Lumièrè || C. Diggory

TWENTY-THREE

A gentle breeze rustled through the streets of Hogsmeade, carrying the sweet scent of butterbeer and the promise of a magical afternoon. Aurelia walked hand in hand with Cedric, her heart aflutter with a mixture of excitement and concern. The Triwizard Tournament had been casting a long shadow over their days, and today's outing felt like a rare moment of respite.

Aurelia smiled at Cedric, her eyes bright with anticipation. "I can't believe we finally have some time to ourselves. It feels like ages since we had a chance to just wander around."

Cedric chuckled, his warm smile lighting up his face. "Tell me about it. It's been nonstop practice and preparation lately. But being here with you makes it all worth it."

They strolled down the cobblestone streets, exploring the various shops and enjoying the lively atmosphere. As they entered the Three Broomsticks, Cedric held the door open for Aurelia with a charming grin. "After you, my lady."

Aurelia giggled, playfully rolling her eyes as she stepped inside. "Such a gentleman, Mr. Diggory."

They found a cozy corner by the window, settling into a booth as Madam Rosmerta bustled around, serving drinks to the other patrons. Aurelia gazed at Cedric with a mixture of fondness and concern. "You've been training so hard, Cedric. Are you feeling ready for the Third Task?"

Cedric's expression turned more serious as he looked into her eyes. "I won't lie, Aurelia. The Third Task is no joke. But I'm doing my best to prepare. I want to make you and my family proud."

Aurelia reached across the table to grasp his hand. "I know you will, Cedric. You're incredibly talented, and your determination is inspiring. Just promise me you'll be careful."

Cedric squeezed her hand, his thumb gently caressing her knuckles. "I promise, Darling. And I have something to fight for now, someone who gives me even more reason to come out of this unharmed, a certain beautiful, Beauxbatons girl I believe.."

Aurelia smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "I'm right here, cheering you on. And no matter what happens, I'll be proud of you."

Their moment of tenderness was interrupted by the sound of a distant clock chiming. Cedric's expression grew distant as he gazed out the window, lost in thought. Aurelia followed his gaze, a heavy feeling settling in her heart.

"Cedric," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the noise of the pub. "What if... What if things don't go as planned? What if you don't make it out of the Third Task?"

Cedric's grip on her hand tightened, his eyes meeting hers with a mixture of determination and sadness. "I can't promise that everything will be okay, Aurelia. The Triwizard Tournament is dangerous, and there are no guarantees. But what I can promise is that no matter what happens, my feelings for you are real. And if the worst were to happen, I want you to remember that I love you."

Tears welled up in Aurelia's eyes, her voice trembling. "Cedric, don't say that. You can't leave me."

Cedric reached across the table to gently wipe away her tears, his touch tender and comforting. "I don't want to leave you, but we have to face the reality of this situation. Whatever comes, we'll find a way to get through it, together or apart."

Aurelia nodded, her tears falling freely now. They sat in silence for a while, their hands intertwined, the weight of their unspoken fears hanging heavy in the air.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over Hogsmeade, Cedric, and Aurelia remained in their booth, holding onto each other as if trying to hold back time itself.

"I don't want to lose you, Cedric," Aurelia whispered, her voice breaking.

Cedric pulled her closer, his arms wrapped around her in a protective embrace. "And I don't want to lose you either, Aurelia. But let's make the most of the time we have now, and hope for the best."

They stayed that way, seeking solace in each other's arms as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a shroud of uncertainty over their future.

And as the evening grew darker, the weight of their unspoken fears hung heavy in the air, a reminder that love and life were fragile, and fate was an unpredictable force that could change their destinies in the blink of an eye.

Days turned into weeks, and the fateful day of the Third Task arrived. The Hogwarts grounds buzzed with anticipation as students, staff, and spectators gathered to witness the final challenge of the Triwizard Tournament. Aurelia stood in the crowd, her heart pounding in her chest as she searched for a glimpse of Cedric among the participants.

The school orchestra began performing a dignified march, its sound somewhat subdued by the applause and shouts of support for the various champions.

The night sky was clear, stars twinkling overhead like a vast canvas of magic. Mrs. Diggory and Mr. Diggory stood near the entrance of the maze, watching with a mixture of pride and worry as their son, Cedric, prepared to face the challenge.

Mrs. Diggory wiped away a tear, her voice choked with emotion. "Oh, Amos, I can't believe our boy is about to take on such a dangerous task."

Mr. Diggory placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his gaze never leaving Cedric as he stood with the other champions. "He's a strong lad, my dear. He's been training for this, and he's got a good head on his shoulders."

As the champions received their final instructions, Cedric's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar face. His heart skipped a beat when he spotted Aurelia standing near the edge of the gathering. With a determined smile, he made his way toward her.

Aurelia's eyes met his, and she felt a lump form in her throat. This was the moment they had been dreading, the moment when they had to face the reality of the dangers that lay ahead. She stepped closer to Cedric, her voice soft as she spoke. "Cedric, I can't believe it's time."

Cedric's expression mirrored her sadness, but he tried to muster a reassuring smile. "Aurelia, I'll be careful. I promise. And I'll come back to you."

Aurelia's eyes welled up with tears, and she took his hand, gripping it tightly. "Cedric, I know you'll do your best. But this task is so dangerous, and I can't help but worry about what might happen. My dreams..."

Cedric's thumb brushed against her knuckles as he looked into her eyes, his voice filled with sincerity. "I don't want you to worry. I'll give it my all, and I'll come back to you, no matter what."

Aurelia's tears spilled over, her voice trembling. "But what if... what if you don't? What if something goes wrong? I can't bear the thought of losing you."

Cedric pulled her into a tight embrace, his arms wrapped around her protectively. "Aurelia, I don't want to think about that. But I also don't want to leave things unsaid. No matter what happens, I want you to know that you mean the world to me. You've brought so much happiness into my life, and I'll carry that with me, no matter what."

As the moment to enter the maze drew closer, Cedric pulled away slightly, cupping her face in his hands and pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I love you, Aurelia. Remember that."

Aurelia nodded, her voice choked with emotion. "I love you too, Cedric. Always."

With a heavy heart, Cedric turned away from her, his footsteps resolute as he joined the other champions at the entrance of the maze. Mrs. Diggory and Mr. Diggory watched from a distance, their hearts heavy with concern for their son.