Angel of Music
A/N: I'm impressed! You're reading the second chapter and haven't been thoroughly disgusted with the Mary Sue-age of Hermione. . .you deserve special commendation!
Everything that you recognize from Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling (who is apparently richer than the Queen of England. . .confirmation that you can be successful as a writer!). Everything you recognize from Phantom of the Opera belongs to Gaston Leroux (even though I think he's dead). Regardless, the plot and most of the characters do not belong to me.
So we're following Fred, George and Ginny out to dinner this first part of the chapter, to find out a little more of what turned Hermione Granger from the outspoken know-it-all to a timid, shy and klutzy dancer. . .
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Chapter Two: Who is Hermione Granger?
"So what did you think?" Ginny asked that night at dinner. Fred and George had decided to treat her to a fancy meal to celebrate their arrival. After the rehearsal, they all made their way to Bednobs and Broomsticks, the finest wizard restaurant in England. Ginny had combed out her hair so it now fell sleekly about her shoulders. Fred and George were very relaxed, and the whole affair was a comfortable one.
"Everyone seemed to have good attitudes and be ready to work. . .except for Helena, but, well. . ." George trailed off and took a sip of brandy. "Although, it was interesting seeing Hermione Granger there."
"I agree," Fred spoke up and leaned forward in his seat to be closer to Ginny. "What on earth happened to her? I remember her as the brilliant know- it-all that our dear brother Ronald was mad about. Not as this quiet little ballerina who keeps tripping over her own feet. What happened?"
Ginny sighed and looked down at her plate. "Things changed after Harry died, their seventh year. Not that it wasn't traumatic for Ron, but it seemed to affect Hermione differently. She became a lot more quiet and withdrawn. . .about that time, she broke up with Ron. She said that it would make her miss Harry too much." Ginny traced her fork with her index finger. "It wasn't the best decision. . .she's never stopped missing Ron or stopped loving him."
"Hmm. That's interesting. . ." George began, but Fred elbowed him.
"Let her finish before you start scheming," he suggested, and gestured for Ginny to continue.
"After they graduated, Hermione got a job as a historian, but it didn't keep. She just didn't have interest anymore. I ran into her about five years ago; she was working at the Leaky Cauldron. We got to talk, and she decided to share my apartment. About two years ago, she decided to try out for the theater. She wouldn't have made it had I not been good friends with Rhiannon, the choreographer. I talked to her and she decided that she'd let Hermione in anyway," Ginny continued, then paused as their waitress placed their food in front of them. "Since she joined the troupe, Hermione's become a thousand times more quiet and mysterious than she used to be. . .even after Harry's death. We used to talk about everything, but now. . ." Ginny sighed and shook her head.
"Is she alright?" Fred asked, a bit alarmed.
"I suppose. She still seems happy and all. Just secretive." Ginny shrugged. "I think she's still mourning Harry. Which is understandable, seeing how close they were."
Fred nodded his agreement, and George looked about ready to jump from his chair. "Well, I have an idea!" he exclaimed very loudly. People around the restaurant turned and glared at him. A pair of goblins discussing business at the bank said something in Gobbledegook, giving them a harsh look.
"Why don't you tell the entire restaurant then?" Fred asked with a merry wink. "Go on, then. Let's hear it."
"Opening weekend for this show just so happens to be the same weekend our dear brother Ronald is home from his travels across the Atlantic," George stated. It took the other two a minute to catch on, and when they did, their reactions were completely different.
Fred, on the one hand, clapped his hands and let a huge grin spread across his face. "That's brilliant! If anything can cheer that girl up, it's our brother!" he exclaimed. Ginny, however, was shaking her head.
"I don't know. . .the way Hermione's been talking lately, it almost sounds like she has a new boyfriend. I don't know for sure. . .but. . ." she gave George a desperate look, but he only smiled at her. "I guess, but don't say I didn't warn you if it doesn't work out."
Opening night was three weeks later. The auditorium-with the exception of Box Five-was completely full. Across from Box Five, in the managers' box, the rest of the Weasley family had joined Fred and George in watching the performance: Bill and his wife Fleur, with their daughter Ariel; Charlie and his fiancée Lucille; Percy (who said he was coming alone, but Fred and George insisted to everyone that his date was his ego); Arthur and Molly; and Ron. Ron had changed a great deal since his days at Hogwart's. While there, he had been tall and lanky. He was still tall, but had filled out some, and his red hair had faded from a fiery orange red to a gentle auburn. He looked more mature, older and handsome. In the past ten years, he'd had several opportunities to get into relationships-most as a result of his brothers' matchmaking ways-and the reason he was here was similar. They mentioned that they had someone they "wanted him to meet", which usually meant that the someone was female and that they wanted a relationship to ensue. He tolerated it, but he hadn't really met anyone who interested him. He didn't expect tonight to change that.
"So who's this 'someone' that you wanted me to meet?" he asked Fred as the lights began to dim.
"You'll see," George answered for his brother with a devilish smile. Ron rolled his eyes and turned his attention to the stage as the curtain opened and the music began for the opening number. When he saw the vocalist, he felt his eyes widen in surprise.
"Hermione?" he whispered in disbelief, staring at the beautiful actress who'd taken center stage and begun to sing. Her curly brown hair had been magically straightened and held back in a beautiful, smooth braid that curled around the top of her head. A few curls were left out, framing her face, which shone more than it had in years. She opened her voice and sang, surprising everyone with her beautiful voice, Ron most of all. When she finished her song, the entire auditorium were on their feet cheering, Ron shouting "Bravo!" as loudly as he could. Fred and George looked at each other and winked merrily. It seemed their plan had worked.
After the performance had ended, Ginny followed Hermione to her dressing room. "Hermione, you were brilliant!" she gushed, sitting in one of Hermione's overstuffed armchairs and wrinkling her costume badly. "Who is that voice teacher of yours? I might go to him for lessons."
Hermione turned harsh eyes on Ginny. "He comes to me only. He's my tutor," she snapped then blushed and looked down when she saw the look on Ginny's face. "I'm sorry. It just seems too strange to believe."
"I'll believe you," Ginny offered softly. "Maybe I could meet him."
"No," Hermione shook her head. "He only comes to me when I'm alone. He's like a ghost. . .and. . .it's like I've known him for a very long time. It's almost like. . ." She trailed off and looked away, apparently fighting back tears.
"Like what?" Ginny asked softly.
"Like. . .like it's the ghost of Harry," Hermione answered, a tear slipping down her cheek. She turned to Ginny desperately. "I know it sounds crazy, Ginny, but it's like Harry's come back to help me sing because he knows how much I love it."
Ginny didn't respond right away, trying to think of the right way to answer Hermione. Finally, she sighed and said, "Well, if it gets you the lead role instead of Helena, even better." She gave Hermione a smile, and Hermione returned it with relief. "On a lighter note," Ginny stood and walked to the door, "I suggest you get dressed. A. . .friend. . .of Fred and George is here tonight, and they wanted you to meet him, and perhaps go out to dinner after the show."
Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes. "Ginny. . .I. . ." she began, but Ginny wouldn't let her finish.
"Trust me on this one, Hermione. He's a great guy. I'll go bring him back here. . .you'd better cover up!" Tossing a silk bathrobe in Hermione's direction and waving, Ginny slipped out of the room. No more than five minutes later, Hermione heard a knock on the door. She wrapped the robe around her swiftly.
"Just a minute!" she called, tying the sash and eying herself in the mirror. She then ran to the door and opened it wide. What she saw surprised her.
"Madam, your singing has swept me off my feet," the gentleman in the doorway with auburn hair announced, bowing. "I would like to ask you to dinner this evening."
"I beg your pardon, sir, but I don't even know you!" Hermione exclaimed, trying to get out of the dinner engagement.
"You most certainly do! Why, you, Harry and I were nearly inseparable at Hogwart's," the stranger stated with a merry twinkle in his eyes as he met Hermione's gaze. Her face lit up with recognition.
"Ron! Ron Weasley!" she cried, and threw her arms around his neck, kissing his cheek. "I thought I would never see you again!"
Ron laughed happily. "I thought the same, but then my brothers took over this theater! And you. . .Hermione, you were amazing," he breathed. Hermione giggled and looked away.
"Thank you, Ron. Do you remember in our last History of Magic class we studied angels of history and do you remember the Angel of Music? More than anything, I wanted for that angel to visit me, and, oh Ron, he has!" Hermione exclaimed. "And he reminds me of. . ."
"He obviously has," Ron interrupted. "And I want to hear all about it over dinner. Meet me out in front of the theater in fifteen minutes!"
"Ron, I. . ." Hermione began, but he was already gone. She closed the door behind him and sighed. "I can't."
The lights in her room suddenly flickered, and Hermione heard a voice speaking suddenly. "My little angel, you sang beautifully," the man's voice said. Hermione smiled broadly.
"Thanks to you!" she breathed, sitting down in front of her room's ballet mirror.
"But this Ron Weasley. . .why do you let him steal your glory like that? Why do you let him enjoy what you should be sharing with me?" the voice asked. Hermione lowered her gaze.
"I'm sorry. I was weak and. . .oh, please forgive me!" she cried desperately. The voice laughed.
"Of course, my angel. Of course," it chuckled.
"And will you come to me now?" Hermione asked, suddenly excited.
"Stand up, Hermione." She obeyed. "Look in the mirror, and you shall see me."
She turned and looked in the mirror, and rather than seeing her own reflection, Hermione saw a man's figure standing there, a mask covering half of his face. He was stretching out his hand to her. She gasped ecstatically and reached for his hand. To her immense surprise, her hand passed through the glass of the mirror and touched the man's hand. He took her hand tenderly and led her through the mirror. All was silent in the dressing room until Ron returned five minutes later and found Hermione missing.
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A/N: This is probably ridiculously predictable, but to make it more fun, let's play a game. Who is the Phantom? The answer won't be revealed until the second-to-last chapter, but it would be fun to guess now, wouldn't it?
In any case, I still heartily apologize for the Mary Sue-ness of Hermione. Hasn't she become pathetic? Well, at any rate, write me some reviews and flames. . .it'll make my day!
Keep Reading!
Princess
A/N: I'm impressed! You're reading the second chapter and haven't been thoroughly disgusted with the Mary Sue-age of Hermione. . .you deserve special commendation!
Everything that you recognize from Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling (who is apparently richer than the Queen of England. . .confirmation that you can be successful as a writer!). Everything you recognize from Phantom of the Opera belongs to Gaston Leroux (even though I think he's dead). Regardless, the plot and most of the characters do not belong to me.
So we're following Fred, George and Ginny out to dinner this first part of the chapter, to find out a little more of what turned Hermione Granger from the outspoken know-it-all to a timid, shy and klutzy dancer. . .
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Chapter Two: Who is Hermione Granger?
"So what did you think?" Ginny asked that night at dinner. Fred and George had decided to treat her to a fancy meal to celebrate their arrival. After the rehearsal, they all made their way to Bednobs and Broomsticks, the finest wizard restaurant in England. Ginny had combed out her hair so it now fell sleekly about her shoulders. Fred and George were very relaxed, and the whole affair was a comfortable one.
"Everyone seemed to have good attitudes and be ready to work. . .except for Helena, but, well. . ." George trailed off and took a sip of brandy. "Although, it was interesting seeing Hermione Granger there."
"I agree," Fred spoke up and leaned forward in his seat to be closer to Ginny. "What on earth happened to her? I remember her as the brilliant know- it-all that our dear brother Ronald was mad about. Not as this quiet little ballerina who keeps tripping over her own feet. What happened?"
Ginny sighed and looked down at her plate. "Things changed after Harry died, their seventh year. Not that it wasn't traumatic for Ron, but it seemed to affect Hermione differently. She became a lot more quiet and withdrawn. . .about that time, she broke up with Ron. She said that it would make her miss Harry too much." Ginny traced her fork with her index finger. "It wasn't the best decision. . .she's never stopped missing Ron or stopped loving him."
"Hmm. That's interesting. . ." George began, but Fred elbowed him.
"Let her finish before you start scheming," he suggested, and gestured for Ginny to continue.
"After they graduated, Hermione got a job as a historian, but it didn't keep. She just didn't have interest anymore. I ran into her about five years ago; she was working at the Leaky Cauldron. We got to talk, and she decided to share my apartment. About two years ago, she decided to try out for the theater. She wouldn't have made it had I not been good friends with Rhiannon, the choreographer. I talked to her and she decided that she'd let Hermione in anyway," Ginny continued, then paused as their waitress placed their food in front of them. "Since she joined the troupe, Hermione's become a thousand times more quiet and mysterious than she used to be. . .even after Harry's death. We used to talk about everything, but now. . ." Ginny sighed and shook her head.
"Is she alright?" Fred asked, a bit alarmed.
"I suppose. She still seems happy and all. Just secretive." Ginny shrugged. "I think she's still mourning Harry. Which is understandable, seeing how close they were."
Fred nodded his agreement, and George looked about ready to jump from his chair. "Well, I have an idea!" he exclaimed very loudly. People around the restaurant turned and glared at him. A pair of goblins discussing business at the bank said something in Gobbledegook, giving them a harsh look.
"Why don't you tell the entire restaurant then?" Fred asked with a merry wink. "Go on, then. Let's hear it."
"Opening weekend for this show just so happens to be the same weekend our dear brother Ronald is home from his travels across the Atlantic," George stated. It took the other two a minute to catch on, and when they did, their reactions were completely different.
Fred, on the one hand, clapped his hands and let a huge grin spread across his face. "That's brilliant! If anything can cheer that girl up, it's our brother!" he exclaimed. Ginny, however, was shaking her head.
"I don't know. . .the way Hermione's been talking lately, it almost sounds like she has a new boyfriend. I don't know for sure. . .but. . ." she gave George a desperate look, but he only smiled at her. "I guess, but don't say I didn't warn you if it doesn't work out."
Opening night was three weeks later. The auditorium-with the exception of Box Five-was completely full. Across from Box Five, in the managers' box, the rest of the Weasley family had joined Fred and George in watching the performance: Bill and his wife Fleur, with their daughter Ariel; Charlie and his fiancée Lucille; Percy (who said he was coming alone, but Fred and George insisted to everyone that his date was his ego); Arthur and Molly; and Ron. Ron had changed a great deal since his days at Hogwart's. While there, he had been tall and lanky. He was still tall, but had filled out some, and his red hair had faded from a fiery orange red to a gentle auburn. He looked more mature, older and handsome. In the past ten years, he'd had several opportunities to get into relationships-most as a result of his brothers' matchmaking ways-and the reason he was here was similar. They mentioned that they had someone they "wanted him to meet", which usually meant that the someone was female and that they wanted a relationship to ensue. He tolerated it, but he hadn't really met anyone who interested him. He didn't expect tonight to change that.
"So who's this 'someone' that you wanted me to meet?" he asked Fred as the lights began to dim.
"You'll see," George answered for his brother with a devilish smile. Ron rolled his eyes and turned his attention to the stage as the curtain opened and the music began for the opening number. When he saw the vocalist, he felt his eyes widen in surprise.
"Hermione?" he whispered in disbelief, staring at the beautiful actress who'd taken center stage and begun to sing. Her curly brown hair had been magically straightened and held back in a beautiful, smooth braid that curled around the top of her head. A few curls were left out, framing her face, which shone more than it had in years. She opened her voice and sang, surprising everyone with her beautiful voice, Ron most of all. When she finished her song, the entire auditorium were on their feet cheering, Ron shouting "Bravo!" as loudly as he could. Fred and George looked at each other and winked merrily. It seemed their plan had worked.
After the performance had ended, Ginny followed Hermione to her dressing room. "Hermione, you were brilliant!" she gushed, sitting in one of Hermione's overstuffed armchairs and wrinkling her costume badly. "Who is that voice teacher of yours? I might go to him for lessons."
Hermione turned harsh eyes on Ginny. "He comes to me only. He's my tutor," she snapped then blushed and looked down when she saw the look on Ginny's face. "I'm sorry. It just seems too strange to believe."
"I'll believe you," Ginny offered softly. "Maybe I could meet him."
"No," Hermione shook her head. "He only comes to me when I'm alone. He's like a ghost. . .and. . .it's like I've known him for a very long time. It's almost like. . ." She trailed off and looked away, apparently fighting back tears.
"Like what?" Ginny asked softly.
"Like. . .like it's the ghost of Harry," Hermione answered, a tear slipping down her cheek. She turned to Ginny desperately. "I know it sounds crazy, Ginny, but it's like Harry's come back to help me sing because he knows how much I love it."
Ginny didn't respond right away, trying to think of the right way to answer Hermione. Finally, she sighed and said, "Well, if it gets you the lead role instead of Helena, even better." She gave Hermione a smile, and Hermione returned it with relief. "On a lighter note," Ginny stood and walked to the door, "I suggest you get dressed. A. . .friend. . .of Fred and George is here tonight, and they wanted you to meet him, and perhaps go out to dinner after the show."
Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes. "Ginny. . .I. . ." she began, but Ginny wouldn't let her finish.
"Trust me on this one, Hermione. He's a great guy. I'll go bring him back here. . .you'd better cover up!" Tossing a silk bathrobe in Hermione's direction and waving, Ginny slipped out of the room. No more than five minutes later, Hermione heard a knock on the door. She wrapped the robe around her swiftly.
"Just a minute!" she called, tying the sash and eying herself in the mirror. She then ran to the door and opened it wide. What she saw surprised her.
"Madam, your singing has swept me off my feet," the gentleman in the doorway with auburn hair announced, bowing. "I would like to ask you to dinner this evening."
"I beg your pardon, sir, but I don't even know you!" Hermione exclaimed, trying to get out of the dinner engagement.
"You most certainly do! Why, you, Harry and I were nearly inseparable at Hogwart's," the stranger stated with a merry twinkle in his eyes as he met Hermione's gaze. Her face lit up with recognition.
"Ron! Ron Weasley!" she cried, and threw her arms around his neck, kissing his cheek. "I thought I would never see you again!"
Ron laughed happily. "I thought the same, but then my brothers took over this theater! And you. . .Hermione, you were amazing," he breathed. Hermione giggled and looked away.
"Thank you, Ron. Do you remember in our last History of Magic class we studied angels of history and do you remember the Angel of Music? More than anything, I wanted for that angel to visit me, and, oh Ron, he has!" Hermione exclaimed. "And he reminds me of. . ."
"He obviously has," Ron interrupted. "And I want to hear all about it over dinner. Meet me out in front of the theater in fifteen minutes!"
"Ron, I. . ." Hermione began, but he was already gone. She closed the door behind him and sighed. "I can't."
The lights in her room suddenly flickered, and Hermione heard a voice speaking suddenly. "My little angel, you sang beautifully," the man's voice said. Hermione smiled broadly.
"Thanks to you!" she breathed, sitting down in front of her room's ballet mirror.
"But this Ron Weasley. . .why do you let him steal your glory like that? Why do you let him enjoy what you should be sharing with me?" the voice asked. Hermione lowered her gaze.
"I'm sorry. I was weak and. . .oh, please forgive me!" she cried desperately. The voice laughed.
"Of course, my angel. Of course," it chuckled.
"And will you come to me now?" Hermione asked, suddenly excited.
"Stand up, Hermione." She obeyed. "Look in the mirror, and you shall see me."
She turned and looked in the mirror, and rather than seeing her own reflection, Hermione saw a man's figure standing there, a mask covering half of his face. He was stretching out his hand to her. She gasped ecstatically and reached for his hand. To her immense surprise, her hand passed through the glass of the mirror and touched the man's hand. He took her hand tenderly and led her through the mirror. All was silent in the dressing room until Ron returned five minutes later and found Hermione missing.
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A/N: This is probably ridiculously predictable, but to make it more fun, let's play a game. Who is the Phantom? The answer won't be revealed until the second-to-last chapter, but it would be fun to guess now, wouldn't it?
In any case, I still heartily apologize for the Mary Sue-ness of Hermione. Hasn't she become pathetic? Well, at any rate, write me some reviews and flames. . .it'll make my day!
Keep Reading!
Princess
