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The feeling of being watched was getting harder and harder to ignore, though Cedric had no idea what exactly he had done to warrant being watched. He had lived a quiet life since Harry Potter had won the war and became leader of the wizarding world, working alongside his dad at the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures in the Ministry of Magic, making fast friends with everyone he worked with. Occasionally he would see Lord Potter at the ministry, but he made sure to keep a respectable distance, not wanting to draw his ire.
Lord Potter wasn't a malicious leader, no. He kept the departments well funded, listened to complaints the workers had, and was generally a fair ruler. But he had a jealous streak and a short temper, so it was generally a smart idea to watch how you spoke to him.
Cedric made his way out of the department, cursing himself for losing track of time. Nearly everyone had left for the day, and the Atrium was quiet, only making the feeling of being watched seem worse.
Cedric breathed a sigh of relief when the fireplaces appeared in front of him, freezing when he saw someone waiting there patiently, his messy hair giving away his identity.
"Cedric Diggory," Harry Potter said, green eyes practically glowing in the dimness of the Atrium. "I've been waiting for you. Come along."
Cedric watched Lord Potter walk past him before following, his heart racing as he tried to remember what he did to capture Lord Potter's attention.
"I'm so sorry, sir," Cedric said. "Did I do something wrong?"
"On the contrary," Lord Potter said, "You've excelled at everything you've done here. Did you know you were the only employee who offered to work on Christmas?"
Those his words were filled with praise, Cedric felt a bit of dread sink into his stomach. What did Lord Potter want with him?
"It's nothing, sir," Cedric said. "Everyone else has a family to get to, and I am more than happy to help out."
"Please, call me Harry," Lord Potter said as they arrived at his office. He unlocked the door with wandless magic, holding it open for Cedric to enter.
"As you wish," Cedric said, entering Harry's office and taking a seat in the chair in front of the imposing desk. Harry joined him not a moment later, leaning against the desk instead of sitting behind it.
"Do you have any idea why I've brought you here, Cedric?" Harry asked, a smirk gracing his handsome face.
"I...I don't, Harry. No."
“You stole something from me,” Harry said. With a wave of his wand, ropes sprung out and wrapped themselves around Cedric.
“Harry, what are you…I swear I didn’t steal anything,” Cedric said, panicking. “Please believe me.”
“Oh, I don’t think you meant to,” Harry said, standing up from the edge of this desk and walking towards Cedric. He leaned down, cupping Cedric’s cheek with his hand. “I can forgive you, but I’d need something from you.”
“What is it?” Cedric asked, taking deep breaths to calm himself. “What do you want from me?”
“You mentioned you didn’t have a family to go home to?” Harry said, making Cedric blink. “I’m assuming you were talking about a significant other?”
“Er…yes, I suppose.” Cedric said. “What-“
“I could offer you that,” Harry said, tracing his thumb over Cedric’s cheek bone. “You could come home Christmas Day to a house full of presents if you say yes.”
“Harry, I…I don’t have any gifts for you, though,” Cedric tried to argue feebly.
“I don’t need a present if I’ve got you.” Harry answered, his thumb moving to trace Cedric’s bottom lip, making him shiver.
“Harry, what exactly was it that I stole from you?” Cedric asked.
“Why Cedric,” Harry smiled down at him. “You stole my heart.”