Spawn of Azkaban

Chapter Twenty-Three

It's about time Amy got a face claim :))

Song for the chapter: Silly Girl—Chloe Moriondo

"She's horrible," Bianca groans to Cedric. They had just finished therapy and were sitting at their usual booth in the Three Broomsticks.

"At least you know you can beat her in a fight," Cedric winks.

"True, but I just thought when I found her we'd instantly click. Fred and George are best friends, and I don't know I figured we'd have something like that," Bianca says sadly.

She was picking around at her food, not having much of an appetite after therapy. She had talked with Angela about her and Cassie's situation and Angela said Bianca should just kill Cassie with kindness. Cassie most likely had things she was trying to work through as well and maybe one day Cassie would be able to confide in Bianca. Bianca didn't think it was likely. She also didn't feel like being kind. She just wanted to be selfish for once.

Bianca didn't bring up the George situation to Angela. She actually hadn't talked to anyone about it. It was too complicated and it just made her sad. Bianca was just waiting for the day when everything would finally go back to normal.

"I think everyone wishes to have what Fred and George have," Cedric grins before taking a bite of his stake. "They're just always so happy."

"Y'know sometimes I wonder how Cho can fancy you, especially when you talk with your mouth full," Bianca teases crinkling her nose at the boy.

"Well I am the Hogwarts Triwizard champion," Cedric replies gesturing towards himself.

"Ugh I hate playboy Cedric," Bianca laughs. She was kidding though, Cedric was hilarious and sweet, the playboy attitude was just an act.

"You love me."

"Yeah, I do Ceddy boy. Anyway, how's the second task coming along?" Bianca asks before taking a sip of her butterbeer. She could kiss whoever invented it, it was definitely her comfort drink. Her heart sank at the thought of kissing someone. Stop it, she told herself.

"Good, Mad-Eye actually helped me figure out how to open the egg," Cedric says hesitantly. He seemed to be gauging how Bianca would react to this news. It was known to Cedric that Bianca didn't fancy Moody. He was the one who had to get help after Moody caused Bianca's episode after all.

"That seems unfair," Bianca knits her eyebrows together. She decided to leave it at that, not wanting to potentially start an argument.

"Well, I told Harry, so he wouldn't be completely in the dark you know. Plus I owed him from the first task," Cedric explains not meeting Bianca's eyes.

"Cedric Diggory has a heart?" Bianca gasps clutching her chest dramatically. "I knew you'd do the right thing, Mr. Golden Boy. You're just too pure for this world."

They spent the rest of dinner trying to figure out what might be hidden at the bottom
of the black lake. They never came to a final answer, but there were lots of laughs and teasing eye rolls along the way. Eventually, it was time to head back to the castle and Bianca had detention with Moody. He was oh so nice to push detentions back on the days Bianca had therapy so she could still make it.

When Bianca got to her detention, Moody and Cassie were waiting in the same chairs they had been the previous day. They both looked up when she opened the door. She stood taller as she crossed the room to her chair, hoping she looked more confident than she felt.

"Alright, same as yesterday. Work together today though. I'll know if you don't," Moody huffs before hobbling out of the room.

Bianca pulls the book towards her and grabs the quill. She begins circling the As, knowing Cassie won't help. They didn't speak, the room was silent besides the clock ticking in the corner. Bianca could handle the silence. It was far better than Cassie saying something snarky every few minutes. Once Bianca flipped to start working on the next page Cassie cleared her throat. Bianca looked up to see Cassie holding her hand out expectantly. Bianca's jaw practically fell to the floor. She handed Cassie the quill and slid the book across the table.