"Katie," Fred said through the door, "Come on you'll be late for class! I know Lupin adores you, but he can't let you be late too many times! Let's go!"

I didn't move. My door opened and Fred looked at me. I sat cross-legged on my bed, my hands in my lap, looking down, my hair starting to fall in my eyes. It had been about two weeks since Oliver had broken up with me, and, still, we hadn't spoken. We had barely even seen each other. When we were around each other, he didn't look at me. I wanted so badly to look at him, but I couldn't, knowing that he was hating me at that moment.

The swelling on my face had gone down considerably, but I didn't feel ready to go back to class, knowing that the whole school probably thought I had cheated on Oliver. With Flint. Great.

Fred walked over to me and grabbed my hand, attempting to pull me off my bed. I let him and I stood up, grabbing my bag off the floor. I looked at him and the look on his face made it seem like he had never expected me to move again.

When we got into Defense Against the Dark Arts, Alicia and Angelina were waiting for me. They sat at a four-seater bench, but were only expecting me. Fred and George were accompanying Oliver. Fred squeezed my hand reassuringly and tentatively pushed me toward my friends, making me walk past Oliver.

Fred had told Alicia, Angelina, and George about what had happened and they understood. They swore not to breathe a word to Oliver about any of it. They, also, agreed with Fred that it was terrible of me to leave Oliver in the dark about everything, but, in the end, I was right. I was making the right choice.

As I took my seat, Professor Lupin winked at me and smiled reassuringly. He had begged me to let Dumbledore tell Oliver what happened, hoping he would understand, but I told him no. I didn't want Oliver to end up dead, and, if he found out, he would be even more outraged that I was trying to be a 'hero' by keeping him safe, making him seem stupid and not knowing what is going on. I decided to go down the more simple road. Unfortunately, that road was lined with nails, broken glass, and sharp metal, and I was trudging barefoot. And I stepped on something every time I saw Oliver.

Lupin started class and I lost focus. I wasn't paying attention and I know I should have been. Fred passed me a note halfway through class:

"Wood's terrible. All he talks about is you, either how much you betrayed him or how much he misses you. I think he's starting to regret not listening to you, but, in the end, Diggory did see you and Flint and that's all Wood has to go on, and that's what he has to trust. He might try to talk to you in a few days. I'd say to talk to him, but he was a jerk, no one can forget that. I've also had the pleasure of lecturing him about never, ever touching/hitting/shoving you like that again- or anyone else for that matter. I think he hates himself for losing control like that. I don't think he ever imagined hurting you. I know you can't, but I wish you could tell him. Even if he hated you more because to those reasons you listed, at least he'd know the truth, and then it wouldn't be your fault if he hated you. Oh no…guess who didn't do their homework? I didn't! Bloody hell…By the way, I think Wood wants you back on the team…I think he realized that he needs you, we all do. But we'll see, Wood may be too slow to realize that. When are you meeting with Flint again? I'd like to have a few words with him about this whole situation if you don't mind…Honestly, something's wrong here…something I don't understand…something I'll figure out RIGHT after I can conjure this bloody patronus! Toodles!"

I folded it back up. Well, that was interesting. I propped my chin up on my hand and blinked. Fred was probably wrong. Oliver wasn't thinking about any of that. I knew Oliver. I knew how he thought. He was still thinking about how much he hated me and how much I hurt him. I hadn't meant to, I swear.

Perhaps I should let Dumbledore tell him, and have him decide for himself. No, I already went over this. It wouldn't be safe. Speaking of safe…I glanced at my ring again, it was beginning to become a habit. It was a deep blood red, green, and white. I looked up at Lupin and he smiled. It was reassuring to know that I was on someone's mind.

The other night, when I took a shower, I wondered if I should take off the necklace Oliver gave me for Christmas. I had left it on. I remembered our conversation on Christmas about the upcoming match, with Flint or Montague threatening to hurt Alicia and I. I remembered what Oliver had said: "No, if they tried to hurt you…well, I don't know what I'd do. But I won't let them hurt you."

I would have given almost anything to have him care about me now like he did then. And it really hurt that he didn't give a damn. I'd had a hard time sleeping late at night, knowing that if I died, Oliver wouldn't care. Sometimes it hurt, not falling asleep with him, one of the things I loved doing.

People started moving. Class was over. I hadn't noticed. I got up and someone cleared their throat.

"Ms. Bell, may I have a word with you?"

It was Lupin. I nodded and walked over to him. I felt someone's eyes on my back and I didn't turn to see who it was.

"How are you doing, Katie?"

I shrugged. "I could be better, I guess."

Lupin sighed and sat on the corner of his desk, folding his arms over his chest. "I can tell that this is killing you. You didn't ask for any of this. But, I must say, that I think it is very moral of you to keep Mr. Wood from all of this. Most girls your age would tell them anything and everything to get them to like them again, even if it would mean them getting killed."

"Maybe that's the difference between them and me."

He smiled. "Perhaps." His eyes shot to somewhere behind me. He blinked. He smiled at me again and said, "Maybe you should go."

I nodded and turned. Marcus Flint was waiting in the doorway. He followed me out of the classroom and down the hall.

"How ya holding up, Katie?" he asked me. We had barely had time to talk since Oliver had broke up with me.

I shrugged. "All right, I suppose."

He put his hands in his pockets. "That's good. I can't say how sorry I am that Diggory caught us and caused this whole row with Wood-"

"Flint, it's fine. He would have figured it out anyways."

"But he still doesn't know why this is all happening, does he?"

I shook my head. "No, he doesn't."

Flint sighed. He thought that I should tell Oliver, but then again, he knew why I didn't. I remembered Flint's face when Fred told him that Oliver had hit me. He was so angry. I didn't blame Oliver for it- it was a reaction. I understood better than I should have. Flint soon left me and I went up to the Gryffindor Common room. I tossed my bag on the floor and went up to the Boys' Dormitory to find Fred.

I went to his room and knocked once, then opened the door. I stopped. George and Oliver were the only ones in there. I first saw George, then Oliver. My heart stopped. He looked up at me like he didn't know me and didn't want to. I opened my mouth but nothing came out. I turned to George.

"W- Where's Fred?" I asked. George shrugged. "I haven't the slightest idea."

I was about to close the door when Oliver spoke. "Try finding Angelina, he might be with her, that's if HE isn't cheating on her, too."

I cringed. I bit my lip and nodded. Oliver was so angry at me. His voice was so bitter and mean and it hurt so badly. I shut the door and turned to walk down the hall. I leaned against the wall and sank down to the floor, suddenly numb.

I pulled my knees to my chest and buried my head, almost crying. I heard George's voice inside.

"WHY did you say that, Wood!"

"Why shouldn't I have? Fred may be cheating on Angelina and we would have never known. I mean, take a look at Katie, did anyone expect her to be with Flint?"

I squeezed my eyes shut. I heard George sigh. Then he spoke.

"Wood, honestly, if she had cheated on you, would she have cried when you broke up with her? Wouldn't she have been happy? Wouldn't she have gone and dated Flint now that you aren't in the picture any more? And, tell me, if she had cheated on you, when you said that thing just now, why did she look like she was about to cry? Tell me that."

Oliver didn't say anything. "She didn't deny she was with Flint."

"Maybe she was with Flint about something you don't know. That doesn't mean she was cheating on you."

"Then why didn't she tell me?"

"Look at the way you're taking it now! Perhaps she didn't want you acting like this!"

"I don't care, George. She cheated on me and Diggory supports that. But, you want to know something funny? I think I still love her. Even if she wants someone else, I still love her. I wish that you could just turn off your feelings. But I can't forgive her, though. I don't think I ever can. It's not like she begged me to forgive her or anything…"

I imagined Oliver thinking. What George had said, I would have to explain about later. I would have to tell Oliver everything. Then again, perhaps he would realize that it wasn't my fault and he wouldn't hate me.

I heard footsteps on the stairs but I was too tired to pull myself up. Suddenly, someone one was kneeling beside me, pulling me against them. I knew, just by the touch, that it was Fred. Fred was always there for me through anything.

"What did he say to you this time, Katie?" Fred was tired of Oliver being a jerk to me. I didn't say anything. Fred must be getting tired of me being so…emotional all the time. I really just need to get this all out of my system.

I left and Fred went into his room. I heard George tell him what Oliver had said and then I heard Fred yelling. I really didn't like this situation terribly much. Really, not at all.

I walked down to the Common Room and all the Gryffindors there, stared at me. Some had an angry look, others, a more peaceful, understanding look. I didn't care what they thought. It didn't bother me. Harry looked up at me with eyes that told me that he knew everything. Of course he knew everything, Dumbledore would have told him what was going on.

I went up to my room and, thankfully, no one else was there. I ran and belly-flopped onto my bed, closing my eyes. I lay there for a few minutes, trying to sleep and trying to stay awake.

I heard a small 'pop' near my door and I didn't move. Maybe who ever it was would think I was dead and just leave.

"Katie?"

Ugh. Flint.

"What, Flint?" I muttered into my pillow.

"I just talked to Dumbledore…and…well… he thinks that he should tell Wood."

I sat up. "Why! Does he want him to be possibly killed, too!"

Flint shook his head. "No, I don't think that's it. I mean, if You-Know-Who wants to kill you for whatever reason, he'll assume that you've told Wood everything, since he's your boyfriend and all. Why don't we just tell Wood so he knows? Then if something happens to him, it's not as surprising."

I sighed. He had a point. Damn him.

"Fine, let Dumbledore tell him."

Flint smiled. "He's meeting with Wood right now."

I just sat there. I honestly didn't care. I should have, but I didn't.

"Katie," Flint said, sighing, "Everything will work out…"

I smiled, almost laughing ironically. "No, Flint, it's not. And I think I'm okay with that now. I think that's the one thing I've been the most sure about in a long time. If Wood still doesn't understand, at least he knows."

Flint smiled, his tension easing away. "You know, it's surprising. I mean, for someone who could possibly die at anytime, you're amazingly calm about it."

I shrugged. "I can't control it, so I have to accept it. At least now, Wood would understand if I died."

Flint nodded. He stopped, staring at something, his eyes glazing over. He didn't move. Then: "Dumbledore's summoning us."

I didn't ask how he knew. I got up and went with him to Dumbledore's office.

Flint opened the door quietly and held it open for me, but I shook my head, making him go in first. Flint went inside, but I let the door close behind me, staying in the doorframe.

Dumbledore sat at his desk, looking over at me. I expected Oliver to be in the office as well, but he wasn't. Dumbledore look at me and smiled.

"Katherine, my dear, how are you?"

I smiled. "I'm good."

He laughed. "Wonderful- that is, if you were telling the truth. Now, I have just finished telling Mr. Wood about the predicament we found ourselves in. I think he handled it rather well, but that's just my thinking. Now, Mr. Flint, I do believe your team is meeting on the Quidditch Pitch for practice, it wouldn't be wise of you to be late."

Flint nodded, Apparating, after, first, smiling at me.

Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Katherine, I do apologize for this mess I have gotten you into. If I hadn't asked Flint to help, Diggory wouldn't have said those things to Wood. Unfortunately, I have gotten word that he has broken his relationship with you. I hope that the explanation I gave him today will fix that, if you so wish. I do, however, ask that you 'lay low' for a while. Playing in the Quidditch matches is out of the question."

"It's okay, Professor, I quit the team, anyways."

"Why on earth would you do that?"

"Wood said that he hated me so much, it seemed like the only thing I could do. Besides, I don't think it would work too well, if I played on the team and my captain hated me."

"Oh, now, he doesn't hate you. Hate, I find, is such a strong word, and I do not believe that what Wood is feeling is that. I do think that he is heartbroken, but he will get over that. In the meantime, I hope he begins to speak to you again. Until next time, Katherine!"

I smiled and left. Dumbledore's words should have calmed me. They didn't. I understood that Oliver had hated me. NO, of course that wasn't it, I had broken his heart. Ah, SO much better.

I realized that I didn't care if Oliver hated me or what ever he felt. I cared about his feelings, yes, but it didn't matter to me if he loved me or not. Somehow, I was finally able to accept that.

I went to the Common Room, totally numb and not thinking anymore. I brushed hair out of my eyes and sat down on the couch. No one else was there. I could see Flint and the Slytherins practicing outside on the pitch. It was a good thing that Dad hadn't bought me that new broom- I wouldn't be needing it now.

The thought of Dad didn't make me cry anymore. And the thought of Oliver hating me, suddenly didn't feel so terrible. Fred was still there, at least I still had him. And Angelina and Alicia were there, with their magical donuts. Not to mention Lupin and, now, Flint. My life seemed to be getting back on track again.

I was just about to sigh and smile, thinking how stressful I had made my life, when I heard something. I looked towards the noise and Oliver stood on the stairs. He put his hands in his pockets, his face emotionless.

He walked over to the couch and sat beside me. He didn't look at me for a few moments. He took a deep breath and turned to me. He looked at my eyes first, looking like he had never seen me this way before. Oliver smiled and a sense of how much he had missed me filled his eyes.

I didn't return the gesture. He opened his mouth to speak, but I wasn't listening. He spoke for several moments, pausing every now and then to emphasize something. I still didn't listen.

Obviously, whatever he said was good, for when he leaned in to kiss me, I didn't stop him, he kissed my cheek and I didn't move. He knew something was different and when he pulled back, he finally understood.

This was my life and I controlled whether I made it worse or not. Only I knew whether my life was worth it or it wasn't. Oliver didn't have as much of an affect on me as I had previously thought. He wasn't my world and I didn't want him to be. Love didn't rule my world, and neither did death. They could affect it, but they didn't control everything.

Oliver wrapped his fingers around my hand and I looked down. My ring was blue and white and then, and only then, had I realized what Flint had said about my father being able to think about me.

Maybe my whole idea of being dead and just sleeping wasn't so crazy after all. Perhaps my father was, now, dreaming about me, or something. Even if I was wrong, I didn't care, it was something I thought about that made me feel better.

Perhaps life would be better now, now that Oliver didn't hate me as much. He forgave me and that's all that matters. Things wouldn't be like they used to be and I was glad. I took my hand out of his, pulling me knees to my chest and resting my chin.

Everyone would be happy that it had worked out, but I didn't seem as satisfied. Everything was getting back on track, and I was making it that way. I had accepted my father's death, and I didn't care what my relationship with Oliver was. I still loved him, but that was all. And, I was safe, for now, with Lupin, Flint, and Dumbledore keeping an eye out for me.

In the end it was my world, and I would make of it what I would like. This was my life and I am going to be who I want to be. I would even give up forever to do it all again.

I got up and walked around the couch. I saw Fred, standing at the bottom of the stairs. He smiled at me, understanding everything, like he always did. I touched the ring he had given me and I went to the window. I sat down on the window ledge, the Slytherin team was gone.

I stared out at the empty pitch, the sky so blue, starting to become dark, with the nearing of night. I pressed my forehead to the cool glass and stared out at the world, which seemed so different now.

In the end, everything was how it was supposed to be.

The End.

I hope you enjoyed the 2 stories, I very much enjoyed writing them, but I felt that this was the way to end it, anything else would just be...useless. Thank you to all my faithful reviewers especially Kelsey and my dear Alex, and the rest of you! Any requests for new stories can be sent to and would be greatly appreciated.

Once again, thank you and goodnight. Adieu.