Notes: All credit for the HP storyline and characters goes to the wonderfully gifted JK Rowling. I'm just borrowing some ingredients and throwing them in a blender for a different flavor. Above all else, I'd like to thank the reviewers. A source of inspiration and determination, you are so please keep those coming. Extra cheers for Bon and Lady Penguin as well. As requested, a little longer chapter (I was going to start making them longer anyway =) ).

And now…on with the tale…

Harry decided to go ahead and shower first before proceeding to dinner. He worked himself harder today than any other day. His body definitely felt it. He felt limp and absolutely drained.

Once inside the castle, to his distaste, he found it difficult to avoid events surrounding the ball. Apparently, they wanted to make this one as important and as eventful as last year's. There was no holding back. Decorations on top of decorations, Christmas was just around the corner, but the ball made it even more exciting.

On his way to Gryffindor tower, he unexpectedly chanced upon several ladies who seemed very interested in turning him into their date for the ball. The tall girl from last year loomed over him and scared him a bit again as she asked and was turned down again. He couldn't get away from her fast enough, it seems. He ended up making up some excuse that Professor McGonagall wanted to see him urgently. Several girls from Hufflepuff he never met before also braved to ask him. Then there were these two Ravenclaw girls who fancied double teaming him into making him both their dates. There was also the Gryffindor fourth year who thought it might be a good idea to jump him from a corner and surprise him into making her his date. She put up quite a fight but to no avail. And fancy that, a fifth year Slytherin girl wanted him to be her date as well. He didn't even want to dwell on that one too much.

"They've gone bloody mad! Aren't they supposed to be avoiding me because I'm crazy to think that Voldermort is back?" he loudly exasperated.

"Whether you like it or not, Harry, you turning into quite a girl-magnet," a familiar voice spoke. "How can they resist your charming self and the fact that you're the star seeker for Gryffindor?" she mused jokingly.

Harry turned to Hermione and said "Well, 'Mione, I don't really fancy all this so-called attention from these girls who look like ready to rip me to shreds if I refused them." He gave her an annoyed look. "Hey, I thought you and Ron were saving me a spot for dinner?"

"Well Ron is saving us both spots for dinner. I was stuck in the library doing some extra homework and lost track of time. I ran across Ron on my way back here and asked him to save two seats instead while I drop these off in our rooms."

Harry, finally noticing the stacks of books that Hermione was carrying, offered to take some and accompanied her back. Thankfully, the presence of Hermione at his side served well to deter future attempts by other girls to catch Harry Potter. They made it back to the Gryffindor common room without event and left likewise to meet Ron for dinner.

"So Harry, I've been hearing rumors here and there that you've found a date for the upcoming ball?" Ron asked as they sat down.

"Oh? Probably more like I've been stalked or hunted down," Harry replied. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Cho and several of her friends entering the Great Hall for dinner. 'I wish she'd jump at me around some corner and ask me.' Harry suddenly caught himself and found himself blushing at the thought. 'What am I thinking? Cho would never do that.'

"Still fancy her a little, don't you?" Hermione quietly asked. She was the only one who noticed Harry spying a look at the Ravenclaw seeker. Ron was busy familiarizing himself with a hefty chunk of turkey leg to notice.

"Er…Well…I don't know. I don't think so…And yet…" Harry stammered, blushing again.

Hermione couldn't help but snicker at her dark-haired friend, although she wasn't really sure what to make out of her friend's crush for Cho. She wanted him to be happy but she also can't help but worry for him so much. Unknown to anyone else (well all maybe except Rita Seeker), she's had a tiny crush on Harry since last year. She'd never have the courage to tell him of course but she couldn't help but recall the kiss she gave him on the cheek before departing from King's Cross. Despite the crush, she was quite content as Harry's female best friend. Besides, she's developed quite a 'stronger' crush on the youngest Weasley boy. Another thing she won't openly admit.

"Harry, the only way you'll find out is if you ask her to go to the ball with you," Hermione suggested. "And don't make excuses using last year's events to stop you. If anything, you and Cho need to talk about it because of Cedric. You can't keep blaming yourself over it. It wasn't your fault."

"Whchu tu tkin bot?" Ron interrupted, with a mouthful of turkey.

Hermione rolled her eyes on him. 'I like this boy but he needs lessons badly on etiquette and manners.' "Ron! That's disgusting! Swallow first! Anyway, nevermind what I said. It's not important," she gave Harry one last look. 'You and I will continue this conversation later.'

Harry noticed the look, shrugged, and proceeded to attack his dinner. When dinner was said and done, Hermione quickly pulled him on his sleeve.

"Hey Ron. You go on ahead. Harry and I need to discuss something."

"But why-"

"No buts. And it's got something to do with…uh…the ball," Hermione somewhat explained.

Ron frowned. He hated being left out but the look Hermione gave him was something you never want to see. He shrugged and turned away from them to head back to the Gryffindor rooms. Harry and Hermione watched as their other best friend's figure eventually disappeared down the hall.

"Let's talk in the library," Hermione whispered.

Harry knew better than to argue and just followed her without question. To be honest, he felt better about talking about..well..Cho…with Hermione compared to Ron. At least Hermione won't tease him or give him a hard time about it.

The library was practically empty. To make sure that nobody makes the wrong assumption about herself and Harry, Hermione urged him to remove a couple of Potions and Herbology books. She then led him to a pretty secluded table. The next student was about twenty feet away and was too engrossed in reading to notice Harry and Hermione. After setting their books down, Hermione wasted no time in questioning Harry.

"So…Do you mind telling me what's going on in that head of yours about Cho?"

The mere mention of her name caused a slight blush to creep up on Harry's face. He wished Hermione wasn't so direct about things. It made him feel pretty awkward especially since he's the one being questioned.

Doing his best to recover, he replied, "I really don't know, 'Mione. I mean part of me still gets butterflies in my stomach whenever I see her or maybe I think too much about her. And..well..," he hesitated for a bit, "Cho…is a very pretty girl and quite popular. And she's Ravenclaw's Seeker…"

Hermione made no sign of wanting to interrupt him. Harry was quite surprised. He half-expected her to say something now.

"Also, I sorta still feel guilty about Cedric-"

"You didn't kill him, Harry," she quickly interjected.

"Yes, well I pretty much sure led him to his death! I think I still like Cho but…," Harry's voice trailed off. He nervously looked around to make sure they weren't attracting any unwanted glances. "But I feel like a prat because I only like her cause she's pretty. We've hardly spoken to each other. I feel so shallow." He bowed his slightly.

"Harry, that's why you ought to ask her out. Maybe not that soon, but why not say hi or talk to her every now and then?"

"But 'Mione, not counting you, I've never really known how to talk to a girl. Much less Cho Chang."

"Quit making excuses, Harry Potter. Ok, why don't we try something? You're a Seeker too, Harry. You can use that to your advantage. If anything, you both can talk about quidditch and just take it from there."

Harry opened his mouth to protest but discovered that no words came out. He doesn't really know yet how he feels about Cho, much less even think about pursuing anything more than just a mere acquaintance with her. He thought about it for a moment and just groaned.

'Do I really want to do this? I have enough troubles as it is. A possible love life isn't exactly going to make things any easier.'

As if reading his mind, Hermione said, "There's nothing wrong with possibly falling in love, Harry. I think you, compared to most other people, deserve to have love in your life." She looked at him sadly, "You've been through a lot of things Harry. There's nothing wrong with wanting something like that for yourself, for wanting to be possibly loved as well. I know you're worried about Vo—Vol—Voldermort," she muttered, "but you can't put your life on hold because of him."

Harry ran his right hand thru his hair, lightly grazing the scar. He knew Hermione was right but still he could not shake the feeling that he could be putting others in danger if he ever dared to indulge himself in something like a crush, or even possibly find someone to love.

Hermione noticed the mixed emotions reflected by Harry's emerald eyes. He was in turmoil. The burden, the responsibility, the worries. His eyes revealed the conflicts all at once. Hermione could not help but feel sorry for him. Part of her wished she could take more of it to help him, but she can only do so much.

SMACK!

Harry's eyes widened. "OW! What'd you do that for?" rubbing the back of his head gently, quite irritated.

Hermione replaced the book she held back down on the table. A few people directed their gazes at the pair and frowned. Hermione pursed. "You were getting too serious or moody there for a minute, Mister Potter." She giggled.

"I certainly did not expect that from you, 'Mione," he fumed. "Okay, well I'll go to the ball at least. But that's it. I'm not going to ask Cho because it's just too awkward."

Hermione stood up and started piling the books. "Suit yourself, Harry. You know you're always welcome to join myself and Ron," she blushed a bit. "But think about asking someone at least so you won't be completely…alone. Whether or not it's Cho. Just ask any girl."

"I'll think about it, since you insist that I don't rain on Ron's and your parade," Hermione stuck her tongue at him, "but I won't make any promises." And he smiled. Genuinely.

"Good. Okay, it's getting late. It's about time we head back to rejoin Ron. Knowing him, he'd think we'd be up to something and leaving him out of it."

Harry nodded and followed the curly, brown-haired girl out of the library.

*****

"Oh this is so much fun! Another ball!" a light haired girl squealed.

"Sam! Did Robert ask you yet?" said another girl excitedly.

"Cho! Did Sean ask you? I overheard a couple of the boys earlier and they were egging him to ask you!"

The dark haired Seeker rolled her eyes in disgust. She has no desire whatsoever to go to the ball with that prat. Albeit, he's got the looks that many girls would swoon for, Cho won't be finding herself swooning for him anytime soon.

'He's a complete…a complete…bloke!'

"I'm not going to the ball."

And the squeals and the excitement ceased. Several pairs of eyes soon found themselves staring at Cho, shocked and surprised.

"And it has nothing to do with Cedric."

A hush.

"But -!"

"No."

"Cho-"

"No."

"Sean-"

"Absolute no."

Another girl opened her mouth but shut it quite as fast as she saw Cho's endearing look.

"Cho, look, we're sorry. We know that you're still not ove-"

"Like I said, this has nothing to do with Cedric."

"Er…Right…Well…"

"I'm tired. I'm going to tuck in," she rose. Her friends knew better than to stop her. Cho Chang was upset and her eyes and her tone showed it. She left her friends and went up to her quarters. After entering her room, she couldn't help but release her exasperation in the empty room. She was frustrated. She was tired. Just for once, she wished she had an Invisibility Cloak. Getting away from all that exasperated her would be perfect.

'Too bad the bloody sun is down. I'd love to get some flying time around the quidditch pitch just about now.'

And then she remembered. This afternoon she was just going to do that.

Fly.

Instead, she spent her time watching Gryffindor's Seeker. Admired him she did as she hid behind a towering post. She knew he would never notice her anyway, judging by how possessed he was in the air. He pushed his body and his broom to the limits, his concentration was commendable and absolute. It was simply amazing to watch. Poetry in motion, she thought. There was no other way to describe that. How can you not help but admire that?

For the first time that night, Cho smiled. For awhile, she's had this admiration for the boy known as Harry Potter. Despite his remarkable feats off and on the field, he was still the quiet one. Never purposely drawing attention to himself, he exuded silent greatness. Before Cedric, Harry was the one who made her blush. He was the one who would make her stutter. He was the one that she could not help but think about.

She landed on her back on top of her bed and placed her hands at the back of her head. She looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully and wondered.

Was it love? No. Love was when she was with Cedric. She knew Cedric and Cedric knew her, inside and out. She, on the other hand, could not be in love with Harry because she simply did not know him beyond what she saw on the outside. Sighing to herself, she knew that she was probably no better than the next girl who fawned over Harry because he was the Boy Who Lived, except she fawned over him because he was quietly admirable and was Gryffindor's star Seeker.

"Who are you, Harry Potter?" she asked aloud..

Before she could entertain more thoughts on the green-eyed boy, she heard her roommates climbing up the stairs and will soon be entering the bedroom. Rather than having to deal with them again, she quickly readied herself her bed and tucked herself in to sleep.

In her dreams, her thoughts on the boy with the scar continued on. There was a very faint smile discernable on her face.

-Fin (for now)