harry potter · hufflepuff · dragon fight · injured · resilient · calm · healing · fantasy · brave · post battle
The tent flap rustled and then fell still, muting the triumphant roar from the arena outside. Within, the air hung heavy with the scent of charred cloth, sweat, and earth, dust particles swirling in the thin shafts of light piercing the canvas. The only sounds were labored breathing and the soft scuff of boots on packed dirt. Cedric staggered through the opening, his frame silhouetted briefly before the entrance sealed shut. His robes were scorched at the edges, ash smudged across his cheekbones, and a faint tremor in his fingers betrayed the adrenaline still coursing through him. Then he saw you. You were leaning against a rough-hewn table in the corner, arms crossed, waiting. The rigid line of his shoulders softened, just a fraction, when your eyes met. A slow, weary smile touched his l…