#LIKE HOW WHEN CEDRIC EVEN SUGGESTS HE COULD BE KING EVERYONE LAUGHS AT HIM

[the-gayest-show]

consumed by thoughts about cedric the sorcerer, forced to be a normal high schooler

[saintsenara]

I’m increasingly intrigued by the idea of Harry/Kingsley.

I’ve always thought that Harry would be inclined to go for people considerably older than him; I think we see this even with his crushes on Bill, Tom, Cedric etc Even arguably Sirius.

Kingsley is good humoured (giving Sirius them Quibblers ah I love you Kings) and he’s very attuned to Harry’s self-esteem etc (Prefect thingie… side note: Harry absolutely should not have been Prefect. He would’ve hated it and would’ve neglected his duties severely)

thank you very much for the ask, anon!

i am also inclined to back this.

kingsley is obviously a great laugh, he got along really well with sirius, and harry likes his style. plus, vernon is canonically ready to risk it all for kingsley, so think how jealous he'd be. there’s no way that wouldn't motivate harry to put the moves on the minister.

but there's also a really interesting dynamic brought it by the fact that this is undoubtedly only going to happen as a post-war pairing... which is that i think it's extremely plausible to suggest that harry and kingsley's approaches to how the aftermath of the conflict is dealt with [and their reflections on their roles in the war] are going to be very different, in a way which introduces some lovely, compelling tension into the mix.

harry's view of the war is of a struggle between a singular force of evil - voldemort - and a singular force of good - himself - which he sees as existing outside of the structures of normal society. during deathly hallows, he really doesn't spare much mental energy for the fact that voldemort's forces are running the state - above all in that he thinks that hogwarts is a place of normality and safety, and is far more shocked than is reasonable to discover this isn't the case when he arrives at the castle.

and this builds on something which always strikes me in order of the phoenix - that, even though harry spends the first five chapters of the book absolutely furious that he's been subjected to an information blackout by the order, he completely ceases to care about their work the second he knows it's primarily focused on threats to the state and its institutions [so from c. 6 onwards], to the extent that, by the ninth chapter of the book, harry has circled back to being pleased about molly weasley's statement that he's as good as her son and wanting her to keep thinking it, and no longer believes sirius has much useful to tell him about the anti-voldemort movement.

[which everyone seems to overlook, for some reason...]

this all makes sense, obviously, given harry's genre archetype. the series is about him and voldemort and the mystical connection between them, this can only be explained to him by a single mentor-figure [dumbledore], the order are - essentially - set-dressing.

but from a watsonian perspective, it's the spark for a really interesting post-war premise - that harry thinks everything is fine once voldemort's dead. kingsley - in contrast - will recognise that the rot goes much deeper. not least because he becomes minister and immediately has to try and get the government working when he knows the entire civil service stayed in post during the war.

i have always been really committed to believing that many of the extra-canonical bits of information about harry's extraordinary mercy which jkr has dropped since the series ended - especially the detail that he intervenes to get lucius malfoy off all charges, entirely and only because malfoy didn't do anything to harm him at a crucial time - must have infuriated kingsley.

[and kingsley must already have been a little infuriated, since dumbledore essentially assigned the order pointless busy-work - which nonetheless required them all to risk their lives daily - to pass the time until harry and voldemort could face off for their final showdown...]

and so i think there's so much potential for tension there, in a fic which is initially about a bit of post-war age-gap blowing off steam... but which then has to deal with the thorny [and therefore erotic] questions of justice, power, forgiveness, and so on...

[and harry should never have been a prefect. justice for dean, i say.]

[tricksters-captain]

Weasley Twins/Cedric Diggory Imagines - Accidental Meeting - Part 1

AN: So I may have fallen back into my Harry Potter phase at the moment and I came up with a fic idea for a Reader x Cedric and Reader x George Weasley fic and I have the whole thing planned out so I figured I may as well write it down and publish it... And what better way to celebrate the 1st of September; going back to Hogwarts day!

Overall Summary: (Y/n), is a young witch who always kept her head down due to her complicated past; one day she bumps quite literally into one of the most popular boys in Hogwarts, Cedric Diggory, and that’s when (Y/n) plan of keeping her head down seems to go up into the air. Things only seem to worsen when two redheaded twins start to take notice too...

This Chapter: It’s (y/n) 5th year at Hogwarts and things have gone swimmingly until she happens to come across 6th year Cedric Diggory... (Y/n) first day of 5th year suddenly becomes a lot more eventful than she had planned. 

Pairing(s): Cedric Diggory x Reader, (Eventual) George Weasley x Reader, (Platonic) Fred Weasley x Reader, (Platonic) Oliver Wood x Reader

Word Count: 3,947

Warnings: None 

You smiled as you heard the familiar sounds of the train station fill the air with a buzz. You had still yet to reach Platform 9 and 3/4 but even just standing in King Cross brought the familial warmth of knowing you were going back to Hogwarts. 

It didn’t take you long to reach the platform and load your belongings and yourself onto the train. It had been a long and boring summer with your uncle and you were glad to be heading back to the infamous castle. 

You walked through the train until you came across Wood sat inside one of the large compartments of the train with several of his 7th year friends. 

“Bout time you got here, I was starting to think you’d gotten lost and was hiding in the bathroom again.” Oliver stood with a bright smile and hugged you. 

“That happened once, Wood.” You rolled your eyes, waving at the boys sat in the compartment before taking your seat next to Wood. 

Now, from the outside, your friendship with Wood was random and a little confusing considering the fact you weren’t a massive fan of Quidditch... But once people heard the story it soon made sense. 

You had liked to keep your head down from the start of Hogwarts. When you received your letter to attend Hogwarts, you almost didn’t want to, you didn’t want to learn magic only to spiral down a dark path like your parents did. 

Your parents were famed Death Eaters and extremely loyal to he who shall not be named. So, when you opened your letter, you were almost sick with anxiety. After the downfall of Voldemort, your parents were arrested and sent to Azkaban and the worst part was they were the most well known for their crimes and passion for the Dark Lord alongside Sirius, Black, Barty Crouch and Bellatrix Lestrange. 

When you first arrived at Hogwarts, you tried to hide who you were but it wasn’t long until the whispers stirred and the rumours spread which lead to a large group of girls bullying you. 

That’s when Wood came into the picture. 

Wood didn't care for your heritage, he only cared that people were being horrid to you for something you had no control over. 

You belong to Gryffindor house and some of the Gryffindor girls were saying how you belonged in Slytherin and they couldn’t have some bad blooded evil Death Eater in the house.

Wood shut them right down before making sure you were okay and from there, your friendship blossomed. 

Wood was like the older brother you never had and you were forever grateful for him but this year was his final year at Hogwarts. 

“How was your summer? You barely even wrote me.” Oliver asked as he took his seat back beside you. You moved closer to the boy and rested your back against his shoulder as you sighed. 

“Boring. I had nothing to write about.” You shrugged and the other boys in the carriage laughed at your honesty. 

“Well, I had plenty to write about and you missed it all.” Wood argued, just trying to be awkward to annoy you.

“Well then talk! We have a long train journey and it’ll stop me from already opening my new books.” You told him and with that his jaw didn’t stop. 

It had been a few hours and you had zoned out of most of the conversations between the boys and you had in fact cracked open a new book to make the time fly faster when Wood included you again.

“You hear that, (Y/n/n)?” He asked, the mention of your nickname drawing your attention back to the group. 

“What?” You lifted your chin and looked at the boy.

“Since is it my final year, I expect you to be at every quidditch match including the final when we win the cup” He repeated what you had missed with a bright smile. 

“Every match?” You groaned, frowning at the boy. You enjoyed Quidditch but if the weather wasn’t any good or you had some work due close to a quidditch night, you’d rather hit the books. 

“Every match. Last year was your poorest effort yet and you have to make up for it.” Wood practically scolded you. He loved his Quidditch more than anything at Hogwarts so hearing you complain about it was mind boggling for him. 

“I only missed three matches last year.” You defended yourself, 

“Three winning matches.” He argued, his accent thick as he emphasised. 

The conversation was brought to a halt as the train began to slow on the tracks and the lights flickered.

“What’s going on?” Wood asked, looking towards the corridor of the train.

“Maybe we’ve broke down?” You suggested, closing your book as you watched the sky darken outside. 

The air grew colder as the train came to a stop. You pulled your arms around yourself as Oliver stood up to see what was going on. 

Suddenly, a black blur flew past the window, making you feel nauseous with nerves as you realised what was happening.

“It’s a dementor...” You whispered just as you heard the train doors open and felt the whole carriage shake. 

Every carriage of the train seemed silent as the dementors searched the train. You buried yourself into the corner of your seat and Oliver sat beside you, leaning forward protectively. 

“Did they really think Sirius Black would have gotten on the train?” One of Olivers friends asked as the Dementors finally left. 

“He escaped from Azkaban. I’m sure he can sneak onto the Hogwarts Express if he really wanted to.” You spoke plainly. 

The reminder of Sirius Black brought forward the anxieties in you about Azkaban, Death Eaters and your parents. 

You asked Oliver to follow you into the corridor for a private conversation when the train started to move again and he immediately did as asked. 

“Do you wonder if one prisoner can escape Azkaban, can more? At this point, there must be so many dark wizards in there that they can’t keep track of every cell in there?” 

Oliver knew you meant; what if your parents could escape?

“No one is getting out of Azkaban after Sirius Black. The security there will be on high alert. They wouldn’t let it happen again.” Wood held you by the shoulders reassuringly,��“(Y/n), you’re safe.” you tried to believe him but the hairs on the back of your neck wouldn’t let you quit worrying. 

“Look, there was a dementor on our train just now. That means one less dementor at Azkaban, doesn’t it?” You crossed your arms over your chest as you lowered your voice so that a passing 4th year couldn’t overhear.

“(Y/n), the ministry canny risk losing anymore prisoners, they already have half of the country’s witches and wizards questioning the safety of their children if they’ve managed to let one prisoner slip. No one else is getting out of Azkaban.” Oliver was right, the ministry couldn’t afford more death eaters escaping their clutches, it would only cause chaos. 

“You might regret saying that so confidently.” You murmured, running your hand through you hair as you looked down the empty corridor. “I think I’m gonna go change into my robes now.” 

Oliver didn’t say much else as you left to find a toilet to change in. 

You shuffled your way down the tight corridor when you clocked a tall handsome boy exiting his compartment with a bag in his hand too. 

Just at that moment, three first years ran past you in their flowing full black robes, forcing you to go fall flat against the boys chest.

The boy caught your wrists steadying you after your stumble. 

“I am so sorry.” You flushed red as you pulled back to see the handsome face was Cedric Diggory from the year above. He was a popular Hufflepuff, liked by everyone and a very good student, not to mention nearly every girl in your year had crushed on him at one point or another.

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it.” He smiled at you, still holding onto you without realisation. 

“I was just going in there to change.” You nodded to the toilet door beside you both and he smiled again. 

“Go ahead, you can go first if you like.” Cedric offered.

“Really? I don’t mind waiting.”

“I insist, honestly.” He opened the door for you and you ducked under his arm to go inside. 

“Thank you.” You blushed again as you closed the door and fell against it. 

You shook off the encounter knowing that really it was nothing as you changed into your school uniform. You brushed down your robes as you took one last look in the mirror before leaving the bathroom to see Cedric chatting with some other 6th year. 

You slipped past and returned to your compartment where Wood was also changed and seemingly falling asleep. 

Wood opened one of his eyes and smirked as he pulled out a chocolate frog box from under his arm. 

“You missed the trolley.” He said as he handed you your favourite sweet. 

“You’re too good to me, Wood.” You beamed a large smile as you took it from him and opened it a tad to see the charmed frog inside. 

As the train finally pulled into it’s destination, everyone jumped out their seats ready to get off the train after the long journey. 

You peaked down the corridor to one of the exits to see Cedric dressed in his robes, looking over at you.

When your eyes met his, he started to push past some of the other students to reach you. 

“You know, I never got your name.” Cedric said as he reached you.

“(Y/n). And you’re Cedric, right?” You took his hand as he offered it. 

“Cedric Diggory.” He introduced himself as if he needed to. 

“May I?” You had noticed Cedric’s tie was wonky and you were desperate for him to fix it. You were a bit of a stiff when it came to tidiness, you took after your uncle that way. 

Cedric looked down at his tie where you had gestured and then shrugged, lifting his chin, giving you his permission. 

You reached up and straightened his tie, tightening it to the collar before quickly withdrawing your hands. 

“Diggory.” Wood’s voice startled you as it reminded you he was stood just beside you. “Congrats on making captain this year. I’m looking forward to seeing you on the pitch again.” Oliver shook Cedric’s hand as he took the attention away from you and onto Quidditch. It was his speciality. 

“Thanks man. I reckon we may have a chance at winning this year.” Cedric’s smile was contagious, you found yourself looking away just to stop your own smile. 

“Not while I’m still here, Diggory.” Wood joshed. 

The whistle blew loudly as the doors opened. The 1st years were first to get off, being guided by the head boy and girl as well as Hagrid to the boats where they get their first full view of the castle in the night sky. 

The rest of the school followed, taking the carriages to the castle, you stuck with Wood, sitting beside him in the great hall for the welcoming feast.

You couldn’t help but notice Potter further down the table. You wondered if he knew who Sirius Black was and what he did. Everyone knows that he would be Blacks next target if Black wasn’t in hiding right now. 

Beside Potter were his friends, Hermione and Ron, and then closer to your side of the table was Ron’s bothers, the Weasley twins and then head boy Percy Weasley. 

The table was alive with chatter of what happened on the train with the dementors and you were surprised to hear that Harry Potter fainted after coming face to face with one. 

You glanced around the room as the first years were being sorted into their houses before the feast can begin. You found yourself looking towards the Hufflepuff table and that's when you spotted Cedric, watching the Gryffindor table, searching for you. 

“Who are you looking at?” Wood turned around to catch you staring at Diggory and within that moment, Diggory’s eyes found you too. “I thought you didn’t do boyfriends.” Wood teased you as you both returned your gaze back to the first years. 

“I don’t. He was looking at me.” You tried to defend yourself but Oliver always saw straight through any of your lies. 

“Welcome! Welcome to another year at Hogwarts.” Dumbledore finally announced his welcome as all the first years were sorted and the frog choir had sang. “Now, I'd like to say a few words before we all become too befuddled by our excellent feast. First, I'm pleased to welcome Professor R.J. Lupin, who's kindly consented to fill the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Good luck, Professor.” 

The new professor was young, his face was scarred yet he still remained handsome. You could see his friendly demeanour as he smiled at the students all looking up at him and found yourself actually looking forward to your next DATDA lesson. 

“Our Care of Magical Creatures teacher has decided to retire in order to spend more time with his remaining limbs. Fortunately, I'm delighted to announce that his place will be taken by none other than our own Rubeus Hagrid. Finally, on a more disquieting note, at the request of the Ministry of Magic, Hogwarts will, until further notice, play host to the dementors of Azkaban. Until such a time as Sirius Black is captured. The dementors will be stationed at every entrance to the grounds. Now, whilst I've been assured that their presence will not disrupt our day-to-day activities, a word of caution... Dementors are vicious creatures. They'll not distinguish between the one they hunt and the one who gets in their way. Therefore, I must warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. It is not in the nature of a dementor to be forgiving. But you know, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times; if one only remembers to turn on the light.” Dumbledore’s speech about the dementors didn’t seem to help the overwhelming nerves inside your chest. 

“You alright?” Wood leaned into you with concern in his eyes. The colour had drowned from your face, not that you had realised. 

“I’m fine. It’s just another year at Hogwarts with some soulless, cold, creepy extra security, right?” You tried to joke but Oliver wasn’t convinced. 

The first years and prefects were the first ones to leave the hall as the first years always had priority when it came to seeing their new common rooms and dormitories. 

You finished off your pudding and left Oliver chatting with his quidditch team about the new tactics he’d been thinking up over the summer. 

You left the great hall, loosening your tie and tossing a hand through your hair as you realised just how tired you were. 

“(Y/n)?” You heard a voice come up behind you and you spun around to see Cedric jogging down the corridor towards you.

“Cedric?” You furrowed your eyebrows, curious to why he was giving you this much attention today. 

“What, um, what are you doing right now?” He asked as he stopped in front of you. 

“Nothing... Heading back to the common room.” You were taken back by his forwardness. 

“Would you... Would you like to, uh, go on a walk with me?” Cedric asked, pointing his thumb over his shoulder. 

“Shouldn’t you be looking after the first years, Mr Prefect?” You had saw him leave earlier with the new Hufflepuff students. 

“They realised the kitchens was right beside our common room so I think they’re preoccupied for now.” Cedric smiled at you and you couldn’t help but smile back. 

“It’s getting late.” You stated, looking up at the night sky from the arch beside you. 

“A short walk then?” Cedric offered his hand. 

Your eyes fell to his palm and you gnawed on your cheek as you contemplated. 

“I don’t bite.” Cedric pushed, his grin never faltering. “I promise.” 

“A short one.” You didn’t take his hand but you walked past him, encouraging him to follow. 

“So, how come we haven’t spoken before?” Cedric asked as he chased after you, his hands in his pockets. 

“I don’t know.” You admitted honestly, “One of the many reasons could be you’re a Hufflepuff, I’m a Gryffindor. I’m 5th year, you’re 6th year. I don’t really have many friends, you have a lot. I like to be alone too. People don’t speak to me that often.” You suggested many reasons but you knew the whole fact was you just barely spent time socialising outside of your friendship with Wood. 

“How come?” Cedric furrowed his brow as he glanced down at you. 

You went quiet as you rounded a corner to enter the courtyard. 

“(Y/n)?” Cedric caught your elbow and brought you to face him.

“People just don’t trust me, I guess.” You pursed your lips into a thin line as you avoided his eyes. 

“Why would they not?” He asked. 

“Cedric.” You looked up at him with a frown, “My name is (Y/n) Seyler.” 

“Seyler? As in...” Cedric didn’t react in fear or disgust but more confusion. 

“As in Lorelei and Mikael Seyler.” Cedric could see the anger flicker in your eyes when you said your parents names. 

“Why would anyone not trust you because of that? They’ve been in Azkaban since you were a toddler.” Cedric seemed genuine about his confusion but you knew that people were judged far too easily at this school by their family names; Weasley, Malfoy, etc.

“People think evil can be inherited. I can’t tell you how happy I was being sorted into Gryffindor, at least I wasn’t following their footsteps then. My father was a Ravenclaw and my mother a Slytherin. I would have even been happy as a Hufflepuff.” You pulled Cedric’s tie out of his jumper and stared at it. 

“What’s wrong with being a Hufflepuff?” Cedric took it from you with a fake hurt on his face. 

“The fact I know Hufflepuffs prefer hanging around with Slytherins than Gryffindors.” You wiggled your eyebrows, it was a known fact throughout the school that if you were a Slytherin you probably had a Hufflepuff as your out of house friend. 

“I guess that’s changing.” Cedric smirked, cocking his eyebrow at you. 

You were speechless at his attempt at flirting but you felt the heat rise to your cheeks. 

“I, um, I better head back to the dorms. Need to unpack and all.” You made up an excuse to excuse yourself.

“I can walk you if you like?” Cedric offered but you had to deny in fear that if you spent much more time with him, someone would notice. 

“It’s okay. Yours is closer from here, it would take longer for you to walk me to the fat lady and then back to your common room. Don’t want to be getting in trouble for being out late on the first night back, do we?” You started to slowly walk backwards as you spoke. 

“I guess that wouldn’t be a great start to the year. Goodnight then, (Y/n).” Cedric nodded his head at you, his soft brown hair bouncing on his head, his smile just as soft.

“Goodnight.” The word came out faster than expected and Cedric just chuckled. 

You turned your back and rushed to the Gryffindor common room. 

Most students were inside now, all heading to their dorms to unpack and relax after the large feast. 

You were greeted by some of the boys in your year who were sat around with the Weasley twins and you politely greeted them back. 

When you reached your dorm, the beds were mostly taken and the girls were nattering about their summer romances and getaways. 

“Hey (Y/n), did you have a nice summer?” Angelina was the one who quietened the girls by speaking to you. 

“It was okay.” You smiled a small appreciative smile at the girl for trying with you. Angelina and Katie were both on the Quidditch team with Oliver so were more friendly with you than most of the girls in your year. 

“Oliver was already talking our ears off at supper about this years Quidditch cup. I don’t know how you sit with him for the whole train journey, he must put you to sleep.” Katie joked which made you and Angelina laugh.

“I’m pretty much immune to his constant chatter by now. I know what and what not to listen to.” You retorted, smiling at the girls. 

“That train journey was pretty scary. The dementors coming aboard was horrible.” Angelina folded her clothes as she spoke. 

“Well, Black breaking out of Azkaban is pretty horrible. If he has any sense he won’t come near Hogwarts.” Katie couldn’t help but let her eyes flicker to you when she mentioned Azkaban but you pretended not to notice. 

“He may not have any sense. Azkaban can drive you mad. The only good thing about that is he’ll caught quickly if he tries to come here.” You kept your eyes down as you unlocked your trunk to find your pyjamas. 

The girls went quiet but soon picked up some other conversation that you weren’t interested in. 

When you felt you had sorted all your belongings out, you slipped on your slippers and went down to the common room. 

Wood was sat on the sofa by the fire. 

“Waiting for me, Oli?” You made yourself known and he grinned up at you. 

“I know your personal schedule way too accurately, Seyler. I was just drawing up some strategies.” Wood showed you his notebook and you just shook your head, taking and closing the book.  

“No more Quidditch talk today, I beg!” You flopped on the sofa beside him, pulling your sweater sleeves up your wrists as you brought your knees up to your chest. 

“Okay... Well, how about we talk about your little evening walk with Cedric Diggory?” 

“How did you find out?” You stared at the boy in disbelief. 

“Percy saw you two together in the courtyard.” He admitted. It was a pain that they shared a room. 

“He asked me to go on a walk with him and I said yes. There’s nothing else to it.” You started, 

“Isn’t he a little old for you, (Y/n)?” Wood asked, almost teasing you. 

“He’s a year older. Anyway, like I said, there’s nothing else to it.” You argued, 

“We’ll see about that, shall we?” Wood rolled his eyes at you which made you whack him.

“I can’t believe it’s your last year.” You tried diverting the conversation to him as you tucked yourself under his arm.

“Finally! I won’t have to spend any more time with you after this year.” Oliver smirked. The cheek of that boy!

“I am a delight!” You whacked him again. 

“You’re a bully. I’ll come up in bruises tomorrow, just you see.” 

“Speaking of tomorrow. We have lessons. We should get to bed, it’s been long day of travelling and if I hear one more of your strategies for this year I may fall asleep on this sofa.” 

“Like I said, a Bully...” Wood stood up and pulled you with him. 

You both returned to your rooms and you fell asleep quicker than expected, the last image in your mind was Cedric with that smile in the train corridor. 

(PART 2 HERE)

[lins-fandom-hub]

09/01/1998 (2)

Part 1 || Part 2

Here’s part 2 of a 2-part fic that I wrote that commemorates Clara’s Hogwarts friends/peers lost to battle against the forces of evil. I hope everyone’s enjoyed it so far.

The backyard wasn’t really much to look at at first glance. It was just an open grassy field, almost as big as the Quidditch pitch, with a few Wiggentrees sprouting by the border to accommodate the Bowtruckles that live there. Over the last few days, though, Barnaby had set up a couple of comfortable tents for the guests, courtesy of Hagrid who lent them for this occasion--and in the centre of the ring of tents was a huge bonfire pit with a stone border around it. A little ways away stood a table where large sky lanterns around the size of Hagrid’s pumpkins were sitting on, as well as the refreshments that a few were kind enough to move from inside. Indeed, as the two sisters arrived everyone else was milling around waiting for them--the sun had almost fully set by now, and the first stars were just beginning to twinkle in the dark periwinkle sky.

“Everything alright?” Charlie asked Clara then. “Nothing serious?”

Clara nodded. “Yeah. Everything’s fine--I just remembered, I had to wear this dagger for this important ceremony. It was custom in the Chinese Wizarding Task Force to wear this as part of our uniform, but also to wear to honour the fallen.”

“Cool,” Ismelda remarked quietly, a wicked smile growing over her face. Somehow it seemed like her love for blades never went away.

“I think we should start lighting up the bonfire at least. Hopefully no one asks too many questions about it,” Clara said. “And then we’ll get to the lanterns.”

Everyone nodded and spread out around the fire pit in a large ring, pulling out their wands and pointing them at the pile of wood in front of them. “Incendio!”

The moment the flames caught the wood and rose to the sky, the moment the lanterns were lit, Clara looked around at everyone present before staring at the lantern in her hands, the bright orange flames pulsing through the thin white paper. Soon, the sky would be lit with more than just stars tonight. Where joy was once spread through the Great Hall as students old and new dined upon the fine feasts prepared by the Hogwarts house elves, there was now the hint of solemnity not often present on the day of fresh starts.

“Wait, Clara! Don’t start without us!”

Clara’s head snapped at the sound of her brother’s voice, and she stared in awe as Jacob came running towards the group, two women she almost didn’t recognize trailing behind him. One of them had her brown hair tied up messily in a bun, her navy blue robes swishing as she ran. The other had a bright green scrunchie wrapped tightly in her long brown hair, her face marked with a light layer of soot and her t-shirt ripped from what could only be a set of claws.

Her heart leapt at the sight. At least Jacob was here tonight--and he would stay for much longer than just a few moments.

“Jacob!” she called, waving them over. “And…”

“Aurelie and Alanza,” Jacob explained, gesturing to the two women. “They showed up at the door just as I came by. Probably came by Portkey, not sure--but they said they knew you and wanted to join you in tonight’s ritual, so I agreed.”

“Of course they’re welcome,” Clara said, a small smile on her face as she recalled fond memories with the two girls back at Hogwarts. Aurelie was Penny’s pen-friend from Beauxbatons, and she came by Hogwarts at one point to visit and search for an invaluable alchemy artefact. Alanza was an exchange student from Castelobruxo who came to Hogwarts shortly after Rowan’s untimely death, and she helped her get back on her feet again in the time she was there with her sunny disposition and cheerful outlook on life. “It’s good to see you both again.”

“Oui, it has been so long!” Aurelie agreed, stepping forward to give Clara a hug. “I trust that you have been well?”

“As well as I have been,” Clara responded with a nod. “We all definitely need to catch up some time.”

“Were you really in China for a while?” Alanza asked. “How was it?”

Clara only chuckled a bit at Alanza’s question--after all, she once said as an exchange student she came to Hogwarts looking for adventure. “It was...quite interesting, to say the least. I got to see more of China in my task force days, so that counts for something.”

“We can join the circle, can we?” Aurelie asked then. 

The circle. How strange it was to think back on the last time the circle was so important. Clara nodded and swallowed at a lump in her throat, forcing herself to retain the smile on her face. “Of course. You can grab one of the lanterns there--we have a few extra.”

The two women nodded as they went over to Badeea holding up two more lanterns already decorated and lit. 

Jacob smiled as well at his little sister, holding up an all-too-familiar scarf in his hands. “I brought this from home, just in case.”

It was Rowan’s scarf--the same scarf Clara suggested she’d buy at Diagon Alley the very first time they met. She found it in the school courtyard one night while mourning for Rowan on her path to becoming Head Girl, and she protected it with her life ever since. She reached out to take it, feeling the fraying wool between her fingers, and wound the stripes of white, red, orange, pink, yellow, and green around her shoulders. 

“Thanks, Jacob.” Clara gave her brother a nod, and Jacob nodded solemnly as he picked up another lantern from the table, then took his place between little Em and Bill in the circle. 

Eventually, everyone took their places in the circle around the bonfire, and Clara cleared her throat.

“Thanks for coming, everyone.”

Clara glanced around at the group of friends gathered before her, each of them looking expectantly at her. The memory of another time, a smaller circle of friends, struck her with the force of a bomb once again, and she clenched her fists tightly at her sides in hope that she wouldn’t cry. No, she couldn’t cry. Ben and Merula were no longer here to back her up.

“I know it’s a bit weird to call you all here only two days before the wedding,” Clara commenced in a strained voice. “And I have a very good reason for leaving the wedding off for so long at all--but that’s not what I want to talk about. Do you remember what September 1 used to mean to us?”

“The day we board the Hogwarts Express to go to Hogwarts?” George recalled fondly, glancing over at Charlie and Bill who nodded encouragingly.

“Exactly. It marked the start of a new school year…” Clara confirmed, taking a shaky breath. “The end of the summer holidays used to mean another chapter in the making--for all of us developing our individual talents, sharpening our magical skills, strengthening friendships and relationships...and, for me, unearthing the secrets of ‘R’ and the Cursed Vaults.”

She caught sight of Murphy and Orion sharing an uneasy glance before turning their heads back to her. Murphy had just opened his mouth to say something when Skye shot him a glare, and he closed his mouth respectfully.

“Over the years, we lost some friends near and dear to us,” Clara continued. “Rowan Khanna died a hero in the face of the unforgivable. Cedric Diggory was killed defying the Dark Lord alongside Harry Potter in the Triwizard Tournament. Dobby sacrificed his life defying his masters to save Harry. He died a free elf.”

Bill and Fleur nodded grimly at that, Fleur clutching tightly onto her handkerchief while Bill put a comforting arm around her. Even Aurelie and Alanza clasped hands at the news--clearly, they had missed out more than they dared to hope.

“And there were more casualties in the Battle of Hogwarts that I know we wouldn’t forget any time soon,” she went on. “Ben Copper. Nymphadora Tonks. Talbott Winger. Merula Snyde. Fred Weasley. Remus Lupin. They fought for the greater good of the wizarding world.”

The grip on her lantern wavered as she struggled not to cry. Tears were already burning in her eyes, blurring the figures of her friends and loved ones in front of her--she blinked them away and shook her head.

“Today, on September 1, 1998, let us not forget the sacrifices they made,” she proclaimed then. “On the day that we feast like kings and laugh like knights, we must also remember the heroes that made this possible for us. We now live in peace because of what they’ve done for us. We’re here today because of all they’ve given many yesterdays ago. Let this day be a new chapter for all of us, not only to live our best lives, but to honour those who made it possible.”

Somewhere up in the clear summer night, she could see the stars twinkle and gleam with the bright souls of her fallen friends. Perhaps Barnaby was right--given the right visionary scope, they would be looking down upon everyone just like angels in heaven. Each wink a laugh, each glimmer a smile. She smiled up into the vast deep blue above, feeling the pressure upon her hands and heart lift skyward, and for a moment she felt as if she was airborne.

“Preach!” Andre cheered from the other side of the bonfire, followed by a loud huzzah from everyone else around him. The shout eventually brought Clara down to earth, and she looked at Barnaby who nodded at her. 

“Let us now lift our lanterns to the sky,” Clara finally told everyone. “Our gift to the souls who watch over us every day.”

Slowly, everyone raised their lanterns, releasing them into the air with a little push at the tips of their fingers. With their pulsating flames flashing brilliant orange light within their white wrapping, they looked like tiny hearts beating with life, dancing among the stars in the night. As they lifted their heads, gazing up at the lanterns now, Clara could only see the smiles of the dead in the sky, laughter echoing in her mind. Her heart swelled at the sight of Rowan’s smile in her memory, and she welcomed the tears burning in her eyes, trickling down her cheeks.

“I’m not one to gush, but...it’s nice,” Ismelda finally remarked with a nod, a subtle peaceful smile on her face.

“It’s beautiful,” little Em agreed, gazing over at Jacob who chuckled and wrapped an arm around her..

“They’re like little beating hearts,” Liz murmured in awe. “New souls granted to the ones who watch over us.”

The higher the lanterns rose, the lighter Clara’s heart felt as the burdens and grief crumbled away, bit by bit, into the dark cavern of oblivion. She glanced around at everyone now--Penny and Beatrice had their arms around each other; Liz, Chiara, and Tulip were all pointing at the stars above in the sky; and Diego, Jae, and Charlie stepped back from the bonfire to admire the view above. Even Murphy and Erika teared up a little at the sight, and Aurelie and Alanza dabbed at the tears in their eyes with spare handkerchiefs Fleur lent them.

“Hey! Let’s not forget a toast to the impending bride and groom!” Bill called out finally, conjuring a fine goblet of mead out of thin air and holding it up to Clara and Barnaby. “To your union!”

Barnaby only chuckled as he took Clara’s hand and spun her around once, pulling her close to him. “So, you think they liked that?”

“Yeah. You’re right, Barnaby,” Clara murmured, leaning her head on his shoulder. “Everyone here liked it--I’m sure they will too.”

As everyone conjured their own glasses of mead and repeated Bill’s toast, Barnaby took out his wand and pointed it to the sky--seconds later, enchanted fireworks popped and dazzled the sky, illuminating the night with colourful sparks. Pulling him close into a hug, Clara revelled now in the comfort of the night, the warmth of his embrace, and how lucky she was to be alive right now--with friends at her side and a heart as light as air.

Time cared not how anyone felt in this very moment. The seconds would tick on and on, but the moment will forever be immortalized in the memory of the living. 

For it’s the living who cared how anyone came and left in the world, and it’s the living who would make every moment count.

[iambicbrose]

Rise Above, Chapter Nine - a Sofia the First Fanfiction

Rating: Teen

Tags: eventual Cedric/Sofia, Slow Burn, Canon Rewrite, Aged-Up Character(s), Teenage Cedric, Teenage Sofia

Summary: All her life, Sofia grew up in the village. She had a few close friends, an aquaintance she dearly called a friend whom she saw rarely, and a mother who loved her deeply. Sofia's life then changed completely when her mother married the King, making her the new princess of Enchancia. Everyone she's met so far has either told her that she was going to be the best thing to ever happen for this kingdom, or that she should forget about the kingdom completely and return to the village where she belongs. Sofia won't let any of that get to her, though. Everyone has expectations of her, and she's going to rise above them all. She's sure of it.

Chapter Summary: Sofia’s mother is getting married. It’s really happening. She’s getting married to the King, and Sofia is going to be living at the castle with the rest of the royal family... The thought of it fills her with dread. But Cedric knows this is exactly what Sofia needs.

Read on AO3, or under the cut! (Pst! Due to tumblr bull, there aren’t italics here!"Maybe it's not too late to run. You can stay at my house?" Ruby suggested. "You might have to sleep under the bed, though."

"I can't- I can't run. You haven't seen how happy Mom is, but I can't do this."

"You don't- Maybe you don't have to go and live in the castle?" Jade bit her lip, looking nervous. "You're almost 18 in a year, right? You can- You can stay here. Take over your guys' shop."

"Do you think Mom would be disappointed?" Sofia looked to her two best friends in the whole world. They wouldn't lie to her about something this serious.

"She..." Ruby and Jade shared a look before Ruby took Sofia's hand. "I think she would be upset you didn't give it a chance, but, I mean, it's your mom. She'd understand."

"She really is happy with him. I've been seeing them together. I've never seen her as happy as she is now."

"That doesn't mean you don't deserve to be happy," Jade said quietly. "There has to be a way you can both be happy, right? She can go there and you can stay here. There. Simple!"

"Nothing feels simple anymore. Not to mention I think I got in a fight with Cedric over nothing." That still hurt, thinking about Cedric's disappointed look when she had left the workshop that day.

"You got into a fight with Cedric- Hold on. You got into a fight ?"

"Well, an argument."

"Over what? You never get into fights with anyone!"

Sofia shook her head. "It's nothing, it was just something silly Cedric said, I don't think he even meant it-"

"Did he try to force you into anything? Do I need to go beat him up? You know I will, Sofia!"

"No. Cedric just- He said that, instead of Princess Amber, maybe I should be Queen." Sofia shook her head, giving them a weak smile. "Crazy, right?" The two paused, sharing another look before Ruby grinned weakly back at her.

"Yeah. Crazy."

Sofia gave a shake of her head. "I don't understand how he could ever think that."

"I mean... You’re going to be a princess. And you would be better than Amber. It's kind of a not so crazy leap?"

"It is completely crazy!" Why couldn't anyone see that?!

"You'd be a way better Queen than Amber ever would be!"

"Ruby! Jade! I don't even know anything about being a princess!"

"You can learn! Jeez, Sofia, you know all the old stories better than any of us, if anyone could become a princess and then Queen then it would be you ."

"But I can't." Sofia shook her head. "I can't! I'm just barely able to help Mom with everything!"

"But, I mean, Sofia, this is your chance to help all of Enchancia . Didn't you always kind of want to do that?"

"Well, sure, but-"

"But this is your chance. Cedric was right. If you want, I mean, you could... You could be Queen, Sofia."

"But I don't want to!"

"Then what do you want to do? Sure you like making shoes, but that's not what you really love, is it?"

"I like being down here. With all of you. All my friends. I'm not supposed to be up there."

"Well, I mean, there were a lot of famous, nice, amazing princesses that came from villages, too, you know. Maybe you're just going to be another one of them?"

"I don't think so." Sofia hugged her friends close. "I can't believe how fast this all is happening. Mom is getting married tomorrow."

"We'll be right here for you no matter what you decide, Sofia," Ruby said quietly, hugging her back just as tightly along with Jade. "Even if you want to run away and live as a shoemaker in the middle of the woods making shoes for animals and swamp monsters."

"Thanks."

::

Right. Just a wedding, nothing to worry about. Sofia had been to weddings before! Maybe not royal weddings... Maybe not royal weddings with her mother who was marrying the king- Okay. She was fine. Sofia only smiled at her mother, handing her the bouquet of flowers. "You look amazing."

"Oh, Sofia, we both do," Miranda laughed, pulling Sofia into a hug while trying to spare the flowers. "I can't believe this is really happening."

"Neither can I." She hugged her mother back tightly. "You're so happy."

"I am, yes. I'm really happy, Sofia." Mrianda's hand soothed through her hair. "How about you?"

Sofia's smile widened. "I'm happy that you're so happy."

"That's not a direct answer," Miranda laughed, pulling back to squeeze Sofia's hands. "I know it's been so busy, but... You'll be alright, won't you? It's changing so quickly."

"Mom, of course I'll be okay. I'm not a little girl, anymore."

"Oh, Sofia. You'll always be my little girl."

"Shouldn't you get ready to get married?"

" We should be getting ready," Miranda laughed, twirling Sofia around and still keeping the flowers between their laced fingers. "Everything is going to be wonderful, Sofia." Though Sofia giggled along with her mother, she never agreed. Just smiling seemed to be enough for now and that was... That was fine. Miranda was happy. Her mother was happy. Sofia was more than okay with something like that. Hearing the music start, Sofia took a breath.

"It's time." She could do this. She could smile for at least the rest of the day. That part was easy. Besides, her mother was so happy right now!

"Oh, Sofia." Miranda squeezed her hand, smile wide and bright. "I'm so happy you're here with me."

"So am I." Sofia held her hand tightly. And, right. She went out before her mother. "I'll see you out there."

Putting on a smile, Sofia pushed the doors open, trying to look as happy and delighted as possible. She was becoming a princess today, after all. She should be happy. Everyone expected her to be happy. Everyone wanted her to be happy, so... So she would be happy for them.

When seeing Amber, Sofia made sure to give an extra bright smile. One should always smile in the face of adversity, which, at this point, wasAmber's face. "Isn't everything so gorgeous?"

"Beautiful," Amber hummed, snapping her fan open before hiding a sour look behind it.

"I think you look amazing," Sofia said quietly.

"I do look rather good," Amber smirked, glancing to Sofia. "I suppose you're passable enough, as well."

Sofia sighed. "If we're going to be part of the same family, we need to get along."

"No, we need to pretend to get along and you need to stay out of my way. Simple enough, I think."

"That doesn't sound like it'll make your dad very happy."

"What Daddy doesn't know won't hurt him." Sofia refused to let herself frown, only smiling as she made her way towards the altar, and stood in the place she'd practiced to stand. Seeing Cedric off to the side with his wand, Sofia's smile brightened. Cedric gave her a grin in return, tilting his head as if to ask her if she was okay. Sofia showed him her smile as best she could before she turned to watch the King begin to walk up the altar.

This was good- Great. This was great. The kingdom was getting a new Queen, her mother was happy, and everyone was just happy. It was wonderful. The least Sofia could do was smile.

After the vows were said, and the two kissed, Sofia hugged her mother tightly before they processed down the walkway, again. She hadn't ever thought her own mom would ever love someone this much, again.

Sure everything was changing, but her mom was happy again and King Roland was a nice person and a good king. He looked to genuinely want them to be a part of his family. Cedric even made beautiful floating lights, and blooming flowers all over, and it was anything a girl from the village could have ever asked for. Truly, it was... It was perfect. Everything she could have ever wanted. She wasn't sure what she was doing to do after all of this, but for now she could smile and hug her mother back as she whispered how everything was going to change.

As people began to greet Sofia, she began to curtsey, but stopped as they laughed. That was odd. "Oh, Princess Sofia, you don't need to do that for people like us anymore. You're- You're a princess , after all."

"Oh, well... It's still polite, isn't it?" The women all giggled as if she had said something particularly funny.

"We're the ones who should be curtseying, Princess Sofia." Right. Princess.

"No no, it's alright, you really don't have to." The girls all giggled again, giving a little half curtsey before promising to talk to Sofia later and moving on to greet the new Queen. Sofia was rather certain they hadn't heard a word she said. Looking over, Sofia brightened. "Jade. Ruby."

"Sofia!" The two didn't bother to curtsey, only launching at her in a hug. It was the best moment all day, so far. Sofia hugged them both back.

"Have you seen Mom? She's so happy."

"Yeah. She looks like she can't stop grinning."

"Ecstatic is putting it lightly."

"I think she really loves him." Sofia looked at her mother, unable to stop her smile.

"Then I guess we sort of have to approve," Jade sighed. "But if we hear one bad word then we'll storm the castle ourselves!"

"Don't worry so much," she laughed, holding their hands. "You both look great."

"Of course we do," Jade sniffed, Ruby bursting into giggles beside her.

"Not as great as you do, though, Sofia."

"Oh, I don't think I'm all that much."

"Sofia, come on you're beautiful. You look... Well, you look like a princess."

"Thanks, you guys."

"How are you doing?" Ruby asked quietly. "You know... With today."

"I'm doing great. Can you believe it? I'm a princess."

"I thought you didn't want to be a princess?" Jade asked, eyebrows raising.

"Well... Maybe you were right. Maybe this can be a good thing."

"Oh, Sofia, that's so great to hear!" Ruby spun her around in a tight hug, the two near losing their balance as Ruby laughed. "You're going to do so much good for the kingdom!" Or maybe they were wrong and this was all going to be terrible.

Sofia smiled and hugged Ruby tightly. "Hey, have you seen the food table, yet?"

"Food?" Jade perked up, looking around. "Where?" Sofia laughed.

"Go on. It's right over there." Although, Sofia could stand to spend a bit of time with her friends before they had to say goodbye. Besides, at least this way her smile felt just a little less fake.

"You see that too, don't you?" Cedric asked softly. He had been pushed into getting ready to do the big 'presenting the royal family' magic event, but he couldn't take his eyes off Sofia.

"Yes," Wormwood said on his shoulder. "I see. She's putting on a front." Sofia was smiling, yes, but whenever she thought she was alone or wasn't being looked at...

"She looks devastated." There was no smile in sight when she thought she was alone.

"What are you going to do about it?"

"Me? What makes you think I can do anything about it?"

"I don't know. What makes you think she can be Queen?"

"Are you asking complicated questions just to be annoying?" Cedric huffed, batting a hand at Wormwood. "You know why she would make a good Queen."

"I also know why you can help her."

"Oh, please, do enlighten me. Why can I help her?"

"Because she trusts you, and cares for you, and you know this life better than any of her friends. You especially know of expectations others place upon you."

"That, Wormy, is fighting dirty," Cedric muttered, fiddling with his wand and waiting for his father's signal. "Don't distract me." Although, truthfully, Sofia was the one really distracting him.

"She's probably worrying over you and all your duties." Yes, see, things like that really were not helping at the moment when it came to concentrating.

"She should worry about herself."

"Yes," Wormwood said. "But she doesn't seem to do what she should."

"That, Wormwood, is probably the most truthful thing I've ever heard you say."

"So? What are you waiting for?"

"To not be surrounded by hundreds of people at an event neither of us want to be at, maybe?" Cedric shook his head sharply. "I'll see how she is when Da isn't keeping such a close watch on me."

"Here I thought you didn't have a care for what he thought." Just like that, Wormwood was flapping away- What was he doing? Why was he landing on Sofia's shoulder?

"Bloody bird," Cedric muttered, feeling a touch better when Sofia managed a smile, speaking softly to Wormwood and ruffling a few of his feathers. "Right. Big spell, smile, then escape." Looking up at the sky, Cedric pointed his wand and boldly shouted, " Prismatica! "

The gathered crow ooed and awed appropriately at the magical rainbow, Cedric suffering through Amber's surprise at his success and his father's glowing pride before he was able to slip away over to Sofia. "Cedric, that spell was so amazing. "

"I'm glad that you enjoyed it," Cedric smiled, the smile dropping after a moment. "How are you doing?"

"I'm doing great. Why wouldn't I be?"

"You're not smiling."

"What? Yes I am."

"Well, no, it's more..." Cedric struggled to find the right words for a moment before he sighed, giving her an even look. "You're smiling but you don't mean it."

"Cedric... Everyone is so happy for Mom. They're so happy for me. "

"That doesn't mean you have to ignore your feelings and pretend that everything is okay. Have you told your mum how you feel?"

"Of course not, Cedric. Do you know how disappointed she would be?"

"And how will she feel when she finds out you were never happy with all of this?" Oh, dear, maybe that was pushing a step too far. Sofia frowned at that, drawing away from Cedric.

"She's not going to find out."

"Sofia, she's- Well, she's your mum. She'll eventually figure out you're not happy." Cedric paused, giving a nervous smile. "Unless you think you could be happy here eventually?"

"I don't know. I really don't think so, Cedric."

"I know you have problems with Amber, but is that the only reason you don't like it here? Or is it more than that?"

Sofia glanced back to her friends from the village. "I'm not going to get to see them as much anymore. We grew up together. Ruby lived across the street from me."

"They can still come up here and visit you, and you can go visit them." If missed friends was all, then that was easy to fix. "No one is banning you from going down to the village whenever you want."

"Maybe, but I don't know anything about being a princess."

"You can learn, though," Cedric pointed out carefully. Quietly. "I have a feeling you're good at adapting."

"That makes one of us."

"Well, here's something that might help you make up your mind." Looking to where Amber stood watching them, Cedric lowered his voice. "If you leave, she wins."

"Cedric, I'm not a fighter. I really don't care if she wins." Feeling more than a bit hopeless, Cedric looked to Wormwood. They needed Sofia to want to do this or else Enchancia really might be doomed. "Thanks for trying to help, Cedric."

"Bring up the fact that if Amber becomes Queen, her precious little villagers might not be so safe anymore," Wormwood instructed, Cedric flicking his gaze back to Sofia.

"Sofia, I... I know this isn't your fight and that you didn't ask to deal with this, but you have a chance to stop Amber. If she becomes Queen then all she'll want to do is throw parties and have fun. Important situations will be ignored and knowing her, she'll probably raise the taxes."

"And what do-" Sofia took a deep breath. "We shouldn't be talking about this. Not here. Not now." She did have a point.

"Then at least stick around until we can talk about it?" If this was the only chance he would be getting, he wasn't about to waste it.

"I kind of have to. I live here, now."

"Right- Right. Of course you do." Cedric cleared his throat, ignoring Wormwood's look that he was an idiot. "Feel free to keep Wormy with you for awhile, if you want to."

"Is that alright with Wormy?"

"You dreadful boy," Wormwood muttered, ruffling his wings and settling down more. "I'll see to it that she keeps out of too much trouble."

"Perfectly fine."

"Thanks, Cedric."

"Anytime, Sofia."