Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: Butterbeer and Firewhiskey
☆
THE WIND HOWLED THROUGH HOGSMEADE, SENDING FLURRIES OF SNOW SWIRLING AROUND TARA AND CEDRIC AS THEY STROLLED SLOWLY DOWN THE COBBLED STREET. Each step they took made a satisfying crunch beneath their boots, the cold air biting at their faces, but neither of them seemed to mind. Their hands brushed once, then twice-then, on the third, Cedric paused for just a moment before gently lacing his fingers through hers.
Tara's heart skipped, a rush of warmth blooming in her chest, her cheeks flushing beneath the cold. She squeezed his hand lightly, glancing up at him through the soft veil of falling snow. Cedric caught her gaze and offered a small, sheepish smile. He moved a bit closer, and their arms brushed with every step, a subtle connection that made her pulse race.
It was their first date - an unspoken realisation that hung in the air, pulsing with each shared glance and quiet moment. The golden afternoon sun spilled across the snowy rooftops, casting a soft, dreamlike glow over the village. The scent of pastries wafted from Honeydukes, and the sound of laughter echoed from groups of students bundled up in scarves and thick cloaks. The world seemed so full of life, but Tara couldn't focus on anything but the steady, grounding pressure of Cedric's hand in hers.
They walked in comfortable silence for a while, their fingers still intertwined, their shoulders brushing now and then. Tara's heart raced in a fluttering, nervous way, but she didn't want to let go of his hand, she didn't want the moment to end. After a few minutes, she shifted a little closer, her hip bumping lightly against his.
"This is my first date," Tara said, trying for casual even as her voice came out soft and breathless.
Cedric stopped walking, tugging her gently to a halt with him. His hand stayed in hers, thumb stroking lightly over her knuckles. "Really?" he asked, his voice low and full of something Tara couldn't quite name.
She nodded, cheeks burning. "Yeah. I was waiting for the right person, I suppose," she said with a small, awkward laugh, her breath misting in the air between them.
Cedric's brow furrowed, and he squeezed her hand tighter, his thumb brushing reassuring circles against her skin. "That's hard to believe," he said quietly, making her blush and dip her head.
When she risked another glance at him, Cedric was still watching her, his grey eyes soft and earnest. "This is my first date too," he said, his voice dropping even lower.
Tara blinked, stunned. "Really?"
Cedric chuckled, a little self-conscious, and lifted their joined hands, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of hers. The sensation sent a wave of warmth rushing through her. "Yeah," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I guess I was waiting for the right person too,"
