Apollo was nervous to say the least. He wasn't the most important role, but as the youngest Darling sibling, he was still important. He knew that him and his fellow actors and actresses had been practicing quite diligently and there was a strange calmness that seemed to be surrounding him.

As he was getting ready in his costume, the now thirteen year old had a few thoughts. Would he forget a line? Would he be able to recover ? What if someone didn't show up? Was there an understudy? Were parents and siblings here watching?

Her job on this play was done. Actually, Claudine had been a little sad when she’d finished up with her bit of set designing as she’d had a good time expanding her creativity. She discovered that she was into prop designing, and very much so too.

Arriving at the Room of Requirement, the sixth year couldn’t help but notice that she was among the first to arrive. She opted for a seat in the third row from the front, deciding that it would be ideal for her to view all of the action. Before Claudine sat, the programme above her seat was snagged. Now that she was actually sitting, it was opened and she began to read.

Ever since getting a role in the school play, Remy had labelled herself as an actress, despite this being her first big role. Each day leading up to now, the nerves grew more and more. She wanted everyone to be in the audience watching her shine, but she also didn’t want anyone at all to be there in case she failed. Perhaps it was lucky that her first role wasn’t a “main” role, although she, herself, still counted Twin #1 as something special.

Remy headed backstage after seeing Apollo a little in front of her. There was a small rush in her step to keep up but once she made it, she couldn’t see him anywhere. Gah - he was probably getting ready, which she should be doing as well.

The only person who would bring her real comfort right now was Dahlia. WHERE IS SHE?

The Gryffindor hovered where she was, waiting for her to arrive.

Ash never really relaxed. She got bad vibes from school plays. She couldn't be completely convinced that something wouldn't go very wrong... nevertheless, she wanted to see her friends perform on the set she'd helped design. So she sat down next to her older sister very good friend Claudine and grabbed her program, wondering if it was really necessary to make them float. Whatever. Today was a day for her to relax and enjoy the show. Not a day to stress out about everything. She was going to be calm today.

Wendy Moira Angela Darling, aka Phoebe Skylar James, was already tucked into her nightgown!dress, and her long blond hair was carefully curled and beribboned (no wigs required), and now... she just needed the final makeup touches to be ready for the performance. She settled into a chair backstage and watched the frantic energy around her. This was interesting. Fun, even, and exactly the kind of energy that kept her in the moment and not thinking about anything else.

She watched for Kizzy, though... that little sprog did NOT have the kind of personality that thrived in this brand of chaos, and if she needed to vomit, they'd best get that over with before the show began.

Slightly....slightly....slightly.... The nerves rushed through her body as she put the final touches on her makeup for her Lost Boy look backstage. Making final checks on her costume, she kept thinking of her lines over and over in her mind. Her part wasn't even that important...at least she thought. It wasn't like she was Peter or Wendy, or even Hook or Smee. She was a Lost Boy. The oldest of the Lost Boys. She was Slightly. She was going to give it her all. As she kept repeating to herself no matter what happens, the show must go on....the show must go on... she started to feel her heart race a little more as the minutes drew closer and closer to the opening act. She didn't even know why she was nervous. It wasn't like anyone she knew was there for her...except her brother but she was going to avoid making any eye contact with him so she doesn't break character. No matter what happens, she was going to make this the best experience she ever had at school. She was not going to let her nerves get the better of her.

Tonight was the big night. She would officially make her Hogwarts acting debut here and now. She fiddled with the edges of her costume, trying to keep her mind off things and focus on the moment. As she moved her fingertips across her costume, she mouthed her lines and mentally prepared herself for the show. She would no longer be Lisa, she was one of the lost boys. She was Tootles!! Well almost Tootles.

She wished she was closer to the curtain so she could have peeked around the corner to see if her siblings or some of her friends were there. She glanced around the backstage area and watched as people applied final touches of the make up. Lisa spotted Remy and of course had to make her way over. As she did, she waved to her fellow actors and wished, “Break a leg!” so that she wouldn’t say good luck and cause disaster to strike.

“Ready Freddy, Remy?” she asked her friend as she wiggled her eyebrows, trying to ignore the ball of nerves in her tummy. She spotted Apollo a ways away and waved to him.

Without the temptation of bread everywhere he turned, Kamran was doing a good job at keeping his diet a little more well-balanced these days. He was thinking more clearly than he had in months, too - or at least consistently clearly - ever since Healer Poppy had been given her marching orders.

Kamran had not been too shocked to hear what the woman had been doing; as the year had ticked along, his own suspicions had formed and grown. What he hadn't expected was that it was the candles at the heart of it, not the amazingly delicious and frankly gorgeous-smelling (listen, it really had been very good) breeead. Though Kamran never reached the point of voicing his suspicions, he was still none too happy about getting the specifics wrong, and that was the part that bothered him more than he was willing to let on. No matter, she was gone now, and Kamran didn't doubt the students would be feeling far better for her absence than they ever did from her... 'healing'.

Side-stepping through a row of chairs, in the section reserved for staff, Kamran plucked his programme from the air and settled down to scan through it until the show started, or until he had some company.

It was here. It was here. IT WAS HERE!!!

The night they all had been working so hard towards. Countless hours had been spent working on everything that needed to be done for the play. Thankfully with as many people working on it all together things seemed to go smoothly and all the twelve year old Ravenclaw really had to focus on, was making sure she knew all her parts. There could be no room for error where she was concerned.

Both Remy and herself had practiced and practiced. Being a TWIN was easy. She already was one, an identical one in a set of triplets. The youngest of the three. So playing the part of Twin #2 was perfect for her. She was born to play this part!

Greetings, bright smiles, waves and wishes of good luck were given to all of her fellow performers and all of the costume helpers and make-up artists. There was one person she needed to seek out once she was already and dressed the part as Twin #2. Remy. Her twin for the play.

Sparkling blue eyes quickly found her and Dahlia headed straight her way. "Twinny! I'm here! Are you ready?!" She was ready! The excitement within her was visibly noticeable as she bounced on her toes, beaming at her friend.

Backstage, Teddy felt alive. His parts as Mr. Darling and a pirate were both wildly different personalities from himself and the newness of all this gave him a great appreciation for his Stark school friends who had grown up performing. He got it now. This was fun, and any physical manifestations of nerves throughout the sixth year's body were, to him, interpreted as excitement. Nerves, adrenaline, enthusiasm - all one in the same, he reasoned, and his perspective on the jitteriness and electrical shock-like energy coursing through his veins was everything.

For this very reason, Teddy deemed it important to ensure the mindset shift of those who were perceiving these physical cues as nervousness, ill-preparedness, or fear. Teddy briefly raised both hands in the air and urged the cast and crew backstage to come closer, operating under the assumption that there was some sound-proofing charm in place separating the audience from backstage. "Everyone c'mere, circle up." He looked to his sisters and long-time friends to set an example and join so maybe the rest of them would, too. As long as most of them were gathering, that was fine by him.

"First and foremost, let's take a moment to appreciate our incredible crew. We all know you're the backbone of this show - you're the unsung heroes, you make all of us look good, and we'd be nothing without you." He applauded, making intentional eye contact with every crew member gathered. It wasn't until the (presumed) cheers died down that he spoke again.

"Performers - every single one of you has put in the time, the work, and the energy for this. You've practiced, memorized, embodied your characters--" some maybe more than others, and he grinned in Kale's direction at that thought, "-- and you're ready. We started this journey together, and now we get finish it together. You know your stuff. Trust that you're ready - you are." His eyes sparkled.

He was beaming, a bit puppy-like in his joy, and he looked around at his friends, his family, his people, fully expecting others to have things to add to this pre-show hype session.

She was ecstatic. And nervous. And terrified. And she felt like she might be sick.

It was great.

Ivy had put everything into every rehearsal for this play, determined to play her role perfectly. She refused to let everyone down. Maybe she was putting a little too much on herself, but it helped keep her focused. And she needed to remain focused. Feelings and whatever else couldn't get in the way of the success of this play.

But it wasn't all stress all the time. She found that she loved the energy that everyone brought, both on and off stage. The crew, the cast...it was so fun seeing everyone working together. They'd all worked so hard too, and that made her all the more excited to see everything come together tonight.

And even the huge mixture of emotions she was feeling, it wasn't a bad thing. She was pumped.

She needed just a few last makeup touches, but she was fully in her Peter Pan costume, her hair pinned up - and she was quite pleased to know that she looked decent with short hair. Ivy had no desire to actually cut her hair since she preferred it the length it was, but it was still nice to know.

Looked like Teddy was initiating a gathering with everyone though, so the makeup would have to wait just a few minutes.

And it was every bit as sweet and thoughtful as a Teddy speech could be. Ivy joining in the cheering for the crew recognition. They definitely deserved it. Every contribution mattered. Costumes, makeup, effects, set design... The show wouldn't be the same without them.

And she wanted to believe the last part was true for her. She knew it was for her fellow actors. They were going to knock it out of the park tonight. But she also felt the need to add with a grin, "And also don't forget to have fun!"

It was what Peter Pan himself would want, obviously. Hehe.

Darius was nervous, naturally. He was pleasantly surprised at even getting a role on stage in the play. John Darling, the middle sibling. He adjusted the top hat in the mirror and donned on the fake glasses. Hmm.. The sixteen-year-old didn't think he looked so bad, glasses were definitely not his usual style and all.

Glancing at Apollo nearby, he knew that he wasn't the only one with nerves. "You alright, mate?" He asked to be sure and to also give them notice that he was there as well to help if needed. He looked at everyone else in the area and... yeah, the butterflies were still present in him. His eyes did stop at Teddy who beckoned them over with a speech. He felt his face go a bit red, it was definitely nerves of the night for sure as he listened in. A smile came to his face afterward, this was really it.

Darius nodded, ready to face his fears once again.

Professor Peralta was backstage, making sure the students doing makeup had all their supplies, helping to check that all the spells the stage crew would be using for lighting and effects were ready to be used. It didn't seem like she was needed, though. The kids had been working so hard on everything and it seemed that in that ridiculous Poppy woman's absence, they were ready to focus and make this happen all on their own. Proud? Yeah, she was that. And she was eager to see everything come together from her spot in the audience.

She did stay around to witness Mr. James' adorable speech first, of course. Cute. It had been really cute.

Merlin, she was going soft.

Throw her out would they, well no not this time. NOT WITH THIS SCHOOL!!!

After her dismissal, Healer Poppy had put plans in motion to ensure that everyone at Hogwarts saw her worth. She would show them that her candles had been for everyone's benefit. Quietly as she could, the healer snuck back stage with a sack in hand filled with drafts to incite panic. Her plan was to unleash this, knowing members of the board where on the other side of the curtains, then WATCH as panic ensued.

When the students were sufficiently riled up, she would step in with her candles.

It was the perfect plan.

Less perfect? The little darlings already here and the old new healer to boot.

"Chiiiildren!" She cooed, positioning the sack just behind her and entirely out of site in this low lighting. It didn't matter she wasn't supposed to be there, she would pretend she belonged. "Get on stage now, hurry, all of you. We're going to begin." And she needed them clearing the area. "Hurry hurry now." She had work to do.

Though she would do so while they were present if it came to that.

"We can't take our places," Phoebe sat up in her chair, giving Healer Poppy an annoyed look. Teddy was giving a gushy speech that no one had asked for! How dare she interrupt his moment! "The lights haven't gone down yet, and they haven't made any announcements to the house."

Maybe those things weren't going to happen? But that made this very small potatoes, didn't it? Even a small house had LIGHTS. "Is someone going to help with my makeup? I can do it myself, but I'd rather have someone with practice and a plan help out."

Kale Trent was reaaaaaady. He'd gone and gotten as dastardly as he could muster in the makeup chair, thanks Pax (and glitter, tbh), and made sure to do some scowling as a form of meditation. The sixth year had done all he could do to prepare and now it was showtime. CUZ THERE WAS NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS!!!!!!

So, as he rounded backstage, giving all his castmates cute opening night cards, he was brought into the hug huddle. Gosh. Tedward James was a perfect, beautiful boy and, UGH, Kale coulda kissed him for all of his sweetness. He was the father of the show and the Dad of their cast. Truly. Rallying all his anxious, unruly children. Not that Kale was anxious. NO SIR. HE WAS PUMPED. HE WAS READY FOR BATTLE. TESTOSTERONE. TIME TO GO TO WAAAAAAAAAAR!

...as Hook, of course.

But he managed to bring down his bursting energy to look at his castmates and dimple. "Break a leg everybody," Kale added, "Remember to find your light. You're all so good looking and talented and the audience deserves to see it." Facts.

Everything was coming up roses and daffodils and sunshine and lollipops and...

Healer Poppy apparently? Groan.

Kale icily pinned the Healer with his eyes and sharply accused the Reba McEntire wannabe, "Dude, aren't you, like, not supposed to be here?" His Dad had kicked her to the curb for being super bad at her job. And the fact that she was just chillin' backstage like nothing had happened was very uncool. "Do I need to get my Dad?" Cuz he would.

Yes, he was a nepotism baby, but he used it for the good of the whole school. And his hips. Really, all that bread had been starting to hit him in the WORST places.

'Phew, deep breaths, Faye...Deep breaths..'

The sixteen year old sat in one of the make up chairs as she was repeating this calming mantra over and over again in an attempt to keep herself centered. Much like everyone backstage getting ready, the nerves were definitely buzzing amongst those around her and she was no exception to that feeling. If it wasn't for her practices with meditation she'd probably be having a panic attack right about now, especially since it was the opening night of the show!

Though it was likely all nerves understandably, there was for sure excitement within that for the sixth year. From auditioning, to the beginning of the rehearsals, staging, costumes, memorization of lines, to lighting and adding the little details that would really make the show come alive; all leading to this very moment, it was all so very thrilling.

Plus, working with such an amazing gaggle of people in this production was merely the cherry on top you might say. And...perhaps some were more enjoyable for that matter than she was expecting, or better yet one particular someone.....

......Teddy James......Or Mr. Darling...

The very thought of him made Faye smile warmly as the memories of their time rehearsing with one another, and spending so much time together came flooding back to her. He truly surprised her with how talented he was ever since he'd auditioned all those months ago. She felt very fortunate to be able to work along side him as Mrs. Darling and as a pirate too! Their bond had already been rather close to begin with, but this play just felt like everything solidified that for her. And she couldn't be happier for that. But please do not mistake this particular thought from Faye, she was very happy to be able to work with everyone and form this comradery; family dynamic.

Just as she was thinking of these things, it was Teddy himself calling together a group circle for everyone, which she did not hesitate making her way over towards him and the rest of the group. Naturally moving to stand beside him as he began to address everyone in the most endearing manner. Her smile very bright as he spoke feeling the encouragement from him, as well as their amazing Peter Pan herself; Ivy! Once finished, she easily slipped her hand into Teddy's giving it a squeeze before saying, "Could you be any more inspiring?" Truly, this was such an amazing group of people and Faye was already dreading the end of it.

The Hufflepuff's attention was then on their noble leader, Captain Hook, Kale as he was also adding in his own special flair to encourage the group which in no way surprised her at this point. It was one of the many joyous things about Mr. Kale Trent. He was just simply the best honestly. "Well said, Captain! ARGH!" It probably looked a little strange that she took on her pirate persona while dressed as the elegant Mrs. Darling, but she didn't seem to be bothered by it, sooo worry not!

"And if anyone needs help getting the rest of their costumes on or need help locating props; though they should already be set; I am more than willing to help to the best of my abilities.." Well, it seemed that Faye's naturally nurturing nature was just being exemplified now that she was actually playing a motherly role. She just wanted to make sure everything and everyone was alright? Alright.

Just as she was feeling really excited now from all of these kinds words, this unfortunately would not last very much longer as Faye suddenly turned at the sound of Healer Poppy suddenly backstage trying to....rush everyone to their places? Why? Shouldn't the Headmaster be the one that should be telling everyone to get in their places? It didn't make very much sense, and why was there seeming to be an urgency from Healer Poppy to rush everyone in this manner? "I'm sure we still have some time Healer Poppy, as Phoebe said, no one has made the announcement..."

This was.....odd...and suspicious...

Misa was ready for this. This term had been an unfortunate challenge and this play did an excellent job of focusing her attention. Through everything she did have her Peter Pan though. As she was getting ready she went over to hug Ivy.

On the way though she got distracted. Places? She started making her way to the stage when she stopped. "I don't have a scene yet." she said looking around. Why would they all go on stage? That didn't make sense.

Claudine was quite sure she wasn't going to be sitting alone for much longer. Of course she didn’t mind if she was alone. She focused on the programme in her hand until she sensed movement beside her. Looking around, she saw Ash. “Hi,’’ Claudine greeted softly, feeling the urge to whisper. But she was smiling, excited for the play. Who would have thought that she’d enjoy plays so much? She blamed Heath. “It’s certainly going to be something to see our props being used, don’t you think?”

Now that she eyed the seats around her, it was clear to see that a few more students had arrived, and staff as well it seemed.

For the record. Daniel had not planned to be here. He hadn't cared for the play ever since it had been announced some time ago and he'd much rather be in the Hufflepuff common room right now reading one of his books. However, he had made a promise to Lisa to watch her performance and the first year kept his promises for the most part.

Taking a seat on one of the chairs, Daniel placed his school bag on the chair next to him so that no one could sit there. He then reached for the program and opened it up before closing it again. Could they hurry up already, he had a book that he wanted to finish.

Of course Gabi was going to be here to watch the students and give them her support. Even if she WASN'T Deputy Headmistress she would be coming out to watch all their hard work come to fruition! She knew how much work they had all put in to this production, and she had to admit she was excited to see the acting chops on some of these kids. Heading to the area that was reserved for the staff, she picked her seat and began to look through her program.

Too bad the History of Magic professor was seated in the audience and not backstage, so she had no idea that the healer they THOUGHT they'd thrown out of the castle was still there, trying to put her chaotic plan in to motion...

Oh Merlin's soggy bread, they were going to try being difficult. In her time here, Healer Poppy realised they always liked to be difficult. Couldn't just be happy they weren't panicking anymore. Ungrateful! Her bread had been the absolute bees knees. All they had to do was eat it and question nothing.

The smile remained in place, the woman accepting she really would have to move to plan B. There was no time to waste convincing them, least of all when young Trent was now threatening to alert the Headman. With a bit of wandless magic, she popped open one of the vials in the sack she concealed behind her back.

"No need, no need." Trent would be along soon enough, she was sure.

"We'll get the lights ourselves, I've come to start the playyy!!" Just a little more, she would wait for the potion to permeate the area. Once panic set in, she would set off the rest to seep into the audience. Nothing to see here, just a friendly Healer here to move things along.

Show time.

Not to be a total buzzkill, but Kinsay Cassandra James had been dreading this moment all week. She really didn't want to be on stage acting in front of SO many people. It was easy to forget how much she didn't want to do it when she was at rehearsals with all her favorites (Kale always made her laugh and Ivy was SO good at being Peter and having Teddy and Phoebe and Emm there was the very best). But it wasn't so easy to forget when they were BACKSTAGE and she could hear the whispers coming from behind the curtains!!!!

So naturally, she did what anyone in her position would do. She found a way to distract herself. Aka helping people with their costumes. She had a proper excuse and everything because Professor Peralta said she could help out with costume designs and set stuff, even though she asked about it too late. And even though it meant getting to do the simple, leftover things, Kins was appreciative all the same. Maybe next time she'd work up the courage to tell her friends that she didn't actually want to be in the play and that she'd rather help with costumes. Maybe.

Um. Yeah.

She was busy shining a sword when she heard Teddy's call. Immediately abandoning her post (and the sword), she made way for the big huddle and attempted to wiggle her way in between Faye and Teddy so that she could wedge herself close to her older brothers. Hi Faye. Sorry Faye. Wait. Were they holding hands? The sheer shock made Kinsay pause and she nearly missed half of what Teddy said (a true travesty). But there were more important things going on here! DID TEDDY HAVE A GIRLFRIEND???

So while the sudden presence of ex-Hogwart Healer, Poppy, was quite exciting, Kinsay made her way through the crowd to find Phoebe for IMPORTANT TALKS. Nervous and dreading going on stage? Yes. Yes, Kinsay was. But she'd deal with those feelings later because, "Pssssst. Phoebe! Are Teddy and Faye....?" Not knowing how to ask her question (oh, the irony) she concluded with some vague hand gestures. Yes. These were the matters most important on opening night.

Wait!!!! Not show time yet!!! Couldn't Healer Poppy see that Kinsay had questions?!?!?!

Show time!

The curtain is about to be raised, and as the performance starts to get underway, you begin to feel a rising sense of panic seemingly out of nowhere, particularly those behind the scenes and on stage. Perhaps at first you can try to shrug it off, but it quickly becomes impossible to ignore.

Panic, PaNiC, PANIC.