Fic: The True Story of the Hogwarts Pantomime Players

Title: The True Story of the Hogwarts Pantomime Players
Rating: PG-13
Word Count:8400
Characters and/or Pairings: Filius Flitwick, Horace Slughorn, Charity Burbage, Albus Dumbledore, with walk-ons (or waltz-ons) from assorted Hogwarts staff

Disclaimer: The first attempt at introducing a Christmas pantomime at Hogwarts, which took place under the headship of Professor Armando Dippet, has been described in Hermione Granger’s translation of The Tales of Beedle the Bard (Flourish and Blotts 2007, annotated for Muggles by J.K.Rowling, Bloomsbury, 2008). I have no intention of infringing on Ms Granger’s copyright. It is this performance to which Professor Dumbledore refers in his recollections.

Author's Notes: Written for hoggywartyxmas, when a prompt on the true story behind the Hogwarts Pantomime was most intriguing. Professor Dumbledore collaborated graciously, freely gave of his time and memories, and even allowed me to reproduce a few photographs from his private collection. The other teachers, however, were less willing. My requests met with winces, shudders, and, in the case of Professor Flitwick, gagging.

But in the end I managed to collect enough documentary evidence to piece together the events of September to December 1982.

I hope you at least will enjoy the story. Heaven knows none of the protagonists did.

( The True Story of the Hogwarts Pantomime Players )