Harry Potter and the Ancient Order

Chpt. 19. The Opening Feast

It became an all-out search for the rest of the afternoon. Nearly all of Gryffindor, after having heard the short form of the story, spread out across the grounds to look for Xander, but to no avail. Harry even wandered into the Forbidden Forest a little ways, only to bump into Tasslehoff the griffin feeding on something that used to be a rabbit. Harry tried to link with Tas, but the griffin was too busy eating to answer.

Brandy ran off with Hermione to check the sites of the foreigners. Kobe Bryant was possibly the least helpful person around, having snapped "Wuzzn't my time to babysit" before turning his insanely loud music even louder. Some of the Australians, always up for a good hunt, joined in the search, though they spent most of the time flirting with an annoyed Brandy.

"He sure knows how to disappear at the wrong time," complained Ron. He was still in a sour mood, having walked face-first into a spider web that was built between two trees.

"The way I treated him, it wouldn't surprise me if he left school," muttered Alicia, whose search party had just joined up with Harry and Ron.

"We're all to blame," said Hermione. "We all gave him the cold shoulder when all he wanted was a friend."

The late autumn evening began to turn into night, prompting everyone to return to the Great Hall for the feast that would officially open the tournament. Many students were still talking about the Quidditch match which brought back feelings of disappointment to Harry. Even though he had caught the snitch, he couldn't help but feel empty at the thought of no more Quidditch matches for another year.

"Don't let it bother you, Harry," Cho told him consolingly. "You still won the Quidditch Cup this year, and you played great today."

Harry smiled and felt slightly better. "I still want to play, though. Maybe we can put together a scout team for Hogwarts, give the competing team a good hard practice," he thought out loud.

"Talk to Viktor about it," Hermione answered, trying deftly to steer the conversation away from Quidditch. Just as Ron was about to respond (Hermione was sure it would be about Quidditch), Dumbledore stood up at the Head table.

"Since this tournament involves so many others," he began, "I feel it only proper that we share this feast with our visiting friends. We will adjourn to the front grounds where they are all waiting for us. I do encourage all of you to converse and mingle with our visitors, as it is the only way to build the foundation for friendship.

"May I remind you all that the victors of today," applause from the hall, slight hissing from Fred and George, "are now officially representatives of Hogwarts as well as all of England and that I expect you all to act as such. Therefore, I find it only fitting that the English Quidditch team lead our school to the feast."

The team stood up and gathered at the head of the Hall, Malfoy and Davies appearing so smug Harry felt that they should be arrested. Xander was still absent, however, as many noticed. Even Dumbledore raised an eyebrow when he counted six students following Krum to the front doors instead of seven.

The front grounds were decked out spectacularly. Banners identified each of the competing countries, who were all already seated and applauding politely as the student body moved to their seats. The Quidditch players for each team were easily recognizable. Since the tournament was now officially open and they were all representatives of their respective country, they were all required to look their best at all times.

Harry took his seat with his friends, still looking around the grounds. There was a small stage erected at the head of the feast, complete with a podium. He even noticed a band set-up off to the side, and was reminded of an Academy Awards ceremony he had once seen while staying with the Dursley's.

"First, may I welcome one and all to the Opening Feast of the International Scholastic Quidditch Cup!" Dumbledore cried, having made his way to the podium. His voice was easily heard throughout the entire audience, though Harry could see no microphone. "I would like to personally congratulate those individuals who have been selected to represent their countries and wish them all the best of luck in their search for victory. Though some of you may view this Feast as a mere formality," at this, his gaze lingered on Bobby Knight, the American coach, "I invite you all to mingle amongst yourselves, make new friends, and strengthen the bonds of friendship between our countries. The lands and waters that separate our lands is nothing if the foundation of friendship is strong.

"Now, I am sure you are all hungry and tired of hearing an old man ramble on about his dreams. Tuck In!"

There was so much food appearing on all the tables that Harry thought the tables just might collapse. At the foreigners' tables, he noticed a variety of dishes he did not recognize, assuming they were native to each country. There were many barbecued selections at the Australian table, a variety of sausages and bratwurst at the Germans'. The Americans, however, had quite an elegant selection and many of them looked appreciatively at the method of service.

"I'll bet they had to beat the house-elves with a whip to prepare this feast," said Hermione scathingly. "How could they have done this much since breakfast?"

"We hired outside caterers, Miss Granger," Dumbledore answered with a twinkle in his eye. Nobody had noticed him approach the table. "If I may trouble you for a moment, have any of you seen Alexander? I would very much like to speak with him."

"Sorry Professor, no," Harry said as everyone else shook their heads. "We looked for him all afternoon and couldn't find him."

"Indeed?" Dumbledore raised his eyebrows. "Well, should any of you happen across him, may I ask you to refer him to me? It would be greatly appreciated."

"Yes, Professor," said Harry.

"Thank you. And do try the crumpets, they are most extraordinary tonight," Dumbledore added with a wink before retreating back to the head table.

The feast carried on heartily, with much more Quidditch talk arising as time passed. The word on the talent of the American team had passed like wildfire throughout Hogwarts, and most were excited to watch them in action. Even Hermione talked a little about Quidditch, being caught up in the buzz surrounding their meal. Harry nearly forgot about Xander by the end of the meal. Alicia spent most of it in silence, looking around at every table for the slightest sign of him. When she met eyes with Brandy, she merely shook her head.

"Now that we have finished that most excellent meal," Dumbledore began one the plates were cleared, "I do hope that you all intend on having a good time tonight. To aid in your enjoyment, may I present to you, Steel Dragon?"

Dumbledore waved his hand in the direction of the band setup as applause broke out all around Harry. He picked up through excited chatter that they were a band famous throughout the wizarding world, and that they were supposed to be on a world tour at the moment. Five people walked out to their instruments, and a female approached the microphone. A slow song began to play, and after the first few lines of the intro were played, a male voice filled the grounds instead of female, much to the surprise of the audience.

Livin' my life in a slow Hell

Miss this girl every night, but she can't tell

I ain't seen the sunshine in three damn days

The male voice singing captured the attention of all, and sent many looking about to find the owner. They didn't have to wait long, however, as Xander appeared from the darkness to stand next to the lead singer.

Been feulin' up on bad dreams and whiskey

Wish I had a good girl to miss me

Lord I wonder if I'll ever change my ways

Harry was just as shocked as everyone else at his appearance. Alicia looked thunderstruck, though he could see a look of relief on her face before the first tear escaped her eyes. Xander walked across the stage and stopped in front of Alicia, staring at her as if she were the only person present.

I put your picture away

Sat down and cried today

I can't look at you while I cry my life away

I put you picture away

Sat down and cried today

I can't look at you while I drink my heart away

Xander backed up and let the female lead of the band begin her part, all the while his eyes on Alicia. It was obvious once she began that she was playing the part of Alicia singing.

Saw you yesterday and my heart fell

Everyone knows but the won't tell

But their half-hearted smiles tell me somthin' just ain't right

Tried to pretend but I'm not fine

Feulin' up on heartache and cheap wine

I ain't heard from you in three damn nights

I put your picture away

I wondered where you've been

I can't look at you while feel my ache within

I put your picture away

I wonder where you've been

I can't look at you with a heart full of pins

The song lapsed into a guitar solo, which would have been most impressive under other circumstances. Xander made his way to the front of the stage to greet Alicia, who had walked up to meet Xander. He jumped down and held her hand as the female lead began to sing again.

Saw you earlier with an old 'friend'

(him) Told her she can't have my love, only you can

(together) Since you've been gone my world's been dark and gray

(him) You reminded me of brighter days

(her) Hoped you were comin' home to stay

I was headed to class

(him) I was off to drink you away

(together) I found your picture today

My love won't fade away

I just want you to come back home

I found your picture today

I swear my love always

I just came to say I Love You

Come back Home.

As the duet finished, all in attendance applauded wildly as Xander and Alicia embraced, holding each other for many minutes even after the next song started.

"How romantic!" exclaimed Hermione, who was surprised to find herself holding Ron's hand.

"That was really adorable," said Cho, and Harry had the strong urge to grab her hand as well, but recalled with some disappointment that she wished only to be friends.

"He really does have an amazing voice," said Brandy, who had just walked over to join her new friends. "I knew he was good with words, but had no idea he could sing like that."

"Well, at least now we know what he was up to all afternoon," said Harry, desperate to put his mind on something else. The group was very pleased to see Miranda stand up from her table and stalk off towards the American site. Fred and George shot insults and jeers her way as Gryffindor cheered her exit, though everyone else just assumed they were applauding the repaired relationship.

Xander's song seemed to have set the mood on romance for the evening, as Harry saw many couples, some new, some established, spend a good deal of time snuggling up to each other. Hermione was much better for the change, he thought, as she and Ron used the new closeness to talk and to dance. Even Cho was apparently less uneasy at physical contact, as there were too many lingering hugs and 'incidental contacts' to be misunder- stood as accidents. However, whenever she found her hand lingering on Harry's she slowly pulled it away and quickly turned the conversation to something else.

Fred and George spent much of the evening taking turns dancing with Brandy, who appeared to be enjoying herself all the same. Alicia and Xander spent a good portion of their evening off to the side talking. Most, Harry included, felt it was a good idea to leave them alone as they had much to discuss. Near the end of the evening, Alicia apparently remembered Dumbledore's request to speak with Xander since she joined the group of Gryffindors alone.

"I still can't believe he did something like that for me," she simpered, her eyes still showing signs of her tears. "Said he'd locked himself away in Hagrid's hut after the match to write that song and talk to the band."

"Hagrid told us he hadn't seen him!" said Ron irritably. "He at least could've said he'd seen Xander and not told us where he was!"

"Did you see 'that American girl' after the song?" said Hermione excitedly. Harry noticed she was still holding hands with Ron. "She was livid! It was great!"

Xander walked up just then and pulled Harry aside. "We need to talk in private."

Harry look at Xander questioningly, but quietly accepted his request. They moved back indoors, where there were no students, since everyone was still outside enjoying the last few hours of the Feast.

"I overheard Professor Dumbledore talking to some of the teachers before he spoke to me. He mentioned that he wanted to alert you, but wanted to do it in a way that wouldn't raise the attention of the rest of the school."

"Alert me?" Harry asked. "Alert me of what?"

"Have you noticed that someone was not in attendance tonight at the Feast?" Xander said, staring very hard at Harry.

It took Harry several moments of thinking back before he came up with an answer. "Professor Sprout," he said slowly, not yet understanding.

"Dumbledore went to go talk to her earlier today after the Quidditch match. He found only a raven on her windowsill. She's missing," Xander stated.

Just then, a large amount of shouting and screaming erupted from the feast outside. Harry looked at Xander questioningly before rushing out to the front lawn to find out exactly what was going on. When they got there, everyone was backed up as far as they could get, some skirting the edge of the forest, some against the castle wall itself. In the middle, there was one of the German visitors careening about madly, barely able to walk.

"What the-" Harry stuttered, unable to find the words to describe the event. The German was grabbing people at random, shouting, "Which man on the Moon flies first? Which one? I must know!" Whomever he happened to grab, that person looked terrified. As he got closer to Harry, he could see the deranged person's eyes rolling around in his head, and settle in an odd position when he found a new person. "Which one? Where is he?" he would shout randomly.

"What's he on about," said Harry in awe. "He's insane!"

"Oh, shit, no," Xander groaned, and Harry saw him frantically searching his pockets. He looked very stressed indeed, much like he had lost an infant child. "Oh, God, no," he muttered again.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked.

There wasn't enough time for Xander to answer. The crazed person had spotted Xander, and his rolling eyes focused solely on him.

"You!" he shouted. "It's you! You're the one!" he pointed at Xander with a gnarled finger. He pulled out a gun and pointed it directly at Xander.

"Back off!" shouted Harry, pulling out his wand to defend himself. "Just take it easy!" He knew how much danger Xander was in, having grown up in a Muggle family and knowing all about guns. Most of the people around looked quizzically at the gun, not knowing what it was. Those who did know turned and fled wherever they could find refuge.

"You're the one!" the crazed man shouted again. "Why? Why did you do this?" He aimed the gun at Xander. Before Harry could shout "Stupefy!" the deranged one pulled the trigger. Xander fell to his knees, having taken the bullet directly in the stomach, his blood splattering on Harry's robes.

A/N: DAMMIT!! Just short of 3,000 words. Sorry, folks, but I gotta combine chapters again.

Oh, by the way, I'm sure most of you recognized the song as 'Picture' from Kid Rock. I just rewrote some of the lyrics to fit the story better. Oh yeah, and the band name Steel Dragon was stolen from the movie 'Rock Star'. I was simply lacking in creativity at that point, having burned up many a brain cell re-writing lyrics and such. No copyright infringement... is, um.. intended... yeah right. I'm sure Kid Rock has better things to do with his time than to sue me.

Anyway, on to Chapter 20! Enjoy!

Chpt. 20. Unlikely Surgery

"Stupefy!" Harry had shouted, but his voice was drowned out by the gunshot. His aim was true, and the shooter flew ten feet backwards, the gun falling softly on the grass. It took him a few moments to realize that he had blood on his hands, and he started to check himself frantically for injuries. It was a few moments more before he realized it was Xander who was injured.

Harry looked down at Xander's body and was relieved to see him moving, albeit it was writhing in pain. The grounds were dead silent, most in confusion (wizard-born students didn't know what a gun was or what it did), some in shocked horror (the Muggle-born students knew exactly what happened).

Brandy's voice broke the silence. "Mike! Kobe! Get over here!" she cried as she ran over. Ron and Hermione were fast on her heels, looking slightly relieved that Harry was uninjured, but concerned nonetheless. Brandy was tearing the sleeves off her robes. "I need more!" she ordered, and Harry began to do the same. He had a very limited knowledge of first-aid from his years in health class in Muggle schools, and knew what Brandy was getting at. Harry began to add pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding as Hermione began tearing sleeves off people at random and piling them near Harry.

Vick and Bryant had made there way over by now. "Damn, Mij, how you gonna go and get shot at a wizarding school?" Bryant said lazily as he pulled a very narrow knife from his pocket. Vick used his wand to light a small fire not far from Hermione's pile of sleeves.

"Shut your lips and get the lead out," Xander said softly, coughing as he spoke.

"Here, use this," Waldron said as he appeared, brandishing a small bottle of alcohol and taking a quick swig from it before handing it to Brandy. She moved Xander's robes to the side, exposing his wound.

Harry thought he was going to be sick. He could just barely make out the semblance of a hole, the flesh around it having been torn grotesquely. The skin surrounding the wound was a raw pink, and blood was pouring from it. Ron looked away quickly wincing, Hermione buried her face in his shoulder looking very pale and covering her eyes.

"Hold his arms down, this is gonna hurt," Brandy ordered Harry. Harry grabbed Xander's arms and pinned them to the ground, deliberately avoiding looking at the wound. "You're gonna need more than that," Brandy told him, and Harry shifted his legs so that he was now kneeling on his arms. "Good, now hold on tight, here goes," she said and tipped the bottle of alcohol, pouring it on the wound.

Xander nearly launched Harry off the ground, but he held on fast. There was a sickening hiss escaping, and what was once a raw pink now bubbled bright white. Try as he might, Harry couldn't help but look.

"God, that burns," Xander moaned, mimicking Harry's thoughts. His fists were balled up very tight, but Hermione swallowed hard and walked over, opening his hands.

"You have to relax," she said softly. "It'll make the bleeding slow down," she added, massaging Xander's hands so they stayed open. Ron came over and took one of the hands and copied Hermione's movements, still unable to look at the wound. "Just relax. Breath," Hermione kept repeating softly.

Dumbledore had made his way over by now, his delay from the great distance between the front doors and the Head Table. He took one look at the scene before giving orders. "Call Madame Pomfrey. Immediately," he said to no one in particular, but several students as well as a few teachers ran up into the school. Dumbledore crouched down and put some of the torn-off sleeves under Xander's head. "We need to remove-"

"I got this," Bryant interrupted. He was waving the blade of his knife over the fire Vick had conjured, turning it over after each pass. Vick was tossing the used and bloody rags into the fire.

"Hurry up," Brandy said frantically. "He's burning up." She had her hand on Xander's forehead. Harry, still kneeling on his arms, felt completely helpless by this point and started to get up. "No, stay put," Brandy told him, and he kneeled back down. "He's gonna need you there."

"Move," Bryant said to Brandy. She got up and backed off a few paces. "You got his arms?" he asked Harry. Harry nodded, amazed at how calm an nonchalant Bryant was acting.

"Shouldn't we numb the area first?" Hermione asked, moving to the side as Alicia ran over and grabbed Xander's hands away from her and Ron. "I'm here, just hold on," Alicia was pleading into his ear, unable to hold her tears back.

"No time," Vick told her. "'Less you got sumthin' in yo pockets."

Bryant totally ignored the conversation and pierced Xander's flesh with his knife, causing Xander to groan loudly. Harry felt himself rising off the ground as Xander fought to free his arms, but Dumbledore pushed down on Harry's shoulders. Either Bryant knew there was nothing he could do for the pain or he didn't care, but he began to cut a circle around the wound. Harry thought Bryant might be cutting a pork chop, the way his arm was moving in a sawing motion. A flick of the knife later and a piece of Xander's flesh was flipped over revealing the bloody underside of the skin beneath. It hung on by a thin sliver of skin still attached, reminding Harry of Nearly-Headless Nick. Xander was fighting so hard now that the veins were popping out of his arms. Dumbledore's grip on Harry's shoulders was becoming painful as he fought to keep his position.

Bryant pulled the knife out and wiped the blood off. Taking another bottle from Waldron (who looked too drunk to care), he poured it over the blade. "You ready?" he asked Harry, not looking at him. Harry only nodded, afraid he might be sick if he opened his mouth.

Bryant stuck the knife in again and began to poke around with the tip of the blade. Xander fought harder than ever and cried out in pain. Alicia cried out just as loudly, as Xander failed this time to keep from balling up his fists and inadvertently squeezed her hands. Bryant seemingly found what he was looking for, as he poked the same spot several times in rapid succession.

"Here goes," he muttered.

He flicked the point of the knife upward, and Harry saw the bullet fly up and over about five feet, landing soundlessly on the grass. Flicking the blade up gave Xander a new and very deep cut to add to his injury.

"Got it," Bryant said to his knife. He flipped the skin back into place.

Vick had a much larger knife over the fire now, with a much broader blade. He was waving it in the same manner as Bryant had done the first time, but more slowly. The blade began to glow a soft red around the edge.

"Last one, bro," he said to Xander, who nodded his head. Vick pressed the broad side of the blade against the wound, and Harry heard a loud hiss and smelled the acrid scent of burning flesh. Xander arched his back, trying to hold still. He finally had enough, and brought his leg up and kicked Vick very hard in the chest, sending him flying backward.

"Why did you do that!?" Alicia demanded angrily.

"Kills the infection," Brandy said, who was wrapping the wound with the leftover sleeves. "I also stops the bleeding so it can close."

"But now he's got a burn, on top of another deep cut, on top of having his stomach sliced open, on top of the wound," Alicia rambled on angrily, still unable to stop her tears. Harry thought it safe to get up now, as Dumbledore removed his hands from his shoulders.

"All that will heal," Dumbledore said calmly. "The lead from the bullet would have poisoned him internally if it was sealed inside." Dumbledore walked over to the until-now forgotten stunned shooter. He deftly slid Xander's journal under his arm without looking at it before sending him off with the German chaperones, who were apologizing profusely.

Madame Pomfrey was making her way down the stairs now, holding the hems of her robes up so she could move faster. Though a witch, she apparently knew what to do as she prodded the wound with her wand.

"That's the best I can do," she said, as the wound healed a little, but not fully. "The rest is up to his body. It'll take a few days, but it'll heal just fine."

Vick was extinguishing his conjured fire now, and kicked the bullet away. "No," Xander said, sitting up slowly. "I want it. Keep it." Vick shrugged, and tossed it over to Xander, who caught it with one hand.

"Damn, Mij, look at dis," Bryant complained, holding out his knife. "You owe me a new blade, bitch."

"Fuck you," Xander said, though he was grinning. "It was ruined before you stuck me."

Most of the gathered crown began to scatter now, returning back to their own sites about the grounds. The Hogwarts students, with one last look at Xander, allowed them-selves to be escorted back into the school.

"Well, that was certainly interesting," Xander said merrily. His face still had not lost its pale color and he was as of yet unable to stand up.

"Why did he shoot you?" asked Hermione, looking from Xander to Dumbledore.

"He was insane," Dumbledore said simply, but his tone halted all further questions. "He will be placed in St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Ailments for recovery."

"Lucky we was here, yo," Bryant said, tossing his knife on the ground. "You owe us, now."

"Let me cut a hole in your stomach, we'll call it even," Xander said bitterly.

"Whatever. Peace," Bryant responded with a smile, and he and Vick retreated towards their site.

"You should really thank him, you know," Hermione scolded Xander. "You'd be a lot worse off if it weren't for him."

"He just doesn't like him because Xander could never beat him at Quidditch," Brandy informed them. "Kobe always won when they faced each other."

"He's a sell-out," Xander complained. "And I don't hate him. Just once I wanna prove he's not perfect."

They now noticed that Miranda was still standing nearby surveying the scene. "Is he O.K.?" she asked tentatively. She looked like she was crying herself.

"He's fine now," Alicia said very stiffly, not looking at her.

"May I?" Miranda asked, holding out a damp cloth. Not waiting long for an answer, she walked forward and placed it on Xander's forehead.

Xander repeatedly tried to move his head out of the way, muttering, "I'm fine", but she forced it on anyway. "Here," she said, handing him two small tablets, "it's aspirin for your fever." Xander took the pills wordlessly and swallowed hard as they slid down his throat.

"Feel better," Miranda said, her voice breaking before she walked quickly away, breaking into a run when she thought she was out of sight.

"C'mon, let me help you to the hospital wing," Alicia said, anxious to prove she could do more for Xander than Miranda could. She helped him up and had to catch him several times as he nearly fell over. Brandy told Alicia to make sure he stays in bed for at least three days. "He'll try to get out in the morning, so keep an eye on him," she told her.

"I'll ask the remainder of you to kindly return to your dormitories," Dumbledore said lightly. He looked very care-worn indeed, and Harry remembered what Xander had said before the incident and was anxious to talk to Ron and Hermione. Cho interrupted his train of thought.

"Walk me back to my Common Room?" she asked Harry sweetly.

"Er, O.K.," Harry said, giving Ron and Hermione a look that silently said "Wait for me". They nodded slightly so as not to draw attention to themselves and walked up the stairs to Gryffindor Tower.

Harry and Cho walked in silence down a corridor he wasn't familiar with, letting Cho lead the way. She led him to a short staircase that led upwards, and Harry gently placed his hand on the small of her back, indicating that she should go first. Cho smiled at Harry for a moment, then walked up the stairs, away from Harry's hand. He wished she had stood there just a few moments longer as he didn't want to break contact with her. They stopped in front of a portrait of a wizard of a wizard sitting at a desk, a large book open and furiously writing away on a roll of parchment.

Cho turned to Harry and looked at him for a minute. "That was a very brave thing you did," she said, looking into his eyes.

"When?" Harry questioned, not being able to think properly while he gazed back into her eyes.

"Stunning that guy before he could hurt anyone else. You didn't even think about getting hurt yourself."

Harry felt the heat rising to his face and looked down smirking slightly. "Anyone would have done the same thing," he murmured, embarrassed.

"No, Harry," Cho said softly, still looking into his eyes, but not smiling. "Everyone else backed off as far as they could. Nobody stood up to help. Only you did."

Harry felt almost as if he were being interrogated by her eyes. She was looking deeply into is, not blinking. They stood in silence for a few minutes before Cho looked down at the floor.

"I didn't know what to think, last year," she started slowly. "I thought... you had let Cedric-" She cut herself off abruptly, leaving Harry feeling awful at the memories coming back. "I thought, maybe, you had let him... instead of yourself," she started again, trying to explain her feelings.

Harry turned around and looked at the wall. "If there was anything I could do to stop it, I would've," Harry said, more shortly than he had intended. He really didn't want to have this conversation right now.

Cho continued anyway. "For a while, I blamed you," she said in almost a whisper.

"I blame myself," Harry said, trying to cut the conversation short. He was feeling worse by the second and wanted to leave.

"Harry," Cho said, resting her hand lightly on her shoulder. "It wasn't your fault," she finished, her voice breaking.

He was rather tired of hearing that. Everyone had been saying that for months now. The more he heard it, the less he believed it, but there was a sincerity in Cho's voice that caused Harry to turn around despite the water collecting in the corners of his eyes.

"I told him to take the Cup with me," he managed to say, not opening his eyes.

Cho touched Harry's cheek lightly. "If there was anyone could have stopped it, it was you," she said. "You would have, or would have died trying."

"But I'm still breathing, Cedric's not," Harry said bitterly. "It should've been-"

"No, Harry," she said firmly. "It should not have been. Whatever happened, it happened for a reason. You proved You-Know-Who's not unbeatable. You showed us what can happen, so long as we're willing. Cedric taught us how terrible He is. You showed us the right choice. You gave us... me... what Cedric couldn't." She forced Harry to look at her now. "You gave me hope."

Despite his best efforts, one tear managed to break free and ran down Harry's cheek. He quickly rubbed both of his eyes, trying to cover it up. Cho rested her hands on Harry's back, and rested her head on is chest.

"I know, that with you here, there's a chance," she said into his shoulder. "You make it easier for me to go about my day. You're so selfless in the way you lead your life that sometimes... I feel ashamed of myself."

"Why?," Harry asked, now concerned. He couldn't tell exactly where this was going, but he needed to know.

"Because," she began, "after... what happened... all I could think is 'What am I going to do now?'. All I could think about was me. I felt more sorry for myself then I did for Cedric, than I did for you. It took me a long time to get over it because of my selfish- ness."

"No," Harry told her. "It wasn't selfishness. You had an important part of your life stolen from you, and you felt cheated. It's natural. You're human, Cho. You cannot feel sorry for the way you feel. You can only try to learn from it and make yourself a better person."

Now it was Cho's turn to let a few tears escape. "You really are a great wizard, Harry," she whispered into his ear.

"I only try to help those I care about," he said, waving her compliment off. He knew she had said it in the utmost sincerity, but always felt uncomfortable when he was told that.

"But that's why I like you, Harry," she said. "That's why I'm happy that you're my friend."

Friend? thought Harry. First you say you like me, then you say I'm just a friend? He had survived a duel with Voldemort, a fight with a basilisk, a dragon, and many conflicts with Malfoy. He had won nearly every Quidditch match he had played, but he had a long way to go before he conquered the female mind.

Cho apparently read the expression on Harry's face and stepped back. "Thank you for walking me back," she said, smiling. She was looking into his eyes again, and Harry was surprised when he realized she was holding both of his hands. Looking back on it later, Harry was amazed at his own daring. He bent down and gave Cho a small kiss on the cheek. Her smile broadened.

"Who did you get your eyes from?," she asked suddenly.

"My mum," Harry answered.

"I'll bet hers were as beautiful as yours," she said, smiling. She gave his hands a small squeeze before turning around and retreating into the Ravenclaw Common Room, leaving Harry more confused than ever.