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"Wait, so correct me if I'm wrong, the reason that you're stressed was that you weren't feeling stressed," Cedric asked as he watched Gwen go through her herbology book.
Gwen looked up and nodded. "That's it pretty much. I feel extremely calm all of a sudden." Gwen sighed as she closed it for a second and took a sip of pumpkin juice. "I've been told that I can sometimes be an excessive dreamer. I set myself up for impossible goals and expect a lot from myself and others. And it's true. But becoming an Auror and passing exams is a dream that I can't give up on. No matter how many times I trip over my two feet or study hard only to forget everything."
Cedric smiled gently. "First of all, I think that you are amazing and you find a way to exceed all expectations even though you might not think that yourself. And also, if you want any help studying I am here for you. I happen to be good at Herbology and willing to offer my services for you at any time."
"I might just take you up on that. Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it." Gwen replied, pushing the book to the side and grabbing a plate full of toast instead. "Don't mention it," Cedric said, reaching out for her free hand. Gwen quickly linked her fingers through his.
"But why though? Why did he run?" Gwen turned her attention to Ron as a bunch of second-year girls surrounded him on the Gryffindor table. "I swear, his story gets more absurd each time he says it," Gwen muttered to Cedric causing him to chuckle.
"Oh, I have to ask, do you want to spend the day with me in Hogsmeade or are you going with the twins and co.?" Cedric asked, referring to the next trip to Hogsmeade. "Twins and co, huh? Maybe I'll split time with both of you if that's okay." Gwen said.
"Perfect for me," Cedric stated, he was about to say something when he discarded the thought and offered a smile. Gwen looked and saw to who the smile was directed to her friends.
"Do your friends like me?" Cedric asked with a whisper. Gwen nodded. "Yeah, of course, they do," Gwen said but she frowned at the look of uncertainty on Cedric's face.
"I'll talk to you about it later, it's nothing serious though, don't worry," Cedric reassured when he noticed her sudden stiffness.
"Morning Gwen, Cedric," Lee stated as he sat down next to Gwen and stole a piece of her toast. "Dude!" Gwen stated exasperatingly.
"Love you, Gwen," Lee replied with his mouth full. Gwen turned to Cedric. "They only love me when I give them food."
George gasped. "That's not true, I always love you."
"Most of the time at least," Fred added as he took the remaining slice of her toast. Gwen glared at her empty plate. "You can butter your own toast, you know," Gwen said bitterly.
"Just ignore them, Cedric," Alicia started, sitting right next to Cedric as she motioned to the three boys. "That's what we do."
"We don't always manage though, not with that ginger hair," Angelina added to Alicia's commentary, causing Cedric to belt out a laugh.
"So, what are you doing here Cedric? Trying to steal some information for the Hufflepuff quidditch team?" Lee asked. Cedric looked back at him confused. "Um, no. Besides, we're out of the race since we lost to Ravenclaw, remember?" Cedric explained.
"Oh I remember, I just wanted to shove our win in your face." Lee finished off with a smirk. Cedric smiled. "Oof, harsh. But I had that coming, especially since I'm surrounded by most of the team and the commentator. I better leave before you gang up on me." Cedric joked.
"Oh, we wouldn't dare," Fred stated. "At least not with Gwen here. She's too fond of you to let anything happen." Cedric grinned at that. "Is that so?" Cedric asked Gwen. "Don't let it get to your head. You might be good looking but I don't think that you can make a big head work." Gwen said.
Angelina scoffed. "Really? Cause I think he would," She took out her wand and jokingly pointed it at his head. "Don't worry Cedric, this will only hurt a bit."
"Now, now, Angelina, don't you dare explode my boyfriend's head," Gwen stated, catching Cedric's eyes. He raised an eyebrow at the term which caused Gwen to blush.
Cedric would have teased her further but he knew that if he did then the others would do as well and he's not that mean.
"I think I better go," Cedric said as he gathered his things. "I haven't talked to my friends yet and I don't want to interfere in your conversation. It was nice talking to you all. See you in herbology, Lyn." Cedric gave them all one last smile before leaving.
An orchestra of byes came from the group as they said goodbye. "That was officially the longest conversation that we had with him. He seems nice but he smiles too much which makes him seem crazy." Lee remarked.
"Leave the poor boy alone, Lee!" Alicia replied with a roll of her eyes, though her face still sported a smile. "He seems to think that you guys don't like him," Gwen stated as she was reminded of Cedric's question.
"Hmm, I wonder why," George said sarcastically. Slowly but surely, everyone turned to look at Fred. "Don't look at me like that! I've even stopped making fun of him." Fred replied.
"That's actually true," George added. "You didn't say anything bad about him these past five days, wow, congratulations Fred," Angelina said with her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Three, actually." Lee corrected, receiving a glare from Fred. "I swear I won't say anything bad about him from now on, at least, I'll try," Fred explained. Gwen sighed. "I'll just take it."
They continued to joke around, only to stop once the mail arrived.
"Cornelius Fudge talks about his new muggle safety procedures, blah blah blah. Black breaks into Hogwarts, really? I had no idea. Rita Skeeter's delicious scoop on famous Auror, Alastor Moody." Gwen murmurs as she skims through her copy of the Daily Prophet. She tosses it aside when she finds nothing of interest.
"Oh, poor Neville. He's got a Howler." Alicia states, a frown on her face. Gwen felt pity for the boy, knowing full well the hard time he has been given.
Neville Longbottom ran out of the Great Hall, clutching the red envelope in horror. The Howler went off in the entrance hall, still allowing the students dining there to hear everything.
Gwen fiddled with the ring on her finger, face deep in thought. "You okay Gwen?" Fred asked, worried about her.
"I'm good. Maybe I should talk to McGonagall about Neville. I think his punishment is too harsh."
"I mean I get that he lost his passwords, but it wouldn't have happened if that idiot of painting didn't give out nearly impossible to remember passwords or let in Black when be knows that he's a murderer."
"Don't get me wrong, Gwen, I agree with you wholeheartedly. But I don't think you can convince McGonagall to forget everything." Lee said. Gwen nodded to that. "No, I get it, but maybe she could at least not force him to wait outside the common room alone with those trolls guarding."
"If you want to try, then go ahead Gwen, just don't be upset if she doesn't do anything. You know how stern she is." Lee continued. "I know, but I would feel horrible if I didn't try. I'll tell her tomorrow before we go to Hogsmeade." Gwen nodded to herself as she began to formulate a speech in her head.
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On Saturday morning, before Gwen and Cedric went to Hogsmeade, Gwen did what she said and went to talk to Professor McGonagall.
"Excuse me, Professor, mind if I talk to you for a minute?" Gwen asked. The stern Professor nodded and Gwen had to gulp before she started to speak. "It's about the situation concerning Neville Longbottom."
"I'll stop you right there Miss Hamilton. I already know what you're going to say and the answer is known." McGonagall said with a frown. "But Professor, you can't possibly know what I'm going to say exactly," Gwen replied, her own frown forming.
"I know well enough and the answer is no." Gwen sighed exasperatedly. "Professor, please." Gwen pouted as she tried to hide her frustration. "Fine, you can speak but I can't promise that I'll do anything." McGonagall finally let in.
"That's all I'm asking. I get why you did what you did and I'm not asking you to let Neville go without consequences. His mistakes might have led one of our own to be hurt or worse. But you must agree that it wasn't all his fault."
"It was Sir Cadogan who made the passwords so difficult and it was he who let Sirius Black in. I get giving him detention and denying him from going to Hogsmeade but the boy almost pees his pants while he waits outside with those trolls."
"Miss Hamilton-" McGonagall tried to say but Gwen politely interrupted. "Actually, I still have some things to say. I thought about this throughout dinner last night and kept thinking about what to say so that I'll have a good case."
"As I was saying and now that Angelica is guarding the common room again she won't allow a stupid mistake to occur as Cadogan did. Besides, her passwords are way easier."
"Angelica?"
"The Fat Lady, I felt bad for calling her that so I asked her for her name. So what I'm saying is that at least allow for Neville to enter the dorms without waiting for anyone else. I'm sure he'll be more careful and I'll make sure that he won't repeat any mistakes. So, what do you think?"
"Miss Hamilton, I think that it's very noble for you to stand up for your friend." McGonagall started after a few seconds of silence. "Well, I am a prefect after all. It's my job to help and be a guide to students younger than me."
"And might I say that you're doing that job quite well. I'll update Neville with the changes, he'll be able to enter without the help of others. Other than that he'll have to continue with his punishment." McGonagall said. A small smile started to appear on her lips.
"Of course, Professor, I understand. Thank you so much, for listening and being so generous." Gwen said with an ever-growing grin. "Mister Longbottom is lucky to have a prefect and a friend like you, all of them, keep up the good work. Now go, I'm sure that your friends are waiting for you." McGonagall dismissed.
"Thanks again, Professor!" Gwen said before running out of the Great Hall.
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"Sorry it took me so long, I had to talk to McGonagall," Gwen stated as soon as she saw Cedric. "What about, if you mind me asking. Oh no, did you get in trouble?" Cedric asked with a teasing smile. Gwen handed Filch her permission slip before getting in pace with Cedric.
"Me? In trouble? Codswallop, I'm an angel." Gwen stated causing Cedric to snort. Gwen nudged him in the ribs teasingly. "Jokes aside, I went to talk to McGonagall about Neville. She said that she'll allow him to know the password so that he won't have to wait outside with those trolls."
"You're amazing," Cedric said abruptly causing Gwen to redden. "That was sudden. Besides, I hardly think I'm amazing more like adequate."
"Well, I think you're amazing," Cedric emphasized once again. He then moved in closer to kiss her gently.
"Oi! Get a room you two!" Gwen pulled away only to face one of Cedric's friends. Cedric groaned, motioning his friend to leave the two alone.
"I'm sorry about that." Cedric apologized though a smile was still on his face. "Don't apologise, besides, I'm sure my friends bother you more," Gwen replied. She linked her fingers through Cedric's and the two continued walking towards the wizarding village.
"It's a really nice day. And breezy. Maybe we should stay outside instead of going to the Three Broomsticks." Gwen stated. "Whatever you want to do really, I don't mind," Cedric said.
"Okay, how about we go to Honeydukes, get some sweets than we find a tree or something and sit down," Gwen suggested. "That's a good idea. I need to restock on Liquorice wands." Cedric added.
"Merlin's beard, you're gross," Gwen said. Cedric shoved her gently. "Why are you so mean to me? Besides, liquorice is superb, especially black."
Gwen groaned. "No, no, it causes your mouth to turn black."
"I hope that happens. That way I can kiss you and make your lips turn black as well."
"If that's the case then maybe, just this once, I won't mind if my mouth turns black," Gwen said cheekily causing Cedric to laugh.
When they finally left Honeydukes, the pair had a small mountain of food between them. They sat under a tree which shielded them from the little sunlight and it didn't take long until they got comfortable.
"When are you free during the week? So I can help you with Herbology that is." Cedric asked. Gwen stopped trying to open her chocolate frog. "I'm not sure, I think my Thursday isn't that full apart from Prefect duties. But I don't want to bother you, really."
"Gwen, I told you, you wouldn't. Besides, now that we were eliminated, I no longer have Quidditch practice." Cedric replied. "I'm sorry about that, I know how hard you worked because of Quidditch." Gwen apologized, tossing the still closed package of chocolate frogs "It's okay. At least I have one less responsibility now."
"Lucky you," Gwen stated in a false mocking tone. Cedric hummed happily. "I am lucky, I'm here with you." He said as he started leaning closer. "That was cheesy Diggory," Gwen added even though she still leaned in as well.
"Don't deny it, you liked it." Gwen laughed slightly. "That I did." Just as Cedric continued to lean in and closed his eyes, an idea popped into Gwen's head.
Reaching out towards the box of Bertie Botts, she grabbed one bean and shoved it into Cedric's mouth. Cedric's eyes opened instantly when he became aware of the horrible taste and quickly spit it out onto the grass.
"Merlin's beard that was horrible!" Cedric stated as he started to rinse his mouth with one of the bottled Butterbeers. He glared at Gwen who didn't stop laughing the whole time.
"What was it?" Gwen asked with a mischievous grin. "Spoilt fish. I don't even like cooked fish." Cedric admitted his face in a grimace.
"Would you feel better if I said sorry?"
Cedric rolled his eyes. "As if you're actually sorry." "Come on, you forgive me, don't you?" Gwen asked as she pouted her lips. "As if I could stay mad at you. Can I kiss you for real now? Without you trying to poison me?" Cedric asked.
Gwen pretended to think about it for a second. "Fine, no promises though." He leaned over once again, and this time, he didn't regret it.
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