Author's Note- So it's been awhile. Sorry. I sort of lost momentum with the story and i've been trying to get myself back on track. Hopefully you all aren't too mad at me. I'm pretty happy with where i'm at now. Look for something intense next chapter. And don't worry. i'll be up in the next couple of weeks. Not months. Summer is here and i'm going to devote it to writing. Please don't forget to review. Thanks again to all my faithful and new readers.


Chapter 9

The Realization

"Great try outs today coach, the team is really looking good this year," Arianna grinned at Shane as the pair including Ian exited from the Gryffindor changing rooms. Lila and Peyton were waiting just outside for them and the group began walking up to the castle together.

"It's true. I was worried about replacing Deerwater but I must say Hollands is looking really good out there. He works well with Markson and Baird too. I really think we can take it this year," Shane answered enthusiastically. It has been so close last year, Ravenclaw just beating Gryffindor for the cup.

"I remember stories of when mum, dad and Uncle Ron were on the team. Gryffindor won every year with Dad," Lila reminisced.

"If only you shared the same gene as your parents," Shane joked.

"It's true. You would never want to see me on a broom. But it is a shame you aren't going to be here when Molly comes. She's brilliant. She inherited all those genes."

The group continued to chatter when suddenly someone called out Shane's name. Everyone stopped and turned to see Summer trailing behind them. "Well hello there," Shane beamed as she made her way towards them.

"That was some great Quidditch, even if it was just a tryout," she smiled sweetly. "Arianna, that was some amazing display of strength. I for one could never be able to hit a bludger while flying and live to tell the tale." Could Arianna sense a bit of malice in Summer's eyes?

"That's why I love her," Shane boasted as he wrapped his arm around Arianna's shoulder and pulled her close to him. Arianna's knees suddenly felt weak and her heart soared high. Summer looked as if she had been whacked with a bat.

Regaining that look of confidence Summer waltzed over to Shane and took his other hand. "Well I have never seen a better keeper in all my life."

Shane's arm dropped from Arianna's shoulder and he blushed a bit. Arianna noted that he didn't let go of Summer's hand. "Um," Peyton mumbled trying to diffuse the tense moment. "I've got to get started on the Transfiguration homework, we better get going." Arianna silently thanked her best friend.

"Speaking of which, I've got to stop at the library and pick up a book. Who wants to come?" Summer asked.

The group remained silent and after no one volunteered Shane accepted the invitation. With a quick goodbye the two headed off to the library. Although she was seething with rage Arianna found a bit of comfort in the fact that the two were no longer holding hands.

"What kind of spell does she have him under?" Lila crossed her arms. "Seriously, does Shane not realize how obvious she is, drooling all over him like that?" Ian eyed Arianna hesitantly. "Spill it," Lila demanded after witnessing the look.

"He says he kind of likes her," he stated honestly.

Peyton's jaw dropped. "What?" Arianna could feel her heart fall onto the floor and shatter into a thousand pieces.

"I was talking to him the other night and he was telling me that, well, they've been talking and that he thinks he may sort of like her," he said this all while casting Arianna a worried glance.

"But what about Arianna?" Lila spoke as if her cousin weren't even there.

Ian went to say something but Arianna instantly cut him off. "I don't want to hear it," she stated simply, her voice remaining calm, trying to hide how she was really feeling.

"Ari…" Lila made a move to go to her but Arianna took a step back.

"I think I'm going to go for a walk, see you guys later."

"Are you sure you don't want one of us to come?" Lila frowned.

"Why would I? It's not like I am dying or anything. Shane and I are just friends. He is free to date whomever he very well pleases. I just need some air is all."

Ian, Lila and Peyton watched sadly as Arianna headed back out onto the grounds. The sun was beginning to set as Arianna found herself heading down towards the lake. Parking herself under a rather large tree Arianna leaned back onto the trunk and started off into the distance. She couldn't understand why this was bothering her so much. Sure, she had a huge crush on Shane. Girls had crushes all the time. Her mum for instance had dated her Uncle Ron for goodness sake. Look how that had turned out. Just because you liked someone didn't mean you were meant to be with them. Still, at the moment, not being together was really hurting.

Meanwhile, miles away Hermione stood transfixed at her bedroom, staring as the sun began to set. "Mione?" George called from the front hall.

"In here," she called not wanting to move.

George entered the bedroom dressed in his work clothes. "How are you?' he came up behind her and kissed her on the cheek. He wrapped his arms around her and she leaned back into him. They both stared out the window.

"Do you remember when I told you I loved you?" she questioned.

George smiled at the memory. "And if I recall correctly minutes later I was getting into a rather rough fight with dear old Ronniekins."

"Ah yes, and then I had to explain why you two were trying to bash in each others' heads to your mom. I never felt so embarrassed. I was sure Molly would throw me out or something."

"Mum would never do that," George frowned. He squinted for a minute and then a wide smile spread across his face. "I also seem to remember that you happened to teach me a rather interesting muggle game that day as well."

Hermione laughed as she looked down to see him offering his hand. She took it and in an instant they were having a full fledged thumb war.

Once Arianna made it back to the common room she was relieved to find Shane and Peyton seated in front of the fire, Summer no where to be found.

"As much as I love Mr. Thomas I must say I'm not a big fan of all this Arithmancy homework," Peyton sighed from her position, surrounded by a handful of open books.

"Hey," Arianna approached and then took a seat next to Peyton. Shane looked up from his writing and shot her a half smile. She just turned her attention towards Peyton. She was in no mood to be jolly with Shane.

Shane could sense Arianna's anger although he wasn't too sure what it was all about. "Well, your Arithmancy can not be as bad as this stupid dream journal," Shane decided not to push his best friend. Instead he held up a parchment full of scribbles and ink marks.

Peyton giggled. "How you still even survive that class I will never know."

Arianna went to say something but Summer immerged from the spiral staircase and plopped herself down next to Shane. Arianna wondered how she always managed to pop up everywhere. "I'm going to bed," she stated.

Peyton frowned. "What about your homework?"

Arianna paused. Damn. "I'll do it in my room," she quickly glanced at Shane. He was watching her with a very sad look on his face.

"I guess I'll come with you," Peyton hastily got up and packed up her stuff. "Night Shane."

"Night," he said softly. And with that Arianna and Peyton headed to their room.

Once the girls were gone Summer brightly turned to Shane. "So, ready to help me with that homework?"

Shane shook his head. "I'm sorry," he muttered as he packed up all his stuff and stood. "I think I'm going to head up too," and without as much as a goodnight he left, his mind reeling. Arianna wasn't only upset, she was mad at him.