Second Door to the Right

Chapter Two: Hail Caesar!

"Cho, c'mon! Everyone's leaving!"

"Oh, right. You go on ahead, Celeste. I'll catch up."

"Whatever. What's gotten into you? You haven't been the same since you talked to Harry."

Celeste stood in front her friend with her arms crossed, and huffed impatiently.

"Well, see you up at the castle then."

True, Cho should have left by now, but she was still dwelling on Harry's words. Cedric was such a hero, she thought, smiling. I wouldn't have had him die anywhere else. Then again, why did he have to die...? She shook her head fervently. No, I can't think of that. I mustn't dwell on the past, especially after what Harry said. It must have taken a lot of willpower to think of that night again, and even more just to say it aloud. I know I would never be able to do that.

Sighing, Cho walked off the Hogwarts Express and into the throng of students, who were all chatting noisily. She caught up with Celeste, who seemed relieved that Cho had arrived.

"You wanna watch out," Celeste whispered urgently. "He's here."

"Oh, no...this is absolute worst way to start school. Great..."

Suddenly, two hands landed on Cho's waist. For a fleeting second, she thought it was Cedric, but this pleasant fantasy was soon shattered.

"Hail Caesar!"

"Sod off, Othello!"

Cho furiously pushed off Othello Caesar's hands and spun around. She loathed Caesar more than anyone in the school, even Snape. From an objective standpoint, she could see that he was rather good-looking. With light brown hair spiked in the front and blue eyes, no wonder girls were always queuing up to go out with him. However, he ignored them all, except when an attractive blonde wandered by, and instead focused on tormenting Cho.

"I never want to see you again! And don't you dare lay your hands on me again!"

"Ooh, look at that, everyone. It's Cho with the comeback. C'mon, darling, didn't you miss me?"

After slapping Caesar's hands (they were inching towards her waist again), she snapped back, "I missed Filch more than you!"

"Well, darling, d'you know what I missed?"

"What?" Cho retorted exasperatedly.

"Astronomy. I missed seeing Uranus. Ha ha!"

Caesar's friends chortled and pointed at Cho, whispering what she thought were very nasty comments, most likely about her.

"C'mon, Cho," Celeste quietly insisted, tugging at her friend's robes. "Let's go."

Taking advantage of the still heartily laughing Caesar, the two of them dashed further into the crowd, not stopping until they had put quite a distance between themselves and Caesar.

"You'd think that he'd blow himself up with his wand over the summer," panted Cho, "and we'd never see him again."

"Dammit, he's so perverted," Celeste remarked, shaking her head. "The Ministry should pass an educational decree for that: No pervs are allowed to attend Hogwarts."

"I couldn't agree more. We have to catch up; just about everyone's already at the Great Hall, and I wouldn't say no to a treacle tart or two."

With that, the two friends sped away, tripping over many students' robes along the way, heading to the towering towers and turrets of the aged Hogwarts.

* * *

"Can't they hurry up with the damn Sorting? I'm hungry!"

Ron banged the table with his fists in frustration, and was quickly reprimanded for his behavior by Hermione.

"RON! How many times do I have to tell you that the Sorting is one of the most important events at Hogwarts? It'll always be important than the feast. And also, don't make such a loud fuss. The teachers will hear you."

"Damn the teachers; I want food," he muttered violently, so softly that only Harry could hear him.

Privately, he agreed with Ron. The teachers and the little first years were of little importance compared to the mounds of food that would soon be piled on the table. To Harry, this would be his first complete meal since the leaving feast of last year, and no one, he thought, needed the food more than he. He dared not voice this aloud, however, for Hermione seemed to be in a bad mood already. Harry saw that Hermione was murmuring something, so he carefully leaned to hear some of her mumblings. She seemed infuriated, indeed.

"What were they thinking...How could I not be a prefect...Paravati...what did she ever do...hmph...I would assume...of course...I'm the obvious choice...I was expecting it all summer and then I don't get the badge...well then..."

Good Lord, Harry thought, she's still fuming about not being a prefect. Over the summer, just the day after receiving his letter from Hogwarts, a tear-splotched note came from Hermione. Her normally impeccable letters were slanted in odd and random directions. The note was short. I was not made prefect. See you at school. Harry knew that she had been expecting to receive a prefect badge since her first year, ever since she saw Percy toting his badge. He understood clearly how disappointed Hermione must be. After all, she had the highest expectations of their year, possibly the entire school; however, he just couldn't grasp why she could not simply forget about it. No complaining would ever help Hermione attain the status of a prefect. On the contrary, it would probably only serve to distance herself further from it.

Thankfully, at that moment, Dumbledore began to speak. Hermione, who was always attentive in every situation, immediately ended her self-rambling and looked up at the headmaster, so old yet so full of life and youth.

"Welcome to Hogwarts, be this your first year or your last year. Before the feast begins - ("Yeah! Food!" Ron whispered enthusiastically, gawking at Dumbledore with a hungry look.) - I have a couple announcements to make. The Forbidden Forest is off limits to all students, as it has been for every single year."

Dumbledore paused and looked around the Great Hall, and to Harry, it seemed he was looking at the older students.

"Now, a new activity will be taking place this year, but it is only for students in their fifth year or higher. Two balls will be held this year, one around the Christmas holidays and the other around Easter, though the exact dates have yet to be determined. If any students in their fourth year or lower are caught at either of the balls, they will be punished."

Harry's heart jumped as he immediately thought of the disastrous Yule Ball held last year. He had asked Cho, but Cedric had beaten him there. But since Cedric wasn't here anymore, maybe he'd have a chance...He shook his head. The mere thought of Cho and her loveliness made him a tad dizzy...and the mere thought of himself and Cho together, a sure distraction indeed...

* * *

"I wish they had started the balls last year. We missed out on a whole year of flirting! There was this Hufflepuff boy - he's graduated last year - I really wanted to ask me out, and if he was still here..." Celeste said impatiently, her eyes alight with fervor.

Cho glared at her friend. Is that all she ever thinks about, she thought, catching the attention of some pretty shallow guys. Well, Cedric isn't shallow, no, not at all...

Thinking of Cedric brought back one of the sweetest memories she possessed. The Yule Ball, when he had asked her out. She remembered opening the ball with her darling...his arms around her...the walk outside by the rose bushes...Cedric had tenderly picked one...placed it in her hair...kissed her...held her close...

Snap out of it, Cho, she told herself. No point it getting nostalgic now. You know what you set out to learn, and that should be enough.

She scanned the Great Hall, looking at familiar faces. She saw her "friends" from last year: Lara, Adrienne, and Solara. Cho had been alienated from them as soon as they had heard that she was going with Cedric to the ball, and even by Hogwarts standards, the news traveled fast ("Cedric shouldn't have asked me in one of the most crowded corridors in the school," she told Celeste later). Apparently, they had fancied him as well, and an argument had ensued as to who Cedric liked most, culminating in Cho shouting (across the dorm), "Well, get the bloody hell out of here if you're so jealous!"

Not like they cared much for me, anyway, she thought indifferently. Celeste is my only true friend. And Cedric was too, but you know...

Her gaze fell on Harry, who was talking to Ron, gesticulating as he went. Cho felt the corners of her mouth go up slightly, forming a vague smile. Feeling a bit sympathetic, she thought about when he had asked her to the ball. The poor dear seemed so nervous, she thought. I just wanted to reach out and tell him it would be okay.

Cho remembered she was just as curious about the famous Harry Potter the day he had arrived at Hogwarts, the whispers in the corridors about him and his scar. She recalled telling anyone who would listen that she would never want to be famous. She also remembered when her parents had compared her to Harry after her second year, when he had saved the Sorcerer's Stone. "Oh, Cho, if only you could be half as brave as he was," they had told her. She expected to feel resentment towards Harry for the remainder of her life just for this comment, but soon realized he had no fault in it.

She sighed, suddenly aware of the fact her worst memories were, more often than not, connected with the great Harry Potter...not that it really mattered...

His black hair was as untidy as ever, his green eyes so unbelievably luminous...

Cho caught her breath, and found she was staring at Harry.

For an instant, Cedric's disapproving face crossed her mind, but the image soon evaporated. She was falling into his eyes, traveling through its endless, green labyrinth, twisting and turning. She was following the movement of his lips as he spoke, a sudden urge seized her to walk up to the Gryffindor table and place those lips over her own. His hair, once a nuisance, a flaw, now so endearing, his eyes, how they had taken up a brighter green, outshining the stars, the diamonds, outshining virtually everything...

Except Cho's lust for him.

I think I'm in love, she thought breathlessly.

I think I'm in love with Harry Potter.

* * *

The next morning, Professor McGonagall bustled about the Gryffindors at breakfast, handing out schedules. Hermione nearly snatched her own out of the Professor's hand.

"Look at this, Ron," she pointed out. "Our morning's not too bad. We've got Transfiguration, Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology, and Charms. No double lessons."

"Or Potions," Harry was quick to add, grateful he didn't have to be the target of Snape's wrath on the first day back.

Ron had to agree the morning was very well planned, indeed, compared to past years. At least it's better than last year, he thought, Double Divination and Double Potions all right after breakfast! That was hell, I swear.

"Well, we better get started on our breakfast," Hermione remarked, "or we'll never finish on time. Pass the butter, please."

But no sooner had Harry even reached it an unknown boy from Hufflepuff sauntered over to where Hermione was sitting.

"Hey, Hermione, I don't remember much from last year's Potion classes. Could I meet you during lunch in the library? You know, to review."

"'Course. I'll see you then," she replied, flashing a smile that Harry had only seen her use once in the past: when Lockhart was here.

"What was that all about?" Ron inquired, and Harry could tell by the tone of his voice he hadn't a clue what was going on as well.

"It's O.W.L. year, so a lot of people are asking me for help, to prepare for their own O.W.L.s," she replied haughtily.

Behind her back, Ron raised a suspicious eyebrow.

* * *

"Cho! Your hair is in your food!"

"Ah!" she screamed, trying her best to wipe the porridge off.

"Here, let me help," Celeste said, reaching for her wand. "Scourgify!"

Pink bubbles appeared in Cho's hair, sticking onto anything that didn't rightfully belong there, namely grains of rice. With a quick Vanishing Spell, they were gone, along with the porridge.

"Thanks. I don't know what's gotten into me," Cho said.

Actually, she knew exactly what was wrong with her. She had been busy looking at Harry over at the next table, watching how his eyes caught the gleam of the light streaming in from the Great Hall. He has such a good taste in friends too, she thought. She liked Ron very much, who she considered very loyal to Harry and possessed a most quirky personality. But Hermione Granger...a slight crease appeared between Cho's eyebrows. I respect her for being so intelligent, but is all this prancing about the school, acting as if you've memorized your textbooks, really necessary? She's absolutely arrogant, and sometimes, I just can't stand her.

"You're schedule, Miss Chang," squeaked Professor Flitwick, head of the Ravenclaw House.

"Thank you, Professor," she said, taking the sheet of parchment.

"Not bad. We've got Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology, and then Care of Magical Creatures. Afternoon: Double Potions (Ugh!), Double History of Magic, and Arithmancy. Why Potions on our first day back?"

"No idea, Cho. Let's get going; Charms starts in five minutes."

The bell rang just as the two grabbed two seats in the middle of the room.

"Now class, take out your book and wand..."

Cho heard no more as she sank into the state that had possessed her since the feast. Harry was the only thing on her mind. If he ever asked her out, she would instantly agree, no matter the circumstances. Yet there was something pulling her away from Harry, something - or someone - telling her she shouldn't be fancying him. That was impossible, though! She hadn't told anyone of Harry yet. There was something...but what was it? She owed no obligations to anyone...except...

Cedric.

What would happen, Cho thought, if Cedric was still alive, but I liked him no longer and instead fancied Harry? Would I break up with Cedric and go out with Harry? Or would I somehow convince myself Harry was only a minor infatuation? Or would I not know what to do at all?

Cedric.

His face appeared in her mind again, imploring her, "Don't forget me!" She tried to shoo it away, but it was to no avail as his face just seemed to grow clearer, more distinct, his voice rising. "Don't forget me, Cho! Don't forget me! How could you just forget about us and go off chasing another guy?"

He was right. She couldn't merely forget about Cedric because he was such an important part of her past. It would disgraceful to simply give him up. There's still a bond between us, she thought desperately, and I can't break it, no matter how hard I try. We never laid our relationship to rest, so it's still there, an unbreakable thread between the living and the dead.

Then Harry came to mind, those bedazzling green eyes, the rumpled hair, his expression just as imploring as Cedric's. "I know you want to honor his memory, and I'm fine with that, but don't live in the past. He's not coming back." This feels like déjà vu. When did I hear those words before? Celeste floated into her mind, and what she said on the train, as well. ... I mean, you can honor his memory and everything, but hell, there's still life...

Was Celeste right?

Cho again considered her feelings towards Harry and Cedric. I like Harry, no, I love Harry, and I want to be his girlfriend. Yes, without a shred of doubt, that is what I want. I need another boyfriend to take my mind of Cedric. And Cedric? Celeste's right. There's still life, and simply living doesn't mean I'm not honong him. Plus, Cedric died trying to save Harry...

It all clicked into place.

Cedric died to save Harry, she thought frantically, so by going out with Harry, I'm really honoring his memory all the more! This is finally making sense! I would be going out with the person Cedric died to save...

"Yes!"

Cho turned crimson as thirty pairs of eyes turned to look at her, perplexed; Celeste raised an eyebrow.

"Miss Chang, do you have anything to tell the class?" Professor Flitwick asked.

"No, Professor. Sorry," she mumbled to the floor.

"So, as I was saying before our little interruption, this charm is particularly useful..."

You are such a moron, Cho. Next time, keep your thoughts inside your head.

* * *

"McGonagall must have come up with new ways to torture us," Ron complained after a particularly difficult lesson.

"Well, like I told you, you should look over the lesson before class - "

"Shut up, Hermione!"

"I'm just trying to help, you dunderhead!"

"WILL YOU PLEASE BE QUIET?"

Harry found their arguing more irritating than usual, maybe due to Hermione's I'm-the-resident-genius attitude during breakfast.

"Hermione!"

Turning around, she screamed, "WHAT RON?" only to realize it was only Neville. "Oh, Neville, I am so sorry. I just thought it was that rat over there." She shot a nasty glace at Ron. Turning back to Neville (with that annoying smile, Harry observed dryly), she asked, "So, what d'you need?"

"Well, I don't really remember Switching Spells, and McGonagall said they'd be on the O.W.L. for sure. Could you help me with 'em?" he said timidly.

"Why not? How 'bout at the common room after dinner?"

"Yeah, that'd be great. Thanks, Hermione!"

She leaned over to give Neville a hug, which left Ron looking at her as if she had become a spider.

"What the hell was that for, Hermione? What's up with you, suddenly? Smiling and hugging everyone..." Ron said in a hoarse voice.

"Like I said, I'm just helping people. It is the O.W.L. year, in case you haven't caught on. I'm just trying to be nice," she replied indifferently.

"You're not just being nice. You're, well, you're flirting!"

She looked appalled at the very word. "I am NOT flirting!"

"Yes, you are! If you weren't flirting, then I'm the one who got an 'Outstanding' on my Divination O.W.L.!"

"Ron, that's ridiculous!"

"Hello, Harry."

A soft voice interrupted the row between Ron and Hermione. Harry looked around. It was Cho; his stomach tumbled. It was the first time Harry had really looked at her, soaked in everything about her appearance. Cho's dark hair fell upon her shoulders, trailing down her back, a sheet of silk, reflecting the light, soft to the touch. Her eyes glimmered, rivaling the stars, pools of affection. Her skin, so fragile, like porcelain, her fingers, so slender and lissome...

"Er, hi, Cho. You have Transfiguration next?"

"Yes. I hope I haven't forgotten everything yet."

"Probably remember more than I do."

Cho laughed, and Harry managed a meek giggle that sounded more like a frog croaking. I've really got to refine my social skills, he thought. Maybe Hermione caN HELP.

"So, uh, have fun. Or as much fun as you can have in class," he said, trying to smile and act a little more confident in front of his longtime crush.

"Okay. See you, then!"

"Bye, Cho!" Harry said, furiously blushing.

"What was that about, mate?" Ron asked on their way to Hagrid's hut.

"Oh, isn't it obvious?" Hermione proclaimed, acting intolerably superior.

Her announcement was met with a confused silence. She looked at each of them, and then smiled smugly as if she knew something the boys did not. Which is probably true, Harry thought.

"She fancies you, Harry. Couldn't you see it in her eyes?"

As he approached the hut, Harry never thought he'd seen the sun so bright.

* * *

Brilliant, Cho thought victoriously, those people who devise the schedules. It means I'll see Harry at least once every Monday!

She looked back down at the goblet she was supposed to be Transfiguring into a broom. She had managed to get it into the shape of a broom, but it still retained its golden tint. Wish Hermione was here, she thought grudgingly. Or maybe not. Sure, she'd probably transfigure the rest of it for me, but would also take the time to graciously point out all my mistakes. She could envision it now: Cho, your mistake is such a common one. You didn't put enough emphasis on this part of the incantation, no wonder your broom is still gold. Hermione could probably take her N.E.W.T.s tomorrow and do better than the entire seventh year.

"What's up?" Celeste said brightly. Seeing the look on Cho's face, however, her expression dampened. "What's wrong?"

Cho told her about what she thought of Hermione.

"Gotta agree with you there. She's too smart for her own good. Oh yeah, and there's something I have to ask you."

Cho's heart skipped a beat. She noticed I fancy Harry! Oh, I didn't want her to find out this early! I wanted to at least wait a while before telling Celeste...

"Can you help me with this damn goblet? Transfiguration is way beyond me."

After sighing with relief, she replied, "Okay."

The two friends had decided, during the infamous Career Consultation last year, to be Healers. At that time, Cho had average grades, and Celeste? Well, she didn't want to be reminded of them. After they had both read the pamphlet about Healing, Cho immediately knew it would be the perfect career for them both to pursue. That is...

"Blimey! Cho, look at this. They want an E or higher at the N.E.W.T level in Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Herbology, and Potions. Huh, that's a bit much for someone who's averaging a T in all her classes right now, isn't it?"

"But you do like the sound of the job, don't you?"

"Well, of course."

"Then we'll just have to pick up our grades, won't we?"

For the remainder of the year, Cho and Celeste worked beyond diligently in an attempt to bring their grades up. Cho had a shrewd feeling Hermione had never worked so hard. When her O.W.L. results came, Cho knew the late-night study sessions with Celeste were worth it. She had gotten an O in Charms, Herbology, and (surprise) Potions; and an E in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration. She also earned an A in Astronomy (Cho didn't particularly care for the moons of Saturn), Care of Magical Creatures, and Arithmancy. Something she didn't like to mention was her abysmal grade on her Divination exam, then again, it didn't matter since she dropped the subject anyway. Cho had also stopped taking Astronomy. Celeste hadn't done as well in Herbology ("It was that damn Venomous Tentacula!"), but well enough to move on to the N.E.W.T level.

This is the best, Celeste had written to her. We'll be in the same classes with the same career ahead of us...

* * *

"Ron, why are you looking at Hermione again? I swear, this is the tenth time this class you've looked over there. Trying to catch her flirting again?"

"Yeah," Ron said vaguely, still gazing at Hermione.

"Mate, something's wrong with you."

"Is there?" he remarked, again, very vaguely.

"Hey, did you know that Malfoy got me a birthday present?"

"Mm."

"Did you know Professor Snape isn't giving homework for the rest of the year?"

"I see."

Harry burst out laughing, clutching his stomach. Many eyes turned his way, most of them rolling.

"Ron, know what you just did?" Harry wheezed, still trying to stop more laughing from coming. "You just admitted that Malfoy got me something for my birthday and that Professor Snape would stop giving us homework! Ha! Ron, mate, you've got problems!"

"I do not!" he snapped, his eyes finally gaining focus, though they were still fixed on Hermione, who was now chatting with (!) the Slytherins.

"Yes, you do! Hey, Seamus, didn't you hear Ron say those things?"

"Yup, sure as Snape's gonna take off points from Gryffindor."

Ron turned red.

"Ron, why do you keep looking at Hermione? Clearly, you're distracted by her!" Harry remarked, imitating Hermione's omniscient tone.

His face took on an even redder hue.

"Come over here, then I'll tell."

Ron took him to a less crowded area. Looking around anxiously for people, he faced Harry, looking slightly embarrassed.

"I like her."

"What, as a friend?"

"No, Harry, you numbskull! I like her."

From the emphasis put on the word like, Harry had a pretty good guess as to what was going on. Ron, however, still thought his friend hadn't any idea of what he said.

"Don't you get it yet, Harry? Look, let me put it in simple English. My feelings towards Hermione are the same as your feelings towards Cho."

Harry's innards heaved at the mention of Cho but managed to keep it from manifesting on his face; however, he couldn't hide his surprise. Ron fancy Hermione? No, it wasn't possible. We've been such good friends, he thought, how could this happen? He was about to ask, "Ron, you jest?" but noticed his friend was absolutely serious. Instead, he said, "So, you want to go out with her, but she's off 'flirting' with everyone, so you can't?"

Ron nodded, whose face had just taken on a nasty green tint. Harry followed Ron's eyes, and he understood what was making him look so nauseous.

Hermione was working with Malfoy.

Malfoy.

Harry just couldn't connect "Hermione" and "Malfoy" together. Hermione had always detested Malfoy, and Malfoy had always loathed Hermione. So why were they working side-by-side? This wasn't making any sense to him!

"Ron," he began, but Harry realized that Ron was already marching off in the direction of Hermione.

Harry jogged to catch up, his head spinning. First Cho, now Ron and Hermione, and somehow that bastard Malfoy got mixed up in all this. And we're only in our second class. Wha...?

"HERMIONE, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"

All the students whipped around, their robes making a swishing sound. Harry slowly backed away, wanting to melt back into the crowd. Whispers flared up all around him.

" - What's this? They're arguing - "

" - Hermione working with Malfoy - "

" - impossible - "

Hermione looked at Ron. He was fuming, she was unruffled. In a perfect imitation of Malfoy's lazy drawl, she said, "Ron, calm yourself. I'm only helping someone. Would you like some help as well?"

Ron's eyes narrowed as the Slytherins starting guffawing.

"Yeah, I'd like some help. There's just this little something I want to know. WHAT THE BLOODY HELL ARE YOU DOING WITH HIM?"

He pointed an accusatory finger at Malfoy, smirking more than ever. Hermione pulled out her wand and yelled, "Ron! Don't make me hex you! Who I wish to help is none of your business!"

"Then I'll hex you - "

"Allow me to explain," Malfoy interrupted in that annoyingly smooth manner. "You see, Weasel, Miss Granger has finally come to her senses. She decided to help those who actually deserve it."

"What's goin' on here?" Hagrid asked.

"Oh, nothing, Professor," Malfoy said innocently.

"Then get back to work!"

Harry led/dragged Ron back to their tub of fire snails. He didn't try to engage in conversation; Ron wasn't in much of a good mood. Every now and then, Ron muttered something, but Harry didn't even bother trying to hear those occasional mumblings. Needless to say, he was most relieved when the bell rang, signaling the end of Care of Magical Creatures.

He sat between Ron and Hermione in the courtyard during a silent break between classes. Ron was determinedly looking at the grass and Hermione was slightly flushed, her eyes darting everywhere, as though looking for someone (Harry had a suspicion as to who is was). Absolutely sick of the stony silence between the two, he began walking towards the greenhouses. No harm in being early, he thought, fuming at his two friends.

In fact, he was so enraged he knocked someone over.

"Ow!"

Harry looked down at the person he nearly trampled. The color immediately rose to his cheeks.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Cho. I didn't see you there," he muttered, hoping his scarlet face wasn't too noticeable.

"Well, I guess that's what happens when you're a whole head shorter than everyone. No problem, Harry," she replied, smiling.

Wow, she thought, he's even more gorgeous up close, and he's so kind too.

"Here, let me help you," Harry said, reaching out a hand, attempting to ignore his chest, which felt like it was about to explode.

As their hands touched, a tingling feeling shot through his body. Her skin was so soft; her hand seemed to fit right into his. Her eyes were dark, like Snape's. While Snape's were empty basins of hatred, Cho's eyes held only warmth, two candles in a bleak world. He looked down at her lips, so lusciously pink, and wanted more than anything to seize her in his arms, whisper words of love, true love, kiss her, to kiss her forever...

Harry looked up at Cho and found that she, too, was looking at him. For a moment, they just looked at each other, one standing, the other on the ground, not an awkward moment, but a pleasant peace, time suspended, the two merging into one...

Then she stood up, the moment over.

"So, Harry, what class do you have now?"

"Uh, Herbology, you?"

"I just had that! I'm going to Care of Magical Creatures." Leaning in, Cho whispered to him, "I'd watch out for Professor Sprout. Apparently some fourth years got bubotuber pus all over the greenhouse floor, and she's not to pleased."

"Okay." Harry took a deep breath. Should I ask her? Come on, Harry, it shouldn't be this hard. Just ask. "Hey, uh, Cho, you wanna walk to class together? You know, the greenhouses and Hagrid's cabin are pretty close, and, uh, I thought you might want some company since we're early."

He winced, reading for her to issue a stinging remark. To his surprise and relief, Cho replied an eager, "Why not?" In fact, she seemed more excited about it than Harry did...Harry held out his arm for Cho to take, and they walked through the grounds, together.

* * *

Goodness, we're walking arm-in-arm, Cho thought elatedly, and it's only the first day! But I've got to take this slowly. Hmm, maybe I should ask Celeste for some flirting tips after dinner. No, I shouldn't. Her way of attracting a guy is much different than mine.

"So, uh, it's a nice day, don't you think?" she said, trying to stimulate conversation.

"Yeah, great Quidditch weather. Wish it started this week. Then I'd have something to distract me from lessons."

Cho laughed, a bright and bubbly laugh that made Harry's heart fly. She looked at him with a devilish smile.

"You'd better watch out, Gryffindor! Ravenclaw's going to be so much better this year."

And so the two were occupied with talk of Quidditch. Until...

"Hail Caesar! Why, lookie here, who's this you're flirting with?"

"Othello, get you disgusting hands off me! And I'm not flirting!"

Cho rolled her eyes and turned to Harry. Before she even a word issued from her mouth, Harry got the clear impression she most definitely did not like this person.

"Harry, this is Othello Caesar," she spat, as if each word was something that needed to be disposed of immediately. "He's in my year and my house, unfortunately - " she threw a nasty look at Caesar, " - and though it is my ardent wish for him to be the first victim of You-Know-How, it appears that won't happen."

"C'mon, darling, you know you'd miss me if I died. I'll include you in my will if you'll go out with me."

"I wouldn't go out with you if you promised me a million Galleons!"

"Well, are you going out with this guy over here?" He pointed to Harry.

Cho was taken aback by what he'd said. She was expecting it all along to pop up at some time, but now that she was asked, she discovered her voice had disappeared.

"No, she's not," Harry suddenly answered, who seemed to sense that Cho couldn't speak.

At this new voice, Caesar looked intently at him.

"Why, you're Harry Potter," he casually remarked, flicking at something on his sleeve.

"Yeah, I am, now could you please move? We've got to get to class."

"Eh, not yet. No one leaves the presence of the Great Caesar. Cho, your standard for dating has sure gone up - "

"I told you were not dating," she interrupted through gritted teeth.

Waving his hand as if to brush away her comment, he continued. "I mean, first Cedric, the guy half the girls in this school are salivating over. Now it's the celebrity of the school, Harry Potter. Who's next, Fudge? Dumbledore? Me?"

"I'M NOT GOING OUT WITH HIM!"

"Yeah, of course. You haven't been going out with him, you've been making out with him and - "

"EXPELLIARMUS!" Harry bellowed as Caesar sailed into the air and landed ten feet away on his posterior. Apparently, he had landed on a friend, who screamed (in a muffled voice), "Get your fat ass off me, Caesar!"

"Hope you have lots of fun with her, Potter! She's great in bed, you know..." Caesar snarled.

"Cho, let's go," he muttered, placing an arm around her waist, setting off at a fast walk.

His arm is around me, she thought, hardly daring to believe it. Does he fancy me? Oh, how perfect that would be! Earlier than she would have liked, they had arrived at Hagrid's cabin.

* * *

Harry, he told himself, this is it. Make your move now, or you'll regret it for the rest of your goddamn life.

Harry checked his watch. They were still a couple minutes early. That's all the time I'll need, he thought. He led Cho behind a nearby tree and let go of her waist. Unsurprisingly, she was the first to speak.

"Thanks, Harry. I never would have had the nerve to Disarm him. Sorry 'bout that. I wish he would just get expelled or something," she said admiringly, looking up at Harry, her voice full of gratitude and caring.

"No problem. Just hope his friend's okay."

Cho's expression turned sour. "They're all morons."

"Oh, are they? Well, what to expect, eh? They all hang around Caesar, right?"

"Yes, and I have to see them everyday. I'm going to send an owl to Dumbledore one of these days. Dear Professor Dumbledore, I was just wondering if you could create a new house, one reserved for morons. I know many people who would qualify. Honestly, I have no idea how they ended up in Ravenclaw. They've got as much brains as Snape's got heart."

Harry chuckled appreciatively, looking back into her laughing eyes.

* * *

Is he going to do it then, she thought. Why else would he have brought me here?

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Celeste waving at her. Class would start soon with Cho feeling very unsatisfied.

"Look, Harry, class is going to start soon. I've got to get going," she said sadly.

"I guess you're right..."

No, don't tell me he's just going to stand there, she thought urgently. Well, he won't, if I've got any say in it...

"So, I'll see you later, okay? Maybe we'll be lucky enough to see each other again."

She turned around to leave, walking unnaturally slow. Come on, Harry.

* * *

Harry's mind seemed to have frozen. There was Cho, walking away, and he, not knowing what to do. This was so perfect, he couldn't just let it slip, but he couldn't move. Then suddenly, he found his voice.

"Cho, wait! I want to show you something!"

* * *

She turned around, looking mildly surprised. Harry walked up to her and led her to yet another tree, this one a bit farther away.

"You said you had something you wanted to show me? Are you going to make me late for class just to show me a tree?" she said suspiciously, trying not to betray her true emotions.

"Yea - er, no. I don't want you to be late."

"Well, where is it?"

"It's right here...with me."

Harry gently held her arms, still by her side, and moved his face closer. Cho couldn't breath...her heart was pounding, struggling to escape...his face inched closer...she closed her eyes, knowing what to expect, but it took her breath away all the same. Harry's hands moved down to her waist, pulling her closer, and Cho put her arms around his neck, her body pressing into his.

Then it was over, much earlier than Cho had wished.

"Did you like it?" Harry asked tentatively, his arms now by his sides. Cho dropped her hands as well.

"Yeah, it was okay," she said casually, "but I can think of something better."

Harry reached up to stroke her hair, so flawlessly smooth, running his fingers through it a couple times. She smiled at him, and he knew what to do.

His hands were upon her waist again, his mouth on hers. The kiss deepened...Cho felt Harry pull closer...his tongue sliding past hers...she could hold him forever...to hold this kiss in her memory eternally...

Then Harry pulled away.

They were both shaking.

"Well, um, I guess we'd better get going to class. Only 'bout a minute left," he mumbled with none of grace displayed while kissing.

"Oh. Er, Harry?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks."

Cho reached up to give him hug and rested her head on his chest. Oh, he's so comforting, she thought almost sleepily. Forget about Care of Magical Creatures, can we have a Harry Potter class instead? A sudden ringing broke her reverie.

The bell.

The damn bell.

Harry looked up and saw Ron and Hermione walking/storming through the grounds.

"Cho, let me walk you to class, okay?"

"Sure. That'd be great."

Walking away, Harry's arm firmly around her waist, her head resting on his shoulder, Cho thought it was the happiest moment of her life.

Cedric who?