FORBIDDEN FEELINGS part 2

Chapter 11- The Duel

For the rest of the week I've been trying to persuade Cedric to back out of the duel, but he says that he might just go easy on Malfoy. But then I get worried as I feel like Malfoy won't go easy on Cedric. I mean, Malfoy kind of deserves to be hurt but it would just make me so sad to see it.

It's the day of the duel and I've been anxious since I woke up. I haven't seen Malfoy anywhere. I hope he's ill or something.

It gets to 5pm and everyone's waiting in the entrance courtyard. Cedric is stood in the middle of the square, stretching and practicing swishes and flicks. I walk over to him and say "You know you don't have to do this."

"I know. I have a choice, and my choice is to beat this dickhead up."

"Cedric. What has gotten into you?"

"What did I tell you on our first date?"

I stare at him blankly. I can't remember what he said.

"I told you that I would put him in his place if he ever hurt you. And look what he's done. He's hurt you. This is the right time. He thinks he's all big at the moment. It's now or never, Jessa. And if you're lucky, he won't even turn up. I don't even know why you're on his side."

"Cedric! I'm not on his side!"

"Sure" he rolls his eyes and crosses his arms "I suggest you get in the crowd like everyone else" he leans in closer "I don't want you to get hurt."

I nod and stand next to Dean.

"I'm guessing you're routing for Cedric" Dean says and I don't answer.

"You can't be routing for Malfoy" he adds.

"I just don't want to see either of them get hurt."

"Well I want to see Malfoy get hurt. I think a lot of people do. Especially after what happened at Tutoring. What did actually happen when I got knocked out?"

"Cedric came in and saved us."

"Well I know that. But did Malfoy hurt you?"

"A little bit but not badly."

"Where is he?!" Fred shouts causing the crowd to fall into silence.

"I don't know. He was supposed to be here 5 minutes ago" Cedric calls out.

I walk into the middle and shout "I don't think he's going to be here any time soon. So I think everyone should go back to their common rooms."

Everyone starts groaning and walking up to the doors to leave.

"I knew he wouldn't turn up. He's nothing but a coward" Cedric shouts.

Suddenly the main doors swing open and Malfoy is standing there with Zabini, Goyle, Crabbe and Pansy behind him. Everyone gasps and stares at the group as they strut down the stairs, pushing people out the way. Crabbe and Goyle are intimidating people as Malfoy enters the middle. Everyone crowds round again to watch this. I start shaking. Why am I so scared? I go back to stand next to Dean. Hermione joins me.

"Coward? I think you mean winner" Malfoy says as they both start walking round the circle, giving each other strong eye contact.

"Good joke, Malfoy. I hope you're as good at duelling as you are at jokes."

"You'd be surprised."

"So Malfoy, why were you late?"

"Busy."

"Busy doing what? Straightening your hair? Painting your nails? Doing your make up?"

"No. None of that. But at least I don't spend my time perving on 15 year olds who clearly don't like you."