☤ Pseudonym ☤

~Chapter Thirteen~

The school was a sleepy one on Christmas morning. For the significant part of the day students just lazed around the common rooms, most nursing a strong headache.

After breakfast, my friends and I exchanged presents, my favourite being a silver locket from Dean. I have never been much for extravagant gifts but rather something meaningful.

For lunch we had the typical roast turkey with all the trimmings. Hermione had remembered her campaign and was furiously informing anyone around about the injustices the house-elves suffered. However, she still ate just as much as everyone else did.

I took a nap after lunch, still exhausted from the previous night's festivities. I woke up and groaned loudly, wishing I could return to my dreamless slumber.

'Aren't you supposed to be meeting up with Cedric soon?' Hermione wondered aloud poking her head up from her book.

I rubbed my eyes as I slowly processed what she had said. 'Shit!' I jumped up from my bed and started throwing clothes about whilst continuing to swear very loudly. Hermione giggled at my ridiculousness. Christ I was supposed to meet him ten minutes ago. I'm a terrible girlfriend.

I rushed out of Gryffindor and crashed into a tall figure.

'Oh god I'm so sorry.' I sputter as I pick myself up off the floor. 'Cedric!' I shout. 'I'm sorry for being late, I just fell asleep and then I -'

Cedric shushes me by placing his lips over mine. 'It's okay. I forgive you.' He takes my hand and I grin at him, 'Now come on, let's go.'

I followed Cedric down the long staircases and through the courtyard. When we got to the bridge he stopped and turned. 'I know this seems a bit odd, but just trust me, Renn.' I frowned in confusion but then I saw a piece of cloth in his hand. I turned and let him tie it around my eyes. I could still see a little in the corners, but I didn't want to ruin the moment by pointing it out.

He spun me slowly and grabbed my hand in his. His smooth skin comforted me and made me feel safe, even though my senses were restricted. A warm pair of lips gently pressed against mine and I smiled into the kiss. I was the luckiest girl that ever lived.

We walked for at least twenty minutes in silence. Even with our time being empty of chatter it was nice just to be with Cedric. His presence made you feel at ease and I guess that's why he has so many friends. The terrain was snowy but I felt that we were travelling uphill. 

Finally we stopped and I stumbled at the abruptness. Cedric grabbed my arm to steady me. I felt his cool hands fumble with the knot and the blindfold came loose. The brightness of the sun reflected on the white snow forced me to blink for a bit, allowing my eyes to adjust.

I gasped as I realised where we were. I gazed out across the valley. The snowy hills surrounded the castle which stood boldly amongst the nature. The sun was setting, casting a soft glow across the lake. It was stunning. A little cliché, but still beautiful. 

We were standing on top of the hill across from the lake. Cedric put down his backpack and pulled out a blanket and a picnic. I rubbed my hands together, trying to create some heat. 

Cedric finished laying everything out and smiled nervously at me. 'So, what do you think?' 

I smiled like an idiot at him, 'I love it, Cedric. It's perfect.'

'You really think so? Not too cheesy?'

'Of course not, you idiot.' I pulled him close and kissed him. Once we'd finished, we sat down on the blanket together. 

The food was delicious, probably courtesy of the house-elves. It warmed me up a bit. Cedric saw me shivering and pulled me into his arms. Together we watched the sunset. If I was watching myself do this I would probably laugh at how lame I was being. But it was nice. The only downside being that little nagging thing. That I am a death eater and I am probably putting Cedric in danger. 

-----

The second task was only two days away and everyone was feeling the nerves. Harry had even stopped eating. I was walking back from arithmancy when someone pulled me into an empty classroom.

I turned to face a pale boy with hair as white as mine. 'Draco, what are you doing?' I questioned.

He bit his bottom lip nervously. 'I just needed to see if you were doing alright.' I frowned, confused. 'You know, with your task.'

It dawned on me once more. I had forgotten all about Barty and what he had demanded of me. Christ how could I be stupid?

'Everything is going fine, Draco.' I say, hoping he doesn't see through my façade.

'Rennie, come on seriously? I know you've been distracted by that pretty boy in Hufflepuff but you need to focus on the task.' I wanted to defend Cedric but at the same time, I knew Draco was right. 'I just want to protect you.'

I pulled Draco into my arms, 'I know, Draco. I'll do better, I promise.'

I needed to concentrate on making sure that Harry makes it through to the final task. Guild plagued my mind. If Harry dies then I will be just as guilty as the person who casts the curse. And as much I hate to admit it, I don't want Harry to die. He hasn't done anything wrong.

-----

After I left Draco, I was walking back to Gryffindor consumed by my worries, when McGonagall approached me.

'Miss. Wilde.'

'Yes, Professor.' I wondered what she wanted at this hour.

'Professor Dumbledore wants to see you in his office.'

I panicked a bit. Maybe he has found out about my task. Maybe he means to send me away to keep Harry safe. I reached my hand up again to bite my nail.

I followed McGonagall up to the large and ugly stone gargoyle which guards his office. McGonagall said in a clear voice, 'Acid pops.' and the gargoyle shifting, twisting to reveal a stone staircase. I had been here once before when Dean and I had been caught in the restricted section of the library. Though this time I was much more afraid.

We ascended the stairs quickly, McGonagall moves fast for someone so old. Inside the office Cho, Hermione and a young blonde girl were already gathered. An odd group I thought, but I felt relieved that this meeting did not appear to be about my personal task.

'Now I am sure you are wondering why you are all gathered here today.' Dumbledore's great voice boomed out. He had a small twinkle in his eye. I glanced at Hermione and she just shrugged. 'You have all been chosen very carefully for an incredibly important task.'

This does not sound good.

'It may be dangerous.' 

Not good at all.

'You are to be prizes for the champions to save in order to complete their task.' 

Wait what?