Spawn of Azkaban

Chapter Nine

Song for the chapter: The Night We Met—Lord Huron

After dinner that night, the Hufflepuff students decided to throw a celebration party for Cedric. Many of the sixth and seventh-year students began setting up the common room with decorations. A few snuck off to the kitchen to grab snacks and drinks. Bianca, however, waited in the common room for Cedric to return. She wanted to check on him before he is bombarded by everyone.

Eventually, he returns and he has a neutral look on his face, not giving away how he's feeling. He sees the girl and makes his way over to her. "So how are you feeling, Mr. Hogwarts champion?"

"Well I'm not the only one," he answers bitterly. "I just don't get it, this was supposed to be my moment. Harry's always been in the spotlight, hell my own dad even compares me to Harry. I finally proved myself as a worthy champion for Hogwarts and Harry steals the spotlight once again."

Bianca stays quiet while Cedric rants, letting him get out all of his anger. When he's done she carefully forms a response, not wanting to upset him further. "Cedric do you think there's any way that someone else could've put Harry's name in the goblet? You weren't there to see his face, but he looked just as shocked as the rest of us."

"That's what they said in the room as well, but I don't know. It just seems convenient that Harry always finds himself right in the middle of all the action," Cedric sighs leaning back on the couch.

"Cedric, I can't imagine what's going through your head right now, but hear me out. Coming from someone who is constantly being talked about and stared at, I don't think Harry wants any of the attention he's receiving. Harry's also been through so much at such a young age. He's fourteen year's old and he's survived a killing curse, came face to face with Voldemort-"

"Please don't say his name," Cedric winces.

"Sorry, You-Know-Who," Bianca corrects. "I mean his first year at Hogwarts he fought a troll and defeated You-Know-Who in the basement. I think he was probably relieved that there was going to be something to finally take the attention off of him and that all just backfired."

"That's the thing, Bianca, it all makes sense when I analyze it. There's still this part of my brain that won't let me get over it though," Cedric responds sounding defeated and exhausted.

"I know Cedric," Bianca sighs then rubs his back hoping to comfort him. "But you've got a party waiting for you so you better cheer up fast."

They both smile as they watch everyone pretending to be busy, but stealing glances at Cedric. Bianca tells him to have fun and congratulates him before making her way up to the dormitory. Juniper's in there putting on makeup for the party.

"Juniper why are you getting all ready?" Bianca questions.

"Because there's a party?" she answers in a 'duh' tone. "You should be getting ready too."

"Well everyone else is still in their school clothes, I think you're the only one putting in this much of an effort," Bianca chuckles plopping down on her bed. "Also, I'm calling it a night. This day has exhausted me."

"I guess that just means all the attention will be on me. Maybe I'll bring someone home tonight who knows?" Juniper continues doing her makeup and Bianca can't help but laugh at her ridiculous best friend.

"You don't think maybe everyone will be focused on Cedric? You know one of the Hogwarts champions?"

"Oh my god yeah can we talk about that? Was Cedric totally pissed that Harry's name was drawn too?" Juniper asks turning to face Bianca. She explains her encounter with Cedric and Juniper chuckles. "Even pissed off he's still a good man."