A Life to be Loved

~ Chapter 43 ~

-Lilith-

Where was I?

I was in a bed.

In a room.

"Morning, Black."

I jumped, turning around to meet a gaze that was too familiar. His chest was pressed against my back.

His bare chest. Against my bare back.

"What the fuck happened?" I hissed, ignoring his greeting. His smirk made me even more infuriated.

"Let's just say that we had some fun last night." Mattheo grinned. "In bed."

"I know that, idiot. But why?" I asked.

"You asked." He shrugged. My cheeks started to redden, while I searched through my head to whatever I said the night before. "Now I would fix that little attitude of yours, princess, or else you're going to be sorry." Mattheo's voice hardened. My eyes met his, and I couldn't help but begin to feel aroused again.

"Sure I will, idiot." I snapped.

He moved so that his body was on top of me. "Don't test me." His lips connected with my neck. I whimpered. "And that's not my name, princess."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Mattheo collapsed next to me. Our panting filled the room, his clock ticking. The wind roaring. The world moving.

Time seemed to slow as his arms surrounded me. I froze, and I felt him stiffen as well. I scrambled out of his bed, pulling on the clothes I wore last night, not caring about my sweat covered body. Mattheo stood too, awkwardly opening the door to let me dash out to my dorm. At least we didn't have classes today, to allow people to prepare for the Yule Ball on Monday. I still didn't have a fucking date. I opened the door to my dorm, breathing out a sigh of relief that I had managed to get away from Mattheo. I wasn't sure what we were now, but I was sure that we weren't close enough to be cuddling after fucking. That was something I would have done with Cedric, if we were still together.

I sighed. I hadn't talked to Cedric in a while. Last I heard, he was a fuck-boy again, hooking up with any one he could find at every party he attended. Maybe I shouldn't have broken up with him...

No. I can't think like that. He cheated on me. But then why do I miss him? I groaned. Maybe breakfast will help me get my mind off him. I changed into everyday clothes, and walked outside. The Hogwarts Kitchens were also closed, to let the House-Elves get organized for the food they'll have to prepare. I strolled toward Hogsmeade, my jacket protecting me from the cold snow falling. The ground was already covered in a thick carpet of snow, even though it had only started overnight. As I observed how the scenery transformed under the blanket of white, I found myself in front of a small café. I entered, feeling the warmth of the fireplace heat my cold fingers. I walked up to the counter, smiling and ordering myself a coffee and croissant. I waited for my food, allowing another person to stand next to me.

"Lilith?" A familiar voice spoke. I turned to see Cedric Diggory smiling down at me.

"Hey Cedric." I murmured.

"I was wondering if you want to talk now? I mean if you're busy..." He trailed off, looking at me hopefully.

"Alright." I nodded, giving him a soft smile.

We sat at a small table in a dark corner. The cafe was empty, save for an elderly man who was stumbling into a seat.

"Do you think we could...you know...maybe become friends?" Cedric blushed, staring at his coffee awkwardly. "Just friends, we don't need to be anything else." He added hurriedly when I didn't respond.

"Maybe." I replied. I didn't trust myself to talk to him. I truly did like dating him. He was stable, when my life was a mess. He was a rock in the middle of a crashing ocean. A mountain in a world full of chaos.

"Really?" He beamed. "Do you want to go on a walk? We can go to the candy store. Or a pub. Or a-"

"We can do whatever you want." I said, interrupting him.

We started by going to a candy store, where Cedric insisted on buying me a shit-ton of sweets, even after my protests. A bag  was clutched tightly in my hands, which were covered by gloves,  another one of Cedric's gifts. 

"A Fire Whiskey for me. What do you want, Lilith?" Cedric glanced at me while giving the  pub waitress our order. 

"A Fire Whiskey for me too." I said.

"So, are you dating anyone?" Cedric asked calmly.

"No. Are you?" I smiled politely at him. I wasn't sure how I'd feel if he was. Would I be hurt? Betrayed? Happy?

"No." His voice cut through my thoughts. I breathed out a silent sigh of relief.

Our conversation continued. He seemed to be itching to say something, but tried to mask it by making small talk. We hadn't spoke about anything of much importance since the cafe, when he asked if we could be friends. My own discomfort was covered by a fake grin plastered onto my face, something I learned to do as a child, when my father's friends would visit. Not many people had to learn the art of hiding emotions, but I had to learn with a House-Elf and a dead woman in a portrait. 

"Hey Lilith." Cedric's voice wavered, clearly nervous. "I was wondering if you want to go on a date with me tomorrow? If you want, of course. You really don't have to."

I stared at him for a moment. What if I trusted him again? Our relationship might've been short, but he still hurt me before. Maybe I was just too sensitive. Maybe I was wrong for being mad after he fucked someone else. We had only been officially dating for a few days. Maybe I-

"Lilith?" He sighed. "I was stupid for asking you out. What kind of person would go out with me?"

"I will!" I blurted out, stopping him from getting up. Cedric froze, before his features were covered in a huge smile. 

"Thank you, Lilith! Thank you, thank you, thank you! We'll go on a date tomorrow! Meet me at the cafe! We can have breakfast!" I couldn't help but smile back at him while he rambled on about what we would do tomorrow. 

"Oh shit! It's almost two in the afternoon! I have quidditch! I'm sorry, Lilith, but I have to go! I'll see you tomorrow!" I was wrapped in a quick hug before Cedric all but ran out of the pub, but not before tossing a handful of coins on the table to pay.

I walked out a few minutes later, starting the long walk back to the castle.

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Hey guys! I updated! And it's been less than a month!

Thank you so much for 80k reads. It means the world to me.

I read the early chapters and they suck so fucking much. How did any of you read them?

Anyway, have a great day!

Love ya!

xxxx

This chapter is not proof-read.