Ch.23 - Neither Wanted to Leave
The days passed as Alex practised performing wandless magic. Being more attuned to his own magical source made the progress easier. But, just like any muscle, it was something that can only be developed through regular exercises, slowly pushing the limits of what he could do in small increments.
Wandless magic is older than wand magic. It was the first form of magic that most children perform after all. However, after the wand was invented and perfected to its current form, wizards and witches in Europe have learned to depend on wands in their everyday lives.
In Africa, on the other hand, wandless magic is still taught in the school of Uagadou. There are also other practices of magic in other parts of the world. But, wand use is most dominant of all.
The mastery of wandless magic is a sign of a great wizard or witch. Grindlewald and Dumbledore are among the most recent example of masters in the art. Their duel was among the most awe-inspiring according to the history books, even comparable to what the duel was like between Merlin and Morgana themselves as told in the legends.
It was the first week of November when the first practice of the England quidditch team was held. Alex had shown up to pitch sporting his personal quidditch gear. As a Seeker, his gear was sleeker and offered minimal protection than the other players. But, Alex's playstyle was more involved compared to a common Seeker, so he learned how to include some more paddings under his shirt.
Before the practice game began, the players were busy talking to themselves. Gossiping and joking around with their fellow professional players. The league season was over now, so they could finally start practising together.
Of course, as professional players, they valued their time during the break in the league. So, the national team council could not put too much demand on their time.
Alex's playstyle was not well received by the other quidditch players. As Seeker, they thought that his only job should be to look out for the snitch. They told him quite frankly that his usual tricks wouldn't work at the pro-level. As someone who did not play professionally, Alex was the outcast in the group. He knew that he would have to prove himself during practice.
But, Alex stuck with his strengths. He didn't choose his particular methods just to be more flashy. He was agile and capable of foreseeing the actions on the pitch before it happened. And since his sixth year, after a particular ritual, he became a little more attuned to his senses. He could see clearly even farther. And his reaction time was faster. The way his magic interacted with the broom or any magical tool had also become more natural, almost instinctive.
He flew high in the air surveying the field, keeping watch for any signs of the snitch and observing the flow of the action of the game. He learned how to always know the location of the quaffle and the two bludgers.
When the opportunity presented itself, he flew trailing behind a certain Beater (Bagman) on the other team. The man was about to make a tackle on a Chaser judging from his angle of attack.
For Alex, this was one of his common tactics. Trail behind a Beater. The Beater attack. He attacks before the Beater could secure the quaffle. And, that was exactly what happened.
Ludo Bagman was just about to exclaim in celebration after his successful tackle when he was tackled from behind before he could reach for the loose quaffle. The young Seeker had made the interception successfully much to Bagman's annoyance.
Alex had taken possession of the ball and he passed it to a nearby Chaser on his team. Unlike in Hogwarts, all his teammates this time were professional level. They made the decisive play and dashed ahead of the crowd.
In Hogwarts, fast attacks were the most successful plays. In the pro-level, the game tends to slow down when the players approached the opposing goal. Every Keeper in the league games was top-notch, and the Beaters were quick to go to their defensive positions.
With Ludo taken out of the equation, Alex's team had used the opportunity quickly. They attacked without wasting any time. Between the three Chaser and Alex passing around the quaffle, they managed to take the Keeper out of position and score.
The game ended when Alex caught the snitch. He reacted faster than the other Seeker while playing an active part, proving that he had been keeping an eye for the snitch all along.
He was the genuine article, the other players thought. And so, Alex had secure the regular spot for the Seeker position.
[AN: In quidditch, they don't allow substitution after the game has begun. Even when a player gets injured in the game, the team had to continue playing. I know, right? But injuries are an accepted part of the game. I guess being able to heal just about anything, makes wizards treat injuries very lightly. So, being a regular means he was likely the only Seeker that will play unless he is too injured at the beginning of the game.]
Alex had visited the Leaky Cauldron one night around the winter solstice. When he entered the door, he immediately found the person he was there to meet.
Katie waved at him and invited him to her table. The two friends hadn't seen one another for a while, so they decided to meet for dinner.
After greeting Katie and sitting down, Alex asked her how she was doing and what had she been up to.
"My apprenticeship has been hectic as of late. My master thinks that I could take the mastery exam and pass it within a year. So, the studying and experimentation had occupied my time. Clay has been a big help in regards to acquiring my ingredients. He has been doing really great taking over his family business. How about you?" said Katie.
"It's good to hear that. I've been doing fine. Practice has started with the quidditch team, so there is that. I've also been doing some practice and exercises on my own to improve my skill in general." replied Alex.
"You mean your quidditch skills?"
"I mean my general magical skills. I found that increasing my control over my magic has helped my flying a bit."
"You are already the best in our class in spell casting, so why would you still practice?
"There's always room for improvements," he said simply.
Katie looked at him suspiciously before pouting her lips in resignation.
"You don't need to be such a Hufflepuff after we've graduated," she said jokingly.
She was used to Alex not really explaining his actions. Ever since she spoke to him in the Library during their first year when she found out that he had been reading about the pureblood traditions secretly, she started paying attention to his every action, trying to deduce the meaning behind them. One of the things she noticed early on was the way he would get an average mark on most subjects while obviously being the smartest student in the class.
He might think that he could simply get away by giving the simplest and most mundane explanation, but, she knew that there was always some reason behind the things he did.
She had been patient with her friend, but sometimes she just wanted to corner him and interrogate him until he gives up all his secrets. She knew that her friend was among the kindest and most generous people that she knew, but sometimes, if she was being honest with herself, he scared her a bit.
After their dinner, she finally managed to say, "So, is being a national quidditch player part of your plans?"
"How do you mean?" asked Alex feeling the subtle pressure coming from her gaze.
"You know, your schemes, and machinations? You don't have to explain them to me, but, let's stop pretending you're not doing something behind the curtains," she said deciding to be frank for once. "I worry that you might end up doing something dangerous."
Alex looked at his friend in the eyes. He tried to weigh the consequences of each response that he could think of. Apparently, he had not been doing a decent job in hiding his scheme from Katie. She did not know the details, of course. But, she must have seen some signs on him.
He had thought about how this conversation would go multiple times in the past, but they were useless. He could lie and lie as much as he wanted, but the other person was Katie. She could accept him staying quiet about his secrets but not his lies.
Obviously, she had been suspicious for a long time. But, it was the first time she asked him anything. All this time, she placed her trust in him. Following him along and supporting him without asking. Perhaps it was the time to return her trust.
"Can we talk in private? Let's rent a room here and I'll tell you all I that I can," he asked.
She almost laughed. Her friend just asked her if they could check in a private room in the Leaky Cauldron, a known place for romantic rendezvous among wizards and witches. But, Alex had a serious look in his eyes.
"Okay. You go and I'll follow," choosing to trust her friend.
Alex had made the arrangements. When the two were finally alone, he placed a bunch of security and privacy wards around the room.
"I have always felt strongly about equality among wizardkind. You know this about me even though I've never spoken about it to others. What you may not know is what I'm willing to do to turn that dream into reality," Alex said sincerely.
"What have you done?" asked Katie fearing for what she might hear.
"The summer after our first year in Hogwarts, I made a little book and distributed it to other muggleborn students."
"You're Xander Greywolf?!" she asked standing from where she sat.
The most important book released that summer was from. She had gotten a copy of that book when she was shopping in Diagon Alley that year.
"I am."
"You are the founder of the Association? How can that be, you're the same age as I am!" she said visibly shaken.
"I am."
"Alexander Grey, Xander Greywolf? How absurd. I've joked about it to myself, entertaining the idea that the instigator of the largest movement in the recent history of the wizarding world was sitting beside me in Hogwarts. I just laughed at the ridiculousness of the possibility. But now, you tell me this?"
"Starting it was easy. I've had some help. Keeping it going is the hard part," he said.
He was really thankful for the people that supported him. But sometimes, the lies were too much. It pained him that he had to lie to those people who would follow him to war and willingly die for him and his goals.
Unconsciously, he was hoping that he had finally found a conspirator in Katie, someone to share his burdens with. But, it was something he could never ask of her. He knew that there were many things that he could never share with her no matter what.
"You kept this to yourself while everyone was dying to find out who Xander Greywolf was."
"You think I'm at liberty to say? Do you know how many times the Ministry had made its inquiries? I'm practically a wanted man, they just haven't given a name to my crimes yet," he pleaded trying to deflect her accusation.
"You've been lying to us from the beginning! I was so stupid, I actually invited you to join the Association with me. You've made a fool of us! You've made a fool of your friends! Did you think it was funny?!" she accused him still while grabbing him by the arms out of anger.
He felt her nails dig into him. But, he didn't move.
She was in tears. Confused with her feelings. Mad at her friend who lied to her for so long. Fearful for him because he was putting himself in danger.
"I don't regret anything. I can't. I must..." he said with his eyes looking down. His voice becoming weaker after each word.
Katie looked at his eyes. There, she saw how it must have weighed on him. And, she condemned him for it. Instead of supporting him, she yelled at him. But how could she help him? He was so far away, playing a dangerous game she didn't know about.
"Alex... I'm sorry... I didn't—"
Their eyes met once again. And understanding dawned on her. He didn't need her to do anything, he just wanted her acceptance.
Before she could think about it some more, she stepped closer to him and grabbed him by the cheek. She kissed him finally.
But, she pulled back. Surprised at what she'd done. She couldn't believe it. She never thought that she was the kind of girl that would make the first move.
Before she could apologize and explain, Alex pulled her in for more. This time, it was intentional.
[AN: Warning. Explicit scene ahead. Skip to the next chapter if you don't want to read this part. You won't be missing anything in the general plot.]
He put his hands on the back of her waist and pulled her closer and closer to him. Their chest was practically touching with one another, but it couldn't be close enough.
Katie's hands were around his shoulders as they kissed. She stepped backwards and pulled him along, keeping her lips locked with his.
When they finally reached the bed, she stopped kissing him and slowly moved to lay down while still pulling him along. There was no denying what she had in mind.
"Are you sure?" asked Alex his eyes meeting hers.
"Yes," she said biting her lip.
Alex gulped at her appearance. He had never imagined that Katie could be so seductive with just one word.
He waved his hand in a circular motion. All the lights were dimmed as a result.
He leaned in for another kiss, holding her down by the waist with one hand and the other by her shoulder. Then he moved his lips to kiss her by the neck.
She moaned at the new sensation, breath becoming deeper. She pulled him at the back of his neck in approval.
Then his hand moved from her waist to her breast, cupping it firmly while gently massaging it.
Katie had never let a man touch her on that part of her body. She felt his lust becoming stronger. She knew that he wanted her. And she wanted nothing more than to give herself to him. For once, she didn't have to protect herself. She didn't want to.
Alex had pulled back and helped her rise on the bed. They started taking their clothes off in front of one another.
Katie helped him take off his clothes as he did the same for her. Every piece of clothing removed was one step closer to each other. The both of them savouring the moment of the almost ritual-like process of undressing one another.
When Alex removed her brassiere, he could not believe how beautiful her breast seemed to him. The redness of her nipple was perfect with the soft warm light of the room.
When they were fully naked, they stared at each other's body as if wanting to engrave the sight into their memories.
Katie had taken her wand from the nightstand and placed a birth control spell on her navel. Such magic was taught in every female student of Hogwarts.
"You're beautiful. The most beautiful woman that I've known," said Alex honestly.
Katie had believed him as she looked at his body in return. He was very lean yet muscular, a body of an athlete as she expected. However, her eyes were locked on a single area of his body.
Alex was fully erect. Katie had never seen anything like it in person. She didn't know if she should be scared or flattered at the sight of his large penis. She felt like it was a testament to her effect on him. She wanted to say something, but no words came to mind.
Alex stepped in closer, caressing his hands from the top of her shoulders down to her arms. He was finally touching her bare skin. It felt smooth and warm.
He took her arms and placed them on his body, inviting her to touch him the same way. She hesitated at first, but she was surprised how eager she was feeling.
Alex leaned in finally and kissed her on her cheek, then on her neck, then on her shoulder. He then guided her gently so she could lie down on the bed.
He kissed her on her breasts. Using his tongue just around her nipple before putting his mouth around it. Katie's gasping breath just encourage him more to continue.
When her nipples were really erect, he touched her feminine area and learned that she had gotten very wet in there.
The time they had both waited for had come. He looked at her eyes, silently asking her one last time for her permission. She nodded to him with that seductive lip bite once again.
He touched his penis to the opening of her vagina, rubbing it on the outside. She felt him and anticipated what he would do next.
When finally he entered her, it was a very tight fit. She was in pain and he knew it. Her mouth was open as she produced a high pitched gasp. He gave her a moment. When she pulled him closer with her hands on his back, he knew that she wanted him to continue.
When he fully thrust his manhood into her, he had to pause once more. She was practically out of breath because of the strong sensation.
After she had relaxed, he moved in and out of her slowly. Her painful gasps were replaced by sweet-sounding moans.
He kissed her again on the lips. They were as close as they could be with one another. She was his and he was hers. It was a completely new sensation for her.
They enjoyed every moment as they continue to make love. When Katie had gotten used to the sensation, Alex started making faster and more powerful thrust.
He lifted one of her legs in the air as he thrust deeper into her.
"Yes! Ah! Alex, keep going! Ah!" said Katie with the few words she could manage.
And Alex did keep going at it. Powerful and deep. It was how he liked to make love. He knew that he didn't have to be too gentle with Katie.
There was violence and sweetness in lovemaking, even if it was her first time. He wanted to make it a night to remember for her. He wanted her to think of how powerful were his thrusts. He wanted to make her sore. He wanted her to think of how much he wanted her for a very long time to come.
Katie screamed loudly. The high pitched voice was something Alex had never heard from her before. She was orgasming. Her legs were shaking and so was her pelvic area.
He could feel her insides tightening on his penis. It was too much for him. He ejaculated inside her with no restraints. From the looks of her eyes, he knew that she could tell that he was filling her up.
They kissed sweetly, lingering on each other's lips. Alex looked at her face as it glistened with sweat. Then his eyes met hers. It looked even brighter than before.
"I love you," he said softly.
He knew he had never spoken a more truthful sentence in all his life. He had seen it from the depths of his heart.
"I have always loved you. And I'll love you always. What took you so long?" she said.
"I've been occupied."
"No matter what, I'll always accept you. Remember," she said pleading to him.
"I'll remember."
They embraced one another as they fell asleep.
The world could be burning outside their rented room, but at that moment neither of them wanted to leave.
END OF CHAPTER
Author's note:
For those who read the sex scene, was it too much? I changed the rating of this story to an M just in case.
Let me know your thoughts.
Disclaimer:
This work is not for profit. No copyright infringement intended. All recognizable characters, plot, setting, etc. are the property of J. and/or Warner Bros.