Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. They are all property of J. K. Rowling!

A/N: This one is a little melodramatic but o-well… It moves the plot along well, the way I want it to go. I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter Eleven

The Meeting

After the excitement of tryouts, school was quite boring. It soon fell into its monotonous routine. The best part of Harry's day was when out flying during practice. Everyone seemed to enjoy Defense Against the Dark Arts, and even Care of Magical Creatures was seen as fun, but Harry just wanted to fly on a broom, not on the winged horses that they were dealing with in Care of Magical creatures. Hagrid had asked Harry if he would ride Bane, the chestnut horse, next week. Not wanting to disappoint his friend, Harry agreed. Ron and Hermione had been asked to ride their horses as well.

"So today's the 'big day,'" Ron teased groggily Saturday morning. It was finally Saturday and Harry would be going on his first date with Cho. Hermione some how seemed upset about the whole situation, but Harry couldn't quite figure out why. Harry just grinned changing clothes and looking one last time in the mirror. He had learned a shaving charm from Sirius while they visited at Mrs. Figg's house, and now was the perfect time to use it. He looked gruff with fuzz on his face, Harry thought looking at the mirror. With a wave of his wand, "relegare vciltus capillus," the hair on his face was gone.

"Cool," Ron muttered watching Harry with rapt attention. Harry didn't even bother messing with his unruly hair. He knew it was a loosing battle.

"So, what are you going to do while I'm out?" Harry asked with a grin. The two went down to breakfast discussing classes and their favorite topic, Quidditch. They would be playing their first game in four weeks and were eager to get onto the pitch for a real game.

They passed the morning by playing a game of chess and a game of exploding snaps. Hermione was avoiding the two of them, choosing to spend her time talking and playing games with Ginny.

Harry had already planed to go down to the kitchen and get some food from the house elves for his picnic. After tickling the pear in the portrait the green door appeared, revealing the entrance to the kitchen.

When Harry opened the door he was bombarded by shrill voices, "How can we help you sir?"

"Is there anything we can get for you sir," One squeaked bowing deeply as Harry entered.

"Harry Potter! Harry Potter! Harry Potter has come to visit Dobby," A familiar voice came from one of the many house elves.

"Hi Dobby! How are you?"

"Dobby is good, sir. Look, He's wearing the sock's Mr. Potter and his Weezy gave him," Dobby squealed pointing at his feet, where he had two mix-matched socks. One a very old knotty sock matched with a violet one.

"I'm glad to see you are putting them to good use. I would love to stay and talk but I have a… Err… date, so I was wondering if you could pack some sandwiches and other foods in a basket so I can bring it out onto the ground where we can eat." Before he could finish speaking the House elves around him jumped around and began packing food. They soon shoved a large basket filled with food and pumpkin juice in to his hands and he was soon saying goodbye and thank you to all of the overly willing helpers.

Not long after his encounter with the house elves, Harry was meeting Cho in the entrance Hall.

"Hi," He said calmly reaching to hug her. He had finally grown taller than she had and it was an enjoyable change to reach down to hug her instead of up. She turned and gave him a kiss on his cheek.

"Hi, How did you manage to get all of that food," She asked after seeing the large basket Harry was carrying.

"Oh, it was nothing. Let's just say I have good connections," He said with a grin. Before he knew what he was doing, Cho had grabbed his hand and was walking with him onto the grounds.

"Where should we sit?" She asked looking around.

"How about over there?" Harry suggested pointing to a clear area by the lake. They could sit and eat while watching the giant squid, Harry thought.

"That looks great. Can you believe how beautiful today is?" Cho asked as Harry laid out the blanket that he had brought with him. They were soon seated, unpacking the picnic and talking with one another. The food was superb. The House Elves hadn't prepared a picnic; they had prepared a feast for two.

Harry thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. After they had finished eating they continued to sit and talk. Harry avoided topics such as Cedric and last year, not wanting to ruin the moment.

"What did you do over the summer?" Harry asked eager to learn more about Cho. She had already told him about her little sister, who was ten, and hopefully would be attending Hogwarts next year. She also had told him about her parents that were experts in marshal arts.

"Oh, I went to China with my family. We visited my grandparents at their mansion. It was beautiful. I was able to spend time with my cousin's and family. What about you?"

"Err… I didn't do much the first month. The Weasley's picked me up on my birthday and I stayed at their house for the rest of the summer. It's great there. They are more of a family to me than my aunt and uncle," Harry said.

After a long moment, "So, how is your Quidditch team looking?" Cho asked with a grin.

"I'm not telling. As Ron would say 'I'd be 'fraternizing with the enemy'," Harry answered with a laugh. "Just because we are on a date it doesn't mean I'm going to tell you the deep dark secrets of our Quidditch team's success."

"Oh, common Harry, you can trust me," She pleaded leaning in closer.

Harry lost himself in the moment. Cho had leaned in and begun to kiss him, really kiss him. It was a wonderful experience, Harry thought later reflecting on the moment. While it was happening, he wasn't really thinking. His hormones had taken over, along with Cho. She seemed very experienced in this area and didn't mind taking control. She pulled away slightly nudging his lips to open with her tongue. Obviously his hormones knew what to do because he could not stop his mouth from opening, even if he had wanted to. They were kissing, tongues mingling. Harry's brain didn't really work; he was driven by some other force, coming from … somewhere else. He just knew he didn't want to stop. That was until Harry saw Cedric's face. He pulled away trying to push the thoughts away, but it was too late; they had entered his head and they weren't going away. Cedric's face, starring lifelessly at him was all Harry's brain could see. No longer were his hormone's running the show, guilt was in control. He pulled back further leaving Cho wanting more. They looked at each other for a long moment.

Trying to save the moment Harry joked, "I don't think that will help you learn Gryffindor's Quidditch secrets."

Cho didn't realize Harry's true reasons for stopping, she just laughed and leaned her head on his shoulder starring out at the lake as the giant squid swam across on the top of the water. Harry looked around trying to think of something else. Maybe, just this once, maybe he could over come these feelings of guilt. Cedric was dead, he would want Cho to be happy, and she seemed to enjoy kissing him.

She turned her head and smiled at him, yes she seemed happy, Harry thought trying to push the thoughts of Cedric from his brain. "Ah, what time is it?" She asked suddenly sitting up and looking to her watch.

"It's three o'clock," Harry answered.

"I've got to go! We have practice in fifteen minutes." And before Harry could say anything Cho gave him one last passionate kiss before jumping up and running back to the castle. Harry slowly packed up the remaining food and took the basket back to the house elves. Because he was alone, Harry's brain wondered over the events of the afternoon, resting mainly on the kiss he had shared with Cho.

A grim thought came into focus as he remembered the passion she used; She must have kissed Cedric a million times like that. This thought made Harry want to vomit. It was disgusting to think that all of that passion was just for him, not to realize that she would have done similar things with Cedric.

The invariability of class was broken with two important announcements. The first one was posted in the common room Monday evening.

"We have a Hogsmeade weekend planed for the weekend before Halloween," Neville explained when Harry, Ron and Hermione asked what all of the excitement was about.

"Great! I need some more sugar quills! History of Magic is even worse without them," Ron exclaimed. Hermione rolled her eyes and made her way over to their usual table to begin homework. Harry, Ron, and Ginny, all of whom were doing their homework before practice, soon joined her. Harry had only glimpsed Cho in the halls the past two days and wasn't overly upset about it. He didn't want to admit that his nightmares had been worse since he had shared that kiss with Cho. Harry knew that he would have to tell her about the nightmares, but he allowed himself to believe that it would pass with time. It was like the other nightmares; time would dull the pain.

The second announcement came the next day in Transfigurations. The class time was filled with trying to transfigure buttons into baby's breath. Hermione was of course the best at doing it. How does she ALWAYS do everything perfectly, Harry wondered looking at his sad excuse of a flower.

"As all of you should remember, we are having a Halloween ball instead of the usual feast. You are welcome to ask lower level students, but remember they are not allowed to go otherwise," Professor McGonagall reminded everyone before they left the class. All of the girls began to giggle as they hurriedly walked back to the Common Room.

"So Harry, are you going to ask Cho?" Ron questioned his best friend.

"Yeah," He answered slowly blushing.

"Humph," Hermione exclaimed storming off towards Gryffindor tower.

"What's her problem?" Ron asked as Hermione stormed away.

"I have no idea."

Harry looked for the opportunity to talk to Cho some time that day and it arose soon after.

"Cho, may I have a word with you?" Harry asked knowing that it was the only way to talk to her in private.

"Sure. Julie, I'll be there in a minute," She said to one of the other girls in the group she had been walking with.

"Err…" Harry began, not knowing why he was still so nervous around the Aisin beauty. "Would you like to go to the ball with me?" He finally asked, quickly before he could loose his nerve.

"Sure," She replied with a sly smile gracing her face. "Harry, thanks again for the wonderful picnic. It was splendid. I really hope we can do it again soon," She grinned again, leaning in and giving Harry a kiss. The image came faster this time as their lips connected, even if only for a short time. Soon Cho was entering her classroom and Harry found himself walking to Defense Against the Dark Arts.

"Today's class is going to be a practice of sorts. I'm going to call you up and see what hexes you know. I'm going to be teaching you some new ones this year that will aid in getting away from an enemy. I will also be teaching you a handy charm I learned that helps you tell what direction you are facing. It comes in handy when you are lost in a forest or other areas," Mrs. Figg explained when everyone was in their seats.

Harry knew what spell she was speaking of. He, Hermione and Ron had found it when they were researching spells for him to use during the third task last year. He looked at his two best friends and grinned knowing that they would be able to do it. Hermione's hand quickly shot up into the air.

"Professor, I already know that spell," She said after being acknowledged by Professor Figg.

"You do?" Professor Figg asked clearly surprised at Hermione's announcement. "Where did you learn this? I happen to know it is not in any of your textbooks. It can only be found in obscure books, three of which are in the library."

"Err… we found it in one of those books last year while Harry was preparing for the Third task."

"That is certainly helpful. Twenty points to Gryffindor for Miss Granger's assertiveness. When we get to it I'll have one of you perform it to demonstrate to the class how it is used."

The rest of class passed quickly having each called up one by one and perform the most rare hexes they know. Hermione, Harry and Ron knew the rarest, again owing to the research they did before the Third task.

When everyone was leaving Neville exclaimed, "Wow, if we keep doing this well in class we will have the house cup for sure this year. Even Snape can't take away all of these points!"

That evening in the common room, Harry and Ron decided to go to bed early so they could talk with out Hermione and Ginny listening.

"So, what is the big news you wanted to tell me?" Ron asked once they were in the dormitory room.

"I have a date for the ball," Harry said calmly.

"So, you took my advice and asked Cho," Ron said with a wicked grin.

"Er… yeah," Harry said not knowing what else to say. "Who are you going to ask?"

"Well, I don't know, I might not go," Ron began.

"No, you have to go! Why don't you ask Hermione?"

"NO! She's Hermione, you know. I don't know who I'm going to ask."

"Ron, don't try to tell me you don't like her, I know the truth. Just ask her, otherwise she's going to have a date again and you will get mad and the two of you will get into another huge row in front of everyone," Harry warned remembering only too clearly the fight that Ron and Hermione had had the night of the Yule ball when she was 'fraternizing with the enemy'. Ron sighed deeply.

"Okay, I'll ask her tomorrow. Is it that obvious?"

"What?"

"You know, my feelings for her."

"Oh, no I don't think so; it's just that you two are my best friends and Ginny and I just know you well enough to figure things out."

"Ginny knows??? I thought that I told her no, back at the burrow."

"Ron, that just made her shut up about it. She was never fooled."

"GREAT," Ron exclaimed, sighing again as he made himself comfortable in the bed. The two were soon asleep, the conversation far from Harry's mind as he began to dream again.

"It's nice to see all of the familiar faces and my new servants all gathered together," A harsh high voice said. The dark hooded figures standing around him nodded in agreement. "Malfoy, is the ministry where we want them? Do they believe Avery's one of us?"

"Yes master," Another voice said. The voice was coming from one of the hooded figures and was chillingly familiar.

"Good. I'm thrilled with our progress. Avery will be in position tomorrow. Our plan should move on schedule. Dumbledore will have no idea. I will have Harry's life this time. Nigini you will be able to eat a huge meal soon."

"Thank you masssster," The snake hissed.

The shrill voice began to laugh.

"Now, Wormtail, do you know where the miserable muggles are?"

"Ye-yes master, but I-I-I don't know how much good it would do to attack them. When I-I had Po-Potter's trust he said he hated them. Why are we attacking them first?"

"You idiot! How could you question my decision?"

"I-I didn't mean to question, I just don't un-understand your reasoning in this matter My Lord."

"Something powerful protects Potter while he is at their house. If we destroy the house and occupants while he is gone he will no longer be protected," The shrill voice explained as he began to laugh again. The laughter was cut short when a new hooded figure appeared.

"Master, please forgive my tardiness. I had to deal with that fool, Dumbledore."

"Silence!! I will not tolerate tardiness," The shrill voice spoke. As he spoke a green light shot out of his wand hitting the newly appearing dark figure. The masked person crumpled to the ground in pain.

Harry was suddenly awake his head throbbing. Quietly Harry got out of bed and made his way down to his trunk and retrieved his invisibility cloak along with the old piece of parchment.

"Harry," a quiet female voice floated into his room. He quietly closed his trunk and made his way to the door.

"Hi Ginny."

"Oh, Harry. I had the worst nightmare! I knew you would be up," She whispered back.

"Let's go to Dumbledore," Harry replied, engulfing the two of them in the cloak. Pointing his wand at the parchment he muttered, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

The map magically came to life showing the castle and its inhabitants. "Lumos." The pair was soon able to read the map.

"It looks clear, let's go," Ginny said. The two made their way to Dumbledore's office in silence.

"Canary Creams." With that the Gargoyle soon sprung into motion as the pair hopped on riding up to the top. As they rode the stairs, Harry tried to remember every detail he could before they faded away.

"Ah, Harry, Ginny, I expected to see the two of you tonight."

"Hi Professor," Harry said.

"I had hoped that this visit was from not being able to sleep, but I've already spoken to Severus so I know you had a dream. Why don't you two sit down."

Taking one of the seats offered by Dumbledore, Harry began, "It was him, Voldemort. He had some sort of meeting of Death Eaters. Something about Avery doing a mission, and being in position. He didn't explain the mission but he mentioned it. The ministry is taken care of and believes him. I woke up when Voldemort punished someone for arriving late."

"Oh, that would be Severus. I told him to get there sooner. Can you remember anything else?"

"No sir."

"I don't remember much of my nightmare except that it had a snake in it. It wasn't one of my dreams about the chamber and the diary. I know the snake wasn't a Basilisk but it was a terrifying snake. And… I could understand it."

"You could understand it?" Harry asked. Professor Dumbledore didn't say anything for a long moment; he just sat in deep thought.

"That would make since. Harry, you are a parselmouth because of your encounter with Voldemort as a baby. Perhaps young Ginny here has been given the same talent. It would explain her connection to the dreams and her ability to know when you are having one. Thank you two, if you have nothing else to share I would like you to please go back to bed and get some sleep. I expect you to attend class tomorrow."

"Okay professor," They muttered before leaving his office and returning to the veil of the invisibility cloak. They retraced their steps up to Gryffindor tower unveiling themselves once inside.

"Ginny, will you be able to go back to sleep?" Harry asked clearly concerned.

"Yeah, I think so, if not I'll just come back down here and sit and read a book or something. I'll be okay, go get some sleep."

"Well, I can never really get back to sleep when I have one of these dream and if I do it is filled with nightmares. Do you want to sit and talk," Harry asked truly hoping for the company.

"Sure," Ginny said taking a seat on one of the empty couches. The two friends sat talking through the night never really feeling sleepy or at a lose for something to talk about.

Harry was able to open up to Ginny in ways he had never done with Ron or Hermione before. The two of them just didn't understand the things that Harry had been through quite like Ginny did. She had a dark past just like he did and she was plagued with nightmares like he was. He found himself telling her the details from his nightmares. The details that the Dementors brought to a head when they drew near him. Ginny also shared her feelings, and nightmares. The Dementors affected her in a similar way. She was plagued with memories of the diary and the chamber.

The sun soon rose and Ron and Hermione found Harry and Ginny talking.

"You two are up early," Ron muttered.

"You have no idea," Harry said quietly to Ginny.

"So what's going on?" Hermione asked.

"Nothing, we just both were up early and decided to talk since we couldn't sleep," Harry said.

He new he should tell Hermione about the dream, but he didn't want her to worry about him again. She would undoubtedly fuss over the fact that he and Ginny hadn't slept most of the night.

The group went down to breakfast and was soon talking about the up and coming Hogsmeade weekend.

"So, Hermione, do you have a date to the dance?" Ron asked in between mouthfuls of food. His constant appetite always amazed Harry. Ron never seemed to be full. This must be his attempt to ask Hermione to the dance, Harry realized not wanting to be in the middle of the situation.

"Err… yes I do."

"What???"

"I already have a date. I didn't think I would be asked by anyone else, so I already accepted from…"

"Neville," Ginny said giggling.

"What? Neville!! You can't be serious!"

"Well, I am. He asked me after Professor McGonagall announced the dance and I accepted. Maybe you need to ask earlier. What is this, the second dance you have failed to realize I'm a girl for?"

"Err… I wasn't really asking you. I was…" Ron began but what ever he was going to say was drowned out by the arrival of the mail. A majestic tawny owl delivered the Daily Prophet to Hermione.

"Oh no," Hermione said as she read the paper.

"What, don't tell me our friend Rita is back in the news," Harry said.

"NO, thank Merlin, but it's just- remember that Unspeakable's daughter who was abducted a few weeks ago? Well she has been found, or rather her body was found, at the Avery's house. The Ministry arrested him a few nights ago and he will be on trial in three days. They are likely going to send him to Azkaban," She explained as she scanned the story for details. Harry and Ginny exchanged glances after Hermione mentioned Avery's name. Was this part of Voldemort's plan? How did having Avery captured help in his gain of power. Harry decided he would have to visit Dumbledore tonight to find out what he knew and thought about this interesting development. Ginny seemed to have the same idea as she nodded slightly after meeting Harry's gaze.

"Ron, Harry, do either of you have dates to the ball?" Parvati asked as the group waited outside professor Flickwicks classroom for their first lesson.

"Err… No," Ron said glumly.

"Why don't you go with Padma, I know she would love to go with you," Parvati began to explain excitedly.

"Err…"

"What about you, Harry?"

"Yeah, I already have a date," Harry said avoiding Hermione and Parvati's eyes.

"Oh, who are you going with? I know it has to be someone from another house because I've asked our house and none of them said they were going with you."

"Yeah, Harry, who are you going with?" Hermione asked clearly upset by this development.

"Err, I'm going with Cho." Hermione and Parvati gasped.

Luckily this conversation was interrupted by the arrival of tiny professor Flitwick who opened the door and ushered everyone in. Today's class was learning the shielding charm, which Harry, Ron and Hermione already knew. This class was connected to what they were learning in Defense Against the Dark Arts.

When the group returned to the common room that evening, Hermione was able to confront Harry about his choice of dates for the Ball and his 'meeting' with Cho.

"When did you ask her to the dance?" Hermione began.

"Err… a while ago. After Professor McGonagall told us about it."

"What's your problem?" Ron asked noting Hermione's tone.

"My problem? My problem is the two of you. You wouldn't know a good thing if it bit your noise off," She said before walking off to her room. Ginny had entered the room in time to hear the end of Hermione's reprimanding.

"What's going on?" She asked watching her closest friend leave the room.

"Oh, she's upset because Harry is going to the ball with Cho. I really don't understand what the matter is. It's not like he's going with a Slytherin or anything. I really don't know why I was mentioned in this," Ron explained.

Ginny tried to hide the hurt that she felt, but Harry caught just a glimpse of it before she turned to leave, causing his heart to ache. Not only was he plagued by guilt from his dreams; he was now feeling guilty about breaking Ginny's heart.

"Harry, do you want to go fly before practice?" Ron asked.

"Sure, I want to get out of here soon," He said. The two were soon out on the pitch zooming around.

"So, who are you going to ask to the ball?" Harry asked after racing Ron around the pitch several times. With his new upgrade kit, Harry was easily the fastest player on the team.

"Oh, I don't know. I think I might go with Padma just to piss Hermione off. It would be good for her."

"Oh, are you sure it would get to her? I would think you would be more irritated with Hermione going with Neville."

"Oh, No, Neville, we know he's not a threat. Krum was a threat, and still is. Can you believe she told me about his most recent letter? I mean, he's the enemy. He's likely working for you-know-who as we speak!"

Harry tried to convince Ron that Krum wasn't the enemy and was actually a good guy, but it was pointless. Soon the rest of the team joined them and their thoughts were lost in practice. Harry flew harder than ever as he dove and came within inches of the grass before pulling out.

When the team re-entered the common room, Harry realized that Ron and Hermione weren't speaking, but for the first time in two years Hermione wasn't speaking to Harry either. He tried to talk with her and find out what the matter was, but she ignored him. The only person she spoke with was Ginny, who seemed friendly like always.

As they did homework, Ron and Harry strained to listen to Ginny and Hermione's conversation.

"Hermione, I'm touched that you would be mad at Harry for not asking me to the dance but I didn't really have my hopes up. I've seen how he looks at Cho; I knew he had some feelings for her. It's okay; I'm fine, I promise," Ginny said quietly.

"But Ginny, he looks at you the same way. The two of you are more of a match then Harry and Cho. We both know that. I mean, how can she be over Cedric so quickly. She was the thing he would miss most, you remember in the second task. How could she just be over him at the beginning of term?"

"Hermione, I don't really think he thinks of me that way. I mean, it would be great if he did; you know that is a dream come true to me, but the truth is he likes Cho more, at least enough to ask her to the dance. It's okay, I promise. Don't mess up your friendship with him over me. And would Ron and Harry please stop listening to my private conversation!!" Ginny said, starting with a whisper but ending in what sounded like a muffled shout.

"Come on Ginny, we can talk in the girl Prefects room." With that they rose from their seats and went up the stairs not to be seen again that evening.

"Harry, you want to play a game of chess?"

"Sure," Harry said with a sigh replacing the book he had been pretending to read. The game lasted a long time, ending with Ron winning, which was no surprise to Harry.

"Harry, I decided for Christmas this year I need to get you a book on chess tactics," Ron said with a laugh, obviously having forgotten about the fight they were having with their female friends.

"I'm going to bed," Harry said suddenly not having been listening to his friend.

While in bed, Harry couldn't stop thinking about the situation with Ginny and Cho. Ugh, Harry thought turning over for the twelfth time that evening. He couldn't seem to get comfortable while thinking about both Cho and Ginny.

He was back in the dreaded graveyard, Cedric at his side. "Wand's out you reckon?" Cedric asked. "No," Harry wanted to yell but all he did was nod.

"Kill the Spare," Harry heard a cold high voice say with a laugh. It was the same cold high voice that had plagued Harry's dreams for the past four years, the same voice that tortured him when he was near the Dementors. With a blinding flash of green light, Cedric was dead, but instead of the usual dream of being tied to the tombstone Harry watched as Cedric's echo left his body and stood next to Harry.

"You," It accused angrily, "This is all your fault! You're the reason I'm dead!"

"N-No," Harry tried to argue but his voice wouldn't work, he was forced to stand there and listen as Cedric's echo accused him.

"Yes, it is all your fault! And now, you are steeling my girlfriend! The thing I would miss the most! It hasn't even been a year and you are off snogging with her. You aren't even in the privacy of an empty classroom; the two of you are kissing, like THAT, in public. Right where we shared kisses and private moments! You have no respect for me, for my memory! You never deserved to be champion and you definitely don't deserve Cho," Cedric's echo boomed as it drew closer to Harry pointing an accusing finger at his chest.

"But Cedric, you're dead. What is she supposed to do, be a spinster for the rest of her life," Harry tried to choke out. But the words only came as half a sound, not even comprehensible to the common ear. Then Harry's parent's appeared. They looked, disappointed. "Mum, Dad, you can't believe him," Harry tried to say, but it didn't work, he knew they believed Cedric. Then they turned their back on Harry; Cedric's echo was, laughing.

Harry woke up with a jump. He had been sweating and his clothes were drenched. Looking around to make sure no one could see him, Harry changed clothes deciding to go down into the common room and read for a while. Harry looked down at his watch and saw that it was 5:30 in the morning. No one else would be up for several hours, especially since today was Saturday.

When he entered the common room Harry was surprised to see two figures sitting on one of the couches. It appeared that one was comforting the other. Harry, not wanting to interrupt stood still trying to figure out who it was. It wasn't until one of them spoke that he realized who was siting on the couches in front of him, "Ginny, it's okay. Boys are, well, they are stupid. You know that. I mean look at Ron, I try to give him hints but he is completely oblivious. I'm sure Harry is the same way. I mean what I said about him liking you."

"B-but, Hermione, he asked Cho to the ball."

"I know, I don't know why he did but what ever it is that they think they have it is nothing compared to the connection that you and Harry share."

Not wanting to hear any more Harry turned and ran up the stairs as quickly as he could. Once he changed back into fresh pajama's he crawled into bed and tried to get back to sleep. Every time he did get back to sleep he would have another dream about Cedric accusing him of stealing Cho. It was too much to bear and he quickly gave up trying to sleep and resigned himself to lying in the bed and thinking about the conversation he had heard between Hermione and Ginny.

When Ron finally woke up, Harry got out of bed and the two changed, going down to breakfast.

The whole time they ate, Harry scanned the crowd of students at the Ravenclaw table for Cho. He had to talk to her. They had been 'a couple' for two weeks and the memories of Cedric were getting worse. Last night's dream was the worst Harry had experienced and he couldn't take any more of the torture. The ball was in two weeks and if the dream was any indicator, he was in for more nightmares until he spoke with Cho.

Finally she walked in.

"I'll meet back up with you in the common room," Harry told Ron who was in the middle of explaining why he was going to ask Padma to the ball. Ron just looked at Harry confused then went back to eating his breakfast.

"Cho, can I talk to you?" Harry asked once he was close to the group of girls containing his girlfriend.

"Sure," She said turning and giving him a quick peck on the lips. All of her friends erupted in giggles as Harry led her out onto the grounds.

"Look, Cho, I really like you but I don't think we should be together, you know, a couple," Harry began once they were alone on the grounds.

Cho looked devastated, causing Harry's heart to ache but he knew he had to do it. He couldn't handle another dream with his parents looking that disappointed in him. "Cho, don't take this the wrong way, its, it's just that I've been having these nightmares, with, with Cedric in them. His echo accuses me of killing him and stealing you. He says it was all part of my plan to get you. It sound's silly now that I explain it, but when I'm having these dreams they are torture. My parent's come back in them, they look so, disappointed in me. It is clear they believe Cedric."

"So you're breaking up with me because of a dream?" She asked batting back tears.

"No, it's not just the dream, it's a lot of things, and every time we kiss I see Cedric's face. Cho, I didn't kill him but I feel responsible. Ginny keeps telling me that it's not my fault but I told him to take the cup with me."

"I know," She interrupted, "Professor Dumbledore and The Diggorys told me. You don't have to relive it, and Ginny's right. It's not your fault."

"But I can't just say it and feel okay. I still feel responsible to a good extent. You have to understand. It's not you, last year I would have died for this, for you to kiss me like that. It would have been a dream come true."

"No pun intended," She added forcing a laugh, between silent tears. "Harry, I understand. Cedric has been haunting my thoughts, and dreams for the past six months, since that night."

"Do you want to hear me explain what happened," Harry offered, "It might help you with closure, at least that's what Hermione has told me."

"Harry, you don't have to relive it. I mean, it can't be comfortable for you."

"No, you deserve to know. Let's walk and I'll explain it. I'll even answer any questions you have," He said, and with that they began walking and Harry relived every moment of that fateful night, beginning with entering the maze. Right before Harry got to the part where Cedric was killed he put a comforting arm around Cho, resting his hand lightly on her shoulder. She allowed him and Harry realized they both had lost in the situation. It was just another bond created by Lord Voldemort's evil destruction of innocent life. Cho stopped walking when Harry explained the way Cedric died "So he didn't suffer, he wasn't tortured in any way?" She asked.

"No," Harry said continuing with what happened. Cho seemed more comforted by the knowledge that Cedric wasn't in pain than by anything else Harry could do or say for her. It was close to noon when they were finally finished having stopped and taken a seat by the lake. They didn't just relive what Harry had been through. They had discussed the evilness that was known as Lord Voldemort, and ways to fight against him. Cho didn't blame Harry at all, in fact, she seemed okay with their break up, so much so Harry almost forgot that they had ever been a couple. They were actually closer as friends now than they had been that morning. Cho even admitted that she too had had nightmares about Cedric. He said she was a traitor for dating the other Hogwarts champion.

Once her eyes were back to normal, and no longer showed signs of the tears they had shed, Harry and Cho went back into the great hall for lunch. "Thank you Harry," She said giving him one last hug before going back to the table.

"Oh, wait, what are we going to do about the ball, I mean, do you still want to go, as friends."

"Oh, I had completely forgotten. Er… well, I think there is some one else you should ask, judging by the way her eyes light up when you enter the room."

"Who are you talking about?"

"Ginny Weasley, Harry, just look at her," Cho said. He turned around and looked at her. She had definitely perked up and was looking at him. They both quickly turned away, their cheeks turning slightly pink.

"Er… do you really think so?"

"Harry, I can tell that you care for her too. It's always been there. Just listen to yourself talk about her."

"What about you?"

"Oh, I think I can find a date. Go and ask her before she has a date and we are stuck going together making miserable dates because both of us are thinking about Cedric," Cho said turning Harry around toward his own table and giving him a gentle shove in that direction. Maybe she was right, Harry thought walking over to where his friends were seated.

"What, no public displays of affection?" Hermione asked pointedly. There was a distinct edge in her voice.

"No, we aren't a couple. I don't think we ever really where, I mean we 'were' but it was more that she was trying to get over Cedric. It didn't work, she's still not over him," Harry said. Ginny tried but failed to conceal her glee over the situation and knowing the conversation he accidentally over heard she and Hermione would be talking again late tonight.

Maybe Cho was right, Harry thought again. Hermione seemed pleased with this development.

"Don't jump up and cheer or anything," Ron said.

"Honestly Ron, you can't expect us to be heart broken. I don't have anything against Cho, but it is sort of soon after Cedric's death to be jumping into something with Harry," She said.

The rest of the day passed without any major events. Harry, Ginny and Ron had practice that afternoon from three until six.

"So, I did it," Ron said as he and Harry flew around warming up.

"You did what?" Harry asked giving his friend a quizzical look.

"I asked Padma. I really hope it pisses off Hermione. She is being really unbelievable about you and Cho."

"Er… she does have her reasons," Harry said thinking again of Hermione and Ginny's conversation that morning. He decided to tell Ron. Once he was finished Ron's jaw had dropped and he wore a face that was caught between being furious and delighted.

"I knew there was something going on between you and Ginny," He said with a grin.

"What?" Harry asked.

"I knew you liked her. Hermione might accuse us of being thick, but I knew back at the burrow that you had some sort of feelings for her. Harry, you do know that if you break her heart I'm going to have to kill you."

"Yeah I know," Harry said.

"What exactly did Hermione say about me again?"

Harry retold Ron all that he could remember from Hermione and Ginny's conversation even Hermione's comment about how thick Ron was.

"What does she mean by hints? I haven't seen any hints! If I had I might have actually asked her to the ball."

"I don't know. They don't make any since," Harry said pointing to the girls on the team.

"Everyone, you need to get to bed," Hermione had explained clearing the common room of the remaining second years that were still playing exploding snaps late that night.

"Okay Hermione, what's going on? Why are you not talking to me and Harry?" Ron asked as soon as the room was empty.

"You two need to listen to me. Harry, how could you become such close friends with Ginny when you know she likes you?"

"But, I thought she was over that," Harry lied. For all Hermione knew he hadn't heard their conversation that morning and he didn't want her to know that he had.

"How could you think that she was over you? For Merlin's sake Harry, she's been in love with you forever and I really thought you liked her like that. You know, as more than a friend? You two have done so much together lately even talking through the night the other night. But no, you go and ask Cho to the dance. Why?"

"Hermione, Cho and I, er… decided not to go to the dance together," Harry said feeling his face change colors. "She said I should ask some one else."

"Good. Ask Ginny, she and Collin made some sort of a pact that if they both didn't get dates by next Saturday night that they would go together. She still hopes there is a future for the two of you, I hope so too, I mean, the two of you are perfect for each other. We all know that."

"Hermione, why don't you leave Harry alone for a while? He's been through a lot. Just let him decide for himself," Ron interjected receiving a thankful look from Harry. "Now, why haven't you been talking to me?"

"Err… should I be here?" Harry asked feeling awkward. Was Hermione right about Ginny? Harry knew that Ginny still liked him, but did she hope there was a FUTURE for them. Harry didn't even know if there was a future if Voldemort wasn't stopped.

"Harry, stay. If she spoke so openly to you then she can easily do the same to me," Ron said not taking his eyes from Hermione's. They held their gaze for a few minutes until,

"Umm… Okay, well, I just don't see why you are going to the ball with Padma, I mean, do you like her?" Hermione finally said.

"Well, not really, but I needed a date."

"Why didn't you ask me?"

"Well, you already had a date."

"Yeah, by the time you mentioned it I did. You could have mentioned it earlier."

Harry, feeling more awkward than ever quietly ran up the stairs and into the safety of his bedroom. This was definitely not a conversation he wanted to witness. He decided not to think about the ball, if possible, and to keep his mind on Quidditch for the time being.