Unexpected (A Harry Potter Fanfiction)

Chapter 10

10.

The day had finally arrived, the time to announce the winner of the Triwizard tournament. But not before the third and final task had been completed. The task was to be performed in a very large maze, and the person who won would be the person who found the cup hidden somewhere inside. Although there was still a while left until it began, the stalls surrounding the maze were packed full of students all eager to show their support for one of the four champions.

I was cut off from the rest of the supporters, waiting with Amos Diggory, Cedric’s father, before Cedric came out and the task began. Normally the champions would only have one person on the frontline as it were, but seeing as Cedric was so popular at Hogwarts, I think Dumbledore may have bent the rules for him on that one. I was almost like family to him anyway, so it didn’t really seem out of the ordinary that I should be there to see him off.

To be perfectly honest, I felt sick to my stomach. All the cheering and music all around me was only increasing my feeling of nausea. I was so scared about what could happen. Once the four champions were in that maze, they were alone. No one could see them, no one could check to see if anything went wrong. I think that was the thing that scared me the most.

I’d barely had time to even start to try and control my nerves, when the crowd’s cheering reached a deafening level. Turning my head, I saw the four champions making their way out to the entrance of the maze. Cedric walked out first, waving to the crowd, with a massive grin on his face. Harry didn’t seem as enthusiastic. He looked as nervous as I felt.

Cedric on the other hand was so relaxed. I wondered how he could be so chilled when I was practically having a heart attack inside. All these doubts just kept running through my brain and I couldn’t switch them off. Everyone knew how dangerous these tasks were and I couldn’t help but run through all the possibilities of what could possibly go wrong in my head.

I knew I couldn’t let it consume me though. Although I’m sure I could have just collapsed and broken down right there and then, I couldn’t do that. Cedric needed me, and I needed my time with him before he went in too.

There were various announcements from Dumbledore before the task started, explaining the procedures and how a champion would win. Then all too soon it was time for the champions to enter the maze. Because Harry and Cedric were tied in first place, they would get a head start against Krum and Fleur.

This was it.

Not wanting to forget about my other close friend who was also competing, I made my way over to Harry while Cedric was receiving some last words of encouragement from his father. I knew there was nothing I could say that would make him feel any less terrified, so I gave him the warmest hug I could muster. I knew from experience that this was a good technique when there were no words that would work.

We broke away, Harry giving me a shaky thank you smile, before I turned and headed back to Cedric. He was getting himself ready, physically and mentally preparing himself for what he was about to do.

“Ah there you are” he said, a smile still plastered on his face. I couldn’t form any words, my throat seemed to have constricted making it hard for me to breathe, let alone talk.

“Hey it’s okay” Cedric reassured, coming closer and placing a hand on my shoulder. “I’ll be alright, I’m tough you know”.

I looked up into his eyes, but soon his face started becoming blurry as tears glazed my own eyes.

“Don’t cry” he whispered, pulling me into a hug and resting his chin on the top of my head. “Everything’s going to be okay.” He pulled away again, staring into my green eyes. “I’ll see you on the other side, okay?” He offered a small smile.