This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Word Count: 532

Title: Boys By Lakeside

Note: AU! Cedric lives

Warnings:

Beta:

Golden Snitch

[Name] Crissie

[School] Uagadou

[House] Ogyinae

Quidditch League:

[Team]:

[Position]

[Theme]: Quidditch Supplies

[Prompts]:

[Theme]: Book Club

[Prompts]:

[Theme]: Pokemon

[Prompts]:

International Wizarding School Competition:

[School]: Durmstrang

[Prompts]:

[Theme]:

[Position] Exchange

Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

[House]:

[Assignment]:

[Task]:

The House Cup:

[House]: Hufflepuff

[Class] History Of Magic

[Prompts]: [Action] Laying in the grass

[Category]: Drabble

"Ced," Neville whispered, turning onto his stomach as the two lay side by side on the grass of Hogwarts castle, right next to the lake.

"Yeah, Neville?" Cedric said, still looking up at the cloudless sky. It was clear he had something on his mind. Despite the teen's current happiness in enjoying the outdoors together, they knew that there was friction between the houses during the tournament. So, of course, Neville didn't want to choose between his friends. But, since Harry said he never entered himself, Neville felt less guilty about supporting Cedric. He also knew that Harry would understand his crush, perhaps better than anyone.

"I am worried you will get hurt," he admitted. Neville's eyes scoured Cedric's eyes for any sign of worry or tension. When he saw none, it gave him some relief. At least Cedric wasn't scared.

Cedric frowned and rolled over as well, so their shoulders touched.

"You're worried about me?"

"Well, yes," Neville admitted, blushing.

"Don't worry! I'll be fine!" Cedric grinned, putting Neville's fears to bed. At least for the time being…

The two boys met at their usual spot, by the lake. The wind was blowing slightly today, but Neville and Cedric lay down side-by-side again, looking up at the darkish clouds gathering overhead.

"So, please tell me you know what the egg means," Neville implored him.

"I'm, I'll figure it out, don't you worry!" Cedric said, but Neville heard some nerves in his voice, time was running low, and after dragons, Neville couldn't imagine what horrors he would need to face next.

Neville sat up and started pulling grass from the lawn absentmindedly.

"Neville, look at me," Cedric said,

He looked up to see Cedric sitting right across from him. Neville's hands were still tugging at a stubborn blade of grass when he felt Cedric's hands take his own.

Cedric held gently onto Neville's hands, making Neville's heart lurch.

"I promise I will be fine," he insisted, looking deep into Neville's eyes.

"Um, Cedric," Neville started, then stopped with a blush.

"You can tell me anything. You know that, right?"

Neville felt Cedric's hands let go of his own and felt his heart contract again. One of Cedric's hands reached up to caress his cheek, and he felt his cheeks heat up,

"Do you like me, Neville?" Cedric asked softly. Their faces were so close together that mere inches separated them.

Neville gulped and nodded. "You're my best friend," Neville said

"Just a friend?" Cedric asked, and Neville knew now was the time to speak up.

"I wouldn't mind being more than a friend if you wanted to…." Neville trailed off.

"Can I kiss you?" Cedric asked again, his eyes sparkling with emotion.

Nevile nodded again, and Cedric kissed him, it was soft and tender, and Cedric's hands reached into Neville's hair at the nape of his neck.

"You better not die, Diggory," Neville muttered as they broke apart breathless. Then they both just laughed. Something was going on between them, but for now, they were just happy to know that they both felt the same way about each other. They would have their talks later after Cedric survives the Triwizard tournament.