Astronomy and Cedric

Astronomy, or stargazing, was a perfect opportunity for romance in most stories. Of course, we were no exception.

Astronomy was usually held at night, and Slytherin and Hufflepuff had this class together.

The Astronomy Tower was open to the sky, and with autumn turning to winter, the little snakes and badgers who couldn't cast a Warming Charm shivered.

Mia was speechless as she watched Draco stubbornly tough it out, even though he was clearly freezing to death.

"Are... are you cold? You can wear my robe." Draco started taking off his robe to drape it over Mia.

Mia sighed. How could she stay angry now? Her heart softened in the end, and she cast a large-scale Warming Charm that enveloped everyone.

The little badgers and snakes suddenly felt the bitterly cold air turn warm. They looked at Mia gratefully, but when they saw Draco beside her, they exchanged knowing smiles.

"Thank you. Um, are you still angry?" Draco carefully tugged at Mia's sleeve. Seeing that she didn't resist, he pushed his luck and tried to take her hand.

"Don't let it happen again." That meant she wasn't angry anymore.

A smile curled across Draco's face, making his handsome features especially charming. He took the chance to grasp Mia's hand, and when she felt that his was even colder than hers, she clasped it back.

Astronomy mainly involved studying star charts, using magic to help observe the stars, and drawing charts.

Mia compared the stars to her chart, trying to find them.

"Merlin above, I really can't tell these stars apart." Mia liked looking at stars, but that didn't mean she could identify them. She stared at the chart in her hands in despair. The almighty Lady Mia admitted defeat.

"Idiot, you're supposed to draw it like this." Seeing Mia frowning, Draco leaned over to look at her work. Well, it was a sorry sight.

"That one's Sirius, and this is Draco." Mia turned her head. Moonlight spilled over Draco's delicate features, softening them.

"Look at the chart. Why are you looking at me?" Noticing Mia's gaze, Draco's ears secretly turned red.

"Oh, all right." Mia had no choice but to look away and listen obediently.

"Ahhh, did you see that?"

"I saw it, ahhh! They're so good together! I'm writing a ship fic about them tonight: the proud, softhearted young master and the girl who flirts without realizing it!" The little badgers secretly watching them nearby were going wild over the pairing.

Ever since they'd written a book about Mia, it was as if they'd discovered some magical secret to making money. Now Hufflepuff House had become a major hub for fanworks.

"Sob, Malfoy and Mia are so good together." A little badger excitedly covered her mouth as she watched the two of them sitting close together.

"Sob, the only thing my ship needs before they can get married is to meet each other."

"Who do you ship?"

"Cedric."

"..."

Mia looked at the star chart taking shape in her hands and pointed at one part. "Is this your Draco?"

"That's right." Draco proudly lifted his chin. He was named after his favorite creature, the dragon.

"You like dragons?"

"Of course. Dragons are the most powerful creatures."

"Little Dragon?"

"What did you call me?"

Draco exploded, turning red from the tips of his ears to his neck. No one but his parents had ever called him that. It was too intimate.

"Wow!" the little badgers exclaimed in unison. That arrogant young master could actually blush!

My ship is real!

As soon as Astronomy ended, Draco fled. Even Goyle and Crabbe couldn't catch up with him.

"What did you do?" Blaise clicked his tongue in wonder and leaned over to ask Mia curiously.

"Secret." Mia winked and smiled.

Theodore had witnessed the whole thing from the side. He pressed his lips together and left too.

Pansy and Daphne were practically dying of jealousy, but they didn't dare pick a fight.

"I'm leaving first. Bye." Mia waved casually and left. Off to the Room of Requirement~

After finishing her daily training, Mia felt a little hungry. She dug out the map the twins had given her and found the Hogwarts Kitchen.

Hufflepuff House was in such a good spot, with the kitchen right outside its entrance. Mia remarked on it, cast a Disillusionment Charm on herself, and headed straight for the kitchen.

After getting in without trouble by following the instructions, she saw a group of House-elves bustling about.

Noticing Mia's arrival, a House-elf appeared in front of her.

"Dear Miss Potter, is there anything I can do for you?"

"Could you make me something to eat?"

"Of course. It would be Duomi's honor."

The House-elf worked quickly, preparing quite a bit of food in no time.

"Thank you," Mia said automatically.

The words seemed to shock the House-elf. "Oh, how can I let you thank me?" She then began banging her head against the wall.

"Stop!" Mia was completely thrown.

The House-elf stopped when she heard the command, but still wanted to hurt herself.

"Duomi, don't hurt yourself." Damn, she'd almost forgotten the nature of House-elves.

"Miss Potter is a good person. She thanked Duomi." Duomi looked at Mia with her big eyes.

"Um, I'll eat now. You can get back to work." Mia really didn't know how to deal with House-elves, so she sent Duomi away while the elf looked at her expectantly.

"Very well. Please enjoy your meal, Miss Potter."

Mia quickly finished eating and was just about to leave when she heard the door open.

"It's easy to get hungry at night, isn't it?" A pleasant, gentle male voice reached Mia's ears. "Good evening."

Mia turned and saw a handsome face. The newcomer was tall and broad, with sharply defined features and a gentle expression. He was Cedric Diggory, Hogwarts' acknowledged Mr. Nice Guy and school heartthrob.

Cedric had also come out looking for food because he was hungry in the middle of the night. He hadn't expected to meet Mia Potter, whom he had long been curious about.

"Good evening?"

"Hello, I'm Cedric Diggory." Cedric smiled at how adorable Mia looked.

"I know you. You're very famous. I'm Mia Potter."

"I know you too. Are you out wandering at night?" Cedric knew Slytherin was a long way from Hufflepuff House.

"Aren't you doing the same?" Mia wasn't falling for that.

Cedric shook his head and dropped the subject. "A cunning little snake."

"Sorry for the trouble, but could you make me something to eat?" Cedric asked the House-elf. Soon, plenty of food appeared in front of him too.

"Would you like some? It tastes quite good," Cedric offered.

"In that case, I won't refuse." Mia was still growing and didn't usually eat much. The appetizing food in front of her tempted her.

After they finished eating, they prepared to leave. Cedric had wanted to see Mia back, but she declined.

"Then good night, miss."

"Good night, Mr. Big Badger." Mia ran off as soon as she said it, and Cedric watched her go with an amused smile.