Darling - Cedric Diggory

3

The library is once again loud as I wait outside for Cedric.

"Hey mini pads," uncle Remus' voice calls down the hall

"Afternoon professor," I joke as he scoffs rolling his eyes and pulling me into a tight hug that I happily return.

"So I got an interesting letter from your dad today," he smiles warmly down to me

"Oh really?" I question in fake surprise

"Yes it informed me that you're picking the family holiday spot for the year,"

"Yes Uncle Rem i do believe I was aware of that,"

"Now sweetie, my lovely niece. I promise you infinite chocolate in return you let me help pick," he bargains

"Unfortunately. You can't buy me. I've already chosen and set the letter to Auntie Lil to organise today," I smile

"You're absolutely useless. At least tell me where you picked,"

"You'll find out at the barbecue like everyone else. You'll like it though I promise," I assure him

"Just give me a-" he's cut off by Cedric who sprints directly into him

"Oh shit, sorry, I shouldn't have sworn. Sorry professor I'm running late to meet a friend and-" he finally looks up to see me stood smirking

"Quite alright Diggory," he goes to move out of the way and allow him into the library

"I'm the friend," I inform my uncle watching as the cogs in his head start spinning.

"Okay, well have fun kids, Miss Black should you chance your mind-"

"Uncle Remus I will not tell you where I picked for the family holiday. You'll like it. I promise. And if you don't what's one week of your life," I grin. He rolls his eyes but chuckles

"See you around kids," he smiles

"Sorry again professor," Cedric apologises to which Remus shrugs him off before leaving.

"Sorry to interrupt you guys," Cedric smiles

"No, you're a regular knight in shining armour, he was attempting to get the holiday destination out of me,"

"Well in that case follow me beautiful damsel," he grins walking in the opposite direction to the library we are right in front of. I raise my eyebrows in question to which he simply smiles

"You trust me, right darling?"

"Yeah,"

"Come on then," he says wrapping his arm round my shoulder and steering me outside. We talk about our days as he leads me through the grounds and to a large tree tucked round the back of the lake that's quiet and peaceful. Secluded.

There's a blanket set up. Water bottle and pumpkin juice and some snacks and a mountain of books that clearly accommodate any subject I pick to study.

"Thankyou Cedric," I smile, planting a soft kiss on his cheek and moving to sit on the blanket. It's impossible to ignore his bright red flush.

"So where is the holiday?" He questions

Just like that we slip into an easy conversation and zero studying gets done. By the end of the night (which goes way past curfew and ends with us sneaking in and almost getting caught by Mrs Norris) I could safely say he is a friend, a close friend and I can't deny the butterflies in my stomach when he smiles at me. I'm fucked.

******

Four weeks have passed since the first night we hung out and didn't study. We have seen each other every night since  and he's quickly become one of my closest friends. It's often after curfew when one of us has Quidditch practice to which I tease him for breaking the rules when he is supposed to be the 'golden boy' he laughs in response and replies with 'it's worth and trouble it could cause to see you' and my heart erupts in my chest. It's always the same place. It's perfect.