Just Like Magic (Cedric Diggory and Hermione Granger Fan fiction)

Chapter 18: Need

Harry, Ron, Cedric, and I were walking in Hogsmead to meet with what trusted students we could get in contact with. It was of course only students who agreed that Umbridge was drunk with control and wanted to learn how to use spells and not just learn about them in her child's books. Snow was on the ground and we were all bundled tightly in our jackets. When I shivered a bit Cedric wrapped his arm around me and rubbed my arm to create friction.

"Thanks." I got out between chattered teeth.

Cedric gave me a closed lip smile and we continued walking down the path. We were meeting in Hogs Head since I figured it was the least conspicuous. Not a lot of the students or staff from school chose to visit there during our trips.

"This is mad!" Harry stated out of nowhere. "Who'd want to be taught by me? I'm a nutter, remember?"

"Look on the brightside." Ron chirped. "You can't be any worse than that old toad face."

"Thanks, Ron."

"I'm here for ya, mate."

Harry sighed. He knew better than to argue with us when we ganged up on him like this. Even Cedric agreed with me that we need to be able to fight and since Harry was the only one that had fought against Voldermort he had to be our teacher. Sure Cedric, Fred, and George could show us spells even we hadn't had the privilege of learning yet but Harry would be the person needed to get people to help.

"Who's supposed to be meeting us, then?"

We were just at the door of Hog's Head when I answered. "Just a couple of people."

I pushed the door open and the boys followed behind me. Hog's Head wasn't the quaintest of spots. It was a bit dusty and if I was being honest with myself... a little gross. The owner was a stout man with a growing beard. Goats roamed freely throughout the building and it reeked.

"Lovely spot." Ron stated in a sarcastic voice.

"Thought it would be safer off the beaten track." I answered and walked towards where I saw our little group.

They were all there-all the people who said they would. They looked to be waiting impatiently and I even saw to my surprise Dean and Seamus. It looked like even those who didn't believe Harry were fed up with Umbridge. There was a little table by the fireplace with four chairs and the boys all sat down quickly. It appeared since this was all my idea it was up to me to address the group.

"Hi..." I began. "So you all know why we're here. We need a teacher. A proper teacher. One who's had experience defending themselves against the Dark Arts."

Dean interrupted by asking, "Why?"

"Why?" Ron repeated in annoyance. "Because You-Know-Who is back, you tosspot."

"So he says."

"So Dumbledore says."

"So Dumbledore says because he says."

A young Hufflepuff a year below us chimed in. "The point is, where's the proof? If Potter could tell us more about what happened that night..."

"I'm not going to talk about it!" Harry yelled as he stood on his feet. I could tell Cedric was wishing he could remember more from that night in order to help Harry but he couldn't. "So, if that's why you're here, clear out now." Harry leaned over and whispered in my ear. "Come on, Hermione. They're here because they think I'm some freak."

I went to object but Luna saved the meeting. "Is it true you can produce a Patronus Charm?"

"Yes." Harry answered.

"I've seen it." I added remember that night we used the time-turner to rescue Sirius.

Seamus looked at Harry with awe in his eyes. "Blimey, Harry. I didn't know you could do that."