Author's Notes: Okay, so before I begin, I wanted to recognize a new reader of mine. Their pen name is S. I wanted to thank him/her (sorry, I don't know your gender, so I am playing it safe here. Hope you don't mind. I don't mean to offend you.) for their lovely review. I also wanted to say that I think the reason why I write such formal dialogue is due in part to me thinking that British English is different from American English. I've always thought that they speak in a more formal tongue than an American would. Or, at least, that's what I would guess was true from the few British based movies that I have watched. I've never been to England, so I dunno how accurate that statement is. Anyway, thank you for your review, and I hope that I can continue to captivate you with my story.

I know that I won't get to the Yule Ball before Christmas, but I'm going to try and post it before New Years. If not, no one will have any objections to it being a little later, right?

The POV's are going to switch again. Like always, I will inform you when they do.

Warning: Mild to Moderate cursing

Chapter 7


Cedric's POV


I started off with the first phase of my plan. When I saw Eloise coming out of Charms class, I offered to carry her book bag for her. She declined at first saying that she could carry her own bag but when I persisted, she gave in. Relishing the small victory, I walked with her to Potions, her next class. I followed Eloise to her seat and pulled out the chair for her. She quirked an eyebrow at me, and refused to sit down.

"Oh, come on," I chided. "Your pride isn't going to suffer from it."

"But I am not worried about my pride suffering," she said, quietly so that I could just barely make out the words.

"Then, what is it?" I asked her, still gripping the back of her chair.

"I'm not used to having anyone do something like this for me," she whispered, looking slightly ashamed of herself.

I felt like I had just received a smack to the head. Of course, this was why she was resisting. She didn't think that she was worthy of any special treatment. Eloise still saw herself as the invisible, ugly girl. I kept forgetting how new everything was to her. I forgot about how insecure she must feel. All of this treatment is probably a bit overwhelming for her.

"Eloise, please look at me," I said, letting go of the chair.

She obeyed my command. Her hazel eyes met my grey ones. She looked frightened. She was probably wondering what I was going to say to her. Most likely, if the past was any indication, she believed that I was going to tell her that this was all a dream; that she was going to wake up any moment and be her old self again.

"I'm going to help you to adjust to everything. I'll be here every step of the way to guide you, but you're going to have to do something for me."

"What?"

"You're going to have to have confidence in me," I replied. "Trust me. Without that, I won't be able to do anything for you."

She studied my face for a moment. The look was slightly calculating. It was as if she was trying to decide whether to believe what I was saying. I fought back a growl. I'd never met anyone who was so wary of other people before. Eloise was so terrified of letting go and allowing anyone to come into her life. I wished that she could let go so that she could see that I wasn't trying to harm her.


Come on, Eloise, I thought to myself, watching her. Have faith in me. Take the plunge! Do it!


"Okay, I'll trust you, Cedric," Eloise stated. "Just please, let me seat myself."

I could have sighed with relief, but I forced myself not to. Making such a sound would probably put her guard up again. So I chuckled instead at her statement.

"Whatever you say," I beamed at her.

As I handed Eloise her bag, I leaned close to her cheek. I was about to kiss her when I heard a silky voice right behind me.

"Well, Mister Diggory. Showing off with a display of affection, eh? That's five points from Hufflepuff for you. It'll be another five if you don't get out of my classroom right now."

Snape was standing right behind us. For how long, I have no idea, but I didn't want to stay and lose points for Hufflepuff. We would need all of the points that we could get if we wanted to win the House Cup this year. I wasn't about to be the one to lose the House Cup for Hufflepuff. No way!

Waving farewell to Eloise, who was now a vivid shade of crimson, I made my way back to my dormitory. It was my free period and I wanted to catch up on some sleep.


Eloise's POV


What on Earth was that about? I thought to myself. Since when is Cedric "Golden boy" Diggory chivalrous?

It just didn't make any sense to her. Why was Diggory trying so hard to get into her good books? Why was it so important to him? No boy had ever tried that much to be kind to her. Was it really because of her new look, or was there a different motive? It would be quite logical if the latter were true. Who would ever give her, Eloise Midgen, a second glance?

I mentally shook myself at that last thought. I scolded myself for being such a pessimist. There was no doubt that it was a habit I needed to break. I needed to stop seeing people as wicked; to look at the way that they behave. Because then I would see that not all people were terrible. Some, like Cedric, were actually very wonderful.

And if Snape had not interfered, I would have been kissed by Cedric.

"Since Miss Midgen is under the impression that she doesn't have to listen to my lecture, surely she should be able to answer my questions flawlessly?"

I glared at Snape, who was wearing a smirk. Dumb bastard. He's always trying to make us Hufflepuffs look like idiots. Well, he's not the only one. The rest of the school seems to think that we are good-for-nothing as well. We Hufflepuffs are actually pretty smart. Sure, we don't have NEAR the brain power of the Ravenclaws, but who does? Unless, of course, you count Hermione Granger, but she's an exception.

As Professor Snape stalked towards me, I prepared myself for any inquiry that he threw my way. I was not about to back down. I refused to allow him to degrade me.

"What would I get if I added an infusion of wormwood to an ounce of dragon's blood, Miss Midgen?"


My mind was reeling. Infusion of wormwood to an ounce of dragon's blood? And he wanted to know what would happen? Professor Snape was looking immensely satisfied by my confusion. He was grinning in a way that made him appear dragon-like.

I kept repeating the question over and over again in my head. Unfortunately, the more that I thought about it, the more that the answer evaded me. I hated Snape for choosing this question. Does he really believe that anyone knew the answer to this inquiry?

But, of course, one person popped into my mind: Hermione Granger. She would know the answer. She knew everything. Bloody know-it-all. Probably thought that she was the smartest person in the world, too.

"I'm awaiting your response, Miss Midgen," said Snape.

As I thought about the question and my indignation at being asked such a difficult question, I realized something. This was a trick question. There wasn't a right or wrong answer to it. He was using this as an excuse to patronize me. It did not matter how I answered the inquiry. He knew that whatever I said in response would make me look like an idiot.


I know just how to deal with this arse, thought Eloise to herself.


"The answer is undefined, sir," I stated.

Snape looked completely taken aback. Apparently, he was not expecting me to answer in such a way. His eyes narrowed suspiciously as if he thought that I had somehow cheated. I smiled at Snape in a rather smug manner. It was not too often that someone bested Professor Snape. I was determined to bask in the glow of victory for a little while. But, the Potions' master had other ideas.

"Miss Midgen, that is incorrect. An infusion of wormwood and an ounce of dragon's blood create a Strengthening potion so potent that it is known as Elixir of Hercules," Snape informed me. "Ten points from Hufflepuff for wasting my time with such an answer. Perhaps you should clear your head of daydreams starring Mister Diggory, and actually pay attention in my class. That way, when I ask you a question, you will be able to come up with a better answer than what you provided."

My mouth gaped open. I was outraged. I knew that my answer was the correct one. Professor Snape was the one who was spouting nonsense. Not me. And I wasn't the only one who thought so. Terry Boot, a Ravenclaw seated a few seats ahead of me, raised his hand. Upon noticing that Terry had raised his hand, Professor Snape turned his attention towards the Ravenclaw.

"Professor, I've looked the a-answer up in the b-book and you're wr-wrong. Eloise had the c-c-correct answer."

"Mister Boot, please do not contribute your two cents when you have no idea what you are talking about."

"But, sir, it's right here in my-"

"Ten points from Ravenclaw for your interference," Snape spat in his most dangerous voice. "Be grateful that it isn't more."

Others were now vehemently protesting. I was stunned by the reactions of my classmates. Never before had I seen them so united and on my side. Usually, it was the other way around. But, I guess that just goes to show you how much everyone loathed Professor Snape.

"SILENCE!" shouted Snape.


Everyone in the dungeon closed their lips. No one spoke. Hardly anyone dared to breathe. They were too terrified by the look on Professor Snape's face. He looked like he was half deranged. But mostly, he just seemed to be furious.

"We WILL return to our study of this subject," he said, softly and evenly as he could. "There will be NO more discussion on this subject. Anyone who wishes to display their theories will receive a detention with me."

As everyone scrambled to grab their parchment and quills to take notes, Professor Snape spoke again.

"Because of Miss Midgen's instigation, Hufflepuff will receive a further ten points taken away from their house."

I was completely appalled. For the rest of the lesson, all I could think about were ways that I could murder Snape and escape Azkaban in the process. Never before had I felt such a hatred towards that man. He was being completely unreasonable.

Not that I didn't know what Snape was like, but I thought that he would at least be man enough correct his own mistakes. Unfortunately, I thought wrong. He'd rather degrade me than take responsibility for his mistake.

As soon as the bell rang, I headed to the door. I didn't want to remain in Professor Snape's presence longer than what was necessary. And I wasn't the only one. Everyone wanted to distance themselves as much as possible from the greasy haired Potions' master. All of the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs were shooting me sympathetic looks as we exited the dungeons. They all seemed to believe that I had been wronged, and I was grateful for their sympathy. It was a nice change from the way that things used to be. I could get used to this.


By dinnertime, word had spread around the castle about what had occurred in the dungeons today. I was receiving even more praise from Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs regarding the way that I handled things. Hermione Granger herself even assured me that Professor Snape was incorrect. That alone made me feel totally confident that I had not been wrong in thinking that my answer was a false one. She'd even suggested that I speak to Professor Sprout or Professor Dumbledore about it, but I told her that I would rather just drop the matter entirely. It wasn't worth the trouble anyway.

When Cedric heard about the way that Snape had treated me, he was furious. I must say that it is very odd to see Cedric angry. Especially since we're nothing more than acquaintances, though I suspect that it may be bordering on the verge of something else. He also shared Hermione's belief that I should inform Professor Sprout or Dumbledore of Snape's abysmal behavior. But I told Cedric that I would much rather forget the matter than remember that it had taken place.

"Are you sure?" he asked, searching my face for any sign of assent to his plan.

"I'm positive," I replied, making sure that I made myself clear.

"Well, if you ever change your mind, let me know," Cedric told me, purposefully leaning in as close as he could get to me. Then, he lowered his voice. "I have a certain pair of twins who are currently in my debt. With your consent, I could get an instant payback on the greasy haired git."

Being this close to Cedric brought back memories of what nearly happened in the dungeon. I shivered slightly, but not from being cold. I wasn't sure exactly how I felt about him being so close to me. It wasn't unpleasant, but I could not say that it was very pleasant either. All of a sudden, the room felt really, really hot. I could hardly breathe. All of the oxygen seemed to evaporate out of the air. I was like a fish out of water, gasping for the air that wouldn't come. Sweat was pouring down my body in tiny rivers and no matter how hard I tried, I could not make it stop. It just kept magnifying. What was worse was that I could feel myself blushing like mad. I knew that I had to get away. Before something that I would later regret happened.

"As tempting as that offer is, I think that I am going to pass," I said, rising from my seat.

Cedric looked disappointed.

"Oh, well, I'll see you tomorrow when we go to Hogsmeade, okay?"

Of course, how could I forget? The Hogsmeade trip was tomorrow. Everyone from third year and up would be going into Hogsmeade tomorrow. Well, everyone who had permission slips would be. Those without permission slips would have to stay behind with the first and second years.

And I was going with Cedric Diggory.

As I said goodbye, I realized that I didn't have anything to wear. I wasn't good at applying makeup, not even with help from my wand. And I could not go into Hogsmeade with someone like Diggory looking so plain. Do you know how many people would make fun of me? I'll answer that: a LOT!


While pondering my dilemma, I didn't realize that Ophelia, Helen, and Irene were calling my name. I stopped when I realized that they were trying to catch up with me. When they caught up with me, they wasted no time with any greetings. They got right to the point.

"We know that your date with Diggory is tomorrow," said Ophelia.

"It's not a date," I told them. "I don't even think that he likes me in that way."

I saw the girls exchange looks. They were silently communicating that they thought that I was quite dim.

"Whatever it is, we want to help," stated Irene.

"We want to teach you how to apply makeup," said Helen.

"Pick out clothes."

"And get the kiss."


"Kiss?"

"Yes, Eloise, the kiss," said Irene, looking as though she could not believe that I had said that. "Because we know that Diggory wants to kiss you."

I let out a disbelieving snort. The other girls frowned.

"Well, he does. So, you're going to have to figure out how to ensnare him."

"Ensnare him?" I repeated, giggling a bit.

The other girls sighed.

"We have a lot of work to do," proclaimed Irene. "Follow us."

Grabbing me by the hook of my arm, they led me away. The destination was unknown to me, but I knew that it was for the best. Truth be told, I'm grateful for their meddling. I don't know anything about dating. I could use all of the advice that I could get. Especially with someone as handsome as Cedric. I did not want to embarrass myself. I do not think that I could live with that at all. It would be so humiliating. The best that I could do was to hope that these girls knew what they were doing. Because I had absolutely no clue whatsoever. But I was about to get a crash course, whether I liked it or not.


READ AND REVIEW! Merry Christmas!