Chapter 12

On the following Monday, classes began. Everyone had their shares of tales about why Catherine wasn't at the Halloween Dance. Malfoy seemed to think that Catherine's absence was some kind of insult to his reputation. But it didn't stop him from talking to Catherine in the halls.

" Stupid git." Complained Ron. " I mean come on. Enough with it already. I don't know why he is kidding himself. He knows a girl like Catherine couldn't possibly go out with him."

Hermione made a sort of noise in exasperation and ran the exact opposite direction in which they were heading.

" What is with her?" said Ron. " Do you think its."

"Give it a rest Ron. Honestly I don't know how you can be so blind about things right in front of your nose." Said Harry.

" What's on my nose?" asked Ron.

Catherine ran and caught up with them.

" So what did Malfoy want?" asked Ron. Harry nudged him hard on the side.

" Oh, you know, where I was at the night of the dance. So we seem to be having Charms next. Then Defense Against the Dark Arts. I wonder who Dumbledore has hired after Professor Salisbury quit after Halloween." Said Catherine.

Catherine was really good at every subject. When they were just about to go inside the Charms classroom, Catherine stopped Harry. Ron walked continued through the door, although he looked really sour.

" Harry I just wanted to tell you again that I am so thankful you were with me in the Hospital Wing. It made me feel better a lot quicker." Said Catherine.

" Oh! No problem." Said Harry nervously. Maybe it was because of their tight embrace in the Hospital Wing, ever since Catherine got better, he has been very nervous around her.

Catherine was thinking about what she had been wanting to do for a long time.

" And I was wondering if you would be able to teach me how to fly on a broomstick after classes. My nanny sent me a broomstick, but I don't even know how to ride it." Said Catherine.

"Sure."

"Great." Said Catherine. And they both went into the Charms classroom.

Charms class today went well, although Neville, instead of making his kimono dragon levitate, had little Flitwick in the air, again. After their Charms lessons, they headed for the Defense Against the Dark Arts class. When Harry, Ron, Catherine (and later followed by Hermione) got there, the teacher standing in front of them gave them a jolt of surprise.

It was Dumbledore.

" Ah. Yes. It seems that nearly everyone is here. Please go on and take your seats and we will begin our lesson." He said.

All the students were still in a state of shock, they took there seats and just stared at Dumbledore. Hermione went and sat down next to Ron and Harry went down to sit with Catherine. No one uttered a sound.

" Well, I am sure you are wondering why I am doing here. You see, when Professor Salisbury resigned on Halloween, I was not able to find a new teacher. And as this is your seventh and last year at Hogwarts, the study of Defense Against the Dark Arts becomes ever crucial. Especially since the Dark Lord has risen himself and had plenty of time to gather his supporters. So today, we will be studying the types of defense curses." Said Dumbledore.

So the lessons with the headmaster began.

"Well that was something unexpected." Said Hermione as they exited the classroom.

"I am just glad that there's someone to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts." Said Catherine. " So Harry, do you think we should get our brooms now?"

"Oh. Yea." Said Harry.

"So got a date with Catherine do you, well good luck with that mate." Muttered Ron to Harry as he nudged Harry in the ribs, although it was much harder than usual. "Hermione, do you think you can help with this Potions homework? I still have a day to finish it."

" Well that's something new, Ron. Just give me a second, I have to talk to Professor McGonagall about something." Said Hermione. And she dashed down the hall.

Ron, Harry and Catherine went up to the Gryffindor Common Room. Ron got his Potions homework laid out and wink at Harry as he and Catherine walked out with their brooms. It was an uncomfortable way down to the Quidditch field since he was so nervous about it all.

" Ok, well first you have to be able to call your broom. Yea. Then mount your broom and kick off from the ground ok?" said Harry.

" Ok. I think I can do this." Said Catherine nervously.

And they both kick off from the ground. Harry hadn't been on his broom for a while since it isn't Quidditch season yet. He glanced over at Catherine, whom seemed to be doing very well although he could tell she was very nervous.

I'm doing this. I am really doing this. Catherine thought. It was the most exhilarating feeling! The wind going through your hair. It was like a roller coaster. Except better!

Suddenly, she felt it. Then she heard it. Her bones seem to be stiffening. Her body was trying to react to it. But. who?

"HARRY!"

Harry was falling lifeless down to the floor. She dived as fast as her broom would take her. She caught him just before he hit the ground.

"Harry, wake up. Harry!"

Harry opened his eyes to reveal his green eyes filled with tears.

" I can't take this much pain anymore."

All Catherine could do is to hug him and maybe that will numb some of the pain that he has felt over the years of his life. It was until the sky was covered in black and studded with bright stars that Harry and Catherine went upstairs. They spent the time talking to each other about the things that has happened to them. Catherine told him all that she could. When they were in front of the Fat Lady, Harry held Catherine's hand.

" Would it be alright? If I kissed you?" Harry asked very softly as if that would make everything better.

Catherine answered him by kissing him. It was a very hot and passionate kiss indescribable with words. The Fat Lady seemed to have seen everything and let them in even before they said the password.

The only problem with this was, was that a blonde boy watched all of this.

Draco Malfoy.