Chapter 4
J. Finch Fletchley is about to finish his first year at the school for Male Magic and Female Magic, and he is beyond excited.
The Puffs all crowd together seated at their table, nearly drunk on the feeling of excitement (and utter despair from the Brave table, but they always have their own thing going on) in the air. He’s seated next to Susan Bones, who for once doesn’t seem so scared of getting murdered, and Cedric, who is beaming in absolute pride. The sight of it is making J. Finch near hysterical with joy, and when the headmaster begins speaking, they all beam at each other.
The Braves are in last place, and when Dumbledoor announces the third place victory, Cedric rallies all of the Puffs in a victory cheer. The energy and joy in the air is electric, and it must be what magic is all about, because when Cedric squeezes him into a side hug, it makes him feel like he’s levitating above the table and up through the sky charms on the ceiling.
And then the headmaster says something about last minute points. And a chess game. And other- and J. Finch doesn’t like to consider any achievement stupid- but stupid stupid achievements including standing up to friends, and then Harry Potter is all dancing, and the look on Cedrics face hurts more than any of Justin’s own personal feelings about this.
They’re in last place.
The previous energy is gone now, stolen by the Braves who whoop and cheer, and J. Finch wants to comfort Cedric so badly the way Cedric did for him, but just can’t find the words.
Leanne tries, but in the end they’re in last place anyway. Nothing's gonna change that.
But all of a sudden, Cedric pats J. Finch’s back, a small- but genuine- smile on his face. “It’ll be alright, Justin. We’ll get them next year.”
And maybe it’s because he’s a Puff, or because he’s naturally naive and trusting, or because he’s a child, but J. Finch believes him.
They’ll get them next year.
For Cedric.