Hey, sorry for the lack of updates. And that its a short chapter. I've just been...preoccupied lately. Beggin your pardon. Hope you enjoy...

Christianna quickly made her way across the large green expanse of the Hogwarts grounds. Her eyes were laced with confusion and fear, and her face was strained. She was deep in thought about what Dumbledore had said concerning her visions, and the strength she would need.

I don't have that strength. I never had it. What if I never find it? What then? Why are these dreams coming back now? What is going to happen to me?

Closing her eyes, she sat against the old willow tree, and took in the day's peace, trying to settle her racing mind. Footsteps drew near. She opened her eyes to see Cedric standing over her. A smile spread across her face.

"Having fun, are we?" he teased.

"Well I was before you came along," she teased back. He sat down next to her. She could feel the warmth of his hand near hers, making her heart skip a beat. She pushed the frivolous thought away.

"You seem quiet." he said after a while.

"Just thinking. Having those dreams over the summer has not exactly given me the warm fuzzies," she said, while throwing pieces of bread into the lake. They both watched as a single tentacle reached up out of the murky depths and snatched it up.

"What is up with you and the dreams?" he asked.

"I didn't really know what to make of them. They are few and far between…but when I have them…they are of the most dark and sinister nature. It frightens me. And having them now, with what happened at the World Cup, and now the Tournament…I have this bad feeling…" she said, a frown on her face, still staring out across the water.

"Well, if you ever need anyone to talk to, you know you can trust me, right?" he said, cupping her chin and making her face him. He stared at her while a small smile crept across his full lips.

"Yes, and I do, I just need time. I'll eventually make sense of all of it. But for now, let's just enjoy this last day of freedom…" she said, smiling again.

"Now there's the Chris I know, and I agree. Today is too good of a day to pass up." Any worries she had were soon banished away by Cedric's smile.

-----

The one thing that Christianna looked forward to most was her new Care of Magical Creatures class. When the day finally arrived, it took everything to keep from running down the green to Hagrid's hut. As she approached, a light reflecting off of a window on Hagrid's hut hit her squarely in the face. Christianna was nearly blinded, but through the luminosity, she heard a voice...

"And the Hogwarts' champion is…Cedric Diggory…" Christianna stumbled and fell to the ground.

"Chris, are you alright?" said Cedric from above. She lifted her head off the grass.

"I'm fine, just tripped over a rut. You know how clumsy I can get," she said through a laugh. Cedric smiled, and walked next to her in silence, simply enjoying her company.

What the hell was that? she asked herself. First I see the future, now I hear it? Does this mean Cedric will be in the Triwizard Tournament?

Hagrid's booming voice broke Christianna from her musings.

"Welc'm to Care of Magical Creatures, Year 6. I've got loads of great things planned for yer lot this year. But firs', today you all are going to sep'rate into partners, and then come on over here and pick out a bowtruckle. I'll want a detailed drawin' of one before the end of the class."

Christianna began to look around, wondering on who to be partners with, and secretly wishing it was Cedric again. Sure enough, after spinning around full circle, she came face to face with none other than Cedric.

"Christianna, will you be my partner?" he asked, getting down on one knee. This made Christianna giggle.

"Why yes, Cedric Diggory, I will be your partner."

"Wonderful, now let's go and pick out one of those bowtruckles." Cedric took her hand, and together they made their way over to a cage, which housed the little creatures. A number of people were ahead of them, so they had to wait in line. Cedric stood next to her, close enough that Chris could feel the heat from his body against hers. She imagined what it would feel like to have that body pressed against hers, to have his hot breath down her neck, to taste his sweet lips….Snap out of it! she yelled at herself. She glanced over at Cedric, who seemed to be lost in his own thoughts. I wonder what he's thinking about that's got him so concentrated…

Once everyone had their own bowtruckle, each group got to work on their diagrams. Cedric and Christianna worked quietly side by side underneath a giant maple tree. The light from the noonday sun fell broken through the leaves, casting a warm glow on the two friends. Glancing up, Christianna studied Cedric. He was bent over his sheet of parchment, clearly focusing on his work, and his gray eyes shone with determination. His broad shoulders framed a strong body. She could remember what it was like to be held by him, and to feel those warm hands upon her own.

A call of a nearby bird broke Christianna from her "studies". She returned to her assignment. However, the silence soon became pressing, and she longed to break it.

"Hey Ced…are you thinking of entering the Tournament?" she asked, peering over the edge of her parchment. He looked up at her.

"Well…yeah…I was thinking about it. Why, are you going to?"

"I can't. My birthday isn't for another month. But that's awesome that you're going to."

"It's scary though. The tasks are supposed to test you in the most brutal way, they're almost cruel…" he said, his voice hinting at fear. Christianna reached over and took his hand.

"You know you can always trust me," she said, looking deep into his eyes.

"Yes…I know," he said, smiling shyly. A loud gong signaled the end of class. All the students turned in their diagrams, packed up their things, and headed back to school.

"So, when are you going to do it?" Christianna asked Cedric.

"I don't know…but I will."

"And I'll be next to you all the way," said Christianna assuringly.

"I was hoping you'd said that," he said as he wrapped one arm around her shoulder.

How do you like them apples? That's right! Reviews and/or suggestions are welcome...