~* This chapter is dedicated to Lindsay (aka Ron Weasley). Her birthday is next week, and this is her present. Happy birthday, fellow clarinet player! *~

School has already started, and I've got a lot of homework. Add band in there as well. Practice Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday this week. And next, but without the Saturday. First regional in a little over a month!

Wow. My own birthday is this month, too. But, all this means that I won't have much time to write. I really hate to say this, but the next update will probably be late next month. =(

Saturday came quickly. It was still dark outside when Oliver woke that morning. He climbed out of bed and pulled on his thick robe as he went to sit on the windowsill facing the lake. The sun was just rising above the forest in the distance, shedding light over the dark trees. The moist ground around the water was covered in mist, glowing eerily in the coming sun. It was a beautiful sight.

As he sat there, he thought about what was to happen that day. No matter how hard he tried, Natasha refused to hear that he didn't want to spend any time with her. She always took his attempts as shyness or something.

His thoughts soon passed to Katie. Things seemed normal between them; no awkward moments or such. But Oliver couldn't stop thinking about how bold he had been that morning. Or how stupid.

At the moment, he couldn't quite place his emotions. Every time an image of Katie entered his mind, a slight blush crept up his cheeks and a pure feeling of love filled him. But when he saw her during the days, that ugly bruise (which had already begun to heal) dark against her pale skin, he was instantly overcome with anger. Not towards her, of course, but to the one who hurt her, and not just physically. Flint. Just the name made him want to scream in outrage.

Alexander coughed and rolled over. Oliver snapped out of his daze and stood, stretching. After a yawn, he gathered clean clothes and a fresh towel on the way to the bathroom for a long, hot shower.

After that, he decided, I'll talk to Katie.

***

"Katie!" Angelina threw back the curtains of her friend's bed. "Wake up!"

The said girl groaned at the sudden noise and pulled her comforter over her head. "It's Saturday, Ange! Bug off and let me sleep!"

"C'mon, Katie!" Angelina whined as she poked at the lump on the bed. "I need your help!"

"With what?" Katie mumbled from under her pillow.

"Picking out something to wear." The black girl said as she pulled back the large comforter.

"Wear for what?"

"Hogsmeade,"

Katie sighed and glared up at her friend. "What the big deal? You'll be wearing your Hogwarts robes over whatever you choose, anyway."

"Please?" The other girl fussed.

"Oh, fine," Reluctantly, Katie got out of the warm bed and stepped on the cold stone floor. She slowly made her way to Angelina's armoire and pulled open the doors. An array of clothes hung before her, more folded beneath them.

Angelina came up behind her. "I was thinking of the scarlet sweater with the black skirt. Black leggings as well. Or maybe the gold sweater. But the green would be nice, too. What do you think?"

"I think you'd look nice in the scarlet sweater with your new black pants. It's pretty cold out there," Katie picked up the black pants she had suggested. They were made of a soft material, and felt good against her fingers. She handed them to Angelina and pulled the sweater off it's hanger.

"Go get ready. I'm going back to sleep." True to her word, the blond walked back to her bed and flopped down.

"But Katie," Angelina protested. "You have to get dressed to. We'll be leaving soon."

"You'll be leaving soon," Katie corrected.

"What are you talking about?" Angelina looked confused. "Aren't you coming?"

"Nope,"

"Why not? We always go together!"

"Yes, well this time, you're going with Lee, remember?"'

"Of course I remember," Angelina looked hurt. "Why won't you come, too?"

"Because this time, you have a date." she snapped.

"But you can come along, for some of it at least. Then you could hang with Alicia or Wood." the other girl tried to reason.

"No, I couldn't." Katie pointed out, annoyed. "Alicia is going to be with the Weasley twins all afternoon, and you know very well that I don't like going to Zonkos. And, if you'd remember, Wood has a date as well."

"Oh, Katie," Angelina said sadly, "Don't act like this. Come on, I'm sure Lee wouldn't mind if you came with us."

"No, Ange!" Katie cried, "I don't want to go today!" She pulled the curtains closed around he bed, missing the tears starting to form in her friend's eyes.

They never fought, and Angelina didn't like it at all. She knew Katie well enough to know that she wasn't angry with her, but frustrated with something else. But even though, it still hurt to have your best friend seem angry with you. And it felt even worse to break a tradition they'd had since third year.

***

Angelina went down to breakfast later that morning accompanied by Alyssia and Elizabeth. The girls parted ways once they entered the Great hall to go sit with their other friends.

Fred and George looked up when Angelina plopped down on the bench beside them.

"Mornin', gorgeous," George said, nudging Lee with his elbow. Lee glanced up and caught the girl's eyes.

"What's wrong?" he asked, instantly seeing something.

Angelina sighed. "Katie's angry at me, for some odd reason. Well," she corrected, "She's frustrated with something, and taking it out on me. We're not talking at the moment. I just wish she'd tell me what was bothering her instead of keeping it all inside."

The three listeners nodded and changed the subject to the visit that day.

Oliver, on the other hand, had overheard the conversation. He was sitting across the table from Fred, making it easy to hear what had been said. He stood, saying, "I'll be back in a few minutes."

The three teammates and Lee smiled and nodded as he walked away. Before he had a chance to leave, though, Natasha appeared in front of him, blocking the way.

"Where are you going?" She asked, smiling sweetly.

Oliver was disgusted. "I was going upstairs. I've got to do something."

"Can I come?" Natasha latched onto his arm.

Wood jerked it away. "No," he said and began walking away.

"Okay, then," She called from behind, "I'll meet you later!"

He ignored her and climbed up the stairs to the common room. The halls were empty, everyone down for breakfast. Everyone except for one person.

Oliver mumbled the password and the portrait swung open. The common room was empty as well. He swept his eyes across the room, just to be sure, and walked up the stairs leading to the girls dormitories. He knocked on the seventh year's door. A soft cursing came from the other side, followed by a loud thud and more cursing.

After a moment, the door opened to reveal a very ruffled looking Katie. Her hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail, and she was still dressed in her pajamas. He looked past her and into the room, which was cleaner than usual, except that all of the sheets and comforter of one of the beds was on the floor. Katie had obviously been either sleeping or laying down when he knocked, and had fallen out of the bed when she had come to answer the door, hence the thud he had heard.

"Oliver?" Katie asked, waving her hand in front of his face. "You okay?"

"Oh," Wood looked back at the girl in front of him. "Yeah. But what about you? Angie came down this morning close to tears! She said you two had an argument. Is everything okay, Katie? You guys never fight!"

She shook her head and sighed. "I'm just kinda stressed at the moment."

"With what?" he asked.

"A lot of things, actually." Katie sighed again. "Mostly, at the moment, it's school. I don't know how you manage your time well enough to do all your school work as well as Quidditch. I'm really far behind; I was gonna go to the library to finish up."

Oliver could tell that she was only telling him half the truth, but he left it at that. "But are you sure you don't want to come? Maybe I could find some way to get rid of Natasha and we could spend the day together."

Katie gave him a sad smile and shook her head. "No, thanks."

"Are you sure?" he asked pleadingly.

"I'm sure."

"All right, then." He turned to go, but stopped and looked back at her. "I'll see you at dinner?"

"Of course," Katie smiled as best she could.

Wood paused before he came forward and hugged her. "I love you," That's what he wanted to say, but the words wouldn't form in his mouth. Instead, he said nothing.

Katie just stood there, letting him hold her. She put her hand on his arm before he pulled back. She suddenly blushed. "Wow...I must look something awful, huh?"

"You're as beautiful as you always are." Oliver reached up and placed his hand gingerly on her injured cheek. "I can hardly see it anymore," he whispered. He took a step forward and put his remaining hand on her other cheek.

"Oliver," Katie said quietly, a bit confused.

He just smiled and ran his fingers lightly over her jaw bone before letting his hands drop; he stuffed them into his pockets, where his fingers immediately grasped the cool necklace hidden within.

"Have a good day, Katie," His grin faltered a bit, but righted quickly. "I'll see you later, then."

"All right," Katie said faintly as she watched him turn and go down the stairs, then out of the tower. It was going to be a long, lonely day.

***

Oliver rushed out of the tower and down many sets of stairs before he finally reached the foyer in front of the Great Hall. Natasha instantly took notice of him and came over.

"That took quite a while," she said, annoyed. "Everyone is already making their way out." She pointed to the stream of students heading for the doors.

"Sorry," Wood shrugged.

Natasha sighed. "Come on," She grabbed his arm and pulled him away.

What a day this will be.

*

The two arrived in Hogsmeade soon after. The streets weren't as crowded as they usually were, due mainly to the news of Sirius Black, but the many students made up for the slight drop in business.

Oliver looked around, searching the crowd of his schoolmates for anyone who could save him from this dreadful girl. Natasha, on the other hand, seemed quite excited about her 'date' with The Oliver Wood. She took hold of his arm again and dragged him to a nearby shop.

As they stepped inside, Wood nearly choked; the air was thick with different smells. It was obviously a perfume shop of some kind. Oh how wonderful, he thought dryly.

Natasha walked over to a shelf and plucked up a bottle filled with pink liquid. She twisted off the lid and sniffed the air.

"Ah," An attendant came over to her, "One of our finest scents," Her voice was nasal, and rather annoying. "Made with pure chamomile."

Natasha looked shocked. "But isn't chamomile incredibly expensive?" she asked.

"It is," the lady replied, "But it has quite a fine smell, no?"

"Indeed," The student looked at the price. "I'd like some, please."

Wood didn't wait around to see just how expensive it was; he walked outside and stood by the door. Natasha took another ten minutes before she finally emerged.

"I love having money," She sighed happily. "I guess it pays to have a father in the ministry." She smiled and took his arm, leading him to another shop. This one was filled with dress robes. Natasha darted through the racks, leaving Oliver against the wall.

He shook his head. Disgusting, he thought as he watched her. Suddenly, a thought dawned on him. Looking up to make sure Natasha was busy, he slipped out of the door. She'll be fine by herself for a while...

Once he was free of the stuffy store, Wood looked up and down the street. The way was congested with students bustling here and there, some holding large bags and talking with their friends. He had never been in this part of Hogsmeade, but still knew exactly how to get to where he wanted to go. Let's just call it 'Quidditch sonar'.

***

Angelina and Lee wandered the streets aimlessly. They had already visited Honeydukes and the three Quidditch shops, buying things from a few of the stores.

Lee had bought a pound of chocolate for Angelina, while she bought him a cap with the words Montrose Magpies flashing across the front. The Magpies were Lee's favorite team, and Angelina only thought it appropriate to buy it for him, since she loved the team as well. Other than the gifts for each other, they hadn't bought anything else.

"Let's get something to eat," Angelina suggested. Lee nodded in agreement.

"How 'bout the Three Broomsticks?"

"Sounds good to me!" Angelina smiled.

The two made their way toward the said place and went in, seating themselves by a window. The warm interior was a sharp (and welcomed) contrast to the cold wind blowing outside.

"What would you like?" Lee asked, standing.

"Hmm..." Angelina thought for a moment. "Hot cocoa'd be nice."

"All right. I'll be right back," He walked toward the counter.

Angelina looked out the window. The small frames were a bit fogged but she could still see through the glass. She really was having a marvelous time, and was quite happy to be out with Lee. She could tell that they got along very well, and loved spending time together. They were comfortable with each other, not minding the slight age gap in the least. Angelina could practically feel herself falling for him.

She was snapped from her thoughts as a steaming mug was placed in front of her. She looked up at Lee as he sat across from her. He was holding a mug filled with butterbeer. Angelina picked up her cup and took a cautious sip. The cocoa was delicious, but a bit too hot. She set it back down.

"Thanks,"

"You're welcome," Lee beamed at the pretty girl, incredibly happy about being able to spend time alone with her.

But that time alone ended much too quickly. "Jordan, Johnson!"

The Weasley twins bounded over and squeezed in at the table beside them. Angelina and Lee moved closer to the window, still opposite each other, to make room for the two beaters.

"How are you both doing this fine-"

"-and chilly-",

"-afternoon?"

Fred and George grinned broadly. Their cheeks and noses were rosy from the cold outside and they were bundled in sweaters. It was a bit early on in the year for such weather, but they adjusted quickly.

"We're fine, thanks," Angelina answered the question, her voice filled with slight annoyance. "Where's Alicia?"

"She met up with that Zimmerman fellow, from Hufflepuff, outside of Zonkos." George said.

"They walked off." Fred added with a bit of jealously.

Lee looked around their feet. "I don't see any bags. Didn't you get anything?"

"We really wanted to," Fred said, a sad look in his eye as he glanced at his brother.

"We don't have a lot of spending money at the moment," George added sullenly.

"But," Fred flashed them all a large smile, "We have plenty of...supplies to last us for a while,"

Angelina and Lee sent each other frightened gapes before Angelina asked, "What kinds of things? You're not...planning something, are you?"

The Weasleys laughed loudly, attracting many irked looks from the other customers. "Must you always ask us this question?" George asked.

"Because we're sure you already know the answer." the other twin finished.

"Indeed," Lee said. He looked up at Angelina. She was quietly sipping her cocoa and looking out the window. She turned back and caught his eyes on her. She smirked sweetly and winked at him, causing Lee to blush and avert his gaze.

The Weasley twins continued talking, not noticing the furtive glances and smiles being shared by their friend and fellow chaser.

*~*~*

Katie sat at a large table in the library. Her school books were propped up before her, a scroll laid out in front of them. Her quill was laying off to the side as she thought about what to include in the assignment.

This would be so much easier if I had Ange's help! Katie sighed in frustration and closed the dreaded History of Magic book. Pushing the parchment out of the way, she let her head flop down onto the table, a soft thud echoing out around her.

She hated being alone, and felt terrible for being so mean to Angelina that morning. She was lost in thought (trying to figure out how to apologize to her friend) when someone gently poked her shoulder. She glanced up to see Lexy, the first year Hufflepuff, standing next to her, a slight blush tinting her cheeks.

"I'm sorry," Lexy stuttered, obviously nervous, "But I wanted to, um...ask you something,"

"Yes?" Katie looked up at the small girl.

Lexy smiled back and ducked her head. "Could you help me with something?"

"Of course," The Gryffindor seventh year smiled sweetly at the younger child.

"Could you...help me learn to be a chaser?" The color rose in the girl's cheeks and all the way up to her ears before more words sprung from her mouth. "I really want to try out for my house team, but I don't think I've got enough talent. I've seen you at practices, and you're really good. I want to know how to be as good as you."

Katie's eyes widened in shock. Her? Really good at Quidditch? There was something she'd never heard before. "But we haven't even played a game yet! How could you have chosen me so easily?"

"I've heard many things about you, and I believe them. I know the other two girls on your team are good, too, but I'd rather learn from you."

Katie didn't know what to say. She was stunned, but quite pleased. "I'll be more than happy to help you." she said after a moment of awkward silence. "Why don't we start now?"

"Now?" Lexy looked up, alarmed. "Right now?"

"Yeah," Katie smiled widely. "I'm in dire need of company, and I feel like flying. Let's go."

"But I don't have a broom!" The girl, though very excited, was even more nervous than she was before.

"That's all right. You can use mine, and I'll use Wood's." She leapt from the chair and gathered her books together. "C'mon! This'll be fun!"

Lexy's frightened expression soon became a huge smile.

"We'll make a deal." Katie stated. "You keep me company, and I'll teach you how to play Quidditch." She grinned. "That is, of course, if you don't mind spending time with the girl Marcus Flint is angry with."

Lexy giggled. "I'd love to keep you company, and he doesn't scare me!"

"Good!" Katie made her way out of the library, the first year following, "All my gear is in the locker room already. I'm pretty sure Oliver's broom is in his locker, and I know there's extra stuff somewhere that'd fit you. Of course, it'll all be Gryffindor colors. Hope you don't mind," She was talking quite quickly, excited.

The two walked from the castle and toward the Quidditch pitch. The many lower year students that couldn't go to Hogsmeade were all outside, most around the lake, enjoying the sunlight. The girls were ignored as they passed. Soon, they entered the locker room.

Katie dropped her books on a bench and stood in front of a scarlet locker. She undid the latch and swung the door open. Her broom fell forward and hit her shoulder as she reached past it to grab her practice robes.

Lexy watched, a nervous excitement rising in her chest. She was actually about to play Quidditch with one of the best chasers on Gryffindor's team. Many of her friends would be jealous of her when they found out. She grinned to herself as she imagined the shocked looks on their faces.

"Here," Katie handed her broom to the girl. Lexy took it and glanced at the make. A Nimbus 1900. An older model, but one of the best before the 2001. "My parents said they'd buy me a new one for Christmas if I kept my grades up. But Wood has the best broom on the team, other than Potter, of course. Everyone knows that he - Wood - is gonna get onto a team his first year out. I've even heard rumors that a scout for Puddlemere is going to be at the Cup at the end of the year." She was rambling now, but didn't seem to care.

She walked to another locker two down from her own and opened it. Pictures of famous players waved at her from the door. She smiled and picked up the broom inside before closing the door. "C'mon, let's find you some robes."

Lexy followed Katie as she walked to the back of the locker room. A closet was set in the back wall. Katie opened the door and pulled out a box. It was filled to the brim with different colored robes. "Oh!" she exclaimed as she grabbed a handful of fabric. "Hufflepuff. And it looks like they'd fit you, too." She smiled and threw the robes at the younger girl.

"Thanks," Lexy leaned the broom in her hand against the wall and pulled the yellow robes over her shoulders, fastening the ties. "It fits!" She smiled widely.

Katie laughed. "You look the part already!" She pulled her own robes on. "The shoes you're wearing now will have to do. Same for me. Wood took mine away. Again." She shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips. She picked up a Quaffle from a trunk. "Let's get out there. Do you already know how to fly?"

"A little," Lexy admitted, "My brother taught me some, and lessons have already started for us."

"Okay. That's a good start." Katie threw her head back to the sun as they walked onto the field. She came to stand near the center of the pitch and mounted Wood's broom. "The only thing I don't like about this broom is that it's meant for a Keeper, which I have no idea how be."

Lexy laughed as she mounted Katie's broom.

"Let's go," The Chaser pushed off and flew into the air. The first year followed. Katie sighed as the air rushed around her, throwing her hair around her face. All her troubles seemed to blow away with the wind as she threw the Quaffle up into the air and caught it again.

"First thing's first." Katie flew over to Lexy. "You need to know how to catch without dropping the ball." She tossed the Quaffle at the girl, who caught it with both hands, her broom twisting under her. "Using one hand. The other needs to steady the broom. Throw it back, using your dominant hand."

Lexy did as she was told. Katie caught the Quaffle in her right hand and zoomed farther off before coming back. "You try," The Gryffindor threw the red ball back to the other girl. She caught it easily in her left hand.

"You're left-handed, then?"

Lexy nodded.

"That's a good thing. Your first game, the opposing team won't be expecting that. You can use it to your advantage." Katie smiled. "Since you are obviously a natural, let's work on catching while you're flying."

Lexy threw the Quaffle back to the Chaser, awaiting instructions.

Katie flew a few feet away from the girl. "Fly towards me, a little off to your left. I'll toss the ball to you once you're close enough. Watch!"

The Hufflepuff girl did as she was told. She made her way to the older girl at a somewhat slow speed, watching the ball the entire time. Katie threw it at her as she was about to pass. She caught it and kept flying.

"Good!" Katie cried, "Now let's try that again!"

***

The two girls stayed outside for another five hours. Lexy was having the time of her life, and was a bit sad when a cough from the ground caught Katie's attention.

"Bell! What are you doing?" It was Oliver Wood. He had an amused smile on his face as he glanced at Lexy.

"I'll show you!" Katie called down to her captain. Then to Lexy she said, "Let's show him that play we made up, okay? You start at the center, and I'll be a little farther down."

Lexy nodded, nervous again. She swallowed and flew to the center of the pitch, Quaffle tucked under her right arm.

"Ready?" Katie called to her.

"Ready!" Lexy yelled back. She took her position.

"Go!" The Gryffindor screamed.

Lexy raced up the field, tossing the Quaffle at lightning speed to the older girl from a few feet away. Katie zoomed toward the opposite side of the field before turning quickly and going the other way. Lexy flew straight at her. Katie threw the Quaffle at her and the girl caught it, turning away before they collided. She tore up the field toward the golden posts at the far end. Katie flew up on her left and she threw the ball at her. Katie caught it and flew out at a diagonal. She flew up, dodged an imaginary Bludger, and let the Quaffle drop to the younger girl below. Lexy caught it and threw it through the right hoop. Katie caught it before it hit the ground.

Lexy beamed at her hard work and smiled widely at Katie as the older girl ushered her to the ground. For the first time, the two noticed that the sun was already beginning to set. Wood clapped as they landed.

"Did you just come up with that play, Bell?" He grinned at his Chaser. "Maybe I should let you do the plays from now on."

Katie laughed. "Oliver, this is Lexy." She put her hands on the girl's shoulders. "She's a first year in Hufflepuff, and wants to try out for her house team."

Wood looked the girl over. "You look promising. I'm glad I'll be gone by the time you're on the team, otherwise you might pose a threat."

Lexy blushed and ducked her head.

"I'm Oliver Wood, by the way." He held out his hand to her.

The first year took it as she said, "It's a pleasure to meet the legend of the Quidditch Pitch. I've heard a lot about you." She admitted, blushing a bit more. Wood laughed.

"Oh, Oliver," Katie picked up the broom from where it had fallen earlier. "This is yours. I borrowed it."

"Where's your own broom?" he asked, taking his.

Lexy held up the Nimbus. "I was using it,"

Wood nodded. "I'd like to head up to dinner. I'll see you up there, Katie?" The girl nodded and turned towards the locker rooms.

Once Wood was out of hearing distance, Lexy giggled. "He likes you," she said between snickers. "It was obvious,"

Katie raised her eyebrows. "Was it?"

"Oh, yes,"

The older girl ignored the comment and said, "Let's meet out here Wednesday nights. That's the only day I don't have practice."

***

After dinner that night, the common room was crowded and noisy. Katie was sitting in a chair in one of the corners of the room where it was a bit quieter. She was very tired, but didn't feel like going up just yet. She knew why when someone came to stand in front of her chair.

"Would you like to go for a walk with me?" Oliver asked. "There's still about an hour before curfew."

"Sure," Katie stood and followed Wood out of the portrait and down the empty hall. "Where are we going?"

Oliver laughed. "I have no idea."

"Why don't we go sit in the stands over the pitch? It'll be quiet, and we can see the stars; there are no clouds out tonight."

"I'd like that," He slid an arm around her waist and held her close to him as they walked from the castle.

"You never told me how your date went," Katie said, amusement lining her voice.

Wood made a face. "I hated it...every minute. But of course, I slipped away to the Quidditch shop while she was looking at clothes. I don't think she noticed I was gone. When I saw her on the way back, she was laughing with a group of her friends." He shook his head.

They walked out into the cold October night. The sky was dark, but lights lined a path to the stadium. They climbed the steps and sat at the top of the Gryffindor side.

"It's a beautiful night," Katie commented. She leaned back on the wooden bench, her hands supporting the rest of her body.

"Yeah," Oliver looked at her. "You're beautiful, too, Katie. Has anyone ever told you that?"

The girl blushed and lowered her eyes. "You did, this morning. And just now."

He smiled and reached over to pull the hair tie from her hair, letting it fall in dark blond masses around her shoulders and back. "It's true, you know." He lifted her chin with his fingers, making her meet his gaze. "Do you believe me?"

Katie stared at him, at a loss for words. "I...I guess..."

Oliver shifted a bit on the bench so that he was facing her. He put his other hand on her cheek, letting the one on her chin reach to the back of her head, slipping his fingers through her hair.

Katie watched him, nervous. His eyes were dark in the scarce light, but they shone with his smile. His brown hair was a mess from the slight wind, but nothing more that what she was used to. It seemed as though the boy had never heard of a comb, and always let his hair do as it pleased. The entire team laughed at him about it. Wow, she thought, I'm really out of it... She blinked, trying to clear her mind and focus on what was happening.

"Oliver?" Katie asked, trying to figure out what he was going to do.

"Do you know how much I wished that you and I could have done something today?" He leaned closer. "I didn't want to go with her, Katie," His lips were just above hers. "I wanted to be with you,"

Oliver closed the small space between their faces. He brushed his nose against hers, sighing contentedly, and pressed a soft kiss to her jaw. Katie's eyes fluttered closed as his lips found hers for the second time. She slid her arms around his neck, running her fingers through his soft hair as she tried to get closer to him.

They didn't get very far, though, before they heard loud talking. Wood opened his eyes, annoyed, and pulled away, his hands leaving her face. Just in time, too; the Weasley twins clambered up the stairs toward them.

"Wood!" One of them called as they both sat down on either side of the others. "What are you two doing up here?"

Katie ducked her head. Fred noticed this and turned a bit red.

"Uh, George?" He said, a smile tugging at his lips. "I think they wanted to be...alone."

George glanced at his brother and grinned. "Sorry, were we interrupting something?"

Oliver looked away, embarrassed. "Yeah," he mumbled.

Katie cleared her throat. "I'm...uh, going back up. Tired," She nodded and stood. Wood reached out and grabbed her hand. She looked at his sad expression. "Careful, Oliver," she cautioned. "These two might be up to something." She squeezed his hand before letting go and making her way out of the stadium.

"Sorry, Wood," Fred said.

"We didn't notice you were...yeah..." George glanced at his captain before catching his brother's eyes.

"We'll make it up to you," they said together.

Wood stared at them, a bit frightened. "What are you going to do?" he asked.

"Oh, you'll see, my friend." George stood and waited for his brother to do the same.

"Come, my dear brother," Fred said, "Let's leave little Ollie to think."

"'Night, Wood!" they chorused as the went down the stairs and toward the castle.

Oliver shook his head. What in the world are those two going to do? I'm afraid to wonder...

Thunder sounded in the distance, signaling a storm moving in. Wood stood and walked slowly down the steps and onto the pitch. He looked around. This was his domain. The grass, the air, the goal hoops. His. But he wanted something - someone - else to add to that list.

***

Katie wandered into her dormitory a few minutes later. Elizabeth was in the bathroom taking a shower, and Alyssia was already asleep. Angelina was sitting up in bed, reading a book. She ignored the other girl as she picked up her pajamas and looked at her.

"Ange," Katie began, "I'm so sorry," The blond walked over and sat on her friend's bed. "I was in such a bad mood this morning. I didn't mean to make you angry, I really didn't."

Angelina sighed and looked up. "I know," she said. "I'm sorry I took it so harshly. I can never be angry with you."

Katie smiled. "You really are my best friend, Ange."

"I know." Angelina grinned. "All is forgotten." She pulled her friend into a hug. "Now get ready for bed so I can tell you how my day was!"

Katie did as she was told and jumped into bed, pulling the covers up to her chin. "Okay. What happened?"

"We walked around for a bit. Then went to The Three Broomsticks. He bought me lunch - well, it was actually just hot cocoa. Then guess what?"

"What?"

"Those stupid twins came in and sat with us. Can you believe them?"

"Well, Fred and George really do have a knack for breaking things up, huh?"

"What do you mean?" Angelina gasped. "You and Wood?"

Katie nodded. "He had just kissed me, Ange! Then they came running up to us. I wanted to die of embarrassment!"

Angelina squealed with laughter. "Oh, Katie! You and Oliver Wood! I knew it!"

The blond's face reddened. "Goodnight, Ange. Sleep well, with Lee-filled dreams." She smirked at her friend.

"'Night, Katie. Be sure to invite me to your wedding."

________________________________________________________________________

Reviewers!

Lady Laffs-a-Lot ~ Isn't he, though? Thanks!

blackberry ~ Thank you so much! Aren't they so cute together?

Anne ~ Once again, Thank you!! How'd you like this kiss? Sorry, no Flint just yet... Hint, hint...

Cho-Look-Alike ~ Thanks! =D

Ree ~ Sorry I didn't have any new authors for you!

babyblueateglue ~ Update! ^_~

Winter's Roar ~ Oh my goodness...Thank you, thank you, thank you! You're so sweet! I always look forward to your reviews because they're all so nice. You always make my day!

elvencherry07 ~ Update! =P

Hermia ~ Thank you so much for e-mailing me. That was so sweet. Thanks! =)

Woody'sWickedWitch ~ Wow, you've got quite a vocabulary, huh? ^_~ Thank you so much for your compliments!

BoPeep ~ Yeah..I agree. Slytherins are dumb. =P

Nina ~ I'm trying very hard to keep this in line with the third book. If it's really off, please point out how so I can change it. I'm glad you like it! Thank you so much for your compliments!

Ron Weasley ~ Happy birthday!

Ash Carroll - a.k.a. OlliKat ~ ^_^ !!!!!

Marissa ~ Sorry, but no. The song Little Things is not by Good Charlotte. Good guess, though. Actually one of the only ones I've gotten. =D

swimgirl ~ Thanks! And his teeth really are disgusting... .::shiver::.

Scarlett Darling ~ Flint is mean! =( But Oliver and Katie are so cute!

Jessica ~ We can go see Pirates together...again. I saw it for the sixth time yesterday. O_o Did you like this chapter?

Lyndsay ~ Thank you! I'm glad you like this so much! .::grins stupidly::.

tje-82871 ~ Thank you! And they will get back at Flint...eventually...

Little House Girl ~ Thanks! =D

Tara ~ I'm glad you're happy! =P Natasha is a snob, huh? Good! That's exactly how I wanted her. And I haven't actually though about hooking her and Flint. Hmm...Good idea...

hP fAn Fo LyFe ~ Soon enough? There's more to come!

forensicfreak14 ~ =D

Elbereth ~ Thank you so much! You're so sweet! And you're the reason this story is posted in the first place! ^_^

I'm sorry if I forgot someone! Thanks again!

~* Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings forget how to fly. *~

Anyone know who the 'angel' is? =)