to help himself as his eyes spotted the words of encouragement tucked away in his backpack. Chemistry was not the place to be texting anyone, much as he wanted to respond to his boyfriend.

That didn't stop his phone from quietly buzzing once more a minute later, signaling another text.

I'm sure that it went, as you'd say, "brilliantly"! ;) –– DB

This time he couldn't stop the blush, forcing himself to look at the lab materials before him as a way to distract himself. Yet his mind couldn't stop thinking of the audition. Personally, he thought his Thenardier was a little lacking. That he hadn't acted with the same level of corruption, the same level of cynicism, the character required.

That lack of cynicism might've frightened him a year ago. The baritone knew that, long before Danny and Andy came into his life, Thenardier would've been a cakewalk to pull off. Knowing that things were different, that it was harder to be act as cold or indifferently as he once did…

It was nice.

_._

3:16 p.m.

For once, Charles Carson was eternally grateful for the bell that signaled the end of the school day. Already three students had approached them in a request for a "proper" solo in preparation of The Center's competition this March.

And while the choir director had nothing against Ivy, Alfred, and Rose, he didn't care for how overwhelming this was becoming. How tired he already felt when they were less than a month in, how frazzled he was beginning to feel as a director with all these different tasks before him. Helping Elsie with the wedding, working with Mrs. Bird and Beryl to orchestrate a smooth instrumental set-up for the showcase, fielding the necessary administrative tasks, and going through all the auditions.

The auditions, at least, would ease up. He and Elsie had planned to listen together for the three songs involving every choir –– Miss Vance would be playing the accompaniment, so they could focus not only the sound but the mannerisms of the auditioning student. After those auditions were completed, Miss Vance would work with either him or Elsie when it came to the next rounds. So, any Bass and Concert Choir auditions would involve only him and Miss Vance whereas the Bel Canto and Treble Choir auditions would involve only Elsie and Miss Vance.

This way, they wouldn't have to rely on Mrs. Bird anymore than they wanted to. And then Miss Vance would be able to obtain more experience in all aspects of teaching. Not just warming-up the students and perfecting the songs, but also auditioning.

So, yes, it would all become easier to sort out and manage at least somewhat. Once auditions were over, then it would be a matter of refining all of the music –– something that they were all quite practiced at by now.

The problem was, knowing how the spring semester typically went, everything could only be managed to a certain extent. Stress would inevitably take over. And, with a wedding around the corner, everything was quite likely to get worse.

Unbeknownst to the choir director, he would never be able to guess how right he truly was….

_._

3:47 p.m.

There was a reason Charlie Grigg's name was second in the line-up of "Neal & Grigg". He had always known that this was all the Alice Neal show, that she called the shots –– especially when it came to singing.

What he wanted to know now was why she was grinning at the sight of her emails. Nobody cared for emails and nobody grinned at the sight of them. Of course, with Alice, there was only one rule to finding out what was up: giving over his entire attention to her.

And, after a bit of time looking curiously over in her direction, his plan began to pay off.

"You remember how there were rumours about Downton deciding to abandon their normal spring schemes and focus on a musical theatre showcase?" Grigg hadn't heard anything of the sort, but he knew that she was obsessed with the school. Or, really, she was more obsessed with the choir teachers than anything else.

"Right," He began to speak, but she was past the point of interruption.

"Well, I'll be meeting with Charlie on the 22nd –– he lied when he said he'd need until the 23rd to decide anything about competing," Judging from the distaste emanating from her words, it sounded like Elsie Hughes would also be tagging along to that meeting. But, he didn't need to press Alice's buttons about Elsie or Charlie, not if he wanted answers for everything else. "And, it just so happens that Francesca will be able to do the 24th."

Which means?

As though he'd asked aloud instead of thinking to himself, "Which means that if I'm correct about this little collaboration between Carlisle and Downton, which I am, I'll be able to say something to Dickie, Anthony, and Joyce when I meet with them all on the 23rd." She smugly smirked, keys typing away in response to another email as her thoughts continued to race down a deviant path.

Grigg raised an eyebrow at this, having a feeling he wouldn't like where this was going. Talking to the other schools was not something Alice cared about. "Proving" how great she was, now that was something she did care about. It didn't help that she'd be meeting with Grey, Strallan, and Midsomer all at once while Downton and Carlisle would be meeting with her one-on-one.

"Oh, and I would like your help on this, Charlie," The woman continued to speak, "After all, wouldn't you like a return to your younger years? The ones where you actually succeeded at something?"

Charlie fought back a scowl at her words, not caring for the simpering quality she carried about her when she spoke about this. Talking about the past sounded cheap coming from her, tainting those old memories a little. Of course, he'd ruined it all for himself back then, but that was different.

Or, so he told himself.

_._

4:14 p.m.

I don't envy either of you.

It was a tough thing, being in charge of auditions. Having to set aside all the egos involved and focus on the craft itself. Knowing that some students were going to be disheartened, that not everyone would be happy where they would end up. Linda had comforted herself through these auditions by remembering there was a purpose behind all of this, that the show would be brilliant if they only got through another day's worth of auditions.

But, now? Having to listen to everyone again, to fine-tune the list even further when the stakes have been raised. Every student they listened to today had taken one step closer to being center stage, showing how they could be in the limelight.

Honestly, through this entire process, it was quite easy to remember how painful her own auditions had been over the years, how each of her failed attempts to land a role stung Linda a great deal in the beginning. It did all work out in the end. Her skin was a lot thicker than it had once been, her singing technique had improved, and she'd experienced an increase in success once she decided not to take the rejections personally.

But, it'd taken some doing. Some doing and quite a few well-deserved breaks in between it all. And, judging from the looks on Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes' face, it looked like they needed one of those breaks.

"So, how did you decide which music to select?"

The choir director looked appalled about being distracted from figuring out the perfect Eponine; his colleague and fiancée, on the other hand, looked incredibly relieved. It seemed that the debate was currently in a stale-mate and had been for fifteen minutes, something that was a bit of an anomaly for these two teachers.

"Well," Mrs. Hughes' Scottish lilt, though worn out from the day's events, began to pick up in pace as she explained, "A few songs were suggestions from other people."

"Like?" Linda could've phrased this better, but they were all tired. And manners weren't quite necessary after the long week they've had.

"Well," The teacher repeated, a little dazed by the curiosity. It seemed these callback decisions had taken more of a toll than anticipated. "Cora–– Mrs. Crawley, that is, had suggested 'Summer Nights'. Something about a nostalgia for years gone, I think."

"If I remember that conversation correctly," Mr. Carson smoothly interjected, "We were offered a choice between 'Memory' from Cats and 'Summer Nights'. Given the choice…"

You'd rather not have the choice at all? But, Linda wasn't comfortable enough with Mr. Carson to risk making such a comment. Especially not when it involved a member of the Crawley Admin Triumvirate.

"I see. What about 'Seasons of Love'?" Linda had initially suspected that Mrs. Hughes might've been the one to suggest it. Now, however, she had this feeling that it'd been another one of those well-meaning suggestions.

"Oh, Rent was suggested by Mrs. Craw–– Isobel Crawley." An interesting choice that told her a little about the woman in question. "Rent is a personal favourite of Mrs. Crawley, and so we agreed to incorporate 'Seasons of Love'."

Two down, one to go? But she didn't dare ask if Violet Crawley had suggested anything. Somehow, the older woman didn't strike the teaching assistant as the musical theatre type.

"And, yes, the third Mrs. Crawley –– Violet Crawley –– did make a suggestion for the showcase." Mr. Carson knowingly spoke. When Linda continued to curiously look at him, intrigue outweighing manners, he sighed a little and began to explain.

"After we properly consulted her on the matter," Something in that statement seemed to cause regret within both teachers, though that regret was pushed aside within seconds, "She was able to solve one of our issues and request a song for the showcase."

Still looking at him inquisitively, not getting any real answers from these cryptic remarks of his, Linda quietly continued to wait for further elaboration. And once he realized she'd continue doing so for as long as it would take, the choir director resigned himself to giving more of a straight answer.

"You may have noticed that not all of the music has come in for the Bass Choir. That's because we'd been struggling to figure out the final piece for them. However, upon Mrs. Crawley's suggestion, we stumbled onto a fantastic arrangement of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' from Carousel."

"Indeed." Mrs. Hughes chimed in, "I was surprised that she suggested that. But the arrangement really is enchanting and she confessed to enjoying the message –– mind, we were told not to mention that to anyone."

Linda nodded, easily agreeing to never bring up that fact to anyone else other than her cat. It did explain something interesting about the elderly woman. But, she held back from any comments, sensing that it'd be wiser to keep quietly listening.

"Now, if I'm not mistaken," The choir director continued, smiling in the direction of his fiancée, "'Anything You Can Do' is courtesy of one Beryl Patmore. Mr. Mason naturally suggested 'Hushabye Mountain',"

"Naturally." Linda echoed good-naturedly, having no clue as to why that was natural. By this point in the conversation, it was obvious she'd opened a can of worms.

"Your–– Mrs. Hughes's mother, I believe, suggested 'Holding Out For a Hero'." Yeah, she definitely opened a can of worms if they were bringing future in-laws into this.

"She did indeed, Mr. Carson, though heaven knows why. But that reminds me: I suppose we do know why Sybil Crawley requested 'Once'," Mrs. Hughes remarked, a knowing gleam in her eyes as she smiled fondly.

"Mrs. Hughes, I'd like to feign ignorance on that front, if at all possible." Luckily, it sounded like the man was being facetious more than anything. Why else would the Scot chuckle at the statement, tension continuing to ease out of the pair of them the further this conversation went on.

"And what about the other songs? Any personal favourites?"

"You must remember, Miss Vance, that musical theatre is not my specialty. However, if I were to choose, I'd consider 'I Could Have Danced All Night', 'Hushabye Mountain', and, of course, 'This is the Moment' is my favourite of the lot."

"'Of course' you'd say 'This is the Moment' is a personal favourite, Mr. Carson?" There was more than a trace of cheekiness in Mrs. Hughes' smile, one that grew as her fiancé began to blush. "I am speechless."

Right. There was definitely a story there. One she hoped to learn more about as time went on, that was for sure. But, for now, she'd settle for possibly winning brownie points by saving Mr. Carson from any further embarrassment via changing the subject:

"And what about you, Mrs. Hughes? Any favourites?"

"Well, 'Blue Skies' is a classic jazz piece and to have it in an a cappella form is wonderful. My quartet might also have something special, but that would depend on finding a tenor." Mrs. Hughes paused for a moment, biting her lip as she thought the whole set-list over, "Although I'd not heard of 'When I Grow Up' until recently, I rather like it. '42nd Street' is also a treat, as is 'As We Stumble Along'. And, of course," This time, she was intentionally parroting his words, grinning as she did so, "'This is the Moment' is my personal favourite of the lot. What about you, Linda?"

But the assistant was caught up in one bit of information from Mrs. Hughes' explanation –– a detail that distracted her from the older woman's question.

"Did you say 'quartet'?"

Both teachers paused in their musings at the sudden shift in subject. Intrigue grew within seconds, wrapping itself around the conversation as they shared a look before refocusing on their assistant.

"I did. A barbershop quartet, though we're missing a tenor." Mrs. Hughes tilted her head a bit at this, eyeing Linda in a new light. "Why the interest?"

Blushing at the sudden attention, "Oh, I dabbled in a cappella when I was younger, but never a quartet. I was always interested, but it never seemed to work out the way I wanted it to." The confession began to unravel itself, unwittingly pulling the two teachers into the tale, "At first, it was about competing with school chums. But that fell flat on its face in seconds."

"Go on," Appreciating the encouragement, not wanting to dwell on those draining moments, Linda carried on with her explanation.

"Then it was about just singing in a quartet. But, that also didn't work out. So, I figured it was a sign that I needed to focus on other things in life, like the jazz band and the likes." Linda had been busying herself by staring at the floor throughout this whole little spiel, scared to have these two stupidly talented people confirm that she really ought to refrain from such things. That her place was in other areas, not things like quartets.

"Well, then." Here we go. "Now I think I'll have to offer you the chance," Her eyes darted up to meet the Scot's gaze as the older woman continued: "How would you feel about singing tenor in the quartet?"

Hardly believing the opportunity before her, "Shouldn't I audition first?"

This brought chuckles from both teachers and a resounding, "Consider the first rehearsal to be your audition. How does this Tuesday sound?"

"Tuesday sounds great."

"And, speaking of auditions," Mr. Carson brought the conversation back to familiar ground, adamant about his opinion, "I'm not fully convinced that Ruby is the best choice for Eponine."

"Mr. Carson," Mrs. Hughes seemed to be tensing up again, "Mary Crawley wasn't Eponine. She was Mary Crawley playing the role of Eponine. And, before you ask, Claire Morris gave it a good go, but she couldn't fully let go. Ruby Quincy, however, took on the part. Her training may not be as proficient as Mary, her sound not as mature, but she conveyed much more emotion and convinced me far more than Mary or Claire did..."

_._

Author's Note: If anyone's concerned, I think we're 1-2 chapters away from finding out what exactly Alice wants. But, whatever she wants, I think it's safe to say it's nothing like anything Mrs. Butte would've orchestrated.

In any case, I hope you enjoyed that and have a lovely day!