Cedric came to the conclusion that yes, Hermione more than likely had helped smuggle a dragon out of Hogwarts.

It was the only logical conclusion he could think of, at that moment, as he watched Harry Potter casually hand Headmaster Dumbledore You-Know-Who's diary from what he was sixteen. Tom Riddle, Jr., the bloke that had framed Rubeus Hagrid, who had murdered little Myrtle, who had attempted to kill so many other children, when he was just sixteen. And had gotten a special award from the school for his efforts.

It seemed logical to Cedric, to think of that handsome, cruel boy becoming the very man that people couldn't even seem to name.

Lord Voldemort. Tom Marvello Riddle Jr… I think smuggling a dragon is much more plausible than what happened today. So, yes, Hermione did that. Just as Harry Potter killed a Baskislist, just as he destroyed the phantom of a boy that would become the man that would murder his parents.

Cedric could also see that being friends with Harry Potter was a dangerous thing. Knew it with a certainty that should have chilled him, should have made him afraid. He was barely more than a boy himself, and his biggest worry should have been catching the snitch at his next Quidditch game, how well he would fare on his end-of-year exams. But then he thought of Hermione. And Cedric knew that his own friendship with the boy would be solid because of this.

And what were the traits of Hufflepuff, but to be patient, loyal, and steadfast?

"Harry, you alright?" he whispered quietly, as they made their way to the hospital wing. Harry stumbled, blinked wide, emerald eyes.

"Ginny's safe," he said, with a bemused smile.

Patient, loyal, and steadfast.

"Was asking about you, mate."

"Oh. Erm, yeah, I'm alright."

Cedric grasped the young boy's shoulder.

"That's good."

AN:

I LIVE! Constant electricity for me, and chapters for you, my wonderful readers! I, unfortunately, have lost my access to steady water due to a burst pipe, but my family is paranoid enough to have a stock of water, and I was able to go to a friend's for showers, so, really, it could be worst! Thank you again for all you well-wishers, and anyone else going through this difficult time, you are in my thoughts. Hang in there my lovelies!

~Be Well, Be Safe,

Moon Witch '96