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Dark Days Pass But Are Never Forgotten
by: LogicalRaven
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Well, another week has passed and I find myself growing impatient again.
With all the new hype about the upcoming movie, I'm dying to get my hands on book six. Heck, I'd be happy if I just knew the dang title.
This chapter was hard for me to write. I'm struggling with a slight case of writer's block again, but I think it's moving along. I have several chapters plotted out in my head, but I can't write them yet, because it isn't the right time in the story to take that particular twist.
Thanks to everyone who is reading and supporting this story. It's nice to know I'm not the only Potter obsessed manic roaming around the web…..
I recommend everyone to go to HarryPotter.com to check out the new trailer. I may be mistaken, but it looks okay.
My e-mail address is:
LogicalRaven@insightbb.com
For anyone who wants to be added to my mailing list for update notices.
Read and Review and Nothing is my Own…
****
Announcements in The Prophet
Harry felt his heart leap out of his chest as his eyes cracked open as warm hand slipped across his mouth to keep him from yelping.
"Don't," a voice whispered urgently as the hand carefully slipped away.
Harry squinted his eyes as he reached for his glasses, "Cho? What are you doing in here?"
Cho smiled lightly as she played with the overhang of Harry's pajamas, "I wanted to see you. Aren't you glad to see me?"
"Yea, of course…. How did you get in?" Harry asked in low voice. Nobody but the students living in the dorm and their mentors knew the password.
"I have my secrets," Cho whispered as her hand traveled up to touch Harry's hair.
Harry's heavy eyes ached as he forced a smile. He wanted nothing better than to drop his head unto his pillow and fall back into a deep sleep.
"You look exhausted," Cho sighed.
Harry rubbed his eyes and nodded, "Won't you be in trouble for being in here?"
Cho shrugged, "Only if I'm caught."
"Then maybe…." Harry started but didn't get to finish. Cho pressed her lips firmly against his lips. Harry moved his head out of the kiss and Cho moved closer to his ear.
"Lets not waste what little time we have with words."
Cho slowly slid into the sheets of Harry's bed pressing her hands against his chest.
"We shouldn't…" Harry said as his voice caught in his throat, but Cho didn't seem to care about his objection. She took his face into her hands and brought his face closer to hers. Harry nervously glanced around the small room at his fellow students sleeping only feet away.
He was sure one of them would wake at any moment. As Cho deepened the kiss Harry suddenly bolted up straight.
"What's wrong," Cho whispered looking slightly offended.
Harry let out a shaky breath, "I thought I heard something."
Cho gave Harry a playful grin as she pushed her face closer to his again. Harry turned his head before she could make contact with his lips.
"Do you want me to go?" Cho asked impatiently.
Harry paused for a moment debating whether or not he should tell the truth. He decided to lie, "No."
"You could have fooled me," she replied as she sat up from her half laying position.
Harry reached for her hand, "I just don't want us to get into trouble."
"Since when has Harry Potter been afraid to break a few rules?" Cho asked sarcastically.
"This is different. This isn't Hogwarts," Harry answered as he felt himself growing slightly annoyed.
"Don't you think I realize that," Cho spat, "I just thought we could spend some time together? I thought I was worth the risk."
"You are," Harry attempted, but the agitation crept into his voice.
Cho's eyes welled with tears as she threw her arms across her chest, "I'm sorry I bothered you tonight."
"Cho," Harry tried by grabbing her arm, she pulled out of his touch.
"Goodnight," she said flatly as she disappeared out the entrance.
Harry slammed his head back into his pillow with a loud grunt. Why did she have to be so difficult? What had she expected of him? She had snuck into his dormitory illegally and tried to push him into a snogging session, which he was sure was against the rules at the Academy. Not to mention he had barely managed four hours of sleep the past three days.
He stared at his comforter with a bitter expression, angry that his evening of rest was now ruined.
"Girl problems?" whispered a voice from the neighboring bed.
Harry glanced upwards to see the eyes of Noel O'Riley glancing up at him.
"How long?" she asked.
Harry took a deep breath, "Sorry if I woke you."
"I asked you a question," Noel said flatly with a yawn.
"How long?" Harry asked.
"Yes, how long have you and Chang been a couple?"
Harry shrugged, "A long time."
"Since Hogwarts?" Noel pushed.
Harry nodded, "Since my sixth year….well fifth if you can count it."
Noel gave a light grin, "I suppose you plan on marrying her."
"I've never really given it much thought," Harry confessed as he turned his back to Noel, hoping she'd catch the hint.
"She's quite lovely," Noel, continued, "But I don't believe in love."
Her response made Harry turn back around, "Why don't you believe in love."
Noel gave a sarcastic snicker, "Love is for the weak. The last thing I want to become is my Aunt December."
"What's wrong with December O'Riley?" Harry asked defensively.
Noel shook her head as her dark eyes flickered close, "According to my father she is ruined. First she falls in love with a werewolf then a mass murderer. Serves her right."
Harry wasn't sure what part to respond to first and found his voice growing louder than he aimed, "There isn't anything wrong with Remus, just because he's a werewolf."
"She's an Auror and in case you haven't read your Defense reading, werewolves are dark creatures," Noel replied in a matching tone.
Harry narrowed his eyes, "What does that matter? Just because the creature he becomes is dark doesn't mean he is. With the Wolfbane potion…"
"Ha, do you honestly believe that?" Noel said viciously, now sitting up, "A potion is suppose to take away years of mistrust and grievances. What about the people who have been killed by werewolves, do you think their families want to put faith in Wolfbane?"
"Remus Lupin isn't dark!" Harry shouted, "And Sirius Black was cleared of all charges."
"He never got a trial, therefore he could have been guilty," Noel snapped.
Harry was now on the verge of completely losing his temper, "SIRIUS BLACK WAS FRAMED!!!"
"By who, Peter Pettigrew? My father knew Sirius Black, and as far as he is concerned he was an unleveled murderer."
"Than your father is an idiot!" Harry snapped.
Noel narrowed her eyes as tears began to stream down her face, "My father was a brilliant man!"
Harry took a deep breath and threw his blanket over his shoulder. He looked up to see Terry Boot looking at him curiously from the bed on the other side of Harry's bed. As he moved his eyes around the room he realized that they had waken everyone in the room with their shouting match.
****
Dean and Seamus sat at the kitchen table with a barrel of Seamus famous fire whiskey between them.
"What do you call this game again?" Seamus asked Dean.
Dean bent lower with a Knut firmly between his fingers. He made a snap like motion and the Knut flew from his finger and tipped into a small glass.
"Don't know mate. One of the girls from the shop is from the States. She was telling me about it the other day," Dean answered as he handed Seamus the small glass, "drink up."
Seamus tipped the glass up to his lips and let out a smoky belch as it settled on his stomach. Dobby passed the two quickly muttering something about Harry being angry, which he typically did.
"Are you drinking?" Ron asked as he pushed his way into the kitchen and took a seat at the table, "It's barely noon."
"And you're still in your night robes," Dean observed, "At least we're doing something productive."
Ron made a disgruntled sound as he grabbed a muffin off the counter.
"Did Ernie finish moving in last night?" Seamus asked.
"Him and Justin both, they're sharing Mrs. Black's old bedroom. It took us nearly six hours to move her painting," Ron said with a yawn.
Dean let out a light laugh; "We would have helped you mates last night."
"But you two were shitty drunk by nine," Ron answered as he rolled his eyes.
Seamus shrugged, "You're only young once. Plus, we aren't the ones without jobs."
"Are you sure you don't want to move in Seamus?" Dean asked as he knelt down next to the table with the Knut.
"Positive mate. Lavender would have a fit," Seamus answered.
Ron gave another grunt, "And she doesn't mind you drinking fire whiskey at twelve in the morning?"
"What she doesn't know won't hurt her," Seamus answered with a laugh as he dunked a Knut. "Drink up Thomas."
Ron shook his head as he spread some butter over his muffin.
"Aren't you going to be in a bit of mess when Hermione comes back from her first month break next week?" Dean asked as he glanced at Ron.
Ron shrugged, "I've been looking for a job."
"Hermione's been on his arse about finding a job and making something of himself," Dean said looking a Seamus.
Ron narrowed his eyes, "Hermione doesn't control what I do."
"Sure mate," Dean laughed.
Ron stormed out of the kitchen and into the main den where Neville was tending to one of his plants.
****
"Thyme Oil, Harry," Susan said grabbing Harry's hand before he added the wrong ingredient to his potion.
Harry nodded in thanks as he reached for his vial of Thyme Oil. His insides were still fuming with anger. He couldn't even look in the direction of Noel O'Riley without wanting to hex her. The row the two had earlier that morning played in a loop in Harry's head. His only peace of mind was knowing he was leaving the Academy for a month break in order to prepare for his first assessments.
Tonks had promised to stop by daily to help him with is practical lessons and potion brewing, which was still one of his worst subjects. (Even without Snape.)
"Are you still alright with me coming over to spend the break at Grimmauld?" Michael whispered nervously, hoping Harry's anger towards Noel didn't carry over to him.
Harry nodded curtly but refrained from making eye contact with Michael. Noel O'Riley seemed to be thinking along the same lines as Harry. She wouldn't so much as cast a glance in his direction.
Susan sighed, "Harry, pay attention! Herp stones, not the Moon stones."
"Thanks," Harry muttered flatly as he set the bag of yellow rocks back on his desk.
"Mr. Potter, I'm a wee bit confused. Are you taking my class or is Miss. Bones taking it for you?" asked Master Wallace who suddenly looked up from a book he had been reading.
Harry didn't answers as he tapped the side of his cauldron three times and submerged his ladle.
"Counter clockwise," Susan whispered softly as Harry started stirring the wrong direction.
Master Wallace narrowed his eyes, "Miss. Bones, please allow Mr. Potter to complete his work on his own. I expect ten scrolls by the end of the day on the Buzz Knot Potion since you seem to be an expert."
Susan let out an exasperated breath and nodded.
"Sorry," Harry mouthed withdrawing his ladle from his cauldron.
Thirty minutes the group emerged from their potions lesson and proceeded down the corridor to their Defense class. Susan pushed past Harry and Michael as he rolled her eyes dramatically.
Michael nudged Harry, "Well, if you and Hermione and a row than every girl in the dorm will be bitter at you."
"Brilliant observation," Harry replied sarcastically.
Harry dared a looked over at Noel as they settled into their seat in Defense. She was rummaging through a book with such force is surprised Harry she wasn't tearing the pages.
"Today we will be practicing Patronous casting," December O'Riley announced swiftly as she pushed her way through the room, "There is still a clan of Dementors that is outside the Ministry control. You must be able to defend yourself in case you encounter them during a mission."
Harry sighed, he had been producing corporeal patronous since his third year at Hogwarts.
"I would like you to divide up into pairs. Michael you work with Susan and Harry work with Noel," December continued waving her wand to clear an area in the middle of the room. "Monsieur Deltafur Raphael was the first to discover the power Patranous charms had against Dementors during the Surgginious Uprising of 1744. The actual origin of the spell is unknown, but it is thought to have originated around the fourteenth century."
Harry stared bitterly at Noel who was still rummaging through her book.
"The spell is quite difficult, but as an Auror you will be required to perform the corporeal version of the charm during your fourth assessment. Wand movement is important, it is a clockwise swish and jab motion, like so," Master O'Riley demonstrated with her wand, "The incantation is Expecto Patronum , it must be said clearly. More importantly you must clear your mind. Dementors feed off happy thoughts filling you will cold and bitter emotions. You must fight for your mind and then perform the charm with courage and warm emotions."
"Bet you don't get any homework on this assignment," Michael whispered over to Harry who gave a slight grin.
December O'Riley turned quickly on her heels, "Pair up."
"I suppose you think you'll be instructing me Potter," Noel said coldly.
Harry matched her tone, "I'm not going to instruct you."
"I just figured since you thought you knew everything," Noel returned as she mimicked the wand movement with her own wand.
Harry felt a swell of anger rise through him, "I never said I knew everything! I simple said that…"
"Werewolves are harmless… Please don't remind me of your ignorance," Noel hissed viciously.
Harry grabbed her arm swiftly as she made a motion to turn away, "You're the ignorant one."
"Let go of me Potter," she warned dangerously.
Harry released her arm with a slight shove, "You aren't worth my time. People like you aren't worth my time."
"You haven't any idea what people like me have been through," she continued as her dark eyes clouded. Noel grabbed her books of her desk and stormed towards the door.
Harry turned his back to her only to come face to face with December O'Riley. Her face was crestfallen as she sighed lightly, "A word, Harry."
Harry swallowed hard but followed her into a small barren office off to the side of the library like classroom.
"Mr. Corner and Miss. Bones tell me you and Miss. O'Riley had a row last evening?" December presented in a questioning tone.
Harry nodded, "Wonderful niece you have there…."
"Master O'Riley, be wary of your tone Harry," December warned, "I ask you as a personal favor not to continue the feud, and let her be."
"Let her be?" Harry asked outraged, "She's training to be an Auror and she has the philosophies of Umbridge!"
"She has reasons Harry, I ask you to let her be," December said remaining calm.
Harry narrowed his eyes, "Do you realize what she's said about Remus? Do you realize what she said about Sirius?"
"Don't make an impersonal situation, personal," December warned, "I'm talking to you as a friend, not a teacher. Leave it be."
Harry sighed hatefully, "I didn't start it!"
"I don't care who started," December said starting to lose her temper, "I'm just telling you not to finish it!"
"Fine," Harry spat reaching for the door.
"I'd appreciate if you would address me as Master O'Riley while you are at the Academy," December said flatly.
Harry snarled his nose as he shut the door behind him and re-entered into the classroom.
"Look Harry, I've made a fox," Michael said with a hopeful expression.
Harry glared at him, "Congratulations," he said sarcastically before storming out the door.
****
The day arrived when the Academy students would be retuning to a location of their leisure for a month break before their first assessment. Harry snapped his latch on his truck loudly as he gave Noel a cold glare.
The situation between the two had grown in intensity. The shouting matches had subsided after the Defense meeting, but the cold glares and mind games had done anything but ceased.
"Are you sure you wouldn't like to stay a Grimmauld?" Michael asked Susan as she casted a hovering her charm on her trunk.
Susan laughed loudly, "I can see my Aunties face if I told her I was planning on spending my months break in a house full of boys."
Hermione joined Susan's side and gave Harry a quick hug, "Tell Ron I'll be by later tonight."
"Tell your parents hello for me," Harry smiled as he returned her hug.
The two girls left the dorm with their trunks floating behind them and Michael, Terry and Harry all casted their own hovering charms and followed them out.
"Have a good break Noel," Michael said sweetly, "Owl me if you have a chance."
Noel made a disgruntled noise and turned her head in annoyance.
Harry clenched his teeth, "I don't see why you even bother with that…"
"Harry," Terry warned quietly, "Think before you speak, these walls have ears."
Michael shrugged, "I just think she's interesting."
"Interestingly a pain in my arse," Harry spat as they approached the port key room.
"I think you're being hard on her mate, what if she does have a good reason to hate werewolves?" Michael asked.
Harry reared on Michael, "There isn't any reason to hate something you don't understand."
"I didn't mean anything by it," Michael defended holding up his hands as Harry backed away slowly. "I have nothing against Professor Lupin."
"Good," Harry spat as they all grouped around the padlock shaped port key.
"On three?" Terry asked.
Harry nodded, "One."
Michael grinned slightly, "Two."
The three reached out, "Three."
There was a small tug behind their navel and soon all three boys were picking themselves off the stone floor of Grimmauld place.
"WOW!" said a shocked voice.
"It's just an illusion," Dean replied snaking his arm around a young girls shoulders, "Just what you have to expect living in a house full of magicians in training."
"Magicians?" Michael asked rubbing the back of his head.
Dean gave him a warning glance and lead the girl towards the staircase, "Don't go into the kitchen. Seamus is bit done under."
"Seamus?" Harry asked.
Dean grinned, "Him and Ernie had a drinking contest earlier. Don't worry though, we already put Ernie to bed."
"To bed?" Terry asked hiding his smirk.
"Harry!" Ron said slightly shocked, as he walked out of the kitchen with a giggling Parvati, "What are you guys doing here?"
"We live here," Harry replied with a sarcastic end, "What in Merlin's name is going on?"
Ron glanced around the room and let a out a nervous chuckle, "It's funny you should ask that."
Parvati snaked her arm around Michael's shoulder and grinned, "Hello roomy."
"Well, there was so much extra room a few more people moved in. Oh…don't worry Michael, there is still room for you," Ron stuttered as he watched Harry's expression.
"How many people moved in?" Harry asked nervously.
"Well, there is Parvati, Padma and Lavender in the bedroom on the third floor. Seamus moved in with Dean, but Dean usually stays in the girls room since Lavender stays the night with Seamus frequently," Ron started and quickly was elbowed by Parvati, "Ouch…. Ernie and Justin moved into Mrs. Blacks old bedroom; we moved her portrait up to the attic."
"There are only eight bedrooms Ron, where is Michael going to stay?" Harry asked dangerously.
Ron arched his eyebrows, "We could add another bed in Terry's bedroom…."
"RON!" Harry said feeling slightly agitated.
Terry placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, "It's okay mate. I shared a bedroom for seven years with Michael."
"That isn't the point!" Harry spat. He spied the barrels of whiskey stacked in the corner, "What are those?"
"Seamus's homemade Fire Whiskey. It's quite good," Ron said quickly.
"Fire Whiskey?" Harry said making a disgusted face, "So is that all you all have done since we left? Gotten shitty on Fire Whiskey?"
"Lavender and I have opened up a shop in Hogmeade. It's small…." Parvati started.
"That's is why the girls moved in, but it just for bit. Once they get on their feet their planning on getting a flat," Ron interrupted.
Harry shook his head, "I don't have a problem with the girls moving in."
"We'll be out in a few months," Parvati said with a forced smile.
"It hasn't been all unproductive. Neville and Padma are dating now," Ron attempted.
"WHAT?" Michael said loudly followed by a laugh.
"Don't laugh, I think they're cute together," Parvati said swiftly.
Terry glanced as Dobby ran through the living room trying his best to straighten up, "I'm sorry sir. Dobby is so ashamed that Harry Potter's house is a mess sir."
"We aren't going to get much studying done are we?" Michael asked Terry.
"Are those muggles?" Terry asked looking at the staircase Dean had just disappeared up moments ago.
"Dean came up with a brilliant cover story, just brilliant," Ron attempted.
"It's against Magical Creed and Law of the seventeenth doctrine of 332 to have any unrelated muggle in the homes of a wizard while magic is being practiced," Harry gritted through this teeth.
"He can't bring them around while we're here, we have to practice and study for our assessment," Terry said sternly.
"But we could take few days off," Michael suggested eyeing he barrels of fire whiskey.
Ron took a deep breath and looked at Harry with a serious expression, "Is Hermione coming over soon?"
"Ron still hasn't found a job," Parvati smirked.
Ron glared at her hatefully, then dropped his head.
"She won't be by till later. I suggest you aren't drunk when she arrives," Harry said flatly as he collapsed into the couch.
"Cho owled you earlier, she said it was urgent," Parvati said looking at Harry suspiciously.
Harry sighed, "I'm betting she is still in a bloody pissy mood."
"They had another row," Michael stated frankly.
Ron grinned slightly, "We've had to chase off your campaign manager a few times too."
"I'm guess he's still at it?" Harry questioned.
"The bloke is amazing. The Daily Prophet is reporting you have a 65% approval rating," Ron said with a nod.
Harry let out a bitter laugh, "If I ever decide to run for an elected position I'll be sure to hire him."
"Draco Malfoy has been in the paper too," Ron continued. "He's been cleared of all charges."
"Figures," Harry replied as Terry made a bitter face.
"It stinks being cut off from the outside. I had to sneak an owl to tell my mum happy birthday," Michael remarked, "I wish we could have at least kept up with the Daily Prophet."
"Well, you won't have to be cut off from here forward," Ron stated but it came out sounding more like a question.
Michael let out a odd sound, "I don't think anything would surprise me in this Auror training. Just the other day we were in our Medical Magic lesson and the instructor scared the wits out of us then assigned us fifteen scrolls worth of outside class work."
"Fifteen scrolls?" Ron asked with a shocked expression.
Harry shook his head, "That isn't even the half of it.
****
This was the worst day of Cho Chang's life. She lay paralyzed on the parlor floor of her parents'; tears were streaming down her swollen face. A copy of the Daily Prophet lay in pieces around her. It had been shredded during her father's temper fit. Part of her wanted to get up from her crippled position and disapparate straight to Grimmauld Place to warn Harry, but she was shaking so badly she'd never make it before her father without violating at least fifteen magical creeds.
"Miss…. It will be alright," her parents' house elf, Boo, attempted.
Cho tried to say something but her voice turned into a sob. Her father would kill him, there would be nothing left of Harry Potter when Si Chang was through. How could he do this to her? She didn't even think he loved her after their last row, and now he was announcing their upcoming marriage in the Daily Prophet. She felt so confused and manipulated.
"Miss, please don't be upset," Boo pleaded tugging on Cho's arm.
Kim Chang was upstairs crying. Cho had finally collapsed in defeat when she saw the disappointment in her mothers face.
"I didn't say yes father, he hasn't even asked me," Cho cried finally making a vocal sound, but her father was long gone.
Her face collapsed back into her arms as she started to shake. She knew it would be ugly that morning when she had received her copy of the Daily Prophet in England. She hadn't even paused to think before she set off to get straight back to China to stop her father from overreacting. It was far worse than Cho could have ever imagined.
Si Chang was screaming and slamming things against the walls before Cho even arrived.
Her father's words rang though her mind, "How dare you! Both of you! How dare you betray your family."
"Miss… you father's anger will not last very long," Boo tried again but Cho shook him off.
"How could he Boo? Didn't he realize what my father would do if he didn't ask permission?" Cho sobbed.
Boo tugged on her arm softly, "Go to him Miss. Tell him his life is in trouble."
Cho threw her face back into her hands, "My father is going to kill him."
"Go save your Harry, Miss," Boo tried.
Cho made a nose between a grunt and a sob, "Why should I? He doesn't even love me."
"Ah Miss, you know that not be true. Sir Harry Potter loves you dearly," Boo said with a elf smile.
Cho shook her head as she wiped her face with the back of her hands, "I've got to go warn him. I don't care if he loves me or not, I can't sit here and do nothing."
"Miss could Floo," Boo suggested.
Cho rose to her wobbling legs, "I can Apparate."
"But Miss, it is too far to travel when weak," Boo said nervously.
Cho shook her head, "Damn it, I'm an Auror. Surely I can Disapparate to England."
Cho didn't wait for the house elf to argue her point, she closed her eyes and felt a great gust of wind carry her away.
****
Harry's bedroom looked exactly the way he had left it a month before. Dobby had done a fine job of keeping the room dust free and fresh smelling. He sat on his bed with a bounce as he threw his head back into his pillow.
The smell of Cho's shampoo still lingered on one of his pillows. Harry narrowed his eyes as the smell filtered up his nose. He had been expecting her to be there when he arrived, but would he lying he had admitted he had given it much thought since then. He knew she'd be by sooner or later.
Hedwig made a snapping motion with her beak and Harry tossed her and Chu Jung, Cho's owl, a treat from his bed table drawer.
"HARRY!!!"
His head snapped up from his pillow as Hermione pushed her way through his door with her hair bushing out more than ever.
"Have you read the Prophet?" she asked urgently.
Harry shook his head, "I haven't read it yet today."
Hermione sighed, "Steppin is at it again," she passed him a copy.
On the front cover was a beaming picture of him and Cho with the headline The Love of His Life .
Harry was about to toss the paper back to Hermione when she motioned for him to continue reading.
Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived, Defeater of the Darkest Lord in the History of Dark Lords, Order of Merlin First Class and Candidate for Minister of Magic has announced the engagement to the love of his life, Cho Lei Chang.
Cho Lei Chang is the daughter of Ambassador Si Ran Chang of the Emperor's Royal Guard of China and Kim Cho Chang of the Japanese Wizarding Republic. Both respected wizards in their respected communities.
"They're very seriously involved," quoted one of Harry Potter's roommates and school hood friend, Neville Longbottom.
"They're the cutest couple," quoted another Potter friend and school mate Lavender Brown.
Harry James Potter is now the idea candidate to lead the wizarding community into the new era. He is accomplishing a marriage to a fine witch, a task Minister Fudge had never accomplished.
The wedding will be held at the town square in Hogmeade, the only completely wizarding town in England. The reception will be held at the Three Broom Sticks with drink free of charge for the day. The tab will be picked up as a reward from the Ministry of Magic for the Defeat of the Dark Lord. The date will be announced when Harry completes his first rounds of assessment in Auror Academy….
Harry stared up at Hermione with a dumbfounded look.
"Tell me you didn't have any idea this was going to be published?" Hermione asked in a mater of fact voice.
Harry stared at her wide eye for a moment, "I didn't. What in Merlin's name is Steppin thinking?"
"What do you mean? It was a great campaign plug," Hermione confessed.
"I'm a dead man. Mr. Chang is going to murder me!" Harry cried.
No sooner had Harry gotten the words out of his mouth the doorbell rang down stairs.
"I'm sure that isn't…" Hermione started before dashing out the door.
Harry followed Hermione out the doors to peer over the banister as Ron pulled open the door.
Hermione made a move to call out for him to stop, but Harry placed a hand on her arm to stop her.
"What do you want?" Ron asked bitterly.
Harry breath a sigh of relief as he heard Ron's comment. No way was that Mr. Chang.
"Is Harry home? I wanted to get a set date for him and Cho's wedding," asked a familiar female voice.
"It can't be," Hermione said as her eyes grew wide. She peered further over the banister to catch a full view of Rita Skeeter.
"Hermione, dear is that you?" she asked in a fake sweet voice as she pushed the door further open.
Hermione pushed Harry back behind her and gave Rita a cold glare, "You aren't allowed to report anything on Harry. We made a deal."
Rita smirked broadly, "I registered so our deal is off. So Harry, when is the special date?"
"I'm not getting married Rita," Harry said rather loudly and Hermione have him another firm push back.
"I'm warning you Rita," Hermione dared.
Rita cocked her eyebrow as she lifted her quill, "Harry Potter is ecstatic about his upcoming marriage, but the actually date still hasn't been confirmed."
"There is no date!" Harry growled as Hermione jumped in front of him.
"Cold feet already?" Rita asked from the doorway.
"Ron, shut the door," Hermione said firmly pushing Harry back again.
Ron looked confused for a moment then slammed the door quickly in Rita's face.
"This is a disaster," Hermione said shaking her head nervously, "Ron, tell everyone not to open the door."
"Are you mad?" Ron asked her, "Are you afraid Rita is going to ring the bell again?"
Hermione gave him a glare, "Use your head Ron. Cho's father is going to be quite upset when he finds out that the paper is reporting his daughter is getting married."
Ron face suddenly drew comprehension, "Are you getting married, Harry?"
"NO!" Harry yelled as the doorbell rang again.
Hermione looked at Harry nervously, "I think you should go to Lupin's."
Harry nodded, "That is probably a good idea."
"Hermione, Cho's father isn't going to kill Harry," Ron said as Hermione turned back towards him.
"Don't be dim. You've heard the accounts that Harry's had with Cho's father just as well as I have,' Hermione said firmly.
The doorbell rang again and Ron turned around and looked nervously at the door, "Maybe he'll think nobody is home."
"What is going on?" Parvati asked as she and Lavender made her appearance.
"Haven't you heard?" Harry asked sarcastically tossing a paper over to them.
Lavender looked slightly insulted as her and Parvati scanned the paper, "I never said that.
The doorbell rang again followed by a loud pounding.
Ron stepped back away from the door as if he were afraid it was going to burst from its hinges at any moment.
Ernie and Justin both duck their heads out of their room and glanced down the hall. Ernie looked still slightly lit from the drink he had enjoyed earlier.
"Harry, just go," Hermione said sharply.
The doorbell rang again, "I don't think this bloke is going to go away."
"Well he can't come in unless you open the door, there are a hundred charms on this place," Hermione reminded him.
The pounding on the door grew louder as a muffled angry voice sounded from the opposite side.
"Harry!"
The group spun around to see a hysterical Cho running out of Harry's bedroom, "It's terrible. My father is really angry."
Harry glanced back over towards the banister, "I think he's at the door."
Cho threw her hands up to her hands, "Why?"
"I didn't," Harry answered before she even finished her question.
"Then why is the prophet saying it?" Cho asked in a quivering voice.
Hermione looked at both of them rather annoyed, "Both of you need to go. Disapprate to Lupin's. He'll never think to ask for you there."
Harry made a reach for Cho's hand, "She's right. We need to get out of here before your dad breaks down the door."
"He can't do that," Hermione said annoyingly, "The house is protected by several powerful charms."
"Then why do we need to go to Lupin's?" Cho asked between sobs.
Hermione head jerked to the every growing sound of beating on the front door, "Just in case I'm wrong."
****
Sorry to leave it at a bit of a cliffy, but the next update will be well worth the wait.
Thanks again!!!
~LogicalRaven
NEXT UPDATE: 04/11/04 at the latest