Extracurricular activities - year 6

Harry and Cho both said, "No sir." They headed downstairs with the package hovering just behind Harry. When they got to the edge of the forest Harry said, "Hagrid, if it's ok with you, I'd like us to do this alone. I don't want them to think we need to be led somewhere."

Hagrid beamed at him and said, "Knew you'd say that I did."

Harry and Cho headed into the forest. "Are you nervous?" Harry asked Cho.

"Not as much as I thought I'd be," she replied.

"Ok, before we get there I want you to know that I love you." Harry said and kept walking.

"Well then stop and kiss me," she demanded. Harry followed directions and kissed her. She quickly said, "I love you to Harry." And they continued through the forest. They turned the final corner and came to face a Giant for the first time.

If Harry thought Hagrid was big, he was not even half the size of a full giant. It had to be at least six meters tall and built solid. In a loud voice Harry heard. "What do you want human?"

"We are envoys from Hogwarts with presents for Duram and Belissa sir," Harry said confidently. "I believe they are expecting us."

"Where is your guide, the one named Hagrid?" The giant asked.

"He is at the school sir. We don't require him to travel in the forest," Harry replied.

"Follow me." The giant turned and strode down the path. Harry and Cho had to walk briskly to even keep up. They had enlarged the clearing near the caves and there were very large huts setup all around. There were a few fires going and it looked like a nice little village except that everything was three times the normal size. The giant led them to the front of the largest hut and told them to wait. Looking around, Harry saw at least ten other giants watching them. None of them looked friendly at all. He remembered the books showing how ruthless the giants were. The giant who came out of the hut was even bigger than the one who led them to it.

"My name is Duram, and this is my clan."

"My name is Harry Potter sir and this is Cho Chang we come bringing presents for you and your companion."

"Why are you not carrying your present Harry Potter? Is it too difficult for you?"

"Yes and no sir. It is quite heavy but I would have managed only I injured my arm yesterday in a sporting competition. I am not completely healed."

"Must be your Quidditch. I am a fan even though we can never see a match. What position?"

"I play seeker for the French team. Cho plays seeker for the Ravenclaw school team."

"Good. Very good. And you were injured in the match. Did you win or lose?"

"We lost sir but I did catch the Snitch."

"And the other seeker?"

"Broken wrist and leg. He is a friend of mine."

"So, you can be injured in competition with your friend and remain a friend. Good. Please come in." Harry followed him through the huge door. Everything was of enormous proportions but he did notice two chairs set to the side that were sized for he and Cho to set in. This Duram wasn't all bad Harry thought.

Another giant came out, somewhat smaller and definitely female. She touched Duram on the shoulder and approached Cho. "I am Belissa, companion of Duram."

"I am Cho Chang and this is Harry Potter. We have brought gifts." Cho handed the box to Belissa and Harry dispatched his package to the table near Duram who stood there watching Harry.

"Do they teach you that in this school Harry Potter?" Duram asked.

"No sir. I can't say exactly how I can do it. It is unusual in the wizard world."

Belissa had been opening the box and said loudly, "Duram! It's Sioni Oil. Thank you Cho Chang. I have not had this in quite some time. Duram will be pleased."

"You're welcome. Actually Harry gave me the idea for it and I couldn't think of anything better. My father located it for me," Cho said.

Duram opened his package and stared at it for a minute. He held the handle up close to his face and examined both sides carefully. Then he grabbed it by the handle and felt the weight in his hands. This was the first time Cho had seen the sword as well and she looked shocked that Harry would give him such a weapon.

"And whose idea was this?" Duram asked loudly.

"Mine sir. I had to ask a friend of mine to make it since I don't have the talent. I hope it meets with your approval. That is the correct seal on the handle isn't it?" Harry said.

"It is exactly correct Harry Potter. And the seal on the other side?" Duram asked.

"Hogwarts sir. Hoping to signify a connection between the two," Harry replied trying to sound confident.

The giant studied him for a moment and then said something to Belissa that neither Harry nor Cho understood. Belissa left the room. "I am honored by your gifts, both of them. You have made Belissa happy and have honored me beyond words with this sword." Belissa came back in the room with a carved box and a parchment. She gave the box to Cho and the parchment to Duram. The box was exquisitely carved and when Cho opened it, it started playing music that Harry had never heard before.

"This is my favorite song," Belissa said. "This box is not magical of course; you must wind the handle when it stops."

"Thank you," Cho said still looking at the box.

"I would like to ask you some questions Harry Potter. What are your opinions of giants?" Duram asked.

Harry thought for a second and remembered Dumbledore telling him to answer any questions honestly. "Well, until a few years ago, I didn't know giants existed. I didn't grow up in the wizard world. Hagrid became my friend and I only found out a few years ago that he was half-giant. So by the time I knew that giants existed, I had a good friend who was half-giant. When other students found out about Hagrid, they didn't seem happy. That's when I started hearing stories of how ruthless giants were. In doing research to find your gift, many of those stories also portrayed giants as ruthless. But I know men wrote the stories. I have had stories written about me that were false so I wouldn't form opinions from stories."

"I wonder if you can truly not judge a race based on perceptions," Duram said still giving Harry an appraising look.

Cho spoke up, "Duram sir, please forgive me for interrupting but I can offer some evidence to this. Just last year, Harry met a vampire in this forest and became involved in a relationship with her. Most wizards do not like or trust vampires at all but Harry judged her on how she acted and not on what our world thinks of them." Harry smiled at Cho for speaking up even though Dumbledore suggested she let Harry do the talking.

The giant thought for a moment and said, "And yet now, you two have a relationship. What happened to the vampire?"

"She was killed in this very spot Duram. By the same dark wizards that have convinced other giants to join with them. Cho was here as well but escaped and I barely survived," Harry said.

"Why didn't you let Hagrid escort you to our camp?" Duram asked.

"We didn't think it was necessary. We aren't afraid of anything in the forest sir," Harry said.

Cho spoke up quickly, "To be honest, Harry isn't afraid of anything and I'm not either when I'm with him."

Duram seemed to smile, "We have seen some of the creatures in the forest are you fully aware of what is in here?"

"The giant spider Aaragog is a friend and helped Cho escape. The centaurs are also friends and were the ones who carried Cho out. Either one could vouch for what we are saying," Harry said.

"They both already have Harry Potter. I just wanted to hear it from you. This is my gift to you. You honored me by giving me a weapon that could easily be used against you or your kind. I feel confident in doing the same. Giants are not troubled much by magic however there are some ancient spells that do affect us. Two are on this parchment. You will have a spell that can cause us pain and another that can kill us. I hope that if it becomes necessary, you will choose the correct one. These spells are for you alone. Do not share them with anyone."

"Thank you sir. I hope they will never be necessary as well and I will keep them private."

"You both are welcome in our camp at any time. Other giants may wish to ask you questions and I would consider it a personal favor if you answer them honestly, even if they are uncomfortable. Let me show you around."

"Sir, I do have a favor to ask. I have two friends that have been able to experience a great deal with me that are extremely disappointed to not meet you. Would it be possible if I could bring them with me sometime? They would both be excited for the opportunity to meet a giant."

"Of course. We should know more than one or two humans," Duram said. The giant took Cho and Harry around and introduced them to many other giants.

When the couple were back saying goodbye to Belissa and Duram, Harry asked a question. "Sir. Earlier you mentioned that Cho and I were in a relationship now. How did you know?"

Duram smiled. "Even giants can tell love when we see it," and Belissa squeezed Duram's arm.

Harry and Cho walked quickly out of the forest without talking much. Once out, Harry said, "Wasn't that great? They weren't so bad. Belissa really liked the oil."

Cho pulled on Harry's arm and kissed him. "What was that for?" he asked.

"Just because I do love you. That was an amazing experience. I can't believe they gave me this music box. It's beautiful," Cho said.

They went back to Dumbledore's office and told the Headmaster about the meeting but Harry didn't mention the contents of his parchment and the Headmaster didn't ask. "Sir, I asked Duram if I could take Ron and Hermione down sometime. He said it wouldn't be a problem. Would that be ok with you? I want to ask before I tell them."

"That's fine Harry, just make sure Professor McGonagall knows when you are going."

"I'm going to go tell Ron and Hermione about this," Harry said, letting Cho go to her common room. His two friends were waiting for him to come back. "They aren't so bad but man they're big!" Harry said.

"I wish we could meet them," Hermione said sadly.

"How bad do you want it Hermione?" Harry asked with a smile.

"What do you mean?" she quickly responded.

"Just what I said. What would you do for me if I can arrange it?" Harry loved this.

"She'd do about anything. You'll set me up won't you?" Ron asked.

"Will you both promise to come visit me over the summer?" Harry asked.

"Of course," Ron answered quickly.

"That's it? That's all you want?" Hermione asked.

"I want to make sure we never go long without seeing each other," Harry said. "I can take you to meet the giants pretty much anytime McGonagall says its ok."

Harry took Ron to meet the giants during their free period. Hermione was really jealous of this so Harry made a special trip with her after classes the next day. "So this is where it happened last year?" Hermione asked when she realized they were at the spot where R.J. was killed.

"Yeah. Weird they chose the same spot," Harry said. The meeting with the giants went well. Hermione seemed to get along with one certain female giant the most. The two females kept asking each other questions and Harry had to remind Hermione they needed to be going back.

"They're really interesting. I could learn a lot from them," she kept saying. "Thanks Harry, I really appreciate you bringing me down here."

"You knew I wouldn't let you miss this. I want you guys to experience all the good things that happen to me. We've been through so much."

"But now you're experiencing more things with Cho," she said.

"And you with Ron," he added quickly.

"It's not the same."

"Only because you, Ron and I have been friends for so long."

"Maybe," she said and went back to talking about giants.

"Are you excited about the ball this weekend?" Harry asked.

"Yes, I really am. I don't think Ron really wants to go but I think it will be interesting." Hermione said.

"Ever since Fleur gave me dance lessons, I kind of like it. I used to be so nervous about these things but now I enjoy them. I better not let Ron hear me say that. I wish we had won the Quidditch match. I hate the thought of going there after a loss," Harry joked.

Harry spent his next free period practicing the two spells the giant had given him. The first one 'Agriva Chocle' had a drawing of giants clutching their heads. It didn't look pleasant. The second one 'Agriva Fiola' showed them just lying down, it was the one that killed them. When Harry performed them, the 'Chocle' one caused a ring of white light to form from his wand. He didn't feel anything but assumed it only worked on giants. The 'Fiola' was a targeted spell and sent a flash of blue light toward a target. Harry practiced for the entire free period.

Saturday the group of friends went to Hogsmeade to get final things for the ball that night. Harry and Ron didn't need anything so they spent a lot of time waiting around for the girls to finish shopping. The people pointing and mumbling around Harry was worse than the last time they were in town. Ron kept trying to shoo them off which helped Harry's attitude. The girls took so long shopping that the group didn't have time to go into Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer. "I should have stayed at the school," Ron said, causing Hermione to give him a dirty look.

Walking back, Harry whispered to Cho, "Need some help getting ready?" She hit him and said, "Harry!"

Ron and Hermione looked confused but Kelly spoke up, "They're probably talking about dancing later," and gave an evil smile. At least Ron and Hermione were still confused.

Ron and Harry played chess for a while before heading to their room to get ready. Harry left to wait on Cho in her common room. Luckily there was a Ravenclaw boy who let him in to wait. He talked with a couple of the other boys waiting on their dates.

Cho and her friends came down together again. Cho had a different robe, but it was still deep red with oriental designs. The brooch looked good pinned to her chest. He told her that she looked amazing and saw Kelly go to the same boy as the last ball. They all headed to the great hall to leave. There would be portkeys setup for them to use. They stood around and talked until most of the other students had already gone. Hermione and Ron went and it was just Cho's friends and their dates left to go. "If they start throwing things at me since I lost the match, I won't be mad if you all move away," Harry only half-joked.

Harry touched the portkey with Cho and could tell the difference in the surroundings, even without looking. It smelled so much better here. Looking around, it seemed more colorful and there were flowers all around. They were in a strikingly pretty hall.

Suddenly he heard. "'Arry! Finally you are here." Fleur had come over. "Please, let me introduce you to the headmistress. Come." Fleur was dragging Harry, so Harry was dragging Cho.

The trio stopped in front of a very elegant older lady. "Headmistress Lebon, this is my friend Harry Potter and his date Miss Chang."

Harry stepped forward and took her hand lightly saying, "Headmistress Lebon, it is a pleasure. If you had a hand in teaching Fleur, let me congratulate you on a marvelous job. Your hall is quite stunning."

The lady beamed with pride and said, "Welcome Mr. Potter. Fleur has talked non-stop about you. After your performance in the match last week and meeting you now, I see it was deserved."

"Thank you Headmistress. In respect to my date, I'd prefer to speak English so she can know when I am complimenting her. I am surprised you haven't thrown things at me since we lost that match," Harry said.

"You have nothing to be ashamed of Mr. Potter. That was one of the finest performances I have ever seen. No one in France would dare say a bad thing about your efforts. We are very proud of our team," she said. The Headmistress quickly gave an amused smile and said, "I have a little surprise for you later."

"I am looking forward to it. I should get Cho over to her friends now. It was nice meeting you," Harry said and he and Cho walked toward the table where her friends had saved a seat. French students kept coming up asking if he was Harry Potter and then giggling away.

When they got to the table, Kelly poked his arm and asked jokingly, "Are you Harry Potter?"

"Cho. I'm going to have to hurt your friend," Harry joked back. Then he leaned closer and said, "Have I told you that you look amazing?" She just smiled and kissed him on the cheek. Harry noticed others at the table ordering wine and champagne. Cho wanted a wine so Harry decided to try one as well.

Cho told him to make sure he sipped it and go slowly. She whispered, "I want you to be useful back at the castle," and then squeezed his arm.

The first song started playing and before Harry could say anything, Fleur was over asking him to dance. He looked at Cho and she just nodded. Fleur took him to the floor, which only had a few people at first, and they began to dance. "What do you think of Beauxbatons so far?" Fleur asked.

"The colors and smell are great. It is much more brilliant than Hogwarts."

"I like it when you speak my language. There are so many people who wish to meet you. The headmistress asked the students to provide you privacy and to not ask about Quidditch."

"I'll remember to thank her for that. I'm still surprised they're not mad at me. Where's Gabrielle?"

"Oh, she will make an entrance later. I'm sure she will make herself known to you."

They danced and talked for a couple songs and it just felt easy and comfortable dancing with Fleur. He then went back to the table but Cho stood up before he could sit down. "I have a feeling you won't be spending much time with me tonight so we should dance while we have the chance."

"Cho, I don't mind telling anyone no if they want to pull me away from you. All I care about is you having a good time," Harry said honestly.

"That's the right answer but I wouldn't have it. You are a celebrity here and I can live with that as long as everybody knows who you came with."

"Then, let's make that obvious right now," Harry said and gave her a nice kiss while dancing. The more they danced, the more they seemed to know how each other would move. They had kissed a couple more times before the songs were over and they went to sit back down.

"Can you two be anymore obvious?" Kelly said.

"Mission accomplished," Harry said to Cho who just smiled at him.

Harry had danced with another French student and had just sat down when Cho pointed to the door and said, "Someone special?" Harry turned and stared at a stunningly pretty girl walking in with a beautiful flowing white dress. She really looked like an angel. Harry could tell the girl was young, but didn't have a good guess which year. Cho guessed third and one of her friends guessed fourth. She cut a path directly across the dance floor toward their table. When the girl got closer, Harry recognized her as Gabrielle, Fleur's little sister. She was a first-year. Harry told Cho this and she didn't believe him.

Gabrielle walked right up to Harry smiling and said, "I'm so glad you came tonight. I wanted to thank you for saving me ever since the competition. "

"You really didn't need saving Gabrielle, I should have known better. You really look nice tonight. Where's your date?"

"I didn't want a date tonight," she said with an air of confidence.

Switching to English, Harry said, "Gabrielle Delacour, this is my girlfriend Cho Chang and these are our friends." Harry introduced everyone. "Everyone, this is Gabrielle, Fleur's sister." Gabrielle stood there for a second and Cho elbowed Harry, "Oh, Gabrielle, would you please dance with me?"

The little girl's eyes lit up and she said, "Of course Harry, I'd love to."

Harry went to the dance floor with her and was glad she was tall for her age. That didn't make the age difference seem as obvious. Gabrielle kept steering them around to the edges of the dance floor, making sure everyone saw them. She was a very good dancer, just like Fleur. After a couple of dances, she said, "Would you like to meet some of my friends?"

"I'd love to," Harry answered, not wanting to offend her. She even introduced him to a couple of her teachers who seemed quite proud of her. Harry could tell, she would grow up to be a woman just like Fleur who could use her beauty and charm to get anything. Thankfully, Fleur caught up to them and told Gabrielle to let Harry go back to his date. He promised to dance with her again before he left and rejoined Cho.

Cho smiled and kissed him but Kelly said, "My gosh that girl's got it bad." They all started laughing at him and then the headmistress made an announcement in both French and English.

"I want to welcome everyone here. It gives me pleasure to see so many students from Hogwarts enjoying the Beauxbaton hospitality. I want to say a special thanks to Professor Dumbledore and Fleur Delacour for arranging all of this. As all of the Beauxbaton students are aware, we have one of our very own French National team members here tonight. But, as you all will not be aware, we have more than one. Here as a special guest of mine is another outstanding member of the team. Please welcome Kristi Belig, chaser for our team." There was thundering applause and cheers from the men. Kristi walked out in a black dress robe that just seemed to glow. A diamond necklace hung low on her chest. She really looked stunning. "As a special favor to me, I would like to request that our two team members dance the next set of songs. Harry Potter, would you please come up here?" Harry looked pleadingly at Cho who didn't seem happy but pushed him up. There was loud clapping as harry walked up to Kristi who extended her hand.

Harry took it and went to the center of the dance floor and began to dance when the music started. "You clean up well schoolboy," Kristi said. She was a very good dancer.

"You look amazing Kristi. What brought you here?" Harry asked while trying to concentrate on dancing as well as he could. He didn't know why but he wanted to impress her.

"The Headmistress is an old friend but I was also curious how you acted in your world. From what I saw you fit in nicely in both," she said. It felt like she held him a little tighter. "Don't worry; I won't be too rough with you," she said with a smile.

Harry smiled back and said, "Rough. I'm not worried at all. You didn't know that my girlfriend last year was a vampire. Now, she could be rough." Kristi looked kind of stunned but Harry held her gaze.

"Is your little friend going to be upset with you for dancing?" Kristi asked.

"Of course not, she trusts me," he replied and continued holding Kristi quite close.

"As well she should," Kristi said with an evil smile. Near the end of the second song Kristi said, "I don't want that to be our last dance of the evening. I expect another for coming all this way to see you."

"I'm looking forward to it. And, you do look amazing," Harry said as the song ended and many people clapped. Kristi went back to the Headmaster's table and Harry went back to Cho.

She didn't look happy and then Kelly said, "Thought we were going to have to hose you two down."

"You did seem a little friendly with her," Cho said obviously not happy.

"I would rather be dancing with you. Want to go again to make sure everyone knows you're what I want," Harry said and Cho agreed.

Harry made sure to show her that she was the most important thing in the room. They smiled, talked and kissed during the three songs they were up for. The evening had been going well; Harry managed to avoid dancing much except with Cho. He had danced with Hermione and Ginny but Cho didn't mind that. Harry remembered that he said he would dance with Kristi again. He was talking to Cho when he heard. "Miss Chang. Would you mind terribly if I had one more dance with your date before I leave?" It was Kristi.

"Of course not Miss Belig, because I know Harry will be leaving with me tonight," Cho said confidently. Harry was worried.

He started dancing with Kristi, trying to not look like he was enjoying it so much. "You're in a bit of trouble aren't you schoolboy?" Kristi asked, obviously enjoying Harry's discomfort.

"A bit. I'm going to have to work to get out of it," he said giving her a sly smile.

"You know, I did some checking this evening and turns out you really did have a heated relationship with a gorgeous vampire last year. I wouldn't have guessed it."

"I don't lie Kristi. If you ask me a question and I answer, it will be the truth."

"I'm beginning to realize that. What's with the little Delacour girl? Do you know her family is very wealthy and influential? The older one fits you better."

"I pulled Gabrielle from the bottom of a lake a few years ago and she thinks I'm her hero now, that's it. I didn't know they were wealthy, I've never heard of the family before."

"For some reason, I believe you. You've got another year left at school. How do you think your friend will handle being out in the real world with you still there?" she asked and this thought hit a nerve with Harry.

"I hope she handles it well. Honestly I'm worried about that. I love her," and with that the second song was over. Kristi walked back to the Harry's table.

Kristi looked at Cho and said, "You handled yourself better than I would have in your place tonight. Harry's lucky to have you. Goodnight," and then the chaser walked out.

Cho and the rest of the table looked stunned. "What did you say to her?" Cho asked looking thoroughly confused.

"I told her I loved you," Harry answered honestly. And, just like that, he was out of trouble. Harry danced with Fleur and Gabrielle each one more time and again with Cho before they headed back to the portkeys. A few older students came over and asked for Harry's autograph which he reluctantly gave them before leaving.

When Harry was walking Cho back, she stopped and said, "I have a surprise. I begged Professor Thielson to let me stay out all night again. Interested in staying with me?"

Harry's eyes lit up and they sneaked up to the room. "I'm sorry I acted mad when you danced with Kristi? She's just so confident and beautiful," Cho said letting her head droop a little.

"And so are you Cho." Maybe it was the wine they had or maybe it was seeing Harry dancing with Kristi but Cho was much more aggressive tonight. The love making session lasted quite a while before the two resting and ended up going at it again. While getting dressed Harry said, "I don't know what got into tonight but you were amazing. I'll be dreaming about this night for a long time."

They were both able to make it to their rooms without getting caught. Harry lay on his bed for a while just thinking about this evening. It had been a strange and exciting night.

Harry stayed in bed all through breakfast and didn't get up until just before lunch. He showered and found his friends sitting in the great hall reading. "So, you finally decided to get up," Ron joked while half heartedly flipping through his book.

"How much trouble are you in?" Hermione asked looking worried.

"Trouble? What did I do to be in trouble for?" Harry replied with a smile.

"Dancing with Kristi of course."

"Why would I be in trouble for dancing with her when Cho said it was ok? Besides, I made it up to her last night," Harry said raising one eyebrow at Hermione. Owls starting flying in and Harry said, "Bit late for mail isn't it?"

"You did seem to enjoy dancing with Kristi," Ron said, trying to get Harry to talk about her more.

Harry started to respond when Hermione said with a very serious tone, "Look at this."

Is it starting again?

The Dark Mark was seen over two homes in small wizarding villages in Spain yesterday. In both cases the families had been the victims of the killing curse. In what is probably a related instance, giants attacked a small village in northern Turkey killing seven.

Even the ministry is beginning to admit that this resembles the rise to power of You-Know-Who. Families who remember the times over sixteen years ago are beginning to demand to know what the ministry is going to do to stop it this time. Ministry spokesmen had no comments as of yet.

"Not surprising really," Harry said calmly. "We knew he was back and if the giants are picking sides, they know what's going on. I had a chance last year to stop him and couldn't do it." Harry hung his head sadly.

"Think you'll still be able to play for France?" Ron asked having already decided his own priorities in life.

Harry hadn't even considered stopping. "I'm still playing. I'm under contract to play and that's what I'm going to do."

"Harry. It may be too dangerous to continue," Hermione said clearly worried for his safety.

"Hermione. No one's come after me since last year. They've hurt people far away. I'm no more at risk than any other person." Harry said having made up his mind already.

Everyone was a little more on edge at the school once the news spread. People paid a little more attention in classes and just didn't seem as happy. Professor McGonagall wanted to speak to Harry before class one day. "Are you sure about continuing to play Quidditch Mr. Potter?

"Of course Professor. Things have happened far away. Maybe they'll happen closer but I don't really intend to change my plans because of them now. I'm having the best times of my life. Look what happened last year at the school with extra security and everything. It can't be stopped if it's coming."

"That's what Professor Dumbledore told me you'd say. I would like to limit your guests to Miss Chang only. Miss Delacour and I will also continue to attend but we don't want other students there."

"I understand. I'm going to make sure Cho still wants to come. Don't worry Professor, I'll be ok. I'm not scared at all."

"That's what worries me Mr. Potter. You should be scared; it will make you be more careful."

The next time Harry saw Fleur she was very excited. "'Arry. You have made Gabrielle's year special. She is the talk of the school about how she just walked up and talked to you and how you came with her to meet her friends. I really thank you for being so kind to her." Fleur kissed him on both cheeks which always made him turn bright red.

"It was fun Fleur. She's going to turn out just like you; confident, smart and beautiful."

"Young 'Arry is learning what we want to hear," the Professor said smiling.

At practice Saturday, Coach told them that there may be extra security around but other than that, nothing was said. Harry liked being around people who didn't assume he was the target anytime something bad happened. They had a good practice and were preparing for Romania. After practice Kristi came up, "So you're still walking. She must not have been too hard on you."

"It wasn't too bad. I've been through worse. Thanks for saying that to her when you left. That's probably why she let me off easy," said Harry.

"No problem. I didn't want to get you into real trouble. Not yet anyway," Kristi said before giving a slight smile and walking off.

Harry went back to the school to watch Gryffindor take on Slytherin. He sat with Cho and the rest of her team for the match. It ended up being a real close match and Ginny saved the day with a great grab of the Snitch out from in front of Draco Malfoy. "So, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw going for the Quidditch cup this year," Harry said to the Ravenclaw team.

He and Cho went down to congratulate the Gryffindor team. "I hope you guys make more mistakes against us than you did today. You played really well," Cho said.

"I hope you make more than Slytherin did so we can beat you," Ron said still worn out from the match.

Harry and Cho went to see the giants after the Quidditch match. They had heard about the attacks and were not happy about them. Harry and Cho didn't stay long and went back to the castle early. "Cho do you still want to come to my matches? It may be safer for you here since there have been some attacks," Harry asked.

"Of course I want to come. If you're going, I want to be there," she quickly said, leaving no doubt what she wanted.

"I was hoping you'd say that. Besides, I have the good luck charm so we'll be ok," he added. "I'm getting a pass for Charlie Weasley. He's still working with dragons there."