Blooming: The Untold Goblet of Fire Story

They calmly left the Hufflepuff common room and were greeted by the delicious smell wafting from the kitchen, just a few meters ahead. Lunch was approaching.

As they made their way down the corridor, the faint clattering of dishes from the kitchen gradually faded as they moved further away. When they started ascending the stairs, Cedric's fingers brushed lightly against the cool stone railing, his steps light beside hers.

"So," Cedric began, his voice low and casual, though a hint of curiosity laced his tone, "tell me, what's it like—coming to Hogwarts in your fifth year? Must be a bit strange, yeah?" He glanced at her sideways, his eyes warm but genuinely intrigued.

Veronica chuckled softly, running her hand over the railing for a moment before looking up at him. "It's a lot to take in, honestly. One minute, I'm back at Castelobruxo, studying in the middle of the rainforest, and the next, I'm here, in a giant castle, in the middle of Scotland—thousands of miles away, navigating staircases that move when they feel like it and facing ghostly werewolves." She smirked, a teasing gleam in her eyes. "I have to admit, it's a little overwhelming. But I've met some interesting people so far." Her gaze flicked to him briefly, the corners of her lips curving up.

Cedric's smile widened as he listened to her recount her transition. "Well, I'm glad you're here now," he said with a quiet sincerity evident in his voice. "Hogwarts is better with you around France. It could use some of that Castelobruxo charm."

There was a brief pause as they walked in comfortable silence, the air between them charged with a subtle, playful tension that hung in the air, unspoken. Veronica, ever observant, decided to steer the conversation, curiosity sparking in her eyes.

"So... this Triwizard Tournament," she began, her tone light but tinged with genuine interest. "I didn't catch much of Dumbledore's speech the other night—I was, you know, a bit preoccupied with arriving late." She offered a small, self-deprecating smile before adding, "What's the deal with it? Everyone seems to be buzzing about it, but I feel like I missed half the details."

Cedric's expression shifted, a blend of excitement and hesitation flickering across his face. "Ah, the Triwizard Tournament... Yeah, it's quite a big deal. A really big deal, actually," he admitted, his eyes alight with enthusiasm. "It's a dangerous competition—one of the most renowned in the wizarding world. Three champions, one from each of the participating schools, take on these… well, tasks designed to test your magic, your courage—everything. It hasn't been held in years, though, because of how dangerous it can be."

Veronica raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Wow, sounds intense... And what about you, Mr Team Captain? Are you planning to put your name in the Goblet of Fire?"

Cedric laughed softly at her question, his expression a mix of amusement and humility. "Put my name in the Goblet of Fire? I don't know, France." He ran a hand through his hair, glancing ahead as they walked. "It's tempting, I won't deny that. But, like I said, it's dangerous—not exactly a Quidditch match where the worst that could happen is a broken bone."

He cast her a sidelong grin, a glimmer of playful confidence returning. "Though, I suppose, with the right motivation, it might just be worth a shot."

Veronica smirked, catching his hint. "Oh? And what kind of motivation might that be? Saving Hogwarts from a dark force? Or maybe impressing a few curious bystanders?"

Cedric chuckled, the warmth of his laugh filling the corridor. "I'd say a little bit of both. But now that you mention it, impressing a certain new student wouldn't be the worst motivation in the world." He looked at her, his smile lingering, clearly enjoying the playful back-and-forth.

Veronica felt her cheeks warm slightly at his words, but she refused to back down from the teasing. "Well, don't let me be the reason you risk life and limb. Besides, you're already impressing me—managing not to get us lost or dragging me into secret rooms and dark corridors. That's quite the improvement, I must say."

Cedric grinned, leaning in just a little closer as they climbed the stairs. "Oh, so you're saying the bar was set pretty low to begin with, is that it? Not getting us lost counts as a big achievement now, does it?"

Veronica shot him a teasing look, her smirk widening. "Let's just say, for a reckless Hufflepuff with a knack for finding trouble, you're doing surprisingly well. Keep it up, and you might even survive this whole Triwizard Tournament thing."

"Survive it?" Cedric laughed softly, shaking his head. "Now you're just giving me too much credit." He paused, as if thinking, then added, "Though if you're planning on sticking around, I guess I'll have to make sure I don't get myself killed."

Veronica raised an eyebrow, her gaze flicking to him. "Oh? And why's that?"

He held her gaze a moment longer than usual, the playful grin lingering on his lips but with a hint of something more in his eyes. "Well, someone's got to keep impressing you, right?"

Before Veronica could continue the playful banter as if they were the only ones there, she was pulled out of the moment by the whispers and conversations of passing students. What was so interesting? She wondered. Glancing around, she noticed nearly everyone was looking in their direction, their eyes darting between her and Cedric.

Veronica's expression grew more thoughtful as the realisation set in, and she glanced at Cedric to see if he had noticed. He hadn't—he was still looking at her with the same silly, charming smile as always.

"Cedric…" she began, her voice soft but tinged with concern, "Are they always like this?" She tilted her head subtly, gesturing towards the surrounding students.

Cedric blinked, following her gaze to the crowd. His expression shifted slightly, a touch of sheepishness creeping in. "Ah… yeah, I guess I didn't mention that part, did I?" He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "The thing is, you're kind of the talk of the school right now—the beautiful new student from Castelobruxo and all that. Plus, well…" He hesitated, his smile turning a bit self-conscious. "People tend to notice when I'm… you know, walking around with someone."

Veronica raised an eyebrow, equal parts amused and exasperated. "So, what you're saying is, I've accidentally joined the Cedric Diggory fan club?"

Cedric laughed, though a hint of apology lingered in his eyes. "I guess you could say that. But, hey, at least I'm in good company now, right?"

Veronica rolled her eyes, though her lips twitched into a faint smile. "Right. Well, if they're going to stare, let's give them something to talk about." She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a playful whisper. "I mean, it's only fair to keep them entertained."

Cedric's eyes sparkled with amusement, catching on to her challenge. "Oh, I like the way you think"

As their eyes met, a knowing look passed between them—a silent agreement not to give the onlookers anything too obvious.

Veronica smirked softly. "Or we could just let them wonder."

Cedric's smile softened, his hand brushing briefly against hers as they walked. "You always keep me guessing, France" he murmured, his voice low, just for her.

The simple touch sent a spark through her, and though they made no grand gesture, the unspoken connection between them was enough to hold everyone's attention. Cedric felt the warmth of her hand lingering near his and hesitated for a moment, savouring the closeness before pulling away.

They walked on a little longer, leaving the crowd of curious students behind, their gossip echoing in the hallways, louder than ever. Veronica and Cedric exchanged amused glances, their smiles lingering as they maintained their playful facade. Finally, as they entered the Central Hall, they let out quiet, suppressed chuckles.

"Did you see their faces?" Veronica looked at Cedric as if this was the funniest day of her life.

Cedric chuckled, warmth spreading through him at the sight of her unfiltered joy. "I didn't realize I had that effect on people. Maybe I should start charging for the show."

"We sure make a good pair. I'm telling you, the Weasleys should be worried," Veronica said with a smile that seemed stuck on her face. The silence around them now heightened the connection, a sense of intimacy returning between them. Maybe calling them a good pair was pushing it, she thought. But instead of letting the moment embarrass her, she kept her gaze steady, meeting his eyes with the same ease as always.

Their unspoken exchange deepened, the air between them thick with something unnameable yet undeniable. The playful remarks had done their job, but now, in the quiet of the hall, the connection felt more real, more tangible. Veronica didn't look away, letting the moment linger. Her heart quickened, as if daring him to respond to the challenge she'd left hanging between them.

Cedric's eyes softened, his smile faltering just enough to reveal something beyond amusement—an unspoken recognition of the shift between them. "Worried? I think they should be terrified."

The words were light, but his tone carried a quiet weight, his gaze fixed on hers. For a moment, it felt as though the world beyond them had vanished, leaving just the two of them in the vast, open space of the Central Hall.

Then Cedric glanced at Veronica sideways, a hint of mischief flickering in his eyes. "You know," he began, feigning nonchalance, "I wouldn't mind pulling off more of these little stunts—and maybe giving the audience something extra."

Veronica raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. "Oh, is that so? So you like the attention, huh?"

He leaned in just a fraction closer, his voice dropping to a soft murmur. "Not the attention. Just… the company."

Before Veronica could fire back a witty remark about his obsession, their moment was abruptly interrupted. A pale boy with almost white, golden hair swaggered over, his posture exuding confidence. He looked about Veronica's age—though she couldn't be sure—and his smirk carried an unmistakable air of entitlement.

"Hey, little bee." His voice was smooth, but the arrogance was unmistakable. He strolled up to Veronica, completely ignoring Cedric, as if the Hufflepuff champion weren't even there. "I hear you're the new Hufflepuff sensation." He cast Cedric a dismissive glance, daring him to speak but clearly expecting silence.

Normally, someone this bold might have amused Veronica, but something about his approach—and the odd group of Slytherins trailing behind him—set her on edge. He reminded her too much of Marcus from Castelobruxo, another rich kid who flaunted his family's wealth built on exploiting Muggles and gold. Marcus had always dreamed of Hogwarts and idolised Slytherin, and this boy seemed like his perfect replica.

Veronica's eyes flicked to the Slytherin crest on his robes, and the lighthearted fun she'd been sharing with Cedric evaporated, replaced by an uneasy tension.

The boy leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a mocking whisper. "But between you and me, I was rooting for you to land in Slytherin. Someone with your potential would naturally choose the best house."

He straightened, a sly grin spreading across his face as he waited for her reaction, clearly expecting her to regret her choice.

Veronica raised an eyebrow, letting his words linger in the air for a moment before her lips curled into a sweetly sarcastic smile. Tilting her head slightly, as if genuinely puzzled, she said, "Excuse me, but… who are you exactly?" Her voice was almost too polite, though the mockery in her eyes was unmistakable.

Beside her, Cedric stifled a laugh, his hand brushing hers ever so slightly as he stepped closer. The boy's smirk faltered, clearly not expecting to be dismissed so effortlessly.

The boy blinked, clearly caught off guard by her question. His smirk wavered but didn't disappear entirely as he straightened, trying to reclaim his swagger. "Draco Malfoy," he said, his tone dripping with self-importance. "Perhaps you've heard the name. It tends to carry a bit of weight around here."

Veronica gave him an almost pitying look, as if genuinely weighing his words, then shrugged with a casual air of indifference. "Hmm… can't say I have. Should I?"

Malfoy's smirk faltered further, the tension in his jaw becoming more pronounced. "You will," he said sharply, his bravado returning as he waved a hand dismissively at her Hufflepuff badge. "Slytherin is where true power lies. A shame you chose… this. I just thought you'd want to be with the best."

Veronica tilted her head again, her eyes gleaming with playful mockery. "Oh, so you and Cedric are old acquaintances?" She gestured casually to the boy beside her, flashing him a grin that was equal parts challenge and teasing. "I mean, he's practically the golden boy around here, from what I've heard," she added, feigning innocence with a touch of mockery.

Cedric chuckled modestly, though the glint of satisfaction in his eyes was unmistakable as he turned to Malfoy, who now looked even less amused. "Seems like she's doing just fine where she is, Malfoy," Cedric said, his voice calm but firm.

Draco's sneer deepened, and for a moment, it seemed he might say more. Instead, he gave them both a cold, tight-lipped smile. "Suit yourself," he muttered before turning sharply on his heel. His entourage followed him, their footsteps echoing as the group disappeared into the shadows of the hall.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Veronica let out a quiet laugh. "I have to admit, the people here never fail to amaze me…"

Cedric glanced sideways at her, a grin tugging at his lips. "You handled that well. I think you might've just bruised the Malfoy ego. That's a rare skill."

Veronica shrugged, her smile softening now that they were alone again. "Some people just make it too easy."

He leaned in slightly, their shoulders brushing, and smirked. "Don't let Malfoy get to you. He's all bark and no biteThe next morning, Veronica allowed herself a few extra moments in bed, recovering from the late night—not just because of her unexpected adventure with Cedric, but because she couldn't stop replaying every detail in her mind: his laugh, the warmth of his touch, the way their banter had flowed so effortlessly. When she finally stirred, the dormitory was empty, her roommates already gone. The only company she had was the soft, golden rays of sunlight filtering through the windows, stretching lazily across the room as the morning quietly slipped away.

Reluctantly, Veronica pushed herself up and began dressing, selecting her outfit carefully for the humid weather. The warmth of the day, coupled with the bright sun, gave her the perfect excuse to show a little skin. Her appearance was something she took seriously—not just because of how the world perceived her, but because she genuinely enjoyed being a source of inspiration, particularly in fashion. It was a role she had embraced since the age of five, when she first sat in an ice cream parlour, mesmerised by a stylish girl across the room. From that moment, Veronica decided that if people were going to judge her by her appearance, it would be for something that left them inspired or intrigued.

She left her dormitory, descending the familiar stairs of Hufflepuff, her thoughts inevitably drifting to Cedric. She wondered if she'd see him today, and if he'd replayed their time together the way she had. Had last night been just a fleeting moment for him? A fun distraction, or maybe just a polite gesture? Despite the questions swirling in her mind, there was a part of her—deep down—that hoped, even believed, that it had meant something more.

The uncertainty gnawed at her, and she shook her head, forcing herself to refocus. I need new friends, she thought, brushing off the nervous energy that had crept up on her. It wouldn't do to be seen hovering around the Quidditch captain too much. Cedric had his own world—his friends, his responsibilities—and the last thing she wanted was to become that girl who clung to someone else's orbit.

And yet, despite her resolve, the thought of seeing him again sent a quiet flutter through her chest.

Before Veronica could fully untangle her own thoughts about needing new friends, her gaze landed on Cedric. He was seated on one of the common room sofas, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, hands clasped, staring intently at the floor. There was a pensive air about him that caught her off guard.

Maybe he's thinking about something serious? she wondered, hesitating for a moment at the edge of the room. Her earlier nerves resurfaced, swirling into a quiet debate. Should she break the ice with a lighthearted joke, or would a simple "Good morning" be better?

Before Veronica could decide how to approach Cedric, a blonde girl—maybe three or four years younger than her—suddenly appeared in front of her.

Without so much as a word, the girl raised a camera, and with a flash and a puff of smoke, snapped a picture.

"Oh!" Veronica blinked, startled by the burst of light.

"I'm sorry!" the girl blurted, her voice high-pitched and flustered, her eyes wide with embarrassment. "I didn't mean to—I was just waiting for you to come down, and then you did, and I thought... I didn't want to bother you, but I was worried you might not come down at all, so... well…" Her words tumbled out in a breathless rush, leaving Veronica frozen at the bottom of the stairs, caught somewhere between confusion and amusement.

The girl's nervous energy was almost palpable, but Veronica quickly pulled herself together, offering a small, reassuring smile. "It's okay," she said softly, tilting her head as she studied the younger girl. "Though I have to admit, this is... new."

"I'm Eleanor Branstone," the girl said quickly, the words tumbling out as if she'd rehearsed this moment a hundred times in her head. "First-year student, and I write for The Hogwarts Gazette." She paused, her expression shifting into one of mock seriousness, and leaned in conspiratorially, lowering her voice as if revealing a grand secret. "Between us, first-years aren't allowed on the Quidditch teams."

Veronica, still processing the whirlwind of information, nodded politely, unsure how to respond but finding the girl's earnestness quite adorable.

Eleanor perked up, clearly relieved by Veronica's response. "I'm glad you get it! Anyway, I wanted to talk to you because you made such an impression yesterday with the Sorting Hat—getting into all four houses! And, well, you're a transfer student, which is a big deal! I thought maybe we could do a story about you for the Gazette… you know, if that's okay?"

Veronica opened her mouth to respond, but Eleanor cut her off again, her excitement bubbling over. "And that outfit!" she gushed, glancing over Veronica's ensemble with an appreciative eye. "Is it inspired by the '70s? Maybe the '60s? People are going to be amazed—first, you grab everyone's attention with your unique Sorting, and now you're setting witch fashion trends! You're brilliant, really! Just imagine…"

Veronica blinked, feeling a little overwhelmed by the rapid-fire chatter. She had only just woken up, and now there was a girl with golden hair and freckles rattling off about fashion and interviews at a mile a minute.

As Eleanor continued to chatter, Veronica's attention drifted, her gaze landing on Cedric across the room. He was watching her now, a wide smile on his face. The serious, contemplative expression he'd worn earlier was completely gone, replaced by warmth and amusement.

Veronica couldn't help but smile back, a soft, knowing look passing between them. They exchanged a silent conversation in that glance—Cedric's raised eyebrows and small grin conveyed just how amusing he found the scene unfolding before him. Veronica returned the look with a slight roll of her eyes, suppressing a chuckle.

Cedric's eyes flicked to Eleanor, still talking animatedly, then back to Veronica. He gave her a subtle nod, his lips curving into a playful smile as if to say, Good luck getting out of that one. Veronica bit her lip, trying not to laugh as the girl continued her enthusiastic pitch, all the while grateful for the brief, unspoken exchange between her and Cedric.

Finally, Veronica turned her attention back to Eleanor, who was still speaking at a rapid pace about trends and stories, completely oblivious to the silent exchange. Veronica smiled kindly at the younger girl and raised a hand gently, stopping her mid-sentence.

"Eleanor," Veronica began, her tone warm but firm, "how about we reschedule the interview for later? I'd love to chat more, but I'm still waking up from... a very long night," she said with a playful glance toward Cedric, who smirked knowingly from across the room.

"Oh! Of course! I didn't mean to—I mean, I can come back later!" Eleanor stammered, her freckled cheeks flushing pink.

Veronica gave her an encouraging nod, her smile reassuring. "I'll be around," she said softly. "We'll talk soon, I promise."

As soon as the younger girl was out of earshot, Veronica let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head slightly as she approached Cedric. "Well, that was… unexpected. I wasn't even awake for five minutes," she said, pausing before leaning closer and glancing around. "Does that happen often around here?" she teased, sitting down next to him on the sofa, her body angled slightly toward him.

Cedric chuckled, leaning back into the cushions with casual ease, his gaze warm. "I don't know, France, but you seemed to handle it just fine," he said with a soft grin. "You've already got a fan club. Impressive, especially on your first full day."

Veronica raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a smirk as she leaned back against the sofa. "A fan club? Please, Diggory," she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's not my fault if people are intrigued by mysterious new students. It's all part of the charm." She shot him a playful look, her eyes glinting with mischief.

"Well, you did make quite the impression yesterday," Cedric replied, his voice softening, taking on a more serious tone. "And... not just with the first years." His eyes met hers, lingering a moment longer than usual.

Then, she leaned in slightly, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. "I don't know, I might start thinking you're just a little jealous that I'm stealing the spotlight from Hogwarts' golden boy."

Cedric's grin widened, his expression a mix of amusement and intrigue. "Oh no, is that what this is?" he asked, tilting his head, his tone teasing yet soft. "Should I be worried that you're going to outshine me this year?"

Veronica let out a soft laugh, though a flicker of curiosity lingered in her eyes. She noticed the slight shift in Cedric's tone—subtle, but enough to make her wonder if there was more behind his words than their usual banter.

"Outshine you?" she echoed, her voice smooth but laced with playful teasing. "I don't know, Diggory… that depends. Are you up for a little competition?"

She tilted her head, her gaze holding his a moment longer than necessary, testing the waters between them. The morning light streaming through the windows reflected softly on his face, and for a moment, Veronica found herself distracted by how calm he looked, yet entirely focused on her.

Cedric's smile softened at her words, his eyes narrowing slightly as though weighing her challenge. "I'm always up for a bit of competition," he said, his voice low and playful, but laced with a hint of something deeper. "Though, I have to admit… you do make it hard to keep up."

Veronica raised an eyebrow, a subtle heat rising in her chest. She leaned in slightly, narrowing the already small space between them. "Well, don't worry. I'll try not to leave you too far behind."

Cedric chuckled, his gaze lingering on her face, his smile never quite fading. He reached out and lightly tapped her knee—a small gesture, yet enough to send a quick jolt through Veronica's pulse. "I'll hold you to that, France," he said softly. "Wouldn't want Hogwarts' newest star to forget about us mere mortals."

Veronica smirked at his words, though she couldn't ignore the small ripple his touch had sent through her—subtle but unmistakable. She held his gaze for a moment longer, the air between them thick with the unspoken tension that seemed to follow their every interaction.

After a beat, she broke the silence with a light laugh, leaning back against the sofa. "Well, if I get too distracted by all this newfound fame, you can always remind me who the real star is."

Cedric's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with amusement but also something deeper—something neither of them voiced yet. "Oh, I'll remind you," he said, his tone playful but laced with a quiet intensity. "You can count on that."

Their bodies were close enough that they could feel each other's soft breath, their teasing smiles reflecting the playful back-and-forth they'd grown used to. But then, Veronica leaned back into the cushions, a quiet reminder of where they were—still in the common room, and the banter between them was likely to attract curious eyes. She glanced around and saw only a few students lingering—maybe two or three—scattered across the room, all absorbed in their own worlds. Most of the Hufflepuffs were probably outside, enjoying the morning recess on the castle grounds.

Veronica's gaze slowly returned to Cedric, a quiet smile playing on her lips as she studied him for a moment. He had seemed so deep in thought earlier—when she had spotted him from the stairs—and now she couldn't help but wonder what had brought him to this quiet corner.

"Mm, so... what brings you here, Diggory?" she asked, her tone light but laced with curiosity. "Shouldn't you be off doing team captain duties? Or, you know, something like that?" She arched an eyebrow, half-playfully, half-intrigued, though there was a spark of genuine interest in her eyes.

Cedric hesitated, caught off guard by her question. His casual presence here, without a book or any clear reason, did seem a bit out of place now that she mentioned it. He didn't want to admit outright that he had been waiting for her—that he'd been looking for an excuse to see her again so soon—but it was becoming harder to hide. He let out a soft chuckle, scratching the back of his neck as if searching for a convincing answer.

"Well... you see, I was..." Cedric began, the usual confidence in his voice faltering just slightly. "I was, uh... just passing through." His smirk wavered, but his eyes never left hers, searching for the right balance of teasing and truth. "You know how it is—captain duties can be quite... flexible. Besides," he added with a playful smirk, "what's more heroic than waiting for a very important new student to grace us with her presence?"

Veronica couldn't help but laugh at his attempt to play it cool. "Ah, I see! A noble knight, simply roaming the castle in search of… lost students?" She tilted her head, her playful demeanor matching his. "How chivalrous of you, Diggory. I'm sure the Quidditch team will be grateful for your tireless dedication to their well-being."

Cedric leaned in slightly, his expression turning mock-serious. "Well, I do aim to please. Besides, if I'm not around to save you from first-year paparazzi, who will?" His eyes sparkled with mischief, and he couldn't resist adding, "You're far too interesting to let out of my sight for long."

Veronica felt a rush of warmth at his compliment, her playful facade slipping just a little. "Well, I'm glad I could bring a little excitement to your otherwise heroic day. Just don't tell the rest of the team; I wouldn't want them to think I'm stealing their star player."

"Too late," Cedric said, leaning back with a theatrical sigh. "Word travels fast in Hufflepuff. I'll have to hold a press conference to announce that our star player has been overshadowed by a new recruit." He winked, making her heart flutter just a little.

Veronica playfully nudged him with her shoulder. "Just remember, you're the one who said that! But fine, I'll keep the spotlight off you… for now."

Their laughter mingled, a comfortable rhythm forming between them as the morning sun bathed the common room in a warm glow. Cedric felt an unexpected ease with her, and he found himself looking forward to the adventures ahead.

For a brief moment, amidst all the confidence and banter, Veronica and Cedric fell silent. Their once bold gazes softened into something deeper—something only they could feel.

"So…" they both began in unison, realizing it was the second time that morning they had spoken at the same time. They laughed together, the palpable tension between them easing.

Cedric shook his head in disbelief, finding the whole situation somewhat amusing, before gesturing for her to continue.

"I was just wondering," she started, her tone playful, "if the Hufflepuff captain would be open to a little daylight exploration... or does he only come out at night, like a good vampire?"

Veronica, with a playful hint, subtly suggested they go for a walk to get to know each other better. After all, it was a rare sunny day in humid Scotland.

Cedric's eyes lit up with excitement, a grin spreading across his face. "A vampire, you say? I might be," he said with a mischievous smirk, glancing around as if inspecting the room for threats. "But, I must confess, the sunlight does have its perks." He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "But only if it involves a charming company like yours, France. I might just have to risk it."

He sat up a bit straighter, enthusiasm bubbling in his tone. "Exploring the castle in the daylight sounds like a brilliant idea. I've been meaning to check out the greenhouse—heard it's blooming with all sorts of magical plants. And who knows what other hidden treasures we might stumble upon along the way?"

Veronica couldn't help but smile at his eagerness. "I suppose I could show you a few secret spots I've heard about. I promise not to let any first-year paparazzi chase us off this time."

"Lead the way," Cedric said, rising from the sofa with a flourish. "Just know that if we run into any werewolves, I'll be expecting you to take the lead this time."

Veronica laughed as she stood beside him. "Deal, but only if you promise to be my knight in shining armor when we run into the rest of the Hufflepuff team. I can't have them thinking I'm stealing all their glory with some distraction."

."

Veronica laughed, the sound light and genuine. "A puppy with a fancy name and a serious case of delusions, if you ask me." She paused, her eyes meeting his with an intensity that momentarily quieted the playful banter. "But honestly, you must get tired of dealing with people like him. How do you put up with it?"

Cedric hesitated briefly, his expression softening from amusement to something more thoughtful. "You just learn to let it roll off. It's not worth letting it get to you—especially when there are better things to focus on." His smile returned, gentle and sincere, as his eyes sparkled. "Like spending time with new friends who aren't afraid to put him in his place."

Veronica felt a warmth spread through her at his words, their connection deepening. "Friends?" she asked playfully, pretending to be hurt. "And here I thought our brushing hands in the hallway meant more than just prying eyes," she joked, her heart racing as she kept her gaze steady.

Cedric's eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and amusement dancing in his gaze. "Well, I mean, those brushes certainly felt… significant," he replied, his voice lowering just enough to feel intimate. "But it's not just the hand brushing, is it? There's more to it than that."

Veronica's breath caught for a moment, the tension between them thickening. "Oh? Care to elaborate?" she asked, tilting her head, a teasing glint in her eyes.

He leaned in a fraction closer, their shoulders now fully touching, his tone shifting to something more earnest. "Maybe it's the way you stand up to Malfoy, or how you laugh like you don't care who hears you. Or how, despite the noise of this place, it feels like it's just you and me in here."

Suddenly, the playful banter between them shifted, taking on a more serious tone that hung in the air, leaving only smiles and lingering gazes in its wake. It was as if they had momentarily forgotten the world around them, caught in a space where words felt unnecessary.