The girls left in the wee hours of the night, satisfied that they had heard all the tiny details, and that Oliver Wood was completely in love with their dear friend Ayla. It was when they began to plan the wedding and to decide who would be bridesmaids that Sarah began to scream. They were so shocked at the pregnant woman's lung capacity that they immediately shut up, worried that Sarah had gone into an early labour. What was wrong however was that, in an effort to distract herself from the topic of what shade of black Oliver's robes should be, Sarah had attempted to summon a large bar of chocolate. With her magic not working properly she had in fact transfigured her left hand into the milky confection. The scream came when Penny attempted to eat Sarah's little finger. After her hand had been restored Sarah insisted that everyone go home.
Not that any of them, apart from Ayla, had anything to do the next day. Ayla's friends were lucky enough to work part time, those who did actually work. Both Chloe and Scarlet were married to rich, successful wizards who insisted their wives stay at home. Kristina worked three days a week in a muggle grocers, where she claimed to have little responsibility and better pay than most wizarding establishments gave. It was also at the grocer's that she had met Drew. While he too had been at Hogwarts, Drew was several years older and a former Hufflepuff. Because of this none of the group really knew who he was. Kristina had refused to date him for six months, thinking he was a muggle and not quite sure she could cope with a mixed marriage. It had been Ayla's older brother Parker who had introduced the two, they had been together ever since.
Penny worked at the Ministry as the secretary to the Vice-Minister for imports of magical goods. But because her boss had not been in the office before two in the afternoon for three years, neither had she.
Lenny and Terri worked together in Terri's aunt's second-hand robe shop. The pair loved their jobs, and saw it as the perfect opportunity to extend their wardrobes with the pick of the best vintage robes on offer.
Ayla would, of course, be behind the counter of Quality Quidditch Supplies first thing the next morning. She'd hide her yawns, as usual, behind several important looking owls and then hide out in the back office when the cover wizard turned up. All in all it was a good life.
The next day went like any other. Ayla sold seven Cleansweeps and a Bludger set. She floo'd home as usual and collapsed on the sofa as usual. And, as was becoming increasingly usual Jynx was missing. What was unusual however, was when a head popped out of her suddenly green glowing fireplace and shouted:
"Is it safe?"
"What? Who's that?"
The head was followed out of the fireplace by the body of Oliver Wood.
"It's me. Hi. Is your cat thing about? I don't fancy being savaged again." he grinned as he dropped down on the sofa next to Ayla.
"My kneazle isn't here. She's gone missing."
Ayla wouldn't admit it to anyone but she was beginning to doubt she'd see her pet again.
"Oh shame. You'll never guess what I did." Oliver didn't seem quite convincing when he commiserated with Ayla, he seemed too insistent on making her guess.
"Go on, guess. You'll probably never in a million years get it. It's too amazing." he said grinning from ear to ear.
"Uh you got a new broom?"
"Well yes, but that's not it. Much better than a new broom. Come on think!"
"Oh I don't know. You're the new poster boy for Quidditch Weekly?"
"Witch Weekly actually, but that's not it either. Last guess."
"You're getting a sex change so you can play for the Harpies!"
Oliver's face resembled a sheet. He couldn't believe she had just said that. Who could think of such a thing? Especially when Puddlemere were doing so well. She really was nuts.
"No. not quite right."
"The Falcons then?" she interrupted, and giggled at the face he pulled.
"No I just meant it involved Quidditch. No-one's transferring."
"Oh just tell me, I'm sick of guessing. Does it have anything to do with the surprise you were planning?"
He grinned broadly.
"Yup." He paused for dramatic effect but also to wind her up just a little bit more.
"Well?" she wished he'd just get to the point already.
"February 16th."
"What about it?" Merlin if he wasn't so gorgeous she'd be punching that stupid grin off his face right now.
"Sound familiar?"
"Not really no." she was screaming inside by now.
"It should."
She couldn't take it anymore. She grabbed the nearest cushion and clamped it over his face, clambering onto his lap.
"Tell me or I'll smother you!" she shouted. There was really only so much a witch could take. She could hear his muffled laughter and decided to push down harder. That did the trick, he waved his hands in defeat.
"Ok, ok. I'll tell you."
Yes she won, she broke him down. And it was worth it. His hair was all ruffled again, just the way she liked it.
"Well come on then, tell me!" she demanded, climbing off his lap.
"Puddlemere vs. the Falmouth Falcons."
No, he'd lost her somewhere. Why was he changing the subject?
"I got you tickets. Prime seats. And you can come and watch us warm up before the match. They don't let just anyone do that."
It wasn't what she had expected, but she smiled anyway. It was a nice enough gesture, and it was sweet of him to think of her. But she couldn't help but think a box of chocolates would have been nicer.
"That's great. Thanks Oliver!"
She leant over and hugged him. He hugged back although it felt a bit awkward.
He liked Ayla. He really did. But they were supposed to be just friends. Just platonic, uncomplicated friends. So why did the smell of her hair make his stomach jump like that?
"Good. I'm glad you like it. Well, I should be going. Got practice in the morning. We need to train hard, show those Falcons that cheaters never prosper."
She grinned, he had that manic glint in his eye and determined look on his face.
"Ok well have a good practice. I'll see you again."
"Thanks. I'll drop the tickets by the shop later in the week." He waved as he stepped into the fireplace and disappeared with a whoosh.
When he did drop the tickets into the shop Ayla's boss, and uncle, Mike was there. He was nothing short of ecstatic. Ayla had landed a high profile customer, who was Captain of one of the best teams in the league. If they were lucky Wood would get his team to shop at Q.Q.S too. Mike Green listed the endless possibilities to Oliver, while Ayla laughed silently behind the counter. Sponsorship, endorsement deals. Oliver just nodded in a politely bewildered way. He'd been lost ever since Mr. Green had shaken his hand and began talking about the destiny that had brought him here to this very shop. Some fans were just mad.
He was however lucky to have the ability and freewill to walk out of the shop. Ayla on the other hand was stuck there. It was her job after all. And it was still weeks later that her uncle was rhapsodising about Wood.
Thank Merlin she had the 16th off. She could do with a day away from work.
She arrived early at the pitch to watch Oliver's team train. She was glad of the all access pass Oliver had given her and Sarah, who Ayla had dragged along with her. She wandered through the deserted stadium in search of a drink when she quite literally bumped into a player. She really had to stop doing that.
"Hey, watch it love!" the dark-haired wizard grunted before he carried on walking. Leaving her on the floor to mumble her apologies to thin air. Idiot.
The gates were due to open soon, so she hurried to get her drink and get back to her seat. She didn't have to wait long before a voice boomed out across the stadium:
"Ladies and gents, welcome to the semi's of the Quidditch League Cup."
