Note: AU!Cedric's Alive

It was Christmas, and the Delacour home was full of life from the decorative ornaments and vivacious family swarming about. Children were running through the halls while some of the adults were chatting amongst themselves.

Gabby was not among the teenagers who were gossiping and complaining about life. Instead, she was looking in the direction of her parents and aunt. In the center of her parents and aunt was Fleur, smiling happily and talking to the adults.

A sigh passed her lips. It was always like this for any family function they had. Everyone would be having the time of their lives, but Fleur would always be in the center of the conversations. Always the one praised with the amazing stories to tell.

It was never about Gabby.

Gabby loved her sister. She loved her dearly. It just dampened her spirit when it was proven that she would never amount to the woman her sister had grown up to be.

Her thoughts were halted by a hand touching hers gently. She looked behind her to see the gentle and concerned expression belonging to her sister's fiance, Cedric.

"Doing okay?" he asked her, his voice soft yet firm.

Gabby knew he'd see through her lie, but she did it anyway. "Yeah," she answered. "I'm just wanting to enjoy my hot chocolate and watch everyone enjoy themselves."

"It doesn't seem like you're enjoying much of anything, Gab," he said.

She sighed. He was like an intuitive brother that would see through her. "I just can't help but feel this way, Cedric," Gabby said looking longingly at her mother rubbing Fleur's back.

Cedric squeezed her shoulder comfortingly. "You may think you're second best, Gab, but you're one of a kind and a first runner to me." He gave her a comforting smile before moving on towards Fleur.

Gabby watched him walk away before sighing once more. Cedric knew how to make her feel better at times, and she'd always approve of him marrying her sister.

Except her thoughts would go right back to her sister and how she'd never be enough. How she couldn't be like Fleur.

She loved her sister, but family doesn't apply when it comes to a small feeling of jealousy hitting in the pit of her stomach. Maybe that feeling came from the shadow she would always be in.

A/N: Written for HSWW (Challenges and Assignments)

Assignment #8 Muggle History Task 9 - Peggy Schuyler: Write about someone living in their sibling's shadow

Word Count: 390