i gotta get better about posting more often.I had a brain lapse during this one and got stuck for a long time. that's the best excuse i have. hopefully, the next chapter will be up faster. Thank you to everyone who's read and reviewed so far. Y'all keep this going and I really appreciate it. It makes me feel good. Brownies for everyone! WARNING: chapter containsextremely cheesy romance


Chapter 7

It was Christmas Eve day and all us girls could talk about was the Yule Ball. Everyone knew I was going with Lee, and everyone included Cedric, who seemed absolutely furious.

"Why Lee?" he pouted at breakfast the morning after I had asked Lee.

"I know I'll have a good time, and seeing as other people didn't ask me and there's only three days left until the ball, I wanted to make sure I'd have a date," I responded.

Rumor told that Cedric had asked Cho Chang after our conversation. I admit to being insanely jealous of her. After all, wasn't Cedric supposed to be mine by now? Then again, I had planned to make him jealous, and kept with the plan, as tempting as it was to just throw my heart out to Cedric. I needed to make sure he really wanted me this time, needed him to give in before I could. I stood in front of the full length mirror that stood in our dormitory.

"You look gorgeous Lark," Jules grinned from behind me. "There's no way Cedric won't go crazy." I certainly hoped she was right. Together, we headed down to the Entrance Hall. Jules was wearing dress robes the color of lavender, and mine were dark green to match my eyes. I saw Cedric and waved. He walked over.

"You look lovely," he smiled, a wanting look in his eyes. I'd seen that look once before, intensified by the situation we had been in.

"Thank you Cedric," I smiled back, for once letting my true feelings show through in my own eyes. He opened his mouth to say something else when Cho showed up. She grinned at him and gave me a reproving look. I smiled sweetly back. Lee came up behind me.

"Damn, you look good Turnings." His eyes weren't on my face, so I elbowed him.

"Watch it Jordan," George growled, coming up behind him, arm linked with Jules'. I smiled. McGonagall called the champions and their dates over.

"See you later Lark," Cedric whispered, a hint of regret in his voice.

I watched him walk away as Cho chattered nonstop. My heart gave a pang as I envisioned myself on his arm instead of her. Why did I let my pride sway me? I should have just asked Cedric to the ball. Jules squeezed my hand reassuringly as she and George walked past, giving me a sympathetic look. I didn't want her sympathy, or anyone else's for that matter, so I forced a smile as Lee and I trailed behind them. I clapped politely with the rest of the crowd as the champions took the dance floor. Cedric moved gracefully with Cho, but his gaze never left mine. I think Cho noticed because she threw me a truly hateful glare after the song ended. Lee pulled me to the dance floor as the music picked up speed. I lost Cedric in the crowd as we moved next to Jules and George. They were truly cute together. She smiled and I returned the gesture to show her I was all right. The Great Hall was decorated with thousands of icicles, causing the entire place to look like a glass castle. They sparkled and reflected the lights that were flashing around the dance floor. The frosted Christmas trees looked more spectacular than normal in the icy environment. Lee and I danced the entire night, stopping only once for him to get us refreshments. I had a better time than I expected to. The final dance was a slow song, a "send off for the lovers" as the band put it. I placed my arms around Lee's neck with out getting uncomfortably close. Over his shoulder I could see Cedric dancing with Cho. I tore my gaze away from him, as hard as it was.

"I get the feeling you'd rather be here with someone else," Lee said softly.

"No, I'm having a great time," I smiled. "Really."

"Don't worry Lark, George told me all about you and Cedric. I'm just honored that you would use me."

"Lee-"

"Joking Lark. I know you didn't mean any harm. Thanks for letting me be your date. You might want to go after Cedric though, before Cho turns him into one of her undead minions." I snorted at his remark, pulling away.

"I'm going to head on up to my dorm. I had fun tonight Lee, I mean it." I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and exited the Great Hall, the notes of the music drifting behind me.

"Lark!" a voice called. I immediately knew who's voice it was.

"Have fun with Cho?" I asked Cedric as he caught up with me. He shrugged.

"You and Lee looked cozy." He sounded annoyed.

"I had fun, but I honestly had someone else on my mind the entire time."

"Really?" Cedric raised an eyebrow. "Who?" I gave a soft chuckle.

"Take a wild guess," I replied. "I'll see you in the morning Cedric." I turned to leave, but he grabbed my arm, spinning be back around.

"You have no idea how jealous I was tonight," he looked me straight in the eye. "That should have been me with you, not him, but I waited to long, I was trying to give you space, but I know you didn't really want space. I'm sorry Lark. For everything I've done to you, I'm so sorry. I can't stand to see you with any other guy though. I want you for myself." I smiled because of what he had said and because he'd cracked first.

"Cedric, I've always wanted to be with you, you know that," I whispered, my knees going weak as I looked into his silver orbs that were stormy with emotion. He brought his lips to my own, kissing me with tenderness and need.

"No more of this," he waved his hand towards the Great Hall where music was still playing. "Will you be my girlfriend Lark?" I squealed and jumped on him, causing both of us to topple backwards into a wall.

"I'll take that as a yes," he laughed, holding me close.

The next morning, Cedric and I walked down to breakfast holding hands and smiling like idiots. I caught Cho glaring at us as we walked in and my spirits soared even higher.

"Morning love birds," Jules yawned as we took a seat across from her.

"I see you had a nice time with George last night," I smirked. She turned crimson in less than a second, stuffing her mouth with bacon.

"So what about Cho?" Jules changed the subject. Cedric shrugged.

"I assume she hates me," he replied, reaching for the eggs that sat in the middle of the table.

"I would agree, considering the nasty looks she's been throwing Lark." I glanced up and saw Jules was right. Cho's eyes narrowed even more when she caught me looking. Giving a hearty flip of her hair, she turned her back on me.

"Funny, normally it's you the girls are mad at," I answered innocently.

"Oh cute Lark," Jules rolled her eyes at me. Cedric grinned and took my hand again. After breakfast, Cedric and I took a walk around the Black Lake. There were a few students on the grounds, but most were still inside, poring over Christmas presents.

"I know we weren't dating until last night, but I got you a present anyway," Cedric said sheepishly. "I bought it back when we were still fighting, hoping that maybe it could be a peace offering if we were still not on speaking terms." I smiled at him and felt the heat from his hand flow through my body. The way I felt about him was indescribable. It was a feeling I had never experienced for any other guy. I'd had boyfriends and other crushes, but my heart had always belonged to Cedric, since the day I met him in the first year.

"Happy Christmas Lark," he whispered, holding a gold wrapped box out to me. I took it, my breath catching in my throat as I carefully slipped the paper off the box. Time seemed to stand still as we both waited for me to open the present. Lifting the lid, I peered in, gasping at the sight. It was a beautiful hair clasp, gold and decorated with clear gems that were glowing due to what I assumed was magic.

"The gems change color to match what you're wearing," Cedric explained. I set the box down carefully, then threw myself at the taller brunette, causing us to topple over onto the frozen grass.

"It's beautiful Cedric," I laughed, kissing him sweetly. "But I didn't get you anything…"

"Being here with you is enough for me," he answered.

"That is completely cheesy," I wrinkled my nose, then relaxed it. "But so sweet." He pulled me into his arms and just held me. I couldn't remember ever being happier.

"You really are quite special to me Lark," he murmured into my hair. I snuggled closer.

"We could have been this happy earlier if we both hadn't been so damn stubborn," I replied, cheek resting against his chest, ear pressed against his heart, the pounding of it resounding in my head. I wanted to stay in this moment forever, just lie here with Cedric, oblivious to time and other people. I wanted it to be him and me together, in this peaceful moment, for all eternity.

"We should probably go back," Cedric whispered, causing the ripple of peace to halt.

"I don't want to," I whined.

"We have to Lark," he pushed me off gently, then pulled me to my feet. His silver eyes were soft when they looked at me, and he didn't speak for a moment. "As much I want to stay out here with you forever." I smiled and Cedric took my hand again as we walked inside. He halted in the doorway.

"What?" I questioned. He looked up, then back at me. I followed his gaze and saw mistletoe hanging directly above us. Cedric was a mere inch away from me now.

"We can't break the laws of mistletoe," he whispered, before closing the distance between us. Once again, I found time to be standing still as his warm lips caressed mine. Kissing Cedric was like…like…well, unlike anything I could describe. Kissing Cedric was much much better than anything I could think of. He pulled away slowly, leaving our kiss simple, but still intense. I knew my cheeks were flushed as he stood there looking at me. We both understood that no words were needed, that the situation was perfect in the silence. We found ourselves alone in the common room while everyone else went to dinner. We sat on the couch directly facing the fire, me curled up against him, his arms wrapped around me. The flames danced as we sat in silence, completely content just being together.

"The second task is in February," Cedric said. I nodded.

"Have you figured out the egg yet?" I looked at him.

"Not exactly, I know how to hear the clue properly, versus the screaming banshee thing," he answered. "But I haven't done it yet."

"How'd you figure out how to-"

"Moody told me," he answered darkly. "He said putting it in water would help."

"Moody just told you?"

"Well, suggested it more like. I think he helped Potter with the last task, so now he's helping me or something."

"Are you going to tell Potter how to figure it out?"

"If it works, then yes. I owe him big time for warning me about the dragons." I smiled.

"You're such a great person, you know that?" I grinned up at him. He kissed me quickly the smiled in return.

"I try," he answered. "So I was planning on using the prefect's bathroom and trying the egg in the tub."

"You should do it soon, remember how long it took us to figure out how to beat the dragons?" He nodded and silence fell upon us once again.

"Maybe I should go tonight, while everyone's at dinner and too preoccupied with Christmas celebration," he said after a while.

"Sounds good," I nodded, standing to let him leave.

"Come with me Lark," he looked up at me from the couch. I studied his face for a moment, from his sparkling eyes to his strong chin and high cheekbones. The beginning shadows of stubble could be seen on his face, darker than the color of his hair. I had a weakness for a man with five o'clock shadow. I slowly nodded and he stood beside me.

"Come on then," he grabbed my hand and we left the common room, walking silently to the prefect's bathroom.

"Pine fresh," Cedric said to the statue, which immediately sprung aside, revealing a heavy wooden door. We walked into the bathroom, our footsteps resounding against the tiled floor.

"This is really big," I said in awe, looking around. Cedric laughed, then started one of the taps in the pool sized tub.

"So you're just going to drop the egg in there?" I questioned, sitting down on the floor cross legged.

"I guess so," he answered, sitting beside me. The tub quickly filled and Cedric turned the taps off, staring at the foamy mass for a minute before picking up the golden egg.

"Here goes nothing," he gave me a brief smile then dropped the egg into the water. It sunk to the bottom and landed with a soft thud. We waited, tensed.

"Nothing's happening Cedric," I spoke.

"Thanks for pointing out the obvious," he glared.

"Don't get snippy with me because Moody's advice didn't work," I crossed my arms over my chest and pouted. Cedric rolled his eyes, then pulled off his shirt and jeans, leaving him in his boxers. I stared, wide and eyed and unprepared to see a practically naked god standing in front of me.

"What are you doing?" I asked, my voice shaking slightly.

"Going in to get the egg," he answered, diving into the bath tub. I tried to regain my breath. He resurfaced and placed the egg on the tile. If I thought he was sexy before, it was nothing compared to how he looked now. Water dripped from his hair, which had turned a dark brown in the presence of water.

"What?" he cocked an eyebrow at me. I blushed, knowing I had been staring.

"Nothing," I answered.

"So what now?" he asked me. I shrugged.

"Did you open the egg in the water?"

"I feel stupid."

"You should." Cedric glared again then got out of the pool to retrieve the egg which had rolled away.

"A warning would have been nice," I squeaked.

"A warning of what?"

"That I was about to be exposed to…that." I waved my hand in his general direction. He smirked.

"Is it that bad?" he came closer, causing my breath to hitch in my throat. I was seriously going to stop breathing one day if he didn't stop being so…hot.

"No. On the contrary it's quite…nice." Cedric laughed.

"Care to join me for a swim?" he held out his hand. I shook my head.

"Sorry Diggory, I prefer to stay fully dressed." He smirked, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

"What are you plotting?" I looked at him suspiciously. He shrugged innocently, then darted forward, picking me up.

"No!" I shrieked. "No!" In one movement he jumped into the water, still holding on to me. I felt the water envelope me and Cedric's arms let go. I surfaced, sputtering and fuming.

"You are dead Diggory!" I yelled. He came up beside me, laughing.

"At least this way you didn't have to undress," he grinned. "Not that I wouldn't have enjoyed it."

"I can't walk back to the common room all wet like this," I glared.

"I personally think you look lovely."

"You're already in trouble with me."

"Yes well, honesty can't hurt."

"Just open the stupid egg."

"I forgot the egg." A thought struck me.

"I'll get it," I sighed, swimming over to the side of the bath and climbing out less gracefully than I would have like. I could feel Cedric's eyes on me and was extremely conscious of the fact that my shirt was white. I pulled it over my head and threw it to the side, my jeans quickly following.

"Happy now?" I called back to Cedric, picking up the egg and diving back into the bath.

"Quite," he grinned. I smirked then shoved the heavy egg into his groin. The look on his face was extremely satisfying.

"I deserved that," he squeaked.

"Indeed." He opened the egg under water, then stuck his head under after it. I waded in the water, waiting for him.

"It works!" he gasped, coming up for air. "Hang on, I need to hear it again." He went under several times, bringing me down with him.

"So, there's something in the lake that's going to take something you treasure and hold it for an hour or else you lose it? That's specific."

"Are you being sarcastic?" Cedric questioned. We were sitting on the side of the tub with our feet dangling in the bubbly water.

"I'm not sure," I answered honestly. "What's in the lake besides the giant squid?" Cedric shrugged.

"Kelp?" he offered. I nodded in agreement, looking at the portrait of a mermaid on the opposite wall. She was giggling and flipping her tail and hair alternately, looking at Cedric.

"The mermaid's checking you out," I turned to Cedric. He looked up and saw her, blushing when she winked.

"Do I have competition?" I asked. He shook his head.

"Please Lark, you know how I feel about you."

"Do I?" He looked at me, a smile playing at his lips.

"Thanks for coming, this would have been completely boring with out you."

"I promised to cheer you on, and helping is a big way to do it." Cedric stood, stretching, then jumped back into the bath tub. I dove in after him and we played around, flinging bubbles at each other, before he pinned me against the side of the tub.

"Would it be wrong to take advantage of you in this position?" he said softly, our eyes locking.

"Yes, but I wouldn't stop you," I answered. He leaned in and kiss me softly. I wrapped my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist as he deepened the kiss. It was completely sensual and the air around us crackled even though the water had long since turned cold. His tongue battled mine for a good five minutes before he pulled away and devoured my neck. I leaned my head against the tiled side, losing myself to the feelings he was causing. Things would have gotten out of hand if it weren't for the appearance of a certain Hogwarts ghost.

"Oh my," Moaning Myrtle squealed. "What do we have here?" Cedric and I jumped apart. As well as you can jump in water that is.

"I heard you two were an item," she crooned.

"Can we help you Myrtle?" I asked impatiently.

"Oh, don't mind me. Just because I'll never get to bang anyone doesn't mean you have to rub it in my face." She sniffed. "Always so insensitive. Always!"

"Myrtle, people don't typically like to be watched or interrupted when they're…enjoying themselves."

"You certainly were enjoying yourselves," she floated into the water beside us, batting her eyelashes at Cedric. "I don't believe we've ever met."

"I try not to find myself in the ladies room," he answered.

"Pity," she sighed. "You Lark, are one very lucky girl. I'm sure the whole school would agree." She shot up in the air and through the ceiling.

"Myrtle, don't!" I called, but it was too late. "We need to get back before someone finds us here. She'll tell everyone she will." Cedric nodded. He clambered out of the pool then helped me up. I pulled on my wet jeans and reached for my equally wet shirt.

"Here, take mine, it is my fault after all," Cedric held out his blue flannel shirt he had been wearing. I smiled and pulled it over my head, breathing in his unique and intoxicating scent. He pulled his own jeans on, grabbed my shirt and we left. We fortunately didn't meet anyone and made it back to the common room unseen. I went up to my dorm and changed in my pajamas, meeting Cedric back in the common room. He too had changed into his night clothes and we once again cuddled on the couch beside the fire.