you were mine

two - remember cedric diggory

I look over at the Hufflepuff table, their quiet voices, pale faces, and a wave of guilt flashes over me. I don't know why, I didn't kill Cedric. I'm grieving a friend also. But I feel as though--with my family being one of Voldemort's goons--that I had something to do with it. That I took away their friend. I glance at the Ravenclaw table only to be met with Cho sobbing on her friend's shoulder. Another wave of guilt as if I took away her love. I turn as Draco places his hand on mine, pulling my attention to him, "Dumbledore's starting." he whispers and I nod, turning my head to the pedestal.

"The end," Dumbledore starts, gazing over the crowd with a look of sorrow, "of another year." His eyes fall on the Hufflepuff table which is now completely quiet. The anticipation in the room is high, wondering if he's going to acknowledge recent events or let them blow past him like it seems the other professors have.

"There is much that I would like to say to you all tonight, but I must first acknowledge the loss of a very fine person, who should be sitting here," he nods towards the Hufflepuff table. It seems as though every head in the room turns to the table before looking back at Dumbledore, curious about what he has to say. I look at Draco, his head hung low--obviously feeling the same guilt I am. I sigh as I turn to Theodore, his eyes plastered on Dumbledore. "enjoying our fest with us. I would like you all, please, to stand, and raise your glasses, to Cedric Diggory."

Everyone stands, whether they had ever talked to Cedric, or if they were best friends, every person in the dining hall gets up. I hear Cho let out a sob before silencing herself. I let out a breath as I grab my glass, along with everyone else, and raise it to the ceiling, "Cedric Diggory." the room erupts before sitting back down.

"Cedric was a person who exemplified many of the qualities that distinguish Hufflepuff house," Dumbledore continued. "He was a good and loyal friend, a hard worker, he valued fair play. His death has affected you all, whether you knew him well or not. I think that you have the right, therefore, to know exactly how it came about."

My heart starts to race, maybe Voldemort didn't do it, or maybe Dumbledore is about to tell everyone that Voldemort is back. Either way, everyone in the room is anxious to hear. Draco slides his hand over, placing it on top of mine. I look at him, giving him a small smile before turning back to Dumbledore. I glance at Theodore, knowing the situation with Voldemort affects him too--his father's a death eater. But he seems to be handling it well.

"Cedric Diggory was murdered by Lord Voldemort."

A whisper sweeps through the dining hall as my heart drops. I had already expected it, but to know it's true--he's really back--brings everything crashing. Draco squeezes my hand and I look at him--seeing the same nervous look plastered on his face. People stare at Dumbledore in disbelief, shocked, and scared. But he just stands, calmly, watching as he lets everyone register what he just said.

"The Ministry of Magic," Dumbledore starts again, though people don't stop whispering, "does not wish me to tell you this. It is possible that some of your parents will be horrified that I have done so--either because they will not believe that Lord Voldemort has returned, or because they think I should not tell you so, young as you are. It is my belief, however, that the truth is generally preferable to lies, and that any attempt to pretend that Cedric died as the result of an accident, or some sort of blunder of his own, is an insult to his memory."

I think about my father, and what will he be like when I get home today, maybe he hasn't heard the news. But I'm sure some other death eater has sent him a letter, letting him know of this 'great' moment in history.

"There is somebody else who must be mentioned in connection with Cedric's death, I am talking, of course, about Harry Potter."

Everyone's head turns toward the boy at the Gryffindor table quickly before turning back to Dumbledore to hear why Harry is involved. I look at Draco, who, even with his hate for Harry, is looking at the boy with guilt. I hear Theodore let out a breath, turning my attention to him, "You alright?" I whisper and he nods, looking down at the table.