■ Unfortunate Soul ■ Fred Weasley ■

How to annoy your boyfriend

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"Wait, so correct me if I'm wrong, the reason that you're stressed was that you weren't feeling stressed," Cedric asked as he watched Gwen go through her herbology book.

Gwen looked up and nodded. "That's it pretty much. I feel extremely calm all of a sudden." Gwen sighed as she closed it for a second and took a sip of pumpkin juice. "I've been told that I can sometimes be an excessive dreamer. I set myself up for impossible goals and expect a lot from myself and others. And it's true. But becoming an Auror and passing exams is a dream that I can't give up on. No matter how many times I trip over my two feet or study hard only to forget everything."

Cedric smiled gently. "First of all, I think that you are amazing and you find a way to exceed all expectations even though you might not think that yourself. And also, if you want any help studying I am here for you. I happen to be good at Herbology and willing to offer my services for you at any time."

"I might just take you up on that. Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it." Gwen replied, pushing the book to the side and grabbing a plate full of toast instead. "Don't mention it," Cedric said, reaching out for her free hand. Gwen quickly linked her fingers through his.

"But why though? Why did he run?" Gwen turned her attention to Ron as a bunch of second-year girls surrounded him on the Gryffindor table. "I swear, his story gets more absurd each time he says it," Gwen muttered to Cedric causing him to chuckle.

"Oh, I have to ask, do you want to spend the day with me in Hogsmeade or are you going with the twins and co.?" Cedric asked, referring to the next trip to Hogsmeade. "Twins and co, huh? Maybe I'll split time with both of you if that's okay." Gwen said.

"Perfect for me," Cedric stated, he was about to say something when he discarded the thought and offered a smile. Gwen looked and saw to who the smile was directed to her friends.

"Do your friends like me?" Cedric asked with a whisper. Gwen nodded. "Yeah, of course, they do," Gwen said but she frowned at the look of uncertainty on Cedric's face.

"I'll talk to you about it later, it's nothing serious though, don't worry," Cedric reassured when he noticed her sudden stiffness.

"Morning Gwen, Cedric," Lee stated as he sat down next to Gwen and stole a piece of her toast. "Dude!" Gwen stated exasperatingly.

"Love you, Gwen," Lee replied with his mouth full. Gwen turned to Cedric. "They only love me when I give them food."

George gasped. "That's not true, I always love you."

"Most of the time at least," Fred added as he took the remaining slice of her toast. Gwen glared at her empty plate. "You can butter your own toast, you know," Gwen said bitterly.

"Just ignore them, Cedric," Alicia started, sitting right next to Cedric as she motioned to the three boys. "That's what we do."

"We don't always manage though, not with that ginger hair," Angelina added to Alicia's commentary, causing Cedric to belt out a laugh.

"So, what are you doing here Cedric? Trying to steal some information for the Hufflepuff quidditch team?" Lee asked. Cedric looked back at him confused. "Um, no. Besides, we're out of the race since we lost to Ravenclaw, remember?" Cedric explained.

"Oh I remember, I just wanted to shove our win in your face." Lee finished off with a smirk. Cedric smiled. "Oof, harsh. But I had that coming, especially since I'm surrounded by most of the team and the commentator. I better leave before you gang up on me." Cedric joked.

"Oh, we wouldn't dare," Fred stated. "At least not with Gwen here. She's too fond of you to let anything happen." Cedric grinned at that. "Is that so?" Cedric asked Gwen. "Don't let it get to your head. You might be good looking but I don't think that you can make a big head work." Gwen said.