Some things follow the guidance of fate; they don't change just because a little butterfly flaps its wings.
Take, for instance, Hermione—she had stormed off to the bathroom in a fury because of Ron Weasley, just like in the original story. The plot correction force was truly remarkable.
Of course, this had nothing to do with Audrey. She was in the Great Hall, making last-minute arrangements with the band for the performance.
Glenda Chittock sat quietly on the side, smiling as she watched Audrey. Today was a big day.
She had invited the famous witch singer Satina Wobek, along with a group of talented young performers—but the main attraction was, without a doubt, Audrey Astley.
Glenda had a premonition: recorded through magical equipment, Audrey's voice would sound a hundred times better than her Muggle-world recordings. If her three songs were broadcast via wizarding wireless that night, she would earn countless expressions of joy and gratitude.
The Halloween feast was at six o'clock, but by five, young witches and wizards had already gathered in the Great Hall.
At five o'clock sharp: the Halloween concert! Audrey Astley would perform three songs!
Pumpkin lanterns and floating candles illuminated the hall, and a massive pumpkin carriage sat in the center. The enchanted ceiling had transformed to fit the Halloween mood perfectly.
Ghosts drifted around, volunteering as the "atmosphere crew" for their holiday—but their occasional wistful glances at Audrey betrayed their true thoughts.
"Barrow the Bloody," headless Nick suggested, "Why don't you plead with Audrey? Just one taste, that's all! It's Halloween—she'd be celebrating for us!"
Barrow shot him a cold glare, saying nothing.
The Fat Friar chimed in: "Go on, Mr. Barrow, beg a little!"
Barrow countered: "Why don't you go?"
The friar smirked: "Because she's from your house!"
Barrow looked elsewhere, ignoring him.
Lady Grey floated in front of him and said one word: "Go!"
"All right!" Barrow scampered over to Audrey happily.
Moments later, he returned, grinning: "Helena, Audrey agreed to give us ten minutes during dinner—on one condition: we don't touch her food."
All the ghosts cheered, though Lady Grey glared. "Don't call me that—you're not worthy."
Harry and Ron entered the hall, finding many students already seated at their house tables.
"Oh, Harry," Ron said, pointing to the huge pumpkin carriage in the center, "isn't that the one Hagrid grew?"
Harry nodded. "Yes—but don't forget, Audrey magically accelerated its growth."
"Of course I remember!" Ron was bouncing with excitement. "Look, Harry—that's Satina Wobek! One of Mum's favorite singers!"
He added quickly, "But now her absolute favorite is Audrey, no question! Though Satina is a Gryffindor alum."
Harry asked, "She looks about forty?"
Ron laughed. "She's seventy-four this year!"
Harry blinked in surprise, and they took their seats at the Gryffindor table.
"Where's Hermione?" Harry asked.
Ron shrugged. "Forget that annoying girl."
Harry sighed. "She didn't even come to hear her favorite, Audrey. You went a bit too far, Ron."
"Fine, fine," Ron said with a shrug, "I'll apologize later."
"Look, Harry!"
"That's Glenda Chittock! The host of Magic Time!"
On stage, the staff tables had been moved aside, revealing a massive platform. Glenda, wearing Slytherin robes, stood confidently in the center.
"First, let's welcome the famous singer Satina Wobek with her signature piece: You Stole My Pot but Not My Heart!"
Applause erupted, with Professor Filius Flitwick clapping most enthusiastically. His decades of fandom were evident in the vigor of his claps.
The stage and lighting had been arranged by Audrey herself, on par with her global tour experience—a true dimensional downgrade strike for the audience.
Satina Wobek, initially startled by the sudden lights and magical effects, quickly regained composure. Her performance was steady, filled with storytelling in her voice. Two songs later, the entire school applauded enthusiastically.
Next, Myron Vagteil and his newly forming band performed—the "Quirky Sisters," who would later become world-famous. Despite being composed of eight older gentlemen, their performance delighted the students, though no one screamed their lungs out. After all, the grand finale had yet to appear.
Finally, it was Audrey's turn.
The hall darkened.
A beautiful voice filled the space:
"Carefully, looking at the clear reflection in the waves,
Is another me,
Belonging to my truest expression,
Hiding no longer, no pretense in life,
The eyes of those who love me."
A spotlight illuminated Audrey's solitary figure. The band began to accompany her.
"I, my inner self,
Every second, willing,
To chase love without restraint,
To cherish with my heart…"
During the interlude, Ron whispered: "Harry, doesn't Audrey look like a princess?"
On stage, she wore a flowing white dress, hair loose, a sparkling circlet on her forehead.
"No, Ron," Harry murmured, mesmerized. "She's an angel."
Her opening song, Myself, captivated everyone. Glenda smiled—her prediction was correct.
Audrey's live voice surpassed any Muggle recording by orders of magnitude. The magical resonance embedded in her singing surged like a tidal wave. Even the Sirens could not compare.
Next came The Big Fish, a song the Weasley twins interpreted as referencing magical creatures and time magic. Glenda had insisted on it—leaving Audrey both amused and exasperated.
But with her voice, every song sounded enchanting. Even Severus Snape, skeptical before, was completely absorbed, only breaking into applause long after the song ended.
Satina Wobek nodded repeatedly. This rising star, though new, had already eclipsed her peak. Maybe it was time to retire.
Audrey cleared her throat. "Now, the final song of the night, dedicated to all of Hogwarts…"
Sold Out.
A fiery anthem, accompanied by half of the Quirky Sisters (and a few younger members), Audrey switched to her Phoenix persona, igniting the stage.
The Phoenix voice inspired courage, paired with intense rhythms and lyrics. The students went wild:
"I'm unlike anyone you've known before;
I'll run forward!
When they rush toward the gates,
I won't sit, won't turn back.
You can never silence me,
Because I'm on a mission,
And I won't give up…"
The hall rose to its feet, swaying with the rhythm. Audrey continued:
"I'm all in!
No longer living just for myself,
I follow Merlin without hesitation…"
Harry waved his arms with all his might. Audrey's singing always gave him strength.
Ron was wide-eyed, overwhelmed by this live performance, experiencing the magic of music firsthand.
Draco shouted excitedly: "That's my cousin! Do you see? That's my cousin!!"
His words were drowned in the roar of the crowd.
Iseline straightened, hands crossed over her chest. Courage surged within her—at that moment, the Phoenix's song made her want to break free from her royal fate.
"I'm all in,
I'm all in!
Every step I take,
Every drop of blood in my veins,
I will fight with all my might!
I'm all in!"
As the final note fell, the Great Hall erupted with applause, whistles, and cheers.
Dumbledore stroked his beard, smiling, pondering: This child's personality is so different from her songs… Could this be the true desire of her heart? She wants to achieve something extraordinary?
Eventually, the concert ended, and the Halloween feast began.
Audrey kept her promise, letting the ghosts linger nearby.
Most students barely touched their meals, eyes constantly returning to Audrey.
The shock she had delivered was unforgettable. The Weasley twins' hands trembled—they were restraining themselves from rushing back to test experiments!
All the kids—Ron, Draco, and the rest—couldn't sit still. Audrey's songs replayed endlessly in their minds: the melodies, the rhythm!
"Boom!"
The Great Hall doors burst open. Professor Quirinus Quirrell rushed in, scarf crooked over his head. Audrey worried it might slip, revealing her father's true identity.
Quirrell stumbled to Dumbledore's chair, leaning against it, gasping: "Troll! Troll—in the dungeons…"