How Do You Cope?Cedric and his team walked out onto the pitch, followed by roars from the Hufflepuff supporters. Cedric smiled at them all, waving. More cheers erupted. He was a popular player, even for a fourth year. The Hufflepuff team stood by the side and had a last minute discussion on tactics while waiting for Madam Hooch, but before they finished, Cedric heard a magnified voice which reverberated throughout the pitch. The voice filled him with dread."This match has been cancelled. I repeat, cancelled. Everyone please return to their house common rooms where they will be informed shortly. Please go as quickly as possible," Professor McGonagall shouted into the megaphone. Cedric bit his lip. He had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. This wasn't good. Something had happened. He left his team and ran to join Harry and the Gryffindor captain, who was arguing with the Professor.Professor McGonagall ignored Wood's protests and turned to Harry, her eyes boring into him."Mr Potter, you need to come with me," Professor McGonagall said, her voice shaking with emotion, something which Cedric had never seen before. Harry nodded and proceeded to follow the teacher as she walked towards the exit."What's going on?" Cedric asked, following."I don't know, I get the feelings it's bad news though- why else would they cancel the match?" Harry replied.Cedric paused before asking the Professor if he could go as well. She looked at Harry, who nodded."Very well Mr Diggory, you may come with us."At that moment, Ron joined them, and was surprised when McGonagall said he should follow as well."Where's Hermione?" Harry asked Ron.He shrugged, "she didn't turn up. She's probably in the library still, researching.... You know what,""I hope so..." Harry said darkly. They ignored Cedric, which left him to his thoughts. He didn't know how much more he could take. Something is up. Something bad. Why else would the match have been cancelled? Why else would Harry and Ron be asked by their Head of House to follow her?They entered the Hospital Wing. His hands went clammy, and his breath quickened. This wasn't bad... it was serious."Now," Professor McGonagall told the boys, "this may be quite a shock. There was an attack. A double attack." She pulled the curtains away. They first saw a girl with long black hair, being attended to by Madam Pomfrey. And in the bed next to her was:"Hermione!" Cedric gasped, and collapsed to the floor.He awoke a few minutes later, a cool cloth on his forehead; he was lying on the bed next to Hermione. Cedric peeled off the cloth then leapt off his bed before crouching at Hermione's side. Ron and Harry stood on the other side, looking completely dumbstruck."I can't-" Harry whispered, "I can't believe she- Hermione- who could do this to her?"Ron simply stared at the fixed form. She looked so unnatural. Her eyes were closed, as if she attempted to blot out what she saw, but it was too late. Her arm was frozen, high in the air. She didn't look at all peaceful. Cedric would never forget this sight. His chest ached, and it felt like something was missing from inside of him. His head hurt and his ears buzzed. What's happening to me?"McGonagall asked us if we knew why they were found with a mirror, while you were unconscious. Do you know why?" Harry asked quietly.Cedric shook his head, "No, I haven't spoken to her since we got back from Christmas holidays." He decided not to mention the Valentines card. He doubted she had found it- probably too busy concentrating on other things to delve deep into her school bag. Or maybe she didn't care....Harry closed his eyes, and nodded. Cedric glanced at Hermione. She seemed to be constantly in danger. But he knew now. Harry wasn't the attacker. He could never do that to his best friend."Look Harry, I'm sorry for not believing you.... It's just, it looked so plausible, what else was I supposed to believe? But now I know, you could never do that to Hermione," Cedric apologised."Can we discuss this later? When I'm in a fit enough state to actually hold a decent conversation?" Harry murmured."Yes, I just wanted you to know."They continued to stare at the petrified from of Hermione for a few more minutes. Then they were told to leave, Madam Pomfrey needed to address Hermione's needs.Cedric didn't remember how he arrived back in his common. He was in a daze. Tom and Claire noticed and immediately realised what was wrong. They knew that Penelope had been attacked already. Flitwick had arrived and taken Emma to one side a few minutes before Cedric had come back. They left, Emma in floods of tears. But they also knew that it had been a double attack. And judging by Cedric's behaviour, they had a shrewd idea who the other victim had been."She's been attacked hasn't she?" Claire asked, rubbing his shoulder."I-I can't- I can't believe it was her. I thought- thought she was relative
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