1 XIV
Later that night on his bed, he stares silently at the ceiling. He lets out a bitter laugh, thinking about this moment. This is not the first time he lay there on his bed staring at the ceiling, again. He'd done this a few times before, and girls caused them. But this time it was Angelina. He felt very guilty to Angelina, but he couldn't help not to lie when she asked him the reason why is he so happy. The real reason would be something more. He rewinds everything that has happened for the past week.
The first night at the hospital wing was like hell for him. The smell of the potions, the piercing pain on his leg, and the dark surrounding just made everything worse. He wanted to talk to Naire, but it seemed that Madam Pomfrey had gave her a very strong potion that made her sleep all night like a baby. The next day was even worst, when Naire was back at her own room.
But the suffering didn't last long, when she came back to visit him. She came back every day for a week to see him. He didn't know how she managed to visit him without bumping with everyone else, including Angelina who visited him every day, also. But he didn't care how she did that, what's important was her presence. They talked and talked lots of things, their families and everything. He enjoyed it very much.
And that was the real reason why is he so happy. He's happy to know that he's having some kind of a bond with Naire. The bond he'd never thought of having it. Yes it's true that there's a disappointment in his heart with them being friends only. But if this all he can get, he never wants to let it go, ever. But he knew that if he told Angelina the truth, he'd hurt her even more. That was why he hid the truth from her.
He needs to do something really fast before anything gets worst than this. He sighs silently, and flips over to one side. He closed his eyes, trying to get some sleep. It's past midnight, and he's very tired because of the game. He couldn't help thinking what is Naire doing right now.
The big clock pounding twelve times in the Ravenclaw's common room. It's midnight, but it didn't seem to bother three girls who sit there chatting silently. They seemed to have a very interesting conversation.
"…So, when I by accident pour cold water on his back, he screamed like a baby! Try to imagine that…" Naire said trying to get a hold on her self.
"You're mean Naire, very mean. I don't believe you did that accidentally" Sandy said.
"Hey, that water jug slipped from my hand.. it's not my fault" she said still laughing.
"So, you're having fun, right? Pampering him the whole week" Jessica said.
"What do you mean by that?" Naire asked.
"Well…" Jessica said but was cut by Sandy.
"Hey, did you saw him on the game today?" Sandy said.
"No, why?" Naire asked.
"He almost knocked himself down jumping up and down like that!" Sandy said enthusiastically.
"With his crutches?" Jessica asked.
"Yes! He's very funny. There's something weird about his smile, though. I mean, not in the odd way, but… it seems that he can make people to like him just by smiling to them. He's cute!" Sandy said again, giggling.
"You're not falling for him, right?" Naire asked.
"Why'd you ask? Jealous?" Sandy said with a teasing smile.
"Of course not! We're just friend now" Naire said assuring them.
"Well, whether you like him or not, he's still cute. Especially with that deep brown eyes, they're gorgeous!" Sandy said with dreamy eyes.
She knew it very well, because she has seen deeply to those beautiful eyes more than just once, she thought.
"Is that what you want? Being friend with him?" Suddenly Jessica asked her.
"Well, to be honest… no. But, that's the farthest I could get" She answered honestly.
"I couldn't believe you, you know that. After everything that has happened between you, you ended up being just friend! You've kissed, you've spent one night together, and do you need more signs than that?" Jessica said.
"Hey, the kiss was an accident, and it's not like we wanted to be trapped in the dark forest together!"
"Is it because of Ethan?" Sandy asked.
"No… well, maybe… oh I don't know!"
"You don't love Ethan. It's Oliver who you love!" Jessica said.
"Yes, I can't deny that. But we're not meant for each other" Naire said.
"It's not you who decide that. All you have to do is fight for it!" Jessica said.
"I can't! He's in love with Angelina. I don't want to ruin their relationship" Naire insist.
"How do you know that? Did he tell you that?" Sandy asked.
"Well, no.. but.."
"So what's the problem? As long as he's free, you're free to get him" Jessica said.
"You don't understand, I can't do that…. I don't want to hurt anybody"
"Well, you're hurting yourself, girl"Jessica said.
"I love him, but that doesn't mean I have to own him… as long as everybody's happy, it doesn't matter how I feel" Naire said almost choking her throat.
"You still have us to love you, Naire… don't worry" Sandy said hugging her tightly.
"Hey, it's getting very late… I'm sleepy, aren't you all?" Jessica said breaking the silence.
"I'm sleepy, too. Let's go to bed" Naire said.
"Okay" Sandy said.
The next morning, Naire was about to get ready entering the divination class when suddenly a very familiar voice shouting her name.
"Naire!" shouted Evan.
"Hi Evan, what are you doing here? You're not having divination right now, right?" Naire asked.
"No, I'm having DADA. I'm here just to give you something.. here" he said handing her a medium size box.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Just open, you'll love it!" he said.
"Okay" she said opening the box. Inside the box she can see big chunks of chocolate cookies.
"Oh my God! I love chocolate cookies! Where did you get this?" she asked excitedly.
"My mom sent it last night. I told her about what has happened to you last week. She's very worried, and then she baked this for you. She knows that you love chocolate!" he said smiling.
"Thank you soooo muucchh!" She said, biting her first piece.
"It's delicious! Tell you're mom I love her very much" she smiles.
"You welcome… I better go, it's getting late… bye!" he said running through the hall.
She enters the class and takes a sit next to Sandy and Jessica. She offers them the cookies, and they love it just as much as she loves it.
"Hi, Naire" said Oliver when he walks slowly with his crutches and takes a sit across her.
"Hi, Oliver! Hey, you want to try this?" She said offering him the cookies.
"What is it? Is it chocolate?" he said taking a small piece of it from the box.
"Sure it's chocolate you dummy… do you like it?" she said watching him eats it.
Ehmm… not bad, I'm not very keen of chocolate, but this one is quite good. Did you made it by yourself?" he said.
"No, it's from Mrs. Anderthon, Ethan's mother" she said.
"Ooo… that's very nice of her" he said. There's a slight change of tone on his voice, but she didn't realize.
She looks straight to the front again when the class starts. Oliver tries to concentrate, but he couldn't resist the urge to look at Naire. He loves every move that she makes which can make him shivers with joy. When he started to smile at his self, suddenly he remembered what Angelina had told him last night. A pang of guilt comes to his heart. He's completely blind on what he'd do next.
The thought of it stayed at his brain till the last class he had. He remember that he had told the team to have a Quidditch practise this afternoon, so he rushes to the field. Of course the definition of rushing in his case is like a 5 years old crawling in the ground. When he arrives at the field, the practise has started. He takes a seat on the side of the field, watching them practise.
"Hey, Captain! Can't wait to play, huh?" shouted Fred from his broom.
"Whatever you say, Fred… you better watch your back!" He shouted back.
"Huh?" Fred said confused.
Before he realizes what was Oliver talking about, a bludger hit him hard on the back.
"Arrgghh!" he shouted almost falling down from his broom.
"Ouch!" Oliver said trying to hide his smile.
"You ding head! Didn't you see it coming?" shouted George from the other side of the field.
"If I saw it, I won't get hit!" Fred shouted back.
Oliver just laughs at them.
"I don't get it, Oliver? Fix me if I'm wrong, but didn't we just win a game? So what are we doing here right now?" Alicia who's now off from her broom asked him.
"I know, but actually I'm revering to the new kid, he needs all the practise he can get!" He said.
"You mean Andrew? Why? it's not like we're going to use him again at the next game, you'll be fine at that time, right?" she asked again.
"Well, yes… I'll be alright, but…." he didn't continue.
"What? Making Andrew's life a hell is like getting back with Ethan, right? because you hate him so much" She said, smiling to him.
"Wha.. I never said that! I just thought that he need more practise.. who knows, maybe someday he'll be our next generation!" He protested.
"Yeah right! that's okay Oliver, I completely understand" she smiled at him taking her broom again and fly away.
"What you're saying is not true Alicia!" he shouted.
"What is it that is not true?" Angelina who appears out of nowhere asked him.
"Alicia just said something stupid about…" he stopped.
"About what?" she asked again.
"Nothing important" he answered.
"Listen Oliver, about last night conversation… I want you to forget about it" she said sitting next to him.
"How can I forget?" he said.
"I'm sorry to confused you, but let's just say that everything that I told you last night has never been told" she begged.
"Listen Ange, I've been thinking all night, and I have to something to say to you" he said.
"What Oliver?" she asked.
"I'm very sorry I've caused all this trouble in your life. You're very nice to me and everyone, and I do love you in a certain way, but not like the kind of love you have for me. I'm sorry" He explained.
"That's okay, I understand… I'm not regretting the love that I have for you, because it's beautiful. And I'm happy that I had you even only for a while" she said smiling.
"Thank you Ange for understanding me this much, I'm glad to have you as a friend" he said hugging her.
"Now, what are you going to do?" she asked.
"I don't know… a part of me wants to stay as friends with her, but the other part wants to shout my love to her" he said.
"I agree with the other part. You should tell her that you love her" she said.
"Well yes, but… I'm afraid If I do tell her, I'll loose the friendship that we're having now. I'm afraid I'll ended up without her as a friend or lover" he explained.
"But you'll never know if you don't take the chance" she said again.
"I'm afraid to take the chance" he said.
"Oh God Oliver! Are you a guy or what? You have to be brave! I can't believe that you're the same guy that I know before… the strong, brave, and tough guy! The guy who worships Quidditch" she said.
"I'm still the same guy. But this time the guy found something greater than Quidditch… he found love" he said slowly.
"Well, I guess what people said was true… love, if it is deep, can soften a rock, even the hardest rock of all" she said.
"Am I wrong? Tell me Ange, I've never been in love before… I don't know what to do!" he asked.
"Well, the same thing happened to me, but I conquered my fear and told the person I love that I love him… and even though he didn't love me back, the love I have is still in my heart. And you know what? know we're friends" she said to him.
"I get your point, Ange" he said.
"Well, I better go practise again, captain! Good luck" she said.
"You don't need to, I think you've had enough practise" he smiled.
"Practise is over!" he shouted to the team.
A week later at dinner, Dumbledore announces a few things about end of semester program.
""For all of you 7th years, you will be facing N.E.W.T in less then a month. As a headmaster I will want nothing but seriousness on facing this. Hogwarts had release so many excellent graduation through the years to the community. Therefore I hope that you will follow their steps and be the best of the best! Cheers!" he raised his glass.
"Cheers!" the others follow.
At the Gryffindor's table, Oliver and the gang talk about it.
"I cant' believe you'll be leaving very soon!" Alicia said in disbelieved.
"Well, you better believe it" Oliver said.
"I can't see myself leaving Hogwarts, it's been my second house for the past 6 years! Thank god I still have one more year to go" Katie said.
"Hmmm… I wonder who will be our next captain?" Angelina wondered.
"Probably Harry, he's good. What do you think Oliver?" George said.
"It's for you to decide, I won't be a part of it" he said.
"Are you ready nitwit?" Fred asked.
"Ready for what?" he asked.
"For N.E.W.T you dinghead!" Fred said.
"Certainly, I've been working my butt this whole year to pass N.E.W.T in excellent scores" he said.
"Oh really, it must have been someone else then" George said.
"What do you mean?" Oliver asked.
"Well, I remembered seeing a very confused boy. He seemed to have lots of love and life problems" George continued.
"Hey, problem is a problem, it won't let me ruin my future… apart from what kind of guy I've been this year… I still have awareness for my future" he said.
"So, you're over this whole Naire thing?" Angelina asked.
"Yes" Oliver said firmly.
"But… how can you?" Angelina asked again.
"I decided not to think about it anymore. I want to concentrate on something more important" he said.
"But you can not just forget about it!" she said half screaming.
"Yes I can, and I will… end of discussion! And please, lower your voice, Ange" he said.
"You bloody stupid" she said under her breath.
"What did you say?" he asked.
"Nothing" she said continue eating her dinner.
I'm sorry, Ange… but I'm not ready to get hurt… I'm a wuss, I know…Oliver thought.
He continued on eating what was left o his plate, not knowing there's a set of brilliant green eyes secretly looking at him, far away, from the Ravenclaw's. the owner of those eyes sighs and continue eating her dinner, also.
I wish I know what's inside his mind, Naire thought.
Later that night on his bed, he stares silently at the ceiling. He lets out a bitter laugh, thinking about this moment. This is not the first time he lay there on his bed staring at the ceiling, again. He'd done this a few times before, and girls caused them. But this time it was Angelina. He felt very guilty to Angelina, but he couldn't help not to lie when she asked him the reason why is he so happy. The real reason would be something more. He rewinds everything that has happened for the past week.
The first night at the hospital wing was like hell for him. The smell of the potions, the piercing pain on his leg, and the dark surrounding just made everything worse. He wanted to talk to Naire, but it seemed that Madam Pomfrey had gave her a very strong potion that made her sleep all night like a baby. The next day was even worst, when Naire was back at her own room.
But the suffering didn't last long, when she came back to visit him. She came back every day for a week to see him. He didn't know how she managed to visit him without bumping with everyone else, including Angelina who visited him every day, also. But he didn't care how she did that, what's important was her presence. They talked and talked lots of things, their families and everything. He enjoyed it very much.
And that was the real reason why is he so happy. He's happy to know that he's having some kind of a bond with Naire. The bond he'd never thought of having it. Yes it's true that there's a disappointment in his heart with them being friends only. But if this all he can get, he never wants to let it go, ever. But he knew that if he told Angelina the truth, he'd hurt her even more. That was why he hid the truth from her.
He needs to do something really fast before anything gets worst than this. He sighs silently, and flips over to one side. He closed his eyes, trying to get some sleep. It's past midnight, and he's very tired because of the game. He couldn't help thinking what is Naire doing right now.
The big clock pounding twelve times in the Ravenclaw's common room. It's midnight, but it didn't seem to bother three girls who sit there chatting silently. They seemed to have a very interesting conversation.
"…So, when I by accident pour cold water on his back, he screamed like a baby! Try to imagine that…" Naire said trying to get a hold on her self.
"You're mean Naire, very mean. I don't believe you did that accidentally" Sandy said.
"Hey, that water jug slipped from my hand.. it's not my fault" she said still laughing.
"So, you're having fun, right? Pampering him the whole week" Jessica said.
"What do you mean by that?" Naire asked.
"Well…" Jessica said but was cut by Sandy.
"Hey, did you saw him on the game today?" Sandy said.
"No, why?" Naire asked.
"He almost knocked himself down jumping up and down like that!" Sandy said enthusiastically.
"With his crutches?" Jessica asked.
"Yes! He's very funny. There's something weird about his smile, though. I mean, not in the odd way, but… it seems that he can make people to like him just by smiling to them. He's cute!" Sandy said again, giggling.
"You're not falling for him, right?" Naire asked.
"Why'd you ask? Jealous?" Sandy said with a teasing smile.
"Of course not! We're just friend now" Naire said assuring them.
"Well, whether you like him or not, he's still cute. Especially with that deep brown eyes, they're gorgeous!" Sandy said with dreamy eyes.
She knew it very well, because she has seen deeply to those beautiful eyes more than just once, she thought.
"Is that what you want? Being friend with him?" Suddenly Jessica asked her.
"Well, to be honest… no. But, that's the farthest I could get" She answered honestly.
"I couldn't believe you, you know that. After everything that has happened between you, you ended up being just friend! You've kissed, you've spent one night together, and do you need more signs than that?" Jessica said.
"Hey, the kiss was an accident, and it's not like we wanted to be trapped in the dark forest together!"
"Is it because of Ethan?" Sandy asked.
"No… well, maybe… oh I don't know!"
"You don't love Ethan. It's Oliver who you love!" Jessica said.
"Yes, I can't deny that. But we're not meant for each other" Naire said.
"It's not you who decide that. All you have to do is fight for it!" Jessica said.
"I can't! He's in love with Angelina. I don't want to ruin their relationship" Naire insist.
"How do you know that? Did he tell you that?" Sandy asked.
"Well, no.. but.."
"So what's the problem? As long as he's free, you're free to get him" Jessica said.
"You don't understand, I can't do that…. I don't want to hurt anybody"
"Well, you're hurting yourself, girl"Jessica said.
"I love him, but that doesn't mean I have to own him… as long as everybody's happy, it doesn't matter how I feel" Naire said almost choking her throat.
"You still have us to love you, Naire… don't worry" Sandy said hugging her tightly.
"Hey, it's getting very late… I'm sleepy, aren't you all?" Jessica said breaking the silence.
"I'm sleepy, too. Let's go to bed" Naire said.
"Okay" Sandy said.
The next morning, Naire was about to get ready entering the divination class when suddenly a very familiar voice shouting her name.
"Naire!" shouted Evan.
"Hi Evan, what are you doing here? You're not having divination right now, right?" Naire asked.
"No, I'm having DADA. I'm here just to give you something.. here" he said handing her a medium size box.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Just open, you'll love it!" he said.
"Okay" she said opening the box. Inside the box she can see big chunks of chocolate cookies.
"Oh my God! I love chocolate cookies! Where did you get this?" she asked excitedly.
"My mom sent it last night. I told her about what has happened to you last week. She's very worried, and then she baked this for you. She knows that you love chocolate!" he said smiling.
"Thank you soooo muucchh!" She said, biting her first piece.
"It's delicious! Tell you're mom I love her very much" she smiles.
"You welcome… I better go, it's getting late… bye!" he said running through the hall.
She enters the class and takes a sit next to Sandy and Jessica. She offers them the cookies, and they love it just as much as she loves it.
"Hi, Naire" said Oliver when he walks slowly with his crutches and takes a sit across her.
"Hi, Oliver! Hey, you want to try this?" She said offering him the cookies.
"What is it? Is it chocolate?" he said taking a small piece of it from the box.
"Sure it's chocolate you dummy… do you like it?" she said watching him eats it.
Ehmm… not bad, I'm not very keen of chocolate, but this one is quite good. Did you made it by yourself?" he said.
"No, it's from Mrs. Anderthon, Ethan's mother" she said.
"Ooo… that's very nice of her" he said. There's a slight change of tone on his voice, but she didn't realize.
She looks straight to the front again when the class starts. Oliver tries to concentrate, but he couldn't resist the urge to look at Naire. He loves every move that she makes which can make him shivers with joy. When he started to smile at his self, suddenly he remembered what Angelina had told him last night. A pang of guilt comes to his heart. He's completely blind on what he'd do next.
The thought of it stayed at his brain till the last class he had. He remember that he had told the team to have a Quidditch practise this afternoon, so he rushes to the field. Of course the definition of rushing in his case is like a 5 years old crawling in the ground. When he arrives at the field, the practise has started. He takes a seat on the side of the field, watching them practise.
"Hey, Captain! Can't wait to play, huh?" shouted Fred from his broom.
"Whatever you say, Fred… you better watch your back!" He shouted back.
"Huh?" Fred said confused.
Before he realizes what was Oliver talking about, a bludger hit him hard on the back.
"Arrgghh!" he shouted almost falling down from his broom.
"Ouch!" Oliver said trying to hide his smile.
"You ding head! Didn't you see it coming?" shouted George from the other side of the field.
"If I saw it, I won't get hit!" Fred shouted back.
Oliver just laughs at them.
"I don't get it, Oliver? Fix me if I'm wrong, but didn't we just win a game? So what are we doing here right now?" Alicia who's now off from her broom asked him.
"I know, but actually I'm revering to the new kid, he needs all the practise he can get!" He said.
"You mean Andrew? Why? it's not like we're going to use him again at the next game, you'll be fine at that time, right?" she asked again.
"Well, yes… I'll be alright, but…." he didn't continue.
"What? Making Andrew's life a hell is like getting back with Ethan, right? because you hate him so much" She said, smiling to him.
"Wha.. I never said that! I just thought that he need more practise.. who knows, maybe someday he'll be our next generation!" He protested.
"Yeah right! that's okay Oliver, I completely understand" she smiled at him taking her broom again and fly away.
"What you're saying is not true Alicia!" he shouted.
"What is it that is not true?" Angelina who appears out of nowhere asked him.
"Alicia just said something stupid about…" he stopped.
"About what?" she asked again.
"Nothing important" he answered.
"Listen Oliver, about last night conversation… I want you to forget about it" she said sitting next to him.
"How can I forget?" he said.
"I'm sorry to confused you, but let's just say that everything that I told you last night has never been told" she begged.
"Listen Ange, I've been thinking all night, and I have to something to say to you" he said.
"What Oliver?" she asked.
"I'm very sorry I've caused all this trouble in your life. You're very nice to me and everyone, and I do love you in a certain way, but not like the kind of love you have for me. I'm sorry" He explained.
"That's okay, I understand… I'm not regretting the love that I have for you, because it's beautiful. And I'm happy that I had you even only for a while" she said smiling.
"Thank you Ange for understanding me this much, I'm glad to have you as a friend" he said hugging her.
"Now, what are you going to do?" she asked.
"I don't know… a part of me wants to stay as friends with her, but the other part wants to shout my love to her" he said.
"I agree with the other part. You should tell her that you love her" she said.
"Well yes, but… I'm afraid If I do tell her, I'll loose the friendship that we're having now. I'm afraid I'll ended up without her as a friend or lover" he explained.
"But you'll never know if you don't take the chance" she said again.
"I'm afraid to take the chance" he said.
"Oh God Oliver! Are you a guy or what? You have to be brave! I can't believe that you're the same guy that I know before… the strong, brave, and tough guy! The guy who worships Quidditch" she said.
"I'm still the same guy. But this time the guy found something greater than Quidditch… he found love" he said slowly.
"Well, I guess what people said was true… love, if it is deep, can soften a rock, even the hardest rock of all" she said.
"Am I wrong? Tell me Ange, I've never been in love before… I don't know what to do!" he asked.
"Well, the same thing happened to me, but I conquered my fear and told the person I love that I love him… and even though he didn't love me back, the love I have is still in my heart. And you know what? know we're friends" she said to him.
"I get your point, Ange" he said.
"Well, I better go practise again, captain! Good luck" she said.
"You don't need to, I think you've had enough practise" he smiled.
"Practise is over!" he shouted to the team.
A week later at dinner, Dumbledore announces a few things about end of semester program.
""For all of you 7th years, you will be facing N.E.W.T in less then a month. As a headmaster I will want nothing but seriousness on facing this. Hogwarts had release so many excellent graduation through the years to the community. Therefore I hope that you will follow their steps and be the best of the best! Cheers!" he raised his glass.
"Cheers!" the others follow.
At the Gryffindor's table, Oliver and the gang talk about it.
"I cant' believe you'll be leaving very soon!" Alicia said in disbelieved.
"Well, you better believe it" Oliver said.
"I can't see myself leaving Hogwarts, it's been my second house for the past 6 years! Thank god I still have one more year to go" Katie said.
"Hmmm… I wonder who will be our next captain?" Angelina wondered.
"Probably Harry, he's good. What do you think Oliver?" George said.
"It's for you to decide, I won't be a part of it" he said.
"Are you ready nitwit?" Fred asked.
"Ready for what?" he asked.
"For N.E.W.T you dinghead!" Fred said.
"Certainly, I've been working my butt this whole year to pass N.E.W.T in excellent scores" he said.
"Oh really, it must have been someone else then" George said.
"What do you mean?" Oliver asked.
"Well, I remembered seeing a very confused boy. He seemed to have lots of love and life problems" George continued.
"Hey, problem is a problem, it won't let me ruin my future… apart from what kind of guy I've been this year… I still have awareness for my future" he said.
"So, you're over this whole Naire thing?" Angelina asked.
"Yes" Oliver said firmly.
"But… how can you?" Angelina asked again.
"I decided not to think about it anymore. I want to concentrate on something more important" he said.
"But you can not just forget about it!" she said half screaming.
"Yes I can, and I will… end of discussion! And please, lower your voice, Ange" he said.
"You bloody stupid" she said under her breath.
"What did you say?" he asked.
"Nothing" she said continue eating her dinner.
I'm sorry, Ange… but I'm not ready to get hurt… I'm a wuss, I know…Oliver thought.
He continued on eating what was left o his plate, not knowing there's a set of brilliant green eyes secretly looking at him, far away, from the Ravenclaw's. the owner of those eyes sighs and continue eating her dinner, also.
I wish I know what's inside his mind, Naire thought.