Disclaimer: See the first story…

Characters: Hermione Granger and Cedric Diggory.

Song: "Sugar, Sugar" by The Archies.

Word prompt: Astronomy Tower.

"If Wishes Were Horses..."

Cedric leaned against the cold stone railing of the astronomy tower as he studied the night sky above him. Tonight had been the Yule Ball. He had been stunned when Hermione Granger had descended down the stairs to join her date, Viktor Krum. She had been the belle of the ball. Her blue dress and hair accented her honey-brown hair and warm brown eyes. The assertive Gryffindor bookworm was truly beautiful.

Cedric had chided himself for thinking such thoughts about a fourth-year, especially since he was with Cho. It was no secret that he had been harboring a crush on Cho since last year, and had been overjoyed when she had agreed to accompany him to the ball. But, he wondered if she would have accepted if he hadn't been picked for the Triwizards Tournament. She had not notice him in anyway until his name was pulled from that goblet.

The sound of the door opening and closing below him alerted him that someone was coming. He quickly disillusioned himself. He expected two fellow students in search of a quiet romantic spot to snog. What he didn't expect, however, was to see Hermione Granger alone and crying. Her hair was now a little worse for wear, and her make up was a little blotchy, but she was still beautiful.

"Stupid boys." She sobbed standing by the railing and looking out over the grounds. "Oh, who am I kidding. . . I was the stupid one by believing in wishes. . . If wishes were horses, beggars would be kings... Like I could be Cinderella." she bemoaned through broken sobs. "No one sees that I am a girl. Yes, I like to read and apply myself, but damn it all, I am girl. I want to be noticed for that and not just for my intelligence. . . Is that too much to ask?"

"No, it isn't."

She jumped around searching the apparently empty tower, her wand at the ready. "Who's there? Show yourself."

"Relax Hermione. It's only me, Cedric." He carefully explained as he slowly resolved back into focus.

Hermione didn't relax her stance, but did pocket her wand. "How long have you been there?"

"I was here before you."

"Oh," she squeaked turning back around trying to hid her blush. He pushed off from his position and joined Hermione. He offered his handkerchief. She silently accepted it and dried her eyes.

"Why are you out here alone?" she finally asked returning his handkerchief.

"Contemplating the mysteries of life." He turned and looked at her. "There are a lot of them aren't they?"

She didn't laugh like he had hoped she would. She had just nodded her head and continued to stare out into the night's sky.

"You are not stupid, by the way. You are anything but."

She frowned and turned her attention to Cedric. "I tried to be something I'm not, and I even believed it for a moment. That is pretty stupid."

"No. You did not pretend. You are beautiful."

She stared at the seventh-year. Had she heard right? Did he really think she was beautiful?

"Cedric, do you-" but before she could finish her question she found herself being kissed. He was nothing like Viktor. He wasn't rough or cold. He was the opposite. She sighed into the kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck. A moan escaped her as he nibbled on her lips and she quickly covered her mouth embarrassed. The moan seemed to startle Cedric to what they had been doing and he back away from her.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me -"

"It's okay." It was great actually, she added to herself.

"No it's not," he shock his head, "but, you are beautiful. Don't ever doubt that. Don't let anyone tell you differently."

He then bid her a quick farewell and made a hasty exit. Hermione touched her lips and studied the closed door. Finding herself wishing she was a certain Ravenclaw.

Fini

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A/N: A missing "what-could-have-been" scene of sorts. . .

Written for the iPod Shuffle Challenge.