The Martial Arts Club
Alex looked up from her book, and broke into a wide grin. Harry found himself blushing again. He was at the entrance of the hospital wing, and was staring at Alex as she read. She looked so cute with the hospital gown that Harry stopped at the entrance, and simply stared at her.
"Hey!"
Harry grinned somewhat nervously. "Hey! How's my ace Chaser doing?"
Alex smiled again. "Great! Madam Pomfrey says I can be out in about two days time!"
Harry set the small box he had been carrying on the small table in front of the bed. Alex put the book away and leaned forward. Her rich green eyes sparkled as he took out some Butterbeer and a new product called Choco Chocs Every Flavour Dip. It was somewhat like the chocolate dips they have in the Muggle World, only that the dip will change flavour at every dip.
"I still haven't ask Professor Dumbledore about the martial arts class," Alex said thoughtfully.
"I object to it." Harry replied quickly, and trailed off at Alex's surprised look.
"Why not? You wanted to learn, didn't you?"
"Sure I did, but I... I..." Harry felt the same warmth on his cheeks. "I don't want to see anything happen to you, again." By the time he finished the sentence, he was almost whispering. He thought he saw Alex's face redden slightly. A deafening silence covered the atmosphere.
"Thanks Harry." Alex finally replied, breaking the silence. Harry nodded, his face still rather hot. He looked up at the piercing emerald eyes and his face felt as though on fire. He suddenly became very engrossed in his Every Flavour Dip. Alex looked away and another deafening silence took over. Harry sneaked a glance at Alex, who was still not looking at him, and his heart thumped.
"I'll.erm.I'll be. in the.Great Dorms.erm. no. Quiddtory. no. dorms. bye." Harry sped off, his running footsteps echoing through the hallway. Alex stared after him, with a sad expression on her face.
* * *
Two days later, the Weasleys, which includes the twins, Ron and Ginny, organized a welcome back party for Alex. Harry couldn't help but notice that Alex gave him the cold shoulder throughout the entire party. He wondered this out loud.
"Nah. it's probably your imagination," Hermione and Ron both gave him the same answer. Harry shrugged it off, but he knew it wasn't his imagination. Alex totally ignored and avoided him throughout the entire week.
That following Monday at breakfast, Alex's cold attitude had not changed. She barely spoke to Harry when they met, and did not glance at him at all during breakfast. The Hall was decorated with Halloween decorations, as the occasion draws near. Harry bit half-heartedly into a turkey ham sandwich, and glanced sideways at Alex. She was smiling at something Angelina had said, and was replying with an enthusiastic tone. She turned and her eyes met Harry's. Harry smiled, but Alex ignored. For some reason, Harry felt a stabbing pain in his heart. A slight tinkling made him look up at the main table.
"Can I have your attention please?" Professor McGonagall called out. Professor Dumbledore stood up, his silvery beard seemed especially bright under the dark decorations.
"I'm pleased to inform you that we will be setting up a martial arts club, coached by Miss Alexandra Chang." Harry sat up at the news.
"The club will take place here in the Great Hall on Saturdays, at three, starting from this coming Saturday. All whom are interested are requested to sign up with Professor McGonagall."
Professor Dumbledore sat down. Harry looked at Ron and Hermione, who looked ecstatic. "Are you two going?"
"Sure!" they replied in unison. Hermione looked closely at Harry. "Are you?"
Harry shrugged. "I'll see."
* * *
Saturday came not a moment too soon, for the trio. Harry had decided to join the club, not for learning, but to make sure that any of the Slytherins do not hurt Alex in any way. The Great Hall was removed of her long tables and a platform was built where the teachers' table had been. The Great Hall was filled with so many students that Harry was convinced that the entire school had either joined, or turned up. Only one other person was not there.
"Where's Alex?" Hermione asked. She was dressed in a loose T-shirt and long track pants. She had especially tied up her hair into a tight ponytail.
"I dunno. perhaps she's getting ready?" Ron replied. He was dressed in somewhat the same outfit as Hermione, excluding the ponytail, of course.
Harry looked around. He felt extremely odd with his new track pants. He still felt more comfortable with his old jeans. Just then, the door opened again and Alex appeared. The trio's jaw hit the ground when they saw her. Alex was dressed in a blue silk outfit with small little flowers as buttons. There were paler flowers pattern either sewn on or ironed on the silk. Her long hair was tied up tightly in a tight bun. She was holding a long black pouch in her hand, and a towel around her neck. To many, she looked like a professional. To Harry, she also looked downright stunning.
Alex stood on the platform, and smiled at the group. "Hi, to everyone here. Most of you know me, but for those who forgot my name, it's Alexander. But please, call me Alex." She placed the towel and pouch on the platform.
"First things first, all of you must hand over your wands to me." Protests broke out. Alex held her hands up. "I'm sorry, but since martial arts is a Muggle form of defence, wands would not be required. Unless, of course, some of you don't want to learn, you are most welcomed to leave." Alex was looking at Malfoy, who glared back. Almost everyone surrendered their wands, but the Slytherins were most unwilling to part with their wands, but there was something in Alex's tone of voice that made even Malfoy did it.
"Ok, now, I give all of you ten minutes to warm up. And I mean warm-up. If not, you will suffer later," Alex grinned. She did her own warm-up, seriously. Harry, Ron and Hermione followed her advice equally seriously. By the end of their ten minutes, each of them felt ready to do a split at Alex's command. She looked up, and scanned the group.
"Now, does anyone here have or had any history of martial arts?"
Harry was surprised to see Cho's hand in the air.
"Cho? What kind of martial arts?"
"Judo. I still practice it during the holidays."
Harry heard about every other kind of martial arts known to mankind for the next half-an-hour. He was also surprised to hear that Hermione had learned fencing when she was young.
"Alright! Can I have a volunteer? Just for a couple of blows," Alex assured at the sceptical faces. The door burst opened at her request. Her jaw dropped when she saw a strong-looking handsome young man striding into the hall. He was dressed in the same type of outfit as Alex, only that it was black instead of blue. His outstandingly brown shoulder-length hair was tied up neatly into a ponytail. His broad shoulders made Harry think of an oak tree.
"Me," he grinned, showing off a dimple. The school automatically made a way for him up to the platform. He grinned at Alex, who returned the smile. It was also a smile where Harry could tell that the two of them are extremely close.
"May I introduce, my assistant, Julian." Julian bowed and faced Alex. As if on instinct, the two of them bowed and raised their fists. Harry stifled a gasp as he saw Julian lunged at Alex. The latter ducked deftly and raised her arm to block off another one of Julian's attacks. Hermione and Ron could only stared at the fighting couple, with their hands covering their mouth.
Julian aimed a kick at Alex's face. Alex ducked and tripped Julian with her leg. Julian flipped himself up and landed firmly on the platform. He barely had time to dodge when Alex attacked him with a series of punches. Harry found himself wringing his fingers in tension, and very nearly yelped when he saw Julian gripping both Alex's fists, and aiming a kick at her waist. With lightning speed, Alex leapt over him gracefully, with her fists still in Julian's, and threw Julian onto the platform. The school erupt into applause. Even Malfoy was clapping with enthusiasm.
'Now, that had to be a first,' Harry thought. Alex helped Julian up, and they bowed.
"Alright, enough of warm-up." Alex started. "Julian will be teaching punches and kicks, like those we had demonstrated. I'll be taking care of sword fighting. Just a question here, how many of you would like to learn sword fighting?"
Sword fighting. Now that is what Harry had really wanted to learn. He had handled a sword before, but only clumsily. He raised his hand, much to Ron and Hermione's surprise. Among with the others were Ron, Hermione, Cho, Malfoy, Pansy, Dean, Seamus etc.
Alex led the sword fighting team away, and Julian gathered the others in the far end of the hall. Harry couldn't help but notice that most of the girls joined Julian's part of the club, and were practically drooling at Julian's tough looking frame. But the latter was looking at a certain raven- hair, green-eyed girl in the hall.
Alex drew out a gleaming sword that resembled the Gryffindor sword. Only that the handle was decorated with emeralds instead of rubies.
"I want all of you to take this sword," Alex held up the emerald-studded sword. "And exchange a few strokes with me. Alright?" The group nodded slightly.
"Who's first?" Alex asked, drawing out another sword. The second sword was identical, only that the handle was decorated with diamonds.
Harry looked around the group. No one seemed to dare to take Alex on, especially after the little demonstration with Julian. Harry swallowed slightly and raised his hand. He saw Alex's eyes widen slightly, and heard Hermione and Ron took in a sharp breath.
"All right, Mr Potter," Alex held the sword by the blade carefully and pointed the handle at Harry. Harry felt a sharp stinging pain when he heard Alex call him 'Mr Potter.' It was as though the two words had pulled the distance between them even further. He took the sword and marvelled at the lightness of the weapon. Alex held up the second sword, and raised it. Harry followed.
The two of them stood still for a while. Alex spoke in a challenging tone. "After you, Mr Potter."
Harry tightened his grip on the sword, and swung it uncertainly. Alex's sword met his with a loud 'clang'. Then, as if possessed, Harry continued attacking Alex, with perfect strokes. Alex's sword met every of his strokes with a defiant 'clang'. Harry couldn't help noticing that Alex handled the sword with a dancer's grace, and most certainly expertise. Harry lowered his body and attempted a stab at Alex's stomach. A familiar 'clang' echoed through the hall, and brought everyone's attention to the two of them. Harry felt a pushing force from the sword and he fell to his knees. With a quick turn of her wrist, Alex flicked Harry's sword away and placed the tip of her sword at Harry's throbbing throat.
"That's excellent, Mr Potter. Next?" Alex said coldly, and Harry stood up. Before he turned away however, he exchanged a brief glance with Alex. Despite her icy expression, her eyes were filled with a mysterious melancholy. For a meaningful second, her expression melted, and Harry had the urge to run up to her and hold her tightly in his arms. But he didn't. Alex looked away almost immediately, and Harry walked back to his friends. Ron and Hermione were gaping and praising him for his performance, but Harry wasn't listening. He kept his eyes fixed on Alex, who was duelling with a Hufflepuff. Harry felt the same stabbing pain in his heart, and looked away from Alex. His eyes fell on Malfoy, who had the exact same expression on his face as he just saw on Julian. And he was looking straight at Alex.
The martial arts club went extremely well. Harry heard extreme praises about Julian, who apparently, knew exactly what he's doing. Ron and Hermione were discussing vividly on how to block certain strokes between themselves, oblivious that Harry was even there, thus giving Harry a short moment of silence.
'Why? Why is Alex so cold towards me?' he asked himself. The very thought was wrenching his heart. Just then, running footsteps caught up with them. Harry turned, half-hoping that it was Alex. But it was Julian.
"Hey man," Julian grinned. His voice was way deeper than Harry's, and had an Asian accent, just like Alex's. His eyes were an alarming shade of blue, contrasted by a dark tan. Ron and Hermione said 'hi' politely but walked away from them, still discussing.
"Hi, I'm Julian. I saw how you fought with Alex just now. You were good."
Harry mustered a weak smile. "Not as good as you."
Julian laughed. "I'm not as good as you in sword fighting. Alex. she's the best in everything." He looked around with awe written over his face.
"So, you live here?" Harry nodded.
"Cool! The CIM isn't that cooling!" Child-like exhilaration was seen in his wide grin and sparkling eyes. Harry could not help smiling.
"CIM?"
"Chinese Institute of Magic," Julian replied, while looking over Harry's shoulder. "I wonder what's keeping Alex?"
'Probably me,' Harry thought glumly. "Dunno, you want to check things out?"
Julian nodded and the both of them walked back to the Great Hall. They saw Alex packing the swords while talking to a white-blonde haired boy.
'Malfoy?' Harry thought in amazement. He saw Alex smiling at him, while Malfoy actually smiled. Not a smirk, or a sneer. But an actual true smile. Harry was surprised to see that Malfoy looked a lot nicer when he's smiling, however, he was resentful that Alex smiled at Malfoy, but would not even look at him.
"So, it's a deal?" Harry heard Malfoy ask Alex. Alex nodded. Malfoy grinned happily and turned. His smile immediately changed into a smirk.
"Hello Potter," Malfoy spat. He sneered at Julian and walked away.
"Alex, what were you two talking about?" Julian asked.
"Agreed to go out with Draco. Why?" Alex asked casually. Harry could feel his heart sinking.
"Yes. It's not any business of yours to judge that, I believe," Alex turned her head away and walked off. Harry stared after her, and felt a scorching pain in his heart.
Alex looked up from her book, and broke into a wide grin. Harry found himself blushing again. He was at the entrance of the hospital wing, and was staring at Alex as she read. She looked so cute with the hospital gown that Harry stopped at the entrance, and simply stared at her.
"Hey!"
Harry grinned somewhat nervously. "Hey! How's my ace Chaser doing?"
Alex smiled again. "Great! Madam Pomfrey says I can be out in about two days time!"
Harry set the small box he had been carrying on the small table in front of the bed. Alex put the book away and leaned forward. Her rich green eyes sparkled as he took out some Butterbeer and a new product called Choco Chocs Every Flavour Dip. It was somewhat like the chocolate dips they have in the Muggle World, only that the dip will change flavour at every dip.
"I still haven't ask Professor Dumbledore about the martial arts class," Alex said thoughtfully.
"I object to it." Harry replied quickly, and trailed off at Alex's surprised look.
"Why not? You wanted to learn, didn't you?"
"Sure I did, but I... I..." Harry felt the same warmth on his cheeks. "I don't want to see anything happen to you, again." By the time he finished the sentence, he was almost whispering. He thought he saw Alex's face redden slightly. A deafening silence covered the atmosphere.
"Thanks Harry." Alex finally replied, breaking the silence. Harry nodded, his face still rather hot. He looked up at the piercing emerald eyes and his face felt as though on fire. He suddenly became very engrossed in his Every Flavour Dip. Alex looked away and another deafening silence took over. Harry sneaked a glance at Alex, who was still not looking at him, and his heart thumped.
"I'll.erm.I'll be. in the.Great Dorms.erm. no. Quiddtory. no. dorms. bye." Harry sped off, his running footsteps echoing through the hallway. Alex stared after him, with a sad expression on her face.
* * *
Two days later, the Weasleys, which includes the twins, Ron and Ginny, organized a welcome back party for Alex. Harry couldn't help but notice that Alex gave him the cold shoulder throughout the entire party. He wondered this out loud.
"Nah. it's probably your imagination," Hermione and Ron both gave him the same answer. Harry shrugged it off, but he knew it wasn't his imagination. Alex totally ignored and avoided him throughout the entire week.
That following Monday at breakfast, Alex's cold attitude had not changed. She barely spoke to Harry when they met, and did not glance at him at all during breakfast. The Hall was decorated with Halloween decorations, as the occasion draws near. Harry bit half-heartedly into a turkey ham sandwich, and glanced sideways at Alex. She was smiling at something Angelina had said, and was replying with an enthusiastic tone. She turned and her eyes met Harry's. Harry smiled, but Alex ignored. For some reason, Harry felt a stabbing pain in his heart. A slight tinkling made him look up at the main table.
"Can I have your attention please?" Professor McGonagall called out. Professor Dumbledore stood up, his silvery beard seemed especially bright under the dark decorations.
"I'm pleased to inform you that we will be setting up a martial arts club, coached by Miss Alexandra Chang." Harry sat up at the news.
"The club will take place here in the Great Hall on Saturdays, at three, starting from this coming Saturday. All whom are interested are requested to sign up with Professor McGonagall."
Professor Dumbledore sat down. Harry looked at Ron and Hermione, who looked ecstatic. "Are you two going?"
"Sure!" they replied in unison. Hermione looked closely at Harry. "Are you?"
Harry shrugged. "I'll see."
* * *
Saturday came not a moment too soon, for the trio. Harry had decided to join the club, not for learning, but to make sure that any of the Slytherins do not hurt Alex in any way. The Great Hall was removed of her long tables and a platform was built where the teachers' table had been. The Great Hall was filled with so many students that Harry was convinced that the entire school had either joined, or turned up. Only one other person was not there.
"Where's Alex?" Hermione asked. She was dressed in a loose T-shirt and long track pants. She had especially tied up her hair into a tight ponytail.
"I dunno. perhaps she's getting ready?" Ron replied. He was dressed in somewhat the same outfit as Hermione, excluding the ponytail, of course.
Harry looked around. He felt extremely odd with his new track pants. He still felt more comfortable with his old jeans. Just then, the door opened again and Alex appeared. The trio's jaw hit the ground when they saw her. Alex was dressed in a blue silk outfit with small little flowers as buttons. There were paler flowers pattern either sewn on or ironed on the silk. Her long hair was tied up tightly in a tight bun. She was holding a long black pouch in her hand, and a towel around her neck. To many, she looked like a professional. To Harry, she also looked downright stunning.
Alex stood on the platform, and smiled at the group. "Hi, to everyone here. Most of you know me, but for those who forgot my name, it's Alexander. But please, call me Alex." She placed the towel and pouch on the platform.
"First things first, all of you must hand over your wands to me." Protests broke out. Alex held her hands up. "I'm sorry, but since martial arts is a Muggle form of defence, wands would not be required. Unless, of course, some of you don't want to learn, you are most welcomed to leave." Alex was looking at Malfoy, who glared back. Almost everyone surrendered their wands, but the Slytherins were most unwilling to part with their wands, but there was something in Alex's tone of voice that made even Malfoy did it.
"Ok, now, I give all of you ten minutes to warm up. And I mean warm-up. If not, you will suffer later," Alex grinned. She did her own warm-up, seriously. Harry, Ron and Hermione followed her advice equally seriously. By the end of their ten minutes, each of them felt ready to do a split at Alex's command. She looked up, and scanned the group.
"Now, does anyone here have or had any history of martial arts?"
Harry was surprised to see Cho's hand in the air.
"Cho? What kind of martial arts?"
"Judo. I still practice it during the holidays."
Harry heard about every other kind of martial arts known to mankind for the next half-an-hour. He was also surprised to hear that Hermione had learned fencing when she was young.
"Alright! Can I have a volunteer? Just for a couple of blows," Alex assured at the sceptical faces. The door burst opened at her request. Her jaw dropped when she saw a strong-looking handsome young man striding into the hall. He was dressed in the same type of outfit as Alex, only that it was black instead of blue. His outstandingly brown shoulder-length hair was tied up neatly into a ponytail. His broad shoulders made Harry think of an oak tree.
"Me," he grinned, showing off a dimple. The school automatically made a way for him up to the platform. He grinned at Alex, who returned the smile. It was also a smile where Harry could tell that the two of them are extremely close.
"May I introduce, my assistant, Julian." Julian bowed and faced Alex. As if on instinct, the two of them bowed and raised their fists. Harry stifled a gasp as he saw Julian lunged at Alex. The latter ducked deftly and raised her arm to block off another one of Julian's attacks. Hermione and Ron could only stared at the fighting couple, with their hands covering their mouth.
Julian aimed a kick at Alex's face. Alex ducked and tripped Julian with her leg. Julian flipped himself up and landed firmly on the platform. He barely had time to dodge when Alex attacked him with a series of punches. Harry found himself wringing his fingers in tension, and very nearly yelped when he saw Julian gripping both Alex's fists, and aiming a kick at her waist. With lightning speed, Alex leapt over him gracefully, with her fists still in Julian's, and threw Julian onto the platform. The school erupt into applause. Even Malfoy was clapping with enthusiasm.
'Now, that had to be a first,' Harry thought. Alex helped Julian up, and they bowed.
"Alright, enough of warm-up." Alex started. "Julian will be teaching punches and kicks, like those we had demonstrated. I'll be taking care of sword fighting. Just a question here, how many of you would like to learn sword fighting?"
Sword fighting. Now that is what Harry had really wanted to learn. He had handled a sword before, but only clumsily. He raised his hand, much to Ron and Hermione's surprise. Among with the others were Ron, Hermione, Cho, Malfoy, Pansy, Dean, Seamus etc.
Alex led the sword fighting team away, and Julian gathered the others in the far end of the hall. Harry couldn't help but notice that most of the girls joined Julian's part of the club, and were practically drooling at Julian's tough looking frame. But the latter was looking at a certain raven- hair, green-eyed girl in the hall.
Alex drew out a gleaming sword that resembled the Gryffindor sword. Only that the handle was decorated with emeralds instead of rubies.
"I want all of you to take this sword," Alex held up the emerald-studded sword. "And exchange a few strokes with me. Alright?" The group nodded slightly.
"Who's first?" Alex asked, drawing out another sword. The second sword was identical, only that the handle was decorated with diamonds.
Harry looked around the group. No one seemed to dare to take Alex on, especially after the little demonstration with Julian. Harry swallowed slightly and raised his hand. He saw Alex's eyes widen slightly, and heard Hermione and Ron took in a sharp breath.
"All right, Mr Potter," Alex held the sword by the blade carefully and pointed the handle at Harry. Harry felt a sharp stinging pain when he heard Alex call him 'Mr Potter.' It was as though the two words had pulled the distance between them even further. He took the sword and marvelled at the lightness of the weapon. Alex held up the second sword, and raised it. Harry followed.
The two of them stood still for a while. Alex spoke in a challenging tone. "After you, Mr Potter."
Harry tightened his grip on the sword, and swung it uncertainly. Alex's sword met his with a loud 'clang'. Then, as if possessed, Harry continued attacking Alex, with perfect strokes. Alex's sword met every of his strokes with a defiant 'clang'. Harry couldn't help noticing that Alex handled the sword with a dancer's grace, and most certainly expertise. Harry lowered his body and attempted a stab at Alex's stomach. A familiar 'clang' echoed through the hall, and brought everyone's attention to the two of them. Harry felt a pushing force from the sword and he fell to his knees. With a quick turn of her wrist, Alex flicked Harry's sword away and placed the tip of her sword at Harry's throbbing throat.
"That's excellent, Mr Potter. Next?" Alex said coldly, and Harry stood up. Before he turned away however, he exchanged a brief glance with Alex. Despite her icy expression, her eyes were filled with a mysterious melancholy. For a meaningful second, her expression melted, and Harry had the urge to run up to her and hold her tightly in his arms. But he didn't. Alex looked away almost immediately, and Harry walked back to his friends. Ron and Hermione were gaping and praising him for his performance, but Harry wasn't listening. He kept his eyes fixed on Alex, who was duelling with a Hufflepuff. Harry felt the same stabbing pain in his heart, and looked away from Alex. His eyes fell on Malfoy, who had the exact same expression on his face as he just saw on Julian. And he was looking straight at Alex.
The martial arts club went extremely well. Harry heard extreme praises about Julian, who apparently, knew exactly what he's doing. Ron and Hermione were discussing vividly on how to block certain strokes between themselves, oblivious that Harry was even there, thus giving Harry a short moment of silence.
'Why? Why is Alex so cold towards me?' he asked himself. The very thought was wrenching his heart. Just then, running footsteps caught up with them. Harry turned, half-hoping that it was Alex. But it was Julian.
"Hey man," Julian grinned. His voice was way deeper than Harry's, and had an Asian accent, just like Alex's. His eyes were an alarming shade of blue, contrasted by a dark tan. Ron and Hermione said 'hi' politely but walked away from them, still discussing.
"Hi, I'm Julian. I saw how you fought with Alex just now. You were good."
Harry mustered a weak smile. "Not as good as you."
Julian laughed. "I'm not as good as you in sword fighting. Alex. she's the best in everything." He looked around with awe written over his face.
"So, you live here?" Harry nodded.
"Cool! The CIM isn't that cooling!" Child-like exhilaration was seen in his wide grin and sparkling eyes. Harry could not help smiling.
"CIM?"
"Chinese Institute of Magic," Julian replied, while looking over Harry's shoulder. "I wonder what's keeping Alex?"
'Probably me,' Harry thought glumly. "Dunno, you want to check things out?"
Julian nodded and the both of them walked back to the Great Hall. They saw Alex packing the swords while talking to a white-blonde haired boy.
'Malfoy?' Harry thought in amazement. He saw Alex smiling at him, while Malfoy actually smiled. Not a smirk, or a sneer. But an actual true smile. Harry was surprised to see that Malfoy looked a lot nicer when he's smiling, however, he was resentful that Alex smiled at Malfoy, but would not even look at him.
"So, it's a deal?" Harry heard Malfoy ask Alex. Alex nodded. Malfoy grinned happily and turned. His smile immediately changed into a smirk.
"Hello Potter," Malfoy spat. He sneered at Julian and walked away.
"Alex, what were you two talking about?" Julian asked.
"Agreed to go out with Draco. Why?" Alex asked casually. Harry could feel his heart sinking.
"Yes. It's not any business of yours to judge that, I believe," Alex turned her head away and walked off. Harry stared after her, and felt a scorching pain in his heart.