Roses and Riots | f. weasley

Chapter 29: Fallen Soldier

A/N: Happy new year you lovely people!!

(If you saw me accidentally post the next chapter instead of this one, no you didn't.)

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Before everyone knew it, the day of the third and final task had arrived, and they were all gathered on the castle grounds in an amphitheatre of benches before an endless, enormous maze.

"Oh look, there's Dad!" Fred said, pointing out Arthur who had just arrived with Amos Diggory.

Emilia followed the twins and Ron to greet Arthur, and he happily hugged them all, and he lovingly wrapped an arm around Ginny's shoulders when she reached them.

"What a pleasure to see you all again!" Amos Diggory said with a charming smile, "it's hard to believe it's been so long since the Quidditch World Cup! Wouldn't you agree, Arthur?"

"The year has flown by, Amos!" Arthur agreed with a grin.

"And to think- oh, Cedric, my boy! Come here!" Amos wrapped an arm around his son, and Cedric gave them all an awkward wave, seemingly embarrassed by being the centre of attention.

"My son, the Champion!" Amos said proudly, "I daresay you'll come back with the cup."

"Dad, come on, they're friends with Harry too-"

"Nonsense, son. You'll win this thing, I just know it!" Amos exclaimed jovially.

Cedric gave them all a bashful smile, and then Dumbledore called for the Champions to gather near the entrance of the maze, which signalled that it was time to return to their seats.

The Weasleys bid goodbye to Arthur and Amos, as did Emilia, and before she left, she reached forward to give Cedric a smile and a gentle squeeze on the arm.

"Good luck, Cedric."

He gave her a grateful smile, "thanks Emilia, see you later."

Emilia intercepted Harry on his way to the entrance of the maze and gave him a tight hug which he reciprocated, "you've got this, Harry."

He patted her on the back and then pulled away and gave her a nod, "I'll see you after."

Within ten minutes, the Champions were heading one by one into the maze. Emilia fidgeted anxiously next to the twins, and Fred nudged her arm, "hey."

"Hm?"

"I don't suppose you want to place any bets, do you?"

"Shut up, Fred," she mumbled and he snorted before turning around to talk to George and Lee.

They waited for what felt like an hour before there was any indication of the progress of the Champions. Within minutes of each other, Fleur and Krum were escorted from the maze, both pale and shaking from what were clearly the effects of magic, and they were immediately tended to by Madam Pomfrey.

Everyone waited for either Harry or Cedric to come out next, and there was an excited energy in the audience, since the winner would be a Hogwarts Champion regardless of the outcome.

Movement from the entrance of the maze made everyone get to their feet, and the band began to play its cheery tune as people applauded Harry and Cedric, while Emilia hurried down the steps to her brother and friend.

But then she stopped when she got closer and saw Harry's face. She knew instantly that something wasn't right.

She felt it in her chest, like a cold chill going through her heart and up her throat, and she slowly made her through the oblivious crowd.