the girl with all of the choices

f i v e

2174 words

october thirty-first- the choosing of the champions

As we walked through Hogsmeade the chilly autumn air blew our hair in our faces. It was extremely chilly this Halloween, which made it feel more spooky. The five of us walked through the leaves making small talk while the wind whipped.

We had decided to go on the Hogsmeade trip on this day after Dumbledore had announced that the Champions would be chosen after the Halloween feast. We knew that Cedric really wanted to participate, so to get his mind off of it we decided to spend the Saturday together, having fun like the friends we were.

Fawn, Ainsley, and Matt walked ahead of Cedric and me. Fawn was trying to get Matt to ask Ainsley to go on a date since they both liked each other. Thinking about them as a couple made me think of Cedric and Cho, so I decided to ask about it.

"Anything new and exciting happening with you and Cho?" I asked him.

"Not yet," he answered, "but I really wanted to pick her up some sweets from Honeydukes so that I can give them to her tonight at the Feast."

I looked at him and my lips formed a smile.

"Aw Cedric, she will love that!"

"Anything new in terms of relationships for you, Miss l/n?" he teased.

"Are you kidding me? If I was ever asked out, you would be the first person I told." Wanting to change the subject, I whispered to him. "Also, I'm not supposed to tell you this, but if you get chosen for the Tournament, Justin Finch-Fletchley and Ernie Macmillian are throwing a party. Don't tell anyone I told you, but I figured you'd want to be prepared since you don't like surprises." I smiled at him warmly, and he repeated the gesture.

"Thanks," he said softly. "Although I don't think I'll be chosen."

"Who knows Ced? You could be the next winner of the Triwizard Tournament?"

"I guess we'll see... come on into Honeydukes with me."

He grabbed my hand and led me into the sweet shop.

I got a chocolate cauldron for myself and 5 liquorice wands for Cedric. If he is chosen, they will be his congratulations gift. If he isn't chosen, they will be his comfort snack.

We didn't do much else in Hogsmeade. We tried having fun to take Ced's mind off of the Tournament but it was no use.

-------------------------------------------------------

I was waiting in the common room with Fawn and Ainsley when Matt came out from the hallway that led to the boy's dormitory.

"He's in his room but he won't come out," Matt sighed.

"I'll go," I said.

I walked through the door down the hall towards his room, Matt leading the way since I didn't know which door was theirs. Matt pointed to his room and I knocked gently on the door.

"Cedric? Cedric its Addison. I'm coming in, okay?"

I motioned for Matt to go back to the common room before slowly opening the door. He was leaving against the windowsill, staring out towards the grounds. When he saw me, he started pacing around his room.