A/N:I can't believe I'm already on Chapter 10! Yay! I hope you all like it!
Sorry it took so long, but I wanted to get a few chapters written, so I
could post the story in intervals.
Disclaimer: Yeah, yeah, yeah, it all belongs to JKR.
Chapter Ten: Cedric Diggory
Harry sat happily down greeting Neville Longbottom who was trying to hold on to his toad Trevor. Sirius and Lupin had just made it and were chatting happily to each other at the teacher's table. They both seemed oblivious to the numerous stares that came from every direction. Most, excluding the Slytherins, were delighted to see Professor Lupin was back. He was easily the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher they ever had. They were also excited to see the man sitting next to him. Most had a pretty good idea who he was. The atmosphere was easily the best it had been since the end of last year as the news of Voldemort's return had finally been exposed. Most lived in fear during their summer vacations, rarely leaving the house. But you couldn't help but feel safe at Hogwarts. The large doors swung open once again and they saw familiar sight of Professor McGonagall leading in the first years. The tattered old sorting hat sat on its stool and Harry waited to hear its new song. The large tear began to sing.
"Once again it's time for me
To tell you where you ought to be
The houses four could be your home
So let your attributes be shown
Gryffindor and Hufflepuff
Slytherin and Ravenclaw
I can sort without a flaw
I'll sort you to where you belong
I have never yet been wrong
But to do not let your differences part
The friendships that could form in your hearts
Danger draws ever near
And it feeds on our darkest fears
Choose now to unite within our dear old school
And let us thwart the foolish fools
Who dare to destroy
The great things Hogwarts employs
It's time to sort you
Let us begin
But heed my warning once again
Unite together deep within"
Applause erupted and Harry just shook his head. It was obvious everyone was expecting another warning from the Sorting Hat. The message had remained the same, unite within. Professor McGonagall unrolled the long list of names.
"Andrew, Lana" A girl with long blonde hair stumbled forward and placed the hat on her head. It soon rang out "Ravenclaw" Harry's stomach rumbled eagerly. His mother's breakfast was long gone. The minutes ticked by, slowly.
"Griffin, David" The boy was sorted into Slytherin, and Harry turned to his friends.
"So, Lupin's back. Just look at Snape!" For the first time, Harry saw the Potions Master. His face was contorted in loathing as he saw Lupin and Sirius. Harry held back a laugh. Lupin had always been polite to Snape but Harry knew Sirius and Snape hated each other with a deep passion. He could only imagine what the two would do to each other.
"Zore, Tim" The last first year was sorted into Gryffindor, and Dumbledore stood up and smiled genially.
"Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few start of term announcements. Firstly to all new students, the Forbidden Forest is off bounds. Many of our older students should know that by now too." Harry and Ron exchanged glances. "Also, Professor Sinistra has relocated to America, and Professor Umbridge has been "removed" from her post. So I would like to welcome back Professor Lupin," the Hall erupted in tumultuous applause, "And also welcome our new Astronomy teacher, Professor Black." The Slytherins didn't applause, in fact they looked at Sirius coldly, but the cheers from the rest of the Hall was more than enough as Sirius stood up and bowed. Laughter filled the room. The students could all tell they would like their new Professor. "Thank you Professor Black," Dumbledore chuckled. "Now, let the feast begi..." A scream interrupted him and the Gray Lady flew into the room, looking quite scared. The teachers rose immediately from their seats. They didn't have to wait long to see what happened. The large doors were slowly pushed open and a ragged figure stumbled in. His pale gray eyes looked around, the blood running gently down his face. A boy staggered forward a few steps, collapsing onto the cold hard ground. It took a few moments for it all to sink in, the room finally filling with shrieks. Dumbledore raise his hands. The teachers rushed forward, the room falling silent again. "Take him to the hospital wing immediately. Mr. Potter, please follow me." Harry left Ron and Hermione behind, their faces lined with shock, tagging closely behind Sirius who was carrying the boy. The students began to murmur as the feast was interrupted. Not one of them had any idea what was going on. But Harry had a good idea. Someone else had gotten through the veil. And that was Cedric Diggory.
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"Is he going to be ok?" Cedric was lying on the hospital bed, his breathing slowly returning to normal.
"He'll be fine. We just have to wait till he wakes up," Dumbledore said matter of factly. "And that shouldn't be too long." Madame Pomfrey had healed the large gash that had been on his forehead, gently wiping away the dried blood that had trickled down his cheek. They waited for a few moments, and Cedric finally opened his eyes. As Harry saw them, he was transported back into the graveyard, Cedric's dead body and cold eyes filling his mind. Cedric jumped up, looking fit as a fiddle. He slapped Harry on the back.
"Nice to see you again Harry." He turned and saw Sirius. "And you too Sirius. Haven't seen you since you went all alive on us." He smiled brightly. The room filled with chuckles. "Professor Dumbledore, please, I really want to see my Mum and Dad. Please!" Harry saw the pleading in his eyes. He knew what Cedric was feeling. To miss your parents, to wand to see them with every fiber of your body.
"Of course Mr. Diggory," Dumbledore said gently, "We'll send word for them as fast as we can." He nodded to Professor McGonagall who rushed away. "It may take some time for them to arrive. Now please, would you tell us what happened?" Cedric ruffled his hair and bit his lip in thought.
"Well, I followed Mr. and Mrs. Potter, and Sirius. They walked out of this tall gold thing. Heard them on the other side, saying they were alive. So I walked through. They were gone, and tons of Death Eaters were swarming around. One of them spotted me. Cursed me like heck, but I got away. I was badly hurt and I stumbled upon a very nice witch who nursed me back to health. I finally left, but by the time I reached Hogwarts I was exhausted. Fell down, hit my head. I guess it knocked me out."
"That it did. Well Cedric, we are all pleased to have you back. I must go make an announcement to the school, then if you would like, you can stay here...."
"No, Professor Dumbledore, if it's ok with you, I'd like to go back to my common room."
"I understand. I'll send for you when it's ready. As for you Mr. Potter, I believe you should go to bed. It has been a long day." With that Dumbledore swept out of the room, most of the teachers following him. Sirius and Lupin waved goodbye, Sirius yelling, "See you later Ced," and made their way down the stone steps. Madame Pomfrey was still fussing over Cedric, and Harry feeling very worn out turned to leave too. But Cedric grabbed his hand. His voice became very serious, the smile replaced with a nervous look.
"Look Harry, I just wanted to say thank you. For bringing me back to my parents, for helping me in the graveyard and all. Thanks." Harry didn't know how to react at first, but he quickly recovered, and smiled.
"No problem." They both chuckled and Harry left the room, letting the door quietly click. He followed the towering stairs to the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Password?" Harry rubbed his temples and groaned. But before he could think of what to do she swung forward and Ron stepped out.
"Thanks."
"No problem Harry. I was coming out here to wait for you." They both walked into the common room, a dazzling warm fire in the hearth. Hermione was sitting in one of the chairs, the rest of the Gryffindors waiting for him anxiously.
"So?" said Dean Thomas.
"So what?"
"Is Diggory really alive?"
"Yes, he is."
"How?"
"Same way my parents and Sirius got out."
"Harry!"
"Fine, fine!" Harry told them minimum details about the veil and what Cedric had told them. Satisfied, everyone finally made there way up to the bedrooms. Harry, Ron, and Hermione stayed in the common room till the fire turned to ashes. When they went to bed, Harry felt Hedwig swoop down and land on his shoulder. He ruffled her feathers. She let out a sleepy hoot.
"Well, I've go something interesting to write Mum and Dad tomorrow don't I?" He fell on his bed and within minutes he was fast asleep.
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The next morning Harry could tell the Hufflepuff's had been up all last night celebrating. Cedric was with them and they all had dark circles under their eyes and sleepy smiles. Harry sat down and helped himself to a thick slice of bread. The sound of owls filled the Great Hall, announcing the arrival of the mail. Harry didn't expect to get anything, having just sent Hedwig out with his letter to his parents, but a beautiful owl with shiny golden feathers landed right in front of him, carrying a small package and a letter. Harry ripped open the letter and read.
Dear Harry,
We hope you had a nice trip back to Hogwarts. We got the clock home safely, but your dad nearly broke is toe trying to carry it into the house without magic. By the way, this is our owl, Morgiana. We call her Morgy. We bought her yesterday, having found our old owls are no longer alive. Keep us updated! Say hi to Remus and Sirius for us!
Love Forever, Mum and Dad.
He carefully untied the string on the package and found a few new pictures. They were pictures of the clock and his dad trying to get into the house. Harry laughed and began to tuck them carefully into his bag. He was planning on putting them in his picture book first chance he got. But someone came up behind him and grabbed them.
"What's this Potter?" Malfoy said maliciously. His pale eyes narrowed. "Look at these! Wittle Baby Potty needs his mommy to send him pictures from home. Look at your dad! His head looks like a mop!" Anger was boiling inside of Harry like never before. He leapt up and drew out his wand. Dean and Ron had to grab the ends of his robes. Malfoy's eyes flashed dangerously as he noticed someone approaching them. He threw the pictures on the table and turned to Harry. "See you later Potter." He laughed and walked away, Crabbe and Goyle following him. Cedric bumped into Malfoy as he walked by. "Watch it Diggory," Malfoy spit venomously.
"Whatever little boy," Cedric said coolly. He walked up to Harry shaking his head. "Slimy git," he murmured under his breath.
"Hey Cedric. How's it going?" Cedric took an apple from the table and bit into it.
"Good. Had tons of fun last night."
"You certainly look like you had fun," Ron said at Cedric's tired face.
"Guess we got a little carried away. Anyway, Dumbledore said my parents should be here soon. I've just been talking to Cho." Harry's face flushed as he looked down at Cho Chang, looking happier than he had ever seen her. He remembered all that had happened last year, including their kiss. Cedric seemed to notice.
"Don't worry about it Harry. I'm just glad she could find someone else to like. But I'm glad I'm back. I missed her a lot." He grinned sheepishly. Suddenly he turned around as the doors opened. A witch and a wizard stood in the doorway. Cedric gasped and began to run down the hall. Harry just heard him rasp "Mum...Dad!" The witch held open her arms and he rushed into them. She hugged him tightly, not letting him go. Amos Diggory laughed as he ruffled his son's hair, tears of joy running down his face. Mrs.Diggory wiped the tears away and Mr.Diggory held his Cedric close to him.
"Ced..." They stood laughing and hugging. Harry felt a rush of warmth run to his heart. He had known how horrible the Diggory's had felt at their son's death. The thought of his meeting with them at the end of his fourth year still brought pain to his mind. He wouldn't have to feel bad anymore. But his feelings were dampened as he saw Malfoy and the other Slytheirns snickering. He just couldn't wait to get Malfoy alone. The Diggory's left the room, and Harry looked up to the teacher's table. Dumbledore and the others were beaming. Even Snape didn't look as hateful. But Harry knew that wouldn't last long. The time clicked by and Professor McGonagall handed out the class schedules. Harry groaned as he saw they had Potions first thing in the morning with the Slytherins. That's just what he needed to start off the day. Snape and Malfoy in the same room. Morgy had flown off and Harry finished his sausages. He crammed his books in his bags, tucking the pictures delicately into his robes. He, as well as the other sixth year Gryffindors, began to head down into the damp cold dungeons.
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A/N: Sorry if this chapters a little short, but I didn't want to include the first day back in this chapter. I thought brining Cedric back would be a good idea, and we are defiantly going to see more of him and Cho. Also, I have a new story up called Numb, and I love it! Please read it and tell me what you think of it. It's one of my favorites. R&R, and thanks to all my wonderful reviewers. I've already past forty! Yeah!
Disclaimer: Yeah, yeah, yeah, it all belongs to JKR.
Chapter Ten: Cedric Diggory
Harry sat happily down greeting Neville Longbottom who was trying to hold on to his toad Trevor. Sirius and Lupin had just made it and were chatting happily to each other at the teacher's table. They both seemed oblivious to the numerous stares that came from every direction. Most, excluding the Slytherins, were delighted to see Professor Lupin was back. He was easily the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher they ever had. They were also excited to see the man sitting next to him. Most had a pretty good idea who he was. The atmosphere was easily the best it had been since the end of last year as the news of Voldemort's return had finally been exposed. Most lived in fear during their summer vacations, rarely leaving the house. But you couldn't help but feel safe at Hogwarts. The large doors swung open once again and they saw familiar sight of Professor McGonagall leading in the first years. The tattered old sorting hat sat on its stool and Harry waited to hear its new song. The large tear began to sing.
"Once again it's time for me
To tell you where you ought to be
The houses four could be your home
So let your attributes be shown
Gryffindor and Hufflepuff
Slytherin and Ravenclaw
I can sort without a flaw
I'll sort you to where you belong
I have never yet been wrong
But to do not let your differences part
The friendships that could form in your hearts
Danger draws ever near
And it feeds on our darkest fears
Choose now to unite within our dear old school
And let us thwart the foolish fools
Who dare to destroy
The great things Hogwarts employs
It's time to sort you
Let us begin
But heed my warning once again
Unite together deep within"
Applause erupted and Harry just shook his head. It was obvious everyone was expecting another warning from the Sorting Hat. The message had remained the same, unite within. Professor McGonagall unrolled the long list of names.
"Andrew, Lana" A girl with long blonde hair stumbled forward and placed the hat on her head. It soon rang out "Ravenclaw" Harry's stomach rumbled eagerly. His mother's breakfast was long gone. The minutes ticked by, slowly.
"Griffin, David" The boy was sorted into Slytherin, and Harry turned to his friends.
"So, Lupin's back. Just look at Snape!" For the first time, Harry saw the Potions Master. His face was contorted in loathing as he saw Lupin and Sirius. Harry held back a laugh. Lupin had always been polite to Snape but Harry knew Sirius and Snape hated each other with a deep passion. He could only imagine what the two would do to each other.
"Zore, Tim" The last first year was sorted into Gryffindor, and Dumbledore stood up and smiled genially.
"Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few start of term announcements. Firstly to all new students, the Forbidden Forest is off bounds. Many of our older students should know that by now too." Harry and Ron exchanged glances. "Also, Professor Sinistra has relocated to America, and Professor Umbridge has been "removed" from her post. So I would like to welcome back Professor Lupin," the Hall erupted in tumultuous applause, "And also welcome our new Astronomy teacher, Professor Black." The Slytherins didn't applause, in fact they looked at Sirius coldly, but the cheers from the rest of the Hall was more than enough as Sirius stood up and bowed. Laughter filled the room. The students could all tell they would like their new Professor. "Thank you Professor Black," Dumbledore chuckled. "Now, let the feast begi..." A scream interrupted him and the Gray Lady flew into the room, looking quite scared. The teachers rose immediately from their seats. They didn't have to wait long to see what happened. The large doors were slowly pushed open and a ragged figure stumbled in. His pale gray eyes looked around, the blood running gently down his face. A boy staggered forward a few steps, collapsing onto the cold hard ground. It took a few moments for it all to sink in, the room finally filling with shrieks. Dumbledore raise his hands. The teachers rushed forward, the room falling silent again. "Take him to the hospital wing immediately. Mr. Potter, please follow me." Harry left Ron and Hermione behind, their faces lined with shock, tagging closely behind Sirius who was carrying the boy. The students began to murmur as the feast was interrupted. Not one of them had any idea what was going on. But Harry had a good idea. Someone else had gotten through the veil. And that was Cedric Diggory.
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"Is he going to be ok?" Cedric was lying on the hospital bed, his breathing slowly returning to normal.
"He'll be fine. We just have to wait till he wakes up," Dumbledore said matter of factly. "And that shouldn't be too long." Madame Pomfrey had healed the large gash that had been on his forehead, gently wiping away the dried blood that had trickled down his cheek. They waited for a few moments, and Cedric finally opened his eyes. As Harry saw them, he was transported back into the graveyard, Cedric's dead body and cold eyes filling his mind. Cedric jumped up, looking fit as a fiddle. He slapped Harry on the back.
"Nice to see you again Harry." He turned and saw Sirius. "And you too Sirius. Haven't seen you since you went all alive on us." He smiled brightly. The room filled with chuckles. "Professor Dumbledore, please, I really want to see my Mum and Dad. Please!" Harry saw the pleading in his eyes. He knew what Cedric was feeling. To miss your parents, to wand to see them with every fiber of your body.
"Of course Mr. Diggory," Dumbledore said gently, "We'll send word for them as fast as we can." He nodded to Professor McGonagall who rushed away. "It may take some time for them to arrive. Now please, would you tell us what happened?" Cedric ruffled his hair and bit his lip in thought.
"Well, I followed Mr. and Mrs. Potter, and Sirius. They walked out of this tall gold thing. Heard them on the other side, saying they were alive. So I walked through. They were gone, and tons of Death Eaters were swarming around. One of them spotted me. Cursed me like heck, but I got away. I was badly hurt and I stumbled upon a very nice witch who nursed me back to health. I finally left, but by the time I reached Hogwarts I was exhausted. Fell down, hit my head. I guess it knocked me out."
"That it did. Well Cedric, we are all pleased to have you back. I must go make an announcement to the school, then if you would like, you can stay here...."
"No, Professor Dumbledore, if it's ok with you, I'd like to go back to my common room."
"I understand. I'll send for you when it's ready. As for you Mr. Potter, I believe you should go to bed. It has been a long day." With that Dumbledore swept out of the room, most of the teachers following him. Sirius and Lupin waved goodbye, Sirius yelling, "See you later Ced," and made their way down the stone steps. Madame Pomfrey was still fussing over Cedric, and Harry feeling very worn out turned to leave too. But Cedric grabbed his hand. His voice became very serious, the smile replaced with a nervous look.
"Look Harry, I just wanted to say thank you. For bringing me back to my parents, for helping me in the graveyard and all. Thanks." Harry didn't know how to react at first, but he quickly recovered, and smiled.
"No problem." They both chuckled and Harry left the room, letting the door quietly click. He followed the towering stairs to the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Password?" Harry rubbed his temples and groaned. But before he could think of what to do she swung forward and Ron stepped out.
"Thanks."
"No problem Harry. I was coming out here to wait for you." They both walked into the common room, a dazzling warm fire in the hearth. Hermione was sitting in one of the chairs, the rest of the Gryffindors waiting for him anxiously.
"So?" said Dean Thomas.
"So what?"
"Is Diggory really alive?"
"Yes, he is."
"How?"
"Same way my parents and Sirius got out."
"Harry!"
"Fine, fine!" Harry told them minimum details about the veil and what Cedric had told them. Satisfied, everyone finally made there way up to the bedrooms. Harry, Ron, and Hermione stayed in the common room till the fire turned to ashes. When they went to bed, Harry felt Hedwig swoop down and land on his shoulder. He ruffled her feathers. She let out a sleepy hoot.
"Well, I've go something interesting to write Mum and Dad tomorrow don't I?" He fell on his bed and within minutes he was fast asleep.
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The next morning Harry could tell the Hufflepuff's had been up all last night celebrating. Cedric was with them and they all had dark circles under their eyes and sleepy smiles. Harry sat down and helped himself to a thick slice of bread. The sound of owls filled the Great Hall, announcing the arrival of the mail. Harry didn't expect to get anything, having just sent Hedwig out with his letter to his parents, but a beautiful owl with shiny golden feathers landed right in front of him, carrying a small package and a letter. Harry ripped open the letter and read.
Dear Harry,
We hope you had a nice trip back to Hogwarts. We got the clock home safely, but your dad nearly broke is toe trying to carry it into the house without magic. By the way, this is our owl, Morgiana. We call her Morgy. We bought her yesterday, having found our old owls are no longer alive. Keep us updated! Say hi to Remus and Sirius for us!
Love Forever, Mum and Dad.
He carefully untied the string on the package and found a few new pictures. They were pictures of the clock and his dad trying to get into the house. Harry laughed and began to tuck them carefully into his bag. He was planning on putting them in his picture book first chance he got. But someone came up behind him and grabbed them.
"What's this Potter?" Malfoy said maliciously. His pale eyes narrowed. "Look at these! Wittle Baby Potty needs his mommy to send him pictures from home. Look at your dad! His head looks like a mop!" Anger was boiling inside of Harry like never before. He leapt up and drew out his wand. Dean and Ron had to grab the ends of his robes. Malfoy's eyes flashed dangerously as he noticed someone approaching them. He threw the pictures on the table and turned to Harry. "See you later Potter." He laughed and walked away, Crabbe and Goyle following him. Cedric bumped into Malfoy as he walked by. "Watch it Diggory," Malfoy spit venomously.
"Whatever little boy," Cedric said coolly. He walked up to Harry shaking his head. "Slimy git," he murmured under his breath.
"Hey Cedric. How's it going?" Cedric took an apple from the table and bit into it.
"Good. Had tons of fun last night."
"You certainly look like you had fun," Ron said at Cedric's tired face.
"Guess we got a little carried away. Anyway, Dumbledore said my parents should be here soon. I've just been talking to Cho." Harry's face flushed as he looked down at Cho Chang, looking happier than he had ever seen her. He remembered all that had happened last year, including their kiss. Cedric seemed to notice.
"Don't worry about it Harry. I'm just glad she could find someone else to like. But I'm glad I'm back. I missed her a lot." He grinned sheepishly. Suddenly he turned around as the doors opened. A witch and a wizard stood in the doorway. Cedric gasped and began to run down the hall. Harry just heard him rasp "Mum...Dad!" The witch held open her arms and he rushed into them. She hugged him tightly, not letting him go. Amos Diggory laughed as he ruffled his son's hair, tears of joy running down his face. Mrs.Diggory wiped the tears away and Mr.Diggory held his Cedric close to him.
"Ced..." They stood laughing and hugging. Harry felt a rush of warmth run to his heart. He had known how horrible the Diggory's had felt at their son's death. The thought of his meeting with them at the end of his fourth year still brought pain to his mind. He wouldn't have to feel bad anymore. But his feelings were dampened as he saw Malfoy and the other Slytheirns snickering. He just couldn't wait to get Malfoy alone. The Diggory's left the room, and Harry looked up to the teacher's table. Dumbledore and the others were beaming. Even Snape didn't look as hateful. But Harry knew that wouldn't last long. The time clicked by and Professor McGonagall handed out the class schedules. Harry groaned as he saw they had Potions first thing in the morning with the Slytherins. That's just what he needed to start off the day. Snape and Malfoy in the same room. Morgy had flown off and Harry finished his sausages. He crammed his books in his bags, tucking the pictures delicately into his robes. He, as well as the other sixth year Gryffindors, began to head down into the damp cold dungeons.
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A/N: Sorry if this chapters a little short, but I didn't want to include the first day back in this chapter. I thought brining Cedric back would be a good idea, and we are defiantly going to see more of him and Cho. Also, I have a new story up called Numb, and I love it! Please read it and tell me what you think of it. It's one of my favorites. R&R, and thanks to all my wonderful reviewers. I've already past forty! Yeah!