Idk... Honestly... Idk... I have never really thought of this as a ship personally... But I hope I did it some justice... This comes to you as courtesy of BurnedNMiami

Hope you enjoy!

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Hermione didn't understood why anyone would put their name in that goddamn goblet. It made no sense to want to risk your life like that. She found Fred and George's attempt utterly ridiculous. Even after she had explained the age line.

She didn't know why she was now standing in front of the thing. It was almost time for bed yet she found herself standing in front of the goblet. Something about it made her so uneasy. She knew that something bad just had to happen.

"You won't be able to put your name in."

"Yeah I know." Hermione sighed and turned to the voice. "What are you doing here?"

"I should ask you that. Anyway..." He stepped around her and walked up to the goblet. "I'm actually able to enter."

"Stupid." Hermione mumbled and started to walk away.

"You could just wish me luck you know."

Hermione scoffed and left. She heard the door open and close behind her. She had to admit that she really didn't know everyone. Especially the older kids from different houses. For instance the boy who she had just spoken to.

She had actually met him before returning to Hogwarts. The memory of his name was overpowered by the memory of the carnage at the world cup. She figured that the initial introduction would have stuck if the game hadn't been attacked by Death Eaters.

The next day Dumbledore started calling out the names. Hermione couldn't help the overwhelming nervous feeling she had. Her instincts were screaming at her as she listened to the names. Viktor Krum from Durmstran. Fleur Delacour from Beauxbatons. And lastly...

"Cedric Diggory."

Hermione's throat suddenly felt dry as the name was called. As the person walked to the front. Why did she care? He really didn't seem like he wanted to participate. Her eyes followed him as his name snapped to the back of her mind.

She was snapped out of her daze when a fourth name was called. Her jaw dropped open as she turned to Harry with wide eyes. She hadn't seen him enter his name. He was underage even. Fred and George hadn't been able to get passed the age line, how had he?

*~*~*

Hermione supported Harry even if Ron had a stick up his butt about it. She had no reason not to believe him and everyone else seemed to be completely against him. He needed the support and she would give it to him.

The first trial was dragons and Hermione had intended to go comfort Harry. He was younger and she wanted to make sure her best friend wasn't too nervous. Except she found herself frozen in place when she walked into the wrong section.

"Hey." The voice was followed by an awkward chuckle.

"S... S... Sorry." Hermione managed to squeak out.

"Were you looking for Harry?" Hermione nodded. "Think you could stop staring at me long enough?"

Hermione dropped her head and her cheeks turned red. She turned on her heel and walked away. The whole time she was staring at the ground and she didn't bother to look for Harry. She met up with Ron in the stands and her attention was drawn to the field as the first person came out.

Hermione's attention increased as she watched Cedric walk out. She found herself sitting on the edge of her seat. Her heart was racing in her chest as she made a silent plea for him to be okay. She was relieved as he made it through the trial.

As the time went on between the trials she found herself paying more attention to Cedric. She supposed it probably made Harry feel uneasy since he was an opponent. Also because people started walking around with "Potter stinks" badges.

Cedric had been laughing with his friends when she noticed it. The big ugly badge on one of his friend's clothes. From their actions she could tell that they were laughing about it. Or maybe she was simply overthinking it. Either way Harry was still her best friend and she didn't approve of the badges.

"You know even if he's competition you shouldn't be looking to degrade him. That's so petty and you're supposed to be the older person. I'd say you're expected to guide him but you clearly don't have the integrity of a decent person."

She hadn't realised that she was walking towards them. She hadn't even registered what she said properly. A few seconds later she felt her hand get pulled. She hadn't even realised that Harry was right there. With another glare at the group she followed Harry away.

"I appreciate you looking out for me but you don't need to worry." Harry said softly.

Hermione scoffed and rolled her eyes. She had honestly been more irritated that Cedric turned out to be a jerk. Some small part of her had been hoping he was a decent guy. A small part that she hadn't taken note of because she hadn't realised yet that she actually might like him.

*~*~*

"Hey. What happened to your date?"

"He's an idiot and an asshole just like you. What does it matter anyway? Where's your date Diggory?"

He shrugged and sat down. "I didn't realise you hated me that much Hermione. My date left a while ago. I thought maybe she was enjoying herself but honestly she had wanted someone else to ask her before me."

"What? Who?" Hermione frowned.

"Harry. Except I beat him to it apparently." Cedric sighed and shrugged. "You look like you wanted to be here with someone else too. So why didn't you come with that person?"

"Because that person had already asked someone else." Hermione rolled her eyes. "It's simple logic really."

Cedric held his hands up in defence. "Sorry didn't mean to upset you. I actually wanted to apologize. My behaviour was rather bad and you were right. Except I can't help Harry. It's against the rules."

Hermione shrugged. It had taken her a while to release the same thing. They were in a competition and it would be considered cheating if they were found helping each other. Hermione didn't bother saying anything else on the matter.

Cedric moved to the floor and used the bench as a rest for his head. He had thought about just leaning against Hermione but she really didn't seem to like him much. If anything he just really wanted her to know he wasn't as shallow as she seemed to think he was.

"So who did you want to ask you? Harry? Or was it Ronald?" Cedric asked breaking the silence.

"Neither." Hermione shrugged. "It's really just stupid... And a little ironic actually."

Cedric frowned and looked at her. Hermione smiled slightly and shifted a little closer to him. She felt the sudden urge to run her fingers through his hair. Especially since his head was literally in line with her leg. It would be so...

"How's it ironic?" Cedric asked still frowning.

"The person who I wanted to ask me asked someone else who wanted a different person to ask them." Hermione stated like it was as obvious as the sun.

"What?" Cedric was no longer resting his head on the bench.

"I wanted someone to ask me to the dance..." Hermione said slowly. "But he had already asked someone else... But that person didn't want to go with him... She wanted to go with someone else... So I had to go with a different person because the girl didn't tell the guy she didn't want to actually go with him."

"Now you're just being mean." Cedric frowned. "I don't see how that makes any more sense than the first time you said it."

Hermione threw her hands up in the air and scoffed. She stood up getting ready to just leave. She didn't want to tell him that she was wanting to go with him. Her feelings were silly and childish. Like a toddler with a crush. At least that's what she felt.

Cedric reached for her hand not wanting to seem rude but also not wanting her to leave. He really was curious to find out who Hermione had wanted to attend the Yale Ball with. He also thought she looked really beautiful and still had to work up the courage to tell her.

"If I guess who will you tell me?" Cedric asked.

"Sure." Hermione shrugged and sat back down.

"Is he someone from Gryffindor?"

"What is this? 20 questions? No he's not." Hermione rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"I mean why not?" Cedric shrugged. "Is he in the same year as you?"

Hermione shrugged and shook her head. "Nope."

"A Ravenclaw?"

"Nah."

"Older?"

"Yep."

"Hmmm..." Cedric frowned. "Definitely not a Slytherin."

"Correct." Hermione raised an eyebrow.

The realisation dawned on Cedric and Hermione could see it. She suddenly stood up and went to leave again. Cedric was faster though. Fast and much much bigger. He stood up and blocked Hermione's path before she had the chance to get too far away. A small smile pulled at his lips.

"Is he a Hufflepuff?"

"Yes." Hermione stared down at the ground.

"Part of the triwizard tournament?" Cedric continued to ask.

"Yes."

"Did you want me to ask you to the dance?"

Hermione only nodded her head but didn't look up at him. Cedric held his hand out towards her and stepped back. Hermione slowly looked up with a confused frown.

"Will you dance with me Hermione Granger?" Cedric asked. "One dance and I'll let you go. I really wanted to ask you..."

"Okay just shut up." Hermione sighed and took his hand.

Cedric smiled but kept quiet. It was clear that Hermione didn't want to hear the excuse. She didn't really understand why she had wanted him to ask her in all fairness. If he gave her a reason she'd have to think up a response. Like why did she want Cedric Diggory to ask her to the ball.

Even though they were outside the music from the Hall could still be heard faintly. Just as Hermione agreed a slow song started to play. Cedric gently tightened his grip on her hand so she couldn't back out.

Hermione allowed him to lead as they danced. She refused to look up at him though. She was slightly afraid that her burning cheeks would make the situation worse. He had that effect on her even if she didn't yet understand it.

Neither of them said anything as they moved to the music. Hermione found herself leaning against Cedric. The moment seemed a little too comfortable. Sure she had been interacting more with Cedric because of the tournament. Most times it was negative, but this moment...

Cedric cleared his throat and Hermione looked up. He smiled slightly at her, the both of them seemingly getting lost in each other's eyes. Suddenly Cedric found himself leaning towards her. Before Hermione even had a chance to question what was happening her lips were connected to his.

The expected reaction was on the negative side. The proper reaction was actually quite positive.

Even though Hermione's mind was screaming at her, she didn't push away from Cedric. Even though Cedric's heart was racing in his chest, he appeared extremely calm on the outside. Neither wanted to break the kiss. Both of them were starting to desperately need of air.

Cedric pulled away first still holding her close. Hermione stood there with her eyes closed. He smiled and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. She opened her eyes and stared up at him. He let go of her and she didn't hesitate before running away.

*~*~*

"I have to take them both."

The voice was distorted by the water. Cedric made it to the clearing and saw Harry arguing. He swam up to Harry and patted his shoulder. Without a word he swam over to Hermione and released her from the ties. Even if she was Harry's friend Cedric cared about her. Something told him that she had been put there because of him, it was only right that he saved her.

Hermione had, up until that point, been actively avoiding Cedric. She had even stopped helping Harry just so she wouldn't accidentally bump into him. Now that he had saved her... She knew she wouldn't be able to continue doing that.

After the excitement of the trial. After everyone returned to dry land. Hermione didn't return to the castle. Instead she was waiting by the shoreline. Her heart was pounding in her ears. She was shivering from the cold even though she had a blanket over her shoulders.

"Here."

Hermione jumped as something was placed on her back. She quickly realised that it was another blanket. Her eyes followed the length of the arm. Pausing for a moment to look at the bare chest of the person. Her eyes snapped upwards when she heard a chuckle from the person.

Cedric was grinning at her. It wasn't a malicious grin, or even a mocking one. It was a genuine grin that would have told anyone watching that he was happy. Happy to see Hermione again. Happy she wasn't trying to run away from him.

"Why'd you choose to save me?" Hermione asked.

"I think you know. You're the smartest witch of your age after all." Cedric shrugged still smiling.

Hermione sighed and her shoulders dropped. "I'm not in the mood for games Diggory."

Cedric's smile dropped and he frowned. "I have never played games with you Hermione. Everything that happened, happened because I really, genuinely care about you. I thought you felt the same towards me."

"I can't deny that." Hermione shrugged. "It's just..."

Her eyes travelled back down. She looked at Cedric's pale torso with a hint of admiration. Her eyes travelled back up to meet his. Cedric slowly stepped closer to Hermione. His hand reached forward and brushed some of her wet her from her face.

"It's just... I seem unable to resist you." Cedric said.

"That's not what I was going to say." Hermione protested.

"I know. But it's how I feel. I really can't resist you."

Hermione shook her head and looked down. "Cedric you're..."

"Hermione Granger I'm dead serious." Cedric cut her off and lifted her head. "I'm undeniably attracted to you."

He leaned forward and kissed her. He would understand if she didn't want to talk to him again afterwards. However, since the first time they kissed he had wanted to do it again. He was relieved, to say the least, that she started to kiss him back.

(2430 Words)