A Fresh Start

Katie rushed into the Leaky Cauldron and paused to look around before finally locating her best friends Alicia and Angelina and then rushing over to the table where they were sitting.

"We ordered for you," Angelina said as Katie fell down into a chair. "How did it go at the flat?"

"Still don't understand why you're so intent on living muggle," Alicia replied. "Really, I could help you find a perfectly good flat near mine in the Alley. Or you could stay with me."

"I told you," Katie said with a roll of her eyes. "I need to get away. Anytime I stay anywhere here, they follow me. No. If I want any peace from it, then I need to live somewhere muggle. Somewhere they won't find or dare to go. So it was this or continue to live with my parents, which is not an option." She then reached for the glass of wine that was waiting for her and took a large drink, though she knew she should probably wait until her food got there before she went too heavy. She had already had two glasses with Finn.

From the moment she first chatted with the muggle woman on the phone, she couldn't help but think she had possibly found a new friend. Besides the fact that she was completely removed from the magical world, she had a friendly voice and didn't seem mental. Upon meeting her and getting to know her, Katie's gut feeling was reaffirmed. It had been that instant connection that she had felt when she started first year and met Alicia and Angelina. Plus, in a way, she reminded her of her best friend from childhood before she went to Hogwarts, back when she went to muggle primary school - an insistence by her mother, who was muggle.

It was like coming home. While long used to the magical world, Katie found she yearned to return to her roots a bit. Not to mention, if she at least lived in the muggle world there was less of a chance she would run into her ex. Or have to read about him - she had cancelled her subscriptions to most of the magical media, not sure how she would explain getting random owls throughout the day to a muggle roommate. Though she figured she could make use of the window in her new bedroom.

"So?" Angelina pushed. Katie smiled.

"I've agreed to move in. Really, it's a beautiful place. Big. Open. Renovated just two years ago. My flatmate is really nice and about my age. I got lucky, actually. Not often people in that neighborhood are looking for flatmates. But she said that she got the place with her ex and has been in need for someone to move into the spare bedroom since they broke up," she said.

"What's she do?" Alicia asked, her interest piqued.

"Works for a muggle magazine. Assistant to the editor," Katie said. "And she's absolutely normal, but seems really fun. Met her best friend tonight as well. She was a bit cautious at first, but I think she's warmed up to me. Reminds me a lot of you, Allie, actually." Alicia snorted.

"I don't see how," she said.

"She's very blunt," Katie replied with a smirk. "And protective."

"And muggle. How on earth are you going to survive? You've been living in the magical world for… for… years," Alicia exclaimed. Katie just shrugged.

"I'll be fine. Mum's muggle, as you remember," she said, sitting back in her chair. "The village where Mum and Dad live is muggle as well. It's not like you just forget it all."

"But you'll have to hide everything from your flatmate," Angelina said, a worried look on her face.

"I have my own room. I doubt she's the snooping type," Katie said nonchalantly.

"She's a reporter," Alicia said emphatically. "What's to say she doesn't go digging around in your room the first chance she gets."

"Correction - she's an assistant to the editor at a magazine. There's a difference. And seriously, they aren't nearly as bad in the muggle world," Katie replied. "Trust me. It'll be fine. And more than that-" She paused as she looked from one friend to the other, "I need this. Really, I do."

Angelina and Alicia gave each other a look and then sighed.

"Well, if you need it… and you're happy with this, then we are too," Angelina said, offering her a smile. Katie grinned.

"Thanks. And I really think at some point we should all go out together. I really think you would like Finn," she said quickly. "I'm moving in tomorrow while she's out, but once things are settled, I'll see about having you two over. Though - no magic."

"We're not stupid," Alicia scoffed. "But seriously… just exactly how are you planning to pull this off?"

"Well, there's no floo, so I'll just apparate to the Leaky and then floo from there to the stadium," Katie started.

"And post?" Alicia asked.

"I have a window in my room," Katie said.

"And she's not going to notice the fact you have an owl in your bedroom?" Alicia shot back.

"Pix'll be out most of the time anyway," Katie said. "But I can do a noise cancelling charm so she won't hear her. Hide her and such. Besides, I really don't think Finn is going to go in when I'm not there."

"And your work?" Alicia then asked. An exasperated laugh left Katie's lips.

"Told her I work with a football team in the Championship League. Got a whole story worked out if she asks, but she said she's not really into football, so I'm covered there," Katie said. "Please, Allie, I've really thought this through. I'm not making this decision lightly." She fixed her friend in a stern gaze. "I thought you were on board with this a few minutes ago." Alicia looked over, seeing that Angelina was also scowling at her. She then sighed heavily, shook her head and tossed her hands up.

"Fine. I just want to make sure that you're going to be okay," she replied.

"It's not like you'll never see me! Merlin, I'm just going to move into a muggle neighborhood," Katie exclaimed with a laugh. "I'll still be working with the Magpies. Still hanging out with you lot. Trust me, this will be fine."

"I, for one, think it's a good move," Angelina said, shooting Alicia another look. "Especially if it helps. We know how rough the last few months have been. Can't be easy." She reached over and patted Katie on the hand. She smiled appreciatively at her and suddenly felt tears pricking behind her eyes.

It had been rough. Break-ups, in general, were rough. Toss in the fact that she had been dating one of the most famous players in the Quidditch League for the last three years, and it was absolutely horrible. Nearly every day there was another column on her, him or the both of them. Reporters had been hounding her near constantly as well. As if break-ups weren't difficult in and of themselves.

But Katie pushed that aside as she blinked the tears away and smiled at her best friends. She was taking control of her life again. Things would be better from here on. This was a new start for her. She had a new flat. A new flatmate who understood rough break-ups and would hopefully become a new friend.

Things would get better. They had to.

"Really, this is what I want," Katie said.

"We know," Angelina said. "And we just want what's best for you."

"And he can go fuck off," Alicia added.

"Alicia!" Angelina exclaimed in shock as Katie chuckled.

"Look, I know, but seriously. He was a wanker. And I called it," Alicia said, reaching for her glass. Katie sighed. They had spent many a drunken night dissecting what had gone wrong with her relationship and her ex. But there was no point in dwelling on it now.

"I'll be fine, you two. Honestly, I'm just… ready to move on," she said.

"Good to hear," Angelina said. "So, tell us more about this Finn."

"Well, as I said, she works at a magazine. She's American. Or, suppose British-American. Her father is British. She grew up in the US and then moved here for university and to be closer to him," Katie said. "She loves all the same movies as me. Has an amazing DVD and CD collection that I am definitely going to take advantage of, and…" Katie trailed off, seeing the perplexed looks on their faces. She chuckled. "She's lovely. Honestly. Very friendly. Seems like fun. She went through a bad break-up about a year ago, so she understands what I'm going through. They were engaged and he ran off with her uni friend."

"Oh, Merlin. She will understand you," Alicia said. "That's horrible." Katie nodded.

"But she seems adjusted. So suppose that means there's hope for me," she replied.

"Please, you're strong. It'll take a lot more than a tosser like him to keep you down," Angelina said. "So you're moving in tomorrow? Need any help?" Katie shook her head.

"Should be able to get everything into one suitcase. She'll be out all afternoon so I can get away with just an extendable charm," Katie said. "Then I can spend the weekend getting settled before work on Monday."

"Sounds like a decent plan," Alicia said. "Oh, you planning on going to Wood's party next weekend?" Katie scrunched up her face.

"I'm not sure… won't he'll be there?" she asked. Alicia snorted.

"Pretty sure Wood considers him persona non grata," she replied. "But if it'll make you feel better, I'll mention something to him."

"Then I suppose I'll come," Katie replied with a shrug. She could just as easily tell him herself.

"Honestly, I really think getting out more would do you some good," Alicia said. Katie sat back and thought a moment. She couldn't help but think Alicia was right. She hadn't been going out that much since the break-up, avoiding, well, everyone. Perhaps it was time to start living a bit.

More than that, now that she was making friends in the muggle world, she had a whole new avenue to explore. This really was a fresh start.

"What's that smile about?" Angelina asked.

"Just thinking that I'm finally getting a new start," she said with a happy sigh. Alicia and Angelina smiled at each other. They had to admit, this was the most excited and happiest they had seen her in awhile. Perhaps this was a good move for her.

"It's good to hear you say that," Alicia said. "Now… think a toast is in order." She held her glass up with a laughing Angelina and Katie following suit. "To Katie's fresh start."

"To Katie's fresh start!"

Katie walked into the building the next day, a large rucksack on her back and a large suitcase in her hand. She couldn't help but smile as she looked around the foyer.

"This is home," she couldn't help but think with a smile.

"Excuse me?" Katie looked down, seeing an older woman stepping out of a flat. "Can I help you?"

"Oh, no. I'm just… I'm Finn Marsh's new flatmate," she said with a friendly smile. "Katie Bell." The older woman stepped closer to her, seeming to be studying her. She did it for so long that Katie was starting to feel a bit nervous. But then the woman smiled warmly.

"You seem like a good sort, Katie Bell," she said. "I'm Mrs. Watkins. I live just here in 1A." Katie smiled in relief.

"It's lovely to meet you, Mrs. Watkins," she replied. "Finn mentioned you, actually."

"Ah, well that's nice of her. Feel free to stop by for tea anytime," the older woman said. She then turned and walked back into her flat, giving Katie a wave and another warm smile. Katie couldn't help but think that she was going to like living here if all the neighbors were this friendly. She then started up the stairs, humming slightly to herself and surprised at how awake she was seeing how late she was out with Alicia and Angelina. And then how late her parents kept her up when she got home and told them she was moving out.

Her father had tried to convince that she could stay with them as long as necessary and then he'd help her find a nice flat in Diagon Alley, though her mother hushed him and told her that she was an adult and could make her own decisions. Then there had been other long back and forth about her new roommate and whether she was a good person. She told them about Finn and assured both that she would be fine and well in muggle London, then spent time packing up all her things. She couldn't get out of the house until promising that she'd come by in the next week or so for tea.

Katie stopped in front of the door and stared at it a moment before pulling out the key Finn gave her last night and sliding it in the lock. Pushing the door open, she glanced around the lounge and listened. Finn really had left for the day. She then walked in and shut the door behind her, taking a deep breath before slowly letting out with a smile.

"Welcome home, Katie," she said before walking to her new bedroom. She really did love it. The walls were painted a warm, friendly beige. While it was a bit lacking in the furniture department - it had just the bed and a dresser - it was a good start. She quickly set about to getting unpacked, glad that Finn wasn't here so she could do it the magical way. Otherwise it would take forever. Once she had most of her things put away, she looked around and took stock of some things she would need. First of all, she needed sheets and a comforter, plus some pillows for the bed. Maybe a nightstand and lamp. A bookshelf. There was enough space for a desk as well. She checked her watch, seeing that it hadn't taken much time and all and Finn wouldn't be back for a few more hours yet. Perhaps she could run by Diagon Alley for some furniture. While she would prefer a muggle store that was nearby, she didn't want to wait forever for delivery and wasn't sure she could figure it out to put things together the muggle way (didn't want to chance Finn coming home early and seeing her using magic). Even if there was a chance she got followed again by some reporter.

Sighing, Katie regretted taking her ex's advice and selling off all her furniture when they moved in together. Granted at the time, she hadn't thought they would break up. She had thought she was moving in with her future husband.

Groaning in frustration, Katie grabbed her purse and then picked up her wand, shoving it in there and stomping out of her room.

She was not going to let thoughts of that bastard ruin her moment.

Katie pulled her sunglasses off and looked around the store before breathing in deeply. She loved the smell of new furniture. Smiling to herself, she set off towards the bedroom department.

As she browsed nightstands she couldn't help but think how lucky she was. She had a beautiful new flat. A flatmate that didn't know anything about her or had read any of the stupid headlines about her break-up. A neighborhood where she could freely walk around without people staring or whispering. She could actually wander around, maybe stop in one of the cute cafes she had passed by and read a book while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea. There was a lovely corner market that had fresh fruit and veggies. She could take up cooking again.

What's more, she could finally watch movies and listen to muggle music to her heart's content. Enjoy a glass of wine on the balcony at night to unwind.

And the best part - no chance she would ever run into her prat of an ex.

"Is that her?"

Katie straightened up slightly and glanced over her shoulder, seeing two women with their heads together, whispering and then glancing at her. She turned back around, frowning as she moved farther away, trying to focus on the furniture.

"Poor dear…"

"You think she's getting things for her new place?"

"I heard he tossed her out."

Immediately, the tears started pricking at her eyes and she ducked her head, quickly wiping at them. This was ridiculous. She was a grown woman and she was not about to start crying in a fucking furniture store in Diagon Alley where anyone could see her and likely run off to tell the stupid reporters at Witch Weekly. Even though most of the columns seemed to take her side of things, it didn't make it better. She'd rather everyone leave her alone then offer empty words of pity or the looks.

Katie straightened up and whirled around, marching passed the two women, who at least looked ashamed that she had overheard them, and out the door. She didn't stop until she had got through The Leaky Cauldron and was out in muggle London. Once she was sure that she was far enough away that she wouldn't be seen by any witches or wizards, she stopped and let the tears flow.

This sucked. Massively. All she wanted was to live a normal life where no one recognized her on the street. Where she wasn't Katie Bell - the girl who was cursed by Draco Malfoy her seventh year and spent half the school year in St. Mungo's recovering. Or then Katie Bell - the rookie everyone was watching until she injured herself halfway through her first season and had to stop playing. Once she started mediwizard training, she thought finally she could live a quiet life. And then she ran into him one night at a party. And once again, she was back in the limelight. They were pictured at every high profile quidditch event. Made Witch Weekly's "Cutest Quidditch Couples" list nearly every issue. She didn't mind it at the time, she was so in love. And then things started falling apart. And then it ended. And she just wanted to be able to wallow in her misery in private like every other normal person, but she couldn't even have that.

She then straightened up, wiping her cheeks as she stemmed the flow of them. She slid her sunglasses back on and straightened her back and started walking. She was now living in the muggle world and it was best to get used to doing things the muggle way.

Fuck all of them. She was going to live her damn life the way she wanted. She was Katie Fucking Bell. She survived a curse and a war. She could survive this break-up and buy her own damn furniture and put it together herself. The muggle way.

Hey folks! Sorry I forgot to update this one. Had a big weekend – I published my first novel on Amazon! If you're into Greek mythology and kickass protagonists, check it out! It's called "A Walk Among Goddesses."

Guest – Thanks so much! I'm glad that you enjoyed it! I really wanted to try and write something different – one that focused on friendship rather than romance. Haha, and perhaps I will write a Charlie/OC fic. This story definitely piqued my interested in possible doing one.

babyks2 – Thanks! I hope you enjoy it! It was definitely tricky with that bit, but think I handled it okay.

cameron1812 – Thanks!

Guest – Thanks!

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