𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 - cedric diggory

chapter 16

The next morning, feelings were bittersweet. After Emelie had come back from the Astronomy Tower, she'd seen Hermione crying over how badly Harry and Ron were fighting. She'd reassured Hermione everything would have been alright but now, the morning brought no promises.

Ron sat as far away from Harry as possible and now that the champions had been officially chosen, everyone was taking sides, something Emelie didn't like at all.

Since she felt responsible for Harry's name in the Goblet, now she was determined to keep a look out for him. Neville was being far more nice than usual by comforting Emelie.

"It seems like it's your fault because you are older and therefore destined to protect Harry but you probably have nothing to do with this", he'd told her at breakfast, whispering. Emelie had been eternally grateful for his words but even then, she wasn't convinced.

Since today was a Saturday, Emelie had a whole free day and decided to spend the morning going to Hagrid's hut to talk to him about what was going on since she imagined Ron, Harry, and Hermione wouldn't all be going together.

Once she got there, she boldly knocked on Hagrid's door. When Hagird opened it he was surprised to see Emelie standing there rather than his usual visitors, the golden trio.

"Emelie, come in, come in". He gestured towards the seats next to his big table that displayed a tea kettle. Fang, Hagrid's boarhound, immediately went over to greet Emelie, drooling over her socks peeking over her shoes.

"Hello Fang", she said, caressing his head. Hagrid placed a tray of biscuits on his table then said,

"Something ye need Emelie?".

"Yes, actually", she said, sitting down, "Harry... well, he got chosen to be Hogwarts champion and he didn't even get near the goblet". Hagrid nearly dropped his tea kettle.

"I'd heard certain rumours yet I didn't think it ought to be true". He sat down as well now. "I imagine 'Arry must have taken it pretty badly". Emelie nodded.

"Him and Ron even fought last night; they haven't talked all morning and probably never will". Emelie stopped, not ready to say the next part.

Hagrid comforted her by telling her to take her time.
Emelie finally took a deep breath continuing. "I think it's my fault, Hagrid. When we went to Sirius's hiding spot, he told me to protect Harry, Ron, and Hermione but I think I somewhat failed because ...."

Hagrid finished the sentence himself. He sighed, patting Emelie's outstretched hand on the table.

"Emelie, I don't reckon it's yer fault. Ye shouldn't feel responsible for something he didn't have any control over. Someone, probably Bartemius Crouch Snr., put Harry's name in the Goblet unfairly and this is what we ended up with". Emelie did a double take.

"Wait... you think Bartemius Crouch Snr. put Harry's name in the goblet?". Hagrid's eyes widened in realization that he spoke without thinking.

"That's a story for another time. But anyone put that name in the goblet except ye. If Dumbledore hadn't a clue how to stop it then how could ye?". Emelie nodded, letting this sink in.

"Thank you Hagrid, really." She got up, pushing her chair in. Hagrid offered her some biscuits but Emelie, knowing Hagrid's bad cooking skills, shook her head.

"I'm not hungry, but thank you again, Hagrid".

"It's not a problem". He opened the door and let her out. Emelie walked back to school with a clear mind. She reckoned it was best if she went and changed her socks, filled with dog drool.

Once she did change her socks, now Gryffindor patterned, Emelie decided to walk back to the courtyard until it was time for lunch.

When she got there, though, she noticed Harry and Ron arguing again and several people wearing badges that read, "Cedric Diggory". Emelie desperately wanted to know why people were wearing these badges, but something stopped her the moment she saw Draco Malfoy jumping off a tree to face Harry, who had just stopped talking to Ron.
Emelie walked over as soon as Harry shoved Draco lightly towards the tree.

"What's going on here?", Emelie asked, staring Draco down.

"Just me predicting that Potter will only last about 5 minutes in the tournament".
Draco then tapped his Cedric Diggory badge making it turn dark green with the words, "Potter Stinks" written on it.

"Leave him alone, will you?".

"Why should I, Amelia? What are you going to do about it?". Emelie rolled her eyes at the word Amelia and said, "Well, I could report this to Dumbledore".

"As if Dumbledore would do anything to-". Draco was cut off by a sudden motion behind Emelie. Before she knew it, in the place of Draco was standing a big white ferret. Emelie twisted her head around to find Mad-Eye Moody waving his wand, making Draco (Emelie liked to think of him as a ferret) jump up and down in the air.

The students all around them laughed along with Emelie and Harry, Emelie being glad that Harry was enjoying a small moment outside the common room.

Out of the corner of her eye, Emelie saw Cedric laugh, pointing at Ferret-Draco who was now going up Goyle's shirt. Emelie's heart skipped a beat. He's even more handsome when he laughs, she thought.

The whole event was soon interrupted by McGonagall who found none of this stunt amusing.

"Alastor, what do you think you're doing?" she asked shrilly.

"Teaching" was Mad-Eye Moody's simple response.

"You call this teaching?". McGonagall was baffled. "Turn the student back into a human this instant".

And with a flash of his wand, Moody transformed the ferret back into Draco whose hair had been put out of place, now messy rather than the usual slicked back hair.

Emelie and Harry, not wanting to further disturb the two professors who were arguing, walked over to the Great Hall for lunch. Harry let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you for, er, helping me back there Emelie", he said somewhat shyly.

"No problem", Emelie replied. Before Harry could open his mouth to talk again Emelie said, "Listen Harry, about the fact that you're a champion now, I'm sorry I wasn't able to help-". Harry raised up his hand.

"Emelie, it's really not your fault. Besides, I've got more important things in mind". He nodded his head over to where Hermione and Ron were walking separated from them.

"Not to mention, they've just assigned the first task which is set to happen in about 20 days". Emelie suddenly got excited at the probability that she could help prepare him for the first task.

"And what do you need to do for the first task?"

"Slay a dragon and catch an egg". Emelie nearly choked on the smell of food as she entered the Great Hall.

"My goodness, how are you going to prepare for that in 20 days?". How was anyone going to prepare for that in twenty days?, Emelie silently thought.

"Don't worry, I've got it all figured out; at least I hope so. All I need is you by my side and if they are willing, Ron and Hermione". Emelie smiled softly.

"Of course, I'll help. And Harry", Emelie said before he could sit down. "They are willing to help, trust me, just give them time".