Title: Ghostly Visit
Rating: T
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Cedric, Harry
Warnings: canonical character death (referenced)
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em - not making any money off 'em. Dern it.
Word Count: 330
Summary: Harry is visited by a ghost.
Notes:

The Auction Competition: Prompt Used - Trio Era, 300 words (10% leeway)

Hogwarts University Competition: prompt used - [genre] angst

365 Days of Drabbles Challenge: Prompt Used - starlight

Harry lays on his back, staring at the sky. The starlight is awe-inspiring, but Harry isn't thinking about that. He's remembering the moments in the graveyard as he watched someone die right in front of him for the first time ever. He guesses it could be said that his mum died in front of him, but as he was a baby, Harry doesn't really remember it. The most he can remember are screams and green light.

He swallows the lump in his throat, trying to block out the image that will probably forever haunt him. He sits up and angrily scrubs his eyes, hating the torturous tears that just won't go away.

A presence behind him has Harry grabbing his wand and turning around defensively. At first, he thinks it was all a bad dream because standing right in front of him is Cedric Diggory. Then he takes in the fact that the floating form that is see through, and he knows it was all too real.

"Cedric?" Harry says, his voice cracking when he realizes what Cedric has become.

"Hello, Harry." The ghost gently smiles at the heartbroken boy.

"I'm so, so sorry."

"It's okay. Harry, listen to me."

Harry sniffles.

"I'm not here to stay here permanently. I asked to be allowed to visit a couple of people before I moved on. And since I died so young, they're allowing it. I've already seen my parents and Cho. You're the last person on the list."

"Why did you want to see me? It's my fault you're dead."

"No, it isn't. I was supposed to die. It was foretold so you'd grow up and accept the responsibility of vanquishing Voldemort. It's cruel, but it's the truth. You need to know that this wasn't your fault. You're brave and honest, a true Gryffindor. And I believe in you. I know you'll accomplish what you need to. Just believe in yourself."

Before Harry can say anything, Cedric is fading. He nods to himself and to empty air, he says, "I'll do it. For my mum and dad, and for you, Cedric.".