Kings of Sabotage - Part 2

Oliver held onto Lottie's hand as they walked through the park. He glanced over, noticing that she looked a bit more tired than usual as she attempted to stifle a yawn. He thought it a bit odd as it was after lunch, but then remembered that she was working a rather large caseload at the moment.

"Work late again yesterday?" he asked. Lottie's eyes widened as she looked over at him and then smiled brightly. A bit too brightly. As though she was hiding something.

"Yea, but it's okay. I'm fine," she said, squeezing his hand. She then looked out at the park. "Where are we going again?"

"Ah, well, I sort of forgot after we made plans that I promised Clara I'd come watch Michael's match today. Hope you don't mind," he said, slightly nervous. It was a big step bringing her to a family thing.

But Alicia and Katie assured him that it was the right move.

And Lottie already knew Clara, who had been in the same year as Lottie's brother Bernard. So surely it wasn't that big of a step. Course, he hadn't brought any of the other women he dated to meet his family before.

Merlin, this was a mistake.

But then Lottie's eyes lit up as her smile turned more genuine.

"Sounds wonderful," she replied. "Plus, I'd love to catch up with Clara." Oliver breathed a sigh of relief as he picked up his pace a bit.

"Good. The Little League pitches are just over here," he said, pointing towards a hill.

They rounded the top of it and spread out before them were about four pitches spread out with a concession stand in the middle. All four were in use, with various pint-sized players all on their brooms warming up. Lottie chuckled softly.

"Been an age since I've been to a Little League match," she said, glancing at him. Oliver just squeezed her hand and pulled her with him down the hill. They walked to one of the closer ones and he was scanning the various parents and such there when a woman with long, light brown hair jumped up and started waving at them.

"Good, you made it," Clara said with a grin. She looked at Lottie and immediately walked over and hugged her. "Good to see you again, Lottie!"

"You as well, Clara," Lottie replied. "Merlin, it's been forever."

"Let me look at you… wow… what's in the water over there in America?" Clara asked, holding Lottie at arms' length as she studied her. Lottie blushed slightly as Clara glanced over at Oliver. "Hope my brother's been a gentleman."

"Oh, always," Lottie said, glancing at him with a smile. Clara laughed and threw her arm around Lottie's shoulder as she guided her back to some lawn chairs she had set up.

"Though I question his ability to romance if he thinks a Little League game is an acceptable date," she replied, raising an eyebrow in Oliver's direction. He shot her a look of warning that she just returned with a grin.

"Please, I'm looking forward to it," Lottie said sincerely. "My nephew plays but haven't been able to make any of his matches since I've been in America."

"At least we get to catch up a bit," Clara said, stopping at three empty chairs. "This is my husband, Kyle." A tall man with blonde hair and hazel eyes immediately jumped up from his chair and held his hand out.

"Lovely to meet you," he said warmly.

"Lottie here was in the same year as my brother," Clara said looking over her shoulder at Oliver, who stood just behind them, shifting slightly on his feet.

"Lovely to meet you as well," Lottie returned.

"Well then, best get comfortable. They don't let them play as long as regular matches, but we'll be here all afternoon," Clara said, moving to sit in the chair next to Kyle. "And I reckon you could use some tea. Or rather something a bit stronger?"

Oliver rolled his eyes slightly as he sat in the chair on the other side of Lottie. Leave it to Clara to bring alcohol to a Little League match. Lottie just laughed in return.

"It's only 1 pm," she exclaimed.

"Trust me… you'll need it," Clara said softly as a small boy with blonde hair and brown eyes in a quidditch uniform ran up to them, half dragging his broom. Oliver immediately stood up again.

"Uncle Ollie!" the boy shouted as he ran over to him and Oliver scooped him up, the broom dropping to the ground as he squealed a bit.

"What did I tell you about taking care of your broom?" he asked sternly, looking at the little boy. His eyes widened slightly as Oliver placed him back down on the ground.

"Don't drag it," he recited. "If you take care of your broom, it'll take care of you."

"That's a good lad," Oliver said, smiling as he ruffled his hair and then sat down. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Lottie watching him with an amused look on her face.

"Uncle Ollie?" she said softly.

"Hush," he replied, smiling in return.

"Uncle Ollie, is this your girlfriend?" Michael asked, staring intently at Lottie. Her eyes immediately went wide as her cheeks turned red.

"Michael!" Clara chided, though she was chuckling.

"This is Lottie, and she's a very good friend of mine," Oliver said, feeling his own cheeks heat up slightly. Michael looked at her a bit longer before putting his hand out.

"Nice to meet you, Lottie. I'm Michael. Michael Argus Fitzgibbons," he said formally. Lottie smiled as she shook his hand.

"It's very nice to meet you, Michael Argus Fitzgibbons," she replied.

"Better get back to the pitch. Game's about to start," Kyle said.

"Alright," Michaels said with a nod before turning and scampering off, his robes flying behind him.

"Your broom!" Oliver shouted. The little tyke stopped and spun back around, running back over to retrieve his broom, then running off to the group of other children gathered around a coach.

"Seems awfully young to be playing," Lottie commented, looking over at Clara.

"I thought so as well, but I was outvoted," Clara replied, sending a sharp look towards Oliver as she dug through a large bag in between her and Lottie's chair. She pulled out a bottle of butterbeer and handed it to the younger woman. "Merlin, even Oliver didn't start until he was 7."

"There's nothing wrong with starting him a bit early," Oliver shot back. Clara snorted.

"I seriously feel for the woman you end up marrying," she replied as she pulled out her own bottle. Oliver felt his cheeks heat up but avoided looking at Lottie.

"He's got a point, Clare. If Michael wants a good chance at going pro, the earlier, the better," Kyle said. Clara rolled her eyes and pointed towards the pitch.

"Does he look like he wants to play in the pros? Merlin, he's only 5," she said, though she didn't sound angry. Oliver looked over, seeing Michael running around in circles as he held his robes out like a cape.

"Ehm, at least he's having fun," Oliver said, looking back over at his sister as she tossed a bottle over to him. He caught it easily.

"Just watch the bloody match," she retorted, though she was smiling. Oliver chuckled as he turned back to face the pitch just as the referee signaled that it was about to begin.

"So… all the rules the same?" Lottie asked, sitting up in her chair a bit as she watched the teams get into formation.

"Yea, though they usually set the time limit at around two hours. If no one's caught the snitch, they just determine it by points scored," he explained. "The bludgers are softer and don't move as fast. Same with the snitch."

"Thank Godric," Clara added.

"Mostly they just fly around a bit before someone manages to get the quaffle in," Oliver continued, looking over at Lottie. "Not as exciting as pro matches, but definitely entertaining." She looked over at him, smiling.

"Looks like an afternoon well spent to me," she replied.

About an hour into the match, Oliver was up on his feet, shouting out instructions to Michael as he zoomed around the pitch, appearing as though he were playing chase with one of the other chasers rather than playing quidditch. Lottie was next to him, cheering the little tyke on as well as she clapped.

"Sit down. He's not going to fly any faster with you two shouting at him," Clara said, chuckling.

"I was just tell-"

"Oliver," Clara said in warning. Lottie looked over at him, grinning as her eyes twinkled.

"He is only 5," she added. "This is Little League." Oliver huffed slightly and sat back down, clearly seeing that he was outnumbered. Lottie just laughed as she returned to her chair as well. Clara held out a cup to her. She took it and took a sip as she turned back to watching the match. One of the other team's beaters tumbled off his broom trying to hit a bludger, taking out one of their chasers as well.

"Oh dear," Clara said, already sitting up in her chair, her brow furrowed.

"They're not hurt, are they?" Lottie asked, suddenly concerned as well.

"Shouldn't be. Helped with the cushioning charms. Should feel like falling onto a pillow," Oliver said, hoping to reassure her.

"But it'll be a good 5-minute time out to get them sorted," Clara said, pushing up from her chair. "Care to join me to the ladies?" Lottie smiled and nodded, putting her cup down.

"Be back," she said, looking over at Oliver.

"So that's her, eh?" Kyle said with smile after the two women had walked off, talking animatedly about something. Oliver couldn't help the smile that came over his face as he watched them.

"Aye," he replied.

"See why you're taken with her. Don't know many women who would enjoy a Little League match for a kid that wasn't their own," Kyle said. Oliver looked over at him, his eyebrows raised slightly.

"Like she said, she's got nephews," he replied. "And well… helps that she's a massive quidditch fan." Kyle snorted.

"Should marry her before some other bloke swoops in. Doubt you'll find another like that," he replied, grinning. Oliver sighed as the smile faded from his face. "What's this?"

"Nothing," he replied, offering a smile. He did not want Kyle and Clara weighing on the current situation. Knowing his sister, it would be a very long, very loud conversation. "But yea… she is somethin' special, isn't she?"

"Mate… you've got it bad for her already," Kyle replied with a chuckle. Oliver could feel his cheeks heat up. "Nothing wrong with that. You two look good together." He looked over, seeing Clara and Lottie already making their way back, the two laughing loudly over something.

He could feel a stirring in his heart. He had felt it earlier when he watched Lottie with Michael as well. Even though it was still relatively new, and they had only been out a few times, he felt as though Lottie already fit in with his family. And though he had told himself to take things slow - and there was the whole deal with Flint - he couldn't help but think that he wanted Lottie at his side always.

"Just what's got you two shrieking about like banshees?" Kyle asked as Clara bent down to kiss his cheek before settling in her chair.

"Oh… just girl things," Clara said easily as she shot a wink at her brother.

"They start up again yet?" Lottie asked, her eyes on the pitch. Oliver turned back, seeing that they were just about to restart the game.

"Just now, I think," he replied before glancing over at her.

"If you two don't have other plans, you up for a picnic after the match?" Clara asked. "Brought a couple bottles of wine I could use some help with." Oliver waited to speak, watching Lottie's face. But she just turned to Clara, smiling.

"I'd love to," she said. Oliver couldn't help the grin that spread over his face as she turned back to him. "That alright with you?"

"Of course," he said quickly. Lottie then looked to the pitch.

"Michael's got the quaffle!" she said, jumping to her feet and starting to clap and shout out encouragement. Oliver stood and joined her, watching as the little boy seemed to finally focus on playing quidditch.

"Go Mickey!" he shouted.

Something across the pitch caught his eye. He looked over, squinting slightly at the group on the other side. Was that… Adrian Pucey? Just what was he doing here? Oliver then frowned. Of course, Flint would send someone to spy on them.

He then smirked. If he were here to spy, then he'd at least give him a good show. He slid his arm around Lottie's waist, causing her to look up at him with wide eyes. He just smiled at her and pecked her on the lips. Her cheeks turned slightly pink, but she continued to smile as she snuggled a bit closer and turned her attention back to the game.

"You can do it!" she shouted.

Michael had an intense look of concentration on his face as he zeroed in on the hoops. Just as he was about to throw the quaffle, he zoomed down to miss a bludger, but then threw the ball. Both Oliver and Lottie shouted in excitement as it went through the hoop. She turned to him, throwing her arms around his neck.

"OLIVER!" Clara shouted, her eyes wide. He looked over just in time to see the bludger heading straight for them, moving far faster than it should be able to. He was already starting to push Lottie away, but she had turned to look at the same time and was in the process of pulling her wand out, trying to shove him aside.

As a result, neither of them budged.

Before he could fully react, she had jumped in front of him and the bludger sailed straight into her head. He managed to catch her before she hit the ground, a dazed look on her face as blood started pouring out her nose, down her chin and neck onto her grey t-shirt.

"Fucking hell!" she shouted, forgetting there were children around as Clara and Kyle rushed over to her.

Oliver looked over across the field, his eyes easily finding a stricken Pucey with his wand out. The bloody wanker. If he hadn't been holding Lottie, he would have charged over there and socked him. But as it was, the bugger apparated right that second.

"Does it hurt badly?" Clara asked. Lottie just groaned in response. Oliver returned his attention to the matter at hand.

"I thought they weren't supposed to move that fast," she moaned.

"You need to get her to St. Mungos," Clara said, looking over at Oliver.

"No. I can fix it myself," Lottie said, trying to stand. Oliver just pulled his wand out of his jacket pocket and then hefted her up into his arms.

"You might have a concussion," he said reasonably. "We're going to St. Mungo's." Before she could argue with him, they had already disappeared.

Lottie silently fumed as she sat in the bed, not relishing the fact that she was back at St. Mungo's for the second day in a row. She only hoped that Adam wasn't working the weekend shift.

"Here you are," Oliver said, rushing into the room with a cold compress. Lottie winced as he put it to her nose just over the cloth she held there to stem the blood. He looked worried as his eyes scanned her face, likely taking in the bruises that were already forming.

"Thank you," she said gratefully. "At least it wasn't a pro standard bludger. Otherwise I would have been out. Merlin, that kid has an arm on him." Oliver's expression became dark and it appeared he was stewing over something. "Oliver, it's fine. He didn't mean to hit me. It's Little League."

He just grunted and stepped back from the bed, pacing slowly. Lottie sighed and laid back, hoping the healer came in soon. She was starting to get a headache.

"You know there are better ways to visit me," Adam said as he walked into the room, then froze slightly when he saw Oliver. He looked over at Lottie and began to grin.

Her expression clearly read, "Say nothing."

He cleared his throat and smiled at Oliver.

"Good to see you again, Wood," he said, holding his hand out.

"You as well, Bell," Oliver replied, shaking his hand. "Think we could get Lottie patched up?"

"Of course," Adam said, already walking over to the bed. He gently pulled the compress and clothe away, inspecting her face. "Blimey. How did this happen?"

"Rogue bludger at a Little League match," Oliver said. "I was trying to push her out of the way, but she jumped in front of it." Adam snorted as Lottie frowned at him.

"Sounds like Char," he replied, feeling around her face.

"I was going to stop- Gah! That hurts!" she shouted, turning her face from him.

"Definitely broken," Adam replied as he pulled his wand out of his robe pocket. "Let me check for a concussion and then we'll get that fixed up." He muttered a spell as he waved his wand over her head. Lottie just scowled at him. "How you been?" He looked over his shoulder at Oliver. "Caught your last match against the Arrows on the wireless. Seems you're on a good streak."

Oliver gave him a confused look before returning his attention to Lottie.

"Been good. And that's the training," he replied. "You think it could be a serious concussion? They aren't league standard bludgers, but still pack a wallop."

Adam returned his attention back to his sister.

"She'll be fine. No concussion. But you're going to have some lovely bruises," he said, grinning. Lottie just rolled her eyes.

"Fix my nose," she demanded, not wanting to spend another few hours in St. Mungo's with her brother.

"As you wish," Adam replied lightly, waving his wand. Lottie shouted in pain as her nose snapped back into place, her eyes watering up. "We'll get you cleaned up, some pain potion, and then you can be on your merry way." He waved his wand and a few supplies flew over to the table next to him. "So… Little League game?"

"My nephew," Oliver said, now standing next to Adam, his eyes still fixed on Lottie, though she was in too much pain to comment on it. She urged Adam to move faster with her look, knowing he was bound to say something stupid the longer they were here.

"Really? Need to get Lottie out to some of Flynn's games now that she's back," Adam commented before dabbing around her nose with a sterile gauze. Lottie flinched and then glared at him, knowing that he could easily clean her up with one spell. He was drawing this out on purpose. "Perhaps you could come along. Give him some pointers."

"Love to," Oliver said, seeming to be slightly distracted from Lottie with talk of quidditch. Lottie just rolled her eyes as Adam winked at her.

"While I'm thinking about it, both of you should come over for dinner. Mary's been after Lottie to come around since she got back. The boys would love to meet a real life quidditch player," Adam continued. Oliver's eyes widened as he looked over to Lottie, silently deferring to her. "Would be good to catch up as well."

"Yes, we'll come. Just bloody get on with it," Lottie snapped. Adam chuckled and finished cleaning up her face.

"I'll be back with that potion…"

"Whoop!" Lottie shouted as she and Oliver appeared just outside her door, holding on tightly to his neck. Oliver couldn't help but chuckle. Whatever was in the pain potion Adam gave her was powerful it seemed as she started giggling while pulling out her wand and undoing the charm that kept the door locked.

She stumbled slightly and Oliver easily picked her up again before opening the door and walking into the flat. He headed straight for the sofa and gently put her down.

"Thank you," she said, a wobbly grin on her face as she kept her arms around his neck. Though the blood was all cleaned up, she looked a bit like a drunk raccoon with the bruises around her eyes quickly coming in and the loopy smile.

"I'll just get you some tea," Oliver said, pulling her arms from his neck and starting towards the kitchen.

"I feel like I'm flying," Lottie sang loudly, and off-key. Oliver laughed softly as he looked over his shoulder at her and then continued on, placing the small bottle of pain potion that Adam had given him for her on the counter. He gave him instruction to give her more in four hours if there was still some pain, but only a few drops in her tea.

He then said that he looked forward to seeing him at dinner before whispering that Lottie loved tulips. And that he should stick around to watch her for a few hours and maybe have a chat with her. He then winked and walked off, leaving the confused keeper with a loopy Lottie to take home.

Oliver made quick work of the tea and then returned to the living room, seeing Lottie staring at her hand, a look of enchantment on her face. He stopped slightly, wondering just what Adam had given her. Knowing the older Bell, it was likely done intentionally. He then sighed and continued over. Lottie dropped her hand and grinned up at him.

"You're back," she stated.

"Told you I was just in the kitchen," he replied as she pushed herself up into a seated position and reached for the mug. Oliver sat on the other end of the sofa, pulling her feet into his lap. "Need anything else?"

"Got something that makes bruises vanish?" she asked, swaying slightly as she blew on her tea. "Just my luck… hit by a bludger and I wasn't even playing…" She then giggled.

For a moment, Oliver let his anger take over as he thought to Pucey at the pitch. It was clear that he had been trying to sabotage their date. How had he even found out about it? Did Lottie tell Flint? He studied her a moment and then decided that wasn't it. Pucey likely found out on his own. But then, Oliver remembered the look of shock on his face. He was intending to hit him with the bludger. And not expecting Lottie to jump in the way.

Sighing, Oliver shook his head as a soft smile came over his face. She was most definitely meant to be an auror with that display.

"I wish I could read your mind," Lottie said, her words a bit slurred. "What you thinkin' 'bout?"

"You. And how glad I am that you're not hurt too badly," he replied. Lottie snorted loudly.

"Please. I've been hurt far worse than this," she said before taking a drink. "One time, Bernie hit me in the head with a bludger so hard, I couldn't see straight for two days. TWO DAYS! And then… and then… I've got a scar from this griffon that we picked up working the trafficking case. Got me right in the side. You want to see it?" She was already starting to lift her shirt, though Oliver quickly stopped her.

As much as he would love to see Lottie without her shirt on, now was clearly not the time.

"I'll take your word for it," he said with a chuckle. "And I've got some salve that will help with the bruises. Won't make them disappear but will speed up the healing process."

She sighed and settled back into the pillows, sipping from the mug as she stared at him. Now he was wondering what she was thinking.

"I had fun today… even with the bludger. Your nephew is adorable," Lottie said.

"He's a fun little tyke," Oliver said.

"And I like Kyle. And Clara. And you. But mostly you. I like you the most," she continued, her goofy smile returning. It then dawned on Oliver just why Adam suggested he look out for her a few hours and chat. Merlin, the pain potion must have some sort of truth-telling side effect. He sighed and shook his head, an amused look coming over his face. "What… do you like me too?" He looked over at her, her eyes wide as she sat up slightly, waiting for his response.

"Yes, I do. I…," he stopped unsure of how far he should push it. Lottie smiled and leaned back into the cushion. "I really care about you, Lottie."

"Even with two black eyes?" she asked. He chuckled and nodded.

"Yes, even with two black eyes," he replied.

"I've liked you since Hogwarts," she declared. "Did you know that?"

"Not at the time," Oliver said, deciding it was only fair to be honest with her. "Davies mentioned it to me one practice last week." Lottie snorted.

"The git couldn't keep a secret to save his life," she replied. "Though… suppose it wasn't a big secret." She took to studying him again. "But… you were also so nice to me… and tried to make me feel comfortable even when everyone else didn't… I always wondered if you knew…"

"Knew about what?" Oliver asked. "I mean… I could tell that a lot of situations made you anxious… nervous. Just… didn't think it must be that fun to always be anxious or nervous." Lottie smiled.

"And that's why you're the good sort, Oliver," she said, though she started blinking a bit and yawned. Oliver quickly reached over and took the mug from her before she spilled it as her head lulled forward. She then snapped it back up.

"Maybe you should get some sleep," he said soothingly as he placed the mug on the coffee table.

"Yea… sounds good," she said, starting to settle into the sofa. She then shot back up. "Will you stay?" Oliver smiled and nodded.

"Yea, I'll be here when you wake up," he promised. Lottie smiled and then settled back down.

"Good…"

Decided to go ahead and post this chapter as well since the two were kind of a set. And gotta love meddlesome friends and older brothers.

Thanks for reading and following!