Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction ❯ The Serpent and the Badger ❯ Triumph and Despair ( Chapter 3 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: sentimental_darkness 
Cedric becomes a Tri Wizard Champion, and Draco tries to take credit and moves to actions of manipulation and seduction to get his way.
(No sex yet heh)
Non Anime: Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Shounen | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 11.23.2008 | Pages: 6 | Words: 16.9K | Visits: 186 | Status: Completed
Cedric becomes a Tri Wizard Champion, and Draco tries to take credit and moves to actions of manipulation and seduction to get his way.
(No sex yet heh)
Non Anime: Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Shounen | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 11.23.2008 | Pages: 6 | Words: 16.9K | Visits: 186 | Status: Completed
Chapter: Triumph and Despair
Cedric: The rest of the day passed as uneventfully as possible. Cedric moved on through his classes passing in assignments, collecting new ones and doing what he usually did to pass the time away. He'd take his seat in the back of the class and take a casual note from time to time just to make it seem as if he were paying attention. It was possible that he already knew the lesson that was being taught. Having grown bored with the lessons some years ago, he had taken it upon himself to move along at his own pace outside of class keeping in time with them, but moving at a much faster pace outside of it. It made class demonstrations and homework assignments that much easier.
Dinner came and passed as uneventfully as always. He found himself at the end of it cornered by several house mates all who had taken it upon themselves to do a sort of intervention on him and remind him one more time that he was down to he end for putting his name into the tournament.
And that's when he finally conceded to doing it an hour or so after dinner. Rushing into the room followed by a group of friends, Cedric was literally pushed into fiery light of the goblet. The push had been so forceful that he found himself standing beyond the age line and just within the reach of the goblet. The cheers of his friends cried out behind him as he reached into his pocket and pulled out that small slip of parchment that had his name written upon it.
It was just as his hand reached up and made contact with the flames, that Cedric's gaze fell upon Draco. He held his gaze for a mere second and then looked up to the goblet, letting the parchment go. The flames crackled for a mere instance before his friends clapped again. He took a few steps backwards, smirking over it all, letting his gaze once more fall on the Slytherin before his friends grabbed him and dragged him back and out of the room.
And so it begins.
Dinner came and passed as uneventfully as always. He found himself at the end of it cornered by several house mates all who had taken it upon themselves to do a sort of intervention on him and remind him one more time that he was down to he end for putting his name into the tournament.
And that's when he finally conceded to doing it an hour or so after dinner. Rushing into the room followed by a group of friends, Cedric was literally pushed into fiery light of the goblet. The push had been so forceful that he found himself standing beyond the age line and just within the reach of the goblet. The cheers of his friends cried out behind him as he reached into his pocket and pulled out that small slip of parchment that had his name written upon it.
It was just as his hand reached up and made contact with the flames, that Cedric's gaze fell upon Draco. He held his gaze for a mere second and then looked up to the goblet, letting the parchment go. The flames crackled for a mere instance before his friends clapped again. He took a few steps backwards, smirking over it all, letting his gaze once more fall on the Slytherin before his friends grabbed him and dragged him back and out of the room.
And so it begins.
Draco: The day itself was going awkwardly slow for him; every teacher seemed to be droning on. Even Potions class didn't hold its usual flare. He still managed to make a few witty remarks to Potter and his filthy mudblood friend Hermione, not to mention Weaselbee who Draco'd rather give a finger than pass up an opportunity to shoot him down. It didn't seem to be as fun as it used to though, everything that came out of him feeling halfhearted, only Pansy seemed to really notice. She kept asking him what was wrong, to which he'd play off like he were scheming. Funny, girls are so keen sometimes.
When it was time for dinner, he focused more on his plate rather than across the room at a certain someone listening to Pansy's story on ridiculing some Ravenclaw girl about her hair. He was half listening, laughing when it was necessary, scowling at all the right parts, (followed stupidly by Crabbe and Goyle who had to be cued on when to do something) and playing himself like a perfect caring puppet on the outside. On the inside he was excited but still brooding over the idea he didn't know what exactly Cedric was going to do... but that was soon to come.
A great big fuss was coming from the Hufflepuff table as dinner ended, and Draco who didn't want to look, managed to crane his neck in that direction anyway. He half smirked as Cedric shuffled with his friends who had all ganged up on him and were pushing him forcefully toward the Goblet of Fire. There were several moments when he could swear that the other was actually moving toward it by himself when he just so happened to get picked up and further pushed onward towards the age line. The next thing he knew Cedric was within the line, and in a most surprising action, while the others cheered loudly, the dark haired boy looked at him, his arm in the air with the piece of parchment held within his fingers.
He didn't understand why exactly, but a flush came over his cheeks, his insides wriggling of an unknown cause as the parchment was released and drifted into the blue flames. Cheers made him deaf as he stared for what seemed like ages even after Cedric's gaze pulled away toward the crowds; examining the swagger backwards and the smirk that graced the others lips until blue met gray one more time before he was dragged off. So caught up in himself, he didn't even hear Pansy's response coming from directly at his side...
"I see why their cheering, because they know he won't have to risk his life. That Goblet won't ever choose a Hufflepuff."
When it was time for dinner, he focused more on his plate rather than across the room at a certain someone listening to Pansy's story on ridiculing some Ravenclaw girl about her hair. He was half listening, laughing when it was necessary, scowling at all the right parts, (followed stupidly by Crabbe and Goyle who had to be cued on when to do something) and playing himself like a perfect caring puppet on the outside. On the inside he was excited but still brooding over the idea he didn't know what exactly Cedric was going to do... but that was soon to come.
A great big fuss was coming from the Hufflepuff table as dinner ended, and Draco who didn't want to look, managed to crane his neck in that direction anyway. He half smirked as Cedric shuffled with his friends who had all ganged up on him and were pushing him forcefully toward the Goblet of Fire. There were several moments when he could swear that the other was actually moving toward it by himself when he just so happened to get picked up and further pushed onward towards the age line. The next thing he knew Cedric was within the line, and in a most surprising action, while the others cheered loudly, the dark haired boy looked at him, his arm in the air with the piece of parchment held within his fingers.
He didn't understand why exactly, but a flush came over his cheeks, his insides wriggling of an unknown cause as the parchment was released and drifted into the blue flames. Cheers made him deaf as he stared for what seemed like ages even after Cedric's gaze pulled away toward the crowds; examining the swagger backwards and the smirk that graced the others lips until blue met gray one more time before he was dragged off. So caught up in himself, he didn't even hear Pansy's response coming from directly at his side...
"I see why their cheering, because they know he won't have to risk his life. That Goblet won't ever choose a Hufflepuff."
Cedric: Nerves were at the maximum as everyone had returned back to the Great Hall a few hours following dinner. Everyone watched the Goblet of Fire be moved from its previous location and setup at the head of the room under the careful watch of Dumbledore and the other two headmasters of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons Academy. Cedric sat quietly at the Hufflepuff table making small conversations with his friends, most of which looked relieved to have witnessed him placing his name in the Goblet of Fire. They all displayed the same look of self-righteousness when they talked about it as if they had been the soul driving force behind Cedric's final decision to place his name in he fire. When in fact it wasn't them at all, but another. It was something that he had said.
Shifting in his chair, Cedric took a long drink of his water watching as the Headmaster stepped up to the front of the room. He cast a long, thoughtful gaze out across the sea of eager students before he cleared his throat and raised is hands.
"I've just a few words to say before we move on from this." The voices in the hall quieted down all focusing on the Headmaster. Cedric's head remained slightly bowed as he stared down at the table to listen, a look of concentration on his face.
"Eternal glory," the Headmaster continued. "That is what awaits the winner of the TriWizard Tournament." Taking a moment to survey the crowd Dumbledore continued. "These tasks are not for the faint of heart. Know that if you are chosen, you stand alone in these tasks." His hand moved slowly in front of him, dimming the torches scattered about the room to lessen the light.
As if in response to the headmaster, the Goblet of Fire reacted quite differently. It grew brighter and its flames grew taller. The blue flames flickered uncontrollably until they shifted into a red color, spitting out the name of the first champion. The whole room fell silent and tense as he unfolded the name and looked around.
"The Durmstrang champion is Viktor Krum." The room burst forth with applause as the chosen student stood up grinning. Cedric watched him leave the group of students and move to the front of the room where he was shifted away from everyone else. The flames which had gone blue again, suddenly shifted back to red and another paper was spit out of the flames. Dumbledore's hand clasped around it with a snap and he moved to unfold it.
"For Beauxbaton's Academy, Fleur Delacour." There was applause again as the young woman stood up smiling and waving. She moved down through the Great Hall quickly and lightly heading in the direction that the other had gone only moments ago.
The room tensed again as the Goblet of Fire came back to life with roaring red flames as another piece of parchment was spit out. Whispers burst out among the tables that the parchment looked familiar and that it looked to belong to one student or another. Cedric's gaze hadn't shifted from his plate at that point as he waited with baited breath for it to all be over and for things to go back to normal.
"The Hogwarts champion is Cedric Diggory!" The room erupted in applause covering over the surprised sound that came forth from him. He lingered in his seat for a second in complete shock before he pulled himself to his feet and began making his way down the length of the Great Hall to join the other champions. All along his walk people were reaching out towards him and patting him. Touching him if they could. Clapping. Grinning. And despite the sudden rise in excitement, he couldn't help but still feel a little odd over it all.
He reached the front of the room and turned once quickly to survey everyone before the Snape's hand fell on his shoulder and he was directed away and down the steps into the trophy room. From there, he heard nothing else that happened in the Great Hall. It was only several minutes later when him and the other two champions heard a rather large rage of booing and screaming that they gathered together and looked towards the door they had all entered. Another figure walked tentatively down the steps and into the room looking even more shocked than Cedric if that was possible.
Harry Potter.
Shifting in his chair, Cedric took a long drink of his water watching as the Headmaster stepped up to the front of the room. He cast a long, thoughtful gaze out across the sea of eager students before he cleared his throat and raised is hands.
"I've just a few words to say before we move on from this." The voices in the hall quieted down all focusing on the Headmaster. Cedric's head remained slightly bowed as he stared down at the table to listen, a look of concentration on his face.
"Eternal glory," the Headmaster continued. "That is what awaits the winner of the TriWizard Tournament." Taking a moment to survey the crowd Dumbledore continued. "These tasks are not for the faint of heart. Know that if you are chosen, you stand alone in these tasks." His hand moved slowly in front of him, dimming the torches scattered about the room to lessen the light.
As if in response to the headmaster, the Goblet of Fire reacted quite differently. It grew brighter and its flames grew taller. The blue flames flickered uncontrollably until they shifted into a red color, spitting out the name of the first champion. The whole room fell silent and tense as he unfolded the name and looked around.
"The Durmstrang champion is Viktor Krum." The room burst forth with applause as the chosen student stood up grinning. Cedric watched him leave the group of students and move to the front of the room where he was shifted away from everyone else. The flames which had gone blue again, suddenly shifted back to red and another paper was spit out of the flames. Dumbledore's hand clasped around it with a snap and he moved to unfold it.
"For Beauxbaton's Academy, Fleur Delacour." There was applause again as the young woman stood up smiling and waving. She moved down through the Great Hall quickly and lightly heading in the direction that the other had gone only moments ago.
The room tensed again as the Goblet of Fire came back to life with roaring red flames as another piece of parchment was spit out. Whispers burst out among the tables that the parchment looked familiar and that it looked to belong to one student or another. Cedric's gaze hadn't shifted from his plate at that point as he waited with baited breath for it to all be over and for things to go back to normal.
"The Hogwarts champion is Cedric Diggory!" The room erupted in applause covering over the surprised sound that came forth from him. He lingered in his seat for a second in complete shock before he pulled himself to his feet and began making his way down the length of the Great Hall to join the other champions. All along his walk people were reaching out towards him and patting him. Touching him if they could. Clapping. Grinning. And despite the sudden rise in excitement, he couldn't help but still feel a little odd over it all.
He reached the front of the room and turned once quickly to survey everyone before the Snape's hand fell on his shoulder and he was directed away and down the steps into the trophy room. From there, he heard nothing else that happened in the Great Hall. It was only several minutes later when him and the other two champions heard a rather large rage of booing and screaming that they gathered together and looked towards the door they had all entered. Another figure walked tentatively down the steps and into the room looking even more shocked than Cedric if that was possible.
Harry Potter.
Draco: The hours ticked by in a slow haze, every second dragging on as they had during classes earlier in the day, Draco still seated silent with his attentions waning as Pansy continuously patronized him in that ceremonious fashion. Every night they went through the ritual of he sit, she sit next to, he listen, she talk, he become tired, she keep talking, Crabbe and Goyle laugh stupidly. It was as though Pansy would never live a single night without telling Draco how incredible, handsome, witty, and strong he was; always bringing up some past example, many of the same stories, to bore him with. This night wasn't ever going to be any different, at least when it came to her droning. Tonight would be different; it would be special, in an entirely different way.
The seconds wore down till the shuffling of bodies radiated from the double doors beyond the Great Hall. The young Slytherin's attention was immediately captured and expertly held as the thick foreign language of the Bulgarians lapped at his ears affectionately. Suddenly he was sitting straighter, waiting as they pushed through the doors, silver hues darting from one face to the next in search of the Golden Seeker of the Age who he knew full well would be following obediently and important next to Karkoroff at the very end of the line. It would almost have appeared that the two were constantly herding the rest of the students towards a space to the far left of the Goblet of fire. Draco didn't look at the flicking wands or even hear the muttered tongues as stands began to form in the corner... Krum was looking at him now.
"You like join us?" True Krum's English was terrible, but the words was enough to drop the dread and boredom from both Cedric on the staircase, and Pansy at the table to a heavenly euphoric state that he could swear picked him up out of his seat and led him to Viktor's side. He was so engulfed in his own excitement, Pansy's squeals of frustration never reached his ears, and the awareness of Crabbe and Goyle bouncing around behind him never quite managed to take full effect.
Next thing he knew, Draco was sitting awestruck only a few seats up from Krum, staring at the back of his head completely oblivious to the now completely full room. It only felt like maybe a minute entirely that he managed to bask in Krum's glory, before both Crabbe and Goyle nudged him roughly on accident to pull him from the trance and catch the Headmaster's first words.
"Eternal glory," the Headmaster continued. "That is what awaits the winner of the TriWizard Tournament. These tasks are not for the faint of heart. Know that if you are chosen, you stand alone in these tasks."
That surge of excitement died away as reality began to close back in on the blonde. Remembering the cup, and the bodies he had seen go through the double doors to place a simple slip of paper with their name upon it, inside the Goblet. His earlier words rang mockingly in his ears, causing an instant need to seek the boy he had said them to. Cool gray scanned scout like and cruel over the Slytherin table, catching Pansy's gaze abruptly when he noticed her glaring at him. Redirecting his gaze a bit further over, he came across the Gryffindor table, his face contorted into a sneer spotting Harry and his little gang of friends stationed at the very back looking over the sea of heads in anticipation. Potter wasn't of any interest to him. All that mattered was the Hufflepuff from earlier...
Turning his head and leaning his body forward, hunching slightly so his arms rested casually on his knees, he was finally able to see the table past the Bulgarian students. Satisfied with his triumph of finding a stupid table, the pale hues went back to scanning over the many different faces and backs of heads, discovering himself to become annoyed as he could not see Cedric anywhere. He knew he was there, but estimated he was one of the many that had their heads down. Yet through all of his curiosity, Dumbledore had proceeded to dim the lights, and the Goblet had already reacted to him. Draco just barely managing to bring himself back to the present events to catch the Goblet's first choice.
"The Durmstrang champion is Viktor Krum."
That was all he needed, bursting forth with the rest of the Bulgarian students and many of Viktor's fans all throughout the hall with great congratulations and celebration. Draco flushed a little as upon standing, Krum brushed against his leg and even looked back with a small smile on his lips. Nudging Goyle in the stomach he couldn't help but bring himself to grin broadly and say loudly amongst those seated, "No one else'll stand a chance."
Goyle snickered with a glance to Crabbe who had leaned over to hear over all the commotion, obviously not having heard but cued to a snicker himself with the look from his companion. Draco shoved Crabbe's obese weight off him as best he could and stared out over the Bulgarians to see his last fleeting moments of Krum for the night before the Goblet began to flicker from blue to a brilliant red. The color felt violent, lashing high as it spat out one more piece of paper in an elegant fan shape.
"For Beauxbaton's Academy, Fleur Delacour."
All eyes followed the beauty that was Fleur, finding it a sin by all rights and means not to watch the Veela girl sweep into a bow and glide with an unearthly finesse towards Dumbledore, leaving all the other girls crying and wailing in happiness. A stab of hate and high tension was felt through-out the room with Fleur's absence and the anticipation of the last name to be called.
This was it, the fateful moment he had been waiting for. His face screwed up, head working hard in concentration hoping once more against the cruelty of hope that his name might magically be spouted from the now towering crimson flames. 'Pick me... please pick me' he thought savagely' but instead, Dumbledore had answered-
The Hogwarts champion is Cedric Diggory!"
The loudest applause and screams of happiness had surrounded the room; Draco's face falling, eyebrows raised, but his gaze attentive and staring over at the table waiting impatiently for the Hufflepuff to stand. Pride walked hand in hand with fear to the surface of Draco's chest. He knew he was the reason Cedric had placed his name in the Goblet, and that made him feel the specialty of the name, knowing that he had pushed someone of worth towards the cup to represent him. But that fear wouldn't ebb away like the many smirks and smiles that adorned either face in the last two days, it stayed eating away at his conscience 'What if he dies? What if he's killed or wounded badly during the tournament? But a very father-like voice overcame the thoughts that plagued him. 'What do you care about a Hufflepuff boy?If he dies, he wasn't worth it. How dare you shame your house and family over such a useless boy. That kiss has you delusional, end it now.'
Thus, as Cedric walked into view and then further still, out of sight along the same path as the others, it dawned upon Draco why it was he had kissed Cedric, and how stupid he was being to allow himself to grow so close over it. He had done it out of the mere need of excitement, the desire to be filled with some level of happiness that he had been striped of because of this entire TriWizard ordeal. It was a mere want of the time and somehow he had managed to think of it on a deeper level. In the short time he began to break this down, Dumbledore had been announcing congrats to the champions and the bonding of houses when all was interrupted rather abruptly by the Goblet.
It was still burning, the blue it had shifted to after every choice blazing red one last time and towering higher than any of the previous times. All eyes were set upon it as a small piece of parchment fluttered down from its roaring flicks of heat. All was silent, every ear perked and waiting as the Headmaster mumbled something. He then said it again louder for the closest individuals to hear.
"Harry Potter?"
No answer.
Louder, "Harry Potter!"
Every head turned, every eye watchful and stationed at the far end of the Gryffindor table where a great deal of fuss was going on between Harry and Hermione who was currently trying to deseat him and push him along past the table to start walking. Draco's jaw clenched up, anger he had never felt before, welling up inside him leading his fists to tighten and the knuckles to go white. "Potter..." he muttered darkly watching the timid fourth year make his way to the Headmaster, take the parchment with a glance around him and begin to take the same path as the others had. Many students called out to him, but Draco didn't despite his mad urge to jump over the first few rows of people in front of him, and clamber past all the teachers to hurl himself onto Harry just to pound him inch for inch into the marble floor... he didn't. Crabbe and Goyle sensed his outrage, scooting away and into the closest figures to them with fearful expressions coated over their pudgy faces.
The time for caring ended at that moment, Dumbledore clearing all the students to their dormitories and leading all the teachers out of sight, Draco spotted his opportunity, slipping silent and ghostly through the many outraged students to follow. No trace left, not even a glance his way, and he slipped down the corridor that the teachers followed, sure to keep a great long distance back incase one of them should turn around to see if they were being followed. So far they were just making a good deal of noise traipsing down the hallway and further down an expanse of steps to the most beautiful golden gate doors Draco had ever seen. In his mind, he'd love to one day come down here again and steal them, but it would be too difficult and he'd have no where to hide them from his parents.
Smacking himself openly, with a light cry of pain whereby his hand clamped instinctively over his mouth to muffle the noise, he dropped the greedy thoughts and continued on down the steps halfway to sit just behind a pillar. His ears strained terribly, his brow furrowed in concentration; Draco listened for the havoc that was promised to unfold.
The seconds wore down till the shuffling of bodies radiated from the double doors beyond the Great Hall. The young Slytherin's attention was immediately captured and expertly held as the thick foreign language of the Bulgarians lapped at his ears affectionately. Suddenly he was sitting straighter, waiting as they pushed through the doors, silver hues darting from one face to the next in search of the Golden Seeker of the Age who he knew full well would be following obediently and important next to Karkoroff at the very end of the line. It would almost have appeared that the two were constantly herding the rest of the students towards a space to the far left of the Goblet of fire. Draco didn't look at the flicking wands or even hear the muttered tongues as stands began to form in the corner... Krum was looking at him now.
"You like join us?" True Krum's English was terrible, but the words was enough to drop the dread and boredom from both Cedric on the staircase, and Pansy at the table to a heavenly euphoric state that he could swear picked him up out of his seat and led him to Viktor's side. He was so engulfed in his own excitement, Pansy's squeals of frustration never reached his ears, and the awareness of Crabbe and Goyle bouncing around behind him never quite managed to take full effect.
Next thing he knew, Draco was sitting awestruck only a few seats up from Krum, staring at the back of his head completely oblivious to the now completely full room. It only felt like maybe a minute entirely that he managed to bask in Krum's glory, before both Crabbe and Goyle nudged him roughly on accident to pull him from the trance and catch the Headmaster's first words.
"Eternal glory," the Headmaster continued. "That is what awaits the winner of the TriWizard Tournament. These tasks are not for the faint of heart. Know that if you are chosen, you stand alone in these tasks."
That surge of excitement died away as reality began to close back in on the blonde. Remembering the cup, and the bodies he had seen go through the double doors to place a simple slip of paper with their name upon it, inside the Goblet. His earlier words rang mockingly in his ears, causing an instant need to seek the boy he had said them to. Cool gray scanned scout like and cruel over the Slytherin table, catching Pansy's gaze abruptly when he noticed her glaring at him. Redirecting his gaze a bit further over, he came across the Gryffindor table, his face contorted into a sneer spotting Harry and his little gang of friends stationed at the very back looking over the sea of heads in anticipation. Potter wasn't of any interest to him. All that mattered was the Hufflepuff from earlier...
Turning his head and leaning his body forward, hunching slightly so his arms rested casually on his knees, he was finally able to see the table past the Bulgarian students. Satisfied with his triumph of finding a stupid table, the pale hues went back to scanning over the many different faces and backs of heads, discovering himself to become annoyed as he could not see Cedric anywhere. He knew he was there, but estimated he was one of the many that had their heads down. Yet through all of his curiosity, Dumbledore had proceeded to dim the lights, and the Goblet had already reacted to him. Draco just barely managing to bring himself back to the present events to catch the Goblet's first choice.
"The Durmstrang champion is Viktor Krum."
That was all he needed, bursting forth with the rest of the Bulgarian students and many of Viktor's fans all throughout the hall with great congratulations and celebration. Draco flushed a little as upon standing, Krum brushed against his leg and even looked back with a small smile on his lips. Nudging Goyle in the stomach he couldn't help but bring himself to grin broadly and say loudly amongst those seated, "No one else'll stand a chance."
Goyle snickered with a glance to Crabbe who had leaned over to hear over all the commotion, obviously not having heard but cued to a snicker himself with the look from his companion. Draco shoved Crabbe's obese weight off him as best he could and stared out over the Bulgarians to see his last fleeting moments of Krum for the night before the Goblet began to flicker from blue to a brilliant red. The color felt violent, lashing high as it spat out one more piece of paper in an elegant fan shape.
"For Beauxbaton's Academy, Fleur Delacour."
All eyes followed the beauty that was Fleur, finding it a sin by all rights and means not to watch the Veela girl sweep into a bow and glide with an unearthly finesse towards Dumbledore, leaving all the other girls crying and wailing in happiness. A stab of hate and high tension was felt through-out the room with Fleur's absence and the anticipation of the last name to be called.
This was it, the fateful moment he had been waiting for. His face screwed up, head working hard in concentration hoping once more against the cruelty of hope that his name might magically be spouted from the now towering crimson flames. 'Pick me... please pick me' he thought savagely' but instead, Dumbledore had answered-
The Hogwarts champion is Cedric Diggory!"
The loudest applause and screams of happiness had surrounded the room; Draco's face falling, eyebrows raised, but his gaze attentive and staring over at the table waiting impatiently for the Hufflepuff to stand. Pride walked hand in hand with fear to the surface of Draco's chest. He knew he was the reason Cedric had placed his name in the Goblet, and that made him feel the specialty of the name, knowing that he had pushed someone of worth towards the cup to represent him. But that fear wouldn't ebb away like the many smirks and smiles that adorned either face in the last two days, it stayed eating away at his conscience 'What if he dies? What if he's killed or wounded badly during the tournament? But a very father-like voice overcame the thoughts that plagued him. 'What do you care about a Hufflepuff boy?If he dies, he wasn't worth it. How dare you shame your house and family over such a useless boy. That kiss has you delusional, end it now.'
Thus, as Cedric walked into view and then further still, out of sight along the same path as the others, it dawned upon Draco why it was he had kissed Cedric, and how stupid he was being to allow himself to grow so close over it. He had done it out of the mere need of excitement, the desire to be filled with some level of happiness that he had been striped of because of this entire TriWizard ordeal. It was a mere want of the time and somehow he had managed to think of it on a deeper level. In the short time he began to break this down, Dumbledore had been announcing congrats to the champions and the bonding of houses when all was interrupted rather abruptly by the Goblet.
It was still burning, the blue it had shifted to after every choice blazing red one last time and towering higher than any of the previous times. All eyes were set upon it as a small piece of parchment fluttered down from its roaring flicks of heat. All was silent, every ear perked and waiting as the Headmaster mumbled something. He then said it again louder for the closest individuals to hear.
"Harry Potter?"
No answer.
Louder, "Harry Potter!"
Every head turned, every eye watchful and stationed at the far end of the Gryffindor table where a great deal of fuss was going on between Harry and Hermione who was currently trying to deseat him and push him along past the table to start walking. Draco's jaw clenched up, anger he had never felt before, welling up inside him leading his fists to tighten and the knuckles to go white. "Potter..." he muttered darkly watching the timid fourth year make his way to the Headmaster, take the parchment with a glance around him and begin to take the same path as the others had. Many students called out to him, but Draco didn't despite his mad urge to jump over the first few rows of people in front of him, and clamber past all the teachers to hurl himself onto Harry just to pound him inch for inch into the marble floor... he didn't. Crabbe and Goyle sensed his outrage, scooting away and into the closest figures to them with fearful expressions coated over their pudgy faces.
The time for caring ended at that moment, Dumbledore clearing all the students to their dormitories and leading all the teachers out of sight, Draco spotted his opportunity, slipping silent and ghostly through the many outraged students to follow. No trace left, not even a glance his way, and he slipped down the corridor that the teachers followed, sure to keep a great long distance back incase one of them should turn around to see if they were being followed. So far they were just making a good deal of noise traipsing down the hallway and further down an expanse of steps to the most beautiful golden gate doors Draco had ever seen. In his mind, he'd love to one day come down here again and steal them, but it would be too difficult and he'd have no where to hide them from his parents.
Smacking himself openly, with a light cry of pain whereby his hand clamped instinctively over his mouth to muffle the noise, he dropped the greedy thoughts and continued on down the steps halfway to sit just behind a pillar. His ears strained terribly, his brow furrowed in concentration; Draco listened for the havoc that was promised to unfold.
Cedric: There was a flurry of voices that followed behind Harry. Cedric moved off to the side circling around him as the Dumbledore, the two heads of the other schools and Bartemius Crouch came rushing in. Poor Harry was cornered up against a casing of trophies as Dumbledore comforted him and asked him if he had found a way to put his name in the cup. Harry of course said no and in that instant Cedric believed him. Mad Eye Moody had appeared from out of nowhere sending a chill down his spine. There was something about him that he didn't like though he couldn't put his finger on it.
Cedric blinked snapping back into reality. He focused in on the words feeling more sorry for the fourth year as things progressed. “The goblet represents a legal binding contract. Mr. Potter as of this moment is a TriWizard champion. He must compete.” Cedric looked at the horrified expression on the other's face and frowned watching as the others walked away discussing the legalities of it all.
“Hey,” he said going over to him. “It'll be alright.” Harry didn't seem so sure of it all but he smiled back at him as they were all dismissed to go back to their houses. They were informed that there would be package on their beds waiting for them with more instructions.
Slipping out of the room and towards the stairs, the two paused and looked at each other. Cedric was unaware that they weren't alone. “You'll be fine,” he said to a very bewildered looking Harry Potter.
“I'm sure you'll do just fine.” He offered his hand to Harry and shook it giving it a light squeeze for encouragement. “Take care of yourself,” he said before turning and heading off towards the grounds. He needed some air. At that given moment he felt as though he could scream over it all. So he left, taking the steps two at a time leaving Harry there watching him go.
Greeted by the cool night air, Cedric moved over to the lake and took a seat against a tree. The castle lay off behind him hidden behind a rock and a cluster of bushes. Here he had privacy and could sit and think on his own.
Cedric blinked snapping back into reality. He focused in on the words feeling more sorry for the fourth year as things progressed. “The goblet represents a legal binding contract. Mr. Potter as of this moment is a TriWizard champion. He must compete.” Cedric looked at the horrified expression on the other's face and frowned watching as the others walked away discussing the legalities of it all.
“Hey,” he said going over to him. “It'll be alright.” Harry didn't seem so sure of it all but he smiled back at him as they were all dismissed to go back to their houses. They were informed that there would be package on their beds waiting for them with more instructions.
Slipping out of the room and towards the stairs, the two paused and looked at each other. Cedric was unaware that they weren't alone. “You'll be fine,” he said to a very bewildered looking Harry Potter.
“I'm sure you'll do just fine.” He offered his hand to Harry and shook it giving it a light squeeze for encouragement. “Take care of yourself,” he said before turning and heading off towards the grounds. He needed some air. At that given moment he felt as though he could scream over it all. So he left, taking the steps two at a time leaving Harry there watching him go.
Greeted by the cool night air, Cedric moved over to the lake and took a seat against a tree. The castle lay off behind him hidden behind a rock and a cluster of bushes. Here he had privacy and could sit and think on his own.
Draco: The sour mood was drifting at Harry's feeble voice and the frantic assortment of teachers. Still rather brooding on the entire idea of Harry's name spontaneously popping out of the Goblet instead of his own, but dealing with it with a sharp intake of breath as the teachers went on to dismiss Harry and the others. His eyes followed Fleur and Krum wantingly upon their merging into view, his mind falling blissfully blank with every elegant swing of the Veela girl's hips in her tight blue uniform. Reality it seemed, didn't like any fantasy concocted by a Malfoy's twisted mind as the wonderful picture painted before him, crashed and burned with his arch nemesis meandering stricken into his steel gaze.
"Potter," he muttered darkly, inhuman shadows haunting his features in envious waves. He'd be telling his father about this later, no doubt about it, but for now he'd be plotting Potter's demise for so much as speaking to Cedric who just now appeared in comforting blanket of reassuring words. Somehow, Draco's mind had been thrust into overdrive, thinking about the possibilities of Harry and Cedric being so friendly with one another through the tournament, wrecking any and all chances of his own manipulations of the older boy. More than ever, with the thoughts plaguing him relentless and stubbornly, he hated Potter. Not for something that he did do, but the mere possibility of what he could do, and as the two parted ways, Harry making his way up the steps and out of sight down a completely different corridor that the Hufflepuff was going. Wonderful. He'd vent his frustrations, and throw congratulations in his typical Draco fashion.
Making up his mind, a smirk finally crept over his face, the first in the past hour or so since Krum's invitation to sit beside him during the picking. His feet led him onward along the same path as Cedric, trailing a bit behind to make it appear as though he had just happened upon him when emerging outside. The curfew he'd heard, was set back another couple hours due to excitement of the revealing, and he'd take this excess time to spend tying the frail ends of his emotions with the boy. With a simple push of the door, he slipped through a space just big enough for his small frame, soundlessly arriving outside to a delightful gust of cool air. He almost missed Cedric's form duck behind some bushes, but certain to note the spot as key; Draco made out to look like he was simply walking casually around in the grass. A whistle rose into the cool night air, just a means to make himself known.
"Potter," he muttered darkly, inhuman shadows haunting his features in envious waves. He'd be telling his father about this later, no doubt about it, but for now he'd be plotting Potter's demise for so much as speaking to Cedric who just now appeared in comforting blanket of reassuring words. Somehow, Draco's mind had been thrust into overdrive, thinking about the possibilities of Harry and Cedric being so friendly with one another through the tournament, wrecking any and all chances of his own manipulations of the older boy. More than ever, with the thoughts plaguing him relentless and stubbornly, he hated Potter. Not for something that he did do, but the mere possibility of what he could do, and as the two parted ways, Harry making his way up the steps and out of sight down a completely different corridor that the Hufflepuff was going. Wonderful. He'd vent his frustrations, and throw congratulations in his typical Draco fashion.
Making up his mind, a smirk finally crept over his face, the first in the past hour or so since Krum's invitation to sit beside him during the picking. His feet led him onward along the same path as Cedric, trailing a bit behind to make it appear as though he had just happened upon him when emerging outside. The curfew he'd heard, was set back another couple hours due to excitement of the revealing, and he'd take this excess time to spend tying the frail ends of his emotions with the boy. With a simple push of the door, he slipped through a space just big enough for his small frame, soundlessly arriving outside to a delightful gust of cool air. He almost missed Cedric's form duck behind some bushes, but certain to note the spot as key; Draco made out to look like he was simply walking casually around in the grass. A whistle rose into the cool night air, just a means to make himself known.
Cedric: The night was clear giving way to a fantastic view of the stars above. Cedric made himself comfortable leaning back on the grass just slightly; using an arm to keep himself propped up enough to where he could see the sky and a view of the lake. This was what he referred to as his “spot.” Here he would come when he wanted some time to think or work things over. Given tonight's events he needed the spot desperately and was only too glad to be able to escape the tense room from earlier.
The moon hung low in the sky as if suspended by wire that at any moment might break and let it fall to the ground. From there it would surely shatter into a million pieces. But for now it clung on to that invisible wire casting its faint glow down on everything below it. The lake took on the color of onyx in the dark, it ever present waves reflecting the faint moonlight above giving it a three dimensional look at its cold waters rushed up onto the shore for a moment only to be drawn back in again as if the whole lake were alive and breathing.
Surrounded by silence and only faint whispers of life, Cedric's eyes closed for a few moments offering him some relaxation after what was a stressful night. He doubted his decision to put his name into the Goblet of Fire and now he was in the tournament. It felt ironic almost. He, the one who least wanted to put his name in, chosen. Those who desperately wanted to compete simply skipped over. He cleared his throat, his eyes opening again to rest on the placid waters of the lake.
“Merlin,” he whispered quietly pulling himself up into a sitting position. His arm lay draped lazily across his steepled legs as he sat there; his free hand running over the blades of grass to this side lightly as he remained lost in thought over it all.
It was then that his distracted mind picked up on the faint sounds of something else around him. Something that didn't necessarily belong to the night. He looked up and around himself listening to the faint whistling recognizing the voice but surprised at the unusually happy tone that was coming from it.
Cedric waited silently until the owner of the whistle came into view. It was entirely clear if he believed the other had stumbled upon him at random or if he believed he had followed. Either way Cedric didn't feel like analyzing it. Instead he watched him for a moment before speaking.
“Go on,” he said into the cool night air. “I know you've got something to say.” He reached up with his hand and ran it through his hair casually before going back to the same position he was in before. “I guess I should consider myself lucky that I'm in the contest now that Harry is involved.”
The moon hung low in the sky as if suspended by wire that at any moment might break and let it fall to the ground. From there it would surely shatter into a million pieces. But for now it clung on to that invisible wire casting its faint glow down on everything below it. The lake took on the color of onyx in the dark, it ever present waves reflecting the faint moonlight above giving it a three dimensional look at its cold waters rushed up onto the shore for a moment only to be drawn back in again as if the whole lake were alive and breathing.
Surrounded by silence and only faint whispers of life, Cedric's eyes closed for a few moments offering him some relaxation after what was a stressful night. He doubted his decision to put his name into the Goblet of Fire and now he was in the tournament. It felt ironic almost. He, the one who least wanted to put his name in, chosen. Those who desperately wanted to compete simply skipped over. He cleared his throat, his eyes opening again to rest on the placid waters of the lake.
“Merlin,” he whispered quietly pulling himself up into a sitting position. His arm lay draped lazily across his steepled legs as he sat there; his free hand running over the blades of grass to this side lightly as he remained lost in thought over it all.
It was then that his distracted mind picked up on the faint sounds of something else around him. Something that didn't necessarily belong to the night. He looked up and around himself listening to the faint whistling recognizing the voice but surprised at the unusually happy tone that was coming from it.
Cedric waited silently until the owner of the whistle came into view. It was entirely clear if he believed the other had stumbled upon him at random or if he believed he had followed. Either way Cedric didn't feel like analyzing it. Instead he watched him for a moment before speaking.
“Go on,” he said into the cool night air. “I know you've got something to say.” He reached up with his hand and ran it through his hair casually before going back to the same position he was in before. “I guess I should consider myself lucky that I'm in the contest now that Harry is involved.”
Draco: Damp air brushed comforting against Draco's pale flesh as he leisurely trumped through the dark grass to the bushes, the fresh air with its many delightful aroma's filling his lungs driving him to a state of peace. He let his legs carry him to where they may, mind lost of all thought, almost forgetting entirely why he came out here if it were not for the low charming voice drifting from the lush green wall now next to him.
Go on,” he said into the cool night air. “I know you've got something to say.”
Silver casually cast over the many leaves and webs of branches reaching to him like gnarled fingers, spotting a break in the hedges and passing through it without a word, letting the smirk surfacing on his lips do the talking for him. Trekking past the last small curve of the leaves, now in plain site, he allowed his gaze a short visit to the grass, scanning over the perfect image of the figure resting on the earth and plant life a little ways away from him. They watched the hands luxury in brushing back the dark entangles of hair, Draco's fingers twitching with the memory currently drifting through the blonde's skull. He kept himself contained, the excitement, the joy, the anger, every emotion accumulated into a small box within the Slytherin's now slack standing position, watching the driving waves of the lake. He'd say nothing, afraid of what he might say, and not wishing for anything to have a repeat of the last meeting.
Things were different in this case, all was tranquil, and perhaps even a little pleasant if he could manage to keep from unfolding his hatred for a specific Gryffindor and ignore the happenings of the Goblet of Fire's last moments. With how well he was keeping himself peacefully silent however, Diggory was running along different lines to shift his practically bipolar complex to a new extreme when the silence cracked for his voice...
“I guess I should consider myself lucky that I'm in the contest now that Harry is involved.”
"Famous Harry Potter gets to be in the Tri Wizard Cup," Draco muttered suddenly, the pale flesh manipulated into a disgusted and indignant look to rival all the ugliest expressions in his arsenal. "My father will hear about this of course, Potter isn't even old enough and now suddenly he's a Tri Wizard Champion." His foot kicked at the grass maliciously, several blades and a small clump of dirt sent flying into the air, the clog rolling barely into the soft rising tide at the edge of the lake. "I must figure out how the hell he did it! It's not fair!"
His exasperation had quite possibly never managed to reach this amount of drama, his arms flaring into the air, his expression just as wild while his body fell backwards in his out rage, to the hard ground with a hard and painful thud. His fists were soon to join his backside, slamming against the ground, undoubtedly leaving imprints in the earth where his knuckles buried past the grass. His gaze set in a mutinous fix at the soft thrashing waves, sensing that this environment might not be the best to throw a tantrum in...
Just like that, almost as sudden as he had started, it had all stopped; his intensity faltering substantially with a quick glance across his shoulder to the boy he surprisingly found, was still sitting there. His brows furrowed just a little, but the wrinkles etched into his youthful face were gone taking on a slightly worried and rather anxious air and appearance. "You'll try and beat him though, won't you?"
Go on,” he said into the cool night air. “I know you've got something to say.”
Silver casually cast over the many leaves and webs of branches reaching to him like gnarled fingers, spotting a break in the hedges and passing through it without a word, letting the smirk surfacing on his lips do the talking for him. Trekking past the last small curve of the leaves, now in plain site, he allowed his gaze a short visit to the grass, scanning over the perfect image of the figure resting on the earth and plant life a little ways away from him. They watched the hands luxury in brushing back the dark entangles of hair, Draco's fingers twitching with the memory currently drifting through the blonde's skull. He kept himself contained, the excitement, the joy, the anger, every emotion accumulated into a small box within the Slytherin's now slack standing position, watching the driving waves of the lake. He'd say nothing, afraid of what he might say, and not wishing for anything to have a repeat of the last meeting.
Things were different in this case, all was tranquil, and perhaps even a little pleasant if he could manage to keep from unfolding his hatred for a specific Gryffindor and ignore the happenings of the Goblet of Fire's last moments. With how well he was keeping himself peacefully silent however, Diggory was running along different lines to shift his practically bipolar complex to a new extreme when the silence cracked for his voice...
“I guess I should consider myself lucky that I'm in the contest now that Harry is involved.”
"Famous Harry Potter gets to be in the Tri Wizard Cup," Draco muttered suddenly, the pale flesh manipulated into a disgusted and indignant look to rival all the ugliest expressions in his arsenal. "My father will hear about this of course, Potter isn't even old enough and now suddenly he's a Tri Wizard Champion." His foot kicked at the grass maliciously, several blades and a small clump of dirt sent flying into the air, the clog rolling barely into the soft rising tide at the edge of the lake. "I must figure out how the hell he did it! It's not fair!"
His exasperation had quite possibly never managed to reach this amount of drama, his arms flaring into the air, his expression just as wild while his body fell backwards in his out rage, to the hard ground with a hard and painful thud. His fists were soon to join his backside, slamming against the ground, undoubtedly leaving imprints in the earth where his knuckles buried past the grass. His gaze set in a mutinous fix at the soft thrashing waves, sensing that this environment might not be the best to throw a tantrum in...
Just like that, almost as sudden as he had started, it had all stopped; his intensity faltering substantially with a quick glance across his shoulder to the boy he surprisingly found, was still sitting there. His brows furrowed just a little, but the wrinkles etched into his youthful face were gone taking on a slightly worried and rather anxious air and appearance. "You'll try and beat him though, won't you?"
Cedric: Cedric remained as he was on the ground relaxing. There was a certain amount of foreshadowing that had been leant to Dumbledore's voice when he was explaining how arduous the tasks ahead would be. Cedric could only guess at what lay ahead with the first task some weeks away. What exactly were they going to have to do? He wished he knew so that he could begin to prepare for it. All these thoughts were rushing through his mind simultaneously as he watched Draco stand there in silence. It was surprising and unexpected. He half expected the other to throw a fit.
"My father will hear about this of course, Potter isn't even old enough and now suddenly he's a Tri Wizard Champion." His foot kicked at the grass maliciously, several blades and a small clump of dirt sent flying into the air, the clog rolling barely into the soft rising tide at the edge of the lake. "I must figure out how the hell he did it! It's not fair!"
And then it happened. Cedric's gaze widened slightly with surprise watching Draco throw a fit over it. True he himself was a bit upset that the younger wizard was involved now. But not for the same reasons. There were obvious rules stating he couldn't join and for obvious reasons. And somehow the rules had been gotten by. Somehow had gotten around the Ministry of Magic's own protective guards and had gotten his name into the Goblet. That was what bothered him.
He furrowed his brow watching as slowly the blonde pulled himself out of his fit. Cedric remained silent and calm in his position on the ground merely watching him. Letting him work out his own fit and come to terms with it all. It seemed as though he had when he finally spoke.
"You'll try and beat him though, won't you?"
“I'll try,” he said simply. “But I'm not going to kill myself either trying to do it.”
"My father will hear about this of course, Potter isn't even old enough and now suddenly he's a Tri Wizard Champion." His foot kicked at the grass maliciously, several blades and a small clump of dirt sent flying into the air, the clog rolling barely into the soft rising tide at the edge of the lake. "I must figure out how the hell he did it! It's not fair!"
And then it happened. Cedric's gaze widened slightly with surprise watching Draco throw a fit over it. True he himself was a bit upset that the younger wizard was involved now. But not for the same reasons. There were obvious rules stating he couldn't join and for obvious reasons. And somehow the rules had been gotten by. Somehow had gotten around the Ministry of Magic's own protective guards and had gotten his name into the Goblet. That was what bothered him.
He furrowed his brow watching as slowly the blonde pulled himself out of his fit. Cedric remained silent and calm in his position on the ground merely watching him. Letting him work out his own fit and come to terms with it all. It seemed as though he had when he finally spoke.
"You'll try and beat him though, won't you?"
“I'll try,” he said simply. “But I'm not going to kill myself either trying to do it.”
Draco: "I'll try,” he said simply. “But I'm not going to kill myself either trying to do it.”
If the smirk could carry a name, it would be infamy; infamy for the many times it appeared on the pale lips of Draco Malfoy, conjured by the devious and dark thoughts always concocted and stirring in his mind. There would be no escaping it, the comment bringing it's familiar presence forth and plunging any doubt the young boy could possible think of, into a pit of the forgotten. Even the earlier event that led to Cedric's name set forth within the cup was lost.
"I don't expect you to die over it..." his expression changed to a magnificent look of deep thought, the vivid gray hues pooled within his eyes now an unnaturally dim slate as they focused in on Cedric's hand distantly. He wasn't in reality, his sight seeing beyond the flesh and cloth to a world created by an imagination of envy and wickedness, flashing forward into future events where Cedric stands tall and proud hoisting up the Tri Wizard cup high over head with only a little help from him. There, at their feet would rest Harry Potter's mangled body, destroyed in every sense of the word; a mere pile of flesh colored goo with sticks of white broken and shattered bones sticking out of many places of the body, red liquid seeping from every crevasse and seeping into their shoes. But Diggory and himself, nor anyone else would care, for in Draco's mind, it had really been HIM that had chosen the Hufflepuff. The Goblet only made such choice official, but he would take all the glory, all the fame that came with Diggory's victory. That is what was important. That is what would matter, and as the world spun back in a whirl of color, Draco eyes lifted returning to their greedy poisonous silver, catching Cedric's sapphire gaze.
"I expect you to win it."
If the smirk could carry a name, it would be infamy; infamy for the many times it appeared on the pale lips of Draco Malfoy, conjured by the devious and dark thoughts always concocted and stirring in his mind. There would be no escaping it, the comment bringing it's familiar presence forth and plunging any doubt the young boy could possible think of, into a pit of the forgotten. Even the earlier event that led to Cedric's name set forth within the cup was lost.
"I don't expect you to die over it..." his expression changed to a magnificent look of deep thought, the vivid gray hues pooled within his eyes now an unnaturally dim slate as they focused in on Cedric's hand distantly. He wasn't in reality, his sight seeing beyond the flesh and cloth to a world created by an imagination of envy and wickedness, flashing forward into future events where Cedric stands tall and proud hoisting up the Tri Wizard cup high over head with only a little help from him. There, at their feet would rest Harry Potter's mangled body, destroyed in every sense of the word; a mere pile of flesh colored goo with sticks of white broken and shattered bones sticking out of many places of the body, red liquid seeping from every crevasse and seeping into their shoes. But Diggory and himself, nor anyone else would care, for in Draco's mind, it had really been HIM that had chosen the Hufflepuff. The Goblet only made such choice official, but he would take all the glory, all the fame that came with Diggory's victory. That is what was important. That is what would matter, and as the world spun back in a whirl of color, Draco eyes lifted returning to their greedy poisonous silver, catching Cedric's sapphire gaze.
"I expect you to win it."
Cedric: Cedric found himself growing tired now as he half lay in the grass taking those few moments to relax after the night's events. The last week had been stressful nonstop between courses, an exam and the ever present pressure from everyone to toss his name into the Goblet. And now he had. And now it was over. No it was far from over. “This isn't over at all,” he said more as a thought to himself than to the blonde standing before him. “It's just beginning…” Furrowing his brow, Cedric shook his head. The beginning of it all.
"I don't expect you to die over it..."
Cedric's gaze moved from examining the grass absentmindedly to focusing on him. “Well isn't that comforting,” he replied half-heartedly. “That's really nice of you to say,” he retorted. “My intentions are not to die after all.”
There was a fluttering of wings and Cedric turned his head slightly to catch a site of red and orange glint in the moonlight. He leaned forward slightly to peer around the bush that was blocking his view to find Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix, walking precariously towards him with a sealed enveloped in its beak. Even this far away, Cedric could see the wax seal on the back signifying its officially. He extended his hand towards the bird taking the envelope from it gently. It made a rather melodic sound in his direction before turning and taking off in a blurry of warmth and feathers.
His eyes moved back to the enveloped as he broke the seal, which now had had an image of the Goble of Fire pressed into it instead of the Hogwarts shield, and opened it. The neat script of Albus Dumbledore appeared before him as he read over it.
Mr. Diggory,
It is with great honor that I write this letter to you expressing my pride and humbleness at your acceptance into the Tri Wizard Tournament.
You will find over the next several months, three tasks which you will be pitted against. Each set to test you in ways that, I fear, are difficult beyond comprehension. Each task will reveal to you a clue to the following task's objective. Use it wisely. Research it. Time is short.
The first task will be in three weeks time.
I wish you luck.
With kindest regards,
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster
Cedric's gaze moved over the letter once more before he folded it and tucked it into an inside pocket of his robe. It was only then that he heard Draco speaking still.
"I expect you to win it."
His gaze moved back to him locking onto his for a moment. “You're expecting a lot.”
"I don't expect you to die over it..."
Cedric's gaze moved from examining the grass absentmindedly to focusing on him. “Well isn't that comforting,” he replied half-heartedly. “That's really nice of you to say,” he retorted. “My intentions are not to die after all.”
There was a fluttering of wings and Cedric turned his head slightly to catch a site of red and orange glint in the moonlight. He leaned forward slightly to peer around the bush that was blocking his view to find Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix, walking precariously towards him with a sealed enveloped in its beak. Even this far away, Cedric could see the wax seal on the back signifying its officially. He extended his hand towards the bird taking the envelope from it gently. It made a rather melodic sound in his direction before turning and taking off in a blurry of warmth and feathers.
His eyes moved back to the enveloped as he broke the seal, which now had had an image of the Goble of Fire pressed into it instead of the Hogwarts shield, and opened it. The neat script of Albus Dumbledore appeared before him as he read over it.
Mr. Diggory,
It is with great honor that I write this letter to you expressing my pride and humbleness at your acceptance into the Tri Wizard Tournament.
You will find over the next several months, three tasks which you will be pitted against. Each set to test you in ways that, I fear, are difficult beyond comprehension. Each task will reveal to you a clue to the following task's objective. Use it wisely. Research it. Time is short.
The first task will be in three weeks time.
I wish you luck.
With kindest regards,
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster
Cedric's gaze moved over the letter once more before he folded it and tucked it into an inside pocket of his robe. It was only then that he heard Draco speaking still.
"I expect you to win it."
His gaze moved back to him locking onto his for a moment. “You're expecting a lot.”
Draco: Fragments of the future vision presented themselves in random paths within the 4th year's sparked hues, showing the delightful options he'd easily be granted with Cedric's win and control. It only took the older boys approval and he'd be on the fast track to greater fortune and power, finally deemed a true equal in the eyes of his father. His current companion had already led him one step in the right direction when his tongue laid out its last words.
"You're expecting a lot."
"Alright then." Draco's voice faltered, his burning expression ebbing into an acceptance of defeat. His body went slack a moment, creating a convincing visage of disappointment, using another birthright passed onto him from his father; acting. Lucius Malfoy was one of the best actors he had ever seen, plotting each word swiftly, wittily leading the other's emotions into an already foreseen vision. It was a trait he had used for survival with not only the Dark Lord, but on the Ministry of Magic as well; his best feat pulled off when Draco was but only a year old, convincing majestically to the Minister of Magic and an entire council of wizards that he was an innocent. Anyone who believed that load of bullocks was an exceptionally stupid person and should have had themselves checked into St. Mungo's for a thorough mental examination. In any case, it was still one of the more favorite spoken of stories at the Malfoy Manor, usually only brought up when his father came home bitter after a hard days work.
Now it was his turn.
Sorting out his emotions into a flawless bundle of disappointment and defeat, and masterfully manipulating his features to suite his purpose, he cast an in depth and highly believable act of concern and thought into the melting pot, fixing his silver sight on the grass before him. The stage set, emotions and expressions drawn into a tight design of a conniving lie, he let his tongue loose, pouring forth with carefully thought out words in a deliberate timid fashion...
"Of course I'm sure that it might be more realistic of a goal if..." he fidgeted uneasily within the act, carrying the insecure voice in slow cautious breaks to increase the believability as he continued, careful to add an inquiring note at the very end," well... you know... if you were to... let me... help?"
His eyes lifted slow and just as uneasy as his voice, from the patch of green he'd been watching through plotted lines, raising them until Cedric's sapphires were within the lime light of his gaze, carrying an earnest ray of hope amidst the solemn lost mask created by the young Slytherin's brilliance.
"You're expecting a lot."
"Alright then." Draco's voice faltered, his burning expression ebbing into an acceptance of defeat. His body went slack a moment, creating a convincing visage of disappointment, using another birthright passed onto him from his father; acting. Lucius Malfoy was one of the best actors he had ever seen, plotting each word swiftly, wittily leading the other's emotions into an already foreseen vision. It was a trait he had used for survival with not only the Dark Lord, but on the Ministry of Magic as well; his best feat pulled off when Draco was but only a year old, convincing majestically to the Minister of Magic and an entire council of wizards that he was an innocent. Anyone who believed that load of bullocks was an exceptionally stupid person and should have had themselves checked into St. Mungo's for a thorough mental examination. In any case, it was still one of the more favorite spoken of stories at the Malfoy Manor, usually only brought up when his father came home bitter after a hard days work.
Now it was his turn.
Sorting out his emotions into a flawless bundle of disappointment and defeat, and masterfully manipulating his features to suite his purpose, he cast an in depth and highly believable act of concern and thought into the melting pot, fixing his silver sight on the grass before him. The stage set, emotions and expressions drawn into a tight design of a conniving lie, he let his tongue loose, pouring forth with carefully thought out words in a deliberate timid fashion...
"Of course I'm sure that it might be more realistic of a goal if..." he fidgeted uneasily within the act, carrying the insecure voice in slow cautious breaks to increase the believability as he continued, careful to add an inquiring note at the very end," well... you know... if you were to... let me... help?"
His eyes lifted slow and just as uneasy as his voice, from the patch of green he'd been watching through plotted lines, raising them until Cedric's sapphires were within the lime light of his gaze, carrying an earnest ray of hope amidst the solemn lost mask created by the young Slytherin's brilliance.
Cedric: A rather unreadable expression crossed Cedric's features at this point. He was tired. Exhausted over it all. The last week had left him feeling worn now and beaten mentally. He'd tossed his name into the flames and now they had spit it back out sealing his fate as being one of those having to compete. He could only imagine what tasks lay ahead for himself and the others. Such worried thoughts were plaguing his mind now almost nonstop, making it hard for him to focus on anything else for any longer that necessary. It was growing slightly frustrating.
"Of course I'm sure that it might be more realistic of a goal if..." he fidgeted uneasily within the act, carrying the insecure voice in slow cautious breaks to increase the believability as he continued, careful to add an inquiring note at the very end," well... you know... if you were to... let me... help?"
Cedric had watched Draco's gaze shift from confident to what could only be described as disappointed. He was only to well aware of how the other worked having witnessed some of his acts first hand. And while Cedric came across as 'the boy next door' he was far from stupid or dense. The sudden shift in the other's attitude worried him. With everything on his mind he was unsure of just how truthful the other was being. And he resigned himself to simply holding the other off until he could get a little rest and think things through more clearly. Perhaps a trip to the prefect's bathroom for a warm bath was in store. The faint scents and warm water always had a soothing way about it that he enjoyed.
"I don't know if that's allowed Draco," he said speaking honestly. "When I get the rules of it all I'll read them over and see what is permitted and not." It seemed to him to be the most passive response he could give the other without giving a definite yes or no to the question. It was at this point that he pulled himself to his feet and brushed himself off.
He shifted over towards the blonde, leaving a respectable amount of distance between the two for the moment. "Your offer is surprising. But, well, nice. I only hope that there isn't any underlying plans behind it," he said. "I'll check the rules. Until then I have no answer for you." Glancing back towards the castle, he could already imagine the warm water running over his smooth skin. The warmth of the water taking away the tenseness in his back and muscles.
Cedric's gaze returned to looking over the other for a moment before he cleared his throat. The other night between them had been a confusing incident which did nothing more than add to the intensity of everything going on in Cedric's life at the moment. He still had come to no real conclusion about why he had kissed the other. Other than that he simply had. Cho was still in his line of sight daily, smiling sweetly at him and making conversation. He returned her advances as he had been doing not knowing what else to do. She was cute that he was aware of, but...
"Of course I'm sure that it might be more realistic of a goal if..." he fidgeted uneasily within the act, carrying the insecure voice in slow cautious breaks to increase the believability as he continued, careful to add an inquiring note at the very end," well... you know... if you were to... let me... help?"
Cedric had watched Draco's gaze shift from confident to what could only be described as disappointed. He was only to well aware of how the other worked having witnessed some of his acts first hand. And while Cedric came across as 'the boy next door' he was far from stupid or dense. The sudden shift in the other's attitude worried him. With everything on his mind he was unsure of just how truthful the other was being. And he resigned himself to simply holding the other off until he could get a little rest and think things through more clearly. Perhaps a trip to the prefect's bathroom for a warm bath was in store. The faint scents and warm water always had a soothing way about it that he enjoyed.
"I don't know if that's allowed Draco," he said speaking honestly. "When I get the rules of it all I'll read them over and see what is permitted and not." It seemed to him to be the most passive response he could give the other without giving a definite yes or no to the question. It was at this point that he pulled himself to his feet and brushed himself off.
He shifted over towards the blonde, leaving a respectable amount of distance between the two for the moment. "Your offer is surprising. But, well, nice. I only hope that there isn't any underlying plans behind it," he said. "I'll check the rules. Until then I have no answer for you." Glancing back towards the castle, he could already imagine the warm water running over his smooth skin. The warmth of the water taking away the tenseness in his back and muscles.
Cedric's gaze returned to looking over the other for a moment before he cleared his throat. The other night between them had been a confusing incident which did nothing more than add to the intensity of everything going on in Cedric's life at the moment. He still had come to no real conclusion about why he had kissed the other. Other than that he simply had. Cho was still in his line of sight daily, smiling sweetly at him and making conversation. He returned her advances as he had been doing not knowing what else to do. She was cute that he was aware of, but...
Draco: "Your offer is surprising. But, well, nice. I only hope that there isn't any underlying plans behind it," he said. "I'll check the rules. Until then I have no answer for you."
So Cedric saw right through the facade, perhaps because he was too quick to change persona, but he'd done that already several times, it couldn't be the reason. Ahh, perhaps he was too sincere... or maybe was using the wrong expressions. No matter, he wasn't about to drop it now, not with the promise of the Hufflepuff's lines playing right into his hands. Funny how predictable that nature was the sincere and humble will always be sincere and humble, and Draco knew that this friendly spot wouldn't just disappear like so many others.
So like a spider continuously spinning its web of lies and deceit, not giving until the goal was reached, the Slytherin Prince, infamous for his manipulations and games, would match this Hufflepuff's sincerity with a slip of fact. His father did work at the Ministry after all...
"It's allowed," he replied quietly, his knuckles grazing the soft long blades of grass, adding pressure through the arm and pushing himself to stand with a sloppy grace. "My father works at the Ministry you know," his voice gained a little in confidence, still cautious but with true conviction as this was definitely top secret information. Meanwhile his steps bringing him forth with a little crunch from the earth and greenery beneath his feet, every one bringing him just that much closer to the taller student as he continued, “Teachers aren't allowed to help per say... but I'm certain that they will anyhow."
Silver darted to bushes, trees, even behind his own shoulders until this handsome Hufflepuff companion was mere inches from himself, his hands raising to lightly graze the fabric of Cedric's robes, letting the tips of the flesh drag lightly over his arm and lean forward. He couldn't stop the conspiratorial hints from trailing his words, feeling like he might be a spy of some sort when dropping his voice for his next line of words, “Krum isn't the most intelligent person we've seen, but Karkoroff won't let that stop him from winning. He was a Death Eater once, and that means he'll do anything to help his student win." He nodded with his own sense of information looking around again, his eyes sparkling with a slight hate, his tone slipping into a bitter state, “Besides, you don't think Dumbledore'll leave Potter all by his lonesome do you? They'll have someone watching him, making sure he's safe."
Almost forgetting the disappointed cover, but not faltering with it completely, he mastered over his emotions again, finding an unexpected one laying unused amidst the bunch; desperation. Finding the right opportunity, the emotion swelled within the hollow of his chest, gaining instant reaction to his eyes and features, swallowing his voice with its pleading guise and speeding them up to another convincing facade," They won't help you, you're of age... but my father's told me loads about the tournaments past and what they may have planned. I can ask him for you, for certain... just please, let me help you."
So Cedric saw right through the facade, perhaps because he was too quick to change persona, but he'd done that already several times, it couldn't be the reason. Ahh, perhaps he was too sincere... or maybe was using the wrong expressions. No matter, he wasn't about to drop it now, not with the promise of the Hufflepuff's lines playing right into his hands. Funny how predictable that nature was the sincere and humble will always be sincere and humble, and Draco knew that this friendly spot wouldn't just disappear like so many others.
So like a spider continuously spinning its web of lies and deceit, not giving until the goal was reached, the Slytherin Prince, infamous for his manipulations and games, would match this Hufflepuff's sincerity with a slip of fact. His father did work at the Ministry after all...
"It's allowed," he replied quietly, his knuckles grazing the soft long blades of grass, adding pressure through the arm and pushing himself to stand with a sloppy grace. "My father works at the Ministry you know," his voice gained a little in confidence, still cautious but with true conviction as this was definitely top secret information. Meanwhile his steps bringing him forth with a little crunch from the earth and greenery beneath his feet, every one bringing him just that much closer to the taller student as he continued, “Teachers aren't allowed to help per say... but I'm certain that they will anyhow."
Silver darted to bushes, trees, even behind his own shoulders until this handsome Hufflepuff companion was mere inches from himself, his hands raising to lightly graze the fabric of Cedric's robes, letting the tips of the flesh drag lightly over his arm and lean forward. He couldn't stop the conspiratorial hints from trailing his words, feeling like he might be a spy of some sort when dropping his voice for his next line of words, “Krum isn't the most intelligent person we've seen, but Karkoroff won't let that stop him from winning. He was a Death Eater once, and that means he'll do anything to help his student win." He nodded with his own sense of information looking around again, his eyes sparkling with a slight hate, his tone slipping into a bitter state, “Besides, you don't think Dumbledore'll leave Potter all by his lonesome do you? They'll have someone watching him, making sure he's safe."
Almost forgetting the disappointed cover, but not faltering with it completely, he mastered over his emotions again, finding an unexpected one laying unused amidst the bunch; desperation. Finding the right opportunity, the emotion swelled within the hollow of his chest, gaining instant reaction to his eyes and features, swallowing his voice with its pleading guise and speeding them up to another convincing facade," They won't help you, you're of age... but my father's told me loads about the tournaments past and what they may have planned. I can ask him for you, for certain... just please, let me help you."
Cedric: Cedric wasn't sure what the feeling was that was creeping over him, but whatever it was it was drawing a chill that was running through him deeply causing him to tense up. He watched Draco warily not really feeling threatened from him, but more worried. There was something behind the gray eyes looking back at him that didn't quite match up with the words and actions he was giving.
"It's allowed,"
He nodded. “I see,” he said scratching the back of his neck for moment thinking about this whole situation. Why, all of the sudden was the one person who was marked as the greediest and most self serving all of the sudden being so generous and selfless? It left a bad taste in Cedric's mouth. “Well I'd still rather wait and get all the rules before I go doing anything questionable.”
He gave a rather tired sounding sigh for a moment, looking up to the blonde when he spoke again of teachers helping and what not. He doubted if that were allowed. The tasks were supposed to test the person on their skills and knowledge. Not the professors. In a way that was sort of cheating.
,"Besides, you don't think Dumbledore'll leave Potter all by his lonesome do you? They'll have someone watching him, making sure he's safe."
He shrugged. “Potter has special circumstances does he not?” he asked raising a finger up and touching it to his forehead indicating the scar that the other possessed.
A rather small sound escaped him feeling the other's hands just barely graze over his chest. Images from the other night flickered through his mind for a moment and he turned his head to the side a little closing his eyes. Pushing them away to focus on something else.
They won't help you, you're of age... but my father's told me loads about the tournaments past and what they may have planned. I can ask him for you, for certain... just please, let me help you."
“I told you I'd look into it,” he replied still keeping a polite tone to his voice. He took a single step away from the other putting in just enough distance where he could concentrate again.
He ran a hand quickly through his hair and yawned. “I should head in for the night,” he said turning his gaze back onto the other. “I've a few things I need to do before sleep.”
"It's allowed,"
He nodded. “I see,” he said scratching the back of his neck for moment thinking about this whole situation. Why, all of the sudden was the one person who was marked as the greediest and most self serving all of the sudden being so generous and selfless? It left a bad taste in Cedric's mouth. “Well I'd still rather wait and get all the rules before I go doing anything questionable.”
He gave a rather tired sounding sigh for a moment, looking up to the blonde when he spoke again of teachers helping and what not. He doubted if that were allowed. The tasks were supposed to test the person on their skills and knowledge. Not the professors. In a way that was sort of cheating.
,"Besides, you don't think Dumbledore'll leave Potter all by his lonesome do you? They'll have someone watching him, making sure he's safe."
He shrugged. “Potter has special circumstances does he not?” he asked raising a finger up and touching it to his forehead indicating the scar that the other possessed.
A rather small sound escaped him feeling the other's hands just barely graze over his chest. Images from the other night flickered through his mind for a moment and he turned his head to the side a little closing his eyes. Pushing them away to focus on something else.
They won't help you, you're of age... but my father's told me loads about the tournaments past and what they may have planned. I can ask him for you, for certain... just please, let me help you."
“I told you I'd look into it,” he replied still keeping a polite tone to his voice. He took a single step away from the other putting in just enough distance where he could concentrate again.
He ran a hand quickly through his hair and yawned. “I should head in for the night,” he said turning his gaze back onto the other. “I've a few things I need to do before sleep.”
Draco: Cedric..." It was the first time in the last two days of him truly knowing the Hufflepuff, that he had actually spoken his first name. It was also the first time he had been driven utterly speechless, he hadn't expected the motions the other had taken nor the words just recently slipping from his lips. He miscalculated, and oddly felt a little hurt by it. Was this why his father barraged him so? Was he so insufficient in the ways of his family line, that he deserved only the scraps of conversation and unintelligent and visually displeasing friends as well as a wife to be? No. He wouldn't break, not yet, not now. So the older boy has somewhere else to go, some other things to do before be-... hello.
Cedric's back was turned to him, a slight quake drifting down Draco's spine as though seeing exactly what the other was thinking. It was obvious now, his companion was fighting morals and thoughts in a subconscious state, possibly thinking between that Ravenclaw, and the kiss he had willingly but without reason, had given Draco the other night.You leave yourself an emotional wreckfor me to tidy up Diggory, I gladly except the job. Draco thoughts spiraled menacingly, creating a smirk that he'd soon go through hell to hide. If just a single touch was torture to Cedric, then what would another kiss be? What would happen for even more than that taste?
He was intrigued now, thrust into an admirable state of experimental thoughts laid out once again into a design. But actions would speak louder than words... his hand carrying forward to close proximity between him and the handsome Hufflepuff, the digits caressing to a hold on Cedric's hand with a firm grasp. "Just... tell me something then," the drawl came soft, almost lovingly guided through the air as he continued, "What few things must you do before bed?"
Cedric's back was turned to him, a slight quake drifting down Draco's spine as though seeing exactly what the other was thinking. It was obvious now, his companion was fighting morals and thoughts in a subconscious state, possibly thinking between that Ravenclaw, and the kiss he had willingly but without reason, had given Draco the other night.You leave yourself an emotional wreckfor me to tidy up Diggory, I gladly except the job. Draco thoughts spiraled menacingly, creating a smirk that he'd soon go through hell to hide. If just a single touch was torture to Cedric, then what would another kiss be? What would happen for even more than that taste?
He was intrigued now, thrust into an admirable state of experimental thoughts laid out once again into a design. But actions would speak louder than words... his hand carrying forward to close proximity between him and the handsome Hufflepuff, the digits caressing to a hold on Cedric's hand with a firm grasp. "Just... tell me something then," the drawl came soft, almost lovingly guided through the air as he continued, "What few things must you do before bed?"
Cedric: Cedric was mere moments away from freedom from this conversation and the awkwardness that was threatening to take up residence between them. That's not what he had wanted to happen here. Not wanting that to happen Cedric had given in and was ready to depart the whole situation for the night. Possibly a day or two. Time was his friend when it came to dealing with certain things. He had a lot to think about didn't he? The tournament. The Slytherin behind him. Cho. Harry.
"Cedric..."
He merely shook his head to the other giving him a virtual no for the time being. His decision wasn't up for debate nor discussion. He'd tired of it for the night and wanted to submerge himself in something lighter. Perhaps a good book before he drifted off to sleep.
Draco's hand was soft as it brushed against his own taking hold of it. He came to a stop at that point, keeping his back turned for a moment as a rather worrisome expression crossed his face at all of this. What was he doing? Why was he doing it? The other behind him was fourteen. He was seventeen. There were quite a few reasons why he should have just kept on walking back towards the castle.
"Just... tell me something then," the drawl came soft, almost lovingly guided through the air as he continued, "Whatfew things must you do before bed?"
He glanced over his shoulder looking at him for a moment. “I have to send off a couple owls, get cleaned up and then if I have time maybe to a little homework.” His troubled gaze moved down to the other's hand holding onto his for a moment before he looked back up at him.
"Cedric..."
He merely shook his head to the other giving him a virtual no for the time being. His decision wasn't up for debate nor discussion. He'd tired of it for the night and wanted to submerge himself in something lighter. Perhaps a good book before he drifted off to sleep.
Draco's hand was soft as it brushed against his own taking hold of it. He came to a stop at that point, keeping his back turned for a moment as a rather worrisome expression crossed his face at all of this. What was he doing? Why was he doing it? The other behind him was fourteen. He was seventeen. There were quite a few reasons why he should have just kept on walking back towards the castle.
"Just... tell me something then," the drawl came soft, almost lovingly guided through the air as he continued, "Whatfew things must you do before bed?"
He glanced over his shoulder looking at him for a moment. “I have to send off a couple owls, get cleaned up and then if I have time maybe to a little homework.” His troubled gaze moved down to the other's hand holding onto his for a moment before he looked back up at him.
Draco:“I have to send off a couple owls, get cleaned up and then if I have time maybe to a little homework.”
Spotted, and locked on target, Diggory was once again showing weakness in the eyes of a manipulative little rat who knew nothing of age, morals, or even limits. Worry was one of the last things he should be at the moment, but there it was, blatant as a picture in a museum stating 'Art' across Cedric's face. Something was telling him he wasn't worried for Draco's sake either, but perhaps his own... his safety in maintaining himself in the presence of this 14 year old. It was there, so obvious as his sapphire eyes dropped to examine the hand following his answer.
~True what I'm trying to do here is morally wrong, if my father ever heard of it he'd skin me alive... but how can I be denied the fun of it? Your inner demons will win Diggory, becauseI'm the devil in disguise, and the devil always gets what he wants, no Saint Potter to take what is mine. No Saint Potter to save your hide, nor angel like Cho to stop me. ~
There went his ego, the mind working even faster than a beat of his heart, and the acting flaring up into full doll mode, till the next thing he knew he was standing right beside this worried companion, with the same timid expression plastered on his features again. "Well, can I at least hang out with you until we pass the dungeons? I'll leave you alone after that, I promise. Just... want to savor being near a champion that isn't Potter."
Spotted, and locked on target, Diggory was once again showing weakness in the eyes of a manipulative little rat who knew nothing of age, morals, or even limits. Worry was one of the last things he should be at the moment, but there it was, blatant as a picture in a museum stating 'Art' across Cedric's face. Something was telling him he wasn't worried for Draco's sake either, but perhaps his own... his safety in maintaining himself in the presence of this 14 year old. It was there, so obvious as his sapphire eyes dropped to examine the hand following his answer.
~True what I'm trying to do here is morally wrong, if my father ever heard of it he'd skin me alive... but how can I be denied the fun of it? Your inner demons will win Diggory, becauseI'm the devil in disguise, and the devil always gets what he wants, no Saint Potter to take what is mine. No Saint Potter to save your hide, nor angel like Cho to stop me. ~
There went his ego, the mind working even faster than a beat of his heart, and the acting flaring up into full doll mode, till the next thing he knew he was standing right beside this worried companion, with the same timid expression plastered on his features again. "Well, can I at least hang out with you until we pass the dungeons? I'll leave you alone after that, I promise. Just... want to savor being near a champion that isn't Potter."
Cedric: Cedric's inner voice was warning him again not to give in. It had been silent before and he'd gone off and allowed himself to get involved in something he shouldn't have. And since that moment he hadn't been able to get it out of his mind. It disturbed him to no end the way the other had worked his way under his skin and he was sure the other knew it to.
`Don't do it,' he told himself silently watching the other with a guarded look. He was all to aware of the deviant expression on Draco's face and he feared what would be slipping forth from his lips in another moment. If he could have departed the scene before those words and spare himself the trouble. Because that was what the blonde was to him. Nothing but trouble.
"Well, can I at least hang out with you until we pass the dungeons?I'll leave you alone after that, I promise. Just... want to savor being near a champion that isn't Potter."
He wanted to say no. He really did.
“There's always Krum and Fleur,” he said pulling is hand away from the other's finally. He shoved it deep into his pocket to keep it out of reach of the other's hand. “And I don't see how my sending an owl is really that interesting.” And yet he could feel himself giving in to the other.
“But since I doubt I've really got a choice in the matter you might as well follow,” he said quietly glancing back towards the castle half expecting an audience at this point. Merlin if anyone ever knew.
“An owl and then you're on your own for the night,” he said sternly. He began walking towards the castle and glanced back at him waiting for him to follow.
`Don't do it,' he told himself silently watching the other with a guarded look. He was all to aware of the deviant expression on Draco's face and he feared what would be slipping forth from his lips in another moment. If he could have departed the scene before those words and spare himself the trouble. Because that was what the blonde was to him. Nothing but trouble.
"Well, can I at least hang out with you until we pass the dungeons?I'll leave you alone after that, I promise. Just... want to savor being near a champion that isn't Potter."
He wanted to say no. He really did.
“There's always Krum and Fleur,” he said pulling is hand away from the other's finally. He shoved it deep into his pocket to keep it out of reach of the other's hand. “And I don't see how my sending an owl is really that interesting.” And yet he could feel himself giving in to the other.
“But since I doubt I've really got a choice in the matter you might as well follow,” he said quietly glancing back towards the castle half expecting an audience at this point. Merlin if anyone ever knew.
“An owl and then you're on your own for the night,” he said sternly. He began walking towards the castle and glanced back at him waiting for him to follow.
Draco:“There's always Krum and Fleur,” hesaid pulling is hand away from the other's finally. He shoved it deep into his pocket to keep it out of reach of the other's hand. “And I don't see how my sending an owl is really that interesting.”
Draco's natural reaction to the obvious statement was a snort, knowing the words before they ever reached Diggory's mouth, but knowing the answer even better. He'd hardly realized the other had taken his hand away upon thinking over the overwhelmingly difficult options of friends he was being offered.
Krum was difficult in all cases to be around, unless he gave you a personal invitation as Draco had been so very delighted to receive earlier on in the night, Karkaroff would allow no one near him. It was as though Krum were some fragile trophy that the man was trying to keep protected from thievery or damage. Certainly there was a great deal of students (most especially in his own house) that could corrupt the young seeker, but they'd be doing no more damage than Viktor himself had already done to himself.
Then there was Fleur; that was a cause needed to drop and shunt to the back of the darkest corner to rot for eternity. Madam Maxime wasn't nearly as protective of her as Karkaroff was with Viktor, but Fleur was definitely near the personification of vanity. It was hell to get her attention, and death to keep it without receiving some fiery glint of disgust. Not to mention, she was heavily protected in her group of female companions... if there was anything Draco didn't want to meddle with, it was a Veela and her lethal blonde bodyguards with looks to kill, and bodies to incinerate. Females like that, honestly scared him, and he wouldn't take a chance to have his balls ripped off and thrown viciously at him.
At this point, silence was proving to be his best friend, keeping the words at bay just long enough for Cedric's words to drag him from the surprised answer, and envelope him in the friendly charm he admired so, never quite finding the stern tone carrying in the others voice.
“But since I doubt I've really got a choice in the matter you might as well follow,” he said quietly glancing back towards the castle half expecting an audience at this point. Merlin if anyone ever knew.
“An owl and then you're on your own for the night,” hesaid sternly. He began walking towards the castle and glanced back at him waiting for him to follow.
Cedric was carrying a very insecure nature, one gone overlooked through Draco's own happiness at him being given in to. He nodded, a simple bob of his head sending several blonde strands to fall into his eyes. Not minding them too much, he followed the Hufflepuff, already having a head start on him but to his delight waiting for him only a few paces away.
"I have a letter to send to," he proclaimed finally, his brow furrowed in deep concentration allowing his eyes just one last pass over Cedric's form before stationing on the path that would bring him to their destination.
Cedric: Cedric stood by waiting for Draco to catch up to him. It was only seconds and the blonde was by his side. Turning they both continued across the grounds heading in the direction of the school's western tower which housed the owlery. In the faint light the towers crumbling staircase which wound around it looked something reminiscent of a creature's spine. Cedric's gaze remained locked on the tower with the utmost concentration. His mind remained focused on the letter he needed to write rather than the blonde that walked beside him.
"I have a letter to send to,"
He nodded silently taking to the steps as they reached the tower. He took them two at a time, his hand running lightly over the tarnished railing that lay bolted to the side of the tower. Over the years it had loosened with age and use. But it still served its purpose of keeping those using the steps from tripping and falling.
“I have one to send,” he confirmed as he reached the top most step and walked into the owlery. Rows upon rows of owls lay jutting upwards towards the towers open ceiling. All lay nestled together sleeping soundly. Though as he entered a few fluttered their wings and opened their eyes watching him with curiosity. He made his way over to a small wooden table that contained a few pieces of spare parchment and a rather old quill.
“I'll just be a moment,” he said glancing up to him as he grabbed a piece and the quill and began writing down his note as quickly as he could.
Father,
I'm sure you're aware. The Tri Wizard tournament is at the school this year. I have entered my name and have been selected to compete. There is one from Durmstrang, a Viktor Krum. And another from Beauxbatons, Fleur Delacour.
There's a problem. Harry Potter has been chosen as well.
Something is not right.
Please respond when you can.
Your son,
Cedric
His note only took a few minutes to write before Cedric rolled the small note up and whistled for his owl. A rather magnificent owl took off from one of the highest perches and soared down to him landing lightly on his arm and then hopping onto the desk. It extended one of his legs allowing him to tie his note onto it.
“Take this to father Prometheus,” he said allowing the bird to hop onto his arm again. He walked it over to one of the many windows and watched as the bird flew off heading for his home to deliver the message. Cedric watched it disappear into the horizon and turned back to Draco.
“Ready?” he asked.
"I have a letter to send to,"
He nodded silently taking to the steps as they reached the tower. He took them two at a time, his hand running lightly over the tarnished railing that lay bolted to the side of the tower. Over the years it had loosened with age and use. But it still served its purpose of keeping those using the steps from tripping and falling.
“I have one to send,” he confirmed as he reached the top most step and walked into the owlery. Rows upon rows of owls lay jutting upwards towards the towers open ceiling. All lay nestled together sleeping soundly. Though as he entered a few fluttered their wings and opened their eyes watching him with curiosity. He made his way over to a small wooden table that contained a few pieces of spare parchment and a rather old quill.
“I'll just be a moment,” he said glancing up to him as he grabbed a piece and the quill and began writing down his note as quickly as he could.
Father,
I'm sure you're aware. The Tri Wizard tournament is at the school this year. I have entered my name and have been selected to compete. There is one from Durmstrang, a Viktor Krum. And another from Beauxbatons, Fleur Delacour.
There's a problem. Harry Potter has been chosen as well.
Something is not right.
Please respond when you can.
Your son,
Cedric
His note only took a few minutes to write before Cedric rolled the small note up and whistled for his owl. A rather magnificent owl took off from one of the highest perches and soared down to him landing lightly on his arm and then hopping onto the desk. It extended one of his legs allowing him to tie his note onto it.
“Take this to father Prometheus,” he said allowing the bird to hop onto his arm again. He walked it over to one of the many windows and watched as the bird flew off heading for his home to deliver the message. Cedric watched it disappear into the horizon and turned back to Draco.
“Ready?” he asked.
Draco: A shroud of silence enveloped the two bodies as they walked over the grass and stone to the owlery, Draco's hands stuffed into his pockets where the digits idly caressed the inner fabric. He found the lack of conversation rather refreshing, his mind blissfully blank since actually stepping out onto the grounds. The occurrences when he usually kept his mouth shut were rare, and the strange void that commonly over took him when there was no one talking at any moment, something far more rare not to happen. This seemed like a perfect opportunity to prove that point as only tranquility eased itself into his body, ceasing the usually deviant demeanor if only for a little while.
As soon as they began to climb the steps the owlery, did any conversation begin to strike him in mind, the words commonly getting lost on their way to his lips at his own stubbornness to keep from saying something stupid. Instead he focused on every step, eyeing every crack illuminated by the moons full face while a monologue of words proceeded to invade his head; just exactly what was he going to tell his father?
The ground finally leveled out, Cedric having carried on in front of him, taking the steps two at a time where as he was only at one. His eyes lifted, curious to see that he had made it all the way up without the usual lurch in his stomach, and thunderous beating ribcage. He would usually complain to Pansy and his goons that they needed new steps, commonly afraid that they'd just one day fall beneath them and have every student plunge to their deaths. Yet here he was, safe and calm passing through the stone arch finding Cedric getting some parchment.
“I'll just be a moment.”
He nodded, sending a bit more blonde strands from their position on his head and into his eyes. Annoyed mildly with the length of his hair, his hand emerged from his cloak and brushed them behind his ear, meanwhile making his way to the same table and taking up a parchment and quill. Leaning over the table, he put the quill into a spare ink bottle sitting at the table's center, and held the feather above the paper silently thinking. His scattered thoughts instantly formed into a coherent and chronological order of words to be used for his letter writing purposes. All it took was a simple touch to the paper and suddenly he wrist was flicking quickly, leaving lines of elegant scratches of writing behind them with the simple swift movements his hand provided.
Mother and Father,
theTri Wizard cup has been held this year as Father stated over summer. The schools being Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. Viktor Krum, the seeker I was cheering for at the World Cup, was chosen as Durmstrang's Champion, a girl who we all think may be part Veelanamed Fleur Delacourwas chosen for the Academy, and Cedric Diggory for Hogwarts. Apparently the rule went through, that only 17 year olds could enter the tournament.
There's something wrong though, there aren't just 3 champions, there are 4. Saint Potter managed somehow to get his name in the Goblet of Fire, or got someone else to do it for him, becausehe was called. I kind of suspect Karkaroff, but if there is anything you might know Father, please be sure to tell me.
Otherwise, everything else is alright Isuppose. I'm perfectly fine, and have even been on the receiving end of Krum's hospitality. We should have him over for dinner if ever possible, sometime during the summer. Get back to me as quick as possible.
~Draco.
Cedric had finished his letter faster than Draco had, sending the hand on a frenzy to finish just as the words "You ready?" left the others lips. Placing his name neatly at the bottom of the parchment, he folded it in the cleanest manner he possibly could, knowing that anything other than a perfect crease would lead his mother to worry of his safety. She was good at that. He looked around a moment, spotting a dark but very fancy owl sitting with its eyes closed on one of the low rafters.
"Hecate." His announcement brought the bird to attention, its eyes coming into view with a swivel of its head. It scanned him a moment, turning around between several others perched owls and opened its beak to receive the letter. "Go to father and mother; make sure not to lose that." The bird blinked in understanding, having not ever failed as long as the letter was within its beak, though losing a good amount of valuable information on its legs. Draco sneered a little, turning around and walking over to Cedric's side. "Alright, lets go."
As soon as they began to climb the steps the owlery, did any conversation begin to strike him in mind, the words commonly getting lost on their way to his lips at his own stubbornness to keep from saying something stupid. Instead he focused on every step, eyeing every crack illuminated by the moons full face while a monologue of words proceeded to invade his head; just exactly what was he going to tell his father?
The ground finally leveled out, Cedric having carried on in front of him, taking the steps two at a time where as he was only at one. His eyes lifted, curious to see that he had made it all the way up without the usual lurch in his stomach, and thunderous beating ribcage. He would usually complain to Pansy and his goons that they needed new steps, commonly afraid that they'd just one day fall beneath them and have every student plunge to their deaths. Yet here he was, safe and calm passing through the stone arch finding Cedric getting some parchment.
“I'll just be a moment.”
He nodded, sending a bit more blonde strands from their position on his head and into his eyes. Annoyed mildly with the length of his hair, his hand emerged from his cloak and brushed them behind his ear, meanwhile making his way to the same table and taking up a parchment and quill. Leaning over the table, he put the quill into a spare ink bottle sitting at the table's center, and held the feather above the paper silently thinking. His scattered thoughts instantly formed into a coherent and chronological order of words to be used for his letter writing purposes. All it took was a simple touch to the paper and suddenly he wrist was flicking quickly, leaving lines of elegant scratches of writing behind them with the simple swift movements his hand provided.
Mother and Father,
theTri Wizard cup has been held this year as Father stated over summer. The schools being Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. Viktor Krum, the seeker I was cheering for at the World Cup, was chosen as Durmstrang's Champion, a girl who we all think may be part Veelanamed Fleur Delacourwas chosen for the Academy, and Cedric Diggory for Hogwarts. Apparently the rule went through, that only 17 year olds could enter the tournament.
There's something wrong though, there aren't just 3 champions, there are 4. Saint Potter managed somehow to get his name in the Goblet of Fire, or got someone else to do it for him, becausehe was called. I kind of suspect Karkaroff, but if there is anything you might know Father, please be sure to tell me.
Otherwise, everything else is alright Isuppose. I'm perfectly fine, and have even been on the receiving end of Krum's hospitality. We should have him over for dinner if ever possible, sometime during the summer. Get back to me as quick as possible.
~Draco.
Cedric had finished his letter faster than Draco had, sending the hand on a frenzy to finish just as the words "You ready?" left the others lips. Placing his name neatly at the bottom of the parchment, he folded it in the cleanest manner he possibly could, knowing that anything other than a perfect crease would lead his mother to worry of his safety. She was good at that. He looked around a moment, spotting a dark but very fancy owl sitting with its eyes closed on one of the low rafters.
"Hecate." His announcement brought the bird to attention, its eyes coming into view with a swivel of its head. It scanned him a moment, turning around between several others perched owls and opened its beak to receive the letter. "Go to father and mother; make sure not to lose that." The bird blinked in understanding, having not ever failed as long as the letter was within its beak, though losing a good amount of valuable information on its legs. Draco sneered a little, turning around and walking over to Cedric's side. "Alright, lets go."
Cedric:"Alright, lets go."
Cedric had made his way over to the owlery's exit. He gave the blonde a quick nod and moved away from his position of leaning against it. He took to the steps descending away from the tower, his gaze focused on the castle not to far from where they were. Already his mind working overtime on the subject of the tournament and what the first task might be. It could be anything really. His thoughts were clouded and confused as he desperately tried to clear his mind of distractions. Like the one behind him.
Silence crept up on him as he walked rather quickly towards the castle anxious to be free of the other for some time. Cedric was all to aware of what the other's presence was doing to him currently and he needed to be off on his own to straighten everything out. To find his priorities. With the other around it was too difficult. And Cedric was sure that Draco knew. He was sure it was all intentional. He'd seen the other in action too many times to take his quiet and submissive behavior as normal.
With the castle doors closed behind them, Cedric paused by the stairs that he watched numerous Slytherin's disappear down over the years and looked back towards him. "Your stop," he said giving him a small nod towards the stairs as if urging him on. "Have a good night Draco." And without much more of a gaze, Cedric turned and continued on his way forcing himself not to look back at the other.
His steps moved silently through the corridors as he made his way towards the prefect's bathroom and what would surely be the relaxation that he was craving. Once there he could relax and let his guard down. Think things through. Decide on courses of action. Etc. He gazed side to side making sure he was alone before he whispered the current password for the year and slipped inside the rather large and quite expansive room.
Instantly Cedric was greeted by the sounds of running water and the smells of bubbles and bath oils. The room always smelled so good. He made his way around the tiled room to a bench where he took a seat and began undoing his shoes. The light in the room grew steadily brighter until he could see the large tub before him. Its faucets sprang to life allowing water and oils to pour down into the tub, filling it almost instantly with warm water whose bubbles were quite large. Pants off. Sweater off. Shirt. Everything disappeared to be replaced by a towel that hung loosely around his skin. The tile was cool against his bare feet as he reached the side of the tub. The mermaid had looked the other way, still giggling, as he let his towel slip away.
He stepped into the warm water and sunk down in it instantly, the warm temperatures drawing forth a relieved groan from him as he closed his eyes.
Cedric had made his way over to the owlery's exit. He gave the blonde a quick nod and moved away from his position of leaning against it. He took to the steps descending away from the tower, his gaze focused on the castle not to far from where they were. Already his mind working overtime on the subject of the tournament and what the first task might be. It could be anything really. His thoughts were clouded and confused as he desperately tried to clear his mind of distractions. Like the one behind him.
Silence crept up on him as he walked rather quickly towards the castle anxious to be free of the other for some time. Cedric was all to aware of what the other's presence was doing to him currently and he needed to be off on his own to straighten everything out. To find his priorities. With the other around it was too difficult. And Cedric was sure that Draco knew. He was sure it was all intentional. He'd seen the other in action too many times to take his quiet and submissive behavior as normal.
With the castle doors closed behind them, Cedric paused by the stairs that he watched numerous Slytherin's disappear down over the years and looked back towards him. "Your stop," he said giving him a small nod towards the stairs as if urging him on. "Have a good night Draco." And without much more of a gaze, Cedric turned and continued on his way forcing himself not to look back at the other.
His steps moved silently through the corridors as he made his way towards the prefect's bathroom and what would surely be the relaxation that he was craving. Once there he could relax and let his guard down. Think things through. Decide on courses of action. Etc. He gazed side to side making sure he was alone before he whispered the current password for the year and slipped inside the rather large and quite expansive room.
Instantly Cedric was greeted by the sounds of running water and the smells of bubbles and bath oils. The room always smelled so good. He made his way around the tiled room to a bench where he took a seat and began undoing his shoes. The light in the room grew steadily brighter until he could see the large tub before him. Its faucets sprang to life allowing water and oils to pour down into the tub, filling it almost instantly with warm water whose bubbles were quite large. Pants off. Sweater off. Shirt. Everything disappeared to be replaced by a towel that hung loosely around his skin. The tile was cool against his bare feet as he reached the side of the tub. The mermaid had looked the other way, still giggling, as he let his towel slip away.
He stepped into the warm water and sunk down in it instantly, the warm temperatures drawing forth a relieved groan from him as he closed his eyes.
Draco: The shadow of the archway passed overhead as he emerged back into silver beams of the moons pale light, the air greeting him fondly, brushing against his cheeks and through the out of place bleach blonde strands behind his ear. A soft flutter of wings broke the small silent wave coming over them, and instantly he knew that alas his owl was leaving through the top window to deliver the letter. His sight instantaneously followed Cedric as he began heading down the stairs, falling in step behind him. Things seemed to be rushing forward now, the solitude and blissful silence they had come up with ebbing away with the tides of Diggory's dire passion to be rid of him.
He shrugged the emotions away, descending the steps. Little to know that those emotions would transform into the queasy unsettling feeling in his stomach, as was the tradition when up here. Without the comforts of a nice stroll with the Hufflepuff lingering subconsciously in the back of his head, he found he couldn't control the impulses taking action within his body. With each step he took, though knowing he'd soon be on level ground again, his heart wouldn't obey the rationalities his mind thought up; the beats becoming more rapid and harsh he could swear it was trying to beat itself up his throat and out of his mouth. His natural instinct might have been to raise a hand to his chest and clutch it, in some desperate and silent plea to calm himself down, but with company he simply took in slow deep breaths, clutching the insides of his pockets as though for dear of them falling off... then finally... ground.
Cedric hadn't so much as looked back at him, through the entire ordeal he had been going through on the staircase. For that he was somewhat thankful, though couldn't help but feeling a little agitated towards the other for letting it happen in the first place. Plans of vengeance circled in front of his eyes, malice spawning within the silver pools when glancing at the back of Cedric's head. Somehow, his thoughts drifted into something a bit more erotic. It was his earlier desire peeking in for a visit, catching him a little off guard, though resolved and accommodated nicely into the plan he so desperately wanted to pull off since the words "wash up" slipped from Diggory's lush lips. A mixture of manipulative obsession, and curious lust spurring him to behave until the opportune moment presented itself.
"Your stop."
He halted suddenly, flung into reality by a familiar charming voice at his side. He looked up, attentive, the smirk still evident as he nodded to the taller boy.
"Have a good night Draco."
Oh I will Diggory he thought darkly, receding down a couple steps to make it look as though he were to truly go through with his promise. His heart had since returned to its usual rhythm and rightful place behind his ribcage, shifting his body to move up against the cool call of the stone stairs listening to the light taps proceeding from Cedric's distant steps. Without really realizing it, as it was infect a second nature, he was counting the seconds between each patter of the other's shoes, the echoes giving away his position beautifully. When he'd concluded that the older boy was indeed a good distance off, but not too far that he couldn't quickly stalk him, he rose up the few stairs he had brought himself down only a bit ago, and launched himself silent as the grave in an inhuman fashion, down the hall.
Stealth was another hereditary trait passed on by not just his father, but his mother as well. She was always so quiet when she moved around the house, many times when he turned around, he found himself startled to see her standing right behind him. How useful his family was, and what a perfect match they had made to give their son all the essential abilities to make it in his career as a puppet master in a house of misfit toys, and marionette's.
So there he was, skirting down the corridors, following Diggory's soft steps echoing over the walls to cover up the grazing heels when cutting around corners. In no time at all he had caught up with Cedric, slipping behind a suite of armor just a bit away as the other appropriately slipped the password to the Prefects bathroom and was allowed entry. Grinning inwardly as the steps faded into the room, Draco emerged from his hiding space and moved with the shadow's grace to the door, sucking in an inaudible breath as he squeezed in its closing quarters within the room. This was quite possibly the quietest he had ever managed to be, as Cedric looked behind him not a once, whether in habit or suspicion.
His eyes scowered the room in record time, his eyebrows rising and breath catching on its way up the air passage with surprise. A mermaid glass painting loomed over the entire bath, her gaze sweeping over to Cedric who was making his way along the round bath. Luckily, he reacted swiftly, shifting his feet and stumbling soundless into the darkest corner of the room, just behind a beautiful statue spouting water into the large round basin.
Draco could certainly feel his face growing hot, and was sure that had he a mirror to look upon himself, he was probably purple for containing his breath so sharply. But with a careful few openings of his lips, the dirty air contaminating his throat released, and new air was allowed back in. A small smile drifted onto his features when he settled, his heart having picked up a beat but slowly returning to what was deemed normal, as it had once before. This room was nice, a calming aroma wafting around him, filling his nostrils with its sweet scent. No wonder why Diggory came here, he almost felt offended that the normal student's baths were so dingy and in no way a pleasurable place to be.
The sound of clothing dropping to the ground and being adjusted to be removed brought Draco's attentions back to why he was here, his smirk becoming painful with the length at which it took over his pale pointed face. Deciding to risk a peek, he shifted himself in the dark, his hands brushing against the underside fabric of his hood, pulling it over his head, its black cover perfect for shadowing his recognizable hair and face.
Nothing could have prepared him for the sight revealed before him; Cedric's naked visage (all but a towel with his fingers clutching it in an instance to be dropped) tempting his eyes, soft light coming from a place Draco could not identify at the moment, caressing the firm but in no way bulky, muscles defining his arms and lighting the pink tinged skin deliciously. Like a dream the other slipped within the ripples of bubbles and sweet scents decorating the bath, a groan lofting into the pleasant atmosphere. It could have almost been lost within the sparkling waters still drifting out of the statue, but Draco heard it clearly.
Delicious ickle Diggory came the whisper in his head. His mind already sent on a debate of whether he should or shouldn't go through with his little idea, battling between what his father would ever do to him if he'd ever find out, and the sins that would come of his desires for another boy. Then of course, on the still barraging and stubborn course of mind, came the egotism, giving him sweet thoughts of seducing a boy several years older than him in the prefect's bathroom, who happens to be a Tri Wizard Champion. Oh sweet choices, how they can be a bother.
Decision met, he'd go through with it. Not yet of course. But soon. He'd give Diggory the option of soothing silence and delicate caresses of the waters calm to claim his head and thoughts, before like the pest he was, would emerge to remind Cedric that he couldn't dispose of the memories of Draco Malfoy... and that trying was futile as like the Hydra, more would be created.
-Take a trip down memory lane, and I will give you pleasure, I will give you pain, but most importantly I will teach you to never, ever, forget me again.-
He shrugged the emotions away, descending the steps. Little to know that those emotions would transform into the queasy unsettling feeling in his stomach, as was the tradition when up here. Without the comforts of a nice stroll with the Hufflepuff lingering subconsciously in the back of his head, he found he couldn't control the impulses taking action within his body. With each step he took, though knowing he'd soon be on level ground again, his heart wouldn't obey the rationalities his mind thought up; the beats becoming more rapid and harsh he could swear it was trying to beat itself up his throat and out of his mouth. His natural instinct might have been to raise a hand to his chest and clutch it, in some desperate and silent plea to calm himself down, but with company he simply took in slow deep breaths, clutching the insides of his pockets as though for dear of them falling off... then finally... ground.
Cedric hadn't so much as looked back at him, through the entire ordeal he had been going through on the staircase. For that he was somewhat thankful, though couldn't help but feeling a little agitated towards the other for letting it happen in the first place. Plans of vengeance circled in front of his eyes, malice spawning within the silver pools when glancing at the back of Cedric's head. Somehow, his thoughts drifted into something a bit more erotic. It was his earlier desire peeking in for a visit, catching him a little off guard, though resolved and accommodated nicely into the plan he so desperately wanted to pull off since the words "wash up" slipped from Diggory's lush lips. A mixture of manipulative obsession, and curious lust spurring him to behave until the opportune moment presented itself.
"Your stop."
He halted suddenly, flung into reality by a familiar charming voice at his side. He looked up, attentive, the smirk still evident as he nodded to the taller boy.
"Have a good night Draco."
Oh I will Diggory he thought darkly, receding down a couple steps to make it look as though he were to truly go through with his promise. His heart had since returned to its usual rhythm and rightful place behind his ribcage, shifting his body to move up against the cool call of the stone stairs listening to the light taps proceeding from Cedric's distant steps. Without really realizing it, as it was infect a second nature, he was counting the seconds between each patter of the other's shoes, the echoes giving away his position beautifully. When he'd concluded that the older boy was indeed a good distance off, but not too far that he couldn't quickly stalk him, he rose up the few stairs he had brought himself down only a bit ago, and launched himself silent as the grave in an inhuman fashion, down the hall.
Stealth was another hereditary trait passed on by not just his father, but his mother as well. She was always so quiet when she moved around the house, many times when he turned around, he found himself startled to see her standing right behind him. How useful his family was, and what a perfect match they had made to give their son all the essential abilities to make it in his career as a puppet master in a house of misfit toys, and marionette's.
So there he was, skirting down the corridors, following Diggory's soft steps echoing over the walls to cover up the grazing heels when cutting around corners. In no time at all he had caught up with Cedric, slipping behind a suite of armor just a bit away as the other appropriately slipped the password to the Prefects bathroom and was allowed entry. Grinning inwardly as the steps faded into the room, Draco emerged from his hiding space and moved with the shadow's grace to the door, sucking in an inaudible breath as he squeezed in its closing quarters within the room. This was quite possibly the quietest he had ever managed to be, as Cedric looked behind him not a once, whether in habit or suspicion.
His eyes scowered the room in record time, his eyebrows rising and breath catching on its way up the air passage with surprise. A mermaid glass painting loomed over the entire bath, her gaze sweeping over to Cedric who was making his way along the round bath. Luckily, he reacted swiftly, shifting his feet and stumbling soundless into the darkest corner of the room, just behind a beautiful statue spouting water into the large round basin.
Draco could certainly feel his face growing hot, and was sure that had he a mirror to look upon himself, he was probably purple for containing his breath so sharply. But with a careful few openings of his lips, the dirty air contaminating his throat released, and new air was allowed back in. A small smile drifted onto his features when he settled, his heart having picked up a beat but slowly returning to what was deemed normal, as it had once before. This room was nice, a calming aroma wafting around him, filling his nostrils with its sweet scent. No wonder why Diggory came here, he almost felt offended that the normal student's baths were so dingy and in no way a pleasurable place to be.
The sound of clothing dropping to the ground and being adjusted to be removed brought Draco's attentions back to why he was here, his smirk becoming painful with the length at which it took over his pale pointed face. Deciding to risk a peek, he shifted himself in the dark, his hands brushing against the underside fabric of his hood, pulling it over his head, its black cover perfect for shadowing his recognizable hair and face.
Nothing could have prepared him for the sight revealed before him; Cedric's naked visage (all but a towel with his fingers clutching it in an instance to be dropped) tempting his eyes, soft light coming from a place Draco could not identify at the moment, caressing the firm but in no way bulky, muscles defining his arms and lighting the pink tinged skin deliciously. Like a dream the other slipped within the ripples of bubbles and sweet scents decorating the bath, a groan lofting into the pleasant atmosphere. It could have almost been lost within the sparkling waters still drifting out of the statue, but Draco heard it clearly.
Delicious ickle Diggory came the whisper in his head. His mind already sent on a debate of whether he should or shouldn't go through with his little idea, battling between what his father would ever do to him if he'd ever find out, and the sins that would come of his desires for another boy. Then of course, on the still barraging and stubborn course of mind, came the egotism, giving him sweet thoughts of seducing a boy several years older than him in the prefect's bathroom, who happens to be a Tri Wizard Champion. Oh sweet choices, how they can be a bother.
Decision met, he'd go through with it. Not yet of course. But soon. He'd give Diggory the option of soothing silence and delicate caresses of the waters calm to claim his head and thoughts, before like the pest he was, would emerge to remind Cedric that he couldn't dispose of the memories of Draco Malfoy... and that trying was futile as like the Hydra, more would be created.
-Take a trip down memory lane, and I will give you pleasure, I will give you pain, but most importantly I will teach you to never, ever, forget me again.-
Cedric: Warm water worked its way around Cedric as he slipped into the bubbles slowly allowing it to seep in around him and take over control. He came to a sitting position on one of the few seats that had been installed into the rather large tub and from there, tilted his head back against the cool tile that lay on the floor throughout the room. The warm water soaking into his tired muscles and the coolness against his neck drew forth several rather large shivers from him.
His eyes remained closed for several minutes before they opened again and he shifted through the water over to the other side of the tub where he found the usual silver pumps that were built into it, each supplying a shampoo of some sort. He slipped down under the surface of the water for a moment allowing the silence that it created to sink into him. The warmth washed around him taking away the noisiness of the environment and replacing it with a subtle silence. He remained under the water until he could hold his breath for no more at which point he rose back up out of the water to grab a quick breath of air.
He brushed several curls of his wet hair from his face as he leaned over taking a small bit of the shampoo. He ran it through his hair, working in the substance for a few moments before disappearing under the water's surface again to rinse it out. Hands moved through his hair vigorously washing out the shampoo, carefully hidden under the masses of bubbles on the surface. When he emerged again the shampoo was gone.
All through this, Cedric was unaware that he had company. He shifted back against the side of the tub finding another seat and closed his eyes allowing himself to remain for a few more minutes before he'd get out, towel off and go back to his room. For now he allowed himself the luxury of the water's warm temperatures and pleasant smells of freshly fallen rain and summer grasses.
With his eyes closed it was as if he were in another world entirely.
His eyes remained closed for several minutes before they opened again and he shifted through the water over to the other side of the tub where he found the usual silver pumps that were built into it, each supplying a shampoo of some sort. He slipped down under the surface of the water for a moment allowing the silence that it created to sink into him. The warmth washed around him taking away the noisiness of the environment and replacing it with a subtle silence. He remained under the water until he could hold his breath for no more at which point he rose back up out of the water to grab a quick breath of air.
He brushed several curls of his wet hair from his face as he leaned over taking a small bit of the shampoo. He ran it through his hair, working in the substance for a few moments before disappearing under the water's surface again to rinse it out. Hands moved through his hair vigorously washing out the shampoo, carefully hidden under the masses of bubbles on the surface. When he emerged again the shampoo was gone.
All through this, Cedric was unaware that he had company. He shifted back against the side of the tub finding another seat and closed his eyes allowing himself to remain for a few more minutes before he'd get out, towel off and go back to his room. For now he allowed himself the luxury of the water's warm temperatures and pleasant smells of freshly fallen rain and summer grasses.
With his eyes closed it was as if he were in another world entirely.
Draco: Draco peered repeatedly past the statue, all the while thinking of how he was to precisely go through with his little erotic play. He'd never done this before, so after several minutes instinct was his conclusion. All that was desired now was an opportune moment, and a fancy way of taking advantage of that. He took then to watching Cedric's expressions closely, looking for a keen relaxation point to signal those beautiful eyes of his wouldn't be shining open any time soon.
The moment presented itself after a while, Draco not minding the tension due to the building excitement. Cedric's eyes were closed, his handsome face suspended in a sleeping bliss, unaware of the ghoul prancing in the darkness silent as the grave around the bath. His fingers worked steadily peeling the blondes cloak and shirt off of himself, directly behind the Hufflepuff; a line of clothes left in his wake.
He eyed Diggory a moment, his pants remaining as the only article of clothing on his person, and as best he could he slipped into the water next to the other, disturbing its rather placid surface with light ripples escaping his person, and colliding elegantly with those already receding from Cedric's naked visage. His heart was racing, but he had complete confidence that should Cedric open his eyes, he'd be in such a keen dreamlike state, he'd assume that this was just one more unwanted thought to plague his mind. In the case that he wouldn't fine this any undesired dream sequence, he would jump into gentle caresses along the others arms and shoulders, hoping that if a rise of should would come, he could simply silence the other with his lips.
One thing was for certain, his mind was set, and neither person would leave here until Draco had successfully slain his lust and received what he desired from the older boy.
The moment presented itself after a while, Draco not minding the tension due to the building excitement. Cedric's eyes were closed, his handsome face suspended in a sleeping bliss, unaware of the ghoul prancing in the darkness silent as the grave around the bath. His fingers worked steadily peeling the blondes cloak and shirt off of himself, directly behind the Hufflepuff; a line of clothes left in his wake.
He eyed Diggory a moment, his pants remaining as the only article of clothing on his person, and as best he could he slipped into the water next to the other, disturbing its rather placid surface with light ripples escaping his person, and colliding elegantly with those already receding from Cedric's naked visage. His heart was racing, but he had complete confidence that should Cedric open his eyes, he'd be in such a keen dreamlike state, he'd assume that this was just one more unwanted thought to plague his mind. In the case that he wouldn't fine this any undesired dream sequence, he would jump into gentle caresses along the others arms and shoulders, hoping that if a rise of should would come, he could simply silence the other with his lips.
One thing was for certain, his mind was set, and neither person would leave here until Draco had successfully slain his lust and received what he desired from the older boy.