Darling - Cedric Diggory

14

I tuck my hair behind my hair and clutch my arms tighter to myself trying to combat the cold as I walk along the long bridge on my way to go and see Minnie, it's been a few days since I popped in and I can tell she's nervous about me.

I blink twice when I see him. The familiar ginger hair and slightly more muscular build than the rest of his brothers. It's been a year or so since I last saw him but he easily takes his place in his family to me; an older brother. Still not quite believing I'm not just seeing things I'm pulled out of my trance when he talks

"Ah miss Black, I was hoping I'd see you," he grins and I can't help myself from running into his open arms letting him give me a tight squeeze

"You dick!" I shout swatting his arm "why didn't you tell me you were here?"

"It was kind of last minute. Now the twins say you've had your heartbroken. Which little shit head do I need to punch?" It's not a joke it's an offer

"You'll do no such thing,"I scold "The twins and Haz gave him a good shouting at,"

"Who is it?" He pesters. I know Charlie knows Cedric, I remember him doing work in Amos's garden when we were all younger, the summer before he left.

"Cedric Diggory," I admit

"Amos' kid?"

"Yeah,"

"Little shit. Best hope he doesn't see me about," he threatens darkly.

"Enough about me. How are you?"

"I'm great. Happy to be home to be honest, I'm considering making the switch home permanent,"

"We both know that won't happen, you love what you do too much. Why are you home though?"

"For the tri-wizard tournament of course," he grins

"Surprised you care so much about a kids game," I laugh

"Not quite Black. I'm not here to watch it. The first task, Im here cause I brought the first task with me it-"

"Dragons. The first task is dragons?" I question I'm absolute shock. He chuckles nodding

"Why do you look like you just got hit by a truck? Who's in this tournament?"

"Cedric," I utter barely able to speak "I- I- I gotta go warn him. I'll see you?" I question he nods and I turn sprinting in the direction of the kitchens and ultimately the Hufflepuff common rooms.

I stand in front of the barrels inwardly screaming. I can't remember which fucking barrel I'm supposed to hit. Is it the second or third. Shit. I groan moving forward ready to be covered in vinegar if I pick the wrong one when it happens.

"Black? What you doing here?" It's Justin. He's smiling, I know he is obviously on Cedric's side but he is kind to me. "Does Ced know you're here?"

"Is he in there?"

"Yeah. Working on a potions essay,"

"I need you to let me in! I have to talk to him," I beg desperately. He looks me up and down clearly debating if I'm only here to fight some more with his best friend "please, Justin, I have to tell him something. It's. I can't explain how important it is," he sighs at me before opening the door and leading me in.

I've only been in the Hufflepuff common room once before but notice its homely. It's a circular room. Decorated in house colours of black and yellow. A large fire burns.

Justin leads me to where Cedric is sat at a table with his work set out in front of him. Our work.

I notice eyes on us but don't react as I come to a halt in front of Cedric. He looks up at the feeling of a presence and Justin sends me one last smile before leaving, shouting at everyone to stop staring.

"Em?" He questions, clearly surprised. I want to cry just looking at him. How is he ever going to go up against a dragon. My heart aches at the thought of him hurt and yet I'm so sure it will happen.

"Can I talk to you? In private?" I question. He nods standing up and leading me through a circular door and down some stairs, through another and into a dormitory.

He turns to me expectedly. Now I'm in front of him I'm not really sure how to say it.

"I ran into Charlie Weasley." I state

"How is he?" He questions confusion dripping from his features. Why would I ignore him for almost a month. Ignore his sweet attempts to speak to me and then come here to tell him that.

"He's fine. Here for the tournament,"

"That's Nice," he comments "are you okay?"

"It's not nice. It's the first task. Dragons," I blurt out. His eyes widen mouth a jar, I wonder if it's the same face I pulled when Charlie told me. The hit by a truck thing makes sense.

"You're sure?" He questions

"Yeah. Charlie told me," I confirm. He stumbles backwards onto the bed I know to be his. His head in his hands. God I wanted him to be confident. Maybe I would be if he was. I breathe deeply before moving to sit next to him.

"I can't really help much. I don't know much about dragons," I whisper "Charlie used to talk about them a lot but I can't remember. I'd organise for you guys to talk but I think if he saw you he'd probably punch you. Plus it's probably not allowed," I continue he chuckles at that. God I wish we could just be happy laughing by the lake again.

"I don't know much about them either. Just the whole fire thing,"

"They get distracted easily," I shrug. Squeezing his hand. He squeezes back.

"Em-" he starts

"No. You can't be thinking about me. About us. Be focused alright? Make a plan. You promised me you were going to try. I really need you to not die,"

"You're all I think about," he admits. I sigh pressing a kiss to the top of his head

"Sorry the twins and Harry shouted at you,"

"I deserved it. Deserve the punch Charlie wants to give me too,"

"Maybe after you escape his dragon he'll give it to you," I smile he laughs at that

"Promise me you'll do some research. Come up with a plan?" I question he nods smiling up at me but it's more of a grimace.

"Good luck," I smile he nods again and I leave.

*

I feel like my heart is in my throat as I watch. Like I can't breathe. I stand under Fred's arm tucking myself into his chest. Holding my breath eyes closed.

If Cedric Diggory is about to get lit on fire I'm not going to force myself to watch it. The crowd is in an apprehensive silence. I hold my breath.

"OH MY GOD HES DONE IT!" Fred's voice sounds amongst the suddenly screaming crowds.

I feel like I could cry. God. He's alive. He's burnt but okay. I hear Amos' shouts of "THATS MY BOY"

A rock too a dog. Smart. Distracting.

"He's okay," Fred whispers to me pulling me into a tight hug. I can't help the tears then as I cry into his chest. Relief.

I leave quickly, the crowds cheers still sounding as I head back into the castle.

He's okay.