Harry shifted uncomfortably; he didn't feel like he should be here. Like he didn't belong. He looked across at the one familiar face, swallowing hard as he saw silent tears fill soft brown eyes. He couldn't say anything to the young man nothing could make it better. They'd both lost someone that meant so much to them, and now they had to face whatever lay ahead without him. And it was all Harry's fault. He should have pushed Cedric back to the cup, should have protected him, should have saved him.
The ground magically sealed itself over the casket, folding it safely into the earth. Harry bit his lip, trying in vain not to cry. He lingered on after Cedric's family had drifted away, staring at the dates on the headstone. He was just a boy really; seventeen wasn't as old outside of Hogwarts. There you were top, the eldest and supposedly the wisest, out in the real world you were still babies, still vulnerable.
Harry swallowed, remembering the last graveyard he had stood in. Every time he closed his eyes he would see Cedric's face as he lay in the dirt. See Voldemort's twisted smile as he pushed Cedric's face with his foot, all the better to see his handiwork. To see the future he had just stolen.
'I did love him you know.'
The voice startled him, the soft Scot's accent barely a whisper, but somehow loud enough to sweep aside the silence that stifled the air.
Oliver stood beside him, following Harry's gaze. 'I know I should have said it more often. I should have told him every day. Now it's too late, and he'll never know.'
'He knew,' Harry mumbled, 'he always knew everything. He saw through me straight away.' Harry smiled, 'So then I had to tell him.'
A ghost of a smile passed over Oliver's features. 'I'm glad he had you Harry. I'm glad he had you to bring him back. I'm glad he had you to love him.'
Harry couldn't say anything. Oliver smiled sadly, ruffling his hair. 'You take care Potter. Ced wouldn't want to see you so soon.' He turned to walk away. 'Oh and Harry, you keep that Quidditch Cup where it belongs.'
Harry smiled and turned just in time to see Oliver apparate. He stuffed his hands in his pockets, hunching his shoulders against the breeze. He cast one long look at the headstone before slowly walking away.
'Hold on, Harry.'
Harry turned his heart hammering, wild hope filling him, Cedric… it had to be, that's what he'd said when the two wands were joined. It had to be… but there was nothing. He was alone. Harry nodded. His jaw set with a new determination, he would hold on. He'd get through this and one day he'd see Voldemort pay. He'd see justice for his Mother and Father, and for Cedric.