This chapter way overdue. I am SO sorry! A Happy Valentine's Day to all you guys out there. I don't know what happened to me but this chapter was so hard to write. But here it is! A HUGE thanks to my reviewers; Lift the Wings, StarletSpotlight, jess, OceanSapphire, rukia23, Hurricane Rachel, stars, Ami-Weasley, KristyT23, MainlyMaddison, Toolazytologin, williammoseleysgirl and Kopycat. You guys are the LOVE. Really. I hope I don't disappoint with this chapter. Sorry for taking so long with it.
On with Chapter Eleven!
Ashlyn barely spoke to Oliver and Cedric since that day. It was easy to avoid Oliver; it took much more effort and willpower to stay away from Cedric who was probably in more than half her classes. Raine was supportive; sitting next to her whenever they had classes with Hufflepuff. Even during Defence against the Dark Arts, she would sit in front with Raine. Listless, she doodled idly on her parchment as Lockhart launched into one of his 'Lockhart's Greatest Moments'.
All of a sudden, a paper aeroplane flew gracefully onto her desk; uncannily like the "Inter-departmental memos" in the Ministry that her father told her about. Intrigued, Ashlyn unfolded the parchment. It bore just two words: I'm sorry.
Ashlyn hesitated before crumpling the parchment. She then sunk back to her stupor; her head supported by her left hand. Several other paper aeroplanes landed on her desk but she brushed them all away; barely granting the courtesy of opening them. Instead, she buried her head in her arms and let another paper aeroplane soar onto her desk. "He is not giving up, you know," Raine said conversationally as a paper aeroplane flew past her shoulder.
Ashlyn turned her head to face Raine. "You don't understand," She muttered. Taking one paper aeroplane, Ashlyn dangled it between her fingers before letting it fall back onto her desk. "Written words mean nothing," Raine nodded understandingly. As Ashlyn covered her face again, Raine glanced over at Cedric who was sitting diagonally across the classroom. She shook her head and mouthed: No go.
Still, Cedric stubbornly continued bewitching paper aeroplanes to fly across the room to Ashlyn's desk; paper aeroplanes bearing the same two words. Thankfully, Lockhart was too engrossed in one of his re-enactments and did not notice any of the stray aeroplanes. The rest of the class became interested in Cedric's aeroplanes and eventually learnt of the tension between the 'Golden' couple. Damon, Cedric's friend, glanced sympathetically at his vexed partner. "You are impossible," Damon sighed and plucked Cedric's wand from his hand. "She's not going to read them,"
"It's worth a try," Cedric said, holding his hand out for his wand.
"You are bordering on desperate," Damon shot back smartly. "Pay attention to Lockhart-" Damon caught the look on Cedric's face, "Anything else besides Lockhart and Ashlyn," Damon amended hastily. "You're distracting the rest anyway," Damon titled his chin at another Ravenclaw girl who was glancing at Cedric hopefully for a note. Glancing down at his desk in embarrassment, Cedric rubbed the back of his head; avoiding eye contact. "Anyway, that will teach you to listen to Alexander," Damon said stiffly. "Honestly, what were you thinking; taking Alexander's advice? You know you would probably get better advice from a house-elf who has had one too many Butterbeers."
Cedric had to grin at that. His eyes fell back on Ashlyn, willing her to glance at him. He had not be able to look her in the eye since that day, had not been able to allow the apple scent lingering in her hair to invade his senses. Cedric knew he had to get her attention, just for a while. Snatching his wand back from Damon, Cedric scribbled the same two words on another piece of parchment and bewitched it into an aeroplane.
The aeroplane soared across the classroom and collided head-on with the back of Ashlyn's head. The rest of the class inhaled sharply as they wondered how she would react. Her hands slowly clenched into fists.
Precisely at that moment, the bell rang. Ashlyn yanked out her wand and muttered, "Evanesco," The paper aeroplanes littering her desk vanished and she stalked out of the classroom, leaving one disappointed Hufflepuff behind.
"…Oliver Wood?" A pompous-sounding voice belonging to Ernie Macmillan came behind from the Gryffindor Quidditch captain. Oliver turned and the Hufflepuff second year held out a small roll of parchment. Taking it curiously, Oliver unrolled the scroll as Ernie made himself scarce.
"Who is it from?" Angelina asked with interest. The Gryffindor Quidditch team, minus Harry, was spending time together out at the courtyard after their lunch. Oliver snorted as he finished reading the message.
"It's Diggory," Oliver muttered, tucking the parchment into his robes.
"Got little second years doing his bidding now, eh?" Fred sneered.
"What does he want?" Alicia demanded; her face scrunched up.
"Wants to meet me," Oliver sighed, hoisting his bag onto his shoulder. Everyone glanced disbelievingly at their captain. "What?" He said affronted.
"You're not serious about going, right?" Katie said. "I mean," She glanced at Angelina and Alicia for help. "This IS Diggory we're talking about." Noises of agreement greeted Katie's statement. Oliver rolled his eyes and turned his back on them. "Good luck!" They called after him. Shaking his head slightly, Oliver strode towards the Black Lake where the Hufflepuff Seeker was waiting.
"Well?" Cedric said as he heard Oliver approach. "Any luck?"
"None," Oliver replied simply.
"She's avoiding me," Cedric said as he glanced out at the Black Lake.
"That makes the both of us," Oliver said grimly. Both boys grinned tightly at the irony of the situation. "So what are you planning on doing?"
Cedric shrugged, "Try and make her look at me?" Oliver let out a short laugh, nodding slowly in agreement. "To think we would be talking now," Cedric mused. "If only Ashlyn could see us-"
"No need to wait so long," Oliver said. Cedric looked up and saw Oliver glancing behind his shoulder. Following his line of sight, Cedric saw Ashlyn and her Housemates walking along the path towards Hagrid's hut for Care of Magical Creatures. Ashlyn caught Oliver's eye and turned away, her face flaming. "Listen," Oliver spoke, "I think it's best if I apologize to her first,"
Cedric glanced questioningly at Oliver but eventually nodded. Oliver clapped a hand on Cedric's shoulder and left to return to the castle.
"I need help," Ashlyn groaned as she flopped onto her bed. It was the end of the day and she was exhausted.
"No kidding," Raine murmured, flipping through Witch Weekly, "You need SERIOUS help…" Blinking, Raine looked up to meet Ashlyn's glare. "Did I say that out loud?" Groaning even louder, Ashlyn fell back down on her pillow, muttering about finding a new best friend. "Alright, alright," Raine closed her magazine, "What's wrong now?"
"Midlife crisis…?" Cara Davis prompted, sitting on her bed which was across Ashlyn's.
"You're making me sound old," Ashlyn complained as two more girls entered the dormitory. Ella Shaw and Kelsey Harris were Ashlyn's other two roommates.
"But you ARE old," Kelsey teased.
"Oh yeah, laugh it up you lot," Ashlyn scowled. "Don't mind me while I take out my wand and hex all of you."
"You really ARE in a bad mood today," Ella commented as she threw her books down. "What's wrong? Don't you have the delectable Mr Cedric Diggory to make you feel better?" Ella said in a sing-song voice. Ashlyn mumbled incoherently in her pillow which she hugged to her chest. "Hmm…? Do I sense a little trouble in paradise?"
"Just a small problem…" Ashlyn kept the details to herself; it was not in her character to start spilling all her problems to others. "I just want to avoid him for a while…"
"I think you should make the both of them sweat for a bit," Cara suggested. "I recall seeing something in Witch Weekly." Summoning Raine's copy, Cara flipped through the pages and she let out a cry of triumph. "Here," She read the article aloud, "Three ways to make him jealous;" Cara grinned at Ashlyn. "Number one: Have fun,"
Raine nodded at Ashlyn, "Makes sense; it shows that you have a life besides the one you have with him."
Cara nodded, "Exactly. Anyway, number two: Turn yourself to become more attractive to others,"
"Personally, I like that approach," Ella piped up. "Makes him see what he's missing out,"
"Are you sure you did not mix it up with number three: Date someone else?" Cara shot back jokingly. They laughed at Ella who huffed in reply. "Okay, serious this time," Cara placed the magazine down. "What do you think?"
"I'm not changing anything about myself, mind," Ashlyn deadpanned. "I think I'll go with number one."
"You're not fun," Ella commented, "I was ready to plan a total makeover; but since you're not going to be compliant…"
"I'm not changing anything," Ashlyn remained adamant. "Plus, I'm not the type to go off with another bloke while I'm still with one."
Raine grinned at her best friend. "Maybe you should spend more time with the Ravenclaw Quidditch team; with Jeremy-"
"OH! Roger Davies!!" Kelsey cried. Waving aside everyone else's strange looks directed at her, Kelsey explained, "What I meant is, be seen more with Davies; that ought to get their attention. Think about it, both are Quidditch players-"
"Right," Ashlyn interrupted. "Got it,"
Oliver was frustrated. He had been trying to corner Ashlyn on numerous occasions but she just seemed to be surrounded every time he saw her. She was smiling and laughing without a care in the world; like nothing happened. Oliver knew better as he watched in frustration directly across the courtyard. Ashlyn was in the company of her Quidditch team and they were laughing uproariously at something Davies just said.
Steeling himself, Oliver started across the courtyard and stopped in front of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team. He cleared his throat which earned him the attention. "I need to speak to you," He said, directly at Ashlyn.
"I'm busy," She said offhandedly, barely looking at him in the eye.
Oliver swallowed grimly, "Please…?" He added softly, his cheeks flushing. He could have sworn he saw a slight smile tugging on Davies's face. Digging his fingernails into his palm, Oliver waited. Ashlyn finally regarded him for a moment before getting to her feet. He let her lead him all the way to the Black Lake. The atmosphere was still, serene; unlike the situation Oliver was in. "Ash-"
"What do you want?" Ashlyn snapped, the weight settling on the pit of her stomach. Schooling herself back to calm, Ashlyn said in a much more cool tone, "What is it? Must I steal Veritaserum for this?" Sarcasm layered her words. Oliver winced as he got the message.
"I can't believe I have to apologize to you twice this term," Oliver said. He watched as Ashlyn attempted to fight down a smile from appearing.
"That's your own bloody fault," Ashlyn muttered, her arms crossed.
Oliver felt his lips stretch into a grim smile. "I'm sorry," He said. Glancing at him for a while, Ashlyn let out a huge sigh and sank onto the ground. It was quiet for a moment before Ashlyn spoke.
"It's not an apology I'm looking for," Ashlyn finally confessed. Oliver sat down next to her in confusion.
"…It's not?" Oliver said in disbelief.
"It's not," Ashlyn affirmed, "And frankly, I don't know what I'm looking for, Oliver," She looked at him and let out a short laugh, "Stupid, I know. I just…" She faltered, "I don't know. I thought it would work out; you and Cedric becoming friends. But when I found out that the two of you lied, something inside of me just made peace with it. I was mad at the start, but somehow, it's like I'm just reminding myself to remain mad at you and Cedric," Ashlyn said. "Is that stupid?"
Oliver was at a loss. He no stranger to Ashlyn's rants but he was stumped. Slowly, he understood and started to laugh. "Miss Spencer," He slung an arm around her shoulders, "Are you saying that I apologized to you for nothing?" Ashlyn rolled her eyes and shoved Oliver jokingly.
"Don't push it, Wood," She said coolly. "I was mad at you," But she rested her head on his shoulder. "God, I'm so confused. One part of me does not want to forgive Cedric so easily but the other half misses him so much," She murmured. The smile on Oliver's face slid off slowly. His grip on her shoulder tightened just by a bit. "Every time I feel like I'm ready to forgive him, something pulls me back and I begin to doubt all that he said before." Ashlyn glanced at Oliver anxiously, "What do you think I should do?"
'Ditch Diggory,' Oliver thought immediately. But then an all-too-consuming guilt washed over him. "You really like him then?" Oliver asked. Ashlyn pulled herself out of Oliver's grip, her expression incredulous.
"Of course I do," Ashlyn said quietly. "Cedric means a lot to me, Oliver," She plucked a blade of glass from the ground and slowly shredded it; an old habit of hers. "So what should I do?"
Oliver sighed gustily, "I think," He hesitated, "You should do what you think is right," Dread welled up inside of the Gryffindor Quidditch captain. He wondered why it felt like he was letting go of any possibility of him and Ashlyn being together; or maybe he WAS giving up. Shaking his head to clear his head, Oliver found himself locked in Ashlyn's embrace; her arms wrapped around his neck. "W-what-" He sputtered.
"Thank you," She said breathily in his ear. Pulling himself together, Oliver encircled his arms around Ashlyn's waist; trying to ignore the monster stirring inside of him.
Cedric knew he had to act.
He did not know what to say exactly but he had Herbology to think about it. Ashlyn was still not acknowledging him; while at least she would look at him now. He knew he was given an opportunity when Ashlyn happened to leave her Arithmancy textbook behind after breakfast. Taking the book, Cedric flipped through the pages and arrived at the notes page at the back. There was his name doodled idly along the margin several times.
It was just his name, but it made all the difference to the Hufflepuff.
Tucking the book under his arm, Cedric made his way towards Professor Vector's classroom. Just as he rounded the corner, he nearly collided with Ashlyn herself; a stricken look on her face. "S-sorry," She blurted out. Faces flushed, Ashlyn quickly excused herself and bent her head to leave.
"Wait!" Cedric lunged forward and caught Ashlyn's arm. "You must be looking for this," He produced the Arithmancy textbook. Ashlyn's eyes widened as she snatched it back, her face turning pink. "Listen," He lowered his voice as a group of Ravenclaws went by, looking at the two of them with interest as if expecting a quarrel. "I need to talk to you." Cedric watched as Ashlyn arms hugged the Arithmancy textbook to her chest.
"But I-"
"Ashlyn, you can't avoid me forever," He said in quiet exasperation. He took a step closer to her.
Ashlyn felt trapped; she wanted to forgive Cedric but her insecurities continued to haunt her. Biting her lower lip, Ashlyn mulled it over. "Alright," She caved, "Where do I meet you?"
A broad smile crossed Cedric's face. "The Black Lake," He said. Ashlyn nodded hesitantly before turning to make her way to Professor Vector's classroom. Feeling an overwhelming sense of calm, Cedric detoured to head towards the Greenhouses. He had his chance and was not going to waste it.
He impatiently waited for lunch to arrive. And as it did, he strode quickly towards the familiar spot he would always spend numerous lunches with Ashlyn. She was not there yet and a little disappointment welled up inside of Cedric. Taking a seat on a large rock at the edge of the lake, Cedric forced himself to wait patiently. "…Cedric?" Her voice floated from behind him.
He got to his feet immediately. "Hey," He shoved his hands into his pockets. "How are you?" He asked lamely.
Ashlyn raised her eyebrow and let a small smile tug at the corner of her mouth, "I'm well," She said simply.
"That's…good," Cedric replied. Inhaling deeply, he moved in front of Ashlyn. Taking her hand, he gently stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. "I'm really sorry," He murmured. "I shouldn't have lied to you. And with the past few days, I guess…" Cedric took in a deep breath, "Wood isn't so bad…"
Ashlyn had to smile at that. "Really…?" She pressed cautiously.
Cedric grinned, "Yeah," He said softly.
Ashlyn's smile then slowly faded, "But you lied, Cedric," She said flatly, pulling her hand away from his, "How can I be sure that what you've said to me before is all true?"
"It was just one little white lie, Ash," Cedric argued.
"But you did it so smoothly, like you've been doing so all this time!" Ashlyn pointed out, her cheeks flushed.
"Ashlyn," Cedric took her wrist, "I can't undo my mistake; but you have to trust me," He said quietly. "I meant every single word before this mess." He swore, tilting Ashlyn's chin up. "Believe me," He murmured. Ashlyn looked at Cedric; something clicked in her head. She involuntarily let out a gasp and took a step back. Cedric's brow furrowed. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Ashlyn quickly said. She shook her head lightly before looking back at the confused Hufflepuff. "Do you trust me?" Ashlyn asked.
Cedric blinked before a small smile rested on his face. "With all my heart," He said softly. Letting herself into Cedric's embrace, Ashlyn wrapped her arms around his neck. She would not trust herself if she could. This was because for a moment instead of seeing Cedric's grey eyes, Ashlyn found herself thinking of the soulful brown eyes belonging to a certain Gryffindor Quidditch Captain.
How was that? Hope you guys liked that!
So now, Oliver's thinking of Ashlyn and Ashlyn's thinking of Oliver! I think that will do for now, right? But rest assured, HUGE Oliver/Ashlyn moment coming up.
Just a extra THANKS to stars and KristyT23 for reviewing from the first chapter onwards. You two are really great for taking the time to review every chapter. It means a lot to me. So please do try and review from the start, Ami-Weasley! I'm glad to see how many of you liked Ashlyn whacking both their heads; I liked that part as well. I could actually envision it in my head. And I'm sure some of you would ask me: Why make Ashlyn forgive them so easily? Well, it's Valentine's Day! She can't stay mad at them forever; it was just one little lie. Thanks for the suggestion though, williammoseleysgirl. Do continue to tell me your other evil plans; I might use them! Credit will be given to you of course.
Good luck on your Cedric/OC fic, MainlyMaddison! Speaking of new fics, my new Oliver/Daphne Greengrass fic is out. Please do go and check it out. So far it's got two reviews and I crave for more. You guys know me, I'm sure. I live on reviews. If there aren't many, I don't get the energy to update. So please do go, read then review. Hope you guys will like it!
Please review. You would be doing your good deed of the day.