{{ 35 }}

Start from the beginning 
                                    

                                          

                          
"You and your dad," says Meghan, she pauses. "You have an interesting relationship, don't you?"

                          

                          
I stop for a moment. "Yeah."

                          

                          
Silence falls between us as Meghan looks around the room. She's pretending to be interested in something else, but I know she's waiting to see if I will continue.

                          

                          
"He's always been," I hesitate, "sort of a bragger. He'll tell anyone who will listen about things he or I have done. It's always, 'well, my boy,' to everything. Bit annoying, really, but he's my father, and I love him."

                          

                          
"Tonight, go out there and give him something to brag about," says Meghan, standing up.

                          

                          
I take her hand and wordlessly we head to the Great Hall.

                          

                          
..

                          

                          
"Cedric m'boy!" says my father as Meghan and I enter the chamber off of the Great Hall. I muster up as much enthusiasm as I can and hug him. I'm thrilled to see him, and my mother, who waits for her hug.

                          

                          
"It's been too long, dear," says my mother as I hug her.

                          

                          
"It really has," I agree, smiling slightly. "Well, er, this is Meghan," I say, as Meghan flashes a brilliant grin. Oh, dear, this is not going to go well. "Meghan, this is my mother and father."

                          

                          
"It's so great to finally meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Diggory," she says, shaking each of their hands as she smiles sweetly.

                          

                          
"Oh, and you too!" says Mother. "Ced has told us so much about you."

                          

                          
"I knew your father very well," says Father, nodding gently. "Great man, your father. Great man."

                          

                          
"Thank you, sir," says Meghan. "I do miss him."

                          

                          
We laugh and joke and talk and walk and explore the entire afternoon. Not for a moment do they see through my mask. The mask I'm hiding behind. The mask of apprehension.

                          

                          
And all too soon, the third task approaches. Daylight is fading, and I am forced to say my last farewell.

                          

                          
"Good luck, son," says my Dad. He does not look me in the eyes. I know he's nervous for me.

                          

                          
"Do your best, dear," says my Mother. She dabs her eyes with her handkerchief and pats my back before walking off. Dad pats my shoulder and follows behind her.

                          

                          
Now it's just Meghan and I. I don't know what to say to her. I'm due to the maze in a few minutes, but I can't leave without saying anything. I have to say something, anything.

                          

                          
I turn to her, and her eyes are swimming with tears.

                          

                          
"You are the best person I know," she whispers, her mouth quivering. She wraps her arms around me tightly, and I hold her in my embrace like I did after the second task.
I Trusted You {Cedric Diggory}Where stories live. Discover now