The Golden Mare - Cedric Diggory

Mischief and Mandrake Leaves

"What were you doing with Diggory?" Harry inquired angrily as they entered the castle. Aurora glanced over at Hermione and saw her roll her eyes.

"We were just studying. We have transfiguration together, remember?"

He snorted. "Yeah, right. Then why did you lie about it?"

Aurora narrowed her eyes as she halted in the hallway. "Why do you care so much?"

Harry halted and starred at her like a deer in headlights. His cheeks flushed as he shook his head and continued walking. "No reason", he mumbled.

Hermione watched him walk off with a giggle as she went to stand next to Aurora. "You know, I think you have an admirer."

Aurora rolled her eyes as it was her turn to blush. "Whatever." She said as she started walking back to Gryffindor tower.

Hermione chased after her. "And it seems like you have more then one."

Aurora turned back around, feeling hot. "And what do you mean?"

"You think I didn't notice that Cedric was about to kiss you? I'm not daft."

Aurora bit her lip. "Okay, maybe he was. I don't know. It was just, like- in the moment. I don't know."

Hermione grinned. "You don't have to apologize. I just think it's funny that my friend is the new Bachelorette", she joked as she went and nudged Aurora on the shoulder.

"What's that?" Aurora inquired, tilting her head.

"Oh, just a muggle show. Forget about it." She said with a wink and followed after Harry toward Gryffindor tower.

---

Harry still seemed a bit resentful at breakfast the next morning, but Aurora chose to ignore it and talk with Hermione instead. Ron was busy eating food, as always, and still refused to talk to Harry.

"Do you think he'll get over it?" Aurora whispered to Hermione, feeling concerned. She thought Harry's mood might improve if him and his friend were on good terms again.

"I hope so. This can't go on forever", Hermione muttered back. "Maybe he'll change his mind once he completes the first task."

Aurora let out a sigh and nodded. "Yeah, hopefully."

They sat there for a few moments longer, watching the two quarreling boys sit in silence, before Aurora felt someone push on her shoulders.

"Aurora. Would you do the honor of accompanying me to Potions?" She turned her head.

It was Draco.

His grey eyes sparkled as his lips were pulled into a smirk.

"I don't think she will," Aurora heard Harry object from a few seats down. His brows furrowed as he dropped the spoon he had been using for his cereal.

Draco laughed. "Aw, does Potter have a crush?"

Harry's cheeks turned red for a moment before he stood up. "Don't act like you don't like her. Why else would Draco ask a Gryffindor to walk with him?"

Draco's eyes narrowed as Aurora noticed him clench his fists as deep veins appeared on its pale skin.

"I'll have you know-"

At this point, Aurora was feeling a little tired of this display. "Hey, cut it out!" She yelled rather loudly, as many heads in the dining room turned to her. Of course, one of them had to be Cedric, as she noticed him staring intently at the scene unfolding in front of her.