Just Like Magic (Cedric Diggory and Hermione Granger Fan fiction)

Chapter 19: Joy

"Say you really needed to use the toilet?"

I rolled my eyes. The Army was beyond ecstatic to find the Room of Requirement and Ronald was being ridiculous as usual. If I was being honest with myself seeing the room turn into a vast hall with plenty of room to practice hurt a bit when I imagined the beauty it brought to me and Cedric last night.

"Charming, Ronald. But, yes, that's the general idea."

"It brilliant." Harry stated in awe as he looked about the room. "It's like Hogwarts want us to fight back."

We spent the next several weeks working on spells in our hidden classroom. Harry turned out to be a great teacher and with help from Cedric and the twins we were all able to build up our skills. As we thought we were learning nothing in our Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Umbridge had us writing out lines to "ensure maximum retention." What a load of rubbish. While I knew repetition ensured learning in a class about defense I believed in a more hands-on approach.

Harry did rather well with lifting our spirits. If one of us was having trouble with a particular spell he worked with us with patience and kindness. Neville seemed to be having the most trouble and seeing him finally get the hang of it was enough to put a huge smile on Harry's face.

Umbridge knew something was going on behind her back so she set up the Inquisitorial Squad to help her figure out exactly what. Cedric and I both joked about joining just to mess with her head but in the end we both knew that any more time spent with Umbridge would have us using the Killing Curse on ourselves-and I'm definitely not for suicide. Of course, Malfoy and his cronies joined but that just made outsmarting them all the more fun.

On our last meeting before Christmas, Harry gave an emotion speech that put us all in good spirits.

"Think of it this way. Every great wizard in history has started out as nothing more than what we are now: students. If they can do it, why not us? So, that's it for the lesson. Now, we're not going to be meeting until after the holidays. So, just keep practicing on your own as best you can. And well done everyone. Great, great work.

Cedric, Ron and I began packing up and when we turned to Harry he was staring after Cho who was in front of a mirror looking at a picture of the first Order of the Phoenix-even though she didn't know what it was-and random picture members of the Army had posted. Ron went to interrupt him but I slapped him on his arm and gave him a stern look.

"See you in the Common Room, Harry." I called out in a knowing voice.

Harry turned around and gave a small way and I ushered the boys out leaving Cho and him alone. I could feel the excitement building up inside me. Harry would finally be getting his first kiss! I could tell Ron was a little down trotted but he behaved well enough. He entered the Common Room leaving Cedric and I alone in the hallway.

"Will you be coming to Headquarters for holiday?" I asked.

He nodded. "Mum and Dad have business and the Weasley's welcomed me. I received the owl this morning."

A smile lit up my face. "Then it's going to be a perfect Christmas."

"Why do you say that, love?"

"Everyone I care about and love will be together on Christmas. I'm sorry your parents won't be able to though."

He shrugged. "It's okay. What they're doing is important. What about your parents? Don't you wish to see them?"

"They know it's too dangerous now. It's hard but they understand. We write a lot."

Cedric wrapped me in a tight embrace. Even though I brushed over how I was really feeling about not being able to see my parents, Cedric knew. He always did. We stood there holding each other for a long time before I pulled back and lifted my mouth up his. We kissed in an unrushed manner. There was no fire in this kiss. Just love and understanding in the tiny embers that were shared between us.