adiaphoron | d.m

TWENTY-ONE

➸ SECOND TASK

AS FEBRUARY DREW TO A CLOSE, the air around Hogwarts began to hint at the promise of spring. The snow was melting, revealing patches of rich, dark earth, and the sun hung a little longer in the sky each day. With the change in weather came warmer days, which Cedric appreciated during his growing friendship with Cecilia. They found themselves hanging out more often, consistently meeting by the lake.

Cecilia and Cedric had started meeting by the lake almost every afternoon. The shimmering surface of the water, reflecting the golden rays, had become their shared sanctuary. They would sit on the grassy bank, the sounds of the water lapping gently against the shore creating a soothing backdrop. Cedric would often bring a pack of chocolate frogs, sharing them with Cecilia as they exchanged stories about their families, their hopes, and their dreams.

One crisp afternoon, Cecilia looked across the lake, watching the way the sunlight danced on the water's surface. She turned to Cedric, who was animatedly recounting a tale from his childhood involving a rather cheeky Niffler that had caused chaos in his garden. His hands moved expressively, and Cecilia found herself laughing, her heart fluttering at the sound of his voice. There was something endearing about the way he would sometimes run a hand through his tousled hair when he spoke, revealing his genuine passion for even the simplest of memories.

"Do you think we'll ever get to do something like that?" Cecilia asked, her voice teasing, but there was a hint of sincerity behind her words. "You know, something adventurous?"

Cedric leaned closer, a warm smile spreading across his face. "With the Triwizard Tournament coming up, I'd say we're in for a lot of excitement! Who knows what will happen in the second task?" His tone was light, but they both knew there was an unspoken tension hanging in the air—a mixture of thrill and uncertainty about the challenges ahead.

Cecilia nodded, her expression shifting from amusement to pensiveness. She had been preparing for the task with determination, researching past challenges and honing her skills. Yet, despite her focus, she couldn't shake the unease stemming from her unfinished conversation with Harry.

They still hadn't spoken since she had told him about the second task, and the silence hung heavily between them. Though she felt a mix of disappointment and concern about their estrangement, Cecilia didn't have the luxury of mulling over it. With the task looming over her, she poured herself into studying and preparing, determined to be ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

Now, the day she had been anticipating had finally arrived. One week had swiftly turned into just three days, and today marked the climax of her preparation. Cecilia woke up with a tingling nervousness dancing across her skin, as anticipation mixed with anxiety.

As she rolled over in bed, her mind replayed the details of the second task. She felt a rush of confidence from her training, yet that didn't completely silence the butterflies in her stomach. With a determined sigh, she pushed back the curtains, letting the morning light flood into the room, and climbed out of bed, her heart racing with each step.

After a quick shower, she emerged from the bathroom feeling refreshed. She slipped off her silky nightwear, the fabric sliding easily to the floor, and reached for her bathing suit. The deep green one-piece hugged her curves perfectly, its vibrant color complementing her complexion. She admired her reflection for a moment, taking in the way the suit made her feel strong and ready.

Next, she pulled on her champion robes. The soft material draped around her, a reminder of her hard work and the responsibilities she bore as a competitor. Feeling a swell of pride, she adjusted the collar, looking at herself in the mirror. The robes gave her an air of authority, a visible sign of her commitment to the tournament.