The Chosen Two

17- This Is In My Head

HAILEY'S POV

It had been a week since the first task, and after sort of making up with Draco, things went back to normal. All week, he snogged me almost any chance he got. It was sort of annoying actually. On the first Monday after the first task, I was catching up with Celeste and telling her about everything that had been happening lately, including my dreams, and learning about her and Dean's relationship (which was moving way too fast if you ask me) when Draco just sat right down next to me, grabbed my jaw and kissed me. Celeste thought it was cute but the point was, he was doing it all the time when I was busy with other things.

That's why whenever Cedric asked me to hang out, I always said yes.

Draco didn't know Cedric, only of him. He didn't know where Cedric hung out or what he liked to do. When I was with Cedric, I was protected. By the second Wednesday after the first task, Cedric had known most every detail of my life, and I his.

"There's one thing you haven't really told me, Hails." I thought it was cute he called me by my nickname.

"And what might that be, Diggory?" I asked. He stopped me from walking. We were on the Hogsmeade path, not on the way to Hogsmeade, only trying to get away.

"Draco." He mumbled. Shit.

"What about him?" I played dumb.

"You know what, Hails." He laughed a little, smirking at me. I playfully rolled my eyes.

"We both like each other and he's kissed me a few times but we're not dating," I told him. I sorta lied about the 'few times' part, he kissed me a lot.

"How come?" I shrugged.

"He hasn't asked." I looked down. Cedric lifted my chin up.

"Then he's missing out." He whispered. Our faces were so close. I could feel his breath on my lips and I found myself wanting to kiss the Hufflepuff boy. I had been trying to determine all week if Cedric's acts were out of friendliness or romantic interest. Was it wrong I hoped for the second one?

Cedric cursed under his breath and leaned back, away from my face. I was about to ask him why he cursed when he spoke again.

"That's not the full story though." We kept walking down the path.

"Fine. I saw him the first day when I came walking in with the Beauxbatons ladies. Apparently, he saw me too and we met first day of classes. He's in my first class and at first, he was an ass to me, but then he told me he'd make it up to me by teaching me to fly. I had my first kiss with him on the Quidditch pitch." I watched Cedric's face harden but kept going. "Then, he took me to all his favourite places at Hogwarts and even to Hogsmeade and kept being cute. I seriously thought by now, he would have asked me to be his girlfriend, but I guess he just doesn't have that strong of feelings for me..." I didn't mean to be sad about this, I just couldn't help it. I really liked Draco. He's had multiple chances. Was it time to give up? Go for someone new? Like one of my fellow competitors?

"I seriously doubt that. Have you seen the way he looks at you? Have you seen the way he looks at you when I'm around? He's furious!" Cedric laughed and so did I, feeling my stomach flutter. "Hailey, that boy has fallen hard for you... I can see why." Cedric's cheeks reddened and I smiled.

"Thanks, Diggory." I wanted to kiss his cheek, but instead, I smiled. I had to remain friendly. He was cool with it though, we became fast friends. I couldn't forget Cedric was 3 years older than me. That in one year, he'd be out of Hogwarts and I'd be back at Beauxbatons, hopefully. I wished I could attend Hogwarts.

"We better get back before we miss dinner." Cedric grabbed my hand and dragged me back across the path, letting go a little later than he should have, but I really didn't mind.