Chapter 13
The Hogwarts Express stop at Hogsmeade Station, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Cho were asleep from the train ride back to Hogwarts. Harry gets up. He looks around the cabin, he sees Ron and Hermione sleeping but her head was on Ron's chest. Harry chuckled at this knowing that one day his two best friends would realize that they have genuine feeling towards one another. Harry felt something heavy between his legs, looks down and spots Cho laying down with her head on his crotch drooling. The sight of Cho drooling on him made his heartbeat erratically and a squadron of butterflies were flying like fighter jets in his stomach.
As he sat there unable to move with Cho laying on him, the train starts to move causing Cho, Ron, and Hermione to wake up with Cho looking up at Harry, While Hermione and Ron look at each other and they scream in panic and at train leaving for London. Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Cho frantically exit the train cabin and ran for the Caboose. When they reach the Caboose Harry opens the door and says, "Okay we are going to have to jump." As the distance from Hogsmeade Station to the train gets smaller.
Hermione, Cho, and Ron said in unison "Okay"
Harry jumps off the train first followed by Cho, then Hermione, and last Ron. Harry checks to see if he has his wand and he pulls his out and asks Hermione, Ron, and Cho "Okay does everyone have their wands?"
"Yep, I have mines Harry." Ron replied as he has his wand in his hand.
"So, do I Harry" Hermione said with her wand in her hand.
"I have my wand with me too." Cho said
"Okay let's get back to Hogwarts." Harry said
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Cho head back to Hogwarts to their Common Rooms, before Cho goes to the Ravenclaw Common she asks Harry, "Are you doing anything on Valentine's Day?"
"No, I'm not doing anything why you ask." Harry replied
"I was wondering if you want to go to the Three Broomsticks for lunch with me." Cho asked
"Sure, that's sounds brilliant." Harry said
"It does well see you later Harry." Cho replied then walks away to the Ravenclaw Common Room and solves the riddle to it.
"Cho wait ugh" Hermione sighed as Cho was already in the Ravenclaw Common Room
"What's wrong Hermione?" Harry asked as he, Ron and Hermione walked to the Gryffindor Common Room.
"I wanted her to come to the interview about what happened last year with Rita Skeeter for the Quibbler on Valentine's Day with us at the Three Broomsticks." Hermione told him approaching the Portrait of the Fat Lady.
Ron answers the password and they walked into the common room where they continued their conversation.
"An Interview with that roach with a blond wig again?" Harry question withholding his anger about what happened last year when he had an interview with Rita Skeeter.
"Yes, Harry you have an Interview with Rita Skeeter next week what is the Problem" Hermione said
"Oh, nothing is the problem Hermione, it's just that what is the Interview going to be about this time A. that I'm a delusional attention seeking brat or B. Our so-called on and off relationship." Harry growled.
"Harry it is none of those things." Hermione said trying to calm Harry down
"What is it then?" Harry asked coolly
"The interview is about what happened during the Third Task of Triwizard Tournament last year." Hermione answered
"Is it going to be published on the Daily Prophet?" Ron chimed in
"No, it's not, it's for the Quibbler Ron." Hermione answered
"The Quibbler that whacky newspaper." Ron said
"Yep, and she is doing it for free." Hermione spoke
"She's doing it for free?" Harry asked as his anger turned into an evil smile
"Yes, Skeeter is doing it for free Harry." Hermione replied
"Finally, that roach is not writing to make a quick bag of galleons off from her Poison Pen stories" Harry said
"That's right she's not to ruin your reputation, Harry." Hermione said yawning "Alright let's go to bed it's been long day night boys."
"Night Hermione" Harry and Ron said in unison as Hermione went upstairs to the fifth-year girls Dormitory while they go up to the fifth-year boys Dormitory.
In the Ravenclaw Common Room, Cho was sitting down on the couch talking to Michael, Padma, and Luna about the trial she went with the Golden Trio, their former Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher Remus Lupin and Professor Snape. The three Ravenclaws were relieved that Sirius Black wasn't the bad guy that the Ministry paints him as. Luna tells Cho that Rita Skeeter is doing an interview with Harry about the events that happened last year in the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament for the Quibbler on Valentine's Day at the Three Broomsticks. At first, Cho is happy that interview would be published on a better source of media than the Daily Prophet but realized that Hermione was going to tell her about before she is going into the Ravenclaw Common Room but thankfully Luna gave Cho the head's up about it. As the four Ravenclaws talk about other things, Marietta walks in the common room with an angry look on her face after reading the Evening Prophet which the headlines Reads Black Exonerated of all Charges. Cho tells Michael, Padma, and Luna to leave while she talks to her disgruntled friend.
"Mary what's wrong?" Cho asked
"It's just that the attention-seeking pervert and his dog father is not sharing a cell together in Azkaban right now" Marietta replied angrily "I thought I told you to tell your mother that Potter killed Cedric in the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament."
"Mary Harry didn't kill Cedric he would never do something like that." Cho said annoyed with Marietta's accusation of Harry. "I did tell my mum the truth about that day, and she got Sirius Black exonerated of all charges."
"So, who killed Cedric then if wasn't the attention-seeking creep or his psychopathic Mutt father?" Marietta asked
"Mary it was Peter Pettigrew who killed Cedric last year and sold-out Harry and his parents." Cho responded then defends Harry and his friends, "Could you stop being so judgmental for once, Harry and his friends are good people if you get to know them."
"Yeah, like ever would get to know them." Marietta sneered at the idea of getting to know Harry
"You know what Mary keep having your head stuck in the ground because I'm done telling you otherwise." Cho said done with Marietta's distrust in Harry and the current events.
"The same with you I'm tired of trying to get you back into reality that Potter is the killer of your boyfriend Cedric, You-Know-Who is not back at all, and Dumbledore is nothing more than a candy gobbling senile fear-mongering old fool." Marietta ranted as she heads upstairs to the sixth-year girls Ravenclaw "Anyway I'm going to bed let me know when you done kissing Potty and Granger's feet and going back to my best friend okay."
"Merlin what the fuck is wrong with her sometimes I just want to hit her with something or maybe shoot her I don't know what just something to wake her up and smell the shit in bed ugh." Cho said in frustration she then goes the bathroom to take a shower to alleviate the stress that Marietta gave her in their argument, as the hot water hits Cho she mutters "Seriously Mari when are you going to learn that Harry is a good person just a lot of bad things have happened to him why can't you understand that." fifteen minutes later she was done Cho puts on her Pajamas and went to her bed and fell asleep for the night.
5 days later
(Harry's Dream)
Harry and Cho were in an expensive restaurant with violins playing in the background and where they sat was dimly lit, the table had white tablecloth on top, a lit candle and small vase of red roses. Cho was wearing a red cheongsam with a golden dragon and eagle designs as well as having her raven hair in a bun held up by two chopsticks, while Harry was wearing tuxedo. Cho leans in close to Harry's face "Harry I just want to tell you that my feelings for you cannot be explain with words."
"I love you too Cho."
As Harry and Cho move in closer like two magnets on the opposite ends their lips were about to touch until Cho screams with Ron's voice "HARRY GET UP MATE!"
(Not Harry's Dream)
"AHHH!" Harry woke in shock
"Good you're up come on let's go" Ron said putting on his robes
"What time is it?" as he puts on his glasses
"6:45" Dean chimes in
"Alright" Harry said getting up
"Hey, Harry what did you dream about? Neville asked
"Come on Neville you know he be dreaming about Cho Chang" Ron replied as he puts on his shirt."
"Or lying about You-Know-Who's supposed existence." Seamus Negatively added
"Really Seamus do you have to say that?" Dean said
"What it's true he's always lying about it" Seamus addressed
"That's not true Seamus" Dean said defending Harry
"Whatever I'm going downstairs see you then Dean." Seamus said as he takes his bag and leaves the Dormitory.
"I'm sorry about that I wish he with us in the meetings" Dean apologized "He really didn't mean that."
"Don't worry soon he'll change his mind Dean." Harry assured
"I hope so" Dean said, "Anyway where are taking Miss. Cho Chang to Harry?"
"I'm taking her the Three Broomsticks for Lunch" Harry replied
"That's nice Harry." Dean praised "Wouldn't you want to take Cho to Madam Puddifoots Tea Shop."
"Yeah, that's where all the couples go to Harry." Neville chimes in
"No, I'm not taking Cho there I already been somewhere where that's pink and disgusting" Harry replied
"Where?" Neville and Dean asked in unison
"Umbridge's Office." Harry stated
"Oh yeah, she made you brand your hand, right?" Neville said
"I did let's get out of here" Harry said looking at his branded hand then getting up now fully dressed
"Yeah, let's go I'm hungry" Ron added
"You are always hungry Ron" Harry said
Neville and Dean laugh at the banter between Harry and Ron as all four of them walk out of the fifth-year Gryffindor boys Dormitory.
Five hours later, Cho was waiting patiently by the carriages to Hogsmeade for Harry to go to the Interview with Rita Skeeter. She sees Pansy Parkinson and her gang of mean girls, they walk up to her and insults the Asian Ravenclaw with, "Well if it isn't the Human Hosepipe what's the matter crying that there isn't anyone as good looking as Diggory or as nice he was."
"Sod off Puggyson is you crying that your precious Draky-poo is not holding your leash right now." Cho shot back.
"Watch your mouth Chink or I'll dock house points from you." Pansy snarled
"Aww I'm sorry puggy didn't mean to step all over your puffed-up pillow." Cho said sarcastically
"You watch yourself Chang or-"
"Or what Puggy your threats are as empty as your kennel if you keep messing with me" Cho coldly interrupted
"Shut up Chang we know that you are not going do anything as well." Daphne added stepping in for Pansy
"Do you want your arse in the grass too Greengrass, but since you and your posse of toothless worms masquerading as Vipers like laying down, I'll be so happy to help you do so." Cho spoke harshly
Pansy, Daphne, and the rest of the mean girls felt an eyelid twitch in anger at what Cho said to them, Pansy snarls before she leaves, "Like I said Chang we are watching you and Potty won't be there to save you."
"Yeah, whatever Puggy take snowflake princess and the rest of the slags and shoo." Cho said rolling her eyes.
Pansy and her gang left in huff and into one of the carriages, Cho waited for Harry another minute but decide to get a Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks while she waits. She walks over to the carriages, until she hears "Cho wait up"
Cho turns around sees Harry, Hermione, and Luna and says "Harry, Hermione, Luna what kept you? I was about to leave and meet you there."
"Sorry Hermione and I were doing a big test in History of Magic, and we brought Luna." Harry apologized
"Oh, okay." Cho said then asks, "Are you ready this Interview Harry?"
"Yes, I am but how did you know about it." Harry said curiously
"I told her about the interview Harry since you and Cho are going out, I figure you do the Interview first."
"Oh right. Thanks Luna" Harry said
"You're welcome." Luna said
Harry, Cho, Luna, and Hermione get into the carriages while on the way Harry, Cho and Luna talked about Quidditch Hermione on the other hand ignored the conversation. They arrived at Hogsmeade and get off the carriage and head over to the Three Broomsticks. On the way to the Three Broomsticks Cho says, "Harry you don't have to do this if you don't want to."
"No, I want to Cho my reputation has been going down the drain ever since that interview I had with that Slandering Roach last year and this time it's going to change she's not doing it for money." Harry told her motivated to uphold his reputation.
The girls nodded their head in agreement and were impressed with Harry's motivation to maintain his reputation. The four approached the Three Broomsticks Harry opens the door for the girls and they playfully made fun of Harry's ladies first policy. Harry, Hermione, Luna, and Cho spot Rita Skeeter sitting in a booth the Journalist greets the four walking up to her, "Ah, Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger, Ms. Lovegood, and Ms. Chang." Rita then sees Cho and recalls her encounter with the Chang Matriarch "I thought you were taller the last time we met."
"I'm her daughter you slandering gnat." Cho said coolly "Now hurry up with this Interview I don't have all day."
"Oh yeah just so you know you're doing this for free." Luna chimed in
"WHAT?! FOR FREE!" Rita shouted
"Yep, you won't ruining Harry's reputation for a quick bag of galleons this time Skeeter." Cho said
"Fine then" Rita sighed in defeat she turns to Harry and asks, "Mr. Potter are you ready to tell the Wizarding World what happened last year?"
"Yes, I'm ready." Harry replied
Harry sat down in the booth with Rita Skeeter who sat across from him she takes out her pen and she begins to write down everything that Harry said about the third task leading up to Cedric's death. The three girls and Harry were excited that this story would be published despite the Ministry trying hush it all, due to the Ministry being corrupt. With the interview over Rita Skeeter exits the Three Broomsticks and goes to the quibbler to publish the article, Leaving Harry, Cho, Hermione, and Luna at the Three Broomsticks.
"Well, that's done" Harry said relieved that the article of interview would be published.
"You can say that again Harry I just hope people would stop hating you had no power over." Hermione said
"Yep, and I hope this interview would get word to the students here and join the Dumbledore's Army." Luna added
"That's if they want to join us Luna" Harry told her then continues with, "Ms. Chang and I have a date so if you excuse us."
"Okay have fun with Cho, Harry." Luna and Hermione said unison as they head over to Ginny, Ron, and Neville's table.
Harry and Cho walk up to Madam Rosmerta behind the bar counter where she greets the two teens with a smile "Greetings Mr. Potter and Ms. Chang what can I do for you today?"
"We like to have some food." Harry stated
"Sure Mr. Potter if you and Ms. Chang would go to a table and will be with you in a minute." Madam Rosmerta replied.
Harry and Cho find a table and sat down waiting for Madam Rosmerta, while waiting for the bar lady across from them Hermione, Ron, Luna, Ginny, and Neville who were sitting at the other table give Harry and Cho the thumbs up. Both Harry and Cho returned it as well as returning one from Michael and his friends Terry Boot, and Anthony Goldstein who were sitting by bar counter.
Madam Rosmerta walks over to Harry and Cho's table and asks, "What would you two like to eat today?"
"What do you have for entrée's" Harry asked
"Well, we have Spaghetti and Meatballs, Fish and Chips, Steak, Roasted Chicken, you name it. For beverages we have Water, Lemonade, Cherry, Blue Raspberry, Lime, Grape, and Orange fizzy Pop, Butterbeer, and Milk."
"Water sounds fine we'll have that" Cho said
"We also have Spaghetti and Meatballs for lunch on a big plate" Harry added
"Okay I'll tell the house-elves in the kitchens to fix your order." Madam Rosmerta said as she leaves.
Few minutes a big plate of Spaghetti and Meatballs, silverware and two glasses of water appeared on the table, Cho picks up her fork and starts eating followed by Harry.
"Mmmm these noodles are very tasty." Harry thought
"How did the house-elves know how to cook spaghetti this sauce taste brilliant." Cho thought
As Harry and Cho continue to slurp the noodles down, they hadn't realized that one of the noodles was caught in between their forks. Which resulted in them sucking down the noodle until their lips touched. The two raven-haired teens blushed when that happened, they pulled away and bit their ends of the noodle. There were some onlookers laughed and giggled at them, but Harry and Cho ignored it and continue to eat.
After Harry and Cho ate their meal, they walked to Honey dukes' hand in hand where Harry bought Cho a box of Turtle shaped chocolates which were Cho's favorites. Harry distracts the clerk as they go through the passageway leading up to Hogwarts. Harry cast Lumos which brightens up the dark tunnel. The two teens stopped halfway and for moment they gaze at each other as almost they were about to lean in for a kiss. "Harry, I had a really good time." Cho breaking the silence
"I did as well, and we should have it a bit more private." Harry stated
"Yeah, maybe next time." Cho agreed
"Like on this coming Summer Holiday?" Harry asked
"Definitely no friends, no slandering roaches, no nasty Slytherins, and most of all no tyrannical toad-like women watching people's every move." Cho replied
"I'm looking forward to that." Harry smiled
"Me too and Harry" Cho smiled back
"Yes Cho?"
"Here's something for saving the Wizarding World." Cho answered
She leans and kisses Harry on the lips, Harry didn't hesitate to kiss her back they spent thirty seconds lip-locking each other. this is his first kiss with the girl he played quidditch against two years ago Harry was feeling nervous and satisfied at the same time, her lips were warm and soft also tasting like strawberries. As they stopped Harry blushed red as he stared into Cho's chocolate brown eyes.
"How was it? Cho asked slyly
"It… was..um good and your welcome." Harry replied nervously
"If we keep this up, we will be a real couple." Cho said
"Of…uh course we would be Cho." Harry uttered
"Care to escort me to Transfiguration?" Cho asked with smile
"Sure, let's go." Harry replied
Harry and Cho leave the Passageway and to the Transfiguration Classroom while on the way Marietta peaked around the corner and trembled in anger and jealousy at the sight of them and mummers "Soon Cho you will be my best friend again as you for Potter you'll never see Cho again and I'll make sure of it."