Acceptance

Three Years Later

Finn jumped to her feet, cheering loudly along with the rest of the crowd, a wide grin on her face.

"Alright, we get it. You're snogging Oliver Wood. Sit down," George shouted from behind her. Finn glanced over her shoulder and winked at him.

"Don't you forget it," she replied as she sat down next to Katie, who was laughing at her, and adjusted the Puddlemere jersey that she was wearing. It had taken some time, but she finally was able to start coming to games.

Granted that had only happened because some Prophet photographer happened to be muggleborn and caught the couple out on a date in muggle London. He snapped a photo and it had run in the paper the next day - despite the fact it was muggle - with the headline "Star Keeper Dating Muggle Reporter."

Oliver was, of course, mortified and angry that someone would follow them in the muggle world and apologized about a million times. Finn had found it hilarious, though she was a bit put out that they called her a reporter. She was now officially an assistant editor (rather than assistant to the managing editor) at the magazine and set to take over the section once the current editor retired in a year.

This then led to the two being called into the Ministry. Both were terrified this meant Finn was going to be obliviated, but whatever Oliver had said to them must have convinced them that Finn wasn't going to tell anyone because the next thing she knew, he told her everything was fine and that she could finally come to quidditch matches.

She had been to just about every match that she could ever since. And it turned out while she had hated just about every other sport, she actually enjoyed quidditch and picked up the game's rules fairly quickly.

Which was more than Haley could say.

"Still don't understand this game," Haley replied from the other side of Finn.

"Do I need to explain it again?" Charlie asked, chuckling at the perplexed look on her face.

"You can try, but I don't think I'll get it any better," Haley replied before taking a sip of her beer. "Honestly, dragons were easier to understand than this."

Finn looked over at Katie, the two rolling their eyes slightly. Haley had run screaming like a banshee (which Finn now knew were also real) the first time Charlie had taken her to the reserve. It had taken another few months before she would even agree to go back.

Thankfully the second-oldest Weasley was just as patient with women as he was with dragons. He had finally gotten her to a point where she wasn't terrified of them, though she still kept her distance despite the fact they lived on the reserve. In true Haley fashion - or perhaps it was a bit of both Haley and Charlie, as Finn was learning about him - about nine months after the two started dating they had shown up and announced that they had eloped, nearly giving Mrs. Weasley a coronary.

Though it had nothing to do with the fact that Haley was muggle and more to do with the fact that she had been denied another wedding to plan despite the fact that she had planned them for her other five children. Charlie's excuse was that he wanted to give her a break - she was already looking at Ron and then Ginny's weddings at the time. But Finn, Katie and Angelina knew it had more to do with the fact that neither Charlie nor Haley were sure they'd survive it. And really, with six children, Mrs. Weasley had her hands full. Angelina was expecting as was Percy's wife from what Finn had gleaned from the family gossip that Angelina and George never seemed to run out of.

Finn turned her attention back to the match and whistled as Oliver blocked another shot effortlessly.

"Davies is losing his touch," George said from behind them as he leaned forward. Finn glanced over at Katie, who just laughed and shook her head.

"Never thought he was that good," Taylor said from her other side. Finn and Katie rolled their eyes at the statement.

"You still don't like quidditch," Finn retorted. Taylor shot her a dirty look.

"I'm making an effort," he replied. Katie leaned over and kissed his cheek.

"And I'm grateful for it," she said sweetly. He smiled down at her.

"Oi! No snogging at quidditch!" George shouted. Both Finn and Katie turned to look at him and then pointedly at Angelina's growing belly.

"Like you have room to talk," Katie replied.

"This didn't happen at a quidditch match," George said, frowning slightly as he pointed at Angelina.

"Believe it happened just after a quidditch match," Angelina said, a contemplative look on her face. "The one in the park where Finn fell off the broom on her ass." The group laughed as Finn shot them all dirty looks, though George had eyes only for Angelina.

"Can't help it that you're incredibly sexy when you win," he said, a goofy grin on his face. Finn rolled her eyes as she turned back around to watch the game. Puddlemere was up and if they caught the snitch, it was likely there would be a rather large celebration later.

She focused on the game, cheering with every goal that Puddlemere made and every goal that Oliver blocked. But soon enough everyone was on their feet, watching as the two seekers were battling out for the snitch.

"If Puddlemere catches the snitch, they win and advance to the playoffs!" the announcer shouted. The entire box was on edge and even Finn was bouncing on her toes, her eyes wide as she chewed on her thumbnail.

It always made her nervous when there was a race to the snitch. Hell, it made her nervous every time a bludger got anywhere near Oliver. She was honestly surprised no one died playing this game.

The crowd gasped as the Puddlemere seeker was nearly knocked off his broom and Finn reached over, grabbing Katie's hand. The former chaser was long used to Finn's vice grip whenever they watched matches.

"No… no… YES!" Finn screamed, jumping up and down as the Puddlemere seeker launched forward and grabbed the snitch. She turned to Katie and hugged her, the two now jumping up and down together and screaming.

Finn then turned back to look at the pitch, watching as the team did a victory lap. She laughed when she saw the look of delirious joy on Oliver's face as his teammates patted him on the back. He then looked over and locked eyes with her. She grinned at him.

In a split second, it seemed, he had shot over to the box and hopped over the barrier. Katie whooped as she jumped back just in time to miss getting hit, Taylor steadying her and wrapping his arms around her.

Oliver grabbed Finn's waist and pulled her towards him, his lips crashing down on hers as whistles and catcalls rang out through the box and even the stadium. He finally pulled back for a breath, Finn laughed loudly as she tightened her arms around his neck.

"That was a spectacular win," Finn said, grinning up at him. He didn't say anything, just stared down at her in awe.

"Marry me," he said suddenly, causing Finn's eyes to widen and her cheeks to turn bright red as more shouts and cheers went up around the room.

"What?" she asked, wondering if he was being serious or just caught up in the high of the win. His grin widened.

"Marry me. You're the most amazing woman, Finn Marsh. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you," he said. Finn's mouth dropped open as she stared at him a few more moments, temporarily stunned into silence.

But before she could respond, a look of shock came over Oliver's face as he stepped back and looked down.

"Shit. I knew I'd mess this up," he said, as he started patting down his uniform and then reached into his robe pocket, pulling out a small box.

"You've had that in your pocket the whole match?" Finn exclaimed. He then dropped down to his knee and held it up, revealing a beautiful vintage ring. At that moment, the rest of the stadium finally understood what was going on and there were gasps and shouts all around.

"Yea. So what do you say, Finn? Shall we make this official?" he asked. "Marry me?" Finn brought her hands to her mouth, blinking furiously as tears filled her eyes.

She couldn't speak again, overwhelmed by everything. The fact that Oliver was staring up at her with a goofy grin and hope in his eyes. Holding out a beautiful ring. Asking her to marry him.

She looked over, meeting Katie's eyes. The blonde was crying as well, giving her a watery smile as she nodded. Finn gulped and looked back down at Oliver, who was starting to look nervous she had been silent for so long. Though there was only one answer in her mind.

Finn lowered her hands and nodded.

"Of course, you idiot," she said, gasping slightly. The grin returned as Oliver shot up off his feet and pulled her to him, kissing her again. The stadium erupted into cheers as Oliver nearly dropped the ring.

"Merlin, you scared the hell out of me for a bit, Finn," he whispered as he leaned his forehead against hers.

"Sorry… though it's your own fault for surprising me like that. I mean, seriously. Proposing at a quidditch match?" she replied with a grin. He blushed slightly.

"I was actually going to wait until the party, but got a bit carried away," he admitted. Finn laughed, tossing her head back.

"It's fine. It's perfect, actually," she said. "I honestly couldn't imagine it going any other way." Oliver kissed her again and then stepped back, taking the ring out of the box and sliding it onto her finger.

"Alright, you lot, who had bets on Oliver proposing at a quidditch match?!" George yelled loudly, causing the couple to whip their heads around to look at him.

"Me!" Alicia shouted loudly in glee. Finn's eyes widened as she stared at her in surprise.

"Me as well," Katie replied. Finn turned to gape at her.

"Really, Kates!" she shouted. Katie just shrugged.

"Honestly, it made the most sense with Oliver," she said, smirking. Finn just rolled her eyes before looking back at Oliver. She couldn't help but smile again. Going up on her toes, she kissed him lightly on the lips and then stepped back and smacked him on the ass.

"Now, get to the showers and get cleaned up. We've got a party to go to," she said, smirking at him.

"Yes, ma'am," Oliver said before grabbing his broom and hopping out of the box, smoothly landing on the broom and flying off.

"Knew you had him around your little finger," George said, clapping at Finn. "Bravo." She only laughed in response.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I believe that Puddlemere keeper Oliver Wood has just gotten engaged to longtime girlfriend Finn Marsh!" the announcer shouted. The big screen filled with Finn's quickly reddening face. She froze for a moment and then shot over to Katie's side.

"Save me!" she squealed. Katie just laughed and hugged her.

"Oh shut it. You love it!" she shouted back. Finn chuckled as she stepped back.

"Come on… party time…"

"Oh my god, it's gorgeous, Finn!" Haley squealed for the 20th time as she stared down at the ring. Finn rolled her eyes. "So, have you picked a date? Where are you thinking about having the wedding?"

"Fuck, I've been engaged for barely an hour!" Finn exclaimed.

"I'm just thinking, you really need to get this on lockdown. Better yet, you should probably just elope," Haley continued rambling.

"HALEY!" Finn shouted as Alicia cackled.

"She's got a point," she said as soon as she caught her breath. "I'm mean, your mum will likely show up if you do a wedding." Finn sighed and shook her head.

"Here we are, ladies," Katie said as she walked up, holding four shot glasses. They each took one and held them out - save Angelina, who held out a class of sparkling water. "To Oliver FINALLY popping the question!"

"To finally getting it right," Finn replied.

"Shut it and drink, Finn. You're getting married!" Haley shouted. The women clinked their glasses together and did their shots. Finn sputtered a bit and then grinned.

"Please tell me that you aren't getting my fiancée too drunk," Oliver said, stepping up behind Finn and wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her back against him and nuzzling her neck.

"Ehm... think you might want to think about laying off on the firewhiskey," Katie warned with a chuckle.

"Get a room!" Alicia bellowed.

"Not a bad idea," he replied with a wink before pulling Finn off.

"I give it six months before she's pregnant," Alicia declared.

"Alicia!" Angelina shouted.

"I give it a year," Haley chimed in. Another round of laughter went around. Alicia then turned to look at Katie.

"Better hop on it, Kates," she said, grinning. Katie flushed bright red as the women all laughed at her. "You are the last single one."

"I… what… huh? Christ, isn't it big enough that we're moving in together?" she squeaked. Alicia, Angelina and Haley started laughing.

"Take it easy, Kates. You've got plenty of time," Angelina said, patting her on the arm. Katie started looking around. She needed a drink.

"Does the lady need some refreshment?"

She turned and gratefully walked over to Taylor and dragged him away from the now cackling women, taking the glass from his hand and a sizeable drink.

"What's that about?" Taylor asked, looking over at the group.

"Just… girl talk," she said, smiling up at him. Taylor raised his eyebrow at her and then just took a drink. "You and Finn packed up?"

"For the most part. Just got a bit more to go, but shouldn't take long," Katie said, relaxing a bit as he slid his arm around her waist.

"Not having any second thoughts, are you?" he asked. Katie chuckled, but then stopped. Just beyond his teasing smile, she could see the tad bit of worry in his eyes. She smiled and then pecked him on the lips.

"Never," she said.

"Good," he said, sighing in relief. He then glanced across the room and shook his head. Katie followed his view and chuckled softly as she saw Oliver and Finn in a corner, lost in their own little world.

"I called that one," Katie said, looking back at Taylor. "Knew they'd end up together." Taylor snorted. "Shut it. You did too."

"This is true. Knew the second I walked into the flat and saw you teaching him how to use a mobile that he was a goner," Taylor said with a sigh. He glanced over at the couple again. "Though maybe they should get a room…"

Katie looked over, seeing the two now snogging in the corner. She snorted and turned back to Taylor.

"Give them a break. They're in love," she said, rolling her eyes slightly.

"And what about you, Ms. Bell?" he asked, his eyes twinkling as he grinned down at her. Kate stepped closer to him.

"Oh, Mr. Carter, I think you know the answer to that question. You did get me to move in with you," she quipped.

"Yes, but forgive me, I do love to hear you say it," he said, leaning towards her.

"I love you," Katie said, smiling.

"I love you, too," Taylor said before kissing her. Katie chuckled against his lips.

"What?" Taylor asked.

"Just… never thought this would happen," Katie said.

"And to think none of this would have happened if you hadn't moved in with Finn. She really should make you maid of honor," Taylor suggested. Katie laughed.

"Perhaps…"

"People are watching," Finn said with a chuckle as she pushed Oliver back.

"So? I have a bloody fit fiancée," Oliver said, bending back down to kiss her again. Finn laughed and pushed him back again.

"Save it for later," Finn said, her eyes dancing. Oliver just pulled her closer.

"Later, eh?" he whispered in her ear, causing a slight shiver to run through her.

"Stop it!" she shouted as she laughed and punched him in the arm, though she knew that it wouldn't hurt him. He just chuckled.

"I think this is probably one of the best nights of my life," he said, gazing down at her.

"Really? What are the others?" Finn asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

"For starters… the night I met you," he said. Finn laughed loudly, remembering the party where she had vomited all over him. "Then there's the night you agreed to be my girlfriend…"

"I'm surprised none of these so-called best nights of your life involve quidditch," Finn replied. Oliver shrugged.

"Suppose I finally discovered there's more to life than quidditch," he said.

"I love you," Finn said, grinning up at him.

"Love you too," Oliver replied, kissing her. "You sure you don't need help with moving things?"

"Nah, Katie's helping me. So pretty sure I don't need any help at all," Finn replied. "Besides… it's kind of something we want to do on our own."

"I can understand that," he said. "But for now… let's just enjoy our night," he said, smiling at her. Finn nodded. "Though… maybe stay out of the firewhiskey…"

"Yea… that's a good idea…"

"Think that's it," Finn said as she dropped the last box in the living room. Katie waved her wand and shrank it down, then added it to the others in the small box that Finn would carry while Katie apparated her to Oliver's flat - Finn had to admit that magic really did make life so much more convenient even though she couldn't use it herself. They had already turned in their keys to the landlord, who would be up in an hour with cleaning crew. They had done final checks yesterday.

Finn then looked around the now empty apartment, for a moment her thoughts going back through all the memories it now held. There was a time when she couldn't be here without bursting into tears, but then she had transformed it into her own space.

And then Katie arrived and everything had changed.

"Hard to believe we're leaving this place," Katie said, looking around at the bare walls herself. She then looked over at Finn.

"One last glass of wine on the balcony before we leave?" Finn asked. Katie chuckled as she walked over to a bag and pulled out two cups and a bottle.

"Let's," Katie said.

The two walked out on the balcony and Finn poured, then handed one to Katie before leaning against the railing.

"I'm going to miss this place," Finn said, looking over at Katie.

"Me too. Won't be the same without our random ladies' nights or movie nights," Katie said. "Though thankfully I didn't have to introduce all the muggle stuff to Taylor." Finn chuckled.

"Oh, Oliver's long gotten used to it," Finn said. "Thank god." She then turned and looked back into the apartment, going back to the day Katie had arrived. Rushing home from work and finding her waiting outside. Showing her around the place and the two bonding over their shared love of movies and music. Helping her put together her furniture.

Finding out about magic.

Then everything that came after. Alicia's hen night. Katie coming home after a date with Taylor, saying they were officially together. Haley showing up with a wedding ring. And so many more.

"A lot's happened here," Katie said, bringing her out of her thoughts. Finn looked over at her and smiled.

"You could say that again," she replied with a chuckle. She looked back inside. "I'm glad that I'm leaving here with much happier memories than I thought I would."

"Same," Katie said. The two women looked at each other. "And well… it's not like we'll never see each other again. Not to mention, you've been practically living with Oliver the last year. Surprised it took this long for you two to move in together."

"Hey, the same could be said for you and Taylor," Finn scoffed. Katie just laughed as she rolled her eyes. She then sighed.

"Still a bit sad," she said. "Going to miss a lot of things. Random movie nights. Dinner together. Ending the day chatting with you."

"That's kind of what phones are for," Finn said. "And weekly dinner dates."

"This is true," Katie said. "And at least neither of us are moving to Romania."

"Now THAT I did not see coming," Finn said, laughing loudly. "Seriously. Haley? On a dragon reserve? She hates walking through parks!"

"Suppose love makes us do strange things," Katie replied wistfully. "Changes us."

"Certainly changed me," Finn said, throwing her arm around Katie's shoulders. "I'm so happy that you answered my roommate ad. Have I told you that?"

"About a million times now," Katie replied with a chuckle. "But I'm glad I did as well. Think it was fate."

"Mmhmm," Finn replied, leaning her head on Katie's shoulder. "Definitely fate… or magic." The two women dissolved into giggles as Katie put her arm around Finn's waist. "Though since I have you alone, something I want to ask."

"Ask away," Katie replied.

"Be my maid of honor? I mean, it makes sense since you did introduce us," Finn said, rambling slightly. Katie just grinned.

"Of course," she said. Finn hugged her tightly, tearing up. "I would love to."

"Good. I mean, we haven't decided anything about the wedding yet, but I thought, you know, get it out of the way just in case," Finn said. Katie chuckled.

"So, future Mrs. Wood," she said.

"Yes, future Mrs. Carter?" Finn replied. Katie laughed.

"Not yet. Just because you're engaged doesn't mean we're all ready to run off and get married," Katie said. Finn just shrugged.

"It could happen," she said lightly. "But continue…" Katie stepped away from her, holding her cup out.

"A toast… to the best flatmate a girl could ask for and… to being best friends," Katie said, smiling. Finn grinned in return, tapping her cup against Katie's.

"No… to soulmates," she said.

"Yes, that's much better… to soulmates…"

I really, really loved writing this story. Dunno, but kind of wanted to see more stories about friendship – especially with women – so just sat down and wrote it. And to think I started this because I got an idea for a rom-com that involved Oliver and Marcus duking it out for the affections of a muggle woman… so glad that I went with this idea instead.

Anywho, thanks for reading and following!