A/N: Do I have to say it? Please? Oh, FINE. Not mine, all Ms. Rowling's. There, ya happy? Bloodsucking lawyers! Sheesh!
The stadium teemed with fans. Some were decorated with blue souvenirs but it was mostly a sea of green that met Oliver's eyes as he floated in front of the hoops. This was an important match for Puddlemere. If they won here, they were in contention to go to the World Cup playoffs. Oliver understood better than most what that would mean to the team and the organization, having won a few World Cups in his tenure at Puddlemere.
But that was before. No one remembered before, except when you lost. Management beat their mantra into the coach's head and he, in turn, beat it into his team several times a week.
Oliver watched the Quaffle pass back and forth among the Irish team and was impressed. 'They play very well together,' he thought. Split second timing and fearless acrobatics had taken the Irish team far. Oliver readied himself as they came closer, until a bludger knocked the chaser's broom tail, spinning him, which caused him to drop the Quaffle. Hereford snagged it before the Irish team could recover and sped back off the pitch towards the Irish hoops.
"Yeah," Oliver yelled, "Give 'em hell, Ted!"
He watched as the Puddlemere chasers began the three-prong attack formation they practiced all this week.
The commentator was beside himself as he tried to follow the plays. The chasers were tossing the ball around so much, even Oliver had a bit of a time following it.
"SCORE FOR PUDDLEMERE!" the commentator yelled into his microphone and the crowds wearing blue cheered, while the ones wearing green groaned.
"The score stands at Irish Greenhats 90, Puddlemere United, 80."
Oliver smiled slightly. They could win this. They just need to grab the snitch quickly. His eyes roamed up to follow his Seeker, Simone. She was weaving back and forth trying to gauge the other teams' seeker abilities.
'Damn, that girl is good,' he thought as he focused back on the pitch, trying to locate the Quaffle.
He spotted the Irish chaser with red hair (didn't they all have red hair?) flying towards him faster than he expected. The Quaffle was tucked tightly in his arm and he dodged a bludger with a short turn to the left as he barreled down towards Oliver.
Oliver readied himself, trying to see the chaser's eyes. 'If his eyes bear left, and he is flying right, he will shoot left. But don't get too cocky, Wood. He could be trying to fake you with a fake,' he thought to himself.
All this ran through Oliver's mind as he lifted his seat a bit to get a better angle on his opponent. It was a trick that Oliver rarely used and it usually paid off big. It allowed him to put more weight on the front of his broom and get in front of the Quaffle better. He steadied his hands and focused on the chaser racing towards him.
The next few moments happened so fast, no one person could say for certain what happened. The chaser leaned left towards the left hoop, but his arm was aiming for the center. Oliver reached to block the shot and just then, a bludger came out from nowhere and slammed into his back. Now, Oliver was a tough player. He had been hit by bludgers in the face, neck, back, legs, you name it. He would usually keep on his broom and wait for the whistle to call time-out so he could get treated. But this time, because he was not actually seated on his broom, the bludger succeeded at knocking him off. Thank goodness for the safety measures built in, as the newer brooms were able to sense the person riding them and try to correct any mishaps, such as this. Oliver's broom swooped under him at the armpits and lowered him slowly to the ground. Time out was called and he was carried off on a stretcher.
Oliver was aware of everything going on, unfortunately. The pain was not enough to knock him out. He heard everything the healers were saying as he laid on his stomach on the stretcher and it was tearing his soul in two.
'Don't see how he can get back out there,' said one to his coach. 'This may be a permanent injury. He will have to be treated very carefully and watched for several months.'
He heard his coach grumble and stalk from the room.
Oliver closed his eyes and groaned in pain, but not from his injury.
Meanwhile….
The Potter household was struck silent. They were all seated on the couch in front of the TV watching Oliver being carried off the pitch on a stretcher.
Chelsea's eyes were big as she looked at Harry. "Is he going to be ok, Daddy?"
Harry's eyes met Ginny's over Chelsea's head. They both seen where the bludger hit and were concerned for their friend. Ginny squeezed Harry's shoulder where her hand rested.
"Daddy?" Chelsea asked again, her eyes showing unshed tears.
Harry kissed her on top of her head and said, "We'll see, baby. Oliver is a tough player and if anyone can come back from a hit like that, it would be him."
Ginny wasn't so sure.
Sunday, late morning…
Hermione was puttering around her flat, finishing up some household things that needed doing. She was listening to the wireless as she finished folding her clothes and was loading the basket to take in the other room. The music was interrupted suddenly.
"This just in…In sporting news today, Puddlemere United just announced that a new Keeper would be taking over while the injured Oliver Wood recovers. Michael Cook, reserve Keeper, just graduated from Hogwarts, will be stepping in until Mr. Wood's condition is improved. From the Puddlemere United's conference room moments ago…
"Coach McManus, Is it true that you have released Oliver Wood from contract and are already looking for another new reserve Keeper to fill Mr. Cook's shoes while he takes over in regular play?" a reporter asks.
"Now, let me set the record straight," a gruff voice is heard saying. "Listen to me well, for I will not repeat myself. Oliver Wood is still a part of this team. He is its captain and a key player. Without his leadership and talent, this team would not be here today. As to his contract, this company has never and will never comment about such things. Michael Cook is a great asset to our team and he will be doing as he was hired to do. Filling in for Mr. Wood while he recovers from his injuries. That is all," he finished.
"Mr. Cook, are you thrilled to be given this opportunity?" another reporter shouted.
"Thrilled? One of the best damn players in the history of this sport is injured, folks. I have a commitment to this team and this organization. But none of that means anything if I have to try to fill Mr. Wood's shoes. That is not possible for me to do. He is the lifeblood of this team and we will be waiting until the day he takes the role of Keeper once again. And," Michael finished with a slight edge to his voice, "that is all I have to say."
"Mr. Cook! Coach McManus!" reporters called…
To this reporter's knowledge, Oliver Wood is said to be resting comfortably at an undisclosed location and has not been available for comment.
We now return you to your regular programming…
Hermione just stared at the wireless, her hands hanging in the basket still holding her shirt. She closed her eyes.
'Oh, Oliver,' she thought. 'I hope you are okay.'
As Hermione Apparates at the Burrow, all is quiet. She almost wonders if she got the time right, when four children come running around the corner of the house. The two girls in front race for Hermione, while the two boys behind shake what looks like spiders at them. The twins stop when they see Hermione tapping her foot on the ground, arms crossed. They look at one another and take off to the house.
"MAAAA!"
Fleur races out of the house, ready to do battle with whoever would dare scare her children. She sees no one but Hermione kneeling down to talk to the girls, calming them and making sure they are not hurt. Fleur turns around and sees her boys standing behind the porch swing, watching Hermione carefully.
"What eez the problem, boys?" Fleur asks.
"Hermione was looking at us!" they cried while pointing at Hermione.
"What?"
"She was giving us this evil eye, and we got scared," Kristoff said, the older of the two by 6 minutes.
Fleur looked at Hermione, who was holding both girls' hands in hers. "Hermione?"
"They are telling the truth, Fleur. But not the whole of it. Go on, tell her, boys," Hermione said sternly.
"What? We didn't do nuttin," Gabe said, scuffing his shoe on the porch.
"Boys, I had better be hearing ze truth from you, and right now," Fleur said, looking down at them with her hands on her hips.
Hermione had to deeply stifle her laughter. The girls just watched, wide eyed.
"Well, we were playing with Chels and Brittney, when they ran screaming-"Gabe started and his mother huffed.
"Gabriel, girls do not run screaming from little boys unless those boys have done something to deserve it," Bill said, coming though the door.
Kristoff and Gabe shared a look that seemed to say Uh oh, Dad is involved now.
"Well?" Fleur said loudly, breaking their silent communication.
"Okay, okay. We were chasing them with some fake candy spiders," Kristoff huffed, folding his arms across his little chest.
Both boys were slightly indignant as their parents read them the riot act about teasing their sister and cousin. Hermione took the girls into the house to get pumpkin juice and cookies, as they didn't need to witness it.
All three girls sat down at the table and munched on the cookies.
"Auntie Mione?" Chelsea asked.
"Yes, dear?" Hermione answered after taking a swallow of juice.
"What does undisclosed mean?" she asked.
"Undisclosed?" Hermione repeated.
"Yes, I heard it today on the wireless and I wondered what it meant," Chelsea stated as she dunked her cookie in her juice.
Hermione tried not to make a face at Chelsea's concoction and said, "Undisclosed means unknown, not known."
"Like a secret?" Brittany asked.
Hermione smiled at Bill and Fleur's youngest child. She was quite bright. "Yes, that is right, like a secret."
"So if someone is at an un-undi-undisclosed location, that means they are at a secret place?" Chelsea said.
Hermione recalled the news bulletin earlier today. It has stated that Oliver was at an undisclosed location.
"Um, yeah. That is it, a secret place," she finished.
"Ah. Well, good. That is good," Chelsea said with a sigh of relief.
"Why?" Hermione asked.
Chelsea looked at Brittney then back to Hermione. Hermione nodded and understood. This meant that it was for their secret talks and not to be said in front of Brittany.
The door shut loudly behind them and all three turned around. Two very contrite little boys and their steamed parents were standing there.
Bill knocked Kristoff in the back of the head. "We're sorry we tried to scare you girls," he said with no feeling at all.
Fleur tapped Gabe on the top of his head. "Ow!" He looked at his shoes. A small mumbled voice came from his chest area. "Sorry for tattling on you, Aunt Mione. You were just helping the girls."
Hermione looked up at Bill and Fleur with a small smile. They winked at her.
"I accept your apology, boys. Now, come here and give me a hug. I haven't seen you in ages!" She said.
They both looked at their parents, who nodded. The boys ran to Hermione and gave her hard hugs. The girls whined and wanted hugs too. The boys jumped away screaming, "Ewww, girl germs!" and went racing upstairs, the girls following behind.
Hermione watched them go and looked at Bill and Fleur. They had their arms around each others waists and watched their children adoringly. They all smiled and started to laugh.
The picnic was in full swing later on, as all the family and extended members had arrived. Fred and George had arrived with their fiancés Angelina Johnson and Katie Bell. Obviously, Harry, Ginny, and Chelsea were there already, along with Bill and Fleur and their family. Ron showed up right after the twins with his companion, Luna Lovegood.
Hermione was a bit shocked at that, but Ginny had explained that she had set them up a week ago. Hermione was glad that Ron was dating for two reasons. One, it meant that he was moving on. Two, it meant that he wouldn't be so worried about her love life if he had one of his own. The entire crowd was outside chatting while Molly and Fleur were preparing food in the kitchen.
Molly leaned out the door and hollered for Fred and George.
"Yes, Mum?" they replied together.
"Did you invite Oliver to come today?" she asked.
"We did, Mum, honest. Last week. He said he might be able to but it depended on his practice schedule," Fred replied. George observed Hermione taking an interest in this conversation.
Molly nodded and returned to the kitchen.
George whispered in Fred's ear and they both looked over at Hermione.
Hermione stood there thinking that if Oliver did show up, it would be quite awkward for the both of them, as Ginny walked up slowly and touched Hermione on the arm.
"You okay, sweetie?" Ginny asked.
"Yes, I'm fine. How about you? Ready to be done being pregnant?" Hermione teased.
"Oh, Merlin, yes. Still have another four months or so, and already I am ready to have this little man here," Ginny said in a rush.
"I tell you what, that son of mine is gonna be the best Gryffindor Quidditch captain we have ever seen," Harry boasted, as he swung Chelsea on his back.
"Silly Daddy, Oliver Wood is the best Gryffindor Quidditch captain ever," Chelsea exclaimed over Harry's shoulder.
"Hey, Harry," Ron called from across the yard.
"Excuse me, ladies." Harry leaned in and gave Ginny a quick peck on the cheek and turned to gallop over to Ron, a giggling Chelsea on his back.
"It is amazing to me some days what a great father Harry turned out to be," Hermione said, "given his upbringing."
Ginny tugged on Hermione's arm and gestured to some chairs sitting underneath a tree. They both settled in and watched Harry and Ron taking turns galloping around the yard with the small girls on their backs. They all were laughing at the silliness and sweetness of it all.
"I do know what you mean, about Harry," Ginny said. "He is such a loving father and husband. I have to believe it is genetic, and not a learned behavior."
"Well, I don't know. He had plenty of opportunity to witness your parents dealing with you and your brothers," Hermione said. "And then, you have to factor in the L variable."
"L Variable?" Ginny asked, looking at Hermione.
"Love, Ginny."
"Oh," Ginny said as she blushed. "I don't know that I had anything to do with his parenting skills."
"Well, you certainly have given him what he needs to feel safe and secure. That was something that was lacking from his life for almost his entire childhood, until he found Ron on the train," Hermione said, sipping her juice. "I think it started there, and continued when you two fell in love."
"My, you are being awfully deep today," Ginny said, her eyes bright.
"Ha, you just caught me on one of my philosophical days," Hermione said in a joking manner.
"Is that all it really is?" Ginny asked. "Or is it something else?"
"Like what?" Hermione said, turning to Ginny.
"Like, uh, well," Ginny stammered, "I don't know. That is why I am asking you."
"Hmm, okay." Hermione said, looking back at the group on the lawn.
George and Fred had overheard Hermione going on about love and were just about beside themselves (A/N: Get it? Twins, besides themselves? HA HA) plotting the downfall of an unsuspecting best friend.
They watched as both women proceeded into the house to help Molly and Fleur with the preparations.
"Oh, man," Fred said, "this is too good to be true."
"I know, I know. I can't wait to-"George began but was interrupted by one Katie Bell.
"Can't wait for what, George Weasley?" Katie said as she walked up, Angelina following behind.
"Um, nothing dear," George said, with a wink to Fred.
"Don't give me that, I know you too well. Now, spill," Katie demanded.
"Fred, you better not be plotting anything to cause havoc today. I am getting tired of apologizing everywhere we go," Angelina said with a bored look.
"Honest, we aren't gonna do anything. We were just talking about," he said, searching around for a subject, "about, um, Oliver!" George smacked his forehead with his hand.
"What about Oliver?" Katie asked menacingly.
"Just what a shame it is what happened and all," Fred said, scuffing his toe in the dirt. (Remind you of anyone?)
"So," Angelina said, crossing her arms, "why can't you wait to?" She gestured for them to go on.
George and Fred looked at each other. The girls were not gonna let this go. They nodded.
"Okay, we will tell you what we have going, but you have to promise not to breathe a word of it. If it ever got back that we were going behind people's backs for this," George began.
"Nobody would be surprised in the least," Angelina finished, as the twins rolled their eyes and laid out their plan to the women they loved. The girls listened, and after they both gave shocked gasps, they started to see the twins reasoning and pretty soon, the girls had the gleam of intrigue in their eyes.
A/N: I am closing this out here, becuz honestly, I have got to get some sleep. I will try to crank out a few more chapters tomorrow, but the DAYTONA 500 is on, so I will not promise anything. :D GO 20! TA TA
