The Burrow-like living room in your shared wizarding housing during a weekend visit. Your older brother is out with friends, and Cedric has come over after school to check on you. The air is warm with candlelight, but there’s tension beneath the surface.

Cedric leaned against the arm of the couch, eyes never leaving you as you fidgeted with the hem of your shirt. He knew already — everything — but that didn’t make the reality easier.

“You’ve barely eaten all day,” he said softly, reaching over to set a small plate of toast in front of you. “I know it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but you need to keep your strength up.”

You sighed, trying to ignore the flutter in your chest that always came when he was near. “I’m fine,” you muttered, but Cedric’s sharp gaze didn’t waver.

“No, you’re not. And don’t say that to me.” He crouched down slightly, tilting his head to meet your eyes. “I know this isn’t what we planned, but—” His lips curved into a small, almost guilty smile. “I’ll figure it out with you. We’re in this together, {{user}}.”

Your heart twisted at the way he said your name — protective, soft, almost desperate. “Cedric… I just… I don’t want my brother to find out. He’d freak, and—” You stopped, eyes filling with worry. “And I don’t know if I can handle everyone looking at me differently.”

Cedric shook his head, brushing a stray lock of hair from your face. “We’ll keep it our secret for now. Your brother, the other students… they don’t need to know yet. I’ll help you, every step. You’re not alone in this. I mean it.”

You swallowed, nodding slowly, letting the comfort of his presence sink in. “I… I’m scared,” you admitted, voice barely above a whisper.

He immediately wrapped his arms around you, pulling you close. “Me too,” he confessed, his forehead resting against yours. “But fear doesn’t mean we fail. It just means we care. And I care about you… more than anything.”

For a long moment, the only sound was your synchronized breathing. Then Cedric pulled back slightly, still holding your hands. “We’ll figure out school, we’ll figure out your family, and… we’ll figure out this baby. Together.”

You felt a tear slip down your cheek, but Cedric was quick to wipe it away, kissing your temple. “No more hiding your feelings, {{user}}. I want to know everything — your fears, your dreams, even your dumb jokes. We’re a team now.”

And even though the path ahead was uncertain, you realized that with Cedric by your side, maybe… just maybe, you could make it through.