polaroids (cedric diggory)

twenty

"wildfires & family reunions"

The news that Barty Crouch was dead had spread like wildfire the next day. All of the Great Hall eating in stunned silence at the shock of such an important figure in the Ministry dying on school grounds.

There was a talk that the Triwizard Tournament was going to be cancelled, but Aria knew otherwise, remembering that Crouch had once said the champions were in a binding, magical contract.

With the third task looming, Dumbledore reluctantly dispelled the rumors. The O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams all wrapped up.

Now, Cedric and Aria spent their time in the Library practicing spells that could come in handy. Most people knew the third task was in a maze, as they could see it growing on the Quidditch pitch through the windows.

"Let's try the Explosion Charm again," Aria said, rising to her feet and grabbing a book from the table and throwing it at Cedric.

He reacted quickly, pulling out his wand, the book shattering into a thousand pieces, "Expulso."

"Don't ever tell Hermione I did that," she chuckled, "she'd have my head chopped off. If you want to do that with fire, what spell would you use?"

Cedric smiled, pointing his wand at a piece of parchment he had been doodling on, "Confringo."

She nodded approvingly, interrupted when Professor McGonagall busted into the Library and found them, "Miss Weasley, Mr Diggory, come with me, please."

After packing their bags, they followed McGonagall all the way to the Great Hall where all several small groups were forming, all her siblings crowded around two people sat on one of the benches.

Cedric was surprised to see his mother and father waiting for him, telling Aria to go to her family as he hugged them.

"Mum?" Aria dropped her bag, "Bill?" Mrs Weasley pulled her eldest daughter into a hug, before releasing her to Bill, "What are you two doing here?"

Bill smiled, "We've come to watch Harry in the final task, Dumbledore invited us as family."

Moody brought Harry and Hermione in a few minutes later, Mrs Weasley hugging both of them in turn, treating them as her children,
"Oh, it's so good to see both of you!"

Gabrielle and Fleur were chattering eagerly to their mother and father in French, and Krum speaking to his parents in Bulgarian. Aria noticed the Beauxbatons champion shooting her oldest brother a few glances.

"Ah, Molly!" Amos Diggory suddenly led his wife and son over, politely kissing her on each cheek, before his wife did the same, "We must have you and the family over for dinner sometime!"

Mr Diggory scanned over each of the children, "You must be Aria?" She nodded, shaking his hand and smiling, "We didn't speak at the World Cup, but Cedric's told us all about you.

Fred and George cackled, Cedric going bright red, "Dad!"

Amos laughed, "Sorry, son. But, he's written many letters home, describing patrols with you."

"Really? Well did he tell you about the time he forgot and almost slept through it?" Aria said looking over at her prefect buddy, "I had to go knock on his door and drag him out, so we could patrol."

"No, he didn't, but you sound just like my Ced!" Amos patted Aria's shoulder gently, "No wonder he fancies you!"

Bill suddenly understood, snorting between the twins as Aria and Cedric went crimson with embarrassment.

McGonagall started to address them all, "I know this reunion must mean a great deal, but our students must be heading off to their Common Rooms for the night."

Mrs Weasley pulled each of her children, Harry and Hermione into a final hug, before sending them off to bed. Cedric was waiting for Aria by the doors so they could start their nightly patrol of the corridors.

Fleur, Gabrielle and Viktor all headed outside to the boat and the carriage, stopped only by Aria racing up to them and whispering a few words to Fleur, "His name's Bill."

Smiling, Fleur hugged her goodnight, following her sister and fellow champion. Aria moved back over to Cedric and they moved off to the first floor corridor, looking for any students still out of bed.

"So you told your mum and dad about me?" Aria smirked.

Cedric turned red and started scratching the back of his neck, "Uhm... A little bit, yes." He said nervously.

"Then if it's just a little bit, than okay." Aria chuckled.