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Chapter Text

Ron stared at Fleur Delacour intently from the Gryffindor table, as if stargazing. He, and many other students, were affected by the part-veela. Except for Harry, who was lost in a trance, looking over at the Hufflepuff table.

Dean glanced over at Ron and, soon seeing his starstruck expression, smirked. "Calm down, Ron. She's just a girl," the whole table filled with snickering as Ron's face grew hot.

"They don't make them that way at Hogwarts! Can you blame me?" Ron sheepishly argued, eliciting more laughter from the table.

"They make them alright at Hogwarts..." The table went silent and several heads turned to Harry's dreamily-spoken sentence. It's almost not fair... Harry thought, eyes focused on a particularly handsome Hufflepuff Prefect. What gives Cedric the right to look so good? Harry felt a swelling in his heart as he watched the older boy laugh wholeheartedly at something his friend said. He just had to be straight...

Hermione traced his gaze, her eyes widening in surprise as it landed somewhere on the Hufflepuff table, and not Ravenclaw, where Cho Chang was. That's... Interesting, she thought.

Dean and Seamus snorted at his comment. And, as everyone realized Harry didn't even realize he said it, the whole table was sent into yet another fit of snickering and giggles. 

"Wh-What?" Harry asked confused, this sent Ron to join the rest of the Gryffindors despite his embarrassment. He felt mortified as Hermione tried to explain through her laughter.

As the table quieted down, Harry noticed the other tables were listening in, along with their guests schools.

"Okay," Hermione gasped, catching her breath. "So Fleur walked in, right? And Ron was... Starstruck."

"Hermione!" Ron hissed, face flaming.

"He was gaping at her!" Hermione continued, ignoring Ron's protests. "And when Dean told him to calm down, he said-"

"They don't make them that way at Hogwarts! Can you blame me?" Fred and George's imitation of Ron's voice together could be heard across the Great Hall, as it was silent.

"Hey! You're supposed to be on my side!" Ron glared at them.

Harry was smiling, but he had heard that part. He heard their laughter. "Is there more?"

"Oh, hell yeah," Ginny picked up where Hermione left off. "Because you, Harry, responded to that. Obviously fantasizing about one of the little Hufflepuffs over there, you said, 'They make them alright at Hogwarts...'" It was Harry's turn to blush. He put his head down, flustered. 

At least they didn't know it was a-

"Well, Well! I don't think any of us knew about the Chosen One had a Hufflepuff lover, huh?" Draco smirked. He was itching for a confirmation, it would be hilarious to humiliate Harry in front of her.

Harry's nervous smile dropped to glaring daggers. "How is that any of your business, Malfoy? Want to know of you got a chance?" Harry sneered. He wasn't about to let this asshole ruin this. Not now.

Malfoy laughed his comment off. "I just think she should know! So she can get as far away from you as possible," his fake smile made Harry want to puke.

She.

Harry wanted to laugh, but he held his tongue. Malfoy didn't-

"Well, Harry did have that hook up last year with Oliver, so it could be a bloke. Don't rule it out so quick, Draco," Lavender Brown, fucking Lavender. Harry would bet she hated him and Hermione more ever since Ron and her broke up.

But her word were met with silence, and then, suddenly, everyone was around Harry. Malfoy wasn't. That's fine.

But everyone still felt too close. He couldn't talk. He couldn't breathe. He hated it. He couldn't deal with it all. 

So he ran. He bolted out of the Great Hall. But he cast one last glance to the Hufflepuffs, but felt an annoying tug of unease as he saw a group around Cedric, undoubtedly discussing Harry.

Great. Just how he wanted the year to start.

Chapter Text

As soon as Harry was out of the Great Hall, he regretted leaving. Everyone's gonna assume he likes blokes, not that they're wrong. But just because he doesn't like being surrounded by people and bombarded with personal questions?

Harry made his way up to the Astronomy tower. It was too late to go back and fix what happened. Not that he feels like it. But Ron and Hermione won't be happy that he didn't tell them. He certainly didn't tell them about what happened with Wood. 

He slid down to the floor, shaking slightly and tears threatening to spill over.

- - - - - -

Cedric's POV:

No way that all just happened. It was all out that fast?

Cedric didn't believe it. All it took was a little pressure for Malfoy to force an implied confession from Potter? Maybe people were reading this wrong? Was Potter just stressed?.

He knows how that feels. Like, right now.

Everyone at his goddamn table was wondering if the Harry Potter was making eyes at them. He couldn't stand it. This isn't the point of being a Hufflepuff. They were supposed to be loyal.

"What do you think, Cedric?" One fifth year asked, playing with a strand of her hair. It made him feel sick, every time a girl flirted with him. But it made him feel worse when he thought about Cho, the little bitch he had to marry.

"Cedric?" He didn't even realize he hadn't answered. He could even hear over everyone's theories.

"He could be lying-"

"Malfoy forced that confession! And Harry didn't even say it! We could be-"

"I think he likes-"

"EVERYONE SHUT IT!" Cedric stood up from the table towering the now silenced students. "What the hell is wrong with all of you?! We can't just go around picking up everything little rumour just because someone said something! We are Hufflepuffs. We're loyal, so leave Potter alone and don't encourage Malfoy's behavior. Because we all know I'm not afraid to take points from all of you. Understand?" The tone in Cedric's voice was one that genuinely scared people, but it made them listen. He calmed down Once he saw everyone nod to agree to what he said. He sat down again. "I'm sorry for shouting like that, but I hope you understand what I'm trying to say..."

"I can go check on him, Ced. I know you're worried," whispered a voice. It was Alice Times, his best friend since first year. 

He turned his head to her, knowing she could see how tired he was. "Thank you," he said quietly, "I'll be in my dorm."

And they both took off.

- - - - - -

Harry's POV:

"Harry! Harry? Are you up here? I want to talk to you!" The voice sounded distorted, but things always sounded like that after Harry was crying. He wiped the years from his red trimmed eyes and took a deep breath.

"I'm up here!" His voice cracked, but he didn't really care. He knew it wasn't Malfoy, that's all that mattered.

A girl came into view, he recognized her since she hung out with Cedric a lot. She had vibrant red eyes and light brown hair that barely touched her shoulders. It went well with her pale skin.

"Hey! I'm Alice, you can call me Al. Are you alright?" Her voice was soft, kinder than anyone Harry had spoken to in recent memory. It made him want to just hug her and cry. He could remember the last time he did that. Maybe he never has.

"I'm- I've been better..." His voice was barely a whisper as Al sat down next to him. She rubbed his back, it was soothing, but it felt a bit strange.

"I'm sorry about what happened during dinner. You didn't need people surrounding you like that. I know it can be stressful when they block you in. And... Sorry about how the Hufflepuffs acted we were kind of assholes about that. But don't worry! Cedric yelled at all of them," she smirked, but Harry was too focused on the last part.

"Cedric- Why did he..." Harry sighed, blushing. "It doesn't matter, really."

"It doesn't matter?" Alice shoots him an incredulous look. "What do you mean?'

" I mean everyone gonna know who it is by the end of the week! Besides, Ced- everyone's probably got and idea by now," Harry put his head between his knees, " It's so stupid! Why am I the only one whose whole personal life must be put on display?!"

Alice's smile widens, "Sorry, did you say 'Ced'? As in Cedric?"

Harry groans, "I don't even have a chance! He just had to be so incredibly straight..."

"He's dated guys in the past before, you know," Alice said absent-mindedly.

"That doesn't mean he'll like me and it definitely won't stop him from ever learning I like him," Harry intones. He didn't want to admit how interested he was in these "guys."

Alice makes a bet with Harry. If someone learns before a week has past, she'll give him a galleon. And if no one found out, Al wanted to try and get Cedric and Harry together.

"Why would you willing try to get us together?" Harry asks skeptically. 

"Because he won't tell me his new crush, only that they're younger that him. It might be you," she smiles. "Do we have a deal?"

"...Yeah, deal."

"Great! I promise this stays with me. See you in a week!" Al descends the stairs of the Astronomy tower happily. She didn't lie to Harry about why she wanted him and Cedric together. She just needs someone who Cedric would run away with once he's done with school. Away from his asshole father and his asshole expectations.

Or a way to legally murder Cho Chang.

Chapter Text

"Just tell me!" Ron hissed. Harry hasn't told him a thing since the week before. "Look, the Goblet of fire is picking it's choices tomorrow night, you promised you would tell me before then!"

Harry hushed him in frustration. "Yeah, I get it. But I had a bet going with a sixth year. If anyone found out, on their own, I got a galleon. But she would help me out I'd no one found out."

"Who did you bet with?" Ron asked. Harry almost never did bets. He remembered a girl leaving the Great Hall with Cedric Diggory, though. "Did you bet with Times?"

"How'd you- Never mind. Yes, I-"

Ron cut him off. "Don't bet with her. She always gets what she wants from it. Fred and George bet with her last time, and they won, but she still got what she wan-"

"She said she'd help me with Cedric," Harry whispered, not wanting anyone to overhear.

Ron snapped back to him, eyes wide. "Wait. You like Pretty-boy Diggory?!" His voice climb higher in volume. Harry shushed him, looking around nervously. 

"Ron! What if someone heard-"

"You don't have a fucking chance with him," Ron sat back against the wall. "Look, no offence, but he could get anyone. You don't have a chance."

"He's right," Malfoy walked out for a smaller corridor. "Cedric Diggory? I don't think you should spend your time harassing someone like him, he deserves better than that!" He smirked, "Now, I'll give you the chance to run along, I'd feel awful if you got caught up this."

Harry rolled his eyes as students were released from class. Malfoy put his wand to his mouth, his voice echoing through the halls.

"Come on, Potter! Weasley's right. It's Pretty-boy Diggory for a reason! He doesn't need to go to waste with a guy, let alone you." Most of the students had stopped to hear what Malfoy had to say. They had formed a circle around an enraged Harry and Malfoy. Ron had slipped back into the crowd, not wanting to be a target of Malfoy taunting. "And please don't tell me you'll try to 'show him how it's done!' Because as likely as it is you're fucking with Weasley boy, the only kisses you've ever gotten are from you mum!"

The silence was incredibly loud, with only a few gasps and chuckles. Harry was shaking with the urge to punch Malfoy in the face, but that would get him in a shit load of-

Crack.

Alice appeared in front of Malfoy, punching him hard in the jaw and knocking him to the ground. Blood immediately gushed from his nose, which was certainly broken. "I don't know who the hell you think you are, but you have no right to pull that shit," she glared down at him before turning to the students watching. "Off to class everyone! Now." Harry was sure they didn't just listen to her because she was a prefect. 

"Times! Potter!'" Harry whipped around to see Professor Snape strutting towards him and Alice. "My office, now. And you Malfoy."

Great, just what I needed, Harry sighed before following Alice and Malfoy into Snape's classroom. 

"Tell me, Alice, what do you think would be possibly justifiable for this behavior?!" Snape hissed, making Alice glare at him.

She scoffed, "Oh, I don't know. Maybe I did it because Malfoy thought it was funny to humiliate Harry in front of about a hundred students? Maybe because he was being an asshole and has been being an asshole for three years now?" 

"You shouldn't have attacked him over that, you should've gotten an adult to handle it and deal with Draco," Snape intoned, taking Malfoy side again. "Thirty points from Hufflepuff," Malfoy smirkes.

Alice incredulously stared at him before trying to speak. "But-!"

"Sixty points from Slytherin. It is unacceptable to humiliate someone because of a love interest, Draco. Especially in front of a large group of people," Malfoy's smirk faded of his face.

"But, sir, she punched me! Don't actions speak louder than words?" Malfoy argued. It was surprising how he talked with his mouth filling with blood and the already-bloodied towel against his broken nose.

"Yeah, after you talked about all the kisses I get from my mum..." Harry muttered, just loud enough for Snape to hear.

"Another sixty from Slytherin. It's a shame you've brought these characteristics into my house, Draco. Times, you may have twenty points back, though it's still wrong to attack another student," Snape snapped. Alice simply nodded along now, quite surprised Snape actually took their side. Snape turned to Harry, "Ten points to Gryffindor, consider it compensation. Now, Times, Potter, I won't be as generous next time, now leave! I will escort Draco to the hospital wing." He looked back to Draco. "I will be informing the Headmaster of your behavior. The decision for what to do next up to him."

Harry and Alice didn't wait for Malfoy answer, leaving dumbfounded but both smiling.

"Al, thanks for-" 

Alice cut him off when he turned to her. "Don't mention it. I'm just glad I didn't get detention. I need to work on my plan. If we're still up for it, of course. I get it if you don't want to after all of that."

Harry smiled and hugged her. "I'm on for it, a bet's a bet. But I don't know if it'll help. Everyone already knows."

Alice smirked as they pulled apart, "That helps me, though. Oh, hey, Hermione!" 

Hermione ran towards the two of them, wrapping her arms around Harry in a tight hug. "Are you alright?! I heard what happened with Malfoy and, well," she lowered her voice, "Is the guy actually Cedric? Or did Malfoy make that up?"

"It's Cedric," both Alice and Harry said. Alice continued, "I'm Alice. I'm a Hufflepuff prefect. I punched Malfoy in the jaw so we had to talk to Snape. But, we're all good since Snape took our side."

Hermione's eyes widened, smiling. "That's- Really? I never thought he would ever..." Hermione gave Alice a hug, which she returned. "It's also kind of Ron's fault. I talked to him. He's- Ron was an asshole, and he won't apologize. I'm not dealing with him until he does."

"Yeah, he kinda gave it away to Malfoy, so I don't want to talk to him either. And he left me to deal with it by myself!" Harry didn't know why Ron was being stubborn, but right then he didn't care. 

His head felt like it was spinning again and the walls felt too close. "I'm gonna go back to my dorm for my free period. Thanks again Alice, and you, Hermione. I-I'll see you both later." Harry started towards his dorms. Leaving Alice and Hermione to go to the library together.

Once Harry was in his dorm, he closed the curtains on his bed and sobbed. He hated the fact that he had nothing private and the one person he confided in first practically shouted it from the rooftops. He guessed it could be worse, he at least had Hermione and now Alice. But he didn't want Alice telling Cedric anything, and even if she said she won't, Ron always said that type of stuff, but he still outed Harry to Malfoy.

Harry closed his eyes and laid down. He didn't get a lot of sleep the night before and he had this pounding headache. He hoped it would better in an hour for his next class. Slowly, Harry let himself fall to the pull of sleep, praying that maybe it was all just a bad dream.

Chapter Text

Cedric had bolted after Malfoy took a pause to let people absorb his absurdities. He locked himself in his private dorm, silently panicking. 

He didn't — couldn't — believe what Malfoy said.

It couldn't be true. Could it? Cedric didn't think it could. Why would the Harry Potter like him? He didn't even like himself. Sure, people found him attractive. But everything he had ever done was for his father. 

Besides those few hook-ups. If his father heard about those...

-Past, Eight years earlier-

"I can't deal with your bullshit, Amos!" Cedric's mother shouted. Amos had thrown Cedric to the grounds, who was now crying and shaking violently, eyes wide with fear. "I shouldn't have ever married such a cold, abusive man like you!"

Amos scoffed, chucking a glass plate in Cedric direction and rolling his eyes as the boy screamed. "Just because of this boy?! He's nothing but a disappointment. HR won't play the songs I tell him to play, he isn't reading the books I got him. There's nothing worth keeping in this boy!"

"How could you say that?! He's your son! You used to be proud when he picked books for himself or learned to play songs he wanted to play! And besides, that is a ridiculous reason to harm Ced!" His mother had rushed over to him. Cedric didn't dare look at the too of them.

His leg was bleeding, but he couldn't feel it anymore. Only the buzzing in his ears and his one ragged breathing. "M-Mum?" He whimpered, his voice wavering. "W-why is Dad...?" He peeked up at her. But she had gone back to yelling at Amos, who was smashing plates and flower vases onto the floor.

"Of course!" He snarled. "You'd always pick that thing over me! What are you gonna take him to your new boyfriend." Amos's tone was taunting, but he was seething in anger. He laughed dryly, "Like he would take care of you! You're just another slut who will crawl to anyone! As for that one," he turned back to Cedric, a malicious smirk spreading across his lips. "I'll make sure you never even think of that little boy crush you had. Disgusting, you fa-" 

His mother snapped. "Amos. Enough. I'll be taking him with me," she picked Cedric up and walked out, praying she would never have to see the man again.

-Present-

Cedric had also hoped he wouldn't have to see his dad. But that didn't pan out in his favor.

Cedric's mother, Heather, had lost the court case. His father had gotten some high-paid lawyers to make it seem like Heather had been the one to abuse him. Cedric had gotten a concussion and was in the hospital during the court hearing, so he hadn't been able to do anything.

Heather lost all custody of Cedric and Amos had filed for a restraining order. No one believed him that it was his dad. The doctors blamed Cedric's accusations on the head trauma and emotional damages done to him by "that woman."

Cedric had believed it for a little, until he came home from his first year at Hogwarts.

-Past, Six years earlier

Cedric had left the train along with Alice Times, his best friend. He turned to her, "Want to meet my dad? I'm a little nervous to talk to him." A lice gave him a confused look, so he elaborated, "My dad can get angry really easily. So just be careful."

He had said it like that was normal. Like every father would treat their kid horribly. Alice pointed that out.M

"Is that... Normal for you? Didn't you say your mum... Sorry, too personal?" She saw him bite his lip, he had started shaking a little. "I'll go over there with you."

Cedric smiled, eyes swimming as past events played behind his eyes. "Thanks you," he whispered, "Just, don't mention the crush I had on..." He blushed. The not-so-secret crush he had on the Gryffindor seeker, Charlie Weasley, was something his father should never know about.

Alice's eyes widened with realization. "Your dad's not too welcome too being gay is he? And..." She looked around, making sure no one could hear them. "Cedric, does he hurt you? Please be honest with me. It wasn't ever your Mum's fault, was it?"

Cedric stopped walking. He was trembling with more forced now, holding back tears and the urge to tell her. She wouldn't believe him anyway. She would leave him and call him crazy or sick. Like the rest of them.

"No, I wouldn't," Cedric flinched at the words. He hadn't meant to speak out loud. "Ced, please tell me. And if you can't, write to me. I'm hear for you," she smiled softly at him, pulling him into a tight hu

He told her everything. They took a few minutes to come up with what to tell his dad about that. And they agreed to say a girl rejected him and he really liked her.

The girl they chose was Cho Chang.

-Present-

Cedric had been arranged to marry Cho Change since his fourth year. Amos had agreed to give her family a big part of money for it. His dad had told him that if he didn't comply and get married by the end of his sixth or seventh year, he would kick him out and disown him. That would send him back with his mother.

Cedric was in contact with her for a very short period of time in his fifth year. But she had voiced that she wanted nothing to do with him anymore. 

It broke Cedric. He only wanted someone who he could call a parental figure. He wished she could've been there when he was chosen as a Prefect, or when he got his first boyfriend in his fourth year.

Cedric had needed a rebound, and his boyfriend was lovely. That was until Amps had sent Cedric a letter informing him of the arrangement and Cedric's told his love. Turns out he and Cedric's father shared a lot in common when it came to arguments.

He fell into a state of depression after the break up, angry red lines of his wrists were almost always visible. It had worried Alice a lot, but all she could do was drag him back from the edge. Literally and figuratively.

-Present, Two years earlier-

Cedric stood on the railing of the Astronomy tower, the night he was supposed to go home for Winter break. He was supposed to be on the train going home to his father. But he couldn't bear the thought of enduring the constant fear and paranoia that came with being around him.

The more Cedric thought about, the easier it became. Alice was the only one who he would miss, but he deserved a better friend than him. He was nothing, she was the only one who deserved the world.

Besides...

Cedric shook off the thought. What would father think? If he told him he was in love with that boy? He thought back to when he was nine, when his father threw him to the ground and scared his leg. Father would be happy he was gone.

And so would Harry.

He let himself lean forward.

"CEDRIC!"

A pair of hands pulled him back from the edge. But he was too exhausted to even see who it was. His vision was blurry and his head spun. Probably from not eating in... A few days? A week? He couldn't remember.

Everything went black.

-Present

He understood a lot better how to hide his feelings now. He had easily acted happy around other people, and he started to actually feel that way. But that didn't stop the nightmares or panic attacks every time he heard arguing.

He still didn't hide how he felt from Alice, he didn't see the reason to anymore. She was the only one he trusted. Except with his crush.

Cedric knew Alice was closer with Harry now, but when she joked about playing matchmaker for him, he had gotten nervous. What if Harry didn't even know who was? What if he thought he was obsessive?

"Who would want a miserable, disgusting thing like you?"

-Back to Dorm

Cedric didn't know how long he had been sitting there's but it was long enough for him to be full-on crying. He was scared. Scared of what Harry thought of him. Would they even get together? Would Harry leave him when he found out about how miserable he was? Did Harry actually like him?

What about the marriage? Cedric knew he didn't want to marry Cho, but he didn't know where he would go if he refused. 

There was also the TriWizard Tournament, he had put his name in at his dad's request. 

It was a good idea to follow his dad's ideas, especially when it comes to making sure he can't throw him around anymore. The shouting still works, but Cedric's convinced that part of him is beyond repair.

Cedric went to wash up in the bathroom and shower. Upon coming out, Alice waiting for him at the entrance of his dorm. Her shirt had blood on it and her knuckles looked roughed up.

She turned to him. "We need to talk about that incident. I know you were there." Her voice was gentle, but there wasn't any room for arguing.

He met her piercing stare, "I know."

Chapter Text

Long awaited confessions or admitting he was terrified to be chosen in the TriWizard Tournament. 

Cedric's didn't know which part would be harder.

"Do you want to tell me why there's blood on your shirt?" Cedric followed Alice back into his dorm. It was down the halls from most of the poster beds, but it was mandatory since he had to stay for the summer.

"I punched Malfoy in the face. We lost ten points from Snape," Cedric chuckled, remembering how Alice had punched Cho the year before when she taunted him. "But... Slytherin lost a shit ton of points! But I guess no one would have let it slide if he didn't.

Cedric's made a noncommittal sound, trapped in his own thoughts. Harry, his thoughts always went to the Gryffindor. Harry always scared him, but not because of what he's overcome. Just because if he fucked it all up, and admitted his feelings...

"Cedric?" Alice waved a hand in front of his face. "Are you... Do you want to- wanna talk about it?" She asked gently, but Cedric could hear the curiosity.

"You already know how I feel about it," he dipped his head, not wanting Alice to see the flush of pink of his cheeks.

"So you do like him. Harry, I mean. You do, right, Ced?" She smiled, "Please tell me you do. It would make this so-"

"Terrifying? This isn't a good thing, Al," Cedric's voice cracked, tears threatening to bubble over. "I can't be in a relationship! With the Tournament, and my d-dad... Alice, I can't make him happy."

Alice pulled him into a tight hug. "Of course you can make him happy. And he can so the same for you. Don't worry about what your dad thinks. He's not here. And the Tournament choosing hasn't happened yet. Stressing about it will only make it worse." She kissed his forehead, smiling warmly as he buried his nose in the crook of her neck. 

Cedric grabbed at her sweater as she rubbed his back. "What about the marriage? Cho- Cho almost told Amos about him. She could-"

"She won't. I'll make sure to talk to her, okay? And... You aren't actually going to marry her at the end of the year, right?" Alice's tone was full of concern, but anyone could hear the thin lacing of anger in the words.

Cedric sighed, defeated. He wouldn't be happy with Cho, but he couldn't live knowing he drove away the only person he could call a father. Even if they were awful. "I have to, Al," he was desperate for any reason, any sign it was the right choice. 

Al kissed his head again, "Just try, Ced. For me. Try to get close with him. You already know he likes you."

He nodded, smiling. He could try. He could at least act confident around Harry. If all goes well, they'll be on speaking terms. It'll be the second time they talk since th World Cup.

Cedric stood up, smile not leaving his face and the everlasting feeling of panic simmered, if only slightly. "I still don't understand how you talk like you have years of dating experience."

"About that..." Alice blushed, "Remember... Erm- You know Hermione...? I may have had a brief crush on-"

"What?!" Cedric burst out laughing. He hadn't considered Al's love interests in the slightest. But it made sense. "I guess that's why you were so keen on shutting down Amos's suggestion of marriage last year?'

"W-well, yes. But it was brief! Like at the World cup when we saw her. That's it! And..." Alice dipped her head, evidently embarrassed. "There's this guy, now, anyway. But I'll tell you about him later! He's way of my league- And you need rest! The choosing is tomorrow! Bye-bye!" Before Cedric could say anything, Alice raced out of the room.

Cedric was glad she had mentioned it, it always left a giddy feeling in his stomach, even when it also made him nervous. He was exhausted, though, so he could wait to go through every older boy Alice could like in his head for another day. He might not have to, since there's a few obvious ones and Al could tell him later.

He went to his desk, pulling a half-written letter from a folder. 

Dear mother,

I know you asked me not to write to you. But it's urgent. Amos has asked me to participate in the TriWizard Tournament. It's hard enough to focus with homework, Prefect duties, the supposed proposal I'm supposed to give Cho Chang, and have his constant belittling.

I can't pull out of it, but I would like someone to talk to. If just to take my mind off of it.

How is your husband, Jake? I heard you had a daughter, and that she's supposed to be ten this year? I don't expect to meet her, but it's nice to think she's doing well...

Cedric stuffed the note back in the folder. It was ridiculous. Too informal, he sounded spoiled and cocky in the letter. Why would Heather want to talk about what's happened to him? She was blamed for all of it. And he called his father by name, how does that come off to someone on the outside? It made him sound like an asshole.

Cedric picked up his quill and pulled out a new sheet of parchment. Be respectful, a voice in his head spoke sternly, one that sounded not too different from his father's. 

Dear mother,

I'm sorry for writing to you again after how we ended things a few years ago. I'm only writing for someone to talk to. My father, Amos, has asked me to participate in the TriWizard Tournament. He wanted me to prove to him I wasn't the waste he thought of me as. 

It could be difficult balancing schoolwork, a supposed proposal, and a Tournament meant to test my life. I hope you can be someone to help take my mind off of it all.

Also, how is your husband, Jake? I heard you had a daughter, whose turning ten? I don't expect to meet her, but may I know of her name? It would be lovely to know about my half-sister. If it's alright I call her such.

Please send a response, either of cutting off this communication or continuing it.

Regards,

Cedric

Cedric read the letter again, but decides against writing it differently. He sealed the letter in an envelope and gave it to his owl, Smokey. This is ridiculous, the voice was back, Why would she ever want anything to do with a disgusting, disappointing-

"Expecto Patronum," Cedric whipped around to see Alice casting a parrot across the room. "You really need to learn this spell, it'll help you get out of your own head."

"You're back?" He asked, tracking the small bird with his eyes. It flew to his shoulder, resting before simmering into a haze. "And why is it... A parrot? I've never-"

"Remember when I told you I had to go to the ministry? Well, I had to register myself as an animagus," she smiled sheepishly, changing into the bird and flying over to Cedric.

He scoffed, smiling, "I'm starting to think you hide everything from me. And I'm guessing you'll fly away the second I mention the boys- Oh. Bye, Al," Alice pecked gently at Cedric collar, flying off without saying a proper goodbye. "I can't believe this girl is so good with secrets," he whispered to himself.

-Harry's POV-

Harry made his way down to the Great Hall for the choosing. On the way, he saw Alice and Hermione chatting, so he went to join them. "Hey, Alice, Hermione, headed to the Great Hall?"

Hermione smiled, whispering something to Alice and giggling. "Yeah! We are! We have bets with George and Fred about who's gonna be picked. Well, I did. They don't wanna bet with Al. I wonder why?" Alice playfully hit Hermione's shoulder.

"It's not my fault I know how to win. Anyway, I'm gonna join Cedric with the Hufflepuffs. Wanna join, or are you gonna try and sort out redheaded asshole over there?" She pointed to Ron, who was sitting amongst the other Gryffindors. Seamus pointed at the three of them, making Ron turn his head and roll his eyes.

Harry groaned, "I'll- Erm, Hermione?" He didn't want to make it seem like he was trying to chase after Cedric's by sitting at their table, but there was no way he was about to deal with Ron right now. 

Hermione glared at Ron, "We're sitting with Al, come on!" She grabbed his arm, pulling him over to their table.

"Hey, Ced, Hermione and Harry are gonna sit with us 'cause the other Gryffindor are dicks," Alice sat down next to Cedric, messing up his hair and smiling.

"Alright," Cedric smiled as Harry and Hermione sat down across from him. A few Hufflepuffs smiles and greeted them. Harry focused his eyes at the table, blushing. 

"Harry? Harry! It's starting!" Hermione pinched him, making him jolt and look up.

"O-oh... Sorry, I spaced out," Harry glanced at Cedric from the corner of his eye. He was fidgeting his fingers and whispering to Alice anxiously. Alice rubbed his back, hugging him from behind.

"It'll be fine, Ced, and I got..." Harry didn't hear the rest of it as the first name was called.

"Fleur Delacuor!" Dumbledore yelled as applause broke out for the half-veela. The girl was smiling, strutting up to Dumbledore and shaking his hand before going up and through the doors.

"Look at that, Miss strut-and-slut is a Champion," Alice muttered sarcastically, "How lovely."

"Alice! You can't call her that!" Cedric smiled despite himself. Harry watched his expression before dropping his head again. He shouldn't just stare at him like that. Harry didn't want Cedric to be uncomfortable because of him.

"Viktor Krum!" The second champion. Harry thought he was a little cocky, but what did he know? He's never talked to the guy.

"What insult do you have for Krum, Alice?" Cedric joked, but Alice was glaring at Krum as well.

"He's arrogant and-"

"You've never met the guy!" Cedric whisper-yelled, exasperated. Alice opened her mouth to retaliate, but closed it again, deciding to say something different.

"The only good champion's gonna be you, Cedric."

"Cedric Diggory!" Alice smirked as Cedric's name was called and the room filled with cheers and clapping. 

"Told you!" Alice yelled over the applause as Cedric went up the Headmaster. Cedric turned back to the Hufflepuff table and locked eyes with Harry, who blushed and gave a nervous smile.

And he winked at him. Fucking winked.

Harry's eyes widened, blinking a few times as if not believing that Cedric's did that. And then he was gone.

"Wait- Harry. Did he just-" Hermione yanked Harry's arm to turn him towards her, "Did he just wink at you?" She whispered it, but Harry was sure everyone saw it. She was grinning. 

"Hermione," Alice tapped her shoulder, getting her attention. "I think this calls for an easier plan, bestie. Are you in?"

Hermione gave her a high five, "Let's do this."

Harry looked between the two of them. Then he remembered. The bet he placed with Al. "I- You're actually planning this shit out? You know what, I don't wanna know. I'm going to the Astronomy Tower to cool off. You can bother me about whatever the hell just happened later."

Harry raced up the tower, slumping to the floor and sighing. It's not fair that Cedric gets to turn him on with his smile and a little wink. Maybe it wasn't pointed at him, maybe it waa some girl. Or maybe it wasn't flirty and it was to him.

It looked flirty, Harry thought, feeling heat rise to his cheeks. He jumped when he heard footsteps. "H-hello? I told you not to bother me, Hermione."

"My name's not Hermione, so I think it's fine," Cedric emerged from the staircase and sauntered over to Harry. "I just wanted to talk to you privately. Hermione and Alice said you came here."

Harry's blush darkened, "Wh-What did you want to talk about?" Harry didn't dare look into Cedric's eyes. He was close enough as he sat down on the floor with Harry, shoulders touching. "If i-it's about what Malfoy said the other day-"

"I don't mind if you feel that way, you know," Harry looked up, uncertainty swimming in his eyes. "What? You think I winked at you for fun?"

Cedric put a hand on his back, a little below his shoulder. Harry hummed, silently wishing he wouldn't be turned on by the slightest touch or his voice. 

"I... It's difficult figuring out what I want. But," Cedric leaned in, lip grazing his ear, "You've got a better shot than anyone else here."

Harry let his guard down to stare up at Cedric's with wide eyes. "What-" He stopped as Cedric kissed his head. 

"I'll see you soon, Harry," and he was gone, leaving Harry dazed and dizzy. And aroused. 

-Cedric's POV-

I can't believe I just teased him to a hard-on and left! Cedric internally panicked. He was blushing profusely, and had no idea what he had done.

"Cedric! Didn't realize you and Potter were so close," Cedric turned to see Malfoy holding a camera and a Polaroid. "Took a photo of your time together, thought you might want me to spread the message."

He chuckled darkly. "I hope you don't plan on using that to bully Harry, Alice would stand for it. And neither will I?"

Malfoy smirked, "Alice? You mean that Times girl? What, is she your little side piece?" The boy looked a little nervous for his taunting.

Cedric glared at the Slytherin. "Accio Polaroid," the photo, along with the camera, flew into Cedric's hands. "Don't worry, I won't destroy your precious camera. But I wouldn't try something like that again. It's almost curfew, Malfoy, off to the dungeons."

"My father will hear about this..." Malfoy stomped off, looking back to glare at the Hufflepuff Prefect.

Cedric smiled. He was about to beat the shit out of that kid, but that wouldn't have helped anyway. He rolled his eyes at the thought and started toward his common room, where a party was, no doubt, being thrown.

Chapter Text

What just happened?! Harry slid down the door of his dorm. Every nerve was set ablaze from Cedric's previous touch. The Hufflepuff had completely ignored the possibility of turning him on by kissing his head.

Harry felt like a little kid doing something he shouldn't. He felt his prick straining against his sweatpants. There was no way Cedric hadn't seen it.

He slowly slid a hand in his pants, gently rubbing the tip of his dick with a trembling hand. He let out a breathy groan, throwing up a silencing charm before sliding down his trousers. His boxers went down after, letting Harry freely stroke his hard cock.

He let his eyes flutter shut, imagining Cedric's hot breath against his neck, his soft lips grazing his ear and his sweet, seductive voice. He let out a whimper, falling into the fantasy that the older boy was there with him. Cedric would lie down on his stomach in front of him, taking his cock in his hot mouth... Harry bucked his hips into his hand. 

"C-Cedric... Please...!" He moaned loudly, his hips thrusting up more erratically. His hand sped up as he edged closer to his climax. "Cedric!" Harry felt his muscles tense as he tipped over the edge, hot liquid spilling over his hand and thighs. 

Shit, did I really just moan his name? Harry ran his clean hand through his hair, flushed cheeks turning redder and reality coming back to him. He spells away the mess he made before heading to the bathroom. He washed his face, looking at his disheveled hair in the mirror. He wondered what Cedric would have thought if he had been there. Would he have liked what Harry did? Harry really wanted to know.

He looked at his body in the mirror. His arms looked like the slightest touch could snap them. But he could never fix it. He always had trouble making himself eat more. He grew up not eating a lot anyway. But thinking about what other people would think about it...

-Past, Two years earlier- 

"Is that all your eating? You already look ragged," Ron muttered to Harry. He shifted, mumbling something about not needing to eat more.  

"Ro n's right," Hermione put more food on his plate. "You look a little sick."

Harry looked from the girl to Ron and back. "I'm fine. I'm used to not eating a lot," Hermione scrunched her eyebrows. 

"Can you try? I don't like seeing you so sick," Harry sighed and starting eating what she had given him.

"Alright, can we please not talk about it though?" It made Harry uncomfortable, and usually he would eat less when it was talked about. Hermione nodded, and they ate the rest of their meal in silence. 

-Present- 

Harry had gotten better with eating. But after that conversation he starting to notice it more. It wasn't too bad, and Malfoy didn't even poke fun at it. But he always saw it on himself.

Who would ever want to be with someone so vile? It's almost funny you believe Cedric would want to touch you, a betraying voice spoke in his head. He felt infected, like he carried a sickness that could never be cured.

Harry left the bathroom, imagining all the different things Cedric could possible be thinking. He probably regrets the little kiss, or the teasing. 

"Look, Harry. I shouldn't have done anything in the tower. I don't feel that way about you. Forget about it."

Sat on the golden carpet in front of his bed, Harry tried to calm his breathing. The words Cedric could say replayed in his mind again and again. He couldn't escape it. Cedric didn't love him. It was just a mistake he made.

And that's fine, a different voice, one that sounded like himself. Just... Scared. Love him however he allows. Even if he doesn't feel the same way.

Harry left silent tears swim down his face. Would Cedric wiped them off for him? Told him not to worry, that he did love Harry. Or would he only smile, happy that Harry was miserable without him around?

A little voice sounded in the back of his head, one sounding like Sirius. You both need time. You're over thinking this.

Harry felt a little wave a reassurance. The uncertainty was still there, but he has people around him. He stood up, making his way over to the window and grabbing a quill. He wrote a quick letter to Sirius explaining everything that happened. Please respond soon, he pleaded internally, Hedwig soaring off into the starry sky with his message.

He stumbled back over to his bed, slipping off his glasses and falling back onto the bed. He sighed, sleep tugging at his mind as he replayed the recent events of the past two weeks. He let his eyes flutter shut, feeling lighter than he had in a while.

-Cedric's POV-

Light streamed through the open window, a hint of the coming winter in the air. The gentle wind waved through the sunset-orange curtains, Cedric's sliver gaze finding the movement immediately as he woke. An owl chirped, catching his attention. 

He swung his legs over his bed, his eyes drawing to the drawing he put into his leg with a knife. He traced one of a figure falling from cliff. He went to a different one, his name, then to another before tossing clothes onto his bed. He didn't recognize the owl, and approached it cautiously. 

He took the letter from it's beak and furrowed his brows. The neat handwriting was certainly not written with a quill, it looked as if it was made by a child, yet still neat. It started terribly informally, as well.

Hello, Cedric.

I'm Eleanor. I know this isn't the letter you want, but let me explain. I had seen my mother (our? I believe this is my half-brother. I hope this isn't some random guy.) toss the letter in the trash, which is unlike her. I read your letter over a couple times before writing. I also found a few letter sent from you dating back a few years ago.

I heard you're in your sixth year at Hogwarts? I'm supposed to start next year, but my father, Jake, doesn't want me until the year after. That might be because of you. He can't postpone my education, though.

I'm sorry Amos is making you compete in that Tournament. I've read a little on it, and it seems dangerous. I saw the Prophet, it said "Cedric Diggory" was chosen as the Hogwarts champion, I'm guessing that's you. And Amos is your father? He sounds kinda mean, especially calling you a waste. You're not, I hope you know that.

I saw in your other letters about the girl your supposed to marry? I've read about her family, the always end up cheating and having kids with someone else. You said he'll disown you if you don't, but I don't think it's worth it. You can't rush marriage. And yeah, you have enough stress.

I know some of this won't help, but you said you wanted someone to take your mind off of it, and, not to be rude, but Heather won't do that for you. I read about some of the things Amos did to you and her, how he framed her for a bunch of stuff. But now, it feels like she turned into him. She'll break things and try to throw me around, and she and Jake keep getting into fights now. I know how you feel.

I'd love to talk more. Whatever you want to talk about. I heard you had a boyfriend? Is he still with you, or is there someone new? I think it's great you got someone to rebound on. Sorry if it's too personal. But no one ever talks about things that are actually important, and it would be great so I don't go to school and know nothing.

Love,

Ellie. 

Cedric smiles at the little heart next to her nickname. He wipes his eyes, trying to control his emotions. He reads the note over again, taking out parchment to write his own.

"Uhm, I hope you don't plan on writing to that person. We have class. Well, technically we're doing study hall with 4th years. Gryffindors. Who is that, anyway? I don't know that owl," Cedric whips around to see Alice standing in the door.

Cedric rolls his eyes playfully. "Why are you always here? It's like the second anything happens, you're there in a heartbeat. And here. Read it yourself," his eyes meet happy ruby ones, handing her the note.

"Oh my God... Eleanor? Diggor- No. What's her last name? But a sister, nonetheless. And she's coming here next year! This is amazing. Can you write back after we study? We have study partners, you know. And you're either gonna hate it or love it,"  Al hands him the study list. He runs his gaze through the names until he finds his.

Cedric Diggory — Harry Potter

Alice Times — Hermione Granger

He blushed. "Oh, shit. Yeah... About that..." He scratched the back of his neck, trying to figure out how to tell Alice about the night before. "Remember when I came back late last night-"

"Did you touch his dick?" Alice smirked as the heat rapidly rose in his face.

"No! Why would you- No. I didn't touch him. Well, not his dick. I- He-" Cedric put the letter down and started packing up his books, putting on his robes in the process. He stammered through an explanation of what had happened in the Astronomy Tower. 

"Oh, so you just put him in a position to touch himself because of your actions. So much better," Alice teased, following an indignant Cedric out the door of his room. 

"I did not! I just wanted him to know I... He doesn't have to be embarrassed and I'm fine with a-advances," he mumbled the last word, embarrassed at the thought of Harry making a move.

"Cedric! Alice!" The Hufflepuffs turned around to see Hermione and a blushing Harry coming towards them. Hermione and Alice shared look before glancing at both Harry and Cedric. 

Harry mumbled a greeting to the two of them, clutching the study list in his right hand and his bag in his left. "So... We're partners? F-for studying? Cedric?"

He snapped his head toward the younger boy, "Yeah, ready? Anything specific you need help with. We can get a table alo-"

Alice covered his mouth and Hermione started laughing. "No, we are getting a table together."

"And hands above the table, you two. We don't want to disrupt anyone else," Hermione smirked at her suggestive comment, which both Harry and Cedric went red at.

"I wouldn't-" Cedric started, Alice and Hermione were already pulling Harry and him into the Hall.

This is gonna be fun. He thought, giddy and nervous to be studying with Harry. He looked over at Harry's flushed face. He smirked as innocent green eyes met piercing silver before darting away. This is going to be very fun.

Chapter Text

Harry was fucked.

How was he ever suppose to focus when such a gorgeous man was in front of him? He couldn't.

He couldn't help it that he wanted to get lost in those big, silver eyes. That he loved the way Cedric bit his lip when he was teased or chewed on his pen. Or his smile. Merlin, that smile drove him mad. The way those lips spread, the way they looked like the most gentle rub could coax them apart. Okay, maybe Harry thought about Cedric's lips a little too much. But how could he not? He knew they were soft, and he couldn't help he kept dreaming of them wrapped around his— 

"Harry! I swear, if you space out one more time because you're fantasizing—" Alice slapped a hand over Hermione's mouth, but she and Cedric couldn't stop laughing.

"S-sorry..." He mumbled, feeling embarrassment creep in his throat. 

"I think it's very endearing, he must care about whoever it is," Cedric winked at him, again, before leaning over to whisper, "Though, it's very obvious what you're thinking about, Harry. You don't leave much room for imagination when you're looking at me like that while you're that hard," he squeezed his thigh before Alice started shouting at him.

"We already said hands above the table! Cedric, you're setting a horrible example for these children," It was Cedric's turn to flush red.

"We have potions to talk about. And a Tournament!" Alice smirked. Locking eyes with Cedric as he groaned.

"I know what the first task is. So do you! Didn't Charlie send you a letter?" He smirked back, meaning looks of confusion from Harry and Hermione.

"Like Ron's older brother? I thought he lived in Romania?" Hermione cut in as Alice stammered. 

Harry grimaced at the thought of Ron. They hadn't talked recently, mainly because Ron had avoided him. Beside an insulting note in one of their classes. Harry pushed the thought away. He didn't need to bring his own mood down when Cedric was around.

"Yeah, we're in contact with him," a light dusting on pink coated Alice's cheeks, making Cedric narrow his eyes teasingly. She rolled her eyes. "There was a camp in Romania about the dragons, me and Cedric went there. We kept contact with a few of them. But I talk with Charlie the most."

"I should've realized you were smitten with him! You're just so happy when he sends letters. You'll ignore me in favor of writing to him! Even though he's old." Cedric pouted, drawing a smile onto Harry's face.

"I never said I was smitten with him!" Alice whisper-shouted indignantly. "You were the one to call him hot in front of him—"

"You mean in our second year?!" Cedric pulled out his notes for Potions. "Alice, come on. Past is the past. We need to focus of the differences between love potions and emotion-enhancing potions. They can be very—"

"You had a crush on Charlie?" Hermione grinned. "Do you have thing for seekers or something?" 

Harry blushed furiously, decidedly ignoring her comment and instead started to copy Cedric's old notes.

"Maybe I do. Haven't gotten too far with any, maybe we can change that," Harry choked, looking up at Cedric, exasperated.

"Let's talk about Potions! Please, no flirting. And no snogging here. You'll cause a scene and neither of you want that." Alice pulled out her own notes, showing them to Hermione as Cedric dived into an explanation.

"—the main difference can be vert minuscule. Emotion-enhancing potions, such as Moreta, simply magnify romantic feelings. Though, it can be difficult to identify a victim's symptoms in the first place. They don't become obsessive or dead-set on this person. And the feelings are already there, no matter how small. Love potions, which you'll learn next year, make a possessive love. It's a fixation, unhealthy. It's quite obvious from the beginning, as the taker will immediately take interest in a person and show it vocally and physically. Amortentia, one of the strongest love potions, are illegal. At least on children under seventeen," Cedric leaned back for a moment as Alice picked up.

"It's still ridiculous! They were almost going to allow it because—" she stopped, glancing at Cedric, concerned for some reason.

"Because Amos made a compelling argument toward children being intoxicated with unhealthy loves. It was fucking ridiculous, considering he was the only one who didn't approve it," Cedric muttered darkly.

Wait, Harry furrowed his brows, 'Amos?' Why does Cedric his father by name...?

"Why do you call him 'Amos,' Cedric?" He asked the question aloud. "... Cedric?"

-Cedric's POV- 

Shit. Shit.

He did not mean to say that.

Cedric couldn't hear Harry's voice anymore, it was too distorted. How was he supposed to explain to Harry he never called Amos a parental figure anymore.

And yet you still want him by. Because he's all you have left of family. Even if he hurts you?

He hadn't called called Amos 'father' in almost nine years. How do you tell someone that? How could he tell Harry why he didn't?

"I don't want to marry her! You're really gonna ship your son off to some chick?! For what?!" He yelled, tears brimming in his eyes.

Amos scoffed. "You were never my son. If you were, you wouldn't be such a disgusting, disappointing child. I should've sent you off with your mother. The slut."

"You shouldn't call her that—"

Yeah. Cedric remembers the screaming. His screaming as a knife was drawn against his back. As blood gushed from fresh wounds. How he ran out the door, hoping to never have to go back.

But that didn't happen. Amos sent someone to fetch him immediately. The people couldn't know what he did. 

They couldn't know Cedric wasn't the perfect son. That he didn't want to participate in the Tournament, that he was scared. He didn't want to marry Cho Chang, or a girl at all. He had to act like it was all fine. Like he didn't wish someone would let him end it all.

"Cedric, Cedric! Hey, what's wrong, you're shaking pretty badly," Cedric was brought out of his thoughts by Harry' soft voice.

"Sorry, I-I'll— I'll be back. I'm fine, just give me a few minutes," Cedric pushed back his seat and made his way out the double doors, disappearing behind them.

"Cedric, Wait!" He ignored Harry's call, trying to get as far away from that hall and his thoughts as possible.

He heard the sound of the door opening again, and sped up.

-Harry's POV-

Harry wasn't about to let him just leave.

"Cedric!" He ran to catch up to Cedric, who was already halfway down a long corridor. "Cedric please!"

He caught Cedric's sleeve and yanked him back, accidentally ripping the cloth. He was about to apologize when the words caught in his throat, seeing the angry red lines going up Cedric's forearm. His eyes widened, grip loosening just barely. 

Cedric stayed silent, eyes trained on the floor as Harry took a tentative step forward. "Cedric..." He ran his finger over the small cuts, feeling a pang in his heart at the older boy's breathing hitching in pain. He pulled him into a soft hug. "I know I don't know why you do it, o-or how long but... Ced, I'm so sorry you have to go through it."

His voice barely a whisper, pulling Cedric into a more secluded, empty room. He sat Cedric down, cupping his face in his hands and looking into his eyes. He felt it his heart break as he looked into the Hufflepuff's stormy eyes. How had he not noticed before?

"I'm so... Done," Cedric whispered, voice pained. "I-I have so much expected of me, but none of it's appreciated. I... Harry, I can't do this." Harry stood in the space between Cedric's legs, making Cedric rest his head on his shoulder.

"You have me. And Alice and Hermione," Harry rubber Cedric's back. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll listen. To everything. No matter how small or stupid you think it is because this," he grabbed Cedric's injured wrist, "this isn't nothing. It hurts to see you like this, Ced. I want you to be happy. I want to help you. And if you feel the need to do something like this... Tell me, or one of the girls. Please, you can't go through this alone."

Cedric gently wrapped his arms around the small of Harry's back. "...I can't, Harry. You'll- You'll all leave me eventually, once you know too much." Tears welled up in Cedric's eyes, soaking into Harry's shirt.

"Cedric, we both know I won't. And if you don't know that, then will you let me show you? Because you do know I... That I love you," Harry hesitated before continuing. "I want to cherish you all I can. I don't care you don't think you deserve it, or you can't love yourself. I want to love you, to show you that everything about you is to love. The good and bad. Everything you tell me will just make me love you more." He pulled Cedric just a little closer, still rubbing circles into his back. "I want to know it all, everything you're willing to tell me."

"Harry... You don't understand," Cedric's voice was strangled through tears, pain biting harshly into Harry's heart. "I... I do love you b-but... I have to love someone else. I can't be with you. B-because..." He let out a broken sob, making Harry wrap his arms around the taller boy tighter. "I can't miss you if I don't have you..."

"You have to? Are you in some sort of—" Harry pulled back, looking into Cedric's eyes seriously. "Cedric, are you in some sort of marriage arrangement?" He nodded miserable unable to control his tears. "Can't cancel it? You can't be in a relationship you don't care for! Who's making you do thi—" 

"Amos. And I do have to," Cedric whispered. "He'll leave if I don't. I can't lose him and my mum. And don't have anyone I can turn to. And it's been arranged for years, and Amos already gave her family the money. He'll force me into it..."

"Fuck Amos and his money. He's manipulating you! You can't do that to yourself, Ced. Let me... Let me love you instead. I promise, I will never hurt you like that." Harry felt his own tears welling up in his eyes. He cupped Cedric's face and surged forward, slotting their lips together. Cedric pulled him even closer, grabbing at Harry waist and reciprocating the kiss.

Cedric ran his tongue across Harry's bottom lip, slipping it inside his mouth when he allowed entry but quickly pulled away before there tongues could tangle. "I-I... Harry," vulnerability and self-doubt flooded his stormy eyes. They were beautiful, even when shining with tears. "You can't love me. I'm sorry. I won't have any time with you. I have the Tournament, and studies.. I— Even if I get out of the marriage, you'll have another year of school. I'm— I have nothing to offer," he whispered, as if it hurt to say the words louder.

"Cedric, you give me everything by just letting me love," Harry looked into those eyes again. Those eyes, he would die, just to see them full of happiness, to see them shine, to light up with pure, unfiltered joy. "Let me show you, I'll give you anything. Everything. Let's take it one step at a time. You don't... You don't need to marry her this year, do you?" 

Cedric shook his head, "I mean, Amos wants me to propose this year, but I can get around that. He wants to get married after my education's over and I go into a Pre-Auror program. He's making me do extra studies for them—"

"Do you even want to be Auror?" Harry asked seriously, looking stern in a way that made Cedric shrink back.

"Y-yes... But a few of the higher Aurors said I wouldn't need it. The program is just all nepotism, saying they met these people at the camp and those people will vouch for them. I don't want to be put into the main department that way," Cedric glanced down at his own hands, fidgeting. "I... Are you sure you want to do this, Harry? I... We can't do this publicly, if Amos..." He lowered his voice, his tone sounded haunted, "If he found out... It wouldn't go well."

Harry didn't need him to elaborate. He pulled him back into a hug. "I want this. I don't mind if he have to hide. Uhm... Can I ask... Who you have to marry?" Harry braced himself for an answer.

"Cho Chang," Harry couldn't help snorting as Cedric's face screwed up with disgust.

"The egotistical one Alice beat up last year?" He remembered during one of his sessions of obsessive Cedric-watching, he had been talking with Chang until Alice had punched her in the nose, knocking her out. 

"You know about that? I didn't see you there," Cedric smiled. A real smile, his mind supplied. It was right, it looked genuine compared to the others. "Yes, that one. As a matter of fact, the whole reason I have to do this stupid Tournament was because Amos wants me to take her to the dance." Cedric said, exasperation lacing his tone. "He couldn't have come up with anything less dangerous."

Harry smiled as the Hufflepuff let his head fall to the younger boy's shoulder. "You wanna go back to your dorm? You need some rest," they didn't have anything else that day, since study hall took most of the day. It was also not required. 

"You sure?" Harry's heart swelled as Cedric looked up, nose still buried in his chest.

"Yeah, let's go back to study hall, get our stuff, and head to your dorm. I can copy your notes as you rest."

Cedric smirked, "You think I'll be able to rest while you're there?" His hands found Harry's waist. "Why would I need rest when I have to kiss you? I wanna talk with you. You did say you wanted to know everything."

Harry smiled, and Cedric smiled back. They were happy. And for now, despite everything they'll need to face, despite every argument to come, every misunderstanding...

It's enough. More then enough.

Chapter Text

Cedric let Harry drag him back to Study Hall, pushing back open the doors and going back over to the table Alice and Hermione were still sitting at.

"Ced? You... You alright?" Alice's eyes flickered from Harry and back to him. A quizzical smirk spread across her face as she noticed Harry's flushed face. Her worry faded, replacing by teasing excitement. "You two leaving?"

"Yeah," Cedric grabbed his bag, putting his books and loose paper in before handing Harry's bag to him. "We'll see you later, at lunch?" He took a step back, A nervous smile on his lips, directed to Alice.

"Oh..." Realization dawned on Hermione, wide eyes darting between the two boys. She two, replaced the awkward energy around them with a smirk. She dropped her head again, humming as she read a passage. "Don't take too long. And don't hurt Harry, Ced."

Cedric flushed crimson, "W-We're not going to fuck!" He stammered, bring his hand to the nape of his neck. "Oh, Merlin... You two won't be shutting up about this for weeks, will you?"

Hermione and Alice shared a glance, then looked back at Harry and Cedric. "We won't say anything to anyone else, we promise," Alice leaned back in her chair, feigning sincerity. 

"Good enough, bye!" Harry pulled Cedric away from the girls before he could respond, dragging the Hufflepuff out of the Hall. 

"Let's go to my dorm," Harry pulled him along. "I just wanna talk. And relax, okay? Just... Don't worry about anything else. Not the first task, or where this relationship will go."

Cedric smiled, "Alright, love," Harry paused, turning around with a big grin. He flushed pink, meeting warm green eyes with his own silver ones. He opened his mouth to correct himself, but closed his mouth. "Have I ever told you how beautiful your eyes are?" He asked instead.

A soft warmth radiated from Harry's cheeks, "Thanks. And no, you haven't told me that before." Harry tugged him in the direction of the Gryffindor Common Room. "They're my mother's, my eyes. Her name was—"

"Lily Evans. Well, Lily Potter," Cedric finished. "My mother knew her, or that's what she told me," the older boy was led into Harry's dorm. He glanced around, taking in the dark red curtains, the half-organized stack of paper on his desk, and the snowy owl in his open window. Harry sat down over his red and gold duvet, beckoning Cedric to do the same.

"It feels weird sometimes. Like, I miss her, and my father, but I never knew them," he whispered, taking off and fidgeting with his glasses. "Some... Sometimes I don't know how to miss them, you know?"

Cedric's eyes traveled down to Harry's hand. Slowly, he reached for it, intertwining their fingers. The younger boy glanced up, wide-eyed. "Yeah," he whispered, "I get it." He thought about his newly-discovered sister. He doesn't know what she looked like, how she sounded, what she liked. Did she have the same colored hair, or eyes? Did she wonder about him? Did she want to know him as much as he wanted to know her? He didn't know anything about her, not really. But he wants to.

"Cedric?" A hand was cupped on his face. He looked back up at Harry. 

"Yeah, Harry?" His voice was still quiet, calm. Happy.

Harry lips spread into a lovely smile, making Cedric's heart swell. "Can I kiss you? Please?"

Instead of an answer, Cedric leaned in tentatively, pressing his lips against Harry's. The Gryffindor let out a quiet hum, wrapping his arms around Cedric's neck and pulling a little closer. He shifted, more onto the bed, and Cedric climbed over him. Harry giggled into the kiss, gasping softly when he nipped his bottom lip. Cedric's tongue slipped inside his mouth, exploring with gentle licks. 

Harry tried to do the same, tangling his tongue with Cedric's. He wrapped his legs around the older boy's waist, earning a soft groan from him. Harry pulled Cedric flush against him before reluctantly releasing his mouth for air. 

"Hey there," Cedric panted, grinning. He dropped his head to the crook of Harry's shoulder, his lips grazing the boy's neck. 

When Harry didn't respond for a moment, he looked up. Vibrant, dazed green eyes met grey ones. The fog cleared from his eyes, and Harry grinned back. "Hi," he whispered.

Cedric placed his hands on Harry's waist, moving the younger boy so his head was on the comforter. He situated himself next to Harry, pressed into his side. "I like this," he mumbled into Harry's neck. "It's weird but... I like it."

A hand snuck into Cedric's hair, gently scratching his scalp, "Felling better, Ced?" The words brought the Hufflepuff's head back up. His eyes were rimmed with a faded pink from his earlier crying. Cedric nodded, biting his lip as a pink flush spread across his cheeks. Harry cupped his cheek. "You're adorable, you know that?" 

I love you, is what he wanted to tell Cedric. He felt shy now, nervous that if he said the words, it wouldn't end well.

The thought disintegrated when Cedric whispered, "I love you." The grin was back on Harry's face.

"I love you, too, Ceddy," the name slipped out quickly, and he hadn't realized until Cedric stilled. "I— Sorry. I shouldn't have—" 

Cedric's mouth was on his again, passionate and more urgent. A small gasp was pulled from Harry's lips, giving Cedric time to slip his tongue inside his mouth again. The hand is Cedric's hair tightened, drawing a groan.

"Harry..." Cedric panted into the kiss, nipping at Harry's bottom lip again. "Call me that again," he pleaded, breaking apart from Harry for a moment.

"C-Ceddy..." Harry whimpered, "Cedd— Aahh..." Cedric climbed on top of Harry, kissing every little bit of skin. Slowly, he slid his knee between Harry's legs, hitching it upward gentle. Harry gasped, his arms pulling Cedric closer again. "Ced..." Harry tried to roll his hips up into his knee. 

Cedric holds him down, pressing another kiss to Harry's cheek with a smirk. "You're so pretty..." He whispered seductively into Harry's ear, coaxing a breathy moan from his lips. He licks around the shell of the Gryffindor's ear, biting gently on the skin behind it.

"Cedric... Please, clothes..." Harry's hands slip to the collar of Cedric's shirt, tugging on it with a plea in his lust-blown eyes. Cedric sat up on his knees, pulling his shirt over his head and tossing it on the floor.

"Are you sure you want this, love?" Cedric purred, leaning down again to lick and sick at Harry's neck. Harry didn't answer for a moment, biting his lip as uncertainty swirled in his stomach. 

"N-not... Not all the way," he whispered. Cedric's lips turned up in a smile, pressing a soft kiss to Harry's temple.

"Alright, love. Want me to suck you off?" The sentence pulled another needy whimper from Harry. He rubbed his thigh against Harry's clothed erection. Harry rolled his hips forward instinctively. "I need words, Harry," Cedric chided lovingly.

Harry wrapped his legs around Cedric, trapping him there. "P-Please, Ced..." He panted, "I w-want it..."

"Good boy, telling me what you need. Can you swing you legs over the side, love?" Cedric coaxed Harry's legs off the bed, quickly setting on the floor of the room. He crooked a finger into the Gryffindor's waistband. "Can I, Harry?"

"Y-yeah..." Harry breathed out, pupils blown wide with arousal. He smirked, easing off Harry's trousers, leaving his boxers on. The heady pit in his stomach swirled at the sight of the tent in Harry's boxers. He kitten-licked it, eliciting a needy whine from the boy under him.

He mouthed at the clothed erection, pressing his tongue flat against Harry's boxers, mixing his precum with his spit. He kept Harry's hips down on the bed, stifling the boy's attempts at arching into Cedric's teasing touch.

"Cedric... Please d-don't tease me..." Harry begged, trying to roll his hips onto Cedric's tongue. Cedric chuckled pulling back and earning a desperate, strangled whimper from Harry.

"Alright, Harry, be patient..." Cedric soothed, pulling down his boxers, Harry's hard cock flipping up onto his stomach. Harry shivered at the cold air on his sensitive prick, but it was quickly replaced with pleasure. Cedric licked a stripe up the length in front of him with the flat of his tongue. He swirled his tongue around the tip, poking at the slit with the tip of his tongue.

Harry gasped out once Cedric took his erection in his mouth. "C-Ced! I-if you keep d-doing that I'll—" a loud moan cut him off when his cock hit the back of Cedric's throat. He thrust up violently, fingers threading into the Hufflepuff's hair tightly. 

Cedric forced himself to swallow around Harry's cock, his throat constricting around the hot length. He slipped his hand into his own trousers, humming in pleasure around Harry's cock. With his other hand, he focused on fondling Harry's balls, pressing gently on them.

"C-Cedric! Mmh... C-Ced! Please, I-I—" Harry rolled his hips up into Cedric mouth, spilling warm cum into his mouth. He swallowed it, some of Harry's release spilling down the corners of his mouth. He pulled off slowly, lapping at Harry's spent cock. "C-Ceddy..." Harry whimpered from over-stimulation.

It shouldn't have sounded that good, that nickname coming from Harry, but it was all it took to send Cedric over the edge, coming hard in his pants. He groaned breathily, resting his head on Harry's thigh briefly. He looked up at Harry, seeing his head thrown back and panting, face flushed with pleasure.

Cedric stood back up on shaky legs, sitting on the bed and lying next to Harry. "You alright, love?" He panted out, kissing Harry on the cheek. Harry turned his head, green eyes dazed and glasses askew.

"Y-yeah... Y-you're good at that..." Harry mumbled, biting his lip and smiling softly. Cedric grinned, kissing Harry on the lips, chuckling at the whimper Hart let out as he tasted himself on Cedric's tongue. He pulled back shortly after, frowning. "I didn't take care of you," he whispered, sounding upset, "I can—"

"N-no, it's fine. I already... I did, get off..." He blushed, and Harry's eyes widened.

"O-oh... I— I didn't know you..." Harry's face flushed darker, eyes traveling down to Cedric's trousers. Harry reached for his wand, mumbling a cleaning charm over the two of them. Cedric grabbed him by the waist, pulling him close and hugging him. 

"I love you," Cedric whispered. "I... I liked this," Harry gazed at him, eyes full of affection and something he couldn't name. But it made heart swell, so he grinned. "I love you so much, Harry. I-I just... I'm so glad you love me, too."

Harry pecked his cheek, "I love you, too, Cedric."

Cedric, after much protest from Harry, went back to his dorm. He still hadn't sent his sister, sister, a letter back. He opened the door to his dorm but stilled. Someone was already in there.

"Uh... Hi?" He asked stepping through the door. It was a girl, with black hair...

No...

She turned around. Cho. She smirked, sickeningly sweet, "Hello, Cedric. I think we need to talk."

He was ready to turn and leave until he saw the letter in her hand. It was Eleanor's letter. He felt a flick of annoyance, Okay, let's be the asshole instead. Since you want to invade my space so much...

Chapter Text

"What is this?" Venom laced through Cho's hissed words. An uneasy pit curled in Cedric's gut, but he kept his face clear.

"It's a letter, Chang. What are you doing in my dorm, and how did you get in?" He took a step forward, quickly towering over Cho.

"It doesn't matter how or why I'm here. What matters is—"

"Like hell it doesn't matter! You broke into my dorm, Cho!" Cedric waved his arms around, gesturing to his torn up dorm. Letters were strewn across the floor, his bed was a mess, and a bloodied knife— which he quickly kicked under his bed— was lying on the floor. His textbooks had pages ripped out, which Cedric noticed that every page were ones where he had written notes in them. 

"You're cheating on me!" She yelled, looking close to tears. Ah, the practiced, perfected tears. Used to manipulate him at every turn. To abuse him into thinking he deserved to be used, to be married off to make his father look good, to think he should rather die that be with anyone else.

He's learned since then. Well, he's learned to hide that it affected him.

"I'm not cheating, because we aren't together, Chang," he snarled, silver eyes flinging with anger. 

"Really? I wonder how your father would like to hear that? That you want to fuck some mystery boy instead..." She twirled Eleanor's letter in her hand, but Cedric ripped it from her. "Hey! Give that—"

"Get the fuck out of here, Chang,"

Cho froze, looking past Cedric to see an angry Alice glaring at her, one eyebrow raised. Cho didn't move for a moment. Not until she sold her piece.

"I-I can't believe you would do this to me..." She choked, tears spilling down her cheeks. A disgusting, vile feeling built up inside him, the same feeling pooling in Alice's ruby eyes.

Slap.

Cho screamed, falling to the ground in front of Alice, who had it her. She stood up again, quickly, and ran out, the few letters she had tried to take falling onto the ground when Alice tripped her.

"You okay, Ced? I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner..." Cedric didn't hear the rest of Al's sentence.

-Past, Nine years earlier-

Slap.

"Since when were you so goddamn worthless?! You can't do anything—"

Quick footsteps. A tissue over his bloody nose, a hand on his bruised back.

"Amos! What have you done to him! Cedric, baby, open your eyes..." His eyes were closed? He couldn't even feel his tears. Just the sharp throbbing of pain.

A scoff, from his father. "How is he gonna learn discipline? He'll need to be the perfect boy he was meant to be!"

"This is not how you teach him! This is abuse—" A gasp, his mother's hand growing shaky. "—Oh my god... Amos, what did you do to his back?"

"Oh, he needed some— Cedric!"

He hadn't realized he had bolted. He was already out the door, sprinting down the street. His mother yelled after him, telling him to come back.

"Cedric! Where are you going?!"

Huh?

-Present- 

Oh.

That was Alice, not his mother this time.

"Cedric! Ced, where are you...?" He slowed to a stop, turning around shakily.

"Sorry. I... I panicked. You know, classic me..." He gave her a weak smile, anxiety swirling in his stomach sickeningly. "Don't worry about it—"

"Cedric," she cut him off, wrapping her arms around him and enveloping him in a hug. "I'm gonna worry about it. We both know that already."

He let out a soft chuckle, his hands coming up behind Alice to return the hug. "Thank you..." He whispered.

"For what?"

"For everything. You've been here, for me, since the beginning. You were pretty much the only one who was here for me."

They pulled apart, grinning at each other. "You don't have to thank me. I would've done it again and again. And you were there for me, too. That's what friends do, isn't it?"

"Yeah... I guess it is," he mumbled.

"You know what you can do for me right now?"

"Please don't say 'tell me about what you did with Harry.' It's embarrassing."

"I don't have to say it, you already did," Alice grabbed his arm, leading him back in the direction of his dorm. "Let's clean up your room first, okay? I'll deal with Cho soon."

-???-

An owl flew into her window, chirping quietly with a letter in its beak. The girl jumped off her bed quickly, stepping around broken glass.

"Hey there, birdy. I hope you have what I think you do..." She plucked the letter from the brown owl, quickly locking her door.

She was small, maybe ten years old. Big, soft silver-grey eyes darted around the room. Her hair up in two braids; brown, slightly curly locks easily past her shoulders. There was a gash in her shoulder, which looked to be an old scar from something. 

There was a knock at her door, and she quickly hid the letter, stashing it with a few other letters addressed to Heather Mae. 

"Yes, mother?" She opened the door, eyes innocent and wide.

"You missed dinner, Eleanor," A cold, sharp voice came from her mother.

Eleanor dropped her head, "I'm sorry, mother. I must have lost track of time."

Heather hummed, unconvinced. "Clean up your room and go to bed. You have chores to do in the morning."

"Yes, mother."

Eleanor closed the door, rolling her eyes once it was shut. She took out the letter, which was addressed to her. She opened the letter quietly and unfolded the piece of parchment. The handwriting was neat, like the rest of the letters.

she smirked, her voice barely above a whisper as she read.

Dear Eleanor,

This is Cedric, you wrote to me the other day. Sorry it took a few days for me to respond. The first task for the Triwizard Tournament is tomorrow, so I had to think it through some more. I have to fight a dragon. I might use my broom to fly around it, since I'm supposed to take something from it.

I'm sorry your father is trying to postpone you from coming here because of me. I can't include everything I want in this letter, but I do want to keep writing to you. It's nice to have someone to talk to. Someone on the outside.

Amos is my father, and no, he's not very nice. I can deal with it, though. I'm used to it. He chose the girl I was gonna marry. She's also not very nice. She actually tore up my dorm room today and found your letter. I don't enjoy talking to her, mainly because she tries to manipulate me. But my friend, best friend, Alice was there, so I'm alright.

I hope Heather isn't being to horrible to you. If she's really started turning into Amos, then I would try and stay cool around her. Just agree with her, so she won't get upset, you can be as mad as you want away from her. Trust me, it's not worth getting them riled up.

The boyfriend I had isn't my boyfriend anymore. He broke up the same year we got together, so it was two years ago. I've started dating this knew guy. He's a little younger than me, but he's kind and he understands me. His name's Harry.

I hope I get to meet you soon, Ellie.

Love, Ced.

Eleanor smiled, looking at the matching heart after his name, like she did for her letter. She stashed the letter away once again, clicking off her lights to go to bed.

She was happier than she's been in a while.

"Goodnight, Cedric Diggory, I'll see you soon, brother..." She whispered to herself, sleep tugging at her.

-Cedric's POV-

The sun had set, a million stars showing themselves once again as Cedric stared at them from his bed. His room was back to normal after a few hours. And it had given Cedric time to write his letter. The next day was the day of the first task. And it felt... Lucky to write to Eleanor.

Was it weird to miss someone he never met? Maybe, but he felt such a tug towards Elliie. He finally had someone to actually call family. It was surreal.

His head hit the comforter again, releasing A breath he didn't realize he was holding. A grin etched itself on his face, A giddy feeling in his stomach, one that isn't there often.

"Goodnight, Eleanor Mae, I miss you..." He murmured, as if she could hear him.

And maybe, by some way, she did.

Chapter Text

Cedric is gonna die today.

He's under the Champion tent, watching as Krum leaves the small arena. Fleur's hand almost got scorched in the first thirty seconds of her trial. There was no way Cedric was making it out alive.

"It's okay, Ced. Just remember what we talked about."

"Alice, you want me to free the dragon, willingly, then try and calm it down by making everyone shut up."

"Well, I doubt they want you to kill it. And silencing spells exist! You'll be fine."

"But what if it doesn't work? What if it still attacks me?"

"Well... You could always use your... Seeker skills? You remember the summoning charm, right?"

"You want me to fly around a dragon? I'd die. Like, immediately."

"You know, you got to be more optimistic. You've got a boyfriend to live for now."

"He's... Not my boyfriend."

"Hmm... You sure?"

"Don't change the subject!"

"You'll be fine, Cedric."

"I hate you much."

"Love you, too."

"You'll be fine," he whispered to himself, clutching at his wand. "Just... Don't get yourself killed. You can't afford that anymore."

He stood as his name was called, cautiously peaking out from the tent and slowly approaching the arena.

"Cedric! Cedric!" The crowd chanted, earning a loud, distressed roar from the Swedish Short-snout.

Cedric froze for a second, but tentatively raised his wand to the audience. "Silencio." He murmured.

It only took a sec for people to realize the quiet.

There was no play-by-play, no cheering. Good.

He turned back to the large greenish dragon, his hands shaking slightly as he flicked his wand wordlessly. The chains broke on the dragon.

"Shit!" He hissed, ducking beneath a boulder as fire erupted from the creature's mouth. "Okay... Not so friendly." He muttered. 

He huffed. "Damn you, Alice... Accio broom."

Cedric glanced at the crowd, finding Alice easily. She smirked at him, nodding towards the golden egg, he rolled his eyes at her. His broom finally came into view, whipping around at him. He caught it, reeling back slightly before getting on.

"Okay, buddy. Wanna take a little fly?" The dragon lunged towards him, barely missing him as he soared away to the other side of the arena. "This is gonna take a while..."

(After Cedric catches the egg. It happens just like Harry's first task.)

"Cedric!" He turned around, still holding the golden egg. Alice was racing towards him. "That was amazing!"

He didn't even get a chance to respond.

"Cedric."

Both Alice and Cedric turned, slightly worried, to the voice.

Cho was standing there, fuming, and dragging along a scared Harry. "I didn't realize you two were close." She glared at Harry, shoving him forwards to Cedric.

"I told you, we just study together sometimes..." Harry muttered, glancing at Champion. Is this the girl? The look in his eyes said.

Alice gave him a small nod, small enough Cho didn't notice as she started chewing out the older boy.

"I'm fine if you have friends Cedric. I'm not a controlling girlfriend," Cho batted her lashes, her voice sickeningly sweet. "Just... Maybe not someone who's... Sick."

"What?" Cedric hissed, incredulous to what Cho had said. "How is he sick? What the hell is wrong with you. And you're not my—"

"I'm just saying, love. Maybe it's better not to hang out with a fag. Especially one who's so... Keen to be alone with you." She smiled innocently, as if she hadn't just called Harry as slur.

"Excuse me?" Harry stepped in front of her again, furious. "What did you just call me?" His green eyes glinted with anger, scowling at the Ravenclaw.

"Oh, I'm sorry. But... It is true." Cho sounded more accusing, looking hurt. "You are trying to get in my boyfriend's pa—"

"He's not your fucking boyfriend!" Alice cut in, pulling Harry out of Cho's face. "Just because you stalk him, and break into his dorm, and try and manipulate him, doesn't mean shit. And unless you want a repeat of last year, I'd start moving."

Cho took a small step back, but otherwise didn't waver. "You can't hit me. Amos would be so upset that you hit his son's future wife—"

Crack.

"I definitely broke her nose..." Alice grinned as she, Cedric and Harry left the hospital wing, with about fifty points taken from each house. 

"She deserved it. I wish I punched her myself," Harry murmured, his hand clenched in a fist. 

"If you had, you'd be the one with detention. And I want you at the party," Cedric smiled, wrapping his own hand around Harry's. "Alice, are you gonna skip it? You probably shouldn't."

"I might. But are you even actually going? You aren't gonna go attack Harry—"

"Not. Another. Word." Cedric firmly covered her mouth, flushing a soft pink. "The party's in the common room, I can't avoid it. They'll also probably try and get me drunk and play some stupid games."

"Why can't you just... Come to my dorm?" Harry mumbled, looking up and biting his lip softly. He looked so innocent with his sparkling green eyes, tussled hair, rosy lips...

Cedric pulled himself from his thoughts, "I really can't. They'd ask a million questions if I did. It'll be fun, I promise. And, Chang can't be there."

"Really? Why...?" 

Alice smirked, "Oh, everyone knows how much he hates her. They don't k ow about anything else, though, don't worry." 

"So, you think you'll go? We can go to your dorm after, I promise." Cedric stopped by the door of Harry's common room, pulling the younger boy into a hug. "It's later tonight."

Harry's hands came up behind Cedric, clutching at his shirt. "Yeah... Yeah. I'll be there." Harry pulled away just slightly, staring into Cedric's silver-grey eyes. 

Cedric swooped down quickly, stealing a passionate kiss. It lasted all too briefly.

"I'll see you later. Okay?"

I love you.

"Yeah. See you later."

I love you, too.

Why can't he say it again?

Chapter Text

Cedric should've listened to Harry.

He really should've listened...

"Let's play Truth or Dare!" A voice cut in. Another game to drown in alcohol. "Here's the twist, though you probably expect it already. There's only dares. If you don't want to do the dare, you have to take a shot."

A small chorus of confirmation rang out in the group. Alice, Cedric, Hermione, and...

And Ron?

"Hmm... Alice. I dare you to give Cedric a kiss," Ron said, taking a sip of water nonchalantly.

"Okay." Cedric gave Alice a half-panicked, half-confused look. She waved it off, and kissed him on the cheek. Ron looked slightly annoyed, but didn't say anything.

"Okay... My turn. Hermione, I dare you to hex that girl over there," Alice pointed to a girl who didn't look too different from Cho. Cedric couldn't help smile.

Two guys joined the game. A Slytherin, and a Ravenclaw.

Cedric didn't recognize the latter. But it was hard not to know the first. Those judgmental eyes had been scanning the room since they arrived. It's also hard when the fourth year was the only one in the room with white, blond hair.

Malfoy, again?

This was gonna be a problem.

"Diggory," Malfoy drawled, slightly tipsy, "Tell me something, why do you hate Cho Chang so much?"

He cocked an eyebrow. "Is that my dare? To answer that?" How did Malfoy know anything about Cho? He had been civil with her, for the most part, during his time at Hogwarts.

Malfoy nodded, "Well, it helps me answer my real question."

"And that is?" He asked, skeptical. Keep it cool, Cedric.

Malfoy lips spread into a smirk. "Are you really fucking with scarface?" He whispered, only loud enough for Cedric to hear.

"Excuse me?" Cedric glared at Malfoy, but the Slytherin ignored it.

"You heard me. Are you? Because I was speaking with Cho, and she said she was worried about you. You were getting so close to that fag."

Cedric felt his skin profile with anger. "What the hell is your problem?" He hissed. He took a shot, trying to ignore the rising urge the punch Draco in the jaw.

Keep it cool.

Malfoy raised his eyebrows, but said nothing more. 

Cedric pulled Alice to a quieter part of the room. "Hey. Uhm... Small thing. Did I ever tell you that Malfoy saw me and Harry once? Like, the day the names were chosen from the Goblet of Fire? Draco had taken a picture of it on this camera. But I took it from him, and got rid of the picture—"

"But since Malfoy knows, and other people already think Harry likes you... He's gonna try and expose it?" Alice finished, her ruby-colored eyes flashing.

"Maybe?" Cedric whispered. "I don't know, but I also didn't know that Malfoy—" Cedric pointed to Malfoy, who was chatting with Ron. They were close together, a signature smirk on Malfoy lips. It left a bad taste in his mouth. "—and Ron were friends. I know Harry and Hermione didn't talk to Ron anymore, but this is a lot more than that."

Alice sighed heavily. "Ron... I talked to Hermione about him. He gets like this about things sometimes."

"But—"

"But, it's never gotten like this. Just... Try and play it cool. Don't start a fight with them about Harry. It'll fuel it, and that won't work for anyone. If they bother you about it, or bother Harry, tell me. I can deal with it." Alice put a hand on his shoulder, running her other hand through her hair.

"I'll try, but if either them even think about hurting Harry, there's gonna be problems." Cedric glared in the direction of the two fourth years, who seemingly didn't notice it.

Alice made an amused sound. "You are whipped, Ced. You're actually gone for this boy."

Cedric rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Let's go back."

Harry crept into the Hufflepuff Common room, green eyes sparkling excited, and nervously.

It was crowded. Hard to expect anything else from energetic, drunk teenagers. Music was blasted from two speakers; people were dancing around it. The lights were dim, only a few on in cool tones, blues and purples. It was almost straight out of a dream. Harry darted his gaze around, seeing a girl drag two guys off, obviously sloshed, into a more secluded room. 

He saw George and Fred talking to a younger boy, a second or third year. They were showing him different candies, most likely from their business. Harry chuckled, but kept looking for his friends. 

"Harry!" He was bumped into by a taller boy, "Oh... Sorry." Harry looked up.

"Cedric. Hey— Ced, are your face is a little," Cedric's face was flushed, cheeks a dark red. The Hufflepuff was grinning ear to ear. He pulled Harry closer to him and kissed his head. Harry pulled away. "Cedric, you know we can't—"

Harry stopped, seeing Cedric's sad frown. "Why can't I kiss you? No one's paying attention to us." With a sudden, but gentle tug forward, Cedric led Harry back to a circle of students. There was about ten, all fourth years or older.

He glanced at Cedric's worriedly, "How much have you drunk?" He whispered, touching the six year's shoulder. 

"Just a little, don't—" Cedric was handed a glass by a girl, a fellow Hufflepuff. She squeezed his shoulder, whispered something to him, giggled, and walked away, swaying her hips even though no one looked at her.

Harry sat there in disbelief. Cedric took a sip from the glass, propping himself up on his elbows, laying down where he was on the floor. Harry looked around the circle, scoffing when he saw Malfoy and Ron chatting together. It wasn't surprising anymore, Ron had been getting closer to Slytherins recently, specifically Malfoy's group of friends.

"Harry? Harry?" His arm was shaken, and he turned back to Cedric. "Do you... Want to go somewhere a little more private?" Cedric sat up, caressing Harry's cheek. His fingers grazed down Harry's neck, before going back up and twirling his dark hair in between his fingers.

"Ced, you're drunk..." Harry whispered, but leaned into Cedric's touch nonetheless. "We can go to my dorm, okay? And maybe, maybe we'll come back to the party. But you shouldn't drink so much, you'll have an awful hangover tomorrow."

"What's tomorrow when we have our whole lives?" Cedric smirked, grabbing Harry's hand again. Cedric pulled him up, and they escaped from the crowded Common Room. 

"Ay, Diggory! Where do you running off to?" Neither Cedric nor Harry turned to respond. As soon as they went through the doors, they made a run for it. Quick, heavy footsteps through the corridor.  

Harry slowed, signalling Cedric to do the same as the neared Harry's dorom.

"Wait!" Cedric whisper-yelled, grabbing his shoulder to stop him. "They're having a meeting... Let's go to the tower for now."

"It's okay, I know a way," Harry pulled the Hufflepuff's arm close to his chest, leading him through a narrow passage. It was only darkness, but Harry had been down the path before. He grazed his fingertips along a curved stone wall; his palm laid flat against a wooden door. 

Harry pushed it open softly, the Gryffindor Common Room dim lit and quiet. 

"Thank Merlin..." Harry sighed, switching the light on in his dorm. Cedric sat down on the bed, looking around a little. It was no different from the first time he was there; Except, there were a lot more papers. Letters to be specific, but Cedric didn't bother with asking.

Cedric felt too dizzy, his vision was fuzzy and he couldn't understand what was happening around him. But it was quiet, peaceful. He smiled, breathing out a chuckle.

"What's wrong, Ced?" Harry's voice was so far away.

"You should... Come closer," He whispered, not realizing the words were even spoken. But Harry was closer, hands cupping his face and tilting his head up to look at him. 

"How much did you drink, Cedric?" Thumbs grazed his cheeks, one of them running across his bottom lip. His mouth opened instinctively, but the digit was pulled away. "Too much, I'm guessing. We can't do that, Ced."

A pout formed on Cedric's lips, eyes wide and innocent. "Why not?" He slurred.

The next moments happened suddenly.

Cedric stood up, pulled Harry closer to him and made them both fall onto the bed. The older boy climbed on top of Harry, kissing his jaw and neck. "I know what I'm doing, Harry. Don't deny it just because I drank a little."

"Cedric..." Harry started, but the words were lost when Cedric sucked on a particularly sensitive part of his neck. He rolled his hips up involuntarily, his cock stirring. Cedric parted Harry's legs with his knee, pressing it to his crotch. Harry exhaled shakily, his arms finding Cedric's shoulders and wrapping around them.

"Do you want this, baby?" Harry shuddered at the whispered words into his ear. He nodded, pressing his hips more firmly against Cedric. The Hufflepuff smiled against Harry's neck, moving down and kissing around his collarbone. The first two buttons of his shirt were then popped open, giving Cedric more space as he undid the rest. 

Harry tugged at the sweater Cedric was wearing. "Off," he mumbled. Cedric chuckled, sitting up on his knees and stripping his shirt off. Harry slipped his own off, and propped himself up on his elbows as Cedric undid his belt.

He pulled Cedric back down to him, kissing him passionately on the lips. He tugged at his bottom lip, nipping it with his teeth. The boy above him groaned, and Harry boldly slipped his tongue inside. Their tongues intertwined, fighting each other. Cedric eased Harry's head back onto the bed. He undid Harry's belt, slipping the Gryffindor's pants off. There was a small tingle in Harry's gut. Probably telling him this was wrong and Cedric didn't know what he was doing, but he couldn't bother to listen to it. 

Harry's trousers landed somewhere on the floor, leaving him in his tented boxers. Cedric's pupils dilated, swallowing almost all the grey. His hands roamed up Harry's smooth thighs, squeezing teasingly when he got closer to the area Harry wanted him most. Harry whined, trying to buck his hips up. But Cedric held him in place. 

"Be patient, love. I'll take care of you," Cedric cooed, grazing over Harry's clothed erection. Harry whimpered. And, oh, Cedric could get used to the sound. He huffed, grabbing both of Harry's knees and spreading his legs apart. Harry's legs fell back onto the bed on either side of Cedric. He trailed his hand down the younger boy's chest, down to his hip. Cedric finally slid off Harry's boxers, throwing them near the discarded pants. He continued his trail down, circling Harry's puckered entrance.

"Have you touched here before, love?" Cedric asked, one finger circling around the outside of it. Harry shook his head, his thighs shaking softly. Cedric smirked, "Do you want me to show you how it feels?" Harry glanced at him nervously, but his pupils were blown wide, sparkling green barely visible around the pools of arousal.

Harry nodded again. "I-I wanna touch you, though," his voice was almost inaudible. Cedric's smirk softened, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to Harry's lips.

"Okay, baby. We can so that." Cedric sat Harry up, pulling him into his lap. "Do you have lube?" Harry signalled to the top drawer next to him. He pulled it open, grabbing the half-full bottle and handing it to Cedric. He took the bottle, setting it on the bed. He removed his own trousers and boxers and brought Harry back into his lap. "How do you want it, darling? Hands, mouth, whatever you want."

"U-uhm..." Harry flushed, cheeks and chest a lovely pink. "Hands is fine." 

He nodded, grabbing the bottle of lube again and pouring a small amount into his hand. He took both of their cocks into his hand, eliciting a gasp from Harry. He stroked slowly, small moans and whines falling from the boy straddling him. Harry pushed his hips up a little, trying to get Cedric to go faster. 

The Hufflepuff sharply tapped his thigh, "Ask, darling. Be polite." He didn't speed up, kept the painfully slow pace that was driving Harry mad. He whined again, hiding in the crook of Cedric's shoulder. The soft spikes of pleasure had Harry trembling, his eyes screwed shut.

"Please..." He moaned, rocking his hips up, "Faster, Ced."

Cedric chuckled, kissing his neck. "You can do better than that, baby. Come on." Harry glared at him, knowing Cedric was feeling the exact same and doing nothing about it.

"Please, Ceddy. P-Please don't tease me... I need more..." He whispered, cheeks scarlet. He covered Cedric's hand with his own, stoking their cocks in time with him. "Please?" He finally looked up at Cedric, eyes wide and pleading.

Cedric smiled, leaning in to kiss him. He pulled away after a moment. "Good boy," he praised against Harry's lips. "That wasn't hard at all, was it? I'll give you what you want, don't worry." He sped up his hand, pushing Harry back onto the bed. He was on top of him again, sucking on his collarbone. 

Harry writhed, moaning louder. "Fuck! I'm close! Mmph..." Cedric's hand sped up up again, whispering soft praises into his ear.

"Me too, you're doing so well, baby," Cedric panted. "Cum for me, Harry." 

Harry came with a cry, spilling all over his chest and Cedric hand. The boy above him finished right after, his head falling on Harry's shoulder with a groan. They stayed like that for a few moments before he grabbed his wand, muttering a cleaning spell over both him and Harry.

He fully collapsed onto Harry, cheeks still flushed and breathing heavily. Harry tangled his hand into his hair, scratching gently at his curls. "Can we try the, uh, other thing later?" Harry whispered, "I'm dead tired."

"'Course, Harry," Cedric smiled, still feeling giddy. Harry stared back at him. He looked less drunk, but he really couldn't tell yet. "But, uh... Can I stay? It's way too loud to sleep in my dorm, 'cause the party, you know?"

"You can always stay." Harry replied.

"Thanks," Cedric kissed him softly, grinning like an idiot. "And, hey, I've got something to show you. I was gonna tell you the other day, but it's easier when I've got it in front of me. How about in the morning?" 

"In the morning," Harry agreed. 

There was a long pause, both of them just staring at each other. Cedric looked away. "I love you, goodnight." He mumbled, pulling the blanket over both of them and burying his nose in Harry's shoulder. 

Harry was silent for a moment before giggling. "'Kay. I love you, too. Goodnight."

-Alice's POV-

Alice scanned the empty corridor. The boy a few paces in front of her, a familiar blond fourth year, was quietly making his way to the Private Dorms. 

Specifically, Ravenclaw's.

The boy stopped at a door, the name Chang barely visible in the darkness. He knocked twice, waited, then knocked once more. Cho opened the door, smiling sickeningly. The boy took an envelope from his robes, about to hand it to Cho.

"It's one in the morning," both of the two turned at Alice's voice, jumping slightly. "What could you possibly be doing right now? Draco, Cho." Alice looked from one to the other before plucking the envelope from Draco's hands. "Sorry, but I'm required to take this," Alice put it in her own robes.

"Why are you out here?" Cho snarled, crossing her arms and glaring at Alice.

She chuckled, "I'm just doing my runs, Chang. I am a Prefect, after all," she shrugged, smiling. Alice turned back to Draco, "You should be off to bed, I'd hate for someone else to come along and take points from you. This is your only warning, understood?"

Draco hummed, indifferent, and waltzed off in the direction he had came from. He paused after a few steps, however, and turned. "What's your name?"

"Alice. Alice Times." She said.

"Goodnight, Alice. I'll see you around," Draco turned again, and continued back down the corridor.

Alice glanced at Cho. She glared back at her. "I'm not saying goodnight to you." She sneered. 

Alice smirked. "I didn't expect you to." Alice left, rolling her eyes as Cho's glare bore into her back. She took back out the envelope, opening it up. There were pictures inside, but it was too dark to see them. I'll open them with Ced, she thought, heading back to her own dorm.