Chapter 9: Strange Happenings Harry turned quickly and left the Great Hall not being able to stand the silence, and looking at Cho for another moment longer. "Harry, wait." Hermione and Ron were running to catch up with him. "Maybe Cho is innocent Harry, I think we should hear her side." Hermione said out of breath. "Yeah, we have to give her a bit of a chance. You saw her face. She did genuinely look shocked." Ron added. "WHAT? I can't believe you're standing up for her." Harry hissed. "But Harry, just because someone's having their mind bewitched, it doesn't necessarily mean they want it done to them. Most of the time people are unaware; it's a bit like the Imperious curse." Hermione replied. "So, you're saying that Cho probably doesn't realise?" Harry asked. "Yes. And there is the chance that she knows who's behind it all, which is why we have to talk to her." Hermione added. "I think I need some time to get my head round all of this. I'll find Cho later on tonight." Harry said, and the three of them walked off. * The cool night air was pleasant on Harry's face and was helping to clear his confused mind. The silky red sun was slowing setting and disappearing behind the cold grey mountains. Harry wondered whether to visit Hagrid, it had been a while since they had chatted, but he remembered how he had last left Cho and decided that he had to talk to her. The last time he had been walking about, he'd had the Cruciatus curse put on him, but Harry's thoughts were soon disturbed by a low grunting noise coming from behind. He spun around quickly, but no one was there. He squinted as the speedily sinking sun was blurring his vision. Harry was sure that that grunt had sounded oddly familiar. "Hagrid? Is that you?" Harry said wearily. No answer. Harry walked slowly forward, hand on his wand, just incase it wasn't Hagrid. There was a muted scuffling noise, but then the silence was broken. "Harry! Harry! I've been looking for you for ages. Hermione, she's explained everything. I think we need to talk." Harry turned and saw Cho smiling at him. He gave a weak smile back and turned again to where the strange sounds had been coming from. "Everything ok Harry? You look like you've seen a ghost!" Cho said. "A ghost? A ghost!" Harry said thoughtfully, "That's it! It was Peeves, knew I'd heard that somewhere before." Harry replied. "Don't worry, I'll explain later." Harry said seeing the very confused look on Cho's face. "You're right though, we do need to chat." "I know. I have a lot to explain, although most of it I can't even explain myself." Cho answered. "Well, you understand that someone's bewitching your mind." Harry started. "Yeah, Hermione explained that but I don't know who." Cho said "No idea at all? Could it be someone in your house?" Harry asked. "I really don't know. One minute I'm walking along, and then I suddenly remember I've got an appointment with a teacher. I think I was with you several times when it happened. After that is just a blur. How can we find out who it is though?" "I think that's going to be the hardest part. Maybe we could ask Hermione if there's any way of blocking it. If she doesn't there's always the library." Harry said. "Good idea, although maybe we should start tomorrow, I've just remembered I'm supposed to be with Professor Flitwick getting some help with my charms essay." "What? Cho wait, it's happening, STOP." Harry yelled. "I'll see you tomorrow at breakfast, bye." She smiled and power walked off. "Cho stop, come back." Harry looked around, but there was no one in sight. Should he run after her? If it was Voldemort, the chances he would use the Avada Kedavra curse on him for a second time successfully were quite high, especially now that he is back in full power. But would Voldemort be at the school? His scar hadn't been hurting at all this year. He ran forward deciding that he was going to go after Cho. He was going to get to the bottom of this and find out who had been bewitching one of closest friend's mind. He turned the corner, anxiety rushing through him, butterflies swirling in his stomach, but Cho had gone.