Rating: M to be on the safe side, will be bad language and knowing me a lot of slashy goodness
Warning: this will most definitely be slash, but will hopefully also contain humour, or at least my version of humour. Anyway, if you don't like serious lovin' between two guys then this is not for you. May also contain het, not sure exactly where this is going yet :-/
Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me, I just use them to do stuff my original characters won't let me do. Neither do I own the X Factor, thank god as it's really starting to suck now, not that it was that fab to begin with…
Summary: Due to being housebound at night with my amazing wee son I have been watching the X Factor, and also X Factor USA. This fic stems from imagining my fave characters in that situation and a lot of sleepless nights due to my sons incessant teething. So yeah, I decided Dumbledore having a crazy moment and bring the Hex Factor (clever innit?) to Hogwarts.
When Harry finally made it down to breakfast, the Great Hall was buzzing with the sound of excited voices. On the Hufflepuff table there had begun an impromptu sing-a-long, the song of choice being Build Me Up Buttercup, with the word buttercup being replaced by the word Hufflepuff. Needless to say, the Slytherins began pelting them with bits of buttered toast, bacon and whatever else they could reach, whilst sneering uncontrollably.
The Ravenclaws quietly discussed the chances of gaining extra credit for taking part, apart from Luna who seemed to be attempting to knit some sort of net out of noodles. Where she had obtained noodles at this time of day Harry had no idea, however when Luna caught him staring she merely grinned and winked before turning back to her task.
Sitting himself down between Ron and Ginny he began piling his plate with bacon, eggs and toast. Around him his fellow Gryffindors were discussing the upcoming event. He could hear Lavender harping on about her beautiful voice which would surely win the competition. Unfortunately, Harry knew she had a good chance. As much as he'd like her to sound like a cat in a grinder when she sang, she was actually quite talented. If only she weren't such a bitch whore sent from Satan to steal young men's virtue.
Hermione was in deep discussion with Ginny, probably trying to convince her to audition, Harry knew from spending Christmas with the Weasley's and singing Christmas songs around the fire, that she had a nice sultry sort of voice. He hoped she would enter, if only to give Lavender a run for her money. Although he supposed he would have to support her if she got through. House pride and all that sort of shite.
Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Dumbledore stand up and start tapping the side of his glass with a spoon, looking faintly surprised when the spoon suddenly broke the glass. Coughing to try and hide his embarrassment, he addressed his suddenly quiet students.
"Girls and boys", he started with a slightly patronising tone that Harry hated, "As you have noticed, we are holding a special contest this year. A contest not of magic or strength, but of music!" he cried as he spread his arms wide.
The students continued to stare at him, unsure if they should be clapping or something. Dumbledore coughed again and lowered his arms slowly, "Well, anyway, Auditions will be held on Saturday in two weeks time. Anyone wanting to audition will be required to sign their names on the sheet provided in your common rooms. There will be four judges who will not be revealed until audition day". The students immediately began whispering amongst each other once more as they discussed who the judges would likely be.
Dumbledore shushed them again, "May I also remind you to be on your best behaviour, as this competition will be broadcast on the Wizarding Wireless, and there will also be journalists on hand to report on this event. Thank you."
Harry immediately returned to his food, not really caring about the competition as he had no intention of entering. He hated being in the limelight, and now Voldemort was gone he had no reason not to settle down and enjoy his final year at school. Ron's elbow in his side interrupted his thoughts and unfortunately caused him to choke slightly on his toast. Turning to face him, glaring as he coughed, Ron flinched, noting the hint of retribution in those green eyes.
"Sorry Harry mate, I just wanted to ask if you're going to audition. We've all heard you in the shower, you're pretty damn good."
Harry rolled his eyes, "No Ron, I'm just having a quiet year this year, besides, people would probably vote for me because I'm the Boy Who Lived to Sing or some bollocks", he muttered, "Anyway, why's everyone listening to me in the bloody shower?"
Ron shrugged, "It's not like we're perving", he glanced at Seamus, "Well not all of us anyway, we just like to hear you sing."
Seamus piped up further along the table, "Yeah Harry, I hope you're auditioning, it'd be a damn waste of a talent, not to mention sexy ass body if you don't." Harry flushed and chucked his remaining toast at him, although the evil look Lavender was giving him almost tempted him to give in.
A snicker nearby caused him to look up and he noticed Draco Malfoy had ventured near the Gryffindor table on his way out of the Hall.
"What's wrong Potter, afraid you'll lose? Maybe embarrass yourself in front on the whole Wizarding world and they'll finally see what a loser you really are?" he sneered.
Harry rolled his eyes, "Do us all a favour Malfoy and fuck off and die."
Draco glared at him and Harry couldn't help but notice a moment of hurt cross his face before he steeled himself again.
"Washed up heroes and mud bloods first, please, I insist", he spat back, "Never mind, you'll just have to sit back and enjoy the show while we Slytherins win."
With a last parting sneer, he whirled and stormed out the Hall. Or at least tried to before his robes tripped him up. Harry and the rest of the Gryffindors snickered as the Slytherin blushed and attempted to regain some dignity as he finally made it to the door. With a final glare he shoved the doors open and disappeared.
Immediately the Gryffindors turned on Harry, "Come on mate, you have to audition, the miserable little twat pretty much challenged you, you can't back down now!"
"Yeah", agreed Seamus, "Show the wee bastard what you're made of. You can beat his skinny white arse any day!"
Harry groaned and put his head in his hands, finally having enough he stood up. "All right!" he cried, "I'll think about it okay?" And with that he snatched up a bacon roll and fled the Hall.
A/N - sorry it's so short again, I worked my ass off to get this out tonight, hindered of course by the fact my 11mth old son has been restless all night because of the fireworks, and eventually decided enough was enough at around 10pm and screamed till I got him up. I've been trying to find different students from the different houses for the actual competition. I think I have it all sorted now so it should be relatively easy going now as long as my son stays asleep during the night so I can actually write. Anyway, hope you enjoy. And please, please review so I know if I'm actually doing okay. I'd like to thank dreamerx for being my first ever reviewer and giving me the confidence to continue :D