The Keeper
Summary: Katie bell and Oliver Wood story. Katie POV. An insight into our
favourite Scottish Captain. What he did after Hogwarts really. R
Chapter 1
I looked in amazement at the letter that sat on my desk. I couldn't believe that I had been chosen as the new Gryffindor Quidditch captain. I had to write and tell Oliver. He had left strict instructions that whoever got it must inform him. It didn't matter how far he moved away from school Quidditch he would always care.
Oliver, You won't believe it. I Katie Bell am the new Quidditch Captain. I just got the letter now and I knew you would love to know who took your place.
Oh on that have you had any thoughts on who could get to take the vacant Keeper post. We really should have sorted that before you left. I think it is absolutely great that you are playing with Puddlemere. It must be amazing. Ever since I found out about Quidditch it's all I have wanted. Now that I am Captain of one of the main underage teams I have hope that you and I will once again play together.
Oliver, this is such a big deal and all I want to do is celebrate this, but mum and dad are Muggles and they don't get Quidditch. Oh I wish I was in Diagon Alley with you!
Oh you must tell me who won the World Cup. I bet it was amazing but I was in Norway with my sister Jenny and her boyfriend Lars, (it wasn't the best idea my parents had I was such a third wheel, Jenny kept asking did I have a boyfriend. After two days all I wanted was to hex her. But the shopping was good.)
Katie.
I couldn't but help feel isolated when I was at home. I was a muggle born and lived in a small town which was coincidently only six miles from the Weasley's. My father ran a fairly large farm and my mother was a teacher. I loved them dearly and they didn't seem to mind the fact that I was a witch. They had suspected something was different with me since I was a tot. But they had never been people to believe that magic was real, let alone their only daughter was a witch! My brother thinks it is the coolest thing in the world and keeps trying to make me turn our pet cat Hilly into a dog. I smile as the small black cat dances between my ankles purring as she asks to be feed but first I took my tiny post owl, which I had rented from Hogsmede for the summer, from the large cage I had placed in the corner of my room, it hooted softly and nipped me happily as I fastened the letter to the tiny flat in Diagon Alley I knew Oliver lived in now.
Oliver Wood, whenever I thought about him I only saw the scarlet robes and the heavy brown Quidditch gloves. I smiled; it was hard to believe that he was one of my best friends. No matter what anyone thought I knew Oliver was more then just the Quidditch Captain. He was the best captain the team has had in its seven hundred years. He knew what he was talking about and he knew how to get the best from us. He had just become captain the year I joined the team, we started to learn about Quidditch together from two different angles. I was only a first year, like Harry I was the youngest on the team for many years, though I was or never will be as famous as Harry Potter. Oliver was an amazing Keeper, none of the school teams could even dream of having a player as good as him. He had joined the team in his first year also; talent had pushed him to the fore. He had been patient with me and helped me learn to ride a broomstick correctly; I had spent hours with Madam Hooch learning to hover when all I wanted was to soar. Oliver taught me how to speed fly, to grasp and direct the broom with my legs when I was holding the Quaffle. He taught me the best ways to shoot a hoop. I taught him how to play basketball. He gave up after three hours calling it a pointless game, and after playing Quidditch I could understand why every other game was pointless.
Mother liked Oliver; she had bumped into him when we left the platform together on his last day. He was giddy with excitement as he had just got top NEWTS and he had got a letter from Puddlemere and was going for trials with their professional team. Mother had met him when he pushed his trolley through and saw his parents hadn't made it. I had wished him farewell and gone to my mother. I spotted him just sitting on a bench waiting absolutely terrified of the barbarity of some muggles. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him as he had been so happy on the train home and the weeks leading up to the departure. My mother went to put my stuff in the car and I went to him and I sat beside him. This had not been the first time his parents had been late collecting him. I had never liked his parents, they were worse then the Malfoy's. I often wondered how Oliver became so sweet and gentle with despotic parents like his. He seemed a bit embarrassed having me sit there. We didn't say anything for a while, we just sat and waited. I think my mother must have known I would be there a while and she had returned to tell me she had to do some shopping and would call my mobile phone when she was ready to collect me. Still Oliver didn't say a word. After half an hour I had to say something. "Oliver are you okay?" I asked softly, he doesn't look at me; he rested his elbows on his knees. I instinctively rubbed his back softly. "This is just typical of them you know. When I started Hogwarts they expected me to be in Slytherin like they had been. Ever since I was put in Gryffindor they have been even nastier, tried to put me down even more." I don't think he is actually talking to me more then simply voicing his anger at his parents. I moved a little closer to him and put my arm around him. "Don't worry, you have proved to be great. Dumbledore saw that when he made you prefect, Madam Hooch saw it when she made you captain and everyone sees it now you are going to be a professional Quidditch player. You are the younger Gryffindor's hero, the great keeper, the great Oliver Wood." He looked up at me and smiled, he knew I was trying my best to cheer him up and he hugged me tight. "Thanks Katie but I think that was a little over the top." He said smiling as he ruffled my hair. "See here Wood, I don't mess with your broom, you don't mess with my hair. Remember? Now I have full right to turn up on you door step when you are Puddlemere captain and demand that I have a go on your firebolt." I laughed.
We sat and spoke for hours before his parents finally made their appearance. His father was a tall thin man with cold black eyes, Oliver's mother was about my height but also thin and her skin was pale. They stood before us and looked at me with disgust. We stood shoulders touching our hands behind our backs. "Oliver, really I thought I raised you better. But a muggle born for a friend honestly. You should know better your grandmother would be ashamed. I suppose these are the sort of wizard you have been associating with in Gryffindor." his mother said, her voice was like a hoarse whisper but it echoed through the station. "Mother please?" Oliver begged for his mother to behave, I could see he was getting red from embarrassment. But this seemed to egg them both on. I think they liked to watch their son squirm with embarrassment. I pitied him and wanted to say something but I couldn't find words so I discreetly held his hand which I noticed then had been balled into a fist but as I held it, it relaxed. "Now come along Oliver. You'd better be ready for your interview with the Ministry tomorrow. I won't have you messing up. And I certainly don't want a damn Quidditch player for a son." His father spoke and I was amazed that the iciness in his voice caused tiny clouds to form in the air. I felt Oliver tense up again like I knew he did when faced with Flint and the other Slytherins. His head snapped up and he looked into his fathers cold eyes. "Father I am going to play Quidditch, I have gotten my place." His voice was stronger then I had ever heard it. "Is that what this Mud Blood has been filling your head with. Dreams of Quidditch. I knew it was a mistake to let you learn. But I had hoped you would play for Slytherin like the six generations before you!" Oliver's father said. Oliver tensed now beyond all belief and took a step closer to his father staring him right in the eye. "Don't call her that. Leave her alone Diablo, she is worth more then you." "if you do indeed choose this Mud Blood you are not coming home with us!" his mother spat. "Fine! I will be better off without you both." Oliver said turning and taking his trolley and pushing it away from them. He put his free arm around my waist and we walked away. "Oliver thanks. Are you okay?" He had stopped pushing the trolley and just looked down at his feet. I put my hand on his shoulder and he drew me into a large hug. I could feel him relax as he hold me. "Where are you going to go now?" I asked our arms still tight around each other "Diagon Alley. I have enough gold for a flat so I am living on Diagon Alley." His voice was not as strong as it had been in front of his parents. Then my phone rang. "Mum yes. Okay. I'll be there in half an hour." I said arranging my way home. "Oliver I have to go. But I'll see you soon okay?" I looked at him and couldn't help but lean over and kiss his cheek. "Thanks Katie. I needed to get away from them." He slowly let me out of his arms and he watched as I left the train station. That had been the last time I had seen him, he had wrote and told me he had found a small apartment where he was staying until he found something else. I think he missed his parents even if they were evil - how could he not love his own parents?
Mum and Dad both came home from work excited that I was now captain. They had never seen a Quidditch match, they couldn't - all the pitches were magically protected so that if a muggle saw them they would dash off to an appointment they had forgotten. Dad had gone to the dentist six times in the space of three weeks when I first started Quidditch. Mum had the best kept hair in the area. I think they felt left out of that part of my life, but they tried to follow it as close as possible and even read the Daily Prophet although they were always distracted by the moving photos and old tales about He-How-Shan't-be-Named. They were so excited they brought me out for a big meal and made me explain everything there was to know about the game. By the time I flopped into my bed I was stuffed to the gills with prawn crackers and spring rolls and had Bludger's and snitch's on the brain.
I was woken early by the scratching of the post owl on my window. Groggily I opened the letter feeding the owl some bird seed I had specially for the owls that came to me. I smiled when I saw the envelope, it was red and green, Puddlemere colours. I knew it had to be from him.
Katie,
I hate to say I told you so. You were the only one I would have had to take my place. I remember being told how when I got knocked out you were able to bring the team together and kick Hufflepuff ass. You shall be the best (well after me of course).
I know what you're saying about the new keeper situation, I really should have trained someone to help and I would have except for the whole dementor threat. I had always the fear during that year that Quidditch would be cancelled like when the chamber of secrets was opened. But we pulled it off didn't we, we actually got the cup. That was one of the proudest moments in my life. Is that a bit sad?
Puddlemere is amazing; I wish you could see it. Maybe at Christmas you can come see it. You would love it. But I am sure that you will get a spot on the team when you finish school. You are one of the finest chasers I have ever seen.
When you come to Diagon alley to get your school things come see me, my apartment is just beside the Leaky Cauldron. I would love to see you. You could even stay - I have a great sofa bed. I'm sure its very comfy.
Ireland won the world cup. They beat Bulgaria but Victor Krum caught the Snitch. It was a short match but exciting, I have a few new ideas for tactics which I saw the Irish use, I'll show you them when you come over. And I am sure you could never be a third wheel, you are too much for that.
Lots of love Oliver.
I smiled softly. I always liked hearing from Oliver. He seemed pretty happy, I was glad. I had actually decided before he sent the owl to visit him. I really wanted his insight into the tactics I could use for the new team I had to shape.
I ran downstairs and told my parents I was going to stay in Diagon Alley for the last week of the holidays. They didn't seem to bothered but made me promise to behave myself and to write to them at least once a week. I bounded up the stairs two at a time to tell Oliver I was coming to see him the very next day.
Chapter 1
I looked in amazement at the letter that sat on my desk. I couldn't believe that I had been chosen as the new Gryffindor Quidditch captain. I had to write and tell Oliver. He had left strict instructions that whoever got it must inform him. It didn't matter how far he moved away from school Quidditch he would always care.
Oliver, You won't believe it. I Katie Bell am the new Quidditch Captain. I just got the letter now and I knew you would love to know who took your place.
Oh on that have you had any thoughts on who could get to take the vacant Keeper post. We really should have sorted that before you left. I think it is absolutely great that you are playing with Puddlemere. It must be amazing. Ever since I found out about Quidditch it's all I have wanted. Now that I am Captain of one of the main underage teams I have hope that you and I will once again play together.
Oliver, this is such a big deal and all I want to do is celebrate this, but mum and dad are Muggles and they don't get Quidditch. Oh I wish I was in Diagon Alley with you!
Oh you must tell me who won the World Cup. I bet it was amazing but I was in Norway with my sister Jenny and her boyfriend Lars, (it wasn't the best idea my parents had I was such a third wheel, Jenny kept asking did I have a boyfriend. After two days all I wanted was to hex her. But the shopping was good.)
Katie.
I couldn't but help feel isolated when I was at home. I was a muggle born and lived in a small town which was coincidently only six miles from the Weasley's. My father ran a fairly large farm and my mother was a teacher. I loved them dearly and they didn't seem to mind the fact that I was a witch. They had suspected something was different with me since I was a tot. But they had never been people to believe that magic was real, let alone their only daughter was a witch! My brother thinks it is the coolest thing in the world and keeps trying to make me turn our pet cat Hilly into a dog. I smile as the small black cat dances between my ankles purring as she asks to be feed but first I took my tiny post owl, which I had rented from Hogsmede for the summer, from the large cage I had placed in the corner of my room, it hooted softly and nipped me happily as I fastened the letter to the tiny flat in Diagon Alley I knew Oliver lived in now.
Oliver Wood, whenever I thought about him I only saw the scarlet robes and the heavy brown Quidditch gloves. I smiled; it was hard to believe that he was one of my best friends. No matter what anyone thought I knew Oliver was more then just the Quidditch Captain. He was the best captain the team has had in its seven hundred years. He knew what he was talking about and he knew how to get the best from us. He had just become captain the year I joined the team, we started to learn about Quidditch together from two different angles. I was only a first year, like Harry I was the youngest on the team for many years, though I was or never will be as famous as Harry Potter. Oliver was an amazing Keeper, none of the school teams could even dream of having a player as good as him. He had joined the team in his first year also; talent had pushed him to the fore. He had been patient with me and helped me learn to ride a broomstick correctly; I had spent hours with Madam Hooch learning to hover when all I wanted was to soar. Oliver taught me how to speed fly, to grasp and direct the broom with my legs when I was holding the Quaffle. He taught me the best ways to shoot a hoop. I taught him how to play basketball. He gave up after three hours calling it a pointless game, and after playing Quidditch I could understand why every other game was pointless.
Mother liked Oliver; she had bumped into him when we left the platform together on his last day. He was giddy with excitement as he had just got top NEWTS and he had got a letter from Puddlemere and was going for trials with their professional team. Mother had met him when he pushed his trolley through and saw his parents hadn't made it. I had wished him farewell and gone to my mother. I spotted him just sitting on a bench waiting absolutely terrified of the barbarity of some muggles. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him as he had been so happy on the train home and the weeks leading up to the departure. My mother went to put my stuff in the car and I went to him and I sat beside him. This had not been the first time his parents had been late collecting him. I had never liked his parents, they were worse then the Malfoy's. I often wondered how Oliver became so sweet and gentle with despotic parents like his. He seemed a bit embarrassed having me sit there. We didn't say anything for a while, we just sat and waited. I think my mother must have known I would be there a while and she had returned to tell me she had to do some shopping and would call my mobile phone when she was ready to collect me. Still Oliver didn't say a word. After half an hour I had to say something. "Oliver are you okay?" I asked softly, he doesn't look at me; he rested his elbows on his knees. I instinctively rubbed his back softly. "This is just typical of them you know. When I started Hogwarts they expected me to be in Slytherin like they had been. Ever since I was put in Gryffindor they have been even nastier, tried to put me down even more." I don't think he is actually talking to me more then simply voicing his anger at his parents. I moved a little closer to him and put my arm around him. "Don't worry, you have proved to be great. Dumbledore saw that when he made you prefect, Madam Hooch saw it when she made you captain and everyone sees it now you are going to be a professional Quidditch player. You are the younger Gryffindor's hero, the great keeper, the great Oliver Wood." He looked up at me and smiled, he knew I was trying my best to cheer him up and he hugged me tight. "Thanks Katie but I think that was a little over the top." He said smiling as he ruffled my hair. "See here Wood, I don't mess with your broom, you don't mess with my hair. Remember? Now I have full right to turn up on you door step when you are Puddlemere captain and demand that I have a go on your firebolt." I laughed.
We sat and spoke for hours before his parents finally made their appearance. His father was a tall thin man with cold black eyes, Oliver's mother was about my height but also thin and her skin was pale. They stood before us and looked at me with disgust. We stood shoulders touching our hands behind our backs. "Oliver, really I thought I raised you better. But a muggle born for a friend honestly. You should know better your grandmother would be ashamed. I suppose these are the sort of wizard you have been associating with in Gryffindor." his mother said, her voice was like a hoarse whisper but it echoed through the station. "Mother please?" Oliver begged for his mother to behave, I could see he was getting red from embarrassment. But this seemed to egg them both on. I think they liked to watch their son squirm with embarrassment. I pitied him and wanted to say something but I couldn't find words so I discreetly held his hand which I noticed then had been balled into a fist but as I held it, it relaxed. "Now come along Oliver. You'd better be ready for your interview with the Ministry tomorrow. I won't have you messing up. And I certainly don't want a damn Quidditch player for a son." His father spoke and I was amazed that the iciness in his voice caused tiny clouds to form in the air. I felt Oliver tense up again like I knew he did when faced with Flint and the other Slytherins. His head snapped up and he looked into his fathers cold eyes. "Father I am going to play Quidditch, I have gotten my place." His voice was stronger then I had ever heard it. "Is that what this Mud Blood has been filling your head with. Dreams of Quidditch. I knew it was a mistake to let you learn. But I had hoped you would play for Slytherin like the six generations before you!" Oliver's father said. Oliver tensed now beyond all belief and took a step closer to his father staring him right in the eye. "Don't call her that. Leave her alone Diablo, she is worth more then you." "if you do indeed choose this Mud Blood you are not coming home with us!" his mother spat. "Fine! I will be better off without you both." Oliver said turning and taking his trolley and pushing it away from them. He put his free arm around my waist and we walked away. "Oliver thanks. Are you okay?" He had stopped pushing the trolley and just looked down at his feet. I put my hand on his shoulder and he drew me into a large hug. I could feel him relax as he hold me. "Where are you going to go now?" I asked our arms still tight around each other "Diagon Alley. I have enough gold for a flat so I am living on Diagon Alley." His voice was not as strong as it had been in front of his parents. Then my phone rang. "Mum yes. Okay. I'll be there in half an hour." I said arranging my way home. "Oliver I have to go. But I'll see you soon okay?" I looked at him and couldn't help but lean over and kiss his cheek. "Thanks Katie. I needed to get away from them." He slowly let me out of his arms and he watched as I left the train station. That had been the last time I had seen him, he had wrote and told me he had found a small apartment where he was staying until he found something else. I think he missed his parents even if they were evil - how could he not love his own parents?
Mum and Dad both came home from work excited that I was now captain. They had never seen a Quidditch match, they couldn't - all the pitches were magically protected so that if a muggle saw them they would dash off to an appointment they had forgotten. Dad had gone to the dentist six times in the space of three weeks when I first started Quidditch. Mum had the best kept hair in the area. I think they felt left out of that part of my life, but they tried to follow it as close as possible and even read the Daily Prophet although they were always distracted by the moving photos and old tales about He-How-Shan't-be-Named. They were so excited they brought me out for a big meal and made me explain everything there was to know about the game. By the time I flopped into my bed I was stuffed to the gills with prawn crackers and spring rolls and had Bludger's and snitch's on the brain.
I was woken early by the scratching of the post owl on my window. Groggily I opened the letter feeding the owl some bird seed I had specially for the owls that came to me. I smiled when I saw the envelope, it was red and green, Puddlemere colours. I knew it had to be from him.
Katie,
I hate to say I told you so. You were the only one I would have had to take my place. I remember being told how when I got knocked out you were able to bring the team together and kick Hufflepuff ass. You shall be the best (well after me of course).
I know what you're saying about the new keeper situation, I really should have trained someone to help and I would have except for the whole dementor threat. I had always the fear during that year that Quidditch would be cancelled like when the chamber of secrets was opened. But we pulled it off didn't we, we actually got the cup. That was one of the proudest moments in my life. Is that a bit sad?
Puddlemere is amazing; I wish you could see it. Maybe at Christmas you can come see it. You would love it. But I am sure that you will get a spot on the team when you finish school. You are one of the finest chasers I have ever seen.
When you come to Diagon alley to get your school things come see me, my apartment is just beside the Leaky Cauldron. I would love to see you. You could even stay - I have a great sofa bed. I'm sure its very comfy.
Ireland won the world cup. They beat Bulgaria but Victor Krum caught the Snitch. It was a short match but exciting, I have a few new ideas for tactics which I saw the Irish use, I'll show you them when you come over. And I am sure you could never be a third wheel, you are too much for that.
Lots of love Oliver.
I smiled softly. I always liked hearing from Oliver. He seemed pretty happy, I was glad. I had actually decided before he sent the owl to visit him. I really wanted his insight into the tactics I could use for the new team I had to shape.
I ran downstairs and told my parents I was going to stay in Diagon Alley for the last week of the holidays. They didn't seem to bothered but made me promise to behave myself and to write to them at least once a week. I bounded up the stairs two at a time to tell Oliver I was coming to see him the very next day.