Okay beautiful readers, I have bad news. In the middle of the summer I lost all of my writing because my computer crashed. I was so frustrated when I lost my outlines. It has taken me this long to begin to write again, but I love this story and PROMISE to finish.

After a while everything at Hogwarts returned to normal, but in the back of everyone's mind was the fact that there was a still a murderer on the loose. As November wore on and Sirius Black was still not recaptured, I found myself writing to my family on a regular basis. My brother, Grandmum, and Father wrote me at least twice a week worried about my safety.

Professors were not giving any less work in the class rooms though, and Oliver has been scheduling practices left, right, and center. He has become fixated on winning the cup and has a renewed faith that we can still win after our first loss. Honestly, I can barely make it back to the common room after practices because he is working us so hard. I just wish there were more hours in the day to sleep!

But after all that I had to get done already, I still found myself walking towards the hospital wing on a Saturday afternoon in the middle of November to start with my healer shadowing.

As I walked in, I noted how busy the hospital wing seemed to be. "Oh Miss. Bell! I'm so glad you're here! I will give you a full tour once some of my patients leave, but I am running low on pepper-up potion. Professor Snape says you are marvelous at brewing, would you mind starting a batch in the back room?"

"No, I don't mind." I said with a smile as she hurried me towards a cauldron in the back room. There's no time wasted in Madam Pomfrey's eyes. She's always working and being productive. Some people think she's rude, but I think she's just efficient.

I began to brew a huge batch of the potion and as usual I lost track of everything else around me as I worked. After I finished I bottled it up in a couple of pre-labeled viles. I placed them on her desk, and decided to go back out front to watch her as she bustles around from patient to patient.

When she notices me she smiles, "Oh Miss Bell, can you change the sheets on the beds that have been used today? Then I will explain what you will be doing in more detail."

I got to work changing sheets, and then Madam Pomfrey explained where everything was that I would need. She ensured me that she will slowly train me to handle patients, and to always ask questions when I am confused. I will be brewing a lot for her, because she's so busy and doesn't enjoy brewing. I'm excited though because after the tour, she shows me how to heal bruises and superficial cuts that are bleeding.

"You did very well for your first day Miss Bell. I can see why some of your Professors are pushing you in this direction. You have a natural talent for it," She said with a wave as I was leaving.

As I walked out of the main doors I saw Alicia waiting for me leaning up against the opposite wall, "Hey Katie! How did it go?"

"It went great! I enjoyed it so far, but I'm a little tired," I shrug with a smile. I still smelled a bit like pepper-up potion..

"I figured we could go to the kitchens and eat while you tell me all about it. You did miss dinner," Alicia leads the way towards the kitchens, and starts asking questions about my time in the hospital wing.

As we near the stairway on the second floor, we hear a female voice giggling. We freeze and shrink back into the shadows as the voices become closer. We smirk at each other, glad to have avoided the awkward situation. We almost caught a couple snogging! But as they round the corner, the smirk is wiped from my face. I have to look away as Olivia Lennox from Ravenclaw intertwines her hand with Oliver's and kisses him on the mouth.

"What is he doing?!" Alicia whispers angrily.

I shake my head as Alicia stares at them in shock , "I can't believe I was starting to believe that he.. I mean they're perfect for each other. They're both seventh years, she's perfect and pretty, and the smartest girl in Ravenclaw. And to top it all off, both of their names start with O. Their names were made to be put together..."

Alicia shakes her head frantically, "No Katie, he likes you! I know it!"

"Well I think what we just saw totally ruins that illusion. He wasn't exactly telling her to stop. I don't know how I didn't see this coming sooner."

Alicia looks as if she's going to cry, "No Katie, you and Oliver are meant.."

"Alicia! You saw exactly what I just saw. At least now you and Angelina can stop harassing me." I say with the most convincing smile I can manage. "Come on! Let's go back to the common room. I'm not all that hungry anymore, and we shouldn't be out because it's getting late."

..

The rest of the week I tried to act as normal as possible, but on the inside I was heartbroken. Alicia and Angelina were mad at Oliver, but I couldn't find the unction to be mad because they were so perfect together. Later during transfiguration I decided my little kid crush was stopping ..NOW!

"Katie, they aren't officially dating yet. I think you still have a chance," Angelina interrupted my thinking just as the class ended.

I give her a pointed look, "Come on, let's go to the library like you promised you would. I really need to get this arithmancy essay done."

We walk to the library, and thankfully the topic has changed to Fred. "..I just don't know how he hasn't figured out that I like him! I mean I've been giving him hints for over a year now."

"I know Ang, but he's a guy. You can't be subtle.."

Angelina gasps, "They're here! Come on! Let's go sit near them. I want to watch."

I roll my eyes, because I know there is no way I'm going to stop her once she forms a plan. I set my stuff down at the table she chooses near them with my back to them.

I go to look for books to use in my essay. By the time I get back Angelina is mad, and I have no idea why. It's not like the person she has loved for forever is here with another girl. Fred likes HER back! "What's the matter Ang?"

"She is such a bitch! Once she saw you, she was like all over him!" She glares over at their table.

I look down at her blank paper, "That transfiguration essay isn't going to write itself you know. I think you should just focus on that. I swear, them together doesn't bother me. I hope he's happy."

She turns towards me and smiles sweetly, "Okay then if there's nothing the matter than go ask Oliver for help on that essay."

I open my mouth to protest, but can't defend not going over there for help. I narrow my eyes at her. She realizes that she's won and beams at me. I pick up my book, paper, and quill, and start to walk over to the Perfect Os that are two tables behind ours.

Olivia looks up and glares as I walk up, "Hey Oliver, I was wondering if you could help me with this arithmancy essay. I'm really having a hard time with-"

"Really? You're going to come over here and pretend you need help with your homework? Seriously Oliver, I'm getting tired of your fan girls following us around like puppies! If you made it into the NEWT level class you don't need his help with your silly little 6th year assignment. We are VERY busy. Now leave please!" Olivia finished with a glare.

I stand there for a second in shock, but then I smile and turn to walk away with my head high without even looking at Oliver. I'm beyond embarrassed, because all the tables around are staring. I see Angelina standing up to go over there to tell Olivia off. I grab her wrist, "Come on Ang, she's not even worth it!"

"That bitch is so jealous of you. The only reason I'm leaving quietly is because I can't be banned from the library with finals coming up soon. I am SO mad right now." She started ranting, and didn't stop even as we made it to the common room. In the corner near the fireplace the twins were talking to Alicia.

"OHMYGAWD! You will NEV-VER guess what just happened in the library!" Angelina yelled across the common room as she spotted them.

I turned bright red as she stomps over towards the group and the rest of the common room turned to watch us. I sat down in between the twins and tried to blend in as Angelina began to tell them. "...So Katie has been having trouble with her arithmancy essay as usual. As much as we love Katie, she has just never been the smartest in that God-awful class. That's why I dropped it, but ANYWAYS we were in the library and she looked to frustrated that I told her to go ask Oliver for help. I still cannot believe what happened. That BITCH Olivia told Katie to leave Oliver alone and stop being a fan that follows him around .. LIKE A PUPPY! Like Katie hasn't known him for practically her WHOLE life! And you know what our SWEET, INNOCENT Katie did!?"

The twins and Alicia looked outrage, shook their heads, and all look at me. I look away and notice at the far side of the room, Oliver is sitting watching us with a sad look on his face. He must have returned during Angelina's rant. Oh jeez... I think everyone in the common room can hear this, including him.

"ALL SHE DID WAS SMILE AND WALK AWAY! THAT BITCH DESERVED TO BE SLAPPED! KATIE WOULDN'T EVEN LET ME GO OVER AND TELL HER OFF! And the WORST part is that Oliver didn't even say anything to defend her!" Angelina looked at me like I was supposed to add something.

Alicia looked at me with an encouraging smile, "I think we all know how Ang feels. How do you feel Katie?"

I cleared my throat and tried to form the words, but they barely were louder than a whisper. I didn't want the entire common room to hear this, especially Oliver, "I had no idea he thought of me that way, but at least I know now. I wish I would have known sooner. I mean I've been embarrassing myself for over half of my life. I thought we were friends."

Alicia hurries over and gives me a hug, "Katie! Don't say that!" The twins are shaking their heads and glaring at Oliver letting him know he is not welcome over here.

This is just too much for Angelina, because she is all worked up, "ARE YOU SERIOUS KATIE!? SHE IS THE BIGGEST BITCH TO YOU AND THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY?! YOU ARE NOT A BLOODY PUPPY! HE'S A FAMILY FRIEND! JUST BECAUSE HE CAN'T STAND UP TO HER DOESN'T MEAN HE AGREED WITH THAT! HE JUST WANTS TO SNOG HER LATER!"

I can tell Oliver is still looking at us. He has to be. Ang is screaming about him and the whole common room is staring at us open mouthed. I'm so embarrassed. I NEED to get out of here.. so I stand up and look directly at Angelina as I place a book on my head.

"I would love to continue this conversation, but as a PROP-per young lady of the Montessor family; I can never let anyone known when I am feeling anything besides what a lady may feel. My extensive wife training will not allow me to speak ill of someone out of anger, especially in a public setting. As much as it may help me to feel better, and as much as she may have deserved it ... I simply cannot, or Grandmum would probably find out. Do stop by for tea tomorrow, and we may discuss this issue in private, darling." I finish in my Grandmum's accent as I near the girls stairs and curtsey.

The twins are dying of laughter and Angelina is smiling, but Alicia looks as if she may still cry. "KATIE I SERIOUSLY LOVE IT WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT ALL THAT PURE BLOOD BREEDING! IT CRACKS ME UP! IMAGINE YOU COMING FROM SUCH A STUCk UP FAMILY! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!" Fred yelled as I continued up the stairs with the book on my head. "IF ONLY YOUR GRANDMUM WOULD ACCEPT ME! YOU WILL BE THE PERFECTLY TRAINED WIFE TO TAME ME!" They all go back to roaring with laughter as I hurry to my bed and sit down. I can't get past the feeling of betrayal.

..

It's not that I'm not talking to Oliver, but I only ever speak to him at practice, and only address him as sir. The twins love it, but I can tell it really annoys Oliver. Oh.. he's tried to talk to me, but I always manage to get away. That is one awkward conversation I do NOT want to have. EVER!

After a particularly long practice the twins sprinted up to get dinner without showering, and Angelina left soon after because she was in a bad mood. Alicia and I were alone on the girls side getting dressed and talking about George as we started to head up to the castle. Oliver was probably still in the shower.. he always takes the longest showers, but maybe that's how he smells so good.

"I'm not sure when exactly it started, but I think I have more feelings for him than I thought. It feels like more than the crush you've always teased me about," Alicia admitted shyly. I of course had known for the longest time, but Alicia was always denying it.

"Well I'm just glad you're finally admitting it! I really think he likes you too, and I would never lie about that!" I say with a smile as she continues on to tell me the story of her and George in the library earlier in the day.

Suddenly I notice movement in the dark out of the corner of my eye. I start to pick up my pace, but realize with dread that Flint is following us. I whisper to Alicia what I've noticed and try to speed up and pretend not to notice him.

"HEY BELL! WAIT UP!" He said with a laugh. I pretend not to hear him, but he catches up to us easily. He grabs my arm and pulls me to him. I try to pull away but he just smiles and pulls me closer. "Well, well Miss. Katie Bell. I've been trying for years to get you alone. Never have I seen a more beautiful witch, it's a shame your pure blood didn't get you into Slytherin."

He brushed his lips against my cheek because I turned away. I can smell his disgusting breath as he breathes on me, "Please leave me alone Flint."

He laughs softly. I try to pull away, but he pulls me closer, "There's no way to-"

Suddenly I find myself falling backwards, and I hit the ground hard, "COME ON KATIE!" Alicia yells as she pulls me to my feet. We begin to run towards the castle, but as I glance backwards I see Oliver on top of Flint punching him. I hope Oliver doesn't get hurt, but I need to be far away from Flint. I'm so creeped out.

As we burst into the castle Alicia turns towards me abruptly and stops. "Katie breathe! We can't go in there and eat until you stop doing your hysterical hiccups. Half of the Gryffindor table knows that's what you do when you're about to lose it, so they will know something's up. Do you want Oliver to get in trouble because he saved you from Flint? You need to breathe!"

I close my eyes and try to steady my breathing as I notice Professor Snape across the hall watching us suspiciously. Suddenly my breathing picks back up, because now Snape has what he needs to get Oliver kicked off the team! Violence is not tolerated at Hogwarts, and Oliver looked pretty violent when I glanced back. Snape would love to punish Oliver

I start to sob because I'm beyond reason. Oliver will hate me when he realizes I'm the reason he's no longer on the qudditich team. There's no way Snape will let him stay after this happened. What if he's expelled?! Alicia seems to realize what I'm looking at and goes pale, "This is all my fault. If only I were bigger I could have got-ten away or had my wand out! I-I- I'm so sor-ry!"

Alicia puts her hands on her hips, "Kathryn Lillian Bell! No matter what happens this was not your fault! Did Flint hit you when I ran back to get Oliver? You're beyond reasoning, and its scaring me."

Suddenly Snape was right behind Alicia holding a vile, "Take this. It will calm you enough to go to dinner."

I turn bright red and take the vile, "Yes Sir, Thank you." I barely whisper. I put my head down and wipe my tears as we hurry away. Suddenly the doors burst open and Flint comes running in with Oliver behind him.

"I don't EVER want to see you anywhere near her AGAIN Flint. You got that? Just be lucky it wasn't her brother who saw you doing that to herrrrrr," Oliver seems to lose the ability to talk as he sees Snape standing within hearing distance. Oliver pales and wipes the blood away from his nose, which seems to be his only injury. Flint on the other hand seems to look worse for wear.

Flint hurries over to Snape and begins to say how Oliver attacked him for no reason. I open my mouth to protest as Oliver looks at me across the hall with concern. He smiles when he sees I'm not hurt, "Go in and eat Kates. Dinner is almost over. None of this is your fault, and I don't want other people thinking it is."

I open my mouth to explain to Snape what really happened when Alicia pulls me into the great hall. "Snape heard us talking so he knows what happened, and he didn't even yell at Oliver yet. I think he's ... mad at Flint. Did you see the way he was looking at him? I'm in total shock."

We go into the great hall and I eat dinner quickly. I don't say much. Alicia and I don't think it would be a good idea to tell the others until Flint is not in hexing distance and we know what happened to Oliver. The twins are complaining about practice during the whole meal.

As we are all walking up to the common room Angelina finally asked, "Okay what happened? I can tell something is wrong." Alicia glances at me and then begins to explain to the twins and Angelina what happened. "So where's Oliver now?"

I look down at my hands as Alicia answers, "We have no idea. But Katie keeps telling herself that this is her fault, which it isn't!"

I shake my head because I don't want to talk about this right now, "It's been a long day. I'm going to bed, but I'll see you in the morning."

They all watch me anxiously as I go up the stairs, but I'm glad they let me go without a protest. They will probably stay up talking about it, but I'm just trying to forget Flint's terrible breath against my cheek and the guilt I feel for getting Oliver in trouble.

Surprisingly, I fall asleep quickly, and wake up the next morning refreshed. I could stay in bed and relax, but decide to go to breakfast to try and find out about Oliver and Snape's conversation. I shower and charm my hair dry. I decide to leave it down until class since today is my half birthday, and put on my uniform.

I grab The Daily Prophet that was just delivered to our room and hurry down to breakfast. I put some scrambled eggs and toast on my plate and begin to skim the headlines until I get to the sports section. I frown at the front page of the sports and slam it down on the Gryffindor table.

I glared at my food not hungry anymore. Who was that Rita Skeeter, and why did she think she could tell such lies about my big brother. Kevin is a trouble maker, but he would never do half of the things this crazy lady writes about him in the paper.

"By the look on your face and the abuse towards the paper, I'm guessing Kevin made the news again," Oliver said with a sad smile as he sat down.

I sigh, "I just wish they would leave him alone, and let him play qudditich like he wants."

He nods in and starts to shovel food on his plate, "He knows how to handle the press though Kates. Don't worry."

I start to eat when suddenly I remember, "Oh!" Oliver gives me a funny look after my outburst and I blush. "What happened last night with Professor Snape? I was so worried."

He shakes his head and looks me right in the eye, "Would you believe me if Snape just healed my nose and sent me on my way and gave Flint detention?"

I cross my arms and narrow my eyes, "Come on Wood, just be honest. Thanks for your help, but I feel bad enough for getting you into trouble as it is already. If you have to lie to me about what happened, it must have been really bad."

He shakes his head and puts his arms up in surrender, "I swear Kates. That's what happened. I was in shock, but afterwards i realized that Snape really likes you. You always seem to get people on your side because they know you don't have a mean bone in your body. He seemed mad at Flint, and didn't try to blame me like I thought he would. I really think that.."

Suddenly Olivia sits down next to Oliver and demands his attention, "Oliver! Someone said they saw you last night with dried blood on your face! Tell me that's not true. You're too handsome to have a broken nose."

I finish my eggs in one mouthful and hurry away to go write to Kevin before class. Did he really start a brawl after their loss in Scotland?

Okay so what did you think? Please REVIEW!

~Grace