Ch.3
After all that was said and done, Harry Potter did not get the girl. At least not the girl he wanted. Cho Chang was pretty, Harry admitted to himself. He always thought to himself, 'I would never have a chance with Hermione. Might as well go for the next best thing'
And that's what he did. He threw everything in his and Cho's relationship. Everything that is, except his heart. He liked Cho's kisses, but there was always something missing. Either missing or something was wrong. His heart was with Hermione, not Cho. But by the end of the term, he finally gave up on his heart.
On the last days at Hogwarts, Ronald Weasley proposed to Hermione Granger. Harry didn't know until the end-of-the-year feast.
He was reaching for a roll of bread when a hand reached for the same one. He looked up and found Hermione's eyes on him.
"I'm sorry Harry. You could take the last one."
"No you take it Hermione. I know you like to get your food groups." It was the first time in a year he cracked a joke. She smiled and took it. He made the mistake of looking back down when he saw it. It was nothing special, a little diamond on a gold band. But to Harry Potter, it was the end of his life.
Hermione could feel his eyes on her hand. It was almost burning. She looked up at the same time he did. His eyes flashed with longing, desire, and sadness all rolled into one. Suddenly, Hermione breath caught and her heart pounded. But as soon as it appeared it disappeared.
"Congratulations Hermione." He prided himself for his calm exterior.
"Thanks Harry." Again, she caught his eyes. But she broke contact when Cho came over.
"Harry, sweetheart, I have to talk to you." Cho said as she looked at Hermione, who gave her a polite smile.
"Sure thing." He walked toward the Ravenclaw table when he turned to Hermione and whispered "Congratulations again Hermione". He grabbed Cho's hand and headed out the door. For the second time in the span of 5 minutes, her breath hitched and shivers ran through her body.
*
"Harry, I want to know why you're going out with me when you love her." Cho said as soon as they exited the Great Hall. Harry stopped dead in his tracks. All the color in his face drained and his heartbeat sped up.
"What?" He whispered.
"You heard me Harry."
"Cho, you don't know what you're talking about. There is nothing going on between Her...Hermione and me. Nothing! You could hardly classify us as best friends...even friends...besides...she's en...she's engag...she's engaged to Ron. I don't..." he realized he was rambling and dared to look at his girlfriend. He was surprised to see that she didn't have a hint of anger on her pretty face. He sighed and began again.
"How did you know?"
"I just did at the Great Hall. I saw the way you looked at her and I know you've never looked at me like that. You should tell her Harry, before its too late." He looked at her and sighed again.
"I've been trying to tell her for the past 6 years Cho. I faced the Dark Lord and I'm afraid to tell her how I feel. Besides it too late. It's been too late for the past two years. It's too late." His voice was full with emotion and he could feel the tears burning under his closed eyelids. He felt a hand on his shoulder and opened his eyes.
"It isn't as late as you think Harry." With that, she kissed him on the cheek and headed back to the feast.