The Raven's Call

Cedric

A flash of light begins this chapter. but it is one I present to you with the heaviest of hearts. 

Two figures appear on the grass, along with the cup. The crowd erupts in cheer, and the band begins its music once again, seeing the two boys back in one piece. Fleur's scream pierces the air, a gut-wrenching sound that cuts through the cheers like a knife. The mood shifts from elation to sorrow in an instant, the once-unified crowd now divided by shock and confusion.

My heart lurches as I notice Harry with tears streaming down his face, his body trembling with grief. And in his arms lies Cedric, his lifeless form a stark contrast to the celebration unfolding around them. A hush falls over the crowd as the gravity of the scene sinks in. Whispers of shock and disbelief ripple through the onlookers, mingling with Harry's anguished sobs. I watch in stunned silence as Harry cradles Cedric's body, grief etched into every line of his face. It's a heartbreaking sight, and mine just shattered into a trillion pieces. 

"Cedric..?" 

The words escape my lips as the world around me seems to slow down, my legs propel me forward, an unstoppable force driving me toward my brother. I'm powerless to resist, my body moving on instinct alone. My eyes are stinging with the tears that flow and block my vision, as I push past the Weasley twins and fall to my knees next to Cedric and Harry. Dumbledore and Mr. Fudge are there a moment after me, kneeling beside us. 

"For God's sake, Dumbledore, what's happened?"
I hear through mine and Harry's cries. 

"He's back! He's back! Voldemort's back! Cedric, he asked me to bring his body back..! I couldn't leave him, not there!" 
Harry cries.

I feel numb, looking down at Cedric, his eyes wide open. He looks terrified.
"It's all right, Harry. It's alright. He's home. You both are."
I hear Dumbledore's calm voice, soothing to hear through our cries.  

"The body must be moved, Dumbledore. There are too many people."
Fudge orders, though his voice has a hint of softness I've not heard before. A moment later, I hear a familiar, yet heart-wrenching voice drop next to me.

 "That's my son! That's my boy!"
Amos cries, pushing me out of the way to get to Cedric.
"Get away!"
He screams at me, holding Cedric close to him. 

"W-what?"
I ask, wiping my tears with my sleeve.

"How could you let this happen?!"
He screams, I can only blink in response.
"You were supposed to watch out for him this year!"
 He reprimands me. 

"What the fuck was I supposed to do? Go in the maze with him? This is stupid!"
I scream back, my tears flowing again. Is he really blaming Cedric's death on me? Was there more I could have done? No.. Really? I lean in to hold Cedric's hand, looking for any sort of comfort I can find.

"Get away from him, don't touch him!"
Amos yelps. 

"What?? But, I'm your son too?"
I ask. What the hell is happening right now? 

"No! I have no son.. not any more."
He growls at me before continuing to wail over Ced's body. I feel a pair of hands grab my arms, helping me to my feet. 

"Come on, son. Come with me."
Arthur Weasley's voice fills my ears through the cries and murmurs around us. He takes me away from the field, away from the crowds, the Weasley clan following close behind. 

***

I'm numb again. This time, emotionally. I don't know what to feel. I've just lost my brother and the only people I've ever called family. And...

It's all my fault.

***

I hear the Weasleys all chatter around me. Arthur and his wife Molly discussing something in hushed yelling. The twins trying to comfort me while also mourning the loss of their friend. Ron and Ginny arguing about Harry. It's all a bit much, really. But I don't pay too much attention until I hear my name spoken from Molly. 

"Atticus, dear?"
She speaks in a gentle tone. It's rather comforting. 

"Mm?"
I respond, my voice monotone, and my gaze uninterested. 

"Arthur and I were wondering if you wanted to come live with us after school's finished. We can have all your things sent over." 

I shake my head.
"I don't have much. But sure."
I respond. My heart feels ecstatic, though I can't seem to even force a smile, I feel so broken. But at least I have somewhere to live.  

***