Harry & Cho
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HANGING TIME
By: Karen Kinkaide
Chapter Twenty-Eight: Honestly, No
“Then my hair straightening spell did not work at all!” Cheryl wailed, as her and Robert walked back from Hogsmeade village together.
Robert nodded, and offered her a smile which he hoped would pass. God, she was dull! How in Merlin’s name did she manage to get in to Ravenclaw?
“So I have to have frizzy hair! Frizzy!” she said, emphasizing frizzy. Cheryl fingered the ends of her hair in disgust.
They were at the Hogwarts gate then. Robert turned to Cheryl, and smiled. “Did you have fun today?” he asked, faking his gut reaction to strangle her. All she had talked about for the whole day was how her hair would not cooperate, and the dress robes she had in her closet at home – twenty to be exact. Twenty!
Robert half wondered why on earth she felt the need to possess that many, and had nearly asked her, but remembering what Rebecca had once said about questioning a girl’s sometimes maniac dress tendencies, he thought better and kept his mouth shut.
Her hazel eyes turned to his then. She smiled at him. “Other than my obvious hair crisis, I had fun” – here she wrapped her arms around his neck, and sidled closer to him – “Partly because you were with me.”
Before Robert could edge away from her, she had drawn his head down and kissed hm. His next reaction was probably not the best one, but he pushed her away quickly. “Cheryl, I ... I should really be going. We have exams to study for.”
She pouted, but stepped back. “Okay, Robert, whatever you say.”
Feeling like an absolute ass for that last move of his, Robert smiled and kissed her cheek. “After exams are over, we can hang out some more.”
Cheryl nodded, and began walking up the hill towards the castle with Robert following close behind her.
x x x x
Lily was almost positive that she had never had this much fun before in her life. Brian had been a perfect gentleman all afternoon. She was actually really enjoying his company and was more than ecstatic about the fact that he was her boyfriend now.
They were on the Great Hall steps then, saying their goodbyes. He smiled up at her, his blue eyes sparkling.
“I’ll see you at dinner later?” he asked.
She nodded. “Of course.”
He brushed her cheek with his thumb, and kissed her lightly on the lips. “See you then.”
Feeling slightly light-headed, Lily began her hike up the stairs towards the Gryffindor dormitory. She said the password and headed towards the Common Room, where she saw Ethan reading.
“Hi,” he said, setting his book down.
She took a seat next to him, and leaned a head on his shoulder. “Homework?” she asked.
He nodded, and patted her head gently. “Did you enjoy your trip to Hogsmeade?”
“Yes. Brian and I had fun.”
“Brian Avery?”
“Yes. Why do you ask?”
Ethan shrugged. “I didn’t think he was your type.”
“What makes you think we’re dating?”
“Everyone knows, Lil.”
She looked up at this comment.
“Word travels fast.”
“I didn’t think he was at first either, but people can change their minds,” she said.
Ethan shrugged. “Sure.”
She sighed. “Why don’t you like him, Ethan?”
He sighed, and leaned back in his seat. “I never said I didn’t.”
“But you didn’t say that you did either.”
Ethan stared at the ceiling. “I just don’t really like that house in general.” He rubbed his eyes wearily. “You’ve seen some of the dirty tricks they use when they’re playing Quidditch against us.”
Lily blinked. “So that’s why you don’t like him? Because of some stupid game?”
His eyes flashed, and Lily knew he was upset by her comment, but at this point she did not feel like taking back the remark she made.
“I have a lot of reading to catch up on,” he said in a clipped tone, “I probably won’t be down in the Hall for dinner.”
“Fine,” Lily replied, in an equally cold voice.
She vacated her place next to her friend, and headed for the dorms; she did not look back to see Ethan’s expression.
x x x x
“You know,” Robert started, “it’s really not all that funny.”
Rebecca coughed, and put on a serious expression. “You’re right, Robert, it really is not all that funny.”
He looked mildly pleased that he she had given in. That was until she playfully hit his arm.
“It’s really not all that funny ... it’s absolutely hilarious.”
Robert frowned, and pushed her. “Thanks. Thanks a lot.”
“I’m sorry, Robert, but you have to admit. It is kind of funny.” Rebecca’s brown eyes twinkled. “Oh, cheer up, Robert. I’m sure things will get better.”
“I think I was better off when I was avoiding her.” Robert leaned his arm against the window, and leaned his head on his sleeve.
Rebecca patted his shoulder, before settling into her seat. “So, when are you going to tell Miss. Cheryl Beauvais that it is not going to work?”
Robert walked away from his place at the window then. “After exams. I’ll just try my best to avoid her for now.”
She shrugged. “Whatever is easier for you, brother.”
He patted the top of her head. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Becks.”
“Don’t call me that,” she said.
Robert just laughed.
x x x x
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