Writer: Azure K Mello

Title: A Bond Never Dies

Part: 127 of 132 or part 42 of Part Three

Words: 407

He kicked off from the ground so he wouldn't have to meet Cedric's eye as he said, "Draco Malfoy kissed me. There were other reasons, I wasn't being challenged in class, I missed home, I have a war to focus on."

"That rat-faced prick kissed you?" asked Cedric sounding disgusted.

"He's not rat-faced."

"Don't tell me you like him! Why would you leave if you liked him?"

"Because I don't want to be with anyone. I mean, it's a nice idea: having someone who loves me. But it's too dangerous."

"Harry-"

"Maybe it sounds too martyry," Harry interrupted, "maybe it is too martyry. But I know I'm in danger and I don't want to put anyone in this situation."

"What about what he wants? Doesn't that count?"

And Harry could tell from Cedric's tone that he was expected to act apologetically but instead he shook his head. "Not really. I am not allowed to have someone until it's over."

"Say's who? Your father?"

"No, he'd never say that. I just can't do it."

"And would you want him? I mean, when it's over."

"I don't know." Harry shrugged as if it was something he hadn't thought about but it was an act.

"Do you like boys?" asked Cedric and it felt too serious.

Harry tried to be blithe when he said, "I like you, don't I?"

"So I'd beat him? That is, if I went for you?"

Harry blushed and finally met his friend's eye, "Cedric, it's not a competition. I'm not dating anyone. You're my friend."

"I can't believe that rat-faced brat would beat me!" Cedric looked genuinely scandalized.

"He's not rat-faced," Harry insisted again, "and I'm not flying with him, I'm flying with you."

"You aren't flying with him because he kissed you. What would happen if I kissed you?"

"I would ask you to leave."

"Why?" Cedric sounded exacerbated.

"Because!" Harry shouted, "I don't want to fall in love with you! I'm a fourteen year old boy; kisses matter to me! Nothing's casual to me. I have a possible death sentence on my head. I don't have time to focus on boys!" He started to aim towards the ground but Cedric grabbed the tail of his broom.

"Don't land, we haven't gotten to fly yet." The voice as gentle and he said, "Harry, I like you. I want to be your friend. I'm sorry."

"Want to play catch with gooseberries? It's fun and squishy."