Mistake
As February set in, Harry was painfully aware that he had asked Cho Chang to accompany him to Hogsmeade on Valentine's Day. She had brought on the subject and he had asked her out of courtesy. Harry guessed that this was bound to happen after he kissed her. To be honest, He was excited and nervous at the same time. He had never gone on a date unless he counts the various detentions he spent with Estella. But they were not dating. Both of them had accepted that the train disaster was a mistake. Harry had spotted her with Nott during most of the times. He seemed to have found a new hobby of picturing the various ways to kill Nott. Harry attributed this hobby to Voldemort's thoughts. Apparently Voldemort liked to kill boys who talked to Estella. Voldemort also liked to fantasize about the blonde girl kissing Harry. Voldemort was a pervert in Harry's opinion. He was forcing Harry to have sinful thoughts about a slytherin girl. There was no way Harry would have such thoughts. It was all Voldemort
But Harry liked Cho. Well atleast that was what he was trying to tell himself. Yes it helped that Cho was incredibly pretty .He tried to forget that she tasted like tears. Harry hoped she wouldn't cry again during their date. As the day approached Harry even felt optimistic about it. Maybe he and Cho will have a wonderful time and Harry will get to kiss her without tears. Harry prayed that everything goes well.
On Valentine's Day, As Harry stood outside the coffee shop, he felt rage blind him. How could he even think of a date with Cho without tears? The stupid girl had cried and shouted at him for no reason. He had been embarrassed in front of the entire coffee shop. She had walked out on him after he mentioned that he was meeting Hermione. She seemed to be more interested in Roger Davies and Cedric than Harry.
Women!ʹ he muttered angrily, sloshing down the rain‐washed street with his hands in his pockets. ʹWhat did she want to talk about Cedric for, anyway? Why does she always want to drag up a subject that makes her act like a human hosepipe? ʹ
"who is the human Hosepipe ?" asked a voice he knew too fell
Harry turned to find a girl with deep red hair and black eyes. As Harry looked at her, he realized she looked very different. She had button nose and fuller cheeks. Harry noticed that she hadn't put any charm on her lips. She seemed to be proud of them. Harry certainly was proud to have tasted them.
"following me furball?" Harry asked with a teasing smile.
"In your dreams Potter" Snapped Estella " I had come with Nott. But I … I well escaped"
"what?"
"oh well, he seemed to get a bit carried away after snogging.." She blushed deep red.
Yes Nott should die. Maybe Harry should do it. Voldemort might be busy. Harry should do it.
" So I made an excuse and ran. He might be still looking for me. So the disguise" Said Estella who was still red.
"Women" Muttered Harry as he kept on walking. Images of Estella kissing Nott seemed to fill his mind. First Cho now Estella. The girls who kissed him seemed to prefer other men to him. He wanted to get away from Estella. How dare she kiss Nott?
" Wait up Potter. Why the hurry?"
"I am meeting Hermione" snapped Harry. There I said it. Maybe that will drive her away just like Cho
"when? " persisted Estella
"Around three. ' Said Harry as he forged ahead not even knowing where he was heading
" Oh its not even one now. Why don't you come with me for lunch?" Asked Estella slightly nervous.
"I think you can have Nott for lunch" retorted Harry bitterly.
Then Estella laughed. Even in his anger Harry had to admit it was a beautiful laugh. He momentarily forgot why he was angry with her.
"Don't be so jealous Potter. I told you I left Nott. And its not as if you have any right to complain. I saw you walking with Chang" said Estella smilingly
" I am not jealous" Bit out Harry." Lets go for lunch"
Harry wanted to prove that he was not jealous. Prove it to himself or Estella? He was not sure on that.
As they walked the rain started to pour and Harry could feel raindrops splashing on his face. He looked over Estella to find her also getting drenched. He grabbed her hand and ran toward the nearest restaurant. As he pushed it open, he wanted to run back into the rain.
It was a dingy pub with couples and groups. He was not sure of the groups as they seemed to be all glued together. Just as he was about to turn around, Estella had walked into the place and sat on the chair which was a table for two. Nervously looking around Harry too went and sat with her. Glancing around, he wondered whether they were of age to attend the club. The only good thing about the place was that no one seemed to pay him any attention. Everyone was busy kissing their partner or in some cases partners. Harry could feel his face going red. He pretended to be interested in his nails, not looking at anyone. Estella on the other hand looked as though they were sitting in Three broomsticks. She looked rather relaxed.
"Nice choice Harry" said Estella as she winked at him
Harry groaned inwardly. Can this get any more embarrassing?
" I didn't do it on purpose. I had no idea of this place. We should just go" mumbled Harry getting up.
" oh no no . Sit Potter. I rather like this place" Said Estella . Harry looked at her. Suddenly it hit him. He had agreed to go on lunch with the devil. She was enjoying this..seeing him flustered.
Harry sat down. He tried to look as comfortable as possible. He was not going to give her the satisfaction of making him squirm. Slow music was playing and Harry saw there was a dance floor. Couples were dancing/groping (Harry couldn't see the difference) on the dance floor. Harry saw the Hufflepuff Chaser on the dance floor with a black haired man. They had been kissing for so long that Harry wondered whether they ever needed to breathe. Over the table next to them a witch was sitting with two wizards.
Harry ordered Chicken wizardcos for himself while Estella settled for meat pie. As they sipped their butterbeers, Harry looked around. The witch next to his table winked at him. He gulped down the butterbeer in a hurry ,going red . He looked over Estella who was taping her feet to the music. She looked relaxed, a little bit drunk in Harry's opinion.
"So Potter, where is your girlfriend? Did she also run out on you because of excessive groping?" Teased Estella.
Harry flushed." I think she ran out since I didn't do anything"
Thinking of Cho made him angry; He wondered whether he should order a Firewhiskey. The place looked like they would serve him anything as long as he paid. The witch in the next table had started kissing both the wizards in turns. Harry looked into the dance floor. He looked over a brunette who has dancing alone. Seeing him stare, she smiled at him and started to dance sensuously. Harry blushed. He was getting tipsy. With great difficulty Harry tore his eyes away from her and looked back to Estella who was frowning at him
"What?" Asked Harry
"No wonder Chang left. You are not supposed to ogle at other girls when you are already with a girl" snapped Estella
"I didn't ogle" Liar
"Anyway I am not on a date with you" pointed out Harry
"Doesn't matter. Its common etiquette" Said Estella airily.
"Says the one who has no etiquette" muttered Harry furiously.
"care to dance Potter?"
"Wh..what?"stuttered Harry
"Dance Potter." Said Estella impatiently.
"I couldn't get you to dance with me in Yule ball. Atleast now I get to fulfill my wish" said Estella
"You wanted to go on Yule ball with me ?" Asked Harry shocked. This was getting interesting
" In a world where everything was perfect, where I am not who I am and you are not who you are…Why not?" said Estella dreamily
Harry didn't understand a word. But he kept quiet. He wasn't sure whether he even wanted to understand that.
"Come Potter" said Estella as she stood up.
Harry sighed as he stood up. He was never a good dancer. Painful memories of Yule ball came to him. He hated dancing ….and dating as well going by today's experience.
As she led him to the dance floor, Harry's mind was screaming not to go. A similar voice had told him not to kiss her in train. But he had. The same voice was warning him not to go dancing. But Harry's legs were having a mind of their own. He followed her.
She had put his arms around her waist and slowly swayed to the music. Harry kept his eyes straight looking over others as they danced. He accidently trod over Estella's feet making her wince
"You still have two left feet"
Harry looked at her apologetically. She had her arms around his neck and she was way too close. His throat had gone dry. Harry could feel the panic creeping through him. He was almost cheating Cho. But it is only a dance, a sly voice told him. Cho danced with Cedric…
Estella smiled at him. Were her lips always so red and full? Why didn't she put the damn glamour charm on them? His breath hitched as he saw her gently biting her lips. He was in a trance.
He barely registered her hand travelling from his neck to his wet hair to ruffle them
"Wet… I always wanted to do that" whispered Estella.
Harry wasn't thinking anymore. He could feel her hand on his hair. He wanted to touch her. He pulled her closer. He could feel that his body was on fire. His hands were encircling her waist and going down. Their foreheads touched as he looked into her eyes. She traced her thumb along his lips. He caught her breath hitch as his hands pressed down. Abandoning the little restrain he had, he slammed his mouth to hers. She tasted like butterbeer as Harry could feel a moan escape her lips. She was kissing him back as they dueled for dominance.
Harry didn't care if he was killed right now. He would die a happy man. As the minutes passed slowly, Harry was in heaven. As he was nibbling her neck, He could feel her hands roaming around sending electric waves in him. He knew he had bit her to leave a mark. She probably needed to use a glamour charm to hide that mark.
"Harry… stop.. we can't do this.." Estella panted as Harry could feel her push him back.
Harry didn't want to stop. He didn't care they were people around. His body seemed to protest any separation from her
" Cho Chang.." breathed Estella as Harry started to kiss her earlobes.
Harry froze. Two words had bought him back to earth as reality came crashing down on him. He untangled himself from her. He felt cold now. He couldn't look at her anymore. He had cheated on Cho. Harry felt dirty. He could see other couples dancing around them as though nothing happened. As though they hadn't seen him cheating on Cho. The very girl who he had taken on a date a few hours ago. Harry wished Voldemort will attack him now. He could do with a distraction.
"We should go" Harry said hoarsely, he was surprised he could speak. Estella too was not looking at him. She was straightening her hair and dress. Trying to destroy the evidence of what happened. Harry could see the bite mark on her neck...his bite mark. Funny that the mark which had turned him on a few moments ago seemed to make him sick now. He wanted to throw up. What had he done?
He tried to flatten his hair as they made their way out of the dance floor .He looked around to see if anyone noticed him. Cho would kill him. And he wouldn't stop her. He deserved it. Without a word , both of them left the pub. As they exited, Estella mumbled "Er...Bye"
Harry didn't respond but watched her walk away. He took off in the other direction walking as fast as he could when he bumped into someone.
"Harry..watch where you are going." Said Hermione looking at her friend. She was about to scold him more when she saw the look on his face.
Harry looked lost. He was looking pale, his hair disheveled and his lips were looking bruised. Either he had been snogged out of his senses by Cho or he had fought with someone. Hermione hoped it was the first .But something didn't add up. Why would he look sad if he had kissed Cho? He should have been happy. She decided not to bring up the subject. She tried to flatten his hair and he didn't even resist.
"Sorry Hermione" said Harry in a low voice.
"Are you alright Harry?" She asked with concern
Harry looked at Hermione Granger. His best friend for five years. She had been with him for everything. She believed him even when Ron didn't when his name came out of goblet of fire. She had been on his side all along. If anyone would understand, she would right? Harry wanted to tell her that he had been kissing a malfoy. The same girl who had insulted his friend by calling her a mudblood. The girl who was the daughter of a death eater. He had kissed her and liked it. Harry didn't know which was worse - Whether he kissed her or whether he had liked it. He didn't even want to think of Cho. It seemed like years had passed since she left him.
Harry could see Hermione look at his face looking for answers. Almost like trying to read him.
"I am fine" said Harry
Hermione gave him a look similar to the one Dumbledore gives him when he lied. She knew he was lying but Hermione didn't comment. She would talk about it later. When he would stop looking like he had been caught kissing Voldemort.
"Lets go to three broomsticks Harry. We have to meet Rita Skeeter" said Hermione
Harry looked at her with surprise. As she dragged him with her, she couldn't help noticing that his left ear was very red .Like someone had bitten him.
The next day during breakfast, Harry saw Cho Chang walking over to the Ravenclaw table. His stomach gave an unpleasant lurch and he looked down. He hadn't slept the entire night, debating whether he should tell Cho the truth or let it be. He was not sure of their status quo. Were they still dating? She had left him midway quite angry. So maybe she broke up with him. Harry hoped so.
ʹOh, I forgot to ask you,ʹ said Hermione brightly, glancing over at the Ravenclaw table, ʹwhat happened on your date with Cho? ʹ
ʹEr… well, it was…ʹ said Harry, pulling a dish of rhubarb crumble towards him and helping himself to seconds, ʹa complete fiasco, now you mention it.ʹ
And he told her what had happened in Madam Puddifootʹs teashop.
Harry cringed as he thought about what happened after that...Estella Malfoy. He wanted to tell Hermione. But looking at her, he couldn't tell her. Harry was sure she would shout at him. Not only had he went with the enemy, he had also cheated his girlfriend. Hermione might well jinx him.
ʹOh, Harryʹ she said sadly. ʹWell, Iʹm sorry, but you were a bit tactless.ʹ
As she continued to explain Cho's actions to him, he was outraged. How on earth can someone start crying about Cedric because she got jealous of Hermione? And why on earth she was jealous of Hermione? If he had fancied Hermione, Harry would have asked her out long back. Anyone with half a brain would know Ron and Hermione fancied each other. Harry paid only half attention to what Hermione was saying as he felt his temper rise. It was all Cho's fault. If she hadn't left him midway he wouldn't have gone with Estella. And whatever happened wouldn't happen.
But Cho didn't force you to go kiss Estella. Said an accusing voice in his head. Harry was starting to have a headache. He had far too many voices in his head nowadays. And he listened to the voice that usually gave him the worst advice.
Ron and Ginny Weasley sat down with him on the table.
"Harry you should just apologize to Cho . I am sure she will understand" concluded Hermione .
Before Harry could respond, Ron interrupted him.
" So its true. Is it?" asked Ron who looked as though he was seeing Harry for the first time.
"what?" asked Harry confused.
"Oh well you know… Valentines Day" Said Ginny who looked sad
When Harry didn't respond, Ron said " We had quidditch practice with Hufflepuff team. You know their chaser, Goldsman, ..Well she told us that she spotted you in Weedspuff club"
Harry was shocked. He wanted to speak but his voice seemed to have deserted him. Yes of course, they were bound to be spotted by someone. He was too famous for his own good. Harry wanted to say it was a mistake. He was drunk. She was drunk. He wanted to run. But nothing came up. He couldn't speak. He felt his heart sinking down, maybe he was going to have a heart attack. Harry hoped he'd die.
Apparently Ron took Harry's shock as a denial.
"But I told her that she was mad. She might have been drunk. You know the stuff that club gives. No one is in their senses. She might have spotted someone who looked like you. " said Ron
"yeah.. When we asked for details, even she said she wasn't sure whether it was you. She saw a raven haired boy with glasses. Ha..I bet there are hundreds of people who fit that description" Said Ginny who looked more pleased since she too thought Harry denied it.
Harry went back to his rhubarb without a word. He didn't want to face them. But there might be others who saw them. He looked over to the slytherin table. Estella was not there. Who all had seen them? Did Cho know? Harry guessed not. She would have slapped him by now. Just as Ginny went to her classes, the trio took a walk to the lake.
"Did you go to the Weedspuff club, Harry Potter?" asked Hermione shrewdly.
Why did he have to be friends with the brightest witch of her age…Why?
Harry looked taken aback. He looked over Ron for help but Hermione silenced him with a look.
"Yes" said Harry looking like a school child caught by the teacher.
Ron looked shocked beyond words while Hermione looked angry
"but..but Goldsman told us you were getting hot and heavy with a ginger" stuttered Ron whose ears had gone red. Harry went red too. He wished the giant squid would eat him now. Maybe he could jump into the lake
"Harry! How could you cheat on Cho?" Asked Hermione indignantly .
" I.. I didn't want to cheat her Ok. It sort of happened. She left me in the tea shop and-"
" and you snogged the next girl you saw?" said Hermione tersely.
"- No.I .. I went to have lunch"
"- in weedspuff club ?" asked Ron disbelievingly. He looked like he was about to burst into laughter
" No. It was raining and I ran into the club" said Harry.
" Who is this girl?" asked Hermione curiously.
Harry gulped. This is the moment of truth. Just tell them. Get it over with. Tell.
"Stella" Harry whispered. He looked down. He was waiting for them to kill him. After a long moment, he wondered whether they even heard him.
"Who is that? " asked Ron curiously
Harry looked at him. Both his friends were looking at him curiously. Then it struck him. They didn't think he was mad enough to kiss a Malfoy. They though he knew better. Obviously they were wrong
"Oh please, don't tell me Harry that you went out with some idiotic fangirl of yours. I thought you knew better than that." Snapped Hermione
"You cant blame him, the waitresses at Weedspuff club are known to be smokin' hot" said Ron sniggering. Hermione shot him a cold look. "Not that I would ever cheat.." he added hastily
"But Harry was sad and drunk. He wasn't thinking straight. Cut him some slack Hermione. He had some fun. It's not the end of the world. Maybe he liked this girl." Said Ron supporting Harry throwing his arm around him.
Harry gave him a grateful look. Even though they had assumed a story far from truth, Harry felt like playing along with it. Obviously snogging an unknown waitress girl during emotional distress was better than snogging Malfoy because he liked it. Atleast this way he had Ron by his side.
"So you like her ? What's she like?" Asked Hermione stiffly. There was a trace of curiosity in her voice.
" Er….Well she is great. I like talking to her. A bit arrogant. Proud and snarky. But it's fun to be with her. She makes me feel normal. Just another teenager ,not the Boy who lived stuff" said Harry. Well it was the truth. Estella was never his fangirl. Quite far from it, actually. But she liked him.
Hermione looked surprised and said "you do like her. ..Oh this is going to be hard on Cho..You should tell her you know..before she finds out from someone else"
"Yeah… I am really sorry I did that. I was not thinking" said Harry genuinely. Thinking about Cho made his stomach clench. He never liked to see her cry. Now he might be the reason to make her cry.
" So when are we meeting this girl of yours who has kissed you out of your senses" asked Ron wiggling his eyebrows.
"Ronald.." warned Hermione throwing him a look of deep disgust.
" What? You don't wanna see the girl?." Demanded Ron
Harry was panicking. He couldn't introduce his friends to Estella. Even with her disguise she was still slytherin. It would be a disaster. Harry could mentally picture Ron sprouting tentacles while Hermione jinxed Stella in retaliation. No, he had to avoid that
"Er..actually it was not that serious. More of a one time thing" said Harry shiftily.
Hermione nodded her head disapprovingly while Ron patted his shoulder
"Quite the player Harry. Never thought you had it in you" laughed Ron.
"It wont happen again. It was a mistake" pleaded Harry. Liar… It will happen again..and again..Harry knew that. He was getting addicted to her.
"Its your life Harry. You can do whatever you want. But don't hurt others while doing so. That's not Harry I know. The one I know will never play with a girl's feeling" said Hermione leaving Harry who felt ashamed. Guilt was bubbling up in him. He had done a mistake. A beautiful mistake