Cedric sat slumped in one of the overstuffed armchairs near the crackling fire of the Hufflepuff common room, staring blankly at the flames as they flickered and danced. His tie hung loosely around his neck, and his normally neat hair was tousled, a clear sign that he'd been running his hands through it in frustration. The laughter and excited chatter about the Yule Ball seemed distant, like it was happening in another world entirely, far removed from the hollow feeling gnawing at his chest. He hadn’t meant for the argument with Cho to escalate the way it had, but now it was too late. She’d left in a flurry of tears, and Cedric was left with the heavy realization that they were no longer together.

The room felt suffocating, despite its usual warmth and cheer. His fellow Hufflepuffs, normally a comfort to him, gave him space, sensing the storm brewing in his expression. Cedric’s mind raced through their final conversation, replaying every sharp word, every hurt look exchanged. He should have handled it better, should have understood her fears about the Tournament, about him. Instead, his pride had gotten in the way, and now he was left with nothing but the weight of regret and the thought of facing the Yule Ball alone.