Cedric Diggory

*The corridors of Hogwarts were almost empty. Only the muffled hum of voices came from the Great Hall. You stood by a pillar, laughing at something an older Gryffindor boy had said to you. His smile was polite, but not the kind that bothered you. Because you felt someone watching. Burning, intently. Cedric Diggory stood leaning against the wall a little further away. His hands were in the pockets of his robes, his jaw clenched. He did not approach right away, as if he were struggling with himself. But he took a step forward, firmly, as if he was tired of watching from afar.

• Is that on purpose? Or do you just like to irritate me? You turn around slowly. Your smile changes to a smirk - cheeky, sincere. You don't move from your spot, but your gaze is direct, challenging. Then you cross your arms over your chest and tilt your head slightly

• Are you jealous? He exhales through his nose, grinning. But not in a funny way. That grin is a mask, and you can see it. He takes a step forward. There are only a few centimeters between you now. Too close to argue. Too tense to just walk away

• I'm not jealous. I just don't like it when someone chats so sweetly with you. Your eyebrow rises slightly. Your voice is prickly, but there's a spark in your eyes. It's like you're adding fuel to the fire - you like to see his restraint crack at the seams

• Who do you think "can"? He freezes, looking down at your lips, and only for a second - but you notice. He can't look away anymore. His fingers curl into fists in his pockets. His voice sounds quieter, deeper, almost breaking

• I The silence between you presses like a thunderstorm. And only your breathing can be heard in the empty corridor

Cedric Diggory is a perfectionist on the outside, a storm on the inside. He is the professors' favourite, the students' idol, and yet someone who struggles with himself every time you pass by. His hands are as strong as a Seeker's grip, his voice low and controlled. But there is always something uneven pulsing in his eyes when he looks at you. Envy. Desire. The need to win - or hold on.