The Third Task

Harry shifted slightly as he sat on something sharp. It turned out, to his great irritation, to be a flashing Support CEDRIC DIGGORY - POTTER STINKS badge. In a silent feat of frustration he tossed it into the lake, where it dropped with a small splash. After a moment, the tip of a green tentacle silently ventured up from the water and snatched the badge from the surface. Harry wrapped his arms around his legs, leaning his head on his knees. He stared glumly at the murky water. At least someone was on his side.

'Hey - Harry!' someone called, and he turned to see Cedric Diggory approaching, behind him a large group of curious Hufflepuffs looking-on, probably wondering why their true Hogwarts Champion wanted to talk to the fraud one.

'Hey,' he greeted feebly, curious as to what Cedric wanted. It was a week before the Third Task. Maybe he wanted to know if Harry knew any more information about the task than he did?

'Are you alright?' Cedric asked suddenly, standing before Harry and truly appearing concerned.

Harry blinked at the unexpected question. 'I'm fine,' he said automatically, forcing a smile. Did Cedric want to talk about Cho? If so, Harry didn't want to hear it.

'Can I ... sit here?' Cedric asked tentatively when Harry turned to look back at the lake.

Harry was bewildered; he almost didn't know how to answer. 'Sure,' he managed finally.

Cedric quickly sat down beside him, mimicking Harry's position. Harry watched him glance back to see what the awaiting Hufflepuffs would do. He turned to look at them as well. Eventually, realizing nothing interesting was going to happen and that their favourite was engaged, the group turned and went back inside the castle, whispering among themselves. Harry didn't miss Cedric's sigh of relief. He had a sudden suspicion that Cedric was avoiding his crowd.

'Looking forward to the Task?' Harry said, shrugging off the thought. If Cedric was receiving more attention then he could handle, well, that was his problem.

Cedric snorted. 'Hardly. I actually would rather this whole thing was over.' His tone was slightly bitter.

Harry shrugged. 'Only a week to go. And then, who knows, you might actually win.'

Cedric smiled slightly. 'Yeah ...' he said absently.

A strangely un-awkward moment of silence ensued, one that could almost be called companionable. Out of the corner of his eye Harry watched Cedric jerk himself from his chain of thoughts and look at Harry.

'Can I ask you something?' he said timidly. Harry was taken aback. This was confidant, good-looking, Quidditch Captain, Head Boy Cedric Diggory. Why was he asking almost-shy questions of Harry?

'Um, sure,' Harry conceded, unsure of what could be so important that it could not be asked outright.

'Why are you being so nice to me?'

Harry turned to face Cedric in bemusement. 'What do you mean? Everyone is nice to you.'

Cedric scowled slightly, looking back at the lake. When he refrained from saying any more, Harry, on impulse, prodded him in the ribs.

Cedric gave him a surprised look.

'Well?' Harry said. 'Why wouldn't I like you?'

'Well,' Cedric said. 'It's simply that, the entire school appears to be against you when it comes to the champion thing, and ...'

'If you mean the Support Cedric Diggory badges and stuff - ' Harry interrupted, when suddenly something small was tossed out of the water to land on the bank between him and Cedric. It was a POTTER STINKS badge.

Harry put his face in his hands and laughed. Okay, so maybe the Giant Squid wasn't on his side.

Cedric had picked up the badge with a sigh. 'I wish Malfoy wouldn't do this,' he said.

Harry shrugged uncomfortably. 'He wouldn't be Malfoy if he didn't.' There was a pause. 'Look, none of it is your fault,' said Harry. 'And besides, you're nice enough to me.'

Cedric gave him a side-long glance. He looked down at the badge in his hands and a couple locks of auburn hair fell in his face. 'What about Cho,' he said with another sigh.

Harry frowned and gazed out across the lake.

'Harry, I know how you feel about her. And I know she likes you ... '

Harry looked at Cedric in shock. What was he saying? 'You're going out with her,' he stated, confused.

Cedric shook his head. 'No.' He looked at Harry, who stared back at him, puzzled.

'Then what ... '

'I broke up with her,' Cedric admitted, then, looking down and seeing the badge still in his hand, shoved it in his pocket.

It didn't make any sense to Harry. Cedric and Cho were the perfect, beautiful couple. Both intelligent, with good looks, both Seekers. Was it Cedric's issue with the newfound attention that made it difficult for him to be with her? If not, what else?

Cedric said, 'I'm just telling you this because I know she'd love it if you asked her out, or just to Hogsmeade, or something.' He sighed, running a hand through his hair.

Harry didn't know what to say. 'Why?' he said in the end.

Cedric gave him a confused look.

'Why did you break up with her?'

Cedric sighed and lay on his back, folding his arms under his head. He stared up at the sky as he answered. 'I just ... Cho is great, and all. She's brilliant. I love her as a sister. But ... that's about it.' He looked at Harry.

'Why did you go out with her then?' said Harry, mulling things over. Surprisingly he wasn't rejoicing at this news; in fact, he felt as if it hardly concerned him at all. But hadn't he moments before thought of how much he liked Cho, and even suspected Cedric had come over to gloat? It seemed cruel now that Cedric was being so kind to him.

Cedric was a while in answering. Finally he said, 'Because of my dad. He ... my family have high expectations of me.' He sat up again, seeming uncomfortable.

Harry frowned. He remembered Amos Diggory's comments to him after the Second Task. 'Bet you're not feeling quite as full as yourself now Cedric's caught you up on points, are you?'

'Ignore him,' Cedric had insisted. 'He's been angry ever since the Triwizard Tournament - you know, when she made out you were the only Hogwarts champion.'

Harry sighed. He knew what it was like to have to try and live up to other people's expectations. He was Harry Potter, for Merlin's sake.

'You understand, don't you?' Cedric asked.

'Yeah,' said Harry.

'I never really wanted to be with her. Especially when I realised you ... well ...'

Harry shrugged. He didn't know what to say. He didn't even feel relieved; in fact, he felt annoyed. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen. Cedric was perfect. Cho was perfect. They were meant to be together. Weren't they?

'Why now?' Harry asked. 'Why have you chosen to break up with her now?'

Cedric looked away. 'Because I ...' he paused. 'I like someone else,' he said finally, looking back at Harry.

This came as a shock to Harry. It hadn't been the answer he was expecting. 'Tell me it's not Fleur,' he said suddenly, thinking of Ron's, and every other male's (expect, strangely, Harry's) infatuation with her.

Cedric laughed. 'It isn't,' he said.

'Right,' Harry said, feeling a strange sort of relief at that.

'Well, anyway ...' Cedric said. He slowly stood up. Harry decided he didn't want to move, but he looked up at Cedric.

'Are you going to make a move on Cho?' Cedric asked, absently adjusting his tie.

Harry paused for a moment. 'No,' he said at length, surprising himself at his own decision. He stared up at Cedric, whose eyes widened. 'No?' he said, apparently to himself. 'I mean, why not? You like her!'

Harry frowned and glanced away. 'I don't, really,' he realised. He had been jealous. Jealous of the true Hogwarts Champion, of the perfect couple, of the boy who seemed to have everything, but in actual fact didn't. But now, he realised; Cedric probably felt the same way Harry felt all the time. Smothered, surrounded by people who loved but didn't know him, people who had high expectations and demands.

For once, looking up at Cedric, who seemed to understand everything, Harry didn't feel quite so lonely as before. He stood up, took the two steps that brought him closer to Cedric, and reached into the Champion's right pocket. There he found the badge, which ignorantly flashed Support CEDRIC DIGGORY - POTTER STINKS, which he skimmed into the lake. They both watched as it bounced three, four times, and then after a moment, the tentacle returned and the offensive badge vanished.

Harry turned to Cedric and smiled. 'Shall we head back?'

*

Four days before the Third Task, and the good mood Cedric had put Harry in days before was quickly dissolving. Ironically enough Harry was pondering over the Head Boy as he wandered along a corridor when the object of his thoughts rounded the corner, as usual surrounded by a group of girls.

Harry had been mooching through the castle aimlessly, having escaped the confines of the Gryffindor common room and Ron and Hermione's bickering. He wasn't happy to have his liberty interrupted by Cedric's fan club. Despite his small irritation he couldn't help but return Cedric's genuine, almost relieved smile, or allow him to ignore the quiet frustration in the older boy's eyes. Unsure of what he was doing or why he was doing it, Harry bravely halted in front of the herd, who grew silent and glared.

'Harry?' Cedric said questioningly.

'Bagman is looking for us,' Harry lied. 'He forgot to tell us something about the Third Task.'

'Oh,' Cedric said. 'Where is he?'

'In Dumbledore's office,' Harry said, as it was on the other side of the castle. He could see the girls trying to suppress disappointed groans and reinforcing their glares. They were the same sort of group that would trail Harry in the odd times he was considered popular with the public, rather than dangerous. Hypocrites, Harry thought.

'Let's go then,' Cedric said, and the frustrated girl group was quickly abandoned. After a minute of hurried wandering along random corridors (hurried only for Harry, who had shorter legs than Cedric), they slowed down.

Cedric looked at him. 'There's not really a meeting, is there? You wanted to save me from them.'

Harry stopped and looked up at Cedric. 'I thought you looked a bit fed up,' he explained. 'Was I wrong?' Worriedly, he bit his lip, beginning to feel guilty and stupid for depriving Cedric of his friends.

But Cedric grinned at him. 'I've been trying to think up an excuse for the last ten minutes. I'm running out of good excuses.'

Harry was a relieved. He returned the smile. 'Well, glad I could help then.' They resumed walking. Harry glanced out of a window. It was a Saturday afternoon, and the sun was beginning to get very hot. People were littered across the grounds, including a mixture of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students.

'Hey ...' Cedric said suddenly. 'Do you want a game of Quidditch?'

Surprised, Harry said, 'Sure,' and received a smile.

They were approaching the stairs that led down to the entrance hall, when a malicious voice interrupted the harmony.

'Well if it isn't both of the Hogwarts Champions.'

Harry turned to face Malfoy, who was leaning against the doorway of a classroom with his arms crossed.

'What do you want, Malfoy?' Cedric asked simply.

The Slytherin narrowed his eyes. 'I'm just wandering why you're hanging around with someone like Potter. Is it out of pity?'

Cedric frowned. Harry sighed, disliking Malfoy more than ever, and began to walk again. At least Malfoy was no longer quoting Rita Skeeter's HARRY POTTER - DISTURBED AND DANGEROUS article.

'Running away, Potter?'

Harry ignored him, and felt Cedric follow him. When they were out of shot of Malfoy's insults, Cedric glanced at Harry. 'Is he always like that to you?' he asked.

'Yeah,' said Harry. 'From day one, when I refused his friendship.'

'He must be jealous, then.'

Harry frowned. 'How?'

'Of your friends, I mean. You turned down his friendship, and now he is jealous and wants to get back at you.'

'I guess,' Harry said. He'd never really looked at it that way. Suddenly he stopped. 'You know, it might help if I had my broom.'

Cedric grinned at him. 'Too late now. You'll have to use a school broom for once.'

Harry frowned. 'But they're terrible.'

'We'll be on equal ground.'

It was hot outside, and unexpectedly the Quidditch pitch was empty. Harry grudgingly accepted a school broom, wishing heartily he had his Firebolt, and mounted and took off.

'Woah,' he said, swerving. Being used to having a powerful 200 mile per hour broom, Harry had put too little force on the Cleansweep and almost slipped off.

Cedric laughed at him. 'That's what you get for having a thousand galleon broom.'

Harry looked at him. 'It was a gift, you know,' he said, steadying himself. 'I'd never have bought it myself.'

Cedric smiled, and floated upside down. 'I know,' he said. 'Got the snitch?'

Harry took it from out of his pocket, where it had been dozing. It sat in his palm for a moment, stretching it's little wings sleepily, and then darted off.

Harry looked up at Cedric. 'First one to get it has to ...'

' ... buy the other a drink.'

Harry laughed. 'Got it.' They were about to begin when someone called Harry's name. Looking down, they saw Viktor Krum approaching, followed by his own Bulgarian group of spectators.

'Are you vanting a game?'

Harry formed a slow grin. He looked at Cedric, who smiled and shrugged.

'Sure,' he yelled, looking back at Krum, who said, 'we ave spare Firebolts.'

'Cedric! Bonjour, are you playing a game?' It was one of the beautiful Beauxbatons girls, who was jogging over, almost appearing to float in her flowing azure dress. She had a broom with her. Cedric welcomed her over. He looked at Harry. 'Looks like we're going to get a proper game,' he said cheerfully.

'Come down,' Viktor called. His companions had given up some of their Firebolts, apparently keen to see the upcoming game between the champions.

Harry and Cedric shrugged and landed, looking on with amazement at the pile of one thousand galleon brooms that were tossed carelessly on the floor. They each took one as the Beauxbatons girl arrived. 'I should like to play, also,' she said.

'How shall we do this?' Cedric asked, looking at Harry.

'Um. How about we make two teams, since more people are joining in?'

'Zis is a very good idea,' the Beauxbatons girl said. 'And also, my name is Adèle.'

'Vat shall ve do then?' Krum said, seeming interested. 'I shall team with Cedric. Harry can go with Adèle?'

Harry shrugged, 'sure.' He tried to ignore the French girl's slightly disappointed look. But who wouldn't want to be on Krum's team? A sudden burst of determination filled Harry, building his excitement. He wondered if he was good enough to beat Viktor Krum?

'Oi, Harry!'

Harry turned to see Fred and George with a group of friends watching. He waved.

'Are you having a game?'

'Looks like zere are more,' Adéle observed.

'We're going to have to make a limit at some point,' Cedric mused. 'I hope our challenge is still on. I wouldn't mind having Harry Potter buy me a drink.'

'You ave made a bet?' Krum said, seeming amused. 'Vell ve know who the seekers are in this strange game.'

Fred and George approached. 'So which team are we on?' they said, grinning.

With them came Angelina, and behind her -

'Cho!' Cedric said with surprise, glancing at Harry, who didn't know what to say. This wasn't turning out quite how he had planned. Oh well, It could prove interesting. He planned to beat Krum and win the bet. He tried to hide an excited grin.

In the end they had two unequal teams, one of which included Krum, Cedric, Cho (which Harry considered unsurprising, but which Cedric didn't look too happy at for some reason), and George. Charlie Weasley, who had been staying in the castle for the Tournament, had happily joined Harry's team, as well as Angelina, Fred, and Adéle.

'You need another person,' Angelina pointed out once the decisions were made.

George shrugged. 'Are you kidding? We have Krum.'

Angelina narrowed her eyes and put her hands on her hips. 'So? We have Harry.'

Harry edged away slightly, which didn't go unnoticed by Cedric, who grinned.

'True. Who else is there, then?'

'OI, Davies!' Fred yelled. 'Get over here. We've only got five seekers; how about we make a nice, round six?'

Roger Davies ran up to them. He was Captain of the Ravenclaw team, but Harry didn't know him that well.

'Are we playing a game?' he said.

There were, in the end, just enough Firebolts to go around. All the groups that had been abandoned had settled in the stands and on the grass, quite excited at seeing a team of Champions, Quidditch captains and ex-seekers (Charlie), as well as Viktor Krum himself, playing a game of Quidditch.

'So, we can make ...' Harry said slowly. 'Two chasers, one beater, a Keeper and a Seeker each.'

'That seems about right,' George said.

'Vell, ve already ave our Seekers,' Krum said, looking at Cedric and Harry.

'Aren't you playing Seeker?' Cho said, sounding slightly disappointed.

'They ave a bet,' Adéle explained.

'It's alright,' Cedric said suddenly. We can just base it on whose team wins. Krum can still be Seeker.'

Harry gave him an odd look. 'Are you sure?' he said.

Cedric shrugged. 'Only if you are?'

Harry smiled.

Fred and George, on opposite teams, naturally opted for Beaters. Angelina, Adéle, Cho and Cedric became chasers, while Charlie and Roger Davies made up the Keepers, and lastly Harry and Krum were the Seekers.

'This is slightly insane,' Harry muttered under his breath as he mounted his broom.

'It's not quite what I meant when I offered you a game of Quidditch,' Cedric murmured beside him.

Harry snickered. 'I don't like Firewhiskey,' he hinted.

Cedric smirked at him. They took off yet again and once they were up in the air, he answered, 'I hope you're not implying that I would try to get you drunk.'

Harry gave him a surprised look, and then grinned.

'Are we ready?' Fred yelled. The teams got into position. Any ounce of nervousness that Harry had experienced previously had now been vanquished. He grinned at Fred and gave him the sign that they were ready. Angelina released the balls.

'One - two - THREE!

Immediately there was a rush of players darting about, and Harry managed to overcome his excitement and fly much higher. He caught Krum out of the corner of his eye circling the pitch, and decided to tail him.

Krum grinned at him. 'Hallo, Harry. Ve have interesting teams here, no?' With a small jerk of his broom he darted away, leaving no room for Harry to answer. Harry watched Krum's broom very carefully. The world-renowned Seeker flew brilliantly; his broom had darted him away from Harry much faster than it should have. Harry tried it. With a thrill he found that it worked. By jerking the broom in a certain direction as he moved, he ended up metres further than he expected. 'Interesting,' he said. He returned to looking for the snitch. He glanced over at Krum, who was looking at him. The Seeker then looked down and suddenly dived. On impulse Harry very abruptly rushed forward, but instinct told him to stop and wait.

Wondering if he had just lost the match, Harry watched nervously as Krum's dive slowed down. Krum then flew lazily along the ground, and then turned to see where Harry was.

Harry grinned. He hadn't fallen for the Wronski Feint.

'Very impressive,' Charlie said, nearby. He was grinning. 'Look.' He pointed out the people in the stands who were cheering.

Harry was surprised. Were they cheering for him? After a whole year of being shunned and showered with insults, Harry was actually being cheered for? And not for simply being famous, but for not falling for a famous seeker's new trick.

'Well, better not ruin it by not paying attention,' he thought, feeling better than ever. Still keeping an eye out for the snitch, he realised Krum's team had scored forty points. Avoiding a bludger, Harry flew higher to have a better view of what was going on. All the chasers seemed to be tangled up together at one end of the pitch. Charlie, playing Keeper, looked like he was trying to avoid being stampeded into and simultaneously protect the goal hoops; Fred and George were battering bludgers at each other with immense glee. The other end of the pitch was empty except for Krum, who flew unconcernedly glancing around for the snitch.

Harry was beginning to get worried. There was no sign of gold. He calmed himself by remembering the last match he had had at the Weasleys, which had last five hours because nobody could find the snitch. Besides, Krum was only human. He wasn't that brilliant. 'Well, maybe he is,' Harry thought as he suddenly glimpsed a flash of gold at the other end of the pitch. And Krum was diving for it.

Harry was struck with apprehension. It was too late for him to dive now. Gripping his broom tightly and wandering if all was lost, he almost fell off with relief when Krum slowed down and looked around. He had lost the snitch. But Harry hadn't. Suddenly Harry had an idea. He could see the snitch fluttering about the goal hoops at the empty side of the pitch, where Krum was. But the Bulgarian didn't seem to have noticed it. With great determination Harry suddenly flew as fast as possible in the opposite direction of the snitch, to where a war ensued between the chasers. Charlie seemed to be trying to dodge Chasers, bludgers and Fred and George at the same time. He looked exasperated and amused at the same time. Harry shot round the goal posts, to the confusion of some, and to his delight saw that Krum had followed. He darted into the fold of Chasers, at one point succeeding in grabbing Fred.

'Get Krum when he's a metre away,' he muttered, and continued darting about as he would if trying to catch the snitch. The minute Krum neared, Fred's bludger shot at him, and he dodged it quickly as Harry knew he would. But it had been enough of a distraction for him to shoot off in the other direction. Luckily the snitch was still there. 'Come one, Harry,' he murmured, speeding up as much as his broom would allow. 'Come on.'

Krum was going to catch up. He just knew it. It dawned on him that Krum had far too many tricks, far too many years of professional Quidditch playing, for him not to catch up and get the snitch. Harry couldn't possibly win. The goal posts were getting nearer. It would be horrible for Harry to win. Krum losing to him would be disastrous, and Harry would probably be blamed for leaving a blemish in Krum's reputation rather than receive praise. But these dispiriting thoughts left his head as he drew nearer. He couldn't lose. He couldn't lose to Cedric, who had become his friend. Cedric who was going to have to buy him a drink if Harry won. Harry shot forward, and suddenly Krum was next to him, and they both reached out to grab the snitch, but suddenly it halted and sped in the opposite direction. It was lucky for Harry that he had watched Krum's every move at the Quidditch World Cup, or he wouldn't have imitated his sudden professional turn upwards that left him flying in the opposite direction, still in sight of the snitch, but upside down. People in the stands were cheering, stamping, chanting. Harry felt another rush of adrenalin. Both he and Krum managed to dodge two bludgers by a hair's width, and plighted on after the snitch. But they were arriving back at the throng by the other goal posts, and in seconds the little gold ball was lost.

Harry sighed and righted himself, steering clear of another bludger and glancing over at Krum, who was looking at him, surprised. Suddenly someone grabbed his arm. It was Cedric, looking at him with amazement. 'Where did you learn to do that?' he said.

'Do what?' Harry was confused. Then he realised Cedric was referring to the turn Harry had stolen from Krum. 'Oh,' he said. 'At the Quidditch World Cu -'

But he didn't manage to finish that final P, as the snitch was fluttering over the stands and he was after it in seconds. Krum followed. In the period they had been chasing the snitch, Krum's team had scored another ten points. Harry's team had no chance of winning unless he caught the Snitch. Meanwhile, the snitch seemed unconcerned that the two Seekers were flying at it as fast as possible. Instead it whizzed around the heads of those in the stands, who quickly jumped up and scattered. A bludger suddenly veered in Harry's way, making him dodge with a yell and collide with the tail of Krum's broom. When they had both steadied themselves, the snitch was gone. Harry released a breath.

'This is a very, very good game, Harry Potter,' Krum said, face serious, still looking about for the snitch. 'I hope ve can play - '

They were off again. They tailed the snitch alongside each other, nearing the other end of the pitch. They must have flown the length of the pitch five or six times now, Harry thought. It just so happened that, metres away from the golden ball, someone red-headed - Harry wasn't sure who, flew directly across his path, making him dive downwards in a panic. With great frustration Harry felt his glasses fall off. And then he felt something uncomfortable up his sleeve. The snitch had shot up the sleeve of Harry's shirt. In a panic he landed.

With a mixture of excitement and frustration because he couldn't see, Harry shoved his hand up his shirt and grabbed the Snitch before it could use his trousers as an escape route. Krum landed next to him. At least, he thought it was Krum, if the tall blur was anything to go by, and was reassured when he heard the famous Seeker's distinctive laugh.

'The Plumpton Pass,' Krum said, still laughing.

'Huh?' Harry, whishing he could see his glasses. Someone landed next to him. It turned out to be Adéle.

'Ze Plumpton Pass,' she said. 'Nineteen twenty-one, Roderick Plumton. 'E caught ze snitch up ee's sleeve.'

'This girl knows her Quidditch,' Fred, or George said, landing. 'Harry, you won.'

Harry wasn't listening. He was crouching, feeling around for his glasses and wishing half-heartedly he wasn't near-blind.

'Here.' It was Cedric, holding something shiny out to him. Harry stood up and took the glasses with a relieved smile. 'Thanks,' he said.

'E is so cute without ee's glasses,' Adéle said.

Harry blushed while the other's laughed. The rest of them were beginning to land.

'Harry! You beat Viktor Krum!' It was Ron, running up to them, awed and grinning.

'Don't rub it in,' Harry murmured. He could feel Cedric's frown.

'As I vas saying, before the snitch appeared, Harry,' Krum continued. 'Ve could play during the summer. There are many great Quidditch stadiums in my country.'

Harry stared at him in shock.

'Our Harry doesn't think he's good enough,' said George, thumping him on the shoulder. Harry scowled at him. He shrugged and looked up at Krum.

'That would be nice, but I don't think I'll be allowed.'

Krum smiled. 'May in a few summers then.' He eyed the Firebolts that were grasped in everyone's hands. Harry snickered and handed his over.

When they began to wander off, Harry realised Cedric hadn't left his side. He smiled at him.

'I believe I owe you a drink,' Cedric said, giving him a slight grin.

'Cedric!' It was Cho, walking up to them. She looked flushed from the match, her eyes sparkling. She smiled at Harry. 'Cedric, can I have a word for a moment?'

Cedric frowned and glanced at Harry, who raised an eyebrow and shrugged. 'I'll find you later,' he said.

'Oh! It won't be long,' Cho insisted.

Harry went off to find Ron, who was still grinning from ear to ear. 'I wonder what Hermione will say when she hears Vikky lost to you,' he said triumphantly.

'Hermione will congratulate Harry because he is her friend,' Hermione said harshly, having run from the stands. She grinned at Harry and hugged him.

'Was everyone watching?' Harry asked, bemused.

'Oh, yes!' she said. 'When word got round that all but one of the Hogwarts Champions were having a Quidditch match ... Look, even she's here.'

She was referring to Rita Skeeter, who Harry had noticed sitting in the stands, watching them intently. This put a slight dent in his mood. He sighed and began to head back towards the castle, hopefully without encountering anyone else along the way.

'But where are you going?' Ron asked, confused.

'To have a shower,' Harry said over his shoulder.

'Harry, come and meet me later then.' Cedric had caught up to him. Harry could see Cho watching them where Cedric had left her.

'Is something wrong?' Harry asked quietly, out of earshot of Ron and Hermione.

Cedric shook his head. 'I'll tell you later. I'd like a shower too. Meet me later?'

'Do you want to go to Hogsmeade?' Harry asked, wondering where they could buy drinks. It wasn't exactly a Hogsmeade weekend.

Cedric pointed this out.

Harry shrugged. 'Meet me by the one-eyed witch on the fifth floor.'

Cedric raised an eyebrow, forming a slow grin. 'Remember you're talking to a Head Boy,' he said in amusement.

Harry rolled his eyes. 'I'll wipe your memory afterwards. Okay?'

Cedric laughed. 'Alright. I'll be there in half an hour.

*

Luckily, being Saturday, The Three Broomsticks was relatively full, so students from Hogwarts dressed in muggle clothing were likely to go unnoticed.

Cedric was looking around, apparently wary of teachers. 'That was an insane way of getting here,' he muttered. 'I can't believe you have an invisibility cloak.'

Harry grinned. 'It was my father's,' he explained. 'He gave it to Dumbledore, who gave it to me a few years ago.'

They were sitting at a table in a corner. Cedric had bought Harry butterbeer, much to Harry's delight. Feeling very satisfied, he glanced over at Madam Rosmerta, who was watching them, and gave her a grin. She grinned back, and shook her head.

'Do you do this often?' Cedric asked, watching Harry.

'Not really. Last year I snuck in during a Hogsmeade weekend because I didn't have parent or guardian permission.'

'That was when Sirius Black was on the loose?'

Harry frowned. He really ought to write Sirius soon. 'Yeah,' he said. He explained the episode of throwing mud at Malfoy and his cronies.

Cedric grinned. 'He probably deserved it.'

'Always.' Harry took a sip of butterbeer. He looked at Cedric. The Head Boy seemed torn between being happy and distracted. Harry still hadn't figured out why Cedric Diggory would want to spend this much time with him. He was past the idea that it was out of pity; Cedric was too nice for that.

'Is something wrong?' he asked eventually.

Cedric looked at him, surprised. His expression morphed into a frown. 'I was thinking about Cho.' He looked at Harry. 'She wanted to know why I was suddenly hanging around with you.'

Harry raised his eyebrows. 'And what did you tell her?' he said.

Cedric stared at him. He opened his mouth and closed it again. 'She also wanted us to get back together.' He looked into his glass. 'I said I'd think about it.'

Harry was confused. He didn't know whether he ought to feel angry or not. 'But ... but you don't like her. You said you liked someone else.'

'I know,' Cedric said irritably. 'I don't want to be with her. But she seems like the right choice.'

Harry was growing more and more confused. 'I don't understand,' he said honestly.

Cedric looked at him, hard. 'I don't like women, Harry,' he said tonelessly.

Harry stared at him, thinking him absurd. Why would a man not like - oh. 'Gay?' he said, voice void of emotion.

Cedric scowled and stared at the table. Harry didn't miss the flush that crept up the Head Boy's neck. Harry shrugged to himself. So what if Cedric was gay? Surely he didn't think Harry had a problem with it?

'That doesn't explain why you have to stick with Cho. Is this because of your dad's expectations?'

If Cedric was surprised at Harry's reaction to the news, or lack thereof, he didn't show it. 'Partly,' he said. 'But come on. What are the chances of me meeting another wizard with the same preferences, that I actually like? Cho knows. And she's a wonderful person. This way I ...'

'But,' Harry said, and then paused. Clearly he lacked common sense, because he was still thoroughly confused. 'If you're in a relationship with Cho, she can't possibly expect you to, well ...'

Cedric looked at him.

'Reciprocate,' Harry finished.

Cedric snickered at him. 'I know,' he said. 'Which is why I said I'd think about it.'

Harry stared at him. Unsure of what to say to this confession, he gulped down the rest of his butterbeer.

Cedric smiled. 'Want another?'

Harry put his chin in his hand and grinned. He watched Cedric head off to the bar and sighed. He was no good at this relationship stuff. Why was Cedric telling him, anyway? Well, Harry had asked. But anyone else would have changed the subject, not shared their feelings and thoughts with him.

When Cedric returned with two more Butterbeers, Harry was reminding himself again to write to Sirius. His Godfather was known to have been, well, a flirt when he was younger. Maybe he could give Harry some advice?

'What are you thinking about?' Cedric asked, putting a Butterbeer in front of Harry.

'Sirius Black,' Harry said truthfully. He wondered how he was going to explain this one.

Cedric, naturally, was surprised. 'You think he's still after you?'

Harry smiled to himself. 'He's already found me.' When Harry looked up, Cedric was giving him an odd look. Harry smiled at him. 'He's my Godfather, you know.'

Cedric's eyebrows shot up to his hairline. 'Oh?' he said.

Harry shrugged. 'So have you decided what you're going to do?' he said, changing the subject, as it was already beginning to get dangerous. It was so easy to talk to a person like Cedric.

The Champion sighed and sat back. He looked down at the drink in his hands. 'I guess it depends on the person I like,' he said slowly. He didn't look at Harry.

Harry was beginning to get worried. He shifted slightly. He had been beginning to have a tiny suspicion that - no. It couldn't be possible. 'So it's a .... a guy, you like?' he said, and then glanced around, wondering if Rita Skeeter was going to pop up at any moment at this piece of gossip.

Cedric rolled his eyes.

Harry grinned. 'Just checking. You might have changed your mind in the last couple of seconds.'

'Ah. Well, my mind has been set for the last few months now, thanks.'

Harry shifted again. He pushed his fringe out of his eyes. He took a sip of Butterbeer. Then he noticed Cedric staring at him.

'What?' he demanded, perhaps more authoritatively than necessary. Cedric slowly grinned. 'Nothing,' he said. 'Although, I must say. You've become extra fidgety all of a sudden.'

Harry felt his cheeks grow red. Damn his stupid assumptions! Of course Cedric didn't like him like, well, that! Cedric Diggory was perfect. Even if gay, he wouldn't want someone like Harry.

Harry was now angry at himself. The blush stayed in his cheeks, but this time for a different reason. He needed to stop getting his hopes up all the time. He shrugged in answer, unable to find words in his irritation.

Cedric moved slightly closer. They were sitting on a curved bench that made up the corner. Cedric tapped his fingers against his glass. He ran a hand through his hair. He seemed suddenly more fidgety even than Harry, who suddenly wanted to laugh.

'I'm sorry if -' Cedric began. 'I - I haven't made you uncomfortable, have I? I mean -'

Harry rolled his eyes, feeling more confident now that Cedric was the uncomfortable one, and said, 'What am I, five? It's fine.'

Cedric seemed slightly relieved. Harry wondered what had just passed. Just me assuming stupid things and making Cedric think I'm uncomfortable with his being gay, he thought, annoyed.

'So,' Cedric continued, moving a tiny bit nearer. 'You don't mind if I ...'

He didn't say anything else. They were sitting inches apart, Harry staring fixedly at his drink, Cedric looking anywhere but Harry, and between them, under the table, Cedric's fingers slowly laced themselves between Harry's.

Harry swallowed heavily. His heart seemed to increase by one hundred heartbeats a second, and his cheeks became redder, and he felt slightly dizzy. He had no idea what to say, but he knew if he did say anything, it wouldn't be go away.

Swallowing again, he tentatively looked up at Cedric, who was watching him. Suddenly the Head Boy was far too near, and before Harry could do anything to prevent it - not that he wanted to prevent it, but they were in a public place and Rita Skeeter could be just round the corner - Cedric pressed his lips against Harry's, very softly, for a millisecond, and then jerked back, apparently afraid of how Harry would react. Harry's breathing was heavy, despite the fact he had been sitting very still. He looked at his empty glass. 'Maybe we should - ' He made a gesture of standing up.

'Yeah,' Cedric said awkwardly, throwing a few knuckles on the table. He followed Harry out of The Three Broomsticks.

Once they were outside Harry calmed a bit. The pub had been stuffy and crowded. Here a breeze swept over them.

'Harry, I'm sorry,' Cedric murmured, shoving his hands in his pockets. He wouldn't look at Harry, who frowned. Get a grip, Harry, Harry thought. You've faced Voldemort how many times? And you've just found out Cedric likes you. What would Sirius' advice be? You're young and likely have James' good taste. Go for it! But Sirius wasn't gay. At least, Harry didn't think he was. Maybe he would talk to Remus. Remus was a werewolf. He wouldn't have a problem with it. Being gay was nothing compared to being a werewolf. And who knew, maybe Remus was a gay werewolf? Harry absently shook this thought off. He moved right in front of Cedric. 'It's okay,' he said finally.

'No, it's not,' the Hufflepuff insisted, apparently traumatized. 'I didn't mean to - I would never have -'

Harry smiled. Cedric seemed to shut up when he saw Harry smiling up at him.

'Well?' Harry said.

Cedric looked confused. 'Huh?'

'Are you going to kiss me again or not?'

Cedric's eyes widened. A small ounce of hope filled them. A timid smile formed on his face. 'You mean ...'

Harry sighed and shoved his hands in his pockets, looking away. But a hand, suddenly threading itself through his dark hair, tugged his head back and he was swiftly being kissed by Cedric Diggory in the middle of Hogsmeade. Every thought left Harry's mind. Cedric's lips were surprisingly soft, and Harry didn't mind at all when his tongue probed inside Harry's mouth. It felt nice. Without realising what he was doing, his arms slid up around Cedric's neck and he increased the force of the kiss.

It was with quiet smiles that they both made their way back up to the castle, through the slimy tunnel. Harry was the happiest he had been all year. But, of course, nothing good lasted for Harry.

*

With growing horror Harry looked at the article on the front page.

BOY-WHO-LOVED THE TRUE HOGWARTS CHAMPION

By Rita Skeeter

Opening and closing his mouth, Harry's hands began to shake as he read the article.

....Harry Potter and Cedric Diggory were seen holding hands in the acclaimed pub The Three Broomsticks and were then seen kissing outside...

...despite the Hogwarts restrictions on entry to Hogsmeade except on designated 'Hogsmeade Weekends'...

...It has been obvious for over a year that Mr Potter harboured feelings for the TRUE Hogwarts Champion, says Miss Pansy Parkinson...

...it is clear that any emotion felt on Mr Potter's part for Miss Chang was simply jealously, rather than the previously thought love...

Harry's legs weakened and he sat down. Hermione carefully took the newspaper from him, folding it up and putting it in her bag.

'There's no photo,' she said reassuringly.

'You mean you actually believe this tripe?' Ron said with a snort, stuffing cereal into his mouth. It was Sunday. Harry tried his best to ignore the whispers and the stares which had increased tenfold since the release of the article.

'Is Cedric here?' he asked Hermione quietly, not removing his eyes from his bowl.

'No,' she said. 'Do you want to talk about it?'

'I don't think I'll have much choice, eventually,' Harry said bitterly. He noticed Ron staring at him, mid-chew. Ron swallowed. 'You mean it's true?' he demanded, rather loudly.

'Shut up, Ronald!' Hermione snapped. 'Come on, Harry. Let's go to the Library. It should be empty in there now.'

Harry silently followed her, without looking at Ron, who trailed after them grudgingly. The Library was unsurprisingly empty as Hermione had said. They found a table at the back, hidden by shelves.

'Well?' Ron said.

Harry sighed. 'Hermione, can I borrow some parchment? And a quill? I'd like to write to Sirius.

'Sure, Harry.'

Both of them were silent as they watched Harry write. Harry could see Ron giving Hermione questioning glances out of the corner of his eye. He decided to ignore them. He sat back and looked over what he had written.

Dear Snuffles

You've probably already seen the article, and if you haven't, well, that's too bad because it's embarrassing enough that I don't want to relate it myself. Actually, that's a lie. It's not embarrassing. I just hate that every tiny sordid detail of my life manages to get into Rita Skeeter's hands. I have no idea how she does it. She wasn't even in or near the pub. Maybe she's an animagus, or something.

Anyway, I hope you're doing well. At least, as well as you can possibly be when living off rats. I'll try to get Dobby to send you some more food.

The Third Task is in three days. At first I was terrified. Then I was just nervous, and now I don't really care. I'll get back to you about it as soon as I can.

Harry

*

Cedric was standing feet away from the Triwizard Cup, which was gleaming behind him.

'Take it, then,' Harry panted to Cedric. 'Go on, take it. You're there.'

But Cedric didn't move. He merely stood there, looking at Harry. Then he turned to stare at the cup. Harry saw the longing expression on his face in its golden light. Cedric looked around at Harry again, who was now holding onto the hedge to support himself.

Cedric took a deep breath. 'You take it. You should win. That's twice you've saved my neck in here.'

'That's not how it's supposed to work,' Harry said. He felt angry; his leg was very painful, he was aching all over from trying to throw off the spider, and after all his efforts, Cedric had beaten him to it. 'The one who reaches the Cup first gets the points. That's you. I'm telling you, I'm not going to win any races on this leg.'

Cedric took a few paces nearer to the Stunned spider, away from the cup, shaking his head. 'No,' he said.

'Stop being noble,' said Harry irritably. 'Just take it, then we can get out of here.'

Cedric watched Harry steadying himself, holding tight to the hedge.

'You told me about the dragons,' Cedric said. 'I would've gone down in the first task if you hadn't told me what was coming.'

'I had help on that, too,' Harry snapped, trying to mop up his bloody leg with his robes. He had needed help with every task, he thought angrily. It was clear who was the true Champion here. Why didn't Cedric just take the Cup? 'You helped me with the egg - we're square.'

'I had help on the egg in the first place,' said Cedric.

'We're still square,' Harry said obstinately.

Cedric drew nearer. 'You should've received more points on the Second Task,' Cedric said mulishly. 'You stayed behind to get all the hostages. I should've done that.'

'I was the only one who was thick enough to take that song seriously!' Harry said bitterly. 'Just take the cup!'

'No,' said Cedric.

He stepped over the spider's tangled legs to join Harry, who stared at him. Cedric was serious. He was walking away from the sort of glory Hufflepuff house hadn't had in centuries.

Harry looked down, testing his leg gingerly; it shook violently as he put weight on it. Cedric then came so close that when Harry looked up his head almost bumped Cedric's chin. Cedric grasped Harry's forearm, taking his weight off the hedge.

'It's yours to take,' he said earnestly. He looked as though this was costing him every ounce of resolution he had, but his face was set, he seemed decided.

Harry looked from Cedric to the Cup. For one shining moment, he saw himself emerging from the maze, holding it. He saw himself holding the Triwizard Cup aloft, heard the roar of the crowd, saw Remus and the Weasleys looking upon him with pride ... and then the picture faded, and he found himself staring at Cedric's close shadowy, stubborn face. The last time he had seen Cedric's face properly had been outside The Three Broomsticks.

'Both of us,' Harry said, leaning slightly on Cedric.

'What?'

'We'll take it at the same time. It's still a Hogwarts victory. We'll tie for it.'

Cedric stared at Harry. His hold on Harry's arm slackened somewhat, so that Harry had to take a step to balance himself.

'You - you sure?'

'Yeah,' said Harry.' 'Yeah ... we've helped each other out, haven't we? We both got here. Let's just take it together.'

For a moment, Cedric looked as though he couldn't believe his ears; then his face split in a grin.

'You're on,' he said. 'Come here.' He took Harry's arm below the shoulder, and helped Harry limp towards the plinth where the Cup stood. When they had reached it, they both held a hand over one of the Cup's gleaming handles.

'On three, right?' said Harry. 'One - two - three -'

Staring determinedly into each other's eyes, Harry and Cedric both grasped a handle.

Instantly, Harry felt a jerk somewhere behind his navel. His feet had left the ground. He could not unclench the hand holding the Triwizard Cup; it was pulling him onwards, in a howl of wind and swirling colour, Cedric at his side.

*

Dear Harry,

Don't worry; I managed to get the latest version of the Daily Prophet from Dobby, who insisted in delivering the food himself. Thanks for that, by the way.

Listen, if it's all true, which I'm assuming it is, then you have my (and Moonys) complete support. It was rather unexpected, I must admit, and I was somewhat confused when I read your letter before the article. Anyway, you've got much bigger things to worry about, and there's nothing wrong with having a social life in between Triwizard Tournaments and fighting Voldemort. So how was he?

I want to know how the Third Task goes. Give me every single tiny detail. And remember, you're still a Champion even if you come last.

Love,

Sirius

*