Shannon Logan-Hale is an introvert; a charismatic and occasionally talkative introvert, but an introvert all the same. She has always been one who could handle herself in a crowd of strangers, even for an extended period, but she rarely chose to do so for the hell of it. She much preferred solo activities such as reading, gardening, cooking, and listening to music. Neither had she ever truly surrounded herself with those unlike herself, finding that those who shared her interests oftentimes shared a similar inclination toward 'quiet independence' as she liked to call it.
Cedric Diggory on the other hand appears to be the embodiment of an extrovert albeit with a quiet and calm temperament, seeming to draw energy from the hustle and bustle of the crowd, going so far as to greet strangers and store owners and strike up conversation with passing acquaintances and staff. In a way, Shannon finds him quite similar to Andrew, albeit quite more mature and calm, as the similarity of their teasing personality is uncanny. As time passes, Shannon finds herself inwardly grateful for her father's incessant teasing growing up, for if not for it she might have found herself quite sensitive to the playful prodding that seems to follow her no matter what dimension she is in.
In an odd way, Shannon and Cedric are mirrored opposites, which is why as Shannon walks the streets of Diagon Alley, popping into this shop and that to collect her school things under the guidance of the young teenage boy, she finds herself full of energy and marvel and having a truly wonderful time even with the constant interruptions. Every store they have stepped into has been thrilling for the young girl, her eyes with wonder as she drags Cedric to this display and that all while peppering him with questions to which he replies easily with an air of amusement (something Shannon supposes is merely part of his personality seeing as he has not once lost that air since their meeting). So far they have only managed to pick up her school equipment, so caught up in their window shopping that their purpose has been occasionally forgotten.
Shannon's cheerful mood can also be attributed to the pleasant company Cedric provides, which while teasing, is in fact very helpful and enlightening, so much so that Shannon doesn't mind that she has lost her time to herself. More than once Cedric has paused his own shopping and stepped in to guide the (seemingly) younger girl, giving advice and suggestions in regards to the brands and models of the supplies she is collecting; 'this brand of dragon-hide gloves is not as pretty but far sturdier,' 'a good quality shatterproof inkwell is a must even if you have to replace the ink every time,' 'elegantly feathered quills mean nothing if they are uncomfortable to write with,' etc. He is so helpful in fact that the girl feels she may have shooed off her aunt, uncle, and cousin a bit too soon seeing as the help Cedric has been has turned out to be invaluable; she isn't sure she could have made the correct choices even with her knowledge of this world.
Time passes quickly as Shannon and Cedric shop, getting to know one another as they do. They chat about their hobbies, their favourite foods, and what it had been like for Shannon growing up in America. The girl has been careful with her words when explaining her new family situation, practically reciting Granny Logan's rendition as she fingered a set of potion vials (Made with Goblin Crystal to keep your potions fresh for up to 2x longer!), but to her relief, Cedric's expression had remained steady, if not a bit forlorn before he forcefully changed the subject, most likely to spare the girl's feelings. Yet even with that moment, their time spent together has been extremely enjoyable for each student.
"Right then, what's next?" Cedric asks as he and Shannon exit the large stationary store, the girl's satchel on his arm a bit heavier than before.
Shannon pauses, her cheeks flushed with the excitement of her purchase of wizarding school supplies, some of which being thirty notebooks charmed to be self-organising (Cedric had to insist that she would not need fifty packs of loose-leaf parchment for her first term) and a stunning wax seal kit for her letters home. She had chosen a violet-indigo wax as well as a translucent pearl-colour that matched the crescent-shaped seal that went with it, reminding her of a galaxy. She had also been quite picky with her quills, taking the time to try out the testers provided until she found the one that was the easiest to write with (as well as lovely to look at, seeing as she had the budget), not having ever written by quill and ink. As a result, her right hand is now ink stained and splotchy, but she pays it no mind, too thrilled with the beautiful colour of the indigo handle and simmering nature of the white and gold thunderbird feather (apparently imported from the Americas) to care. She liked it so much in fact that she ended up buying four in addition to a handful of a more generic yet smooth and comfortable quills and tip replacements, much to Cedric's bewilderment.
Shannon turns to the boy and grins widely, further anticipation bubbling in her chest. "I still need my textbooks and I'd like to stop by the owl emporium if we have the time."
Unbeknownst to Cedric, Shannon had been a bit elusive when conveying the items still needed on her supply list, as Granny Logan had previously informed her to hold back on procuring her wand for a reason she wouldn't disclose, which is yet another cause for both Shannon and Eliza to grow increasingly frustrated with the old woman. Shannon would need a wand before Hogwarts and she is set to leave in a matter of days, meaning Granny Logan will need to reveal her hand sooner rather than later.
This fact has been a bit of a sore spot for Shannon, who had been anticipating a visit to the famous Olivander's, but given the mysterious nature of her presence in the Enchanted, she feels she has no basis to force the issue. Granny Logan knows more than she is letting on in regards to Shannon's status and hopefully whatever her issue is with Shannon's wand will also reveal some of what the old woman has been hiding.
Cedric stares down at Shannon, the smile that has been playing on his lips the entire morning growing when he notices a rather blissful gleam in the small girl's eyes, one he himself is all too familiar with having many friends in Ravenclaw.
"In that case, we better hurry over to Flourish and Blotts. I have a few textbooks I need to pick up as well," he nods, watching as Shannon grips his arm and beams up at him with undiluted anticipation. The sight causes a spike of warmth to brew in the pit of his stomach; affection, he quickly realises.
As short of a time he has known her, Cedric finds he quite enjoys his conversation with the girl and that while young, Shannon has a very easygoing and cheerful demeanour that makes for easy company. While a bit naive and gullible, the eleven year old girl is also witty and mature – and occasionally teasing and sarcastic herself, much to his amusement. It is an odd combination of traits that he wouldn't have expected from a first year, but he finds that he too is having a wonderful time in spite of the fact that his father had essentially thrown the teen boy at the little girl.
Cedric understands that his father's motives most likely lie in an attempt to make connections with House Logan, one of the oldest and most prestigious wizarding families in all of Europe, through Cedric's and Shannon's friendship. Unlike Shannon, who seems wholeheartedly open, the rest of the Logan family is known to be tightlipped and closed off, only adding to the mystery that surrounds them. Making acquaintances with the house has never been easy for anyone, especially as most connections the famous house maintains have either already been held for centuries or are made when the heiresses and descendants are young and in school. Other relationships are shallow at best, yet still kind.
While Cedric would normally have put up at the very least a word of resistance against such a tactless and downright manipulative act from his father, Cedric found that he was apprehensive of such a young little girl barely the size of a dormouse completing such a large and arduous task on her own, especially with the frantic crowd that is currently bustling about on the last saturday before the start of term. In fact, Cedric had technically been the first one to offer due to his concern over the matter – his father had just railroaded the result, which is why he can't fault his father in the end.
Even so, Cedric hadn't expected to have as much fun as he is currently having, finding that Shannon is a much more rigorous and intelligent conversational partner than he could have anticipated. In contrast her childlike wonder only adds to the growing endearment he feels as she clings to his arm as they move about the street, struggling to stay together as they push through to one of the largest stores on the entire street: Flourish and Blotts.
Shannon herself is unaware of the boy's internal analysis of her, her thoughts filled with anticipation as they step through the open doors of the large book store. As they do, she is hit with the distinct scent of old and new books alike, paper and ink held together with leather and fabric. The scent is familiar and comforting and nearly causes her eyes to prick with the sudden swell of nostalgic emotion.
The interior of Flourish and Blotts is decidedly cramped with shelves upon shelves filled to the brim and some even overflowing. Even so, it is organised, albeit in a seemingly haphazard way. Tables filled with an assortment of textbooks have been placed near the front where they can fit while still allowing access to the rest of the shop, organised by year and class, including electives. Shannon's hands tremble slightly as she heads straight to the first year table, her fingers grazing a copy of The Standard Book of Spells: Grade 1 lovingly. She had always been curious about the type of books that would exist inside a fantasy realm and now here she is, picking out her own textbooks to learn actual magic.
"Are you that excited over a text book, little mouse?" Cedric laughs, his grey eyes studying the girl's reaction with amusement. She had mentioned that her favourite hobby is reading, but he hadn't expected her interest to extend to textbooks.
Shannon doesn't even bother to look up, instead cradling the book to her chest as she takes a copy of each text on her list into her arms.
"I've never wanted to read a book more in my life – and that's saying something," she states with a laboured breath, faltering under the weight and size of the books she is attempting to carry all at once.
Cedric doesn't bother to hide his smirk as he plucks the books out of Shannon's arms, the size not nearly as daunting or encompassing in relation to the tall Hufflepuff.
"I'll grab my books and bring everything to the counter. While I do, why don't you have a look around? I'm sure you'll find something that'll pique your interest," Cedric laughs, a gleam in his eye as Shannon sends him a soft glare for the ease of which he handles her books.
With a breath, a small, appreciative smile blooms on the girl's lips, unable to deny the truth in his words.
"Thanks, I think I'll do that," she replies, barely giving the boy another glance before turning on her heel down the nearest aisle, her eyes perusing the spines of the nearest books with fervour.
With a heart filled with unbridled joy, Shannon's eyes gleam as she studies the titles, finding books on potion making, magical herb development, household charms, research into magical genetics, a history of wizarding traditions; the list is endless. Any topic that Shannon could have ever dreamed of appears to line the shelves of the wonderfully abundant store. Part of the young witch knows she would never have wanted to leave if not for the fact that she would be on the train to Hogwarts in barely two day's time.
Making haste, Shannon begins to pluck every book that catches her eye from the shelves, her heart alight with anticipation with the knowledge that she would be able to spend hours indulging herself with these magical books and it would truly be considered studying. Practically skipping as her collection grows in her small arms (she's picked six solely on wizarding history and traditions in addition to the nine others that spanned varying genres), Shannon prances about the aisles barely noticing the presence of others as she reads inserts and summaries (and choosing to completely forgo any work by Gildoroy Lockheart). Sagging under the growing weight of her pile of books, Shannon is so absorbed that she is completely blindsided when she smacks right into someone, causing both hers and the other party's books to cascade around them in a large heap.
Heat and angst rush to Shannon's cheeks when she finds herself on the ground, her rear end throbbing from the abrupt contact with the carpeted floor.
"God – I'm sorry," Shannon breathes, embarrassment washing over her as she rubs at the pained area.
"No, no, it's not your fault. I should have been watching where I was going," chimes the similarly childlike voice of the girl now sitting across from the young Logan heiress.
Glancing up, Shannon is met with a young girl with a similar stature and age to herself who looks rather flushed and irritated as she attempts to separate her books with the ones Shannon had been carrying – a considerable endeavour considering the amount of books they each have. Yet, what catches Shannon's curiosity is the girl's unique and rather distinct appearance. The girl, while having a pale skin tone and a light littering of freckles across her nose and cheeks, has distinct african facial features as well as tell-tale coiled curls that appear to have been brushed out rather poorly, giving her dark brown hair a bushy and frizzy quality (as someone with often untamable curls, Shannon is appalled that she seems to have done such a thing). In addition, her two front teeth are slightly on the larger side, exposing themselves easily as she mutters under her breath, too low for Shannon to hear.
Shannon falters as she collects her own books from the mess, her eyes glancing up at the girl. While the girl has a few unfortunate features, she is objectively pretty, although it does appear to Shannon that the other girl does not care too much about her appearance given the lack of effort with her hair and the odd combination of her clothes: mom-jeans, an ill-fitting colourful sweater vest over a white long sleeve button down, and a pair of ratty sneakers, but then again, this is the 90's. For all Shannon knows, this could be 90's English chic.
Pieces begin to fall in place as Shannon considers the girl across from her, suspicion and intuition suggesting the identity of the apparent book-loving stranger.
". . . Are you planning to read all these yourself?" Shannon eventually asks, sitting back on her ankles and watching the girl carefully as anticipation bubbles in her chest.
The girl jerks in surprise, her expression rigid as she looks up at Shannon for the first time.
"Of course. Why else would I have them?" She responds curtly and proudly, her lips pursed as though expecting a fight – or perhaps to be made fun of.
Shannon blinks in surprise, startled by the bristly response.
"Oh no, um, I didn't mean anything by it," she assures the other girl, giving her an awkward smile. "I just – I have a lot of books too and thought that maybe you enjoyed reading as well. . ."
The girl's expression falters, her cheeks flushing as guilt washes over her features.
"Oh – I'm sorry. I shouldn't have assumed –" She begins, but Shannon cuts her off, waving her hand genially.
"Don't worry about it. I'm just happy to meet someone else who loves books as much as I do," Shannon assures the girl as she stacks her last book beside her and holds out her hand. "I'm Shannon, by the way. Shannon Logan."
The girl smiles appreciatively and takes Shannon's hand with gusto.
"I'm Hermione Granger. It's a pleasure to meet you."
A wide grin adorns Shannon's lips as her suspicions are proven true.
"Likewise."
Shannon and Hermione end up talking for about twenty minutes before Cedric is able to locate the two girls, who have gotten to know one another decently well in the short time they have been acquainted. Hermione had been absolutely thrilled to find out that Shannon is to be a first year at Hogwarts as well (and decently taken aback that an American would be attending Hogwarts at all), most likely for the simple convenience of knowing someone going in as a muggle-born (a fact the bushy-haired girl had been quite forthcoming with). Hermione had also informed Shannon that this is in fact her third trip to Diagon Alley in a fortnight, having wanted to pick up extra light reading materials before term so that she could familiarise herself with the wizarding world.
As they speak, Shannon quickly understands why the bushy-haired girl had been deemed a know-it-all within Seer Rowling's books; she is bit shocked by the amount of information the girl dumps into her every response, going so far as to give a short summary of the founding of Hogwarts when Shannon brings up her excitement over their upcoming Sorting. It is to the point that Shannon simply stares in shock as the girl drones on, holding back an amused smile as she listens diligently. It is in the middle of this that Cedric manages to find Shannon, still sitting on the floor beside a rather tall pile of books as she chats with another girl around her age.
While Shannon could easily have spent hours perusing the shelves of the enchanting store, Cedric seems to want to move along, most likely hungry given that they have yet to stop to eat since setting out together. With quick introductions between Cedric and Hermione and a promise between the girls to see one another at the start of term, Cedric leads his shopping companion to the counter to pay for their texts and light reading materials.
A few minutes later Shannon and Cedric find themselves once more setting out on the streets of Diagon Alley, this time in the direction of the ice cream parlour for snacks and the intention to check in with the Logan family now that Shannon's shopping has pretty much been taken care of. Not unexpectedly, the two students don't have to wait long before an angst-ridden Eliza appears with Andrew and Henry in tow, the young boy beaming as he clutches a paper bag of his own shopping to his chest.
Introductions are quick and emphatic as Eliza gushes her thanks to the young Cedric, significantly relieved that Shannon has not actually been alone the whole morning (which both Henry and Shannon are quick to remind her that it has only been around three hours at the most). In contrast, Cedric seems to be a bit shocked and embarrassed by the woman's warm words, not having expected such a tender and exuberant welcome from such renowned reclusive figures. Eliza is similarly taken aback to learn Cedric is the son of Amos Diggory, astonished to find that for once Amos' bragging words have merit, having previously heard the high praise the father bestowed upon his only child. Cedric is just as handsome, courteous, and respectful as she has heard.
Seeing Cedric's reaction to her adoptive parents, Shannon is once more reminded of the weight of her new family name and position, a weight she too now carries. It is a responsibility she is unsure how to feel about. As an only child, she had a decent amount of expectations placed on her growing up, but nothing like this; now she bears the weight of a powerful lineage and its reputation – something she's never really cared about before. She had grown up in a laid back, agriculture and surfing community; that doesn't exactly equate well to the rigid and traditional nature of the Logan household.
Off to the side and completely unaware of Shannon's deep thoughts, Andrew snickers knowingly, quite aware of the fact that Cedric Diggory is an established heart-throb within Hogwarts (as told by Fred and George at least). Seeing Shannon, who supposedly has prior knowledge of this world and its inhabitants, grow so close to the boy so suddenly and without reserve (just as with the Weasley's) is intriguing, if not a little suspicious. He is able to convey as much with a single look to his now-sister, which given the glare he receives in turn seems to only solidify his speculations. However, Andrew's amusement is short-lived as the young boy receives a discreet pinch in the side from said sister, who is not too subtly quite irritated by his less-than-subtle amusement.
As Cedric chats with Henry and Andrew about being on his house's quidditch team Eliza pulls Shannon a bit away, out of earshot of the other three.
"How have you been doing? Did you get everything you need for school?"
Shannon nods and smiles brilliantly. "Yeah, I got just about everything. At this point I think the only thing I'm missing is a wand – and potentially an animal, but I think I'd rather wait on that. Although I'd still like to stop at Gringotts – or at least peek inside if we have the time."
Eliza purses her lips at the reminder of Granny Logan's assurance that Shannon needn't procure a wand in Diagon Alley.
"I see. Actually I was hoping we could get back to the manor to have a talk with Granny over lunch," she tells the girl, her expression a bit hesitant as she peers over at Cedric. "I'd like to have a sit down and discuss the details of your. . . situation. I don't need to remind you that you are set to leave on Monday so we don't have a lot of time to talk about what you know. Are you alright with saying goodbye and heading back?"
Shannon nods, feeling that she should probably discuss her expectations and goals with her new family, especially her knowledge of the future, which has not really been discussed in length. Her perusal of the rest of Diagon Alley will have to wait until another time.
"Yeah, that's probably the right call. . . but I have no idea where Amos Diggory got off to," Shannon explains in a hushed voice, hoping her aunt understands her reluctance to leave the teen she's picked up like a stray cat. "I don't want to just leave Cedric by himself after we just became friends; I'm actually really glad I got to meet him. It looks like I'll have quite a few friends going into Hogwarts," she adds with a smile, truly relieved at the knowledge that she won't be alone once starting school.
Eliza's expression falters and she lowers her voice further, seemingly uncomfortable.
"Shannon dear, I know Cedric helped you and from what I can tell he's truly lovely, but I think it'd be best if you kept a fair distance between you. Don't get me wrong, it's nothing to do with Cedric personally and the Diggory's themselves are a fine family. It's just that while his father Amos is a great wizard, his personality leaves something to be desired. I'm not saying that you shouldn't be friends with Cedric, just maybe not close friends, if you understand my meaning."
Shannon stiffens at her aunt's words, not liking their implication.
"I'm not going to ditch Cedric like this," Shannon reiterates cooly, choosing her words carefully. "He doesn't deserve to be dismissed just because his dad's overbearing. Cedric's a kind and trustworthy person – and he is my friend."
Eliza pauses, considering Shannon's words and her expression.
"I apologise, I hadn't realised how attached you'd grown to the boy and I never meant to imply that we would 'ditch' him, merely that we should excuse ourselves and keep a decent distance moving forward. However that being said, I should warn you that making close friends in our situation is precarious. There are certain families that will try to get close to you because of your name – because of your position," Eliza warns quietly, regretting that she hadn't had this conversation with the girl earlier. "Moving forward, you need to be careful with who you allow into your life."
Shannon, being a rather intuitive girl, had already put together the Logan family's reclusiveness the moment she arrived in this world – especially when she got to know Granny Logan – and while she understands her aunt's concerns, she knows that Cedric Diggory is not such a person.
"I can guarantee that Cedric isn't like that," Shannon restates firmly, her gaze shifting to the handsome boy briefly before turning back to her aunt, irritation brewing within her. "He's a loyal, honourable, and powerful wizard that will not bring 'harm' to the family. If anything, he is an asset."
Eliza notices a sense of finality in Shannon's tone and falters, her eyes widening in surprise.
". . . I take it then that you know him?" She asks, her tone fraught with meaning. "From before. . ?"
Shannon nods forlornly, understanding her aunt's implication.
"Yeah. He's a wonderful person . . . with a terrible fate according to Seer Rowling," the girl admits gravely, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'd like to change that if I can. But it's because of that I know we can trust him."
Eliza sighs and runs a hand over her face as she thinks. After a moment she takes another breath and smiles down at Shannon ruefully.
". . . so I take it you'd like to remain friends with him?" Eliza asks, reaffirming Shannon's intentions. "Again, I must warn you, I was in school with Amos Diggory and he is not exactly an agreeable person to be around; he is a braggart with a rather large ego. In my opinion, he feels superior to others for some reason and likes to make connections with people he believes proves that, those who can elevate him. Whether you like it or not, you are now one such connection, Shannon, and I don't want to see you taken advantage of."
The young Logan heiress nods firmly, an air of authority exuding from her.
"I don't care about Amos – just Cedric," Shannon insists with an unwavering gaze, her voice barely even a whisper as she continues gravely, her expression darker than her age should allow. ". . . I don't know how I'm going to do it but I'm not just gonna stand by and watch Cedric die at the hands of You-Know-Who, not if I can help it."
Eliza's face drains of colour as Shannon's whispered declaration and its implications hang between them. With scared and sorrowful eyes, Eliza turns her gaze on the young Hufflepuff boy who is laughing so easily with Andrew and Henry, so vibrant and full of life. The young mother's heart breaks when she considers Shannon's prediction, her wariness washing away like the tide.
". . . Oh dear. . . yes, yes alright. I won't say another word on the matter," she tells the girl, looking at her in a new light. "I forget how special of a case you are. You probably know better than we do regarding who can be deemed trustworthy. . . We will follow your lead moving forward on these matters – I'm sure Granny Logan will agree."
Shannon stares wide eyed at Eliza, stunned by the significance of her words. A smile pulls at the child's lips as warmth spreads through her, comforted by the trust that Eliza is showing her. Shannon knows that what she is asking is a lot, especially for the Logan family, so the fact that Eliza has conceded so quickly leaves the girl feeling secure and heard. Given the tumultuous week and a half Shannon has had, the emotion is desperately welcome.
"Thank you, Aunt Eliza," Shannon breathes as she throws her arms around the woman's torso in a hug, tears pricking at her eyes.
Eliza's expression softens as she wraps her arms around the girl, similarly warmed by the affection so clearly written across the small girl's face.
"It's no trouble. I'm just happy we have you with us to guide us so that we can stop Rowling from forcing such a prophecy. I tremble at the thought of You-Know-Who coming back in any capacity."
Shannon stiffens at Eliza's whispered words, the reality of her situation once more brought to the forefront of her mind. As much as she is marvelled by the fact that her dreams of living in a magical world have been realised, the fact of the matter is that she has the opportunity to prevent so much heartbreak and death. Eliza had assured her that her mere presence in this world is enough to change things, to stop Trawlney's prophecy, but even Granny Logan has admitted that Rowling's might be a different story. There is no telling what consequences that woman's actions will have moving forward, but Shannon feels it is her responsibility to put fate back into the people's hands, which is probably going to take a lot of planning and intervention if her assumptions are correct. The thought in itself is daunting as well as the very thing that's been keeping her up at night.
With that sobering line of thought, Shannon purses her lips and pulls back.
"I will do my best," the girl whispers with an expression filled with determination.
Eliza nods and glances back at where Cedric, Andrew, and Henry are still engaged in conversation.
"So what would you like to do right now? Would you like to take Cedric back to the Manor for lunch and send him home from there?" The woman offers, watching Shannon's expression carefully. "It'd be good for Granny to meet him. She usually makes it a point to get to know those who become friendly with the family, and then there's the issue of his uh, fate," Eliza adds meaningfully, sending the boy a pitying glance before turning back to the girl before her.
"I think that's a great idea," Shannon agrees, smiling in relief. "And I'm not saying that we need to be buddy-buddy with Amos – "
"You don't need to explain yourself to me," Eliza assures the girl as a smile graces her elegant features. "Now, let's go on and invite the boy."
Shannon's shoulders sag in gratitude and she nods, taking Eliza's lead and rejoining the rest of the group while beaming with conviction.
"Now Cedric dear, if you're done with your shopping would you like to join us at the Manor for lunch?" Eliza offers, her hands gripping Shannon's shoulders as she smiles at the handsome boy. "We'd like to thank you for helping Shannon with her shopping and she says you two haven't eaten yet. Our Eeby makes a delicious nosh and another plate won't be any trouble.."
Cedric's eyes widen in surprise as do Henry's and Andrew's, just as perplexed by the offer as the young teen. The latter two turn to Eliza, their eyes filled with bewilderment; never has the woman been so quick (and by the family's standards, reckless) as to invite someone they've just met to the Logan Manor. It had taken nearly seven years to gain the approval for Henry to visit the Logan Manor and he had been courting Eliza for three of those years.
"Is that really alright?" Cedric asks, glancing down at Shannon as she beams up at him warmly.
"Of course," Eliza repeats, giving Henry and Andrew a nod as though to assure them that it is alright. "You said your father was running a few errands, correct? If that's the case we can eat and then have you back here to meet up with your father afterward, or even send you home ourselves if that's what you'd prefer."
The young teen stares at the woman, surprised by her consideration. Unsure, he glances down at Shannon, who grins up at him encouragingly.
"Well. . . I'd be honoured," Cedric agrees, his cheeks a bit pink.
Shannon smiles in relief as Eliza begins shuffling her family and the teen boy down the street, chattering at Cedric as she does while Henry attempts to follow his wife's admittedly aggressive actions.
Linking his arm with hers, Andrew leans in to whisper into his sister's ear as they are led away.
"What in the bloody hell did you say to my mother to convince her to drag this poor lad home with us?" He breathes, his smirk growing with an impressed gleam in his eye.
Shannon returns her smirk with one of her own.
"I can be very persuasive."
Andrew's brow raises as he nods, observing the way Cedric glances over at Shannon nervously as Eliza talks at him, seemingly overwhelmed but happy all the same.
". . . You realise you've just thrown him into the lion's den, right? Between Mum and Granny, he might not make it out of lunch in one piece," the younger boy laughs through his breath, to which Shannon merely shrugs.
A knowing gleam flashes in her eyes as she gives Cedric an innocent smile, whispering her response to Andrew as she does.
"He's a champion – I'm sure he can handle it."
Shannon's words are lost on Andrew, but the look in her eye is one he has seen before, one she has had when talking about certain people in the past – his best friend included. As they exit Diagon Alley and find themselves in the alleyway behind the Leaky Cauldron, Andrew considers Cedric again in a new light. Perhaps Cedric Diggory is a more interesting person than he had originally assumed.