Alright, first order of business- I'd like to thank all reviewers
individually so here it goes.
Amanda- I'll try my best and update as frequently as I can. I warn you now that I'm not exactly the best at updating esp. now that school has started. I'm glad you like my story and I hope you don't consider me a part of the conspiracy: } Thanx
MadMadamMim- I got a review from you!!! I'm so happy. I love your fics. Thanks a lot!!! And yes, Hermione does deserve kudos but I thought Harry was cute in a way. Oh and about those lessons-they're gonna take place soon. Hmmm Ollie and cooking-could get ugly! : )
kat6528- Here's part two where part three comes in. Demanding and being lazy are some of my trademark moods, so I comply your demand with this chapter. ; )
Wiccan-One14- Hope you like it and don't thank me for telling ya. I'm the one doing the thanking here! : ) Thank YOU!
pOtTeRcHicA02- Soon? You may have to wait a bit longer- don't wanna rush things, actually I do but I can't. It's for the good of the story-I think. . . Thanks for reviewing!
RonWeasley2- I know it's crumbs but I had to share. And you don't even know yet? Oh I feel a looong waiting period coming. Oh and 'We will survive!' as difficult as it may be. : )
pokElilpupE- Ok for starters, I think I speak for all when I say getting a review from you is like receiving a cheering charm or some prestigious award! Not to put pressure on you or set expectations but I think the entire O/K world would love to read something of yours. Honestly, you should write a fic! Don't hate me! : \ I'm glad you liked the beginning details and yes that line is soo cheesy I don't know what got into me! Thanx for that!
writar-klutz- I liked it too. To be young and not know you're in love- Oh but they are!!! Oopsies. . .Thanx for R&R
emmy- Oh well thank you very much and here's part 2.
elvencherry07- I have so please read and review and thanx for doing that last time-woah weird sentence. . .
Professional Scatterbrain- I doubt this is really really soon but here it is. And I adore your stories just so you know. Update really really soon! Thanks
MaiaoLilta- I feel much better. Thankyou! I'm back to my regular procrastinating self. : )
nevermind- Well who are you to give orders? Who? J/K here's my update hope ya like it. : ]
grrbaby- Wow, glad to see someone noticed my intentions and reasons for writing the way that I did. I thank you most graciously *curtsies* : )
Ok I believe that's everyone who reviewed. So with further delay I will soon let you read Part II. Hehehehe. . .
*Following a brief period of silence*
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS! - I was on vacation from the 14th to the 21st so no updates, sorry! Hope this one covers it for a while. School starts soon so free time gets a considerable cut. I'll try my best to update though- just stay with me. Did that sound desperate? Good, cause I am.
Third order of business- in someone's review, can someone explain to me how to put text in BOLD and ITALICS? I'm quite the dunce when it comes to stuff like that. My trial and error process didn't result in any success. Help!
Now without further ado I present Part II of LR&S- Possibly the longest thing I have ever written. Hopefully doesn't coincide with worst.
~Right in Front of Your Eyes~
Disclaimer- What's her's is her's and what's mine is mine. End
of discussion.
Chapter 6- Leaves, Rain, and Stars Part II of II
Friend. Did the word have some hidden meaning or elastic clause?
'Maybe this is my own misconception. Maybe I feel this way simply because I've known him for too long. Kinda like a sister sorta thing? Who am I kidding? Oh, damn it, now can't explain myself! Aggravation combined with unsettled stew didn't help the war she was having in her head. 'Hope Oliver's not as sick as I am. Hey! Why did he come up again?'
Katie decided to forget about the thought that continuously pounded her head. She had better things to think about, like her grandfather. Who cared about Oliver Wood? Not her-no siree!
Denial floated between her ears until she was sucked into the proper fireplace and landed on her behind in her grandfather's living room. She wasn't exactly crazy about traveling by Floo Powder. Rarely using it, Katie hadn't quite mastered the aspect of landing on one's feet when arriving at a destination.
"Oh, careful there sport! Watch out now. Here move aside for your parents."
"Thanks grandpa," Katie said as she took her grandfather's hand.
"Pop! Katie! What happened here?" asked a confused Mrs. Bell as she stepped out of the hearth.
Realizing the amount of ash and soot she had scattered Katie spoke up.
"Um, it's nothing. I-"
"She just had a rough landing, that's all. By the way where's Ian?"
Just then a messy haired man appeared in the grate. "Right here."
"Ah Ian, how've you been my boy?"
"Fine Dad, just fine."
"Look a bit on the lanky side there, has Natalie been feeding you well?"
Katie smiled; she didn't know how she ever lived without her grandfather's sense of humor everyday. Then she remembered-Oliver.
"I'm fine dad!"
"Ok, you three talk. I'll prepare dinner." Mrs. Bell said walking towards the kitchen; attempting to avoid getting caught in any type of father/son argument. In agreement, the three sat down on the couch.
"So, Ian, tell me how's work going?"
"It's a bit hectic. Always is after the World Cup."
"Oh, right! The Cup!" Mr. Bell Sr. exclaimed. "Quite a game, eh? Hardly believed my ears when I heard Luxembourg won!"
Katie wasn't paying attention to the conversation. She spaced out. The reason? Oh, a certain Quidditch preoccupied Scot. "It's not healthy to lose all mental consciousness," Katie repeated to herself. And yet, despite her mantra, she succumbed to her more than pleasant thoughts. (A/N: I meant that in the best of ways!)
* * *
Following dinner, Katie and her grandfather regressed to the family room while her parents tidied up the kitchen.
"Sport, are you feeling alright? You seemed a bit distant during dinner aside from the fact that you hardly ate anything."
"Stomach wasn't up to it."
"Know what you mean, your mum's not the best of cooks."
"I heard that!" A voice erupted from the adjacent room.
Katie and her grandfather exchanged a round of smiles and grins. Not wanting their conversation to be heard, they decided to speak a bit lower.
"So looking forward to school starting?"
"Mixed feelings. I'm anxious for Quidditch to start but I wouldn't mind skipping the N.E.W.T.s."
"Eh, yes but they are essential to getting a desirable job." Grandfather. The voice of reason in all matters. "Think you'll win the cup this time around, sport?"
"Yes I do. It's practically the entire team's last chance. And Oliver- I don't think he'll accept losing. Might kill himself!"
"Oliver? Oh yes, your captain. How's the chap doing then?"
"Doing quite well. Hopes to make it professionally. Might become a Puddlemere player."
"Puddlemere? Really? Must be real good then."
"Best ruddy keeper in the school!" said Katie with a bit too much enthusiasm.
"Well from your words I can tell he must be."
'Great! As if he hadn't figured it out already.' Katie waited for her grandfather to speak again.
"They could use a new keeper, Farrell's lookin' a bit shabby."
'Okay maybe he didn't figure it out,' she hoped as she spoke. "He is. Last season he let 63 goals by. Honestly, he needs to be replaced."
"You alright Katie?"
'No such luck, he did figure it out.' "Fine."
"You seem a bit preoccupied."
Katie wasn't exactly comfortable with the idea of telling her grandfather about Oliver. I mean it was quite different from telling Alicia and Angelina. They were at least girls, but both were away on holiday. She knew she needed to tell someone.
"Um, well, it's like. . ."
"Is it something about what happened in second year?"
"No, no! Nothing like that."
"Well in that case Katie, you don't have to tell me. It's your choice."
'Choice, huh?' There really wasn't much of a choice. Katie couldn't tell her mom; somehow she knew her mom would amplify the situation. Her mom was always trying to get her to try on dresses and put on makeup. If she told her mom, Katie feared it would be the end of her.
Her dad? Yeah right, the man is barely home. He wasn't exactly crazy about Katie making the Quidditch team in her second year. He treated Katie like a fragile glass ornament. And after what happened in her second year, Katie's father practically shunned the sport.
"Gramps, it's a-"
"Dad, Katie, what are you two talking about?" Mr. Bell asked as he stepped into the room.
"Nothing, just Quidditch players." Katie's grandfather answered.
At that exact moment, Katie felt her stomach flip. What exactly did she put in that stew of hers? She didn't have time to figure it out. She needed to get to the bathroom, fast!
Cold porcelain against her sweaty head, Katie felt considerably better. After washing her hands and face, she stepped out of the bathroom and trudged back to the living room. She just wanted to go home and take a long shower.
"Ian, it's almost eight. We should head home."
Judging by those words, she thought her shower was just minutes away.
"Could you two stay for a bit longer?" No, that shower had to wait. "I've got something I should tell you." Katie's grandfather added in what Katie took as a grave tone.
Two? Her grandfather was referring to her parents. 'Shower here I come!'
"Mom, dad, I'm gonna go home. I'll see you in a bit?"
"No Katie, you'll stay right here." Mrs. Bell practically ordered.
'But my shower. It's so close yet so far!'
"No, she can go." Mr. Bell countered.
'Yes!'
Taking advantage of this extremely rare opportunity, Katie headed towards the fireplace. She had a feeling her father was letting her leave, not out of the goodness of his heart, but because of something else.
"Bye mum, bye dad. See you in a bit?"
"Yes dear."
"Bye grandpa," Katie said.
"Bye, sport." Katie threw her arms around her grandfather in a tight embrace. Something told her she should hug him.
"Love you gramps." Katie said as she stepped into the fire.
"Me too." Her grandfather smiled. And with that, green flames consumed Katie as she once again entered the Floo Network.
* * *
Oliver picked up his copy of Quidditch Through the Ages for the fourth time that night and skimmed through its pages. He had already read it three times when Katie had first given it to him last week on his birthday and once just yesterday. Putting it down, Oliver turned off his lamp and walked to his telescope. It was the perfect night to look at the stars despite the rain that afternoon. Fumbling with the different dials to no avail, Oliver gave up.
"I've got no clue as to how Katie works this thing," he muttered. Opting to just gaze without focus, he tilted the instrument towards the crescent moon. The iridescent sliver of satellite held his attention for a brief moment. Oliver didn't know if it was some sort of optical illusion but he thought he saw a star move.
"Probably just airplane lights," he told himself. Swinging his telescope once more, Oliver found himself gazing at Katie's bedroom window. The curtains were drawn but he could see the soft glow of light beyond them.
Lost in thought, Oliver realized he had just spent four hours home alone. It dawned upon him that the thing-or rather one-that occupied his mind for those five hours was Katie Bell, whether it was directly or indirectly.
A change in his surroundings led Oliver to abandon his mental scrutiny. He thought he had just seen Katie's bedroom lights go out but upon glancing at the window he saw that they were still on. Perhaps he was just a wee bit delusional. . . but then he saw the lights flicker in Katie's window.
'I'm sure I just saw that. I'm positive.' He stared at Katie's window for a while more just to be extra certain. And sure enough the lights wavered once more. He wasn't exactly sure as to why he did, but every time anything remotely odd occurred he needed to go check on Katie. (Kinda like a big brother?) This time wasn't any different. With more of a 'crack' than a 'pop' Oliver apparated to Katie's room.
"I think your apparition license needs to be revoked," a voice said from behind Oliver. Katie was sitting on the window seat in an oversized shirt and shorts with a comb in her damp hair. She was scribbling away in a small book.
"I just came over to see if you were here," Oliver said turning around and trying to mask his care but failing miserably.
"Any reason I wouldn't be? I mean, the lights are on."
"No but," Oliver desperately needed to change the subject. "I didn't expect to see you writing in a diary!"
"It is NOT a diary!" Katie said defensively. "It's just a book where I write things-my thoughts, ideas, and feelings." Katie said the last part in a bit of a mumble.
"Thoughts, well as a friend I am entitled to know what you're thinking." Oliver said as he approached Katie slowly. Before Katie could reply he snatched the small tome out of her hands and began moving for the door.
"Give it back!" Katie screamed.
"Hold on a sec. Let me at least get a glimpse at the inner thoughts of Miss Katie Bell."
"Don't you dare!"
Oliver flipped through the pages and stopped at one that had the corner folded. The only words he managed to grasp before the lights went out were "Arrowhead Formation".
Katie's room became bathed in partial darkness. The moonlight peaked through the curtains and illuminated the room enough so that the two were able to make out the surroundings.
No longer able to decipher Katie's loopy handwriting, Oliver closed the book and handed it back to a disgruntled Katie. Looking at her face, Oliver regret taking the book in the first place.
"I didn't read anything private, if that's what you're concerned about. All I caught were the words 'Arrowhead Formation'" Katie didn't answer in any way. She just sat there by the window, arms crossed with a grim look on her face.
'Great, she's not talking to me. Why'd I have to do that? Stupid, stupid!' Oliver stood there for a while, mentally chiding himself before an idea crept into his head. Katie noticed a smile forming at his lips.
Oliver walked towards Katie's bed. He bent down and looked underneath it. He stood up walked over to her armoire and opened it. He rummaged through her clothes before he closed the doors and then moved to her dresser. He opened the first two drawers, then the middle two, and then the last two. Nothing. He moseyed over to her bookshelf. It was loaded with books on astronomy and Greek and Roman mythology. He sighed after he scanned the volumes and then made his way to Katie's bedside table when Katie spoke.
"What are you looking for?" Katie asked in a frustrated manner. She simply had no idea as to what Oliver was doing.
"Ah," he answered with a smile. "I found it!"
"Found what?" He was really beginning to tick her off.
"I found what I was looking for," he said grinning. He knew he was getting to her.
"Which was?" Couldn't he just give a straight answer?
With a smirk, Oliver said, "Your voice."
It was utterly impossible to stay mad at him now. Katie smiled and shook her head. "Why are you like that? Can't you just be a jerk so I can stay mad at you?"
"No I can't, it's not part of my quirky charm."
"Ploys like that should be made illegal."
"If they were, then you'd never talk to me," Oliver said.
"You're right."
"Katie?"
"Hmm," she said as she opened the curtains.
"Are you still mad at me?" he asked with that look in his eyes.
'I will not fall victim to the look, I will not fall victim, I will not fall, I will not, I will-oh hell!' "No, no one could stay mad at you for more than a few minutes. I think you're too sweet for your own good."
"I am, am I? Well, it works for me don't you think?"
Shaking her head in amusement Katie replied. "Yes, it very much so works for you." Oliver then walked over and sat down beside her, knowing it was safe. "Hey Oliver, do you think I could use your telescope? It's perfect up there."
"Yeah sure, anything, I'm just glad you're talking to me." Both Oliver and Katie apparated to his room; this time with a distinguished pair of 'pop's.
"Wow, seems like I'm rubbing off on you Mr. Wood." Oliver's Quidditch splashed room was laden with a number of books. Most were about, what else but Quidditch, but a few had star charts and constellation finders.
"Shhh, don't tell anyone." Oliver whispered. "It's just a hobby I started up, but flying is better-hands down!"
"Okay Stargazer Wood," Katie replied as she walked over to Oliver's alcove window. "With all the lights out, it'll make even the fainter stars easy to spot."
She closed one eye and peered into the instrument with the other. She turned the various dials on the telescope and fumbled with the lenses. "Could you give me that piece of cotton over there?"
Oliver answered by handing her the tuft of cotton. Katie used it to clean the lenses and then continued fumbling with the dials. "There, it's in focus," she said with an air of accomplishment. "How can you see anything when it's not in focus?"
"I can't. The thing is I can't really, er I don't know how to put the thing into focus." Katie smiled. She knew how hard it was for Oliver to admit he couldn't figure something out on his own.
"I'll show you some time, but right now I wanna use this fine instrument." Katie had wanted a telescope for as long as she, or anyone else for that matter, could remember. Her parents would never get such an expensive thing for Katie. Besides, her mom clearly said that it was a foolish thing to want and that it would be even more asinine to spend so much money on such a thing. Oliver knew that and he always meant to get a telescope for Katie. Things just didn't work out the way he planned. He would always spend a bit of his reserved money on something he just had to have. Selfish? Well, not really because he would always return the item. Part of him only wanted to give it to Katie in order to pay her back for the broom she had given him. Yet, another part of him truly wanted to give it to her just to see her happy. Subsequently, Oliver vowed to get Katie a telescope this year-no matter what.
"Check it out! Pegasus!" Katie lifted her head so that Oliver could take a look at the constellation. He lowered his head and fixed his left eye over the eyepiece.
"That's amazing! Wait didn't you say Pegasus was that flying horse?"
"Yup, I did. He helped Perseus behead the Gorgon Medusa."
"Katie, I think I found something. Look." Katie lowered her head as Oliver lifted his. This resulted in the inevitable bumping of heads. "Ow!"
"Sorry," Katie sheepishly said as she rubbed the spot where her head had hit his.
"No need to. Look before it goes away." Katie did as she was told and gazed up at the limitless night sky. In the distance she saw what looked like a comet, slowly descend to the earth. "It's a shooting star! A meteor! Quick, make a wish."
"A wish?"
"Just do it!"
Oliver shut his eyes and quickly made a wish. When he opened them, he saw his friend of nine years standing before him. Basked in partial moonlight, Katie looked like the same girl he had brought to his room nine years ago. Eyes shut with a smile on her face, Katie stood there for what Oliver took to be priceless. Her bright hazel eyes brought him back to his dark room.
"So what did you wish for?"
"I can't tell you! It's the cardinal rule of wish making. Besides that was a shooting star. A wish made on a shooting star is guaranteed to come true."
"Guaranteed? Really?"
"Uhuh."
"Well in that case I should have wished for a new broom."
"A broom? Honestly Oliver, is that all you think about?"
"No, I think about other stuff too."
"Really?"
"Yeah, like winning the Quidditch Cup, playing professionally, and my family."
"I should have known," Katie smiled. A rumble from her stomach soon followed. 'Great, what impeccable timing,' Katie thought.
"Hungry?"
"I guess so."
"Didn't you have dinner?"
"Not really. I wasn't feeling so great."
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine now, just a little hungry. Are you okay?"
"Fine, why wouldn't I be?"
"Well, I thought maybe it was something in that stew of mine."
"I'm pretty sure it wasn't. I'm fine and I ate more than you," Oliver smiled.
"Good, I thought I had made you sick." Another rumble followed.
"Listen Katie, I'm no cook, but I can make a mean bowl of cereal if you like."
Aw, he was too sweet. She couldn't refuse him but then a green flash caught her eye. Her parents?
"Oh Merlin! What time is it?" Katie grabbed Oliver's hand and tried to make out the numbers displayed on its face. His muggle wristwatch read 8:50. "Eight fifty! I gotta go. Take a rain check on that bowl of cereal Oliver! Bye!" And with that, Katie left Oliver standing by his window. Oliver looked over to Katie's bedroom. He smiled, rubbed the back of his neck with his hand, and then shook his head and sighed. "Hope that wish of mine comes true."
(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*() *)
Okay people that was Part II. Wasn't Oliver the sweetest? Dumb question-I know. I hope parts of this weren't too corny/cheesy. Let me know what was that way I'll think harder next time. Parts of this chapter were adapted from some of my favorite movies so don't give me all the credit. I really liked writing the second half of this chapter. So what will happen next? I'm not even sure but hopefully something good. What did Oliver wish for? I'll tell you soon. On another note- Please excuse my writing in this chapter. I think it may have taken a nosedive. I'm always open to suggestions and criticism so shoot! Right, so I expect reviews! At least 10- I think that's a fair ransom. Review please- for the love of Oliver! (Gotcha trapped didn't I?) So I'll talk to you in 'bout a week, more or less. Lenient towards more. ~itefaq
Amanda- I'll try my best and update as frequently as I can. I warn you now that I'm not exactly the best at updating esp. now that school has started. I'm glad you like my story and I hope you don't consider me a part of the conspiracy: } Thanx
MadMadamMim- I got a review from you!!! I'm so happy. I love your fics. Thanks a lot!!! And yes, Hermione does deserve kudos but I thought Harry was cute in a way. Oh and about those lessons-they're gonna take place soon. Hmmm Ollie and cooking-could get ugly! : )
kat6528- Here's part two where part three comes in. Demanding and being lazy are some of my trademark moods, so I comply your demand with this chapter. ; )
Wiccan-One14- Hope you like it and don't thank me for telling ya. I'm the one doing the thanking here! : ) Thank YOU!
pOtTeRcHicA02- Soon? You may have to wait a bit longer- don't wanna rush things, actually I do but I can't. It's for the good of the story-I think. . . Thanks for reviewing!
RonWeasley2- I know it's crumbs but I had to share. And you don't even know yet? Oh I feel a looong waiting period coming. Oh and 'We will survive!' as difficult as it may be. : )
pokElilpupE- Ok for starters, I think I speak for all when I say getting a review from you is like receiving a cheering charm or some prestigious award! Not to put pressure on you or set expectations but I think the entire O/K world would love to read something of yours. Honestly, you should write a fic! Don't hate me! : \ I'm glad you liked the beginning details and yes that line is soo cheesy I don't know what got into me! Thanx for that!
writar-klutz- I liked it too. To be young and not know you're in love- Oh but they are!!! Oopsies. . .Thanx for R&R
emmy- Oh well thank you very much and here's part 2.
elvencherry07- I have so please read and review and thanx for doing that last time-woah weird sentence. . .
Professional Scatterbrain- I doubt this is really really soon but here it is. And I adore your stories just so you know. Update really really soon! Thanks
MaiaoLilta- I feel much better. Thankyou! I'm back to my regular procrastinating self. : )
nevermind- Well who are you to give orders? Who? J/K here's my update hope ya like it. : ]
grrbaby- Wow, glad to see someone noticed my intentions and reasons for writing the way that I did. I thank you most graciously *curtsies* : )
Ok I believe that's everyone who reviewed. So with further delay I will soon let you read Part II. Hehehehe. . .
*Following a brief period of silence*
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS! - I was on vacation from the 14th to the 21st so no updates, sorry! Hope this one covers it for a while. School starts soon so free time gets a considerable cut. I'll try my best to update though- just stay with me. Did that sound desperate? Good, cause I am.
Third order of business- in someone's review, can someone explain to me how to put text in BOLD and ITALICS? I'm quite the dunce when it comes to stuff like that. My trial and error process didn't result in any success. Help!
Now without further ado I present Part II of LR&S- Possibly the longest thing I have ever written. Hopefully doesn't coincide with worst.
~Right in Front of Your Eyes~
Disclaimer- What's her's is her's and what's mine is mine. End
of discussion.
Chapter 6- Leaves, Rain, and Stars Part II of II
Friend. Did the word have some hidden meaning or elastic clause?
'Maybe this is my own misconception. Maybe I feel this way simply because I've known him for too long. Kinda like a sister sorta thing? Who am I kidding? Oh, damn it, now can't explain myself! Aggravation combined with unsettled stew didn't help the war she was having in her head. 'Hope Oliver's not as sick as I am. Hey! Why did he come up again?'
Katie decided to forget about the thought that continuously pounded her head. She had better things to think about, like her grandfather. Who cared about Oliver Wood? Not her-no siree!
Denial floated between her ears until she was sucked into the proper fireplace and landed on her behind in her grandfather's living room. She wasn't exactly crazy about traveling by Floo Powder. Rarely using it, Katie hadn't quite mastered the aspect of landing on one's feet when arriving at a destination.
"Oh, careful there sport! Watch out now. Here move aside for your parents."
"Thanks grandpa," Katie said as she took her grandfather's hand.
"Pop! Katie! What happened here?" asked a confused Mrs. Bell as she stepped out of the hearth.
Realizing the amount of ash and soot she had scattered Katie spoke up.
"Um, it's nothing. I-"
"She just had a rough landing, that's all. By the way where's Ian?"
Just then a messy haired man appeared in the grate. "Right here."
"Ah Ian, how've you been my boy?"
"Fine Dad, just fine."
"Look a bit on the lanky side there, has Natalie been feeding you well?"
Katie smiled; she didn't know how she ever lived without her grandfather's sense of humor everyday. Then she remembered-Oliver.
"I'm fine dad!"
"Ok, you three talk. I'll prepare dinner." Mrs. Bell said walking towards the kitchen; attempting to avoid getting caught in any type of father/son argument. In agreement, the three sat down on the couch.
"So, Ian, tell me how's work going?"
"It's a bit hectic. Always is after the World Cup."
"Oh, right! The Cup!" Mr. Bell Sr. exclaimed. "Quite a game, eh? Hardly believed my ears when I heard Luxembourg won!"
Katie wasn't paying attention to the conversation. She spaced out. The reason? Oh, a certain Quidditch preoccupied Scot. "It's not healthy to lose all mental consciousness," Katie repeated to herself. And yet, despite her mantra, she succumbed to her more than pleasant thoughts. (A/N: I meant that in the best of ways!)
* * *
Following dinner, Katie and her grandfather regressed to the family room while her parents tidied up the kitchen.
"Sport, are you feeling alright? You seemed a bit distant during dinner aside from the fact that you hardly ate anything."
"Stomach wasn't up to it."
"Know what you mean, your mum's not the best of cooks."
"I heard that!" A voice erupted from the adjacent room.
Katie and her grandfather exchanged a round of smiles and grins. Not wanting their conversation to be heard, they decided to speak a bit lower.
"So looking forward to school starting?"
"Mixed feelings. I'm anxious for Quidditch to start but I wouldn't mind skipping the N.E.W.T.s."
"Eh, yes but they are essential to getting a desirable job." Grandfather. The voice of reason in all matters. "Think you'll win the cup this time around, sport?"
"Yes I do. It's practically the entire team's last chance. And Oliver- I don't think he'll accept losing. Might kill himself!"
"Oliver? Oh yes, your captain. How's the chap doing then?"
"Doing quite well. Hopes to make it professionally. Might become a Puddlemere player."
"Puddlemere? Really? Must be real good then."
"Best ruddy keeper in the school!" said Katie with a bit too much enthusiasm.
"Well from your words I can tell he must be."
'Great! As if he hadn't figured it out already.' Katie waited for her grandfather to speak again.
"They could use a new keeper, Farrell's lookin' a bit shabby."
'Okay maybe he didn't figure it out,' she hoped as she spoke. "He is. Last season he let 63 goals by. Honestly, he needs to be replaced."
"You alright Katie?"
'No such luck, he did figure it out.' "Fine."
"You seem a bit preoccupied."
Katie wasn't exactly comfortable with the idea of telling her grandfather about Oliver. I mean it was quite different from telling Alicia and Angelina. They were at least girls, but both were away on holiday. She knew she needed to tell someone.
"Um, well, it's like. . ."
"Is it something about what happened in second year?"
"No, no! Nothing like that."
"Well in that case Katie, you don't have to tell me. It's your choice."
'Choice, huh?' There really wasn't much of a choice. Katie couldn't tell her mom; somehow she knew her mom would amplify the situation. Her mom was always trying to get her to try on dresses and put on makeup. If she told her mom, Katie feared it would be the end of her.
Her dad? Yeah right, the man is barely home. He wasn't exactly crazy about Katie making the Quidditch team in her second year. He treated Katie like a fragile glass ornament. And after what happened in her second year, Katie's father practically shunned the sport.
"Gramps, it's a-"
"Dad, Katie, what are you two talking about?" Mr. Bell asked as he stepped into the room.
"Nothing, just Quidditch players." Katie's grandfather answered.
At that exact moment, Katie felt her stomach flip. What exactly did she put in that stew of hers? She didn't have time to figure it out. She needed to get to the bathroom, fast!
Cold porcelain against her sweaty head, Katie felt considerably better. After washing her hands and face, she stepped out of the bathroom and trudged back to the living room. She just wanted to go home and take a long shower.
"Ian, it's almost eight. We should head home."
Judging by those words, she thought her shower was just minutes away.
"Could you two stay for a bit longer?" No, that shower had to wait. "I've got something I should tell you." Katie's grandfather added in what Katie took as a grave tone.
Two? Her grandfather was referring to her parents. 'Shower here I come!'
"Mom, dad, I'm gonna go home. I'll see you in a bit?"
"No Katie, you'll stay right here." Mrs. Bell practically ordered.
'But my shower. It's so close yet so far!'
"No, she can go." Mr. Bell countered.
'Yes!'
Taking advantage of this extremely rare opportunity, Katie headed towards the fireplace. She had a feeling her father was letting her leave, not out of the goodness of his heart, but because of something else.
"Bye mum, bye dad. See you in a bit?"
"Yes dear."
"Bye grandpa," Katie said.
"Bye, sport." Katie threw her arms around her grandfather in a tight embrace. Something told her she should hug him.
"Love you gramps." Katie said as she stepped into the fire.
"Me too." Her grandfather smiled. And with that, green flames consumed Katie as she once again entered the Floo Network.
* * *
Oliver picked up his copy of Quidditch Through the Ages for the fourth time that night and skimmed through its pages. He had already read it three times when Katie had first given it to him last week on his birthday and once just yesterday. Putting it down, Oliver turned off his lamp and walked to his telescope. It was the perfect night to look at the stars despite the rain that afternoon. Fumbling with the different dials to no avail, Oliver gave up.
"I've got no clue as to how Katie works this thing," he muttered. Opting to just gaze without focus, he tilted the instrument towards the crescent moon. The iridescent sliver of satellite held his attention for a brief moment. Oliver didn't know if it was some sort of optical illusion but he thought he saw a star move.
"Probably just airplane lights," he told himself. Swinging his telescope once more, Oliver found himself gazing at Katie's bedroom window. The curtains were drawn but he could see the soft glow of light beyond them.
Lost in thought, Oliver realized he had just spent four hours home alone. It dawned upon him that the thing-or rather one-that occupied his mind for those five hours was Katie Bell, whether it was directly or indirectly.
A change in his surroundings led Oliver to abandon his mental scrutiny. He thought he had just seen Katie's bedroom lights go out but upon glancing at the window he saw that they were still on. Perhaps he was just a wee bit delusional. . . but then he saw the lights flicker in Katie's window.
'I'm sure I just saw that. I'm positive.' He stared at Katie's window for a while more just to be extra certain. And sure enough the lights wavered once more. He wasn't exactly sure as to why he did, but every time anything remotely odd occurred he needed to go check on Katie. (Kinda like a big brother?) This time wasn't any different. With more of a 'crack' than a 'pop' Oliver apparated to Katie's room.
"I think your apparition license needs to be revoked," a voice said from behind Oliver. Katie was sitting on the window seat in an oversized shirt and shorts with a comb in her damp hair. She was scribbling away in a small book.
"I just came over to see if you were here," Oliver said turning around and trying to mask his care but failing miserably.
"Any reason I wouldn't be? I mean, the lights are on."
"No but," Oliver desperately needed to change the subject. "I didn't expect to see you writing in a diary!"
"It is NOT a diary!" Katie said defensively. "It's just a book where I write things-my thoughts, ideas, and feelings." Katie said the last part in a bit of a mumble.
"Thoughts, well as a friend I am entitled to know what you're thinking." Oliver said as he approached Katie slowly. Before Katie could reply he snatched the small tome out of her hands and began moving for the door.
"Give it back!" Katie screamed.
"Hold on a sec. Let me at least get a glimpse at the inner thoughts of Miss Katie Bell."
"Don't you dare!"
Oliver flipped through the pages and stopped at one that had the corner folded. The only words he managed to grasp before the lights went out were "Arrowhead Formation".
Katie's room became bathed in partial darkness. The moonlight peaked through the curtains and illuminated the room enough so that the two were able to make out the surroundings.
No longer able to decipher Katie's loopy handwriting, Oliver closed the book and handed it back to a disgruntled Katie. Looking at her face, Oliver regret taking the book in the first place.
"I didn't read anything private, if that's what you're concerned about. All I caught were the words 'Arrowhead Formation'" Katie didn't answer in any way. She just sat there by the window, arms crossed with a grim look on her face.
'Great, she's not talking to me. Why'd I have to do that? Stupid, stupid!' Oliver stood there for a while, mentally chiding himself before an idea crept into his head. Katie noticed a smile forming at his lips.
Oliver walked towards Katie's bed. He bent down and looked underneath it. He stood up walked over to her armoire and opened it. He rummaged through her clothes before he closed the doors and then moved to her dresser. He opened the first two drawers, then the middle two, and then the last two. Nothing. He moseyed over to her bookshelf. It was loaded with books on astronomy and Greek and Roman mythology. He sighed after he scanned the volumes and then made his way to Katie's bedside table when Katie spoke.
"What are you looking for?" Katie asked in a frustrated manner. She simply had no idea as to what Oliver was doing.
"Ah," he answered with a smile. "I found it!"
"Found what?" He was really beginning to tick her off.
"I found what I was looking for," he said grinning. He knew he was getting to her.
"Which was?" Couldn't he just give a straight answer?
With a smirk, Oliver said, "Your voice."
It was utterly impossible to stay mad at him now. Katie smiled and shook her head. "Why are you like that? Can't you just be a jerk so I can stay mad at you?"
"No I can't, it's not part of my quirky charm."
"Ploys like that should be made illegal."
"If they were, then you'd never talk to me," Oliver said.
"You're right."
"Katie?"
"Hmm," she said as she opened the curtains.
"Are you still mad at me?" he asked with that look in his eyes.
'I will not fall victim to the look, I will not fall victim, I will not fall, I will not, I will-oh hell!' "No, no one could stay mad at you for more than a few minutes. I think you're too sweet for your own good."
"I am, am I? Well, it works for me don't you think?"
Shaking her head in amusement Katie replied. "Yes, it very much so works for you." Oliver then walked over and sat down beside her, knowing it was safe. "Hey Oliver, do you think I could use your telescope? It's perfect up there."
"Yeah sure, anything, I'm just glad you're talking to me." Both Oliver and Katie apparated to his room; this time with a distinguished pair of 'pop's.
"Wow, seems like I'm rubbing off on you Mr. Wood." Oliver's Quidditch splashed room was laden with a number of books. Most were about, what else but Quidditch, but a few had star charts and constellation finders.
"Shhh, don't tell anyone." Oliver whispered. "It's just a hobby I started up, but flying is better-hands down!"
"Okay Stargazer Wood," Katie replied as she walked over to Oliver's alcove window. "With all the lights out, it'll make even the fainter stars easy to spot."
She closed one eye and peered into the instrument with the other. She turned the various dials on the telescope and fumbled with the lenses. "Could you give me that piece of cotton over there?"
Oliver answered by handing her the tuft of cotton. Katie used it to clean the lenses and then continued fumbling with the dials. "There, it's in focus," she said with an air of accomplishment. "How can you see anything when it's not in focus?"
"I can't. The thing is I can't really, er I don't know how to put the thing into focus." Katie smiled. She knew how hard it was for Oliver to admit he couldn't figure something out on his own.
"I'll show you some time, but right now I wanna use this fine instrument." Katie had wanted a telescope for as long as she, or anyone else for that matter, could remember. Her parents would never get such an expensive thing for Katie. Besides, her mom clearly said that it was a foolish thing to want and that it would be even more asinine to spend so much money on such a thing. Oliver knew that and he always meant to get a telescope for Katie. Things just didn't work out the way he planned. He would always spend a bit of his reserved money on something he just had to have. Selfish? Well, not really because he would always return the item. Part of him only wanted to give it to Katie in order to pay her back for the broom she had given him. Yet, another part of him truly wanted to give it to her just to see her happy. Subsequently, Oliver vowed to get Katie a telescope this year-no matter what.
"Check it out! Pegasus!" Katie lifted her head so that Oliver could take a look at the constellation. He lowered his head and fixed his left eye over the eyepiece.
"That's amazing! Wait didn't you say Pegasus was that flying horse?"
"Yup, I did. He helped Perseus behead the Gorgon Medusa."
"Katie, I think I found something. Look." Katie lowered her head as Oliver lifted his. This resulted in the inevitable bumping of heads. "Ow!"
"Sorry," Katie sheepishly said as she rubbed the spot where her head had hit his.
"No need to. Look before it goes away." Katie did as she was told and gazed up at the limitless night sky. In the distance she saw what looked like a comet, slowly descend to the earth. "It's a shooting star! A meteor! Quick, make a wish."
"A wish?"
"Just do it!"
Oliver shut his eyes and quickly made a wish. When he opened them, he saw his friend of nine years standing before him. Basked in partial moonlight, Katie looked like the same girl he had brought to his room nine years ago. Eyes shut with a smile on her face, Katie stood there for what Oliver took to be priceless. Her bright hazel eyes brought him back to his dark room.
"So what did you wish for?"
"I can't tell you! It's the cardinal rule of wish making. Besides that was a shooting star. A wish made on a shooting star is guaranteed to come true."
"Guaranteed? Really?"
"Uhuh."
"Well in that case I should have wished for a new broom."
"A broom? Honestly Oliver, is that all you think about?"
"No, I think about other stuff too."
"Really?"
"Yeah, like winning the Quidditch Cup, playing professionally, and my family."
"I should have known," Katie smiled. A rumble from her stomach soon followed. 'Great, what impeccable timing,' Katie thought.
"Hungry?"
"I guess so."
"Didn't you have dinner?"
"Not really. I wasn't feeling so great."
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine now, just a little hungry. Are you okay?"
"Fine, why wouldn't I be?"
"Well, I thought maybe it was something in that stew of mine."
"I'm pretty sure it wasn't. I'm fine and I ate more than you," Oliver smiled.
"Good, I thought I had made you sick." Another rumble followed.
"Listen Katie, I'm no cook, but I can make a mean bowl of cereal if you like."
Aw, he was too sweet. She couldn't refuse him but then a green flash caught her eye. Her parents?
"Oh Merlin! What time is it?" Katie grabbed Oliver's hand and tried to make out the numbers displayed on its face. His muggle wristwatch read 8:50. "Eight fifty! I gotta go. Take a rain check on that bowl of cereal Oliver! Bye!" And with that, Katie left Oliver standing by his window. Oliver looked over to Katie's bedroom. He smiled, rubbed the back of his neck with his hand, and then shook his head and sighed. "Hope that wish of mine comes true."
(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*()*)(*() *)
Okay people that was Part II. Wasn't Oliver the sweetest? Dumb question-I know. I hope parts of this weren't too corny/cheesy. Let me know what was that way I'll think harder next time. Parts of this chapter were adapted from some of my favorite movies so don't give me all the credit. I really liked writing the second half of this chapter. So what will happen next? I'm not even sure but hopefully something good. What did Oliver wish for? I'll tell you soon. On another note- Please excuse my writing in this chapter. I think it may have taken a nosedive. I'm always open to suggestions and criticism so shoot! Right, so I expect reviews! At least 10- I think that's a fair ransom. Review please- for the love of Oliver! (Gotcha trapped didn't I?) So I'll talk to you in 'bout a week, more or less. Lenient towards more. ~itefaq