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Cho Chang always got what she wanted in the end. Cedric still remembered the first time he met Cho. She had been all of six years old, a grade younger than Cedric at the primary school they both attended. She had caught sight of Cedric, marched up to him, and declared that they would be best friends forever. And really, who was Cedric to disagree?
Ever since that moment, they had been attached at the hip. Nothing could split them up, not even their ill-fated attempt at dating, before Cedric had discovered that he was not interested in women at all, and Cho discovered that she liked all genders. So when Cho wanted Cedric to be her plus one at her workplace's Christmas party, Cedric didn't hesitate to say yes.
"You're sure?" Cho asked, raising an eyebrow. "It's going to be really boring, lots of schmoozing the rich clients."
"Of course," Cedric laughed.
"And lame celebrities. They're not as fun in person as you would think," Cho continued. "They never really pay attention to us anyway, it's always the C-level they spend time with."
"Cho,"
"I mean, I know I brought up Harry Potter to tempt you, but they say that you should never meet your heros...or celebrity crushes or whatever..."
"Cho!"
"And you might barely get to see him, you know. It's the first year he's agreed to come to one of these..."
"Cho," Cedric grabbed her shoulders, finally capturing her attention. "I want to come. Not because Harry Potter will be there, but for you. Plus, we can make fun of the lame celebrities together."
Cho beamed at him, throwing her arms around his waist. "Thank you. It's my first Christmas since Ziara broke up with me, and I don't want to go to this alone."
"Hey, what are best friends for?" Cedric asked. "And who knows, maybe Harry Potter will be such a jerk that I can get over my silly crush on him?"
"But then you'll need a new celebrity crush," Cho mumbled into his chest. "And you've spent so many years pining for this one, that would be such a waste."
Harry Potter had started acting at a young age, and had been contracted at the talent agency that Cho now worked at, and Cedric had followed his career from the beginning. At first, Cedric had thought it was purely admiration., but Cho eventually pointed out it was more than that. Cedric had been the first person she called when she got the job at London's top talent agency, teasing him that she would get to work closely with Harry.
Of course, Cho really didn't get to see Harry Potter all that often, but the few times she had met the actor, she said he was polite.
"Well, who knows," Cedric said, continuing their conversation. "Maybe I'll meet him and like him better than before."
The night of the party came quickly, and Cedric found himself stuffed into his best suit, Cho's arm linked with his as they mingled in the ballroom of the hotel that was hosting the party.
"He's set to star in the next blockbuster," Cho whispered in Cedric's ear as an ordinary man shuffled past them. "Terrific actor."
She had been doing this throughout the night, pointing out actors who were up and coming, or sharing tidbits of gossip.
"Ooo, and she's dating a co-star. I don't think it'll last."
She kept him so distracted, that Cedric hadn't even had a chance to look around and see if Harry Potter had arrived yet. Not that he would try and talk to him, of course. But it would be nice to try and see him.
"Cho darling, I must use the lavatory," Cedric said in his poshest accent, making Cho giggle.
"But darling, will I see you soon?"
"I shan't be long," Cedric said, pressing a kiss to both her cheeks before excusing himself. He heard several ladies nearby giggle, one of them telling Cho that she was a lucky lady before he was out of earshot.
Cedric entered the lavatory that appeared to be empty, and he let out a soft sigh. He was having fun, but he would definitely enjoy it when the night was over as well.
"Ron, thank god," A familiar voice called out, interrupting Cedric's peace. "T ell me again why you've dragged me to this holiday party ?"
Cedric peeked around the corner to see Harry Potter washing his hands at the sink. "Er..."
"Oh," Harry glanced up, meeting Cedric's eyes in the sink. God, but they were greener in person. "You're not Ron."
"Afraid not, sorry." Cedric grinned sheepishly at Harry, willing his heart to stop racing. "Sorry, I thought the bathroom was empty."
"No, it's fine." Harry said, watching Cedric warily.
"Right, sorry. My name is Cedric Diggory, I'm here with Cho Chang." Cedric said, holding out his hand for a handshake. After a moment, Harry shook it, sending sparks up Cedric's arm. "...and you?"
Oh my god , Cedric despaired when Harry gave him an odd look. He thinks I'm a complete idiot. Of course I know his name. Everyone knows his name.
"Er...I'm Harry. Harry Potter," Harry said at last. "Nice to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine," Cedric said, giving Harry his most charming smile. "So, what do you do for a living?"
Harry's eyes widened slightly, and Cedric winced internally. His brain was on total autopilot at the moment, and it was making him look like a total fool.
"You really..." Harry blinked at him. “Don’t you know who I am?”
“Uh…” Cedric tried to think of an explanation without sounding like a total idiot.
“Never mind,” Harry cut him off, looking amused. “It’s…I had a background role in a movie once, and I let it get to my head. I’m nobody.”
Well, that wasn’t true at all.
“Nobody is nobody, Mr Potter.” Cedric replied, instead of calling Harry out on his mistruth.
“Please, call me Harry,” He said, a soft smile on his face. “Just Harry,”
“Well, just Harry,” Cedric replied, “I’ve taken up too much of your time.”
“Oh no, not at all,” Harry said, “actually, I was wondering…did you wanna get out of here?”
“What?” Cedric asked, surprised.
“These parties…not really my thing.” Harry said, a hand reaching up to ruffle his own hair. “I just wanna go to the Indian restaurant down the street, but going alone sounds boring…”
“You want me to keep you company?” Cedric asked.
“Only if you want,” Harry responded quickly.
“That sounds a lot better than hanging around here.” Cedric laughed. “Let me tell my friend that I’m leaving, and we can head out.”
Cedric had no idea what he was getting himself into, but he knew he didn’t want to miss it!