For Aria Mirage,

I hope this suspense isn't too much. Thank you for supporting my writing, dear. :)

Happy New Year!


Angelina twisted her head around, but she didn't see anyone.

Wood looked up, the rest of his body still pinning Angelina to the wall. "Who are you?" he asked fiercely.

"Oh, I don't think you're in a position to ask that," the mysterious voice sneered.

"Really?" Wood shot back.

"Yes. Really. Do you realize what a compromising position you appear to be in?" the voice scoffed. "Actually, you are in a compromising position that just got worse."

"What are you doing here?" Wood spat, pressing more of his weight onto Angelina.

"Don't you think that's my line?" The owner of the deep voice scowled.

Angelina gasped, slightly. As the owner came into view, Wood briefly looked at her before gazing at the stranger.

"You?" Wood growled, surprised.

"Were you expecting someone else? Oh right, you were too busy with the girl."

"Nothing is going on here. I suggest you go back to the Slytherins. I'm sure someone misses you there," Wood snarled, moving his hands to Angelina's shoulders.

She whimpered slightly in pain. Biting her lip to keep the pain at bay, she stared at Wood. What was his game? Oliver would never abuse anyone. Why was he doing this to her? What was going on?

"Really Wood? I don't think that's your concern. I suggest you let her go." The voice was commanding. Unfortunately, Wood's body blocked him from view. She tried to struggle, but Wood's weight was too much for her. Her efforts were unsuccessful.

"Or what?" Wood asked, angrily.

"Or you'll have to deal with me," the deadly voice chilled the atmosphere.

Wood slowly released his grip on Angelina. Reluctantly, Wood dropped his arms to his sides, allowing Angelina room to stand up straight.

"Good boy. Now run along." The Slytherin's voice was imperious.

Wood's face was grim as he stepped away from Angelina, his back to the Slytherin. Then, without warning, Wood pivoted and swung his fist.

"Oliver!" Angelina yelled, horrified.

"He's a bloody snake!" Oliver pushed the Slytherin boy into the wall.

"I think you had better leave before someone gets hurt." The Slytherin, to Angelina's relief, was mostly unhurt as he stood up, towering over Wood. She recognized him, but something in her mind didn't add up. Why him?

"Stop this, Oliver! I don't know what happened to you. But this needs to end," Angelina protested, catching Oliver's hand.

At her touch, Wood's face changed. He looked at her and his body relaxed entirely.

"Fine, Angel. If that's what you want," Oliver sighed, walking to the doorway. "This isn't over!" he snarled at the Slytherin before departing.

A moment of silence passed. Angelina inspected her shoulders and wrists, knowing she'd have bruises the next day. The Slytherin eyed her keenly while he reinforced Wood's spells. They needed to talk. Now, before she could give him the slip.

It wasn't like Oliver Wood to treat anyone in such a manner, especially not Angelina. Studying her carefully, the Slytherin determined several points:

1. Angelina had no clue herself what was going on;

2. Something had set off Wood: he wouldn't act without a reason;

3. And somehow more than Quidditch came into play.

The Slytherin allowed Angelina a few moments to herself so she could breathe and rearrange her clothes. If he hadn't arrived, she might have more than a few bruises to worry about. Frowning at that terrifying thought, he pondered this mystery. Yes, something strange was going on. And he was determined to get to the bottom of it!