"Thanks Cedric, I appreciate it but I don't want to drag you into the drama that's my life. I'll be fine."
"No, I don't think you will. You can't keep isolating yourself like this. Tell you what, my adopted little sister and me get away from everyone else and just hang out several times a week. Why don't you join us tomorrow night to test the waters? If you don't want to stay, I'll accept it and won't bother you again about it."
"Okay, I'll try."
"Good, I'll send you a message where we're meeting."
"Just call Dobby and tell him. He'll get me there. I'm sure he's standing behind me invisible and nodding his head anyway."
They heard a small giggle then a quiet 'pop'.
"Told ya."
Cedric laughed and said "See ya tomorrow night."
Harry nodded and went back to his books. He looked at the title of the book and saw 'How to Take Down a Dragon Single Handedly'.
He walked away shaking his head. He was thinking 'Crazy assed Gryff gonna try to beat the damn thing.'
****
Harry met up with Cedric and his little sister the next night and had an enjoyable time for the most part.
About half way through, he was told "You're nothing like we were told. Everyone thinks you're some snob who doesn't want anything to do with anyone else except your 'friends'. Even now they are saying that you can't be bothered by anyone else."
Harry asked defensively "Who's saying that?"
"Mainly Weasley but Granger is usually standing there beside him and doesn't say anything different. Aren't they supposed to be your best friends?"
Harry learned that his 'friends' had been running interference by telling the other students that Harry wanted nothing to do with them ever since he came to Hogwarts.
It was also mentioned that the secrecy behind his adventures and the unexplained awarded points only created more animosity from the rest of the school.
Harry was stunned by all this as he never wanted special attention and truly wanted to be friends with as many people who would allow him to. With yet another bomb dropped on him, Harry broke down in front of these people he barely knew.
They sat there stunned at his reaction at first but then realized that there was no way this could have been an act. They were genuinely affected by Harry's reaction and moved over and pulled him into a hug.
Harry knew that he wouldn't have gotten through the year so far if it wasn't for his new friends. After his abandonment by his friends and Godfather, they were a welcome addition to his life despite his earlier decision to go it alone.
Cedric quickly became the older brother Harry needed just as the girl became more than a friend. The feelings they shared for each other had built up over their meetings and they both knew it was more than a friendship but not one of a brother/sister relationship so even oblivious Harry could tell that there was something different about her.
The three of them decided early on to keep their friendship a secret as Harry thought that if it was discovered, they would be subjected to the same ridicule that he had been and he didn't want that for them.
Throughout all their conversations, one thing was clear and it was that Harry was being manipulated but by whom and to what purpose remained a mystery.
Cedric wasn't one to give in to conspiracies but in talking to Harry about his life, things just didn't add up.
Ron and Hermione's actions after his name came out of the Goblet just screamed that something sinister was at play and with that in mind, they began teaching him the basics of occlumency to protect his secrets and to also give him better focus of mind as well as control over his emotions.
****
With the first task scheduled for the next day, the three of them sat back and relaxed in their current hide away which happened to be the Room of Requirement.
Cedric was occupying a comfortable arm chair and going over some last minute notes while Harry and his pseudo girlfriend were sitting on a couch talking in low voices.
Cedric looked up and smiled. "Hey, if you guys want me to leave so you can snog, it's alright by me. Just have her home before curfew."
They both blushed and looked away from each other. As Cedric was laughing at them, he asked "So Harry, just what are your plans for tomorrow?"
"I told you already, I'm going to play my role of the brash Gryff and charge straight in. Ought to be a good show."
"And if that don't work?"
"Oh, plan B is even more fun, I get to use my inner Slytherin and try to worm my way out of the whole mess."
Cedric laughed "Is there a Plan C?"
"Yes, there is a plan C and it includes summoning my broom and getting the hell out of there. I may be crazy but I'm not stupid."
All three were laughing by this point until Cedric finally said "You know the way you fly, you could probably do it that way."
"Maybe but I'm not all that willing to see if my Firebolt can stand up to dragon flames."
"Good point, if I had one, I don't think I'd risk it either."