Author's Note: There's a small possibility that this may go on for over five chapters... maybe up to seven. I don't really know right now. I want to make this sequel a great ending and I don't want to rush anything. So, just maybe.

Disclaimer: None, really. JK Rowling supports fan fiction and says the author (us) should credit all work. I guess I own Draco and Cho then. So I demand Katie Leung to be removed!

Chapter 3: Too Late to Turn Back

In the evening, when very little people remained at Hogsmeade, Draco and Cho went out for a walk. It was silent between them at first. They just grasped one another's hand while surveying the quiet village and the twinkling stars in the night sky.

Draco knew something had been bothering Cho for a while now. She was often solemn and not as cheerful as he knew she was before. Draco worried that she might have regrets for some of the choices she made... like running away with him...

"So," Draco cleared his throat, breaking the deaf silence. "Anything on your mind?"

Cho shook her head. He's not himself, she thought. He's not like he used to be... while we were at Hogwarts. She wanted him to be spiteful, not a gentle, polite man he was beginning to turn into. The changes were apparent and it hurt Cho to see it. Our decisions were changing us...

"You're regretting all this, aren't you?" Draco stated. His pace began to slow down.

Cho avoided his eyes and kept her head cast down. There was silence once again and she was searching for the precise answer. She didn't want to be vague or to in depth that it'll hurt the both of them.

"I love you," she started. "If I didn't, we wouldn't be here at this very moment. We wouldn't be having this conversation or spending so much time together." She was being vague. There must be more to say to him. "But, I left behind a life I miss. My family, friends- before you, I planned to work as an auror for the Ministry. Then I learned of you and your ways and I gave it up."

"You do regret this then," Draco's voice hinted he was a bit upset, and nonetheless, appalled. "You know you didn't have to promise me anything. I didn't force you to accept the ring all those years ago. I could have went on with the arranged marriage with Pansy and you could have went on with working for the Ministry."

"I didn't have to," Cho's voice dropped and began to tremble. "But I did. If we denied each other, we'd be living unhappily until the day we die. It would hurt us and the pain would never heal. We'd be living a lie and we would have done what our families wanted. Not what we want. I must admit I regretted this a few times because I missed my old life so. In the end, I never want to go back and change anything. I'm glad I made this decision to stay with you."

Then with a smile, she kissed Draco sweetly on his cheek.

"He's back?"

"I thought he had died already!"

"Who was he with?"

"This can't be true..."

There were murmurs filling a small corner in Knockturn Alley. The cause of such curiously was surfaced by Pansy Parkinson, whose face was grave as she told her story anew.

"Yes, he has returned! Of course he hadn't died! I told you lot, I saw him last evening, walking in Hogsmeade. I haven't a clue who that git was with... but they were quite close, mind. I can't believe he has finally returned after all these years! The nerve... after leaving me on our wedding day! And now he's off with someone new!" Pansy tutted and shook her head. The group of gossip friends she was with nodded with her.

"Do Lucius and Narcissa know their son has returned? I'm sure they would be in a fit of rage... such embarrassment!"

Pansy pressed her thin lips together. "I doubt it! But..." A malicious smile came over her mouth. "I think that they should know about him... shall I inform them? It's only fair..." She pouted, a poisonous look in her gleaming eye.

The group of girls stayed huddled and giggled with malice.

"Well, it's settled then. I think I'll be having dinner with the Malfoys this evening,"

Cho Dearest,

We can't help you in your- our diffucult situation dealing with your life. Your father and I have tried so hard to make it better somehow and we love you so. But how could you lie to Mei-Lin? Telling her you would come home and see her soon? Please, don't hurt her anymore... don't disappoint her.

I am just suggesting that you seek help. I'm going to come straight out with it. I strongly urge you to turn to Dumbledore. Please, go to Hogwarts and I know he'll be happy to help you live a much normal life. I can't stand the thought of you begging on the street, moving about, living life as a gypsy would! The Malfoys and myself cannot find you there and you can't be hurt while you are under Dumbledore's watchful eye. A new term is to start soon and perhaps... you can work. Please consider it. It's the best we all can do.

-Mum

The letter had come on Monday morning. Cho couldn't help but think that her mother's words were true. No one can hurt them while Dumbledore's around and she always trusted him. She felt an urge to agree and run to Hogwarts with a better future ahead of her...

And then there was Draco. What of him? How would he feel? Can she just force him into going back to the place where he was constantly reminded which side he belonged to? If he didn't like the idea... would Cho have to leave him for her own good?

Don't be a selfish little prat, Cho, She thought. But how can she be ever so selfish when she sacrificed so much to live this gypsy life with Draco? He's the selfish one... No... he's not selfish. I love him and it was my decision. She had to tell him somehow. All Cho had to do was just pray he would agree. After all, her mother's suggestion sounded almost perfect. So then, what could possibly go wrong?

Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait! Hope you like this chapter. School's getting me quite busy this year! Please r/r!