A/N Ok First of all I'd like to THANKS to all my reviewers! I luv all u guyz so much! Anyways if in the last chapter u read anything that was in between that was from my beta. I forgot to take some of it out so plz excuse me. Anyways I won't keep blabbering cauz ur probably not reading this so I could say whatever I want hmnmm like I hate reviewers muwhahaha! Ok just forget that it was a lie I swear *puppy dog face*! Anyways on with the chappie. O and im very sorry if ppl don't like my hihihi but hey its my story no offense.

Life Goes On

The next few weeks past by in a blur. I decided not to tell Matt about my brother because I preferred not to be reminded of it. Sadly, almost everything reminded me of Nathaniel; the food, the teachers, the work etc. I just couldn't get him out of my head. Luckily I had Ree there to see me through it all. She was always there for me to cry on, at 3 am in the morning because of a bad dream, or during her free time when I found an old picture. With Ree's help I was able to slowly cope with my brother's death. Oliver was a constant bother and always knew how to fire up my rage. But sometimes I'd catch him staring at me out of the corner of his eye. In his eyes I did not see mockery or scorn, but something that actually seemed, well caring.

One morning, near the end of October we all awoke to find flashing orange and black flyers posted around the school. They read:

Halloween Ball

After the Halloween feast on Friday, there

will be a dance for all the years. The dance

will take place from 7 to 11.

Head Boy and Girl

Percy Weasley

 Penelope Clearwater

After reading the notice I ran to find Matt. I searched for a half hour before finding him in the back corner of the library, working on a paper for Ancient Runes.

"Hi hon," I said, giving Matt a peck on the cheek. He mumbled a greeting and I continued. "Umm I just saw the notices on the wall, you know the ones about the Ball and I was wondering if we're going together."

"I don't know; do you have time to spend with your measly boyfriend?" Sarcasm dripped from Matt's voice and I was shocked. Sure I had been busy the past few weeks, but he never seemed to be around either.

"Umm of course I do, I love you Matt, you know that," I stated calmly. This was not the first time I had said that to him.

Matt sighed. "I know. I'm so sorry sweetie, it's just I barely see you anymore you know? Of course we're going to the ball together."

"Okay then, I better head off to Quidditch practice. Can I see you tonight?"

"Sorry sweetie, I'm busy. Maybe tomorrow."

"Ok. I love you." I waited for him to say it back but all Matt muttered was a measly "good bye" before turning back to his paper. That was definitely weird. I mean, just a second ago Matt was complaining about how I never spent any time with him and now he was blowing me off. He probably just has homework I thought, trying to reassure myself as I ran up to my dormitory to get my broom.

* * *

When I arrived at the girls change room, exactly on time, proving to Wood that I wasn't always late, Alicia and Angelina were both discussing the Ball.

"So who do you think you'll go with?" Angelina asked us both.

"I dunno…"

"O come off it 'Licia! We all know you've been crushing on George since he took his shirt off one practice," I guessed. Alicia blushed, and I knew I was right. I was happy my friend finally liked George. He had fancied her for years and never had the courage to ask her out. Now that she liked him I guessed they would be going steady in a month.

"Well who wouldn't? I mean look at those abs. Plus he's hilarious and one of my best friends," Alicia swooned.

"Well, don't worry, I overheard him talking to Fred and Lee and he's planning on asking you tonight," Angelina said I could see she didn't want to give away George's secret but didn't want Alicia to actually accept another date. Alicia squealed with delight.

"Wait, who are you going with Angie?" I asked.

"Yea come on, do tell," Alicia exclaimed.

"Oi piss off the two of you."

"Come on Angie, do tell!" Alicia yelled.

"It can't be! It's Fred, isn't it?" Seeing Angelina's blush I knew my suspicions were true. "How didn't we know, I mean you two have been off and on forever."

"GIRLS GET YOUR ASSES OUT HERE NOW!!!"

"SHUT IT WOOD!!" I shouted back. Sighing, Alicia, Angelina and I finished changing and stalked out onto the pitch.

* * *

Five minutes into the practice and Wood was already getting on my nerves. While Fred, George and Harry practiced together; Angelina, Alicia and I worked with Wood. Every time I did something he would find something wrong with it.

"You're waiting too long," Wood said, right after I pulled out of a spectacular dive goal from the right. "If we had been playing a real game a Bludger could have hit you! Pay attention and stop daydreaming about your lover boy Miss Katie Kell.!

I took a deep breath and counted to ten. The more I told Wood not to call me Katie Kell, the more often he did. It was easier to just keep quiet. I retrieved the Quaffle and continued practicing with Angie and Alicia.

When practice was finished Angie, Alicia and I hit the showers. As soon as we were done we headed back to the castle to get started on our load of homework that was assigned.

"So Katie you're going with Matt? To the Ball I mean," Alicia said suddenly.

"Umm, yeah I think," I answered.

"What do you mean you think, isn't he your steady?" Angie asked bluntly.

"I don't know, he's been acting really weird lately," I said, thinking back to earlier today.

"He's probably just worried you'll beat him at Quidditch," Angie said.

"Matt's not that shallow, you guys!" I exclaimed.

"Or maybe he's found another girl," Alicia suggested gently.

"Yeah right. I don't think so guys. I got to go the library," I said excusing myself.

Matt is going out with me, I thought to myself on the way to the library. He wouldn't cheat on me, would he? I mean he loves me, doesn't he? Troubled by that thought I continued on to the library.

* * *

The week passed by quickly and before I knew it Friday had arrived and my friends and I were heading down to Hogsmeade to pick out dress robes. Fred, George and Lee were accompanying us, but grudgingly.

"GET UP BELL!!!!!!!!!!!" Angie screamed.

"Give me just five more minutes then I swear I'll get up," I promised.

"Sure that's what you said last time. If I remember correctly we missed half the day because you wouldn't get up after your 'five' minutes," Ree stated.

"Jeeze you're all out to get me, aren't you?" I said. I slowly got out of bed heading to the shower.

"How did you guess Katie? We've been planning your demise from lack of sleep for years," Alicia said sarcastically.

"I knew I was too smart for you three," I said before shutting the bathroom door.

Ten minutes later we arrived in the common room to find the guys were already ready. Ree went over to Lee to give him a good morning kiss. Angie and Alicia did the same with Fred and George (after finding out that Alicia liked him, George asked her not only to go to the dance with him but to be his steady).

"What took you so long, Katie Kell?"

I turned around and saw Wood standing there with a smug look on his face. "What does it matter to you Wood?" I asked. It was a bit rude I know, but hey I told you already I am not a morning person.

"Oh girls, I forgot to tell you," Fred said. "I invited Oliver to come with us if you gals don't mind."

"Well, that's fine I guess," Ree said. And with that we all headed down to Hogsmeade.

* * *

We spent the first hour shopping for dresses, since muggle dress was permitted at this dance. We shopped, we being the girls, the guys just followed around bored, and shopped but we couldn't find anything we liked. Finally we arrived at a dress shop called Muggles Magnificents. Figuring it was worth a shot we entered the store to look around. Alicia, Angelina and Ree quickly found what they were looking for, but for me it took a while longer. I searched and searched but I couldn't find the dress I wanted.

"Could you please hurry your ass up Katie!" Lee exclaimed. The boys were getting very tired of shopping and wanted to head off to Zonko's to get some new prank materiel.

"You guys go on without me. I'll meet you at the Three Broomsticks in half an hour," I said. They all left in a hurry, afraid I would change my mind. I sighed and turned back to my search. But then my eyes fell upon a dress in the display case.

"Perfect."



* * *

After I bought the dress, that was a bit outside my price limit but so perfect I didn't care, I headed down to the Three Broomsticks to meet my friends. When I walked through the door I spotted my friends at our usual spot in the back. I waved and begin to walk over when all of a sudden I was flying forwards. I hit the ground hard and turned around to see Flint standing over me.

"That's where all you filthy mudbloods should be," he spat. "Groveling at the feet of us pure bloods."

"Piss off, Flint," I said menacingly.

Leaning down he whispered in my ear, "That's how your brother died. Begging for his life."

Hearing this I didn't even stop to think. All of a sudden I was throwing all my force into a punch that connected right with Flint's jaw. I heard a crack and I guessed I had broken his jaw. I didn't care, as long as I shut him up. I turned to leave then butall of a sudden they were on me. Five other Slytherins, in the same year as Flint, were slowly forcing me outside. I knew I had no chance against five guys who all out weighed me by at least 50 pounds and a wand can only get you so far. I tried to push through them but before I knew it Blake, another Quidditch player, shoved me out the door.

"No mudblood is going to touch one of us," Kerning, another Slytherin said. He tried to spit on me but I dodged it. Well, at least Wood's constant drilling for agility was good for something.

"Oops, looks like I just did. Get over it." With that I tried to push my way back inside the Three Broomsticks but Blake shoved me to the ground.

"We're going to have to teach you some manners," Macnough said. As they closed in on me I began to become a bit scared. All my friends were inside and I was about to get jumped by five crazed Slytherins, none of who were at all scrawny. Then, out of nowhere the first punch came. I blocked it but as I did another punch come out of no where, and hit me in the face. I turned to face my attacker when I got punched in the stomach by I think Blake. I turned and this time punched him back square in the chin. This continued for a bit, me getting one or two good punches in while the Slytherins beat the crap out of me. As far as I could tell, only Blake, Macnough, and Kerning were hitting me while Zinon and Firtin stood guard. Just as Blake hit me to the ground and began to kick me I heard a voice from behind.

"GET THE HELL AWAY FROM HER NOW!!!!"

All of a sudden the kicks stopped and I felt strong arms close around me and lift me up. I felt so disoriented and in pain that I snuggled into the warmth that closed around me. I looked up to see my rescuer but everything went blurry. I shook my head to clear my vision, which was not a good idea because the next thing I knew everything was black.

* * *

"Umm you have to let go of me now Katie."

"No, just let me sleep Matt, your shoulder's comfy," I mumbled back.

"I'm not Matt but I'll take that as a compliment."

I looked up but instead of seeing Matt's pale gray eyes I saw two bright hazel eyes staring back at me in concern. Who do I know who has hazel eyes? I thought. No, not "WOOD." I said the last two words out loud. I was so shocked that I let go of Wood's shoulder. He must have been kind of surprised to because he dropped me immediately. I landed with a plop on my bed.

"Ok, what happened? Why were you carrying me? Why are you in my dormitory?" I asked frantically.

"Don't you remember what happened? The fight?" Wood asked calmly. As he said this I remembered it all. I remembered the fear and the pain. I remembered the punches and the insults.

"Where are Alicia and Angie and Ree? And Fred and George and Lee?" I asked. Oh god I hope they didn't get into any trouble. Please tell me they didn't get hurt, I prayed silently.

"They're fine, don't worry," Wood said, reading my mind. "They went to tell Dumbledore what happened."

"Why didn't you just take me to the hospital wing?"

"Well, Dumbledore figured you'd be safer here. Oh I have this cream you're supposed to put on your bruises." Wood handed me the cream.

"Umm thanks." As I reached for the cream my muscles screamed in protest. I bit my lip to keep from crying out, but I couldn't help wincing. Wood, seeing my discomfort held out the cream a bit further so I could grab. I gave him a small smile of appreciation then went back to my dilemma of putting on this cream.

Hmm, I thought. Well the worst bruises must be on my back because it hurts the most. I know this sounds kind of stupid but give me a break. I was just knocked out by three Quidditch players who had beaten me senseless. I tried to turn to reach my back but this time the pain was so intense that I cried out. I heard the cream drop to the floor yet I didn't remember dropping it. I was to busy concentrating on not passing out again. Slowing my breathing I gradually counted to ten.

"Do you want some help Bell?" Wood asked picking up the cream. Sheepishly I nodded. "Okay, can you turn on your back?" Determined not to look as helpless as I was I turned, biting my cheeks till they bled, to stop from screaming. Think of rainbows. Yes, that's it, rainbows. Rainbows have many colors like purple and blue, blue like my bruises. Oh god this isn't going to work.

"Okay, tell me if this hurts," Wood said unscrewing the cap on the cream.

"Well if you hear me scream bloody murder, then it probably hurts just a bit," I said sarcastically.

"Good to know you're not that badly hurt," Oliver, I mean Wood said. When did he become Oliver?

Wood lifted my shirt a bit and began to rub the cream on my back. There was intense throbbing pain followed by cool relief. It felt as if there was a cold winter breeze running down my back. Wood rubbed the cream in little circles, massaging my back as he did. Soon my back was a cool winter country sidecountryside. I could feel the bruises melt away. When Wood was done of my back he worked on my neck and then my arms. Helping me sit up he began to rub my face.

"Wow, that must have been some fight," I said in a joking voice.

Wood looked at me and stopped rubbing my face. "I'll kill those Slytherins. They had no right to do that to you. And they're not even getting expelled! All they're getting is two months detention and 200 points off Slytherin" Wood said, not at all joking.

"I never got to say umm well, thanks. For rescuing me you know," I muttered. Why am I so nervous all of a sudden? And why won't he take his hand off my face. Wood's hazel eyes met mine. Wow, I've never noticed how nice his eyes are, I thought. Without noticing I slowly moved closer to Wood's face and he leaned into mine. I closed my eyes when all of a sudden I heard the door crash open. Wood and I sprang apart so fast that he landed on the floor with a bang.

Alicia, Angelina and Ree looked at us with wide questioning eyes. Alicia shook her head disbelievingly and asked, "Were you two umm, having a-, you know-, a moment?"

"NO!" Wood and I both shouted. "Umm of course not, I was just helping Katie, I mean Bell with her bruise cream you know," Wood continued nervously.

"Okay, Fred and George are in their dormitory; no doubt discussing a payback prank. I'm guessing you want to be involved," Ree said to Wood.

"Umm yeah I'll go see them then. Hope you feel better-" he paused as if trying to make up his mind, "- Katie." Wood headed out of our dormitory down the stairs.

"Ok girl," Angie said after Wood had left. "Spill."

"Yeah what was that all about?" Ree asked. "I don't think he's ever called you anything but Bell or Katie Kell. And what did we walk in on?"

"It's nothing you guys," I said. "Oliver was just helping me put on Mme. Pomfrey's cream."

Alicia gasped. "Ha there's the proof," she announced. "You never call Wood Oliver. Ever."

"Come on guys, cut it out," I said a bit harsher then I wanted to. "Lets just get ready for the dance," I said in a softer tone. The other girls agreed and with that the room became an utter chaos of dresses, hairbrushes and makeup.

* * *

A couple hours later the dance was about to commence. We would meet up with our dates, eat dinner at any table we wanted and then proceed to the dance. I had seen everyone's dresses earlier that day when we bought them but they were still beautiful. Alicia's was a spaghetti strap beautiful red dress that brought out her hair so much it shone. Angie had gone with a strapless dark purple dress that made her look like a purple plum fairy (A/N In a good way of course). I personally liked Ree's dress the most, with its puffy sleeves and emerald colour that made her eyes sparkle.

I waited until last to put on my dress. I waited in the bathroom admiring myself in the mirror. Never in my life had I looked this, well, this beautiful. Gone was the tomboy Quidditch playing girl and here was the softer me, the young woman me. I looked at myself from top to bottom one last time. My hair was straightened and shined with a spell I had found. It cascaded down my shoulders, the blonde shining in the bathroom light. I had applied light natural makeup that made my blue eyes less boring. My dress was a brilliant crimson held up by a strap that wrapped around my neck. I smiled, and smoothed my dress one more time before I walked out the door.

When I walked into the room I found my friends had already left for the common room to meet their dates. I sighed and walked down the stairs to the common room.

When I entered the room my six friends were deep in conversation. When I entered one after the other fell silent. I gave an insecure smile and asked, "Please don't tell me I have spinach in my mouth."

"No it's not that, it's just-" Alicia stammered.

"Damn Bell. When did you get so fine?" Fred interrupted.

"Fred! I'm right here," Angelina said with mock seriousness.

"Well of course I find you more beautiful my little Angiekins. I am going to the ball with you," Fred said in the same tone.

"I hope that's not the only reason you're going out with me," Angie exclaimed.

"Anyways, where are you meeting Matt?" Ree asked, breaking up Angie's and Fred's bickering.

"Oh, I'm meeting him outside the Great Hall. I better head out. You guys coming?" I asked.

With that we all headed down to the Great Hall, Fred and Angelina's bickering still going.

* * *

I spotted Matt outside the Hall looking as if he had something important on his mind. I waved to him and his eyes caught mine. A playful smile lit up his face but for some reason it didn't reach his eyes. I shook my head and thought, you're imagining it Katie. Wake up, Matt's happy to see you. Even with this thought doubts still filled my mind.

"Hey hon," I said giving him a peck on the cheek.

"Oh hi sweetie. You look beautiful by the way, but then you always do," Matt said charmingly. For some reason I wasn't reassured. But he sounds so sincere, I thought to myself.

"You're looking spiffy yourself. Shall we go in?" I asked. Matt held out his hand and together we walked into the Great Hall.

The supper did nothing to reassure me of Matt's sincerity. We sat with my friends and while he normally chatted up a storm he stayed weirdly quiet during the meal. I tried to ignore this and have fun with my friends. Angie and Fred were constantly making me laugh by continuing their jokes and sarcastic comments. George and Alicia listened on intently putting a word in from time to time. During all this Ree and Lee (A/N I'm sorry about this rhyming thing I just noticed it) were oblivious to us all. They're so cute, I thought to myself. Will I ever have a relationship that loving? Looking at Matt I wasn't so sure.

When it was time for the ball to begin Matt excused himself for a moment. I stood in the crowd for a while, then decided I needed some air. As I exited the Hall I saw Matt standing outside, as if waiting for someone. I was about to call out when I saw Francine Winson run up to Matt and give him a generous kiss. Okay, what just happened I thought. I inched closer to listen to their conversation.

"So great to see you. My date is so boring. I wish I were with you. Why can't we just tell everyone about you and me?" Francine said, her arms still wrapped around Matt.

"I just don't want to break Katie's heart," Matt said apologetically.

"Well congrats," I said stepping into the light. "You didn't break it, you shattered it."

"K-Ka-Katie, what are you doing here?" Matt asked disbelievingly.

"Well, it looks like I'm watching you cheat on me," I exclaimed, as if talking to a five year old.

"Well you never had time any-" Matt tried to say.

I couldn't take it. "SHUT IT! DID I ASK YOU TO TALK? The reason I wasn't with you every second is because my brother died you filthy cheating bastard! I loved you and you leave me because I don't spend time with you. God, while I'm crying over my dead brother you're out snogging the first girl who came your way. Well you know what Matt? I don't care any more. Snog any girl you want, be my guest. But we're through and I don't ever want to see you ever again. With that I turned on my heel and ran back up to the dormitory.

* * *

Finding the common room deserted, I sat down on the couch near the fire and my walls fell. My tears began to fall uncontrollably. I lay down and smothered my tears with a pillow. I had been crying for a bit when I felt a warm hand on my shoulder.

"Go away Ree," I whispered.

"I'm not Ree. Bell you really should began to recognize me," a male voice said dryly. I looked up and through my puffy eyes I saw none other then Oliver Wood standing there.

"Go away then *Oliver*," I said not wanting Wood to see me in such a pitiful state.

"No, I'm not leaving. You're hurt Katie, now tell me what's wrong," Wood demanded.

"My, aren't we a bossy little man today," I said.

"I'm always bossy. Now tell," Wood said, sitting down beside me.

So I did. I told him about finding Matt and Francine together. I told him everything except for the fact that my brother died. When I was done Wood put his arm around me and pulled me into a hug. God, I thought. I've really got to work on this not blabbing my problems. We stayed in a hug for a while until we finally pulled apart. "Told you he was an annoying git," Wood said in a satisfied voice.

"Oh shut up you," I said hitting him on the shoulder.

"Oh you're going to get it now," Oliver said. I gave a small squeal and jumped up from the couch with Wood following close behind. I managed to avoid Wood for a couple seconds by jumping around and over tables and chairs. Finally he managed to corner me. "Oh you're in for it," he said a smug smile on his face. Then he began to tickle me. I'll just let you know now as well as being a morning person I am also extremely ticklish. I laughed and laughed and eventually fell to my knees. Wood followed me a second later. Then amongst his tickling our eyes met. I didn't even notice his hands slip away from my sides as we gazed at each other. Then bit by bit we leaned closer and closer…

A/N FINALLY!! This is my longest chapter yet! I'm thinking of writing a few from Olie's point of view. What do yall think? Anyways thanks to my beta Ciela Night and thanks to all my reviewers. Anyways im to tired to write more right now any ways next chappie:

-Will Olie and Katie finally kiss

- What about that payback prank

- First Quidditch match