Trouble

By evening, Harry was frustrated. Harry had tried to talk to Cho on many occasions, during lunch and dinner times and in-between classes. She had staunchly ignored him. Harry hated her friend Edgecomb. She was the one who told Harry to keep off her friend since according to her "Cho deserved better". Harry deduced that Cho still hadn't found out about his escapades.

The next day Harry's interview was published in Quibbler and everyone seemed to whispering around him. He was happy that some of the students even believed him. As Harry was having lunch, Cho came over to the Gryffindor table and sat beside him. Harry automatically scanned the slytherin table to find Estella watching him.

Before he knew what had happened, her hand was in his and she was breathing in his ear, ʹIʹm really, really sorry. That interview was so brave… it made me cry.ʹ

He was pleased that they were on speaking terms. But he wanted to end this. He didn't want to give her false hopes. He owed her the truth. He removed his hand from her hand and looked at her.

"Cho..we need to talk" Said Harry as he felt uncomfortable. He could feel a lump in his throat.

"Oh I know Harry. But I cant just forget Cedric" She said her eyes welling up "But I shouldn't have mentioned him. But its difficult for me . Cedric had been so wonderful to me.."

Great. Harry thought. He hadn't said anything and she had gone back to crying about Cedric.

"Cho… I cant do this anymore. We cant.. You are still in love with Cedric and me…well…me…"Harry replied..He had trouble speaking.

Cho looked at him as tears started to pour down her cheeks. She gave a sniff and Harry looked around. Students were looking at them as though they were watching their favourite TV show. Harry felt foolish. Why didn't he take her to somewhere more private? Could this get more embarrassing? Apparently yes.

"Hey Potter…heard you were getting it on with a ginger in a club? So you came out from the closet with Weasley? I always knew you two had hots for each other" Drawled Draco Malfoy while the slytherins roared with laughter.

Harry wanted to tell him that he was getting it on with his sister. That would shut him up. He looked over at Estella who was looking frightened. She caught his eye with an apologetic look. Just as he was about to retort to Malfoy ,Cho stood up.

"You..you ..with.." She was in shock

Harry could see even Professors looking at him now. Umbridge looked like she was elected as the next minister of magic.

"Cho can we just go outside and talk" pleaded Harry

"You were with Hermione Granger?" shrieked Cho like a banshee " I knew.. I knew… you were with her.. I don't know why you asked me out Harry?"

"I didn't go out with Hermione. She is not a ginger you silly girl" Shouted Harry. He couldn't believe that Cho had brought up Hermione into this mess

"of course you will know the color of her hair" shouted back Cho. Harry dearly wished Umbridge would come and put him in detention. That will atleast spare him of further embarrassment. But Umbridge had not even moved from her seat. She was reveling in Harry's embarrassment.

"Don't you dare bring Hermione into this. She is my friend. nothing more"

"Oh you cant even hear anything against your darling Hermione.. Can you ?" said Cho who was close to tears.

"I am not dating Hermione." Screamed Harry

"Leave Hermione out of this. Harry went out with another girl who didn't walk out on him like you did " said Ron looking at Cho angrily.

"You both can shout at each other outside. We'd like to have breakfast" said Ginny coldly.

As soon as she said it, Harry could see Cho looking at her and then at Harry. Harry could see her mind working

"Its you….ginger…..Weasley.. You were with him" cried Cho. Ginny looked scandalized.

Harry put his hands on his face. This was getting worse.

" for heaven's sake, Its not Ginny either. I met someone at the club. Someone who doesn't cry all the time . Someone who is happy to be with me rather than asking me about who all cedric mentioned when he died…. Oh stop crying like a baby " shouted Harry harshly. He knew he had gone far. But he was blinded with rage. Anger seemed to be the best option drowning his gulit.

Cho burst into tears and ran away from the hall with her friend running after her.

Harry too stormed out of the Great hall shaking with rage. He could feel the eyes of everyone on him. Harry took a walk around the lake before going back to the transfiguration class after the lunch hour. Both Ron and Hermione shot him conspicuous glances when they thought he was not looking. But they didn't talk other than what was related to the lesson. He could see people whispering around him. He was not sure whether it was about the interview or his break up. After what it felt like years, Harry sat into the common room on his favorite chair in the evening.

"Hi Harry" squeaked Hermione in a small voice. He could see Ron looking at him as though he was a time bomb

" I am sorry Hermione. About what Cho said. I never though she'd.." started Harry

" Oh just forget it. I have dealt with Skeeter. Cho is not even near her." Said Hermione

"Good that its over mate" joined in Ron. " She is mad..that one…I half expected her to accuse me next after Hermione and Ginny"

Harry groaned. "I wouldn't be surprised if she did. Damn Malfoy "

"yeah I bet he had gloated over that rumor just to break you up. Its too much of a coincidence" remarked Ron

"can I borrow your cleansweep Ron? " asked Harry. He needed to release some tension.

"Sure"

As Harry encircled the quidditch pitch, he felt free. He really missed flying. He hoped His lifelong ban on quidditch by Umbridge will be lifted soon by some miracle. But going by his luck, that wont happen anytime soon. As he went higher, Harry felt like staying up there forever. Away from all the worries, all the stares and comments from students, from Cho who was probably crying because of him…

After a long time, he flew down and was about to go back to the castle when he saw a familiar whirlwind of blonde hair in the stadium. Estella Malfoy was sitting there watching him. But what surprised Harry was that she hadn't bothered to put any glamour charm today. Seeing her. A reluctant smile came over his face. He felt guilty and happy at the same time. He made his way towards her .

" No face change today Malfoy?"

"No Harry. You have been flying for so long that I think you forgot the time. Its curfew time. I don't think anyone will spot us." Said Estella evenly

"But still it's a risk" said Harry looking around. There was darkness around and they were alone.

"You are worth the risk" said Estella simply.

Harry looked at her. He could see his reflection in her silver grey eyes. She was very beautiful.

Harry debated whether he should ask her. He had enough drama for today. He didn't want to fight with Estella as well. But he had a nagging doubt in his mind. Should he ask now or later..

"What is it?" asked Estella reading him.

"Well.. its just..You show up on the tea shop just after I had a fight with Cho. And we go for lunch and kiss and next thing I break up with Cho and you are here. Its quite convenient" Said Harry looking at her

Harry expected Estella to be shocked or angry. But Estella looked at him calmly and nodded "Yes it is very convenient"

"You trapped me" said Harry indignantly

" You are not a bird that I can trap. As a matter of fact if I was that smart, Father would love me more than Draco " said Estella coolly.

"Look Potter, I had no idea I would run into you on Valentines day. I had made plans with Theo which ended up in a disaster. Then I saw you . Yes I admit I wanted to spent time with you . So I invited you for lunch. But it was you not me who had gone into weedspuff club. And yes I got drunk and carried away. But I don't regret it. I hadn't kissed you because I wanted you to break up with Cho. I kissed you because I wanted to. Ever since the first time you kissed me, its all what I have been thinking about. Break up with Chang was a surprise bonus, not a planned one. You make me forget logic Harry. If I could plan, I would have planned to stay away from you. That makes more sense than whatever I am doing" said Estella sadly

Harry remained silent taking in all the information. Yes she was right. They were the worst couple in Hogwarts history. A snake and a lion. Absolutely impossible. Any relation between them would put both of them in mortal danger. He should get up and leave before it could go further. But Harry was paralyzed. Estella had that effect on him. Something he was not happy about.

Harry saw her rummage her small purse and took out a small bottle. She took a sip from it and grimaced.

"Strength potion. To increase my level of magic…I am the slytherin squib. Remember?" said Estella in reply to Harry's questioning look.

"you are not a squib"

"Almost a squib then" she put back the bottle in the purse which was too small for it.

"How did you put it back in that small purse?" asked Harry curiously

"Extensionsable charm. Mother gave the purse to me. It can hold large items. She knew I had to carry the potions with me all the time" replied Estella

As they sat in silence, Harry spoke "you are not a squib stella. You are the best potion maker I have known. And I know Hermione and Snape. And your glamour charms are perfect as you saw today. Everyone thinks I went out with a ginger not the blonde beauty"

Estella looked at him with an odd expression before placing her head on his shoulder. He held her hand.

"I am sorry about what happened in the morning." Said Estella in a low voice

" Me too. She was bound to find out. I shouldn't have gone out with her in the first place when I liked you." Suddenly Harry froze. He could feel Estella stiffen on his shoulders as well. He had said he liked her. Did he? Why did he say that? Should he retract the statement? But he did like her. What was the point denying that? He had been denying it the whole year and look where it had landed him in. A disastrous relationship with Cho.

" I like you too Harry" said Estella in a whisper. For a minute he thought he had imagined it. But when he turned to look at her face , he knew she had said it. She was blushing and happy. Harry had never seen her so happy.

Harry looked at her for a moment and then without thinking he kissed her. He gently trailed his tongue across her lips as she granted him entrance. It was slow and gentle kiss as they clung to each other. It was different this time. More than the excitement and desperation that usually filled his mind, tonight he felt a sense of contentment and happiness as he kissed her. He saw his goofy smile mirrored on her face when they broke apart. Boy , he knew he was in trouble. Deep trouble