Yo,

I'm back with the Next Chapter of Broken Shackles. Next 10 chapters are available you know where. Hope you share your feedback with me. 

Enjoy.

Broken Shackles

Chapter 25

Love

7th February 1994

Hogwarts in February offered a picture-perfect scene straight out of a fairy tale book. The ancient castle, perched high upon a hill, is draped in a soft, white quilt of snow, transforming its stony grey facade into an awe-inspiring spectacle of ice-kissed majesty. The surrounding grounds, shrouded in winter's cloak, display an ethereal beauty that seems to hold time itself in reverence.

As the Scottish winter sinked its teeth into the landscape, the Black Lake stiffened, its surface frosting over into a glistening mirror of ice. The Forbidden Forest, usually a foreboding presence, took on a surreal calm, the snow muffling any sounds and bestowing a sense of tranquil stillness. The Whomping Willow stood as a frosted sentinel, branches heavy with snow, temporarily pacified by winter's touch.

February's chill caused the breaths of students and magical creatures alike to fog up in the frosty air. The castle's occupants were drawn to the warmth of Hogwarts' interiors, the glowing fireplaces, and the welcoming chatter that echoed along the stone corridors.

Inside the castle, the atmosphere is a study in comforting contrast. The Great Hall's enchanted ceiling reflecting the chilly spectacle outside, allowing students to dine beneath a snow-kissed sky, the starlight of the bright winter sun adding an enchanting ambience to their meals. The towering walls echoing with soft laughter and whispered conversations, while cosy common rooms drew students in with the promise of warmth and camaraderie.

Harry is enjoying one such day with a big satisfied smile on his face. He is never the one to show open emotion like this after Inky left him. But the progress he is making with his plans made him break the coldness for once.

Harry's happiness was contagious and soon the whole Ravenclaw can be seen smiling at each other as their Quidditch captain didn't disappoint in their last match against Slytherin. If only they could see the murderous glares the snakes were throwing at them. What happened you ask? Well, Harry defeated the Snakes in record time and that managed to put Ravenclaw 700 points ahead of other teams for the Quidditch Cup.

As for Harry, yesterday served as another example of his Animagus progress as he felt snow or cold didn't affect as it did to others. He started having this feeling a week after he chose Arctic Eidolon as his Inner Animal or it chose him.

Let's go back and replay how the game went to get a better understanding of his joy.

Flashback

6th February 1994

Ravenclaw Vs Slytherin

The excitement in the air was palpable as the Slytherin and Ravenclaw teams prepared for the highly-anticipated Quidditch match. Ravenclaw on their Nimbus 2000s and Slytherins on their 2001s. Harry forgot that Nimbus 2001s were available when he gifted the team. But as they are much better than Cleansweaps though. The difference between Nimbus 2000 and 2001 is hardly noticeable and with his training and practice, Harry was sure his team would win.

If they win, that would make for a perfect record in his career. 1st to win all matches for Ravenclaw in his first year as Quidditch Captain in Ravenclaw House. That sounds too good to lose to Malfoy for Harry. He gave his team a determined nod.

The crowd was abuzz with excitement as Ravenclaws couldn't help but feel smug. They were always seen as the bottom 2 of the 4 in Quidditch as Slytherin cheats and Gryffindor protests while their house and Puffs play fairly and mostly loose for the big 2 rivals.

This year because of their new Captain and Seeker, they got the chance to prove they are not easy pickings to other houses and they trust Harry to prove them right again. Excited plans about the after party started among the enthusiastic few.

Dressed in Ravenclaw's signature blue and bronze, Harry adjusted the straps on his gloves as he prepared to mount his Nimbus 2000. Cho shot him an encouraging smile. She is as excited as him. Maybe if need be she can promise him with some gift if he wins?

Up in the commentator's booth, Lee Jordan prepared to begin the match's commentary, his voice booming over the magically amplified microphone. "Welcome, folks, to what promises to be a thrilling Quidditch match between Slytherin and Ravenclaw! Once Gryffindor's Seeker, now Ravenclaw Seeker and Captain, Harry Potter seems to be on an unbeatable warpath to win the Quidditch Cup with no loss.

"Can the slimy snakes stop him? The Ravenclaw team also seems to have gotten Nimbus 2000s while all Slytherin's have Nimbus 2001s. Let's see what difference it makes on the field."

As Madame Hooch released the Quaffle into the air after Harry and Flint shook hands, Cho, along with the other Ravenclaw Chasers, Jason and Randolph, shot into action, displaying impressive manoeuvres. Slytherin Chasers, Flint, Pucey, and Derrick had a tough time keeping up even with their new brooms.

Lee's voice echoed across the pitch, "And Chang takes possession of the Quaffle, dodges a Bludger from Slytherin's Beater, Bole! She's approaching the goal, and... YES! She scores! Ten points to Ravenclaw!"

The crowd erupted in cheers as Cho soared around the pitch, waving to her teammates.

Meanwhile, the Slytherin Seeker, Draco Malfoy, was scouring the skies for the Golden Snitch, his eyes narrowed in concentration. His rivalry with Harry added another layer of tension to the already heated match. This is his 1st match after being 'injured' by Buckbeak and he is nervous.

Suddenly, there was a streak of gold. The Snitch! Harry spotted it just as Draco did. They both shot towards it, their Nimbus 2000s and 2001s carrying them swiftly across the pitch.

"And Potter and Malfoy are off!" Lee exclaimed. "Both Seekers have spotted the Snitch, and it's a wild race!" Lee said excitedly into the Microphone.

Harry weaved through the chaos of the game, his eyes never leaving the Golden Snitch. Draco was right on his tail, his face a mask of determination.

"Hold onto your hats because this game promises a lot of twists and turns, Ladies and Gents! Looks like Harry and Malfoy reached the snitch and they both stretched their hands to catch it!"

"Looks like Malfoy got jealous and threw himself at Harry as he was about to catch the snitch! A typical Slytherin move if you ask me!" Jordan announced and lots of Boos came from Ravenclaw's side everyone booing the Slytherins.

On the Slytherin side, Flint tried to intercept Jason but was blocked by Randolph. Flint growled, veering off to tackle Cho, who had taken possession of the Quaffle. Cho dodged Flint, and passed the Quaffle to Randolph, who then scored the goal for Ravenclaw. The crowd roared in approval.

"Randolph scores! Ten points to Ravenclaw, it's 80-30, Ravenclaw in the lead!" Jordan's voice enthusiastically explained.

Meanwhile, Harry was scanning the skies for the Golden Snitch again, keenly aware of Malfoy doing the same a few yards away. Though he is angry, he had a smug satisfaction as he still got the snitch but couldn't hold it to win. He was sure Draco saw it.

While the Chasers played their game, the Beaters were not far behind. Slytherin's Crabbe sent a Bludger towards Cho, but it was intercepted mid-air by Jeremy, Ravenclaw's Beater, who sent it hurtling towards Pucey instead. Pucey narrowly dodged it, losing his balance momentarily.

Then, like a glint of sunlight, the Golden Snitch appeared again to the left of Flint. Harry and Draco noticed it at the same time, and both shot off like arrows. The crowd held their breath as they watched the thrilling chase for the second time.

As Harry reached out to grab the Snitch, a Bludger, sent by Crabbe, hit his broom. Harry wavered, trying to steady himself. Draco seized the opportunity and lunged for the Snitch.

But Harry was quick to regain balance and surged forward, and with a swift motion, grabbed the Snitch.

"Potter caught the Snitch!" Jordan's voice echoed, causing the stadium to erupt in cheers. The Ravenclaw team swooped around Harry, their faces alight with victory. The audience cheered, and even some professors clapped.

"Ravenclaw won with 240-50, keeping them in untouchable 700 points lead to the nearest team. I'm sure the Claws will be celebrating hard as the House Cup will be theirs at this point.

"Unless Harry was merciful in their next match with Puffs in the final, there is no chance for others to win the cup. Trust me it's surprising to me to believe Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff will play the Quidditch final, but they got the points lead.

"This is Lee Jordan signing out from Commentary Booth this fine Friday evening. Enjoy your victory, Ravenclaws and cherish your failure, Slytherins. Lee Out!"

Grinning widely, Harry lifted the Snitch high, his heart pounding with victory. Despite everything going on, he had once again experienced the sheer thrill of the game, adding another unforgettable chapter to his Hogwarts adventure.

Flashback End

During the whole match and even though flying at high speeds, Harry didn't feel the Chill of the Winter and was surprised by it. He couldn't stop himself from seeing what other benefits being Magical Animagus will bring.

To say he was thrilled to explore the facets of being a Magical Animagus is akin to saying fish enjoy swimming in water. He is beyond joyful and this made Padma suspicious.

The party continued long past midnight yesterday and even Professor Flitwick joined in on the fun and left at 2 am with all others, celebrating Ravenclaw's most victorious Quidditch year in a century.

They lately joined for breakfast and Harry still can't get out of his happy bubble. He was going back to the dorm, when Padma took him aside from Terry. "Harry," Padma called and he looked up.

"Did something happen?" She asked testily, not wanting to go into detail.

"Something like what?" He asked, confused.

"Well you know, you and Cho…" She started, not wanting to say it. Harry was perplexed for a second and then negatively nodded vehemently.

"Padma!" He said in a chastising tone for suggesting that. Padma went beat red at that.

"I didn't see Cho around and so I…" She said in an embarrassed tone, unable to continue.

"Why are you two here?" Cho asked, joining Harry and Padma.

"Nothing," Harry said with an amused smile. Padma didn't reply. As they started their walk back to Ravenclaw Tower, Cho fidgeted, trying to ask something. Harry noticed and decided to prod.

"What is it, Cho?" He asked in a soft tone.

"I was thinking of duelling practice. Can we?" Harry paused for a moment to think. It's Hogsmeade weekend next week and he had to meet Mafalda as she asked him long ago and he also knows what's the next day. So instead of spoiling his Valentine's Day, he decided to do it this week, planning things to do next week.

"Sure. Let's meet in o-" Cho gave him a look.

"Let's find an abandoned classroom." As soon as he agreed, Padma asked to join and Harry couldn't deny it as they kept up with their physical exercises and were in good shape. He told her to bring Terry as well and all of them moved into an abandoned classroom on 4th Floor.

Abandoned Classroom

Harry stood tall, wand gripped tightly in his hand, his gaze locked on Cho, who seemed almost angelic under the filtered sunlight. If only Padma and Terry weren't here. He wished, lost in thought of what he could have done. A loud throat clearing brought him back from his thoughts.

"Shall we start?" Padma asked and both of them nodded. She went on rules which are nothing but no Unforgivables, anything severe and how it's a friendly duel. Harry's wand is in his left hand instead of his right as he started practising dual wielding as suggested by Walkrow.

The air between them is thick with anticipation, a palpable energy that tingled with potential. Cho's expression is serious, her wand steady. Harry, on the other hand, held an aura of quiet confidence that spoke volumes about the experiences that had moulded him into the wizard he was today.

"Ready?" Padma asked, her voice echoing in the quiet of the room. Both of them merely nodded in response, and with a simple hand slash, the duel began.

Cho was the first to attack, her voice clear and strong as she cast, "Expelliarmus!" Red light shot towards Harry, who swiftly sidestepped and countered with a "Protego!" The shimmering shield erupting from his wand, effectively neutralising Cho's offensive.

Not missing a beat, Harry retaliated with, "Langlock!" A thin, almost invisible light leapt from Harry's wand towards Cho, who was momentarily taken aback. She did not expect him to use such an unusual spell. Luckily, her quidditch reflexes came in handy, and she managed to dodge it.

With renewed determination, Cho sent a "Flipendo," trying to unbalance Harry. The knockback jinx came hurling towards Harry, but he was prepared. Parrying it with "Finite," he neutralised her spell once more. Both Padma and Terry watched in awe as Harry showed a mastery of magic that went beyond their years.

Feeling the momentum shift, Harry decided to raise the stakes. "Stupefy!" He cast the red stunner.

"Protego," Cho managed to conjure the shield in time.

"Bombarda," Harry called, sending the exploding charm towards Cho.

"Stupefy," Cho replied with the stunner, effectively stopping Harry's destructive one. Cho knows Harry is not fighting her seriously. She saw how he fought with Corner and Belby in their duels. It is not as easy as this.

With a disappointed look, she used her next curse, delving deep into her Ravenclaw knowledge. "Aguamenti," She called the water-conjuring charm. Water rushed towards Harry and as always, he used his favourite element.

"Glacius," Harry said, happy to be in touch with the cold ice. The temperatures outside the castle were mimicked in the room and Cho quickly used Incendio to raise the temperature back. She slowly got the thrill of fighting and continued her onslaught.

"Expelliarmus," She called, trying to snatch her boyfriend's wand. She wasn't surprised Harry used Stupefy to counter it and immediately fired his own disarming and stunning charms. She conjured her shield, managing to stop the 2 spells.

"Confringo," She called, trying to blast Harry but he quickly shot 2 more spells, the counter curse and a stinging hex to her shoulder. She dodged them but didn't see the leg locker he shot and got entangled.

He walked to her and pulled her up and with a well-done kiss, gave her wand to her. She didn't expect to lose to him that easily. But she knew her boyfriend practises a lot and this only showed how weak she is to stand by his hand and how his worry to reveal themselves to the world is valid.

She got a determined look which made her look into Harry's concerned emeralds in steel confidence. A silent vow was made on that day, unheard by any but the 2 involved. A vow to become worthy to stand beside Harry at all times. A vow to prove herself to the world as a girl who can protect and not need protection. Harry gave her an encouraging nod and she went back to watch the next duel.

Padma and Terry are too nervous to duel alone and decided to duel Harry together. They knew Harry is strong but not this strong and so they both walked in front of him.

Without a word, Padma and Terry quickly moved to the centre of the room, their expressions serious. They shared a glance before pulling out their wands, the readiness in their eyes a clear challenge to Harry.

"I hope you're not too tired, Harry," Terry said, a glint of nervous excitement in his eyes. Padma merely nodded in agreement, her gaze steady on Harry.

Harry didn't seem daunted. He nodded in return, stepping back into his duelling stance. He realised this wouldn't be as easy as the previous duel. With two opponents, the game had changed. Though he can fight many wizards at once, he never tried fighting students so he wanted to go easy.

As the duel began, the room plunged into a suspenseful silence, broken only by the soft incantation from Terry, "Glacius!" Ice erupted from his wand, aiming to freeze Harry in place. Simultaneously, Padma cast "Impedimenta," an attempt to slow Harry down.

Harry, however, was prepared. He moved fluidly, casting "Protego'' to shield himself against Terry's spell while side-stepping Padma's. The duel had escalated swiftly, the advanced spells exchanged rapidly between the three wizards.

Seizing the opportunity, Harry retaliated with "Incarcerous," shooting ropes from his wand to bind his opponents. However, Terry and Padma were quick on their feet, Terry casting "Finite" to neutralise the spell while Padma launched a "Reducto" in Harry's direction which Harry dodged.

A fierce volley of spells continued to flash across the room. Harry quickly retaliated with a "Flipendo," aimed at Terry, intending to knock him back. Terry, however, was prepared, swiftly side-stepping the jinx and launching a "Confundo," at Harry. Harry was surprised Terry knew the OWLS' charm.

Almost simultaneously, Padma cast a "Stupefy," adding to the onslaught aimed at Harry. But Harry, with a grace of an experienced dueller, moved with surprising speed, countering Terry's confusion spell with a well-timed "Finite Incantatem," before deftly dodging Padma's Stunning Spell.

Raising his wand, Harry quickly threw an "Expelliarmus" at Padma, hoping to disarm her. Padma's response was swift as she blocked it with "Protego", while Terry took the moment to cast "Petrificus Totalus," trying to catch Harry off guard.

Harry saw it coming. He dodged the Body-Bind Curse while casting a "Confringo" the blasting curse, intending to push his friends back and buy himself some breathing space. The spell hit the floor between Terry and Padma, causing an explosion that filled the room with dust and sent both of them sprawling back.

When the dust settled, Terry and Padma had taken cover behind an overturned table. Harry, on the other side of the room, was also using the pause to regain his breath. His mind was racing, strategizing for the next move in this magical duel.

Much to his surprise, both Padma and Terry slumped down exhausted. "Damn it, Harry! You pushed us a lot." Padma complained.

"You tell him. I never used that many spells in one go." Terry added.

Harry was also surprised by their near-perfect sync and is breathing heavily. "I didn't expect you two to last this long." He said in a praising tone.

"Look at that, Cho. He is praising us," Padma said with a cheer. As Harry's and Cho's eyes met, both of them had a battle of wills. None keen on budging. At last, after many silent words, Cho gave up.

"We will see in next month's duel, won't we?" She told Padma with a triumphant smirk. Padma couldn't give her a good counter and went silent.

"Damn, I wish I had a boyfriend like him," Padma said in a mock hurt tone. Terry was too confused to make heads or tails of the situation and wisely kept quiet.

"So what are your plans for Valentine's Day?" Terry asked after a moment of silence and that threw the group into excited chatter, Harry giving Terry a murderous glare as Cho and Padma started talking nonstop about the gossip and who will take who out.

Though Terry threw an apologetic look at Harry, the damage was done and continued on their way to the common room to relax. Harry had few things to do in mind.

7th February 1994

Ministry of Magic

Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, had just returned to her office from a gruelling meeting with the Minister. She slumped into her chair and began to sift through the usual stack of parchments, memos, and reports on her desk when a tiny, wooden box caught her eye.

Raising an eyebrow, she reached for the box. It was unexpectedly heavy and sealed with an ornate, wax seal which had a flying creature on it. After a moment's hesitation, she broke the seal, revealing a huge stack of galleons - the glint of the gold in stark contrast to the dull wooden box.

Amelia froze for a moment, her eyes widening. She swiftly counted the galleons and reached the shocking total of ten thousand. Her heart skipped a beat. A note was tucked beneath the golden heap. With shaking hands, she picked it up and read the single line written in a neat, unknown handwriting.

"For the unending pursuit of justice."

Amelia was not a woman easily shaken, but this...this was something else. Anonymously receiving such a significant amount was not a regular occurrence, even for someone in her position. She sat back, mind racing. Who could have sent this? Was it a grateful wizard or witch she had helped? Or perhaps an attempt to bribe her? But the note suggested otherwise. It seemed like an act of support rather than manipulation.

Amelia prided herself on her strong principles and integrity. She was well respected in the Ministry, feared by the criminals she relentlessly pursued, and known for her fairness and commitment to justice. Her dedication, however, came with a price - the nature of her work left her with many enemies.

Therefore, the galleons on her desk brought about a tumult of emotions. There was surprise, of course, and curiosity about the anonymous benefactor. But, also a hint of concern. Her instinct told her this wasn't a trap, but her years of experience in the Magical Law Enforcement taught her to be cautious.

Amelia steeled herself, making a decision. She summoned a parchment and began to write a report to be sent to the Improper Use of Magic office for them to trace the origin of the box. She would not use the galleons until she knew where they came from and what their true intention was. She had worked hard to maintain her integrity and wasn't about to compromise it now.

Yet she is not going to disclose to anyone that she got the gold. She can predict the repercussions of such a move. She is more concerned about the Minister of Magic himself. She knew Fudge. The man would just hide everything under the rug if she went to him with the Galleons and take the money for himself. She is going to hide the galleons and ask only for the source of the box to be investigated. She nodded in satisfaction at her plan.

As she wrote, the galleons gleaming under the lamplight, Amelia couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth amidst the uncertainty. If this was a genuine act of support, it was gratifying to know that there were still those who appreciated the tireless struggle for justice.

In the tough world that Amelia Bones navigated daily, such reminders of faith and support were both rare and precious. Finishing her order, she sent the letter to the Improper Use of Magic office with the wooden box.

9th February 1994

Hogwarts

As the moonlight bathed the common room of the Ravenclaw Tower in a soft glow, Harry sat by the window, his gaze lost in the distant mountains. In his hand, he held the Marauder's Map disguised as Charms book, but his thoughts were far from the mischievous escapades the magical parchment suggested.

He found his thoughts continually drifting towards Professor Remus Lupin. His Unca Moony. He couldn't understand how long the man needed to get a hold of himself and talk to him. He remembered their first meeting on the Hogwarts Express, Lupin's shabby robes, and the kindness in his eyes. He remembered the first lesson with the boggart, Lupin stepping in before Harry had the chance to confront it, which at the time Harry had assumed was an act of protection.

But as the year progressed, Harry noticed Lupin's constant effort to maintain a certain distance. It wasn't hostility or indifference; it was more a sense of restrained affection. Lupin was always supportive, always helpful, and yet there was an invisible barrier that he never allowed Harry to cross. It was as if Lupin was holding himself back from getting too close.

Harry's thoughts went to the conversation they had after the incident with the dementors during the Quidditch match. Lupin had been apologetic and had even offered to teach him advanced spells, but there was something guarded in his manner, a reluctance to delve deeper into their personal connection. Harry respectfully denied it.

He understood that Lupin was his father's friend and also acknowledges there might be painful memories attached to him. But Harry couldn't help but feel hurt. He used to long for someone who could tell him more about his parents, who could offer him a tangible link to his past, and Lupin was the closest he had come to that.

Harry gazed at the map, at the tiny dot labelled 'Remus Lupin', moving slowly around his office. He sighed, folding the parchment and standing up. Maybe with time, Lupin would open up more. For now, Harry decided he would just focus on saving Sirius. He gave the man even more time, opting for patience.

He doesn't want to appear as an attention-craving child. He gets enough of that from Cho, Mira, Dobby and his friends. Now even Eidolon seems to be interested in his life as he felt the creature surface at random times during his day. With more plans than before, Harry went to sleep, preparing himself for the busy day of Hogsmeade.

13th February 1994

Three Broomsticks

Since they agreed to be friends with benefits, Mafalda has been an open help to Harry in some areas. Some practical areas in addition to providing any juicy details of what's going on in the Ministry. She is one of the reasons for his relationship with Cho being very stable despite its secrecy.

"Harry!" Mafalda's excited voice squealed in joy as he entered the designated room in Three Broomsticks under his invisibility cloak. Her pink-tinged blonde hair was done up in a loose bun, and her light green eyes sparkled with warmth. She was dressed in a simple but elegant robe that matched her eccentric personality.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Mafalda," Harry greeted as he slid into the seat across from her. He set a small package wrapped in brown paper on the table which made Mafalda's eyes widen in surprise.

"For me?" She asked, her hands hovering over the package.

Harry nodded, a rare, boyish grin stretching across his face. "I thought you might like it."

Mafalda unwrapped the package to reveal a limited-edition set of self-inking quills, a delightful find for someone as enamoured with her job as Mafalda. Her eyes lit up, and she beamed at Harry, the corners of her eyes damping.

"Harry, it's wonderful," Mafalda exclaimed, tracing her fingers over the quills. "You didn't have to..."

"I wanted to," Harry interrupted. His gaze was sincere, his emerald eyes reflecting the warmth of their connection.

Their relationship may have been unconventional, marked by a significant age difference and the strain on Harry's free time, but it worked for them. There was an understanding between them that transcended their casual arrangement. Moments like these shared over a pint of Butterbeer and hearty laughter in a room over a pub, solidified their bond.

The eve of Valentine's Day stretched ahead, filled with promise. Harry and Mafalda shared stories and anecdotes, laughed over shared jokes, and simply enjoyed each other's company. It was a unique friendship, one that they both cherished.

"So how's it going Mafalda?" He asked, deciding to be casual, deciding to put all those plans and burdens he carried aside. Though surprised at his casual demeanour, Mafalda welcomed it with a happy smile.

"I'm well, Harry. I just got a letter from Madam Bones as we-" Harry stopped with a raised hand.

"Let's not talk about all those for once. I'm here to just chill and relax. I'm no Harry Potter for tonight. You can call me Henry. And I'm here on a break." He said again. Mafalda nodded dumbly that's when she caught what he meant.

With a victorious happy smile, she moved closer to the now tall Henry to help him 'relax'. She didn't expect this turn of events. They just explored each other's bodies and that's the best they did till now.

Usually, according to what she read in muggle magazines and heard from some of them on this device that shows pictures, a relationship like this will be abused a lot as either party use it as a stress buster.

As the Head of her department and with an incompetent Minister as Boss, Mafalda didn't have much stress and she knew Harry wouldn't have much as well being a student. Guess she is wrong. That's when Ha-Henry shocked her even more.

"I understand that I'm lackluster in this predicament of ours. So whenever you want to talk to me or just chill, send me a letter. I'm sure I can make up some time." He said in a sincere tone. Mafalda, who is in his lap, looked up in surprise. He just gave her a genuine smile and they continued.

Harry decided to cherish the people he got and even see where his relationship with Mafalda goes. It is true he agreed on her request, but that doesn't mean he can use her as and when he wanted and throw her away like a tissue. However cold he may be, he is still Harry Potter.

He values the people who are willing to stand beside him. The past few months are just a test of Mafalda's loyalty and she proved herself. Maybe with this experience, he can give Cho something…

14th February 1994

Harry woke up intending to make Cho happy however secretive it may be and decided to explore the new room he was itching to explore on the seventh floor. As he readied himself and began towards their secret room, he found Professor Flitwick in the common room.

"Ah, Mr Potter. Can I borrow you for a few minutes?" He asked with a kind smile and a surprised Harry nodded. He saw Cho walk into the common room and give him a questioning look. He nodded negatively and silently told her to be in their secret spot.

They walked to Flitwick's office on the 7th floor and the diminutive Professor stopped before entering the office. "A guest requested for you. You can talk freely. I've some work elsewhere." He said with a knowing smile and left Harry outside his office. Harry walked in with a blank look, deciding to confront this 'guest' as he didn't know anyone was visiting and was surprised by her. It's Tonks, the vibrant, clumsy, and fiercely friendly Trainee Auror.

Tonks gave a relieved sigh upon seeing him and waved at him enthusiastically. Harry was too engrossed in his thoughts to pay attention and she had to use her patented call sign.

"Oi, Potter!" She greeted with a jaunty wave, though her eyes were clouded with concern. Harry looked up to meet her eyes. "Dora?" Harry asked, giving her a confused look. "What brings you here?"

Tonks sighed heavily as she inched closer. "Just thought I'd check on you. I just read Cristy's books," she said, her features softening. He nodded in understanding.

"You know there are better ways than barging into Hogwarts to check on me." He said slowly, letting the older woman figure out the rest. She only gave him a perplexed look.

"Merlin Tonks! Do you know what day today is?" Harry asked in exasperation.

"What? I've been far away on duty and there is 1 more reason for me to be here in addition to checking on you! Ok?" She said with her hands folding under her bust defensively. Her hair turned red.

"Which is?" Harry asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I was promoted! I'm an Auror now!" She said with a cheer, at this, her hair changed into a bright gold and then pink.

"Congrats Tonks!" Harry said, hugging her and Tonks returned it. Though she still didn't grasp what day it was and Harry forgot it as well.

"Now that calls for a celebration. We can plan something for Easter. How about we go eat breakfast in the Great Hall for now?" He asked and she nodded happily.

They both walked to the Great Hall, everyone on the way thinking Harry had a wild taste in women and Tonks being clumsy which made Harry catch her from falling a few times. They sat at the Ravenclaw table and enjoyed the feast. That's when Tonks noticed the decorations and understood what Harry meant by 'what day it is'.

For a second her face and hair went all red, concluding everyone who saw them together on their way thought. As soon as breakfast was over, Harry wanted to introduce her to his friends but she denied it and made a hasty exit.

"What's the rush? Didn't you say you are free today?" Harry asked in confusion.

"I-I don't want to spoil your plans. Thanks for the meal and have fun." She said and before Harry could stop, jumped into the floo, vanishing in green flames. Harry was thrown into a loop in all this. That's when he remembered Cho and ran to their secret room.

With Cho

Cho was excited when she readied herself to meet Harry as he promised to make the day the best day in their short relationship. She readied in her best clothes and walked into the common room to see Harry escorted away by Flitwick.

She caught Harry's eyes and saw the same surprise in them. She got his message to meet in their secret room and made her way to the Great Hall, dodging many boys who wanted to take her out or want her to be their date for the day.

When she was about to leave the Great Hall, she saw Harry accompany another girl, no woman, to the Great Hall, both of them talking happily to each other. Any sensible person would think they are a couple immediately by the excited chatter going on.

But Cho knew better. She understood what it meant to be Harry's girlfriend, however secretive it is and with a swallowed pride, she made her way into their secret meeting spot. She did agree with others that the woman is beautiful.

She got this natural charm that made many boys in the Halls whistle in appreciation. She waited there for Harry to come and-. 'And what? You know he is going to attract other women.' A voice in her mind said.

'That doesn't mean he will abandon us.' Another assured her. She didn't want to hear them bicker now and so she closed her eyes and started taking deep breaths.

The whole 'I want as much as your attention' was because of this. She is not naive. She knew Harry was smart, charming, wealthy and most of all, very famous. She knew most of the girls in Hogwarts would throw themselves at him if he so asked them.

Yet in all of them, she got the opportunity to be his 'secret' girlfriend. She knew what it meant to be secret and agreed to it when she accepted his proposal on their first date. Harry is a perfect gentleman. He never did anything out of line even once except for the 'appreciative' glances he gave her body. She knew he liked her body. She is a Claw for a reason.

What's her problem you ask? The woman with Harry. She is more beautiful, mature and good-looking than Cho. She feared that he would dump her now as he got a better one now. If she was not emotional, she would have understood Harry is not like that and doesn't do such things. But she is emotional to think that much when the first tears slipped from her eyes, the door opened and Harry rushed in a hurry.

Few Minutes Prior

Harry knew how bad Tonks and him happily talking and eating breakfast together in the Great Hall would have looked. He understood Cho would be upset by that and decided to be truthful to her and explain his and Tonks's relation and hurried to their secret room.

In his hurry, he forgot he could have simply teleported to the room instead of walking all the way. He finally reached it after a few minutes of fast walking, almost running from many girls who wanted to be his dates. Hell, some upper-class girls are ready for a one-night-stands for Merlin's sake.

Finally, he reached the door and with a tap of his wand opened the door only to see tears falling off Cho's face. As soon as the door was shut, she looked up at the noise and found Harry staring at her in shock.

"Harry-" She started. Harry remembered few of Mafalda's tips to calm girlfriends/wives and immediately jumped into action.

"No," Harry said in a low town, stopping her. He walked to her and slammed his lips into hers, his eyes burning with passion and love. After a few seconds, she opened her lips, resulting in the longest tongue battle they ever had.

Harry passively channelled his magic through his tongue into Cho which gave her the warmth and soothing she mostly craved at the month and after 10 minutes of continuous back and forth, they separated not because of air.

"I'm sorry for what it would have looked like, Cho," Harry started in an apologetic tone only for the raven-haired beauty to shut him up with a kiss. Though taken aback, Harry returned the fervour and they continued like that for hours in the silence and comfort of each other.

No words were needed as they passed the stage of needing words to communicate. After a few hours, Harry can be seen happily relaxing in Cho's lap, their suits and pretty dress all across the room. Harry chuckled.

"What are you laughing at, Mr Potter?" Cho asked curiously.

"Just last week Padma asked me if we did the deed when I was very happy after our Quidditch match. Seeing everything like this will make anyone think we did it." He elaborated in amusement.

"And what's stopping us from doing it?" Cho asked in a challenging tone. Harry gave her a curious look.

"It's very surprising how everyone thinks about you and seeing how you actually are," she giggled. At Harry's unasked question, she continued.

"All girls in my year and above think you are very fast in a relationship and only date girls to get into their pants. But in reality, you are very slow, as in you'll give time for the girl to adjust before moving forward."

"Oh really?" Harry asked with a teasing smirk.

"In fact, yes. You are in my lap with most of my body in front of you while you only have your boxers, yet I don't see any attempt from you to finally break the shell." She said with a victorious smirk.

Harry shrugged. "I just started cherishing you. I don't want our first time to be done this easily. It won't make the moment any special. Maybe when something momentous happens, sure."

"Aww and I was looking forward to doing it," Cho said in a mock hurt tone.

"I don't need sex to make you happy. I've been doing extensive research on female anatomy lately. It's time for me to show you how good I've gotten." Harry said and tackled Cho to the bed and started his exploration...

And Cut.

That's it for this Chapter, folks. Hope you all liked it. Tell me, what you think of the chapter and story in general.

Any suggestions are welcomed.

See y'all in the next chapter.

Black Infinity 1289,

Ja Ne.