Forbidden

12 - Task 3

On the day of the final challenge I got dressed. Part of me was excited because I would get to see Cedric compete, but the other part of me was sad because the year was almost over.

As I walked to the castle, I ran into Cedric.

"Hey Ced. Aren't you supposed to be getting ready?"

"Yeah, but I wanted to take a walk with you first," he said, smiling.

"Ok. 10 minutes and then you need to get ready."

"Fine Miss Bossy Pants," he teased.

"Don't make me regret taking this walk with you," I said, laughing.

"I'm sorry. So how're things with Malfoy?" he asked.

I felt my cheeks grow warm as I tried to bite back the smile that was forcing itself onto my face.

"Well last night he told me he loves me."

He smiled down at me, "you know, I used to hate Malfoy, but now that I see how happy he makes you, he doesn't seem all that bad."

"Yeah, he's pretty amazing. How're you and Cho?"

"We're doing good. You two would make great friends, but I really love her...a lot."

"Aww Ceddy! That's so cute! You're going to make me cry!"

He laughed, and pulled me in for a hug. I held him close...like it would be the last hug we ever shared...for some odd reason it felt like it was going to be the last.

"Stay safe in today's challenge please," I whispered into his chest.

He chuckled softly, "I will, Eliza. I'll see you later then, yeah?"

"Yeah. Good luck."

I gave him one final squeeze before letting him go.

-

I felt nervous as I walked to the arena. For some reason, I felt like something bad was going to happen...but I pushed those feelings aside or at least tried to when I saw Draco waiting for me at the entrance.

"Hi darling," Draco said, greeting me with a forehead kiss.

"Hey," I said, my voice quivering.

"Everything alright?" he whispered as we walked to our seats.

"Yeah, just nervous for Cedric."

We sat down, and Draco wrapped a reassuring arm around me.

"He'll be fine. Besides, you have me to keep you company."

"Good point," I said, cuddling up to him.

Someone pulled me away from Draco while another person took my seat beside him.

"So how're my favorite love birds?" Oliver asked.

Oliver sat between Draco and me and Ellie sat on the other side of me with Blaise.

"We're great. Now move," Draco barked.

"Sheesh. I was actually doing you both a favor because Sawyer just arrived, and he almost saw you both canoodling."

"Well he's sitting down now so move," said Draco.

"Tough crowd," Oliver uttered under his breath.

He stood up, and Draco pulled me into him again just as the band started to play. Everyone began to cheer as Amos sprinted out of the tunnel, and pointed towards the entrance. Cedric walked out, waving and we all cheered. He made eye contact with me, and waved.