Hello, hello, hello.

A salutation to you readers.

This is my first Harry Potter fic and possibly my last (depends on the readers and my time). Honestly, I haven't actually thoroughly read the HP series in a long time. I've only read the first five, but that was three years ago and I was in a one week time limit to read those books (such a pain). Oh, my friend if you're out there, lend me the books again. Reading the books should do me some justice giving me some familiarity to the plot. Well I've seen the movies as well, but I don't know how much justice that will give me. Please be kind, I'm going strictly by memory.

Okay, time for the awfully long disclaimer. I'd rather be specific now, rather than be blasted later.

Disclaimer:

Harry Potter will forever belong to its master, J.K. Rowling. I am merely using the characters, plot, and what not for entertainment purposes.

This story contain an original character, of which is mine. The character's name is Caitlyn Chan. Although this story is HermioneCho based, it will be very Caitlyn-heavy in the beginning and the end (due to character development). Caitlyn is a fundamental character in the story, but I'll try to keep it based around Hermione and Cho. Caitlyn's existence may come back to haunt me, but I'll do the best that I can.

If you've originally read ABCCJPTT's "Trials and Tribulations" prior to this, you will find that some parts; themes, what not, will coincide; look similar, seem the same, whatever you like to consider, because it was that fanfiction that inspired me to write this. If you're ready to e-mail ABCCJPTT and tell her I stole her idea, well don't, I asked and she gave me the green light. I will try as hard as possible to stay original, but Trials and Tribulations is my foundation and guideline.

If you've also read Touchstone Ranna's "Taboo" prior to this as well, there will be a cross of ideas. A big theme of that fanfiction will land into this one. That seemed like a good idea to add into this story. If you're going to go and rat me out, don't because I've already asked and they too gave me the green light.

I have my whole story planned out, my writing it could take a while though. If you think I'm stealing ideas and just throwing them in here, well you're wrong. I've asked for usage, been given permission and I'm fabricating it for the story's needs. I get inspired easily, so please don't bash me.

Also, due to the fact that the initial version of this story was completely Caitlyn-centric, I decided to rewrite it. I didn't want the OC dominating the limelight and it felt as if Hermione and Cho's views were completely removed to begin with.

One last thing. I'm really sorry for those who were expecting chapter 10. I felt rushed and this is my first HP fic, so why not make it the best? I'm still recruiting beta readers, I need multiple opinions and some Briticism help. School's on, so I don't think I'll be on a posting spree. I will finish this before I lose interest. My mind's set and my thoughts are racing. Beta readers, e-mail me, readers, review me.

Moving on, this is set roughly around the 5th year, Order of the Phoenix.

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As another year at Hogwarts had begun, another year of surprises would be brought upon them. Year after year, mystery and surprises had surprised the school and it seemed likely that another turn of events would occur. First; Quirrell had been possessed by Voldemort, next; Tom Marvolo Riddle came about from his diary, then; Sirius Black and Wormtail's presence had been felt, and finally; Voldemort was revived back to a somewhat normal physical status. Harry, Ron and Hermione didn't know as to what this year would come about for them, but they knew that they'd deal with it as it came.

As three fifth year students exited the train, they couldn't help but softly smile at the first years's expressions. Some of them wore smug smiles, others had terrified looks, and most seemed glad to have left the train. As the three continued on towards the school, they exchanged greetings with Hagrid who smiled back at them.

"Firs' ye'rs, follow me please," The half giant bellowed, looking down at the shorter crowd of people around him. He held out a lantern in front of him, hoping to spread some light around his surroundings. Many of the first year students were startled at the loud voice and even more startled when they saw whom the voice belonged to. All of the new first year students followed Hagrid, apprehensive of what they might they might find once they enter the school.

"Wow, it's been forever since we were first years," The redhead of the trio said. His other two friends softly chuckled at his commenting, knowing it was true. After all the horrific tasks they had to complete every year, it didn't seem so weird to say that being a first year felt as if it were ages ago.

"Well, it'll seem like an eternity when we graduate," The bushy haired brunette responded. A hint of amusement tinted her voice, and it had the other two smile in agreement.

"It'll feel like an eternity and a day after Voldemort's gone," The dark haired boy added. The other two nodded and began making their way to the Great Hall for the Start of the Term Feast, as well as the sorting of first years.

Taking their seats with their fellow Gryffindor students, Harry, Ron and Hermione watched as the first year students file into the Great Hall. Awe had quickly washed over the new students as they saw the illusion marked across the ceiling and the magic that surrounded them. The group of students all lined themselves up at the front of the Hall, awaiting to be sorted to their proper houses. Before the sorting had even started, the headmaster; Professor Dumbledore, stood up and began his annual opening speech of notices, thanks and what not. Of course, the mass of the school had no intention of listening attentively to the speech.

As of course, no one was listening, with the exception of Gryffindor's, Hermione Granger. She seemed to be wholly absorbed into everything Dumbledore was saying; then again, she seemed wholly absorbed into anything that others would find uninteresting. Everything seemed to intrigue this young girl, from the most obscure idea to the most mind-boggling theories. Nothing ever mentally challenged her, she knew the answer to practically everything. Some asked why she was sorted into Gryffindor and not Ravenclaw because of her astounding savvy of Magical and Muggle related topics, but only few knew why.

Despite being looked upon as the know-it-all, Hermione had a big heart and she was sorted into Gryffindor for a reason; she had courage people could only admire. Even though she followed rules, and stayed within the school's limits, she always found herself figuring out a way to break them in order to help her friends or others. When it came to other peoples's well being, rules had lost their meaning to her. A Ravenclaw in mind; very well indeed, but a heart of a Gryffindor; she'll always have.

When Hermione heard Professor McGonagall, head of the Gryffindor House, begin to sort the many students, she found herself aimlessly looking around the Hall at the other students. The sorting of students used to keep the young girl listening, but she realized that she'll probably bump into them during her Prefect duties. Yes, Prefect duties. She and Ron Weasley had become Gryffindor's Prefects. Quickly, her eyes drifted to the two young men in front of her whose eyelids began to heavily droop indicating their tire.

How they manage to survive each year, I'll never know. Hermione softly smiled, watching the two attempt to stay awake. She soon found herself subtly looking around the rest of the student body. To her amusement, almost everyone had the same expressions Harry and Ron had. All were trying to stay awake. Apparently the train ride to the school and the Headmaster's speech was too much for all of them.

Hermione's eyes continued to look around, but she found herself drawn to a familiar gleam of blue-tinted black. Cho Chang. Hermione quietly sighed as she began to focus her eyes on the familiar Asian girl. I find your ability to laugh and smile after what happened to Cedric admirable. The Gryffindor girl felt a calm wash over her as she distinctly heard Cho's quiet laugh. Her eyes lazily traced Cho's profile, from the curves the girl's uniform was hugging against, the soft cream of her skin as well as the girl's shiny long black hair. Hermione soon began to feel another feeling wash over and it was one that she couldn't understand.

Now, Hermione's subtle staring had become far from subtle. She had become so engaged into her thoughts that she didn't bother looking away from the girl at the other table. Wait-- am I gawking? What am I doing? Simply admiring, just admiring. Hermione blinked, taking herself back to the present day reality and to the reality that had set itself in front of her. There was Cho Chang, looking over at her, giving her a small smile. Hermione felt her cheeks fill with colour as the realization of being caught dawned upon her. The feeling of humiliation had now overtaken the previous calm feelings she initially felt. As a way to cover her embarrassment, Hermione half-heartedly smiled at Cho before quickly turning away. That was sad, Granger. You feel embarrassed, and towards Cho of all people. The bushy haired girl inwardly sighed, before sending her eyes back along the students, this time the thought of getting caught kept her intact towards reality.

-----

Cho felt herself ready to broaden her smile, but it was too late. The cause of her smile had turned away, looking quite flustered and embarrassed. She turned around back towards her friends who were quietly conversing with one another, but took no actual notice. She tuned them all out, but occasionally drifted into the conversation with a general nod or laugh so the others wouldn't ask her any questions. She didn't feel like talking, not after what happened the year before.

The final task of the Triwizard Tournament, and it appeared to be the most challenging. Cho felt that something could possibly go wrong, and almost everything went wrong. The dark of the night seemed to be the greatest time and opportunity for anything horrid to come, and it was the greatest time. Krum was bewitched, Fleur had been stunned, and Cedric had died, leaving Harry alive. Cedric's death hit everyone hard, especially Cho, leaving her feeling shattered and empty. Ever since that tragedy, Cho found herself crying every night to sleep or waking up to the sound of her crying. Nightmares continued to threaten her well being, but she didn't let it affect her. Soon, the nightmares would diminish and disappear, leaving her with only memories. Even so, her happiness was heavily affected. Although she chose to keep a façade of happiness so others would let her be, her actions remained empty of emotion. Her laughter seemed forced, her smile looked plastered on and her general being seemed vacant and empty. She was glad her actions could fool some people because she honestly didn't want anyone giving her petty looks of pity. She also saw that some people tried to take her sadness as an opportunity to get closer to her, but for the wrong reasons. That made Cho sick to her stomach, thinking that people would take advantage of her like that and it made her wish she had a true friend to rely on. Sure, there was Marietta, but Cho felt that she didn't care at times. Maybe it was the way Marietta expressed her words, but Cho wanted someone who genuinely cared about her.

"--Right Cho? You feel a lot better than before, right?" Cho returned from her thoughts at the sound of her name. She only caught the end of Marietta's question, and she was glad that the end of the question gave her some idea of what they were talking about.

"Yeah, I'm feeling better. Not loads, but I'm better," Cho simply answered. There was no evidence she was lost in her thoughts, but she was grateful that her hearing picked up at the right time. Will I possibly feel 'loads' better?

Cho began to drift away back into her thoughts, while keeping an aware ear towards the conversation in front of her. Her thoughts seemed to have made its way to what happened earlier. She couldn't help but inwardly smile at the sight of Hermione Granger, of all people, openly staring at her. Maybe it wasn't intentional, but it was cute. Cho couldn't help but see the beauty past the knowledge. Unruly bushy brown hair, lightly tanned skin, and her femininity began to show against her uniform. Her hair looks soft. I wonder if it's as soft as her skin-- Whoa! Wow, did I honestly think that? Cho began to descend back to Earth from her thoughts, but not before she remembered the cute flustered and embarrassed look Hermione had on her face.

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Hermione finaly felt her face finally cool from her humiliation. She raked her eyes along her house's occupants and found herself looking at another gleam of long black hair. She furrowed her brow and in the bright of the light, the black seemed to take a dark red tint as opposed to Cho's blue. Who could that be? Hermione raised an eyebrow, noticing that she had never seen that girl before, not even in her previous years. She looked to be older than a first year, and she was sitting with the sixth and seventh years, quietly conversing with them. Questions of who the girl was began looming above Hermione's head and she couldn't answer them. The mysterious girl turned towards Hermione, but she hadn't matched gazes with her. Names, scenarios, anything Hermione could think of began playing in her mind so she could simply figure out who the person was, but nothing came up.

Sorting had finally ended, and the final students began taking their seats at their houses. Dumbledore looked around the Hall and saw the vacant and tired looks upon everyone's faces, knowing food should be served. He stood up, loudly clapping his hands together, causing the thunder of the action to be heard all the way across the Hall. Everyone jerked up, finding themselves alert and awake.

"I see that everyone is excited for this new year," Dumbledore stated, glancing at everyone's sheepish smiles. He smiled as he watched the students try to stay awake, but most of them horribly failed making him laugh. "Let us begin the feast before we do anything hasty, yes?"

Platters upon platters of food began to appear on the long tables. Every person who was ready to fall asleep quickly livened up at the sight and smell of the food. Hermione found herself taking a healthy portion of mashed potatoes, roast, and a couple of rolls. When she looked over at Ron and Harry, she found Ron all but giving himself healthy portions and Harry trying to get some food before Ron plated it all. Hermione shook her head as she began to look down at her plate, taking a slow bite as opposed to wolfing down the food. As she ate, she couldn't help but think about that new girl.

"Herf-mio-fee, whaf arf you finking of?" Hermione questioningly looked at Ron, but her expression quickly changed when she found bits of food on her school robes. Disgusting. Every year it's like this, why? Hermione cautiously brushed away the food from her clothing as she tried to think of an answer to the question. As if I'll tell them I was staring at someone. She looked up at Ron and noticed he stopped moving, it also looked like he wasn't even breathing. Huh? Hermione looked over at Harry, ready to ask him what 'petrified' Ron, but he too looked 'petrified'. This is getting weird. Hermione waved her hands in front of Harry and Ron's faces, but neither of them reacted, creeping Hermione out.

"What's going on, you two?" Hermione asked. The other two didn't reply at all, but simply stared out into space.

"Hey, are any of you going to eat the last of the trifle? My end pretty much devoured it."

"Uh, no I don't think anyone's going to eat the rest of it. Here," Hermione gathered the last of the trifle (of which Ron hadn't touched yet) and placed it in an empty bowl. As she turned to face whoever requested the trifle, the bowl quickly slipped out of her grip.

"Holy--"

"Ah." Hermione watched as the person in front of her pull out their wand from behind her ear, waving it at the falling trifle. The bowl began to levitate back onto the table and the trifle began to make its way into the bowl.

The girl. Hermione watched as the other girl took the empty seat beside her, retrieving a clean spoon to eat with.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Caitlyn Chan," The raven-haired girl stated, placing the spoon into her dessert, as she looked around the three who were still staring at her.

She's so-- Hermione fell victim to her thoughts.

"Beautiful." Everyone turned their heads towards the male voice who blurted the word out. There sat Ronald Weasley, turning beet red like the colour of his hair. Caitlyn simply chuckled at the compliment, but shrugged it off in hopes as to not further embarrass the other boy.

"Well you look smashing yourself," Caitlyn replied back, watching the redhead further blush. As quickly as the conversation began, or lack of, it all ended.

She's so beautiful-- wait, did I just-- wow. Okay, let's not think anything of it. Ahh, okay moving on. Hermione turned away from Caitlyn and began to rub the back of her neck. She couldn't believe that she thought that the girl was beautiful, but she quickly dismissed it as a simple appreciation of the physical body, nothing else.

"I'm guessing that none of you are too eager to share your names with me," Caitlyn said, shaking Hermione from her thoughts. Harry, Ron and Hermione all turned to Caitlyn, bombarding her with their names. Caitlyn could only laugh as the three turned to each other, glaring.

"Honestly, do any of you have manners?" Hermione sternly asked, but neither Harry nor Ron seemed to have been fazed.

"Us?! You also yelled out your name towards her," Ron retorted, taking a swig of his drink.

"Have you even heard of the phrase 'Ladies first'?" Hermione shot back, strengthening her glare at Ron. The nerve!

Caitlyn and Harry watched the exchange go on in silence, just in case one of them decided to throw a hex their way. Caitlyn looked over at Harry and watched him shrug his shoulders, before continuing to eat. Wow, talk about match made in heaven. Caitlyn inwardly laughed, eating her trifle.