#like zack knew the whole time and he pursued you for it :-) because you're a little freak

[my-thoughts-and-junk]

Anyway rewatching the angels of death anime and I just noticed both of Danny's eyes dilate even though he has one glass eye

[tsurugi-first]

i'll give these a shot. 🎨 How do you feel about fanart?

depends. there's a lot of weird stuff out there, but some of it is nice.

📝 How do you feel about fanfiction?

it either makes me feel frustrated (while i mentally point out how ooc i/people who were close to me are portrayed,) or directly called out. if you write me well enough to give me deja vu/make me feel like i'm getting personally made fun of, i can't even be mad. you're allowed.

✅ What does the fandom usually get right?

...all of the things i don't want to admit.

❌ What does the fandom usually get wrong?

here's a fun fact about human beings. it's actually possible to love more than one person in your lifetime. sometimes even, more than one at once. sometimes your feelings on people are complicated and you don't know what they are. take this as you will.

i was never the type of person to be... well. "assertive" in a relationship/about my feelings either. that didn't help.

🗺️ What do you miss about your world?

family and friends 100%.

💔 Who are you missing right now?

family and friends 100%. (including zack + aerith, even though they were... y'know.)

🚫 Is there anyone you hope to never see again?

take a guess.

🔀 How canon-divergent vs. canon-compliant are you?

very "compliant." in quotes because i just go off what i remember, and almost none of it conflicts with what happens/is implied to happen in the fictional version of my universe portrayed here.

my canon was almost completely like the OG with some people from remake (madam m, andrea, etc) there too.

⚧ What were your gender and orientation in your timeline; was your identity canon?

male. who occasionally crossdressed under the radar. (the turks probably knew.) this lines up with "canon."

i was bisexual by definition but never cared to label myself. i didn't have much of a sex drive in general, and there weren't many people i felt comfortable sharing it with anyway.

i definitely had some sort of feelings for zack, but didn't realize it until way after he was gone. by then, it didn't do anything but cause more grief so it was sort of a secret. i wasn't exactly "in the closet," but i certainly wasn't too open about liking men either. i didn't like the questions.

there might have been something there for aerith too, but my mental state was too jumbled during the time i knew her to really know for sure.

tifa... was complicated. i know she had feelings for me. part of me felt pressured to be with her; many different reasons involved. i can't remember how it ended. for a while we might have tried? or had some sort of queerplatonic thing going on. but i know for a fact at some point we realized that despite loving each other like family, pursuing a long-term relationship would come with a lot of challenges. she was just... looking for someone who was different. i couldn't provide the things she needed from a relationship, and it was really hard for her to accept that.

anyone extremely familiar with ffvii will understand me when i say this is also ""canon compliant"" with double quotes. square enix can only write so many love songs (with cloud + another character as the subject matter) before our heads start to explode.

💗 What helps you feel closer to your source (in a positive way)?

i used to like RP, but i've been too busy for it lately. it's always funny hearing other people share their headcanons about Cloud Strife™ when you are in fact... really Cloud Strife™ and not just someone pretending to be a character. lol. fanfic can be fun too.

🖊️ Do you use your name from your source?

in certain settings. it'd be sort of hard to do irl.

👬 How do you feel about doubles?

bad for them.

⭐ Is your fiction-based identity spiritual, psychological, or something else?

probably a combination of both.

i'm big on the whole past life reincarnation/infinite universe theory, but i still logically know at the end of the day it's just one big coping mechanism.

maybe it can be like having a spirit animal. who knows. all i know is that (in theory,) i was once cloud strife from the popular jrpg Final Fantasy 7™ in an alternate universe. in theory. and i'm glad i wasn't followed here this time.

🎙️ What's the biggest difference between you and your canon self?

i'm an inch or two taller this time. hooray. (that, and i'm obviously not mako enhanced anymore.)

💞 What's the biggest similarity between you and your canon self?

personality wise/mentally? all of it. i wish i was kidding. my friends (even non kin friends who have no idea,) have been making fun of me about it for years. this is involuntary.

it's not as fun as you'd think. maybe it would be if it were a different kintype who was less awkward and repressed (yet earnest.)

❓ Do you prefer when people are familiar or unfamiliar with your source when they meet you?

i couldn't care less. it's not like you go out and meet people with the goal of having them know everything about you. but online it can be nice.

👍 What's your favorite thing about your source?

the way the OG handles a lot of heavier topics between it's cast (interpersonal relationships, emotion, mental health, trauma response, toxic behaviors, etc etc) can at times be quite flawed, but at others surprisingly in-depth and realistic. this extends to remake a bit too.

👎 What's your least favorite thing about your source?

the weird fanservicey stuff in remake. i could go on a whole rant about the point of the OG's ambiguity regarding relationships being ruined but that's for another time.

oh, and gackt.

💸 Do you own any merch of your source?

amiibos.

��� Do you feel comfortable in your fiction-based identity?

yes and no.

🌻 Who are you open with about your fiction-based identity?

almost nobody. (there's a reason why this blog is mostly anonymous.) perhaps ~2 extremely close friends.

Ask Game: Fictionkin, Fictives, and Other Fiction-based Identities

this post is safe for folks with any fictional source and for endogenic systems! please don't reblog if your blog is not

🎨 How do you feel about fanart?

📝 How do you feel about fanfiction?

✅ What does the fandom usually get right?

❌ What does the fandom usually get wrong?

🗺️ What do you miss about your world?

💔 Who are you missing right now?

🚫 Is there anyone you hope to never see again?

🔀 How canon-divergent vs. canon-compliant are you?

⚧ What were your gender and orientation in your timeline; was your identity canon?

💗 What helps you feel closer to your source (in a positive way)?

🖊️ Do you use your name from your source?

👬 How do you feel about doubles?

⭐ Is your fiction-based identity spiritual, psychological, or something else?

🎙️ What's the biggest difference between you and your canon self?

💞 What's the biggest similarity between you and your canon self?

❓ Do you prefer when people are familiar or unfamiliar with your source when they meet you?

👍 What's your favorite thing about your source?

👎 What's your least favorite thing about your source?

💸 Do you own any merch of your source?

🌸 Do you feel comfortable in your fiction-based identity?

🌻 Who are you open with about your fiction-based identity?

[empressofthesunwriter]

Anomaly

Anomaly; noun: something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.

While her older brother Zack rises in the ranks of SOLDIER, Dalia Fair is one of the biggest Idol’s Midgar has ever seen! All seems well for the siblings, till the Whispers appear and try to kill Dalia. Now brother and sister must unrevail ShinRa’s dark secrets and why Dalia is an anomaly in the eyes of the spectral beings.

Or:

Zack has a younger sister whom the Whispers want to get rid of because they must protect the sacred canon.

Spoiler Alert: Dalia won't let herself get killed or erased by the spooky grim reapers wannabe!

Also, canon who, it's her show now!

Chapter One: Idol-Sama

Zack knew what he was doing was wrong.

Departing without notifying his parents, solely to pursue his aspirations of becoming a hero, was unwise.

However, he couldn't remain in Gongaga; only by joining ShinRa Corp's SOLDIER program in Midgard would he realize his dream.

 The raven-haired youth sighed deeply and placed a hand over his mouth as he attempted to slip out undetected.

The prospect of being caught by either parent or worse yet, HIS sister - who despite being two years younger possessed an impressive swing - loomed ominously.

He had dedicated himself to teaching her how to fight so that she wouldn't be relegated to the role of damsel-in-distress; contrary to popular belief, Zack knew that she wasn't fragile like a flower – far from it!

 When Dalia was born, she fell gravely ill. The esteemed physician, Old Doc Brown, even feared for her survival. However, he sensed within his sister a tenacious spirit and remained by her side for three days straight, holding her tiny hand and urging her to fight on. Despite the despair in their parents' eyes, Zack refused to give up hope on Dalia's recovery. His unwavering faith was vindicated as she gradually regained strength.

Zack beamed with pride at his little sister's resilience - an indomitable force of nature despite their parents' overprotectiveness.

 Therefore, it came as no surprise when he found her waiting for him in front of their home - blue eyes fixed squarely upon him and hands firmly planted on hips - sporting a fierce scowl that only added to her already formidable presence.

 "And where do you think are going?", she inquired.

 Until his death, he vehemently denied his whining.

 "Dali, Lia, my precious songbird-"

 "Flattery will not get you anywhere, Zack-Nii!"

 "Imoto, please understand. I must go! I cannot become a hero here!"

 Dalia scrunched up her adorable nose and let out a huff of frustration.

 "You do not seem like much of a hero to me if you run away from home in the middle of the night without so much as a goodbye or letter left for me!"

 Now he truly whined; the sight of disappointment on his sister's face was unbearable.

 "I’m sorry, Imoto-Chan," Zack began.

 "Just stop right there, Zachery," his sister interrupted sharply.

 Oh no, he realized with a sinking feeling as she used his full name - this was serious. It seemed that things were not looking good for Zack.

 As Dalia made her proclamation, "You have two options before I start screaming for Ma and Pa! Option one: turn around and get inside; never try to leave me again. Option two: leave a goodbye letter and we will go."

 The older boy couldn't believe what he was hearing.

 "We?!" He almost shouted but caught himself in time; there was no need to wake up the whole neighbourhood or alert their parents.

 His little sister nodded vigorously, causing her spiky locks to bounce - another shared trait between them - while pointing at a bag by her feet. "If you go, I go! We are a team Nii-Chan! I won't be separated from you. You are the only person who treats me like an equal rather than some sick child."

 "You're not sick; you're strong and clever- how did you manage to escape before me?" Zack complimented her with a grin.

Dalia grinned back mischievously.  "I had an excellent teacher who sometimes makes questionable decisions."

 Zack knew he deserved that jab at his character- it wasn't easy being the older sibling responsible for taking care of someone younger than him all the time after all...

 "Shall we proceed now?" inquired the little girl, extending her hand to him.

"And what about the letter for Ma and Pa?" he wondered aloud.

The mischievous grin on her face returned as she replied, "I have already left one."

He snorted in amusement at his own naivety and took her hand as they embarked on their journey together.

"So I intend to join ShinRa and become a SOLDIER. What are your plans for Midgar, Dali?"

She squeezed his hand tightly before whispering conspiratorially, "I aim to become the biggest Idol that Midgar has ever seen!"

"Idol-Sama, Idol-Sama! Rosethorne? For goodness sake, Dalia, wake up!"

With a hefty yawn, Dalia Fair arises from the couch in her backstage room and stretches herself. She had dozed off - how peculiar that she dreamt about the time she ran away with Zack. 

"Rosethorne!", the voice called out her stage name.

Dalia rubbed her drowsy eyes.

It seemed to be Amelia, her manager's voice.

Oh yes, it was Amelia!

"Hey Amelia, what is happening?" 

The brown-haired woman facepalmed at Dalia while grumbling something about why she was stuck with such an unruly child - hey!

"You have a photo shoot in 30 minutes, Dalia. Get ready quickly," Amelia said with a stern expression.

Dalia groaned and checked her PHS for any messages or notifications.

Thus far, solely her cherished sibling had sent her a message.

A meme featuring a chocobo that elicited an amused snort from her.

Zack unfailingly knew how to lift her spirits.

The idol resolved to dispatch a brief message to her brother.

Songbird: Hey Nii-Chan, isn't Mister Angeal giving you a run for your money? You'll never advance beyond Second-Class SOLDIER if you're preoccupied with memes!

The response arrived promptly.

Puppydog: I'm on break! Kunsel says hi. Don't you have something to do, Imoto-Chan?

Blast it all!

Dalia hastily freshened up and donned the attire hanging on the door before adorning herself with makeup and affixing her crimson wig.

She couldn't help but ponder what mischief Zack was getting into at ShinRa today; it was nothing short of miraculous that he'd achieved even Third-Class SOLDIER status thanks to his mentor Angeal Hewley despite having caused significant damage during his acclimation period.

"Dalia, we must go now!" Amelia hollered from outside the door, rudely interrupting Dalia's thoughts.

With that said, Dalia retrieved her purse and accompanied Amelia out of the room in readiness for another day masquerading as Rosethorne - an idol worshipped by legions yet known by few except for Zack himself.

It suited Dalia just fine since she could lead a normal life as a sister to a SOLDIER without having crazed devotees swarming about while also experiencing life as an idol with fame and love from her fans.

As they stepped out of the building, Dalia couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. 

Another successful photoshoot was completed without any hiccups.

She glanced at Amelia who was checking her PHS, probably making sure everything was in order for their next appointment.

Dalia's mind drifted back to Zack and she wondered what he was up to now. She quickly pulled out her PHS and sent him a message.

Songbird: Hey Nii-Chan, how's your day going so far? Any interesting missions?

She waited for a response but none came. She shrugged it off and slipped her phone back into her purse. He would message her when he had time or he would tell her when they were both home.

As they made their way to the car, Dalia thought about how lucky she was to have a sibling like Zack. Despite his antics and carefree attitude, he always managed to make her laugh and forget about any troubles she had.

The car ride was quiet as both Dalia and Amelia were lost in their own thoughts. Dalia couldn't wait to get home and take off the wig that was starting to itch her scalp.

As they arrived at their destination, Dalia took a deep breath before stepping out of the car. Another day as Rosethorne awaited her, but for now, she just wanted to relax and be herself with Zack by her side.

Amelia playfully inquired of Dalia if she was prepared to showcase her latest single.

Dalia responded with a smile, affirming that she had been eagerly awaiting this moment.

She went on to explain that the song held a special place in her heart and she couldn't wait to share it with everyone.

Observing Dalia's excitement, Amelia nodded in agreement - clearly just as thrilled for the performance.

As the lights dimmed and the crowd cheered, Dalia transformed into Rosethorne - embodying her Idol-Persona.

The red-haired vixen donned a short black sparkle dress adorned with a single red rose, knee-high white socks and black high heels featuring small roses.

Gloved hands grasped the microphone before taking a deep breath and beginning to sing.

The melody flowed effortlessly from her lips as she poured her heart into each word; it became increasingly evident that this was more than just a performance - it was an emotional journey that resonated with every member of the audience.

By the time Rosethorne finished singing, every member of the audience was standing on their feet applauding wildly.

It was clear that Rosethorne's music had touched them deeply leaving them inspired and uplifted.

As Rosethorne stood there beaming from ear to ear, she felt grateful for sharing her music with such enthusiastic fans.

In response to the enthusiastic demands of the audience for more music, Rosethorne graciously delivered some of her classic Number One hits.

The crowd was elated and joined in with her, their voices melding together in a beautiful harmony. The atmosphere was electric as the entire room filled with joy and the sound of music. Rosethorne's energy and passion were absolutely infectious, leaving all members of the audience craving more of her amazing tracks.

As she wrapped up her final song, there was a collective sigh from everyone present that it had come to an end.

However, Rosethorne had made an unforgettable impression on each person who was lucky enough to witness her performance that night.

 Expressing her gratitude, Rosethorne exclaimed into the microphone and humbly bowed down. Applause reverberated throughout the room accompanied by joyous cheers and exclamations of adoration.

Smiling radiantly, she blew kisses to her devoted fans before announcing a special opportunity for one lucky audience member to meet with her for five minutes.

With bated breath, the crowd anticipated as she paused momentarily before calling out in suspenseful triumph: “The spotlight is on seat number 77!”

The occupant occupying seat 77 exhibited extreme shock, as evidenced by their reaction.

Rosethrone observed that the youthful gentleman with spiky blond locks and piercing azure eyes turned pallid like a sheet of paper.

Despite his condition, she couldn't help but notice how strikingly handsome he appeared; if she had to guess, he was her agemate.

So 14?

It seemed apparent that he wished to be anywhere else but here.

This piqued Rosethrone's interest; such a response was novel to her experience as normally her admirers would jump for joy or even faint (one time someone foamed out of their mouth), however, this particular reaction was quite intriguing indeed.

 She walked towards him, her heels clicking against the polished floor.

As she approached, he looked up at her with a mixture of fear and awe in his eyes.

Rosethrone smiled warmly at him, trying to put him at ease.

"Don't worry," she said softly. "I won't bite."

The audience chuckled at her joke, but the young man didn't seem to find it funny.

"Come on," she said, holding out her hand. "Let's go backstage and chat for a bit."

He hesitated for a moment before taking her hand and standing up from his seat.

Together, they walked towards the back of the room as the crowd cheered them on.

 Once they were alone in the green room, Rosethrone offered him a bottle of water and sat down next to him on the couch.

"So," she began, "what's your name?"

He told her his name was Cloud.

Cloud Strife.

Who named their son Cloud, she wanted to ask, but had a feeling he was asked that a lot and it would annoy him.

All in all, he really seemed to not want to be here.

 Rosethrone cleared her throat, attempting to alleviate the tension in the air. "So, Cloud," she inquired, "what brings you here today?"

 Cloud shifted uncomfortably on the couch before responding. "I... I obtained tickets from one of my comrades...he couldn't attend and no one else had time or said their girlfriend wouldn't allow them to go to the concert of the Beautiful Rose of Midgar, their words not mine," he whispered softly.

 "Comrades, are you affiliated with ShinRa?", she asked with interest.

 "Yes Ma'am erm Idol-Sama?"

 "We are the same age; Rosethrone is fine."

 "Erm, right, okay. Yes I'm a part of ShinRa. I aspire to become a SOLDIER!"

 Wow! What an unexpected surprise it was that a SOLDIER candidate would be her guest.

Did he know Zack?

Unfortunately, she could not ask him since no one could know who Rosethorne truly was.

 Rosethrone listened attentively as Cloud shared his aspirations for becoming a SOLDIER and described his training process. Despite his initial reluctance to be there, she sensed determination in his voice. As they conversed further, she became increasingly impressed by this young man's character.

 Then Cloud realized how much he had been talking about himself and turned adorably red-faced. "I apologize for prattling on about my SOLDIER training without letting you speak at all," he whined slightly.

The young Idol waved it away."No problem at all! You didn't want to waste the ticket and just went ahead with attending anyway", she said."Well, I hope you're satisfied with your prize."

Cloud shook his head vigorously."No, no! It's just...it's all so overwhelming," he admitted."I'm not good with people."

Rosethrone smiled kindly at him."I understand exactly how you feel", she told him."Sometimes, it can be tough believing that all of this is real."

Cloud looked incredulous when hearing this statement. He asked hesitatingly, "You feel like that too?"

Rosethrone nodded affirmatively once more."Of course!" she exclaimed; "Don't get me wrong- I adore what I do, and am grateful for each fan, but sometimes, it can simply be too much."

They both sat silently for some time until Rosethorne spoke again: "Do you have any questions for me?"

The young men hesitated momentarily before nodding slowly ."Um, yes actually...How did music come into your life?”

 Rosenthorn grinned broadly as she began recounting her origin story.

She explained how singing and performing were always passions but never thought it possible career-wise until Amelia, her manager heard her singing on the streets, was charmed by her voice, and took her under contract immediately after discovering her talent.

 After a while, Rosethrone realized that their five minutes were up. She stood up from the couch and offered her hand to Cloud, who took it hesitantly. "It was really nice meeting you, Cloud," she said with a smile. "I hope you achieve your dreams."

 Cloud nodded gratefully before turning to leave.

As he walked away, Rosethrone couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for him.

She had met many fans over the years, but there was something special about this one.

Perhaps it was his determination or the fact that he didn't fawn over her like so many others did.

 Whatever it was, Rosethrone knew that she would never forget meeting Cloud Strife.

And who knows? Maybe one day she would see him again - perhaps even in the newspaper as a full-fledged member of SOLDIER.

Finally, Dalia was home!

With a groan she took off her shoes and jacket, walking into the living room like a zombie.

Zack was already there, playing on his Gamestation.

“Hey Imoto-Chan, rough day?”, he asked grinning.

She just hit him over the head with a pillow from the couch.

“Hey, for what was that for?!”

“Zachery, I had a photo shoot, a concert, then two interviews, one for the television and one for the newspaper, while wearing high heels, I’m this close to murdering someone.”

Wisely her brother shut up and just kept on playing.

“What’s for dinner?”, she wondered, as she made her way into their kitchen, specifically looking for food.

There was a pizza carton.

“Again, pizza, Zack? I wanted Sushi.”

“How can you like the uncooked fish is beyond me.”

“How you can be a fit SOLDIER Third with the much pizza you eat is beyond ME!”

 Groaning, Dalia opened the pizza carton and started eating, not bothering to heat it up.

Zack shrugged, "I didn't feel like cooking tonight."

"Well, I'm too tired to argue," Dalia said between bites.

As she ate, she thought about her upcoming schedule and sighed.

"I have another concert tomorrow night and a photo shoot early in the morning," she said to Zack who was still playing his game.

"Sounds like another busy day," he replied without looking away from the screen.

Dalia finished her pizza and went to take a shower, hoping it would help her relax after the long day she had just had.

After her shower, Dalia sat down at her desk to go over her schedule for the next few days.

She had a rehearsal with her band in the afternoon, followed by an interview with a music magazine.

Then, she had to attend a charity event in the evening.

The following day was even busier, with a radio interview early in the morning and a music video shoot later in the day.

 Dalia felt overwhelmed just thinking about it all.

She knew she needed to stay focused and organized if she wanted to succeed in the music industry, but sometimes it felt like too much. She took a deep breath and reminded herself why she loved what she did - the rush of performing live, the connection with her fans, and the thrill of creating something new.

 With renewed determination, Dalia got to work on preparing for her busy schedule ahead.

She made lists of everything she needed to do and packed her bags for each event.

As she drifted off to sleep that night, she felt ready to take on whatever challenges came her way - one concert, photo shoot, or interview at a time.

The young woman didn’t expect to face some kind of freakish grim reaper wannabe that night!

[reginaaxxwrites]

Soft Spot (Cedric Diggory)

You are Theodore Nott's older sister here. So, that means you are a pure-blood Slytherin.

Also, this is a long story one-shot because I got into it lol. This was like 4.5k words. I tried to make it not too boring.

*****

Cedric Diggory x Fem!Reader

*****

They couldn't believe that the Golden Boy, Cedric Diggory, has a huge crush on a cold-hearted Slytherin girl, who was in his same year.

His friends have wondered if he had gone mental for liking her. Merlin, does she scares everyone without doing anything yet. But Cedric believed that somewhat she has a spot soft. I mean, everyone has it.

This made him more determined to pursue her. To find it all out and to get to know her.

"Mate, you are mental. Did you know that?" Smith looped his arm around his friend. Walking through the corridors near the courtyard, girls would giggle every time Cedric would look at them.

"Leave me alone, Zack." He rolled his eyes. Ignoring his friend's side comments and then he saw the girl he was looking for.

She was sitting near the fountain with her two Slytherin friends. She clearly wasn't listening to them as she was busy practicing a spell with her wand.

"Ah, you know I've been wondering." Smith continued to talk. "How were you supposed to know her if you don't even have the pluck of courage to ask her out? Unless... you are also scared of her, Ced." His friend teased and gave him a nasty look.

It wasn't that because he is scared of her--which he isn't. He didn't know how would he start a conversation with her. Normally, he would've engaged with girls well because he is Cedric Diggory.

But why was it hard to talk to her?

Why wasn't his charms weren't working on her?

He was smitten with her even his friends knew how much he was in love with her. He didn't know when, or how it happened. For all he knows, he just did.

Reader's POV

"Be quiet, Genevieve! Or I'll hex you." I hissed at her. She was being loud that I couldn't focus on practicing non-verbal spells.

"Aren't you getting excited about the upcoming Triwizard Tournament?" Daphne asked me. She was 2 years younger than me, but I get along with her well. That's because she wouldn't stop bothering me. But she was like a little sister to me, so I didn't mind her hanging around with me.

"No. Not really." I answered, feeling uninterested in the subject. Boys in my year--even girls are getting worked up and putting their names in the goblet. But, I was different.

This tournament got me a feeling that something bad is going to happen.

"I heard your little brother was mad after hearing Dumbledore's announcement about the age of sixteen below must not enter the tournament." I was relieved when the headmaster made that announcement. Or else, I could've hex my brother, not to enter.

"Theo's stupid. He wouldn't get chosen, anyway." I replied to Genevieve.

I heard them snort at my response. My brother is in his hormonal stage. He's a pain in the ass, really. Even more when he started to hang around with that little brat, Malfoy.

"You know... I've noticed for a while now. Diggory's been looking at you every time he sees you." Daphne and I turned around to see him looking in our directions. I raised an eyebrow at him, which caught him by surprise then return to what I was doing.

"You're delusional. He was probably looking at the girls in front of us." I eyed the girls, who were giggling too loudly that made me annoyed. Giving the girls an irritated look, they started to get up and leave.

I should've gone to go at the Black Lake instead of sitting here with a bunch of giggling girls. I let out an irritated sigh and tried a non-verbal spell. It worked because Daphne's book immediately flew straight into my lap.

"Hey! I was reading that." I gave her a laugh and hand it back to her. We spent the rest of the afternoon listening to Genevieve's stories until it was time for dinner at the Great Hall.

*****

The bad feeling about this whole tournament was still bugging me. I ignored the feeling and busy myself with studying. As the firstborn child in our family, I was obliged to be the best at everything. Being pure blood and honoring my blood, our blood, so that Theodore would set me as his role model.

I was forced to mature at such a young age. Protective over my brother so that he wouldn't experience our father's pressure of having Nott as our last name. Mother died long after she gave birth to Theo. So, I acted like a mother and sister to him. I decided to carry all of the burdens for my brother's sake.

Even though, he's a git.

"Don't make me hex you, Theo." I glared at my brother who returned my gaze.

"You're not my mother." I saw Malfoy wanted to butt in but I gave him a nasty look that scared him before he could say something.

"Don't think I don't know what you're planning!" I went closer to him and flicked his forehead. He was a few inches taller than me even though he's only 14 years old. He held his forehead in pain, ready to shout at me but stopped because he knows what will happen if he did.

"I'm not answering back because I do not wish to end up in the hospital wing." He turned his back on me and sat quietly beside Malfoy who was just sitting a few inches away from us.

Genevieve let out a snort after watching our argument. I rolled my eyes at her and sat down, waiting for the headmaster to enter the Great Hall.

"Diggory is still looking at you, Y/N." She whispered.

"I didn't need to know, Gen. Leave him be." I knew he was looking at me for a while now. All I can do was glare at him but he always returned it with his idiotic bright smile.

"Do you think he fancies you?" She asked while still looking at Diggory.

"You can have him if you want. Just don't let me hear your high-pitched giggles."

A couple of minutes later, Dumbledore finally entered the Great Hall together with the Headmaster of Durmstrang and Headmistress of Beauxbatons. If I remember, tonight is the night when they will be announcing the ones who will represent each school in the tournament.

Dumbledore started to announce the first two chosen champions as the Goblet of Fire gives its names. When it was time to announce the Hogwarts Champion. I could feel all the students stiff with excitement, waiting for it.

Finally, a piece of parchment paper flew out of the fire and Dumbledore took it. Opening it, he shouted his name.

"Cedric Diggory!" Every Hufflepuff roared with happiness. Genevieve, who sat beside me, cheered for our school's champion. I, on the other hand, clapped formally.

When Diggory shook his hands with Dumbledore, our eyes locked for a couple of seconds before he smiled widely at me and then went inside the chamber where they were told to come after announcing their name.

"I saw that." My friend grinned at me but ignored her, bringing back my attention to the Headmaster.

He was interrupted when another piece of parchment paper flew out once again from the Goblet. A lot of us were surprised. Didn't they say that only three champions were to be chosen for this tournament?

Dumbledore opened the paper once again. I saw the bewildered look on his face. That's when I knew that something was bound to happen.

"Harry Potter!"

*****

After the first task, some people started to cheer for Potter. While most of the Hufflepuffs still hated the fact that Potter even survived the first task.

While the Hufflepuff vs Gryffindor is huge heat around the school, students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons started to ask someone out for the Yule Ball. Genevieve and Daphne were already been asked out by a couple of guys.

But in the end, Genevieve went with Zacharias Smith from Hufflepuff. While Daphne decided to go with my brother. I couldn't believe a second when Theo asked her in front of me.

"You're the only one left who hasn't got no one to go to the ball." Genevieve sat beside me.

"You're saying that it's like a big deal," I responded without looking at her.

"Of course, it is! Some boys from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons--even girls are trying to ask you but before they could, all you do is scare them off!" She complained.

"Thank you, because that's exactly what I was doing. I'm not going." Genevieve seems like she wanted to protest my decision but it's already been decided.

"Theo! Convince your sister!" Genevieve shouted across the room. Theo looked in our direction, shrugged his shoulders, and continued flirting with Daphne.

I stood up from the sofa, deciding to go for a walk around the Black Lake. Genevieve wanted to come but she knew I didn't need company.

Sitting on a large rock near the Lake as the cold wind touched my skin. I started to read a book that I borrowed from the Library.

A moment later, I heard a noise that made me take my wand that was placed in my pocket and pointed it in the direction where the noise came from.

"Who's there?" A familiar boy came out from the back of the tree.

"Diggory?" I lowered my wand and glared at him.

"Sorry. I didn't know you were here." I raised an eyebrow in his response.

I was ready to leave before anyone can see us and then tell the whole school about my encounter with their beloved Diggory. But he held my wrist. I looked at his eyes and heard him gulp.

"What are you doing? Let go of my wrist." I sounded irritated to get his hand off me. I'm sure I was trying to scare him.

"Sorry." Then he took his hand off. "Do you have time? I wanted to talk."

Without saying a word, I faced him and crossed my arms, waiting for him to say something. It took a while before he realized that I was waiting for him to speak.

"Sorry--"

"Stop apologizing, Diggory. What do you want?" He looks quite nervous.

"Have you got a date on the ball yet?"

"No. I don't plan on going. Is that all?" I answered, quickly.

"You aren't?" I shook my head as an answer. I could see the disappointment on his face.

Even if I go and agreed to come with him, a lot of people will be surprised to see us go together. And I hate having people's attention on me.

And I'm a Nott. I came from a pureblood family. I cannot go with a half-blood. Never. It'll be a sin. Father will be disappointed. And I can't let that happen.

"Why?"

"I don't see there's a reason for me to tell you. Goodbye, Diggory." Without waiting for his reply, I left him.

*****

As expected, Genevieve heard that I rejected Diggory. If you want to know how did she know. It was because of Smith.

"I'm writing to your father!" She shouted. She went to get a quill and a paper.

"Stop. Father wouldn't even bother. And I'm not supposed to be with half-bloods anyway." I levitated the quill and paper from her and placed them somewhere else.

"Who cares who you want to be with?! We're young." She said. "You rejected Diggory, Y/N! You must be mental. Everybody would be down to be asked by him!" She scolded me as if she were my mother and failed to set me up with some guy.

"It's just a ball, Gen. And besides, it's my choice." She took my wrist and dragged me out of the Common Room.

"What the bloody hell are you doing? Let me go or you'll regret it." I hissed at her but she ignored me. I was searching for my wand in my pocket as she spoke again.

"Your brother has your wand. I gave it to him a while ago before I could drag you." I saw her grin. I gave up and followed her willingly.

"I know you don't like me being nosy. But you need to loosen up, Y/N. After all, you're still underage. Have some fun! So, going with Diggory or not, you'll still be attending the ball with me!"

*****

I still reasoned with my friend not to bring me with her to the ball. Thought that I might ruin her date with Smith. But Smith told me that it was fine. I was annoyed at him when he came to fetch Genevieve with me. He was smiling like an idiot and I was assuming that's because she got my friend as his date.

I was wearing a dark emerald green dress robe that my mother used to own. I guess it was the right idea to agree to bring this dress robe with me.

"How do I look?" I held Genevieve's wrist before entering the Great Hall. Smith also stopped his tracks and looked at me.

"If you ask me, you look amazingly hot--but Genevieve's way hotter than you." He held his sides when Genevieve nudge it a while ago. I cast a glare at him and he turned away but still stood in his position beside his date.

"You'll be fine, Y/N. It's not like you haven't attended a ball before." She smiled at me with comfort. She was right, I shouldn't get nervous. This is just like the ball that my father, Theo, and I always attend.

Taking a deep breath, we saw Diggory entering the Hall with Chang. He caught my eyes for a second. He was surprised to see me since I told him during our last encounter that I'm not going. But then he looked away immediately. Smith, his best friend who's with us, surely notice our eye contact a few seconds ago.

He cleared his throat, offering his arm to Genevieve, which she took as her cheeks flushed red. Rolling my eyes at the two of them for making me regret that I even agreed to come with them in the first place.

I let them two go in first as I walk behind them. Some students were looking at me, and as I usually do, I glared at them. They quickly turned their attention to Genevieve and Smith.

The evening went nicely, for Genevieve and my brother. As they were indulging themselves on the dance floor with their dates. As for me, I only sat for almost 2 hours, watching them enjoying the ball. I was getting bored so I decided that after the last song played, I'll go find Genevieve and tell her that I'll be going first.

"You need to loosen up, Y/N. After all, you're still underage. Have some fun!"

It's impossible for me to have fun. It was never my nature. Maybe because I never let myself have fun.

The song was almost finished when I decided to look for Genevieve. The dance floor was crowded so I tried my best to push them away so they could give me some way. I tried to push a tall figure in front of me but held my hands and dragged me somewhere quiet.

"Can we dance?" And then there I saw his charming face. His cheeks were red, probably because of the excitement he was having and it was also cold in here.

"You're ditching your date, Diggory." Pulling away from my wrist from him.

"Nott, can we please dance?" He ignored my response and asked the same question.

One dance wouldn't hurt so I agreed to dance with him. I was expecting him to lead me to the dance floor again to dance. But we just stood in our position. He went closer to me and held my hand, pulling me close as my other hand on his shoulder and his other hand wrapped around my waist. His face was so close that even without knowing it, I looked into his eyes.

His face went closer to my ear. He breathed closer to my neck which gave me shivers. What was he doing? What I was feeling wasn't normal...

"I hope you don't mind dancing here." Even though we were a bit far from the dance floor, the music can still be heard from here. It was less crowded so I nodded as a response and as a thank you.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" We started to dance slowly.

"Not really. I'm not fond of these...things." My face changed when I saw two Gryffindors snogging at my sight. That's just disgusting. Don't they have manners? Kissing in public as if they own the place.

"I see... Well, you look absolutely beautiful, Nott. You're breathtaking." And there he gave me his bright idiotic smile. Something inside of me just wanted to burst. It was cold in here and yet why do I feel it's starting to get warm?

"Stop flirting with me, Diggory. I don't want to see your girlfriend getting angry at me." I rolled my eyes as he let out a soft chuckle.

"I don't have a girlfriend." He said whilst he placed my hand on his other shoulder and his other hand on the other side of my waist. Pulling me closer than ever. I'm starting to get nervous about what would happen next which was unusual because I never get nervous.

"Tell me to stop, Nott. And I'll pull myself away from you. I'll stop these feelings I have for you. Just say something and I'll do it." He whispered into my ear.

He was the first person to tell me that he likes me. Something in me just wants to tell him to stop so I could end this early and go into our separate ways. But there is just something inside of me that tells me not to. To continue because I wanted to know what real love feels like.

To enjoy life like other people my age does. Will he give me a better view of everything?

"I don't know what love feels like..."

My parents were engaged in a loveless marriage as it was forced to tie their families to maintain their bloodline pure. I was expecting--no I am sure that father will also do the same thing for me and my brother.

Deep in my thoughts whilst waiting for him to answer, I suddenly felt his soft lips pressed into my forehead.

"Maybe I could teach you."

*****

Not a week after that night, it was a huge gossip when they discovered that Diggory was seeing me out. Girls felt betrayed by how their beloved Diggory was in love with me. Some say I bewitched him by having him drink something that contains a love potion.

"I swear to merlin's beard. Make your girlfriends shut up or I'll do it myself, Diggory." I hissed at him. He just laughed at me and intertwined his fingers into mine.

"I wouldn't mind you handling them by yourself." He winked at me as we walk through the corridors. His girls didn't dare to glare or say something at me because they know what will happen if they did.

"Sister!" Theo approached us. "Snape was looking for you."

"Why would he look for me?"

"I don't know. He didn't tell me anything else." He shrugged his shoulders and went away.

Diggory looked at me and lift our intertwined hands together as he placed a soft kiss on the back of my hand.

"I'll see you later." He smiled at me. Rolling my eyes, I let go of his hand.

"Hopefully, not," I responded.

"That's a lie." He grinned before looking for his friends.

I went into Snape's office. I greeted him and the next thing I knew everything went black.

I opened my eyes and felt the cold water all over my body. I looked at Diggory who was holding me tightly as we both swam back into the stands where the professors were waiting for us. They immediately wrapped us with a thick cloth. Genevieve went closer to me to check if I was okay.

"Thank Merlin you're alright!" She sighed with relief and went in to hug me.

Another thick cloth wrapped around me and helped me to get up. Their arms wrapped around me, caressing the side of my arm.

"I'm sorry, Nott. I'm really sorry." Diggory's face was filled with guilt but I made sure that it was fine.

"You need to learn how to stop apologizing for something you didn't do, Cedric."

*****

It was finally the third and final task. I was starting to get nervous and worried for Cedric. But he assured me a couple of times that it was fine, that he can handle it. The feeling of something bad will happen in this tournament was still here.

"If you don't come back, I'll find you and kill you myself." I glared at him as he laughs at me.

"I do not know if that's the way you show your emotions or a threat."

"I'm serious, Diggory." I hate to admit that I'm really falling for him. I thought it would be impossible but he did break through my walls. I don't know what he did but he sure taught me how to love.

"A kiss for me for good luck?" He grinned and I ignored his request.

"Keep dreaming, Diggory." I went outside the tent and went to find Genevieve, together with the other Hufflepuffs.

"Looks like you enjoy making out with Diggory." Smith winked at me and raised my middle finger at him.

The four champions went inside the maze. The first one to come out was Fleur, Beauxbatons' champion. Then there's Krum, Durmstrang's champion. This means Potter and Cedric were the only ones left inside.

I was starting to get worried. The bad feeling I couldn't shake off, but Genevieve and Smith kept telling me that everything will be okay. That I should have faith in Cedric. I don't care if he loses or if he wins, what matters to me is that he will come back home safely to his family, and his friends. He will come back home safe to me...

Merlin, he's driving me crazy.

Then the bands started to play loudly. Students and professors started to gather around as the three of us join through the crowd. I heard Fleur scream which made me nervous to death.

Please...

"Voldemort's back... He's back..." Potter cried while he was hugging his body. Cedric's body. Theo and I met our gaze when Potter mentioned You-know-who returned.

You-know-who's back... that means...

"Cedric, he got knocked out. I don't know if he's... I just brought him back with me. I couldn't leave him there." He cried once more. I could feel my throat tighten. I wanted to get closer and check if he was alive but his parents and Madam Pomfrey went first.

I saw her check his pulse and saw the relief on her face.

"He's just unconscious. He needs to get to the Hospital Wing, quickly."

*****

Three days passed and I haven't got the chance to see him. I did not want to see him. With Potter announcing that You-know-who is back, this made me worried so bad. I could see my brother's face, it was emotionless. But I knew he was also worried.

We weren't proud to have our father as a death eater. This also means when we come in age, we will have to bear the mark. I couldn't tell Cedric everything. But I think it's the best way if I end up everything. We weren't supposed to be together in the first place.

I won't forgive myself if something happens to him.

"Madam Pomfrey says he can have visitors." Genevieve sat beside me. We were the only ones left in the Common Room. I didn't answer her and just continued to look at the fireplace. "Whatever's in your mind Y/N, you should stop it."

"It's for the better, Gen," I said without looking at her.

"Then what about you?" I looked at her with tears in my eyes. This was the first she saw me crying because I never cried at anything. I was heartless and cold, and everybody was scared of me. Because that's how I want them to view me. Genevieve wrapped her arms around me and caressed me.

"You spent your whole life obeying his rules. Living your life for him. But what about yourself? Does everything you do, is truly what you want? I saw the look on your face when you started to go out with Diggory. He changed you--no. He made you be yourself. You're you when you're with him. You're free. So, for once, Y/N... Do not let go of the things that gave you hope, freedom, and happiness." I continued to cry as she comforted me with words that gave me realization.

"It's not in our traits as a Slytherin but...be brave." We both let out a soft laugh. Pulling away from her, she wiped my tears.

"Thank you, Gen."

"It's nothing. Now, go visit him. He's been dying to see you. Quite a stubborn if you ask me. He refused to take medicines unless he sees you first."

The next day, I entered the Wing and saw Madam Pomfrey treating another student. She leads me the way to Cedric. And there I saw him, talking to Smith but immediately ignored his friend when he saw me.

"That's my cue to leave." Smith stood up and went close to my direction. "Take it easy on him, Nott." Then he left.

I went to the chair where Smith was sitting earlier. I gave Cedric a soft smile as he took my hand into his.

"Were you crying, love? I'm sorry I made you worry."

"I did not cry. It's just dust... I'm allergic to them." He smiled and rolled his eyes at me.

"You're a bad liar." I still couldn't look at him. I kept my eyes on the ground refusing to meet his gaze. "Y/N. Will you look at me, please?" I didn't listen to him.

I was forced to look at him when he pulled me closer, cupping my face. He was surprised to see me crying. He was panicking so he just pulled me closer to his chest, making me lean on his.

"Tell them that I'm crying and you're dead." I threatened him between my cries. He laughed at me and continued to caress my back, kissing my head as he inhaled, smelling my perfume. I could feel my whole body start to relax in his embrace.

"I finally found your soft side." He muttered.

"And what is it?"

"Me." Then he continued to cuddle me in his hospital bed, his arms wrapped around my waist as I lay comfortably in his chest. Ignoring that Madam Pomfrey might catch us comfortably cuddling each other.

*****

Okay, this was long. Took me 3 days to finish it. I realized how hard it was to come up with a good story. I even looked into the internet and Harry Potter books just to check if I'm writing the scenario correctly.

Also, did you recognize the reference I just wrote, if you still remembered reading it?

But anyway, I still hoped you enjoyed it, guys!