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The Nutcracker
By: Irish Pixie
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"Cho, Darling- you're doing it all wrong! You must gracefully glide along the air like a swan" yelled Madame Rosé as she pushed the young girl aside and showed the rest of the class how to properly "glide like a swan"
*
Cho's cheeks burned with red, as she looked downward to her dance slippers, why did Madame Rosé always pick on her? She felt even more shame as she heard the other girls snickering behind her back.
As if they could do any better
*
"Alright class, I think we've all had enough for today so pack up, sleep well and come in tomorrow at 9'am sharp. We don't want to have any mistakes on the big night" called out Madame Rosé as she quickly shifted her eyes in Cho's direction before she floated over to her desk.
*
*
St. Jude's Dance Academy was one of the best schools in all of Asia to learn dance from. It was mostly a dream for young girls to pass the additions and a miracle if they actually got in; as they only choose "the best of the best"
That was their motto, no room for failure in the painted pink palace where all the students took resident. They even had there own mall and movie theater attached to the school as they believed it would help the girls "focus" on their dancing more
And for Cho Chang- that dream had become a reality.
*
About a year and a half ago, 14-year-old Cho tried out for St. Jude's Academy. The auditions were tough and same with the other girls trying out. It was basically war as they were only accepting five girls that year and out of all of Asia, Cho was one of the chosen few.
At first it was a dream, perfect as they described it in the brochures. And even though she had to move away from all her family and friends in China she knew it was all worth and blood and sweat she threw into her dancing
She was the star pupil of all her classes, teachers loved her, girls wanted to be her
But she was lonely
Some of the other girls thought she was stuck up and unkind so they turned everyone against her and then Madame Rosé; came to the school. She was a legend and one of Cho's ideals from childhood, she'd seen her dance and it was true. Madame Rosé did dance like a swan
How she had yearned to be like that, she had taken up all her free time studying the moves of the famous ballerina and trying to dance as if she had wings. But there was always that something- the missing thing that held her back
Eventually her studies began to drop- but not enough to taken her below 92%. She spent all her time dancing and trying to be the perfect ballerina,
Well it wasn't until one day she accidentally bumped into Madame Rosé and got coffee all over her prized outfit, one she had worn in Swan Lake [a multimillion production, she'd done before teaching]
And since then things haven't gone so well, Madame Rosé seemed to have this grudge over her still (though it was three months ago) and the girls in her year have found it particularly funny to make her life hell
*
Sighing, she slipped off her dancing slippers and tossed them into the purple gym bag along with her leotards and jumper.
There was no chance she'd be allowed to stay behind and use the dance studio after the mistake in class she made. Madame Rosé would probably have the joy of laughing her face, before cruelly telling her 'No'
She rolled her eyes at the thought, before she grabbed her bag, closed it and slung it over her shoulder as she stood. Turning on her heel she saw her self in the mirror and smiled sadly.
There stood a girl of 16 (her birthday was last week) she was slim and tall, but not so much she would scare guys away. She was pale and had a round shaped head with beautiful brown, almond shaped eyes. Soft pink lips, that most women paid thousands for, and long raven hair that was twisted into a long braid behind her back reaching all the way to her waist
She smiled softly as she watched her reflection do so also, as she fingered the trim of her hair
//needs a cut ...//
*
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[Laughter]
"Would you look at that Marie, she thinks she's all that! Ha she looks at herself way to much"
...
"Yeah well maybe, she does cause she's so stuck up and has no friends and has nothing better to do"
...
"Got that right, she never hangs out with us anymore too busy dancing"
...
"And she's not even that good- I mean did you see her in class today she totally flaked out. Madame Rosé was on her like an annoying flea"
...
[Laughter fades out]
*
*
Cho bit her lip as she whipped around to face the giggling; Marie, Clara, Hannah and Sakura. They were so god damn annoying talking behind her back all the time, she didn't even know how they got into this school in the first place
Glaring she quickly turned on her heel and strode out the locker room door, leaving a shocked couple of girls but as she turned the corner she broke out into a run with small water droplets beginning to form and that only quickened her pace towards her dorm.
*
She never knew why their words had effected her so much, they always seemed to know which buttons to push with out actually knowing at all, but whatever it was got her every time and made her cry
"Cho?"
"Hmm?" moaned Cho as she had her face buried in one of the many pillows on her queen sized bed.
"Cho, it's me Hermione you can talk to me you know" said the voice and Cho knew it was her roommate; Hermione Granger.
The only reason she was there was because her parents wanted her to be more graceful so she signed up for the musical program St. Jude's also gave
She felt her muscles tighten as she felt a warming hand on her shoulder and then the mattress on her bed shift from the extra weight "Cho, I know you only get like this after encountering Marie and her gang so can't you tell me what they did this time and I'll make sure they don't bother you again"
When she didn't answer she heard Hermione sigh and pat her back twice before getting up and leaving "I'm going to the movies with Ginny- if you want you can join us after for dinner or something"
And then she was gone, Cho sighed as she rolled over on to her back, looking at the closed door
She knew Hermione's intentions were always for the better but she was a two years older and she felt she could never connect with the girl, and Ginny [another dancer only a year younger than Cho] was no help either. Both knew she only hung around Cho was because she liked Hermione and wanted to get on her good side.
//Why can't anything go right?//
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*
"Hey Cho- you weren't at dinner are you okay?" asked Ginny Weasley as she entered the dorm with Hermione, it had been a week since the episode with the girls of Cho's class and since then both Hermione and Ginny had been watching her carefully
"Yeah- I actually got some Chinese at lunch" said Cho, not even glancing up from her book to acknowledge them. Yet again it was normal to walk into the dorm to find Cho on her bed reading by candlelight
"Chinese? But that's only served in the food court" noted Hermione as she flicked on the bedroom light and Cho blew out the candles knowing they irritated her roommate
"Point being?" asked Cho and Hermione smiled as she flopped down on her bed while Ginny settled cross-legged on the floor, eyeing both girls cautiously
"So you're telling me that YOU, Cho Chang, actually went out to the food court and let loose, rather than staying stuck up in here reading or something that only people with no life do- example reading" asked Ginny with the tiniest hint of sarcasm and Cho gave her an snide look
"Okay enough you two, and Ginny shouldn't you be somewhere? For example in your own dorm annoying your roommate?" asked Hermione eyeing the redhead, while Cho snorted
"Naw, Luna has her whole protesting group thing going on so she'll probably fall asleep in the cafeteria or in front of someone's door to prove her point" said Ginny and both girls rolled their eyes
"So anyways on to my other topic I was going to say what are you all doing for Christmas break?" asked Hermione as she picked up a magazine off the ground and lazily flipped threw the pages while Ginny started to paint her nails
"Well my brothers are all coming to the school so it should be interesting I mean Ron is as old as Hermione so he'll probably be chasing all the girls and Fred and George just opened a joke shop so they'll be bragging or try to sell products or something that will get me in trouble and then Percy- I'm not sure if he can make it with the new baby and Penelope and all but I know Charlie's flying in and Bill's got a new girlfriend he's bringing along, so s'all good" said Ginny effortlessly as she blew on the pink polish to make it dry faster
"Hey Gin, how's your mum?" asked Hermione and Ginny frowned slightly- this was probably the only time in the conversation when Cho actually looked like she was listening and had an expression of concern on her face
"She's okay I guess- well actually she looks like hell ever since Dad died, but she's dealing" said Ginny while Hermione smiled and Cho just returned to her book; Alice in Wonderland
A classic, much better than what Disney( made it out to be- and it was one of Cho's favourites other than the Nutcracker of course.
"Well that's good cause it wouldn't be Christmas without Mrs. Weasley's cheery attitude"
And then a temporary silence settled between them, it was times like these when Cho wished she could crawl up into a ball and die. As you could probably tell, her people skills weren't exactly on high charts (unlike everything else she does)
"So Cho what are you doing?" asked Hermione breaking the silence and she looked pointedly at the brunette
"My family's coming down to the school- nothing special"
"NOTHING SPECIAL?!?!?!? Cho, this is your family the ones you never talk about, or the ones you always brush off when the mention comes up or the ones that we've never met" screeched Ginny and both girls backed away
"It's no big deal really, beside we have nothing in common so you'll learn of nothing about me" said Cho as she propped her book back onto her lap and Ginny folded her arms, with a look of disgust
"Is that all your going to do Cho? Hide behind a book whenever you don't like something? I mean come on both me and Hermione always share lots about our families and you- nata, I mean I thought we were your friends" said Ginny with a hurt tone and Cho sucked in her breath and glanced at Hermione for help but received none
"Hermione ..."
"Well she's right you know I mean last Christmas you met my parents, my cousins, my aunts, uncles and grandparents and we spent Easter at the burrow with Ginny's family and that week in Paris with Luna and her dad and now here we are again and you continue to shine us away. I thought we got over this point last April" said Hermione and Ginny took a seat beside her
Great, now they were going to corner and force her to open up. Why can't some people just see that she wanted to be left alone?
"Cho, please let us in- we're your friends and we hate not knowing anything" plead Ginny and Cho sighed as she closed her book and sat up, draping the current blanket closer to her body- as if to shield her from something
Once noticing the action both girls had to hold in a squeal of delight; I mean Cho Chang was known as the ice Queen of the school and even for her friends to get her to say what was on her mind was a big thing.
*
"Okay, so if I tell you and let you met my parents and all- maybe have dinner you have to promise me that you won't laugh" said Cho and both nodded eagerly
"Great, so let's see . ever since I was a little kid my parents looked at me as the prized jewel or something though I have three older sisters and a brother; Kim, Noriko and Nani, and my little brother Jin Tao whose eight. Anyways as you can tell were Asian and I was born in Hong Kong with my parents, but I lived most of my life with my Grandmother in Beijing. Part of the reason why my parents were always so eager to spoil me when we met up, the downside of it all is my parents are very traditional- unlike my grandmother; Ying Fa who is a very 'Twentieth century woman' as you Americans call it" said Cho and Ginny coughed
"Cho, were English- oh never mind" muttered Ginny as she caught the look Hermione was giving her
"Well anyways so as a little girl my mother taught me tradition and my grandmother taught me many languages such as English and Spanish and such great other things about the world. Not to mention world history was my favourite, and I learned how to fight, which is forbidden if you're a girl and about music. But what most got me was dance. Grandmother sensed my fascination with the art and taught me everything she knew, but my favourite of course was ballet. I used to pretend for hours that I was the star ballerina in a huge symphony and in the end everyone would clap and give me kisses. Grandmother said it suited me and I should peruse the career. And I did, of course my father found out and was furious though he mellowed out when Grandmother gave him a good tongue lashing." At this Cho laughed- and her once graceful and delicate appearance seemed to flood with such colour
And one would have to admit, she looked happier. But it disappeared as her laughter died and her face became a blank void again as she explained with so much feeling
"Anyways when I got excepted into school I could tell I had disappointed my family and the shame, the look on their faces it was too much. It was the last thing I saw of them before getting on the plane, and it broke my heart. After all I loved my family and I had only wanted to dance but they held me back, I never wanted to hurt them so I swore then and there that I would never cause that look upon them again. So I figured by contacting them in any way would just be a painful reminder of what I had done. And by talking about it, it was also a painful reminder for me" explained Cho as she looked at the two in front of her, mouth open, gawking
And as stupid as they looked, she had to admit she was glad for telling them. After all they were her friends
"So you're telling my that your hiding from them?" asked Ginny closing her mouth to let a small smile ease it's way to her lips
"GINNY! BE SERIOUS!" yelled Hermione and Cho laughed at Ginny's crestfallen face as she fell of the bed, in surprise at Hermione's sudden outburst
"But Hermione, I was being serious" whined Ginny and Cho lent a hand to pull her up, as the young girl now curled to her side
You had to admit as much as Ginny tried to act mature for 15 to fit in with an 18 and 16 year old, she was still pretty much a baby
*
/K/N/O/C/K/*/K/N/O/C/K/
*
"Who is it" yelled Ginny before she covered her mouth, everyone knew you weren't supposed to have visitors after ten as that's also when all the stores closed and such
"Ms. Weasley is that you?" yelled the voice, it was obviously one of authority and Ginny let out a small 'eep' as Cho pushed her under the bed and Hermione made sure they were ready before she swung open the door to reveal
"Madame Rosé?" asked Cho, Hermione and Ginny at the same time and the young blonde teacher cast a disapproving look towards them all
"Opps," muttered Ginny as she clambered out from underneath the bed and sat beside Hermione, eyes cast downward
*
"Never mind that, I came here to tell you what the rolls for the winter recital is; Hermione you of course will have to see your band director for the solos and such but I've decided we're doing the ever so famous Nutcracker as it hasn't been done in this school for fifteen years. And the parts are to be Ginny, a sugar plum- I'd like you to lead the girls in the dance but also I need you on lights for the first act; Luna will be helping you" said Madame Rosé and the red head looked as if she would faint
"Oh thank you so much Madame, you won't regret this and hey- who are the others?" asked Ginny and the rest laughed
"I'm sure you will do well Ms. Weasley, and the others are Marie, Clara, Hannah and Sakura" said the ballerina before Ginny paled
"You mean them?" gulped Ginny as she glanced at Cho who frowned
"It will be fine, I am bringing in a couple friends to help with everything. I want it to be perfect as the ambassadors of the school will be attending also many media stations will be there, not to mention the sisters of the church who we every year hold the event in charity for the orphanage and many other important people" said Madame Rosé thoughtful and Ginny paled more
"Gee I feel so much better" she muttered sarcastically and Hermione giggled and Cho let out a broad smile
"Yes well, - Cho I know it seems as if we don't really get along but you have to admit you don't exactly make your self an easy target to get to know unlike the other girls" said Madame Rosé and she raven haired girl looked down blushing
"Sorry-"
"Don't be, I was exactly like you as young girl" she explained
"Really, how come not now?" asked Ginny eagerly and the teacher laughed at her enthusiasm
"I grew up, met someone and fell in love- I think it was him that changed me and for the better might I add" said Madame Rose mysteriously as she glanced at Cho, who felt a shiver rake threw out her entire body
"Cute, so have I met him?" asked Ginny and Hermione slapped her over the head
"Ginny, I believe that's personal" scolded Hermione and Ginny made a face as she backed over to Cho again and Madame Rosé laughed once more
"No, but he will be at the recital. Now Cho, your part is very important and I intend on helping you all the way through but if you want I can always find another girl. But just know I have complete faith in you- so will you be our Clara?" asked Madame Rosé as her face turned serious again and she faced the Asian
"I- me? Shouldn't you ask Clara to play her I mean they have the same name" said Cho in a mix of confusion and the feeling of being overwhelmed. This is exactly what she had dreamed of doing as a little girl and now she was turning it down? What was wrong with her mouth, WORK!
"No Cho, you are the best in my classes, I know your dedicated to your work and won't fail me by not showing up or something ridiculously stupid that just slows down production- and just because Clara as the same name as the character means nothing" said Madame Rosé and Cho nodded as she felt Hermione's warm hand on her shoulder again, and as simple as the motion was it was comforting
"You'll be helping me right? So I won't make a fool of myself?" asked Cho cautiously but she knew she'd already accepted and her teacher nodded "Very well"
"Great, so I want to go over the basics with you tomorrow morning- bright and early so how's about 4'am?" asked Madame Rosé and Cho nodded
"I'd like that"
"Good, and Cho you look better when you smile. Though dance it your passion don't take it so seriously let others know you can have fun it will help you glide" pointed out Madame Rosé as she stood, dragging Ginny up with her "Come on you- it's past curfew and that Lovegood girl, your roommate isn't it? Well she's somewhere near the third floor"
And then they were gone, just like that
So silence settled once again, and Cho crawled back onto the upper part of her bed and cuddled under the covers while Hermione followed suit in her own
"So I suppose if you want to met the Madame early as you say I should wake you up?" teased Hermione as she leaned over and turned out her side of the bedroom lamp with a yawn
"Thanks 'mione" mumbled Cho as she buried her face in pillows and closed her eyes after first turning off her light
The silence seemed to consume the room, just as dark naturally did
"Goodnight Clara" came Hermione's faint reply and Cho smiled, a genuine 100% real smile
//yeah, I guess I am ........//
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Izzy's Corner
A/N That was a crappy ending, but I'm never good at those ^_^0 Anyways, This is my NEWEST story, up and running called "The Nutcracker" [any guesses on what it's about?]
So yes, here's a grabber;;
Summary: Cho dreams of becoming a ballerina one day, but then she's sucked into a world of magic and where dreams come true and then she met him; the Prince of the dolls
Rated: PG13 (------ Read it carefully *-*'
::DISCLAIMER:: I don't own Harry Potter, Disney, Alice in Wonderland or the Nutcracker just using it all to my benefits =^.^=
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Life Notes; Ah yes, I KNOW I have other stories in the making and I KNOW there are some very persistent readers out there who keep reviewing over and over [in which I'm flattered you like my writing so much ^_x] and I'm really, really, really SORRY
And that probably means nothing to you people but take my word for it, I've been beating myself up [okay maybe not that sorry] but I have this problem actually, it's called:
S.E.W.B [aka; SADLY EXCUSED WRITTERS BLOCK]
That an my life is a jumble right now, and I'm too lazy, oh and I could go on with millions of excuses each more pointless then the first but I'll save you the time and just admit I'm not a very dedicated person, so if I start a story and then stop it's because I've lost the feel for it but sooner or later I'll pick up again ^_^
So yes now that, that's all out of the way, I'd like to thank all those who actually read my works, all those who review [which I know you're going to do after reading my pointless babble] and I'd like to thank my Mother, who just brought me lemonade ^_^ (such a thoughtful woman)
So yes, and thank you all who just are willing to put up with me x_X and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!! And those who celebrate Hanukah or Kwanzaa, have a happy holidays
Story notes: So I know it's total AU, but who cares I'm the writer and as long as you're here you'll listen to MOI!!!!!!!! -_-0 I really should cut that out before I scare all the readers off
Anyways here's some key factors so far;;
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Hermione Granger; Age 18, studying Music; also Cho's roommate
Ginny Weasley; Age 15, studying modern dance and ballet; really looks up to Hermione and Cho, roommate is Luna
Cho Chang; Age 16, studying ballet; Hermione is her roommate and one of her only friends. She's really OOC from the books, but it will all balance out ::promise:: and for all you clueless people who haven't noticed yet; SHE IS ONE OF THE MAIN CHARACTERS!~!~!~!
Luna Lovegood; Age 15; studying music and special effects and theater; she's Ginny's roommate and best friend since childhood, she's the one who can always balance out the setting AND she's one of my favourite ^_~
Marie, Clara, Hannah & Sakura; Ages 16, they used to be Cho's friends back in China but I guess the airplane fumes got to there heads cause they woke up complete bitches ^o^
Madame Rosé; Age 26, She's the famous retired ballerina, and now works as a teacher of the students at St. Jude Academy, though you think you know what she's really like, you really don't SO I WON'T TELL ^_^0 but take the foreshadowing mentioned in the chapter something does happen.
The Chang's; Ying Fa Chang = Grandmother [Age 65], Siblings = Kim [24], Noriko [Age 22], Nani [Age 19] Jin Tao [Age 8], Mitsue Chang = Mother [Age 45], Xiao Hu = Father [Age 47]
Message; SAY NO TO DRUGS!!!! (-------- Don't ask, but hey if I got all your attention might add something good for you ^_^
Posted; December 24, 2003 [12:51 am]
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Irish Pixie
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The Nutcracker
By: Irish Pixie
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"Cho, Darling- you're doing it all wrong! You must gracefully glide along the air like a swan" yelled Madame Rosé as she pushed the young girl aside and showed the rest of the class how to properly "glide like a swan"
*
Cho's cheeks burned with red, as she looked downward to her dance slippers, why did Madame Rosé always pick on her? She felt even more shame as she heard the other girls snickering behind her back.
As if they could do any better
*
"Alright class, I think we've all had enough for today so pack up, sleep well and come in tomorrow at 9'am sharp. We don't want to have any mistakes on the big night" called out Madame Rosé as she quickly shifted her eyes in Cho's direction before she floated over to her desk.
*
*
St. Jude's Dance Academy was one of the best schools in all of Asia to learn dance from. It was mostly a dream for young girls to pass the additions and a miracle if they actually got in; as they only choose "the best of the best"
That was their motto, no room for failure in the painted pink palace where all the students took resident. They even had there own mall and movie theater attached to the school as they believed it would help the girls "focus" on their dancing more
And for Cho Chang- that dream had become a reality.
*
About a year and a half ago, 14-year-old Cho tried out for St. Jude's Academy. The auditions were tough and same with the other girls trying out. It was basically war as they were only accepting five girls that year and out of all of Asia, Cho was one of the chosen few.
At first it was a dream, perfect as they described it in the brochures. And even though she had to move away from all her family and friends in China she knew it was all worth and blood and sweat she threw into her dancing
She was the star pupil of all her classes, teachers loved her, girls wanted to be her
But she was lonely
Some of the other girls thought she was stuck up and unkind so they turned everyone against her and then Madame Rosé; came to the school. She was a legend and one of Cho's ideals from childhood, she'd seen her dance and it was true. Madame Rosé did dance like a swan
How she had yearned to be like that, she had taken up all her free time studying the moves of the famous ballerina and trying to dance as if she had wings. But there was always that something- the missing thing that held her back
Eventually her studies began to drop- but not enough to taken her below 92%. She spent all her time dancing and trying to be the perfect ballerina,
Well it wasn't until one day she accidentally bumped into Madame Rosé and got coffee all over her prized outfit, one she had worn in Swan Lake [a multimillion production, she'd done before teaching]
And since then things haven't gone so well, Madame Rosé seemed to have this grudge over her still (though it was three months ago) and the girls in her year have found it particularly funny to make her life hell
*
Sighing, she slipped off her dancing slippers and tossed them into the purple gym bag along with her leotards and jumper.
There was no chance she'd be allowed to stay behind and use the dance studio after the mistake in class she made. Madame Rosé would probably have the joy of laughing her face, before cruelly telling her 'No'
She rolled her eyes at the thought, before she grabbed her bag, closed it and slung it over her shoulder as she stood. Turning on her heel she saw her self in the mirror and smiled sadly.
There stood a girl of 16 (her birthday was last week) she was slim and tall, but not so much she would scare guys away. She was pale and had a round shaped head with beautiful brown, almond shaped eyes. Soft pink lips, that most women paid thousands for, and long raven hair that was twisted into a long braid behind her back reaching all the way to her waist
She smiled softly as she watched her reflection do so also, as she fingered the trim of her hair
//needs a cut ...//
*
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[Laughter]
"Would you look at that Marie, she thinks she's all that! Ha she looks at herself way to much"
...
"Yeah well maybe, she does cause she's so stuck up and has no friends and has nothing better to do"
...
"Got that right, she never hangs out with us anymore too busy dancing"
...
"And she's not even that good- I mean did you see her in class today she totally flaked out. Madame Rosé was on her like an annoying flea"
...
[Laughter fades out]
*
*
Cho bit her lip as she whipped around to face the giggling; Marie, Clara, Hannah and Sakura. They were so god damn annoying talking behind her back all the time, she didn't even know how they got into this school in the first place
Glaring she quickly turned on her heel and strode out the locker room door, leaving a shocked couple of girls but as she turned the corner she broke out into a run with small water droplets beginning to form and that only quickened her pace towards her dorm.
*
She never knew why their words had effected her so much, they always seemed to know which buttons to push with out actually knowing at all, but whatever it was got her every time and made her cry
"Cho?"
"Hmm?" moaned Cho as she had her face buried in one of the many pillows on her queen sized bed.
"Cho, it's me Hermione you can talk to me you know" said the voice and Cho knew it was her roommate; Hermione Granger.
The only reason she was there was because her parents wanted her to be more graceful so she signed up for the musical program St. Jude's also gave
She felt her muscles tighten as she felt a warming hand on her shoulder and then the mattress on her bed shift from the extra weight "Cho, I know you only get like this after encountering Marie and her gang so can't you tell me what they did this time and I'll make sure they don't bother you again"
When she didn't answer she heard Hermione sigh and pat her back twice before getting up and leaving "I'm going to the movies with Ginny- if you want you can join us after for dinner or something"
And then she was gone, Cho sighed as she rolled over on to her back, looking at the closed door
She knew Hermione's intentions were always for the better but she was a two years older and she felt she could never connect with the girl, and Ginny [another dancer only a year younger than Cho] was no help either. Both knew she only hung around Cho was because she liked Hermione and wanted to get on her good side.
//Why can't anything go right?//
*
*
"Hey Cho- you weren't at dinner are you okay?" asked Ginny Weasley as she entered the dorm with Hermione, it had been a week since the episode with the girls of Cho's class and since then both Hermione and Ginny had been watching her carefully
"Yeah- I actually got some Chinese at lunch" said Cho, not even glancing up from her book to acknowledge them. Yet again it was normal to walk into the dorm to find Cho on her bed reading by candlelight
"Chinese? But that's only served in the food court" noted Hermione as she flicked on the bedroom light and Cho blew out the candles knowing they irritated her roommate
"Point being?" asked Cho and Hermione smiled as she flopped down on her bed while Ginny settled cross-legged on the floor, eyeing both girls cautiously
"So you're telling me that YOU, Cho Chang, actually went out to the food court and let loose, rather than staying stuck up in here reading or something that only people with no life do- example reading" asked Ginny with the tiniest hint of sarcasm and Cho gave her an snide look
"Okay enough you two, and Ginny shouldn't you be somewhere? For example in your own dorm annoying your roommate?" asked Hermione eyeing the redhead, while Cho snorted
"Naw, Luna has her whole protesting group thing going on so she'll probably fall asleep in the cafeteria or in front of someone's door to prove her point" said Ginny and both girls rolled their eyes
"So anyways on to my other topic I was going to say what are you all doing for Christmas break?" asked Hermione as she picked up a magazine off the ground and lazily flipped threw the pages while Ginny started to paint her nails
"Well my brothers are all coming to the school so it should be interesting I mean Ron is as old as Hermione so he'll probably be chasing all the girls and Fred and George just opened a joke shop so they'll be bragging or try to sell products or something that will get me in trouble and then Percy- I'm not sure if he can make it with the new baby and Penelope and all but I know Charlie's flying in and Bill's got a new girlfriend he's bringing along, so s'all good" said Ginny effortlessly as she blew on the pink polish to make it dry faster
"Hey Gin, how's your mum?" asked Hermione and Ginny frowned slightly- this was probably the only time in the conversation when Cho actually looked like she was listening and had an expression of concern on her face
"She's okay I guess- well actually she looks like hell ever since Dad died, but she's dealing" said Ginny while Hermione smiled and Cho just returned to her book; Alice in Wonderland
A classic, much better than what Disney( made it out to be- and it was one of Cho's favourites other than the Nutcracker of course.
"Well that's good cause it wouldn't be Christmas without Mrs. Weasley's cheery attitude"
And then a temporary silence settled between them, it was times like these when Cho wished she could crawl up into a ball and die. As you could probably tell, her people skills weren't exactly on high charts (unlike everything else she does)
"So Cho what are you doing?" asked Hermione breaking the silence and she looked pointedly at the brunette
"My family's coming down to the school- nothing special"
"NOTHING SPECIAL?!?!?!? Cho, this is your family the ones you never talk about, or the ones you always brush off when the mention comes up or the ones that we've never met" screeched Ginny and both girls backed away
"It's no big deal really, beside we have nothing in common so you'll learn of nothing about me" said Cho as she propped her book back onto her lap and Ginny folded her arms, with a look of disgust
"Is that all your going to do Cho? Hide behind a book whenever you don't like something? I mean come on both me and Hermione always share lots about our families and you- nata, I mean I thought we were your friends" said Ginny with a hurt tone and Cho sucked in her breath and glanced at Hermione for help but received none
"Hermione ..."
"Well she's right you know I mean last Christmas you met my parents, my cousins, my aunts, uncles and grandparents and we spent Easter at the burrow with Ginny's family and that week in Paris with Luna and her dad and now here we are again and you continue to shine us away. I thought we got over this point last April" said Hermione and Ginny took a seat beside her
Great, now they were going to corner and force her to open up. Why can't some people just see that she wanted to be left alone?
"Cho, please let us in- we're your friends and we hate not knowing anything" plead Ginny and Cho sighed as she closed her book and sat up, draping the current blanket closer to her body- as if to shield her from something
Once noticing the action both girls had to hold in a squeal of delight; I mean Cho Chang was known as the ice Queen of the school and even for her friends to get her to say what was on her mind was a big thing.
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"Okay, so if I tell you and let you met my parents and all- maybe have dinner you have to promise me that you won't laugh" said Cho and both nodded eagerly
"Great, so let's see . ever since I was a little kid my parents looked at me as the prized jewel or something though I have three older sisters and a brother; Kim, Noriko and Nani, and my little brother Jin Tao whose eight. Anyways as you can tell were Asian and I was born in Hong Kong with my parents, but I lived most of my life with my Grandmother in Beijing. Part of the reason why my parents were always so eager to spoil me when we met up, the downside of it all is my parents are very traditional- unlike my grandmother; Ying Fa who is a very 'Twentieth century woman' as you Americans call it" said Cho and Ginny coughed
"Cho, were English- oh never mind" muttered Ginny as she caught the look Hermione was giving her
"Well anyways so as a little girl my mother taught me tradition and my grandmother taught me many languages such as English and Spanish and such great other things about the world. Not to mention world history was my favourite, and I learned how to fight, which is forbidden if you're a girl and about music. But what most got me was dance. Grandmother sensed my fascination with the art and taught me everything she knew, but my favourite of course was ballet. I used to pretend for hours that I was the star ballerina in a huge symphony and in the end everyone would clap and give me kisses. Grandmother said it suited me and I should peruse the career. And I did, of course my father found out and was furious though he mellowed out when Grandmother gave him a good tongue lashing." At this Cho laughed- and her once graceful and delicate appearance seemed to flood with such colour
And one would have to admit, she looked happier. But it disappeared as her laughter died and her face became a blank void again as she explained with so much feeling
"Anyways when I got excepted into school I could tell I had disappointed my family and the shame, the look on their faces it was too much. It was the last thing I saw of them before getting on the plane, and it broke my heart. After all I loved my family and I had only wanted to dance but they held me back, I never wanted to hurt them so I swore then and there that I would never cause that look upon them again. So I figured by contacting them in any way would just be a painful reminder of what I had done. And by talking about it, it was also a painful reminder for me" explained Cho as she looked at the two in front of her, mouth open, gawking
And as stupid as they looked, she had to admit she was glad for telling them. After all they were her friends
"So you're telling my that your hiding from them?" asked Ginny closing her mouth to let a small smile ease it's way to her lips
"GINNY! BE SERIOUS!" yelled Hermione and Cho laughed at Ginny's crestfallen face as she fell of the bed, in surprise at Hermione's sudden outburst
"But Hermione, I was being serious" whined Ginny and Cho lent a hand to pull her up, as the young girl now curled to her side
You had to admit as much as Ginny tried to act mature for 15 to fit in with an 18 and 16 year old, she was still pretty much a baby
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/K/N/O/C/K/*/K/N/O/C/K/
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"Who is it" yelled Ginny before she covered her mouth, everyone knew you weren't supposed to have visitors after ten as that's also when all the stores closed and such
"Ms. Weasley is that you?" yelled the voice, it was obviously one of authority and Ginny let out a small 'eep' as Cho pushed her under the bed and Hermione made sure they were ready before she swung open the door to reveal
"Madame Rosé?" asked Cho, Hermione and Ginny at the same time and the young blonde teacher cast a disapproving look towards them all
"Opps," muttered Ginny as she clambered out from underneath the bed and sat beside Hermione, eyes cast downward
*
"Never mind that, I came here to tell you what the rolls for the winter recital is; Hermione you of course will have to see your band director for the solos and such but I've decided we're doing the ever so famous Nutcracker as it hasn't been done in this school for fifteen years. And the parts are to be Ginny, a sugar plum- I'd like you to lead the girls in the dance but also I need you on lights for the first act; Luna will be helping you" said Madame Rosé and the red head looked as if she would faint
"Oh thank you so much Madame, you won't regret this and hey- who are the others?" asked Ginny and the rest laughed
"I'm sure you will do well Ms. Weasley, and the others are Marie, Clara, Hannah and Sakura" said the ballerina before Ginny paled
"You mean them?" gulped Ginny as she glanced at Cho who frowned
"It will be fine, I am bringing in a couple friends to help with everything. I want it to be perfect as the ambassadors of the school will be attending also many media stations will be there, not to mention the sisters of the church who we every year hold the event in charity for the orphanage and many other important people" said Madame Rosé thoughtful and Ginny paled more
"Gee I feel so much better" she muttered sarcastically and Hermione giggled and Cho let out a broad smile
"Yes well, - Cho I know it seems as if we don't really get along but you have to admit you don't exactly make your self an easy target to get to know unlike the other girls" said Madame Rosé and she raven haired girl looked down blushing
"Sorry-"
"Don't be, I was exactly like you as young girl" she explained
"Really, how come not now?" asked Ginny eagerly and the teacher laughed at her enthusiasm
"I grew up, met someone and fell in love- I think it was him that changed me and for the better might I add" said Madame Rose mysteriously as she glanced at Cho, who felt a shiver rake threw out her entire body
"Cute, so have I met him?" asked Ginny and Hermione slapped her over the head
"Ginny, I believe that's personal" scolded Hermione and Ginny made a face as she backed over to Cho again and Madame Rosé laughed once more
"No, but he will be at the recital. Now Cho, your part is very important and I intend on helping you all the way through but if you want I can always find another girl. But just know I have complete faith in you- so will you be our Clara?" asked Madame Rosé as her face turned serious again and she faced the Asian
"I- me? Shouldn't you ask Clara to play her I mean they have the same name" said Cho in a mix of confusion and the feeling of being overwhelmed. This is exactly what she had dreamed of doing as a little girl and now she was turning it down? What was wrong with her mouth, WORK!
"No Cho, you are the best in my classes, I know your dedicated to your work and won't fail me by not showing up or something ridiculously stupid that just slows down production- and just because Clara as the same name as the character means nothing" said Madame Rosé and Cho nodded as she felt Hermione's warm hand on her shoulder again, and as simple as the motion was it was comforting
"You'll be helping me right? So I won't make a fool of myself?" asked Cho cautiously but she knew she'd already accepted and her teacher nodded "Very well"
"Great, so I want to go over the basics with you tomorrow morning- bright and early so how's about 4'am?" asked Madame Rosé and Cho nodded
"I'd like that"
"Good, and Cho you look better when you smile. Though dance it your passion don't take it so seriously let others know you can have fun it will help you glide" pointed out Madame Rosé as she stood, dragging Ginny up with her "Come on you- it's past curfew and that Lovegood girl, your roommate isn't it? Well she's somewhere near the third floor"
And then they were gone, just like that
So silence settled once again, and Cho crawled back onto the upper part of her bed and cuddled under the covers while Hermione followed suit in her own
"So I suppose if you want to met the Madame early as you say I should wake you up?" teased Hermione as she leaned over and turned out her side of the bedroom lamp with a yawn
"Thanks 'mione" mumbled Cho as she buried her face in pillows and closed her eyes after first turning off her light
The silence seemed to consume the room, just as dark naturally did
"Goodnight Clara" came Hermione's faint reply and Cho smiled, a genuine 100% real smile
//yeah, I guess I am ........//
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Izzy's Corner
A/N That was a crappy ending, but I'm never good at those ^_^0 Anyways, This is my NEWEST story, up and running called "The Nutcracker" [any guesses on what it's about?]
So yes, here's a grabber;;
Summary: Cho dreams of becoming a ballerina one day, but then she's sucked into a world of magic and where dreams come true and then she met him; the Prince of the dolls
Rated: PG13 (------ Read it carefully *-*'
::DISCLAIMER:: I don't own Harry Potter, Disney, Alice in Wonderland or the Nutcracker just using it all to my benefits =^.^=
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Life Notes; Ah yes, I KNOW I have other stories in the making and I KNOW there are some very persistent readers out there who keep reviewing over and over [in which I'm flattered you like my writing so much ^_x] and I'm really, really, really SORRY
And that probably means nothing to you people but take my word for it, I've been beating myself up [okay maybe not that sorry] but I have this problem actually, it's called:
S.E.W.B [aka; SADLY EXCUSED WRITTERS BLOCK]
That an my life is a jumble right now, and I'm too lazy, oh and I could go on with millions of excuses each more pointless then the first but I'll save you the time and just admit I'm not a very dedicated person, so if I start a story and then stop it's because I've lost the feel for it but sooner or later I'll pick up again ^_^
So yes now that, that's all out of the way, I'd like to thank all those who actually read my works, all those who review [which I know you're going to do after reading my pointless babble] and I'd like to thank my Mother, who just brought me lemonade ^_^ (such a thoughtful woman)
So yes, and thank you all who just are willing to put up with me x_X and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!! And those who celebrate Hanukah or Kwanzaa, have a happy holidays
Story notes: So I know it's total AU, but who cares I'm the writer and as long as you're here you'll listen to MOI!!!!!!!! -_-0 I really should cut that out before I scare all the readers off
Anyways here's some key factors so far;;
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Hermione Granger; Age 18, studying Music; also Cho's roommate
Ginny Weasley; Age 15, studying modern dance and ballet; really looks up to Hermione and Cho, roommate is Luna
Cho Chang; Age 16, studying ballet; Hermione is her roommate and one of her only friends. She's really OOC from the books, but it will all balance out ::promise:: and for all you clueless people who haven't noticed yet; SHE IS ONE OF THE MAIN CHARACTERS!~!~!~!
Luna Lovegood; Age 15; studying music and special effects and theater; she's Ginny's roommate and best friend since childhood, she's the one who can always balance out the setting AND she's one of my favourite ^_~
Marie, Clara, Hannah & Sakura; Ages 16, they used to be Cho's friends back in China but I guess the airplane fumes got to there heads cause they woke up complete bitches ^o^
Madame Rosé; Age 26, She's the famous retired ballerina, and now works as a teacher of the students at St. Jude Academy, though you think you know what she's really like, you really don't SO I WON'T TELL ^_^0 but take the foreshadowing mentioned in the chapter something does happen.
The Chang's; Ying Fa Chang = Grandmother [Age 65], Siblings = Kim [24], Noriko [Age 22], Nani [Age 19] Jin Tao [Age 8], Mitsue Chang = Mother [Age 45], Xiao Hu = Father [Age 47]
Message; SAY NO TO DRUGS!!!! (-------- Don't ask, but hey if I got all your attention might add something good for you ^_^
Posted; December 24, 2003 [12:51 am]
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Irish Pixie
