Part Nine
Many of the students whispered amongst themselves about Harry. Saying he put his name in. Newspaper articles about the event and the, now four, contestants sprung up like mushrooms. For the next month the rumors seemed to alienate the youngest champion. Even more so the pins that has circled. They read 'Potter Stinks'. You sat in the courtyard studying when you saw Harry from across the yard. He walked up to Cedric and took him to the side. They talked for a bit then Harry left and Cedric returned to his friends. From the direction Harry went a commotion arose. You heard a Ravenclaw say that Moody had turned Draco Malfoy into a farrett. A few hours later you passed by Cedric near the garden.
"Hey Cedric. Why the long face?" He sighed and looked up. He patted the ground next to him and you sat down.
"I found out what the first task is." Your brows furrowed.
"What is it?"
"We have to recover a golden egg from a dragon." You gasped.
"A dragon! Are you serious?" He nodded.
"Cedric this is way more dangerous then I thought it would be. Will you be ok?"
"I should be. I've been preparing for it since Harry told me."
"Should isn't very reassuring Cedric." He chuckled.
"No nickname huh? I must be really in trouble." You huffed.
"Come on Ced I'm serious. I don't want to see you hurt. Or worse, dead! It's a dragon!"
"I'll be ok. I promise. Don't you worry a hair on that pretty little head of yours." You scoffed.
"I'm not pretty. Or little. I'm a perfectly normal height." The two of you sat in silence for a while.
"Hey Ced...can I ask you a question?"
"You just did." You smacked his arm.
"OK smart-ass." He raised his hands in surrender.
"Whats your question."
"Would you hate me if I had feelings for you?" He looked over surprised.
"No I wouldn't. I'd be flattered. Do you?"
"Do I what?"
"Have feelings for me." You sighed.
"I'm not really sure. I've never loved anyone before so I have nothing to compare this to. But I think so. You don't have to say anything about it but I just wanted to tell you."
"I'm not mad you know. Or grossed out. I know what thoughts run through your head about this stuff. I think I like you too. I mean at first I just thought of you as a friend. But after a year my feelings grew. So what do you say, partners in crime?" He smirked and held his hand out.
"Partners in crime." You took his hand and laced your fingers together.
~
The first task had arrived. It was time to fight the dragons. Before all the champions were all dragged away you met Cedric in a private area. Everyone had already started towards the arena.
"Just remember. Stay calm and concentrate." You held his hands between you.
"I know. I remember." The horns started blaring signifying the time was coming and that he had to go.
"Please, just please be safe." He smiled and pulled you close.
"I will." He kissed your cheek and started towards the arena.
"What was that for?" You yelled after him.
"My good luck charm! I'm sure to win now!" He yelled back at you then disappeared behind the trees. You pressed a hand to the cheek he had kissed.
"How can he be so brave." You made your way to the arena as well and sat in the stands. The first champion to go was Cedric. The dragons looked terrifying. He was against the Swedish Short Snout. It went pretty well all things considered. He got a few bumps and scrapes but other than that he made it out fine. The two other original contestants did pretty well too. It was looking up until Harry faced his dragon. The Hungarian Thorn Tail. It looked determined to kill him. Almost did a few times. But he made it out ok. He got his egg and it was all ok. Everyone made their way back to their dorms. You sat alone in yours wondering what the clue was. Or if any of them had figured it out yet. There was a light patter and a painting told you someone was outside. You checked and Cedric stood there. You invited him in.
"Wow." He looked around.
"Oh yeah. This is the first time you've been in here isn't it? Well this is my place." He sat on the couch.
"Certainly is a lot of green in here. You could do with some yellow." He smirked and you sat next to him. I wouldn't mind that." You smiled.
"I wonder if there's any secret entrances in here." You looked over at him.
"What do you mean?"
"There's secret passage ways all over the castle. Why wouldn't there be one here. Also it'd be an easier way to sneak in here after lights out." You laughed.
"Oh so you just don't want to get in trouble huh." He put an arm around your shoulder.
"Itd be nice to lessen the chance. I do plan on coming here more now that we're together." You leaned into him.
"Yeah. That would be nice. I'll ask the paintings they might know."
"Good. I'll try and get it out of the Weasley twins. I'm sure they know some."
"Well Mr. Diggory, you're turning into a great Hufflebuddy."
1.6.2021