Hi everyone - its late - again! I know but this chapter is extra long and for some reason I had trouble logging in. Anyway - just like to say THANKYOU for all the reviews I received for Chapter 9 - it's the most I've received so far! And I thought I'l reward you with a long chapter. So happy reading!

Disclaimer: I don't own it!

Chapter 10 – To Live and Forget

It was late, the students were all a bed. Hogwarts was asleep, save one – who was neither of this world or the next. He glided noiselessly down the darkened hall without a beat; intent on his path – the infirmary. He had heard of course about the incident at Hogsmeade – and it had been an anguishing wait. But now – nothing could stop him. Although he knew he had already made too many risks at being caught or being seen; not long ago she had even found his resting place and suspected his keeper after that. He had been vigilant about hiding his presence ever since, and he locked himself in his den, restoring and gaining strength. Although he felt he was loosing his sanity. Once again, the only person who could keep him from loosing his mind was her…

As the shadowy figure glided past the Slytherins dungeons, he froze suddenly in fear as several students slipped out whispering viciously in the dark.

'That Ravenclaw bitch – it's all her fault, we'll see she gets what she deserves'.

'This isn't a good idea; we shouldn't draw attention to ourselves like this. Draco wasn't happy about it; in fact I'm pretty sure he made it clear for you to leave Chang alone'.

There was a sudden violent movement.

'Whose side are you on Higgs? You and Malfoy – protect her like she's the bloody Princess!'

He had heard enough, there was no doubt in his mind who these people were and what they were intending to do. Frightened for a certain girl's safety he hastened back to his chambers. Rousing his disgruntle keeper and explaining urgently. There was not a moment to loose.

Cho couldn't sleep, despite the sleeping draught Madam Pomfrey had urged her to drink. It didn't make her healing process any easier to bear. Her ribs, her arms – every broken bone was pure agony. She writhed and thrashed on her bed, whimpering and muttering. She was half-asleep and half-awake, caught somewhere between a nightmare and reality. Cho wasn't sure which she preferred.

Suddenly there was a noise that roused her to full consciousness, Cho laid motionless on her bed, her heart hammering in her chest. Her hands unconsciously groping for her wand – until she realised foolishly that it had been lost at Hogsmeade. Cho began to panic; she was defenceless – weak and unable to fend for herself. Maybe it was her imagination – Dumbledore had assured her Hogwarts was safe, and she would not be harmed. But her close brush with death had made her edgy and wary.

Cho settled back on her bed when she heard nothing more and willed herself to sleep but another sound – this time unmistakable made her jump in fright. There was the sound of footsteps, just outside the door to the Infirmary. Cho scramble to her feet wincing in pain, she stumbled off her bed and backed away to the end of the room and wedged herself behind the curtains, heart thudding in her chest.

Suddenly there were voices - more distinct, it sounded like an argument...

'Don't do this!'

'Or what?'

Cho eyed the door knob apprehensively as she saw it slowly turn, but there was another raised voice from outside.

'What do you think your doing?'

'Pro - Professor Snape!'

'Step away from the door! NOW!'

'You can't stop us...! It's all her fault! Sh - she ruined the Dark Lords plans - she must pay for it! It's not fair, its her fault that Mal - '

This voice was from a girl, a hysterical sounding girl.

'Silencio!'

There was the sound of collective gasps. 'Wha - ?'

'Go back to your room!'

'But Professor Snape!'

'GO!'

Cho gave an audible sigh of relief as she heard the sound of there fading footsteps echoing into the distance, she tensed up again as the door clicked opened and the tall, darkened figure of Professor Snape striding towards her. He surveyed her, huddled on the ground with the curtains drawned over herself protectively. She peeked up at him. He looked like he had gotten out of bed hastilly. Wearing long dark robes, rumpled hair and a grim expression.

'You can get up now Miss Chang' he informed her looking quite bemused.

'Wh - who was that?' Cho stuttered worriedly.

'No one that concerns you!' Snape retorted arms crossed over his chest, 'are you getting up or not?'

Cho made a rather feeble attempt to rise to her feet and winced in pain, 'I can't!' she cried plaintively.

In the moonlight, Cho caught his rather pertubed expression before rolling his eyes and stooping down low to scoop her up like a child and dump her unceremoniously on her bed. He whirled around to stalk away.

'Professor Snape?'

He paused but didn't turn around, 'what now Miss Chang?' he demanded impatiently.

'What are people hiding from me?' she asked timidly afraid he was going to yell at her for being an annoying git.

Professor Snape gave what sound like a sigh, 'your better off without knowing' he almost sounded sad;' now go to sleep!'

Cho squeaked, pulling the blankets over her head - she listened to his heavy footsteps stalk across the Infirmary before exiting the room, closing the door gently behind him.

As Cho recovered in the Hospital ward, the news of her close brush with death was spreading all over Hogwarts, and she had become the source of gossip amongst another big gossip. Everywhere in Hogwarts, people were discussing what happened at Hogsmeade, and speculating her attempted death. Some were close to the truth; others were completely off the track. Cho's loyal friends visited her frequently, cheering her up and keeping her company. Harry was seen most often, he visited first thing in the morning and just before dark. Cho even receive some very unlikely visitors, Madam Hooch who shared a close friendship with her dropped in one afternoon and another time Professor Snape had stopped by, pretending to help Madam Pomfrey restock her shelves. Cho was disappointed not to receive a visit from Draco Malfoy or Terence Higgs which she thought was strange but dismissed the thought.

Cho was busy replying to the endless flow of letters she had received one morning; her owl Xiao Chun was looking haggard and weary from sending never-ending mail from her parents and other loved ones. Roger Davies had even written to her, and many other friends that had left Hogwarts.

'Put those away Miss Chang - its time for breakfast' Madam Pomfrey ordered carrying a tray towards her.

'It better not be porridge again' Cho replied disgruntedly rolling up her parchment and sitting up in bed. Madam Pomfrey deposited the tray of porridge in front of her.

'Morning Cho!' Harry greeted, he laughed to see her surveying the bowl of porridge with dismay.

'Ugh! I'm so sick of Hospital food!' Cho pouted, 'I haven't eaten properely for days!'

'I know!' Harry said in a low voice, 'but thankfully I thought ahead'.

'Huh?'

Harry craned his head to make sure Madam Pomfrey was safely out of sight before reaching in his bag to present her with a basket of fresh muffins and fruits.

'Oh Harry!' Cho flung her arms around him in a hug, 'you know me so well!'

Harry blushed, 'well - I know how bad Hospital fares are from experience, so I asked Dobby to bring us something for breakfast' he explained looking pleased.

'Us? Are you joining me for breakfast?' Cho asked delightedly.

Harry nodded earnestly, 'is that okay with you? It's Saturday and there's no lessons so I thought we could - '

'Of course!' Cho exclaimed reaching out for a muffin and taking a mouthful. 'Make yourself comfortable!'

Harry sat on her bed and reached in the basket and began to peel an orange, 'So when will you leave the Infirmary?' he asked her happily.

'Today' Cho answered with her mouthful, 'Micheal and Marietta are going to escort me back to my room'.

They spent a luxurious morning sharing breakfast and they discussed Quidditch (Hufflepuff played Slytherin and Slytherin won), Harry told her about Grawp and he talked about other things that she had missed out on. Cho noticed Harry was starting to relax and loosen up around her more, and she was glad they were able to enjoy each other's company without the awkwardness in her sixth year.

Later that day – When Madam Pomfrey had given her approval, Cho and her friends Marietta Edgecombe and Michael Corner happily helped her pack her few belongings and walk her to Ravenclaw's Common Room.

'It's so good to have you back' Marietta gushed for the fiftieth time that day.

'Well its good to be back' Cho answered enthusiastically, 'look at me! I'm as thin as a wraith! And I'm going to be so behind in my studies!'

'Here we are home sweet home!' Michael announced as they paused outside the statue that led them into Ravenclaw's Common Room.

Cho entered first; disappointed to see how empty and dark the room look, 'it's good to be back' she remarked. Her eyes devoured the homely sight of her Common Room, with its shelves and shelves of books, large cushiony chairs, a blazing fireplace and long, velvet royal blue curtains.

Suddenly the room was flooded with light, all her Ravenclaw house mates sprang out from bookcases, chairs and tables and Ernie Macmillan waved his wand to unfold a huge banner reading: "Welcome Back Cho!"

'Surprise!'

Cho burst out laughing, 'I should have known!' She whirled around to confront her friends.

Marietta shrugged breaking into a grin, 'we missed you!'

As much as her friends were pleased to have her back, Cho had noticed she was receiving more hostility from Slytherin than was normal. When she resumed her lessons, the seventh year Slytherin would ignore her, or sneer at her. Other students would whisper about her when they thought she couldn't hear. Cho tried to confront them and even her friends about it. People were hiding something from her – she knew it, she had strong intuition. Even Draco and Terence who she thought she got along well with were avoiding her.

Cho resumed her life with a few adjustments – aside from taking classes, Quidditch practise and studying. She made room in her tight schedule to find time to be with Harry – but even if she couldn't, she still had her Grawp visits with Harry. When people begun to realise they were a couple again, it added fuel to gossip.

One afternoon Cho was taking a walk with Harry, enjoying a moment to relax and take a break from her studies and spend time with Harry.

'Dumbledore made the arrangements to have my new wand sent to me' Cho was telling him as they crossed the Flagstone path inside the school. 'Which means I can get back to my studies properely'.

'That's great!' Harry smiled and she felt him grasp her hand.

Cho blushed and smiled coyly - Harry was holding her hand! Her exubrence dimmed slightly as they rounded a corner and encountered Draco Malfoy.

'Hi Draco'.

Cho smiled uncertainly at him, he had avoided her ever since she had left the Infirmary, but at least he would acknowledged her with a warm look. The look he had now sent shivers up her spine, he glared first at Harry before flickering his eyes towards her - distant, and cold. Without answering her Draco grimaced, scowling furiously at them. For a moment she was afraid he was going to say something but when he lifted his eyes to her, he stormed away, banging his shoulders roughly against Harry as he passed.

Harry glared after him, 'stupid ferret!' he hissed shaking his head, 'I don't see how you can stand to be civil with him if he won't return the favour'.

'Well he's - ' Cho shrugged and glanced anxiously at the direction Draco had taken, 'never mind - um Harry I just remembered something I had to do - I'm really sorry!'

'Where are you - ?' Harry began frowning slightly.

'I'll be back in a few minutes I swear' Cho promised.

'Don't swear' Harry grinned.

Rolling her eyes, she stood on her tip toes, shyly planting a kiss on his lips before hurrying after Draco Malfoy.

Cho hurried outside and search for his familiar white/blonde hair, there was no sign of him but she had an inkling where he was hiding. Cho ran towards her hidden spot by the lake and sure enough she found him with his back to her, arms crossed and looking angry.

'So you came' Draco growled.

Cho hesitated, 'of course I'm your friend aren't I?'

Draco snorted, 'your friend am I?'

Cho gaped at him wordlessly.

'After what happened – do you really think I'll be your friend Chang?' Draco whirled around, his lips were curled in a snarl and his grey eyes were stormy.

'After w-what happened?' Cho stammered.

It was Draco's turn to gape at her wordlessly, for a split second he looked crestfallen before the fury return to his eyes.

'The attack at Hogsmeade Chang what else?' he snapped angrilly, 'everyone knows Death Eaters were involved, everyone blames Slytherin – '

'That's not true!' Cho suddenly exclaimed startling him. 'Tell me this Draco Malfoy, why do Slytherins hate me?'

For once, Cho had managed to reduce Draco Malfoy into silence. Instantly he's expression changed, he surveyed her hesitantly.

'Just leave Cho' Draco said quietly.

Cho shook her head stubbornly, 'not without an answer'.

Draco Malfoy glared at her, 'I'm not answerable to you!'

'Nonetheless you will answer me!' Cho yelled.

'Sod off Chang! You think you can have everything you want, everything always has to go your way doesn't it?You never had been refused anything in your life have you? Well forget about our so-called "friendship" I don't need your friendship! I don't need YOU!'

'How dare you! You – you insufferable twit!' Cho exclaimed, stunned with his sudden fury.Despite herself she felt tears roll down her cheeks, she searched his face trying to gauge his reaction but he looked down at her haughtily.

'Get out of my face you pathetic girl' he snarled coldly.

Hurt and wounded – Cho backed away, her eyes searching his beseechingly but when he's expression remained forbidding, Cho nodded and slowly walked away. Heads down, and arms wrapped protectively across her chest. She didn't know where she was walking, and consequently failed to see the group of Slytherins following her until she suddenly felt herself shoved roughly to the ground.

Cho gasped and glanced up to found herself surrounded by Slytherins, both males and females and younger students and older.

'Well well well, Miss Perfect here can't seem to stand on her own two feet' a third year Slytherin sneered. The other students cackled loudly.

Cho desperately searched the unfamiliar faces for Terence Higgs or anyone who might be able to help her out of this mess.

'Wh - what do you want?' Cho stammered nervously.

Suddenly a girl – with snapping blue eyes, dead-straight hair shoved her way in the crowd to reach her. Her expression was of pure venom and hatred.

Cho recoiled as startingly the girl – who looked to be a third year student, raised her hand and slapped her hard across the cheek.

Cho fell back clutching a hand to her rather sore cheeks, 'what the – '

'You bitch! You - you filthy half-blood bitch!' the girl hissed, angry tears were rolling down her pale, thin cheeks. 'It's all your fault!'

'About what exactly?' Cho snarled scathingly rubbing her rather reddened jaw.

The girl looked like she wanted to strangle her, 'it's your fault he's dead that's what! My boyfriend is dead! Because of you!'

'Excuse me?'

Cho gasped as suddenly the girl gave a hysterical shriek and lunged at her, her nails raking her neck leaving long bloody scratches.

'What the hell is your problem?' Cho shouted clutching her bloodied face as the girl was restrained by her Slytherin friends.

'You really are all looks and no brains aren't you Chang?' Blaise Zabini sneered.

'That makes a lot of sense Zabini, makes you wonder why I was sorted into Ravenclaw' Cho snapped fiercely.

Cho was roughly hauled to her feet and she found herself staring down at several wands.

'You were the one who was supposed to die! – Not one of our own. You will pay Chang' the hysterical girl screamed. Trying to fight her friends from restraining her, kicking and spitting with little result.

It suddenly dawned on her. The realisation that this was why the Slytherins hated her, why people were whispering about her, what Dumbledore, Harry and all her friends were so afraid to tell her. She survived when she wasn't suppose to…but someone else had died in her place.

'Wh - who?' Cho demanded softly.

'Malcomn Baddock!' one of the girl who was restraining girl, Pansy Parkinson answered through gritted teeth

Finally the girl collapsed on the ground with an anguished scream, weeping bitter tears and hiccoughing loudly. Pansy and another Slytherin girl did there best to comfort her.

'No words Chang?' Pansy hissed ferociously.

'I'm - sorry' she whispered.

Suddenly Cho flinched in pain as the Slytherin girl staggered to her feet and muttering an spell she made a slicing movement with her wand and Cho felt a stinging pain on her arm. She gazed at the slash on her sleeves, blood was seeping through the garment, a Stinging Charm.

'I don't need your pity' she screamed - eyes bulging and nose flaring, she made more violently movement with her wand.

Cho bit back a cry as more welts and scorch marks appeared on her skin, she raised her hands to cover her face but felt a ripping pain across her exposed palm and wrist - blood splattered on the ground and roll down her hands.

Marcus Flint wrestled the wand from the girls hand, 'stop!' he hissed nervously, 'its Malfoy!'

Without the wand - the girl launched herself at Cho again, pounding her fist on her, kicking and scratching, Cho did her best to struggle away from her.

'What the hell is going on here?!' a sudden enraged voice exclaimed.

Cho was aware of someone, suddenly stalking towards the group, shoving people aside to get through to her. She felt him shove the girl from her in a violent movement and she felt hands gently helping her up.

'Dr - Draco?' Cho gasped.

'Merlin's Balls!' Draco cursed, 'you're a mess!'

'What are you doing defending her?' Pansy Parkinson demanded furiously holding her friend back once again.'Whose side are you really on Draco?'

Draco pressed his lips together, 'you fool, do you want to jeopardise the Dark Lord's plan by interfering this way?'

'Do you really think were stupid Malfoy?' Marcus Flint sneered. 'This isn't the first time you run to her rescue'.

Cho studied Draco's face, his jaw tightened and he looked lost for words. How was he going to get them out of this mess?

'Harry where are you off too?' Hermione exclaimed as someone darted past her, almost toppling her over.

Harry paused when he recognised her.'Hermione! You haven't seen Cho have you?' he demanded anxiously.

'No, why? What's wrong now?' she huffed impatiently arms on her hip, 'you know Cho's a big girl now, you don't have to worry about her every second of the day Harry'.

'What's that suppose to mean?' Harry demanded knitting his brow in confusion.

'You worry too much Harry' Hermione scolded. 'You don't want to stifle the poor girl now do you?'

Harry didn't answer, Hermione was probably right, she was a girl after all and when she had something to say, when had her advice ever been wrong?

'Right' Harry mumbled dejectedly.

'Harry! Hermione! There you are!' Ron Weasely exclaimed. He was dressed in his Quidditch robes and clutching his broom. 'We're having a practise game outside with Ravenclaw, come and join us!'

'Not now Ron' Harry answered instantly, 'Cho and I were planning – '

'Harry!' Hermione sighed tossing her hair irritably. 'There you go again! Ever since you and Cho got together – it's always Cho this and Cho that! You haven't been doing anything but spend every minute of the day with her! She has a life too! Do you want to suffocate her?'

'Hermione's right' Ron agreed sheepishly. 'You worry too much, were happy for you and Cho but we're sick of hearing you talk about her.'

'I do not – ' Harry began affronted before he reconsidered. 'Fine you made your point, let's go then'.

'Great!' Ron exclaimed clapping him on the back, 'come on Hermione!'

'No Ron!' Hermione retorted, 'I have to go to the library'.

'No but's!' Harry gloated grabbing her arm and leading her outside and made there to the fields. Once outside, he realised what perfect Quidditch conditions it was, he began to look forward to the game, it was with Ravenclaw after all! Perhaps Cho was there? He heard some shouting and squinted at a group near the fields searching for Cho.

'Hey what's going on over there?' Harry queried realising it wasn't Ravenclaw; as they approached at a closer distance he recognised them as a group of Slytherins.

'Probably harassing some poor first years' Hermione grunted, she squared her shoulders. 'Come on then – let's sort this out!'

'Do we have to?' Ron whined plaintively but running after her anyway.

'Hey! What's going on here? Break it up!' Hermione shouted, she came to an abrupt halt when she saw Draco supporting a rather beaten up Cho. 'Oh my!'

'Let's get out of here!' Marcus Flint hissed and they scattered leaving just Draco and Cho.

Unfortunately, Harry suddenly chose to appear at the time the group dispersed, exposing the sight of Draco and Cho. He froze, eyes fastening onto Cho first, taking in her bloodied and bruised face before he turned to Draco, a murderous glint in his eyes.

'Listen Harry it's not what it –' Cho began but she backed away as suddenly Harry let out a roar.

'Draco! You son of a – '

Hermione and Cho shrieked as Harry lunged at Draco and landed a punch at his jaw; Draco recoiled in pain but responded with his fist up Harry's gut, Harry let out a gasp clutching his stomach.

'Yo – you' Harry wheezed.

Draco spat out blood, 'what's your problem Potter? Can't bear to let someone else be a hero for once?'

Harry blindly leapt at Draco again, dragging him down to the ground and raining blows after blows on him. Draco kicked upwards, his foot connected somewhere painful.

'Stop it!' Hermione shrieked trying to tear them apart.

Ron hastily dragged her from the fray, 'you'll get hurt' he admonished as Hermione protested, although his face held a certain gleeful look.

Cho staggered to her feet, still somewhat dazed and disorientated. She was watching the fight with a somewhat detached expression.

'Are you okay?' Hermione asked in concern, 'no your not – we better take you to the Hospital Wing.

'Your wand' Cho muttered dazedly.

Hermione removed her wand in confusion, 'what about it?'

Cho grabbed it, and stalked towards them arm outstretched. 'Incarcerous!'

Thick robes suddenly materialised from Hermione's wand and coiled itself around Harry and Draco's arm.

They glanced at her, breathing heavily and looking quite roughened up, Harry was the first to recognise her expression.

'Cho! What's the matter? What did Draco do to you?'

'You piece of - ' Draco began to rant but fell silent as Cho approached.

'Why didn't you tell me?' Cho asked softly, not trusting her voice.

Harry suddenly looked uncomfortable, 'about?'

'About Malcom Baddock' Cho answered thickly, she could feel the tears rolling down her cheeks, 'why didn't you tell me Harry?'

'Listen Cho' Hermione intercepted as Harry bowed his head looking guilty. 'You had alot to cope with, we didn't want to put more stress on you - it wasn't your fault!'

'It was' Cho wept softly, 'I was the one who should have died that day, not someone else, no wonder people hate me'.

'Don't blame yourself' Draco manage to say, ignoring Harry's furious glare.

Cho shook her head, 'its all my fault!'

Hermione approached her and wrapped her arms around the girl, 'come on let's take you to the Hospital Wing'.

'Cho - ' Harry called out hesitantly.

Hermione shook her head at him, mouthing the words, not now!

It had been days, maybe even weeks later that Harry had the chance to see Cho, he had been rehearsing to himself what he wanted to say to her when he had the chance. But when he ran into her on his way to Charms, he had been stunned at her shocking appearence. Her once gorgeous complexion was sunken and ashen, her eyes red and blank, and her radiant smile was gone.

'H-hey' Harry greeted nervously.

Cho stared at him blankly, her eyes without its usual sparkle he had been missing. Her friend Marietta glared at him accusedly, as if she was blaming him for Cho's depressed state.

'Come on Cho were late for Potions' Marietta sniffed leading her away.

'Wait' Harry blurted desperately.

Marietta whirled around, 'Cho doesn't want to talk to you!'

'I think Cho can speak for herself' Harry snapped irritably.

Marietta scowled, '30 seconds - that's all your getting Potter!'

Harry waited for her to step away to give them some privacy. He surveyed Cho tentatively, she was hugging her books to her chest.

'So' Harry began awkwardly, 'its been ten days, and you've been avoiding me'.

Cho shrugged stiffly, avoiding his gaze.

Everything Harry had been planning to say deserted him, he glanced over at Marietta who was motioning to her wrist watch.

'Anyway Cho' Harry said, 'I know your having a hard time trying to cope with this but we don't have time for self-pity. Time is getting shorter, that's why I've started the DA again, we need to prepare everyone for the unexpected. I'd - like you to be there Cho - same room - tonight'.

Cho raised her head and he gazed deep into her soft dark, brown eyes pleading with his eyes. 'Please Cho!'

Before Cho could reply or even had the chance to, Marietta appeared, 'were going now' she said firmly and escorted Cho away. Harry let them leave before making his way to his next class, head lowered and feet shuffling.

'Is Cho coming tonight? How'd it go?' Hermione asked later in Charms.

Harry sighed, 'not very well - she's alot worse that I anticipated, she's completely - changed'.

'You tried Harry' Hermione answered softly.

It was late, Cho had left dinner early to be alone and get away from all the curious stares - instead of going up to her lonely room, she walked to the Owlery craving Xiao Chun's company.The Owlery was empty as she had hoped, Xiao Chun flew down and landed on her offered arm, rubbing her beak affectionately on her sleeve. Cho sighed, she was tired, tired of feeling sorry for herself, tired of her friends condolences, tired of crying herself to sleep every night...

'Is it really worth all this?' Cho whispered, Xiao Chun hooted and nibbled her shirt. 'I'm sick of it, why do I have to be so bloody pathetic? Why couldn't I be more stronger?'

Xiao Chun began to nestle comfortably on her arm, fluffing her feathers and preparing herself to sleep, knowing how long her master can talk about her problems.

Cho settled herself comfortable on a seat, the straw-covered floor crunching under her feet, she took in the sight of the tall glassless window. The dark treetops of the Forbidden Forest swayed in a light breeze, she savoured the moment of peace. Her reverie shattered as she heard the Owlery door swing open behind her, turning quickly she recognised a third-year student from Hufflepuff - Cho swallowed thickly. It was Elly Baddock - Malcomn Baddock's twin sister.

Cho leapt to her feet, startling Xiao Chun - who hooted angrily and flew off. Thinking Elly didn't want to confront her, she took off for the door.

'Wait' Elly Baddock spoke. 'Please'.

Cho froze her hand on the door, she desperately wanted to be out of the door and gone! Merlin knew she couldn't take any more abuse!

'I-I followed you from the Great Hall, can we talk- please?' Elly asked quietly.

Slowly turning around, Cho surveyed the Hufflepuff with apprehension. 'Why? Don't you hate me? It's my fault your twin brother is dead - '

'No!' Elly said fiercely, 'it's not your fault, no one but my brothers - '.

Cho blinked in surprise, 'what do you mean?'

Elly shook her head, 'let's sit down'.

Cho joined the girl and waited for her to speak, curious despite herself.

'I - know the Slytherins are giving you a hard time, the thing is - they wanted to blame someone for Malcomn's death, so they blamed you - knowing it was his own fault' Elly explained slowly, she caught Cho's look of disbelief.

'Malcomn is involved with the Death Eaters' Elly explained her voice wavering, 'he was young and foolish - eager to please, he wasn't meant to be at The Three Broomstick when it happened. He got in the way and he died. It was his own fault'.

Cho fell silent, absorbing the news. 'How do you know this - and why are you telling me?'

'My parents are Death Eaters - and I will be one too - against my wishes,' Elly Baddock told her disconcertingly.'After all this, we'll be leaving Hogwarts - Dumbledore knows, he sent out letters addressed to every students on the Dark Side to leave Hogwarts. And I'm telling you this because you deserve to know the truth - we may be fighting different battles but you can't afford to be weakened by this, you have to be strong'.

Cho sighed, 'I - I don't know what to say' she said awkwardly.

Elly Baddock reached into her robes and removed a long, thin box and presented it to her. 'Here, Dumbledore asked me to give this to you'.

Cho accepted the box and she opened it gingerely, nestled amongst satin cushions was her wand, Rosewood, 10 1/4", Phoenix Feather. Cho removed it and gave an experimental flick, bright sparks swirled out whizzing and exploding in the air, she smiled.

Elly Baddock stood, 'we've never been close friends, but Cho' she offered her hand, 'good luck and remember what I said'.

Cho shook Elly Baddock's hand, 'I will' she whispered, 'and - thankyou'.

After Elly Baddock left, Cho sat and thought long and hard to herself, turning over the strange conversation she just had, adsent-mindedly twirling her new wands over and over in her hands.

It was noisy behind the highly-polished door that led inside the Room of Requirement, there had been a bigger turn-out than the previous year. The spacious room seemed to have grown bigger to give the large group more space. Students were dueling in pairs, the occasional books were toppling from its shelves from there enthusiasm.

Harry circled the room, observing the duel and pausing every so often to correct some students and make suggestions. He was pleased with his peers performance, they were taking this very seriously. It seemed like everyone was here except for Slytherin and Cho...the empty, heart-wrenching, melancholy feeling every time he thought of Cho return andHarry gazed off into space.

Suddenly the door burst open with a loud bang, the noise and action in the Room of Requirement came to a abrupt halt and some students - including Harry even aimed their wands at the petite figure standing at the door.

Cho smiled shyly, her hair neatly plaited her wand gripped determinedly in her hand, her eyes scanned the crowd before resting on Harry's stunned gaze.

'Sorry I'm late'.

Long isn't it? Hope you appreciate it - anyway I have to say this isn't one of my best chapters because I was trying to get alot done and explained and it was going to be longer but I ended up deleting an extra page.

So now you've read - please post your reviews!

Till next time!

Vivvy