all you need is love - Cedric Diggory

Chapter 3

It was time to go to Hogsmeade, and you were with your group of friends, waiting for Cedric to get you. It had crossed your mind that maybe he forgot. Or perhaps he asked you as a joke. And if that were the case, Draco would probably hex him for you. Dawn too. You giggle at the thought, even though you knew they would most definitely do it.

"Aubree," you hear someone call out.

You turn around and see Cedric walking towards you, a big smile on his face, "I thought maybe you forgot," you say with a laugh.

Cedric's eyebrows furrow together, "I would never," he tells you, and it was probably the most serious you've ever seen him. I would never. You weren't quite sure why he would say that. Your own father would regularly forget plans you made together. Either that or cancel at the last minute. You didn't expect any better from a boy–especially one you hardly knew. You look at the tall boy before you, who still had a confused expression on his face. Was he serious right now?

You turn back to your friends and say your goodbyes before the two of you walk side by side to Hogsmeade, "you look lovely," Cedric says in your ear, his warm breath sends shivers down your spine.

"Thanks, Diggory."

____

"Oh, hush up," you tell Cedric as the two of you laugh.

"I'm just saying, sometimes you come off as a bit scary," you throw a jelly bean at him from across the table at Three Broomsticks, but he catches it before it hits him.

"Did you actually just catch that?" You ask, shocked.

"Yes," he answers while laughing. "Do you want anything else before we leave?"

"No, I'm alright," you say, taking out your wallet.

"What are you doing?"

"Getting my money out? What's it look like?"

"I'm paying, silly," He gets up and walks over to the cashier before you could protest. You watch him with a smile on your face. He was such a gentleman, "you ready?" he asks you as he makes his way back to the table.

"Yeah," you say, putting your coat on, and he does the same.

As you walk out of the pub, the cold air hits your face hard. It was a lot cooler out than it was when you first got there. You shiver as the wind blows toward you and wrap your coat tightly around yourself. Cedric notices and lays an arm around you, "Is this alright?" he asks nervously.

"Yeah, it's alright," you reply. Luckily your cheeks were already tinted pink due to the cold, so he wouldn't notice you blushing.

Cedric pulls you in closer and rubs your arm, heating you, "I had a nice time today," he says softly.

"Me too."

Both of you walk in silence—the comfortable kind. Every so often, he'd lightly squeeze your waist, pulling you in closer anytime you separated. He frequently glanced at you, very quickly, simply to make sure you were alright. As you near the school, you felt somewhat disappointed, but you weren't sure why.

"I'll see you later?" He asks once you guys make it inside.

"Yeah," you say, looking into his eyes, "bye."

––––

Tuesday morning. It had been two days since you went to Hogsmeade with Cedric. You hadn't spoken much since then. You've shared some lengthy stares and smiles, but that was really it—no real conversation.

You got to your second period earlier than everyone else and wait patiently for the class to fill up. Your face slightly brightens up when you spot Cedric walk through the door. He scans the room, and when his eyes land on you, he smiles and makes his way to your desk, "may I sit here?"