Tiyuri: Thanks for the complement. I'm glad you're keeping entertained. I think that that would be very nice of you until I get a new beta reader. I could send you the Microsoft Word Document by E-mail.

Chaos666: Very good deduction about Hagrid. Now you'll see what it is. Thanks about the speech complement. I was just trying to show that even in the wizarding world that National Pride is important, and that it unites everyone in the country under one banner where everyone is equal. But not all students are going to agree with Dumbledore's ideas of unity, and acceptance.

Well hear I am at Chapter 23! God when will it end. I'm completely mental now. Mad as a hatter. "Wobble!" I'm sorry to drag this day out, but I need to put more filler in. I think I'll call the chapter after this day ends "The Crunch" as in, I Gotta crunch this story down and be done with it. Well, Hermione lets her jealousy still her cool and Cho sticks up for someone when almost no one else will, that's cannon! Hagrid brings out another creature that you really wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley, and Marietta does what she does best. Plots evil plots. Err… I hope you like it, but it's only filler. I really am trying to get to the good parts. See ya all next chapter.

Chapter 23: Crumple Horned Snorack

The four students followed Hagrid around the little house, down a small trail that led to an area that was obscured from the castle by an outcropping of trees. In the area was a wooden fence with a small iron gate. The ground inside the fenced in area was frozen, and littered with several ice patches. Hagrid led the students through the gate, and reminded them to be careful not to slip on the ice. Hagrid then gestured toward an empty corner of the enclosure.

"Well there you go everyone. An actual Crumple Horned Snorack." He said with a heavy degree of satisfaction in his voice. Everyone strained to see what he was motioning at.But no one saw anything. Cho hoping that he was serious, but still as skeptical as anyone, was the first to speak.

"Pr…Professor, do ya mean somewhere in the forest?" Cho asked. Hagrid shook his head, and smiled.

"Oh excuse me, I forgot. You're not sure what to look for, and he's resting now. Let me get him moving about so you can all see him. Stay here where it's safe everyone. Watch for any movement. Hagrid walked to the corner of the fence, and waved his wand around saying a spell. Purple sparks flew out of his wand, and showered the corner. Just for a moment a clear see-through image, came into view, it moved around, and although everyone could tell it was a large creature, no one could make out a definite shape.The motion of the creaturegave the impression of flowing water, and a clear head similar to a pointy nosed dog, but with a twisting see through horn was visible for just a second. The students stood in awe of what they were seeing, and a wide smile started to creep across Cho's face, as she wiped away a joyful tear. Suddenly a horrific roar caused all the students to jump, and the see through head of the creature shot out a blast of frost at Hagrid, who was able to produce a shield charm just in time. He disappeared behind the icy blast for a moment, but than reappeared unharmed, in front of a Hagrid shaped patch of grass amid all the ice. He turned to everyone and pointed to the creature.

"Ya see? I told ya all it was real. A bit temperamental, but a right friendly creature to be sure." Hagrid gave a final stunning spell that Harry had never heard before, and the beast disappeared. Hagrid walked back over to the stunned students, with a look of complete satisfaction. "Well are there any questions?" Hagrid asked. Harry looked at him.

"How did you know when it would attack you Hagrid?" Harry asked. Hagrid smiled.

"Oh well that was easy. I had a chat with Mr. Lovegood when he had some people bring it over. He said that he lost a few of his expedition to Frosty's blast. Turns out every time that he's about to fire one off, he makes a loud noise like that, and you only have a few seconds to respond. Everyone stared blank-faced at Hagrid.

"Frosty?" Oliver Skint asked.

"Yea, well all creatures need a name ya see, and being that he's so cute, and cold. I thought Frosty fit em to a tee." Hagrid said.

"Ha…Hagrid. How can you tell if it's cute? We can't even see it properly." Hermione said, still in awe of the spectacle before her. Hagrid shook his head.

"Well, ya know, ya just have ta use your imagination, that's all." Hagrid finished. "Anyway now that ya all saw it ya can tell everyone that Luna Lovegood and her father are not crazy, and that we will be seeing the Snorack one day this year." Hagrid said.

"One day this year? Hagrid we should be studying this everyday. I mean, it's got to be the only one in captivity doesn't it?" Harry asked. Hagrid gave an upset look to Harry.

"Err… look Harry this year, were mainly focusing on giants. It's important. We'll get to the Snorack eventually, but we don't know enough about it for now. Dumbledore taught me a spell that would calm it down, but even he doesn't know that much about it. We'll more likely have more data for a class on the Snorack next year." Hagrid said. But Giants are the order of the day for now. Anyway, ya all have your proof now, so Luna has witnesses to her story." Hagrid stated. Oliver Skint had a troubled look on his face.

"I can't tell everyone about this… they wouldn't believe me unless I brought them down here to see it." he said. Hagrid rubbed his chin in thought.

"Err… well I guess that next Friday I could have a class on the Snorack, but before and after that it's giants. Anyway lets all head back to my house. I need to get some parchment to write you all excuses." Hagrid finished. As the four students followed Hagrid Harry noticed that Cho was wiping tears from her cheeks, but had a bright smile on her face, that seemed to give her a heavenly glow, and that feeling in his stomach started to return. He started having thoughts about what another date with Cho would be like. He started to daydream about Cho and him dancing at the Yule ball. No! He thought; push it out of your mind. Your just friends now. That's how it should be. He turned to look at Hermione, who also had a few tears running down her eyes, but instead of a smile, her face seemed to be a mixture of anger and disappointment. What was wrong with her? Harry thought. She should be happy for Luna, but this jealousy was affecting her judgment. He knew that she was in love with Ron, but he had made it clear that he was also in love with her, and that he wasn't going to be to serious about other girls, he just wanted some dating experience under his belt.

"Professor Hagrid, when you said that Mr. Lovegood lost a few of his expedition capturing the Snorack… do you mean that it killed them?" asked Skint. Hagrid suddenly had a sad look on his face.

"Well… yea, the Snorack froze a couple of wizards ta death, but… but that was only in self defense ya see. I mean they had him cornered, and the poor little fellow was frightened, so it tried to defend itself." Hagrid said cautiously. Hermione's head shot up.

"So they… I mean Luna and her father were being cruel to the Snorack, they were mistreating a magical creature." Hermione said with a plotting look on her face. "I think that I should bring that up at the next S.P.E.W. meeting." Hermione finished. Cho looked at her blankly.

"Wh… what's Spew?" she asked pronouncing the acronym as the word that Ron had always called it by. Hermione gave a sigh.

"S.P.E.W. is My Magic Creatures Protection Organization. It stands for the Society for the Promotion of Elvish Welfare, but we also concern ourselves with the protection of other magical creatures. If Luna and her father have been mistreating poor Frosty I can assure you that… "

"Oh give it a rest Hermione. Stop looking for excuses to bring down Luna. You know that you're better than that, so just cut it out." Harry cut in. Hermione gasped.

"Harry I can assure you that I'm sincerely interested in the welfare of Frosty, that's all." She said defensively. Hagrid put up his bandaged hands to silence everyone.

"Now look Hermione, I can assure you that the most humane means available were used to bring Frosty in, and that I would never hurt a head on his head… err if he has any hair that is." Hagrid finished unsure. Oliver Skint who had just received his note from Hagrid looked none to pleased.

"Professor Hagrid, how could you have a dangerous creature like that around? I mean it endangers the students don't it?" Oliver asked hotly. Hagrid just smiled at Skint.

"Cores not. I never lost a student to a magical creature in my life. Now, you can all go now, I have some paperwork ta get through, and it takes me hours to fill out a page. Good morning." Hagrid finished. Everyone said their goodbyes, and started walking toward the castle. When they were halfway up the path Harry called out.

"Cho!" Harry called. Cho turned to him with a worried look on her face.

"Yes Harry?" she asked. Harry fidgeted around.

"Could I have a word with you real quick?" He asked. Cho nodded with a slight smile, and walked back to him, as Granger and Skint continued up the walkway. Harry smiled at her. "Well I… I just wanted to say that it was a really nice thing that you did, standing up for Luna and all. I was really impressed, and well… I just wanted to say… I just wanted to say that I'm proud of you." Harry finished. A tear started welling up in Cho's eye. Oh no, not again Harry thought. How many times can one person cry? But Cho did not cry, but gave Harry a tight hug. Harry could again smell the sent of vanilla in her hair, and felt her tremble. He embraced her as well. Her face was warm, and he became aroused. It took everything he had, but he slowly pulled away. Cho thanked him for the complement, and they headed back to the castle. Suddenly Harry stopped and held Cho's arm. She turned to look at him, and he looked to make sure that Skint was far enough ahead to be out of earshot. He pulled out a note and handed it to Cho. "Look, I tried to send this to you last night, but you didn't get it. I told the owl to come back, if it couldn't reach you, as I didn't want it bringing you the note at breakfast. Did you fall asleep last night?" Harry asked. Cho's expression turned to one of embarrassment. She looked up at Harry with shiny almond shaped eyes.

"Uh… well actually Harry Luna and I… " Cho started, about to tell Harry of her adventure the night before, but then realized that Harry might think less of her for sneaking out after curfew, and changed her mind. "Well Harry, Luna and I were studying late in the common room, and I fell asleep. I'm really sorry!" Cho pleaded. Harry gave her a pat on the back.

"It's okay. Look this Saturday lets meet up somewhere private… like the room of requirement. We should be there around five thirty." He said. Cho was elated. Harry wanted to spend time with her in private. She could ask him so many things about himself that she had wanted to know, things that went beyond him being The Harry Potter. And now he wanted to be with her. Maybe Harry and Hermione Granger really were breaking up. "And don't tell anyone but Luna. You two have to be there on time." Harry said. Cho nodded her head.

"Right Harry, I… wait, what do you mean bring Luna?" Cho asked confused. Harry looked at her unsure of why she didn't get the statement.

"Well because I'm going to need her there tomorrow as well. She was there with you when you two were listening in on Marietta. I'll bring Hermione and Ron, and well all put our heads together to try and guess what Marietta is up too." Harry said. Cho gasped. Oh no, she thought to herself. Harry didn't want to spend time with her on Saturday, he just wanted to find out what Marietta was up to, and he was bringing Miss Granger, a girl that after what had happened at Magical Creatures class, she was sure that she didn't like.

"Um… Harry I can't come. I have a lot of work to do. I have to study, and…" Cho stammered. Harry put his arm around Cho.

"Look Cho this could be important, what if she's working for You-Know-Who?" He said.

"Scoff! Harry Marietta couldn't possibly do that. I mean she's become mean, but she could never do… that! How could any student here?" Cho said. Harry gave her a sincere look.

"Well I know a few that are probable plotting against this school right now, but if Marietta's not capable of siding with him, than she's probably doing something on a more local level. I think that we should find out what it is." Harry stated. Cho hesitated, and she looked unsure. She just didn't want to be in the same room when Harry and Hermione were together. If she saw the two of them kiss she would be devastated for life. Harry faced her, and she looked into his emerald green eyes, hypnotized with a feeling of warmth that only he could make her feel. "Please Cho… I need you there. It's important. Will you come?" Harry pleaded. Cho was in a daze. Harry needed her. He needed her to be there for him, and she couldn't let him down. She would just have to suffer Miss Granger, if she wanted to help Harry.

"Sure Harry. Five thirty. I… Luna and I will be there." Cho said. Harry hugged her again, and she felt as though she mite go limp in his arms. His face suddenly became one of concern.

"Are you okay Cho?" he asked with a worried look in his eyes.

"Yes Harry, why?" Cho asked not understanding his concern.

"Well it's just that… you're breaking a sweat, and it's not terribly warm out side." Harry finished. Cho reassured him that she was okay, and the two hugged once more, and went to their respective classes. Harry was having trouble concentrating through the day, as he thought of Cho's warm body against him, and recalled her cute soothing Scottish accent. He tried to put her out of his mind, but it was difficult.

Later that day: Harry and Ron sat in the back of Defense Against Dark Arts class, and opened their books. Hermione as usual for that day sat at the front, more to be away from Ron, than to soak up knowledge it seemed. Professor Snape was discussing some weapons to use against vampires. Ron leaned over to Harry.

"I wish she would come sit by me once today. And I wish she could apologize to Luna." Ron said bitterly.

"Don't worry Ron, she's going to apologize. I know that she feels real bad about what she did, and will make it right. I told you that she promised Cho she would after you and Luna left." Harry said.

"Still she was lucky that I was able to console poor Luna, and make her happy again… I can't believe that there really is a Crumple Horned Snorack! But after you described its blast, I'm kind of glad I missed it." Ron said quietly. Harry nodded.

"Well at least standing up for Luna gave you some points with her… I…" Harry was interrupted.

"Mr. Potter!" yelled Snape. Harry jumped. Snape walked hastily over to him. "Mr. Potter, do you have your parchment assignment?" Snape asked with a mischievous grin. Harry began to sweat.

"Err… yes professor. Here." Harry said as he handed Professor Snape the parchment. Snape swiped it from him violently and started reading it as he walked back to his desk. After a few minutes Professor Snape stood up to the podium with Harry's parchment. He cleared his throat to get everyone's attention, and spoke with a deep sinister sounding voice.

"Now class here we have an example of a student who doesn't pay attention to the instructions of…" Snape was interrupted by the door opening, and Pansy Parkinson slowly and quietly walked up to him, handed him a piece of parchment, and pointed to Harry. After a couple of minutes of discussion between the two Snape gave Harry a hateful look.

"Mr. Potter! Your presence is requested at Mr. Filches office. You will go with Miss Parkinson, and we will discuss your pathetic excuse for homework on Monday. Harry raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Why does Filch want to see me?" Harry asked. Snape gave him a look, like he was going to toss him out the door, but kept his decorum.

"I don't know, and I don't care, but probably because he has some proof of some mischief you've been into. Get out; I have real students in here who actually stand a chance of graduating." Snape said pointing Harry to Miss Parkinson and the door. Harry didn't need to be told a second time. At least he would be away from Professor Snape.

When Harry and Pansy were walking down the corridor's he turned to her.

"Um… excuse me, but do you know why Filch wants to see me?" Harry asked. Pansy smiled.

"Perhaps it's as the Professor said. Maybe you've caused some trouble, and Filch has some proof on you Potter." She said with a slight smile. Harry scoffed.

"Ha! No way. I've haven't been here long enough to do anything." He thought. They continued walking and Harry would stare at Pansy's figure on occasion. She was much more slender than last year, and the summer had been good to her. He started to walk closer to her, and entertained the idea, of putting his arm around her. He mite have if she hadn't been a Slytheren, and a prefect. Pansy made a turn away from the corridor leading to Filche's office. Harry stopped.

"Wait… Filche's office is that way." Harry said pointing in the opposite direction from Pansy's chosen path. She smiled.

"So it is… and who said Filch wanted to see you in his office?" She asked. Harry scratched his head.

"Well I just assumed…" Harry started. Pansy gave him a flirtatious smile, and beckoned him to follow her.

"This way Potter." She said.

"It's Harry. You can call me Harry." He said. Pansy led him on until they came to the girls' lavatory. Pansy stopped in front of the door, and raped on it three times.

"This way… Harry." She said in a sexual tone. Harry looked at the door, and scoffed.

"Pansy… this is the girl's lavatory, the one that's closed down because it's haunted by Moaning Myrtle. What's going on? Is Filch inside?" Harry asked suspiciously. Pansy gave him another flirtatious look, and smiled.

"Well… maybe I wanted to have a few moments with you first" she said, as she ran her hand over his chest. Harry scoffed, but her hand felt good even through the fabric of his shirt.

"I thought that you didn't like muggle-borne's." Harry said. Pansy smiled.

"Well… there are exceptions to the rule. I mean after all, you are The Boy Who lived aren't you?" she said. Harry smiled. I certainly am. Pansy unbuttoned the top button of her uniform, and started in the door.

"Than come on… I have something I want to show you." She finished, as she walked inside. Harry sensed something was wrong, but he was also very aroused. He took in a deep breath and walked in the room. When he walked in he saw Pansy facing him, and off to her left a blue beam coming out of one of the stalls and hitting what looked like a stunned Moaning Myrtle. She was just hanging in the air, see through, and eyes closes, and drooling from her mouth. Suddenly Harry's peripheral vision kicked in and he noticed others on both sides of him.

"Hey!" He shouted. Harry reached for his wand again only seconds too late. Two boys grabbed him, and held his arms. "Let me go! Let me go!" Harry shouted. Pansy let out a playful laugh.

"Now, now Potter. Calm down." She said with a bright smile. She walked toward him, put her mouth close to his ear, and whispered seductively.

"I think you have something I want." She said, as she put her hand on his stomach, and moved it down to the hard protrusion sticking out of his pants. Pansy smiled even wider. "Is that a wand in your pocket Potter, or are you just glad to see me?" she joked, as she pulled out his wand from his pocket, and backed away. Harry wasn't amused. He struggled to free himself from the firm grip of the two boys, but they held him in iron grips.

"What do you want Pansy? Why did you bring me here?" Harry asked with hostility. Suddenly he heard another girl's voice.

"Why dear Potter… she brought you here to see me." Came the voice. The blue beam that had been trained on Myrtle suddenly turned off and Marietta Edgencombe stepped out of the bathroom stall. Harry recognized her at once.

Marietta Edgencombe! What is it that you want then?" Harry asked still struggling to break free of the impossible grip. Marietta tossed her head.

"Oh, nothing much for now. Just to remind you to go to the Quidditch Pitch early today. And to go strait to the changing room when you do." She said. Harry shook his head to clear it.
"What? What does my Quidditch have to do with you?" Marietta smiled as she held up her wand.

"Just for today Potter… everything." Marietta finished, as she lifted up her own wand. "Obliviate!"