Hey there. I apologize for the delay, I haven't had time to work on the story and I didn't want to send out something I wasn't alright with.

Thanks to: Nim-Silma, Adnama, AustralianGypsey, xXxCastielxXx, and AnGelFacE S2. I couldn't decide who to dedicate the chapter to…so it goes to all of you! Enjoy!

12. Baked Goods and Bay Leaves

It was finally Christmas and Mercy and Oliver left Hogwarts in high spirits, mainly because Oliver was still floating after Gryffindor won their game against Ravenclaw. He was now devising how they could beat Slytherin and win the Cup. Math was not Oliver's strong point so Mercy knew it would take him a while to figure it out. She decided not to help and watch him squirm. As they stepped off the platform, she was shocked not to see Mr. and Mrs. Wood waiting for Oliver. He reminded her that since they could apparate, his parents didn't see the point in meeting him. Instead, he agreed to wait with Mercy for her parents on the other side of the Platform. Together they walked through the brick and instantly spotted Mercy's mother and Nate waiting for her near Platform 8. Lorraine looked relieved to see Mercy in one piece and Nate just waved them over. Lorraine hugged Oliver and asked the usual question of when he was going to be visiting them. Oliver always stayed with them from the 29th to the 30th because of the "long trip" to and from his home. Now that Oliver could apparate, he didn't have to travel by Floo and that saved everyone a lot of worry about whether or not a Muggle would see him step out of the fireplace.

"See you in a week." Mercy said giving him a hug. "Try not to kill Shawn while you're home." Oliver smiled at the reference to his older brother who was a reporter for The Daily Prophet. Shawn was a great guy and Oliver sometimes felt inferior due to the fact that Shawn had been Head Boy and was much better at academics. With one final wave, Oliver walked towards a small alleyway outside of the station and headed home. Mercy hugged her family and they got into Nate's car.

Upon her arrival home, Mercy was greeted with a rowdy cheer from the men at the bar. That's what she loved about the place. Living in the apartment above made it impossible for Mercy to sleep without some noise in the background, which is why she'd gotten professor Flitwick to charm her headphones during her second year so that they would work in the castle. As Nate lead her inside she was swarmed by more strong arms than she cared to admit she enjoyed. There was Alan, Mitch and Ryan. All of them had known her from childhood and they treated her like one of their own. This of course meant countless interrogations about her love life as well as her friends and grades and where in the world it was that she went to school. It was hard on them because they had to give any mail they wanted to send to her parents if they wanted it delivered. This in itself had lead to loads of questions which her father had somehow managed to deal with.

Alan was a high school math teacher, great with kids and was very close to asking his girlfriend to marry him. Mitch worked at a law firm so he didn't have time for a relationship, though he managed to find countless hours to spend at the pub. Ryan of course was the one she was closest with and he was a construction worker and was currently seeing some bird he'd met at a football match. Mercy tried to hide a slight twinge of jealousy upon hearing this news. Derrick helped her bring her stuff upstairs and he and their family began asking her about school. Her father was waiting for any news that she wouldn't want to take over the pub, that she'd found something else she wanted to do. Mercy knew that's what he wanted because he felt the pub was no place for his little girl, but she couldn't help it. She was in love with the place.

That night they decorated their Christmas tree and listened to Derrick's terrible rendition of carols. Ryan stayed over for a while as well. He watched Mercy chase her brothers around when they tried to eat the fresh cookies that were coming out of the oven. She of course, did the same to him when he grabbed a peanut butter cookie. Mercy just didn't understand how irresistible her baked goods were, well any food she made. She didn't even have to look at a recipe book.

Christmas Day was always a celebration at the pub. Early in the morning the Gauge family would wake to Lorraine making homemade waffles, bacon and hash browns. After eating they would open presents and then Mercy and their father would change and head down to the pub to start preparations for the party. Mercy was in charge of food and Rich made sure the bar was stocked and everything was set up properly. By two o'clock people were exchanging holiday greetings and indulging in some hor'dourves and cocktails. Dinner was served at six o'clock and afterwards dessert. Mercy loved Christmas because it gave her a chance to see everyone again. Going to Hogwarts was hard, especially when she had to lie to all of her friends from home. Her dad was a pro at this, her mother and brothers not so much. At least after I graduate, the lies can stop. She thought to herself.

Four days later, Mercy was helping her father out in the kitchen. Her mind was always clear when she was cooking and she knew she was making the right decision with her life. The faces on her customers were enough to prove her point. She walked out from the kitchen doors and was handing plates of fish and chips and hamburgers to her customers when she heard the door open.

"I'm looking for Mercy." The voice said. Mercy smiled knowing exactly who it was.

"I'm sorry, we don't allow wankers like you in here." She frowned at Ryan's voice.

"You're just upset because she spends her school days with me."

"No, I just don't know how well you and your friends are taking care of her." Mercy walked over to them, wiping her hands on a towel that was in her pocket.

"Both of you stop it. The boys treat me fine at school. Now stop acting like a twit." Mercy told Ryan, giving him a slight glare. She didn't understand why he and Oliver never got along. They had a ton in common. The boys stared each other down for a bit until Nate clapped Oliver on the back and welcomed him, giving a warning glance to Ryan. Mercy told her dad that she was taking off now and she led Oliver to the guest room upstairs. Once they were safely alone, Mercy hugged him and then began asking about the homework she hadn't started yet. Oliver chuckled and promised to let her copy what he had so far as long as he could look at her potions essay. He then informed her that there were going to be scouts from professional Quidditch teams at the New Years party (apparently his dad had pulled a few strings), so he had to be on his best behavior. Mercy promised that she would try her best to do the same. Oliver didn't trust her. She didn't blame him. There was a knock at the door and Mercy's dad entered the room.

"Hi Mr. Gauge!" Oliver exclaimed, shaking the man's hand. "I was just telling Mercy about the Quidditch scouts that are going to be at my family's New Year's party."

"Oliver, how many times do I have to tell you; don't call me Mr. Gauge. It makes me feel old." Richard chuckled. "Any idea which teams are going to be scouting you?"

"Not really. I'm thinking the Tornados, or Falcons. I think I'd die if Puddlemere scouts were there." Mercy rolled her eyes. For as long as she'd known Oliver, he'd wanted to play for Puddlemere.

"I think it'll be the Harpies." Mercy teased. Oliver stuck his tongue out at her. Had her father not been there, Mercy knew Oliver would have hit her with a pillow or something. Richard talked with Oliver for a while about the goings on in the Wizarding world before leaving the two alone again. Richard looked a little depressed when he left.

"He misses it." Oliver told her. "The wizarding world. He's been living a lie for too long."

"He doesn't have to lie to me or my family." Mercy argued. "He's just stressed because my brothers have been getting into a lot of rows recently. That and the pub's been crazy the past few weeks. The poor guy hasn't had time to sleep. He's getting too old for it." Oliver shrugged. He didn't want to bring up Mercy taking over the pub during break. Merlin knew Ryan would be in there in a second if he heard raised voices and Oliver didn't want to head back home with a black eye.

"Come on. Let's go get some food. It's nearly supper time." Mercy smiled and led Oliver out of the pub. Ryan watched as they left. Mercy took Oliver's hand and skipped down the streets, completely oblivious to the snow that was now falling. Oliver wasn't and made her stop so they could put their gloves on. After nearly five years of visits, Oliver knew exactly where Mercy was taking him. It was a small café a half mile from the pub and it was Mercy's favorite place to go (other than the pub of course). Since it was snowing they sat inside near the fireplace and ordered their usual. Mercy got a bowl of winter squash soup while Oliver ordered a bowl of Cullen skink (potato and haddock soup). They split a turkey and bacon sandwich with chipotle mayo. The reason Mercy liked this café so much was because not only did it have good food, but it was also right across the street from a fantastic bakery. She was ruled by her taste buds. As per usual, after Mercy paid the tab, they headed to said bakery and bought an assortment of goods intended for eating later that night.

Oliver enjoyed that they had their little rituals. He knew that the following morning, Mercy would be at the stove when he woke up, making cinnamon French toast that would be lightly dusted with powdered sugar and strawberries and a side of bacon. She would already have a box of homemade baked goods to bring to Oliver's house. Oliver's mom always insisted that Mercy didn't have to bring anything, but she never complained when Mercy showed up with pastries in hand. Would their traditions continue after they were done with school?

Mercy noticed Oliver was deep in thought and decided to break him out of his stupor by shoving snow down the back of his jacket. Since he was carrying their purchase from the bakery, he couldn't do anything to retaliate, but promised revenge when she least expected it. They joked and teased each other the rest of the way back to the pub which was packed with regulars who waved to Mercy. Some asked if she and Oliver were together which caused both Mercy and Oliver to gently deny the assumption. Nate waved from behind the bar and told them to go upstairs. He knew that Mercy was about to offer to tend bar for a bit, meaning that Oliver would chat with the Muggles and try to keep up with what was going on.

"So Mercy," Oliver began once they were settled in her bedroom with cups of cocoa and their bakery goodies, "when do I get to see the dress?" He wiggled his eyebrows as he bit into a cookie, causing powdered sugar to surround his lips. Mercy rolled her eyes and tossed him a napkin.

"On New Year's Eve." She responded, biting into a cream puff. "You're going to be eating your words when you have to kiss Perkins." They stayed up the rest of the night working on their homework and talking about the party. Lorraine came in at some point to replenish the cocoa and bid them goodnight.

The following morning Mercy was at the stove as Oliver had anticipated and she handed him his food, which he happily ate. He honestly didn't know what he would do without her sometimes. His mother couldn't cook very well, and Mercy's kitchen was a breath of fresh air compared to his kitchen. After breakfast, Mercy began packing up all of her school things as well as whatever she would need for the party. Oliver sat on her bed munching on the leftovers from the bakery. He was shocked when he saw her pack up a make-up bag. He hadn't thought that she owned anything like that.

"I am a girl Wood. We all own this stuff." She teased. "I can even walk in heels when I want." Oliver threw a stuffed football at her. It bounced off her head and noiselessly onto the ground. She rushed over and tackled him down onto her bed where they began wrestling. Oliver was about to pin her when they heard a screech come from the window. A beautiful barn owl was pecking at Mercy's window. She rolled over and detached the letter from the bird's leg, giving it a quick rub under its beak. Mercy smiled when she read the letter and then stuffed it in her pocket.

"So, we ready to go?" She asked, grabbing the garment bag that was holding her dress. Oliver nodded and took her backpack that held all of her other things (with the help of a shrinking charm of course). In the kitchen, everyone was eating the rest of the French toast, including Ryan who Mercy assumed was supposed to be at work. She honestly couldn't keep track of his schedule even when she was home regularly.

"Well, it's time for us to go if we want to miss traffic." Mercy announced. Everyone stood up to give their goodbyes. She kissed her mother and father, who in turn hugged and shook hands with Oliver, wishing them both a good term. Nate and Derrick hugged her and shook Oliver's hand. Ryan had a mischievous grin on his face as he walked up to her. He lifted his hand over their heads.

"Gotta kiss under the mistletoe." He teased. Mercy looked up and saw two leaves above them and rolled her eyes.

"Bay leaves are not mistletoe you twit." She responded. "Honestly, you've tried parsley, sage, thyme and now bay leaves? Will one of you lock him up or something?" She whined to her brothers who just shrugged and took the leaves out of Ryan's hand. Derrick smacked him upside the head while Nate muttered "git" under his breath.

"What? I can't get a kiss from my favorite girl in the whole wide world before she becomes a useful member of society?" His eyes widened and Mercy could tell that he was going to fake tears.

"I think you've gotten enough." Oliver muttered causing Ryan's gaze to snap up and Mercy to cringe.

"Beg your pardon?"

"I said, I think you've gotten enough."

"And how would you know?"

"Because I'm her best mate and she tells me things." Everyone turned to Mercy who looked completely helpless.

"Like what?"

"Like how you used her for a one night stand."

"Oliver…"

"I did what now?"

"You heard me." Ryan looked at Mercy incredulously.

"What did you do to our sister?" Nate demanded.

"Bloody hell." Mercy rubbed her face.

"Oh and you're so innocent? I'm sure you've shagged her as well. Best mate my arse!"

"RYAN!" Mercy exclaimed. "How dare you say something like that!" She turned to Oliver and told him she'd meet him outside after he put everything in the "car". Oliver nodded, though he looked like he wanted to punch Ryan in the face. That's what Mercy was trying to avoid. Once Oliver was out of the apartment everyone began demanding answers of her.

"Did you two really?"

"How could you do that?"

"She's our sister!"

"I KNOW THAT!"

"I had to tell him something." Mercy told them. "He was asking questions and it was the first thing that popped into my head."

"Because the truth isn't a better answer?" Ryan said angrily. "How can you call him your best mate if he doesn't know?"

"Because he doesn't need to know. I have the others and teachers. He doesn't need anything else distracting him in school. He's the only one who doesn't treat me funny."

"You need to be treated differently."

"I can take care of myself Ryan. Now it's time for me to leave, so calm down. Ryan and I did not have a one night shag."

"Damn right we didn't. I know better."

"And Oliver and I haven't done anything." She repeated, making sure Ryan knew to stop acting like a twit. She hugged her family once more and then headed out the door where Oliver was waiting, leaning up against the outside of the pub. Her backpack was shrugged over his shoulder and her garment bag, Mercy could only assume was shrunk in his pocket.

"Off to my house?" Mercy nodded and together they walked towards a small alleyway, Oliver's arm slung over her shoulder. From the apartment window, Ryan watched angrily. He still didn't believe her.

Once they'd apparated to the Wood household, Mercy was greeted by Mrs. Wood who told Oliver to bring her things into the guest bedroom. Oliver did as he was told and Mercy exchanged pleasantries with the older woman.

Hope you liked it! Please R/R! Here's the preview for the next chapter:

"Oliver, there's something you should know before we graduate." She took a deep breath and Oliver held his. "I-"