Defend

Chapter Fifteen He's Gone

 "The final task is in two days," I tell Cedric. "Aren't you nervous?"

 "Slightly. But I know I'll be fine."

 "Do your best. I'm rooting for you." I give him a hug. 

~~~~

 As I fall asleep that night, I can't help but wonder about who will win. Harry has done BRILLANT for being underage, but Cedric is doing pretty good as well.

 We're finishing dinner when Ginny gets up.

 "Eliza, I'm too excited so I'm going to go get seats early. Come see me when you're done!"

 My mouth is stuffed full with food, so I wave and attempt a smile over my full mouth.

 I see Cedric get up as well, and I sprint over to him.

 "Aw, hi Eliza."

 "Be safe, and win the prize money." I say, hugging him tightly.

 He laughs and pats my head. "I'll try."

 I continue hugging him. "I love you, Ced."

 "I love you, Liz." My brother hugs me back and I watch him leave the Great Hall, using the sweet nickname I haven't heard since first year, and before that when I was a toddler.

 When I'm finished eating Draco takes my hand.

 "Fancy going now?" He inquires, standing up.

 "Sure. You know I'm going to sit with Ginny though, right?"

 "Yes."

 I kiss his cheek. "Just checking."

 We walk to the quidditch pitch, which doesn't even look like the quidditch pitch anymore.

 "Blimey."

 I have no idea how we're going to find Ginny. She was smart to go early, the place is PACKED. Actually packed might not even be a good word for it. More like, CRAMMED.

 "Love, honestly, you're probably not going to find her, so just sit with me."

 "Okay." I agree, holding tight to his hand, my heart fluttering at the term of endearment.

 We climb up into the stands and finally find two empty seats to watch. Harry and Cedric are tied for first, so they run into the maze first.

 "I hope they're alright," I say after about twenty minutes of staring at an appearingly empty maze.

 "I'm sure they're fine. Wouldn't be so sure about Potter though, he's pretty daft."

 I swat his arm. "Don't say that."

 "Fine, I'll only say it inside my head."

 "Good enough." I smile at him. "My parents are here, I believe, they came to see Cedric, maybe you could meet them." I suggest, gazing around the vast crowd.

 "Sounds utterly terrifying."

 "C'mon my parents are the sweetest. And I even wore Cedric down, and that brother of mine can be as stubborn as a mule."

 "True, my girl knows how to wear people down." He wraps his arm around my waist and I blush as I bury my face in his chest.

 I pull away. "Don't be foolish, I have you wrapped around my pinkie finger."

 Draco scoffs, but doesn't say anything. He knows I'm right. 

 Ten more minutes pass.

 And another ten.

 Finally Krum and Fleur are hauled out.

 I stand up and look for Harry and Cedric. "Wait, if they're out, and there's no cup, that means the other two are still in there, but why aren't they out? The cup is supposed to be a portkey so they will arrive at the entrance of the maze."

 Draco grabs the back of my jacket and yanks me back to my seat. "Give it a rest, love, I'm sure they're fine."

 Without warning, the cup floats down to earth from the opposite direction of the maze with Harry clinging to it.

 Draco immediately looks panicked and squeezes my hand.

 "He's gone."

 "What?" I panic, sensing the urgency in his voice.

 "Cedric's dead."