Chapter 11: Revelations About The Past.
Hermione and Nadia were on their way back to the Gryffindor common room, they were exhausted from the day's events and just wanted nothing more than to curl up in their warm cosy beds. The light outside was only dimming to the soft hues of evening, yet the students of Hogwarts's were still parading outside, celebrating the results of the second task. Although, there was one thing Nadia had to do tonight and that was to see Draco. Their encounters had mostly all been brief and she missed him hugely. His soft scent of Peppermint, his soft twinkling azure blue eyes that always stared gently at Nadia and finally his comforting and warm embrace that seemed to make everything ok even when it wasn't.
Although this time it was crucial, she barely survived the second task with the help of a friend, which meant it was likely she wouldn't survive the third. She wasn't that lucky to have help the second time around, Cedric wanted to win that was obvious and any hopes that Nadia had of Cedric helping her again was futile. She was utterly alone, which meant she had to spent her last moments with Draco on a high.
So, she quickly said goodbye to Hermione, accompanied by a hug and proceeded to climb the staircases to the seventh floor, to the room of requirement. Since there first time together at the start of the year when Nadia played for him it's been their secret place ever since. Hardly any of the students know about it which means the two would be free to do what they pleased, without being interrupted.
Nadia then rounded the corner and just as she had expected, Draco was leaning against the wall opposite the room of requirement. He glanced over at the sound of her footsteps and responded with a heart-warming smile. Nadia felt her insides flutter and she return the smile with one of her own.
"Come on, let's get in quick, we don't want any students noticing were together." Draco whispered quietly and then continued to walk towards the room where the door magically appeared in front of him, Nadia followed.
Nadia always thought about the secrecy of their relationship, she worried excessively over the fact that maybe Draco was embarrassed of her and simply didn't want people to know he was with her. But then Nadia liked the secrecy, it made the relationship seem more romantic and forbidden.
The room of requirement simply took her breath away, it had changed into a small living room with a plush leather sofa covered in warm cosy blankets, a fireplace that was lit causing shadows to dance across the ceiling and create a toasty mood to the room and finally propped up in the corner was a cello. Why it was their she didn't know, maybe Draco wanted her to play something.
"It's beautiful Draco." She whispered and then she felt the sturdy feel of his arms envelope around her waist. She then tilted her chin and gazed deep into his mysterious eyes, they stayed like that for a while before Draco leant down and connected his lips to hers. It was gentle at first and then feelings seemed to intercept and the kiss deepened. She clutched his hair tighter in passion and she felt Draco do the same resulting in her moaning slightly. This seemed to have spurred Draco on because he moved towards sofa and laid Nadia gently down so she was on the bottom. The kissing continued and Draco began tracing kisses down and along her neck, causing Nadia to softly moan his name. He then proceeded to lift Nadia's top up, she let out a quick intake of breath, making Draco stop.
"If you don't want to do this then tell me to stop." Draco whispered in her ear, the cold air made her shiver slightly, words however wouldn't seem to form so she quickly shook her head no, she didn't want to stop. So, Draco lifted her top and began kissing her more passionately then he did before, so she welcomed to overwhelming feelings of passion, warmth, and love as she made love to Draco.
They lay there in harmony in an assortment of hair and limbs that seemed to fit perfectly together like two jigsaw pieces. Her heart welled with feelings she couldn't comprehend and her stomach ruffled like jolts of electricity. Draco then began to play with her hair making her feel sleepy, she began to close her eyes but was stopped short by the sounds of Draco's soft voice drifting through her ears.
"Can you play me something baby?" He gestured towards the cello and her stomach knotted in nerves, she wanted to desperately, but she hadn't played in a while, what if she was rusty? Draco seemed to sense her uneasiness to play so he quietly began to reassure her.
"Please? The 3rd task is not that far away and what if I lose you? What if something happens and I never get to see you again? I want to remember your beautiful face when you play that cello and I want pieces of music that I can at least remember you by, if something happens, which of course I don't think will but. Please?" She nodded before even thinking about it, she had to, it was the least she could do. So, she climbed out from underneath the blanket and sat on the music stool. Quite frankly she was a little embarrassed sitting there in just her underwear but then she realised his seen it all.
The polished wood was cold against her thighs, which caused her to shiver slightly in her seat, however she proceeded. She picked up the bow and started to play, the softs note of Ava Maria began to echo around the room. The feelings she felt now and the one 's she experienced earlier mixed together and made her heart explode with the most sensual experience ever. She felt like she was flying through the skies, or she was zooming through space or even jetting through the seas at high speeds. Nadia was feeling the most passionate out of body experience that she has ever witnessed before in her life.
Today was the morning of the third task and Nadia is more ready than she ever thought possible. For the last months, Nadia, had been training for this task as if her life depended on it, which it sorts of did. She had been learning and practicing new spells with Hermione and Harry, seeking advice and sharing her worries with Cedric, who was always kind enough to listen and share his worries of his own. Then at nights when she wasn't worrying about the task she was in the room of requirement with Draco, they had spent more time with each other the closer the tournament got, which of course she was all too glad about.
She also spent last night with him where he gave her a hand-written letter with instructions to open it before the task began. Thinking of him know just made her miss him and want his touch even more, she is prepared for the third task but she isn't prepared to leave Draco behind.
She entered the great hall dressed in her task uniform and was not prepared for what she saw. Screaming and excited first years were running around their house tables waving flags and wearing outrageous t-shirts and costumes to represent the champion they wanted to win. She spotted a few Gryffindor princess t-shirts on a few giggling girls. The twins were also causing mayhem by shouting to nearby students about placing bets. She quickly spotted Hermione, Ron and Harry amidst the mayhem and went to join them at the table. The first thing she saw was a very angry Hermione who was clutching the daily prophet like she wanted to strangle it.
"Hermione what's up? What does that stupid newspaper say now?" Nadia asked quizzically, she hoped it wasn't Rita Skeeter an article written about her again. Ever since Nadia had refused to give Rita an interview and was avoiding her like the plague she had seeked revenge by writing articles about her like they were going out of fashion.
"Well, I'm afraid it's about you again Nadia, listen. "It's the day of the third task and my votes are not on the Gryffindor princess Nadia Bowmen, or should I say the damsel in distress. It's common knowledge that Nadia was given help in the second task by boyfriend Cedric Diggory, which could suggest Nadia may not be able to finish the third task on her own. This lack of bravery and knowledge may suggest she is an unworthy Gryffindor, I wonder what her parents would think, Ohh wait she doesn't even know who they are, silly me. Well let's hope she isn't a pureblood because we all know she isn't fit to be a pureblood, my guess she's nothing but a dumb muggleborn. Interview may follow." Hermione finished speaking and Nadia sat fuming in her seat, how dare she write such horrible vile things about her? Just because she wouldn't give her a stupid interview?
"Ohh Nadia, I wouldn't worry too much, you've practiced so hard these past few months your guaranteed to do well on your own." Hermione said gently and she watched as the two boys nodded in agreement. Nadia however, noticed that Hermione didn't say anything about winning, maybe that was because Harry was listening in.
Nadia knew she didn't want to win, that much was clear, but she was going to do better than what Rita Skeeter thought she would do. She was going to show everyone she was worthy of being a Gryffindor. She was going to prove them all wrong.
It was a few minutes before the third task, the Gryffindor common room was slowly emptying as people made their way down to the arena. However, Nadia stayed back, she wanted to read Draco's letter in peace. The light outside was painted in dark hues as the evening was drifting into night. She pulled the seal open and began to read.
Dear Nadia
Amidst a sea of people, you were the only one that caught my eye, and since then I never stopped thinking about you. Deep down within my heart I knew all I had to have was you. This I say with absolute sincerity and not with any arrogance. For I cannot bear the thought of you being with someone else other than me.
I want you to know that I love you Nadia, I love you, even more then the day we first met. I remember the way you made me feel. The way your face lit up that made your eyes twinkle like the stars in the night sky. The way you scent makes my head go fuzzy and my knees go weak. I love everything about you Nadia.
Yours always
Draco.
She the letter 3 times over and each time brought fresh tears to her eyes, he loved her, Draco Malfoy loved her. The idea scared her, but the idea that she may even love him two, scared her even more. Nadia wanted to write her reply so badly, but time was running out, she had to get to the third task. So she grabbed her wand and ran out of the common room, all the while vowing to tell Draco how she felt before the first task.
However, she never got the chance.
Nadia made it with only seconds to spare, she glanced up at the other champions and her eyes seeked out Cedric, who gave her a nod of reassurance. She glanced around the arena and her stomach knotted in fear. Before her were towering hedges the colour of deep juniper, the hedges seemed to move and grow as if they had a life of their own. She stared deep into the entrance and her stomach tightened further at the deep charcoal mist that seemed to encase the maze in a bubble. The stands behind her brimming with excited students, who were running out of patience for the task to start. Her eyes caught Draco's and she gave him a soft smile, know wasn't the time to tell him her feelings, she had to wait until later. Music began to play and the students responded happily and began to clap away to the beat. Nadia watched as Dumbledore and Moody moved to stand in front of the champions.
"Earlier today Professor Moody placed the tri-wizards cup deep within the maze. Only he knows its exact position. Now as Mr Diggory..." The crowd erupted in even louder cheers at his name and Nadia couldn't help but cheer along with them. "and Mr Potter tied for first position they will be the first to enter the maze. Followed by Miss Bowmen." The Crowd began to wolf-whistle in response and Nadia couldn't help but blush secretly to herself, she saw Cedric clap along also.
"The first person to touch the cup will be the winner. I've instructed the staff to patrol the perimeter, if at any point should a contestant wishes to withdraw from the task he or she need only send up red sparks with their wands. Contestants, gather round." The constants began to huddle in a circle beside Dumbledore, Nadia ended up with Cedric on her right and Harry on her left.
"In the maze, you'll find not dragons or creatures of the deep. Instead you'll face something more challenging. You see, people change in the maze. Oh, find the cup if you can, but be very weary you could just lose yourselves along the way." Dumbledore's words confused Nadia, she had prepared for months to battle dragons and creatures, then to find out there weren't any seemed far too easy for Nadia's liking. The Champions began to disperse and Nadia watched as Harry and Cedric positioned themselves at the beginning of the maze.
"Good Luck boys." Nadia shouted earnestly and she was grateful when they returned the luck.
"Champions prepare yourselves!" She saw Cedric hug his father and Harry tidying his shirt "On the count of three. ONEā¦"
BOOM!
The cannon exploded early and Nadia clutched her ears in pain, the boys sprinted into the maze and disappeared behind the charcoal mist, she hoped they would be ok. Professor Moody then gestured for Nadia to step forward and she stopped at the entrance Cedric went through.
"One last piece of advice, go left." Moody whispered, however, she wasn't given enough time to dwell on it because the cannon exploded and was then being pushed inside by Moody. She glanced back quickly and watched as the hedge grew to live and closed shut trapping herself in and the others out.
****
Nadia had no idea how long she had been in here for but it was long enough for her. The night had turned chilly, which caused her breath to wisp in front of her, she continued to tighten her arms around herself to generate some warmth. Nothing had happened so far and she beginning to wonder if it was actually this easy or if there was some sort of catch. Suddenly, as if the hedges had heard her thoughts, began to rumble and close in ready to suffocate her. She picked up speed and continued to run down the maze hallway. She glanced back and was relieved to find she was out running it, but then she tripped on a rock and stumbled to the floor. Nadia threw her hands over her head to hopefully cushion the hedges, yet nothing happened.
She opened her eyes a fraction and noticed the hedge had stopped moving at her feet and had made a dead end. There's no going back now Nadia guessed.
Suddenly, the sharp sounds of magic averted her thoughts, she then noticed to the left of her, one hedge over, was a flare. Someone was in trouble. So, she rushed to her feet and ran towards the flare. It was stupid she knew that but part of her thought, what if it's Cedric or Harry?
She turns the corner and runs straight into Viktor.
"Ohh I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there." Nadia babbles awkwardly, but he doesn't respond, in fact it didn't even look like he even heard her speak at all. Then she noticed his eyes, they weren't his normal cedar colour. Now they were a glassed over mystical grey.
He had been bewitched.
However, before she got a chance to do anything he lifted his wand up muttered a spell, causing Nadia to fly and hit her head against the opposite hedge. As sharp pain engulfed her forehead and she reached up to touch it, the pain made her gasp and when she pulled back her hand she was shocked to find blood.
Before Viktor could hurt her again she shot back up and run away down the maze corridor, she took a left and then a right, which took her out into a round clearing. The centre of the maze and in the middle, atop a stone stand with the Triwizard cup. The cup was twinkling cobalt blue and was reflecting onto the neighbouring surfaces. The sight enticed her and she sub-consciously began to reach her hand out to touch its mystical surface that shimmered like water.
Just as her fingertips were inches away from touching the azure glass she yanked her hand away and pulled herself out of the cups charm. She doesn't want to win, Nadia doesn't want eternal glory, she didn't want it from the start. This cup didn't belong to her, it belonged to Cedric.
Then, while his name was fresh in her mind, said person and Harry stumbled into the clearing breathless and dirty. Their faces dropped when they noticed Nadia standing inches away from the cup.
"No I don't want it! One of you take it!" Nadia shouted, eager for one of them to win like she wanted too.
"No, it's yours rosy, you were here first, you take it!" Her heart clenched at Cedric's nickname for her, he proclaimed that she always smelled like roses, hence the nickname. Cedric had to win though, she would stand here and argue for the rest of the night if it meant he would take the cup in the end.
"Cedric I never wanted this, you know that, please one of you just take the cup." Nadia pleaded and she watched as Cedric's set into an expression of stubbornness, he wasn't going to take it. Suddenly the wind picked up, harsher then Nadia had ever felt before. Her hair began to whip around her face and her eyes began to water. She noticed the boys shuffle forwards away from the dangers of the maze corridors.
"Go on take it! You saved me!" Cedric shouted to Harry so that he could be heard over the noise of the wind.
"Together! On Three!" Nadia didn't want to join in with this so she stepped back and watched as Cedric grabbed hands with Harry, while Harry reached forward to touch the cup. "One... Two. Three."
Then at the very last second, she felt the pressure of Cedric's hand in hers and the weird pulling sensation in her naval before they were pulled from the maze.
Nadia's eyes began to adjust to the now dark surroundings. She glanced round suspiciously, instead of being back at the start they were now standing in the middle of a dark, gloomy graveyard. She suddenly remembered what Cedric had done and she whirled around in anger, not even bothering to wait until he had finished his conversation with Harry.
"Why did you take me with you! I didn't want to win Cedric!" Nadia fumed quietly, there was a reason they were in this graveyard and she didn't want to alert anyone of their presence.
"I couldn't leave you there Nadia." Cedric said softly and Nadia couldn't stay angry at him no matter how much she wanted to. She was about to reply but she was stopped by Harry who was groaning in pain and clutching his forehead.
"" What is it Harry?" Nadia asked with concern, whenever harry clutched his scar like that it didn't mean anything good.
"Get back to the cup! Now!" Harry shouted in reply causing Nadia to jump slightly in fear. Why was he so scared suddenly, as far as Nadia was concerned they were alone? However, she never got to dwell on it for so long because a figure emerged from behind a tombstone. He seemed to be carrying a something in his hands. Harry let out another cry of pain at the sight of this man, causing Nadia to feel worried. Who was this man?
"What is it?" Cedric asked confidently, but Nadia couldn't help but feel like he may have said the wrong thing.
"Kill the spare." A voice whispered venomously from behind the black fabric that the man was holding. The voice made Nadia's stomach knot in fear. The voice seemed snake like and whatever was beneath that cloak wasn't good. Yet, who was the spare? Me, Harry, or Cedric? The man then waved his wand, uttered a curse that went straight towards Cedric. His face glassed over and he dropped to the floor.
Dead.
Cedric was dead.
"No" Nadia shouted, she let out an inhuman scream and dropped to Cedric's side. Tears travelled down her faces as she shook Cedric over and over, hoping that he would wake. But he never did, Nadia's efforts were futile, Cedric was dead. She leant over and continued to cry over Cedric's lifeless body. She didn't care what was going on, she didn't even care if they killed her too. All she cared about was her lifeless friend.
"Do something with the girl. I don't want her useless crying distracting my work." The vicious noise cut through her bones like ice and she couldn't help but listen. Suddenly, she felt the feeling of a spell ripple through her body and she dropped over Cedric.
Nadia's eyes began to flutter open slowly, however her hearing came back quicker. The graveyard was silent but she heard to crunching of twigs as a person came closer to her and Cedric.
"Oh, Such a handsome boy." She realised with a start he meant Cedric. Ohh her poor Cedric, tears began to well in her eyes, but what the snake man said noise kept the tears at bay. "But what about Miss Bowman, my you are a beauty, I know your awake get up!" She felt a kick to the side of her stomach and she groaned in response. Suddenly, a pair of cold bone like hands gripped the back of her neck and pulled her up.
The man before her eyes made her skin crawl and her bones turn to ice. His face was a pale alabaster and his eyes were a snakelike garnet colour, that seemed to suck my soul with just one look. This man she realised with a jolt was Voldemort.
He then through Nadia away from Cedric where she landed with a thud near Harry, he looked at her sympathetically. Harry looked more dirty then before and his face and arm was covered in blood. Whatever had happened while Nadia was asleep, wasn't good.
"Now Miss bowmen, I would like to know where your father is!" Voldemort sneered his garnet eyes narrowing in a judicial way. Nadia stepped back in fear.
"My father? I don't know who my father is!" Nadia thought confusingly, why does Voldemort want my father? However, she didn't get to ponder long because she was hit with a spell that caused excruciating pain to shoot up her spin. She fell to the floor in a heap and withered and screamed in pain. It was the worst thing she had experienced in her life. Her insides were on fire and her brain bubbled like boiling lava. Then after a few more seconds it stopped.
"Liar! Where is he? I was told you are the only one who has the answer to where he is! Now tell me!" Nadia didn't know what Voldemort wanted with her father, but she simply couldn't help.
"I don't know! I don't even know who my father is?" Nadia pleaded, hoping that he wouldn't inflict the cruciatus curse on her again.
"You haven't figured it out yet! How dumb are you? I would tell you but I can't" he gave a malicious laugh making Nadia's insides bubble with fear.
"What are you going on about?" Nadia questioned, she was so close to answers, maybe Voldemort would let something slip.
"You really don't know nothing do you Miss Bowmen! Well you were born as a twin, yes you have a brother, I'm surprised you didn't figure that out since his at the same school as you!" I have a twin brother! Why did no one tell her! She couldn't think about it too much though she had to hear what else he had to say "But your stupid father decided to give you up, because every pureblood family knows that if they had 2 children one had to become a death eater. And because you were a girl he gave you up because women don't get a choice in being a death eater like a boy does. However, before you left he inflicted a curse on you. Your father has something I need, so he went into hiding and only gave the information of where to you. But only you can figure out who your father is, no one can tell you. Bit of a clever plan if you ask me but there are always loop-holes." The death eaters surrounding laughed with him but Nadia wasn't listening. She was a pureblood, she had a twin brother, Voldemort wanted something of my fathers and would probably kill him for it. So many things were running through her head that she didn't even know what to ask first.
"What do you want from me? I don't know my father he abandoned me! I can't help you and I won't." Nadia shouted back, she realised this was probably a dumb thing to say, he had already told her what he wanted from her, but she couldn't help him. She wouldn't help him. There's nothing she can do.
"Ohh I know you don't know who he is, but you're going to find out! I've got time but I won't wait around for long. However, if you don't help me I will kill everyone you care about! Ohh and I would start with that twin brother of yours." He sneered and then he waved his wand and the cruciatus curse hit her once again. The pain was even more excruciating then the first time and it didn't stop. The pain was getting to unbearable and she could feel herself drifting away.
Soon enough she had fallen into the darkness of unconsciousness.
