A/N: So this chapter would have been out earlier, and with a MUCH different ending, had I not let silverlastsforever read it before I intended to post it. She ripped it to shreads. And I appreciate her for it, because I think my chapters are much better when she beta's them. So to my friends that thought this chapter would be called "Why's Your Belt On the Floor?" I apologize. It'll still be in here, but later. And I appreciate your patience in waiting for this chapter. But here it is, chapter 21. Please R&R.

Disclaimer: All of the characters, with the exception of Celia and Mick, are the creation of J.K. Rowling or the creators of Lost.

Chapter 21:

Bloody Badges

Harry walked into the courtyard apprehensively. He knew he had to find Cedric, it was the right thing to do, but he was afraid of talking to him around his 6th year friends who would quote Rita Skeeter's article at him. When he finally found him, he wasn't sure if he was relieved or not. Cedric was laying down on a bench with his head in Celia's lap and was running her fingers through his hair. On nearby benches was an assortment of Cedric's 6th year friends and Celia's 4th year friends. Cedric seemed to be speaking to his friend Mick Cooper, and Celia was talking to Hannah Abbot and Justin Finch-Fletchley. Harry grimaced as he saw the multitude of "Potter Stinks!" badges, though he was comforted by the fact that Celia seemed to be telling Hannah and Justin off for wearing them. As he approached, the Hufflepuffs looked over at him and Celia smiled. Her smile vanished when Mick Cooper shouted, "Read the badges, Potter!"

"Shut it! And quit it with the bloody badges!" Celia shouted, seizing the badge she had taken from Hannah and throwing it at Mick. She turned back to Harry, "Hi Harry. Alright?"

"Yeah," he replied, then turned to Cedric, "Can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked.

Cedric, looking puzzled, sat up.

"Yeah," he stood and squeezed Celia's hand as he followed Harry away from the group. Celia watched them with curious eyes from the bench.

"Dragons, that's the first task," Harry said immediately.

"Dra… what? Are you serious?" Cedric asked incredulously.

"Yeah. They've got one for each of us," Harry responded.

"Alright, thanks," he paused, "listen, about the badges, I've told them not to wear them, and you saw Celia go off on Mick. She's a good friend to you, Harry."

"Yeah, she's a great girl," Harry shrugged.

"Yeah, she is," Cedric looked back at her and smiled.

"She talks about you… a lot," Harry's comment brought Cedric's attention back to Harry.

"Really?" Cedric asked, slightly incredulous.

"Yeah," Harry nodded.

"Well…" Cedric crossed his arms and grinned in a pleased way.

"Well, now that your head's been inflated to three times its proper size," Harry joked, "dragons… is what I meant to tell you…" Harry nodded, looking as if he wanted out of the conversation, suddenly aware of the Hufflepuffs staring at him a few yards away.

"Oh, right," Cedric nodded, "Thanks. A lot."

Harry nodded and grinned faintly.

"No problem." He nodded toward Cedric and then Celia before walking away.

Cedric walked back over to his friends, taking his seat next to Celia.

"What'd he want?" Mick spat at Harry's retreating figure.

"Lay off Harry, alright, Mick? He's a good kid." Cedric snapped.

Mick looked taken aback, "Alright."

Celia smiled at Cedric, "Thank you," she whispered.