Highlights
Cho Chang was Harry Potter's first crush and they briefly dated, but their relationship faced challenges and eventually ended.
Their bond strengthened following Cedric Diggory's demise, yet Harry held suspicions towards Cho's loyalty to their clandestine student alliance. The lingering emotions Cho harbored for Cedric, combined with the absence of chemistry between her and Harry, led to their separation, ultimately paving the way for Harry's connection with Ginny Weasley.
Harry Potter had always been hinted at developing romantic feelings for Ginny Weasley, but before their relationship, he was involved with another Hogwarts student named Cho Chang. Cho, a member of Ravenclaw House, was initially seen as someone out of reach for Harry, but they did manage to embark on a romantic relationship.
However, their time together was far from smooth sailing, ultimately resulting in a breakup. What exactly caused the tensions and issues between Harry and Cho remains unclear.
Who Is Cho Chang?
Cho Chang, a member of the Ravenclaw house, made her debut in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. During this time, she was in a relationship with Cedric Gregory from the Hufflepuff House, which resulted in her making a few appearances in the film. In addition to being an outstanding student, Cho excelled as a seeker in Quidditch and was widely considered one of the greatest players of her era.
It comes as no surprise that Harry held a deep admiration for Cho from the moment he first saw her. She was also Harry's very first crush, and he even daydreamed about winning the Triwizard Tournament just to impress her.
What Happened Between Harry And Cho?
Since Cho’s introduction in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, there has been a noticeable connection between her and Harry. However, their potential romance took a hit when Cho admitted to dating Cedric Diggory from Hufflepuff House when Harry asked her to the Yule Ball. Harry and Cho's relationship took a new turn following Cedric's tragic death in the Triwizard Tournament. Their shared grief brought them closer together, sparking an attraction between them. It wasn't until the fifth movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, that Harry and Cho truly got to know each other.
In the Harry Potter books, Cho's character is explored in more depth, shedding light on her personality and her bond with Harry. The books reveal that Harry and Cho spent a significant amount of time together, participating in activities such as Quidditch. They also delve into Cho's personal struggles, particularly her profound grief over Cedric's demise. These interactions add complexity to their relationship and make it more meaningful in the overall story. While the movies capture the essence of their love, the screen time dedicated to their relationship is limited. Harry's moments with Cho on-screen are brief but intimate, including a few awkward encounters.
The turning point in their relationship occurred during their time in Dumbledore's Army, a secret student group created by Harry, Ron, and Hermione. This organization aimed to teach students practical defense against the dark arts, as Professor Umbridge's teachings were inadequate. The meetings were held in secrecy within the Room of Requirement, a magical space that manifested when someone was in desperate need. During one of these meetings, while Harry was instructing Cho in spells, a special connection formed between them, resulting in a kiss.
Unfortunately, their relationship took a negative turn when Professor Umbridge uncovered Dumbledore's Army. Initially, Harry believed Cho had betrayed them, resulting in their breakup. However, it later came to light that Cho had unintentionally revealed information about the group while influenced by the Truth Serum. Harry felt regret for his hasty actions, and instead of reigniting their romantic involvement, they mutually agreed to maintain a friendship. In reality, it was Cho's friend, Marietta Edgecombe, who exposed Dumbledore's Army.
Harry and Cho's breakup in the books was much more dramatic, stemming from a significant difference. During a date at Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop, Cho continuously brought up Cedric, leading to feelings of jealousy and anger for Harry. Their argument escalated, with Harry accusing Cho of not moving on from Cedric and Cho claiming Harry was insensitive. This heated disagreement ended with Cho storming out of the tea shop, leaving Harry feeling embarrassed and alone, while being watched by everyone present.
Although their relationship was short-lived, it was ultimately for the best. Cho's lingering love for Cedric, even after his passing, played a significant role. Additionally, Harry and Cho lacked chemistry and compatibility, often resulting in uncomfortable moments between them.
Ginny Weasley ultimately ended up with Harry, as their potential relationship was suggested early on in the movies. They went on to get married and have children, as depicted in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Although not much was revealed about Cho after their breakup, Harry and Cho remained friends. Given her participation in the Battle of Hogwarts, it is probable that she completed her studies at the school and pursued a magical career.