CHAPTER 11- Attraction
It has always been known to many that the Hufflepuff House is the quietest of all the Houses in Hogwarts. Having Gryffindor as its troublesome House, Slytherin as its influential House and Ravenclaw as its smartest House, Hogwarts really didn't have much place for Hufflepuff. But, nevertheless, Hufflepuff still remains to be part of the Hogwarts history, especially when a certain Cedric Diggory once became one of the champions of Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament.
But even before he became a champion, Cedric had been known for his amazing skills as a Quidditch player and captain. His vast capacity in the sport made him an instant star and attracted in many fans. But his heart was captured only by the Ravenclaw seeker Cho Chang.
"Good morning there, Cedric. You seem to be in a deep trance," a voice asked from above his head.
Cedric quickly looked up to see the face of his Quidditch Instructor Oliver Wood. Cedric gave him a quick laugh as Oliver sat down beside him, looking up at the sky then back to the students chattering about.
"Not exactly, Professor. I was just thinking about everything that has happened. I just couldn't believe that I had gone from death back up here," Cedric answered evidently.
He was outside the gardens where most students were spending their free time. It was a Sunday; a week had already passed after they first began their secret lessons inside the Room of Requirement. It had been a tough week. Mostly because Pansy kept on acting up every time Draco was paired up with Harriotte. Lady Harriotte. Just what is it about her that makes her so mysterious? I don't get it. She seems to be like any other girl, but, I just can't stop thinking about her. No, that's not right. I just can't stop thinking about what is it about her. This is so confusing. Plus, she's Oliver's fiancé. Something tells me this year will have more mysteries than ever.
"Hey, are you all right?" Oliver asked Cedric, looking rather confused at his student's face.
"Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm fine, Professor. Nothing out of the ordinary," replied Cedric, quickly brushing off the thoughts he just had.
"Well, that's good. Anyway, you don't have to call me professor outside the class. I mean, I really am not that old. Just call me Oliver, like Harry and the rest does."
"Okay. Hey, where's Lady Harriotte? I would have thought she'd be with you."
"Harriotte? Well, she's somewhere. I really don't know. Usually at Sundays, she goes off alone to have her quiet time. It really doesn't bother me much. I know she can take care of herself. Plus, I'm still a teacher here and I really don't have that much time to look after her. Besides, not everyone knows that she's my fiancé. Not everyone needs to know anyway. Harriotte and I both have agreed on that one. We wouldn't want her to go on public so soon about her engagement. After all, the wedding is not in the near future. All is well in the world when a member of the royal family is not yet announced to be married soon. Peace and quiet is what she wants. Because once it is revealed that she will be married, you'll find this castle with more than just a mob of reporters."
"And I bet that the first reporter we will be seeing would be none other than…"
"Rita Skeeter," both said in unison.
"It's somewhat strange to find out that you two are engaged. I mean, didn't you two disagree about the engagement when you found out about it?"
"Well, I won't deny that we did have a difficult time adjusting with each other when we first met, having such knowledge. Eventually, we got along quiet well, surprisingly that is. You know, Harriotte is that type of girl who you just can't understand wholly. She is very, how should I say this, baffling? Even I, her fiancé of sixteen years, haven't been able to fully uncover her. She remains to be unreadable, and I don't even bother to unravel her mystery anymore. It's probably because I know that once I do, there won't be any fun out of it. It's good that you still don't know everything about each other. It gives that time together a meaning. Use that time as a bridge to get to know each other step by step. Harriotte and I, we both know that sooner or later we would have to reveal to the public our relationship. That's why we are enjoying our time as young people. We explore the world and we don't get bothered by rumors or whatever. We understand each other and that's probably why we rarely get into arguments. But you know, I really don't consider me and Harriotte as a couple. I mean, nothing is really going on between us other than being fiancés. It's kind of weird really. Harriotte and I never even had a kiss or something."
"What? What do you mean?"
"Well, it's true, Harriotte and I have been like a couple for almost sixteen years now. You know, since we were still babies and stuff like that. But we have never really discussed our relationship. Now that I think about it, Harriotte and I are really not a couple. We've never gone through that boy-girl relationship thingy. Whatever that is. Hahaha!"
This is confusing me even more than I already am. Cedric just looked at his laughing professor and kept wondering to himself what exactly was going on. He looked up at the sky and thought to himself what things are about to come their way this year. With the upcoming Yule Ball, the student guests, the 'I-predict-would-be-a-disaster' dance lessons, and then Lady Harriotte. There is just something about her that made her so interesting. And Cedric just wants to figure that out.
He looked at his professor again to find him looking at the group of boys discussing Quidditch plays. He then remembered something and quickly stood up.
"Excuse me, professor, but I have to go on ahead of you. I still have to do something at the Library. You know, homework. Professor Lupin gave us a ton of homework. I don't know why he suddenly turned into a 'professor', if you know what I mean."
"Huh? Oh, sure sure, go on ahead. That reminds me, I still have to prepare for my early morning lesson with the first years tomorrow. Well then, I'll see you around, Cedric. Good luck on your homework then. Bye!" With that, Oliver disappeared through the crowd and soon Cedric was walking towards the direction of the Hogwarts Library.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Library was surprisingly empty that day. It consisted of five students reading a rather thick book which Cedric believes to be for Potions homework. He stared at the array of bookshelves in front of him. He sighed realizing that he still has to look around these pile of books in order to find the thing he is looking for. He started for the shelf in the middle.
This will take me hours! Why did Professor Lupin give us homework about muggle life anyway? It isn't part of the subject after all. So why do we have to do this? This is going to take more than one seating. I don't think I will be able to take lunch.
"Oh, it's you," a feminine voice suddenly said.
Cedric turned towards the source of the voice and found none other than Lady Harriotte smiling down at him. Today, she was not wearing any cloak or hood. She was wearing what seemed to be the Wardsworth uniform. She smiled at him and for an instant, Cedric felt something inside his chest.
"It's you. Cedric, am I right?You're the one from Hufflepuff House, isn't it?" asked Harriotte, giving Cedric a sweet smile.
"Oh, yeah. What are you doing here, uhm, Lady Harriotte?" asked Cedric nervously.
"You can just call me Harriotte. You don't have to address me with the lady thing. It's just too formal. Besides, I think we've spent enough time for you to consider me as a friend, right?"
"Oh…I, uhm, well…I really…"
Just then Harriotte started to giggle. Cedric quickly looked at her and knew right then that she was laughing at him. He just doesn't know why he suddenly stuttered like that. He wasn't like that all the time, but then Harriotte came and, well, he just couldn't explain it.
"It's okay. You don't have to answer that. I understand," said Harriotte, finally calming down.
"Well, no, I do consider you as a friend. I just didn't expect you to notice me," answered Cedric shyly.
"Why wouldn't I notice you? You look absolutely different from any one in the room; I don't think I would ever miss someone like you. And, of course, I have heard of your participation in the Triwizard Tournament, so, there really isn't any wonder that I have known of you. Then again, I don't know you at all."
"Likewise. So, what are you doing here?"
"I always spend my time alone cooped up inside the library. I enjoy being surrounded by books. It's not weird, is it?"
"No, not at all. Hermione is just like you. Probably even worse, but it really isn't strange."
"I was raised to be surrounded by the best literature masterpieces all over the world. My father wanted me to love books just like he did. I, for one, didn't hesitate to follow in my father's footstep. I enjoy reading and learning about things. You never know what you will find out once you read a book."
"I know what you mean. I just look at Hermione and I start to think about books."
"That's an exceptionally unusual thought."
"Well, I get my days."
"What about you? What brings you here? I don't think I have seen you here before. Research?"
"Yeah. It's for Defense Against the Dark Arts. It's something about muggle life. I'm trying to find a book about it. We have to hand in a 2-parchment essay about it by Tuesday."
"Looks like you're making good progress."
"Very funny. I really have no idea on what to write. I was raised in a magical environment. How am I supposed to know anything about muggle life or whatever that is."
"Well, have you tried asking someone for help?"
"I wanted to ask Harry or Hermione but they seem to be busy with their own homework as well. That's why here I am stuck in the Library to research about it. I'm just not sure if the reference here is enough to form a 2-parchment essay."
"Cedric, are you sure Harry and Hermione are the only ones who know about that?"
"As far as I know, they are the only people who lived in the muggle world. Well, as far as I have heard. I don't know anyone else."
"What about me then?"
"Huh? You?"
"Yes, Mr. Diggory. Me and no one else."
"But…"
"Look, are you forgetting that I am a public figure?"
"You…"
"Cedric, I lived in the muggle world all my life. I know these things."
"I know that. I just didn't…"
"You didn't think that you could ask me?"
"Well, it never really did occur to me."
"Let's forget about that. Why don't we get on with that essay of yours so that you can finish it soon."
"O-Okay."
It took about two hours for Cedric and Harriotte to finish the essay. Harriotte still had to explain every detail to Cedric. Although some of what she had mentioned was familiar to the boy, Cedric still needed a little thorough elaboration for him to find the specific words to write in the parchment. They were about to get out off the Library when Harriotte suddenly remembered something.
"Huh? What's wrong?" asked Cedric as he saw Harriotte walk towards the bookshelf behind them.
"I have to look at something first. You can go on ahead now. It's almost lunch time, I believe," said Harriotte, walking up to the shelf and taking out a book.
"Nah, it's okay. I'll stay here and wait for you. So, what are you looking for?"
Just then, something started to rattle above them. Cedric suddenly felt a realization come to him and was afraid that it might be true. He glanced at Harriotte to check on her. It seemed that it didn't bother her at all. She just continued to browse through the books. I'm very sure that something is definitely wrong above us; and I am most definitely sure that it will come in less than thirty seconds.
Harriotte suddenly looked up to find books coming her way. She was shocked. She didn't have much time to look for cover. Just then, Cedric grabbed her hand and pulled her down so that he was on top of her, protecting her from the books.
"O-O-Ow! That wasn't pretty. Are you…" Cedric was cut short from his sentence when he saw Harriotte's face just millimeters away from him.
Harriotte stared at Cedric, his face only millimeters apart from her. The situation was clearly uncomfortable. Cedric was covering her by being on top of her; he also had his arm around her waist, causing her to feel slightly uneasy. She didn't know what to think of it. She knew she had to move away but something kept her from doing so. Cedric somehow seemed so warm and gentle.
Cedric couldn't help but stare at Harriotte's face. Knowing that it only took one push and he'd be able to kiss her then made Cedric very nervous. He knew it was improper to think of that, but he just couldn't help it. This is wrong. I shouldn't be thinking about this. Harriotte is my friend, Oliver if my friend, I shouldn't be thinking about something like this. I have to think straight.
"Uhm, Cedric? Would you mind…" Hariotte finally said.
With that, Cedric immediately stood up and looked away. He didn't want to look at her face anymore for fear of having to think of something bad again. He was mentally kicking himself for what he had imagined. He was definitely going to have to wash his brain.
"Thank you, Cedric."
Cedric finally looked at her and panicked. Oh, stupid! You didn't even help her up! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! You just cannot call yourself a gentleman! Now Harriotte is gonna think otherwise about you! Nice one, Diggory. Very nice!
"I'm sorry. I should've been quick enough o stop the books from falling."
"You need not worry about that, Cedric. No harm done. Well, it seems that I have no more chance to find what I was looking for in this pile. Might as well look for it some other time."
Harriotte then turned to the pile of books and waved her hand on them. Soon after, the books were placed in order on the shelves where they used to be. Harriotte then waved her hand on the book shelf and soon it turned into a sturdier shelf compared to what it was before.
"Well, shall we go then?"
Cedric was at awe the whole time Harriotte did that. That was the first time he had seen her use magic. Not once did he ever see her show any magical powers within the time they were here at Hogwarts. He was clearly amazed by what she had displayed. But something was troubling him and he decided to ask her that.
"How did you do that? You didn't even use a wand."
"Oh, it was nothing. You did not see anything."
"Hey! That's not fair!"
"Why? I never asked you for anything."
"Oh, well, fine. If that's the case then alright."
" Alright then, the reason why I didn't use a wand is because we really don't. Wardsworth does teach magic in the use of wands but further studies educate us with the knowledge of using magic without a wand. My parents encouraged me to take that study. I can clearly remember that I was taught privately, my father didn't want anyone to be my classmate. I guess it was because I was very dangerous. You know, before I mastered this power, I had a lot of accidents. You wouldn't believe that I could have done that a few years back. I was a walking disaster. I'm just glad that I was able to control powers like this."
"So, your parents can also do that?"
"Yes, both my parents and my brother too."
"Brother?"
"Yes. Didn't you know? I have an older brother."
"Older brother? I didn't know. Seems like I don't know a lot of things these days."
"Well, his name is Hilton. He's three years older than I am."
"Where did he study?"
"Oh, he's still studying. Something about perfecting his magic, but, he's here too. He's a student at Lexington."
"He is? How come I never saw you together?"
"Hilton's very busy with a lot of things. Even though he's still studying, he still has duties in the family. He's also doing community service. Father asked him to be part of one of our family's biggest charity club, that's why he's usually busy doing work. He is, after all, the heir to our family throne."
"Oh, I see. Now, I have been enlightened."
"You know, Cedric, I have never taken you for a clueless type of guy. I find you more to be of a smart and sophisticated gentleman."
"Well, that's the overstatement of the century. But, thanks. It's an honor to be noticed by a member of the royal family."
"Please, don't continue with that royal family thing. I'm not really much of a fan of that."
"There really is something about you, you know? I find you very interesting."
"Interesting? Is that a good or a bad thing?"
"I have a strong feeling that it's a good thing."
The two smiled at each other and walked out of the Library. Somehow, both of them knew that something different was beginning to happen inside of them. But they both know that it's not appropriate and they are ready to keep it from growing any more than it already is.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"There really is no helping it. We have to find another dress for you. This thing won't do anymore," Hermione said, finally giving the dress a final brush off and setting it down at the table.
"I knew that from the very beginning. There is just no way that that hideous thing will be repaired anymore. Well, I guess I'm going to have to buy a new dress if I plan on looking a least bit decent on that Ball," answered Ginny.
"I bet Mum wore that when she was still young. It's probably what she wore on her first date with Dad," Ron commented.
"That's impossible. How could something that old be able to stand the test of time?" asked a very confused Harry.
"You're forgetting, Harry, that we are the Weasleys. Preservation is our key to life," said Ron.
"Oh, well, at least Ginny doesn't have to wear that."
"But where are we going to get the money to buy you a dress, Gin? You do realize that Mum wouldn't take out a single knut for your dress."
"We'll think of something. Right now we have to worry about our dance lessons starting tomorrow," Hermione started.
"I think everything will be fine, Hermione. We've managed to learn all the dances so far and I'm sure Oliver and Harriotte will be there to assist us."
"Yes, they will, but we can't just expect them to be there all the time, do we? After all, they are busy people too. I'm sure they have far more important things to worry about rather than spending their time guarding us into teaching the students the dances."
"I'm sure everything will be fine. Don't think about it too much, 'Mione. Don't let it get to your head."
"Yeah, Hermione. Something like this shouldn't be taken very hard. We've got it under control."
"You can't take that off of me, can you? These are kids that we are dealing with. Kids from different ages. There are hundreds of them! Plus, Harry's fan club."
"You're right about that part. Harry, what are we going to do about your troublesome fan club? I'm sure things will go out of hand once they enter the room."
"I'll think of something."
"You don't have to think of something, Harry, my boy. We'll take care of your problem for you," Fred Weasley said, walking over to where the group was standing.
"Huh? What? Oh, it's you two."
"You don't look to keen to see us then?" said George, standing right beside the Boy-Who-Lived.
"That's a good friend for you, George," said Fred to his twin.
"What do you intend to do then?" asked Ron.
"Just leave it to us. Before the arrival of the Ball, your fan club will be as behaved as a Fluffy, Harry."
"That I am very afraid," said Harry, giving a worried expression.