Word count: 535 (a tiny bit too long for this collection... don't tell!)

Written for:

Weekly Character Appreciation Challenge - Cho Chang

The Game Is On Challenge - The Red-Headed League: Write about quidditch.

Bad Movie Tuesdays Challenge - [dialogue] "I'll say this for you, [character name], you tried."

Hogwarts June Event Funfair Horse Race - (subject) Flying

You Tried

"I'll say this for you, Potter, you tried," said Cho, reaching for her opponent's gloved hand. Grudgingly, he shook it, although Cho could tell that the look of defeat on his face would haunt him for hours (and possibly days) to come. Cho knew that Harry never lost, especially not to her. This was going to be fantastic.

Now, mind you, it was only a friendly inter-house Quidditch practice. But to Cho, it was so much more. When else could she flaunt her skill without stressing over points and goals? How else could she get flight-tousled hair that stayed great all day long instead of being messed up at an after-party?

Whosever idea it was to start the informal matches on weekends was surely a genius.

Harry was trudging away from her, now, clutching his broomstick in his hand like it was weighing him down. The other Gryffindors patted him on the back as he went by, but no one said a word.

"Yeah, Ravenclaw!" cried Marietta from the stands. A few others clapped and cheered, but the main commotion was in the changing rooms, where Cho's teammates gave her a high-five.

"Nice catch!"

"Way to go, Cho!"

Cho opened her free hand to reveal the snitch, still struggling to escape her vice-like Seeker's grip. "It was so easy this time... I couldn't believe it when Harry missed it. Am I right?"

"Maybe he was too distracted by you," someone whispered. Cho laughed, twirling her hair around a finger.

"I do try," she replied.

Then, an eerie sound silenced them all. The swinging door creaked, even though it was a clear, sunny day with no wind. The Ravenclaw team whispered amongst themselves, pointing at the door.

"Did you hear that?"

"That was weird..."

"Anyone there?" Cho called, her clear voice ringing through the room. She noticed the youngest player shrink back from the door once again. "It's not funny, you know," she added sternly.

A figure entered on its broom, wearing a massive cloak that disguised its shape and size. Before Cho could respond, the person produced a chest and opened it, pointing the lid towards the Ravenclaws.

"N-"

BOOM!

The box of Bludgers exploded, sending massive black flying balls everywhere. There were only two, each with dragon-like wings and murderous intentions - but it seemed like dozens. Immediately, Cho knew who was behind this.

"WEASLEYS!" she screamed, sending spells this way and that to target the balls. In such an enclosed space, it was nearly deadly to distribute those Bludgers. What were the Gryffindors thinking?! When she found them...

After much fleeing and hiding, the others emerged from the depths of the room to see Cho returning from the pitch, where a straining box now lay.

"Thanks a lot," she muttered. "Anyone coming to help get the Gryffindors back?"

Six heads nodded at her, looking regretful. Then, a shadow appeared stretching in front of her. Cho whipped around to see Harry standing at the door, wearing the giant robes of the figure she'd seen before.

Cho glowered.

"I'll say this for you, Chang, you tried."

That's when a mysterious third Bludger crashed into the changing room, hurtling toward Harry.

He shrieked.

Like a little girl.