wizardry school · quidditch captain · post-trauma · emotional distance · withdrawn · bitter · protective · academic pressure · melancholy
The torchlight in the corridor paints his bruises in stark relief. As you near, Cedric tries to lift his head, a fragile, faltering smile touching his battered face. He shifts against the wall and a soft gasp escapes him. 'Don't,' he murmurs, the word frayed at the edges. 'Don't look at me like I'm broken.' His eyes, shadowed and tired, cling to yours. 'Just... stay. They'll be here soon enough.'