Disclaimer: Clearly, all this happened in a fanfic because I don't own the rights to the brilliant original storyline.

A/N: This serves as a extra dollop of ice cream to the previous, 'A Fluke of Sorts', which I was pleased that everyone had tremendously enjoyed. So, as a thank you - here's an extra serving of Cedric-Hermione. You don't have to read the aforementioned fanfic to enjoy this because it doesn't quite touch much of its predecessor (but if you need a foundation to their beginnings, feel free to skim through it) as I've planned this mostly as a standalone - on the basis of an established relationship. The summer mentioned here is the summer after the end of Hermione's fifth year and Cedric's final year. Hermione's sixteen and Cedric's eighteen (since it's before their respective birthdays in Sept/Oct) as someone had kindly pointed out to me before that the pair are originally older than their friends because of their late birthdays (thank you really). Anyhow, do enjoy the fic and let me know if it's worth your reading time (because I'm feeling rather anxious about it to be honest).

The Beginning of Summer

Hermione Granger couldn't help but wonder if she had ever been as anxious as she was feeling at the moment. She thought of her previous summers and the sixteen year old witch knew never had any of her summers had her close to jumping out of her skin whenever a knock sounded on the door. Hermione paced around in her room and swallowed hard, yet failing to calm her nerves. Her gaze fell onto her desk. With a bite of her lower lip, and without a second thought, she drew herself under the oak-colored desk, pulling her knees tightly to her chest as she planted herself underneath the furniture and sat still. A soft tune emitted from her lips and her fingers unconsciously tapped on her elbows to the tune. Another knock sounded and instinctively, Hermione's head jerked upwards only to meet painfully with the hard wood of her table. A loud groan escaped her as her mother's voice floated across the hallway, calling to her to get the door. The sharp and precise rap of the knocker against her home's white panel door defined the newcomer almost easily for Hermione. The sixteen year old flew down the stairs, while rubbing on the sore bump on her head, before halting within two feet away from the door. Taking a deep breath and a placing a small smile on her face, hoping the thumping in her heart would slow itself before it actually jumped out of her to reveal her inexpressible excitement and anxiousness, Hermione reached for the door just as another knock sounded. When she pulled open the door, Cedric Diggory's grin greeted her as her eyes flitted upwards, caramel brown orbs meeting steel grey ones.

"Did you miss me?"

"You owled me barely two hours ago."

"A presence in the real form is different than a presence in writing." Cedric replied with a smirk. "I can tell you've been restless throughout the two hours."

"Whatever gave you that idea?" Hermione answered, almost incredulously. She watched as Cedric dropped his bag onto the ground and took a few steps forward, effectively closing the distance between them. His hand reached for her hair and she almost reveled in his touch, after being away from it for almost two weeks yet she resisted doing so, as he gently ran his hand through her dark locks.

"Your hair is messier than it usually does." Hermione's arm reached out in a reflex to smack Cedric in the arm but the older boy instinctively stepped back with a laugh. "I'm sorry." Cedric said in between laughs. "If it's worth anything to make up for my bluntness, I've missed you." He offered.

Hermione's lips pulled upwards into a deeper grin. "You're forgiven." Cedric smiled as he stepped closer to the young witch once more and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead for an affectionate greeting. "I wasn't expecting you to come over the Muggle way."

"I decided that I am going to spend this summer with you the Muggle way." Hermione raised an eyebrow. "No magic involved."

"You must be the first wizard who is of age yet willing to spend close to five weeks without the usage of magic."

"I thought it would be nice to spend the summer like how you normally would. Just because I'm here doesn't mean I would want you to adjust and adapt your summer to fit me."

"Very thoughtful." Hermione remarked with a wry smile.

"Always have been."

Hermione settled for a shake of her head instead of rolling her eyes. "Well, welcome to my home." She said as she stepped aside to let Cedric in. The eighteen year old wizard was warmly greeted by the sight of soft, natural hues of ivory and tan while fresh flowers stood in glass vases on tabletops to provide a bright and delightful contrast to the otherwise plain interior. Hermione led him from the short steps of the hallway to the living room, where the French doors allowed the afternoon sun to bath the room in a warm glow. An opened door revealed Cedric to the small patio beyond the doors that led to the green gardens while the gentle noon breeze blew in, tugging at the wheat-colored drapes drawn back. He easily noticed how everything was in its appropriate order without a speck of dust; cushions rightly positioned, books aligned precisely by height on the bookshelf at the far end corner, clear water in the glass vases, photo frames arranged accordingly to the years, he couldn't help but allow the small smile to cross his lips. He had imagined Hermione's home to reflect exactly as she was – meticulous and practical yet very much gentle and warm. "What are you thinking?"

Cedric shifted his gaze to the younger girl. "I just thought how much your home fits your personality." He smiled.

"I suppose so. If you must know, I am in charge of the upkeep whenever I'm at home so I suppose that's why it feels so much like me."

"And if you aren't around?"

Hermione shrugged. "My mother keeps it the way I left it. She'd ensure that every arrangement made remains as it is and simply just cleans them without moving or changing anything."

"Never knew you had a talent for home interior."

"I aim to surprise." Hermione answered with a grin.

"Hermione, is this young lad Cedric?" Hermione and Cedric turned around to see Mrs. Granger smiling as stepped into the room. Cedric immediately nodded his head in greeting with a polite smile as he stepped up to greet the room's newcomer. "It's a pleasure to meet you Cedric." Mrs. Granger said as she shook Cedric's hand warmly.

"It's nice to meet you too, Ma'am. It's a beautiful home you have."

"Very polite, tall," Mrs. Granger mused aloud with a lighthearted smile, "charming too, I must add. I'll say, I'm pleased to have someone so good looking in my home." Cedric flushed slightly as Hermione bit her lower lip from laughing. "Make yourself at home Cedric. My husband isn't in at the moment – he was called in for an urgent wisdom tooth removal, so I'm afraid you'll only meet him for dinner later. Hermione has prepared your room for you – it's across hers from the hall."

"Thank you. And I apologize if my being here is in any manner at all – an inconvenience to you and Mr. Granger."

Mrs. Granger laughed heartily and Cedric noted how much Hermione's laugh sounded like her mother's – except the latter's was lighter and girlish. "We were pleased to hear when Hermione first mentioned of someone so close to her being here for the summer, so think nothing of inconvenience or intrusion. You are most certainly welcomed here as you will always be."

"Well, then I would be pleased to oblige to drop by every summer then." Cedric joked.

"Splendid." Mrs. Granger said with a smile at Hermione. "A promise of a long term commitment at such an age," Hermione's eyes widened, "I'm impressed."

"Mom, he wasn't –"

"A promise indeed Ma'am."

Mrs. Granger laughed again. "My, looks like you've got a keeper here. Be good to him, will you? I'm already liking him much." She said to Hermione who had her jaw dropped to a few inches. Cedric grinned. "I shall be in the kitchen to prepare for dinner, join me when you've settled in Cedric."

"I will." Cedric promised. He turned to Hermione with a smirk as soon as Mrs. Granger stepped out of the room.

"What were you trying to do?"

"I was just being polite and nice to your mother."

"No – you were sweeping her off her feet with your charms." Hermione pointed out. "She's almost this close," she held up her index finger and thumb with an inch distance between them, "to adopting you and have your name legally changed." Cedric laughed. "She's probably very much convinced that you'll be a Granger soon." Hermione sighed. "You had better not disappoint her."

"Why, are you proposing to me Granger?"

"Rubbish. I'm pointing out of your impending adoption and possible kidnap if you keep up with those charms of yours. Nothing in the manner of marriage or that sort."

"I suppose you don't fancy being a Diggory then?"

"Granger sounds fine with Hermione. I see no need to change it." Hermione answered wryly.

"Hermione Diggory – I think I like the sound of it." Cedric grinned as he picked up his bag and led the way to the stairs.

"Hermione Granger-Diggory." Hermione shuddered at her own words. "It sounds awful."

"Just stick to Hermione Diggory."

"Rather banal."

"Hermione Jean Granger Diggory. That's too long I reckon." Cedric said as he continued up the stairs. "Hermione Jean Diggory – that sounds much better doesn't it?"

"Hermione Jean Granger sounds perfect." Hermione replied as she stepped around Cedric upon reaching the top of the stairs and led him to his new room for the summer holiday. "I think I would rather much stick to that."

"Does that mean you are not planning to get married?"

"The title spinster sounds rather appealing." Hermione joked. Cedric shot her a mock horrified look. "It's not too bad being single." She added.

"I wish you would have told me this before I admitted my feelings for you and planned to spend the rest of my life with you. It's an absolutely crushing news, I must say."

"The rest of your life with me?"

"At least that was what I thought until five seconds ago."

"Pity. The dream of yours has died with the mere words of my confession of singlehood attachment." Hermione good-naturedly replied as she sat herself down on Cedric's bed as the older boy looked around the room, taking in his new surroundings.

Cedric smiled. "I suppose I would have to seek someone else who would be willing to take on the name Diggory attached to their current name then." He placed his bag onto the carpet, beside the desk by the French windows before leaning out to breathe in the summer air.

"Whoever it is, do make sure she stays a whole country away or you might risk her being hexed before she adopts your name to hers."

"Rearing the green-eyed monster, Granger?" Cedric joked as Hermione walked over to his side and leaned out as well. Cedric's hand easily reached for hers on the sill, gently falling atop hers.

"It gives me an excuse to use my wand before cobwebs get to it." Hermione answered with a light laugh. Cedric chuckled in response. Seconds passed as they both looked out to the view before them, smiling to themselves in contentment of the moment. Although Hermione had been nervous of Cedric's arrival but the moment he stepped into her home, she felt as if all her anxiety were swept away just by being within close proximity of him. Affectionate warmth with a composed yet charming aura emanated from him and easily drew her in as she indulged in his presence. She couldn't deny the fixation she seemed to have towards his presence; his being about her seemed like it was the most natural thing for him to do, as if he was brought into the world just to provide her an undivided amiable warmth – to her, that is. Hermione's gaze shifted to the features of the young man beside her. 'A schoolmate for five years, an acquaintance for a year, a friend for eight months, and a boyfriend of three months – and a few weeks.' Hermione mused. Truth to be told, Hermione had never imagined herself in a day where Cedric Diggory would be by her side, in the guestroom for her own home, looking out the window with his hand atop hers in a not-so platonic manner.

"What are you thinking of?" Cedric's voice broke the Gryffindor's train of thoughts.

"The house chores that I would like to have a written contract over." Cedric's eyes widened. "You didn't think you'd stay here for free, did you?"

"I assumed that when a boyfriend comes over to his girlfriend's home to spend time with her, that itself is a heavy chore to complete and fulfill."

Hermione rolled her eyes at Cedric's sarcasm. "You get free boarding, meals and hot water with occasional cakes and pastries thrown in; it isn't so much of a chore when you think about it." She reached for a piece of paper on the desk and held it up to Cedric's vision. "I'll do the dusting and washing but you are to be in charge of the bathrooms, taking out the rubbish and drying the dishes."

"Hard labor."

"If you intend to get married, I will assure you this would be the best practice to get you started." Hermione dryly answered.

"House Chores 101 – Keeping your wife happy."

"Exactly."

"So it's safe to assume who my wife would be?"

"My name is still Hermione Jean Granger." Hermione said with a roll of her eyes at Cedric's teasing. "And remember, I'm looking forward to the title 'spinster'."

"Rock and roll fixation?" Cedric smirked as he took the piece of paper from her hand and quickly glanced over it.

"Influence from my father – he loves Elvis, the Muggle musician."

Cedric picked up a pen and signed his name with a flourish at the dotted line close to the bottom of the printed piece. "I'll make sure to divert you off that spinster road."

"Good luck with that." Hermione said distractedly as she took hold of the signed paper with a satisfied smile. "Oh, and no usage of magic for the domestic help." Cedric's jaw fell open by a few short inches. "Muggle way, remember?"

"Cedric! Be a love and come down here to help me to unplug the bathroom will you? Do you think you could also help me to fix on this light bulb? It had fused out the night before but we haven't gotten around to changing it yet." Mrs. Granger's voice floated up from below the stairs.

Hermione shot Cedric a wolfish grin. "Time to get going and convince me off the spinster road."

Cedric chose to shut his mouth with a determined line and marched out of the room, down the stairs, to assist Mrs. Granger. Hermione laughed as she followed after him. He immediately got started on the unplugging, pulling the sleeves of his navy blue shirt up to his elbows and gratefully putting on the pair of gloves Mrs. Granger handed to him. Hermione settled on helping her mother with dinner by cutting the vegetables. The guest bathroom located at the ground floor of the Grangers' home wasn't too far away from the kitchen so occasionally, Hermione and her mother could hear the grunts and mumbles emitting from the eighteen year old. Mother and daughter shared an amused moment as they listened in. When Cedric finally appeared at the kitchen doorway ten minutes later, his face was flushed with warm sweat though a pleased grin was plastered on his face.

"Would you mind helping out with the light bulb?" Mrs. Granger pointed to one of the lights on the kitchen ceiling.

"Sure."

"Would you require a ladder, love?"

"I think a stool would do just fine, if you don't mind." Cedric answered as he eyed the lights. Hermione swiftly brought over a stool before him. He smiled in thanks before pulling himself atop the wooden furniture. "Mind passing me –" His words stop short at the sight of a knowing Hermione holding out the new light bulb. "Thanks, Granger." Cedric looked up again.

A minute passed as Hermione waited below him, looking up expectantly. "It's not going to come off by itself if you keep looking at it." She finally said.

Cedric looked down at her with a slight embarrassed look. "I've never changed a light bulb manually."

The young witch laughed. "And here I was with my mind going on about how many Quidditch players it would take to change a light bulb. I was almost tempted to call Harry and Ron over. I reckon I should."

"Very funny." Cedric dryly said.

"You've got to loosen one end of the bulb before loosening the other end and slowly pull it out. Be careful not to touch that little knob there or you might get a jolt of electricity." Cedric did as he was instructed and carefully handed the old light bulb to Hermione before putting in the new one. "So it takes only one Quidditch player to change a light bulb – provided he has instructions on how to." Cedric scowled in response.

"Thank you so much Cedric. Perhaps you would like to have a shower before you join us for dinner?" Mrs. Granger warmly said with a smile.

"That would be great."

"Hermione, love, get Cedric a bath towel and whatever else he needs. Oh and Cedric, here you go," Mrs. Granger held out a glass of iced peppermint tea to Cedric, "a reward for the hard work." Cedric beamed gratefully.

"He's only spent fifteen minutes or less, that's nothing considerable of a hard work with such menial tasks."

"Rearing the green-eyed monster again, Granger? I shall share with you my reward if you'd like." Cedric teased and took a sip of his drink.

"Yes, the green-eyed monster, which I shall refer to as Grimy, is obnoxiously irritated and more than ready to bite your head off."

"You even gave it a name? I never knew you were on such affectionate terms with it."

Hermione answered with a frown, "Have you heard of hunters who have their home wall lined with animal heads?"

"For posterity and conceited purposes." Cedric nodded.

"Well, if you don't stop egging me on every minute, your head will be up on the wall of my home."

"For posterity and conceited purposes?"

"Keep it up and I'll be sure to let it have your head." Hermione said as she walked off to the stairs and Cedric quickly followed after, with a wry grin upon his lips. Mrs. Granger simply shook her head in amusement at their banter, musing in admiration at the fact Cedric was the first boy who could stand up to her daughter's sharp words and wit, while matching it with his own flavor of sarcasm without faltering. She and Mr. Granger knew that had raised an intelligent young girl who was bound to change the world, as typically biased it sounds, but it was a fact of no denying as they watch their only child grow up through the years – quick-witted words flowing from her lips as she speak, poised and confident in almost every situation, and a sense of sensibility and level-headedness that's evident in all her decisions and choices. Mr. Granger had once offhandedly commented, with a small smile, that it wasn't just any boy who would be able to win the heart belonging to such a girl.

When Cedric finally came down an hour later, fresh from his shower, he found Hermione outside on the patio, sitting on a white wooden chair with a book in her lap. "Hi." He said as he settled himself on the arm of the chair the young witch was seated in. "What are you reading?"

"Pride and Prejudice." Hermione answered without looking up.

"Austen, isn't it?"

"You've read it?" Brown eyes flew up to him in interest and surprise.

"Darcy serves as an irritating lad."

"It was a façade."

"Which Bennet successfully broke into and allowed him to redeem himself."

"The irony of it all is her being of the same. She has the exact same façade of pride but failed to see it herself." Hermione replied.

"It was a misunderstanding on her part."

"She had formed an image of impartiality when she first saw him." Hermione stated. "If she hadn't made that assumption on the first basis itself, she wouldn't have made what Robert Merton coined as the self-fulfilling prophecy."

"Darcy wasn't exactly a picture perfect portrayal of a gentleman when she had first known him. You can't blame her for placing such an image to his person. "

"A fan of Bennet?" Hermione raised an eyebrow.

"And I take it that you are on Darcy's side." Cedric said matter-of-factly.

"Very much." Cedric laughed. "What is about Bennet that pulls you to her side?"

"Her strong-willed mind and courage to speak for herself at a time where women are numbed into silence of their true feelings and thoughts." Cedric thought for a moment. "Much like you I suppose – except for the time period."

A small blush crept to Hermione's features. "So you've enjoyed this book then?"

"On the contrary, I have read all of Austen's works and enjoyed each and very one of them. Fine author I must say. She's got a brilliant vocabulary and impeccable choice of words to describe her scenes."

Hermione nodded, an excited smile growing on her features, "She uses simple words of the language but chooses them carefully to paint a picture for the readers."

"Your favorite author?"

"I could almost worship her." Hermione admitted. "I have a collection of her books but I can't help thinking how wonderful it would be to own a first edition of one of her works. The crisp pages of the early 20th century and the deep smell of ink from the offset printing." Hermione grinned.

"What's the one book of Austen's you'd like to have the first edition of?" Cedric asked as he stood up, not quite looking at her in the eye.

"Sense and Sensibility, I suppose. I've read it more than any of her other books. "

"Oh."

Sensing something amiss, Hermione reached out a hand for Cedric. "Cedric?" But before she could say anymore, she heard the front door closed shut and her father's voice calling out. "Dad!" Hermione flew out of her seat with Cedric close behind her just as her father stepped into the living room.

"Hermione." Mr. Granger beamed as he pulled his coat off.

"Dad!" The sixteen year old witch reached out in a hug. "I was wondering when you were about to get back. Mom's made your favorite Cornish pasty."

"What's the special occasion?" Mr. Granger caught sight of a smiling Cedric as soon as the words left his lips. "Ah, I think I've just caught sight of the answer to my question." Hermione gently pulled away from her father and stepped aside as Cedric stepped forward.

"Cedric Diggory, sir. It's an honor to meet you." The young wizard held out his hand.

Mr. Granger eyed him for a brief moment before taking Cedric's hand with a firm handshake. Hermione uneasily shifted her feet. "Pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Diggory."

"Just Cedric, sir."

"Very well. Cedric it is. You can keep the sir on my part though."

The right side of Cedric's lips quirked upwards as steel grey eyes colored with dumbfound but it quickly faded and was replaced with a genuine smile. "Yes, sir."

"Well now, greetings aside, shall we all have dinner?" Mr. Granger's face broke into a smile.

"Would be glad too, sir."

Cedric and Hermione followed after Mr. Granger in silence, the former feeling slightly surprise by the firm greeting he had from Hermione's father as opposed to her mother's greeting, and the latter was uncertain with her father's sudden rigidness. "Alright, shall we have dinner?" Mrs. Granger beamed as she set the last dish on the dining table. Hermione nodded wordlessly and took her usual place as Cedric sat beside her. "Help yourself Cedric, don't need to feel shy." Mrs. Granger said as she passed the plate of casserole to said boy.

"So Cedric, what is that you plan to do next? I understand that you have completed your studies at Hogwarts." Mr. Granger took a scoop of mashed potatoes before looking up at Cedric for an answer.

"Well, I would be training to be an Auror – I suppose you could view it sort of like a policeman in the wizarding world, sir."

"Is that your choice or your parents' wishes?"

"My own, sir. It's something I've considered thoroughly since my sixth year."

"So you've always made choices on your own? Without consulting anyone?"

Hermione and Cedric eyed one another. "Well, no, sir. My parents have always allowed me to make my own decisions so as long as it's a good one. But I do consult with them on my choices before making a firm decision."

Mr. Granger nodded. "That's good to know. And how close are you to your parents?"

"I'm their only son, sir, so I would say I am rather much close to them."

"Not a mama's boy, are you?"

"No, sir. I'm equally close to both but never too attached to the point of being spoilt, sir."

"I've heard you are quite the honor student in school."

Cedric smiled in slight embarrassment, "Just keeping up with my grades and extra curriculum."

"Don't mind him, love," Mrs. Granger said to Cedric, "he's feeling rather interrogative today." She turned to Mr. Granger with a teasing smile, "The food's getting cold, you ought to let the young man eat before firing your questions away at him."

Mr. Granger laughed. "Very well, eat away."

Hermione and Cedric exchanged another curious glance but said nothing. Casual and light-hearted conversations occasionally filled the dining room as they ate. When the last of the dishes were scrapped clean, Mr. Granger looked to Cedric again. "So Cedric, what do you say to a football match tomorrow?" Hermione's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"A football match?" Cedric repeated.

"There's an Arsenal friendly for the pre-season. I took the day off and I have gotten extra tickets to the match."

"That would be great, sir."

"Hermione, I suppose you'd like to come along as well?"

Hermione opened her mouth but shut it for a brief second as she quickly grouped her thoughts. The idea of leaving Cedric alone with her detective-like father didn't seem appealing and she wouldn't want to scare Cedric away before he had actually seen the real – non-interrogative side of her father. "Yes."

"Brilliant. We shall be off by noon then, the match begins at three but it takes us forty five minutes to get to the stadium."

"Well then, I'll pack some drinks and sandwiches for the three of you to bring along." Mrs. Granger offered. "Hermione, could you help me with the dishes?"

"I'll help too." Cedric quickly offered, remembering the agreement he had with Hermione earlier that afternoon. Hermione smiled in approval. Together, they cleared the dishes and brought them into the kitchen.

"I'm sorry about the million and one questions." Hermione said as she let the tap water run.

"It's alright – I reckon your dad's just trying to get to know me."

"He's not usually this interrogative."

"Don't worry, Granger. I've promised to spend the summer with you and I'm not going to flee before summer ends."

"So you are implying you'll flee once summer ends and never to return?"

"Possibly – if your dad keeps up with his questions. It's an awfully tempting decision to make." Cedric teased. Hermione laughed and threw a handful of bubbles accumulated from the dish washing liquid at the older boy. Cedric took a handful himself and playfully smeared it over Hermione's left cheek. It produced a spurt of giggles and snorts from Hermione as she swiftly retaliated with another handful. Within minutes, his khaki t-shirt was smeared with white foam and dripping droplets of water as her dark hair looked as if she had just came out of a shower while bubbles stuck themselves over her face. They both laughed hysterically at the sight of one another.

"We better clean up before my parents come in." Hermione said as she tried to catch her breath.

"We should." Cedric agreed. "Or I'll lose points with your dad."

Hermione laughed again. "Oh stop it, he likes you but it just isn't showing."

"Looks like your dad loves Egypt as much as we did." Cedric joked. Hermione snorted a laughter, causing a bubble to go up her nostrils. Cedric barked out in laughter as Hermione quickly tried sneezing. "Here." He held up a paper towel in between his laughter.

"Glad you think it's funny." Hermione frowned before blowing her nose into the paper towel.

"And adorable." Cedric murmured.

"Let's just clean this up before I melt with your cheesy words and add on to the mess."

Cedric laughed again. He picked up a towel and began wiping the floor while Hermione finished washing the dishes. They quickly work about drying the dishes together before stepping out through the back door in the kitchen to avoid her parents seeing them in the damp mess they were in. Cedric unceremoniously stuffed the rubbish bag into the bin with a satisfied huff. "Well, Hermione – looks like we've had quite a day today." Cedric dusted his hands.

"And there's still tomorrow."

"Football – right."

"Regretting it already?" Hermione teased.

"No, it would be nice to spend some time with your dad at something he enjoys." Hermione smile and said nothing. She looked up at the summer night sky. "You are supposed to be at the Burrow for the summer, weren't you?"

"Well, I did thought of it, but then you said you were coming and I choose to spend my summer with you instead." Hermione answered simply, her eyes still on the sky above her.

"And Harry and Ron are alright with it?"

"They don't see anything wrong with it." Hermione's gaze fell to Cedric's with a reassuring smile.

"I just don't want to keep you away from people who matters to you." Cedric admitted.

"I hope you know your presence means the world to me just as much."

Cedric grinned, "Really?"

"Down with the ego."

"Well, I was thinking perhaps we could go over to the Burrow sometime next weekend, before Harry's birthday. So you'll be able to spend time with them, and with me."

Hermione beamed. "Allowing me to juggle my time with the men in my life I see."

"Wouldn't want to keep you away too long from the other men."

Hermione laughed. "That would be great, thank you." Cedric's hand reached for hers and Hermione easily slipped her hand in his, smiling at the physical closeness they both enjoyed. For some, holding hands were as mundane as watching a fish swimming circles in its fish bowl, but for the pair – it was a sense of connection that goes beyond what words could ever convey; the feeling of closeness on the degree of both physically and emotionally. They took in delight at each other's warmth that sparked a thrilling and pleasant jolt with just a touch between them.

The next morning greeted them with the sun shining brightly up in the sky and its ray streaming into living room. Hermione lay outstretched on the two-seater as Cedric sat in the armchair, the former reading a newspaper while the latter was seen reading a football magazine which belonged to Mr. Granger.

"So I take it your dad's a huge Arsenal fan?"

"Just as much as you Quidditch loons love your respective team."

"It's called passion."

"I call it insanity." Hermione retorted.

"Quidditch is fascinating and by the looks of it, so is football."

"Yes, a bunch of people out on the field roughing it out over a single black-and-white ball is simply appealing."

"There's that thrilling feeling, Granger. When you feel yourself on the edge of your seat seeing your favorite team about to make an aim for the winning shot."

"You speak like my dad does when he goes on about football."

Cedric smiled. "Have you been to many of these football matches?"

"A couple, but I still fail to feel that thrill."

"I hope that would change soon." Mr. Granger said as he stepped into the room with his football gear – the football club's scarf around his neck despite the temperature outside, alongside the club's official jersey and cap. "Are you wearing Arsenal colors, love?"

Hermione sat up. "Red and white." She duly answered.

Cedric stifled a laugh. When he dropped by her room that morning before heading downstairs, he had caught her in her pajamas, rummaging through her closet while mumbling 'red and white, red and white' over and over again as she threw out clothes that weren't of said colors onto her bed. He had taken note of the club's colors the night before when he spotted the magazine he was currently reading on the coffee table. Cedric had then decided to at least wear something of the club's colors to show his, well, allegiance to the club and Hermione's father. Mr. Granger turned to look at Cedric and nodded in approval at the sight of his red shirt with white stripes running on the left side. Cedric mentally thanked his mother for giving him the shirt for Christmas the year before.

The three set off in Mr. Granger's car for the stadium, preferring said transport to the London tube, seeing as it would be too packed as it was a match day. When they arrived, Cedric was amazed to see the hordes of people decked in their clubs' colors. Songs and chants filled the air and Cedric couldn't help but feel a missing for Quidditch, seeing as he was now out of Hogwarts and he hadn't chose Quidditch player as a profession to pursue. Cedric held Hermione's hand in his, carefully keeping her close to him from the massive and overtly enthusiastic crowd – much to Mr. Granger's amusement at the boy's protectiveness. They settled into their seats, Mr. Granger immediately launching into conversations with fellow Arsenal fans as Cedric and Hermione tried to politely converse in a topic they both barely knew much about with the fans. Both breathed in relieved when the commentator's voice boomed across the stadium, effectively drawing the fans' attention to the pitch.

"If anyone ever asks me how I became a Gooner one more time – I swear I will stuff my sandwich into his mouth." Hermione grumbled. Cedric laughed and gave a pat on the witch's hand to mollify her. The match kicked off with a shrill blow of the whistle and the crowd cheered.

"Much like Quidditch." Cedric shouted to be heard.

"Only much more insane." Hermione shouted back.

Cedric discovered Hermione's word to be exactly as she meant as every mistake made on the pitch was accompanied by colorful curses – extremities of the English vocabulary he had never knew until now, a foul was chorused by a thunderous boo, and a goal led to immense cheering which equated to furious waving of banners, off-key singing and body-crushing hugs with people whom you'd never speak a word to unless you're in the midst of a football match. Cedric had been overwhelmed by the sudden attacks of hugs the first time Arsenal scored a goal. Hermione, being used to it, good-naturedly hugged the other fans although she didn't try hard to keep her face from wincing. When the final whistle blew with Arsenal on the winning end, Cedric found himself flocked with fans that pulled him into a jig with them as they chanted a cheer. Hermione laughed at the sight of the bewildered Cedric.

"Well, how was it?" Hermione asked as soon as Cedric was returned to her.

"Insane." Hermione laughed.

"Did you enjoy the match, Cedric?"

"Yes, I did, sir." Cedric honestly answered. Despite the insanity his experienced, he wouldn't deny he had felt the excitement the football fans had felt each time an Arsenal player got close to scoring a goal.

"Well, how about trying it out then?"

"I don't quite get what you mean, sir."

"My mates and I play for fun at the field nearby our home every Saturday afternoon. I reckon you are fit enough to join us for a match."

Hermione's eyes widened. "Dad, you can't honestly be serious."

"Why not?" Mr. Granger grinned with his brown eyes, the very color Hermione had inherited, twinkled in mirth. His stature of a slim figure with a fit physique was attributed to his weekly football games with the neighborhood fathers and his friends.

"But Cedric doesn't quite know the rules of the game."

"I'll help him with it."

"But –"

"Sure." Hermione quickly turned to Cedric. "I would be pleased to, sir."

"Brilliant. Well, shall we be off?"

Hermione sighed inwardly as she trudged to the car with Cedric beside her. Upon reaching home, she immediately disappeared into her room – much to Cedric's bafflement, but before he could approach her about it, Mrs. Granger pulled him into helping with the baking of a cheese cake. Cedric hadn't wanted to come off rude, so he obliged by her request and obediently helped Mrs. Granger with the cake. As they baked the cake together, Cedric found himself not regretting his decision as Mrs. Granger filled him in on Hermione's childhood.

"She was dressed as a bumblebee once during Halloween. You should've seen how happy she was her costume – to the point she refused to take it off for the next few days."

Cedric laughed. "And how did you manage to get her out off it then?"

"I had to resort to stitching a pair of wings for her that she could easily put on anytime with any clothes she wanted to. It was the closest she could feel to being a bumblebee without the yellow and black." Mrs. Granger shook her head fondly.

"She must have been an adorable sight."

"Adorable – but quite a handful I must say. I supposed you'd have notice how much knowledge she has in her."

"Well, yes." Cedric smiled as he cracked open the eggs before handing them over to Mrs. Granger.

"She's always talking, day and night, with everything she has read to practically anyone who had an ear to listen."

"That's an earful I'll say."

Mrs. Granger laughed. "Does she ramble just as much in school?"

Cedric handed over the bowl of whipped cream to be added on to the mix. "Quite. She's known to answer each and every question in all her classes."

"I don't suppose you'd find her rather talkative?"

"Actually, I don't. I think it's interesting to hear what she has to say." As she mixed the cheesecake's filling, Mrs. Granger smiled at the sincere tone of voice the boy before her had. "I don't think there's anyone else as interesting as she is – even the most mundane topics can be brought into such an animated manner of all sorts of discussion, it's amazing really." Cedric continued absently as he watched the electric mixer in fascination.

By the time they were completely done with the cheesecake – the last step being to have it placed into the refrigerator, Hermione finally came downstairs just as her father stepped into the kitchen, dressed up.

"Where are you going?" Hermione curiously asked.

"Do I look good?" Mr. Granger asked with a wink.

"Yes." She smiled as she reached out for her father's tie to straighten it. Cedric smiled at the sight.

"We're going out for dinner tonight, so the both of you can order a takeout." Mrs. Granger easily said as she slid her apron off.

"Going out?" Hermione repeated in surprise.

"Well, if you'd like, we could always stay in."

"Nonsense. Let the both of them have some time to themselves." Mrs. Granger quickly said to her husband. "I've left some money on the coffee table so order something nice, and healthy, for yourselves. We should be back by 9."

Cedric's eyebrows lifted in curiosity but said nothing as Mrs. Granger hurried up the stairs to change. Hermione turned to him with an equally baffled look. "Well, ground rules though," Mr. Granger began, "I would like to ensure that nothing of the sort that goes beyond innocence happens."

Cedric's eyes widened as Hermione's face paled. "Dad." Hermione pleaded.

"Keep the house safe – no party of any sort or burning it to the ground either. Take your dinner on time, I would prefer it if gastritis doesn't become a regular for you, Hermione. And most importantly, please keep your hands at a respectful distance, Cedric. Unless you'd like to lose them." Mr. Granger grinned. "Other than that, have a good evening."

"Have a good evening, sir." Cedric managed to choke out.

When Mrs. Granger came down five minutes later, she was amused to see her husband whistling happily as a frown was evident on Hermione's face and a blank look was plastered on Cedric's. "We'll be off now. Enjoy yourselves." She walked over to Hermione and gave her daughter a hug, "Don't mind your dad. He's just trying to look menacing." Mrs. Granger whispered before pulling away.

"Be good." Mr. Granger winked as Hermione a kiss on the cheek. "And I promise Cedric's hands would be able to reattach should I really have them off." Hermione's jaw fell. Her father laughed.

"I've never felt anymore threatened than I did back there." Cedric said as they waved goodbye at her parents from the window.

"I've never thought my dad could be that threatening either."

"I suppose it shows how much you are well-loved." Cedric lightly joked as he pulled away from the window.

"I'm awfully sorry, Cedric. It's –"

"Don't apologize." Hermione looked at him in surprise. "Your dad was carrying out his responsibility as a father. Truth to be told, I think I would be just the same if I was in his shoes."

A smile crept to Hermione's lips. "You are not annoyed by it?"

"No." Cedric firmly answered. He settled himself down on the sofa and patted the seat beside him. Hermione lifted an eyebrow with skeptic and amusement coloring her features. "I solemnly promise to respect and honor you as every woman should – by not going against you, and your parents, wishes." Hermione chuckled and joined him on the sofa, pulling herself close to Cedric. "Is it alright for me to at least wrap my arms around you?" Cedric cautiously asked.

Hermione laughed. "I think my dad meant more than just holding hands and cuddling when he asked you to keep your hands at a respectable distance."

Cedric grinned and enveloped Hermione's smaller frame by her waist. She shifted slightly so she was leaning against Cedric with her back. "What's for dinner?"

"Chinese?"

"Feasible."

Hermione laughed and pulled herself away to call the local Chinese restaurant nearby her home. Cedric on the other hand, switched on the television, curiously navigating through the channels with admiration at Muggle technology. When Hermione returned, Cedric smiled as she fell back onto her, resuming her previous position. He finally settled on an American comedy movie that was showing on one of the channels. "Are Muggle movies any good?"

"Some can be really good – depending on genre of interest of course, while some, well, I would say they deserved to be fed to the Fanged Geranium."

Cedric chuckled in response. His long legs lay outstretched on the footstool and Hermione couldn't resist but stretch her legs as well, conveniently touching his. Cedric smiled at her actions and playfully nudged her right foot with his own. She giggled in response. He nudged her again but this time, Hermione nudged him back. As they watched the movie, their feet playfully entangled with one another's, hooking and nudging as they tried to outdo the other.

"You've got big feet." Hermione commented.

"Yours are just the same."

"It's fine for a girl."

"What? A size 8?"

Hermione laughed. "Of course not!"

One of Cedric's long legs lifted itself over hers as he placed his foot beside hers. "I suppose maybe a little smaller, size 7."

"Very funny." Hermione humorously tangled her legs further with Cedric's. Cedric laughed at her childish antics. The door bell suddenly rang and Cedric willingly got up to answer it. When he came back with their Chinese takeout, he was pleasantly surprise to see Hermione had prepped the table with napkins, plates and cutleries. Hermione simply smiled as she moved aside for him to resume his place beside her.

"How's Harry coping?" Cedric asked as he opened the boxes and began scooping the noodles onto two plates, carefully separating them into equal portions while ensuring an equal amount of green vegetables and meat accompanied the noodles.

Hermione beamed at Cedric's actions but decided not to say anything about it, inwardly finding herself dizzy with happiness at the profound thoughtfulness of the boy before her. "He's doing alright. He seemed like his usual self when he sent his replies to my letters and I think being at the Burrow for the summer will do him some good."

"The Weasleys are a nice bunch of people, I can't think of anywhere else to find more familial warmth than theirs."

"That's true." Hermione gratefully accepted the plate of noodles from Cedric. "I've never been felt unwelcomed in their home. Which brings me to a question, how do you like it here so far?"

Cedric watched in amusement as Hermione gazed at him curiously, and almost apprehensively, for his answer. "I'm enjoying it."

"Honestly?"

"Yes. Have I ever lied to you before?"

"Possibly – just not outright."

"You are simply mean, Hermione Granger."

"And you put up with it." Hermione smugly answered as she took a bite of her noodles. Cedric chuckled as he watched her. "What?"

"There's a bit of sauce on your cheek." Hermione reached up with the back of her hand and swiped her left and right cheeks. Cedric laughed. "Now it's on both your cheeks." Hermione frowned and reached out for a napkin but the older boy intercepted her move and grabbed the napkin before she could. "Let me help, before you make it anymore worse." She obediently sat still as Cedric leaned close and gently rubbed her cheeks. Hermione could feel the lingering breathing of Cedric's on her skin and an inevitable smile crossed her lips. He finally pulled back with a satisfied look but upon noticing the smile on her face, Cedric frowned in curiosity. "What's wrong?"

"You felt ticklish." Cedric's forehead creased in confusion. "The feeling of your breathing on my skin – it was ticklish." Hermione explained.

"Is that a good thing?"

"Well, I'll admit I rather quite like it."

"Is that a cue for me to breathe all over you?" Hermione choked out in laughter. "Because personally, it's quite disturbing if you'd like me to."

"No, I don't." Hermione assured. "It was just that one moment."

"So if I were to lean closer in again, you wouldn't feel ticklish?" Cedric inched himself closer to Hermione. Hermione defiantly shook her head. He closed the short distance between them and left a few inches of a gap. "Now?" She shook her head again. Cedric chuckled lightly and pulled himself in with a light peck of his lips against her nose. When he pulled back, Cedric immediately howled with laughter. True to her house – Hermione Granger had turned scarlet red just like the color of the Gryffindor.

"Oh, sod off." Hermione quickly said as she pushed herself off the two-seater. Cedric didn't bother to stop her as he continued laughing at her unexpected reaction. "I'll be up in my room so you can continue with that hyena imitation of yours." Hermione crossly said before briskly walking out of the room.

"Hermione." Cedric called out in between his laugh but the annoyed witch simply carried on her way. He took deep breaths to calm himself down before going up the stairs to locate her. To his surprise, he found her sitting by the top of the stairs, leaning against the head post. "Listen, I'm sorry I laughed," he began, "it's just that – I wasn't expecting a reaction like that. I've seen you blush before but never have I seen you gone red in the face, even the tip of your ears were red. It was like you glowed for a moment there. Sort of like Rudolph – except our good old reindeer just had its nose aglow."

"You are not earning any points with your words."

"I thought being compared to Rudolph is a good thing – adorable and lovable." Cedric answered as he sat down a step below her.

"Rudolph is a reindeer. Are you implying I'm a reindeer?"

"I suppose you're right." Cedric nodded wistfully. "You don't have antlers as Rudolph does, though we can try styling your hair in that manner." He said with a grin.

Hermione swatted his outreached hand. "Insufferable." The smile playing upon her lips betrayed her firm tone of voice.

"No, just in love."

"Childish kindergarten antics? Teasing the girl that you actually have feelings for?"

"It's what all lads do. Unfortunately."

"Well, it's getting old."

"Well, in the first place, you've already known my feelings."

"And yet you feel a need to emphasize it with your teasing."

"Like I said, it's the lads' way of showing love. On the day I cease to tease you, you should be worried." Cedric grinned.

"I hope that day comes soon. Merlin knows the peace I'll get from finally being away from the constant irritating fly known as Cedric Diggory." Cedric frowned. "Well, good night." Hermione said as she pulled herself up.

"You didn't mean that, did you?"

"Of course not." Hermione smiled. "But I did mean the reference to a bug." She laughed and quickly escaped to her room as Cedric stared after her with his fallen jaw.