Misfire » Cedric Diggory | Draco Malfoy

26 - This Wasn't in H2O

The overwhelming feeling of the Second Task had taken over Cedric. Everyone sat at dinner, chattering among themselves, but Cedric stayed quiet. Chantal had joined him at the Hufflepuff table the evening before the task. Although they had figured out that the task would take place in the Black Lake and Cedric knew a spell that could help him breathe underwater for an hour, he wasn't so sure if he had to know what to retrieve.

''Please, eat up! And I'll make you eat a nice breakfast too,'' Chantal comforted him.

''Do you think Harry has it all figured out?'' Cedric asked.

''I really doubt so. Last time I checked, he strut around nervously with his friends,''

''That doesn't make me feel any better,''

''It would certainly make me feel better. I bet that Krum and Fleur are just as confused,''

''It's not about confusion. I hate not knowing what's going to come...''

''You did nicely in the first task! What makes you think it's going to be any different in this one? You got the spell down and all you just have to do is find something,''

Cedric grunted and continued eating.

''Not to mention you're really good at spells! Cedric, if there's anyone that can do this, it's you. It's not a coincidence that the Goblet picked you,'' Chantal kept encouraging him.

Cedric thanked Chantal but asked her not to brag about his skills too much, as he wasn't too sure of himself. After their friends had finished eating and Chantal was still demanding Cedric eat more, they joined them at the Hufflepuff table.

''So how are we-' Dina began, but Chantal instantly flashed her with her eyes as a warning sign not to ask Cedric about the task. ''how did you all like the pudding? Chocolate... c'mon. At least gives us something new!''

They sat at the table for only a few minutes until Professor Snape called Chantal's name.

''Miss Sparrow, there is something to be discussed among us... in private,'' he said, standing by their table. ''if you kindly follow me...''

''Of course, professor,'' Chantal replied.

''It will take some time... it's about your O.W.L.s. It's high time we discuss what you'll do with your future. Don't you agree?''

''At nine in the evening? The night before-'' Dina began asking.

''Of course, professor,'' Chantal interrupted.

''I'll go to bed soon, Chan, so I'll see you tomorrow, okay?'' Cedric said.

''You will...'' Professor Snape.

Chantal leaned in for a kiss, wishing him a good night's sleep.

''I'll meet you later,'' she said, looking at Victoria.

Her friend nodded but only told Dina later that she had the same suspicion as to her. The rest of them did not stay too long at the Great Hall and went to their Common Rooms soon enough.

Chantal didn't ask Snape why he wasn't leading her to his office and why they were walking past the staircase to the Dungeons in the Viaduct Entrance. They entered the Middle Courtyard and headed straight to Professor McGonagall's office.

''After you, Miss Sparrow,'' Snape said, opening the door.

As Chantal stepped inside, her eyes met Harry's two friends - Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. There was another girl, not even eleven years old. Chantal soon understood that it was Fleur Delacour's sister.