Rating: R

Warnings: Note the rating: if you're under fifteen years old, you shouldn't be here. The chapter features slash and het. If you can't handle all of that, you shouldn't have got this far.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter characters and The Story So Far are property of J. K. Rowling and Warner Brothers, and I have no intent of contesting that right, especially since both have done extremely well in creating and maintaining the spirit of said characters and story. In case either one happens upon this story one day: congratulations and please don't sue me! I mean no harm.

Pleas: Reviews would be nice; flames are also welcome. I will make a spirited attempt to reply to every single one, but I can't guarantee it. Flamers be warned: I will be very logical, pedantic and probably curious in my response. It can be a nuisance, but you'll have to learn to live with it.

Thanks To: Kimagure, chasati (I'm deliberately making the chapters long so that there's more story in each one…it wouldn't really make me update much faster—I'm a lazy writer ^^;;. Thank you.), Darkrose (Unfortunately, Lucius has a 'Get out of Jail Free' card in this story. Maybe we can do some really evil things to him next time around. Suggestions?), sm (Thank you. I do rather enjoy it, yes. ^_^), Thalia, Jessica (You're right, this is my version of the fifth book—not that I'm anticipating Order of the Phoenix to be anything like this.), SoulSister, Ninsetta Tristel Sundar, Angel, Ostia, Kuroi Atropos, Penelope-Z, Rilar Cray, Myr, Juliana Black, Lynx, Star, Demeter, aXe, Britt, Courtney, S. Maldiva (Many thanks! Yep, Ron and McGonagall are going to have a rough time learning to get around the fact of Draco—especially Ron.), stoned phreak, Kcarke (Pansy? Wow. She's almost the one person in the fic so far that I can't make myself like. I picked McGonagall because she's so strict, and has a very clearly defined view about proper behaviour. Besides, I had to give her something other than Quidditch for her to squabble with Snape over.), Sparkle Rose, Azzie, Luca.

All Torn Down: Blindness

Cry for the eye

that has cried for you

and feel merciful for the heart

that has felt for you

—Proverb of Gabra People

'The stakes now are very close,' Dumbledore went on. He had drawn himself up to his full height, and looked very serious and almost regal. The general effect was a long way from the merry wizard Harry had come to know. 'Cornelius Fudge continues to refuse to admit the rebirth of the Dark Lord, and this will make it difficult to gain the aid of the Ministry. There are, however, those who are willing to help us in any way they can, and their names will be made known through the correspondence of the Weasley family.' Beside Harry, Ron grinned proudly at the mention of his family. 'Be warned: information to the Ministry of Magic could easily fall into dangerous hands. Be careful. Voldemort has his insiders as well.

'Which brings me to the matter of Draco. During the summer holidays he and a number of other children were recruited as Death Eaters. Draco has revoked the Mark and is willing to turn spy for us. There are many more who continue in their association with the Dark Side, some who we know of; others who remain hidden. The names we know are Crabbe, Goyle, Zabini, Bulstrode, Warren and Berald.'

Harry listened keenly; this was something he hadn't heard before. He glanced curiously at Draco; had he really given up all this information so willingly?

Draco stood tall now that attention had turned from him to Dumbledore, although his eyes still skirted about the room from time to time. He had a determined glint in his eye—he looked, Harry thought, like someone with something to prove.

Draco's gaze shifted about the room again, his eyes coming to rest for a moment on Sirius before they transferred to Harry. Harry saw him flush in the split second in which their gazes met; then he looked away. Harry returned his attention to Dumbledore.

'—Will need far greater evidence against them this time. Harry, you must avoid those students at all costs. Voldemort still wants you dead—' A shiver ran down Harry's spine at the frank tone of the Headmaster's voice. '—and if his plan succeeds we are all lost.'

'What's the situation with Azkaban?' Sirius asked suddenly beside him. His messages to Harry since last year had often contained questions about the prison; he was very worried about the concept of the Dementors joining Voldemort. Harry didn't blame him.

'Cornelius remains unpersuaded. The Dementors still guard it, although other members of the Ministry are beginning to push for their withdrawal. Voldemort has not attempted to retrieve the Death Eaters imprisoned there yet, but it can only be a matter of time.'

Sirius gave a sour grunt.

'And what about the giants?' came the sharp voice of Arabella Figg, the new Defence Against Dark Arts teacher. Harry had nearly fallen out of his chair during their first lesson—she was none other than his old, cat-crazy babysitter. She was no better now he knew her as a witch, either—there had been a marked increase in the cat population of Hogwarts since her arrival. He wondered what his aunt and uncle would have thought if they knew the truth about their trusted Mrs Figg.

'Madame Maxime from Beauxbatons is still negotiating with them; her school is temporarily being run by young Fleur Delacour. However, things seem to be moving in our favour at this point.'

'Good, then.'

'Finally, Voldemort has called a gathering of Death Eaters, to take place outside of Hogsmeade in two weeks. If there are any students out of bed at night during that weekend, try to keep them from leaving Hogwarts. Draco and Severus will be there, and perhaps some more light will be shed on the Dark Lord's plan.' Dumbledore looked directly at Snape at this point. Sirius was as well, though his glare was laden with contempt. 'Be careful. Don't place yourselves in more danger than is necessary.'

Snape nodded.

'Does anyone have anything further to add?' The question was met with silence. 'Then, until the passing of the month, we are adjourned.'

The gathering dispersed quickly. Harry, Ron and Hermione stayed until most of the others had left. Harry saw Draco pause as he was about to follow Snape out the door. He half-turned as though he was going to say something to Dumbledore, but thought better of it and disappeared.

'The Malfoy boy?' Sirius said when they were alone with the Headmaster. 'Are you sure, sir?'

'I trust him.'

'Yes, but...his family...'

'Judging people by their bloodline is what has caused our present predicament, Sirius. Draco can be trusted, believe me. Or, if you will not, Harry can vouch for him.'

Sirius turned. 'Harry?'

Harry nodded gravely. 'He'll be fine, Sirius.'

'Besides,' Dumbledore said quietly. 'I don't believe that Draco Malfoy could ever cross Harry.'

All four of them looked back at him sharply. Harry's eyes widened at the thought of what Dumbledore's meaning could be, and what he might say to Sirius.

'What do you mean?' his godfather asked.

Don't tell him!

'You don't know this, but Draco tried some weeks ago to kill himself. He very nearly succeeded; fortunately Harry and Severus were able to save him. He owes them both wizards' bonds.'

Harry's jaw dropped. 'A wizard's bond? As in Pettigrew?'

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled at him. 'The very same.'

Harry became aware that his mouth was hanging open, and shut it. 'Wow. I never thought of that...'

'Yes. So if you get into trouble with those students I mentioned, I think you should see Draco. He will be able to help more directly than anyone else.'

'Yes sir.'

'Now you should get to bed, all of you. Minerva will never forgive me if I don't let you sleep.'

'Good night, Harry,' Sirius said. Harry looked up at him and grinned. His godfather smiled back, ruffling his hair. 'It's been good to see you again.'

'You too.'

'Night, Sirius,' Ron and Hermione's voices were muffled by each other and their own tiredness. 'Night, Professor Dumbledore.'

Dumbledore smiled at them. 'Good night, children,' he said softly as the three of them filed out.

'Wow,' Ron said as they trooped towards Gryffindor tower. 'I suppose that was the 'old group' he was talking about last year. I wonder why they call it the Order of the Phoenix?'

'Probably something to do with Fawkes,' Harry muttered.

'Who?'

'Dumbledore's phoenix. Didn't you see him?'

'No. Wasn't looking, I suppose. Wasn't Dumbledore fantastic? He's a lot different this year...'

'He's worried,' Hermione said, biting her lip. She glanced down a side-passage as they passed, and paused.

'What's up?' Ron asked. Hermione pointed. A pale-haired figure was loping away from them between the pools of light cast by torches hanging from the walls on either side.

'What is he doing still here?'

'Probably just looking for somewhere to sleep,' Harry murmured.

Ron chuckled. 'Did you see his face when he saw Sirius? What I wouldn't give for a photograph—'

Harry sighed. 'Leave him be, Ron.'

Both his friends glanced at each other over his head, frowning. 'What's wrong, Harry?' Hermione asked him.

'Nothing. I'm just tired,' he muttered.

They continued to Gryffindor tower in silence. At some point, Ron migrated to Hermione's side and they walked together, brushing fingertips.

'Phantasmagoria,' Hermione whispered to the Fat Lady, who winked at them as the painting swung open. The common room was empty.

There was a very brief, awkward silence as Ron and Hermione paused at the door to the girl's dormitory, before Ron muttered a hasty 'good night', his cheeks flaming. Hermione vanished up the stairway and the two boys made their way up to their own dormitory.

'G'night, Harry.'

'Night, Ron.'

A few minutes later Ron's snores punctuated the silence of the night. Harry stared at the ceiling for while, thinking of nothing in particular, before rolling over on the mattress and allowing his weary eyes to close.

~~~*~~~

Harry was prodded awake by Seamus. The blond boy grinned at his disgruntled image. 'You were snoring louder than Dean. What on earth were you doing up so late last night?'

'Secret,' Harry mumbled, sitting up. Seamus leaned back, frowning slightly.

'Yeah,' he said absently. 'There are a lot of those going around lately...'

'You make them sound like diseases.' Harry said, amused, as he hunted in his trunk for a clean robe. Seamus winked at him.

'Secrets can cause an awful lot of trouble sometimes. You coming to Hogsmeade today?'

Harry blinked. 'That's right, it's the weekend, isn't it?'

'You really didn't get much sleep last night, did you?'

'Shut up. I completely forgot about Hogsmeade.' He snorted. 'What sort of question is that, will you come?. Of course I am!'

'Then you'd better hurry up because McGonagall's ousting us in ten minutes.'

Harry swore. Seamus's laughter followed him into the bathroom.

~~~*~~~

It was a bright morning. Hogsmeade was invaded by a stampede of third-to-seventh years, eager to be free of the school grounds. The largest crowds were around Honeydukes and Zonko's. Harry caught sight of Fred and George coming out of the joke shop and waved. The twins had missed the first week of term due to an accident which occurred while they were experimenting with their own joke ideas during the holidays. The pair grinned and waved back at him. Obviously, they remained cheerfully undaunted.

Ahead of him, Hermione was dragging Ron to a recently-opened bookshop, despite his protests that they'd miss out on all the best sweets at Honeydukes. Harry grinned and ran to catch up with them.

'—wouldn't kill you to read a good book every so often, you know!' the shop door banged closed behind them.

'I do! I just don't like thousand-page chronicles about some dead wizard!'

'Unless he happens to have been a famous Quidditch player?'

'Of course,' Ron said, looking affronted.

'You're impossible!' Hermione stormed away to the shelves. Harry couldn't help chuckling at their bickering, but stopped at the pained look on Ron's face.

'Why does she insist on fighting all the time?'

Harry stared at his friend. 'Why does she—? Ron, since when have you tried to stop her!'

Ron shrugged sheepishly and they went to find Hermione. She was eventually discovered kneeling at the end of a row of shelves, poring over a book on Arithmancy.

'Mione?' Ron ventured.

'Mmm?' She didn't look up immediately, waiting until she'd finished reading the paragraph. 'Yes, Ron?'

'Sorry.'

Hermione gave a bright smile. 'That's all right. I found the book I wanted anyway. Honeydukes next?'

Ron grinned, and so did Harry, behind his shoulder. 'Yeah.'

So after Hermione had paid for the book they went and ransacked Honeydukes. The shop was left with noticeably less merchandise than before the trio had entered.

Pockets bulging with sweets, they opted next to visit the Three Broomsticks. Someone leaving the pub bowled into Harry as he entered, and he caught a brief glimpse of grey eyes before Draco muttered, 'Sorry,' and paced away.

Ron had ordered three Butterbeers for them all. They sat at a table in the corner, where they could watch the world come and go. Harry sipped at his Butterbeer thoughtfully and grinned as Ron handed him a Chocolate Frog.

'Love these things...'Ron groaned as Hermione pulled out her Arithmancy book. 'For God's sake, 'Mione, can't you keep your nose out of one of them for ten minutes?—Hey, you got Agrippa! Give over, I've been looking for that card forever!'

'I'm just looking up something I've been having trouble with,' Hermione said as Harry handed over the card.

'Trouble? You?' Ron laughed.

'It's for an advanced assignment...' Hermione continued to flick pages. She looked up irritably as Ron put a hand on her arm. 'What? I'm only going to be a minute, I'll put it away once I've...'

'Sh. It's not that.' Ron pointed at the bar. Snape had entered the pub and was talking to Madam Rosmerta. She nodded and smiled at him, and he sat at a small table fenced by two chairs, on the opposite side of the room. The Potions Master rested his chin on his hands and stared into space.

'What's he doing here?'

'I'm sure there's nothing wrong with a Professor coming into Hogsmeade. There was a whole group at our first visit in third year, remember?'

'Yes, but that was right at the end of the term. They were letting loose like everyone else. Anyway, this is Snape we're talking about, Hermione. As in not-really-the-social-type.' Ron shook his head. 'Something's off.'

Snape didn't move when Rosmerta set down a pair of drinks in front of him: a Gillywater and a tankard of something frothy. He did look up, however, when Professor McGonagall entered. She looked about for a few seconds before spotting him and went straight over. Snape smiled and said something inaudible as she sat down. McGonagall laughed. So did Harry and Ron, snorting into their Butterbeers.

Hermione shushed them, watching the pair's conversation carefully. Snape and McGonagall regarded each other with sharp intensity; from time to time they looked as though they were on the verge of breaking into an argument. But they never quite got there. Finally McGonagall nodded and they shook hands.

Ron was wiping tears of amusement from his eyes. 'Come on,' he said. 'Let's go. This is too much!'

The three of them burst out laughing once they were clear of the door.

'Snape and McGonagall!' Ron chortled. 'Snape and—oh help, I can't breathe!' He steadied himself against a wall, clutching his stomach.

'Now wait a minute,' Hermione said, a traitor grin tugging at her mouth. 'There's got to be a reasonable explanation...'

'Yeah, 'Mione, you keep working on that. In the meantime, I'm going to frame that picture in my memory...it'll be right up there with the Amazing Bouncing Ferret...'

'Ron, are you okay?'

They turned to see Ginny, bemusedly staring at them. She had obviously been through Honeydukes too. Harry surmised that the Weasleys had made a major contribution to the general income of Hogsmeade over the years.

Ron fought to keep a straight face. 'Fine, Ginny. I'm absolutely perfect at the moment.'

McGonagall emerged from the tavern, sending them into fits of suppressed merriment once more. Ginny began to laugh with them, unaware of the joke.

'What's funny?' Ginny spun at the sound of Neville's voice as he ambled towards them from the bookshop. Hermione eyed the large bundle of books he was carrying enviously. 'Hi, Ginny.'

'Hi, Neville.'

'Um...shout you a Butterbeer?'

Ginny grinned. 'Thanks.'

'Okay. I'll just need some change...' One of Neville's books fell to the ground as he fumbled for coins in his pocket. 'Oh, damn! You'd think I could manage to carry a few books by now, wouldn't you? Thanks, Ginny.'

She bent down to pick the offending item up for him, and let out an excited squeak when she saw the cover. 'I've been looking for this in the library! Couldn't find it anywhere.'

'It's new. They probably haven't been able to buy a copy yet.' Neville smiled shyly as they entered the Three Broomsticks. 'You can borrow it if you want...' The door swung to behind them.

Ron blinked. 'What was that about?'

'Herbology For the New Millennium,' Hermione said, nodding wisely. 'That's a good read, too. I got it in Diagon Alley this year.' She shrugged, smiling at their incredulous faces. 'It's probably just something in the water. Maybe Fred and George have been pranking again. It'll wear off sooner or later and everyone will return to their senses.'

Harry caught sight of Cho Chang walking down the street ahead of them. 'Yeah...' he said. 'Well, before it does, there's something I want to do...' He scowled at Ron's grin. 'Not a word. See you.'

'See you. Good luck, Harry,' Hermione said, nudging Ron to stop him grinning. Harry looked over his shoulder as he walked towards Cho, and sighed. The pair had already descended into another argument.

'Cho,' he called as he neared her. The Ravenclaw girl looked around. For once she wasn't surrounded by her friends and, remembering their giggling when he'd asked her to the Yule Ball last year, Harry felt very grateful.

'Oh...hi, Harry.'

'Hi.' A slight smile curved her mouth as Harry fidgeted nervously. 'Er...d'you mind if I walk with you for a bit?'

'Not at all.'

'Right. Thanks.' Harry felt his ears flame as he walked beside her, but at least he kept from blushing completely. 'Look, about Cedric—'

'I'd really rather not talk about him,' Cho interrupted him.

'Oh. Sorry.'

'It's okay.' Cho looked up at the sky for a second. 'Actually, on second thought, I think I would like to talk about him. Just be warned: you may end up with a wet shoulder.'

'That's okay.'

'Do you mind if we go back to Hogwarts? If I'm going to end up bawling, I'd rather not do it in public.'

Harry smiled. 'Fine. Come on.'

As they walked back towards the school grounds, Harry caught sight of Ron and Hermione, standing across the way from them. He grinned and decided Hermione must have been right about there being something in the water. His friends were holding hands and as he watched, Ron leaned forward and gave her a peck on the cheek. His face was as red as his hair.

'About time they got together,' Cho murmured, following his gaze. She smiled gently at Harry's astonished expression. 'I'm in Ravenclaw, Harry. Intelligent, remember? Although to be honest I think Goyle could probably have made that particular deduction with a bit of prodding.'

Harry sighed, smiling to himself. 'Probably.'

They continued past the school gates. Harry thought Cho would stop by the lake for some reason, but she continued onward, and he followed her. Finally she stopped and sat against a wall of the castle itself, staring away into the Forbidden Forest. She glanced at him as he settled beside her and grinned.

'You thought I was heading for the lake, didn't you?' Harry nodded. Cho shrugged. 'Lake's not a safe place to go any more. It's getting too crowded.' She laughed at Harry's baffled face. 'Everyone goes and sits by the lake when they want to mope, Harry. And just lately, everyone seems to want to mope. I've seen you there. Ginny Weasley, too. Malfoy's been there a lot.'

'Has he?'

She nodded. 'So has Professor Snape.' Cho leaned back against the wall. 'I think that man's got quite a past.'

'Too true,' Harry murmured grimly. Cho glanced at him, one eyebrow raised.

'He's told you, has he? It's okay, I'm not about to pry. But I did a tarot reading on him once, and I have to say the spread was...most interesting.'

Harry gaped. 'He let you do a reading on him?'

Cho laughed. 'Not in so many words. I had my tarot pack out during Potions once. Snape was in a foul mood and he threw the cards across the room. Wouldn't let me pick them up until after class. Anyway, he hadn't exactly shuffled them for me, but I thought it was close enough, and I did a reading during Divination.' Cho paused. When she spoke again, she sounded amused. 'One of the cards was stained by some spilt potion. I always thought the fact that card ended up representing Snape himself was very appropriate.'

Harry grinned, but faltered, realising he may have just found a major character flaw in Cho. He glanced sidelong at her, then said: 'So...you like Divination, do you?'

She caught the wary note in his voice. 'Trelawney puts you off, doesn't she? I've heard about some of the things she predicts about you.'

'I die every lesson.'

Cho winked at him. 'No wonder You-Know-Who's never been able to get you, then. You've had so much practice in Divination, you must be immortal by now.'

Harry shuddered. 'Please don't joke about it.'

'Sorry.' She tilted her head. 'Yes, I like Divination. It can be a very fascinating branch of magic.'

'But Professor Trelawney—'

Cho laughed. 'Never let a teacher get in the way of learning, Harry.'

'Hermione hates it; she dropped Divination after her very first lesson. Says it's far too inaccurate.'

'Well, Hermione prefers things to be solid and safe, I think. I'm in Arithmancy with her.' Cho shuddered. 'Awful, strict type of magic, but it has its uses.'

'That's Hermione's favourite subject.'

'Don't tell her I said that, then. Divination can be quite inaccurate, but sometimes it can hit the nail a lot faster than most other types of magic, too. And not everything in the world has to be so...defined.' She grinned. 'So, did I pass?'

Harry nodded.

Cho closed her eyes and rested her head against the wall, the smile fading slowly from her face. 'And then there is always the hope that if I become good enough, I'll be able to contact Cedric's spirit...'

Harry was lost for words for a long moment, struck by the sadness in her voice. He suddenly felt that he was invading something very personal. 'He really meant that much to you?'

'I don't know. But I miss him, and there were a few things...' Cho laughed softly. 'Just a few little things I never got to tell him, that he'd like to know.' She sniffed suddenly, and Harry realised that her eyes were glistening with tears. Cho dashed her hand against her eyes, smiling crookedly through the tears. 'Sorry. I knew this would happen...'

She couldn't stop the tears, and Harry reached out to her. He felt her stiffen as he put his arm around her, then relax as he pulled her gently into a hug. Cho cried silently into his shoulder.

'Thank you, Harry,' she said eventually. 'You're sweet.'

Harry blushed, even more so when she lifted her head and pecked him on the cheek. 'Thank you,' he muttered. Harry frowned. Should I...? 'Um...Cho?'

'Yes, Harry?' Her brown eyes were clear now, if red-rimmed, and she was looking at him expectantly.

I can't tell her.

'Good luck against Slytherin next week,' he said lamely.

A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. 'Thank you.'

They sat in silence for a while; neither of them could think of anything further to say. Cho didn't seem to mind, though, so Harry decided he didn't either, especially in view of the fact that she was still leaning against him.

Finally she said, 'We should probably go back to Hogsmeade.'

Harry sighed. 'Probably.' He stood up and helped Cho to her feet.

'It's nice to know you like being around me,' Cho chuckled at his forlorn expression. Harry shrugged, feeling foolish. 'Come on. You don't want to let Ron and Hermione get too involved on their first date.'

He blinked. 'Good point.'

They rounded the corner. Harry stopped in his tracks as he caught sight of the figure by the edge of the lake, kicking stones into the water.

'My God, he's everywhere,' he murmured.

'He must still be feeling pretty awful about himself,' Cho said. 'Can you imagine being so unhappy that you don't want to live any more?' She shivered. 'I wonder what made him do it?'

'Mm.'

Cho stared at him. 'You know why, don't you? He told you.'

'Yes.' He caught the look in her eye and added hurriedly, 'I promised that I wouldn't tell anyone else.'

Cho's eyes narrowed speculatively for a brief moment before she shrugged. 'I suppose that's fair,' she said.

Draco had stopped kicking rocks and stood staring sourly at the lake's surface, hands shoved deep into the pockets of his robes. He said something Harry couldn't make out, spun, and stalked into the castle.

'One of these days I'll have to do a reading on him...' Cho murmured as they began to walk again towards Hogsmeade. Harry laughed.

'I doubt he'd shuffle the cards for you.'

'I'll just leave the pack in the way of his foot the next time he feels like kicking things into the lake,' she said. 'Then I'll need some Gillyweed to collect the cards up again.'

'Snape has some in his office, I think.' Harry tried to sound nonchalant. Cho seemed serious.

'I'll have to make him give me detention, then. Shouldn't be too difficult...although he is less irascible these days. Must be losing his touch.'

'Maybe he's just got his mind on other things.'

Cho's eyebrow arched. 'Like what, Harry?'

'Oh, just...things.'

'More that you've promised not to tell about?' Harry nodded. 'All right. I won't ask then.'

When they reached Hogsmeade, Cho was immediately called over by a friend. She smiled goodbye to Harry and walked away.

Harry walked through the streets, searching for a glimpse of Ron and Hermione. They weren't in any of the trio's favourite haunts; he poked his head in at the Three Broomsticks, noted their absence in conjunction with that of Snape's, and stepped out again before Ginny and Neville spotted him. For some reason he didn't really feel like speaking to them right at that moment.

For about fifteen seconds Harry considered looking in the Shrieking Shack, then decided that the fact they hadn't returned there since third year had to mean something. He gave up and retreated back to Hogwarts, then further back to Gryffindor Tower.

'Gonfalon's ferule.'

The portrait swung around and Harry stepped into the common room to hear Hermione deliver a terrifying ultimatum:

'Go ahead, read it. I dare you.'

She and Ron were perched on two armchairs which had been dragged in front of the fire, facing each other. She hefted a large tome from her lap and passed it solemnly to Ron; Harry recognised it as her copy of Hogwarts: A History.

Harry stood motionless. The tension in the room was tangible.

Ron gripped the cover of the book and stared at it tensely. He opened his mouth, hesitated, closed it; opened it again.

'What happens if I say no?'

Hermione leaned forward, fixating Ron with her brown eyes. He began to look decidedly nervous. 'Then,' she said softly. 'The day's work is undone.'

Ron winced. 'Please?'

Hermione sat back again and folded her arms, smug. 'I'm tired of being the only one in the House who's read that book, Ron. Besides,' she added, flashing a lopsided grin. 'You know all those little arguments we have when you can't understand what I'm talking about? After going through that, most of those will probably go. Hello, Harry.'

Ron's gaze turned quickly to Harry. 'Hi.' The message in his eyes was painted in large, neon letters: Get me out of here. Harry shrugged helplessly, and a dejected Ron turned back.

'Can't I at least have some time to think about it?' he pleaded.

Her eyes narrowed. There was silence for a long moment. Suddenly she broke into a bright smile. 'You have until the end of the week.'

She stood, patted a stunned Ron gently on the shoulder, and disappeared into the girls' dormitory.

Harry crossed the room and sat where Hermione had been, regarding his friend with mild amusement. 'Care to explain what that was all about?'

Ron blinked a few times and began to smile. 'We're very nearly, almost officially, an item.'

Harry grinned back. 'Well done.'

'Only...' Ron faltered and glared down at the book in his hands. 'Only now she's saying it's not going to happen unless I read this damn thing.' He clicked his tongue irritably. 'What is it with girls?'

'I don't know. I would read the book, though.'

'Yeah...' Ron sighed heavily. 'I suppose I'll have to.' He brightened a little. 'She kissed me, you know.'

'Really?' Harry cocked his head to the side. 'As in a peck on the cheek, or...'

'No, it was the real thing. Caught me completely by surprise. It was a bit embarrassing actually, because we were right outside Zonko's and Fred and George were just going in again. They're going to let me have it for weeks, I could tell by their grins.' Ron straightened suddenly and looked about the empty common room. 'How about we go to the dormitory? They'll be coming back soon and I'd rather not have their laughter ringing in my ears when I go to bed tonight.'

Harry conceded and they headed up the stairway. The common room was left silent and empty once again.

The silence was broken by a snort. Anyone wanting to get into the Gryffindor common room at that moment would have been confronted by a teary-eyed Fat Lady holding an embroidered handkerchief. She lifted it to her face and blew her nose again.

'Ah, romance,' she sobbed happily.

~~~*~~~

When curfew came that night, Harry curled in his bed and grinned into the darkness. All in all, he thought, the day had been a good one.

Fred and George had left Ron alone when they returned from Hogsmeade, with the result that his friend had spent several hours shifting slowly through degrees of surprise, suspicion until he hit upon an unexpected sense of security and stayed there. Whether it was a false sense or not was yet to be seen.

Hermione wore a mysterious smirk all evening. She didn't speak to either Harry or Ron very much. Harry had the distinct feeling she was deliberately manoeuvring Ron into reading the History. He didn't say anything to Ron because he had another, equally distinct feeling that Hermione was operating to a very exact plan and would kill him if he did anything to sabotage it.

And his own day...

Harry closed his eyes and curled even tighter, thinking of Cho. Her voice, her laugh...the feel of her against him...her lips on his cheek, just briefly...

With that thought, Harry slipped into slumber.

... ...

... ... 'No.' Draco closed the distance between them, and for a split second Harry felt uneasy at his proximity.

What is he playing at?

The next instant all thought was shocked out of him as Draco leaned forward, simultaneously holding Harry's head to keep him from stepping back as he kissed him. His wand twitched, an automatic reflex. Draco's free hand snaked down his arm and Harry felt the wand slip from his fingers as Draco's interlocked with them. He was dimly aware of the sound of it hitting the floor as he was pushed against the wall. Draco's hand was oddly soft around his head. His fingers stroked through the tangles of Harry's hair.

Harry tried to push him off with his remaining hand, but Draco was much stronger than him. His mouth clamped shut tight, his lips compressed into a thin line; his final defence. He was painfully aware that it was a feeble one.

Draco parted his mouth slightly and Harry felt the soft touch of his tongue on his lips. Finally Draco stepped away. His voice was a whisper:

'Harry...'

... ...

... ... Harry woke. He blinked a few times, and frowned. 'No,' he said firmly into the darkness. 'Cho.'

He rolled over and returned to sleep.

~~~*~~~

The next week passed in a blur of exams. Care of Magical Creatures and Divination were easy. Charms and Transfiguration Harry was less certain about. What he was certain about was that he would be lucky to pass the History of Magic and Potions exams.

For almost everyone in the school, the upcoming Quidditch match between Slytherin and Ravenclaw was the light at the end of a very long and hectic tunnel.

The day arrived in shades of grey. It began to drizzle as the school began to head for the Quidditch field.

The teams met in the middle of the field. The Slytherins reeked of animosity, and Harry realised suddenly how large and brutish the team was this year, with the exception of Draco. The Ravenclaws were dwarfed by them.

A chill wind cut through the stands, making the entire student body shiver as Madam Hooch walked out to the centre of the field. The four balls were released and shot up into the air. The Snitch disappeared almost immediately. A second later the whistle blew and the game began.

'Ravenclaw in possession of the Quaffle, Chasers making their way down the field very quickly there—Slytherin Chasers catching up—Ravenclaw Gemaine passes to Langley, Langley knocked by Slytherin's Larson—the Quaffle has been dropped! Gemaine recovers—'

Harry watched keenly as the Ravenclaw Chaser shot toward the Slytherin hoops and threw the Quaffle at them. The Slytherin Keeper raced to block it, but the red ball sailed effortlessly past him.

'GOAL TO RAVENCLAW!'

Alongside of the Gryffindors, most of Ravenclaw was on its feet and screaming jubilantly.

'Quaffle returned to the field now--Ravenclaw in possession again! Wait, no--what are Slytherin trying to do?'

All three of the Slytherin Chasers had formed a ring around Gemaine. They moved with him, and occasionally took a swipe at the Quaffle. In desperation the Ravenclaw Chaser tried to pass the Quaffle to Langley, but Larson shot through the air after it--

'—Slytherin in possession now and heading down the field like hell's bells--'

Harry transferred his attention to Cho. She and Draco both hovered over opposing sides of the field, motionless but for the turn of a head in search of the Snitch. Harry hunted for a glimpse of the little ball himself, but it was a futile effort.

Abruptly Draco shot forward and downwards. Cho stared ahead of him for a second before speeding after him; Harry, too, saw the flash of gold dancing away from them. The commentator was concentrating on a scuffle for the Quaffle and didn't see the Seekers' plunge.

The Snitch was gone in the next second and the two Seekers righted themselves.

'SLYTHERIN GOAL!'

A celebratory outcry arose from the Slytherin stands. Harry glanced along to where Snape was sitting. To his amazement, the man was smirking proudly and clapping with the rest of the House.

The Quaffle was back in play. The smile dropped from Snape's face when, ten minutes later, Ravenclaw scored a goal.

Harry's eye was caught by a sudden movement by Cho. She was leaning down against her broomstick, moving quickly upwards with her eye on the Golden Snitch above her.

'—Ravenclaw's Seeker looks to have spotted something, heading up quickly--Slytherin's Malfoy coming fast after her but it doesn't look as though he'll make it—WHAT WAS THAT!'

The commentator's furious bellow was lost on Harry's ears as he shot to his feet, white-faced. A Bludger, beaten to her with vicious force by Crabbe, impacted sharply with Cho's side. Most of the school—including some Slytherins—were screaming abuse at the boorish Beater. Harry didn't hear any of it. All he was aware of was a vision of Cho, thrown off her broom and dropping through the air.

'Cho!' he screamed. 'Cho!'

Draco pulled up sharply. To Harry's eternal astonishment and gratitude he put a hand out in an effort to catch her as she fell past him. He missed, and Cho plunged on.

Below Draco, Gemaine had abandoned the Quaffle, directing his broom upwards instead. He caught the full blow of Cho's weight and momentum and he dropped several feet before climbing up through the air again to restore her to her broom, which hovered innocently as though nothing had happened. Harry let out an explosive breath and sat down again.

'Are you okay, Harry?' Hermione asked quietly, putting a hand on his arm.

Harry nodded. His hands were shaking.

Madam Hooch had flown up and was shouting at a grimly scowling Crabbe. The scowl was replaced momentarily with a look of utter surprise when Draco began shouting at him as well, but returned as play resumed.

'Free shot to Ravenclaw, and deservedly so after that shocking display by Slytherin's Beater,' there was a slight tremor in the commentator's voice. 'Langley shoots the Quaffle through—Slytherin fail to block—Ravenclaw goal!'

The play was deadly after that. The Quaffle changed from hand to hand; goals were blocked; the Bludgers sailed across the field with gathering force. The Snitch was nowhere to be seen. Both Seekers floated helplessly over the field, dodging Bludgers and searching for a glimpse of gold.

Draco rocked suddenly forward. A Bludger hit by one of Ravenclaw's Beaters rebounded against his back. Harry stiffened and bit his lip as he watched; he could almost see Draco cry out in pain. The Seeker whirled about furiously, but the Beater merely glared at him for a second before returning his attention to the game.

'Did you see that?' Harry growled to Ron and Hermione. 'That wasn't fair. He tried to catch Cho!'

'He's Slytherin, Harry,' Ron said grimly, still watching the field. 'They need to be put in their place.'

Hermione frowned at Ron, but he wasn't paying attention. 'Seekers are always prime targets,' she told Harry. 'You know that. And you can't blame Ravenclaw for wanting to retaliate.'

Harry wanted to, nevertheless.

A second later the Golden Snitch appeared.

Draco saw it first, hanging in the air above and behind Cho. Harry saw him nudge his broom into motion almost nonchalantly, and it was a moment before Cho realised what he was doing. She spun and took after him as he brushed past her. They picked up speed and soon were locked together in a tight race. The Snitch danced tantalisingly ahead of them both.

'Come on Cho,' Harry murmured. 'Come on—come on Cho!'

As though she could hear him urging her on, Cho's broom edged forward in front of Draco's, slightly at first, but gaining more and more. Draco leaned further over his broom, pushing it forward a little. He didn't make up the distance between them.

Harry stood up, grinning wildly. 'She's going to do it! Cho! Come on!'

Cho was drawing close to the Snitch and she put out her hand, straining for it. Draco kicked himself into a final spurt of speed, twisting beneath her. He reached up and plucked the golden ball from the air before her fingers.

'Slytherin wins!' There was more than a hint of disbelief in the Hufflepuff's voice.

A triumphant roar rose from the Slytherin stands. A few Hufflepuff stood and clapped as well. Almost all of Ravenclaw and Gryffindor remained in their seats. Harry gaped in shocked incredulity. Beside him, Ron spluttered.

'That wasn't a fair game!' he muttered. 'Cho nearly got killed out there, she's probably been shaken up really badly—'

'It was her choice to continue playing,' Hermione said quietly. 'If she hadn't, Ravenclaw would have had to forfeit. At the end of the day, Slytherin deserved the win.' She caught Ron's eye and sighed. 'All right, let me correct that bit. Draco deserved to win.' She pointed at the field in exasperation as Ron's expression flatly refused to change. Draco's face had lit up as soon as his hand closed around the Snitch and now he was weaving jubilant loops through the air. 'After everything that's happened, that's exactly what he needs.'

Ron sighed in defeat. 'If you say so.'

'I do. By the way, have you decided yet?'

'Not yet, no.'

'I think you'll enjoy it more than you think. There's a lot of Quidditch in Hogwarts' history.'

'Is there?'

Harry nudged Ron. 'Come on.'

'What?'

'They've come down. I want to see Cho.'

They made their way out onto the field. Harry was so intent on getting to Cho that he barely noticed Draco walking towards him. Instead, he pushed past and called out to her. Cho turned at the sound of his voice. Her dark hair was plastered to her head by the rain, and Harry thought suddenly that she'd never looked so beautiful. She smiled tiredly.

'Hey, Harry.'

'Are you okay?'

She laughed. 'Apart from my whole left side throbbing with pain? Yes, I'm fine, Harry. I'll just be bruised for a while. Madam Hooch is going to insist that I go to the Infirmary though, I can tell.' She smiled at Hermione. 'I think congratulations are in order.'

Hermione's hand sought Ron's as she smiled back. He exchanged a bewildered look with Harry. 'Thank you. You played very well.'

'You should have heard Malfoy when he caught—' Cho winced as a spasm of pain ran through her side. 'Maybe that Bludger did more damage than I thought,' she muttered. Distractedly, Cho stared at a point just beyond Harry's shoulder. Her eyebrows raised slightly before her gaze settled again on Harry's concerned face.

'Do you want me to come to the Infirmary with you?'

Cho smiled. 'Yes. Thank you, Harry.'