EnlightenedKing: Good call about Harry going to apologies, and it's really supposed to anger people who read this to see him acting this way. All part of Marietta's cunning plan. And yes, thanks for letting me know about the spelling correction of Expelliarmus. This chapter is a bit boring, but the next will have lots of drama, thinks very much for reading, and posting.:D

Chapter 30: Marietta's Plan for Cho

Cho was sitting on the edge of Stephanie Burt's bed, while Stephanie was trying to decide what spells to use on her hair.

Stephanie had a reputation for doing wonders with hairstyles, using magic. She planed on opening the largest franchise of beauty shops in the magic world once she graduated, and many girls in Hogwarts came to her for advice from time to time. Now Cho was before her with a request.

"So you want me to make your hair brown, with curls? How about I also give you some streaks that are so very in now. I just gave Holly Hopkins a nice pink streak spell yesterday. Would you like a blue one? It would look really good on you!" Stephanie asked. Cho shook her head.

"No, no thank you. Nothing so fancy. I just need my hair brown, with curls. Um… about this long." Cho said politely indicating the length of Hermione Granger's hair. Stephanie nodded. Well okay, I can do that. Hold still. Cho sat on the edge of Stephanie's bed, and Stephanie started a few magic spells to change Cho's hair to a light brown. After seeing it in the mirror Cho asked her friend to darken it a little, remembering Harry's girlfriend's hair was somewhat darker. After Stephanie had gotten Cho's hair to a color that Cho thought matched, she pulled out a muggle curling iron. Stephanie had bewitched it too work without the need for electricity. She had also brought several other things to the school that she was not able to bewitch because there was just too much magic at Hogwarts, that most of the time, even bewitching muggle items was impossible. But curling items were still in use in the magic world, because no one had quite found out how to cast a proper spell to make proper curls. Stephanie vowed that she would be the first, and become rich off it.

"Soooo… who is he?" Stephanie said with a mischievous smile, as she leaned down to whisper in Cho's ear.

"Who!" Cho said somewhat nervous. Stephanie rolled her eyes.

"Oh come on Cho, this is only the third time that you've come to me with a request to fix your hair. The first was when you went to the Yule ball with Diggory, and the second was when you were going to Hogsmead with Harry Potter. I know you fancy a guy, or else you wouldn't have me do this. Now, who is it?" Stephanie asked. Cho was hesitant to tell her. What was she doing here anyway, trying to look less like herself, so that Harry would like her? She just wanted Harry to like her, and to do that she would have to change everything about herself. As her friend Stephanie combed her hair, she looked in the mirror. She felt so different. She was the only ethnically Asian person in Ravenclaw, if you didn't count the ethnic Indian students. And even she didn't look like them. She didn't look like anyone that she knew. It was possible that Harry didn't like her in that special way because of that fact? Because she didn't look like anyone else? She was hoping with this new hairstyle that she could look a bit more normal, and more appealing to Harry. Cho didn't what to look too much like Miss Granger, or everyone would get what she was at instantly, she just wanted Harry to look at her the way that she thought he might have at certain times last year. But was that just a far off dream? It seemed a thousand years ago, since Harry had asked her out, since they had kissed. Or did she kiss him? Now that she reflected on it, it did seem that she was always the one to try and make that connection. She always sought out Harry, and she couldn't remember anytime that he had gone after her. Of coarse that must be it. Someone else had told her about the DA, she always waited to talk to Harry, and she was the one who kissed him, and didn't feel much feeling back from him. After the disastrous date, she was the one who tried to rebuild the connection. She was only ever going to be friends with Harry, and… she would have to accept it. But she cared about him, and she wanted to be more than that to him. She would just have to…

"Cho!" Stephanie's yell startled Cho out of her reflection.

"Huh! Oh… sorry Steph. What did you say?" Cho asked embarrassed. Stephanie gave her an agitated look.

"Lots! One thing I asked was who are you doing this for? And another is did you want to go with us tonight?" Stephanie said. Cho looked at her quizzically.

"Go where Steph?" Cho asked. Stephanie looked around, to make sure that they were alone.

"Well some of us Ravenclaws are going to a very secrete party tonight after curfew, to meet with some Slytheren boys and girls. It's going to be a very good party. And you need some cheering up." Stephanie said with another mischievous grin. Cho frowned.

"Thanks Steph, but I have to do a lot of work. I really don't have the time, because I'm so far behind. Maybe next time." Cho said. Steph gave a deep sigh. Look, I know that you had a tough time last year, but you need to unwind. Just let go for a night. Well you spend enough time in the library that you should be caught up soon. So we will be throwing other after hour's parties, and you will be going to at least one! Got it?" Stephanie asked seriously. Cho nodded her agreement. "Good! I'm glad you agree. Now, you're not getting out of her until you tell me who you're doing this for. I mean it." Stephnie said. Cho looked at the determination in her friends eyes, and then around to make sure that no one else was around. Cho than whispered very softly.

"Alright, but you have to promise me that you will not breath a word about this to anyone, and after I tell you will not ask me anything else. Agreed?" Cho said in a serious tone.

"Oh come on I'll have like a million questions, you have to give me at least one. I promise that I won't tell a sole. Just one question… please…please…" Stephnie said excited to hear who the mystery man was. Cho nodded her capitulation.

"Okay, but just one, and then we don't ever talk about it again, alright?" Cho asked. Stephnie nodded her head, as she tried to think of the perfect question to ask. Cho leaned close to her, and said in a worried voice… "It's Harry Potter." Stephnie rolled her eyes, and threw herself on the back of the bed in a fit of laughter. Cho was surprised by her friend's behavior.

"What's so funny?" she asked. Stephnie sat up holding her sides, as they hurt from the pain of her laughter.

"Oh Cho, its Harry Potter for like every other girl in this school, well except for the Hufflepuffs. Now that he's not mental, and a hero. I would love to be with him myself. He's sooo in this year!" Stephnie said.

"That's not what you were saying about him last year." Cho said annoyed. Stephnie sat a more serious look on her face. Well last year he was a bit mental, I mean that's what the paper said, and the Ministry of Magic. So he was unpopular. But now he's The Boy Who Lived! Defeater of You-Know-Who and his Death Eaters! International Superstar!" Stephnie shouted, waving her hands about, for emphasis. Then she looked directly into Cho's eyes. "But look Cho… really it's just fantasy. It's like when I was chasing after Victor Krum when he was here, me and a bunch of other giggling girls. But it was all just fantasy. So although you are a very good person, and very popular in your own right, don't expect him to be… available for a relationship, I mean he's the most popular boy in school." Stephnie said in a comforting voice.

"I don't care about all those titles, I just… It doesn't really matter anyway I guess. He has a girlfriend anyway. So maybe it is all useless." Cho said sadly. Stephanie's eyes went wide!

"He has a girlfriend! Who is she? Tell me Cho, or I'll just die, not knowing who it is." Stephanie screamed excited. Cho held her finger to her mouth, and made a noise, to indicate Stephnie to be quite.

"It's Hermione Granger." Cho said, the name leaving a bad taste in her mouth. Stephanie's jaw dropped open.

"No flipping way! Wow is she going to hook up with every Triwizard champion? Next she'll be hooking up with that French girl" Stephnie joked. Cho sat up, turned around and thanked Stephnie sincerely for her help with her hair. She than started to leave. Stephnie protested that she didn't ask her question yet. Cho looked back at her and told Stephnie that she had ask who Harry's girlfriend was, and that that counted as her question. Cho than proceeded up the stairs to go to bed, hoping to have good dreams about Harry for a change.

The next day: Harry's POV

Harry stood outside the hospital room with his box of chocolate frogs, and waited for Madam Pomfrey to allow him in. Cindy Miggins had indeed suffered a serious head injury from being blasted off her broom, and the impact of hitting the ground, and now she was going to be moved to St. Mungoes for treatments for her head injury. The first aid spells by her team mates had saved her life, and Madam Pomfrey had also made a lot of progress towards Miggins healing, but the damage had already been done at impact, and now she would be out of school for the year. Harry was feeling very guilty, even though he had no control over his own body, he still felt responsible for her condition to a point. As he started in the door he met Emit Walsh on his way out. Emit had been by Miggins side for several days, and Harry had avoided visiting her for fear of running into Walsh, and having a fight break out. Walsh stopped dead in his tracks, and balled up his fist upon seeing Harry.

"What the bloody hell do you want Potter!" He said in an accusing tone. Harry put up his open hands in a jester of peace.

"Look Walsh, I don't want any trouble. I just wanted to say that I was sorry, really. I was being controlled by someone else. It wasn't me. Really. And I just wanted to come down here and say to Miggins, how sorry I was that everything happened as it did" Harry stated. Walsh didn't move from the door.

"Piss on your apologies Potter, you knew exactly what you were doing, and you can't fool me that you were under the imperious curse. You're just some arrogant prick that wants that trophy so bad because you didn't get to play last year. Well you may have gotten out of serious punishment, but if you ever come near me or any of my team again off the pitch, I'll lay you out flat. And when we do have our Quidditch cup match, I will be kicking your arse. Got it?" Walsh said, not backing down. Harry was growing frustrated.

"Look Walsh I told you that I only came to say that I was sorry to Cindy, whatever happened, I owe her an apology, now get out of my way so I can do just that." Harry said in an authorities tone. Walsh stared him down, but eventually moved out of the way. Harry walked up to the bed that Cindy Miggins was in, and put the Chocolate frogs on a stand beside it. Cindy's head was still bandaged, and she had a green glow around the bandages that pulsated. Harry looked at Walsh, and pointed to it. "What's that green glow Walsh?" Harry asked. Walsh folded his arms, and peered into Harry.

"That's a relieving charm, to relieve pressure on her head. That's what she landed on when she hit the ground." Walsh said through gritted teeth. Harry looked back, her eyes were open, but she did not speak. Miggins suddenly looked at Harry and a tear came to her eye. Harry felt empty inside. He held her hand, and spoke softly to her.

"Cindy… look, I just wanted you to know that that wasn't me doing that on the pitch the other day. I mean I was being controlled by someone else. I'm sorry that everything went down like it did, but I promises that I'll get the person for you. I'll make them pay for what they did. I think I know who it is, and I'm going to confront them. Really I would never want anything like this to happen." Harry pleaded. Cindy looked groggy, and only closed her eyes, and went to sleep.

"Okay Potter, you've apologized, now get out of here." Walsh said. Harry slowly walked out of the room. When he was in the doorway Walsh called back to him. "Oy Potter… I just thought that you would like to know that during one of her rare states of consciousness Miggins said that she never wanted to play Quidditch again. I just thought that you might like to think about that. Walsh closed the door hard behind Harry who felt about a few centimeters tall right now. He slowly made his way down to the great Hall for lunch, but he didn't really have much of an appetite. Going down the stairs, he met Collin Creevey, who jumped excitedly.

"Hiya Harry! Can I get some pictures of you now? I mean, are you ready?" Collin asked happily. Harry was about to say that he wasn't in the mood, when he suddenly remembered how he was treated all last year. Maybe he needed to start up some good press of his own. He would have to have Hermione talk with Rita Skeeter to set up an interview soon. Harry looked at Collin.

"Tell ya what Collin, I could use some good press these days, why don't you follow me to the great hall, and take a few snaps. I can autograph em for any student who wants them, and maybe win a few friends over." Harry said thinking that giving a few autographs would make him more popular. Harry had promised himself a good year, and if it meant being The Boy Who Lived to do it he was ready, better to deal with the inconveniences of fame than the hell of unpopularity. Harry stated back down the stairs again with Collin in tow.

Cho's: POV

Cho sat in the library, working on her transfiguration class homework. Several other books were beside her as well, from each of the classes that she was so far behind in. In addition there were two other books on her table as well. The book that she had just finished reading: They were: The Oxford Cancer Institute: Advanced Brest Cancer Treatment Medical Files Volume 5, and the Hogwart's yearbook from Marietta's mum's year. Cho's stomach grumbled again from missing breakfast, and she promised herself that she could not miss dinner, or she would be in to much pain to study that night. Beyond the door to the library stood Semis Finnigan, and Marietta Edgencombe, in sinister discussion.

Marietta's: POV

"Alright Semis dear, just get the librarian to the back, of the room, and hit her with a memory and a knockout charm. I know you're not used to them, but just do like I taught you. Then stash the body under the invisibility cloak as before, and hide her, and your clothes. Remember to use the exact knockout charm that I thought you, because if you will have to go to the Headmasters office to be a witness against what Chang did, than you will need more time to go back and get your clothes back. Also if she should wake up too early it would be most… inconvenient for us to have two of her walking around the school at the same time. Anyway just don't even look at Chang when you walk in, go strait to the librarian and tell her that you lost something and you think that you lost it here. She'll take you back to her office; she has the lost and found in a big locker back there. Hummmm come to think of it. Not a bad place to hide a body and some clothes. Anyway get going, the others will be here any minute, and they only know there part of the plan. Semis nodded, and Marietta gave him a sensual, intimate kiss, before he opened the door, and then she stepped back out of the way to remain out of sight.

Cho's: POV

Cho looked up briefly, as the Gryffindor student entered the room, and walked over to the Liberian.

"Um. Excuse me Miss. . I misplaced my watch here the other day, and I was wondering if you could look in the lost and found locker for me?" He said in a thick Irish accent. Miss. thought for a minute, and rubbed her chin.

"Hummm… well I don't remember picking up any watches. Are you sure you last saw it here Mr.…. err…" The Liberian started.

"Finnigan and I'm sure that I left it here. Can you take a look?" He asked.

"Well I'm quite sure that I haven't found one." The Liberian insisted. The boy seemed a bit agitated at the librarian's reluctance to help him.

"Look… huh… it was a gift from me mam last year. It means a lot to me. Can you just look… please?" He said flowing between agitated and pleading.

"Okay Mr. Finnigan, this way, but I'm telling you that I don't think it will be in there." She said. The two of them walked to the back room and Cho continued her studies, now that the distraction was over.

Marietta's POV

The group of student's assembled before Marietta, skipping lunch to do so. They constituted most of the purebloods that were Marietta's inner circle. Amongst them were Danielle Forester, Oliver Skint, Pansy Parkinson, Lori Sanchez, and a sixth year Ravenclaw boy named Ian Lewis, among others. All the other students were eating in the great hall. Marietta looked her cohorts over and smiled. "Now… is everyone quite clear about their lines? I hope you have all practiced. Everyone ready? Most nodded, but Ian stepped out with a raised hand.

"Eh… ummm… look Marietta, I remember what I'm supposed to say, and how I'm to act, but what is the point to this. I mean, it doesn't seem to tie in with the order's business at all. It just seems we'll be harassing a pureblood girl." Ian said confused as to the goal of their plot. Marietta smiled a big toothy grin, and patted him on the back.

"My dear Ian, Cho has betrayed her pureblood roots, and has to be shown the error of her ways. This is a punishment, and when she accepts who she is, than we will gladly allow her into our ranks. Cho was my best friend, and I have no desire to do this, but it's called…. Tough love. If we humiliate her she will eventually see that to be accepted by the right people, will cause her suffering to cease. Besides, once she joins us, she will see that she stands many rewards to gain, than if she still hung out with those mud bloods. I just need to break her sprit, and that will not take long. Now anymore questions?" Marietta asked. Lori waited before she spoke as two Slytherins, Draco Malfoy, and Monica Manceria moved past them, late for lunch. They both stopped at the sight of the small crowd gathered round the library.

"Gore… is the library that popular? What's inside?" Asked Monica. Marietta wanted to tell them to piss off, and mind their own business, but she didn't want to insult two purebloods, especially since she was about to mentally try and crush the sprit of one of her own in just a few minutes. Marietta simply smiled at Draco, and Monica.

"Sorry private meeting. So it's not about anything in the library. But please excuse us." Marietta smiled even larger. Monica and Draco merely shrugged it off, and left to the great hall holding each other's hands. After they had passed out of sight, Lori approached Marietta, with a question.

"I understand what you mean about bringing her down, and punishing her, but, I'm not sure that I understand the insults. I mean… some of these things that were supposed to call her I've never even heard before. What's a chink?" Lori asked.

"It's a derogatory term for someone who's ethnically Chinese. Look… you don't have to know what it means, just act like you do. And don't all of us go in at once, or Cho will just move to another seat. Now quickly, anything else?" asked Marietta.

"Well… I have reservations about doing this. I mean Cho never agreed with our ideas, and always tried to Chang our minds about them… but she was always there for us, and, well she always treated us well. It just seems a poor way to repay her." said Devin Smith, the Gryffindor boy in the group.

"Don't worry Smith… when she stops acting like a child, we'll make it up to her. But really she's only bringing this on her self. Now let's do this, Danielle, you and I will be first." Marietta finished, as she slowly opened the door to the library.