'Here's a pretty young one.'

'Back off. Leave me alone.' Cedric held his wand ready, trained on the hooded figure.

'Aww he's sweet, trying to be the brave little man.'

'Pure and good .' A second voice spat.

'And of little use to us, there's no trace of muggle about him. Leave him.'

'Shame.' The closer robed figure stepped forwards and a long nailed hand touched his face. 'He'd make a handsome companion.'

Cedric flinched away, recoiling in disgust from the dark witch. 'I'd rather die.'

He received a backhanded slap, feeling his lip split from the blow. He saw the wand rise. 'Be careful what you wish for whelp!'

Then there was nothing.

'Ced! Cedric!'

Someone was shaking him.

'Diggory for Merlin's sake wake up!' The voice was panicked, but unmistakeable.

'Oliver?' He opened his eyes and immediately wished he hadn't. Fire burned all around him, screams echoed from every direction and people were trampling past as fast as they could. He was aware of being lifted to his feet, a strong comforting arm rested round his waist and he was being lead swiftly away.

'Trust you to get into trouble, I saw those Death Eaters follow you. When are you going to learn to…' Wood trailed off. 'Too brave, that's your problem. Bloody foolish. If you'd… Everyone's worried.'

'You're a big softie Ol, you know that?' Cedric grinned, whimpering as his lip opened again. 'I didn't mean to worry you. It felt wrong not to at least try and do something.'

Oliver let out a shaky sigh. 'I just wished you weren't so damn noble sometimes. The last thing I want is to lose you now. Not after trying so bloody hard to get you and surviving a summer apart that lasted far too long.'

Cedric leaned closer to the elder boy. 'You won't lose me. I promise.' He felt Oliver relax slightly. 'Not unless you drop me.' He teased, moving Oliver's arm tighter around his body.

'I won't drop you but we need to hurry up.'

Cedric suddenly realised how slowly they were moving, dropping further and further back from the crowd. His head was pounding and he knew Oliver was doing most of the work. He stopped. 'You go on ahead. Just need to catch my breath.'

'No.'

'Ol, I'll be okay. They didn't want me anyway. Said I was useless.' He pushed Oliver slightly. 'Go on. Father will find me I'm sure. He Apparated with the rest of the Ministers when all this started.'

'Of course.' Oliver grabbed Cedric, holding him impossibly close so every millimetre of their bodies were touching. 'Hold on.'

Cedric was puzzled for a second before he felt his whole body tingle, he felt like he was nothing and everything at the same time. He couldn't focus and for one second he was sure that he and Oliver were one big whole as apposed to two separate people. In a moment it was over and he and Oliver stood alone in a small cosy room. A broom stood in one corner, Quidditch robes hung on the back of the door and an unmade four-poster dominated the rest of the room.

Oliver smiled at him. 'Sorry about the mess.'

'This is your room?' Cedric crossed to the bed, collapsing back onto the mattress. 'It's nice. Mmm bed is comfy.'

'Wasn't quite sure if that would work.' Oliver settled next to him, absently stroking his hair. 'Never apparated with a passenger before. But my instructor did say I have uncanny talent for Apparation. It's why I can travel so far. You'll stay here tonight won't you?'

Cedric nodded, his eyes feeling heavy.

'I'll send your parents an owl.' He got up, but Cedric caught his hand.

'Father will be busy still. Wait a while.' He rested his head against Oliver's side. 'I missed you.'

'I missed you too.' Oliver whispered and then Cedric was there and he was kissing him and nothing else seemed important.