Darling - Cedric Diggory

19

I sit in the back of DADA next to George who is listening intently to Uncle Remus. It had always been a class I enjoyed and excelled in but I can't quite focus on it. Cho Chang sits two rows a head of me looking upset and I can't help but wonder if Cedric is alright. She's probably just nervous for the second task tomorrow, I hope they haven't argued, he can't get distracted right now.

"Professor Lupin, sorry to disturb you. I need to borrow Miss Black," Professor McGonagall apologises stepping into the room.

Uncle Remus scans his eyes over me, a sense of worry and dread in them "For a house related query?" He questions

"I'm afraid that what we discussed yesterday has come true," she answers, nerves evident. Uncle Remus' eyes widen as he stared at me with guilt and fear.

"Oh. Right. Em if you want to go with Professor McGonagall, leave your stuff and George can bring it to the common room later," he commands, knowing him my whole life I can see evident regret on his face. It sits on Minnie's too.

I stand up shooting George a shrug before exiting into the corridor.

"Minnie, what's happening? Is dad okay?" I question following her as she walks quickly to her office.

"Your father and all your family are completely fine," she smiles warmly "Come have a biscuit," she states leading me into her familiar office.

I take a seat, her office isn't somewhere that normally scares me but a sense of dread fills the room.

"What's happening?" I question, biting into the bourbon in my hand

"Are you close with and of the victors?" She questions

"I- well- Ced and I were dating but he's with Cho now," I splutter.

"I just want you to know," she's speaking in a rushed, anxious tone "You are never going to be in danger. Remus, Albus and I will not allow you to come in harms way," she assures me.

"Minnie, I'm confused," I admit

"I'm not allowed to tell you anymore. Just don't panic, you're okay," she reiterates before the door springs open. Fleur's little sister is lead into the room followed by Hermione who shoots me a confused look. A ministry official is behind them.

The room is silent for a few minutes before Dumbledore walks in.

"Thankyou for being here ladies," he smiled warmly, as if we had a choice. "You have all been selected to participate in the task tomorrow. Do not panic. You will not have to do anything, nor will you be in any danger," he explains. I look at her Hermione who appears nervous and grab her hand squeezing it.

With no more explanation Dumbledore draws his wand placing an incantation over us one by one. He places it over me and the world goes dark, I struggle to keep my eyes open before eventually letting them droop closed. Feeling the world around me fall away.

**

It's impossible to stop myself from gasping as I reach the surface. I'm freezing cold and desperate for air, I look around to see Cedric, he's swimming in the direction of the cheering dock "you okay?" He questions looking back at me, I nod, completely dazed and confused.

He's quick to continue swimming, we are pulled up onto the dock and immediately everyone surrounds Cedric. A towel is wrapped around me and Ced kneels down by my side.

"You sure you're alright?" He whispers taking his own towel off to give my shivering body an extra layer.

"Yeah. Yeah. I'm just-"

"We should talk," he states. I nod unable to look away. Unable to deny how handsome he looks with his hair wet and a kind smile on his face. Nose and cheeks tinged pink from the icy water. He helps me up pulling me through the cheers.