Chapter Seven

Harry walked grumpily into the great hall, plopping down next to Cho, who awaited at the Gryffindor table.

"Good morning Sunshine," Cho smiled, taking Harry's hand.

"Hey Cho!" Ginny said as she past the couple with a couple of her friends. Both the students and teachers had gotten used to Cho sitting at a different table then her own, and were all too afraid to ruin Harry's streak of happiness to say anything.

"I got in a fight with Ron last night."

"About me, I'm assuming?" Cho sighed, "Sometimes I think it'd be best if I just-"

"No," Harry tightened his grip on her hand a bit, "You're great."

"But I mean, you've been friends with Ron since first year. I just don't want you guys upsetting everything over me," Cho sighed.

"His choice," Harry said. "Now, let's talk about something else. Somebody's got a birthday coming up, eh?"

"Oh, great, that. Yeah I'm kinda looking to blow it off, you know? With my parents being so…messed up, I just kinda wanna skip it. Is that alright?"

"Are you sure?" Harry asked, disappointed that he couldn't spend any of his money on her. Hey, it had to be spent on someone and he was using much of it.

"Positive, let's just hang out, okay?" Cho said.

"Fine," Harry sighed, "But at least let me buy you something. One gift?"

"I suppose one wouldn't hurt," she replied, "Something small. Now I've got to head to McGonagall's office, then class, make sure you eat something." She kissed him lightly on the cheek and left.

Hermione and Ron entered minutes later. Hermione sat where Cho had previously been and Ron sat across from her.

"So, what's wrong now?" Hermione asked, seeing the sorrow look on Harry's face.

"Cho's birthday. She won't let me do anything. Well, I can get her one present."

"Well, why don't you throw her a surprise party? Ronald and I will help!" Hermione offered.

"Now that would be a surprise," Ron muttered under his breath. Hermione cast a ferocious glance at him and he sighed and kept quiet while he ate.

"It's alright guys. If she doesn't want one, I won't throw one," Harry said.

"What was her excuse for not doing anything?" Hermione asked.

"Her parents. They are pretty messed up, she just doesn't want to be reminded of them I guess," Harry replied honestly.

"Trust me. A party will be good for her. There's a trip to Hogsmede this weekend. We can go and buy decorations and supplies, sound good?" Hermione asked.

"I donno," Harry said undecidedly.

"Well I do," Hermione said, "I promise, it'll be great." And with that she hopped to her feet and sped away. Harry, not wanting to be stuck with Ron, left too and headed for his first class. His mind wandered as the teacher spoke, and finally the hour was over. When he exited the class he found Cho waiting for him.

"Can we talk?" she asked, taking Harry's hand. Hermione and Ron, who followed him out, starred curiously upon the couple.

"Talking is never good!" Hermione groaned, "God, I hope she doesn't do anything stupid."

"Cho? Stupid? Never," Ron mumbled. Hermione just glared at him.

"So what's up?" Harry asked, leaning against the wall.

"Well, I spoke to McGonagall. She says that I'll be able to stay next year. I'll be given some sort of job, probably helping out a teacher or something, I really wasn't paying attention, but that's great, isn't it? I can stay!"

"That's fantastic," Harry said.

"Yeah. So, also, she spoke to my mom this morning. Donno why my mother would contact her, but apparently, the divorce is final. My dad's moving to the Muggle world, to escape her, my mom says. Anyways, she kinda didn't mention my birthday. She's probably forgot, I wouldn't blame her really, but-"

"Cho," Harry whispered, "Its fine. I'm here, remember?"

"Thank God for that," Cho said, hugging Harry tightly. "Donno what I'd do without you."

"Me either. You'd live a very sad life," Harry smiled.

Cho laughed. "Thank you. So, see you at lunch?"

"I'll be there," Harry smiled. Cho nodded and was off again. One she was around a corner, Hermione raced up.

"What was that about?" Hermione asked.

"She was just sad about her parents."

"She was laughing, I assume you helped," Hermione said, curiously.

"Well, yeah. Look, we should probably head for our next class? Where's Ron?" Harry asked.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Gone, the drama queen. I'm going to try and talk to him again tonight. He's apparently upset with me now, for not being mad at her, I think. But, nevermind him, at least one of our love lives is going well. So, shall we?" Hermione said and they began to walk.

Alright. So, you know how you come up with an awesome story idea, and you write it constantly for like 2 or 3 days? Well this chapter is the last I've previously written, and I'm not sure how long it will be before next post. I'm hoping I get inspired by tomorrow to write more.

Review.