The ancient hall fell into a hushed stillness as James and Rose exchanged a look—one of those silent, loaded glances where a thousand unspoken emotions passed between two hearts in a single breath. Determination, fear, trust, and something far deeper shimmered in their eyes.
Together, in perfect unison, they spoke.
"We are ready for the challenge."
Guardian Cedric's lips curved into a knowing smile, the kind that suggested he had already seen the future yet still wished to test the present.
"I am going to ask you questions," Cedric said calmly, his voice echoing through the chamber like a measured spell.
"You both must answer only when I ask. And remember this—" his eyes sharpened, ancient magic stirring behind them, "—I hate lies."
Rose smiled gently, though her fingers clenched together.
"Even I hate lies."
James turned his head slowly toward her, amusement flickering dangerously close to mischief. He leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear so softly that only she could hear.
"A liar should never say she hates lies," he murmured.
"Do you remember how many times you lied to me just to make me finish your assignments? Be careful, Rose. If Cedric finds out, he might literally float you into the air. Think before answering."
As James straightened, an innocent smile settled on his face, his eyes respectfully meeting Cedric's. Rose, on the other hand, felt her heartbeat stumble.
How can he be this smart? she wondered silently. How does he catch my mistakes so easily?
Guardian Cedric observed them both, his smile deepening as if he were listening to thoughts unsaid.
"James," Cedric asked, "what does Rose like to eat?"
Before James could answer, a confident figure stepped forward.
"You should ask me that, Guardian Cedric," Kael Night Shade announced arrogantly.
"I'm her hero. I know everything about her. We're very close."
Kael turned toward Rose, his gaze intense.
"Rose, just say it."
Rose hesitated, her smile trembling as she tried to stop him with her eyes.
"Come back, Kael," Scorpius snapped.
"This question is for James."
Kael scoffed.
"James can't know this. He might know what Lara likes, but not Rose."
Rose's eyes widened.
"What?" she whispered.
Kael smirked cruelly.
"Yes, Rose. James is very close to Lara from Hufflepuff. I even saw them hugging—lovingly—at a Hogwarts party."
James spun toward him.
"What? That was just a friendly hug!"
Rose's gaze hardened, fury burning in her eyes. James noticed instantly—and for the first time, fear crawled up his spine.
Nearby, Bobby leaned toward Albus and Frank, whispering with barely restrained laughter.
"Our legend is scared," Bobby muttered.
"The one who never feared Dark Lords is terrified of his future girlfriend."
"Shoo," Albus hissed.
"Be quiet. If Guardian Cedric hears this, James is done. I don't want to be scolded by my elder brother."
Unnoticed, Dagger slipped closer, joined by Thorn Claw, Dim, and Miss Mirael.
"We already know what's happening between them," Dagger whispered.
Thorn Claw and Dim snickered softly.
"Heheheh… GRRRAA-HA-HA-HA!"
Miss Mirael chuckled, while Scorpius spoke firmly.
"Whatever it is, one thing is clear—James has always loved Rose. His love is pure, just like his heart."
All of them nodded in agreement.
Guardian Cedric raised an eyebrow.
"Did I miss something?"
Before he could continue, Kael blurted out—
"Sweet potatoes, bitter gourd, and lemonade are Rose's favorite."
Rose froze in shock.
Laughter erupted across the hall. James clenched his jaw.
If Cedric had asked what she hates, James thought bitterly, Kael would've been right.
"Am I right, Rose?" Kael pressed smugly.
Rose exhaled sharply.
"I don't want to hurt you right now, Kael."
Cedric laughed heartily.
"Next question," he said.
"What is Rose's favorite color?"
James began softly, "Pink—"
"Mauve," Kael interrupted confidently.
Rose pressed her palm to her forehead in sheer frustration.
"And her biggest fear?" Cedric asked.
Kael suddenly blushed and began dancing awkwardly.
"As a man, I cannot say this out loud," he declared dramatically.
"Why?" Cedric asked calmly.
"I feel like vomiting," Scorpius groaned.
"I wish I had a paper bag."
Frank nodded weakly.
"I want to puke."
Kael straightened proudly.
"Rose's biggest fear is losing me," he announced.
"She can't do anything without me. I am her one and only hero."
Rose stood stunned, mouth open.
James's fists trembled in frustration.
"I wish I wasn't here," Scorpius muttered.
"Someone give me cotton for my ears."
Frank gagged. Bobby fainted on the spot. Albus clutched Dim and Thorn Claw. Miss Mirael rubbed her temples. Dagger stared at Kael in disbelief.
"STOP IT, KAEL NIGHT SHADE!" Scorpius finally shouted, dragging him away.
Silence followed.
James stepped forward, voice steady yet filled with quiet emotion.
"Rose likes simple homemade food. She loves orange juice and vanilla milkshake.
Her favorite color changes with her mood—pink, white, yellow.
Her biggest fear isn't losing someone.
She is sensitive. Strong outside, fragile inside.
Her true fear is seeing her family and loved ones in danger—something she has already faced."
Rose looked at him, eyes shining.
Applause filled the hall.
Guardian Cedric then asked softly—
"James… do you love Rose?"
James paused. Danger flashed through his mind. Rose waited, hopeful and afraid.
"No," he said at last.
"I like her more than love.
I love her as my best friend.
She has always been—and will always be—my best friend."
Cedric didn't smile. He understood the pain behind the words.
Rose wasn't satisfied. Disappointment lingered in the air. Kael smiled triumphantly.
"James won," Cedric announced.
"But Rose—final question.
Tell me your dream… or tell me the truth about the test."
Rose swallowed.
"I'll tell you my dream," she said softly.
"My dream is to help James. To save everyone at Hogwarts."
Cedric nodded.
"You may enter the Hufflepuff Fort," he said.
"But until you reach it, you must walk using only two legs."
Rose blinked.
"How is that possible?"
James didn't hesitate. He lifted her into his arms.
Gasps. Smiles. Quiet awe.
As he walked toward the glowing gates, Guardian Cedric whispered to himself—
"I hope this union lasts forever."