When Harry woke up the next morning the first thing that he thought was 'Wow, no nightmare, that was the best night's sleep I have gotten in a long time.' As he normally does, Harry got up earlier than everyone else. When the time came to leave for Kings Cross, Harry was the only one who wasn�t in a blinding hurry to get dressed, and everything packed.
�How are we getting there?� Harry asked, as everyone stood by the door.
�The night bus dear.� Miss Weasley�s mumbled as she glanced out the curtains, �Arthur tried to get us ministry cars, but for some reason was unable to convince old Fudge to allow it. Oh, here we are, everybody on hurry up now were cutting it close.�
With that the group of seven loaded the night bus, and were headed for merry old London. Within a few minutes Harry felt the bus come to a skreeching halt. �Kings Cross Station!� Yelled the driver.
�Here already?� George asked.
�Yes." Mrs Weasley snapped. "Now hurry up, it is 10:45, we only have 15 minutes to get you onto the platform.�
the next 15 minutes all Harry could remember was running about as fast as his legs would carry him, and barely making it into the last empty compartment before the horn blew signaling the departure of the train.
�Close call this year ehh Ron.� Harry said noticing his panting friend next to him.
�Ya, who knows what would have happened if we missed the train. Could you see the look on old McGonagalls face if we arrived by bus instead.�
This effectively sent the entire compartment into hysteria, besides Hermione of course. She just glared at Ron.
�Oh come of it Hermione, were not even at Hogwarts yet, have a little fun.� Ron teased.
Hermione's face relaxed slightly, �Well, its amazing that they let you two get away with so much, I was surprised that Snape didn�t convince Dumbledore to expel you for that stunt with the car. Really, what were you two thinking?�
Ron just shrugged, �Anyone for Exploding snaps.� He said as he pulled out the wizard cards, successfully changing the subject. The compartment sat and enjoyed the trip playing games only to stop when the lady with the treats stopped.
�Anything off the trolley dears.� She said.
�Ya our usual� Fred and George coursed pulling out some money. As Harry went to get his money Ron stopped him.
�Don�t worry Harry, have you ever seen what Fred and George get? There will be plenty for all of us, I can promise you that.�
Ron was right. Harry watched in amazement as the witch unloaded 6 bags full of different types of Candy. Fred and George paid her, and turned to the rest of the crew.
�Well, dig in.� they said tossing a bag to each of them. Harry and Ron combined there�s by emptying them on the seat between them. Ron immediately went for the chocolate frogs, while Harry grabbed a chocolate chip pastry. After only a hour or so Harry and Ron had completely finished their bags, and turned their attention to Fred and George who were in the corner not touching their food.
�What are you two doing� Ron asked walking over to them. He didn�t, however, need a response because as soon as he reached them, he noticed two piles. One was Fred and Georges untouched candy, and the other was Weasley�s wizard wheezes candy. Ron watched closely as Fred and George transformed a Chocolate Chip Pastry into a Chocolate Chip"munk" Pastry.
�See Ron, if you make the changes small, most people won�t figure it out until it is two late.� George grinned.
Ron picked up the pastry, and examined it closely, the outer wrapping had only changed the slightest, instead of saying Chocolate Chip Pastry they had added munk on to it, as well as their symbol in the corner, "W W W"
. �Do you mind if I borrow this for a minute?� Ron said, �I think it may come in handy.�
�What do you have in mind.� Fred asked. Returning to his work.
�Oh nothing in particular� Ron said. He simply walked over to the door, and placed the pastry on the seat next to it.
Ron looked at Harry and smiled. �I just have a hunch, that�s all.�
Harry just shook his head �Ron I give up understanding you. Hermione, what are you doing� he asked
�Reading. What does it look like?� she didn't even glance up.
�I can see that you are reading, but what, and why?� Harry snapped.
�For your information, I am reading up on my responsibilities.� She grinned while still looking down.
�Responsa�..� Just then it hit him. �When were you planning on telling the rest of us, or am I the only one that doesn�t know?�
�Know what Harry?� Ron said taking the seat next to him.
�Why don�t you ask Hermione, I am sure she would like to be the one to make the announcement.� Harry smirked
As everyone turned to look at her, she just blushed, and reached into her bag.
When she pulled out a red and gold box and opened it Ron let out a sigh. �Well she has the highest marks in school, who else would they choose.�
Hermione just looked at Ron. You could tell by the look on her face she was hurt by his statement.
�Hermione, I didn�t mean it like it sounded. What I meant is that no one stood a chance against you that�s all. I am very happy for you. Our little Miss Prefect.� That comment successfully put a smile on her face.
�I couldn�t have done it without you two, you know that right.� she blushed and looked at Harry, then Ron.
�Us?� both Harry and Ron said in unison,
�What do you mean us?� Ron asked.
�Well, you two are always getting into trouble, and I have to work five times as hard to figure out spells and curses to help you out of it, that�s all.� she teased.
Harry and Ron just smiled. Harry was the first to speak.
�She�s right you know, we'll probably be the death of her.� Harry poked Ron in the ribs.
Ron nodded his head in agreement, �Chess?�
�Sure, let me grab my pieces.� Harry said, reaching below his seat to pull out his luggage.
Just then the door flew open, and Malfoy followed by Crabb, and Goyle walked in. �So Harry, still alive I see. Well, not to worry. That won't last much longer.� Malfoy said causing Crabb and Goyle to giggle with laughter.
�What do you want Malfoy.� Ron asked standing up. Harry �Nothing from you Weasley.� He said looking at Ron, �You and your Mudblood girlfriend over their can butt out, this is between Harry and myself.�
This successfully sent Ron off, Harry and Hermione had to both jump up to refrain Ron from knocking Malfoys teeth in.
�I would watch what you say to me Malfoy� Hermione spoke, pinning her prefect badge onto her robes, �It just might get you detention.�
With that Harry and Ron looked at each other and started to laugh. Malfoy just ignored the comment, and turned his attention to Harry.
�So Harry, had any good dreams lately?� Harry immediately stopped laughing, and looked at Malfoy with hatred in his eyes. He was normally able to control his anger, but the fact that Malfoy knew what happened to Harry over the summer made him irate. �Get the hell out of this room or else� He said pulling out his wand and pointing it at Malfoy.
Malfoy just laughed. �Or else what? You�ll get expelled if you use magic before we are at Hogwarts. Any way, what makes you think I wouldn�t fight back?�
Harry let go of Ron�s arm. �Or else I will allow Ron here to knock that grin off your face. If I remember right, it was only yesterday he bloodied your noise.� Malfoy got the picture and turned to leave. Just then he noticed the pastry next to the door.
�Just came by because we ran out of food. Didn�t think you could afford any yourself, but figured it wouldn�t hurt to check. With that he tore off the wrapper and turned once again to stair at Harry, and his friends. Harry immediately started for Malfoy, but was stopped by Ron who was smiling at him.
�I wouldn�t eat that if I were you� Ron said.
�Just watch me.� Malfoy broke the pastry into three, and handing a piece to both Crabb and Goyle. The three of them quickly ate the pastry, and the entire compartment burst into laughter. Malfoy Crabb and Goyle just turned around, and walked out into the hall, but the second they left the compartment, they were immediately transformed into chipmunks.
�I warned you.� Ron said as he kicked one of the chipmunks, (By the size he assumed it was Goyle) halfway down the train. Closing the door behind him he fell to the floor with laughter. �I knew those three would try something, and I was right.� He said looking at Harry.
Fred and George quickly gained their composure, and left the compartment chasing down Malfoy Crabb and Goyle, while shouting, "Chocolate Chipmunk Pastries, five Knuts each!"
By this time they were almost at Hogwarts, and needed to change into their Robes. Hermione and Ginny left while Ron and Harry quickly changed, and lucky for them that they had because as soon as they finished, the train came to a stop. When Harry and Ron got off the train at Hogsmeade station, they expected to hear Hagrid calling for the first years, and were very surprised to see Remus instead.
�First years, First years this way.� He said shooting some sparks into the air to get their attention. Once all the first years were gathered and before they headed out to the boats Harry grabbed the hem of Remus�s cloak, and asked him where Hagrid was. �I can�t talk to you now Harry, but just so you don�t worry, we received a owl from him yesterday, He said he was doing good, and would probably be back by mid year.�
Harry just nodded, and let Remus continue on down to the boats waiting to take the first years across the lake. By the time Harry and Ron made it up to the carriages, there was only one left. The two climbed in, and the second they sat down the carriage took off toward the castle.
�Not even going to say high now that were back at school I see� came a voice from the corner of the carriage.
Harry and Ron both jumped, and looked over. They were completely shocked. They thought they were alone.
�Lumos� Harry said as he lit the tip of his wand. Just then he noticed who was with them. Harry turned to the lantern in the cart, and turned it on. He then sat back down right next the Cho Chang. �Cho, you scared me to death, what are you doing in the last carriage, I expected you to sit with your friends.�
�Sorry, I didn�t mean to scare you, I just wanted to say high. I meant to come see you on the train, but wasn�t able to get away.� Cho said slightly blushing.
Harry simply nodded, not knowing what to say.
The three of them spent the short trip to Hogwarts with little conversation. Harry let out a sigh as he smelt the intoxicating aroma of Cho�s perfume. He wanted to tell her how much he enjoyed her company, and ask her what her plans were for the weekend when he was pulled out of his thoughts by Ron�s laughter.
�Harry, Harry, come on, were here.� he chuckled
�What, oh ok, I must have dosed off for a moment.� Harry didn't take his eyes off Cho.
�If that�s what you call it. Are you sure you won�t be needing that little decorated box in your luggage.� Ron said successfully making Harry blush. Cho just smiled.
Ron was the first to get out of the carriage followed by Harry. Harry being a gentleman turned and offered his hand to Cho in order to help her down. She accepted, and reached down to him. As soon as their hands connected Harry was overcome with a sense of warmth, and Joy. The only other time that he had felt this before was last night, when he first tried on his fathers cloak.
Harry noticed that Cho had not moved, the second her hand touched Harry�s she froze. A look of shock, and joy spread across her face. Harry gently reached his other hand out, and touched her check effectively bringing her back to reality. She just looked at him and smiled. It was evident in her face that she felt the same warmth rush through her. As soon as Cho stepped out of the carriage she let go of Harry�s hand.
Just as the warmth and joy had entered, the second Cho let go of Harry�s hand it faded. Cho immediately reached out and grabbed Harry�s hand again, but this time nothing happened, Harry just stared at her.
�Harry,� She said meeting his eyes with hers, �What was that.�
Harry reached out and touched her check. It had gone quiet red when Cho had grabbed at Harry�s hand. "I�m not sure, although I am glad you felt it too I thought I imagined it.�
She placed her hand over his and smiled. Harry visually melted at her touch.
Ron had grown impatient. �Even though I love to see you to getting along so well,� he said looking at his watch.� If you would Hurry up, we are the last three students out, and if you haven�t noticed, the first years are about to hit the shore. The sorting ceremony is about to start.�
Harry and Cho looked at each other, then turned to Ron. �Well lets get going then.� Harry smiled.
The three walked in silence to the school. Once they reached the great hall, Harry said goodbye to Cho by kissing her softly on the check, and took his usual seat at the Gryffindor table. They were unaware of the stairs they were getting from everybody in the school, and both sat in their seats not saying a word. It wasn�t until Dumbledore stood up to welcome the new student�s back that Harry finally shook the thoughts and feelings he currently had, and looked up to see Dumbledore.
�What�s gotten into you� Ron said as soon as Dumbledore stopped talking.
�Something very strange just happened Ron, I'll tell you once we're back in the common room.�
Ron just nodded his understanding, and turned to watch the sorting. Harry turned to look behind him at the Ravenclaw table, and noticed that Cho was being bombarded by questions from her friends. She blushed profusely when her friends noticed Harry staring.
�Ah young love� Fred said jokingly.
Just then Harry realized he kissed Cho in front of the entire school, and he himself felt his check redden. Once the sorting was finished Dumbledore again stood up. This time he was able to gain Harry�s undivided attention as he introduced the new staff. Harry looked over the teacher�s table, and noticed a few teachers missing. Of course Hagrid was missing, Harry new that as soon as he got off of the Hogwarts express, but since the night of the Triwizard Tournament Harry had not given Snape a second thought. Harry remembered where Dumbledore had sent him, and was suddenly over come with a fear for Snape�s safety. Harry looked back at Dumbledore as he started to talk.
�I have but just a few start of term announcements. First off, first years, please note that the dark forest is out of bounds. There is to be no foolish breaking of this rule for any reason for we live in dark times, and the forest is extremely dangerous. Second, Mr Filch has asked that I remind you that there are no students to be out of bed after 8:00PM without being accompanied by a teacher. This is a hour earlier than what most of the older students are used to, but we feel it is essential for the safety of the school, and the students.�
With this the hall broke out in murmuring, and Harry turned to Ron. �I wonder if they are going to cancel quidditch...�
Just then Dumbledore started to speak again over the noise. "On a lighter note.� He said, again silencing the hall. �The house cup is again up for grabs, and the quidditch season is back on. I believe Gryffindor will be defending their title for Quiditch cup rights.� The entire Gryffindor table erupted with cheers. �Yes, Yes, well done Gryffindor, and I believe tryouts will be held two weeks from today. Other Items of business, Professor Snape is taking the term off due to personal reasons, and I am happy to report that I will be standing in for him until he returns. As for DADA I am happy to announce the return of Professor Lupin.� Again the entire Gryffindor table erupted with applause. "Yes, it was difficult convincing the Hogwarts committee to allow him to return, but we are lucky to have such a devoted teacher. The last change is in our Divinations teacher. Miss Trealawany has retired, and Miss Figgs will be taking her place. Please welcome or new Professors by raising your glasses.� As the students rose there glasses, the back door swung open, and a large black dog came running into the room. Harry new it was Sirus, but didn�t say or do anything. Sirus ran straight up to Dumbledore, and led him to a room in the back of the Great hall. They were only their a few minutes when Dumbledore came back out looking older and more worn then usual. He walked back up to the teacher�s table, and after having a short conversation with Remus; (In which Remus immediately ran to the back room,) he continued addressing the student�s. �I apologize for the interruption.� He said effectively silencing the hall. Student�s welcome back to Hogwarts. As always when Dumbledore finished, the feast began.
Ron turned to Harry, �Can you believe it, no Snape, no Trealawany, and Lupin's back! This is going to be our best year yet!� Ignoring the fact that Harry did not respond, Ron dug into his food.
Harry, however, ate very little, he was thinking of his Godfather and Remus. What is so important that Sirus would barge in like that, and Remus would run to the back the way he did. To make matters worse. 30 minutes later they still had not returned. When the desert appeared, and the feast was almost ending, Professor Lupin finally re-entered the hall accompanied by Snuffles. When Harry saw him he let out a long sigh, Remus seemed to be laughing with Dumbledore, and Harry finally felt he could eat. After about twenty more minutes Dumbledore stood up clearing the plates, and told the Prefects to lead the first years to their towers. Harry and Ron watched with interest as Hermione stood up, and took charge of the new Gryffindor first years. Harry had talked to her on the train, so he knew the password. He wanted to find Sirus, and ask how he was, so instead of leaving the hall,
Harry and Ron walked up to the waiting Professor Lupin, Sirus, and Dumbledore. �I was wondering how long it would take for you to make it up here.� Remus said ruffling Harry�s head.
�So, what was that dramatic entrance on Snuffles part all about� Harry asked looking at his godfather. Sirus just barked, and licked Harry�s face.
Dumbledore, however, took it more serious. �Well I see no harm in letting you know, you will know soon enough I am sure. Harry, Voldermort has once again convinced the Dementors to join his side. They attacked Azkaban tonight attempting to release all that were faithful to Voldermort before his fall.�
Harry just stared. That is not what he was expecting. Remus on the other hand started laughing.
�And what do you think is so funny about that� Ron said looking at Remus with mock surprise.
�Well my young Weasley. As soon as the MOM agreed to believe that Voldermort returned, they transferred all of his captured supporters to a prison in which the location is only known to a few. That few of course are wizards that are very trustful, and faithful to the cause.� Remus started laughing again. �I would have loved to see Voldermort's face when he broke in to find a empty Azkaban.�
�Remus, you would never want to see that face. It's hideous.� Harry said effectively killing the mood.
Remus however let out a sigh, and pointed Harry to the back of the hall. "Harry� He said raising his eyebrow, �I believe this is where we say goodnight, by the looks of it someone is anxiously waiting for you.�
Harry spun around to see Cho waiting for him by the entrance to the great hall. Harry turned to Ron, and advised him that he would meet him up in the Gryffindor common room, said goodnight to the others, and started walking over to where Cho was waiting.
�I was hoping you would be here. I have a few questions I need to ask before I can successfully get some sleep.� She smiled warmly at Harry
�Hi Cho� Harry said as he just laughed at her seriousness, �Let me walk you to your common room. It's late, and we can talk on the way.� As Harry walked her out, he heard Ron blurt out something but couldn�t quiet understand it. When they were successfully alone Harry turned all his attention to Cho. She was staring straight at him, he simply smiled, and kept walking.
�Ok, since your not talking, I am just going to ask. Harry, what happened tonight when you helped me out of the carriage? When your hand touched mine I felt all warm, and safe inside. I have never felt that before, and to tell you the truth, I really enjoyed the feeling, but it scared me at the same time. Do you know what it meant, or what it was that happened?�
Harry just looked at her. He liked the idea that he Cho enjoyed the feeling, but had no idea what it meant. �I don�t know what it was, but this is the second time it has happened to me.�
�The second time?� Cho looked a little less cheerful at this news.
�Yah, I received a cloak that was my fathers yesterday as a gift from Dumbledore. When I placed it on, I was overcome with emotions. Just like tonight I felt the warmth flood through me, and I think I grew a few inches. I don�t know what it means, or why it happened, but I think Dumbledore might. I was hoping to ask him tonight, but was distracted. If I find out anything, I will let you know.�
Cho was looking down at the floor when Harry finished. Harry gently placed a hand on her chin, and raised her head to where here eyes met his. When they came in contact, he couldn�t help but smile, she looked so peaceful, yet something was still eating at her.
�Cho, what is it.?� He asked letting here again look down. Cho didn�t respond.
Even though Harry new the timing was not right, like Cho something was eating at him. He looked down to the floor knowing he had to ask, but lacking the courage. Just as Harry had done a few times that night, Cho placed a hand under his chin, and forced him to meet eye to eye with her. Without the courage he thought he needed, Harry blurted out his question.
�Cho, were you in love with Cedric?� When Cho didn�t answer Harry was unsure if he had done the right thing. After a minute of uncomfortable silence, Harry spoke up. �I�m sorry, I shouldn�t have asked that, let me walk you the rest of the way to your dorm.� As they walked in silence Harry felt more, and more stupid for asking Cho to remember Cedric, when they finally reached the portrait hole for the Ravenclaw common room. Harry had all the intention of just running away, he couldn�t stand to see Cho sad, and the thought of her being sad over something Harry had said broke his heart. He quietly said goodnight, and went to leave when she stopped him from behind.
�Harry,� Harry turned around to face her. She walked straight up to him, and wrapped him in a hug. She was so tired and emotional that she didn�t know what else to do. Harry of course returned the hug.
He felt Cho relax her head onto his chest as he unconsciously started caressing the back of her neck running her curls of her hair through his fingers. After a few moments that Harry wished would never end, Cho backed away. She looked directly at him. �Harry, Cedric and I were very close. When he died, part of me died as well.�
Harry knew she would say this, but it had not occurred to him how much he was hoping she would say no. He slid down the wall and sat there on the ground not saying anything. After a minute he felt Cho sit down next to him.
�Harry, let me finish. Before the day of the last tournament, Cedric and I had decided that we were better friends than a couple. You asked if I loved him, and I can honestly say that yes, I did. I miss his friendship, but Harry. I am not thinking about Cedric. What I'm really unsure about is us. Harry, please understand that I don�t want to rush into anything. What happened tonight scares me a little because I have never felt this way or felt the emotions I experienced with you tonight.�
�I do understand. Even though it didn't scare me, I will wait until you're ready. I think it's getting late. I better to my dorm before Filch finds me.� Cho just smiled. She knew that Harry liked her, but they both wanted to actually get to know each other before anything serious happened. Harry stood up taking Cho�s hand in his, and escorted her over to her common room entrance.