Extracurricular activities - year 6

"What ever would you have in mind Miss Chang?" Harry asked with a smile, hoping it was what he was thinking about.

"Well, if you could think of somewhere we could go to be alone, maybe we could dance a little more?" Cho said without any embarrassment.

"I can probably think of someplace, but I can't promise music. You know, I think you're being a bad influence on me miss head-girl."

"If you're complaining, we can keep going to my common room," Cho said slyly.

"Forget I ever said anything," Harry said quickly. They maneuvered to the hidden staircase and when no one was looking, went through. Surprisingly, the fire was going and everything seemed setup as if the couple had been expected to come here. Harry was really going to have to thank Dobby or Winky for this.

"This was a great night Harry. Seeing how you danced with other people made me realize how lucky I am. I really can't believe that you want to be with me," Cho said sounding very honest.

"Cho!" said Harry totally amazed at what she had said. "I wake up every day wondering why you want to be with me. You've had to know for a long time that I was crazy about you. I mean I couldn't even talk straight at first when I was near you."

"I always thought you were cute and special, but have come to realize just how special you are." She pushed him onto the couch and started kissing him. Before long, they were on the soft rug in front of the fire, still holding each other tightly. Harry couldn't believe how happy he was and then Cho lifted herself off of him and said, "You don't have to answer but I want you to know that I think I love you Harry Potter," she said kissing him right after saying this.

Harry's mind raced. He remembered how he felt with R.J. and what he was feeling for Cho was good but somehow different. R.J. had a deep connection with Harry but he never had the chance to tell her that he loved her. In R.J.'s note, she had confessed that she did in fact love Harry and he realized that he too had been in love with her. The connection with Cho didn't seem that deep yet, even though Harry knew he cared greatly for Cho and had a crush on her for over two years. He thought that the feelings he had for her must be love and didn't want to regret not telling her so if something were to happen. Harry let the kiss go on for a minute and then pushed her up and said, "I think you would need to be blind to not know that I love you too Cho Chang."

She fell back into him and the next time he saw her face, there were a few tears on it. She sat up on him and looked into his eyes for a moment and then removed her robe. She then pulled the top off over her head and lay back onto him. He kissed her deeply and slowly rubbed her back. He didn't want this to happen too fast. While she was still lying on top of him, he undid her bra and slipped it over her shoulders. She kissed his forehead and sat up, letting the bra fall down. Looking up into her eyes, he said, "My god you're beautiful," and then pulled her back down.

Harry rolled Cho over and held her hands above her head while he kissed the side of her neck and her shoulders. Then, while kissing her deeply, he slid her skirt off until she was left with only her panties. He sat up and removed his robe and shirt while looking into her eyes. Lying back down, her pulled her close and enjoyed the feeling of her skin next to his. She rolled over on top of him and was kissing him deeply. She sat up on him and smiled and then stood up, pulling him up with her. She grasped her panties and pulled them down and he quickly removed his pants and underwear.

They stood smiling at each other for a minute before lying back down keeping their bodies in contact with one another. Harry rolled her on top of him and continued to kiss her deeply, really enjoying rubbing the bare skin of her back and holding her close to him. He felt her take him in her hands and guide him to where she wanted him to be. Before moving much at all Harry asked quietly, "Cho, do you have protection?"

"Of course Harry. Madame Pomfrey is good for other things than just fixing you up," Cho replied.

It really didn't take long before Cho was breathing heavily and pulling him to her tightly. Harry felt her clutch him and he held her as tight as he could. When she started to let up, he rolled her over and continued to move. Harry propped himself up and looked deep into her eyes. When she opened her eyes to look at him, he smiled and said he loved her. This went on for quite some time that night. Harry could remember her moaning and clutching at him a few times before he felt that familiar feeling building within him.

They lay next to each other with Harry stroking her hair when Cho said, "That was amazing Harry. I don't even care where you learned that."

He kissed her forehead and said, "I told you earlier, you bring out the best in me."

They decided to try and get back to their rooms before other students started getting up. Harry was walking Cho to her common room and thought they had made it when they say Professor Thielson, the headmistress of Ravenclaw near the Ravenclaw portrait.

"Would you like to tell me where you have been Miss Chang?" The professor asked.

Before Cho could answer, Harry said, "Forgive me Professor Thielson, it was totally my fault. I convinced Cho to stay out late with me. We were having such a good time at the ball I really didn't want her to leave. It is my fault and I accept full responsibility."

Cho spoke up next, "That's not true professor. I asked Harry if we could spend some time alone and he gave in to me. He's not to blame here, it was me."

Harry stepped in next, "Professor, please look at each of our histories. I have been in trouble for rule breaking more times than I care to count and Cho has been a model student. It is obvious who's to blame here."

Cho started to speak, but the professor stopped her. "Enough you two. I know all about your indiscretions Mr. Potter. And, I know that Miss Chang has been a model student. However, I also know some of the non-public things you have done Mr. Potter and can see the relationship you two have formed. If you assure me that you are heading directly to your room I will allow Miss Chang to go directly to hers and we will never speak of this incident again. Do either of you have any issue with that?"

They both said, "No Professor," And headed to their rooms.

Harry didn't bother with going to bed and instead went and stood in the shower a while, amazed at how this evening had turned out.

The next morning at breakfast, Harry felt really tired but also really happy and was setting with Ron and Hermione who again didn't seem to be getting along great when Cho and her friends walked in. Harry said he would be right back and hurried over to their table. He came up behind Cho and whispered, "I'm sorry if you got into any trouble. I should have been more careful."

She turned and kissed him and said, "No trouble at all, it was worth anything that could have happened."

Cho's friends were giggling and one of them said, "Have a good night's sleep Harry?" and they giggled even more.

"You told them!" Harry gasped at Cho realizing she must have told them what happened.

"Of course I told them Harry; they're my friends," Cho said, "Just like you told yours."

"I haven't told them anything. Maybe I will now," Harry threatened, but not intending to do it.

"Fine by me. I don't care if your friends know." She kissed him on the cheek and said, "Go finish your breakfast. Remember, we have to see Professor Dumbledore before lunch."

Harry walked back to his seat totally confused but very happy. When he got back, Hermione asked, "Is everything ok?"

"Hermione, everything is just great." Harry replied feeling embarrassed but very happy. "Ron, do you know that you and Hermione are the best friends a guy could ever have?"

Ron looked at him strangely and said, "Man, you have really lost it."

"Hermione, do you know that you and Ron are the best friends a guy could have?"

"We love you too, thanks Harry," Hermione said with a smile. "Why are you acting so weird today?"

"Probably because he was out all night," Ron said smugly.

"Harry! Where were you at all night? Did anyone see you?" Hermione asked.

"I was with Cho, but we were in the castle the whole time. And yes, we got caught right outside of her common room. Her headmistress saw us. But, we didn't get into any trouble so my record is still clean this year." Harry said proudly.

"Where were you two at all night? What do you know about this Ron?" Hermione demanded.

"We were in the castle, spending time alone," Harry said, not wanting to just come out and say it.

"All I know is that he came sneaking up not too long before it was time to get up and rummaged around through his chest for a change of clothes and then left again," Ron said smiling that he knew a little more than Hermione.

"So, you were alone with Cho all night and this morning you're eyes look really tired and yet you're in a really good mood," Hermione's eyes got wide and Harry knew she figured out exactly what he and Cho were doing.

"Yes Hermione, I was alone with Cho, my eyes do feel tired and I'm in a great mood." Harry confirmed.

"Well I um... I'm glad you were safe. You were safe weren't you?" She asked again

"Yes we were safe, but thanks for asking."

"Wouldn't it have just been easier to say 'Harry were you shagging Cho all last night?'?" Ron asked and was quickly hit by Hermione.

After first class, Harry met Cho and they went to the statue that led to Dumbledore's office. "Now what?" Cho asked not knowing how to get by the statue.

'Sizzling snails' Harry said to the statue and it moved, revealing the spiral staircase. At the top, they knocked on the door and heard "Please come in" from the other side. Cho had never been in here before and stood nervously looking at all the pictures on the walls.

"Please, sit down." Dumbledore said.

Cho still looked nervous and then Harry heard a rustling and felt Fawkes land on his knee. "Hello Fawkes!" Harry said and started stroking the great birds back.

"Fawkes has become quite attached to Harry Miss Chang. I can count on one hand the number of people he would come to like that. You both look tired. Nothing wrong I trust." Dumbledore asked.

Both Harry and Cho said, "No Professor," At the same time and then Cho continued. "Just tired from the dancing."

Dumbledore's eyes went between the two and they felt like he was reading them, but quickly they were twinkling again and he said, "Ah yes dancing. I am glad to see you two enjoying dancing." He paused for a moment and went on. "Now, about your duties as envoys. Have you both decided on your gifts yet?"

Cho answered first. "Yes Professor. My father has located what I wanted and I'll get it over the holiday."

Harry spoke up. "A friend is making my gift sir. I'm staying here over the holiday as usual but I'll need to go home one day to pick it. I don't think Hedwig could carry it." Cho looked confused.

"There won't be too many required duties for you to perform. Depending on how curious they are about the students, they may request some of your time to answer questions. I hope you will be available as much as your schedule allows. Miss Chang. As a small token of my gratitude for you accepting this responsibility, would you care to accompany Professor McGonagall and Harry to his next match, which is in Greece? Assuming that is acceptable to you Harry."

Harry nodded and Cho said, "I'd love to, thank you Professor."

"I have to go now Fawkes, see you later," Harry said to the bird and it flew back to his perch. They walked back down to the corridor. "Do you really want to come to my match Cho?" Harry asked.

"I'd love to. I've never seen a professional match before. Maybe I can keep Fleur from hugging you after the win." Cho said.

Over the next few days all the students talked about was how much they were looking forward to going to the next ball. Ron didn't seem excited about it though. "There should be a rule. One ball a year is all that should be allowed." Ron kept saying.

"Ron, if you really don't want to go say so. I'll tell you how it was when I get back." Hermione replied, making it clear SHE was going.

Harry went to Fleur's office on the night of his normal dancing lesson but for a different reason. "'Arry. I didn't expect you any more. You don't need more lessons."

"Thanks Fleur. Actually I came to ask you another favor. I'm looking for a special Christmas gift. You're the only one I think could help me find something."

Fleur beamed at him. "Of course I will help. I said dancing was my passion, but shopping is my other passion. What did you have in mind?"

Harry described a piece of jewelry he had thought of. He wanted a red dragon brooch, but he didn't know where to look.

"Good choice 'Arry. Something with meaning for her. I will have some catalogs we can look through by our next meeting. But you will owe me a dance after that," Fleur said

By their next scheduled meeting, Fleur had four catalogs of jewelry mainly with oriental themes. After looking at designs for a while, Harry turned to one that almost seemed alive. He tried looking at others but kept coming back to that special one. If he hadn't been getting money from his Quidditch contract, he may have decided on something else since he didn't want to spend any of R.J.'s money and knew he needed the money his parents had left him. But he hadn't really spent much of his Quidditch money except on the sword and he really wanted this. "I want this one Fleur." Harry said.

"That is stunning 'Arry. You have good taste. Is the price ok for you?" Fleur asked unsure about his financial situation.

"I'll use my Quidditch money. I've only used it for my gift to the giants so far." Harry said.

"You don't need that money?" Fleur asked.

"No, I'm ok without it. I'm just playing because I love to play, not for any money." Harry said.

"Don't let the coach hear you say that or they will cheat you on your next contract. You know that if you play well, the next contract will be considerably more than a rookie contract." Fleur said.

Harry hadn't really thought of that before. That would be good but he would be fine with whatever they offered. "You should get someone to help you with those business things before contract time comes up. The teams will try to cheat the players so they can keep the money for themselves. You write a letter to Gringotts authorizing the transfer and I'll get this ordered for you. She will love it 'Arry."

"Thanks Fleur. What about that dance now?" They had a quick dance and then Harry returned to the common room to find Ron and Hermione talking in the corner. "Am I interrupting you two?"

"Course not," Ron said, "More dance lessons?"

"No. Fleur was helping me order something for Cho for Christmas. What are you two doing over the holiday?"

"I'm going to visit my parents like usual," Hermione said.

"My parents are going back to visit Charlie so I'm staying here. And you?" Ron said.

"Staying here of course. Have I ever done anything else?" Harry thought of a possibility. "Ron, I need to make a quick trip home over the holiday to pick up my present for the giants. Maybe you can come along if you want," Harry asked, getting excited.

"Yeah, that'd be great. Sure it has to be a quick trip? We should just go there for the holiday. No teachers, no rules. It'd be great."

"There's no way they'll let you go there for the break," Hermione said. "You'll be lucky to go pick up the present."

"She's right of course," Harry said. "You and I don't have a good history of behaving ourselves."

The date of Harry's next match came and Cho met up with him in Professor McGonagall's office. Fleur was already there. "Is she coming with us?" Fleur asked.

"Yes. Professor Dumbledore suggested it. I hope we win. Let's go," Harry said and they all stepped into the floo to go to the stadium. This lobby area didn't look as modern as the others Harry had been in. Tom the trainer met them and gave them their passes. "I have to go to the locker room now Cho. You'll come back here after the match. Bye."

"Good luck Harry. See you later." Cho said and watched him go through the door. She caught a glimpse of a tall girl with white hair and wondered if that was the Kristi she had been hearing about.

There was never much talking before a match. Everyone kept to themselves and the coach gave a few last minute instructions before they went to be announced. Harry was surprised with how many cheers there were for the French team and especially when his name was called. The last time they played away from France, there were more boos than cheers. Still, the crowd was much louder for the Greek team. Play started and they quickly fell into a routine. Harry was able to break up a couple sure scoring runs Greece had been able to form and the French chasers were playing great. Quickly, the score was 60 to 10 France. During one dive when Harry was going to break up a scoring run, he saw the snitch out of the corner of his eye and headed toward it. He thought he was just about to grab it and suddenly heard a bludger. He was able to dodge the bludger but the snitch had vanished. Greece called a timeout so Harry went to the ground near the coach.

"Ok, you are all playing great. If you beaters had been able to stop that bludger we would have won just then." Coach said.

Tom came running up saying "Harry. I just saw their coach screaming at their seeker about letting you get so close to the snitch while he was no where close. I think he's going to try and mark you this time. After a couple minutes, try a feint into one of the stand columns. If he's concentrating on staying close, he may not realize what you're doing."

Play started again and France scored a couple quick goals. It was now 140 to 20. Still close enough that if Greece got the snitch, they would win. Harry knew the other seeker was right on him, following his every move so he decided to try Tom's advice. He got into position and then glanced in the direction of the stands and took off toward it. The other seeker saw him glance and was holding right with him. Harry was going full speed with the other seeker next to him and at just the last second, pulled out to the left. He heard a loud thump followed by many gasps from the crowd and realized it had worked. Greece called a quick timeout to check on their seeker. Harry waited with his team near the coach. "Fantastic feint Harry. I didn't think you were going to be able to pull out." Tom exclaimed. The medics came out and stretchered their seeker away. He had a bad concussion and a broken arm. "Ok. Beaters keep the damn bludgers away from everyone, especially Harry. Harry don't get hit by a bludger. Let's go."

It didn't last that much longer. The Greek team was demoralized by the loss of their seeker. The score was 220 to 30 by the time Harry caught the snitch, so it ended 370 to 30. There were still quite a few cheers from the stands for the win. They went in to get cleaned up and Harry felt a little more comfortable when Kristi stripped down and came into the shower. Harry still washed up quickly and got dressed. While he was waiting for the rest of the team, Tim the captain came over. "3-0. I never thought this team would be 3-0. That's how many matches we won the entire last year. I had my doubts about you Potter but not any more. Not after that last match. I'm glad we have you."

"Thanks Tim. I really like playing for the team," Harry said feeling extremely happy that the captain of the team was glad Harry was playing. The rest of the team got ready and they walked out together. There was an even larger group of reporters yelling for them in the lobby area. Harry saw his friends standing near the side and saw the reporter he usually talked to in their same area. He made his way to them ignoring all the other calls for him.

"Hello Harry. Thanks for coming over," the reporter said.

"Hello Ms. Mishmas," Harry responded.

The interview lasted for just a couple minutes and then Harry pushed over to them. Fleur was closest so she hugged him first. "You won for France again! Undefeated." She kissed him on each cheek before Cho came over.

She stepped in front of Fleur and gave him a big hug and kiss on the lips. "You played great Harry. That was an amazing feint. The whole crowd thought you both were going to hit the stand."

"Hey Schoolboy who's your new friend?" Harry heard Kristi say as she came up behind him and mussed up his hair.

"Hi Kristi. This is my girlfriend Cho, she's a seeker on a team at school and she's really good. Cho this is Kristi Belig our best chaser." The two girls didn't say anything.

"Any chance you'll make the celebration tonight. You really should see the club sometime," Kristi asked Harry.

"Can't this time. I need to get back to school," Harry said.

"Way to plough that seeker today," Kristi said holding out her fist.

Harry hit her fist with his and said, "See you at practice." Then he turned and hugged Cho again and said, "Let's go home."

"Fleur. What has that reporter been writing about me? I've never seen the paper she writes for and couldn't read it anyway."

"Only good things 'Arry. I follow her articles to make sure she doesn't make things up. Sometime I'll read them to you," Fleur said.

"As long as she's not making things up or twisting my words, that's all I care about. Thanks."

"You would be surprised how famous you are in France now, especially in Paris. You would be mobbed going to that club Kristi talked about. It is one of the most popular places to go since the team hangs out there. Most people wait hours to get in, but you could just walk right by them." Fleur told him.

He and Cho left them and she walked with him to put his stuff in his room. "You really played great today Harry. I liked it when the crowd was calling your name and yelling for you."

"I don't hear any of that really. Mostly I just hear noise. I really try to block them out." Harry said.

"It was weird hearing all those reporters calling your name when you came out. Is it hard to ignore them?" She asked.

"Not at all. I really don't like reporters ever since those articles by Rita Skeeter. She made so much stuff up. Fleur pointed me to the one that I do talk to."

"I don't like that Kristi calling you schoolboy and messing with your hair. She doesn't seem like a nice person."

"Kristi's ok. She'd stop calling me that if I asked but it doesn't bother me."

"She wants you to go to that club with her you know. I still don't like thinking about her being naked around you."

"If I go to that club, I want you with me. And, I'd much rather see you naked," Harry said and kissed Cho before going into the common room. His friends were in there and Ron quickly asked. "So, did you win again?"

Cho answered. "Yep, you should have seen this feint he did. The other seeker ploughed into the stands and they had to carry him away. Then it was just a matter of time until the snitch came out again."

"You tell them, I'm going to put my stuff up." Harry said and went up to his room.

"You were there?" Hermione asked

"Yes. Professor Dumbledore suggested it," Cho said proudly, "You should have seen it after the match. All of these reporters were yelling at Harry, trying to get an interview. He just ignored them and walked to this one reporter who was waiting quietly and gave the whole interview in French."

Harry had come back down and said, "Then she met Kristi."

Ron's eyes lit up. "So, was there a fight?"

"No. I introduced them, but they didn't really talk."

"She just calls him 'schoolboy' and messes up his hair. Then she invited him to a club in Paris with me standing right there. I don't like her." Cho said angrily.

"I don't think I like her either Harry," Hermione said.

"Did she get naked?" Ron asked and both girls gave him a look that should have killed.

"I think I should walk Cho back to her house. I'll be back in a bit," Harry said and led Cho out. They got to the Ravenclaw common room and Cho found her friends and told the same story about the match and about Kristi. Harry wanted to leave since they were teasing him about Kristi and Cho wasn't getting happier. "Cho, I'm going to give you your present to take with you on holiday. I should have it in a couple days."

"I promise I won't open it until Christmas," Cho said.

"What are you doing for holiday Harry?" Kelly asked.

"Staying here of course. Same as every other year," he answered.

"You never went back to your Aunt and Uncle's?" She asked confused.

This shocked Harry until he realized they didn't know how much the Dursley's hated him. "No. I hope I never go back there. Let me just say that until I first came to Hogwarts. I was locked in a cupboard beneath the stairs except when I was doing chores or going to school. They hate me. I'm not exaggerating at all. I would have stayed here the entire year if Dumbledore had let me." They all had a slight look of pity but Harry didn't care. "I'm going to head back down. Thanks for coming today Cho. See you all later."

At Harry's next scheduled time with Fleur, she had received the brooch. She had already taken it out and looked at it so when Harry got there she was very excited about it. "'Arry! This is even better than I though. She will love it. Look, if you stroke the dragon it will change color. You can match many outfits. Look at the eyes! They almost seem alive."

Fleur was right, Harry was really happy they had found this piece. Fleur helped him wrap it and then asked. "What did she think of Kristi?"

"I don't think Cho liked her at all. I think everyone's too hard on Kristi. She's not so bad. You know, when you came here for the tournament, most of the girls here didn't like you because all the guys fell all over themselves when you were around," Harry said.

"Really? I didn't notice the girls not liking me. I do remember that you didn't fall all over yourself around me."

"I was mad at you for calling me a little boy."

"Oh really! Look how it turned out. The little boy saved my little sister and has become my friend." Fleur said.

"I really appreciate your help with this gift. See you later." Harry went back to the common room and put the gift into his trunk. He had to remember to give it to Cho before she left on Friday.

Cho came over to the Gryffindor table Thursday morning and after saying hello to everyone, she whispered to Harry, "Want to you know -dance- before I leave tomorrow? I won't see you for over a week."

Harry looked at her and whispered back, "It's been so long, I don't know if I remember how to dance but I'll try if you want."

"Make sure you try hard. See you tonight," Cho whispered and left.

Ron and Hermione were looking at him. "What?" He asked.

"Ron and I were saying the other day that you and Cho just seem to be a good couple. It's like you just belong together," Hermione said.

"Maybe you think that but Ron keeps telling me I'm mental," Harry joked.

"I may think you're mental but I agree with Hermione." Ron said.

"Well thanks, but I've always thought you two were meant for each other. C'mon, we have to get to class." Harry got up and didn't notice the look Ron and Hermione gave each other.

Classes went by quickly and the three of them were having a nice time talking over supper when Cho came over and said, "Would you two mind if I drug Harry away so I can tell him a proper goodbye?" Harry blushed but both Ron and Hermione said that was no problem.

"Did you have to ask like that? I bet they know what we're going to do," Harry said.

"So? I told you I don't care if our friends know what we do." Cho replied. They stopped by the Gryffindor tower to get the cloak and her present. There were still a lot of students in the hall so it took them a while to find a place close enough to the stairs to slip under the cloak. Then they had to be careful not to run into anyone getting to the stairs. Once they reached the secret room and removed the cloak, Cho hugged him and said, "Oh, that was exciting. I'm going to miss you."

"I'll miss you too Cho. Are you going to tell your parents that we're dating? If you do, do you think it will bother your father?"

Cho smiled at him. "They've known for a while now. I'm pretty close to my family. As for my dad," she hesitated and Harry got a little worried. He really wanted Cho's father to like him. "I couldn't imagine my father being happier about me dating anyone. I have their full blessing."

"That's great. I was really worried about what they would think."

"Now we forget about everybody else for a while," Cho demanded and pulled Harry to the floor. They kissed and flirted around for a little bit but both knew they didn't have that much time so things progressed rather quickly. Harry really wanted this to last as long as he could so when he was on top of Cho and she really started to moan and breathe deeply, he tried to hold back and pulled her to him tightly. When he felt her relax, he slowly started to move again. Lightly he brushed the hair from her face and kissed her forehead and down to her lips. When he felt her move with him again he rolled her over so she was sitting on him.

Cho sat straight up and Harry was still amazed at how perfect she was. He ran his hands down her body and told her she was beautiful. It wasn't much longer until Cho started making the familiar sound that Harry wanted to hear. He sat up into her and gripped her tight. This time when she relaxed, he rolled back on top and when he felt like he couldn't last any longer, she once again began moaning. Harry lay on his side next to Cho who was on her back and he kept running a finger from her neck to her navel very lightly. He liked the way she trembled when it tickled her.

"I just can't believe how much I enjoy dancing with you. I will miss you while I'm gone," Cho said looking disappointed.

Harry kissed her and said, "I'll miss you too and will be waiting for you when you get back."

They dressed slowly and snuck back down the stairs. Harry said goodnight at her common room and snuck back to his own. He saw Ron and Hermione talking in the corner but didn't want to interrupt them so he headed for the stairs. His two friends saw him and called him over. "I don't want to bother you guys. I know Hermione's leaving tomorrow; you probably want to be alone."

"We'd tell you if we wanted to be alone right now," Ron said.

Harry looked at Hermione and she said, "I promise we would. How was your goodbye from Cho?"

Harry started blushing brightly and said, "It was very nice. She told me that she's already told her parents about dating me and her father actually likes the idea. Imagine somebody who's ok with their daughter dating me."

"What's she going to do after Hogwarts?" Ron asked. This subject bothered Harry since he would rarely see her after she was gone.

"She doesn't know for sure. Either work for her father's import/export business or work for the Ministry in the finance area. Have you two finally decided on your plan?"

"I think I'm going to take Moody's advice and become an Auror. They're not all scarred up like him," Ron said.

"I'm going to either be a teacher or researcher," Hermione said.

"What subjects Hermione? I mean you know everything," Harry said.

Hermione looked proud and answered. "Probably potions or charms. And you'll be an international Quidditch star."

"Maybe. I still haven't decided for sure. I like playing but that's not much of a career. I'm leaning toward being an unspeakable. I think I'd really like that. I may even see if I can do both since Quidditch doesn't take all that much time. I hope we can all stay close enough to get together a lot. We've only got one more year here. I don't know what will happen when Cho leaves. I hope we can make it work out." He thought for a minute and said, "You know Hermione, the more I write in that journal you gave me the more I really appreciate it. That was an excellent gift." Harry noticed Hermione get a very pleased look on her face.

The next morning Ron and Harry walked down to the train to see Hermione and Cho off onto the train. Cho gave Harry a big kiss and a hug but Harry didn't notice Hermione just give Ron a quick hug. Harry got over in time to say goodbye to Hermione. "All right, now we need to figure out how to have some fun." Harry said and Ron agreed.

When they got back to the castle, they saw Professor McGonagall talking to Professor Dumbledore. They walked up and Dumbledore said, "Ah, Harry just the person I wanted to speak to. Did you and Mr. Weasley get your friends onto the train?" They nodded and Dumbledore went on "Would tomorrow be ok for you to go home and get the present? I'd like to get it over with so we know where you should be each day."

"That's fine sir. Sir, I don't know exactly how big this is going to be or how much it will weigh. Would it be possible for Ron to come with me in case I need help carrying it? We would go directly there and pick it up and come directly back. If you are concerned, Dobby or Winky could come with us." Harry saw McGonagall give a little smile.

"As fate would have it Harry, Professor McGonagall and I were discussing that you have become quite responsible over the past year. You've had opportunities to attempt to go to clubs with your teammates and didn't even try. You also have so far avoided acting at all like the growing celebrity you are becoming. And, even when you stay out too late with Miss Chang you attempt to take the blame. I think we can safely allow you and Mr. Weasley to retrieve the present. Please don't make me regret it."

"Thank you sir. I would like to thank Mr. Wilkins personally while I'm there. The gift may still be at his house anyway."

"That will be acceptable as well. You may leave tomorrow after 9:00am and make sure you are back by 3:00pm. And, try to stay out of trouble for the remainder of the holidays," Dumbledore said with a smile.

"Oh sir. Do you think it would be possible, if there is someone here to teach us that we try to get a head start on learning to Apparate?" Harry asked quickly.

"I will be here Mr. Potter and with the headmaster's permission would enjoy having a task to do," Professor McGonagall said.

"Of course, how could I refuse students wanting to learn?" Dumbledore agreed getting a familiar smile across his face.

"You know Fred and George will be upset if they hear that Dumbledore thinks your getting responsible," Ron joked, but then got a questioning look. "What made you ask about learning to Apparate?"

"I want to learn and I'd like to beat Hermione at something other than Defense. Are you in?" Harry asked hopefully.

"Sure. I'd like to get my license on the first try."