Chapter III - Diagon Alley

As the days went by, Harry called Cho every night just to keep in touch. He didn't even mention about the 'weird' feeling she said on his first call. Neither did Cho. She thought it might scare Harry away and she didn't want that. She also mentioned that she and her best friend would be staying at The Leaky Cauldron on August 31 to buy their school stuff. He said that he'd be staying there as well, with Hermione and the Weasleys.

"It's so good to see you Cho!" Cheryll said as she drank her butterbeer at the Leaky Cauldron. It was already August 31 and Cho met Cheryll in the Leaky Cauldron. Cho had to take a cab to meet her there. After dispensing all their stuff in their rooms, they went down to grab some breakfast. Cho was trying to give her details about Harry phone calls to her when they were waiting for their food but Cheryll was too busy talking about how she loved her summer vacation.

"So good to see you too Cheryll. So, how was New York? Did you like the Broadway?" Cho said as she took a bite from her bread.

"Broadway was way cool! I couldn't imagine why wizards and witches don't do that. Anyway, remember on the letter that I sent you about this 'Diagon Alley' in New York? Well, it turns out it was really like Diagon Alley. They also have the same stores that we have here. And it was so much cheaper. Their taxes weren't that high compared here. Anyway, have you seen the new book of Cristina Melancholy about the spells those witches used to cast on muggles when they were hunting them in Salem? It was released last week. Well, it's about." Cheryll just kept on talking Cho about it. Cheryll's into historic and charms stuff. She had the largest collection of Ancient Wizards and Witches books and collects artifacts way before her time. Her favorite subjects are History of Magic and Charms. Why History of Magic? Go figure!

"Hello? Earth to Cho Chang? Are you here?" Cheryll was snapping her fingers in front of Cho's face. Cho smiled at her and nodded and Cheryll just kept on talking. She missed her best friend so she just let her talk about the time she had in New York.

Cho was paying attention to Cheryll, but not fully. Cho nodded her head to let her know she's still listening. She was still thinking about the times when Harry called her. She even pretended to be sleeping when he called one night, but the real thing was, she was waiting for his call. They talked pretty casual on the phone. The weird feeling she was that she was comfortable talking to Harry, even though they just started to be friends. It was like when she and Cedric first started to know each other. They found out a lot of things from each other. They almost like the same things. Since they are both Seekers in their own respective houses, lives with muggles and own owls, they pretty much talked about everything there was to talk about. Cho was even surprise to see Hedwig, Harry's owl, one afternoon to drop off a gift. It was a book. Quidditch through the Ages. She loved that book. It was even useful for her. She also sent him a gift. It was also a book. Hogwarts, a History. Harry told her over the phone that Hermione would be pleased to hear that he has a copy. Cho said to turn on page 1821, while they were talking one day, and when Harry saw the page, it was him when he got the Sorcerer's stone on his first year. There was even a comment from Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts. He was surprised about it because he didn't know that he was part of a Hogwarts book. He said many thanks to Cho and he said he loved the book, which flattered and relieved Cho.

Once Cheryll and Cho were done eating breakfast, they decided to get money first. Cheryll just kept on going over and over the spells she read until they've reached Gringotts. Cho had to change her money to coins and Cheryll had to get some coins from her parents vault. Cho said she would just wait for her outside since it takes a while for customers to get their money in the vaults, especially the last day of summer.

While waiting outside of Gringotts, Cho was busy looking around and saw one of her fellow Ravenclaw and captain of their Quidditch team, Roger Davies. He waved and went to talk to her.

"Hey Cho, how are you now? I hope you are doing well."

"I'm okay, and thanks for asking. How was your summer?" Cho asked.

While Roger was talking about his travels all over Europe, Cho couldn't help thinking what's taking Cheryll so long. She felt uneasy with Roger around since he kept on asking her out. He's really good looking but she doesn't feel any chemistry with him. While Roger was talking to her, she saw Hermione, and the Weasley's family coming out. Roger stopped talking and looked at the Weasley's family. She looked at them and checked if Harry was with them. He said he'll be with the Weasley's today. The Weasley's said, "hi". Roger excused himself to Cho and to the Weasleys, which the twins completely ignored, and left. The twins couldn't stand Roger's ego. They all left except for Fred, who talked to Cho.

"Roger's so conceited. I hate that guy's guts." He was looking at Roger as he was walking away.

He looked at Cho and said, "So, how are you Cho? I was just worried about you, that's why I send those flowers. I do hope you liked them. I didn't know if you like roses." Fred said, blushing. He looked down and said, "I hope you got them?" Fred looked up, waiting for an answer.

"Yeah, I got them. Thank you. I'm really okay. Was your owl sick or something? I was trying to tie a thank you note on his leg but he kept sticking out his wings," Cho said, smiling, wondering what's taking Cheryll so long. 'It's been 30 minutes since I've been standing here.' She thought to herself.

"Yeah, Errol's a little old, but he's still useful." Fred said. We walked closer to Cho and said, "Cho, I was wondering, I mean, I hope you won't judge me and my brother for doing mischievous things but.." he was cut off because both of them turned their heads to see who were laughing so loud coming out of Gringotts.

Cho saw Cheryll and Harry and they were both laughing. Her heart just stopped beating as Harry saw her. Their eyes met. Harry stopped laughing. Cho felt like she was petrified from the sight of Harry. She could not move nor speak. She could not believe that Harry was so handsome and so cute. He even looked smarter. Cheryll and Harry came to Cho and Fred. Harry said "hi" to Cho and smiled. Cho said the same thing. Suddenly, George came to the group. George said hi to Cho and Cheryll. Cheryll blushed. George winked at Cheryll and asked her how her summer was. Before Cheryll could say something, Fred interrupted and said they need to show Harry their new shop. Fred excused himself to Cho and Cheryll. George also excused himself to Cho and gave Cheryll another wink. Before Harry could say something, the twins dragged him into the new joke shop. While Harry was being dragged, he turned his head around to see Cho and mouthed that 'Talk to you later.' Cho nodded and Harry smiled at her. Cho didn't hear that Cheryll was calling her because she was still looking at Harry as he took the right turn into the new joke shop. Harry looked at Cho; he smiled at her, and then went inside the store.

Cheryll pinched Cho on her left arm.

"Ouch!" Yelled Cho. "What was that for?" rubbing her injured arm.

"For letting you know that I still exist. How come you didn't tell me that you were talking to Harry over the phone for almost a month?" Cheryll demanded.

"Well, you were too busy telling me about your exciting vacation and your new book that you didn't even ask me how my vacation was," Cho said, annoyed, "but that's okay," Cho said, with a smile, "I know I can't stop you from telling me all the hot guys you met there."

"But this is important!" Cheryll said, in a serious manner. "This is Harry Potter. He made the move now. We were waiting for that moment to happen. I mean, that you were waiting for that or whatever. So, what happened? I want details girl!" Cheryll said, excitedly. "Oooh, I can't believe that Harry called you. This is a start! I knew you two are meant for each other."

"Well." Cho said, "but why were you guys laughing a while ago?" she asked.

"Oh that!" Cheryll said with a soft laugh, "as he called my name, there was one goblin who got startled by Harry's voice and he dropped like hundreds of marbles or something like that. He slipped. Now, he couldn't get up even though he was trying so hard. All of the people in Gringrotts were laughing."

"Well, that was mean to laugh at someone. He might be hurt," Cho said worried.

"You had to be there. I know it was mean but his face was so funny because he was trying so hard," Cheryll said, as they left Gringotts and walked towards Flourish and Blotts, "anyway, on with your story."

"Well, it happened the day my parents left for their trip, right?" She started telling her how it happened, every detail. While they were shopping with their school supplies and unnecessary things, as their parents would say, Cho just kept on going and going. At least, Cheryll's was as good a listener as she was a speaker.
Meanwhile, Harry was with the twins inside the new joke shop. Since the twins weren't allowed to have their own shop, they asked their friend Lee Jordan, to open it under his name but the twins own the shop. Of course, the twin's parents knew nothing about it. They still don't know that Harry gave them his winnings from the Triwizard Tournament. Harry saw some familiar jokes, like the canary crèmes and Ton Tongue Toffees. The twins told Harry to get anything he wants since they owe him a lot. But Harry wasn't in the mood into buying mischievous things. The moment he saw Cho, he just want to talk to her and to be with her. Since the shop was full of people, Harry told the twins that he would just look for Ron so they can start buying their Hogwarts stuff.

Harry found Ron near the Quidditch shop. He looked like he was drooling over the Firebolt on display. When Harry was getting closer, he saw another figure. He couldn't tell who it was. Ron and the mysterious stranger were still talking as they slowly turned around. Harry couldn't believe what he was seeing that moment. He saw Ron and Hermione, the mysterious stranger, hands clutched side by side. As soon as they saw Harry, they quickly removed their hands and two came to meet Harry.

"Hello Ron, Hello Hermione." Harry said.

"Hiya Harry," Ron said. Harry noticed that Ron was nervous. He was looking around, trying to avoid his eyes.

"Hello Harry. What took you so long?" Hermione asked him in a very annoying way. Harry could tell that their faces were burning. He figured that Hermione's just trying to act normal, like Harry didn't see anything. But whatever Hermione said, she also looked nervous.

"Well, Fred and George showed me their joke shop. I didn't have a choice because they were dragging me."

"Well, we better go buy our Hogwarts stuff, then," Hermione said, not meeting Harry's eyes.

"Okay, where to first?" Ron asked, in an awkward way. The three of them agreed to get new robes first. Harry didn't say a word about the 'holding hands' incident. He figured that they will tell him when the time comes, or maybe he'll just ask it later over dinner.

Time went fast. It was almost five pm. Since the three of them were done buying their school supplies, they decided to return to Leaky Cauldron to eat dinner.

"Hold on, don't we have to wait for your family Ron?" Harry asked. Ron looked at Hermione but she looked away.

"Uhm, I told them that we're going to go ahead, since we're already done. I mean, what's the point of waiting for them, right?"

"Well, I was just thinking about them, but that's okay for me too. Anyway, I'm starving," Harry said. Harry, Ron and Hermione made their way to get a table. There weren't many people in the Leaky Cauldron, so they got a table easily. They chose a seat near the window, overlooking the busy muggle street. Of course the muggles couldn't see them. Hermione noticed Harry that he was searching for someone.

"Harry, what is it?" Hermione asked.

"Oh," Harry looked at Hermione, blushing, and then he looked at Ron. "Nothing. I, uhm, I was just, uhm, you know, uhm, looking for someone. Yeah, just checking around but she's not here." Harry said then checked the menu, nervously.

"She?" Ron asked, looking at Harry. "You mean..." Hermione cut him off.

"You're looking for her, aren't you?" eyeing Harry in a very suspicious way, but she already knew who he was looking for, "you're looking for Cho Chang, right?" Hermione said, like she's excited.

"Shhh! somebody might hear you," Harry lowered his menu, "and besides, I saw her a while ago but she's busy talking to Cheryll." Harry whispered to them.

"So, you did it. You really did it Harry! I'm so proud of you!" Hermione said, excitedly.

"What did he do?" Ron asked Hermione. He looked at Harry and said, "how come you didn't tell me about this! I'm your best friend!"

"Ron, I was going to tell you but you said you want to talk to me about something important, remember? That's why I didn't mention this because I was waiting for you to speak first. Also," Harry was looking at Hermione, both her and Ron was looking at Harry, shifting their seat uneasily. "I remembered on your letter that you were asking if Ron mentioned something, right? Then I saw you two, well," Harry was kind of feeling uneasy now. "I saw you guys holding hands near the Quidditch Shop. And when we were about to pay for our books in Flourish and Blotts, Ron kissed you on the cheeks. I'm just waiting for you guys to talk to me or at least, explain something because I know something's going on between you two."

Ron looked at Hermione and Hermione nodded. Ron looked at Harry and said, "Well, the thing that I wanted to tell you is that.uhm.Harry, this might be a shock for you. Uhm.. well, it happened this summer and uhm, what happened exactly Hermione?" Ron looked at Hermione. His face was red like a tomato. Hermione took over the conversation.

"Uhm, Harry? Well, the thing that Ron wanted to tell you, I mean, the thing that we need to tell you is that." But Harry cut her off.

"No way!" Harry exclaimed. "You and Ron are.uhm.you and.really? Together now?"

"Uhm.." Hermione looked at Harry. She didn't know if he was happy or angry about it. She looked at Ron. Ron, looking at Hermione, didn't know that to do either. Surprisingly, he took Hermione's hand and put it on top of the table. The two looked at Harry and said, "Yeah Harry. Hermione and I are going out now. Well, it kind of happened when we were still at Hogwarts." Ron looked sheepishly at Harry. "I was going to ask you if it was okay with you first since the three of us are the best of friends but you had a lot of things going on, remember?" Ron said, still holding Hermione's hand.

"It's okay, really!" Harry said excitedly. "Well, aren't you going to say how did it happened or are you just going to keep me waiting here? I know that the both of you don't get along that much but I didn't know you two were falling in love? Wow," said Harry, amazed, "hang on, I thought of something."

He swiftly went to the bar and ordered something. Ron and Hermione exchanged glances, not knowing what Harry was up to. When Harry came back, he had three butterbeers with him. He gently laid it down on the table, and gave one each to Ron and Hermione. When he sat down, he raised his butterbeer and said, "Here's a toast," Ron and Hermione raised their butterbeer too. Still looking at Harry in a weird way, "For my best friends in the world, finally found happiness with each other, I toast for a wonderful relationship and a very healthy one." Harry said, grinning.

"Hear, hear!!" Ron and Hermione said. The couple's expression was surprised and relieved.

As they toasted their butterbeers and drank some of it, Harry couldn't help but to feel jealous. Not because Hermione was taken or Ron wouldn't be available as he used to, he's jealous because both of his best friends found each other and he hasn't found one yet. Well, not exactly hasn't found one but he didn't have the courage to do what Ron had done to Hermione to Cho. He really wanted Cho to be his girlfriend and to spend all of his time with her but he didn't have the courage to tell her how he felt. Maybe this was a good time to ask Ron for advice. Also, he didn't know if Cho liked him.

As they ate their dinners, Ron and Hermione told Harry how it started, what made them realize and how their love for each other were noticed and started growing. The couple forgotten that Harry had to tell them something too but Harry felt that it was best not to interrupt his best friends telling him how their new love was born. When the three of them were done eating, Hermione asked what happened to him and Cho. As Harry was about to say something, the Weasleys arrived and had interrupted them. Harry didn't want to tell Ron and Hermione about Cho in front of the rest of theWeasleys. The Weasleys sensed that they were done eating, they took over their table. Ron said that he and Hermione forgot to buy ink. Ron winked at Harry. Harry knew that they needed time for themselves so Harry went back to his room.

While he was going up the stairs, he was thinking about Cho. He was thinking that since Cho was here and staying at the Leaky Cauldron, maybe it would be okay if he sends a note to meet her later. Harry shook his head. He knew that Cho might be busy with Cheryll. Suddenly, his face lit up and thought, 'What am I thinking? Am I waiting for a miracle to happen? I better act now before I lose my chance.' Harry went inside his room, laid his new things on his bed and searched for his newly bought parchment and ink. He grabbed his quill from his bag and began writing a letter to Cho, asking her if she can meet him tonight. 'But where?' Harry thought. He thought about the Leaky Cauldron since they are open 24 hours, he wrote to meet him at the table near the window, overlooking the muggle street. Since that was the last place he can think of, he thought it would be okay. He even told her he would wait for an answer, just to be sure. After signing his name, he asked Hedwig if she could deliver the letter to Cho. Hedwig hooted, saying that she was glad to do it. While watching Hedwig flew outside his window, Harry looked for his luggage. He was deciding what to wear for tonight's date.

AN: Read and Review!