New chapter up,

So very sorry for this being late just... life.

Anyway hope you all enjoy and once again sorry for it being late.

I don't own OUAT. :)

She was committing mutiny. That much was for certain.

After another lesson of 'The art of dancing' which lasted three bloody hours, she trudged up the stairs inching her way down to her room and to where her bath lay, sweet, sweet bath – with its hot water and nice bubbles. Pushing on her door, she winces before taking another painful step as she crossed the room to her en-suite.

She had been taking these blasted lessons for six days now, it may have been spread out over the course of two weeks but if one was to look at it logically, six days take the three hours wasted – it was near enough twenty bloody solid hours she had pranced from corner to corner… give or take an hour or two.

Reaching her bath she sat on the side and flicked on the taps as the water streamed out in equal measures. She stood and made her way over to the small cupboard at the side and pulled out a towel as soon the steam quickly began to rise fogging the room before shrugging out of her clothes.

Turning off the taps she dipped a finger to inspect the water before musing and turning on the warm water for a few seconds before shutting it back off and smiling when she felt it again. Moaning, she slid into the water and sighed when the heavenly feeling washed over her body and immediately set about soothing her aching calves and feet.

She had yet to decide just how she was going about staging her revolt when she didn't really have an organization in which to fight for, it was just herself – a rogue nomad, whose lone sense of self injustice wasn't really going to get anywhere, not with an unsympathetic she - devil in the form of the older woman.

She hadn't even batted an eyelid when Hermione had come to her with a list of reasons as to why she should participate in dancing lessons, the evil shrew had taken the list and turned it into a paper swan. If that wasn't enough, she had the gall to send it out the window before telling her to suck it up and get back to her lessons

Hermione sunk a little under the water grumbling. Bitter harpy… she still didn't even know why it was she had to take these lessons, the other woman still wouldn't give her a straight forward answer – the cryptic remarks was all that it took to drive her insane and send her from the room frustrated and annoyed.

Luckily for her the lessons were coming to an end. Not because she was amazing brilliant she needed no more teaching, hell if that happened. She had, in fact, had to go get him a plaster because she had stood in his toe so hard she had ripped his nail off. The far from manly whimper was enough to make up for the tyranny of her blistered feet as she moved to source a plaster.

But as the holidays where drawing to a close. Other priorities had surfaced which made having lessons slide down the ladder so to speak and so she only had another day with him before they parted ways.

Which in a way did make her sad as she had come to enjoy his company, apart from his dictator ways and forceful leading more often was the cause of her injuries – she had come to build a sort of friendship type rapport with him, it was true when he said being on more less professional terms did do their partnership some good as she now could successfully say, she knew how to waltz.

The purpose of which remained hidden but for now the last lesson was simply a touch up before he left back for Holland. He informed them he had other clients as well as a ballroom competition he needed to prepare for and so the time to finish their sessions was a good one.

But that last three hours were not for another two days and so she turned her mind to other thoughts as she languished in her bath. After fretting for ages over the simple yet troublesome invitation, she had written back stating she would like to join him when he went to buy his new supplies.

She really didn't know why she felt like her stomach was full of bubbles when she wrote the reply. It wasn't like it was a date – the letter didn't state that, plus the fact that he was seventeen, a full three years older than her, if anything did come of it then the gossip would be horrendous. Not to mention her Mother would most likely have an aneurism if she were to ever find out.

She would. Nothing ever gets past her and being in a school with her almost nine months out of the year, it would only be a matter of time before she found out. She could see it now as she reached for the shampoo – deputy head arrested for killing star student, sure it might have been a mercy killing but it would still be a murder nonetheless.

She was rather accustomed to that handsome face of his and so wouldn't like it if she did off him even if it was for her honour – no, that would be to mortifying to think about and so shuddered a little.

Just as well nothing was going to come of it.

She stayed in the water until she resembled little more than a prune so reached for her bathrobe as she stepped from the tub and pulled the plug, using the towel to dry her hair, she idly rubbed the soaked locks before moving from the smaller room.

Dam ministry traces, they made it so hard to just do the simplest of things, she looked to her drawer where her wand lay and mused unhappily at the drying charm it would be so easy to do. A few seconds and her hair would be back in its plait all dry and neat… but no, stupid people making stupid laws.

She sighed and resumed drying her hair manually just as a tapping on the window had her looking up to see the familiar black hawk owl sitting on the ledge. She smiled before going to open the window allowing him to hop inside. He gave the cat a casual glance that was lying on the side before back to her ignoring the feline that promptly did the same.

It seemed after their altercation last year the two had studiously avoided each other as the owl looked at her expectantly, something that had her rolling her eyes but bent to give him her arm as he climbed the limb like a branch.

"Laziness is contagious in this house." She huffed a little standing upright and moving to her desk where he hopped back off again and turned before holding out his leg to her, she sighed before taking his wares as he hooted lowly before taking to looking around the room.

It was a reply from Harry, she had never actually expected him to write back but it was a simple note telling her he took her advice and wrote to the Weasley's only to find no help from them which was why he then wrote to Sirius,

That had her surprised. She had actually forgotten about the escaped convict, not in the sense of nearly drowning her cat to the point he had retaliated by suffocating her in her sleep, but the fact that he was Harry's godfather, of course it would have been the more obvious choice.

Then it took a weird turn, near the middle he had made an odd plea for snacks. Apparently the Durselys had started up a diet, one he had been forced on involuntarily and so having already been given a smaller portion that morning at breakfast knew he wouldn't last the summer on mere rabbit sticks alone and so had sent an SOS of sorts to them.

It was why she found herself ten minutes later rummaging through the kitchen searching for things she could send to him. She was currently crouched low rooting through the biscuit side when a coughing had her looking up, Minerva had been hankering for some tea and rather than have patches make it, she felt the need to distract herself and so made her way to the kitchen.

Only to come across the sight of the younger girl flat on her stomach pawing through the treat cupboard, the older woman looked at her for a few minutes blankly wondering what it was she was doing. If she was trying to be sneaky about it then clearly she had no idea what incognito was, not if the muttered words and one occasional outburst was anything to go by.

Something which prompted her to move as she stood next to her and coughed gently letting her know she had been caught, sure enough two green eyes peered up at her seconds later to which she smiled at before asking.

"What are you doing dear?"

Hermione shuffled back out clutching a few items in her hand as she stood so she was facing her, Minerva frowned at the mass of sugary items in her grasp before shaking her head.

"I don't think so,"

"You don't even know what there for." She watched as Hermione made her way to the table and scattered her pilfered catch about as she sat down and began going through what was on show. Minerva stood perplexed as she eyed the younger girl shaking her head and putting things in to separate piles, seemingly a yes no sort of deduction before she had to ask again.

"Then enlighten me."

Still looking down, she waited a few more seconds – just enough to decide that the Jaffa cakes were staying put as she dragged the biscuits to the pile next to her before looking back up.

"There for Harry,"

That had her confused as she blinked a little at the unexpected reply. She titled her head, wondering what to say before finally she had to glance at the stairs, thoughtful for a moment before shaking her head and replying.

"There for whom?"

She exhaled before placing her hands in front of her once more. "Harry sent me a note. Apparently his useless waste of relatives" She ignored the reprimand.

"They're going healthy – not by choice but nevertheless they are cutting back, apparently it seems to be an all for one, one for all kind of diet. You know how skinny he is I'm surprised he hasn't fallen through a grate at some point but with what he's told me he's getting this holiday, he just might. So he sent me and Ron a note asking for our help."

Minerva stood shocked at the explanation. She knew that his aunt was less than pleasant, his uncle she sorely wanted to hex until he couldn't remember his own name but surely they wouldn't be starving him that much?

She had thought everything had been sorted now; he had his own room… It was still less than what she would have demanded but Albus had told her that the situation was getting better, not according to the younger girl who had gone back to picking and choosing the things to send to her friend.

She trusted her oldest friend infinitely but when it came to the Potter boy, his glasses just seem to fog over. When would he wise up and see that nothing about his home life alright? Could he not see how deplorable his relatives were? That they didn't care for his welfare only if it either benefitted them or their hands were forced

Not until the end it would seem. She had asked time and time again only to get the same response – the blood wards, she scoffed at the notion. Surely with him being called the most powerful wizard in the age he would be able to find another, better way of keeping him safe without having to return to those people.

She looked back to Hermione who had now taken to keep adding to the small piles, but also include her mouth in the process as she chewed on a sugar twirl, she would never dare dream of depriving her of anything much less the basics to live. The idea of imagining it was something she found abhorrent and her heart went out to the young man.

Now knowing that Hermione wasn't about to overdose herself on fillers that would spoil her tea. She allowed her to carry on watching what it was she had deigned to part with as she moved to get a box for her to put them in.

"Should be enough, don't you think? Oh – hang on." She opened the door to the pantry as Minerva looked on curious to hear the sound of a metal lid being pried off a tin before the younger girl emerged holding a bunch of smaller packs in her hand.

"Chocolate frogs and ice mice," She supplied before dumping them into the already full box. Minerva held out her hand signalling enough before she placed the lid back on top and frowned.

She was about to use a sealing charm to make sure nothing fell out but knowing that he wouldn't be able to use magic to undo it, would be pointless and so mused on what to do before something being shoved under her nose forced her back a bit.

She cast her eyes down to see the sticky tape being held for her as Hermione smiled. She plucked it from her gently. "Thank you, dear."

Hermione simply nodded before holding the box steady as the older woman pulled apart some strips before setting about making sure the box was secure. After feeling how much it weighed Hermione frowned, was it too much or was it the right amount? What she put in wasn't all heavy and so the quantity would have outnumbered the weight really, all she had to do was pick an owl able to carry it.

After much deliberation she decided Leda would do perfect - a smallish sized tawny owl with a near sweet personality, she was the best one as she wasn't at all scary and would be good at hiding if needed to as she went about coaxing her from her perch. After much bribery – it seemed she was in a haughty mood, she had managed to send her off with the box and note inside.

Now that was done she was confident he would be grateful and so would wait for his thanks when they got to school, so she left the mini aviary and got about with the rest of her day.

Two days later and after having the last of her dance lessons – something she both felt elated and a little saddened by, she made her way to her room and was about to change clothes when a tapping at the window had her turning to see a very small owl standing on the ledge. She frowned before moving to open and let it in as no sooner as she had it hopped inside onto her desk.

Getting another closer look she realized it was pig, Ron's owl… was it his owl, or was it the families? She was brought back when it pecked her finger making her yank her hand up as she gave the small bird a glare.

"I can see why they like Errol better." He looked up and gave her a small screech in reply as she rolled her eyes. She noted the letter it had on its leg and so bent to take it from him only for him to scuttle back, stopping halfway down she gave him another narrowed eyes stare as she tried to remember why it was Ron found him so annoying.

His tendency to make you follow him… yep that was it,

She gazed at his beady eyes and the way they seemed to light with the possible chase. Well he could think again as she stayed still for a moment, thinking when her eyes went wide and she looked over his small frame across the desk.

"CHROOKSHANKS, NO!"

Hearing her slightly raised voice, the small bird flapped his wings and screeched loudly before scuttling closer in fear of whatever was behind it as it turned to see only to be snatched from the desk in one swoop earning another screech of surprise as he turned to see her gloating face.

"Always the cute ones" She shook her head and turned his caged body to see what was behind him as his beady little eyes scoured the area and found nothing, no sign of a predator and certainly no ginger beast ready to pounce.

She had tricked him.

He squirmed when she undid the ties that held the letter and let out a part miffed hoot that she had denied him the chance of a game as she set him back on the desk.

It was from Ron. Brows knitted slightly as she undid the seal on the letter as she read what he had written.

Hey Hermione,

As you've probably heard, the final of the Quidditch World Cup takes place this Monday night, can you imagine? Britain hasn't hosted the cup for thirty years, and dad's managed to get tickets through his friend or something, I don't know. Anyway, was wondering if you wanted to come. Harry is (Going to rescue him sometime tonight or tomorrow) Mum keeps blathering on about how tickets are extremely hard to come by. And how we should make the most of them whilst we have em – hence why I asked, she also said you could stay with us if you wanted, and get the train with us.

Send your answer back with pig, bloody thing wouldn't stop pecking me until I gave him the letter – suppose he's alright though – I know I don't have to give up my food when he gets back.

Hear from you soon,

Ron.

Lifting her eyes from the paper her bafflement is clear. How the hell was she meant to know the Quidditch world cup was coming to Britain? Hell why did he think she knew that it wasn't as if she kept up with the stupid sport. Shaking her head she knew she would have to write back.

She would thank him but politely decline; she had no interest in it at school so why the hell would she want to watch it internationally. Sometimes it was hard being so alone in a group full of people who didn't get her as she threw it on the desk. Turning she looked back at the small owl who was now pottering about, almost as if inspecting her stuff.

"Well I know Devon is on the other side of the country, but for you that might as well be the world. Rather tiny wings you have don't you, little fellow."

He gave her a look that was surprisingly disdainful as he spread them almost in show making her chuckle. "Well if you're so sure. Then I'll just give the seed and water to one of the other owls upstairs."

The returning shriek had her outright laughing as she went to get him some food and water, before going back down to tell her Mother about the invitation.

Another shock came when for the third time that week – she received another letter, this time from Cedric – he told her that his cousins had left earlier than expected and as a result was going to get his school supplies early. This terrified her as she had hoped to use the time to prepare, for what she didn't know but she also knew that this trip wasn't like the other ones she had taken before.

With them – she had met up with the others yes, but she had no fuzzy feelings with them – they didn't make her feel warm inside or give her tingling prickles… they were just… Harry and Ron,

Annoying idiots who taxed her most times but nonetheless they were her idiots and like the well know quote 'Time is a good medicine' it had, it seemed, made her like the red-headed boy.

He was still the biggest bane to academics the school had ever seen. Being on par with Neville in most subjects, and was the pettiest, childish, moronic boy – child that she had come across. But he had a quality about him that endeared him to her,

Perhaps it was the fact he had that ability to make anyone feel smarter by just being in his presence. Not that she had to be near him to feel such a notion but anyone else would have benefited by proxy. Harry was like a cousin to her – being an only everything was nice but sometimes she did enjoy the company of the other boy who had trusted her to be a confidant.

But as she had said, for all their traits and exhausting attributes – none of them had ever made her look at them more than just the friends they were. That box was completely filled and would never be opened unless of extreme duress or betrayal, sometimes she did think Ron would have maybe had her rip the imaginary tape off the lid but only when he bugged her so.

She didn't think he really had what it took to greatly betray them. Not unless he sided with Slytherins and declared Voldemort the modern-day saint. But none of that mattered now what mattered was the fact that she was meeting up with Cedric far earlier than she would have liked.

Tomorrow, in fact

Merlin she hadn't been this nervous since… well she really couldn't think of a time she was this bad, she might have likened it to going into the chamber for the first time but once she had made contact with the Basilisk, something just clicked… it made her amiable to him rather than fear him like Harry had.

This was far worse. She lay on her bed staring up at the ceiling frowning at one particular piece of blue tack she had put up there once and it had stuck. She was giving the small bit of tack all her concentration that she didn't hear the door knock, or when it opened, or when Minerva called out to her.

She only noticed when a dip in the mattress did she look around to find the older woman sitting at her side. Minerva smiled as Hermione looked at her blankly for a few seconds before pushing herself up to her elbows.

"Yes?"

"I said are you alright, dear?" Cocking her head to the side, Hermione blinked a few times before nodding. "Aye, why wouldn't I be?"

Minerva lifted her shoulder in a small shrug. "Because I called you twice and you looked away with the fairies… or Cornish Pixies, perhaps."

She smirked amused at the scathing look she got no sooner as the words left her mouth. "Do not speak of those things near me; they are taboo in this house along with the fool who brought them to class."

Chuckling, Minerva nodded before her smile fell a little as she regarded her closely. "Are you alright though?"

Hermione looked at her face as she saw the look of care that was etched there. It made her smile inside and almost want to tell her everything, but then remembered all the times she teased her about writing to Harry. Those were nothing but harmless letters, notes of friendship – is she found out these were… well she had yet to figure out what they were but she knew the mockery would be never-ending.

"Yeah I was just wondering if my blue shirt had been washed that's all."

Brows knitting together Minerva studied her face for a moment before asking. "You wondered if your shirt was washed." Getting another nod Minerva lifted her brows a bit higher.

"Might I ask why?"

She shrugged. "Was only thinking – thought I could wear it for tomorrow." Minerva tilted her head a bit. "Oh? And what's happening tomorrow."

Hermione sat back against her pillow. "Well Cedric and a few of his friends are going to get their school stuff. Daphne is also going and so she said did we want to meet up."

Her response was casual but inside she was mentally waiting for the questions. Her Mother was looking at her, appraising her reply with a look she didn't know or like. As a rule they were honest and open with each other, nothing was in the middle or it would cause rifts – save for a few allowances they had a pretty good relationship.

But this was something she didn't want her knowing and so in a way she was being truthful, but she also didn't fancy having to listen to an inquisition about boys and being alone with one of them. Even if said boy was the absolute epitome of gentlemanly – ness, she would find some fault with him.

So adding a person who she knew to be her own age was something that would make her seem more pliable to agreeing to let her go, she did if it were Harry and Ron – she also knew Daphne - even liked the Slytherin contrary to people's stereotypical belief, and so if she thought it going to be a girly catch up she would be more agreeable.

"I didn't know they knew each other."

"They don't, not really – it's more a passing acquaintance. But since they both offered, I thought why not just all go together." She finished smiling still under scrutiny. With nothing else to say the younger witch really hoped she just said yes and left it at that, someone it seemed had deigned to answer her prayers as her smile widened when her Mother nodded.

"Well they do seem to be responsible people, as much as I like Mr Potter and on some part – Mr Weasley, it would be a refreshing change to see you with others who don't attract danger like bugs to neon lights."

Hermione smirked knowing it was true but nodded as Minerva stood. She glanced around the room and to the window before back to the younger girl.

"Plus it's not like I won't see them two soon anyway, what with the world cup thingy going on an all." Minerva hummed at that, pursing her lips in thought before her expression looked between a mixture of worried and displeased. Not need to ask what she was thinking, all the trouble they could get up to at an international event.

Oh what fun they would have.

"Well you have your key. No need for me to warn you about that and since you asked nicely far be it from me to keep you from friends."

Just as she thought, she gave the older woman a beaming smile before shuffling to her knees and crawling the length of the bed to hug her. Minerva chuckled but readily accepted the gesture before informing her tea was ready as she hopped from her place and followed after her.

She left the house early the next day, for some reason she, before she left, had to tell the cat where she was off to before he gave her permission to depart his company, she left her room baffled at the extent his kingship seemed to have increased before making her way down to breakfast.

She was halfway through the first tea when Minerva joined her. Seeing as she was still too young to Apparate, and she didn't like going by floo, not to a pub. The older woman said she would take her. They had no need to make small talk as they just sat and enjoyed the others company before Hermione had finished and went to get her coat leaving the other woman to her tea.

Soon it was time to leave and with one last check of everything, the two left the house and appeared moments later in the familiar ally that led to the pub hiding the wizard street.

"Now are you sure you have everything." Hermione held in her sigh and nodded. But Minerva, ever the constant – went through as list until she came to the last item.

"Key to your vault,"

Hermione nodded again only to stop halfway as a thoughtful look flittered across her face, before a look of realization took over followed by a brief look of panic. Minerva saw the expressions and sighed, no matter how many times she insisted the younger girl always forgot something and so was about to make a remark when Hermione pulled out the chain that held the key.

Minerva paused her speech and looked at the tiny golden key before glancing at a smirking Hermione as her lips thinned. "Was there any need?"

Hermione nodded quickly. "I wouldn't have to make jokes if you didn't keep bloody asking." Her already thinned lip looked deepened as she regarded the younger witch.

"Watch the Language. Alright smart arse, get going I'll meet you back at the entrance at five." She glared but it didn't hold as soon her arms were full of the younger girl who by now was toe to toe with her in height – something that made her both sad and happy as she closed her eyes and held tight.

They parted not seconds later as Hermione glanced around the corners before nodding; she heard the small crack that came with apparition as she slipped out and into the always bustling streets of London. She just thanked that her trip wasn't too long as dam people jostling her; she stopped at the doorway before looking around and then pushed her way inside.

As usual Tom was there to greet anyone coming and going as she smiled at the ever-present landlord before making her way outside to the wall. Thankfully she didn't have to tap the wall as someone else was there before her and had opened the wall so she just slipped inside as it started to shut over again.

Giving the now solid wall one more glance she turned to see the small but lively street as she started making her way down the cobbled road. For some reason she found herself smiling in greeting at some passers-by even though she hadn't a clue who they were. It did bemuse her about how that came to be as she ascended the steps to the bank.

She had never liked coming here. Old habits and all but she couldn't help be cold towards them whenever she was near them. Stupid goblins, it was their fault in the first place had they not scared her when she was little then she might have liked them. As it was she was courteous but nothing more.

Not that they noticed or cared. She spoke politely to the one at the top desk who seemed to leer at her from his overhead perch. Bet he felt good there as he asked for her key; she gave it over as well as her wand and waited until he was satisfied before calling for another of the creepy little cretins as he grumbled something about the door as she followed him watching him warily.

Once her ordeal is over she quickly scampers down the steps and back on to the street feeling far more calmer then she was before. She glanced up the packed street wondering if Cedric had made it to the street yet. It occurred to her that he hadn't actually mentioned a time to just accompany him.

How had they not discussed times? Normally it was the first thing she planned, shaking her head she found it impossible to see much, never mind a single person as many others had sandy brown hair and so it would be pointless and time-consuming to wait, instead she moved to the ice cream shop.

It was a good as place as any to wait and the best thing – they didn't sell just ice cream but drinks to, so she settled down outside with her trusty tea – not as good as the stuff from home but really when is it ever from a shop? She picked up the cup and blew on the surface as she gazed out into the crowd.

If he did turn up and happened to be wandering the street then he knew where to see her as she was sitting right in the middle near enough, she remissed that she didn't bring anything to keep her occupied but to be fair she didn't expect to be waiting and so took to the next best thing, people watching.

Sometime into her second cup and having watched a lot of children mulling up and down the street. Some excited, some bored, others nervous as to be expected. She gathered that they too must have been buying their supplies – firsties never failed to amuse her as a tap on her shoulder had her lifting her head.

Squinting a little in the suns bright light. She heard rather than saw the person in the flesh as he let out a small laugh making her frown before he moved blocking the light for a moment before moving to take the seat across from her.

She turned to see Cedric sit down as he smiled at her, "McGonagall."

She greeted his smile with a small a small sniff and nod her of head. "Diggory," They didn't speak for a few moments before their chuckles broke the faux tension as he looked to the door of the parlour.

"What you drinking?"

She looked down at her mug, "What else? Tea" He rolled his eyes before standing. "Of course, want another?"

She bit the inside of her cheek. Before letting out the puff of air and nodding. "Aye go on then." He excused himself as she watched him disappear in to the shop leaving her to carry on her activity for another five minutes before he returned, she glanced to his and saw he had got himself a spiced pumpkin latte and rolled her eyes at his knowing grin as he sat back down.

So much for her stealing his drink, git probably knew that she hated the stuff. She thanked him instead for her own and let her hobby drop as they started up a conversation.

Once they had finished they decided that enough time had passed and so made a start on their lists. Since Cedric was in his sixth year his list wasn't as heavy as it was when he had to study for his O.W.L.S so he was glad for that her list wasn't all that different to when it was the third, it was just the third year expect this time she was getting fourth year books.

Of course there was a little more to buy seeing as the older woman had warned her that there would be more work now that she was only a year away from her own owls, not that it worried her – it was a whole year away and it was her – when did she ever need to worry about coursework, she'd save that for dumb and dumber when she met up with them.

Coming out of Madam Malkins, they made sure to make it the last stop on their way home as the woman took their sizes and told them it would be a few hours. That left them to get on with the rest of their shopping as they wandered up the street.

"So do you know what you got for your exams?"

He shook his head as he appraised a broomstick servicing kit on their way making her shake her head and quickly walk on as he hurried after her,

"No – but I should get my marks back sometime next week." She nodded and smiled. "Well, I don't doubt you came out on top."

The Hufflepuff boy turned to her – his face a mixture of beguilement and mock chiding. "Now we don't know that - there are a few in my year quite clever and unlike some – I don't have the privilege of being called the smartest of my generation."

She pulled a face at his remark and the title she had been bestowed over the years – she doubted that it would have been given so freely if more people had just bothered to learn… seriously what was so hard about cracking a book once in a while?

"Modest as well as cute… really just a girls dream aren't you." She smiled but hadn't realized what she had said until his somewhat of a smug like tone filled the air.

"You think I'm cute."

Stopping, she turned a frown on her face – wondering what he was on about until she saw his smirk and went over her last sentence. It hit her as her eyes widened.

"Crap – I mean – bugger, no – yes… but more of an observation, you know – others in the school." She really was doing herself no favours and the twitching of his lips only served to further her ire as she narrowed her eyes and stood up straighter.

"Oh bugger off," She turned and strode up the street leaving him standing looked pleased at how flustered she was and the lingering of her voice as she mumbled angrily, he waited a few seconds before hurrying up after her as he strode at her pace once he had.

Come on – I wasn't teasing." He looked at her still smiling as she turned to him. Her own face a picture of displeasure "Could have fooled me."

"If it helps, I apologise." He finished waiting for her to speak. She eyed him sceptically for a moment before nodding slowly. "Alright,"

"Good. Anyway – have you heard about the Quidditch," He turned the conversation to another of her hates in a bid to erase the last few minutes and laughed as another dark scowl formed on hearing of the loathed game.

"Aye – and don't get me started on that idiotic display of moronic tendencies? What fool thinks it safe to go about flying on a piece of wood equivalent to that of a tree branch? Not to mention those daft bludgers chasing them… wrong in the head."

He stayed quiet as she ranted never pointing out he was one of those daft idiots but he found it endearing just watching her go of in tandem about the dangers of the game and how it did nothing but bore her, he looked back to the ice cream parlour and decided that another rest was in order, so tugging on her arm he pulled her to the side interrupting her mini rant.

"Stupid, waste of – Cedric… what are—"

He walked them back to the seats and used a bit of his strength to push her into a seat cutting off her speech altogether. "Wait here – I think more tea is called for."

He went back into the shop as she watched him go, her face sullen at having been cut off but the prospect of more tea was enticing so grudgingly let her disdain that had built up settle as she waited for him to come back.

"Now" He sat back down placing the outside mug in front of her, "I take it you didn't hear about it from the paper," He asked lifting his coffee to his mouth. He doubted she would have willingly read the sports section and so waited as she nodded.

"Ron - why on earth he would think I would ever want to spend a weekend slumming it in a field watching not just one game – but idiots from all over the world playing the stupid thing."

She sighed heavily and shook her head. He watched her still entertained by her antics before speaking again. "Yes I kind of heard the excitement Ron displayed when he heard about the tickets."

She looked at him quizzical until he replied with a smile. "He got them from my father; in fact it's us he's going with o Monday." She never replied, merely lifted her cup to her lips as she stared at him. So Cedric was going to the world cup, interesting.

He gifted her with a warm smile that seemed to light up his grey orbs that never failed to be charming in its presence as they let the chattering of the crowd grow around them.

Maybe she could find the motivation to enjoy the insipid game after all.

Once they had finished the last stop once more was back to the robe shop. They thanked the seamstress who was always gracious asked her to say a hello to the deputy which she said she would as they left the shop and headed back up the street. It was nearing five and so the end of their day together.

"Thank you for coming with me, today." She turned to look at him as they slowly walked; she shrugged but gave him a small smile. "Thank you for having me – if not you then it would have been the other two and frankly you spared me from going near that stupid store."

He chuckled needing no prompt as to which shop she was on about. But nodded all the same once more they fell into silence which to her, was the tiniest bit uncomfortable giving the fact that soon they would be departing each other's presence.

Sure enough they arrived near the top. As they stopped he looked at her apologetically and confessed that he did in fact want to go back to the sports store and get the broom kit he had eyed in the window. She looked at him blankly for a moment before an amused smile crept over her face and she laughed.

"So I guess I'll see you on Monday."

She nodded silently as the discomfort grew the more they looked at each other. What was she supposed to do now? Glancing at the floor, she only jumped slightly when a small pat on her shoulder had her looking to see him clap her cheerfully on the arm before turning and making off back down the street.

She watched him go slightly stunned at the departing gesture as he vanished into the crowd. What the hell was that?

Was that normally how dates went… if she could call it that, but then again they hadn't actually said it was a date did they? He certainly didn't so maybe that was how he treated his friends on leaving them.

She sincerely hoped not

She didn't know what she wanted to be, but she did kind of imagine it not being a good buddy of his. Sighing she looked up to the sky before turning and heading back to the pub and to the exit as sure enough her Mother was there waiting for her, ever the punctual she greeted the older woman with a hug.

"Have a nice day,"

She nodded. It was good, until the end that was as they turned and left the street. Waving goodbye to Tom they left the pub and back into Muggle London as they walked down to the small ally with Minerva listening to what she had bought.

"Sounds like you had fun, any better than the other two?" She had to tilt her head at that, she couldn't really say it was better, but it was different as they looked around before ducking back into the darkened little path as Minerva placed her hand on her shoulder,

"He's also going to the world cup on Monday. His dad gave Mr Weasley the tickets." Something of a knowing grin took hold of her face as she looked to the older woman not liking the look.

"Whatever you thinking, stop it."

Minerva laughed before shaking her head. "So I take it you are accepting the invitation to attend with Ron and his family?"

Eyes narrowed she still didn't like the implication but nodded. "I might go along, if only to see what it's like and say that I have been. Regardless of my thoughts on the abhorrent game"

Her reply was something the other witch expected and so with a complaint nod she focused her magic as soon they disappeared from the ally and back home.