Extracurricular activities - year 6

Back in the Gryffindor common room Harry saw Ron sitting alone by the fire. This behavior wasn't unusual for Harry, but Ron rarely liked to sit alone and just think. "Hey Ron, where's Hermione? Late at night, you two are never apart."

"You know how it goes; minor annoyance causes snotty remark and one of us walks away. You've been through it," Ron said not sounding too happy. "So, ready for your next match?"

"I hope so. Practices have been going pretty good. Still like Gryffindor's chances?"

"Yeah, we should do ok. Ravenclaw looks like they could be tough."

They both headed up to bed after a little while. Things went fine the next day but Ron and Hermione didn't talk as much as usual. Harry went to bed before them that night. He slept in the next day and went down for breakfast after most of the students had left. He was just having some toast and juice when Fleur came over. "Eat well 'Arry. Must have your strength to win for us today. I will be coming with you and Professor McGonagall. I'm not going to miss a match this year."

Harry went up and found Fleur already in Professor McGonagall's office ready to go. "Off to Spain," Fleur said. Using floo powder, they stated the location and stepped into the fire. They came out near the training room in the guest locker area of the Spanish stadium. Fleur and Professor McGonagall got back area passes and went to find their seats.

Tim was the only one in the locker room when Harry got there so he quickly got changed into his team robes. "I hope you can do as well this match Harry. You had a really good first game, much better than my first."

"Thank you. I really want to win."

Before long, the beaters came, followed by Kristi. "Ready to do it again schoolboy?" she asked while changing into her game robes.

"I'm ready... You?" Harry asked, trying to sound confident.

"Of course. Ok, when we win this time. Here's how we celebrate," she said coming to stand directly in front of Harry. "Make a fist. Put out your arm and we hit fist to fist. There are no handshakes in Quidditch. Try it," Kristi demanded.

Harry made a fist and he and Kristi hit fist to fist. "Now, if you miss the snitch, I may aim for your head so make sure you catch it," she said and he hoped she was kidding.

Finally Jacque showed up and didn't talk much as usual. Coach came in and said a few words and then the team headed for the field. They were announced first since they were the visiting team. There were many boos from the crowd, which was mainly from Spain. Harry got glimpses out of the stadium and the countryside looked nice. He hoped to come back some day.

There was a loud roar and the Spanish team started being introduced. Harry just hovered and waited for the announcements to stop. When the other seeker was introduced, he flew around and then came straight toward Harry very fast. Harry knew that the seeker was trying to intimidate him so he held is ground. At the last second, the other seeker turned slightly and flew by Harry's left side. Kristi was giving the other seeker a dirty look but Harry just ignored everything.

Play started and Harry could tell the difference between them and Wales quickly. The Spanish Chasers weren't as good as France's but the beaters seemed better than Wales' had been. Harry began dodging bludgers almost immediately. France was playing really well and when Spain called a timeout, France was up 110 to 40. Still, if Spain got the snitch before Harry, France would lose.

Right after the timeout, Spain's plan became clear; their beaters were trying to hit France's chasers. Spain broke up a couple scoring runs and ended up scoring themselves enough to make it 110 to 70. Then Harry saw it happen, Spain hit a bludger and it got by France's beater and barely hit Jacque in the right leg. The chaser winced in pain, dropped the quaffle, Spain picked it up and scored.

Tim called a timeout as quick as he could. Down on the ground Jacque said he was in too much pain to play. Coach was screaming at him that his legs didn't matter that much and he should fly but Jacque refused. Coach told Kristi to do her best and came to Harry and yelled "Catch the damn snitch before they get too far ahead!"

Play started again and their beaters were using the same technique of trying to take France's remaining chaser out. Kristi barely dodged a couple bludgers but hadn't scored. Spain was now closing fast; it was 110 to 100. Harry was trying to find the snitch and to not let any bludgers hit him when he saw Spain's beater hit the bludger and watched it head directly for Kristi. Harry knew she didn't see it and it would collide with the back of her head. Putting his broom into a dive, Harry was just able to get across Kristi so the bludger hit him in the ribs instead. Harry flew out of control and into the stand column. Tim quickly called a timeout. The trainer and coach came over and helped Harry up. He was spitting up a little blood. "What hurts?" the trainer yelled.

"My side," Harry replied.

By this time the other team members except Jacque had come over. "Looks like broken ribs," the trainer said. "Can't fix it here."

Coach looked around and groaned, "We have to call it. One chaser and no seeker. Can't win."

Harry was stunned and yelled, "You can't quit! I can still fly! I just need a drink of water. We can't quit!"

The trainer handed him the water and said, "I can't fix your ribs here, there's nothing I can do."

"It doesn't end until someone catches the snitch," Harry exclaimed.

Kristi jumped in and yelled at him, "Don't try to protect me again. Do your job and catch the damn snitch."

Harry got back on his broom and lifted off. He had trouble breathing and could tell he was spitting up some blood. He wasn't focusing too well at firs. He really didn't think the match would last long and then he remembered last year when he was able to transform just his senses into the griffin. Play started and he concentrated really hard and after a moment, everything seemed to be happening in slow motion. He could see things much more clearly. Even though his side hurt really badly, he was able to dodge the bludgers that kept coming his way. Kristi hadn't been able to score and now Spain was up 130 to 110. Suddenly Harry saw a flash of gold heading into the field. He took off and was half way down the field before the other seeker noticed he had moved. Finally he saw the snitch come from behind the goal post and he was able to easily grab it. France had still won!

Back on the ground, Harry could hear many cheers, which he didn't expect since they just beat the home team. He stumbled to his knees since it was hard to breathe. The trainer came over and said, "Let's get you inside. I can't believe you were able to do that."

The next few minutes were blurry but when things became clear, he was lying on a table in the trainer's room right outside the locker room with Fleur and Professor McGonagall next to the table. McGonagall looked really worried but Fleur looked ecstatic. "You won it for us again 'Arry! I can't believe you did it."

"We're going to take you back to the school Harry. The medics here can't do any better than Madame Pomfrey. Can you walk?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"I can walk, but I have to wait for the rest of the team before we go out there," Harry demanded. Luckily it was just a minute before the rest of the team came out. He was already sitting up and ready to walk out with the team. Harry followed Tim the captain out being helped a little by Fleur. There was thunderous applause for the French team and the press started yelling out the player's names to try and get an interview. Harry saw the reporter from last match over to the side and tried to get to her. It was hard with all the people and his side was hurting.

"A quick word Harry if you don't mind. I know you're injured and are going to get attention so I won't be long. What is your take on a veteran player like Jacque Dubois getting grazed by a bludger on the leg and refusing to play and yet the youngest player in the league having his ribs broken and demanding to continue?"

"No one except Jacque knows how badly he was injured Ms. Mishmas. Being hit by any bludger is not fun and it may have seemed minor to people in the stands but only he knows how bad it really was."

"But you were hit much harder and were spitting up blood and yet when the coach suggested calling the game, you could be heard yelling at him that quote 'it's not over until someone catches the snitch.'"

"That's just the way I feel. If I'm still conscious, I want to play until the end."

"What are your thoughts about the terrible play of the beaters today that allowed both of the bludgers through that caused injuries?"

"No beater can stop them all. It was my own fault I was hit. I should have been able to dodge it. The only reason I was only hit by one was because our beaters did a great job. I really need to get to our medical wing now Ms. Mishmas."

Fleur and Professor McGonagall were helping him toward the fireplace when he heard, "I take it you're going to miss the celebration again."

He turned and saw Kristi coming towards him. "Will that school of yours be able to handle this?" Kristi asked sounding slightly concerned.

Before Harry could answer, Professor McGonagall spoke up, "Miss Belig, broken ribs aren't even in the top ten injuries for Mr. Potter. He is quite the regular in our hospital wing. I assure you we have repaired him from far worse than this."

Kristi looked at him with a strange and appraising look and said, "Good job again schoolboy." And then she made a fist and stuck out her arm.

He responded by making a fist and hitting hers, then he said, "Better there than on my face." He saw her smile at this and then his teachers got him to the fireplace.

Back at Hogwarts, the teachers were helping Harry out of Professor McGonagall's office and as soon as they turned the corner, Cho was sitting there waiting. "Harry! Are you all right?"

"He's fine Miss Chang," Fleur said coldly.

"Broken ribs Cho. No problem. Want to come up?" Harry groaned.

"Madame Pomfrey. will probably kick you out but you're welcome to try." McGonagall said.

"What happened to him?" Cho asked concerned.

"You should have seen it," Fleur said unable to control her excitement. "He was hit in the side by a bludger and crashed. The coach called timeout and then wanted to call the match. You could see 'Arry yelling at him that he could still fly. He was spitting blood. He got back on his broom, barely able to breathe and beat the other seeker to the snitch! It was amazing."

"We won Cho!" Harry choked out. They arrived at the hospital wing and Madame Pomfrey. came out quickly.

"Mr. Potter. I was wondering when you'd finally be up here. This must be the longest you've gone without visiting me. What happened?" Madame Pomfrey. asked.

"Bludger to the ribs," Professor McGonagall said calmly.

"I won't have to stay the night will I?" Harry asked.

"Not if you promise to take it easy after you leave. You can go in a couple hours. Everyone else out, now," she demanded.

"I'll wait for you in my common room Harry. I'm glad you're ok," Cho said and then walked out.

Outside, Professor McGonagall said to Cho and Fleur. "That boy's something, but I don't think he has an ounce of self-preservation in him. Miss Chang, you would have been very proud of him today."

A couple hours later, Harry was able to leave the hospital wing. He was still sorer than he expected to be so he walked slowly down to the Ravenclaw area. Kelly happened to be coming out and saw him, "Harry. Heard you were hurt. Cho's waiting in here, come on in."

Harry went through their opening and saw Cho waiting with her other friends. She came running over and tried to hug him. He backed away groaning in pain. "Sorry Harry, I guess you're not healed."

"It was almost worth it though," Harry joked. He sat with her and her friends for a little while, but didn't want to talk about the match. He was remembering advice he had been given and was trying to be as normal as he could be. After a while, they decided to go down for a meal. When they entered the dining hall, Harry saw Ron and Hermione already at the Gryffindor table. He turned to Cho and said, "I'm going to eat with the Gryffindors. Want to get together after supper?"

She smiled at him and said, "If you're sure I won't hurt you."

"I'm sure it will be worth any pain," he replied and then went over to his house table. Ginny jumped up first. "Harry! Professor McGonagall told us you were back but were in the hospital. Are you all right?"

"I'm fine Ginny, don't worry. I just had some broken ribs," Harry said and sat down next to her.

"She also told us the important part that you won again!" Ron exclaimed.

"It was close but we ended up winning. So, what did you guys do today?" Harry asked. He had a hard time eating, but enjoyed talking to his friends. It still seemed that something was up between Ron and Hermione. Harry asked, "Hermione, are you feeling ok? You seem more quiet than usual. Please don't tell me I've done something wrong again?" Harry asked worried.

"Of course you haven't. You seem to be the perfect gentleman anymore," she said looking at him, and then added. "That is when you're around. I just have a lot of schoolwork to do." Hermione replied. Harry knew his friend well enough to know something was wrong.

A little later, Ron was talking to Dean. Harry moved around to sit next to Hermione and asked. "Hermione, what's really wrong? Is there anything I can do?"

Hermione looked at him closely and said, "Ron and I are just annoying each other right now. It'll pass. Thanks for noticing and asking, it means a lot. Are you sure you're ok?"

"Ribs still hurt, but they won't for much longer. The three of us should try to do something fun tomorrow, maybe that'll get this back on track." Harry suggested. "How about Hogsmeade?"

"Well it can't hurt. I need to get some things for the ball anyway. You ask Ron." Hermione said.

"Ron. Let's go to Hogsmeade tomorrow. I'll buy you a butterbeer," Harry said loudly.

"In that case, heck yes." Ron replied and then went back talking to Dean.

After they had been in the common room for a while, Harry went up and got the map, cloak and then came back down. "I'll see you all later," he said and headed up to get Cho. While standing in the hall near the Ravenclaw corridor, he sent the message spell to her thinking of him waiting on her. She came out in just a few minutes. They quickly snuck up to their secret area. "Are you really ok?" Cho asked concerned.

"I don't know, I think it'll take a few kisses until I'm really ok," Harry said, smiling at her.

She leaned in and kissed him but pulled back and said, "I don't want to hurt you."

"If it ever hurts more than I'm enjoying it, I'll let you know. Until then, don't worry about hurting me," he said and pulled her closer. It did hurt but not as much as he was enjoying kissing her. Harry had learned that Cho really seemed to enjoy having her neck nibbled on. He also found out that she loved having her back rubbed and the back of her neck kissed.

At one point, he was lying on top of her, kissing her neck when he knew what he wanted to do next but didn't know if she was ready, or if he was in too much pain so he stopped, "What's the matter?" Cho asked.

"Nothing at all. It's just about time we should be getting back. It wouldn't look good for head-girl to be in trouble for being out too late," he said trying to convince himself that leaving was the right thing to do.

She gave a disappointed look but agreed and they snuck back out. When leaving her for the night she said, "We should go up earlier next time so we have more time alone. Want to go to Hogsmeade tomorrow with us?"

"I'm already going with Ron and Hermione. Maybe we'll see each other in the Three Broomsticks. Thanks for coming to the hospital with me today." He kissed her and headed back to his room.

By the next morning, his ribs were feeling pretty good and he went to the common room to find Ginny and Hermione waiting on him and Ron. "Ron's right behind me." Harry announced. They all went to breakfast and were talking about things they needed in Hogsmeade today when mail came. "I think I should leave," Harry said to them.

"Why?" Hermione asked confused.

"You remember last time we won. The kind of stuff embarrasses me."

"We'll protect you." Ginny said smiling.

Hermione got her paper and Harry was watching her intently. She looked at him and then turned the paper around.

France's rookie out-hearts the veteran

In a match that will be talked about for some time due to the determination to win shown by the youngest player in the league, one of its veterans displayed the exact opposite, absolutely no heart for the game. Jacque Dubois, chaser for the French National Team begged to be taken out of the game after suffering a bruise on his leg from a bludger. With Spain catching up quickly, France's rookie seeker used his own body to block a bludger that would have surely knocked their other chaser out of the game, instead receiving broken ribs himself. In a scene visible to the crowd, Harry Potter, clutching his ribs and spitting up blood yelled at the coach to not call the game and that he could keep flying while they had a chance to win. Somehow, Potter was able to concentrate enough and actually caught the snitch with Spain's seeker almost half a field away. This was one of the best examples of desire to win that this reporter has ever seen. Jacque Dubois should be ashamed of himself for disgracing the French team like that.

After the match, Potter was still gracious enough to give an exclusive interview to the French Daily Gazette before being taken for medical treatment. This reporter overheard Kristi Belig telling another reporter. 'Our little schoolboy showed more heart than the rest of the team today.' Sounds like Kristi has her sights set on a certain seeker. Potter was whisked away by the same beautiful woman as last time. The one he calls her his teacher.

"Oh man. This isn't going to be good," Harry said and then hung his head. Hermione, Ron and Ginny tried to keep the other students away and to keep them from teasing him about the article. It was too much for them to handle. They left together and went to the common room until it was time to go to Hogsmeade.

They were walking into stores they had been into many times before and other adult wizards were pointing and mumbling at them. "What's up today?" Ron asked, "Do we all have stuff on our faces?"

"It's Harry," Ginny said, "I overheard some of them talking about him being the seeker in all the papers."

"Oh great. I can't even come to Hogsmeade anymore," Harry said sounding dejected.

"So what!" Ron said, "You're doing great as a professional seeker."

"It gets old Ron. First it was 'Oooh, there's scar head, the boy who lived'. Then, that pretty much passed and now this. I'm really tired of it," Harry said angrily, "Maybe I'll just head back to the castle."

"No, c'mon let's go to the Three Broomsticks," Hermione said. "We can find a table in the corner and just watch people."

"Yeah, we haven't been here together in a long time," Ginny added.

They walked in and it seemed people started talking and mumbling. Hermione directed them to a table in the corner. Madame Rosmerta came over, "Harry. Can't tell you how proud we are of you. Heard the match on the wireless. What do you all want, on the house it is?"

"Rosmerta, you don't have to do that, I'll buy this one," Harry exclaimed.

"Nonsense, I'll have none of that. I said it's on the house so that's that," she insisted. They all had butterbeers and she delivered them quickly.

"See use your celebrity to our advantage," Ron joked. They talked and joked for a while. It was really nice being there with his friends, even with the occasional person staring at them. He saw Cho and her friends walk in after a while and he waved them over.

They came over and sat down at Harry's end of the table. Kelly said with a smirk, "Hi little schoolboy."

"Cho, can't you control them?" Harry asked.

"I want to know more about this Kristi, and why she calls you little schoolboy. And, why did you stop a bludger with your body?" Cho said, not sounding entirely happy.

Ron spoke up, "I know all about her." Harry looked worried. "She's played seeker for France for two years now. The papers say she's dated a lot of famous wizards and has always broken their hearts when another comes along. She's really aggressive and goes after what she wants. Oh, and she's dead gorgeous!"

"Sounds like you keep track of her Ron," Hermione said coldly.

"Well, you know, only since Harry started playing for France. Got to watch out for my friends don't I?" Ron paused and then asked, "I do have a question though. Do they have separate showers for her?" Ron replied and Harry felt a sudden weight on his shoulders.

Harry tried to ignore Ron's question and hoped it went away, "That's just what she's always called me Cho, it doesn't bother me. The chasers are the ones who score. You have to protect the chasers; I did what I was supposed to do," Harry said.

"Oh, team player is that it little schoolboy?" Kelly joked.

"What about the separate showers?" Cho demanded.

"Hey, it's ok for Kristi to call me little schoolboy, but no body else! And no, she does not have separate showers," Harry exclaimed. Everyone's eyes were wide. Then he turned to Cho and said in French, "Cho. If you only knew how much I cared for you, you would never worry about such things again."

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed.

"What? What did he say? Harry, what did you just say to me?" Cho demanded. The others were all silent, wondering what he had said.

"Hermione, please tell me what he said," Cho pleaded.

Hermione looked at Harry who shrugged his shoulders. Then she said, "Harry said; 'Cho. If you only knew how much I cared for you, you would never worry about such things again.'"

"Oh man. What's gotten into you?" Ron exclaimed.

Cho grabbed Harry and hugged him, "I can't believe you said that. That was the nicest thing I've ever heard."

Kelly joked, "Are you sure you don't have a brother hidden somewhere?"

Cho looked at Hermione and said, "Thank you for translating Hermione, I owe you one."

"No Cho, just forgive me for saying I'd get you into trouble." Hermione replied.

"Deal, it's totally forgotten," Cho agreed.

"Ok, since the first round was on the house, the next round is on me. Remember, I'm actually getting paid to play Quidditch! Amazing since I'd play for free," Harry said.

"Sure you would since Kristi gets naked after every match," Ron joked and was promptly hit by Hermione, Ginny and Cho.

They all sat around and talked for a while and Ron kept mentioning Kristi naked and both Cho and Hermione said, "Can we not talk about Kristi being naked please."

The next week went great. Saturday was Ravenclaw vs. Slytherin and the first ball where the Beauxbatons students were coming to Hogwarts. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny all went to cheer for Cho and her team. Ron and Ginny were surprised at how easily Ravenclaw beat Slytherin. Harry had really watched Ravenclaw's first match so he knew they were pretty good. They all went down to the field to congratulate them after the match. Harry hugged Cho and said, "You flew great. I'm glad I'm not playing against you this year."

Even Ron agreed, "You were better than I expected. I'll have to make some adjustments now."

The girls headed straight up to get ready, but Ron and Harry went to visit Hagrid before going to get ready.

"Hey Hagrid!" Ron yelled.

"Bout time you two. Been too long since you've been here." Hagrid said loudly.

"Coming to the ball tonight Hagrid?" Harry asked.

"'Course I am 'Arry. Maxime needs a date doesn she?" Hagrid replied.

"Excited about meeting the chief of the giants 'Arry?" Hagrid asked.

"How are you meeting the giants?" Ron asked.

"Just the right place at the right time," Harry said, "I'm really excited. I've already decided on a present. I hope it's a good one. We'll be able to arrange it so that Ron and Hermione can meet them too won't we?"

Hagrid looked worried. "I'm sure we can figure somethin' out. May have to bend a few rules but if that's no problem, we should be able to."

"That's no problem for Ron, Hermione may be another story," Harry said.

"Yeah Hagrid. She's turned into a real prefect. Can't even joke about breaking rules around her anymore."

"We need to go get ready. See you tonight Hagrid." Harry said. He and Ron headed up to their rooms to get ready. It didn't take them long; they just showered and got dressed quickly.

When it was about time, Harry left the Gryffindor room and headed to the Ravenclaw area. One of the Ravenclaw boys let Harry in to wait on Cho. Harry wondered which of the other boys were waiting on Cho's friends. A few minutes late Cho and her three friends came into view. Cho looked stunning in a deep red robe with oriental designs. Her hair was pulled back and it just accented her light skin. When they got down, she came straight to him and all he could say was; "Wow!"

She beamed and said, "You do have a way with words."

Harry noticed Kelly going to one of the other Ravenclaw boys and caught himself thinking she could do much better. Her two other friends didn't seem to have dates. He whispered to Cho, "What about your two friends, didn't they find dates?"

Cho looked at Harry and smiled, "You do need to learn a lot. They are dating each other."

Harry's eyes got really big but he held back any comments. He said that he was glad to be walking into the ball with the best looking group of women in the school. They walked into the great hall and it had been arranged with many round tables. Even by the time they got to the ball, there were many couples that Harry assumed had come from Beauxbatons since he had never seen them before. Harry picked a table with Cho and all of her friends. This left about four seats open at their table. Harry was sitting talking with Cho's friends when a group of about six students he had never seen before came over and started talking in French, "You're Harry Potter, seeker for our National Team. It's a pleasure to meet you. You have brought our team new life. May we have your autograph?"

Harry responded, "Please, this is a ball to celebrate our two schools. I am just a student here. Thank you for your comments though."

He told Cho what they said and she just squeezed his arm and said, "My little schoolboy."

Harry whispered, "Call me that one more time and I'll start describing Kristi naked," Cho pinched his arm hard enough for him to yelp. After a short while, it seemed there were quite a few students and adults Harry had never seen before. After a delicious meal, Harry asked Cho if she wanted to dance, "I promise to be better than last year."

"I would be happy if you were the same," Cho said. Harry pulled her close and looked into her eyes. He led her around the dance floor, not taking his eyes off of her. She was the only thing that mattered to him right now and wanted her to know it. During the second song, they talked and laughed a little during the dance but were still holding each other tightly. When that song ended and they were walking back to the table, noticing many of the students watching them she said, "Ok, it was worth knowing you were dancing with Fleur for those weeks."

"You just bring out the best in me Cho," Harry said and kissed her on the cheek.

As soon as they got back to the table, Kelly stood up and said, "Cho, I know you won't mind if I borrow your date for a dance or two" and then pulled Harry out to the floor. Harry remembered what Fleur said about making sure you made each partner feel like she was the most beautiful woman in the room when you dance with them. He didn't hold Kelly quite as close, but he paid as much attention to what she said and looked at her as much.

After the second dance and they went back to the table, Harry was sure he heard Kelly say, "If you ever mess it up with him, he's mine."

The music changed from dance to listening and Harry felt a tap on his shoulder, "'Arry. May I take and introduce you to some Beauxbatons instructors?"

Harry grabbed Cho and said, "That would be nice Fleur, thank you." Fleur didn't seem to have planned on Cho coming but didn't say anything. Harry and Cho followed Fleur up to the table where the professors were. Fleur went down the line of the Beauxbatons instructors introducing him and telling them he played for the French National team. Harry greeted them all in French and answered any questions they had. At the end, they got to the Hogwarts professors.

Dumbledore leaned up and said, "It seems you are a hit with our sister school Harry."

Harry whispered back, "Until I miss my first snitch sir."

Dumbledore said back, "Would you and Miss Chang please come to my office tomorrow before lunch to talk about our guests. I will be making an announcement tonight."

They agreed and he and Cho went back to their table.

Professor Dumbledore got everyone's attention and began speaking, "I can't tell you how much it pleases me to see our two schools together enjoying and evening like this. I only wish our brother school could have joined us. I know that our students are looking forward to visiting the Beauxbatons school after the new year. I have one announcement to make tonight that is of interest to the current struggle we are in. As some of you may be aware, there have been disturbances high in the mountains. This is where the giants happen to live. Currently the Gulas clan of giants is on its way to Hogwarts to join our cause and to help us prepare for what may come to be. Giants are not accustomed to being around a large number of humans, so we have decided on two students to be envoys to their clan. I would like to announce tonight that the envoys from Hogwarts will be Mr. Harry Potter and Miss Cho Chang." He let the clapping die down. "There are certain responsibilities that they will be required to perform and we are confident they will perform them superbly. The Gulas clan is well respected within the giant community and if our envoys make a good impression, we can be assured of a long and lasting partnership with them. During the rest of your enjoyment tonight, if you happen to see Mr. Potter or Miss Chang, please wish them the best of luck. By the way, they are here together, so if you see one, you will probably see the other. Enjoy the rest of the evening."

Harry looked over and saw Ron and Hermione not looking like they were really enjoying the evening. He told Cho he was going to talk to them for a minute. When he got there he said, "Ron, would you be good enough to let me dance with your beautiful date tonight?"

"C'mon Harry its Hermione, go ahead," Ron replied.

Harry turned to Hermione and said in French, "Hermione. Would you do me the honor of being my partner for this dance?"

Hermione replied, "I'd love to Harry."

They heard, "Mental those two."

Harry and Hermione danced the next couple songs, talking and enjoying each other's company. Harry returned Hermione to Ron and went back to Cho. Harry and Cho talked to many people that night. While sitting at the table with Cho's friends, Harry felt a tap. "Miss Chang, may I borrow 'Arry for a few minutes please?"

Fleur pulled Harry to the dance floor. "Think you can pretend that you are wanting to dance with me 'Arry?"

"I won't have to pretend Fleur," Harry answered in French and began to dance with her. Since they had been practicing for so long, they knew each other's moves. During some moves, Harry could tell that many people were just watching them. Harry really felt like he and Fleur moved better than any person Harry had ever dance with.

"So, envoy to the giants. Quite an exciting year for you 'Arry," Fleur said smiling.

"I can't wait to meet them. This has been a great year so far."

At the end of the second dance, Harry kissed Fleur on both cheeks and walked back to Cho who said, "If I didn't know better, I would swear that you two were in love."

"But, the good thing is that you do know better, it was just a dance," Harry said and then kissed her. Harry had been asked to dance by a few of the Beauxbatons teachers and some of the older students. Cho had been very understanding about this and not given Harry a hard time at all. During the entire ball, Harry had only seen and spoken to Ron or Hermione for a few minutes. He felt a little guilty about this but tonight had to be about his date.

When the ball was really winding down, Harry was taking his time walking Cho back to her common room when she stopped, looked into his eyes for a second and calmly said, "Want to break a rule and stay out all night?"