A/N- Sorry for the slipshod chapter last time. And for springing Theo on you. Hopefully this chapter will make up for all that. If you still have any doubts, feel free to ask.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Tori poked the nougat in front of her. She was sitting at the beachside café with Theo and finding it very difficult on concentrate on anything he was saying. Needless to say, this was something new. When Theo had been an exchange student at Hogwarts, Tori had clung to every word he had said, soaking up his accent and marveling at his black hair and blue eyes. But now, he had had to shake her in order to bring her back to the present conversation.
It was safe to say that she had definitely gotten over her crush on him.
"What are you going to do after Hogwarts?"
"Well," she said, frowning slightly, "I'm working on a few possibilities with McGonagall. Nothing's certain as of now."
He nodded his head but there was a strange look in his eyes. He took her hand in his and started stroking it lightly. Tori flinched visibly but didn't say anything.
"I haven't stopped thinking about you, Victoria," he said, his voice low and his eyes looking straight into hers.
"But I have."
He looked a little startled but a small smile came up on his face.
"Is it because of your boyfriend?"
"Huh?" Tori wondered if she had missed a part of the conversation.
"That was your boyfriend on the beach, no?"
"Beach? Oh. No, that wasn't my boyfriend. That's a classmate and we just fell while cycling. Hence the compromising position. Do you remember him? The Quidditch-crazy guy in my house. Oliver Wood. He's Captain now."
He nodded his head and smiled broadly. He was so handsome but she was no longer attracted to him. Funny how things worked.
"He is not your boyfriend. There is somebody else, no?"
"Sorry?"
"Because you say that you have stopped thinking about me. There is somebody else. Why else would you stop thinking about me?"
Tori scrunched up her nose in disapproval. What was it with boys and entitlement?
"No, Theo. There isn't anybody else. I stopped thinking about you without there being someone else to take over my thoughts. It can happen in that way as well. It's not a permanent position that always needs to be occupied. I can go with not fancying anyone."
He picked up the slight annoyance in her tone and hastily nodded his head.
"You are right, of course. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound like that."
"I accept your apology. Now where are these other amazing desserts you were talking about? I've just had a subpar nougat. Were you lying?" She teased him lightly.
"Of course not! I would never do that!" He said in a mock-offended tone and then grinned at her.
…
The trip was over sooner than she had expected. A fortnight had gone by in a flash and Tori found herself boarding the Hogwarts Express on the 2nd of January.
The first person she saw was Oliver Wood who said nothing and moved into a separate compartment and shut the door with a loud thud.
He's avoiding me. So mature.
She lugged her belongings into the nearest empty compartment and sat down with a sigh. That stupid boy. He was going to avoid her now? Honestly, she had picked the most immature git to have a crush on.
She heard heated voices just outside the compartment and wondered what was going on. Before she could get up, Hermione walked into the compartment angrily and Tori could swear she had seen a blonde head disappear.
The younger girl settled down and opened a book, angrily reading at twice her normal pace.
"Umm, Hermione? Is something wrong?"
She knew this was a silly question to ask since there was something wrong. But it was perhaps better to start this way.
"Boys," she said with a huff and put down her book, "they're so insufferably stupid and insensitive."
Tori nodded her head, wholeheartedly agreeing with her sentiment.
"I mean, who does he think he is? I know I'm not a pureblood like him but why does he have to keep insulting me like this? I try my best to stay away from him but somehow or the other, he finds some way of getting to me!"
Tori was tempted to ask who this boy was but she had fairly good idea about his identity.
"Don't let anyone get to you, Hermione. I know for a fact that you're the smartest witch in your year and possibly a few other years as well. I think you must account for jealousy. It might seem impossible to you right now, but people have the strangest ways of behaving around someone they're jealous of."
Hermione stopped what she was about to say, her mouth still open as she considered what the older girl had said. She had never thought about it. After all, she was used to being referred to as a 'dirty little mudblood' and nothing more. This theory was blowing her mind.
"I hope Prof. Lupin starts taking classes again," she said, changing the subject after a while.
"Me too," said Tori, hoping she could recommence her training as well.
"Snape set us an essay on Werewolves! Can you imagine?"
"Really? But third years don't start Nocturnal Beasts till much later," said Tori, curious about the Potions teacher's motives.
"That's what I said. It just seems like very odd timing. I mean, as soon as Lupin goes off sick, Snape sets us an essay on Werewolves."
"He set us an essay related to Werewolves as well. Even though they aren't really a part of the NEWT syllabus."
"You know, I realized that it was a full moon on the day that Snape set us the essay," said Hermione, her eyebrows furrowing.
"You're right. In fact, Lupin looks really ill about once a month. And he went off around the full moon last month." Tori was speaking slowly, as if trying to make sense of something.
She and Hermione looked at each other strangely. The same thoughts and questions were flitting through their minds. The library would, no doubt, be flooded with their presence for long periods of time.
…
Harry stood in front of his Captain, unsure of what to do. He had just broken the news to Wood, that he had gotten a Firebolt for Christmas but McGonagall had taken it away for inspection.
The look on his face was something between resigned rage and horrified constipation. He was worried that Wood was going to burst. He glanced at the twins uncertainly, who were also trying to gauge their Captain's reaction.
"I'm going to talk to McGonagall. She can't do that. A Firebolt."
He walked back to where Ron was sitting. They had stopped speaking to Hermione after she had reported the Firebolt. It was a low move, even for her. They were still struggling with Snape's essay and the added worry of the Firebolt and the impending match with Ravenclaw made it hard for Harry to concentrate.
He saw Hermione's bushier-than-usual hair duck under the portrait hole and leave the common room. He didn't really care about her workload at this point of time. She had no business meddling like that. Best friend or not.
He could see Ron was going to pass out any moment and jabbed him in the ribs.
"Oi! What the bloody hell was that for?"
"You can't pass out now, mate. Snape's essay's due tomorrow. I don't fancy detention right now. Especially with Wood having gotten the news of the confiscated Firebolt."
"Why can't we just ask Herm-" He stopped mid-sentence as he realized that they were not talking to their other best friend.
Could she have chosen a worse time to start brownnosing? Honestly, the girl was downright mental. Plus that cat of hers was becoming more of a menace. He was sure Scabbers would have a heart attack soon, what with all the sudden attacks by the ginger cat.
…
"Have you thought of a spell you'd like to work with?"
Lupin looked even more haggard than before. Something that Tori didn't think was possible. She nodded her head and went through everything she had thought about during the gap.
"I'd like to change the Aguamenti spell. I'd like to make it produce ice instead of water."
Lupin raised an eyebrow but nodded his head nonetheless.
"Any particular reason for selecting that particular spell?"
"Well," she had thought about this many times herself, "I thought this would be a spell which could most easily be modified in this way. After all, water and ice and different physical states of the same compound."
"Alright. I'm presuming you have come up with an incantation to strengthen your intent?"
"Yes, Professor."
"Alright. You know the basics and the theory. Now, cast the original spell once. And then try our modification. Remember, intent is half your work done."
She took in a deep breath.
"Aguamenti!"
A jet of water burst from the tip of her wand.
She took in a few more deep breaths and gripped her wand tighter.
"Aguamenti glacius."
This time, the jet of water was much weaker.
Tori was disappointed. It seemed like she had weakened her ability with the original spell. However, she decided to try once again.
Clearing her mind of all thoughts except water changing to ice, she closed her eyes and cast the spell.
"Aguamenti glacius!"
The same thing occurred again. Three more tries and she had the same result each time. She was beginning to feel tired and Lupin asked her to sit down.
"What are you thinking while casting the spell?"
"Water turning to ice."
"I see. Perhaps, you need to think of something else. You need to be very clear about your intent. Your incantation will only further strengthen your intent. But don't forget about execution. Your wand movement might have to change. Keep these things in mind and we'll practice again next week."
Tori nodded but couldn't hide the disappointment on her face.
"Don't worry, Victoria. This is very difficult and very advanced magic. Very few witches and wizards are capable of this. You must not feel disheartened. Think about the things I told you and we'll see how you fare next week," he finished with an encouraging smile.
…
Tori glanced at the clock. It was a little past midnight and the common room was empty. The big Ravenclaw-Gryffindor match was the next day and everyone had gone off to bed in order to wake up on time.
Everyone except a preoccupied Head Girl and an oblivious Quidditch Captain.
Tori had completely lost track of time in the common room. Normally she would've shifted to her room in the Heads' Tower after the last patrol had ended but worrying about Lupin's training had completely occupied her mind.
She got up and stretched, hoping to leave without alerting Oliver. She picked up her books when there was a loud thud followed by an angry expletive.
"Oliver? What's wrong?"
He was currently trying to fix a piece of paper which had been stained with ink but due to his frustration and lack of concentration, he kept missing.
"Hold on. Stop!"
He suddenly became aware of her presence and stopped flicking his wand angrily.
"Scourgify."
Her wand soaked up the extra ink and he sighed and sat down.
"What's wrong?"
"Why do you care?" he said moodily.
"That's the most ridiculous line of argument any ever came up with. Now answer my question."
"You wouldn't understand."
"Why? Because it's related to Quidditch? You know, Oliver, just because I don't play, doesn't mean I don't know and understand the game."
He looked up at her suspiciously.
"I did tell you that my father is crazy about the sport, yeah?"
He nodded his head and then covered his face with his hands.
Tori took that as a good sign and sat down next to him. Crush be damned, if she could get him to stop avoiding her, then she'd gladly talk to him about Quidditch.
"I don't know what to do."
"About?"
The game. They've changed their Seeker."
"You mean, Chang's playing?"
"Yeah. This changes the entire dynamics of the match. I've told Harry a few basic things but I'm so worried that we'll lose. And this time, it'll be final."
He looked very dejected. Tori wondered how Quiditch could affect him this much. She wondered if he ever thought about anything else. Probably not.
"I see. Well, Chang's been Ravenclaw's Seeker for two years now. So you shouldn't really have a problem with predicting her style."
"That's the thing. The last two years have been strange. We've not won against Ravenclaw in that period."
"Right. Fifth year, we lost the match and last year, Quidditch was cancelled."
He nodded his head.
"Wait. That means Harry's never played Ravenclaw before."
"Exactly."
"I see. So what do we know about Chang?"
"What do you mean?"
"Her playing style."
"Not much really. The only time I've seen her play properly is during the Slytherin-Ravenclaw match this year."
"I remember that. Malfoy knocked into her and she injured her shoulder. That's how Slytherin got the Snitch."
"And also why Ravenclaw were going to play their Reserve till last night."
"So, we know that she has a weak shoulder and as far as I can recall, she's quite prone to injuries."
"That doesn't tell us much."
"Well, I have watched a few matches so maybe I can help you out."
Oliver perked his ears and looked at her with interest.
"Chang is very good at tailing. That's part of why she's such a good Seeker. I think, what she'll do tomorrow, is tail Harry and when he spots the Snitch, she'll try and get it before him."
'There's no chance of that happening," he scoffed, "Harry's got a Firebolt. There's no way Chang will outfly him with a Comet 260."
"See, this is why I say that I've watched the matches. Chang is not slow. By any means. She's a really good flyer as well. Her main play is to get the opposition to underestimate her and then swoop in and catch the Snitch. She's very agile and good with sudden turns."
Oliver's face paled. He scratched the back of his neck and frowned.
"So, in order for Harry to outplay Chang, he'll have to- "
"-try the Wronski Feint," Oliver finished, looking visibly paler.
"Oliver, has Harry ever tried the Wronski Feint?"
"No."
"And there's no way he can learn it now."
He looked like he was going to collapse. She grabbed his shoulders and shook him slightly.
"Oliver. Breathe."
He looked at her and it seemed like a ghost was staring back. Where was that beautiful tan of his?
She slid her hands down and held his hands in her own. She rubbed circles on the tops of his palms and spoke in a soothing voice.
"Oliver, relax. It'll be fine. Just tell Harry about Chang's style of playing. He's smart. He'll figure out what to do. Besides, like you said, you've got a fucking Firebolt on your team."
That seemed to jolt him out of his trance and he grinned at her weakly. His attention shifted to their interlocked hands and Tori slowly let go. She didn't want him to feel awkward and start avoiding her again.
"Ah, well. Not much else I can do now, can I? Might as well give it out best shot."
She smiled at him and tilted her head to one side.
"Don't worry, Oliver. You'll do brilliantly tomorrow. This is the best side Hogwarts has seen in years. And if any Dementors show up, I've pretty much mastered the Patronus Charm," she finished with a wink.
He laughed and Tori stared at his features in wonder. He looked even younger now. His boyish features become softer and his rich laugh resounding through the common room.
She got up and ruffled his hair.
"All the best for tomorrow, Captain."
…
Tori was uncharacteristically nervous in the stands. Talking to Oliver last night made her feel like she was somehow sharing his burden. She had managed to speak to Harry once before the match and made sure that no one else saw them.
"Harry, listen. About today's match. You've never seen Chang play right?"
He shook his head, turning a little red.
"Well, I'm sure Oliver's told you everything that he could. But just remember one thing, Chang's low dives are subpar. And she's got a knack for tailing people. Just keep those things in mind. You'll brilliantly. Good luck!"
Right now, she could see each player in scarlet and gold looking grim. Oliver had barely shaken hands with Roger Davies and was circling the hoops at the moment.
Madam Hooch blew her whistle and the game began.
It was quite beautiful to watch. Blue and scarlet whizzing past each other. Ravenclaw did not play dirty like Slytherin but they were no pushovers either. Crisp passes and deft turns, perfect timing and immaculate reflexes; the crowd was roaring with excitement.
Tori was caught between admiring Oliver's brilliant saves and monitoring the two Seekers.
She saw Harry dive and predictably, Chang followed. She heard Oliver bellow from the hoops.
"THIS IS NO TIME TO BE A GENTLEMAN, HARRY! KNOCK HER OFF HER BROOM!"
Trust Oliver to say something so ridiculous.
She couldn't see the Snitch anywhere and they were dangerously close to the ground. At the last minute, Harry pulled up and Chang crashed into the ground.
She couldn't believe it. Harry had just performed the Wronski Feint!
Many things happened at the same time. Harry caught the Snitch, the Ravenclaw supporters booed and three hooded figures came onto the pitch.
Before anyone could do anything, Harry bellowed the Patronus Charm and the three figures crumpled spectacularly.
The entire team rushed to the young boy and hugged him. Gryffindor had won the match and they were in the running for the Cup if they could beat Slytherin with a wide enough margin.
Tori saw Adam and McGonagall standing over the three Dementors and realized that they were Malfoy, Flint and two other Slytherins.
Adam was silently fuming and McGonagall was furious. She was screaming at them while Snape walked up, clearly livid at his House's imbecilic tactics.
She turned around, stifling a giggle when a large figure collided with her.
Actually, she felt like it was a collision because of the force with which the person held onto her. She could smell the distinct scent of his hair as he gripped her tightly.
Oliver Wood was hugging her and after a moment of what she could only term as brain paralysis, she hugged him back.
He finally let go after a while and looked at her. His eyes were dancing with happiness and his hair was adorably messed up. Her hands were still on his shoulders and his were still around her back. He smiled at her and in that moment Tori knew that it had gone too far. There was no going back now. She remembered a line from a Muggle playwright her grandfather loved quoting.
I am in blood
Stepped in so far that, should I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o'er.
"Oi, Oliver!"
He grinned and let her go, running over to whoever had called him.
Tori sighed and grinned back.
Fuck. She was in trouble now.
…
Was that a whiff of Dramione back there? :3 Maybe.
Also, my timeline might be a bit messed up but creative license, so :P
Review and let me know if you have any suggestions.
