The Three Of Them

I woke up when I heard Ron tugging on the curtains, splendid I was about to be revealed to the entire 5th year boys dorm in little more than underwear. I pulled the sheets over my head; maybe they would all assume I was a pillow.
“OI HARRY!! Breakfast is in five minutes! Don’t over sleep; me and the guys will meet you in the Great Hall mate!” Thankfully Ron didn’t actually open the curtains, though it didn’t stop my heart from beating wildly in my rib cage. Harry had curled himself around me sometime during the night but had rolled away a moment ago and was now flat on his back stretching his whole body. I took several cleansing breaths and stretched my own tired body. The door shut and I scrambled into the bathroom, shutting it in Harry’s confused face.
“Erika? Oh right….um do you need anything?” Oh wow this was awkward, the morning after, yea after nothing, He saw, and felt, me naked but that wasn’t anything that hadn’t accidently happened at the Weasley’s the summer before. I knew the fatal difference though, Harry and I almost shagged last night, perfect today was going to not only be torture but it would be awkward torture. I may have gotten more sleep then I had all week but I still felt wiped out, the effort it took for me to keep sanity flowing through my veins was draining me. My body was already shaking from the effort it took to stand and wash my face, I toyed with the idea of a full blown shower but I didn’t have time, wasn’t sure I could stand that long, and I didn’t look half bad, re-do my make-up and I’d be set.
“Breakfast’s started already and I need in there love!” Harry knocked on the door softly, when I opened it he was in underwear with a towel around his neck, god what I wouldn’t give to be able to get ready in ten minutes! I flew past him, pausing only at the door to tell him to meet me in the common room. I threw on my uniform and brushed my hair, thank god Ginny knew her glamour spells! Re-doing my make-up took longer than anticipated and by the time I managed to get into the common room Harry was lounging in an arm chair reading The Daily Prophet, his hair dripping on his shoulders.
“Do you enjoy letting your hair drip all over you? You’re lucky it’s still fairly nice out or you’ll catch your death!” I stuck out my tongue and sauntered past him to the portrait hole, I could feel him shadow me, it reminded me so much of Cedric, especially when he caught me after a very ungraceful tumble I took just outside of the portrait hole.
We were laughing all the way to breakfast passing only a few stray Gryffindor’s and two patrolling Prefects. It helped me almost forget about Cedric entirely, until I had to retrieve my schedule. The Head Boy and Head Girl were at the teachers table passing out school schedules, Cedric A-M and Carrie Whitlittle N-Z. Fantastic start to my day killing my appetite outright is definitely the way to go.
“Harry go get my schedule.” He looked at me with one eyebrow raised. “Please? I don’t want to talk to….him please?” He nodded, thank god for The-Boy-Who-Lived, for the less obvious reason(s). I peeled away from my best friend and sat between Ron and Dean, glad that they were both tall enough to hide me from view.
“Erika I might not be Harry but I expect you to eat just the same.” Ron nudged me out of my day blank (It can’t be a day dream because I wasn’t thinking about anything). He scooped some eggs onto my plate followed by an English muffin. It really smelled wonderful but the yellow of the eggs and the slightly burnt edges of the muffin brought my Hufflepuff into thought.
“Ron I really don’t think –MFFTP!” Ron was not Harry because I now had a mouthful of egg I was trying to breathe around. Way to bring back my appetite Ron. I swallowed and grabbed the fork from him, stupid tosser, I can feed myself I just didn’t want to. I finished half the eggs by the time Harry got back.
“I was about to send Ron on a search and rescue mission, what happened? Did you get lost?” I laughed as Harry as he glared at me. “Where’s my schedule?” I held out my hand expectantly.
“Well that’s the thing; you had two of them so I chose one for you. You’ll be taking 7th year classes, you basically skipped a grade. Your first class is Advanced Potions with Huffle….puff.” Harry’s voice trailed off as my group of friends went silent; they all looked nervously around at one another.
“Erika? Do you want me to change it back?” Harry stood and tired to take my schedule back but I leaned into Ron gripping the paper firmly in my hand. This paper meant I would be forced to interact with Cedric, forced to endure the sweet torture that was being in his presence. Changing my schedule would mean I would only see him during Quiddich games and at random intervals in the halls. I would rather be around him even if I couldn’t be with him.
***
“Welcome to your final year in Potions, I assure you this year will be the most difficult you have yet encountered. To have made it this far says a great deal about your skill in potions. Today’s assignment is to research and chose a potion that takes six months to brew. I want two feet on the potion you chose, you will begin brewing it next week along with your normal in class potions. You may use what books I have here but I would suggest you all take a field trip to the library; I have permission slips for you to all use the restricted section should you desire to peruse those potions. Class dismissed.” Snape took his time walking around the room completing the circle as he finished his instruction. There were only five Gryffindor’s and four Hufflepuff’s in this course, it would have been even had I not chosen to ‘skip’ my sixth year. Snape sneered at me when I walked in and sat up front, I assumed Cedric had chosen a seat near the back as I couldn’t see him. When I turned to follow Snape around the room our eyes met, he was two rows behind me, seated next to Aaron Flemming. After a moment Cedric seemed to convulse slightly, one of his hands gripped the top of the desk his knuckles turning white with effort.
I stood slowly, permission slip in hand. I walked behind everyone, keeping my pace relaxed and trying desperately not to fall all over myself. After leaving the classroom I lost sight of Cedric, he probably ran as soon as he had cleared the door, apparently being around me was now physically painful. I had to think of something else, or someone else. I could think about Harry but as soon as I spoke his name in my head I was assaulted with images from the night before, of our awkward moment of passion. Which lead me to think about how badly I wanted it to be Cedric instead, I wanted my talented lover back, his whispered words of love and comfort, his tender touches. I wanted him to look at me as if he were trying to memorize me in my entirety. I wanted him to shadow me again, to touch me whenever possible and steal kisses. I wanted – OH MY GOSH!
I was suddenly pulled into an alcove, one where a statue should have been; I thought fondly that it must be on a walk before I remembered I should be terrified. Someone’s warm body covered mine and pinned me to the cold dungeon wall. My eyes were shut from fear and for a moment I thought about blindly hexing them. Until I felt my blood tingle and I knew it was Cedric.
“Seems you’ve moved on quickly, glad to see I’m so easy to get over.” His words were like a slap to the face. Why on earth would he think I’ve moved on? Harry and I were acting as we always had and there was no other boy than maybe Ron or Dean who had any contact with me.
“Ce-Cedric?” The only word that would form in my mouth was his name so I made it a question, praying he wouldn’t leave me. His mouth was inches from mine but it was curled in a snarl, I could feel his eyes on me but I was too stunned to meet his gaze. His breath came hard and fast assaulting my senses and putting my mind in a haze. My heart was tattooing a pattern on the inside of my chest and fear gripped me. He suddenly moved, to punch the wall next to my head, the stone crumbling under the power of his fist. The sheer anger I seemed to invoke in the normally docile Hufflepuff was horrific. As his fist connected with the wall I yelped in fear and crumpled to the floor, my hands wrapped around my head. Cedric turned his back to me and I could see his fists shake with rage, his knuckles turning white and his body trembling. I couldn’t have run if I wanted to, my legs had turned to jelly and my body was quickly following suite.
“You reek of Potter; I can smell him all over you……damn it! I can’t care like this! I can’t love you.” He leaned his body into the wall opposite me, his forearms coming to rest on the cold stone. Did he just say he could SMELL Harry on me? How the hell was that possible?!
“WHY?! Why are you saying that? Why won’t you love me?” I managed to find my voice finally full of strength I didn’t know I possessed. I still couldn’t stand but it didn’t matter, I didn’t need to stand to make him answer me.
“Because it’s not safe, I can’t love you because you won’t be safe.” His voice reveled the pain he was experiencing at the moment. His body sagged into the wall, his weak muscles strained with the effort to support his tall frame.
“What?” Only thought in my head at the moment was simple – WHAT THE FUCK?! None of this made sense, Cedric could ‘smell’ Harry on me and he had just punched a hole in a solid stone wall. Now he was using that same wall to support his frail body.
“Every set of Soul Mates is predicted and the prophesy stored in the department of mystery. My father took me to show me ours. It said that if we were together you would be in mortal danger, your life would be threatened and I could lose you. I can’t do that to you, I can’t endanger you, and above all I can’t lose you.” He had moved to kneel next to me, one of his hands reach up to brush a hair from my face and against my better judgment I flinched at the contact, shrinking into the wall to escape this man I didn’t know anymore(if I ever knew him), he looked wild and full or rage and desire.
“ERIKA!” HARRY! Wow that wasn’t completely stupid was it? Of course it was I just responded in my head because I was too stunned to move. Cedric’s body coiled in response to the noise. I could hear Harry’s heavy footfalls speed up and could see Cedric grow more agitated with each loud slap of Harry’s shoes.
“HARRY STOP!” I yelled without turning around and the sound of Harry’s running came to an instant halt. Cedric’s eyes locked with mine and I reach up to run my fingers through his hair, he closed his eyes and leaned into the touch a quite moan reverberating though his chest. The sound Cedric made vibrated me to the core, I suddenly had the strong desire to make love with him right here in the hallway.
“Erika are you alright?” Cedric’s eyes snapped open and all his attention was suddenly fixed on Harry. I had to react, to move, to do something. So I did the only thing I could do, I launched my body at Cedric crashing my lips to his as we tumbled to the floor. He managed to stay on top as we tumbled and once we stopped moving I looked straight up allowing him access to my neck. Harry was upside down to me and it made me dizzy so I shut my eyes and spoke in a low whisper.
“Harry something’s different, Cedric had changed you need to leave now! I’m going to be fine PLEASE GO NOW!” My voice was no louder than a whisper but I was screaming at Harry on the inside. I could feel Cedric lean back, his warm body leaving mine to focus on Harry again, the muscles in his body began to ripple with tension and he started quivering. “HARRY GO NOW!” I looked at Harry as he turned to leave us and felt Cedric’s body start to leave mine.
“Cedric stay with me, love I need you.” I propped my body up on my elbows, successfully placing myself between Cedric and a retreating Harry. The door at the end of the hall slammed shut and Cedric turned to me once again. The shimmer in his eyes was back and his cheeks were flushed with healthy color, but despite being more like the Cedric I remembered I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was different. He was looking at me as if I was something to eat and it made me squirm in place knowing I had just sent my only chance at escape away.
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“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! I should have controlled myself better. Are you alright?” Cedric had peeled himself from me a moment ago and was offering to help me up. I didn’t take his hand; I couldn’t comprehend what had just happened. A few minutes ago Cedric had been like a wild animal and I was convinced he would harm Harry or even me. He kneeled above me and I scrambled into the wall to escape him. He crawled toward me like a lion that had just captured a lamb and I could do little more than whimper in fear as he drew closer.
“STUPEFY!” Dumbledore’s voice rang out strong and clear and Cedric crumpled to the floor, I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding as Dumbledore, Harry, Snape, and McGonagall rushed towards me, as they approached my body finally relaxed and I slumped against the wall.
“ERIKA! ERIKA ARE YOU OK?!?” Harry’s face invaded my vision and I tried in vain to focus on him.
“Mr. Potter I think we should go to the Hospital wing as Miss Harper seems about to-“ Yeah I totally blacked out.
***
“No I am sorry Mr. Potter there is no change as of yet.” Madame Pomfrey’s voice woke me, because I love to be woken up to nails on a chalk board. I was blocked off on all sides by the thick white screens I had seen surround Harry so many times. I shifted my weight to sit up and found myself surrounded by flowers and sweets, typical Hogwarts reaction to injury.
“Poppy I do believe she is in fact awake now and I think Mr. Potter would like to be the one to tell her. We’ll be having a cup of tea in Madame Pomfrey’s office.” I heard two sets of footsteps fade into the distance; this Hospital wing was much too big, did they think that the whole school would ever be here at the same time? Harry slipped through the screens and smiled at me but it didn’t reach his eyes.
“How long have I been out?” That’s always a good thing to know, it could be a few hours since I was last awake or a few days….weeks…..months!
“Two days but they don’t know why. You blacked out in the hallway but Cedric hadn’t cast anything since patrolling the night before.” Harry’s voice was soft and comforting, but when he mentioned Cedric my heart began to race.
“Where? Where is Cedric?” My body reacted and I tried to stand desperately seeking Cedric. Stop! Why was I looking for him?! He left me because he thought it would protect me but I was wasting away! He had threatened Harry and had punched a hole into a SOLID STONE WALL!! So when I think about Cedric I should be flooded with fear but instead I was drawn to him, heat pooling between my legs.
“Stop it! You’ve been seeking him in your sleep, I thought it was just your subconscious but this is ridiculous! Do you know how much danger you’re in?!” Harry had pinned me back onto the bed, his fingers gripping hard on my arms and I whimpered, which was immediately followed by something that sounded like a low growl. Harry stood up suddenly and peaked around my curtain for a moment before coming to sit on my bed.
“What was that?” I already knew what it was, it was Cedric. Harry simply nodded and lowered his eyes, his fingers knitting together nervously.
“Erika you were right, Cedric has changed. Dumbledore said that this bond is never meant to be broken, that it’s different. When Cedric left you his magic and blood changed him, he’s a Pectus. Cedric is only one of ten ever recorded in historie. McGonagall hasn’t explained much mostly because it’s so rare that there isn’t much written about them.” Harry paused for a moment but I had nothing, how was I supposed to react when I didn’t know what that meant? “Cedric feels very protective of you. When he woke up yesterday Dumbledore had to stun him again. He tried to attack any guy that was in the room including Dumbledore! I’m only here now because they chained him to the bed! Erika you cannot allow him to stay here anymore, Dumbledore wants to talk to you about Cedric. I want you to protect yourself and send him – “ Harry winced as Cedric growled again and this time I hear chains rustle.
“Yes Mr. Potter I believe that is enough for now. I will ask you to wait in your common room like the other houses, no detours. Thank you.” Dumbledore appeared around the screen and looked most skeletal. His skin was filmy and translucent and his face was tired and pained, I knew Cedric and I were not the most important thing he was dealing with. He was also tracking Voldemort and coordinating the Order of the Phoenix and (if I believed him) avoiding Harry. The-Boy-Who-Lived stood up suddenly and made his way quickly out of my line of sight; I could hear his pace increase to a run until he slammed into the door. It shut a moment later and the silence was stifling. I shifted uncomfortably as Dumbledore studied me.
“Miss Harper, you are now aware of the situation. The choice you will be asked to make in the next few hours is not an easy one, you will be in danger whichever you chose though I must alleviate some of the worry I believe Mr. Potter has inflicted. Mr. Diggory has changed yes, however I believe that he will calm down should you chose to be with him. Though sending him away is something we can also do should you not desire to belong to him because Miss Harper that is what will happen. Mr. Diggory sees you as his and his alone, to love, protect, and care for, it is a desperate sacrifice on his part but you will be sacrificing as well, for you did not choose Cedric but fate did for you. Now I will be back in a few hours for your decision.” He began shuffling away from me, waving his hand and removing the blinds around my bed. He was almost to the door before he spoke again, my eyes were fixed on the old man, afraid to look at the man I had so quickly fallen in love with. “Oh Miss Harper, you may unlock the shackles should you desire to do so.” I heard the chains clink a few feet away from me and knew Cedric’s eyes were on me. Dumbledore slipped through the massive door and it shut with a clank
“Are you alright love?” His voice was the same, though I wasn’t sure why I expected it to be different. I guess hearing about his change it just made since that he would be changed physically. I still refused to turn around. I was torn in two, the man next to me was my perfect match, he was the man I fell to pieces over when he left. Now he was the man that had ignored me and lied to me (Ok not LIED but withheld information) and just days before had become frighteningly aggressive and powerful. The coward in me wanted to send him away and get on with my life, but I knew after what we had shared I could never simply go back. He was so much a part of me; it was complete insanity that I had fallen hard in FOUR DAYS!! That lake must have really done something to me, I was officially insane! What is everyone going to think? Certainly there was no way Dumbledore would let us ‘live together’ in the school, though I’m sure there was enough room. His eyes were burning a hole though me and I forced myself to turn to him.
“C-Cedric?” He was sitting with his feet on the floor shoulder width apart. His hands hung between his knees and he was leaned forward. The chains were attached to the bed and then at his ankles and wrists and startlingly enough one was around his neck. I couldn’t believe how normal he seemed but completely different. His hair was ruffled and messy but looked soft and touchable. His eyes were greyer than the normal light brown and seemed shiny and large. He was in flannel pants only and he looked leaner, more toned, like a predator. He was smirking at me like he had done that first night and I had an uncontrollable urge to tackle him and fuck him in the infirmary. What the hell was he doing to me?!?!? OH MY GOSH! It was HIM! This was why I couldn’t control myself!
“Stop it Cedric! I know what you’re doing!” I was shocked at my own hardness and apparently so was Cedric because he stood suddenly and tried to lung at me when the chains glowed red and he fell back on the bed hissing in pain. I stood to rush to his side, because yes I am a complete moron. In my tiny jammies I skittered over to the wounded Hufflepuff. When I realized where I was it was too late, Cedric had his hands locked around my wrists. I jerked backwards only to be pulled forcefully against his bare chest, I promptly screamed and struggled harder. I could feel the heat radiating from the chains on his wrists but he held fast, he seemed solely focused on me. What he wanted with me was beyond me, but I assumed it wasn’t pleasant.
BOY WAS I WRONG! Cedric easily over powered me and soon his mouth was on mine, my body sang as his formed to mine. Despite his desperate and aggressive behavior he was incredibly caring, cradling my head as he turned our bodies into the soft bedding. As we fluffed the sheets around us I was assaulted by Cedric’s masculine scent and I was drunk on it. My mind was in a haze and all coherent thought left me, all my brain was registering was his hands on my body.
One hand was still cradling my head at the base of my neck but the other was skillfully undressing me, first my shirt which came off so quickly I didn’t know it was gone until his hand was massaging my breast. I arched my back into the contact and this new angle allowed him to remove my shorts, leaving me in nothing. WAIT!! WHY AM I SUDDENLY IN NOTHING!! I pushed against his chest and he released my lips but nothing else. His eyes locked with mine and he seemed to be waiting for something.
“Cedric what are we doing?” No really what are we doing? How dumb could I get? I mean really, I knew he was kissing me and I knew I was enjoying it. But bloody hell he was literally ‘the beast’ what did this mean? I guess it was a good thing I was graduating early. But this whole thing was so strange! A week ago I almost drowned on a frozen lake, almost because Cedric Diggory had saved me. Then the few days following my dip were full of a whirlwind romance. He was devoted and caring and never left my side, he completely accepted that we were Soul Mates. Though once faced with the possible danger of losing me he simply left. Now he was different and wanted me and I wasn’t sure how to react.
“This is us now. Your mine and I will always protect you.” His words tore me from my thoughts and I felt his grip lessen. My body slid onto the bed next to him, I barely made a dent in the mattress. Cedric covered me with a blanket and held me to his chest. I could definitely get used to this kind of affection, but could I get used to insane jealously? This whole thing was madness! I shouldn’t be faced with this kind of decision, send away an innocent boy because of what magic has done to him or submit myself to being his. What was I to him? An object like a treasured keepsake or was it love, but deep love? A week of whirlwind emotions and then almost no eating and even less sleep were not the best conditions for deep thought. Never mind how much school I had already missed from this endeavor. I needed to graduate and in order to do that I would have to stay with Cedric, at least that way I could function normally (What is normal for me anyways?).
“This is us….” I whispered back, looking into his eyes, he smiled and kissed me gently. And then all hell broke loose. I heard the door at the end of the hall burst open, the metal handles clanging loudly.
“ERIKA STOP!! THIS ISN’T RIGHT!” Harry was running toward us, followed by a terrified Ron. Stupid invisibility cloak, it really should be taken away from those two. Cedric held me to his chest, the blanket still wrapped around my naked body.
“Harry, this doesn’t concern you. You should be in your dorm room like Dumbledore told you.” Cedric’s voice was calm, but his grip around me tightened and I knew he was desperately trying to control himself. Harry ignored him, moving toward us with his wand raised. My heart began to run through my body setting an erratic pace, pumping adrenaline into my system. I was dying to move to stop this to help or hurt to ANYTHING. Harry seemed to move toward us in slow motion, his face a mask of fury and determination. Cedric was gripping me tighter, his eyes closing calmly and his breath even, a far cry from my strangled gasps to gulp in more air. This was the kind of panic attack I remember, not that strange drowning thing I experiences three nights ago, that was like being in the lake again, what is with that lake? Was it bewitched? Am I suffering some ill effect of extreme temperature? AM I GOING TO STOP BABBLING TO MYSELF AND FOCUS ON THE MATTER AT HAND?!?!? Harry was still coming toward us and I could feel Cedric’s chest rumble with a feral growl, this was so not going to end well.
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“Harry stop i-“ Fantastic I wasn’t fast enough. Cedric stood abruptly, me in hand, and backed into the bed behind us, Harry continuing his slow advance.
“Potter back off, I can’t control myself forever. Please.” Cedric was calm?! My heart was threatening to leave my body and Cedric was talking as if he were answering a question in class! Does he have some super human self control to go along with his new ‘powers’.
“Cedric let her go! You’re a monster how could you think she would accept you like this? When it’s not really a choice.” Harry was loud, too loud even for me. I felt Cedric flinch as Harrys’ voice grew more panicked and high pitched.
“Harry stop it! Don’t you understand how hard this is for him?! You’re threatening to take me away and he’s going to stop you. You can’t win. I want this, really I do. Believe me Harry this may not be exactly how I pictured things, but I want this.” Wow I managed to form words, AND they made sense! Harry stopped, thankfully, and lowered his wand.
“Erika….how……” Harry’s voice was quiet and each syllable tore at my heart. I knew choosing Cedric meant denying Harry, meant telling him no. I hate hurting people but I had made my choice.
“Harry I’m sorry.” I watched though my tears as Ron grabbed Harry and ran out of the room. This whole thing was getting out of hand. First Cedric and I are Soul Mates, but I’ll be in grave danger. Then Cedric changes into, literally, ‘The Beast’ and has a strong desire to protect me. Oh did I mention this is AFTER he left me and sent my life into a tailspin? This whole thing is just too strange right now.
“Erika? Can I take you home now?” His breath was hot on my ear and made my body shiver in delight. You can take me anywhere as long as you keep talking into my ear. Though I wasn’t sure where this ‘home’ place was I’m sure it’s wonderful.
“Miss Harper, I see you have made a decision. Very well then, Mr. Diggory you know where your rooms are. I trust this will put an end to this interesting start of term incident. Please make sure to act accordingly during school. I will watch for the invitation any day, now dinner is already over and I think both of you could do with a decent night’s sleep.” Dumbledore really knew how to sneak up on people, I about left my skin! He drifted out of the room slowly, seemingly distracted by something until suddenly he was struck with purpose and walked hurriedly out of the wing. I hardly noticed Cedric was moving until I noticed we were not in the Hospital Wing any longer, at the moment we were walking briskly along a 4th floor corridor I had only been through once and that was on a rather lengthy patrol last year with Cho Chang, who insisted we stick to the map we were given ‘even if it’s three am’.
We passed portrait after portrait of various magical people, from the inventor of the floo (Who looked rather charred) to the man who had discovered two new uses for mole spleen. We stopped suddenly in front of an enormous painting of a large lake, surrounded by a thick forest. This scene looked chillingly familiar; the glassy surface of the lake seemed to move and I felt drawn to it. Cedric set me down and I almost let the blanket slip off my body, had it not been for two strong hands pinning it to my shoulders. My Hufflepuff guided me ever close to the picture until I was sure we were stepping directly into the scene.
Suddenly it was gone, everything, the hall and the painting and was replaced by a large common room. The roaring fire which illuminated the small room, one arm chair and on couch were nestled together, had heated the room to a comfortable temperature. Cedric’s hands dropped from my shoulders and I could feel his entire body relax behind me. A rush of air from him rustled my hair and caused me to shiver and drop the blanket. And now I’m naked, fantastic…..uber fantastic!
“Don’t be shy; I won’t make you do anything.” He was talking directly into my ear, his hands ghosting over my arms, sending my body into a frenzy.
“Is it hard?” And with my lusty voice his mind is going straight to the gutter. Quick say something else. “When we’re out there, when it’s not just us.” The tension was back; his body was so fluid and effortless now. It was an amazing transformation; he was lucid and smooth and moved like an animal.
“It makes me nervous; being around all those other…..men……I can smell the effect you have on most of them. All those visitors, I may have been knocked out but it was all I dreamed about, how they would touch you and hold your hand. They whispered words to you and I couldn’t handle it. I don’t like it when other people touch what’s mine.” His hand ran lightly down my hair, his large grey eyes were consuming me.
“You can….smell…..them? I still don’t understand, are your still Cedric or are you an…animal?” I backed away from him, I wasn’t sure whether to be attracted to this new Cedric or fear it. He was staring at me like I might be good to eat and I shivered again, wow I hate shivering.
“I still love you. You’re still my Soul Mate. But it’s so much more now; I can sense you feel you even when you’re not close to me. I can smell everything and I am so much stronger. Professor Dumbledore said I’m like this so I can better protect you, he thinks that this is all because of our prophecy. I’m fine love, really I don’t mind. I quite enjoy these new changes, except for my obvious lack in self control, but now I know what’s going on so I can be more aware.” He tried cradling my cheek but I was beginning to feel overwhelmed, I turned away from him. “I would never harm you, please believe me.”
“Why did you attack me in the hall? You almost killed me!! You punched a hole in a solid stone wall an inch from my face!” Anger, perfect let’s just get really pissed in room with a beast. He balled his fists for a moment before taking a deep breath.
“You smelled like…..Harry…but it wasn’t just one area, it was all over! Like you had been with him in his bed or something. I just wanted to show him who you belong to but knew I would have just torn him apart. I was battling myself and needed to hit something, that wall was the closest thing that could take it. I was never thinking of hitting you, not ever, but why did you smell like Harry?” Shite, yea I’m about to admit to this new animal that I was in bed with Harry, that I had almost slept with Harry, that he had touched me and comforted me and kissed me. I think I was thinking out loud again because Cedric backed away from me, fury written in his features.
“I had a nightmare, as usual, but this was different it was more intense and it wouldn’t stop. I thought I was having a panic attack and I needed someone who would understand so I went to Harry. When I got there, just as I found him I felt like I was drowning, like water was filling my lungs and I was dying, but it was suddenly over and I was even more a mess. I was lost without you, and maybe Harry prayed on that but I wanted it just as much. We didn’t do much more than kiss but I did sleep in his bed.” My body began reacting to my panic and I was soon gasping for air in Cedric’s arms as tears fell on their own.
“The night before term started? That night is when you had that ‘panic attack’?” I nodded…..DID I NOT JUST SAY THAT?!?! “I had a dream that night, one so vivid I was sure it was reality. You were in the lake, you had saved me but I couldn’t get back in to save you, I started to feel you in the dream to feel your panic and your slowing heart. I woke up before you died and I was this. Ever since I left you I dreamed about that night but this one was different.” Was he blaming me? I drowned in his dream and MADE him a beast, right because I have some mythical power through HIS fucking DREAM.
“That dream affected me? I almost died because you’re sick subconscious wanted me dead? I don’t understand.” She shook his head, to apparently dislodge the offending idea, apparently even the suggestion of him desiring my death was uncomfortable.
“It was the change. When a Pectus changes it is in their dream state and it affects both Soul Mates, in three documented cases the other party died in the dream which means the Pectus is half a being for the rest of their life, almost like the Dementor’s Kiss.” He was whispering at the end of it, afraid that if he really said it out loud it would be true and he would have to face it. I didn’t want to look at him just yet knowing that his pain would be too much for me……..I AM STILL NAKED!!! Way to be aware of myself, I try in vain to grab the fallen blanket, but Cedric stops me (Damn horney teenager)
“Let’s go to bed, we’ve had a long day and I suspect this weekend is going to be interesting for both of us.” What did that mean? Oh but I am way too tired to care anymore, I have too much going on in my head and I just want to pass out for a little while and face everything later. Right now I had Cedric back and he wasn’t going anywhere, I was still confused and worried but those feelings would wait a few hours while I put myself back together.
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“Hello Mr. Diggory, Mrs. Diggory, very nice to see you again.” My words were flat and forced, my smile was plastered to my face even though all I wanted to do was scream and yell and throw a fit. This wouldn’t do though; I had to be nice to my future In-Laws, even if they did hate me.
“Miss Harper what a pleasure! I trust that after today we can put that whole summer nonsense behind us.” Amos was the only one laughing, Mrs. Diggory and I both flinched and Cedric thrummed his fingers nervously on the table. The four of us were situated in a small café in Hogsmade awaiting the arrival of my parents. They had all been informed of the ‘Situation’, as everyone seemed apt to call it, and had all reacted differently. The Diggory’s were in an uproar immediately, owl-ing every magical healer and scholar trying to find a way to ‘cure’ Cedric. This was in drastic contrast to my parents who were overjoyed to hear that I was getting married to ‘Mr. Wizard’ and Tri-Wizard Tournament Champion.
“So….Miss Harper-“ Amos began but Cedric soon cut him off with a glare.
“Her name is Erika, and seeing as how we’ll be married soon I suggest you start using it.” His voice was low and dangerous and I knew how hard he was trying to control himself, being in a mass of people like this was grating on his nerves, he could feel everyone and small everything and knew exactly what the sight of me did to several men in the area. He was grinding his teeth in effort not to tear one wizard apart after he sauntered over and asked to buy me coffee right after Cedric and I had arrived.
“Erika….my apologies. What is it your parents do for a living?” Condescending bastard, he knew perfectly well that both my parents work for the Prime Minister; he had been quite ‘impressed’ when he had spoken to them in Diagon Alley just two years ago.
“They work for the Prime Minister, sort of his two second in command. They organize everything from security, to appearances and even vacations. Though you’ll have to ask them more I only know the basics.” My parents finally walked in after an uncomfortable silence had fallen over the group. I ran and hugged them, my blissfully ignorant parents. My mother hugged Cedric tight and my father gave him a hearty hand shake. The Diggory’s stayed seated and only barely shook hands with my parents before setting into ‘business’.
“We understand that the Holiday break would be the best time for a wedding, however in light of the situation we were hoping to have something quick at the ministry this weekend. Get it over with you understand.” Mr. Diggory spoke in a hushed tone and nodded as he spoke. Cedric was white knuckling the table and I was sure it would splinter soon if the tension as not relieved.
“My daughter and I have already begun plans for a December 28th wedding, booked the hall and caterer and done a mock up invitation. We’ll be having a wedding Mr. Diggory and I’ll make sure my daughter sends you an invitation. We don’t need your help; it was lovely meeting you both. Have a nice day!” My mother was a whirl wind, and a bitch. I loved it! She was used to telling people how things were going to happen, she hadn’t ONCE been told what to do by anyone but the Prime Minister for the better part of ten years now. Her strength is what I drew upon now and her flippant disregard of Cedric’s parents seemed to put him at ease. My father simply waved as a very confused Mr. and Mrs. Diggory got up and left the table.
“I’m sorry to be so rude to your parent’s dear, but the’re a really couple of prats aren’t they? Thinking less of my brilliant daughter because she’s ‘Muggle born’ honestly!” Once again….GOD I LOVE MY MOTHER.
“Now I’ll just need you to come pick a dress first day of your break, Cedric will be fitted for a tux, you’ll need to choose and confirm your wedding party. We’re having a Muggle wedding, sorry darling. I’ll need a list of family and friends from you Cedric, in a week or so. They are getting special invitations explaining that there can be no magic and wizard garb. The only thing left for you two to do is pick the rings. Have fun we’ll leave you to the rest of your day dears. It was lovely to see you!” And with that my mother had whisked my poor father out of the small café and into the street, disappearing with a wave back toward the waiting train.
“That was a lot better than I could have imagined.” It was more a blanket statement and Cedric just laughed and stood, extending his hand for me. Hogsmade was a bustle of activity, people and students milling around. Most of them chattered excitedly about school or home but near the Hogs Head a few seedy looking wizards whistled as I walked by, forcing a growl to rip through Cedric. I picked up our pace out of town and soon found ourselves at the Shriking Shack.
“What’s the rush pretty lady? Want some alone time with your lover boy? Pfft! As if he’s man enough for you! You need a real wizard to take care of your needs.” He waggled his eye brows suggestively as his friend lean against a tree and laughed. Cedric’s body went ridged and I could feel his blood flying through his veins. His breathing was hard and fast and his eyes shut in an effort not to rip the man apart. I clung fast to Cedric’s arm, frightened from the startling advances for this strange man as well as Cedric’s reaction.
“Excuse me, sir, but if you could please remove yourself from this situation immediately, it is in your best interest not to mess with the lady.” So freaking formal! Cedric really had a way with words and his manners truly would have amazed me had the situation not been so tense. The man let out a forced laugh and advanced toward me, his fingers grazing my arm for the briefest moment.
Cedric threw my body behind his as a feral growl escaped his tense form. The man stood, stunned for a moment, nose to nose with Cedric. I could feel a pulse radiate from the beast before me, his fingers itching to moved, to kill. I was completely useless to help or stop the event that was unfolding before me. Fear and anger were tearing through my body, my heart tattooing a pattern on my rib cage again and my breath coming in shallow gasps. I was having a panic attack! I can’t have one now! This was so not the time, hell it was NEVER the time. I wanted desperately to dissolve into the ground, to melt away from the situation at hand and forget. I stumbled away from Cedric, leaning against a tree and clutching my chest, the air was getting harder to take in.
“Hey buddy I think there’s something wrong with your girl!” The casual friend was a few trees away; his eyes scanned my body and turned to the men just a few paces away. “Gregory lets go, I don’t think you’d want her anyway” He retreated before his friend had time to respond. I wanted to badly to turn and look for Cedric but my vision was starting to slip and my knees were shaking from the effort of keeping myself vertical.
“Not worth my effort to deal with this ‘beast’ (Fitting no?)” I could hear him stomp away and waited for the strong reassuring arms to embrace me any moment. I was holding onto consciousness with all I had but I knew it wouldn’t be enough, I slammed to the forest floor, my hands spread in front of me, my throat constricting as I felt a pain in my lower body. The pain obliterated my need for air and I was over taken with the urge to throw up. Cedric still wasn’t there, I wasn’t even sure he was still around though I couldn’t imagine how he could watch me like this.
“ERIKA!! ERIKA I’m sorry! I’m here now, forgive me I did this, I’m sorry.” Finally! His warm arms scooped me into his chest as air rushed to my burning lungs and the pain was washed from my body. Hot tears ran down my face and into his robes, his body was curled around me, shielding me from the world. His breathing was hard and I could feel his heart beating powerfully in his chest.
“What? How could you have done……..you were….you…..thought…” The last time I had such an attack was apparently when Cedric had been changed, he dreamed that I died that he was without me. Thankfully he had woken up in time and I was fine. Just now though…..he had done it again, he had fantasized about my death.
“I couldn’t get the image of him on you out of my head and then the vision took over and I fell into it. I can’t handle what he or all the others want to do to you, your mine, you’ll always be mine.” He pressed my body tighter to his own like he was trying to make us one. He was kissing me everywhere his lips could reach, my cheek, my nose, my chin, my eyes, and of course my lips. The searing kiss I had just pulled away from left me wanting.
“Take me” He cocked his head to the side and raised an eyebrow before glancing around us.
“Take me HOME then you can take me……seriously?!” I stood on weak legs and fondly thought that his dreams were having an effect on my sex drive. After the first one I had almost shagged Harry and now I couldn’t wait to get Cedric in bed. OH! Cedric in bed…..my future husband….the man I had only been with once, oh and between now and then he abandoned me, I almost slept with Harry, and now he was a beast. Yes I do mean that literally, he is a Pectus and as such is so drawn to me that he will do anything to keep me safe and in his arms. I was committing to sleep with this new animal. Well I did sleep in his arms the last two nights, but it was nothing sexual. I have been too tired and run down from my whirlwind two weeks that I almost straight through those two days.
“Love? Are you…..are you sure?” Now his body was trembling but I was certain it was not from pure exhaustion. I was quickly regretting my rash decision as my body simply wanted to melt into our bed and sleep for a few more days. I think my eyes must have betrayed my true desires because Cedric stood slowly, cradling me into his arms.
“Let’s just go back to bed darling; I can’t let you keep wasting away like this. Remind me to get you to dinner tonight.” His laughter warmed me on the inside and I relaxed into his embrace. I must have dozed off because I woke up as he was shifting me into bed, and then I went to pieces. This man, this strong, intelligent, HANDSOME, man wanted me and only me. He loved me and cared for me and protected me and I was sure my life would be ok whenever he was near me. Now I don’t suggest suddenly bursting into tears around your fella, they tend to get jittery and nervous and guilty. Not mine, not Cedric, he joined me in bed and rocked me back to sleep and the last thing I coherently remembered were his words.
“I know, sometimes our love does that to me too. I love you.” And I slept as a puddle of goo in his arms.
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“They’re living together! Right here in the school!”
“Going to be getting married over break, heard his parents were FURIOUS”
“Can’t believe Diggory would choose someone as BORING as Harper! Honestly! She doesn’t even TRY to look nice for him!”
“Got kicked of his house team after the first game, he lost it when a Bludger came to close to her. She quite after that, shame she was amazing on a broom stick.”
“Why on earth would Dumbledore allow this?! He’s dangerous, should be sent away, and kept in Azkaban or something.”
“How could she have gone for him, with a body like that she could have gotten any bloke in this place!”
“It’s so romantic don’t you think?”
“Heard she’s really with him because he got her pregnant, poor girl.”
“What a monster, forcing her into that relationship. Just because he saved her from drowning doesn’t mean she owes him anything.”
These comments were not new, the past three months we have been hearing them everywhere but Erika never let it get to her. I was not so controlled. I had pinned two fifth years to a wall yesterday after heaving their dirty conversation about my girlfriend. Thankfully I was able to control my rage before someone saw me and I apologized and awarded them points for keeping quite. It was so hard being an animal suddenly. My whole life I didn’t have to work to be smooth and calm but now suddenly anything about Erika set me off. I was passionate and loving one minute and the next I was struggling not to rip someone apart with my bare hands.
“Cedric? Are you ok love?” Her green eyes were wide and innocent; still after all she had been through a few months ago she maintained her inner self, the girl I fell in love with. Not that I had much of a choice, we were soul mates, but that only means we are so perfect for each other that a mild magical bond takes place when we made love for the first time. I had no clue about this at the time though; if I had I would have never let my parents take me away. Their influence forced me to deny the bond and so turn me into this, the Pectus, a beast. I was a walking animal; like a werewolf who never transformed but was always out of control.
“I’m fine, I’m just anxious for some reason. Apparently Harry’s dreams have gotten worse. He thinks it’s got something to do with You-Know-Who. Dumbledore is so caught up with us and the Order and Hogwarts that he’s been hard to get a hold of.” I wasn’t really worried about Harry; I had seen firsthand this kid could hold his own. I was really worried about Erika, after I returned to her life she got back into her old routine. Erika, Hermione, and Ron had re-devoted themselves to Harry, who for his part, had ignored them. Harry’s focus seemed to be on Dumbledore, whose attention was elsewhere (As you can imagine).
I knew the real reason I was nervous, it had nothing to do with Harry but more to do with Erika and our upcoming nuptials. I would soon be married to the woman next to me and that thought both thrilled me and terrified me. I was thrilled to marry this incredible girl but I was afraid for our future and the future of our world. Voldemort was on the move and it seemed our side was still in denial.
“Cedric….Your not worried about Harry. I’m not blind, I’m worried too. I mean, we’re going to be married before we even finish school! Not to mention that Umbridge woman, honestly coming around to monitor us! Toss, she’s here so Fudge can keep an eye on Dumbledore, doesn’t believe what you and Harry have told him about Voldemort.” I cringed when she said his name, being muggle she didn’t learn about it like I had. She was fuming; Harry had been to detention with that miserable witch for talking back during questioning (She was asking him about Erika and I). Stupid woman was here to document our unusual case of Soul Mates and monitor my behavior and determine whether I was a threat to the student body or not.
“Stupid woman trying to tell everyone Voldemort hasn’t returned and then making Harry use that…that quill! Carving his lines right into his hand! ‘I must not tell lies’” She was bristling beside me and her agitation was wearing on me. We were on our last patrol of the night, right around midnight and we were starting toward the Gryffindor common room when we heard it.
“Ron hurry, you need to find someone to help us!” Hermione’s soft voice rang out in the hall and Erika broke out into a run toward the flaming red hair coming our direction. I could see that Hermione was bent over someone with jet black hair. They were all in PJ’s and looked as though they had just been woken up.
“That’s what he said, he said to take him to Dumbledore and he wouldn’t take no for an answer. I think we should do it, he was having the worst nightmare I’d seen so far.” Ron’s words came slow and tired but held an edge to them. I watched as Erika walked to Harry and bent to help him to his feet. She was struggling under his weight so I stepped in, begrudgingly (I was still mad at him for almost sleeping with my girlfriend a few months ago). He was almost completely limp but was mumbling something despite it all.
“Harry we’re going ok? Ron can you and Hermione go on ahead to alert Dumbledore.” She was so strong, her voice resonating and taking charge of the situation. If only the student body could see this side of her the rumors of me beating her into the ‘loveless’ relationship with a psycho would come the screeching halt. Hermione grabbed Ron’s hand and soon she was dragging him down the hallway and disappearing onto a staircase.
“Arthur! It’s Arthur, I couldn’t tell Ron, but I saw him being attacked. Only I was the attacker, I think I’ve been seeing through his eyes. Erika I don’t know if he’s…..if he……” Harry was almost crying as we moved along the halls toward the Headmasters study.
**
“Harry you must tell me what you’ve seen.” Dumbledore had Harry seated in a large arm chair, his nose just inches from Harry’s. The-Boy-Who-Lived was trembling, sweat pouring from every pour.
“Arthur, I saw Mr. Weasley, he was attacked.” Harry was breathless; as soon as the words were out of his mouth Dumbledore was ordering several portraits to alert the order and the Ministry. Harry was panting hard and sweating, I was sure he would pass out at any moment. Ron looked as if he would be sick and he sat heavily into an arm chair that Hermione had guided him toward.
“LOOK AT ME!!” Harry startled us all when he yelled at the Headmaster, Dumbledore stopped his frantic pacing and looked at Harry, stunned just as we were.
“Why have you been avoiding me?” The Gryffindor had stood, his body tense and his breath still coming in forced gasps.
“Harry as you may have discovered, you and Voldemort share a special connection. I was hoping he would be less likely to use it should you have little to do with me, but I now see it makes no difference. Professor Snape I am afraid these lessons cannot wait another minute, please take Mr. Potter to your classroom.” Snape ghosted out of the shadows, startling Erika and Hermione. He reached to grab Harry, successfully guiding the boy out of the study.
“Professor what can’t wait? What’s wrong with Harry? Will he be ok? What about Mr. Weasley?” Erika burst forth, flinging questions a mile a minute at the aging professor.
“Miss Harper, I assure you Mr. Potter will be quite alright. Professor Snape will be teaching him Occlumency, the practice of repelling someones attempt to invade another’s mind. For Harry this will be even harder as he and Voldemort have a connection that requires no spell to access. As for Mr. Weasley I will be sending George, Fred, Ron, and Ginny to St. Mungo’s momentarily as I trust their father will be there any moment. It was quite lucky that Harry had this connection tonight or I fear Arthur might have been discovered too late.” His voice was tired and thin, it made me sleepy and I was suddenly very glad he no longer taught or I might not stay awake during his lessons. The room was tense for a moment until a very sleep Fred, George, and Ginny shuffled into the study followed by a nervous Professor McGonagall.
“I’m going with you.” Erika stood and made her way to the red heads, Ginny was crying after Ron told her what had happened. “The Weasley’s are my family, much more so than my parents are at this point.” My heart sank, she was leaving. I would be forced to endure the weekend or possibly the remainder of classes alone.
“Well I see how that is fair. Mr. Diggory will you be-“ My hopes her dashed before than even began to rise, Erika had stopped Dumbledore mid sentence.
“There is no need to disrupt his lessons as well as mine.” Dumbledore simply nodded and escorted the crowd of red heads to the door, Erika didn’t even turn around to say goodbye. She simply disappeared in a whirl of red hair and black robes.
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What the hell am I supposed to do with myself?! I mean, Erika and I haven’t been apart since my stupidity at the beginning of the year, but that was only a few days. As it stood I would be without her for TWO FLIPPIN WEEKS, or until I could manage to ‘excuse’ myself from my duties and studies. This would ne be an easy feat, I was still struggling to catch up from my first eventful week, Erika had fared even worse, due in large part to the fact that she had skipped an entire year. I had done what I could to help her catch up, but with an extended absence like this one she may not get to graduate with me.
Mr. Weasley was recovering nicely back at Grimmauld Place with his family, and Erika of course, Harry had told me once he received a letter from Ron (The day after the Weasley’s departed no less!) She had yet to write to me, though it had only been two days and I assume Mr. Weasley was still in the hospital. Harry and Hermione tried to be there for me in the halls and at meals, but without her I was so lost. It was so sad that I couldn’t live without her that my entire existence hinged on this wonderful beautiful girl.
I hadn’t realized until now that most of my friends from past years were afraid of me, all except Rodger Davis of course, he thought the whole thing was a great laugh. He was always trying to get me to do something like punch a hole in the wall or pick a fight with something in the Forbidden Forest. He was great to have around even if he thought I was simply a walking freak show.
“Oi! Cedric?! Seriously? Have you not heard a word I’ve been saying?” Hermione was more than irked with me; apparently she was trying to fill me in on the activities of Umbridge. Harry had been to more detentions and the words ‘I must not tell lies’ were now firmly carved into the back of his hand, it was always swollen and oozing something, though he always refused to see Madame Pomfrey.
“She’s been made ‘Hogwarts High Inquisitor’. Apparently being here to bother us about you and Erika isn’t enough for her anymore. Horrible woman! She’s taken over Defense Against the Dark Arts! Had the school governors dismiss Lupin! She’s not teaching us anything! We just copy passages out of a book! How is it for the 7th years?” Her shrill voice was annoying but I kept listening because her and Harry were all I had at the moment.
“The same…I think. She wouldn’t allow me to sit in on class yesterday. Said something about the 7th year class being personal study with that stupid book she gave us. Haven’t been learning any spells which is all you’re tested on when you take the N.E.W.T.S. I’m sorry I’m not much help, I’ve been a bit off….but not being able to defend ourselves is a large concern. Most of the students in this school don’t know how to stun something, out Defense education is greatly lacking.” I forced out more than I knew was in me just to pacify the uppity Gryffindor.
“I agree, we need someone who can teach us, someone who has had firsthand experience with this stuff. Harry I think you should teach us, I’ll make the signup sheet and we’ll having a meeting the first of the year.” Hermione promptly walked away from our table in the library before Harry could so much make a peep.
“Harry? You’re going to teach a Defense class? Are you sure that’s wise mate?” Oh I should have kept my mouth shut. Harry looked like he was trying to melt me with him mind before daring to respond.
“Why shouldn’t I? I’m the one who’s face Voldemort more than even the most high ranking Aurors! My first year I stopped him from obtaining the Sorcerer’s Stone, in my second year I saved Ginny from Tom Riddle and killed a Basilisk, I could produce a Partonous Charm in my third year, and last year I saved your foolish arse in that graveyard! So I would say I am pretty qualified to teach everyone about the Dark Arts!” He stood and whirled out of the Library in a huff. Great….I was alone….again. I decided that pretending to study in full view of any curious onlookers would only end in disaster so I gathered my things and walked quickly to my dorm room.
***
“CEDRIC!!! I have been looking all over this stupid school for you!” Erika was there, right there behind our couch, she looked as though she had just been pacing. I could do little more than stand, mouth agape, my heart thrumming wildly. I was overcome with the urge to take her into our bedroom and ravish her perfect body, something we hadn’t done since that night in the Leaky Cauldron.
“I’m back, for now. Arthur is at home, though while I was gone I managed to chose my dress and help my mother with wedding colors and flowers. Everything’s ready for the 28th and I –“ I stopped her with a kiss and she melted into me. I was fighting desperately to maintain myself, to keep the beast at bay. I was quickly losing myself to my primal desires but knew she deserved better, this might as well be our first time all over again. I pulled away gasping for breath and stumbling toward the portrait hole.
“Cedric?” Her voice was thick and low, no doubt from what I had just done to her. I could feel her move toward me as my vision blurred and I began to lose myself.
“Stop…..I can’t…..I’m not……..I’m not me.” I tried to settled myself, warning her to simply stop for a moment. She did stop….for a moment, then she was suddenly out the door, sprinting away from me, her fear hung heavy in the air as she began to tear through the school. My mind refused to give chase, but my body screamed to peruse her, to take her, to mark her. I fell to my knees from the effort it took to stay in control, to stay myself. I heard her fall half way down the hall, her small body slamming into the stone floor.
I reacted in an instant, the beast taking over and forcing me to move. I wasn’t sure what I would do when I found her but as soon as I was on the move so was she. Her small body seemed to move faster than me for a moment but I knew better, I knew this new body refused to let her escape. I just hoped that she reached someone who could stop me before I did anything to her.
Her scent hung heavy in the air and I followed it through the school down toward the entrance hall. Thank god she had the sense to seek out help, to stop me for my own good. She was always just out of my line of sight, but I could hear her heavy foot falls as she slowed down from this cat and mouse game. My body was going crazy, reacting to each and every new scent I came across, a feral growl escaping my lips when I smelled Harry. She had gone to Harry, right back into the safe arms of a man who wouldn’t tear her apart, someone I could never be.
Erika was clinging to Harry, breathless and crying into his arms. Ron and Hermione were hanging around the door, debating whether to fetch help or stay and help Harry defend Erika against me. Harry saw me first, his eyes locking with mine before he pressed Erika to his body and turning his wand on me.
“Cedric stop right there! Erika told me everything! I can’t let you do this anymore; I won’t let you hurt her! She deserves so much more than this….than you.” Erika was sobbing into HIS chest, clinging to HIS body, and using HIM for protection. His words were a primal challenge and I was trying to fight the urge to rip him apart. Erika was still crying, her small body pressed tightly to Harry’s, her hands fisting into his robes as she tried to disappear all together. My heart sank as I knew I had taken things to far, I could only imagine how I looked to her, to her friends. My body began to respond to me, to slow my breathing and heart rate. I relaxed my entire body in time for Harry to stun me. The last thing I was aware of was Erika’s desperate fight to reach me; Harry was holding her back as several professors rushed into the hallway.
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“Professor Dumbledore you can’t let her do this! You can’t send him away! It wasn’t his fault, it was me! I ran! I knew better but I ran anyway! Please Professor!” I was fighting for my very life, the centre of my world. Cedric had lost control after a few days without me, his beast taking over his body and his mind. I of course made it worse by running, I knew the moment I left our dorm that he would give chase and so I continued to run, to seek help. Though when I found Harry and gave him a rapid explanation he had reacted violently, he wanted to kill Cedric, to banish him, to stop us once and for all.
Harry had agreed to leave well enough alone after he saw him calming down, but Ron didn’t know that. He had left before Cedric was controlled, he told Umbridge he was dangerous and needed to be removed. She of course leapt at the chance to make someones life hell and had arranged for Cedric to be kept under Ministry surveillance until such a time he could be cured or controlled. I tried to explain that he would only be controlled once we (And I can’t believe I used this term) ‘mated’ which would happen once we were married on the 28th. She had refused to believe me and was at the moment monitoring him in a dungeon somewhere with several Ministry officials.
“I am afraid I have no power here Miss Harper. I understand this situation is difficult, especially for Mr. Diggory, but I trust that you will both make it though this just fine. I have arranged for him to finish his seventh year away from our facilities as per Professor Umbridge’s request.” He turned and walked toward his desk, gathering a small stack of papers and books. “I do however, need someone to deliver these things to Mr. Diggory, and I also need a few words with Professor Umbridge.” He handed me the stack in his arms and I practically flew through the school; fighting my way through the crowd of students who had just returned from Hogsmade.
“ERIKA!!! ERIKA STOP!!!” I could hear Harry following me but refused to turn around for fear of him stopping me from my ultimate goal; finding Cedric, and making love to him so he can’t be sent away. If I can reach him I can finish this bond between us and keep him in my life.
I rounded a corner into the dungeons and stopped, I had no idea where they were keeping Cedric. What room he was in or even what level of the dungeons to search. Harry collided with me as he rounded the same corner at top speed. Papers and books flew into the air and I squealed as we tumbled to the ground. Harry managed to catch me, cradling me to his body as he landed hard on the stone floor.
“HARRY!!! Look what you made me do!” I couldn’t help but laugh; I was pressed tightly to his strong chest. My laugh died quickly as Harry placed a finger over my lips, his eyes darting around the hallway. I could hear footsteps and then a muffled conversation in the room at the end of the hall. Harry stood quickly and gathered me into his arms, pressing us into a dark corner.
“Mr. Malfoy thank you for keeping an eye on Mr. Diggory while I slip up to my office for a quick chat with the Minister regarding this situation.” Professor Umbridge walked briskly down the hall and past Harry and me, her face the picture of bliss and ignorance. Her pink heels clicked mechanically down the hall causing my heart to race as she drew closer. Her sickeningly sweet perfume assaulted my senses and I held my breath to keep from coughing. After what seemed like an eternity she reached the door just meer feet from Harry and I. The loud thunk told me she was gone and I exhaled, trying to control my heart rate.
“Does she mean Draco or Lucius? If it’s Draco this shouldn’t be a problem, but I’m not sure about his fa-th…er…..Harry?” Harry was still pressed against me, his face in my hair, his breath hot on my ear.
“Why are you doing this? Why don’t you let them protect you?” His voice was gruff, I pushed against him to no avail. He leaned away from me a little, his eyes searching me full of sadness.
“I love him Harry, now stop it.” I pressed against him and tried to duck out of his reach but only succeeded in allowing Harry to pin me to the opposite wall.
“That’s not a reason to endanger your life every day. He could have killed you yesterday how do you not see that? Am I the only one who sees how it looks at you? Like your property, a possession. You’re so much better than that, you are not a thing to be owned you are a person to be loved. A person I love and will love if you just let me.” My body was trembling, my heart was racing and my breathing was labored. My vision was blurring but I wasn’t sure if it was from the overwhelming fury I was feeling toward Harry or the tears I might be shedding because I knew he was right.
“Harry I have to see him, you know I have to see him. He loves me…..I love him…Harry I love him….” Harry pushed away from me and the tears came faster, falling uninhibited.
“I know…I’ve always known you’d choose him. Despite that I always thought that if I showed you, if he went just a little further I could convince you to stop this. To be with someone who loved you, not because they had to or they were magically bonded to you, because you are an amazing, talented, and beautiful witch.” Harry paced quickly in the small space, aggravated and annoyed with me until the end, when he stopped dead directly in front of me, and kissed me.
My lips were pressed to Harry’s, his eyes shut tight and mine open wide. I couldn’t believe Harry was kissing me, and ever more that I wanted him to! I wanted Harry to kiss me, to hold me, to love me. I didn’t want to worry about the man in my life killing me or my friends. I wanted to feel like I chose him, not because of a magical connection but because I fell in love. I faintly realized I was kissing Harry back, my lips moving over his as his arms encircled my waist. For the first time in months I felt free and happy, I was kissing someone who loved me for me. Harry had picked me up and was hugging my body to his.
This moment couldn’t last, I had to know that. In a blast of rubble and dust the wall at the end of the hall exploded, I could see Cedric standing in the settling dust breathing heavily. His tense form was a mess, his hair was sticking up at odd angles, his shirt was untucked and dirty and his pants were torn over one knee. His eyes were flashing from my face to Harry’s, a low growl rumbled from his chest.
“Harry I want you to put me down slowly, and run. Don’t try to protect me, don’t look back. Run as fast as you can.” Harry opened his mouth for a brief moment “Please Harry? Please because you lo-“ I didn’t finish, Cedric had let out a startling yell and had began running toward us. I shoved my body away from Harry’s. “RUN HARRY!! PLEASE RUN!” I had already begun moving toward my Soul Mate, trusting Harry to flee for his own good. The door shut behind me as I collided with Cedric and I sighed into his arms for a moment, before he threw me violently into the wall, his strong form covering mine. My body reacted instinctually, my arms moving to push him from me. He stopped my progress quickly pinning my arms to the wall in his hands, he squeezed my left forearm to tight and I heard the bone splinter and felt the blinding pain take over.
He didn’t speak, he didn’t need to, I knew where this was going. His hands began to roam my body roughly, groping and grabbing at me. His mouth latched to my neck and began leaving angry red welts in its wake. I was desperately trying to calm my body in order to accept the way things were going. This wasn’t exactly how I thought it would go but this had to happen, this would free us. His hands were teasing lower on my body and I knew I would have bruises in the morning. I forced my mind to go blank, to try and think of Cedric as I had known him in the summer, of our first night together, of our old passion and our old love.
In a moment much faster than I expected his hands found my panties under my skirt and ripped them off my body, his fingers replacing the soft cotton. I shut my eyes and tried to put myself somewhere else, I wanted so desperately to be free of this bond, free to choose the man I wanted in my life. Cedric was kissing my jaw line, then my chin, and just as his lips touched mine I felt him thrust into me. Tears formed at the corners of my eyes as he began moving, for my second time it felt like it should have been my first. I leaned into him, pressing my lips to his with more force, trying to ignore the pain as our dance continued.
I knew there must be blood, there had to be, after a moment or two he began to slide easily within me. I knew this was how it might happen, how he might just pin me down and take what he wanted, but it had to happen we had to do this. My body was screaming at me, begging me to stop this but I couldn’t, I wouldn’t. This bond had to be finished, we had to be free, we had to be normal. I had placed all my hope into this simple act; I had placed my entire future on this. I had just given Harry hope and I couldn’t bare to crush him again. Cedric’s paced increased steadily, his breathing ragged until he finally moaned into my hair and the stone behind us finding his peak inside me. I let the pain blind me, to take me away; I felt his grip lessen and knew it was finally over, I allowed darkness to take over.
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I need to stop waking up like this; I knew these ugly white curtains way to well for my own good. I knew I was in the Hospital wing and I knew why, but I wasn’t sure how long. It was dark out, but that didn’t tell me if it was late at night or early in the morning. Sunshine would have told me more about the time of day at least. I sat up, the eerie quiet closing in around me.
“Hello?” My voice echoed off the walls for a moment and then silence overtook me again. I placed my feet on the freezing floor and stood. I felt weak all over but I wasn’t in pain, my left arm had defiantly been healed, I felt smaller, thinner, like I hadn’t eaten in a week…..and my stomach dropped…..how long had I been sleeping?
I peaked around the curtain to find that three other beds were occupied. The was a blond in the bed next to mine, it was obviously Draco, I couldn’t imagine that Cedric had hurt him worse than me so I couldn’t have been our for more than a few days. Next to him Hermione was curled into a ball around her pillow, her school robes still on, maybe it was only a few hours later? Lastly my eyes fell on a mess of black hair which stuck out from under the blanket; Harry was here….of course. A shuffle behind me forced me to whirl around, and then curse myself for having misplaced my wand.
“Miss Harper! You should not be up and about! I may have healed everything but you need more rest!” Madame Pomfrey was marching toward me, a vile of something purple in her hand.
“Oh no you see…..I’ve been sleeping for so long I thought…” She was fast approaching and I knew I wouldn’t be able to stop her should she reach me and then I’d probably be out for another day or so.
“Poppy, I’m sure Miss Harper is just fine. I will make sure she gets some rest, but she’s had six days of it so I’m sure a few minutes of light conversation won’t do her any harm.” This might be the only time I was truly ecstatic to see the Headmaster. Though how he managed to get around silently was still a mystery.
The Medi-Witch huffed and stalked back to her office, slamming the door and waking Draco, Hermione, and Harry. The three students all leapt out of bed, wands pointed at their mortal enemy, each other. Dumbledore laughed gently as Draco settled back to sleep, his wand still clutched in his right hand. Hermione rushed over to me, followed closely by Harry.
“ERIKA!! Oh we were so worried! Harry had just seen you and Cedric and he said there was so much blood and that your arm was broken and….!” Hermione stopped when Harry shook his head, the blushing Gryffindor bid me a small goodbye and ‘get well soon’ and then she was gone, shuffling off to the dorms.
“Hi….” I awkwardly twisted my hands together, my eyes looking anywhere but at Harry. Dumbledore had wondered toward Poppy’s office, leaving me with my best friend.
“Oh Erika……I…..I….I’m sorry.” Harry was right in front of me now, his arms encircling my waist and crushing me to his chest. I let the tears fall, the tears of fear I had held in since Cedric changed. Tears I knew had to fall for a lost love, a ruined love. I cried from embarrassment at my situation, Cedric had almost raped me had I not wanted that final intimate moment; I had wanted it so badly but not like that. Cedric! Where was he? Had Umbridge sent him away? Was he hurt? Was he even alive? I wanted to ask Harry so badly but was worried he might be mad at me for my concern for the man who had almost killed me.
“Cedric is still here, he doesn’t remember anything about school He woke up yesterday and thought we were still camping. He’s been asking about you, seems he’s still attracted to you. He’s been given his own dorm until things calm down. Umbridge has been removed after Cedric was evaluated by a healer from Mungo’s. I’ll let you go back to him Erika, I understand if you still-“ Harry knows me so well, I’m glad I didn’t have to ask, didn’t have to look at him just yet but I did stop him.
“No Harry, no I don’t want to go back. I want to be free, to go back to Erika, to play Quiddich and struggle in my classes. I want to help you and Ron and Hermione with Voldemort. I want someone to love me because they chose to; I want to love someone because I chose to.” I spoke into his chest, my hot tears still sliding down my cheeks and onto his robes. I felt him sigh contently and we stood there in the cold silence until the sun warmed my back and I heard Draco cough.
“If neither of you need to be here could I ask that you leave? Your obvious display of affection is sickening.” His slow drawl made my skin craw and I welcome Madame Pomfrey’s arrival and then hasty dismissal.
I was also glad that it happened to be the first day of Christmas Break and so many students were leaving this afternoon. The odd looks I received were easily ignored and I knew that once break was over I would be old news. Harry stayed glued to my side all day, protecting me from curious students and the random rude comment. We both bid farewell to Ginny, Fred, and George who had decided to go home (Ron was too worried about Harry to leave). Mrs. Weasley made us promise to come later in the week ‘At least for Christmas dears!’ She would send Bill and Charlie along to collect us.
I wrote home, finally, and explained things in my own words. Harry told me later that Dumbledore had already informed my parents what had been going on. They had canceled the wedding and were waiting for the holiday to come see me. Besides all that it was a fairly uneventful day and one I welcomed with open arms, until dinner that night.
With so many students gone for the Holidays the school was reduced to about two dozen students and teachers. Because of these tiny numbers the Great Hall contained only one table, at which sat a random smattering of students who seemed to be avoiding a boy at the end of the table, a boy who had sandy blond hair.
“Erika? We can skip dinner tonight…” Harry started to guide me away from the Great Hall when he turned around. Cedric turned to scan the room when his eyes found mine, he stood immediately but stopped himself when he saw Harry wrapped around me. All the students in the hall looked from Cedric to me and then to Harry. After this little display I had to stay, if I left it would mean a whole new set of rumors would circulate about me and Harry.
“Well Mr. Potter! Miss Harper thank you for joining us tonight I was just asking Mr. Diggory why he stayed for Christmas vacation.” Dumbledore was his usual interesting self tonight. As we approached the table I realized that the only two seats left were on Cedric’s right. Harry sat next to the Head Boy and I tried to shrink behind his tall frame.
“Ah….er…well. My parents decided to holiday in America this year. It’s also my last year here and I want to enjoy Hogwarts as much as possible.” His voice was tired and strained. I could only imagine how his say had been; he didn’t remember anything and yet was held responsible for his most recent actions.
“Yea right, I heard they told him not to come home again after he’s ruined their family name.” A small third year whispered to the boy across from her a few seats down. I could hear Cedric stiffen, his chair squeaked slightly and I knew how much that hurt. It made my heart ache for him and I felt that familiar pull to be with him, to hold him and defend him. Luckily I didn’t have to.
“Ten points from Hufflepuff for spreading nasty rumors.” Hermione was several seats away but still heard the snide comment as I’m sure most of the table had. The girl crossed her arms and pouted through the meal, the conversation taking on a lighter mood. The whole table finished rather quickly, most of the students drifting off to bed slowly, yawns flooding the air around Harry and I.
“Erika!” It was him…it was Cedric. I could hear him running behind Harry and I. “Erika wait, please?!” I could feel his warmth behind me, his presence. Harry turned around to face the Head Boy, I was not so hasty, I didn’t want to face the man I had been completely in love with less than seven days ago.
“Erika? Do you know what’s going on? Most of the school seems to hate me for something but none of them are brave enough to tell me. Can you tell me? Will you fill me in on what’s been going on since August? What happened after that lake?” His hand found my shoulder and he started turning me around when Harry stopped him.
“Lay off Diggory. Erika’s had a tough year, not that you remember.” Harrys words were like venom and it hurt me just to hear them.
“Exactly Potter! I don’t remember but I’d like to. I’d like an explanation as to why all of Hogwarts seems to hate me. Why there are whispers of me and you whenever I walk down the hall. Why you’ve been missing all week. Why the last thing I remember is touching you, feeling you….loving you…I feel like I know what’s been going on but it all looks like a dream that I am unsure what is real and what I have simply desired into reality.” Cedric turned me around, his brown eyes full of need and want. I couldn’t bring myself to satisfy his desire for knowledge; I could hardly look at him.
“Diggory stop it! You’re only making things harder for her.” Harry tore Cedric from me, pinning him to the wall, I slumped to the floor, the past few months crashing down upon me. Cedric stilled, his eyes never leaving my small form.
“Harry he deserves to know…..” I looked up, my eyes stung from the effort it took to keep them open. “Cedric we’re Soul Mates, or we were Soul Mates. You left me Cedric and then….and then you changed. You were a Pectus, a Beast, and for the past few months you and I were going to get married after Christmas. But then the Ministry got involved and you attacked me and they were going to send you away. I knew that if I made our relationship final there was a good chance that you would be normal again, that we would be normal again…. that we could be free. So I let you finish it, let you take me and it almost killed me. That’s why everyone is talking, that why they all hate you. That’s…..” I lost it, completely and utterly lost it.
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I was back in that lake, that icy murky lake. I could feel the water grow tighter around me, forcing more and more air from my burning lungs .I was wearing the same PJ’s I had that night in August. I turned my body around in the water, trying to find up, nothing made since. There was no light, no sound, there was nothing, I was nothing.
I suddenly slammed into a cold stone wall slipping to the floor as someone above me laughed. My eyes wouldn’t focus but I was able to make out tall hooded figures, all wearing white masks. Their leader stood before me in deep green robes, I thought for a moment that his mask was simply changed from the others, but as I gained more control over my vision I saw that it was his face and not a mask at all.
“What do you mean they broke the spell?! That is not possible! That lake’s magic cannot be broken!” That voice, I knew that voice. It was low and sounded almost like a snake hissing…snake……VOLDEMORT!! I stood suddenly, realizing that I was in a room full of Death Eaters, not to mention the Dark Lord himself.
“If the Diggory boy is no longer a Pectus that leaves the prophecy to be fulfilled! We cannot allow them to join! Bring me Mr. Diggory, I wish to speak to him regarding his son.” His raspy voice was shouting and everyone in the room shrunk. The Dark Lord’s words bounced around the room, the noise seemed to grow as the moments passed; the echo quickly turning into a roaring wind whipping my hair in my face and obscuring all further discussion. I was being pulled from the room, sucked away into darkness.
“CEDRIC!” I sat straight up in a cold sweat. The dream I just had was so vivid and real that I was sure it was really happening. But it wasn’t….I was alone in my room, screaming at my curtains. I was sure I had woken someone up until I realized that the only girls left were well over three rooms away. After fainting in the hall earlier Harry had brought me to my room. No one would tell me what happened to Cedric so I stopped asking.
I placed my bare feet on the cold stone floor and shuffled to the bathroom. The light came on full force and I blinked a few times trying to focus on myself in the mirror. I was so much thinner than I ever had been before, my cheeks weren’t rounded anymore and my eyes had bags under them. My thighs didn’t meet anymore and my knees looked larger, I looked sickly. I was just skin and bones standing there in my red flannel PJ’s that appeared three sizes too large. I sighed heavily turning from my bathroom to make my way to the common room; dwelling on my appearance would accomplish nothing. I made my way to the common room, hoping to find one of my friends but when I got there it was empty…..or so I thought.
I saw Harry crouched over the fire, his voice low and hurried. Someone responded in a dry crackling voice, like the fire itself was talking to Harry. As I tripped over something black and orange (I later discovered it was Ember….stupid cat.) and Harry stood shielding the fire from my view.
“Harry what are you….?” I could see between his legs and my eyes met the glowing red embers that were in black of Sirius Blacks normally deep brown eyes. My mouth fell open, I knew people could communicate via floo but I had never seen it in action. It was a little startling to say the least but as Sirius saw me his flaming features broke into a smile.
“Ahh….Erika…it really is lovely to see you dear. I trust your doing well? Harry’s been filling me in on all the happenings at Hogwarts. It sounds as though this mess with the Diggory boy is not getting any easier for you?” His voice was almost the same, and yet I could definitely tell he was talking though the fire. Harry walked over and helped me to my feet, and then after discovering that I was too weak to walk the few feet to the fire he carried me, sitting down with me still in his arms. I could see Sirius raise one eyebrow but thankfully he held his tongue.
“Why on earth are you out of bed? After the day you’ve had –“ I didn’t let Harry finish, he had reminded me of my dream and I saw it in all its vivid detail for a moment.
“I had a dream! Harry I saw Voldemort he was talking about Cedric and I and something about a prophecy. Now that Cedric is no longer bound to me there is something that is left to be fulfilled. Something that can bring his downfall.” Sadly as I began talking about it all that vivid detail seemed to slip right through my fingers like water in a sieve.
“A prophecy? Did he say which one?” Sirius asked me quickly but looked as though he had given too much away.
“There is more than one? Who is it about? Sirius is that why the Order is always at the Ministry? Why there always talking about shifts and ‘it’” Harry looked from me to Sirius hoping to coax an answer out of him before his time was up.
“Harry I don’t think I am at liberty to give you that information but please for my sake, keep your head down and please do not allow Voldemort into your mind anymore than he already is. I understand it’s hard but it is vital for your own safety. I’m sorry but I have run out of time!” Sirius’s eyes darted around apparently looking around whatever room he was in and then he was gone in a flash of flames. Harry and I stayed seated in front of the fire, allowing our own thoughts and curiosities to take over.