June 3, 2004
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with JKR and do not take credit for her brilliant work. These stories are based on her characters, setting, and ideas. I would like to thank the webmasters of Harry Potter Lexicon and the authors to "Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter" for much needed reference.
Canon Note: I have started this story before the release of Order of the Phoenix. Some minor details, age, Quidditch position, relations, etc. may be off. I would like to keep my story somewhat close to canon and therefore try and incorporate new facts as the story progresses. (Roger will switch from Beater to Chaser later in the novel to be consistent with OOTP ...why are there not Beater Captains?).
Also Kaihn should be recognized and appreciated for buffing and polishing my rough drafts. Thanks a million!
Tying the Knot
By: Phaedra
Editor: Kaihn Aelathali
Late at night, a few hours after the Spring Ball had ended; Cedric hovered over the sink in his Quidditch tent. The faucet was turned on full, the water rushing around the basin before spiraling into the drain. Cedric's hands rested on the sides of the sink; he was paying no attention to the water. He wore nothing but a pair of black slacks that he had carelessly tossed on. His hair was tussled and wet with sweat, his heartbeat was, to him, too fast, and he was breathing like he'd just finished a marathon. He felt incredibly dizzy as he watched the streaming water swirl down the drain. He'd turned the faucet all the way on so the only sound in his ears was that of rushing water. He cupped his hands under the running water and splashed it on his face. The water felt fresh as it trickled down his cheeks and cooled his flushed face. He repeated rinsing several times but it wasn't having the calming effect he had hoped for. He looked at himself in the mirror. The eyes he saw weren't his own. Someone else was looking back at him. He couldn't tell who he was anymore, not after tonight. Fifteen minutes ago, he was an innocent boy. Sometime between then and now though, he'd changed in a way that could never be undone.
Cedric glared at himself not knowing whether to smile at the recent change, or to regret a hideous mistake. His father had raised him to be a gentleman, and tonight he had completely ignored that. His mother taught him to respect himself and young girls, and tonight he hadn't. He hadn't listened to his father. He hadn't listened to his mother. He hadn't even listened to himself. He bit his lip and squeezed his eyes shut.
'It's HER fault! All because of HER. Why? Did I do this to make you jealous?! Had I done this to make me feel better? Did I throw this away because there was no point anymore? I should feel proud! I should feel mature! I should feel as if nothing ever mattered anymore…but that's not the case. What DO I feel?'
Cedric pounded his fist on counter and knocked a glass to the floor. The loud shatter overcame the sound of water running and pierced through the fog clouding his mind. He stood straight up and looked at himself in the mirror again.
"Congratulations, Cedric Diggory…you are now a man."He shut off the faucet and wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. He left the washroom and picked up his dress shirt that had been carelessly tossed on the floor not long ago. His eyes searched the floor for his tie. He was took extra care to avoid looking at the girl stretched out across his couch, waiting for him. Through the corner of his eye, he saw that she had already gotten her royal blue dress robes on and straightened out.
"Here," she said as she flung the tie around his neck. "We should go back. It's really late."
"Mmm Hmm," Cedric mumbled with his eyes fixed on her delicate fingers. "You're really good with that tie…" The thought made him nauseous. Just how many ties has she tied? Was he one in many? He swallowed hard as she tightened the knot around his neck.
"Cedric!" she said firmly. "What's the matter with you?"
'What's the matter with me? Where do you get off asking me that?!'
"Erm…nothing…I'm just a bit tired," Cedric said. "Let's go."
She casually gathered her belongings and tossed her long hair over his shoulders as she walked out the door. Before Cedric blew the last candle out, he surveyed the room and noticed how quickly it had changed from a romantic setting to a disastrous mess. The pillows on the couch was disordered, scrolls and quills littered the floor. Sighing, Cedric shut the door and decided to deal with this mess in next morning. He simply wanted to crawl in bed alone and forget what had just happened there. As they walked toward the castle Cedric noticed that she took a few steps ahead of him. She did not turn around to look at him or try to take his arm. Cedric couldn't possibly have cared less. His mind was in another world, focused on something else. He wished that the castle was closer to the Quidditch pitch. Every step felt like a long journey. The doors seemed to move backwards as he moved towards them. After what seemed to be an eternity, they reached the castle. She opened the door and turned to look at Cedric. The soft light emitted from the hallway illuminated mature features in her face. She definitely acted much older than she really was. Her eyes weren't carefree and innocent. It bore the experience of years she could not possibly have. She didn't smile.
"Good night," she said curtly.
She brought her head close to Cedric's. He retracted his back by an inch from the surprise, yet she took it as ignorance. Nevertheless, she kissed him softly on the lips. It was a kiss Cedric didn't return. He watched her scurry up the stairs headed for her dorm room. Now he was alone. Slowly he treaded to his room, unsure of where else he could go. His feet felt as heavy as lead. When he reached his bed he plopped face first and buried his head on his pillow. He wished that he would wake up, tonight only having been a dream. He wouldn't make the mistakes he had today. He'd have been a gentleman.
One Week Earlier
Cho sat with her arms crossed in Snape's office. It had been weeks since she was assigned detention for her disaster in Potions class. Of course, he picked the most beautiful Saturday in May for her chore. Today was the first day that it was warm enough to play in the lake, although not many students were brave enough to share the water with the giant squid.
Snape instructed Cho to bring her Dragon hide gloves, which was a sign that her chore would be some sort of horrible manual labor. The task ahead of her wasn't bothering her; just the knowledge of the beautiful day she'd be missing was enough to upset her. All her friends would be playing tricks outside. Oliver would be graduating soon and she had hoped to spend time with him before he left. Over the past few weeks, the two of them had been more amiable to each other as friends. Now that his obsession with winning the Quidditch Cup had subsided, Oliver took time to open his notebook to her and show her some key Quidditch moves. At least notes on how to beat Hufflepuff and Slytherin. He wouldn't bear to have Gryffindor lose a game even if he wasn't a Hogwarts student anymore.
Thoughts of Oliver were always followed with thoughts of Cedric. Cho still hadn't completely forgotten about Hogwarts' happy couple. They always seemed to pop up whenever she was around, especially if Cho was with her friends. Elle would always seem to have her hips attached to Cedric's. She knew, just knew that Elle turned up her charms on Cedric whenever Cho was around. Cho had no doubt that Elle knew about her past with Cedric, and was going out of her way to make Cho jealous. Cho wondered if Elle knew how effective it was.
Snape finally entered his office, slamming the door shut behind him to announce his arrival. Cho jumped in her seat and turned to look up at his sneering face. He hawked over her and snorted.
"Come with me," he ordered.
Cho followed Professor Snape to the far corners of the castle. They climbed hidden stairways and crept through dark tunnels. They took so many twists and turns, she wasn't sure if she could find her way back. When they finally reached the end of the tunnel, she found herself on the rocky edge of the lake. Huge stones met the edge of the lake and collected seaweed and scum every time the waves hit the shore. They were filthy and slimy. He couldn't possibly expect her clean them. What was the point? She didn't have to ask. Snape left his orders along with a bucket of soapy water and a sponge. Only Snape would conduct such a cruel detention. He knew that once a stone was halfway clean, the waves would bring mucky water to stain them.
Cho scanned the length of the shore. The only way out was the tunnel that brought her here. She knew that she could not navigate that path without a guide. It was either following the tunnel, or risking trying to swim across the lake in full robes and dragon-hide gloves, without knowing how to swim very well. Accepting her punishment, Cho slipped on her gloves and soaked the sponge in the soapy water. She brushed the sponge against the stone but there was so much accumulated dirt on the stone that it blackened her sponge quickly, making it useless. Making matters worse, Cho could clearly see her friends having fun and soaking their feet on the other side of the lake.
Cho spent hours scrubbing and washing the stones, but they showed no evidence of a cleaning. If she took more than a five second rest, the waves brought more trash to ruin her hard work. The sun began to set over the trees when she heard footsteps approaching behind her.
'Finally, Snape showed to say that my task is over and I can go home…I hope.'
Cho turned around and her hopeful smile fell to a frown when she saw who stood behind her.
"What are you doing here?" she snapped.
She didn't wait for his answer. She turned away from him and continued with her pointless scrubbing.
"You know…" he said taking seat on a stone next to her, "these stones were never meant to be clean. They hold dirt and grime from long before Hogwarts was built."
She continued to ignore him.
"You can continue scrubbing as hard as you can but the dirt will never go away," he continued.
She scrubbed harder.
"Cho."
"What!"
As she stopped a wave crashed around her ankles and soaked her robes with mucky water. She groaned in disgust and accepted the fact that the boy would not go away until she talked to him. She looked at him with a forced frown but her face softened a little when she met his eyes for the first time in months.
"How did you find me?" she said soothingly.
"I'm the man."
He flashed his familiar smile at her. He stood on his feet and gradually walked toward her. Cho set down her sponge, removed her gloves, and stepped closer.
"You shouldn't be here. I'm on detention," Cho coolly said as she took another step closer.
"I do have my duties as a Prefect," he replied and took another step closer.
"No one comes out here. Funny you should deicide to patrol a secluded area, especially at the same time I happen to be cleaning here." One more step closer.
"Every ground must be covered," he said with a step over a grimy rock, "leave no stone unturned."
They took closer steps until there was little space between them. Cho had to bend her neck back to meet eyes with the tall boy. She decided to step on a rock between them to make her seem taller. When her weight lifted from her back heel, the foot rested on the stone lost its balance, causing her to slip. Her body nearly crashed onto the rocks below, but the boy grasped her waist and kept her from falling. He cockily smiled at her as she panted in fear.
"You're as clumsy as ever…Cho."
Months they had not spoken to each other let alone looked at each other. Now she is in his arms, inches from his face. Cedric noticed Cho's eyes were missing their usual warmth. They shared an awkward moment of silence before Cedric spoke.
"I guess I should go…I don't want to get you in trouble," Cedric quickly said as he brought Cho to her feet.
Cho stared at Cedric with a stern look as she forced the gloves over her hands. It was as if she had expected him to suddenly get cold feet. She didn't say one word but Cedric knew from her face that she was upset with him. He felt something squirm, something making him feel heavy with guilt. He carefully took steps away from her not breaking his stare. However, she coldly turned her back to him.
"Cho!" he called.
She stopped in her tracks but did not look at him.
"Um…" he stammered, "Would…would you like to meet up after you finish? Catch up or something?"
She took a moment to herself before turning around to look at him. She smiled at him and he smiled back. He took that as a yes.
"Okay…I'll see you after dinner!" he exclaimed before he rushed into the tunnel.
"Good-bye, Cedric," Cho said softly and continued her chore.
Cho spent hours scrubbing her hands clean after Snape had finally excused Cho from her duties. When her hands were finally clean, she rushed down to the Great Hall. No doubt that she was late since the castle was nearly empty. Fortunately though, she wasn't too late for dessert. Before parking herself next to her friends, she searched the Hufflepuff table. To her surprise, he was no where to be seen. Neither was Elle.
Cho didn't accept defeat just yet, and figured that they must be studying for their O.W.L.s. She helped herself to French Silk pie and brownie ala mode. Dinner was drawing to a close and students began to file out slowly. Cho and her friends were among of the few that stayed behind.
"He probably forgot," said Marietta in a reassuring voice. "All the fifth years probably skipped dinner and studied. Which we should be doing as well. Let's go, Cho."
"I'll meet you in the common room," she icily said to Marietta.
Five minutes later, Cho was the only student left in the dining room. She stayed there until Filch ordered her to return to her dormitory.
"This is unbelievable!" she muttered to herself as the door was locked behind her. "He never ditched me before…"
Cho scanned the corridor and found no Cedric. Frustrated, Cho ran as fast as she could to her common room. She was so red with anger that her eye started to twitch. She hoped that no one would say a word to her in her angry state…she didn't feel like dragging anyone to the hospital wing tonight.
Being out of shape, Cho stopped running and decided to slowly walk the rest of the way. She turned around a corner and instantly backtracked once she saw who disrupted her path. Cho peeked around the corner and saw Cedric with a towel around his neck. He stood next to a statue while clutching his bath caddy, mumbled a few words, and then disappeared into the secret passageway.
Cho took a few steps toward the statue. "Why that little…MMRPH!" Cho jumped when someone from behind her grabbed her arm and pressed her mouth shut.
"Hey little girl," the eerie voice whispered behind her ear, "Want to join a real man for a bath?"
Cho didn't have to think twice of who the mystery person was. She heaved a sigh and turned to face Drew.
"I didn't even have to guess," Cho looked at him from head to toe. "What's the matter? Finally decided to wash off that gaudy eyeliner Drew?"
"Methinks I've just been burned," he sarcastically mocked her, "what a delightful attempt at wit. Care to try again?"
"What is this place?" she demanded.
"Hmmm…" Drew rolled his eyes and pretended to think hard. "Let's see…what sort of bloody place would cause one carry a towel, soap, and a silly squeaky toy," Drew stressed the last entity as he playfully tossed a yellow rubber duck toward her.
Cho squeaked the toy and gave Drew a disapproving stare.
"What the hell is this?" she scoffed.
"Oh sure, ask Drew, he always has the answers. It's a Muggle trinket of some sort. I wouldn't take it at more than face value."
She squeezed it again and was unsure of the toy's purpose, or why Muggles would find entertainment in a simple device. She instantly thought Cedric to be an idiot for owning a dumb thing. Thinking about him infuriated her more. She squeezed the duck again, trying to rip it in half.
"Now Cho," Drew said impatiently and he pressed his hands against her ears. "Why don't you take that thing which Muggles call a …"
Suddenly Cho went deaf. She saw Drew's lips move but could not hear a word that escaped from them. She furiously yelled unladylike words at him but could not hear her own voice as well. She stayed planted where she was, screaming at him, and he winked at her and stepped through the door behind the statue, which had disappeared again. Cho hadn't even noticed it vanish again. The statue resurfaced before Cho could follow.
Cho felt angrier than ever as she chucked the duck at the statues' head. Suddenly she thought of an idea as she watched the rubber duck bounce across the floor. The very thought of her intention gave her a half smile, and executing her plan would lighten her mood. She picked up the rubber duck and faced the statue.
"Soap."
Nothing happened.
"Sponge. Bathroom. Towlie!"
She huffed and squeezed the rubber duck.
"Might as well be for the better, Cedric. Otherwise this rubber duck…"
Instantly the statue dropped to the floor and revealed the door.
"THAT'S the prefect's password? Rubber duck!?"
Cho did not waste another minute. She dashed through the door, which she could have easily broken off its hinges given her state of frustration, and marched across the Prefect male's bathroom. Instantly, she attracted the attention of the several towel wearing teenagers.
"Hey baby, how you doing?" said an excited Hufflepuff.
"Oy! Little girl! I got something in my front pocket for you!"
Percy was on the other end of the hall screaming at Cho to get out. Fortunately, he kept losing his grip on his towel while shaking his arm at her and had to keep stopping himself to pull the towel back up.
Cho's anger was too focused on one person take offense at the rowdy boys. And there he was…immersed in pink bubbles, entranced in music, and soaking away life's problems. Not wasting another minute, Cho heaved the rubber duck at Cedric where it hit him square on the forehead. The duck made a loud squeak as it collapsed on his head. A hush fell over the bathroom and all eyes were fixed on Cedric. Cedric's eyes, of course, were on his attacker. He stared at her with his jaw dropped to the floor; too shocked to move or talk. Cedric felt a million emotions rush through him. He didn't know if he should be upset with Cho for being there, or if he should feel remorse for ditching her earlier today. Cho's eyes bored into Cedric's as she waited for him to speak.
"I'm so sorry, Cho," he said as she turned her back on him and stormed toward the exit. "WAIT! It's not MY fault! It was ELLE!"
The boys around cringed and wrinkled their faces knowing that Cedric chose the wrong words for a rushed apology. Cho fiercely turned her heel and cursed the bathwater Cedric was still in with a glacier spell. Cedric tried to leap out of the water but wasn't quick enough. The bath water froze solid before his feet left the tub.
"CHO! What has gotten into you!" Cedric yelled trying to cover his shame. "Can someone please throw me a towel?"
Cho, cold eyes fixed on Cedric's eyes (and nothing else), gave him one last icy stare. He glared back trying to match her, ice for ice, but failed miserably. He knew he was at fault. She might as well be a Dementor as she filled the room with coldness that seemed to suck the very life and warmth out of his body. As the boys started to snicker and laugh at Cedric's 'cold feet,' Cho headed towards the exit with her head high. She stopped and looked at Percy from head to toe.
"Nice Speedo, Head Boy," she smirked and left the bathroom, noting that Drew was nowhere to be seen.
A few boys nearby stopped laughing at Cedric and teased Percy until his face could not get any redder.
"TEN POINTS FROM RAVENCLAW!" shrieked Percy.
With the fifth and seventh years nearly finished with their OWLs and NEWTs, the entirety of the Hogwarts upperclassmen student body was quivering with anticipation for the upcoming Spring Ball. The great hall was heavily saturated with conversations about what would be worn, or lament from the third years and below who were not allowed to attend. Cho's ears were being constantly assaulted constantly, hearing everyone express overbearing amounts of happiness at how they'd look, how hot their dates would be, and how much fun they were planning to have. Even Cho's friends, who all had tickets and dates, were getting on her nerves. Cedric would obviously be taking Elle. Cho winced as Jenna, Heidi, and Marietta giggled in the corner talking about their dates, and what they planned to do with them.
Cho's attention shot towards the ceiling, as a series of screeches came through the windows, followed closely by a horde of owls. Owls carrying boxes, candies, and invitations to the ball. Cho's heart sank; it seemed as if every girl in the Hall had at least one owl stop in front of her. She stared drearily at her soup as the Hall filled with screeches of happiness from the girls. Even louder were the girls fawning over the dresses parents had sent for the occaision. Behind her, Cho could hear Elle screeching with excitement.
"Oh It's so beautiful, Elle! Cedric will love it!"
Cho scowled. She recognized that voice. Jinessa Faireweather, Elle's best friend. A voice like nails across a chalkboard; a personality about as likeable as soap covered in someone else's hair.
"Yes, the blue matches your eyes!" said another.
At this point, Cho couldn't bear to ignore them. "Blue? Please, don't be the dress I think it is." She turned around and her heart sank. Her premonition had been right. It was the very same blue dress she had longed for since the beginning of the year. The dress she'd hoped to wear to the ball, when she still had a date. When she still had Oliver. She missed him…just a little. She pressed her hands on her ears to muffle the annoying voices of the Hufflepuff girls and faced forward in the direction of the Gryffindor table. She couldn't help but to look for Oliver. He wasn't there. She figured that he must have skipped lunch to study for the N.E.W.T.s. Then she realized that he should be going to the ball, but she had no idea who he would escort. She didn't think that he would have much time hunting for women if he had N.E.W.T.s and the Quidditch draft to prepare for. Feeling upset, Cho shoved her lemon pie in her mouth and nearly choked when she heard screams from the Hufflepuff table. Elle's voice, and even worse, the voices of her friends, had hit eardrum-splitting notes screaming out Cedric's name. She risked a quick glance and saw him walking towards Elle.
"Oh, Cedric!" squealed Elle, "we are going to have so much fun! We'll dance all night. And I will look so good in my new dress! And we can go out and watch the stars! And afterwards…"
Cho tried, though unsuccessfully, to muffle out their words. She attacked her dessert with a renewed vigor, as if the dessert were somehow responsible for all of this. She was so focused on her dessert that when an envelope landed on her head, the piece of pie on the spoon was flung over her shoulder because her mouth was no longer in the way. Her head had moved to look at the letter, but her arm had continued its warpath against the pie. She didn't check to see if the piece had hit anyone. She examined the letter and recognized the stationary and handwriting. The very sight made her sick to her stomach. She turned to face Cedric and waited for him to make eye contact. When he finally did, he looked at her with pathetic eyes and a sheepish grin. Cho glared. The ice in her stare was almost tangible; Cedric had to repress a shiver as Cho tore the letter in half and dropped the pieces on the floor. Cho flipped her hair arrogantly as she turned away from him, stood up from the table, and strutted out of the Great Hall.
Cho was waiting in her room when Heidi and Marietta returned, still gleaming about the Spring Ball. When she looked up as they entered, she noticed a box sitting on the windowsill, next to an elegant pewter owl. The owl was staring at her patiently as she wondered how long it had been there. As Cho approached, the owl hooted and ruffled its feathers before stepping aside. Cho recognized the handwriting on the box's card. It was from her parents. With Heidi and Marietta behind her, Cho untied the bow, opened the box, and revealed the present inside. Cho lifted the delicate material and nearly cried. She pulled it out of the box and pressed the top against her chest and let the chiffon flow to her feet. The robes were made of silk chiffon with beadwork designed along the bodice, waist, and hem of the robe. The silver-crystal beads shimmered, even in the dull light of the dorm, forming a mesmerizing vision of flowers.
"Oooh," beamed Heidi. "Cho that is beautiful! That must be the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen! I'm so jealous!"
Cho read the note attached:
To our little angel. Have a wonderful time and be good!
Love, Mom and Dad
"I guess Mom and Dad figured that I mixed a few potions together and conjured myself a date…" Cho's voice was filled with sorrow.
The dress was more beautiful than any she could have imagined for herself, but what good was it without a date?
"Oh Cho," sighed Marietta. "I'm sure you can sneak in! There's got to be a way!"
"That won't be necessary," stated Heidi. "I recognize this handwriting."
The pewter owl hooted softly as Cho finally looked at the tiny envelope attached to its' foot. With a sly grin, Heidi passed the letter to Cho where she opened it at once. The paper was black, except for a single word, written in silver in the style of fine calligraphy:
Interested?
"OOOh!" squealed Marietta. "A mystery date! I bet it's Oliver!"
Cho raised an eyebrow as she examined the flip side of the note. There was no signature.
"No, Marietta," Cho said. "I know Oliver and this isn't his style. Oliver wouldn't know subtlety like this if it cracked him over the head. There is only one boy in Hogwarts who has this sort of style when it comes to women. Unfortunately, Heidi is 'familiar' with this style as well," Cho added as she glanced at Heidi with a sly grin.
Cho curiously looked at Heidi, anxiously waiting for a response. Heidi showed no reaction, only expressing encouragement for Cho to go to the Ball. Cho gazed at the letter again and smiled, putting Heidi's ambivalence out of her mind. She then realized that she didn't need a crush as an escort, but a good friend.
The day of the ball, the girls scurried around the Ravenclaw common room snapping photographs of themselves in their pretty robes. Cho, true to her habits, was running late. Her white silky robes simply slid on and fit her like a dream, but her hair was taking longer than usual to fix up. No one had yet guessed who Cho's mystery date was. Cho was almost certain she knew, but hadn't shared the theory. Letting the rumors run wild was more fun. As she finished applying the finishing touches of make-up to her cheeks, the pewter owl fluttered down to her windowsill with another note tied to its leg.
"Oh hello there!" she greeted the owl. It nipped the tip of her finger affectionately as she untied the note.
She opened the note with a bright smile for she knew it was from her 'mystery' date.
Meet me outside your common room.
Cho smiled to herself. She excitedly ran outside her dorm and into the Ravenclaw common room. There she met Roger, Jenna, Marietta, and Heidi.
"Oh, Cho!" said Jenna. "You look great in those robes!"
"Thanks," Cho puffed.
"What is your hurry? Why don't you come join us for pictures?"
"Oh. I have to meet someone," said Cho.
"OOOO," teased Heidi, "would this be our 'mystery man?'"
"Oh get over here, Cho," Jenna said without giving her a chance to entertain Heidi's remark. "He can wait. It's good to make them wait."
"Just a few more pictures here," said Roger as Jenna placed Cho beside him, "then we can go."
Cho's friends, especially Roger, flashed a set of pearly white teeth with every flash of the camera's bulb. Cho, on the other hand, was too anxious and only delivered half smiles.
"By the way," Roger added through his smiling teeth, eyes fixed on the camera lens, "you look great Cho."
With that last comment, Cho finally gave a heartfelt smile and contributed to a memorable Ravenclaw picture.
"All right, that's enough," Roger ordered as he flirtatiously placed his hands on Cho's bare shoulders. "I'm all smiled out. Let's let Cho meet her mystery date."
Roger's touch gave Cho goose bumps. It wasn't because it was Roger, her body was just that nervous. She wasn't nervous about her mystery date; she was pretty sure about who it was. Her mind was more on who she'd run into at the ball. She had been wondering all week why she accepted the invitation to the ball, knowing she'd have to see Cedric with Elle. The very thought of seeing them in absolute bliss tonight made her sick to her stomach. She wasn't prepared to see such a terrible scene, nor was she ready to see if Oliver was bringing a date.
With her friends waiting in the common room, Cho took in a deep breath, opened the Ravenclaw door and stepped out to meet her mystery date. The hallway was empty. Silence masked the scene after the door locked itself.
Cho began to feel warm with anxiety. Her ears perked up as she heard someone rushing up the stairs. "That's not right… he's not one to run…" As the mystery entered her line of sight, Cho gasped and stood confused. His handsome face gazing at Cho with the utmost admiration sent her into complete shock. Her body went stiff, its only movement was the pounding of her heart, beating quickly and loudly against her ribcage. Cho's mind raced. "I wasn't expecting him. I must be dreaming! This is too good to be true!" He approached her without breaking eye contact. His eyes searched hers hungrily with every step he took until they were inches apart.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
"I didn't think it was you Cedric," she murmured back.
"You were expecting me? How?" Cedric asked puzzled.
To her dismay, Cedric looked confused. She quickly realized her hopes weren't coming true. Cedric wasn't her mystery date. She felt her pulse slow, and her sense of ecstasy deflated. Her mystery date was not the one that she truly desired to be with. She had been right.
"Diggory! I believe the lady is spoken for this evening, and if memory serves, so are you. So why don't you go off to your date, and allow Cho the pleasure of hers?" said a voice coming up the stairwell.
Cho looked at Drew, as a flash of fear ran over her. She had been right about the invitation, Drew had sent it. Now with Cedric standing in front of her, she wished it to be untrue.
"Drew!" she gasped.
"Drew?" Cedric turned around and met eyes with the Slytherin. Drew was dressed entirely in black, except for a vest in the same silver color as Cho's dress.
"You were expecting Sirius Black?" replied Drew.
"You're with Drew, now?" asked Cedric turning back to Cho. Drew's eyes narrowed for a moment when he caught sight of what Cedric was carrying behind him, still hidden from Cho.
"N..n.." Cho stammered.
"Of course not Diggory. You're standing between us." Drew's voice was flat, leaving no hint at how his rebuke was to be taken.
"Here." Cedric said coolly as he shoved a red flower to Cho. The same flower he had given her before; the ones that stay in bloom so long as the one that picked the flower loves the one they give it to. "I came to drop this off," he added with a twinge in his voice. "Though, I don't know how long it will stay alive."
Cedric turned his back towards Cho and wanted to storm off but his path was blocked by Drew.
"Please move," Cedric demanded.
Drew spoke in a low voice so that only Cedric could hear him, staring fixedly on a point over Cedric's shoulder. His voice was the coldest, harshest thing Cedric had ever heard.
"I saw what you gave her. You have just guaranteed that no matter what happens for her tonight, it will be tarnished because for a moment she had hopes for better. I wanted her to be happy tonight, for tonight to be special for her, and you just killed that. You will pay for it later. And you'd better damned well hope that flower dies tonight, or you will pay very dearly for toying with her emotions like this." Drew moved his gaze to meet Cedric's eyes. "Now get the hell out of here Golden Boy. And stay the hell away for the rest of this night."
"You don't scare me snake-boy," Cedric replied, a slight waver in his voice.
He tried to match Drew's stony gaze, stepped to the side, and walked past the Slytherin. Cedric quickly shook his head once, trying to get the fear out of him. That was twice this week he'd been unable to match a cold stare. As Drew stepped closer to Cho, Cedric stopped on the stairway. He looked over the banister and looked at Cho, who met his eyes. He looked at her determinedly. Their eyes only locked for a split second before Drew followed Cho's gaze to Cedric, his eyes once again narrowing into a look that would bring down a dragon out of fear. When Cedric disappeared Drew turned back to Cho; no trace of anything except soft warmth was in his eyes now.
"Still interested?" he asked.
Cho looked up at him without the slightest bit of fear in her eyes. She looked down at the Cedric's flower and twirled it in her fingers. It had not begun to wilt, nor was she willing to spend the whole night by its side waiting for its death. She was tired of Cedric's game.
"Let's go," she whispered to Drew as she tossed the flower to the floor.
The Great Hall was covered in ornate decor. Dumbledore had seen fit to give a general theme of fantastical creatures for this year's ball. The ceiling seemed transparent, open to the clear night sky. Occasionally, a Pegasus or thestral could be seen flying overhead. Dragons wrapped themselves around pillars at the corners of the room, claws coming fourth from them holding the punch bowls. The trays of food were held up on what seemed to be the outstretched wings of a roc, with birds of paradise perched sporadically. The moon was crescent shaped, giving a soft, glowing light over the entire room, wrapping everyone in its soft glow.
The young Ravenclaws and their dates made their way through the crowd toward the food. Every now and then they said hello to common acquaintances. Cho, on the other hand, was not in a mingling mood, being that she is trying to avoid someone.
"Ohh…C'mon Roger!" squealed Jenna tugging his arm. "Let's dance!"
"Jenna, there's no one on the floor. We'd look silly by ourselves," replied Roger.
"No we won't! Come with us, Cho," demanded Jenna.
"I'd rather not…" sighed Cho. The last thing she needed was to be the center of attention. "Oh look, there's Penny. I'm going…over there."
Cho made up an excuse to escape from her friends. She really didn't see Penelope. She just wanted to be secluded for a minute. Naturally, Drew followed her but he was the one person tonight that she could tolerate.
"How are you feeling?" asked Drew.
"Suffocated," she replied.
"Because of Cedric."
"Partially. I know he is here and though I don't see him, I know he's here."
Cho's eyes quickly scanned the crowd. If Cedric was looking at her she didn't want their eyes to meet risking eye contact. Nearly everyone in Hogwarts was bitten by the love bug. Everywhere she looked couples tickled each other's ear and displayed other annoying signs of affection. Then her eyes stopped. Drew looked down at his date noticed that something caught her attention in the far corner of the hall. He focused his eyes on the entity that attracted her eyes. Of course, it was none other than Cedric Diggory and Elle Farnsworth. Cho couldn't take their eyes off of them. She searched Cedric's face for any clue of what he truly felt. Deep down, she wanted to believe that he was in love with her, not Elle. However, his cheerful expression made it hard for Cho to convince herself of the theory. Drew stared at them with daggers in his eyes wondering how the two could still function. Although he despised girls like Elle, he hated Cedric for treating her poorly. He cursed him for not having the courage to end things with Elle and start with Cho. Something that should have been done long ago. Drew nearly lost in his gaze, broke free from thought when he heard a distinct growl erupt from Cho. She started to walk in their direction.
"No," ordered Drew gently grabbing Cho around the shoulders. "Not yet."
"I'm really sorry Drew," Cho shook herself from her trance. "I'm being incredibly unfair to you."
"Unfair? Hardly."
They both heard giggling erupt from the dance floor. As usual, Jenna was making a fool of herself. At least Roger and Jenna attracted more dancers to the floor. Cho looked up at Drew with a slight twinge in her stomach. She noticed the Drew looked at the dance floor with pungency.
"That's okay," said Cho. "I don't like dancing either."
Drew turned to Cho and looked at her as if she had no idea what was running through his head.
"Do you want a drink?" asked Drew.
"Sure."
"Stay here. I'll be back in a few."
Cho sat herself at the nearest table and rested her head in her palms. All year she wanted more than anything to go to this Ball. However, she found herself having trouble enjoying herself when couples around her are snogging. They reminded her of what she used to have with Oliver and what she hoped to have with Cedric.
She was startled when a glass of butterbeer was placed in front of her. It had only been a few seconds since Drew's departure. He couldn't possibly return so quickly.
"I would never have thought to see you here alone, Miss Chang."
A smile found its way to Cho's solemn face when she heard the familiar Scottish accent. She turned to her side where Oliver sat beside her. Her heart fluttered for as she met eyes with her first love.
"Oliver! How wonderful to see you!" Cho cheered.
"I figured I would stop by, seeing hot it is my last year."
"Are you alone?" Cho asked hopefully.
"Yes," he replied smoothly. "Are you?"
Cho's eyes quickly searched for Drew. She did not find him at the punch table or anywhere nearby.
"I was," she sighed.
Oliver quickly darted his eyes in Cedric's direction, then back to Cho.
"Did he leave you?"
"No," replied Cho not realizing that Oliver referenced Cedric, "he wouldn't do that. But nonetheless, is a question that I want answered. I don't see, Drew."
"OH!" Oliver exclaimed a bit relieved. "Drew?"
"Yea, we went as friends. Being that he was a sixth year and I was only a fourth year. I had no other way of being here," Cho said unknowingly dropping a hint to Oliver.
Oliver decided to ignore this hint and attempted to change the subject. Luckily the orchestra lighted the music and gave him his chance.
"Do you want to dance?" asked Oliver.
"Dance?!"
"Please Cho," begged Oliver. "I'm leaving soon and we never really danced together."
'There's a distinct reason why,' Cho thought.
He extended his hand toward Cho where she reluctantly accepted. It was a slow song, so she figured that she could handle slow movement a little better. Oliver led her to the middle of the dance floor. Cho, in the meantime, searched the crowd for Drew. Unfortunately she was stuck.
"What's wrong?" asked Oliver.
Cho looked up at Oliver with an uncomfortable look in her eyes. It quickly faded when she saw how much this one dance meant to him. He began to sway in rhythm to the music. Cho feared that she would look ridiculous trying to follow. Instead of attempting the arduous task of the dance, Cho pressed herself against Oliver so they would be one entity in perfect rhythm. She gently stepped on his feet so he would do all the dancing. Her robes were long enough to hide her cheating.
"You never danced in your life?" whispered Oliver as he tried to suppress a giggle.
"N…no," replied Cho.
Oliver chuckle a little heartier.
"No matter. This is all I want," he said hugging her a little tighter. "Just to be close to my favorite Ravenclaw for one last time."
Cho's Point of view…
I continued to follow Oliver's lead. More students congested the dance floor impeding our movement. Not that I had any objection. The more people crowded around me engulfed in their own dates, the less they'd notice my horrible dance moves. It started to get exceedingly crowded. More and more students bumped into us. I didn't mind until one bump was so harsh I couldn't help to turn around. None other than Elle Farnsworth and her lovely boyfriend had crashed into Oliver and me nearly separating into us. I turned in surprise to see Elle sneering at me from head to toe. She was so much taller than me and made sure I knew it by keeping her nose high in the air like she was some kind of blue blooded noble. The only thing I could do was return her stare. I recognized her robes. The same blue velvet robes that I had so dearly wanted since the beginning of the year. However, in the dim light, Elle's robes didn't have the same glimmer that my robes had. Sure, she's thin and the fabric fits her like a glove, but just for a moment, I felt like I looked much better. For once, she was the pauper, and I was the princess. Naturally, I cockily fluttered my skirt allowing the beads to catch light and shimmer. Elle's eyes gave her away. She was jealous. In retaliation she held Cedric tighter hoping to ignite my jealousy. If she had any idea how much it bothers me…
"Oh sorry," Elle chanted synthetically. "I didn't see your date, Oliver. By the way," she chimed looking at my dress, "I love those robes. Where was it made? Madame Malkins? Yes, it suits you well. Glitter and sparkles always fit with little girls. I bet it was hard for you to find a good dress with your height."
Bitch.
"Graceful as always, aren't we Miss Farnsworth?" Oliver said sarcastically.
"I'm sure you understand, Wood, how hard it is to be graceful when you and your little pumpkin tart get in our way," Elle sneered down at me. "Wouldn't you agree Ceddy-darling?"
Pumpkin tart? Where does she get off calling me a name! That…that…STRUMPET! I should have said that. Why didn't I say that? Because Cedric glared at Elle for calling me a name. I knew 'Ceddy-darling' loved me and not her. He's standing up for me. His eyes are so beautiful. I can tell he's feeling something. Wait…what are you doing? What happened Cedric? Why are you giving me a mean look now? I don't understand. Unless…you are mad at me from before. I can't look at him like this. I turned my head from him and into Oliver's arms for comfort. It must have looked as if I did it romantically because I could feel an aura of jealously. I had to peek at him one last time. His eyes were fixed on Oliver with the same grim eyes. Then me. Then Oliver again. Elle flirtatiously fluttered the hairs behind his ears while he contemplated. I know now. He thinks that Oliver and I have made up. Or worse, I left Drew for him, which would brand me as a pumpkin tart. Somehow there was no surprise in his face. That was the worst part, that he'd even believe such a thing.
"That wasn't very nice, Elle-dear," replied Cedric in an ice tone so harsh I grew goose bumps. Then he turned to Elle with a disgustingly fake love look on his face. "It's not her fault she isn't a good dancer."
Oh Cedric how could you? I could not believe my ears. How could Cedric give me a love flower one second and the next, insult me right in front of his "girlfriend"? I looked at Cedric, then to Elle, then back to Cedric again. Both looked at me as if I were their worst enemy. Never in my life had I been given such a nasty stare. If looks were weapons, theirs were particularly nasty ones. Their looks ripped my heart out, leaving me alive long enough to see it beat its last pulses in their cold, cruel hands. No witty retorts came to mind. My mind had shut down. It was just too much.
"Just what the bloody hell are you doing, Diggory!"
Good thing Oliver had a short temper.
"Now Oliver," sighed Elle, "watch the temper. I'm sure you will send your date to her dorm room crying if she ever were to hear you get nasty with us. Why don't you run along and get a glass of butterbeer for your date…that is if this little girl is old enough for a glass."
How is Cedric with someone as cruel as her? I still couldn't find any words to shout. I wanted to yell like I never had before, but no words came. I still hadn't recovered from Cedric's intense stare. She looked down at me and giggled to herself in a high and mighty attitude.
"Come on Elle," Cedric said luring Elle away from Cho.
At lease Cedric had some nobility left. At least I thought that before he gave me one last mean look before the both walked to the other end of the room. I'm sure they knew I was still watching them because they got exceedingly affectionate with each other.
"Don't mind her Cho," Oliver said reassuringly. "She never had any real class."
Maybe not but she has Cedric.
"Oliver, I don't feel like dancing anymore," I sighed.
Oliver furrowed his brows as the music picked up on the beat. No! A fast-paced song. I have to get out of here.
"Are you going to let Elle bother you like this?" asked Oliver.
"No Oliver," I managed a smile. He knew me very well. "I really can't keep up with this music. I'm really tired actually. I think I will go back to my dorm."
I hugged Oliver goodbye and kissed him on the cheek. I quickly rushed out of the hall before he had a chance to stop me. I could not understand why he was unusually warm tonight. He was everything that I wanted him to be months ago. Why couldn't I have worked things out with Oliver instead of chasing a foolish dream? I couldn't. I can't. It's impossible to force yourself to feel one way towards someone when you have feelings for someone else.
Then I started to feel the tears swell in my eyes. I had to get out of the castle. I knew just the place. I ran to the side of the castle that had a staircase descending to the lake. I'm sure no one was around to see waterfalls erupt from my face.
As I sat on the cold staircase overlooking the lake, I couldn't help but see the faces of Cedric and Elle tearing me apart with their eyes. I could understand, though not forgive, could never forgive that vile temptress Elle for being incredibly snotty, but Cedric? What did she do to him? I sat there and cried about this for what seemed like hours until I heard a twig snap behind me.
"Who's there?" I turned around and searched the dark.
I heard a voice, a familiar voice, say "Lumos" and faint green light illuminated a familiar face. How did he know where I was?
"So sorry, luv, took me a while with the punch," said Drew.
"Oh," I tried to reply happily as I wiped my eyes.
He sat down next to me and hovered that damn wand over my face and saw me crying. Drew was my best friend and he knew me well enough to know exactly what I cried about. Somehow, words weren't always necessary with him. But more importantly, he knew not to speak of it at this time. I hope.
"You know I hadn't intended to take that long. But it's a complete pain to aim an incantation across a crowded ballroom to make someone's dress invisible to anyone more than five feet from it." Drew winked, as if he were letting me into a secret.
I managed to stifle the sobbing long enough to ask "Not to me, was it?"
"Oh, no. C'mon Cho, if it WAS you, do you think I'd be sitting this close to you? I'd be sitting five feet one inch from you. You were a center of attention because you look absolutely radiant. This girl was a bit more… deserving of being knocked down a few pegs. Besides, it's not as if there aren't pictures of her around anyway. Not that I had anything to do with that one… But you have to admit. That blue dress looks a lot better than what it was covering. Though I daresay, someone will soon be finding out first hand."
I nearly choked trying to laugh and sob at the same time. "You didn't!" Then the last sentence registered. Someone would find out about under the dress. I knew who. A couple of days ago, I wouldn't have thought he would… but after tonight. After tonight. How could he be so cold? That BASTARD!
Drew just smirked at me, and I knew that he did. "Well, I saw Mr. Wood drowning in his desire for closure, and just had to do something to occupy myself…"
He knew. He knew about Oliver. "You knew about Oliver? Why did you allow him to…"
"Cho, how long have you known me?" Drew interrupted. He knows me well enough to know what I was trying to ask. "How often am I nice? Not very. I do what needs to be done. Closure with Oliver just took a big piece of weight off your fair shoulders. I just hadn't expected Tweedledum and Tweedlebitch to throw more back on them. But you do feel better about Oliver, don't you."
It wasn't a question. It was a statement. And he was right. I knew after dancing with him that it wouldn't have worked. I couldn't have forced it. And it was a relief to know. But that extra weight Cedric just added was new, and still heavy. How could he?! That bastard! I shivered, then felt Drew's jacket being set over me. I pulled it around myself and leaned against him, resting my head on his shoulder, the sobs finally stopping.
"I see your parents got my letter. I know I didn't say before, and I apologize, but that dress looks incredible on you, better than I thought it would."
"What do you mean?" I was used to Drew coming out of nowhere with things, but usually they at least made sense.
"Well, why do you think that dress was delivered to your room, and not even by your own owl? I asked their blessing to ask you to the dance, and once they gave it, suggested a dress for you. I had Ruri, my owl, deliver it for them. A surprise. I wanted tonight to be as special for you as I could make it. Failed, but, the best laid plans of mice and men are often equal."
I had to smile at that. Someone tried, and I knew he meant it. He had a way of diverting my attention from one place to another. I just let myself listen, feeling better with each word.
"Needless to say, half of what I had planned can't happen now, but I think making that uptight guttersnipe the center of attention for the wrong reasons, and sharing a moonlit night at the lake with my favorite girl in Hogwarts will do nicely." Drew stood up and offered his hand. "I am still your date though, so might I have the pleasure of this dance?"
"But, neither of us can…" I was confused. Drew actually wanting to dance?
"I know. And you don't have to. Just stand on my toes, I wore steel toed boots just for this" I smiled again, and this time Drew saw it.
I saw him smile to match mine, and felt that for the moment, the world was right. I could go back to stewing over Cedric in a few minutes. I took Drew's hand and let him help me to my feet, before I stood on his. I can't really say we danced; it was more swaying back and forth in a set rhythm, with a step here and there. When Drew slowed to a stop, I stepped off his feet, and he drew back and bowed, more melodramatically than he needed to. This wasn't at all in character for him, I knew it was for my sake.
"Now, Mrs. Chang. If you tell ANYONE I danced, I will have to deny it…and then hex you," he smiled and winked. I couldn't tell if he was joking or not, but I had to laugh.
Drew held his arm out to me, and I took it. It was time to go back. The dance would be ending soon. We walked slowly back to the Ravenclaw hall, his jacket still hanging on my shoulders. When we reached the top of the staircase near the entrance, he turned to face me and lightly cupped my face in his hands. I closed my eyes and felt a light kiss on my forehead.
"Thank you Ms. Chang, for a wonderful time. It was my honor, and my pleasure."
"Thank you Drew. You're the best friend a girl could ever wish for." Drew bowed one more time before turning to leave. As he was walking away, I heard something soft fall to the floor. I looked, and it was the flower Cedric had given me. Not yet dead to my surprise. For a brief second I hoped that he still had feeling for me. After all, this symbol of his 'professed love' is still alive. For now. Everything came back, all the pain he'd caused. But it couldn't dampen my spirits at the moment. I'd just spent time with a friend, someone who definitely cared. Not an ignorant jackass that was just going to toy with me. When Drew was out of sight, ripped the flower from its stem and sprinkled the petals all over the dirt. Angrily, I stomped on each one driving them into the eart. Satisfied, I walked back into the common room, leaving the destroyed bloom to rot.
Cedric's Point of View…earlier…
"Now get the hell out of here Golden Boy. And stay the hell away for the rest of this night.""You don't scare me snake-boy," I replied in the strongest tone that my throat allowed.
I'd almost choked, but I couldn't show fear. I had to try to hide it. A sign of weakness like that would mean a death sentence later, or something close enough. Why should I be afraid of him though? He's thinner than me. And I play Quidditch for goodness sake! I'm bulkier! He should fear me, not the other way around! I let him walk through. He was her date after all. He is what she chose. I'm not the one to judge. I looked over the banister and looked at Cho one last time. She looked at me as if she were about to cry. She looks so confused. I won't give up on you. I won't. What could she be thinking about? Blast! That damn Slytherin is looking. Fine. Have her, Drew. She'll rip out your heart and step on it with heeled boots. Just like she did to me.
What the hell am I doing? I must be the biggest jerk in all of Hogwarts. I had a date…a wonderful date. And I blew her off to be humiliated. A stupid risk, when I had a sure thing with Elle. Maybe if I hurry I can still catch her. I rushed as fast as my feet could take me to my common room, said the password for entrance and rushed into an empty room. I could feel my heart pounding out of my chest. She will think that I'm a huge jerk for doing this. Maybe I just shouldn't go. Why should I go anyway? What's the point now? That's what I'll do. Go to my room and sulk. Like a pathetic loser.I was about to open the door that lead to the boy's dorm room but another door opened from the opposite end of the room. The girl's door. I turned around and there she was.
"Elle," I gasped as I approached her.
I could tell she was crying but she was still beautiful. Almost flawless.
"What are you doing here?" she sighed.
"I…Elle…I…"
"Well?" her voice quivered.
"I'm really sorry, I was being bloody stupid," I didn't know what else to say.
When I got close enough I cupped her pretty face in my hands. She is so beautiful. And I really hurt her. Maybe just for tonight…
"Elle," I tried to sound smooth. "I still love you. I didn't mean to break your heart before. Come with me tonight?"
I, Cedric Diggory, Prefect, Quidditch Captain, and honest Hufflepuff…had just told a flaming lie. I didn't love her as much as I made her think I did. No matter how pretty this face is, it's not the one I really want. That lie seemed to melt Elle's heart. She smiled at me and kissed me tenderly. I can't say that I was thinking about her the whole time. But, she'll never know. I wish I could share in her ignorance.
"What about that 'Asian cookie?'" she puffed, breaking her lips away from mine.
Asian cookie? Asian cookie! How I still managed to smile instead of just leaving then and there will remain a mystery.
"What about her? I'm standing here with the one I want."
"Oh, Ceddy-darling! You're so charming."
Somehow she took that smile as me being charming. Whatever works. I've already started the lie. Why stop it now?
"Give me five minutes!" was the last thing she said before running upstairs like a giddy school girl.
I waited for her in the common room in the meantime, contemplating what I'd just done. No way to back out now, not without destroying too many things for others. At least continuing things only took a toll on me. No one else had to know. I had been pretty close to being solo all night long, but now I had the school beauty with me. But not who I wanted. Not Cho. Why would Cho go with someone like Drew? They don't make a match at all. I should be with her. Stop it Cedric! You're with Elle tonight. Elle. Not Cho. Elle. Ah…beautiful Elle. I've got the prettiest girl in school. What's the problem? Everything. Pretty doesn't fit Elle in every way, not like it does with Cho. Cedric, you have GOT to stop thinking like that! Cho is a lost cause!
Twenty minutes later, she floated down the stairs. She was a vision. Her long blonde curls cascaded along her back and her velvety blue robes flowed along her slender figure. Blue. Ravenclaw. Cho. DAMMIT, STOP THAT!
"Wow," I stood up. "You look amazing."
She frowned. What? Is it bad to give a compliment? Last time she looked at me like that, she asked me if she looked fat in her new skirt and I gave her an honest answer.
"Cedric would you fix your hair?" she ordered as she moved strands away from my face. Does she always have to bitch about my hair?
"Stop," I said moving my head from her prying claws. "It's fine."
"It's all over the place!"
"Naturally that way!"
"I'm not going," she gritted her teeth, "until you make it presentable."
"Fine. I'll fix it," I grumbled as I smoothed my bangs with my spit. "Can we just go?"
"Yes. You can fix it in the Prefect's bathroom on the way," she ordered while snapping her fingers like I'm her dog. "Let's go."
First thing I headed for when we finally reached the ball was the butterbeer table. I'm getting irritated and need something soothing to calm my nerves. No mint tea around, so this stuff'll have to do. The moment that sweet liquid touched my lips, I felt a million times better. Elle preoccupied herself with her friends leaving me to get better acquainted with my bottle. No problem. By my fifth bottle I noticed the students gracefully float around the floor in an intricate dance. I hope Elle doesn't drag me out there. I can't dance. I hate it. Besides, if I stay at this table long enough, things will get blurry. Then I won't be able to see that traitor, Cho.
"Ceddy-darling! Let's dance!"
Bitch. She didn't ask. She commanded. She always does. Beautiful as she may be she definitely had some personality flaws. Like treating others like subjects, as if she's royalty. She is so graceful on the dance floor. Well, if I'm coordinated enough to fly a broomstick then I can do this. How hard can it be?
"Ow! Honesty, Cedric! We ought to take you to ballroom dancing lessons!"
"Sorry Elle-dear."
I really was sorry. I was sorry that I took you back. I couldn't help to scan the crowd to look for Cho. But she's so little, that would be near impossible. Maybe if I searched for that git Drew. He's not here. I hope he didn't take her outside for a songfest! I'll personally kill him, or at least die trying! Then something crashed into Elle and nearly knocked her to the floor, along with my thoughts of Cho. Yes, there she was. Cho Chang bumped into my date. She looked even more radiant than before. Wow. I mean…WOW. I was speechless. It's funny for me to have this same reaction twice in one night. She has that effect on me. Good thing I was at loss for words; it would have been rude to compliment her in front of Elle. I lied again. Elle isn't the most beautiful girl in all of Hogwarts. Cho is. Inside and out. The dress is so amazing on her. She looks so innocent and sweet. I love how shiny and glittery it is. But why does she have to play with one's heart so much? Damn her.
"Oh sorry, I didn't see your date, Oliver. By the way," she chimed looking at Cho's dress, "I love those robes. Where was it made? Madame Malkins? Yes, it suits you well. Glitter and sparkles always fit with little girls. I bet it was hard for you to find a good dress with your height."
ELLE! Sure, she's a cruel temptress, but that wasn't called for!
"Graceful as always, aren't we Miss Farnsworth?"
That…THAT VOICE!!! She wasn't even with her date! I looked up and as suspected Oliver Wood stood before us. Oliver Wood, who dragged Cho into the corners of Hogwarts to…to…GGRHRHR. I could not believe this girl. First she was with Drew, now Oliver! What is going on? Are you that starved for attention you little floozy!? You really are a cold-hearted heartbreaker! You will play the heart of every guy in this fudging school and that still won't give you enough attention, will it?! I couldn't control the thoughts flooding into my head. It was a realization. An awakening. Like so many others, I'd fallen under the spell of Cho Chang. And like them suffered from betrayal, humiliation, and anguish. Now I know what you really are like, Cho Chang. And I don't like it at all.
"I'm sure you understand, Wood, how hard it is to be graceful when you and your little pumpkin tart get in our way," my real beautiful girl spoke. "Wouldn't you agree Ceddy-darling?"
Elle ran her fingers through my hair ever so lightly. I know her touch was light just so she wouldn't mess up my hair, but I still loved the feel of her touch.
"That wasn't very nice, Elle-dear," I said sarcastically. Then I turned to my beautiful girl and gazed at her angelic face. "It's not her fault she isn't a good dancer."
I meant to whisper that last sentence but Cho and Oliver heard. Oops. Oh well. She needed to be put in her place. Maybe it was too harsh, but who cares? She was a little heartbreaker, why be nice? I held Elle, my beautiful Elle, closer to me as I stared down at the tart expecting her to cry.
"Just what the bloody hell are you doing, Diggory!"
There's only one reason Wood would be that protective of her. They're back together! They have to be! But what was Drew doing then?!
"Now Oliver," sighed Elle, "watch the temper. I'm sure you will send your date to her dorm room crying if she ever were to hear your nasty temper. Why don't you run along and get a glass of butterbeer for your date…that is if this little girl is old enough for a glass."
She's only a year younger than you, Elle. I'm not sure I like hearing Elle picking on Cho. Sure, Cho has it coming, but its too close, too soon. Earlier tonight I wanted to express the feelings that I had all year for Cho. I nearly threw out this wonderful thing that I had with Elle just to give her that damned flower. She is a wanderer. She wanders from boy to boy. I doubt she cares about ANY of them. I know how she was when she dated Oliver. She flirted with ME. Played her silly mind games on me and leading me to believe that there is something there when there clearly isn't. She doesn't care about me like the way Elle does. Sure, Elle may whine about my hairstyle or act bossy every now and then…but we are close. I'm sure of that. I thought I lied when I told her that I love her. Maybe I do. Yes. I'm sure of it. And I will show her tonight. First things first.
"Come on Elle," I had to drag her away from Cho.
There's only one reason Elle should get riled up tonight.
"Elle…I'm getting a bit restless from this party," I said as suggestively as I could. I bet I sounded like a loser. I can do this. "Why don't we take it somewhere else?" Wink. Ok, I know I CAN do this. Why am I doing it?
She looked confused for a moment. Then my innuendoes hit her like a pile of bricks. She smiled eagerly and jumped on my arm. Hrmph. That was easy. What the bloody hell was Roger Davies whining about? Any guy can do this.
"All right then," I smiled back.
Before we left the room, I snuck a few more butterbeers in my robe. Liquid courage. Or at least liquid cover for the brazen stupidity. My "Golden Boy" image wasn't doing me any good. I think its time to ditch it. But I'll need help. Can't just drop habits without help.
"Where should we go?" I asked Elle when we left the castle. "Isn't there a dock by the lake?"
"No, too common. All the couples hang out at the dock," the tone in Elle's voice suggested she knew a lot about the dock…specifically, what couples do there. "Why not there?"
I tried to determine where Elle pointed her manicured finger. The Quidditch Pitch? Why there? Oh. OH! My Captain's tent! Sweet monkey Merlin! Of course! I have a couch, candles, and a door that locks.
"Let's go," I ordered.
I tried to keep my feet from running toward the Pitch. I can't look too eager. Though even if I did, I don't think she would notice. I stopped outside my door to catch my breath. She took the key from me and unlocked the door and made herself comfortable inside. For a brief second I thought about turning around and running back to my dormitory. But that would brand me as a chicken for the rest of my days at Hogwarts. I worked long and hard to get where I am in this school. Prefect. Quidditch Captain. Popular…for the most part. And not some silly Ravenclaw will turn me into a whiney sap. I stepped into my tent and locked the door. When I leave this room…I will be a man.
Phaedra Note
Oooo the upperclassmen are throwing a ball! Naaaahhh. It does seem unfitting that ball is randomly placed at the end of POA. Whatever. I violated the "off original character," rule before and I sure as hell can violate "off original events," if there ever was such a thing. This chappie was full of the twists and turns, eh? It was my intention to hide the characters' identities throughout the story until they were ready for unveiling. I loved trying to fool you, but dropped so many hints.
OOO Ceddy-darling how could you? Now c'mon put those tomatoes away! The boy is sixteen, sexy, good-looking, and sexy! How could he not? I'm sure a lot of you are pissed off of Cho and Cedric's current relationship. Now, would I really have them mad at each other for so long? Think about it…what better way to say I'm sorry??? Wait til next chapter (FINAL CHAPTER) to find out. Also, as I said before, I will post the final chapter in this story as well as the first chapter of the new story, so as to not lose you.
Geez. Speaking of Ceddy-darling, he really could use some therapy now huh? I don't think I will make him so much of a pussy in the next story. Which you guys better be on the look out for!
Note on Updates
Sorry that it took me so long to pump this chapter out. I had an incredibly busy month with work and travel. And now my boyfriend is 3000 miles away. Sniff He was just like Oliver…but better… Anyway. The next chapter, as I said before is the final chapter. It probably won't be as long as this chapter but what you all are waiting for may (or may not) happen. I don't know how long it will take me but I promise that I will not abandon this story. I would give you an estimated time but I wouldn't want you to be pissed if I took longer. (Okay, give me about 3 weeks). However, I have to move to a new apartment, finish six projects, fly to Oregon, and then fly to Japan to work in a lab…all in about a month's time. So if you don't see any updates…you know why. As long as there is bubble tea, the words will flow. Hopefully the next one won't take me long. Feel free to contact me on my status if it will give you peace of mind. (Quit your whining :) )
Kaihn's Notation
Good God, the drama. I feel like I'm back in high school. And yes, guys can think as irrationally as Cedric. Just because you deeply love someone, doesn't mean you can't hate them on the surface. I ought to know. Been there, done that, burned down the summer home long ago.
Unfortunately, if Cedric were sensible, this story would be a lot shorter. Irrationality makes good stories, so don't flame the authoress. If people did what was smart, sensible, and right, we wouldn't have TV shows.