The words stung. Stung like a pack of bees. His voice was gentle but the words were harsh. Alyce caught her breath and stammered, "Y-you think w-what?"

"I think we should break up."

Pain again.

"W-why?"

"I don't know …"

"You don't know? You're breaking up with me and you don't know why?" Alyce felt hot tears coming up threateningly and was on the verge of letting them go. Before Harry could speak, all her anger were transformed into words: "Harry … I cant believe this! Did you know that every freakin' night, I cry myself to sleep … and you know why I cry? I cry because you hurt me! You know how you hurt me? By ignoring me and by kissing Cho behind my bloody back!"

Harry's head snapped up.

"Cho? Cho doesn't have anything to do with this!" he lied angrily.

"Yeah sure Harry. She doesn't. That's just why I saw you pash her the other night then two nights later, you decided to break up with me. She doesn't have anything to do with this – yeah right. You expect me to believe your stupid shit? Well think again Harry. You may have played behind my back but I'm smarter than you think."

With one, final death look, Alyce stormed away, a tearful night ahead of her.

* * *

As soon as Cho saw Alyce running to the dormitories, she knew it was her queue next. Getting up and walking outside, she saw Harry, his head rested in his hands. She sneaked up behind him then touched him gently on the shoulder.

He turned around, surprised.

"Cho," he said. He didn't sound excited nor did he sound disappointed. He turned around again and resumed to his original position.

"What happened Harry?" she asked gently, already knowing the answer. Cho tried to keep the wide smile from forming on her lips. "I saw Alyce. She looked … angry."

"Yeah, well, she was angry."

"Why?"

"I just broke up with her and now I don't know if I did the right thing or not."

"Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry to hear that." No I'm not actually … I couldn't be more happier! Cho thought privately.

"Just – just remember … that, I'm always here for you okay?"

"Thanks."

Silence.

"Cho?"

"Yes?"

"Why did you cheat on me?"

"Cheat?" Cho was lost for words. But she had a quick brain. Excuses formed instantly for her. "Harry, I might remind you that we were never going out. You were only my dancing partner for the night … nothing more."

"Oh … right."

"But we can be more that friends now if you like …" Cho whispered seductively in his ear.

To her bewilderment, Harry stood up in rage.

"What do you think you're doing?" he yelled. "I just broke up with someone I loved and now you're flirting with me? Cho, Alyce was your best friend. Best friends don't do that to each other!"

Cho's eyes darkened. So. He didn't want her. He never did. Their kiss never meant anything.

"Key word Harry, key word. Was. She was my best friend."

Silence again.

"Do you still love her?" This was the question that determined Alyce's life.

"Yes. I mean no! I mean … oh, I don't know," Harry sighed. "I just broke up with her and now I'm having doubts."

He still loved her. Stupid man. Stupid, brainless man. He just said the very words that took away someone's life. Someone like Alyce's.

* * *

That night, Cho had her plan ready. Fingering the silver hilt of the dagger from underneath her bed sheets, she winced. She'd never done this before. But somehow, this was right. This was meant to happen.

* * *

Another wave of sobs broke out from Alyce. God, this was painful. She never knew that getting dumped could hurt this much. But it didn't hurt enough for her to end her life. When she was young, she never used to like boys. Then she grew up. But when she grew up, she promised herself that she would never, ever cry because of a guy. Now she broke that promise.

But crying a million tears doesn't give her any excuse to kill herself. That was just plain ridiculous. She had to keep going. She had to show Harry Potter that she was made of stronger stuff than he'd ever imagined.

* * *

It was silent. Alyce had finally stopped crying her pathetic head off. Cho rolled her eyes in the darkness. Silently, she got up … being extremely careful not to make even the tiniest sound. Then, making her way to Alyce's bed, she looked at her slender form.

Do it now! Cho looked at the shining dagger. Now before you change your mind!

She raised it.

Alyce stirred.

Then, bringing it down it one, swift motion, it sank down the middle of Alyce's back. Cho will never forget her piercing scream as it shattered the night. As it shattered her life.

* * *

"Harry! H-Harry!" Ron panted as he ran without stopping to Harry's bed. "Wake up, H-Harry!"

Harry made a grunting noise. "Ron? What? It's still … still … e-early!" Harry said, failing to stifle a yawn.

"A-Alyce!" Ron panted. "She's dead Harry! Dead!"

Harry's insides froze. She was what? "She's what?" he said aloud.

"Dead! Killed herself … I think."

"What do you mean 'I think'?" Harry was now sitting bolt upright on his bed, fixing the glasses on his nose.

"Well … people say she killed herself … but the knife was on her back … people don't usually commit suicide by stabbing themselves on the back."

"So-so you're saying … that-that someone must've murdered her …" Harry trailed off. He already suspected someone. And that someone was Cho Chang.