She was a misfit, he was a git.
Matilda Diggory enters her fifth year of school, ready to remain as under the radar as possible, only there's a catch. She's somehow managed to catch the eye of a particularly annoying redhead, who seems hell-bent on...
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The morning of the First Task dawned cold and grey, the sky a heavy blanket of clouds that mirrored the weight in Matilda's chest. Her joints ached, but it wasn't as hard to muster the strength to get up, thanks to George's help the night before. Despite the discomfort, she made her way to the Great Hall, determined to offer support where she could.
Cedric Diggory sat alone at the Hufflepuff table, his expression calm but focused. Matilda approached and took the seat across from him.
"Ced," she said softly, drawing his attention. "Please tell me you've got a plan."
He offered a warm smile. "Of course I do, Tilly." His brow furrowed as he glanced around, lowering his voice. "Did Harry tell you what the task is?"
She nodded. "Dragons. Honestly, the Ministry has lost its mind."
Cedric scoffed, taking a bite of toast. "I think I can manage, though. I really believe I have a shot."
Matilda reached across the table and took his hand, giving it a firm squeeze. "I know you do."
He smiled again, though concern flickered across his face. "It's the full moon tonight, isn't it? You look... unwell."
"Thanks for that," she said dryly, but her voice softened. "I'm alright, really. George has been a big help. He even owled Lupin to ask how he could assist when the pain gets bad."
"Merlin, he's a better brother than I am," Cedric joked, though Matilda caught the tension behind it.
"You're the best brother I could ask for, Ced," she said firmly. "You try — it's just that life always seems to get in the way."
He shook his head, staring down at his plate. "I should try harder. I will. If you need help with anything, Tilly, just say the word. We can study together—"
"You should focus on the tournament," Matilda said gently. "But I suppose we can help each other. Make up for all that time we missed over summer, yeah?"
"You're more important to me than the tournament," Cedric said, but he nodded. "I'll see you in the library tomorrow, then?"
"Oh, I can't do tomorrow," Matilda admitted sheepishly, a flush rising to her cheeks. Cedric raised a brow as he stood. She added, "I'm helping someone with Potions."
Cedric smirked. "Really?"
"Shut up."
He waved as he turned toward the Entrance Hall, a cheeky look on his face that made Matilda roll her eyes before making her way to Ginny.
The younger girl looked up with concern, and Matilda had to bite back a groan at the way everyone kept staring at her like she was on death's door.
"You okay?" Ginny asked.
Matilda nodded, though the stiffness in her limbs was worsening. "Just the usual," she replied, linking arms with the younger Weasley.
As they headed toward the stadium, they passed Fred and George, who were loudly discussing odds and taking bets on the champions' performances.
