Why Did Harry Potter and Cho Chang's Relationship Fail?

The relationship between Harry Potter and Cho Chang, an iconic and often debated pair in the Harry Potter universe, did not last despite their initial feelings for each other. This article delves into the reasons why their relationship ultimately foundered, examining the events and emotions that influenced their breakup.

The Fall Out Between Harry and Cho

Cho Broke Up with Harry, Not the Other Way Around

Contrary to popular belief, it was Cho who initiated the breakup, not Harry. While it's true that Harry made a mistake by mentioning Hermione Granger during a date, causing an argument, Cho was the one who ultimately decided to end the relationship. Cho felt betrayed and took responsibility for the actions of her friend Marietta Edgecombe.

The Betrayal and Aftermath

The Role of Marietta Edgecombe

Marietta accidentally betrayed Dumbledore's Army (DA) to Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four, resulting in Cho defending her intentionally betrayed friend. Cho, despite her initial guilt, believed that her loyalty to her friend over the DA was malicious. A truth serum was administered, revealing that Marietta had made things up, thus exonerating Cho.

Harry's Reaction to the Truth

Ultimately, Harry did not break up with Cho. He believed that Cho was backing her friend and had betrayed the DA knowingly, which caused a rift between them. His inability to forgive her led to their eventual breakup. However, it's important to note that this was a result of complex emotions and an overreaction to a situation that wasn't entirely her fault.

Harry's Feelings for Cho

The Nature of Their Relationship

Harry never fully loved Cho. They had a crush on each other, which is common among teenagers, but true love did not prevail in this relationship. Harry was never fully himself around Cho, holding back due to his fame and feelings of insecurity. Their interactions, particularly when alone, were often centered around Quidditch, as that was the one thing they shared a deep connection in. Situations where they were alone together, such as when Cho walked into Harry's compartment in Order of the Phoenix, showed a lack of true understanding between them.

Exploring the Potential for a Different Plot

A Hypothetical Scenario

Given the potential for growth within their relationship, a different storyline could have seen Harry and Cho talking about Cedric Diggory's death, with their shared grief acting as a catalyst for a more meaningful connection. They could have offered emotional support to each other, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding and, eventually, falling in love. This would have been a more wholesome and emotionally fulfilling storyline for both characters.

Factors Leading to the Breakup

Misunderstandings and Uncomfortable Dynamics

Their relationship was marked by several factors that contributed to its failure:

The murder of Cedric Diggory significantly affected their emotional states differently. Harry, who did not want to talk about it, and Cho, who was eager to know specifics, had conflicting needs. Harry's perception that Cho thought more of Hermione than herself, as revealed after their date, was a significant turning point. This misunderstanding arose from Harry's willingness to reconcile with Hermione, which Cho might have perceived as a betrayal. The naivety of Cho's view of her friend Marietta, who had betrayed the DA, was another key issue. Her defense of Marietta and her failure to see the seriousness of the situation devastated Harry, causing him to distance himself further.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the breakup between Harry Potter and Cho Chang was a multifaceted and complex event influenced by misunderstandings, emotions, and the weight of external events. While their relationship faced numerous challenges, alternative storylines could explore a more meaningful and emotionally resonant path for their characters.