Chapter Twelve ya'll!
Enjoy... trumpets blare
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Chapter Twelve
Angelina,
Wow, your dad and Alicia's mom? That's really something! Do you think that they're gonna get married or something like that? Would that be awkward for you and Alicia, being friends and all. If they do get married, you guys will probably hate each other's guts, but then again, I don't know. I'm an only child. Anyway, I know it took me a while to write back to you and everything, and I'm awfully sorry about that. Me and my dad have been at each other's throats about Quidditch. He doesn't want me to play anymore. Thinks it dangerous and what ever wierd stuff like that. I'm trying to convince him otherwise, but my dad's a pretty stubborn fellow. Have a great summer and keep in touch.
Love,
Katie
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"--and see what the keeper is for, is to block these three goals here," Katie had spent fifteen minutes explaining the rules to Quidditch to her mother's cat, Mattie. She had pulled out three quills and attatched ripped pieces of parchment to them so they served as the goal posts. With the other ripped pieces, she made the several balls.
"This one," she explained, holding up the smallest ball so the cat could see it clearly, "is called the snitch. It's golden and it flies around. The seeker is incharge of catching the snitch. When one of the seekers catch the snitch, the game is over, adding a total of fifty points to his or her team."
Cynthia Bell had stood silently outside of Katie's room, listening to her baby girl explain the game she loved to the family pet. A small smile crept across the woman's face. Katie was such a bright young girl. Why she would rather waste her talents upsetting her father Mrs. Bell would never know. Crossing her arms over her chest, and remaining still and silent, Mrs. Bell listened to Katie continue onward with explaining the game of Quidditch to the family cat.
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Fred & George,
Fake wands? What are you guys planning over there? Creating a joke shop or something? I actually think that would be very well for you guys. Anyway, let me know what else you guys make, that way I can be sure not to take anything from you ever again. I hope you guys are feeding vicious lies to your little brother about Hogwarts. I saw him at the train station when we arrived there, and he looked a little nervous that he would be going to Hogwarts next year. Imagine what he would do if you guys told him that you had to defeat a troll in order to be sorted into your house. He would probably pee in his pants. Just wanted to let you know that I am indeed alive and well.
Love Always,
Katie
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"Robert, why don't you just allow Katherine to play Quidditch? I heard her talking to Mattie up in her room, and she really has taken a liking to the sport." Cynthia sat down a cup of tea in front of her husband, then set her own down on the same table before seating herself. "It isn't as though she'll run off to play for some international team. It is only for school, love, and she seems to know what she is doing and what she is capable of. Besides, I doubt those two nice young ladies would let anything happen to her."
Mr. Bell's gaze was set on the Dailey Prophet. He simply turned a page and crossed his legs. For a moment, not a sound escaped the man, before finally, "How do you know it will end there?" He put the paper down on his lap to look at his wife. "You know I don't want her playing such a vicious, male dominated sport--" He quickly stopped himself, knowing he had just stepped into a mine-field.
"Male dominated? So this is what this is all about, is it?" Cynthia had been raising her tea cup to her red lips, but the action had been forgotten as she glared daggers at her husband. "I believe that there are the same amount of women playing at the international level as there are men, unless the Witch Weekly is full of miserable lies--"
"Cynthia, you know I didn't mean it that way, but honestly! You can't say that you aren't worried about what will become of our baby girl if she is subjected to such a rough and tumble sport! Couldn't she do something safer?" Robert picked up his tea cup calmly, looking away from his angered wife.
"Like what? Wizard's Chess?"
"It is safer, isn't it?"
Mrs. Bell returned her tea cup to the table and continued to glare at her husband, "If Katherine wishes to play Quidditch, for a boy or not, she should be the one to make that decsion, not you."
"I only want what's best for Katherine," Robert stated evenly, picking up his paper once more, preparing to read a story on muggles whose hats were threatening too eat off all of their hair. "You know that, or at least you should by now."
"Perhaps Quidditch is the best thing for her at the moment. I know you've notice how verbose she is. She isn't as shy and quiet." Cynthia switched to reason which her husband would more than likely comply with this tone, rather than an accusing, harsh one she had early used.
Mr. Bell quickly lowered his paper once again, "And you think this may have to due with Quidditch."
Mrs. Bell sighed as her husband returned to his paper. She stood up and collected her tea cup before leaving. Robert was a hopeless case.
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Lee,
Nice to know that you're actually reading something. Too bad it isn't your homework. I've never been out of the country before, and from the way you've described things in your letter, America sounds really fun so I don't need to ask that. I bet you miss home though, I know I most certainly would. And of course you miss me, who wouldn't? If I went away to America for most of the summer, I would miss me too. Ha ha. But I'm really glad to hear from you, and I look forward to seeing you again. Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Love Always,
Katie
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"Tell the Minister of Austria in whatever language you want, but I'm not budging on this, you've got that, Bridgette?" Mr. Bell spoke in a fairly annoyed fashion to the female that bobbed in his fireplace.
Robert Bell worked in the Department of International Magical Cooperation, and was currently closing the a very large pact with Austria. He had been working hard on it ever since the Christmas Holidays and it seemed Austria was slowly giving into his cunning charm and way with words.
When the woman from the fire, Bridgette, vanished, Mr. Bell turned around to leave his study, only to find Katie standing there uncomfortably. In her arms, she clutched Mattie tightly, who was wriggling madly, attempting to escape the girl's grasp.
"Yes, sweetie?"
Katie took a few deep breaths before speaking, "Just-let-me-play-Quidditch-it's-really-fun-and-I've-made-a-lot-of-really-great-friends-and-I-just-want-to-play-and-it's-only-for-school-so-please-let-me-just-have-some-fun-while-I'm-at-school-and-just-let-me-play-please-let-me-play-daddy? I-promise-I'll-be-good-forever-and-ever-if-you-just-let-me-play! Please?" She had said this all so quickly, her father only blinked when she was done speaking.
"What?"
For the first time since Katie's arrival home, she and her father sat down in the study and talked calmly and rationally. It was true rarity. After their discussion was done, but not completely over, Mr. Bell leaned back in his arm chair and picked up his pipe, appearing to think things over.
"Well, you have shown quite a bit of intrest in this sport of your's," he began slowly. "And your mother overheard you teaching the cat about the rules, so I suppose you really get something from all of this, though I still don't seem to know what." He pulled the pipe from his mouth and looked away from her thoughtfully.
"And I'm not doing it for a boy," Katie added silently.
Mr. Bell smiled ruefully, "No, I suppose you're not." There was a moment more of silence. "Well, have you given any thought as to what type of broom you will be needing for next year? I can't have you flying a waste of a school broom. Only the best for my daughter."
Katie grinned and practically tackled her father when she moved forward to hug and kiss him, "Thank you, daddy! Thank you so much!"
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Oliver,
I was curious, which is the best type of broom for a chaser to have? My father wants to get one for me, and wants my recommendation since he knows nothing about Quidditch. He doesn't approve of my playing, but I think my mother made him think things over for a few nights on the couch. Anyway, being that you're the Quidditch obbsessed person you are, you of all people would know. If not, I could simply ask around until I find something fitting and comfortable to suit my fancy. Have a great summer where ever you are, and don't drive yourself too mad about what's going to happen next year.
Much Love,
Katie
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Katie,
I'm not exactly a broom expert, but my advise would to be get a broom from the Comet series or something that easy to manuever. The Silver Arrow is a decent one to go with as is the Moon Trimmer, though it's speed is relatively same to the Cleansweep Three. The Silver Arrow, I know, is defainately faster than that Comet you were using, though it was one of the earlier models. But then again, since I'm more of the playing and planning guy, you might want to go to the Quidditch supply shop and ask there. Any of them are really worth the money. Good luck
Oliver
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Alicia,
Meet us at Diagon Alley next Thursday. My mum and dad are getting me a broomstick! I'm so excited! Oh and we're getting those other supplies we need, but the broom, that's all that matters! Did I mention how excited I was? I'm getting a Broom stick!! YaY!!
Your Friend,
Katie
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Bridgette,
Cancel any and all meetings I may have scehduled for the 25th. I will be with my family preparing for my daughter's third year at Hogwarts. When the Austrian Minister wishes to contact me, tell him that I have certain obligations, and that I send my sincerest apologies for not being able to attend a scheduled meeting. Also, make sure he is informed that I am more than happy to reschedule with him in about three or so weeks. If he has any problems with me, contact me by owl. If there is anyone else requiring my attention, I do not want to deal with them unless it is of the upmost importance. You know what must be done to the paper work on my desk in my office, so if you could please complete that for me, I would be most appriciative.
Sincerely,
Robert Bell
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"Katherine, calm yourself! You act as though you've never been to Diagon Alley before," Mrs. Bell scolded silently as Katie tugged away from her parents and tried to move forward through the crowded streets.
Mr. Bell smiled at her eagerness to get to the supply shop where she would be getting her first broom stick. He leaned over to his wife and whispered something in her ear, causing the woman to laugh and slap at him playfully, "You evil man."
Katie turned around to look at her parents, "Come on! Come on! We've got to get--"
"School supplies, I know," Mr. Bell said cutting her off. "Now, first we must outfit you properly. You've grown quite a bit since last year."
Mrs. Bell nodded, "To Madam Malkins it is then." She took hold of Katie's hand and led her in the opposiite direction of Katie's destination. "I swear child, you're growing like a weed."
Madam Malkin had gained a bit of wait since last time Katie had been there. Actually, she had gained quite a bit of weight. She could now be described as squat. Katie tried not to laugh as the woman waddled over to her mother and father to engage them in conversation.
After a while, Madam Malkin had instructed her to stand a foot stool awhile she took Katie's new measuements. Once she was done, she recorded the numbers down on a piece of parchment and smiled at Katie. "Growing in the bust area I see. And you've gotten taller as well."
When the older woman left, Katie remained on the footstool, blushing. A moment later, Madam Malkin returned, but not with Katie's robes. Instead she led a boy to the foot stool right next to Katie's. The didn't look in the least pleseant, and he looked like he was in his first year.
She took her time in taking the boys' measurements then once again retreated. Silence floated over the two children. It was the boy who acted first. He gave Katie a quick look over.
Katie tried not to gasp in shock, was that little brat checking her out? She shuddered, refusing to look at the pale boy at her side.
It seemed like forever before Madam Malkin returned with her robes. Katie smiled and collected them quickly, thanking Madam Malkin with a polite smile. She quickly left, but felt the boys' gaze on her back side. Once again, she shuddered. That disgusting little creep really was checking her out!
As she left the shop, she bumped into a small dark haired boy. "Oh! So sorry," she apologized quickly, barely even glancing at him, then quickly left with her robes. As she left, the boy adjusted his too large glasses, and walked into the shop.
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"Mum! Dad! Now we've got to get my--"
"Books! You are so right, sweetie," Mrs. Bell said sweetly. "I believe I have the list right here in my hand bag." Mrs. Bell's hand dove into the dragon skin bag and she fished out the list that had been delivered only a week before. "Now we're off to Flourish and Blotts."
Katie just wanted to scream at that moment. They were plotting to ruin her life! She knew it, and all because she wanted to play Quidditch! With a gruff sigh, and her impatience under control, Katie walked behind her parents toward the book shop.
"Gather your book, Katie, dear. I just want to have a word with Cornelious," Mr. Bell said, approaching the Minister of Magic.
Mrs. Bell helped Katie locate and collect all her books that were required for the third year students. Mrs. Bell looked at one book in particular with a curious brow raised, "Unfogging the Future? You've taken an interst in divination?"
"Not really, but it was that or Muggle Studies, and I really don't want to take that." Katie said off handedly, taking the book and adding it to her steadily growing pile.
With shrug, Mrs. Bell nodded, "I see. Well, come along dear, we must pay for all this, then wait for your father."
"You're punishing me aren't you," Katie mumbled beneath her breath as she followed behind her mother.
"What was that, Katherine?"
Katie knew her mother's strict rule about mumbling and speaking about one behind their back. "Nothing, mum."
"I thought so."
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"Katie!" Angelina shouted at the top of her lungs, causing those near her to jerk slightly. She hurried forward, pushing her way through the crowd. Behind her was Alicia. Both girls smiling brightly as they greeted their friend. "I thought you weren't coming for a minute there."
"We're about to sit down for icecream, you should join us!" Alicia proposed, smiling brightly.
Katie began to shake her head and open her mouth to say that she couldn't, but her father cut in. "Of course she would like to join you for some icecream! She couldn't possibly say no. Isn't that right, Katherine?"
Admitting defeat, Katie smiled weakly, "I'd love to join you guys."
The three girls and two adults headed away from Katie's destination. As they did so, she silently reminded herself of all the curses, hexes and jinxes she knew. Perhaps while her parents were asleep that night she could cast a few of them. Then she remembered, no magic when outside of school. She closed her eyes and sighed.
Today is not my day.
They seated themselves at a little round table, while the Bells went and sat with Angelina's dad and Alicia's mom. It was still hard to believe that the two were dating, but Angelina and Alicia didn't seem to mind.
"So when are you getting your new broom stick?" Angelina asked, as she decided on what flavor icecream she wanted. "Oh, and what kind? I can't wait to see it!"
Katie had chosen to get tripple chocolate with a hot fudge over it, then she looked at Angelina, "As soon as my parents stop torturing me. I've been trying to get there all day, but they keep going to the ends of the earth rather than getting me my broom stick."
"Harsh," Alicia said grinning slightly, deciding on the same thing Katie had ordered.
In no time at all, the girls had their icecream in front of the them and were chattering away. Angelina and Alicia were a lot more closer since their parents were dating and all. Katie couldn't help but feel a bit out of place. The two had all these inside jokes, and would tell her about them, but Katie couldn't help but feel she was intruding on something she didn't quite understand.
"Well, look who it is!" A familiar voice shouted out from across the busy road. The girls looked up to see two friendly identical faces. George had been the one that called out to them. The twins were just outside of Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke Shop.
Fred and George hurried over to them, and pulled up chairs to the small table. "How have you girls been fairing up without us?" Fred grabbed Angelina's spoon and dove into her icecream. Before it reached his mouth, Angelina slapped his hands, causing him to put the spoon back. "I see you've been doing just fine, Angelina."
"Yes, quite." Angelina smirked, and returned to her icecream.
George looked at Katie's and Alicia's icecream, "Tripple chocolate with fudge? Good choice."
"Fred! George! I will not be held responsible when you go back to school unprepared for your classes! Now get over here and finish gathering your supplies, I won't do it all for you!"
Fred moaned and shook his head, "Mum is barking again. Guess we better go before she starts biting." The twins said short goodbyes, but prmoised to be back later, then jogged off to catch up with their mother, who had their younger brother in tow.
"That must be Ron," Alicia said silently, poking at her icecream before allowing the frozen treat to enter her mouth. She swallowed, "Yeah, the last boy, then next is their little sister, but I don't know her name." Katie looked over at the retreating family. Percy was nowhere in sight.
"Did you guys get Wood's letter? The boy is stark raving mad. Sending us a bunch of plays that we'll probably never use and all. Oh well, he's still as obsessed as ever." Alicia finished off the last bit of her icecream, licking the spoon to make sure she had gotten it all.
Katie smiled, a small blush creeping up on her cheeks. Alicia took on look at her and knew what the blonde girl was bound to say. She rolled her eyes and tried to hide her grin, "I know, I know. You think it's cute."
Angelina choked on the icecream at this and coughed a few times. Both Katie and Alicia clapped her over the back. "What?! You like him still? You're so wierd!"
"There's nothing wrong with having a crush on an older boy." Katie said quietly, hoping her parents were deep in conversation with Mr. Johnson and Ms. Spinnet.
"But don't you like Lee? That's what George told me." Angelina question.
Now it was Katie's turn to choke on her icecream, "Who told him that?"
"Fred," was the reply.
Katie blinked a few times, "And who told Fred?"
Angelina opened her mouth to answer, then looked upward as she thought, "I-- I think-- Uh--"
"Well whoever told Fred was misinformed. I don't like him--" Katie said, that blush growing brighter with every passing second.
"Much," Alicia giggled. Soon after, Angelina joined in on the laughter, and the two were practically roaring. Any one who passed by casted awkward looks at the two girls, much to Katie's embaressment.
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"Alright," Mrs. Bell said an hour after they had eaten the icecream. "I believe we've gotten everything we came here for, so now we can return home." She watched as her daughter's face fell.
Mr. Bell nodded, "Yes, let's be going."
"No!" Katie yelled out, stomping her foot on the ground. "The broom stick! We've got to get my broom stick!"
At first the two adults simply looked at her in mild shock, then threw back their heads in laughter. Katie eyed her parents angrily then let out a frustrated cry. So they had been doing this purposely. Going everywhere else first, talking to as many people as they could. They had just wanted to play with her head.
Katie felt extremely stupid. How could she let her parents just play such a cruel and unusual joke on her like that? Rather than standing around and yelling at them, she turned around and headed off toward Quality Quidditch Supplies. She could hear her parents still laughing as they followed behing her.
Once there, Katie's anger was replaced by awe. She had to go everywhere she possibly could, once inside the store. Looking at a care kit, and the broom sticks, and posters and books! It was all so very amazing. She looked around until she found the broom stick she knew she had to have.
The Silver Arrow.
One of the store clerks saw what her gaze was so focused on. He grinned and went ovre to her, "Sure you be wantin' that one, love? The Silver Arrow is nice, but not as nice as the Nimbus 2000. It's the fastest model by far, you know."
Katie turned to look at him, "Yeah, the Nimbus 2000 is probably really fast, but that's built more for a seeker than a chaser. Chasers have to be fast, but they can't be too fast, you know?" She looked back at the broom stick of her dreams and nodded, "I want the Silver Arrow if you don't mind."
Slightly impressed with what the girl had to say, the store clerk picked up the broom stick and headed to the purchase area. "Wantin' anythin' else?"
Mr. Bell put a care kit on the counter next to the broom, "Yes, this as well, my good man."
The clerk nodded and rang it up. He handed the broom stick over to Katie, who's eyes instantly lit up when she touched the fine broom. She grinned and looked at both her mother and father, "Thank you, so much!"
Before they could speak a word, Katie ran out of the store, in search of Alicia and Angelina. When she found them, they were standing with the twins and Lee outside of Gringotts. They marveled at te Silver Arrow and congradulated Katie at having her first broom.
For the rest of the afternoon, and into the evening, the six stayed together, looking through stores and talking about their summers. Slowly, one by one, or by two in Fred and George's case, the group slowly broke up to return to their homes. Katie and Lee were the last remaining.
From a distance, Lee's mother had called for him. Before he left he looked at Katie, "It was really great to see everyone again."
"Yeah," was Katie's polite answer. They started to walk toward Lee's mother. Katie's parents were in the general area, so she went along with him.
Lee bit his lower lip nervously and looked down at the street they walked on. Katie immidiately took notice of this, "Something wrong, Lee?"
A quick little shake of the head, then he nodded.
"Well, which is it? Either something's wrong, or something isn't."
Lee stopped walking, causing Katie to stop dead in her tracks as well. Lee was still looking down at the street before he drew a bit closer to Katie. It happened so quickly, Katie didn't think it had happened at all, but it had. Lee looked up and quickly kissed her gently on the cheek, and hurried away.
As he left with his mother, Katie's hand rose to her cheek and rested on the area where Lee's lips had met her skin, blue eyes wide and disbelieving.
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Another chapter my kiddies! HO HO HO HO!!
Did you like it? I hope you did.. I discovered the whole letter thing made it easier for me to write like crazy, and I hope you all liked reading it as much as I liked writing it..
If you didn't that's ok.. These types of chapters I think I'm reserving just for the summer time.. just so we can pass time a little bit faster.. it's like instead of a song fic.. it's a letter fic..
lol xD
... Ok not that funny, but anyway--
Kathy - Katie's dad is awesome and funny and cool.. In that dorky dad kind of way.. Isn't it good that he finally came around even though he still doesn't want his precious daughter playing Qiudditch? When I wrote that, I was like 'Aw, what a sweet dad. I wish I had dad like that.'
tinkerbell86 - bows Thank you!
crystalviolinist - See! Everything works out in the end... Or does it? DUN DUN DUN
And too all the other kiddies who read beyond the chapters.. This is to you!
As you may have noticed, I don't wait too long to get reviews on my chapters. Infact, I remember I posted the first two chapters the minute I could, then you know.. Just never really stopped. The reason I don't wait long for reviews, though I adore them with all my heart, is because if I don't constantly work on this fic, and post, I will never finish it because of all the other ideas in my head.. I mean I have ideas running in my head for other fandoms and other fics for this fandom, and I have a really short attention span so if I just don't keep going... I'll stop..
Forever..
Anyway-- Later!
-Richi Sama-