Perfectly Imperfect || C. Diggory

chapter two: welcome party

Stepping tentatively down the stairs, your heels clicked in time with the beat of 'Stayin' Alive' by the Bee Gees. The girls had convinced you to wear one of Jenn's dresses—a flowy white romper dress that was backless. You wore stilettos, a baby pink color to match the gloss on your lips.

Vibrant hums of laughter and lively conversations filled your ears. You could smell the liquor and the warmth of all the bodies so close together; it was overwhelming, but you told yourself this year was going to be different—no more hiding in the dark and escaping early. You had friends now: Cedric, Jenn, and Olivia, and you weren't about to lose them.

Jenn led the way onto the floor, her bright eyes scanning the crowd for familiar faces. Clusters of students were scattered throughout, celebrating the start of the school year. You followed closely, nerves twisting in your stomach as the music pounded in your ears.

"You good?" Olivia asked, leaning in close to be heard over the noise.

"Mhm! Just... I don't do stuff like this much," you admitted with a small shrug.

Jenn draped an arm over your shoulder, tucking her head into the crook of your neck. "Well, you're with us now, so let's just find something to drink, get pumped up, and start dancing," she giggled, her enthusiasm infectious.

Your eyes darted around the common room looking for Cedric. You found him standing in a corner with a few friends. Your heart sank into your stomach when you noticed two girls lingering around them, flirting. It was inevitable that girls would talk to him, but it hurt nonetheless. You watched them for a few minutes, wishing you were one of those girls his attention was on.

"Whatcha lookin' at?" Jenn's voice said into your ear. You turned to face her, feeling like a deer in headlights.

"Nothing- just, um..." you trailed off, biting your tongue. Her eyes followed to where you'd been staring. She raised a brow, a suspecting look on her face.

"Oh? Is y/n interested in somebody over there?" she asked, a smirk on her face. Just as you were about to protest, Olivia appeared by Jenn's side.

"What are you guys talking about?" she inquired, her eyes darting between the two of you.

"Uh-"

"I, the brightest detective in all of Hogwarts, have deduced that y/n has a crush on somebody. I found the suspect staring longingly in that general direction!" Jenn pointed in the direction of Cedric and his buddy. You huffed, giving Jenn an exasperated look.

Olivia chuckled, "come on, tell us, we'll keep a good secret, right Jenn?"

"Yeah come on, dude," Jenn shook your shoulders softly. You rolled your eyes, deciding to succumb.

"Okay-okay, fine. I know it's stupid and he's so unattainable, but-um I've liked him since, like, third year... It's Cedric. I don't even know what it is, he's just so sweet to everyone, so hardworking, and so pretty."

"Oh my god, really?" Jenn's raised eyebrows softened as she saw your expression go sour in embarrassment. " No—it's cute! I'm serious, you'd be cute together."

"You're judging me! I told you it's stupid," you blushed with an embarrassed smile, covering your face with your hands.

"We're not judging, I totally see it for you." Olivia grinned, looking over at Cedric.

"He's single now too! Him and this girl were dating last year but I heard they broke up." Jenn explained.

"I don't know, I don't really know him, we're barely friends," you stated. The last thing you'd expect was for Cedric to come talk to you at the party, but just as you finished your sentence, he caught your eye from across the room. Before you could react, he was in front of you, greeting you with a smile.