Title: The Point Of All Emotions
Author: ThePhantomsRedRose
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or the Phantom of the Opera.
Summary: AU, 7thYear. The war looms in everyone's thoughts. To take their mind away they begin work on a Musical. Strong partnerships are established, but are they strong enough to win the war?
Authors Note: I would just like to let everyone know that I myself will be auditioning for Phantom of the Opera at some point this year and I will keep you informed. Pulls out Phantom libretto and clears throat Lets begin. Phantom will be in two parts

It was May 20 and the stage was set. Backstage the cast ran around half in ordinary clothes half in costume. Hermione could be found in her dressing room, pulling a brush through her hair to sooth her nerves. She was already in her costume for Hannibal. In the corner was a pile of armor she would be changing into immediately after the show. She shivered, not from the revealing outfit of red, gold, and green. She shivered because she knew in a few hours blood would be shed all over the fields of Hogwarts. Now she truly knew how Christine felt before Don Juan Triumphant.

The brush started to take over and a curling iron began attacking her head to put her curls into her Hannibal headdress. She allowed the stage makeup to be coated on to her face. She heard the two-minute bell and hurried out to the sidelines of the stage to watch.

Dumbledore looked out at all of Hogwarts and frowned. How happy they all looked. He knew that many in this auditorium would be dead the next day. At six o'clock the curtain rose revealing the auctioneer, porters, bidders and Leo disguised as a seventy-year-old man. The auctioneer's gavel sounded throughout the theater, starting the play.

Auctioneer: Sold. Your number sir? Thank you.

Lot 663, then, ladies and gentlemen: a poster for this house's production of 'Hannibal' by Chalumeau.

Porter: Showing here.

Auctioneer: Do I have ten francs? Five then, Five I am bid. Six, seven. Against you, sir, seven. Eight. Eight once. Selling twice. Sold, to Raoul, Vicomte de Changny.

The bidding continued until a music box was brought out. The music box had a monkey with cymbals on it. The Auctioneer told how it was discovered in the theater in working order. Bidding went between Raoul and Giry but Raoul eventually got it.

Raoul: A collector's piece indeed… Every detail exactly as she said…

She often spoke of you, my friend… your velvet lining and your figurine of lead… Will you still play, when all the rest of us are dead…?

Auctioneer: Lot 666, then: a chandelier in pieces. Some of you may recall the strange affair of the Phantom of the Opera: a mystery never fully explained. We are told, ladies and gentlemen, that this is the very chandelier which figures in the famous disaster. Our workshops have restored it and fitted up parts of it with wiring for the new electric light, so that we may get a hint of what it may look like when re-assembled. Perhaps we may frighten away the ghost of so many years ago with a little illumination, gentlemen?

The auctioneer turned on the chandelier. An enormous flash covered the room and the Overture began The Overture was a massive amount of pipe organ music. During this overture, the opera house is restored by magic to its earlier days. The chandelier rises magically from the stage, hovering high above the audience. The curtain is pulled back again opening to a change in seen.

Hermione and Ginny were now onstage as slave girls practicing their ballet under the instruction of McGonagall. Pansy was seen strutting about the stage as Carlotta.

Carlotta: This trophy from our saviours, from the enslaving force of Rome!

Girl's Chorus: With feasting and dancing and song, tonight in celebration, we greet the victorious throng, returned to bring salvation.

Men's Chorus: The trumpets of Carthage resound! Hear, Romans, now and tremble! Hark to our step on the ground!

All: Hear the drums- Hannibal comes!

Crabbe entered in a fat suit attempting to learn to speak English instead of Italian. Harry and Ron walked in with muggle business suits on. Both of them wore mustaches and gray hair. Dumbledore thought they looked like Fred and George when they tried to pass the age line. Harry and Ron were introduced to Crabbe and Pansy's characters and they seemed to be acting friendly well enough. Both pairs knowing that in a few hours they would have their chance to try to kill each other.

Harry and Ron began to speak to McGonagall about the ballet dancers particularly Christine.

Lefevre: Ladies and gentlemen – Madame Giry, thank you- may I have your attention please? As you know, for some weeks there have been rumors of my imminent retirement. I can now tell you that these were all true, and it is my pleasure to introduce you to the two gentlemen who now own the Opera Populaire, M. Richard Firmin and M. Gilles Andre.

The cast, in polite applause and bowing greeted Harry and Ron. Harry asked Pansy to sing a Private rendition of her aria from act three. Pansy asked the Chorale director (Draco) if it would be okay for her to sing.

Reyer: If my diva commands!

Carlotta: Think of me, think of me fondly, when we've said good bye. Remember me once in a while- please promise me you'll try. When you find that, once again you long to take your heart…

A backdrop from above was cut, crashing down on to Pansy. Ginny turned pale and whispered to the other girls.

Meg: It's him the Phantom of the Opera!

Ginny began to shriek as Hagrid as Joseph Buquet was discovered, telling of his innocence to the mishap. McGonagall read off a letter from the Phantom full of commands. Pansy left in an uproar shoving Hermione while doing so. Andre and Firmin, looking frazzled, tried to find an understudy for the role. Hermione's arm was grabbed by McGonagall and was pulled to the center of the stage.

Mme. Giry: Christine Daae could sing it, sir.

Firmin: the chorus girl?

Meg: She has been taking lessons from a great teacher.

Andre: from whom?

This was it, Hermione's first line on stage!

Christine: I don't know sir…

Firmin: Oh, not you as well! Can you believe it? A full house- and we shall have to cancel!

Giry: Let her sing for you, monsieur. She has been well taught.

The aria began with light airy notes. Christine stepped forward in her slave girl attire and began singing.

Christine: Think of me, think of me fondly, when we've said good bye. Remember me once in a while please promise me you'll try. When you find that, once again, you long to take your heart back and be free- if you ever find a moment spare a thought for me…

Hermione smiled as spells were cast at her from the wings of the stage. Her slave girl outfit materialized into a full white gown. The whole set around her began to change. It was now under blue light. Clouds formed in the night sky and horses were upon the stage.

Christine: We never said our love was evergreen, or as unchanging as the sea- but if you can still remember, stop an think of me… Think of all the things we've shared and seen don't think about the things which might have been… Think of me, think of me waking, silent and resigned. Imagine me, trying to hard to put you from my mind. Recall those days, look back on all those times, think of the things we'll never do- there will never be a day when I won't think of You…

Applause came from the audience and the onstage boxes with Harry, Ron, and Leo. Leo stood up and began to sing.

Raoul: Can it be? Can it be Christine? What a change! You're really not a bit the gawkish girl that once you were… She may not remember me, but I remember her…

Christine: We never said our love was evergreen, or as unchanging as the sea- but please promise me, that sometimes, you will think of me! She smiled and the curtain closed reopening to the backstage dressing room.

Phantom's Voice: Bravi, bravi, bravissimi…

Hermione's head rose looking around for the voice. Ginny walks in unaware of the voice. Hermione turns in surprise and is relieved to see Ginny.

Meg: Where in the world have you been hiding? Really, you were perfect! I only wish I knew your secret! Who is this new tutor!

Christine: Father once spoke of an angel… I used to dream he'd appear… Now as I sing I can sense him… And I know he's here…Here in this room he calls me softly… somewhere inside… hiding… Somehow I know he's always with me… he- the unseen genius…

Meg: Christine, you must have been dreaming… stories like this can't come true… Christine, you're talking in riddles… and it's not like you…

Christine: Angel of Music! Guid and guardian! Grant to me your glory!

Meg: Who is this angel? This…

Both: Angel of Music! Hide no longer! Secret and strange angel…

Christine: He's with me even now…

Meg: Your hands are cold…

Christine: All around me…

Meg: Your face, Christine it's white…

Christine: It frightens me…

Meg: Don't be frightened.

Ginny took Hermione's cold shaking hands and they looked at each other in fear. McGonagall interrupted them.

Giry: Meg Giry, Are you a dancer? Then come and practice. (Ginny left leaving only McGonagall and Christine in the room.) My dear, I was asked to give you this (Handed Hermione a small blue note exiting)

Christine: A red scarf… the attic… Little Lotte…

Leo, Harry and Ron were seen outside of Christine's dressing room each with a glass of champagne.

Raoul: Gentlemen, if you wouldn't mind. This is one visit I should prefer to make unaccompanied. (He entered the room.) Christine Daae, where is your scarf?

Christine: Monsieur?

Raoul: You can't have lost it. After all the trouble I took. I was just fourteen and soaked to the skin…

Christine: Because you had run into the sea to fetch my scarf. Oh, Raoul, So it is you!

Raoul: Christine.

The couple embraced laughing. Hermione moved away to her dressing table. Leo picked up a brush and began to run it through her hair.

Raoul: 'Little Lotte let her mind wander…'

Christine: You remember that, too…

Raoul: '…Little Lotte thought: Am I fonder of dolls…'

Both: '…or of goblins, of shoes…'

Christine: '…or of riddles, of frocks…'

Raoul: Those picnics in the attic… '…or of chocolates…'

Christine: Father playing the violin…

Raoul: As we read to each other dark stories of the North…

Christine: 'No- what I love best, Lotte said, is when I'm asleep in my bed, and the Angel of Music sings songs in my head!'

Both: 'The Angel of Music sings songs in my head!'

Christine: Father said, 'When I'm in heaven, child, I will send the Angel of Music to you'. Well, father is dead, Raoul, and I have been visited by the Angel of Music.

Raoul: No doubt of it – And now we'll go to supper!

Christine: No, Raoul, the Angel of Music is very strict.

Raoul: I shan't keep you up late!

Christine: No, Raoul….

Raoul: You must change. I must get my hat. Two minutes- Little Lotte. (Leo exits)

Phantom's Voice: Insolent boy! This slave of fashion basking in your glory! Ignorant fool! This brave young suitor, sharing in my triumph!

Christine: Angel! I hear you! Speak- I listen… stay by my side, guide me! Angel, my soul was weak- forgive me… enter at last, Master!

Phantom's Voice: Flattering child you shall know me, see why in shadow I hide! Look at your face in the mirror- I am there inside!

Severus's figure appeared in the mirror. He work a half mask and black robes

Christine: Angel of Music! Guide and guardian! Grant to me your Glory! Angel of Music! Hide no longer! Come to me, strange Angel…

Phantoms' Voice: I am your Angel… Come to me: Angel of Music…

Hermione walked to the mirror which was now a liquid glass looking almost like a Pensive. Leo's voice was heard from outside. He was trying to open the locked door. The mirror opens, Severus reaches forward and takes Hermione firmly, but not fiercely, by the wrist. Hermione gasped at his cold hand and disappeared through the closing mirror. The curtains closed.

The same pipe organ music from the overture was heard throughout the theater as the curtains were pulled back again. A large Ramp way darted back and forth from the stage to above the curtain. Severus Lead Hermione down this ramp on horseback.

Christine: In sleep he sang to me, in dreams he came… that voice which calls to me and speaks my name… And do I dream again? For now I find the Phantom of the Opera is there- inside my mind…

Phantom: Sing once again with me our strange duet… My power over you grows stronger yet… And though you turn from me, to glance behind, the Phantom of the Opera is there- inside your mind…

Christine: Those who have seen your face draw back in fear… I am the mask you wear…

Phantom: It's me they hear…

Both: Your/My spirit and your/my voice in one combined: the Phantom of the Opera is there- inside your/my mind…

Severus situated Hermione into a boat at the bottom of the ramp into the smoke screen. Candles come out of the floor and floated about the ceiling.

Phantom: In all your fantasies, you always knew that man and mystery…

Christine: Were both in you…

Both: And in this labyrinth where nicht is blind, the Phantom of the Opera is there/ inside your/my mind…

Phantom: Sing my Angel of Music!

Christine: He's there the Phantom of the Opera

Hermione's song began to sing higher and higher. Her voice ending at a High E flat. The lair materialized. Candelabras were every where and a pipe organ was revealed. There was a bedroom behind a curtain at the side of the room.

Phantom: I have brought you to the seat of sweet music's throne… to this kingdom where all must pay homage to music…music… You have come here, for one purpose, and one alone… Since the moment I first heard you sing, I have needed you with me, to serve me, to sing, for my music…my music

Night-time sharpens, heightens each sensation… Darkness stirs and wakes imagination… Silently the senses abandon their defenses… Slowly, gently night unfurls its splendour… Grasp it, sense it- tremulous and tender… Turn your face away from the garish light of day, turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light- and listen to the music of the night…

Severus placed his arms around Hermione's waits and rocked back and forth with her.

Phantom: Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams! Purge your thoughts of the life you knew before! Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar! And you'll live as you've never lived before… Softly, deftly, music shall surround you… Fell it hear it closing in around you… Open up your mind, let your fantasies unwind, in this darkness which you know you cannot fight- the darkness of the music of the night. Let your mind start a journey through a strange, new world! Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before! Let your soul take you where you long to be! Only then can you belong to me… Floating, falling, sweet intoxication! Touch me, trust me, savour each sensation! Let the dream begin, let your darker side give in to the power of the music that I write- the power of the music that I write the power of the music of the night…

Severus lead her to a large mirror from which he removes a dust cover in which we see the image of Christine, a perfect wax-face impression, wearing a wedding gown. Hermione moved slowly towards it, when suddenly the image thrust its hands through the mirror towards her. Hermione fainted. Severus caught her and carried her to the bed to lay her down.

Phantom: You alone can make my song take flight- help me make the music of the night.

The curtains of the bedroom close and the lights go out. The lights come back on, brighter than before and Severus is shown playing chords on the Pipe Organ. The music box from the prologue chimed causing Hermione to open the curtains.

Christine: I remember there was mist… swirling mist upon a vast, glassy lake…There were candles all around, and on the lake there was a boat, and in the boat there was a man…. Who was that Shape in the shadows? Whose is the face in the mask?

Hermione caressed Severus's face, and reached for the half mask pulling it off of his disfigured face which Severus hid from the audience. He springs up and rounds on her furiously.

Phantom: DAMN YOU! YOU LITTLE PRYING PANDORA! YOU LITTLE DEMON- IS THIS WHAT YOU WANTED TO SEE? CURSE YOU! YOU LITTLE LYING DELILAH! YOU LITTLE VIPER- NOW YOU CANNOT EVER BE FREE! DAMN YOU… CURSE YOU…

Stranger than you dremt it can you even dare to look or bear to think of me: this loathsome gargoyle, who burns in hell, but secretly yearns for heaven, secretly…secretly… But, Christine… Fear can turn to love- you'll learn to see, to find the man behind the monster: this… repulsive carcass, who seems a beast, but secretly dreams of beauty, secretly… secretly… Oh, Christine

Hermione held out the mask to him. He took it and placed it on his face.

Phantom: Come we must return- those two fools who run my theatre will be missing you.

The curtain closed and opened again on Hagrid as the old stage hand Buquet, surrounded by the girls of the ballet.

Buquet: Like yellow parchment is his skin… a great black hole served as the nose that never grew… you must be always on your guard or he will catch you with his magical lasso.

On the overhead catwalk Severus and Hermione were seen heading back to the dressing room Hermione continued on but Severus stopped to give death glares to Hagrid from above. In a flash, he was gone. McGonagall stormed in to the room in a fury.

Giry: Those who speak of what they know find, too late, that prudent silence is wise. Joseph Buquet, hold your tongue- he will burn you with the heat of his eyes.

The stage turned into the manager's office. Two desks, chairs, and papers scatter the room. Ron is clutching a newspaper.

Firmin: Mystery after gala night, it says mystery of soprano's flight Mystified baffled surete say, we are mystified- we suspect foul play! Bad news on soprano scene- first Carlotta, now Christine! Still, at least the seats get sold- gossip's worth its weight in gold… What a way to run a business Spare me these unending trials! Half your cast disappears, but the crowd still cheers! Opera! To hell with Gluck and Handel-, It's a scandal that'll pack 'em in the aisles.

Harry burst in the room in a fury holding yet another newspaper.

Andre: Damnable! Will they all walk out? This is damnable!

Firmin: Andre, please don't shout… It's publicity! And the take is vast! Free publicity!

Andre: But we have no cast…

Firmin: But Andre, have you seen the queue?( He hands Harry a letter) Oh, it seems you've got one too…

Andre: (reading) Dear Andre what a charming gala! Christine enjoyed a great success! We were hardly bereft when Carlotta left- otherwise, the chorus was entrancing, but the dancing was a lamentable mess!

Firmin: (reading) Dear Firmin, just a brief reminder: my salary has not been paid. Send it care of the ghost, by return of post- P.T.O: No one likes a debtor, so it's better if my orders are obeyed!'

Both: Who would have the gall to send this? Someone with a puerile brain!

Firmin: These are both signed 'O.G.'…

Andre: Who the hell is he?

Both: Opera ghost

Firmin: It's really not amusing!

Andre: He's abusing our position!

Firmin: In addition, he wants money!

Andre: He's a funny sort of spectre…

Both: to expect a large retainer! Nothing plainer- he is clearly quite insane!

Leo entered with a note in hand in a ruffled suit.

Raoul: Where is she?

Andre: You mean Carlotta?

Raoul: I mean Miss Daae- where is she?

Firmin: Well, how should we know

Raoul: I want an answer- I take it that you sent me this note?

Firmin: What's all this nonsense?

Andre: Of course not!

Firmin: Don't look at us!

Raoul: She's not with you, then?

Firmin: Of course not!

Andre: We're in the dark…

Raoul: Monsieur, don't argue- Isn't this the letter you wrote?

Firmin: And what is it, that we're meant to have wrote? Written!

Andre: (reading) Do not fear for Miss Daae. The Angel of Music has her under his wing. Make no attempt to see her again.

Carlotta: (entering) Where is he?

Andre: Ah, welcome back!

Carlotta: Your precious patron- where is he?

Raoul: What is it now?

Carlotta: I have your letter- a letter which I rather resent!

Firmin: And did you send it?

Raoul: Of course not!

Andre: As if he would!

Carlotta: You didn't send it?

Raoul: Of course not!

Firmin: What's going on…?

Carlotta: You dare to tell me, that this is not the latter you sent?!

Raoul: And what is it that I'm meant to have sent? (reading) Your days at the Opera Populaire are numbered. Christine Daae will be singing on your behalf tonight. Be prepared for a great misfortune, should you attempt to take her place.

Managers: Far too many notes for my taste- and most of them about Christine! All we've heard since we came is Miss Daae's name…

Giry: Miss Daae has returned.

Firmin: I trust her midnight oil is well and truly burned.

Andre: Where precisely is she now?

Giry: I thought it best that she went home…

Meg: She needed rest.

Raoul: May I see her?

Giry: NO, monsieur, she will se no one.

Carlotta: Will she sing, will she sing!?

Giry: Here I have a note

Firmin snatches the letter and begins to read, but the Phantom's voice takes over.

Phantom's Voice: Christine Daae has returned to you, and I am anxious her career should progress. In the new production of 'Il Muto', you will therefore cast Carlotta as the Pageboy, and put Miss Daae in the role of Countess. The role of the Pageboy is silent- which makes my casting in a word, ideal. I shall watch the performance from my normal seat in Box Five, which will be kept empty for me. Should these commands be ignored, a disaster beyond your imagination will occur

Firmin: (Taking over) I remain Gentlemen, your obedient servant, O.G.

The managers and Carlotta began to argue roles. Pansy launched into her aria called Prima Donna with the Managers chiming in. Leading to the staging of Il Muto in which Carlotta had the lead role and Christine was given the role of Pageboy. Half way through a voice boomed from every direction in the room.

Phantom's Voice: DID I NOT INSTRUCT THAT BOX FIVE WAS TO BE KEPT EMPTY!

The entire audience looked to box five to see Leo sitting in it. The ballet girls screamed and cries of "He's here the Phantom of the Opera!" were heard.

Christine: It's him… I know it…it's him…

Carlotta: Your part is silent, little toad!

Phantom's Voice: A toad, Madame? Perhaps it is you who are the toad…

Pansy's voice began to croak and crack. The Chandelier's lights blinked on and off.

Phantom's Voice: Behold! She is singing to bring down the chandelier!

Pansy ran off stage and the back curtain was drawn over the stage. Firmin and Andre come out to center stage.

Firmin: Ladies and gentlemen, the performance will continue in ten minutes time… when the role of the Countess will be sung by Miss Christine Daae.

Andre: In the meantime, ladies and gentlemen, we shall be giving you the ballet from Act Three of tonight's opera.

The ballet stormed out onto the stage holding arches of roses on the backdrop looming images of the phantom appeared all meshing into one oppressive bat like shadow. A hanging body of Hagrid pops from the catwalk and begins shaking upon the stage.

Raoul takes Christine by the hand and she leads him up flights of stairs while singing a reprise to the earlier version of the song going down into the lair

Christine: The Phantom of the Opera will kill… and kill again! Raoul, I've been there- to his world of unending night… To a world where the daylight dissolves into darkness… darkness… Raoul, I've seen him! Can I ever forget that sight? Can I ever escape from that face? So distorted, deformed, it was hardly a face, in that darkness…darkness… But his voice filled my spirit with a strange, sweet sound… In that night there was music in my mind… And through music my soul began to soar! And I heard as I'd never heard before…Yet in his eyes all the sadness of the world … Those pleading eyes, that both threaten and adore…

Raoul: No more talk of darkness, Forget these wide-eyed fears. I'm here, nothing can harm you - my words will warm and calm you. Let me be your freedom, let daylight dry -your tears. I'm here, with you, beside you, to guard you and to guide you ...

Christine: Say you love me every waking moment, turn my head with talk of summertime ...Say you need me with you, now and always ... promise me that all
you say is true -that's all I ask of you ...
Raoul: Let me be your shelter, let me be your light. You're safe: No-one will find you your fears are far behind you ...

Christine: All I want is freedom, a world with no more night ... and you always beside me to hold me and to hide me ...

Raoul: Then say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime ...Let me lead you from your solitude ...Say you need me with you here, beside you ...anywhere you go, let me go too -Christine, that's all I ask of you ...

Christine: Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime ...say the word and I will follow you ...

Both: Share each day with me, each night, each morning ...

Christine: Say you love me ... Raoul: You know I do ...

Both: Love me -that's all I ask of you . . .(They kiss)Anywhere you go let me go too ...Love me -that's all I ask of you ...

The couple leaves and Severus comes out to sing a reprise from a statue floating in the air. The opera curtain closes and the principals for Il Muto appear through it for their bows. Christine is dressed in Carlotta's costume. Laughter rang through the auditorium and a creaking noise was heard as the chandelier swung crashing directly at Hermione's feet before the curtain closed.