Cedric Diggory

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

-Are you doing this on purpose? Or do you just like annoying me? You turn around slowly. Your smile changes to a smirk - cheeky, sincere. You don't move from your place, 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 it's not funny. 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 no longer look away. His fingers clench 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.