Under the Moonlight

Cho Chang walked out of the main hall quietly, silently grieving the loss of Cedric, her first love. Her friends did not speak, feeling the loss themselves as their bright and spirited Cho was overcoming one of life's most difficult heartbreaks, the loss of a loved one.

Making their way back to Ravenclaw common room, many students lowered their heads in respect. Cho lowered her face also, hiding the tears still streaking down her face. Hermione who was walking along side Harry and Ron saw a glitter in the dark shadows of Cho's face. She knew instantly the glitter was Cho's tears reflecting light from the nearby torches. Her heart sank, feeling the need to comfort Cho; Hermione excused herself from Harry and Ron stating that she had "some business to take care of".

Hermione followed the Ravenclaws, hiding in the shadows and waiting for the perfect moment to call Cho to her. Soon they had all arrived at the portrait guarding the entrance to the Ravenclaw's common room. One of Cho's friends gave the portrait the password, it swung open, and they slowly crawled in, one by one. Cho was the last to go. She paused at the entrance and stood undecidely. Instead of climbing in and joining the others, Cho turned and headed in the direction of the Astronomy Tower. No one went after her, she needed time alone.

Again, Hermione lurked in the shadows pondering about what to say to Cho. They turned the corner and down a long corridor, leading to the stairs up to the Astronomy Tower. Cho climbed up, higher and higher. Hermione remained at the bottom, reconsidering her idea. She grumbled and shook her head.

"No, she needs her time alone. I have no right to bother her," Hermione said out loud to herself.

"On the contrary Miss Granger, I think Miss Cho Chang needs a person like you right now," came a voice behind Hermione.

"Headmaster Dumbledore!" Hermione gasped as she turned around, half realizing who it was from the gentleness of his voice.

Dumbledore chuckled. "Please, just Dumbledore, Headmaster is too formal."

Hermione blushed. "I'm sorry Head- er Dumbledore I didn't know you were there. I didn't mean any harm in following Cho here."

"Of course you didn't Miss Granger. I will be going now, but please remembered what I said before. Miss Chang needs someone like you right now to comfort her," Dumbledore replied. He took a tiny sphere from his robes and gently placed it in Hermione's hands.

Hermione looked down at the sphere and where Dumbledore's hands had been there a second ago, wrinkled, soft, and warm. "But Dumbledore, what am I supposed to do with this?"

"That, Miss Granger, is a wizard form of a cassette player in the Muggle world. I assume you know what I am talking about?"

Hermione nodded her head, thinking back to her tape player at home standing on the dresser.

"And you also know that electronics do not work at Hogwarts. Wizards have invented this simple device years ago to capture sounds or songs and play it back to their hearts' content. I have kept some of these simple devices called Cythianas for myself." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he continued explaining, "Inside this Cynthiana is a beautiful song I've heard once when traveling in the muggle word. I knew this would have a use someday as I kept it in my office all these years. Now it's calling to me, this songs sings Miss Chang's feelings. I want you to take it and give it to her. It will comfort her greatly. Will you do that for me, Miss Granger?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yes," Hermione answered, unable to turn down Dumbledore's request.

"Good." Dumbledore patted Hermione gently on the shoulders. "Sleep peacefully tonight, Miss Granger." He smiled one last time before leaving for his office.

Hermione watched him disappear into the emptiness of the corridor. She took a big breath and started up the stairs.

* * *

Cho was at the top of the tower, leaning on the stone windowsill. She stood quietly observing the sparkling stars, wondering where Cedric was up in the dark night sky.

Hermione approached her quietly, tapping on Cho's shoulder, she whispered, "Cho, Cho, it's me, Hermione."

Cho turned her head to face Hermione, surprised. "Hermione?" Cho asked uncertainly.

"Yes, you might not know me, but I'm one of Harry's friends," Hermione answered, nervously.

A weak smile spread through Cho's face. "Of course I know you Hermione. But what are you doing here so late, is something bothering you?"

Even in these situations Cho is still concerned for others, Hermione thought. "Oh no, I'm fine, it's just that I wanted to see how you were doing, you know, after the..." she stopped, not wanting to mention his name.

"Cedric," Cho murmured quietly.

"Uh, yeah," Hermione was embarrassed, feeling a bit awkward in this situation.

"It's ok Hermione. Thanks for caring." Cho's eyes were full of gratitude and friendliness as she spoke.

Not knowing what to say Hermione remained silent. They both stood there for a while staring at the skies. A cool breeze swept through their hair, leaving a refreshing essence of the night air. Finally, Hermione spoke, retrieving the Cynthiana from her pocket.

"Cho, Dumbledore asked me to give you this. Listen to it," that was the best Hermione could do.

"Thank you." Cho smiled again, holding the sphere gently in her cupped hands.

Hermione returned her smile. Then she surprised even herself when she reached forward and hugged Cho. "If you ever need someone to talk to Cho, I'm here."

"I will remember that. Thank you once again, Hermione," replied Cho.

Hermione nodded and turned to leave. She turned around at the top of the stairs and saw Cho once again staring into the night before descending the stairs and back to her suspicious friends.

* * *

Cho looked at the sphere in her hands. She did not ask Hermione what it was or how it worked, Cho just knew. She held it close to heart. Voices stirred in the wind and music started softly in the background. Cho's face softened under the moonlight as she listened to the sweet melody echoing through the room.

There are times I swear I know you're here
I forget about my fears, feeling you my dear

Watching over me, my hope sees
What the future will bring when you wrap me in your wings

And take me where you are

where you and I will be together
Once again, we'll be dancing in the moonlight just like we used to do
And you'll be smiling back at me
Only then will I be free when I can be, where you are...

Cho closed her eyes and gasped as she saw Cedric right there beside her. His hands reached out to touch her face.

And I can see your face, your kiss I still can taste
Not a memory erased

Cho gazed longingly into his eyes. She caressed his hand tenderly against her face.

Oh, how I see your star shining down on me
And I'd do anything if I could just, be right there where you are

Where you and I will breathe together
Once again we'll be dancing in the moonlight
Just like we used to do and you'll be smiling back at me

Only then will I be free
Then I will be free

so take me where you are

Cedric wrapped his arms around Cho. She could almost feel his warmth and touch as if he was truly there beside him. They both closed their eyes... rocking softly beneath the stars.

Now baby there are times when selfishly I wish that you were here with me
So I can wipe the tears from your eyes and make you see

That every night when you are dreaming I'm here to guard you from afar
And anytime I feel alone I'll close my eyes and dream of where you are

Together they held each other close, each in great need of one another, savoring each precious moment.

Where you and I will breathe together once again we'll be dancing in the moonlight
Just like we used to do and you'll be smiling back at me

Only then will I be free then I will be free,

Baby I still believe
Oh I gotta believe
I still believe I will touch you that sweet day

That you take me there... where you are
I still believe
Ohhhh I gotta believe
I still believe I will touch you that sweet day

That you take me there
Where you are... oh where you are

"Cho," Cedric whispered gently, "I love you."

I still believe
I gotta believe
I still believe
I'll always be waiting here

That sweet day,

that sweet day

I still believe......I still believe....

"I love you too, Cedric."