Chapter 3- Dressed Up.

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Yana watched her reflection transform in the mirror of Gwen's bedroom, while her purple-haired housemate worked around her with hairspray and bobby-pins. They were joined by another young woman, who was carefully unzipping a large suit bag.

'Alright, what have you got for me?' said Yana, as Gwen combed through a section of her hair.

The young woman pulled out the garment and held it up proudly. 'Ta-da!' she cried.

Yana took her time examining the deep blue gown draped over her sister's arms. The silence, however, did not fill her sister with confidence.

'Well?' she said, frowning in concern.

Yana broke out into a grin. 'It's perfect, Xandie. You've outdone yourself.'

Xandie beamed. Although she was similar in appearance to her sister, tall, tanned and with wild dark curls, her disposition was the polar opposite. Xandie's constant smile and graceful demeanour gave her a soft femininity that Yana could never seem to achieve.

'Thank you. I'm quite pleased with it.' said Xandie, fondly stroking the dress. 'I went with navy because I thought it would be a nice statement in light of your new team colours. You'll wear gold jewellery, of course.'

Yana nodded obediently. When it came to fashion, there was no stopping her talented little sister.

'And I've stuck with your usual specifications.' Xandie continued, 'A-line, covers your tattoos, full skirt, and most importantly, wand pocket. Though if you ask me, you'd be equally stunning in something shorter.'

'Maybe next time. If I survive tonight.' Yana sighed as she stood and kissed her sister on the cheek. 'You're incredible. How much do I owe you?'

'Oh nonsense.' said Xandie, shaking her head. 'Just be sure to namedrop your designer as much as possible to the press.'

Yana nodded. 'That I can do. Beats talking about my transfer.'

.

With the British and Irish League's Start of Season Ball commencing in a matter of hours, Yana anticipated she'd be receiving a lot more attention than usual. Nervous butterflies were starting to emerge in her stomach just thinking about it.

'Come on, I thought you were glad to be at United.' said Xandie.

'I am, I just don't like the press that goes with it.' Yana replied. Which was true, even though training had been tougher than she'd anticipated. Benito and the other coaches worked them hard, but the discipline was clearly out of care for his team, not spite. Yana had actually found herself excited to go to work every day, something she hadn't felt in her final season at Appleby. And yet, she could tell she hadn't yet broken enough ground with her Puddlemere teammates. Solomon and the defensive coach pushed her constantly as they worked out the dynamics of their partnership, and Benjy and Oliver in particular still regarded her with an air of suspicion. The others were nice enough, but any conversation that wasn't training-related was fairly superficial. It seemed she still had a long way to go to gain their trust.

Gwen clucked her tongue, and pushed Yana back into the salon chair. 'You signed up for this career, babe. Deal with it.' she said, summoning several small makeup cases towards them. 'Besides, you look amazing, and you're fun to doll up. Think about my happiness for a moment. Or your sister's.'

'I'll keep that in mind as I smile for the cameras.' Yana muttered, rolling her eyes.

.

.

The League Ball was being held in an abandoned castle in Nottingham, protected by several anti-Muggle detection spells. Smartly-dressed guests flocked like moths to the glowing torches and floating lanterns around the drawbridge, the flashes of cameras adding to the sparkling spectacle. The Puddlemere team and senior staff had agreed to meet by five past seven to make a staggered entrance together before they took their seats for the official dinner.

Yana arrived by Floo at exactly five past, stepping out of one of the fireplaces in the castle foyer. Steadying herself on her low-heeled shoes, she smoothed out her dress and craned her neck, searching for her teammates.

'Yana! Over here!'

She spun around at the sound of Solomon's booming baritone, and easily spotted her playing partner waving at her across the room, in front of an old tapestry. Waving back to indicate she had seen him, Yana slipped through the crowd, trying to ignore the looks and double-takes she received from people nearby. Solomon had gathered with the rest of the team and their respective partners, all looking glamourous in their dress robes and frocks.

Leo gave a low whistle as Yana approached.

'Cinderella has made it to the ball.' he said, shamelessly giving her an up-and-down gaze.

'You offering to be my Prince Charming?' said Yana.

Leo chuckled and nudged her ribs. 'You wish, sister. I've already got a hot date. Speaking of which, I better find Ana.' He slicked back his messy hair, before disappearing into the crowd.

'Ah, puppy love.' said Wilda Griffiths, wearing a strappy jade dress and matching shawl. 'He's dating Anastasia Sarkis, the Seeker for Caerphilly. All I've ever seen them do is snog. It's kind of disgusting.'

'Is he even old enough to know what snogging is?' Yana muttered, prompting an undignified snort from Wilda. The two of them burst into giggles, prompting a confused glance from the man standing next to Wilda.

'Yana, this is my partner, Gareth. He's been dying to meet you.' Gareth shook Yana's hand and gave a warm smile.

'It's a pleasure. Wilda here's been talking about you almost non-stop. I was worried I might have competition.' he joked with a gentle Welsh accent, causing Wilda to playfully hit him with her purse. He wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her forehead. The two seemed totally relaxed together amongst the glitz and glamor.

'You excited for tonight?' Gareth asked Yana.

'Terrified.' Yana replied. 'I think I'll be sticking close to you two tonight.'

'You'll be fine.' said Wilda reassuringly. 'Just pretend you're enjoying yourself before we get to the bar.'

Yana managed a weak smile. 'I'll try. You look amazing, by the way.'

Wilda waved her away dismissively. 'Says you. Your dress is gorgeous.' Wilda replied.

'My sister's handiwork. Xandie's a designer.' Yana said with a surge of pride. If she was going to achieve anything tonight, she was happy to promote Xandie's talent.

From behind them, Solomon tapped Yana on the shoulder.

'You scrub up nice, kid.' he said with a hint of surprise.

Yana looked up at him. 'As do you. And here I thought we both lived in tracksuits.' she teased.

'Oh he does.' added another woman who Yana could only assume was Solomon's wife. She was draped in a flowy fuchsia gown, which stood out against her flawless dark skin. She gave a dazzling smile, which lit up her whole face.

Solomon put his arm around the woman's waist. 'Yana, meet my better half, Monique.'

Monique swooped in and gave Yana a peck on the cheek. 'So nice to finally meet you. You'll have to come over for dinner sometime and meet the girls.'

Yana nodded. 'Thank you. I'd like that. Five, and almost three, right?'

'Good memory.' Solomon said. 'Ah, there you are, Wood!'

Oliver strode towards them, decked out in black dress robes and a red collared shirt. He was freshly shaven, and was gazing around at everything like a child in a lolly shop. He shook Sol's hand, and kissed Monique on the cheek.

'Sol. Mrs Brodie, you look lovely.'

'Both my partners in crime tonight look lovely. Beautiful, but deadly.' Solomon chuckled, earning him withering glares from both Monique and Yana.

Oliver turned to see who else Solomon was referring to, and froze. His brown-eyed gaze travelled up and down Yana's body, studying her as if it was the first time he'd ever seen a woman. Without her usual attire of tracksuit pants and sweatshirts, Oliver barely recognised Yana. The navy blue dress hugged her figure and flared out at her slim waist. Her wild hair had been tamed and twirled into soft black curls that bounced around her shoulders, the grey strands hidden by a thin golden wreath around her head. She was also wearing makeup, which Oliver had never seen her with up close before. Her expression seemed softer, though her deep blue eyes still glowed with their usual intensity.

Yana cleared her throat. 'My face is up here. Just in case you were wondering.'

Oliver's face turned a similar shade to his shirt. 'Yeah, um… Hi.' he mumbled.

Hi yourself.' Yana mumbled back, scrunching her hands in the folds of her dress.

They were saved from any further embarrassment by their manager, Philbert Deverill, who joined the group. His greying hair and deep smile lines indicated he was nearing his fifties, but he moved about with an excited youthful energy.

'Ah, here are my flying stars! Excellent, excellent.' he exclaimed, beaming at them. 'Quite the marvellous looking bunch, if I say so myself. In a moment, we can all proceed into the ballroom. Coaches first, and then players with partners. Ms Vaso, we'll want to get some pictures of you and Mr Brodie later, and also with Ms Griffiths. But let's flaunt the whole team for now, show those crowds your brawn and beauty! Smile, everyone!' he sung, waltzing away.

.

After posing for a few team photos, the Puddlemere squad made their way towards the long purple carpet where the press were waiting. Benjy appeared at Yana's shoulder, with an attractive young model who seemed rather bored.

'No beau with you tonight, Vaso?' he asked curiously.

'No.' Yana said bluntly.

'Perhaps a lovely lady then, then?'

Yana quirked an eyebrow at Benjy, who gave a nonchalant shrug. 'What? I don't judge.'

'Sweet of you, but also no.' Yana replied.

Benjy grinned mischievously. 'I'm sure you'll turn more than a few heads tonight. With or without your wand.'

'What gossip have you been reading now?' Yana asked wearily.

Benjy gave a smug grin. 'A little birdie told me you have a tendency to get into spats with players off-field more than you do in the air. Might wanna save the theatrics for after the season launch.'

Yana rolled her eyes. 'You know, I should hire you as my PA. Work on my image.'

'Guess they don't call you Vicious Vaso for nothing.'

'You're on your way to finding out why, Benjamin.' Yana warned threateningly.

Benjy held his hands in surrender. 'Alright, alright, simmer your cauldron. Come on, Sabine.' he said, grabbing his girlfriend's arm and striding towards the press pit.

Yana edged up behind a pair of players from the Wimbourne Wasps, hoping to make her way to the dining hall relatively undetected. But within seconds, the flashing of cameras and cacophony of noise hit her like a wall, and she froze as journalists and influential Quidditch moguls bargained for her attention.

'Yana! Ms Vaso! Look here, love!'

'You look great! Give us a smile!'

'How are you feeling about joining Puddlemere? Can you bring them up in the League table?'

'Is the dress a show of support for your new club? Who are you wearing?'

'How's training? Have the rest of the team welcomed you?'

'Are you still on speaking terms with the Arrows?'

It was all too much. Yana blinked several times, managing only to mention her sister's name and the dress, but it was as if she'd forgotten how to function. She wanted to run, but her legs were locked in place.

Suddenly, Oliver materialised at her side, casually putting a hand on her back, and waving at the cameras with his other hand.

'Yes, we're very pleased. We'll show Appleby this year!' he called to the reporters.

Yana nodded in agreement, plastering on a smile. 'What are you doing?' she whispered through her teeth to Oliver.

'Rescuing you.' he whispered back. He waved at the cameras, calling out 'No more questions, thanks.' as he guided her away. As soon as they were inside the dining hall, Yana shrugged him away.

'Touch me like that again and I'll hex you.' she hissed, glaring daggers at him.

Oliver scoffed indignantly. 'Sorry for trying to help. Next time I'll leave you to fend for yourself.' And he skulked off without another word.

Yana's attention was diverted by Wilda, calling her back for a photo, which Yana was a bit more comfortable agreeing to. Gareth gave them both a thumbs up from nearby.

'You all right?' Wilda whispered as they posed for the cameras.

'Just peachy.' Yana muttered. Wilda beamed and waved at the reporters, before taking Yana's hand and leading her back to Gareth.

'Come on, our table's this way.' he said.

Yana groaned. 'That was horrible. I think I've found my new Boggart.' she said, slumping into a chair next to Wilda and Gareth. Wilda patted her leg sympathetically.

'It's alright. We all get overwhelmed at times. The hardest part's over now.' she said. 'Now we get to eat. That's what I'm really here for. Ah, thanks, Benjy.'

Wilda reached across the table and grabbed one of the many sugar quills and pieces of parchment that Benjy had taken out of his pockets. Yana watched on curiously as her fellow teammates all took one each. Solomon caught her confusion.

'Bingo. For the speeches.' he explained. 'Makes the night go a bit faster.'

Yana scanned over the squares, which contained words such as distinguished guests, cleensweep, the best yet, hippogriff, and raise your glass. Gingerly, she took one too.

.

As they finished the main course and settled in for a marathon of speeches, Benjy's bingo cards did indeed make the night go faster. There was great satisfaction in sharing poker stares, grins and giggles across the table (though Yana still avoided looking at Oliver), especially when Solomon whispered bingo a bit too enthusiastically, prompting Monique to kick his shins under the table. Even Benito and his partner, John, were competitively trying to complete their grid first. At times, Yana glanced around at the other team's tables, and saw a spectrum of people trying to look engaged, or quickly losing interest. Puddlemere's table seemed to be one of the few who looked like they were actually having fun together. It made Yana appreciate, all of a sudden, how much Puddlemere valued their comradery off the pitch, not once prompted by the coaches or management. From everything Yana had witnessed so far since Day 1 of training, Puddlemere felt like a genuinely united team. She phased out from listening to the Minister for International Games and Sports, and started thinking of some pre-prepared answers to talk up her new team in case she was approached by any more reporters.

Before she knew it, dessert was being served, and a few couples and groups got up to dance at the front of the hall. Yana had been chatting with Andrei and his fiancée, Mia, when they too decided to join the dancing. She watched them walk off together hand in hand, and found herself sitting alone. She felt a tap on her shoulder, and turned around.

'Drink?' asked Oliver. He'd shed his dress robe and bowtie, and he'd rolled up his sleeves, looked a lot more casual than he had earlier in the evening. He would've pulled off the ruggedly handsome look perfectly if he didn't look so nervous.

'Yes please.' Yana said, standing to join him. They walked over to the corner where the bar was, Oliver nodding and saying hello to several people on the way.

'A beer, please.' Oliver said to the barkeeper. He turned to Yana. 'And…?'

'A redcurrant rum. Thanks. How's the night been for you?' she asked him.

'Good. The speeches weren't up to their usual standard, but I did come third in bingo.' he said proudly, catching the drinks that levitated towards then.

'I think you're one of the few people here who actually pays attention to speeches.' said Yana dryly.

Oliver looked at her with a serious expression. 'Hey, you never know what they might drop. Nights like this can help us know what to expect for our playing season.'

Yana looked at him sceptically. 'You think? It's just pleasantries, politics and publicity.'

'That's very poetic of you.'

'Hey, I might be from the North, but I can speak nicely when I want to.' she said.

'Maybe you should try it more often.' Oliver muttered, earning him a steely glare from Yana, which he didn't seem particularly bothered by. 'What? You haven't exactly been friendly lately.'

Yana rolled her eyes. 'If you're talking about earlier, I was nervous, okay? Sometimes I get jumpy. I'm not always a bitch.'

'Or apologetic it seems.' Oliver shot back.

Yana huffed in frustration and slammed her glass down on the bar-top. 'What do you want from me, Wood? Every time we talk, you treat me like a spy for the enemy.'

'Are you a spy for the enemy?' he asked with a sly smile.

Yana narrowed her eyes. 'If I was, I certainly wouldn't tell you. Besides, we've been here over two hours, and everyone from Appleby's avoided me like dragon pox.'

Oliver had the decency to look sympathetic. 'That bad, huh?'

When Yana didn't respond, Oliver shook his head in bewilderment. 'Are we ever going to find out what happened?'

'Maybe one day.' she said absently.

Oliver sighed. 'Look, Vaso, you're a good player. No one here's denying that. But you do come with a name and a reputation. And that could damage us if you're not careful.'

'I'm not trying to sabotage Puddlemere, if that's what you're implying.' Yana said coolly.

Oliver frowned. 'No, you implied that. You don't have to be so intense all the time. I know it's a competitive field here, but maybe it would do you some good to relax a bit.'

Yana laughed in surprise. 'Wow. And that's coming from you. Maybe I should listen to you.' She turned back to the bar, and waved for a refill on her rum. Oliver looked at her with amusement.

'Not the method I was going to suggest, but okay.'

Yana smiled and put her finger on her lips. 'Shhh. I'm relaxing.'

.

After Oliver also ordered a refill, the two of them found some barstools to sit on, and drank in silence, watching the other guests unwinding as the drinks flowed and the music switched to a more upbeat rhythm.

Yana clucked her tongue, trying to break the quiet. 'So, everyone else on our team seems to be partnered up. Not you?'

Oliver shook his head. 'Nah. I dated a girl for a bit last year, but that didn't go anywhere, so I haven't really bothered since.'

'Easier to be married to the game?'

'Something like that.' he replied casually.

'Don't worry, I'm sure there's someone out there who's as Quidditch-crazy as you.'

'Or just plain crazy. How about you?' he asked, 'Flying solo too?'

'Mhm. No one special for Vicious Vaso. Which is fine.'

'Benjy thinks you might be a lesbian.'

'Benjy gossips like an old lady.'

'Don't let him get to you.' said Oliver.

'He's the least of my worries right now. I've got bigger fish to fry.'

Oliver grinned. 'Ooh, don't let him hear you say that. You know he's insecure about his height.'

Yana burst out laughing and took a good look at Oliver Wood. This was the most casual she'd ever seen him, and dwelled on the fact that this was probably the first easy conversation they'd had since they started training together. It felt like a weight off her shoulders to have made some progress. 'I'm surprised you know. I figured someone like you would probably have girls lining up to date you.'

Oliver ran his hand through his short hair, and paused, staring at Yana in puzzlement. 'Wait, what do you mean, someone like me?' he asked.

They were interrupted by a young woman from the Holyhead Harpies who approached the bar and moved in close to Oliver.

'Hey, Wood. You're looking flash tonight.' she said flirtatiously.

Oliver blushed slightly. 'Very kind, Matilda. You look lovely.'

The woman, Matilda, beamed, and batted her eyelashes. 'Wanna get a drink? It's been ages since we caught up.'

'I'm all sorted, thanks. You're welcome to join us if you like.' he said, indicating Yana beside him.

As soon as Matilda noticed Yana, her expression fell slightly. Yana said nothing and nodded politely. Matilda turned her attention back to Oliver.

'Well, if you get lonely, Wood, come and find me on the dancefloor.' And with that, she sauntered away. Yana started shaking to suppress her silent giggles.

Oliver blushed even harder. 'Oh, shut up.' he muttered.

Yana couldn't control her laughter now, and took several moments to calm herself down. 'Hey, about before… thanks for rescuing me from the press. It was rude of me to brush you off that way. I really appreciate it.' she said quietly.

Oliver's eyebrows rose into his hairline. 'Are you actually apologising, or should I thank the alcohol?'

'Oi.' Yana put her drink down, and turned towards him with her full attention. 'I know I've been stand-offish lately, and I've directed a lot of that at you. I'm sorry. I think… maybe we've rubbed each other the wrong way, and I don't think that's right, especially when we're playing together.'

'Rubbing up against each other? My, my, Yana, are the blokes at Appleby not good enough for you?' a Cockney voice commented from behind them. Yana and Oliver turned their heads and were met with a striking blonde woman in a black cocktail dress. She held a champagne flute in one hand, while the other one rested on her bony hip.

Yana's expression darkened. 'I don't date leftovers, Nina. That's your job.' she replied coolly, snapping back to her usual defensive demeanour.

Nina narrowed her cold blue eyes. 'Whatever. I see you're too busy with your Puddlemere buddies to bother saying hello to any of us.'

Yana folded her arms. 'Says you. I don't recall getting any farewell cards from you lot this summer.'

'And to be fair, I haven't seen any of your team saying hello either. That doesn't seem very sportsmanlike.' Oliver interjected, causing Yana's eyes to widen in surprise. He offered a friendly hand. 'Oliver Wood. Puddlemere Keeper.'

Nina shook it with forced politeness. 'Nina Gilbretti, Appleby Chaser.' She quickly dropped it and turned back to Yana. 'I hope you don't think you're better than us, now that you've switched sides. To the Arrows fans, you're still a traitor.'

'Well, luckily, I have new fans to please now. Enjoy your night, Nina.' said Yana, turning away and taking a final swig of her drink.

But Nina wasn't done. She grabbed Yana's hand and came in close, whispering in her ear. 'We're not done, Vaso. You're bloody lucky no one knows why you really left. First match we see you, you'll wish you hadn't ditched.' As Nina pulled away, she bumped Yana so that champagne spilled down the front of Yana's dress. Yana jumped up in shock, and the two of them glared at each other, though Nina's surprise was entirely put on.

'Oops.' Nina simpered. 'Silly me.' And with that, she disappeared into the crowd, as a number of people watched on nosily at the scene that had just occurred.

.

Yana growled and reached for her wand, but Oliver was quicker and grabbed her wrist first.

'Leave it. She's not worth the fight. Are you alright?'

Yana huffed. 'Fine. More upset about the dress than anything. My sister's gonna kill me. I promised her I'd be careful.'

'It wasn't exactly your fault.' Oliver offered. 'She didn't seem particularly nice.'

'Most of the Appleby girls are like that. One of the reasons I left.'

'I can see that now.' he agreed, looking at the dark stain on Yana's dress. He was surprised to see that she seemed genuinely upset by it. 'Can you fix it?'

Yana hummed uncertainly. 'I know a basic spell to stop it temporarily. But I'd have to get home soon so I can soak it. Maybe it'd be easier to hex Nina instead.'

'Mm, maybe don't do that.' Oliver warned.

'Ah, and I didn't get another photo with Sol! Damnit.' she groaned, closing her eyes in frustration.

Oliver looked around them. 'I'll walk you to the fireplaces, and you can make an escape if you want. The night's pretty much over. I'll get my cloak from the table.'

Yana nodded. 'Sounds good.'

They stayed close together as they made their way through the hall and to the foyer, Oliver scanning the room with his usual Keeper's eye for anyone who looked like they may approach Yana untowardly. 'You said your sister's gonna kill you. Is it her dress?' he asked.

'She designed it, so yes. She gets me to model for her at events like these.'

'Well, you make a very lovely model.' said Oliver, without missing a beat.

Yana stopped in her tracks. Oliver didn't seem flustered at all when he spoke this time. She narrowed her eyes in curiosity. 'How many drinks have you had, Wood?'

He didn't seem to understand her concern. 'Not many. I'm serious. You look good. Different-good.'

It took Yana a moment to think of a response. All she could mumble out was a quiet 'Thank you.'

They managed to make it to the entrance fireplaces without a fuss, and say goodbye to most of the Puddlemere team on the way.

'Thanks again. For saving my ass twice.'

Oliver shrugged and put his hands in his robe pockets. 'No problem. That's what teammates do.'

'How about friends?' Yana said quietly, fiddling with her dress.

Oliver was silent for several moments, and pretended to look deep in thought.

'I didn't know Vicious Vaso had friends.' he mused. 'What am I getting myself into?'

Yana grabbed a handful of Floo Powder and stepped into the nearest fireplace. 'Probably a whole lot of trouble. Depends if you're game enough.' she said, not giving him a change to respond. She dropped her Floo Powder, calling 'Fisherman's Park, Barrowman's Cove.' before disappearing in the green flames.

Oliver's smile widened as he walked away. 'Oh, I'm game, alright.'