Chapter 6
Cho's mother was every bit as furious as expected. For the entire trip home her mother lectured her and Cho tried her best to tune it all out. She was seventeen now and her mother still treated her as if she were eight. Cho had plenty to say to her mother, but she wasn't going to say it in the car. Home was much better. She wasn't sure how her father would react. He usually went along with whatever her mother said and rarely expressed his own opinions. He might very well get upset about this and she didn't want that to happen while he was driving.
Her mother's arguments seemed to come down to the fact that Cho was spending entirely too much time on Quidditch and not enough on more important things. Exactly which 'more important things' was never made clear. Cho's grades were still as impeccable as they had ever been. Cho knew what her mother was really afraid of, and it was already too late for that.
The other thing that irked her mother was Harry Potter. Now Cho knew beyond doubt that Ellwyn had betrayed her. It had been one thing, her mother insisted, when she had dated Cedric. He had been a nice young man from a good family and with a good future ahead of him. This Potter was an orphan. He had no future, no family, no respect for authority, and no prospects. He would take advantage of her given the opportunity.
Inwardly Cho laughed. She recalled giving Harry plenty of opportunities to do just that and he had stubbornly remained quite the gentleman. It was probably something she was going to have to hit him upside the head with. That wasn't something she was going to share with her mother though. The recollection of it, however, definitely helped to makes the kilometers pass quickly.
Once home, Cho decided to wait until dinner the next day to break her news. Immediately she sent an owl out to Harry and another to Hermione. Her mother hadn't thought to cut off owl communication yet, but it was probably only a matter of time. Harry responded back quickly that everything was fine, and wished her luck. She missed him already. They really should have spent more time on the train snogging. Cho busied herself with the manuscript for their book.
The next day Cho found herself a bundle of nervous energy. It was one thing to tell yourself you were going to standup to your mother, but it was another thing entirely to actually do it. All day long she paced and went over what she wanted to say in her head, mentally trying to prepare herself for her mother's objections.
The hours of the day staggered and surged towards dinnertime. Cho sat down at the table exhausted. It had easily been one of the longest days of her life. "Mother, Father," she started, "There are some things I want to talk about."
Her father only raised his eyebrows, but her mother did not look very happy at all. Cho took a deep breath and let it out slowly. It was far too late to back out now, from now on she would no longer be Cho the Passenger, she was going to be Cho the Driver.
"I've made some decisions about my future. You may not like some of them, or any of them, but I'm an adult now, or I will be soon, and there are certain things I have to do for myself. First, I am not going to be a doctor. I never wanted to be a doctor. I was only doing it because it was expected of me." Her mother dropped her teacup.
Not wanting to lose her momentum, Cho continued, "I've been offered the chance to play Quidditch for England or Ireland. Out of respect for you, and for other reasons, I refused this year. Next year I plan to accept."
"You will do no such thing! Your father and I have worked very hard to ensure a proper future for you, and you will respect our wishes." Cho could not remember ever seeing such a furious expression on her mother's face. The look was calculated to wither Cho's impertinence and it was having the desired effect. Cho knew she had to continue quickly, or her mother would take over.
"Quiet Lai, let Cho finish." Cho was in shock. Her father just told her mother to be quiet. He had never done that before, at least not when Cho was around. Cho seized the opportunity
"There is also only one possible condition under which I will marry a doctor. That condition is for Harry Potter to be the doctor, and I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for him to enter medical school. I don't know what Ellwyn has told you or why, but it wasn't true. Well, the part about him being an orphan was true, but that's hardly his fault."
"So," her father asked calmly, "You are going to chose England aren't you?"
Cho's mother looked like her head was about to explode. Cho was rather dazed herself. Her father was taking her side. He was opposing her mother. Nothing like this had ever happened before.
"You aren't actually encouraging her in this are you?" spat her mother, "What about all the plans we've made?"
"Those were your plans Lai, not mine or Cho's for that matter. We can't very well make her be a doctor, can we? Cho is right, she has to make her own decisions."
"But she wants to play a game! She thinks she's going to be a teenager forever."
"She is exceptionally good at that game too, from what I hear. If it weren't for this Potter fellow, she would have won the Cup for Ravenclaw at least twice by now."
"And that's another thing. Harry Potter, he isn't even Chinese."
"Neither are we. My passport says United Kingdom. I'm English and I have scars and a Distinguished Service Cross from my time in the Navy to show anyone that claims otherwise. I'm not so sure about marriage just yet, but if Cho wants to see Harry, I don't have a problem with that. He really should come around and introduce himself, you know. It's the proper thing to do."
"I didn't think he would be welcome. I told him not to bother."
"He isn't welcome in my house."
"Lai, if Cho is serious, he's going to have to be welcome sooner or later. If you keep this up you won't even get to see you grandchildren." Her father gave her a wink.
"Grandchildren?" her mother choked. She then started in the dialect of Chinese she spoke that Cho didn't understand, and stormed out of the room.
"What is she saying?" Cho asked.
"I have no idea, " her father shrugged, "I can't understand a word of it either. She'll calm down eventually. It's just going to take a while for her to get used to this."
Cho was awestruck, this was a side of her father she had never seen before. "Why haven't you said anything before about this?"
"I thought you wanted to be a doctor. I thought you wanted to be like your mother. If that's what you wanted, who was I to argue? When you wanted to play Quidditch, I made sure you got a broom didn't I? "
Cho owled Harry the good news. They settled into a new routine of owling at least twice a day. Hedwig and Clark were in the air almost continuously. Harry's summer was typical he said, lots of work, not so much food, he was locked in his room most of the time. Cho did her best to cheer him up. She still found it hard to believe that Professor Dumbledore would not only allow, but insist on his returning there each summer. The bright spot of his summer was when he was allowed to visit the Weasleys during the last weeks of summer. He hoped that he would be able to visit her during that time period, or at the very least they could visit Diagon Alley on the same day.
She missed Harry terribly. Carefully Cho marked each day off the calendar, but the number of days until they would be reunited seemed to grow no smaller. She coped by throwing all of her attention towards their book. With constant her constant effort, it slowly began to take shape. She needed Harry to fill in some parts and clarify some diagrams, but she expected to have a completed initial draft by the time they returned to Hogwarts.
For as long as she could remember, Cho had passed her summers along with Ellwyn. It was true that their friendship had waned somewhat since they had been sorted into different houses, but Cho had always enjoyed her company. She was still furious at Ellwyn for her betrayal, but she missed her friend. Alienated as she was from her mother, Cho found herself lonely.
In many ways, Hermione had become her new best friend. They visited at least once a week, but it wasn't the same. It wasn't as convenient as having her neighbor as her friend. She and Hermione shared a link through Harry, but they didn't have the history of having grown up together.
For Harry's Birthday she sent him a framed photograph taken at the end of their exhibition match. In the photograph Cho was throwing her arms around him and kissing him. It was a moment she liked to relive. Harry wrote back in thanks. He said he loved the picture almost as much as her. She wondered if it was just a quirk of language, or if he was trying to break into the idea slowly. Cho knew he loved her, just as she loved him. It gave her a warm feeling – the word would come when they came.
Summer waned and autumn approached. In another week, Harry would be allowed to visit the Weasleys'. He had also gotten permission to visit her at least once, possibly more at the discretion of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. When she brought the subject up to her parents her mother reluctantly agreed. A date was set for the second Sunday in August. Cho was ecstatic.
Harry's arrival at the Weasley home should have been a happy occasion, instead it became another thing entirely. Harry's headaches returned with a vengeance. Harry's handwriting had become barely legible. He insisted though, that he would make it for their dinner if he had to crawl there. Hermione, who was also visiting the Weasleys, sent Cho an owl telling her to prepare for the worst. Harry was looking quite ragged she said, and this was not the best time for him to try and impress her parents.
Cho was beside herself with anxiety. This wasn't fair. She had patiently waited all summer to see Harry. If Harry couldn't come to her, then she would to go to the Weasley residence to see him. Hermione visited her in person to advise against that. Ginny Weasley had set up a watch over Harry, who was quite incapable of resisting, and wouldn't let anyone else near him, including Mrs. Weasley. The mere mention of Cho's name induced violence, if Cho were to actually go there, who knew what would happen.
Cho couldn't believe this. That Weasley girl was holding Harry hostage. Cho was ready to commit acts of violence herself. The audacity of it all! Taking advantage of Harry's pain to try and steal him away, what could that girl be thinking? Hermione promised she would do her best to get Harry to Cho. Cho had no choice but to wait in frustration.
On the specified Sunday, instead of a visit from Harry, she got a letter and a port key from Hermione. She used the port key without even thinking and landed outside a small country cottage. When she knocked on the door it was answered by Professor Lupin, the former Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. Inside she found Hermione, a large black dog, and the sleeping form of Harry stretched out on the sofa.
Harry looked terrible. He was pale and thin and looked as if he had escaped from a Concentration Camp. Cho knelt by his side and wept. Harry was sleeping soundly. She started to try and wake him, but Hermione stopped her.
"We gave him a sleeping potion," said Hermione, "We figured he needed it."
"How did you get him here? Wherever here is."
"That's kind of complicated," answered Hermione grimly, "This is Professor Lupin's house. He was a friend of Harry's parents. Something was wrong at the Weasleys'. I don't know what, but it was very bad for Harry. No one would listen to me, so I owled S… Professor Lupin and asked for help. We kind of kidnapped him. Harry's location really needs to remain a secret but I thought you should have a chance to see him."
"Thank you," Cho replied, "I really wouldn't have been able to handle him disappearing and not knowing. Do you have an owl? I need to tell my parents I won't be coming home. I won't tell them anything else, I promise."
Hermione turned with a questioning look to Professor Lupin, and then, oddly enough, to the dog.
"Don't even think you're going to get me to leave here before I know Harry is alright."
The dog wagged his tail and barked. Professor Lupin brought her parchment and a quill. Cho hastily scribbled a note and handed it back to him. Cho then sat down on the floor beside Harry and waited.
"It'll be hours you know," said Professor Lupin, "you could sit in a chair for a while, perhaps have a cup of tea?"
"I'm fine right here," insisted Cho, "but the tea would be nice."
Hermione and Professor Lupin tried to make small talk with her, but Cho wasn't interested in talking about anything but Harry. She wanted to know all the details of what happened at the Weasleys', how long he was left alone with the Weasley girl, had they tried purgatives in case he was poisoned? Had they checked for signs of dark magic? And by the way, who was the dog?
"Professor Lupin's pet, " answered Hermione quickly.
"Bullocks," said Cho, "That's an Animagus. I don't know who he is, but he's obviously someone important to Harry or he wouldn't be here. His name starts with an 'S'. Any friend of Harry's is a friend of mine, so you might as well change into a human and have some tea."
The outline of the dog blurred from canine into human. Where the large black dog had been, there was now a thin, wiry man with jet-black hair. He was quite handsome actually, with a wicked grin that could only mean trouble. "Sirius Black, Harry's godfather," he introduced himself, "at your service."
Cho knew that name. It was in the papers quite frequently. Cho knew that at least part of the story was false, because she knew Harry's version of the TriWizard Competition. If Harry was here with Hermione and Professor Lupin, that probably meant the rest of it was false as well. Probably.
"There has to be a really good story behind this." Cho tried to remain calm.
"There is in fact," answered Sirius as he eased himself into the chair she had refused, "a long and mostly unbelievable story behind this. Harry said you were smart, he wasn't kidding."
"I hope," said Cho with false bravado, "He had something to say about me other than that I was smart."
"A great deal actually. Harry only seems to be able to speak on two subjects – you and Quidditch," Sirius said dryly, "If you really want to get him going, all you have to do is bring up you and Quidditch together. Then he turns into one of those wind-up toy monkeys. If it wasn't Harry doing it, you simply wouldn't be able to bear being in the same room with him."
Cho smiled and started to relax. "I hope I'm not that bad."
"You are," insisted Hermione, "but it's for a good cause so we pretend not to notice."
"So this is the whole "We love Harry" club?"
"Ordinarily, there would be at least one Weasley present," said Hermione, "but they have understandably divided loyalties at the moment."
"Since I'm the newest member here, can I ask a few questions?" No one objected, so she continued. "How did he get like this? Was it at his Muggle relatives, or at the Weasleys'?"
Hermione "Mostly at the Dursleys'. Summers are very hard on Harry. Normally he gets a chance to recover at the Burrow. This year that only made things worse."
"If these Muggles do this to him, why does Professor Dumbledore make him go back there? He does know how bad this is, doesn't he?"
"He knows," answered Hermione, "but still he insists. Professor Dumbledore says that the safest place for Harry to be is with his relatives. Only he knows why though, and he isn't telling anyone."
"You're his godfather," Cho said turning to Sirius, "Can't you intervene?"
"My legal standing is rather dicey," replied Sirius, " The only reason I am still free is because of Professor Dumbledore. He has a reason, even though I don't understand it or agree with it. One doesn't violate the trust of Professor Dumbledore lightly."
"But you did it today," observed Cho.
"It wasn't done lightly. Hermione was distressed enough to insist. I trusted her judgement. When I got there it was enough to make me take matters into my own hands."
"What was she doing to him?"
"That's the thing," answered Sirius, "She wasn't doing anything more to him than you are. She was fussing and doting over him like he was a child. Harry looked like he had a Cruciatus Curse on him though. Hermione insisted he had to get out of the house. So I took him. As soon as he got here, he seemed to get better, so Hermione must have known what she was talking about."
"Ginny was the cause of his pain," said Hermione "but I don't think she realized it. Maybe she did though, and just liked being able to look after Harry. Sort of a self fulfilling fantasy: Harry wasn't well, so she got to take care of him and the more she took care of him, the less well he was."
"Last term, Harry's headaches went away when Ron and Ginny left. I had no reason to connect the two events at the time."
"I forgot all about that, " said Hermione, "I don't know how, but I think Tom Riddle has taken over Ginny's mind again."
"Tom Riddle?" asked Cho.
"Again?" asked Sirius.
Hermione told the story of Ginny's first year, the diary, and the Chamber of Secrets. "There is a difference this time. Voldemort is alive and well now. I believe there is some sort of resonance between the real Voldemort and the image that lives in Ginny's head."
"So what are we going to do?" asked Cho.
"We are going to give Harry a day or two to recover," answered Sirius, "then we're going to contact Professor Dumbledore. Harry will stay here until school starts."
The conversation dwindled, but Cho remained at Harry's side all evening, leaving only for the barest of necessities. Professor Lupin turned in around ten. Around eleven or so, Sirius sent Hermione to sleep in his own bed. Quilts and pillows were brought for Cho to make herself comfortable. Cho made no effort to use them.
"He'll be furious with you if you don't get at least a little sleep," Sirius insisted. "Get some rest. I'll sit up and watch him."
"What if he wakes up and I'm asleep?" answered Cho, "I'm willing to risk a little anger." She wasn't budging.
"I'm glad he has you," said Sirius, "Harry needs someone like you. The fact that you're beautiful, intelligent, and the second best Seeker on the planet is strictly bonus."
Cho blushed at his words. "He knows I love him, doesn't he? We haven't exactly used that word yet, but he knows doesn't he?"
"He knows," Sirius assured her, "He feels the same way about you too, you know. You're the only thing he talks about."
"And Quidditch, don't forget about Quidditch."
"I'm pretty sure you're ahead of Quidditch. You're both very, very good you know. I saw your last two games. I was a Beater myself, and never one to let fancy flying or strategy get in the way knocking someone out with a Bludger, but I know enough to know that you two are brilliant."
"I'm good, but Harry is a genius. Harry can do anything on a broom, and he will do anything to catch a Snitch."
"You give him a run for his money, and that isn't easy – even when you have a Firebolt."
"You aren't angry about that are you?"
Sirius shook his head. "No, I was a little at first, not with you, but with Harry. It is his money though, and he is practically an adult."
"I was angry at him at first too, I refused to accept it. He convinced me though. It was one of his more eloquent moments."
"Is this something I really want to know about?" Sirius asked with a grin.
"I would never tell you anyway," insisted Cho, "It was words though, nothing else. Occasionally, his inner poet breaks through. There's a side of Harry that no one suspects. Everyone thinks he's all scar and Firebolt, but he is much deeper than everyone gives him credit for."
"You Ravenclaws are a good influence then. When I talk to him I always seem to get one or two-word answers."
Cho had nodded off and never responded. Sirius covered her with a blanket and put a pillow behind her head. She awoke startled to find the morning sun in her face and stiff from being on the floor for so long. She stood up and stretched her aching muscles then checked on Harry, who was still sleeping. She padded quietly to the kitchen and made herself a cup of tea then returned and sat back on the floor beside Harry.
Around 7:30 Professor Lupin came down and started breakfast. The smell of food woke Harry up, and he immediately sat up. His sudden movement scared Cho so badly that she almost spilled her tea. When she realized he was awake, she practically threw herself on top of him. The sudden relief of worry had her almost in tears.
Once Harry figured out where he was and more or less how he got there, he was in good spirits. Cho continuously stuffed him with food until he absolutely couldn't eat anymore. He had at least a dozen questions, but everyone had agreed that nothing serious would be discussed for at least twenty-four hours. Harry insisted he felt quite well, ready for anything, but Cho remained firm and no one was willing to argue with her.
For lunch, Cho arranged a picnic under the shade tree in Professor Lupin's front yard. At the last minute everyone else became mysteriously busy. Transparent as it might have been, Cho was thankful for the time alone. After weeks of separation and the anxiety of the past few days, there was nothing she wanted more than to be alone with Harry.
Hermione had told her she would cry tears over Harry, but it had just seemed like hyperbole then. The reality of the situation was much harder than Cho had ever imagined. She had been lucky this time, but what about next time? How many more next times would there be? There were some risks she just couldn't take. Having made up her mind, she spoke, "Harry, I have something to tell you."
Harry looked at her with a worried expression. "It's not bad, " she smiled, "I just don't want you to feel pressured, or rushed, or any of that. After everything that has happened, I have to say this for me. Yesterday, I faced the possibility of losing you, and I was terrified. If I were to lose you, I would continue to exist, but it would not be living. You are my source of strength and courage. I love you Harry Potter. Whatever else happens in the world, I want you to know that I love you. As long as I exist in this world or the next, you will have that."
Harry's face began to quiver. He started to speak, but Cho silenced him with a kiss. Harry persisted though and eventually managed to pull away long enough to speak. "Cho, what did I ever do to deserve you? You are brilliant and beautiful and you fly like a bird. Any guy in the world would give an arm to be with you, and you chose me. I can't understand why you would choose to love me above all others, but I am so glad that you do. Without you, I would be a shadow. You are my patronus, in the delirium of pain and nightmares and darkness that follows me, you are the soft voice in my soul that makes it bearable. You are my love, Cho. For as long as I am capable, I will love you."
On the front lawn, beneath a tree, in front of a cottage, behind a hedgerow, they sat in each other's arm until the brilliant summer day faded into a brilliant summer evening. For dinner they joined the others. The five of them had a happy friendly dinner. For a time, there was no darkness, there was no evil, there was only food, and laughter, and love.
The next day, Hermione explained her theory to Harry. He agreed that it was a logical conclusion, so Professor Dumbledore was summoned. Professor Dumbledore listened carefully to their arguments, and agreed to investigate. He was most distressed over the entire situation. Reluctantly he agreed that Harry could stay where he was for the remainder of the summer break. His location was to remain a secret though.
Professor Dumbledore returned two hours later saying he had found nothing amiss at the Weasleys. All of the Weasleys were most concerned over Harry's welfare however and requested Hermione, Harry, and even Cho to come for dinner. Professor Dumbledore thought it would be gracious of them to attend. If Ginny were in fact the cause of Harry's pain, he would be there to the witness the fact and would ensure that Harry was immediately removed. They had no choice but to agree.
Cho and Hermione prepared for the worst. They found, instead, a perfectly normal Weasley household. Ginny greeted all of them with a million-galleon smile. Harry's scar didn't even twitch. They were completely at a loss. It was apparent something was going on though, because not a single mention was made of the entire affair, not even a single questioning look. Ginny even made a little speech about the importance of Harry's happiness. It was too much. Cho wanted to run away screaming.
Back at Professor Lupin's they had to admit they had been out-maneuvered. A strange owl landed with a note for Hermione. The note read "You and the Ravenclaw bitch will have to try harder than that." There was no signature. Harry was apoplectic. Hermione and Cho were both in danger now and there was nothing he could do about it. Tom had found some way to hide himself within Ginny and only takeover when he wanted.
During the day Sirius and Remus had cleared space in the attic for Harry and his things. Hermione returned to her parent's house depressed. She promised to visit every day. Cho insisted she was staying at least one more night. Neither Sirius or Professor Lupin objected, and gave her bedding to sleep on the sofa where Harry had slept the night before. Cho took a shower, and borrowed one of Harry's robes.
When at last the two older men had gone to bed, Cho suggested Harry show her his new attic room. Harry, not really sure what there was to see, obliged. It was exactly what one would expect an attic room to look like. Ancient low rafters, darkened by dust and age arched to a peak overhead. There was a window on one wall, through which one could watch the moon and stars travel across the sky. To one side, had been set up a small bed, a table with a lamp and Harry's chest. Hanging from one of the rafters was Hedwig's cage.
Harry took the opportunity to tend to Hedwig, giving her fresh food and water. Once done he stroked feathers, gave her treats and made soft cooing noises at her. Cho watched attentively but she had other things on her mind.
"I have to go back home tomorrow," Cho started, "I'll come back to visit as soon as I can though."
"I don't know what I'll do without you here," answered Harry. He was still stroking Hedwig's feathers. "I've thought of a few more tactics for the book," he said as he closed and covered Hedwig's cage.
"Harry, I don't want to talk about Quidditch right now."
Harry made a surprised noise and turned around. He made an even more surprised noise. The robe Cho had borrowed was on the floor. A look of amazement spread across Harry face. He looked as if his knees were about to give way. "Cho, you're beautiful."
Cho felt as jittery as Harry looked. She motioned for him to come to her and he immediately obeyed. Soon two of Harry's robes were on the floor. "Harry, you're beautiful too." She brought her lips to his. Beautiful or not, she was tired of talking.
This kiss was so different from everything she had known previously, it deserved a name of its own. Her body molded into his. He radiated so much warmth, she felt cold when she pulled away from him. He pulled her tightly against himself. His hands lightly brushed her skin, making tentative forays into regions previously forbidden. She felt as if she were dissolving into him, her inside melted and she had the sensation of falling; No, not falling, diving and high speed on a Firebolt.
She was flying. Gently he laid her down and the fire that had been a low rumble became a crackling flame. She became an entity of senses. Harry enveloped her. Everything that she could see, hear, taste, touch, or smell was Harry. He was endless, she flew into him, and no matter how far she went there was more.
What seemed an eternity later and nothing would ever convince her that less than a year had passed, she lay with her head on Harry's bare chest, watching the rise and fall of his sleeping breath. She had always heard that the first time would be anti-climactic. Perhaps it was a matter of magic, or maybe poetry, or visualization. It had been everything she had hoped it would be and more. There was a realness to this that she had never imagined. It was one of life's mysteries, she decided, and one that she was content to leave a mystery.
This had not been planned. She had wanted it, but not expected anything to happen for some time, maybe Christmas. Something inside had told her to seize this moment though. Harry hadn't even seen it coming. What would this change between them? Harry was still overwhelmed by the emotions. Still, he did not feel that he deserved love. She'd practically had to hit him over the head with it. He was learning though. Earlier the poet had even made a cameo. He had even done it mentioning flying only once.
She had realized that life, their lives in particular, were fragile. There was too much chance that something would take Harry away from her. She hoped and prayed that it would not happen, but she had to accept that it was possible. If she were to lose Harry, she wanted him to know, whether it was his last breath or hers, she wanted him to know that she loved him completely and without reserve. She had needed to know it too.
In the morning she woke to find Harry staring at her much the same way she had stared at him the night before. She smiled at him and kissed him. "Good morning," she said. Harry traced the outline of her face with his fingers and kissed her back. Waking up next to your love, Cho discovered, was even better than falling asleep beside him.
"I was afraid you wouldn't be here when I woke," said Harry.
"Where else would I be?"
"I thought maybe you would hate me, or maybe this was all too much for you…"
"I will never hate you Harry. Ever. I love you. If ever I am not with you, it is not by my choice. When I am apart from you, it's as if part of myself is missing."
He kissed her again, and crushed her to his chest. "I do not understand what could ever make me worthy of such love. I'm worried that you'll suddenly discover you've made a mistake, and that you'll stop feeling this way for me. I couldn't bear that. I need you so much now. I love you and I need you and I am afraid. You are in danger because of me, and I should run from you, but I can't. I'm too weak. I'll do anything to keep you near me. All I can do is love you, and try to be worthy of your love."
Cho kissed his forehead, then his brow, and continued until she reached his lips. She lingered there as that warm, melting feeling came over her again. She would spend her life to prove to him that he was worthy - supremely worthy. She did not understand how it was that she was worthy of such love either. If there were karma, her previous self must have been a saint. She began to lose herself in him again. It was different this time, more physical and more immediate.
Eventually hunger and thirst drove them out of bed and out to face the world. She really needed to get home before her parents spontaneously burst into flames. She got to watch Harry dress which was an unexpectedly wonderful thing. She assembled her own clothes to make her self as presentable as possible. Neither Sirius nor Professor Lupin were around, but there was tea and breakfast set out for them. She realized that they knew she had spent the night with Harry, and had tactfully excused themselves. She was very glad of that, she hadn't really thought this far ahead in her hasty plans.
After breakfast was done, she helped Harry with the dishes. They did everything as slowly as possible, knowing that when they were done, she would have to leave. It was easy to imagine, if just for a few minutes. That this was there house, that it was perfectly normal for her to wake up with Harry, profess her undying love for him, eat breakfast, and wash dishes. Someday, this would be their life, but not yet. Once the chores were done, she kissed him passionately and stepped through the flue.
Harry had rarely felt more alone in his life. He went out to sit under the shade tree in the front yard and found Sirius already there with a grin more suited for a cat that had just eaten a canary, than someone who spent the better part of his days in the form of a large black dog.
"I assume she's gone then."
Harry nodded and sat down with his back against the tree.
"You want to be alone?" Sirius asked.
"Nope," answered Harry, "I don't think I've ever wanted to be less alone in my life."
"Bloody marvelous feeling isn't it?" Sirius gave him a nudge on the shoulder
"Not wanting to be alone?" Harry's reply was automatic, but inwardly he was trying to convince his heart that it really should start beating again.
"You know that's not what I meant." An awkward silence hung in the air. Even the summer breeze, the birds and the buzz of insects seemed to fade away. It seemed as if the whole world was waiting to hear Harry's response.
Harry went completely crimson. "So you know?"
"You two weren't exactly quiet. I guess it's too late for the birds and the bees lecture now…"
"I think I've got that figured out now." Harry began to breathe a bit easier and his heart rate returned to something like normal.
"So you used precautions, right?" Sirius hoped he wasn't blushing as badly as Harry was. Being a godfather had suddenly become a lot more difficult. He missed the good old days of just wondering whether of not Harry was alive and in one piece.
"Yes!" Harry answered defensively, "We all got the official lecture from Madame Pomfrey. There's no way I would ever make Cho face that woman. I can't believe you even asked me that!"
"It's my duty as you're godfather to ask. You've taken a big step and there's responsibility that goes along with it. I haven't been able to be much of a father to you, I know, but this is important, it's part of manhood. Believe me, I'd much rather be hearing this as one of James' stories over a pint than doing it myself."
Harry remained silent. The wind, the birds, and insects resumed their regularly scheduled blowing, chirping, and buzzing. Sirius exhaled a sigh of relief. "You're lucky you know…"
"The luckiest guy in the world. I keep expecting to wake up and find it was all just a dream."
"She's lucky too, and I know for a fact she feels the same way. I haven't seen two people look at each other the way you do since James and Lily. Love like that is rare. Take care of her, Harry, or you'll regret it for the rest of your life."
Harry leaned back against the tree and took a deep breath. Finally he relaxed and answered. "I know…"
***
Author's Note:
This was a very difficult chapter to write, and I couldn't have done it nearly so well without the help Alex and Amy. I was ready to excise the final conversation with Sirius until Amy showed me how to turn it from the pitiful dangling thing it was into its current amazing state.
Once again, I would like to thank all of you who left reviews – especially those who, chapter after chapter, continue to praise this story (Tarawen, and merlin come immediately to mind). All of that praise could go to a guy's head. Fortunately enough, I am absolutely addicted to this story too, and although I know what's going to happen, I don't know exactly how it's going to happen, or about any of those special little moments along the way. I have to write it to find out.
Next chapter is not for the squeamish… Cho turns up missing, Voldemort finally makes an appearance and things go downhill from there… See you again soon.
***
Cho's mother was every bit as furious as expected. For the entire trip home her mother lectured her and Cho tried her best to tune it all out. She was seventeen now and her mother still treated her as if she were eight. Cho had plenty to say to her mother, but she wasn't going to say it in the car. Home was much better. She wasn't sure how her father would react. He usually went along with whatever her mother said and rarely expressed his own opinions. He might very well get upset about this and she didn't want that to happen while he was driving.
Her mother's arguments seemed to come down to the fact that Cho was spending entirely too much time on Quidditch and not enough on more important things. Exactly which 'more important things' was never made clear. Cho's grades were still as impeccable as they had ever been. Cho knew what her mother was really afraid of, and it was already too late for that.
The other thing that irked her mother was Harry Potter. Now Cho knew beyond doubt that Ellwyn had betrayed her. It had been one thing, her mother insisted, when she had dated Cedric. He had been a nice young man from a good family and with a good future ahead of him. This Potter was an orphan. He had no future, no family, no respect for authority, and no prospects. He would take advantage of her given the opportunity.
Inwardly Cho laughed. She recalled giving Harry plenty of opportunities to do just that and he had stubbornly remained quite the gentleman. It was probably something she was going to have to hit him upside the head with. That wasn't something she was going to share with her mother though. The recollection of it, however, definitely helped to makes the kilometers pass quickly.
Once home, Cho decided to wait until dinner the next day to break her news. Immediately she sent an owl out to Harry and another to Hermione. Her mother hadn't thought to cut off owl communication yet, but it was probably only a matter of time. Harry responded back quickly that everything was fine, and wished her luck. She missed him already. They really should have spent more time on the train snogging. Cho busied herself with the manuscript for their book.
The next day Cho found herself a bundle of nervous energy. It was one thing to tell yourself you were going to standup to your mother, but it was another thing entirely to actually do it. All day long she paced and went over what she wanted to say in her head, mentally trying to prepare herself for her mother's objections.
The hours of the day staggered and surged towards dinnertime. Cho sat down at the table exhausted. It had easily been one of the longest days of her life. "Mother, Father," she started, "There are some things I want to talk about."
Her father only raised his eyebrows, but her mother did not look very happy at all. Cho took a deep breath and let it out slowly. It was far too late to back out now, from now on she would no longer be Cho the Passenger, she was going to be Cho the Driver.
"I've made some decisions about my future. You may not like some of them, or any of them, but I'm an adult now, or I will be soon, and there are certain things I have to do for myself. First, I am not going to be a doctor. I never wanted to be a doctor. I was only doing it because it was expected of me." Her mother dropped her teacup.
Not wanting to lose her momentum, Cho continued, "I've been offered the chance to play Quidditch for England or Ireland. Out of respect for you, and for other reasons, I refused this year. Next year I plan to accept."
"You will do no such thing! Your father and I have worked very hard to ensure a proper future for you, and you will respect our wishes." Cho could not remember ever seeing such a furious expression on her mother's face. The look was calculated to wither Cho's impertinence and it was having the desired effect. Cho knew she had to continue quickly, or her mother would take over.
"Quiet Lai, let Cho finish." Cho was in shock. Her father just told her mother to be quiet. He had never done that before, at least not when Cho was around. Cho seized the opportunity
"There is also only one possible condition under which I will marry a doctor. That condition is for Harry Potter to be the doctor, and I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for him to enter medical school. I don't know what Ellwyn has told you or why, but it wasn't true. Well, the part about him being an orphan was true, but that's hardly his fault."
"So," her father asked calmly, "You are going to chose England aren't you?"
Cho's mother looked like her head was about to explode. Cho was rather dazed herself. Her father was taking her side. He was opposing her mother. Nothing like this had ever happened before.
"You aren't actually encouraging her in this are you?" spat her mother, "What about all the plans we've made?"
"Those were your plans Lai, not mine or Cho's for that matter. We can't very well make her be a doctor, can we? Cho is right, she has to make her own decisions."
"But she wants to play a game! She thinks she's going to be a teenager forever."
"She is exceptionally good at that game too, from what I hear. If it weren't for this Potter fellow, she would have won the Cup for Ravenclaw at least twice by now."
"And that's another thing. Harry Potter, he isn't even Chinese."
"Neither are we. My passport says United Kingdom. I'm English and I have scars and a Distinguished Service Cross from my time in the Navy to show anyone that claims otherwise. I'm not so sure about marriage just yet, but if Cho wants to see Harry, I don't have a problem with that. He really should come around and introduce himself, you know. It's the proper thing to do."
"I didn't think he would be welcome. I told him not to bother."
"He isn't welcome in my house."
"Lai, if Cho is serious, he's going to have to be welcome sooner or later. If you keep this up you won't even get to see you grandchildren." Her father gave her a wink.
"Grandchildren?" her mother choked. She then started in the dialect of Chinese she spoke that Cho didn't understand, and stormed out of the room.
"What is she saying?" Cho asked.
"I have no idea, " her father shrugged, "I can't understand a word of it either. She'll calm down eventually. It's just going to take a while for her to get used to this."
Cho was awestruck, this was a side of her father she had never seen before. "Why haven't you said anything before about this?"
"I thought you wanted to be a doctor. I thought you wanted to be like your mother. If that's what you wanted, who was I to argue? When you wanted to play Quidditch, I made sure you got a broom didn't I? "
Cho owled Harry the good news. They settled into a new routine of owling at least twice a day. Hedwig and Clark were in the air almost continuously. Harry's summer was typical he said, lots of work, not so much food, he was locked in his room most of the time. Cho did her best to cheer him up. She still found it hard to believe that Professor Dumbledore would not only allow, but insist on his returning there each summer. The bright spot of his summer was when he was allowed to visit the Weasleys during the last weeks of summer. He hoped that he would be able to visit her during that time period, or at the very least they could visit Diagon Alley on the same day.
She missed Harry terribly. Carefully Cho marked each day off the calendar, but the number of days until they would be reunited seemed to grow no smaller. She coped by throwing all of her attention towards their book. With constant her constant effort, it slowly began to take shape. She needed Harry to fill in some parts and clarify some diagrams, but she expected to have a completed initial draft by the time they returned to Hogwarts.
For as long as she could remember, Cho had passed her summers along with Ellwyn. It was true that their friendship had waned somewhat since they had been sorted into different houses, but Cho had always enjoyed her company. She was still furious at Ellwyn for her betrayal, but she missed her friend. Alienated as she was from her mother, Cho found herself lonely.
In many ways, Hermione had become her new best friend. They visited at least once a week, but it wasn't the same. It wasn't as convenient as having her neighbor as her friend. She and Hermione shared a link through Harry, but they didn't have the history of having grown up together.
For Harry's Birthday she sent him a framed photograph taken at the end of their exhibition match. In the photograph Cho was throwing her arms around him and kissing him. It was a moment she liked to relive. Harry wrote back in thanks. He said he loved the picture almost as much as her. She wondered if it was just a quirk of language, or if he was trying to break into the idea slowly. Cho knew he loved her, just as she loved him. It gave her a warm feeling – the word would come when they came.
Summer waned and autumn approached. In another week, Harry would be allowed to visit the Weasleys'. He had also gotten permission to visit her at least once, possibly more at the discretion of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. When she brought the subject up to her parents her mother reluctantly agreed. A date was set for the second Sunday in August. Cho was ecstatic.
Harry's arrival at the Weasley home should have been a happy occasion, instead it became another thing entirely. Harry's headaches returned with a vengeance. Harry's handwriting had become barely legible. He insisted though, that he would make it for their dinner if he had to crawl there. Hermione, who was also visiting the Weasleys, sent Cho an owl telling her to prepare for the worst. Harry was looking quite ragged she said, and this was not the best time for him to try and impress her parents.
Cho was beside herself with anxiety. This wasn't fair. She had patiently waited all summer to see Harry. If Harry couldn't come to her, then she would to go to the Weasley residence to see him. Hermione visited her in person to advise against that. Ginny Weasley had set up a watch over Harry, who was quite incapable of resisting, and wouldn't let anyone else near him, including Mrs. Weasley. The mere mention of Cho's name induced violence, if Cho were to actually go there, who knew what would happen.
Cho couldn't believe this. That Weasley girl was holding Harry hostage. Cho was ready to commit acts of violence herself. The audacity of it all! Taking advantage of Harry's pain to try and steal him away, what could that girl be thinking? Hermione promised she would do her best to get Harry to Cho. Cho had no choice but to wait in frustration.
On the specified Sunday, instead of a visit from Harry, she got a letter and a port key from Hermione. She used the port key without even thinking and landed outside a small country cottage. When she knocked on the door it was answered by Professor Lupin, the former Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. Inside she found Hermione, a large black dog, and the sleeping form of Harry stretched out on the sofa.
Harry looked terrible. He was pale and thin and looked as if he had escaped from a Concentration Camp. Cho knelt by his side and wept. Harry was sleeping soundly. She started to try and wake him, but Hermione stopped her.
"We gave him a sleeping potion," said Hermione, "We figured he needed it."
"How did you get him here? Wherever here is."
"That's kind of complicated," answered Hermione grimly, "This is Professor Lupin's house. He was a friend of Harry's parents. Something was wrong at the Weasleys'. I don't know what, but it was very bad for Harry. No one would listen to me, so I owled S… Professor Lupin and asked for help. We kind of kidnapped him. Harry's location really needs to remain a secret but I thought you should have a chance to see him."
"Thank you," Cho replied, "I really wouldn't have been able to handle him disappearing and not knowing. Do you have an owl? I need to tell my parents I won't be coming home. I won't tell them anything else, I promise."
Hermione turned with a questioning look to Professor Lupin, and then, oddly enough, to the dog.
"Don't even think you're going to get me to leave here before I know Harry is alright."
The dog wagged his tail and barked. Professor Lupin brought her parchment and a quill. Cho hastily scribbled a note and handed it back to him. Cho then sat down on the floor beside Harry and waited.
"It'll be hours you know," said Professor Lupin, "you could sit in a chair for a while, perhaps have a cup of tea?"
"I'm fine right here," insisted Cho, "but the tea would be nice."
Hermione and Professor Lupin tried to make small talk with her, but Cho wasn't interested in talking about anything but Harry. She wanted to know all the details of what happened at the Weasleys', how long he was left alone with the Weasley girl, had they tried purgatives in case he was poisoned? Had they checked for signs of dark magic? And by the way, who was the dog?
"Professor Lupin's pet, " answered Hermione quickly.
"Bullocks," said Cho, "That's an Animagus. I don't know who he is, but he's obviously someone important to Harry or he wouldn't be here. His name starts with an 'S'. Any friend of Harry's is a friend of mine, so you might as well change into a human and have some tea."
The outline of the dog blurred from canine into human. Where the large black dog had been, there was now a thin, wiry man with jet-black hair. He was quite handsome actually, with a wicked grin that could only mean trouble. "Sirius Black, Harry's godfather," he introduced himself, "at your service."
Cho knew that name. It was in the papers quite frequently. Cho knew that at least part of the story was false, because she knew Harry's version of the TriWizard Competition. If Harry was here with Hermione and Professor Lupin, that probably meant the rest of it was false as well. Probably.
"There has to be a really good story behind this." Cho tried to remain calm.
"There is in fact," answered Sirius as he eased himself into the chair she had refused, "a long and mostly unbelievable story behind this. Harry said you were smart, he wasn't kidding."
"I hope," said Cho with false bravado, "He had something to say about me other than that I was smart."
"A great deal actually. Harry only seems to be able to speak on two subjects – you and Quidditch," Sirius said dryly, "If you really want to get him going, all you have to do is bring up you and Quidditch together. Then he turns into one of those wind-up toy monkeys. If it wasn't Harry doing it, you simply wouldn't be able to bear being in the same room with him."
Cho smiled and started to relax. "I hope I'm not that bad."
"You are," insisted Hermione, "but it's for a good cause so we pretend not to notice."
"So this is the whole "We love Harry" club?"
"Ordinarily, there would be at least one Weasley present," said Hermione, "but they have understandably divided loyalties at the moment."
"Since I'm the newest member here, can I ask a few questions?" No one objected, so she continued. "How did he get like this? Was it at his Muggle relatives, or at the Weasleys'?"
Hermione "Mostly at the Dursleys'. Summers are very hard on Harry. Normally he gets a chance to recover at the Burrow. This year that only made things worse."
"If these Muggles do this to him, why does Professor Dumbledore make him go back there? He does know how bad this is, doesn't he?"
"He knows," answered Hermione, "but still he insists. Professor Dumbledore says that the safest place for Harry to be is with his relatives. Only he knows why though, and he isn't telling anyone."
"You're his godfather," Cho said turning to Sirius, "Can't you intervene?"
"My legal standing is rather dicey," replied Sirius, " The only reason I am still free is because of Professor Dumbledore. He has a reason, even though I don't understand it or agree with it. One doesn't violate the trust of Professor Dumbledore lightly."
"But you did it today," observed Cho.
"It wasn't done lightly. Hermione was distressed enough to insist. I trusted her judgement. When I got there it was enough to make me take matters into my own hands."
"What was she doing to him?"
"That's the thing," answered Sirius, "She wasn't doing anything more to him than you are. She was fussing and doting over him like he was a child. Harry looked like he had a Cruciatus Curse on him though. Hermione insisted he had to get out of the house. So I took him. As soon as he got here, he seemed to get better, so Hermione must have known what she was talking about."
"Ginny was the cause of his pain," said Hermione "but I don't think she realized it. Maybe she did though, and just liked being able to look after Harry. Sort of a self fulfilling fantasy: Harry wasn't well, so she got to take care of him and the more she took care of him, the less well he was."
"Last term, Harry's headaches went away when Ron and Ginny left. I had no reason to connect the two events at the time."
"I forgot all about that, " said Hermione, "I don't know how, but I think Tom Riddle has taken over Ginny's mind again."
"Tom Riddle?" asked Cho.
"Again?" asked Sirius.
Hermione told the story of Ginny's first year, the diary, and the Chamber of Secrets. "There is a difference this time. Voldemort is alive and well now. I believe there is some sort of resonance between the real Voldemort and the image that lives in Ginny's head."
"So what are we going to do?" asked Cho.
"We are going to give Harry a day or two to recover," answered Sirius, "then we're going to contact Professor Dumbledore. Harry will stay here until school starts."
The conversation dwindled, but Cho remained at Harry's side all evening, leaving only for the barest of necessities. Professor Lupin turned in around ten. Around eleven or so, Sirius sent Hermione to sleep in his own bed. Quilts and pillows were brought for Cho to make herself comfortable. Cho made no effort to use them.
"He'll be furious with you if you don't get at least a little sleep," Sirius insisted. "Get some rest. I'll sit up and watch him."
"What if he wakes up and I'm asleep?" answered Cho, "I'm willing to risk a little anger." She wasn't budging.
"I'm glad he has you," said Sirius, "Harry needs someone like you. The fact that you're beautiful, intelligent, and the second best Seeker on the planet is strictly bonus."
Cho blushed at his words. "He knows I love him, doesn't he? We haven't exactly used that word yet, but he knows doesn't he?"
"He knows," Sirius assured her, "He feels the same way about you too, you know. You're the only thing he talks about."
"And Quidditch, don't forget about Quidditch."
"I'm pretty sure you're ahead of Quidditch. You're both very, very good you know. I saw your last two games. I was a Beater myself, and never one to let fancy flying or strategy get in the way knocking someone out with a Bludger, but I know enough to know that you two are brilliant."
"I'm good, but Harry is a genius. Harry can do anything on a broom, and he will do anything to catch a Snitch."
"You give him a run for his money, and that isn't easy – even when you have a Firebolt."
"You aren't angry about that are you?"
Sirius shook his head. "No, I was a little at first, not with you, but with Harry. It is his money though, and he is practically an adult."
"I was angry at him at first too, I refused to accept it. He convinced me though. It was one of his more eloquent moments."
"Is this something I really want to know about?" Sirius asked with a grin.
"I would never tell you anyway," insisted Cho, "It was words though, nothing else. Occasionally, his inner poet breaks through. There's a side of Harry that no one suspects. Everyone thinks he's all scar and Firebolt, but he is much deeper than everyone gives him credit for."
"You Ravenclaws are a good influence then. When I talk to him I always seem to get one or two-word answers."
Cho had nodded off and never responded. Sirius covered her with a blanket and put a pillow behind her head. She awoke startled to find the morning sun in her face and stiff from being on the floor for so long. She stood up and stretched her aching muscles then checked on Harry, who was still sleeping. She padded quietly to the kitchen and made herself a cup of tea then returned and sat back on the floor beside Harry.
Around 7:30 Professor Lupin came down and started breakfast. The smell of food woke Harry up, and he immediately sat up. His sudden movement scared Cho so badly that she almost spilled her tea. When she realized he was awake, she practically threw herself on top of him. The sudden relief of worry had her almost in tears.
Once Harry figured out where he was and more or less how he got there, he was in good spirits. Cho continuously stuffed him with food until he absolutely couldn't eat anymore. He had at least a dozen questions, but everyone had agreed that nothing serious would be discussed for at least twenty-four hours. Harry insisted he felt quite well, ready for anything, but Cho remained firm and no one was willing to argue with her.
For lunch, Cho arranged a picnic under the shade tree in Professor Lupin's front yard. At the last minute everyone else became mysteriously busy. Transparent as it might have been, Cho was thankful for the time alone. After weeks of separation and the anxiety of the past few days, there was nothing she wanted more than to be alone with Harry.
Hermione had told her she would cry tears over Harry, but it had just seemed like hyperbole then. The reality of the situation was much harder than Cho had ever imagined. She had been lucky this time, but what about next time? How many more next times would there be? There were some risks she just couldn't take. Having made up her mind, she spoke, "Harry, I have something to tell you."
Harry looked at her with a worried expression. "It's not bad, " she smiled, "I just don't want you to feel pressured, or rushed, or any of that. After everything that has happened, I have to say this for me. Yesterday, I faced the possibility of losing you, and I was terrified. If I were to lose you, I would continue to exist, but it would not be living. You are my source of strength and courage. I love you Harry Potter. Whatever else happens in the world, I want you to know that I love you. As long as I exist in this world or the next, you will have that."
Harry's face began to quiver. He started to speak, but Cho silenced him with a kiss. Harry persisted though and eventually managed to pull away long enough to speak. "Cho, what did I ever do to deserve you? You are brilliant and beautiful and you fly like a bird. Any guy in the world would give an arm to be with you, and you chose me. I can't understand why you would choose to love me above all others, but I am so glad that you do. Without you, I would be a shadow. You are my patronus, in the delirium of pain and nightmares and darkness that follows me, you are the soft voice in my soul that makes it bearable. You are my love, Cho. For as long as I am capable, I will love you."
On the front lawn, beneath a tree, in front of a cottage, behind a hedgerow, they sat in each other's arm until the brilliant summer day faded into a brilliant summer evening. For dinner they joined the others. The five of them had a happy friendly dinner. For a time, there was no darkness, there was no evil, there was only food, and laughter, and love.
The next day, Hermione explained her theory to Harry. He agreed that it was a logical conclusion, so Professor Dumbledore was summoned. Professor Dumbledore listened carefully to their arguments, and agreed to investigate. He was most distressed over the entire situation. Reluctantly he agreed that Harry could stay where he was for the remainder of the summer break. His location was to remain a secret though.
Professor Dumbledore returned two hours later saying he had found nothing amiss at the Weasleys. All of the Weasleys were most concerned over Harry's welfare however and requested Hermione, Harry, and even Cho to come for dinner. Professor Dumbledore thought it would be gracious of them to attend. If Ginny were in fact the cause of Harry's pain, he would be there to the witness the fact and would ensure that Harry was immediately removed. They had no choice but to agree.
Cho and Hermione prepared for the worst. They found, instead, a perfectly normal Weasley household. Ginny greeted all of them with a million-galleon smile. Harry's scar didn't even twitch. They were completely at a loss. It was apparent something was going on though, because not a single mention was made of the entire affair, not even a single questioning look. Ginny even made a little speech about the importance of Harry's happiness. It was too much. Cho wanted to run away screaming.
Back at Professor Lupin's they had to admit they had been out-maneuvered. A strange owl landed with a note for Hermione. The note read "You and the Ravenclaw bitch will have to try harder than that." There was no signature. Harry was apoplectic. Hermione and Cho were both in danger now and there was nothing he could do about it. Tom had found some way to hide himself within Ginny and only takeover when he wanted.
During the day Sirius and Remus had cleared space in the attic for Harry and his things. Hermione returned to her parent's house depressed. She promised to visit every day. Cho insisted she was staying at least one more night. Neither Sirius or Professor Lupin objected, and gave her bedding to sleep on the sofa where Harry had slept the night before. Cho took a shower, and borrowed one of Harry's robes.
When at last the two older men had gone to bed, Cho suggested Harry show her his new attic room. Harry, not really sure what there was to see, obliged. It was exactly what one would expect an attic room to look like. Ancient low rafters, darkened by dust and age arched to a peak overhead. There was a window on one wall, through which one could watch the moon and stars travel across the sky. To one side, had been set up a small bed, a table with a lamp and Harry's chest. Hanging from one of the rafters was Hedwig's cage.
Harry took the opportunity to tend to Hedwig, giving her fresh food and water. Once done he stroked feathers, gave her treats and made soft cooing noises at her. Cho watched attentively but she had other things on her mind.
"I have to go back home tomorrow," Cho started, "I'll come back to visit as soon as I can though."
"I don't know what I'll do without you here," answered Harry. He was still stroking Hedwig's feathers. "I've thought of a few more tactics for the book," he said as he closed and covered Hedwig's cage.
"Harry, I don't want to talk about Quidditch right now."
Harry made a surprised noise and turned around. He made an even more surprised noise. The robe Cho had borrowed was on the floor. A look of amazement spread across Harry face. He looked as if his knees were about to give way. "Cho, you're beautiful."
Cho felt as jittery as Harry looked. She motioned for him to come to her and he immediately obeyed. Soon two of Harry's robes were on the floor. "Harry, you're beautiful too." She brought her lips to his. Beautiful or not, she was tired of talking.
This kiss was so different from everything she had known previously, it deserved a name of its own. Her body molded into his. He radiated so much warmth, she felt cold when she pulled away from him. He pulled her tightly against himself. His hands lightly brushed her skin, making tentative forays into regions previously forbidden. She felt as if she were dissolving into him, her inside melted and she had the sensation of falling; No, not falling, diving and high speed on a Firebolt.
She was flying. Gently he laid her down and the fire that had been a low rumble became a crackling flame. She became an entity of senses. Harry enveloped her. Everything that she could see, hear, taste, touch, or smell was Harry. He was endless, she flew into him, and no matter how far she went there was more.
What seemed an eternity later and nothing would ever convince her that less than a year had passed, she lay with her head on Harry's bare chest, watching the rise and fall of his sleeping breath. She had always heard that the first time would be anti-climactic. Perhaps it was a matter of magic, or maybe poetry, or visualization. It had been everything she had hoped it would be and more. There was a realness to this that she had never imagined. It was one of life's mysteries, she decided, and one that she was content to leave a mystery.
This had not been planned. She had wanted it, but not expected anything to happen for some time, maybe Christmas. Something inside had told her to seize this moment though. Harry hadn't even seen it coming. What would this change between them? Harry was still overwhelmed by the emotions. Still, he did not feel that he deserved love. She'd practically had to hit him over the head with it. He was learning though. Earlier the poet had even made a cameo. He had even done it mentioning flying only once.
She had realized that life, their lives in particular, were fragile. There was too much chance that something would take Harry away from her. She hoped and prayed that it would not happen, but she had to accept that it was possible. If she were to lose Harry, she wanted him to know, whether it was his last breath or hers, she wanted him to know that she loved him completely and without reserve. She had needed to know it too.
In the morning she woke to find Harry staring at her much the same way she had stared at him the night before. She smiled at him and kissed him. "Good morning," she said. Harry traced the outline of her face with his fingers and kissed her back. Waking up next to your love, Cho discovered, was even better than falling asleep beside him.
"I was afraid you wouldn't be here when I woke," said Harry.
"Where else would I be?"
"I thought maybe you would hate me, or maybe this was all too much for you…"
"I will never hate you Harry. Ever. I love you. If ever I am not with you, it is not by my choice. When I am apart from you, it's as if part of myself is missing."
He kissed her again, and crushed her to his chest. "I do not understand what could ever make me worthy of such love. I'm worried that you'll suddenly discover you've made a mistake, and that you'll stop feeling this way for me. I couldn't bear that. I need you so much now. I love you and I need you and I am afraid. You are in danger because of me, and I should run from you, but I can't. I'm too weak. I'll do anything to keep you near me. All I can do is love you, and try to be worthy of your love."
Cho kissed his forehead, then his brow, and continued until she reached his lips. She lingered there as that warm, melting feeling came over her again. She would spend her life to prove to him that he was worthy - supremely worthy. She did not understand how it was that she was worthy of such love either. If there were karma, her previous self must have been a saint. She began to lose herself in him again. It was different this time, more physical and more immediate.
Eventually hunger and thirst drove them out of bed and out to face the world. She really needed to get home before her parents spontaneously burst into flames. She got to watch Harry dress which was an unexpectedly wonderful thing. She assembled her own clothes to make her self as presentable as possible. Neither Sirius nor Professor Lupin were around, but there was tea and breakfast set out for them. She realized that they knew she had spent the night with Harry, and had tactfully excused themselves. She was very glad of that, she hadn't really thought this far ahead in her hasty plans.
After breakfast was done, she helped Harry with the dishes. They did everything as slowly as possible, knowing that when they were done, she would have to leave. It was easy to imagine, if just for a few minutes. That this was there house, that it was perfectly normal for her to wake up with Harry, profess her undying love for him, eat breakfast, and wash dishes. Someday, this would be their life, but not yet. Once the chores were done, she kissed him passionately and stepped through the flue.
Harry had rarely felt more alone in his life. He went out to sit under the shade tree in the front yard and found Sirius already there with a grin more suited for a cat that had just eaten a canary, than someone who spent the better part of his days in the form of a large black dog.
"I assume she's gone then."
Harry nodded and sat down with his back against the tree.
"You want to be alone?" Sirius asked.
"Nope," answered Harry, "I don't think I've ever wanted to be less alone in my life."
"Bloody marvelous feeling isn't it?" Sirius gave him a nudge on the shoulder
"Not wanting to be alone?" Harry's reply was automatic, but inwardly he was trying to convince his heart that it really should start beating again.
"You know that's not what I meant." An awkward silence hung in the air. Even the summer breeze, the birds and the buzz of insects seemed to fade away. It seemed as if the whole world was waiting to hear Harry's response.
Harry went completely crimson. "So you know?"
"You two weren't exactly quiet. I guess it's too late for the birds and the bees lecture now…"
"I think I've got that figured out now." Harry began to breathe a bit easier and his heart rate returned to something like normal.
"So you used precautions, right?" Sirius hoped he wasn't blushing as badly as Harry was. Being a godfather had suddenly become a lot more difficult. He missed the good old days of just wondering whether of not Harry was alive and in one piece.
"Yes!" Harry answered defensively, "We all got the official lecture from Madame Pomfrey. There's no way I would ever make Cho face that woman. I can't believe you even asked me that!"
"It's my duty as you're godfather to ask. You've taken a big step and there's responsibility that goes along with it. I haven't been able to be much of a father to you, I know, but this is important, it's part of manhood. Believe me, I'd much rather be hearing this as one of James' stories over a pint than doing it myself."
Harry remained silent. The wind, the birds, and insects resumed their regularly scheduled blowing, chirping, and buzzing. Sirius exhaled a sigh of relief. "You're lucky you know…"
"The luckiest guy in the world. I keep expecting to wake up and find it was all just a dream."
"She's lucky too, and I know for a fact she feels the same way. I haven't seen two people look at each other the way you do since James and Lily. Love like that is rare. Take care of her, Harry, or you'll regret it for the rest of your life."
Harry leaned back against the tree and took a deep breath. Finally he relaxed and answered. "I know…"
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Author's Note:
This was a very difficult chapter to write, and I couldn't have done it nearly so well without the help Alex and Amy. I was ready to excise the final conversation with Sirius until Amy showed me how to turn it from the pitiful dangling thing it was into its current amazing state.
Once again, I would like to thank all of you who left reviews – especially those who, chapter after chapter, continue to praise this story (Tarawen, and merlin come immediately to mind). All of that praise could go to a guy's head. Fortunately enough, I am absolutely addicted to this story too, and although I know what's going to happen, I don't know exactly how it's going to happen, or about any of those special little moments along the way. I have to write it to find out.
Next chapter is not for the squeamish… Cho turns up missing, Voldemort finally makes an appearance and things go downhill from there… See you again soon.
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