Lumièrè || C. Diggory

NINE

In the past few days, Aurelia's time at Hogwarts had been absolutely delightful. She had made wonderful new friends, excelled in her studies with amazing grades, and had a plethora of exciting new experiences. With her birthday approaching rapidly and the selection of contestants for the upcoming Triwizard Tournament underway, she made a decision to visit the enchanted cup before it vanished from sight.

Burnette called urgently, "Aurelia, come quickly!" Her anxious tone made Aurelia uneasy.

"Que se passe-t-il, Burnette," The girl asked while trying to catch up with the cheetah-fast girl. Burnette Lacroix would always get reprimanded by Madam Maxine for roaming the halls fast, and clumsily.

"It's Fleur and Cedric, They're putting their names into the Goblet of Fire!" 

Aurelia knew both of them were going to enter, but she didn't expect them to do so in such a rush. It was just like yesterday they had just arrived at the prestigious School, and now in what felt like the blink of an eye, her best friends were joining the Tournament.

"What if they get hurt," Aurelia asked while racing down the corridors, Her voice laced with concern, and worry.

"Let's hurry! We must get to her," Burnette exclaimed, clutching Aurelia's hand and swiftly pulling her to catch up with her.

The two Beauxbatons students rushed down the corridor toward the grand dining hall, nearly colliding with several other students along the path.

Aurelia felt her heart skip a beat, a surge of panic rushing through her veins as her eyes widened in shock. Before her, a scene unfolded that sent her mind into turmoil - a gathering of multiple girls encircling Fleur. The realization hit her like a tidal wave; she had arrived too late to intervene, unable to prevent Fleur from plunging headlong into the dangerous trials of the Triwizard Tournament.

"Aurelia Colette!" The voice carrying a distinct French accent resonated through the spacious room, echoing its familiarity. Aurelia immediately recognized it as Fleur's, a person she was well acquainted with, yet she found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions and preferred not to engage in conversation with her at that particular moment.

Aurelia stood at the entrance, a dark and cold aura lingering around her figure, A glimpse of hurt was evident on the French girl's face. She knew she was looking forward to putting her name in, but she told Aurelia that she would be there to witness it.

"Oh ne sois pas comme ça ma chérie!" Aurelia didn't budge but instead stood there with a pout portrayed on her face, Others in the Great Hall all shared a look of anticipation, wondering what the girl would do. What they wouldn't expect was for Aurelia to run and jump into the girl's arm.

"You better not get yourself killed, Delacour." Aurelia said with the same tone a mother who was scolding a child, would use.

As she escaped the Hug she saw a familiar figure in the far end of the room, surrounded by Yellow and black colored robes. She knew exactly who the person was, Cedric Diggory. The two had gotten closer over the couple weeks, they would help each other in their free class and stole glances at each other every chance they got.

Cedric confidently played with a slip of parchment, the name he intended to submit to the Goblet of Fire, as he observed Aurelia from across the hall. She was talking and laughing with her fellow Beauxbatons students, and he couldn't help but feel drawn back to her.

Aurelia eventually caught Cedric's gaze and offered him a warm smile. Curiosity and an unexplainable desire urged Cedric to approach her. He took a deep breath and made his way over, holding the slip of parchment tightly in his hand.

"Hey, Cedric, What's on your mind?" Aurelia greeted him with a musical voice.

"Nothing, Just came over here to say hi," Cedric replied, trying to suppress his nervousness.

"I couldn't help but notice you've been looking over here quite a bit," she teased, her eyes sparkling playfully.

Cedric's cheeks flushed slightly, but he managed a big smile. "Guilty as charged, Darling. I just couldn't take my eyes off you."

Aurelia chuckled softly, her smile growing wider. "Well, that's quite flattering. So, are you excited about the tournament, I knew you were going to enter, but not so soon,"

"Excited and nervous, to be honest," Cedric admitted. "But I've got a feeling that everything will work out in the end."

Aurelia's eyes softened as she studied Cedric. "I believe you'll do great, Cedric. I may not be able to help you during the task, but I can help you prepare for them."

Cedric felt a surge of warmth in his chest at her words. "Thank you, Darling. I'm gonna need the help of a Beautiful Beauxbaton girl, Dior I think is her name."

Just as Cedric was about to gather the courage to mention the Goblet of Fire, a hush fell over the Great Hall as Professor Dumbledore approached the Goblet, ready to accept the names of the champions.

"Are you going to put your name in?" Aurelia asked, looking genuinely curious.

Cedric hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, I am. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I can't let it pass by."

Aurelia gently caressed Cedric's arm, causing a jolt of electricity to shoot through him. "Then I wish you the best of luck, Cedric," she said sincerely.

"Thank you, darling," Cedric replied, his heart pounding in his chest. "And... before I do it, I have something I want to do."

With a mixture of courage and uncertainty, Cedric leaned in and kissed Aurelia on the cheek. Her cheeks turned a faint shade of pink as she blinked in surprise.

"I hope that brings me a bit of luck," Cedric said with a shy smile.

Aurelia's smile grew, and she placed a gentle hand on her cheek, where Cedric's lips had touched. "I think it just might," she said, her voice soft and tender.

As Cedric turned to submit his name to the Goblet of Fire, he couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of confidence. Whether it was the fateful kiss or Aurelia's kind words, he knew that this year's Triwizard Tournament would be an unforgettable journey.