A/N: I'm back. I know, I know. I promised a week. Bad author. But I do have a good excuse. A little thing I like to call food poisoning. Am I forgiven: ( On a lighter side, I have been trying desperately to find my muse. He appears to be hiding from me. I even watched my Harry Potter DVDs and downloaded the GoF trailer to see if that would help. I think it did a little, we'll just have to see. I have absolutely know idea where this story is going, I believe that's my problem. I had the plot all worked out, then decided to change a few things-now I'm lost. Any suggestions? I'm desperate here. I REALLY don't want to be one of those authors who abandons their story.

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FizzingWhizbeez: We'll see.

Kit Merlot: I have one question-do you read ALL of my stories? That's sweet.

tinkerbell86:A week or two? Well, if you insist.

Bookgoddess: Thanks for the tips.

Icelandic Morning Glory: Thanks. Are you alright?

Paradise-Unknown: No food or bathroom? Should I be flattered or deeply concerned?

stRawb3RRi3zform3: Thanks. I must ask you too, are you okay?

PuddlemereSurprise: He's so Oliver. Sigh. I couldn't agree more.

Everyone Else: You are all too sweet.

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Disclaimer: I don't feel like it. Make up one for yourself. : )

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Facing Demons and Keepers

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You'd think after I kissed Oliver things would get better between us, right? WRONG! Sometimes Oliver can be such a…boy.

At the present moment I was sitting at one end of the Gryffindor table eating dinner and Oliver was at the other end. The tables in the Great Hall are really long, he was at least a hundred feet away from me if not more. And what was worse, he was on the same side so I couldn't even see him. Oh, I was starting to get angry.

My friends seemed to notice. They all had their "Let's-no-upset-Katie-or-she-may-burst-a-blood-vessel-and-kill-us-all" faces on. I don't get it. I loose my temper a few times, an they act like I'm constantly about to snap. Jeez, you hang one Slytherin from a Quidditch hoop and you're branded for life.

But I wasn't worried about them.

'What is his problem?' that was the one thought that kept constantly running through my head. I knew Oliver was attracted to me. I would have given up on this whole thing ages ago if I wasn't sure about that. That's what made the whole Avoid By Any Means Necessary thing he had going on all the more bewildering. And frustrating.

I guess that's my penance for messing with Mr. I Don't Have Feelings Unless It Involves A Broom So Please Don't Bother Me, Thank You Very Much . Frustration and a daily dose of migraine potion from Madame Pomphrey. I've been there so much she wants to send me to St. Mungo's for 'evaluation.' And a straight jacket probably. My little campout in Oliver's bed had gotten around Gryffindor and then spread to the other houses before making it to the professors. I overheard McGonagall and Sprout talking about it the other day. It seems Oliver's having trouble concentrating in class.

No wonder he's doing whatever's possible to steer clear of me. I've turned him into gossip. The one thing he hate above all else. With his looks, he's been the subject of plenty of it. Just bloody perfect.

I banged my head against the table, drawing strange looks from nearly…everyone. But I didn't care. I was starting to loose it.

"Uh, Katie?" Alicia asked softly.

I muttered from underneath my hair.

"Are you alright?"

I looked up at. "Does it look like I'm alright?" I asked sarcastically.

"Katie, we're concerned. Don't jump on us." Angelina chastised.

I glared at her before I stood out and stomped out of the hall. I felt every eyes on me as I made my way to the door. Just for good measure I made sure to hit Oliver in the back of the head as he stared intently at his chicken on my way out. If nothing else, it may just get him to say something to me. Even if it was just yelling. Snickers followed me all the way to the tower.

I heard footsteps behind me the whole way, but didn't turn around. I knew exactly who was behind me.

Once inside the portrait hole, I plopped down right in front of the fireplace. 'Come on, make the first move.'

"Katie."

Bingo.

"Yes, Oliver?" I answered without turning around.

"What was that all about?" he demanded as he walked over to stand in front of me.

"What?" I asked all innocence.

"Don't try and pull that innocent stuff with me. I didn't buy it for five years, I'm not going to buy it now." he threw at me.

I huffed. "Fine." I sunk down into my seat.

After that he didn't say anything. He just stood there.

"Well, do you have something to say, or are you going to stand there staring at me all night. It's creeping me out."

Oliver got slightly pink. Ha, take that.

"I'm waiting." he replied.

"For what?"

"An explanation."

"Of…" I drawled out.

"Why you hit me." he explained as if it were so completely obvious.

"Oh. That. I just felt like it." I answered.

"Felt like it? Katie the whole school was down there and you decide to draw all that attention to us and whatever it is you're trying to pull. Why?" he shot at me.

"Trying to pull? What is that supposed to mean?" I demanded as I stood to face him.

"I mean whatever the reason you've been tormenting me all semester is."

I was in total shock. "Torment you? Is that what you think?" I said, allowing my chin to quiver.

Oliver's face softened again before he recovered himself. He out his game face back on. The one that blocks all emotion from his features. Typical.

"Katie you ignored me for the better part of last year. Why focus on me now? Did you run out of other guys to flirt with?" he asked bitterly.

"Is that it?" I accused. "Are you jealous of my flirting with other guys and now you're trying to get even by ignoring me?"

He didn't answer. So I did what I had to. I walked right over and stood right in front of him, eye to eye. Or rather eye to chin. But I looked up.

"Or is the real reason you're upset because you're terrified that people will think we're having a little lover's quarrel? No that can't be it. Oliver Wood wouldn't lower himself to that level. He doesn't have emotions. At least not when it comes to people. Why fight with a girl when you can vent your anger on a round piece of wood." I seethed.

I could see the anger radiating from Oliver's eyes as he glared at me. I knew I'd struck a nerve. We were standing so close, I could feel every breath he took. Then it flashed in his eyes as he realized the same thing. He wanted to kiss me. Well, he would have to. Because I was certainly not kissing him again.

We stood that way for several minutes at least. Then the portrait hole opened and the rest of the tower started filing in. The chatter died away as they took in the spectacle Oliver and I were providing. 'Time to make my move.'

"You know, for all of that Gryffindor bravery you claim to have," I said loud enough for everyone to hear me, "you are the biggest coward I've ever met." I said before turning on my heal and stalking upstairs.

I collapsed on my bed in a fit a giggles. The look on his face was priceless. I calmed down. I had about, oh thirty seconds until Alicia and Angelina came in demanding details. Right on cue, the door flew open. Time for the waterworks. I would have them console me tonight, knowing they'd yell at Oliver tomorrow, then I'd make my BIG move.

It was almost too easy.

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A/N: Well? Let me know what you think. Is the muse returning? Or has the evil food

poisoning affected my brain? And just what is Katies's big move? You'll just have to read the next chapter to find out. Bye-bye.