BADGERS ○ CEDRIC DIGGORY

10;

"Cedric is at Hogsmeade," I explained. "He said he's shopping for my birthday."
"And he trusted you to spend the day with me?" Jackson asked.
"Doubt it." I laughed. He laughed too.
"I was wondering if it would be... I don't know... super weird or something if I liked someone?" I practically jumped on him to hug him.
"Oh my god, no not weird! Who is it?"
"Her name is Caroline. She's a Gryffindor."
"What is it with you and other house kids?" I teased.
"I don't know," Jackson laughed back. "She's beautiful though, and smart, funny, kind. I hear she's also super open with other people. She's amazing."
"She sounds amazing!" I responded.
"I'm surprised she doesn't have a boyfriend."
"You should ask her out!"
"What if she doesn't like me, because I'm a Slytherin?"
"I liked you. I think it'll be fine." I smiled at him.
"You know, you're right. I'll go ask her out right now." Jackson stood up from the table. I gave him two thumbs up — like Cedric always did.
"Good luck." I whispered. I watched him walk over to the Gryffindor table. I saw him nervously scratch the back of his neck. I saw his mouth move as he asked. I watched Caroline's smile get bigger. I watched Jackson's get bigger in time with hers.
He was basically skipping back to the Slytherin table.
"She said yes!" He practically screamed. "We're going to Hogsmeade together next weekend!"
"That's amazing!" I said. I felt a pang of... jealousy. Did I still like Jackson? I tried my best to shove the feeling aside. I couldn't. I tried my best to have an even voice.
"W-was Vivienne over at the Gryffindor table? With George?" I asked.
"Um... I think? I wasn't paying attention." He laughed.
"Okay," I whispered. "I'm going to talk to them." I stood up. Jackson grabbed my arm.
"Stellie, is something wrong?" I winced at the old nickname.
"No," I said. I yanked my arm free and speed walked over to the Gryffindor table. "George, Viv! Hey!"
Vivienne looked up from the prophet. "Essie! Oh my god, you look so depressed! We should go shopping to make you happy!"
"First, I can't Cedric asked me to stay away from Hogsmeade. He said he's shopping for my birthday. I asked him not to. Second, do you really think shopping would make me happy?" I laughed.
"It was worth a shot. Come on. Let's go raid your closet!"
She grabbed my arm and dragged me to the Hufflepuff common room.

~time skip ; later that day~

"Oh my god, Ess, please at least let me put you're present away first!" Cedric laughed.
"But I want to see my beautiful boyfriend who I haven't seen all day long!" I whined, laughing.
"Okay, okay, I'm coming into the common room," Ced said, walking in. I beamed at him. "What do you want to do?" He asked.
"I don't know. Anything as long as it's with you." I said. He sat next to me on the couch.
"Hmm," He said. He softly brushed the hair out of my face. "We could go for a walk, or go to the kitchens. Or we could just talk."
"Talking sounds good. I'm not going to get to talk to you at all tomorrow."
"I know. The third task is upon us." He laughed.
"This year went by too fast. We only have a few days left after the task."
"I was going to wait to tell you this, but my parents offered to let you stay at our place this summer."
"Really?" I asked excitedly.
"Of course."
"That's amazing," Cedric kissed my cheek. "Jackson asked a Gryffindor girl out today."
"Who?" Cedric asked.
"Her name is Caroline. She seems really nice."
"What's she say?"
"She said yes. They're going to Hogsmeade next weekend."
"That's awesome." I looked up, narrowed my eyes and smiled.
"Since when do you care about Jackson?" I asked.
"Since he's done hitting on you." He smiles down at me.
"Oh Ced, you should consider yourself lucky that you're girlfriend is the girl that everyone wants." I joked, playfully punching his arm. He hugged me. We sat and watched the fire in a comfortable silence for about an hour.