Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. Cheryll, Mikomi and Kenny are made up!

Chapter VI - Prefect's lending hand

Cho was so busy with schoolwork, Prefect duties and Quidditch practices. It was already November and her work just kept on piling up. She hardly had time to chat with her friends in lunch breaks and after-school lessons. Cheryll was complaining about that too. They were in the library, doing their Potions and Transfiguration assignments one night.

"I can't believe this!" Cheryll said, as she put her quill down and closed her book, "It's only been two months we've been here and I am so exhausted in studying. That's it," she stood up and looked at Cho, "I'm going to bed."

"Okay, I'll stay here for a while. I have to finish my Transfiguration assignment."

Cheryll took all her stuff and left the library. Cho looked at her watch and it was already 8:30. She heard her stomach growling.

Come on Cho. Just three more inches and you're done with this. Hope Hermione didn't forget our meeting.

*+*+*+

"Thanks for your help, Harry!" Ron said as they went to the Quidditch shed to change. Ron was the new keeper and Harry was the new Captain of Gryffindor team.

"No problem Ron."

"Bloody hell, I didn't know that you also a good chaser. You can chose any position and still be good."

Harry grinned. Harry was used to this. Ron kept telling him all this great stuff because Harry made him the Keeper. Well, Ron was really good but he just wouldn't stop praising Harry.

"Ron, you were good too! That's the reason why I welcomed you to the team. I just hope Dean is not mad at me anymore."

"Oh, he'll get over it. Don't worry about that," Ron grinned.

They quickly changed their robes and went to the common room. As soon as the portrait door opened, they were run over by their fellow Gryffindor, Hermione.

"Hey, watch it Herm!" Ron said, massaging his chest. Hermione bumped Ron so hard that he bumped into Harry and Harry fell down.

"Sorry, I'm in a hurry! I completely forgot about it!" Hermione said as she helped Harry to stand up.

"Why are you in a hurry? Forgot something in the library?" Ron teased her. He grinned at Harry.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I did forget something in the library. I forgot to meet Cho. She told me that she'd meet me by 8:30. You know, Prefect duties," Hermione left the two and ran towards the corridor. She turned back and said, "Don't wait for me, it might be a while," then she disappeared.

They can still hear Hermione's footstep as the boys went inside the common room.

"That girl can't help but be the best student," Ron said, grinning.

"I know," Harry said. His thoughts were suddenly clouded with mental images of Cho.

Harry hadn't said he was sorry for their date. Well, he had been about to but he'd seen Fred going in the compartment when they were in Hogwarts Express two months ago. He'd decided to go back to his compartment and tell Ron and Hermione that Cho hadn't been there.

Harry could feel that he was losing his touch as he lay down to his bed. Still fully clothed, his mind wandered at the moments he saw Cho at the Great Hall. She was always with her friends. There was no chance to talk to her during breaks because she was always with someone. Before, he thought of writing to Cho just to say he was sorry and that he felt bad. He didn't want to apologize to Cho by means of a letter. That's not like me. He stayed at his bed, thinking when would be the best time to talk to Cho and what would he say to her.

*+*+*+

"Cho, I am so sorry!" Hermione said as soon as she saw her in the library. Hermione's voice startled Cho a bit. Cho almost knocked over her ink. She looked up and saw Hermione rushing towards to her "I completely forgot about it. I was reading my Arithmancy and Transfiguration books when I saw your note about today's meeting. I can't believe I forgot about that! I even put a note on my corkboard at my desk telling."

"Hermione, it's okay!" Cho cut her off, her voice slightly louder.

Hermione looked at Cho, startled by Cho's voice, then smiled, "I knew you were going to forgive me. So." Hermione said as she sat down, pulled out her parchment, ink and her quill from her bag. When she was ready to listen, she looked at Cho, "What's the meeting about?"

"Remember from last week's meeting? The proposal to develop this new peer to peer help?" Cho said as she laid her quill down and looked at Hermione.

"Yeah. That if some students need help, we could offer a lending hand. That's good, right?"

"Well, Cheryll told me a while ago that it has been approved by Professor Dumbledore and be announced tomorrow at breakfast. So, it looks like we're going to have a lot of meetings about this. Me, being your prefect sister, I have to carefully watch you when you reply to students. It could be any problems they have. It could be about another student she or he's in love with or anything they have problems with. You think you can do it?" Cho looked at Hermione with a positive look. She knew that Hermione would say yes but she just wanted to make sure that came from her.

"Of course, I can, Cho. I would be glad to help. Of course, you are going to do it too, right?" Hermione gave Cho a skeptical look.

Cho nodded and told her all the stuff that she should know about it. After two hours of explaining this to Hermione, they made arrangements to meet tomorrow before lunch, just in case Hermione needed help.

While Cho and Hermione were walking outside the Library, Hermione couldn't help to notice that Cho was sad.

"Erm, Cho, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, Mione. What is it?" Not looking at Hermione.

"Well, it's kind of a personal matter but."

"I can't talk to you about that. I have matters to attend and.well, I just can't."

"Well, when you're ready, you know where I'll be," Hermione said as she rested her hand on Cho's shoulder, "you know I won't tell anyone and I'm sure I might be able to help you," giving Cho a smile.

"Thanks, Mione but I'm still not ready yet," smiled Cho.

"Okay, well, I better leave you now. That's my way," pointing left to where the Gryffindor common room was.

They bid their goodbyes and Cho watched Hermione leave until she was nowhere to be seen.

*+*+*

The Great Hall was packed with hungry students, protesting what was taking their breakfast so long. When some prefects settled down to their seats, Professor McGonagall tapped her glass with her fork like she did whenever the headmaster needed attention from the students. The students turned their heads toward headmaster and listened quietly.

"Good Morning. I would like to say a few words before we begin our breakfast. The school prefects have decided to make a wonderful voluntary work for students who are in need of help. We have decided to called it Prefects Lending Hand! All prefects had agreed to help. Of course, you can make an anonymous letter because it wouldn't be delivered by owl post, but by simply dropping them off at the drop box made by our caretaker, located outside of the Great Hall. You need to put the name of your house since our caretaker will install four more drop box beside the other drop box for your questions. You can put your letters into the box and the prefects will eventually get it. All letters will be strictly confidential, of course. As soon as you drop the letter to the box, the responsible prefect's badge will vibrate for a short time, indicating that they have received a letter from a person who needs aid. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to ask your house prefects. Now, let us all eat and enjoy this beautiful day!"

As soon as Dumbledore lifted his hands, food bloomed out and the students began eating.

"Was that what your meeting with Cho about, Mione?" Ron asked as he helped himself to his third sausage.

"Yes and I'm quite excited about it. Dumbledore put some spell on our badges so when someone drops a letter to that box and has my name on it, my badge will vibrate a little," Hermione said as she took a piece of toast and began putting butter on it.

"Wow, who would have thought of that idea, Mione?" Harry asked.

"Uhm, it was Cho's idea, actually. She said that she saw a lot of students who were sad and lonely since the war happened. Even though it was a short time, some students here have lost their families. So, she suggested that we should help the students who are in need. It was very nice of her, actually. I'm totally impressed by her idea. It's a good thing she's a Prefect Sister!" Hermione boastfully said.

Harry just smiled at Hermione. He planned something last night and wanted that plan to happen. This is perfect. Much more perfect. He smiled a little and grabbed a toast. He turned his head to the couple and said, "I forgot something in my room. You guys go ahead and I'll catch up, okay?"

"Sure, mate. Just don't be late for Divination," Ron said.

"Okay then. See you guys in a bit."

*+*+ Cho was in her Transfiguration class when her badge suddenly vibrated. Startled, she continued to jot down notes.

This early? Professor Dumbledore just announced it just half an hour ago and I already have a letter?

Cho sighed and thought she would never get rest.

*+*+

"Cho! Cho!"

Cho Chang looked around and saw Hermione running towards here. When she came to a halt, her face was flushed. She slightly bent to grasp some air. Cho gently touched Hermione's shoulder then quickly removed it.

"Herm, are you all right?" Cho asked sincerely.

Hermione rose up. She smiled at her, "I'm sorry Cho if I shouted your name," she looked around and saw some eyes looking oddly at her, "It's just that I'm so excited. I received a letter today!"

But before Cho can reply, Ron interrupted her. "Herm, where have.you. oh, hi Cho!" Ron said sheepishly, "I didn't see you. Sorry for interrupting," Ron said bashfully.

Cho smiled. "That's okay, Ron. I was just telling her. uhm," she stopped and hurriedly said, "meet me after lunch, Herm, I have to go now. Bye," as she exited quickly, making Hermione and Ron exchanging puzzled looks.

"What's gotten into her?" Ron asked Hermione. But before Hermione can reply, somebody called her name.

"Hermione, Ron, there you are. I've been all over for you," Harry said as he walked closer to the couple, "what's taking you guys so long?"

"Oh, nothing," Hermione shrugged, "I was just talking to." she stopped and looked at the place where Cho had been, "nothing. Er, Harry, have you talked to Cho lately?"

Harry smiled. He gave the couple another puzzled look.

"What are you smiling about mate? I reckon you have some sort of crazy idea you're just dying to tell us now, isn't there?" Ron said slightly in an irritating tone.

"Yes, Ron. I do have some crazy idea to tell you. As a matter of fact, I need you and Hermione's help as well," Harry proudly said, "why don't I tell you on the way to the Great Hall. I have this idea about Cho to forgive me and ask her out again."

The three went to the Great Hall, as Harry explained his idea. He was whispering to them so others won't hear it. A few people passed by giving them quizzical looks, as it was eerie to see them walking slow at lunch time.

As they made their way to their seats, Ron noticed that Hermione wasn't with them. When he looked around, he saw her talking to Mikomi.

"Hey Ron, who's that girl Hermione's talking to?"

Ron looked at his fellow Gryffindor, Kenny Vasoli, giving him a smirk. Ron sat down and said, "Why?"

"Uhm, nothing. She's in my music class and she's really good with guitars. I really like to ask her out but she seems so distant to other houses. She doesn't talk to either one of us. Weird thing is, she talks to her fellow Ravenclaws and stinking Slytherins," Kenny shrugged, "but from what I heard about her, she's really great and cool to be with."

"Why won't you ask her out then? If you really like her, why wouldn't you?" Harry bumped in the conversation, helping himself for some nice roasted turkey beasts and white rice.

"You know what, maybe I should write a letter to her, you know. Since she's a prefect, I could ask her what kind of things she wants and maybe, I'll get pointers from that."

"Yeah, that could work, right Harry?" Ron eyed Harry, as if he knows something.

"What would work, Harry?" George overheard the conversation as he made his way to his seat beside Harry. "What's on your mind, mate?"

"Nothing. Ron was just teasing because Hermione's not here. He can't be a prick whenever she's around."

"Hey! I can be a prick when she's around," Ron suddenly gazed at Hermione. She was still talking to Mikomi.

Harry whispered to George, "See what I mean," he looked at Ron and gave him a smirk.

"Well, I should recommend that we call Hermione right now," George said, He was about to wave his hand to Hermione's attention but he stopped in mid air. "Oh, hello Cheryll," George's face turned slightly pink, "I didn't see you coming. How are you sweetie?" George said making an angel face.

Cheryll rolled his eyes and looked at the rest of Gryffindors, smiling at her. When her eyes landed on Harry, she sneered a little and faced Fred. "You forgot this, sweetie. And please, George, stop making jokes while you're eating." She handed him a book.

"Have you eaten yet? Might as well join me."

"No, I haven't eaten yet and no, I won't join you. Cho's waiting for me and she already saved a seat." She quickly looked at the Ravenclaw table and saw Cho reading a letter. She looked back at George, "Well, looks like Ms. Chang already received a letter. I'm going to find out who's it from. I just hope it's not from your twin brother George. Speaking of which, where is he?"

"I don't know. Picking up flowers again for Cho, I guess."

When Harry heard this, he felt a pang of jealousy inside him, like piranhas swimming inside him, eating him alive. He didn't notice that he was crushing the turkey meat until it was flat and thin.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Ron curiously asked.

Cheryll looked at Harry expressionless. Harry didn't look up. He knew if he looked at either one of them, they see the word Jealousy written on his face.

Cheryll continued, "Mmkay, I'm off now. But before I go George, please stop sending notes while I'm at class. Today, Professor Binns got irritated. You know how that ghost hates anything that's flying, even though he floats around. He still thinks he's a wizard."

George didn't have the time to comment on this as Cheryll went to Cho and sat beside her. Hermione sat beside Ron, with a smile plastered on her face.

Ron eyed her suspiciously, "What are you smiling about?"

"Nothing," she didn't look at Ron as she helped herself to mashed potatoes and pork chops.

"Why can't you tell me, Herm? I'm your boyfriend. Is there something you're hiding from me?"

But before Hermione snap at Ron, Kenny cut in, "Hermione, can you help me to get Mikomi to notice me?"

Hermione glared at Ron then looked at her plate. She looked at Kenny and said, "Why the sudden interest?"

As the others were talking, Harry wasn't paying attention. Even though George mocked Ron, he was no mood to intervene. He felt that he was going to lose Cho to George. I won't let that happen. He thought hard and gulped some juice.

*+*+*

"You already have one?" Cheryll asked her sister as she sat beside Cho and Mikomi. They were in their common room and it was quiet. Of course, no one would dare to make havoc in the Ravenclaw common room. It wasn't their style. Ravenclaw was either study or read books.

"Yup. And I think it's from a guy. He didn't leave any name but with his questions, I figured it's from a guy."

"What was his question?"

"I can't tell you that!" Mikomi said as if she was offended.

"You can tell to your fellow prefects, idiot," Cheryll said irritably. "Remember from our meeting? If one of the prefects needed guidance, an older prefect should help. And since I am your prefect sister, I should read the letter!"

"I do not need any assistance from you, Cheryll. I am perfectly capable of replying to his questions," Mikomi proudly said.

"Jeez, you're such a stubborn prat! May I remind you that I need to take a look at it before you drop it off?"

"Fine. Here it is!" Mikomi shoved it off to Cheryll.

"Gryffindor? Hmm. I overheard something in the Gryffindor table at lunch today." She eyed Cho, waiting for her to look up.

"Ooooh, what did you hear, sis?" Mikomi moved closer to her sister and eager to listen. She loved to know gossip, just like her sister.

Cho didn't show any interest as she was still working on her letter. She had a lousy afternoon and it was because of this letter. It disturbed her thoughts as it kept on replaying on her mind. She doesn't know how to reply. She pulled out the letter again and read it.

Cho, I am in need of your help. I couldn't tell this to my friends because they might laugh at me. I know it sounds crazy but I was hoping you would help me, since you don't know me.

Anyway, my problem is about this girl. Yes, I am a guy. Ever since I saw this girl, I just can't get her out of my mind. She's so sweet, caring, friendly and nice. I thought that she wouldn't care about me, since I am no one and not in her house but there was a chance that I got to talk to her and she was really nice and friendly to me. I was so ecstatic. I tried so hard to prove myself to her but it so happens that I ruined everything. I can't tell you the details about it but, I blew my chance. My chance to tell her that I love the way the sun touches her skin. I love the way she walks gracefully, even though she carries a lot of books, I love the way she laughs, like sweet angels singing and I love the way she smiles, it just melts my heart.

What I need from you is your opinion on how could I get to know her more. I know what you're thinking. Say I'm sorry, right? But I know that she would only reject my apologies and before I have a chance to tell her how I feel, she would run away. Please Cho, I know that you have a lot of things to handle but I hope you will give me an answer sometime soon. I desperately need to tell her how I feel. Without her, I feel empty.

Thank you.

Gryffindor

Disturbed by the last statement the letter said and pity ran over her body, Cho pulled out her parchment and quill and began to think what she should write.

To be continued.

A/N: Please read reviews! Thanks! Sorry if it took so long!