metanoia - cedric diggory

chapter sixteen

December 25th, 1994

Clementine let out a loud breath of air as the doors swung open, revealing a large crowd of her peers and friends.

She and Cedric walked in the front, of course, they would, she thought. There was nowhere to run or hide except in Cedric's gaze, who couldn't help but stare at her.

Students clapped their hands loudly and proudly as they walked through, Clementine felt like she might throw up any moment, but she faked a smile on her face.

Cedric wasn't the reason she felt so sick, she was numb being so close to him, but because she wasn't used to the attention or praise from others.

It felt strange to have so many eyes on you, it felt even more foreign to be seen so publicly with Cedric. Little did she know, anyone with a brain would've picked them to go to this dance together.

There was light chatter about the situation, of course. People whispered things like "I thought she hated him?" or "Are they dating now?" or Olive even heard, "Does this mean Cedric is off the market?"

All the voices fell to silence as the champions lined up in a specific form, ready to perform a dance in sync.

Clementine had never been more thankful that Cedric had taught her the dance during their nightly visits, telling her how much he wished to perform with her, not Olive who went to the classes with him.

"Calm down, darling. You know the dance," Cedric whispered to her, placing a hand around her waist. "You also appear a lot happier than Olive ever did."

He gave her his classic smirk, thinking of the fit Olive would throw during their lessons, telling him how much she disliked doing it. Clementine couldn't help but let out a laugh.

"I hope you're aware that I would never do this with anyone else," Clementine mumbled, looking up at his smiling lips. His cheeks were redder than ever, and she wished she could read his mind.

"I'm the only exception?" Cedric teased, raising his eyebrows in a mischievous way. She gave him an eye roll, only for him the notice.

Their chatter fell to an end as the piano began to play, cueing them to start the dance. They moved elegantly and gently around the dance floor, doing all the steps he had taught her.

"Just look at me," Cedric whispered as he noticed her expression become more anxious. "Just pretend it's only us."

The people around her had made her become more worried, but he seemed to always know exactly what to tell her. It felt like his best magical power, he always seemed to know if something was wrong or how to calm her down.

Even when she was in her phase of hating him, his words seemed to always bring her heart comfort, even when she chose to ignore them.

Other students gradually joined the group, flashing their skills and knowledge as they danced with their pairs.

It was an exquisite sight to see all the students appearing happier than ever, dancing all their troubles away, and not thinking of any but the one in front of them.

Olive and Blaise joined in beside them, giggling at the picture of Blaise stepping on her feet every few seconds. Olive knew the dance quite well, Blaise had never paid any attention.