Chapter 8
As Harry made his way through the castle he ran into cedric. "Harry it's past curfew, what are you doing up?" Harry shrugged, looking rather defeated. "Got kicked out of my dorm."
Cedric furrowed his brow, concerned. "Kicked out? Why? What happened?"
Harry sighed, trying to find the right words. "I didn't put my name in the Goblet of Fire, Cedric. I don't want to be in the Triwizard Tournament, but no one believes me. The whole school thinks I did it for fame and glory."
Cedric's eyes widened, horror dawning on him. "Merlin, Harry, I'm so sorry. I didn't think... I didn't realize..." He shook his head, frustrated with himself.
Seeing Harry's defeated expression, Cedric offered, "You don't have to wander around the castle. Come stay in the Hufflepuff dormitory tonight. We have an extra bed, and you shouldn't be alone right now." Cedric led Harry toward the Hufflepuff common room, a silent understanding passing between them.
Upon entering the Hufflepuff dormitory, a wave of hushed whispers and curious glances swept through the students. As the commotion grew, Cedric raised his voice, demanding silence. With an air of frustration, he admonished his fellow Hufflepuffs for their reactions, emphasizing that Harry, abandoned by his own house, was now under Hufflepuff protection. Reminding them of their obligation to help, Cedric's stern words had a profound effect. The once-disapproving crowd fell silent, and a collective understanding emerged. In a heartening display of unity, they not only provided Harry with his own room but also sneaked in snacks from the kitchen, extending a comforting gesture to their newfound housemate.
Harry did his best to ignore the spiteful glares from students of other houses and focused on his breakfast. Cedric's company and the support of the Hufflepuff students had created a comforting environment.
After breakfast, Cedric escorted Harry to his classes, chatting along the way. Harry remained oblivious to any flirts Cedric might have thrown his way. However, their peaceful walk came to an abrupt halt when Viktor, radiating intense heat, grabbed Cedric by the throat and shoved him against the wall.
"Viktor!" Harry called out, rushing to intervene. Feeling the heat intensify, Harry yanked Viktor away and pulled him into a hug. Cedric, now gasping for breath, sank to the floor, clutching his throat.
Viktor, realizing what had happened, panicked and checked Harry for any burns. Assured that Harry was unharmed, Viktor continued to look concerned. "You can't burn me; I'm okay. Please, calm down," Harry reassured him.
As they glanced over at Cedric, they noticed a Viktor-sized handprint burned into his throat. Cedric, showing remarkable resilience, remarked, "Damn... had I not been actually worried for my life, that would have been kinky as hell." The unexpected comment lightened the tension, and even Viktor managed a small, relieved smile.
After the incident, Harry, still concerned, chided Viktor, "Viktor, that was bad; you could have seriously hurt Cedric."
Viktor, realizing the gravity of his actions, shifted to his cute and apologetic expression, complete with pleading eyes, and hugged Harry. The cute display softened Harry's resolve, and he couldn't stay mad for long.
Meanwhile, Cedric, recovering from the surprise attack, remarked, "Oops. Sorry for hitting on you, Harry; didn't know you were already taken."
Harry, puzzled, responded, "You were hitting on me?" The revelation took him by surprise, and he exchanged a bemused glance with Viktor. The trio shared a moment of awkward laughter, diffusing the tension further.
Harry took a deep breath, his heart fluttering with a mix of emotions. "Am I taken?" he asked Viktor, seeking confirmation.
Viktor smiled warmly, "Yes, малката ми птичка. My little bird." Gently cupping Harry's face in his hands, Viktor leaned in and kissed him. Cedric, with a knowing smile, decided to give them some privacy. "Well, I guess I'll leave you two to it... have fun, use protection. See ya, Harry! Tell me all about it when you get back to the dorms!" he quipped before rushing off.
Viktor chuckled softly, his eyes filled with love as he gazed at Harry. However, their moment was interrupted by an approaching figure. Ron stormed over, shoving a letter into Harry's hands. "Use your own fucking owl from now on, Potter!" he spat before storming off. Viktor growled in response, but Harry just patted him on the shoulder.
Opening the letter from 'Snuffles,' Harry read its contents silently.
Dear Harry
First off. I'm on my way. I don't want to hear any arguing. I'm not just going to stay put while you're in danger. youll know where to find me when im here second off fuck ron the hell is wrong with that kid. has he not been with you since first year he should know you by now. third off. do tell me about this person you like, i hope i'm not the last to know. I wish I could meet this person but well we both know how that probably goes.
stay safe harry i love you
Yours truly
Snuffles
Viktor noticed and inquired, "Who is Snuffles?" Harry bit his lip, folding the letter and replied, "I'll tell you when the time is right. I don't think it's the best time to tell you about him. I promise I will, just not right now, okay?"
Viktor nodded, understanding the seriousness in Harry's tone. He gently took Harry's hand and said, "I trust you, малката ми птичка (My little bird). We have time, and I am here for you." They walked off together, hand in hand, leaving the chaos of the morning behind as they sought solace in each other's company.
Days later, as Viktor and Harry relaxed by the lake, the twins approached. Viktor, spotting them first, glared in their direction. "Hey there, big guy. We weren't the ones who kicked Harry out; that was all Ron," they explained. Then, looking at Harry, they continued, "We heard a rumor about a big black dog back in Hogsmeade."
Harry's eyes widened, and he jumped up. "Oh, shit! He's probably starving!" Viktor stood up as well, asking, "You feed stray dogs?" Harry cleared his throat awkwardly, "Uh... it'll be easier to explain when we get there. Fred, George, work on the food basket for me. I gotta explain stuff to Viktor since he's my boyfriend now, and I trust him to know. I'm going to grab my cloak, so I'll take the basket from you when I pass the kitchen."
The twins nodded, and they all headed toward the kitchen area. Harry went into the Hufflepuff dorms, and the twins tickled a pear to get into the kitchen. Harry emerged first with a cloak in his arms and a piece of parchment, while the twins followed not too long after with a picnic basket. "Had the elves load it up, don't worry, Harry," they assured him.
"Thanks, guys. Come on, Viktor, follow me. Time to meet Snuffles." Harry took the basket from the twins and led Viktor out of the castle. Before entering the Forbidden Forest, Harry covered both of them with the cloak. "This is my invisibility cloak. This is something only a small handful of people know about, as well as this," he explained as they reached the Whomping Willow. Harry managed to hit the knot on the trunk with a rock and led the pair down the very tight passageway into the Shrieking Shack. As they emerged, Harry removed the cloak, and a large black dog came from around the corner into the room where the tunnel opened up. Harry put down the basket and looked at Viktor. "You trust me, right?"