A Note From Cho
The next week passed by in a blur of endless mountains of homework and NEWT preparation activities (at least that was what they were called; they were just another mountain of homework). Before Harry knew it, he was faced with a weekend of homework. He didn't see how he could possibly squish in Hogsmede and Quidditch practice on top of it all, but he knew that he had to. There was a big Quidditch match against Slytherin coming up that he needed to prepare for, and there was going to be a huge party at Hogsmede for all the seventh years to celebrate the lowering of the age restriction on alcohol to seventeen. Everyone in seventh year would be there, at least anyone who was anyone, and that was enough incentive for Harry to be there. The only person he knew who wouldn't be there was Neville. He had to visit his grandmother (knowing how close a watch she kept on Neville's life, she had probably planned this visit so that he wouldn't attend the party). But Harry didn't want to be classified with Neville (even though he didn't forget things any more, he was still unpopular). And besides, he wanted to go to the party. It sounded like it would be a great time. Besides the alcohol, there was going to be a dance, a movie, a tape of the Quidditch World Cup, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and free rooms available at Xander's for frequent visitors or half-off for first time visitors (Harry wasn't exactly interested, though). Anyway, Harry certainly had a busy weekend ahead of him.
Harry had to have an early breakfast that morning. He had Quidditch practice at 9:00, and he needed to take a shower before then. After he had finished going over the new strategies with the team (he was team captain), a few members asked him if they could leave practice early to get ready for Hogsmede. Harry agreed. Then a few more asked him. Of course he couldn't deny them and allow the others, so he had to agree. Then he looked around at his diminished team. It's not worth it, Harry thought. There's no way I can have a proper practice with this few players. I might as well cut practice short. I have homework to do and an outfit to pick out for tonight. I could use the extra time.
Harry turned and faced the rest of his team. "Practice is over," he said. He turned back around and headed to his room. He took a quick shower and started on his homework. He was trying so hard to get his work finished that he didn't notice the time pass. The next time he looked at his clock he saw that it was 6:14. Shit! he thought. I don't have time to take a shower. Whatever, I took one after Quidditch. I shouldn't smell that bad. I'll put on more deodorant and hide the rest with cologne. He then realized he hadn't picked out an outfit yet. He rushed to his closet and picked out a pair of black pants and blue cotton shirt. He didn't want to seem too dressed up, so he didn't do up the top button. He ran a comb through his thick ebony hair, and ran out the door. He didn't even check that there was nobody in the way before he dashed down the hall (a big mistake). He ran right into Hermione and toppled them both over. Harry got up and apologized to Hermione as he held out his hand to help her up. Then he got a look at her. She was wearing a beautiful, soft blue coloured dress that emphasized her amazing curves (which were hidden before under loose robes). Her wild brown hair had been tamed into smooth, shiny curls that fell softly to her shoulders and light eye make-up drew attention to her honey-browns that sparkled in the evening light.
"Watch where you're going next time," Hermione said as she grabbed Harry's hand.
Harry couldn't get any words out. His tongue didn't seem to be working properly. It was like he didn't have control of it any more. He just stood there staring at Hermione, his mouth gaping.
"Uh…yah…um…sure…"he managed to say. He pulled her up and continued to stare.
"I have to go," said Hermione feeling uncomfortable under Harry's gaze. "Draco will be waiting for me."
"Malfoy?" Harry asked surprised that Hermione would date a guy who called her a mudblood.
"Yes," she replied quickly, feeling that somehow she was betraying Harry.
"Oh," was all he could say.
The two stared at each other for a few moments. Then Hermione felt the urge to lean in and kiss Harry.
"Anyway, see you around," Hermione said ending the conversation before the urge got any stronger. She continued down the hall and Harry waited until she was out of sight before going down himself.
He made it to the Great Hall at 6:22, so he was only seven minutes late. But when he got there he noticed that Cho wasn't there. Has she left already from being kept too long? Or is she late too? Harry wondered. He didn't know what to do. I guess I'll just head up to her dormitory and see if she's there. With that decided, Harry went up. When he reached there he found a note on the door. It said:
Harry,
Meet me on the third floor. I have something to show you.
Cho