FRIDAY: 5 PM
"Oliver!"
The London Lions Captain looked up from the team's playbook to see a young woman make her away across the pitch. She was dressed almost entirely in black workout gear, the tight Lycra material stretched across her incredibly lithe body. Granted she was small, but her tanned skin and glistening, platinum blonde hair screamed wholesomeness and health from a mile away.
Oliver stood to greet the blonde vision, her undoubted attractiveness passing him by entirely. It was a fact noted by many that the talented keeper wore distraction blinders when in 'Quidditch-mode.'
He greeted her with an easy smile and warm tone,
"You must be trainer Olsson?"
She beamed a gracious, perfectly white smile in return, having to look up as he towered above her.
"Ya, but you can call me Mindy, everyone else does."
Mindy spoke with a lilting Swedish accent, her blonde hair and flawless complexion explained.
"Shall we get started?"
The Swedish beauty ushered him through the changing rooms and into the side chamber reserved for physiotherapy and the dreaded sports massages.
The London Lions had hired a new sports therapist after it became apparent that the majority of players were skipping the mandatory physical therapy sessions, each with a lamer excuser than the last. Oliver feared it was due to the job's previous incumbent being nicknamed 'Bonecrusher Bill'. Although, he was certain that Mindy's arrival would fuel a new found love of post-game 'rub downs' from the team.
Ollie stripped to his thermal shorts and lay face down on the padded table, grateful of the rest after another gruelling pre-season session. It seemed the club's new mantra was, 'get super fit, or definitely die trying.'
He winced slightly as Mindy's cold hands rubbed oil into his taut, muscled back but relaxed as the smooth strokes continued.
"I know your team have been lax on their therapy, but I want to change that this season. Your boys could do themselves a massive injury if they don't cool down properly."
Her gentle chastising proved that though it was not her mother tongue, her grasp on the English language was excellent.
"The older approaches aimed to reach muscles through painful, deep stimulation without the needed slower, more gentle introductions. Which is probably why only a quarter of the squad reported for their therapy sessions last season."
Oliver mumbled his agreement, enjoying a far gentler sports massage than he was used to.
"I mean it is just such an honour in itself to work for the team and by default.. you of course. I plan to prove I am the best.. I promise I will make you feel amazing."
Her small hands moved slowly and methodically, from upper back to lower back in steady succession. She paused briefly and moved to the end of the table, before beginning work on his left leg. The tanned skin rippled under her contact and his breathing became slow and steady as his body fully relaxed under her touch.
Unseen by him, her clear blue eyes twinkled as she smiled at the effect she was having on the undeniably perfect human specimen that was.. Oliver Wood. Her smirk widened as she executed the first stage of her plan; a few private sessions a week and he would be eating out of her hand. She just needed a little time.
FRIDAY: 7 PM
Across the city, Pansy and Hermione were in the throes of the famed Malkin Fashion Show prep. Pansy currently had two stylists buzzing around her head, each speaking rapid French as the clock ticked on. The luxurious, pink silk dressing gown was smooth on the Spanish model's skin as she relaxed into the director-style chair, complete with her name in gold on the back.
Glancing around she took in the chaos surrounding her, an inevitable feature of the infamous show. Malkin's was notorious for their lingerie shows; which had transcended from a simple collection debut, to an unforgettable experience, each year building on the grandeur of the last.
Pansy had been lucky enough to be ingratiated into the Malkin family four years ago, when she was a mere 18, years old. Now, a firm fixture of the nicknamed 'Malkin Mod-Squad' she had closed the show last year to rapturous applause and standing ovations.
This year the designer had taken inspiration from all things sinful, envisioning each model in a different wicked creation. Pansy was styled with 'Anger' in mind, her olive skins glistening under the glitter-infused lotion the beauty team had expertly applied.
Her assigned first look was a painstakingly hand crafted, beautiful scarlet lingerie set, complete with lace bra, lace thong and lace suspender set. Malkin was famed for being a women's designer brand, which attracted the undivided attention of men as well, arguably because of the calibre of model hired to display the collections.
"Pans check your phone!"
The young model started slightly, as she broke out of her reverie.
Looking down at the large gold device, she saw an iMessage from Hermione who was currently stationed across the room having her make up expertly applied by a team of fluttering cosmetic artists.
The message inside was a picture of another model, Irina, lay flat on her back on as her hair and make up was applied by the ever patient beauty team. Irina had a reputation in the industry for being a terrible lightweight and had apparently last night indulged in a little too much in-flight champagne.
Pansy laughed loudly before turning and showing the message to Lilah who was seated next to her. Lilah was a vision, with huge barrel waves, intermittently dotted with a delicate diamond tiara, glittering with real Swarovski crystals.
Ricardo, Malkin Couture's creative director, had assigned Lilah the characteristics of 'Pride', complete with an entire back story of a renegade, rebellious Princess. She was resplendent in a matching cream Basque and suspender, set to stun any willing male.
She glanced at the time and was surprised to see that it already read 7 o'clock, with the show due to start at 9 pm sharp. She refrained from biting her nails, as she wondered why she had still had no word from Oliver that he was making his way to the event. Pansy knew that the journey from the stadium to central London was an arduous task, with apparition banned due to the security risk it posed.
Breathing deeply, she quieted the panic fluttering in her stomach at the thought of his potential non-appearance.
FRIDAY: 7 PM
"Okay guys, take a break. Back on stage at quarter past please!"
Ginny's body released tension as she fell out of last position and into amiable chatter with the rest of her dance ensemble. They were a dedicated group, each striving for perfection and eventual recognition from top tier ballet troupes.
She moved backstage to the lounge area, replete with comfortable chairs and sofas for the dancers to rest weary limbs. As conversation moved to the imminent Malkin show occurring that same night, Ginny felt a pang of regret at not being able to attend and support Hermione and Pansy, in all of their glitter filled glory. Horatio, the academy's principal instructor had demanded flawless excellence from his students through exhausting 12-hour rehearsals and strict training regimes.
Ginny glanced down at her phone screen to see 4 missed calls from Blaise, a sure sign that he was annoyed. She grimaced as she realised that she was already 2 hours late to meet him and sighed as she screened another of his calls. The path to greatness was fraught with disappointment, a fact Ginny was realising slowly and painfully.
FRIDAY 7:30 PM
Blinking slowly, Oliver woke to the sound of his phone ringing, startled at the abrasive noise to his sleepy mind. He realised quickly that he must have drifted off; relaxed so fully by the slow, meticulous care Mindy was applying.
He cursed under his breath upon noting the time and two missed calls from Draco. Sitting up quickly from the table, he startlied Mindy who had not finished the session.
"I'm sorry Trainer Olss- Mindy. I'm sorry, I have to run, I didn't realise how late it was. Pansy will have my neck if I'm not there tonight."
"Pansy..?"
Mindy's flawless face was a picture of confusion as she registered that Pansy was a possible girlfriend or, she shook her head in annoyance, a wife?
"Yeah, Pansy. Look, Thanks for today, I'll definitely recommend to Mike that you become the full time therapist. I really have to dash, catch you next week."
Oliver's non-explanation of exactly who Pansy was, or her importance to him, riled the Swedish therapist and she angrily packed up her kit, upset that the session had reached such an abrupt end.
FRIDAY: 8:45PM
"Oh, thank fuck!"
Draco grinned as his buddy entered the Malkin Couture drinks reception, compliments of the fashion house for it's esteemed guests. He ran a hand through his platinum locks, grateful that Ollie had reached the venue in time, as he was equally as scared of Pansy's wrath.
Ollie laughed, and shook hands warmly with Draco, both men relieved that he had made it on time. He then moved to greet the other guests Draco had been standing with; noting that Robbie and Karlie had apparently re-kindled their tempestuous relationship, much to the pleasure of their friendship group. The two hotheads were far better together than apart, and Robbie had one arm wrapped securely around the stunning, half-Indian beauty's waist.
Karlie and twin sister Krista were dear members of the small friendship group and were accompanied by more of their friends; Indigo, Chase and Cara. Ollie greeted each girl with a kiss to the cheek and shook hands with the men, laughing as they mentioned how worried they were for his life should he not show, whilst Cara fixed his slightly wonky bow tie.
A gong sounded over the hubbub of chatter and conversation dissipated as a man formally requested that all guests please take their seats, for the show would begin imminently.
Recognising the 15-minute warning, the crowd began to move toward the converted ballroom, a myriad of heels tapping softly on the expansive marble floor. Oliver, Draco and their gaggle of friends were assigned front row seats due to the influential and infamous positions they held in both celebrity and aristocratic circles.
The traditional ballroom had been converted into a sensuous den, awash with an extensive, winding catwalk covering the expanse of the room. Heavy, crimson drapes framed the runway entrance, whilst low lights illuminated the carnal themed space.
Glancing at the programme, Oliver skimmed the message from Ricardo Giuseppe, famed Italian visionary, and came to understand that the theme for this years show would be a night of sin from Malkin's very own angels.
Oliver grinned, as Pansy was traditionally very tight lipped when it came to the Malkin show, liking to keep her friends in the dark and maintain the element of surprise. No amount of prodding from Oliver, about what exactly she would (or wouldn't) be wearing, would move her stubborn resolve.
The lights dimmed and the music picked up, a pulsing beat, compliments of famed Scandinavian DJ, Erich Áki. Streams of golden sparks, ejected from unseen cannons lining the runway, suddenly illuminated the runway and the entire room hushed, focusing on the runway entrance.
FRIDAY: 9 PM
Head bowed Pansy recited a silent Spanish prayer before shaking her head back and moving confidently forward. She entered the catwalk and felt the infectious base line reverberate through her body. Her long limbs glittered under the dim light and the crimson coloured underwear set complimented her complexion perfectly. A haughty, arrogant look adorned her features and she felt at ease as she embodied her sinful assignment of an angry Malkin angel.
She walked purposefully, reminding the room once again why she was so highly revered in her profession. She swung her hips slightly, transfixing every male in the Northern hemisphere, let alone the room. Moving towards the section where Oliver was seated, her heart lifted slightly, however her outward persona remained unchanged.
The room's attention returned once more to the entrance as Lilah entered in her prideful, royal regalia, followed by Irina and Greta, representing envy and greed respectively. Malkin had doubled and tripled up on the seven deadly sins, creating countless beautiful lingerie garments which enticed customers from around the world.
10 minutes later and Hermione was up. She walked sensuously, proving with every step why she was perfect to embody the lustful temperament. The baby pink lace creation curved to every dip and slope of her lithe body and the barely there lace thong covered enough to remain demure. Slinking past Draco and her friends, she shook her waist length curls and swung her hips an indiscernible shade lower, however it was just enough to make her boyfriend smirk with desire at the knowledge that he was the only one taking her home.
Forty-five minutes later the entire collection had been displayed, and rapturous applause filled the high ceilinged room, ricocheting around the marble walls. The Malkin Angels performed their final walk through, taking to the runway in quick succession, applauding the unrivalled Ricardo's creative efforts.
Pansy, commonly referred to as the Malkin darling, was last to emerge holding hands with the Italian designer. They completed the catwalk to a standing ovation and Pansy beamed at the night's success before blowing a kiss to Oliver, a move the photographers were very quick to caption and undoubtedly email immediately to their superiors for publication in gossip rags galore.
SATURDAY: 11 AM
Hermione padded through the loft, clad in a black sweatshirt of Draco's, small pyjama shorts and thick knitted socks, sliding silently over the wood floor. She was greeted by the welcome sight of her friends in complete relaxation mode.
Yuri and Luna were in the kitchen, no doubt preparing one of their amazing brunches loved by everyone. Luna tended the softly simmering pots and pans whilst Yuri gently irritated the small elf by towering above her and picking at the ingredients over her head. Crunching an uncooked carrot he grinned at Hermione;
"Mione my princess, what would you like? I have… Coffee, breakfast tea, herbal tea, fresh juice and champagne. I also have some slightly stronger stuff if the lady prefers..."
Yuri waggled his eyebrows suggestively at the thought of hard liquor so early in the morning and Hermione giggled before requesting a chamomile and honey tea in her favourite giant strawberry shaped mug.
Draco was already on the sofa, watching TV and dressed simply in black sweatpants and a pure cotton white t-shirt, moving to make room for his stunning girlfriend.
"Good morning my sleepyhead"
He kissed her forehead gently and laughed softly at her sleepy face, still tired from the spectacle last night.
Hermione mumbled incoherently before nuzzling her face into his neck and intertwining her long bare legs in between his own. She breathed gently as he rubbed slow circles on her back, grateful for the comfort of feeling completely at ease.
Yuri bounded over; his typical Californian smile affixed to his face and quietly placed her tea on the glass coffee table before returning to help (but not really help) Luna cook.
The novelty Big Ben doorbell rang throughout the apartment and Yuri answered so as to stop the noise disturbing a still sleepy Hermione and undoubtedly exhausted Pansy who had not emerged yet.
"Blaise stop it… if it wasn't for you I wouldn't have forgotten my bloody keys. I said stop we're in public! Get your hands off my ass or I will hex you so badly you won't know which way is up… BLAISE!"
Luna laughed as Ginny's exasperation was heard over the intercom. Yuri buzzed them up and seconds later the vexed red head entered with Blaise in tow, carrying five Starbucks coffee cups and laughing uproariously.
The noise had roused Pansy who shuffled from her room, pulling one of Oliver's oversized Quidditch hoodies over her head. She still had her sleep mask pushed up on her forehead and moved leisurely in her baby pink, fluffy slippers, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"Pans, you are a ray of sunshine!"
Yuri leapt over to her and guided her to one of their oversized armchairs whilst grabbing a cosy footstool for her to place her lean limbs on.
"Luna has put me on tea duty, what can I get for you this beautiful morning?"
Hermione giggled at Yuri's infectious exuberance and he was set off to make Pansy a green tea with lemon. Pansy pulled down the sleep mask once more and settled into the chair.
"Pans, did you hear from Irina last night?"
Hermione called over to her fellow model from the sofa as Blaise and Ginny started setting the table for brunch.
"Nooo, I saw her for a little bit at the beginning of the night and then maybe for 15 minutes around 1am but not before we left, how come?"
Pansy spoke slowly, her words affected far more by her Spanish accent in her tired state.
Hermione laughed,
"Just because Lilah texted me at 4am from the back of a black cab with an unconscious Irina, wearing only one shoe. "
Pansy grinned at yet another story of their liability prone friend whilst wishing that she had consumed less champagne at the show's after party so as to quell the pulsing of her head.
"Here you are m'lady. I have added a few drops of an all natural hangover recovery potion as well."
Yuri presented Pansy with her tea, whilst pouring in a little liquid from a tiny vial in his hand.
"Thank you Yuu-uuu-ri"
Pansy stifled a yawn as she gratefully accepted the concoction before appreciatively inhaling the steam emitted from the mug.
Luna looked up from the oven before asking,
"Okay guys 10 minute warning. Pans, where's Ol?"
"He went on a run this morning, the maniac, despite the copious amounts of alcohol in his system. He said he would be fine, and then messaged me an hour later saying he had thrown up after 6 miles, and was grabbing a cab home. He's in the shower now."
The room laughed at fitness obsessed Oliver's morning efforts, before the man himself emerged from Pansy's room shaking his wet hair out of his eyes. His baggy, tartan pyjama bottoms swept along the floor whilst his top half remained unclothed.
"Eh lass, I see that's where my hoodie has got to."
Lifting her up gently, Oliver settled into the armchair before replacing his girlfriend snugly in his lap, her sleepy body resting gently against his bare chest. He wrapped his muscled arms around her body and kissed her cheek before playfully biting her neck.
"Lu, I am absolutely starving, and that smells incredible."
Luna smiled at Ollie, before requesting that they all come and get it whilst it's hot. The seven other adolescents moved gratefully towards the feast, so lovingly prepared by Luna for her friends.
Only Pansy saw Luna steady herself on the kitchen island as she waivered slightly, and frowned at the sight. Luna took two deep calming breaths before re-fixing her blissful smile on her flawless face. Pansy internally felt a twinge of discomfort at the thought that Luna was silently suffering with something and made a mental note to speak to her as soon as possible, disliking the feeling of any of her friends struggling.
Pansy looked away quickly as Luna glanced up and took her place next to Oliver at their large glass dining table, sunlight illuminating their entire loft in serene sunshine. She sipped at her orange juice, before emitting a peal of laughter at a bickering Ginny and Blaise squabbling over a napkin.
COMING UP ON LONDON LOVES:
"I have something to tell you… and I think… no I know, you're going to hate me. I'm so sorry."
AND
"I have to do this, for me. I want you to be okay with this…but I don't need you to be. You have to understand that. I hope you'll be here when I get back."
Stay tuned.
A/N Please stick with me! All will become clearer with Luna in upcoming chapters. Any review is greatly, greatly appreciated.