Cold
A chilling wind swept over the Hogwarts grounds, a ghostly whisper that sent chills down the spines of the students, all of whom avoided going outdoors for fear of the cold. But one lone student sat almost motionless on the shore of the Black Lake, seated on a moss coated log. Bright grey eyes trained, Cedric Diggory watched in silent rapture as another figure, this one taller and leaner, stretched in preparation of the impending dive. Viktor Krum. Everyone knew his name, both at Durmstrang and at Hogwarts, as well as throughout the Quidditch world.
He was the famous Seeker, a true athlete, and, as Ronald Weasley would say, an artist when it came to his role. But here, standing atop the low cliff overlooking the massive lake, Cedric could almost see him as just another Wizarding student. 'Almost,' he thought to himself, absent mindedly picking at the moss to give his nimble hands something to do.
Standing proud and tall, Viktor inhaled deeply then poised himself, a motion that seemed to demand silence and the focus of anyone that might be watching. But there was only Cedric this time. Both were more than a little surprised to find that Krum's usual fan club were nowhere in sight for once. Probably staying warm inside the school, Diggory guessed, unable to hold back a slight smile. At least there was something in this world that could keep them at bay from their beloved Viktor Krum. For this moment, he could have him to himself. Cedric blinked, slightly shaking his head as if in a daze. No, not to himself.
He doubted that the Bulgarian even registered his presence. Not that Cedric wasn't a well known, or well liked student at Hogwarts. It was just that he didn't bask in the adoring lights of his peers as much as one would think. He enjoyed the simple things, which included real, true friends and not clambering fans who sought him as a trophy. But he could see why they chased after Viktor. He was strong and silent, yet had a strange energy about him, letting others know that he was also a leader, one who could take charge. It drew you in, just like it did now as Viktor breathed deeply one last time before jogging along the cliff gracefully and leaping into the air.
With expert poise and fluidity, he maneuvered through the dive and plunged into the dark depths of Black Lake, causing a splash and ripples along the surface. Cedric blinked at last, easily shocked that someone was crazy enough to go diving in the lake this time of year. The water must have been freezing. Other students, mainly Hermione, reasoned that it was much colder where Viktor was from, so that he was used to it. The water is probably quite warm for him, the intelligent and perceptive Gryffindor girl had once said. Sure enough, Krum turned out to be handsomer than a lot of others thought, Cedric mused to himself, noting his strong, proud facial features and sculpted yet trim build.
Propelling himself through the water, Krum walked back onto the shore, shaking out his hair. It was then that he finally noticed Cedric intently watching him with a strange blend of emotions as he broke the surface a few breathes later, hair dripping wet and skin glistening with water. The emotion ran through them both as their eyes locked for a brief moment, settling when the Hufflepuff tore his gaze away first, pretending to be occupied with gathering his books and robe.
'A strange boy,' Viktor thought as he began drying himself off with a towel he brought. His vigilant eyes followed the other boy as he started his walk back to the castle alone, not missing the shiver that ran through his body, either from the cold or from their odd encounter, he was not sure. "A strange boy," Krum repeated aloud once Cedric was out of earshot and he began putting on the rest of his clothes, "But very interesting to say the least."
END