The Melody of the Sphere

by SHArice

In an attempt to save everything he holds dear, a young man will have to risk everything, including his chance to fall in love. But one person, unsure of her feelings for the young wizard, refuses to let him go.

11. In Bodies of Sixth and Seventh

Disclaimer: SHArice doesn't own Harry Potter.

Author's Note: Hope you brought your Gryffindor/Slytherin rosettes and party dress/tux because it's time to P-A-R-T…why? 'Cause it's been so long since my last update! A while ago my computer was infected with Spyware and later on the Trojan Horse virus, which totally destroyed some of my fanfic files. It took me some time to save up enough to get a newer anti-virus program and even more time rewriting what I had lost. So, if you spend more than two hours a week on the Internet, I highly suggest you get yourself software that provides a firewall, virus protection, and a pop-up blocker.

So, what's to come? In a nutshell, you will expect to read about a Hogwarts Christmas never told – Hermione's Crimson Regret, an epitome of songs that inspired this chapter, and Brie's unexplained past!

Happy reading! Reviews are welcome.

ooooooo

The Melody of the Sphere

Chapter Ten: In Bodies of Sixth and Seventh

Why is it so bright? Cracking slightly open, green eyes snapped shut at the intruding sunlight peeking in through the slits of the bed canopy. Morning always came at the wrong time. Wait…it was morning, but more importantly, it was Christmas morning. "Oh, my gosh!" His bedside clock's hands pointed out the time to be eleven minutes past six. Ron must already be up.

"Harry, it's morning!" In one fluid motion, his impatient friend drew back the curtains and comforter, sending Harry into a state of post-waking shock.

"Yep, you're up," the green-eyed Gryffindor mumbled, reaching for his glasses.

"Hurry up. Hermione and Ginny are downstairs already," Ron said, throwing Harry the usual scarlet sweater with the letter H knitted in mustard yellow.

"Give me a minute. I want to write Cho about where to meet for the ball."

Ron rolled his eyes. "Aw, c'mon, you can do that after we open the presents."

"I want to do it before there are any more distractions," the Seeker retorted as he slipped the fuzzy sweater over his head.

The red-head smiled, raising an eyebrow. "You know, it's nice seeing you happy like this…instead of that walking time-bomb with a short fuse you were last year."

Harry returned the smile. "I guess she turned out better than we all expected." Over five years of a developing understanding passed in those five seconds of silence. Both boys were emerging from their uncertain pasts into the decisiveness and maturity that came with the hardness of adulthood.

"So we'll see you downstairs, right?" Harry nodded his response. Opening the door leading to the common room, Ron turned and added, "Don't take too long. Hermione and Ginny are really proud of what they got you this year."

o o o o o o o

"Can I give you a hand?"

Maneuvering out of her Chinese friend's reach, Brie balanced armfuls of presents going toward their House common room. "No thank you, Cho. I'm witness to your handiwork."

"Hey, it's not my fault my foot got caught in the rug, hence making me trip and, in trying to stay in an upright position, tearing off your canopy," Cho retaliated.

Brie set her pile beside the towering Christmas tree. "All right, it's not your fault, but the fact remains. I hope this year's gift is worth a whole two minutes of magically repairing my bed." Cho giggled and threw her friend a neatly wrapped package.

The red-head let a smirk crack her features as she pulled the ribbon loose. "Remember now," Cho cut in, "I was under a budget, so don't expect anything too glamorous."

"They're beautiful, Cho!" Brie crushed the smaller girl in a hug before drawing back to admire the two emerald stud earrings. "They must have cost a fortune."

Tightening the sash on her disheveled robe, Cho kneeled beside Brie. "You can wear them to the ball tonight. I thought they would complement your gown and your eyes."

"Cho, my eyes aren't really an emerald green."

"Accessories are meant to go with an outfit or bring out a feature, especially eyes," the Ravenclaw seeker replied. "You have a dark, forest green color with a tinge of amber, so these will definitely bring them out."

Brie shook her head at her friend's endless knowledge about fashion. "I suppose me wearing one particular gown was a bonus." Cho nodded. "Well, before we grow old…" she continued, "…here's your gift." The red-head smiled at the snare of silence that followed a torrent of flying wrapping paper and ribbon thirty seconds later.

"How long did this take you to do?" Cho quietly asked, staring at her Christmas present.

Brie scooted closer and leaned over the Chinese girl's shoulder to get a good look at the gift that stole Cho's breath away. "A little over three months…and that's pretty fast considering I had to use Muggle equipment and keep it a secret from you." In the Chinese girl's lap was a watercolor painting of Cho asleep on the common room sofa with a large book open in her lap. Her body ran the length of the sofa, with her head propped up by the armrest and her bunched up school robe and a tranquility one only knew when they slept was her expression.

"Why?" she asked.

"You know I have an uncanny ability to find inspiration in the oddest things," Brie answered. "I came into the common room one night to see if you were done with your homework and found you like that. I just had a rush to draw, so I got my sketchpad. I didn't expect it to evolve into a painting, but there was something missing with it just as a sketch. So I wondered why not give it to you as a gift one day."

"Oh, I feel so thoughtless now!" Cho exclaimed as a few tears hit the glass protecting her gift. "You're too good a friend for me, Brie."

"You're my best friend. I have the right to spoil you every now and then."

o o o o o o o

It was like his birthday all over again, but this time, everyone had a present to open. Harry sat with his legs crossed on the carpet close to the fire. Ron had taken the liberty of bringing his gifts down to the common room where the four close friends – Hermione, Ron, Ginny, and himself – could enjoy each other's company.

Ginny had just gotten through opening her gift from Ron – a music box that played one of her favorite compositions, Tchaikovsky's "Romeo and Juliet." Harry was amazed Ron remembered her telling him that after the night the Gryffindors acted out Shakespeare's most famous play, which drew a lot of attention from the other houses.

"Surprised?" Ron asked his only sister.

"Thank you so much, Ron!" The youngest Weasley encased her youngest brother in a gigantic hug, making Harry and Hermione give each other an approving smile. "You really can be thoughtful at times."

"I'm glad you like it," he replied. "…took me forever to save up for it." Then he tossed Hermione a box. "Here ya go, Hermione. I thought you could use an alternative from textbooks."

"Thanks, Ron," she said as she started undoing the ribbon. Removing the last layer of tissue paper, Ginny raised her eyebrows when she saw The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. "You're on a roll with Shakespeare, aren't you?" Hermione said as she looked up at the carrot top.

Ron just shrugged. "Well, I had some help in deciding what to get you lovely ladies."

"I don't suppose you'll tell us who," Harry said, handing Ron his present. Ron just shook his head. "Well, I hope you like your gift."

Ron opened the box and flew a piece of crumpled tissue paper across the room into the fire. "Hey, it's some of those music spheres," the carrot top exclaimed, taking out two of the glowing orbs.

"Happy Christmas, Ron. I thought you could use them for…uh…something," Harry replied, smirking as he hinted off at Ron's confession to learning to dance. "The yellow one has two songs by Haydn and the red one has a really long suite called Juliet's Waltz from Gounod."

Ron gave his green-eyed companion a half-hearted smile, placing the spheres back in the box. Not catching on to the farce, Hermione said, "I think it'll do you some good listening to classical music."

"Thanks, you two."

"You're not done yet, Ron," Ginny intervened, handing her brother her gift.

"Are you guys trying to get me to actually think…hard?" he asked when he unwrapped his present. "3D Come to Life Jigsaw Puzzle created by Neo-Merlin, Ltd…what's this all about, Gin?"

"I figured you could use a new hobby," the Gryffindor Chaser replied. Ron sulked even further. "Okay, so it's not the coolest hobby on earth, but it has a really cool concept."

"And what would that be?" Hermione asked, looking at the changing pictures on the box.

"If you take a look at the box," Ginny answered, pointing at the box, "you can see that after you put all the pieces together, it automatically transfigures into smaller scale of England. There are all sorts of models that they made – Muggle cities, Diagon Alley, the different rural towns, and even Hogwarts!"

"I think I've heard something about this," Hermione put in. "One wizard is totally obsessed with this and he's already completed a quarter of the country."

"I still don't see what's so great about it," Ron said, scanning over the 2000-piece model of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

"If you look on the back of the box…" Ginny retaliated, "…you'll see that there's a grand prize for the person who completes all the models."

Ron flipped to the back and his jaw dropped. "A million galleons!"

Harry had to laugh as Ron continued to stare in disbelief. "Now I know what you'll be working on when you're not playing chess!" Ten minutes later, Harry found himself handing Hermione a gift. "Ginny pitched in to help me buy it, so I guess it's from the two of us."

"Yeah, that puzzle cost quite a bit," the tall girl said. "I think you'll find it handy for S.P.E.W."

Quickly opening the cardboard box that measured one foot by one foot by one foot (perfect square), the Gryffindor prefect squealed delightfully at the assorted colors of yarn, yards of fabric, and a sewing and crochet needle set. "Thank you Harry, Ginny," she said giving both a hug, "Now I won't have to worry about getting more materials for another year."

"Okay, Harry," Ginny said holding out open arms, "it's my turn." The green-eyed Seeker put a simple bottle of clear liquid in her waiting hands. Ginny stared at it. "Uh, Harry, what is it?"

Harry withdrew his wand which contained a single feather from the tail of a phoenix, pointed it at the bottle and said, "Frangranza lillá…" The color of the liquid turned into a light shade of violet.

"What did you do?" Hermione asked; her curiosity piqued at the change.

"Every Woman's Perfume…" he answered, taking the bottle from Ginny, "I just used an incantation to transform it into my desired scent – lilacs. Here's the list of different fragrances and their incantations. I think there are three hundred and seventeen in all."

"That's an insane number," Ron chided in. "Who needs to smell so much?"

"Pay no attention to my brother," the youngest Weasley offered to Harry, "Thanks. I know I'll put this to good use first thing tonight."

"You've got one more," Hermione said, giving Ginny a thick, leather-bound book. The cover read Madam Tuzon's How-To-Ballroom-Dance-In-One-Hour Guide. "It's got the basic steps for a lot of dances – swing, waltz, tango, jump and jive, and line dancing."

"Thanks, Hermione," Ginny said before fixing a glare on Ron, "Maybe I can teach that clown with two left feet something." Harry had to hold back a grin as Ron smirked at his younger sister.

"Not before he opens his gift from me," the prefect retorted. "Happy Christmas, Ron." Ron hesitantly took the envelope from Hermione, afraid that it would turn out to be free speed-reading lessons or something to do with enhancing your academic performance. "Don't worry. It's nothing bad."

"Oh my gosh! I LOVE YOU, HERMIONE!" Ron shouted when he took out the envelope's contents – two tickets to a Cannons' game. "How…when!"

"I'll tell you later, you moron," Hermione calmly replied, "but now, it's time for Harry's present."

"Oh, let me go get it," Ginny exclaimed as she headed for the girls' dormitories. She returned in the blink of an eye with a bag from the shop Love & Danger. "Ron, Hermione, and I have been putting this together since you passed out earlier in the year."

Harry threw his head back and laughed at the handwriting on folded parchment. "You guys put together The Perfect Kit for The Perfect Date?" Three heads nodded in confirmation simultaneously. Many items were recognizable – cologne, a light liquid foundation that guys could use for blemishes, cheap silver signet ring with a fake red gemstone embedded in it, a pocket-size book of short love poems and sonnets, disposable magical camera, and many ice-breakers and romantic quips were written on parchment courtesy of Hermione and Ginny. But what caught his attention more than anything was a 3x5 card with "Few & Precious Floral" in fancy calligraphy. "What's this?"

"At exactly six fifty-five tonight, an owl from Few & Precious Floral will deliver a rose corsage. The card is like your receipt," Hermione explained.

"You guys really thought of everything, huh?" Harry half-asked, half-stated.

"We just want you to enjoy tonight, especially with Cho," Ginny put in. "We know how much she means to you. Don't look at me like that because you know it's true!"

Half an hour later, Ginny had made a beeline for the Great Hall to join their fellow Gryffindors for breakfast. Harry and Ron had made their way up to the dormitory for some last-minute meditation and preparation. As for Hermione, she could only eagerly open a letter delivered by a school barn owl. But she didn't know what to expect from it.

It wasn't possible. It just was not possible. Hermione stared at the letter in her shaking hands. In the quiet of the Gryffindor common room, the brown-haired prefect took in the quick scrawl on the parchment.

Dearest Hermione,

I know I promised you we would meet at the ball, but with much regret, I will have to postpone our meeting. Things have become complicated. I don't know how else to say it. The rest of the school would not approve and that may hurt more than help you. You're a respectable young woman, and it has taken me a long time to realize that. Just remember this quote: "Impossible as it may seem, you've got to fight for every dream; for who knows, the one you let go would have made you complete." If things go as one of our professors say they will, then I hope to at least catch one dance with you. Best of luck to Gryffindor…

Love,

Crimson Regret

"Why?" The breathless whisper reached the ears of King Weasley himself as he strode into the common room from the boys' dormitory.

"Something the matter, Hermione?" She turned, misty-eyed and hung her head low upon her shoulders, shaking her head. Ron smiled sympathetically and casually shuffled his way toward his best friend. Flopping on the couch next to her, the red-head tried getting a look at her face hidden by a mass of wavy tresses, but suppressed a chuckle when she turned away. "Oh, come on. It can't be all that bad, can it? I mean, it's not like you got a D in Arithmancy or something."

"It's worse," she croaked.

Finally taking note of the parchment hanging limply in her fingers, Ron asked, "Do you mind if I take a look at this?" Hermione didn't hesitate and nearly shoved the letter in his face. The red-head raised an eyebrow at the now familiar handwriting. "Crimson Regret, eh?"

Hermione nodded and looked up, wanting to see his reaction. She watched as his eyes moved slowly across the parchment. When he had finished and placed the letter in his lap, she dared to ask, "What do you think?"

Ron cocked his head to one side and tapped his finger on his chin. "Hmm…this guy's good at keeping a secret."

"That's all you have to say…" Hermione stated in disbelief. Snatching the parchment from the Gryffindor keeper, she began to frantically pace in front of the fire. "At first I didn't think it was possible for someone to actually like me, but as the letters kept coming, I noticed just how much we complement each other."

"You aren't talking about all that boring poetry nonsense, are you?" Ron inquired, dramatically motioning with his flailing arms.

"Put a sock in it, Ron," the sixth-year retorted. At once, he pursed his lips together. "There are letters that I haven't shown you all yet. In them, he spoke about British literature, theatricals, music, fine arts, dance, and even magical and muggle history. Ron, do you know how rare it is to find someone with whom you can converse and banter about such topics? I can't even do that with some of the most brilliant students here."

"Well, is there anyone in this school that can best you at academics?" he quipped.

"True intelligence and sophistication is not found in just school related topics," she defended. "The memorization of a million facts does not make one wise or knowledgeable."

"Then what does that make you?" Ron smirked when he saw her angered look, then immediately regretted asking.

Hermione fixed a death glare upon her prefect counterpart before briskly walking out of the common room, with an air of determination left in her wake. Miss Granger was on a mission to find out her secret admirer.

o o o o o o o

"Happy Christmas, Hedwig," Brie said as she handed the snowy owl a treat and removed the message attached to her leg. The owl hooted its reply and flew off. She recognized the Gryffindor seal and familiar handwriting. "Cho, you got a letter!" Brie walked into their dormitory and spotted Cho levitating her painting to a place on the wall in between their beds.

"Is it from my parents?" she asked, turning around when she was satisfied with the painting's position.

"It's from a certain Mr. Potter."

Cho saw Brie fall onto her now fixed bed from the corner of her eye as she broke the seal.

Dear Cho,

Happy Christmas! I'm sorry, but you're going to have to wait until the ball to get your present (a not-so-quiet groan provokes Brie to ask what's wrong). I'm having Hedwig send this to you because I'll be busy all day. I'll meet you at the Great Hall. Everyone will be there. I have to go now. Ron and Ginny are threatening to smoke me out of the dormitory if I don't get downstairs to open gifts.

With all my love,

Harry

PS – Everyone says hi and Ginny wants you to give Brie a quick peck for her. She says it annoys her.

Cho had to giggle a little at that last part. Brie wasn't the real cuddly type and hugs and kisses were few and far between. "For the umpteenth time, what's it say?" the said red-head asked.

The disappointment returned. "I think he forgot to get me something," she answered, handing the parchment over to her best friend.

Brie quickly took in the letter and looking up, her eyes bugged out. "Give me a so-called peck and there will be hell to pay." Cho only smiled and shook her head. "But seriously, I don't think he forgot. He probably just wants to give it to you at the right moment."

o o o o o o o

Breathe…in…out…in…and out. Classes had been over for almost two weeks, but the tension and nervousness that homework had never brought before seemed to heighten with each passing second. Harry repeatedly released and captured his practice snitch, pausing only to glance at the small chest beside his bed.

The first match between Gryffindor and Slytherin would begin in another two hours, giving everyone time to get ready after breakfast. Gryffindor Tower had been emptied out not too long ago when everyone made their way to the Great Hall for a late Christmas breakfast with their rosettes and banners. Harry sighed and let his snitch fly around the room. He would get it later. His interest was not in the game at all. He had yet to open the chest, but a bad feeling was creeping over him.

Who knew what that chest contained? Harry sensed it was nothing that could physically harm him, but a secret that would most assuredly catch him off guard. Just open it, you stupid git.

Sliding off his comforter, the green-eyed boy came down to his knees in front of the locked chest. A simple charm would open it. "Alohamora," he quietly recited. The padlock fell open. "Just breathe." Removing the lock, Harry threw the top back; his other hand gripping his wand.

The contents reminded him of things he'd seen in attics. A thin, white cotton cloth covered the items inside, protecting them from dust. Lifting one side of the cloth back, Harry gasped. Carefully placed in neat lines like eggs, rows of dozens of marble-sized spheres met his gaze. All, save one, were glowing in various hues of greens, blues, reds, oranges, purples, and yellows.

Lifting the wooden tray that held them, he found two stacks of parchment underneath. Taking a closer look, the parchment was divided between song lyrics, letters, and diary entries. Flipping through them, the young man found only a few belonged to Garrett. The rest were written by Belle herself.

Dear Diary,

I never knew I could feel like this. I just want to vanish in his arms sometimes, just so I can be with him for eternity. Writing songs hasn't come this easy in a long time. Garrett and I have only been together for a few months, but I know we'll last forever. My parents already adore him. They say he's a real gentleman, but he can be a bit slow when it comes to romance.

I don't know if my feelings have been reflected in the ways I've been acting. Some say, especially Jhalei, I seem happier while others always have to snap me out of my daydreaming. People would say I have symptoms like it's a bad thing, but I think they're signs – little instances that will lead up to something. As to what's going to happen, I can only look forward to it.

It's quite amazing how we got to know each other. After a nice voice lesson meeting after one of his quidditch matches, I caught him talking with a group of his friends in the town square. They were having a nice little chat about one of my concerts, so I hung back a little. I know eavesdropping is not nice, but curiosity always gets the better of us. "Hey, that Belle-girl is quite a looker, huh?" one of their beaters commented.

"I'd love to have her on my arm at the next team Christmas party," another said.

I watched as Garrett said nothing. He just smiled and nodded. "What do you think of her, Garrett?" Peeking out from behind a tree which was serving as my hiding place, I saw how the other six stared at him.

"She's got a great voice," he answered truthfully. The other groaned and started badgering him on my other "assets." "Well, she is very beautiful and smart." Before any other snide comments could be made, I casually walked over to their clique, drawing everyone's attention. I'll never forget the silence that ensued when, wanting to make a point, I reached up and brought his face down for a kiss.

From that point on, everything was paradise. Garrett loves me despite the fact that I'm famous and I love the way he looks at me, like he's looking at me for the first time. It's so wonderful.

Harry continued to rummage through the rest of the papers before examining a few of the spheres. He willed them all to play and each time was lifted to a new plane of understanding. Many of her songs retold the outings she and Garrett took. But one, the sphere that didn't glow, didn't play. It didn't contain a song. "Maybe I can use it for something," Harry muttered to himself.

Hefting the stacks of parchment out, a fading tapestry was folded neatly at the bottom of the chest. Wildflowers and horses adorned it with runes that Harry could not decipher. If only he could ask Hermione for help! Or maybe he could ask to borrow one of her textbooks…nah…she'd want to help him under suspicion.

The only person he would even dream about going to help for was June in the little Hogsmeade antique shop. She probably would gladly offer him more information on their family with all the memorabilia of Belle and Garrett. Another option would be to track June's daughter who eloped. "I don't even know their family name. Well, that makes that pretty pointless," he mumbled to himself.

Then a fleeting hope surfaced. "Cho…" She was most likely taking similar courses to Hermione's. And that parchment she purchased at the shop; it had the same kind of markings as the tapestry. It was almost too perfect. If Cho had an affiliation for the scrawl on the parchment, then she would definitely flip to have the opportunity to decode an entire wall of the markings. Then he groaned. "After that she'd want to know where I got it."

Checking his watch, Harry groaned again. There was only another forty-five more minutes before the whistle. His quidditch robes and equipment were in the locker room. The team would be expecting him to give a pre-game speech, too. Ignoring the snitch weaving its way around the beds' posters, Harry quickly ran out of the dormitory. Everything could wait until later. He had a score to settle with Slytherin.

o o o o o o o

"Will you relax a little? Gosh, you're acting like schoolgirl with a superstar crush."

Cho looked over at the red-head she called her best friend and whined, "But I don't want to ruin anything today, Brie! Today has to be perfect!"

Letting out a groan, Brie flopped down on her bed. "If you would just hurry up and not worry so much, then maybe we might actually be on time for the match." Smacking a hand to her forehead, the young woman shook her head. "It's not like he really cares what you wear…"

The Chinese girl wrapped a red scarf around her neck. "But I do!"

Brie gave a devilish grin and said, "You're just worried about his letter this morning. And here I thought you didn't have such an obsession with romantic things."

Cho let out an exasperated sigh. "This is my seventh and last year at Hogwarts, Brie. I just want to have one day to remember; one day to smile about when I think about it."

"You know…" the red-head drawled out, "…today is not the most important of this year."

"What?" Cho flipped her hair back, picking up her coat as she headed toward the common room.

Brie rolled off the bed and took her usual place alongside her friend. "If you had to choose one day to relive, I'm pretty sure the first thing that would come to most adults would be their wedding or their graduation because of its importance. But I would choose to go back to the day when you played against Gryffindor in fourth year."

Stepping out of the Ravenclaw common room, Cho's brows wrinkled in confusion. "What's so great about that day? We lost."

Brie chuckled and draping an arm around the smaller girl's shoulders said, "It was also the day you cried for hours in the common room and I came to see what was wrong. Remember?"

"That's right. It was your first day at Hogwarts…"

The red-head nodded. "Yep, and it was my first time being away from America. I think I've picked up a bit of an accent, don't you?"

"Everyone thought your American accent was the coolest thing," Cho chided. "And with your short, spiky hair, they were certain you were some punk drop-out." Both girls had a small laugh as they walked down the long corridors to the Great Hall.

"Well, my hair's grown out, hasn't it?" she observed, running her hands through her now just-above-her-shoulder length hair.

They enjoyed the silence, walking beside each other, occasionally bumping with their unsynchronized steps. The distant roar of the gathering crowd at the pitch could be heard from just inside the entrance hall doors. "Do you kind of understand what I'm trying to say?" asked Brie. Cho smiled as the morning rays welcomed her to the snow-covered grounds. In the distance, they could see the rising towers and four colors of the unfurled flags of the quidditch field. "Well, do you?" the American persisted.

"Everyday is a gift," the Chinese girl answered. "And that's why we call it the present."

"Couldn't have put it better myself. Every day is important, Cho, so don't worry about this one having to be the most important."

The two seventh years traipsed toward the high walls of the field, stopping several yards in front of it. There was about fifteen minutes left until the whistle and a chant could be heard coming from the proud Gryffindor stands followed by the opposing Slytherin jeer several seconds later.

"Do you have someone to go with to the ball?" Cho asked the taller girl.

Brie went a slight shade of pink, which started from the roots of her hair. "Uh…not really."

"So you were chastising me when you yourself didn't even have anyone to go with! Oh, Brie, why didn't you say something? I could've helped you out."

Brushing the white down from her shoulders, Brie replied, "I kind of have someone in mind, but – "

"Who is it?" Cho asked gleefully. Brie groaned and tried walking into the stadium, only to be pulled back by her Chinese friend. "C'mon, Brie, tell me!"

"You will take this to the grave if I decide not to go for it."

"On my honor as a member of the Ravenclaw House, I promise not to even talk to myself about it," Cho agreed, raising her right hand. "And you know how very proud I am of our House."

Brie nodded. If you mixed Cho's long lineage of honor and loyalty with the pride she harbored for the dwelling of those of wit and cleverness, then you got one solid promise. "All right, I'll tell you. Please keep an open mind and remember that in no form or fashion is it a joke."

"Oh, it can't be all that bad, can it?" Taking a deep breath, Brie leaned forward and cupped her hand over her mouth, whispering her answer into Cho's ear. Cho's mouth formed into a perfect O with her eyes widening at the name.

Brie pulled away and took one look at her friend's face before turning around and burying her face in her gloved hands. "Oh, you must think I'm dreadful now!"

Cho choked on her words; her mouth gaping open. "Well…" she finally managed to croak. "It wasn't exactly the person I was thinking of, but – uh – I suppose that would explain a few things."

"Like what?" Brie still refused to look at Cho.

"Like why you've been busy all this time," Cho answered. Brie turned around and seeing the unsure expression on her face, Cho could only feel bad about her lame response. "Okay, so that wasn't the best thing in the world to say…but don't worry, Brie. I don't think you're dreadful…not at all."

"I'm sure this isn't exactly the most idyllic of situations," the red-head replied, "but do you think it could work out? I understand that this isn't something that you see happening everyday and if you don't approve, then I can also understand why. I know it's not a strong part in your values and – "

"What are you talking about?" Cho interrupted. "If this is what you truly feel, then what can I say? I can't do anything about how you feel or who you love." Cho took the taller girl's hands in her own. "You're my best friend, Brie. You've stuck by me even when I didn't do the same for you. You've always agreed with my principles, so how can you say that?"

"If the rest of the school finds out, then they'll all think I'm some kind of whacko, someone who needs to get help in an asylum or something." The roar of the crowd intensified. Looking up, they could make out the fourteen players warming up as they circled the field.

Cho tightened her hold on Brie's hands. "Just answer me two questions. First, how long have you known?"

"Since the day we met," the red-head promptly answered.

Cho nodded in understanding. "Is this love worth it?"

"But how do you know if it's love? I'm pretty sure you wouldn't have that much experience with the damn emotion."

The Chinese girl remembered her dream when that young couple died and simply answered, "It's when you'd give up everything in your life just to spend the rest of it with that person…and sometimes it even means giving up life itself."

o o o o o o o

(A/N: Okay, I'm going to try something new with first-person perspectives switching between Harry and Malfoy. Let's start with Harry.) It's all coming back to me now – the rush, the sheer thrill of flying over a roaring crowd, and the power to end a game in either victory or defeat. I'm going to make up for what we lost with Umbridge. I can't deny I feel a lot of anxiety. I felt it especially as our team got ready for our first match of the season and it was my obligation to give the pep talk.

Flashback

My palms refused to remain dry as I pulled the Gryffindor robes over my head. They seemed smaller from the last time I used them a little over a year ago. The shin guards and bracers from Charlie still hung in my locker. I took them down and strapped them on. They easily molded to fit me. I ran the speech I had prepared the night before in my head – teamwork, defense, offense, whatever…

Breathe…just breathe, I had to remind myself. Familiar and new faces had that gleam, which reflected determination, excitement, and fear. Wood must have seen it countless times. He must have felt just as proud or just as doubtful looking at our eyes before.

"It's good to have you back, Harry," Ginny said, breaking the tension in the room and evoking a round of applause and hoots from the team.

That alone gave me the confidence to speak when the noise died down. "Firstly, I want to thank you all for coming out to practice these past few months. And after all our practice, I think we have peaked at the right time. We're ready for Slytherin!" Again another round of cheers.

"Just remember the two things we went over. First, know where your teammates are. A tight team's a happy team. And last, defense is the best offense. You've got to keep focus when the advantage is ours and stay in control and stay on guard even when it's not. Don't be too careless, but don't be too careful either. We cannot be afraid to lose! We're going to keep playing hard! That's how we'll win, even when we think there's no hope…"

End Flashback

Our warm-up period has just ended and Madam Hooch has called all the players to the center of the field. I look directly across and spot my nemesis for practically the past six years. He's got that trademark smirk on again. What's he so confident about? I swear if looks could kill, he'd be falling off his broom by now.

From above the stands, I can see the corner of red and gold. It always amazes me to think about just how loyal we are to our individual Houses. No matter how bad the actions of some Slytherins may be, the rest tolerate it and appear not to mind. Some will actually rally behind the culprits and defend them to the end.

The same goes for Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor. We're all so biased that the well-being of the school doesn't matter. The other corners are peppered with green and red, giving their support in the only way they know – through Quidditch games. Maybe I'm thinking too hard because I'm getting a splitting headache.

(Malfoy's POV) Potter's back. It's not a big shock to anyone this year. After Umbridge left, he was guaranteed his spot back on his House team. He's holding his forehead again. That scar draws too much attention, especially when he starts rubbing it like that. Does he want sympathy or what?

It kind of gives me that same sick feeling when Pansy kissed me all those months ago. That crazy slut actually thought I loved her! She's been ignoring me ever since I shoved her off. I don't care. She's no big loss anyway.

Flashback

The corridors were quiet and cold that hour of the night. Corner had sent me a letter earlier in the afternoon requesting to meet in the Astronomy Tower. He was worried about something. Anyone could tell from the messy handwriting and incorrect grammar – there were distractions. Perhaps it was the fact that a certain Miss Chang was taken with Potter. Rumor had it they shared a bed some time ago; in what way no one knows. Madam Pomfrey was a bit loud at breakfast one morning in discussion with McGonagall.

But I still can't believe how easily I dozed off tonight. Competing with Granger for the top rank in our class is tiring, especially when all but one faculty member are against you for the mere fact of family history. I'll give her some respect though. She's a lot cleverer (A/N: Yes, there is such a word!) than most of our peers will ever be. And much easier on the eyes than Pansy, but on one will hear that from me.

I reached the tower and waited rather impatiently for Corner to show up. He's becoming a nuisance with his obsession over Cho Chang. The boy will not shut up about how she's betraying Diggory and their two houses. But I'll tolerate him. He keeps Pansy away from me. She figures I'll get jealous. Hah! The girl's not only ugly but stupid, too.

"You're here…" an annoying voice stated. It belonged to the silhouette in the doorway.

"You wanted to meet me here?" I asked nonchalantly. "I have low tolerance for those who can't talk to me in broad daylight."

"Lumos…" he muttered. He pointed his wand at me. "Oh, I don't think you'd want us to discuss this matter out in the open, Draco."

My wand was already out, dangling at my side. What was he up to putting his wand up to my face in such a manner? But I wasn't ready to let him see me a little panicked. "Put your wand away, Michael. We're comrades against common enemies, so there's no need to resort to pointing wands."

"I know your secret, Draco," he said firmly, bringing his lit wand closer to my face. "You've made a deal that will ruin you for a very long time, possibly the rest of your life and others' lives, too."

He wasn't going to break my mask. I had played this game countless times before and with adversaries of a much higher threat. "Deal? You know I'd never compromise with anyone. Besides, what sort of evidence would you have even if I did?"

"I have my sources." His voice sounded less confident – the effect I wanted. "You've committed a betrayal to those closest to you and I doubt even your house will support such a decision."

End Flashback

Potter's still holding his forehead. Madam Hooch doesn't even notice and before anyone can blink twice, she's blown the whistle and the game has begun.

(Harry's POV) I open my eyes, the pain is gone, and it's like looking through another's eyes. Rising to the highest heights of the tallest tower, I can only be amused at the blurred colors. How appropriate that they're Christmas colors – red and green. Malfoy is taking a circle around the pitch, hoping to spot the Snitch before I do, but I'm not worried. He'll never be as good as spotting as I am.

Looking up, I can see the sky growing dark and grey; it'll rain again. It will be a little harder to spot the golden ball. But now, I've got to break the Chasers' offense. On those brooms, it won't be long until they can gain the upper hand. After such a long time of oppression from the one thing I love, I'm not going to give this game away. Gryffindor will have their deserved win.

I watch the Slytherin Chasers start off a familiar play perfected since the beginnings of Quidditch – Orion's Belt. Each player is at a different elevation of the field, but always in a straight line when seen from an omniscient view. I dive and head for the middle Chaser, effectively turning away at the last moment, breaking the formation. Ginny's already checked him and stolen the quaffle.

The deep red of Gryffindor flags and banners are waving wildly. Circling the pitch, the Snitch is still no where to be seen. Malfoy's stoic expression gives me the chance to smirk. He knows I have come to win. Slytherin is again on the offense. It's time to break them.

(Malfoy's POV) No! Potter is ruining everything. It's only been ten minutes into the game and those Gryffindor riff-raff are already leading by forty points. Weasley's sister is better their Chaser; can't say much for the King himself though.

I can't break the Gryffindor formation. Potter is always on my back. Even searching for the Snitch is becoming difficult with Scarhead making sure to keep an eye on me. It's true I'm not exceptionally good at spotting, but like Potter, I do have advanced flying abilities.

There…just beyond the Gryffindor goal posts. A glint of gold sends me speeding a few feet above the freshly cut grass. But just as quickly as I spot it, the winged ball is gone. Rising above the stands, Potter is also searching. I know he saw it, too.

I barely have time to come up with an insult before his eyes widen and the famous Harry Potter is diving.

(Harry's POV) I always wanted to try a feint. And Malfoy, he's a fool for thinking I actually saw the Snitch, but he was always that way. He used me all those games before; waiting for me to make the first move and then going after the Snitch. But this time the joke is on him.

Falling like a bullet, I slice the air hearing the wind echo in my ears. The ground is approaching fast, but I have to make like this is for real. Looking back, he's still following me. I reach out to nothing with my hand and, just as I see individual blades of grass, turn my shoulder in and pull my broom up, using the ground and my momentum to send me spiraling to the side.

I can already hear Malfoy cursing in the distance.

(Malfoy's POV) "Argh! Potter!" I can't believe I fell for that! Oh, he had such a good opportunity to do that to me. I pick myself up, trying hard not to cringe at the immense pain in one of my shoulders. How ironic it's the same arm that was injured from that hippogriff.

Another fifteen minutes in the air later, Gryffindor is leading ninety to nothing. Potter is keeping up the heat by tricking our imbecile Beaters into hitting the bludger right at our players. In addition to constant breaking of our Chasers' formations, I'm amazed at how well I'm keeping my temper when he nearly hit me off my broom.

Pothead is trying another feint. "Not this time, Potter!" I shout at him over the rain that has just settled in. I can hear thunder in the background. A powerful storm is brewing and Merlin only knows how powerful it will be.

(Harry's POV) "Insufferable git," I mutter under my breath, pulling out of the feint. He's not as stupid as he looks. "No…" Looking at Malfoy, his eyes narrow just before speeding off past me toward the ground. I know he's spotted it; he's not the type to try a feint.

Flying down to chase him, we're neck-and-neck now with the golden ball trying desperately to escape, flapping its little wings as fast as a hummingbird. He's trying to nudge me away. "Piss off, Malfoy!"

"It's mine, Potter!" he shouts back.

Not today. I was possessed with the hope of destroying Slytherin with a flawless victory. We were now a hundred and ten points up with the Slytherins still begging to score their first goal. Ignoring the possibility of Hermione scolding me for bad sportsmanship, I ram straight to the left, sending Malfoy yelping in pain and off to the side.

Looking forward, I curse. The Snitch is gone. Looking back, Malfoy has gone down hard. The Slytherins are now distracted with the sudden loss of their Seeker. "Time," Madam Hooch calls, blowing her whistle twice.

(Malfoy's POV) I am going to kill Potter, revive him, and kill him again! Madam Hooch has just called for a timeout. No doubt because of me. With my left arm – my good arm – I get into a kneeling position on the muddy field. My Nimbus 2001 is lying in one piece a few feet from me. Thank Merlin. Father would have been furious.

"Mr. Malfoy!" It's our referee and flying professor to the rescue…great. "Mr. Malfoy, are you all right?"

"I'll live," I retort disdainfully.

Standing up slowly and trying to hide my pain as I pick up my broom, Madam Hooch takes the quaffle for a second start to the game. At the toss, we retrieve the red ball and begin the attack.

For fear of getting knocked off again, I think I'll keep my distance from Potter. He's much more violent than in all our previous matches, which is oddly out of his usually goody character. My right arm is throbbing, so I grip the broom with my left hand, holding my injured arm close to my side.

Potter's going after our Chasers again. Doesn't he ever give up! Wait…is that…it is! The Snitch is hovering just above our goalposts. Go! The deluge will not stop me and neither will Pothead.

Like a quiet hum, I can hear the intertwining of cheers and squalor from the stands. Both houses, Slytherin and Gryffindor are holding their breaths in bitter anticipation. They know Potter can't catch me this time. He's flying hard to stop me, coming in from the Gryffindor side while I dive from above. I swear I can feel time slow – I can see the golden wings flapping just within reach, feel the rain satiate my parched mouth, hear the steady thumping of my racing heart as fingers touch gold.

(3rd POV) "Nooo!" the green-eyed Seeker screamed as Madam Hooch blew the whistle to end the game. (A/N: Oh, please don't kill me!)

o o o o o o o

"Quite a game don't you think?" Brie asked as she and Cho entered their dormitory.

The Ravenclaw Seeker tucked hair that had gone astray behind her ear and crossed her arms. "Yes…quite," she replied. Harry was unbelievable. Not only had he executed a nearly perfect feint, but managed to tear through the Slytherin Chasers' formation too many times to count. The young Gryffindor captain had seemed possessed; almost under a spell. He wasn't himself.

"I thought Gryffindor would beat Slytherin this year with Harry back on the team," Brie went on, "but I suppose Malfoy really has gotten better." Cho said nothing. She took off her damp coat and wrapped herself up in the warm comforter of her bed. "But what really amazes me…" the red-head continued, "…is the good sportsmanship Malfoy displayed, even after Harry had knocked him from his broom."

"His anger must have been focused solely on the Snitch," Cho monotonously contributed.

"He's even taken to leaving other House members alone...well, except that one time at dinner." She waved her hand in the air like waving away a pesky bug. "I overheard that Parkinson girl saying he's been keeping to himself and rarely speaking with the Slytherins. I wonder if he's up to something." The Chinese girl said nothing. "Cho, are you all right?"

"Hmm? Yes, I am." Seeking a reply to Brie's skeptical look, her eyes rested on the large package sitting at the foot of Brie's bed. "Just wondering what that is," she said, pointing at her scapegoat.

Forgetting her earlier comments, Brie threw her snow-soaked cloak and boots off before ambling onto her bed. "It's from my parents," she assessed. "Looks like their stationed in California right now."

"Maybe they've sent you some souvenirs from Hollywood or something," Cho said, perking up at the thought of America.

"Only one way to find out," Brie replied with a goofy smile.

"Must've taken the poor owls forever to get it all the way out here," Cho said as she helped Brie unwrap the parcel. Her brows furrowed in confusion when Brie pulled out a hefty stack of parchment. "Is your mum or dad an aspiring writer?"

"I don't think so," the red-head answered. "But here's something." She picked up a letter still closed with an unfamiliar seal – an elaborate H in front of a coat of arms bearing a proud stallion. "It's from my mother," she said recognizing her parent's neat cursive.

My darling Brie,

Happy belated seventeenth birthday! You're considered an adult now in our magical world and it is only fitting that I pass on a part of our family history to you. I've always known you to be a smart girl, but now I acknowledge you as a wise young woman. Remember, no matter how old you get, you'll always be our daughter.

Do you remember when I told you your grandmother died when you were still an infant? I lied. I'm sorry, but your grandmother and I hadn't gotten along even before I married your father. I also lied when I said you were the only child. You had a twin sister who we named Meredith, but unfortunately, she died at birth. It was wrong of me to keep such secrets from you.

I only meant to protect you from a fate far worse. Your grandmother's name is June Cohen. She and your great-aunt, May run a shop called Sisters Musique. After my twin sister Brianna died and your father proposed to me, I left England for Russia, your father's native home. I left, not only because I loved your father, but because your grandmother was always talking about a songstress, a kind of savior to our family.

I didn't like all their stories about such nonsense and I didn't want you getting caught up in it. Of course, it's no longer my decision to keep you from them. They always reminded me that I was an heiress to a great line of witches, which started with Lady Jhalei Calista. She supposedly lived over a thousand years ago and her spirit still watches over us. I just couldn't bear their senility any longer and left. You're free to see them if that is what you wish. I hope you'll find it in your heart somewhere to forgive me for this.

Also, you'll find letters your grandmother and I exchanged over the years and gifts she wanted you to have. She sent you a necklace for Christmas this year. Take care of yourself and write soon. We'll see you at the end of term.

Love,

Mom and Dad

Brie stared at the two-foot long letter. Her grandmother, who she had always known to be dead, was alive! She had a sister and a twin nonetheless. There would have been another with her face. They would have shared so many things together – first steps, first words, first days at school, first crushes, first dates, first kisses, and so much more. How could her mother have done this to her?

"Brie?" Didn't her mother care at all despite the fact that she and her grandmother didn't get along? Not knowing about a grandmother and sibling was difficult, especially in primary school when all the other children got to make pottery and pretty pictures for Grandparents' Day or when her peers could talk about how great their brother or sister was.

"How could she?" the red-head whispered.

"How could she what?" Cho asked. "Brie…?"

Brie looked up into her friend's warm, russet-colored eyes. "She lied. My own mother lied to me."

"About what?" Cho took hold of Brie's shaking shoulders. "What did she lie about, Brie?"

"My grandma being dead and me being an only child…" The confused teenager took a deep breath and continued, "…they were all lies. I have a grandmother and I had a sister. And if you can believe it, a twin."

"You…had…a sister?"

"Yes. Her name was Meredith. She died at birth." Brie couldn't even muster the effort to cry for her fallen sibling. There were no memories to cry over or pictures to look at – only a name. They would have been the Hamlisch twins – Brillyich and Meredith, or Brie and Middie (as the Ravenclaw would have nicknamed her) for short. "Oh, God, I can't even cry for my sister."

"You know, even if she wasn't able to live, she touched many lives. Just think, Brie. You've been alive for seventeen years and touched so many people. She lived for only a short while, but she is still able to influence your life, your parents', and maybe even your grandmother." The red-head wiped her eyes with her sleeve. "I think that's a better reason to smile rather than cry."

Fifteen minutes later, Brie had shed enough tears and placed the box's contents back in save one. The dark blue velvet box that rest in her hand was the gift from her grandmother. Inside, as her mother wrote, was a necklace. Around the silver chain, both girls gasped when they saw a marble-sized crystal-clear sphere. "It's breath-taking, isn't it?" Brie quietly commented.

"Turn around," Cho said, taking the necklace and undoing the clasp. "It looks like one Harry has."

"What is it?" Brie fiddled with the tiny sphere as Cho fixed it around her neck. Letting go, the pendant dropped just below the hollow of her neck.

"He didn't really tell me, but I think it works like those CDs Muggles use. You know the things that play music?"

"Do you know how it's supposed to work?" the red-head asked. Cho shook her head. "Well, it's still beautiful. By the way, have you ever heard about a shop called Sisters Musique?"

"Sisters Musique? Yeah, Harry took me to see it on our visit to Hogsmeade. Why?" Cho pulled a book down from a nearby shelf.

"My mum says it's my grandmother's shop. I want to see her; talk with her at least once."

"Well, there's another visit planned on Valentine's Day. We can go together, or if you want…" Cho drawled out with a sly smile, "…you can go with your own Valentine." Naturally, she got smacked in the shoulder for such a suggestion.

o o o o o o o

The sun had set, leaving Hogwarts castle under a blanket of shimmering stars and beautiful full moon. "You don't suppose he's still sore about…you know…the game, do you?" Hermione asked Ginny as the two young women waited in the common room for the boys.

"I'd be pretty angry, too," the youngest Weasley answered, "…but he really gave everything. Even against those top-notch brooms, we were able to get a huge lead."

"I suppose you're right. Harry did more than what is expected of a Seeker." Hermione looked over herself again. The Order had sent her, Harry, Ron, and Ginny dress robes over the summer. The top student suspected it was because of their services over the years, particularly in the Department of Mysteries last school term. Hers were an elegant shade of wine, the cool satin train and low V-cut neckline added to a sensuous sophistication. Hermione had left her hair down, letting its natural waviness contrast slightly with the solid, straight design of her dress.

"I knew that shawl would go well with your ensemble," Ginny commented. She was sporting an icy blue dress similar to the one Hermione had wore to the Yule Ball in her fourth year. It ended just below the fifth-year's ankles and rising up, hugged her middle, showing off her developing frame.

"Well, I hope you like what I've done with your hair," Hermione replied, viewing the Japanese style bun she had twisted Ginny's hair into using the white ivory chopsticks her aunt had sent from her trip. Hermione loved the way those famous Weasley blue eyes were brought out with her dress as she pushed an annoying bang from Ginny's face. It was a nice complement. "Ginny?"

Ginny sighed. "You don't look fat all right, Hermione…"

"No, it's not that," she replied. "I'm just wondering why you aren't…you know…going with Dean."

"Oh, we were never really going out, Hermione. We went on one date over the summer, but we decided it would be better if we just remained friends."

"But on the train to school, you – "

"I spent a lot of time with him…?" Ginny finished, smiling a little. Hermione nodded. "He was having difficulty figuring out if this one Hufflepuff girl liked him, so I just helped a little. Besides, I think he would be a bit intimidated having a girlfriend that's practically as tall as him."

o o o o o o o

"You think these make me look funny?" Ron asked, motioning at the boots he and Harry jointly bought on their visit to Trojan Beauty.

"If they do, then we both probably look like idiots," Harry chided, securing the silver clasp at his neck. "Wow, this is tight." It had taken him a while in getting ready even with Ron's help. He was a little envious of Ron's much looser collar and lighter material. The Gryffindor Keeper donned a dark blue Shakespearian style robe minus the tights.

"Ready?" Ron as he picked up a corsage from his bed. Harry nodded, double checked his gift for Cho, and the two best friends left for the common room.

"You two look like regular Prince Charmings," Ginny teased when Harry and Ron entered. "I was wondering if some girl would have to kiss you first, Ron."

"Oh, shut up, Ginny. I don't need your two cents right now."

"Who're those for?" Hermione asked when Ron shook the plastic container holding the floral corsage.

"Oh…" Ron stuttered, "These are for you." The carrot top, with awkward fingers, removed the arrangement of white and red roses (A/N: There are roses that have two distinct colors; my florist calls them fire and ice) and tied it around Hermione's wrist.

"Thank you, Ron," she said, admiring the flowers and breathing in their subtle fragrance.

"Uh, don't thank me," he replied. "An owl delivered it about an hour ago with a message to give it to you. I think you know who – "

"Crimson Regret?" Hermione piped up.

Ron nodded. "Wrote that he didn't want you to go into the ball without people knowing you were off limits," he chuckled. "I guess he's planning on meeting you sometime tonight." Hermione shook her head a little disappointingly, but grinned nonetheless. "Just don't be shocked if it's somebody you're not expecting," Ron warned her.

"I swear you and Harry worry about me too much," she joked.

"I'd be more worried about him if you decide you don't like him," Ron retorted. "You know enough spells to incinerate someone."

"I'll see you guys later," Harry said holding open the portrait hole, amused at the sight he was leaving behind.

"Good luck, Harry!" Ginny returned, waving him off. The Seeker smiled before heading off to meet Cho in the Entrance Hall. "Oh, please don't do anything stupid," she whispered under her breath.

o o o o o o o

Harry checked his watch as the staircase moved toward the Entrance Hall. He had one more minute until his flowers from Few & Precious Floral would arrive. It seemed like everything was falling into place this year. Except that humiliating loss today, he thought, grinding his teeth at the memory of Malfoy catching the Snitch before him.

Coming down the last step, Harry heard the familiar screeching of an approaching owl. Looking up, he spotted a snowy owl carrying his flowers. He lifted his arm and the night bird perched on it, holding out its delivery. "I guess you'll need this, huh?" The owl hooted its answer, taking the card and flying off.

Harry looked at the rose corsage his friends had bought for Cho. The roses were only slightly different from the ones that Hermione had received from her own admirer. These were a solid shade of pink. "Harry Potter?"

The Boy Who Lived lifted his head. "Yes?" he asked the red-head that was standing before him. Her short red hair and dark forest green eyes reminded him somewhat of his mother. Her green gown was wonderfully accented by her earrings. Against her seemingly flawless complexion, the two jewels were only outshone by her eyes.

"My name is Brie Hamlisch. I'm a friend of Cho's." She extended her hand and Harry accepted her greeting. "I haven't had the opportunity of meeting you in person, so I thought I'd collect you for Cho."

"Brie…your name sounds familiar. I think Ginny – "

" – probably said something about her and I carrying you – " Brie began before Harry finished.

" – when a bludger hit me." Harry laughed a little. "Yes, I remember her saying something like that. Thank you for helping me when…uh…you know."

"I should be thanking you," the red-head said. "I've never seen Cho happier and being her friend, I appreciate everything you've done. So, thank you, Harry." She patted his hand as they stopped just outside the Great Hall. "Cho is supposed to be here by now, so I guess I'll leave you to sweep her off her feet."

"Wait, who are you with?" he asked just before she turned her back.

Brie sighed. "Unfortunately, I'm stag for the evening, but I have no intention of letting that ruin my chances of dancing the night away."

"And I'm sure you will, Brie." Harry turned his attention to the voice. He'd heard enough stories from his fellow Gryffindors to imagine the feelings one got when looking at a beautiful girl, but nothing could have prepared him for this moment. In a contemporary pearl-colored strapless gown, the image of his desire took his breath away. Cho's hair was put up halfway with tiny white flowers complementing a white satin ribbon. Her make-up was minimal, making her dress glow. She retained some of her Asian culture with the back of the dress stylized into an Origami-like bow (A/N: picture a beautiful Chinese girl in the gown Rene Zellweger wore to the 2004 Academy Awards).

In turn, Cho was equally taken away with Harry in his black and silver dress robes. His bottle-green eyes seemed to shine brighter against the mass of black (A/N: think about the costumes in the movie Shakespeare in Love). Cho had to remember to breathe when she noted the roses dangling at his side. She felt like a princess seeing her prince for the first time.

"You look beautiful," Harry said in a near whisper, reaching out for her hands.

"Thank you," Cho replied. "You don't look bad yourself."

Harry let a blush adorn his cheeks; it seemed to be getting hotter by the minute. "I've got something for you," he said, taking the corsage out of its container. Cho kept silent, not wanting to say something tactless and ruining the moment. Harry slipped it around her wrist, admiring the way the subtle hue of the roses contrasted yet added a beautiful variation of color with Cho's white gown.

He remembered what Hermione had said to him after lunch: "Red roses are for a passionate love, and we didn't think you and Cho were at that…uh…particular level. So, we opted for a light shade of pink, which is usually for young love – innocent love…if there is such a thing." She had laughed a little after that.

"Here…" he continued, "…I needed to work on it a bit more before giving it to you." Harry held out a green sphere, its center beating profusely. Cho cradled it in her hands. "It's called a music sphere," he explained. "I hope you don't mind my singing."

"You sang!" Cho looked between the sphere and Harry's reddening face. He only nodded, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "Well, I have to listen to this. Don't worry, I'll lower the volume." She willed it to play and could only grin at the love she heard reverberate.

"You don't run with the crowd. You go your own way. You don't play after dark. You light up my day. Got your own kind of style that sets you apart. Baby, that's why you captured my heart." Cho muttered decrescendo to keep Harry from destroying his gift. "I know sometimes you feel like you don't fit in and this world doesn't know what you have within. When I look at you, I see something rare – a rose that can grow anywhere and there's no one I know that can compare.

"What makes you different makes you beautiful. What's there inside you shines through to me. In your eyes I see all the love I'll ever need. What makes you different makes you beautiful to me…" (A/N: What Makes You Different performed by Backstreet Boys…look for the complete lyrics yourselves) Cho stopped the sphere from continuing, afraid that if she heard anymore, she'd burst into tears.

"Gee, was it that bad?" Harry groaned. His back was turned, expecting to see her disgust.

Cho turned him around, her smile doing little to reassure him. "I'd never grow tired of your voice," she whispered, lifting her head to meet him in a quick kiss. "If it makes you feel any better, you'll get your present in a few minutes."

o o o o o o o

(Brie's POV) During these last couple weeks, Cho would ask if I was happy. And as always, I'd say of course I was. In a way, I was telling the truth and at the same time I was telling her a horrible lie. I was lying to both Cho and myself without my knowing it. In truth, my unhappiness hasn't been acknowledged until now.

I watch as my best friend shyly makes her way to the middle of the dance floor, a microphone shaking nervously in her hand. Everyone is clapping with a whistle or quick words of encouragement here and there. All I can do is smile. She looks at me – her still, silent pillar of support. She returns my smile and inhales closing her eyes.

This is her gift to the ones most important in her life. I'd always known Cho to being talented and now it seems I've only seen a small portion of her full potential. The sounds of a piano fill the Great Hall as whispers and applause fade into silence. Cho is opening the ball with a performance. The house elves really outdid themselves this year in decorating. Twelve trees lined the walls of the hall, each with a theme to match the Twelve Days of Christmas.

"Hundreds of years ago…" Cho began, drawing attention from the attendees, "…two peaceful worlds were torn apart causing the biggest rift known to humankind. Thousands were killed and too many dreams ended. Today, a similar war is threatening to divide us again. I hope we can overcome our differences to see that we can achieve an everlasting peace and make our dreams come true."

The soft glow of candles began circling around her. I held my breath as the music grew in volume and Cho took a deep breath. I released my breath when I heard her voice break the silence. "Time…sometimes the time just slips away and you're left with yesterday, left with the memories. And I…I'll always think of you and smile and be happy for the time I had you with me. Though we go our separate ways, I won't forget so don't forget the memories we've made."

Listening to the song, I remember when I first met Cho…

Flashback

After a couple days of non-stop travel from my hometown in the United States to Hogwarts Castle in England, all I wanted to do was find my dormitory and sleep. My parents figured my magical education would be better fostered studying abroad. But my wish for peace and quiet was abruptly disturbed when a swarm of girls entered the dormitory. They wouldn't shut up about Quidditch and how bad their new Seeker played, so I left hoping to curl up in one of the armchairs in the common room.

I was met with a few odd glances as I passed a few girls on their way to the dormitory. Had they never seen a new student before? I wouldn't realize until later that it was my waxed cropped hair and baggy jeans which made them think I was some "pretty boy" or "tomboy." I'd say they were closer to the latter in that I don't find incessant giggling and girly jumpiness appealing.

In the common room, a sobbing figure was alone in an armchair isolated in a dark corner. My guess it was the new Seeker who had done so horribly. "Are you all right?" I dared to ask, coming up to them.

"I'll be fine," she…whoa, she! Most of the Quidditch players I personally knew were guys and if they were girls, then they weren't so small in stature. "You must be the new girl," she said as she ran the sleeve of her uniform across her wet cheeks. "Thank Merlin you didn't see how badly I did."

Then I did something I never thought I'd do – cheer someone up. "I'm not that big of a Quidditch fan, but from what I hear about it, Seekers have the most difficult task." She just stared at me. "And from what I've heard around here, you're still green. Going against a seasoned Seeker…girl, I give you credit."

"You're American, aren't you?" she asked. I just nodded. Oh, great…here comes the anti-American speech. "I can tell by your accent," she said, smiling, "It sounds neat."

I must've been smirking as I extended my hand. "Well, like in any country, a proper introduction is needed. I'm Brillyich Hamlisch, or Brie for short."

End Flashback

"Please remember, please remember I was there for you and you were there for me. Please remember our time together. The time was yours and mine and we were wild and free. Please remember, please remember me…"

I look around the hall and spot all sorts of faces. Some are smiling; others are in awe that Cho can actually hold a tune, and there are those sensitive few who are silently crying, but always with smiles on their faces.

"Goodbye…there's just no sadder word to say. And it's sad to walk away with just the memories. Who's to know what might have been. We leave behind a life and time we'll never know again."

Our friendship continued, but it hit a barrier after my first year, the summer after Cedric died.

Flashback

"You don't understand, Brie," she yelled across her bedroom. Our first summer as best friends had gotten off to a rocky start with Cedric's death only a couple weeks ago. Her parents insisted that I stay with them for a while.

"How wouldn't I understand? Death has become common for all witches and wizards, especially with You-Know-Who still around," I calmly said. I didn't want this to escapade into an unnecessary fight.

"I know, but it's different when it's your boyfriend that gets killed!"

"Then help me understand, Cho. Tell me something. We barely talk to each other anymore." I was getting desperate. For the remainder of the school year, she had been hanging around with a new group of friends, leaving me to entertain myself.

"You can't understand!"

"Why?" I asked, walking over to her, but she backed away slightly.

"You've never had a boyfriend," she quietly answered.

"That's not fair," I said, stepping back. "That shouldn't be a problem in me wanting to help you."

"Brie, do you know Marietta?" I didn't answer; my anger was becoming apparent. "She introduced me to a few upperclassmen that have boyfriends or fiancées working as Aurors in the Ministry. They've helped me deal with…"

But I didn't hear the rest of her explanation. I had left in search of her parents to thank them for letting me stay.

End Flashback

"Please remember, please remember I was there for you and you were there for me. Please remember our time together. The time was yours and mine and we were wild and free. Then remember, please remember me…and how we laughed and how we smiled and how this world was yours and mine. And how the dream the was out of reach, I stood by you, you stood by me. We took each day and made it shine. We wrote our names across the sky. We ride so fast, we ride so free, and I knew you had me."

But I'll never forget when she approached me on the last day of school. I had stowed my luggage away in an empty compartment and was propping my legs up in preparation for a good book. I was about to turn a page when I heard her sudden apology. From there, things only got better.

"Please remember…" The song was coming to a decrescendo. Her eyes were misting over and I know we were reliving the same memories. "Please remember…" (A/N: Please Remember performed by LeAnn Rimes)

o o o o o o o

"You were amazing," Brie whispered in Cho's ear when they hugged. People were still clapping and the candles had moved back to their respective areas, bringing light to the entire hall.

"Thanks," Cho replied, withdrawing from her friend's embrace. "But I had a lot of amazing support."

Looking over the smaller girl's shoulder, Brie smirked and slyly said, "I think you owe someone a dance." Cho knew who she was talking about and turned with a triumphant smile on her face when she saw who it was.

"Don't step all over her toes now, Harry," Ginny added. The two red-head matchmakers snickered as they left the couple.

"In favor of fair warning, I apologize now if I do," Harry said, holding out his hand. Cho just laughed.

If the sky opened up for me

And the mountains disappeared

If the seas run dry, turn to dust

And the sun refused to rise

"Harry?" Cho timidly asked. "Do you think this war is ever going to catch up with us?"

He contemplated his answer, knowing it was important. "It's inevitable," he answered. The prophecy was yet to be fulfilled, so there was no stopping Voldemort until that time. "We just have to be prepared for it."

"You'll come back to me, right?" she whispered barely audible.

"Did you say something, Cho?"

"Huh…oh, no." What's wrong with me? Cho wondered. That ache from her dream was returning along with the memory of that dream. And, the more she thought about it, there were so many similarities one could draw between that couple and her and Harry.

I would still find my way

By the light I see in your eyes

The world I know fades away

But you stay

Harry swallowed the large ball of nervousness in his throat. The one night he just wanted to forget about the sphere and its obligation to bring peace to Jhalei's spirit. His first reminder came with getting ready for the ball. His dress robes so closely resembled Garrett's in the dream. A second and third followed with Cho's immaculate gown and wonderful voice.

When the earth reclaims its due

When the cycle starts anew

We'll stay always

In the love that we have shared before time

Cho leaned forward, letting her head rest on Harry's shoulder. He shut his eyes tight against the softness of her hair. The lyrics were not helping in the least.

"Does this mean we're…?" Cho started.

Harry didn't answer. There were too many things running through his head – Voldemort, Garrett, Belle, Jhalei's wish, June and her sister, his friends' safety, even that Crimson Regret bloke. There would be complications in their relationship. His least favorite one was the possibility that she would be used against him. Even he dying would be a better option than Cho getting hurt.

If the years take away

Every memory that I have

I would still know the way

That would lead me back to your side

"We'll be together, Cho," Harry reassured her. "Though I don't know how long..."

The North Star may die

But the light that I see

In your eyes will burn there always

Lit by the love we have shared before time

They let the song wash over them, wash away their fears of an unknown future. Looking at the couples surrounding them, Cho fought back another memory. "I miss him, Harry."

He didn't have to think hard to figure out who she missed. Harry expected somehow expected it. The memory of the Yule Ball would still be a fresh wound and, like he told her before, those were the slowest to heal. "I know you do." The Chinese girl tightened her grip around him. He had done the best thing she could ever hope for – to be honest.

When the forests turn to jade

When the stories that we've made

Dissolve away

One shining light will still remain

"You know I was really afraid you wouldn't be my date," said Harry.

"You were still worried about what happened fourth-year?" Cho prompted. He nodded. "You shouldn't have…I would have asked you myself if you didn't by today."

"But that's breaking tradition," Harry joked. She giggled, sending Harry into a fit of cringes.

When we shed our earthly skin

When our real life begins

There'll be no shame

Just the love that we have made before time… (A/N: A Love Before Time performed by Coco Lee)

"Hey, what's wrong with Brie?" Harry asked when they returned to their table.

"Huh?" Cho followed Harry's arm as he pointed toward the Great Hall doors. She easily spotted her best friend with Ginny Weasley supporting her. "Harry…can we…?"

"Come on…I'm worried about her, too."

o o o o o o o

(Hermione's POV) My father once told me that music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to remain silent. Now I know why it is so. The applause was contagious. I suppose performers and maybe even athletes feed off it. Cho received a hug from Brie and they were all smiles; it reminded me of all the times Ron, Harry, and I shared group hugs.

"I'm going to see what Ginny's up to," Ron was saying when the applause died down. "Do you want a drink or something?"

"Thanks, but I'll be fine," I say. He asks if I'm sure and I just shoo him away.

The ball is in full throttle now. I can see the professors are falling back into their old teenage habits. Tonks has adopted a water nymph look tonight with long periwinkle blue hair. She's chatting animatedly with the Headmaster; even Dumbledore looks a bit younger.

The candles' flames are waning and I can hear the beginnings of a ballad. I look at the delicate blossoms on my wrist and I want to cry. Midnight will be approaching in about two hours. I've shared friendly dances with Neville, Seamus, Harry, and Dean after much encouragement from Ginny. She and Brie are really good friends now. I'm glad a fifth and seventh year can get along so well. It makes me a little jealous now and then. Ginny and I still talk, but not as often.

"May I have the honor of this dance?" a voice behind me asks. I'm not sure if they're asking me, but when I feel a hand on my back, I know who it is.

I turn around; my heart is speeding up and I can feel the heat of a blush in my cheeks. My smile drops slightly. He's wearing a mask. "Why are you…?"

"I'm not entirely ready yet," he answers. His voice has that aristocratic resonance and I want to melt at the sound. He holds his hand out to me. I accept his offer and we walk onto the dance floor.

I get a feeling I can't explain

Whenever your eyes meet mine

My heart spins in circles

And I lose all space and time

I can't help but smile I when notice what he's wearing – dress robes similar to Harry's, but a deep red trimmed with pearl black. It's like we are meant to be. "Do you like the flowers?" he asks when I place my hand on his shoulder.

"Yes, they're beautiful."

And now that we're standing face to face

Something tells me it's gonna be okay

"Hermione…" I look up into his eyes and I can't tell if they're blue or grey. "Do you think it's possible one's life can change in a breath?"

"Maybe not in a breath…" I answer, "…but life is full of surprises and we can only do what we can until that change comes."

I'm ready to fall in love tonight,

Ready to hold my heart open wide

I can't promise forever, but baby I'll try

'Cause I'm ready to fall in love tonight

"Can we go outside for a minute?" he asks as he draws back from me. I nod and we walk hand in hand out into the Entrance Hall.

He takes my hands in his much larger ones, holding them between our faces. "I should apologize for everything I've done to you over the years."

"What do you mean? I know you…?"

"More than you think," he quietly answers. "I can't deny my feelings anymore. I've told myself over and over that it was just a phase; that I couldn't possibly like someone like you, but…no one is like you."

I know you've been watching,

Choosing the moment

I've been dreaming of that day

No one before you has gotten me this way

I open my mouth to say something, but he gently hushes me. "You make me feel like an idiot sometimes, like an idiot to be in love with you. Whenever I look at you, I know my life could be a mix of order and spontaneity. I don't want to know what my future with someone would be like. I want it to be exciting and unknown because the most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious."

And now that we're standing face to face

There's something that I need to say

And I'm ready to fall in love tonight,

Ready to hold my heart open wide

I can't promise forever, but baby I'll try

'Cause I'm ready to fall in love tonight

I want to cry. Through the letters we've exchanged, I know we've created a bond that cannot be easily broken. His words touch me so deeply. It feels too good to be true.

"Do you remember what I wrote earlier…about people not approving of our relationship?" I nod. "I'm done with all that. I don't care what they have to say. I'm ready…ready for what they have to say and what they might do. I realized it when I remembered that quote. Remember – impossible as it may seem, you've got to fight for every dream; for who knows – "

" – the one you let go would have made you complete," I finish. "Please, I want to see your face."

"Wait…I know I'm ready for what others will say, but…I'm not sure if I'm ready for what you will do."

Nothing is certain, this I know

Wherever we're heading, I'm ready to go

I can't promise forever, but baby I'll try

'Cause I'm ready to fall in love tonight

"I know you're not a bad person," I say.

"How do you know?" he asks, releasing my hands. "I may not be who you expect or someone you're hoping for."

Yes, I'm ready to fall in love tonight

"But you are everything I'm hoping for. You're not some snotty, pompous, arrogant, selfish git like…" I pause, looking at the ground searching for a name.

"…someone like me…" I look up and see the face of my former secret admirer. I want to believe that it's just another mask, another façade. Perhaps it's just a joke, a sick and perverted joke meant to catch me off guard. Now I know why his eyes were so familiar.

"Malfoy!" I practically scream. "No, you can't be him. You must've seen our letters, or – "

"Hermione," he firmly states, cutting me off. "I am Crimson Regret."

"Why? Did you want some kind of blackmail on me? Are you doing this for your own sick pleasure?" I'm yelling now, backing him against a wall.

"Please, listen to me. Look, Weasley and I – "

"Ron was in this, too!" Oh, how I wish I had my wand with me.

"Yes…I can explain that later, but right now I want you to know that this is no joke. I mean every word I say. I'm sorry for calling you all those foul names and when I picked fights with you and your friends. I don't know how you can find it in yourself to forgive me – "

"You're right," I retort. "I can't find it in myself to forgive you!" I draw my hand back and, for the third time in my life, slap him across the face. I hastily leave running back to Gryffindor Tower. I can hear him calling after me, but the staircase has already begun to move. The sting on my palm is nothing compared to the sting of tears forming in my eyes.

Yes, I'm ready to fall in love tonight… (A/N: Ready to Fall performed by Joey Fatone)

(3rd POV) Michael Corner stepped out from the Great Hall, looking down on the pure-blood's kneeling form. "You've committed a betrayal that neither your House nor your family would approve of, Draco. Let's see how superior you are when everyone finds out the great Draco Malfoy is in love with the Mudblood."

"You have no real leverage against me, Corner."

"Would you deny it?" When the Slytherin didn't answer, he chuckled maliciously. "No, of course you wouldn't. Why? You'd lose Granger in the process, so either way, Draco…you lose."

o o o o o o o

"Oh, my head's spinning," Brie moaned as Ginny helped her climb the staircases from the Entrance Hall.

"You aren't intoxicated, are you?" a small voice asked behind them.

"Cho?" Brie asked too dizzy to move her head.

"I told you to be careful about the punch tonight," the Chinese girl continued, "Some Slytherin might've spiked it and who knows what other kind of drug – "

"Cho," Ginny cut her off. "Trust me. It wasn't the punch. She just started complaining about a headache."

"When?" Harry asked as they moved onto another staircase.

"I'd say a little after Cho's performance. By the way, that was absolutely brilliant. I mean I never thought you to be the singing type. No offense…"

"None taken," Cho replied. "I don't think anyone expected that from me."

"Why don't we take Brie up to Gryffindor Tower," Harry suggested.

"Yeah," Ginny encouraged, "I know Hermione keeps some really handy Muggle medicine in her dormitory."

"Uh, Ginny, are you sure you know which one to use and how much?" Harry asked, remembering how affiliated the Weasley family was with Muggle items.

"Of course," the fifth-year defended. "Unlike Ron, I do listen when Hermione is telling me something that could save my life."

ooooooo

Author's Note: Damn that was long! I typed up about twenty-eight pages! Also, Draco is OoC because I would have given it away if I tried fitting in his thoughts. I hope things are pulling together, particularly the mystery involving Garrett, Belle, Harry, and Cho.

Mahalo to who wrote reviews, placed your guesses on Crimson Regret and/or requested a song! Every little bit helps. In the next chapter, I'm going to begin some serious drama/angst again, so the rating will change to R and most likely the second genre to drama. If not, then angst.

Thank you so much Hotaru, Yashiro, and Ayu for being the loyal and always critical editors one needs as a writer!