Title: What If...
Pairings: Cedric/Hermione
Summary: "Why so many ifs Granger?"
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I can only dream it's mine but we all know it belongs to JK Rowling.
Warning: It's another AU, if you catch it.
What if I had been prettier?
What if I could be more feminine?
What if I wasn't a bookworm?
What if I was taller?
What if I had just chucked my books aside for once?
What if I wasn't such a coward?
What if I could be like Cho?
What if I was graceful?
What if I let Lavender and Pavarti give me a makeover?
What if-
"Why so many ifs Granger?"
Jumping out of her seat, Hermione turned around to glare at the Cheshire-like boy before realizing that he had read her parchment. Feeling her cheeks heat up with anger and embarrassment, she dashed out of the library leaving the boy behind with her parchment.
Sighing, Cedric watch the back of her retreat before sitting down at the previously occupied table. Glancing at the parchment on the table, he looked it over once more before taking out his own quill.
Sitting down on the edge of the lake, Hermione watched as the Giant Squid splashed out of sight. She had never felt so insecure and embarrassed as she did right now. To be caught by Ron or Harry was one thing but to be caught by the Golden Hufflepuff, her infatuation, was mortifying. Luckily she hadn't written his name down otherwise-
"Here."
Jolted out of her thoughts, she looked up to see Cedric Diggory towering over her. Yep, she definitely needs to be taller. She hadn't realized that she was staring until he took a seat beside her and held out something. She stared at it and gingerly took it from him. Opening it, she gave a small gasp before seeing another's scrawl all over it.
Cedric saw her tear up and he winced before telling her to read it. Hermione looked confused as she stared at him but he only gave her an encouraging smile and a reassuring pat on her robe-covered knee.
What if I had been prettier?
I happen to think you're cute as a button.
What if I could be more feminine?
As a matter of fact, you being a girl is enough for me.
What if I wasn't a bookworm?
Then you wouldn't be the smartest witch I've had the pleasure to know.
What if I was taller?
I'd like it if you didn't tower over me.
What if I had just chucked my books aside for once?
Then you'd hurt the books' feelings and I would've been sad.
What if I wasn't such a coward?
I doubt facing danger like Vol-Voldemort for six years constitutes as being a coward.
What if I could be like Cho?
I'd like it if you weren't.
What if I was graceful?
I think you being clumsy is adorable.
What if I let Lavender and Pavarti give me a makeover?
And let them ruin you! I think not.
What if-As soon as I know what this one is I'll tell you.
Cedric watched Hermione blink blankly at the parchment. He smiled softly when she started to frown at the thoughts running through her head. He had been honest when he answered her 'what ifs' and blushed slightly when she faced him. Before she could let the tears slip, whether out of happiness or embarrassment, Cedric dabbed at her eyes with his handkerchief. He could feel his blush turn a deep red as her blush just started to show.
Pushing his hand away, Hermione offered a smile of her own, "Thank you."
"You welcome."
They sat in silence for bit just staring at the lake before Cedric broke it, "So what's the last one?"
"I can't."
"Why?"
"Because you'll laugh at me."
"It can't be that bad. Come on, I promise that I won't laugh or anything on my honor as a Hufflepuff."
"WhaifIdidntelouowIfelforeougraduate?" Hermione muttered and mumbled inaudibly.
It took Cedric a bit to figure out what she said but when he did, he smiled before taking her hand into his own, "Then I'll tell you first."
A/N: "What if I didn't tell you how I felt before you graduate?"