Hey...the new chappie is here. I tried to focus more on Cedric's emotions in this one, to illustrate the feelings he will experience in later chapters. Hope you enjoy. Dance, kiss, schmooze, read, review, go home happy, what do you say?

The next few days passed without much excitement, except for the fact that whispers were around every turn and filling every hall…whispers about the famous Triwizard Tournament…whispers about who would enter, who would win, who would die. Speculations and bets. Visions of glory and gore. The excitement for Thursday night became a palpable force felt by all members of the Hogwarts community. Even teachers could be heard discussing possible champions or inquiring to students on their submissions. As the formidable day loomed closer, Christianna noticed how Cedric became more and more anxious and edgy. She would often have to nudge him in class to wake him from whatever daydream he slipped into. She knew it had to be because of the Tournament, but she waited until he approached her to say anything about it.

Wednesday, to the dismay of everyone except Christianna, was cold and wet, with ominous clouds hovering in the gloomy sky. When she met George Weasley with a huge grin at breakfast, he glared at her.

"Why are you so bloody chipper this morning?" he grumbled.

"One, I have had my coffee, and two, I love the rain."

"Yeah, you and only you, babe," Fred put in, while piling his plate full of steaming buttermilk pancakes. Christianna just shrugged, took one last swig of her orange juice, and went to the library for her study hall.

Care of Magical Creatures was miserable today for any who went, due to the fact that it was always held outside, rain or shine. Today, they were studying water sprites; a specialty, considering they cannot usually be seen. They only venture out of their watery hovels when either no one is around to see them, or it rains. Christianna was enraptured with the beautiful and mystifying creatures. Cedric, on the other hand, was oblivious and distracted. This worried Christianna, but again, she was not the confrontational person. Her worries were short-lived, however. Once class was over, Christianna was met by a very nervous looking Cedric, who obviously wanted to speak his mind.

"Chrissy, we need to talk…" he began.

"I know. I've been wanting to talk to you all week, but I figured I would let you have your space until you were ready to." He stared at her for a moment, slightly taken-aback.

"Really? All week?"

"Well, not all week, considering it's only Wednesday. But yes, since Saturday." She blinked up at him, rain water dripping from her brunette hair.

"It's about the Tournament. I want to enter, but…."

"But you're afraid of having to face unknown dangers in front of the whole school, letting everyone down, and being known as the Boy Who Lost. Well, get over it. One, you're not going to loose. Two, everyone will be rooting for you…well…maybe not the Slytherins, but I sure as hell will be in the stands every task waving a huge banner that you can see, and when you do you will become so joyful that you will win with flying colors." She stopped for a breath.

"That was certainly a mouthful," he said, a smirk playing on his lips.

"And three," she continued through a grin, "is that even if you don't win, I will still be your friend. And I'm the best friend anyone can possibly have so why would you even want anything else." She gave him a sarcastic look. He just smiled, the nervous look in his eyes replaced by assurance.

"So you think I should go for it?" he asked, hesitantly.

"What do you think I've been telling you for the past ten minutes. Of course I want you to! And I know you will do wondrously." She put her hand on his shoulder and looked him in the eye. His steel gray ones still reflected a sense of uneasiness.

"Listen…you're my best friend, Ced. I have faith in that friendship. I have faith in you. And I know that Thursday night, your name will pop out of that goblet, that you'll kick ass, and that you'll go down in history as Hogwart's champion."

She gazed up into his eyes, and her heart skipped a beat at what she saw. In those eyes, she saw fear, doubt, frustration, sincerity, love, and passion. She felt her heart laugh, cry, cower, and stand tall. He was just as confused about what to do as she was about her dreams. But what she also saw reflecting back at her, was courage. An intense form of bravery. A deep determination. She smiled, despite the fact that she was suddenly weak at the knees.

"You're going to do fine…" she whispered at last.

"You think so?" he asked again, now just wanting the reassurance.

"I know so."

"Well then, let's go win this thing!"

Their laughter rang out loud and clear across the swampy grounds of Hogwarts. Cedric and Christianna ran across the lawn, splashing in the puddles, getting soaked to the bone, but both with broad smiles across their faces.

"I can't believe I'm actually going to do this!" he yelled over the torrential downpour.

"And why not Mr. Diggory…"

"I don't know." He paused for a moment. "Do you really think we can do this?"

Christianna stopped. Cedric, sensing that she was no longer with him, turned around to find her standing alone in the rain. She was certainly a sight. The rain fell down on both of them. Her rich brunette hair was now a matted mess of tangles, sticking to her face. The black school robes now hung heavy and drenched upon her curvy form. She stared at him with frustration on her face, and her bottom lip jutting out in a pout. He rolled his eyes and stalked over to her.

"What do you want now?" he sighed.

"I want you to get over yourself," she said exasperated.

"Don't you think that's harsh," he shouted over the rain.

"No. You can do this." The rain was like a shroud. It clouded the world around them, and it was as if they were all alone. The noise of the rain pressed in on all sides.

"How do you know?" he asked sincerely, leaning in close.

"Because I know you…" she said, almost whispering, but Cedric heard every word. She gave a small smile, and her warm eyes peered up into his. His mood softened, and he nodded.

"That's good enough for me."

The doors to the Great Hall burst open, and two drenched students ran in, both laughing. Cedric walked forward towards the glowing goblet, much to the applause of the Hogwarts students. He glanced back at Christianna and his friends, giving a weak smile. Looking forward towards the fateful cup, he swallowed, and stepped forward across the age line. He peered into the vibrant blue flames, reached up, and let his piece of parchment become consumed by the fire. Everyone cheered and congratulated, and a great swelling of pride arouse in his chest. Heartily laughing, he launched himself into his group of friends, where he was met with many words of encouragement and pats on the back. Through the throng, he found himself face to face with Christianna, who was beaming up at him.

"How was that?" he asked.

"Wondrous."