Disclaimer: I do not own anyone or anything from Harry Potter!

Cedric Diggory had been on edge since his girlfriend told him about the dream she'd had and the mention of Voldermort knowing something they did not. There had been something bugging him, but every time he thought he may have a grasp on it, the thought slipped away once more taunting him about being so close, but not close enough. It had actually started to annoy him greatly because he knew that he should know and yet the piece of information remained out of reach. Nothing like that had happened to him before. Usually if he needed to know something the answer came seconds later and yet this time was not turning out that way and it frustrated the former Hufflepuff student to no end.

The only thing he knew for sure was the fact it had something to do with the night Hermione had been attacked and he had performed the soul bonding spell. He tried thinking back to that and remembering every detail he possibly could. It had been dark, people were terrified, everyone was running in different directions in fear, and the smell of death filled the air. Cedric remembered searching frantically for his father, praying he wouldn't find them among the already dead and dying. He recalled hearing Harry scream for help before running in that direction and finding Hermione near death. Harry had said something about a man, he hadn't seen his face, but it must have been the man who cursed Hermione.

As if he had known it the entire time, the answer came rushing towards him. Cedric shot up in bed before quickly stumbling out and getting dressed as fast as he could before hurrying towards Dumbledores office. After reciting the right password after five failed attempts, the stairway appeared and the former Hufflepuff was standing in front of the headmaster who sat at his desk, a few seconds later.

"What if the spell used on Hermione wasn't meant to kill her?" The words came out in a rush as he tried to catch his breath. "We never found out who cursed her and I just realized that if it had been a death eater, Voldermort would know wouldn't he? Everyone just assumed it was a death eater because if I hadn't been there to use the counter curse she would've died. What if whoever did the spell knew I would be there? What if they wanted us to be bonded? Sir, what if we have an ally out there? Perhaps this witch or wizard knows something about the bond that we do not. Could it be possible that maybe we are somehow a threat to Voldermort?"

The headmaster of Hogwarts rubbed his beard in thought. "You may very well be on to something Mr. Diggory. Usually I pride myself on reading between the lines, yet it appears as if I missed them this time. We were all so concerned about making sure you and Ms. Granger were alright that we never stopped to think that if it was a death eater who cursed her, Voldermort would know about it. Do you have an idea of who this mystery person may be? It is not anyone in the order, of that I am sure."

"I have no idea yet sir." Cedric admitted with a sigh. "The only thing I know for sure is that whoever this witch or wizard may be, they do not want to make their identity public knowledge."

"You are right again." Dumbledore paused to think. "We need to get someone on the inside, someone to find out why Voldermort is worried about the bond. I would send someone in, but the person I have on the inside right now has other things to deal with. This may sound odd, but do you know of someone in Slytherin you could trust?"

One name immediately came to mind. "I might know of someone, though I am not sure they would be willing to compromise their safety by spying for us. I could talk to this person and let you know what they say. I would rather not tell you who it is until I have spoken to them. It is not my place to divulge such information without permission first."

The older male nodded in understanding. "Of course, I understand completely. I would suggest however, you speak to this person as soon as possible. I am sure you do not want to waste anymore time than necessary."

Cedric ran a hand through his hair. "I will talk to this person as soon as I can and if it is alright with you, I would like to tell Hermione what we talked about today."

Dumbledore stood up and walked the younger male to the door. "You can tell Ms. Granger the truth. I encourage it actually considering what happened the last time you tried to keep something from her. Besides, will your developing powers due to the bond, I doubt you could keep it a secret from her even if you wanted to do so. I also think Mr. Potter should be told as well since as you know, Voldermort has had a big impact on his life and with again in the future. I will see what I can find out, but if you think of anything or anything changes, you are to come to me immediately."

"Yes sir." Cedric replied before he left the office and headed off in search of Hermione or Ginny and after that he would search for an unlikely ally in Draco Malfoy.

The last person Cedric Diggory ever thought would be asking for help was Draco Malfoy, but sometimes you have to do bizarre and crazy things to protect those you care about and Cedric would befriend the devil himself if it meant Hermione would remain safe and sound. Nothing and no one would stand in his way.

TBC...

Please R&R like always!