Note for previous chapter: I forgot to tell you guys. It's illegal for muggles to sell alcohol during those times but it's ok for wizards to drink it in the muggle world and muggle rules don't apply to them. But it is illegal for wizards to trade with muggles.
Warning notes: There might be some OOCness in here. And what is the difference between moaning, groaning and mewling? And I'm not quite so good with sex scenes and is also trying to keep within rate R so bear with me everyone. There will also be a lot of fluff here as well as cliché ness and man in pink outfits. You have been warned.
Again, I warn you: FLUFF and CLICHÉ ness here, big time. (It's supposed to be for the story to work.)
Chapter 6: Welcome to show business, baby!
"Oh Veilaaaaaaaaaa!"
The glass in the theatre director's hand shattered to the horrendous sound of the seemingly pretty girl's voice.
Remus de Lupine, director of one of the most popular entertainment places in the city, the Bijoux Theatre, was perched on one of the elegant red velvet chairs in front of the stage as he looked pityingly and hopelessly at the dark haired woman in the Viking helmet and breastplates currently unleashing her torturous operatic voice on stage.
"That's enough, Miss Chang, NEXT!" he shouted.
"But I have other songs," The woman pleaded.
"Yeah honey, but do you have other voices? I said, next!"
The girl ran away crying. Remus couldn't care less. He was tired and infuriated, and had been since Gilderoy, his main performer and lover, left him...Again.
He didn't know why he was still dating him. Every week they would have a fight and every week the guy would be unprofessional and quit, only to walk right back again, every single week. The bastard.
Lupine didn't know why he was holding auditions either. He had never seen anyone with an ounce of talent show up. Maybe it was in the hope that, one of these weeks, he would find someone better and more talented than Gilderoy and replace him, finally. That would teach that pompous talent less over-paid 'performer' to walk away from Remus de Lupine. He might even be able to get over him.
He looked hopefully at the twin girls dancing on the stage. They're quite good, he thought optimistically. But it was shattered when the two danced themselves into a pile off the stage.
"NEXT!"
This time a man in a black cloak, a bow tie and a top hat walked in.
"Good evening, I am the Great Marbini, Illusionist to Kings."
Oh great. Another muggle pretending to do magic. Remus rolled his eyes at the thought.
"I will now perform for you a trick seen before only by the crowned heads of Europe." He took off his hat and gestured towards it, "From this hat, I will produce not one rabbit, not two rabbits... But THREE rabbits!"
"NEXT NEXT NEXT !!!" the director shouted, "Don't quit your day job!"
He hated magicians the most. They always reminded him of how he and Gilderoy started this theatre. Gilderoy was practically a squib when it came to useful magic, but he was good at making a show. It was he who came up with the idea to have a wizard owned muggle theatre where he could actually use what little talent he had to make a living.
It was a great idea then. Now, it was just tiring. Remus sighed exhaustedly once more, before a ventriloquist walked on stage with a dummy.
Back stage
"I wish they would just hurry up," Ron said nervously as he paced back and forth behind the curtains.
"Quit worryin' will you? You're gonna be fine," Harry said reassuringly as he watched the red head continuously circle the vast area.
"I didn't count on this many people coming here today." Harry took hold of the boy's shoulders, keeping him still and forcing him to look at him.
"Listen to me. You've got no competition, ok? I've heard those people out there, and they're disastrously horrible."
Ron just looked back at him hopelessly.
"You're gonna be great," Harry reassured Ron again.
"I look like a wreck!" Ron replied, before slumping down on a nearby chair.
"You look great," The dark haired man countered, and gave the red head a smile.
"NEXT!" The voice called from outside.
"It's your turn now, go," Harry said, as he gave Ron a push onto the stage.
Ron stood rigidly on the stage. After all those 'NEXT's, he was more than a little nervous.
"Name?" The director asked loudly.
"Ron Weasley, singer," he squeaked.
"The light!" The director shouted again.
"Excuse me?"
"Move into the light." The director repeated more specifically, "The musicals ain't set in a mine shaft, ya know."
His heart raced as he clung to the microphone with both sweaty hands, as though he was a drowning swimmer, hanging on for dear life. He opened his trembling mouth, but just before the first note left his throat, he was cut off by a horrendous, inhuman screech.
"REEEEEEMUS!!!"
All ears turned towards the sound as a tall, blonde man, his pink cloak swirling around him, walked in with his hands on his waist and his face in a frown. It was obvious that he was trying to look indignant but the effect was lost when he repeatedly tried to blow a stray lock of yellow blonde hair from his face and failed. That, and the fact that he was clothed completely in pink.
"Remus, I'm back." He said as he walked up to where Remus was sat. "I'll give you one more chance, you hear me! Else, I'm out for goo-"
Before the man in pink could continue speaking, the theatre director caught his lips with his own, silencing the magician as his tongue slipped in, eliciting a moan from the other man. He spun them around so that he was on top and both of them disappeared beneath the vast sea of red velvet seats.
On stage, Ron stood, completely shocked by what had happened. A single tear flowed from his eye as he realized that he had, once again, lost his chance. The boy ran off the stage.
"Ron," Harry said softly, catching the boy in his arms before he could get away. The boy sobbed quietly against Harry's chest, letting the warmth envelop him and the steady heart beat calm him. His arms went around Harry's neck, as the man held him tight and brought them both down to sit on the floor.
"Shh, calm down, Ron, there're a million other jobs out there. You're talented, I'm sure you'll make it big some day," He said as he rocked the boy like a child.
"I'll be on the... sob... street corner.... sob ...with a hat.... sob ....to catch the dimes sob." The rest of the sentence was lost, muffled by Harry's shirt and his own tears.
"No you won't, Ron, it just takes time to become a big star, that's all." Ron stopped and looked up at Harry. His voice was squeaky and his eyes were rimmed red.
"I've been walking the streets of New York for six months and the only fancy steps I've done so far are avoiding the man who collects the rent. And I can't even do that properly," The red haired boy burst into tears again.
"You're gonna be fine, Ron. You're special. You've got passion, I can see it in your eyes, you're gonna be a big hit one day, you'll see. And then everyone will know your name, you're gonna be famous, Ron. I know you will."
"You really believe that?" Ron asked, his blue eyes sparkling with tears and hope.
"Yes, I do. And until then, you'll have me. And as long as you have me, I promise you that I'll do everything in my power to help you in any way I can." And with that, the man leaned down to kiss the boy's forehead softly.
They stared at each other for a few seconds, blue eyes staring into emerald green. Then instinctively Harry bent his head down to lightly press against the boy's pink lips, softly and hesitantly at first. His tongue gently probed, asking for entrance, and the boy complied. He opened his mouth and let the warm, wet tongue slip inside, moaning as it met and entwined with his own. Then the kiss became more heated, as their tongues explored one another's, getting to know every inch of the warm, silky fabric of the other's mouth. Ron's hands grabbed at Harry's already disheveled hair, and Harry's going down to squeeze the boy's ass.
The kiss lasted until the both of them realized the importance of oxygen and stopped to breathe. They both panted, as Harry pointed out the fact that they were still on the floor of the Bijoux Theatre.
"Let's go home then," Ron said, before they both got up and headed back to the restaurant.
Ron woke up to the sound of singing coming from the small bathroom. He grinned goofily to himself as he waited for his lover in their bed.
"Morning," Harry said as he walked into the bedroom and gave Ron a smile before giving him a kiss on the lips.
"Good morning to you too," Ron replied, no longer bothering to cover his southern accent as Harry slipped back into bed, his arms wrapping around Ron's lithe body. "Harry," he started.
"Yes, love?"
Ron blushed at the word 'love', his smile widening like he'd slept with a clothes-hanger in his mouth. He snapped himself out of it before continuing with what he was about to say.
"Listen, I know you said that I can stay with you, but I really don't feel like leaching off you for the rest of my life,"
"Ron, you're not leachin', it's ok. Besides, you're gonna be famous soon, remember?" He added with a smile, "By then I'll be the one leachin' of ya." Ron smiled at his comment.
"I'm glad that you believe in me but-"
"Of course I believe in you. And you should believe in yourself too, you know."
"Yes, Harry, I know-"
"Bagel?" Harry said, interrupting Ron once again as he produced a bagel from out of nowhere.
"Thanks," Ron said, accepting the food and eating it hungrily before continuing with what he was saying. "Harry, do you know where I could get a job? I know you said I could stay with you but..." He let the sentence trailed away.
"Why don't you go work at Fat Zam's place?"
"I don't know, Harry, I mean, do you know what happened the last time?"
Harry grinned knowingly, "Oh yeah, I heard."
"Well, I don't think I can go back there again"
"Why not?"
"Because... I'm embarrassed alright." Harry shook his head.
"Listen, Ron, do you want to be a singer or not?"
"Of course I do-"
"Well then get your act together and go for it. It's that simple, Ron."
"Well, could you go see him with me then?"
"Sure. Anything for you, love," He said as he gave Ron a peck on the cheek.
"Thanks" Ron said, before they indulged themselves in a more passionate kiss.
At Fat Zam's
"Hey, Harry good to see you again," Blaise said as the dark haired man entered his office. "Reconsidered my offer?" He asked in a suggestive tone as he got up from his chair.
"What offer,Harry?" asked/inquired a tenor voice from behind the door, before the owner of the voice walked in.
"Um..nothing, Ron. Just ...um... just a business offer, that's all. Nothing important," Harry said a little too quickly. Ron ignored it.
"Well aren't you the one that said you were broke, Harry? Don't you need the money?" he said innocently.
Harry smiled at Ron in affection. He held Ron in his arms, gave him a kiss and said "It's not worth it."
"Ahem," Fat Zam interrupted, raising an eyebrow, "Mr. Ronald Weasley. What a lovely surprise. I thought you'd never come back. I've never seen anyone run away from me so quickly before in my life, including the time I was cursing them."
"Well sir...um...Mr. Zam," he gave Harry a smile before continuing, "Let's just say I had a change of heart."
"I see" he said knowingly as he eyed the couple. He inwardly congratulated Harry for being able to get this one out of the closet. The last time he saw him, he was terrified of transsexuals. Looking at the couple, he could see that they were in love.
"Mr. Zam? I was wondering if your offer to me still stands." He said uncertainly. Blaise gave him a cheesy grin, showing off his very white, even teeth.
"Of course it is. Weasleys are always welcome at Fat Zam's, especially one as pretty as you." He took Ron's hand and kissed it slightly. The boy blushed and pulled it away. Fat Zam, continuing to smile at him, walked over to his desk and pulled out a small vial of red liquid.
"Here's the gender changing potion. There're some dresses in the changing room for you, I'm sure you'll find one that fits. I'll give you an hour to prepare, and then we can meet downstairs for the audition. The changing room is to the left behind the painting of a lady in a green dress," He said in a business-like voice and gave the bottle to Ron.
"Oh and by the way," he said before Ron could leave, "Good luck." and Ron gave him a smile.
Ron walked hesitantly to the mirrored wall of the changing room. His hands gripped the vial as he stared at himself in the mirror.
"It's now or never," he mumbled to himself as he held his breath and poured the concoction into his mouth and down his throat. The potion tasted ...strange - slightly over sweetened yet sour. He closed his eyes as the warm liquid spread throughout his body, giving him a tingling sensation. He felt his body melted and remolded into a different shape. He was slightly dizzy and he held onto a nearby chair, leaning on it until the tingling and the head spinning stopped.
He opened his eyes and turned to the mirror. Ron was still in the blue suit and bowler hat, but the outfit no longer fitted him. His shoulders were less broad and his chest felt strangely heavy, while his limbs felt lighter. But he couldn't really see much of his body, as it was covered with the now over sized suit.
Throwing off the bowler hat, he realized that his hair was still the same, but the shape of his face was different - Less angular and more curved. His lips were fuller and his red eyelashes curled upwards slightly. His hands were smaller, with longer, more graceful fingers than those he'd had before. Looking in the mirror, he thought he looked like Ginny when she was caught trying on Bill's clothes.
The knock on the door startled the boy/girl as he went hesitantly to open it. On the other side was a big, muscular, tall, fair skinned man with wavy brown hair.
"Hi, I'm Cedric. Zam sent me over to see if you're alright."
"Oh, uh I'm fine, I just-" It was then that he realized that his voice was different - Changed from a tenor to a high and melodic soprano.
"I understand. The first transformation can be a little overwhelming," Cedric said as he gave Ron a kind smile. Then he looked him up and down, and his expression changed into that of a child who had just gotten a new toy. More specifically, a little girl who'd just gotten a new doll. He took Ron by the hand and dragged him to the large closet. "Come one, let's get you something to wear."
"Alright, let's see what we have here," Cedric quickly shifted through the dresses in the closet, throwing out one after the other and mumbling to himself. "No, not the pink one, it'll bring out the freckles. Not this one either, nope, nope. Oh god, this one's hideous, must be Seamus'. I should go burn this one, no not blue, and what the hell is this one doing here," he continued to mumble, shifting through the closet with ferocity.
"Alright, it should be one of these three, choose the one you like best" he said finally, piling the clothes onto Ron's arms. "There's some underwear in there as well. Don't worry, it's new. I've kept it there just in case someone was unprepared."
There was a long pause, and Ron wondered if the man actually expected him to strip in front of him. Apparently he did.
"Oh don't be shy, it's just us girls here." Ron's face became paler.
"Oh alright, fine. Sorry I scared you. I'll go away now, call me when you're done. Or if you need anything." And with that said, he walked out of the room.
Ron turned back to the mirror as he began to strip. Slipping off his suit, he paused before he started unbuttoning his shirt. His eyes widened as he stared at his breasts. He had breasts! Oh (my) god, he had breasts! He thought to himself before gently touching them, cupping them in his hands and playing with the nipples. This definitely feels strange, he thought, but not exactly bad.
Another pause before he started taking off his pants and underwear, pulling both of them down to find that his dick was still there, between the smooth thighs and the curved hips. His balls weren't there anymore though, which would explain his voice changing. He continued to stare at the mirror. Entranced by the image before him, never in his life would he have imagined that he'd ever be in a situation like this.
Ron turned back to the dresses laid out on the chair next to him. Then he started to put them on.
First he put on the underwear, with more than some difficulty, the bra strapping uncomfortably against his chest. Then he turned to the three dresses.
The first one was frilly and white. Like those the dancers had worn. He placed it against his body, the skirt went a little above his knees and was a little too revealing for his tastes. So he moved on to the next one.
The next one was a long evening gown which flowed like liquid down his body to pool around his feet. The dress was made of gold silk and was a little too big and fancy for him.
So, he tried on the last one. This one was a dark green velvet dress with gold sequins. Gold ribbons kept the dress hanging loosely on his body. The skirt reached just below his knees and flew all around him as he spun. He looked in the mirror and smiled at the pretty girl he saw there.
The knock on the door startled him.
"Are you done yet?" Cedric said through the door.
"Yes, you can come in now," Ron called out.
"Beautiful," Cedric said as he entered the room, "You look absolutely beautiful."
"Thank you," Ron replied shyly.
"Hey, I brought a few friends up to help you." He said as he opened the door further to reveal two more men, both in tight black trousers and white shirts. The first one was thin, but tall with Ashen blonde hair, the other was shorter and slightly more muscular with dishwater blonde hair.
"This is Adrian," he gestured to the first one, "He'll be doing your hair. And this is Michael," he gestured to the second person, "he'll be doing your make up. Now wait here while I go grab you some accessories."
Ron was hurriedly ushered into a chair, as the two men attacked him with numerous hair potions and brushes.
Meanwhile, down at Fat Zam's Grand Slam.
"Hey, Neville," Harry greeted as he entered the luxurious room of the speakeasy. His reflection flickered across the mirrored floor and ceiling as he walked up to the young boy mopping the floor.
"Hi, Harry," the boy replied as Harry entered.
"Still practicing your dance?" Harry asked, as he gave him one of his charming smiles. Neville blushed slightly before looking down at his reflection on the floor and replying meekly.
"Yes, I'm still practicing, but Mr. Zam still won't see me though."
"Oh, well, give it some time, Nev. He probably thinks you're still too young. Don't worry, you'll be great."
"Thanks, Harry." Neville replied gratefully, glad that there was still some hope. Before he could say anything else, he was cut off by the sound of the large doors opening and the clicking of expensive shoes on the mirrored floor.
"Suddenly, everybody wants to be in show business," Draco drawled as he sauntered into the room confidently. His red painted lips curved into a smile as he looked at Harry.
"Oh, hi, Dray" Harry replied bitterly, "Where's Blaise?"
"I dunno. Blaise is a busy man, honey, and I can't know where he is all the time. I don't own him, ya know."
The dark haired man stared at the blond. It seemed time had not changed him at all, no matter how much they'd been through. Draco Malfoy was still the self-centered, vain, arrogant and snobby brat he was when Harry had met him so many years ago. And still just as beautiful.
"Wanna drink?" Dray asked as Harry took a seat at one of the many tables.
"Yeah, sure, a special on the rocks," He said as Draco walked over to the bar to mix him a drink.
The girlish squeals coming from back stage caught their attention. Suddenly Harry felt himself swarmed by the dancers. "Hi Harry," they all said as they sat themselves down as close to the man as possible.
"Hi Seamus, Dean, Anthony...Justin...um" He struggled to remember all of their names as they tried to sit themselves on his lap.
"Ok girls, go feed the ducks," Draco said sharply as he returned to the table. He knew Harry had probably slept with every single one of them and probably didn't even remember all of their names.
"Oh Drucilla," They whined, calling him by his stage name despite him being in his male form.
"I said beat it!" Draco repeated his command again, making it clear that he was in charge. Harry was suddenly reminded of how like his father Draco was, but he dared not bring up that subject. After hearing the command the dancers walked away, albeit huffily.
"So, long time no see, Harry," Draco said as he gave the other man the glass of verdant liquid and sat himself on the table in front of him, sipping his own drink.
"Well, you know how it is."
Neville turned his attention to the conversation as he swept the floor. It'd been a long time since there'd been any confrontation between the ex lovers, and each time had always ended with healing spells. He knew that both of them had their wands hidden up their sleeves.
"You used to come and see me every night."
"And you know perfectly well why I'd stopped," Harry replied, the tension in the room rising immensely. Neville, in fear of what might happen if they were left alone, intervened by moving to mop the floor under Harry's table.
Draco looked at Neville with annoyance. "Neville." the boy didn't reply. "Neville," Draco repeated again in a more commanding voice. Neville still ignored him.
"NEVILLE! Will you quit it and hit the shoe leather!" Draco screamed.
Neville dropped his mop onto the floor and sighed. "Yes Ma'am," he said in an annoyed voice, but obeyed. He didn't dare push him further.
Once the boy was gone, Draco turned back to Harry. He looked at Harry for a few minutes, his silver eyes shining with undisguised sadness, an expression rarely seen on him.
"Yeah, I know why you've stopped seeing me," he said softly. "I'm sorry."
The tension lessened and Harry wasn't sure what Draco was sorry about, opening up the old wound, or creating the wound in the first place.
But then his manners changed suddenly, his body leaning in closer to Harry in a not so subtle, seductive manner.
"I missed you, Ralf, my Ralf." Draco said as he leaned in closer, their faces only inches away as Draco ran his hand over Harry's face.
Harry turned his head away abruptly. "Rafael Panucci is long dead, Draco. Get over him. There's only Harry Potter here, and he's taken."
Draco's hands rested on Harry's shoulders, his body still way too close to him. "Oh come on Harry, give me a break. I've really missed you."
"What about Zam?" Harry said in a vain attempt to stop Draco. In response, the blonde man laughed, his breath tickling the other man's ear
"Knowing Blaise, he'd probably join in."
"Oh, come on, Draco. Get off; you know I'm with someone else now."
Again, Draco laughed. "Damn, I can't believe you're still sticking to those old monogamy ideal of yours after all that's happened. Even after almost two years of whoring yourself, you still believe in that shit," He said between laughter.
Then he sobered up and stared deeply into the other man's deep emerald eyes. "Maybe my Ralf isn't dead after all."
There were uncried tears in his eyes as the man leaned in for a kiss. Draco's lips were warm against his own and Harry responded to the familiar touch. His eyes fluttering shut as his lips parted for the warm wet tongue to enter.
He pushed Draco away as an "Ahem," interrupted them.
"Ron," Harry said, like a deer caught in headlights. He was racking his brain for a cover but could not find one, so instead he settled for what he wanted to say.
"You look absolutely beautiful."
Ron looked at him with fire in his eyes, his lips tightening into a tight line.
"Your lipstick smudged," Ron said before brushing past Harry towards the stage.
"Hey, I didn't know it was Christmas already," Draco commented from a seat near where Harry had sat moments ago, glancing disdainfully at Ron's outfit.
"Draco, be nice," came the voice of Fat Zam, as he entered the room. He had witnessed everything, and wasn't surprised by Draco's behavior. He was usually mean to new members of Fat Zam's club, but he had also seen him kissing Harry and knew that he had caused enough trouble for the boy as it was.
The blond rolled his big silver eyes at his boyfriend's comment.
Ron stood silently on the large stage. Ok, forget about Harry for now. You've gotten this far, pull yourself together and sing, he told himself. Just forget about him for now.
"Alright honey, I'm all ears," he heard Fat Zam say. "Oh, and by the way, do you have a stage name yet?"
Ron thought about it for a few seconds, thinking back to the blonde's Christmas comment.
"Poinsettia" he said finally.
"Nice name," Zam replied, before gesturing for him to start.
Ron held the microphone tightly in his hands as he heard the music from the large piano begin to play.
"I'm feeling fine
filled with emotions
Stronger than wine,
They give me the notion,
That this strange new feeling
Is something that you're feeling too."
Ron gave a pretty but fake smile to the audience as he sung. His shoulders and newly acquired hips moving slowly to the music as he began to relax.
"Matter of fact
I'm forced to admit it,
Caught in the act. (He snapped back to glare at Harry for a few seconds)
And maybe we've hit it
Is this strange new feeling
Something that you're feeling too?"
Two verses were enough, as Fat Zam noticed the death glares Ron sent Harry from the stage. He abruptly cut the audition short by clapping his hands. "Very nice honey, very nice," He said as the music stopped. "Welcome to show business," he said to the red head, who gave him a weak smile. "Thank you sir," Ron replied before walking away. "That was really great Ron, I've never really heard you sing before. You were brilliant, I told you, you would make it," Harry said with fake cheerfulness as Ron, once again, brushed him off, completely ignoring him. "Hey, Ron, wait!" he said running after the boy, "I can explain all that smoochin' stuff. Ron, wait." TBC OK, I hope that was close to enough to making up for lost time. I'm sorry that I disappeared for a long while. I'm very busy at the moment and it will be a while before I might update again. I'm sorry about that, anyway, I hope you enjoy this story and I hope that you will review it. It'll really encourage me to write more.