Amidst jealousy ....

Pleasure

"hey diggory?" shouted Cho.
"yes." i replied. "i am not deaf.... Keep your decibels low since we are in the Great Hall. "
"Surely but for that you have to pay attention to the speaker . Its extremely rude when we discuss quidditch strategies and your eyes wander to God knows where.. " she seemed quite angry at first but then cooled down.
"Hmm... Sorry;where were we then? Right. So cho, u will take charge to find the snitch as soon as possible and till that time, all of us will try to distract the opposition... Everyone is settled with the plan? For any doubts, we will discuss tomorrow at the evening practice ." I announced.
Seeing the satisfied expression of the team, I stood up and left the Great Hall.

"Harry.... " I heard a familiar name and from a more compassionate voice.Its Hermione Granger, i am sure. It was quite a long time since i saw her. Last time was when Dumbledore had hidden me and asked me to pretend to be dead. She was there to visit me quite a few times. We had discussions about a lot many subjects ,all thanks to Hermoine. It seemed at that point as a beginning of a new but strong friendship with her. But now that i look at it, it was more than friendship. I felt something for her which was unusual since i never felt any such emotion for cho.

I thought I'd die before confessing or probably never have the chance to confess but the post war period in Hogwarts is a blessing for me. And since I'm not a loser, sooner or later, I'll confess.

I will tell Hermoine about the bond i felt with her and my wish to celebrate each day of my rebirth happily with her.

I colud think of a future with her. Her curly hair, pink skin but the cherry hue of her lips.....
My line of thought was soon interrupted by a sight of Blaise holding hands with Hermoine and flirting with her. Hmmm. I am not jealous, i thought. But surely i had competition if i wanted to be with her. Blaise, though, hated by many isnt that bad. Hermione seems to be ok with him and so is the remaining part of the trio.

I noticed him leaving and out of sudden rush of impulse, i sat on the Hufflepuff table awkwardly,pretending to be talking to my friends.
It was like he felt my awkward moment that he looked at me and i faked not noticing him.

Blaise went to slytherin table along with Draco and sat beside a strangely silent Theo.

I left without looking back and went to the Gryffindor table. "HI Hermoine, Harry and ummm.. Ron"i said. Harry and hermoine greeted me warmly and Ron said "uhhloo" which i believe meant hello and he couldn't speak clearly since his mouth was full. Hermoine glared at Ron to which he simply ignored. "Hi Ced" she spoke blissfully. "don't mind Ron ,he is a bit... um.... Hungry".i nodded and she smiled cheerfully. Oh that killed me.. That smile is really heartfelt. I could hear my heart beat which was not stablised nor normal.
I turned to Harry Potter and asked him about his upcoming match and his preparation for this year's quidditch cup. We all laughed at his silly reactions and answers that he himself was not sure about the cup.

"Hermoine are you free tonight? " i asked. "Hmm maybe but i think I'll be busy with the night patrols with Draco".OH... I felt a sudden pang of jealousy that i was not in place of Draco. I wanted to spend my free time with her. "Did u have some work? " she asked.
"Umm no its just i wanted some help in potions. "
"oh, maybe i can help you after school today...is that alright?" she asked
"yesss!! "i jumped from my seat which almost knocked down Harry and Ron.
"sorry" i said.
We all started laughing at this.

Maybe it was the time to start charming Hermoine to the point where she will love only me.

End of pov:
Unknown to him, his conversation had been heard by a silently passing Theo. Who understood that there were not only 3 people who like Hermoine and were taking this year to pursue her.With  A new challenger in mind,Theo rushed out of the scene and started preparing for what would vome next.

Cedric spent whole day lost in the thoughts and waitimg for the randevous hermoine had promised. Even if he knew his potions,he just wanted an opportunity to stay with her.

In his happiness, he couldn't think of all the possible rivals he'll have to win against if he wanted Hermoine.