Chapter 12
RUMORS AND SPECULATIONS
"Miss Chang," Dumbledore spoke loosing none of his normal calm, and immediately acting. "Yes Professor" Cho answered tearing her eyes from Harry, and looking up at the headmaster. "Can you heal this?" He asked as Cho reached over to where Harry's blood soaked robes covered the wound, and ripped them back.
"I don't know Professor, I know I can heal the physical injury, but depending on the venom used," Cho answered, you could tell by her voice that she was extremely scared. Concentrating on the task at hand, Cho placed her right hand on top of the open cut. With an ear piercing scream, she held her hand there for only a second, for the venom left from the sword of Voldermort instantly begun to burn her hand.
"Sir, this is no ordinary poison" Cho spoke watching as Harry begun to convulse I do not think I can stop this" She answered tears falling freely as she once again begun to concentrate on healing, and placed her hands once again over the cut.
With screams of pain from both Harry, and Cho the wound begun to slowly close. Everyone waited with held breath as Cho endured the burning venom to her hands, and while Harry kicked and screamed from the pain it caused him. Holding on as long as they both could the healing continued until Cho was physically to drained to continue. With the last ounce of strength she could muster, Cho kissed Harry softly on the lips before she passed out.
"Minerva, please take Miss Chang to the hospital wing. There is nothing else she can do for Harry tonight" Professor Dumbledore said, and Minerva levitating Cho's unconscious body onto a stretcher.
Turning his attention back to Harry, Dumbledore looked on with increased concern as Harry continued to scream. Cho had succeeded in slowing down the poison, and had purchased Harry a little more time, but as McGonagall walked away with her unconscious body bound to a stretcher, Harry slipped further away with each passing second.
"Albus, this can't be happening, I mean he is the heir to both Merlin, and Godric, how could he die like this" Hermione shouted as the adults were now to shocked to move. "I-I Hermione," Dumbledore stuttered. He had always believed that Harry would live to see the fall of the dark lord, and the fact that the young boy laid lifeless in front of him was more than he could handle.
"I am so sorry my child" Dumbledore said reaching down, and placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Not being able to take it, Hermione fell to her knees next to Harry, only to gasp as she landed on an object left behind by Cho. "This can't be happening" Hermione muttered to more herself than anyone else as she reached down, and picked up the necklace that must have fallen off of Cho.
Studying it for only a second, Hermione startled everyone there as she shouted a few choice curse words at her own stupidity, only to grow silent as she pulled her wand from her pocket, and placed the necklace next to Harry's wound.
"Hermione, what is the meaning of this?" Dumbledore questioned as Hermione begun to speak in an ancient tongue. Paying the headmaster no attention she continued until a warm glow surrounded the necklace, and through a blast of white light, and to the sound of a Phoenix song, the necklace exploded sending a silver liquid into Harry's cut, instantly closing it.
"Phoenix tears, the necklace held Phoenix tears" Hermione almost shouted pushing Sirius away from Harry, and cradling his chest with her legs. Realizing that she needed to get his heart going, Hermione begun muggle CPR, and after five minutes without a response, Hermione was replaced as a Medi witch had finally arrived.
"What happened here?" She asked, taking over the compressions for the now exhausted Hermione, and looking pointedly at Dumbledore. After a short, and very vague explanation, the Medi Witch stood for only a second grabbing a vial from her bag, and handing it to Ron.
"Make him drink this" She shouted as the stunned Ron shook the fear from his eyes, and uncorked the vial. "Everyone else stand clear" she said waiting for Ron to get the potion down Harry's throat before pulling her wand, and aiming it and Harry's chest. "Defibulate" she shouted as a burst of blue shot from her wand racking Harry chest. "Defibulate" she shouted a second time, as once again Harry was racked with the curse.
Realizing that the second spell had done the trick, everyone gasped as Harry's eyes shot open and he took in a long deep breath. "Harry" Hermione shouted, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Careful Hermione" Harry managed to get out struggling to get to his feet. What happened? He asked looking around, and seeing tears in almost everyone's eyes.
"Nothing out of the ordinary" Ron answered standing up with the help of Sirius, and staring back at his best friend. "Why do I have the feeling your lying Ron" Harry asked reaching down, and touching the closed skin where the blade wound once stood. "Because I am" Ron answered hugging his friend, and motioning for Hermione to follow. After a short embrace, and a quick explanation of what happened after Harry passed out, together the three made there way back to Hogwarts.
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"Welcome Hogwarts to the first Quidditch match of the season. Slytherin Vs. Gryffindor." It was now October 30th. It had been close to a month since the last confrontation between Voldermort, and The Order of the Phoenix. "Cho, Harry, Ron, and Hermione, had fully recovered from the earlier attack, and being that the threat of attacks had driven the school spirit out of most of the students, Dumbledore pushed the opening quidditch match between Gryffindor, and Slytherin up to just before Halloween.
"The quaffle is released and the game begins" came the announcement of Becky Jensen, a fifth year Gryffindor. Hermione, and Cho stood in the stands with the majority of the school rooting on Harry, and the Gryffindor team.
"With a vicious block by Douglas Flint, brother of Marcus Flint, Slytherin takes the quaffle from Gryffindors newest chaser Tyler Jensen, and puts it past Weasley for another score 40-10 Slytherin. It was close to fifty minutes into the game, and still no sign of the snitch "Looks like we may have a wet one today folks" Becky announced as what threatened to be a large storm gathered, and the sky begun to grow dark. Just then however Neville Longbottom, the newest chaser to the Gryffindor team, had just scored bringing the Lions 10 points closer to that of the serpents.
"Wait what's this, Gryffindor seeker Harry Potter cuts through the field in a step dive, Malfoy's right on his tail." Becky announced as the two seekers shot off in the direction of the sand pits under the Slytherin goal posts. "Ohh, and a vicious Bludger sent by the new Gryffindor beater Anarane Wood sends Malfoy off course, no wait, foul. Malfoy that slimy git just grabbed Potters broom. That will be a penalty shot for Gryffindor as the snitch has once again vanished." Becky announced, McGonagall giving her a warning look.
"That cheating git" Harry mumbled to himself, the snitch was almost within reach when Malfoy had fouled him, and now it was long gone. "Mel, come here." Harry shouted, as a bludger sent by Goyle zoomed past his ear. "Forget what I said this morning, Malfoy is all yours." Harry told his team mate, as she shot off in the direction of the cheating git.
"Ohh watch out Malfoy, it seems the Gryffindor Beater Mel Westwood has your number." Becky ranted disregarding the comments about equal representation from McGonagall, and watched as Malfoy took a bludger to the side of his head.
"Score Gryffindor, Dean Thomas easily puts it past that git of keeper the Slytherins have, I mean he left it wide open, Dean could have flown a car through it." Becky yelled as the score moved from 60-50, Slytherin still in the lead. Bye now rain had begun to fall, and the game was moving into the hour mark.
"Malfoy, you death eater, I swear if you do that again you will pay." Harry shouted at Malfoy as the Slytherin captain sideswiped him just moments later nearly knocking him from his broom. "What, can poor little potty not handle the game of quidditch" Malfoy smirked; glad that for the first time he was starting to get under Harry's skin. "You're a cheating jerk Malfoy, can't handle the game, who fouled who?" Harry almost yelled as a lightning bolt crashed through the sky, momentarily startling the two.
"Time" Harry shouted, He needed to get his team out of the storm, for it was starting to come down in buckets.
"Where in the bloody hell did this come from" Ron asked flinging his soaked body onto the bench, and swearing loudly. "Now, now Ron" Harry heard a women saying, as the team turned around to see both Hermione, and Cho come into the team box. "Sorry" Ron muttered, and everyone laughed.
"And what are you laughing at Potter" Everyone heard Cho say as she walked over, and quickly dried his robes, placing a repealing charm over them. "Don't worry sweetheart" Hermione said to Ron, following Cho's example. Soon the entire team was dry, and protected, so when the whistle blew to restart the game, the team was energized, and ready.
"Now get out there and win this" Harry shouted as the team mounted their brooms. Kicking off, the six flew back into the storm, and to none of their surprise they stayed warm, as there uniforms remained dry.
"I'm going to have to learn that one too." Harry thought to himself as he once again took position high above the others, the rain and lightning had not died down as he had hopped, but to see Malfoy dripping wet, and shivering from the cold made it worth it as the game once again took off.
"You look a little cold their Malfoy" Harry shouted at Draco buzzed by him two hours latter. Gryffindor had scored for the fifth time in twenty minutes, and the score now sat at 250-60.
"I am perfectly fine Potter" Malfoy shouted back, and Harry had to laugh for his teeth were chattering, and he could tell that Malfoy was miserable. Just then however another flash of lightning crossed the sky, and Harry was off in a flash as the extra light was all he needed to find the snitch.
"Harry's seen the snitch" Becky the announcer roared as the students all stood cheering him on. Since the storm had come the crowd had significantly thinned out, but Harry could make out Hermione, and Cho cheering high in the stands by the fact they were jumping up and down waving their arms like mad.
Diving as the snitch cut through the crowd of players, Harry pulled further and further away from Malfoy. Reaching out a hand, Harry was just about to win the game when suddenly the snitch changed directions as if under some type of control, and shoot straight up.
"Damn" Harry shouted turning so quickly that most everyone following his path temporarily lost sight of him. Swearing at himself for not being quicker, Harry followed the golden ball once again, but as he realized where it was headed, he begun to curse even louder.
"Malfoy, you bloody Cheater" he shouted noticing the wand in Malfoy's hand, and realizing that the summoning spell Malfoy had used was working well. Looking around for his beaters, Harry quickly realized that they would never make it on time.
"Malfoy" He shouted, the word rolled off his tongue like a curse. Harry had gained just enough on the flying gold ball that he could sense the magic controlling it.
"Accio repel" Harry shouted as a small shot of silver flew from his finger hitting the Snitch. Next thing Draco knew both Harry, and the golden ball were flying over his head, and Malfoy staring dumbfounded at his open hand was once again behind Harry for the race to win the game.
"What's going on with that snitch" Becky announced as Harry chassed it once again in the direction of Gryffindor posts. Malfoy, recovering from the shock of what happened, yelled for Crabbe and Goyle to do something.
"It looks like Harry will have the snitch this time, Malfoy is way behind. Ohh, great move from Harry as he dodges a bludger, and ohh, Goyle goes down, he missed the bludger completely, and it takes him off his seat." Pulling up just as he flew through the left side hoop, Harry's hand collapsed on the snitch, successfully ending the game."
"Gryffindor Wins, Gryffindor Wins" Becky announced as a well-aimed bludger from Anarane topped the win off by pelting Malfoy in the back, sending him into the pole of the middle hoop.
"Hope that hurt Malfoy" Ron shouted as the stunned Slytherin fell the twenty feet into the mud. Turning back to his friend, Ron begun to cheer, only to stop as another lightning bolt shot across the sky shaking the two.
"Best get down mate, this is getting bad" Harry said as Ron's color drained "Ya, your probably right." And the two flew over to where the Gryffindors were gathered.
For the majority of the day, Harry and Ron celebrated in the Gryffindor tower with the other Gryffindors, until just after dinner when Harry decided to continue his celebration with Cho.
"Ill talk to you later Ron, I am sure Cho is bored of being alone." Harry told his best friend as he stepped into the Gryffindor hearth. Surprised that Ron was quick to follow. Speaking the password to Marauders Hall, Harry was surprised as instead of a soft landing, he was thrown to the floor.
"What was the deal with that?" He asked as the two jumped off the ground. "Deal with what mate, that bloody fire does that to me every time?" Ron asked, he had not felt any change.
"Nothing I guess." Harry laughed pulling Cho into a hug before speaking again. "Hello Beautiful, busy." He asked, as Cho closed the book she was reading, just before she banished it to her room. For the rest of the night, the four friends simply enjoyed each other's company. Most talk focused on the upcoming visit to Hogsmeade, and Halloween the next day. Harry, however, had decided earlier that day to skip Hogsmeade, and pay his respects to his parents. He had been meaning to do it for too long now, and knew the anniversary of their deaths would be a good time.
"Harry, is everything alright?" Cho asked. She had not missed the signs of hurt in his eyes. "Don't worry about me." He said standing up, and kissing his girlfriend on the forehead. That night Harry slept very little, for his thoughts were on his parents, and the whereabouts of Voldermort who was being disturbingly quiet.
"Harry, Harry wake up it is Hogsmeade today" Harry heard the next morning, as he had somehow slept in. "Don't worry about it Ron, go on without me, I have other things I need to do today" Harry replied realizing for the first time that he was not alone in his bed. "Cho" He gasped almost falling off the bed as she reached out a hand to steady him.
"Quiet now" she giggled laughing at the look of utter shock registering in Harry's eyes. "I couldn't sleep last night, I hope this is alright" she said blushing slightly as she realized how little Harry was wearing "It's alright" Harry answered lying back down, and pulling Cho close to him. The two spent another hour comfortably in each other's arms until Harry's alarm went off signaling the need to get up and get dressed.
"So, what are your plans today, I heard you tell Ron that you weren't going to Hogsmeade?" Cho asked as Harry returned from the bathroom dressed in jeans, and a sweater. "Today is the fifteenth anniversary of my parents death" Harry replied, his eyes registering the hurt he felt. "I have decided that it is time I visit them" He finished as a silent tear made its way peacefully down his cheek.
Cho, who had not expected this, let out a long sigh, "Oh Harry, I am so sorry I didn't know." She spoke as Harry put a reassuring arm around her. "Its alright, hey do you want to join me, I mean I could do with a friendly face?" he asked as Cho stood from the bed, and hugged him. "Of course, let me just get dressed" she said rushing off, only to return just a few minutes later looking beautiful as normal.
"Are you ready Harry?" Sirius asked as the two meet up with both Remus, and Sirius in the common room. "As ready as I ever will be." Harry responded throwing on his leather cloak, and taking a hold of the boot Sirius was holding. "Portkey, can't we just apparate." Harry thought, as the familiar hook behind his navel signified that they had left.
"Miss Chang," Dumbledore spoke loosing none of his normal calm, and immediately acting. "Yes Professor" Cho answered tearing her eyes from Harry, and looking up at the headmaster. "Can you heal this?" He asked as Cho reached over to where Harry's blood soaked robes covered the wound, and ripped them back.
"I don't know Professor, I know I can heal the physical injury, but depending on the venom used," Cho answered, you could tell by her voice that she was extremely scared. Concentrating on the task at hand, Cho placed her right hand on top of the open cut. With an ear piercing scream, she held her hand there for only a second, for the venom left from the sword of Voldermort instantly begun to burn her hand.
"Sir, this is no ordinary poison" Cho spoke watching as Harry begun to convulse I do not think I can stop this" She answered tears falling freely as she once again begun to concentrate on healing, and placed her hands once again over the cut.
With screams of pain from both Harry, and Cho the wound begun to slowly close. Everyone waited with held breath as Cho endured the burning venom to her hands, and while Harry kicked and screamed from the pain it caused him. Holding on as long as they both could the healing continued until Cho was physically to drained to continue. With the last ounce of strength she could muster, Cho kissed Harry softly on the lips before she passed out.
"Minerva, please take Miss Chang to the hospital wing. There is nothing else she can do for Harry tonight" Professor Dumbledore said, and Minerva levitating Cho's unconscious body onto a stretcher.
Turning his attention back to Harry, Dumbledore looked on with increased concern as Harry continued to scream. Cho had succeeded in slowing down the poison, and had purchased Harry a little more time, but as McGonagall walked away with her unconscious body bound to a stretcher, Harry slipped further away with each passing second.
"Albus, this can't be happening, I mean he is the heir to both Merlin, and Godric, how could he die like this" Hermione shouted as the adults were now to shocked to move. "I-I Hermione," Dumbledore stuttered. He had always believed that Harry would live to see the fall of the dark lord, and the fact that the young boy laid lifeless in front of him was more than he could handle.
"I am so sorry my child" Dumbledore said reaching down, and placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Not being able to take it, Hermione fell to her knees next to Harry, only to gasp as she landed on an object left behind by Cho. "This can't be happening" Hermione muttered to more herself than anyone else as she reached down, and picked up the necklace that must have fallen off of Cho.
Studying it for only a second, Hermione startled everyone there as she shouted a few choice curse words at her own stupidity, only to grow silent as she pulled her wand from her pocket, and placed the necklace next to Harry's wound.
"Hermione, what is the meaning of this?" Dumbledore questioned as Hermione begun to speak in an ancient tongue. Paying the headmaster no attention she continued until a warm glow surrounded the necklace, and through a blast of white light, and to the sound of a Phoenix song, the necklace exploded sending a silver liquid into Harry's cut, instantly closing it.
"Phoenix tears, the necklace held Phoenix tears" Hermione almost shouted pushing Sirius away from Harry, and cradling his chest with her legs. Realizing that she needed to get his heart going, Hermione begun muggle CPR, and after five minutes without a response, Hermione was replaced as a Medi witch had finally arrived.
"What happened here?" She asked, taking over the compressions for the now exhausted Hermione, and looking pointedly at Dumbledore. After a short, and very vague explanation, the Medi Witch stood for only a second grabbing a vial from her bag, and handing it to Ron.
"Make him drink this" She shouted as the stunned Ron shook the fear from his eyes, and uncorked the vial. "Everyone else stand clear" she said waiting for Ron to get the potion down Harry's throat before pulling her wand, and aiming it and Harry's chest. "Defibulate" she shouted as a burst of blue shot from her wand racking Harry chest. "Defibulate" she shouted a second time, as once again Harry was racked with the curse.
Realizing that the second spell had done the trick, everyone gasped as Harry's eyes shot open and he took in a long deep breath. "Harry" Hermione shouted, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Careful Hermione" Harry managed to get out struggling to get to his feet. What happened? He asked looking around, and seeing tears in almost everyone's eyes.
"Nothing out of the ordinary" Ron answered standing up with the help of Sirius, and staring back at his best friend. "Why do I have the feeling your lying Ron" Harry asked reaching down, and touching the closed skin where the blade wound once stood. "Because I am" Ron answered hugging his friend, and motioning for Hermione to follow. After a short embrace, and a quick explanation of what happened after Harry passed out, together the three made there way back to Hogwarts.
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"Welcome Hogwarts to the first Quidditch match of the season. Slytherin Vs. Gryffindor." It was now October 30th. It had been close to a month since the last confrontation between Voldermort, and The Order of the Phoenix. "Cho, Harry, Ron, and Hermione, had fully recovered from the earlier attack, and being that the threat of attacks had driven the school spirit out of most of the students, Dumbledore pushed the opening quidditch match between Gryffindor, and Slytherin up to just before Halloween.
"The quaffle is released and the game begins" came the announcement of Becky Jensen, a fifth year Gryffindor. Hermione, and Cho stood in the stands with the majority of the school rooting on Harry, and the Gryffindor team.
"With a vicious block by Douglas Flint, brother of Marcus Flint, Slytherin takes the quaffle from Gryffindors newest chaser Tyler Jensen, and puts it past Weasley for another score 40-10 Slytherin. It was close to fifty minutes into the game, and still no sign of the snitch "Looks like we may have a wet one today folks" Becky announced as what threatened to be a large storm gathered, and the sky begun to grow dark. Just then however Neville Longbottom, the newest chaser to the Gryffindor team, had just scored bringing the Lions 10 points closer to that of the serpents.
"Wait what's this, Gryffindor seeker Harry Potter cuts through the field in a step dive, Malfoy's right on his tail." Becky announced as the two seekers shot off in the direction of the sand pits under the Slytherin goal posts. "Ohh, and a vicious Bludger sent by the new Gryffindor beater Anarane Wood sends Malfoy off course, no wait, foul. Malfoy that slimy git just grabbed Potters broom. That will be a penalty shot for Gryffindor as the snitch has once again vanished." Becky announced, McGonagall giving her a warning look.
"That cheating git" Harry mumbled to himself, the snitch was almost within reach when Malfoy had fouled him, and now it was long gone. "Mel, come here." Harry shouted, as a bludger sent by Goyle zoomed past his ear. "Forget what I said this morning, Malfoy is all yours." Harry told his team mate, as she shot off in the direction of the cheating git.
"Ohh watch out Malfoy, it seems the Gryffindor Beater Mel Westwood has your number." Becky ranted disregarding the comments about equal representation from McGonagall, and watched as Malfoy took a bludger to the side of his head.
"Score Gryffindor, Dean Thomas easily puts it past that git of keeper the Slytherins have, I mean he left it wide open, Dean could have flown a car through it." Becky yelled as the score moved from 60-50, Slytherin still in the lead. Bye now rain had begun to fall, and the game was moving into the hour mark.
"Malfoy, you death eater, I swear if you do that again you will pay." Harry shouted at Malfoy as the Slytherin captain sideswiped him just moments later nearly knocking him from his broom. "What, can poor little potty not handle the game of quidditch" Malfoy smirked; glad that for the first time he was starting to get under Harry's skin. "You're a cheating jerk Malfoy, can't handle the game, who fouled who?" Harry almost yelled as a lightning bolt crashed through the sky, momentarily startling the two.
"Time" Harry shouted, He needed to get his team out of the storm, for it was starting to come down in buckets.
"Where in the bloody hell did this come from" Ron asked flinging his soaked body onto the bench, and swearing loudly. "Now, now Ron" Harry heard a women saying, as the team turned around to see both Hermione, and Cho come into the team box. "Sorry" Ron muttered, and everyone laughed.
"And what are you laughing at Potter" Everyone heard Cho say as she walked over, and quickly dried his robes, placing a repealing charm over them. "Don't worry sweetheart" Hermione said to Ron, following Cho's example. Soon the entire team was dry, and protected, so when the whistle blew to restart the game, the team was energized, and ready.
"Now get out there and win this" Harry shouted as the team mounted their brooms. Kicking off, the six flew back into the storm, and to none of their surprise they stayed warm, as there uniforms remained dry.
"I'm going to have to learn that one too." Harry thought to himself as he once again took position high above the others, the rain and lightning had not died down as he had hopped, but to see Malfoy dripping wet, and shivering from the cold made it worth it as the game once again took off.
"You look a little cold their Malfoy" Harry shouted at Draco buzzed by him two hours latter. Gryffindor had scored for the fifth time in twenty minutes, and the score now sat at 250-60.
"I am perfectly fine Potter" Malfoy shouted back, and Harry had to laugh for his teeth were chattering, and he could tell that Malfoy was miserable. Just then however another flash of lightning crossed the sky, and Harry was off in a flash as the extra light was all he needed to find the snitch.
"Harry's seen the snitch" Becky the announcer roared as the students all stood cheering him on. Since the storm had come the crowd had significantly thinned out, but Harry could make out Hermione, and Cho cheering high in the stands by the fact they were jumping up and down waving their arms like mad.
Diving as the snitch cut through the crowd of players, Harry pulled further and further away from Malfoy. Reaching out a hand, Harry was just about to win the game when suddenly the snitch changed directions as if under some type of control, and shoot straight up.
"Damn" Harry shouted turning so quickly that most everyone following his path temporarily lost sight of him. Swearing at himself for not being quicker, Harry followed the golden ball once again, but as he realized where it was headed, he begun to curse even louder.
"Malfoy, you bloody Cheater" he shouted noticing the wand in Malfoy's hand, and realizing that the summoning spell Malfoy had used was working well. Looking around for his beaters, Harry quickly realized that they would never make it on time.
"Malfoy" He shouted, the word rolled off his tongue like a curse. Harry had gained just enough on the flying gold ball that he could sense the magic controlling it.
"Accio repel" Harry shouted as a small shot of silver flew from his finger hitting the Snitch. Next thing Draco knew both Harry, and the golden ball were flying over his head, and Malfoy staring dumbfounded at his open hand was once again behind Harry for the race to win the game.
"What's going on with that snitch" Becky announced as Harry chassed it once again in the direction of Gryffindor posts. Malfoy, recovering from the shock of what happened, yelled for Crabbe and Goyle to do something.
"It looks like Harry will have the snitch this time, Malfoy is way behind. Ohh, great move from Harry as he dodges a bludger, and ohh, Goyle goes down, he missed the bludger completely, and it takes him off his seat." Pulling up just as he flew through the left side hoop, Harry's hand collapsed on the snitch, successfully ending the game."
"Gryffindor Wins, Gryffindor Wins" Becky announced as a well-aimed bludger from Anarane topped the win off by pelting Malfoy in the back, sending him into the pole of the middle hoop.
"Hope that hurt Malfoy" Ron shouted as the stunned Slytherin fell the twenty feet into the mud. Turning back to his friend, Ron begun to cheer, only to stop as another lightning bolt shot across the sky shaking the two.
"Best get down mate, this is getting bad" Harry said as Ron's color drained "Ya, your probably right." And the two flew over to where the Gryffindors were gathered.
For the majority of the day, Harry and Ron celebrated in the Gryffindor tower with the other Gryffindors, until just after dinner when Harry decided to continue his celebration with Cho.
"Ill talk to you later Ron, I am sure Cho is bored of being alone." Harry told his best friend as he stepped into the Gryffindor hearth. Surprised that Ron was quick to follow. Speaking the password to Marauders Hall, Harry was surprised as instead of a soft landing, he was thrown to the floor.
"What was the deal with that?" He asked as the two jumped off the ground. "Deal with what mate, that bloody fire does that to me every time?" Ron asked, he had not felt any change.
"Nothing I guess." Harry laughed pulling Cho into a hug before speaking again. "Hello Beautiful, busy." He asked, as Cho closed the book she was reading, just before she banished it to her room. For the rest of the night, the four friends simply enjoyed each other's company. Most talk focused on the upcoming visit to Hogsmeade, and Halloween the next day. Harry, however, had decided earlier that day to skip Hogsmeade, and pay his respects to his parents. He had been meaning to do it for too long now, and knew the anniversary of their deaths would be a good time.
"Harry, is everything alright?" Cho asked. She had not missed the signs of hurt in his eyes. "Don't worry about me." He said standing up, and kissing his girlfriend on the forehead. That night Harry slept very little, for his thoughts were on his parents, and the whereabouts of Voldermort who was being disturbingly quiet.
"Harry, Harry wake up it is Hogsmeade today" Harry heard the next morning, as he had somehow slept in. "Don't worry about it Ron, go on without me, I have other things I need to do today" Harry replied realizing for the first time that he was not alone in his bed. "Cho" He gasped almost falling off the bed as she reached out a hand to steady him.
"Quiet now" she giggled laughing at the look of utter shock registering in Harry's eyes. "I couldn't sleep last night, I hope this is alright" she said blushing slightly as she realized how little Harry was wearing "It's alright" Harry answered lying back down, and pulling Cho close to him. The two spent another hour comfortably in each other's arms until Harry's alarm went off signaling the need to get up and get dressed.
"So, what are your plans today, I heard you tell Ron that you weren't going to Hogsmeade?" Cho asked as Harry returned from the bathroom dressed in jeans, and a sweater. "Today is the fifteenth anniversary of my parents death" Harry replied, his eyes registering the hurt he felt. "I have decided that it is time I visit them" He finished as a silent tear made its way peacefully down his cheek.
Cho, who had not expected this, let out a long sigh, "Oh Harry, I am so sorry I didn't know." She spoke as Harry put a reassuring arm around her. "Its alright, hey do you want to join me, I mean I could do with a friendly face?" he asked as Cho stood from the bed, and hugged him. "Of course, let me just get dressed" she said rushing off, only to return just a few minutes later looking beautiful as normal.
"Are you ready Harry?" Sirius asked as the two meet up with both Remus, and Sirius in the common room. "As ready as I ever will be." Harry responded throwing on his leather cloak, and taking a hold of the boot Sirius was holding. "Portkey, can't we just apparate." Harry thought, as the familiar hook behind his navel signified that they had left.