Work Text:
Cedric and Harry had broken into the Hogwarts Kitchen a while ago. The pristine metallic counters and sinks had already engraved itself into their memory. Cedric had found out about the secret passageway into the kitchen and invited his competition, the only one who accepted was Harry.
Of course, Harry already knew about the passageway due to Fred and George. But Harry rather enjoyed the kind gesture and thought it'd be rude to rain on Cedric's parade. House-Elves were still everywhere, the poor things. Harry applauds Hermione's prominence in the House Elf revolution, but he knew it would make no change.
Cedric had gone to collect some food, and left Harry were they had been sitting. It was sort of awkward, there wasn't any conversation due to the lack of starters. Harry was already at a bad start. Ron, of course, was still going through his hissy fit, and Hermione spent most of her time trying to keep him calm. Bless her heart.
Cedric came back with a tray filled with finger foods, sandwiches, chips, various sweets(which included Harry's favorite, Treacle Tarts), and some drinks as well. "Hope you're hungry, I might've gone overboard... But hey, eat what you can" Cedric spoke, as if unsure of himself. Cedric's cheeks were dusted a light pink, making Harry wonder if the drinks he brought were spiked.
Harry grabs one or two sandwiches and a slice of Treacle Tart, eating it slowly to not make any noise chewing. Cedric grabbed a wide selection, Harry suddenly looking very picky compared to Cedric. Out of slight embarrassment, Harry didn't look at Cedric. He chose to focus on what he was eating, and only that.
"Hey Harry"
Harry looks up at Cedric. He raised an eyebrow.
"Why do you like Treacle tarts so much. Heard it was your favorite. Why?" Cedric questioned, looking genuinely curious. Harry thinks for a moment.
"What's not to love? It’s sweet, sour, and… and— That didn't sound weird, did it?" Harry looks down, looking at the floor. He was smiling slightly.
Cedric chuckled softly and seemed to think for a moment, lowering his head with a determined look. The red on his cheeks only growing brighter. Even with his light brown hair covering most of his face, he was still very attractive. Model esque, Harry would say. Harry just turned his focus on his sandwich again, maybe he weirded the other out. It wouldn’t be shocking. He really just needs to keep his mouth closed sometimes.
He lost his track of thoughts after he feels breathing getting closer to his face. Before even thinking he reeled back his arm and slung his fist into whatever was in front of him. The thing that got punched was Cedric, who doubled-down in pain.
“I’M SO SORRY!” Harry shouted, making one or two house-elves look at the commotion. Cedric was smiling and waving his hand in a ‘no worries’ motion.
“No- ouch- No! It’s fine… I should’ve alerted you or- or asked!” Cedric took a very deep breath through tight teeth. Cedric removed his hand and looked up at Harry. “It isn’t to bad, is it?” In reality his nose was slightly crooked and bleeding pretty heavily. Harry, of course, feels around the other boys nose.
“Well… it isn’t broken…” Harry said awkwardly, quickly retracting his hand. Cedric looked at Harry with slight admiration, through the apparent pain.
“Bloody-hell… You can throw a punch Chosen One! Teach me your ways!” Cedric took Harry’s hands in his, leaning forward like an excited puppy. It was Harry’s turn to blush now, how Harry learned to punch wasn’t pleasant. But he felt bad for hurting Cedric, so grabbing a handful of napkins he pressed them against Cedric’s bleeding nostrils. Cedric fixed up his nose.
“What on Merlin were you even trying to do, Cedric?” Harry asked, like the oblivious lion he is. Cedric looked away in shame.
“Ah- I was trying to… kiss you.” Cedric moved his hands to the back on his own neck. Harry's face flushed red, and Cedric could feel the heat coming off of Harry.
“Wha-What about Cho? Aren’t you two dating, or whatever.” Harry asked, a pang of jealousy in his voice. Cedric laughed lightly, before explaining.
“Me and Cho aren’t actually dating. It’s an act, so others don’t suspect the truth. I’m quite into my own gender. I shouldn’t have assumed, I’m sorry.” Cedric apologized for nothing. It was a shock to Harry, but he was happy. But, rather than being happy he could have Cho, he was more happy to have a chance with Cedric. For some demented reason, Harry was shocked in himself. For yearning for Cedric instead of Cho. He had crushed on other boys before, but Harry was so oblivious he thought everyone had those types of thoughts. Now that he’s older, and actually thought about it… women have never been attractive. Never, not even Cho. Cedric shifted at the look on Harry’s face.
“I know, a shocker. A boy like me, it’s a big shocker. I know I’ve already said this but-“
Cedric couldn’t even finish his sentence. Harry had kissed him before he could. Harry quickly pulled away, both his hands on a different side of the others face. Cedric’s eyes were wide, and both of their faces were flushed bright crimson. “Stop apologizing, don’t even think about it.”
“You…? Are you… y’know… or did you just feel obligated to kiss me?” Cedric asked, causing Harry to furrow his brows further.
“Cedric! Stop over thinking, I wanted to kiss you! I wasn’t obligated to do shit!” Harry shouted, making Cedric’s eyes become even larger, before dropping back down as he smiled.
“Is it alright if I kiss you? Swear you’ll punch somewhere not vital?” Cedric teased.
“Keep talking like that and I’ll make sure to punch you somewhere even more sacred.” Harry glared at Cedric, completely serious. Cedric’s smile faded as he realized what the smaller boy meant.
“Is that a yes?” Cedric asked very slowly.
“Yes. It is.” Harry stated, leaning in closer. Cedric is finally able to initiate the kiss, without pain that is. The kiss was short and sweet, something that Cedric might crave for the rest of his life. Cedric is so glad none of the other competitors accepted his invitation, because this was perfect.