"FOR GRYFFINDOR!" we all shouted together as we raised our brooms over our heads. We had the undeniable surge of house spirit and determination that I'm told comes standard with every game.
"Right! Now let's kick some Slytherin arse!" Oliver declared as his final words of inspiration left us with the need to win. We walked in twos, Oliver leading us at the head, out onto the pitch.
A blast of sound hit me as we stepped on the grass. I didn't realize there was a sound barrier placed over the area we were just in. In fact, I didn't realize at all how bloody nervous I was. The entire school was going to be sizing me up. I mean, it's not that it matters what they think of me… it's just the fact that I don't do well in front of crowds.
We took our respective positions and awaited Madame Hooch to start the game off. Here goes nothing…
"OH! WHAT A SHOT!" Lee nearly screamed to the crowd. "THAT PUTS GRYFFINDOR AHEAD BY TWENTY POINTS! THEY BETTER GET SOME MORE GOALS BEFORE SLYTHERIN CATCHES THE SNITCH…..
"SPINNET HAS REGAINED POSSESSION OF THE QUAFFLE AND IS HEADED STRAIGHT FOR THE SLYTHERIN GOALS. IS SHE CRAZY? THEY'RE NOT GOING TO MAKE IT JUST LIKE- AND SHE PASSES TO JOHNSON RIGHT OVER FLINT'S HEAD! WHAT A SHAME FOR SLYTHERIN! THEY ALMOST HAD HER!
"JOHNSON SWERVES OUT OF THE WAY OF AN ONCOMING BLUDGER HIT BY BEADLE AND AIMS FOR THE LEFT HOOP- SHE MIGHT ACTUALLY HAVE IT! GO JOHNSON! HIGGS IS CATCHING UP TO HER QUICKLY… AND SHE AIMED IT TOO HIGH! SHE'S WAY OFF COURSE!" Lee was astounded. Angelina had thrown it high over the hoop and it was now plummeting on the opposite side of the goal posts.
"OH- BUT IT WAS INTENTIONAL- BELL HAS APPEARED OUT OF NOWHERE AND IS NOW IN POSSE- GOAL! GRYFFINDOR IS UP 240-210!" The crowd went crazy- the noise nearly deafening. Suddenly, their screaming rose a few decibels and everyone stood up, screaming their lungs out.
"POTTER HAS CAUGHT THE SNITCH! GRYFFINDOR WINS THEIR FIRST GAME THIS YEAR 390-210! THEY POSITIVELY SPANKED SLYTHERIN!"
The crowd's explosion could hardly compare to the way my face lit up and the way I started screaming and squealing in glee. WE FREAKING WON!
I flew closer to the ground so I could land and celebrate properly (this called for a serious victory dance) but before I could make it, Angelina and Alicia smothered me in a huge hug.
"You were amazing!"
"WE WON!"
Just as they released me, the Twins came out of nowhere and flew into me so hard that they knocked me off my broom. The fall was only a few feet and didn't hurt because I was just simply too excited.
"KATIEKINS! We did it!"
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!"
I noticed Harry had already landed. I dashed over to him and tackled him to the ground. "BRILLIANT JOB, HARRY!" I cried, kneeling next to him.
"GRYFFINDOR!!" I heard the infamous accent coming closer. Before I knew it, I was tackled back to the ground next to Harry as Oliver nearly pounced on us and the rest of the team jumped in the mess.
As if our mirth wasn't enough to make my cheeks hurt from grinning so much, seconds later it seemed the entire Gryffindor house was running toward us, eager to show their pride.
We were lost in the sea of scarlet and gold for nearly a half hour. People I've never even seen before congratulated me or hugged me or gushed about how smashingly we did.
Honestly, I can't remember the last time I've been so filled with glee that I couldn't see straight. In fact I can't recall a time when I've been remotely this happy.
Then out of the crowd I picked out a voice. "KATIE!" I turned around and squeezed through the mass of people and somehow found my brother. Tristan stood there for a second, clearly unsure of the best thing to say. Finally he gave up, screamed at the top of his lungs, and ran into my open arms. "I'm so proud of you, Katie! My big sister is a hero!"
Merlin, I love this kid. He's so adorable! "Come on- we're going to suffocate in here!" I tried to shout over the noise. He nodded and grabbed my hand so he could lead me out.
We stumbled out to the horde of students and took a deep breath. Oh, fresh air is nice. "Hey… I'll meet up with you later in the common room, alright, Tristan? I need to go take a shower and change."
"Ok!" he skipped off happily. Not only was this the first real Quidditch game he's seen, but his team also won. The kid was high on life. And honestly- my emotions mirrored his.
By the time I got done with my standard long shower, Alicia and Angelina were nearly done with theirs as well. I decided to wait up for everyone in the entrance area of the locker room so we could officially congratulate one another.
As I waited my stomach started to feel queasy; I guess Flint must have rammed into me harder than I first thought. I paced around and walked to the locker room doors back to the middle of the room. Well that's kind of weird- I get more nauseous the closer I get to the doors…
You're kidding me…
Please tell me Kyle isn't really stupid enough to visit me here...
Only Oliver and Tristan even know I'm dating Kyle.
But the point is that if he's here, in his Slytherin uniform, outside the Gryffindor lockers it's not going to look good to begin with. On top of that, I already know there's no way of getting out of here without running into him- I'm going to turn into a sloppy mess right in front of everyone.
Is it just me or would it be a little bit suspicious for me to be all over my surprise boyfriend who also just so happens to be a part of the team we just slaughtered? If it were someone else, I would definitely ask questions.
All the men walked out at the same time and the two girls strode out two minutes later.
"You lot were bleeding brilliant, today!" Oliver exclaimed. "That was, hands down, the best game I've ever had the pleasure of playing."
We all cheered in appreciation. We had every right to be overjoyed- we practiced our butts off for this.
"Right. We're off to a great start. Let's keep ourselves in the lead, yeah? You get three days off from practice-" at this we erupted in whoops and applause, "-and we will meet back here on Wednesday." Oliver proudly overlooked his team.
"Smashing- now let's head up to the common room. We've planned a party!" George declared.
They all rushed out together, goofing off and dancing randomly. I stayed a few moments behind and couldn't help but notice that Oliver did as well.
"I forgot something in my locker. I'll meet you back up in the common room." I told him. I didn't want him to see me turn into such a mushy, lovesick fool.
Oliver just watched me run off into the recesses of the facility with interest. I stayed back there for a good five minutes, hoping he would get the hint but when I came back out with my broom in tow, I was dismayed to find him still standing there.
At my look he explained. "We always walk up together. It's been that way since day one. Besides, I wanted to congratulate you personally." I tried not to suck in a breath of air. Not good. I shouldn't be receiving special honors from him in the first place, but when Kyle is on the other side of the doors we were walking out, it was a recipe for everyone's disappointment… and unavoidable disaster.
The second we stepped outside, the Invitus Adamo took over and I was in Kyle's arms before I knew it. "Kyle!" I squealed and grinned into his shirt.
"Beadle?" The way Oliver said it suggested that the mere name had burned his tongue.
"Wood." Kyle replied smoothly. "I'd like to congratulate my girlfriend, if you don't mind." He was clearly hinting to leave us alone. Oliver tried to catch my eye, wondering why I would break a nice tradition on the most important day we could have. Unluckily for him, New Katie wouldn't cooperate. Without another word, Oliver stormed off to the castle.
"Is it just me, or is he getting a bit touchy?" Kyle asked.
"Oh, Babe," New Katie cooed, avoiding the question for some reason. "I'm so glad you came to see me! Are you going to spend some time with me today?" I gave him the puppy-eyes.
Don't fall for it!
"Yeah. We're going to spend time together. Let's go."
Kyle led me up the Den in near silence. What's his problem today? Surprisingly he doesn't seem upset at all. His girlfriend just mauled his team and he's not showing the tiniest hint of remorse. If I didn't know better, I'd say something was wrong.
And I did know better…
"Excellent job out there, Katie. You were amazing. I thought you said you've never played before three weeks ago?"
"I hadn't. I just trained really hard. But maybe now that Wood knows that we can handle it, he'll cut some practices and I can spend more time with you. Wouldn't that be perfect?" I smiled stupidly as I rested my broom against the far wall.
Hah… too bad Oliver isn't that lenient; practice will resume as normal, except for our 3 day break. Anybody in Hogwarts could tell you that.
"I would love to spend more time with you, Katie. In fact, I've been a fool lately for not being around. Can you forgive me for ignoring you?"
"Of course I can, Sugar." I closed the space between us and enveloped him a hug.
"That's so great to hear, Katie…" he whispered sweetly into my hair, hugging me back.
Woah… is that … sincerity I hear in his voice? What's with the mushy return of affection?
Kyle led me to the couch and we lay next to each other with me wedged on the inside, my right arm draped over his chest in some sickeningly loving embrace. His right hand rested on my hip while the left stroked my right arm. The touch sent tingles down my spine.
I was just left in confusion while he and New Katie enjoyed each other's company in silence. I hated to admit that the Invitus Adamo had nothing to do with the feelings he was leaving me with. The potion merely takes my body captive and makes me infatuated with Kyle. The tingles his caress is inducing are genuine… and the thought made me feel ill. I can deal with the fact that my bubbliness around him is not my doing; I can't control it. But the shivers and pulling of my heartstrings were of my own consent.
For the first time in nearly a month, I wasn't seething in anger at Kyle. I was just confused and upset.
"Katie?" he finally whispered softly, thinking I might have fallen asleep.
"Hmm?"
"We should be going, babe. I don't want you to miss your victory party." What's with the whole 'babe' thing? Even before Invitus Adamo, he's never been mushy like this.
I made a pouting sound but we sat up anyway. He kissed me sweetly on the lips, stroked my cheek, and walked out the door.
For the life of me, I couldn't figure out what his deal is. This just isn't his personality….
I sat there for another moment, wracking my mind, trying to figure out any possible ulterior motives but came up with nothing. Whatever… I'll think about it later. Right now I have a celebration to attend. I need something to get my mind off of that prat.
Upon stepping inside the common room, I was met with a sight like no other. Every Gryffindor had to have been packed in the room, everyone holding a cup of pumpkin juice or butterbeer. Music, laughter, and shouting drifted into my ears. About thirty of them were dancing about while the rest stood in groups and talked animatedly about the game.
Signs were draped all over the walls and scarlet and gold streamers hung from the ceiling. I couldn't look anywhere without seeing the name 'GRYFFINDOR' somewhere.
"KATIE!!" someone ran up from beside me and gave me a huge hug. "It's about time you showed up! We were beginning to think you forgot!"
"Forgot what?"
Alicia looked at me strangely but then we busted out laughing. "Good one, Katie! Now come on- you need to dance with us!"
"I can't really dance…"
Alicia didn't even give me a chance to protest because she grabbed my wrist and dragged me into the throng of dancing Gryffindors to meet up with Angelina.
I must have danced for at least thirty minutes before I couldn't take it anymore. It was way too hot and crowded, and I was beyond parched.
I finally tumbled out of the dance area and bee-lined for the refreshment table. I grabbed a cup, poured myself some butterbeer, and sipped on it lightly. It's not the most refreshing thing I could be drinking, but it sure does beat pumpkin juice- I never did like the stuff.
"Where the bloody hell have you been for the past hour and a half!?" I spun around only to find myself face to face with George.
"I was just in there!" I defended and pointed at the partiers.
"And right back in you shall go!" George plucked the drink out of my hand and unceremoniously heaved me into the masses.
Of course it was just my luck to trip over the edge of a rug; I was sent flying forward with nothing to stop my fall. I pulled my arms up to protect my face and squeezed my eyes shut.
"Oi!" Someone shouted, catching me right before I hit the floor. "You need to be more careful, Katie."
I looked up at Oliver. "George shoved me and-" I turned around but the deviant was nowhere to be found. I made a sound of frustration and turned back to Oliver. "Thanks, Captain."
"Don't mention it."
"Would you mind letting me go?"
He looked down only to discover that his hands were still fastened around my waist. "Oh!" he cried and drew his hands away. "Sorry."
"How is the party going?" I questioned although I could plainly see it was faring well. "Did I miss anything?"
"The twins have been on a something they call the 'Trickster Rampage'. They've already gotten nearly twenty of us."
"Did they do anything to you yet?"
"They know what'll happen if they mess with me. Early weekend practices for a month; I've made that detail rather clear to them."
I smiled. As much of a tough guy Oliver seemed to be, he was secretly slightly afraid of the twins. I could tell on my own- it's not like he'd ever admit to that.
"Come on, Kates. Will you dance with me?"
"I was just in there!" I tried to explain. "I need a break."
"Nonsense!" he declared. "It's thanks to you we won the game; we would have been annihilated if it weren't for you agreeing to be our third chaser."
"Don't be silly, Oliver…" I tried to argue but knew that they really would have been dead with only two people trying to make goals.
"The point is that you need to celebrate so come on." He grabbed my wrist and pulled me a ways into the dance area. I lightened up after a few minutes and together we danced for nearly another half hour.
Soon enough, the room started thinning out and the light outside was getting darker and darker. Dinner would be served in fifteen minutes.
Alicia and Angelina asked if Oliver and I wanted to go walk down with them but I declined. I needed to freshen up.
I went up to my dormitory, grabbed my toiletries, and went to the bathroom. I spent about ten minutes in there and finally went back to the common room.
"It's about time," Oliver joked from his favorite armchair. He stood up and walked over to me.
We headed out of the portrait hole but I couldn't help but ask a question that was burning in my mind. "Are you stalking me? You're always waiting for me." My tone was playful but I was really getting worried. Seriously… this is starting to seem strangely suspicious. I know we're friends and all but even my brother isn't this attached to me. Even friends don't wait for each other every single chance they get.
"Am I not allowed to wait for my best mate?"
"Well… I suppose so…" To be honest, I'm starting to think there's more to it than that…
"Besides," he continued. "Beadle broke our tradition of walking back together after practices."
"Technically that was a game, though." Was that jealousy in his tone?
"I suppose you're right." Oliver was quiet for a moment. "So what did Beadle have to say about us winning?"
He was actually the exact opposite of what I expected. The whole point of me joining the team was to win the games for the sole reason of making him angry. "He was happy about it," I said evasively.
Oliver looked taken aback. "Really? He's not screaming because his team lost?"
"There's more to our relationship than rivalries," I lied. Merlin, our relationship was pretty much a void of nothingness. We saw each other for maybe five hours a week and half of that time was spent in awkward silence. If I had a say in it, I wouldn't even go so far as to call him an acquaintance.
"How long have you two been dating?"
"Since September."
"Are either of you in love?" he sounded cautious and almost hesitant.
I'm going to give him the benefit of doubt for his curiosity and just say that he wants to know because he's a good friend and not because he fancies me or anything. "No. I don't like to give others power over me unless they've proven themselves to be trustworthy of having control of my heart."
Well it's true. I'm not going to lie and say we're in love because it's unnecessary. It's only been three months since Kyle asked me out. Now if we had been dating for a year or something outlandish like that it would be incredibly suspicious if we weren't in love. For now I'm good.
"He hasn't proven himself trustworthy?"
I mentally laughed bitterly. "It's not so easy to earn my unbound trust. It would take a lot."
"I see…" he mumbled and looked at the ground as he walked. He seemed to be deep in thought.
I had to change the subject. "Have you come up with any new Quidditch plays for next practice?" Quidditch was always the answer for Oliver. It could take his mind off of anything.
"Actually," he looked up. The glimmer that's ever-present while he's in 'Quidditch-mode' sparkled brightly. "It's called the 'Slip'. At any point in the game where a chaser has the Quaffle but is in danger of losing it, she will kick her left leg. A second chaser has to be underneath the first in exactly ten seconds because she's going to drop it straight down. The third chaser, in the meantime, will be-"
I tuned most of it out… He's going to have to explain it to the girls later on anyway. I'll just focus then. All that matters is that I've gotten his mind off of Kyle and I.
We reached the Great Hall about three minutes into his drabble and took our respective seats. He sat with the team while I sat with Tristan, as was customary on Saturday nights.
"How is my favorite brother doing today?" I ruffled his hair as I slid onto the bench next to him.
He made a sour face and immediately patted his hair down to its normal form. "I'm tired and hungry." He shoveled a fork full of roasted chicken into his mouth and chewed with his eyes closed lightly. "That celebration wore me out."
"Me too," I suppressed the urge to yawn. "They made me dance for what seems like hours." Ohh… these potatoes look fabulous! I heaped a huge helping onto my plate and sniffed at it hungrily.
"I saw you and Oliver together." I took a bite of the potatoes and let my tongue absorb the herbs and butter. I think I could fall in love with a house elf, if given a proper chance. "Did he finally ask you to be his girlfriend?"
WHAT?! I nearly choked on the food in my mouth. Tristan looked at me curiously as my eyes watered and I gripped the table with one hand. It took me a few long seconds of pressing against my chest and attempting to swallow before my little fit subsided. I gulped down a swig of tea and tried to calm my breathing.
I had attracted a few stares but everyone went back to their conversations once the excitement was over. Well… everyone besides a rather inquisitive keeper. "Are you alright, Kates?" he called from five seats down.
Color rushed to my face. "Fine, thank you!" I called and spun back to face Tristan who was on the opposite side of me. "What in Merlin's name is that supposed to mean?"
"Katie… he's fancied you ever since you joined the team. How could you not have known?"
"That's not true!" I whispered loudly. I didn't want this conversation to be overheard. "He's just obsessed with Quidditch and since I'm 'his new chaser'," I used air quotes, "he just likes to pester me a lot."
He raised an eyebrow at me. "Oh. So overhearing Fred and George teasing him about it means nothing, I suppose."
They what…? That can't be true. Even though I was blushing a minute ago, all the color was drained from my face. "The twins are infamous for playing tricks on people. They could have been talking about anyone." This can't be real. I can't have Oliver falling for me… it would end up horribly. I'm already having a bad enough time trying to suppress the weird butterflies I get when he waits for me after practice. Besides, if he starts fancying me, he'll be paying more attention to what I do… and that means that he could get dangerously close to finding out the truth about Kyle.
"Maybe you're right…" he said nonchalantly. "I guess the phrase they keep repeating implies someone else. 'Woodbert and Katiekins' has to be about someone else."
I stared at him. "They don't say that…" I said but I couldn't even convince myself. "…do they…?"
"They pop up out of nowhere behind him and say it every time you walk by."
He can't like me… "That doesn't necessarily mean that he fancies me, though."
Tristan looked over my shoulder and back at me with a knowing smile. "He keeps looking over here, sis."
Needless to say, I froze up for a second or two. Only my heart raced in my chest. "I'm still dating Kyle. He knows that."
"So what? That's not going to stop someone from fancying you. You practice together all the time and when you're not on the pitch or in class, you're studying with him. How can he not fall for you?"
"Look," I finally said. "I really doubt that he feels that way. And even if he did, I'm with Kyle. It wouldn't matter."
Tristan shrugged and went back to his food. I followed suit and we were left to our thoughts for the next few minutes.
"How are you doing in your classes?" I finally asked.
"I got an E on my Transfigurations test and an O on my Charms essay. I barely got an A on my Defense Against the Dark Arts test. Oh- and I have a fifteen inch Potions essay due on Monday," he looked put out by the last bit.
"How much do you have done?"
Tristan winced, "Two and a half inches… I'm going to working all of tomorrow."
I patted him on the back. "Well I'm proud of you. You're doing so well in your classes. You couldn't make me happier."
He looked up at me and we shared a moment that no one around us could hope to understand. "Do you mean it?" he nearly whispered as if not trusting his voice.
I smiled and squeezed his hand. "Every word. I'm so proud of you for everything."
He smiled back and after a few seconds we went back to eating just talking about trivial things such as certain professors actions, Quidditch, or something funny one of our friends had done earlier.
Two hours later I found myself in the common room trying to transfigure a quill into a top hat. I waved my wand at the right angles and spoke the spell clearly but the quill sat unchanged in quiet resilience. Finally, after nearly twenty minutes of attempting and failing miserably, I gave up and put my head down on the table. I'd only rest for a moment and calm myself down before I get angry.
Out of nowhere, a hand latched onto my shoulder lightly. I jumped up in surprise and spun around to find myself face-to-face with Fred. I put a hand up to calm my racing heart and blinked several times. The common room was completely empty. Merlin… I must have fallen asleep.
"Come on, Katie. Pack it up for tonight. It's nearly one in the morning."
"Are you serious?!" I whispered loudly. Don't ask me why… a normal conversation couldn't be heard up in the dorms.
"As serious as a Swedish Short Snout is when he's hungrily eyeing a cow."
I stared at him. If anyone ever thinks they could ever hope to understand either of the twins, they're sadly mistaken. "Alright. I'll go to bed in a little while. Thanks for waking me up."
Fred saluted me and strutted over to the Boys' Staircase.
I really don't want to give up for the night. I need to be able to have this spell perfected by Monday and it's not looking too hopeful.
I stood up, stretched all of my muscles to both wake myself up and to help myself focus better. After a few deep breaths, I faced the innocent-looking quill and stood up straight. Just as I opened my mouth to say the spell, a very familiar Scottish accent spoke from right behind me. "What're you doing, Kates?"
My entire body went rigid- half from Oliver just popping up out of nowhere and half because it was Oliver- the one who apparently likes me.
"Trying to transfigure this quill into a top hat." I replied.
Thankfully he stepped next to me so I could turn my head to look up at him. I can't trust the rest of my body to move right now. I mean, not only am I freaking out because Oliver's presence this late at night is suspicious and only helps to prove Tristan right, but also because there are numerous butterflies in my tummy.
"Do you need any help?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. I wanted to say no but before I even got the chance, he barreled on. "Show me how you flick your wand."
"I'm really fine, Oliver."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Well then transfigure the quill."
Why?
Why can't he ever leave me alone? Why can't he ever get the hint the first time? Why does he have to like me? Why do I have to get bleeding butterflies every time he goes out of his way to help me out?
And better yet- why does he always know exactly how to trap me in a corner?
I pouted but made a valiant effort at the spell anyway. Needless to say, it failed.
Oliver shook his head disapprovingly and reached out to touch my wrist. My heart skipped a few beats and my breath caught in my throat.
"You're flicking your wand too sharply. Let it flow gracefully." He moved my hand through the motions slowly. "Try it like that," he said as he pulled his hand away.
I obeyed him and used his method but still yielded no results.
"You're too stiff," he concluded and moved so close to me that his chest was leaning against my shoulder and arm. He placed his hand on top of mine and closed his fingers around my fist. "Like this, see?" He moved my hand in the motion again, "try it now."
I spoke as clearly as I could manage while he directed my hand flawlessly… and it worked. The quill turned into a top hat and sat innocently on the table. My normal reaction would have been one of mirth but Oliver's proximity was deeply affecting me. I swear if I could I would kill all the butterflies in my stomach.
"Excellent," he whispered next to my ear. "Do it again."
I spoke the incantation again and the hat changed back into a quill. This man is too smart for his own good… it'll be the death of me.
"Now try it on your own, Kates." He retracted his hand but didn't see the need to step back. I inwardly groaned at his stubbornness but obeyed his command. It worked.
We both smiled and he congratulated me.
To be honest, I was happy. After hours of working fruitlessly, I finally knew how to transfigure the quill- it could make anyone's day. But Oliver's presence only dampened my spirits.
Don't get me wrong- I think he's a great guy; a little eccentric, yeah, but he's nothing but nice to me. He's a great friend. But Tristan's observation only verified my previous speculations and the fact that Oliver's here alone with me at 1am only serves to erase any doubts.
Oliver Wood fancies me.
I'd love to have someone prove me wrong. It would save me so much trouble. Seriously… now not only do I have to cover my steps twice as well, but I also have to quell my feelings for him at the same time.
"What are you doing up so late?" I asked him, trying to end the silence.
"Couldn't sleep," was all he replied.
"Bad dreams?" I queried.
He scrunched up his face. "The twins have tendencies to be annoying at all hours of the day and night…"
I tried my hardest not to flush. Of course he would have no idea that what he just admitted proved Tristan right. He had no idea that I'm aware of the fact that he pretty much admitted that he likes me. Why else would the twins pester him at 1am to the point of driving him down here… coincidentally when I'm here and everyone else is asleep?
"Oh," was all I could say. "Do you think you could go back to sleep now?" I needed to get out of here quickly but at the same time, I didn't want to be rude and just ditch him after he helped me out. I do have manners, after all.
"Not sure," he shrugged. "I'm just going to sit by the fire for a while until I'm sure they're asleep."
I don't know why I found it so hard to just take the opportunity to go up to my dorm and be done with him for the night. The reason completely escapes me. But before I knew it, we were both sitting on the big scarlet couch facing the fire.
Oliver made small talk about school and Quidditch practice and thankfully didn't make any more moves on me. The conversation somehow drifted to the upcomming Hogsmeade trip… which happened to be next weekend.
"I need some new gloves," he said. "Mine are far too torn to be useful."
"You're obsessed," I teased.
"There's nothing wrong with a healthy obsession for a sport!" he defended indignantly.
"You take it to the max, Oliver."
He just folded his arms and huffed at me. "Well what are you going to be looking for in Hogsmeade?"
"I need a new quill, some ink, a potion, and a Christmas present or two." I replied nonchalantly. If Kyle was able to get a hold of Invitus Adamo in Hogsmeade, there has to be a potions shop. I need to invest in something that will stop my feelings for the man next to me. I can't let myself get close to him- it's far too dangerous.
"I forgot this is going to be the last trip of the semester…" he sighed and fell back onto the couch and stared at the ceiling. "I'm horrible at getting good presents."
"As long as you don't get everyone something related to Quidditch, it can't be that bad…"
He just groaned as a response.
"Are you serious…?" I asked incredulously. "That's they only type of gift you ever give?"
"Well I don't know what to get people…" he tried to explain but trailed off.
"You need to enlist someone to help you shop, then."
"Right." He furrowed his brow and looked at me. "I assume Beadle's going with you?"
I think at this point, it's better to play stupid. I have to ignore his constant hinting (although I'm 98 sure that it's not intentional and he really has no clue). I can't show any signs that I know about his feelings for me and I definitely can't let him see how I feel about him. "Yup." I decided it would be best to leave out the fact that Kyle was only supposed to stay with me for half the time.
"Well maybe you can meet up with us sometime… I'm going with the twins, Angelina, and Alicia. We invited Harry but he's going with Hermione and Ron. We'll be in the Three Broomsticks for lunch."
"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind." To be honest, even if it meant putting up with my flopping tummy and Oliver's flirting, I'd rather go with them. Anything is better than Kyle. I tried to suppress a yawn. Sure, I had gotten a nap but that's not nearly enough. I'm only greedy when it comes to one thing- and that's sleep. "I'm going to go to sleep, alright?"
"Sure. I think I'll dare to venture upstairs, too."
We got up and headed towards the two staircases. "Good night," I yawned again and stretched.
Oliver just smiled at me. "Good night, Kates."
I'd love to hear what you think!