Take it Together ***REWRITTEN!!! READ: TAKE IT TOGETHER-TAKE 2***

Chapter 3

Harry stood, rooted to the spot for a second. Then he let go of the cup, which bounced away across the ground, and slowly lifted up his hand, letting it rest on Cedric's shoulder. His fingers tangled in the soft brown hair at the base of the other boy's neck. Cedric's lips were soft and warm, but the arms holding Harry were strong and dependable. Harry felt more secure than he had felt since his name came out of the Goblet. He was safe. Cedric was safe. And oh Gods, Cedric....

The crowd grew quiet when they realized what was happening. Not silent, but it was still a noticeable change in the noise level.

Then there was an outbreak of whispering, and some jeers. Others whooped and called out in support. And clapping. Some people began to clap, the sparse sound echoing through the stadium.

Harry and Cedric broke apart, their breath slightly ragged. Harry looked at the ground, not wanting to see his friends' reactions. He hadn't told any of them that he was gay! To hell with it all, he hadn't even known he was gay until now.

Cedric tapped Harry on the shoulder. Harry jumped and looked up at him, smiling nervously. "Harry? Are you ok?"

"Yeah," he said valiantly, his eyes flicking to a group of Slytherin sixth years who were booing loudly.

Cedric gave him a sad smile. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that."

Harry looked at him in surprise. "It's not your fault they're idiots. I'm-" he paused for a second. "I'm glad you did it."

Cedric flashed him a wide smile. "Hey. Thanks for the help with the tournament,"

"I told you already," Harry grinned. "We're square."

Cedric's face sort of melted. He looked down to hide his blush and seemed to remember Harry's ankle. "Oh, sorry!"

He repositioned his arm, and helped Harry limp toward a tent at the edge of the stands. Along the way people spat at them, and stuck out their feet, trying to make them trip. Some people smiled knowingly and gave them hugs, or patted them on their backs.

The pair managed to make it all the way to the medic's tent without meeting any of Harry's friends. Some friends of Cedric's tried to talk to him, he waved pointedly, and kept walking. Cedric was solid and stable, as Harry leaned into his side. He gripped the other boy's hand. Cedric was an island, the only hospice in the flood of people.

When they finally reached the medical tent, Cedric lowered Harry onto a bench. Madam Pomfrey came bustling over. She crouched by Harry's ankle, forcefully looking away from the two boys' clasped hands. Cedric looked at her anxiously.

"Can you look after him from here?"

She nodded, and drew her wand, muttering a spell.Cedric looked to Harry, lowering his voice, he murmured, "I should go."

He looked through the door out toward a group of his friends pushing their way toward the tent. He gave Harry a sad smile and squeezed his hand. "See you later?"

"Y-yeah," Harry breathed. Cedric leaned over and brushed his lips over Harry's.

"See you later," he whispered, and slipped out of the tent, disappearing