Strategies & Scheming
A few weeks passed, and Sam had settled into a routine. Wake up. Work out. Breakfast. Class. Lunch. Dance. Supper. Tutoring with Flint once a week. More Dance. Sleep. Then stealing moments away with Adrian any free chance she could. Without study hall and a bit of free time on the weekends, she wasn't sure how she'd of fit in her homework.
It was quite possibly the busiest she had ever been and even the twins were starting to comment they were seeing her less and less. But at the same time, she had never felt more alive. She had more energy, was constantly smiling. Even Flint had commented in awe to Pucey after their latest tutoring session that Sam had been nice to him. Nice. She had said a breezy hello to him in potions once and Wood nearly fell off his stool. Flint, himself, had just stared at her with an odd look on his face, while Adrian struggled to hide an amused smile.
Sam wasn't the only person noticing changes in herself. Madame Bernard offered one of her rare compliments, telling her she seemed to be bringing a new fire and passion. All her professors were beaming at her enthusiasm in class – especially Sprout, who had assigned her and Adrian as partners for the seventh year project that would last the entire first term.
Alicia, Lucy, Percy and Oliver were gobsmacked at how she was managing to do it – and do it well and with a smile. Nearly every night, Sam would tell the girls about her outing with Adrian that day and even they were starting to admit that perhaps it wasn't such a bad thing they were dating.
They all were shocked into silence when Sam announced that she would be meeting Adrian in Hogsmeade for the first upperclassmen weekend. Alicia shrieked about giving up the secret, while Percy questioned the feasibility of keeping the secret while out in public together. Sam tried her best to convince them that they would be fine – they were going to work on their project, so it's not like it would be a real date. Nothing that anyone would be suspicious over.
Oliver had sat silently through all of it, only offering a noncommittal grunt when they looked to him for his opinion. Sam had taken it as good news, while it only infuriated the others.
But now, it was the Friday before Hogsmeade and Sam couldn't help but feel butterflies every time she thought about it. It would be their first public outing together since arriving at Hogwarts and she was excited about the fact they wouldn't have to sneak around as much now that they were class partners. Granted, they would still need to be careful to keep up the pretense.
She found herself down at the gym that morning and then moved to the stands to run a few suicides before settling down to watch the Gryffindor team practice while she cooled down.
She could hear Oliver shouting instructions at the chasers before turning his attention to Harry. The third year was nodding intently before flying off. Fred and George seemed happy entertaining themselves hitting bludgers back and forth. Sam rolled her eyes slightly at their antics, wondering just how it was they were able to pull out strong performances during matches when they spent so much of practice goofing off.
"WOULD YOU TWO STOP MESSING AROUND AND FOCUS!" Oliver shouted.
"AYE, AYE, CAPTAIN!" the two shouted in unison, causing Sam to snort. Her eyes fell on Oliver, who sat in front of the hoops, a look of intensity coming over his face as he watched the chasers. For a moment, she forgot she was supposed to be watching the play and concentrated on Oliver.
While he appeared motionless, she knew his eyes would be moving around sharply, following the quaffle that Alicia, Angelina and Katie were passing back and forth as they moved down the field, now dodging bludgers sent by the twins. His hands gripped the broom tightly as he furrowed his brow. Sam tilted her head to the side, still studying him. She had watched him play for many years. Knew a lot of his tells, even though the other teams had yet to catch them all. But for whatever reason that morning, she felt like she was seeing something new about him. The breeze blew his hair off his forehead as he suddenly shot to the right and knocked the quaffle out of the way easily. As though he could do it in his sleep. He probably could.
"Thought you're supposed to be watching the plays?" Lauren asked softly as she sat next to Sam, startling her.
"Got distracted," she said, her cheeks turning slightly pink. "What are you doing here? Thought it was too early for you to be up." Sam turned her attention back to the chasers.
"Had to patrol earlier and thought I'd come see you since I knew you'd be down here," Lauren said, glancing at Sam.
"Why would you do that?" Sam asked, focusing on the play.
"Feels like I don't get to see you as much lately," Lauren said. Sam glanced over at her.
"I hope you all don't think I'm abandoning you… I have suggested that you all come hang out with me and Adrian a few times," she said. Lauren smiled.
"It's alright. At least with me. I know it's not easy for you to juggle everything. Besides, it's clear Adrian makes you happy. And if you're happy, that's all that matters," Lauren replied sensibly. Sam grinned.
"I appreciate that," she said. She then turned back to the field and sighed. "Just wish the others would get on board."
"They will with time," Lauren said. The two sat in silence a few moments.
"Oliver is right. This is probably the best team they've had in years," Sam said, leaning forward slightly. "Though how he controls the twins, I'll never know."
"I'm not sure either," Lauren murmured. "No one can seem to keep them in check."
"I do have on good authority that they hold a certain fear for their mother. And I don't blame them. Mrs. Weasley can get downright scary when she wants to," Sam said. Lauren looked over at her, catching her once again glancing towards Oliver.
"Excited about tomorrow?" she asked. Sam smiled and nodded.
"I mean, we can't really go on a real date, not in public. But it's the closest we can get for now. So, I'll take it," she said. Lauren nodded.
"If it helps, I think you two make a good couple," she said. "At least as much as you can for now." Sam sighed.
"Someday we'll be able to act like a couple in front of everyone," Sam said wistfully.
"How's that plan working?" Lauren asked.
"Well… we're waiting until second term. Hoping we can gradually introduce the idea to our friends before then so that when we do go public, it'll lessen the fallout a bit," she said. "Adrian's already told Warrington. Though he's not so sure when he should tell Flint. May save him for last."
"If he doesn't figure it out on his own first," Lauren said. Sam nodded.
"That is true… But with all the tutoring sessions, maybe he'll be more open to the idea," she said. She furrowed her brow slightly. "Alicia's dragging a bit."
"She was up late last night finishing an essay for arthimacy," Lauren commented. Sam nodded slowly.
"She'll need to speed it up a bit if they're going to pull off those passes during a match. The first one is against Slytherin," she said.
"That should be interesting," Lauren said with a chuckle. "Best friends versus boyfriend."
"Except no one will know," Sam said.
"They'll know," Lauren said, nodding towards the field. "And us."
"True. Obviously, I'll be rooting for Gryffindor, but part of me will be cheering for Adrian. On the inside, that is," Sam said, smiling slightly.
"Well, I'm going to go take care of some homework. See you at breakfast?" she said. Sam looked up at her and nodded, then returned to watching.
Once practice had ended and Oliver sent the team off to the locker rooms to change, he flew over to the stands and stepped towards Sam.
"Got some notes for us?" he asked, smiling though he appeared slightly out of breath with his cheeks red from the wind. Sam caught herself thinking he looked rather attractive like that, but then immediately gave herself a mental slap. Where had that come from?
"A few," she replied, standing. "I can pass them on at breakfast." He nodded.
"See you then, Sammie," he said before hopping on his broom and flying off towards the locker rooms. Sam watched him a bit before starting down the stairs and out of the stadium, back up to the castle.
Sam was sitting at the table, her breakfast half done when Oliver showed up and sat next to her. Sam wordlessly held her hand out and he placed his playbook in it. Sam flipped through the pages before stopping at one.
"This one… you are opening your chasers up to more bludgers. But if you had them move this way, they'll stay covered and still have the same effect," she said, scribbling something down with a quill. Oliver leaned closer, his eyes fixed on the page. Sam then flipped to the next page. "And this one…"
Oliver started to zone out slightly, being lulled into a slightly reverie by Sam's voice as she worked through a few kinks in some of his plays. He glanced over, watching as she tucked her hair behind her ear, her lips moving and eyes lighting up slightly.
Merlin, how was he supposed to get over this when he couldn't stop watching her?
Sam shifted in her seat slightly, feeling eyes on her. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that Oliver was focused on her rather than the playbook. She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks as she stuttered slightly in her speech. Oliver just hummed his agreement, signaling that he wasn't paying attention. Which was odd for him. Her heart started beating faster as she could feel his leg pressed against hers. Blinking, she once again reminded herself that this was her best friend. And if he wanted to win the cup this year, he needed to focus.
"Woodsie! Pay attention!" she snapped, looking over at him. Oliver sat up and shook his head, his eyes returning to the book.
"Ehm, right. So, Katie should feint left and not right," he said, his brow furrowed slightly as he bent over the page again. Sam just sighed and returned to her explanation.
"Look at that… Wood's got it bad," Terrence Higgs said with a grin as he watched Sam and Oliver from the Slytherin table before returning to his food. Adrian glanced over, watching as she pointed at a book and then scribbled something down, Oliver nodding silently as he gazed at her.
"Just going over something. Maybe plays," he said before returning to his breakfast. "Everyone knows they've been best friends for years."
"Better not let Flint know about you two. After he beats you to a pulp, he'll send you out to steal Wood's plays," Warrington said softly so only he and Adrian could hear. Adrian glared at him.
"Don't make me regret telling you, Warrington," he growled. Warrington raised his hands and smiled.
"I can keep a secret. Just not sure how long you think you can keep this from Flint," he said.
"Just what are you keeping from me?" Flint asked, sitting at the table.
"Nothing," Adrian said, glancing up at him. Flint didn't seem convinced, but instead of saying anything turned and looked over at the Gryffindor table. Sam and Oliver were now in a deep discussion, a similar fanatical glint in their eyes meaning they were definitely discussing quidditch. While Wood's love for the game was borderline obsession, it was no secret that she could get just as into it. Sam frowned and started pointing fiercely at the book before writing something down and sitting back as Oliver observed it. He then looked up at her and grinned, seeming sheepish. A smug smile came across Sam's face.
"Wood's such a pansy. Got a nice piece of ass right under his nose and doesn't do anything," Flint said as he turned back to the table. Adrian frowned, clenching his hand into a fist under the table. "But I'm fairly sure she's got her eye on someone else, just can't seem who it is or why she's keeping it secret. My guess is she's shacking up with a Slytherin." He looked up at Adrian.
Adrian's face was a smooth mask of indifference. Years in the pureblood circles had at least taught him that. But inside he was alternating between seething and panic.
"What makes you think that?" Higgs asked with a snort. "Abbott's a Gryffindor princess if ever there was one. She'd never go for a Slytherin."
"You know Gryffindors – they're all attracted to danger. Wouldn't be so far-fetched that she'd go for a Slytherin just for the thrill," Flint replied.
"Why do you care? You're only allowed to date other purebloods," Warrington said. Flint shrugged, glancing over at the Gryffindor table again.
"Who said anything about dating," he replied nonchalantly. Adrian narrowed his eyes at him. It took a swift kick from Warrington under the table for him to gain control before Flint looked back. Flint chuckled. "Whoever the bloke is, I feel sorry for him. She'll end up with Wood in the end."
"Most likely," Higgs said. "They are always together. Surprised it hasn't happened yet." Adrian started to open his mouth, but Warrington kicked him again.
"Gryffindors always choose Gryffindor in the end," Flint said, locking eyes with Adrian. For a moment, he wondered if Flint did actually know and was just playing with him. He was always partial to mind games.
Adrian looked back over at the two who were now laughing at something the twins said. Oliver glanced over at Sam, a look of adoration on his face. Adrian frowned slightly, wondering if there was any truth to his housemates' musings. Wouldn't be the first time someone fell in love with their best friend. Granted it didn't worry him. He trusted Sam and knew she wasn't attracted to Oliver in the least. If there was anything there, it was surely one-sided.
As long as Oliver stayed out of his way, he had no complaints with him.
Sam frowned slightly as she looked over her arthimacy homework. She had finished it early and double-checked it but was now wondering if she should have gone over it again.
"What's got you looking so upset?" Adrian asked softly as he sat behind her, causing her to jump slightly. She turned and smiled at him as Warrington sat next to him, nodding at her. Thankfully, the classroom was still mostly empty.
"Just wondering if I should have triple-checked my work is all," she said, looking back at the parchment.
"Sammie, you were up until nearly midnight checking it the other night," Wood said with a sigh as he sat next to her. "And still got up at 5 to work out." He glanced back at the Slytherins, offering Pucey a curt nod before looking back at her. "I'm beginning to worry about you getting enough sleep. You can't keep up this crazy schedule forever." Warrington glanced over at Adrian, raising his eyebrows slightly as Sam laughed.
"Please, Woodsie. I'm fine. You should be worrying about your own sleep. You're just as busy as I am with class and all your training for quidditch," she replied. Oliver frowned at her.
"I'm serious, Sam. We don't want you collapsing in potions or at your audition," he warned. He then glanced back at Adrian. "Back me up, will you?" Adrian sat up and glanced around the room, noticing it was a bit fuller, thus meaning he now had to be an indifferent classmate. He just shrugged noncommittally as he looked down at his own homework.
"I'll be fine," Sam said, still smiling. "Though I'm touched you care, Woodsie."
"Just… take care, Sammie," Wood said, fighting off the urge to roll his eyes. As the last of the students started filing in, Adrian leaned forward under the guise of reaching for a quill as Sam sat back slightly.
"I'll look it over next time, if it helps," he said softly. "Wood's got a point. Can't have you up all night with your schedule." Sam smiled softly and nodded. Wood watched out of the corner of his eye, trying not to frown.
At that moment, Professor Vector walked into the room and everyone turned to the front, giving her their rapt attention. While fair, she did not put up with any shenanigans in her class.
A tapping on his arm drew Adrian's attention. He looked over, seeing that Warrington had written "You got it bad." Adrian rolled his eyes and grabbed the paper, crumpling it up in his hand. He looked up at the front, catching Sam reaching over to quietly correct something on Oliver's parchment when the professor was turned to the board.
Wood looked down, studying the correction a moment before smiling at Sam. She just shrugged and returned to taking her own notes. Oliver then surreptitiously slid a piece of parchment towards her. Sam glanced down at it, then her shoulders started shaking slightly as though she were trying to stifle her laughter. When Vector's back was turned again, she scribbled a response and passed it over, causing Wood to shake his head.
Adrian found himself watching the two through most of the class rather than paying attention to the lecture, intrigued by the sort of secret body language the two had. They seemed to communicate through a nod or slight movement of the head or hand. Somehow through it all, Sam still managed to continue taking notes.
When class ended and they had all packed up their things, Wood threw an arm around Sam's shoulders.
"To lunch?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"To lunch," Sam replied. As they walked out, she looked over, offering a small smile and nod towards Adrian.
"Seriously, I really don't understand those dynamics. If I didn't know better, I'd think they were the ones dating," Warrington said under his breath so only Adrian could hear. "You sure you're not worried about that?"
Adrian just shrugged as he picked up his bag.
"They grew up together, what do you expect?" he said as they walked out of the classroom, seeing the two several meters in front of them. Oliver's arm was still around Sam as she tossed her head back, laughing at something.
"You are way more trusting than I would be. You sure you're a Slytherin?" Warrington replied.
"She's not interested in him. I trust her," Adrian said.
"Still, perhaps it might be a good idea to try and set Wood up with someone. Just so he's not around Sam all the time," Warrington suggested. Adrian chuckled.
"You want to set up Wood?" he asked.
"Not me, obviously. But suggest it to Sam, maybe?" Warrington replied. Adrian snorted and started laughing.
"I may be up for a bit of scheming here and there, but the last thing I want to do is get in between Sam and Wood," he replied. Warrington just shook his head.
"You already are, mate," he muttered.
Well, can't believe it, but I've actually completely finished writing this one. Think it's the fastest I've had something done while posting. Meaning should be good to do a chapter a day or even double post. And can maybe start on a sequel... again... why do I do this to myself?
.2018 - Happy to hear you are enjoying it!
cjconner326 - Thank you so much! I honestly try to make characters as real as possible - to the point that I sometimes use my own relationships with people as a foundation. Or base certain parts of them on real people that I know (or, ya know, throw a bit of myself in there). With fanfiction, it's obviously a bit different because you want to stick to canon, though I suppose that's why I'm always drawn to side characters who have a bit of leeway with building them up and fleshing them out. And thanks! I feel like I kind of have to with the way things end in this one, but I really don't want to draw things out too much, so that one will either start up a year or so after this one ends or jumps through years quickly as I'd like it to end with the Battle of Hogwarts. And I can't ever seem to get that far from the Potterverse, can I? Though thought for sure by now folks would be getting tired of it... Haha! Not sure yet, but maybe I can do a one-shot with Daisy and Wills' kids in the future... For some reason, I totally see them with troublesome twins... Or Wills being completely baby crazy like Oliver...
As always, thanks for reading!
