18th December 1993

"No way is that Professor Lupin?!"

"Cedric, keep your voice down!" Willow hissed, smacking his arm.

Cedric rubbed the sore area, pouting. "We've been officially friends for 30 minutes and you're already using violence against me? Is this how you treat all your friends?"

"Only the ones who wouldn't keep their voices down when we are hiding in a secret alcove out past curfew," she rolled her eyes, mildly amused.

Before Willow could explain anything earlier in the library, Madam Pince finally made her appearance, a large duster in one hand. To say she wasn't pleased to see them sitting against the shelves after closing time was putting it very, very mildly. Cedric decided to forgo his charms entirely and tugged her up on her feet with their still entwined hands and took off running while Madam Pince chased them out, screeching about not respecting her personal time or the hours of the library. She followed behind him as he quickly guided her to a hidden nook not too far, behind a false wall.

"Hmm, he certainly seems close to your father and Black judging by these photos," he stated, analysing her photo album and the yearbook she accidentally grabbed in her panic. She'd have to remember to return tomorrow.

He lifted his eyes from the photographs, eyebrows raised. "So, how do you plan on going about doing this?"

"Well, I was thinking about asking my mom and dad's friends about Black. Hagrid mentioned he owled their friends for photos to make this photo album. I'll ask him for some names and write to them."

Cedric hummed contemplatively as he flipped through the photo album. "You think they will reply?"

Willow shrugged, knowing it could be a long shot at best but it seemed like the best place to start. "Can't hurt to try. I'm sure at least someone will write back to me."

"And then, there's Professor Lupin," she continued, staring at the scarred younger version of their DADA professor in her photo album. "I was thinking of just asking him straight up."

"You'd think he would answer you if you asked him directly? He might deny any relation to your father or Black," Cedric said sceptically.

"I'll show him this album when I approach him then. He won't be able to talk his way out of it," she proposed after a while, tapping the corner.

"How about asking the other professors? Most of them were teaching when your parents and Black were in school."

"I did think of that too but I doubt they would be able to give me much insight, unlike the students who were with my parents most of the time. Besides, I can't imagine Professor McGonagall would tell me stories about my parents without questioning my intentions. It might turn into a lecture session instead," Willow scrunched up her face as she pictured her no-nonsense Head of Gryffindor.

He grinned at her expression, reaching to tweak the end of her nose. "Yeah, I guess McGonagall is not much of a storyteller but I wouldn't strike her off just yet. The professors can be more observant than you think, especially the Head of the Houses."

He had a point.

"Alright. Since I'm staying in Hogwarts for the holidays, I'll ask her then," Willow said after some consideration.

He grinned. His eyes darted back to the photo album. "I can ask my mum about your parents and Black as well. I think she knew your mother quite well."

"Your mum?"

"Yeah, here—" he turned the photo album towards her, pointing to the top of the page.

It was a photograph of her mother in her wedding dress standing next to a gorgeous woman. The two ladies were grinning widely as they threw their bouquets at the camera.

"It looks like my mum was a bridesmaid at your mother's wedding. They must've been quite close. Now thinking about it, my mum would have been 2 years above her," said Cedric.

"Your mum is very beautiful." Willow took in the woman's incredible features appreciatively. "I can see that you get a lot of your features from her."

She looked up to find a smirk on Cedric's face, his chest puffed out in pride. "Thank you. Every guy loves hearing they are a catch from a pretty girl."

Willow ducked her head, letting her red hair hide her equally red cheeks at his offhanded compliment. "Pretty sure I only complimented your mum, Diggory."

"And you said that I get many of my features from her which means by extension, you are complimenting me."

Willow rolled her eyes, staring at the preening Cedric, highly unimpressed. "Whatever floats your boat, I guess. Are you going to ask your mother during the hols, then?"

"I'll do you one better, Potter. You can actually ask her your questions yourself," he declared proudly.

"What do you mean?"

"My mum has to visit the Forbidden Forest once a month to collect ingredients for healing potions. She works as a potioneer at St. Mungo. If possible, she likes to meet up with me at Hogsmeade. And it just so happens our next Hogsmeade visit coincides with hers. We can meet up with her at the Three Broomsticks and you ask her your questions then."

"How do you know when is our next Hogsmeade visit? It's not posted on the bulletin board yet," she questioned, eyebrows drawn together.

Cedric tapped his prefect's badge. "Benefits about being a prefect. You get to know the plan for the entire school year beforehand."

"You don't mind me crashing you and your mum's time together?" she asked, considering his suggestion. It would undoubtedly be better to talk to one of her parents' friends face to face.

"Nah, it's fine. She would just interrogate me about my studies and if I'm eating enough. Ian likes to come with me to meet her too so you're not disrupting anything," Cedric reassured her.

"Alright then," Willow relented. "Thank you, Cedric."

"Great! It will be around 2 months from now. We can meet at the gate and go down to Hogsmeade together."

She bit back a groan, wanting to bang her forehead on the brick wall. She had completely forgotten that she can't go down to Hogsmeade, legally at least.

"Oh, er, how about I meet you at wherever you're heading instead 'cause—"

"You have to sneak into Hogsmeade since you didn't get your permission slips signed?" Willow stiffened as she stared warily at Cedric's knowing smirk.

"How did you—"

"Prefect, remember?" He answered simply, "We know who got their permission slips signed from each house. You and Harry were not on the list and yet I distinctly recall a familiar red-headed girl and black-haired boy sipping on butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks today."

"Why didn't you call us out then?" she demanded.

"Didn't see the need to. I've heard something about Harry blowing up his aunt and figured you couldn't get them to sign the permission slips because of that. Also, I doubt Black would have attacked Harry in such a public area with so many people surrounding him so I didn't want to spoil your fun," he explained amiably.

Willow stared at him, bemused. "Sometimes, I can't tell if you are a good or bad prefect."

Cedric merely grinned. "Even better, I'm a Hufflepuff prefect. Just and loyal is our motto after all."

"Wait, if you knew I wasn't allowed down in Hogsmeade why would you ask me to meet you at the front gates?" She questioned, narrowing her eyes at the fifth year suspiciously.

"Ah well, I wanted to confirm that you were truly there," he replied before adding cheekily, "and I wanted to wind you up a bit."

Willow scoffed and folded her arms, unamused. "You truly are a terrible tease, Cedric Diggory."

"Just the ones I'm comfortable with," He winked roguishly, but the sincerity in his tone and eyes shone through. Butterflies erupted in her stomach, fluttering around madly as she sucked in a breath. She dropped her gaze to her feet, his meaningful gaze becoming a little much.

"I'm honoured," She chuckled nervously, fiddling with her fingers. Her heart pounded against her rib cage in time with those butterflies.

"'Course you are," His voice reverted to its usual good-natured teasing cadence and she decided it was safe to look back at him again. "It's not every day you are blessed with the presence of the Hufflepuff Heartthrob himself."

She snorted at the ridiculous uppity expression he adopted. "I thought you hated that title."

He grinned widely. "I do but not when I use it. I've got to keep people thinking I am humble, after all."

She rolled her eyes in mock exasperation, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips which somehow made way for a yawn. As if on cue, a wave of tiredness flooded through her body, the crying and emotional upheaval of the day finally catching up.

"I think that cue for us to stop for the night," He said gently, shutting the photo album. "As cosy as this little nook is, it's not the comfiest of places to sleep in."

"It almost sounds like you have experience," She noted sleepily while she allowed him to pull her to her feet.

"Ian and I found this place while we were running away from a bunch of Slytherins. They were roaming outside, searching for us for so long that we fell asleep. We woke up with such cricks in our necks…"

"What in Merlin's name did the two of you do to be headhunted by Slytherins?" She asked, amusement bleeding into her tone, knowing a good story when she heard one. They carefully exited through the fake wall, taking a longer route to avoid Professors and prefects who would be patrolling the corridors at this time.

"Well, in all fairness they deserved it. We spotted them bullying a Muggle-born first-year and Ian and I retaliated. We sort of made them sprout boils all over their faces and certain… er, unmentionable areas."

Willow laughed, imagining the scene perfectly in her head. "Sounds like a fitting punishment."

He flashed her a grin full of mischief. "Yes, we thought so too. And as much as we'd like to duel it out, Ian and I were only third years at the time and I was pretty sure those brutes were sixth years. So once we hit them with the spells, we ran off immediately, taking refuge in that alcove while the boil-covered Slytherins prowled around, trying to find the people responsible. They never did figure out it was us and those little boils didn't disappear for weeks. I don't think they could ever sit the same way again."

She shook her head, chuckling. "Why do I feel like that wasn't the only time you and Ian were up to mischief?"

"Oh, it definitely wasn't." He bumped her shoulder with a smirk, "Although, if the rumours are to be believed, our misadventures are quite tame compared to what you four go through."

She laughed lightly which spurred on another yawn, her tenth one in the last fifteen minutes. "Perhaps I'll tell you all about it one day when I'm more awake and not about to collapse out of tiredness."

She yawned again, eyes inadvertently screwing shut at the action. She missed the way his eyes lit up and his smile turned tender upon hearing the unintended promise in her words. "I'll hold you to that."

The rest of the trek up to Gryffindor Tower was a quiet but pleasant drowsy haze. In fact, it took her a few moments to realise that Cedric was asking her something.

"I'm sorry, what was that?" She asked, her eyelids drooping drowsily as she peered up at the tall Hufflepuff.

He smiled indulgently before repeating his question. "I was wondering, are you going to tell Harry about your wanting to find out more about Sirius Black?"

She considered his question for a moment before stating, "I will. Once Harry's a little less volatile. Hearing that Sirius Black was our father's best friend really affected him."

Cedric made a thoughtful noise but said nothing more until they reached Sir Cadogan who was still very much awake and very loud.

"Greetings good sir and fair maiden!" Sir Cadogan all but shouted. Willow winced at his loud voice but Sir Cadogan didn't care. "A little late to be out don't you think? But no matter. Everyone is allowed a little tryst or two once in a while."

Oh, she was definitely awake now.

"Tryst?!" She spluttered, her cheeks blotchy. Even Cedric, as unflappable as he was, had cheeks and ears red as apples at the insinuation.

"Sir Cadogan, you're mistaken—"

"We didn't—"

"He's a proper gentleman, I must say," Sir Cadogan pressed on, not hearing Willow or Cedric in the slightest. "Bringing you all the way back here shows he cares about you, my good lady. Now, who says chivalry is dead? The way I see it—"

"For goodness sake, Sir Cadogan! Chainmail!" She blurted the password hurriedly, not willing to hear anymore. Sir Cadogan appeared perturbed by her interruption but he begrudgingly swung his portrait forward.

She turned to Cedric with an apologetic smile. "You'd better head back before anyone catches you. And before Sir Cadogan prattles on about something more…unsavoury."

"Will do that," He nodded but he did not make a move. Willow cocked her head curiously, about to ask him what was wrong when he stepped forward. Her breath hitched when his fingers grazed her earlobe to gently tuck a wayward strand of hair behind her ear, pulse stuttering when she caught sight of the sweet smile he was giving her.

"See you after New Year's, Willow," He murmured, pulling back slowly.

"Y-yeah, see you then," She stammered confusedly, somewhat managing to return his smile before she fled into the portrait hole, her heart still pounding.

༻⸻⸻⸻⸻༺

19th December 1993

"WAKE UP!"

Cedric jerked violently causing him to slip off the seat and fall onto the floor in a mighty heap. He groaned, feeling his behind smarting, before cracking an eye open to find Ian and Jake Lewis, doubled over with laughter.

"Berks," he grumbled, picking himself off the floor with the help of his other (and he was seriously considering, only) friend, Noah Wilkins.

"Hey, have you woken Cedric up yet? We're about to reach the platform soon," Kaylee Quinn skipped into the compartment with Jenna Wright in tow.

"Oh, they woke me up alright," Cedric muttered scathingly, rubbing his bruised behind.

"You said you were going to wake him up gently." Jenna stared at Jake and Ian reproachfully.

"We did consider it at first," Jake wiped the corner of his eyes, still chuckling mirthfully. "Then, we decided we didn't want to."

Jenna rolled her eyes exasperatedly. "The two of you are such children."

Cedric grunted in agreement, resting his head back on his seat. He yawned widely, tears springing to the corners of his eyes.

"Why are you so sleepy anyway?" Kaylee questioned, head cocked curiously.

"Cedric came back to the dormitory past 11 pm last night," Noah explained. "He stayed up late to finish packing."

"Is that why you boys almost missed the train?" Jenna shook her head disapprovingly. "I thought it was Ian's fault."

"Hey!" Ian cried, outraged. "Why do you automatically assume that us being late had something to do with me?"

"Because you are never punctual for anything in your life, Ian Wilson," Jenna said dryly. "And you hate waking up in the mornings."

"I would take offence to that if it wasn't so true," Ian grumbled. "At least it wasn't my fault this time round!"

"I guess there are such things as miracles," Kaylee teased good-naturedly and Ian made an indignant noise. "But why did you return to the dormitories so late, Ced? Didn't you say you were going to pop by the library quickly to check on something for Ancient Runes? That was at around 9 pm when we all left the common room."

"Mr Diggory here said that he was helping a friend and he lost track of time," Jake explained, his blue eyes gleaming wickedly. "He wouldn't specify which friend though but something tells me it is that girl he's been secretly seeing."

Cedric stiffened at Jake's declaration. He shot daggers at the only person that could be responsible but Ian firmly shook his head. Cedric frowned in confusion. Ian may like to rile him up but he would never lie to him.

"What are you going on about?" Jenna narrowed her eyes at the smug-looking Jake.

"Oh come on, don't tell me you guys haven't realised it by now. Cedric has been mysteriously disappearing almost every day for the past month. He hasn't been taking any more tutoring gigs so it can't be that. He's been rather chirpier too. I know a lovestruck man when I see one." Jake smirked, jutting a thumb in his direction. "And I saw that glare you gave Ian, so it proves my suspicions and that Ian at least knows who she is. In fact, I'm willing to bet that he has been hanging out with you and this girl of yours ever since he found out. Which would be about 2, 3 weeks ago."

Cedric bit down a curse, annoyed by Jake's perceptiveness.

"Wait, so it's true?!" Kaylee squealed, leaning forward. "Cedric, have you been seeing someone?"

"No, I have not," He stated with a certain finality, indicating that was all he would have to say for the matter. He should have known his friends wouldn't listen.

"So you haven't made a move yet," Jake deduced with a grin. "Guess you are taking your time with her, Ced."

Cedric remained tight-lipped, hoping that they would reach the platform very, very soon to be relieved of this torture.

"Interesting." Jenna rested her chin on her palm, grinning at him knowingly. "You're usually pretty decisive. Even if you've only known her for a month, you would have at least asked her out on a date by now."

10 more minutes, Cedric repeated as he watched the rolling white hills begin to disappear and the snow-covered brick buildings of London came to view. I can survive 10 more minutes of this.

"Maybe someone he tutored before then? Who has he tutored so far?" Kaylee wondered aloud.

"Last year, Cedric tutored Emma Collins from Hufflepuff, Wilbur Grant and Amelia Matthews from Gryffindor," Noah supplied while he quietly read his novel as he had always done. "This year so far, he has only tutored Cho Chang from Ravenclaw."

"How do you even know all that?" Cedric asked bewildered, temporarily forgetting his vow of silence.

Noah shrugged. "You usually tell us who you are tutoring before you head off for your sessions. I have a good memory."

Kaylee snapped her fingers. "Could it be Cho Chang? I heard she has had her eye on Ced since last year."

Now that was news to him. During their sessions back in September, nothing about her behaviour hinted that the dark-haired Raveclaw fancied him.

Jake stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps, perhaps. But too many girls and well, blokes have had a crush on our dear Hufflepuff Heartthrob here to narrow it down immediately. It would help if we could get a name," Jake mused out loud, looking pointedly at Ian.

"Alright, Ian. Spill, who is she?" Jenna demanded.

"Nice try, Wright. I'm not going to say anything," Ian shook his head, raising his hands defensively. Cedric beamed. He knew his best mate would have his back.

"But what I will say is Cedric was a complete goner after the way she came barreling into his life. And I fully approve of her."

The grin fell from his face instantaneously.

The little traitor.

Thankfully, the Hogwarts Express rolled into Platform Nine and Three-Quarters with impeccable timing, ceasing their conversation with a flurry of movement of people grabbing their trunks and disembarking the train. The group of them grabbed their things and headed down the steps of the train, excited to meet their families again. Cedric and Ian glanced around the crowded platform, finally spotting a familiar face.

"See you after the hols!" Cedric called out to his friends as he and Ian made their way.

"Don't think you got off easy, Cedric Diggory," Jake grinned. "I'll be expecting to hear more about this bird of yours the next time we meet so get ready."

Cedric flipped him a different kind of bird. Jake roared with laughter and returned the favour before darting into the crowd to find his family.

"Why are we friends with him again?" Cedric muttered darkly as he dragged his trunk to the edge of the platform

Ian chuckled, giving his best mate a comforting pat on the shoulder. "Well, you have to admit, he keeps things interesting."

"Hello, darlings!" Cedric's mother, Ava Diggory greeted them with a radiant smile when they got close. She pressed soft kisses to their cheeks, enveloping them in big hugs. "It seems like the two of you are getting bigger each time I see you," she sighed forlornly.

"You saw us when we were in Hogsmeade last month, mum," Cedric reminded, amused. "I doubt we could have grown that much."

Ava patted his cheek dotingly. "And yet, I could have sworn you were only taller than me by half a head then. Now, your chin is levelled with my forehead."

"It must be all the milk he's been chugging in Hogwarts," Ian teased. "He probably felt betrayed when he realised I was taller than him."

"Bold words from the man who did stretching exercises every night last year when he thought he was shorter than Jake," Cedric scoffed, arching his brow.

Ava shook her head fondly at the bickering boys, well accustomed to the sight. "Come along the two of you. The car is not too far away. Ian, I've made your favourite dessert for lunch today."

Ian whistled happily and followed behind her with a skip in his step. "Cheers, Ava. It's always a great day when I get to stay over in the Diggory Cottage."

༻⸻⸻⸻⸻༺

"Another round, boys?" Ava asked.

"As much as I love your famous sticky toffee pudding, I think I have to say no. I might just burst if I ate another bite," Ian said, patting his protruding belly with a despondent sigh.

She laughed, reaching out to ruffle Ian's hair. "Don't need to look so sad, Ian. You can eat it again for dinner later."

Cedric gulped the last of his tea, a pleasant feeling settling in his bones. He loved Hogwarts but being surrounded by the scent of herbs and his mother's cooking was incomparable. There was nothing like being home.

"I'll go and clean these up," Ava said, standing up to grab the empty plates.

"Let me help you with the dishes, mum," Cedric offered, stacking the rest of the dishes in his arms and heading to the kitchen. His mother was humming along to one of Celestina Warbeck's songs playing on the radio as she washed the dishes by hand. Despite having magic, his mother still preferred to do the dishes the 'Muggle way' as his dad would call it.

"Thank you Ced but you don't have to help me," she said, taking the rest of the dirty plates from him. "You should go entertain Ian in the Dining room with Ian."

Cedric huffed a laugh. "Trust me, mum, Ian can be by himself for a few minutes. He is probably too stuffed to even realise I am gone. Besides, I wanted to ask you something."

"What is it?"

He drummed his fingers against the counter, baffled by the sudden nervousness that hit him. He was perfectly fine when he suggested to Willow but actually asking his mother to meet her made him rather unexplainable antsy.

Calm down, Cedric Diggory. Why in Helga's name are you acting like this?

"Remember I wrote to you about the next Hogsmeade trip happening next month? The one that you said coincides with your visit to the Forbidden Forest?" He hedged.

Ava nodded, rinsing the suds away from the last plate. "Of course. I marked it in my calendar the moment I received it." She glanced at him with a frown, wondering why he was acting so shifty. "Why? Did something happen? You won't be able to make it?"

He shook his head, averting his eyes suspiciously. "No, it's not that. Is it okay if my friend joins us? She wants to meet you and well, ask you a few things."

Ava relaxed with a smile. "Sure. You know I've always loved meeting your friends. I don't understand why you are acting so—" She paused abruptly, eyes widening before her head whipped around to face him with a squeal. "Did you say 'she'?! Cedric, is she your girlfriend?!"

He stumbled back in surprise, his hand almost knocking over the dried plates. "Wha—No! She's not—we're not—she's a friend, mum!"

"Uh-huh, so what I am hearing is that you like her but you haven't asked her out yet." She smirked, hands on her hips, grey eyes gleaming brightly.

It was disconcerting how easily his mother could read him. He opened his mouth—in an attempt to deny it—but she stopped him with a raised hand. "Don't bother even trying to deny it, Cedric Amos Diggory. I know you far too well for you to try and pull wool over my eyes."

He immediately closed his mouth and swallowed once, twice and a third time before he finally uttered weakly, "Was it that obvious?"

Ava's smile grew wider while she leaned against the counter. "Very. I've met most of your friends, girls and boys alike, but this is the first time I've seen you acting so skittish from just asking me to meet her."

His ears were definitely red. He could feel them burning the sides of his head. He coughed, running a hand through his hair. "It's still quite new. I've liked her since September so…" he mumbled, averting his eyes bashfully.

Ava's grin softened. "Well, she must be quite something."

"She is. She's incredibly kind. Clever too. Oh, and when she smiles, her eyes light up and nose crinkles—" Cedric stopped abruptly, struck with an embarrassing realisation that he was openly gushing about Willow, in front of his mother no less.

"Oh no, please go on," Ava urged, a wide grin teasing her lips. "Don't let me stop you."

He flushed deeply, mortification filling his entire being. Ava withheld a chuckle as she watched her usually suave son reduced to a stammering, red mess. She may not know the girl yet but she had a strong suspicion that she would quite like her.

He cleared his throat and hastily changed the topic. "So it's okay if she comes down to see you?"

Ava chuckled, deciding to take pity on her son. "Yes, Ced. I'd be happy to meet her. What does she want to ask about in any way?"

"I'll let her tell you about that. Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise," He answered, evading her question smoothly.

His mother accepted his answer easily. She dried her hands on the washcloth and sent the clean dishes to their respective cabinets with a swoop of her wand. "I still have a few batches of Nerve Regeneration potion left to brew so I'll be in my Potion room until dinner time."

Cedric nodded. "I'll make sure Ian doesn't transfigure dad's precious Quidditch collector's card into cats. Again."

"Thank you, dear. As much as I am proud of his transfiguration abilities, I really would appreciate it if I don't spend an hour catching all the cats before they try to escape the house."

He laughed, pressing a kiss to his mother's cheek before exiting the kitchen. He was mildly surprised to find the dining room but he wasn't exceptionally worried (Ian would be much too stuffed from Ava's cooking to even try and break into Amos' study). When he made his way to his room, however, he found Ian sprawled languidly across his bed.

"You know you have your own room, right?" Cedric pointed out with an arched brow.

Ian cracked open an eye. "Uh-huh. And?"

He shook his head with an exasperated smile. He headed to his desk at the corner of the room and rummaged through his drawers, fishing out parchment and a new ink bottle.

"What are you doing?" Ian asked lazily, barely lifting his head from the pillow.

"Oh uh, I'm writing a letter to Willow. I wanted to wish her happy holidays, ask her how she's doing and all."

"Huh."

Ignoring that non-committal answer, he unscrewed his ink bottle carefully and dipped his turkey quill. The room was silent for a while, filled with the soft scratches of his quill, at least until Ian spoke up once again. "Were you ever going to tell me?"

"Tell you what?" Cedric asked distractedly.

"That you fancied Willow since the start of school this year."

Cedric's hand slipped, the tip of his quill stabbing the parchment. The black ink bled across the yellowed paper, forming a large blot, but he barely noticed it. He swallowed thickly before slowly turning around to face Ian who was now sitting up on the bed. Similar to his tone, Ian's expression was not at all accusatory. He watched Cedric with a questioning look in his eyes, patiently waiting for him to speak.

Cedric's jaw moved up and down a couple of times, trying to voice out some kind of explanation but all that came out was, "How?"

Ian tilted his head thoughtfully. "I overheard you and your mother talking just now and you admitted that you have liked Willow since September. Don't give me that look, you weren't exactly trying to keep your voices down. But truth be told, I had an inkling you liked her for a while since the day she crashed into you."

"But that was the first time you met her!" He spluttered, flummoxed.

"Ah hah, so you have met her before," Ian latched onto his words, eyes glinting triumphantly now that his suspicions had been confirmed. "Well, you gave yourself away. You asked her if she was okay when you saw her in the stands, pale and shaking after you caught the Snitch. Now, I know you're a damn good seeker with superb eyesight but there is no way you would have noticed Willow was not feeling fine in the middle of a thunderstorm when visibility is close to none unless you always have been watching her from the start."

A rueful smile grew on Cedric's lips. "I thought I hid it pretty well."

Ian scoffed, moving to the edge of the bed. "I admit, you did at first. I didn't even know you had your eye on someone but after Willow tackled you to the floor, you became very obvious."

Cedric scratched the tip of his nose, the feeling of embarrassment trickling across his skin. He didn't bother denying it.

Ian grinned, revelling Cedric's rare show of embarrassment. "So, what made you fall head over heels for our favourite Gryffindor?"

"So, she really has your approval?"

Ian's smile softened. "You really think I wouldn't like her, Ced? I wasn't joking when I said she has my approval back on the train. She's smart and hard-working. She can be rather guarded at times but I can tell she's got a big heart. By the way, if you ever screw things up, I'm dropping you and becoming her best friend."

Cedric released a snort of laughter but there was no denying the sense of relief he felt. He valued his best mate's opinion after all and Ian was a great judge of character.

He nudged Cedric with his foot. "You haven't answered me yet. What made you fall for her?"

Cedric gave him a look. "What makes you think I'm going to tell you?"

"Come on," Ian whined. "You didn't even tell your best mate that you fancied someone and you still want to hold out on me? Do we need to go through the Best Friends' Commandments again?"

"You know, I never agreed to those commandments."

"You wound me. Truly. What did I ever do to deserve a best mate like you?"

Cedric chuckled at Ian's dramatic look of outrage. Exhaling lightly, he recounted their fateful encounter at the start of the year.

"Just when I thought I couldn't like her even more," Ian mused softly, all smiles once he was done. "She's really something."

"She really is," Cedric agreed instantaneously, smiling softly.

"So tell me, why haven't you asked her out yet?" Ian probed. "It's clear you really, really like her."

"I want to take things slow, get her to trust me first. The last thing I want to do is to scare her by rushing things."

Ian nodded understandingly. "You shouldn't sell yourself short though. I think Willow's already opening up to you."

"You think so?"

"As I said, she can be rather guarded but when she's talking with you, it seems to melt away. I'm pretty sure you're the main reason why she accepted my presence so easily," Ian pointed out.

Cedric pursued his lips thoughtfully. "Huh. I never thought of it that way."

"Think about it mate. Haven't there been times when she let those walls down for you?"

Cedric's thoughts drifted to last night. How she let him hold her while she cried out everything she'd been holding back. How she trusted him enough to divulge her worries and what she wanted to do. He remembered that beautiful smile on her lips when she accepted his help and her wide-eyed, blushing expression when he went and tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ears.

"Still with me, Ced?" Ian's teasing voice drew him back to the present. Cedric scowled, ears burning at the sound of Ian's chortling. "From that dopey expression you've got on your face, I'm guessing she has. Does it have something to do with you meeting her last night? And why is she meeting Ava?"

Cedric hesitated. "Yes, it does. But I can't tell you. I don't know if she would be comfortable with me telling you and I wouldn't want to betray her trust."

Ian nodded. "Understandable. But since I'm going to be left in the dark and you practically owe me, I just have one request."

"What is it?"

A wicked grin spread across Ian's face as he inched forward and Cedric could only watch him warily, already fearing the worst.

༻⸻⸻⸻⸻༺

"Don't worry, Hagrid. We're going to make sure you win your case," Harry promised vehemently while Willow patted Hagrid's hand soothingly in goodbye.

Hagrid blubbered, eyes still watering from sadness but she could discern gratitude within the tears as he nodded. He blew noisily into his oversized spotted handkerchief as Hermione and Ron voiced their agreement and support. After another round of goodbyes with Hagrid sweeping all four of them into one bone-crushing hug, the four of them headed back to the castle. They had been in Hagrid's hut for almost the rest of the day, the sun almost setting on the horizon.

"I know Malfoy was low but to stoop this low?" Harry growled, unravelling his scarf and shaking off the snow on his clothes rather violently at the entrance of the castle.

"I mean this is Malfoy we are talking about," Ron said angrily. "Being a"—Ron said something so foul Hermione gasped "Ron!" in both horror and reprimand—"is basically his personality."

"Well, we are not letting him get his way," Hermione insisted firmly. "I'm sure the library should have books about laws and past cases similar to Buckbeak's case. We can head over there tomorrow morning and start researching."

"Good. I'm not letting Hagrid lose Buckbeak," Harry declared determinedly, stalking towards the Great Hall for dinner.

Following behind him, Willow noticed Ron and Hermione sharing obvious looks of relief. She shared the sentiment. Harry woke up late this afternoon, with dark bags under his was an unnerving look in his eyes, fueled by rage and hatred for one man and one man alone: Sirius Black. It scared her and knowing how unpredictable and reckless Harry can be at times, she didn't want to know what exactly was running through his mind.

As sad as she was for Hagrid's predicament, she couldn't help but be a little bit relieved that it allowed Harry to switch focus, albeit temporarily. Willow bit her lip, watching Harry eating out of the corner of her eye, his anger mostly replaced by grim determination. She sighed inwardly, poking her roast chicken. It seemed like telling him about researching about Black would have to wait for a while longer.

Dinner was an uneventful affair and all of them decided to turn in, wanting to have an early start on their research for Buckbeak's case the next morning. After saying good night to the boys, Willow and Hermione hiked up the stairs to the dorm, ready to head to the bathroom for a hot shower when they heard incessant tapping at their window.

"Is that an owl?" Hermione said, frowning thoughtfully. "Were you expecting any letters?"

"No. Were you?" Hermione shook her head. Slightly puzzled, Willow pried open the window, allowing the owl to hop onto her arm. The beautiful brown owl ruffled its feathers gently, shaking off the little flecks of snow and water, before extending the letter attached to its leg.

"It's for me," Willow muttered, seeing her name written out in familiar handwriting. She untied the letter, flipping it over to find the sender's name. "And it's from Cedric," she uttered, eyes widening in surprise.

"'Nothing to tell', huh?" Willow glanced up to find a smirk on the brunette's face.

"He's probably being friendly," Willow shrugged, averting her eyes. The brown owl hopped from her arm to perch on her bed frame, settling itself comfortably. Its yellow eyes watched the two of them with interest.

"Uh huh," Hermione grinned, hands resting on her hips. "I distinctly recall you telling me that the two of you are barely even friends.'"

"Well, we've recently become friends," Willow said casually. "And friends do write other friends letters."

"Fair enough but that doesn't explain why you are blushing," Hermione hummed, eyes narrowing with mirth.

Willow slapped her hands over her cheeks, hiding them from view but they burned deeper after being brought to attention. Hermione chortled, amused by her friend's antics. She shook her head, opening her mouth to say something more. Willow stiffened, bracing herself for more teasing or questions that she may or may not be able to answer but all Hermione said "I'll head to the bathroom first. Take your time."

Willow's eyebrow flew up in surprise but Hermione simply shot her a teasing wink before leaving the room with her nightgown and bath things. Willow cleared her throat, fanning her red cheeks when she caught sight of Cedric's owl, eyes trained unblinkingly at her.

"Are…are you waiting for me to read his letter?" She asked the bird hesitantly.

The owl hooted. "Well, alright then." She dug out a bag of owl treats that she gives to her own barn owl, Soren, and Hedwig from her trunk. Willow offered some to the brown owl who ate it eagerly before nipping her hand affectionately. Willow smiled, stroking her feathery head gently. She took a seat at the foot of her bed, unfolding the letter and began to read Cedric's neat script:

Willow,

How are you? I hope you are feeling better. I've got some good news; my mother is happy to meet up with you on the next Hogsmeade trip in February. I didn't tell her anything so you can ask your questions freely when you meet. Is Hogwarts completely buried under snow as I remember it to be during this time? I stayed over during the hols once when my folks were down with dragon pox back in my third year and I remember the snow being up almost up to my waist. I would have probably been engulfed by it if it wasn't for Hagrid and Fang. And I apologise for the next few sentences. I could not stop him.

Rude. Hello, my bestest bud! How are you faring in the castle? Bet you're lonely without me. Cedric's been such a dreadful bore. I miss your company. He just tried locking me out of his room and he doesn't even laugh at my jokes. Can you believe that?

You have terrible jokes.

Cedric simply doesn't have the intellect to appreciate them. All my wonderful material is being wasted on him. I know you would appreciate them, Willow.

She's being kind.

Could you let me finish writing without any interruptions?! ANYWAY, enjoy your holidays with Harry. Expect a gift on Christmas (put a lid on those protests of yours, Potter. It's going to be sent to you and you will receive it and like it). By the way, Willow did you know Ce

I'm sorry, Willow. I finally managed to shove him out of my room. I would erase his parts but he made me promise to keep them in. His folks are in Australia visiting his mother's parents. His grandmother is sick with the flu so Ian's staying over for Christmas. He's good company when he's behaving and not trying to break down the door. Like what he is trying to do right now. I better stop him. Mum's partial to the furniture.

Cedric

P.S. Don't worry, I didn't tell Ian about Sirius Black. I didn't want to share something that you trusted me to keep. Oh, I was thinking of asking more about Sirius Black from my father if you are okay with it. He works in the ministry so he may know something about the case. And let me know how things are at your end. You can send back a letter with Eclair.

She finished reading the letter in giggles, not only at the mental picture of their bickering while they fought over the quill she was painting as if she was there, but also at Cedric's rather adorable name for his owl. "They must have been pretty noisy, huh?" She glanced up at the brown owl—no, Eclair—who replied with a look as if saying "You have no idea".

Willow chuckled, her eyes turning back to the letter. It was almost perplexing how considerate Cedric was. He could have told Ian and kept it from her. She would have never known but he valued her trust, not taking it lightly. A strange fluttering resonated within her chest.

She looked up at Eclair again. "Would it be okay if you wait a bit longer, Eclair? I'd like to send back a letter."

Eclair gave another hoot before cleaning her feathers. Willow went to her desk, pulled out a parchment and began writing her reply.

Hello Cedric! And to Ian as well!

Thanks for checking up on me. I'm doing better but things have taken a turn for the worse here. Remember that incident with Hagrid's Hippogriff, Buckbeak, and Malfoy that happened at the start of the year? Well, Hagrid just received a letter from the school governors, stating that he and Buckbeak would have to attend a hearing with the Committee of Disposal of Dangerous Creatures based on a complaint by Malfoy's father which is positively infuriating. Not only to me but to Harry, Ron and Hermione as well. We were all there to witness the entire incident and I can safely say that Buckbeak nor Hagrid was at fault. The fault lies entirely on Malfoy. Hagrid was supervising us carefully and stressed that his instructions should be followed closely. But of course, Malfoy took it as a personal challenge and decided to fool around and offend Buckbeak.

Poor Hagrid was beside himself, crying buckets when we visited earlier this day. We promised him to help with his case so we're going to be researching past cases and laws the next day to help build his defence. As such, you can imagine I didn't really have the heart to ask him for my parents' friends' names. I guess all I have now is Lupin and McGonagall to ask. Wish me luck.

The castle is just the same as you left. The snow hasn't gotten around to settling in yet. And thank you for asking your mum on my behalf. I'm sure it must have been difficult considering you couldn't tell her why just yet but thank you. I think it would be good to ask your dad too. Sourcing more information about what happened that day would definitely help me understand why. Also…I'm alright with you telling Ian about our research into Sirius Black. Really. I trust him, not only because he's your friend but mine now too. Bestest buds and all.

Willow

Willow read through the letter a few times before folding it up neatly. Eclair, realising she was done, extended her leg and the letter was tied securely to it.

"Thanks for waiting," Willow murmured softly, stroking Eclair's head. She opened the window and watched Eclair spread her wings before flying swiftly into the night.