Ryn saw and heard nothing of her mother over the entire course of the summer and she liked it that way. Charlotte had spent a week with her and when the two of them got together things were bound to be interesting.
"Those Veela's have no sense of fashion!" the burgunette huffed.
"Ouch! Watch where you're sticking those!" the blonde cried, having been stabbed in the side with a straight pin.
"It was the last one anyways. Now give us a twirl."
She spun around, the opalescent white skirt swished around her knees and Char giggled excitedly.
"Oh you look beautiful!"
"Can I take it off now?" she asked dryly.
France had been a fantastic influence on her friend, what with it being such a hub for both muggle and witch fashion alike. Her love of design flourished and led to her turning drawings into reality.
Aderyn had been the (un)lucky model. Dresses and trendy new shirts hung in her closet and were folded neatly on the dresser.
"You'll have an impressive new wardrobe to show off." Char joked.
"I am going to find an occasion to wear this, though." she gestured to the dress she had on.
With the new appointment as Captain, Oliver had taken it upon himself to revamp the tactics and training regimen. And who better to bounce ideas off of than Ryn? She would reply within minutes, having marked her recommendations with a different color ink. For the hundredth time he was sending off an owl with multiple charts.
A tapping at the window made both the girls jump, Charlotte sticking Ryn again.
"Don't you move! I'll get it." she scolded.
She went to the window and took the rolls from the owl.
"Oh, are these love letters?" she teased, unrolling one of them.
Almost instantly her face fell and she set them down on Ryn's bed. She went and helped slide off the dress.
"So...have you told him you lo-ove him yet?"
"Really Char?" she waved the papers in her hand, "Does this look like the makings of an ideal boyfriend?"
The other girl raised an eyebrow, "Rinni, you are aware you're probably one of the only people who can make sense of that, right?"
Oliver groaned, rewriting the training schedule for the third time that day. He had sent some strategy diagrams to Ryn and she had sent them back quickly with a letter saying that Charlotte was visiting, but that she would be free in the evening for further consultation.
The sun hung low in the sky and he was still pouring over the papers laid out in front of him.
"Oliver! Aderyn's here!" his mom called, followed by footsteps on the stairs.
"Sorry I'm late. I was recruited for mannequin duty. I was struck with a great idea..." she dug something out of her pocket and tossed it to him.
It was a little white ball, covered in small dimples and comparable in size to that of a Snitch.
"What is it?"
"A golf ball. One of Char's brothers thinks he's a Seeker and we had nothing to train with except rocks. Until Bri brought over those. Since Gryffindor's going to be training a new Seeker I figured these would work for us."
"Can you get more of these?"
"Just tell Bri how many you want."
The start of fourth year was slightly less exciting than it should have been. Bri was chatting with Joshua; the Weasley twins had invaded the compartment and were asking Oliver all sorts of questions. She was just so tired.
Last night her father had informed her of her mother's move to Moscow. There was a budding new hospital looking for trained Healers and she had jumped at the chance. However she hadn't said or written a goodbye to Ryn, to her own daughter. Sure, they may not have been on the best of terms, but for her to just up and leave left a small feeling of abandonment inside the young witch that kept her from sleeping.
There, in the presence of her friends, Ryn felt relaxed and comfortable enough to drift off as the train rumbled on.
When she was shaken awake by Bri she noticed that the Hufflepuffs were the only other people there with her. Both already in their school robes.
"Where'd everyone else go?' she asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Uh...the twins went to prank someone and Oli went to change into his robes. You should too, actually. We're almost there."
Aderyn spent the first night curled up with a seventh year NEWT level Transfiguration text by the fire, her eyes dancing across the pages.
"So are you an animagus yet?" someone asked, making her jump.
She looked up into Oliver's grinning face.
"No, but this year McGonagall's supposed to work with me on it."
He snatched the book from her lap, brows furrowing as he looked over the spells. With a shrug he handed it back.
"Well when you finally succeed, let me know. We'll have to celebrate."
Quidditch try-outs the following Saturday in search of a Seeker were bound to be interesting. There were a handful of people who were vying for the position, none of which were as small in stature as would have been preferred, but one of them would have to do. Brianne had supplied them with a small fortune in golf balls and it was time to put them to use.
"If all of you could please kick off and meet with one of the current players we'll get started." Oliver directed.
From the ground all the current players tossed their handful of golf balls to the prospects over them. Some performed better than others and in the end, the one who George worked with got the position. He was a fifth year by the name of Robert Wilson. An unimpressive person and everyone wasn't sure how long he would last.
On the way back to the castle a girl stomped in front of her. Ryn recognized her as a third year who had been at tryouts.
"You need to either make dibs on that or back off." the third year snapped.
"I what? What are you talking about?"
The girl scoffed," Oh come on, Rivers. Back off of Oliver and let someone else have a chance."
"Or what?" Ryn challenged, eyes narrowing dangerously.
"Just...back off!" the third year croaked then rushed off.
"What was that about?" Oliver's voice behind her made her jump.
"Oh, she's just upset she didn't get the position." she lied.
He raised an eyebrow curiously, "Huh, probably for the best she didn't make it then."
What he didn't tell her is that he had overheard the conversation. He also didn't tell her that he had wanted to ask her to be his girlfriend over the summer but couldn't bring himself to do it for fear of losing her if things didn't work out between them.
"How do you think our new Seeker will work out?" Ryn asked for lack of anything else to say.
"Not sure yet. He's all we have though so what else can we do?" he sighed, draping an arm over his friend's shoulders, "But what I really want to know is how you think you're gonna hold up this season?"
She looked up at him and smiled, noting that he smelled like fresh cut grass, broomstick polish and a hint of musky cologne she found appealing. Shaking her head of the thoughts that swarmed her mind and shrugging his arm off her shoulders, she laughed.
"Well, I think I'll be alright. I can still beat you in a footrace!" Ryn ran off towards the castle with Oliver close behind.
Waiting for them were Fred, George and their friend Lee Jordan.
"Guys save me!" she cried, rushing between the red-headed twins and into the arms of Lee.
Jealousy twisted in Oliver's gut as they disappeared into the castle. The twins each grabbed an arm, halting his pursuit.
"What are you two doing?" he snapped.
Fred and George looked at each other, "Look, there's something you should know..."
Ryn limped up the stairs using Lee for support.
"I take it you haven't told him yet?" the younger boy prodded.
She sighed," Right now, I don't think I should. It'll only be for a few months and besides, Ollie's stressed out enough as it is. When the season's done, so am I."
"You should have told me Rinni..."
She looked over at her best friend. They hadn't seen each other after she left with Lee and had said nothing to each other at dinner.
"The twins tell you?" she asked flatly.
He nodded, "How bad is it?"
"It's bearable until I use it. Walking's about all I can handle without limping."
"Look, if you want to quit, the team would understand. Alicia can take your place."
"Ollie..." she sighed," There's a procedure that can alleviate the pain. It takes a long time to heal and is done over multiple occasions. This is gonna be the last year I can actually play Quidditch for the school and I want to enjoy it. Can I have that?"
Same old Aderyn. "Alright. But I get to pick your brain for next season."
"When have I ever denied you that opportunity?"
Monday on the way from Ancient Runes Ryn was rudely and intentionally run into by the third year Gryffindor girl and her friends. Despite her desire to turn the girl's books into dinner plates she resisted, hurrying off to Transfiguration.
"I don't even know why you come to class. You've been working out of a NEWT level book..." Oliver teased when she slipped into the seat beside him.
"Maybe I actually enjoy the class? Besides, who else would you get your notes from?" she said, gesturing to the pages of Quidditch diagrams in front of him.
"Touché."
Oliver had scheduled Quidditch practices two days a week, Friday evenings and Tuesday mornings. With Ryn's Monday evening Transfiguration lessons this made for very tired Tuesdays.
She yawned for what was easily the fiftieth time that morning as she limped back from the Pitch.
"Everything alright?" Katie asked, looking groggy herself.
"Yeah, just makes for a long day getting up early to practice."
"You'd think after a month I'd start getting used to it, you know?"
Ryn nodded in agreement and yawned again.
The girls took a seat at the table with the rest of the team, all looking equally tired except for Oliver. He had been a morning person for as long as they had known each other. Being one who loved getting all the sleep she could the early mornings made her fuse shorter than normal, so when the annoying third year who had persisted in tormenting her in the halls sat beside her Captain and best friend, she almost choked on her toast.
Saturday was the first match of the season and the day couldn't have been better. Or, that was what everyone was thinking. Aderyn was one of the last people in the lockers rooms that morning. She had slept in a bit and was in a great mood, rested and excited about the game. The persistent pest of a third year was outside the lockers with a pout on her face.
"Rivers." she sneered as she walked past.
"Hey, Oliver, your shadow's waiting outside." Ryn teased.
He rubbed a hand over his face,"Yeah, I know. She's been tailing me to all my classes and practices."
"Got it in her mind if she persists you'll ask her to be your girl, Wood." Katie stated, rubbing a stiff brush on the handle of her broom. It was a common practice to increase friction and improve grip.
"Just focus on beating Slytherin, alright?" he said flatly.
Despite the best efforts of the Gryffidors, nothing accounted for the anxious new Seeker who passed out halfway through the game costing them the win.
The friends made their way back, Ryn leaning on Oliver for support.
Sure enough, the third year was waiting. Her face twisted into a scowl at the sight of them.
"Can't the Weasley's help her?" she huffed.
"Listen, if Wood wants to help his girl when she is in obvious pain, he can without your say so!" Alicia chided, coming out of the changing rooms behind them.
"Since when?" the third year choked, on the verge of tears.
The reserve Chaser rolled her eyes, "She's always been Wood's girl. Regardless, you're shadow game started off cute, but now it's sad. Take a hint and back off."
When the stalker ran back to the castle Alicia wheeled on them, hands on her hips.
"As for you two, it's no secret you like each other. Just make it official already!" She finished with a sigh, and took her leave.
"Uh...wow." Ryn laughed, looking up at him.
"Yeah..." he smiled, "So will you?"
"Will I what?" she quirked an eyebrow.
"Be my girl?"
"If we take that step, I don't think we could go back to being just friends..." she leaned away from him, wincing at the awkward shift of weight.
"And if I have to beat one more Weasley off of you I think that'll be inevitable."
She elbowed him playfully, "Well Fred sure is a charmer..."
"Ryn..."he groaned.
The blonde laughed and hugged him around the waist, "Ollie, if you're sure you want me to be your girl how could I possibly say no?"
By the next day their relationship had spread around the school. Whether it was because of the jealous girl, or from Alicia or Bri they never really found out. They got expectant looks from classmates, as if they were supposed to act so much like the other couples. That wasn't like them though. It was enough they already walked to classes together, sat together at meals and spent late nights talking in the Common Room.
"But you two don't hold hands or kiss or anything! You don't behave like a couple..." Bri whined after Muggle Studies the last day before Christmas break.
"Bri, he's been my friend since we were 5. We're comfortable with each other and we don't need to do any of that to reaffirm we're together."
A familiar arm draped itself across her shoulders, "So I take it you're staying here for the holidays?"
She curled in closer to her boyfriend, "Yeah I'm staying here. My dad's out of the country until February."
"Sure you don't want me to stay and keep you company?"
"You should be with your family. Besides, Fred and George will be here."
Aderyn spent her week practicing Transfiguration. She had managed a slight shimmer of gold across her skin, but nothing definitive as far as changing her physical shape. Not one to be discouraged though, she looked forward to her private lessons with McGonagall resuming after the break.
Tomorrow was the last day for students to return, meaning Oliver would be back today. Her Quaffle sat beside her in wait. It wasn't a long wait either.
Oliver couldn't wait to get back to school. Sure he enjoyed being with his folks, but back at school he had Quidditch. And Ryn.
"Libertas."
As soon as he set one foot in the Common Room he was prepared to catch the blue leather ball that was flying at him.
"Have a nice holiday?" he asked casually, sitting beside the witch.
"That I did. Found out my first procedure on my knee will be the first week of July, and I have these..."she held up two tickets," for the last week of June as a belated birthday gift. Be my date?"
He studied the tickets. They were for the Puddlemere v. Harpies game and upper level seats.
"Well don't twist my arm Rinni." he joked pulling her in for a hug.
Valentine's Day this year fell on a Thursday, much to Brianne's dismay. So instead the Hufflepuff girl had been attempting (more like begging) Ryn to double-date with her and Josh on Saturday.
"Bri, I love you girl, but I am just not a romantic like you. Go and have fun with Josh." Ryn had told her, calmly, despite the annoyance she felt that morning.
Most of the girls in the school had been giggling and swooning over flowers and love notes, or moping about the lack thereof. To her, it was just another day. They still had classes to go to for goodness sake! She walked into History of Magic with a sigh. There was a single red rose on her desk.
Oliver looked at her sheepishly as she sat down. Her look said 'really?'.
"This is it, promise. I know you don't much care for Valentine's day." he said, tucking the short, thornless stem behind her ear.
She gave him a quick peck on the cheek, "Thanks."
Slowly but surely the year wound down. Gryffindor had lost their last two games of the season and the House Cup had gone to Hufflepuff. Ryn sat across the way from Bri and the girls had been chatting excitedly the whole evening, the latter volunteering to be Charlotte's model over the summer. (This arrangement would work out nicely for all three of the girls.) Afterwards the Gryffindor couple curled up on a sofa, talking excitedly about the game tomorrow evening.
The ride home was one of nervous excitement. Sure, she had been to plenty of pro matches before, but those were with her family. This time was different.
"Bri?" she had begged, having pulled the girl out and down the corridor on the train," I need your help."
And that afternoon Brianne was pulling clothes out of Ryn's closet until she found the opal silk dress Charlotte had made.
"This is pretty. Okay, so...what to do about your hair..."
Turns out, the Hufflepuff had a knack for hair and makeup.
It was a perfect night for a professional Quidditch game. Ryn twirled about happily as they made their way to the pitch.
"You look great." he told her, watching the opalescent silk of her dress swirl in a myriad of colors around her legs as she moved.
She laced her fingers with his and pulled him along, "Thanks. Let's go find our seats."
The match did not disappoint. Both teams appeared evenly matched, and after three hours was tied 130-130.
Oliver watched her out of the corner of his eye. She had her hair pulled up and away from her face, eyes rimmed with black and a pink shimmer to her lips. It was odd, seeing the little tomboy girl he had known for years having turned into an attractive young woman. It was only when she cheered, yelled, and threw her fist in the air that he could see flickers of what it was he liked best about her.
Puddlemere's young new Seeker made a sudden dive, quickly dodged a bludger, and stopped several feet short of the ground, his fist clenched tightly around the Snitch.
Ryn groaned at her teams defeat.
"Looks like the best team won." he teased.
She glared and gave him a light swat on the shoulder," Yeah, yeah, rub it in."
The sun had started to rise, the sky turning pink and the blonde witch shivered in the cool morning air. Being ever the gentleman, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it around her shoulders.
Pulling Oliver's jacket tighter around her Ryn sighed, "You sure?"
"I'm sure. Come on, let's get you home."