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Peace

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Peace.

Sadly, peace never lasted in my life. Something always came along to ruin it.

This time, it came in the form of the third and final Triwizard Tournament challenge—a maze infested with magic, teeming with who knows what dangers.

Ever since the last challenge, Harry had been sneaking into my room. We spent time together, cherishing those precious moments of solitude. But last night, I didn't sleep a wink. I was so nervous for Harry... I didn't care what place he got in, I just wanted him to come back safe.

Dumbledore had already taken Harry away from me, leading him into the field where they were discussing Merlin-knows-what—probably the challenge. Hopefully, he tells him something that might help.

Either way, I decided to visit another champion. Even though Cedric and I didn't end up together, he would forever be my favorite "almost." I would always love his kind soul. It was incredible how close two strangers could become in just one school year. But I found myself deeply worried for him, secretly rooting for him to win. I knew how much this meant to him—his dream, his chance to make his father proud. And by the looks of it, his father couldn't have been prouder, smiling up at his son and wishing him luck.

"Hey, Ced!" I called out to him. He turned around, and when he saw me, he immediately smiled and ran over, giving me a hug. "You ready to win this?" I asked, hugging him back. He didn't show it, but I could feel how nervous he was.

"You know it, princess. Potter's a good guy and everything, but there's no chance in hell I'm letting him win this," he joked.

"Don't worry, it's not Harry's time. He shouldn't win. I just want him to make it out of there safely."

"I'll keep an eye out for him if you want."

"You'd do that?" I asked, not at all surprised because it was Cedric... of course, he'd do it.

"I'd do anything for you," he said almost sadly, and I couldn't help but feel the guilt in my heart.

"Thank you, Ced." I hugged him once more. "You really don't know how much you mean to me... so stay safe as well, okay? I want both you and Harry to come back alive and well."

"You got it, princess," he laughed.

"Promise me," I asked seriously. His eyes softened, sensing I was genuinely scared for him.

"I promise." With one last squeeze, Cedric ran off to get ready for the competition. I decided to join the twins up in the stands as they yelled all sorts of nonsense, firing up the crowd.

"Do you two ever shut up?" They both looked at me, offended.

"No."

"Not ever," they both answered, making me roll my eyes.

"So, who are you rooting for?" Fred asked, followed by George.

"Lover boy number one or lover boy number two?" I elbowed George.

Ophelia Black ~ Harry Potter fanficWhere stories live. Discover now