Disclaimer: I own nothing that is the Harry Potter canon. J.K. Rowling is an excellent woman to give myself the characters to play with, and will return when done. I only own the plot, and nothing else.
It was Friday evening, and Cedric was in the Hufflepuff common room, relaxing, doing some homework, and trying to keep his drifting thoughts at bay. Though by looking at Cedric you would think nothing was wrong, it was indeed the complete opposite. Cedric grew up learning how to put a smile on his face when he wanted to do anything but. It bothered him that him and Oliver had not yet spoken for as long as they have, one whole month! Though Cedric realized he told Oliver he would let him know when he was ready to talk, he wanted Oliver to be the one to breach the silence they bestowed upon each other. Cedric found out quickly what he wanted from this 'friendship', he wanted to be exclusive and be Oliver's boyfriend. He did not care anymore of the unfortunate stereotypes or prejudice that could potentially come from being in an open, gay relationship. It made it even clearer when Harry and Draco came out to the entire school. If the Savior of the Wizarding World and the expected Death Eater's son could be together and not care what others thought, why couldn't Gryffindor Quidditch Captain Oliver Wood & Hufflepuff Golden Boy Cedric Diggory do the same?
Cedric did the best he could to avoid the Scottish lad's looks towards him, he hoped him ignoring the boy would encourage him to do something about it. The morning prior he saw the boy leave the Great Hall in a great rush, and then Draco & Harry follow after him, but neither told him what had transpired when they left; they secretly had a good feeling about Oliver's reaction that he would end the silence between the two and wanted it to be a surprise for the Hufflepuff that had been silently suffering from the loss. Cedric noticed Oliver normally looked complacent, indifferent, the same as he ever was in passing throughout the Hogwarts castle. He seemed to just go on normally as he would have without the intimate times with Cedric. But his reaction in the Great Hall stuck out in his mind, and he hoped that things would change. He continued working through his stack of homework; the professors seemed to be stern and giving them as much as they could to prepare them for the end of the year.
While working, Ernie Macmillian approached Cedric and brought him away from his work. "Diggory, you have a guest outside." Cedric smiled at his fellow Hufflepuff, and said, "Thanks Ernie." He walked towards the exit to the portrait hole and was surprised to see Harry Potter. He had a smile on his face, and had a rolled up piece of parchment in his hand, "Hey Ced, I have something for you," he stated, while handing the parchment over to the older boy standing in front of him. Cedric grasped the parchment, and unrolled to read the familiar handwriting that he had not seen in quite some time. Ced, meet me within the old room tonight at 10:00pm. I understand if you don't want to, I'll be there waiting if you want to come. I have something to show you, I hope to see you there. – Ollie. Cedric's face revealed a look of shock and surprise. Harry chuckled and squeezed the older boy's shoulder, "I take it whatever it says that it's a good thing?" Cedric was unable to speak, and simply nodded. "Take it easy Ced, and if you want my advice, I say go to him." Harry stated, and walked away silently while Cedric stood rooted in his spot, unable to register that finally, Oliver had broken the silence, and had something to show him…whatever that maybe. All Cedric knew, is that he couldn't wait until 10:00pm that evening.
Cedric walked towards the portrait hole and exited the Hufflepuff dormitory, heading towards the 7th floor and towards the usual meeting room of the past for him and Oliver. He approached the familiar entrance and spotted a figure waiting in front of the blank wall. He tried his best to calm down and act coolly while approaching the older wizard before him. He finally closed the distance by a couple feet from the Gryffindor, and Oliver had a small smirk on his face, "Thanks for coming." "You're welcome," Cedric said semi-coldly, he didn't want to reveal his excitement, and he was still curious to what Oliver wanted to show him, especially within the room they had shared close moments together, learning of their attraction for each other. Oliver spoke once again, "I do have something to show you, but I want to ask, since you did come tonight, do you trust me?" Cedric thought about this for a moment, thinking of how he truly did want to trust this boy before him completely, but he wasn't sure if the Gryffindor had earned his trust yet. Oliver noticed him thinking it over, and he pulled out from his robes a small black fabric, thin yet long. "I want to surprise you, and I was hoping you'd play along with the blindfold." Cedric couldn't help but chuckle; he could handle a blindfold easily, especially since it was to ensure a surprise for him. "Sure Wood that's fine."
Cedric turned to have his back towards Oliver, and closed his eyes, waiting for the fabric to be placed over his eyes. Oliver took a moment, admiring Cedric's backside, and could not believe that Cedric was here, and he had to prove himself to him tonight. He had a mental chuckle to himself; he could easily take on an intense Quidditch game, but in the realm of courting Cedric Diggory, he was incredibly nervous. He approached the boy before him, reached around him and tied the blindfold softly behind the Hufflepuff's head. Both sighed softly, hoping neither had heard. Oliver grabbed Cedric's shoulders softly, and turned him to be facing him. He moved to the side of Cedric's cleanly shaved face and whispered in his ear, "Give me a moment, I need to get everything ready." Cedric shivered, feeling the Scottish boy's breath on his ear doing wonders, he hadn't been this close to him in so long. Oliver stepped away, and Cedric strained to listen to the other boy walk in front of the wall three times. Suddenly, he felt a hand grab his arm and direct him. He felt himself cross the threshold of the Room of Requirement, and immediately felt warmth all around him, he heard a fire crackling in a corner, and soft music playing. He was directed to move and sit down in a cozy chair. He brought his hands in front of him, feeling for whatever he was sitting in front of. He quickly felt a pair of hands grasp his wrists, though strong was gentle. "Nuh uh uh! Don't worry the surprise dear," Oliver stated playfully.
Cedric smiled, enjoying the effort Oliver was putting forth to make this perfect for him. Suddenly he felt the fabric be removed from his eyes, and he opened them slowly worried that it would be bright, but there was a soft glow over the room, from dozens of floating candles around the room. He was sitting at a dining table, a small feast before him; he looked around and saw a warm, comfortable sight. There wasn't a bedroom, or bedside table adorned with things necessary for a satisfying, physical night. Instead, there was a large couch near the fireplace, drinks and snacks near the couch, and that was it. Cedric felt tears swimming around his eyes; he couldn't believe the change in scenery in this room. He turned back to look at Oliver who had a satisfied look on his face. He could tell Cedric was impressed and surprised. He sat down at the table near Cedric and stated softly, "Well, time to eat, I don't know how much longer this will stay warm." In front of Cedric was a plateful of mashed potatoes, green beans, steak, and bread with butter. Besides that was a salad, French onion soup, and for dessert was a plate of chocolate dipped strawberries.
Both boys dug in and ate in silence at first. Cedric enjoyed the meal thoroughly, and suddenly conversation began between the two. Oliver had asked how Cedric's term had been going, asking questions about his life and hanging onto every word, sincerely interested in what was going on with Cedric's life. Cedric realized that he had been talking about himself only during the meal, and turned the conversation to ask Oliver, "How have you been?" Oliver's face turned a bit blank, and he looked down to his plate, "Well, I haven't been too happy lately." Cedric's face turned in a frown, "What's been wrong?" "Let's wait till after dessert to talk about that, I have plenty I want to talk to you about but I'd rather we finish this meal, all right?" Oliver stated sincerely, his eyes gazing into Cedric's grey orbs. Cedric nodded, and continued on with the meal, finally reaching dessert. Cedric felt being a little flirty wouldn't hurt anyone, and he grabbed a chocolate strawberry and slowly placed it in his mouth; his lips wrapping around the strawberry and flitting his tongue around it. Oliver swallowed hard, and tried to control his first instinct of mauling the Hufflepuff before him.
Cedric moaned, perhaps a bit more audible than necessary, appreciating the taste of the chocolate/fruit mixture. He opened his grey eyes to look at the Gryffindor, and almost giggled at the look on his face and noticed his grip on the table. Cedric realized it was enough teasing; he really did want to talk to Oliver and not engage in a physical moment just yet. He finished his dessert, and made sure the Scottish lad had his share as well. When they were done and filled with all the delicious food, Oliver stood and went to Cedric's side, and grabbed his hand from the table. "Come with me, "Oliver requested, and Cedric followed him over to the couch, and felt instantly warm near the fireplace. He sat down and Oliver took a seat within a few feet of him, not being too close but not separating himself too far away. They turned and faced each other to talk, and Oliver twisted his hands in his lap, starring at them. Cedric watched him; knowing the Gryffindor was having a hard time discussing his reasoning to invite Cedric here.
"I'm glad you contacted me. I've missed you," Cedric admitted. This brought Oliver out of his silent battle with himself, and responded, "I've missed you as well." Another silence, and then Oliver pressed on, "I've been very upset since our last encounter. Yeah, I carry on with lessons and Quidditch, but nothing seems to bring happiness anymore like it used to. Sure, these things were fine and always made me happy before, but that was before I got to know you, "Oliver admitted. Cedric sighed deeply, happy with these things that Oliver was admitting. Oliver continued, "I've been talking to Harry and Draco about everything, and it's becoming more apparent that I want something exclusive, something more serious, something that you deserve." Cedric smiled widely, and was moving closer towards Oliver, until he was sitting in his lap, and his arms were wrapped around his neck. Oliver's face broke out into a broad grin as well, and Cedric asked, "So is there something you'd like to ask me?" Oliver chuckled, placed both hands on either side of the Hufflepuff's face, and responded, "Cedric Diggory…would you be my boyfriend?"
A few tears fell from Cedric's eyes, slowly falling down his face, and he replied, "Yes…of course." Oliver moved forward, and kissed away the tears that had fallen on his face. Cedric closed his eyes, feeling the same electricity flying off his body that had happened before with this boy below him. Oliver backed away and looked at him, letting his hand cup and rub over his cheek. "I want us to take our time, take it slow. I'm not ready for everyone to know yet, but I don't want to jump into a physical relationship either, I want this to be perfect." Cedric smiled again, and replied, "That's fine." Oliver looked down at the position they were in, and asked softly, "Is snogging too much too soon?" Cedric giggled at his inquiry, and instead of stating a response, he bent his head down and took Oliver's lips into a gentle, soft kiss. It had been far too long since he had felt those lips against his, and felt this was a perfect way to end the date Oliver had conjured for them.
Oliver wrapped his arms around the boy's shoulders above him, and Cedric placed his hands on the boy's chest below him; both enjoying the gentle snogging they had engaged in for the time being. It slowly became a bit more passionate, and when Cedric didn't object, Oliver slid his tongue along the Hufflepuff's lips, hoping to gain entrance. Cedric sighed against the Gryffindor's lips and opened his mouth, greeting Oliver's tongue with his own. Both boys could feel each other's bodies sigh, and they continued their snogging session, until eventually they were grinding against each other; both realized simultaneously and stopped. "I think that'll do for now, " Oliver replied while chuckling. Cedric inwardly groaned, but knew it would be better to stop now. He was incredibly impressed with Oliver's new take on their relationship. He repeated it to himself in his head, "Our relationship; my boyfriend." He smiled and moved to sit up from the lap of the Gryffindor, and sat beside him, while taking his hand into his.
Oliver smiled and held his hand appreciatively, but looked to his wrist. "Blimey, it's nearly 1:00am Ced!" They both moved to stand up, and Oliver kept Cedric's hand within his grasp. "I'm sure everyone is already in bed, I'll walk you back to your dormitory." Cedric smiled and replied with, "Okay." They left the Room of Requirement, the door behind them disappearing, and they made their way to the portrait hole across from the kitchens. Oliver kept Cedric close to him with their hands still clasped. Once they had reached the Hufflepuff dormitory, Oliver pulled Cedric into a tight hug, rubbing his hands over his back. "It's so nice to be close to you again Ollie," Cedric proclaimed. Oliver giggled, and replied, "It's nice to hear that nickname again, coming from you." Oliver moved a bit to give Cedric a short, sweet good night kiss. "I'll get a hold of you soon, more than likely in the Great Hall, good night," Oliver told Cedric. "All right, good night, and thanks," Cedric replied. Oliver smiled, took Cedric's hand and kissed the backside of it and walked away. Cedric walked into the portrait hole, made it dreamily to his rooms, and laid down into bed. He had just been on the best date of his life, and couldn't be happier. He drifted to sleep easily. When Oliver finally made it the Gryffindor Tower, he slid into bed with the biggest smile on his face. He had won Cedric back, and this time he did not intend to screw it up.
Looky there. A nice big chapter. I couldn't have Cedric and Oliver too down in the dumps. Oliver pulled it off, and hopefully will continue working to making this relationship last. Alas, we shall see.
-D.R.