A/N: Sorry for the late update. Some stuff happened here at home that I wasn't able to write anything for awhile. To the readers, thank you for giving this crackship a chance. XD

Again, reviews are welcomed and appreciated! Without your thoughts, this isn't worth sharing.

Disclaimer: The Harry Potter series and all its characters are copyrighted to and belong to J.K. Rowling. I am simply playing in her sandbox and receive no financial gain from this.

CHAPTER SEVEN

"Good morning, sir," a house elf greeted him at the giant oak doors of the Parkinson Manor. Cedric shifted on his feet, clutching William's camera on his hand. He gave his colleague his prized golden snitch that he got from Viktor Krum after the TriWizard tournament from years ago just so he can go alone. Luckily, William did not ask that much questions. He seemed pretty please to get a memorabilia from one of the most famous Quidditch players of all time.

"Good morning, is Pansy, err – Miss Parkinson home?" he asked, looking at the house elf who was clutching the dirty pink pillowcase she was wearing.

"Yes, sir," she replied. "Young mistress is at the garden and she told Sparkle to bring you lot to her."

He nodded, and followed the house elf to the magnificent rose garden at the back of the manor. In the middle was a golden fountain sprouting water which changed colours every few minutes. Cedric looked at the different varieties of roses around him. He used to have a soft spot for Herbology and plants, and this place was the epitome of perfection.

His eyes caught Pansy facing away from him, holding a red rose on her hand. She looked wonderful and he couldn't help himself. He raised William's camera and – Flash!

Pansy turned to face him, surprised. She looked at him confused, and for a moment he thought he saw something in her eyes, but before he could comprehend what it was, it turned cold again, giving nothing away.

"Mr. Diggory," she said breathily, looking past him. "Where's Mr. Hastings?"

"He's… Preoccupied," he managed to say, trying to avoid looking at her tightly fitted dress. "He's got other things to do for The Daily Prophet."

She scowled, and commented, "Didn't they assign another photographer with you then?"

He shook his head. "It's a busy day at the office. We're getting close to the deadline, so they need all hands on deck."

Pansy looked at him suspiciously but pursed her lips and said nothing. Oh, what he'd give to press his lips on hers once again.

"Very well," she said. "Madam Malkin will arrive in an hour. I'll leave you alone; I'll just go to my room. Sparkle will give you something to eat."

Right as if on cue, the house elf arrived with a tray of tea and cakes, and placed it on the small table in front of them. The house elf bowed her head once more and disappeared into the mansion.

Pansy started walking away, and before he could stop himself, he pulled her towards him, and hugged her tight. It was all too familiar. Her skin, her scent… She pounded his shoulder and demanded, "Let me go."

He pulled her closer, not wanting to do what she said. "Let's just stay like this for a bit," was all he said, and he felt her urge to fight leave her. Every touch against hers burned with passion and ignited something deep inside him. His hand slowly moved down her back when they heard one of the doors nearby open with a thud alongside with some voices.

Pansy pushed him, and he staggered a few steps. He was just able to stand upright when Narcissa Malfoy arrived, and in her wake followed three ladies whom he recognized as Madam Malkin and two of her assistants. He looked at Pansy in alarm, and he saw her looking down, her cheeks flushed.

"M – Madam Narcissa," she muttered with a curtsy. "I thought you'd come in an hour."

"Pansy," Narcissa Malfoy responded in a very formal tone. "Surely you know that time is a galleon. We have a lot of things to do, so why wait an hour?"

Pansy nodded. "You do know what is best, Madam Narcissa."

The older woman stepped towards her and said with a smile, "I told you, you have to get used to calling me Mother." She turned to look at Cedric when she noticed his presence. "And I assume you're the one from The Daily Prophet?"

Cedric cleared his throat, and offered his hand. "Yes, Madam Malfoy. I'm Cedric Diggory."

She firmly shook his hand for a brief second and returned her attention to Pansy. "Shall we start then? We should go to your sitting room, Pansy."

Pansy nodded, and started walking towards the manor, not looking back at him. He sighed and followed the rest of the party.

I guess I won't be able to talk to her today, he thought.