Exams were over, the sun had set, and the skies had turned a dark shade of blue. As this all happened within the span of a couple of hours, Cedric Diggory waited in the circular, abandoned office that he and Analeigh had claimed as their own, now serving as a comfy little nook at one of the highest points in the castle aside from the Astronomy Tower.

But Analeigh never arrived, and the anxiety ate Cedric up alive. And when it was already time for supper, he forced himself to get up and leave. Why hadn't she showed up like she promised? Did she have second thoughts and decide to back out? Was she going to end their relationship just like that?

A frown was etched onto Cedric's face as he silently made his way to the Great Hall. The sounds of students walking alongside him and the chatter coming from the hall were white noise to him, his mind too preoccupied with thoughts about Analeigh and what this all meant for them. He risked a glance at the Gryffindor table, eyebrows furrowing even further when he realized that Analeigh was nowhere in sight. Actually, her closest friends weren't there, either — Harry, Ron, Hermione, and even Neville and Ginny. It was strange, to say the least, but he couldn't pinpoint what they could possibly be up to. Alternatively, maybe he was just trying to make up excuses as to why Analeigh never showed up.

The staff table was missing a couple of teachers, too. McGonagall, Umbridge, and Snape were all absent, making their long table look quite bare, even more so than it already was with Dumbledore having left the school earlier that year. Cedric was probably just overthinking, but it all just seemed so strange.

He ate his dinner quietly, not wanting to respond to Alden's jests or listen to Heidi and Tamsin's gossip. Cedric wasn't sure which one it was, but either his friends didn't notice his change in demeanor or they eventually knew it was best to leave him to his own thoughts. Either way, he was grateful that they decided to let him be because he was too distracted, anyway.

This went on even until his rounds that evening. As Head Boy, he got updates from his prefects and gave them the usual reminders half-heartedly before he went on his own way to patrol the castle. He wondered if he was really going to spend this entire night overthinking about everything, or if there was some way to ease his anxieties one way or another.

Just as he was pondering on this, the urgent voices of professors and the quick footsteps that accompanied them sounded from down the corridor.

"I sent the message to Dumbledore hours ago, right after Potter and company mentioned Black."

"And you're certain he got it? The Order, too?"

Cedric stopped dead in his tracks. What in the world was happening? Dumbledore, Potter, Black, the Order? Something huge was going on, and he badly wanted some answers.

"Yes, Minerva," Snape resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the woman, although he had to admit that he was quite uneasy about the whole ordeal, too. "Alastor received it at the headquarters, and I got a response not too long ago. They're on their way with reinforcements."

"They're still students, Severus. They shouldn't have left the castle in the first place," McGonagall said sharply.

"And what was I supposed to do? Argue with Dolores to let them go? Tell Potter that I understood his message with everyone else listening?"

"I know, but a bunch of fourth and fifth years can't possibly —"

The two teachers stopped talking when they turned the corner, finding Cedric standing there. He didn't know whether to feel guilty for eavesdropping or not since he was really meant to be patrolling this section at that hour. He plastered on a polite smile, attempting to look composed.

"Mr. Diggory, what are you doing out? It's almost curfew," McGonagall said.

"Er, Head Boy duties, professor," Cedric replied. "It's my shift for patrolling this area."

"I see. Well, off you go, then."

But Cedric didn't move. So many questions were fighting their way to his mouth, threatening to spill over. In the end, he gave in, not being able to hold back his curiosity.

"Professor," he began. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help but overhear but... what's happened to Potter? Have he and his friends left the castle?"

Snape shot McGonagall a glare as if he was blaming her for speaking so loudly about it. In response, she merely sighed at him.

"Consider your next words carefully, Minerva," Snape warned, briefly looking at Cedric with narrowed eyes.

"I believe he actually deserves to know what's happening, Severus," McGonagall shot back. "His father is in the Order, and this concerns his friends from the... what was it called again — ah, the D.A., too."

Cedric's heart pounded madly at the mention of his father and friends, wishing McGonagall or Snape would just spit it out and get it over with. The suspense was killing him at this point.

"Alert Poppy to ready the hospital wing for later... just in case," McGonagall told Snape before facing Cedric. "Follow me, Mr. Diggory."

Cedric obeyed with no hesitation, hurrying up to match McGonagall's brisk walking. It took him a while to realize that they were on their way to her office. The walk there felt like it took an eternity, probably because Cedric was itching with anticipation already. When they arrived, he couldn't help but sit down immediately to show that he was willing to listen.

"I'm not sure what you already heard, Mr. Diggory," McGonagall started once she had settled in behind her desk. "But earlier today, several students broke into Professor Umbridge's office: Harry Potter, Analeigh Heart, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, Ginny Weasley, and Luna Lovegood. They attempted to use her fireplace to use the Floo Network but were caught by her and the Inquisitorial Squad."

Cedric's heart dropped. They broke into Umbridge's office out of all people? How and why? What did they need the Floo Network for?

"But what — what for?" Cedric said, struggling to put his thoughts into words. "And what did you mean earlier when you said that they left the castle? Did they succeed?

McGonagall pursed her lips, looking stressed. She answered, "They were trying to contact the Order of the Phoenix. Potter claimed that Sirius Black has been taken hostage by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in the Ministry of Magic. They didn't use the Floo, but they managed to leave the castle by flying there. The problem is that there's a high chance that this... is all just a trap."

"That means Analeigh, Potter, and the others... they've really gone to the Ministry? And... and You-Know-Who and his followers could be there, too?"

McGonagall nodded solemnly at this.

"Unfortunately, we were too late to stop them from leaving. But Professor Snape has alerted the Order and they've long been on their way to the Ministry as well," she said. "Rest assured, Mr. Diggory — the Order is highly trained and skilled for these types of situations. I think it's best that you head back to your dormitory early tonight while we wait for any news."

But McGonagall underestimated just how overwhelmed with emotions Cedric was feeling. Although he had no choice but to oblige, leaving the woman's office with a short 'thank you,' he wanted more than anything to get himself out there — to whenever Analeigh was. He was absolutely beside himself, wondering if she had really made it to the Ministry of Magic, how exactly she had done it, if she was unharmed, and if she was fighting actual Death Eaters at this very moment. His mind was racing with all potential scenarios, both the good and bad. Perhaps his only consolation was that this explained why Analeigh hadn't met up with him for their talk after exams, but that was quickly buried over and over again when he would imagine the horrible possibilities of her getting gravely injured.

Cedric barely slept a wink that night. The hours ticked by, and one by one, his roommates fell into their slumbers, filling the room with soft snores and deep breathing. He tried to tire himself out by counting down from a hundred and attempted to bore himself by reciting the names of exotic plants he learned in N.E.W.T. level Herbology. But even when he closed his eyes, Cedric's mind stayed wide awake.

★ ★ ★

Analeigh awoke with a start. Her eyes flew open and she shot straight up into sitting position, her body still thinking that it needed to be on fight or flight mode. But she wasn't in the Department of Mysteries anymore, nor was she anywhere in the Ministry of Magic at all. There was no need to get all defensive. Instead of dim lighting and marble floors and walls, she found that she was on a bed with clean, white sheets, and there was a curtain in a mint green shade drawn around her.

She calmed down when she realized she was in the hospital wing of Hogwarts. It took a moment for all the memories of the previous night to come flooding back, almost as if her brain wanted to repress them because of how heavy they were: getting caught by Umbridge and the Inquisitorial Squad, flying to the Ministry of Magic in London using thestrals, fighting Death Eaters in the Department of Mysteries, Sirius dying, Harry in pain, Voldemort appearing... how did all of that take place within just a couple of hours?

Even the events that happened after that were sort of a blur. Analeigh vaguely remembered her father consoling her, her friends looking exhausted, and members of the Order of the Phoenix taking them back to Hogwarts so that Madam Pomfrey could treat them. Fortunately, they all got away with minor physical injuries like cuts, bruises, or sprains, which were all healed in a flash. But Madam Pomfrey couldn't do much about how all those events had taken a mental and emotional toll on them. Calming Draughts and Sleeping Draughts were all that she could administer, which at least helped them in the short-term.

Analeigh slowly withdrew the curtain and scanned the room. The hospital wing was quiet, save for the breathing of her friends who were still sleeping behind closed curtains and the faint sound of birds chirping as they flew past the windows.

"Miss Heart, you're up."

Madam Pomfrey came walking out of her office with a kind look on her face.

"Yeah," Analeigh cleared her throat, finding her voice rough after such a tiring day.

"Would you like another Calming Draught? You're actually free to leave now if you're up for it, but I'd be happy to give you another if you need it."

"I think I can manage without it, but thank you, Madam Pomfrey," she replied with a small smile.

"Suit yourself. You may change into a fresh set of robes in the back room. Tell me if you're still feeling any sort of pain, dear."

She thanked Madam Pomfrey once more before the matron set off to check on her other patients. Analeigh swung her legs over to the edge of the bed, slipped into a pair of slippers, and pushed herself up to her feet. Grabbing her wand, she made her way to the back of the hospital wing where a small bathroom and changing area were situated. She freshened up, both manually and with magic, and got dressed in a fresh set of her uniform. Once that was over with, she thought about what her next course of action should be. Should she wait for her friends to wake up? Return to the Gryffindor tower? Or perhaps, should she be searching for the boy she promised to meet and talk things over with yesterday? Analeigh winced slightly, wondering what he must have felt even if she knew she didn't really have a choice.

That's it, I need to go see him first, she decided. She walked out of the back room and exited the hospital wing with an air of determination. However, she slowed to a halt when the one and only Hufflepuff she had been thinking of was already standing in the middle of the hall leading up to the hospital wing.

After a few seconds of processing this, she found her legs moving forward on their own accord, carrying her towards him. He began walking her way too, picking up the pace the nearer he got to her. And when they finally met halfway, no words needed to be said as they engulfed one another in a tight embrace.

Wrapped snugly in Cedric's arms, Analeigh felt like all the weight on her shoulders left her body. She gripped the back of his robes with her hands, not wanting to let go just yet. Thankfully, Cedric had no plans of doing that, either, even resting his head on top of hers and running a comforting hand down her back.

"You're okay," he breathed out. After a whole night of fretting, he was beyond grateful that he was holding her in his arms and that she was unharmed. "How — how are you feeling?"

"Let's just say it was a long night," Analeigh sighed. They eventually separated, and Cedric's hands found their way to cup her jaw. His eyes scanned her face and body to double-check for any injuries. "Look, Cedric, I'm sorry we didn't get to talk after —"

"Why in Merlin's name are you even apologizing?" Cedric interrupted in disbelief.

"I — well..."

"You literally went through hell last night. Not getting to talk after exams was the least of my worries. All I could do was wonder if you were okay, Analeigh."

Those words sounded so simple, and yet they hit deep. Analeigh felt a rush of emotions run through her: gratitude, affection, warmth.

"Then, would you like to talk now?" she asked, not quite sure how to respond to that.

"Oh, yeah, of course," Cedric nodded. As if it was an unspoken agreement, the two of them made their way to their favorite spot in the castle. After having memorized the way by now, it didn't take long for them to reach their destination.

Cedric twisted the door knob and pushed the door open, allowing Analeigh to enter first. They went straight for the cushioned bench by the large, bay window, sitting beside each other with a small space left in between them.

"Are you sure you want to talk about this now?" said Cedric, hands resting on his lap and legs bouncing slightly. "You must be exhausted after last night, and I want you to feel better first —"

"Cedric, I swear I'm alright," Analeigh insisted, placing her hand on top of his to stop him. He stilled, nodding his determinedly.

"Alright, how do I do this," Cedric muttered to himself, this being one of the rare times that he felt absolutely clueless.

There was a pause, and then at the same time, they both blurted out, "I'm sorry."

"Er, you go first," Analeigh offered.

"Well, for starters, I'm sorry about the fight," Cedric began. "I just didn't want us to be so careless about the D.A., but I know I could've worded it better. I shouldn't have put the blame on everyone else when we got caught. Honestly, it wasn't anyone's fault but Umbridge and her squad's. And I swear, I didn't mean to... to call you naive. You're not even close to that — you're clever and daring, whereas I was out there being afraid of the war that was bound to happen and acting selfishly for my own future when I said that."

He paused to pull himself together. Analeigh wanted to interject and say what she felt about that, but he still had more to say.

"I wish I hadn't asked for us to have some space, either," he continued, cringing at that. "We could've talked this out earlier, but I didn't want to face the fact that we argued and had a lot to clear up. It was stupid of me, really... I was worried that you'd eventually realize that this isn't working out, or that we'd end up just fighting again, or that you'd still see me as a coward, and I understand if you do, but —"

"Cedric," Analeigh tried, wanting to stop him so that she could reassure him that she didn't think badly of him at all. But in the midst of his rambling, he didn't hear her and kept on talking.

"And when you didn't come here yesterday, I thought the worst — that that was the end of it all. I thought you'd decided not to show up because this wasn't what you wanted. Then, I found out from McGonagall and Snape that you'd left the castle with Potter, Granger, Weasley, that entire lot, and had gone to the Ministry where You-Know-Who and his followers would attack you. And they did, and I was going mad wondering what you were up to or how you were doing, and this was a thousand times worse than what I had been worrying about beforehand and I was starting to regret everything I'd said and done —"

"Cedric," Analeigh said more loudly, causing him to stop at last. "I... thank you." She didn't know how to verbally express it, but she really was thankful for him — for his honesty, sincerity, humility, everything. Their previous argument and what it was even about were the last things on her mind now. All she could think of was how she hated not being around him because of that, how much she treasured every single moment they shared together, and how she constantly wanted to do and be better when she was with him.

"I didn't want to cut you off, but I really needed to say that I'm sorry before you ended up saying an entire speech," Analeigh went on with a small chuckle, fiddling with the hem of her skirt. "I know you found the D.A. important as well, but I didn't consider your concerns about us being so reckless with carrying it out — which was valid because, well, we did get caught. And... and I want you to know that you're not a coward at all, Cedric. I just said it out of anger, but I don't think of you that way in the slightest."

Cedric felt his heart practically swell at that. Analeigh had always been quite frank, but until then, he had never seen or heard her speak so truthfully about her feelings and what she thought of him.

"With everything going on, there's no way we wouldn't feel at least a little scared. But the reality is that you've always been so brave and compassionate, anyway. Nothing, not even our fight, made me see you any differently," Analeigh admitted, blushing a little when she realized how upfront she was being. "If you weren't like this at all, we wouldn't have won the Triwizard Tournament and survive almost getting murdered at the graveyard, and I certainly wouldn't have fallen in love with you."

Cedric froze. Had he imagined that last line?

"Wait," he said, raising a hand to stop Analeigh before she continued.

"What is it?"

"Could you repeat that?"

"Er, we survived the tournament and what happened at the graveyard thanks to you?" Analeigh said questioningly, unsure if that was what Cedric wanted to hear.

"No, after that."

"I said that —" All of a sudden, Analeigh's eyes widened and the blood rushed to her cheeks. Did she really just say that? Was it too soon to feel that way? How long had that been bottled up inside for her to say it without much thinking? "It was nothing."

"No, it was something," Cedric said, a hint of a teasing tone laced in his voice. "I'd like you to repeat it to make sure I didn't misunderstand."

"I..." Analeigh gulped, trying to find some way out of this, but it was no use. Cedric had heard it for sure, and it would be pointless to act as if she hadn't said that. With a sigh, she quietly repeated, "I think I said... that I've fallen in love with you."

"You think?" Cedric said incredulously. "Are you completely sure?"

"Maybe. Yes."

Cedric chuckled to himself and shook his head lightly. He shifted in his seat so that he was facing Analeigh more directly.

"Well, you better be sure that that's what you said," he told her, leaning down so that their faces were dangerously close to each other. "Because after everything we've been through, from being your partner at the Triwizard Tournament and spending Christmas with you, to even the more mundane things like being late to my patrols just to be with you here a little longer and listening to your rants while you stuff yourself with Chocolate Frogs... I can say that I've fallen completely in love with you, too, Analeigh."

In one swift movement, he was kissing her, softly and innocently at first, his lips pressing onto hers ever-so-gently. And when he held her her by the hips to pull her body closer to his so much that their legs were getting tangled, it elicited a small sound of surprise from Analeigh and sent shivers throughout her entire being. She returned the favor just as earnestly, tilting her head and running a hand through Cedric's hair as she kissed him deeper without giving themselves a chance to catch their breaths. The two of them were too immersed in the moment, and they were undeniably and utterly enamored with one another.

★ ★ ★

The days that followed the incident at the Ministry of Magic were odd, to say the least. On one hand, Analeigh felt a little lighter now that everyone believed Harry and Dumbledore about Voldemort's return, and that she and Cedric were back on good terms, or perhaps even better than ever. But of course, it was impossible to forget that Sirius Black, who was not only Harry's godfather but also a friend and family to those both within and outside of the Order of the Phoenix, had passed and was long gone. Some of the students' parents had also been arrested and thrown into Azkaban for they were revealed to be Death Eaters that took part in the battle at the Department of Mysteries, like Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle. Ultimately, nobody could ignore the fact that a second wizarding war was breaking out, and it was only a matter of time before the reality of it actually settled in.

On the last day of the term, Analeigh found herself nestled in between Hermione and Neville at the Gryffindor table with Harry, Ron, Ginny, and even Luna around her as they had their last meal in the Great Hall for that school year. Their time at the D.A. already built on their friendships, but it was as if their experience in London brought them closer together, even if the circumstances weren't the best.

At the moment, Hermione was reading out the breaking news on the Daily Prophet while the others listened to her. Luna, however, was reading The Quibbler upside down, so she didn't seem to be paying attention.

HE-WHO-MUST-NOT-BE-NAMED RETURNS
In a brief statement Friday night, Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge confirmed that He-Who-Must- Not-Be Named has returned to this country and is active once more.

"It is with great regret that I must confirm that the wizard styling himself Lord — well, you know who I mean — is alive and among us again," said Fudge, looking tired and flustered as he addressed reporters. "It is with almost equal regret that we report the mass revolt of the dementors of Azkaban, who have shown themselves averse to continuing in the Ministry's employ. We believe that the dementors are currently taking direction from Lord — Thingy.

"We urge the magical population to remain vigilant. The Ministry is currently publishing guides to elementary home and personal defense that will be delivered free to all Wizarding homes within the coming month."

The Minister's statement was met with dismay and alarm from the Wizarding community, which as recently as last Wednesday was receiving Ministry assurances that there was "no truth whatsoever in these persistent rumors that You-Know-Who is operating amongst us once more."

Details of the events that led to the Ministry turnaround are still hazy, though it is believed that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and a select band of followers (known as Death Eaters) gained entry to the Ministry of Magic itself on Thursday evening.

Albus Dumbledore, newly reinstated headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, reinstated member of the International Confederation of Wizards, and reinstated Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, was unavailable for comment last night. He has insisted for a year that You-Know-Who was not dead, as was widely hoped and believed, but recruit- ing followers once more for a fresh attempt to seize power. Meanwhile the Boy Who Lived —

"There you are, Harry, I knew they'd drag you into it somehow," said Hermione, looking over the top of the paper at him. He merely shrugged, still not in the mood to talk much. He was still quite cranky and irritable, which was understandable after what took place days before, but he had stopped lashing out at everyone. Analeigh, Hermione, Ron knew it had something to do with him speaking to Dumbledore upon his return to the castle. They did not know what exactly they discussed, but they hoped that it gave Harry some closure, whether it was about Sirius's passing, Voldemort's official return, the prophecy, or all of the above.

"He's 'the Boy Who Lived' again now, though, isn't he?" said Ron, defensive for his best friend. "Not such a show-off maniac anymore, eh?"

"Yes, they're very complimentary about you now, Harry," said Hermione, now scanning down the article. "'A lone voice of truth... perceived as unbalanced, yet never wavered in his story... forced to bear ridicule and slander...' Hmmm, I notice they don't mention the fact that it was them doing all the ridiculing and slandering, though."

Analeigh moved closer to Hermione to get a better look at the newspaper.

"'You-Know-Who's Last Attempt to Take Over, What the Ministry Should Have Told Us, Why Nobody Listened to Albus Dumbledore, Exclusive Interview with Harry Potter'..." Analeigh read out some of the articles' titles. "They've certainly got lots to write about."

"I suppose the only good thing right now is that most of the trouble at school has stopped," Ginny pointed out. "You know, now that Dumbledore's back."

"Yeah, everything's settled right back down again," Neville agreed.

"Well, except for Filch," said Ginny. "He's really, really miserable, actually. He keeps saying Umbridge was the best thing that ever happened to Hogwarts."

All of them paused, recalling what happened to Umbridge over the past couple of days. It turned out that Dumbledore had strode alone into the forest to rescue her from the centaurs. How he had done it, from coming out of the trees while supporting Professor Umbridge without so much as a scratch on him, nobody quite knew. After that, she left without a trace, presumably to return to the Ministry.

Eventually, it was time to leave Hogwarts. Everyone's trunks had been packed and were already being loaded into the train. The students bid the teachers, staff, portraits, and ghosts goodbye before heading out of the castle and down the grounds. They boarded the carriages that rolled them into the trees and down the path that led to Hogsmeade village in no time.

Light chatter filled the air as the students climbed out of the carriages, grabbed their rucksacks with personal belongings or cages with their pets, and made their short trek to the train station. Analeigh had just gotten down from a carriage with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. She could also see Ginny with some of the Gryffindors in her year, Neville walking a few paces ahead of Dean and Seamus, and even Luna was nearby.

"I've been thinking about something Dumbledore said to me," Harry spoke up, catching the attention of his friends around him.

"What's that?" asked Hermione.

"That even though we've got a fight ahead of us... we've got one thing that Voldemort doesn't have."

"Yeah?" Ron pressed.

"Something worth fighting for."

Analeigh smiled to herself at Harry's words, glad that despite all that he had gone through, he was still looking up. Suddenly, she felt a hand slip itself into her right one, fingers intertwining with one another. She turned to her right and wasn't at all surprised to find Cedric there, who she noted had probably jogged to catch up with her since she could see his group of friends from Hufflepuff not too far behind.

"How does it feel to be walking down here one last time?" Analeigh asked him.

"Doesn't feel real, to be honest," Cedric confessed, a nostalgic smile on his face as he glanced at the castle behind him, and then back at the train station before him. "I still keep thinking that I've got to prepare my books and robes for the next term."

"Well, you should be off buying suits and briefcases now that you're an official adult."

"I'm still going to be taking that program for Transfiguration and Reversal Magic. I don't think I need suits yet," said Cedric before pausing. "... wait, do I?"

Analeigh laughed lightly at his confusion. "If you plan on applying for a job in the Ministry right after you've finished that, then I guess so."

"That's a good point. So, you'll help me pick out a new wardrobe this summer, won't you?" Cedric nudged her. "Dad's taste in clothes are a bit too old-fashioned for me."

"As long as you don't show up at my house unannounced again."

Cedric laughed and squeezed her hand, which Analeigh returned with a soft smile. Things were going to be much more dangerous and uncertain now that another wizarding war was brewing and they were all being thrown into the 'real' world, but what Harry said earlier was true: at the very least, they all have a reason to stay strong and fight.

A/N: And this marks the end of A Change in Fate ahhh! But it isn't the end of Analeigh and Cedric's story, so stay tuned for more details about the sequel that I'll be releasing within the next few days :>

Edit: The sequel has been posted! You can check the following posts for more details, or click on my profile to find it among my list of works.