Chapter 31

Christmas was rolling around, and Tiannah and Oliver were both going home. After a scare that involved Sirius Black breaking into the castle, they both agreed that it would be safer.

It had been six weeks since they had broken up, but they remained friends. No, they weren't as close as they were when they were little, but there was no denying that they still were best friends. Hestia was to be staying with Ken during the holidays, which meant that Tiannah and Oliver were most likely to be spending it at the former's house.

On the last day before the holidays, Tiannah and Oliver were going to Hogsmeade with Ken and Hestia. Yes, it was a little awkward, considering that they weren't dating, but they went along nonetheless. Tiannah was doing last minute Christmas shopping for her parents with Oliver, Ken and Hestia, when the latter two announced that they were going away for 'couple time'. Tiannah death glared Hestia, knowing that she had an ulterior motive. The blonde smiled sweetly and her boyfriend smirked at the two. Oliver awkwardly put his hands in his pockets as Ken and Hestia walked away.

"Okay, I guess it's just us, Ollie," Tiannah said brightly, trying to diffuse the awkwardness.

Oliver smiled warmly at Tiannah and she felt her cheeks heat up. Why must he be so goddamn gorgeous?

Brushing away the thoughts, she quickly purchased her presents and left the shop, Oliver in her wake. The shop was WAY too small for comfort.

Suddenly, Tiannah found that she couldn't move. As hard as she might, her feet were firmly planted on the snowy ground. Frowning, she glanced at Oliver, who looked completely nonplussed. Then, he looked above Tiannah's head and stammered slightly, his cheeks turning the slightest, lightest shade of pink.

"What?" Tiannah asked impatiently.

"Um... mistletoe."

Tiannah looked above her head and groaned. Why must awkward things like this happen all the time? It's just going to weaken my resolve. Oliver and I are ONLY friends.

"Okay. That's okay. Um... well, would you mind?"

Tiannah couldn't help the last part that spurt out of her mouth. Oliver approached her and hovered over her lips for a moment, evidently deciding what he should do. He quickly pecked her cheek, causing her cheeks to turn bright pink at the warm contact of his lips. She stretched her leg out, and was pleased to see that she could move again.

"Thanks, Oliver," she said softly, bringing a hand up to her cheek when he wasn't looking.

"No problem, Tiannah."

There was an extremely awkward silence ensuing. Tiannah cleared her throat and asked if Oliver would like to go to The Three Broomsticks.

When they arrived, the atmosphere was lively and happy. Tiannah took a seat on a two-seater table with Oliver and ordered a butterbeer.

"So," she began, sipping her butterbeer, "any dating opportunities at the table?"

It looked as though saying the very words tore apart her heart. Oliver swallowed hard and shook his head.

"What about you?"

"Nah."

"Okay."

That was how the conversations went for the rest of the Hogsmeade visit: short and meaninglessly.

Tiannah and Oliver caught the Hogwarts Express home the next day. When they reached Kings Cross, they apparated to Tiannah's house together.

It didn't take long for the parents to figure it out. Tiannah was avoiding contact with Oliver, who was staring at Tiannah, looking sad, hurt, angry and hopelessly in love. Jane confronted her daughter as she made her way upstairs.

"So I take it you and Oliver broke up?"

Tiannah whipped her head around and glared at her mother, furious that she had the nerve to bring up such a painful fact. Jane immediately looked apologetic.

"Sorry, Tia-drop."

Tiannah giggled slightly at the childhood nickname that her mother had decided to use.

"Its fine, Mum."

The moment the words left Tiannah's mouth, tears filled her eyes.

"Mum... it was so stupid. I said that Oliver didn't trust me, and I was fed up when he didn't answer me. And... I said it was over. It was even worse when I saw him in the morning. He looked so upset and I felt incredibly guilty and-"

Tiannah sobbed unrestrainedly into her mother's shoulder as she realised how stupid, thoughtless and idiotic she had been. Oliver loved her when she was in her sweats, when she was sobbing, when she was muddy from playing Quidditch... it didn't matter how horrible she was being, how unpresentable she looked, or how annoying she was, Oliver loved her for it all. Tiannah cursed herself for letting it all go. She knew that she would never find someone like Oliver.

Oliver, who was annoying, goofy, cute, thoughtful, sweet, humble, sporty, passionate... every trait that she loved, all together in one amazing package that loved her for who she was.

"Tia, it's okay. I know that you both love each other. Why can't you just put aside your stubbornness?"

"It isn't as simple as that, Mum. Look, let's say that we do get back together. And then we have a huge fight and break up. He's been my best friend forever, and I don't know what I would do if I lost him for good. I can't risk that, even if I still have feelings for him."

"You have to decide if Oliver - and both of your happiness - is worth the risk."

Tiannah walked downstairs and was greeted by the sight of Oliver and Benny. Oliver was demonstrating how to mount a broom, using an unenchanted broomstick.

"Okay buddy, that was a good try, but next time-"

Oliver looked up when he felt Tiannah's eyes on her. He smiled and went back to teaching Benny. When Benny became fed up, Oliver held his shoulders and looked him in the eye.

"No tears. You'll improve, Benny. Just like your sister, you have the makings of a ruddy brilliant Quidditch player. Keep practising and you'll be as amazing as she is."

Tiannah felt her heart fluttering, its beats jagged and irregular, and her cheeks warm up.

"Thanks, Oliver."

Benny ran up to Tiannah, who was on the edge of the stairs, hugged her, and ran back upstairs. Chuckling, Tiannah took a seat next to Oliver. He grinned and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. When he saw the appraising expression on her face, mingled in with longing, he quickly dropped it.

"You'll be a great father, Oliver. And whoever you have children with is so lucky," she said, her voice choking at the last word. Just the thought of Oliver marrying some strange woman and having children with her felt like an iron grip on her heart, accompanied by urges to hurt the imaginary woman. Tiannah failed miserably as she tried to conceal the tears, which were falling thick and fast onto her lap.

"Hey, beauti- Tiannah, it's okay."

He rubbed her back soothingly and held her head as she very quietly sobbed. Slowly, he sobs were receding into ragged breathing, which soon turned into slow, even inhales and exhales. Her head was buried in his shoulder and he stroked her brown hair, until she fell asleep. He brushed the wetness away from her face and kissed her forehead tenderly, all unknown to Tiannah.

"I will win you back."

Disclaimer: Haha, no.