Title: And the fire shall always burn...
Author: EmeraldandScarlet
Summary: Cedric is gone but true love never dies and Harry's just not the type to give up. While keeping memories of his lover alive, he decides to act upon them while he can and embarks on an adventure filled with peril, suspense, and hope... Harry's POV.
Disclaimer: J.K Rowling owns these characters. I'm just trying to change their fates.
Pairing: Cedric/Harry

Chapter 1 - Killing Loneliness

There was a cold, plunging sensation in my stomach as I woke up this morning; though, since you're gone, all I dream about is the fire.

Blue-white flames turning red in a simple, roughly hewn wooden cup. Two burnt pieces of parchment with our names, swaying one after another on that fateful night. We never had a choice.

I didn't choose to be "the-boy-who-wouldn't-die"; to have my parents murdered when I was just a toddler; to sport the damn scar on my forehead; hell, I didn't even choose to be a wizard! You, you didn't choose to fall in love with me, you just did, you could have had anyone at Hogwarts, yet you gave your heart to me, the one who brought about your fate, your downfall, on the forsaken graveyard in Little Hangleton. At the mere age of seventeen.

When I walked into that room at the bottom of the stairs, through golden gates, feeling awkward, you were standing with your hands behind your back, staring into the fire. I didn't know how to justify to you what had happened in the Great Hall. I just stood there looking at you, the Hufflepuff Champion. It struck me just how very handsome you were, with reflections of light and shadows dancing on your peaceful face: the face of an angel that has come down to earth. When I told you about the joke that destiny has played by naming me the fourth Triwizard champion, there was fire reflected in your beautiful grey eyes. Your eyes, filled with sadness. You looked at me and smiled, saying,

'I know you didn't put your name in! I believe you, even if no-one else does.'

Then, coming close to me, you leaned over and whispered, as though it took a lot of courage for you to be able to speak,

'And I don't care what anyone says; I'll be there to watch over you.'

I glanced at you, your flushing cheekbones, your cherry red lips forming these words, and felt an irresistible urge to kiss you right then and there. Instead, I felt a touch of your hands on my shoulders, sending shivers down my spine. You must have noticed me trembling, as with a slight smile you said, misinterpreting my reaction,

'Don't be afraid, I care too much about you to let anyone hurt you.'

My mouth had gone dry and my heart was racing as I realized what you were saying. The softness of your voice was soothing, inviting. We were standing so close, chest to chest, that I could feel your breath, hot and sweet. I could hardly avoid your gaze and my mind was full of confused thoughts. My knees were swaying, making me weak as my chest was heaving with difficulty.

'I'm not afraid! What do you care anyway, you hardly know me!' I exclaimed harshly, barely recognizing my own voice.

'I believe I know enough to know that you may feel lonely at times, even when you are surrounded by friends,' you sighed 'I feel that way, too.'

Your face being only a few inches away from mine, I felt light-headed from looking into your eyes and knew I was lost. I had to let you know, and it was now or never.

Plucking up the last of that legendary Gryffindor courage I said, 'Cedric, I love you.' I stared up at you, snitches fluttering in my stomach.

And instead of hexing me into oblivion, or simply letting go of me, your arms slipped around my shoulders, pulling me into a tight embrace.

'I love you too, Harry. If there was one good thing that came out of goblet tonight, it's the chance for me to tell you this. No matter what happens, whatever challenges we might face, I want us to be together. Always.'

'Always,' I replied, and seeing the world of sincerity within your eyes, I knew you meant every word.

I remember your face as you leaned close to me and kissed me softly, but with such passion that I could hear my heart pounding in my ears.

Your mouth was warm, your lips chapped from the wind, and you tasted like salt and green leaves and a million miles of wild air. And as I felt your tongue against mine, I felt like I was flying. You were so beautiful.

We just stood there in silence, listening to each other's heartbeats, with a fire crackling merrily in the grate.

Please be kind, leave a comment! Also looking for a reliable beta,if interested let me know at emeraldandscarlet at yahoo dot com