Work Text:
Cedric spent every day at the park with his case at his side. He'd had countless sketchbooks filling his shelves filled with things he had seen or imagined in this setting. He hoped one day to sell enough to make a living, but for now no one seemed to even deem his drawings or pastel drawings good enough to even buy. He worked a day job, but most of his free time was spent here out of the stifling studio apartment he called home.
This particular day, his page was blank. He'd tried drawing, but nothing seemed to come to mind. Maybe his father was right… you couldn't eat a drawing. Was this even fulfilling as a hobby anymore?
Just as he was considering packing up and going home, a girl on a bike slowed down and parked, taking her seat on the other side of the bench. She was lovely with mounds of coily hair. The ends had been bleached and dyed a light blue, reminding him of cotton candy. She wore white dungarees with silver stars on the knees and a green t-shirt. She also had on a simple witch's hat to keep her face shaded from the sun. She curled up on the seat, glancing at him only long enough to nod before taking a book out of her hobo bag to read.
She was beautiful.
Cedric got to work, using charcoal and pastels to draw and color her. She didn't seem to notice, just looking down at her book. Judging by the cover, it looked to be a biography of some great wizard. He paid special attention to her hair. She had great hair. Coils and curls. And such lovely brown skin. She moved quite a bit as she read, stimming her fingers so that sparks flew around and Cedric incorporated that. When he was done, he was sure it was the greatest thing he'd ever done.
Clouds were rolling in, which meant that his supplies were in danger. He rose to his feet and waved to get the girl's attention.
"I apologize for interrupting," he said. "I just wanted to give you this."
She lowered her book and took the portrait.
"For me?" she said.
"Yes."
She looked at it and back at him. "This is… me?"
"Yes. I had artist's block and then you showed up. I felt you should have it."
She stared at it and tears flooded her eyes.
"Thank you," she whispered. "I… no one's ever really seen me this way. A muse… inspiration."
He shrugged and suddenly felt shy.
"Well… I'm glad you like it."
She took a binder out of her bag and placed the picture within it so it wouldn't get ruined. She stood up and stuck out her hand.
"I'm Hermione."
Cedric smiled and shook it. "Cedric."