wow, i'm soooo sorry i haven't posted in ages! i was really busy last week with school, it was my theatre show case which meant i was at school til at least ten every night, and then i was busy and sick this week. but this chapter is extra long. kinda. lol. anyways, enjoy :)
Chapter 6
I spent the next few days sitting with the Gryffindors at meals. I was mad at Cedric for being a jerk, so obviously I was avoiding him. Jules was mad at me for Mack liking me, and was also mad at Mack for liking me, while also being mad at Cedric for betraying my trust yet again. I was mad at Jules for being mad at me for such a stupid reason, and Cedric was mad at Mack while also being mad at Jules for being mad at me. To put it in simpler terms, the four of us weren't talking.
"This is the dumbest fight I've ever had with anyone," I admitted to George at breakfast. "Ok, Cedric I have a right to be mad at, but I'm mad at Jules for being mad at me! And I'm not even sure why I'm not talking to Mack."
"You don't want to encourage him," George stated plainly, grabbing some biscuits off the center platter. "Are you sure Cedric told Mack? Doesn't seem like the kind of thing he would do."
"Mack said-"
"Yes I know what Mack said, but how do you know? All he said was that he knew. I think you should have listened to Cedric's side of the story."
"Since when do you stick up for Cedric?"
"Since I hate seeing you upset and not even sitting at your own house table." I cocked an eyebrow at him.
"Are you trying to get rid of me Weasley?" I asked, arms folded across my chest. He grinned mischievously.
"Now why would I want to get rid of the prettiest girl in school?" he fired back. I smirked.
"So she can make up with Jules to set you up," I answered.
"Nice one." George turned back to his food. Lee and Fred came over to join us.
"Yule Ball, you and me," Lee winked at me.
"How about no?" I smiled sweetly.
"Damn it," Lee swore. "Ok, how do you suggest I ask you so that you'll go with me Lark?"
"Don't ask at all, you can't be rejected that way." I stood, winked at Lee then left for class.
"Crash and burn mate," I heard Fred laugh at Lee. I chanced a glance at the Hufflepuff table and caught Cedric staring at me. He looked away when he saw me looking, but it still sent butterflies racing in my stomach. Why did he still affect me so? I hated it, hated him. Yet when I thought about the Yule Ball, Cedric was who I really wanted to go with. Maybe George was right, perhaps I should listen to Cedric's side of the story. Mack could have been lying…I decided I would corner Cedric later and demand the truth. I wasn't really up to demanding around him considering my knees went weak every time I looked into his silver eyes, but asking politely sounded like a good plan. My chance came after lunch. I saw him walk of the Great Hall alone, so I followed.
"Cedric!" I called. He turned around and just looked at me. I closed the distance between us. "I…I just wanted to know your side."
"Of what?" he asked quietly.
"I don't want to believe Mack…"
"I didn't tell him anything Lark. I didn't even talk to him that night, I swear it. He knew I was with you so he just assumed…that something happened between us. I confronted him after you yelled at me and…well I don't want you mad at him too." Maybe I was stupid, but I believed the damned fool.
"Ok, I vote we put everything that's happened between us and start over," I said. "Just as friends right now though, I'm a little…'
"Scared, I know," Cedric smiled. "I completely understand. We'll be friends and if it ends up going further, then we know it was fate." I smiled back. Although I wanted to be more than just friends with Cedric Diggory, friends was all I could handle right now. I'm a very emotional person and it takes me a bit to get over things. This was a huge mountain I was getting over.
"You going to keep sitting with the Gryffindors at meals then?" Cedric questioned me as we headed to the common room together. I shrugged.
"Perhaps," I vaguely answered. "Maybe not if Lee keeps asking me to the Yule Ball."
"Lee asked you?" Cedric sounded jealous, which admittedly, I liked.
"Yes," I smiled at him then climbed through the portrait hole. I heard Cedric follow.
"Blimey, I forgot the ball was coming up." I wasn't convinced.
"It's all us girls think about."
"Yeah, well I was a bit preoccupied, what with the Second Task clue being a screaming banshee in an egg."
"No need to get snippy with me," I glared, stalking past the brunette. He caught my arm and twirled me around to face him, a hint of a smile in his eyes.
"I'm sorry," he answered. "Better now?" I grinned. "Shall we finish writing our paper for Snape then? It is due this afternoon." I yawned but nodded, so we grabbed a table. Cedric brought the vials down from his dorm and what we had already written.
"Ok, we still need to write about the effects of the potion." Cedric glanced up at me as he said this. "Would you prefer me to try it in class and face the embarrassment? I deserve it after all."
"Yes, and I suppose I'll try it now then. Take note and don't you dare take advantage of me Diggory, or you'll be missing something truly important to you," I threatened, my foot finding his crotch. He winced a little and nodded.
"Got it," he said quickly. I smiled sweetly. "You know, for a Hufflepuff, you sure can be evil."
"I just know how to defend my self," I sniffed. Cedric plucked a hair from his head and stirred it into the vial. The potion emitted a red puff of smoke then settled.
"Here you are Lark," he handed me the glass container. I took a deep breath then closed my eyes, bringing the vial to my lips and letting the potion slide into my mouth and down my throat. It gave me a warm and tingly feeling and when I opened my eyes, I saw Cedric staring at me. He had never looked more handsome, more…sexy. I wanted to jump him then and there and didn't care who saw. I loved him with all the passion in the world.
"You," I whispered. He blinked as I slinked my way over to the other side of the table and situated myself on his lap. "I love you. Say you love me too, I'll kill myself if you don't."
"We might have made this batch too strong," Cedric shifted, writing on his paper. I pushed the paper away.
"Forget that stupid little thing, kiss me." I leaned forward and Cedric leaned back, causing us to topple off the chair. He crawled away and I found myself pouting, tears in my eyes.
"You don't love me back?" I sniffed, trying not to cry. How could he not love me? I needed him so much, I would give him anything. "What do you want from me? You can have anything, I'll give you anything you ask of me. I'll change if you want me to, whatever it takes to make you happy Cedric." I was begging him now. I couldn't handle his rejection. He was back at the table, furiously scribbling on his paper.
"You love that paper more than me!" I wailed, tears pouring down my face.
"Of course not Lark," he said irritably. "Now come here and take the antidote before I take advantage of you." I obeyed of course, anything for my Ceddy Bear. I drank the antidote in one swallow and looked at Cedric, who was eyeing me carefully. Still liked him, but I wasn't crazy anymore.
"Wow, that was just weird," I sank into the chair across from him. "It's like, I couldn't control anything. I had to do everything for you. And thank you for not taking advantage of me."
"Wish I had," he muttered. My foot found his crotch again and fear filled his eyes.
"Do you?" I asked, eyebrow raised, eyes threatening.
"Kidding," he squeaked. My foot returned to the floor. The portrait hole opened and Jules appeared. She looked at me and Cedric sitting at the table together.
"You two made up then," she nodded at us, her voice sharp and eyes cold.
"Yes," I answered with the same malice. She didn't say another word. The bell rang and Cedric and I collected our things and headed down to the dungeons.
"On the bright side, it's the only class we have this afternoon," he said as the only visible light became that of the torches lining the halls. "On the dark side, it's a double potions class."
"What fun," I replied sarcastically. "You ready to become a total fool for me?" He opened his mouth to answer, then closed it, falling into silence.
"What?" I asked suspiciously.
"Nothing," he shook his head. "Just don't let it get too far, ok? You're my partner and I trust you."
"I'm sure Snape will have the final say over when to give the antidote."
"Damn. He's going to make me look completely mental." We entered class and took seats next to each other. Jules glared at us as she walked in then took a seat next to her partner. Mack pretended not to see us. At least Cedric and I were talking again. The dungeon door slammed closed and Snape glided to the front, obviously in a good mood. He was in a good mood whenever he knew student mockery was to come.
"I hope you all remembered that your projects are due today," he smirked, eyes flashing with excitement. Not at the prospect of projects, but the embarrassment that was most certain to ensue with the various potions we had to test out on each other in front of the entire class.
"Now, who shall we test first?" the mad glint in his eye grew as his gaze swept the classroom. There wasn't a single courageous face in the room.
"Miss Turnings and Mister Diggory then," Snape's lip curled dangerously. "I believe I assigned you the love potion." I stood and looked over at Cedric who was completely white in the face. I knew he must be scared, especially after seeing how I reacted to the potion this morning.
"Yes sir," I nodded as I grabbed Cedric's arm and guided him to the front of the classroom.
"Which of you will be demonstrating the effects of this potion?" Snape's quill was poised over his grading paper.
"Me sir," Cedric's voice shook with fright. I uncorked one of the vials and added one of my hairs. Snape's lip curled even farther as the manic glint grew in his eye.
"And who said that your hair would be added to the potion, Miss Turnings?" he whispered. I looked at him unable to show any emotion, just sheer bafflement.
"Excuse me sir?" I asked.
"To make sure this potion was properly crafted, we will use the hair of a different student, a student I shall select." Snape stood and his gaze swept the room, lingering on Jules.
"Jules, your hair will suffice." My jaw dropped and Cedric and I shared a look. Snape was pure evil. He was going to make Cedric fall in love with my best friend. My best friend who I was feuding with.
Jules slowly stood up, walking past me without a single glance. She pulled out one of her hairs and handed it to Cedric who put it in the vial, corked it and shook it up. Tiny bubbles formed and Cedric uncorked it again. He gave me a fleeting glance then downed the whole bottle in one swallow. I closed my eyes, praying this was all a dream. How many times could a girl stand by and let her heart break? I took a deep breath and looked at Cedric. He had a dreamy look on his face and was moving towards Jules, who looked extremely uncomfortable. I looked over and saw Snape watching me carefully. I realized then that I had to mask how the situation made me feel. Snape was not going to win this. I cleared my throat and began speaking.
"As you can see, the recipient of the potion will be able to think of nothing but whomever the love potion, real name of Amorentia, was made. The recipient will do whatever the maker wants. Jules, why don't you ask Cedric to do something." I looked at her, keeping my face completely emotionless.
"I-" she backed away from Cedric who had leaned in for a kiss.
"She's just playing hard to get," he grinned, moving closer to her again.
"Stay there!" Jules screeched. Cedric stopped where he was standing, looking sad.
"You don't love me?" he asked. Jules shook her head violently.
"Of course I don't!" she answered. "I don't even like you! And I could never like you because Lark does! I couldn't that to her, she's my best friend!" Snape looked furious.
"Give him the antidote," Snape barked. I nodded and stepped forward, handing out the vial to Cedric. He merely looked at it.
"Tell him to take the antidote Jules," I said to her.
"Take the antidote Cedric," she spoke directly to him, though her voice shook with fear. He nodded and swallowed it quickly, choking on the last bit. Cedric shook his head and the blinked.
"Blimey," he muttered. Snape pointed us back to our seats and we obeyed. After class was over, Jules walked with Cedric and me to dinner.
"Snape, pure evil," she shivered. "Cedric, it was just creepy the way you were looking at me."
"Couldn't control it," he shrugged, looking at me for my reaction.
"Both of you promise me that will never happen again," I smiled.
"Deal," they agreed.
We continued walking in silence. The rift that had separated us was beginning to close. All we needed now was Mack back, but getting that to happen would be more complicated. Guys couldn't compromise when it came to liking the same girl. I saw Mack sitting with some sixth years at the end of the table, but we didn't pause to even acknowledge him. I saw Cedric's lips tighten as we passed. Other than that, he made no sign that he even saw Mack. I admit, I was feeling sorry for Mack. He'd lost his friends over a stupid fight. I had decided not to interfere any more with what was going on between him and Cedric though, so I did nothing. We sat down at the opposite end of the table as Mack.
"Cedric, I know it's not really any of my business," Jules started. "But don't you think the fight you and Mack are having is stupid? I mean, us girls, when we like the same guy we work it out."
"But we also typically agree that neither of us will go out with the guy while the other likes him," I pointed out. Jules' face fell.
"True," she sighed. "But you've always liked Cedric, so this is a different situation."
"Fair point," I nodded, scooping potatoes on to my plate. Cedric studied us both.
"Listen," he sighed, pushing his plate away. "I'm happy you two made up and all, but this thing between me and Mack is just that; it's between me and Mack. So just drop it, ok?" Jules and I exchanged a look before agreeing. Cedric stood, stretching.
"I'm going back to the common room, I'll see you two later." He walked back out of the Great Hall.
"Has he asked you to the Yule Ball yet?" Jules questioned. I shook my head.
"We're starting over as friends," I answered. "So I don't really expect him to…but I am still hoping."
"He said as friends, or you did?"
"I did."
"He may not ask you then Lark. Guys take things differently than girls do. If he said, I bet he would ask you, but he's going to give you some space, because he thinks that's what you want. If you want him to realize how he truly feels, get a date to the Ball, a different date Lark, and make sure he knows and sees you two."
"The only reason I trust you is because you have a lot of experience in revenge," I smirked. She grinned.
"Don't think of it as revenge, think of it as playing hard to get. He'll want to shuck the 'just friends' crap as soon as he sees you dancing with George." I choked on my pumpkin juice.
"Who said anything about going to the Yule Ball with George?" I demanded. Jules simply shrugged.
"Just saying he's an option," she answered lightly. I eyed her warily.
"Who's Cedric going to go with then?"
"Oh please, he can get any girl he wants. Except you right now, obviously, if you're going to do the whole hard to get thing." She waved her fork dismissively in the air. "Oh look, here comes Mr. Weasley now."
"Sometimes I wonder how we came to be friends," I rolled my eyes.
"Lee's been asking about you," George seated himself next to Jules, throwing her a wink to which she hid, hiding her furiously blushing face.
"Is he now?"
"Yeah, he reckons he has his technique up to your standards." I laughed.
"Tell him to dream on."
"I did. Fred said he had better luck with Jules."
"I resent that comment," Jules glared angrily.
"I meant no offense," George bowed, sending Jules into a blush again. "You going with Diggory then?"
"No," I answered. "Jules thinks I should play hard to get." George cocked an eyebrow, then broke out into a grin.
"Go with me then," George reached across the table and took my hand. "We'll have fun and you won't feel like you have to run off to an abandon room and snog me."
"What if I want to snog you?" I smiled sweetly. That caught him off guard and he turned a dark crimson color. "I was kidding George. I love you, but not enough I want to jump you in the halls. And I'd love to go to the Yule Ball with you. That is if Jules doesn't mind." Jules reappeared looking shocked and flustered.
"Lark!" she hissed.
"Well, I'd be most delighted to go with Jules," George turned to her. "Lark can get another date easy enough. What do you say Jules, go to the ball with me?" Jules looked at him for a moment before shaking her head in an unmistakable "yes." George stood, grinning. "Glad that's settled then. Good luck Lark, but I dare say you could have gotten a better date than me."
"I'm starting to think on Lee's proposal," I answered.
"It's your soul you'll be signing away," he smirked, walking back over to the Gryffindor table and rejoining Fred and Lee, the later of which jovially waved to me. I waved politely back.
"Am I really going to the ball with George?" Jules asked me breathlessly once we were out in the entrance hall.
"Yes," I patted her on the back. "You are. Now who am I going to go with?"
"That will be easy. Plenty of guys think you're gorgeous, getting you a date is a breeze."
"Because I'd rather not go with one who likes me for my brain," I replied sarcastically. Jules rolled her eyes at me.
"Stop being picky. You don't want one who likes you for your brain, that way, you'll feel no remorse when you dump him for Cedric." She linked arms with me and led me down a secret passage.
"What if our plan doesn't work Jules?" I asked as we neared the portrait hole.
"Trust me Lark, it'll work. Have a little faith and have tons of fun." She patted my arm reassuringly as we clambered through the portrait hole. Mack waved me over the minute he saw me.
"I got a question for you Lark," he said sternly.
"How long is this going to take? Jules and I have some plotting to do," I replied, using the most bored tone I could muster. He was the reason Cedric and I had had our last row.
"Are you and Cedric dating?"
"No."
"Are you going to the Yule Ball with him?"
"No."
"Will you go with me?" I paused for a moment.
"Mack…I honestly liked you better when your fascination was with Jules and not me. I'm sorry, but I don't want to go to the ball with you." I walked back over to Jules who gave me a questioning look.
"Mack just asked me to the ball," I explained quietly so as not to be overheard at our table.
"You said no right?"
"Of course. He was never my type before and he certainly isn't now."
"You know Lark, you would probably have tons of fun at the ball with Lee. Maybe you should reconsider his invitation. Then you could even hang out with George and me."
"I suppose that would work…but do you think Lee would get offended?"
"Nah, he's too much of a prankster, and I seriously doubt he likes you that much. He's the type that goes for beauty, not brains. Or anyone who will laugh at his jokes." I nodded.
"I'll talk to him tomorrow, see if he hasn't replaced me yet." The next morning I walked directly over to the Gryffindor table where Fred, George and Lee were sitting. Potter and his friends were next to them.
"Good job in the first task, Potter," I smiled at Harry. He looked abashed but returned a smile. I situated myself in between him and George and across from Lee.
"Your offer to take me to the ball still good Jordan?" I winked. George choked on his porridge.
"You're kidding!" Fred's jaw dropped.
"Offer's still open," Lee grinned. "You accepting?"
"I am."
"Great. So what changed your mind, my dashing good looks?"
"No, I became desperate." George and Fred burst out laughing as Lee glared at them.
"Thanks Turnings," he replied sarcastically. I flashed another smile then returned to my own table.
