Author's Notes: Looks like there's trouble afoot. Good thing Cedric is on his guard. But will that be enough? Stay tuned, kids. The next installment is coming up shortly.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Cedric's POV

Honestly, I don't know what I would do without Eloise. I had no idea that Beauxbatons' girls were so vicious. Or determined to get their way for that matter. Who knew that they would go to such lengths to be with me? The old me would have been quite flattered that they were fighting amongst themselves over me. The new me, however, was not impressed and frightened. It was terrifying to think of what they would do to have me. I was worried not only for my own safety, but Eloise's as well. I wouldn't put it past those girls to try and poison her.

That is why the two of us only drank from special flasks now. I put a duplication charm on the flask my father had given me, along with some precautionary charms. I gave one of the flasks to Eloise for her to use. Now, there was little chance of our flasks being contaminated. Dobby, a house-elf that worked in the kitchens here at Hogwarts, gave us our own personal jug of pumpkin juice. He had taken a liking to Eloise and when she explained our situation, Dobby was more than happy to help.

The day that I found out about the malicious scheme, I went straight to Dumbledore. I told him everything, but he did not seem to be convinced at first. Until I did a little coercion of my own.

"This is a very serious accusation, Mister Diggory," said Dumbledore, peering down at me with his piercing blue eyes. "Are you sure that this isn't some misunderstanding?"

"I am positive, sir. Someone is trying to do me in. I mean, I am a champion. It's obvious that they want to put me out of the running to increase their chances of a Beauxbatons' victory. Isn't that reason enough to investigate? "

Dumbledore let out a sigh before speaking.

"Are you sure that there isn't another option?"

"I think that it is past that point, Professor Dumbledore," I stated, looking distressed.

Professor Dumbledore sat back in his high-backed chair. Lacing his fingers together, Dumbledore rested his chin on his propped up hands. He fixed me with a penetrating stare. One that could see into the very depths of a person's soul.

"I have noticed that you are taking precautions. You have a hip flask with you at all times," Dumbledore declared, indicating the flask.

"Took a leaf from Professor Moody's book, sir," I replied, patting the flask.

"Make no mistake, Mister Diggory, I am taking all of this with the utmost seriousness. There will be an investigation. After all, you are a champion of Hogwarts' school. I cannot have your safety be in jeopardy. However, I cannot help but desire all of this to be a tremendous misunderstanding," commented Dumbledore, now staring at me again.

"Me too, sir," I said, giving him a wry smile.

Dismissing myself, I hurried to tell Eloise the good news. The weight on my chest was lifted. Everything was going to be alright. All I had to do was make it through the final task, and my life would return to normal.

As I rounded the corner, I heard shouting. One voice, I recognized. The other two, I did not. Eloise was arguing with someone. I could not make out the words, but I could tell that she was in trouble. I started to pick up the pace. My slumbering gait was now a heavy sprint. I nearly knocked over a statue as I rushed to Eloise's aid.

I skidded to a halt as I invaded the scene. Eloise was being held by the arms by a muscular brunette girl. A tall blonde, who had her back to me, was holding a potion bottle in her hand. She drew closer to Eloise.

"You are unfit to be the girlfriend of someone so good-looking," the girl exclaimed in a French accent. "Eet is time that 'oo stepped aside."

"No!" yelled Eloise. "I won't! You cannot have him! Cedric loves me!"

The girl laughed coldly.

"He doesn't love you. How could 'e? An ugly duckling like 'oo versus a gorgeous swan such as myself? Eet is no contest! You should save yourself the 'eartache and let me have him."

Anger and hatred boiled inside of me. This girl didn't know anything about love. How could she not see that Eloise was perfect for me? There was no way that I could stay silent any longer. I wanted to end this. Once and for all.

"Do you really believe that you have a shot with me?" I demanded, making my presence known.

The blonde turned around when she heard my voice. She adopted a simpering, flirtatious look that made me want to gag.

"Why, hello handsome," the girl cooed, fluttering her eyelashes at me. "So sorry that you have to witness this. It's for her own good."

"Who do you think that you are?" I asked, glaring angrily at the girl.

The girl chuckled.

"Oh, how silly of me. I forgot that we 'aven't been properly introduced. My name is Gretchen Willow, your new girlfriend."

"Can't say it is a pleasure to meet you, Gretchen," I responded. "And as for the girlfriend part, I already have one."

I looked over at Eloise, who was grinning broadly at this. The muscular brunette tightened her grip on Eloise. Eloise let out a whimper of pain. Gretchen turned her attention to her comrade.

"Frederique, loosen your grip on her. I don't want to hurt her. I just want Cedric."

"Didn't you hear him, Gretchen?" asked Eloise, tauntingly. "He doesn't want you."

"He'll soon change his mind," Gretchen said, grinning mischievously at me.

"Are you deaf?" I questioned, looking at Gretchen with malice. "I don't want you. I want Eloise. Let us go and I'll forget that this whole thing happened."

"I can't do that," claimed Gretchen, a crazed look in her green eyes. "I will have you. Even if I have to take you by force."

Gretchen unscrewed the bottle in her hand. As she did, I raised my wand.

"Do it and you'll never use that hand again," I growled, menacingly.

Gretchen smirked.

"I'm not afraid."

She edged closer to Eloise, who was keeping her lips pressed tightly together. Frederique was struggling to hold her. I was prepared. The moment that Gretchen tried to force Eloise to take the potion, she would be a goner. Righteous anger surged through my body. I didn't even care if I was expelled from Hogwarts. I was going to protect Eloise. No matter what I had to do. I was willing to pay the price.

"Say bye bye to Eloise!"

Just as I began shouting the incantation, I realized that someone beat me to it. Frederique and Gretchen were lying face down on the marble floor. Eloise had flung herself into my arms. Someone had their hand on my shoulder. Peering over my shoulder, I was shocked to see Fleur and Krum standing there.

"Are you two alright?" Fleur asked, looking from me to Eloise.

"Yeah," Eloise and I responded.

"Ve vere vorried," said Krum. "Vhen Fleur told me vat vas going on, I instantly signed up to help. She told me that those girls vere plotting to get rid of Eloise for good."

"You guys came just in time," replied Eloise, sounding very grateful to have Krum and Fleur on their side.

"Eet was nothing, really," responded Fleur, trying to downplay her role. "Zat's what friends do for friends. Zey look out for each uzzer."

I could tell that Eloise was very touched by this sentiment. I was too. I never really knew what to think of Fleur and Krum. Now that I knew them a little better, I understood what good people they truly were. It was good fortune that brought them here today. Without that, who knew what would have occurred otherwise.

"We'll have to go and report them to Professor Dumbledore," stated Eloise. She turned to look at Fleur. "I think Madame Maxime should be present too."

"Of course," agreed Fleur.

Fleur and Krum went away to find the Beauxbatons' headmistress. Cedric and Eloise were left with Gretchen and Frederique. Eloise kicked Gretchen in the side. Cedric resisted the urge to kick the two Beauxbatons' girls. He reminded himself that they would soon get their just desserts.

Hey, I just met you.

And this is crazy.

But here's my story.

Review here, maybe?