-Remember Cedric-

For the record, much of this chapter is what is written in JKR's books because I feel Dumbledore's speech is important.

When Saira woke again, Legolas was still sitting next to her bed and it was night outside.
"Have you left at all?" she asked making him look up.
"Yes"
"There are only 2 days left of school right, and only two classes"
"Yes. Your Divination and Charms. I was curious though, do you still want to return with me to Mirkwood?"
"I want to go home"
"Saira, you can-"
"Let me finish. I want to go home to Mirkwood. I have lived in many places and no place has felt more like a home than that of Mirkwood. I refuse to go anywhere else."
A smile spread Legolas' face
"As you wish"
"Plus, I think Serenity thought of it as home"
"How do you know that?" He smiled faded slightly
"A feeling. I can feel her presence sometimes and I've seen parts of her life in my dreams. You should know that she loved you and still does"
How bowed his head as if to hide it feelings
"Thank you" he said
"Legolas, exactly how old are you? 500 some?"
His smiled returned
"Do you really want to know?"
"Yeah"
"Okay. I'm nearly 2,932"
Saira's eyes widened
"How old was Serenity?"
"2700"
"Wow"
Madam Pomfrey walked in. she examined Saira once again.
"Alright. Alls well. You're free to leave. You heal very quick Miss Trinity"
"Thanks" Saira slowly got up. Madam Pomfrey left and Saira and Legolas were once again alone. "So I take I that age doesn't really matter to elves?" Saira asked
"Not as such" Legolas answered watching Saira looked around.
"Your clothes are on the counter over there" he said knowing that's what she was searching for
"Thanks" She closed the curtain and changed. She emerged but was still very weak and had to lean on the bed to keep form falling. Legolas walked to her to provide support. "So fill me in. What's all happened?"
He lowered her into a chair and told her everything that had been going on
"Wow, Um, do I have classes right now?" Saira asked
"No. Defense Against the Dark Arts was canceled to the imposter. Lunch will start soon. I'm sure all your friends will be happy to see you out of a hospital bed," Legolas held out his arm Saira happily took.
Slowly they made their way to the Great Hall. All the elves were there but Harry Ron and Hermione weren't. Dmitri and Ita were very clingy and tried to do everything they could for Saira. Saira felt much like Harry had been. She preferred it when they didn't worry about her and just talked about their summer plans
"I'm going back to Rivendell for awhile then my father says I can go visit some friends," Liz said
"I'm debating where I want to go" Dmitri said
"I'm hopefully going home to Dorthonion" Ita said but his voice was unconvincing
Just then the bell rang
"Well I'm going to class," Aranel said jokingly
Dmitri and Ita kept trying to help Saira but she told them to go on ahead
"I don't want you to be late for class on my account. Anyway, I'd like to stall Divination as long as possible"
"Are you sure?" Ita asked
"Yeah, now go"
"Bye love" Dmitri kissed her quick on the cheek which returned before he ran to catch up with the others. Ita kissed her on the lips then ran. Saira wished Legolas hadn't seen it though.
"C'mon, I'll help you" he said
By the time Saira got up there, thirty minutes of class had gone by
"I'll wait for you out here" he said helping her up the stairs.
"Okay" The trap door closed behind her and almost immediately, Professor Trelawney was bidding her welcome. Saira spotted Harry and Ron at the table in the far corner. Her friends had the table next to it. She chose the seat nearest Harry
"Hey" Everyone said
"So, what cheap tricks is she pulling today?" Saira said trying to get Harry to talk
"We're choosing our favorite thing to do about Divination."
Saira started feeling a little dizzy from the heat of the room so she rested her head on her hands until it passed.
"You alright?" Dmitri asked
"Yeah, its just a bit hot in here" Dmitri got up and opened the window. Trelawney gasped as if he'd done something horrible.
"Child, what are you doing?" she cried slamming the window shut, "The clairvoyant energies will be disrupted.
"I don't care," he said and Trelawney was taken aback
"Excuse me"
"I.don't.care. I could care less about the energy in this room. I'm worried about my best friend." He yelled
She looked at Saira. "My dear, whatever is wrong?"
Saira lifted her head but Dmitri answered for her which she was grateful for"
"Professor she just left the hospital wing an hour ago"
Before Trelawney could respond, Saira fell over.
"Oh my goodness. Mr. Alone, help her back to the hospital wing immediately"
Without any effort Dmitri picked her up and carried her out. Legolas quickly ran up. Once the door was closed, Saira opened her eyes.
"Saira?" Dmitri said
"Stupid fraud. I'm bought ready to faint and she cant open a bloody window" She stood up
"I taught you well" he said, "That was brilliant" Even Legolas agreed.
"Not my finest hour but it will do."
The three of them waited for the bell to ring signaling the end of classes for the day. All their friends were the first out as usual then they all headed to the courtyard. It was the only place where they could get away from all the prying eyes of the other students.
Legolas left Saira to be with her friends but he pulled Dmitri back before he went in.
"Dmitri right?" he asked
"Yeah, and you're Legolas"
"Yes, well I know you're good friends with Saira"
"I really don't know what you're getting at mate"
"I really don't think she wants me around all the time but I need to know that she'll be ok--"
"Say no more. She's in good hands with me. I've kept her alive for plenty of years"
Legolas nodded and left. Dmitri walked in and joined the conversation that had gone back to summer plans. Saira and Harry sat by themselves listening.
"So Aranel, what are your plans for the summer?" Dmitri came in and lied across everyone. Ita and Dmitri were pretty good friends, but not that good. He and Liz pushed him off immediately. Hermione was so into her book she didn't really notice and Aranel just seemed used to it.
"I'm going back to Doriath. I've told you before"
"I'm forgetful. Hey, love, what about you?"
Saira seemed to stop daydreaming. "Oh, I'm well, I haven't decided," she said since Ita was in the room
The rest of the day was spent talking about useless things and playing pointless games. Liz ducked out early to go be with Voron. Saira decided to go talk to Legolas. Ita was acting very protective and every five minutes would ask if she was okay.
As she went on her own down the halls, she could hear Liz laughing. They passed in front and she could see Voron trying to kiss her as they walked and she wasn't putting up too much of a fight. Saira hid so she wouldn't bother them. After they left, Saira continued to Legolas', she felt as if someone was following her and was engulfed in fear until she realized whom it was.
"You're not as stealthy as you think" she said, "You never were Dmitri."
She was right. He and his blue hair emerged fm around the corner.
"Hey love"
"What are you doing?" she said feeling a little irritated
"Just admiring the lovely stone pillars. Nice and strong" he hit them making dust and dirt drop down forcing him to cough.
"You liar. I don't like it when you follow me. Just go"
"You know that wont work. You tried it before and it didn't work so what makes you think it will this time?"
"If it makes you feel better, I'm going to see Legolas. I'll be fine"
"He can't protect you from everything" he yelled. "I mean, you've been poisoned and knocked out on several occasions."
"Dmitri, listen to me. You and I have been through a lot. But I have always felt safe when I know you're near. Same with Legolas, but I cant be protected from everything if evil is hidden in trustworthy disguises. Also there are assassins, bounty hunters, and guilds after me. I can't go ten feet without some chance I'll get hurt. But I have a better chance if Legolas or you are around and knowing that will keep me safe. I can take care of myself too. Now please, just go"
He didn't argue because he knew he would not win but he did walk away half smiling. She went to Legolas' room and spent the rest of the night there until she had to go back. Being with him was very comfortable right now and that's what she wanted.

They didn't have any classes since it was the last day. It was a very lazy day for everyone. Saira spent most of it wandering around by herself now that she had her strength back. She knew that her friends were in the courtyard.
Every once in awhile she'd sense Dmitri coming to check on her but she didn't let it bother her. She had fun exploring all the rooms but started knocking before she went in after she caught Liz and Voron making out in the trophy room.
"Sorry, don't mind me. Please continue," she said closing the door and leaving. The halls were quite busy down certain corridors and Saira wanted some peace and quiet. She opened one door but when she opened it, it was not a normal classroom. It was a forest setting with a pool of clear water in the center. She wanted to venture inside but it was time for the Leaving Feast.
Usually the hall was covered in the colors of the house that won the Inter-house Championship, but now it was covered with black banners in honor of Cedric Diggory. Everyone took a seat and waited to Dumbledore to speak. Murmurs filled the halls but silenced when Dumbledore stood
"The end" he said looking around at everyone, "of another year."
He paused to look at the sad Hufflepuff table.
"There is much I would like to say tonight, but first I must acknowledge the loss of a very fine person who should be sitting here enjoying the feast with us. I would like you all, please, to stand and raise your glass to Cedric Diggory."
Everyone did. The scraping benches proved correct. They all raised their goblets and echoed, "Cedric Diggory" They all sat back down and allowed Dumbledore to continue
"Cedric was a person who exemplified many of the qualities that distinguish Hufflepuff house. He was a good and loyal friend, worked hard and valued fair play. His death has affected you all, whether you know him well or not. I think that you have the right therefore, to know exactly how it came about"
Harry and the group looked up at him.
"Cedric Diggory was murdered by Lord Voldemort"
Whispers exploded at and everyone stared at Dumbledore in shock, disbelief and horror. He looked quite calm though as he continued.
"The Minister of Magic does not wish me to tell you this. It is possible that some of your parents will be horrified that I have done so- either because they will not believe that Lord Voldemort has returned or because they think I should not tell you so, as young as you are. It is my belief, however, that the truth is preferable to lies and tat any attempt to pretend that Cedric died as the result of an accident or some sort of blunder of his own is an insult to his memory"
Now almost all faces stared stunned at Dumbledore. That is except Malfoy and his cronies. Saira was appalled and could sense anger rising in herself and Harry. He looked back at Dumbledore.
"There is somebody else who must be mentioned in connection with Cedric's death. I am talking of course, about Harry Potter"
A few people shot a quick glance at him before returning to Dumbledore.
"Harry Potter managed to escape Lord Voldemort. He risked his own life to return Cedric's body to Hogwarts. He showed, in every respect, the sort of bravery that few wizards have ever shown in facing Lord Voldemort and for this I honor him"
Dumbledore raised his goblet to Harry and nearly everyone followed suit. Many Slytherins stayed defiant and left their goblets untouched. When everyone sat down, he continued again.
"The Triwizard Tournament's aim was to further promote magical understanding. In the light of what's happened-of Lord Voldemort's return- such ties are more important than ever"
Dumbledore shot glances at the students from other schools and to Madame Maxime and Hagrid.
"Every guest in this hall will be welcomed back here any time they wish to come. I say to you all, once again-in the light of Lord Voldemort's return, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Lord Voldemort's fit for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it by showing equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and out hearts are open."
"It is my belief--and never have I so hoped that I am mistaken-that we are all facing dark and difficult times. Some of you in this Hall have already suffered directly at the hands of Lord Voldemort. Many of your families have been torn asunder. A week ago, a student was taken from midst."
"Remember Cedric. Remember if the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy, remember what happened to boy who was good and kind and brave, because he strayed across the path of Lord Voldemort. Remember Cedric Diggory"
Glasses were raised one last time. Saira could feel her eyes begin to water for now more than ever, she was afraid. Darkness was spreading to all the worlds and many innocent before it ended.

Go to Destiny's Heroes Part two to continue.