2- Can You Hear the Caged Gryffindor Sing?
Chapter 2 of 84
Good_WitchThe Golden Trio reacts to the new competition. Insights are gained to each of them and their respective relationships. Now, how will they be affected when the cast list comes out?
ReviewedDisclaimer: Neither the characters nor the settings nor the play they're all working on are mine. Just having a little fun... so please don't sue.
Author's Note: I hope you all continue to enjoy the story!
Chapter 2- Can You Hear the Caged Gryffindor Sing?
"I can't wait till tomorrow morning!" Hermione Granger was beside herself with excitement. Harry and Ron smiled indulgently at each other over her head as she bounced down the hall toward Gryffindor Tower. "I love Phantom of the Opera! I saw it in London with my folks over Christmas holiday several years back. It's so romantic and dramatic. And it was so beautiful! I hope I get cast. I so want to be in it."
Ron cast a sly look at Harry and winked. "But 'Mione, if you get cast, it'll take time away from your studying. Aren't you worried about your N.E.W.T.s?" He looked at her with a worried expression and clasped her arm gravely. Hermione's rapt expression faltered, and she looked at Ron in horror. Ron couldn't hold it in any longer and his face crumpled into snorts of laughter. Hermione whipped around to look at Harry as well and saw him grinning. She scowled at them both and swatted Ron's hand from her arm.
"Honestly! You are such a prat, Ron! You just did that to scare me! Hmph. Well, you do have a point..." She stared off into space, obviously thinking hard. Harry knew what she was thinking, so he gripped her arm.
"Hermione, stop it. He was only joking. You know you really want to be a part of this. You don't need to worry about your N.E.W.T.s. You've been more than ready for them for years now! Don't let them stop you." Harry shot an irritated glare at Ron, who was still sputtering with chuckles. Ron manfully managed to compose himself. "Besides, I think it sounds fun, and who knows when we might get a chance to do something like this after we leave Hogwarts? And... well... I really want to get a part too... and I was hoping we could do this together." Harry looked at the floor, releasing Hermione's arm, stammering.
Hermione looked curiously at Harry. Was he blushing? No, he couldn't be. She smiled uncertainly at Harry, then turned to glare at Ron again. He backed away, holding his hands in front of him, as if to ward her off.
"I'm sorry, 'Mione. I just couldn't resist. You're so bloody predictable! Harry's right, though. Think of it as our last Hogwarts adventure. Now that the war is over, we won't have any more of the scary kind, so how about a fun one? I've never seen or heard of musical theatre before, but from what you told us at dinner, it sounds fun. And it'd keep us from getting too bogged down in N.E.W.T.s. I was just joking, really." Ron managed a dutifully contrite expression and Hermione forgave him. She rolled her eyes at Ron, then smiled a little, letting him know he was off the hook.
Harry stepped between them. "Good, now let's get back to the common room. I want to know more about this play. And, say, did the Sorting Hat talk a lot to you lot, too?" Harry used this as an excuse to fling his arms around his best friends' shoulders, walking in step toward the Tower. Ron looked surreptitiously at Harry, noting the slight flush on his cheeks. He smirked to himself. Knowing Harry so long, he could tell that Harry fancied Hermione, but was trying to be casual about it.
Ron understood. He had fancied her for a couple of years, until they had tried to take a step forward into a relationship the previous summer, just before the war.
She had visited the Burrow, and they had been sitting in the garden, zapping gnomes with their wands, when the sun had set. They were laughing at the gnomes' expressions as they went flying through the air, and Ron looked at Hermione in the light of the setting sun. He was startled by how pretty she looked, and just gazed at her. Hermione had noticed the sudden change in Ron's behaviour and looked at him. She saw the wonder in his eyes and felt her stomach flip. Ron had moved closer to her and leant toward her. As dusk fell, they inched closer together until their lips met. Both of them had been expecting sparks, after the tension they had felt over the years.
But, nothing happened. The magical moment between evening and night was gone, and in the darkness, they backed away, searching for each other's reactions. Seeing the pained confusion mirrored in each other's eyes, they broke off the gaze, looking away, embarrassed. Ron hastily cleared his throat, glad for the cover of darkness to mask his flaming cheeks, sure they would rival his hair. Hermione sighed gustily. Neither of them knew what to do or say. They glanced at each other again. Hermione gave Ron a sheepish half-smile.
"Well, we would never have known if we hadn't tried, right?" She followed with a wry chuckle.
Ron looked at her and felt his throat loosen. She wasn't mad. He gazed at her, suddenly very content with their friendship. He gave her a lopsided grin, chagrined. "Oi, but I had thought it would be different." He laughed.
They were back to the easy camaraderie, beyond the awkwardness. Hermione reached for Ron's hand and squeezed it. Ron looked at it gratefully and squeezed back. Cheerfully, he asked, "Say, you up for a game of Wizard's Chess?"
Hermione rolled her eyes at him. "You only want to play because you know I'll lose."
"Well, it keeps things in perspective to not be perfect at everything, you know," he said lightly.
Hermione swatted him on the arm. "You git!" She stood as he scrabbled backwards to his feet. "Fine. But only because I will beat you one of these days, Ronald Weasley."
Ron leered at her, feeling safe with flirting now that they both knew it would never amount to anything. "Oooh, promise?"
Hermione let out an outraged squawk, swatting at him again. She dissolved into giggles. "You're insufferable. I meant beat you at chess, you dolt!" She threw him a haughty glare and stood to her full height.
He smirked at her, looking down at her amused expression. Throwing a companionable arm around her shoulders, he began leading her back into the house. "I'm sorry things didn't click, 'Mione. I really thought we would, you know?" He sighed. "Well, I guess I better tell Harry I finally made a move. Of course, I'll have to pine for you and tell Harry I was roundly rejected..."
Hermione shoved his side. "You'll do nothing of the sort! Ron, you know we're better as friends. Tonight just proved it. At least we know now." She looked up at him a trifle anxiously. He glanced down at her reassuringly and squeezed her shoulders.
"I know. I was just teasing. Look, we won't go on about this again, okay? But if Harry asks, I'll tell him the truth, just as you would. Deal?"
"Deal."
They had reached the portrait hole by the time Ron's reverie ended. "Phoenix feather." The Fat Lady opened, letting the three climb in through the hole. The common room was full of chattering students. Harry, Ron, and Hermione made their way to their favourite seats, waving, nodding, and responding to greetings along the way.
They got comfortable, and Harry spoke up. "Okay, Hermione, tell us more about this play. We need to know what we might be in for." He smiled.
Hermione's eyes lit up again. Her hands flew about as she spoke. "Oh, it's so beautiful and sad and happy at the same time." Ron looked puzzled.
"Okay, well, there's this opera house in Paris, and these two men take over management of it. Well, once they do so, they hear the rumour of the Phantom of the Opera. The chorus girls and the stagehands talk about a man...a ghost perhaps...who lives under the opera in the catacombs. Naturally, the managers don't believe them, but strange things happen and they start to wonder. Eventually their star soprano...a horridly conceited woman...storms off in a huff because of an accident. So, a chorus girl...Christine...moves up to play the role. She has been getting singing training from an unseen tutor, whom she calls the Angel of Music. Her father had died but promised her he'd send her the Angel of Music.
"At the performance, an old friend of hers...Raoul...sees her, and they strike up a re-acquaintance. But, when he shows interest in her, her Angel of Music objects and takes her away from her dressing room through a mirror. It's the Phantom, and he spirits her away to his dungeons. They cross a deep underground lake, and he is bent on seducing her when she faints. She wakes to hear him playing his organ, composing, and sneaks up to pull off his mask. He explodes and she is terrified. He's a monster under the mask. He eventually takes her back to the opera.
"There, the managers receive notes from the Phantom about Christine replacing Carlotta...she's the horrid soprano...or they will regret it. He's threatening them with more 'accidents.' They refuse to comply and Carlotta plays. The Phantom shows up to watch, and Raoul is in his seat. He gets extremely angry and causes Carlotta to croak like a toad, hangs a stagehand, and causes a chandelier to crash! The managers realize then that he's a force to be reckoned with.
"In the meantime, Christine and Raoul have escaped to the roof to be safe and she convinces him that the Phantom is real. They declare their love for each other. The Phantom sees all and is heartbroken. He channels his hurt into vengeful anger and vows to repay them for her betrayal.
"Six months pass, and they've not heard any more from the Phantom, until he shows up at a Masquerade ball. He gives the managers a new opera and rips Raoul's engagement ring from Christine. Later, the whole place is in an uproar about the new opera. Christine doesn't want to do it, but Raoul convinces her that if she does, they can capture the Phantom and she will be safe.
"Christine visits her father's grave, seeking comfort, and the Phantom is there, trying to lure her to him. Raoul appears and saves her. Now the Phantom declares war on both of them.
"On the night of the first performance of the new opera, everyone is in place to capture the Phantom. But he secretly takes the place of the leading man, joining Christine on stage. When he suddenly changes his song, they all realize who it is and Christine pulls off his mask, and he wraps his cloak around her and disappears. They find Piangi...Carlotta's lover and the leading man...dead on the stage bed.
"The Phantom takes Christine back to his lair, to make her his bride. Raoul and others from the opera follow to track down the Phantom. Raoul swims the lake and arrives at the gate to the Phantom's dungeon. The Phantom lets him in, only to secure him in a noose. He forces Christine to make a choice: stay with him and he will free Raoul, or leave him and he will kill Raoul. Raoul begs her to save herself, but she chooses the Phantom and kisses him. After this, the Phantom seems to break down and releases them both. He makes them leave and disappears before the others can come to lynch him.
"All that we see left behind is his mask..."
Hermione trailed off. Most of the other students in the common room had gathered around to hear her tale, and there was a profound silence. A couple of the girls had tears in their eyes. The silence was broken by a sniff.
"That was so beautiful. How sad for the Phantom..." Lavender blotted her eyes on her robes.
"Sad? The bloke was a murderer! He deserved what he got!" Seamus turned to her indignantly.
"But he loved her!" Ginny sputtered.
Suddenly there was an uproar as the Gryffindors argued about the Phantom.
Harry looked at Hermione and grimaced at the noise around them. "So, Hermione, what part would you want?"
Hermione started, flushing slightly. "Well, I would be happy with any part, of course..."
"Oh, give over, Hermione; you know you want to be the lead!" Ron cut in.
Hermione glared at Ron, crestfallen. "Of course I would like that, but I'm not as arrogant as all that. I would truly like to be involved in any way. What about you lot?" she asked, turning the tables on them.
Ron blanched. "Oh, I don't know. I'm not too keen on anything major. I know Dumbledore said they have a spell for us, but I can't sing worth a Knut."
Harry had a distant look in his eyes. "I think I'd like to be Raoul. I think I have a good shot at it. The Sorting Hat said something about me being the heroic type, especially after everything that happened with Voldemort, and Raoul does try to save Christine." He looked at Hermione, then nervously darted his eyes away. "Heh, wouldn't that be something? If you and I got the roles of Christine and Raoul? I have to wonder who might get the Phantom."
Ron wrinkled his nose in distaste. "Oi, can you imagine if Malfoy got it? Ugh, Hermione, that would be ruddy awful if you were Christine and he was Phantom. I can't think of anyone worse..."
Hermione shuddered in disgust. "Well, we'll hope for the best. You realize that we have to take whatever we're given. We can't back out. But really, can you see someone like Colin Creevey as the Phantom?" She giggled and the two boys laughed with her.
"I can't believe that Dumbledore has the faculty involved. Can you see Flitwick as the Phantom?" Harry said, gasping with laughter.
"Or McGonagall as Christine?" Ron continued, looking at the pained look that flashed across Harry's face. "Oh, Harry, I have an even better one... Trelawney!"
Hermione shrieked with laughter at the panic on Harry's face, but relented when she saw him turning a little green. "Ron, stop it. That's horrid. It's all right, Harry. I'm sure she wouldn't be suitable at all. So, even if you do get Raoul, you needn't worry." She patted his hand consolingly, and he clasped her hand in his. She felt the strength in his grip and was taken aback. Glancing up at Harry, she saw something glittering in his eyes. Shaking her head slightly, she glanced to Ron, who was ducking his head to the side, whistling tunelessly.
He flashed them a grin and said, "I'm going to get something from the house-elves. I'll bring you something back." He slid around the table and winked at Harry behind Hermione before giving him a thumbs-up and sauntering off.
Hermione noticed that Harry still had her hand in his. Harry interrupted her scattered thoughts, "Uh, Hermione, you said Christine kisses the Phantom. Um, do, uh, do Christine and, and, um, uh, I mean, does she kiss Raoul?" Harry stammered fiercely, cursing himself under his breath, feeling his palms sweat, hoping Hermione wouldn't feel it.
Hermione gathered her thoughts. "Well, yes. They kiss on the roof and the Phantom sees it. Why?" she asked warily. She wasn't sure she wanted to know the answer, not with the grip Harry had on her hand.
"Oh, you know, after Ron joked about McGonagall and Trelawney, I couldn't help but wonder what I might be getting myself into if I was Raoul. I mean, that would be bloody awful! But, if it was a student, that would be okay, unless it was a Slytherin. I still think it would be nicest if you were Christine and I was Raoul." He looked up from under his lashes shyly, gently rubbing a finger across the back of Hermione's hand.
Hermione felt her stomach flutter nervously. Harry couldn't mean... "Uh, sure Harry, that would be nice. Look, I have some studying to do. Especially if I get a part, I need to make the most of the time I have. Ron did have a point, you know." She tugged her hand from Harry's and stood, feigning carelessness. "If Ron shows up with treats, feel free to have my share. I can't believe he's even hungry after that feast." She rambled on nervously, trying not to see the hurt in Harry's eyes.
Harry pushed back from the table, pretending like Hermione, suddenly guarding his thoughts. "Sure, no problem. We'll see you around tomorrow morning. Come to see the cast list with us?" he asked casually.
Relieved at his reversion to his normal friendly manner, Hermione smiled and nodded. "Sure thing. Good night, Harry." She turned and made her way to her room, not seeing Harry's eyes follow her all the way out.
In her private Head Girl's room, Hermione warded her door and sank down onto her bed, absently stroking Crookshanks when he jumped up beside her. She took a few deep calming breaths, trying to forget the feel of Harry's hand holding hers. She didn't know quite what to make of Harry tonight. She'd never seen that look in his eyes before.
Hermione rose up onto her arms and sighed. Her stomach still roiled. Boys. She pushed up off her bed and started for the bathroom, ostensibly to take a bath before settling in for her evening's study grind. As she passed the mirror, she paused, gazing at her reflection in wonder. Just what were they looking at when they looked at her that way? Ron did it the night they kissed... Hermione made a face at the memory. And Harry did it tonight.
She ran a hand over her hair, still brown and bushy, although it was a little smoother now that she had had so many years of practice reining it in. Her eyes were a standard brown. She didn't see the sparkle that came to them when she got excited about something, or the shine that they carried when she was concentrating on something deeply interesting. She still had that handful of obnoxious freckles, although they had faded as she had gained more sun each summer at the Burrow.
Her gaze travelled down. She took off her school robes and laid them across the back of her chair, looking at her figure in her school uniform. She was fairly short. Ron and Harry practically towered over her. She was not fat, nor was she skinny. She was average. Average weight, average proportions, nothing special about her. She didn't know how graceful she was when she walked, her head held proudly, or how endearing she was with all of her little poses and mannerisms.
All she saw was an average girl.
She realized that she was more mature now, of course. She probably wouldn't grow any taller, and her figure was set, unless she gained or lost weight. She was the woman she would be, just lacking polish. She thought about the other girls and didn't see how she could compare favourably to someone like Lavender, the acknowledged beauty of their group, or even Ginny, with her shining hair and ready smile.
Hermione looked at her reflection and frowned. Sternly, she said to herself, You're imagining things. Harry is NOT interested in you that way. He is your best friend. Just like Ron. There is absolutely nothing to worry about. And with that, she marched into the bathroom, refusing to ponder the matter any more.
As she slid into the warm water a few moments later, her thoughts drifted to the casting of the play. Possibilities played across her mind.
I would so love to play Christine. Harry said the Sorting Hat said a lot to him. It didn't say that much to me. Just that bit about me being devoted to those I love and being a perfectionist.
Hermione felt a moment of chagrin as she remembered the hat making a sly remark about her fascination with the unknown and her endless quest for knowledge, which sometimes led her to do things that were quite reckless. She couldn't imagine how it had known about all of the things she had done with Harry and Ron, sneaking about, stealing potions supplies, spying... but it did.
Who in the world could play the Phantom? It's such a deep, dark role. Would any of these boys have the depth to portray him? Harry might; he's been through so much heartache, but he said the hat called him the heroic type. The Phantom isn't really heroic. At least, not in the sense that he saves people. Gods, I hope it doesn't cast a Slytherin. I don't know how I could manage if I was Christine and I had to kiss a Slytherin! Considering the romance in it, I'm surprised the Ministry allowed faculty to be involved. I guess that was the reason why it was limited to fourth years and above, too. Of course, the Sorting Hat won't cast something inappropriate. Dumbledore wouldn't allow it. It'll all work out fine, I'm sure. All I know is, this is certainly one of the most agreeable things the Ministry has come up with in years!
Hermione smiled to herself, soaking in the tub. She felt confident in the outcome since Dumbledore was the director. Now she just had to wait till the next morning to find out if she made it. It was going to be hard to concentrate on her homework tonight.
Saturday morning took forever to come to those anxious to know if they had made the cast. Harry and Ron met Hermione at her door and they walked down to the Great Hall together. Harry was careful to be the simple friend and not the nervous suitor.
Ron saw both Harry and Hermione acting as if nothing had transpired and smirked to himself. When he had returned to the Tower, laden with sweets, Hermione had already disappeared and Harry had secluded himself in his bed. Ron had yanked the curtains open and tossed Harry his share of the spoils, but Harry had avoided Ron's eyes, thanking him and closing the curtains again. Ron had shrugged, knowing that Harry would bring it up if he wanted to talk. He wasn't going to push him.
Hermione was rambling, nervous about the cast list and about seeing Harry. She trailed off as they approached the notice board, where there was already a large group gathered.
As they approached, Luna Lovegood turned to them and looked at them with her pale, bulging eyes. She smiled blankly. "It's not there yet. There's a scroll posted, but it's been enchanted to let the list appear at 8:00. We've only a few minutes to wait. I expect to be cast. Do you?"
The trio stammered a bit, looking at each other. Hermione finally answered, "We would be honoured of course to be cast, and we do hope to be involved, but we really don't know what to expect."
Luna merely nodded and turned back to looking at the blank parchment intently. The crowd milled about, shuffling and nudging while they waited. Suddenly, an expectant hush fell over them as ink started to appear on the scroll. It seemed to rise from the bottom like smoke, filling in the words. As the students saw their names, they yelled and jumped around, hugging and slapping each other on the back.
"There! It says 'Colin Creevey.' That's me!"
"Oh, look Susan, 'Hannah Abbott' and 'Susan Bones.' We both made it!"
"Parvati, I made it and you did too!"
"Lavender, I'm so glad!"
"Hey, Luna, you're on here too!"
"I know, Justin, I was just looking at the faculty cast. Look, there's Trelawney and McGonagall."
"Hey, Dean, looks like you, me and Neville are gonna' be actors!"
"Oh yeah, Seamus, well, it looks like a lot of us Gryffindor blokes are there; Weasley made it too."
"Ron, I'm so glad! Wait till Mum hears we're both in the play!"
"Yeah, Ginny, that's great. Bollocks! Did you see who else is there..."
"Of course I was cast, Weasley, my mother would never have allowed me to not be cast. Pansy, you're cast as my lover... How appropriate."
"Oh, Malfoy, shut up. You don't want to make Millicent jealous!"
"You shut up, Terry Boot; I would not be jealous!"
"Hermione, I got Raoul! Just like I thought I would!"
"Oh, Harry, that's wonderful. Am I on there?"
They crushed closer, watching Harry's name fill in with ink, then the ink moved higher, and Hermione's name began to form.
"Hermione! You're Christine! I knew it, just like I said! It wasn't Trelawney or McGonagall. Isn't this great? We'll have so much fun!"
Harry clutched Hermione in a tight embrace, and she felt her face flush. He had turned so her back was to the board, and she saw the rest of the crowd fall silent, as looks of varying degrees of horror, consternation, and glee suffused their faces. She felt a stab of apprehension and struggled to free herself from Harry's grasp. Ron looked sick; Neville looked ready to faint; Ginny looked like she was about to cry; Parvati and Lavender had joined hands and were staring, mouths agape. But it was the look of malicious satisfaction on Draco's face and smugness on Pansy's that made Hermione the most nervous. She finally pushed Harry away and turned. The list was complete. The ink had finally filled in completely.
It said, "The Phantom-- Severus Snape."
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Latest 25 Reviews for Phantom of Hogwarts
1533 Reviews | 7.33/10 Average
It's been so long since last I read Phantom of Hogwarts, and it was just as wonderful as I remembered! Thank you for writing this fic...however many years ago. :)
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
Oh, wow! No matter how long ago it is that I finished PoH, It will always be in my top 5 achievements. LOL I'm so glad you feel that it has held up on re-reads. Thank you so much for making my night brighter! :)
Haa! Haaa! Haaa! Had to keep reading so I couldn't review since the proposal. Harry is a turd for telling Dumbledore to use Dobby to go after Hermione and Severus. I didn't expect Dumbledore or her parents to react with such intense nagativity. I expected some nay saying but not the heap of anger that was piled on top of them. Well, lets see if Minerva is here to hug him or hang him.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*huge grin* Glad to make you laugh! Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
O I just love the ring!!!!!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
I covet that ring SO much. I'm glad you like it too. Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
What did Albus do while the rest of the cast enjoyed the party? I suppose he was entertaining the Ministry official? I felt a little bit bad for him. He did have fun directing the play. I wonder if he plans to teach next year's Art's class. Maybe he was having a long distant conversation with the other Headmasters. I doubt it, though. Things are going too well for Severus in a way. I'm waiting for the other shoe to fall when he and Hermione come out of the closet. I don't know why Hermione can't be bothered to see him once a week for a few minutes somehow. I couldn't stay away from my lover for two months while we lived in the same castle. I'd at least write him a little love note as often as I could. The girl is made of steel or ice. You would think she would realize they need to have some plan for what they are to do at the end of term. Will they be a couple at the graduation ceremony? Will they be one the next day? Will they both go to the house on Spinner's End or will she go home to her parents first? I don't think she realizes that he wanted her input so that she would love the house as their home. He's giving her a house. He's preparing her a home, them a home. She could at least tell him that she is happy to think he is working on their home and tell him if she plans to move in straight away or not. This hiatus in their relationship puzzles me. I suppose they can only have it all or nothing. Hermione isn't able to compartmentalize apparently.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
You're not the only one wondering when the other shoe will drop, especially after the close calls they've had already. *snerk* Your questions will be answered (some to a greater degree than others) all in due time, my dear. ;) Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I have no worries over the employment with Fern issue. I like her though. My kind of woman. Born and raised only slightly less hippyish. We moved to Hawaii, but didn't live in a commune. I'm very glad Hermione likes the idea of the house being "theirs". I am surprised her dad didn't notice her mum gushing over Severus. But, I don't think my husband would notice now that I think about it. I could go out with my pants inside out and he wouldn't notice unless someone else said something about it. It's odd. He complements me when he thinks I looks pretty but wouldn't be able to save me from lipstick on my teeth or some other embarrassing thing. He reminds me a lot of Ron, come to think about it.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
LOL at your description of your husband. I hope reminding you of Ron is a good thing. ;P Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I'm surprised at Hermione's behavior and her giving up the opportunity to spend time with Severus. I suppose that the fact that neither seems to be obsessing about two missed opportunities to spend time together shows they are more confident in their relationship. I'm surprised that Severus would leave Hermione crying with her feelings hurt after the play. He was able to suppress his revolt of Voldemort. He needed to compartmentalize his being creeped out by Hermione's mother. I'm also surprised that so much time has gone by since they have communicated last. Hermione didn't even look at him during the performance. I realize he was sitting next the Minerva, but there must have been some opportunity to make eye contact if they had been looking for one. I'm happy Severus is so distracted by planing his new life. Other wise, I think his feelings would be hurt that she seemed to ignore him. It is the holidays and I would have thought that Hermione would be looking to spend time together even if it was just studying in her rooms while he read. I'm also glad that his neighborhood isn't the run down and empty sort of place it is usually described as. I have never thought of myself as super jealous but I guess I am. I don't know about having Severus in business with another witch. I know he wouldn't love anyone besides Hermione, but I wouldn't expect the other witch not to be attracted to him. Who wouldn't be. Well, his plans of leaving at then end of the year are out of the bag; it's kind of too bad. People are bound to connect his leaving with he and Hermione starting a relationship while he was still a Professor after such chemistry between them in the play. I expect some idiots to be that way even if they wait a little while to come out together. But there is no need to wait. They need to get married asap! I know I've already said this 3 other times. They have already promised to be together forever. At least half the people on the planet have their marriages arranged by their parents and they learn to live together without long periods of courting even if they are engaged as children. Not that I approve of child engagement, but I'm not against other cultures with arranged marriages. My life would have been happier if my parents and my husband's parents had been from the same social class. My parents tried to be friends with his but his were intimidated. His mother and sister also didn't like me. Severus and Hermione are going to have to deal with Hermione's mother though. It will become a problem between Hermione and her parents because her mom likes him too much! If they can get that under control, I don't think Hermione's parents will be unhappy about them becoming a couple.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
They have indeed become more confident as a couple, after the things they've already gone through. And they are now able to focus on other things besides the all-encompassing obsession with each other, such as setting up their future. :) Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
OK. I would never perve and gush like that as a married woman. Thank gods, I am not Hermione's mum. I was getting worried. She is so embarrassing. Poor Severus! Hermione's dad must be very secure. He wasn't jealous at all even though Dion was making a spectacle of herself. Poor Hermione too! It's creepy and gross to have your mom perving about your lover let alone being so obvious about it in front of all of your peers. Did she really think he would give her a kiss? Yuck! I had a friend when I was a teen who's mom slept with her boyfriend and she caught them! I'm trying not to gag right now. I was already not feeling well, so that might be adding to it. Let's move on, shall we? Wonderful chapter BTW!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
ROFL!!! Sorry to make you all oogy. ;) Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
I do hope I wasn't that embarrassing as a mom! But then again...I did so enjoy embarrassing my teenagers. Maybe I'm getting payback but I do believe I am being over paid enormously. I count it as a down payment on all of the money, time and emotional energy they are still costing me as adults. They are higher maintenance now than they were as children! But how can you blame me? Who else's mother carried a knitted uterus, a muppet breast and a life size fake pelvis in her trunk? Did you know that if you take the pelvis, turn it over, turn it backwards and put it on your head you can say, "Look! I'm a Klingon!" I only resorted to such things when provoked, I swear! If they were rude to me and embarrassed me in front of their friends, well, what was I supposed to do? And I'm sure anyone's mum would give STD lectures to any teenagers that she could get into the back seat of her taxi. I did have some mercy. I declined the request to a teach sex ed module at their private school. Instead the teacher would send home questions and I would write her a note to be taken back the next day. One of my favorites was, "What is the vas deferens?" I also spent literally thousands of dollars on therapy for both of them. I even took out a mortgage on my house to afford it. It was a total waste of money and the bank ended up with the house. ! I wonder if Dion will be just as enamored with Severus after she finds out he is her daughter's soul mate and she is the love of his life? I would be so jealous! I seriously can't even imagine what is going to happen when those two come out. The only one I can count on is Ginny. Everyone else is a wild card as far as I can see at this point. I have no guesses about who will say what. Will Minerva still support Severus? I do hope so. I hope I am pleasantly surprised by everyone else as well. Maybe Albus will stun me and back them up after he comes to terms with the new Severus Snape. On with the show!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*cackling* I love it! Too funny, darlin. :D I have to say, I am so enjoying that you really can't tell what will happen, particularly with people's reactions. I would hate to be too transparent and predictable. ;P Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
Bless Minerva! I dare say she will be angry at first, but I do believe that when she realizes how much Hermione loves him she will come around. I'm so glad she came down to tell Severus she supports him in his quest for freedom and happiness. Severus is experiencing a whole new world in spite of megalomaniacs like Dumbledore and Voldemort. He is a very useful and powerful tool. It's no wonder they both wanted to control him. He is probably the most powerful wizard next to Dumbledore in Britain, maybe even the world. I do hope that Albus reconsiders his motives. If he persists in believing he owns Severus Snape, I would have to say he is a bad person for all of his twinkling on the outside. I know you said he was like a father that didn't want to let go of a son, but he needs to get over himself or he will lose said son. He probably isn't evil but he is controling, manipulative and has power issues. I know I already said this, but I think they really need to get married before they come out of the closet to shut down any scandle mongering. They aren't just every day people. They are war heros and have reputations to worry about that everyday people don't have to be concerned with. If they are married then no matter what people may accuse them of, they can't say that Severus didn't do the honorable thing by quiting his job and marrying the young woman. Some people like to believe the worst in others as a hobby. They are stupid and stupid people don't matter. I have an idea of where Severus could work!
They could start a second line of products that are serious.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Yeah, you summed Albus up quite nicely, indeed! Thank you for such a lovely review! :)
Tastefully kinky and erotic solutions to several itches, not the least, Severus' newly declared freedom from Albus Dumbledore. I am surprise on one hand that Albus could be so selfish and forcefully maintain his mastery over his ex spy. He seemed to truly be interested in Severus' happiness, but like some parents he can't cut the apron string. He also seems to forget that he wouldnt have needed to work so hard to keep Severus alive if he hadn't been constantly sending him into lif threating circumstances. Albus misstepped himself when he made Severus a possession. I can imagine Hermione having something to say to Dumbledore before they leave the castle for good. Albus is a bully even though he works on the side of the light. Power corrupts as they say. I can imagine Hermione telling Albus Dumbledore "exactly where the bear slept," explaining exactly how things are going to be from now on and letting him know what she is willing to do if he decides not to respect their relationship and autonomy or tries to stand in their way. I think the best thing to do is get married the night of the leaving feast in a small wedding that maybe her parents will be at and Ginny, Neville, Harry and Ron. Severus, with his wife, can turn in his resignation the next day. I know there are more opportunities out there for them and him in particular than the apothecary shop. In his new state of the art lab, he can mix specially requested potions for individuals and corporations. Hermione can help him with the research and inventing new potions. They could do some coloboration with the Twins and be a private contractor for the Ministry and St. Mungos. They can travel and do research while things calm down back at the school. I'm all for their kinky fun and planing for the future. Does Albus Dumbledore forget who Severus Snape is?
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Oh, I am looking forward to you reading further... ;D Albus may not have ever really understood who Severus is, but he'll learn, and fairly quickly too. Thank you so much for such a lovely review! :)
I started to write about this before, but didn't get to finish the review. I think. If this is a repeat just ignore me. I think that Hermione should let Severus know about her plans to stretch her hymen before they consummate their relationship. He is insecure and jealous by nature even if he is doing a spiffing job of changing. I can see a slow train wreck on the horizon that could ruin the most important night in their lives. If Hermione feels different to Severus he may wonder. And if he asks in a way that makes her offended that he would even think she would be with another person that would be a total boner breaker, if you'll forgive the use of the term. I hope she decides to write him a steamy letter telling him about her explorations with the candle. I could see 4 months either making the heart grow fonder, or just as easily the space between them making them more open to misunderstanding. They may become out of practice at communicating. I am surprised that Severus didn't let the apothecary owners know that he has not yet informed his current employer of his plans and that jealous would appreciate it if they would be discreet and not discuss this with anyone else. I wonder why he doesn't apply with St. Mungo's. Maybe he will.I wonder how Minerva is faring.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
I think I can safely say, without being too spoilery, that Hermione's explorations don't end in tragedy and interminable angst. *shifty eyes* Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
My Word!!! That Colin did get what he deserved. But my, the drama! It was extremely... wonderful! The entire chapter was extremely wonderful!!! I love, love, loved it! I'm sorry for not reviewing lately but I felt it was building to something and wanted to keep going without stopping when I could. Also, I've been so tired because I've been getting home from work quite late this week, and I know that if I start a review I'll want it worth something and that takes time that would prevent me from being able to read. All day and evening at work I can't wait to get home and read a chapter or two before going to bed.Now, I am wondering about Albus. He isn't daft. He's at least as intelligent as Ginny Weasley. And while Ginny knows Hermione, Albus knows Severus. I do believe he isn't fooled but trusts Severus to be honorable until Hermione graduates. His trust isn't misplaced. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if this entire contest was all just a ruse for Severus' benefit. Although Severus is older than Hermione,his emotional growth has been stunted and I think Albus knows that.Hermione is exceptional and more mature than the boys her age. Someone as intelligent as Dumbledore must have seen that they would make the perfect couple. And he loves Severus like a son in this story, I think. Also he can't stop from meddling. It must be a little boring and anticlimactic for a strategist like Dumbledore without Voldemort around. This would be a big huge plan that would last the entire school year, take a lot of planning and time for Dumbledore to work on, he is obviously having fun and it gives these two time to fall in love! That is my theory at this point. I seldom read a long story that I become emotionally invested in without checking the ending to make sure it isn't sad. Actually, I don't think I can read a story without becoming emotionally invested so I can't bare sad endings. But you've said this has a happy ending so I'm glad to tell you that you have the honor of being the only author in forever that I haven't read the ending first. At least I don't think I have. ...If I have I don't remember it. I am getting so forgetful. It scares me. Seriously. I hope it's only stress. I have that in spades with adult children and their children living with me, sucking the life out of me and all my money too. None of them work. Well, enough of that. I read you to forget that crap! On with the story!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
Whoops! I can't believe I missed this review earlier. Sorry! :( I can guarantee that this fic has a happy ending, so I am glad you are sticking around. :) Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
"All right Hermione, spill it! Just what's going on between you and Snape?" a stanza of intense and slightly alarming music is inserted here. What the Hell, Hermione. Just tell her. You have enough dirt on her to get her expelled if she says anything. She is usually a very reliable secret keeper. And as your friend she will he happy if you are. She may even be able to do you the occasional turn of favor and cover for you.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
LOL!!! I can hear exactly what you're describing. Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I love the letter!!! It's wonderful that Severus and Hermione are equally inexperienced in the matters of the heart. The letter is sweetly mushy, blooming with youthful enthusiasm and titillating; and it was received with simple joy, surprise, and equally exuberant arousal. His first love letter was a doozy! Wait until they have some experience writing naughty letters! I'm very happy for Harry and Ginny. I hope Harry loves Ginny as much as she deserves. I suppose it goes without saying that she is a much better match than Hermione.It was pretty amazing the effect Snape's fear had on him in preventing him from punishing Harry and Ginny on that table. I wouldn't have expected such a reaction once he'd registered it wasn't Hermione. I would have thought that he would have been delighted in the opportunity to embarrass and punish Harry Potter. He's fallen hard. Poor man. I hope having what he's been longing for can live up to his expectations and hopes fueled by all this anticipation. I guess letting the kids go shows that he isn't motivated by meanness really. He just didn't have anything better to think about before. Everyone hated him and he hated them before they could hate him so there! But now he can move on past puberty and past his hatred of his childhood enemies, James and Sirius. He's the only one of them still alive for, goodness sake! Put those childish things behind you, Severus, and live! Maybe you have already paid for this good karma and they have paid for their cruelty. Stop disliking Harry just because he's a Potter. It eats away at you like a cancer. Be free of it. Forgive like you have been forgiven and be healed. It will help your relationship with Hermione too. What could be better than helping your relationship with Hermione, hmmmm?
I also want to say that I have always loved the twins. The return letter was excellent. Fred and George should have never been separated any more than the paramount potion's master in the world would be caught without antivenin with a known deadly snake.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*pleased grin* Y'know, I really hope you continue to enjoy some of the stuff coming up, because it SO addresses things you've brought up here. *rubs hands together in anticipation* And I love that you enjoyed the twins' letter. I wanted to capture their voice, even if only for a short blurb. I lovelovelove your deliciously thoughtful reviews. Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
I truly enjoy the way Severus has taken the plunge and isn't reluctant to tell Hermione that he loves her at least 3 times, I think, in the last few hours. I am extremely happy that they were able to retrieve their memories of each other so quickly. I have no doubt that Ginny will figure out there is something going on between these two. The only question is how soon? Well, and will she be supportive? I think she will. I think she will see that they match eachother. Twice in my life another person told me there was something between myself and male of the species while I was in denial about it, I guess. And didn't see it until a 3rd party told me straight up. Both said it was the way we looked at each other when we interacted and they were dubious about the fact that I was not aware of it because to them it was so obvious. I admit there was what I had considered some harmless flirting going on, but I told myself that is was all a lark. The first time, I had really pushed those feelings deep inside and I was truly flabbergasted when I was told that the young man was in love with me by a mutual friend. Once I had possession of that knowledge however, my own feelings came rushing up at me out of nowhere and floored me. It was kind of awful because I was in a long engagement to someone else that lived far away whom I only saw about once a month and had to share him with his family when he would come to see me. I was still in school and he was 7 years older than I was.Once the cat was out of the bag, I dreamed of that young man at least once a week then once a month for the next 13 years because we had unfinished business when we parted. All of my dreams were trying to resolve the issue and get closure. Finally I got fat enough that I would be too embarrassed if he ever saw me again and the dreams mostly stopped. But...I still think of him from time to time 35 years later. I enjoyed this chapter very much. Once again, you have done such a wonderful job of making the reader feel what our Hermione and Severus are experiencing.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*wriggles in happiness* I love that you are pleased about feeling what the characters are experiencing. I strive so much for plausibility and believability that it warms the cockles of my heart to get such lovely feedback. Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
I certainly can't blame Dione for having a fan girl crush on Severus. What red blooded woman in her right mind wouldn't? Dude is totally hot! Hermione should be glad it gave her the opportunity to come to an understanding with her man that Severus belongs to her ...and he likes it! And don't we all wish we had a dad like Mr. Granger? It must be very difficult for some parents to send their children away to boarding school. However, it probably makes some other parents and young people appreciate one another in a way that would never happen if they had been in eachother's space all the time, struggling for who's in control and experiencing full blown teenage angst. Over all it has been an extremely satisfiying trip.
And now they don't have to worry about Severus having to meet Hermione's parents in the circumstance of, "Mom. Dad. This is my former Potion's Professor Severus Snape. I have some very exciting news for you. Severus and I are in love and plan to spend the rest of our lives together. We fell in love while playing oposite each other in the school play."
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Your reviews bring joy to my day. Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
This was a sweet and fun chapter. I love that Severus has a sense of humor. When are they going to "do" it?! Or at least go to second base! This is going to be a long school year!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
Oh, darlin, this is definitely gonna be a long school year... LOL Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I can't imagine what mischief I would have gotten into if I had the ability to silence my parents door. For some strange reason, ever since I was in 10 th grade, I would be out in the front whatever car with my boyfriend and I just knew my parents would never come out side to check on us or wonder what we could possibly be doing in the driveway for 5 hours with the windows fogged up. They locked the front door and went to bed. Only once did I forget my house key and had to wake my parents at 1 AM to get in. They really trusted me. Why? We never had intercourse but we did just about every thing else. I was the mother who came looking for you if you were a half hour late. I didn't trust my daughters because I knew I wasn't exactly Polly Anna when I was their age. I mostly just ended up knowing more than I wanted to about my kids personal lives. If your progeny don't stop themselves by choice, there isn't a lot you can do unless you keep them tied to you 24/7 with a rope around your waist. Only one daughter was boy crazy. Things had changed. I don't know what the definition of slut changed to but it didn't include girls that slept with their boyfriend from 8th grade up. I never needed to be on birth control until a month before my wedding. I made sure my little minx was on the pill because I didn't believe I could trust her and I was right. At least Hermione is an adult and Hermione or Severus must certainly know contraception spells. I'm feeling as frustrated as Hermione here. But he's right. And it won't hurt them to wait. I did and I'm still glad. But they've made a lot of head way in their relationship. Wouldn't it be better to just come clean to Dumbledore that they are in love with each other through no fault of their own, but that they promise to follow the school charter and will be very discrete and won't tell anyone else but him. Rather than finding ways to keep them apart, I inclined to think that Dumbledore would find ways to give them time together and would cover for them so that Minerva doesn't find out until after the school year is over.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*bounces in glee* Oh, I love how invested you are, and how awesome your reviews are. Thank you so much, as always! :)
Absolutely lovely! The play was wonderful. All the flirting is building massive quantities of tension! I can imagine how they are feeling during desert. It's like being there. You expressed every movement, thought and feeling so exquisitely. In my springtime I remember a young man. We wanted each other but we couldn't go there. I was spoken for and had made my choice. I made the practical choice, but not my heart's choice. I was mature enough to know that the butterflies in your tummy don't last forever. We did things together pretending to be just friends The tension was painful and delightful at the same time. I'm still pretty sure I made the right decision.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Why, thank you! I'm so glad it came across so well (I try to describe exactly how I see things playing out in my head, so it's as detailed as I can make it, LOL). As for the tension, I was called the Queen of UST back in the day when I was writing this. *snerk* But, it'll all be resolved, I promise! ;) Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
Poor Hermione. Her parents were very ebarrassing. But isn't that what parents are for? At least we know that when Hermone and Severus can finally come out of the closet, Dione will be on Hermione's side. She would totally understand what Hermione sees in Severus Snape. And Geoff is a nice man so I think he'll be OK. I couldn't write all the reviews I wanted because it wakes up dad. I wanted to ask you a question on a previous chapter. If Severus takes dreamless sleep and there is an emergency in Slytherin house, can he wake up to tend to the problem? I just want to say that the 4.5 stars on some of the chapters baffel me. I think they are all 5's. I have 20 more minutes before I have to go to bed so I must return to reading. Happy Sunday night.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*blush* Aww, you're so kind! Re: Dreamless Sleep, I have always thought of it like an over the counter sleep aid, which in my experience just keeps you groggier if you're woken up, but you can be, with proper interference. LOL I had SO MUCH FUN writing this chapter. :D As for writing reviews--I appreciate any and all, whether they're on all the chapters you wanted to review or not! Thank you as always for reviewing! :)
I've been excitedly reading the last 4 chapters and you have met and exceeded my hopes and expetations. I can't type more because the sound bothers my husband's sleep. Hugs and kisses. I Love It!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*bounces* Yay! I'm so glad you've been enjoying it. Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
Do witches and wizards listen to the same holiday music as muggles? I hope Hermione doesn't regret forgetting to take the smut reading material that she had borrowed from Ginny out of her bra before the party.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
I daresay there may be some old standards that may crossover. LOL Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
You have taken my breath away. How exciting and horrible to want someone one shouldn't and can't have. The play...such a brave young woman to make him kiss her. What will Severus do to punish himself and Hermione for this secret that has been exposed. Desire. Humiliation.
Hurry. Send him an owl, Hermione or a house elf with a note to let him know you reciprocate his feelings. Thank him for being such a gentleman and not pressing his advantage. Are you wise enough and mature enough to be proactive once again?
You aren't afraid of him. Can you imagine how he must be feeling and prevent the damage? It would be very hard not to be carried away with her own emotions and physical sensation and not to tarry hashing it out over and over in her mind before she finally realizes the danger. Will she see it immediately or think of it too late?
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
And you've just taken my breath away! *bounces* Oh, I love that you're enjoying this and are so invested in it so far. It brings me such joy. Thank you for such a lovely review! :)
I really enjoyed the interaction between Severus and Hermione when they got their costumes and Hermione did his hair. I am really glad he got to see her telling Harry off. I don't know how much longer they will be able to keep their hands off eachother. There is so much suppressed sexual tension that if when they actually kissed kiss they might combust. I'm actually looking forward to her detention. This was important bridge chapter. I wonder what else is going on in Dumbledore's head. He is no fool. I can't believe he doesn't see the sexual tension between these two, or at least the potential for it eventually. He does have a great deal of confidence in Severus. I believe he is sure Severus would never be inappropriate with a student,...but she's an adult. Is he tryig to fix them up or is he really just a mean manipulating old puffter that truly gets enjoyment out of making other people uncomfortable and embarrassed because he's Albus Dumbledore and he can? How do the "good guys" find an outlet for their control and power issues? They pick on others and prentend it's a joke. If Voldemort worked this hard at embarrassing Severus would we think he was just being evil or that it was just all in good fun and that he only teases people he cares for as a show of affection? I think not.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*huge grin* I daresay your questions about "good guy" Albus will be answered in due time. *snerk* Thank you again for such a lovely review! :)
Again, Wow! The scene with Severus' jealous rage was incredible. I'm happy that Hermione perceives all things in Severus Snape she told Harry. I really hope he thinks about what she said and heeds her warning, if not garner some sense of respect for the man. I felt a sense of satisfaction when she admitted that if Harry had been that angry his lack of control would have brought down half the castle. Harry won't be able to let this go as well as Hermione. He isn't as mature and...he isn't falling for someone else. This whole thing will prove very unpleasant for a while I suspect. I'm kind of sorry for Harry. How can he not help but be attracted to Hermione, but he hasn't got a tinker's chance in hell against Severus Snape? How long before Severus realizes Hermione broke it off with Harry? Will he at all admit to himself that it was because of him? No. I think not. How long before Harry realizes that next to Severus Snape's power, discipline, knowledge, experience, awesomeness and mojo, he's got a long way to go and he may as well move on? Well, I doubt he'll ever see Snape as sexually appealing, so no mojo epiphany expected. I wonder, how long it will take Hermione to get Severus to trust her? Which will take longer; Harry to realize he can't compete with Severus Snape for the girl or for Severus Snape to trust Hermione? I don't envy Hermione right now. But Severus Snape is worth it. Amazing chapter!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*bursts out laughing* Mojo epiphany? LOVE IT! So glad you're enjoying; thanks so much for reviewing! :)