4. CedricCho
I.
"Chang, Cho," Professor McGonagall calls.
A nervous eleven year old steps forward, and Cedric finds himself watching her curiously.
Hufflepuff, he thinks, though he doesn't know why this moment feels so important to him.
"RAVENCLAW!" the Sorting Hat announces.
Cedric can't explain the hint of disappointment as the girl goes to her table.
II.
"Sorry," he says. "Didn't realize anyone would be here."
The second year girl, Cho, blushes, awkwardly holding the school's broomstick. "I was just leaving," she mumbles, turning the handle over in her hand. "I'm rubbish at this."
Cedric moves closer, acting more confident than he feels. "Loosen your grip," he says, helping her to position her fingers properly. "If you hold on too tight, you'll throw off your position."
She smiles at him, and it's his turn to blush. "Thanks."
III.
"What position are you going for?"
The thirteen year old shrugs, mounting her broomstick. "Seeker, I think. Ours is leaving this year."
Cedric grins, following her lead. Seeker. He can help here there. "Easy," he says, taking off after her into the sky.
IV.
Cho stops by the Hufflepuff table before their first match, a broad grin on her lips. "Careful, Cedric," she teases. "I learned from the best, so I hope you don't have your heart set on winning today."
His teammates let out little "Ooh"s and whistles, and the Keeper elbows Cedric, urging him to rise to the challenge.
Cedric just smiles at the fourteen year old, giving a small shrug of his shoulders. "Don't think I'll go easy on you just because it's you," he says casually.
Cho winks, walking off and calling over her shoulder, "Wouldn't dream of it!"
V.
"It's a shame we don't have Quidditch this year," she says, finding him in the library. "I miss training with you."
Cedric shakes his head. "I doubt I could do both," he laughs. "That dragon-"
"You were brilliant."
His face grows warm, the way it often does when she's around. Without Quidditch, they haven't had much reason to see one another. He's missed her more than he'd care to admit.
"Go to the Yule Ball with me?"
Cho blinks in surprise, watching him like she's waiting for him to deliver the punchline. "What?"
"We need to catch up," he says, feeling foolish.
Cho is beautiful. He wouldn't be surprised if she already has a date.
"And I miss you," he adds, unable to stop himself. "And, well, I- I fancy you."
With a smile, Cho kisses his cheek. A moment later, a shrieking Pince chases them from their table, shouting about improper use of educational areas.
Laughing, Cedric leans against the wall in the corridor, zipping his bag. "Well?"
"I'd love to."