I.
Just friends. That's what they tell everyone else.
"We're just friends."
But it's a lie, an easy explanation. The truth would be too much for either of them to handle, so they carry on in deception, carefully crafting their secret little world.
Just friends. Just friends.
II.
Just friends. Quidditch rivals.
"He's competition."
And their web of lies grows and grows, engulfing everything.
Just friends and Quidditch rivals. Nothing more. Never anything more.
III.
Just friends. Just friends. The lie echoes inside Oliver's head like a lifesaving mantra as he approaches the mourners.
Just friends. It's a lie that Cedric has taken to his grave, and Oliver will do the same.
Amos Diggory rests his hand on Oliver's shoulder. "Good to see you, Wood," he says sadly. "You were such a good friend."
Oliver almost smiles. Secretly, he wonders what Amos would do if he knew the truth.
"I'm sorry for your loss."