Mistress of the Moon
"You better smarten up before classes start tomorrow. I assure you not all of the teachers will be accustomed to your attitude." and with that I closed the door, hopefully ending that discussion for the night and saving it for another day.
If anything could have been taken from this situation… it was the if I intended on trying to live with Alexis McKenzie, we were going to have to find some common ground. And I was going to have to find a place to hide her wand.
Waking early the nest morning to the sound of a distant alarm clock. I walked into the room to find it empty. A shiver ran through my body as I rubbed my arms instinctively and tried to savour some body heat. Forgetting her altogether, I walked into the bathroom and took a much needed warm shower in walk was salvageable of the old bathroom. I would have to have if fixed, and soon.
Dressing in my Gryffindor robes, I ran from the room and up towards Dumbledore's office, I didn't have a schedule and I had nowhere else to go to get one. Knocking on the door of the room, I was let in quicker then I expected.
"Ah, young Mr. Wood. Yes, well your young mistress was in already, she picked up her schedule and stormed off." his voice was slightly amused as I took the piece of paper from him. Looking over my classes quickly and I scanned the paper and turned back to Professor, ready to thank him when I saw his expression.
"Well, Oliver, I have a favour to ask you." his expression was somewhere between bleak but happy all the same. "Since young miss McKenzie hadn't received a house, she will follow you in the Gryffindor house and you will be allowed to remain their Quidditch player and captain. Alexis will attend all Gryffindor classes along with you and as we do not have a Flying Teacher I ask that you too take on the responsibility as you are by far the most fit to do so. Only until we find a proper professor that is. Will you consider?" he asked as I nodded my head, suddenly thrown off guard by his question.
"I would be honoured to Professor, if you would give me another schedule telling me what time then I…"
"I have taken the liberty of placing it in your schedule already. I've also spoken to your teachers. Once again I thank you for your support." his smile was solemn as I nodded my head and he dismissed me to breakfast.
I had half an hour before I had to be at my first class. If I had woken up that early, what time had Alexis woken this morning?
Walking down the corridors I found myself entering the Great Hall alone as I walked in a sauntered towards the table, searching the length of all the benches for any sign of Alexis. When she remained nowhere in sight, I found myself faintly aware of the Weasley Twins cheerful calls. Only half there, I sat beside Fred, or George, and placed a couple pieces of bacon and a few pieces of toast on my plate. Still searching for the short, violet eyed firebolt.
"You alright there Wood. Looks as if you've got your knickers in a twist." Fred smiled and patted me on the back, shaking me from my trance and humouring his brother as they both laughed at my expanse.
"For the last time Fred, I do not wear knickers. And for your information, I'm looking for someone." I sighed as I looked down the table one last time before spinning back to my food and dipping in. "I can't seem to find her."
"Her? Ah Oliver's found himself a girlfriend. Well I think we can help you with that." George smiled as he looked deviously between Fred and myself. Smiling, they bounded from their seats and stood on top of the benches. Immediately seizing everyone's attention as they turned towards the sight.
"Oi, listen up everyone-" Fred started, beginning a riot as everyone turned towards us in confusion. The Gryffindors' smiling triumphantly, the Hufflepuffs' smiling in encouragement, the Ravenclaws' shaking their heads in disgust and the Slytherin table sending glares towards the troublesome twins.
"Come on now, over here-" George countered, seeing some of the students resistance.
"You two, stop snogging in the back, we have an announcement to make."
"As it stands our lovely Quidditch Captain is in search of a girl-"
"Aren't we all?" Fred smiled widely as several of the students from each house broke out laughing.
"And we insist on helping him." shaking my head, I lowered it into my hands as they continued to raised themselves and looking around the room.
"You there… are you Wood's girl?" I heard Fred ask allowed as I saw him seek out a sixth year from the Hufflepuff table, shaking her head in embarrassment, Fred simply shrugged his shoulders as George continued from the other side.
"How about you there… Ravenclaw?" as it continued, I felt my heart stop as the twins went on, but not before asking another young Ravenclaw.
"Are you… oh no, your much to attractive for our captain over here." the tables erupted with laughter as I pulled on their robes in desperate attempt to stop their charade.
"How about you love?" I turned as George turned to the girl who had just walked into the Great Hall, turning my head on the spot in a desperate way to hide my face but see hers' all the same. Praying that this would be the last of their humour.
"How about what?" her demanding voice cut through the air like a knife through butter as I looked from my hands to the entrance and saw the face and body that matched the voice. Alexis stood confidently at the head of the room as all went silent and all eyes turned towards her.
"Are you Oliver's girl?" Fred piped up, placing an arm on George's shoulder and looking towards her expectantly. With a sarcastic laugh, Alexis' violet eyes turned a sudden piercing colour as her gaze turned directly towards me, as if she knew I would be looking.
"Please, I'd rather end up with a troll." she replied sharply as the entire room seemed to fill with oohs, and ahhs, but not before the Weasley twins could approach her and lead her to where they were sitting.
"You know… I like you. Why haven't I seen you around here before?" George asked as he pulled her down beside him.
"I've been around." she replied, testing the air before turning a quick glare towards me and back to the twins, smiling sweetly, she excused herself and walked from the hall. Leaving the entire student population watching her leave.
"I like her, she's feisty." Fred laughed as I starred at him in utter disbelief. There was no way he would say the same thing after being through what I had. Turning to watch her leave from the room, I watched as she walked out, head held high and full of confidence, dignity, and pride. Something that would hold her back if anything with these people.
She was being given the opportunity to bond as a group. Gryffindor was the best house in Hogwarts, so why couldn't she see that? What was with being in Slytherin? Why was that so important? Why did she strive to stand alone and independent so strongly? There were so many questions, and sadly… so little time.
Looking down to my schedule, I found that I had flying first with the sixth years. Gryffindor and Slytherin. A real pleasure it would be in some cases.
Standing from my seat, I bid a farewell to the Weasley Twins and headed towards the exit… feeling everyone's eyes on my back as I left. Damn Fred and George, they would pay for that one later.
Outside was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and there was a certain mist in the air that seemed refreshing and chilling all the same. It was a good start to the morning, a perfect first class and a good way to start the semester.
Placing the brooms down for the two houses, I waited as suddenly the faint, but growing stronger, sound of mumbled chatter filled out through the large door as the Slytherin and Gryffindor students walked towards me in two very distinct groups. One obviously the Gryffindor's, and the other obviously the Slytherin's. seeing the split, there was no denying the confusion of the students as Alexis walked straight down the middle in between the two. Glaring ahead as she caught sight of me right away.
"Gather 'round, gather 'round." I called out as they filed into a large group in front of me. "Good morning, I'm your substitute flying instructor until Professor Dumbledore finds another. Today, we'll start with some basics, then you'll be put through a test at the end. Points will be awarded to the house with the best performance." I called out over the low whispering of the students.
"When did they start letting freak shows run the place, huh Wood?" a Slytherin boy asked as he high fived his friends and smiled at what he thought a perfectly thought out plan.
"Ha funny. You know what's funnier Slytherin? Me taken twenty points from your house, and giving you a detention." the smile faded from his face as the Gryffindor's ooed and ahhed at the sight and the idea of such an easy favouritism. Though I treasured my house, I had to be fair. "Careful Gryffindors, the same could go for you." I warmed as they looked respectfully towards me and nodded their heads, some slightly smiling at the idea.
"Alright, everyone mount your brooms and fly an orderly circle around the pitch. No contact, I want to see where your at. Once done your first lap, finish and stop back here and I'll give you your next instructions. Go!" I hollered out as the students picked up their brooms and took of around the pitch. Alexis last to leave.
"Get going McKenzie!" I yelled out as my own broom climbed into the sky.
"I'd like to use my own broom thank you." she called back before turning towards the school. Within seconds, before I could call her out over it, a bright, brand new Firebolt had appeared flying towards her and as she bounded on top of the broom, she managed to surpass every students within seconds of being on her own broom.
"Bloody girl…" I hissed under my breath as dismounted and waited fro the rest of the class, some in awe at the sight of her broom. I had seen one before, Harry's… but hers' seemed different, as if it had been charmed or jinxed to difference it from others.
"Alright, that was good." I smiled as everyone looked around, pleased with there accomplishments. "Now, I'm going to bring out the Quidditch material, and we're going to play a short game, Slytherin rival Gryffindor… the winning team will receive fifty points for their house." I couldn't help but let out a small chuckle as the houses cheered in union. I had an hour to kill, and this seemed like a reasonable way to spend my time.
Retrieving the box from the school, I quickly returned to find that both teams had set themselves up according to instructions, only four players were left on the sidelines of the field. They would have to sub in every few minutes due to the numbers.
"Alright, I want a nice, fair, game… no tricks." I yelled above as the playing balls were released into the air and both teams dove into play. Alexis, hanging still and high, appointed seeker most likely with her quick broom.
Within twenty minutes of play, it was 50-50, a tie and Alexis and the Slytherin seeker, Amungus Ackerman appeared to be flying back and forth, keeping not only a weary eye for the snitch, but also an eye on eachother. Suddenly, in the heat of the game… it looked as if both seeker's had spotted the snitch and both were flying hard and fast towards the Gryffindor rings.
With a sudden jerk up, the seekers climbed higher and higher as did the snitch. For ten long minutes they were lost among the skies, and when they became visible once again, the seeker for Slytherin began to lag behind as Alexis seemed within spitting distance of the golden tyrant.
Inching closer, she continued to race towards the Slytherin keeper as the buldgers were pounded towards her, but unable to hit the flying seeker. Picking her legs up, she balanced herself out on the broom as suddenly, she sprung forwards and leapt towards the snitch, capturing it in her hands as she sailed through the air.
Heart pounding seconds passed as she fell towards the ground and turned her back to the ground. Reaching for my wand I watched as suddenly, her broom dove for her body and in an angle that I thought would surely puncture her, she turned swiftly and grabbed with a single hand on to the broom as they both fell towards the ground.
My heart felt as if it were traveling up through my throat as I could hear the pounding of my pulse in my ears. My breathing hitched and as I focused on settling it, I watched as Alexis continued to fall towards the ground, but slower now with the help of her broom.
Smashing into the ground with a heart stopping tumbling, she sprung up quickly and ran towards her now grounded and approaching team mates. Cheering and yelling, she was hoisted above their heads and sat on their shoulders as she still gripped the golden snitch in her hand.
Someone suddenly yelled at the top of their lungs. "Three cheers for Alexis." and so it continued as they let out a victorious cry and carrying her towards me. Sending her to the ground, she stumbled forward and the smile slowly faded as she turned to face me, meeting eye to eye.
Thrusting her hand out, I took the snitch from her grasp and looked at it through the light of the sun. "Gryffindor wins. Awarded… twenty points." I made a point of chiding as the smile spread itself on her face, then quickly fell away.
"For recklessness on the pitch during a flying lesson. Save it for home… I don't want to see another stunt like that. From any of you." I had never stooped so low before, had it been any other, I would have been okay with it, but a nagging feeling tore at the back of my mind. If someone would have gotten hurt, I would have had to take the blame above all else. I had to make an example of it.
The look of utter disbelief on her face was heartbreaking as the students faded away towards the school, noting that the lesson had finished. Shaking her head, she looked from the snitch then back to myself.
"You have something to say McKenzie?" I asked, daring her to speak out. I didn't want to punish her, but she was making it very easy to do so.
"Yeah I do… but not to your likes." she said as she turned from me and walked towards the school, following the others that had just left. I didn't know what that was suppose to mean, but it definitely wasn't a pleasant invitation.
"What's that suppose to mean?" I asked aloud as she stopped, but refused to turn and face me.
"I thought you of all people would have recognized talent such as that Wood." she hissed.
"You call that talent?" I asked appalled, she was talking back to the wrong teacher, I didn't care who she was, or who I was… there was no way I was putting up with the likes of that. "I call that a reckless waste of time. You could have been hurt. Don't let me see it happen again, or I'll take a seventy points and give you a months detention." I threatened as she continued walking.
"Yes Professor Wood." she hissed under her breath, but not low enough for me to miss. Allowing it to slide, I turned back to the brooms and looked subconsciously down to the golden snitch lying in my hands.
"What do you plan to do here McKenzie? What do you want to accomplish?" I asked, curious to see her answer before she could escape.
Silence filled the pitch for a few moments before she turned on me with a devilish smile. "Cause some mayhem, kick ass in Quidditch and leave this school with a reputation no one will ever be able to counter."
"Do you really think that'll happen?" I scoffed as she bit her lip and gave me a weary smile.
"I intend to see that it does Scot." anger built within as she sauntered away, leaving me in the pitch alone.
In a way, I didn't want to know what she had planned, but what she had said about Quidditch seemed to strike me off guard. She was right, what she had displayed was talent any Quidditch team would kill for, and I had used that against my own house. It was true, who would have thought today would be the day that Oliver Wood would punish one of his own house for risking their life on the pitch.
The only thing bothering me… why did I care so much for her life? I should have been pleased she laid it on the line for the sport.
And why did I get the nagging feeling she meant more then she said?
The rest of the day passed without a complication, McKenzie mainly ignored me where ever I went and so far… that was okay with me.
Christmas holidays came quickly as I seemed to grow further and further apart from 'my mate'. We never spoke, never looked at each other and she played keeper for the rest of the games we ever did play in flying lessons.
"Oliver, honey… there are rules, regulations you have to follow." my mum nagged as she paced back and forth in Dumbledore's office. In the past few months I found myself more in his office then in my own classes. Not that it bothered me, the more time I spent here, the less I had to spend with her.
"Invite her to our house for Christmas. It would be such a pleasure to have another woman in the house." she smiled dreamily as I turned on her quickly and bounded from my seat.
"No way! I refuse to mother." I hollered as I turned to Dumbledore, silently cursing the old man as he sat with a highly amused expression on his face.
"Mr. Wood… have you ever tried spending an extensive period of time away from your mistress?" he asked wisely as I turned and looked confused. Shaking my head no, a knowing smile came across his face as he pushed himself up and stepped around his desk, taking few steps towards the stone window.
"Ah, you see as you spend more time around her… your need to be near grows stronger, you will not cope being away from her for that long Oliver. It's either you go to her residence for Christmas, or she goes to yours."
My heart sunk as I considered the idea of her coming home with me for Christmas. The holiday was one of the few times of the year I actually went home and spent time with my parents. The summer I spent at Quidditch camps and training so I hardly ever saw them. Christmas was when I worked on improving the Gryffindor team, helping them improve and winning us games. Stratagies and new drills... now, I was stuck with a hot handed girl who hated me as much as I hated the Slytherin Captain, and that was something to say.
Then again I couldn't imagine going to her house for the holidays either. To think that her family was anything like her frightened me as I thought about what could possibly happen if I even stepped foot in her home.
Suddenly, a small brown bird swept into the office and dropped a letter on the desk of Dumbledore. Tearing the seal, he read it quickly before his eyes flashed up to meet my own. Confusion pounded throughout my mind as I considered the possibilities of what could have been written.
Sending the bird away he just sat there looking at me before he began to speak again.