A/N: A huge thanks to qwertykate88 for her help with this fic. I really couldn't have done it without her. :-D Thanks Kate, you rock!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything Harry Potter. This is my first Harry Potter fic so please be nice; I'm trying my best here. I have only seen the movies. The only character I own is Angela Barry and her mother everyone else belongs to J.K. Rowling.

Summary: The entire Goblet of Fire movie though the eyes of a close friend of Cedric Diggory.

Rating: PG to PG-13

Genre: Angst/Drama/Action/Adventure/Tragedy/Romance

Chapter 1

Today was the day. The 422nd Quidditch World Cup. I was alone, of course, having left Mum at home because of a swollen ankle. I didn't want to leave her, but she insisted. I now stomped my foot against the ground, trying to keep warm in the cold autumn wind. I looked around for someone, anyone, I knew. I had no one to sit with and I didn't want to sit alone.

Just then I thought I spotted someone in the throng of people a friend of mine. My face lit up into a smile as I ran towards him.

"Cedric? Cedric Diggory?"

The handsome boy turned towards me, his eyes as bright as mine.

"Angela?"

I flung myself into his arms, holding him close. He wrapped his arms around me in a tight hug. When we pulled apart I was bubbling with excitement.

"How are you? How's your father? How come you never wrote to me this summer?"

Cedric laughed. "I'm fine, and so's my father. I'm sorry I didn't write," here he looked at me a bit ruefully, "not much happened and well, I forgot."

I slapped his arm good-naturedly. "Just be grateful I haven't forgotten you. You could have died for all I knew."

Cedric laughed again. "I'm not dead, and I'm not going to die for a very long time."

Just then I noticed we weren't alone. I turned to the group behind us, pushing my caramel-colored hair out of my eyes. I nudged Cedric and he jumped slightly.

"Oh, right. Angela, these are my friends. Mr. Weasley and his children, Fred and George, Ron and Ginny, and their friends Hermione Granger and—"

I recognized the last one. "Harry Potter." I nodded to each of them, shaking hands. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Angela Barry."

"Have I seen you before?" Harry asked.

"Well, I go to Hogwarts if that's what you're asking."

"Oh yes," Hermione said. "You're in Ravenclaw. You're a fifth year student. I've seen you around."

I smiled slightly. "I'm afraid I don't have much friends at Hogwarts." I bit my lip. "Actually, I don't have any. I've known Cedric since we were babies, but that's it."

"Well, now you know us." Ginny put in, smiling brightly up at me. My smile widened. I decided I liked her.

Cedric turned to me. "Where's your mum?"

"Oh, she has a swollen ankle. She couldn't come."

Cedric, being the kind of friend that he was, realized my predicament immediately.

"Would you like to sit with us?" He asked.

"Could I?" I asked hopefully, looking over at Mr. Diggory.

He smiled and nodded. "We would be honored to have you join us Angela."

We made our way towards the stadium. I crossed my arms over my chest to help ward off the cold. Cedric and his father started discussing something, and Ron, Hermione, and Harry were in their own little group. I had heard a lot about them, but I had never been this close before. It was like being next to the great Krum himself. They did not seem to be paying attention to me and when I looked over at Fred and George, they were laughing over something. I shrunk back. I knew I was not very sociable, and it had its consequences. I tried to keep my chin up but I could not keep back tears from gathering in my pale green eyes. Why couldn't I get more friends? Was I doing something wrong? I wiped at my eyes.

Ginny Weasley appeared next to me. "Are you alright?" She asked.

I smiled weakly at her. "Of course I'm alright, why wouldn't you think so?"

She shrugged. "It looked like you were crying is all."

"Oh."

We walked on in silence. I noticed we were now in the stadium and were walking up the stairs to the benches. I sighed. Finally. Now we could sit down and enjoy the game. We kept going up and up and up. Hmmm. Obviously we were going to be on the higher end of the seats.

"Blimey Dad," Ron stated. "How far up are we?"

From directly below us a haughty voice stated, "Put it this way, if it rains, you'll be the first to know."

I rolled my eyes. I knew that voice. It was Lucius Malfoy. I looked down at noticed Draco at his side. He was bragging about something to Harry, I didn't listen. I only bored a hole in his forehead with my glare. Draco was a slimy, conniving, pathetic, little twerp. He and I had bumped heads more than once. Cedric once insisted that he had a crush on me, and I almost broke poor Cedric's arm in my fury at such an idea.

The Malfoy's finished their mockery and started to move on. I seized my chance. Rushing to the edge of the rail, I leaned over and called to Draco.

"Hey Draco, I have a present for you!"

As I had hoped he looked up expectantly. The egg I had been hiding in my pocket for just this purpose, found its nice, warm nesting place taken from it and discovered its new home on the dumbfounded face of Draco Malfoy. His face turned bright red as he furiously wiped at the mess. When he turned to glare at me, I wiggled my fingers in a goodbye wave and hurried after my group. Fred and George had apparently seen the entire episode. They appeared on either side of me.

"Now that is my cup of tea." Fred said.

"Geniusness in perfection!" George exclaimed.

I smiled and bowed playfully. "Why thank you."

The both held out their arms to me.

"Allow us to accompany you to our seats." Fred stated.

"Sit with us?" They said in unison.

I took their offered arms. "It would be an honor, kind sirs." I said.

I noticed Cedric watching us and wiggled my eyebrows at him. He smiled and gave me a thumbs up. We made our way to very top of the stadium and settled down to watch. Well, I settled down. Fred and George had other ideas. Jumping and shouting, they reveled in the arrival of the Irish National Quidditch Team. I rolled my eyes at their enthusiasm. I was not very interested in the Irish.

Then the Bulgarian team came. Everyone was shouting the Seeker's name.

"Krum! Krum! Krum! Krum!"

I leaped to my feet along with Ron and Hermione. Harry followed somewhat confusedly. I left it to the Weasleys to help him out. The match began. Soon everyone was shouting and screaming for their favorite team. I glanced over at Cedric. He looked like he was having a great time. I found myself staring and shook my head to clear it.

I had never admitted it to anyone, but I knew I had the biggest crush on him. I knew he was my best friend, but I really liked him. He turned to me and smiled that charming smile of his. I could not help but smile back. He nodded to me then turned back to the game. I tried to dispel any disappointment. Pursuing a relationship with Cedric was not an option. Our friendship was too important.

I turned back as well and screamed my lungs out as Krum snatched the snitch out of the air. Unfortunately Ireland was still ahead by ten points. I could hear Ron groan beside Harry as the Irish team was announced the winners. Fred and George went wild.

As we were walking back towards the camp I felt a hand grip my arm tightly. The owner of the hand turned me roughly around and I was soon staring into the livid face of Draco Malfoy. I released myself from his grip and stood, waiting for him to insult me, or whatever.

"You will pay for your cute little trick," he said between clenched teeth. "You'll be sorry!"

I looked him up and down with contempt. "Oh dear me look, I'm trembling with fear." I said as sarcastically as I could.

He glowered. Lucius Malfoy called for his son. After glaring at me a few more seconds he turned and joined his father. As they passed me, Draco gave me a murderous glance. I just stuck my tongue out.

Satisfied with the way that scene had played out I looked around for the others. Dismayed I discovered they were nowhere in sight. I was being jostled back and forth by complete strangers and I couldn't locate my friends. A feeling of fear gripped me. I started forward, pushed along by the current of the throngs. Every few steps I would call out Cedric's name. Nothing. I hoped I remembered where the tent was.

Everyone reached the campsite eventually and I spent a good part of an hour trying to find the Weasley's tent. Then I remembered I had never seen the Weasley's tent. We had met at the stadium. I suddenly felt like crying. I sat down on a barrel full of Firewhiskey, wondering what in the world I should do.

Suddenly the sound of an explosion filled the air. I leaped to my feet. At first I thought it might be the Irish celebrating. But no, a tent to my left caught on fire. Sparks flew and people started screaming. Another tent caught fire, then another and another. I wanted to run away but I couldn't. I could only stare into the flames getting closer and closer.

My father had died when I was little. I witnessed his death at only eight years of age. It was a gigantic fire. Ever since that day I could not stand being near fire. Candles I refused to light. Fireplaces I steered away from. Bonfires terrified me. I couldn't move and I couldn't breath. People were scrambling around, trying to get away. A voice called out in the chaos.

"Angela! Angela!"

I recognized the voice but I couldn't turn to it. I could only whisper the owner's name.

"Cedric."

The boy came barreling against the crowd, trying to reach me. When he did, he wasted no time but swiftly picked me up in his strong arms and started running away. I could do nothing but hold on tight. I buried my face in his chest and concentrated on breathing. When I opened my eyes, we were far away from the inferno. Cedric placed me gently on the ground. I was shaking terribly.

Everyone gathered around, asking questions and shouting opinions as to who had started the fire. I could only shake my head and tremble. Cedric placed a blanket over my shoulders and told everyone to back away. He knelt and looked into my eyes.

"You're going to be okay Angela. You hear me? Everything's going to be all right. Understand?"

I nodded jerkily. He patted my upper arm, his gray eyes speaking encouragement into mine.

"Good girl. I'm going to be right over here talking to Dad, all right? You'll be able to see me just fine."

I nodded again. He nodded back and stood. I pulled my knees up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them. I placed my chin onto of them and listened while Cedric explained my situation to the others. Just as I was about to calm down however, Hermione gasped.

"What about Harry? He got separated from us too! Back at the camp!"

Mr. Weasley placed a hand over his heart. "We'd better go look for him then."

Cedric glanced at me. "I think I'll stay here." He said.

Fred and George glanced at each other and then nodded simultaneously.

"Us too."

Ginny wanted to go but Mr. Weasley commanded her to stay. In the end, only Ron and Hermione went with him. Ginny pouted for a while before falling asleep. She was only thirteen after all. Fred and George debated whether or not to start a campfire, considering my conditions and the fact that whoever started the fire in the camp might still be around.

Cedric settled down next to me. "You okay?" He asked.

I nodded, pulling the blanket tighter around me. Cedric placed an arm around my shoulder and I leaned my head against his.

"Thank you." I whispered. "For coming for me."

There was a pause. "You're welcome. How did you get separated from us? I could have sworn you were right next to me."

I let out a sigh. "Draco Malfoy. Issuing threats because of the egg."

"I see." I could hear a smile in his voice.

Before he could say another word I punched him in the stomach. He doubled over, coughing lightly.

"What was that for?" He asked, annoyed. "I didn't say anything!"

I glared at him. "You were thinking about it though."

His face eased back into the smile I was so fond of. "That's why I like you Angela. Smart, pretty, and you can read minds."

"Oh so you're Mr. Comedian now? What happened to the strong, silent Cedric I knew so well?" I could tell I was feeling much better.

Cedric could tell too. He smiled again but did not say anything. I smiled in satisfaction.

"That's better." I place my head back on its spot next to his heart. I could hear it beating faintly as he put his arm back around me. My eyes closed slowly and I fell asleep listening to the sound of my best friend's heart and the voices of Fred and George arguing about how to light a fire "the way Muggles do." I smiled.

000000

The train to Hogwarts waits for no one. I found that out when I almost missed it at the start of my Fifth Year. Thankfully I was in very good shape and made it just in the nick of time. Cedric had saved a seat for me and I sat down winded and with my hair flying in all directions. I was just about to explain how I was late when I noticed he wasn't looking at me at all. He was staring down the hallway. I waved my hand in front of his face.

"Hello? Earth to Cedric."

He blinked at me. "What?"

"What do you mean 'what'? What are you staring so hard at?"

"Down the aisle, in the doorway. You see her?"

I stood and approached the door. I could see the back of some girls' heads crowding a doorway. I made a face at Cedric.

"I see several 'hers.' What are you talking about?"

Cedric leaned back quickly, pressing back against the seat as the girls came down the aisle. I continued to watch them as they walked by.

"Did you see her?"

"Yeah, so?"

"That's Cho Chang."

I waited for more but nothing more came. Cedric continued to stare into the aisle with a strange sort of dazed expression on his face. I frowned and picked up the newspaper that was lying next to him. It covered the attack the night of the Quidditch match. I read it and shivers went up my spine and the reporter speculated that the followers of You-Know-Who had done it. I was glad Mr. Weasley, Ron, and Hermione had found Harry safe.

I looked up to tell Cedric but he was gone. I opened the compartment door and watched as he came walking briskly back from down the aisle. I moved out of the way and let him in.

"I couldn't do it." He said. "I started towards her . . . I couldn't say anything. I left."

I held back a giggle. Not many people know this about Cedric, but he is rather shy. He's the strong, silent, humble type of guy. He doesn't like a lot of attention and I knew that even though he wanted to speak to this Cho Chang, he probably wouldn't until he felt ready. He's very brave, but when it comes to Cho . . . He's had a huge crush on her ever since she first came to Hogwarts. He spilled Pumpkin juice all over me. I haven't really liked the girl since.

Without Cedric to talk to the trip to Hogwarts was boring and uneventful. I sighed and leaned my head against the window as we neared the school. I glanced once more at Cedric. He seemed to be reciting something. I frowned and turned back to the window. I didn't think I was going to like this year at Hogwarts.

0000000

When we got to the school Professor Dumbledore announced that Hogwarts would be hosting the legendary event of the Triwizard Tournament. I bit my lip nervously. I had heard about it before. It was supposed to be very dangerous. As the different schools that would be competing arrived, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, I watched Cedric's face carefully. He applauded the schools with an impassive expression, but I could see his eyes wander to where Cho was sitting. I placed my head in my hands in despair. Why did this have to happen to me?

Dumbledore explained the rules of the Tournament. I was grateful that only students seventeen and older would be able to cast their names into the Goblet of Fire, but when I saw Cedric square his jaw, I knew he would be inserting his name. At seventeen he was eligible. A cold fear gripped my heart as I listened to Dumbledore explain how dangerous the Tournament was.

As we said goodnight for the day, each having to return to our respective common rooms, he told me.

"I'm going to enter Angela. Do you think I should?"

I smiled at the look of slight vulnerability he allowed only me to see in his eyes. I took his hand in both of mine.

"I believe you are strong, brave, and hardworking enough to accomplish anything you set your mind to."

He smiled back. "Thank you Angela." He leaned down and kissed my cheek. "You're the best."

"Yeah, the best." I said, my smile slipping slightly. "Goodnight Cedric."

I dropped his hand and turned to go when his voice stopped me.

"Hey Angela, Cho's in your House. Do you think you could find out what she thinks of me?"

I rolled my eyes. "Sure Cedric. But I'm not going to become your owl."

I turned and walked away before he could say anything else. When I reached the room who should be the only one up but the princess herself. I sighed and flopped down on the couch beside her. She gave me a small smile. It was such a nice smile I had to smile back. Blimey, it was going to be hard not liking her.

"You're Angela Barry, right?" She asked.

I nodded. "And you're Cho Chang."

She nodded, her smile widening.

"How do you know my name?" I asked. "Most people don't."

"I've seen you before. You're the one who hangs around Cedric Diggory all the time."

I noticed with a slight frown that she blushed when she said his name. I kept my mouth shut however, for Cedric's sake, but I swore in my mind I would make him pay for putting me through this.

"Some girls were talking . . ." Cho continued hesitantly. "They told me that you're his girlfriend. Is that true?"

My head screamed to say "YES!" but I knew I could not lie, not about this. I shook my head, forcing a smile.

"No, no. Cedric and I are just friends."

Cho nodded and smiled. My heart sank to my toes. That night I cried myself to sleep.