CHAPTER 8
(Day 12 - The Big Date)


"So, uh, Kates, best of luck on your date with el Capitan."

"Uh.. gracias, I suppose?" I cocked a brow at Fred, who was being weird as per usual.

"Two Galleons, he doesn't bring her there."

I looked up and saw George placing two gold coins on the table.

"I'll raise you two more, my brother. He shall bring her," Fred said, giving me an evil smirk. I sat there confused as the exchange went on.

"Make that four, he will bring her and will have a go on the thing," Lee chimed in, dumping his coins on the table. The twins grinned identically.

"What are you twats on about?" I demanded.

"I don't know, Lee. Even Wood couldn't be that thick." George shrugged, stacking the gold in one pile.

Lee brandished a flyer from Quality Quidditch Supplies. "Behold, Miss Bell, the Firebolt beta model that's up for a test-fly."

"The lightest broom in the market, extremely accurate navigation, razor-sharp precision, and polished finish in either dark wood, maple or oak. It even has a built in navigator and compass." Lee said all salesperson-like. "Wood won't be able to resist that."

"Clearly you nobheads have no respect whatsoever for me," I shook my head, forking a piece of egg into my mouth. "Placing bets on the outcome of my date? Honestly!"

"Ang, I'd have to go and see this for myself if you don't mind," Fred said, turning to ask his girlfriend for permission.

"No, not at all! That thing is stunning." Angelina said.

I have to admit though, I was slightly worried that my first date with Ol would self-destruct the minute he finds out about that test-fly, but I was clinging to hope that I was more important than some broom. That Firebolt did look fabulous, though.

The last time I was this nervous was when my mother took me to the dentist to get a tooth a pulled out. My father, who was a practicing mediwizard, knew how to sort it out the magical way, but mum would rather pay somebody to have her daughter undergo excruciating pain. Mothers.

I was standing by the castle entrance, watching people pass me by, all of them excited (but probably not as excited as I was) to spend a day in Hogsmeade. I thought I looked rather nice in a canary yellow off-shoulder top and white jeans (despite Alicia's nagging comment that nobody looks good in white trousers.) My usually messy blonde hair was set in soft, beachy waves, thanks to a styling charm Alicia helped me with.

I was getting impatient. I stood on my tippy toes, hoping I'd spot him in the sea of students.

"Hullo Katie," a girl voice called.

I looked round and saw my Object of Scorn smiling at me rather cheerfully. "Oh. Hi Cho… and you too, George."

He merely gave me a small wave as they moved along the current of people and, for some reason, seeing him with his arm around her, I was bloody—

"Kate!"

"Oliver."

He was running toward me, a sheepish grin on his face.

"Kate. I'm so sorry. I got held up by McGonagall…"

"That's ok."

"Do I look okay?" He adjusted his jacket.

He looked so gorgeous, his hair dark and shiny, a hint of scruff on his chin and jaw. (Would have appreciated if he had a shave prior, but I will let that fly because he still looked bloody cute.) He was clad in nice stonewashed jeans and a red collared shirt underneath a brown jacket that nicely complimented his eyes and skin.

"Just lovely."

"Good. I'd hate for you to have a slob for company," he said, motioning me outside. "You look amazing, by the way."

"Thank you," I said, trying very hard not to blush but failing miserably.

We walked silently out the Hogwarts gates and trudged the path to Hogsmeade. The formality of this being a "date" has finally settled and I was tongue-tied, which was, when I thought about it, better than bumbling incessantly. Every once in a while, I'd catch him looking at me and we'd share a smile.

When we reached the curve towards the shops and cafes, a wild bustle of air blew towards our direction, ruffling our hairs. I pulled my jacket tighter around me, searching for warmth.

"Have you gloves, Kate?"

"Yes," I replied tentatively, fishing them from my coat pocket.

"Well give them to me."

"Uh…"

"No, not just for me," he explained laughingly at my baffled face. "Look, one for your right hand and one for my left hand and then we'll hold hands with our two middle ones. See?"

"I see."

We marched along the shops, hands linked and arms swinging whilst the cold air mottled our faces. I was glad the matter of hand-holding was sorted out because it was something I looked forward to, to be quite honest. We waved to some of the acquaintances we passed, nodding and smiling like we were showing each other off. I appreciated that. Yes, sir. I wanted the whole student body to know who I was dating.

The Three Broomsticks and Stellar Café were swarming with students so we decided to stroll along the shops. I was afraid he'd bring me to QQS as the boys had teased me, but thankfully, we stayed away from the sports shop. We did browse the school supplies store, testing out the cool new self-inking quills. I got a nice peacock feather quill, while he bought the black bird version. After making our purchases, we lolled on a bench and watched a couple of squirrels running and hopping about like they were playing hide and seek. Oliver looked adorable chasing some of the squirrels, sending them scampering toward their burrows.

It had been an hour or so into the date, but somehow, there was still some level of anxiety in me. Dramatic as it sounds, I was so used to admiring him from afar that having him sitting directly beside me, his arm draped around my shoulder, made me feel slightly nervy.

"I'm really glad you and I did this," I said, smiling up at him.

"I'm glad you're glad."

"Well, I'm glad that you're glad that I'm glad."

"Now before you make any more eloquent remarks, Miss Bell, we have a couple of hot drinks with our names on it."

Madam Rosmerta's hot cocoa was ecstacy, passion, and obsession in a cup. I closed my eyes, inhaling the sweet, nutty scent of chocolate. It was just incredible – amazing – nothing quite like I ever tasted. Mm – Mm – Mm – good!

"Kate?"

"Yes?"

"Pardon me, but you sound like you're having an org—"

"Oliver!" I kicked him from underneath the table, shocked by his candid remark.

"What?" he asked flippantly, feigning innocence as I looked around if somebody overheard.

"Just drink your bloody butterbeer," I said with a playful pout.

"Fine," he replied, watching me lift the cup of goodness towards my pursed lips with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "But you really did sound like you were enjoying yourself toooooo much."

"I am enjoying myself, thanks." I placed the cup back in the saucer. "Well, aren't you?" I leaned forward, raising my eyebrow in what I thought was a seductive manner.

He was leaning to kiss me, when suddenly…

"Greetings!"

'Twas Fred. Ugh.

"Fancy seeing you here, Fred." I shot him a sharp glare, not even bothering to hide my annoyance. He was up to something, I knew it.

"What brings you here, mate?" Oliver asked.

"Well, if you must know, my dear captain, there's a test-fly for the new Firebolt."

Oh crap.

"The Firebolt?" Oliver repeated, seizing the flyer that was in Fred's hand. Now Oliver was looking at the broom with what I could only qualify as lust. "Wow, Fred. It's a beauty."

I clenched my fists underneath the table, getting ready to pounce at Fred.

"It really is," Fred said, avoiding my glare. "Angelina and I had a go at it, and I have to tell you, there's nothing quite like it." He jerked a thumb behind him where Angelina was checking out the décor by the doorway, trying to avoid my eyes.

"Katie," Oliver looked up from the flyer, his eyes practically watering with excitement. "D'you want to go?" Judging by the look on his face, his statement should have been: Well I'm going, are you coming with me?

"Sure, Oliver." I couldn't say no, could I? He was practically spazzing just looking at the damn flyer. "…Sure."

"Brilliant!" Fred said. "I'll see you lovebirds later then."

GRRR!!!

Moments later, I found myself just strolling idly inside QQS in what was supposed to be my glorious first date. Oliver already got in line to for the test-fly and judging by the queue that snaked its way out of the store, I think it's going to be quite a wait. I was still furious at Fred and vowed to kill him with my bare hands stat, but I was sadder about the fact that Oliver actually took the bait.

"Hey stranger…"

I looked up and saw George walking towards me. I grinned forcibly.

"Where's Cho?"

"She wanted to have a go at the Firebolt, so I let her. She's almost up." He pointed towards her and she gave both of us a cheerful wave. I returned it as cheerfully as I could.

"Why didn't you join her?"

He shrugged. "Why aren't you with Oliver?"

"Hey I asked first."

"I don't know," he shrugged. "I suppose I just wasn't in the mood."

"Yeah me too. Fred sort of ruined it for me."

"Oh really? Why?"

"Don't play coy with me, George."

"Enlighten me. I'm confused."

"Hello? You have an outstanding bet with him, remember? The one where you bet if Ol will take me here or not."

"Oh that. Right. I suppose that did occur. To be honest, I forgot all about that."

"Bullshit."

"No I'm being serious. But now that you mentioned it, Fred actually needs the money for Angie's birthday."

"What? I didn't know Angie had a birthday coming up," I shrieked, a pang of guilt settling through.

"Uh-oh."

"I'm an awful friend."

"It happens to the best of us." He laughed placing a hand on my shoulder comfortingly.

All of a sudden, I saw Oliver leaving his spot in line and walking briskly walking towards us. "Kate…"

George's hand left my shoulder and settled in his jean pocket. "Wood."

"Weasley," he nodded then turned towards me. "You know what, I changed my mind about flying. It doesn't feel right making you wait here. Not on our first date, at least."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" I asked, confused.

He smirked. "What I meant to say was I'd rather spend my time with you than queuing for some stupid broom." He managed to say that last part without hesitation. I was impressed.

I smiled.

"I'll leave you lovebirds be." George said, making his way towards the opposite aisle.

"Remind me to kill your brother." I called out, hoping to make light of the awkward situation.

He looked over and smiled mischievously, "I remind myself that everyday."

I know it took forever, but I hope you enjoyed the chapter. :) Review.