A/N: Oh boy. Life. Since my last update, I've started a new year at college, gotten a real job, gotten even farther in my novel, and contracted mono (which is now gone! :D). All in all, it's been interesting. With how tough this chapter was to write, I'm thinking (hoping) the next one will be easier. I think it will be. Thank you all for your patience and reviews, I adore you guys. Happy holidays!

4. He's Allergic to Strawberries.

Oliver Wood had no idea that his boyfriend was allergic to strawberries until their one-year anniversary.

That morning had started as one of the greatest the Quidditch captain had ever experienced. Sitting at the Gryffindor table, he had been a bit surprised to see Percy plunk down next to him and dig into his porridge. The Head Boy had taken to grabbing a bit of toast from the table before going for a walk around the lake - undoubtedly as a way to keep the Weasley twins from seeing him and making yet another Big Head Boy joke. That day, however, he poured a bit of marmalade over his porridge, swallowed a spoonful, and said, as though continuing a conversation they had just been having, "So, I think that today's the day."

"The day for what?" Oliver asked blankly, scanning through his memory. "Oh, blimey, that paper for McGonagall isn't due, is it? I've barely started!"

"No," Percy answered, "though you really should get on that. It's our one-year anniversary, correct?"

"I remembered," Oliver said automatically. "Right? I put that mint plant by your bed with that card?"

Percy smiled. "Yes, I saw it. Thank you."

"Because you said you love mint, but you hate the syrups and gums because they're all sweet. I remembered."

"I know."

"So you're not allowed to be mad at me."

Percy's smile widened. "I know that. Why do you assume I'm angry with you?"

"You came in and sat next to me. I just figured I'd be getting told off. You know, as it's you."

Percy looked both confused and a tad wounded. "Good lord, am I really that awful?"

"Not awful, really, just…" Oliver stopped. He knew better than to antagonize the other boy, especially on a day that was so important to them both.

"So, as I was saying." Percy caught Oliver's eye and smirked a very devilish, almost Fred-and-George-like smirk. "I think that today's the day."

"The day for what?" The Keeper was slightly unnerved by the look in his boyfriend's blue eyes.

Percy seemed barely able to contain a goofy grin, though it was clear that he didn't want to seem eager or overly-enthusiastic. "I was thinking," he said, just loudly enough that Oliver was the only one who would hear, "that today is the day that I'd like to lose my virginity."

Oliver was so surprised that, without thinking, he asked, "To who?"

"Oh, well, the other day I noticed that Professor Snape has a rather nice backside, so… You, you berk, who else?"

Oliver could only gape at him for a moment before his face broke into an enormous grin. "Really? Are you serious?"

"Rarely am I not," Percy replied, but he was still trying desperately to hold back an excited smile. "I heard a couple of fifth years talking about some room that turns into whatever you want it to be. It took me nearly a month, but I finally found it. We can use that."

Oliver's heart did a slight tap-dance. If Percy had been planning this for a month, then it was definitely going to happen. Percy Weasley's plans were so precisely laid out that the Head Boy would consider it a crime not to follow through on them.

"Right then." Oliver nudged Percy's knee with his beneath the table. "Just tell me where it is and how to get in. I'll meet you at seven o'clock."

"Okay." Percy scribbled down the directions on a spare bit of parchment before standing up and slinging his bag over his shoulder. "I look forward to it, Wood." And with yet another shockingly mischievous look, he was off, leaving Oliver in a nearly breathless state of excitement.

The rest of that day passed achingly slow. Oliver could barely keep his mind focused on his work (which he paid dearly for with a strict talking-to from Professor McGonagall for conjuring a badger instead of a rabbit, causing mass panic and more than a few injuries). Once supper came around, he wolfed down his bit of ham before racing to the mysterious Room of Requirement.

Oliver strolled back in forth in front of the blank stretch of wall, each time thinking, I need a romantic room for two that no one else will be able to get into. After his third repetition, he saw that a door had appeared. He checked his watch; six-thirty. Ah, well. I suppose I can just wait for him in here.

The room certainly had done a good job. The plush, round mattress was clad with red satin sheets and a fluffy comforter. He placed the box of truffles he had bought for his boyfriend on the bedside table before rummaging through the set of drawers on the other side. "All right!" he whispered to himself. "Strawberries and champagne!" He pulled them out, examining them. "So… sophisticated. Percy's going to love it."

He held the small bowl of strawberries beneath his nose and took a deep breath. He loved the heart-shaped fruits, and he certainly couldn't say he hated champagne. After a moment's speculation, he murmured, "Eh, I'm sure he won't mind if I start a bit early on," and took a great bite of one of the berries.

By the time seven o'clock had come around, the strawberries were gone. Oliver had hidden the bowl under the bed and thanked the lord that he'd managed to keep himself away from the champagne when the door opened.

Percy looked around anxiously before closing the door behind him. He grinned at Oliver. "Excellent room, isn't it?" he asked quietly. He looked positively giddy. It was unlike him, but Oliver couldn't help but grin. Excitement looked incredible on Percy's sharp features.

"It's a lot more excellent, now you're here," Oliver said quietly. He hoped he didn't have strawberry seeds stuck in his teeth as he strutted towards his boyfriend, pushing the thin Prefect's back against the door and kissing him deeply.

Percy pulled back after a moment with a quizzical look on his face. "What?" Oliver asked nervously.

"Nothing. You just taste… sweet." Percy seemed to shake it off, leaning in for yet another kiss. As they pulled apart, the redhead smiled anxiously. "Sorry, I'm a bit nervous."

"No problem." Oliver pulled him over to the bed. "I got you these," he said, handing the smaller boy the box of truffles. "I didn't eat any of them, either."

"That's a first." Percy smirked as he took a bite. His look quickly changed to one of confusion.

Oliver quickly poured him a glass of champagne. "Sorry. Do you not like it?"

"It's not that," Percy said with a small frown. "They just taste… strange. It's familiar, but I can't really place it." He took another thoughtful bite. "They taste like you just did, actually."

Oliver rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh, er, yeah. About that. You see, when I got here, there were – Perce? Are you okay?"

Percy's frown had become more pronounced, and he had raised a hand to his throat. He took a breath to begin speaking, then found himself overcome by a coughing fit.

"Percy? Oy, Perce, what's wrong?"

"I…" Percy was gasping for air. "I… can't… breathe right…"

"Shit!" Oliver looked terrified. "Do you have asthma or something? You don't need to go to the hospital wing, do you?"

"Allergies…" Percy's breath was becoming labored and wheezy. "But… only to…" He closed his eyes and grit his teeth. "Oliver… were those… strawberry?"

"Yeah, but what would – oh, fuck!" Oliver moaned, looking tortured. "You're allergic to strawberries?"

Percy nodded, eyes wide.

"Damn it all, Perce! You couldn't tell me this before? We've been together for a year! It seems rather important to tell me if there's food out there that can kill you! What were you waiting for? Or did the fact that a fruit could kill you slip your mind?"

"OLIVER!" Percy hissed desperately. "This – is not – the time – is it?"

"No, you're right. Apologize to me later." In his haste to hurry Percy out of the room, Oliver missed the glare his boyfriend shot at him.

Madame Pomfrey managed to fix Percy up in minutes. The Head Boy's throat still felt itchy and somewhat tight, but he could breathe easily, and the pressure was easing with each passing minute. It was up to Oliver to come up with a plausible story to tell the Healer to explain just why Percy had been eating strawberries in a deserted part of the castle with his roommate. (He didn't think he did a very good job – he very much doubted that Madame Pomfrey would believe that they had been intent on starting the Great Strawberry War of 1994, in which they had thrown strawberries, strawberry jam, and strawberry tarts at each other from across the dungeons, with Professor Snape's consent. It certainly didn't help his case that he told her that she couldn't ask Professor Snape what had happened, as he was quite drunk at the time and would have doubtless forgotten.)

Percy rolled his eyes after Madame Pomfrey had gone. "Wonderful story, Oliver," he rasped. "Remind me to grant you some sort of award."

"I didn't hear you helping!"

Percy gave a dry laugh. "Well, I'm dreadfully sorry that I was unable to speak properly. You know, seeing as I almost died."

"But why didn't you tell me?" Oliver groaned, sinking onto the bed beside Percy. "Obviously, if I had known, I wouldn't have given you poisonous chocolates. I nearly killed you!"

"I'm fine, Ol," Percy said gently. "I just didn't think to mention it. It's not as though you've ever seen me eat anything strawberry-flavored. You've seen me actively avoid the stupid things. Why would you buy me something like that?"

"Because strawberries are supposed to be classy and romantic!" Oliver wailed. "I'm sorry, okay? It's just that, you know, you're such a cool, sophisticated guy, and I'm such a bloody sod. You're always so romantic and brilliant."

"Romantic?" Percy wheezed, trying not to laugh. "Do you remember how I told you I wanted to go out with you?"

"Um…"

"That's because I didn't. You found a book of mine with 'PW + OW = True Love Forever' scribbled in the margins. After which I gave you a note that said, 'Do you like me? Circle yes or no.'"

Oliver snickered at the memory. "Yeah, I remember that. It was sweet."

"For a ten-year-old girl. For a sixteen-year-old man, it was pathetic and socially awkward." Percy smiled. "Let's be honest, Oliver, you're much better with people and feelings than I am. There's a reason people like you much more than they like me." Percy put his hand over Oliver's. "I love you the way you are. I don't need strawberries and chocolates and champagne. You're wonderful to me."

Oliver smiled. "You're amazing too," he whispered. "I really am sorry."

Percy shook his head. "I suppose I am too. I wish I hadn't made you feel like you need to impress me." He pulled Oliver down so they were lying side by side and nuzzled the Keeper's shoulder. "For the record, strawberries are the only deadly allergy I have. Though I am quite allergic to dust."

Oliver chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind." He moved to give Percy a kiss, but the smaller man moved back, eying Oliver nervously. "Don't worry, love, I rinsed my mouth out."

Percy grinned and pecked him on the lips. "You know what? I think this is the best anniversary we've ever had."

Oliver laughed loudly, earning a glare from Madam Pomfrey. "Maybe we should do this every year."

"Sure." That mischievous look was back. "As long as we get to have sex first next time."

A/N: How'd you guys like it? Please R+R, and, if you're interested, message me with a request! I love a challenge!