A/N: Cedric is actually one of the characters whom we didn't manage to learn a lot about. Just a one shot about what he would have been like.

Challenge: Can you make it to the end.

Round 3

Words:607

Cedric Diggory and Quidditch

Amos Diggory wasn't a Quidditch player. Nor was Mrs Diggory. So none of them had any idea from where did Cedric find his love for Quidditch. But there it was and Cedric loved it.

Cedric was in his second year when he ran down for the tryouts. It was a sunny day, the wind minimum and the Quidditch stand eagerly waiting for some new players. There were many others, some bigger than him, some his age. Cedric wasn't sure if he would get in. He had borrowed one of the school brooms and wanted to do his best.

His heart skipped a beat when the Hufflepuff captain suddenly stopped in front of him.

"What's your name?" he asked Cedric, his eyes scrutinizing the young boy.

His palms sweating, Cedric managed to look up and mumble, "Cedric Diggory."

"Have you ever played before?"

Cedric shook his head. He didn't know anyone with whom he could play. The Weasleys were not that close. Cedric always just played by himself. But he knew that the competition would be much higher out there.

"Then why should I consider you?" asked the Captain. Cedric's hope fell. It was true after all, why should he be considered?

"Because," he suddenly said, gathering new courage. "I am ready to learn from my mistakes and keep practising till I get it right."

Cedric closed his eyes immediately. What had he been thinking? As moments passed, he peeped up with one eye, only to find the Captain smiling. He rubbed the small boy's hair and said, "Continue this attitude Diggory, and one day, you will be standing where I stand today."

Cedric's heart filled with joy. The captain grinned and asked, "What position are you trying for Cedric?"

"Seeker." Answered Cedric.

The captain raised an eyebrow. "Well, that is a tough position."

Cedric shrugged. "I am sure there is nothing wrong in trying."

The captain reached out into his pocket and pulled out a snitch.

"Buckle up." He said. "I am releasing it and I want you to catch it. All right?"

Cedric nodded eagerly. As soon as he mounted his broom, the captain let go of the snitch. Kicking off the ground, Cedric flew towards the direction of the golden ball. He saw as it dashed towards the goal. Firmly holding the broomstick, he flew away, like running in the air towards the snitch. As soon as he reached it, the snitch changed directions.

Cedric suddenly stood there, surprised, but then, without wasting a moment, he flew down towards the snitch's directions. The snitch kept accelerating towards the ground till it was a mere inches away. As soon as it flew back up, Cedric caught it.

But then, he lost balance. The old broomstick trembled and threw Cedric away as he kept on holding to the snitch. That was the last thing he remembered before everything blacked away.

When Cedric woke up again, he saw a fussing Madam Pomfery. Groaning, he tried to sit up, only to be scolded and put down again.

He looked around to see the Captain smiling at him.

"Did-Did I manage it?" he asked, causing the boy to chuckle.

"Oh, you managed it all right." Said the Captain. "But you need more practice."

Cedric's heart fell. He was so sure he would make it. But he wouldn't let one failure come in his way.

"I'll come back next year." Said Cedric and then groaned.

The Captain smiled and said, "I'll be waiting."