Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or anything recognisable.
Hogwarts: (Assignment 4) Alchemy: A Few Alchemists - Task #1: Write a fic in the trio era.
"Hi, love. Please tell me you can help me, Oliver is being a pain in my arse."
"Tell me, am I broken?" Cedric moaned, his voice muffled as he pressed his face deeper into the chair he lounged upon dramatically. His body was splayed dramatically, as if he had just tumbled into the chair with little regard for the way his clothes were wrinkling, something Harry knew Cedric would regret later.
"Why on Earth would you think you're broken?"
"I can't do that bloody Wronski Feint. I tried three times, Harry, three times!" His voice was little more than a whine with his face still buried in the chair, but Harry was almost positive that his boyfriend was pouting. Cedric truly hated to fail at anything, even if that was not being able to perfect a Quidditch move on the first go.
"Well, looks like you're not going to be helping me then," Harry sighed. Throwing himself down next to Cedric he let out a relief filled groan, tossing his bag to the floor as rolls of parchment scattered beneath his feet. "And no, you're not broken. It's practically an impossible maneuver, and you've had barely any sleep lately, what with you being an over ambitious sod adamant on getting all O's this year. You need to give yourself a break Ced."
"I know, I know. I'm putting too much pressure on myself," Cedric sighed deeply, shifting in his chair until he was upright. Harry couldn't help but to gaze at him for a second, he always forgot how effortlessly beautiful Cedric was. "I just hate the idea that I'm not living up to my full potential. Dad always says I need to do more, be better, you know? It's hard."
"Cedric," Harry murmured, his heart breaking at the sight of his boyfriend struggling. This wasn't the first time he had held Cedric as he broke over the pressure weighing heavy upon his shoulders. Harry was sure it wouldn't be the last time either. "You are enough. I don't think it's possible for you to be better than you already are, because I'm pretty sure everyone around here thinks you're a saint. I'm also pretty sure there isn't anything more that you can do, you do so much already."
It was clear to see that even if Harry's words were useful, in that moment they were not the words Cedric needed to hear. He didn't need comforting and a soft approach, he needed a plan of action and a way to succeed. Harry could finally see how Cedric and Hermione had bonded so quickly now.
"I get it Cedric, you're struggling and no matter what I say to make you feel better. It's not going to have you doing the Wronski Feint perfectly. So how about we work on a plan to ease up the pressure, and get you back on track to being the second best Seeker at Hogwarts?"
"Second best Seeker? Really?"
"It's going to take a lot more than a Wronski Feint for you to usurp me from my throne as Quidditch legend my dear."
"You know, I'm so lucky to have someone like you in my life, you're always so supportive of me," they smiled at one another, Cedric clutching Harry's hand within his own. For others, the cacophony of Quidditch, everyday school and preparation for N.E.W.T.S would be too much, but Cedric and Harry had each other to help them through. If in doubt, Harry was sure Hermione would love another chance at making study guides for them, so everything would work out fine.
600 words