Marathon chapter here guys! I hope you enjoy! And I'm sorry it took so long, I've been busy!!
Chapter 4- Willa's Secret
Once in the common room, Cedric instructed the first years and Willa where everything was and how to get from place to place. The room was stunning, looking more like a medieval castle than a common room. Every time she looked around and then returned her eyes to Cedrics', they were always on her even though she was at the back of the group.
"Alright everyone, you are free to explore your rooms. You will find that your belongings have already been brought up."
The first years scurried every which way, parting to reveal all of Willa to Cedric. She smiled at him.
"Aren't you going to go check out your room? I believe you are rooming with Lucy. Her former roommate was expelled for using magic outside of school," Cedric informed her.
"Uh, no. I think I can wait. I like it down here," said Willa as she made her way over to the couch in front of the fire and sat down. Cedric followed her and sat down.
"So do you like it here so far?" he asked.
"I love it," Willa replied, turning to him.
"That's good. So, Willa Hardcastle, do you like Quidditch? That didn't come up at dinner."
"Yeah! I do! I'd have to say that Ireland is my favorite team."
"No way! Ireland is my favorite team too!" Cedric said, his eyes sparkling. "I actually went to the Quidditch World Cup this year."
Willa's mouth dropped. "No way! You were there through all that Dark Mark stuff?"
"Unfortunately yes. It was a shambles there. Quite scary actually."
"Well thank goodness you're alright," Willa said sincerely.
The two talked on for hours about everything from the tournament to Hogsmeade. They talked so long that both of felt like they had known each other for years rather than a few hours. Willa loved everything about how Cedric talked. He sounded so intelligent, so smooth, so caring. The sound wrapped around her like soft velvet. In a break in conversation, Willa looked at the grandfather clock next to the fireplace and her mouth dropped and she sprang off the couch.
"Oh my god! Cedric, it's two in the morning! We have to get to bed. We have classes tomorrow!"
"Geeze," Cedric murmured getting up off the couch.
"Well," he said with a sigh, "That was a nice long chat we had."
"Yes it was," Willa said in accord. "I really enjoyed it."
"So did I."
"We better get to sleep," Willa said, trying to steady the pulse of her heart. The two then made their way up the staircase and when they go to the top of the staircase turned to each other. It was silent for a moment before Cedric broke it.
"Well… g'night then," Cedric said quietly, almost a whisper.
"Night."
As Cedric lay in bed that night, all he could think about was Willa. Could he really be feeling this way for a girl he barely knew? He was still sort of dating Cho, he couldn't like another girl. But then again, he had never felt like this around Cho or any other girl before. It was a strange new feeling for Cedric and he wasn't quite sure what to do with it. Little did he know that in the opposite corridor of the Hufflepuff room wing, Willa was feeling the exact same thing.
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The following morning, Willa awoke on time but to the sound of Lucy singing to herself as she brushed her long brown hair. Willa stretched, got out of bed and immediately put on her school robes before Lucy got out of the bathroom. Right as she finished, Lucy emerged from the bathroom and when she saw Willa her eyes grew wide.
"Oh...my...God!" She said. "Willa, where were you last night for all that time? I heard you come in around 2 o'clock." Willa merely smiled and made her way into the bathroom. The conversation continued from Willa in the bathroom to Lucy in the room.
"I was just in the common room. Cedric and I were just talking for a long time. That's all."
"Shut up! You were with Ced that entire time?"
"Yeah…oh he's such a brilliant person, Lucy. Positively brilliant."
Lucy smirked. "I think he fancies you," she said matter-of-factly.
Willa froze with her toothbrush in her mouth and looked out at Lucy who was sitting on her bed, arms crossed in front of her with a smirk on her face. Willa turned back to the mirror in the bathroom.
"Oh don't be absurd, Lucy. We barely know each other."
"Not anymore you don't."
Willa paused and stared at Lucy.
"Well I don't believe you," she said curtly and went back to brushing.
"Oh come on, Willa. It's as plain on the nose on your face. You should have seen the way he was looking at you last night at dinner."
"That doesn't mean anything," Willa yelled from the bathroom.
"Are you joking? Of course it does. He doesn't look at Cho that way. Ever."
Willa didn't say anything and continued primping in front of the mirror. When she was finished she walked out of the bathroom and grabbed her robe. Lucy hadn't moved from her place on the bed.
"Well what are you waiting for? C'mon we have to get to breakfast!" Willa said to her. Lucy didn't move.
"Not until you admit that you like him."
Willa stared at her. She couldn't believe her new friend's gall. But deep inside of her, Willa knew that she definitely like Cedric even if she had just met him. For now, she could just admit it was a crush though, right? It wasn't like she was completely in love with him…yet. Willa knew that Lucy was dead serious though so she really had no choice.
"Alright. Fine. I happen to think that Cedric Diggory is a very fine young man."
Lucy smiled wickedly. "I knew it."
"Now can we please go?" Willa pleaded.
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Breakfast in the Grand Hall was an extravagant affair, as was every meal and function was that took place there. The food was delicious and Willa tried every option that was on the table. Chatter came from every table as students prepared for there first class of the school year. Cedric was seated across from Willa but a tad to the left of her across from Ben. When she and Lucy had arrived he had greeted her with a smile and "good morning" to her delight. He hadn't completely forgotten about her.
Lucy and Ben headed off to class before Cedric and Willa. Willa knew Lucy was just trying to get her and Cedric alone which was completely fine with her. After the two had finished eating the two left the Grand Hall and Cedric led the way.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked her.
"I slept fine. And yourself?"
"Fine." This was awkward. Thankfully they had already reached the classroom. It wasn't too far from the Hall. They entered and found a table to sit at sort of near Lucy and Ben. Willa looked about and discovered that the room was more bizarre than frightening. There were bottles of strange substances everywhere and cauldrons that steamed thick mists. As she turned her head back to the front of the classroom, she caught her first glimpse of Professor Snape. A severe looking man, tall, pale with black hair down to about his chin. He was wearing all black clothing and gazed at the class.
"Good morning students," he said in a monotone voice that Willa already knew she was going to dread hearing every day.
"I believe we have a new student to our class?" he asked slowly. "Miss Hardcastle, I presume?"
Snape looked at the girl with the wavy red hair sitting next to Cedric Diggory. Willa instantly felt uncomfortable and moved in her seat awkwardly. Cedric elbowed her to remind her that she needed to answer him.
"Yes sir."
"So I thought. Tell me, Miss Hardcastle, are you happy to be here at Hogwarts?"
Willa looked around at the faces in the room. All stared back at her. Lucy looked worried and then she looked at Cedric who looked confused, giving a shrug.
"Umm, yes, of…course, sir. Why shouldn't I be?"
Snape stared at her a moment and then a slight smile slowly appeared on his face.
"Very well. Welcome to Hogwarts, Miss Hardcastle." The way he said it was eerie, like he knew something was going to happen to her. He continued his glare towards her and she returned it until they were all interrupted by the opening of the classroom door.
"Professor Snape?" The voice belonged to that of Professor McGonagall.
"Yes Madame?"
"Professor Dumbledore would like to see Miss Hardcastle for a moment."
All heads turned to Willa once again. It was only her first class and already she was in trouble. She glanced to Snape.
"Absolutely," Snape replied. He motioned for her to join the Professor at the door. Willa rose and walked to the door. Professor McGonagall then walked quickly away, Willa following closely behind.
"Don't worry my dear, you aren't in trouble. Professor Dumbledore would just like to have a word with you."
"Alright," Willa replied nervously, still trying to keep up with Professor McGonagall. When they reached the Headmaster's quarters the two went through a magnificent door and then Willa found herself in an elaborately decorated room. It was filled with books and magical objects, some that she had never seen in her life before. Dumbledore himself was sitting at his desk directly before the two women, quill in hand, and writing upon a piece of parchment.
"Albus," Professor McGonagall said, calling Dumbledore's attention away from whatever he was writing and bringing it to the young girl before him.
"Ah! Miss Hardcastle," he said, rising from his chair and coming down to greet her.
"Hello sir."
"How are you enjoying Hogwarts so far, my dear?"
"Oh it's wonderful, Professor, I love it," she replied.
"Good, good, and your parents. Are they well?"
"Yes, they are both doing well," Willa said with a smile.
"That's excellent. Now we should probably talk about what I really summoned you down here for." He paused slightly and then began again.
"Since your brother's tragic death you have, unfortunately been exposed to the dangers of Lord Voldemort more so than anyone else. Seeing as how Hogwarts now has two students with this connection, yourself and Mr. Potter, the safety and well-being of the students and faculty members now is more at risk than before. That being said, you and your parents have done a excellent job of keeping this tragedy a secret from anyone but yourselves. We feel it best that you continue to keep this a secret to yourself here at Hogwarts. You must tell no one, Willa as to not cause alarm among these halls. Especially during a exciting yet dangerous time like this. Is that understood, Miss Hardcastle?"
Willa gulped and nodded. "Yes sir."
"Good girl. Now get back to class, my dear. You don't want to be missing anything important."
"Of course not Professor, thank you." Willa turned and exited the room and made her way back to Snape's class. Boy did that make her feel a lot better about being here. What would she do if he had decided to come after her? Maybe not to take her life, but to take something dear to her away from her. Opening the classroom door, she slid quietly back into class, closing the door behind her. As she entered she heard the students move in their seats to look back at her. She immediately looked at Cedric , his brow furrowed like he was concerned.
"Pay no attention to Miss Hardcastle, please," Snape said drawing the attention away from her and back to him. Willa soon found her seat next to Cedric and sat down.
"What was that all about?" he whispered while keeping his eyes on Snape. His comforting voice sent a tingle down her spine.
"It was nothing," she whispered back.
The next couple of periods flew by. Cedric was always there to guide her or give helpful tips and hints about professors and classes. She very much enjoyed his company for it was nice not feeling lost and being alone on her first day like she had fully expected.
Her fourth period class however, was Herbology which Cedric was not in with her. Even so, he showed her the way to class so she wouldn't get lost. Willa thanked him, waved goodbye, and entered the classroom.
It was like a green house, the classroom, filled with shrubs and plants. It was also humid and most of the students have taken off their robes once inside. Willa found a seat at an empty lab table and set up her books in front of her. As everyone filed in, the seats grew scarcer and the last student to enter arrived at Willa's table. He was a somewhat tall, skinny boy with a head full of dark longish curls. Nothing like Cedric's shiny, smooth thick locks. This boy had a friendly smile and electrifying blue eyes.
"Excuse me," he said softly. "But is anyone sitting there?"
Willa looked at the chair and then back to the boy.
"No, go ahead."
"You're the new sixth year right?"
"Yeah, that's me. I'm Willa."
"Phil Peterson. Ravenclaw." He held out his hand for a shake. Willa excepted it with a smile. He seemed nice. Quiet, but nice. And that was to be expected when one didn't know someone. But even though she enjoyed his company, she missed Cedric. That was to be expected also. As the class ended, Phil stood up and turned to Willa. He wasn't too much taller than her.
"So listen, maybe we could set up a time once or twice a week to study together. That way we'll be up to date and one step ahead of the game for class work."
Willa smiled. "That sounds nice. I'd like that."
"Alright," Phil said nodding. Then he turned to look at the door and found Cedric Diggory staring back at him. An emotionless look on his face.
"Is that Cedric Diggory?" he asked Willa. She looked at Cedric and smiled.
"Oh, yeah it is. He's just being nice and helping me around school. But I've got to run. I'll talk to you later, Phil." Willa pranced over to Cedric and waved once more to Phil and left. Once outside the classroom, Cedric asked Willa in a low voice without looking at her,
"Who was he?" He sounded almost jealous.
"Oh, his name is Phil Peterson, from Ravenclaw. He's just my lab partner. Why?"
"No reason." Willa could definitely tell his mood had changed from the tone of his voice.
Willa was relieved when the day's classes were over, but not when at dinner Cedric had decided to sit with Cho. Willa could see the two all through dinner from where she sat. He would nod his head, occasionally laugh, say a few words, while Cho seemed like she was constantly talking. However much Willa wanted to dislike Cho, there was something about her that seemed sweet and kind. She just couldn't find a way to actually hate her. Cedric then looked over and his eyes met Willa's she looked away embarrassed. She then set her focus on someone else. The fourth year, Harry Potter who she noticed was looking at Cho. Could he fancy her?
"Willa." Lucy had knocked her out of her thoughts with a stern voice.
"Hm?"
"You're not paying attention at all are you?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. I was just sidetracked for a moment."
"We want to know what happened today in Snape's class!"
"Oh that? It was nothing. Dumbledore was just greeting me personally that's all," Willa lied.
"That's weird," Ben said.
After that, Willa left dinner and went to her room in the Hufflepuff Tower. She didn't want to watch Cedric and Cho flirt anymore or listen to Lucy confer with Ben about her nail polish color. Once in her room, she put on her loungewear, an off white loose shirt and yoga pants, then sat at her desk and began to pen a letter to her parents,
"Dear Mum and Dad,
Hogwarts is extraordinary! It's everything I thought it would be and more. I'm in Hufflepuff house. I can't seem to recall which house you two were in. Sorry! I'm lucky to have met my new friends Lucy, Ben and Cedric Diggory. Perhaps you've heard of the Diggorys dad? I'm told that his father has a very important job at the Ministry.
The classes are great. My favorite by far is Transfiguration; (though you've probably already guessed that ha-ha) Professor McGonagall is very informative and kind. I also-"
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knocking on her open door. She turned to find Cedric leaning against the frame of the door looking as handsome as ever with a crooked grin on his face. He looked nice out of his robes. He was wearing khaki pants and red sweater with a white shirt underneath. His hair was just as soft looking as ever and a little piece fell onto his forehead. She put her quill down and turned to face him in her chair.
"I don't think boys are supposed to be up here," she said jokily.
"Well then, I'm terribly sorry I intruded. I guess I'll just go study or something."
"No!" Willa cried and giggled. Cedric then poked his head back into the room. She smiled at him and motioned to him.
"Come in."
He did so. "Writing a letter?" he asked.
"Yeah. To my parents. They'll be anxious to hear about all of this."
"Very true. Hey listen, can I ask you something?"
"Sure go ahead." The two sat down on her bed.
"Well, I think I'm going to enter the tournament."
The minute he said that, Willa's heart sank. The tournament was dangerous, Dumbledore said it himself! She didn't want him to get hurt if he got chosen. Bad things could happen to him. Ugh, this just complicated things.
"Cedric, that game is dangerous. You could die."
"I know, but if I don't then I get to have eternal glory. Eternal glory, Willa. Doesn't that sound amazing to you?"
She stared at him. Was eternal glory more important than his own life? She was actually quite surprised at his view on the subject. However, she saw the look in his eyes; filled with passion, excitement and hope. Somehow looking into them made her feel a lot better.
"You really think you can do this?" she asked him.
"Yeah, I do."
She sighed. "Then I believe you can do it."
Cedric broke into a huge grin that made Willa melt on the inside.
"Brilliant!" he said pulling Willa into an unexpected hug. Even though she was surprised by it, she enjoyed every minute of it. He eventually let go of her, after realizing it was a tad bit awkward.
"So, uh, will you come with me to put my name in tomorrow after class?" he asked her.
"Of course. There will be a lot of other people there though after you tell everyone about this," she said.
"Oh, yeah of course but I was just making sure."
"Okay."
"Well, uh, I guess I'll let you finish that letter. I'll see you tomorrow, Willa," Cedric said putting up his open hand and back up towards her door.
"Night, Cedric," she called to him.
Once he was gone, she returned to the desk and sat down. Willa just couldn't seem to concentrate anymore on the letter so she quickly finished it and sent Lore off with it. Then she brushed her teeth and went to bed anxious for the next day to come.
Whew! Time to review!
-TheatrePirate