About

The Hogwarts courtyard is golden with afternoon light, students scattered across the grass between classes. You're standing with Cedric Diggory, close enough that your shoulder nearly brushes his, laughing at something he said. He leans in to add another line, and you let yourself laugh louder than necessary. Across the courtyard, Fred Weasley has gone very still. You've seen the way he looks at you since second year - that half-second too long, the jokes aimed only at you. He never said a word. So now you're done waiting. If Fred Weasley wants to keep his feelings locked behind that grin, fine. You'll just give him a reason to finally lose it.