I do not own Phantom of the Opera or Harry Potter. All of the songs in this chapter are from the musical Phantom of the Opera.

"Thoughts"

(Translations)

Chapter 4

Nicole awoke to the sounds of the young ballerinas preparing for dress rehearsals. She sat up and started getting ready herself. She knew today would be tiring and nerve racking. Tonight was opening night.

As Nicole was lacing her ballet slippers, Clara sat next to her on the bed. She finished her laces and looked at the young ballerina. Both of them already had their costumes on. "What's wrong Clara? You're trembling," Nicole said.

"I'm scared," Clara replied.

Nicole pulled her into a hug. "We're all a little scared, ma cherie," Nicole said. (My dear)

Clara looked up at Nicole and asked, "Are you scared Nicole?"

"Yes, Clara. I am a little scared."

Clara smiled and pulled out of the hug. Then she took Nicole's hand and dragged her out of the dorm. " Come on Nicole," Clara said. "We don't want to be late and Madame angry."

Nicole and Clara got to the practice room five minutes early. Madame Giry and Meg were already there. Madame Giry told her three ballerinas to start their stretches.

All of the cast and crew were ready to begin the dress rehearsal, but the prima donna wasn't there. Just as they were about to begin the ballet sequence, the manager and the prima donna came in. Monsieur Miev, the manager, whispered something to Monsieur Reyer, the conductor. Monsieur Reyer's face suddenly turned white with panic.

Monsieur Miev turned to everyone on the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, I have some bad news," he said. "Madame de Lonclay has a cold and cannot perform tonight."

Everyone started whispering to each other. Monsieur Miev cleared his throat and said, "Unfortunately, this means we will have to cancel the show, since there is not an understudy."

Nicole frowned at the announcement. Tonight was supposed to be the Gala. She knew the young ballerinas had been looking forward to this all week. She looked over at Clara, who just smiled at her. Clara walked over to Monsieur Miev.

"Monsieur," Clara said trying to get his attention.

Monsieur Miev looked down at her and said, "What is it little one?"

"Monsieur, Nicole can sing Madame de Lonclay's part," Clara said.

"Clara," Nicole said nervously.

"You can do it, Nicole. We all know you can," Clara said. Then all of the young ballerinas gathered around Nicole and started encouraging her.

"Mademoiselle Turner," Monsieur Miev said. "Do you know the part?"

"I do, Monsieur," Nicole said.

"Very well, come to the front of the stage and sing the aria from act 3," Monsieur Miev told Nicole. Then sat down in the front row of the auditorium.

Nicole did as she was told, and went to the front of the stage. "I can do this," she thought. As the music started, she took a deep breath and sang.

Think of me.

Think of me fondly

When we've said goodbye

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

After the first couple of verses, Nicole was more confident, and let the song take hold of her.

We never said our love was evergreen

Or as unchanging as the sea

But if you can still remember

Stop and think of me

Think of all the things

We've shared and seen

Don't think about the way

Things might have been

Think of me, think of me waking

Silent and resigned

Imagine me, trying too 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

Flowers fade

The fruits of summer fade

They have their seasons

So do we

But please promise me

That sometimes

You will think

Of me

When the song was finished, everyone looked at Nicole awestruck. Monsieur Miev broke out of the trance and said, "That was perfect, Mamselle. We have found our new star."

Nicole looked at him and said, "Thank you Monsieur, but I do not want to take Marie's place." She then looked at the prima donna. "She is my friend, and she has earned her place as prima donna. I will do the show tonight and be her understudy, but I will not take her place in this company," she said.

Marie de Lonclay looked at Nicole and whispered, "Thank you." Nicole nodded and whispered your welcome back.

"Well," Monsieur Miev said. "If that is the way you want it, then that is the way it will be."

The dress rehearsal began again from the top.

Author's note

I'm sorry it's been a while since I last updated. I was having trouble figuring out how to write this chapter. Yes I know the Phantom isn't in this chapter. I will definitely put him in the next chapter. Please review. All flames will be used to make a bonfire. He he he