Chapter 8
"I'm beginning to hate the library," Cedric whined as we once again found ourselves surrounded by useless books.
"Did you ever like it before?" I questioned, tossing aside the encyclopedia of bubbles.
"I never went in it before." Jules walked over carrying a fresh stack of books.
"This is ridiculous," she panted. "Why do they keep assigning tasks that are impossible?"
"Maybe we're thinking too much," I pondered.
"I think the real problem is that you don't think enough, Miss Turnings," Snape sidled up behind us. I held my tongue. "I'm here to give you your grade for you and Mr. Diggory's project. I assumed you would be together. Moaning Myrtle had a rather nice tale for the entire school. So you both will receive detention."
"That's unfair! How do you know Myrtle wasn't lying?" Cedric demanded. Snape's eyes glittered.
"A detention for insolence then," he smirked. "And Miss Turnings will come also for the comments I know she was thinking." After he left, Cedric, Jules and I went into a spur of abusive comments about Snape.
"Well, he did give us a passing grade on our project," I pouted.
"And we will get to spend an evening together," Cedric nodded.
"Doing detention with Snape, how romantic," Jules batted her eyelashes at us. I gave her a death glare, then returned to my research. We had no luck and were about to give up for the day when Mack walked in, his head looking like it was covered in a gold fish bowl. He tapped his wand to the bubble and it disappeared.
"Some one let off a dung bomb in the halls," he responded to our questioning looks, only looking at me. Jules pouted and Cedric glared. "I would use the bubble head charm when you leave." I nodded and he walked away to another corner of the library.
"Git," Cedric muttered, eyes dark and sharp.
"Leave it Cedric," I warned, before he could say more. "And I know you won't like this, but he just told you the answer of how to beat the Second Task." Cedric's eyes lifted from the page he had been reading.
"How so?" he challenged.
"Bubble Head Charm," I replied. "You'll be able to breathe underwater fine." Jules groaned next to me.
"Why did it have to be Mack who walked in wearing it."
"I think he did it on purpose." I received mutinous stares from both my boyfriend and best friend.
"I haven't seen anyone else walking around with the bubble head charm," I nodded towards the library door. Cedric's gaze flitted from me, to the door, to the corner Mack had disappeared to.
"Why would he just give me the answer?" he asked. I reached across the table and took Cedric's hand.
"Maybe he's sorry," I answered gently. Cedric's features softened as he pondered what I said.
"You really think?" I nodded. Cedric stood, walking over to Mack's corner. The library seemed ominously quiet as Jules and I just waited.
"Does this mean I have to forgive Mack also?" Jules questioned.
"Why are you mad at him Jules?" I asked quietly,
"Because…because he's supposed to like me, not you! He's always liked me, he can't just change it." Her eyes were brimming with tears and realization hit me.
"You're jealous of me?"
"I'm jealous that the one guy I thought might actually like me for me, never actually liked me. I would have given him a chance if he'd ever showed an interest in my brain or my heart versus my physical features. That's why I didn't understand how he could like you. I was jealous that he wanted you for your personality, when he never wanted me like that. I'm sorry I was mad at you Lark. It wasn't your fault."
"Oh Jules," I felt tears spring to my own eyes. We were both sniffling now, and stood to hug each other.
"You're the best friend I have Lark," Jules whispered as we embraced.
"And you're my best friend Jules." We were such girls. The boys came walking around the corner, silent, but not feuding.
"Did I miss something?" Cedric asked, eyebrow raised at the pair of us. Jules and I burst into laughter, leaving the guys more confused than before. He had a mini party in the common room when we returned, catching Mack up on everything that had happened.
"No offense mate," Mack laughed at Cedric. "But you can be pretty stupid when it comes to the obvious."
"Shut up," Cedric replied, a grin crossing his face. Jules and I shared a glance, knowing Mack and Cedric were happier than they were willing to let on.
"Damn, Cedric we've got to go to Snape's detention," I cursed, checking my watch. Five minutes to nine and Snape wouldn't tolerate lateness.
"what are you in for?" Mack questioned.
"Breathing," I replied as Cedric and I left through the portrait hole. We made it to Snape's hell hole just in time.
"I wouldn't cut it so close next time," he leered at us, obviously mad we weren't tardy. "I want this room to be spotless. There are buckets, mops and sponges over there. You will do this with out magic." He stormed out of the room, cloak billowing out behind him and getting stuck in the closed door. Snape opened it with a glare that dared us to laugh. He left again and Cedric and I burst into laughter.
"We'd better get started Lark," Cedric sighed. "And so we don't get ourselves in more trouble by socializing, I'll do this side of the room, you do that side." I nodded in agreement.
"I'm glad you and Mack made up," I called after a few moments of silence. Cedric kept scrubbing the floor.
"We wouldn't have if it weren't for you and your ways of peace," he replied without looking at me.
"I take an interest in the humanity," I replied. Cedric laughed, his deep voice booming as it echoed off the dungeon walls. Three and half hours later were collapsed on the shining floor, weary and aching all over.
"Nicely done," Snape walked around the room, inspecting it. "You may leave, your punishment is over." We quickly left, collapsing once we made into the entrance hall.
"I can't move my arm," I whimpered.
"I can't move my leg," Cedric groaned in response.
"Can we just sleep here for tonight?" I begged.
"No," Cedric cried. It took us five minutes to get back on our feet. We slowly trudged up the stairs and through a secret passage way.
"A nice warm bubble bath sounds nice," Cedric smiled.
"You do that. I'm going to bed." We parted ways at the entrance to the prefect bathroom. I hit my bed and fell asleep, fully clothed and not caring. The weeks flew by as we worked hard for our N.E.W.T.S. Even though Cedric was a champion, he still had to take them to determine what job he could get after school. All the other champions were exempt from their exams. Or maybe just Potter, who cared. We were studying our butts off.
"It's time to take a break," Jules said. "The Second Task is tomorrow. No more studying tonight." We all agreed. We lounged around in the common room doing absolutely nothing. 7th years were exceptionally good at that. It was nearing 11 when Professor Sprout bustled through the portrait hole.
"Turnings," she called.
"M'am?" I replied.
"Professor Dumbledore would like to see you in his office," she said. Sprout gave a curt nod then turned around and left. My three friends were staring at me.
"What did you do Lark?" Jules whispered.
"I have no idea," I replied, my legs shaking. I had never been called to the headmaster's office before. I wasn't a trouble maker, and only trouble makers got sent to the headmaster's office. I slowly made my way out of the Hufflepuff common room and through the hall ways that led to the headmaster's office. I stopped at the stone gargoyle and found Weasley, Granger and a small blonde haired girl waiting there also. I nodded to the two Gryffindors and smiled at the young girl who looked frightened. Dumbledore came striding up.
"Good to see you're all here," he smiled. "Come with me then. Go Hogwarts." He gave us another quick smile then stepped onto the spiraling staircase. The four of us followed suit. We arrived in his office which was cluttered with many strange objects and various portraits of old headmasters.
"Now, I am sure you are all wondering why you are here," he settled down in the chair behind his desk, the made four more magically appear in front of the desk. We each took a seat, still not speaking. "As I am sure you already know, the second task takes place in the Black Lake. In the clue, it spoke of a treasure that would be stolen from each champion. You are the treasure. You will be put under a spell that will cause you to sleep and be able to breathe under water. You will be held in the mermaid's village and will reawaken when you reach the surface. Do not worry, absolutely nothing will happen to you, I will see to that. The worst is that you will be a bit pruny afterwards." A smile lit his eyes and we each gave a nervous laugh. Granger's hand shot into the air.
"Yes Miss Granger?" Dumbledore acknowledged her.
"Sir, if we are the treasure then…who's treasure is each of us?" she blushed slightly as though she already knew the answer.
"Mr. Weasley is Harry's, Gabrielle is Miss Delacour's little sister, Lark is obviously Mr. Diggory's, and you Miss Granger are Mr. Krum's treasure." Hermione turned a deep shade of magenta.
"How was this determined sir?" I questioned. Dumbledore's smile turned mischievous.
"I am sure you are familiar with legilimancy?" I nodded. "That Miss Turnings, is how it was determined. Though not the most…noble way, it was the easiest and the truest." I laughed and reveled in the fact that I was the person Cedric would miss most.
"Now, I must perform the spell and I repeat, do not worry. Everything will turn out all right." Dumbledore waved his wand and the room became fuzzy. The last thing I remember was Dumbledore's smiling face and his words of encouragement.
I felt air cascade through my lungs as I opened my eyes and sputtered water.
"You all right Lark?" Cedric's voice asked. I turned to look at him and nodded. He readjusted his arm around my waist and helped me swim with him to shore. I looked around for the other champions.
"Mr. Diggory, with his hostage Miss Turnings, is the first to return," Bagman's voice boomed. The air shook with cheers and applause. Cedric didn't remove his protective arm until we reached Madam Pomfrey who immediately gave both of us a warm blanket and a glass of pepperup potion. Jules and Mack came to the bottom of the stands near us.
"Nice one Ced," Mack grinned at Cedric. Cedric grinned back.
"I was so worried about the both of you!" Jules gushed, throwing an arm around each of us in a hug, causing me and Cedric to bang our heads together. Another round of cheers was heard as Bagman's voice rang out again.
"Second to the surface is Mr. Krum and his treasure, Hermione Granger. All we're waiting for is Mr. Potter."
"What about Fleur?" I asked.
"She got caught by some grindylows and was forced to return early," Mack looked glum. I rolled my eyes then laid my head on Cedric's shoulder. His arm snaked its way around my waist again.
"I'm sorry I wasn't up there cheering," I whispered.
"I got to be your knight in shining armor instead," he replied, kissing the top of my lake soaked head. "And I'm glad you're safe."
The clock continued to tick as the crowd simmered down, waiting for Potter to surface. It was well over an hour now, but I was completely content just sitting with Cedric. My heart swelled as my emotions ran high. Being this close to him still made me breathless, even after all we'd been through. If that wasn't a crush, I don't know what was. I suppose now it was more than a crush, since we were actually together. I wondered what to make of my feelings now. I mean, I thought about it, about what had occurred between us in the prefects bathroom and I wondered what I would have done had things gotten more heated. I breathed in his familiar scent, now mixed with the fantastic smell of lake water. It still made me swoon. His fingers were absentmindedly rubbing up and down my arm, and Cedric was staring off into the distance. I reveled in the moment, letting the peace of it wash over me. It was one of the most enjoyable moments I had ever had with Cedric, even if we were both wet. There was a splash and Potter appeared, holding onto to both Weasley and Fleur's little sister. Fleur ran out to the edge of the lake and met her sister.
"All champions have now returned," Bagman stated. Dumbledore went to the edge of the lake, talking to a mermaid. After a few moments, he returned to the judges table, where they all put their heads together. Finally, they appeared ready to announce their points.
"The judges have made their decision," Bagman announced. "For excellent use of the bubble head charm and finishing first, even though he was one minute outside of the time limit, the judges have awarded Mr. Diggory, 47 points out of 50." Applause broke out amongst the crowd and Cedric picked me up, spinning me around and kissing me.
"I'm ahead of Potter!" he yelled above the roar of the crowd.
"I know!" I squealed, kissing him again. We didn't listen to the rest of what Bagman said until…
"and for showing moral fiber, we award Mr. Potter, 45 points." Our jaws dropped. Now Potter was tied with Cedric for first.
"Damn it," Mack swore behind us. Cedric and I exchanged a glance.
"You can still win," I said encouragingly. Cedric smiled and pulled me into his arms. He kissed the place where my jaw bone meets my ear, making me dizzy.
"I have all I need Lark," he whispered. So cheesy, but so romantic and sweet. I wanted to do him then and there, if it weren't for the fact that there were a million people watching…I willed them all to magically disappear. No luck. Cedric pulled away, placing his blanket over my shoulders and taking my hand in his.
"How about a walk?" he smiled softly. I nodded and we set off towards the forest together. We didn't talk much, just enjoyed each other's company.
"You realize we both smell like wet dog?" I pointed out. Cedric laughed.
"Good thing you like me for my looks, eh?" he winked. I brushed aside a piece of his hair.
"Good thing for you that you have those good looks," I smirked. Cedric eyed me, causing me to become suspicious.
"What are you thinking Diggory?" I asked.
"Which way to seduce you," he replied, face straight. I blinked, not knowing how to respond. Cedric burst out laughing.
"Wow Lark, you are far too gullible," he chuckled, taking my hand again. "Not that I wouldn't love to fuck you senseless, but I know you aren't ready yet."
"What makes you think I'm not?" I demanded, pulling my hand away and pouting. So I what if I was a bit testy.
"Because I haven't told you I love you yet," he answered softly, leaning down and kissing my forehead. "But for the record, I do." My breath caught in my throat as my brain registered what he had said. Cedric loved me. Cedric Diggory loved me, Lark Turnings, the nobody from Hufflepuff. My brain told me to say it back, but I was petrified.
"It's ok Lark," Cedric said gently. "I don't want you to say it back unless you mean it. Promise me you'll only say it back if you mean it." I nodded, my heart racing. A whole new set of feelings was pulsing through my veins, and I had never looked at my relationship with Cedric more seriously than I did then.
We walked back up to the castle in silence, departing to our respective dorms. I heard the snores of my roommates around me, but I couldn't fall asleep. My heart was racing, my blood boiling and my mind wouldn't shut up. Did I love him? I didn't know. I knew no one had ever made me feel the way he did. I knew that there was no where else I'd rather be than in Cedric's arms, but was it love? I had never experienced love before, and I wasn't sure I would know it when it happened. I closed my eyes and pictured Cedric's grinning face as he heard his score today. It was shining with a light that couldn't be mistaken for anything but joy. His eyes had sparkled, seeming to catch all the rays the sun was giving off. He'd held me tight, letting me share his moment. Would he have shared that moment with just anyone? We had a connection, we had chemistry, and the heat between us when we were together was undeniable. Cedric and I had something special, but was it love? I rolled over on to my stomach, still pondering this thought. I knew he loved me, Cedric wouldn't say something like that unless he truly meant it. I had seen it in his eyes and his eyes never lied. I shifted back over and stared up at the yellow curtains hanging from my bed posts. Cedric Diggory loved me…and I think I loved him back.
The next morning, the Great Hall was alive with chatter and excitement about the previous day's task. I kept getting stopped in the hall to recount my experience, in which I always told the truth. I got many scathing looks from jealous girls, and other girls wanted to know what it was like to be dating the hottest guy in school. I had become some what of a celebrity. Everyone now knew who I was, what year I was in, my house, my schedule, my life story. I kept getting hellos from people I didn't know and the teachers were much more lenient with me than normal. I didn't get a chance to talk to Cedric alone all day because we both were always surrounded by people. I was most surprised when a first year asked me for my autograph. Lots of people wanted pictures of me and Cedric together.
"How's being a celebrity?" Jules grinned at me during dinner.
"Exhausting," I admitted. "All these people are saying hi to me in the halls, and I have no idea who they are."
"But you can get away with that," she handed me a plate of food. "Eat up, before the tabloids come round."
"This is a school, not a newspaper harbor," I retorted, sticking my fork into my red potatoes.
"Yes, but Rita Skeeter will find some way to dish dirt," she replied.
"You know perfectly well Rita has no interest in Cedric."
"It's a shame. He'd look better on the cover than Potter." I snorted into my pumpkin juice.
"Look Ced, it's the treasured one," Mack smirked, sitting down across from me and Jules, Cedric beside him. "What's your net worth then?"
"Oh shut it Mack," I glared.
"You'll never believe this," Cedric said, handing me what looked like a news paper. "Someone at Hogwarts started a paper, and we've made the front page. It's ridiculous, whoever wrote this article should get their facts straight." I scanned the article, then looked up, eyebrow raised.
" 'Rumor has it they were caught being intimate in the prefect bathroom.' Sounds fairly accurate to me," I smirked. Cedric grinned.
"They should have at least given Moaning Myrtle credit for her insight," Jules pointed out, reading over my shoulder.
"Close the paper, please," Mack begged. "I don't like seeing Cedric's face grinning at me across the table. I've already got the idiot beside me." Cedric shoved Mack, causing him to fall into a first year, who fell backwards out of his seat.
"Stop pushing first years around Mack," I scolded, holding back a laugh. He waved his fork at me in a threatening manner. The four of us couldn't stop laughing all through out dinner. We laughed all the way to the Hufflepuff common room where we separated.
"Cedric," I called, before he disappeared. He stuck his head back around the corner. I walked over and kissed him softly.
"I love you too," I whispered, walking away and up to my dorm. I felt his eyes on me the entire time.
