SHIP

Copyright 2004 by Gail

Warning! This fic is filled with sentimental fluff. But what do you expect? It's a musical.

Every fanfiction that I've read always begins with some sort of a summary. Mine is no exception. So, without any further ado, please sit back, relax…and I hope you'll enjoy:

Ship

Sung to the tune of Grease

The MIDI is missing one stanza near the end of the song, just so you know

THE AUTHOR (Gail, me…heh…is singing):
I read fanfiction almost every night
Who cares if canon's wrong, long as it's written right
It doesn't matter if it's Het or Slash
If it's Harry Potter and if it isn't trash
Ship is my pick

I've always wanted to sit down and compose
A Potterverse story with filks as well as prose
Draco and Ginny really floats my boat
And I've just finished it, will you please read what I wrote?

Ship is this fic
And the plot is not missing
Ship has romance, a Yule Ball and has Quidditch
Ship is the fic you are reading

Despite peer pressure and House rivalries
And the fights between the Malfoys and the Weasleys
He took a chance when Draco opened his heart
But you will read how fate will try to tear them apart

Ship is this fic
With a lot of hot kissing
Ship is the love between a wizard and witch
Ship is this filk that is grooving

I'm told that I need disclaimers:
It is Jo's tale, and all the fame's hers
I am just playing

Obstacles arose from the very outset
In Diagon Alley, where this couple first met
But they were both ready for the long haul
So at the end you'll see how true love will conquer all

Ship is this fic
And it's what I've got to sing
It's almost time now that I'm through with my pitch
Ship is this fic that's beginning

Ship is this fic (is this fic, is this fic, is this fic…)

"Do you see him?"

"No, not yet. You?"

"Nope."

Crabbe and Goyle stood to one side, scanning the faces that flowed past them. Another crowd of students had just arrived from the station in the horseless carriages and they were making their way to the main entrance of Hogwarts.

"I don't get it," Goyle said, for about the fifth time this evening. "Draco always used to ride with us on the train before. Wonder where he was?"

"He was up front with the rest of us Prefects, you imbeciles." A girl's voice snarled from behind. Crabbe and Goyle turned around to see Pansy Parkinson approaching, adjusting the silver badge on her robes as she came.

"Hey, Pansy!" Crabbe said with a grin.

Goyle still had a lost expression on his face. "But Draco was a Prefect last year and he still came down to be with us after a while. How come he didn't this time?"

"Like I'm supposed to know?" Pansy snapped back. She was feeling rather irate with Draco herself at the moment. Not only had he totally ignored her all summer long while they were on holiday, but when they were on the train it seemed as though he was trying to avoid her.

At first Pansy excused his behavior by reasoning that it must have been difficult for Draco to have his father in Azkaban, but the way he acted on the Hogwarts Express began to irritate her. He was so uncharacteristically quiet and he didn't even join her when she started to taunt that know-it-all, Granger and her idiot friend, Weasley. Then, to top it off, when they had left the train she was sure that he was right behind her, but when she looked for him, he had disappeared and she had to ride in a carriage beside a spotty Second-Year with bad body odor. She wanted an explanation from Draco, and it had better be a good one.

"There he is," Goyle said, pointing a stubby finger, 'by the door!" They could recognize him by his pale blonde hair. Standing with his neck strained, he too was searching the crowd for somebody. "He's looking for us," Goyle exclaimed. "Hey, Draco!"

When he heard his name being called, Draco turned, but when he saw who was shouting for him, Pansy noted that he did not smile. He didn't even smirk. It was more like a grimace. Crabbe and Goyle plowed through the flow of traffic, knocking over a few students on their way to get to him. Pansy followed, arms angrily folded across her chest.

"Draco! Hey, Draco!" Goyle said, feeling much better now. "How was your summer? You never even sent us an owl."

Draco had no time to respond because Pansy interrupted. "Where the hell did you go after we left the train?"

Draco paused before he spoke. "I forgot my bag on board and I had to go back and get it." He was lying, Pansy could tell. She had no way to prove it, but she knew that he wasn't telling the truth.

Crabbe and Goyle were oblivious to this exchange. "This year is going to be great," Crabbe said, punching his hand into his fist as Goyle chuckled maliciously. "With the Dark Lord back and everything…and we're going to help him, aren't we Draco?"

"Moron!" Pansy hissed, glancing around nervously to see if anybody had overheard. "Don't talk like that in public! We could get in big trouble."

Draco frowned. 'I'm going inside," he said, and he went through the large doors of the school along with the other students who were making their was to the Great Hall and the Welcome Feast. He had moved so quickly that it took Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle off guard.

"Draco!" Goyle cried, "Wait for us!" Both he and Crabbe jogged to catch up with him while Pansy stood there, scowling.

"What the hell is going on?" she said with a growl before joining everybody else.

Not long after they had gone inside, another batch of carriages pulled up. The doors flung open and from one of them emerged Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville and Ginny.

Harry sighed deeply as he gazed up at the school for a while, and then said, "This is going to be some year."

Ron fidgeted nervously and after a moment's hesitation said, "It'll be alright." Although he did not seem very convinced about this himself.

"Of course it will," Hermione said, sounding much more confident then Ron. "Dumbledore assured us that he was taking every precaution to ensure all of our safety."

Harry only nodded silently, stuck his hands in the pockets of his robes, and shuffled towards the entrance. Ron, Hermione and Neville exchanged worried glances. They then noticed that Ginny was distracted, turning her head this way and that. "Who are you looking for?" Ron asked.

"Huh?" Ginny said, startled. "Oh, er…nobody. Luna. I was looking for Luna." Ron looked at her suspiciously.

"Let's catch up with Harry," Neville said, and the four of them entered Hogwarts.

They took their seats beside one another at the Gryffindor table and waiting for what they knew would happen next. After a short while, Professor McGonagall came in, followed by a line of first year students who made their way to the front of the Hall so they could be sorted into one of the four school Houses.

"Not many new students this year," Harry remarked.

"A lot of parents are scared of sending their kids away, I reckon," said Ron.

"I can't imagine why," Hermione said in a huff. "Hogwarts has to be one of the safest places in the Wizarding World right now. Voldemort wouldn't dare attack with Dumbledore around."

Although Ron could never feel comfortable with hearing Voldemort's name being spoken, Neville said boldly, "I'd like to see him try."

Everybody was taken aback to hear him speak like this. Ron asked, "Who are you and what have you done with the real Neville?"

"No, I'm serious," Neville said with determination. "Ever since we fought against those Death Eaters at the Ministry, I've been hoping to get another chance at them. Been reading all summer long about curses and hexes. Can't wait to practice. Does anybody have any idea who'll be replacing Umbridge this year as professor for Defense Against Dark Arts?"

Not really knowing what to make of this sudden change in behavior, Harry, Ron and Hermione sat dumbfounded until Katie Bell leaned over and broke the silence. "Congratulations, Harry, I hear you're Team Captain."

Harry always became enlivened when the subject of Quidditch came up. "Thanks, Katie. I think we stand a pretty decent chance of winning the House Cup this year."

"We've been practicing all summer long," Ron explained. "Harry, myself and Ginny…" Ron paused. For the first time everybody noticed how Ginny was staring in the direction of the Slytherin table. "Ginny? What are you looking at?" Ron turned around to see if he could tell where her gaze had been focused upon.

Ginny immediately fumbled at her words. "I…I was just thinking."

Ron opened his mouth to say something else, but Hermione said, "Shhhh. The Sorting is already over. Dumbledore is going to speak."

McGonagall was holding the Sorting Hat and carrying away the stool as Dumbledore stood up and cleared his throat. Everybody could see how tired and old he looked, as if burdened by a heavy weight. When he spoke, his voice did not sound as carefree as it had been in previous years.

"Good evening," he said. "Before we begin the feast in earnest, I have a few announcements. For the benefit of the First Year students, we would like to make known that the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds to all students.

"Our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has compiled a rather impressive list of items which are not permitted on school grounds and he would be more than happy to discuss them with you if you should care to do so. If you would care not to discuss it with him, then you may find the list posted upon Mr. Filch's office door.

"Due to an unfortunate turn of events, we were not able to find anyone to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts." ("What?" gasped Neville.) "Because of this, I have taken it upon myself to fill this position as well as continuing my duties as Headmaster." All the students looked amongst themselves, startled this revelation.

"On the lighter side, the Wizarding Wireless Network will be hosting a special Yule Ball this year at Hogwarts, with live entertainment and a special guest host, to be announced. The celebration will be open to all students." Dumbledore paused as a murmur of excited conversation passed through the Great Hall.

"They're probably having this Ball to help raise morale," said Harry.

Hermione nodded in agreement as Parvati squealed, "I wonder if the Weird Sisters will be playing?"

"Finally," Dumbledore continued, "I would like to thank all of you for being here tonight. We all know what is happening in our world right now and I will not pretend that we will not see difficult times ahead. However, you may be confident that the faculty has taken all necessary precautions to ensure your safety while you are studying here with us. The most important thing that we must do is to overcome old prejustices and work together, united against this common threat." There were a few moments of hesitation where Dumbledore seemed to be lost in his thoughts. Finally, he said, "Shall we dine?"

With a nod of Dumbledore's head, the empty tables were instantly filled with delicious food, and everybody began eating..

"Wow," Hermione said, looking quite impressed. "Dumbledore teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"Yeah," said Neville, "We're really going to learn some things now."

Lavender and Parvati slid into a couple of empty chairs nearby, having moved from their seats further along the Gryffindor table. "Hi," Parvati said. "Can we join you?"

Harry shrugged. "All right."

Lavender immediately turned to Ginny and in a confidential voice said, "We were talking with Dean and he told us that you broke up with him and that you've got a new boyfriend."

At the Slytherin table, another conversation was happening. Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle had found seats beside Draco and Nott and Blaise Zabini joined them. "Have you heard from your father, Draco?" Nott asked.

"Considering he's under maximum security, no," Draco said, poking at the mashed potatoes on his plate with his fork.

"My mum says it shouldn't be much longer," Nott said with wicked smile. "The Dark Lord now has full control over the dementors. It's going to be a cinch to break them out."

Blaise leaned forward. "And my father said that we should keep our ears open for any information which might be useful for the Dark Lord."

Draco set his fork down with a noisy clatter. "Listen, can we discuss something else?"

Nott looked puzzled, but Pansy agreed. "He's right. We should wait until we're in the Common Room. We don't want to run the risk of being overheard by Dumbledore's spies."

"Well," Crabbe said. "What should we talk about then?"

After a short silence, Blaise spoke again. "My brother told me that she saw Draco not long ago down at Diagon Alley, hanging around with some girl."

"What?" Pansy exclaimed.

"What?" Ron exclaimed.

"What's his name?" Parvati giggled madly as Ginny began to turn beet red.

"Wait a second," Ron said. "What do you mean, 'new boyfriend'? When did this happen?"

"This summer," Ginny confessed with a sigh. "We met at Diagon Alley."

Ron was becoming flustered and did not realize how loud he was raising his voice. People sitting nearby where turning their heads to stare at them. "You were with us at Grimm…" Hermione gave Ron a sharp jab on the shoulder. "…er…with us all summer long. I never saw you go out with anybody!"

"Do you think I was going to hang around that musty old house for our entire vacation?" Ginny said. "I'd tell everybody that I was going to my room, but then I'd sneak out."

"Oh, Ginny!" Hermione gasped. "That's so dangerous. Especially considering the circumstances."

Ginny shook her head. "I was safe the whole time."

"Fred and George would have been proud," Harry said.

"So, Ginny," Lavender said, "tell us how you met this guy?"

"Draco, is this true?" Nott asked. Draco nodded.

Pansy became livid. "You two-timing bastard! You were going out with me! No wonder you've been acting the way you have."

"Listen," Draco said, squaring his shoulders. "I'm sorry. But you know, ever since my father was sent to Azkaban I've been doing some reevaluation."

"Re-ee-val-yoo…?" Crabbe said slowly, as large words often confused him.

"I've been thinking things over," Draco snapped. "I decided that I sure as hell don't want to get thrown into prison myself."

"You chickening out on us, Draco?" Nott said, sneering.

"No, I'm using my brains. What if we're caught? Are you willing to take the risk?"

"There's always a risk involved when you're fighting a war," Nott replied. "You just have to pick the winning side."

Pansy grabbed Draco tightly by the arm, swung him around so he was facing her and said, "I want to know about this bitch you are seeing. Who is she?"

"Yeah," Blaise said, "and how did you meet?"

"Alright all ready," Draco said, breaking free from Pansy's grip. "It was shortly after the beginning of vacation…

It Felt So Right

Sung to the tune of Summer Nights

DRACO
I went shopping, for school supplies

GINNY
I went shopping, unsupervised

DRACO
I saw her, looking so sweet

GINNY
I saw him, out in the street

DRACO & GINNY
Both of us feeling nervous but oh, oh, it turned out all right

GRYFFINDOR CHORUS
Well, oh well, oh well oh -huh
Who is he, who is he?
Isn't this premature?

SLYTHERIN CHORUS
Who is she, who is she?
Like is her bloodline pure?

DRACO
I went to her, quite impromptu

GINNY
Wasn't sure what he would do

DRACO
Asked if we could talk alone

GINNY
Was surprised at how he'd grown

DRACO & GINNY
Didn't know how it would go but oh, oh, it turned out all right

GRYFFINDOR CHORUS
Well, oh well, oh well oh -huh
Who is he, who is he?
Have we met him before?

SLYTHERIN CHORUS
Who is she, who is she?
She's not a Gryffindor?

DRACO
First I withdrew gold at Gringotts

GINNY
Then we went to Flourish and Blotts

DRACO
Ate our lunch at Fortescue's

GINNY
I had this hunch, it wasn't a ruse

DRACO & GINNY
Later on, all fear was gone then oh, oh it felt so right

SLYTHERIN CHORUS
Who is she, who is she?
What is this all about?

GRYFFINDOR CHORUS
Who is he, who is he?

RON
'Cause I'll punch his lights out.

GINNY
We went walking for a long while

DRACO
Started talking, I made her smile

GINNY
When he placed his hand in mine

DRACO
It sent shivers all down my spine

DRACO & GINNY
It was bliss, being like this, 'cause oh, oh it felt so right

GRYFFINDOR CHORUS
Who is he, who is he?
Tell us you didn't snog

SLYTHERIN CHORUS
Who is she, who is she?

PANSY:
Bet she looks like a dog

DRACO
By the evening, love had appeared

GINNY
We kept meeting, love persevered

DRACO
Now my life, won't be the same

GINNY
But I won't tell you his name

DRACO & GINNY
Love this strong cannot be wrong 'cause oh it felt so right

GRYFFINDOR & SLYTHERIN CHORUS
Who is he who is she, who is he?

"Stop pestering her, Ron," Hermione said, "Can't you see she's not going to tell you?"

Ignoring her, Ron said, "Wait until I tell Mum and Dad!"

"You tell them," Ginny threatened, "and I'll tell them about the garden incident!"

"Oooo!" Parvati squealed, "What garden incident?"

"Never you mind!" Ron said, and this time it was his turn to blush. He then looked at Ginny. "If you want to be that way, fine. But just you wait when I find out who this fellow is!"

By this time everybody had finished eating, so the empty plates disappeared and students were standing up to head toward their different Common Rooms. Ron kept glaring at Ginny while at the Slytherin side, Draco's house mates were all feeling quite upset at him, with the exception of Crabbe and Goyle who really didn't understand what was going on. As they approached the exit, Pansy saw Harry and his friends.

"Why if it isn't that Mudblood-loving Potty and the Weasel."

"With their mongrel, Granger," Nott said.

Ron sharply turned around and faced them, reaching for this wand, "Right. I've had enough of you Slytherin assholes. Let's not waste any time and settle this here and now."

"Gladly," Nott said, pulling his own wand out as Neville withdrew his.

"Let's fight," Neville said, welcoming the opportunity to try out the new curses he'd read about over vacation.

"Ron, no!" Hermione said, grabbing his arm, "We're Prefects, remember?"

"Yeah, and so are Malfoy and Parkinson, but that isn't stopping them, is it?" Ron said, violently pulling away from Hermione.

Ginny turned pale and looked at Draco. He just stood with an intense look upon his face, but his wand was not drawn. However, Harry's was.

"We've got a score to settle, Draco," Harry said, and Ginny shrieked. The students surrounding the two groups started to pull away, anticipating the fight, but then, at that very moment, Professors Snape and McGonagall arrived and stood in between.

McGonagall was fuming. "Potter! This is uncalled for. Didn't you hear what the Headmaster said about working together?" "Against a common threat, yeah," Harry said, glaring at Draco and the other Slytherins

. "That will be enough," McGonagall said to him. "I want you all to immediately go to your Common Rooms and I'll be there shortly to mete out your punishment."

"Professor Snape," Pansy said in a whiney voice, "They started it!"

"We said that will be enough, Miss Parkinson," Snape repeated, coldly. "You shall go to the Slytherin Common Room now."

Pansy had expected Professor Snape to do something to the Gryffindors, such as take away House Points, or at least say something to them. When he didn't, Pansy almost felt like asking him why, but the tone of Snape's voice and the look in his eye made her decide that this was not the right time to question him. Wands were reluctantly put away and under the strict gaze of the two Professors, Harry and the rest of the Gryffindors climbed the stairs to their tower while the Slytherins took the corridor that lead to their own quarters.

"You ought to be ashamed of yourselves," Hermione said.

"Bugger off," Ron said out of the corner of his mouth.

The rest of the trip up to Gryffindor Tower was made in relative silence. Finally, they made it to the portrait of the Fat Lady and after giving the password they climbed through the portal and into the Common Room where a fire was burning brightly in the floo.

"It seems a bit odd," Ginny said to Ron, "doesn't it? That Fred and George aren't around."

"You spoke too soon, little sister," said a familiar voice. The Gryffindors spun around and found Fred and George standing there, laughing at the surprised expressions on all of their faces.

"What are you doing here?" Harry asked.

"Well," George said, sauntering over to one of the overstuffed chairs that were beside the fireplace and sitting down, "Fred and I were just over at Hogsmeade earlier today."

"We've been so successful with Weasley's Wizard Wheezes that we were thinking about opening up a store there," Fred explained.

"But how did you get into Hogwarts?" Hermione asked.

"Oh," Fred said, giving an exaggerated wink at Harry, "we have our ways."

"How's everybody doing?" George asked, "Been so busy at the shop we haven't been able to stop by and see any of you. Neville! What have you been up to?"

"Well," said Neville, "I'm seriously considering doing what you two guys did."

"What?" George said, "Open a joke shop?"

"No," Neville laughed at the thought, "I'm thinking about leaving Hogwarts early."

"Are you serious?" Fred said, glancing over at his twin.

"Whatever for?" Hermione said.

"Ever since we fought those Death Eaters, I saw how Dumbledore needed to have people to help him, and I thought that my time would be better spent fighting along side with the rest of the Order than falling asleep in Magical History class."

"Er, Neville," Harry said, hesitating, "do you think that's a good idea? Don't you think you should speak to Dumbledore first?"

"Oh, yeah," Neville said, dismissively, "I'll do that."

Ron walked up to his two brothers, "You know what Ginny has been doing? She's been sneaking out of the house all summer long without telling anybody…"

"Brilliant!" said George, flashing Ginny an approving smile. Ginny looked away, nervously.

"Following in her brother's footsteps," Fred added.

Ron continued. "…and she's been secretly seeing this guy!"

"Really?" both twins chimed in together.

"Now that's interesting," said one.

"Who is the lucky fellow?" asked the other.

"She's not telling!" said Ron, feeling disgruntled.

"You flirt, you!" Fred teased.

"You've got all the men wrapped around your little finger, don't you?" said George.

"Is it any wonder?" Fred said, turning to George.

Look At You, You're Mary Sue

Sung to the tune of Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee

FRED & GEORGE (singing to Ginny):
Look at you, you're Mary Sue
Everybody's dream come true
Why do they stare at your flaming red hair?
Because you're Mary Sue!

FRED
Look out! Hey, she's so perfect

GEORGE
Probably should be Prefect

FRED & GEORGE
Hear all the sighs being made by the guys
As they all stand erect

FRED, pretending to be Ginny (George):
I'm pretty (Oh!) and smart (Ah!)
But I'll break your heart (Aw!)
All I want is just to get laid (Hem, hem, hem)
I know Harry P. wants to marry me
But not even he made the grade

As for Dean, he caused a scene

GEORGE
I heard that he creamed his jeans

FRED & GEORGE
Michael Corner even went out with her
They all want Mary Sue!

FRED
Neville! Neville! Give me more!
Let's shag until we're both sore
Who needs romance with that bulge in your pants?

Without Fred's knowledge, McGonagall slipped into the Gryffindor Common Room and upon seeing the situation, began to glare.

Hey, let's dance, I'm Mary Sue!

George, Ron, Harry and Neville saw McGonagall and their faces twisted in similar expressions of distress, knowing full well what was about to come next. Fred looked questioningly at them and George mouthed the words, "Behind you," and pointed his finger. Fred turned around and came face to face with McGonagall.

McGONAGALL (spoken):
What are you doing here?

FRED(spoken)
Er…nice hat you're wearing, Professor.

In future years all the Gryffindors who were present there that evening agreed that no one had ever seen Professor McGonagall as furious as she had been when she demanded to know how Fred and George had entered Hogwarts without any one knowing. She literally took them by the ears and dragged them off, screaming in pain, to the Headmaster's office. In the resulting confusion, Ginny took the opportunity to creep away and climb the staircase that led to the girl's dorms. Only Hermione noticed this, and she quietly followed Ginny into her room where she found her sitting on her bed, crying.

"Are you okay?" Hermione asked. Ginny was slightly startled when she saw her there, but then relaxed, saying nothing. Hermione then sat on the mattress beside Ginny. "It's Draco, the one who you're seeing. Am I right?"

Ginny looked up, her eyes still filled with tears. "How did you guess?"

Hermione shrugged. "I had my suspicions when you told us about how you met, but they were confirmed when I saw the way you two looked at each other in the Great Hall."

"He's changed so much, these past few months," Ginny began to explain. "He doesn't want to be part of the Death Eaters anymore, but he's afraid of his family, the other Slytherins, and of You-Know-Who. I'm afraid nobody's going to believe me when I tell them. Nobody's going to understand."

"Oh, Ginny," Hermione said, draping an arm around her shoulder, "I know what you are going through, and I also know how it is to be secretly in love with somebody."

"You're in love?" Ginny asked, and then realized, "Oh, Vicktor Krum."

"No, not Vicktor."

Ginny stared at her, puzzled. "Then, who?"

Hermione looked at Ginny for a long while before finally deciding that she could confide with her. She bit her lower lip and looked down before finally admitting, "Severus Snape."

Ginny's jaw dropped and her mind reeled. "Did you say, 'Snape'?" Hermione nodded silently. "The same Snape who teaches Potions here? Greasy haired, snarky, evil Snape?

"You don't know him like I do," Hermione said, becoming defensive. "His rough exterior covers up years of pain, but inside he's really not so horrible. It's the exact same way between you and Draco. I thought you'd understand."

"I'm trying to," Ginny admitted, "but it's quite a shock. When did this happen?"

"A couple of years ago," Hermione confessed. "You remember that time when he insulted me in front of everybody outside of Potions class? 'I don't' see any difference,' he said. Well, afterward, he came up to me privately and apologized. I thought Dumbledore might have told him to do it, but he said, no. He was sincerely sorry and asked if there was anyway he could make it up to me. Well, you know how I am. I told him that he could give me extra tutoring in Potions and so, in my spare moments, I've been going down to the dungeons. Then after a while, I really was able to see a side of him that is usually kept hidden to the public. We got to understand each other better, and over time we began having certain emotions…" Hermione's voice trailed off.

"Hermione," Ginny said cautiously "Isn't he, er…a bit old?"

"What does that matter?" Hermione said, as tears swelled, "We've in love." Ginny slowly nodded as she started to sympathize with how Hermione was feeling. "We haven't told anybody yet because we know that there will be people who won't understand. Like, Ron. He's going to throw a fit. There's also the complication that he's a Professor and I'm still his student. We're going to wait until I finish my studies at Hogwarts to bring it out into the open, but until then we thought it best to keep our relationship hidden. So, Ginny, I do know what you are going through."

Hermione leaned over to Ginny and gave her a hug, and when they finished their embrace, Ginny, said, "I feel so much better now that I've been able to talk about this. It's been so difficult for the both of us."

I Am So In Love With Draco

Sung to the tune of Hopelessly Devoted To You

GINNY:
When I, for the first time met Malfoy
I knew that what I heard was true
A heart filled with hate
Was always the trait he'd show

This year he appears to be different
He says that he has changed his ways
It seems so surreal
That for him these feelings flow
I find myself in love with Draco

And now since love has begun
I can't hide this emotion
When push comes to shove
I'll still be in love with Draco

I am so in love with Draco

I am so in love with Draco

My friends will tell me, "He's a Slytherin!"
And that he's evil to the core
Once he acted wrong
But that seems so long ago
Now that I'm in love with Draco

But how my father will yell
When I go back home to tell
My family of my undying love for Draco
I am so in love with Draco

I am so in love with Draco

With the beginning of classes, nobody had the time to concentrate on anything besides schoolwork. Professors drilled their students harder than ever, and many correctly assumed that they were being prepared for difficult times ahead. Headmaster Dumbledore was an excellent Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor, delving deeper into the subject than any other Professor before, but his classes were the most exacting. If that wasn't enough, Sixth Year students began attending N.E.W.T. level classes, which were intrinsically more demanding than ordinary classes, and the Fifth Years, such as Ginny, had the O.W.L. Tests to consider.

When the first day of Quidditch practice came around, the Gryffindor team felt relieved to have some sort of diversion. Saturday morning they found themselves in the locker room, going over the strategies that Harry and Ron had devised over the holidays. As Harry excitedly went through his ideas, he noted that everybody else, with the exception of Ron, did not show a whole lot of enthusiasm and Harry asked his teammates about this.

"I don't know," Jack Sloper said vaguely. "I suppose last year we had such a lousy season…"

"But that's only because Umbridge banned Harry and my brothers from playing," Ron said, "and you all were called in as replacements without having much time to practice together as a team."

"You also didn't do such a wonderful job as Keeper, mate." Andrew Kirke mumbled.

This statement disturbed Ron and he was about to say something in reply when Harry interrupted. "This year will be different, I tell you. Ron and I have been practicing all summer long and I'm confident that he'll do a bang up job, as will all of you. And with my broom, there's no way that git Malfoy can catch the Snitch!"

My Firebolt

(sung to the tune of Greased Lightning)

HARRY:
This broom is aerodynamic
It's supersonic
The fastest broomstick
Why, it's my Firebolt!

GYFFINDOR QUIDDITCH TEAM:
Firebolt!

HARRY:
It's gotta streamlined, superfine handle of ash, oh yeah

RON:
He's flying, whoa, he's flying

HARRY:
With a diamond-hard polish that's worth an awful lot of cash

RON:
We'll win the House Cup, we're gonna win the House Cup!

HARRY:
With it's perfect birch-twig tail, we are never gonna fail
I'll be passing them all by when I take it to the sky
My Firebolt

GQT:
Fly, fly, fly, fly, fly, fly, fly, fly!

HARRY (& GQT):
Fly, my Firebolt, I'm crusin' down the Quidditch pitch
(Fly Firebolt, fly by Firebolt)
Fly, my Firebolt, I'm comin' up to catch the Snitch
(Fly Firebolt, fly by Firebolt)
The game is won! We're number one!
With my Firebolt
(Fly, fly, fly, fly, fly, fly, fly, fly!)

From zero to one-fifty in only ten seconds flat
(Ooooooooooooooo)
Pinpoint precision and a balance that's where it's at
(Ooooooooooooooo)
I can tell you in advance the Slyths don't stand a chance
The Slyth'rens only scoff 'cause we're pissing them all off
With my Firebolt
(Fly, fly, fly, fly, fly, fly, fly, fly!)

Fly, my Firebolt, a broomstick that's state of the art
(Fly Firebolt, fly by Firebolt)
Fly, my Firebolt blowing the other sticks apart
(Fly Firebolt, fly by Firebolt)
It's awfully fast. I'm shooting past
On my Firebolt
(Fly, fly, fly, fly, fly, fly, fly, fly!)

Musical interlude during which Harry and the other members of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team expertly fly around the sky, practicing the new moves Harry showed them

Fly, my Firebolt, the broom all the pro players use
(Fly Firebolt, fly by Firebolt)
Fly, my Firebolt, there's no way we are gonna loose
(Fly Firebolt, fly by Firebolt)
The crowd will scream, "You're the best team!"
With my Firebolt

After what seemed like ages, the first scheduled trip to Hogsmeade arrived. On that day, while all the students who were eligible to go waited in queue as Filtch begrudgingly ticked their names off his list, Draco and Ginny kept casting glances at one another from a distance. Earlier that week, Draco sent her a note asking if it could be possible for them to slip away so they could be together alone. Ginny wrote back suggesting that they should rendezvous behind the Post Office. Both were anticipating this meeting since the only contact they had with each other since the beginning of school had been through secret correspondence.

Once they arrived at Hogsmeade, Draco would go one way, Ginny the other, and they would meet at their scheduled time. However, once Ginny came out of the carriage, she was immediately approached by Ernie McMillan. Draco saw this and, burning with jealousy, he quietly went over to where they stood to listen in on their conversation.

"Hello Ginny!" Ernie began. He was smiling, but in a sappy sort of way.

"Er…hello, Ernie," said Ginny.

"I wanted to ask you something."

"Well, I've got to go and post this letter to my mum…"

"Sure, I'll walk with you, then."

"No! I mean, what is it that you wanted to ask me?"

"You know that the Yule Ball is coming up pretty soon."

"Oh, I've been so busy with studying that I practically forgot."

"Yes, well, I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me?"

Ginny looked at him at a loss for words, not knowing how to answer. When she spoke, the words came out unsteadily. "I'm sorry, Ernie. I…I…"

"She already has a date." Draco finished Ginny's sentence.

Ernie spun around and came face to face with Draco and was startled. "What?" he finally said.

"She's going with me, you, "Draco said, folding his arms across his chest in an intimidating way. "Now sod off!"

Ernie looked completely surprised at the two of them before he turned on his heels and ran to join a clique of Hufflepuffs, no doubt to tell them about what he had just heard.

"Draco!" Ginny said nervously, "What did you do? I thought we agreed to keep our relationship secret."

"I know," Draco said. As he watched, the Hufflepuffs were gossiping amongst themselves and looking their way and he already started to feel regretful for opening his mouth, but it was too late to do anything now. "But Ginny, I couldn't stand here and let that waster ask you out. I'm fed up with sneaking about. I want to be free to talk with you, to be with you in public. Don't you?"

"Yes," she admitted, painfully aware of the attention being drawn to them.

"Ginny, listen." Draco took her by the hand. "We knew we'd have to do this some day. I guess today is as just as good as any. And if anybody has a problem with it," Draco shot a dirty look at the Hufflepuffs who were now staring, "then we'll deal with them together."

Ginny smiled faintly at Draco and then embraced him. She whispered in his ear, "I love you."

Draco could see the Hufflepuffs over Ginny's shoulder. Their little group was breaking apart and he knew that they were leaving to spread the story. When they pulled apart Draco said to Ginny, "Let's go get something to drink."

A hush fell over the Three Broomsticks as all heads turned to see Draco and Ginny enter together. They walked across the room to the far corner where the last unoccupied table stood, and as they sat down, the place was immediately filled with whispers as students gossiped amongst themselves. "What's he doing with her?" "She's with him?"

Although Draco's face was stoic, inside he was just as uneasy about the situation as Ginny. He held her hand reassuringly and told her, "Don't let them bother you."

Madame Rosmerta, who had been around long enough to have seen just about everything, took it all in stride when she approached their table and asked them what they would like to order. After asking for a couple of Butterbeers they sat trying not to notice how much attention was being drawn to them.

It wasn't long before Pansy burst through the door. It took a moment for her to look around and locate them, and when she did she moved straight to their table, followed closely behind by Zambini, Nott, Crabbe and Goyle.

"Malfoy!" Pansy growled through clenched teeth. "They told me but I wouldn't believe it until I saw it for myself!"

"A Gryffindor?" Nott said with distain, staring at Ginny. "And out of all of them, a Weasley? Low could you sink so low?"

At that moment, Ron entered the Three Broomsticks, infuriated. "Ginny! What the hell do you think you're doing with this berk!"? Beside him was Harry, looking distressed, and Hermione, who was heard saying, "Take it easy, Ron."

"Well, if it isn't the little bitch's brother," Pansy said as Ron approached.

"Keep talking, Pansy," Ron replied, "someday you might say something intelligent. Ginny, you're coming with me, now!"

"But, Ron, you don't understand!"

"I understand perfectly well. No sister of mine is going out with some foul Slytherin scum, particularly Malfoy!"

Malfoy was about to say something in reply, but Ginny a touch from Ginny's hand stopped him. Nott snarled back. "Listen, Weasley, if we want any shit from you we'll squeeze your head. It's beneath a Slytherin's pride to be seen with the likes of such contemptible people as her."

"Is that so?" Ron said, getting into Nott's face.

Ginny leaned over and whispered to Draco, whose face was turning red with anger. "Let's leave, please?"

Draco shot a dirty glance at Ron and then Nott but finally nodded and silently got up from his chair and slipped out of the pub with Ginny. The two factions were so busy fighting that they did not even notice. Some students were taking the Gryffindor's side; others were aligning themselves with the Slytherins. The rest were backing out toward the door to avoid the row that was sure to follow.

"You dirty, Muggle-loving lot of you!" Pansy said.

"I've had it up to here with your piss-arse pure-blood rhetoric!" Harry replied, balling his hands into fists. "It's your kind who go around cursing and killing in the name of Voldemort!"

Several people in the pub gasped upon hearing the Name being spoken aloud and wands were starting to be withdrawn from robes. Before anybody could cast the first spell, Madame Rosmerta appeared between the two opposing parties. "That'll be enough!" She said forcefully, her own wand in her hand. Nobody had ever seen Madame Rosmerta behave in such a manner before and that was enough to distract them from their argument. "I'll have none of this here. Any more and I'm calling the authorities! Understand? Now, leave!"

Slowly, students began to turn away, until one by one the Three Broomsticks emptied out. Madame Rosmerta brushed a stray lock of hair from out of her face and sighed. "Bloody bad for business," she grumbled as she started to gather the empty glasses from a nearby table. She then realized that not everybody had left. Sitting on one of the stools at the bar, Neville quietly sipped from a mug of Butterbeer. "Ah, Longbottom!" Rosmerta said with a grin on her face. "Always a good boy. You didn't go with your friends?"

"Not this time," Neville replied, "I've more important things to do." Rosmerta then noticed the trunk that lay on the floor beside him.

"You're going somewhere?" she asked.

"I've decided to leave Hogwarts," Neville said with resolve. "I'm going to join the Order of the Phoenix in London to help them fight against You-Know-Who."

This statement took Rosmerta aback. "Are you now? That's quite ambitious of you. How are you getting to London, I wonder?"

Neville blinked. "Oh," he said. "I hadn't thought about that."

Patting him motherly on the shoulder, Rosmerta went to the backroom with her batch of empty bottles, leaving Neville to consider his options. He didn't own a broom, and even if he did he was never very good at flying one, and he hadn't learned how to disapperate yet. Perhaps he could ride the Hogwarts Express, or call for the Knight Bus, or possibly find a Thestral to take him there. As he was thinking, he was startled to see that he wasn't alone. In the doorway stood Remus Lupin, hands stuffed into the pockets of his worn-out robes.

Neville beamed. "Professor Lupin," he said, jumping off his seat and rushing over to him. "What perfect timing. I was just planning to come and join the Order!"

"Yes, I know." Lupin smiled slightly, though his eyes were filled with concern. "Hermione sent us an owl to let us know your intentions."

"Then you've come to take me with you?" Neville asked, hopefully.

Lupin shook his head. "No, Neville. I'm here to try to change your mind."

"Huh?" Neville said.

Wizard School Drop Out

(sung to the tune of Beauty School Dropout)

LUPIN:
You always ne'er did well
Miscasting ev'ry spell
Much to grandmother Logbottom's dismay

Last year you had a breakthrough
You think that's going to make you
An instant Auror, ready for the fray?

Members of the Order of the Phoenix Apperate on the scene to sing backup vocals

Wizard school dropout
But I'm here to try to deter
Wizard school dropout
You're too green to join the Order

In the Department of Mysteries you and your friends had some luck
But if the Order hadn't come in time then you all would have been stuck

You're a repeater
I know your heart's in the right place
But a Death Eater
Would mop the floor with your round face

If you go and study harder and finish all your reports
Then you may fight with us, so go back to Hogwarts

Wizard school dropout
We think you're making a mistake
Wizard school dropout
Right now you don't have what it takes

Well you say that you can handle it, but it's not hard to predict
That if you went out on a mission, Neville, you'd get your ass kicked

Neville don't ignore
This good advice I give to you
Because Voldemort
Is not that easy to subdue

Although it's your choice I've given voice to these my sober thoughts
You are not ready yet, so go back to Hogwarts

I'll say it again
Training at school is what you need
Neville, please listen
Even Al Dumbledore agreed

Now I hope what I've said got through your head I need to leave real soon
Gotta get going 'cause tonight's the full moon

Wizard school dropout
Go back to Hogwarts

Wizard school dropout
Go back to Hogwarts

Wizard school dropout
Go back to Hogwarts

"We just got back," Crabbe as he and Goyle stood in front of their fellow Slytherin Quidditch teammates.

"Obviously," Montague, the team captain said. "And…?"

"They're good," Crabbe reluctantly admitted.

"The Gryffindors have come up with a bunch of new moves," Goyle explained.

"And that broom of Potter's," Goyle added. "It's fast!"

"Well, we'll just have to resort to the Slytherin's time honored method of winning," Montague said.

"Cheating," said Crabbe, with a wicked grin.

"Let's just hope that our Seeker won't wimp out on us." Montague snarled at Draco. Most Slytherins were still very upset at Draco for dating a Gryffindor, and he had almost been kicked off the team because of it. But because they couldn't find a replacement he was reluctantly allowed to stay. "Your girlfriend is on the other side."

"Pussy whipped," one of their teammates said.

Draco went on the defensive. "Winning the House Cup is as important to me as it always has. Nothing's changed."

"Prove it," Montague replied.

"Don't tell me neither of you found dates for the Yule Ball!" Ginny stared at Harry and Ron in disbelief. It was Christmas evening and all the Gryffindors were congregating in their Common Room until eight o'clock when it would be time to go downstairs to the Great Hall.

"We've been busy, Ginny," Ron said. "You know…Quidditch."

"And studying," Harry added.

Hermione, who sat in a chair by the fireside with a book in her hands, snorted with skepticism. Ron pointed an accusing finger at her. "She hasn't a date either. I don't see what makes her any different."

Ginny held her tongue, for she knew that later in the evening Hermione would be slipping away to secretly meet with Professor Snape. Hermione confessed this herself that morning over breakfast.

"You're still planning to go, I see," said Ginny, noting Ron's brand new dress robes.

"Well, yes." Ron began smoothing out the creases in his sleeves. "I haven't had a chance to wear this since Fred and George got it for me a couple of years ago." Harry had on the same green robes that he wore the last time Hogwarts had a Yule Ball.

"Where did you get your robes, Ginny?" Parvati, who loitered nearby, asked.

"Draco?" Lavender started to giggle.

Ron's face darkened and Ginny tried not to let him bother her. "Yes. He bought them for me in Diagon Alley this past summer." They were a beautiful shade of burgundy, with long flowing sleeves…the latest fashion in witch-wear.

Several weeks had passed since that day in Hogsmeade, and it had been a horrible experience for both Ginny and Draco. Not surprisingly, one of the people who was the most supportive of them was Headmaster Dumbledore, who liked to point out that their relationship proved that harmony could exist between the two rival Houses. As the days went on, students found new things to gossip about and for the most part they were left alone. Ron, however, remained just as bitter as ever.

When eight o'clock came, the assembly of Gryffindors left through the portrait hole and made their way to the Great Hall, which was spectacularly decorated for the season. Harry followed Ron to the buffet table while Neville met his date, Hannah Abbot, at the door. Ginny surveyed the room for any sign of Draco. She found him at the far end, near the stage, standing beside Professor Snape and the pair of them had identical looks of contempt on their faces. Feeling a bit apprehensive, Ginny approached them.

"Is something wrong?" Ginny asked.

Without a word, Snape made a gesture with his head and Ginny turned around to look at what he had indicated.

"Oh, no!" Ginny spoke angrily. "What the hell is that fop doing here?"

Dressed in robes of pale violet, edged with purple sequins and a matching hat, Gilderoy Lockhart was busying himself by checking his reflection in one of the oversized glass ornaments that hung on one of the many Christmas trees in the Hall.

"He's the 'special guest host to be announced' that our Headmaster promised at the beginning of the term," Snape replied with distain.

As if he instinctively knew somebody was talking about him, Lockhart turned and upon seeing them, he widely grinned and started to walk up to them.

"Merlin," Ginny said, "He's coming our way. Let's get out of here."

But Lockhart was there before they could make a move. "Severus!" he said, opening his arms wide. "Nice to see you again."

The expression on Snape's face said it all, but Lockhart continued as if he didn't notice. "It's wonderful to be back at Hogwarts, albeit under different circumstances." He gave an exaggerated wink. "When the Wizarding Wireless Network asked me to be the Master of Ceremonies for your gala affair I immediately jumped at the opportunity."

"Why aren't you in St. Mungo's?" Draco asked in such a way as to hint that he wished that Lockhart was still there.

"Ah, you see I've made a complete recovery," Lockhart explained. "I'm now promoting my new book."

At this he produced a rather large, hardback copy for them to see. On the cover, Lockhart's smarmy face with the title in golden letters above: "Remember Me?"

He held the book out in front of Ginny, expecting her to take it. Instead Ginny said coldly, "You would have left me to die in the Chamber of Secrets if my brother and Harry hadn't forced you."

Lockhart's smile faltered slightly. "Did I? I don't seem to recall…"

"How convenient," Snape muttered.

Harry Potter the Musical(s)

Return Home