Chapter I - All Alone
"Coming Dad, Mom" shouted Cho Chang.
She sighed as she got up from her bed. She was already awake like 30 minutes ago but didn't feel like getting up. Her parents are going to another trip in Asia and they will leave her alone for the summer, again. She quickly put on her robes over her sleepwear and went down to meet her parents. Halfway from the stairs her Dad called her again. "I'm almost there!" she shouted, 'Geez, what's the rush?' she thought to herself.
"What's up Dad?" She gave her Dad a quick kiss on the cheek, meeting him at the dining area. He was packing his suitcase with his paperwork and other 'business' stuff.
"Where's Mom?" she asked as she grab a muffin from the oven.
"Oh, she's on the phone in the living room to call the airport if our plane leaves on time. We already called a cab that's why I called you. I thought you wouldn't say goodbye to us." He looked at her only daughter and said, "We're really sorry Cho that we have to leave. There was nothing we can do. Duty calls."
'Yeah. Duty calls.' She thought. Her parents own a software company, one of the known software companies in the world. They were practically in another country every time she's at home. Cho was used to this but this summer, she needed them for company. "It's okay Dad, I understand. So, when are you guys coming back?" she asked as she put butter on her muffin.
"As soon as we complete our business with our partners in Japan, Malaysia and Singapore." Her Mom said, coming in the dining area. "Oh, and also in the Philippines." She added. "Our flight leaves on time, dear" giving a quick kiss to Cho. "Honey, you're still not upset that we are leaving, right?" Cho shook her head. "It's fine. I wrote to Cheryll and asked her if she can stay here then we'll stay at Leaky Cauldron on the last day of summer."
"That's wonderful." Her mom said. "I do hope you already packed everything we need for the meetings." Her mom said to her dad, as she grabbed her purse, sitting on the table.
"Of course I do" her Dad boasted. "Do you think we have time to ." Her Dad didn't finish the sentence because he heard the cab honked outside. Her parents hugged and kissed her once again then they gathered their suitcases in the living room. Cho assumed that her mom didn't pay any attention to what she just said. As long as she didn't whine or beg for them to stay, that was good news for her parents.
"Call us if you need something honey. We maybe back after school starts so here's your money for your school supplies." Her Mom handed her the money and by the look of it, it's a lot. "Well, I assumed that you and Cheryll would be wandering off to the malls again, so I added more." Her Mom said as they walk towards the cab. Cho was carrying one of her Mom's luggages. They hugged and kissed her again and said their goodbyes. "We love you honey and we will bring a lot of goodies when we come back" her Dad said.
"Okay, Dad. Love you. Love you Mom." She kissed her parents. "Take care you guys and good luck!" Cho said. "Take care and keep in touch! We love you!" her parents said. They went inside the cab and took off.
Cho went back inside the house and closed the door. She sighed. 'Thirty days to go till August 31. I can't stand being alone here.' Suddenly, she heard something from her room. Like someone was trying to break in.
'What was that?' as she rushed to her bedroom. She opened the door and there were three owls trying to get into her room. They were flapping their wings furiously.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot to open my window." As soon as she opened the window, the owls flew inside her room. There were two brown owls and one blackish-brown. Her own owl Mackenzie, the blackish-brown owl with a touch of gray on its tail, dropped a letter on her shoe and went inside his cage. The other owls did the same but they left.
She picked up the letters. She noticed that one letter from the brown owl was from Hogwarts. She opened it and skimmed the list of books she needed for this upcoming year.
"Hmmm.interesting books." She said. She also noticed that there will be meeting for the new prefects this year, on September 3. She put the list aside and read the next letter from the brown owl. It was from Professor Flitwick, head of Ravenclaw house. He was asking Cho if she was okay and how's her summer doing. Cho chuckled when she read the part that Professor Flitwick was trying to ask Madam Pomfrey for a glass of Skele-Grow. She put aside Professor's letter because as she read the middle part, tears were coming to her eyes again.
She's okay, just now. She can't believe that one of her best friends died. Cedric Diggory was really close to her. He was the one who urge her to join Quidditch even though she had no clue about the game. He was really dear to her, a best friend, and that was it. Even though he was in a different house, he was really nice and friendly to her. To everyone, actually. The only reason why he went with Cedric to the Yule Ball is because Cedric was always swamped with girls and asking him out to the Ball. Accidentally, Cedric told them that he's going with Cho to the ball. Of course, he had to inform Cho for she wasn't aware that she was going with Cedric. Cho had to say its okay for he was her best friend but she was really waiting for a certain boy to ask her. But it was too late, and besides, that certain boy already asked someone else. Cedric was so nice to her and she couldn't believe that he's gone, forever.
"Whew. Don't want my eyes turn puffy and red again." Cho said. She grabbed a tissue from her bedside table and dap it on her eyes. She took a deep breath and read the letter Mackenzie brought her. It was from her best friend Cheryll. Cheryll's her best friend in Hogwarts ever since they were first years. She doesn't have an owl of her own since she prefers cats. Cheryll's from a wizard's family, unlike Cho. She's also in Ravenclaw. You can tell that they're the best of friends because they are. Cho was waiting for a response from Cheryll if she can stay at her place until school starts.
Dear Cho, Hey girl! I hope that you are okay. I'm sorry if I can't stay with you this summer but my parents already have the tickets for us to see "Cats" in Broadway in New York City. I convinced them to see it. We're leaving tonight. They're kind of scared going to a muggle musical play but my cousin will go with us. She lives in Manhattan and said she'll show me the "Diagon Alley" of New York. Let's just see if they can beat out favorite hang out. I asked Mom's permission if we can stay in the Leaky Cauldron and she said yes. So, I'll just see you there on August 31 at 9am! I'll send you another owl when I come back. Don't feel blue, all right? Crystal says hi! Take care best friend! Hugs and Kisses, Cheryll "Sigh, looks like I have to call my muggle friends again for company." Cho said as she put all the letters inside her drawer. She called some of her muggle friends and made plans to meet at the mall.
As she was getting ready to take a shower, somewhere.
"Harry Potter!" Uncle Vernon shouted.
Harry was in his bedroom. He just got Ron's letter. He said he was going with his family to see the leaning tower of Pisa in Italy for the summer. He wasn't really happy about it but he can't do anything. Ron gave Harry a quill for his birthday. He also said he has to ask him something so personal, they have to talk about it face to face. Ron made plans for them to meet at Diagon Alley on August 31. He said his family is going to stay there as well. 'This must be serious' Harry thought as he went down stairs to check with Uncle Vernon. When he entered the dining area, Uncle Vernon was sitting on his favorite spot at the dining table, Dudley was busy eating his breakfast and Aunt Petunia was baking in the kitchen.
"So," Uncle Vernon said, "We got a letter from Marge and wanted us to stay there until August 30. Your aunt, Dudley and I are leaving tonight. Frankly, I don't want you to come but..." Harry cut him off.
"I'll just stay here then. I don't want to go." Harry said, somewhat pleading.
Uncle Vernon laughs. "Silly boy! Do you think we are that stupid to let you stay alone at our house? I think not. We were thinking that if you can stay with those friends of yours."
"Ron's going to Italy and they will be leaving tonight and stays there until school begins. Hermione's in Amsterdam now and also comes back before school begins. I don't have anywhere to go. Just let me stay here at home. What could possibly go wrong?" Harry said as he looked at Uncle Vernon then to Aunt Petunia. Then he thought of something and said,
"At least Uncle Sirius would trust me to be left alone in the house, don't you think? If he thinks I'm not at home to respond to his letters, he might get upset and look for me."
Harry looked at Uncle Vernon again and his uncle stopped laughing. Uncle Vernon's face became so pale, somewhat dreaded to hear that name. Harry mentions Sirius Black, the infamous prisoner in Azkaban, when he needed something. Not often though. That's the only thing he can scare Uncle Vernon. Since Sirius is really innocent with the charges against him, he doesn't tell this to Uncle Vernon's family. He doesn't want to spoil the fun when he sees Uncle Vernon's dreaded face. It's too priceless.
"Well," Uncle Vernon said, somewhat frightened, "Petunia and I feel best if you stay with someone that you're comfortable living with. Maybe with Mrs. Figg?"
"Mrs. Figg's out of the country, remember? She left a note a month ago, in case we need her for something." Looking at Petunia, Vernon was kind of telling her it might be okay if Harry was left alone at their home. Petunia looked up, kind of thinking it through and finally looked at Vernon and gave him a nod.
Uncle Vernon said to Harry "Okay. You can stay here, but I'm warning you boy, I will make sure you won't leave this house. We will buy enough food so you don't have to worry about anything. Don't do anything stupid." He kind of smiled at Harry that looks like he's not sure with his decision.
"Okay then, off you go. We need a family meeting." Vernon said and Harry runs to his room and locked the door. "Woo-hoo! One month Dursley free! I can't believe that having Sirius as my godfather can be really useful with the Dursleys." He said as he looked at Hedwig. He noticed that Hedwig had returned from her trip and left a letter on his bed. Opening it, he already knew it was from Hermione. The letter said:
Dear Harry, I'm so happy that you are okay now. I'm already here at Amsterdam and we might go to Scotland next week. I do know what's bugging you nowadays so I made some phone calls just to get your birthday gift. I thought this might cheer you up. Well, I know its kinda late birthday present but I know it's worth it. I got this number from the Internet. My parents bought a computer when I was at school and they taught me how to use it. Anyway, enough blabbing, I got you Cho Chang's home number. Its 555-0430. You might be thinking I did it illegally but I wouldn't do that. I saw her parents company's number in the Internet. Did you know that her parents are muggles? Anyway, her parents own this huge computer software or something and it has their business phone number. I called the company and I pretended to be a secretary of a well-known businessman in France. Well, my fake accent worked and the girl told me that they're at home as of the moment and gave me their home number. I couldn't believe how good I was to do a fake accent and charmed the nice lady. Anyway, don't be mad if I know that you like Cho because I saw you two talking when I was about to leave King's Cross. Also, Ron told me that you asked her to the Yule Ball so, I figured you really like her. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about it. Well, I do hope you liked my birthday gift. Take care and enjoy the summer. Love, Hermione P.S. Did Ron mention something about me?
'Huh? Ron only said he wants to talk to him face to face but nothing about her.' Harry thought. But Harry wasn't bothered by Hermione's last question, he could not believe what Hermione's gift.
He was overwhelmed that he has Cho Chang's home number. He could not believe that on his hands, was the girl of his dream's number. He so badly wants to talk to her, to see her even, but he didn't know how to communicate with her. He was debating if he'll write to her but he's afraid of her reaction or worse, her rejection. But he felt something that someone's pushing him to call her. He just hopes that her parents won't be like the Dursleys. He thought about what to do while he gently folded the letter back and put it inside his drawer.
"Coming Dad, Mom" shouted Cho Chang.
She sighed as she got up from her bed. She was already awake like 30 minutes ago but didn't feel like getting up. Her parents are going to another trip in Asia and they will leave her alone for the summer, again. She quickly put on her robes over her sleepwear and went down to meet her parents. Halfway from the stairs her Dad called her again. "I'm almost there!" she shouted, 'Geez, what's the rush?' she thought to herself.
"What's up Dad?" She gave her Dad a quick kiss on the cheek, meeting him at the dining area. He was packing his suitcase with his paperwork and other 'business' stuff.
"Where's Mom?" she asked as she grab a muffin from the oven.
"Oh, she's on the phone in the living room to call the airport if our plane leaves on time. We already called a cab that's why I called you. I thought you wouldn't say goodbye to us." He looked at her only daughter and said, "We're really sorry Cho that we have to leave. There was nothing we can do. Duty calls."
'Yeah. Duty calls.' She thought. Her parents own a software company, one of the known software companies in the world. They were practically in another country every time she's at home. Cho was used to this but this summer, she needed them for company. "It's okay Dad, I understand. So, when are you guys coming back?" she asked as she put butter on her muffin.
"As soon as we complete our business with our partners in Japan, Malaysia and Singapore." Her Mom said, coming in the dining area. "Oh, and also in the Philippines." She added. "Our flight leaves on time, dear" giving a quick kiss to Cho. "Honey, you're still not upset that we are leaving, right?" Cho shook her head. "It's fine. I wrote to Cheryll and asked her if she can stay here then we'll stay at Leaky Cauldron on the last day of summer."
"That's wonderful." Her mom said. "I do hope you already packed everything we need for the meetings." Her mom said to her dad, as she grabbed her purse, sitting on the table.
"Of course I do" her Dad boasted. "Do you think we have time to ." Her Dad didn't finish the sentence because he heard the cab honked outside. Her parents hugged and kissed her once again then they gathered their suitcases in the living room. Cho assumed that her mom didn't pay any attention to what she just said. As long as she didn't whine or beg for them to stay, that was good news for her parents.
"Call us if you need something honey. We maybe back after school starts so here's your money for your school supplies." Her Mom handed her the money and by the look of it, it's a lot. "Well, I assumed that you and Cheryll would be wandering off to the malls again, so I added more." Her Mom said as they walk towards the cab. Cho was carrying one of her Mom's luggages. They hugged and kissed her again and said their goodbyes. "We love you honey and we will bring a lot of goodies when we come back" her Dad said.
"Okay, Dad. Love you. Love you Mom." She kissed her parents. "Take care you guys and good luck!" Cho said. "Take care and keep in touch! We love you!" her parents said. They went inside the cab and took off.
Cho went back inside the house and closed the door. She sighed. 'Thirty days to go till August 31. I can't stand being alone here.' Suddenly, she heard something from her room. Like someone was trying to break in.
'What was that?' as she rushed to her bedroom. She opened the door and there were three owls trying to get into her room. They were flapping their wings furiously.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot to open my window." As soon as she opened the window, the owls flew inside her room. There were two brown owls and one blackish-brown. Her own owl Mackenzie, the blackish-brown owl with a touch of gray on its tail, dropped a letter on her shoe and went inside his cage. The other owls did the same but they left.
She picked up the letters. She noticed that one letter from the brown owl was from Hogwarts. She opened it and skimmed the list of books she needed for this upcoming year.
"Hmmm.interesting books." She said. She also noticed that there will be meeting for the new prefects this year, on September 3. She put the list aside and read the next letter from the brown owl. It was from Professor Flitwick, head of Ravenclaw house. He was asking Cho if she was okay and how's her summer doing. Cho chuckled when she read the part that Professor Flitwick was trying to ask Madam Pomfrey for a glass of Skele-Grow. She put aside Professor's letter because as she read the middle part, tears were coming to her eyes again.
She's okay, just now. She can't believe that one of her best friends died. Cedric Diggory was really close to her. He was the one who urge her to join Quidditch even though she had no clue about the game. He was really dear to her, a best friend, and that was it. Even though he was in a different house, he was really nice and friendly to her. To everyone, actually. The only reason why he went with Cedric to the Yule Ball is because Cedric was always swamped with girls and asking him out to the Ball. Accidentally, Cedric told them that he's going with Cho to the ball. Of course, he had to inform Cho for she wasn't aware that she was going with Cedric. Cho had to say its okay for he was her best friend but she was really waiting for a certain boy to ask her. But it was too late, and besides, that certain boy already asked someone else. Cedric was so nice to her and she couldn't believe that he's gone, forever.
"Whew. Don't want my eyes turn puffy and red again." Cho said. She grabbed a tissue from her bedside table and dap it on her eyes. She took a deep breath and read the letter Mackenzie brought her. It was from her best friend Cheryll. Cheryll's her best friend in Hogwarts ever since they were first years. She doesn't have an owl of her own since she prefers cats. Cheryll's from a wizard's family, unlike Cho. She's also in Ravenclaw. You can tell that they're the best of friends because they are. Cho was waiting for a response from Cheryll if she can stay at her place until school starts.
Dear Cho, Hey girl! I hope that you are okay. I'm sorry if I can't stay with you this summer but my parents already have the tickets for us to see "Cats" in Broadway in New York City. I convinced them to see it. We're leaving tonight. They're kind of scared going to a muggle musical play but my cousin will go with us. She lives in Manhattan and said she'll show me the "Diagon Alley" of New York. Let's just see if they can beat out favorite hang out. I asked Mom's permission if we can stay in the Leaky Cauldron and she said yes. So, I'll just see you there on August 31 at 9am! I'll send you another owl when I come back. Don't feel blue, all right? Crystal says hi! Take care best friend! Hugs and Kisses, Cheryll "Sigh, looks like I have to call my muggle friends again for company." Cho said as she put all the letters inside her drawer. She called some of her muggle friends and made plans to meet at the mall.
As she was getting ready to take a shower, somewhere.
"Harry Potter!" Uncle Vernon shouted.
Harry was in his bedroom. He just got Ron's letter. He said he was going with his family to see the leaning tower of Pisa in Italy for the summer. He wasn't really happy about it but he can't do anything. Ron gave Harry a quill for his birthday. He also said he has to ask him something so personal, they have to talk about it face to face. Ron made plans for them to meet at Diagon Alley on August 31. He said his family is going to stay there as well. 'This must be serious' Harry thought as he went down stairs to check with Uncle Vernon. When he entered the dining area, Uncle Vernon was sitting on his favorite spot at the dining table, Dudley was busy eating his breakfast and Aunt Petunia was baking in the kitchen.
"So," Uncle Vernon said, "We got a letter from Marge and wanted us to stay there until August 30. Your aunt, Dudley and I are leaving tonight. Frankly, I don't want you to come but..." Harry cut him off.
"I'll just stay here then. I don't want to go." Harry said, somewhat pleading.
Uncle Vernon laughs. "Silly boy! Do you think we are that stupid to let you stay alone at our house? I think not. We were thinking that if you can stay with those friends of yours."
"Ron's going to Italy and they will be leaving tonight and stays there until school begins. Hermione's in Amsterdam now and also comes back before school begins. I don't have anywhere to go. Just let me stay here at home. What could possibly go wrong?" Harry said as he looked at Uncle Vernon then to Aunt Petunia. Then he thought of something and said,
"At least Uncle Sirius would trust me to be left alone in the house, don't you think? If he thinks I'm not at home to respond to his letters, he might get upset and look for me."
Harry looked at Uncle Vernon again and his uncle stopped laughing. Uncle Vernon's face became so pale, somewhat dreaded to hear that name. Harry mentions Sirius Black, the infamous prisoner in Azkaban, when he needed something. Not often though. That's the only thing he can scare Uncle Vernon. Since Sirius is really innocent with the charges against him, he doesn't tell this to Uncle Vernon's family. He doesn't want to spoil the fun when he sees Uncle Vernon's dreaded face. It's too priceless.
"Well," Uncle Vernon said, somewhat frightened, "Petunia and I feel best if you stay with someone that you're comfortable living with. Maybe with Mrs. Figg?"
"Mrs. Figg's out of the country, remember? She left a note a month ago, in case we need her for something." Looking at Petunia, Vernon was kind of telling her it might be okay if Harry was left alone at their home. Petunia looked up, kind of thinking it through and finally looked at Vernon and gave him a nod.
Uncle Vernon said to Harry "Okay. You can stay here, but I'm warning you boy, I will make sure you won't leave this house. We will buy enough food so you don't have to worry about anything. Don't do anything stupid." He kind of smiled at Harry that looks like he's not sure with his decision.
"Okay then, off you go. We need a family meeting." Vernon said and Harry runs to his room and locked the door. "Woo-hoo! One month Dursley free! I can't believe that having Sirius as my godfather can be really useful with the Dursleys." He said as he looked at Hedwig. He noticed that Hedwig had returned from her trip and left a letter on his bed. Opening it, he already knew it was from Hermione. The letter said:
Dear Harry, I'm so happy that you are okay now. I'm already here at Amsterdam and we might go to Scotland next week. I do know what's bugging you nowadays so I made some phone calls just to get your birthday gift. I thought this might cheer you up. Well, I know its kinda late birthday present but I know it's worth it. I got this number from the Internet. My parents bought a computer when I was at school and they taught me how to use it. Anyway, enough blabbing, I got you Cho Chang's home number. Its 555-0430. You might be thinking I did it illegally but I wouldn't do that. I saw her parents company's number in the Internet. Did you know that her parents are muggles? Anyway, her parents own this huge computer software or something and it has their business phone number. I called the company and I pretended to be a secretary of a well-known businessman in France. Well, my fake accent worked and the girl told me that they're at home as of the moment and gave me their home number. I couldn't believe how good I was to do a fake accent and charmed the nice lady. Anyway, don't be mad if I know that you like Cho because I saw you two talking when I was about to leave King's Cross. Also, Ron told me that you asked her to the Yule Ball so, I figured you really like her. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about it. Well, I do hope you liked my birthday gift. Take care and enjoy the summer. Love, Hermione P.S. Did Ron mention something about me?
'Huh? Ron only said he wants to talk to him face to face but nothing about her.' Harry thought. But Harry wasn't bothered by Hermione's last question, he could not believe what Hermione's gift.
He was overwhelmed that he has Cho Chang's home number. He could not believe that on his hands, was the girl of his dream's number. He so badly wants to talk to her, to see her even, but he didn't know how to communicate with her. He was debating if he'll write to her but he's afraid of her reaction or worse, her rejection. But he felt something that someone's pushing him to call her. He just hopes that her parents won't be like the Dursleys. He thought about what to do while he gently folded the letter back and put it inside his drawer.