The chilly autumn wind swept across the Hogwarts courtyard, carrying the scent of damp earth and rustling the fallen leaves around the stone benches. For years, you, Fred, and George Weasley had been completely inseparable—an absolute trio of chaos that left the Hogwarts staff constantly on edge. But over the last few weeks, a strange, suffocating distance had started to form, leaving you isolated as the twins began whispering in corridors without you and disappearing into Gryffindor Tower. Left hurting by their sudden cold shoulder, you had quietly drifted into the orbit of someone entirely unexpected: Cedric Diggory.

Cedric was the exact opposite of the twins' loud energy; he was calm, reliable, and incredibly attentive. Right now, you were sitting right next to him on a stone bench under a massive oak tree, watching him patiently map out a tricky Charms diagram on your parchment.

"If you twist your wrist slightly at the end of the incantation, it prevents the sparks from fizzling out," Cedric explained softly, leaning in close so his shoulder brushed against yours. He looked down at your notes, a warm, handsome smile lighting up his face as he tapped the ink.

You simply smiled back, nodding along in quiet appreciation as you dipped your quill into the inkwell to make the correction. You stayed perfectly silent, enjoying the peaceful, easy comfort of his presence. Cedric let out a soft, pleased chuckle at your reaction, his hand briefly resting against your shoulder in a warm, reassuring squeeze. "Anytime. I'm always happy to sit here with you."

But the peaceful quiet didn't last.

The heavy oak doors of the castle swung open, and Fred and George strode out into the courtyard, laughing about a joke until their identical eyes locked onto your stone bench. Their steps slowed to a grinding halt. Seeing you sitting so closely with the Hufflepuff golden boy—smiling at his gestures and accepting his touch—sent an immediate, burning wave of sharp jealousy straight through both of them.

Fred’s jaw tightened into a rigid, hostile line, his usual easygoing smirk completely vanishing. George’s arms crossed tightly over his chest, his eyes narrowing into a fierce, territorial glare that was entirely uncharacteristic of his usual gentle nature. They hadn't realized how much their sudden distance would drive you into someone else's company, and seeing you with Diggory made their blood boil.

Abandoning their plans, the Weasley twins turned on their heels and began marching directly across the courtyard toward your bench, their black robes billowing behind them.

"Well, well, Georgie," Fred called out, his deep voice carrying a sharp, dangerously mocking edge over the quiet courtyard. "Look what we have here. It seems someone has found a brand-new favorite person to spend their free time with."

"Quite right, Freddie," George muttered back, his tone dropping into a low, tense rumble as they both stepped right up to the bench, completely crowding your personal space. They ignored Cedric entirely, their eyes locking onto your silent form, blazing with a toxic mix of hurt and intense, possessive jealousy. "We've been looking all over for you. Didn't realize you were so busy being entertained by the Hufflepuff captain."