In Another Life || Cedric Diggory

15. Hakuna Matata

||Cedric's P.O.V.||

"Why would they choose to have you save her, Cedric?" Cho asked for the umpteenth time.

I ran a hand through my hair, my shoulders slumping forward. I was still reeling from the challenge that took place less than six hours ago, and all Cho wanted to do was argue. I was feeling mentally exhausted. To be honest, I just wanted to stuff my face and take a nice, long nap.

"I don't know, Cho. Maybe because she's been my best friend for six years?" I tried explaining to her once again, hoping to get through to her.

My answer still didn't satisfy her. "But I'm your girlfriend."

"Yes, you are," I breathed out, leaning against the brick wall in the courtyard.

She scowled, her dark brown eyes sparking with anger. "They had Krum rescue Granger and they aren't even dating," she commented, her scowl deepening. "So, why would they choose Kingsley over me?"

My brows knitted together. A heavy sigh escaped my chest as I asked, "Cho. You're seriously upset that it wasn't your life in danger?"

She folded her arms over her chest and jutted her chin. "You're not hearing what I'm saying."

"Pretty sure I am," I mumbled as I rubbed my jaw.

"I'm upset because clearly they think you care more about her than me," she admitted.

When her lower lip trembled, I melted. "Cho," I breathed out, reaching for her. "You know that's not true."

"Isn't it?" Her voice sounded cold, but I could see in her eyes how hurt she actually was.

I took her hands in mine and peppered them with kisses. "Of course not." I gently pried apart her clenched fist and kissed her palm. "You have my heart in the palm of your hands. It's yours and only yours."

Her hardened expression softened, a sensual smile flitting to her lips that stole my breath.

"Show me," she whispered, throwing her arms around my neck.

I wasted no time in crashing my lips against hers, pouring my heart out to her in a passionate kiss that led to much much more.

***

||Elliana's P.O.V.||

Moody's Defense Against the Dark Arts class was getting harder than ever. I was nestled between Cedric and Natalie when Professor Moody announced that he would be casting the Imperius Curse on each of us, to demonstrate its power and to see whether we could resist its effects.

"But-But you said it's illegal, Professor," Natalie spoke up as Moody cleared away the desks with a sweep of his wand, leaving a large clear space in the middle of the room. "You said-to use it against another human was-"

"Dumbledore wants you taught what it feels like," said Moody, his magical eye swiveling onto Natalie and fixing her with an eerie, unblinking stare.

Cedric and I exchanged a wary glance, his brows furrowing together in worry before he subconsciously scooted closer to me and draped his arm over the back of my chair. My heart somehow managed to warm at the gesture despite the circumstances.

Moody frowned at Natalie before saying, "If you'd rather learn the hard way-when someone's putting it on you so they can control you completely-fine by me. You're excused. Off you go."

He pointed one gnarled finger toward the door. I watched as Natalie blushed and mumbled something about not meaning that she wanted to leave.

I was a bundle of nerves as Moody began to beckon students forward in turn and put the Imperius curse upon them. It was the strangest thing to see. We shared DADA class with the Slytherins and Connor Reining wasted no time in volunteering himself to go first, much to my surprise. When Moody had him imitate a squirrel, I couldn't help but laugh. The sight calmed my nerves a bit.

"Diggory." When Moody said his name, I stiffened.

My heart was in my throat as Cedric's gray eyes locked with mine. I reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze as he was standing up. He offered me a reassuring smile in return; no doubt, he could see the worry in my eyes.

"It's fine," he assured me in a whisper before he approached the front of the room where Moody was waiting.

I held my breath as Moody raised his wand and pointed it at my best friend. "Imperio!"

On command, Cedric immediately broke out into the Macarena. The sight would have been comical under different circumstances. Several students broke out into laughter when Ced swiveled his hips. I was certain the Purebloods had no idea what sort of dance he was performing. I was honestly surprised that Cedric even knew it, to be honest. I counted to twenty-eight before Moody lifted the spell; when he did, Cedric stopped dancing immediately and swiftly made his way back to his seat next to me.

"I didn't know you knew the Macarena," I whispered to him, quirking a brow.

He smiled sheepishly, breathing out a wry laugh. "I didn't," he admitted, causing my jaw to drop.

So, the Imperius Curse can cause the victim to perform acts they wouldn't normally be capable of doing? Despite myself, I was quite fascinated by the fact. I couldn't help but be intrigued by its effects.

When it was Natalie's turn, she glanced at me briefly. I took her hand in mine and spoke quietly, "It'll be fine, Nat."

She nodded once, faintly smiling, before she approached Moody. Turns out, she got off lucky-He simply had her stand on one leg for ten seconds while rubbing her head. Nearly every student had had their turn, so I knew at any moment, he would call my name.

"Kingsley," Moody called out, his magical eye honing in on me. "You next."

My breath hitched in my throat. When Cedric's hand found my knee and gave it a squeeze, I nearly fainted. I could feel my face heating up as a blush to end all blushes rushed to my cheeks. I knew he did it to be reassuring, but my body responded to the simple touch in ways he would never imagine. I was frozen in place as I stared into his silver orbs; they were holding me captive.

Moody's annoyed voice pulled me from my trance. "Kingsley!"

My blushing intensified as I hurried to get to the front of the room, nearly stumbling over my own two feet in the process. I heard a couple Slytherin students snickering at my expense which only added to my embarrassment.