Chapter 3:
Summer Holiday
Once they made it to the hospital wing, they noticed Viktor lying on one of the beds. He was asleep, so they remained quiet. Hermione whispered she'd tell Viktor everything the next day. They all agreed he had a right to know what happened to him in the maze.
After they saw Madam Pomfrey, the group once again entered the entry hallway. Before they parted ways, Cedric and Harry embraced once more. Harry couldn't put into words how it felt to be in his arms. He felt at peace when Cedric was this close to him.
"Good night," Cedric smiled, as they broke apart. He then hugged Hermione before making his way to his house.
Harry waved, till he was out of sight.
"He likes you too," Hermione remarked, winking.
"He? What? Hermione, I don't know what you mean."
"Oh, come off it, Harry. I know you're not that thick." Hermione laughed. "I see the way you look at him, and the way Cedric looks at you."
"You do? He...does?" Harry questioned, feeling butterflies in his stomach.
Hermione nodded. "You just need to tell him how you feel. You both care for each other."
The next morning, Dumbledore held a meeting in the Great Hall. He informed all the students of Lord Voldemort's return. Though he knew the ministry wouldn't be pleased with him. But, to ignore this would prove fatal. "We are very blessed to have Mr. Potter and Mr. Diggory with us today. Both nearly lost their lives last night."
Once the meeting was over, everyone flooded the hallway. Harry quickly ran after Cedric, who was surrounded by other Hufflepuff students. "Cedric!" He called, getting his attention.
"Harry!" Cedric waved, breaking free from the others, as he walked towards him. "I was hoping I would find you today."
He was? Hope filled Harry's heart. "Is there a place we can talk privately?"
"Follow me," Cedric beckoned, taking Harry's hand as he lead them through the crowded hallway up the Grand Staircase. They stopped when they got to an empty corridor on the third floor.
Cedric shut the door behind them, and both began to speak at once.
"Harry, I..."
"Cedric, I wanted..."
Both instantly laughed, as Cedric asked Harry to speak first. Harry took a deep breath before he spoke. "First, I wanted to apologise for what happened to you. You should never have been there! You could have easily died!"
"Harry," he interrupted, "For the last time, I'm not sorry. I'm glad I was there! I'm glad you weren't alone with that devil."
"It's just I can't bear to think about what could have happened."
"I can't imagine him harming you either, Harry," Cedric solemnly replied.
"Cedric, throughout this whole year, you've been a true friend. You've helped me through everything."
"Just like you've helped me," he smiled. "I wouldn't have gotten through the first task without your help."
Harry smiled, remembering their first meeting in the courtyard. He then took Cedric's hand and starred up into his eyes. Before he could say anything more, he tilted his head and brushed his lips against his.
Cedric was both stunned and ecstatic, as he felt Harry's lips pressed on his. He immediately complied, wrapping his hand around Harry's back; while Harry placed his behind his head.
This was heaven! Nothing could ruin this moment.
Suddenly they heard footsteps near them. "Harry? Cedric?"
Harry and Cedric broke apart to see Cho Chang standing behind them.
"Cho, I didn't know you were there," Harry stammered.
"You never told me the two of you were...in love with each other."
"Cedric and I just didn't know…"
"To tell each other how we felt," Cedric stated, finishing Harry's sentence.
"Is that why both of you wanted to be with me at the ball?" Cho questioned. "Because you were too afraid to ask each other?"
"Yes," Cedric replied, lowering his head. "We should have been honest with each other from the start." How he wished he had asked Harry to the ball, when they were on the bridge. Then none of this would have happened. Instead, he chose to go with his best friend. But, why did she seem upset? She had no reason to be! "Cho, Harry and I are together. As my friend, I was hoping you'd be happy for me," he remarked, taking Harry's hand.
"Well, I wish you both happiness," Cho spoke. "I am happy for you. I just wish you'd told me. I thought you asked me because you couldn't ask...him."
Harry gave her a quizzical look, as Cedric's face turned pale.
"Him?" Harry asked.
Cho immediately covered her mouth. "Oh, I'm sorry. I said too much." She gasped, before making a dash down the corridor; leaving them alone.
Harry was still puzzled. "Ced, who else did you want to ask?"
"He graduated last year," Cedric sighed, glancing at him; seeing the younger boy's deflated expression. "Harry, I love you," he reassured, pulling him close. "You have no reason to be jealous. He and I never actually were a couple. I want to be with you."
Hearing those words put Harry's mind at ease. He knew he was almost three years younger than Cedric. It shouldn't be a surprise he had other love interests. Yet, he was still curious about the other boy. Who as he? What was his name? Harry wanted to ask, but he didn't want to pressure Cedric. He would tell him when he was ready. Besides, he didn't want to spoil this moment. The only Harry wanted to do was stay wrapped in Cedric's arms.
Meanwhile, Hermione was sitting by Viktor's bed. She had been in the Hospital Wing for nearly two hours. She felt her eyes starting to close, yet forced herself to stay awake. She had to talk to him. Just then, she noticed he was starting to stir. "Viktor."
"Uh," he groaned, turning over. "Yes."
"It's me."
"Hermione?" he questioned, opening his eyes. He glanced up and saw her standing over him.
Hermione sighed, as their eyes met. "I had to make sure you were all right. How are you feeling?" She asked, staring into his dark eyes.
"Not particularly great." Viktor chuckled. "The last thing I remember was Professor Dumbledore telling me that I'd been hexed. Right before the Third Task.
"You were...Igor…is a death eater. He was using you to bait Harry into Voldemort's trap."
"You mean the cup?"
"The cup was a port-key," Hermione delineated, as the events from Little Hangleton flooded her mind. "Crouch was impersonating Moody. He was the one who made the cup into a port-key."
"The last thing I remembered was feeling this strong urge to attack Cedric and Harry. But, I did my best to control myself. But, I couldn't stop myself. I fired at Cedric, then he fired back. Before I knew it, I was trapped in the hedge."
"You weren't yourself, Viktor," Hermione reassured. "Igor placed a hex on you, and Crouch placed one on the maze. "No one was in their right mind, I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, stroking his hand.
Viktor looked up into her brown eyes, and cupped her hand over his. "I'm so grateful to you, for being here. Thank you, Hermione."
The next day, the great hall was completely flooded with owls. Practically every student was reading a copy of the Daily Prophet. Harry and Cedric were on the front page, with Dumbledore standing between them. The headline read: Dark Lord Returns. Potter and Diggory Tell All.
Although that wasn't the only news buzzing around Hogwarts. Aside from Cho, someone else spotted them in the corridor. Now, everyone knew about their relationship; including Rita Skeeter, who dedicated an entire article on that subject alone. Students whispered things like: "Did you hear about Potter and Diggory? They were caught snogging in the corridors. They must have been boyfriends all along. No wonder, they helped each other throughout the tournament."
Since it was the end of the year, students were allowed to sit at any house table they chose. So, Cedric, Harry and Hermione had their breakfast together at the Gryffindor table.
"I can't believe this!" Hermione huffed, tossing the paper back on the table. "That wretched Skeeter woman has no sense of morality! This article is pure trash! She even added a reference about Viktor and I!"
"At least summer break is tomorrow," Harry interjected, trying to remain positive; yet he couldn't help but feel miserable. Summer break always meant he was forced to return to the Durseleys. But, at least they'd all be away from all the gossip.
"That reminds me. Harry, I've made arrangements for you to stay with me during the summer." Cedric smiled.
"Really!?" Harry asked, not believing his words. This was too good to be true. "I can stay with you? For the whole summer? Are you serious?"
"Of course I'm serious," he laughed.
"Aww, that's so sweet." Hermione smiled. "I know you'll both have a wonderful summer."
Cedric wrapped his arm around Harry. "I promise we will."
"I'll finally spend a summer away from the Durseleys" Harry exclaimed.
Cedric and Harry both smiled, as they noticed Ron was walking towards them.
When he started to clear his throat, Hermione turned her gaze to meet his. "Is there something you'd like to say?"
Ron wanted to apoligse. He had treated Harry horribly. His own best friend. He wouldn't be surprised if Harry didn't what to speak to him again. "Harry," he spoke, trying to think of the right words to say. "I…uh…I'm sorry I've haven't been there for you, mate. I never meant to shun you. You're my best friend; and I want us to stay that way."
Harry smiled, as he stood and embraced Ron. "Thanks, Ron. That means a lot."
"Does this mean we're still friends?" Ron asked, returning his hug.
"Of course. I wouldn't want it any other way."
The next morning, Harry finished packing and headed out to the courtyard to meet Cedric. The Hogwarts Express wasn't due to arrive for a few hours, so he decided to sit on a bench. For some reason, he was sad. Yet, for the life of him, he didn't know why? He and Cedric were together at last; which was all thanks to Hermione and her time-turner. He had every reason to be happy. So, why was he sad?
"Harry, are you all right?" Cedric asked, approaching him.
"Oh," Harry stuttered, meeting his gaze. "I'm fine."
"You've been awfully quiet this morning," Cedric stated, taking a seat next to him.
"It's nothing, Ced," Harry replied, trying to change the subject.
"No, Harry. Something is troubling you," Cedric remarked, as a thought crossed his mind. "Your scar. Harry, has it been bothering you?" He asked; brushing Harry's hair with his fingers.
Harry sighed heavily. "Yes, it's been bothering me all night."
"Then, why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't want to spoil our day," Harry blurted, taking Cedric's hand. "My scar has a way of spoiling everything. I just wanted a day off from it."
"Harry, if it concerns you, it concerns me. You've got to tell me."
Harry sighed, knowing full well he was right. "I can still see him in my dreams. Last night, I heard him barking out orders to Wormtail. I'm not sure exactly what it was about, but his voice was so fierce, Pettigrew couldn't stop shaking.
"What do you suppose it means?" Cedric asked, trying to make sense of everything.
"It means that even after everything we did to stop him, he's still growing stronger. With the help of Wormtail and his death eaters, he now has the power to use magic on his own," Harry explained, staring deeply into Cedric's eyes. "We have to be ready for him! I'm not sure when, but I know he's planning another attack."
"We'll be ready, Harry. We've both talked to Dumbledore, and he's on our side. He'll make sure the school is safe. I promise he won't get anywhere near you."
"I'll make sure he won't get anywhere near you!" Harry exclaimed, as tears streamed down his face. "If he lifts a finger against you, I'll kill him!"
"Ssh." Cedric kissed his scar. "We'll look after each other."
"I'm not going to lose you."
"I'm not going to lose you either." He embraced the younger boy, doing his to comfort him.
Harry could feel his heart racing, as they approached the station. This would be the first summer he was free of the Dursleys.
"Harry! Cedric!" Hermione shouted.
"Hermione, what's wrong?" Harry asked. He turned to see her and Ron racing towards them.
"Ron misplaced his luggage."
"What?" Cedric asked, glancing at Ron. "Do you have any idea where you last saw your suitcases?"
"Yeah, I do. I also know exactly who is responsible."
"Who?" Harry questioned.
"Fred and George. They said they'd get even with me for ratting them off to Mcgonagall."
"You want?" Harry gasped.
"She made me do it!" Ron bellowed, pointing at Hermione.
"Ron!" She huffed, glaring at him. Then, she turned her gaze back to Harry and Cedric. "They somehow fashioned a cheatsheet to use on their final exams. Knowing those two, I knew they'd instantly get caught. So, Ron and I warned McGonagall and she gave them detention."
"I've got got to find where they stashed my things!"
"Relax, Ron. We can use a locator spell. It shouldn't be too hard to find where they put your things. Save us a seat," she exclaimed, as she and Ron walked away from the station.
"Well, well, well," spoke a mocking voice. "Look who we have here. The lovebirds." Draco sneered, as Crabbe and Goyle chuckled.
"Get lost, Malfoy!" Harry hissed.
"What are you going to do? Kiss me?" He winced.
Harry wanted nothing more than to pull out his wand and let him have it. Yet, just as he reached for his wand, he felt Cedric's hand over his.
"Let me handle this," he whispered. "That's enough out of you, Malfoy. If I were you, I'd leave."
"Ooh, I'm so scared. Pretty boy is threatening me."
Crabbe and Goyle began to snigger.
"You couldn't possibly handle me. You could barely handle yourself during the tournament!"
"You really want to duel with a student who has mastered a great deal more magic than you?" Cedric questioned.
Harry smirked, as Crabbe and Goyle started to back away. Not only did Cedric know more spells, he was now able to use magic anywhere he went. They gave Draco a frightened glance.
Draco knew he didn't stand a chance against Cedric, but refused to admit it. "You've won this round. But next time, I'll get even!"
When the Hogwarts Express sped down to the English countryside, Cedric tapped Harry's shoulder, letting him know their stop was next. Once they got off the train, they were greeted by Cedric's mother, Katherine Diggory. Harry had only seen her once, during the Quidditch World Cup.
She immediately embraced Cedric, and held him close. "My precious baby is back, safe and sound!"
"Mum…" Cedric choked, as the air was squeezed out of him.
Watching them embrace, Harry saw the strong resemblance between them. Both had grey eyes and brown hair. She was also quite tall. She and Cedric were practically the same height.
"I'm sorry, love. But, ever since I learned you entered the Tri-Wizard Tournament, I've been worried to a frazzle!" Her gaze met Harry. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry. Where are my manners? Harry, it's good to see you again," she beamed, hugging him as well.
"Likewise, Mrs. Diggory." Harry smiled.
As they drove through the small village, Harry starred out the window, marvelling the sites. Katherine extended her hand through the open window. She quickly flicked it, making the large gates open. Once they drove passed it, she again flicked her wand, making the gates close behind them.
Harry marvelled the lavish home in front of them. Though it wasn't a mansion, it was still a very large cottage, surrounded by lush fields of grass. "Your home is beautiful."
"Thank you, dear." Katherine smiled, parking the car.
As the boys collected their luggage, Katherine grabbed Hedwig's cage. "Oh, she seems restless."
"She's never been away from home before," Harry remarked.
"Not to worry, dear," Katherine replied, handing him the cage. "She'll have plenty of room to stretch her wings. That should settle her nerves. Cedric, once you've finished unpacking, I think we should give our guest a proper tour of the area."
Cedric smiled. "Oh, I quite agree. We won't be long, mum."
Harry gave him a questioning stare. "A proper view?"
"She means with a broom," Cedric whispered, as they carried their suitcases up the stairs to his room.
"A broom? You mean fly?"
"Of course. What else would you do with it? Keep house?" Cedric laughed; opening his bedroom door.
Harry looked around the lavish room.
"Like it?"
"It's perfect!" He smiled. "But, why do you have two beds?" Harry asked, noticing two against the wall.
"One drawback to having a large bedroom. I had to share it with my uncle when he came to visit. Our guest room is too small for all his things."
Harry smirked. "That must have been quite annoying. Oh, a fireplace as well? What kind of bedroom has a fireplace in it?"
"A warm one?" Cedric laughed. "Harry, it's connected to the floo network. We can come and go as we please here."
Before Harry could say another word, there was a flash of green fire. The two of them turned to see Oliver Wood emerge from the fireplace.
"Oliver!" Cedric immediately embraced him.
"It's been too long!" Oliver smiled, before kissing his forehead.
Harry felt a surge of jealousy race through him.
"What are you doing here?"
"I couldn't very well have you celebrate your victory alone. You made it through the tournament!"
"Oli, I told you we'd get through it." Cedric smiled. "How have you been?"
"Pretty good. I made it to the Quidditch Championships at Puddlemore."
"That's amazing! Congratulations!" Cedric wrapped his arm around the older boy's shoulder.
"With any luck, I'll be Captain in a year."
As happy as Harry was for Oliver, he couldn't help but feel utterly jealous. He just couldn't stand the way Cedric looked at him. He had no idea they were this close. Although, it would explain why they never liked playing against each other, and why Oliver let Cedric keep his victory.
As soon as he saw Cedric and Oliver embrace, Harry immediately turned away from them. Though he loved and respected Oliver, he didn't expect him to have feelings for Cedric. The two may say they're just old friends, but Harry new better. He could see it in both their expressions.
"It's great to have you here. Mum and I were just about to show Harry the countryside."
"Sounds like fun. Count me in," Oliver replied, holding up his broom.
Cedric headed downstairs, leaving the other boys alone.
This was it! Harry could talk to him. He could ask more questions. Though the thought of finding out more about their past struck him like a knife in the stomach. "Hey...Oliver?" he spoke, almost choking on his words.
"Blimey, Harry. I almost forgot you were there." Oliver smiled.
"Don't worry about it. You haven't seen Cedric since the World Cup. It's natural to focus your attention on him now," Harry smiled, feeling the pit in his stomach growing.
"Yeah. Puddlemore is so much different from Hogwarts. But, the Quidditch tournaments we have are just sublime!"
"I can imagine. You were always the best player. You taught me everything there is to know about Quidditch," Harry replied; remembering when he and Oliver had their first lesson.
"Aye. I truly enjoyed our matches together."
"I was wondering..." How could he say this without sounding petty? "Were you and he close last year?" Harry blurted, fearing his response. "You and Cedric, I mean."
"Ced? Yeah. We've been friends for years. You know you and he are the best seekers I've ever seen."
Harry's thoughts drifted back to his match with Cedric. He almost won. Yet, thanks to the invading dementors, he was sent flying to the ground. "Oliver, why didn't you accept the rematch? Cedric offered after my...accident."
Oliver's eyes lowered. He recalled that match very well. His last one at Hogwarts. He nearly killed himself for not accepting Cedric's offer. Though he would have loved to have had a victorious final match before graduation, he didn't regret his decision. It was their final match together. His allowing Cedric to keep Hufflepuff's victory was a way for him to lift Cedric's spirts. Both Oliver and Cedric wished he had one more year at Hogwarts, and both found it impossible to say goodbye to each other. The only consolation was the fact Cedric would eventually be enrolling at Puddlemore. But, he couldn't tell Harry that. Oliver knew Cedric was fond of Harry, and the feeling was mutual. He was happy for both of them. Why complicate matters by dwelling on his past with Cedric?
"Harry, we practically won that match. I knew if I accepted, we would have again. Declining the offer was a curtesy to both him and Hufflepuff," Oliver laughed; trying to conceal his inner feelings.
Harry couldn't help but laugh along with him.
Cedric walked back into the room. "Mum's ready to go!"
Oliver lips curled, meeting Cedric's gaze. "I'm beyond thankful you and Harry are alive. Now that he's on the move, all of our lives are at stake."
"Exactly. We need all the help we can get!" Harry iterated.
"You have mine. Most of Puddlemore believes Fudge. But, there are a few of us still loyal to Dumbledore. We'll never believe the rubbish the Prophet prints."
"Thanks, Oliver." Cedric smiled, happy to have his best friend by his side.
Harry now felt completely content with Oliver's story. They were just friends. He had no reason to worry.
He and Cedric quickly left the room, while Oliver remained. He felt a few tears stream down his face. How could he possibly be sad? He was with Cedric. Could it be Harry's question? It did resurface old memories, but they were in the past. He was happy for them. It was probably just remembering their last match and his final goodbye to Cedric. Wiping his tears, Oliver did his best to smile; before heading down the stairs.
Later that night, Cedric tossed and turned in his sleep. When he awoke, it was only 2:00 in the morning. Turning to his right, he saw Harry was still sound asleep. Not wanting to wake him, Cedric lifted his blankets, and put on his bathrobe then quietly left his room. Walking down the hallway, he passed their guest room. Maybe Oliver was awake as well? Cedric tapped the door a few times, before he slowly opened it. "Oli, you awake?" He whispered, glancing at the bed; only to find it empty. "Oliver?" He fully opened the door.
"Over here, Ced," Oliver replied, from the balcony outside his room.
"What are you doing out there?" Cedric smirked, closing the door behind him.
"Enjoying a quiet evening, what else?" The other boy grinned.
"It is peaceful out here at night," Cedric replied, joining him on the balcony. "You couldn't sleep?"
"Not really." Oliver sighed, lowering his head against the railing.
"Oli, what's wrong? Ever since you got here, you seem as though you're out of place. Aren't you happy here?"
"Definitely! I love visiting you. It's just that..."
"Just what?"
"Harry."
"Harry? What about him?"
"He asked questions about that match."
"You mean…?"
"Where I 'let you win,'" Oliver delineated, using his fingers as quotes.
"You were just being a good friend."
"That's just it. Our friendship seemed to make Harry jealous."
"Jealous? Harry? Oliver, Harry is far from jealous. He likes you. He always looked up to you."
"That was before you and he were together," Oliver replied, as their eyes met. "Ced, I am happy for both of you. But, I don't want to get in the way of your relationship."
"Oliver Wood, you're never in the way of anything I do! You're one of my closest friends. I couldn't imagine not having you over for the summer."
"Thanks, Ced." Oliver tried to smile. "It means a lot."
"You mean a lot to me." Cedric placed his hand on the other boy's shoulder. "Never forget that!"
"You mean a lot to me, too. Which is why I should leave sooner than later."
"What? Why?!" Cedric quickly covered his mouth, as both of them waited to see if their voices woke anyone. "Oliver, why do you want to leave?"
"Because my being here complicates things for you and Harry."
"How could you think that? You and I were close friends. We chose not to be anymore than that. We didn't want anyone to think our being together would make us bias during Quidditch."
"Exactly. Ced, that was the only reason. I was a team captain, you were a seeker. Other players would think we'd throw in the match for the other."
"Which is absolutely ludicrous!"
"What I mean is, that was the only reason we didn't become anything more than friends." Oliver sighed, as he turned to face the open field. "Harry's question brought back memories. It made me realise how much I still..."
"Still what?"
Oliver closed his eyes, both afraid to say the words and of Cedric's response.
"Oliver, you can tell me anything."
"Love you." Oliver blurted, feeling ashamed, yet relieved to get it off his chest.
"I had no idea..."
"Ced, no matter what, I'm happy for you. I want the best for you. You of all people deserve it. I refuse to be selfish with you."
Oliver then headed back into the room. He took off his robe to reveal he was already dressed, and ready to leave. He went towards the fireplace, then grabbed a handful of floo powder.
"Oliver, don't go!" Cedric shouted, no longer caring if he woke anyone.
"Relax, love. I'm only going to Hogsmeade. I just need to get some air," he assured; seeing Cedric's bereft expression. "Don't worry. I'll be back before morning."
Cedric watched as his friend was consumed in green flames, vanishing a second later. Oliver still loved him? Was Harry really jealous of him? Was that why Oliver wanted to leave? All because both he and Harry had feelings for him? All this made Cedric's head spin. He had to admit, knowing Oliver wanted more made his heart soar. But, he genuinely loved Harry. God! Now he felt just as torn as they did.