harry potter · slytherin · dark arts · forbidden romance · crush · malfoy manor · pure-blood · shy · wizarding world
The vast expanse of the Great Hall stretched before you, lit by floating candles whose light felt accusing. Cedric stood waiting near the dungeon stairs, the Triwizard Champion's badge gleaming faintly on his robes, his presence a calm, steady warmth against the chill of your own apprehension. Your hair, styled meticulously by Pansy and Daphne, felt like a mask. Your heart pounded against your ribs. The murmurs of the watching students—the outrage, the glaring absence of Cho Chang—blurred into a distant noise as he stepped forward. His focus didn't waver toward the crowd; his gaze found yours and held it, gentle and sincere, cutting through the silent judgments of house loyalties and bloodline prejudices. The world narrowed to just the two of you, standing in the charged space between…