Rehearsals

Two o'clock the next day came agonizingly slow. Finally, the time came and the students eagerly went to the Great Hall hoping not to be late. The actors chatted among themselves mostly among housemates.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were talking about everything and nothing all at the same time. Neville and Blaise, even with Blaise in Slytherin, were carrying a nice conversation. Right before the bell chimed two, Draco sauntered in with his arm slung carelessly around Pansy's waist. Hermione felt a pang of hurt. 'Oh, God,' she thought. 'Am I falling for the notorious bad boy? A Slytherin and a pureblood? My parents would be happy, but his would not.' Her thoughts were cut short by an elegant French accent.

"Children, children. Come now. Look this way please Draco. Now, today we will read through the entire script as well as sing the songs. Being the talented people that you are, I believe you should know all the words to the songs of which your characters sing. That will be most helpful. Rehearsals from now on will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from the time your last class ends until dinner. Occasionally, weekend rehearsals will be called to learn certain scenes that might be embarrassing to block in front of the entire cast. For instance, "Music of the Night" will be blocked this Saturday at noon. Do not be late. Now, here are your scripts. Turn to page two and we will begin."

The students quietly whispered among themselves as the opened the massive volume of the script. Bound in black leather, and with golden lettering on the cover, students marveled at the scripts which seemed to be several decades old.

"Now, now kids. Quiet so we can begin. Now begin."

The rehearsal went well. As the sun began to set, and painted the sky brilliant reds and pinks. The last bit of music played, and faded away quietly echoing in the Great Hall.

"Wonderful job. I am very proud of each and every one of you. My decisions in casting this play have not failed me. I am very excited to see where this will go. I will see you tomorrow after your last class. Again, wonderful job today. Dismissed."

As Hermione neared the door with Harry at her side, Madame Kirkbell called her back. "Miss Granger! Mister Malfoy! Will you come here for a moment? Oh yes, Mister Potter, you as well!"

The three came up to her. "Yes?" they questioned in unison.

"Well, as you know, the script calls for Christine to kiss the Phantom as well as for Raoul and Christine to kiss. If you don't mind please stop by my hut in the clearing near Hagrid's, after dinner. I would like for us to get over the fear of having to kiss a best friend and a hated enemy."

Hermione and Draco glanced at each other and then at Madame Kirkbell.

"Oh yes, I have heard of the past you and Mister Malfoy have experienced here at Hogwarts. The Headmaster informed of everything when I showed him the cast list. He strongly advised against giving the roles out like this, but I insisted. Now, you will have to get over it and I understand that it must be awkward, but I know you three are mature enough to handle it. Remember my hut after dinner. I won't keep you long. No run along."

"Yes Ma'am."

The three left actually carrying on a real conversation. It was surprising, but not entirely a miracle. Many thought it was, and to Harry this was all a whirlwind. Draco actually had nothing horrible to say to either of them but especially Hermione.

"Well, see you two after dinner, eh?" said Draco as Harry and Hermione headed toward the stairs.

"Sure thing, Malfoy," Hermione said but Malfoy had no hint of disdain and hatred. She had said it just as if she had said goodbye to Harry or Ron.

Draco, slightly amused with this, walked down the stairs to the dungeons. Dinner began in fifteen minutes giving the students just enough time to change if they chose to do so.

Dinner had ended and three met up with Madame Kirkbell on their way and walked with her to her hut. Once there she stopped at the door.

"Okay. I will take Harry and Hermione first in my study. Mister Malfoy, feel free to make yourself at home. You may fix yourself some hot chocolate if you wish."

"Thank you, Madame. I will."

Once inside, the three marveled at how small and the hut was on the outside though it was so spacious and decorative it was on the inside.

"Harry, Hermione. If you will follow me please." She led them to the back of the hut and into a large room, and closed the door behind them. "Okay. Well, as you know, Raoul and Christine are childhood lovers and have rekindled an old flame. Now kiss."

The two friends looked at her utterly bewildered. Did she really expect them to haul and snog each other? Their mouths dropped.

"Shut your mouths and do as you are told. Come now. We don't have a long time, as I know you still have homework to do."

"I've done all mine!" Hermione piped merrily.

"You really are the brightest witch of your age aren't you Hermione?"

"Thank you. Now come on Harry. Don't be shy." She stepped closer to him and so did he.

Harry moved in closer until they were almost touching and stopped.

"Go on Harry," Madame Kirkbell urged.

Harry gulped. He closed the gap and his and Hermione's lips touched ever so slightly and oh so gently. Her lips were soft, and he secretly relished the feeling of her lips upon her own. He pulled away.

"Now, that wasn't so bad was it Harry?"

"No ma'am, Madame Kirkbell."

"Now, if you will Harry go get Draco." Draco soon entered the room. "Okay. As you two know, the Phantom loves Christine to the point it actually drives him mad. In the last scene, Christine shows loyalty to him by kissing him in order to set Raoul free. Kiss each other."

Draco moved slowly to Hermione. Hermione stood still and licked her lips slightly. Draco moved in for the kill. His lips touched her already swollen lips from Harry gently. An electrical current seemed to rush through them both, and they broke apart dazed and confused.

Madame Kirkbell noticed the exchange and decided to ease their confusion. "They say when a wirzarding couple kisses and an exchange such as that occurs, it is said that the two are destined to be together forever."

Draco and Hermione stared at her then at each not sure what to say. The left the room dazed. Ignoring Harry's questions, all three walked up to the school in complete silence except for the random question from Harry.

Rehearsals continued on as planned and each was better than the last. Lines were memorized and blocking was staged. Dances were choreographed, and songs were sung.

The months flew by. Rehearsals filled spare time and students became more and more excited as January was drawing near.

Soon, the time came and the performance was only five days away. The cast and crew worked around the clock trying to get last minute things ready.

Eventually, the time came and the performance day was finally dawning upon the school. All cast and crew were excused from classes that day, and all work was excused as well.

Well, the day had come and the stage is set.