Harry and Cho

[Derek Thorburn]

No: HPFGUIDX 130099

I suppose one situation dealt with in OotP I have enjoyed studying is the 
relationship - or perhaps I should say 'failed' relationship between Harry 
and Cho Chang.

At first, I wondered why he handled the situation the way he did, but 
looking back over the series, we must understand that he has never 
remembered a mother's love (this is clearly mentioned at the end of Chapter 
36 of GoF).  His life with the Dursleys has been a life of frustration, 
hardship and unacceptance.  By the time he comes into contact with Cho, he 
just doesn't know how to handle it.  In PoA, we read that when he first saw 
her, he had a strange feeling that he just couldn't account for.  The only 
way he can describe this to himself was that it had nothing to do with 
nerves.  Throughout GoF, he wants to approach her, but is just too 
embarrassed.  Hermione, I felt, was so kind and helpful to him in OotP when 
she just very simply tried to explain the situation to him and how he should 
have handled it.  Perhaps Harry will one day see how fortunate he has been 
to have a girl as a best friend.

Derek