Disclaimer: Hmmm… I really don't own anything besides the plot!

Well, we had snow last night but the roads are clear, so we will most likely have to go to school tomorrow, which really stinks, because I don't want to have to take my exams. This also means I have forensics after school and should be practicing my piece.

Life's Gifts

Chapter 9: Happiness

Once in Hogsmeade Katie looked around as Oliver took her arm, I can at least give him the benefit of doubt for once. I mean what could it hurt; no I can't do that because I still have feelings for him, damn this world.

"Katie, I think you will rather like what I have in mind, in fact I have planned the day so well, I feel that nothing can go wrong." Oliver spoke as he shifted his hand from his arm to her hand. In fact he even ignored the attempts of Katie to pull her hand from his iron like vice.

Just then a figure waltzed around the corner, it was Roger. "Well, well, if it isn't my girlfriend and her darling captain. Katie, my dear, what happened, after all shouldn't you be on my arm instead of his." Then he grinned at Oliver, "She is mine, Oliver, not yours, I think that shall not change anytime soon."

"Actually, Roger, I think she's mine at this point, I mean do I need to bring up your sexuality into this matter." Oliver spoke through his teeth, gritting at the other boy.

Katie pulled her hand free and started buttoning the buttons on her trench coat, "Actually Roger, seeing as how I broke up with you, Oliver has more of a chance than you do." Her words were broken up at the whistling of several boys around the bend. "Cedric Diggory, what on earth was that for?"

Another of the boys replied, "It's because you are looking like the goddess you are today, Katie." Then he tugged Cedric over and started whistling in his ear. "In fact our good mate Cedric here would like a word with you; he is to shy to speak to you himself. Though I have no clue why if I wanted to talk to-"

Katie looked at Oliver and then said, "I'm going to talk to Cedric, just to see what he wants. In fact let's meet in the quidditch supply store." With that she walked towards the group as fast as the heels would allow her to. Reaching then she looked them over, "Cedric, lets talk I have a limited amount of time, I have a deal with Oliver."

A couple of the boys' heads shot up at the mention of a deal with Oliver. Until one of them with brown hair that needed a trim replied, "Katie, how much do you want for a deal like that. And in fact when are you available?"

"I am not some kind of whore, and I have a deal with Oliver as in an agreement of the kind, other than what you are thinking of." Taking Cedric's arm she looked at him and said, "If you want to talk now is the time."

Cedric took her arm and led her to the park in the town, sitting on a bench he spoke, "You look very pretty today, Katie."

"Thank you, very much," she said in reply as she played with the ends of her blonde hair. "What did you want to talk to me about?"

"Well…I wanted to ask you something, about feelings." Cedric said a very nervous glance coming over his face.

"Go ahead and be open with me Cedric, I will give you the most honest answer that I am able." Katie said as she watched Cedric's face change with interest.

"I need to ask a favor of you, I need you to help me." Cedric said pausing, "I want you to pretend to be my girlfriend for me, and I know you want people to leave you alone, so I was wondering if you would just pretend for a month or so or until you don't want to anymore."

Katie looked at him a way for Roger to leave her alone, and a way to make sure of her feelings for Oliver before she did anything rash. "Alright, Cedric I will go out with you for the time being."

Reaching over he hugged her tightly, "Thank you so much, Katie. This is one of the best things you have ever done. Now you just have to tell Oliver. He really likes you, you know."

Katie smiled at the other boy, "Yes, but I can't throw my feeling out in the open until I am sure. You have just given me the perfect opportunity, and I love you for that. So I have to come tell Oliver, but come over to our table for dinner tonight and we will talk."

Cedric looked at her and gave her one last look, "Go on, love and get it over with. I am glad I can help you." Then he stood up, "If you need me it won't be hard to find me, so go on and I'll see you at dinner."

Rising Katie walked off, "Thank you, Cedric." Whistling she walked into the into the quidditch supply store. The clerk waved at her and showed her a new pair of gloves to which she gave him some money for and put them in her pocket. The lovely leather seemed to feel like butter skin, but it was strong and tough. Turning a corner she saw Oliver but he was leaning into a brunette. It was Lyra Stonebrook, the leggy brunette from the train. He was kissing her; gasping "Oliver?" she spun around and hustled out of the store. Running down the street she heard people calling her name until she ran into a solid, muscular chest.

"Katie, what is wrong?" Cedric asked to the girl he was holding.

"Cedric, can you take me back to the school?" Katie asked as she twirled her hair.

Well, I hoped you liked it, I know it took me some time to update, but sorry!

Ellie