How are we today? For those who are reading this, yes I updated but I had to edit it and change things because in a reviewer: Ligya - pointed out something I missed. Draco couldn't be Slytherin's heir because someone else was. Thankyou for that! And some lovely people from a message board helped me out there. And I fixed that lil problem up: some of you know what the big secret is! And in answer to Kresh's question, I was trying to keep it at Cho's pov but it started out from the stalker's pov and switches to another in this chapter. But in other words Cho is suppose to be narrating.
So without further ado, I give to you, the eagerely awaited according to some - u know who u r chapter 3!
Disclaimer: I dun own nuthin!
Chapter 3 – Night terror
That night Cho was not granted the luxury of being able to have a dreamless sleep. By the time she completed her Transfiguration essay on Conjuring Spells it was midnight, and Cho was already yawning and ready to sink into the comforting fuzzy world of rest. After changing into her pajamas and brushing her teeth she crawled into bed and fell asleep once her head hit the pillow. And it was only a few minutes afterwards that she began to dream, it started with the nightmare that haunted her last year...
She was hugging Cedric and wishing him luck, he shyly placed a chastised kiss on her lips and with a nervous grin he headed off to join the other competitors. Cho waved and he waved back, then she made her way to the seats at the very front, she wanted to see him go inside the maze. She watched anxiously from the sides as Cedric lined up with the Fleur girl, Viktor Krum and Harry Potter. Then one by one they rushed in, and she squinted against the sunlight to make out Cedric's tall, broad shoulders disappearing inside the maze, that was the last she saw of him alive.
And suddenly like it always happens in this particular dream she found herself floating above the maze and looking in. Everything was pitch black and she was worried, she felt herself drift towards the end of the maze where she waited for the winner to rush forwards and claim their prize. And suddenly both Harry and Cedric appeared; they were going to touch the trophy together. A sudden panic seized her, but she was unable to stop them. As the tips of their fingers made contact the world shifted and after moments confusion they were transported to another place. After that it was all blurry. But one voice she heard clearly in the confusion.
'Kill the spare'.
A flash of green lights, and Cho started screaming in fear and frustration because she could not see what was happening, please be okay Cedric; she kept thinking to herself, please be okay!. She found herself no longer floating, she was walking but it felt like her legs had weights on them, she tried to run but something was holding her back.
'Where are you Cedric, what the hell's going on?' she muttered.
She could hear the murmur of voices but it sounded like it was coming from a distance, she continue to drag her heavy feet until she hit something solid with her toe and stumbled over it. She turn to see what she had tripped over – it was a body. Her heart leaped to her throat as she turned the body over - Cedric's dead body.
She began screaming, her hand clamped over her mouth in horror and caught up in hysteria and disbelief, she just couldn't stop screaming. Normally by now one of her friends would have woken her up but the nightmare wasn't going to end now.
Still shuddering from the aftermath of the horrible scene, the world spun again and she suddenly found herself in a room; there was a long, tall case with labeled bottles. She read her name on one of them.
She hesitate to touch it for fear of the unknown consequence, but something - a nagging voice was insisting that she pick it up.
Do it, take it.
With trembling hands she took the bottle and examine it, nothing happened. Now she was curious. There was something familiar about this...
Of course, Harry told her about this, she was holding a...what was it? A prophecy! Was this what Harry was talking about?
She knew there was only one way to find out and this was her only opportunity, her pale trembling hands enclosed around the fragile bottle, she raised her hand and let the bottle drop on the ground, it smashed into pieces. And instantly a ghostly figure emerged to form the shape of a person - it was a woman. Cho studied her curiously. Everything about her was familiar and yet - different. The smooth, pale skin, the dark eyes, the waist-length raven black it be? Her eyes widened in disbelief, it was...Rowena Ravenclaw! Her pretty rose colored lips parted and she began to speak but Cho couldn't hear a single word.
'I can't hear you' she cried desperately.
It was too late; the figure had finished and disappeared in a mist of ghostly light. And suddenly she heard laughter. Insane maniacal laughter. She whirled around in startlement and fear. Then she saw it, a pair of gleaming red eyes.
'You will be next'.
Cho woke up screaming, not the choked scream of a nightmare but a real, frightening scream of mindless terror. She scramble up in bed clutching the covers to her face sobbing earnestly. Her whole body was trembling from the aftermath of the nightmare, and unlike most nightmare or dreams it wasn't going to fade away as a figment of her imagination. She could still remember every thing she had dreamt.
You will be next.
What did that mean, who was it? Her tears subsided to hiccoughing sobs, and she peeked out of her curtains, she had screamed bloody murder but no one had heard because she had put a silencing ward on her bed last year. Her sleep pattern had also disturbed her fellow dorm mates, and she was glad no one heard her; she didn't want her friends to be fawning all over her. Cho sat in bed for a while thinking and waiting for the shivering to subside and her tears to dry. She leaned over towards her bedside drawers and fumbled around before her fingers brush up on a familiar bottle. She clasped it and retrieving her hands she fumbled with the stopper, unfastening it she took a swig of the potion, her face screwing up at the bitter taste. She felt guilty for using it again after she successfully weaned herself from it for almost six months, but there was no way she could sleep without it. Cho sighed, guessing she would have to deal with the consequences tomorrow. She settled down in her bed beginning to feel drowsy, her lids feeling heavy. She rolled over and sighs, her sight clouding over, but before she fell into slumber, was there someone standing in the shadows?
Marietta burst through Charms panting, 'sorry – professor' she panted tucking a curly strand of hair behind her ears.
Professor Flitwick tutted, 'class started five minutes ago, please take a seat Miss Edgecombe'.
'Please sir' Marietta approached her Charms professor and spoke in a low voice, 'I was late because I had to escort Cho to the Hospital Wing'.
Professor Flitwick's face was immediately concerned, he was Ravenclaw's Head of the House and Cho was his prize student, and of course he was entitled to be concern for his student's well-being.
'Oh dear, what ails her?' he queried kindly.
Marietta eye's darted around the faces of her curious classmates and whisper, 'she had another nightmare, and she's very unsettled. She took another sleeping potion again'.
'Oh dear' Professor Flitwick repeated sorrowfully. 'Poor girl, I understand please be seated Miss Edgecombe thank you for informing me'.
Marietta nodded and slid into a seat besides Michael, it was Cho's seat but she wasn't coming to class today as she had told her professor.
'Where's Cho?' Michael whisper looking puzzled.
Professor Flitwick had paired the class up to work on making objects disappear; they were using all types of animals. The classroom was filled with chattering students and the caws of birds, mewls of cats, and the croaks of frogs.
Marietta fondled the tabby cat she was attempting to disappear, 'well it's not good' she admitted.
'What's wrong?' Michael ask looking over his shoulders to see if anyone was listening, her "friends" had deserted her after her breakdown last year, and now Marietta and Michael were her only true friends.
Quietly, in hushed tones Marietta began to explain to her friend what had happened when she woken up that morning.
'She was curled up in bed, trembling and frozen with fear' Marietta shook her head sadly, 'it was horrible, the poor girl was so out of it, she wasn't coherent, I couldn't understand what she was muttering about! And she was doing so well this year! She wouldn't tell me much so the only thing left to do was take her to the hospital wing and she was all silent and well – frightened'.
'Let's see her after class' Michael suggested grimly.
Marietta nodded in agreement looking disturbed and visibly distressed.
Madam Pomfrey was having an unusually quiet morning, she was enjoying her buttered scones and mint tea with her tired old soles propped up on a stool.
Suddenly, the fireplace burst into life and bending low, a tall man with billowing robes carefully stepped out of the fireplace.
'Goodness Severus!' Pomfrey chided lowering her feet, 'can you not travel by foot?'
Severus Snape dusted himself off, 'I'm sorry for intruding upon you this early' he answered flippantly.
'What brings you down here? Not another injured student I hope?' she ask briskly.
Severus look down his hooked nose at her, 'no not yet' he smirked, 'I have heard that you have a young lady here'.
'You must mean Miss Chang. She's the only one down here for now, her friend bought her down quiet early this morning'.
'Yes, is she having nightmares again?' he enquired.
Madam Pomfrey nodded and peeked out her small office to check on the only occupied bed, 'she's been at the sleeping draughts again so she'll be asleep until lunch'.
Severus Snape peered over her shoulders and caught a glimpse of Cho Chang tuck up in sheets still wearing her pajamas, heavily asleep with long shiny dark hair tossed to one side.
'Ahem' Madam Pomfrey coughed giving him a reproachful look, 'and what brings you down here'.
Severus watched as she stepped out of her office to draw the curtains over Cho's bed until she was entirely out of sight, he stepped out of the office.
'I think you know Pomfrey' Severus said quietly, 'Dumbledore has personally asked me to keep an eye out on her'.
Madam Pomfrey grimace, 'oh yes I understand Severus, do you think...you-know-who has...visited her dreams? Perhaps that is what triggered her last night? Of course she wouldn't say but it is unlikely for her to be after the sleeping potions after recovering so nicely'.
Severus Snape eyed her warily not sure how much she could be told, 'perhaps, but it may be too early for him to attack, though we can never predict his motives'.
'Poor thing, with everything she went through last year and now this...'
'We do not have time for silly emotions, Dumbledore is thinking about starting an advance defense tutorial for Miss Chang and if Potter wishes it so and any other' Snape said, he fished in his robes and presented Madam Pomfrey with a vial.
'Give this to Miss Chang when she wakes, it's another dose of sleeping potion, and though with the same affects it won't be that heavy'.
'Of course' Pomfrey said taking the vial.
'Good day' Snape nodded to Pomfrey and with a last look at Cho's resting place he turn sharply on his heels and strode out.
Lying awake in bed, Cho listened for Madam Pomfrey's footsteps to fade before she sat up and stretch her cramp limbs. She had over heard the conversation and with mounting dread she knew Harry was right, Snape and Pomfrey had just confirmed it and she was more than a little troubled. She had to find more information, she had to find Harry! But she couldn't wait until meeting him after dinner. She checked her wristwatch, it was almost lunch time, but she had about thirty minutes to have a wash and get dressed. She hopped out of bed and push the flimsy curtains aside and hurriedly pulled her school robes over her pajamas.
Madam Pomfrey hurried out seeing her getting up looking frantic, 'now wait just a moment Chang I haven't gave you permission to leave yet'.
'I'm not sick or injured. I really have to go' Cho insisted.
Pomfrey sighed realising she couldn't stop her, 'very well, make sure you have a big lunch and don't over do yourself!'
'I won't' Cho replied patiently, she hurried out the hospital wing and checking the halls to make sure there weren't any students about, she made her way towards Ravenclaw's Common room.
The halls were empty and she could hear the classes transpiring as she passed, her barefoot was quiet too and she was beginning to feel slightly nervous about being alone and vulnerable, she didn't even have her wand with her! She was being foolish but she still couldn't help breaking into a run and heave a sigh of relief upon entering the Ravenclaw Common room. She rushed up the stairs and burst in her room; she dug out her clothes and changed into her skirt, school blouse and sweater before throwing her robes over it. She ran a brush through her hair before making her way to the Great Hall, joining the flow of chattering students finished with their lessons and eagerly awaiting their meal.
Cho glance around the Ravenclaw table and was a little disappointed to see neither Marietta nor Michael were waiting for her; she didn't particularly wish to sit with anyone else and face curious questions about her visit to the hospital wing. Her damaged reputation would be in shards if word had gotten out, scowling Cho remember the ugly rumors that was spread around last year. That she was having a mental breakdown, she was in depression, and she had tried to commit suicide...
'Cho why are you standing around there for? Come join us!' Ginny Weasely exclaim and link her arm through hers.
'Oh – well I don't want to – '
'Don't be silly' Ginny said brightly, 'come join us'.
'Okay' Cho said slightly grateful.
She took a seat bedside's the brilliant red-head and glance around the table smiling at the group of blushing and surprised Gryffindor.
'Hello' she greeted.
'Cho?' Lee Jordan asks his eye's wide, he snap out of his stupor, 'how are you?'
'Good' she responded dryly.
Ginny reach across to help herself to the bowl of mash, 'how's your Quidditch training going, you book the field tomorrow right?'
'Yeah' Cho mouthed in horror, she only just remembered and mentally visualises herself banging her head on a brick wall.
'Cho?'
She twisted in her seat and glance upwards into brilliant green eyes, 'yeah?'
'Hi Harry, Hermy, Ron' Ginny greeted, 'Cho's joining us, is that okay?'
'Sure' Hermione said smiling and taking a seat opposite her, Ron quickly took the seat besides the bushy hair girl and Harry, grinning at his two oblivious companions, slid into the spare seat bedside's Cho starring intently at her face. She was busy eyeing Hermione and Ron, but particularly the Gryffindor intellect with distrust – the red-haired youth was complaining about his Arithmetic class and the bushy – hair girl was rubbing her fingers on her temple looking patient and vexed at the same time.
Harry leaned in close towards her. 'Isn't it so obvious they like each other?' he whispered.
'You'd be blind not to see it' Ginny replied upon overhearing.
'Yeah' Cho uttered her mouth feeling dry all of a sudden. She stood and grabbed Harry's arm, 'I have to talk to you'.
'Now?' Harry queried.
'It's important' Cho whisper desperately. 'Please?'
'Sure, guy's I'll be right back' Harry told his friends.
'Cho where are you going?' Ginny cried in disappointment.
'Sorry, I'll catch up with you later' Cho murmured distractedly and still holding on to Harry's shirt sleeve she hurried out of the hall and released her grip once outside.
'What's wrong you look...troubled?' Harry asks in concern.
'Okay I believe everything you said last night' she blurted and began to pace in agitation. Then she began re-telling her nightmare, and her visit to the hospital wing followed by Snape's conversation with Pomfrey.
Harry was beginning to look very serious, and slightly unnerved. 'About that dream' he said cautiously, 'are you sure you heard right?'
'Yes! I'm sure it was You-Know-Who that said I will be next!' she cried near hysterics.
'Okay, okay calm down' Harry said soothingly, 'let's not loose our head. Considering the possibility of an attack, from now on it's vital that you don't go anywhere without your wand, in fact don't go anywhere alone, or without company!'
Cho smiled wearily, 'now who's loosing their head?'
Harry smiled and they fell into silence save for the background noise of the students in the Great Hall.
'So...will you be okay?' Harry asks awkwardly.
'Yeah' she said quietly, 'I'm might not be as brave as Gryffindor but I'm smart enough to watch out for myself, especially after – Cedric'.
Harry's face changed a little and Cho instantly read the look in his face and hasten to correct herself.
'Listen Harry I'm really sorry about last year I was such a selfish prat, you know...for asking about Cedric when you must have been having a hard time too. I've accepted Cedric's death, I learnt not to cry and grieve too much now – I'm determine not to let V-vol-demort get me like he got Cedric'.
Harry's gaze softened as he recognised her attempt to say Voldemort's name, 'I'm sorry too, Hermione was right. I was very tactless, I'm sorry about being so dense and just so you know there's nothing going on between Hermione and me; she's like a sister to me. Anyway I was a bit – angry last year'.
'And I was a bit weird too' Cho said smiling. 'Sorry for jumping to conclusions about Hermione'.
'Friends?' Harry asks holding out his hand nervously.
Cho smiled and grasp his hand giving it a firm shake. 'Friends'.
Harry released her hands, 'you know were going to have to work together on this, if you don't mind'.
'Of course not,' she exclaimed. At least we have something else to talk about besides Quidditch, Cho thought ironically.
'Great!' Harry enthused.
'So however did you guess who the house heir was?' Cho asked curiously.
Harry ran a hand through his dark hair ruffling it up even more, a habit Cho guessed that he did when he was nervous or in deep contemplation.
'Well, I had a little help on that. In my second year – well everyone thought I was the heir to Slytherin who could open the Chambers of Secrets and...' Harry suddenly bit his lip eyes wary.
'And?' Cho asked getting the feeling he was holding something back.
'Um I forgot...but Dumbledore ask to see me before the school year and in his office I talk to the sorting hat too' Harry said quickly.
Cho interrupted him, 'you talked to it?'
'Yeah it's helped me out before, and the warning was pretty easy to decipher, Dumbledore caught me and I ask him about the prophecy and he confirmed it is what he fear it to be'.
'I still don't understand how the house heir exist today, are we in someway related to them?' Cho ask genuinely confused.
Harry hesitated, 'listen Cho I would tell you but...I think it's better to wait until Dumbledore can explain it further.'
She studied his face noticing the shiftiness in his eyes, her heart sank. Harry was obviously hiding something from her. Didn't he trust her?
'Cho?' Harry ask timidly, 'you know I do trust you, but for your sake its better to remain oblivious to everything right now'.
Cho smiled, 'that's alright Harry, and I understand you know what's best!'
Harry blushed and Cho caught his gaze, they stared at each other for a moment in silence, God Harry's eyes are so green it really is one of his best features; she musedand caught her breath. What? What made me think about him like that? I'm over Harry Potter aren't I?
'So,' Harry said quietly his eyes darting all over the place trying to avoid looking anywhere but at her.
Cho pursued her lips, lost in silent contemplation. 'So', she murmured.
'Ahem!'
Why is he starring at me like that? Cho wondered obliviously.
Someone gave a loud, intrusive cough.
Cho snapped her head around, and Harry quickly took a step back staring over her shoulder his expression suddenly cold.
'Marietta?' Cho queried. 'I was looking for you'.
Marietta had disapproval written all over her face and she cast a look of suspicion at Harry and wordlessly grabbed her arm and dragged her away.
Confused and bewildered she let Marietta lead her away, she turned back and gave a silent shrug at Harry and mouthed "sorry".
'I can't believe you' Marietta muttered.
'Hey what's with you all of a sudden?' Cho protested, 'will you let me go already!'
Marietta halted abruptly and whirled around jabbing an accusing finger at her. 'How dare you say that? How could you forget what happened last year?'
'Actually I rather forget' Cho answered dryly. 'But Harry and I were just talking, so what?'
Marietta eyes watered, 'I don't know what to think of you anymore; you're suppose to be my friend'.
Cho gripped Marietta around her arms and forced her to look at her, 'listen Marietta, I know you disapprove of Harry Potter but that's my business, you're my best friend and you'll always be okay?'
Marietta shrugged still looking slightly upset, 'you know I can't stay mad at you Cho'.
Cho pulled her friend in for a hug, 'and I don't like to fight with you, let's have lunch I haven't eaten anything all day, and I was looking for you guys!'
'We went to the Infirmary to check up on you but you had already gone, Madam Pomfrey forgot to give you this' Marietta passed her a vial.
'Thanks' Cho said curtly and tucked the vial in her pockets. She didn't particularly wish to talk about what made her take a sleeping draught although Marietta was probably waiting for an explanation. 'Let's go already!'
Okay I really should be more creative everytime I end a chapter, that might explain the lack of reviews I had last week (meaningful glare) so if you guys aren't generous then don't blame me if I leave you with a cliffie next week!
So what do you guys think? Found another mistake, point it out and tell me so I can fix it! But please review, I love to hear your comments!
Till next time!
Vivvy