Author's Note: I managed to update twice during this March holidays! Cheers. I hereby present to you the 3rd chapter of Diminished Arrogance. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Nothing is mine.

Chapter 3: Unexpected

Katie nearly screamed and wrung her hair in frustration. What was wrong with her? Why wasn't she able to get a single shot past Wood today? To make matters worse, Angelina and Alicia were excellent. They had received many compliments from Wood and were positively beaming with pleasure.

"Well done, Johnson and Spinnet! With this kind of standard, you will be in tip-top shape in no time. Fred and George, both of you are doing pretty well today. Harry, a very shrewd eye and accuracy today, excellent. Keep this up and the Cup will be ours!"

"But I can't say that for everyone here. Bell, is there something wrong? Or is it because my handsome features serve as a distraction?" Oliver grinned at Katie cheekily, causing the rest of the team to look on with much amusement. Katie's blood began to boil, due to her quick temper and impatience. How dare he talk as if she was falling all over him! She had tried her best already, but his reflexes, owing to years of intensive training, were too good for her. Oh, how she hated to see him above her in skills, and could not tolerate his conceited demeanor for long. She hated being provoked by anyone, least of all Wood. Her patience had stretched to an extremely thin line. Suddenly, it snapped. Fuming with rage and embarrassment, Katie shot her broom towards the ground.

"Hey, Bell! Where do you think you're going? Come back here! This is a team practice, for goodness sake!"

Ignoring Wood's frantic attempts at getting her back, Katie stormed towards the locker rooms, with not so much as a backward glance. She could hear Oliver dismissing the rest of the team, who bounded quickly back to the castle, not wanting to be the victim of Wood's foul mood. Plummeting her Cleansweep on the floor and sat on a bench, Katie buried her sweaty head in blistered hands, red from gripping the Quaffle. Muffled sobs came out of her. Seconds later, the sound of footsteps could be heard. It was Wood.

"Bell, what is the meaning of this unruly behaviour?" he yelled angrily, towering over Katie.

Glancing up at him, Katie faltered under his stern demeanor. He might be good-natured at times, but he was not someone to mess around with when it came to Quidditch. His eyebrows were etched together, carving a frown into his features; and his eyes were flashing an ominous red. However, when he saw Katie's tear-stained face, his mood softened. He knelt down beside her, bringing his face level to hers, and placing his arm around her shoulders.

"Look, Katie. In life, nobody is perfect. There has to be times when people fail to achieve what they want. Surely you are not going to give up just because today's not been too good for you? What happened to the strong-willed Katie I have always known? The one with a fiery gleam in her eyes, ever ready to take on whatever challenges that awaits her? Life isn't so simple. But don't be afraid, Katie. Wherever you go, I will always be there for you, waiting to lift your feet up when your wings have forgotten how to fly."

Katie couldn't believe her ears. Was that really Oliver Wood, the guy who treated girls like toys, the boy she hated, the boy with too large an ego talking? She smiled in awe, and wiped away her tears with her hand, not wanting to let Wood see her in such a pathetic state.

"Wow, Wood. I swear this is the first time you've ever truly inspired me. Fine, I vow that I am able to get a goal past you." With that, she leapt to her feet, grabbed her broom, and ran towards the goal posts. What a girl, Oliver thought. No wonder I love her.

Oliver smiled encouragingly at Katie, seeing her enthusiasm return to its original state. However, he switched back to Captain mode immediately once he hovered in front of the hoops.

"All right, Bell, give me what you've got."

Katie thought hard, the gears in her head whirling at top speed. How could she distract Wood? He seemed so focused, as though guarding the goalposts with his life. Suddenly, an idea like a gust of wind hit her. He likes me, doesn't he, she thought, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. Why don't I play to my advantage then?

At first, she sped towards him, as though losing control. But, a good ten metres away from him, when she was aware that his eyes were solely on her, she flipped her hair slowly and seductively, as though showing off. Instantly, Wood was mesmerized by her long golden silky tresses cascading beautifully down her shoulders. He went into a trance, and gazed at her locks continuously, resisting the urge to run his fingers through them, completely oblivious to his surroundings. Katie grinned. The power of females was awesome. Swerving to her right, she swiftly threw the Quaffle with deadly accuracy through the hoop behind Oliver. Flying in front of him, she snapped her fingers, waking him up.

"What…what was that, Bell?" he asked, looking puzzled.

"Why, Wood, I'm surprised you don't know. It's called the ultimate power of seduction." Flashing a triumphant grin at him, Katie shot towards the ground and walked back to the castle, laughing quietly to herself, and leaving a perplexed Wood behind.


Be kind souls and help those in need. Review please, even if you think it is trash. Thank you =)