Chapter 4


Expelliarmus. That was the first lesson. This spell is used to disarm another wizard, typically by causing the victim's wand to fly out of reach. Not that everyone didn’t know that but Hermione wants that everyone should understand what these spells are. Everyone was geared up to learn this spell. It is quite easy enough but hard to perform. It took Neville 2 weeks until he could perform it quite well. Harry is teaching us defensive spells and how to defend ourselves from unfriendly spells. Luckily, the Room of Requirement was big enough for everyone to practice.

“Now, I want you to practice these spells. These are the basics but they are often used by wizards. You should be able to perform these spells well.” Harry said out loud.

There were two problems I am having. One, I don’t know if I’m performing well since Harry barely talks to me even during practice. And two, what is wrong with him?
It has been weeks since I last talked to Harry and he was still avoiding me. I don’t know why he was doing so and sometimes I feel like I want to know. Even during lessons he would come approach me, teach me and then leave immediately. Did I said something to upset him?

The following day before the practice was about to start Harry and Hermione was discussing something. They were quite unaware that I can hear their bickering.

“Harry, let Cedric be your assistant!” Hermione insisted.
“For the last time Hermione, NO!” Harry specified.
“Why? For what reason could you possible say that?” Hermione asked.
“How about you become the assistant? Why Cedric?” Harry was starting to get annoyed.
“Because Harry, he’s the next best teacher. He could perform all these spells well.” Hermione breathe “Is this about something else?”
“W-what? N-no! Of course not.”
“You hesitated. It is about someone else is it?”
“Look Hermione if we’re going to talk about this any longer I swear—“
“It’s about Cho isn’t it?”

I heard my name. I wanted to look but it would blow my cover. I couldn’t let them suspect me of eavesdropping.

“Admit it!” Hermione slapped his right shoulder lightly. Harry didn’t respond. He stared at the bricked wall quietly. “Oh my gosh Harry, you would sabotage this over your jealousy of Cho dating Cedric?” Hermione lowered her voice.

I wanted to move closer and closer because their voices are getting lower by the second. I couldn’t hear their conversation any longer. Was Harry really jealous of Cedric dating me? Since when did Harry start to like me? I know he was staring a lot at me but I didn’t think it meant that he likes me. I just thought it was some kind of mannerism.

During practice my head couldn’t concentrate. I was focused on Harry. I stared at him for so long it’s completely weird.

“It’ll be the Christmas break starting next week so that means no more practice in the Room of Requirement. Take the time off everyone but don’t forget to practice as well. You’re doing such a great progress, really. I couldn’t be more proud of you. I’ll see you after Christmas break.” We all bid our goodbyes to everyone.

I wanted to catch up with Harry and confront him but he was too fast. We all just headed back to our dorms quietly. It’s amazing how we have to act like ninjas when going back to our dorms. I forgot to tell you, Umbridge has been suspicious about our secret organization. It’s been months since she’s doing her best in finding which students are involved. She even formed an “Inquisitorial Squad” to keep on the look-out. Of course, they were all Slytherins. Fortunately for all of us luck was always on our side.

The following morning was already a Saturday. As always I wake up early for my morning jog. It was a bit colder since winter will be arriving anytime soon. Some trees didn’t have leaves already and some of the plants were badly destroyed by the cold weather. Hogwarts was really dull that day. It was if the Dementors were here staying. I jogged until I reached the Quidditch pitch. I walked to it because it felt like it was telling me to come. I missed flying and playing in the field. We didn’t play Quidditch this year. Bloody Umbridge cancelled the game. She said it’s “dangerous and unethical”. Everyone hated Hogwarts the moment she stepped foot.

As I reached the Quidditch pitch I saw a person standing in the middle. He was facing on a different direction, so he didn’t see me. He wasn’t talking to anyone, not looking at something but he was just there, standing. Then as I got nearer, his back got familiar.

“Harry?” I called out. The person turned his back and looked at me.
“Can we talk?” I pleaded. “Please?”
He nooded.

We sat down on one of the benches but neither one of us could speak. We kept glancing at each other and waited for someone to start the conversation.
“It’s cold outside. We shouldn’t be here.” Harry stood up and offered a hand. I ignored it.
“Are you mad at me, Harry?” I looked away. I didn’t want to look at him because I might cry.
“N-no. Why would you think that?”
“You tell me. You’re the one who’s not talking to me.”
“I-I’m just busy that’s all. I’m sorry if I offended you that way.”
“Is it true? That you didn’t make Cedric your assistant because of me?” I finally said it. I’ve been holding on to that question for sometime now.
“Why?” I asked again. “Was he a bother to you?” “Was he bloody arrogant?” “Do you despise him” “Or—“ I asked too many questions at once. Harry looked confused for a moment. He was frowning and he looked like he didn’t understand what we were talking about.
“I don’t… know... w-what you’re talking a-about.” He replied. “But I like you Cho, I really do.” He added.

Then there was silence. We no longer looked at each other nor gave glances. Only the wind spoke and kept our hairs moving back and fort.

“Look, Cho” Harry spoke. “I’m sorry but it’s hard for me to admit to you.”
“but we’re f-friends” I still didn’t look at him.
“You asked me ‘why’ and I just simply answered. I ju—“
“Cho” someone interrupted. Harry and I both looked back.
“h-hey” it was Cedric. I tried to smile. I saw Harry looked down, disappointed.
“Come, I need to tell you something.” Cedric said.

Then there it was. I had to chose between the two of them. Would I choose to go with Cedric or would I choose to stay with Harry and talk? My heart couldn’t make up what to do but my feet rose up and moved slowly to Cedric. As I walked towards him, I looked back at Harry, wanting to apologize but instead my hand waved goodbye.