Disclaimer: The characters and canon situations in the following story belong solely to JK Rowling; I am not earning any money from publishing or writing this story. However, (not in this chapter), the other characters/unrecognizable characters that are not from JK Rowling's Harry Potter world are mine....and can't think of anything else to disclaim so I shall end it here. More shall be updated probably. haha.
Chapter One:
"You have issues, Cedric Diggory," Hermione said tightly – albeit evenly, "Issues that I'm afraid I can't help you with; there are doctors for this – mediwitches – go find them."
Cedric stared at her, bemused, before replying with a lazy grin, "I'm afraid to disappoint you and your great faith in those professionals, but I have." Ignoring her raised eyebrow, he continued conversationally, "They all said that they can't offer the help I need and that I can only hope to seek help from you."
Hermione blinked, and shook her head. "You don't like me," she stated, "You're suffering from hectic emotions and the aftershock from having almost died. I understand that your emotions may be going haywire and spastic right now, but that does not excuse you from playing with another's emotions. Please, refrain from ever saying something like this again."
"What?" Cedric raised an eyebrow and his voice slightly, "That I like you? That I have feelings for you?"
Hermione hesitated for only one second before replying curtly, "Yes."
Cedric stared at her bemusedly before dryly laughing. "Then you have issues, Hermione Jane Granger," upon seeing her mouth open to retort, Cedric smirked and covered it with his hand, "Issues that I'm afraid that only I can help you with; there are no doctors for this – mediwitches – and I'm afraid that you cannot ever find them. So, it is up to me to sort these issues out for you." He paused to let his words sink in as her eyes widened in exasperation, shock, and confusion. "Do not fret," he shot her a charming smile, "I will help you sort out these issues, so expect to be seeing a lot more of me," he retracted his hand as he turned around and headed towards the door. "Catch you later, Granger."
Hermione gaped after him, her mouth imitating that of a fish very well. She knew her reply was weak, but it was all she had. "I don't need help."
She blamed her uncharacteristically weak retort on the fact that her mind was busy wrapping itself around what Cedric Diggory may have in mind to "help" her with whatever "issues" she may have. She didn't acknowledge it then, but her mind was mainly wrapped around the fact that he knew her middle name, and just how he knew it in the first place. She also didn't acknowledge the growing warm feeling in her chest at the time.
She didn't give the twins nearly enough credit for their consideration and care, Hermione thought. Somehow, somewhere, along the lines of her excuse of getting a cup of water for being where she was after Cedric left, the twins had figured out that something was bothering her.
"Everything all right there, Hermione?" Fred had a hand on her shoulder.
Another hand rested on her other shoulder and turned her around. "Don't be a stranger – we may be clowns, but we do have ears," he said delightfully, earning a chuckle from Hermione.
Hermione sat on the stair that she was climbing and look up at the two who promptly fell next to her so that she was sandwiched between. She stayed silent however, and only entwined each arm with each twin's arm.
"What's changed –"
"-between you and Diggory?"
Hermione bit her bottom lip. So, consideration, care, and perceptiveness, she added to her list. She really didn't give the twins enough credit then.
"After that night-" the twins continued.
"-after you visit Harry, start there."
Hermione pouted slightly, as the twins chuckled and rubbed her arms in an up and down motion to comfort her. "Wouldn't Molly come out and yell at us for not going to bed soon?"
Fred grinned widely, "Would you rather have this talk in our room?"
"With Diggory?" George added as Hermione shook her head fervently.
"Three men," Fred sighed.
"One young lady-"
"-in the dead of the night-"
"-whatever will we do?" George winked as Hermione, now beat red, giggled.
Sticking her tongue out childishly at George, she pulled on Fred's arm so that he leaned a bit and rested her head on his shoulder.
George pretended to be hurt with his free hand on his chest and pretended to cry on Hermione's free shoulder.
Smiling softly at the two as she studied the floor work on Grimmauld's place, she muttered, "I'll take it that you two won't let me off unless I explain?"
Fred smirked. "Of course."
"You need this off your chest," George winked, "Although my resting on your chest isn't such a bad idea either."
Hermione narrowed her eyes into dangerous slits and George immediately halted his head's movement and returned it to her shoulder.
Hermione knew that it was imperative for her to wait patiently outside as Madam Promfrey saw to Harry, but she couldn't help the edging feeling she had in the pit of her stomach. Something was wrong. She knew that if it was anyone, it would be Dumbledore to spot an off Moody, but still – she blamed herself. If only she had been quicker, a little more sharp witted, a little more careful, she thought. She swore that night that the next time she felt that edging feeling in the pit of her stomach, she would override all else and do what her instinct told her to do.
Harry assured her that he was all right, and that they should really be worried for Cedric. Hearing this, she knew that guilt would never let her friend rest. Walking over to the blonde, bloodied, champion, she placed a cool hand on his forehead and immediately regretted it.
Cedric's eyes shot open and jerked up as his hand shot about for his wand. His grey eyes fell wildly into frightened, shocked coffee and he stilled his hand and did his best to calm his erratic heart. "Sorry," he muttered, trying to shoot the girl a weak smile.
Hermione quickly recovered, shaking herself out of her stupor as she smacked his shoulder with the back of her hand. "Idiot, you have nothing to be sorry for. I am sorry." She emphasized. Seeing how he merely blinked and stared at her, she froze up gasped. "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry," she gushed, "I didn't think about your injuries there for a second. Did I hurt you?" she sat on the edge of the very edge of the bed and poked gently where she had smacked him.
Cedric stared at her worried expression before chuckling – ignoring the slight pain in his ribs from doing so. "You didn't hurt me," he shook his head, "I just don't think anyone's ever called me an idiot to my face for apologizing. Actually," he grinned wryly, "I don't think there's anyone in the history of patients to be smacked and called an idiot for apologizing, especially when they just had their near death experience, without having the girl cry in relief and throw herself in said patient's arms." He grinned and winked. It took Hermione several moments to react, and when she did, it was a stricken glare and another hard smack on Cedric's shoulder.
Cedric laughed, amusedly, despite the pain, at the surreal reality. He could hear Harry chuckling in the bed beside him before meeting his eyes, and the two laughed full heartedly.
Hermione looked put off for a second before smiling sweetly at the two's laughter. If she could provide laughter at her expense to ease two suffering idiots, she thought, she could live with it she supposed…for now at least.
"That's Hermione for you," Harry gasped through his laughter, "Everyone's an idiot compared to her, but does she take that into consideration for a poor bloke?" he shook his head and dramatically sighed, "No, instead, we all get smacked around for it."
Cedric laughed. "You may admit to being an idiot, Potter, but I am by no means an idiot."
"You both are idiots," Hermione rolled her eyes as she got up from her seat. She noted that Cedric had scooted away from her, allowing her more comfortable room on the bed, but she hadn't seen it before now. "I apologize again," she held Cedric's eyes, "for scaring you," she grinned as her eyes flashed wickedly, "although a little fourth year like me scaring you is absurd, and thus in no event my fault," she continued before he can retort, "but I shall be the bigger person and apologize for it given that your injuries is a handicap." Hermione turned then and walked briskly away from the bed before turning both to him and Harry. "Good night and rest well you two," she said sternly with pursed lips. "I don't want to come back to hear that you two made a fuss from Madam Pomfrey." She glared especially hard at Harry then, who smiled sheepishly.
Cedric stared after the wild haired girl and turned back to Harry. "Is she always so…"
"Bossy?" Harry chuckled and smiled fondly.
Cedric laughed and nodded. "Explains how she got in when Madam Pomfrey blocked everyone else out."
Harry shrugged, "Hermione is very determined."
Cedric noted that somehow, awkward silence fell upon the two and turned to see Harry staring at his right. He knew what Harry was staring at, and knew why the silence fell upon them. Deciding not to push things, Cedric shot him a warm smile that looked oddly comforting to Harry despite the blood, cuts, and bruises on his face.
"Good night, Harry." Cedric lay back down and closed his eyes.
"Night," Harry followed suit, still glancing over before finally whispering, "Thank you."
"Shut it." Cedric retorted mirthfully, albeit seriously.
Harry grinned into his pillow and slept peacefully despite the horror that took place not two hours ago. Unfortunately for Cedric, he didn't fall into such a sleep.
Upon walking out the Hospital Wing, Hermione realized that it's not just Ron she should be explaining things to. There's also the matter of Cedric's closest friends. She had seen Cho cry nonstop upon seeing Cedric's seemingly dead body as Harry screamed for Dumbledore and of Voldemort's return.
Quickly confirming that she will return to Gryffindor's Tower as soon as she's done this one little thing, Ron turned and headed back as she walked the opposite direction.
Hermione took brisk steps in her hurry. Despite what she told Ron, she was more than worried that the castle won't be silent tonight. Tonight, after all that trouble and ruckus, is the best time for Voldemort to send his little Death Eaters or to come himself for some sort of vital information. Finding her, and killing her along the way, will be a breeze. The halls are empty as all students are in the safety of their dorms, and almost no one is patrolling the hallways between the dorms, which she so happens to be passing through now. So enraptured in her thoughts, she almost didn't catch the soft sobs and cries on her left.
"Chang?" she called out softly, recognizing the girl.
Immediately, the girl's head shot up, tears glistening in her eyes and down her face. She had been Cedric's date to the Yule Ball, and Hermione was absolutely envious of the girl's hair and grace – even whilst crying. "Hermione," she gasped as she rushed towards the girl. "I've been wanting to go up to the –"
Hermione noted her familiar tone with her, and ignored it. Now is not the time to dwell on such things; however, "Madam Pomfrey won't let you in now. She's not letting anyone in really," she added as she awkwardly rested a hand on the girl's upper back and patted. Comforting crying girls really aren't her thing – comforting girls in general really aren't her thing. The girl sobbed further and nodded as she leaned into Hermione's small frame. Licking her lips, Hermione threw caution to the wind and hugged the girl. Cho received the hug gratefully and sobbed into her shoulder, despite the two being about the same height.
Finally, after a couple of minutes, Cho leaned away from Hermione and smiled gratefully up at her. "Thank you," she smiled, chuckling slightly, "I think I really needed someone's shoulder for that moment. I'm just so….so grateful that he's alive."
Hermione smiled warmly and nodded in understanding. "I know what you mean."
Cho chuckled further as she wiped away her tears and took a small step back from Hermione before smilingly almost teasingly, "You and Harry, right?"
Hermione gaped and narrowed her eyes before seeing the slightly teasing and wry smile, shook her head. "Yes, sibling love does that," Hermione said airily, "but I'm not here to discuss that. I was just about to find you and perhaps a Hufflepuff to speak of Diggory."
Cho's eyes widened then before gushing. "Is something the matter? Is he all right? How is he recovering?" she gasped suddenly, "Is he not recovering? Oh, no, Pomfrey has to let me see him!" she started walking past Hermione when Hermione grabbed her elbow and started dragging her back.
"What I was going to say earlier," Hermione exasperated, "is that he is fine and is recovering. Details to his condition are his to privy; however, he is well enough to laugh, joke around, and move his upper body from what I can tell."
Cho nodded and let out a bated breath in relief. "Thank you so much," Cho beamed.
Even though Hermione was still pulling at the girl's elbow and walking straight ahead and didn't see the girl's smile, she could feel the warm, thankful, happy air from the girl and almost flinched from it. It felt…weird, for lack of a better term, to her.
Fred laughed. "Well, Hermione,"
"- that's what typical girls do –"
"-smile and beam-"
"-not guile and scream-"
Hermione gave the two a pointed look that told them that she was not amused with their rhyme and their rudeness for interrupting her.
"I'm really grateful for you telling me this," Cho continued as she let the younger girl pull her, "I can't imagine sleeping tonight otherwise."
Hermione nodded and shrugged.
"It's very sweet and thoughtful of you," Cho complimented and smiled again at her, and Hermione felt it and inwardly cower from it. "And, so, I'll do you the favor and tell some of Ced's friends. The Dens are closer to Ravenclaw's Skies, and you won't have such a long distance to walk to and from; Gryffindor Tower being on opposite end and all."
Hermione took mental note of the girl's quick mind, knowing right away that she was headed towards Hufflepuff's living quarters. Tempted as she was to take the girl's offer, as it was only practical, Hermione shook her head. She was not going to brush off her responsibilities on someone else for cowardice. "I can't let you go wandering the halls alone at a time like this for something I want to do."
Cho grinned, "Am I to understand that you want company then?"
Hermione didn't hesitate in almost whining in a firm tone, "Yes."
Cho laughed.
"Great girl, she is," Cedric took a mental note to thank the girl. His friends, Scott and Darin had come rushing to Cedric the minute Madam Promfrey allowed visitors. Of course, she didn't bar Hermione though, but despite that, no one pointed it out as Hermione made sure to play messenger and delivered news of his condition and Harry's outside the thick, looming wooden doors.
"Cho told us that she was wandering the halls at night, despite what recently happened," Scott continued, looking through the little peek of the curtains that allowed them to see Harry and said girl with Ron Weasley, and some others. However, his eyes were clearly on the brunette. "To tell us not to worry and how you were." His dark brown eyes, darker than his hair, had warmth rather than mirth for one second before shifting back to Cedric who didn't quite know what to think from it.
"We offered to walk her back," Darin continued as he re-tied his black hair to the nape of his neck, brushing the long loose bangs out of his face as his hazel eyed it in annoyance. "Bloody stubborn Gryffindor that girl is."
Cedric looked at them sternly, "You guys didn't let her walk back by herself did you?"
Scott shrugged, "Girl didn't want our escort."
"I insisted it, but then she reasoned that there's no point in my walking her back because then I will have to walk back alone." Darin explained.
"The two of you could have both walked her back and returned together," Cedric pointed out.
Darin and Scott looked at one another before frowning. "Dammit, Cedric," Scott glared at him, "This is why you can't be the one out of commission."
"You expect us to match wits with the smartest witch her age?" Darin retorted while Cedric groaned.
"It does not take a genius to figure that one out," Cedric reprimanded before grinning mischievously and pretended to look away while muttering, "idiots."
Scott and Darin looked at one another before attacking the boy. "Who you calling idiots?" they screamed in good natured fun as they started fake pummeling them.
Hermione wanted to click her tongue at the boys' antics, but how could she when Harry and Cedric seemed to smile and laugh without a care in the world. Ron, Seamus, Dean, Fred, and George, like Cedric's friends, have all started messing around with one another physically, doing what boys do, leaving Neville, Ginny, and her to stand to the side with amused faces.
She hadn't noticed it then but at that time, he gaze lingered on Cedric's too long and his eyes met hers. He grinned and winked, waving at her before he suddenly groaned from slight pain and annoyance at one of his friends. Hermione blinked then, not knowing what to make of his gaze, his smile, his wink.
It was then however, that Cho walked in from behind her, and she just tucked his expressions in the back of her mind and took it as something directed at Cho, not her.
"Good morning, Hermione," Cho smiled brightly at her before shaking her head slightly at the sight of Cedric and his friends. "You would think that after such a life or death situation, boys would mature more, wouldn't you?" she said with a slightly reprimanding tone.
"There's nothing wrong with smiling and laughing in the face of death," Hermione retorted, "What matters is that they move past it and live on. I would be more worried if they're morbid and mature." She replied without even looking at the girl, focusing her gaze on Harry.
Cho nodded slightly, however, not in complete agreement. "Longbottom, Weasley," she greeted.
Neville smiled awkwardly in greeting as he blushed and while Ginny smiled tightly. Neville, as shy as ever, is probably affected by the mere presence of the prettiest girl in school while Ginny still held a grudge for the girl because of Harry's crush.
Hermione returned Cho's smile as she walked over to Cedric's bed; immediately, the boys stopped their horse playing.
"So, Fudge just thinks we've gone barmy?" Harry exclaimed loudly, earning a glare from Madam Pomfrey, while slamming his hand down.
Immediately after dinner, Hermione and Ron, with aid of the invisible cloak, snuck back into the Hospital Wing. There was no talking really with Mrs. Weasley, Mr. and Mrs. Diggory, and Madam Pomfrey, tonight however, is when Mrs. Weasley is to return home along with Mr. and Mrs. Diggory.
Hermione patted his knee in comfort while Ron looked as indignant as Harry. Hermione glanced over at Cedric who surprisingly to her only frowned and appeared to be deep in thought.
"Aren't you going to say anything about this?" Harry demanded, turning to Cedric. "The Minister thinks we're both lying and that we belong in St. Mungo's!"
After a long moment of silence, Cedric finally met their eyes and answered, "I'm upset that they think we're liars, but what did you expect, Harry?"
Harry's and Ron's eyebrows shot up to their hairs while Hermione merely opened her mouth slightly in surprise.
Cedric continued, "We're two students – two teenage students. The wizarding world is not going to believe everything we say. How would you react to two random teenagers in your world screaming that some madman is trying to kill us all?" Pausing as if to let them collect their thoughts, he continued once more, "Furthermore, there is the issue with Fudge and Dumbledore. Fudge is a self-conscious man, and reelection is coming up. He finds Dumbledore far too intimidating, and there has been talk of wanting Dumbledore stepping up as Minister. I am sure that he is not very keen on the idea – not that Dumbledore wants the position," he added at seeing Harry's face, "but it's something to think about. It could be a political move for all Fudge knows, to lead the wizarding community once more as a war hero on Dumbledore's part. In other words, he's doing whatever he can – clawing at every straw – to keep his position in the wizarding community, and discrediting Dumbledore while he's at it."
While Harry and Ron mused over this new information, Hermione nodded, "There is no proof other than your bloodied bodies and deathly pale skin," Hermione mused before adding quickly, "Not that I don't believe the two of you," she looked at the two of them as she translated her trust in her eyes, "but Cedric," she turned to him, "you were knocked out, unconscious, unmoving, and everyone was almost sure that you were dead." She told him gravely, before turning to Harry, "And you were screaming nonstop for Dumbledore and screaming incoherently about Voldemort, the tournament, Peter Pettigrew, and a stream of one thing or another." Hermione sighed, and shook her head, "It didn't quite leave the impression that you were of clear mind and sane."
Harry glared at her, "Well, excuse me for not being lucid after nearly dying, going through a blood ritual with Cedric, crucio-ed countless times, and oh yeah, running for my God damn life!"
Before Hermione could defend herself, Cedric jumped in, "Don't give her that, Harry," he said sternly, "She is merely saying what happened, and clearly stated that she believed us and doesn't question your sanity, so don't you dare take this out on her."
Harry shot him a glare before hanging his head tiredly and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry, 'Mione," he mumbled, as Hermione nodded and smiled in thanks to Cedric. Otherwise, she would have retorted, and there would have been a mini debacle in which she would end up storming out while Ron talked to Harry, and he'll apologize – only much later.
Ron slammed his hand on his shoulder in comfort, "We're all feeling shitty," he grinned.
"You don't have to be so crude, Ron," Hermione chastised.
"Shitty isn't the worst of it," Cedric grinned as he ignored Hermione's glare.
Hermione, tired and put out, almost cried in frustration at the thought of Fudge. Looking quickly away when she felt eyes on her, she muttered, "I think I'm going back to the tower and rest." Lifting herself off of Harry's bed, she barely registered Ron saying that he'll go with her and shot Harry and Cedric tired smiles.
Despite that however, that night, tossing and turning in bed, she couldn't take it. Grabbing her lavender robe, she threw it over her pajamas, grabbed Harry's invisibility cloak and sneaked back into the Hospital Wing.
Taking the chair between the two boys, she sighed to herself. They're really here, she smiled. Taking off the hood and leaving the cloak open to get some air, she looked between the two of them again before leaning back on the chair and looked up to the ceiling.
She bit back the bitter tears forming in her eyes as she thought of the night's events. They almost died tonight, and all the Minister can say is that they're delusional? From what she can see, Fudge is nothing but a shadow of a man – a cowardly, pudgy, weak, pathetic –
"You really shouldn't speak so badly of someone so powerful," Cedric suddenly cut through her thoughts, causing her to jump a good feet in the air.
Gasping, she turned her head sharply only to see the boy's lazy grin and yawn. He had one arm behind his head, while the other rested lazily on his side as his head turned slightly to the side to look at her. "I'm sorry," she said softly, "I didn't mean to wake you."
He chuckled, "You didn't, I was just resting my eyes earlier, and imagine," he breathed dramatically, "my shock and fear to turn and see only a young girl's hair covering said girl's face and legs – the rest of her body missing in a chair beside my bed – muttering madly to herself. Oh," he had his hand to his chest, "my poor, only just now, beating heart."
Hermione did her best to scowl at him, but ended up laughing quietly, her shoulders shaking. "Oh yes, poor you," Hermione cooed as she stood up, "let's check your heart shall we?" she leaned her head down and rested her ear against his chest.
Cedric looked down at her with a grin before swallowing thickly at their contact and held his breath.
Hermione grinned as she turned to see his face, and suddenly she shot back up and slammed her fist where his heart would be.
Cedric groaned in pretend pain s her little fist did almost nothing to him, "What was that for?" he demanded in hushed tones.
Hermione quirked her head slightly while looking at him pointedly. "I jump started your heart."
Cedric continued to massage his chest in pretend pain and looked at her accusingly; however, Hermione's face never changed, clearly seeing through his act. Cedric shook his head and laughed as Hermione smiled before chuckling softly, sinking back into her chair.
"What did you think of Fudge?" Cedric sighed contently as he stretched his arms above his head. "If it's more comfortable for you, you can get into bed with me," he winked.
Hermione narrowed her eyes and crossed her legs as she got comfortable in the chair. "No, I'm not one of your airhead fan girls who fall for nothing but a wink and a smile."
Cedric chuckled, "More than a wink and a smile then? Perhaps a hand on your waist, a slight kiss, and whispers in your ear to coax you into bed?"
Hermione raised an eyebrow at him before replying, "You are delusional if that's all you think it takes to get me into bed," she stopped as she visibly pondered, "Well…that's not all it takes from you anyway."
Cedric laughed and shook his head, "A blow to my ego – pray tell, then, who can get you into bed doing said things if not me?"
Hermione smirked, "That's none of your business." She raised her chin and looked at him haughtily.
He laughed again, diverting his eyes to the ceiling and when his laughter subsided, he asked again, "What were you saying about Fudge?" without even looking at her, he knew she prepared a protest and continued, "It sounded like you need someone to share your views; it's a sure sign that you do if you unconsciously voiced it. Not to mention," he turned to look sternly at her, "shouldn't you be in bed resting? Not sneaking about the castle to worry about Harry."
Hermione bit her lip, reproaching him with her gaze before giving in, "I just…" she turned away from his eyes, studying the night stand, "I can't believe you are both here," she laughed wryly at herself, "I know you are, mind you; it's just hard to believe. I wanted to come back and make sure that you're both here and alive and that I hadn't disillusioned myself that you're here." She paused, struggling with her words and emotions. "And, Fudge," she spat vehemently, "that idiot! So afraid of ruining his little world that he's casting you, Harry, and Dumbledore out as raving lunatics, refusing to believe that Voldemort is back." She turned to him rebelliously then, "He shouldn't be denying the fact, but handling it! He's the Minister! It's his responsibility to respond to the threat, not Harry's! He's supposed to make announcements, warn people, and make the necessary arrangements for their safety! But what is he doing? He's being a cowardly little arse watching out for his own back and denying anything that might not be ideal in his little mind!"
Cedric unconsciously reached his hand out so that the tear in the corner of her left eye dropped onto his finger. So enraptured by her, he brushed his knuckles against her cheek and used his other hand to pull her into a hug, her face resting on his shoulder and neck. He ignored her widened, shocked eyes, and stiffened body, "Everything ," he said softly, "is going to be all right. Harry and I are alive, we are right here. Fudge can go to bloody hell, and we will still be here. Dumbledore will take care of everything; Harry will be fine; and if they don't, I'll pick up the slack. There is absolutely nothing," he emphasized, "for you to be up crying over. I promise."
Several silent minutes passed after his declaration. Hermione gradually relaxed against him, and he could feel her soft form resting atop his and he kept one hand on her back, rubbing it gently while his other hand rested against her cheek.
Oddly enough, it was not her tears or how vulnerable she looked that evoked his sense of protection, but her passionate tone that drew it out; he wanted to help the girl in whatever she wanted to do, lend her his strength to assist in whatever he can.
"Thank you," she whispered softly.
Feeling her weight on him increase, his hand on her cheek went down to her shoulder and shook her. "Go back to your room and sleep, Hermione," he said softly, "can't have Pomfrey waking up and seeing you here in the morning. And I don't want to see you here in the morning either," he added sternly, "got that? Go to bed, and sleep until noon. The earliest I want to see you is after lunch," he brushed his lips on the top of her head and pushed her up. "Go rest." He smiled mischievously, "Without your rest, how do you expect to resist my charms to coax you into bed," he winked.
Hermione had nodded demurely before hardening her eyes and glared at him. "Not in this lifetime, Diggory. Even when I should be completely without rest, you wouldn't stand a chance with persuading me to go to bed with you." She retorted before throwing the invisible cloak around her shoulders. "Good night." She disappeared.
Cedric grinned, "Good night," before closing his eyes and let sleep and the feel of a soft, small girl overtake him.
Hermione crawled into her bed that night and immediately fell into a dreamless sleep with a contented smile on her face – intense, storm eyes comforting her.
a/n: yayy, read and review please. :D