Ok guys! Here's the final chapter! Thanks to everyone whose reviewed. I
still haven't decided whether I'm gonna write a sequel, I still need your
opinion on whether you think a sequel would be good.
Sinbad-rulz: A vortex? I don't understand Oh well thanks anyway, keep reviewing! Your fic rulz!
Suzy: Something fresh, good idea, (starts scribbling new ideas) P.S. You're so kind.
Sinbad-rulz (again): I don't get it with the Vortex's GAH!
Anonymous Penguin (this is getting boring Suzy!): Gay? YA! I agree, I wanna meet Christian! No fair, *cries*
Dream gal: I'm working on the sequel idea, still haven't decided, I'll let you know if I'm gonna write one soon. Thanks for reviewing.
Jkreviewer: Thanks for the advice, being a girl I dunno what you do to each other. Thank you for another fantastic review, I don't care if they're over reacting it will all be happy in the end anyway so I don't care! P.S. I think a lot of reviewers like it when you take time to reply to what they've said I'm glad you think it's a good idea too.
LilHermioneG35: Thank you for your nice review I'm glad you like this story so much, I'll make sure to tell you if I'm writing a sequel.
Ghetx2o: You've been one of greatest reviewers I've had thank you soooooooo much for all your great reviews. This is the chapter you've been waiting for hope you like it.
Wizsmart: Thanks for the nicey review. Well this is the last chapter for now, I hope you like it!
TheLaguna: Thanks for all your fantastic reviews, I hope you like this chapter and I'll let you know if I'm writing a sequel.
Slate07: Thanks for your reviews and support I hope you like this chapter. By l/j do you mean Lily/James cos I could write one of those, thanks for the idea.
Limp Bizkit Rox: I'll let you know if I'm writing a sequel hope you like the final chapter.
PeZ-YUaN: Ak! No don't hurt me I'm too young to die! Hope you like this chapter and thanks for all your reviews, you've been great.
LogicalRaven: Ok well here's the final chapter hope you like it and thanks for all your great reviews.
Cloud: I'm glad you like it! Here's the final chapter I'll let you know if I'm writing a sequel.
Erika: Well this is the end *sigh* oh well I might write a sequel cos some people don't want me to write one. Hope you enjoy the last chappie.
Adrienne22: Aw you're so kind thank you for your usual nice review!
Wingsofsilver: Sorry it took so long to update! I wanted to make this final chapter really good. I'm glad you want me to continue, hope you like my ending.
Toxiclove: Yes I like cliffies! MWAHAHAHAHAHA! Sorry this took so long please don't hex me *cowers in corner looking scared*
Candle in the wind: I understand what you mean, I'm still in 2 minds about the whole sequel idea. Anyway I'm glad you like it so much and fortunately you won't have to put up with any more of my evil cliffies because this is the last chappie! (until the next story MWAHAHAHAHA!)
Indigal: Ok I don't really know what to say apart from, you'll have to wait and see. *looks mysteriously*
Laceyj: Well here you go! This is the final chapter! Hope you like it and let me know if you wanna sequel!
Charlotte: Yup! You sound like me my love life is nearly always non- existent. Thanks for reviewing glad you like it. Enjoy the last chappie!
Rivers: You support my creativity very well! Thanks so much for reviewing again! I'm so glad you review every chapter your reviews still mean a lot to me. It's great to know that someone with such a busy life style takes time to read my fic and your so much older than me it's amazing to think to like it! Hope you like my final chapter I've put quite a lot of hard work into it!
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Chapter 12 (the end....sob sob)
The entrance Hall was crowded with people. It looked like the entire school was there Harry thought. There were people from all years and houses surrounding him. Girls in long flowing dresses, boys in smart outfits with uncomfortable looks on their faces as their dates dragged them through the crowds of people closer to the doors of the Great Hall.
As Harry stared around himself, he spotted Ron and Hermione. They had their backs to him so all he could tell was that they were linked arms and were talking rapidly their heads very close together. Harry a felt a stab of anger pierce his heart, seeing them like that never failed to hurt him.
Harry was only brought back to reality by Lavender who was straining to look over people's heads to see if they were opening the doors to the Ball yet.
Oh look!" She squealed excitedly, "The doors are opening!" Harry followed her gaze and saw for himself that the large wood doors were swinging open and the first people were beginning to stream into the Great Hall.
As Harry was pushed forward by other students behind him and pulled vigorously forward by Lavender, Harry saw someone that made his heart skip a beat. Cho was passing through the doors into the Ball. Roger Davis had his arm wrapped around her waist, and it looked like he was trying to engage her in conversation. But she wasn't listening, Cho looked to busy chatting to the girl Harry remembered from last year as Marietta.
Harry gazed lovingly at Cho, he seemed to be watching her every movement in slow motion. He couldn't help it. The pale blue dress she wore suited her perfectly. It clung to her body in all the right places, showing off her perfectly formed shape. Her hair was clipped on top of her head neatly but still letting it catch the light of the dim entrance hall lights. It shone like an angels and when she turned around to talk to someone behind her, Harry caught a glimpse of her deep brown eyes, drawing him deeper and deeper into her beauty.
Harry wished he could watch her all night, but she disappeared behind the doors in the Ball and Harry had to follow after Lavender lost in his thoughts of Cho and 12:15.
The music was already playing when Harry entered the Great Hall, and the dance floor was pretty crowded with couples dancing together. Instead of the usual house tables a raised platform was along the right hand wall where the Weird Sisters were playing. And a large buffet table was set up on another wall.
Harry didn't really feel like dancing but Lavender was already pulling him on to the dance floor. So Harry reluctantly followed after her.
As Harry tried his hardest not to step on Lavender's toes he remembered the last time Hogwarts had a Ball. Two years ago, when Harry had been in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. He could remember watching Cho that night, with Cedric Diggory. Harry had been so jealous of Cedric, with his looks and intelligence and he was good at Quidditch. Now Harry thought of Cedric and he would rather see him with Cho than had to experience him being killed the night of the 3rd task.
Even so Harry couldn't help feeling glad that Cedric wasn't going with Cho tonight. Cho had loved him so much. Harry had never been able to do this if he'd seen Cho hanging on Cedric's arm wherever she went.
Harry watched Cho as Roger Davis gripped her tightly around the waist. She looked pretty bored Harry thought, she seemed to be gazing into space, not concentrating on Roger who was staring into her eyes dreamily. This sight made Harry feel slightly better about the Ball, Cho obviously didn't want to be with Roger Davis.
After three songs Lavender admitted that her feet were starting to hurt and they went to sit down with Dean, Seamus, Ginny and Parvati, who were sitting at a small table drinking non-alcoholic punch.
"How's it goin Harry?" Dean asked as Harry sat down on an empty chair. Lavender had immediately started talking to Parvati in a girly high pitched tone.
"Yeh, it's alright," Harry said in a bored tone.
"She makes you dance a lot," Seamus said nodding towards Lavender. Harry grinned, remembering watching Lavender and Parvati having a giggling fit because Seamus had asked Lavender to the Ball in their 4th year.
"Yeh! Never again," Harry said and they all smiled, even Neville who was still without a date.
Harry turned his chair around to look at the dance floor. An array of colours were swirling around, look dresses of all different colours spinning around and around, mesmerising Harry. Dress robes all different for each student, so different from the normal sea of black Harry saw in the Great Hall at meal times.
Even with so many people dancing Harry could pick out the three people that had been on his mind more than anything else this year.
As the weird sisters struck up a slow, romantic song he watched Ron and Hermione holding each other close, dancing almost as if they were one person. If Harry had never fallen out with them he'd probably love seeing them so happy together. but instead he felt stabs of pain, anger and hurt coursing through him.
He wished he hadn't been so harsh on Hermione and Ron, he would have done the same in that situation, who wouldn't. He couldn't blame them for this, he couldn't spend the rest of his time at Hogwarts pretending he hated them and avoiding them. He couldn't stay angry with them for much longer. Harry needed his two best friends. Sure Dean and Seamus were cool, they made him laugh and stuff. But no-one could replace Hermione and Ron's place in Harry's heart. In the same way that no-one could ever fill the space in his life where Sirius had been.
Suddenly Harry had a burning urge to be away from the Ball, away from everyone. He stood up and pretending to be getting food he walked out of the Great Hall into the grounds.
The decoration in the Hogwarts grounds was pretty similar to how it had been in Harry's 4th year. The rose bushes and Christmas statues. He wandered down to the lake thinking about how much time he'd been spending down there recently. It had become his favourite place to go when he wanted to be alone and sort out his feelings and thoughts. It was calming and relaxing looking into the black waters.
Harry stood there for at least half an hour lost in his thoughts. Forgetting all about Lavender, Dean, Seamus and Neville, who were probably wondering where the hell he was!
Hermione, Ron, Cho, their faces swirled in his mind. Cho and Roger, dancing together. Ron and Hermione kissing in the common room and 12:15 not far away now.
Soon he would face Cho and admit how he felt about her. His heart beat faster and faster, harder and harder against his chest. He could just stand here worrying. He wasn't changing his mind now, no going back. He loved her, nothing could change that, nothing. Ever.
Harry dragged himself back into the Great Hall wanting to take his mind off everything even if it meant dancing again. Dean and Seamus weren't sitting at the table when Harry went over. Neville was sitting alone drinking punch.
"They're dancing," Neville said before Harry could ask.
"Lavender too?" Harry asked. He didn't blame her for going off he wasn't the most exciting date after all.
"Yeh, some Hufflepuff guy asked her to dance," Neville replied. Harry looked sympathetically at Neville without a date.
"Have a drink," said Neville pushing his drink toward Harry. Harry took it gratefully and looked at his watch. 10:30pm, only 1 hour 45 mins.
"Hey Neville, wanna get something to eat, I'm hungry," Harry said dragging his thoughts away from 12:15.
"Isn't that where you just went for ages?" Neville asked. Harry cast quickly around for an excuse quickly.
"I......er.....got talking to someone and...er....didn't realise the time." Harry said lamely.
"Oh, ok whatever," said Neville taking the hint. So they went over to the buffet table and came back plates piled high to find Dean, Seamus, Parvati and Ginny back at the table.
"Hey!" Dean said helping himself to something off Neville's plate. Dean and Seamus were a bit red it the face from dancing so much but Parvati looked quite cool.
"Had fun," Harry asked sarcastically. Seamus grinned.
"Why is dancing so hard for us but so easy for them," he said jabbing his finger in the direction of the two girls.
"Yeh and why do they wanna dance so much?" Dean asked smiling.
"Hey we heard that!" Ginny said in a fake offended tone.
"That was kinda the point," Dean laughed. Parvati and Ginny pretended to look angry.
"Fine why don't we just go get some other guys to dance with us?" Parvati said sarcastically. Even Harry was feeling light hearted.
As the night wore on Lavender finally returned apologizing for ditching Harry. Harry didn't really care especially as then she insisted on making him dance again.
It happened that the Weird Sisters had just then decided to play a slow song. So as Harry and Lavender danced, Harry watched Cho who was yet again dancing with Roger Davis.
Even when Lavender pulled him closer he didn't take his eyes off her. Noticing nothing except her pure beauty and elegance, even thought her face was expressionless and she wasn't moving with any particular grace Harry still couldn't take his eyes off her, she was just so wonderful, so amazing, brilliant, fantastic, perfect, there were no words to describe how Harry felt about her.
The song seemed to end far to quickly, Harry wanted to watch Cho like that forever. Even thought she was with Roger, that didn't seem to matter anymore. But Cho was leaving the dance floor now. Roger reached out for her hand but she pulled it away, this gave Harry another feeling of satisfaction. She didn't like him. He was just a random guy who wanted to go to the Ball with her.
Harry sat down at the table again and looked at his watch, 11:30pm. Only 45 mins to go. Harry couldn't shake the nervous feeling from the pit of his stomach. No matter how much he talked to Dean, Seamus and Neville his thoughts were of Cho. He couldn't concentrate on anything. He was checking his watch every five minutes. 11:35, 11:40, 11:45, 11:50. less than half an hour to go. The minutes rushed by and before he knew it the one of the Weird Sisters reached for her microphone.
"Ok this is the last song, I want everyone on the dance floor with a partner!" she said in a deep, growly voice. Even Neville managed to get a Random 4th Ravenclaw to dance with.
There was no-one at any of the tables as the Weird Sisters began to play their last song. Everyone had a partner, teachers and students alike. There was barley space to move on the dance floor, But Harry hardly noticed. He didn't know whether he wanted the song to end soon or if he wanted it to last forever so he didn't have to face Cho.
As Harry stood turning on the spot with Lavender in his arms, he saw Cho again. Roger had his hands wrapped firmly around her, but Cho was scarcely touching him. She looked almost bored, like she wanted the song to end.
When the final note of the song sounded echoing through the Great Hall, Harry sighed. The Ball was over, but the most important part of his night was still to come.
Everyone headed to the tables to collect jackets or bags before joining the huge crowd at the Great Hall's entrance. It was time to go.
"Hey guys, I think I left something at the table," Harry said when they were outside the doors of the Great Hall.
"Yeh ok meet us back in the common room," Dean said before he, Seamus and Neville turned towards the marble staircase and were lost in the constant stream of students leaving the Ball behind.
Harry watched Dean, Seamus and Neville until they had turned a corner and were out of site. He couldn't wait any longer, his watch read 12:10pm. Harry walked very slowly to the big oak front doors. He opened one the doors and stepped into the cool, refreshing midnight air. The breeze whipped his short, black hair until it was back to its normal sticking up form.
He walked quickly down the snowy steps into the grounds and looking down Harry saw footprints in the snow. Someone had been down here before. Maybe they were Cho's footprints. His heart skipped a beat and he walked faster not wanting to be late.
The lake was 100 meters away, 75 meters, 50 meters. Harry could see a small figure standing on the shore, looking into its black depths. The figure was female, quite tall, with long hair. Even the silhouette of Cho Chang looked beautiful to Harry in the moonlight.
Soon he was only 10 meters away and he slowed his pace. Every second felt like an age as he took another step towards her.
Cho looked up. There he was. Looking straight at her. Harry Potter only meters away. When they came face-to-face there just stood still looking at each other in silence.
"Hi Cho," Harry said nervously, "You don't look surprised to see me," he continued shakily. Cho simply smiled at him.
"I wanted to talk to you face-to-face, I've never told anyone how I feel about you," Harry said not waiting for a reply, "Ever since I first saw you, that time we played Quidditch against each other, I've known what I felt for you, but I've never been able to say anything to your face. Your smart, kind, funny and pretty, how could ever feel the same way."
Harry's heart was beating so fast he was sure it was going to explode in his chest.
"You've got so many friends, and you've got so many guys who are so much more talented and good looking than me." Harry had never planned on saying this much. He was pouring his heart out to Cho, he felt an amazing sense of loosing a burden he'd carried around for some time.
"But ever since we broke up last year I've known I couldn't hide my feelings for you any longer. I had to do something, anything, I hated not being with you even more. I realised how stupid I'd been to think you could be over Cedric, I know you loved him and no-one could ever replace him, but I couldn't stop how I felt for you, I thought I was over you, but I wasn't you were always on my mind. I couldn't live the rest of my life knowing I'd never told you." Harry realised he was talking way too much, Cho didn't want to hear all this crap.
"What I'm trying to say Cho, is that, I love you," Harry finished quietly. Cho didn't say anything for several moments. She looked deeper into his eyes her heart beating at lightning speed.
"No Harry, I didn't love Cedric, he was handsome, smart, strong, heroic, everything I could have ever wanted, but I didn't love him." Cho took Harry's hand and took a step closer to him.
"I thought I loved him but I didn't the only person I've ever loved.....is you." Cho smiled at the looked of surprise on Harry's face, neither said anything.
Harry raised his hand to her cheek and touched her soft, pale skin. They moved even closer together. They were only inches apart, still they moved closer until their noses were almost touching. Harry put his arm around Cho pulling her even nearer to him, they closed their eyes, and Cho tilted her head and felt Harry's warm breath on her cheek. They moved the last few inches and their lips joined in a kiss. Harry could feel Cho's soft lips on his as they kissed passionately.
Deeper and deeper they kissed not wanting it to end. It was the best feeling in the world to kiss the girl he'd loved for 3 years. Cho's arms were around his neck and Harry's were around Cho's waist. They stood there kissing for a long as possible not wanting it to end. They wanted to stay kissing like that forever.
When eventually the kiss ended they broke away smiling at each other.
"I Love you Harry/Cho," they said simultaneously. Harry's nerves were gone, it felt there was a happy bubble inside him, nothing had ever made him this good in his life. He brushed her cheek with his hand again and reached into his pocket. He took out a small, black box.
"Happy Christmas," Harry said and handed to him. Cho flicked the catch open and stared at the pendant inside it. The blue saffire caught the light of the moon from all different angles and reflected all colours of the rainbow around Harry and Cho. It looked more beautiful than Harry remembered it in the shop. Cho stood staring at the Necklace for what felt like an eternity.
"Oh Harry, I it's so beautiful, I love it, thank you so much." She said looking back into his eyes.
"It's not much," Harry lied not taking his eyes off her.
"I'm so sorry I didn't get you anything," she said, "Maybe I can give you this," Cho said. She pulled him into another kiss, deeper and more passionate than the last one. Holding him as close as possible. The kiss lasted longer than the first and feeling of great happiness was just as strong, as they held each other close. Harry smiled even more broadly when they broke away.
"Thank you," said Cho,
"No, Thank you," Harry said. "Can I walk you to your common room," he said dearly hoping she would say yes, he didn't want to leave her, he wanted to be with her forever.
"Yeh, ok," Cho said happily. They turned to the school doors and it was then that Harry saw a figure standing behind them. He knew immediately.
"Hey Cho, there's something I have to do, I'll be back in a minute," Harry said,
"Ok," Cho understood what had to be done, she had worked out who the figure was too, and she knew why the person was there.
Harry ran quickly towards the sillouetted person who happened to be his best friend Ron Weasley.
Ron was standing in the shadows of a tree looking at Harry and Cho. He knew what he had to do, Harry was his best mate, he could stay angry for long.
"Harry, I'm sorry," Ron said when Harry reached him.
"No Ron, I'm sorry," Harry replied. They smiled at each other and Harry gave him a playful punch on the arm.
"How's Hermione?"
"Upset, she's really sorry, can you forgive us both?", (A/N God that sounds crap! Couldn't think of a better line, sorry.) Harry nodded.
"'Course I can, you're my best friends."
"Thanks, I see you and Cho finally got together", Ron said teasingly. Harry grinned at him.
"Yeh, she's great, now go kiss Hermione and tell her I'm sorry, I can tell you love her." Ron grinned sheepishly and ran off quickly. Harry felt as if the happy bubble inside him had just swelled in size, he had his best friends back and he'd finally told Cho. He'd never felt so elated. He ran across the grass to Cho and took her hand.
"Come on I'll walk you to your common room", Cho smiled at him. She was happier than she'd ever been in her life. Nothing could compare to the feeling of utter happiness she was feeling right now as she walked towards the Ravenclaw common room hand in hand with the one boy she loved more than anyone in the whole world. Harry Potter.
They reached the entrance to the Ravenclaw common room and they turned to face each other.
"Goodnight," Harry said looking at her, mesmerizing her feature everything about her, he didn't want to leave her, he didn't want it to end.
"Goodnight," Cho said pulling him nearer and kissing him one last time, deeply and fervently, neither wanted to part, they only just found each other again, they wanted to spend the rest of their life like this, never parting.
Eventually the kiss ended and their hands slipped apart. Cho went inside the common room and Harry turned back to his.
No matter where they were, together or apart. Who they were with, friends, family nothing could wipe that night from their memories. I was the best night of their lives, nothing could come between them now, they would be together forever.
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Well what can I say, that's the end, no more story to come. Please review, I wanna know what I can do better in my next fic, or what I did well, and give me your opinions on a sequel. Also if anyone's got any ideas or wants to write a fic with me just e-mail me or write it in a review.
Sinbad-rulz: A vortex? I don't understand Oh well thanks anyway, keep reviewing! Your fic rulz!
Suzy: Something fresh, good idea, (starts scribbling new ideas) P.S. You're so kind.
Sinbad-rulz (again): I don't get it with the Vortex's GAH!
Anonymous Penguin (this is getting boring Suzy!): Gay? YA! I agree, I wanna meet Christian! No fair, *cries*
Dream gal: I'm working on the sequel idea, still haven't decided, I'll let you know if I'm gonna write one soon. Thanks for reviewing.
Jkreviewer: Thanks for the advice, being a girl I dunno what you do to each other. Thank you for another fantastic review, I don't care if they're over reacting it will all be happy in the end anyway so I don't care! P.S. I think a lot of reviewers like it when you take time to reply to what they've said I'm glad you think it's a good idea too.
LilHermioneG35: Thank you for your nice review I'm glad you like this story so much, I'll make sure to tell you if I'm writing a sequel.
Ghetx2o: You've been one of greatest reviewers I've had thank you soooooooo much for all your great reviews. This is the chapter you've been waiting for hope you like it.
Wizsmart: Thanks for the nicey review. Well this is the last chapter for now, I hope you like it!
TheLaguna: Thanks for all your fantastic reviews, I hope you like this chapter and I'll let you know if I'm writing a sequel.
Slate07: Thanks for your reviews and support I hope you like this chapter. By l/j do you mean Lily/James cos I could write one of those, thanks for the idea.
Limp Bizkit Rox: I'll let you know if I'm writing a sequel hope you like the final chapter.
PeZ-YUaN: Ak! No don't hurt me I'm too young to die! Hope you like this chapter and thanks for all your reviews, you've been great.
LogicalRaven: Ok well here's the final chapter hope you like it and thanks for all your great reviews.
Cloud: I'm glad you like it! Here's the final chapter I'll let you know if I'm writing a sequel.
Erika: Well this is the end *sigh* oh well I might write a sequel cos some people don't want me to write one. Hope you enjoy the last chappie.
Adrienne22: Aw you're so kind thank you for your usual nice review!
Wingsofsilver: Sorry it took so long to update! I wanted to make this final chapter really good. I'm glad you want me to continue, hope you like my ending.
Toxiclove: Yes I like cliffies! MWAHAHAHAHAHA! Sorry this took so long please don't hex me *cowers in corner looking scared*
Candle in the wind: I understand what you mean, I'm still in 2 minds about the whole sequel idea. Anyway I'm glad you like it so much and fortunately you won't have to put up with any more of my evil cliffies because this is the last chappie! (until the next story MWAHAHAHAHA!)
Indigal: Ok I don't really know what to say apart from, you'll have to wait and see. *looks mysteriously*
Laceyj: Well here you go! This is the final chapter! Hope you like it and let me know if you wanna sequel!
Charlotte: Yup! You sound like me my love life is nearly always non- existent. Thanks for reviewing glad you like it. Enjoy the last chappie!
Rivers: You support my creativity very well! Thanks so much for reviewing again! I'm so glad you review every chapter your reviews still mean a lot to me. It's great to know that someone with such a busy life style takes time to read my fic and your so much older than me it's amazing to think to like it! Hope you like my final chapter I've put quite a lot of hard work into it!
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Chapter 12 (the end....sob sob)
The entrance Hall was crowded with people. It looked like the entire school was there Harry thought. There were people from all years and houses surrounding him. Girls in long flowing dresses, boys in smart outfits with uncomfortable looks on their faces as their dates dragged them through the crowds of people closer to the doors of the Great Hall.
As Harry stared around himself, he spotted Ron and Hermione. They had their backs to him so all he could tell was that they were linked arms and were talking rapidly their heads very close together. Harry a felt a stab of anger pierce his heart, seeing them like that never failed to hurt him.
Harry was only brought back to reality by Lavender who was straining to look over people's heads to see if they were opening the doors to the Ball yet.
Oh look!" She squealed excitedly, "The doors are opening!" Harry followed her gaze and saw for himself that the large wood doors were swinging open and the first people were beginning to stream into the Great Hall.
As Harry was pushed forward by other students behind him and pulled vigorously forward by Lavender, Harry saw someone that made his heart skip a beat. Cho was passing through the doors into the Ball. Roger Davis had his arm wrapped around her waist, and it looked like he was trying to engage her in conversation. But she wasn't listening, Cho looked to busy chatting to the girl Harry remembered from last year as Marietta.
Harry gazed lovingly at Cho, he seemed to be watching her every movement in slow motion. He couldn't help it. The pale blue dress she wore suited her perfectly. It clung to her body in all the right places, showing off her perfectly formed shape. Her hair was clipped on top of her head neatly but still letting it catch the light of the dim entrance hall lights. It shone like an angels and when she turned around to talk to someone behind her, Harry caught a glimpse of her deep brown eyes, drawing him deeper and deeper into her beauty.
Harry wished he could watch her all night, but she disappeared behind the doors in the Ball and Harry had to follow after Lavender lost in his thoughts of Cho and 12:15.
The music was already playing when Harry entered the Great Hall, and the dance floor was pretty crowded with couples dancing together. Instead of the usual house tables a raised platform was along the right hand wall where the Weird Sisters were playing. And a large buffet table was set up on another wall.
Harry didn't really feel like dancing but Lavender was already pulling him on to the dance floor. So Harry reluctantly followed after her.
As Harry tried his hardest not to step on Lavender's toes he remembered the last time Hogwarts had a Ball. Two years ago, when Harry had been in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. He could remember watching Cho that night, with Cedric Diggory. Harry had been so jealous of Cedric, with his looks and intelligence and he was good at Quidditch. Now Harry thought of Cedric and he would rather see him with Cho than had to experience him being killed the night of the 3rd task.
Even so Harry couldn't help feeling glad that Cedric wasn't going with Cho tonight. Cho had loved him so much. Harry had never been able to do this if he'd seen Cho hanging on Cedric's arm wherever she went.
Harry watched Cho as Roger Davis gripped her tightly around the waist. She looked pretty bored Harry thought, she seemed to be gazing into space, not concentrating on Roger who was staring into her eyes dreamily. This sight made Harry feel slightly better about the Ball, Cho obviously didn't want to be with Roger Davis.
After three songs Lavender admitted that her feet were starting to hurt and they went to sit down with Dean, Seamus, Ginny and Parvati, who were sitting at a small table drinking non-alcoholic punch.
"How's it goin Harry?" Dean asked as Harry sat down on an empty chair. Lavender had immediately started talking to Parvati in a girly high pitched tone.
"Yeh, it's alright," Harry said in a bored tone.
"She makes you dance a lot," Seamus said nodding towards Lavender. Harry grinned, remembering watching Lavender and Parvati having a giggling fit because Seamus had asked Lavender to the Ball in their 4th year.
"Yeh! Never again," Harry said and they all smiled, even Neville who was still without a date.
Harry turned his chair around to look at the dance floor. An array of colours were swirling around, look dresses of all different colours spinning around and around, mesmerising Harry. Dress robes all different for each student, so different from the normal sea of black Harry saw in the Great Hall at meal times.
Even with so many people dancing Harry could pick out the three people that had been on his mind more than anything else this year.
As the weird sisters struck up a slow, romantic song he watched Ron and Hermione holding each other close, dancing almost as if they were one person. If Harry had never fallen out with them he'd probably love seeing them so happy together. but instead he felt stabs of pain, anger and hurt coursing through him.
He wished he hadn't been so harsh on Hermione and Ron, he would have done the same in that situation, who wouldn't. He couldn't blame them for this, he couldn't spend the rest of his time at Hogwarts pretending he hated them and avoiding them. He couldn't stay angry with them for much longer. Harry needed his two best friends. Sure Dean and Seamus were cool, they made him laugh and stuff. But no-one could replace Hermione and Ron's place in Harry's heart. In the same way that no-one could ever fill the space in his life where Sirius had been.
Suddenly Harry had a burning urge to be away from the Ball, away from everyone. He stood up and pretending to be getting food he walked out of the Great Hall into the grounds.
The decoration in the Hogwarts grounds was pretty similar to how it had been in Harry's 4th year. The rose bushes and Christmas statues. He wandered down to the lake thinking about how much time he'd been spending down there recently. It had become his favourite place to go when he wanted to be alone and sort out his feelings and thoughts. It was calming and relaxing looking into the black waters.
Harry stood there for at least half an hour lost in his thoughts. Forgetting all about Lavender, Dean, Seamus and Neville, who were probably wondering where the hell he was!
Hermione, Ron, Cho, their faces swirled in his mind. Cho and Roger, dancing together. Ron and Hermione kissing in the common room and 12:15 not far away now.
Soon he would face Cho and admit how he felt about her. His heart beat faster and faster, harder and harder against his chest. He could just stand here worrying. He wasn't changing his mind now, no going back. He loved her, nothing could change that, nothing. Ever.
Harry dragged himself back into the Great Hall wanting to take his mind off everything even if it meant dancing again. Dean and Seamus weren't sitting at the table when Harry went over. Neville was sitting alone drinking punch.
"They're dancing," Neville said before Harry could ask.
"Lavender too?" Harry asked. He didn't blame her for going off he wasn't the most exciting date after all.
"Yeh, some Hufflepuff guy asked her to dance," Neville replied. Harry looked sympathetically at Neville without a date.
"Have a drink," said Neville pushing his drink toward Harry. Harry took it gratefully and looked at his watch. 10:30pm, only 1 hour 45 mins.
"Hey Neville, wanna get something to eat, I'm hungry," Harry said dragging his thoughts away from 12:15.
"Isn't that where you just went for ages?" Neville asked. Harry cast quickly around for an excuse quickly.
"I......er.....got talking to someone and...er....didn't realise the time." Harry said lamely.
"Oh, ok whatever," said Neville taking the hint. So they went over to the buffet table and came back plates piled high to find Dean, Seamus, Parvati and Ginny back at the table.
"Hey!" Dean said helping himself to something off Neville's plate. Dean and Seamus were a bit red it the face from dancing so much but Parvati looked quite cool.
"Had fun," Harry asked sarcastically. Seamus grinned.
"Why is dancing so hard for us but so easy for them," he said jabbing his finger in the direction of the two girls.
"Yeh and why do they wanna dance so much?" Dean asked smiling.
"Hey we heard that!" Ginny said in a fake offended tone.
"That was kinda the point," Dean laughed. Parvati and Ginny pretended to look angry.
"Fine why don't we just go get some other guys to dance with us?" Parvati said sarcastically. Even Harry was feeling light hearted.
As the night wore on Lavender finally returned apologizing for ditching Harry. Harry didn't really care especially as then she insisted on making him dance again.
It happened that the Weird Sisters had just then decided to play a slow song. So as Harry and Lavender danced, Harry watched Cho who was yet again dancing with Roger Davis.
Even when Lavender pulled him closer he didn't take his eyes off her. Noticing nothing except her pure beauty and elegance, even thought her face was expressionless and she wasn't moving with any particular grace Harry still couldn't take his eyes off her, she was just so wonderful, so amazing, brilliant, fantastic, perfect, there were no words to describe how Harry felt about her.
The song seemed to end far to quickly, Harry wanted to watch Cho like that forever. Even thought she was with Roger, that didn't seem to matter anymore. But Cho was leaving the dance floor now. Roger reached out for her hand but she pulled it away, this gave Harry another feeling of satisfaction. She didn't like him. He was just a random guy who wanted to go to the Ball with her.
Harry sat down at the table again and looked at his watch, 11:30pm. Only 45 mins to go. Harry couldn't shake the nervous feeling from the pit of his stomach. No matter how much he talked to Dean, Seamus and Neville his thoughts were of Cho. He couldn't concentrate on anything. He was checking his watch every five minutes. 11:35, 11:40, 11:45, 11:50. less than half an hour to go. The minutes rushed by and before he knew it the one of the Weird Sisters reached for her microphone.
"Ok this is the last song, I want everyone on the dance floor with a partner!" she said in a deep, growly voice. Even Neville managed to get a Random 4th Ravenclaw to dance with.
There was no-one at any of the tables as the Weird Sisters began to play their last song. Everyone had a partner, teachers and students alike. There was barley space to move on the dance floor, But Harry hardly noticed. He didn't know whether he wanted the song to end soon or if he wanted it to last forever so he didn't have to face Cho.
As Harry stood turning on the spot with Lavender in his arms, he saw Cho again. Roger had his hands wrapped firmly around her, but Cho was scarcely touching him. She looked almost bored, like she wanted the song to end.
When the final note of the song sounded echoing through the Great Hall, Harry sighed. The Ball was over, but the most important part of his night was still to come.
Everyone headed to the tables to collect jackets or bags before joining the huge crowd at the Great Hall's entrance. It was time to go.
"Hey guys, I think I left something at the table," Harry said when they were outside the doors of the Great Hall.
"Yeh ok meet us back in the common room," Dean said before he, Seamus and Neville turned towards the marble staircase and were lost in the constant stream of students leaving the Ball behind.
Harry watched Dean, Seamus and Neville until they had turned a corner and were out of site. He couldn't wait any longer, his watch read 12:10pm. Harry walked very slowly to the big oak front doors. He opened one the doors and stepped into the cool, refreshing midnight air. The breeze whipped his short, black hair until it was back to its normal sticking up form.
He walked quickly down the snowy steps into the grounds and looking down Harry saw footprints in the snow. Someone had been down here before. Maybe they were Cho's footprints. His heart skipped a beat and he walked faster not wanting to be late.
The lake was 100 meters away, 75 meters, 50 meters. Harry could see a small figure standing on the shore, looking into its black depths. The figure was female, quite tall, with long hair. Even the silhouette of Cho Chang looked beautiful to Harry in the moonlight.
Soon he was only 10 meters away and he slowed his pace. Every second felt like an age as he took another step towards her.
Cho looked up. There he was. Looking straight at her. Harry Potter only meters away. When they came face-to-face there just stood still looking at each other in silence.
"Hi Cho," Harry said nervously, "You don't look surprised to see me," he continued shakily. Cho simply smiled at him.
"I wanted to talk to you face-to-face, I've never told anyone how I feel about you," Harry said not waiting for a reply, "Ever since I first saw you, that time we played Quidditch against each other, I've known what I felt for you, but I've never been able to say anything to your face. Your smart, kind, funny and pretty, how could ever feel the same way."
Harry's heart was beating so fast he was sure it was going to explode in his chest.
"You've got so many friends, and you've got so many guys who are so much more talented and good looking than me." Harry had never planned on saying this much. He was pouring his heart out to Cho, he felt an amazing sense of loosing a burden he'd carried around for some time.
"But ever since we broke up last year I've known I couldn't hide my feelings for you any longer. I had to do something, anything, I hated not being with you even more. I realised how stupid I'd been to think you could be over Cedric, I know you loved him and no-one could ever replace him, but I couldn't stop how I felt for you, I thought I was over you, but I wasn't you were always on my mind. I couldn't live the rest of my life knowing I'd never told you." Harry realised he was talking way too much, Cho didn't want to hear all this crap.
"What I'm trying to say Cho, is that, I love you," Harry finished quietly. Cho didn't say anything for several moments. She looked deeper into his eyes her heart beating at lightning speed.
"No Harry, I didn't love Cedric, he was handsome, smart, strong, heroic, everything I could have ever wanted, but I didn't love him." Cho took Harry's hand and took a step closer to him.
"I thought I loved him but I didn't the only person I've ever loved.....is you." Cho smiled at the looked of surprise on Harry's face, neither said anything.
Harry raised his hand to her cheek and touched her soft, pale skin. They moved even closer together. They were only inches apart, still they moved closer until their noses were almost touching. Harry put his arm around Cho pulling her even nearer to him, they closed their eyes, and Cho tilted her head and felt Harry's warm breath on her cheek. They moved the last few inches and their lips joined in a kiss. Harry could feel Cho's soft lips on his as they kissed passionately.
Deeper and deeper they kissed not wanting it to end. It was the best feeling in the world to kiss the girl he'd loved for 3 years. Cho's arms were around his neck and Harry's were around Cho's waist. They stood there kissing for a long as possible not wanting it to end. They wanted to stay kissing like that forever.
When eventually the kiss ended they broke away smiling at each other.
"I Love you Harry/Cho," they said simultaneously. Harry's nerves were gone, it felt there was a happy bubble inside him, nothing had ever made him this good in his life. He brushed her cheek with his hand again and reached into his pocket. He took out a small, black box.
"Happy Christmas," Harry said and handed to him. Cho flicked the catch open and stared at the pendant inside it. The blue saffire caught the light of the moon from all different angles and reflected all colours of the rainbow around Harry and Cho. It looked more beautiful than Harry remembered it in the shop. Cho stood staring at the Necklace for what felt like an eternity.
"Oh Harry, I it's so beautiful, I love it, thank you so much." She said looking back into his eyes.
"It's not much," Harry lied not taking his eyes off her.
"I'm so sorry I didn't get you anything," she said, "Maybe I can give you this," Cho said. She pulled him into another kiss, deeper and more passionate than the last one. Holding him as close as possible. The kiss lasted longer than the first and feeling of great happiness was just as strong, as they held each other close. Harry smiled even more broadly when they broke away.
"Thank you," said Cho,
"No, Thank you," Harry said. "Can I walk you to your common room," he said dearly hoping she would say yes, he didn't want to leave her, he wanted to be with her forever.
"Yeh, ok," Cho said happily. They turned to the school doors and it was then that Harry saw a figure standing behind them. He knew immediately.
"Hey Cho, there's something I have to do, I'll be back in a minute," Harry said,
"Ok," Cho understood what had to be done, she had worked out who the figure was too, and she knew why the person was there.
Harry ran quickly towards the sillouetted person who happened to be his best friend Ron Weasley.
Ron was standing in the shadows of a tree looking at Harry and Cho. He knew what he had to do, Harry was his best mate, he could stay angry for long.
"Harry, I'm sorry," Ron said when Harry reached him.
"No Ron, I'm sorry," Harry replied. They smiled at each other and Harry gave him a playful punch on the arm.
"How's Hermione?"
"Upset, she's really sorry, can you forgive us both?", (A/N God that sounds crap! Couldn't think of a better line, sorry.) Harry nodded.
"'Course I can, you're my best friends."
"Thanks, I see you and Cho finally got together", Ron said teasingly. Harry grinned at him.
"Yeh, she's great, now go kiss Hermione and tell her I'm sorry, I can tell you love her." Ron grinned sheepishly and ran off quickly. Harry felt as if the happy bubble inside him had just swelled in size, he had his best friends back and he'd finally told Cho. He'd never felt so elated. He ran across the grass to Cho and took her hand.
"Come on I'll walk you to your common room", Cho smiled at him. She was happier than she'd ever been in her life. Nothing could compare to the feeling of utter happiness she was feeling right now as she walked towards the Ravenclaw common room hand in hand with the one boy she loved more than anyone in the whole world. Harry Potter.
They reached the entrance to the Ravenclaw common room and they turned to face each other.
"Goodnight," Harry said looking at her, mesmerizing her feature everything about her, he didn't want to leave her, he didn't want it to end.
"Goodnight," Cho said pulling him nearer and kissing him one last time, deeply and fervently, neither wanted to part, they only just found each other again, they wanted to spend the rest of their life like this, never parting.
Eventually the kiss ended and their hands slipped apart. Cho went inside the common room and Harry turned back to his.
No matter where they were, together or apart. Who they were with, friends, family nothing could wipe that night from their memories. I was the best night of their lives, nothing could come between them now, they would be together forever.
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Well what can I say, that's the end, no more story to come. Please review, I wanna know what I can do better in my next fic, or what I did well, and give me your opinions on a sequel. Also if anyone's got any ideas or wants to write a fic with me just e-mail me or write it in a review.