Memory of a Kiss

Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry Potter (but it would have been nice they were!). They belong to the great JkRowling. The plot is based on my own imagination, but there are phrases that may be very familiar to you in the Harry Potter book series. Let me make it clear that I am just “borrowing” them to spport the flow of my story. *grins innocently*

Summary: A 3-Chapter romance fiction of the Boy-Who-Lived in a series of events from Bets to an Amnesia, and Masquerade Balls to the awaited ‘key’ to Harry’s memory. At the start, Harry Potter has just lost a game and had to choose between giving away his Firebolt and kissing his best friend as a form of punishment (I’m definitely not talking about Ron). The story then gets complicated as he developed different feelings for his friend, and has just proposed to her when a certain incident robbed Harry of his memory. It then continues with Cho’s persuading ‘act’, a New Year Masquerade Ball and the Final Revelation.

Author’s Notes: I really want to thank these people for helping me with the story: Daphne, my sister and my cousin “Blue Crystal”. They really helped me that much in inspiring me and giving me some suggestions with the story, and I’m really grateful…I own them so much…*wipes a tear* So enough about that and off with the story. Cho’s the villain here…again. Though it would have been better if Ginny was the bad guy…*evil laugh* (No offense to Pro-Ginnys) (^_^) Peace out! Anyways it’s all in the summary! And I suggest you listen to your favorite love song while you’re at it. It’ll add more fluff effect to the already fluffy story. Hope you’ll enjoy reading it and tell me what you think! Review!! I would really appreciate it…*does puppy dog eyes* (^_^) Btw, I’m still working on the next chapter which I will hopefully finish this weekend.

CHAPTER I

DUELS and DEALS

Seamus Finnigan appeared in the library door carrying a wooden sort of board game followed by Dean Thomas, a wide grin on both their faces. Seamus paused on the doorway looking over the heads of the Hogwarts students, his grin grew even wider when he found the person he was looking for. He strode to where Harry Potter and Ron Weasley was seated, grumbling over their books as they took down notes.

When Seamus and Dean neared the boys, Hermione Granger just came out of the corner of a nearby shelf holding a book, dumping it on the middle of the table where Harry and Ron was and went back to the nearby shelf. Seamus could hear them groan as they reached them.

“I can’t take this! We should be lounging in the common room by now!” Ron said in an exasperated voice, resting his forehead on the table surface.

“Then why don’t you take a break?” Seamus said.

“Hello, Seamus.” Harry said.

“What’s that?” Ron said, noticing the board Seamus was carrying.

Seamus beamed. “Just bought this last summer. It’s called the ‘The Ultimate Wizard’s Duel of Chess’. Really brilliant I tell you.” Seamus placed the board in the center of the table and sat on the other side of the table opposite Harry, “It’s the same as any wizard’s chess actually, but the thing that makes this the ultimate game are the consequences and bets made in the game. The best part is if you lose, the winner can get anything from you.”

The board was just like any ordinary chess board. But when Seamus touched the center with his wand, its surface began to transfigure into a disfigured shape and when it finally took form, chess pieces which were clearly not there before positioned themselves into their places.

“I challenge you to a duel Harry,” Seamus grinned mischievously.

Harry was taken aback and suddenly he laughed, “Why don’t you have a go against Ron? I’m no better when it comes to chess!”

“I’m not good at it either. We’re even. That’s one thing why I choose you Harry…or are afraid to lose three games in a row?” Seamus dared to say.

“You really think I’d give in to that don’t you? But since you’re nice enough to ask that,” a little mock, “I accept.”

Triumph flickered in Seamus’ eyes which Harry didn’t see.

“Ok. So this is how it goes. You have your wand with you? Right. Let the tip of your wand touch the center of the board to officially mark the duel.” As Seamus said it, he touched his wand tip at the surface and his name appeared on his side of the board.

Shrugging, Harry took out his wand and followed suit. Harry’s name too appeared on his side.

“Ok, here’s my bet. If you lose this game, I get your Firebolt.”

“What?” Harry and Ron laughed.

“You can’t be bloody serious, mate.” Ron said. Laughter died in his eyes. “Are you really serious?”

Seamus just smiled. Harry laughed again, obviously not bothered by the dare his friend just said.

“Ok then. If you lose, you’ll have to take down notes on Potions and Transfiguration for Ron and me.” Seamus flinched at that but said nothing, still carrying his grin.

“Deal.” He said, shaking his hand.

*****

“Er-this isn’t legal….is it? I mean, I can’t just give away my Firebolt for losing a game!”

“That’s the rule Harry…you can’t back out now,” Seamus said with a gleam in his eye.

Harry frowned. “C’mon Seamus. This is not amusing anymore.”

“I’m dead serious. The game is legal. That means the bets are also legal.”

Harry stood up and so did Ron. Before he could walk away some distance from the board, something jerked at Harry, propelling him back to his seat.

“Ugh!”

“And by the way,” said Seamus. “I’d keep my promise if I were you. You’d not go anywhere two meters away from the board and neither can you hurt the board or attempt to jinx it.”

“But—but I just can’t give you my broom!” Harry was growing desperate.

“Well that’s your problem for losing in the first place.”

“Seamus!”

“What?”

Harry scowled.

“Hey! Take it easy there!” Seamus said playfully though one could notice a slight croak in his voice, “It’s not my fault you lost the game. Why don’t we just settle things up and give me your Firebolt?” He smiled vaguely.

On sudden impulse, Harry lunged towards Seamus but was forced back again by some invisible force.

When Harry stood up he could see Seamus look at him as if he was some beast about to devour its prey.

“Okay-okay! There’s an option.” Seamus looked at him uncertainly before moving around the table towards him.

“Wh-what are you doing?” Harry said, his anger slowly ebbing away after hearing that there’s still an ‘option’ and a bit unsure of what the other person is about to do.

“There’s an alternative bet. One must choose between the original bet and an alternative bet but nothing else can be changed once the bet is placed, unless you do just what it requires you to do. And only the winner can make the alternative.” He said, stopping a few meters from Harry, face to face.

Seamus looked around the place thinking hard about something and searching through space. He took his seat next to Harry and kept on thinking.

Harry raised a brow, not sure how to react. At that same moment, Hermione Granger’s voice came out from the side of one shelf, “Can anyone please give me a hand over here?”

As if having found an idea, Seamus’ head shot up, clicking his fingers. Harry could see a mischievous grin on his face.

Harry frowned, “What is it now?”

“Ok. Here’s the alternative,” Seamus said and then lowered his voice in a whisper where only he and Harry could hear. There was a slight pause before he said, “Kiss Hermione Granger.”

“WHAT!!”

“SHhhh! We’re in the library for Merlin’s sake!” Seamus said alarmingly, noticing other students looking their way.

“I can’t do that! You’re making a fool out of me! And—how can you make me do that to my best friend?!?”

“Well…so what? Will it be your Firebolt or you know-what?” Seamus said, ignoring Dean and Ron’s suspicious looks. And remembering Harry’s unexpected reaction earlier, he slowly backed away a fair distance.

“I could curse you right now Seamus.”

“You can’t. We’re inside Hogwarts.”

“You know I can’t play quidditch without my Firebolt.”

“Then, I’ll lend it to you when there’s a game and you’ll have to give it back after it.”

Harry scowled.

“Greedy git,” Harry hissed.

Gritting his teeth, he stood up and walked towards the place where he heard Hermione’s voice. He couldn’t deny that his heart was beating faster.

His Firebolt! Does Seamus actually think he’ll get HIS broom??? Bloody rat! How the hell is he suppose to deal with this? He can’t just walk up there and—and—I’ll kill Seamus when I finish with this! That thought only made Harry more aware of what he was about to do.

Kiss Hermione Granger. Seamus’ words still echoed in his mind.

“Harry, there you are. Can you help me put these books back up?” Hermione’s voice interrupted his train of thoughts.

She was pointing at a small pile of books, several where thick.

“Er-Hermione?”

“Hmm?”

“Wi-will—what did you pull out this books for?” Harry sighed. He just realized he could not just tell Hermione about what he was about to do. He feared on how she would react. Damn! He was acutely aware of his blood racing through his veins.

She raised her brows. “I was looking into some of them for homework.”

This is Hermione we’re talking about. His best friend. So why was he feeling goose bumps run down his back?

“Well?”

Harry walked towards the pile of books as Hermione climbed the ladder.

He passed her the books one by one; unaware that he was taking her appearance.

She was still what Harry had known her to be. The bushy brown hair trailing down a few inches below her shoulders, the same stubborn chin, and—Harry’s gaze went down to her lips. It looked soft and delicate. What was he thinking? Harry shook his head as if clearing away his thoughts. But he couldn’t avoid moving his gaze from her developing form. She’s got graceful curves now which Harry just noticed, and she was taller than he remembered her to be.

“Harry?”

Harry blinked. Hermione was looking at him.

“Please pass me that last big one. It seems you’re having sentiments about it.” Harry then noticed that he was hugging the book Hermione was indicating. The book was rather larger than the rest but he wasn’t even aware of carrying its weight.

“Oh, sorry.” He passed it to her who had a bit of difficulty taking its heavy mass.

The empty space where it once had been is a bit of a distance, so Hermione had difficulty in placing it back. She leaned farther to fit it in and at the same moment the book was replaced, her left foot slipped on the steely step.

Hermione let out a gasp as she fell. Fortunately Harry saw this and caught her just in time before she hit the floor.

Silence.

“That was really scary.” Hermione whispered as she held on tightly to him.

To Harry’s surprise, she was light and he felt a sudden feeling of possessiveness that came out of nowhere. Slowly, Harry lifted her to a standing position. She was still shaking a bit as she brushed down the wrinkles off her clothes. Having the feeling of being watched, she looked up to find Harry staring at her in a strange way. Before she knew it, Harry had lowered his head and his lips met hers. Her lips where tender as what he had thought earlier against his.

Her eyes had been closed when he drew back. It suddenly flew wide open and a blush appeared on her cheeks.

Harry could see she was surprised by the action but held no resistance.

“Whoa! You actually fell for the alternative bet!”

Both turned to looked up and found a surprised Seamus, Dean and very shocked Ron standing there at the other end of the shelves.

Harry felt himself redden at the look on their faces except for Ron who didn’t seem to show any expression at all.

“A bet is a bet then. It’s settled.” Seamus said, though a bit disappointed. He shrugged, and then said, “Ok, you passed it.”

Seamus turned and walked away followed by a confused-looking but grinning Dean. (“Damn! I almost had my hands on that Firebolt!”)

Somehow, this doesn’t feel right.

When he glanced to see how Hermione would react to this, the only thing he saw was brown hair and the end of a black robe disappearing on the opposite end of the shelves.

Ron’s expression turned from shock to reproach. Harry saw Ron’s betrayed look before he also left.

What have I done? He told himself. His head was empty and he now carried a feeling of dread. He walked away then, not caring where his feet would take him.

He then realized that he was heading out of the castle but still didn’t stop. “I need to think”, he thought, rubbing his slightly throbbing temples.

“Accio Firebolt!” he shouted with a wave of his wand but didn’t wait for his broom to come zooming insight and went on walking towards the Quidditch Pitch. When he did hear his Firebolt, he turned and held out his hand. As if in command, the broom glided directly to it.

His thoughts elsewhere, Harry mounted on his broom and kicked hard on the grass. He took a deep breath as he made it in mid-air. This has always been his refuge when things started to get complicated. Harry made several spins and rounds around the field to calm his nerves before he finally decided to come down and confront whatever it is he’s going to face.

Broom in hand, Harry walked his way inside the castle and headed to the Gryffindor Common Room. He needed to find Ron and Hermione. He muttered the password to Fat Lady and went inside the portrait hole, calmer and determined now to right his mistake.

Watching over the heads of the Gryffindor students, he didn’t catch sight of either Ron or Hermione. Where were they? He didn’t really know what to say to them once he found them but still he needed to know if they’re ok. Ok? How could he think they’re ok? He always had this suspicion that Ron had a thing for Hermione…without intending to, the monster inside him growled. Surprised, Harry stubbornly pushed away his confusing emotions aside and scanned the room more closely.

“Hi Harry.” Neville said as he passed him.

“Hey Neville. Have you seen Ron anywhere?” He asked.

“No. I didn’t notice him come inside.”

“And Hermione?”

“Oh. She rushed in and up the girl’s dormitory. She looks as if she was in a hurry or something.” Neville shrugged.

“I see. Thanks Neville.” Harry said. He could feel his stomach fall.

*****

Throughout the rest of the day, Harry still didn’t have any idea where Ron was and Parvati said Hermione was in bed.

“She said she wasn’t feeling well.” Parvati had told Harry.

*****

Dinner was over. He went up to the common room, expecting the others to be there but when he did get there, there was no Hermione or Ron. He went up to the boy’s dormitory and heard someone snore loudly. He went closer and found Ron sleeping on his bed or rather, giving the impression that he was sleeping.

“Ron?” Harry said through the darkness of the room. The only light was the soft gleam of the full moon outside the large dormitory window.

Ron kept on snoring, louder than was normal.

“I know you are awake, Ron. C’mon.”

He rolled over in his bed and continued to snore.

Harry frowned.

“Ron, I know you are angry at me for what happened earlier.” More snores, “I know you’re awake Ron, why won’t you talk to me?”

“Because you are one selfish, stupid git who doesn’t give a damn what others are feeling.” Ron said as he sat up from his bed, a glare pasted on his face.

Harry didn’t know whether to feel relieved by Ron’s talking to him or grimace at Ron’s description of him. “I know. I wasn’t thinking. I don’t really know what came over me. I mean—what could I have done—Argh!”

Harry’s jaw suddenly connected with Ron’s fist. He staggered back.

“You deserved that. You should have traded off your broom than seeing Hermione cry.” Ron said as he stood up from bed.

“She—what?” Humiliation washed over Harry. So she was crying all day in her dormitory…Oh, great. How could he be so thick?!

Harry blindly walked towards his bed and sat there, his head resting on both hands.

“Yes—she’s crying. Ginny told me.” Ron said, some of his anger had gone.

Silence.

“Do you have feelings for Hermione?” Ron suddenly asked.

Harry was caught off guard.

“I—Hermione? Do I have feelings for her?” Harry tried to smile but failed terribly. “Honestly, I don’t know anymore…”

Ron narrowed his eyes at him. “Make up your mind before you do anything rash.” He said and went back to bed. A few minutes later, he could hear Ron snore again but this time was for real.

He stood up and undressed himself, put on his pajamas and dumped himself on the bed. He still couldn’t believe he’d kissed his best friend that morning and more confused when he’s feelings for her have changed. What was happening to him?

He was still pondering on it when he drifted off to sleep.

*****

“Way to go Harry!” Harry heard a fellow Gryffindor say as he walked out of the common room not really knowing what he meant by it. Heads have been turned in his direction since he came down from the dormitory. He wondered what all this was about but he kept on going down towards the Great Hall for breakfast.

Later that day did Harry know why others had been cat-calling and some girls were either giggling or giving him reproachful looks. He was walking down the corridor when he met Malfoy and his cronies, Crabbe and Goyle.

“Hey Potter! Where’s your girlfriend?” He sneered.

“I don’t know what you’re saying Malfoy.”

“You kissed that Mudblood didn’t you?” He went on.

“I’d shut up if I were you.” Harry said, suppressing the anger that was slowly mounting inside him.

“Tsk, tsk. Even Potter’s so desperate to have a girlfriend that he’d spare lowly extras—” Before Malfoy knew what was about to come, Harry had dived at him wanting nothing more than to kill him with his bare hands.

“Touch him and I’ll curse both of you to death.” He heard a female voice say behind him, but cared less to know who it was and to whom she was referring to and kept on hitting Malfoy as hard as he could. At that same time, he had been expecting to be pounded by Malfoy’s friends and was both curious and relieved that he wasn’t being pummeled by them yet.

“What do you think you’re doing!?” McGonagall’s voice cut through the commotion.

Harry stopped and looked up to see a very professor and slowly stood up away from Malfoy.

“I am very disappointed in how students are performing now adays. Fighting in the corridors! 30 points from each of you! Potter, Malfoy, go to the hospital wing and let Madam Pomfrey tend you both. Clean up before you go to classes. Now.”

Harry barely heard what McGonagall said. He stared at Hermione who was standing not far from him, staring interestedly at her feet, wand still in hand.

“Well? What are you two waiting for?” McGonagall demanded.

Malfoy shoot daggers at Harry before he went ahead to the hospital wing with Crabbe and Goyle.

Harry started to walk away when Hermione caught up with him, “Umm…can I go with you?”

Yes was all he could manage to say. They walked in silence towards the entrance of the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey had already done Malfoy’s and he glowered at Harry when he passed him out of the room with Crabbe and Goyle.

“Oh, you again,” said Madam Pomfrey as she looked up from her desk. “You have been frequently visiting this part of Hogwarts more often lately.”

She led them to an empty cot before tending to his small cuts and bruises.

Minutes later, they were out into the corridor after having been ‘cleaned’. After some momentary silence, Harry made the first move.

“Hermione, can I talk to you for a second? Before we went to class?” Harry said not sure if he was doing the right thing.

“Ok.” Harry could just make out the slight hesitation in her voice.

Harry stopped walking and faced her. He could feel blood throbbing in his head and his throat had suddenly dried up when she looked at him with those chestnut eyes, searching his face.

“I—I’m—” he sighed and summoned all the courage he could find, “I’m sorry—about what happened yesterday. I have been stupid and unthinking and foolish. I’m really, really sorry. I didn’t know what I was doing and it was clearly unfair. I’m sorry.” He was searching her face at the same time, anticipating how she may react.

She smiled. She smiled! Harry’s heart did a somersault.

“So—you’ve forgiven me then?” He smiled uncertainly.

Before he could react, she leaned and kissed him on the cheek before moving on ahead of Harry, the smile still on her face.

*****

The word had spread rapidly and now the whole school knows that Harry Potter had just kissed Hermione Granger. This really annoyed Harry and sometimes when conversation starts to head on that direction, he would deliberately change the subject or make an excuse to side-step the topic.

Though Ron was still angry with Harry, it was enough that he was on talking terms however casual or very formal. Hermione, like Harry, was in an awkward situation, he noticed that several heads would look her way when she passes by. But Harry was fairly impressed on how she handled the situation, ignoring loud insults or comments about her, head still held high as if she heard nothing.

There was one eventful day that did turn out to be surprising both to Harry and to the people present inside the library.

Cho had been making comments about Hermione and how she could have been chosen by Harry and not her who believed Harry still had a crush on.

She and her best friend had walked up to Hermione simply to ‘talk’. But then again, since she started to get jealous about Hermione’s ‘closeness’ with Harry, things have gone pretty awry.

“Hello, Hermione. Still glued on your books?”

Hermione looked up from the table. Cho was standing there with her friend, a fake smile plastered on her face.

“Hello Cho.” Hermione went back on her note taking.

“I was wondering if the rumors were true. I heard—”

“That Harry kissed me? Yes that’s true. And if you are going to ask more about it, please drop the subject. It’s really annoying how people pry into other people’s lives that don’t concern them. Gossiping makes it worse.” Hermione didn’t look up when she said this; instead, she kept on taking down her notes.

She didn’t see Cho’s brows furrow at her words.

“Are you saying that I am one of these gossipers who mess with other people’s lives then?” There was a hint of ice in her voice.

“No. Not really. I just don’t want people to talk about me and Harry, that’s all.” Hermione said cooly.

“Well. To tell you the truth Ms. Granger, I don’t believe a word of it. Whether it be true or not, it hasn’t been proven yet that he likes you or—“

“Oh, so you mean you’re jealous of me because Harry kissed me instead of you?” Hermione said still not looking up from her work.

Cho scowled. “I think that you’re just spreading the word that Harry kissed you. It may be ‘harsh’ to tell you this Hermione, but I do think it is selfish of you to do just that and he is not really your boyfriend is he?” She said, a smug look slowly appearing in her face.

“Why are we talking about all these rubbish when people already believe that? And oh, I thought you were dating Michael Corner?” Hermione couldn’t help herself. It was then that she looked up at Cho. She could felt her ‘rival’s’ tension building and though she didn’t show it, Hermione was surprised at herself that she didn’t felt any hesitation in her words. Not one. Hermione was winning; she could feel it when Cho blushed.

“We were once, but I dumped him.” Cho said coldly.

Hermione flinched. Poor Michael. This was not the same Cho Hermione thought she knew. She doesn’t deserve Harry when her real attitude’s like that.

“So since you’re not his girlfriend or anything close to that, why don’t you keep it safe and lay off him?” She said.

“Oh! Are you threatening me Cho?”

“What if I am?”

“And what if I did tell you that I am his girlfriend?” Hermione said, daring Cho to challenge her words.

“I don’t believe it.” She said with hostility. “You aren’t together romantically and there’s no proof that he likes you anything more than his best friend.”

“Well…I could change that.” Hermione said, averting her gaze to the entrance of the library.

Cho followed her gaze. Harry had just entered. He went to the librarian and asked her about something.

Cho raised a brow as Hermione stood up and gathered her things.

“What are you going to do?”

“Giving you the proof you want. Just watch.” Hermione said as she walked away from Cho towards Harry. I hope this works, she said to herself. She could feel her heart beat faster and her breath grew shorter as she watched the librarian walk away.

“Hermione, there you are. I’ve been looking for—” Harry was cut short when Hermione suddenly kissed him.

“I’ll explain later. Kiss me back.” Hermione whispered through his lips.

Harry needed no telling twice. He was already entranced by the kiss and did as she said.

When they drew apart, Hermione looked back to where Cho and her best friend had been standing; she hasn’t been denied the satisfaction of seeing their shocked expressions.

Cho was obviously stunned by her proof!

But what happened next, Hermione didn't expect. Cho walked right up to them and slapped Harry in the face.

"How dare you do this to me? And in front of me of all places! I thought for once you liked me!" Cho was furious.

Harry who doesn't have a clue of what really happened was surprised at her outburst and remained speechless.

But unlike Harry, the action provoked Hermione.

SLAP!

Cho turned wide-eyed at an angry Hermione, a hand going up to the cheek where she had slapped her.

"Don't you ever do that again! You have no right to slap him in front of me!" Hermione said, flushed but eyes daring at Cho to fight back.

Well, Cho actually accepted her challenge and jumped at Hermione. Hermione was only too ready for a fight.

Harry who stood there all the more shocked at the situation finally came to his senses as both girls begin pulling hairs and scratching their claw-like nails at each other's faces.

"Hey! STOP! No!" Harry went forward and pushed his body through both girls to give them distance from each other, but unfortunately, he didn't know better than to mess with a female fight and got clawed back by both girls who were trying to get at one another.

To Harry's relief, he saw Ron came in the library and shouted at him for help.

Ron was at first surprised at what had happened and later on dissolved into fits of laughter.

"This is not funny, you know! Get your bloody arse in here and help me get them away from each other!"

"Haha! Harry—haha! You really don't look too good mate! You should have been wise enough not to meddle in girl-fights!"

"I've just noticed!" He scowled as Ron came up to them and pulled Cho a distance from the other two.

"No! Get your hands of me Harry. Let me at her!"

"Let me go, you git! I'm still not done with that liar!"

"That is enough! What has been happening here?! You’re not going to continue that racket inside my library and disturb the whole school! You all better get yourselves out of here this instant before I suspend you from the library the whole term!" Madam Pince was furious. They have never seen her this angry before since their previous years until now. She pointed a finger at the door.

They needn't to be told twice. Harry, Ron and Hermione rushed outside. Behind them marched Cho and Marietta, who followed them out the door. Once outside, Cho walked up towards the three.

She wasn't done yet, "Let's settle this then." She turned a determined face at Harry, "Who are you going to choose Harry? Me or this no-good friend of yours?"

"Can't I pick both?"

Harry received a hard slap on the side of his head and turned to see Hermione who was looking at him expectantly as well, "Don't be silly! Cho's right for once. To end this matter, you've got to choose one of us. Me or her?"

Both Harry and Ron was surprised at her words, not only was she sure of them but she also looks as if she meant what she said.

"I-I..." For a moment, Harry was lost for words but then his face suddenly became serious. What if I did have to choose one? Who would I pick? The girl I've so much had a crush on since third year…or my best friend? Heck, I'd have to be stupid enough not to pick my crush! He looked at Cho's face. “Yeah, why not? You'd get another shot there lad!” A voice on the side of his head spoke up. “While on the other hand...Hermione...well, Hermione has gone quite a nice change.” Another voice spoke up slyly. Harry can't help but take a look at Hermione’s appearance and agree truthfully with that voice.

Another voice, a more sensible one, spoke up, "Better choose one who’s more of an advantage. Who do you think is more of a help to you? The conscience of your soul? Who’s the person you'd willingly die for (seriously)?"

He looked at Cho for a moment then to Hermione.

"Well?" Cho asked impatiently.

Harry took a deep breath and said adding a hint of amusement, "I think I'd have to pick someone who can cope up with my mood swings…" He took Hermione's hand, "C'mon Ron. Let's go."

Cho’s mouth dropped wide open. She was absolutely stunned and speechless. She was so sure that Harry would pick her that she didn’t know how to react.

Even though Hermione was somewhat surprised by the outcome of the situation, she could feel a nice feeling pass through her body. It was of great impulse that she couldn't help but whisper to Harry, "Put your arm around my waist. Trust me."

He did as she said, though he was wondering what she's up to. He slowly withdrew his hand from hers and snaked his arm around her waist.

Just as Hermione felt it, she said over her shoulder at Cho who was now very red, “Hope you’ll get better luck next time Cho. Have a nice day!”

Cho’s temper raised sky high and exploded. She grabbed the nearest book and threw it with all her might at them. But her temper grew even more when the book only hit the edge of the wall when the trio turned a corner and missed them by a foot.

She shouted in rage at their retreating backs, “I’m not finished with you Granger! Just wait! One of these days, you’ll get what you deserve!”

*****

“What was that all about?” Ron asked as they finally came out of earshot.

Hermione told him what happened, all the while a smug look was on her face. After she finished with her story, both boys were now in fits of laughter.

Ron said, “Well, that went well. Did you see the look on her face when Harry told her he chose you! That was bloody priceless! Went on second to Malfoy the ferret!” Then a thought appeared on his head on which he thought was quite amusing, “Hey Harry. How does it feel snogging Hermione?” His grin grew, a twinkle evident in his eyes.

Harry was taken aback by this, blushing at the same time. He couldn’t prevent it when a flashback of the kiss came to his mind. How she had kissed him and how he responded to it only too well. He didn’t actually see the glint in Ron’s eyes at first and told him the truth. Then seeing that his best friend was only teasing him, instead of stopping, he actually continued and countered Ron jokingly, “Why? Are you curious enough to want to kiss her too?”

Ron knew he was playing and added, “Rawr…bring it on…”

Hermione was very red by now when Harry turned to her and asked, “Is it ok with you Hermione?”

They weren’t the only one who could play at that game, Hermione replied sweetly, “Oh don’t be silly! I’d be delighted!”

“Whaa—?” Ron blushed. He didn’t expect the tables to turn.

“On second thought, wait 50 years from now and I’d gladly snog you senseless!” Hermione said, fluttering her eyelashes.

Ron quickly recovered, “You’d be old by then! I change my mind! I’d rather kiss Luna Lovegood if I have to wait that long!”

Harry and Hermione looked at each other then suddenly burst out laughing. They were laughing so hard that they were already clutching their stomachs to try to stop themselves.

Ron was looking at them as if they’ve gone mad, “I know I’m hilarious, but that doesn’t mean you have to exaggerate! What’s so—”

“Really Ronald?”

Ron froze. He slowly turned around to see the real Luna Lovegood standing before him, “Luna! How long have you been here?”

“Do you really want to kiss me?” Her eyes were twinkling as she stepped closer.

“I was only kidding! It was a joke!” Ron was waving his hands frantically in front of him.

“I’d prefer to differ!” Seamus said as he passed by them on his way to the library.

“Sod off!” Ron shouted after him as Luna came closer.

“I won’t mind. I can kiss you now if you like.”

“No! I was only joking around!” He was starting to panic.

Luna looked as if she hadn’t heard a thing. She was in fact beaming! She moved closer.

Ron didn’t wait for the outcome and without second thoughts, he made a run for it shouting over his shoulder, “I wasn’t serious! I didn’t bloody mean a thing about it!”

Unfortunately for Ron, Luna didn’t seem to hear him and began chasing him like a predator hunting down her prey.

Harry and Hermione doubled up in their laughter.

*****

Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry Potter.

Summary: A 3-Chapter romance fiction of the Boy-Who-Lived in a series of events from Bets to an Amnesia, and Masquerade Balls to the awaited ‘key’ to Harry’s memory. At the start, Harry Potter has just lost a game and had to choose between giving away his Firebolt and kissing his best friend as a form of punishment (I’m definitely not talking about Ron). The story then gets complicated as he developed different feelings for his friend, and has just proposed to her when a certain incident robbed Harry of his memory. It then continues with Cho’s persuading ‘act’, a New Year Masquerade Ball and the Final Revelation.

Author’s Notes: I’ve finished the 2nd chapter earlier than I expected so here it is: A rival’s revenge. Cho’s a real pain in the ass in these parts…(^_^) Enjoy and don’t forget to review! The last chapter will really take some time for me to upload since I haven’t made a draft of it yet unlike the other 1st two, so please be patient…(^_^)

CHAPTER II

A Rival’s Grudge

As the days went by, fate finally took its course and Harry fell for Hermione as she for him.

Harry had slipped a note to Hermione during Charms class to wait for him that night in the common room:

There’s something I’d like to show you...

She nodded as she caught his eye.

*****

That night when Ron finally left his two best friends saying he had enough studying for that day, Harry slowly took something out of his pocket and stood near Hermione.

Hermione looked at him inquiringly.

Harry was a bit edgy at the moment. Butterflies had been dancing in his stomach since he thought of revealing his true feelings to Hermione.

“Harry? Are you alright?” Hermione was feeling strange at the moment too.

“Y—yeah. Uh—Hermione…I—” He sighed and took one deep breath, reddening by the minute. “You’ve been there for me from the beginning and—I just don’t know what to do without you…would—would you be my girlfriend?” He felt heat rapidly warming his face which he tried hard to suppress as he opened his hand to reveal a very thin silver chain and a small lightning-crested locket as a pendant.

Hermione’s eyes widened, a blush creeping in her cheeks. She stood up and lowered her head so that Harry couldn’t see her eyes. An awkward silence passed, which seemed like ages before Hermione lifted her eyes to his. He could see that it was shining with tears.

Panic crept up his spine and he closed his eyes, expecting her rejection.

“Harry…” she whispered.

He opened his eyes then and before he knew it, he was almost thrown off balance as Hermione threw her arms around his neck.

“I can’t believe this is happening…” She whispered.

He hugged her back and felt settled by the warmth of her body against his.

“Yes Harry…” She said against his shoulder.

Harry felt as if fireworks had blown around the castle. He felt at ease with the world at the moment.

They stayed like that for ages before Hermione slowly parted and turned her back to him, lifting her hair so Harry could put on the necklace.

Harry did the honor and glued this memory in his mind forever as he gently laid the chain around her neck and gingerly closed the lock. She turned around beaming at him. Harry lowered his head and kissed her. The fire was the only one to witness this moment and it crackled happily in the fireplace as if in celebration.

*****

Ron had been the first one to know about it and the only people who knew about this were their fellow classmates and close friends.

But as we have already known, rumor spreads fast and Cho got the blow of the news. She was enraged. She had been planning to disrupt their relationship by going up to either of them face to face but couldn’t seem to get near them because they were always with friends. Then as if by luck, she saw the Gryffindor-Slytherin Quidditch match and came up with an idea and thought of a plan. But she needed help in this one.

When classes were dismissed, Cho bravely came up to Malfoy and said in a low voice, “We need to talk.”

Draco eyed her warily, “Cho.”

“It’s about Harry, if you’re interested.”

That caught Malfoy’s attention, “What about him?”

“Let’s talk somewhere private. I don’t want anyone else to hear this.”

Draco turned around and told Crabbe and Goyle to go ahead of him and followed Cho out of the room, through a corridor and into another room. Cho closed the door behind her and turned to Malfoy, who sat lazily on an empty chair as if bored.

“Well?”

“Since you have your own grudge on Harry and his friends, I think you might want to be involved in this. Though I need the help myself, I want to have my revenge on Granger.”

“The mudblood?”

“Yes, Harry’s mine. And she stole him from me!” She said heatedly.

“Oh, I see. You’re jealous then?”

“You may call it as that. But she needs to pay. She doesn’t deserve him.”

“As much as I want to get back on Potter, I wouldn’t be fervent enough to join myself into some foolish retaliation that I have no idea if it might even work.”

“Don’t underestimate me Malfoy. I’m not placed in Ravenclaw for nothing.” She said quietly. “Gryffindor and Slytherin are having a Quidditch match against each other, so I guess I’d come to you. Do you remember the rogue bludger? This has already happened before. I planned to go at it again but this time I want it to go straight to that mudblood’s face! But it wouldn’t be effective if it is directly done since most people would be suspicious of it. So as you want Harry to have a taste of pain too, I think he should have a go at it first and when people are focused on him, that’s when I’d have my revenge and aim that bludger on Granger.”

Malfoy raised a brow, “And you believe this would work?”

“I know spells you have no knowledge of Draco. I reckon I can pull it off nicely.” Cho said smugly.

Draco narrowed his eyes, “I would ignore that comment for now. Very well then. If you think Potter would have a part on it, then it’s settled.” Draco waved his hand in a careless gesture, “But if you’re so sure about your plans, what has it to do with me?”

Cho beamed. “You needn’t worry about anything. I just need you to threaten or bribe your beaters into aiming a hard shot on Harry with one of the bludgers. I’ll sneak in before the match to put a charm into both bludgers and when it’s aimed for him, the charm will be activated and there will be no way he can dodge it. Once he gets hit hard, the bludger will go away for a moment and will automatically target on Granger.”

“The chest is well protected if you’re too naïve to notice that…”

Cho snapped, “It’s you who’s ignorant. The enchantment is easy to break if you only know what to spell you’re dealing with.”

Malfoy slowly stood up giving Cho the impression of a panther ready to jump on its prey.

“We Malfoys are proud. And we don’t hesitate to take on anyone who dares insult us, Ms. Chang.”

“I know. We Chinese are the same. That’s why I’m having my revenge on Granger and asking for your assistance all the same.”

Draco Malfoy looked at her closely, then said, “So, there’s not much to do then but enjoy the fun and watch the action take place.” He said with a devious grin slowly settling on his face. Folding his arms on his chest, he went back to sit on the chair and made himself comfortable on it.

“Yes.”

*****

The day of the Quidditch match.

The volume was raised to a high level as players zoomed in and out of their positions on the Quidditch field. The match against Gryffindor and Slytherin had finally started and delighted students watch as their team played the game with great enthusiasm. Flaglets and banners were being waved and cheers were chanted for support. Harry stopped in midair on the right corner of the field, keeping out of the way but still putting much attention to the game. He scanned the field for the Golden Snitch and spotted Malfoy just a few distance away sneering at him.

Harry was already used to getting taunts from his archenemy and ignored him at any rate and went back to focus on the game.

Gryffindor had shot another goal and scored 80-20, their team on the winning side. Then he suddenly caught sight of a golden streak across the middle of the field. Harry made a dash for it, Malfoy on his tail.

Harry had expected someone to block him from winning and dodged an incoming bludger. What he didn’t expect though was being chased by one again. Dobby couldn’t possibly make a bludger chase him again. After all, they had settled on that already. But who? Harry made a wide lop and missed the bludger by an inch.

“Not again!” He muttered under his breath. The bludger came expectantly after him but he hadn’t seen the other one heading his way.

“Ooof!” He caught it squarely on his stomach. Air was knocked out of his lungs and slowly crashed on the ground. There were Ohhs and Boos that can be heard from the crowd.

Harry’s head was spinning but he can’t pass out now when there’s still a rogue bludger on the loose and heading straight for him. He sat up and held on to the broom for support which had fallen beside him. He could barely move when the bludger came back for him.

“HARRY! Watch out!” Came Hermione’s voice.

As if voice-activated, the bludger diverted its course and instead of aiming at Harry, it was going her way.

There was a sudden panic in Harry’s chest as he began to realize on what it’s going to do. The people around Hermione were starting to get out of the way in fear. Ron was too far away and the rest of the students were running in alarm. Harry could see Hermione ran with the rest of them but it was getting obvious that Hermione was the target as it flew closer and closer.

Harry was on his broom and zoomed faster than anyone could ever imagine. He won’t—couldn’t let that bludger hurt her. It was only a matter of time before the bludger would hit Hermione and he urged his broom with incredible speed to catch up with it.

His only thought was stopping the bludger from touching Hermione. When he finally caught up with it and just mere meters away from her, he urged his broom towards the small distance between them and got hit instead.

There was a sickening crash as Harry went propelling into a pillar on one of the stands. There was the sound of wood breaking and collapsing. Harry disappeared into a smoke of dust under the stands.

“NO!” Hermione cried.

She and Ron were one of the people to be the first to reach Harry. Teachers were following too and soon people began to crowd around the place but only to be warned to step away from the scene.

As the clouds of dust cleared, they could clearly see Harry among the broken beams and boards.

He was unconscious, Glasses broken and blood streaming down his face, arms and in some other parts of his body. He was in an incredibly bad state.

Hermione pushed through the crowd and dropped down on her knees at Harry’s side. Tears flowing down her cheeks, she slowly reached out to him.

“No! Don’t touch him yet Ms. Granger. It might make matters worse.” Madam Pomfrey appeared beside the Headmaster and kneeled down next to Hermione to look at Harry.

“Oh, dear…”

“I think we need to get him up to the Hospital Wing, Poppy,” Dumbledore said quietly.

“Yes, yes.” She said and conjured up a cot after examining Harry with her eyes and slowly levitated Harry, careful not to move him.

“Make way please, make way.”

“Students, please go back to your respective common rooms. Go on,” McGonagall’s firm voice sounded over the noise of students.

“It’s going to be alright Hermione. Harry can take care of himself.” Ron said quietly seeing that Hermione was very much upset by the situation.

Though this was not much of an encouragement, Hermione nodded. Her hand went unconsciously up to the locket on her neck and held it tightly in her hand. Yes, it’ll be ok. Harry will be alright. He’s going to be. She told herself firmly but still tears flowed down her cheeks.

*****

Loud noises of heavy footsteps echoed across the quiet atmosphere of the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey and the rest carried or rather went with the levitating Harry as they brought him to an empty hospital bed and slowly lowered him to it. Hermione and Ron were just behind them, intending to keep close to their best friend. One could really feel the tension inside the room.

Madam Pomfrey and the rest of the Hospital staff were running about and doing all they can do to help Harry’s injury. Hermione and Ron were then ushered out of the Hospital Wing. Hermione was still in tears as she and a pale Ron went back to the Gryffindor common room.

“Will he be alright?” Hermione asked when they entered the common room, a blank look in her eyes.

“Why do you keep asking me that bloody question?” Ron said irritably, but then he suddenly wanted to take back his words when he saw Hermione’s face. “I-I’m sorry. Honestly, I don’t want to know right now. To tell you the truth, by just looking at him earlier, he was hurt badly—“fresh tears swelled up in Hermione’s eyes, “not—not that he’ll die or anything!”

“You’re making it sound worse,” Hermione muttered.

But she knew all too well what Ron was feeling at the moment. He was worried too; he just doesn’t want her to see him look weak.

“Er—am I?” Ron’s hand went up to his head as if he found an itch there, and then waved it in a surrendered manner, “Ah! Forget it! There’s no use worrying…It’s Harry were taking about here—I mean we’ve handled more disasters than any witch or wizard of our age could have. Not to mention how dangerous some are! It would be front page if a bloody bludger could bring him down to his deathbed! No. I believe in him and he wouldn’t deserve his title as the Boy-Who-Lived if that’ll be the end of him!” he said firmly, more to himself than to Hermione.

Hermione only nodded. She couldn’t help herself if she did loose Harry. But of all the adventures they’ve gone through, it’s somewhat unbelievable that it would really end here. There’s still more of it. There’s got to be more of it…that she knew in her heart.

*****

That night, Hermione was restless. She can’t seem to fall asleep, even if her eyelids were already heavy. She kept tossing and turning in her bed, uncomfortable with every position. To add to her discomfort, Harry’s bloody image kept on popping in and out of her mind. After wrestling with her pillows, she finally abandoned her conquest for sleep and got out of bed. She pulled her thick blanket from the bed to wrap around herself and looked out of the nearest window. The moon was so round and bright at that moment, and mist drifted out of the lake adding a magical effect to the atmosphere. Silhouettes of the top of the trees in the forbidden forest looked calm and unperturbed. The beauty of the scene was a contrast to Hermione’s feeling of deep longing and anxiety.

She sighed and closed her eyes as she felt herself drift into her own secret world. Memories of their time together as a trio came flooding inside her mind, but what she treasured most in those memories were the recent ones with Harry. They had secretly been using his father’s invisibility cloak for their current visits in the North Astronomy Tower.

The cloak.

Hermione suddenly opened her eyes as a sudden thought crossed her mind. She threw the blanket carelessly on top of her bed and bent down on her palms to retrieve the invisibility cloak at the roof of the base underneath her bed, (Harry had suggested her to use it for her late night study that week) and silently tip-toed out of the girl’s dormitory.

The common room was silent. Only the sound of the crackling fire was heard through the room. She glanced around to see if anybody was around at that time of night and let out a sigh as she found out that she was alone. She made her way across the common room and slowly walked out of the portrait hole, careful not to wake the snoring fat lady. She threw the magical cloak over herself and cautiously walked her way towards the Hospital Wing.

Fortunately, neither Filch nor any Hogwarts’ staff crossed her path and she finally arrived at the Hospital Wing. She carefully opened the door, went in and closed the door without making any noise to wake the other patients.

Since Hermione was there when Harry was placed into a bed, she already knew where she was heading and saw that the white curtain that covered the bed from view was removed. She could make out his figure as she came nearer the bed.

She had an intake in breath. Harry was sleeping serenely. He was very much alive and well except for some cuts on his face and the rest if his body. She didn’t really know if it was Harry’s fast recovery or Madam Pomfrey’s excellent care that caused his immunity for farther injury but she was deeply relieved by the outcome.

She moved the stray hair from his face; his glasses were taken off earlier. He was really handsome even when he’s asleep. She could stare at him for hours and not get bored by it. She sat on his bed as she took off the invisibility cloak. She felt something swell in her; Harry’s recovery was a load lifter in her case. He unconsciously moved his face in the other side of the pillow facing Hermione but he didn’t wake up.

Hermione let out a sigh. “Silly me. I was worrying too much I guess,” she said to herself.

What she didn’t know exactly was that Harry was beginning to wake up and is very much aware of another presence near his bed. His instincts told him to pretend to sleep.

“You were there to save me when that bludger almost hit me,” new tears feel down her cheek and she carelessly wiped it away. “I’m sorry you had to go through all this because of me…I love you Harry,” she sniffed and slowly lowered her head and kissed him.

Soft lips touched Harry’s. He hadn’t expected this. If he hadn’t caught himself on time, he would have opened his eyes wide at that very moment. He was very much aware of the feeling it ignited inside him and this surprised him. He felt something special about that kiss—time seemed to stop at that moment. It was as if the world was focused on that one kiss.

Soft footsteps outside the room brought them back to reality. Hermione stood upright, her eyes sharply turned to the door. Her ears were ringing as she quickly put on the cloak. Her eyes were darting from one corner to another, looking for a place to hide and then she swiftly tip-toed to a dark shadowy part of the Hospital Wing.

The door slowly opened and in came Madam Pomfrey, still very much wide-awake and prim. The only thing that held a sign of fault was the tired look in her eyes. The nurse as Hermione had somewhat expected passed the other patients and went straight to Harry’s bed. She took out a small bottle on the side pocket of her apron and placed it on the table. Then she took another object that looks like a small and rather squat glass and poured some of the red syrup in it to the brim. Madam Pomfrey carefully adjusted Harry so he won’t choke when she makes him drink the syrup.

After forcing the drink down Harry’s throat, she put the bottle back inside her pocket and strode out of the room.

There was a soft click from the closing door and Hermione let out the breath she was holding earlier. She sighed and slowly went back to Harry’s bed. She took one last look and got her last kiss before she too decided to go.

Harry opened his eyes just as the door closed. “Who was that?”

*****

“He’s been sleeping all day?”

“How long has he been here?”

“A week I reckon…must have been hit hard, that one.”

“Should we wake him up? Madam Pomfrey said he’s well enough to have visitors.”

“No! Let him wake on his own—”

“And wait for him to wake up ‘till Merlin knows how long???”

“Too bad Hermione can’t come right now…she’s got Arithmancy exams today. Not to mention her doubling on subjects…again. She’s taking her academics too seriously, I tell you!”

Harry slowly opened his eyes to see who had been talking.

“Oh! He’s awake!” piped up a blonde-haired girl.

Several heads bobbed in and out of Harry’s view. All of them were near the same age as his; two of them have ginger red hair and freckles.

“Harry, how are you mate?” Ron beamed at him.

Harry looked at him strangely.

“What? Is there something on my face?” Ron looked at the others, who shrugged their shoulders.

“Who are you?” Harry asked as he slowly sat up on his bed. “How’d you know my name?”

“Who—what the bloody hell are you talking about mate?” There was a confused look on Ron’s face.

“Who are you? And—and what is this place?”

“You’re joking right? I mean—I’m the same Ron Weasley since birth…earth to Harry,”

“Er?”

The others were looking at one another, confused.

“Are you alright, mate?” Ron touched a hand on Harry’s forehead and the other on his own as if comparing their temperatures.

“I’m…fine? Whoa…this is definitely not Privet Drive…wait…what am I doing in a Hospital? Did I have an accident or something? ”

“He’s gone off his rocker!”

“I think we better call Madam Pomfrey…” the red-haired girl told the freckled boy.

They looked related, Harry thought.

*****

Madam Pomfrey sighed. “Oh dear, I expected this to happen but…”

“What happened? What’s wrong with Harry?” Ron said.

“Poor boy…I’m afraid he has amnesia.”

Silence covered the room.

A moment later it was broken by Ginny who first asked, “Is—is it going to be permanent?” asked Ginny.

“I can’t say exactly but there’s a possibility. Still, there’s still hope that he can recover from it. Though I’m sad to say I haven’t a clue how…I reckon he‘ll heal on his own time.”

Some were frowning at this, the others worried.

Harry on the other hand didn’t hear a word. He was awed by the sight around him. Even though the place was like any ordinary hospital—we’ll a bit bigger, pictures on walls were moving in their frames. A patient laying a few beds away was flying or rather, floating as what Harry could see, some distance above the bed. And some apparatus were moving as if an invisible arm had used them.

*****

Harry’s friends had tried their best to keep it all in secrecy but the news leaked out. By the end of two weeks time, the subject on Harry’s amnesia was no longer a secret.

Cho made an effort to try to get to speak with Harry personally without anyone, so she decided to go one day to the Hospital Wing alone and made sure Harry’s friends were not present.

She slowly walked into the Wing looking around for Harry’s bed, and when she finally found it, she saw that he was reading a book or rather looking awed and fascinatingly watched the pictures moved on the pages of the book—Hogwarts, A History. Probably Hermione’s idea, she thought and suddenly scowled. She just stared at his slightly scarred face for a moment before she sighed heavily and walked towards his bed.

“Hi, harry.” She said.

Harry looked up from the book to see who the visitor was, “Uh—hello?”

“I’m glad to see that you are better…”

“Er—who are you?” Harry asked as he put down the book.

“Oh…I—I’m Cho. Cho Chang,”

“Are you one of my friends?”

Cho squashed the feeling of awkwardness that slowly crept inside her, “Well…I guess so. How are you?”

“Fine, I guess. Without counting that I somewhat forgot why I’m here. The last thing I remember was…I lived in Privet Drive…I think.”

“You mean…you don’t even recall how you got here in the first place?” She couldn’t help it. She was too curious.

“Yeah…lucky I’m not alone. Guess I have friends who didn’t forget me after all.” Harry smiled uncertainly.

“Has—did Ronald and—and Hermione already visit you?”

“Yeah.” Cho’s heart sunk. “Ron and the rest were the first to see me when I woke up…but it had been awhile now since their last visit…wait, who’s the other one again?”

“Uh? Which one?” Cho asked, confused.

“The other one you mentioned with Ron…”

“You mean Hermione?” Something inside Cho was starting to grow.

“Yeah, I think that’s it…who’s that?”

Cho just stared.

“Er—what’s wrong?” Harry asked uneasily.

Cho’s mind snapped back, and something close to hope was threatening to push out, “I—nothing. She’s your best friend.”

“Oh…” A pinkish tint appeared on Harry’s cheeks. “No wonder it’s so…familiar.”

Cho suddenly turned away, her back at Harry, “So...you’ve forgotten about your girlfriend then?”

Harry’s eyes widened and his stomach gave a slight lurch, “I—I have a girlfriend?”

Cho felt the rush of triumph and quickly forced tears in her eyes, “Yes, you have. I understand and don’t blame you for forgetting…but,” that’s when Cho turned teary-eyed at Harry, “It’s so hard for me to accept it. It’s hard for me to know that you don’t even remember even a slight memory of me…” She turned away again, covering her face with her hands, a smile hidden behind it.

“No! Please don’t cry—I mean…I’m sorry—I didn’t…,” Sheer panic mixed with guilt and confusion struck Harry.

Cho sniffed, “It’s alright. I can’t blame you for it. How could this happen to you? To us?” She then threw her arms around Harry’s neck, sobbing more than was normal or rather necessary.

Unfortunately for Harry, he was too occupied with the female-crying-don’t-know-what-to-do-dilemma that he hadn’t noticed. He gingerly patted her back, still out of words.

“I’m sorry,” she said as she let go of Harry, “I can get pretty emotional at times…” she sniffed again. “Please don’t tell your friends I’m here. They—don’t really insist of our relationship.”

“Why?” Harry asked, surprised.

“It’s just that they don’t insist of you having a Ravenclaw for a girlfriend you see. Our houses don’t get along that much.”

“Oh…alright.”

“Well, I better go. It’s almost time for my next class. Get well fast Harry,” she said and grabbed the opportunity to kiss Harry’s cheek before she walked away.

“He’s mine.” Cho said to herself, grinning smugly as she wiped her face from tears.

*****

Disclaimer: I obviously don’t own Harry Potter period.

Summary: A 3-Chapter romance fiction of the Boy-Who-Lived in a series of events from Bets to an Amnesia, and Masquerade Balls to the awaited ‘key’ to Harry’s memory. At the start, Harry Potter has just lost a game and had to choose between giving away his Firebolt and kissing his best friend as a form of punishment (I’m definitely not talking about Ron). The story then gets complicated as he developed different feelings for his friend, and has just proposed to her when a certain incident robbed Harry of his memory. It then continues with Cho’s persuading ‘act’, a New Year Masquerade Ball and the Final Revelation.

Author’s Notes: Finally! Thank God, my plot bunny came back to me! Hehe…at last! I’ve really taken a long time to finish this last part, and for that I’m sooo sorry…(T_T). But the last chapter is done! And that is that! You will then notice as you go through the “pages” that the atmosphere here will change. Hope you won’t mind to a bit of angst—just a bit. So here it is: Key to a Memory. Enjoy and don’t forget to review! Thanks for being really, really, really patient with me and my bunny…blessed be to all!(^_^)

CHAPTER III

Key to a Memory

Just when Cho was out the door to the Hospital Wing, a voice behind her said, “Well, well, well. Has the cat sunk its claws already?” Cho turned around to face the person talking.

Draco Malfoy had a smirk on his face as he leaned against the wall just beside the door, both hands folded against his chest.

“What’re you doing here?” Cho snapped.

“Shouldn’t I be the one to ask you that Cho?”

Cho held her chin confidently, “I’m visiting an old friend…”

Draco snorted. “And how’s your dear friend?”

“I can’t see that it’s any of your business Draco, but seeing you’re already involved, let’s just say things are going perfectly well to my advantage…and how about you? Why are you here?”

“I thought the moment might be right for forming an alliance…”

“An alliance?”

“You’re not the only one who can twist things to their advantage Cho…so please spare me my time and move along”.

“Well good luck then. You’ll obviously need it.” Cho turned sharply, flicked her hair back as she walked haughtily down the corridor.

Draco cocked a brow and watched Cho disappear at the corner before entering the Hospital Wing. He caught sight of Harry as he walked through the aisle, and went towards him.

“Uh—do I know you?” Harry asked behind the book he was reading at the moment. He had noticed his presence when he walked in the room. Harry could definitely feel a very strange but deep emotion when he walked towards him.

“Really, Harry. I’m Draco Malfoy! I thought you would have known me!” He said a bit arrogantly as he sat beside him.

“Oh…sorry.”

Draco smirked, “Accepted. I see you’re feeling well. I was trying to visit you earlier but it seems the nurse is still sensitive on the “crowd-limit-rule” bit. By the way, I’ve been trying to ask you to join our league for awhile now, you know—with the big boys.” He shrugged carelessly and waited for Harry to answer.

“Uh—” Strange why he felt uncomfortable at the moment. This was his friend right? Or is he really? “I’ll think about it.”

Draco was taken aback by this and started to speak but then held it back. He shrugged and said, “Just don’t keep us waiting there.”

“I’ll try.”

He stood up and righted himself, “Yeah, that’s what you always say. Well, I better move on along and give you some space. Tell us when and what you’ve decided then eh Potter?” Malfoy put out a hand towards Harry.

Harry felt the feeling of déjà vu pass him. He felt as if he’d done this before, but he just left the thought and took his hand in a firm shake. “Yeah.”

He watched as Draco Malfoy walked rather pompously out of the room. “Strange…” he thought.

******

He shouldn’t have given Harry that book. Ronald Weasley mused as he made his way to the Hospital Wing, carrying a book with him. Hermione shouldn’t have forced him—“What the bloody hell are you doing here?” Ron stopped just outside the door.

“That’s none of your business weasel bee,” Draco said with a look of disgust and deep loathing, nudging Ron’s shoulder out of the way as he passed him.

“Git.” Ron muttered and proceeded to enter the Hospital Wing.

Harry was in the same position as he was when Malfoy left but instead of having the rather blank expression he had before, he smiled when he saw his friend, “Hey.”

“Git. Thought he owned the world.” Ron scowled.

“Who?”

“Draco Malfoy. Wonder what made him come here…” Ron said.

“We talked.”

“Really? What did he say?”

“He said he sort of wants me to join his group,” Harry shrugged.

Ron snorted, “He’s no good, that one. ‘Should have told you about him. He’s been your worst enemy since you first came here and still is…never liked him…”

“Thought so. No wonder I felt strange.”

“Yeah, never know what to expect. Cho might even show up,” Ron muttered in an understatement.

“Who?”

“Forget it. Anyway, I got you this,” Ron showed him the book he was carrying. “Quidditch through the Ages. Best sport ever, Quidditch. And I think you’ll find it more interesting than that one,” Ron nodded pointedly at the Hogwarts, A History book at Harry’s lap.

******

As the days passed by, Ron had managed to help his friend adjust to his surroundings while still in the Hospital Wing. Ron had even brought Harry his Christmas presents to the Hospital Wing with much difficulty owing to the large number of gifts.

“Happy Christmas, Harry!”

Ron dumped it all in a tray at the foot of Harry’s bed, who at that moment had been awed by sight of seeing so many gifts. “Is—is that for me?”

“Yup! All of it!” Ron beamed.

Harry scrambled out of the covers and leaned towards the tray. “Woah! I’ve never had this much since—uh—well…Maybe I had…” He shrugged uncertainly.

Ron chuckled, “Open them, mate! You’ve all the time you have, after all it’s Christmas! Oh, that’s from Hagrid, I guess.” He indicated the rather badly wrapped gift Harry started to tear open, “I seem to remember I had the same cover on one of my presents too.”

It was a miniature form of a gray hippogriff. “Cool…”

Ron was looking at it with mild interest, “That’s a hippogriff. One of Hagrid’s favorite pets..”

Harry began to open the other presents. Ron sat on the chair beside his bed watching the presents being opened one-by-one.

Minutes later, the floor was full of scattered pieces of what had been colorful gift wraps.

“By the way, Madam Pomfrey said you could leave the Hospital Wing after a few days,” said Ron.

“That’s great.”

“Yeah, you should meet Hermione. She’s really anxious to see you, mate. With all the work she does, I can’t even think how she managed to stay intact.”

“Hermione…oh, yeah.” He remembered Cho’s words. She’s your best friend. “How is she?”

“She had been really depressed when your accident happened. But now from what I can see, I reckon she’s doing well and coping up with everything,” Ron said, “By the way, there’s going to be a Hogsmeade trip this weekend. When you get out of here, we’ll tour you around and get you some decent Masquerade costume for the New Year’s Ball.”

“New Year’s Ball?”

“Yeah. Dumbledore reckoned we needed a lighter atmosphere around the castle.” Ron said.

“Dumbledore?”

“He’s the headmaster.”

*****

When Harry had finally left the Hospital Wing, Ron had been the first one to meet him and lead him through the portrait hole to the Gryffindor Common Room.

“This is the Gryffindor Common Room,” Ron said to Harry with pride. “Number one thing you must remember to get in: Never forget the password. Only one person here seemed to keep on forgetting that rule.”

“Hi Ron! Hi Harry! Nice to see you again!” A rather round-faced boy walked over to them.

“And here he is,” He whispered to Harry. “This is Neville Longbottom Harry.”

“Hello…”

Ron continued to introduce Harry to the rest of their fellow Gryffindor and classmates, and sensed someone missing.

He looked around the room before he asked the others, “Has anyone seen Hermione?”

“Hermione? We saw her awhile ago. But she walked out of the portrait hole a few minutes later carrying loads of books. Must have headed towards the library…” Parvati said.

“I see…Oh,” Ron sighed, “I forgot to tell her about your return…” He slapped a hand to his head. Ron walked towards chair near the fireplace and sat down. Harry followed and sat at the opposite as Ron said, “Let’s just hope she gets back sooner than she usually does. She’s been the last one to sleep at night this past few weeks, mind you. ”

Harry had found himself staring at the flames, thinking over everything. He still couldn’t remember anything at all. When he tried to force his mind to remember, a sharp painful throb in his temples warned him not to press on. Minutes had passed by, then hours and still no Hermione. Harry had watched the flames blankly wondering what Hermione might look like.

A sound pulled him back to reality. He looked at Ron and found him already asleep in his chair, snoring. Harry then realized how long they had been waiting. He quietly stood up and hesitated for a moment before poking at Ron’s arm.

“Huh?” Ron opened a bleary eye, and then suddenly stood up as if burned. “What time is it?”

Harry shrugged, “It’s late. We’re the only ones left.”

“Oh…she’s still not around?”

“Haven’t heard here come in.”

With a resigned look, Ron finally said, “We better get to bed. We’ll meet her here tomorrow for the Hogsmeade trip.”

Harry nodded, wondering what’s taking Hermione so long to return. He hadn’t even seen her yet.

*****

“Harry? Harry!”

Wondering what woke him up, Harry irritatingly opened his eyes and the first thing he saw was Ron pointing a knife threateningly at him.

“Aaaaarrrrggghhhh!!!!” Harry yelled, scrambling as far away from Ron as possible and instantly fell out of bed with a heavy thud.

“Ron!” Harry groaned grimly, “Don’t do that!”

Ron was laughing his head off. He was now clutching his stomach as he rolled back and forth on Harry’s bed. “Haha—you could’ve—haha—see your face!”

“What the bloody hell are you pointing that knife at me for?!” Harry said as he stood up, rubbing his backside where it hit the floor.

“Served you right, mate! I’ve been trying to wake you up all morning. By the way, the dagger isn’t real,” he poked himself with it and it bended just as it hit his skin, “See? Got it from Zonko’s last year.”

Harry scowled. “You could have just prodded me or something.”

“I just did—with this! Anyway, we’re suppose to go to Hogsmeade today, remember? You should be thanking me for waking you up. Just by looking at the way you slept earlier, I doubt it if you’ll make it for lunch.”

“Ok—ok! Just—just don’t ever wake me up like that again. I could die early, you know!”

“Yeah, yeah. Hurry up, will you. They’re going to leave us if you keep on and on like that. Oh, and Ginny said Hermione told her yesterday that she’ll meet us at Honeydukes. ‘said she needed to go early to fix something.”

*****

After Zonko’s joke shop, Harry and Ron went their way to Honeydukes to meet Hermione. Harry was so struck by what he saw that he barely heard what Ron had been saying. Piles and piles of different and very unusual candies were displayed in shelves and some were in barrels and glass containers.

“—are you listening?”

“Huh?”

“I said Hermione’s still not here. Guess we’ll have to wait awhile longer.”

“Uhuh…” Harry nodded absently, his mind so engrossed with all the unusual candies.

“Hey, Harry. Take a look at this,” Ron showed Harry a box of Cockroach clusters.

“Tha-that’s edible?” He said uncertainly.

“Yeah. Wanna try one?”

“Uh—no thanks.”

Then Harry noticed Cho from a far corner. She had been trying to catch his attention. When Ron turned his back to look at the other candies, Harry gestured to her that he didn’t understand. Cho mouthed, “Meet me outside.” She pointed a hand at the door.

Harry nodded indicating he understood and watched Cho head to the door. He prodded Ron on the back, “Ron, I need to go outside for a moment.”

“Oh…ok. Don’t be too long. Hermione will be here any moment.”

Harry nodded. He made his way through the crowd which had slowly started to fill the store and walked out the door, wondering what Cho might want from him. Before he could look around for her, Cho had thrown herself at him, wrapping her arms tightly around her neck, “How are you? I didn’t know you were already released from the Wing until I saw you just now!” She blurted out excitedly, and then started to pull at Harry.

“Uh—where are we going?” Harry asked hesitantly.

“It’s a surprise,” She beamed at him.

“Bu—but I need to tell Ron first, he’s waiting for me to come back and meet up with Hermione…” Harry said, starting to pull back.

“But this is important,” Cho whined.

Harry was in a really tight dilemma. What will he tell Ron if they found out he was gone?

“Please…” She said in a really annoying pout.

Harry resisted the urge to roll his eyes and finally gave in to her hesitantly as she dragged him away from Honeydukes.

When they were near their destination, Cho had beamed so widely that she was almost so obvious when her expression suddenly changed. Hermione had just entered Honeydukes and Cho quickly pulled Harry inside Madam Malkin’s.

Seconds later, Ron and Hermione came out, looking around for a sign of Harry.

“Where is he? I told him not to wander away,” Ron said.

“We should find him. Maybe he just got lost or something. There are a thousand shops in Hogsmeade. He could be in one of them…”

“Yeah, I know. We should—”

“Guess who?” Luna suddenly came up from behind Ron and covered both his eyes.

“Oh, let me guess,” he said in an unsurprised voice. “You’re blonde, a Ravenclaw and your name’s Luna Lovegood.”

“Yes! How did you guess it was me? Must be destiny!”

Before Ron could do or even say anything, Luna kissed his cheek noisily making poor Ron blush from the roots of his hair to the tips of his ears.

“Er—why don’t I leave you two lovebirds alone…” Hermione said but Luna was too busy making a very red tomato out of Ron by alternatively kissing both his cheeks.

*****

Harry looked around at the small teashop where Cho had dragged him inside. Everything seemed to have been decorated with loads of frilly ribbons and bows. Harry swallowed. The place was too girly for his taste.

Cho lead him to a table some distance from the steamy window, “This was where we had our first date,” she said as they sat on their chairs.

“Oh…” Harry felt awkward and heat started to creep up his cheeks. “I see…”

Her smile faltered a bit. She had been expecting more than an “I see” from Harry, “So…have you heard about the Masquerade Ball?”

“Yeah, Ron told me about it.”

“And have you decided on a costume yet?” Cho said curiously. “I’ll be dressed in a red, oriental-design. What about you?”

“I haven’t really decided yet,” Harry said. In truth, Both Harry and Ron have already bought their costumes but decided not to reveal it yet to anybody except to his best friend. “But I reckon it’s going to be something of a hero costume—you know, like stealing from the rich to give to the poor.”

“Ah…I see,” Cho’s eyes twinkled.

*****

Hermione wandered around Hogsmeade, looking for Harry. She suddenly stopped in front of a jeweler’s store; her hand went unconsciously to her neck. It looked old but neat and well polished. Gems and lady’s accessories were displayed at the clear glass window, tempting passersby with their twinkling brilliance. Hermione went in and heard the familiar sound of chimes tinkling just above the wooden door.

“Hello there,” an old woman with rather friendly eyes greeted her at the counter. She was well dressed and had an air of nobility, “How may I help you my dear?”

“Can you take a look at this?” Hermione reached down her neck and pulled off the locket which Harry had given to her when he proposed.

The old woman examined the necklace with delicate fingers. “Hmm…fascinating. A very fine work.” Then she turned to Hermione, “It’s an exceptional piece. What seems to be the problem?”

“I can’t seem to find the clasp to the locket. I’ve tried doing a spell or two with it but nothing happened.” Hermione said in a resigned voice.

“Indeed! I’ve happened to notice that. I can say that the handwork itself is not the only thing that fascinates and amazes me. There’s magic applied to this too, that I know. But alas, I have no knowledge of how to counter such work. The only alternative maybe to open the locket is to take it apart and that would mean great damage. I wouldn’t suggest it to such a delicate thing.”

“Neither would I,” Hermione sighed. She had asked and looked everywhere from jewellers to pawnshops and spent most of her time trying to open that locket. The only possible solution would have been to ask Harry, but unfortunately, with the loss of his memory, she doubted it if it could be helped.

“Oh…well, thank you for your time ma’am. I’ll be on my way,” Hermione said taking the necklace from the jeweller’s hands.

The old woman nodded and smiled sadly.

*****

Harry went back to the castle with Cho instead of his friends and both parted just outside the doors. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Harry,” Cho said and kissed him on the cheek.

Harry went inside the castle and went to his seat beside Ron at the Gryffindor table for Christmas dinner.

When Ron spotted Harry, he asked him where he had been that morning at Hogsmeade but before Harry could say anything, Dumbledore stood up from his seat at the teacher’s table.

“Students! As I have announced early at the beginning of the term and will announce it again tonight as a reminder, Hogwarts will be celebrating its first Masquerade Ball. I dare say that some of you may have already revealed your dress costumes for the coming ball but I again will repeat what I said before that a Masquerade Ball is meant for masks and there wouldn’t be surprises anymore if that tradition is disregarded right? For the sake of fun, please refrain from revealing “yourselves”. Well then! With that done, Happy Christmas to all and let the feast begin!” At Dumbledore’s words, food fit for the occasion appeared on the table as always.

“Finally! I’m famished!” Ron said, plucking out a piece of the holiday ham with his fork. “By the way, where have you been earlier?”

“I was looking for the loo—then I got lost,” Harry said the first thing he could think of.

“Told you not to stray too far,” Ron said after he gulped down his food. “And here’s Hermione now.”

Harry had barely turned around before somebody rushed into him, “I’ve missed you…”

When they parted, he had felt a vague feeling of sudden loss of warmth, which he ignored. Harry had gotten his “first look” at Hermione. Harry stared at her. There was no feeling of familiarity this time, but he was unconsciously very aware of his heart pumping lightly against his chest.

Hermione had sat beside him, her gaze still on his face, “How are you? It’s been some time since I last saw you…”

“I—I’m fine…I mean I’m doing well.” Harry said and smiled clumsily. His hand went up to the back of his neck, nervously rubbing it.

Hermione dipped her hand from her pocket and brought out a small velvety box. She opened it and showed it to him. Inside was a pair of lighting shaped gold cufflinks, gleaming against the white satin cloth where it rest.

Hermione took one of his hands as she closed the box. “Wear it at the Ball,” she whispered, closing his hand around it.

“Er—Ms. Granger?” A first year boy spoke just behind Hermione.

Hermione turned. “Yes?”

“Uh—Professor McGonagall wants to talk to you.” He said a little awkwardly.

“Oh…alright,” She then turned to Harry, her expression sad. “I need to go.”

“That’s—that’s alright,” Harry said awkwardly.

“Bye,” She hugged Harry and kissed him lightly on the cheek before she went away.

Harry could feel the mix of emotions inside which really confused him at that moment. He unconsciously reached a hand to his cheek where Hermione burned a hidden mark with her lips. He felt himself redden just thinking of it and instantly, guilt washed over him as he thought of Cho and frowned.

“Anyfing wrong widju mate?” Ron said after another mouth full of pudding.

“Huh? Oh, no…it’s nothing. I was just thinking...forget it.”

Ron just shrugged and went on another go for the food, eagerly grabbing a chicken’s leg.

Harry went back to sorting out his scattered thoughts…with more difficulty than before.

*****

Next morning, Harry had joined Ron for breakfast; Hermione was out of sight again. He settled himself next to him and reached out for a toast.

“Congratulations Ron. I’ve just heard the big news,” Seamus suddenly said opposite Harry with a mischievous grin plastered on his face.

“What news?” Neville asked after swallowing a piece of his sausage.

Ron, as if realizing what Seamus was talking about, turned red in an instant and slightly lowered himself on his seat in an attempt to hide himself.

Seamus’ grin grew. He glanced sideways at Ron before he said, “You didn’t know? Ron proposed to Luna just this morning! Parvati told me.”

Ginny gasped as she turned to Ron, who was now staring hard at his plate, “Really? Why didn’t you tell me Ron? You’re supposed to be my brother!” She had beamed at that.

“Well done mate!” Harry patted Ron’s back.

“Took you long enough. What did she say?” Dean said

Ron didn’t readily answer. A moment passed before he looked up at the grinning faces of his friends and blushed even more.

“She said yes.”

The table was filled with hoots and whoops. Some could even hear the chorus of “Weasley is our King”.

The table suddenly went silent. Harry wondered what quieted them. He found the answer when he turned to where most eyes where looking. A girl with long blond curls shyly walked towards their table and stopped just a short distance from Ron.

“Ronald? Can I talk to you?”

There were several catcalls which made Ron blush all the harder. He glared at them before he stood up and walked towards her. She whispered something which both of them could only hear, smiled and then kissed Ron on the cheek before walking away.

Ron went back to the table. It seemed his cheeks had permanently gone red.

Harry felt happy for his friend. Whoever this Luna is he was sure Ron was quite smitten with her by just watching them.

*****

Hermione went back from the library that next day looking for both boys, especially Harry whom she can’t wait to see again.

Professor McGonagall had sent for her last night to talk about her overloading of subjects. The Professor had told her she was taking in too much and had noticed the after-effects of her busy schedule.

“You need to give yourself some rest, Ms. Granger” McGonagall had said to her.

Hermione had frowned at that but she had to admit that she did felt some relief. She knew her instinct as an over-achiever, but too much is more than enough. She had then agreed though a bit hesitantly at first, and withdrew some of her subjects from her list with a bit of sadness. Hermione later on felt as if a great weight was lifted form her shoulders. She had done this a few years back and had hoped that maybe this time she would catch up but it turned out the same.

But taking subjects off did have some advantages: She was having more free time now. She relieved herself from the library and schooling that day to spend some time with both his best friends, and maybe even more time with Harry.

Hermione went up to the boy’s dormitory and knocked lightly on the door. Ron answered it and let her in.

“You’re alone? Where are the others?” Hermione asked, looking around the empty room.

“They’re out there rejoicing in the cold snow,” Ron said casually and went back to what he was doing. Hermione could see that he was sorting out what seemed to be bird feathers with strikingly orange colour.

“What are you doing?”

Ron held two orange feathers. One was short and fat while the other was thin and long. “Which do you think will look dashing on a hat?”

Hermione quirked a brow but looked closely at the feathers. “Is the hat large or small?”

“Small.”

To answer Ron, she pointed at the long one. “Have you seen Harry?”

“No. Not since breakfast. He did mention something about Quidditch though. Maybe he’s practicing on flying,” Ron shrugged. He was sizing up the feather Hermione had picked. Weird on other’s point of view but Hermione was already used to it and even thought it as funny. “I’m almost finished with this. Why don’t we go look for him together?”

“Alright. What are trying to do with that anyway?”

“It’s confidential.” Ron said pompously.

Hermione laughed.

*****

They headed down the stairs and began their search. When they neared the Great Hall, Ron caught sight of Harry carrying his Firebolt as they passed a wide corridor. Hermione and Ron were about to walk towards Harry when Malfoy and his cronies blocked their way.

“What do we have here? Two unawares about to thread on private territory without permission,” he drawled. “Looking for Potter are you? Tsk, tsk. He’s on our side now, so you two should better move along and play your little games elsewhere.”

“We should be the one telling you not to go near him, Malfoy,” Hermione said.

Ron suddenly asked, “What do you mean he’s on your side?”

“Hasn’t he told you weasel bee?” Malfoy sneered. “Potter will be joining us anytime soon and, he might already be planning on leaving you both. After all, who would want a mudblood and a degrading pureblood as friends?”

Ron felt anger and hatred burst through him, “Watch your mouth Malfoy! Don’t be so confident about Harry. He had never really thought about joining the big boys—that’s what you call yourselves right?”

Malfoy’s eyes narrowed, a pink tinge coloured his cheeks.

“That’s right. Harry told me.” Ron felt cold satisfaction at how his words affected Draco’s composure.

Malfoy started forward on Ron, countering his cold stare but instantly stopped when Hermione pointed her wand at his chest.

“You should know by now what I could do to you Malfoy—” Hermione suddenly stopped. Her eyes had widened at what she saw passed him: Cho was suddenly beside Harry and she kissed him!

Rage burst through Hermione. But what she didn’t expect was the hurt that suddenly replaced it. Harry didn’t make a move to shove Cho away. Nor did she even see a sign of his resistance. She couldn’t believe it. She wouldn’t want to believe it. The loud ringing in her ears had come to deafening point as tears threatened to choke her. She felt numb and her legs grew weak. She couldn’t break down now. Not here. Without another second more, Hermione pushed passed Ron and ran the other direction and this time, tears had streamed down her eyes.

“Hermione!” Ron sharply turned to where Hermione had been looking and instantly felt his anger surge. He tried to push through Draco but he was pushed back and before they knew it, Ron had jumped on him and a brawl started.

*****

Cho had smirked when she saw Hermione’s reaction when she kissed Harry. She did that on purpose and just the right moment when Hermione had looked at them.

Harry on the other hand was surprised, a blush evident on his cheeks. Cho pointed a finger at the place just above their heads, “Mistletoe”.

She beamed at Harry enjoying every moment of her arms wrapping around Harry’s neck. What she didn’t know was Harry suddenly had a flashback.

All was a flash of pictures…they were inside a room…a string of mistletoe just above their heads…Cho had tears in her eyes as she moved closer to him…

Harry blinked. He had stared strangely at Cho which made her ask what’s wrong.

“Déjà vu …”

“Wha—what do you mean?” Her eyes widened as he slowly took off her hands from his neck. “Have you remembered something?”

Harry’s head started to ache. He tried to massage his temples with his fingers to ease the soft throbbing. “I—I’m not sure. We were in a room—and you were crying…That’s all I could remember.”

Cho slowly released her breath—she had been holding it a moment ago. God! She had thought his memory was starting to come back.

“Cho? How did I loose my memory?” Harry suddenly asked.

Cho could feel panic surge through her in full force, making her struggle all the harder to suppress it back. “I—Uh—How you lost your memory?”

“Yes.” Harry looked at her quizzically.

Cho looked away. If she told him about the bludger, it might trigger the return of his memory and maybe even connect it to her. Her throat had suddenly gone dry. “You—you fell off your broom. Your head hit badly when you hit the ground.”

Harry’s head gave a hard throb forcing him to close his eyes and not saw Cho swallow hard, “I see. When did it happen?”

“During your practice,” Tears started to jerk into her eyes from holding back the flood of panic that threatened to overwhelm her. “Why are you asking me all this questions?”

“I want to know—I need to know—” Harry stopped when he looked up and saw her tears. “Wh—what’s wrong?”

“I—I,” she thought wildly as she lowered her head, “I just don’t want to remember it again. I felt as if I was going to lose you…oh Harry…” Cho flung her arms around Harry.

“I’m sorry.” Harry felt guilty ran down inside him.

Cho on the other hand was so relieved that she let out her breath—which was a mistake—but fortunate for her, it turned out shaky and might have been mistaken as after-effect of her crying.

*****

Ron angrily paced around the boy’s dormitory. He had a darkened mark on his left cheek and a slight swell and cut on the right side of his lip. He had no idea where Hermione went. When he saw the door open and Harry came in, Ron didn’t hesitate to release all his anger and concentrate it at the punch he was aiming at Harry’s jaw. It hit its mark.

Harry stumbled on his feet; His broom lay still at his side after the fall. Now, the part where Ron had hit him was hurting very much worse than the throbbing pain in his head.

“What did you do that for?” Harry hissed as another feeling of déjà vu hit him, levelling up the pain in his head.

“You should ask yourself that!” Ron cursed.

Harry stood up and leaned heavily on the wall for balance. “I don’t even know what the bloody hell you’re talking about!”

“Don’t ask as if you’ve done nothing wrong! You bloody kissed Cho didn’t you?” Ron spat.

“I—that’s none of your business,” Harry said quietly and coldly, “You can’t make me stop seeing her just because our houses are against each other!”

This time Ron’s anger had fused with confusion, “What are you saying? You think we’re against Ravenclaws?” Ron cursed again as he shouted back, “You saw Luna that breakfast didn’t you?! Was your head thick enough that you haven’t even noticed that she’s also a Ravenclaw? Why on earth would you think that? It’s the Slytherins that we’re really not getting well at all!”

Harry’s anger too was slowly replaced by confusion, “But still, she’s—she’s my girlfriend…” He wasn’t sure anymore.

“What?! Who told you that?”

“Ch—that doesn’t matter!”

“She’s not your girlfriend! You may have fancied her once but I know damn much that you didn’t love her! Christ! Why do I always have to be the one to do all the work between you and Hermione?” Ron lowered himself on the bed; he’s anger slowly ebbing away. “You loved Hermione…she’s your girlfriend.”

Harry was now so irritatingly confused and puzzled that he had to press a hand to his head to lessen the pounding. “If she was my girlfriend, why didn’t she visit me at all? Why isn’t she there for me when I was in the Hospital Wing? Instead I saw Cho. She was always there…”

“She was—what?!” Ron cursed again and let out an exasperated sound. “Hermione has already too much too deal with at the moment! You don’t even know how she had looked after your accident, and how she dealt with her school stuff when all she wanted was to see you! You’re not the only one who cares for her too Harry. Once, I did fancy her but it was too obvious that you two have deeper feelings for each other.”

Harry was speechless. Then without notice, another flashback hit Harry but this time everything was in a fast pace and just popped out of his mind, causing his head to throb harder, rhythmically coinciding with the pain in his left jaw.

Ron started to move forward but Harry had held out a hand, “No! Don’t come near me!” Harry took a step back and nearly stumbled on his broom. He grabbed it from the floor and strode angrily out of the room.

“Fine! But Hermione doesn’t deserve this!” Ron kicked the side of his bed, more frustrated now than angry.

*****

Cho had been on her way to the Ravenclaw common room when she heard a sort of sniffling sound. She got curious and followed it inside an empty room. When she saw the source of the sound, her lips formed into a devilish smirk.

Hermione Granger sat near the window, her head rested on the folds of her arms as she continued to cry.

“So how does it feel to have Harry taken away from you?” Cho sneered as she cautiously walked around Hermione.

Hermione looked up and stood from where she was. When she saw who it was her eyes had burned with fury. “How dare you! Harry was never in love with you! You were tricking him into believing that!”

Cho smirked, “Hooray for me but too bad for you. He’s mine now. He doesn’t remember anything. He doesn’t even remember you. Love is never a picnic dear. One has to suffer for a greater cause—in this case, me.” She laughed mockingly.

Hermione stared coldly, “Don’t make me hurt you.”

“Ha! Noble Gryffindor. You’re just scared Granger.”

“I was giving you a chance to run away Chang while you still can,” she said icily, “We both know perfectly well I’m better than you at duelling.”

“Is that so?” Cho pulled out her wand.

Hermione pulled out her wand too, “You already know how I can perform magic during the D.A. lessons. You should be worried,” Hermione said in a dangerous but quiet voice.

Cho scowled, then without waiting and wanting to get back on her rival, she shouted, “Stupefy!”

“Protego!” The spell bounced off Hermione’s shield.

Cho’s scowl darkened, “Expelliarmus! Rictusempra!”

Hermione shielded herself successfully from both charms in an effortless but cold gesture. It’s her turn now, “Opugno!” Birds of bright yellow in colour flew out from her wand and began pecking Cho all over with their sharp beaks.

“Get away from me you blasted birds!” Getting angry by the minute, Cho shouted another spell, “Impedimenta!”

“Protego! I told you. You can’t beat me. You couldn’t even lay a single spell against me—”

“Harry!” Cho suddenly shouted and pointed at the open window.

Hermione sharply turned her head to the window, letting her guard down.

“Rictusempra!”

Before Hermione knew it, the spell had hit her squarely, “No! Ahh—” She tripped from the chairs and was thrown back out the window.

Cho gasped. She quickly rushed to the window. As much as she wanted to hurt Hermione, she hadn’t intended on killing anyone. She panicked and backed away from the window. She bolted hastily away as fast as she can before anyone comes.

*****

Harry walked out of the castle doors, broom still in hand.

What the hell was happening to him? Harry thought. He really needed some air and he’ll need lots of it by the chaos he had just experienced at the moment. He needed to think over about what had just happened—quite a big mess it had done to his mind actually. Who was he suppose to trust? It’s all jumbled up and it annoys him that he doesn’t even know where to start. He kicked through the snow angrily on his way to the field. He didn’t expect he’d be going back to the pitch again this quick.

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a scream. He sharply turned his head to the sound and without even thinking, jumped on his broom at full speed towards the falling object. He didn’t know why but he suddenly felt the urge to reach it before it hit the ground. Harry roughly pushed aside another feeling of déjà vu and concentrated on flying. Wind whistling sharply in his ears, his mind was set.

As he zoomed closer, his mind vaguely registered the object as a girl. And with a shocking blow, Harry had realized who it was. It had barely been a meter from the ground when Harry caught her. He pulled up his broom and flew up a distance away from the walls. When they were finally in balance, he slowed down his speed while she held to him tightly. He too held her to him, welcoming the warmth of her against him. He didn’t release her yet when they landed but remained as he was. She was trembling and began to cry softly on his shoulder. He made hushing sounds at the same time trailing his hand up and down her back, calming her.

“I thought everything would end there...” she softly spoke.

Harry was jerked back to the present. He should be walking away…He shouldn’t hold her like this…he shouldn’t—to hell with it!

He tightened his hold on her, “It’s alright. Everything’s alright…”

“No it’s not…I almost died back there.” Harry hushed her as she began to tremble again. “But what scares me is…when I fell, I hadn’t really cared about dying…”

He stiffened. “No. Don’t say that.”

Hermione slowly let go to look up at him; her eyes were tear-stained and red from crying. “You were there to save me just before the bludger could even touch me. And now, you saved my life again…I’m sorry you had to go through all this…” A tear slipped room her eye.

Without warning, another flashback stunned Harry. Someone was in the room with him… He had lain on a bed in the Hospital Wing and had pretended to sleep at that time…“You were there to save me when that bludger almost hit me”…“I love you Harry”…that was when he felt she kissed him…Hermione…the girl was Hermione!

Harry was so shocked by the realization that he didn’t even notice Hermione slowly walking away from him, and ran towards the castle. It was when she had slipped through the castle doors that Harry saw her.

“Hermione!” Harry ran after her through the snow. But when he reached the entrance hall, it was too late. She was nowhere insight, leaving him with his messed-up thoughts.

“Bloody hell!” Harry slapped a hand to his head. Why now? Why hadn’t he believed Ron before? But—why isn’t his memory returning? He needed to find Hermione…

Harry climbed the stairs quickly, figuring Hermione might be in the common room. When he reached it, she wasn’t there.

“Hi Harry,” Ginny said as she climbed down the stairs from the girl’s dormitory. “Anything wrong?”

“Ginny, have you seen Hermione in your dormitory?”

“No. I don’t believe she’s there.” She said. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” Harry said dismissively. He was getting desperate. Where could she be? He slowly walked towards the seat near the fireplace and slumped down, covering his eyes with both hands. What more could he expect today?

“Are you sure? You don’t look too good.”

“I’m fine, Ginny. Ok?” Ginny flinched at the tone of he’s voice.

“If you’re sure…I’ll be on my way then.” Ginny said a bit hesitantly and went out of the portrait hole.

Harry sighed. He looked up at the flames. Ron was right…He did have feelings for Hermione. But what of Cho? Was she lying to him all this time?

He sharply turned around when he heard the portrait hole swung open. He felt the weight of disappointment when Ron walked in, his face grim. He might have not seen Harry as he walked by deep in thought.

“Ron—wait…” Ron jumped and stared at Harry, clearly surprised.

Harry stood up. “I need to talk to you—No! Wait—it’s about what you said,” Harry blurted out when Ron started to turn away.

“What about it?”

“I’m sorry, ok. I’ve been really confused with everything, and by what I’ve just experienced today, it just got worse.”

Ron didn’t answer but he didn’t move away either.

“I know I’ve been a mindless prat and I’m sorry. I admit I closed my mind but I didn’t know what to believe anymore. You were right. I feel something for Hermione that I could never feel for Cho.”

“It took you a right hard punch before you could come to your senses,” Ron said.

“It even took me more than that to open my eyes,” Harry smiled sadly.

Ron returned his smile with a bright one and walked towards Harry, “Glad to have you back mate, glad to have you back.”

“I really need to talk to Hermione Ron but she…disappeared.”

“Disappeared?”

“That was when she fell from the tower—”

“The what?!”

“I don’t know what happened…It had been really luck that I was there…” Harry frowned.

“Then? What happened?” Ron had been surprised by the news.

“I had my broom with me. It happened after I walked away—you know—after we fought. It was just before she hit the ground that I caught her.”

“The second time you saved her,” Ron said. “Did you feel anything after that?”

“The return of my memory you mean? No, just recent flashbacks and nothing else,” Harry said. Then something crossed his mind. “Ron, I need your help.”

Ron quirked a brow but just shrugged as he listened to what Harry was about to say.

*****

The Masquerade Ball has now begun. The Great Hall was transformed once again for another great celebration. Instead of Christmas Trees, the walls were decorated with large opera masks and dark heavy velvet curtains. And in contrast to the weather outside, the sky was of clear midnight blue, stars sparkling brightly. The atmosphere was warm and festive, and one could notice the hint of mystery in the air. The four long House tables were all gone and were replaced instead with smaller candle-lit ones. A huge space at the center had been left out for the dance floor. Now it was crowded with students wearing costumes and masks that matched the occasion. There were murmurs and excited giggles as some already started to select their partners.

The teachers were still at their usual seats at the high table, but like the students they wore costumes and masks covered their faces.

Cho entered the hall, satisfied that most eyes were on her when she appeared. She wore a red satin sleeveless dress of oriental style just as she told Harry. It hugged her figure to the right places and the slits on both sides of her dress exposed enough skin for guys to stare. Instead of arm gloves, her arms were bare except for gold wristlets with a dragon designs encircling both wrists. She walked confidently as the small crowd parted for her to pass.

Halfway across the floor, a hand caught her by the wrist pulling her towards the dance floor. Cho was surprised at the action but immediately beamed when she saw who it was. He had worn a Robin Hood costume with a rather long feather on the cap.

He withdrew his hand from her wrist and bowed in a gentlemanly way, “Shall we dance?”

“How could I refuse the Prince of Thieves?” She answered.

“Indeed!” His smile reached up to his eyes. He took her hand and turned her lightly. When he thought Cho wasn’t looking, he gave a thumbs-up at someone at the far end of the room.

*****

Harry silently smiled from where he stood at the shadowy corner. He returned the thumbs-up his friend had sent him and chuckled. Everything’s good so far.

That was when he saw her enter the Great Hall. He felt as if time had stopped and everything focused on her. She had worn a soft off-the-shoulder chiffon dress of pale blue that reminded Harry of ice; the skirt had left off just below the leg in uneven cuts that exposed her sandal-clad feet. Her hair had been gracefully pulled back in a flowery bun at the back of her head. She’s beautiful. Harry had recognized her immediately even if her face was half hidden by a mask of the same colour as her dress.

What the hell are you waiting for? Go before somebody else gets to her first! Harry obeyed the voice in his head without hesitation and stepped out of the shadows, slowly making his way through the crowd.

Hermione glanced nervously around the room, getting the same attention as Cho or even more. She looked around, trying to distinguish some of the masked people. Where are Luna and Ginny? She had felt very awkward the first moment she stepped into the room. She didn’t know where or who to go to. She felt really alone.

“Can I have this dance?” Hermione turned to the person speaking. He had worn a dark tuxedo and a tall hat; a cape hung at the back of his shoulders. The red rose on his chest pocket was a contrast to the lack of colour in his costume. Black Rose. She had learned about the legendary French fictional “thief of the people” character in her visits in France with her parents.

Hermione smiled gratefully at him as she took his offered hand. He hadn’t taken his eyes off her even when they reached the floor.

Harry held her to him as a waltz would allow. He couldn’t think why he hadn’t felt it before or why he tried to fight the feeling. He felt so contented just being with her.

Hermione could feel him staring at her and felt the heat creep up her cheeks. She looked up at him and just as she thought, he looked at her with a warm look in his eyes. She didn’t know why but she didn’t feel intimidated at all. She felt…safe.

Hermione’s thoughts wandered to the time she last saw Harry. Why did she run away? Hermione had realized after her time alone that she had been hurt more by Cho’s words. “Harry’s mine…he doesn’t remember you…” She had felt depressed and heart broken to face Harry and what he had to say to her. She can’t help herself if she heard it from his own lips that his heart belonged to Cho. Hermione pushed down the tears that threatened to come out from her eyes.

As if Harry sensed her discomfort, he looked down at her and saw the sadness in her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” He asked worriedly.

Hermione snapped back from her thoughts. She blinked and retained her composure, aware that his eyes were still watching her.

“No, nothing…I’m fine.” She smiled at him.

But Harry didn’t take her excuse, “Do you want to go outside? To get some air?”

Hermione sighed and surrendered. “That would be nice.”

Harry led her through the crowd and pulled back a drape from the wall to reveal a hidden balcony.

“Wow…I didn’t know there was a balcony here.” Hermione said as she walked out.

Harry smiled. Thanks to the Marauders he had actually found this little secluded place. “Wonderful isn’t it?”

Hermione took a deep breath, both hands leaning lightly on the balustrade, “Yes…It’s beautiful.”

Harry walked towards Hermione and stopped just behind her, “You’re beautiful.”

She turned in surprise.

“Hermione, I need to tell you something…”

“Ho—how did you know it was me?”

“Does it really matter?” He said. “You wouldn’t believe me…”

Hermione looked at him quizzically.

“I don’t know but…I just…knew. I knew it was you. ”

“Who are you?” Hermione suddenly asked.

Harry smiled behind his mask. He lifted up his hand and showed her the cufflink.

Her eyes widened as she stared at it and shifted her gaze at the person in front of her. “Harry?”

Harry’s smile widened. He took off his hat, running a hand through his already messy hair before taking off his mask. His expression suddenly changed into a determined and serious one.

“I want to talk to you Hermione. Please listen to me.”

Hermione didn’t know what to say but only nodded.

“I just—” He took a deep breath. Here goes. “I almost lost you Hermione. I’m sorry—no. I don’t even know if that’s enough. I didn’t believe Ron when everything was so obvious. I was blinded with confusion and pride…”

“What are you saying Harry?”

“All this time, you were right there in front of me. I didn’t even care to stop and pay attention to what’s already there…Having an amnesia is not an excuse for me to be with another girl. I’ve…I’ve hurt you, Hermione.”

Hermione couldn’t breath. She couldn’t think clearly. She wanted to believe that Harry was really trying to apologize to her. Afraid that it wasn’t real, Hermione didn’t say anything. She never took her eyes off him. She didn’t even dare to blink.

Harry couldn’t look at her, afraid to see the hurt there. No—afraid to see there the pain he’d caused. He tried to speak again, stuttering a bit and trying very hard to explain, his eyes still looking everywhere but her face.

He was immediately silenced when Hermione shut him up with her lips. Harry didn’t bother to continue what he was saying. He was drowning in the kiss and every thought in his head vanished. He pulled Hermione closer to him, drawing deeper. His head was spinning as the sensation of having Hermione to himself fill his mind. His Hermione. He didn’t care if his memory will return or not. Having Hermione was enough.

Hermione moaned. Only Harry had given her such sensations that make her head dizzy even just with his lips. She pressed closer to him, her fingers tangling in his hair. Tears slowly flowed down her cheeks. Love burst out from inside her.

When they parted, both were flushed and breathing heavily. Their faces were only inches from each other. Harry tilted her chin so he could clearly see her eyes. When he saw the wet streaks on her cheeks, he wiped them dry with his thumb, asking, “What’s wrong?”

Hermione shook her head. “Nothing…” She rested her head on his chest. Both stood there, contented with each others company.

“I love you Harry…” Hermione suddenly said.

Harry felt his chest swell and held her tightly against him, “I love you too...more than anything.”

Suddenly, there was a quick flash of light. They parted and both looked down at the necklace Hermione was wearing. There was a soft click and the locket popped slightly open. Hermione’s eyes widened. What happened? Then she looked at Harry, who was now staring at it with a shocked expression. A blank look passed his eyes and stayed there.

“Harry? Are you alright? What’s wrong?” Hermione said anxiously.

Harry felt the world stand still. Then in a wild blur, pages of memory flashed before his eyes. It was as if his life was being replayed. He had to close his eyes to try to stop the spinning in his head. It was making him sick.

“Harry please…” Hermione was now worried. When Harry reached out a hand, Hermione took it instantly and held it tightly with both her hands. “We need to go to the Hospital Wing. Let me call Madam Pom— ”

“No—no. Just stay. Don’t leave me.” Harry pleaded.

She didn’t know what was happening and she didn’t know what to do. Hermione was starting to panic.

Harry drew in his breath heavily as if he had run a thousand miles. The spinning had stopped and his vision was clearing. He looked up from the floor and stopped his gaze on Hermione. She had worry and concern in her eyes; there were even several tears that slipped down her cheeks. Hermione…

It was barely a second when Harry wrapped his arms tightly around Hermione. “I’m back, Hermione…my memory’s back.”

Hermione tightened her hold around Harry. She couldn’t believe what was happening.

“I love you Hermione…I won’t loose you again. Never.” Harry said in a husky voice. He looked down at her and kissed her, putting all his emotion into it.

Hermione lost herself in the pleasure of the kiss. She had wished—no prayed for this to happen. She had lost all her hope when she saw him kiss Cho. But now…Her prayers where heard and granted—when she had least expected it.

Harry smiled down at Hermione when they parted. She returned it and gazed at his emerald green eyes. She slowly moved away to give her attention to the locket which was now opened. God! How long have she looked for ways to open it? What had been the key?

She gasped as she opened it wider. Golden dust rose from inside it and slowly around the pendant. Slowly, Hermione could make out the forming of words from the dust. She took in her breath as the words became clear to her: Love unselfishly returned will open my heart…My love for you shall bare my mark …I’m forever yours, we will never part.

Even as the words slowly blurred, the gold dust still danced merrily around it.

“Forever yours…” Hermione heard Harry whisper as he drew her near him.

Chimes suddenly broke out from the inside of the hall.

“We better get back,” Hermione said.

Harry nodded. He carefully put on his mask and his hat with a bit of help from Hermione before they both went back to the crowded hall.

*****

Dozens of tinkling sounds filled the hall, surprising everyone. Dumbledore stood up from his chair and held both hands in the air for silence. Everyone looked up at him expectantly. The Hall was now hushed except for the chimes that still sounded across the room.

“As you have all noticed, these chimes are now telling us that the unmasking is about to begin.” There were nervous murmurs and excited giggles before the Headmaster signalled again for silence. “I hope that what you will see then after the event will be a lesson well learned and realized for everyone. A lesson worth learning of judgement and first impressions. So enough with delays and help me count down the minutes before midnight.”

A large gothic face of a clock appeared above the top table; the longest but thin hand was only seconds away before pointing straight at the large number twelve.

When the second hand passed by the number nine, Dumbledore waited five heart beats before counting down with the rest, “10…9…8…7…6…5…”

It grew louder as all joined in, “4…”

“3…”

“…2…”

“…1…”

Dumbledore of course had anticipated that some had planned to leave on their masks, so he had cast a spell earlier to vanish all visible masks.

He could hear loud gasps and smiled to himself.

Cho who had smiled smugly at her partner, suddenly had her mouth dropped open. “Weasley?!”

Ron grinned widely and touched his hat as a response. “Who did you expect?”

“Why you—you—” Cho was ready to burst with raged.

Ron’s eyes widened with mild surprise.

She turned and stomped off with obvious anger in each step. This is so embarrassing!!! How could I have given affection to that—that…Ack!!! Where the hell is Harry?!

Ron chuckled, and then shifted his gaze to the crowd. Now where is Luna?

Cho had never felt this humiliated before. She nudged her way through the crowd, her eyes pinning on every face that might resemble Harry’s.

She caught sight of Malfoy and double glanced at him. That slime! How could he just dance there! And with another Weasley at that! Her nostrils flared at the sight of them embraced in each others arms with obvious intimacy. She sharply turned away and pushed her way through the crowd again, determined to rival and experience what she had seen in Malfoy and Ginny. Where the hell is Harry—?!

Cho suddenly stopped and stared at the scene that played before her eyes: Harry had his arms wrapped around Hermione—Of all people!—That cow!

Cho strode in determined steps towards them and without even saying anything, pulled Harry away from Hermione.

At first, Hermione was caught in surprised at the unexpected withdrawal. When she became conscious of Cho and how she was pulling an also surprised Harry, anger licked out from inside her. Hermione pulled back Harry’s other arm towards her. “What do you think you’re doing Cho?”

“Taking back what’s mine!” Cho shot back.

“What’s yours?! Harry is not a thing. Don’t treat him as if he were one Cho. He was not even yours in the first place.”

Cho couldn’t take it. She turned a furious stare at Hermione and went straight to her, lifting her hand in an attempt to slap her. Harry had caught her hand before it could touch Hermione. Cho’s eyes widened and she glanced surprisingly at Harry who stared back with a deadly glint.

“She’s right. I’m not something to be toyed or lied at.”

“Ha—Harry…you’re hurting me,” She winced when his grip tightened painfully at her wrist.

“That’s nothing compared to what lies you have pushed down my throat Cho. You took advantage of me when I lost my memory…I trusted you.” Disgust was evident in his words.

Obvious fear could be seen in Cho Chang’s eyes. Oh my God. Has his memory returned?

As if Harry read her thoughts, he said, “Yes. My memory returned. Your stories won’t affect me anymore.”

Cho glanced at the eyes that where now staring at them curiously. She was more humiliated now than ever. She whisked her wrist away from Harry’s grip before she turned and ran the other direction, pushing through the crowd with desperation to get away.

“It’s over.” Hermione whispered as she took Harry’s hand in hers.

Harry looked down at Hermione and smiled. He wrapped her arms around her, oblivious of the stares they were receiving. He could see forever in her eyes. Everything is going to be fine. He lowered his head and captured her lips in a kiss.

*****

Two teenagers watched the couple intently at a rather secluded corner. One had brown curls and the other was raven-haired.

The girl sighed, “Lovely…”

“You were always a hopeless romantic Lily,” the boy with chocolate brown eyes said.

“I wonder if I could ever experience what Mom and Dad shared, Ron,” she smiled at the boy, lifting her eyeglasses up the bridge of her nose; her green eyes twinkled.

The one called Ron chuckled. “Shouldn’t I be the one to say those things?”

“No. It doesn’t suit you. You were always the heart-breaker.”

Ron chuckled again, “You got me there. And speaking of Mom and Dad, we better get back before they find out we’ve been prying again.”

*****

“Lily? Ronald? Where are those kids?” An older female voice spoke just outside the door to the bedroom.

Ronald James and Lily Jane Potter slipped out from a large basin full of what appeared to be liquid light.

“Oh my God! It’s Mom! Quick, help me put back the pensieve!” Lily said.

Both heaved at the heavy basin on the floor and directed it under the bed. They sharply stood up straight, trying to look innocent when they heard the door open.

“Er—hi Dad!” Ron smiled too sweetly at the person standing at the door, an older version of him. They had the same resemblance, only that the older one had glasses over emerald green eyes that matched his sister’s.

“Honey, I found them in our room again!” He shouted over his shoulder. He smiled, shaking his head as if something struck him funny, “What were you two up to again?”

“Er—nothing dad. We were just…” Lily began.

“Just what Lily?” Their mother appeared behind their father an expression of mock curiosity evident in her face.

Silence followed it but both parents waited expectantly for the answer; both teenagers in turn weren’t too eager to confess.

“And?”

“Oh Mom! We were just peeking at the pensieve and…” Ron said in a rather frustrated and a bit hurried voice.

“And what did you see?” Hermione Potter pressed on, hating herself for trying to torture their kids into confessing. This was better than veritaserum. She chuckled to herself.

“And…we kind of got carried away too long at the Masquerade Ball…”

Silence.

Harry Potter suddenly laughed and surprised his family. They were looking at him as if he was someone deranged. “Oh, sorry. A thought crossed my mind. Why don’t you just left them off the hook, dear? Nothing really happened at the Masquerade Ball, right?” He emphasized the last word, sending her a wink.

“Right.” Hermione said uncertainly at her husband.

Ron and Lily glanced at each other with questioning eyes. What are they talking about?

“Well, that’s that! You two move along to the kitchen. Dinner’s ready.” Harry said cheerfully.

Ron and Lily didn’t need a second word and both went out of the room, with obvious relief.

“What were you trying to say earlier?” Hermione whispered.

Harry shrugged. “Nothing…” He took her hand and twirled her around, then pulled her into his arms.

Hermione giggled. “Yeah right. I can’t believe you let them go, I was enjoying it.”

“I know.” Harry chuckled, lowering his head.

Harry was about to kiss Hermione when somebody cleared their throat loudly, interrupting them.

Lily and Ron were at the door, awkwardly looking at them both.

“We’ll finish the rest of it later…” Harry whispered in her ear and then went ahead, followed by Ron.

Lily however slowed her pace so her Mom would catch up with her. “Mom? Uh—can I talk to you?”

“Hm?”

“Uh—you know the Triwizard Tournament is starting at Hogwarts right?”

“Yes,” Hermione looked at her daughter curiously.

“Well, it’s just that…uh—do you still have your dress when you were at the Masquerade Ball? I need one for the Yule Ball…”

Hermione laughed. “For a moment there I thought you were trying to tell me that you had entered the Tournament!”

Lily swallowed hard.

Hermione narrowed her eyes at the silence that came from her daughter and her obvious uneasiness.

“Uh—mom? What if I told you that I did?”

“What?!”

Author’s Notes: Ehi…Hope you liked the ending! Some of you may have wondered about the history of Harry’s costume so I’ll explain it to you. I adopted Black Rose from the anime Nadja. He was sort of a French version of Robin Hood, only that he had worn more black than green; a red rose was he’s trademark. The last part was not really taken seriously, so forgive me if you see grammatical errors. I haven’t got a beta unfortunately…Stress is getting to me…*sighs* Well that’s life! So if you don’t mind, just lower your cursor just a bit downward and type something on the blank white box…thanks! Happy Holiday!(^_^)