Disclaimer: I do not currently, nor will I ever own Harry Potter or any of the associated characters. I simply tread lightly upon JKR's foundation and shape her world into what I wish it to be.

A/N: This chapter focuses more on the true issues of being a couple, particularly a homosexual one. In short, it is slightly less romantic and a more realistic. I felt it was important for Cedric and Oliver to answer a few questions about the future of their relationship. Also, I may be taking a brief break from this story to begin prep work on my next piece. Rest assured though, there's more of this story still to come.

Perfect in His Eyes

by firewithin

It was the last day of the school term at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Tomorrow students would be saying hurried goodbyes on the platform before piling into the Hogwarts Express to return home. Today, however, they were enjoying one last bit of the beautiful weather on the grounds of the school.

Cedric and Oliver sat together under the shade of a broad oak tree on the far side of the lake, safe from the prying eyes and ears of their school mates. The younger boy studied Oliver, who was twirling a twig between his palms and gazing into the distance. "When are we going to tell people about us?" Cedric asked suddenly.

Oliver looked up, still playing with the twig. A troubled expression showed itself in his brown eyes. "Do you really think that this is the best time?" he asked gently. "You still have two years left at Hogwarts. I just don't want them to be any more difficult than they have to be. You know there's no one else in the entire school who'll openly admit to being gay. Who knows how people would take the news that you, of all people, are? Besides, we have the rest of our lives for everyone to know about us, don't we?"

The Hufflepuff's smokey eyes misted over as hetried to remain calm. "I'm just so sick of sneaking around, Oliver. People are starting to suspect, I know they are. I can hear them whispering in the halls. And I can tell that Cho thinks I'm up to something as well. I think she can tell I'm with someone and she's mad that I've been keeping it a secret from her."

Tossing the twig aside, Oliver reached out and rested his hand on Cedric's knee. "Tell Cho then. She's one of your best mates. I think she deserves to know. In any case, I think it will be a good way to test the waters of how everyone will react to us. Besides, if she doesn't like the news I can always Obliviate her memory," he added with a playful wink.

Cedric's spirits were raised, his gray eyes alight with happiness. "You really mean it, I can tell her? That really means a lot to me, Oliver. I was starting to worry that you were ashamed of us."

The older boy leaned in to give his boyfriend a reassuring hug. "Don't be ridiculous, Diggory. You're the best thing that's happened to me since I was made Gryffindor's Quidditch team Captain. I just don't think you realize how delicate the situation really is. Being gay is almost as bad as being Muggle born to some people. You have to understand that there could be a lot of backlash from this and I just want you to be emotionally ready for whatever may come when we tell everyone."

"I have you here, don't I? I'm ready for anything." Cedric leapt up dramatically. "Why I could take a Bludger to the head; I could duel a hundred Death Eaters; why, I could even win a stare down with Mrs. Norris! That is how great my love is," he declared with a laugh.

"Love for whom?" An inquisitive voice interrupted.

Both boys whipped their heads around to see Cho Chang looking at them expectantly. "Cho!" Cedric choked out in shock, his cheeks flushing a brilliant shade of pink, before turning back to Oliver who nodded his silent consent. "Have a seat, Cho. There's something I should tell you."

Cho listened intently as the boys explained how they had come to be involved and the secrets that had been governing their relationship. She took the news in stride. In her heart, she realized, she had known all along that her friend was gay. It all made sense. He was such a good looking boy and yet he had never dated a single girl in Hogwarts. There was so much she wished to know now that the pair were confiding in her.

"So, are you two a serious couple?" she asked, turning from one boy to the other.

"We are," Oliver answered with a faint smile. "But you're the only one we've told so far. We've decided to keep it quiet for now. I just don't think Hogwarts is ready for this, you know?"

Cho nodded slowly. "Perhaps not. That will change one day though, and perhaps it will be because of the two of you." She shifted her gaze to Cedric then. "Cedric, if there's anything I can do to help you, either of you, all you have to do is ask."

"Actually, Cedric began, "I think there is. Cho, it would be a big help to me if next year you could act like we're more than just mates. You know, just to keep the guys from wondering and to keep the other girls at bay."

A brief flicker of shadow crossed over Cho's face before she flashed a bright smile at Cedric and answered. "Of course, Ced. You're one of my best mates. I'll do anything I can to help."

Relief washed over Cedric's face. He grabbed her hands in his and kissed them excitedly "Thanks, Cho! This really means a lot to me." He threw Oliver a loving glance. "To us, really."

A true smile played on Cho's lips then. "I really am glad I can help you two. You know, Oliver, Cedric's seemed so much more happy since you met up with him." Rising from her place on the ground, she continued to address the boys. "I'll leave you two alone now. I'll see you on the train, Cedric. Oh, and Oliver, don't make him wait too long to tell everyone. It's doing your love for each other a disservice to keep it a secret like this." She turned and walked back toward the castle, leaving them to digest the information she had just given them.

After a long while, Oliver spoke. "She's right, you know. Next year. We'll tell them all sometime next year. I'll come to Hogwarts so you won't have to do it alone." Then, standing up suddenly, he nodded toward the other students who were now hurrying toward the castle. "It looks like we had better start heading back for the feast," he informed Cedric as he helped the boy to his feet.

"Wait," Cedric implored him. He pulled Oliver behind the protection of the oak tree. "I can't let you leave me without a kiss goodbye."

A wide grin spread over Oliver's face. Pulling Cedric's body tightly against his own, he began to kiss his boyfriend with ardent urgency, taking in every feeling, every taste. Savoring every second that their bodies were so connected, for he knew that he would n't get to enjoy the feeling again for a long while.

In that moment he truly wished he had been able to tell the world about them rather than hiding all of the time. But Oliver wasn't as brave as he seemed, and so they stood there together,concealing their love from the world. Soon, he promised himself, he would stop hiding.

When at last they pulled apart, Oliver tilted Cedric's chin down so hecould look into the slightly taller boy's eyes. "I love you Cedric, you know that don't you?"

Cedric smiled contentedly at Oliver and nodded. "I know. I love you too." He gave the older boy a light kiss on the cheek before peeking around the tree. "I suppose we really should be going now," he commented, seeing the grounds nearly abandoned by this point.

"Yeah," Oliver said sadly. "I suppose we should." The pair moved from the cover of the tree and walked in silence back to up to the school.