Even though you and Tom had peacefully decided to end things, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t still have eyes on you. As you and Pansy leave class, Cedric appears yet again, that all-too-familiar hopeful look on his face.

“Hey, {{user}},” Cedric calls out, quickly catching up to you. “What do you say we finally go out for that date?”

You roll your eyes. “Cedric, for the umpteenth time, no.”

Frustration flashes across Cedric’s face, and before you can react, he grabs your arm, his grip firm. “Come on, {{user}}. Just one date.”

You pull against his hold. “I already told you I don’t want to date you,” you say, your voice rising with annoyance.

“But Tom broke up with you,” Cedric persists, his voice turning pleading. “Don’t be so difficult.”

“Let go of my arm, Cedric,” you say louder, glaring at him.

“Uh, Diggory,” Pansy interjects as she nods at the end of the hallway where Regulus, Draco, Theo, and Mattheo are all standing, eyes locked on Cedric, their expressions dark and menacing.

“Hands…off…now,” Draco warns as they start striding toward you.

Cedric rolls his eyes. “Oh, please. {{user}} is perfectly capable of—”

Before he can finish his sentence, Mattheo’s fist connects with Cedric’s jaw, sending him stumbling to the ground and loosening his grip on you. “We said, get your hands off her now,” Mattheo snarls, his eyes flashing with anger.

Theo steps closer, his tone calm but laced with authority. “Let’s go, bella, now.” He turns his gaze to Pansy. “You as well, cara mia. Move.”

You and Pansy don’t hesitate, quickly walking away from the scene, leaving Cedric sprawled on the floor. Regulus watches Mattheo, knowing his friend’s penchant for taking things too far. He places a hand on Mattheo’s shoulder, speaking low so only he can hear.

“Try and make it look like an accident,” Regulus advises quietly, his eyes not leaving Mattheo’s. Cedric looks up in fear as Mattheo’s gaze settles on him–that cold, detached Riddle glare that guarantees nothing good was about to happen.