Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. They all
belong to the gifted Joanne Kathleen Rowling so don't sue me! All I have are my
plot and my computer =).
A/N: Sorry for taking a longer time. My 'O' levels are
looming and I'm trying to put in as much effort as I can into studying. Since
I'm basically a sloth, I find I have much more to cover than most…=). I better
stop before I really start whining… You guys have really been generous with
your reviews and I do hope for more with this chapter. Nothing in this fic is
finalized so do leave any suggestions if you have any. And a little note, this
chapter's rather boring to me, cause it's just preparations before the new
school year which should start in the next chapter if everything goes as
planned. Since this chapter took so long, both because of my lack of time and
ff.net being down, it's extra long. Hope you like it.
The
Holidays Stretches
Harry spent the next few days, practically living in the
library. At times, he was so engrossed that he even skipped his meals.
Everything was going on as normal as it could be; so much so that it seemed
that danger would inevitably strike soon.
"Argh, when would I get this right?" Harry muttered in
frustration when his latest attempt at making a portkey exploded in his face.
He had followed the steps to the T. But every time he said
the final incantation, it exploded. Why couldn't he get this right? Finally,
after days at it, he decided to take a break before he blew the whole place up
with his attempts. He didn't want to ask Dumbledore for help yet. He felt like
he needed to prove himself, and obviously, his pride stood in the way.
For the first time in the past few days, he found himself
with nothing to do. He had finished his homework a long time ago and did not
feel like imposing on any of the professors in the castle. Just the thought of
spending time with Snape made him shudder. The last option left was Quidditch
but he did not enjoy playing alone. With no one to challenge him, there was
simply no fun in chasing the snitch around the pitch. Then, he had a brain wave.
He instantly grabbed his broomstick, dashed out of the school, and apparated
away from Hogsmeade. This time, instead of thinking of the place he wanted to
go, he thought of the person he wanted to see, hoping that it would work and he
would reach the correct place.
He arrived in a room with rather classic furnishings. There
was an antique wooden desk and dresser, and a large woven rug lay in the
corner. He turned and saw a big sleigh bed topped with an old-looking quilt.
But the person under the quilt was what made his breath ragged. She looked so
peaceful and beautiful in her sleep. Suddenly, she moved, making him freeze. He
was relieved when she did not wake up and realized that he had been holding his
breath all the while. He did not know how to explain his presence. Then dread
struck him. How was he to explain that he knew how to apparate. He wasn't even
to talk about his new powers. His mind told him to scram before she woke up but
his body refused to listen. He could only stand there staring helplessly at the
slumbering form of the girl he loved.
As he tried to force his eyes away from her, his Laser
accidentally hit the edge of the desk next to him with a loud thump. He prayed
that the sound would go unnoticed but she had indeed stirred from her sleep.
(A/N: I believe it had been pretty easy to guess who she is…I nearly made her
someone else, like Hermione or Ginny just for fun =), but decided not to…)
"Harry," Cho exclaimed as her eyes fell on him, "What are
you doing here?"
Harry could only grin weakly. "Er, you invited me to come."
"Well, I expected you to at least notify me when you're
coming…and how in Merlin's name did you get into my room?" Cho demanded.
"I…er…you know…um…" Harry frantically tried to think of an
answer.
"Just the truth would do," Cho said with amusement at his
discomfort.
Finding no way to wheedle out of this situation, Harry
finally replied, "I er…apparated."
"Harry, how did you really get here?" Cho said in disbelief.
"I really apparated, amid illegally," Harry smiled.
"How?" Cho was confused.
Thinking he had already said too much, Harry just shrugged
saying, "I was bored so Professor Dumbledore taught me."
"And why would he teach you?" Cho asked suspiciously,
knowing there was more to the story than what Harry said.
Harry squirmed and looked away from Cho, tapping his fingers
against the desk beside him unconsciously. "I asked him so…"
Grinning at the flustered state Harry was in, Cho remarked,
"You have to learn to lie better, Potter. Any astute Ravenclaw would be able to
call you bluff."
Knowing he was being backed in a corner, Harry knew he had
no choice but to tell the truth. So with some initial stammers and halts, he
tried to explain to her what Dumbledore told him.
Absorbing so much at one time was not easy and Cho admired
how Harry had handled all this so far. She knew that she would not be able to
do it. She figured that he had not told anyone all this before and knowing
better than to show pity or any expectation of him, she tried to lighten the
mood, smiling wickedly, "Think of what you can do with your powers. Man, I
would not want to be on the wrong side of you. How I pity the professors this
year. What havoc you can raise in class."
Maybe he had been reluctant to talk about it at first, but
it turned out to be great to finally share all this. It wasn't that Sirius,
Remus and Dumbledore were not helpful, but he had been skeptical about their
high hopes on him being the Savior as if it was his duty to save the world.
Maybe it was, but it did not feel so pressurizing talking about all this with
Cho. She did not talk of what he could do to vanquish Voldemort and how he
should live his life but just ordinary stuff and it felt kind of comforting.
Grinning in return, Harry said cheerily, "What about now? Since you are at a
disadvantage," motioning at her sitting helplessly on her bed.
Cho blushed, having forgotten that she was in bed when he
arrived, before teasing, "Now Potter, you have to learn more about being a
gentleman. Any well-brought up man would leave the room immediately upon seeing
a lady in such a state," pointing to herself in a flourish.
It was Harry's turn to turn red. He instantly replied, "I'll
be outside then," before bolting from her room into the hallway.
Outside, Harry mentally chided himself. He should have sent
a note before coming then it wouldn't have been so embarrassing. He shouldn't
have even apparated here. Then he need not even tell her about his powers. But
he didn't feel as opposed to the idea now. After pacing outside for a few
minutes, he wondered how long it took for a girl to dress or more of why it
took a girl so long to dress. As he waited, he wondered why the house was so
silent. He prayed that her parents weren't at home. Then he would not have to
explain his presence all over again. He looked around and saw that the house
was very well furnished, almost as impressive as Lupin's. He guessed that her
parents must be of some importance.
Just then, Cho strode out of her room, saying chirpily, "Now
that I'm decently dressed, are you going to join me for breakfast or would you
rather watch me eat."
Harry froze for a while - Cho looked stunning - and tried to
keep himself in check. "I'll eat. I'm starving."
"Of course, seeing that you came here first thing in the
morning." Cho teased with mock-sarcasm, leading the way to the dining room.
"You can't blame me for being too eager to see you," Harry
grinned mischievously.
"Not to the extent of barging into my room when I'm
sleeping. A girl needs her beauty sleep." Cho smiled witheringly.
"I'll try to remember next time though I don't think you
need anymore sleep. You're beautiful as it is." Harry said sincerely, reddening
a little.
Cho pretended not to hear him, though her heart pounded,
"There won't be a next time, Mr. Potter. You are going to notify me before you
appear."
Disappointed that she showed no reaction, Harry tried to act
as if nothing had happened, teasing, "Maybe like five minutes before I arrive
should be sufficient right?"
"Don't try it, Potter," Cho retorted with laughing eyes, "Or
I'd have to resort to drastic measures."
"Yeah, like what?" Harry challenged.
"Um, maybe no breakfast for one." Cho threatened cheerfully
as they approached the dining room.
Seeing the empty table, Harry said with dismay, "You can't
be serious. My stomach's growling."
Amused at Harry's expression, Cho offered, "That's cause I
wasn't expected up so early."
"I know you can't be that mean. Oh, sorry about waking you
then. How long is it going to take for the food to be ready?" Harry asked
eagerly, looking unrepentant.
"It still depends it you're even going to eat. I'm still
considering. Maybe if you're obedient." Cho chuckled.
They went on bickering cheerfully all through breakfast,
enjoying each other's company, learning more about each other along the way.
Harry described to Cho about all the adventures that happened to him since he
started coming to Hogwarts. She was amazed at how he had survived Voldemort all
these times. Hearing all these about him just made him seem even more special.
She always knew he was different and there was a lot of talk around him in
school but there was never much details about all his meetings with Voldemort.
Dumbledore never talked much about it and nobody really asked so most of what
had ever happened was shrouded in mystery. It was amazing what Harry had done
and, she know, will carry on doing, yet she feared for his safety as well. He
was Voldemort's principle target and even though his powers had increased
tremendously, there was still danger.
Harry also learnt more about Cho. He couldn't believe that
she loved Potions class despite Snape being awful. She said that it was because
she was good at it but he knew that even though she refused to admit it, she
was good at the other classes as well. Like him, she loved quidditch and spent
a lot of her free time at it. But she didn't just practice quidditch with her
broomstick, she liked doing acrobatics kind of stuff with it too. He was
surprised, as he never thought that broomsticks could be used for other stuff
before. He also found out that her parents were aurors with the Ministry and
they believed that Voldemort had returned unlike Fudge who still denies the
fact. He realized that he really enjoyed just talking to her. In the past, he
had never really gotten to know her, yet he loved her for her cheerful and
friendly attitude. Getting to know her better just made him realized that if
his love for her had been superficial, now he knew that he really loved her.
But still he didn't intend to do anything about it. Grimacing to himself, he
mused, "The Cedric factor was still in the way."
Seeing his grimace, Cho asked, "Is there anything wrong?"
"Huh, oh nothing." Harry returned from his reverie.
"Thinking about something?" Cho softened as she saw lines of
worry on his brow.
"Hard not to after all that's happened." Harry sighed a
little.
"Want to talk about it?" Cho asked tentatively.
"Nah, it's nothing," Harry forced a bright smile.
She knew he had not fully healed from last year and knew
better than to ask more. "So what do you intend to do today?"
"Maybe some quidditch."
Cho arched her brow. "Do you intend to play in the house or
outside for muggles to see?"
This time Harry really grinned. "Oh, Lupin's house has a
Quidditch pitch."
"Great, I haven't been practicing Quidditch." Cho was unable
to conceal her excitement.
"Ready to challenge the master?" Harry smirked.
"Yup. Ever ready to defeat you." Cho retorted.
"Doubt it…" Harry was pumped up by Cho's competitive spirit.
"Well, I got a Firebolt over the summer, so you can't say
I've got an inferior broom." Cho smiled.
"What if I say I changed my broom?" Harry remarked.
"There can't be a better broom," Cho snorted, "Don't tell
you got the prototype of the Laser."
"Maybe," Harry said blandly.
"Omigosh, how did you get it? Now you'll be even more
difficult to beat." Cho moaned.
Harry grinned, "I think so too."
"But I'm up to the challenge."
They spent the rest of the day playing quidditch, only
stopping to raid Lupin's kitchen for food when they were hungry. They didn't
play with the snitch since neither brought it but they had fun challenging and
racing each other. Cho even tried to teach Harry some of the acrobatic stuff
but he was so inept at it that Cho couldn't stop laughing at him. However good
he was at being a seeker, he was a hopeless case at this acrobatic stuff. Harry
also let Cho try out his broom at times, during which she marveled at the speed
of the Laser. They were really enjoying themselves and were reluctant to leave.
In the end, they agreed to meet up at Diagon Alley to get their school supplies
next week.
******************************
When Harry reached Hogwarts, he was still feeling elated
after having spent a thoroughly enjoyable day. But he was surprised to see
Dumbledore, Sirius and Remus waiting for him at the Great Hall.
"Hey, why are all of you here? Is anything wrong?" Harry
asked as Sirius came up and enveloped him.
"Where were you, Harry? We thought something had happened to
you." Sirius demanded.
"Oh sorry, I went to visit a friend," Harry said
apologetically, realizing that he had forgotten to notify Dumbledore where he
was going, like he supposed to, "And I forgot to tell anyone."
"Next time remember to tell me, Harry," Dumbledore said,
with more amusement than worry.
Harry grinned in return, "Yeah, I will."
"Make sure you do, Harry. This time you were lucky not to
have been spotted by any death eaters. There have been more chaos around lately
and when you were gone, a missive came in that Cornelius Fudge was attacked."
"Er Professor, is he -," Harry asked.
"He's dead, Harry. The Ministry is currently looking for a
new Minister. Now that Voldemort has returned, nobody wants to be Minister."
"Fudge never really believed Voldemort has returned anyway,"
Harry said snidely.
"Now Harry, you shouldn't say that even though Fudge is
dead."
"Sorry," Harry apologized, though he did not look at all remorseful.
Dismissing him, Dumbledore said, "You should be more careful
now that the death eaters are striking more freely. Killing Fudge is only the
beginning. Now, if you would excuse us, I have something to talk to Sirius and
Remus."
Dumbledore and Remus left while Sirius lingered behind.
"Harry, take care of yourself and don't leave Hogwarts unnecessarily, alright?
It's safe here."
"I will Sirius. You should take care too. I mean, you're
still a wanted man, and - Oh Sirius, now that Fudge is dead, will you be
pardoned?" Harry asked excitedly.
"I guess Dumbledore will try to find a way for them to
pardon me. For now, I'll still be in hiding." Sirius replied, smiling a little,
"I'll be fine as long as you don't try your disappearing act again."
"Then I better tell you that I'll be going to Diagon Alley
next week to get school stuff," Harry grinned.
"What day are you going? I'll come along."
"Saturday, but won't you be on a mission or something."
"Yeah, I will. A mission of going shopping with my godson."
Sirius smiled.
******************************
During the week, Harry went back to trying out on his
portkeys. After much effort, he finally managed not to blow up the empty
classroom he had been using and to come up with a portkey. He had programmed it
to send the person to the Burrow but was hesitant to try it out himself. He was
afraid he might end up at some unknown place or something might happen to him
on the way. Remembering that he had to notify Dumbledore where he was going and
trying to procrastinate testing the portkey, Harry slowly made his way to
Dumbledore's office.
"Afternoon Harry," Dumbledore said as he entered the office.
"Er Professor, I just wanted to let you know that I am going
to the Weasleys, testing out the portkey I had made."
"Your portkey is completed?" Dumbledore asked, pleasantly
surprised.
"Yup, but I'm not sure if it would work," Harry sounded a
little reluctant.
Dumbledore chuckled, "There's a first time for everything
but I have faith in you Harry. You are a special boy with extraordinary powers
and you can accomplish what many adult wizards might never accomplish."
"Thanks Professor. I sure hope it works. I don't want to get
into any mishap or whatever…"
"Why don't you leave from here? At least I'll know if anything
happens. Let me know when you return. I want to hear about your experience."
"Sure, Professor," Harry flashed what he hoped was a
confident grin, before muttering the incantation to be transported.
Harry felt the same pulling, uncomfortable feeling as he
departed from Dumbledore's office. To his immense surprise, he rolled into the
Weasleys kitchen with a bump. Everyone was shocked to see him. Luckily, after
that incident with Cho, he had planned an explanation of his presence, except
that he had forgotten to ask Dumbledore's permission. He just decided to go
ahead with it and tell Dumbledore later.
"Harry!" all the Weasleys that were currently at home
exclaimed as he tumbled into the kitchen.
"Hey." Harry grinned at their surprise.
"What are you doing here? How did you get here? Does anyone
know you're here? Are you in danger?" They bombarded questions at him
simultaneously.
Still grinning, Harry replied a tad amusedly with his
fabricated story, "I'm fine. Dumbledore made me a portkey so I can visit."
Fred and George sighed, "Oh, we thought it would be
something more interesting."
"Do you want anything to eat, Harry?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"No thanks, Mrs. Weasley. Hogwarts have fed me well," Harry
replied with a smile.
Just then, Ginny Weasley came down the stairs. She did not
know he was there and blushed when she noticed him. "Hi Harry," she said
softly.
Harry turned around and was stunned to see that Ginny had
matured into a rather beautiful woman over the summer. He admired her looks but
he also knew whom his heart belonged to. "Hi, how's the holidays been for you?"
"Great," Ginny grew even redder. This was practically the
first time Harry Potter acknowledged her.
"Oooh…" the twins teased upon seeing Ginny's blushing face.
She immediately turned on her brothers furiously, "Don't you
two have better things to do?"
Seeing that Ginny was about to explode and knowing that her
temper could be even worse than Ron's, Harry turned to Ron who had been silent
the whole time since he arrived. "So, how's it going?"
"Ronniekins' pining for Hermione," Fred who had escaped from
Ginny's tirade cut in.
Harry thought that Ron would explode like his sister but he
only sighed, "Hermione is having fun in Bulgaria with Vicky. I mean, what does
she see in him and…er…not me."
Harry was surprised to see Ron finally acknowledging that he
liked Hermione and just kept silent.
"I mean, he's rich, he's famous but he can't even pronounce
her name properly," Ron continued complaining.
"Ah little brother, you have to learn to treat a girl
right," Fred smirked mischievously, "Victor is polite and charming to her."
Ron replied sarcastically, "Like you know how to treat a
girl. Oh, I forgot, you have Angelina. I wonder what she sees in you."
"You're with Angelina?" Harry asked, hearing this for the
first time.
"They got together at the Yule Ball last year and are still
together," Ron answered when Fred flushed a little while George just chortled.
"Congrats, Fred," Harry grinned, "So what about you, George,
any girlfriend?"
"Nope, still a swinging single," George replied cheerily.
"Ha, don't believe him. He likes -." George covered Fred's
mouth before he could say more and dragged him away.
"Those two…" Ron shook his head at the retreating twins before
remarking, "But I do wonder whom George likes though."
"I guess we'll find out when school starts."
"So how're things going for you?" Ron asked.
"Everything's great. At least I do not have to suffer from
Vernon and Petunia now that I'm at Hogwarts." Harry replied.
"What about your love life? Mine's miserable enough." Ron
said a little wistfully.
"Just ask Hermione out. She might just like you too. Me, I
have no love life to speak of," Harry advised.
"We just quarrel all the time," Ron said dismissively before
saying mischievously, "But you…hmm…my sister's still blushing around you. Won't
you ever like her back?"
"Ginny!" Harry exclaimed before flushing a little.
Ron replied exasperatedly, "Who else? I only have one
sister. And I'd rather have you go out with her than any other guy."
"Um, she has grown up since I last saw her but I don't think
I'll ever feel that way towards her."
"There goes my only hope. Now my sister will be fed to the
wolves." Ron said dramatically.
"Sorry, but I don't think of her as anything else than a
little sister," Harry chuckled.
Harry spent about another hour or two at the Weasleys before
making his way back to Hogwarts. He had enjoyed bantering with Ron again, and
notified him that he was going to Diagon Alley on Saturday. He found out that
Ron and Hermione were both selected to be prefects and teased Ron relentless
about it while wondering if he was a prefect himself. Since he was at Hogwarts,
he hadn't been sent his book list but he expected Dumbledore to pass it to him
before he left for Diagon Alley. It was great being with his best friend, not
only discussing their miserable love lives though Harry did not mention about
Cho, but basking in each others company. They had gone through a lot together
and Harry felt most at home at the Weasleys. They were like the family he never
had and he held them close to his heart. Taking the portkey back to Hogwarts,
he arrived at Dumbledore's office and told Dumbledore what he had told the
Weasleys before he forgot again.
"So I get to take the credit for your portkey. That doesn't
sound too bad." Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling.
"Well, at least it worked. I guess I can start making them
for my friends. But I can't say that you made them all, can I?" Harry queried.
"Maybe not. We'll think of something to say when the time
comes. If not, we can just tell them the truth."
"Oh, alright Professor. I guess I should be going," Harry
said before remembering, "Oh, I'm going to Diagon Alley on Saturday. I think
Sirius is coming as well but I haven't heard from him."
"Sirius had already told me about it. He will meet you there
in his animagi form. And remember to take Dudley and his parents with you to
get his supplies too."
"You mean, Vernon and Petunia are also coming," Harry asked
incredulously.
Dumbledore replied with amusement, "They might not like
magic much, but they've grown to take it better after what had happened and
they would also like to accompany their son. I will tell them to come here on
Saturday morning and you all can go together. Here's yours and Dudley's book
list. And congratulations, you are one of Gryffindors' prefects this year."
******************************
Saturday came rather quickly and Harry found himself
dreading the encounter with Vernon and Petunia. But to his surprise, they did
not look at his with their usual disdain, though they were not too friendly
with him either. Dudley was excited at finally getting to go to Diagon Alley
and had annoyed Harry all week by continually asking about it. They had come to
Hogwarts by Floo Powder but Harry guessed they would have forgotten how to use
it and proceeded to tell them about it.
"So you just toss a pinch of this powder into the fireplace
and shout Diagon Alley. I will go first so that you all don't arrive in some
unknown place. Just follow me." Harry said as he made his way to the fireplace.
He soon found himself in Diagon Alley. He dusted his robes
and waited for the Dursleys to turn up. But suddenly he heard a scream. He
dashed in the direction of it and heard someone calling his name but he ignored
it and carried on running. He saw a crowd standing near Knockturn Alley but
nobody dared to go near. He was shocked when he saw Nagini - Voldemort's snake,
there. It was slowly advancing menacingly on a woman who kept shrinking back
until she hit the wall. He guessed that it was this woman who screamed. Harry
began his approach to the snake when he felt a presence beside him.
"Cho," Harry exclaimed.
"You run fast, you know," Cho panted before continuing,
"Well, don't look so surprised. You knew I was coming today."
"Yeah, but -." His words were cut off by another piercing
scream from the woman. "Stay back. I'll get Nagini to leave."
"Nagini?" Cho asked, confusion written on her face.
"It's Voldemort's snake. Saw it last year." Harry said
shortly, before moving towards the snake.
"Harry," Cho started as Harry turned to her, "Be careful
alright," with worry creasing her beautiful face.
Harry nodded and started talking to the Nagini in parseltongue.
"Leave the woman alone."
Nagini turned and replied, "So, you've come, Harry Potter.
We meet again. My master asked me to pass a message to you, but maybe I should
finish my meal first. After all, you've spoilt my feast."
"You're not going to eat the woman. Just say your piece and
leave." Harry yelled.
Nagini looked around before replying, "Maybe, I'll let her
go this time. Anyway, my master says that you might be powerful but he is still
more powerful. Beware this year. It is not only you who are going down but your
friends too." With that, the snake slithered away.
Harry turned pale and did not seem to realize people coming
to ask if he was all right and to thank him for getting rid of the snake. He
did not care if Voldemort wanted him - that was nothing new - but he would
protect his friends at all costs. As he turned to walk back, he nearly tripped
over a dog at his feet. Looking down, he exclaimed, "Snuffles."
Before he could say more, Cho was at his side again, "You
know this dog, Harry? It was barking at the snake the whole time."
Sirius looked at Cho with interest, sniffing at her feet,
licking her ankle. After all, this was the girl his godson was interested in,
or at least he thought so. She was beautiful but that was all he knew about
her.
"It's m-Professor Lupin's dog." Harry was bemused at Sirius
arrival and his sudden interest in Cho.
"Oh, it looks pretty smart." Cho looked down at Sirius.
"Yeah, it's well-trained," Harry tried to keep himself from
bursting into laughter. Suddenly, Harry remembered that the Dursleys should be
still at the fireplace where he had sprinted from, "Shucks, I'd forgotten about
the Dursleys."
"Who?" Cho asked, falling into step with him as he made his
way through the crowd.
"My relatives. Dudley is getting his school supplies and
Vernon and Petunia came along." Harry gave a sigh of relieve as he saw the
Dursleys were where they were supposed to be.
"Where were you, boy? We have been standing in front of here
for so long and people keep looking at us strangely. As if we are the strange
ones." Vernon muttered darkly as Harry approached.
"There was a snake and I went to look. I also met a friend
along the way." Harry twisted the tale a little and introduced Cho to his
relatives. "I guess we'd better go to Gringotts first."
"Coming along?" Harry asked Cho.
"Sure. I've got to get some money anyway."
As they went along their way, the Durleys stared at the
place in wide-eyed wonder. Dudley was amazed at all he had seen, while Vernon
and Petunia just tried to look unimpressed with the wizarding stuff. They
arrived at Gringotts and Harry showed the Durleys where they could change their
muggle money into galleons, sickles and knuts, before excusing himself to go to
his vault. Both Harry and Cho went together, leaving Sirius outside, as the
goblins did not allow any animals in their building. Along the breakneck pace
ride to their vaults, Harry told Cho about the message Nagini brought. He
figured that since she knew almost everything, he could also ask her opinion
over this.
"So what do you intend to do? Isolate yourself from the rest
of your friends? Nobody would buy that, Harry." Cho was incredulous about his
'noble' intention.
"But Voldemort is powerful. Even portkeys might not work." Harry
saw confused expression and started to explain about the portkeys.
Cho was amazed that Harry managed to make a portkey. She
knew it was really difficult. "Hogwarts is well-protected. And if they can
portkey to Hogwarts when they are not at Hogwarts, it should be fine."
"But what if Hogwarts is penetrated?" Harry defended
himself.
"You know that nobody is going to leave you alone so you can
get that thought out of your head. If Hogwarts is really penetrated, we'll all
fight together. Please Harry, tell me you aren't going to hide yourself or
something." Cho pleaded.
Harry grinned at her anxious expression, "For now, it will
only going to be portkeys. I know none of my friends will allow me to do
anything stupid."
"At least you know it's stupid," Cho muttered.
Both of them collected enough money to last them for the
year and proceeded to meet the Durleys outside. Harry was not surprised to see
Cho's full vault. After seeing her house, he knew her parents were rich. They
went around Diagon Alley. At Flourish and Blotts, they got their books and
stationery. Dudley had to get a mixture of first year to fifth year books. He
was also actually staring at the stacks of different books in wonder until
Harry pulled him away. They went into shop after shop to get their supplies and
even Ollivanders for Dudley's wand that did not take too long to choose him.
They also went to Madam Malkin to get their robes. Harry's ones were too small
for him and he had also wanted to get new dress robes while Dudley needed to
get fitted for his new robes too. Cho had also decided to get new dress robes
and Harry stared as she tried on different robes. Dudley also decided not to
get an owl as he could share Harry's when necessary and he thought that his
parents would probably strangle his owl if he sent a letter home with it. So,
he was surprised when his father suggested that he get an owl. He chose a tawny
one and decided to name it Marshall.
Cho and Harry bantered and argued cheerily as they made
their way around Diagon Alley. Sometimes Dudley entered into their conversation
but most of the time he just listened, as he did not really know what they were
talking about since he was not with school with them before. Surprisingly,
Vernon and Petunia did not have any snide remarks and kept to themselves as
school supplies were being bought. Sirius just enjoyed watching his godson
interact with Cho and hoped that Harry was making progress. He also kept guard,
as he was afraid that Voldemort might have another surprise for Harry. He chided
himself a little for not getting there earlier but he consoled himself by the
fact that nobody was injured. As they completed their shopping, Harry was
surprised not to see the Weasleys as Ron had told him by owl that they would be
here today too. Harry decided to wait a while and see if the Weasleys came
while the Dursleys left first. Dudley had promised to spend the rest of the day
with his parents after being separated for some time.
"How about an ice-cream?" Harry asked Cho after the Dursleys
left.
"Sure," Cho replied as they headed for an ice cream at
Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlor.
After getting their ice creams, they were making their way
to an empty table when Cho chuckled, "Looks like your dog wants an ice-cream."
Harry looked down and saw Sirius looking mournfully at the
ice creams. He asked, "Do you want an ice-cream?"
As Sirius nodded, Cho remarked, "First time I see a dog
begging for ice-cream."
Harry grinned, "Told you it's smart."
Sirius got to lick his ice cream from a platter while Harry
and Cho sat at one of the tables outside, enjoying the sun, and reveling each
other's company. They finished their ice cream and were intending to head to Quality
Quidditch Supplies when Harry heard his name being called. Ron had arrived with…Hermione.
He had thought that she was still in Bulgaria.
"Hey, where are your folks?" Harry said to Ron and Hermione.
"Mum's with Ginny and Fred and George disappeared to God
knows where," Ron grinned, motioning to Cho, "So, aren't you going to introduce
us?"
Harry said exasperatedly, "Haven't you see each other
before."
"No," Cho teased, shaking her head insolently.
Cho got to know more about Ron and Hermione as they walked
towards Quality Quidditch Supplies. When Harry asked Hermione about her trip to
Bulgaria, she noticed Ron looking downcast and had to fight back her laughter.
She had to ask Harry about the relationship between the two.
As they walked in, Ron was excitedly talking to Harry about
the new Laser broomstick while Hermione left for the bookshop. Ron contemplated
going with her but pushed aside the idea when he saw the new Laser broomstick
in the display of the shop. "It's supposed to be almost twice as fast as the
Firebolt at full speed. With it, you can beat everyone hollow." Ron said
rapidly in excitement before continuing with a grin, "Not that you can't beat
everyone at the moment."
"Oh, I'm not so sure about that," Cho cut in, grinning.
"Thanks for your vote of confidence," Harry laughed.
"Oh and Fred and George bought the whole family Nimbus two
thousand and ones. I wonder where they got the money from." Ron rambled on.
"Really, that's great. I was going to offer you my Firebolt
now that I got a Laser for my birthday but that's fine. I'll just keep it for
spare." Harry said with a secret smile to himself.
"What? You got a Laser. You've got to be kidding. Who could
be so rich as to give that to you? I heard that it costs like the same amount
as a car." Ron exclaimed. Cho had disappeared to explore the shop on her own
and seeing that, Harry had no qualms telling Ron who gave him the broomstick.
"Well, there's only one person who's rich and would buy me
such presents. You know him too." Harry had an annoying grin on his face,
pointing to the dog at his feet.
"Sir-," Ron suddenly said, "How come I did not see him
earlier?"
"Shush, you don't want the whole world to know, do you?
Yeah, it was he. Moony contributed to it too." Harry replied before teasing, "And
you probably did not see him cause you were too eager to see me."
"Moony?" Ron was confused for a while before continuing,
"Oh, it's Lupin."
As they looked around for a while and caught up with Cho who
was deep inside the shop, Harry asked, "So did you tell Hermione that you liked
her?"
Ron looked stricken that Harry was so open with his words
but Cho said delightedly, "Oh, so I wasn't wrong when I guessed that you liked
her."
"Can everyone see my feelings?" Ron demanded.
Both Cho and Harry had fun teasing Ron after that. Harry
also decided to get a broomstick for Dudley who seemed to enjoy being airborne.
He had shown that he cared for Harry and Harry wanted to show his appreciation.
Harry thought that the Firebolt or even the Laser would be too difficult for an
amateur to handle and settled for a Nimbus two thousand.
When Harry told the others of his plans, Cho remarked
mischievously, "I'm so lucky to be your friend. I also expect a new broomstick
as a present from you soon."
Harry grinned devilishly, "Well, you can dream on. Anyway,
you've already got a Firebolt."
Ron who had remained silent, absorbing the fact that his
best friend really liked this girl, added, looking a little dismayed, "You've
got a Firebolt? Seems like everyone upgraded their broomsticks over the summer."
After a while, they left the shop, making their way to the
bookshop to look for Hermione, who seemed to have been lost in the world of
books. Surprisingly, they found her with only about half a dozen books. Ron
crept up behind her and pulled a book out of her hands.
"Hey," Hermione whirled around while Ron held the book above
her head, meaning that she couldn't reach it. "Ron, quit it, return me my book."
"Can't I read it?" Ron asked innocently, as he started
flipping the pages of the book.
"As if. You try to touch as little books as you can, Ron,"
Hermione snorted.
They started bickering in the middle of the shop to the
amusement of Harry and Cho, who stood by a corner, not wanting to get involved
in their argument. With both Hermione and Ron, tempers flared hot and cold
easily and it was better not to get on the wrong side of either.
"Since I love reading too, I can't blame Hermione for being
frustrated with Ron," Cho mentioned after a while.
"Oh no, another bookworm," Harry groaned.
Cho swatted his arm playfully. "But I don't really read the
same kind of books as Hermione, since her interest is mainly academic. I prefer
literary stuff."
"Still, you like reading. That's the same thing." Harry
lamented.
"And you say you don't. If I'm not wrong, someone had been
resorting to reading so as not to die of boredom the past few weeks." Cho
chuckled.
"Maybe," Harry agreed reluctantly.
"Look how those two are going at it. I wonder when Ron will
finally admit to Hermione that he likes her."
"Doesn't look like it will happen soon anyway," Harry
snorted, "He's a wimp when it comes to such stuff."
"And you're not?" Cho cocked her head at him while Sirius
seemed to be laughing at him feet, "Even your dog agrees."
Harry looked down, not willing to look in her eyes as he
flushed red. He admitted that he did not dare to tell Cho that he liked her but
he had a good reason for it right. It's just that the reason seemed like an old
excuse for his cowardice. "Er…" Harry was saved from answering when Ron and
Hermione came up, seemingly having forgotten their argument.
"Harry, I told my mum I'd meet her about half an hour ago.
Coming?" Ron asked grinning.
"Nah, I've got to be back at Hogwarts around now too. Tell
your family that I said hi." Harry said apologetically.
"Alright. I'll see you in school then." Ron said as he strode
away, not waiting for Hermione. Maybe they hadn't resolved their quarrel as
Harry thought. It amused him how they could make such small matters blow out of
proportion.
"See you then, Harry," Hermione said, lugging her books with
her as she chased after Ron.
"What about you? Going back or what?" Harry asked Cho as his
best friends disappeared out of sight.
"Back home," Cho replied as she whipped something out of her
pocket, "By portkey."
"Wow, my favorite way of transport," Harry said
sarcastically.
"It's all right if you know how to land and it only takes a
while," Cho teased.
"You're saying I fall on my bum each time I use a portkey,"
Harry's eyes glittered dangerously though he was fighting back laughter.
"Uh huh," Cho did not seem intimidated by him.
"I don't," Harry argued indignantly.
"No?" Cho grinned.
"Maybe a few times," Harry allowed.
"Only a few times?"
"Fine, I admit it. It happens almost every time. Happy?"
Harry was exasperated.
"Yup. Well, I got to go now. See you in school." Cho pecked
Harry on his cheek and left before Harry regained from his shock.
Cho was surprised at herself too. She did not even know why
she did it. It was just that he looked so adorable, standing there, trying to
look frustrated at her that she couldn't resist. Harry was no better. He did
not expect it and was wondering all about when Sirius barked at his foot,
trying to get him to move. He took the hint and immediately apparated back to
Hogwarts with his stuff. He did not think he wanted to go through Floo Powder
again. When he arrived, Sirius was already standing there, grinning at him.
******************************
A/N: Oh, forgot to mention above that my subscription for
support services is finally activated. Hurray. I just thought to add that in
case any of you want to put me on author's alert. =) Hee hee…maybe I shouldn't
say that…I'm not really that popular, am I?
Jivanna: Thanks. Well, I'm mainly H/C but I'm open to other pairings
too. And about whether I'm HHR, HHRD, HHR-Devil, I don't mind either but when I
write it's usually HHRD, not sure about this fic yet.
Mayleesa: Thanks so much. Love your fics too.
starkitty: Thanks for reviewing.
Jessie: Will do my best to write fast. Thanks.
Lily gurl: Thanks for reviewing.
Mei Aurora Darkling and Her Voices: Yup, not
many H/C people around. It would be nice to see more of those. I do use spell
check. Most of the mistakes are just using of wrong words. My typing just
doesn't follow my mind. Thanks for reviewing though.
Bon: Thanks and you're welcome =).
Faith: Thanks for reviewing.
Freda Potter: Thanks for reviewing.
Crystalite 104: Thanks. Glad you like H/C too.
Heir of Hugglepuff: Thanks on behalf of both my fics.
Chaos Kid: Thanks for reviewing.
Lucky: Thanks. Do go on with your fic too.
shu: Wow…thanks so much…I'm blushing at your overwhelming
compliments.
Sakura: Thanks for reviewing.
Jillian: Glad you like it. Thanks.
Lionhearted Eternal: Thanks for reviewing.
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