Chapter 11: First date jitters

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"Okay. It's not so hard Gwen. Just open your mouth and say the words. Simple as that."

"What on earth are you doing?"

"Jeez, Lee. You can't just sneak up on people." Gwen stated as she clutched her chest in shock.

Lee was confused. He had just walked out of Divination, all excited for the weekend and Halloween when he saw Gwen hiding behind the pillar, quietly talking to herself.

"So, what are you doing?" Lee asked again and Gwen sighed. "Gathering up the courage to ask Cedric on a date to Hogsmeade."

"It's okay to feel nervous." He said as he glanced in the direction that Gwen was peeping at.

There he saw Cedric Diggory talking to two of his friends. Lee placed a hand on Gwen's shoulder. "You can do it, Gwen. All you need is a little push."

Without any warning, Lee pushed Gwen towards Cedric and was about to fall at the sudden impact.

Cedric saw the girl about to topple over and quickly ran to catch her. "Are you alright?" He asked as he looked down at her, holding her with a tight grip.

Cedric's friends, Sam and Parker, shared a knowing look and left to give them some privacy.

Gwen felt her heartbeat quicken at how close she was to the guy she was crushing on. She gulped while looking him straight into his grey eyes.

"I'm fine. I-Um, I wanted to ask you something." Gwen went silent and kept staring at him.

Cedric smiled gently as he waited expectantly. "What is it that you wanted to ask?" Gwen blinked a couple of times and finally got pulled back to reality.

"Oh yeah. I was wondering if you wanted... You know that tomorrow is Halloween and there's a visit to Hogsmeade. I was going and I was thinking that maybe you would want to come with me."

"Come with you as in friends?" Cedric asked and Gwen cursed him for being so complicated.

"No, as a date," Gwen exclaimed and saw that Cedric was shocked. Gwen stepped backwards and released herself from the boy's grasp. She sighed when he didn't say anything.

"Listen, Ced, I like you. I have no idea if you feel the same but I've noticed all the hand-holding, flirting and even how you sometimes stare at me during breakfast or dinner. Can you blame me for thinking that you might feel the same?" Gwen was about to leave when Cedric remained silent but he grabbed her hand to stop her.

"Wait, I would love to go to Hogsmeade with you. You just caught me off-guard that's all. I'll meet you by the Great Hall at ten?" Cedric asked with a bright smile.

"Ten it is. See you later!" Gwen walked away, not even trying to hide her grin.

Cedric waited a few seconds to make sure that Gwen was out of sight and hearing range.

"YES!" Cedric yelled throwing a fist in the air. He noticed that some students were staring and quickly retreated his hand back down.

"What? Nothing to see here people, move on." Cedric said specifically to a group of judgy second years.

He heard them muttering something about idiotic Hufflepuffs but he paid no attention to them. Nothing could have made him upset during that magnificent day.

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When Gwen entered the Gryffindor Common Room she was tackled to the floor.

"How did it go? What did he say?" Lee asked with excitement. Gwen slowly got up from the floor. "First, ow!" She exclaimed and hit Lee on the head. Lee let out an 'ow' for himself and he rubbed his now sore head. "And second, he said yes!"

Lee looked at the girl in astonishment, he was sure that Gwen would have screwed her opportunity up in some way. "He said yes? That's great Gwen! I'm so proud of you!" He admitted as he wrapped his arms around Gwen.

Gwen could have sworn that he was sobbing on her shoulder.

"I'm going to go before this gets any weirder," Gwen said as she escaped from Lee's hold. "Where are you going?" He called out to her as he saw her walk towards the dormitories. "Homework!" She called out.

"No! Homework can wait! You have to prepare for tomorrow. You have to figure out what to wear, how to do your hair, and most importantly, what colour lipstick to go with!" Gwen left Lee shouting in the Common room. She knew that she needed help but asking Lee for advice would just be disastrous.

Gwen opened her dorm room with a thud, not minding the noise that it would cause. Angelina and Alicia both looked up at the terrified girl.

"I need your help. I have a date tomorrow!" The two dropped their books and quills on the floor and held each other's arms as they started to hop up and down.

Gwen counted thirty-seven seconds until the two girls stopped with the shrieking. "Ali, you choose potential outfits. Gwen, you're coming with me to the bathroom so I can pluck your eyebrows. Chop, chop. people!"

And just like that, Gwen was involuntarily taken to the bathroom and a small part of her dreaded asking the girls for help instead of Lee.

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"Wake up! Wake up! You have to get ready!" Angelina yelled while jumping up and down on the foot of the bed. Gwen groaned and tried to push the excited girl over but she was as solid as a rock.

"No! Angelina! No!" Gwen exclaimed, her voice muffled by the sheets over her head. Angelina didn't stop and started to jump faster instead.

Finally, Gwen had enough of it. "ANGELINA SAVANNAH JOHNSON! WILL YOU QUIT IT?" She screamed as she pulled her head from under the covers. Angelina smirked in accomplishment.

Although Gwen shouting would have scared anyone, Angelina didn't even bat an eyelid. She knew that the girl was all bark and no bite.

"Nope!" She exclaimed while grabbing Gwen's hands and pulling her up.

"You have to get ready for your date with Cedric Digorayyy. And fix your hair, it's a mess." Angelina pushed Gwen into the bathroom and closed the door behind her.

As soon as Gwen entered the bathroom, Gwen took in her appearance and noticed that her hair was indeed a mess. She sighed as she let her long brown hair down from the knot on her head which was supposed to be a bun.

"You know what Gwen? Screw being nervous. Let's do this!" Gwen said to herself while showing her best smile.

"Now is not the time for talking! Get your arse ready!" Exclaimed Alicia from the other side of the door.

It took Gwen some time to get ready. Especially since Angelina and Alicia were making sure that Gwen looked perfect from head to toe.

The hair took the most time as Angelina thought that it would be a nice change if she let her hair down instead of its usual braid.

Gwen was very reluctant towards this change. One of them being that her hair would be all over her face and that would increase her chance of falling.

After fifteen minutes of constant arguing, they decided to compromise by putting Gwen's hair in a half up half down style.

So Gwen waited in front of the Great Hall for Cedric who was running a tad late.

Gwen had nothing to do so she ended up kicking the wall. It was all going well until at some point she accidentally hit the wall harder than she intended.

"Holy fuck! That hurt!" Gwen exclaimed as her left foot throbbed in pain. Gwen stopped swearing under her breath when she heard footsteps.

Gwen turned around and saw Cedric Diggory walking down the stairs, his eyes looking at the steps beneath him.

Gwen leaned against the wall while stuffing her hands in the pockets of her green jacket as an act of trying to look cool. Gwen just hoped that she didn't look like an idiot instead.

"Hey, Lyn!" Cedric exclaimed with a wide smile which Gwen quickly returned. Gwen noticed that he looked even more handsome wearing his own clothes, which consisted of a dark blue sweater that accentuated his grey eyes.

"Morning Ced. Shall we go?” She asked after stepping away from the wall. Someway, somehow, Cedric’s smile became bigger as he reached his arm out for Gwen. “Yes, we shall.” He replied and Gwen linked her arm with his.

The two looked at each other for a second and both instantly laughed. "Come on!" Gwen exclaimed pulling Cedric gently with her.

When the two left the school, they saw Filch collecting the permission slips in the courtyard. Gwen's eyes widened when she realized that she forgot it back in her room.

"Oh, crap." She muttered under her breath.

Cedric's head quickly darted towards her. "Did you say something?" Gwen sighed.

"I'm sorry but I think I forgot my-" Gwen was cut off when she saw a fast running Alicia coming her way.

"Take it, have fun!" She exclaimed as she threw something at Gwen and Gwen, being the chaser that she is, easily caught it.

Gwen turned the paper over and read it. "-my permission slip." She continued. She looked back up and saw Cedric looking where Alicia had just passed.

"Huh, that's convenient." He admitted as he looked back down at Gwen. "Should we go now because frankly if we keep going on like this we're going to stay here all day."

Gwen playfully rolled her eyes at him. "I thought Hufflepuffs were patient," Gwen said as she handed Filch her permission slip. Filch gave her a sour look as soon as he saw her.

Probably still not over the prank of the biting teacups she and George did last week. Gwen just smiled at him.

"Actually, I happen to be very patient," Cedric explained to Gwen after handing Filch his own slip. "I'm just excited to start this date." He said as he blushed involuntarily. Gwen smiled to herself at how cute the boy next to her was.

Gwen quickly reached to grab his hand. "I'm excited too." She replied.

The Gryffindor and the Hufflepuff walked towards the magical town of Hogsmeade together. It was all smiles and blushes and the two were having a good time.

"Wait, we're in the same History of Magic class? How come I haven't ever noticed that?" Gwen asked as they walked towards Honeydukes.

Cedric shrugged. "We also have Herbology but you always seem too concentrated to pay attention to anything else. And maybe you don't notice me during History of Magic because you're always sleeping or shooting spitballs."

Gwen giggled sheepishly. "I may do that but can you blame me? Like anyone ever pays attention?" Gwen said while defending herself.

Cedric shrugged in agreement. "Okay, that's true."

Cedric and Gwen arrived in front of Honeydukes and Cedric held the door open for her. "Look at you, being a gentleman." She stated and winked at him as they entered the sweet-filled shop.

Gwen almost melted at the sugary sweet smell of chocolate, caramel and other mouth-watering treats.

Cedric saw the look on her face and instantly smiled as she looked even more adorable than usual. He placed a hand on her shoulder and she turned her head to look at him.

"Why don't you go pick something. I'll pay for it."

"You don't have to do that," Gwen said. Cedric smiled at her once again. "I know but I want to."

"Hey, Ced!" Both Cedric and Gwen turned and saw that it was one of Cedric's friends, Sam Baxter.

"Go talk to him. I'm going to  get some Sugar Quills to chew on during Charms class." Gwen admitted, thinking of the taste of sugar and cherry in her mouth. "I'll be right back." He reassured the brown-haired girl.

Gwen knew exactly where the Sugar Quills were stored and searched through the shelves for the cherry flavoured ones.

It took a while as there was mostly strawberry and blackberry.

"What are you looking for?" Gwen turned around and saw Ron and Hermione. Both had their arms filled with different sweet treats. Gwen waved a hand to say hi.

"Hey, you two. First Hogsmeade visit, right?" She asked them.

Gwen recalled the first time she had visited Hogsmeade in her third year. She also remembered how the twins and Lee dragged her to Zonko's and the four spent an hour looking at the aisles.

The two young Gryffindors both nodded their heads eagerly. "Where's Harry?" She asked curiously, noting the lack of presence of the boy who lived.

"He didn't get his aunt and uncle to get his permission slip signed. Mind you, he did blow up his aunt." Ron replied smiling at the thought of his bad-ass friend.

Gwen couldn't help but snort. "It's a real shame. Hogsmeade is a wonderful place no matter how many times you come. I'm just trying to find some cherry Sugar Quills." Gwen stated as she continued to search the shelves. She finally found one but she wanted at least two more.

Hermione bent down to try and help the girl out. "Where are Fred and George then?" Ron asked looking around the shop, searching for his brothers.

Gwen shrugged and grinned when Hermione found her not two but three Quills.

"Thanks, Mione! And I have no idea. I'm actually here on a date so I better go. Have fun you two!" She waved them goodbye as accidentally bumped into a shelf. A dozen or so boxes of Bertie Bott's Every Flavored Beans fell and Gwen stacked them back into place.

When she arrived near the counter she saw that Cedric was waiting in line and held rightly onto a stack of Chocolate Frogs and some Liquorice Wands.

"Sorry, it took me so long. I ran into Ron and Hermione and chatted a little with them. You know I can pay for them myself, right?"

"I know. Here let me take those." Cedric said as he grabbed the Quills out of Gwen's hands.

Gwen eyed the contents in his hands. "How can you even eat liquorice? It tastes horrible." Cedric looked down at the Liquorice Wands and then back at the girl. "Don't judge me." He replied while pouting his lips.

Gwen almost melted at how cute the boy in front of her was.

The next stop on the date was at the Three Broomsticks. Gwen took off her green jacket as soon as she felt the pub's hot interior and hung it on the coat rack next to the door.

"I'll go and order. Butterbeer?" Gwen asked as she searched her pockets for some money running around. "Well, what else?" Cedric said and scoffed jokingly. Gwen made her way towards the counter.

"What can I get you, honey?" Madam Rosmerta, the young owner of the pub asked. "Two Butterbeers please," Gwen replied. "Coming right up."

Gwen stood there and waited, staring silently at all the bottles of alcohol stocked behind the bar. She felt someone tap on her shoulder to get her attention.

Angelina and Alicia stood there. Both had large grins and their eyes sparkled with excitement for the girl.

"Alicia! I didn't thank you for the permission slip." Alicia waved her hand saying that it was nothing. "No problem. Anyway, how's it going?"

"Great. Cedric's a perfect gentleman. He held the doors open for me, paid for my stuff in Honeydukes. He also wrapped his arm around my waist claiming so that I wouldn't fall."

"Awww."

"What did you talk about?" Gwen bit her lip thinking. "Well, we had the same argument about which Quidditch team is better. Clearly the Montrose Magpies. Puddlemere United my arse."

"He also told me about the time he was dared to go and touch the Giant Squid in the lake during Winter and ended up almost getting hypothermia. And we argued a little when I questioned his love of black liquorice. Who even likes black Liquorice?"

Alicia scrunched her face in disgust.

"Black liquorice? Are you sure he's worth it?" Gwen laughed with Alicia but Angelina gave both of them a glare.

"What? I happen to LOVE black liquorice." She stated. Alicia leaned closer to Gwen. "Are we sure she's worth it?" Alicia and Gwen laughed once more and Angelina rolled her eyes at them.

"Two Butterbeers for you, Miss." Madam Rosmerta said as she handed the girl her beverages.

Gwen quickly handed a few sickles and took the Butterbeers in her hands.

"Thank you. I'll see the two of you later. Say hi to the twins and Lee for me." Gwen said as she searched the room for Cedric.

Gwen finally found him in a booth in the corner and saw him chatting with seventh-year Ravenclaw.

The girl was extra careful that she wouldn't trip or spill as she didn't want to make a fool of herself.

Thankfully, she arrived at the table without spilling a thing and still in one piece. Gwen placed them on the table just in time as Cedric was bidding goodbye.

"I see you found a way to spend time. Who was that?" Gwen asked curiously. Cedric reached out for one of the glasses. "Thomas. His father works with mine at the ministry. How much do I have to pay you?" Cedric asked looking at the Butterbeer.

"Nothing. I mean, I asked you on the date so it seems rude if you pay instead." Gwen said as she took a sip from her glass.

Cedric chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck anxiously. "Yeah, about that. I just wanted to tell you that, I like you too and I wanted to ask you out for so long. I guess I wasn't brave enough. The point is, I  would like it if we could do this again. Only if you wanted to."

Gwen smiled shyly. "I would love that, Cedric. Cheers." Gwen exclaimed as she raised her glass of Butterbeer. Cedric grinned at her and raised his glass.

"Cheers," Cedric stated as they clanked their glasses together. Gwen quickly gulped the entire drink down in a matter of seconds.

Gwen turned to look at Cedric once she noticed that he was finished. She tried to stifle in a laugh but completely failed. The confused boy furrowed his eyebrows.

"What's wrong?" Gwen was full out grinning. "It's just you have a little something right there," Gwen replied referring to the Butterbeer moustache that he had on his upper lip.

Cedric tried his best, but he had no idea where the girl was referring to.

"Here.. just let me do it," Gwen said. Reaching her arm out and scooting closer to him, Gwen wiped the foam moustache with the sleeve of her shirt.

"There, all done." She said quietly while rubbing the sleeve against the seat.

Both of them were aware of the lack of space between them and only a few inches separated the two.

Gwen had no idea what Cedric was feeling on his end. But in her case, she felt her heartbeat quicken, breath shorten and butterflies in her stomach that were begging for escape.

Both of the teens leaned closer, staring each other in the eyes. They were so close that their foreheads were touching and they could hear the other's heaving breathing.

And then it happened before anyone knew it.

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