Chapter 3

Melanie Nott is Theodore Nott's sister, not very important, just for this chapter.

I'm still revising chapters, don't mind the mix ups.

A week later, Daragon Manor

''Ellie, honey, Blaise has been waiting for ten minutes, don't make him wait any longer!'' My father shouted from downstairs.

''Be right there!''

I was trying to get my hair to fall right, I wanted to wear the headband Blaise got me for my birthday this year: it had about 5 small strands of tiny silver stones that were linked together as a bow on the side. He later confessed that his mother picked it out, it was gorgeous nonetheless. Today was 7 days after my encounter with Oliver, I was to meet up with him at a bookshop tonight around seven. I pulled down on my flowered skirt, maybe it was too short, I wouldn't want Oliver thinking I'm that kind of girl. Then again, today was one of the warmest days England had to offer us yet, if I didn't mess up my hair, the humidity sure will. I heard a knock on the door.

''Come in,'' I said, looking at every angle of myself in the mirror.

''Oh, Ellie...'' Blaise slapped his hand on his forehead, ''I thought you said this was a date!''

''What? What's wrong? Is it my shoes?'' I kicked them off.

''You look like you're 10 years old, turn around and go put on a nice little dress, if Woods is taking you at the-... um, where I think he is... just wear a nice dress.'' He stammered.

''Blaise! You know where he's taking me?'' I asked, as I went back to my walk in closet.

I hadn't told my dad where I was really going tonight, my mother advised me to lie about it. My father was not an easily impressed man, when I told my mother I was going out with Wood she told me the Woods in Scottland were not like us. They did not support the Dark Lord nor did they have a lot of money. Ça ne vaut pas la peine, chérie. (It's not worth the fuss.) She said, she even offered to tell my father herself that Blaise and I were going out to supper instead.

''You're so clueless, you really haven't heard the name Oliver Wood before? I thought you played Quidditch, you should know him,'' He asked, snickering.

''What do you mean? He was captain of the Gryffindor team, big woop... He can't be some kind of super star, he works at a Quidditch shop for crying out loud!'' I said as I changed from one summer dress to another, weighing my options.

The bell rang, I frowned and looked at the door. It was odd, we weren't expecting anyone. We live so far in the country, there's no way anyone would stop in without planing on it. I kept trying on dresses until it was between a strapless black flowy dress and a soft pink summer dress. I finally decided Blaise would be the deal breaker.

''Alright, Blaise, which dress would you wear if you were me?'' I went out with the pink dress, ''this one?''

''That's not long enough,'' Malfoy was leaning against my door frame, ''Wood's hands could easily slither...''

''What are you doing here?!'' I asked, I can't believe Draco Malfoy was in my room.

''Well you didn't expect me to actually tag along alone with you and Wood?'' Blaise said, laughing at my confusion, ''this one is perfect, goes very well with your headband... do tell, where did you get it?'' Blaise joked around.

''Wow wow wow, you two are not tagging along, I am going on this date alone, if you two are there you'll ruin everything like last time!'' I grabbed my purse and tried to get out of my room but Malfoy was blocking the way.

''Mother said never to show up uninvited with empty hands, especially not at a girl's house.'' He handed me a silver scarf that sparkled in the light. It went perfect with my dress.

''Thanks... that's, really pretty...'' I put it around my shoulders, eyeing him carefully, ''alright now can we go?''

''No problem,'' he got out of the way, ''it's not much, only cost twenty galleons.'' he added.

''Oh shut up, Malfoy,'' Blaise laughed at his attempt of bragging.

We went downstairs to the main living room and I was about to wish my parents goodnight. My mother wouldn't stop complimenting my scarf, Malfoy did not hesitate to tell her he was the provider of this 'most beautiful piece of fabric' my mother has ever seen. It seemed to have an effect on her. Even my father rolled his eyes when she mentioned Draco being a gentlemen and how many girls should be ravished if they had him as theirs. What was she doing? She better not be implying I go out with Malfoy, we definatly are going to have a talk about this when I get home. She then started to say how Blaise as well was a gentleman and Melanie Nott was lucky to have him, how they both were not like the rest of the silly boys our age. There's no way she hasn't been drinking wine... and since when Melanie and Blaise were an item?

''Alright, honey,'' my dad interrupted my mother, ''be back by twelve, I hope Miss Nott can make it Blaise,'' he smiled and grabbed my mothers hand to leave. They had their own plans for tonight. They soon disapeared in the fire place.

''Theodore's sister's coming?'' I asked, squinting my eyes at Blaise.

''No.'' was all he answered.

These boys are odd, I don't know what they're planning but I'm missing some information about tonight and they're not telling me. We got in the fire place and Malfoy took us to Florish and Blotts. I saw Oliver not very far away, all dressed up. Thank God Blaise made me change in this, I would've looked like a sac of potatoes next to him with that casual skirt. We then wished our goodbyes and agreed to meet fifteen minutes before midnight back in front of this bookstore to take floo powder at the Leaky Cauldron to go home. I didn't get the chance to be nervous around the boys, but now that we parted, butterflies were taking over my stomac. He walked up to me, smiling.

''You look great,'' he said, as he offered his arm. He looked distant, distracted. He looked as nervous as I was, maybe even more.

''Thanks,'' I took it, ''where are we-

Off we were. I almost fell as we apparated close to a big stadium. Of course! He was taking me to watch a Quidditch game, he was a Quidditch fanatic. That's probably what Blaise thought too, how could I not have made that connection? A man passed by us and slapped Oliver's back, wishing him goodluck. Why would this man wish him good luck? Did I look that hard to please?

''Sorry, should've warned you!'' He laughed, ''I usually don't apparate with anyone.''

''Don't worry about it,'' I smiled up at him, ''so, a Quidditch game? Is that what we're doing?''

''Yup,'' he lead us in the stadium, the man at the door let him in without questions.

He must have some mighty good connections, because for a boy with no real money, we had incredible seats. We had our own box, where Puddlemere United, the name of one of the teams was written on the seats. There were 5 seats, I wondered if anyone would be joining us, but I didn't dare ask. Maybe he got the tickets from whom ever owns this box, maybe they couldn't make it. I sat down and looked up at him, he was still standing, squinting at the box right in front of us, across the field.

''Say, isn't that your friend Malfoy in one of the Tutshill Tornadoes box across from us?'' He pointed at the box.

I got up to approach the end of the box, squinting, myself. I saw a glimmer of blond hair, a dark skinned boy waving animatedly back at us and two large blobs behind them. I couldn't believe it. Malfoy, Blaise, Crabbe and Goyle were sporting sky blue shirts and flags, the Tutshill Tornadoes team color. I ignored Blaise's waving, knowing he must be enjoying this. They came to spy on me, why can't they just leave me alone? Malfoy probably only gave me this stupid scarf so they can easily spot me.

''I don't think so,'' I pretend not to care less, ''I'm glad you brought me here, I love Quidditch! I heard you're quite the keeper!'' I smiled and sat back down. I then realised how what I just said might've sounded. We laughed for a while.

''Oh I am, but Quidditch wise.. I'm not that good, honestly,'' he smiled back, still not sitting down.

''So... Puddlemere against the Tornadoes eh, who do you think's going to win?'' I asked, waiting for him to sit down. I guess he can stand if he wants to, he did pay for two tickets that are probably impossible to get, he can do whatever he wants.

Two men who I assumed were referees swooshed in front of us on their brooms, pointing at Oliver. He must know them, that's probably how he got these amazing seats.

''Mister Wood! Stop flirting and get on your broom before we give you a penalty!'' they swooshed back down before he could answer.

''Penalty...?'' I looked at him, confused. He came closer to me and said:

''To answer your question, I know Puddlemere's gonna win, I hear they have quite the keeper...'' He kissed my cheek and left the box, laughing lightly, not even looking back.

''No way...'' I looked around to see the people in the box next to me were staring, smiling.

These boxes must be for the players' family, they must be relatives of someone on the team. I sank in my seat, my cheeks were burning, especially the one he kissed. Oliver played for Puddlemere United! How could I be so dumb and never realise this? I only followed the French league, I never looked in the Irish and British leagues, how was I suppose to know? I couldn't stop smiling to myself. I was dating a celebrity! Well O.K., maybe not a celebrity... wait until my father hears this! Or... doesn't hear this. The game began and was followed by a few awkward remarks to the lonely girl in the box for Wood's family by the game commentators. A couple of Puddlemere United boys would wink as they passed by me, I ignored them, but my face would burn up everytime.

I decided to check up on my dear friends sitting across from me, I took a pair of binoculars that were lying around. Malfoy, looking pleased with himself (as always) was sucked in by the game as Crabbe and Goyle gulped down popcorn and hot dogs. Pigs. Blaise was no where to be seen. He probably couldn't stand Malfoys body guards. I bet he's looking for me... As the thought passed my mind, Blaise showed up.

''Hello there, is this seat taken?'' Blaise plopped down beside me.

''Blaise! Why didn't you tell me?! I know you knew! And what are you doing here? I can't believe you followed us! And how did you get those seats? I thought they were reserved for the teams!'' I blurted out.

''Wow there Nelly! Calm down... Draco gets what Draco wants, and Draco wanted to follow you here and watch the game... or watch you, I haven't really figured it out yet.'' Blaise answered, thinking for a moment before adding: ''Oh and I didn't want to ruin charming Wood's surprise.''

''Why would Draco want to watch me? Ew... Was that what my mom was babbling about at home?'' I made the connection. Finally I figure something out before it happens!

''Yeah, his mom told your mom you stopped by the other night... you know how mothers are.'' Blaise picked up a pair of binoculars and looked around in them. ''You know, you'd make beautiful blonde babies, you and Malfoy... Malfoy and you...'' He snickered.

I punched him playfully on the shoulder, ''shut up Blaise, gross.''

''I better get going, wouldn't want Oliver blaming his loss on a distraction from a sexy boy in his box!'' He got up and just before he left, he screamed Go Tornadoes!... Idiot.

The game was intense, the commentators kept saying how the two teams were of the same caliber and always had the best matches. Oliver was wicked good, he stopped almost every goal! He just let one pass him... or rather hit him. The quaffle was thrown so hard he went through the hoop with it. I tried to keep Malfoy off my mind, but with my shiny scarf always catching my own eye it was hard. Why would he pretend something was going on between us with my mom? Maybe he just wanted to get back from that bet last week... Which I'm glad to see Blaise has totally forgotten about. He hasn't mentioned anything about it since, so I'm guessing I'll never hear of it again.

The game was very long, a little over three hours. I love Quidditch, but not this much. After three trips to the bathrooms, one trip to the candy booth and a visit from the seeker's girlfriend, I was glad it was over. The Puddlemere United team won at last when their seeker caught the golden snitch. I wasn't sure if I should wait for Oliver in the box or go wait for him outside. Mira, the seeker's girlfriend came to see me and said we could go meet them outside of the players' lockers.

''It can be gross down there though, so be sure to cover your nose... and your cleavage!'' She was a rather straight up person, a couple years older than me. I checked my dress at her remark, and held my scarf tight around my shoulders.

She had been with Puddlemere's seeker for a year now, but she said she had been with almost the whole team before that. Except Oliver, she made sure to tell me he would never respond to her advances. A very pretty girl, but when she opened her mouth she kind of got uglier. When we finally got to the lockers, the Tornadoes were leaving, they made a bunch of silly remarks about us. I had a feeling they knew Mira very well. She would just laugh and flip her hair when they'd say anything. I ignored them and patiently waited for Oliver. Chants and rallye screams could be heard from the Puddlemere locker room. The captain came out first and waited with us, shamelessly flirting with both of us.

''Mira, Mira, Mira! looking stunning as always... who's your pretty little friend?'' He winked at me. He was probably 30 years old, built strong and tall, just like every other quidditch player.

''This is Ellisabeth Daragon! She's from France!'' Mira tried to catch more of the captain's attention but he ignored her pityful attempts.

''Well, miss Daragon I am Jocelind Wadcock, enchanté,'' he bowed, this made me giggle, he smiled back a wicked grin.

''Nice to meet you, Wadcock.'' He kissed my hand and finally all the other boys came out.

It was like a dream come true, a bunch of professional quidditch players walked pass me. I was taken aback when Oliver scooped me up from behind and stratled me in a huge bear hug. He was obviously still on an adrenaline rush.

''You were great!'' I told him, when he put me back on the ground, ''the way you kicked the quaffle to make it rebound on a Tornado was amazing!''

''Oh it was nothing, I'm glad you enjoyed it!'' He took my hand and we followed the team that apparated back in Diagon Alley.

''I can't believe you didn't tell her! You're an incredible liar, mate!'' one of Oliver's teammates shouted from across the bar.

We all went to a small bar to celebrate the boys' win. Oliver seemed to be loosening up more and more after every butter beer. He put his arm around me and kept playing with my hair, I'm glad Blaise and Malfoy were no where to be seen, they wouldn't approve of this. They'd find a way to break us up. The team talked about past games and future games, their conversations would make less and less sense as they went. Maybe I was just paying less attention, Oliver kept distracting me, he'd whisper jokes in my ear and kept asking me if I was okay. When Mira and her boyfriend left, they started talking about her, and the conversation went on to past girlfriends and crazy stories. I wish I hadn't heard most of it. Seeing how uncomfortable I was and how inappropriate their stories were, Oliver took me for a walk outside. I was glad, it was getting late and I didn't want to upset my father.

We talked about everything and nothing, as the full moon lightened our path. Either Oliver was half blind of half drunk, he'd keep knocking over trash cans and stacks of newspaper. As we approached the bookstore I could hear Malfoy and Blaise talking loudly, laughing. I stopped walking and told Oliver it'd be best if they didn't catch us together.

''Why are you friends with them, Ellie?'' He looked at me, taking my hand and playing with my fingers.

''What do you mean?'' I asked him, confused by his tone.

''I mean, Malfoy's a... a pretty bad guy, and if you ask me the whole lot of Slytherins are-

I took my hand away before he could finish. Was he about to insult Blaise?

''Blaise is nothing like Malfoy, we grew up together, he's good.'' I told him, backing up a little.

''Ellie, I'm sorry! I didn't mean it like that, never mind what I just said... You're just so nice, different from most families who are known to be supporters of the...'' he trailed off.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Was Wood about to accuse my family of being death eaters? That we were suppose to be mean people? He didn't even know my family... He doesn't even know me! I could feel my cheeks burn, my temper was getting the best of me.

''You listen here, boy...'' I stepped up to him, but before I could say anything else, he kissed me.

He kissed me... and I didn't stop him. I didn't want to stop him, but footsteps were approaching.

''Ellie, is that you?'' I heard Blaise's voice.

''Forgive my drunken babbling mouth, Ellie, I'll make it up to you,'' he squeezed me, ''I'll write you,'' he pecked my lips just as Malfoy turned the corner.

''Found her,'' Malfoy said, with a disgusted look on his face.

''Damn it Ellie! Its already midnight, let's- Oh.'' Blaise stopped talking as he saw me and Oliver so close.

I wished Oliver good night, not sure of how I felt towards him right now. He gave me the most dazzling smile, I couldn't help but feel like he was telling the truth. He's not a bad guy, I can't blame him for thinking Malfoy's an arse... Even I think that of him. The three of us walked in silence to the bookstore as Oliver headed back to the bar. We kept on walking until we reached the Inn. One by one, we went home by floo powder in the fireplace. I was the first to leave, and just before I left I heard an old groggy voice call out for Malfoy. It belonged to the old creepy man from last week...