— february 1995 —

THE SECOND task was fast approaching and Zola's anxiety had increased tenfold since the first. This was due to a certain champion asking her to be their girlfriend — and Zola just so happened to say yes.

This certain champion being none other than Captain Cedric Diggory.

He had asked her the day after the Ball. Christmas Day. He classed it as one of his presents that he had got her, and 'she could take it or not' as he put it. Obviously, she took it. Along with the best present that she had ever received, he had also got her a ring.

Not an engagement ring, no, of course not.

Rather, it was a decorative ring. A simple one — one that certainly stood out to Zola. It was a yellowish-gold with green-coated gold fibres wrapping all the way around it. He didn't say the significance of the small of jewellery, simply saying that he thought she'd like it. But Zola noticed that the ring intertwined both of their house colours — yellow and green. Clearly, it was a nod towards them and their relationship.

A few weeks after their relationship began, Cedric had started studying more frequently with her and her friends. And she had began to do the same with him and his friends. As a result from their relationship, she had actually gain a more positive opinion on Hannah, one of Cedric's friends and Troy's date to the Ball.

Cedric had confided in Zola about his troubles about the golden egg and how when opened, it only screeches. Together, they went into a far away classroom with the egg so she could hear it for herself. She immediately regretted it, and so did Cedric.

But she did hear it long enough to identify what creature made such a screech. Without hesitation, she confirmed it that it was sirens scream. She suggested to him that he should try listening to it underwater, as merpeople can only communicate with humans when in water, when exposed to air, the only thing you'll hear are screams.

Cedric cheekily suggested for Zola to join him in the bath, causing the Slytherin girl to choke on the air in her throat. The Hufflepuff winked and whisked away with the egg in hand, declaring that he was going to take a bath, leaving a very flustered Zola behind.

CEDRIC AND Zola had a free period together and decided to take a break from studying and go for a walk. They were walking over the Wooden Bridge when they spotted Harry and Hermione.

"Hey, Potter!" Cedric called out. Harry rolled his eyes and began to walk in the opposite direction of the couple, leaving Hermione behind. "Potter!"

"Cedric. Zola," Harry tensely addressed.

"How...How are you?" Cedric asked.

Harry furrowed his brow as if the question was utterly stupid. "Spectacular," he said, sarcastically.

Cedric sighed and Zola gave the younger boy a stern look. "I realise I never really thanked you properly fro tipping me off about those dragons."

"Forget about it. I'm sure you would've done the same for me," Harry dismissed, beginning to walk away again.

"Exactly!" Cedric spoke, catching the younger boy's attention again. "You know the Prefects' bathroom on the fifth floor?" Harry nodded. "It's not a bad place to take a bath. Just take you egg and mull things over in the hot water," Cedric smirked. He slung his arm over Zola's shoulders as he began to walk away.

Zola nodded over her shoulder with a reassuring grin.