polaroids (cedric diggory)

twenty three

"recovery"

Over a hundred people had came to see Aria in the Hospital Wing while she was unconscious, leaving flowers and chocolates and presents for when she woke up. The whole school, along with Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, had been informed that she was making a speedy recovery, and would be awake soon.

Cedric was by her side whenever he wasn't eating or in lessons, his hand gently laced with hers and holding her knuckles to his chin.

Fleur and her sister would come in occasionally, Gabrielle weaving Aria's ginger hair into a plait that fell over her right shoulder.

The Weasleys, Harry and Hermione had to take it in shifts to stay with her, as Madam Pomfrey only allowed their daughter to have two visitors at a time. The Weasley matriarch actually found it quite sweet that her daughter had so many visitors, with a surprisingly high number from Beauxbatons.

It was one such day, when Tayla and Katie were with her, that she woke. Madam Pomfrey was with them in an instant, helping the girl into a seated position as her two best friends raced to find her mother to tell her mother to tell her the good news.

Aria groaned, her head throbbing as she helped up by the nurse, "Did you get him? Did you get Moody?"

Madam Pomfrey smiled, "It was a Death Eater under the influence of Polyjuice Potion, but yes, they've got him." Aria's features broke into a very weak smile, as it hurt her to smile anymore than that.

"You had several broken bones, but I've been giving you Skele-Gro and you're all fixed up."

"Then why does it still hurt?"

"You were thrown against a wall, my dear." Madam Pomfrey sighed, "You'll be right as rain in a few days, but very stiff in the meantime.

Aria nodded slowly, her eyes snapping to the door as her mother, Bill and Ginny rushed in, the nurse making no effort to enforce the two visitors only rule.

"We are so proud of you!" Mrs. Weasley was holding back tears she pulled her daughter into a hug. Ginny gently wrapped her arms around Aria once her mother had released her.

Madam Pomfrey helped Aria to her feet, wincing when she moved too quickly, "You're free to go, just walk slowly and be careful!"

Aria nodded, Bill wrapping one around his shoulder and placing one hand on her waist, helping his sister out of the hospital wing, Ginny and her mother following behind them.

It seemed like ages before they came down all the stairs, Aria muttering out an apology every few steps which Bill dismissed. Ginny and Mrs. Weasley slipped into the Great Hall all attention snapping to the doors when they opened.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Bill asked her, "I know I'm not cool or anything..."

Aria smiled, "Nonsense you're the coolest of all of us, just don't tell Charlie, Fred and George that I said that!"

Smirking, Bill helped Aria walk forward and through the doors.

All four tables stood up and cheered as Aria limped in, supported by her brother. Gryffindors clapped her lightly on the shoulder as she passed, careful not to hurt her as Bill reached the empty seat between Katie and Tayla, helping her sister into it as he joined her mother and the other families further up the table.

Katie threw her hand gently around Aria's waist, Tayla holding her hand as Dumbledore started to speak, "I think you all have the right to know that what happened to Mr. Diggory and Mr. Potter. A Death Eater posing as Mad-Eye Moody by means of the Polyjuice potion bewitched the Triwizard cup into a Portkey. And the Ministry of Magic does not wish me to tell you this, but Lord Voldemort has returned!"

Gasps and whispers ripped around the hall, Dumbledore making no effort to stop this, "This reminds us all, while we may come from different places and speak in different tongues our hearts beat as one. In light of recent events the bonds of friendship we made this year will be more important than ever. Remember that!"

Dumbledore seems to smile at Aria sadly from the lectern, "And we'll celebrate a girl who was kind, honest and brave enough and true even when, at very great personal risk, Aria Weasley brought down a death eater.

Katie tightened her grip around Aria's waist pulling her into a side hug.

"Remember that courage and loyalty to your friends will be the true test in the coming years and months!" Dumbledore lifted his class, "Remember, Aria Weasley!"

-

After lunch almost everyone gathered around the Weasley girl, showering her with love and congratulations. People were giving her hugs and all sorts of handshakes, laughing with her and asking how she is. After a lot of "thank you's" Aria could finally breathe, she looked forward waiting if somebody had to say anything to her still. She got up from the bench before locking her eyes with someone walking towards her, a pretty smile plastered on their face. When the Gryffindor realized who it was, she started slowly running to them, the other person sprinting to her.

"Cedric!" She squealed bear hugging him.

He carefully hugged her, trying his best not to squeeze her so much.

"Aria! Why would you do that to me?" he asked jokingly, releasing her from the hug and lightly grabbing her shoulders.

"What?" she laughed.

"You were unconscious for a week, and when you did wake up I was eating chicken."

"Me? Why would you that to me!" she replied pointing out the me and you part, "You promised me, you'll get back and then came back half dead! And then Mr Diggory has a problem with eating lunch?"

"I know I'm sorry..." he said looking down, before lifting his chin with a smirk plastered on his lips.
"So you were scared, huh?" Cedric asked.

Aria quickly looked down, hiding her blush, before getting her confidence back.

"Oh, like you weren't about me?"

Cedric chuckled looking down.
"I thought so." Aria replied with a smile on her face.

"But seriously, don't do that again! Because as I recall you said you would've waited for me" Cedric ordered, now with a straight face.

"I won't, and I did! It wasn't my fault I got thrown into a wall." she said and slapping his shoulder.

"And you don't even try scaring me like that ever again, got it?" Aria followed, with a straight face.

"I won't!" he replied pulling her into a hug.