The Golden Mare - Cedric Diggory

How to Pick Just One

Sunlight beamed through the window of Gryffindor tower, causing Aurora to groggily blink as she lifted her head. Her hair was a tangle of golden curls, and the light from the window made her eyes gleam a beautiful emerald hue.

She let out a yawn and stretched her arms over her head as Hermione came out from the bathroom, already dressed for the day.

"Why are you already up?" Aurora asked, rubbing her eyes.

Hermione gave her a smirk. "Well, I wasn't up partying all night, like some people", she said with a raised eyebrow.

The edges of Aurora's lips turned upward and a soft blush grew on her cheeks at the thought of the previous night.

Aurora had stayed in the hospital wing with Cedric for a bit longer. They talked about the tournament, classes and their secret project. But one moment was burned into her memory.

As Cedric pulled away from their kiss, he offered her a light smile. "Aurora, you're beautiful."

After that, Cedric had opened up his egg with her, which would reveal the clue for the next task. It had let out a earsplitting screech that forced Aurora to cover her ears.

After Cedric told her to leave (not because he wanted her to, but because he wanted her to enjoy the party), Aurora spent the rest of the night with Harry and the rest of Gryffindor tower, celebrating their victory.

"Hello! Earth to Aurora?" Hermione called, snapping her out of her daze. She blinked suddenly and jerked her head up.

"Yes. I mean- okay, I wasn't up that late! You just go to bed too early." Aurora teased.

Hermione scoffed. "Okay, Ms. Bachelorette. Whatever you say. I'll see you at breakfast. If there is any left by the time you get up!"

Aurora rolled her eyes and threw herself out of bed. She quickly put on an outfit and made her way down the stairs.

She peered her way around the corner as she reached the bottom and noticed Harry sitting on the coach, reading a book.

"Harry!" She called, starting to walk over to him. He looked up at her and smiled.

"Were you waiting for me?" She asked and crossed her arms teasingly. She noticed a small blush grow on his cheeks.

"Well, I didn't want you to eat alone", he murmured, placing his book on the table and standing up. His black hair was a bit messy, and his tie was loose.

"You were gonna go down like that?" She narrowed her eyes at him playfully and reached to fix the tie for him. She felt him stiffened at her touch. When she finished, she looked up and their eyes met. Her breath stopped and her heart skipped a beat. She quickly looked away and swallowed nervously.

"Come on, I'm hungry", she said, grinning and daring a glance over at him. He smiled back and they started to walk off toward the Great Hall.

What are you thinking? She thought to herself. You just kissed Cedric yesterday!

She shuck her head as if to clear the thoughts from her mind. 

The dining hall was packed once Aurora arrived. She blinked, confused as to why people weren't sleeping in. 

"What's going on?" She murmured to Harry. 

"I think Dumbledore is making an announcement", he whispered back as they sat down at the Gryffindor table. Ron and Hermione were already seated. Ron was shoveling down spoonfuls of oatmeal, while Hermione was enriched in a book.