A Twisted Fate

3- the forbidden conversation

As the Triwizard Tournament drew nearer to its final task, Y/n found herself spending more and more time with Cedric. They trained together on the grounds, away from prying eyes, their friendship growing in quiet, unspoken ways. Despite their differences—her dark family name and his pure Gryffindor heart—there was a bond forming between them that neither could ignore.

One evening, after a particularly challenging practice session, Cedric asked Y/n if she wanted to walk with him through the castle. Y/n hesitated for only a moment, then agreed.

They wandered through the hallways in comfortable silence, occasionally exchanging a few words about the tournament or Hogwarts. The castle seemed unusually quiet, the only sounds their footsteps echoing off the stone walls.

Finally, Cedric broke the silence. "Y/n, can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

He stopped walking, turning to face her. His eyes were searching, as if he was weighing his words carefully. "You don't have to answer if you're not ready, but... why do you always seem to distance yourself from people?"

Y/n froze, her heart skipping a beat. Of course, he'd noticed. He had been kind and patient with her, but Cedric was perceptive, perhaps more so than anyone else she'd ever known. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her thoughts.

"It's just easier," she said quietly. "Easier not to get too close to people. Especially with everything that comes with being a Lastrange. People don't exactly trust me. And I don't blame them."

Cedric's gaze softened. "But I don't care about your name, Y/n. I care about who you are. You're one of the strongest people I've ever met, and I can see that."

Y/n's throat tightened, and she looked away, unable to meet his gaze. "It's not that simple, Cedric. My family's legacy... it's always there, no matter what I do. It's always hanging over me. And I can't escape it."

"You don't have to escape it," Cedric said gently, his voice unwavering. "You don't have to carry it alone either. I'm here, Y/n. I'm not going to turn away from you because of something you didn't choose."

The warmth in his words was almost too much for her to handle. She had been running from her past for so long, trying to bury it beneath the surface, but with Cedric, it felt different. He wasn't asking her to forget it—he was simply offering her his support.

"I don't know what to say," Y/n whispered.

"You don't have to say anything," Cedric replied, his hand brushing hers. "But I want you to know that you don't have to do this alone."

Y/n looked up at him, her heart racing. She had never allowed herself to rely on anyone, but there was something in Cedric's eyes that made her want to let go of the walls she had built so carefully around herself.

"Thank you," she said softly, the words carrying more weight than she had anticipated.

Cedric smiled warmly, and they continued walking through the castle, side by side, their bond growing stronger with every step.