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mosquego359 · 1 day ago

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𖤐One Kiss and A Quidditch Match — Chapter 9: The Yule Ball

Prologue (recommended to read)

Chapter 8 (previous)

Pair: Cedric Diggory x Male Slytherin Reader

Word count: 3K words

Summary of the book: You and Cedric Diggory hate each other. It has always been this way. But everything changes one night when you kiss each other at a party. Now, it seems you can’t escape each other — from being partnered up in Herbology for an important project to having to help Cedric during the Triwizard Tournament.

Summary of the chapter: It's finally the Yule ball. Why do you feel so stressed all of a sudden?

Notes: Please comment on anything I should change to improve this. Also, I am not British so I am not 100% sure how to correctly write people from the UK. (I'm very sorry for the late ass update but motivation hates me)

I am also really sorry for posting so late; my life has been pretty busy right now and this is the most relaxing week so far. Also, no, the reader and Cedric don't kiss in this, you have to wait, my children.

Content warning: A singular swear word and a bit of angst.

!PLEASE DO NOT REPOST ANYWHERE WITHOUT PERMISSION OR CREDIT TO ME!

...

Usually, whenever you dreamed of your ex-rival, you wouldn’t wake up until noon unless Brian or Alistair shook you awake. However, as your eyes adjusted to the dark room, you faintly spotted the numbers on your clock: 7:45.

It was time for breakfast.

You slipped out of bed, pushing off your blanket. You put on your uniform, for when you woke after the dream about Cedric, you couldn’t sleep, spending an hour or so on homework and then changing to go to bed for the night.

Your hands trembled as you buttoned your white blouse, mind warping around the fact that you were perhaps in love with the person you once despised the most. Not to mention that you’d already kissed him.

The party.

The memory had completely slipped your mind. You used to feel irked or embarrassed whenever you thought of it, mainly because you used to hate Cedric, but now, you felt as if there was a missing puzzle to your lips, a gap that could only be filled by the warm feeling of Cedric’s kiss.

And then there was Alistair. You knew he was closed-minded — even as kids, you could tell his discomfort with knowing that you were a Half-blood — but you never expected him to stay that way. To say that his homophobia shocked you was an understatement. His twin sister literally kissed Elsie at the party. How could he ever be homophobic? Was he unaware? Did that mean you’d have to cut ties with him? You didn’t want to — you had been friends for years — but was it likely that he’d change?

You finished dressing before heading upstairs to the Great Hall. On the way, you passed Brian.

“You’re awake?” he asked, slight surprise in his monotonous voice, “That’s a first. Never thought I’d see the day where our dear Sleeping Beauty would wake up without a shove from little old me.” He mocked you, but you knew it was harmless.

“Must have been good sleep, then.” You reasoned, ignoring how late you stayed up.

“Come on,” Brian turned around and started up the stairs, “The gang’ll be happy to see you eat breakfast with us.”

You followed him to the Great Hall, where most of your friends were settled. You noticed Alistair, Ziggy, and Roman sitting at the Slytherin table, apart from your group of friends.

Winnie and Destiny were chattering about something, and Elsie had her arm slung over the Hufflepuff’s shoulder, taking slow bites out of her toast. Over the past month or so, you noticed how happy Elsie seemed, and you suspected that her getting over her crush on Alistair and befriending Destiny helped a lot.

You approached the Hufflepuff table — where you typically sat, now — and settled in the empty seat next to Brian and across from Elsie. When she noticed your presence, she quickly removed her arm from Destiny’s shoulder.

Winnie still hadn’t noticed you, too engrossed in her conversation with Destiny to spare a glance in your direction.

“You’re up early,” Elsie pointed out.

“Yup, I had amazing sleep.” You said, not trying to sound sarcastic, but your words came out that way.

“Sure seems like it,” she joked, “I’m surprised you actually joined us for a meal this time. You usually hang out with Cedric.”

You let out a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of your neck, “Yead, I guess. Sorry for that; I’ve just been so invested in helping him out with the egg. I don’t really want the other schools to win in the Triwizard Tournament, and being beaten by Harry Potter is embarrassing.”

Elsie nodded in understanding, “Figured. It’s nice that you’ve been getting along. I’ve always been tired of that stupid rivalry. How did it even start?”

“Aparantly in year 2, when Slytherin won the Quidditch Cup, but my memory’s still foggy ‘bout that.”

Elsie hummed and glanced to the side, “Speaking of the devil, you’re boyfriend’s walking towards us — towards you.”

You felt the back of your neck heat up at her statement, and a light shade of pink tinted your cheeks. “Don’t exaggerate, he is not my boyfriend.” You turned your head to see that, indeed, Cedric was walking towards you.

“Hey, mate,” He smiled warmly as he neared you, slipping into the empty seat on your other side. You couldn’t help but smile back, finally aware of the butterflies fluttering in your stomach.

“Oh, hey.”

Don’t think of the kiss. Don’t think of the kiss.

“I don’t mean to interrupt your conversation with Wilson, but I just wanted to tell you that I tried your idea — y’know, putting the egg under water — and it worked!” Cedric recounted.

“Oh, that’s fantastic,” You beamed. You had totally forgotten that you had said that, but felt proud nonetheless. “That was relatively simpler than I imagined it would be.”

“Right? I’ll tell you all about it later, but I gotta head to the library to study. Just, thanks, man.” He stood up again.

As he started to walk away, he gave you a small wave and shot you a smile that melted your heart and sent a warm tingling sensation through your body. If that wasn’t love, then you didn’t know what was.

For the rest of breakfast, you chatted with Brian and Elsie (as well as Winnie when she finally noticed you). You and Destiny shared curt nods and small comments but never truly conversed. She was much less annoying than when she was Alistair’s girlfriends; now you understood why she was considered popular and well-loved by not only Hufflepuffs but the rest of the houses too.

The white suit fit like a glove, minus the fact that the sleeves of the silver tailcoat were a tad bit too short, although your snow-coloured gloves made sure that your wrists weren’t bare. Luckily for you, the black dress pants were long enough to cover up your socks and the top of your fancy suits.

Once you had carefully buttoned up the tailcoat with golden chains and buttons, you inspected your reflection in the mirror. You did a little spin, admiring the golden patterns engraved in the sleeves and along the sides and back of the tailcoat, as well as on your gorgeous waistcoat. Your dad had really outdone himself.

While your outfit was absolutely sublime, your hair was another thing. You personally felt proud of how you combed it back, but the way Brian scrutinized you made you sweat in self-consciousness.

“You could have added more eyeshadow and your eyeliner is relatively sloppy and uneven, but overall, not too embarrassing.” Brian remarked, a hand on his chin.

“Since when were you a professional makeup stylist?” You huffed teasingly. Winnie was the best out of the friend group, although she used it for excessively colourful looks.

“I’m just logical.” He responded, “At least one of us has to have a good sense of fashion.”

That was a bold claim for him to make with his bark-coloured suit and messy dark hair. You thought to yourself, but decided not to point it out. Tonight was a night meant to be enjoyed, and you wouldn’t let it go to waste.

“Here,” Brian said, stepping towards you to tie a cravat around your neck, “So that you look less like an eejit.”

“I still think that tie makes me look stupid.”

“It’s a cravat.” Brian corrected, tightening the cloth. “Now, come one, we don’t want to be late to the party.”

“Shouldn’t we fetch the girls?” You questioned, waiting for your friend to put on his shoes.

“No, they said they’d meet us down there. You’d know if you hung out with us more.” You knew Brian didn’t mean it as an insult, but you felt a pang of guilt at his comment.

As both of you exited the dorm, you crossed paths with Alistair, whom you locked eyes with. You internally laughed, recalling your conversations the day before Cedric told you about him cracking the code to the egg; you had done the very thing Alistair warned you not to. Oh well, it wasn’t as if you valued his opinion as much as before.

You broke eye contact first as you and Brian left for the Yule ball.

Your breath caught when you caught sight of Cedric. His outfit was basic, but the icy blue lighting gave his features an angelic glow. His smile warmed the room, like the sun on a windy day. You felt a blush creep up your neck, and your heart was racing. It was just like that dream. The one where you realise your feelings for him.

Cho walked beside him in a pretty silver dress, her dark hair nicely made and pretty dabs of makeup on her pale face. Despite the knowledge that they were just friends, your heart ached at the sight of their arms wrapped around each other.

Throughout the start of the party, you occasionally got up to dance and attempted to fit in, but your jaw ached from your forced smile, and your limbs felt sluggish. So you settle by the buffet table, munching on snacks, trying not to stare longingly at the man you love.

Suddenly, someone sat in the spot next to yours. It was Brian.

For a moment, you two sat in silence, however, your thoughts and the music filled that void of conversation. You remarked with a frown how odd it felt being near Brian. Sure, you shared the same dorm and you got ready with him for the Yule Ball, but those were the only times you hung out with him.

You recalled his previous comment about how you never hung out with him, Winnie and Elsie. Your stomach twisted as you realised he was right. You’d been friends with them for years, and Winnie was your closest friend — you’d gone through everything together — but you literally left them for someone who most definitely didn’t reciprocate your feelings.

Winnie, Elsie, and Destiny looked like they were having fun on the dance floor, holding each other’s hands with grins that shone like diamonds.

Winnie wore a long sun-coloured ball gown with tons of ruffles and sparkly stones. It was floor-length and puffed out like it was filled with air. How she didn’t trip on the fabric, you didn’t know. Her hair was equally voluptuous, layers and layers of curly black stacked atop her head, reminding you of the wigs people used to wear in the 18th century. It was decorated in feathers and pearls, something flamboyant and uniquely hers.

Elsie’s sleeveless black dress fitted her body, especially with her corset wrapped tightly around her waist. It was much shorter than Winnie’s —only reaching her knees — but the back of the dress drooped down to the ground like crow feathers. Her short hair was in an updo, and her makeup was bold and dark. She stood out among the flood of soft, cool-coloured girls, but you didn’t think she minded, too absorbed with having fun with her friends.

Destiny’s dress was a little less decorated; a coral pink gown with poofy sleeves revealing her shoulders and a bit of her cleavage. Her hair was styled down in coils of blonde, decorated with pink ribbons that you were certain belonged to Winnie.

The trio spun around, hands clasped together and laughing with all their heart.

You felt something squeeze in your chest, remembering all the memories with your best friends. Oh, Merlin, you were a terrible friend. You left them. They who had been at your side forever. Sticking by you when you hated Cedric, and still seeking you out despite how little time you spent with them. You missed them, even that idiot, Alistair, whom you noticed was locking lips with a girl from Beauxbatons. Roman and Ziggy danced next to him. They made their own group. Your friends made another group. You felt like you were drifting around in the void of society. You didn’t belong anywhere, it seemed. Not with Elsie. Not with Alistair. Not with Cedric Diggory.

Brian seemed to notice your inner turmoil — easy, considering tears prickled your eyes — reaching for your hand.

You pulled away and got up; the room felt stuffy and too crowded. The sensation was overwhelming.

Air. You needed air.

Without a second thought, you dashed out of the room, dodging the crowd of teenagers, only faintly aware that Brian had called your name. You never felt so stressed. Only a few months ago, you’d been fine. Completely fine with your ordinary life, ordinary friends, and not too much to worry about. So why now, why you?

You stumbled outside, frantically trying to get away from the crowd and all your feelings.

You collapsed onto the ground near a tree, confused tears finally spilling onto the grass like raindrops. You gasped, trying to gulp down air whilst hiccuping as you finally let your sorrows out.

Finally, when you had no more tears to cry, only numbness and the cold night wind on your cheek, you stumbled back against the tree, head hanging between your knees. How long had you been gone? It felt like ages.

Suddenly, you flinched as you felt a hand on your shoulder. You looked up with wet cheeks to see Elsie. She sat down next to you without a word, not even glancing at you.

You two sat there for a minute, her hand on your shoulder, rubbing her thumb around in soothing circles. She reminded you a bit of Brian with her quietness, but this silence was different; soothing, waiting, but not anticipating. It was different from her usual self, who was loud and snooty.

“I’m not good at comforting people,” Elsie said bluntly, breaking the silence. Her voice was clear and monotone, but much quieter and less condescending. “But Winnie is with the other two, and you’ve always been by my side to help, so it’s about time I repay the favour.”

You had arrived early to your class, excited for your first lesson. You had heard of Professor Snape’s harsh demeanour and strict grading, and as a high achiever and child prodigy, you arrived extra early to show how amazing a student you were. That’s where you found a little girl curled in the corner of the classroom, tears streaming down her flushed cheeks. She was a skinny twelve-year-old with brown hair that had been chopped to shoulder length by a pair of scissors.

A girl had been bothering her and cut her pride and joy: her long, silky hair. You comforted her and got the bully expelled. That was how you became friends. You handed her confidence while she controlled your ecstatic energy.

Now, that same girl you gave a shoulder to cry on when she needed it most was by your side the moment you felt that your life was falling apart.

“Do you want to talk about it? Elsie whispered, staring at the moon’s reflection in the dark water of the lake.

You paused.

“Not…really.”

“It’s fine you don’t have to.”

And it was silence all over. You twiddled with your fingers while she continued to stare at the lake. You looked at her, a puddle of anxiety churning in your stomach.

“I think I have feelings for Cedric.” It felt good to admit it.

She didn’t turn to you. For a moment, she didn’t respond. But then she nodded.

“For how long.”

“I’ve known since the day he figured out the secret to the egg. But it’s probably been around for longer; I just never seemed to notice.”

“Was it why you were acting slightly different that day?”

“Yes.”

Elsie hummed in response. You admitted the silence was comforting.

“Why are you letting your emotions for a singular person to dictate whether or not you’re having fun?” She asked, bluntly. It was a weird way to put it, but she was right, and you knew. “I’m not saying we — Brian, Winnie and I — should be your top priority. We shouldn’t be the reason that you do something you don’t want to do. You’re a person too. Live your live how you feel you should.”

With that, she got up. But before she could get far, you called after her, “Elsie! I’m sorry that I’ve been drifting away from our friend group. It… wasn’t very considerate of me.”

She shrugged, moonlight dancing off her sparkly raven dress, “Don’t apologise. You’re in love, it’s pretty normal to want to spend time with him. Just don’t pine over someone who won’t let you live your life. I’d know. And… we all love you. And forgive that stupid apology. If Winnie and Brian were here, they’d say the same thing.”

And with that, she turned away, and you thought a bit about what she said. Although Elsie had never been good with romance or even feelings, her logic made sense and soothed you quite a bit.

You sat back down for a moment, wiping away the eyeliner that had stained your cheeks.

You then walked back to the Hogwarts building, back to the great hall. Elsie was right. Why did it matter that Cedric was dancing with Cho? Why did it matter that he wasn’t hanging out with you at the moment? Why would you let that influence whether or not you had fun? Maybe that wasn’t entirely why you were upset, but having one of your closest friends by your side made you feel powerful.

With that in mind, you spent the rest of your night dancing and chatting with your friends. You even got to have some one-on-one conversations with Destiny, whom you hardly knew. She was actually quite a pleasant person.

During the entire night, you managed to avoid Cedric without problem, save for the numerous times you caught him staring at you. You left the party past midnight, a satisfying buzzing in your chest and glad that you spent time with Winnie, Brian, Elsie and Destiny.

...

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