“Two Butterbeers, please.” Cedric places two galleons on the counter, and gently moves you aside in order to let the next person in line come forward. He points to a table off to the side and asks you to wait there until he comes back with your drinks.

As you wait you look around the tavern, admiring the rustic setting. You grew up in the country so the entirety of Hogsmede feels more like home. While taking in the cozy atmosphere, your mind suddenly drifts to a conversation you had with Cedric in your second year.

“Y/n. May I ask you something?”
You looked up from your book and turned to face Cedric. “Sure, what’s up?”
Cedric fiddled with his fingers and paused as he spoke. “Well, I was wondering...What kind of things...do you look for...in a guy?”
You stared at him, puzzled. “You mean me personally?”
“Yeah.”
You gently closed your book and let out a short breath. “Well,” you began. “I guess I look for someone who’s humble, kind, generous. He should have moral standards as well as a good idea of what right and wrong is. As far as looks go, I really don’t have a preference. Why do you ask?”
“O-oh, no reason. Just curious.”
You raised your eyebrows in unbelief. However, you shrugged it off and returned to your book. But out of the corner of your eye, you caught Cedric glancing at you every once in a while. He seemed like he wanted to say something else, but he never did.

“Y/n!”

Startled, you jump almost all the way out of your seat. “Y-yes?” You stammer.

Cedric laughs lightly and shake his head. He then passes you a glass mug of Butterbeer and sets himself down in the chair across from you.

“Are you okay, y/n?” He asks. “You seem a bit sad.”
You quickly shake your head. “No no I’m not sad. I just got a bit lost in thought.”
“Ah, I understand. Thinking about anything interesting?”

Your face immediately turns a light shade of pink. You glance down at your drink to avoid Cedric noticing.

“No, boring as usual.”
“I see.” Cedric picks up his mug and takes a quick swig. You follow suit, feeling awkward with him for the first time.
“Y/n,” Cedric says, gently taking your hand. “Please tell me what’s wrong? Are the midterms bothering you?”

You look up at Cedric’s soft gray eyes. You can’t lie to this guy’s face. You have to be honest. You take a deep breath and push a stray hair out of your face.

“Well, the thing is-“

C R A S H!

The beautiful wooden beams, mounted to hold up the ceiling, break apart, scattering large chunks of debris across the tavern. Shrieks and cries pierce the air. You clumsily fall out of your seat and crawl underneath the table. You dart your eyes all over the place in a panic. You observe many students and employees run around, trying to find a way of escape. But no one succeeds. Mysterious figures in black cloaks and masks block all entryways and exits, trapping everybody inside.

You stifle a shriek when you feel an arm wrap around your waist from behind. You quickly look back and realize it’s Cedric. He puts a finger to his mouth, signaling you to stay quiet. You nod and glance back at the scene. The figures strut about, not saying a single word. A particularly tall one with long white hair walks over to the counter, facing the cashier. He leans forward and speaks in a low whisper. However, you catch most of what he says.

“Has a group of three kids come in today?”
“Um, what-what kind of kids?”
The man sighs in frustration. “A girl and two boys. The girl has brown hair, one boy is a redhead, and the other I’m sure you know, is Harry Potter. Now, have they by chance come in this tavern!”
“N-not that I’m aware, sir.”
“Very well, then.” The man turns as if he’s going to leave, but quickly spins around with his wand out and shouts, “Avada Kedevra!” Multiple gasps are heard as the cashier crumples to the ground. You whimper and turn your head away from the scene. Cedric pulls you closer, allowing you to cry silently. You hear whooshing sounds, meaning the figures have left.
“They’re gone, y/n,” Cedric whispers. “It’s okay. They left.”

Your cries get slightly louder, but definitely not more than the ones coming from all over the room. Cedric gently moves you from out under the table and stands the both of you up. He tries to get you to allow him to take you away from there, but you refuse, still in shock.

“Y/n, we have to go back to Hogwarts. It’s not safe here. You need to be safe.”

Sniffling, you finally step away from Cedric. You nod your head and limply reach out your hand. Cedric’s face softens and he offers his arm. You quickly take it, shaking. Cedric walks you out of The Three Broomsticks, gently offering encouraging words.

Once you get back to the school, he walks you all the way to your room. He only stops when you’re right in front of the door. Cedric carefully releases you arm, but doesn’t walk away.

“Are you sure you’ll be alright, y/n? If you want we can just stay in the common room. I can help you study for midterms,” He offers.
You wipe your eyes and nod your head. “That’d be good,” you reply softly.
“Alright.” Cedric takes your hand and leads you back down the stairs to the Common Room. You sit on one of the couches with him, still replaying the scene from the tavern in your mind.
“Y/n.” Cedric’s soft-spoken voice brings you back to reality.

You look at him with more tears in your eyes.

“Oh, hey it’s alright-“
“It’s not alright, Ced. Someone was murdered in front of so many people for no reason! How...how am I supposed to...” Your already shaky voice breaks and another flood of tears flows down your face. Cedric says nothing, just wraps his arms around you and pulls you in. He allows you to cry as long as you need, stroking your hair. The back and forth motion calms you down and your breathing becomes a little more balanced. When you finish, you release a shaky breath and sniffle.

“Ced?”
“Yes, y/n?”
“I....” you pause, unsure of whether your timing is acceptable or not.
“Cedric tilts his head in concern. “Y/n, what is it?”
“Would...would it be the wrong time to tell you something. Right now?”
“Of course not. I want you to be honest with me. So whatever you need to tell me, I’m ready to listen.”
“O-okay...well...”