beonyour-way

[beonyour-way]

Haven

“… so I’ll stay half away, and i’ll guess that it’ll do.” (Novo Amor- Haven)

[Cedric is eager to put himself in danger and there is a need to save him, whatever it means.

Dumbledore's announcement of the Triwizard Tournament is taken from the movie Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I took the last name Scamander for the character knowing very well it comes from Fantastic Beasts.

Also English is not my native language so if there is something wrong I apologize. Don't hesitate to let me know how I can improve myself!]

7600 words.

The weirdest dreams are always the one that stay in mind for a long time. I always had much trouble to wake up. The comfort of my bed and the sheets are a torture to leave. Instead, I turned around, trying to hide my face from the light that was shining bright. Usually, the curtains are always closed. I was forced to open my eyes when I heard noises from other people. How are there people in my bedroom? I opened my eyes instantly, straightened myself up and looked around. The look on my face must have betrayed my feelings when two pairs of eyes looked at me in dismay. 

“What’s happening? Why aren’t you awake and ready to go! There is an announcement today, hurry up!” 

I must admit that my first reaction would have been to scream at the girl if I was not astonished by the fashion of the surroundings. The walls, made up from stone, gave to the room a cold atmosphere that made it even less possible for me to get up from my bed. My fingers tightened around the sheets as I sighed. I have been pretty much awake and trying to fall back asleep seemed impossible as someone had thrown an outfit directly at my face. I wasn't in the mood of fighting back and so I went to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. I put the skirt reluctantly as I usually preferred to go with a jogging… but I didn't even know what I was doing there and didn't want to raise suspicions. I went with the shirt and there I was, ready. I followed the group of girls that was talking to each other. Their pace was pretty slow which was an advantage as I was tired and still trying to understand what was happening. I forced myself to mind their conversation as I looked around to see, with amazement, how beautiful the room was. There were green garments everywhere, with snakes around them. This, was the moment where I understood where I was: in a dream, at Hogwarts. It could have been a nightmare, but it would depend on what would happen next. 

I pinched myself to wake up but felt nothing but a painful darting. I sighed once again as I understood that there was nothing much to do except following the girls. The main mission was not to figure it all out but to not lose myself. The corridors were numerous and there were way too many doors for me to dare leaving the girls from more than an inch. I struggled to recognize anything. I had to admit that I had the most disastrous sense of direction in the world. It didn't matter much which world we were in.

When we arrived at the common room, I recognized it without much trouble. The four tables aligned with beautiful china and plenty of food made me forget the harsh morning I had had. I was quite surprised to see that I was not much traumatized with my not being in my own world. I could do with it as long as the food was good enough. My only question was to know why my dream was starting with me being a Slytherin and not having the opportunity to have the Sorting Hat in my head having a debate with itself to know whether I was a good or bad girl. I guessed that there was not much to say about that. However, no one was eating and I allowed myself to look around me. I could see Draco Malfoy speaking with his “friends”, if one could call this friendship, and I realized that I was now in a world where I knew what had happened before and what could - or would - happen next. I could not prevent myself from opening my mouth as the realization came through my brain. I wanted to scream and run away to warn people but I didn’t really want to look like a crazy woman that could go next in the psychiatric ward next to Neville’s parents.

How could I think such things? That is horrible and I was not supposed to know about that! Maybe I really am a Slytherin after all…

As I turned my head to look around me and catch a glimpse of Potter, my eyes fell on my best friend who was there - I was not at all surprised, she was almost always present in all my dreams or nightmares. I tried to wave my hand at her but I saw her busy with Fred and George. I didn't know which one exactly but I knew that she could tell the difference. After all, she had studied them very well in reality, so it wasn't surprising to see that even in my dreams she seemed quite fond of them. She seemed to see me too and waved at me, so I smiled at her. I knew from the look she gave me that she had understood what I wanted to say.

The meal had not started yet but Dumbledore was coming to talk to all the students. I didn't really know why but I straightened up and looked at him with attention. There were people who were very impressive just because of the way they looked and behaved. I can tell you that it applied to Dumbledore as well as… Severus Snape that was sitting and looking pissed off at everyone. Now that I knew what I knew about him I couldn't help but understand him. 

“Attention, please. This year Hogwarts will host a legendary event: the Triwizard Tournament. During which time a single student gets to represent his or her school in a series of magical contests.”

I guessed that the schools had been introduced before because I could see the students already sitting at a table and I did not regret having missed their little play of introduction. I was very glad, in fact, to not have witnessed the stupid dance and fight moves of them. When I come to think of it, I was really being judgemental that day, I should have shut my mind.

“One last thing: Eternal glory… is what awaits the student who wins The Triwizard Tournament. But to earn it, that student must survive three tasks. Three, extremely dangerous tasks.”

I looked around and met the eyes of Cedric Diggory -which I had hated by the way-, his death had been so stupid that I had never been able to recover. Sordid -or courageous- was his death that I had never been able to ease the anger that had risen in me as Dumbledore continued to speak about the three tasks. To see the stupid smile of his starting to spread across his lips, my blood had started to run though my veins at such a high speed that I had wanted nothing more but to hit him with the glass that was in front of me. That’s only when the meal had started that I realized I could do something about it.

Indeed, I was here and I knew everything that would happen. I could use that in my advantage to save his life. That would be a sort of bonus…

…

 I definitely am a Slytherin. 

The meal had been done and to my own surprise, I didn't even remember what I had just eaten. I was just profoundly excited - as well as afraid - so I ran up to my best friend. I grabbed her hand and took her with me to… somewhere in the castle not too far from the common room so that we would not be lost.

“Okay, first of all, how? How are we here, how I am able to feel you touch me like in real life?” 

Okay…This question from her was not what I was expecting but I guess I could do with it. 

For now. 

“I was never the clever one when it comes to paranormal or weird experiences to begin with. I didn’t even know where we were until I was in the dining room or whatever the name of this room is. However, bro, are we really here? Are we really in this story? Are we not dreaming? I pinched myself earlier and I didn’t wake up. And what are you doing as a Gryffindor? I though you were Ravenclaw?” 

“I am! I am a Ravenclaw! At least I believe I am…” I laughed, saying that she looked like Ron Weasley. 

“My main mission is not to get out of here, not before we save Cedric’s arse. Don’t ask me why Dana, I want to answer that it will ease the rage I feel every time we watch the movie… you know… the one where he dies.” I struggled to remember the title every time but I can’t even think more than a few seconds before Dana answered back. 

“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Laisa.” She corrected me. “The movie’s title is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” 

I smiled at her. “Great, I am so happy to hear the title that I will forget in about two minutes. However, help me.” 

She rolled her eyes at me before sighing. “I don’t think we can. Think about it calmly. We do not have many options.” She sighed. “We cannot tell anyone. What if they don’t believe us? Then, we will never be able to do anything. But if we tried to change something, what would be the consequences?” 

She was right. She was always right. I rolled my eyes as I looked around and witnessed Cedric being surrounded by a lot of people, asking his opinions about the tournament. Hearing him getting excited about it made me forget about Dana’s speech. 

“Think about it… We cannot let him die that stupidly. I’m sorry but I can’t and I don’t even know why. But my main mission is to make him change his mind. I don’t have to say that I know the future. I just have to be… persuasive.” 

Dana looked at me with a smile she couldn’t hide. “I don’t understand your obsession with him. He’s a Hufflepuff.” She marked a pause as I look at her for a long time, waiting for her to say what she wanted to say. “Be kind, and maybe it could work.”

“I was thinking more of threatening him but I will make an effort. Just for you my dear Gryffindor.” 

I hadn't done much the first day. First of all because how was I supposed to approach Golden Boy if he was always surrounded by groupies? And even if I was in this world, truth was I didn't have a wand. Or I hadn't exactly searched after it to be honest. I didn't know about magic and I wasn't in the mood of learning it for one reason: I didn't want to blow up this castle. The classes weren't exactly my cup of tea as I just listened. I thought I would like Potion classes since Severus Snape was my favourite character but it appeared that Potion was like cooking classes and I still hated everything that had to do with cooking. We didn't have access to DADA classes as well but I didn't really mind it, as long as I wasn't missing Remus Lupin's boggarts class. (One could argue that I had Daddy issues but I wouldn't engage in this conversation, nice try.)

The previous day was smoother than the one before. First, I wasn't startled of waking up in an unknown place. Second of all, I went to eat breakfast and on my way I met with Cedric. Who was quite surprised of me talking to him. I could understand : I had appeared yesterday and no one seemed to care about it but he did. Asking me questions about my name and my grade. Thank God, Dana was there with me to answer the last one because I didn't even know. However, "however" was - and still is - my favorite word.

Real however this time, we talked about spells and his position as prefect. Which I completely forgot and don’t really care about if I have to be honest. My main preoccupation at that time was the tournament and I stopped their conversation. 

“Do you want to take part in the tournament? I heard it’s very dangerous.” 

His smile said everything and I rolled my eyes before he could even answer. 

“That is such a bad decision… especially for a Hufflepuff. I don’t mean that to be mean. I mean… you guys are supposed to be like, sane and take decisions that make sense.”

“I am not sure, but I am eager to take on a challenge and prove myself for once. »

I scoffed at him and Dana put her hands on my arm. “She doesn’t mean no harm but we don’t really understand this passion that you have about doing something that is so dangerous.” 

“It is not about fame or being recognized by others; it is more about a personal challenge that I want to achieve by my own efforts alone.”

“Bro you will need Pot-” Dana’s hand ended up on my mouth and Cedric looked at us terribly confused.

“She thinks you don’t need to do that, you already proved yourself with your grades, your position as a Prefect and how perfect you are.” I took off her hand. 

“I would never say that but let’s pretend I did.” 

He laughed, not at us, with us. Minus me because I was not in the mood of laughing. I already knew he wouldn’t change his mind with this brief exchange with two unknown girls. 

“It is very kind of you to worry about me but… I really need to do that.” And with that, he left. 

“I can swear to God, you won’t.” 

The next days were very boring in terms of my mission. I didn’t get to talk to him, I didn’t really want to to be honest. I heard he put his name in the Goblet and everyone was cheering and for a short amount of time, I thought that maybe dying for this dream was worthy for him. And then I remembered that he only died because his stupid ass wanted to be courageous and, to be honest, he shouldn’t have to be. I think I was growing fond of him and the image he wanted to show off. This act is already brave enough. But was it really worthy of disappearing from everyone’s life? 

I didn’t have to mind much longer since Diggory was in front of me with a big smile. 

“I put my name in the Goblet. Now, I just have to let fate acts in my favour… or not.” 

“I heard about that. Everyone’s happy about it which makes it quite sad if you want my opinion.” His furrowed brows made me continue. “No one seems to care about the danger that you are taking to prove yourself. I am not sure one needs to do all that to prove something. It just screams insecurity to me.” 

“I do not really understand what you want to say. We do not know each other.” 

“I know we don’t. That’s not really the point of this conversation isn’t it? You want everyone to be happy about your participation? For what? Fame? Sorry I’m not buying it. I don’t even believe that someone as thoughtful as you would do something that stupid.” 

“You don’t have to be despising at people who wants to achieve something.” 

I smiled, on the verge of laughing. “I don’t have to achieve anything. Existing is enough already. You should think about that. I am not risking my life for something stupid such as “eternal glory” that won’t be helpful in times of crisis. What is glory in a world as dangerous as the one you’re living in? You should take off your name as long as it’s still possible.” 

“We can’t. The only way for me to not participate is to be disqualified.”

And at this, I rise and got closer to him. 

“Good luck, then.” 

If I can be honest. This piece of information he gave at the end was what I wanted. I didn’t know how to cast a spell and I didn’t even know where my wand was. Or if had a wand at all. But now, I just needed to disqualify him. The main question was how? And for that, I needed Dana. In front of the Gryffindor’s door I was waiting for someone to come out or in so they could tell Dana that I needed here because apparently we didn’t have phones in this beautifully scary world. 

“Are you looking for Dana?” 

I turned around and looked high up to see a ginger head, and my smile became wider. I was going to play it cool - for Dana’s sake. He didn’t need to know that we were crazy human blood people who knew the future. 

“Were you with her?” I winked at him and his smile widened as well. 

“Nop, Fred is, but I don’t know where they could be.” 

“Shoot.”

“Just kiddin’. She is in there, I’ll look for her. If you see George, tell him I’m waitin’ for him, I need his brain.”

“Bro aren’t you Geor- ok nevermind I will. I guess this is another thing I’ll never know.” 

Two minutes later Dana was out and we went to the library to discuss, which was not my best idea. How are we supposed to whisper while talking about saving a life that didn’t wanted to be saved? 

“Is there something in the books or the movies about disqualification for the Triwizard tournament?” 

“Not that I can remember of, and I do remember very well.”

“Bro he didn’t lie to me, he’s a Hufflepuff. Whatever that means.”

“I’m not saying he did but that you will have to find out. And you can’t ask him more about it because he’s not stupid at all. He may already have suspicions.” 

I looked at her with an inquiring look. 

“No… I don’t really think so, I just wanted to put us in the mood for the next step of the mission.”

“Okay, however suspicious or not, he doesn’t deserve to die.” 

She looked at me with a smile I didn’t quite like. “That stupidly I mean.” 

“Yeah, of course.” 

The thing was, I thought I had time to put up with a plan to know more about the disqualification thing that Cedric brought up to me but, he came to us with a huge smile, announcing that the names would be given to us in two days and it made me instantly forget about Fred and George looking like my grandpa. He must have noticed because his smile started to fade away as well. Not a minute later, we found ourselves in the corridor, speaking for him, arguing for me. 

“You don’t really have to be upset, it’s not you that is endangered.” 

“Yeah I know that because I use my brain before taking any decisions. Of course I wouldn’t put my name in the Goblet because there are so many things more important than a stupid tournament which gives you nothing but “eternal glory” from people who already wished they were you. ” 

“But my father is very happy about my participation and it is something I wanted to do for as long as I can remember.” 

“Don’t talk about family pressure will you? Dead, there is no pressure left at all.” For once it seems that perfect Diggory was breaking as he eyebrows frowned not from incomprehension or disbelief but anger. And that, my friends, is very attractive, even though it’s not the moment to focus on that. 

“I won’t die! I know what I am doing, I’m not stupid! I know-” I stopped him putting my hand on his mouth.

“Diggory you must breathe before getting angry. This is not something you can do by yourself only. These three tasks are dangerous and if Dumbledore insisted on that part it means that they are, indeed, dangerous. And what I understand from this kind of danger is that it’s deadly.” 

“It won’t be.” 

“I think that you don’t know about that. I’m quite sure of it, it will. I can’t say much more about that, but I wouldn’t be that worried if it was something that could be done as a team.”

“No, you can’t do that either, if you put your name with someone else’s name it means that you’re disqualified.”

Do you know how hard it is not to smile and scream from excitement when the piece of information that was missing is offered to you on a silver platter? Because I don’t know how I was still able to control myself and not to laugh at his face. I wanted to hug him for how helpful he was without even knowing it. 

“Yo that’s… a shame, really.” 

I felt his discomfort in this conversation and decided to cut it short. I had better things to do. For both of us.

“I have to go by the way, hm… Let’s say, that we’ll see each other after the name’s announcement. Whether it will be to celebrate or grieve.”

He smiled. “I don’t think we will react the same to news.”

“No, we won’t.” 

Few hours passed before I was in the corridors, at night, lost. Completely, okay, in my defence I don’t understand this castle. The stairs are moving and you have to think about balance and the place you want to go. That’s not easy to do both at the same time. And then, the corridors, you have to be careful of not getting noticed by the professors. I wouldn’t mind having the Marauder’s Map. I didn’t think of asking about it because we have to be careful not betraying our knowledge about the future. And who am I to know about this map? Except being the best friend of George’s future girlfriend? 

In front of the Goblet, I felt quite uneasy. There was so many names in it and so many lives put in danger for what seems to be futile. I cannot explain how angry it made me, to know that there were people who couldn’t be saved. I cannot explain how angry I was to save Cedric’s life and condemned another one to die. But I didn’t know that for sure. 

And what needs to be done, needs to be done. 

So I did. I went in front of the Goblet and wrote my last name next to Cedric’s and put it in the Goblet. I didn’t think it would react that way. I should think before doing things. I’m not much better than Cedric on this one. There was a terrible shaking coming from inside the Goblet and in the air, a dashboard with my name and Cedric’s being written and crossed, in red. I guessed that my plan was taking a turn that would put me in a terrible position. 

The next morning I spent hours thinking about whether I should say to Cedric what I did or wait like the coward I was for Dumbledore to reveal his disqualification. Mine was not very important for this tournament was absolutely nothing to me. Nothing. 

Time was passing very slowly, as if the torture should continue. The price to pay is nothing, but it will not be just it. Tomorrow, I would taste the most disagreeable feelings that I could imagine. Cedric’s smile and certitude seem to bragged at me like I was destroying his trust - that I didn’t earn yet - and his future. This would be what everyone will think, but I will make him avoid his death. I didn’t know what would await him from now but this was how it should be anyway. 

I don’t want to say I’m regretting my choices. But the fear which was growing in me was destructive. And maybe it was not fear but… culpability. 

 I didn’t follow anyone and wasn’t paying more attention to class. The only thing I could focus on was the little voice inside my head trying to find solutions while I was not even able to move a finger. My breath was very short and I was frantic. I looked everywhere around me and it seemed like everyone knew already. 

That’s when I realized I didn’t know anything except the future. I was not even in the present that I was already trying to compromise the future. Maybe Dana was right and changing the future was anything but a bad move. I didn’t take time to make acquaintance with anyone. I didn’t even take time to know Cedric. I didn’t appreciate my surroundings, the castle was full of beautiful places that I only glanced at in a hurry. There was nothing that could be done and time was a valuable thing that couldn’t be brought back. I winced at these thoughts and took my head between my hands. The few hours that were left before the dinner should be used to make up for these regrets but I couldn’t move. I felt someone sitting next to myself and I couldn’t find the strength to look at him. Because I already knew it was him and how could I looked at him in the eyes and pretend I didn’t do anything? How could I do that when I know that tomorrow my mistakes will be exposed to everyone? 

“Are you okay? I tried to come talk to you today but you avoided everyone. Is everything fine?” 

I winced a second time. 

“I’m fine.”

He laughed a little before getting back to his senses. 

“Usually, when you’re fine you’re using your time to lecture myself about how stupidly dangerous I am. I must admit this is the first time I encounter this type of reproaches.” 

“Did you change your mind?” 

“Not at all. I just want to make sure you’re okay before heading to my dorm. And to reassure you about how determinate I am to enjoy this adventure whether it is meant to be or not. I would gladly participate but I will also enjoy being a spectator. If the last option is what happen, I would be happy to go with you.” He smiled at me, and I could swear on my own life that it was the most sincere and beautiful smile I have ever seen. I looked at him and didn’t know what I was feeling anymore. 

While looking at him I could surrender myself to whatever fate was awaiting me, if it meant that he could live. I was at fault, but was it that bad to save a life? Wouldn’t I be able to explain myself later? 

“I don’t think you will but maybe we could spend some time together before going to dinner? You will have plenty of time to appreciate your dorm, even though I doubt it being better that my dorm.” 

“Slytherins, when will you stop being so proud?”

“I guess it’s in our nature.”

The hours were spent walking around the castle, admitting to him that I had never visited the castle alone. He laughed at me, in his own kind way, before making me a personal visit. And the more the minutes passed, the more the regrets were aching my pounding heart. I tried to convince myself that I did what was best. 

“We shouldn’t be late for dinner tonight Laisa, I heard that Dumbledore will announce the name of the participants tonight. I don’t know what happened but my curiosity is awake.”

And all of the good memories that I was trying to make to bear with my mischievous actions disappeared in seconds. Cedric must have noticed it because he looked worried and got closer to my face. 

“Are you okay? I can take you to the infirmary if you need it. I don’t mind being late after all.”

“I’m…” My voice was shaking and I had to take a deep breath to speak again. “I think you should go, I will follow you okay? I need to breathe one second. Not from you, but I feel like…”

No time to explain myself, that his hand took mine and he took me to the dining room and I could already feel all the looks on me. They must already know, Dumbledore’s look is very harsh - I can sense it. 

“Okay, keep your fingers crossed for me!”

His smile was so bright and while he started to get away I was only able to whisper to him how sorry I was before heading to my place. I was looking at my feet while everyone was waiting for Dumbledore to start his speech. The only thing I could hear was my beating heart which was trying to get out of my chest. My throat was so tight that I couldn’t even swallow anything. I lost track of time but I could hear the impatience of my comrades intensify as Dumbledore was asking - then screaming - for complete silence. How horrendous I felt, my thoughts were going so fast I couldn’t follow them all. I could hear myself insulting myself for what I did. I was a bad person, a traitor, mean, horrible, hopeless and I disregarded the feeling of the only person that was concerned. 

“… I must admit that this is not how I imagined starting the annunciation of the participants for the Triwizard Tournament… It is not the first time it happened, but the second, and I am very disappointed to say that there was an attempt of treachery.”

I could hear the dramatic breathtaking gasps of the classmates. I rolled my eyes. No need to add on the drama that was taking place. 

“Yesterday night, there was a paper with two names written on it. Which makes two disqualified people that are out of this Tournament before the selection. Cedric Diggory and Laisa Scamander. I want you to come to my office after dinner to explain yourselves. The punishment for disregarding the rules will be decided upon the explanations you will be able to give.”

I couldn’t even manage to look up at Cedric for I could feel all the gazes at me. But his gaze was piercing through my heart. The selection was done and Potter’s name was called. It was enough to distract others from my person. But not all of them. I decided to leave the place to join Dumbledore’s office entrance. I sat there for long minutes before I heard footsteps coming my way. Cedric’s face was red with anger and I have never seen him like that. I must admit that I had never imagined him this way. And this time… it was not sexy but very impressive.  

“So this is why you acted weird all day right? Was it fun to destroy the dream I have? Why did you do that? And do not pretend it was for my safety! You’re just like the others, you were not ambitious enough to let people do it and you took your revenge on me! That is so filthy and so low, even for someone like you.”

All his speech about how bad I was, I completely dozed off as I was so tired of this day which was long enough already. I knew he would say all this stuff. We didn’t really  know each other and I couldn’t say the truth. He would think of me as a crazy girl. I would rather be the bad one.  

“I will explain myself to Dumbledore. Only to him.”

His frustration seemed to reach its maximal level as he looked at me with disgust. 

“You’re a manipulative person, pretending to care to ruin the person. Not important enough to make your own choices.”

“I still don’t give a damn about this tournament Cedric and-”

I was stopped by Dumbledore’s look as he activates the entrance of his office. I must admit I would have been very happy to witness this beautiful entrance if it was under other circumstances. Both of us followed the headmaster silently. I was looking at my feet while Cedric was looking ahead. 

“Would you explain to me how this happened? Who wrote the paper with the two names on it? And why?”

Cedric stayed silent, but not me. I wanted to hide under my sheets as soon as possible. 

“I did. I was scared for his safety so I decided to put him out of qualification to be sure he would be safe and sound. I can say more things, but not in front of him.”

“I don’t really knew you miss… Scavander. But for a Slytherin you seem more than willing to prove yourself tonight. Why didn’t you come sooner before breaking the rules that are established for so long that it can be remembered?”

I winced. “I didn’t think of that. It may be the pride of doing something by myself for once.” At least I knew well about the Slytherins and I might be able to use that for my advantage.

Cedric stayed silence the whole meeting. He was excused after some time. At least, he wouldn’t have any punishment. It was a miserable way or repaying for my action, but for now I couldn’t do more. Once he was gone, I got closer to Dumbledore and explained to him the whole situation. How I knew about Potter and for what would happen next. He seemed reluctant to hear for my explanations but he asked for it. He called for Mrs Trewlaney and she arrived very quickly. I had to explain myself all over again and I couldn’t prevent myself from thinking how cute and kind she looked while hearing my stories very quietly. She seemed rather excited in the end and she asked me to sit and think about all I said. She only touched my arms for a few seconds before gasping and talking very quickly. Even Dumbledore couldn’t comprehend everything she said, but the look in his eyes made me realized that he started to believe everything I said. 

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell anything sooner but I don’t know what the consequences of all this could be. If I tell you and we change things, what can happen?”

“My dear student, changing the future is not a good thing at all I must say. It will be devastating. It must not be done.” 

“But we absolutely can’t let Cedric participate at this Tournament! Knowing the ending would be the same as killing him, I can’t let that happen! Not everything must be done around Potter! I don’t say that because I’m a Slytherin and Draco Malfoy always despise Potter’s presence. I’m just saying that Cedric doesn’t deserve to die. He’s very kind, there must something we can do to save his life without impacting the future too much.”

Mrs Trewlaney’s voice took over, very slowly. “I think that Cedric’s life would be impacted by such a change of plan. Won’t you mind taking care of him knowing that the future won’t be a walk in the park?”

“I won’t!” 

I must say that this answer left my mouth before I could even proceed all the pieces of information that I had gathered these last few minutes. 

“I almost risked everything to make sure he won’t be able to take part in this tournament. I won’t mind having to look after him even though I doubt he will let me do that.”

Dumbledore didn’t say anything during the whole time, but I was ready to face him if he was thinking about letting Cedric having his heroic moment later on. He wouldn’t let Potter do that if he was aware he would die. 

“We cannot change the future. But as miss Scamander said it, we cannot let Cedric participate in this tournament. I must discuss it with the other professors. As for now, I won’t tell anyone what you said to me. Mrs Trewlaney will do the same. But for this to stay a secret, I need to put a punishment in place. Therefore, I want you to listen to me carefully. I will take 200 points from Slytherin. And you will have to undergo the Sorting Hat again. I do not think you fit in Slytherin, there must have been a mistake. For now, you can dismiss.”

I left the office completely defeated. Two. Hundred. Points. That will be the death of me.  

I had to go back to the common room where dinner was done but most of the students were still there. At Dumbledore’s announcement of the Slytherin’s loss of 200 points, Draco Malfoy almost passed out from his anger, but only after screaming “My father will hear about this” about two hundred times. I thought it would be harder than that but most of the students were mostly interested in going back to their dorms. I looked at the Hufflepuff’s table but couldn’t find Cedric who must have been wandering around the castle as his Prefect’s duty was not done yet. I sighed and sat at a chair and let Dumbledore put the Sorting Hat on my head. I can say one thing for sure : having a thing speaking at you and judging your personality is not very agreeable. 

“I do believe that your place at Slytherin must be very convenient. It seems you’re sly enough and you do not care about breaking rules as long as you get your own way. But the reasons of doing so are benevolent. Too benevolent as you are ready to sacrifice yourself for the well-being of others… Should I put you in Gryffindors? You seem to show qualities such as bravery and strength. But you could also find your way in the Hufflepuffs…”

“Bro at this point I am everything and everyone.”

“… But quite indelicate when it comes to following the rules. Your rebellious behaviour can make you achieve great things… but it can make you become destructive if it does not follow your wishes…”

I rolled my eyes at this - way too long - speech. I just wanted to get away from here to find Cedric and apologise to him. I should be able to explain myself but as long as Dumbledore’s approval is not given to me, I won’t do such a thing. I have to find another way to make it up to him. 

“But you are also able to show remorse… This have to be a quite harsh decision… but you should be moved to Gryffindor.”

I was thinking about so many possibilities to redeem myself but hearing the name of Gryffindor made me forget about all of it. I looked angry at the hat in my head as if it could see my face. 

“I would rather die a Hufflepuff than being a Gryffindor!” As I bursted it all out, I’ve noticed many pairs of eyes looking at me. “No offense to the Hufflepuffs…”

“Hufflepuff it will be.”

I let out a cry of relief as I didn’t hear Gryffindor but realised my fate as Dumbledore took the hat off my head, much to his satisfaction. My eyes were wide opened as I tried to explain to him that it was so unnecessary to change me from the Slytherins as I did what was best. But the look on his face made me realise I shouldn’t get too comfortable in here, people were still there and I had to be discreet if I wanted our plan to go well. Cedric’s sake should come first. 

The next hour was the worst as I had to take all my things to adventure myself to the Hufflepuff dorm. I must admit that their dorm is the best, very cosy and warm, a huge contrast with the first dorm I had known. Moving my things was the easiest thing as I didn’t have much. 

“Welcome here, we’re glad to have you around… as long as you don’t cause us to lose 200 points!”

I felt quite tensed until the blond girl laughed at my face in this weirdly kind way. I let a smile makes its way across my lips before heading to the room my bed was. I left it right away, hoping to find Cedric somewhere. I thought I had my chances because he was unaware of my fate after he left Dumbledore’s office. I didn’t find him in the Hufflepuff’s room but as I was making my way out I caught sight of him and made my way towards him, very quietly so that he wouldn’t be able to avoid me. But he must have had a sixth sense because he started walking away from me before I could even say something. The only thing I could be proud of was how stubborn I was. 

“I really need to talk to you Cedric. It’s very important.”

“I have nothing to say and no will to listen to your nonsense. Dumbledore and the others must have felt compassion towards you but I am not ready to hear anything from you… yet.”

The fact that he was still able, in his fierce anger, to envisage a possibility of letting me explain myself was enough to make my heart melt at such benevolence. Was this humanly possible? In his weakness, I was able to see his strength taking over the rest. 

“I am so sorry. I thought of saving you and I ignored how it would impact you. But I did it with the best intentions I could have!”

He turned around and looked at me with feelings that were mixed between anger and disappointment. How harsh this look was knowing that he had all the rights to feel that way towards me. I had to accept that he needed space and time. As long as he wasn’t putting himself in danger, I had nothing else to do other than waiting for him to be ready to hear what I had to say. 

I left and two weeks passed before I would caught him looking at me. At first I thought he was looking at something behind or next to me. But the more it happened and the more I thought about how it could be his way to letting me know he was ready for me to make the first move. And I was craving for that, waiting was not - and still isn’t - the best thing I do. One night, I joined him before he could go to his dorm. He didn’t walk faster but didn’t talk to me either. I looked at him and caught his gaze. 

“Are you ready to listen to what I have to say?”

“I have questions before we talk about what you did to me.”

“Go ahead. I am willing to answer all the questions you can have in mind.”

“Rather being a Hufflepuff than dying a Gryffindor huh? I didn’t think you were that dramatic.” He laughed and I surprised myself thinking how I missed it. “I was very surprised with my friends when they told me that you would become part of our House. Is this the real punishment?”

“I have all the Slytherins ready to catch a spell against me at anytime for having them losing 200 points. Draco Malfoy is surely ranting about me to his father, and planing on getting rid of me as soon as he will see me wandering around all alone. I don’t really think that the Hufflepuff is a bad thing, next to all that.”

“It seems that you need protection. I guess you know better than me about danger now.” I sighed at this indirect attack. He was very clever, I couldn’t deny it, and he was also very blunt. Too bad for him, it was also my cup of tea.  

“I learned very well from you.”

“Touché.” He stopped himself to look at me. “What happened?”

“The Sorting Hat had troubles finding my real house and then I got-” 

He stopped me, shaking his head as I looked at him wondering what was his problem. 

“I was thinking more about you explaining to me why you did what you did. Other than the protection scheme.”

“I have not much more to say to be honest. It started with you being infatuated with putting your life in danger and me getting worried as the days passed. I thought about making you change your mind but you’re so stubborn it made me crazy.. I did a bad thing but I have to be honest: I don’t regret it. I feel like I saved your life and if you want to be mad at me for that, then so be it.”

“I am mad because you disregarded my wishes. I thought you were too concerned with me. We barely knew each other. We still don’t.” I winced at this fact being spoken out loud. But he was right. “But I guess I understand. I thought a lot about it and I know that you didn’t do it for your own sake. I tried thinking in reverse and if someone I liked was putting themselves in danger, I would probably risk everything in order to save them.” 

“Because when you put yourself in my position your only thought was : she must like me?”

“Is this all you remembered from all I said?”

“I don’t understand if you’re still willing to be mad at me or if you’re willing to let me learn more about you. Just so I can figure it all out.”

“What do you mean?” 

“I want to know if I made the right choice.”

He laughed and started to walk again. “You really like me do you?”

I couldn’t answer to this question. Not because I didn’t know about how I felt, but because my pride didn’t disappear the night I was made a Hufflepuff.