o n e

"Come on, Ced." Maeve whined, looking over her shoulder as her friend struggled to catch up with her.

Students grumbled as she pushed past them, desperately trying to reach the grand doors at the end of the bridge. Adorning muggle clothes, the students were catching up with their friends, sluggishly making their way through the bridge.

"Excuse me, pardon me." Maeve cringed, apologizing to everyone she bumped into.

"What are they on about?" Cedric had finally caught up with the impatient Hufflepuff. He peered out of the bridge's archways.

"It looks like a flying carriage." Maeve shrugged, more preoccupied with getting to the Great Hall in time.

"Only you could keep going as if a massive flying carriage is no big deal." Cedric laughed.

"I'm late and you're laughing, Ced." the girl complained, feeling helpless as she slid through the crowd.

"Okay, okay." he chuckled. "Coming."

Pushing past the last of the students, they ran into the cold stone castle. Taking a sharp left, Maeve and Cedric sprinted down the lengthy hall, past portraits of old wizards and witches and occasionally startling a ghost. They flew down the stairs – not literally of course – and scrambled through the main floor, making it to the Great Hall.

Professors and house elves were making finishing touches around the room. When they barged in, Professor Flitwick whirled around to look at them.

"There you are!" he cried, throwing his hands up in the air. "Kingston, where have you been? Never mind that, take your place now. We have only a few minutes to go." he ushered the girl.

"Yes professor!" the Hufflepuff cried from across the room, hurrying to their places in the choir.

Cedric handed Maeve her toad while the rest of the choir group chattered on like they did before every performance.

"Thank you." Maeve grinned, straightening her robes and making sure her hair was in place after her mini marathon. She turned to the Slytherin girl beside her. "Any idea who we're going to be welcoming?"

It was to be noted that the Slytherin girl wasn't a fan of talking.

The blonde shrugged and Maeve pursed her lips, watching the rest of the students go to their house tables. There was the inseparable trio, along with their Gryffindor friends, Cho's clique sat on the Ravenclaw table, and Maeve giggled to herself as she saw Cedric look at the girl dreamily from the Hufflepuff table. And finally, as if they were trying to make a statement, Draco's gang emerged, along with Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott and Pansy Parkinson by the blonde's arm. Maeve looked away immediately. And then her eyes trailed away to the girl sitting beside Cedric; Elizabeth Daniels – Beater for the Hufflepuff team and a gorgeous senior who was Cedric's co-prefect. Maeve had been crushing on the girl since the first year when Elizabeth had fended off some seventh year Ravenclaws trying to bully her.

"Two minutes!" Professor Flitwick called hysterically, breaking Maeve out of her trance-like state.

The sorting ceremony began, as usual. Maeve only half paid attention as her eyes scanned the tables, noting all the faces that sat there, cheering as the first years got sorted. She caught Elizbeth's eye and the girl sent her a small wave. Then she looked at Cedric who also smiled at her. She responded by making suggestive glances at Cho and he just blushed, rolled his eyes and looked away.

"Now that we're all settled into our houses, I'd like to make an announcement." Dumbledore's words caught Maeve's attention. "This castle will not only be your home this year but home to some very special guests as well. You see, Hogwarts has been chosen to host the legendary Triwizard Tournament."

As soon as he said it, the Great Hall burst into excited conversation. "My godmother told me all about it! She said there's a ball and everything. Isn't it exciting?" Maeve squealed, turning to the girl beside her. The Slytherin just groaned, moodily looking away from her excited chatter.

Maeve watched in awe as the French entered with their butterflies and their swooning. She was almost scared when the Bulgarians came in with their fire sticks and confident marches.

"Oh, Helga, that's Viktor Krum!" she squealed excitedly.

The Slytherin next to her hushed her harshly.

Finally, it was Hogwarts' turn and on the command of Professor Flitwick's wand, the choir began singing the Hogwarts school song. The rest of the school joined in. They were horrible of course, but at least they sang with spirit. Maeve figured that ought to account for something. As they sang, the French watched in amused curiosity while some of the Durmstrangs could hardly hold in their laughter. Maeve saw one boy in particular, standing next to Viktor Krum snicker while the Quidditch player had an indifferent look on his face, quite contrary to the rest of his school.

Once the song was over, the choir made their way to their house tables and Maeve joined Susan Bones on their way to the Hufflepuff table.

"Thank Merlin you made it in time." Susan sighed in relief as Maeve watched the Durmstrangs head to an extended table at the end of Slytherin table and the Beauxbatons head to an extended table at the end of Ravenclaw table.

"Yepp. Only to be laughed at by the Durmstrangs. Who do they think they are? I love our school song." Maeve frowned stubbornly as they took their seats.

"I love our school song too, but you have to admit, it is a little corny." Susan chuckled at her cross expression.

"A little corny? It's very corny! But that doesn't mean they get to laugh at it." Maeve glared lightly at her friend across the table. Behind Susan's shoulder, Maeve saw Gregory Goyle gazing at her adoringly with a goofy grin on his face. "Ugh." she looked away immediately in distaste, "Gregory keeps looking here."

"Seriously? How long is his stupid crush going to keep going?" Susan groaned. "And must you call him Gregory? That certainly doesn't help things."

"But Gregory is his name!" Maeve protested before turning to her right. "Isn't that right Cedric?"

"Huh? Um- yes." Cedric nodded distractedly.

"Hey." Maeve frowned. "What's up with you? Is it Cho again?" she teased, nudging him playfully.

The boy's cheeks went crimson. "Normally, it would be. But I was thinking about maybe... putting my name in for the Triwizard Tournament."

"That sounds wonderful, Cedric!" Maeve cried, clapping her hands in glee. "You're the noblest person I know. I'm sure you'll be one of the Champions. I can already imagine it; Cedric Diggory, Triwizad Champion extraordinaire." she grinned.

"That's exactly what I said!" Elizabeth clapped her hands, joining their conversation.

Cedric looked back at her with an affectionate smile. "Thanks May, that means a lot." he ruffled the top of her hair. "Now what were you saying about Goyle?"

"He keeps looking at me. It's uncomfortable. He almost managed to corner me on the train when Zach made me go buy more chocolate frogs." Maeve grumbled, referring to one of their Hufflepuff friends.

"That's some crush he has." Elizabeth shrugged.

"That would be an understatement." Susan scoffed. "He's obsessed with her! He has been ever since she offered him some snacks on our first ride to Hogwarts when Potter bought everything from the trolley."

Cedric raised a brow. "Really? How did I not know this?"

"The only time he doesn't pester her is when either of you are around." Susan pointed at Cedric and Elizabeth with her fork as she dug into her meal.

"Well I guess there are some perks to being under the wing of the most popular people at Hogwarts." Maeve snorted.

"I wouldn't go that far." Cedric rolled his eyes teasingly.

"'I wouldn't go that far.'" Maeve mocked in a high pitched voice. "Cedric come on, you're a fine Seeker, a great student and as Susan has reminded me time and again, you are quite attractive to girls in school. When it comes to me, that sums up to popular."

Her friend glared at her and Cedric just looked down awkwardly.

Elizabeth turned to Maeve, launching into a conversation about their summers, completely oblivious to the stupid grin the younger girl wore on her face throughout the night.

_____

"Honestly, professor, you have no idea how sorry I am." Maeve apologized as everyone left the Great Hall. "It was my toad's fault. Devin hopped out of the carriage in the middle of the journey from Hogsmeade to the castle and Cedric and I had to spend almost twenty minutes searching for him across the trail. I swear, I'll do whatever it takes to keep my spot in the choir." Devin the toad croaked in agreement as he balanced himself on her shoulder.

The Head of Ravenclaw House was about to answer when they heard someone in front of them say something which piqued both of their interests.

"Did you look at their faces Theo? Hogwarts, Hogwarts Hoggy Warty Hogwarts." a female voice sang mockingly. "And the frogs – don't even get me started on those."

Now, it is to be remembered that Maeve was not a short tempered person. But she had two topics she withheld no nonsense of. Those two topics being her friends and Professor Flitwick's Frog Choir. However, the professor had seen the look on her face coming along and just gestured for her to keep her calm. Then, he proceeded to clear his throat, making his presence known.

The two Slytherin students turned around. Theodore Nott's eyes widened. "Uh, hello – Professor Flitwick. I am so sorry. She doesn't mean that." the boy said genuinely.

Meanwhile, Maeve watched in awe as the Slytherin apologized, quite starstruck.

"The apology is appreciated, Mr. Nott, but I'm afraid it is your friend who was mocking my choir." he said tautly, turning towards the girl beside him pleasantly.

"I am sorry too." Pansy said, bowing slightly.

"Yes well, I was thinking we could try something else?" Professor Flitwick said with a grin. "I want you to be a part of my choir for the rest of the year. You'll then see how much effort and precision is required to be in it."

Maeve's eyes widened, "But Professor, she can't! It'll be absolutely pathetic." she shook her head. "The Frog Choir is a prestigious and elite group. No offense, but she certainly isn't those things."

"Offense taken." Pansy folded her arms across her chest and glared at the brunette. "But Miss Prissy Pants is correct. I'll do anything but join the choir, sir."

"Nonsense. Maeve here is one of my best pupils. She'll be able to mould you into choir material quite easily." the professor quipped, his excitement growing by the second.

"Oh... no professor. I appreciate it, but maybe someone else would be more open to –" the Hufflepuff started but was cut off just as quickly.

"You said you'd do whatever it takes to keep your spot in the choir, didn't you Maeve?" Professor Flitwick asked with an innocent smile.

"But – wha- no – I-" the girl sputtered before sighing. "Alright."

"Perfect! It's settled then. "What do you think Pansy?" he asked, turning to the Slytherin girl.

"Perfect, professor." the brunette answered somewhat anxiously.

"Great! I'll be looking forward to meeting you at choir practice." the professor said before leaving the three alone in awkward silence.

"What's your name?" Theodore Nott asked, turning towards Maeve.

"Maeve. Kingston. Maeve Kingston." she said, nervous in the presence of two Slytherins. "We're in the same year."

"Oh...." he said blankly. "Well Pans, I'll leave you and your friend alone now." he taunted as the girl shot him a look. With a low chuckle, he left the two in awkward silence.

"Okay then." Maeve cleared her throat. "I'll have to give you a schedule of when choir practices are to be held. Traditionally, they're held twice a week in the Charms classroom, but that might change because of the Tournament. And oh! You'll have to perform for Fat Friar's Death Day around Christmas! Blimey, we'll have to get you acquainted. And a toad! You need to find a toad! I could ask Neville but I doubt he would want to leave Trevor alone..."

Meanwhile, Pansy watched in amusement as the lively Hufflepuff went on and on. The chatter suddenly stopped and the Slytherin noticed Maeve was looking at something behind her shoulder.

"Gregory." Maeve noted nervously as the brawny boy came close.

"Hi Maeve." he grinned giddily. "Nice singing, today."

"Uh... thank you Gregory." she gulped.

"I know you've said no before... but I was wondering if you wanted to go to Hogsmeade this weekend? We could get a drink at the Hog's Head." he responded.

The idea of going to the Hog's Head was repulsing for Maeve. The idea of going there with Gregory Goyle of all people was even more repulsing.

"That's quite alright. I have plans for the weekend." she said, trying to maintain her calm.

"Come on, it'll be great! It's just one date." he pushed.

"No thanks." Maeve shook her head. "Sorry, Gregory."

"Three years." he sighed, somewhat frustrated. "Three years I've been pursuing you. Can't you say yes at least once?"

Suddenly, to both of their surprises, a dry laugh was heard. "Really Goyle? This is pathetic. Imagine what Draco would say when he finds out you've been after a Hufflepuff since your first year. And she's said no over and over again!" Pansy was openly laughing by then. "Ah, so thick-skulled and so desperate. Wonder what Draco will think about that."

"Shove off, Parkinson." the Slytherin grumbled. "This is none of your business."

"Actually it is." Pansy intervened. "Flitwick told me she's supposed to train me. And if you don't mind, we need to go find a toad." she deadpanned, grabbing Maeve's hand and led the both of them away from the boy.

"Wow... thanks Pansy." Maeve stuttered as they stopped by the Courtyard.

"I don't give an imp's arse about your gratitude Kingston." Pansy rolled her eyes. "I know how much of a git Goyle can be." she sat on a ledge under an open arch, spreading her legs in front of her as she looked at the bustling Courtyard, while Beauxbatons, Durmstrang and Hogwarts students mingled.

"Isn't Gregory your friend?" Maeve frowned.

"No, he isn't. He's one of Draco's cronies. My friends are Nott, Greengrass and Zabini." she answered. "So who is he?"

"Who is who?" Maeve asked cluelessly.

"The boy you fancy. It clearly isn't Goyle. I bet it's one of the popular ones, isn't it? Potter, perhaps?" Pansy questioned.

"Harry?" Maeve laughed. "Not at all. I don't even know him."

"So it's someone you know, is it?" Pansy smirked. "Is it Diggory?"

"What? No." Maeve gagged. "Cedric is family."

"You're siblings?" Pansy asked, her eyes wide with amusement.

"Family friends." the brunette corrected. "I don't fancy anyone, okay?"

"Oh, maybe it's Draco." Pansy teased and Maeve tensed up. The girl had meant it jokingly in the beginning but upon seeing the Hufflepuff's reaction she stood up immediately. "Holy shit, it's him isn't it?" the Slytherin chuckled.

"You really shouldn't curse." Maeve mumbled. "And I don't fancy Draco. He's just good-looking, that's all."

"Draco? Good-looking? You find a bleached head and pratty personality attractive?" Pansy continued her laughter, catching some eyes around the yard.

"Aren't you his girlfriend?" Maeve asked, puzzled.

"Right." Pansy snorted, finally concluding her fit. "I suppose I am. Well, Miss Prissy Pants I have some advice for you. If you don't want Goyle following you around, you need to be more headstrong. You think an arse like him is going to accept a measly 'no thanks'?"

"Well, what other way is there to reject someone?"

"I don't know, hex him, curse him, punch him." Pansy's eyes twinkled as if she was remembering a particularly funny memory. "The list is endless really."

"But using hexes outside of class isn't permitted." Maeve exclaimed, "And I can't punch Gregory. It'll probably hurt me more than it does him." her left hand short to her right, imagining the pain that would surge through it upon contact with Goyle's face.

"You're such a typical Hufflepuff." Pansy scoffed. "Oh, and it probably doesn't help that you call him 'Gregory'. That's probably what keeps egging him on."

"I... I..." Meave trailed off and she saw Elizabeth beckoning her towards her in the distance with Cedric beside her. "I have to go. I'll give you the practice schedule tomorrow at breakfast and we'll find you a toad." she said hurriedly before leaving.

"Suit yourself Prissy!" Pansy called out nonchalantly as Maeve reached Cedric and Elizabeth.

"Was that Pansy you were just talking to?" Cedric asked confusedly.

"Yeah. Long story, I'll tell you later." Maeve waved it off. "What did you call me over for?"

"Well, Liz had a favour to ask of you..." Cedric trailed off and Maeve's eyes immediately widened before her lips spread into a smile.

"Yes, about that." Elizabeth scratched the back of her neck with a small blush. "I want you to meet Francis, he's from Beauxbatons. Francis, this is my friend, Maeve."

"Bonjour." the boy greeted. "Nice to meet you Maeve."

"Likewise." the girl flashed him a smile, giving Elizabeth a confused glance at the sudden introduction. She either mouthed something like 'Bile's in the gutter.' or 'I'll tell you later.' Maeve decided the latter made more sense.

"Okay, I need to go back to my dorm. Megan and Hannah are helping me decorate our new dorm. Bye, Ced, bye Liz. I'll see you around, Francis. Au revoir." she said in a horrible French accent as she left.

_____

"Okay, so what's up?" Maeve looked at Cedric and Elizabeth, her arms crossed across her chest as she finally succeeded in cornering them in the Hufflepuff common room after they had effectively avoided her the whole day.

"What? Nothing's up, May." Elizabeth chuckled awkwardly.

"I'm not dumb, Liz. Come on, spit it out. What was that sudden introduction with Francis about?" she raised a brow.

"Well..." Cedric sighed, deciding to give in. "Liz was wondering..."

Maeve nodded to hurry him along.

"I was wondering if you could give him a tour of the school tomorrow. He's a prefect at Beaxbatons and since I'm one here, Professor Sprout has assigned me to be his guide for whatever he may need here. I can't ask Cedric because he has a correspondent of his own and Henry... well Henry himself probably doesn't know the whole castle." Elizabeth confessed.

Maeve gaped at the older girl. "Well you're the prefect, why can't you give it?"

"Because she's swamped. With Quidditch practice, preparing for the N.E.W.T.s, prefect duties and now that I'm considering entering the Tournament, I've made Liz the temporary captain of the Quidditch team..." Cedric trailed off.

Maeve sighed to herself. "I love you both, and normally I wouldn't mind it, but Professor Flitwick has assigned me to make Pansy 'choir material' if I want to keep my spot in the choir. That was why I was talking to her this morning by the way. I was going to give her a schedule and everything, then we were going to go look for toads..." she looked into Elizabeth's eyes with a small pout. "But I suppose Pansy can wait." she smiled softly.

"Really?" Elizabeth's eyes lit up.

"Really." Maeve rolled her eyes. "And it has nothing to do with the fact that I'm semi-scared of Pansy and don't want to face her unless I absolutely have to." she huffed.

"Thank you so much May!" the girl hugged her. "I owe you one."

"You better. Get off me now. You're all sweaty from Quidditch practice." she grumbled, pushing her off and the girl just laughed before walking to her dorm.

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