Previously on 'The Redemption'... Cho receives and invite to Harry & Ginny's wedding and she muses over the unfortunate fate of those who fought for the wrong side in the war.

Chapter 2 – The Wedding

Cho tugged nervously on the hem of her silvery dress as she fidgeted in her seat. The ceremony had already passed and the reception was currently being held. The Weasley's backyard had been transformed into a beautiful setting that revolved around the colour scheme of white and gold. The intimate setting was held under a large white tent held up by large timber poles and illuminated by large decorative orbs of various sizes that floated high above the tables.

She recognised a few of her old classmates such as Luna, Neville and Roger but she mostly kept to herself except when Luna came over to her table to discuss an article in The Quibbler Cho had happened to read. Luna was still as nonsensical as ever but Cho admired the girls' spirit and compassion for others. She didn't care what anyone else thought, which was clearly evident in her attire that greatly resembled an overly large gold table cloth with various ornaments sewn onto the hem and sleeves. Within an hour, Luna was whisked away by her strange father to dance, leaving Cho alone and feeling somewhat disappointed. She sat back against the rigid chair and nibbled on a pastry idly, wondering at what time it would be socially acceptable for her to leave.

There was merry music sounding loudly as happy couples and friends danced the night away, but Cho politely declined when asked, claiming that she didn't feel too well. Instead, she chose to observe the people around her, her lips twitching slightly when she saw Harry attempting to dance with Ginny. He was completely off beat, struggling not to step on his wife's high heeled shoes while grinning sheepishly at the crowd who roared with laughter. Suddenly, his bright green eyes met Cho's and he smiled at her. He waited till he finished the dance before approaching, a familiar friendly grin spreading across his face when he saw her.

Cho rose from her chair, wrapping her arms around him before stepping back. He had grown since his Hogwarts days, his jaw line was shadowed by facial hair and he had grown even taller. But his brilliant eyes still held the childish gleam, and his dark brown hair still refused to be tamed.

"Hey Cho, I'm glad you could make it," he smiled, looking confident in his perfectly tailored black robes "You look lovely."

Cho ducked her head slightly, glad that the warm lighting did not highlight the blush on her cheeks "Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself. Congratulations by the way, Ginny looks beautiful"

Harry grinned "I'll pass that onto her. So, how have you been lately? I heard you have a job at the ministry?"

Cho nodded, feeling depressed at the thought of it, "Nothing exciting, just a lot of paperwork really"

Harry's grin dropped slightly at her unenthused tone till his expression grew concerned. Harry had not kept in touch with Cho at all since the final battle, partly because Ginny was reluctant to let him retain contact. It took a lot of persuading on Harrys behalf just to invite her to their wedding. Cho looked much the same on the outside, but her eyes seemed sad and vacant, and if he thought about it, he didn't remember seeing Cho smile much all evening.

He knew that her parents were still missing because of the posters around the Aurors office and as much as he hated to admit it, there was a very slim chance of them ever reappearing. Feeling a surge of sympathy for the girl, Harry enveloped her in a hug once more.

"I just don't know what to do anymore," whispered Cho, feeling the tears forming in her eyes already. She tried to hold them back, but they spilled over her cheeks as she felt the warmth from Harry's reassuring embrace. As innocent as it was, it felt nice to be consoled and cared for. She had forgotten what it was like not to be completely alone, even if it was for a few seconds.

Harry pulled back, taking the pocket square out from his robes and handed it to her "I'll always be here if you need me Cho. And don't forget, Hogwarts will always give help to those who ask for it"

Cho sniffled, dabbing wet eyes, "When did you get so wise?"

A smile spread across his face "I learned it from someone much wiser than me"

"Thanks Harry, you're a really good friend," she said, giving him a watery smile that came off looking much more like a grimace.

Their conversation was interrupted when Ginny walked over, clad in a more casual white lace dress with her hair done up in an elegant looking bun. She spotted Harry and Cho, waving at them both.

"I've been looking everywhere for you!" she scolded, the smile on her face betraying her reprimand. Harry just grinned and kissed her on the cheek, winding his arm around her waist.

Cho stood there uncomfortably, witnessing their small display of affection until Ginny turned towards Cho.

"Hello Cho," she smiled pleasantly. Cho greeted her back, though she noticed the suspicion in her eyes. "I was just telling going to tell Harry that it's time for photographs at the front. Would you like to join us?"

Not wanting another excuse for Ginny to dislike her, or to make life difficult for Harry, Cho politely declined before bidding them both good night. As the newlyweds walked away, Harry looked over his shoulder and gave her a small wave before the crowds swallowed them out of view.

That night, Cho lay in bed thinking about the wedding and more specifically, her short conversation with Harry. The sentiment and genuine care he felt for her was nice but she didn't feel right laying her problems on him. Harry out of all people deserved to have a peaceful and trouble free life after all he had endured. So what did he mean about Hogwarts being able to help? Frowning to herself, Cho grabbed the dreamless sleep potion on her bedside cabinet and downed it in one fluid motion. Fluffing her pillows, she turned to her side and stared at the peeling green paint on her walls deciding that she would take Harry's advice and visit Hogwarts tomorrow after work. Maybe seeing the familiar faces of her old professors will give her some peace.