I.
His eyes startle you. Grey, almost the same as Regulus' had been.
The old ache returns to your chest as you watch him seat himself at the Hufflepuff table. He holds himself with the same confidence Regulus had, smiling and chatting easily away.
You're supposed to be keeping an eye on Potter. Your master demands it. But your gaze returns again to the grey-eyed boy.
He's going to be trouble.
II.
You watch him with dancing with her.
Regulus hadn't liked dancing. You'd always tried, and he'd always pushed you away.
You wonder if Cedric would dance with you, if not for Chang and the Auror's skin you wear.
Potter, you remind yourself.
But you can't bring yourself to care.
III.
"Diggory, a word."
His friends look nervous, but he gestures for them to go on without him.
You tell yourself that you'll show him your true self. He will understand. He will accept you, just as Regulus had.
"Professor Moody?"
Just a matter of minutes. The potion will wear off, and he will see.
Regulus hadn't stayed, though. Regulus had left you in the in end. You had been too much of a monster, even for him.
"Should I fetch Madam Pomfrey? You look ill," he says gently.
You pull out the flask, downing the contents greedily, desperate for the salvation of your illusion.
"I'm fine," you growl.
He nods uncertainly.
"Fine job at the lake, Diggory. Wanted to tell you in person."
"Thank you, sir."
You dismiss him with an impatient wave of your hand, locking the door behind him and hating yourself for being such a coward.