Author's note: So, let's just think that it was Cedric who won the Triwizard Tournament back in Hermione's fourth year.

It was an honor, a privilege to be needed by someone. But it is selfishness when you don't appreciate it. Hermione thought of herself more evil than the Dark Lord himself. Why couldn't she bring herself to appreciate his kindness, his love for her? Not that she knew if it was just friendly love, or maybe even more than that.

Her eyes were always cold towards everyone, except for her two best friends. To Cedric, she was no different. Even though they had been friends for over a year and a half, she changed for the worst when fifth year rolled by. She became more and more dependent on mutilating her arms and wrists, with the belief that it was the only way she would feel real and alive. She didn't want Ron too see the scars, or Harry, although the two boys became suspicious at her always wearing long-sleeved clothing even if it wasn't even cold at all.

But the question was, did Ron, or even Harry, notice how much in pain she was? Did they ever notice how dead she looked? That was because they saw right through her, except for one person, the most unlikely person. That person was Cedric Diggory.

Yet the biggest question was why he said he needed her. She didn't understand. For the first time, Hermione Granger didn't understand something, yet she didn't want to ask why.

"Three months from now, you're going to graduate. I'm sure you won't need me by that time anymore." She said coldly, but Cedric got used to that coldness already.

She walked away, leaving him emotionally bruised and hurt. He sometimes wondered how he could bear to be hurt like that.

The simple deed she made back during the Triwizard Tournament was big for him. His father expected many things from him, one of that was becoming the champion for the Triwizard Tournament. It was because of her that he won. But that wasn't the only reason why Hermione Granger was so precious to him. Because you see, she was the only one to see the real him, to understand his feelings too. But she herself was a hypocrite, turning into what he was in the past. This was why he couldn't leave her. He wanted to save her just as she saved him in the past.

I love you, Hermione Granger. If only I could tell you that.

He didn't want to risk losing their friendship, losing what they have. And he already knew that she couldn't, and maybe wouldn't reciprocate his love.

Maybe it was time to ask Potter for help.

---

He was desperate to make her stop, desperate to make her happy. Maybe it would be like the ones in cheesy romantic novels. Maybe it would work.

He stormed his way into the Gryffindor common room when he didn't see him during practice. When he finally found him chatting with his friends, he grabbed him by arm and dragged him outside.

"Harry, I have a favor to ask." He said hurriedly, as if he was losing valuable time.

Harry gave him a confused look. "Sure Ced, what is it?"

There were no hesitations in his mind. Maybe he would hex him if he wouldn't agree.

"Date Hermione. Make her happy."

Harry's jaw almost dropped. "What?"

"You heard what I said."

Harry avoided his eyes. "But I don't even like her as more than a friend."

He was really desperate now. He would do anything just to make her happy, make her stop hurting herself, because she was dying by the minute.

"Please," he said as he got on his knees, "I would do anything to make her happy, but it's you who can. Only you." He begged him.

Harry gulped nervously. "I'm sorry Ced. I can't just date my best friend because you want me to. I don't want to hurt her."

Cedric was on the verge of tears. He never thought of that before. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for dragging you out here and beg something like this to you like an idiot. Just forget that this ever happened."

With that, he walked away, leaving the boy behind confused and worried.

How could he ever make her happy?

Could he even make her?

a/n: thanks for the reviews! :)