Hey there! Told you I would deliver these next two chapters! :)

Chapter Seven- A Respectful Decline

November faded into December. A month and a week had passed since Colin's first visit to Rosethorn Manor. During that time, he was carrying on as usual- Work, turn down Cedric/Avoiding Cedric, meet his regular gang while alternating visitation with Cormac, Dean and Seamus. He's noticed that Cedric has become more relentless in pursuing him, albeit subtly. The handsome douchebag has also been sucking up to his mother when he'd visit the bakery, complimenting her newest confections or doing that whole 'younger man flirting with an older woman to get into her good graces' routine.

Saoirse thought it was precious and Colin thought it was sickening. 'Man, you are so obvious. Mum, I really hope you're not buying into that bullshit.' Colin hid his distaste as Cedric finished his business and met his mates outside.

''Sweetie, why don't you invite Cedric over for dinner? I'm sure he'd make an excellent guest."

''Mum, no...just...no.''

''Aw, he's such a dashin' young man. And he's definitely interested. Why not throw him a bone?''

'Cause I don't want HIS in return.' ''I'm just not seeing it...that's all."

"You should think about it, darlin'. But, if he's truly not want you want then that's fine. There's plenty o' eligible men in Phoenixfeather. Merlin knows I've watched them check out my beautiful baby boy." She kissed his cheek and pinched it, embarrassing her eldest.

"Come on, Mum..not in public."

Saoirse laughed. "Fine, love. And Sammy's takin' over your shift durin' the next two weeks. He needs the hours."

Colin was stunned with the surprise. ''Wow, that's generous of you, Mum. That gives me the whole Christmas week off. Are you sure you can handle all the orders that'll be pouring in?"

''We're quite capable. If I could do it while raisin' two rowdy babies, then I'm sure I can do without your assistance. Now, you run off and bundle up...it's freezin' out there.'' Colin didn't need her to tell him twice. He ripped off his apron, unraveled his ponytail, threw on his thick outerwear and headed down the street.

'As soon as I get home, I'll write my mates to tell them I have two weeks off...which I know I'll be spending some with Percy and the gang and then the rest at Rosethorn. I'll get it all sorted in between buying gifts. First, I'll order myself some hot cocoa.' Colin entered the café not too far from the bakery, ordered his hot cocoa and took a seat nearest the window. Several sips into his cup, Dennis and Nigel join him unexpectedly. It was winter holiday so it was fine for them to be out this early in the afternoon. ''Hiya, bro. Need some company?"

''It's fine, I guess. Mum gave me two weeks off."

"You sure dodged a bludger from the holiday frenzy.''

''Tell me about it.''

"Speaking of bludgers.." Dennis tilted his head to the right, showing Cedric at a table towards the back. The brunette was surrounded by his quidditch buddies, talking while shooting Colin a wink and a wave.

''Oh, shit. I just saw him not even an hour ago. Goddamn it.''

''Wanna leave?"

"Please." Acting casual, the three boys exited the café.

Nigel fumbled with his scarf. ''Is Diggory stalking you or something? Or is this one of those 'right place, right time' deals?''

Colin shrugged, wrinkling his nose at the few flurries landing on his face. ''I'd like to say the first, but I believe it's the latter."

"Colin!" They stopped to see Cedric and six other blokes hurry over.

'Really? Pack-like mentality?'

The blonde tried not to appear annoyed. "Yes?"

"I forgot to mention earlier, I'm throwing a Yuletide party at my manor on Christmas Eve. Everyone who's anyone is going to be there...well..." he spared Dennis and Nigel a quick glance "...not everyone. Anyway, I was hoping you'd like to attend as my date."

Noticing that cheap shot on his brother, Colin retorted. "I dunno, I've already made plans in advance. I'll have to think about it."

Cedric lightly scoffed at his response, leaning closer into his space. "What is there to think about? This is my party we're talking about here. One of the most exclusive events in Phoenixfeather. All my friends and their friends are attending. You'll be surrounded by so many powerful and gorgeous people, including myself. We'll laugh, drink, dance the night away...and later...'' Cedric gently played with Colin's hair fluttering in the breeze. "..we can end the night properly upstairs and do it all again come Christmas morning. You see, love, there's no need for you to think at all, you'll have everything you need once you come to my party, especially me. It's a wonderful offer I'm sure you're wise enough not to turn down."

Colin just stared at Cedric, absolutely flabbergasted at this brazen attempt of 'winning his heart'. This man certainly had nerve, telling him not to think. "I think I'll have to respectfully decline."

Cedric's jaw dropped momentarily as did his friends'. "W-What?"

Colin returned. ''I said I decline. Like I stated before, I've made plans prior to your party and I'm not gonna disappoint those I've promised. You honestly can't expect me to break plans I've made long in advance because you want me to. So, I'm gonna go now. Have fun at your party and by the way, just because someone is blindingly beautiful, it doesn't necessarily mean they have depth.'' Dennis and Nigel smirked at the gaping fish look on Diggory's face as they left for home.

Once they entered their home, Colin was fuming. ''The nerve of that man! What is his deal telling me not to think?! I don't give a shit if there's gonna be a bunch of beautiful people and how dare he say I'll hop into bed with him! I'm not some fucking trophy to parade around! I'm not easy! I'll never fuck the likes of that arrogant arsehole!.." he continued growling as he stormed off to his room to write, leaving Dennis and Nigel in the den.

"Well, somebody's pissed."

Two days later, Colin was meeting Percy and the others over at Flint's manor. Currently, they were sitting around and listening to the end of Colin's rant. Percy was the first to make his opinion known. ''Good for you, Colin. You made a respectable judgment call. I swear, Diggory is absolutely relentless when it comes to you.''

Marcus snorted. ''He just doesn't know how to take 'no' for an answer. If you'd like, my mates and I would be happy to assist."

Colin shook his head, moving hair behind his ear. ''No, as much as I'd like that, I'd rather you and your pals avoid criminal charges."

Justin interjected thoughtfully. "My dad could be their solicitor. He'll attribute Cedric's behavior to stalking and harassment and they'll get off easily."

Ernie twittered with a sly smile. ''He's got a point, you know."

"I'm sure he does, but we don't need unnecessary attention."

Susan smiled. ''So, Seamus tells me your visit up there went swimmingly. You staying there longer this time? You do have two weeks off."

Colin grinned, a little too much to be considered slightly happy. ''Yup. I'm heading over there tonight. In between hanging around and being entertained by our favorite Irishman, I'll also be shopping for your Christmas presents."

Percy pursed his lips a tad. ''Now you don't have to get us anything."

Theodore scoffed. "The hell he doesn't! I already have his at home. You better get me a little something or I'll sit on you. And you won't like it.''

Colin raised his hands, placating a teasing Theo. "Don't worry, mate. You're at the top of my list."

"As I should be."

That night, Colin returned with packed trunks, ready to spend two weeks this time at Rosethorn Manor. Surprisingly, Cormac was the one to welcome him inside.

''Wow, what a surprise. You're at the door...nice to see you again." Colin smiled as Cormac shut and locked the doors behind him.

"The feeling is mutual. Dinner's ready. Eat up then we'll talk."

After dinner, the boys were meeting up in Cormac's room for a change of pace, curling up on the furniture with a mug of hot cocoa in hand.

"What's been happening in your neck o' the woods?" Seamus queried, dropping ten marshmallows into the steaming liquid.

Colin sighed. ''Same shit, really. Work and hanging with all my mates. Wednesday however, man...that was an annoying day."

Dean raised a curious eyebrow "Oh? How so?"

The blonde responded. "Well, for a while, there's this guy that's been constantly flirting with me at the bakery...trying to get me to date him. I turn him down at each and every turn. That day however, he had the gall to invite me as his date to this Yuletide party he's throwing."

"Ok? I get the irritating flirty behavior part, but what's so bad about a simple invite?"

"Oh no, it wasn't simple. He basically said that I don't even need to think about whether or not to attend, that I should automatically come. Also, he said that it's the social event of the season, everyone's coming, that we'll have fun and end the night fucking in his bed. This is the kicker- 'You see, love...there's no need for you to think at all, you'll have everything you need once you come to my party, especially me. It's a wonderful offer I'm sure you're wise enough not to turn down.' That's where I drew the line. I turned Cedric down flat. I have no idea where the fuck he got the notion that I would surrender and agree to date him. I'm not one of his bloody sheep and I'm not a fucking trophy wife. I can't stand him."

Three sets of eyes hardened instantly at the mention of that name. Cormac rose from his silence. ''Did you say Cedric? Cedric Diggory?"

Colin nodded slowly. "Yeah."

A ferocious scowl contorted Cormac's face as he glared into his mug. "I...take it you don't like him. If it makes you feel any better, I won't say his name anymore."

"Colin, why didn't you tell us sooner?" Seamus asked in concern.

''Because I didn't think it was worth bringing up at the time. I mean, I don't like the bastard myself and I didn't want to mess up our fun even thinking about him. I figured if I turned him down long enough, he'd look for someone who's willing. But apparently three years of it isn't working...fuck me, right?"

Dean rubbed his head in shock. "Three years? Merlin, I have never known that bloke to concern himself over any conquest for that period of time. It was usually one bloke or girl a week or two. He's got quite a record.''

"Multiply that for as long as he's been sexually active and you've got too many to count...not includin' repeats." Seamus pointed out.

Colin frowned "I don't understand. Why doesn't he just give up? I'm not interested."

"Have you bothered to really look at yourself?" Cormac grumbled, gazing at Colin with glinting amethysts.

"Is...is that all? He sought me only for my looks? What kind of shallow, conceited..." he stopped, remembering that's exactly how Cormac used to be. Taking a deep breath, Colin decided to change the topic. "Could we please talk about something else?"

Midnight struck the clock in Cormac's room. Dean and Seamus hurried off to bed. Colin was getting ready to leave as well until Cormac stopped him. ''Colin, stay. We need to talk."

Wondering what was so urgent, he obeyed and sat next to him on the foot of his humongous bed. "What's up, Cor?"

"It's about earlier."

"Look, I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. If I did at all..I-"

"It's not that." Cormac responded softly. "I need to tell you more about Cedric. You see, other than Dean and Seamus, he was one of my many former comrades I flitted around town with, chasing women and blokes, planning conquests, taunting others, you name it. He and I were the most sought-after guys in the village. Of course, I was number one...he was second. Although he seemed like a sweet and charming bloke, he absolutely hated competition and guess whom he hated always coming in second to?"

"You."

"Exactly. I always got the prized people and he got my sloppy seconds right after I was through with them. I was always the first to know about exclusive parties, be introduced to important individuals, be announced of my arrival at galas, everything. I knew that boy was envious of me and I reveled in it. I had everything and everyone before he did and it tore him up to know that he couldn't touch me. I would beat him every time. And that's how it was for years...all until that night. Cedric was eighteen at the time and was amongst the group I had with me on the outside patio. When Luna, the witch, cursed me...I knew I was done. Cedric knew I was done. I will never forget the slight smirk I saw on his face when I fled the ballroom. To him, he finally won."

Colin finished for him. "After your reign ended, he claimed the throne and took over as 'The Most Gorgeous Man in the village.' ''

Morosely, Cormac answered. "In those words, yes. After I tried to venture out in public, he was one of the various faces that tormented me about my appearance. To this day, I still wonder why he wasn't cursed right along with me...that way, I wouldn't have had to suffer alone."

Colin hesitantly put a hand on his friend's upper back, rubbing it gently. "Maybe Luna chose you for a reason. What that reason is, I've no clue. But that's all in the past...you still have your family and friends that love and care for you. That's really all you need. You don't need a thousand people with their heads up your arse, not really giving a damn about what you say or how you feel. It's better not to be surrounded by the adoring masses. This way, you know who your real friends are."

Cormac glanced up at him underneath his dark eyelashes. "You think so?"

"I know so. Mate, even though you've only known me for over a month, I'm not one to steer a person wrong."

Cormac inwardly reveled in the warmth of Colin's hand rubbing his back, responding. "I don't say this too often to anyone, but thank you. That does make me feel better."

"Anytime. Ok, I have a lot of shopping to do tomorrow. I may not be back in time for lunch, just a heads up."

"I know, Col. Dean filled me in earlier. Apparently, he and Seamus are shopping with you tomorrow but separately."

Colin snorted. ''Well, alrighty then. Get some rest."

Cormac watched as he left the room, feeling cold yet again.

"Ok, I'll see you guys in a while." Colin waved as he parted from the duo, pulling out his list. ''Theo's number one, then Susan, Neville, Percy..'' After skimming the list, he meandered all around Phoenixfeather and purchased the gifts he promised for his mates, brother, parents and Nigel. He managed to pick up Seamus and Dean a little something too- a book on 21st-century Wizarding contemporary artists and a dessert cookbook along with a box of assorted chocolates from his mum's bakery. Seamus needed to learn how to make desserts someday...Colin's mother wasn't immortal. Colin was now inside a quaint store, owned and ran by a strange woman named Sybil Trelawney.

The frizzy-haired, lavender-robed woman who tended to wear too much jewelry was sifting through boxes and muttering to herself as the blonde strolled along the aisles, searching for something suitable...something that Cormac would like.

'Wish I knew what sort of gifts he was into. He didn't give me much information. I can assume it can be a trinket of delicate beauty, or useful like a scarf...wait...he's loaded so any piece of an ensemble would be out of the question. I hope he isn't too picky..'

After an hour, Colin felt as if it was hopeless in trying to find Cormac a gift. Nothing seemed to fit until he headed over towards the jewelry case. Sky blues settled on a silver chain connected to a two-inch point of polished amethyst, wrapped in interlacing vines of silver wire. The violet tone instantly reminded the blonde of Cormac's piercing eyes, how deep and powerful they were...as if one gaze could strike the very depths of a person's soul. Violet was also a rare eye color in the magical world, no one knew what caused the mutation or if it definitely made the bearer possess an unknown magical strength. All history knew was that whomever had that eye color could perform feats that were nearly impossible and this made that iris shade special. Colin didn't know whether or not if Cormac could but he did know his friend was special and this gift was well-suited.

"Excuse me?"

Sybil turned around. "Yes, dear?"

"I'd like to purchase this pendant."

"Ahh, the amethyst. A stone of healing and strengthening psychic energies. Very good for the third eye. Strange, it's been here for years and it had yet to be bought. It must have been waiting for you." Trelawney explained as she wrapped the pendant box, presenting it to Colin.

"Maybe. It's a present for a friend. Well, thank you and merry Christmas."

She watched as he left her store in a hurry. 'A very special friend is more like it.'

Dean and Seamus were waiting next to the village fountain as Colin came back with two arms full of gifts. "Ready to head back?"

"As ever."

Seamus chirped. "What're we waitin' for?! Christmas is in four days! Let's get wrappin'!"

The three men apparated back to Rosethorn Manor to get started.

Thank you Colin for making the right decision! :) How will his Christmas with Cormac go? You'll find out in chapter 8! ;)