VERDANT OUTCASTS | cedric diggory

⁰⁰ | the beginning

PROLOGUE,
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As the Hufflepuff and Slytherin Quidditch match draws near, an air of excitement fills the pitch's stands, resonating even within the walls of the changing rooms where one last Quidditch team member lingers: Cedric Diggory is busy tugging the rest of his gear out of his locker— both anticipation and adrenaline coursing through his veins— when he feels a certain presence behind him.

"Ready to get your own arse handed to you?"

Cedric can recognize that voice anywhere. He finishes tugging his shirt over his head before turning around, coming face to face with not only one of his closest friends but, to others, his biggest enemy: Katarina Manasse stands before him, arms folded.

His eyes rake over her body, gaze settling on the Slytherin crest adorning her Quidditch uniform, "Green really does look horrid on you."

"Oh, sod off," She chides, eliciting a soft chuckle from Cedric, who replies with, "What are you doing here, anyway?"

"Came to talk to you." She shrugs.

"Right..." Cedric trails off, adjusting his gloves' straps. "About?"

"Puddlemere United scouts are here," Katarina leans against a locker, unable to hide her smile. "They already had a talk with my parents. If I play well, I might get recruited as their actual beater."

Without a moment's hesitation, Cedric rushes to embrace her. "You're kidding!"

Katarina had been drafted as Puddlemere United's reserve beater throughout the summer after they witnessed the amount of talent she exhibited in Quidditch over the years. And although Cedric didn't hear the end of it, he found solace in listening to her go on about her dreams, which makes him realize just how much the scouts' presence means to her.

Katarina giggles, "Well, it hasn't happened yet!"

"It will," Cedric pulls back, his eyes locking with hers as he reassures her with a heartful smile.

But in the dimly lit corridor leading to the Hufflepuff's changing rooms, a sudden crash startles the pair, and Katarina instinctively steps back from Cedric, pushing him away. Her heart rate spikes as she swivels around, looking for the sound's source, which turns out to be no other than a broom that happened to fall on its side.

After releasing a sigh of relief, she glances back at Cedric, feeling a tinge of regret swirling within her stomach, "I, er... I think I should leave."

Though accustomed to such reactions on Katarina's part, Cedric's shoulders sag as he forces a half-hearted smile onto his lips, "Right... The game's starting soon anyway."

"Right," Katarina mirrors, gradually backing away toward the exit. "Uh, good luck then."

With an awkward wave, he bids her goodbye before saying, "You too, Manasse."

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The match ends rather quickly, with Draco Malfoy capturing the snitch within the first 20 minutes, and the Slytherins waste no time in reveling in their impressive victory on the pitch.

But as Cedric lands, disappointment heavy in his heart, his ears catch the furious voices of his Hufflepuff teammates echoing just a few meters from where he stands. As the team's captain, Cedric promptly approaches them, brows furrowed in confusion, "What's the—"