The Fifth Champion

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty Three

Charissa awoke feeling hollow with grief in the hospital wing. Daylight was streaming through a window, but it didn't feel the same. It didn't have the same joy.

She felt something heavy around her neck. It was the locket. Charissa looked at it, but couldn't bring herself to open it just yet. Her mind flashed back to when Cedric has insisted Charissa not enter the tournament. I don't want to lose you. He had said. Charissa reflected on it. Cedric had been so worried about her survival, he hadn't remembered his.

Cedric’s funeral was the next day. Charissa couldn't find tears to cry. All she felt was a hollow feeling in her chest.

Draco approached her afterwards. “You know Diggory was only the first now that the Dark Lord’s back.” He said in a low voice. Charissa could hear a bit of excitement in his voice.

“I give myself a year, maybe two if I'm lucky.” Charissa said back before limping off. She didn't want to speak with anyone at the moment.

The lake had always been her place of comfort. Now, it was filled with Durmstrang students heading back to their ship. Charissa saw Viktor Krum begin to approach her and sprinted off for the forest as fast as she could go.

The trees provided a safe haven, away from the chaos of Hogwarts. Charissa sat on a rock, her leg hanging limp. Hot tears poured down her face as she ripped the locket from her neck and opened it.

Inside, Cedric had stored three pictures. One was of the day of the first task, when she had thrown her arms around him and Rita Skeeter had taken a photo. They looked so happy then.

The second photo was one a Muggleborn had taken several weeks ago. Charissa and the other first year girls had huddled laughing over a chess board, playing against each other and telling jokes.

The last photo was an old one. Charissa vaguely wondered how Cedric had gotten it. The photo was of Charissa and her mother when Charissa was 9.

A piece of parchment fell out as well. It was a letter. Charissa unfolded it and began to read.

Charissa,
If you're reading this, it means I didn't make it. I'm sorry I can't be there for you anymore, I truly am.

Since I'm dead, I'm going to tell you everything I can. Dumbledore spoke to me recently. He told me about the deal, about how your parents promised you to You-Know-Who in exchange for their survival. He told me about something else, which I can't fully disclose, but what I can tell you is this: whatever happens, whatever you saw in the maze, stay in the light. Please, Charissa, stay in the light. Don't turn dark, please. Do it for me, if for nothing else.

You should know that my death isn't random. I chose to die a long time ago. I promised Dumbledore I'd protect you. I promised you'd make it out alive. It's important you survive.

Whatever you're feeling right now, don't push people away. They love you, too, you know. Isabel really cares for you. Don't push people away, Charissa. You can trust them, I promise.

One last request, and that's keep smiling. Keep smiling, Charissa. That smile will change the world, I promise.

I love you sis,
Cedric

Charissa folded the letter back up again. How could she keep smiling when there seemed nothing to smile for?

She'd have to try. Not for herself, not for her friends, not for anyone living. She'd have to try smiling for Cedric.

Because then maybe, just maybe, he wouldn't be gone

Still interested? Keep watch for book 3, coming soon!