A Change in Fate || Cedric Diggory [1]

Chapter 26: Indications

Analeigh barely got any sleep after that late-night practice as she had another scheduled training session the next day, this time with Cedric. She had also started spending more time with him recently to train for the Third Task together. It did help that he was older and already knew a number of spells, hexes, and jinxes that she didn't, making it easier for her to master them whereas she had to start from scratch with Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Overall, she was learning a lot from all of those sessions combined: from simple spells like aguamenti and glacius, to bombarda maxima and confringo, she was getting the hang of these hopefully helpful tricks to use in the competition.

"Nebulus."

A stream of fog spouted out of Analeigh's wand, filling up the cozy, circular room – the same one Cedric had taken her to that one Christmas morning. They had been so busy with school and the tournament that they hadn't found the time to return to the abandoned little room Cedric found during one of his prefect rounds. Since they were focusing on simple spells that day, particularly ones that did not need a large venue or target, they decided to practice there.

Eventually, the room was filled up with so much white fog that they couldn't see one another anymore.

"I can't see a thing. I think you've got that charm down already," Cedric said amusedly from somewhere. He waved his wand and the air slowly cleared up, revealing that he was standing at the other end of the room.

"After all that practice, I better have mastered it," Analeigh sighed, plopping down on the cushioned bench by the large window.

"How's practice with Potter going?" Cedric asked, walking over to sit down next to her.

"Surprisingly productive. Ron makes a good practice target."

Cedric chuckled. "I've done the same with my roommates and they weren't too happy, especially after I used the Bat-Bogey Hex on Alden. I managed to convince him to still help us tomorrow, though."

"Aren't we practicing hexes tomorrow, too, though?" Analeigh narrowed her eyes.

"Exactly. He's the perfect target for those."

Analeigh let out a small laugh and shook her head.

"Who knew Cedric Diggory could be so evil?" she teased.

"People resort to drastic measures when they're desperate," he said dramatically. "Shall we try one more charm before we head to class?"

"I think I'm done for the day," she admitted, leaning back on one of the cushions. "If I'm forced to say one more incantation, I'm snapping your wand in half."

Cedric shrunk away from her.

"Why does it have to be my wand?" he said.

"It's more entertaining that way," she shrugged with a mischievous smile.

"Well, that's too bad. There was one more charm I wanted you to try that I personally really like. "

"What is it?"

"A kiss," Cedric smirked, waiting for her to react to his cheesy comment. He knew by now she both hated and liked them at the same time based on how flustered she got whenever he said them. He expected to see her blush, but he certainly didn't expect her to actually do it.

Analeigh leaned forward and pecked his lips. It was so quick and light that Cedric had to take a moment to wonder if it actually happened. At the same time, it was enough to make his heart race.

"Done," she said simply, though she could feel the blush forming on her cheeks. "Now, can we head to class?"

Cedric got up on his feet and grabbed her hand. With a sly smile, he tugged her encouragingly and said, "But I really like that charm. Can you do it a few more times?"