I tried to spend the rest of the class focusing on what Professor Flitwick was saying rather than the fake laughs that I kept hearing from Cho on my left. Every now and then I could see Hermione staring at me out of the corner of my eye. It was during these moments in my life that I wished I was not able to see into the minds of the people around me. I knew that Hermione was feeling horrible for Harry's inconsiderate behavior; that Ron was somewhat happy that Harry was enjoying himself with Cho, although he thought he should have been enjoying himself with me; Harry was glad that Cho was willing to talk to him considering that he had witnessed her boyfriend's death; and Cho was happy to be so close to someone who could possibly feel the pain she was feeling about the situation.

"Very good Abby, very good!" said Professor Flitwick, slipping a small note into my hand as he tapped it lightly in praise. I looked but no one around me had noticed the transaction. I flipped it open and read it before shoving it hastily away, no one noticing that either.

When Professor Flitwick dismissed us I hurried to pick up my bag and speed walked out of the room. I could tell that Ron, Hermione, and Harry were confused and had come sprinting out of the room after me. This was becoming a common trend today.

"Slow down Abby. What's the rush?" said Harry, looking behind him to wave goodbye to Cho.

Feeling the rage build up inside me I stopped and turned on my heels. Hermione nearly ran into me, her eyes widening when she saw the look on my face. Ron who had stopped Hermione from falling backwards after running into me also sported a look of apprehension. They both turned to look at Harry who was still looking over his shoulder cheerfully at Cho.

Harry, finally starting to pick up on the tension around him turned and looked at me.

"What's wrong Abby? Did Snape say something to you?" Harry asked, still completely ignorant.

I shook my head, my lips moving into a small smirk. "No Harry, he didn't say anything to upset me, but even if he had I doubt that I would tell you anyway because the only thing that seems to be crossing your mind lately is Cho."

Hermione and Ron began to shuffle uneasily, looking back and forth between Harry and I once or twice before shifting their gaze back to the security of the stone floor.

"What? I'm not allowed to talk to Cho? She just lost her boyfriend Abby...is it really so wrong of me to want to comfort her through this?"

"I'm not your guardian Harry. You are perfectly capable of talking to whomever you wish, but don't expect me to gush my feelings to you when you are only going to partially listen!"

I watched as Harry's cheeks flushed red, the image of Cho's face quickly popping out of it. His embarrassment soon turned to anger.

"What gives you the right to be looking inside my head?" Harry said, his voice threatening.

"Oh believe me Harry, I don't want to be in your head at all. But you feel so strongly about Cho that your thoughts and images of her practically scream out at me! What am I supposed to do?"

"Get away from me," responded Harry, his face going completely blank.

"Harry, you don't mean that," said Hermione, anger starting to overcome her emotions.

"Yeah, come on mate. You know Abby never intentionally pries into our heads. In fact she does a really good job given the circumstances to stay out of them," said Ron.

"No, it's alright," I said, my body temperature dropping as it often did when I got angry. "Harry's right. If I don't like it, then I should just remove myself from the situation all together. Who am I to blame Harry for how he feels."

"Abby, come on. We're just getting a little emotional is all. There's no reason why we can't talk about this like civilized people."

I could hear Hermione's begging thoughts streaming from her mind. Ron was confused, not wanting to choose between his two friends but mad that Harry was putting them in a situation where he had to.

"Hermione's right, I didn't mean it," said Harry, genuine apologetic emotions starting to overpower his ones of anger. I tried to not let the sting show as I heard Harry think to himself that Cho was definitely more understanding than I was being, and that at least she thought to ask him about he was doing.

"Sorry Harry, but it's no good lying to someone who knows how you're feeling. I think Cho is still waiting for you by the door. Afterall she's a better shoulder to lean on than me, right?"

I turned and walked away, Harry's shock that I had heard him think that setting in; Ron and Hermione simply standing there with their mouths open. I didn't cry, because crying was something I never did, but I couldn't help but feel more attune to the girl sobbing on the bench that I walked past, her boyfriend having just told her that he simply did not care about her anymore. Who knew that loving another person could cause so much pain?

As I turned the corner I pulled the letter from Dumbledore out of my pocket and reread his slanted handwriting:

I am sorry to ask this of you Abby, but I think perhaps the best way to stop Harry from connecting with Voldemort in his dreams is to distract his brain with something else. Perhaps there is something you could fight with him about? You know I wouldn't ask it if it wasn't necessary. Please come to my office at 10:00 this evening so we can discuss.
Albus Dumbledore