Tragedy, Romance, and Suspense- Oh My!
"Cedric! Wait up!" I called out to my older brother, running through the shady alleyways full of dark and sinister looking people and buildings.
People paused to stare at me greedily before continuing on their way.
They all wore dark clothing and lopsided frowns, whereas I, had long, light brown, shimmering hair that lifted into the wind as I ran, and wore pure colors such as white, pink, sky blue and so on.
"Cedric!" I called again, more desperate. Where was he? Had I lost him?
I froze, hearing his voice. "Denise?" he called, his eyes scanning the crowds, searching for me.
"Cedric!" I pushed people out of my way and ran into his protective hold. He smiled.
"If I'd known how distracted you'd get, I'd never have brought you to Knockturn Alley."
"Oh hush Cedric. We ditched Father back there. He'll be worried sick!" I slapped his arm playfully, but my voice cracked with guilt.
We had been bored, while Dad bargained for all of our supplies. So Cedric (I'm the goody-goody in the family) had decided to go to Knockturn Alley. For a minute I was ready to go and was running out of the store, laughing with my brother, but then guilt had settled in. I'd stopped and got ready to turn back, afraid of what was to be seen in that alley. But Cedric had come over and looked me dead in the eye and promised he'd protect me, no matter what. And I followed.
"Oh c'mon 'Nise, he was getting our books and stuff. Bor-ing! You already got your robes. We'll be back in time to get your wand. And it's not like we need to buy an animal. We have the cat and owl at home."
"Yes, my black tabby and your great-horned owl…" Then something dawned on me. "You…you didn't take his money this time did you?" I asked wearily.
"Of course not!" he feigned hurt and shock. "I'm no Weasley twin!" he laughed to himself.
"Ha-ha. But come on, Dad said we could get some pumpkin juice and chocolate frogs when we were…" I never did finish that sentence.
There, in a creepy little shop called Borgin and Burkes, was the most handsome boy I'd ever seen, (besides Cedric of course.) He had pale blond hair, and pale, glowing skin, as well as wide, blue, oceanic eyes.
"Denise. Denise?" Cedric had started back to Diagon Alley and noticed me not beside him. He rushed over to me. "We'd better be heading back now or…" he followed my gaze through the window and smirked. "You like him."
"What?" I turned pink. "I haven't the faintest idea of what or who you're referring to."
"Mhm…" he nodded, playing along. "Some one's being defensive. We'll see your new boyfriend another day, come now." He pulled me away, and I stole one last, final glance at the perfect boy.
We rushed back to Dad, who hadn't even realized we'd gone and we went to buy my wand. The very first one I was handed, a 10 ½ inch ash one with unicorn hair and dragon heartstring inside shot sparks as soon as it reached my fingertips. It was like magnetic, how the wand came to me. And when I held it, I felt light, yet powerful. It was electric almost.
Dad purchased the wand and the three of us walked out the door, the bell chiming, as the man called after us, "Thank you Mr. Diggory. Hope to see you again soon!" Oh, pity. I was the youngest and Cedric was the older- and we made up the only Diggory children.
I was nearly bouncing and jumping all around with excitement. I couldn't wait to get to Hogwarts- and from what Cedric described it as- it sounded like a safe haven; a heavenly palace; a home away from home.
I wondered if I'd be in Hufflepuff- like all my descendants and family members, or be in Ravenclaw, Slytherin, or Gryffindor.
For the next two weeks, I spent all my days with Cedric, piling on questions regarding the school and activities and academics. I spent my nights reading all my first-year boos- and maybe snuck one or two…or maybe ten…of Cedric's past years' school books to study from as well.
Finally, the 1st of September rolled around, and we were dropped off at platform 9 ¾.
"Bye Mum." Cedric awkwardly hugged our sobbing mother, as Cedric was at least 4 inches taller then her.
"Bye Dad." I hugged him weakly with my one open arm, as my other arm held my cart full of luggage and my kitten- Jessie. (She was my birthday present- just a bit over 3 weeks ago I received her.)
Cedric and I switched places on our parents.
Cedric shook Dad's hand firmly, and Dad told him how proud Cedric made him. I hugged Mummy firmly.
"Take care of Denise, Cedric." Mum called. "My little girl…all grown up…going into her first year…" she sniffled.
"Mum." I whined, rolling my eyes. She was so embarrassing at times! "I'm 11. And Cedric will be there the whole time. Love you!" And I hurriedly dashed through the wall and stopped in the middle of the bustling crowd of young wizards and witches, looking up to the majestic Hogwarts Express glooming down on me.
A second later, Cedric went through the portal and came up behind me.
"Hey, Denise. You ready?"
I nodded.
"Then let's get on this train huh? Shall we?" He gestured to the steps up to the train.
I laughed. "Let's." And we climbed aboard.