Chapter forty two.

Ayla stifled a giggle as Flint flew to his feet, a small but determined smile crossing his dark features.

"Hello Kris," he said, his voice a semitone deeper than usual. "How've you been?"

"Why's he looking at me like that?" Kris asked turning to Ayla.

Ayla shook her head, not trusting herself enough to open her mouth and not laugh. Kris gave Flint s calculating look and frowned.

"What are you up to?" she asked.

"Just admiring you."

This time Ayla did laugh. It burst out before she could stop herself.

"You told him!" Kris shrieked.

Again Ayla could do nothing but nod. She was finding it hard to catch her breath, tears were streaming from her eyes.

"Look I'm just trying to prove I'm not gay ok?"

"Why would you try to prove it unless you actually are?"

"What? I'm not…I…what?"

"Well if you're not gay then you have nothing to prove. But if you are and you're hiding it…well you know."

"No I really don't think I do know."

"Look Kris, let's just give him the benefit of the doubt. If he says he's not gay and not secretly in love with Wood then we should believe him. Right?"

"Wood? Give me some credit! I could do much better than him." Marcus exploded.

The girls stood silent, not exactly sure what there was to say after that little outburst.

"Wait that came out wrong."

"And you said he wasn't gay! At least we know he thinks about it, eh Ayla?"

"I do not think about it!"

"Whatever you say mate," Kris said holding her hands up in defence. "So why are you here?"

"Ayla thought there was someone trying to get in through the garden. I came to check it out."

"Was there?"

"Dunno, they're probably long gone now if they were."

"You don't think it was you know who?"

"Back from the dead and after my baby? I doubt it."

"No, not that you know who. Ayla you know who I mean."

"He knows about Adam Kris. And yes I think that's who it might have been. If there really was anyone there that is."

"Ugh. Creepy. Well you can't stay in the house on your own anymore that's for sure. Good thing I came home when I did. Well you can go Flint, I'll look after Ayla."

"Two witches. On you own?"

"Hey! I'll have you know I'm a first class dueller. Dueller? Is that right? It sounds funny. Duelless? No that's definately not right, hmm..."

"Oh yeah, you two will be just fine on your own. I can see that now." Flint said sarcastically.

"You want to try me? I'll take you out no problem. Come on get your wand out!"

"Okay. Calm down, I was only joking. I'm sure you could take out a troll, single handed and blindfolded. But if you need help, just call ok?"

"Ok. We won't but ok."

Flint wished them goodnight and disappeared with a crack. Kris sat down and fixed Ayla with a stare.

"So what was all that about then?"

"I told you. I thought there was -"

"No I know that, but why Wonky? Why not one of your brothers?"

"You know why. They can't know. Flint was just the only other person I could think of."

"Your family won't mind you know. They love you, they'd want to help."

"I know. I'm just not ready for them to know. Not yet."

"Ok. You should get some sleep, it's late."

"Yeah, I'll go up now."

"Night mate."

"Night."

Ayla got up and shuffled towards the stairs, the blue blanket still tightly wrapped around her. Kris was right of course. She should tell her family about the baby. About everything. But there was always a possibility they'd be upset, even angry. Sleep was her first priority right now. She never knew how exhausting it was to sit around and do nothing.

'It is my unfortunate job, my darling readers, to bring news that will break the hearts of thousands. Oliver Wood, is married. There I've said it.', wrote gossip columnist Janine Bradshaw. 'In a small and secret ceremony held in the Scottish Highlands last week, Oliver Wood married Quality Quidditch Supplies heiress Kate Green. It may be a whirlwind romance but it looks likely to stick. The two are utterly devoted to one another.

Being a close friend of the bride, I have been given several exclusives. The bride wore white (naturally), the groom a kilt. The wedding party was small: the bride, groom and two witnesses were the only ones present. Oh and the vicar of course. The ceremony followed the muggle tradition, a proper wizarding ceremony will be held shortly. Furthermore the happy couple made their own, somewhat unique, vows. I am lucky enough to have permission to print both sets for your enjoyment.

"Oliver, My love is like a Quaffle,
It makes my soul take flight.
You caught my heart, just like a snitch,
And made my head feel light.
For you I'd move a mountain,
I'd do anything I could.
Because you are my one, my love.
The Keeper of my heart, Oliver Wood."

"Kate, there is no one in the world that I can think of other than you. You are everything to me. Everything. I'd give up Quidditch for you. I really would. I'd die for you Kate. Anything and everything you want, I'll give you. I love you."

It's almost a little sickening isn't it dear readers? Still, their love seems pure and we should wish them all the best. For love, like flowers, blooms in the strangest of places.'

Chelsea Jenson put the Daily Prophet down and sighed.

"Well I didn't see that coming" she said to herself.

What she had seen was Oliver, her sister in law Ayla, and a baby. Looked like her ability to see the future wasn't quite what it used to be. She had been so sure as well.


Ok let me apologise right now for the vows. Cheesy and mushy and just plain bad, I know. But that's what I wanted. And to make matters worse I wrote them on Valentines Day. What can I say I was inspired by the mood of the day haha! Anyway I won't be posting now until next Friday, am offto Brighton for a bit and probably won't be near a computer (agh the horror!). But I'll have something ready to post when I get back. I promise.