Author's Note: Today is my birthday, so I thought I'd celebrate by posting another chapter early!

Chapter Seven: Plans

September 1, 1997

Katie felt nervous but excited as she changed into her practice robes. It was the first day of September, and the beginning of the Quidditch season. Katie was at the Pride of Portree's Quidditch facility for her first day of training. She and the other rookies had been instructed to report to the pitch a few hours before the rest of the team so that the new recruits could participate in orientation, and to allow any more senior players with children to see them off on the Hogwarts Express. Katie and the three other new players received locker assignments, were fitted for match robes, sat through an instruction session on team rules, culture, and training schedules, and received a book of team plays to memorize. Katie paid particular attention during the instruction session for a rule that forbade Portree players from romantic relationships with members of other teams, and was thankful when no such policy was mentioned. The players then had a short break for lunch, where Katie sat next to a fellow Chaser rookie, Heidi Macavoy. The other witch was a year older than her and had been traded from the Caerphilly Catapults. Katie recalled that Heidi was on the Hufflepuff team when the two were both at Hogwarts.

When the rest of the team arrived, training began. The Prides coaching staff split the players into groups by position, then ran them through several difficult drills. A timed scrimmage followed, and then it was time for the team to do strength and endurance conditioning. Katie was thankful for all of the running and weight lifting that Ryan had insisted she do over the summer.

By the end of the day, Katie was exhausted but pleased with her first practice. She had kept up fairly well during the drills, and had even received a nod of approval from one of the first-team Chasers when she'd scored a goal during the scrimmage. The team veterans had been welcoming to the rookies, but Katie had never met a more competitive group of people in her life. She knew she would have to be on her best at all times to keep pace with her new teammates.

Katie returned to the locker room where she took a quick shower and changed into a pair of black bike shorts and an oversized gray sweatshirt. Her body felt tired, but she was excited to get back to her flat. Oliver had promised to come over after he finished training so he could hear about her first day, and she was eager to see him. She collected her things in her bag, slung it over her shoulder, and turned to Apparate.

She arrived outside of her flat building, entered, and climbed the stairs to her door. She knocked and was greeted by Alicia. The two witches exchanged security questions, and Katie walked through the door. She stashed her practice bag and broom in the hall closet, then sat on the couch opposite her roommate.

"How was practice?" Alicia asked her.

"It was tough," Katie replied, "but good." She gave her friend a teasing smile. "I can't tell you too much, of course, since you're a member of the press and all."

Alicia rolled her eyes.

"I'm sure I'll hear all about it when O-li-ver comes over later," she teased, drawing out the syllables of his name.

Katie rolled her eyes in return. She knew that it was still a bit odd for Alicia to see her two former teammates in a relationship.

"If the two of you take a break from snogging to talk, that is," Alicia added with a sly smile. "Merlin, Katie, I still can't believe you're dating Oliver Wood. He's certainly looking fit these days; you're a lucky witch."

Katie blushed.

"I know," she admitted. "Sometimes I can barely believe it myself. It all happened so quickly. But Oliver's wonderful. He's so sweet to me." Katie smiled.

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Katie's smile grew wider as she rose to answer it. She unlocked the door and opened it to find Oliver standing there. He was wearing a pair of jeans – Katie loved how his arse looked in jeans – and a plain white fitted t-shirt. His hair was still wet from his shower. A smoldering smile appeared on his face when he saw Katie.

"Hello, lass," he greeted her. Not waiting for her response, he leaned in and kissed her, causing Katie to giggle. She closed her eyes and brought her arms around his neck when the sound of Alicia clearing her throat from the other room brought her attention back. She glanced back at her roommate, who raised her eyebrows in a reminding look.

"Oh, right," Katie said, still flustered from Oliver's kiss. "Er, what gift did you bring me at the hospital?" she asked.

"A stuffed unicorn," Oliver replied with a smile. "What did we do on the beach in Cornwall?"

"Do I want to hear this?" Alicia called out with mock indignation from the kitchen.

"Hush, you," Katie dismissed over her shoulder. She turned back to Oliver, who was gazing at her. "We danced," she answered quietly.

Katie stood aside to let Oliver pass into the flat. The pair sat down, Katie sitting sideways with her legs drawn up to her chest and Oliver with his brawny arms slung across the back of the couch. Alicia was still in the kitchen; it was her night to cook dinner and the clanging sound of utensils and pans indicated she was making a valiant effort. Katie hoped this attempt would be more edible than last week's dodgy Shepherd's Pie.

"How was your first day with the Prides?" he asked her with interest.

"It was good," Katie replied. "I'm exhausted, though. I think they made us run close to ten kilometres after we finished drills. How was your first day?"

Oliver gently unfolded one of Katie's legs and put it in his lap, rubbing her calf muscle and foot as he answered.

"It was good as well. Evan and I went in early to run some extra drills," he said. "Well, that and I think Evan wanted to mack on the new assistant medi-witch," Oliver laughed. His expression turned more serious. "Did you hear about Platform Nine and Three Quarters today?"

Katie gave him a concerned look as she sat up straighter.

"No, what happened?" she asked him.

"McNeil, one of our Beaters, has a son who's a second year," he replied. "Said the whole thing was mad. Ministry officials checking lists since attendance is mandatory. And Snatchers there looking for people who've failed to report for Commission hearings. We had two players who didn't show up today, Muggleborns." He gave Katie a troubled look.

"Merlin," Katie replied quietly, unsure of what else to say. Oliver nodded as he took her other leg and rubbed it as well.

A loud bang echoed from the kitchen, and Alicia emerged looking displeased.

"Er, how does takeaway sound for dinner tonight?" she asked Katie.

Katie laughed and nodded her agreement.

"Will you be joining us?" she asked Oliver.

He shook his head.

"I can't," he said regretfully. "Cowley asked me and a few other players to join him at the pub. First day of training tradition I reckon," he said. He glanced at Katie, who understood he meant he would be potentially gathering information to pass along to the Order. He patted Katie's legs, then rose from the couch.

Katie stood to meet him, and the two shared a lingering kiss. Oliver gave Katie a final smile, then Apparated from the flat. After he'd departed, Alicia re-entered the room with a stack of take-away menus in hand.

"What sounds good tonight?" she asked Katie as she shuffled the papers in her hand.

"What about that Muggle pizza place a block over? The one with the garlic knots?"

"Mmmm, ok," Alicia agreed hungrily. "You'll phone them, yea?"

Katie laughed.

"I should make you do it," she teased her friend. "The telephone doesn't bite."

"Best not to risk it," Alicia answered with a laugh. Katie rolled her eyes, took the correct menu from the stack, then headed to her room to call in the order.

xxxxxx

September 2, 1997

The Next Day

Katie returned to the locker room of the Pride's training facility, wiping the sweat from her forehead. She had just finished up a run with the team – her coach was insistent on endurance training – when she heard her name called out.

"Bell?"

It was Max Cresswell, the first team Seeker.

Katie looked to him. He gestured toward the doorway that he'd just walked through.

"There's an owl out there," Cresswell said. "Your name on the note."

Katie nodded as she stashed her practice robes in her bag and walked toward the door.

"Thanks," she acknowledged as she passed him.

She walked back through the tunnel and on to the pitch, where she saw her dad's owl Toby sitting on the nearby bench. The owl hooted at Katie when he saw her and flapped his wings impatiently. Katie's stomach clenched. Why was Dad sending her an owl at training? Merlin, she thought as she silently hoped that everyone was ok.

"Hello, Tobes," she greeted him as she stroked his head and took the letter. The owl nipped her finger then flew off.

Katie unfolded the letter and scanned the letter.

Katie,

Everyone is ok. Please come by home tonight. We have things to discuss.

Dad

Her father's reassurance that the family was OK did little to ease the worry that Katie felt. She refolded the letter and jogged back to the locker room. She hastily pulled a jumper over her undershirt and didn't bother changing out of her practice uniform pants. She grabbed her bag and her broom and walked quickly to the hallway to Disapparate.

Heidi must have noticed Katie's haste and called out to her before Katie could reach the doorway.

"Everything ok, Katie?" she asked with a look of concern.

Katie turned and forced what she hoped was a reassuring smile on her face.

"Yea!" she said a bit too enthusiastically. "Meeting my parents for dinner and they hate when I'm late."

Heidi seemed satisfied with her answer. Katie stepped out into the hallway. She took a breath, then turned on her heel to Apparate. When she reappeared, she was standing in the back garden of her parents' home.

Before she could knock, her father answered the door. He pointed his wand at Katie with a worried look on his face.

"What do we eat as a family every year on New Year's Day?" he asked.

"We order Chinese food and Mum bakes a pineapple upside down cake," Katie answered.

Mr. Bell nodded and gave his daughter an expectant look.

"Oh, er," she hesitated as she tried to think of a security question. "What's you and Mum's song?"

Her dad's look of concern faltered slightly as a smile teased at his lips.

"You Make Me Believe in Magic by Bay City Rollers," he answered. Katie's mind flashed to a memory of her parent's dancing in the kitchen to the 1970's love song, her mom laughing.

"Come in, darling," her dad said, waving her inside. The look of worry had returned to his face.

Katie hustled up the three stairs into the back door and stepped into the kitchen. Mum and Ryan were there, seated at the breakfast table. Katie let her bag fall from her shoulder next to the door and set her broom against the wall.

Mrs. Bell stood and gave Katie a quick embrace.

"Hello, dear," her mother greeted her.

Katie returned her mother's hug then took the seat next to her brother.

"Ry," she greeted him with a nod. "What's going on?" she inquired.

He shrugged.

"No idea," he replied. "Dad wanted to wait until you got here to say anything."

The two siblings turned to face their dad, who was standing by the back door. Katie hadn't missed her father locking the door behind him as soon as he closed it.

"Dad?" Katie inquired.

Mr. Bell sat next to his wife. He took her hand then turned to face Katie and Ryan.

"There was a break-in at the Ministry today," he began.

Katie's eyebrows shot up. This was not the news she had expected to hear.

"What?" she asked with disbelief. "Death Eaters?"

Mr. Bell shook his head.

"No, the Death Eaters show up for work every morning like the rest of us," he said with a humorless laugh. "It was Harry Potter."

Katie felt her mouth fall open.

"Harry?" she repeated in disbelief.

Mr. Bell nodded grimly.

"Yes," he confirmed. "Harry Potter, along with one of the Weasley boys and a Muggle-born girl. Grander?"

"Granger," Katie corrected automatically. "Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. They're in Harry's year. What on Earth were they doing, breaking in to the Ministry? How did they break in to the Ministry?"

Katie's head spun. The Harry and his friends had gotten into some wild mischief during their time at Hogwarts, but this was on a whole different level.

"Harry Potter?" Ryan interrupted. "Isn't he the bloke that dark wizard is after? The one who was there when you got cursed?" He looked at Katie. She nodded silently as Mr. Bell continued.

"They used Polyjuice Potion. They were posing as Ministry workers. No one is sure yet why they were there but there was a great commotion in the trial rooms and they Stunned Delores Umbridge and managed to free a group of Muggle-borns waiting to face inquiry."

"Merlin's beard," Katie muttered, still in shock.

"It will be all over the Prophet in the morning," Mr. Bell added. "I wanted to tell you before you read it though. And we need to discuss what this can mean for the family." He paused for a moment.

"The senior members of the ministry are furious," he said grimly. "A group of teenagers made them look like fools, sneaking in right under their noses. Not to mention the Muggle-borns that escaped. I fear they're going to double down on anti-Muggle-born actions, and that could quickly extend to people like us." He glanced around at the rest of the family.

"What's the plan, Dad?" Ryan asked.

"For now, I think the best plan is to stay the course, but keep our heads down," Mr. Bell replied. "I think it's best I keep reporting to work as usual. The best way to hear if things are heading in an unfavorable direction is from inside the Ministry."

He looked pointedly at Katie.

"It's more important now than ever to keep a low profile," he told her. "Be very diligent with security questions. And only spend time with people you are certain you can trust. Are you still seeing Oliver Wood?"

Katie blushed at being put on the spot unexpectedly.

"Er, yes," she answered.

"Are you certain he is trustworthy?" Mr. Bell asked her. "The Woods are Pureblood, aren't they?"

Katie nodded.

"Yes, but I know I can trust Oliver," she assured him. She hesitated for a moment. "He's, er, he's actually helping provide some intel for the Order of the Phoenix. So if you, er, hear about him associating with anyone…unsavory…that's why."

She felt her cheeks burn again.

Katie's father nodded. "And Alicia, your flatmate?"

"She's good as well," Katie replied. "Her Mum's a Muggle-born, she's beside herself about this Commission. There's no chance she'd do anything Dark."

"Very good," Mr. Bell answered with a short nod. "Please, only associate with the people you know to be trustworthy. This isn't the time to be making new friends."

Katie nodded. Mr. Bell turned to Ryan.

"Ryan, I ask you to also be extremely cautious," he said, his voice fretful. "These wizards kill Muggles without a second thought. I would ask you to come and stay here, but I know you'd refuse." Mr. Bell forced a weak smile that faded quickly. "But please, son, stick close to your flat when you're not at the pitch. And of course, come home any time you want. In fact, I would appreciate if you check in regularly."

Ryan nodded but said nothing. The group sat in a heavy quiet for a moment. Finally, Mrs. Bell broke the silence.

"Would you like to stay for dinner?" she asked, looking at her two children.

Katie looked from her Mum to her Dad and shook her head.

"I would, but I've got early practice in the morning," she said, knowing her excuse was weak. She glanced at Ryan.

"I do as well," he said with a nod.

Their Mum looked disappointed, but Mr. Bell nodded in agreement.

"Best not to be out too late," he agreed.

The four rose from the table. Katie exchanged hugs with her parents and again assured her dad that she would be very cautious. She gathered her Quidditch gear and her broom, then she and Ryan exited through the back door.

Ryan gave Katie a knowing look as he blew out a breath.

"Shit," he muttered as he looked at her and shook his head. "Your lot has got some issues, eh?"

Katie huffed a quick laugh. She looked up at her brother.

"Please be safe, yea?" she asked him earnestly.

Ryan wrapped his arm around Katie's shoulders.

"I will, Katie Cat," he assured her. "You'll be safe as well?"

Katie nodded. Ryan leaned down and kissed the top of Katie's head.

"Good," he answered. "See you soon, Kates."

"See you soon, Ry."

Ryan released Katie from his grip then dug his car keys out of his pocket. He gave her a final nod, then turned and walked down the sidewalk out of the garden. Katie returned his nod, gripped her things and Disapparated. She did not return home, though. She reappeared outside of Oliver's flat building. Glancing around, she quickly hurried inside. Her duffle bag bumped against her hip as she took the stairs two at a time.

Katie knocked on the door and waited. The door opened slightly, revealing Oliver's face.

"Katie?" he answered it, looking surprised. "Is everything ok, lass? Are you coming from practice?" he asked as he noticed her belongings.

"No, but I'm fine. I'll explain in a moment," Katie said, "but first, er, what's my middle name?" Katie quickly pulled a security question from her mind.

"Elizabeth," Oliver answered. "After the queen."

"And yours is Arran," Katie supplied. "After the isle your parents like to visit on holiday."

Oliver opened the door the rest of the way and stood aside to let Katie pass. His expression was still one of concern.

"Come sit, lass," he said as he motioned toward the sitting room. Katie stepped in his direction, then hesitated. She saw Evan in the kitchen and glanced at Oliver.

"Oliver," she muttered quietly, "how… sure are you of Evan?"

Oliver stopped and backtracked toward Katie. Seeming to understand her meeting, he nodded.

"He's good," Oliver assured her quietly. "His family was in the Order during the first war. A lot of them were killed. He wants to join, but his mum made him promise he won't. Said she can't stand to lose anyone else to You-Know-Who."

Katie nodded.

"And does he know?" she asked. "About what you're doing for the Order, I mean?"

"He does," Oliver said. "I didn't want him getting suspicious of me with all meetings and such, think I was working for the other side."

"Do you really think that's safe?" Katie asked, unable to help herself. "What if he gets drunk at some party and can't hold his tongue?"

Oliver shook his head.

"I know Evan likes to have a good time, but this is serious business to him," he said. "He's really a lot smarter than he seems, and thank you to not tell him I said that." He paused to smile. "I truly do trust Evan. Now what's this all about, lass?"

"Come on," she told Oliver, "let's sit. Evan will probably want to hear this as well."

The two continued on to the sitting room and sat on one of the couches.

"Evan," Oliver called out to his flatmate, cocking his head to beckon him to join them. Evan looked surprised as he sat on the other couch, a bowl of cereal in his hand.

"What's up?" he asked the pair.

"I've just come from seeing my dad, he works at the Ministry," Katie began. "There was a break-in. Harry Potter and his two friends."

Both wizards looked shocked as Katie continued.

"They used Polyjuice Potion to impersonate Ministry workers. Caused a big commotion. Apparently they Stunned Umbridge." She looked at Oliver. "You weren't at Hogwarts when she was there, but she's horrible. They freed a bunch of Muggle-borns that were there for trial as well."

"Bloody hell," Evan replied, sounding shocked and a bit impressed. "What in Merlin's name was Potter doing breaking into the Ministry?"

"Potter's got a plan," Oliver said, sounding confident. "When I met with Charlie Weasley, he said Potter was working on some sort of mission from Dumbledore. To end this. To kill You-Know-Who. This must be a part of his plan."

"Sounds like he's trying hard to get himself killed," Evan countered.

"My dad said the Ministry officials are furious," Katie said, her voice quieter. "He thinks they're going to crack down hard on Muggle-borns. And then probably on the those with Muggle family members."

She sunk back into the couch. Oliver reached for her hand and held it between both of his. The three sat in silence.

"I just wish there was something I could do," Katie said, her voice barely above a whisper. "To help protect them. The Muggles like Mum and Ryan. And the ones who don't have a clue about anything to do with magic but are still in danger anyway." She shook her head, feeling defeated.

Evan shrugged.

"Why can't you?" he asked.

Katie looked up at him, surprised.

"What do you mean?" she asked. "What could I even do?"

Evan sat up straighter.

"Well, protective enchantments would be a start," he said, his interest peaked.

"What, over every Muggle home in Britain?" Katie replied, a touch of cynicism in her voice.

"Well, no," Evan admitted. "But perhaps there is a way you could identify which areas are most at risk. The Muggle towns that neighbor wizarding villages, for example."

Katie nodded as she considered this. Were they really forming a plan? Oliver looked as though his mind was also beginning to turn.

"I could speak with Tonks," he offered. "I'll be checking in with her regularly anyway. Surely the Order has some insight into Muggles or areas that might be at risk."

"And then what? I fly all over the countryside every night?" Katie asked, still unsure how to assemble a practical plan from the suggestions presented. "That seems like it could start to attract attention. And how much could I actually get done?"

"Well, not much by yourself," Evan said, "but what if there were several of us?"

"Us?" Katie asked, surprised. "You'd help with this too?"

"Well, Oliver here's playing double agent, and now you're going on a crusade to protect every Muggle dwelling in the UK. I'm not going to be left behind," Evan said. He laughed, but Katie could see that he was actually eager to help.

"Ok," Katie agreed, "but who else? And how would we even go about this without drawing attention?"

"Well, we're both Quidditch players," Evan said thoughtfully. "What if we use Quidditch as our cover? And recruit other players?"

"You could plan your coverage areas around where you're playing matches," Oliver offered. "Quidditch players go out from the hotel all the time after matches. If anyone were to see you leaving, no one would think anything of it."

"That could work…" Katie said, still a bit uncertain.

"And we'll use Disillusionment Charms, of course," Evan interjected. "Now we'll just have to think of other players we can trust to bring in."

"Tonks may have some insight there as well," Oliver added.

"Brilliant," Evan said, looking energized. "I'll owl my sister too. I bet she'll have some ideas."

"Does she play as well?" Katie asked him.

"Alison? No," he replied, shaking his head. "She's the League's sales rep for Quality Quidditch Supplies. She's always meeting with the teams to sell gear and broomsticks and such. Knows loads of players."

He rose from the couch and put his cereal bowl on the counter, then strode off to his room, Katie presumed to send his sister a note.

Katie sat back against the couch and exhaled, then looked to Oliver.

"Well," she said tentatively, "it seems as though we have a plan. It's a bit mad, but it could actually work."

Oliver squeezed her hand.

"You're sure about this, lass?" he asked her with concern in his voice. "This could be really dangerous."

"It could," Katie agreed, "but this feels like a chance to actually do something that matters. Something that could actually help. Besides, isn't 'dangerous' part of being a Gryffindor?" She gave a weak smile.

"You always were fearless," Oliver said admiringly. "I've got a check-in with Tonks in a few days. Would you like to come and discuss this with her?"

Katie nodded.

"That would probably be a good idea."

She leaned her head against Oliver's shoulder and he kissed the top of it.

Katie's mind was abuzz with possibility. Could this actually work? Would it actually make a difference? What would happen if they were noticed by the wrong people? Her mind flashed to Ryan. Mum. Nan. Even Thomas, her childhood friends from primary school, her parents' neighbors. None of them deserved to be killed. Katie knew that it would be risky, but she knew it would be worth it if she could protect even one Muggle.

xxxxxx

Author's Note: To help celebrate my birthday, could you drop a review or better yet, leave a recommendation for your favorite story here on FanFiction? Have a great day!