He paused, and his eyes fell upon the Hufflepuff table.

Theirs had been the most subdued table before he had gotten to his feet, and theirs were still the saddest and palest faces in the Hall. « There is much that I would like to say to you all tonight, » said Dumbledore, « but I must first acknowledge the loss of a very fine person, who should be sitting here, » he gestured toward the Hufflepuffs, « enjoying our feast with us.

I would like you all, please, to stand, and raise your glasses, to Cedric Diggory. »

They did it, all of them; the benches scraped as everyone in the Hall stood, and raised their goblets, and echoed, in one loud, low, rumbling voice, « Cedric Diggory. » Harry caught a glimpse of Cho through the crowd. There were tears pouring silently down her face. He looked down at the table as they all sat down again. « Cedric was a person who exemplified many of the qualities that distinguish Hufflepuff house, » Dumbledore continued. « He was a good and loyal friend, a hard worker, he valued fair play. His death has affected you all, whether you knew him well or not. I think that you have the right, therefore, to know exactly how it came about. » Harry raised his head and stared at Dumbledore.