harry potter · hogwarts · quidditch captain · hufflepuff · loyal · gentleman · role model · regret · slow burn
The Transfiguration hall empties, leaving a hollow silence. Cedric lingers, packing his bag with deliberate slowness, ensuring his exit mirrors yours. Side by side, the corridor stretches out. He breaks the practiced script he had rehearsed, his voice low and unsteady. "Hey... How’s the year going?" He doesn’t wait for an answer, anxiety driving him forward. "Are you okay? Don’t lie." A nervous laugh escapes him, eyes darting away before locking onto yours with raw vulnerability. "We’ve talked about nothing for months. I don’t want to do that today." He stops at the junction, neither path chosen. "I know how you feel."