Going Unnoticed || Cedric Diggory

Chapter Six - Dragons

Chapter Six - Dragons [EDITED]

The first task was going to be held on November 23rd, and the Champions were beginning to look nervous no matter what they were doing or where they were. It was November 1st, and they had no idea what was in store for them. As the support for each individual Champion evolved into specific groups, people around the school were beginning to make their support obvious.

One example of this was some Hogwarts students wearing awful badges with, 'support CEDRIC DIGGORY, the REAL Hogwarts Champion!' written on them. It would have been an okay thing, albeit a little mean, if they hadn't been bewitched to change the image and suddenly it would read,'POTTER STINKS'. I knew Cedric didn't approve of the badges, but his friends (and practically the whole of Hogwarts) insisted on wearing them. I was offered one once, and I built up enough courage to say, "No, thank you," and then just walk away with my head held high.

It was lunch time and I was sitting on a bench outside, reading The Standard Book of Spells: Grade 6, when non other than Harry Potter walked past me, looking scared and aggravated. It was something for Champions to be nervous, but Harry looked like he had a purpose as he strode past. Furrowing my eyebrows, I watched him carefully as he walked towards a bench where some Hufflepuffs were hanging out. I then noticed Cedric was there, lying across his friends' laps while having a chat and a laugh. As soon as Harry approached, Cedric's friends started jeering. I tutted quietly to myself, turning the page in my book.

"Can I have a word?" Harry asked Cedric.

"Yeah, sure." Cedric said, getting up and following Harry. I decided they would see me if I stayed on the bench and I didn't want to be made a fuss out of, so I got up and scurried away and hid behind a stone column, leaning against it and pretending to read, though secretly, I was listening in while reciting a spell in my head. I wanted to know what Harry wanted with Cedric. If I found out it was personal, I would run away and not listen to anymore. I did respect privacy...but if it had anything to do with the Tournament—

"You stink, Potter!" One of Cedric's friends called after them. Once again, I tutted to myself, although it was more annoyed and disappointed. Hufflepuffs were loyal, but it shouldn't mean they had to be horrid while being so. Cedric turned and laughed quietly, though he was giving his friend a rather stern look, silently telling him to stop.

When the two of them stopped, Harry muttered something to Cedric I couldn't hear. I could only make out the words 'That's the first task. They've got one for each of us'. It clicked into place instantly; Harry knew what the first task was! And he was telling Cedric! If Harry knew, did Krum and Fleur know too? I peered around the column I was situated behind and saw Cedric looking shocked for a second.

"Come on, Ced!" His friend called over to him. He looked at his friend then looked back to Harry again, the shocked look still taking over his features.

"You're serious?" He asked, not quite believing what Harry had just told him. I desperately wanted to know what Harry had told him. Harry quickly nodded as Cedric continued, his voice soft and barely audible, "And, um, do Fleur and Krum, do they...?"

"Yeah." Harry confirmed not only Cedric's suspicions but also mine, nodding to the boy of Hufflepuff. Cedric looked slightly thankful about Harry had telling him whatever Harry had just told him. But it couldn't have been good.

"Come on Ced, leave him! He's not worth it!" Cedric's friends called. Harry was about to walk off, but Cedric put a hand on his shoulder.

"About the badges, I've asked them not to wear them and—" He started, but Harry cut him off, shaking his head.