Along Came Trouble | Book 2

Chapter 17: I Really Didn't Expect Thing To Go This Way

"Riley, can I ask you something?" Harry asked me. It was a crisp Saturday afternoon, and we were huddled together under a tree, finishing essays.

"Sure." I replied.

"How do you do it?"

I frowned at him. "How do I do what?"

"Everything. How did you go through all you did, and still turn out perfect?" 

"I have no idea what you're talking about." I teased.

"You know! You aren't all dark and creepy, or shy, or anything like that. How are you so strong?"

"I'm not anywhere close to as strong as you are, Harry. Look at you. From what I know, you go through hell every year, and you're still the sweetest person I know. Even Amber liked you, and she's shy at first."

He chuckled and shook his head. "What I go through every year is different. I had help, you know. Ron and Hermione helped me through all of that, and so did you this year. But, for your entire life, even before us, how did you do it?"

"I don't really know. Why do you ask?"

"Anyone would be curious."

"Frankly, I think it's all a matter of giving a crap. I loved Amber, and I needed to take care of her, so I did whatever it took. It's not like you're any different. You risked your life to save me in the second task. Not only that, but you saved a girl you barely knew as well. That's pretty brave in my opinion."

"You think I'm brave?"

"I know you're brave. Whatever the final task is, I know you'll make it through."

"For you, I will."

"Oh, you've got more to live for than me."

"Like what?"

"School, Ron and Hermione, your future in general."

"But nothing beats my beautiful girlfriend."

"I didn't think so."

We both laughed, before going back to our homework. Oh, how I love him.

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"Okay, Harry, good luck. I know you can do this." I said, pulling him into a hug. It feels like the second task just ended, so why the final task now?

"Don't worry, I'll be just fine. Remember, I'm doing this for you. You'll be the only thing on my mind the whole time." He told me, running his fingers through my hair. 

I pulled away, and looked straight into his vibrant green eyes. Slowly, we both leaned in, until our lips brushed against each other's. The sound of Dumbledore's voice, summoning the Champions caused us to break apart. 

"See you soon, beautiful." He told me, pecking my lips one last time.

"I know you can do this. Stay strong for me."

"I will, I promise." With that, he let me. Blinking back the tears in my eyes, I headed to the stands, and sat with Ron and Hermione.

"That was cute." Hermione said, making me roll my eyes at her.

"If that were Ron, you'd do the same." They both blushed, and kept quiet. Then, the Champions were sent into the maze.

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It had been 45 minutes, and the only sign of event going on in the maze was Fleur's failure to make it all the way through. 

I kept telling myself that Harry would be okay, but, it wasn't working. How was I supposed to know if he was hurt, or even alive?

"Reckon he should be almost out by now." Ron muttered.

"Where is he then?" I asked.

"Shouldn't be much longer." Hermione replied.

Sure enough, after 20 minutes, Harry and Cedric appeared on the ground, the Triwizard Cup beside them. The crowd began roaring, and the band started playing again. But, I noticed Cedric was just laying there, limply, while Harry leaned over him, clutching his shirt.

Other people soon began to realize this, and began screaming, or crying.

Cedric was dead, and Harry was crying. I began pushing through people, ignoring their complaints and protests. Not even caring that we were told to stay in the stands, I jumped down, and ran to them.

It hurt me to see my boyfriend like this. I felt my heart shatter when I heard his sobs. I kneeled beside him, now crying as well. My hand shook, as I tried wiping the tears that were rolling down my cheeks. Cedric's lifeless eyes pierced my mind, making me cry harder. He was always kind to me, and never rude. He didn't deserve to die.

Two arms pulled me into someone's lap. I looked up, and saw Harry's face. His cheeks were stained with tears, and dirt. I turned my face into his chest, and continued to cry. He laid his head on the top of mine, and kissed it. 

The comfort of his arms around me was nice, even though he was filthy, and sweaty. But, it wasn't long before Professor Moody jerked him up, and dragged him away. Professor Mcgonagall helped me up, and led me back to the stands, where Hermione and I hugged each other, and cried some more.

I really didn't expect things to go this way.