April 12.
Billy once again looked around the Harry Potter production studio; it was alive again, and he understood why projects like this demand so much from young actors. Today, after the processes were reinstated, the acting resumed, following a schedule that included securing a spot in the second round of the Narnia casting.
Billy's presence, even just after the concert, was intimidating to the younger actors because of his incredible acting and singing skills. The British press was going crazy; the secret that he was part of the cast was perhaps the most important article of the year, as they planned to reveal it either halfway through or at the end of filming. Just being part of the production was enough.
The filming schedule for Harry Potter was intense, with a massive four-month recording span requiring numerous rehearsals. Everyone practiced without fear of acting; these were full rehearsals, especially focusing on acting. Billy's lines were minimal, and he expressed himself more through intense visual language.
Along with physical movements, Billy watched many videos of high-risk athletes, from race car drivers to boxers, mixed martial artists, and others. His posture, with shoulders back and head held high, was a key difference that, among many things, gave the image of the character Viktor Krum.
-Brilliant, I think we're looking at a superstar, - commented James Phelps, alongside Oliver Phelps. Both were of a similar age and were the most playful, along with a very nervous Robert Pattinson, who was still breaking out of his shell of shyness. He was usually quiet and didn't have much to say beyond going with the flow.
-I'm living in a forgotten villa, with a few extras. After signing the confidentiality contracts, it's likely the news will stay hidden for a while, but I think we can play some games. I still want to beat you in Street Fighter, - Billy said.
The twins grinned widely. Every time they were around Billy, they brought out their best comedic talents, more energetic than they usually appeared, and Billy enjoyed their company.
-Robert just wants to hide in his house! - Oliver Phelps joked.
Robert Pattinson was sitting off to the side with a script in hand and an English dictionary on his lap, doing something akin to an English homework assignment. Both he and Billy were about the same age, set to turn 18 that year. However, Billy had already graduated after completing a fast-track course, doing four years of school in two, each year condensed into a single month.
Robert smiled at the future vampire who would soon be hailed as one of the top heartthrobs of the 2000s.
-Come on, Robert, don't be shy. How about a birthday party? - Oliver said, sitting next to Robert.
-I've got a few things going on right now, - Robert replied.
-Boo… you're still shy, even now, - Oliver teased.
Billy sat next to Robert. Everyone participated in group rehearsals with the goal that when the time came for filming, it would all come together seamlessly in that special moment that would ultimately be captured on camera.
The rehearsal was for a small scene in a corner of the studio, all against a green screen. Billy's appeal was enough for him to be part of the new scenes approved by J.K. Rowling.
[Scene on the ship:
Igor Karkaroff was leaning in the headmaster's office for these occasions. The ship was moored nearby, rocking from side to side. Billy stood on it with five other Durmstrang students, all around 17 years old, dressed in gray uniforms with fur cloaks draped over their bodies. Billy's cloak was large enough to cover three layers of clothing.
-You are the most representative among us to participate in the Triwizard Tournament. You know what to do; don't disappoint me, - Karkaroff instructed.
-Yes, Headmaster - murmured the four students.
-At Hogwarts, you'll meet many people with ideals but little courage to uphold them. You have nothing to do with that; you'll hear sweet words, but don't pay them any mind, - Karkaroff murmured.
The five students nodded, then turned to leave, marking the exit of the five members of the Academy of Magic and Sorcery. Billy was the last to leave, as the script dictated.
-Viktor, stay behind, - Karkaroff called.
-Headmaster, - Viktor replied, his accent resonant and impressive—a good accent, not overly exaggerated, but enough to be recognizable as someone who isn't entirely fluent.
-Congratulations on your participation in the Quidditch World Cup. Your performance surprised me, - Igor commented.
-I did what was expected of me. -
-You're the academy's star! I hope you'll be the tournament's champion. Good luck, - Karkaroff replied.]
***
Leighton Meester was utterly lost, sighing with a deep sense of sadness. She was completely desperate, and though she wished to say otherwise, she found herself adrift in a mental void. She was in love—hopelessly in love—in a way she never thought possible. It was a feeling of need and obsession. Billy hadn't called her in fifteen days, and it was exhausting, draining her to think of anything other than the singer.
-I see you're still sighing, - remarked Douglas Meester, Leighton's father, his voice tinged with anger—a deep, simmering frustration over how to address this issue.
-Nothing's wrong, Dad. Stay out of my business, - Leighton snapped, closing the door to her room.
She was desperate.
Meanwhile, Billy was on a call with Gwen Stefani, talking about the perversions they shared. For an older woman, the coarse, suggestive language was thrilling. Remembering how their bodies intertwined made her want to book a flight.
-I think someone's calling me, love, - Billy said to Gwen.
-Let's talk later. I've been in the shower too long; my husband must be waiting for me, - Gwen replied.
She hung up.
-Leighton, sweetheart, how are you? - Billy said, having completely forgotten about the girl he left behind in the States. Initially, he thought of keeping her around, but he often grew infatuated quickly and forgot just as fast. Yet Leighton, with her angelic presence, was a beautiful exception.
He sighed as he saw her name on his screen.
-Why didn't you call me? - Leighton exclaimed, her voice full of reproach, expressing her frustration. The fifteen-day silence had caused her immense anxiety.
-Because I forgot. These past few days, I've been busy with the upcoming album launch. We're expecting a big release, and I've been honing my acting skills. If possible, I'd love for us to be in a series or movie together. I haven't been idle! - Billy explained, hoping she'd help him land some roles in a way that suited him.
The young woman thought it over as she sat on her bed, and her expression softened.
Billy paced his room, looking for his guitar. He had a custom-made acoustic guitar in mahogany—one of five specially crafted for him. Each guitar cost $10,000 to make, and he always carried a red one on his travels, his favorite with golden edges.
-I think I'd be really happy if you and I did that together, - the girl whispered, imagining them as Hollywood's next power couple, her mind filled with thoughts and dreams.