Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: Underwater Secrets
☆
TARA WAS STILL REELING FROM THE YULE BALL. Every time she let herself think about it, her cheeks flushed warm and her heart fluttered in her chest. The way Cedric's hands had rested gently on her waist, his touch careful, reverent, like she was something fragile. Her arms had looped around his neck almost instinctively, and neither of them had looked away, not even once, as they swayed in time with the music. The memory of it — of him — lingered, refusing to fade. After the ball, they'd wandered up to the Astronomy Tower, the world below forgotten beneath the soft shimmer of moonlight. It had felt like something out of a dream.
But now, it was just that — a dream. A week had passed, and she hadn't seen Cedric since, not really. Only in Potions, where he was still his usual charming self, but he hadn't brought up the ball. Not a single word. She'd tried to convince herself that he was simply focused on the upcoming Second Task, but the quiet whisper of doubt — that maybe he regretted the night — haunted her every thought.
She'd thrown herself into the puzzle of the golden egg from the First Task, but it only yielded frustration. Every time she cracked it open, the room filled with that same unbearable, screeching wail. It was maddening, but then Cedric had appeared beside her at the Gryffindor table one evening, while she was mid-laugh with Fred and George.
"Tara, may I speak with you for a moment?" Cedric's voice was soft and polite, but his smile made her heart skip a beat. Her twin brothers immediately shared a knowing look and smirked, Fred giving her an obnoxious wink just as she choked on her pumpkin juice. Flustered, she stood quickly, still coughing a bit, but nodded and followed Cedric as he led her from the Great Hall.
He didn't speak until they were alone in a quiet corridor, well away from curious ears.
"Have you figured out your egg yet?" Cedric asked, and the mischievous glint in his eye did not go unnoticed by Tara.
"Not even close," she admitted, frowning. "All I hear is that awful screeching,"
He leaned in a little, voice dropping to a near-whisper. "Mad-Eye Moody gave me a hint,"
"Seriously?" Tara asked in disbelief, this new information had definitely piqued her interest.
Cedric nodded, his grin widening at her reaction. "Meet me in the Prefects' Bathroom tonight at eleven o'clock. It's on the fifth floor, the door is beside Boris the Bewildered's statue and the password is Pine Fresh. I'll explain everything there,"
Before Tara had the chance to reply, he leaned forward and brushed a soft, quick kiss to her cheek, then turned and walked away, glancing back once with a grin as she stood rooted to the spot, stunned.
