Three years later.
{Yes I know Cedric dies in the fourth book but in this case; he simply doesn't. Aria is now in her fourth year. So she's 14 years old. That was all, xoxo}
~
I sat in my dormitory studying to DADA. Time had flew by and now I was fourteen. I was incredibly much more mature. I didn't look at Cedric quite as gross that I used to. But he still was on my mind 24/7. I had spoken to him couple times but he was in his sixth year now and was so much older than me. But I guess that age is just a number after all.
When I was finished with my homework it came to my mind that I was late for Dumbledore's yearly winter-speech.
"Damn it". I mumbled to myself and hurried to get to the great hall.
*
When I reach the hall I push open one of the doors and stepped inside. I sat down beside Cho quickly and looked over at Hufflepuff table. And there he was, Cedric. Looking directly into my eyes and smirking just a bit. Then it hit me; he looked at me as well.
My face lit up in a big smile and I could only hope that I would get a chance to speak with him in privet after this hour.
*
Dumbledore's speech was over and everyone rushed out from the great hall. I looked over the mass of students and saw Cedric still sitting by Hufflepuff table looking at me. I nervously stumbled over there and sat down next to him.
"Hi". I said and smiled at the boy. I probably would have been more nervous if the thing in the library never happened. I almost felt as I knew him.
He smiled back and looked deeply into my eyes. "Hey, Aria. Nice that you finally have the courage to actually come up and speak to me". Cedric said and I started giggling.
"Sorry about that". I kept on. "I remember myself staring, quite a lot..". I was embarrassed but it wasn't like he hadn't noticed. I knew he had.
Cedric nodded. "I've noticed. But it's alright. You're cute, I enjoy staring as well".
I blushed for a second and forced a fake laugh as an answer. As me and Cedric sat alone in the great hall catching up on life like good old friends I could feel that this was right. My whole body was warm and glad and enjoyed hanging out with Cedric.
"What would you say about visiting Hogsmead?". Cedric suddenly gave out. He smirked at my way.
I nodded slowly. "Actually, I'd really enjoy that".
~
We walked down to Hogsmead, his hand in mine, like we were boyfriend and girlfriend. And a part of me was sat on that; we were boyfriend and girlfriend.
"Here we are". Cedric said and opened the door to The Three Broomsticks so that I could enter before him.
I picked out a table in the back. It was a little more private than other tables. I enjoyed it since I hadn't many friends and because I was shy.
"I must warn you, Cedric, I'm not the most outwardly person even in this room". I said and looked down at my hands.
Cedric took a hand and put under my chin, pushing it up causing me to look right in his eyes. "Eh, I've never been much of a 'big group' person anyways".
I nodded. But as the boy said that my mind played something that I, now, could barely remember. Cedric standing in the middle of a group boys, all from different houses, everyone laughing. Boys shooting spells at me and then professor Snape interrupting their fun. But the whole time, Cedric, standing there looking pale. Almost like he suffered.
"You know-". I laughed a little and Cedric looked at me oddly. "- My first year, like almost first day, I think. I caught eye contact with you when I got sorted, but you just looked at me weird."
The boy's smile faded. He looked embarrassed and angry at the same time. "You still think about that?". He said angrily and looked directly in my eyes, almost through my soul.
I paused for a few seconds, "Not really-".
"Good. Don't".
We sat in a rigid atmosphere and Cedric sipped on the butterbeer he bought us. It crossed my mind to apologise, but I really didn't want to make it more rigid.
"Maybe we should get back soon." Cedric began and I simply nodded with him. He payed the note and then we started walking back to the castle, still, in that rigid atmosphere.
~
I stepped in the shower and let the warm water run down my body. I was soaking wet and my hand placed under my chin, reminding me of Cedric.
I stepped out and dried myself. I got dressed and put my hair up in a bun. As I looked in the mirror I noticed a small cut right above my upper lip. I let my index finger touch the cut. It gave me a short sting.
"Eh". I mumbled and then started to clean it.
*
I walked to my bed and lay down. I looked at Cho whom lay in her bed reading.
"Cho". I said slowly trying not to wake Luna as she slept in her bed.
The girl put down her book and looked at me. "Yeah?". She answered just as slowly as I did.
I swallowed. "What do you think about the, ehm-" I paused.
"About what, Aria?" Cho asked me carefully and smiled.
"About the Hufflepuff boys.?". I laughed awkwardly. To be honest, I didn't know Cho Chang that much. We were friends, yes. But I never really spoke to her.
Cho started laughing. Her eyes squeezed together and her nose wrinkled as the girl let out her laugh. "You got a crush?". She kept on laughing and getting me to laugh with her.
I shrunk my shoulders, "Something like that, yeah". Our eyes met and I could see how nice she were. Her cheeks were blushing from all the laughing and her hair messy.
Cho thought for a while. "Aria, I think you should go for it". She smiled and I couldn't help but to get happy just seeing her. "As a matter of fact, I'm dating someone from Hufflepuff. Though he's two years older, but still.."
I was chocked. Since I barely knew her it was obvious I didn't know that. "Who might that be.?"
Cho blushed. "It's Cedric. I don't suppose you know him. He doesn't speak with many".
My smile faded. What did she just say? Cedric? Cedric dating Cho? Not speaking with many? I was extremely confused, and embarrassed.
"I don't recon that name". I lied, "I better sleep now, they're taking the goblet of fire tomorrow. I can't wait so see who's gonna be competing for Hogwarts". And with that, I closed my eyes and slept. Dreaming about Cedric.
