Chapter 24: Time Flies
A week had passed since the first task and things had gotten better for Harry. Out of all the things that happened, he considered patching up things with Ron best. It had to be if he didn't see any consequence in not paying attention during McGonagall's class. The cold glare she was giving the pair finally caught Harry and Ron's eyes and they quieted down.
"Now that Potter and Weasley have decided to act their own age, we can continue." Professor McGonagall said. "The Yule Ball has been a part of the Triwizard tournament since its inception. It is a night where we will be able to interact with our guests in well-mannered frivolity. Now, as members of the host school, I expect you all to put your best foot forward. Quite literally, I might add, because the Yule Ball is, first and foremost, a dance."
While there was excited chatter amongst the girls, the boys groaned and complained.
"Silence!" Professor McGonagall called. "The house of Godric Gryffindor has commanded the respect of the wizarding world for the past ten centuries. I will not have a single one of you besmirch that name in a single night by acting like a babbling, bumbling band of baboons."
"Try saying that five times, really fast." George whispered and his twin attempted to do so.
Professor McGonagall then gave some rules and strict warnings before she dismissed the class, but asked to have a word with Harry.
"Potter, the champions and their partners." She said and Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Can't I go alone?" He asked.
"No, it would be quite hard for you to open the ball without a partner to dance with." McGonagall said.
"I have to open the ball?" Harry asked. "With a dance?"
"It has been so since the first tournament." McGonagall replied.
"But professor, I don't dance." Harry admitted.
"You can and will." McGonagall said with finality. "Not another word, Potter. I suggest you find a partner first before worrying about the actual dancing."
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"A dance, can you believe this school?" Ron complained. "I'd rather spend an entire night in detention with Snape."
"Well at least you don't have to have a partner and open the ball." Harry sighed.
"I thought your choice for a partner was obvious, Harry." Hermione stated and the two boys looked at her. "Why not go to the ball with Cedric?"
"Really, you mean...come out to the school?" Harry asked nervously. "To the whole world even?"
"I thought you understood that there aren't any prejudices towards gays in our world?" Ron asked.
"I do, but...I don't know." Harry said. "I want to go with Cedric. When Professor McGonagall mentioned that the Yule Ball was a dance, I immediately thought of going with him…"
"Then go, Harry." Hermione encouraged him. "Along with the book of the history of house-elves, Joseph also lent me some of the news articles about old triwizard champions. Quite a lot of them had partners for the Yule Ball was of the same sex."
"I still don't trust him." Ron muttered. "He's one of Malfoy's best mates."
"And despite that, he's helped Harry, Cedric, and I, and even befriended us." Hermione said before turning to Harry. "Harry, you should really ask Cedric to go with you."
"I agree with 'Mione." Ron said. "If you're worried about the backlash, sure the papers will talk about it for months, but anything negative will probably come from the Slytherins. There've even been rumours that Dumbledore's gay."
"There have?" Harry asked surprised.
"Yeah, but dad said it must've been started by someone who hates him in the Ministry." Ron answered.
"But he's not, right?" Hermione asked.
"Well, when it first came up, dad said Dumbledore wasn't too upset about it, and that no one really thought any less of him." Ron said. "Even until now, he hasn't said the rumours were false, but he hasn't denied them either."
"Well, if Dumbledore never received any backlash, and he has a lot of enemies, you won't either." Hermione pointed out. "Can you think of any reason, other than what other people will say, not to go with Cedric?"
Harry thought about it and he couldn't think of a reason. Why shouldn't he go to the Yule Ball with Cedric? In fact, why not come out right now? They weren't ashamed of anything, and it'll be a big relief not having to hide a part of himself from his friends. Sure there will be the papers, the Slytherins, and Cedric's father, but they'll be able to handle all of that.
"Thanks guys." Harry said with a smile. He then asked Cedric to meet him in the library later before he and his friends entered the Charms classroom.
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That evening, Harry sat at the table where he first met Joseph, a little over a year ago. He looked outside the window and smiled as the memories of talking about themselves, what to do about Cedric, and even drinking the potion that made him see some terrifying things came back to him. He realised that the Yule Ball will be the first time he'll see his Slytherin friend with Viktor.
"Hey Harry." Cedeic greeted when he came into view. "What do you want to talk about?"
"I'm guessing you know that the Yule Ball's a dance?" Harry inquired.
"Yup, all the girls squealed with excitement when Professor Sprout told us." Cedric said with a smile. "Cho's even offered to help me prepare on the day of it."
"Did Professor Sprout also tell you that the champions will be opening the Ball?" Harry asked and Cedric nodded. "I was thinking that...maybe, we could go together?"
"Harry...are you sure?" Cedric asked and held Harry's hand.
"Yes, I mean, what have we to hide?" Harry asked. "It's not like we're ashamed."
"Not at all, but what about what the others' will say?"
"Who cares what they think?"
"Skeeter will have a field day."
"The Prophet and every other publication will write about who I'm with, no matter who they are. Worst case scenario is that they write about it for nearly a year, and we can deal with the press."
Cedric opened his mouth to say something, but immediately shut it, looking nervously at his boyfriend. Harry knew what Cedric was going to say and placed a hand on the brunette's cheek.
"We'll also deal with your dad. You won't be alone; I'll be with you when he confronts you about us. Best of all, we'll have your mother on our side." Harry said with a smile. "It's alright if you don't want to, Ced."
"Harry, I do want to go with you." Cedric said. "It's just that I was surprised. I know how much you hate being the centre of attention. Revealing our relationship to the world isn't going to help in that regard."
"I've given this some thought and look at me; I'll always be in the centre of attention." Harry said. "I might as well be there with someone who can help me get through it."
Cedric stared at Harry, his grey eyes locking with the Gryffindor's green ones. He then kissed Harry after a few minutes and hugged him.
"So, is that a yes?" Harry asked with a chuckle.
"Yes Harry Potter, I will go to the Yule Ball with you." Cedric said with a huge smile and Harry mirrored him.
"Great, so now my biggest worry is to not look like an idiot when we dance." Harry stated.
"Don't worry, I'll teach you." Cedric said.
"Handsome, intelligent, can cook, faced a dragon and survived, and can dance." Harry said with a smile. "Is there anything you can't do?"
"Well, despite being a seeker and Quidditch team captain, I didn't think of trying to out-fly and dragon." Cedric said, making Harry chuckle. "And I still don't know what rock cakes are."
"You're in my spot." A voice said and the couple turned to see Joseph staring down at them.
"Who are you going to the Yule Ball with?" Cedric asked when they had adjusted.
"It's obvious he's going with Viktor." Harry said before looking at the Slytherin for confirmation.
"We haven't discussed it, but you have to assume so." Joseph said. "I'm guessing you two already have partners."
"Yup." Harry replied with a smile. "We're going with each other, in fact."
Like Hermione and Ron, Harry expected the taller raven to be glad and excited for them, but he just stared at the couple, looking back and forth at either of them.
"Have you both thought this through, completely?" He asked.
"Yes and we don't care about what people, the press, or Ced's father's going to say." Harry said.
"I didn't mean that." Joseph said. "Cedric, you should've thought about this."
"I really don't see any other problem." Cedric said. "If Harry's fine with coming out already, I'm with him."
"I'm not talking about coming out, I'm talking about coming out together." Joseph said. "Think; Karkaroff and Madame Maxime were outraged when Harry, another Hogwarts student, became a champion. This has never happened in any other tournament. For it to happen this year is highly suspicious. You two coming out as a couple now would make Karkaroff and Maxime think that Dumbledore planned for this to happen."
"But he didn't!" Harry said. "Someone put my name in the goblet hoping I'd get killed."
"Yes, but not everyone believes that." Joseph said. "Even Barty Crouch and Bagman don't believe that theory completely. And Harry, this is all political; Maxime and Karkaroff may all have good relationships with Dumbledore, but they want to beat him, prove he's human. The reason for the tournament's founding was international magical cooperation. I hate to say it, but you two coming out now, together, would put an end to all that."
Harry and Cedric looked at each other for a few seconds, before saying that they'd think about it.
"So, was the potion you were brewing for Viktor and the first task?" Harry asked.
"That was what I intended, but ended up not using it." Joseph said. "It was suppose to protect him from major physical harm, but dragon fire could easily get through most magical defenses. Ended up not using it."
"Speaking of which, has he figured out the egg?" Cedric asked.
"No. He thought a normal message would be in the end and tried listening through the screeches." Joseph explained. "I had to shut the egg since I was the only one who cast a Silencing charm."
"Can you believe it's been a year since we've first met?" Harry asked.
"And it's almost been a year since you two started dating." Joseph said, making the couple smile. "Any plans?"
"Well, I've got a few things in mind, haven't decided on one, yet." Cedric said and smiled even more when Harry looked extremely excited.
The three talked for a while before leaving. While Cedric walked Harry to his common room, the Gryffindor tried to guess what Cedric was planning, and begged for him to tell him when he failed.
"You'll just have to wait a two more weeks." Cedric said with a chuckle, making Harry pout. "I promise, it will be worth the wait."
"Fine." Harry said with a sigh.
"Also, I'm going to tell Professor Sprout about us going together, if that's alright with you." Cedric said.
"It's fine with me, but what about what Joseph said?" Harry asked.
"I thought about it and maybe he'e worrying about nothing." Cedric said. "He's probably over-thinking. It's just a dance."
"Well, if you're alright with it, then so am I." Harry said.
"Great." Cedric said and kissed Harry on the cheek. "See you tomorrow, then."
They bade each other good night before heading to their dorms.
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The next week flew by quickly with Harry anticipating his anniversary with Cedric. He was so excited, he wasn't put off when Snape announced they'd have a test on the day before the holidays. He was having lunch when he decided to ask for help in buying Cedric's gift.
"Well, what did you get him for Christmas last year?" Hermione asked and Harry told her about the broom servicing kit, green sweater, and necklace.
"I did learn that he likes to read basically anything." Harry said, remembering Cho had given the brunette one of Shakespeare's books.
"Well, there's a Hogsmeade trip scheduled for tomorrow. We can go and help you pick something out." Hermione said and Harry nodded in thanks.
Just then, Ron dropped onto the seat next to Harry and groaned.
"Still no luck?" Harry asked.
"At this rate, I'll end up with some troll." Ron complained.
"Excuse me?" Hermione asked.
"You know, like Eloise Midgen." Ron clarified.
"Her acne's gotten better and she's really nice." Hermione stated, glaring at the ginger.
"Her nose's off-centre." Ron pointed out.
"I see, so you'll go with the prettiest girl who'll have you." Hermione spat
"Pretty much." Ron replied, not picking up on the brunette's mood.
Hermione didn't reply anymore. She just gathered her things, told Harry she'll see him in class, and left.
"What's with her? Is it because no one's asked her?" Ron said.
Harry merely sighed at the cluelessness of his friend and they finished their lunch. The day flew by and Harry soon found himself in the common room, waiting for Hermione. Ron decided not to come, favouring trying to find a date. Harry thought it was for the best, since Hermione was still mad at him.
"So, have you narrowed your gift down to a few choices?" Hermione asked as they walked on the snow-covered path.
"Well, I was thinking about getting him his own Firebolt." Harry said and Hermione looked at him. "And realised that he'll look at me like that."
"I'm not saying it's a bad idea." Hermione said. "Huge on the extravagant side, though. What else have you thought of giving him?"
"Well, I was thinking of getting him a complete series of books, but I don't know any." Harry said. "I've also thought about buying him some muggle stuff, he was so fascinated with my walkman all summer. I should also get him a new sweater; he's grown so much in the past year, the one I bought him last year probably doesn't fit anymore. I also want to buy him some Bertie Bott's. Did you know that they take special orders? You can have them fill it with specific flavours. I'm thinking of filling Cedric's with some sweet and spicy-what?"
Harry turned to see Hermione looking at him with a huge smile.
"It's just weird seeing you fret like this." She replied and Harry raised an eyebrow. "A good weird, Harry. Think about it; you're in the middle of a dangerous tournament, someone's out for your blood, and you have no idea what's coming next. Instead of worrying about any of those, you're worried about what to get your boyfriend."
"Well, I really care about him, 'Mione." Harry said, his cheeks turning red.
"I know, Harry." Hermione said with a small smile.
The two first headed to the bookstore, since it was the closest to them. Harry found several books of Sherlock Holmes and bought them for Cedric. While Hermione wasn't looking, he also bought her gift; books on Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. They then moved to the clothes shop, where he bought Cedric a few sweaters. They then arrived at Honeydukes where Harry filed a special order, choosing flavours like butterscotch, vanilla, jalapeño, etc. He then went to a shop that sold muggle things, buying Cedric his own cassette player and several cassettes of bands that he thought Cedric would like. They then bought Quidditch supplies for Ron and Cedric, and Harry made the decision to buy Cedric a Firebolt.
"He's going to love it Harry, I'm sure." Hermione said.
"Yeah, I guess." Harry said.
"What's wrong? You've bought Cedric a mountain of presents." Hermione pointed out. "You can't honestly believe that's not enough."
"It's not about whether it's enough or not." Harry said. "I was planning to choose the present that I felt was the perfect gift for the occasion and give the rest on Christmas, but none of these feel like the perfect gift."
Harry sighed and looked at the clock hanging on the train station.
"It's already that time." Harry said as he brought out his pocket watch.
"Harry, that's a gorgeous pocket watch." Hermione said, admiring the ruby-studded, golden mechanism.
"Joseph got it for me last year as a Christmas gift." Harry explained. "I only started using it recently when Cedric gave me a copy of his individual portrait."
As Hermione admired his pocket watch, something clicked in Harry's head. He and Hermione walked through the streets, heading for the area with the higher-end shops. They then stopped at a small building that, at first glance, looked like it didn't belong there with its faded paint.
"Good afternoon." A cheerful voice greeted when they entered. "Well, Ms. Granger, a pleasure to see you again. And it's a great honour to meet you, Mr. Potter."
Mr. Trent shook their hands, his eyes showing the same sparkle it did a year ago.
"Mr. Trent, Harry was actually the one who ordered the necklaces." Hermione said.
"Ah, and did you and your partner find them satisfactory?" Mr. Trent asked.
"Yes, my boyfriend and I loved them, sir." Harry answered, making the jeweler's smile grow. "Actually, I'm here because I'd like to buy a gift for him. Do you have any pocket watches?"
Mr. Trent beckoned them to follow him to the counter and brought out a glass case with several different pocket watches; there was one made of silver, another of gold, there was even one that looked like it was made purely of diamond. Harry scanned them and found a golden one similar to his own, but the design on the front looked like the Hufflepuff badger and it wasn't studded with any gems.
"I take it that your boyfriend is from Hufflepuff." Mr. Trent said and Harry nodded. "These ones are very popular among Hogwarts students."
"I was wondering if you could change the material for the badger, sir." Harry asked and Mr. Trent nodded. "I was thinking about something black. Onyx, perhaps?"
"Yes, a brilliant idea my boy." The old man praised. "How soon do you want it?"
"Will you be able to get it to me by Tuesday? Wednesday morning at the latest?" Harry asked. "I'll pay more."
"Of course, Mr. Potter. And you don't need to pay more." Mr. Trent said. "I assume you'll be having your owl pick it up?"
Harry nodded and paid Mr. Trent. He and Hermione then returned to the castle, discussing how to crack the golden egg.
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Wednesday came and Harry was excited to see Cedric during his free period in the afternoon. The pocket watch arrived last night and Harry admired Mr. Trent's craftsmanship. He had made the badger onyx, but also had a little white stripe of diamond in the middle. The pocket watch was now in a small white box, tied with a blue ribbon. He began heading for his first class when someone pulled him into a broom cupboard.
"Is your gift to me a heart attack?" Harry asked as he stared at the brunette.
"Sorry, forgot about someone trying to kill you." Cedric said, then bent down and tenderly kissed the Gryffindor's lips. "Better?"
"Much." Harry replied with a smile.
"So, after Transfiguration, I want you to meet me at Black Lake." Cedric said.
Harry agreed and the two shared another kiss before they headed for their individual classes. Harry was so excited, he couldn't focus in class. Luckily, Professor Flitwick opted to let the class talk, since everyone was too excited about the Ball to listen, and talked to Harry about the Summoning charm he used. Professor McGonagall, however, was not so lenient; she had everyone try to transfigure three chicks into three different items, in preparation for the O.W.L.s next year. As soon as Transfiguration was over, Harry said goodbye to his friends and headed for Black Lake. As he approached the tree he and Cedric always sat under, he began to see what the brunette had planned; there was a picnic blanket and two plates, a picnic basket on the side, and a vase of flowers in the middle.
"Did I meet Mr. Potter's expectations?" Cedric asked.
Harry nodded and smiled. He turned to thank his boyfriend, and was surprised at what he saw; Cedric in black, dapper-looking dress robes.
"I was thinking about showing you what I'd be wearing to the Ball." Cedric said. "What do you think?"
"You look very handsome." Harry said with a smile.
"Great, I can take this off now." The brunette stated and changed into his school robes.
"So, one year. Can you believe it? Harry asked as they sat.
"I still sometimes think that I'm dreaming." Cedric said.
They talked as they ate. Cedric had taken some sandwiches, a bottle of pumpkin juice, and some treacle tarts from the kitchens. After eating, they cleared the plates and sat next to each other, Harry leaning on Cedric, watching the lake and the sun set.
"It's strange." Harry said. "During things like classes you're not interested in, doing your homework in the library, or chasing after your animagus godfather so he won't be killed by a werewolf, it seemed like time moved so slowly. But now that I look at it, it seems like the time flew by since we got together."
"I know." Cedric said. "I recently looked at our photo album and couldn't believe that we'd already filled up half of it."
"Thank you for today Cedric." Harry said and kissed his boyfriend on the cheek. "Everything was perfect."
"Anytime." Cedric returned. "I wish we could always have moments like these. But I guess only having a few of these makes us cherish them forever."
"Speaking of forever." Harry said and brought out the small white box with a blue ribbon. "Happy anniversary."
Cedric opened and stared wide-eyed at the silver pocket watch.
"Harry...I don't know what to say." Cedric said.
He opened it and found the individual champion portrait of Harry. Cedric turned to Harry and kissed him.
"So I take it you like it?" Harry asked with a smile.
"I do. Here's your present." Cedric said and handed his boyfriend a rectangular box.
Harry opened it and had the same expression Cedric had when he saw his present. Harry was staring at a silver picture frame, but the picture in it wasn't of him or Cedric. It was a picture of five Hogwarts students, all from Gryffindor. The one on the farthest left looked shy and awkward, hiding in the back. He had mousey brown hair, blue eyes, and light skin. The male next to him was tall, well-groomed, with light brown hair, green eyes, fair skin, and a prefect badge was pinned on his robes. The person next to him looked like his exact opposite; with grey eyes, he had long, black, curly hair, and a mischievous smile. Harry recognised Remus and Sirius immediately, and he assumed the awkward boy was Pettigrew.
What caught his eye the most the last two people in the far right; one was a woman with a bright smile, fiery red hair, and beautiful green eyes. A tall, slightly tanned male had his arms around her. He had messy jet black hair, hazel eyes, and rectangular glasses.
"I remember that you only had a few pictures of your parents." Cedric explained. "So I sent an owl to Professor Lupin and asked if he had any. He sent me this."
Harry stared at the picture and everyone was right; he looked so much like his father, but he had his mother's beautiful eyes. He then looked at Cedric, his eyes glossy and looked like he was about to cry. Before Cedric could ask if he was alright, Harry hugged him.
"Thank you." Harry whispered.
"Happy anniversary, Harry."