By October Harry had finally settled down. Christina assured him everyday that nothing would happen to him while Dumbledore was there and so did all of his other friends plus some of the D.A. members. There was one D.A. member Harry was glad not to have spoken to. Cho Chang looked at him everyday after the article was published. She never said a word to him, just stared.Harry was glad she didn't speak to him because he didn't want to talk to her. Not now, not ever. She was part of something Harry wanted to get past, not forget, just move on. Harry's childhood crushes weren't something he wanted to deal with right now. He barely even thought of how he felt about Christina except when he was alone at night by the common room fire where he would stare at the flames, hoping the tired face and shaggy head of Sirius would appear. But he never did.
Since the Quidditch try outs, Ginny had been sort of his spokesperson. She bugged him about everything and though he didn't want to admit it, Harry would've been the worst Quidditch captain in history if hadn't of been for her. When Harry had posted the results of the try outs, Colin and Christina were the first to race up to them.
Quidditch Results
Seeker-Harry Potter
Keeper-Christina Black
Chaser-Mary Higbee
Colin took the news all too well and raced to find Mary to tell her she would be on Harry's team. As her thanks, Christina kissed Harry on the cheek while he was bent over his Transfiguration homework. Naturally he couldn't concentrate after that so Christina gave him hers. Ron didn't take the news well that Harry got to copy homework but Christina laughed,
"Ron,how could I ever forget such a sweetie as you? Of course you may copy it too!"
Ron blushed and took the homework from a taunting Harry,
"Your face is as red as your hair mate! Are you sure you're OK."
The weeks began to roll by longer and longer. Ginny and Harry made Quidditch practice every other day so Harry was backed up on homework even with Christina and Hermione's help. Hermione still spoke to Harry and Christina. She wasn't all to fond of Liz but she was civil, but she never spoke to Ron anymore. She usually just sat by the common room fire with her cat Crookshanks and glared at him. Ron was used to it by October but Harry could tell he was sorry he had offended her but Ron was stubborn like his brother, Percy, and would never admit he was wrong.
On the day before Halloween, Harry and Christina sat outside to watch the sunset and finish some History of Magic homework. Christina looked towards the sun and spoke in a sort of far off tone, "Harry, you know I don't think I'll ever get over my father's death. I mean sure I'll move on, but I don't think I'll ever be the same. Going on, day after day, thinking of how I barely knew him and how I hated him sometimes. But, you Harry, you've had to do that through your whole life. I mean before I came here I hated you and I didn't even know you! But, I'm glad that now I do. You're a great guy Harry and you're gonna make some girl really proud one day."
Christina turned and smiled at him. Harry took her hands and held them near his chest, "Christina, no matter what happens, I will always be there for you."
Christina smiled but slowly drew her hands away, "That's easy for anyone to say."
Then, she got up and walked back into the school.
Harry was disappointed by Christina's reaction but he knew it was because Sirius was still fresh in her mind just as in his. At the Halloween feast, Harry couldn't pay attention to what was around him. All he could think of was when he and Ron saved Hermione from a mountain troll in the girl's bathroom in their first year. It brought tears to his eyes knowing that they became the best of friends because of that and now, six years later, Hermione and Ron were being gits because of their stupid emotions. Harry didn't eat much but once the feast was over, he ran back to the dormitories and into bed.
Each day, Christina reminded Harry that he had to ask Professor Snape about Occlumency lessons, Harry was much less than up for the idea.
"Why are you pestering me when you haven't even spoken to Dumbledore about the D.A. yet?", asked Harry, pokeing his oatmeal.
"Do you know how busy he is?! I'm scheduled to speak to him next week.", said Christina.
Harry looked up from his breakfast,"What? Does he have a secretary now?"
Christina swallowed her eggs, "No, I asked him when would be best for him and he said next week. Besides, this is about your personal safety now will you do it or will I?"
Harry shrugged, "You do it, I don't feel like it."
Harry got up from the table, "You don't feel like it! What's wrong with you Harry! Do you not care that Voldemort could use you again!? ", shouted Christina, as he walked away.