9: Apologies

Ok, so maybe I was over-reacting, but I was really frustrated. Who neglects their friends in favor of a boy? It was something Angelina, Alicia and I said we'd never do.

I flew once around the pitch, then headed toward the lake, still clutching the Snitch. If Alicia was at the pitch, I didn't want to be there.

The lake was peaceful. I supposed the Giant squid was in a good mood. There were even some second-years swimming in the shallow part. I flew high enough to not be bothered by anyone, only dropping low once to run my fingers along the surface. I ran my wet hands through my hair. It was a hot day, and the cool water felt good.

By the time I returned to the pitch, Alicia and the Ravenclaw boy were gone, and I resumed with my original intention of practicing with the Snitch. I waited a moment after releasing it, then chased it around the stadium, trying sharp turns and rolls. I went into a long dive that I nearly couldn't pull out of, and decided that I should have a high level of admiration for Harry, and good seekers in general.

After nearly a half hour, I still hadn't caught the stupid little ball. I was about to give up when I noticed two people with brooms on the field below me. I flew a bit lower, and recognized them as my two former-friends.

Not wanting to speak to either of them, I resolutely continued my pursuit of the Snitch, even ignoring them when they flew up to join me.

"Katie!" Angelina called.

I flew directly at them, still following the Snitch. When it became apparent I wasn't going to stop, the separated, Angelina pulling to the left, and Alicia to the right so I could fly between them.

"Katie!" Angelina yelled after me.

But I wasn't paying attention. I reached out my hand, shuffled forward on my broom, and closed mu fist around the little golden ball. I pulled my broom to a stop, hovering in the air, and raised my arm triumphantly. Angelina and Alicia figured it would be a good time to approach me, and I didn't fly away. I suppose I was curious as to what they had to say for themselves.

"We're here to apologize," Angelina said, obviously irritated that I wasn't responding to her.

It took all of my will-power, but I remained silent. I guess they were both waiting for me to say something, because there was a long pause before Angelina continued.

"We shouldn't treat you like that just because you're younger than us," she said.

"And, we shouldn't forget about our friends just for something silly, like a test, or a boy," Alicia added.

I took a deep breath. I felt like I should be confessing something too. "I guess… I shouldn't overreact like I did," I said. "I knew you guys were stressed out, I should have been more understanding."

Angelina started to protest, but I stopped her. "It's done, ok? Can we forget about what's gone? I'd rather look forward to the future than get stuck in the past."

Alicia smiled brightly, and Angelina nodded. "Agreed," the both said.

"Now, we've just got one more problem to deal with," Angelina gestured to the stands, where a lonely figure was sitting. On closer inspection, I realized it was Oliver.

"No," I said. "We're done."

"I don't think so," Alicia said. "I think you two were meant for each other."

"There's no such thing as destiny," Angelina said to her. The to me she said, "It's just, you two get along great, you really like each other, and there's no reason not to give it a try."

They sounded so much more like the Angelina and Alicia I'd always known. It made me happy, and gave me confidence for our friendship.

"We'll end up getting hurt," I insisted.

Alicia shook her head. "No, you love each other too much for that."

I felt my face get hot, and realized I was blushing. I did love him, I just didn't want to admit it, even to myself.

"So, are you going to approach him, or do we have to drag you down there?" Angelina asked with a sly grin.

"You're going to have to drag me," I answered indignantly.

"Fine." They each grabbed an arm and tugged me forward.

"No!" I said as I nearly lost my balance. I pulled from their grip and clutched my broom. I should have known they'd actually do it.

I flew down to the stands and landed beside Oliver.

"Hi," I said.

"Hi Katie," he said. He gave me a smile, the kind that can make me melt.

"I… err…" I didn't know what to say. So I hugged him.

I moved so suddenly that Oliver wasn't expecting it, and jerked away. When he realized what was happening, he hugged me back, and kissed the top of my head. I heard cheering behind me, and blushed again at my friends' antics.

Yes, my friends. I had two of them, and I had Oliver. This made me was anxious for the days to come. I knew they would be good ones.