Chapter 13:
Through the Portrait
Harry strolled down the vast, dark room, lined with countless shelves of crystal balls. As he glanced at each shelf, he heard Voldemort's loathsome voice. Harry quickly turned, yet didn't see anyone behind him. He looked towards the entrance to the room, and saw a large snake slither out of the darkness. Harry froze, as he immediately pulled out his wand. He shook violently, seeing the snake slithered towards him.
"Harry!" Cedric shouted, causing Harry to instantly turn. "We've got to stop him!" He exclaimed, raising his wand.
"Ced, no! It's too dangerous!" Harry stammered. "You've got to run!"
"We won't leave you!" Cedric quipped, as Harry saw Hermione rushing towards them.
"Ced! Hermione! Please! You must get out of here!" Harry begged, while Hermione pointed her wand at the snake.
"Nagini!" Voldemort snarled. "Kill them!"
"No!" Harry cried, as the snake lunged itself at them. He covered his eyes, praying this was only a dream.
"Confringo!" Hermione shouted, as fire shot out of her wand; engulfing Nagini's body in flames.
"Bombarda!" Cedric exclaimed, causing her body to instantly explode.
"No!" Voldemort hissed, watching his beloved snake turn into a pile of ashes. "You will pay for this! Avada Kedavra!"
"NO!" Harry screamed, leaping in front of them.
"Harry! No!" They cried, as Harry felt the implosion of the spell; sending his body flying across the room.
Harry immediately woke screaming! Ron leaped off his bed and rushed towards him.
"Harry!? What's wrong?" He frantically asked, as Harry screams woke every boy in the room.
"I was in the room! I saw him! I saw Voldemort! Then, Cedric and Hermione appeared. Then...I was...Wait! If I'm alive that means he killed them!"
"Harry, it was just a bad dream!" Ron assured, sitting next to him; as he pulled him into an embrace. "All of you are safe! Nothing bad happened to any of you."
"But...it felt so real..." Harry sighed, resting his head against Ron's chest.
"You're perfectly safe," Ron reassured, rocking him slightly.
"All this ruckus over a dream!?" One boy huffed.
"Shut it!" Ron chided, glaring at him. "How would you like to be him? The poor thing hasn't slept well in days! Just go back to sleep."
The boy only scowled, as he laid back on his bed.
"You sure you can handle him, Ron?" Another boy asked.
"Yeah. I'll stay up with him."
Harry tightened his grip, pulling Ron closer; fearing if he let go, Ron would vanish forever.
"I'm here, mate," Ron spoke, stroking Harry's hair. "Just try to relax."
"I...I'm sorry I woke everyone," Harry managed to reply, as Ron whispered, "No worries. We all have nightmares."
The next morning, every Gryffindor student was talking about Harry's dream. Harry decided to stay in his dormitory. He just couldn't bring himself to face anyone. However, it was Monday. He would have to face them in class. Harry no idea how he would get through the day.
"Harry?" Ron asked, seeing the other boy sitting on his bed. "I just wanted you to know I asked McGonagall to excuse you from classes today," he informed, walking into the dorm room.
"Does she also know?"
"No one has stopped blabbing about it! When McGonagall walked into the common room, it was the first thing she heard. But, she did agree to excuse you."
"Thanks, Ron!" Harry smiled, feeling a rush of relief overcome him.
"I'd best get back Hermione. Every morning, she and I have to patrol the third floor corridors!"
"I'll see you later, then." Harry waved, as Ron started to close the door.
"I know it's hard, but please try to get some rest," Ron sighed, before closing the door.
Harry sighed as well. He glanced at his pillow then back at the door. He knew there was no way he'd be able to sleep. Not after that dream. Yet, what could he do with himself? He didn't want to spend the entire day here or in the common room. But, he could go to the tower. The old sorcerer never minded the company, plus it would give him more solitude. Harry quickly took out his robe and wrapped it around him. Then, he quietly left the tower and headed towards the portrait.
When he reached it, Harry removed his cloak and whispered the password. The sorcerer smiled, then let him enter. Once Harry made it to the top of the stairs, he saw the sorcerer was now standing inside the large portrait by the window.
"Do forgive me, Harry. But, I just had to speak to you," he spoke, as Harry walked towards him. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Octavius."
Harry's eyes widened. "I know. You were Merlin's mentor."
Octavius sighed. "Aye. Poor dear boy. I'll always blame myself for his fate. Anyway, that is a story for another time. Right now, I want to get acquainted with you. After all, you and Cedric use this as a meeting place. It's only right I get to know you as well. Hard to believe I first met him and Oliver six years ago. So much has changed since then."
"What were they like?" Harry asked, as the man met his gaze.
"You're curious about their past?"
"Well, Ced only told me a little. I admit I am rather curious. I'd like to know just exactly how they met."
"Would you like to see it?"
"I beg your pardon."
"Come. Touch my hand," he gently beckoned, placing his palm on the portrait. "Once you step inside, you can see the lights of the past."
Harry was more than intrigued by his offer. He eagerly approached the portrait and extended his hand, covering the sorcerer's palm with his own. Bright beams of light began to shine through the sides of the portrait. Harry soon felt himself being pulled straight into it. The light was so bright, he had to cover his eyes.
"You can open your eyes now," Octavius spoke.
Harry slowly uncovered his eyes, and saw he was still in the tower. Only this time, Octavius was standing right next to him.
"Welcome to the past." He smiled, as they heard voices coming from the bottom of the stairs.
"Oh no! They'll see me!" Harry hurriedly searched for a place to hide.
"No need for alarm. They can't see you. Unlike the time-turner, you're not physically in the past. You're merely viewing it," he explicated, as they saw two boys reach the top of the stairs.
"That's Cedric...and Oliver!" Harry exclaimed; amazed to see them as young boys.
"See, Ced? I told you if we did him a favour, he'd give us the password," Oliver stated.
"I never doubted that. But, what if someone spots us leaving; or sees us enter? Oli, it's too dangerous!"
"Oh, you worry too much." Oliver laughed. "We'll only use this place on weekends. Nobody will be near here. Most everyone will either be outside or in their dormitories; giving us the perfect opportunity to enter or leave the tower."
"You seem to have it all planned." Cedric smiled, watching the other boy sit on one of the chairs. "I wish I could be like you. You're so carefree."
"Do I know?" Oliver countered. "I suppose you're right. But, I'd much rather be like you."
"Me?"
"Ced, you're brilliant at Quidditch, and a terrific study partner. You also have quite a few friends. What do I have?"
"Oliver, you're the one who's brilliant at Quidditch! You'll definitely be one of the youngest captains. Plus, your marks are higher than mine. I mean, how many third years take Ancient Runes and actually understand the course?" The younger boy laughed.
"Thank Percy for that." Oliver sniggered. "For the life of me, I don't see why he likes me. We have next to nothing in common."
"Maybe it's more than friendship. Perhaps he fancies you." Cedric winked.
"Oh, go on!" Oliver laughed, waving his arm at him. "We're only thirteen!"
"True. But, he does love spending time with you. You told me he likes to watch you practise."
"Yes...but, he's just being a friend."
"Aha! See, you do have friends!" Cedric exclaimed, pointing at him. "You're not all alone, Oli. You just need to allow more people to know you. You do tend to brush everyone off."
"Only if I feel they're not worth knowing."
"What made me stand out?"
"Your love for Quidditch."
"Is that all!?" Cedric quipped, pouting; causing both of them to burst into laughter.
"No." The other boy laughed Your kindness. Your gentle spirit. You just seem so pure. I've never met anyone like you before. You just genuinely care for others. Most everyone I've known are self-absorbed gits!"
"You have a large heart too, Oliver." Cedric smiled, sitting next to him. "You have a gentle nature. You just refuse to show it."
"I just don't want to get hurt. Mum always told me to remain stoic. That way no one can hurt you."
Who'd want to hurt you?"
"Marcus Flint!"
"That piece of rubbish!"
"I'm afraid one day he'll knock me off my broom! That's why I practise so hard. I want to be ready for anything."
"I know. I do too. But, that's Quidditch. In real life, no one would ever harm you. You don't need to live in fear."
"Maybe you're right. But, there's still too many selfish people out there, who will only use you for their personal gain."
"There's also a lot of good people out there."
"Ced, you can't always tell the difference."
"No. But, if you never allow yourself to meet them, you'll never know will you?"
"That's why I love being with you, Ced! You always make me think." Oliver smiled, touching the other boy's shoulder. "I swear you're wiser than most teachers!"
Cedric blushed. "I try."
Before he knew it, Oliver brushed his lips against Cedric's cheek. He quickly pulled away. "Sorry. I don't know what came over me."
"It's all right," Cedric replied. "I liked it, actually."
"Really?"
"Why wouldn't I?" He asked, smiling. "Oli, you may want to have a cold heart, but your lips are quite soft."
"Oh, really?" He sniggered. "I bet yours are softer."
"Now, you're just being a prat!"
"No! I'm serious," Oliver assured. "Everything about you is perfect."
"I highly doubt that." Cedric slightly laughed. "We all have our flaws."
"If we do, you have the least," the older boy remarked, stroking Cedric's hair; as their eyes met. Oliver drew closer, this time brushing Cedric's lips with his own.
Their kiss was brief, yet neither broke apart. Instead, they chose to let their foreheads touch.
"Your friendship means the world to me, Ced. I never want to lose you!"
"You never will!" Cedric reassured. "You mean everything to me, Oliver."
Harry felt his heart break, yet seeing this also made him smile. Their innocence was just so heartwarming. Now, he could see why Oliver felt out of place last summer. He genuinely loved Cedric just as much as he did.
"Are you ready to see more?" Octavius asked.
"Hmm?" Harry turned to face him. "More?"
Octavius snapped his fingers. Harry then saw Oliver and Cedric dissolve, while the tower morphed into the Hospital Wing. Harry then saw Cedric was lying next to an unconscious Oliver.
Cedric stroked Oliver's face, before kissing his cheek. "Oli...please come back to me..." He tearfully spoke,
"Cedric, you shouldn't be here," Percy blurted, walking into the room.
Cedric looked up to see the other boy approach him. "You're one to talk. You're here too," he blurted. "I don't care! Madame Pomfrey can assign me detention. I won't leave him alone! Percy, he's been unconscious for two weeks!"
"I know. But, Marcus was suspended."
"He should have been expelled! Has Ms. Wood arrived yet? She's always here every evening."
"She's still in Dumbledore's office; raising hell with Snape. She even threatened to have him removed not only from his post, but from the school as well!"
"Good riddance! Who in their right mind would miss him?" Cedric quipped, glancing back at Oliver.
"I care about him too, Cedric. But, Oliver is stable! Madame Pomfrey says he should awaken soon."
"I pray she's right..." Cedric sighed, as Oliver started to groan. "Oli!?" Cedric gasped; immediately sitting next to him.
Percy raced towards the bed, as Oliver started to open his eyes.
"Ced? Percy?" He groggily murmured. "Where am I?"
"Oli, you're in the Hospital Wing," Cedric answered, as Percy sat on the other side of the bed.
"The last thing I remember was Marcus sending a bludger straight towards me. I remember falling and hitting the ground, then everything went black. How long have I been here?"
"Two weeks." Cedric sighed.
"Bloody hell!" Oliver shrieked.
"I'm just glad you're awake." Percy smiled.
"Have you both been here everyday?" Oliver chuckled, as they helped him sit upright.
"Where else would we be?" Cedric laughed.
"Although, Ced has been seen here after hours," Percy informed.
"That's Ced for you!" Oliver smiled, stroking Cedric's hand.
"Oliver!" Caldora shouted!
Harry turned as Ms. Wood zoomed past him.
Cedric and Percy got off the bed, before Caldora quickly sat on it. "Oh, my precious angel is finally awake!" She exclaimed, pulling into a tight embrace.
"Mum...I can't breathe..." Oliver moaned, yet she still held him close.
"Sorry, love. But, after two weeks, I feared the worst!" She stated, as she slowly broke her embrace. "I'm so sorry, Oliver. Don't worry, I'll make certain Marcus will be expelled! Suspension is hardly enough!"
"Mum, it's all right. You don't need to go out for blood."
"He hurt you! That's unforgivable."
"I'm all right," Oliver stated, trying to sit upright, yet still felt dizzy.
"Oh, don't move too fast, dear." Caldora sighed, helping him lie back on the bed. "Very well. I won't insist on his expulsion or Snape's dismissal. But, I will see to it changes are made in Slytherin. Severus has done an appalling job as Head of House!" She then glanced at the other boys, then turned back towards Oliver. "Percy, would you inform Madame Pomfrey that Oliver is awake, while I find a prefect to escort you and Cedric back to your dormitories."
"Of course," Percy replied, as he and Ms. Wood left the room.
"Mum seems to fancy him?" Oliver remarked. "Mr. Goody Two-shoes."
Cedric burst into laugher. "Oh Oli, you're definitely back. No one will ever have your wit!"
"Hey," the older boy gently replied, stroking the younger boy's hand. "Thank you for never leaving me alone."
"Oli, I never would," Cedric reaffirmed, stroking Oliver's forehead.
Harry felt Octavius touch his shoulder. "There is one more thing you must see," he stated, as the forms of Cedric and Oliver once again dissolved. The Hospital Wing morphed back into the form of the astronomy tower, and the pair saw Oliver and Cedric standing by the window. Harry couldn't help but laugh when he noticed they were wearing each other's house scarves.
"I met him today, Ced. I met Harry Potter, himself."
"I've heard so much about him. What's he like?"
"Not that special, really. He's just a normal boy."
"All this fame and attention must be overwhelming for him."
"Aye. He's actually quite humble. Very kind and polite."
"Is he really going to be a seeker?"
"Yes. McGonagall spotted him catching a remembrall right outside her window. She was amazed he didn't go crashing through it. He seemed to have great control over his broom. That's when she pulled me out of Quirrell's to meet him," Oliver delineated. "Don't worry. He'll never be as good as you."
"Oh, I wouldn't say I'm excellent." Cedric laughed.
"You are in my book, love," Oliver stated, tugging at the other boy's scarf. "You look really cute in red." He smiled.
Cedric smirked. "I was just about to say yellow brings out your eyes."
Oliver slightly laughed, pulling him into an embrace. "After our match against Slytherin, we'll be facing your team."
"Are you asking me to go easy on you?" Cedric laughed.
"By all means bring it, babe." He winked, before their lips connected.
When they finally broke apart, Cedric noticed it was getting late. "Time always gets away from us." He sighed.
"Too bad we aren't prefects yet. Then, we could stay up as long as we pleased."
"Someday, love." Cedric smiled, taking his hand.
As they headed down the stairs, Octavius motioned Harry to follow him, as he started down the stairwell. Harry eagerly complied, and hurriedly walked down the stairs. When they reached the portrait, they saw Cedric and Oliver were hiding behind one of the stone pillars. Before Harry could question why, he saw Professor Quirrell pacing past the other boys.
"What's he doing up here at this hour?" Oliver whispered, exchanging glances with Cedric.
"And why is he talking to himself?"
"No, Master. I didn't find it yet. But, I know where it's hidden. The dog is guarding it. Soon the stone will be yours," the professor muttered, before walking down another corridor.
"Did you understand any of that?" Cedric asked.
"Not a word." Oliver shook his head.
"Wait. You think it's about the Philosopher's Stone?"
"I thought that was just a rumour."
"So did I. But, this definitely changes things. I never really liked Quirrell. There was always something strange about him."
"Tell me about it. When they were in school, he had a crush on mum."
"Oh, my God!" Cedric silently laughed, as they heard a noise coming from the hallway. "We better go before he comes back."
Oliver nodded, before they rushed towards the Grand Staircase.
Octavius touched Harry's shoulder; making the hallway dissolve into a blur. Seconds later, the blur cleared and Harry saw they were once again in the tower. His gaze then noticed Cedric and Oliver sitting on the sofa; wearing their Quidditch uniforms.
"Oli, Harry couldn't have opened the chamber. These theories are absolute rubbish."
"I know." The older boy sighed. "I did best to defend him. Everyone on the Quidditch team is afraid of him."
"I just hope they can find whoever is responsible for these attacks."
"We all do. If things get worse, they'll close the school. Bad enough they're cancelling Quidditch."
"That's the least of our worries."
"I know." Oliver sighed. "God! This year can't get any worse."
Cedric lowered his head. "Aside from us only speaking when we're here, you mean?"
"Ced, I told you last year. You mean the world to me." Oliver took his hand. "I just want us to wait before we tell everyone about us."
"Oliver...why don't you want more?" He asked, catching the other boy off guard. "For three years we've used this tower as a hideout. We've talked about our possible future; made a few plans, yet when we leave you want us to act as though we hardly know each other."
"Ced...I don't want others to judge us. They'd think we'd purposely lose a match, just so the other would win."
"You don't know that," Cedric countered. "Oli, you haven't changed at all. You're still living in fear. I don't care what others may or may not think. The only thing that should matter is us!"
"You do matter!" Oliver exclaimed. "God! I could never imagine life without you. I just don't want..."
"To sacrifice our Quidditch careers, I know." Cedric sighed, shaking his head; before he walked away from Oliver.
"Ced..."
"Just don't," Cedric spoke, turning to face him. "You obviously care about your reputation more than me."
"No! That's not it at all. Damn! What do you want me to say? Say I'd stop playing Quidditch for you!?"
"No. That's not the point. Quidditch is only an excuse. We aren't the first couple from different teams, and we won't be the last. If there's a scandal, so what? I wouldn't care. I'd have you! You're all I want. But, I guess I'm not enough on my own," Cedric remarked, as he started to walk towards the stairs.
"So, we're just done?" The older boy stammered, making Cedric turn.
"No," he calmly replied. "Just a much needed break. Maybe we'll feel differently in a few months."
"Ced, I want you!"
"How will you feel if I become Team Captain? Or when we're both at Puddlemore?"
Oliver paused, and lowered his head.
Cedric sighed; nodding his head. "That's what I thought." He slowly turned back towards the stairs. "I'll miss you, Oliver," he murmured, before he walked down the stairwell; leaving Oliver alone in the tower.
Even though he desperately wanted to race after Cedric, Oliver's feet never moved. He loved him. But, part of him still feared the possible backlash that might happen, if everyone in the school knew about them. Why was he so damn afraid of what other's might say or think? Oliver sighed heavily, covering his face with his hands. He turned and glanced out the window; seeing the full moon shining in the sky. "I love you, Cedric. I'm so sorry my fears always hinder me..." he tearfully spoke, feeling his own tears start to fall. If only he had said that when Cedric was still there.
"Well, Harry. Now, you know what really happened."
"This is horrible!" Harry bellowed, feeling tears filling his eyes. "Oliver does love him. Cedric shouldn't have left..."
"True. But, because of this, you and he are together. I would imagine you'd be happy their relationship didn't last."
"I..." Harry started, "I love Cedric. But, I want him to be happy...even if it's not with me."
Octavius smiled. "I was right. Like your mother, you have a pure, noble heart. Cedric is lucky to have you in his life."
"But...Oliver?"
"Oliver does love Cedric; but he chose to let his fears hinder their love. From the moment I met you, I sensed your greatest fear was losing Cedric. That's why I offered to take you on this journey, so you'd see their relationship evolve. True, it caused you heartache. But, seeing their happiness also made you happy. Unlike Oliver, you faced your fears and were willing to let Cedric go," he delineated, taking Harry's hand. "We have one more event to see."
Harry watched as the tower again started to morph. Only this time, the setting didn't change. "We're still in the tower," Harry spoke, when they saw Oliver sitting on the sofa. "What year is this?" He turned his gaze towards Octavius.
"Last year," he answered, as Cedric rushed up the stairs.
"Oliver." He smiled, making the older boy leap of the sofa. Before Cedric could say another word, he felt himself being wrapped in Oliver's tight embrace.
"Why didn't you tell me you were going to enter this ludicrous tournament?" Oliver chided, breaking away so their eyes met. "I've been worried sick about you." He sighed, stroking Cedric's face.
"Oli, I'm fine. I told you, I'm not afraid of it."
"You just faced a bloody dragon!"
"And I survived," Cedric replied, cupping Oliver's face. "I know you worry about me. But, I promise I'll be fine. Harry and I are helping each other through it."
"How did he get into this again?"
Cedric shrugged. "No one knows. He didn't put his name in the goblet. We don't know who did."
"He shouldn't be in it either."
"Oliver, we're not going to die," Cedric assured.
"You could though," he blurted, lowering his head. "Or be seriously injured. I just don't want to lose you."
"I promise I'll be safe. We'll both be safe," the other boy reaffirmed, kissing Oliver's nose.
Oliver nodded, trying to quell his tears. "I know you and I have had a rough past, but I never..."
"I didn't stop either, Oli. I'll always care about you too."
Those words cut like a knife. That wasn't what he was going to say. He wanted to tell Cedric he never stopped loving him. He started to open his mouth, but stopped. Cedric was clearly over him. His feelings didn't really matter anymore. He would have to continue loving him in secret. "I'll always be here for you, Ced," he managed to say, forcing a smile; before kissing his forehead.
Though he couldn't read his mind, Harry knew Oliver wanted to say more. Why didn't he just tell him?Why keep it bottled inside? He then felt Octavius touch his shoulder.
I wish I could take you to the ball."
"Me too. Cedric suspired, wrapping his arms around him. "But, we'll see each other at Christmas."
Oliver smiled. "I can't wait."
Bright beams of light began to flash before Harry's eyes, as he felt himself being pulled towards the portrait. He again covered closed his eyes; right before they glided into the portrait. Seconds later, the light faded and Harry opened his eyes; to see the tower was now empty. He then turned to face the portrait and saw it was also empty. The sorcerer was nowhere in sight. Was this what Octavius wanted? To rip his heart out of his chest? Now, he didn't know how or what to feel. As much it pained him, he knew he had to to tell him about Oliver. Even if it his place to tell. Harry didn't care. Cedric had to know exactly what he saw.