A/N: Thank you once again all you lovely reviewers! I spent literally the entire day writing this chapter for you guys and I hope you all enjoy it! It's longer than usual, but I wanted to get the last part in before the next chapter. Thanks again everyone, I hope you'll continue to review!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my character and my plotline. Everything you recognize belongs to JK Rowling.
-- CHAPTER ELEVEN --
An Emotional Roller Coaster
The entire school was on excitement overdrive after the welcoming feast. Professor Dumbledore had announced the opening of the Triwizard Tournament by introducing the impartial judge—the Goblet of Fire.
He explained that any student wishing to enter the Tournament was simply to write their name down on a piece of parchment and toss it into the flames. The Goblet would then select a champion from each school.
This announcement was especially vital as the would-be contestants only had twenty-four hours to enter their name for consideration. Needless to say, electricity was in the air.
I was particularly happy to hear that Dumbledore would be drawing an Age Line around the Goblet to prevent underage students from joining. I didn't want George and Fred getting themselves hurt (as much as I hated being in Fred's presence at the present time). Unfortunately, the twins seemed far from concerned.
"An Age Line!" Fred said, his eyes glittering with excitement.
I walked alongside him and George as we headed back up to Gryffindor tower after dinner. I had thought about staying back to talk with Cedric, but he seemed a little preoccupied with his friends.
Harry, Hermione, and Ron were accompanying us, and Angelina, thankfully, had fallen behind.
"Well, that should be fooled by an Ageing Potion, shouldn't it?" Fred said. His question didn't seem to be directed to anyone in particular. "And once your name's in that Goblet, you're laughing—it can't tell whether you're seventeen or not!"
"But I don't think anyone under seventeen will stand a chance," Hermione said earnestly, "we just haven't learnt enough…"
Fred and George glared at her heatedly.
"Speak for yourself," George snarled. "You'll try and get in, won't you Harry?"
I looked towards Harry for his reply, sincerely hoping it would be a no. As much as I trusted Dumbledore's Age Line would be impenetrable, I feared for Harry. He has always been a magnet for trouble.
"Where is he?" Ron asked, interrupting Harry's train of thought.
"Where's who?" I asked as the others rolled their eyes. Apparently I had missed something.
"Krum," George muttered, filling me in as his brother strained his neck to find the Quidditch star.
"Ron's obsessed," Fred continued, bending his head down to mutter quietly in my ear. I felt a jolt run down my spine. He was close enough for me to feel his breath on my neck. He hadn't been that close since Angelina had interrupted our conversation over a month ago, and it brought back a rush of unwanted feelings.
"Dumbledore didn't say where the Durmstrang people are sleeping, did he?" Ron asked as I struggled to keep thoughts of Fred out of my head. He was harder to get over than I would have thought.
Fred and George groaned in irritation and veered off sharply in the direction of Gryffindor tower, leaving Harry and Hermione to deal with their brother's strange fascination. I followed along quickly, struggling to stifle the feelings that arose from the sensation of Fred's skin having been so close to mine.
--
The next morning the twins and Lee went through with their plan.
I joined Fred, George, Lee, Alicia, Katie, and unfortunately Angelina, down to the Entrance Hall in the morning. The Goblet of Fire was set up there, and a small crowd of students was already standing around it. Amongst them were Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and several younger students.
As soon as the Goblet was within view Fred, George, and Lee sprang down the staircase in excitement. Angelina and Alicia followed them, but Katie and I lingered on the stairs. I didn't want to get too close incase something went wrong—and I had a strong feeling something would go wrong.
"So, anything new develop with Cedric?" Katie asked as the two of us viewed the spectacle below us with mild interest.
I scrunched up my face, "Yes and no."
Katie gazed at me, her expression politely curious, urging me to continue.
"I told him I like him," I said with a shrug, watching as Fred leapt over the Age Line beneath us.
"What happened?" Katie asked as George jumped over moments later.
There was a tremendous crash as the twins were suddenly hurtled into the air, landing in a heap ten feet away. Katie and I snickered in amusement.
"Nothing happened," I told her earnestly, my eyes still on Fred and George. I felt absolutely no concern for their well-being. I had warned them.
"Are you two—OH!" Katie exclaimed, interrupting her question.
I watched as George and Fred, still in a pile on the floor, simultaneously sprouted long, white beards.
The entire Hall burst into laughter as the twins got to their feet. Katie and I doubled over in hysterics along with the rest of them. Even Fred and George laughed as they began to make a show of it. Leave it to the twins to turn something totally self-embarrassing into a comedy production.
Amongst the amused laughter came Dumbledore's voice. He was chuckling along with the students, "I did warn you," he said, his eyes twinkling merrily.
Katie and I fought back tears as we clutched our sides. Despite feeling horrifically betrayed by Fred, I couldn't help but find this funny.
Dumbledore sent the two of them off to see Madam Pomfrey at the Hospital Wing, and the rest of the students, still chuckling, began to file into the Great Hall for breakfast.
"What was it you were saying?" Katie asked, turning her attention back to me. She was still quite out of breath from laughing at the twins.
I searched my brain for a moment before our conversation resurfaced.
"Just that I told Cedric I like him," I replied.
"Well, what did he say? Are you two together?"
"No," I answered, "I don't think so. Not yet anyway."
Katie's expression brightened at my last words. Clearly she had hoped I would say something to that affect. Honestly, I was uplifted by the prospect too. All of my energy being wasted with jealously towards Fred and Angelina had me drained. I always felt much more like myself around Cedric. He made me happy.
"So you'd date him?"
I bit my bottom lip and blushed, staring at the students beneath us. Although most of them had gone to the Great Hall, a few still lingered around the Goblet. Angelina was amongst them, clutching a piece of paper.
"Looks like Angelina's about to enter," I pointed out. Katie took a glance down at the Hall.
"Let's go eat," she suggested, and I followed her in for breakfast.
I knew she was trying to distract me from Angelina. My obvious dislike for her hadn't gone unnoticed. I wasn't the only one with less than friendly feelings toward her though. Alicia had expressed her dislike towards Angelina as well. In fact, it had become clear to all three of us girls that Angelina was not the same person she had been before she left Hogwarts.
Katie and I made our way towards the Gryffindor table where none of our other friends were seated. They were all either accompanying Fred and George, or cheering on Angelina—so we sat down near Harry and his friends.
They were discussing possible Hogwarts champions when we joined and I was surprised by the way my concentration peaked at the mention of Cedric's name.
"All the Hufflepuffs are talking about Diggory," one boy said—I was half-certain his name was Seamus, "But I wouldn't have thought he'd want to risk his good looks."
I scowled at the implication he had made and forced myself to bite my tongue. There was no need for me to get my temper fired up now.
My frustration continued to build as an eruption of cheers entered the Great Hall. Angelina made her way triumphantly—albeit, seemingly a little embarrassed—toward us.
"Well, I've done it! Just put my name in!"
"You're kidding!" Ron sounded very impressed. This irked me further.
"Are you seventeen, then?" Harry asked.
"'Course she is. Can't see a beard, can you?" Ron pointed out.
"I had my birthday last week," Angelina explained.
My scowl deepened. This was getting ridiculous. Now just the sound of her voice was irritating me. I had to get over this jealousy thing.
"Well, I'm glad someone from Gryffindor's entering," Hermione said, smiling warmly. I clenched my teeth. "I really hope you get it, Angelina."
Great, now she's got Granger's stamp of approval.
"Thanks, Hermione," Angelina said as she took a seat across from Katie and I without speaking a word to either of us.
I pulled my plate of breakfast close to me and leaned over it in an attempt to block out everyone around me.
It didn't work.
"Yeah, better you than that Pretty-Boy Diggory," Seamus said.
I snapped my head up and threw him a dark look. I caught a few passing Hufflepuffs doing the same and Katie joined me for emphasis. Seamus closed his mouth and said nothing else, afraid by the prospect of being mauled by two angry Quidditch players.
Angelina, however, cleared her throat and turned her attention to me.
"You're a friend of Cedric's?" she asked seemingly casually as she filled up her plate with breakfast.
I studied her expression for a moment before answering.
"Sure."
"Hmm," she muttered, taking a bite of her toast.
"Why do you ask?" I questioned innocently. I had a feeling she had a reason for asking that ran further than curiosity.
"Fred doesn't like him," she replied with a shrug.
I glared at her, and Katie shot a confused glance at me. It was her who spoke next.
"So?"
Angelina looked up at her, surprised. She seemed to have forgotten Katie was there.
"Just a fact," she replied.
"Well I don't give a shit who Fred doesn't like," I said firmly, trying desperately to keep my temper under control.
"Well maybe that's why he chose me over you then."
I immediately jumped to my feet in defence, my fists clenched tightly at my sides. Katie sprung up next to me.
"Excuse me?" I asked, my voice threatening.
"You heard me, Christie."
Angelina's posture remained unchanging. She continued to eat her breakfast casually, pretending to be unaware of the stares we were now receiving from the other occupants of the room.
I stared at her in disbelief. Had she honestly just said that to me, or was my imagination getting the best of me? I knew I wasn't fond of Angelina since her return, but I hadn't actually thought she was to blame for any of this. The only person I was sincerely mad at was Fred…but now…
I didn't say anything else. I didn't trust myself to remain calm enough to do so. Instead I turned on my heel, hurrying out of the Great Hall, hoping to clear my head. I heard Katie squabbling with her behind me, and then her footsteps as she ran to catch up. I was thankful to have her on my side.
"What the bloody hell was that?" she asked once we were out of sight from the staring eyes of curious by-standers.
"No idea," I grumbled irritably.
"I guess you were right to have a grudge against her," Katie muttered as we passed by the Goblet of Fire. There was still a small group of students huddled around in a crowd. "All along I thought Fred was the one to blame. Turns out they're both equally horrid."
"I guess so," I mumbled in reply. I wasn't in much of a mood to talk about the two of them. They had already caused me enough stress for one day—and it was still only early morning!
"You're better off without him, Juliet," Katie said kindly but firmly.
I turned to face her without ceasing my stride. "I know."
"And Angelina's a bitch, don't worry about her."
I let out a small laugh, "I know," I said again.
"Now where on earth did Alicia get to?" she questioned, turning her head from side to side as if the girl was going to suddenly make herself known.
"Probably ran off with George to the Hospital Wing," I suggested. "I may be on the road to recovering from my thing for Fred, but I'm certain she's nowhere near meeting hers yet."
Katie snickered in agreement, but didn't reply. I knew what she was thinking—at least George isn't an asshole—the same can't be said for his twin.
Katie suddenly cleared her throat very loudly.
"What is it?" I asked, turning to her in surprise.
"I think I'm going to go find out where the others ran off to," she told me, then lowered her voice, "I have a feeling your day is about to get better, and I don't want to stand in the way."
I gave her a confused look, but caught on when I saw Cedric approaching from the corner of my eye. She gave me quite excited squeal and then hurried off to find the others. I was suddenly very grateful to have her as a friend.
"Julie."
I turned my head fully to see Cedric grinning widely at me as he approached. I managed an honest smile back at him despite my cloudy mood. He always seemed to bring the sunshine back to my personality.
"Cedric, hi," I said, pretending to sound surprised.
"You're not at breakfast," he stated. His smile really was infectious.
"Neither are you," I pointed out.
"I was just headed that way," he replied, gesturing back towards the Great Hall. "Have you eaten?"
I shook my head no. My row with Angelina had caused me to forgo my meal.
"Care to join me?" he asked, throwing me another one of his gorgeous smiles.
"Sure," I said, nodding. I was feeling hungry, I just didn't want to have to endure sitting with Angelina today. Eating with Cedric certainly sounded like a better alternative.
Cedric grinned widely at me and placed a hand on the small of my back. He led me eagerly towards the Great Hall which was now nearly full with chattering students.
I felt slightly embarrassed as he led me toward the Hufflepuff table. I was fully aware of several heads turning curiously in my direction.
"So, I heard Fred and George's plan backfired," Cedric said, breaking the silence I had fallen into.
I snickered as he led me to his usual seat, gesturing for me to sit down next to him.
"They're moronic, the both of them," I told him as I sat down in the spot to his left. As I did I noticed several eyes turn in my direction. I had never really spoken to any of Cedric's friends before.
"Ahh," he said when he realized the attention was on me, "Guys, this is Juliet."
I received warm smiles from everyone as Cedric began to introduce each person one at a time.
"Juliet, this is Codie, Ethan, Claire, Vince, and Rachel," Cedric recited, pointing out each of his friends. It struck me how very few people I knew who weren't in the same year as I was. I recognized most of his friends, but had no idea until now what their names were.
"We know who she is, Ced," the one called Ethan said. He had dark, messy brown hair that curled ever so slightly. His eyes were a striking blue, and his smile was friendly.
"Did you not think we'd notice when you started running off with her every chance you'd get?" Codie laughed. He was thin and had longish blonde hair. He also had a thick Scottish accent.
I let out an uncomfortable laugh as Cedric's friends began to poke fun at him. He shot me an amused half-smile and began to pile his plate with food. I did the same, selectively choosing what to eat. I was self-conscious about coming off as a pig, so I didn't take as much as I would have normally done. It felt odd to eat with so many people watching me.
"So, Juliet, are you entering the Tournament?" The third boy was speaking this time, the one called Vince. He had lighter brown, curly hair, and also had blue eyes. Although without the dark hair, they weren't as striking as Ethan's.
I shook my head and swallowed a mouthful of egg, "No, I'm not of age."
"That didn't stop those friends of yours," Rachel said with distaste. I could immediately tell she wasn't a fan of the Weasley twins. This girl had straight, dark brown hair that ran down probably as far as her bellybutton. She was sitting across from me, so it was hard to tell as the table blocked my view of her.
"Yeah, well, they're aren't the brightest," I commented with a shrug. I had the feeling she had been trying to get a rise out of me. It looked like I had another Angelina on my hands.
The boys all chuckled appreciatively at my sense of humour. I guessed they had been expecting me to stand up for my friends more effectively. Cedric obviously hadn't told them about my problems with Fred. For that I was relieved.
"Well then, who are you rooting for?" Codie asked curiously, his eyes darting to Cedric for a quick second. I didn't miss it.
"I don't know," I replied, taking a sip of my pumpkin juice. I was beginning to feel more comfortable with myself. "I haven't decided yet."
Smirks formed on all of their faces as they shot amused looks at Cedric.
"Yeah, Ced's really not worth all the hype anyway," Ethan said.
"All right, are we done with the jokes at my expense?" Cedric asked, sounding both amused and firm.
This time I joined in on the laughter. I felt myself become totally at ease as I finished my breakfast with Cedric and his friends, my good mood only slightly shifting as I caught Angelina staring loathingly at me from the Gryffindor table.
--
"So, what compelled you to enter the Tournament?" I asked, peering at Cedric with interest. The two of us were walking along Hogwarts grounds, enjoying the fresh air. The clouds disrupted any sunshine trying to brighten the ground, and the wind was chilly against my face and bare hands, but I felt content—warmed by Cedric's presence.
He scrunched up his handsome face in thought, as if he weren't sure what the answer was himself.
"The fame and glory?" I guessed when he didn't reply right away.
He chuckled and his sparkling eyes met mine. "Nah…more for the chicks," he replied casually.
I scoffed and rolled my eyes at him, but I knew he was only joking.
"You're disgusting," I said, although as I watched the wind blow through his copper coloured hair I thought just the opposite.
"You mean I didn't have to enter the Tournament in order to catch your fancy?" he joked, seemingly appalled.
"Catch my fancy?" I eyed him incredulously. "You think you've managed that, do you?"
Cedric cast his heart-stopping half-smile at me.
"I'm fairly certain."
I eyed him carefully, "What makes you think that?"
He grinned widely. "Mostly the fact that you told me."
I scowled and looked down at my feet, trying to hide the blush in my cheeks from him.
"Did I tell you that?"
Cedric let out a loud laugh at my embarrassment and I glared at him half-heartedly.
"What's so funny?" I asked.
"You are," he answered simply.
"Gee, thanks."
"And yes, you did tell me that."
Cedric eyed me fondly as the two of us continued to walk. Neither of us had breached the subject of our relationship during our day together, and this was as close as we had gotten to treading down that road. My lingering feelings for Fred had prevented me from getting too close to him, and I suspected he knew that. Cedric had been very careful not to say or do anything that might make me uncomfortable.
His patience and kindness only made me like him more.
"It's almost time for dinner," I said, breaking through the awkward, giddy feeling the conversation had brought on.
"Yes it is," Cedric replied, staring out at the grounds around us. Madame Maxime's horses were drinking their single malt whisky near Hagrid's hut, but aside from that the place was deserted.
"Don't you think we should head back?" I asked, eyeing Cedric curiously. His eyes snapped back to mine.
"Ya," he said with a smile.
I turned to head back to the school and he reached out for my hand.
"Do you mind?" he asked as he slid his hand into mine.
"Not at all," I replied, trying not to get flustered.
He grinned at me and the two of us walked back to the castle hand-in-hand.
--
The Great Hall filled up rapidly. Everyone was anxious to get through with eating to hear who the champions were. I was sincerely rooting for Cedric, despite what I had said at breakfast. Screw Gryffindor Pride, Angelina wasn't getting my vote. And I could count on Katie and Alicia supporting Cedric too (Katie had filled Alicia in on Angelina's behaviour at breakfast. She was just as appalled as Katie).
Fred was very clear to let everyone know he was rooting for Angelina, and George, who was seated next to me, was careful not to voice his opinion. He didn't want to anger me further by telling me he wanted it to go to her too. Maybe his opinion would change when I let him know what she had said to me earlier in the day.
Instead, George settled for keeping silent as he quietly comforted me by holding my hand under the table. As friendly a gesture it was, I didn't draw attention to it—certainly Alicia wouldn't have been too happy about it, despite how innocent it may be.
I anxiously awaited the end of the feast, partly to find out who the champions would be and partly so I could get away from Fred's continual voicing of his support for Angelina. Even with George's attempts at comforting me there was only so much I could take.
It came to an extreme relief when Dumbledore finally rose to his feet. As soon as he did, the excited chatter was muted into an eager silence.
"The Goblet is almost ready to make its decision," Dumbledore announced. "I estimate that it requires one more minute. Now, when the champions' names are called, I would ask them please to come up to the top of the Hall, walk along the staff table, and go through into the next chamber where they will be receiving their first instructions."
I took a moment to find Cedric amongst the sea of students at the next table. I let my gaze linger on his smiling face. He was excited, I could tell. I felt myself break into a grin as his eyes met mine. He winked and I blushed, feeling both giddy and awkward at the same time.
I turned my attention back to Dumbledore when the lights began to dim. All of the candles, aside from the ones in the jack-o-lanterns, had been extinguished. The Goblet of Fire shone brightly, emitting blue and white flames. We waited, staring intently at the fire.
Only moments after Lee had whispered "any second" the flames changed to a bright red. Sparks flew from the heart of the fire and there was a united gasp from the crowd when a tongue of flame shot up from the Goblet. When the flame disappeared a burnt piece of parchment fluttered down.
The flames immediately changed back to an eerie blue as Dumbledore caught the bit of parchment in the air.
"The champion for Durmstrang will be Viktor Krum," he announced loudly.
Everyone clapped, and George released my hand so that we, too, could join in on the cheering. No one seemed surprised that Krum had been chosen—anyone could have seen it coming.
Viktor slumped up towards the head of the Hall, not looking at all excited by the prospect of being chosen. He didn't seem like a very friendly character.
Seconds after the cheering had died down another bit of parchment fluttered down from the red flames.
"The champion for Beauxbatons," Dumbledore said, "is Fleur Delacour!"
I watched as a beautiful, graceful girl with long, silvery hair rose from her seat and followed the path Krum had just taken. She seemed to be his opposite in every way. I was sure, however, that she was not as delicate as she appeared to be.
The entire Great Hall fell into an impenetrable silence now. I waited with baited breath along with everyone else to hear who the Hogwarts champion would be.
We didn't have to wait long.
It was only seconds before Dumbledore had the third parchment in his outstretched hand.
"The Hogwarts champion," he called, "is Cedric Diggory!"
Immediately the entire Hufflepuff table burst into hysterics. I could make out Ethan and Vince jumping around foolishly, blocking Cedric from my view. There was so much noise from the Hufflepuffs that I could barely hear the groans coming from some of the Gryffindors.
I paid no mind to the disappointment of Fred and Angelina. Katie, Alicia, and I were all standing just as the Hufflepuffs were, cheering Cedric on as he made his way by his peers. My happiness was only broadened by the dark look I was receiving from Fred.
When the cheering had died down (which took several minutes) Dumbledore began to speak again.
"Excellent! Well, we now have our three champions. I am sure I can count upon all of you, including the remaining students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, to give your champions every ounce of support you can muster. By cheering your champion on, you will contribute in a very real—"
It took me a moment to realize why Dumbledore had stopped talking, but when I did I was just as puzzled as everyone else.
The Goblet of Fire had turned red again, and moments later a new shred of charred parchment shot into the air. Dumbledore snagged it immediately.
There was a great pause while Dumbledore stared at the writing on the paper before he cleared his throat. In a clear, calm voice he read—
"Harry Potter."
--
The school was in an uproar.
The announcement of Harry Potter as the fourth Triwizard champion had caused a riot amongst the students and faculty alike. The Slytherins were furious that Harry had managed to steal the limelight again, the Ravenclaws disgusted by his constant attention-seeking, and the Hufflepuffs were possibly the angriest of the lot. From their point of view Harry's being named the fourth champion was just a clever ruse by Gryffindor to steal Hufflepuff's glory.
The Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students and their headmasters were angry for an entirely different reason. They believed that Dumbledore had somehow rigged the competition into letting two Hogwarts champions compete—an unfair advantage from their point of view.
The house of Gryffindor, however, was ecstatic. Most of the Gryffindors thought Harry a hero for managing to get into the Tournament even though he was underage. A huge party was thrown in the Gryffindor common room in his honour that night.
I seemed to be the only one with any brain cells.
"There's no way Harry entered his name into that Goblet, George," I argued as George began to pass around butterbeers. I had no idea if he could even hear me over all of the noise that was going on.
"Of course he did!" George protested, "Just because you and Hermione are worry warts doesn't mean Harry doesn't have a sense of adventure!"
"George, did you not see his face?!" I yelled, trying to be heard over the constant chanting. The noise was giving me a headache, and I had already gone beyond my ability to keep my head from exploding tonight.
"Yeah, he's a great actor that one isn't he?" Lee commented, bounding in and out of a crowd of overly-excited fifth and sixth years.
I was absolutely outraged by the stupidity of my friends. No one seemed to have any brain cells in them at all. Even after Harry came into the common room and insisted he didn't want to celebrate, people refused to believe he hadn't come up with some clever plan to hoodwink the Goblet of Fire.
On top of that, none of my so-called friends seemed to notice anything different about the way I was acting. No one cared at all that I was not smiling like the rest of them as they celebrated a Gryffindor victory. No one stopped to ask if I was feeling all right as tears welled up in my eyes when I had entered the common room.
They were all too busy enjoying the party…a party that I soon grew tired of.
I got hardly any sleep that night as the party in the common room continued well into the early hours of the morning. I had retired to bed early after downing a gulp of my Animagus potion. There was no way I could handle being around so many upbeat people at once…especially when those people included Fred and Angelina.
My good mood from my day with Cedric had taken a sudden turn for the worst after dinner had ended…
As soon as the feast down in the Great Hall was completed, Fred had cornered me in a corridor on my way back up to Gryffindor tower. I hadn't really been in the mood to speak with him, especially after what his little girlfriend had said to me at breakfast, but he was relentless. He forced me to speak with him, ignoring the calls of his twin brother to join him in getting the party ready for Harry.
"What's your problem, Juliet?" he had said to me, his eyes wide with anger.
I rolled my eyes at him, assuming his question referred to my hanging out with Cedric.
"What are you talking about, Fred?" I had asked a bitter tone in my voice.
"Angelina told me you snapped at her today at breakfast," he said, speaking low and menacingly.
My eyes widened in shock and confusion.
"What?"
"She told me what you said to her, about her not being good enough for me," Fred clarified, his eyes burning holes into my skull.
My mouth dropped open in shock.
"Excuse me?!" I scoffed at him, my face beginning to heat up in anger. "She told you what?!"
"Listen, I don't care what you're doing—if you're trying to get back at me by dating Cedric, fine whatever—but don't bring her into this. She hasn't done anything to you. Leave her alone." He spoke with finality, but I was too angry to notice.
"To get back at you?!" my voice was incredulous. "You've got to be kidding me! Have you gone mad Weasley?!"
He rolled his eyes at me angrily and turned to walk away.
"No, don't you turn your back on me!" I screamed, running to catch up to him. "You know you've got some nerve, Fred!"
He turned on the spot to face me again, his eyes livid.
"Oh I do, do I?" he asked.
"Yes!" I screamed, my voice echoing off the walls of the empty corridor, "You were the one who refused to tell me how you felt about me! You were the one who ran off with Angelina without so much as a warning! You were the one who dropped me on my arse as if I didn't even exist! I am not at fault here!"
He stared at me coldly for nearly a full minute before he spoke again.
"Piss off, Juliet."
And with that he was gone. He turned and left me in the deserted corridor feeling worse than I've ever felt before. All of the progress I had made with Cedric seemed insignificant at that moment, and all of the happiness I had felt from earlier in the day was drained from me. He had successfully managed to break my heart—again.