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Chapter 2

"Why couldn't he have talked about something interesting today?" Hermione hissed to Harry as she struggled to pay attention in History of Magic. Paying attention had never been a problem for her, except for today. She found herself staring at the clock instead of taking her usual copious notes. It was January 14th and only a few agonizing hours away from auditions.

"Like what, the history of toe nail clippers used by trolls in the late 16th century?" replied Harry with a dramatic roll of his eyes. It was difficult to suppress a chuckle as he watched Hermione tap her fingers impatiently as she dazed off into space instead of furiously copying down every word that came from Professor Binn's mouth. Hermione should try out for plays more often. Harry thought to himself. It gives us some entertainment during the dullest hours of the day. Unfortunately it also means we won't have any notes for this class... Oh well, it's definitely worth it.

Finally, after what seemed to be several decades, the bell rang signaling the end of classes. With an audible sigh Hermione collected her books and her unnaturally blank parchment and headed for the Gryffindor common room. She needed to have a little chat with Ginny.

"Ginny dear, could I have a word?" Hermione said in the nicest tone she could muster. After a sudden attack of nerves at the end of History of Magic she decided she needed some one to audition with her. Ginny was the perfect candidate.

Oh dear, I wonder what she wants from me now. She only uses that tone of voice when she absolutely needs something. "Sure, just a sec," came the defeated reply. Ginny rose dejectedly from the couch and meandered toward where Hermione had occupied a corner table. "Yes?"

"I was wondering, have you ever seen the muggle musical Cinderella?"

Not seeing exactly where this question was leading Ginny replied, "Sure. It was one of my favorites as a kid."

A conniving grin suddenly appeared on Hermione's face. A grin that made the hair stand up on the back of Ginny's neck. She did not like that look. It always meant Hermione was going to ask for a favor. Something Ginny would not be able to refuse.

"Excellent, that was exactly what I hoped. I have a proposition for you. Would you be willing to audition with me for the part of the two evil stepsisters? I mean, I know you aren't comfortable singing in front of people and it occurred to me that I am not either. So we could participate with each other in a musical we both love and get to use our evil side a bit for a change. Please, please, please, I don't want to audition alone." All of this left Hermione's mouth in about three seconds as she tried to say everything she wanted to before Ginny could decide to get up and walk away.

"Sure." Ginny said, warming to the idea.

"Really? Just a 'Sure' and you'll do it? I don't have to argue or bribe you at all? Sweet! I promise you won't regret this!" Hermione gushed excitedly. "Oh, by the way, auditions start in fifteen minutes."

"WHAT!"

"Well, nothing like waiting to the last minute I guess. Sorry about that. We had better go, don't want to be late." And with that, Hermione grabbed Ginny's arm and pulled her from the common room.

"All right ladies and gentlemen, let's have it quiet now. I have several stations around the room with various professors in charge of each; you will know which one is which by the sign I have at that particular location. Each station will be for the auditioning of certain roles. When you have completed your audition you will return to your common room; results will be posted on my classroom door tomorrow at dawn. Good luck to each of you." Professor Trelawney pushed her glasses back up the bridge of her nose and turned to the line of students already forming at her own station. As the director of the play she felt it was her responsibility to cast Cinderella.

Ginny grabbed Hermione's arm and lead her towards the sign that read Evil Step-sisters. "Great. Do you see who we are auditioning for? If we get the part it will be an absolute miracle…" hissed Ginny out of the corner of her mouth. With out even looking at her Ginny could feel Hermione's moral drop. Professor Snape sat behind the table wearing a mildly malicious look on his face.

"Well, well, well. What have we hear? Goody little-miss-know-it-all and the female weasel. I can't exactly say I was expecting to see either of you here." He said to the two teenage girls with a sneer. "Let's get on with it then, although I sorely doubt either of you will even be able to read the script. After all, it is way too complicated for any Gryffindor student; the words get longer than four letters each."

"Uh, Hermione? Why don't you take the first role?" Ginny murmured.

This did nothing to calm Hermione's nerves. At least I didn't choose a singing role, then I would have to go through the torture of singing for him. Ugh. With shaking hands she proceeded to pick up two scripts, one for Ginny, and one for herself.

Just as she was about to begin, she noticed a silvery blonde head across the room. That can't be. What in the heck would he be doing here… he can't possibly be auditioning can he? Can you imagine, the Little Ferret taking a role in Cinderella? Not possible.

"Ah hem. Do you need me to sound that first word out for you Miss Granger? To me that looks like 'and,' but I could be mistaken." His words just dripped with sarcasm as he brought her back to the task at hand.

Hermione felt the blood rush into her face and her anger start to rise. There was no way the little ferret was going to distract her from mastering her audition. With a loud and clear voice she began…

Authors Note:

Hey guys, Doulos here. I meant to leave this note on the last chapter, but I am very very very technology challenged. That and I forgot to. Anyways... This is my very first fanfic ever and I would appreciate any critiques you would have. I realize this first chapter is very dull, but the story will get going soon I promise.