Let's get straight to the point until after...

The castle has been abuzz with excitement since Hagrid brought in all of the Christmas trees the first week of December, but with break only a week and a half away the entire student body is ready for time off. Christmas decorations are everywhere throughout the castle as a constant reminder of the nearing holidays, and makes it harder for me to focus on schoolwork. I am just happy we cannot have qudditich practice during the week of tests right before or during break. Oliver is still trying to find a way around the rule, but I know Dumbledore won't change it. Thank goodness, because Oliver has been scheduling practices as often as he can and is driving the entire team crazy. Some of us actually care about our classes, and have been busy trying to keep up.

The weeks before the end of term exams are always especially full of homework, so the library is usually pretty packed. The lack of empty tables is what brought me to sit at Cedric's table with a few other Hufflepuffs, but now it has become a habit to sit together and study. It's nice because he stays on task better then Angelina, and he's really good at Arithmancy. Also, there was no chance that Oliver and Olivia would join us because Oliver hates Cedric.

It was nearly 8 o clock when I finally finished my last transfiguration essay. I sigh and put my head down, "I just want to go home now and skip all my exams."

Cedric laughed quietly, "I'm not sure that would be the best decision for your academic future, Do you have big plans for over break?"

"Nothing too big. I plan on spending as much time as I can with my brother. I see my family for Christmas and spend time at the Spinnet's. Of course there's the New Year's Ball at my grandparents', but you knew that already. ..OH! I made my brother promise to let me try his firebolt, but he'll probably try to find a reason not to let me. He's always afraid I'll get hurt. What about you?"

Cedric nodded, "I'm traveling to see family in France as usual, but I would give anything to try a Firebolt. You're so lucky."

I smile and start to pack up my books, "I know, but he will probably try to leave it at the pitch so I can't. If you hear about someone breaking into Puddlemere's pitch, it was probably me. I'm desperate to try it!"

He laughed and stood up when I did. I looked at him questioningly, "I'll walk with you, but I need to come back to finish up so I'll just leave my stuff. But anyways you need to be careful. I bet Puddlemere has tight security for those brooms. They cost a fortune."

"It's almost obscene, but Kevin says they are worth it. Apparently all the rumors about its flying ability are true. Well the good rumors anyways.." I smile at him as we start up the stairs.

"Well that's good to know, because a lot of time rumors are just that, only rumors." Cedric said and paused. "I actually heard a rumor about us recently."

I looked at him in shock, "Really? What is it? I haven't heard anything?"

He smirked at me with mischief in his eyes, "Just for clarification, I want this rumor to be true. Not just a rumor, but apparently we are going to Hogsmead together this weekend."

I smile at him, "Well if you heard it in this castle's gossip mill than it must be true."

He laughed and looked back at me with a completely serious expression, "Would you like to go to Hogsmead visit with me Katie? We don't have to stay all day because we will have a lot of studying for next week, but I had a great time last time."

...

"Hurry Cedric! They'll aim for both of us, but the ones at you will probably be thrown at full force!" I laugh as we run down the street and hurry through the doors of The Three Broomsticks. "That was a close call!"

He took my hand and led me through the tables to a small booth in the far corner, "Who would have thought the walk from Zonko's to here could be so dangerous. You can sit while I get us some butter beers."

I nod and begin to shake all the snow off my coat from where the twins had gotten me with the snowballs. I can't help but smile at how much fun today has been. Cedric and I had been having a great time this morning going to the different shops together for last minute Christmas presents, and had just now barely missed an epic snow battle with the Weasley twins.

Cedric brought the butterbeers, "Here you are. Hopefully this warms us up. It's freezing outside."

I nod, "That or a warming charm will do the trick."

He smiles at me, "So much sarcasm from something so tiny. Who would have thought."

I narrow my eyes at him and cross my arms over my chest, "I'm not so tiny as to not be able to take every single one of your chasers."

He looked a bit shocked, but than began to laugh, "I don't think we should talk about qudditich. We both have too much house pride to have that conversation, and Oliver would be convinced you gave away one of your team secrets."

I laugh because Oliver would react that way if he even knew the word qudditich was spoken.. huh, I don't think we've seen him and Olivia in the village today. I can't help but glance around the room to check, "I guess we will have to agree to disagree then Diggory. Just like me and arithmancy. Did you understand the last problem on the homework over..."

...

On our walk back we're holding hands as it begins to snow lightly. I can't help but to feel like I'm in one of those romantic muggle movies. The day has been a lot of fun, and Cedric has been the perfect date. We're in between the qudditich field and Hagrid's hut walking toward the castle when I see they twins and Oliver talking near the pitch. I wave at the, and hope Oliver isn't scheduling another practice. It's freezing and I need to be studying. I begin to walk a little more towards the pitch so I can ask about the practice.

"Wait, Katie.." Cedric turns me to face him. He gives me a nervous smile and glances behind me. He looks back down at me and smiles as he intertwines his hand with mine again. "Honestly Katie, I really like the way things are going between us," He looked into my eyes with such an intense look I had to glance away towards the forbidden forest. There's a pause and then I feel Cedric move closer, "and I would be terribly disappointed if I didn't kiss you. Especially since I won't see you again until your family's party."

I look back at him in surprise, and he wastes no time in leaning down and brushing his lips lightly against mine. His lips form a slight smile while still barely against mine, so I lean in and kiss him fully. I wrap my arms around his neck as he pulls me against him with his arms wrapped around my lower back. His lips are moving against mine urgently and I can't help but to notice how warm his mouth feels in comparison to the weather outside. I have never been kissed like this before..

This is easily the most romantic moment of my whole entire life- suddenly I am being pulled back and fall against something hard. I look at Cedric and he's looking at me in shock too. I glance behind me and gasp as I see Oliver with an intimidating glare on his face. "If you know what's good for you, you'll go inside Diggory," Oliver says in a low voice.

I look at him in total confusion. why is he doing this? "I think that's Katie's decision. Not your's Wood."

I look back at Cedric and smile. Finally someone who knows I can think for myself. No more of this protective older brother stuff.. I start to walk away from Oliver, but he keeps his hold on my upper arm, "I don't think her brother will appreciate hearing about this Diggory. I would watch yourself."

Cedric looks a bit worried, but looks back at me as if to ask what I want him to do. I glare are Oliver, "What are you DOING Oliver? This is none of your business." I pull my arm out of his grasp and begin to walk towards Cedric.

"I'm just trying to protect you Kates. He's just a player and I don't want you to get hurt," Oliver says as he takes a step forward and glares at Cedric.

Cedric takes a step towards me and I can tell he has a few things he wants to say to Oliver, but stops himself. He kisses me on the cheek, "I can see you need to talk with your qudditich Captain. I'll talk to you later Katie." He smiles one last time and hurries away.

I watch him go and take a deep breath to try and calm myself when Oliver decides to piss me off even more, "Kates, did he ask you about qudditich? I would hate to see that prat using you-"

"WHAT DID YOU JUST DO OLIVER?!" I cross my arms over my chest and glare.

"I saved you from making a huge mistake," he looks a bit taken back from my yelling. I never yell.

YOU'RE NOT MY BROTHER!"

"I know, but Kevin would be-" He looks so surprised that it would be funny if I wasn't so mad.

I don't want hear any of this from him. I start to walk away but yell over my shoulder, "LEAVE MY LOVE LIFE ALONE WOOD!"

He's walking a couple steps behind me, "I would if you made smart decisions!"

I turn suddenly and he nearly runs into me. I can see the twins nearby staring in shock, "Well Mr. Wood listen to ME! I don't lecture you on your love choices, and she's a total bitch to me! Leave me alone! I can't believe you! You would think you would be happy I have a boyfriend. Now I won't be considered some stupid fan girl."

He closes his eyes and scrunches up his nose, which I happen to know he does when he's really irritated, "Kates you know you're not a fan girl. I told Olivia so right after you left. She's sorry about that. I should have talked with you about that sooner but then- wait! Diggory is your boyfriend?"

He looks at me in shock awaiting my answer. I smirk at him and decide to have a little fun, "YES, I would say he is. We've been on dates and we hang out often. And if you're not too busy why don't you tell my brother that I'm not going to be a virgin forever, so he should get used to the fact that I'll be dating!"

He opens his mouth and closes it in total shock. I give him one last glare and then spontaneously decide to slap him across the face, "And THAT is for ruining thee most romantic moment of my entire life you complete tosser!"

I walk towards the twins and I can tell they are trying not to laugh. I smirk at them and keep walking to the castle. I'm trying not to cry about how poorly my perfect date ended when I hear George yell, "NOT EVEN HIS QUIDDITICH SKILLS SAW THAT SLAP COMING KATIE! I'M IMPRESSED!"

And just like always, the twins make me feel better. A small smile starts to form as I think of Oliver's surprised face. I hurry up to the common room avoiding everyone until I have composed myself to retell the story to Angelina and Alicia. I decide to write my brother back about him picking me up next weekend. He forgets everything but quidditch practice if I don't remind him.

...

FINALLY the train is starting to slow as we enter the station. After the longest week of school work, I thought break would never get here. I have not said a word to Oliver since right after I slapped him, and am annoyed that he decided to ride back with us the second half of the trip. In all honesty I don't think he could stand to be around all of Olivia's friends, but I'm not talking to him to ask. The twins seem determined to bring up the slap constantly, but I refuse to comment. The girls seem happy because they think it proved Oliver has feelings for me. I think it proves that he's always been a prat.

As soon as the train has stopped I grab my trunk and run out of the room, "BYE GUYS! I'LL WRITE! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!"

I jump down from the train and look around. Where is he?! Suddenly my trunk is out of my hand and I am lifted up in a hug and he's spinning me around. "I've missed you Baby Kate! You have no idea how worried I've been with that Sirius Black man out on the loose."

I hug him tighter and try not to cry. "I've missed you too Kev."

He sets me down on my trunk and inspects me, "I'm glad to see you're safe and sound. Now let's go get ice cream!"

I laugh as we both wave towards Mrs. Wood who is standing near-by. I think she always wanted a sibling for Oliver, because she always watches Kevin and I with a smile on her face. "Kevin isn't it a bit cold for ice cream."

"WHAT?! It's tradition! I can't believe you don't want ice cream. Are you feeling sick?"

I roll my eyes, "I didn't say I didn't want ice cream. Let's go!"

"Okay! Oh and I almost forgot! I bought this new muggle car! It goes outrageously fast. Now that dad and I have charmed it to safety, the precious princess can now ride in it." He finishes with a hop in his step. He loves to buy new, expensive toys.

"Can I drive?" I ask just trying to get a reaction out of him.

He stops and takes a deep breath while holding his heart, "You already know the answer to that one Baby Kate." I give him my best puppy dog eyes and he frowns. "Don't even try to-" He was totally shocked when I grab the keys he was swinging around his finger and dart off towards the exit. I sprint between families knowing that my size will help me get distance on him. "KATHRYN LILLIAN GET YOUR BUTT BACK HERE NOW!"

I throw my head back and laugh. I love making my brother worry. I don't actually want to drive, but he doesn't know that. I'm almost to the parking lot when I realize I don't know what color the car is...

"AAAHHHHHH!" I'm suddenly upside down on someone's shoulder who is walking quickly back towards the train station. I'm so surprised I can't even yell for help.

"I got her Kev!" I recognize the Scottish voice at once. And suddenly I am back on my feet in front of Kevin.

I stick my tongue out at Oliver, "I can't believe you Wood! Always sucking up to him. Some things never change."

Kevin laughs, "Thanks for the special delivery."

I turn and look at Kevin with pleading eyes, "I really wasn't going to drive Kevi. You know it makes me nervous. Remember last time all those muggle men kept honking at me?"

Kevin frowned as he remembered, "I don't think they were honking about your driving skills, but see you later Oliver. We need to go."

I smile at Kevin and begin to follow, but Oliver reaches out and grabs my arm. I frown at him, "What? Do you have another special delivery?"

He looks down at the ground and then back at me, "Look Kates, I'm sorry .. about everything. I shouldn't have interrupted, and I realize that now."

I nod and am about to make a rude comment when I notice Mrs. Wood is still standing there too. I smile at her, "Bye Mrs. Wood, I hope you have a happy Christmas with your baby boy home. See ya Ollie."

He looks a little sad when I turn and follow my brother, but I try not to think about it as my brother and I go get a chocolate ice cream cone like we always do.

...

I glance back at Kevin and he gives me a reassuring smile as I push open the doors to my father's study. The room looks exactly as it did before I left for school as a first year. He is sitting behind his desk reading something, and didn't hear me come in.

"Hi daddy," I say quietly as I walk around the desk to give him a hug. He stands up immediately and engulfs me in a tight hug. There's something about him that always makes me feel safe and like I'm six again. "I've missed you daddy."

"I've missed you too Princess. How was your term?" He asked as he sat back down and began to write a letter.

I begin to tell him about all of my classes, homework, and how my friends are doing. I finish up with a little talk on qudditich and ask him about how he's been.

"I've been busy with work. You know how it is," he said with a sad smile when he looks up at me. I can see the pain in his eyes when he looks at me, because I look so much like my mum. They were so in love, and he has never been the same since she died..

I stand and start to leave, "Well I'm going to go make some dinner. Any requests on what you would like?"

"No, make what you want. Whatever you make is fine with me .. But it's nice to have you home Kathryn." He says as he goes back to work.

I sigh and walk towards the kitchen. Some things never change. I know he loves me, would do anything for me, and wants what's best for me, but he has been so cut off since mum died. If I didn't have Kevin, I would get so lonely over breaks.

Let me know what you think! Also, why didn't anyone tell me in the beginning that i switched who the twins are supposed to be with?! I'm soo embarrassed!

Reviews PLEASE!

Just so you all know, this next chapter is one of the first I wrote for this story because i loved the idea.

~Grace