Author's Note:  Okay, I know I deserve punishment.  It's been over a week since my last update.  Strap me in a chair and stick me in a room with a whiny Cho while under a Tickling Curse (it may be a charm, but I think it sounds more like a curse).  I've just been so incredibly swamped with school and such!  I've developed this eye twitch that has been popping up every half an hour since Monday.  I think I need a holiday.  Plus, I've been rapidly adding in scenes that I've dreamed up to make the fic better.  Anyways, enough of my complaining, time for a dedication!!  This chapter is dedicated to you, Disassembly of Reason for all the incredibly awesome reviews!  I love reading them since they are so long and insightful and they point out particular things that are good or might be a mistake.  I love them and can't believe how much you've picked up on.  I put little things in that I'm never sure if anyone's picked up on, but I'm glad you seem to.  Also, a special thanks to Terence.  Girl, you've kept me from losing my mind especially in this past week or so.  Thanks for your emails for without them, I would be right alongside Lockhart in St. Mungo's psycho ward.   

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The next day, Harry wasn't feeling very well.  He suspected that he had overdone it with his magic the day before and was now paying the consequences.  When they were walking to potions, Harry had to stop and grab Ron's arm at one point when he thought he would collapse.  Ron and Hermione stopped and looked at him worriedly as Ron steadied him.

"Hey, mate, you okay?" he asked quietly.

Harry nodded.  "Yeah, I'm fine, just a little dizzy.  Give me just a second," he said quietly.  Hermione and Ron exchanged a worried look when they were sure Harry couldn't see. 

"Oy, Potty, are you and the Weasel a couple now?  I can understand wanting to do better than a Mudblood, Weasley, but Potter?  That's just pathetic," came a familiar drawling voice. 

Harry looked up wearily to see Malfoy with his gang observing them with a smug look on his face.  He had noticed a drastic decline in the derogatory comments ever since he had saved Malfoy from falling in the Quidditch game.  Now, however, the blonde was with his posse and couldn't bypass the opportunity to torture the Gryffindors.

Harry immediately let go of Ron's arm, trying not to sway. 

"Shove off, ferret face," Ron snapped. "Go gel your hair or whatever it is you spoiled brats waste your time doing."

Malfoy decided to ignore Ron's comment and raised an eyebrow at Harry, who was trying and failing to stop his slight shivering.  Harry knew he must've looked awful, but tried to appear as if he was fine.  Unfortunately, Malfoy noticed.

"What's wrong with you, Potter.  You look like you're dying.  Can't get my hopes up though, now can I?" Malfoy drawled evoking sniggers from his followers. 

Ron stilled, his face losing all color as a look of pure rage crossed over his features. 

Harry grabbed his arm weakly.  "Ron, it's fine.  Leave it.  It's not worth getting into troub…"  

His words were lost as Hermione walked up to Malfoy, twisted her arm back and punched him full force in the face, causing the Slythering to stumble back.  Her eyes glinted with fury.  Malfoy put a hand to his face; his jaw dropped in shock.  He looked back at her in shock, blood streaking down from his nose.  Hermione stuck her index finger right up in his face.

"Don't you EVER say something like that again, you bastard!  EVER!  Do you understand me?" she screamed hysterically. 

Crabbe and Goyle stepped toward her, fists raised, but Malfoy raised a hand to stop them.  "You don't hit girls," he said as if horrified they had even thought about it.  "We are civilized unlike some people who resort to barbaric ways."  He then turned to Hermione who was still glaring at him.  "Gutsy, Granger," he said quietly. "Just remember, there are other forms of revenge that are worse than a simple punch.  I'd watch my back if I were you," he said ominously before stalking down the hall angrily, his posse following him.  Pansy Parkinson raced after him waving a handkerchief yelling for him to let her take care of him.

Ron and Harry looked at Hermione in disbelief.  She was massaging her fist. 

"I don't understand why people always use their fists to fight.  It's a lot less painful to just cast a spell and the effects can be more creative," she said calmly.

"'Mione, that was brilliant," Ron said in awe.  "You are my hero."

"Yeah, 'Mione.  Thanks.  I mean, wow, you kicked his ass!" Harry said in wonder.

Hermione blushed slightly.  "Well I really shouldn't have resorted to violence.  How will you boys ever take me seriously again when I tell you not to do it?" she said, trying not to let her cheerfulness show, but failing. 

"That is definitely a moment I want to freeze in my mind forever," Ron said blissfully.  "The look on Malfoy's face was priceless."  He turned to some students that were walking by.  "That's my girlfriend!" he said excitedly.  He picked her up and twirled her around.  She screamed and told him to put her down before she cursed him, causing Harry to burst out laughing. 

"Remind me never to ask you for romance advice," Harry sniggered.  Ron made a face at him.

"Well, Harry, at least I have a girlfriend," Ron teased, throwing her arm around an indignant-looking Hermione, who didn't like Ron referring to her as his girlfriend in front of her.  She said it made her sound like an object, though neither of the boys really understood it. 

"Well I have a stalker, beat that!" Harry said. 

"Ooh a stalker, how romantic, Har," Ron said with a roll of the eyes. 

"He does have a few fan clubs as well, Ron," Hermione reminded him with an innocent smirk of revenge.  "Girls worship him without him even having to say hello."

Ron opened his mouth but couldn't think of a retort.

"Ha!" Harry said triumphantly.  Then a thoughtful look crossed his face.  "Actually, that's quite disturbing," he said as an afterthought. 

"Don't worry, we can just set 'Mione on them if they get out of control!" Ron said excitedly.

Hermione rolled her eyes. 

"Come on you two warmongers, we're going to be late to class if we don't hurry," she said, attempting to suppress a smile.  She led the way, while Ron kept a watchful eye on Harry as discretely as possible. 

As they reached the potions classroom door, Ron had to grab Harry's elbow to steady him.  Harry gave him a thankful smile. 

"Harry, maybe you should skip class today," Hermione said worriedly. 

"No, I'm fine.  Besides, I'm already getting behind in class from skipping too many days.  I'll be fine," he said determinedly, walking through the classroom door.  Hermione and Ron exchanged a look before following him.  As Harry had been getting progressively weaker and more ill, everyone had tried to encourage him to take it easy, but the Gryffindor seemed adamant on not falling behind in his schoolwork.  His two best friends couldn't understand why it mattered so much, for obvious reasons, but didn't dare bring up the question with Harry, since Harry's death was an untouchable subject among them.  Hermione thought it may because Harry needed to feel as if he was still in control of something and had chosen his grades for that need, while Ron argued that Harry just hadn't given up hope yet. 

The three sat down as Snape stalked in, robes billowing in their usual threatening way.  He quickly explained the potion they were making that day and snapped at them to get to work.  Ron paired up with Neville so that Hermione could pair up with Harry to help him in case he began to get worse.  It was an unspoken agreement between Harry's three friends that he was quickly catching on to, but didn't bother arguing with. 

As the period went on, Harry began to wish that he had followed his friends' advice, as he was feeling extremely fatigued and shaky.

"Harry, can you hand me my manticore saliva?" Hermione asked as she stirred in a pinch of crushed dragon claw.  Harry grabbed the vial and held it out to her, but his hand was trembling so much that it slipped from his grasp and shattered upon hitting the table.  The potion hissed as it formed a puddle on the table. 

 "Oh Merlin, 'Mione, I'm so sorry.  I—I'll pay for it.  We can use mine…" he apologized as he grabbed a rag and began rapidly wiping it up.

Hermione put a hand over his trembling ones. 

"Harry.  Harry, it's okay," she whispered.  Harry looked up and met her worried eyes.  "I think you should go to the…"

She was cut off when the pair heard a plop in their cauldron.  Harry whipped his head up and saw Malfoy looking at them with a smug smirk on his face that simply sang revenge. 

"'Mione!" Harry gasped as their potion began to steam.  They both threw their potions books in front of their faces in the nick of time. 

The explosion was small, but it was obvious their potion was ruined.  The few splatters on their books were eating holes through the covers.  Hermione glared daggers at the blond Slytherin, but Harry couldn't manage such a scathing look.  Instead, he tried to discretely grab the table for support as his legs began to be more and more unwilling to support his body.

"Hey, Har, you all right?" Ron asked worriedly. 

Before he had a chance to answer, somebody grabbed his upper arm.  Harry looked up to see an angry-looking Snape. 

"Potter! Granger!  I've had enough of your foolish horseplay.  Into my office, now!" he yelled, dragging Harry toward his office door, Hermione scrambling after them.  If Harry didn't know any better, he would have said that Snape was actually helping him walk, but was sure that the professor didn't realize that his grip on Harry's arm was the only thing keeping him from collapsing. 

Snape threw open the door and let Hermione get through before following with Harry and slamming the door. 

Behind the closed door, the potion master's expression immediately softened to an impassive look that may have contained the slightest hint of concern.  He helped Harry over to the same couch Harry had laid on before with shards of glass protruding from his back.  He put the back of his hand to Harry's forehead, wordlessly got up and retrieved a Fever-Reducing Potion.  He poured a bit into a cup, and in taking in Harry's trembling hands, handed it to Hermione. 

"I can do it myself," Harry said indignantly, reaching for the cup, but Hermione gently pushed his shaky hand away.

"Harry, please.  Just let me.  Remember the vial in potions just now?"

Harry sighed as Hermione held the cup to his lips.  He sipped it down, wincing at the bitter taste. 

"Since you've been taking this potion so often, Potter, I'm afraid that it will take longer to feel its effects.  You two may both remain in here for the remainder of class.  I will have Weasley and Longbottom clean up the mess."

"But Professor, it was Malfoy who…" Hermione protested.  Snape held up a hand to stop her.

"Miss Granger, I am aware of what goes on in my classroom.  I'll be forced to take fifteen points from Gryffindor," he said apathetically as he put a scowl back on his face and stalked back into his classroom, slamming the door behind him.

"Humph.  I can't believe he doesn't see what Malfoy does," Hermione sighed as she sat down beside Harry. 

"Of course he sees it.  That's what he just said," Harry said sleepily.

"But then why…"

"He's a spy, remember?  He has to kiss up to Death Eater children to keep Voldemort from getting suspicious, and Malfoy is one of them."

"It's not fair."

"'Course it's not, but then again, what is?" Harry said with a sad smile.

There was a long pause before Hermione buried her face in her hands and began to cry. 

"Hermione, I'm sorry, I didn't mean…" Harry started frantically, kicking himself for being so stupid.

She quickly wiped her tears and hugged Harry.  "I know.  But you're right.  It isn't fair.  It shouldn't be you."  Feeling Harry shivering slightly, she remembered his fever.  She pulled away and instructed Harry to lie down, using her thighs as a pillow. 

After a brief battle with Harry claiming that he wasn't tired, Hermione one as usual.  She took off her cloak and draped it over her friend like a blanket.  Harry murmured his thanks.  She stroked his hair like her mother used to after nightmares.

"I could get used to this.  I feel like a lap dog," Harry mumbled.  Both laughed. 

"I've done this to Ron a few times in the common room and he's always dead asleep in less than a minute," Hermione said with a smile. 

"Then I definitely think he's got the better deal in this friendship," Harry teased, eyes resting closed.  Hermione laughed quietly. 

"Well, too bad for you I have a thing for red heads," she smirked.

"Mmm…I know how that is," he mumbled.

Hermione's hand froze.  "Harry, do you mean Ginny?" she whispered excitedly. 

Harry groaned with a blush and pulled Hermione's cloak over his head. 

She laughed and yanked it back down.  Harry looked up at her with a guilty expression.

"Don't tell Ron.  He'd curse me and throw me in a vat of Bubotuber Pus."

Hermione laughed.  "Are you kidding?  Who would he approve of more to date his little sister?  He already told me at the dance that he thinks you two would be a great couple."

"Really?" Harry asked in surprise.

"Really!"

Harry's smile turned into a sad one.  He sighed.  "It doesn't matter though."

"What doesn't matter?"

"All of it.  I couldn't—I couldn't do that to her," he murmured, turning his eyes away.

Hermione pushed back tears as she remembered that June was starting in only a few days.

There was another long silence. 

"Harry, are you scared?" she whispered, unsure if he was even awake.

"A little," he whispered, opening his eyes, but not looking at hers, "but it won't be so bad I think.  Everybody does it at some point right?  Dumbledore says it's the next great adventure.  That doesn't sound so bad, right?  He says it's like going to bed after a very long day…" he trailed off, remembering the conversation they had had at the end of his first year.  His breathing soon evened out and Hermione knew he was asleep.  Only then did she let her tears come again. 

After class, Ron was let into Snape's office to find Harry asleep with his head on Hermione's lap, with her absentmindedly stroking his hair.  She looked up and caught his eye, giving him a sad smile. 

"How's he doing?" Ron asked quietly.

"Well, Snape gave him a Fever-Reducing Potion, so hopefully he won't feel as sick.  He just seems pretty exhausted."

"He's always exhausted," Ron said, unsure of why they always seemed to state the obvious. 

Snape stalked in, straight to his potions supply. He selected a few potions and the turned to Ron. 

"Weasley, can I trust you to be competent enough to follow some simple instructions?  Potter can't be trekking to the Hospital Wing every time he feels sick, especially now that he's not as strong.  Since you're sharing a dorm with Potter, it will be easier to trust this with you, but if your intelligence is truly as dismal as what you demonstrate in my classroom…"

"I can do it sir," Ron said in annoyance.

Snape set out a few potions bottles.  "This is a Dreamless Sleep Potion.  Potter's used it enough to know how much to take, but in case you need to know for some reason, he should take this if he's in excessive pain at night and can't sleep.  Just fill this vial halfway and that should do.  Don't let him use this two often, or it will begin to have negative side effects.  You got that Weasley?"

Ron nodded, having never concentrated on learning potions more in his life.

"This bluish one is the Fever-Reducing one, but make sure he doesn't take that one more than once a day and no more than half a cupful.  If it more serious than just a fever, though, get Madam Pomfrey to check on him instead of giving him the potion.  The yellowish one will give him a bit of an energy boost if he needs one, but no more than a spoonful a day.  This is the one I'm trusting you to regulate, as I suspect that Potter may try to take more as the fatigue sets in even more."  Ron nodded.  "Give him a cup of the green one if he doesn't eat during the day.  If he can't keep it down, it may have to be injected."

Ron gulped.  "Injected?"

"Yes, Weasley.  With a needle.  I'm sure you understand the concept," Snape said sarcastically.

"Sir, er…"

"I'll teach you how to do it, Weasley.  Potter can do it himself most of the time, I'm just teaching you in case he can't.  Can you handle this?  Because if you can't, I need to find someone who can," Snape said seriously, though without his usual snappish tone. 

"No, I can do it if someone teaches me," Ron said, feeling slightly uneasy at the thought of having to poke a needle into his best friend's arm.

"This one, is perhaps the most important.  You must remember this one, because if you ever need to use it, it's very probable there won't be anyone around to remind you how to do it.  This is for emergencies.  If there is another incident like the one in the hallway a few months ago, if he collapses, you must inject this into his system as quickly as you can.  If he's not too far off, it should bring him back long enough to get the proper potions into him, if it's worse, it should at least keep him alive until somebody gets there.  Do you understand?"

Ron nodded solemnly. 

"I know it's unpleasant to think of these things, but it's a reality you must be prepared for," Snape said, almost regretfully.  "Granger, wake up Potter.  Weasley, are you sure you can do this?" he asked, pulling out a syringe from a drawer.  Ron nodded nervously. 

Hermione shook Harry until his eyes fluttered open. 

"What time s'it?" Harry mumbled groggily.  "Where…" he started, looking blankly around.

"We're in Professor Snape's office, remember Harry?" 

As Harry began to wake up slightly more, he watched confusedly as Snape showed Ron how to fill a needle and tap it for air bubbles, and then making Ron do it himself.

"It's imperative to get rid of any air, or there's a risk of death," Snape said.  Ron blanched. 

"I can't do this."

"Weasley, I trust that you can, and I don't easily place my trust in people," Snape said quietly. 

Ron nodded, trying to not let his fear show.

"No Potter, don't get up just yet.  I'm teaching your friend how to give you a shot.  He's going to give you an Energy Potion through injection.  Is that all right with you?"

Ron and Hermione both were slightly surprised at the professor's concerned tone.  Though he still held his usual cold tone, there was something else that the two didn't miss.

Harry looked confused but nodded. 

Ron took the syringe and knelt by Harry.  He was terrified.

"Ron, it's okay.  I've gotten a billion shots before.  You'll do fine.  I trust you," Harry said in a reassuring voice that helped calm Ron's nerves slightly.

Snape pointed out the vein that Ron was to put it into and explained the angle to do it at. 

"All right Weasley, are you ready?"

Ron nodded.  Harry looked away, something Ron was very thankful for.  He didn't want to see the wince of pain as the needle went in.  He held Harry's elbow with one hand and the syringe with the other. 

"Better not hurt me Ron, or Hermione might just beat you up," Harry teased with a smirk. 

Ron laughed, remembering Hermione's punch to Malfoy's face.  Harry seemed to be taking the shot as a light matter, and Ron's nerves immediately relaxed. 

He took a deep breath and stuck the needle into Harry's arm.  Harry stiffened slightly as Ron pushed in the plunger, sending the potion into Harry's bloodstream.  Ron pulled out the needle quickly but smoothly, and immediately stuck a piece of cotton that Snape gave him over the small hole. 

Harry held the cotton ball to his arm and bent his arm a few times to get the circulation going. 

"Aw come on Ron, that didn't even hurt.  What's the fun of playing doctor if you don't even get to make people cry when you jab needles into them?" Harry joked.

"Doctor?" Ron asked in confusion.

"Healer," Hermione corrected Harry. 

"Yeah that," he said as he sat up off of Hermione's lap.

"How is that working, Potter?" Snape asked with apparent ambivalence.

"It's great professor; I'm not feeling tired at all.  Thank you," Harry said sincerely.

"All right, but as I just told Weasley, no more today.  He can inform you about the doses you are permitted to take.  Now, I do have better things to do than entertain three Gryffindors, so take your potions and leave," he said in his usual cold tone. 

Ron and Hermione rushed out of the office, but Harry lingered slightly.  He turned back at the door. 

"Thank you, Professor…for everything," he said quietly enough that Hermione and Ron wouldn't hear him.  He then slipped out of the office, grabbed his stuff and quickly caught up to his two friends who were waiting for him. 

Snape was momentarily stunned and stared at the closed door for a few minutes after the students had left.  It wasn't too often that people appreciated anything he did. 

He suddenly realized that his mouth was resting in a half-smile.  It scared him.  He hadn't smiled in…he thought back and couldn't remember the last time he smiled.  Immediately, he put his usual scowl on his face and felt significantly more at home, but couldn't put any conviction behind it.  He silently cursed Harry for screwing up his facial expression system, trying to ignore how good it felt to finally have something to smile about.

After classes that day, Harry was standing in the halls talking to Ron, Eloise and Neville when he felt somebody tugging lightly at his robes.  He looked down to see Charles Crabbe looking up at him with a black eye and a proud expression.  

"Hey Harry," he said cheerfully.

"Merlin, Charles, what happened?" Harry asked, taking in the black eye.  If anything, Charles looked even more cheerful at the question.

"Well, I was walking toward my dorm and there was some people in my house picking on this Gryffindor, Dennis Creevey or something.  Anyways, I don't know what came over me but I used that Expelliarmus thing you taught me on them and told the Gryff to run.  And then, one of the Slytherins told my brother what I did, and Vincent punched me in the face.  But I told him I thought house rivalries are stupid and that I don't want to bully people around like him.  Then I ran for my life, and I think he might kill me, but I don't really care.  The Gryffindor came up to me after and said thank you.  He compared me to you.  He said I acted like a hero," he said beaming. 

"Charles, that's great!  Are you sure that's what you want though?  Your brother and housemates might give you a hard time about it, if that eye is any indicator," Harry asked worriedly. 

"Of course I'm sure!  I figured out that I don't really want to be like Vincent.  He just follows Draco around all the time.  I do not want to follow someone around all the time and act like their slave," he said firmly.

"Well good for you!" Eloise said.  Charles beamed at her. 

Suddenly Harry felt himself being roughly whipped around.  He was soon facing a very looking older Crabbe brother.

"Wha are you doing wif my brover?" Crabbe growled.  Harry realized that was probably the longest sentence he'd ever heard Crabbe say before.  He didn't think it would be appropriate to comment on this fact in front of Crabbe's younger brother.

"We were just talking," Harry said calmly. 

"You been puttin' idears in 'is head."

"Your brother is a very smart person.  He can decide for himself what he does.  You could learn a lot from him."

Crabbe grabbed Harry by the collar, but there were immediately four wands trained on him, including Charles's wand. 

"Don't even think about it," Neville said in his most menacing tone, which was about as frightening as a flobberworm, but Harry appreciated the gesture.

"Put him down or I'll curse you so bad you won't be able to tell your face from your arse, though it already is a difficult distinction," Eloise put in.  Charles chuckled at this. 

"Let him go now," Ron said forcefully.

"Yeah, Vincent.  Let him go.  Let him go or I'll tell mum.  She thinks you're a perfect gentleman at school.  I'm sure she'd be interested to know that you bully people around in such an uncivilized manner," Charles added. 

Crabbe glared at them all but let go of Harry's robes and took a step back. 

"I'm gonna tell Dad on you," he growled at Charles.

"If you do, I'll tell Mum on you.  So I suggest you keep your mouth shut."

Crabbe was at a loss for words, which didn't come as much of a surprise to anyone, so he just simply walked away, defeated. 

"That was a brave show," Ron said to Charles with a smirk.  Charles grinned broadly, obviously enjoying this new 'standing up for people' thing.

Harry suggested that Charles go to Madam Pomfrey about his eye before it swelled up too badly and the boy went off to follow the advice, looking ready to conquer the world.

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A/N:  The next update will probably be this weekend or early next week if you bribe me with enough wonderful reviews as you always do! 

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Disassembly of Reason: I can't believe you've done so much for me in this past week or so!  Your reviews are so detailed and pick up on so many thing that I thought may have been lost upon people.  I absolutely adore every one.  I think you're one of the very few people who really remember things that have been going on in different chapters and connect them.  I could be wrong, but I'm glad to see you're making the connections.  Though I can't remember everything throughout your reviews I wanted to respond to, I just want to note that the reason Harry didn't throw off the Confundus was that it took him completely by surprise.  Harry still has an innocence about him and didn't really think Cho would do anything that low.  Even now he doesn't believe that Cho would have done anything seriously bad to him, though we could probably imagine that she would.  And even with all the reassurances from loved ones, he still feels like a burden and therefore is very hesitant to go to anyone with personal problems.  Anyways, thank you so much for your insight and for the obvious time you've spent in reviewing to my fic.  I can't tell you how much it means.  (Okay it sounds corny, but we'll go with it.)

Eowyn of Ithilien: Yay! I'm glad you haven't abandoned me or I'd be extremely sad.  Don't worry, I understand the hectic-ness of life. I'm glad you liked the Gryffs picking on a Sly thing!  I thought it would make a good change, as stupid prejudices are obviously thematic in this story.  LOL!! Snape singing Macho Man.  *Most incredibly hilarious mental picture!*  No I seriously doubt that anyone in their right mind thinks Rod Stewart is even near sexy.  Confundus was mentioned in conjunction with the Goblet of Fire, as a way to try and get by it, but I just expanded what it could possibly be used for.  LOL!  Your brother's toe fungus, lovely.  Yes, Cho must die for trying to corrupt our poor little Harry. 

Terence: Hello dahling.  Thank you so much for keeping touch.  Your emails have been a great stress reliever this past week, though, as I said above, I have developed an annoying eye twitch.  An eye twitch!!  Like a mad scientist or something.  Or maybe like Snape!  Oh cool!!  *pets twitching eyelid fondly*  Okay, no, it's still getting on my nerves.  Just in response to your last review, Ron already knows about the abuse, and Hermione…don't count on it for now.  Right, that made no sense.  Looks cautiously around for scary llamas that you said would ravage my house.  One's sitting on my bed, eyeing me.  He won't attack because my twitching eye scares him.  Great.

Thundering Lights: OH MERLIN'S GREAT BEARD!!! I honestly have no clue how I skipped over you!! I'm so sorry!  I didn't mean anything by it, I swear!  Forget you?  NEVER!!  Confundus was mentioned in conjunction with a suggestion on how to trick the Goblet of Fire (which wouldn't work) so I just suggested what it might do to a human.  Cho is a scary person.  Yes, I did alright on my civics test, thanks for asking!  But I'm royally screwed for my English test tomorrow.  Oh well.  Congratulations on your test grades!!  Remember, I love you my dear and won't ever purposely leave you out.  It was just a mistake that I feel very badly about. 

Dadaiiro: Yeah, Cho's a scary girl.  So obsessive, don't worry, though, she'll get her comeuppance.  Glad you liked the chapter!  Hope you like this one!

PennyPacker: Thank you!  Lol, yes, Harry and Ginny forever! Lol, OMG you predicted the end!!  Harry IS going to get a pet flamingo named Wulfric who eats onions!!!!  Oh wait, that's my other fic.  Woops, oh well, I guess you'll have to just wait and see what happens!!  Thank you for the wonderful compliment, and don't worry, I promise to finish this fic, even though, I have been very bad with updating. 

PussyKat: Merlin's beard!  You're reading my fic for a third time?  Aren't you getting sick of it?  Well, thanks for the enthusiasm!! It's contagious, I assure you!  Ooh, let me assure you I have something up my sleeve for Cho…and for Harry for that matter, but that's a bit of a different story.  Lol. 

Paranoiain2005: hahahaha, yes Cho definitely needs an ass kicking.  Let's see…who should I give that privilege to? Hmm…oh wait, I know (being that I just wrote that scene).  You'll find out soon.  Hint, it's uh, not you.  Sorry.  Unfortunately, I thought it would be a little strange to have you burst into Hogwarts and kick her ass.  Might start some Voldemort paranoia or something…. 

SiriusWolf: I think you're getting a good sense of things in the scale of the story.  I'll  definitely have to take a look at your fics at some point, though I regret to say that it may not be very soon.  I'm so overwhelmed right now, but as soon as I can, I will take a look. 

Shawn Pickett: LOL!  I love you.  You're so hilarious.  That is true though!!  She is a freaky rapist type person, but what is the one thing that means the most to Cho?  Think of all the stuff she's trying to do and her motives for doing it and think of what means the most to her.  That's your hint for what will be her comeuppance.  Don't worry, she'll get hers soon. 

Black Cobra:  Deal.  Now I just got to get rid of Angelina and you'll have to make sure George stays single.  I'd watch out for Kota.  *looks around with shifty eyes*  I'm soo relieved you don't think Dakota's a Mary-Sue.  Thank you so much.

Kathfire:  Lol, you got to love the random bursts of laughter and the strange looks you get.  Who doesn't like Sirius?  I can't believe you're Dutch, your English is amazing!! 

LilynjamesAAF: Thank you!  I'm glad you like the Halloween idea!  I'm lucky that my two best friends are HP freaks as well.  Actually, my whole school is.  It's weird, we're like the only HP loving highschool ever!  When the first movie came up, half the school wore count down shirts for the week before and three of the teachers dressed up like Hogwarts professors on the day of.  Honestly, most of the classes were practically empty toward the end of the day since everyone checked out early to go see it.  Aside from prom day, it was the biggest line at the lunch check-out window I've ever seen, except for the following year with HP2.  Can't wait for HP three.  Over half of my chem class is getting together at midnight at the movies in our pajamas to see it.  My best friends and I are making a HP day out of it!  Lol. 

Myr Halcyon: lol!  I'm glad you liked the points was.  "Snape needs to get beaten down every once in a while"….hahahaha!!  Don't know why but that struck me as funny!  I love the Halloween costume idea, very original!! 

LizhowHP: if you liked the Crabbe boy/Harry scene, hopefully you like this one as well.  I hope it didn't seem too random or something.  Anyways, I gave you some ouchies for Harry and guess what?  For practically the entire rest of the story, each chapter has Harry pain!  Call it a very early Christmas present! Or Hanukkah or Kwanza or whatever.

Bast4: Jeez, you read the whole thing in one day?  That deserves a definite applause.  I'm glad I had you in tears!!  I take that to mean you were involved in my fic enough to get emotional.  Maybe not though, lol. *hands over tissue in triumph*  In the most non-sadistic way possible, I love making my readers cry.  What will happen?  I guess you'll have to see! Muahahaha! 

Alternativelyspliced: Thanks!  I share your same views on homework right now.  Who needs homework anyways?  Procrastination is the key of life I say.   Glad you like it so far!

Gypsy t. Potter: Wow, thank you!!   LOL your friends must think you're psycho, talking about some random girl's HP story. (Don't worry, my friends think I'm psycho as well.)  Though it may not seem like it, your review did make me update faster.  After reading it, I sat down and wrote this chapter, which hadn't even been started before.  Thank you so much for your wonderful review!

ChristinaLupin01442:  Love the conversations with the mauraders!  I take it this is in a universe where Peter isn't a back-stabbing rat?  Poor Snape, what a bummer nick-name like Snivellus.  That's rough man. 

o Hell o Kitty o: Yes, Cho is a very horrible girl, at least in this fic, (though I did hate her in the fifth book as well).  Who shall I let take revenge on her?….(hint: I already know.  Hint 2:  You'll find out soon.) 

Maximum Poofy-Pissed Off Queen: OMG, I know I haven't left a review yet (my computer's acting funny and has been too slow to get to review screens), but I read your story and absolutely loved it!  It was fantastic!!  I must say that usually, when I read a fic where Harry's hair is long, I can't even bear to read the rest, but yours was good enough to let that tidbit slide.  It was sooo fun!!  And Draco was just delicious!  It was great!!  I will leave a review the next second I get a chance. 

Cestrel: I know, Cho's a ho. Lol.  Yeah, I think that Slytherins just act the way they do in response to the reputation they're given.  I mean, Harry was almost in Slytherin, so they obviously can't be all bad!  They just happen to have a few people in there that give them a bad reputation!

Fantagal: Oh yes she is!  Well, I knew Hermione would get a chance to kick Malfoy's ass, so I thought I'd let someone else do Cho.  But who?  That is the question! 

Shadowarwen: Thank you and very good observation.  I do tend to dislike Cho.  Alright, so I think she's a raving flirt/bitch who makes girls look bad, but hey, I've had crushes on some very embarrassing people too, so we can understand that Harry can make some honest mistakes there. 

Romm: hmm…good observation.  We'll have to see! 

Tati1: No, thank YOU!  Lol, thanks for the wonderful review!  I love being huggled. 

Ratgirl: Don't worry…drama's making its comeback in the fic. 

Kim13: I hope you did take my costume idea.  It was a really fun one if I do say so myself!  I'm glad to share it!  I'm glad you like my fic!!  Keep reading and reviewing!!

Vash:  Thanks!!  Cho is definitely a bitch.  Book 5 proves that beyond all doubt.  Umm…see you in hell too?  Hahahaha

Lindiel Eryn:  Yes, well, while dueling, Harry expected curses to be flying at him, but, as you thought, he didn't even think to expect that Cho would try to curse him.  It caught him completely off guard. 

Stellaluna Melonballer:  LOL thank you!!  I do feel loved now!  Like somebody just gave me a nice big hug!  Well I'll give you a nice big hug back and this chapter. 

Siri Kat:  LOL I think you just summed up the characters of the fic in 9 words, including the necessary sigh.  Fred and George do rock.  I want to marry Fred.

Wynjara: Phenomenal?  Wow, thank you! 

Shinta4:  Hey thanks!  What do you deem embarrassing?  I don't think I put him in too embarrassing of situations (except for the Hogsmeade scene *evil laugh* but I had to do that for my own sadistic joy). 

Also thanks to: Jedi-Bant, Victoria, Nightscape (oh yes, Cho is a raving biotch), ckat44, Calen, Moonlight4 (lol, glad to be your heartbreaker), Darth Kottaram (Thank you! I'm glad it affected you!), Miss Shadow Prowl, Leigh, EriEka127, star*dust, Arctic Wolf2, Rain Warrior.  

YOU  GUYS  ROCK!!