Hey there! Thanks to all those people who reviewed (Kresh, Ligya, Tylah, El Permanente) especially those who review every time I update because your comments are very much appreciated and inspiring! So let's answer some questions!
First of all Phoenix King and LT200, umm you guys are good. When I first started writing it, yes the stalker was suppose to be Snape! Now things have to be changed (not because you guys guessed it!) but here's a hint: the stalker is someone important, and has formed a friendship of some-sort with Snape, thus explaining the reason why he's so nice and sympathetic towards Cho. Confusing ne? Well don't think about it too hard, don't want you guys guessing what happens yet!
Shari - I'll see what I can do!
Now let's get on with the story, a familiar character features in this chapter, and the relationship between Cho and Harry gets interesting...
Disclaimer: I own nuthin!
Chapter 4 – An Unexpected Turn of Event
Lessons were over for the day, friends called out to one another above the thundering sound of eager students pouring out of the classroom hall all at once. Cho Chang was amongst the sea of students, she struggled through the crowd getting hot and flustered. Usually straight after lessons Cho would make a beeline to the Ravenclaw Common Room and enjoy a little cat nap before tackling her homework. But it was still light outside and she was desperate for a few moments alone. Just a little respite, to unwind and chill out - that was what she needed. Putting on a burst of speed, she hastened outside, a group of sixth year Hufflepuff waved at her. Cho smiled and reached out to push open the door. A second year Ravenclaw eagerly reach out to open it for her.
Cho thank the blushing youth and quickly walk outside and hurried down the flight of steps leading to the blessedly empty lake. At this time of the day, right after class. Students were likelier to be found at the Great Hall grabbing a snack before dinner, or relaxing in there Common Room. Withing a few minutes, the grounds and lake would start to fill up with students - like her, to enjoy the rest of the day. There was a secret place where she could sit in peace but still enjoy the cool breeze and the views of the sun setting over the lake. The backdoor of the gardener's shed with three steps coming down completely hidden by overgrown foliage.
But there was company. On the steps someone lounged with cloak tossed aside, his school shirt unbuttoned at the throat, and the sleeves rolled up over strong pale arm. The person was facing his back to her; arms folded over head, legs stretched out before him and gaze fixed in the distance.
'Oh,' Cho said, taken aback and disappointed her secret hiding place was occupied. 'Oh – I' m sorry...'
The person froze and slowly rose to his feet; Cho raised a brow recognising the face at once. Draco Malfoy surveyed her with expressionless grey eyes.
'Cho Chang' he drawled. 'I see I have preempted your place of refuge'.
She wasn't sure how to respond to the sixth year Slytherin, they had never exchange more than a few words with each other. And all she knew about him was his parentage, his house, and that Harry didn't trust him. Cho felt uneasy, he was a virtual stranger and she could remember Harry's words: Malfoy is Slytherin's heir... He won't strike Malfoy because his father's a death eater. He didn't look that dangerous to her right now, he almost look vulnerable and lonely. Maybe he, like her; wanted a place to flee to when life becomes overwhelming. And enjoy a moment of peace and quiet.
'What's the matter? Cat's got your tongue?' Draco drawled after she remained stoically silent.
Her mouth opened to reply with a witty retort but no words came out. For once in her life she didn't know what to say to him nor had she any idea how she should act. One part of her – her natural trustworthy, curious self wanted to try and get to know him; after all she couldn't just leap to conclusions that just because he was Slytherin he was cold, evil and heartless. Yet the sensible part of her mind told her she should leave. His father was a death eater, he was Slytherin's heir, and Draco Malfoy was not to be trusted.
If he found her silence unnerving, he gave no sign of it. His gaze returned to the view of the lake, his eyes clear and his stance casual as he leaned against the shed.
'Nice view' he continued as if he wasn't Hogwarts biggest bully - and she, the most popular girl in the school. 'I can see why you choose this place to flee'.
Cho was beginning to feel a little foolish standing there, awkwardly clutching her books to her chest, and despite herself. Her wariness was replaced with interest, she took it as a good sign he wanted to talk, with her of all people. The rebellious and stubborn side of her wanted to prove the myth of all-Slytherin's-are-evil-bastards wrong. And besides, she thought, she had good friends in every house and Slytherin wasn't one of them.
'I didn't think anyone knew about it' Cho ventured finally, 'I don't mind sharing it'.
Draco considered what she had said; there was a look on his face. As if he was surprise someone like her had respond without the trace of scorn or fear that he must be accustomed to. He glanced at her standing there nervously twisting the end of her long braid round and round her finger.
'Would you like to sit down?' Draco asked unexpectedly. His expression guarded as if uncertain of himself, and unuse to being friendly.
Cho nodded, Draco shifted to make some space and she seated herself gracefully on the top step. She carefully laid her books down and stretched her slender legs in front of her relaxing her position. All the time she was wondering why Draco was suddenly so nice? She knew he was capable of causing misery and hell for many people. Cho had lost count of the times she had dried a first years tears after a nasty confrontation with Draco and his croonies or anyone from Slytherin for that matter.
However it had been a tiring day, the air was fragrant with sweet smelling flowers, the warmth from the sun and the breeze was tranquil – who could maintain a facade of hostility and coldness on a day like this? She scrutinise him trying to see what lay behind the cool exterior, when relax and without the sneer, his features were pleasant enough. He was starring out over the water. She followed his gaze; a swan was swimming quite nearby, leisurely in the glow of the setting sun. Cho held her breath watching it glide closer towards them. The silence stretched out, but it wasn't an uncomfortable silence.
'My Patronus is a swan' she said softly so as not to startle it. She felt him shift his gaze towards her. 'But I guess that came as no surprise. The Ravenclaw house is named after the Raven, and I love riding my broom, I like to pretend I'm a bird when I fly. I suppose if I could be an animagus I'd be some kind of bird'.
Draco stirred, 'you're not that bad a seeker' he said grudgingly, 'I thought it was unusual to see someone like you into Quidditch – it's not much of a girl's sport'.
Her ears perked, she twisted around to face him startling the swan away, 'what do you mean someone like me?' she demanded challengingly.
Draco showed no sign of discomfort, maybe he didn't realise he was challenging a Ravenclaw, and when provoked we were famous for getting fired up and arguing the topic to death until we end up the victor.
'Yeah' he said callously, 'you're the type of girl who always looks immaculate, I mean not a hair out of place, not a blemish on your face, not to mention most Ravenclaw's prefer to bury themselves in their books. I just can't understand why you'd be interested in a rough game of Quidditch'.
Cho quirked a brow in an amusement, the poor thing! He really had no idea that he was treading on perilous territory.
'On what grounds do you base your assumptions on?' she queried calmly.
Draco shrugged, 'you're a Ravenclaw'.
Cho stifled a giggle; this was a familiar debate that she would never tire of arguing. She almost thought it slightly unfair how she just love to use her wit and learning to her advantage, and sometimes even the disadvantage of others.
'Oh I see, so base on your gross judgment. Then I guess I can jump to the same conclusion that since your from Slytherin. You and everyone in your house are all cunning, ambitious people who are willing to use any means to meet your ends. Many people believe all Slytherins are cold, evil, heartless beings. And because of that, they are more likely to be allied with the Dark side' she suggested casually.
Draco rose to his feet looking defiant and wary, 'and I suppose your one of them?' he demanded not bothering to hide the anger lurking in his eyes.
Undeterred Cho continued, 'and I suppose since you are a Slytherin, and there have been conflict between the original founders of the Gryffindor and Slytherin house, you'd always be jealous of Gryffindor for being brave, chivalrous and daring. I mean base on your assumptions, Gryffindors are seen as an all around good person, but also excel in winning and always come out as the hero.'
Draco narrowed his eyes, 'you do realise who you're talking to don't you?' he growled.
'Oh yes, I'm talking to someone who obviously had no idea that there is no way they can challenge me – a Ravenclaw into a battle of wits and come out unscathed' Cho giggled.
Draco's stance relaxed slightly, but his expression remained slightly guarded. 'I guess you were trying to teach me a lesson then?'
'Yes and no; it's not about jumping to conclusions. Had to teach you a lesson the hard way so you know next time what your getting yourself into when it comes to arguing with me', she retorted smiling smugly.
Draco smirked, 'duly noted'.
The sun was setting over the lake; they fell into companionable silence once again watching the fiery glow of the sun cast its last dazzling rays over the length of the lake. Cho felt his gaze on her again.
'What?' she asked without looking up.
Draco studied the ground frowning slightly, 'you don't believe that do you?'
'Believe what?' she asked.
'About Slytherins being...you know' Draco said uncertainly.
Cho wondered whether he meant, being a death eater and fighting against the light or the other stuff she said about being Slytherin. She studied him, wondering what he was thinking about. Maybe he wasn't evil and fighting against them, maybe he was torn between right and wrong and he needed some guidance, or persuasion to side with them when the Second War begins.
'I believe everyone is an individual' she answered carefully, 'just because we are sorted in our house does not mean we have to live up to its expectations. If you have notice, I set an example to the younger students by making it my duty to have friends in every house. And that includes Slytherin; I believe whoever was sorted in Slytherin are the most misunderstood people. No one can be totally capable of being evil and heartless, how can people say that to a 10-year-old child sorted in Slytherin? I believe them to be misconceived and have been given a bad reputation for life, and feel as if you have to live up to it.'
Draco nodded his face changing, 'your very observant and...fair'.
Cho shrugged, 'I only seek the truth behind the myth'.
Suddenly she realise the sky had totally darkened, how long had she been out here for? Her friends must be frantic with worry; she had told no one of her whereabouts, she gave her wrist watch a quick glance. Everyone would be on their way to dinner now; she scrambled to her feet startling her companion.
'Sorry', she said sheepishly, 'didn't realise so much time had passed'.
Judging from the look on Draco's face, she could see that even he was surprised how fast time had passed. He nodded but made no sign of joining her inside, it would cause talk if they were seen walking in together. She guessed some things are beyond her capabilities to change.
'I'll seeya later' Cho said uncertainly, she believed despite this unusual conversation, some sort of awkward friendship had bloomed.
Draco nodded saying nothing, but the look she read in his clear grey eyes spoke of gratitude and thanks. It must be hard, Cho thought. To act the way everyone expected him to be, somewhere along the lines. People had forgotten he was human too with a conscience and feelings. She gathered up her books and departed, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
As she hurried inside, she met some people on there way to dinner.
'Cho!' Padma Patil exclaimed, she hurried down the stairs, 'where were you? Everyone's been looking for you, even the Professors! Marietta and Michael asked Harry if he knew where you were, when he realised you were missing he got everyone to search for you!'
Cho cringed imagining the uproar her disappearance must have caused, she suddenly didn't feel like going into the Great Hall where people would stare and whisper. Wondering why she got the whole school searching for her?
'Sorry I was...taking a walk, tell Harry and the other's I'm fine, I'm going to get changed out of my uniform, I'll see you guys later' Cho said and without waiting for a reply she ran up the stairs, taking two steps at a time. She took the long route towards her House to avoid any more confrontation, by the time she was in her bedroom; it was empty and blessedly silent. She slowly unraveled the plait and brushed it out; her hair fell in curling waves to her waist, leaving it as it is. She kicked off her shoes, and changed out of her uniform into a pair of faded jeans and a black top. Cho checked her appearance in the mirror; once she decided she was presentable she hurried towards the Great Hall, on the way she ran into Hermione and Ron Weasely.
'Cho!' Hermione exclaimed running up to her breathlessly with Ron trailing behind in her wake. 'Harry's been looking for you, he was so worried!'
Cho blushed imagining what his friends must think of Harry's erratic behavior, 'I know Padma told me just then' Cho said feeling horrible.
'I've never seen him look so bloody worried' Ron puffed, 'he dragged us all over the school looking – '
Hermione drove her elbow into his belly, 'Ron!' she hissed.
'What?' he squeaked rubbing his stomach.
Cho felt them glance at her and they must have seen the look of distress clearly written on her face. 'I didn't mean – '
Hermione put a reassuring arm around her shoulder, 'it's alright, and we'll walk you to the Great Hall and explain it to everyone there'.
'Thanks' Cho said gratefully, Hermione really wasn't all that bad she thought as they began to walk.
'So where were you?' Ron asked ignoring the glare Hermione shot his way.
'I took a walk straight after class' Cho lied, 'I didn't realise how long I would be'.
'Alone?' Hermione asked in disbelief.
'I – well, I wanted to be alone, you know walk off the stress from class and – ' she said sounding flustered.
'Cho!'
She was saved from giving a full answer to Hermione when Marietta ran up to her and flung her arms around her in a tight hug.
'Hey!'
Before Cho could get in another word, Marietta was firing questions at her. 'Where the hell have you been, you were gone for hours. Then when Harry started to get really worried, we thought something bad must have happened!'
Michael jogged up towards them looking relieved, 'we've found you!' He hugged her, 'what the hell's going on? I didn't know why it was such a big deal when you went missing, but when Potter told the Professors. Everyone thought the worse when they began looking to!'
'I'm sorry guys' Cho said very close to tears. She thought of her secret spot and longed to be there right now.
Marietta picked up on her mood instantly, 'come on, we better go and straighten things up now'.
Relieved to be with her real friends, they made their way towards the Great Hall with Hermione and Ron in their wake. As expected, a lot of people stared when they entered, somewhere she saw Ginny wave at her. Harry pushed through the crowd, white-faced and emotions written all over his face, fear, relief, anger and something else...
'Cho!' he exclaimed, ignoring the crowd and Marietta's frown of disapproval, he threw his arms around her in a hug, 'I thought that – when we couldn't – '
For a moment when Harry wrapped her in a hug, she felt comforted and safe and wanted nothing more to close her eyes and pretend they were alone.
'Okay that's enough of that' a sharp voice commanded.
Harry loosened his grip although he didn't release her yet, Cho saw Ms McGonagall, Professor Flitwick and Professor Snape striding towards them.
'You can let her go now Harry' McGonagall said severely. She turned to the others, 'go back to your tables'.
'But – ' Marietta protested.
'Come along' Flitwick tittered and escorted them towards their table. Marietta turned around and sent her a look that said, you're not getting away that easily.
Harry released her with some reluctance, Cho studied his profile, his jaw was tightened and his face was still white but the wild expression she had seen was gone at least. Harry glanced at her, his eyes asking a million questions.
'I'm sorry' she said to Harry and turned to the Professors, 'I really am, but I don't see why – '
'We shall not discuss this here' Snape intercepted coolly, 'Albus Dumbledore wishes to see both of you straight after dinner'.
Cho nodded wearily, but she suddenly remembered something. 'Sir don't we have another detention tonight?'
Despite the seriousness of the situation she felt Harry direct an incredulous look at her and muttered for her ears only, 'you've got to be kidding me'.
Snape smirked, 'you can make up for it tomorrow'.
Cho groaned inwardly, great that makes another three nights of precious homework time, she's going to have to work extra hard to make up for it now.
'Back to your seats' McGonagall ordered.
Cho was about to hurry off, feeling thoroughly reprimanded but almost instinctively Harry's hand shot out and grabbed her hands halting her progress.
'Err Harry?' Cho asked feeling her cheeks turn red.
'Potter release Miss Chang at once and return to your seat!' McGonagall snapped.
Cho felt like covering her head in shame, she glimpse Ginny covering her mouth to stifle a giggle.
Harry blushed and releasing her hand he reluctantly joined his friends at his table, who were watching the exchange with interest.
Cho ignored the looks from the students as she made her way to her seat and her friends made some space for her to sit between them.
'What was that all about?' Michael queried pouring her a cup of pumpkin juice and passing it to her.
Cho accepted it with trembling hands, 'I have no bloody idea' she muttered. The rest of the meal progressed, and Cho endured the questions and strange looks she received. She glance at the Slytherin table; her eyes searching for someone – particularly with white blond hair and calm grey eyes. He wasn't there; Cho gave a sigh of relief. Somehow she rather not have Draco know about Harry's friendship with her.
Marietta sensed her current mood and kept up a lively conversation on the Hogsmeade weekend they were planning. Glad for the distraction, Cho ate without much of an appetite. Near the end of the meal, she glimpsed Draco Malfoy joining his friend at Slytherin. He was chatting and smirking with his house mates acting totally different to the person she was talking with earlier.
When the meal was over, Cho mooched about, dawdling with her food as she waited for students from the other table to leave. Marietta and Michael kept her company as the Ravenclaw table began to empty.
'You can go back to your Common Rooms you know' Cho told them. 'I bet your both tired and have homework to do'.
'That's alright' Marietta replied concealing a yawn. 'We wouldn't want to leave you alone'.
Cho grimaced; actually she wouldn't mind being alone right now. She snuck a glance at Gryffindors table and glimpse Harry alone with his two closest friends for company. Hermione and Ron appeared to be bickering leaving Harry looking awkwardly out of place, he glance her way and they caught each other's eye. Cho smiled and Harry grinned shooting a wry glance at his friends and rolling his eyes. She smothered her giggle and glance longingly at the door. Harry appeared to have caught her train of thoughts. He pointed towards the back door, another exit from the Great Hall, Cho beamed and nodded turning to her friends.
'Go on you guys, I'll be fine. I meet you two later in the Common Room. Besides, I might be a while, I want a slice of apple pie,' Cho told her friends in a tone that brook no arguments.
Grumbling, they reluctantly pick their feet up and left the room, Cho made sure they were out of sight before she stood and hurried towards the second exit.
'Harry?'
It was dark and she began to panic as she experience a sense of dejavu from a recent nightmare, she felt someone's warm hand enclose around her slender wrist. Cho started almost letting out a scream but she relaxed when she saw sparkling emerald eyes.
'It's okay Cho, it's only me' Harry whispered his fingers twined into hers and held her in a firm grip, 'ready to find out the truth now?'
Cho was suddenly glad it was dark so he couldn't see the rising blush on her face, 'sure' she whispered. But at the moment, she felt as if she would follow Harry to the end of the world and back.
Get a grip girl, the sensible part of her mind chided herself as she followed Harry towards Dumbledore's chambers, you're here with Harry for something important, it's not like Harry's taking you away for a romantic rendezvous.
Cho snuck a glance at Harry, remembering the look on his face when she entered the Great Hall and how; for a moment, he had disregarded his embarrassment and hugged her. Shut up brain! Every girl is entitled to having foolish fantasies – even a Ravenclaw!
So what do you think, I know there are people out there who thinks that Draco might be acting OOC but think of it this way. JK Rowling, writes about Draco from Harry's POV whereas this is from Cho's (and my interpretation). And trust me, there's a point I'm going to make with it! What do you think of the relationship between Harry and Cho, I'll try not to rush it.
This week at the Chambers and Secret Message Boards (please feel free to join and participate!), we were discussing the prefered type of ending. Most people there wanted a heart-wrenching angsty ending rather than a cliche happily-ever-after type. Your opinions count too, so tell me what you'd prefer! (Though the ending is far into the future).
Ooh one more thing! I edited the first chapter, so that it doesn't involve Snape too much!
Till next time!
Vivvy