Keogh

~***~



Cedric ignored the screeching of Mrs. Black as he studied the area around her frame. “So what’s under here?” He was pointing to the fabric that had been used to paper the walls.



Sirius made a face at his mother before answering. “Walls, of course.”



“But what kind of walls? Oak? Maple? Pine?”



“Don’t know. Why?” Cedric frowned at the still screaming portrait. Taking out his wand he made a jab at the painting and Mrs. Black was instantly muffled by the addition of a gag. “Oh, that’s useful. You really are good at charms.”



“Best subject after Transfiguration. At any rate, if we can’t find a way to undo the permanent sticking charm, then maybe we should consider cutting out this portion of the wall. You can either put in a door to the next room over or just patch the hole with new wood. If you repaper the wall a patch shouldn’t show.”



Black gaped at him. “That’s so bloody simple. I can’t believe we didn’t think of it before.”



Cedric blushed and rubbed the back of his neck self-consciously. “Although, I’d be careful in this house. No telling what might be living in the walls.”



“You’ve got a point there.” Sirius grinned at his mother, who was still fuming about the gag she couldn’t seem to pry off, and closed the curtains. “So, Head Boy is it? Bloody shame.”



He frowned. “How so?”



“You have to be a good boy to get that position. Seems like a waste of a perfectly good face to me. Although I noticed you were getting awfully cozy with Hermione the other night.”



“You’re not going to threaten me, too, are you? I’ve already gotten it from Harry, Ron and the twins. And I’m fully aware that this is going to make my time in NEWT level Potions a nightmare once Professor Snape finds out.”



Black frowned. “What’s Snivellus have to do with it?”



Cedric blinked. “He’s… her father.” Sirius’ jaw dropped. “I thought everyone knew that.”



“Severus? That clever little sweetheart came from him?” He nodded. “Impossible. I can’t believe it. Who would even touch the slimy git?”



“I don’t know the particulars, but everyone found out about it around two years back. Turns out she was adopted and she was told everything when her birth mother died. Don’t know much more except she still lives with her muggle family and has a touch-and-go relationship with Professor Snape. I think they’re making an effort but they don’t always deal well with one another.”



Black was still shaking his head in disbelief as they made their way into the basement kitchen for breakfast. He sat down at the head of the table, his eyes going over to the brunette seated next to Ginny, gaze narrowing as he studied her. Harry came down, his hair messier than usual, and plopped down beside his godfather. He mumbled a sleepy ‘hello’ before noticing that his attention was elsewhere. Following the older wizard’s gaze he frowned and looked back to him. “What’s up?”



Sirius leaned over to Harry, pitching his voice low. “Diggory’s having me on. He says your friend is Snape’s kid.”



“Yeah. I know. We all do. But it’s all right. She doesn’t take after him.” He reached over and snagged a piece of toast. “You’d hardly know it except when he hands out detentions to anyone looking at her.”



Black shook his head in disbelief. “Poor kid. At least she didn’t get his looks. Her mother must have been easy on the eyes.”



“I guess.” They ate their breakfast, lingering over it so they could chat until Mrs. Weasley put her foot down. There was work to be done after all.



~***~



“Bless you.”



“Thank you.” Hermione accepted the tissue Cedric offered her with a grateful smile and blew her nose. The dust was really getting to her. “This place doesn’t look as though it’s had a proper cleaning in years.”



“Probably hasn’t if that house elf is any indication.” She detected a less-than-pleasant note in his voice.



“Cedric, I don’t think he’s in his right mind. He’s just spouting what he’s heard his masters say all his life. You can’t hold him responsible.”



“I can so. He’s Sirius’ elf. He’s supposed to mind him, not insult his guests.”



“Yes, well, Sirius isn’t very nice to him, is he? Hand me the polish?” She accepted the little tin from him and scooped some of the brown paste onto her cloth before resuming her work with the table. “I don’t think Sirius sees Kreacher as a sentient being with feelings. Who’s to say that if he weren’t nicer to him that Kreacher might be more pleasant?”



Cedric looked skeptical. He reached for the polish tin but gave a sharp gasp and put a hand to a spot just under his right arm instead, rubbing it. Hermione paused, but he shook his head. “Nothing. Just a twinge. It’ll pass.” She peered at him. “It’ll pass. It’s the first one I’ve had since coming here. They’re getting less and less frequent.”



She swallowed, the feelings of guilt pricking at her again. He nudged her lightly and told her not to worry. “Actually, I wondered if you’d like to get some practice in with me today. We could slip off once we finish this table. She had me and the twins scrub out the attic the day you arrived and it’s got a nice solid floor we can use. A few silencing charms and no one will know we’re up there. Shouldn’t be too hot if we open the windows.”



Hermione would be grateful for a bit of exertion that did not involve trying to keep cursed crystal from cutting her hand. “I’d like that.” She picked up the elbow grease and together they had the table near to glowing, enough so that the deep scratches from age did not look too terrible. They were both quiet so as not to draw Mrs. Weasley’s attention as they made their way upstairs to change before Cedric showed her the way to the attic.



The trunks and old furniture had been stacked neatly against the walls, leaving a floor space that, while not as large as the one they used at school, was large enough for both of them to maneuver. Cedric cast the charms on the floor to prevent any creaking before waving the windows on either end of the long room to open so that something of a breeze could pass through.



Hermione stretched out, getting herself limber. “Did I tell you about that Skeeter woman?”



Cedric put his wand over to the side and stripped out of his over shirt. He had grown more comfortable with the less concealing attire. “What about her?”



“I found out how she had been getting onto the grounds after the Headmaster banned her. She’s an animagus, unregistered. She can turn into a beetle.”



His brows rose up. “You mean she was flitting around as a bug and spying on us? I wondered how she was digging up all that stuff on you and Harry. We should report her.”



“No, we can’t do that.” She came to the middle of the floor and shook out her arms.



“Why not?”



“Because I told her I wouldn’t. Besides, there are reasons for not registering. Look at Sirius and Harry’s father. They did it because they wanted to keep Professor Lupin company when he was a wolf, but as they were too young to be doing it and had done it under the teachers’ noses, they had to keep it on the sly. I just told her that if she continued to abuse her ability then I would report her. She’s to keep her quill in a civil mode from now on or else.”



He shook his head at her as he came to join her in the center of the room. “Just when I’m about to forget it, you do something that reminds me your dad’s a Slytherin.” She made a face at him and he chuckled. “Shall we?”



Their sparring was physically demanding, but always friendly. Each knew the other would not harm them intentionally, after all. Cedric had size and his Seeker reflexes on his side whereas Hermione had greater skill. He managed to block most of her attacks, but she pulled back a bit on the successful ones so as no to hurt. He managed to get the upper hand on her a time or two, but when he would throw her he always managed to bring her down gently so she would not bruise.



In spite of the breeze from the windows, they both grew flushed from their workout. It Hermione reached to grab Cedric and put him over her hip, but her fingers lost their purchase on his sweat slicked skin. He took advantage of the miss to put her over his instead. She landed on the floor with a muted thump, Cedric coming to one knee beside her and both laughing over her less-than-graceful attack. “I win.”



“Says who?”



“Says me.” He was still smiling down at her as she rested there, trying to catch her breath. “You did put up a valiant effort though, Miss Granger.”



“Yeah, well, you just wait until next time, Mr. Diggory.” She giggled and let one hand fall above her head, looking up at him. “Good showing, by the way.”



“Why, thank you.” His eyes rested on her face, his smile receding to a slight one that seemed more content. Hermione met his gaze without trouble, just enjoying the time together. She had missed him since he had been taken away from the school. Missed seeing his smiles.



Cedric leaned down, pausing halfway as though uncertain of himself before plucking up his resolve and finishing the journey when Hermione did not make a move to turn away. She was expecting this after last night. Her heart seemed to pause as she waited until finally she felt Ced’s lips come to rest against her own.



It was a tender kiss, one filled with uncertainty as though he feared she might reject him. It was nothing like Viktor’s who had been self-assured and confident that he would not be turned away. Cedric was somewhat broadcasting that she had the right to push him away, but she had no intentions of doing so. Instead, she allowed herself to return the kiss, one hand coming up to rest lightly against Cedric’s bicep.



He lifted his face from hers a bit, just long enough to shift his position and stretch out beside her where he would be more comfortable. His kept his torso half-hovering over her own, one arm above her head to brace himself there before he kissed her again. This time she allowed herself to return it with a little more surety, certain that she wasn’t dreaming. He nudged her lips to part with his own and she did, allowing him to deepen the kiss a bit more. Cedric tasted of sunshine and the cinnamon from the biscuits they had eaten after lunch. She thought it was the most wonderful flavor she had ever encountered.



How long they remained that way she could not say. They were each gentle with the other, just tasting and getting to know one another, but keeping things innocent. Fingers lightly traced the curves of muscles, but they never grew so bold as to wander to more intimate locations. They shifted position when Cedric’s arm grew tired of holding him up, and he had rolled onto his back before pulling her over and letting her use him more like a warm pillow and giving her control. Hermione melted into him, contented to be there until the end of time.



There was a giggle from the doorway. “You two going to come down for supper or should I tell Mum you’re too busy snogging to eat?” Hermione looked up to find a grinning Ginny in the attic doorway. The redhead seemed pleased as punch to have caught them. “Or I could have her bring your supper up here.”



Cedric had a hand resting on the inset of her waist as he craned his neck back to look at Ginny. “We’ll be down.”



“You sure? Because I’m certain Mum wouldn’t mind.”



Hermione snorted. “No, she wouldn’t mind after she skinned us both alive.” It was with great reluctance that a blushing Hermione got up and to her feet, followed by Cedric. Standing, she was reminded how much taller he was than she. She met his eyes and saw something there that she could not put a name to, something that made her stomach flutter. “We should probably go down.”



“Yeah, we should. I don’t relish any more threats of violence upon my person.”



Hermione frowned. “Who was threatening you?”



“Name any male in this household and you’ll probably be right.” He shook his head as he handed her t-shirt to her so she could pull it over the workout top. “There are a lot of blokes looking out for your honor.” She blushed and mumbled a quiet sorry. He got his own shirt on and walked with her out of the attic, his hand holding onto hers.



They reached the area outside the basement kitchen to find the boys and Ginny there, all muttering amongst themselves. Fred spotted them and waved them over. “Where have you two been? They were just having a major meeting in there, not that we could hear anything. Mum’s fixed it so the extendable ears won’t fit under the door.”



George had been peering at them with narrowed eyes. “Not forgetting our talk are you, Diggory?”



“Not forgetting that I don’t care what you think are you, Weasley?”



Ginny sniggered and exchanged a look with Harry. Ron joined George’s narrow-eyed perusal of Cedric who continued to ignore them both. Just then the kitchen door opened and Severus exited, his robes billowing. He stopped upon seeing the teenagers, his eyes flicking over most of them dismissively before landing on Hermione. “You made it here safely, then.”



She nodded. “Yes, Sir.”



"So formal!” Sirius came out, reaching out to ruffle Harry’s hair affectionately. “No hug and kiss for your daughter, Severus?” The wizard looked over at Cedric and grinned. “Keeping busy, Mr. Diggory?”



The implication was not lost on them. Hermione glared at Sirius while Cedric somehow managed to look politely puzzled. She turned her gaze to her father. “You’re not staying for dinner?”



Severus was watching Cedric with a suspicious interest. “I think that I will.” He turned back around and re-entered the kitchen, leaving everyone in the hall gaping at him.



Fred shook his head and clapped Cedric on the shoulder. “He never stays for dinner. You’re really in for it now, Mate.” Hermione gave him a somewhat apologetic look before heading inside.



Severus took it upon himself to sit directly across from Hermione and Cedric. She gave him a hesitant glance as she settled into her chair, realizing full well that he wanted to keep an eye on the pair of them. She did her best not to fidget under his watchful gaze. She looked down the table to see who all was joining them and met Sirius’ gaze from where he sat at the head position. The wizard gave her a wink, clearly finding Severus’ plight amusing.



Harry passed on a plate of rolls, looking over at his godfather. “What was the meeting about?” It seemed like an innocuous statement save for the fact that no one ever told them what the meetings were about. Sirius, however, did not always follow the rules.



“Dementors in Little Whinging.”



“Sirius!” Molly glared at him. “There’s a reason the children aren’t included in the meetings.”



Cedric frowned. “What were Dementors doing in Little Whinging?” Harry responded to the news with even more alarm.



“What were they doing there? Are… are the Dursleys all right?” It was a testament to just how good of a person Harry was at heart that he thought about the well being of his relative, no matter how awful they were to him.



Kingsley accepted the bowl of rolls. “They’re fine, Harry. As for what they were doing there, the Ministry line is that they were looking for Pettigrew and thought he might try to attack you at home. Of course, they’re wanting to know why you weren’t at home.”



“What did you tell them?”



Sirius smiled. “That you’re with me, of course. A bit of a celebration for my new status as an innocent man. Undisclosed location for our privacy. Don’t want to be bothered by a lot of reporters.”



Moody sniffed of the roast on his plate. Molly had learned not to be offended by his constant distrust of anything he did not prepare himself. “Trouble is we’re not sure who sent them. The Dementors are supposed to be under the control of the Ministry, but they’ll jump to You-Know-Who’s side the second he asks them. Seeing how they still guard the prison that hasn’t happened just yet, so it had to have been someone inside the Ministry.”



“Hermione?”



She gave a little start and looked over at Cedric. He was watching her with a puzzled frown. His eyes flicked down to her hand and she followed his gaze. She had a strangle hold on her knife, her thumb pressing on the base of blade and inching dangerously close to the cutting edge. She had not even realized she had picked it up, she had been so angry. Blushing, she set it down beside her plate and helped herself to some of the potatoes. “There can’t be that many people with the authority to boss around the Dementors, can there?”



“Enough to make it a bother to filter through all of them,” answered Kingsley. “More than a few of them are swallowing Fudge’s denial that You-Know-Who is back. They believe that Crouch and Pettigrew were the ones orchestrating everything. Now that Crouch is out of the picture, they are confident that Pettigrew’s efforts will falter.”



The ‘children’ rolled their eyes. Harry shook his head in disbelief. “What is it going to take to convince Fudge that I’m not mental? Voldemort belly-dancing in his skivvies before the entire Wizengamont?” The twins sniggered. “Fudge is the mental one!”



Harry had found it ridiculous beyond belief that Fudge feared Dumbledore was vying for his position as Minister of Magic. Hermione thought so as well. Had Harry not still been so happy to be away from the Dursleys this soon and relieved that Sirius could finally live his life without fear that he would be captured and thrown back into Azkaban (or worse) he might have put up an argument at being barred from knowing more.



Hermione shook her head at the incompetence of Fudge and reached for the salt and peppershakers. Her eyes glanced up towards Severus to find that he was still watching Cedric. She clenched her jaw and gave him a sharp kick under the table. He winced and gave a jump, looking towards her to find her frowning at him. His response was to arch a single brow.



Dinner continued on amidst chatter and discussions. Hermione knew that Cedric was not unaware of Severus’ interests, but he did a very good job at pretending to be. He exchanged barbs with the twins as well as any Gryffindor one moment and then was making Mrs. Weasley blush prettily by complimenting her cooking the next. Those paying attention, however, noticed how he always got whatever dish or bowl Hermione wanted more of, levitating them down the table if need be. They also noticed how he gave her his undivided attention whenever she spoke to him. His attentiveness was subtle, but enough to make Hermione feel a little flutter of happiness that came and went throughout the meal.



Dessert was raspberry tarts with cream. Hermione took her time with hers; a little nervous about calling it a night because she was pretty sure that once they broke up Cedric would be tossed into the proverbial lions’ den. Or would snake pit be a better description?



“Children, time for bed.” Mrs. Weasley was levitating the dirty dishes up and away from them. “We’ve got a lot more work to be done, yet.”



The Weasley children all groaned in protest. Harry gave Sirius a hug goodnight before joining Ron. Cedric pulled Hermione’s chair out for her as she rose. They exchanged a smile as he pushed it back in and moved with her to follow the rest of the ‘children’ out of the kitchen.



“A word, if you please, Mr. Diggory.” Severus had gotten to his feet. Hermione and Cedric both paused. She looked back at him as he looked at Severus. She watched as he gave him a nod before giving her a reassuring smile.



“Leave the boy alone, Snivellus!”



“Sirius,” Lupin began gently, but Black was having none of it.



“Give over, Moony! The girl’s almost sixteen. Another year she’ll be of age! And it’s not like that’s Malfoy’s brat over there. He’s a Hufflepuff for Merlin’s sake; they’re loyal to a fault. What are you going to do, Snape? Put her in a chastity belt and lock her in the highest tower of the castle?”



Hermione thought she might die of embarrassment. Cedric squared his shoulders a bit. “Mr. Black, I appreciate the support, but I can handle this.” He turned to face her birth father. “After you, Professor.”



She watched them nervously as Severus led Cedric from the room. Ginny took hold of her elbow and pulled her away, the younger girl’s brown eyes also watching them as they vanished into another room. “He’ll be all right. Everyone likes Cedric.”



“Severus doesn’t like anyone.”



There was no arguing with that. Still, hovering about was not going to be allowed. Molly shooed them up the stairs, leaving Hermione hoping that, whatever he did or said, Snape would destroy everything that had happened up in the attic that afternoon.



~***~



Severus did not like it when he failed to intimidate, and Cedric Diggory did not look the least bit intimidated. The boy stood there before him, hands clasped behind his back and his expression calm, behaving all the world as though this were simply an interview for a job or a casual conversation regarding something they had both read in the paper that night.



“Mr. Diggory,” he began, his voice soft as he tented his fingers before him, “I believe this is the point where I inquire as to your intentions towards my daughter.”



“Nothing but the most honorable, Sir, I assure you.”



His lips twitched. “I seem to recall that I heard that same response from a man a year or two your senior last Christmas.” He thought he saw a muscle tick in Diggory’s jaw. Interesting. “Do I need to give you a lecture in the expectations regarding the Head Boy and his behavior? You are to set an example for the rest of the school, after all.”



“I am well aware of what is expected of me, Professor. And I will not disappoint. However, my duties as Head Boy and my feelings for Hermione are not mutually exclusive.”



“Feelings.” He hissed the word. He did not think he cared for anyone to have ‘feelings’ towards Hermione, even as some part of him rationalized that she was of that age where ‘feelings’ began to emerge and sometimes carry off a person’s sanity.



“Yes, Sir.”



“And just when did you first notice these ‘feelings’?”



Cedric blinked, his expression changing to one of mild contemplation. “Well, I am not certain I can put an exact time to it. They likely started emerging the early part of last year. They were certainly already present when Krum beat me out to asking her to the ball.” He frowned slightly. “There have been a few obstacles hindering progress, but I believe we have moved past those now.”



Snape arched a brow. “Do I wish to know just how far past?”



“I have not taken excessive liberties, if that is what you are inquiring. And if we were to progress as such in the future, I do not see how it would be any of your concern. Suffice it to say that I will always treat Hermione with the utmost respect.”



His lips curled. “Watch yourself, Diggory. In a few short weeks you will be back at school.”



“I will,” he admitted, “and you will again be the one in power. However, I have no intentions of deviating from my present course.” He lifted his chin a bit. “I care for Hermione, Sir, likely quite a bit more than even I fully understand just yet. And I promise you that I will do nothing to hurt her. I couldn’t even if I wanted to. You will have no cause to seek retribution from me.”



Severus truly did hate it when he failed to intimidate. His gut told him that threatening to lock the boy up in detention his entire year would not faze him, and it could not have gotten away with it anyway. Diggory never did anything to merit a detention. Sprout’s Golden Boy was too bloody perfect. But when did a Hufflepuff grow enough of a backbone to stand up to him?



“See that I don’t, Mr. Diggory.” He gave the boy an appraising glance. “I assure you that my nasty reputation is well earned, and you do not want a demonstration.”



~***~