Harry opened his eyes and groaned as he realized he was in the Hospital Wing for the umpteenth time. He turned and saw Cho and Dumbledore watching him. He tried to sit up and groaned in pain as his entire torso screamed in agony. Cho tried to put a small smile on her face but failed while Dumbledore merely looked at him sadly.
"What's wrong?" asked Harry noticing their expressions. "It doesn't hurt too much."
"They were Ministry Harry," whispered Cho.
"Wha?"
"The men who attacked you were Ministry hit-wizards. They were the T.E. The Torture and Execution Squad. They're sent by the Ministry to eliminated threats deemed too dangerous to be allowed to live. While he hasn't said it publicly, Fudge has labeled you as a traitor," said Dumbledore sadly. Harry was stunned. He knew that Fudge disliked him but, treason? Harry realized that he wasn't going to have to fight Voldemort but the Ministry as well.
"Then let them come. I'll be waiting. I didn't want to use some of my stronger spells because we were dueling in the middle of Hogsmeade," said Harry with a determined look on his face.
"Harry I understand your anger, but you can't wage a war against the Ministry by yourself," said Dumbledore trying to talk some sense into him.
"I won't take the fight to them. At least, not yet. But I'm not going to let the Ministry and Voldemort take over my life. As far as I'm concerned Cho and my friends take up as big as or a bigger share than they do. ," said Harry seriously.
"How bad was it?" asked Harry after a moments silence.
"Four broken ribs, internal bleeding. A concussion and massive bruising on your torso," said Dumbledore.
"Ouch," muttered Harry. "How long have I been out?"
"A couple hours. Madam Pomfrey said you should be able to leave tomorrow morning," said Dumbledore as he left.
"I'm sorry our Hogsmeade visit was ruined," whispered harry as he gave Cho an apologetic look.
"Harry, we were attacked by trained Ministry hit-wizards. You have nothing to be sorry for," said Cho as she sat down next to Harry and gave him a kiss. Harry responded quite enthusiastically as he forced himself up to gain better access to Cho's mouth. Harry reluctantly broke the kiss when he heard the door open again. Ron and Hermione walked in dragging an extremely surly Draco Malfoy behind them.
"Potter, I'd greatly appreciate you telling your friends to let me go and give me back my wand," said Draco through gritted teeth.
"Ron, Hermione, let him go. He's one of us," said Harry as he and Cho laughed at the expressions on their faces.
"Who are you and what have you done with Harry?" asked Ron incredulously.
"Ron, let him go. He helped us with those Slytherins remember?" reminded Harry.
"No seriously," said Ron.
Harry sighed as he explained Draco's situation to Ron and Hermione. By the end of it Draco had managed to worm his way out of Ron and Hermione's grasp. He grabbed his wand out of Ron's hand and took a seat next to the bed as he scanned the room and sat facing the door with his back to a wall.
"There's something that you guys should know. The Ministry's labeled me a traitor. They sent the T.E. after me and Cho today," said Harry.
"No way," muttered Ron as Hermione gasped and covered her mouth with her hands.
"Yeah. I'm fighting a two-way war here. On one side, Voldemort wants me dead. On the other side, Fudge wants me dead. I don't have too many allies, so I'm going to ask all of you now. Will you stand with me against Voldemort, and if it comes to it, the Ministry?" asked Harry as he looked at his friends and his girlfriend.
"Do you even have to ask me Harry?" asked Cho with a smile on her face.
"My duty is to protect Cho. I'm with you," said Draco quietly.
"Mate, I've been with you since our first year. I'll follow you wherever you go. Mum and Dad won't like it, but I'm with you," said Ron as he clasped Harry's hand.
"You should know us by now Harry, we won't abandon you. It doesn't matter if it's You-Know-Who or the Ministry. I'm with you," said Hermione.
"Thanks. I've actually assembled a group that was supposed to be keeping a watch on Cho for me when I couldn't be there myself. Blaise was part of it. So was Jessika and Luna. I've been teaching them how to duel. I'm also giving Cho lessons. I think it's time I taught you guys as well," said Harry.
"Hang on, you have people spying on me?" asked Cho in a dangerous voice. Harry quickly realized his mistake.
"Er…"
"And you didn't tell me?" continued Cho. Harry could practically cut through the tension in the room.
"Can- can we discuss this later?" pleaded Harry.
"Alright, but you better have some good answers," said Cho with an innocent smiles in a sweet tone. Harry did not reciprocate the gesture. Ron and Hermione were chuckling at the sight and even Draco managed a small smile.
"I think we should leave them alone now," said Draco with his usual sneer as he turned to leave. Harry looked at Ron and Hermione, silently begging them not to leave but they both grinned at him evilly before walking out after Draco leaving Harry alone with Cho.
Harry nervously cleared his throat as he slowly turned to look at his girlfriend. If looks could kill, Harry would have died a couple dozen times over. Harry wisely decided to take away anything she could throw at him.
"So uh… I suppose you're wondering why I had our friends follow you…," muttered Harry nervously. Cho glared at him before giving him a tiny nod. Harry groaned inwardly, Cho wasn't going to make this easy for him. "Well, I actually had Blaise keep an eye on the SLytherins after the Hogsmeade incident, just in case there was uh… backlash. When he told me something was up I had the others follow you just in case," finished Harry lamely. Cho sighed as she shook her head at Harry. She should have guess it would have been something like this. She had always known that Harry was overprotective, but she didn't know it was to this extent.
"Harry, I appreciate you worrying about me. I really do. But I just wish you would have told me beforehand. I mean you're my boyfriend. We aren't supposed to keep secrets from each other," said Cho as she looked at Harry disapprovingly.
"I'm sorry. You're right, I should have told you beforehand and asked for your permission," said Harry apologetically as he took Cho's hands in his own. "No more secrets okay?"
"Alright," said Cho with a smile as she relented.
"Forgive me?" asked Harry hopefully.
"Nothing to forgive. You were just being your overprotective, adorable self," said Cho with a laugh.
"So we should probably rehearse our act," said Harry with a grin.
"Shut up Harry. You know your guitar part inside out," said Cho trying hard not to smile.
"And you know the lyrics perfectly," replied Harry.
"So what d'you want to do? I can't leave until tomorrow morning," said Harry.
"You get some rest. I'm going to go find Jessika. I'll see you tomorrow Harry," said Cho as she gave him a kiss before she left the room wriggling her fingers at him. Harry smiled as she left. He was whipped, but he wasn't complaining. Not one bit.
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"What are we going to do Albus?" asked McGonagall as Dumbledore massaged his temples.
"I don't know Minerva. I knew Fudge was afraid but this… sending the T.E. after a fifteen year old boy. It's a wonder he wasn't dead when Merlin intervened," said Dumbledore. "Hogwarts may no longer be safe for him."
"Where will he go?" asked Snape curiously.
"If Harry is to go into hiding the safest place for him would be Number Twelve Grimauld Place. But we shouldn't jump to conclusions just yet. Harry has proved himself capable of defending himself. He might surprise us yet," said Dumbledore.
"What did you do with the men that attacked Potter?" asked McGonagall.
"I didn't do anything. Merlin had slaughtered all of them by the time I arrived. I'm glad that he put Miss Chang to sleep before he dispatched the men. He practically tore them to shreds. When I got there, the biggest piece of any of them that was left was an ear," said Dumbledore as he looked up.
"Merlin reduced five men to nothing in minutes?" asked Snape in shock.
"Two to be exact. He is a force to be reckoned with," said Dumbledore. "More importantly, Severus, have you figured out what Voldemort's target is?" asked Dumbledore.
"The prophecy without a doubt. He's after the prophecy," said Snape.
"Then Harry is in greater danger. Minerva, have the Order keep a closer eye on the Department of Mysteries while I'm gone," said Dumbledore.
"Gone?" asked McGonagall in confusion.
"It is time that I evened the odds. I am going to meet with an old friend," said Dumbledore as he stood up and stroked Fawkes before pulling on a traveling cloak.
"Who?" asked Snape as Dumbledore was about to leave the room.
"My teacher," said Dumbledore as he left.
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"What d'you reckon our chances are?" asked Blaise as he passed the bottle of firewhiskey to his friend. They were up in the Astronomy Tower enjoying the view, talking, and getting wasted.
"Of surviving this war? Not a chance in hell," replied Malfoy after he had taken a long drink. "So why are you doing this Blaise? What's in it for you?"
"Me? This is just the most fun I've had in my life. If I die, hey, it was blast," said Blaise with a chuckle before taken the firewhiskey and taking a gulp.
"Is that all your life means to you?" asked Draco with a bit of a slur. This was their third bottle of firewhiskey.
"We all gotta go some time. I'm just trying to get as much adrenaline out of my life as possible. Way I see it, this is much more important than schoolwork anyways. If I survive, I'll make a hell of an Auror or a mercenary," said Blaise with a shrug.
"What about you Weasley?" called Draco over his shoulder as Blaise tossed the firewhiskey to Ron who was sitting against the wall.
"Harry's my best mate. Hell, I'm hoping I don't die but… worse comes to worse, I'd jump in the way and take the bloody curse myself if it meant saving him or Cho," muttered Ron after he took a swig from the bottle. Ron had flat out opposed going with the two Slytherins even if Harry trusted both of them, but when they told him they had firewhiskey he had followed.
"Potter should be here. After all he's probably the one who needs this the most," said Draco as Ron tossed him the bottle and he finished up the last of the firewhiskey.
"Got anymore?" asked Blaise. Draco raised an eyebrow before he opened the bag and pulled out two unopened bottles of firewhiskey. He put one back and tossed Blaise the other one.
"Aren't we going to get caught?" asked Ron sleepily. Blaise shook his head as he opened the bottle and drank.
"I stunned Filch from behind and shoved him into a broom closet. He shouldn't wake up until tomorrow morning. The other teachers are most likely sleeping. As long as we aren't too loud, we should be fine," said Blaise as he offered the bottle to Ron.
"Malfoy, how'd you sneak this much firewhiskey into the school?" asked Ron as he had some more firewhiskey.
"This is nothing, you should see his stash in the Dorms. He's got loads and I mean loads of firewhiskey, butterbeer, oak matured mead, he's got it all," said Blaise with a grin.
"I pay off Filch to look the other way when it comes through the mail," said Draco dismissively.
"Well here's to us surviving the war," said Blaise as he raised the bottle and took a long drink before passing it around to the others.
"Cheers," muttered Draco and Ron after they had had their own drink.
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"How are you feeling?" asked Cho with a worried look on her face as she helped Harry out of the Hospital Wing. She had woken up extra early to meet him so they could have breakfast together.
"Sore," grunted Harry.
"You ready for this Friday?" asked Cho with a nervous smile.
"Don't worry about it love, we'll be fine," said Harry before he even realized what he was saying. Cho flushed as she heard Harry refer to her as 'love'. He wasn't one for endearments like that so hearing it from him meant a lot to her.
"I wish I had your confidence," admitted Cho. Despite having everything that everyone else seemed to want, she was still felt insecure at times.
"I may act confident, but the truth is I'm usually just as terrified as anyone else would be. I just hide it better than most," said Harry as he pulled Cho closer to him and gave her a kiss on the forehead.
"Breakfast?" asked Cho.
"Breakfast," agreed Harry when he realized how hungry he was.
"My table or yours?" asked Cho when they reached the Great Hall.
"Your choice. I don't mind either way," said Harry absentmindedly.
"I see Jessika but no sign of Ron or Hermione," said Cho as she looked around the Great Hall.
"Your table then," said Harry as they walked towards Jessika.
"Hey Cho, Harry," said Jessika as she greeted the pair brightly. "You guys are up early."
"That's cause I had to help Harry leave the Hospital Wing," said Cho as they sat down next to Jessika.
"How many trips to Hospital Wing have you had?" asked Jessika as she looked at Harry with one brow raised.
"I've lost count," said Harry truthfully as the girls laughed.
"Look at them," whispered Cho after the trio finished eating. Jessika and Cho looked up to see Draco, Blaise, and Ron walking into the Great Hall looking thoroughly hung over.
"Ten Galleons says they were putting a dent in Malfoy's firewhiskey stash last night," muttered Jessika.
"Malfoy has a firewhiskey stash?" asked Harry. Cho and Jessika both nodded.
"More like a vault. He pays of Filch so that he doesn't get in trouble for it when he gets it in the mail," explained Jessika.
"How do the teachers not notice this?" asked Harry as he stared at his best mate trip and almost bring Draco and Blaise down with him as he latched onto them in order to keep his balance.
"Draco has Hangover cures. I think they're going to the Slytherin dormitory to get some," replied Cho as she eyed the direction they were walking in.
"Forget them, have you guys finished your homework?" asked Jessika.
"Yeah, did it last Friday. Didn't want it to cut into my time with Cho," said Harry with a grin as he gave Cho a kiss on the cheek.
"Cho please tell me you haven't finished your homework," begged Jessika.
'Sorry Jess. Finished it same time Harry did. Same reason, except about him," said Cho as her best friend groaned.
"Great. Just great. I have that essay for Snape on the effects of the moon on wolfsbane, that paper for Flitwick on the effects of crossing spells, and that stupid project for Umbridge," groaned Jessika as she started to bang her head against the table.
"See you later Jess," said Cho apologetically before Harry dragged her off.
"Care to tell me where you kidnapping me to Harry?" giggled Cho as She let Harry lead her out of the Great Hall.
"Someplace where I can show you how sorry I am about yesterday," said Harry.
"Why Mr. Potter I had no idea you were that type of person," said Cho in a shocked tone. Harry knew she was being sarcastic.
"You know you like it," said Harry with a grin before Cho punched him in the arm. "Ow!"
As they rounded the corner into any empty hallway, Cho pushed Harry against the wall before saying, "You can show me just how sorry you are." Harry grinned before he pulled Cho in and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. When they broke apart Cho seemed highly amused.
"Is that really how sorry you are?"
"Love, that was a warm up. This is the real thing."
Harry started trailing kisses down Cho's neck as she giggled uncontrollably. She pretended to swat him away but not before he could nip her right at the base of her neck. Cho let out a peal of laughter. Harry was about to speak when Cho silenced him with her mouth as she ran a hand through his hair.
Twenty minutes later Harry and Cho emerged from the hallway straightening out their clothing and their hair. Anyone with half a brain who looked at them could have guessed what had happened. Both were flushed with color and both had similar expressions of dazed happiness on their faces.
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"They what? Potter's alive?" asked an ashen faced Fudge. Umbridge had contacted Fudge the day after the failed assassination attempt using her own fireplace.
"I saw Dumbledore returning from Hogsmeade with Potter and Chang on stretchers. Potter looked pretty beat up but he was alive, which only means he was able to hold off the T.E. long enough for Dumbledore to help," said Umbridge.
"There must be something we can do," said Fudge with a groan as he placed his face in his hands.
"Potter must be stopped. He and Dumbledore are undermining the authority of the Ministry," said Umbridge.
"Sir, I have an idea," said Unbridge.
"What is it?" asked Fudge, looking up.
"I believe we can lure Potter with a trap."
"What kind of trap?"
"Apparently Sirius Black is Potter's godfather. If we could capture him and use him as bait. Potter will come running and we'll have both of them," said Umbridge with an evil smile.
"The problem is locating Black. We haven't gotten anywhere close to him," said Fudge in frustration.
"I've been going through the school records here. Did you know that there a Black ancestral home? There are many wards on it which would make it the perfect place to hide," said Umbridge as she looked through the stacks of papers on her desk.
"An excellent idea. I'll put some of my own men on it at once. I'm not sure if I can trust some of the other members of the Ministry," said Fudge as he ended the connection.
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Harry took a deep breath as he ran his hands over his guitar as he turned to look at an equally nervous Cho. It was Friday and saying he had butterflies in his, stomach would have been the greatest understatement of the century.
"You ready?" asked Harry as they waited for Dumbledore to announce their act.
"Yes," breathed Cho looking at him helplessly. Harry couldn't help but admire her choice of clothing. A whit tank top matched with a black half jacket and a pair of faded jeans rounded out her casual, but cute outfit.
"That's what you're going to wear when our act is done?" asked Harry with a grin. Cho glared at him.
"Please, I'm a witch Harry. I'll just swap what I'm wearing for my dress when we're done. What about you? Are you really going to wear that?"
"Hell yeah," said Harry with a grin as he looked at what he was wearing. Cho eyed him approvingly as she couldn't help but feel a tiny bit proud at how she had rubbed off on him. He was wearing a grey button down shirt that had intricate designs woven into it with the collar popped. She was surprised that he had a sports jacket like the one he was wearing but she quickly realized that it was custom made. On the back of the jacket were a phoenix and a raven embroidered in mid flight. He finished his look with a pair of slim-rise black jeans.
"A kiss for good luck?" asked Harry before kissing Cho.
"Where's Harry and Cho? They're going to miss the ball," muttered Ron as he, Draco and Blaise looked around the Great Hall for any sign of their friends. Judging by the size of the stage and the amount of paparazzi waiting in the Entrance Hall Ron guessed that The Weird Sister's were making another appearance at Hogwarts.
"Have you seen him Jessika?" asked Blaise as Cho's friend shook her head before being lead away by Roger Davis.
Ron turned around as he saw the paparazzi clamoring to ask questions and get a picture of Viktor Krum as he walked in with Hermione. Viktor ignored the very audible rise in the level of noise as he kissed Hermione's hand then lips before they joined up with Ron, Blaise and Draco.
"Vere is Harry? I vanted to congratulate him on veing picked vor the Scottish National Team," said Viktor.
"No idea. We haven't seen him all night," admitted Ron.
"Ah, there you are Susan," said Blaise with a grin as Susan Bones appeared next to him.
"Are we the only two who didn't get dates to this thing?" asked Ron as he motioned to Draco and himself.
"Watch it Weasley, I'm not quite as hopeless as you are," said Draco smoothly as a pretty blonde hair girl in a black dress walked up behind Draco and wrapped her arms around him. "May I present Miss Sophia Nevreux. My date tonight," said Draco as he stepped aside and introduced her to the rest of the group.
"Isn't he sweet?" asked Sophia with a dazzling smile. Ron could only groan as he realized he was the only one who didn't have a date for the ball.
"Ladies and gentlemen , may I have your attention," said Zhu Chang as he walked onto the stage. "Professor Dumbledore could not be here tonight so he asked me to introduce the acts for you instead. Tonight, we have a very special surprise for you. I have asked The Weird Sisters to return to Hogwarts since they were so well received last time," said Zhu to enthusiastic applause. "We also have one other act," said Zhu, his eyes twinkling. "This duo recently beat out The Weird Sister's for the number one spot on the charts with their single 'Rise and rise again'. Please welcome, Hearts and Spades!" said Zhu as he stepped of stage to wild cheering.
"I've heard these guys, their phenomenal. Apparently they've been asked to perform by half the magical stadiums in Britain but they never replied. Dumbledore must've pulled some serious strings to get them to show up here," said Blaise in excitement.
As the curtains slid apart every mouth in hall except for Zhu Chang's fell open. Several of the girls actually fainted. Standing onstage grinning at the sea of students, teachers, and paparazzi were Cho Chang and Harry Potter. Umbridge looked like she was about to explode.
"So, we are very honored to have been invited to such a prestigious place to perform," said Harry his voice heavily laced with irony. Half the students laughed, the other half were still recovering from the shock that Harry Potter and Cho Chang were the band, Hearts and Spades.
"Anyways, We'll be performing just 'Rise and rise again' tonight. So, tell me Hogwarts… are you ready?" shouted Harry as he raised his hands high into the air. The students started screaming enthusiastically.
"I can't hear you! I asked are you ready?" shouted Harry as he pumped up the crowd. When he felt that they had reached a suitable level of excitement, he gave Cho a tiny nod as he started playing. Harry played a slow rock ballad entrance as he and Cho both stepped to the beat of the song. Cho leaned towards the microphone as she began to sing.
The heavens lean down to take you
While I stand around and miss you
I always thought that we would be forever
At this, Harry sped up into a solo as he Cho took the microphone off the stand and began pacing back and forth along the stage while she sang the chorus.
You always told me
Rise and rise, rise again
Rise and rise until the end.
Rise and rise, rise again
Rise and rise until the end.
People who knew the words to the song started to shout them out enthusiastically as everyone started to dance. As Cho walked along the edge of the stage she bent down and gave high fives to people who were reaching out.
Waking up isn't too bad
Until I turn and feel sad
Cause that spot next to me
It just won't let me be.
Now Harry and Cho were both getting very into the performance and they nodded at each other before Harry started to sing into his microphone as well.
You always told me
Rise and rise, rise again
Rise and rise until the end.
Rise and rise, rise again
Rise and rise until the end.
I can't help but feel cold
When I know I've lost your hold
You always told me.
Rise and rise, rise again
Rise and rise until the end.
Rise and rise, rise again
Rise and rise until the end.
I hope that you will hold me.
You always told me.
Rise and rise, rise again
Rise and rise until the end.
Rise and rise, rise again
Rise and rise until end.
I just want you to know,
I won't ever let go.
You're the only for me
Cause I just want to be free.
As Harry strummed the song to a close he grinned at Cho while breathing heavily as the crowd clamored around the stage cheering. Harry looked over at Cho and shouted. "Not bad eh?"
"Not bad at all," replied Cho over the din as they watched they looked for their friends in the crowd.
"Thank you! You've been wonderful! It was a pleasure playing tonight!" shouted Harry as they backed up and let the curtains hide them from the crowd.
"We did it," said Harry with a grin as He gave Cho a passionate kiss.
"I think we might be the first professional athletes that also happen to be music stars," said Cho with a happy look in her eyes.
"Come on, or we're going to miss the rest of the ball," said Harry.
"Just a moment," said Cho as she waved her wand and suddenly appeared in a strapless dress of silver with a periwinkle blue shawl wrapped around her arms. "How do I look?"
"Love, you look amazing," said Harry with a smile as he lead her out the back of the stage where they were met by Zhu.
"Phenomenal performance baby," said Zhu as he hugged his daughter and kissed her on the cheek.
"Thank's for setting this up Mr. Chang," said Harry.
"You should have seen the look on Umbridge's face. She looked ready to tear someone to shreds," said Zhu with a laugh. "Alright, I've taken enough of your time. Go have fun." Harry and Cho both nodded as they walked past Cho's father.
"Hey guys," greeted Harry as he saw his friends and led Cho towards them.
"Blimey Harry you could've warned us," said Ron looking at him with wide eyes.
"Sorry mate," apologized Harry.
"Why didn't you tell me you were part of Hearts and Spades Cho! I love them, I mean you guys!" said Jessika as she and Roger returned.
"I didn't know I was part of Hearts and Spades until last Saturday," admitted Cho.
"Top of the charts hit," said Blaise with a whistle. "Guess I'll never figure you out Potter."
"Potter," said Draco with a barely visible smile. "May I introduce Miss Sophia Nevreux."
"Malfoy, Miss Nevreux," said Harry as he offered Sophia a slight bow.
"Harry, congratulations on vaking ze Scottish National Team. Congratulations to you as well Miss Chang," said Krum with a smile as he shook Harry and Cho's hands. "Now ve vun."
"Run? Why?" asked Harry in confusion.
"Zem," said Krum pointing to the horde of paparazzi that had started making their way towards Harry.
"Oh. Good idea," said Harry.
"I would advise you to just talk to them Harry. If you don't they'll continue to pry and pry until they drive you insane," said Zhu who had appeared behind Harry.
"Well, you are the expert in these things," sighed Harry. "Alright I guess I'll talk to them," said Harry. "Do you want to come Cho or should I…?"
"I'll go. Don't worry Harry, I'm not going to throw you to the wolves by yourself," said Cho as she linked Harry's arm with her own as the paparazzi arrived.
Harry was dazed by the sudden amount of flashing lights, the barrage of questions and frankly everyone seemed just as uncomfortable except for Viktor, Cho and Zhu. Eventually Zhu calmed the horde of reporters down promising they'd get a couple questions.
"Mr. Potter, Miss Chang there have been rumors going around that the two of you are an item. Is this true?" asked a young man no older than 26 as he eagerly awaited their response with a quill and parchment in his hands
"Yes," said Harry and Cho at the same time.
"Is it true that the two of you have signed for the Scottish National Team?" asked a female reporter from somewhere in the mass.
"Yes. We're both going to be playing for them at the start of the next season," said Cho.
"Mr. Krum what is your opinion on their skills? Are you confident you could out fly them in a game?" asked another reporter.
"Harry and Cho are voth extremely good Seekers. In a match, I vould say it's 50-50," said Krum as he looked at the reporters.
"Mr. Potter, Miss Chang is Hearts and Spades a one hit wonder? Or are the two of you planning anything more?" asked the first reporter.
"At this point we don't know," admitted Harry.
"We know we definitely enjoyed writing the song and performing it, so don't count us out," said Cho with a smile.
"Alright, alright let's go. Give them their space," said Zhu loudly as he ferried the crowd back towards the Entrance Hall as he gave Harry and Cho a quick wave.
"Life with you is never boring mate," said Ron with a grin.
"I'll take that as a compliment Ron," replied Harry as he gave Cho a quick kiss.
"The Weird Sister's are on. I want to see how they're going to respond to that performance," said Draco as he raised a goblet of pumpkin juice to Harry before draining it and setting it down on a nearby table.
As The Weird Sisters got ready to play their song 'Magic Works' Harry turned to Cho with a smile. "May I have this dance Miss Chang?"
"You may Mr. Potter," said Cho unable to stop giggling. As they started dancing Harry was vaguely aware of Viktor and Hermione, Jessika and Roger, Blaise and Susan, and Draco and Sophia pairing up. Ron sighed and grabbed a butterbeer and sitting down to chug it. Almost as soon as Ron sat down Lavender Brown dragged him back onto the dance floor. Harry smiled as he stared into Cho's eyes as the song started.
And dance your final dance
This is your final chance
To hold the one you love
You know you've waited long enough
So, believe
That magic works
Don't be afraid
Of being hurt
Don't let this magic dies
The answer's there
Oh, just look in her eyes
And make your final move
Don't be scared, you want you to
Yeah, it's hard, you must be brave
Don't let this moment slip away...
Now, believe
That magic works
Don't be afraid
Afraid of being hurt
Don't let this magic dies
The answer's there
Oh, just look in her eyes
And don't believe that magic can die
No, no, no, this magic can't die
So dance your final dance
'Cause this is
Your final chance
As Harry walked Cho back to her Common Room hours later, he was distinctly aware of paparazzi being restrained single handedly by Zhu Chang as they continued shouting questions and taking pictures. Harry shook his head as he leaned down and gave Cho a deep kiss.
"You want to give them something to gossip about Harry?" asked Cho with a smile.
"Nah, I just felt like it.10 galleons says that we're on the front page of every single magical magazine or newspaper tomorrow," said Harry as they walked up the staircase.
"I'm in Ravenclaw Harry. I know that we're going to be on the front page of every single magical magazine or newspaper tomorrow," said Cho grinning.
"Thanks Harry. I had a great time. I'll see you tomorrow morning okay?" murmured Cho as she pressed herself into him and looked up into his emerald eyes.
"Whatever makes you happy sweetheart," said Harry as he gave her a kiss before reluctantly letting her pull away from him.
"Where were these endearments coming from? Oh, well… at least Cho's happy," thought Harry as Cho gave him a slight wave before entering her Common Room. Harry was smiling the entire way back to the Gryffindor Common Room.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Hey! Time for me to explain how The Phoenix's Raven (TPR) works. There are three 'seasons' or 'books'. Each detailing a specific segment of the overarching plot. The first 'season' is actually ending in the next one or two chapters so stay tuned. I've actually decided to concentrate on TPR until the end of this 'season' before I work on any of my other pieces so the next chapter or two should be out fairly quickly. Another thing. Reviews. I love 'em. If there's anything, ANYTHING on you guys' mind about TPR please, write a review. Tell me what you think, what I'm doing right, what I should improve on. I would greatly appreciate feedback b/c I'm currently working on a book for publication. Thank you to everyone that's been reading TPR. You guys are why I continue to write at 2 in the morning.
~ Orym Hawksong.