Til The End

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'Til The End

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Cho did not see too much of the young disciple Jing-Li over the rest of her vacation. The girl practically trained non-stop. According to her grandmother, Zhao Jing-Li was a year younger than herself, but had shown a startling aptitude for the laborious vocation in school. The other Shen Wu Mages, on account of her young age, refused to train her, but the tenacious girl had kept up a steady barrage of requests, and finally, Cho's grandmother had been called back to deal with her. Madame Sai-Yu Chang, to the surprise of the other Mages of the league, not only consented to train her, but took a liking to the girl and had plans for her to become the top disciple when she had finished with all the levels of training. Needless to say, Jing-Li had been very grateful, and had set about her tasks and tests with a vigor and single-mindedness that Cho marveled at. However, with the brief time that they did spend in each other's company, Cho had managed to teach the younger girl a sizable amount of English profanity, and with the temper that Jing-Li evinced whenever someone insulted her about being a young female upstart in trying to be a Mage, she felt sure that the younger girl would, indeed, find time to use the words.

However, summer vacation quickly came to an end, and Cho once again found herself back home in Britain, going to Diagon Alley with her parents and purchasing the new things that she would be needing this term. As she was walking out of Flourish and Blotts, she met up with a beaming Fleur Delacour, hand-in-hand with a tall, cool-looking young man with long red hair.

"Cho! 'Ow was your summer?" the blonde part-veela called out. Cho walked over with a smile.

"It was excellent, I spent most of it in China with my grandmother," Cho replied, looking curiously at the young man with Fleur. Something about him looked vaguely familiar...

"Say, weren't you at Hogwarts watching the Final Task at the Triwizard Tournament?" she blurted out, then blushed slightly, "Sorry; I'm Cho Chang, by the way."

The young man merely grinned in a friendly fashion at her, "Yes, you're right. I'm Bill Weasley." He held out a hand for her to shake, "You might know my brothers Ron, Fred, George and Percy."

"Yes, Fred and George graduated last year, didn't they? I remember them from Quidditch." Cho answered, "So, how long have you known each other?"

Fleur blushed slightly, "Well, when I came 'ere for work, zey sent me to stay wis ze Weasley family. So, we got to know each ozer..." her blush deepened slightly, and then, she grinned at Cho. "My leetle seester Gabrielle shall be going to 'Ogwarts zis year; you'll see 'er on ze train. She did not come to Diagon Alley today zough. She wanted to wait for 'Arry and 'Ermione to arrive at ze Burrow tomorrow and come wis zem. I am just 'ere to pick up some school supplies."

At that moment, a glance at the clock hanging over another shop told her that her parents would be waiting for her. "I have to go now," Cho hefted her purchases over her shoulder and prepared to leave, "Bye!"

Fleur waved, and something on her hand sparkled in the sunlight. Cho abruptly turned back and stared silently for a moment. Then, a big grin spread across her face, "Am I supposed to call you Professor Weasley now?"

* * *

One week later, Cho Chang boarded the Hogwarts Express and made her way up to the front compartment to join the rest of the Prefects. It was still rather early, so the only ones there were Hermione Granger, with her nose buried in a well-thumbed copy of Advanced Calcular Theory: Differentimancy and Integrametics by Nouten I. Sachs, and Ginny Weasley and Justin Finch-Fletchley, sitting close together, heads bent over a game of Scrabble, which the latter was teaching the former how to play. All three waved when she came in. Several moments later, they were joined by Draco Malfoy, who sneered at Hermione, but wisely kept his mouth shut. Cho addressed the blond Slytherin.

"Quidditch captain this year?"

Malfoy nodded and smirked, "We'll win this time around."

Cho smirked right back at him, "You just keep on thinking that, Malfoy." She turned to Ginny, "I'm assuming that Harry is captain this year as well?"

The petite redhead nodded, "Yes, we'll have to hold tryouts soon, we've so many positions open right now! I hope our team will be up to scratch this year."

"We're only short a Chaser. Isn't that the same with the Badgers, Justin?"

"Yes, we'll probably move one of the reserves up, though. Depends on who made the most improvement over the summer," Justin replied with a smile.

Gradually, the other Prefects, along with Head Boy and Hufflepuff captain Samuel McKinnon, started coming to the compartment. Everyone talked briefly, and decided to make the first Prefect meeting of the year on Wednesday evening after dinner. After that had been decided, everyone went about their own business, and several people started to leave the compartment. Hermione finished up her Arithmancy reading and stood up.

"Ginny, don't you think we should go and rescue Gabrielle from the boys?" she asked.

"Just a minute," Ginny murmured, "I want to finish this game with Justin." Hermione looked somewhat surprised.

"Here, Hermione, I'll go with you. I saw Fleur in Diagon Alley, and she mentioned that her sister would be starting Hogwarts," Cho offered, straightening her robes and standing up.

"All right, then," Hermione nodded, standing up as well. The two girls walked out of the compartment, leaving Ginny and Justin to their own devices.

Cho followed the younger girl as she walked towards the back of the train. They walked until Hermione stopped at a compartment and opened up the door. Cho looked inside, and saw the back of Ron Weasley's head, and across from Ron, blushing slightly, with a cherubic-looking little girl clinging to his arm, sat Harry Potter. Everyone looked up as Hermione and Cho entered the compartment.

"Hello everyone," Cho greeted. Harry smiled and greeted her back politely. Ron turned directly to Hermione.

"Where's my sister?"

Hermione shrugged, "She's still in the Prefects' compartment. Playing Scrabble with Justin."

The redheaded boy goggled at Hermione, "Are you DAFT?! Leaving my poor, defenseless baby sister ALONE with a BOY?!" he sputtered. "She's only fifteen!"

Hermione raised an eyebrow, "So? It's not like she's entirely helpless. She did grow up with six brothers, four of whom are total Quidditch fanatics. I daresay that she can take care of herself. Besides, I left her with Justin. It's not like I left her to Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle's tender mercies."

Ron looked a little sick at that idea, "But... what if Finch-Fletchley decides that he fancies her or something? We can't have that!"

"Why not? He's a perfectly good sort, and he's a Prefect."

The two continued bickering amongst themselves. Cho smiled wryly and sat down next to the other two occupants of the compartment, "They do this a lot?" she asked Harry.

Harry chuckled and rolled his eyes, "It's all right. They know where the Astronomy Tower is, if they want to make up and snog." Gabrielle giggled, and Ron and Hermione paused in their little argument long enough to glare at Harry and tell him to shut up.

Cho laughed, then turned to the little girl, "So, Gabrielle, excited about going to Hogwarts?"

"Oui!" the little girl piped up, looking at Cho curiously, "You were wis me in ze lake two years ago, non?"

"Yes, I was. You've grown several inches taller since then." Cho smiled, "Which house do you think you will be sorted into?"

"I don't care, as long as I don't 'ave zat one wis ze overgrown bat as ze 'Ead of 'Ouse," Gabrielle said candidly. Cho laughed.

"Just don't let Professor Snape hear you calling him that, all right?"

"I won't!" Gabrielle smiled beatifically, "What's your name? You know mine, but I don't know yours."

"Oh, I'm Cho. Cho Chang. I'm your Head Girl this year, if you need any help with anything."

Gabrielle nodded, looking at her for a moment before turning back to Harry. "'Arry, you should grow your 'air out like Cho's, zen put it in a braid. It would be vairy pretty and much less messy zat way."

Laughter echoed throughout the train compartment.

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Owl from C. Chang to R. Davies, 4 September

Roger,

I hope that you had no lasting romantic interests in Fleur Delacour, because she's Fleur Delacour no more! She married Bill Weasley (eldest brother of the Weasley twins who used to be Beaters on the Gryffindor team) over the summer, and is quite over the moon about it. However, she has managed something that thus far had not been accomplished, and is still teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts this year. She sends her regards. Her little sister Gabrielle has started at Hogwarts, and has been sorted into Ravenclaw House, along with three other girls and two boys.

The first Prefect meeting was yesterday. It's quite interesting how different things are depending on who is in charge. Certainly less nonsense goes on without Warrington as Head Boy! But Catherine Whitby from Hufflepuff and Colin Creevey from Gryffindor keep things interesting with their antics. I swear, it is almost like having a slightly diluted version of the Weasley twins sometimes!

This is the third consecutive year that a Ravenclaw has been Head Girl. First, there was Penny Clearwater. Then, there was Charisse Weston, and now, me. However, I daresay that next year, Hermione Granger of Gryffindor will get the job. No matter, she'll perform admirably. For one thing, she got the highest O.W.L. scores in the last fifty years.

Aside from the aforementioned Catherine Whitby and Colin Creevey, the newest Prefects all seem to be a serious, dedicated bunch. Ginny Weasley and Justin Finch-Fletchley sometimes fail to pay attention to announcements, because they keep on glancing at each other (hmmm....), but as they mean and have done no harm, I can forgive them... usually. Besides, the two of them, from what I hear, get more than their share of death glares already from Ginny's brother Ron, who seems to believe very firmly that his sister is not to look at or be looked at by any male of her generation outside of family until she has reached approximately the same age as Professor McGonagall.

Quidditch tryouts are going to take place next week. As I have my own quarters and have not been in the Ravenclaw common room very frequently this year, I have no idea how many will show up, but I have posted up the notice. Let's hope that we get a competent Chaser this year! With Zach gone off to work for the Department of Experimental Charms, we're one player short.

I've received one letter from Charisse. She seems to be keeping herself busy, although she has been markedly vague in talking about what it is that she does. I wonder...

I hope that things are going as well as they could for you. Keep your head held high, and remember that, if nothing else, we will always have each other for support and friendship. Keep in touch when you can!

Yours,

Cho

* * *

Three people showed up for Chaser tryouts. Sixth year Stephen Cornfoot, third year Stewart Ackerley, and second year Una Markham were all standing on the pitch, alert and ready, when Cho and the rest of the Ravenclaw team arrived. The first two were looking calm, somewhat hopeful, but the small second year girl was practically bouncing in excitement, bright green eyes sparkling with anticipation. She waved cheerfully at Cho, who grinned and waved back.

Stephen tried first, and did a tolerable job. However, he rather lacked the speed and energy that was required for the position. After his tryout, he shrugged, and sat down in the stands to watch the remaining two contenders.

Stewart, though certainly fast, did not aim very accurately, nor catch the Quaffle when Su or David passed it to him often and quickly enough. Cho gave him an apologetic look, but he merely walked back to the castle.

Una, on the other hand, eagerly accepted the Nimbus 2000 handed her, clambered on with the ease of someone who knew exactly what she was doing, and not only performed seamlessly as a team with the other two chasers, but managed to do several rather astonishing aerial acrobatics in the meantime, as she artfully dodged the bludgers. When she dismounted ten minutes later, everyone cheered. The small girl blushed.

Cho stepped forward, smiling. "Welcome to the team, Una! That was brilliant!"

"Thank you," Una said happily; "I spent part of the summer at Yumiko's house. Mr. Sato works at Quality Quidditch supplies, you know, and they have lots of broomsticks at their house. But Yumiko is afraid of heights, so she let me fly on her broomstick."

"Well, you did an excellent job! With practice, you'll become a real credit to the team." Cho packed away the Quidditch supplies in the broom shed, and walked alongside the younger girl back to the castle.

Una grinned, green eyes dancing, "I hope so! We better beat Slytherin again this year, there are just some people in that house that are utterly intolerable to have around unless they're getting their arses kicked."

Cho chuckled wryly, "By 'some people', I'm assuming you're referring to Anthony Weston."

"Well... of course! He's a prat." Una wrinkled her nose.

"Perhaps. But who knows, he might change for the better in the future," Cho suggested. Una shook her head adamantly.

"No. He wouldn't be Anthony Weston if he weren't a snarky bugger."

Cho laughed, "If you say so."

* * *

Owl from R. Davies to C. Chang 16 September

Cho,

So, Fleur is married? Good for her! Give her my congratulations next time you see her. And no, I do NOT have any lasting feelings for her. But Bill Weasley is a lucky man.

Today, we were able to learn from an informant that the Dark Lord is going to attack the household of a Muggle family. You might know their son, Dean Thomas. If I recall correctly, he's a Gryffindor Prefect. However, we're ready for them. A group of Aurors have already been stationed around their house, and several others will join them on the planned day of the attack. It's a blessing that we have these informants who, at great risk to their own safety, are willing to find out for us the plans of the Death Eaters.

I'm very glad that you found a replacement for Zach. If I see him, I'll let him know. This just shows that Muggleborns are no less talented than purebloods when it comes to magic, and it's really too bad that there are many in the Ministry who can't see this.

I would make this letter longer, but there is no time right now. I must go now; wish me luck!

Yours,

Roger

* * *

The first Quidditch game of the year took place on a windy November day. Slytherin was playing Hufflepuff, and Cho and the rest of the Ravenclaw team were watching in the stands.

Next to Cho, small hands wrapped around a cup of hot cocoa, sat Una Markham. The younger girl had her eyes glued on the pitch, where any moment now, would be filled with players from the two teams. "I wonder who they're going to have to replace Warrington and Nott," she mused quietly. Cho shrugged.

"Whoever they are, they're probably fairly young. But I guess we'll see. You, as a Chaser, should pay especial attention to whom they're playing as Keeper, and how good he or she is."

Una nodded, but before she could say anything else, the sound of rushing air filled their ears as the Quidditch players started zooming onto the pitch. They watched as Draco Malfoy shook hands with Paul McKinnon, and then, as both captains took their places in the air. The whistle blew, and the game began.

Susan Bones captured the Quaffle almost immediately, dodged a bludger from Millicent Bulstrode, and shot towards the goals. She aimed, lightning fast... Cho was sure that she would score...

But the dark-headed form of the new Keeper seemed to zoom from nowhere, blocking her shot. Cho's eyes widened, and next to her, she heard Una give a little shriek, "Blimey!"

The girl had a pair of omniculars up to her eyes, and she was staring fixedly at the Keeper, mouth agape. Cho immediately lifted her own omniculars and looked in the same direction, focusing in on the new Keeper. As if he felt their eyes on them, the Keeper smirked as he blocked another shot, this time from new Hufflepuff chaser Emma Dobbs.

He was none other than Anthony Weston. Charisse's younger brother. The one who called Una a mudblood and as far as Cho could tell, would grow up to become the type of person that Roger was probably trying to capture at that very moment.

Una's statement a moment later captured her sentiments exactly.

"Bloody hell!"

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All right! And we have both Anthony and Una playing Quidditch! This should be fun, when they're up against each other... heh. And yes, the Ravenclaw/Slytherin game will be one of the legendary ones... I promise! But that's for the next chapter. REVIEW!!