Waking at the sound of the flap being roughly pushed open Harry was sweating through his bedding. The residual images of his habitual nightmare now fading, he looked across the room to see a bowl of brown mush. Ignoring the protests of his stomach and hammering of his pulsating temple veins he returned to a fetal position, hoping to find a small measure of comfort, in his soaked sheets. The intense morning sun fueled his sticky skin, arousing his desire to be burned out of existence, at least to take him away from his maudlin musings about his now passed Hufflepuff.
This thought drove him to sit up and continue with his self imposed punishment, as he feared he would soon lose the strength to complete his task. Haphazardly taking the next parchment from the yellow and black pile he held it above his face and began to read.
20th November 1994
To the witness of my humiliation,
Well, Merlin! I can honestly say I have never been so utterly and completely humiliated in all my life Harry. I knew the man would be good at flying but honestly. I felt like I was a toddler trying to zoom around on my first toy broom…
Anyway enough of my self flagellation and congratulations on winning a seeker game against Krum. Remind me never to play against either of you again, I am not sure my ego can take it! I took small comfort in a fellow classmate beating the Bulagarian for 1 out of the 20 games we must have played. How did you find it? I have never seen you laugh so much so clearly the humiliating defeat he rained down upon us didn't bother you, fairplay my friend.
The seekers game aside I am pleasantly surprised that Viktor was so down to earth and humble. I know the Tournament has yet to officially start but it is nice that we get to make connections with the students from the European schools. We didn't get to speak much last night, are you doing okay?
Please make sure you meet me every night this week leading up to the first task. I think our plan for you will pay off but we need to get some work in on defensive charms. Frankly if you get into trouble I feel like your fellow champions will not sit ideally on the sidelines.
I really hope you are okay? Our classmates seemed to have calmed down with the 'we hate Harry' rhetoric at least. I am sure after the first task when they see you triumph you will gain support. I know you don't want any addulation but it pains me when others are cruel to you.
Anyway, enough of my complaining.
Let us grab lunch tomorrow and we can confirm times for meeting up this week. Viktor pulled me aside after he returned your cloak to me and wanted to help too.
I hope you have a good start to your week and see you soon.
Your humiliated Hufflepuff
Cedric
X
Harry felt a tear roll down his cheek. How he had loved the night the three seekers had zoomed around the pitch. They played until the sky was littered with stars and the moon provided her reflected light. Cedric was right, he didn't care at all losing so much to the famed seeker and just recalled the warmth that had burnt through his whole body, even though the frigid air whipped across his face all night.
Dark thoughts plagued him that had his two new friends not lavished upon him, generous amounts of magical teachings, the Horntail might have burned him alive. If that happened he knew Cedric would still be alive. Reaching for his pile of untidily scrawled letters, he sat up, taking in his reply to the boy he still loved.
23rd November 1994
To my talented friend,
Thank you for your letter and sorry I didn't reply at the time. I know we have laughed about it since. I don't see why you should feel humiliated, the man is a World Cup snitch catching, falcon on a broom, famous seeker?
I have also been pleasantly surprised by Viktor. Getting to know him better these last few nights has been a real joy. I never expected to make two new friends at Hogwarts having been content with my two fellow Gryffindors but I will be forever grateful for your kindness Cedric.
I'll be honest as I write this my stomach feels so unsettled. I barely touched my dinner but am glad of that decision now as I feel like it would have wormed its way back out. I don't know if I am more nervous for myself or the two of you, and Fleur of course. How they think Dragons are a sensible first task I do not know. I understand you are all of age but you are still in education and this is nothing short of madness.
I don't want to downplay all the help you have given and do feel better for your tuition and guidance, so thank you Cedric.
I am going to try and get some rest now ready for tomorrow. If i don't make it please care for Hedwig….
Your good friend
Harry
X
A maniacal laugh erupted from the young man. Thinking he was a fool to have not seen that he was being maneuvered through that ridiculous tournament he stood to collect his laughable breakfast.
Just as he finished he heard the pounding on his cell door. "Get to your chores you lazy brat". This was followed by the sounds of keys and locks being opened. With a huff the malnourished and heartbroken Harry headed to the door.
After another day of the sun brutally burning his neck red Harry flopped onto his bed, with just a towel around his waist. He has been warned by the beast of a man to remain motionless and silent for the night as the muggles were entertaining. He half hoped Dobby would appear again just so the whale might devour him and end his misery.
Feeling the need to punish his psyche further Harry made a start on the next letter.
17th December 1994
Dearest Harry,
We have become a little slack at our correspondents. I guess as we spend so much time together these days we have less to write about but I do enjoy putting quill to parchment, to share my thoughts with my best friend.
I am sorry that Ron is still being a prat. I would have hoped Hermione might have sorted him out by now but she seems very distracted with Viktor lately. He does seem a little taken with her and she with him. Do you think he will take her to the ball?
How is it going on that score with you? Cho mentioned you had asked her. We have seen each other since and you didn't bring it up so I hope we are good? I have known Cho for years and asked her as we share easy conversation. I didn't fancy going with someone I don't know well as it would be really awkward. There was someone else I thought about asking but I don't have that famous Gryffindor courage of yours.
How are you getting on with your egg? I still have no fucking clue and it is currently nestled in my trunk. Maybe we can talk about it during Yule? I wanted to ask if you would consider coming to my place just after the Yule festival? I am only going home for two days as I worry Dad will be lonely. No problem if not but I feel he didn't give the best impression of himself during summer. Deep down he is a great guy. Again no pressure but I thought you might like a little break from Hogwarts. Viktor is coming so it won't be super awkward or anything. At least Dad can fuss over the famous seeker and you and I can do some flying.
Anyway my best friend, I hope you find a good date for the Yule ball and after the formality let's grab a drink?
As we are now free for the holidays I will see you at breakfast tomorrow and we can arrange some plans for the week.
Sweet dreams Harry
With affection
Cedric
X
Of all the letters thus far this was one of his favourites. By this point they were indeed best friends and Harry hadn't yet understood he was starting to fall for the Hufflepuff. His dead heart gave a sluggish lurch as he recalled learning the person Cedric wanted to ask was him. If they had gone together maybe it would have changed their destiny? Ever the fucking noble Gryffindor, if only he had let the hat put him in Slyhethin he might have then just taken the cup alone.
Harry looked at what would be his last letter to Cedric, of 1994, as he recalled his jealous rage filled antics which he thought at the time was due to Viktor being on Hermione's arm….
17th December 1994
To my best friend,
I agree we have been slacking. Can we make a new year's promise to try and write at least once a week? I enjoy our letters too.
Well Ron is Ron. I am not sure what I can do anymore, to soothe his ego. I can't decide if it is my friendship with you or Viktor that makes him scoff more, probably both. He told me I was a fame hungry toser the other day and it was embarrassing that everywhere he turns I have my nose firmly platted up your butts. The twins hexed him after this outburst and told him to grow up. As much as I laughed I wish they had just let it go.
As for Viktor and Hermione, she assures me they are just friends and he isn't really interested in witches? Maybe he wants to focus on his career. She does enjoy helping him with his English and was surprised as we were to find out he is very intelligent. Yes they will attend the ball together but Hermione stressed this was as friends, she is funny.
Please don't apologise as you were not to know I would ask Cho. I mean as if she would want to go with me when she can go with the handsome Cedric Diggory…
I plan to ask one of the Gryffindors from my year. In all honesty once we get the ridiculous first dance out the way and had our dinner I just want to hang out with you, Hermoine and Viktor. Come now Cedric, you can't give me half a story? Who did you want to ask? Do I know her?
Yeah that fucking egg. Mine is also sitting in my trunk. I agree, let's have a chat about it this week. I know Hermione has been doing some research. I am not too worried as I am sure Karkaroff will tell Viktor soon enough and he will tell us and Fluer! I love how we aren't following the rules on this fucking tournament. Maybe that is the whole point of it, to help each other through adversity?
Thank you for the invite. I would be glad to have your company away from school. You are right and I could do with getting away for a few days, so count me in. Do you have a knackered old broom? I think if we play again Viktor should be given a handicap to even the playing field?
Looking forward to that drink and I will see you in the morning.
Warm wishes
Your best friend
Harry
X
Placing the letter down Harry looked out his tiny window. He recalled the fight he had with Cedric, Viktor and Hermione the night of yule. He thought he was jealous of the kiss Viktor shared with Hermione but he later realised it was Cho kissing Cedric that burned him to his soul.
He was feeling very pissed off at himself for behaving like such a brat that night. He didn't get to spend time with Cedric at his home then and it was just another weave he wanted to pull from the damned tapestry of his ill fated destiny that year. He hoped that he was fast approaching the end of what fate had instore for him.
Now back in the fetal position Harry readied his mind for the onslaught of nightmares, just another punishment he approved he was deserving of.