A/N: Sorry for the prolonged break! So happy to see you guys approve of the last part of the previous chapter! In particular, this goes out to magicmushr00m and painterly-pot, whose messages and reviews have given me the push to finish editing this in spite of my crazy schedule.

And now. Back to Quidditch! Plus Christmas! (Would you kill me if I admitted I meant to post this before Christmas?)

Chapter 20 - Holiday Jealousy

Winter was perhaps Katie's least favorite season for Quidditch practice: her skin was dry and her lips chapped from the blustery wind, and though magic helped wick the melting snow off her clothing, the icy water still seeped down her neck and chilled her to the bone.

"You think we could just magic it warm?" she'd shivered. "I mean, it's December. It's freezing. We could get sick."

"These are the conditions we'll have to play in when the season begins next year," was Bruna's trembly answer. "Only the bleachers will be heated. Besides, don't you already have someone to keep you warm?" she managed to smirk.

"Yeah, yeah." The day after Bruna had walked in on her and Oliver, Katie came clean to Bruna about him. Well, them, if that was accurate. Her teammate, having been in her shoes, was totally understanding, albeit prone to taking the mickey out on her. Bruna did, however, swear to secrecy. It would not do for Coach King or Gwenog, both of whom were getting crabbier by the day, to have a new outlet for their rage.

The truth was this: things been rather cold among the ladies of the team. In particular, Gwenog seemed to continually be picking fights with Wilda. As Katie had learned early on, fights were commonplace between the two, but their arguments of late had escalated to the level that probably came before physical violence. These could be offset by the tiniest things, say, Wilda forgetting to lace her boots up, but they would almost always end badly. Wilda had on more than one occasion walked out on practice, to the utter disbelief of Coach King.

Coach King would then take her rage out on not only Wilda and Gwen, but on the entire team come the next practice. They were forced to run drills shin-deep in snow, and then shovel it afterwards. Then they had to get up in the freezing air and do more drills until someone's nose bled from the cold, or worse, from a Bludger careening out of control. Sometimes the snow made it difficult for them to see, and thus far Katie herself had been the victim of a couple of Bludgers, to Jones' secret dismay. On more than one occasion did Glinda burst into tears of frustration, though Coach King showed uncharacteristically little sympathy for her favorite player. Though hardly discussed, the rift was taking its toll on the entire team.

"'Tis the season, eh?" Katie asked Bruna, who looked literally like an ice queen by her frost-encrusted hoops. But even Bruna could not ever look as frigid as Wilda, who was shooting nasty looks at Gwenog from across the pitch. "Time for love and sharing and friendship! Fa-la-la-la-laaaa..."

"Spare me, Bell."

Katie wasn't one to complain, but she knew she was being pushed to her limits. Still, she wasn't going to break. She mused over the irony - her once-hated ice baths now seemed lukewarm compared to the weather they were subjected to, though she certainly didn't mind the switch to a warm soak in the locker room post-training. Later, as she lay in the locker room tub, she considered that she hadn't had time for her other priorities lately. She'd seen nothing of her family and friends for some time.

The past month had been incredibly busy for not only her, but Oliver, too. She actually hadn't gotten to see him as much as she'd have liked, but judging from his habitual mad scribbles on their shared journal, she could guess he was being worked just as hard as she. Oliver was a workhorse by nature, and she wished she had that kind of dedication.

Her personal mission to speak with Lara had also been fruitless: the manager was out for days at a time. Her mentor, Miss Raul, was similarly busy with his muggle pursuits in fashion - something about conceptualizing a ramp show that involved modeling underwear in the dead of winter.

Katie sighed in the tub. She was never really isolated, but winter was beginning to feel awfully lonely.

From the locker room, Katie joined Bruna in walking down the atrium of their complex, which smelled delicately of cinnamon, gingerbread, and peppermint. Christmas was her favorite season, and training sessions aside, she took great pleasure in how the Harpies celebrated the holiday.

Sprigs of mistletoe floated around the atrium, freezing people in place until they exchanged air kisses. The Snitches flew along the illusion of a snowy night sky like bright, golden stars. The carpet was no longer green, but a deep crimson, and festive poinsettia flowers replaced the usual decor. More flowers and holly boughs comprised the garlands that encircled the room, and a massive dressed-up pine tree stood in the center of the atrium. The house elves wore Christmas-themed sacks, but no amount of wheedling could get them to agree to any Santa hats or jingle bell-adorned shoes to suit the occasion. Even Martha the security witch was feeling the cheer - she'd voluntarily donned a Mrs. Claus outfit instead of her uniform, and looked very jolly, indeed. Katie bid her a good evening as she wore her mittens and stepped out to join Bruna, who suddenly looked like she was in an awful hurry.

"What's the rush?" Katie asked.

"Just remembered I've got a date with Sean tonight. He's set to pick me up in an hour, and I need to get ready!"

"I can help," Katie offered with a smirk.

"Please," Bruna linked their arms. "As if you'll do anything of the sort."

"Yeah, but I wanna be there when Sean picks you up. I wonder what he's bringing this time." Sean was unabashedly romantic, and in the two months that he and Bruna had rekindled their relationship, he had without fail presented her with flowers each time he visited.

"He doesn't need to bring anything!" Bruna blushed. "You did good today, by the way. Your passes have gotten much tighter."

"Thanks Bru," Katie smiled. "Could've just been a fluke, though, 'cause my muscles got frozen inelastic."

Katie dropped her gear off at her place and walked into Bruna's. The Keeper had wasted no time getting ready, and Katie spied a pretty dress laid out with shoes and a matching clutch. Bruna was nothing if not prepared.

"Aren't you going out with Wood tonight?" Bruna asked. "He should be free, too."

Katie winced a little. "Uh, I don't think so. Not that I'd mind some dinner, dancing... I dunno. I'm not even really into that stuff!"

"No?" Bruna emerged from her bathroom and stepped into her dress. "Zip me up?"

Katie obliged, asking, "Should I be worried we don't do that?"

"Mm, I don't think so. I'd say Wood and Sean are very different animals."

"How so?"

"Well, Sean is... At this point, he can afford to be direct. And he's made his intentions very clear."

Katie tittered awkwardly. "We're not there yet, Ol and I."

"Well, from what Sean tells me, you've done quite a number on him. Organically, too. Maybe he's just testing the waters like you. You've been friends for so long, so just... go with the flow." Bruna nudged her.

A knock sounded on the front door. "That'll be Flanner," Katie said.

Bruna checked the mirror, and took a breath. "How do I look?"

"Perfect," Katie rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "As usual."

"You're too kind." Bruna let Sean in, and the doorway was filled with a gigantic bouquet of mismatched flowers. "Sean!" Bruna murmured as he kissed her on the cheek. "This is a bit..."

"Sorry to disappoint, love. Before you get too impressed," he began, "These are actually two bouquets. One for you," he handed her a classic bouquet of white roses, "and one is for a Miss Katie Bell. Do you know where she is?"

Katie was flabbergasted. "Er, present," she called from behind them.

"Good evening!" Sean spotted her, and made a show of presenting the sunny zinnias to her. "For you, milady, from the most useless Oliver Wood."

"For me?"

"Yes, he's tied up this evening but he ambushed me after training and demanded that I bring you these. He didn't even tip me, mind you!"

Katie grinned into her bouquet, spying an envelope within the arrangement. "Thank you. They're lovely."

Bruna conjured a vase for her roses and said, "See, Katie? Nothing to worry about."

"Impatient with my boy already?" chided Flanner. "He's got quite a lot to learn, but he's got some game, I like to think. You'll see for yourself. Well, we must be off! Wouldn't want your Coach to spot me."

"I'll see you tomorrow, Katie," smiled Bruna, taking Sean's arm. A second later, they were gone.

Katie walked home and arranged her flowers in a vase. Admiring them, she then opened the envelope and read the note therein.

Dear Kates,

I hope you like the flowers. You don't know how much I wish I could have made plans with you for tonight, but there are a few urgent things that need seeing to. I hope you don't mind, but I've gone and asked Sean if Geyser told him the Harpies' schedule tomorrow. He says you've got a free day, so I hope you wouldn't mind spending it with me?

Missing you,

Oliver

P.S. Flanner says the Apparition from here to you isn't too difficult if you're very familiar with the area, so I've had the wards adjusted to admit you. But if you're uncomfortable with Apparating over to Dorset, any of these flowers will activate as Portkeys at 11 a.m. I'll be ready for you then. :-)

The next morning, Katie got up uncharacteristically early. She reviewed Oliver's letter, then decided she'd pop over before time. She had to quell her excitement as she prepared to Apparate long distance. Clearing her mind, she imagined the Puddlemere landing area and disappeared with a pop!

Katie opened her eyes to a familiar alley, though it looked much wider in the daytime. She walked out of the clearing and inspected her surroundings: it hadn't snowed as much in Dorset, though the more Spartan facility still looked festive. The sidewalks were lined with dressed up shrubbery, and the building Katie knew to be Oliver's home boasted floating globes of glass and gold. In the lobby stood a grand Christmas tree, and Katie helped herself to a candy cane from its branches.

She rode the lift to the fourteenth floor, and the doors opened without her having to knock. Stepping into Oliver's flat, she was accosted by a much more bothersome ruckus coming from behind his bedroom door.

"Come on, Oliver!" a female voice whined. "We don't have all day."

"It's not going to fit in that little opening!"

"Yes it is, it's not as big as you think -"

What? Katie's eyes widened in alarm as she strained to listen. Was this why he couldn't visit last night?

"Yes, just like that. Harder!"

"I don't want to damage anything -"

"Oh honestly. It's like you've never done this before! Give it here, just thrust it in!"

Katie could listen no longer. She swung the door open, and walked in on a red-faced Oliver trying to stuff his toy broomstick into a little purse held by - "Her...Hermione?"

"Kates!" Oliver gasped.

"Er," she began, feeling foolish. A mound of toy broomsticks lay at the pair's feet, as did some Quaffles and some hoops. Ribbons were haphazardly scattered about the room. "What's going on here?"

"Oh! Sorry about the mess," Oliver set the broom down and dusted his hands off. "Hermione here was just helping me out with something. Er. I didn't get to warn you."

"Hi, Katie," smiled Hermione warmly. She was looking much better - her frame had filled out after the war so that she looked healthy, and her hair, though still big, looked wild and fabulous. She looked every inch the spitfire heroine, and oddly, Katie couldn't help but feel a little insecure.

"Hey," she greeted back, albeit a little weakly. "You're looking great!"

"Thanks," Hermione said, "Though I was about to say the same! You and Oliver look very well indeed." She stepped back to admire the pair, who eyeballed each other awkwardly. "Oliver here invited me to help pack Christmas presents for his little friends."

"Er... house elves?" Katie ventured a guess. "For STEW?"

"It's SPEW," Hermione said curtly.

"Bless you," Katie replied without thinking.

"S.P.E.W., Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare." Hermione corrected. "But no. You haven't told her, Oliver? It's a lovely story."

He hadn't. "What do you mean?" Katie tried to quell her growing jealousy.

Hermione excused herself to make a Floo call, and Oliver picked his way past the toys at his feet to kiss Katie on her temple. "Kates, would you like to help pack presents to send to the Dorset Home for Orphaned Witches and Wizards?" He took her hand and led her to his study, a room Katie knew was more for decoration and not actual work. "The first year I played as a starter, one of the earliest bits of fan mail I received was from a little boy named Timmy." Oliver picked a piece of parchment up from his desk. "I showed this to Hermione earlier - he'd drawn me, though he didn't know what I looked like."

"It's not bad," Katie said. The stick figure in brown robes hung off the side of its broom in a daring fashion before some crude hoops. "What do you mean he didn't know? Is he blind?"

"No. There was a note attached, from their governess. She told me that he and the other kids would listen to our games over the Wiz Radio. It had been their dream to watch a game, only they don't have a telly over there."

"Why'd he owl you, though? Why not Flanner? Or Williams?"

Oliver laughed. "They had been around longer. But I think things really changed for Puddlemere that year."

"Oh, don't be so modest. They probably knew you were special." When Oliver didn't reply, Katie prodded him encouragingly. "So I take it you'd given them a visit?"

Shrugging, Oliver said, "Yeah. The first time, I went with Flanner. We brought them a new telly, and then some Christmas dinner. We stayed for pudding and stories. Last year was too dangerous to visit. The children were in hiding."

Katie nodded.

"This year, unfortunately, some of the children have come down with the mumblemumps -"

"Ugh! I got that in Second Year."

"So I wasn't allowed to visit. I opted to send them something nice instead. I got these toy broomsticks in secret - if Priscilla hears about any of this..." Oliver ruffled his hair.

"But why didn't you tell me?" she couldn't keep it in. She hated feeling even a little bit resentful. "I mean... Hermione -"

"I wanted to surprise you later in the day. Hermione was just going to help me sneak the gifts out. I actually Owled Potter in case he could send them a card, but he's busy this morning so Hermione came over to bring his note. And she has that handy bag with her, so she basically insisted on taking the toys off my hands."

"Harry?"

"Yeah, I mean, the kids would love it. Not every day a guy can say he played Quidditch with Harry Potter."

"I suppose not," she agreed. "So Harry isn't coming? I would've liked to see him again."

"Not this morning, no, but -"

"I just got off the Floo with Molly," Hermione interrupted. "You are still joining us for supper tonight, right? We're celebrating Christmas early because Bill and Charlie are only back from their adventures but a few days. It won't be anything fancy... their first Christmas without Fred. The Weasleys would love the added cheer."

Oliver turned to Katie. "Surprise," he said. "I bumped into Charlie the other day, and we decided to get a big Gryffindor team reunion on. The Weasleys' seemed the most apt place. We could pick your gear up after lunch."

"Ol!" Katie cried. "Harry'll be there too?"

"And everyone else." He quirked a lip. "How 'bout it?"

Katie turned to Hermione and answered for them, "We'd love to!" taking Oliver's hand in hers.

Katie was much more enthusiastic about stuffing the toy broomsticks into Hermione's tiny purse after that. And when the clock struck eleven, Hermione took her leave, and Katie Side-Alonged with Oliver into what appeared to be a bustling Wizarding avenue.

"Diagon Alley?"

"Yup," Oliver answered. "I figured we could do some Christmas shopping together."

"Haven't got me my present, then?" she teased.

Oliver looked almost offended.

"I'm kidding. I got you something, too, though. It's at home. I'd like to give it to you on Christmas Eve, though."

"Alright, it's a date."

They made quick work of the shops, picking out small tokens for teammates and for the Weasleys. As they sat down for late lunch, someone tapped Oliver on the shoulder.

"Hermione!" he said, surprised.

"Hello Oliver," she said, resting a hand on his shoulder. Katie glanced at it, but quickly fixed her eyes on their company. "Hi Katie. I'm glad I saw you from outside! I just got back from the orphanage. Their governess, Mrs. Green, says thank you very much for the presents. The children aren't yet in the condition to play, but soon enough I think they will be. I dropped by the apothecary beforehand and picked up some potions - they should be better in no time!"

"That's great!" grinned Oliver. "You're a miracle worker. Have you eaten? Join us!"

Katie bit the inside of her cheek.

"No, I couldn't!" laughed Hermione. "I'm on my way to George's now, then I've got one last meeting with Kingsley this afternoon before he goes on holiday."

"The Minister?" Katie asked.

"Yeah," Hermione fiddled with her bag. "He just called in a small favor."

"Wow, that's excellent," Oliver complimented her.

"Trust me, it's nothing big," Hermione laughed, squeezing his shoulder. "I'll see you both later, yeah?"

"Yeah," Katie replied, as Hermione swung her big mane around and walked out of the shop.

"What a scout," Oliver grinned, resuming eating. "Lucky she was around, hmm?"

"Yeah," Katie repeated.

Oliver studied her face. "...Why are you pouting?"

"Am not. I was just agreeing that you were lucky for all her help."

He stared at her a moment more. Something dawned on him suddenly. It was a brilliant flash of insight: those often came by him when it came to Quidditch, but never when it came to women. "Kates. Don't tell me you're jealous." His eyes were twinkling now.

"No," Katie replied a little too quickly. She blushed, staring into her drink. Dammit. She sighed, "I don't know. Maybe just a little. She's just so... good at everything!" And Oliver seemed mighty impressed by her, but she didn't need to remind him of that. She decided then and there that being jealous was the pinnacle of uncool.

Oliver laughed then, and took her teacup from her. "Not everything. Granger can't fly a whit."

"So it's Granger now?"

"Humor me."

"Okay," she acquiesced with a little eye roll, the beginnings of a smile tugging at her mouth. "Fine. So she hates flying. But she's a war heroine."

"So are you."

"A straight-O war heroine. Who does personal favors for the Minister of Magic."

"Granger got a P in Flying. She doesn't even like Quidditch," Oliver went on, undeterred.

"That is a crime," Katie smirked. Oliver and his priorities.

"Granger doesn't know me like you do."

"She knows a lot of things, though."

"Not about me. Or the things that matter to me."

"Like?"

"Quidditch."

"Naturally."

"And you." Oliver stroked the back of her hand with his fingers.

"Me?"

"Granger's not the one I want to take home to meet my mum."

"Well, aren't I the lucky one?" Katie deadpanned.

"No, I am," Oliver grinned.

"You want me to meet your mum?"

He searched her face. "Yeah."

"I..."

"I mean, it doesn't have to be now," he hedged. "But I do. When the time comes. Someday."

"Ol... that would mean a lot to me."

"Me too."

She looked at him then, and thought she might kiss him. She knew she'd been silly now, though she was glad he hadn't told her so. But he tell her, "And you have much better hair than Granger. Even after flying."

Katie mock gasped. "Don't be mean!"

Oliver merely shrugged, and that was that.

That afternoon, Katie looked on as Oliver, Harry, and the Weasleys set up a pitch outside. Hermione asked why she didn't join them, but Katie said she was content to prepare snacks with her and Angelina.

"They only need so many hands, and I think the boys have missed it more than I."

Ange smirked. "We've got a nice view of Wood's bum, don't deny it. You're dating, for Merlin's sake."

"Funny," Hermione remarked, "I haven't heard of it much in the news."

"Oh," Katie said. "Well, we, uh, try to keep it to ourselves. Our teams aren't exactly best friends. Sometimes it slips out, but so far it's been pretty low-key."

"That's good. Nothing kills relationships faster than overexposure." Hermione cocked her head in thought.

Ange asked, "So, uh, you don't give Alicia the scoop on anything then?"

"Well, she doesn't publish anything, if that's what you're asking. Why?"

"Just wondering."

"So George told you?"

"Told me?"

"Oh, come on."

Angelina looked torn for a moment before replying, "He did, but we haven't actually talked about it properly. Alicia's visit, I mean. It's been... weird."

Katie frowned. "You and George?"

Ange sighed. "It's been strange enough as is. And I guess we haven't really come to terms with, you know. Us."

Katie nodded. "I was really expecting to see Alicia now, though."

"I'm here," a voice came on cue. Alicia stepped into the kitchen. "Hey, guys," she murmured. "Happy holidays."

"Hey!" Katie said carefully, as Angelina stood dumbstruck over the vegetables she was washing. "You're here!"

"Sorry," said Alicia. "I was -"

"Come on then!" Charlie Weasley poked his head through the door. "Why, nobody has any manners in this house. Leesh!" he extended his greeting, "Come in! I'm glad you could make it. You too, Katie. It's nice to finally meet you."

"Yeah," Katie reached out her hand to shake his. "Pleasure. Oliver always mentioned back at school that he had to live up to your expectations. The Charlie Weasley."

"Wood? Good kid, that one. Always knew he had a good eye for Quidditch, never knew he had a good eye for girls as well." Charlie winked. "Can I call you Kate?"

"Don't mind him, Katie," Ginny marched through with a few brooms. "He only ever gets to flirt with dragons in Romania. C'mon, loser," she told Charlie. "Bill's cleared the snow."

"That'll be your cue to go," drawled Hermione. "I'll get dinner ready with Molly."

Katie, and Alicia walked out to join the group, with Ange taking the rear. Oliver possessively slung his arm over Katie's shoulders, and the boys all smirked at him knowingly. George only looked nervously between Alicia and Ange, but nobody else acknowledged this. If there was anything the Weasleys were good at, it was acting like everything was normal. Percy, immensely relieved upon seeing Alicia, exclaimed that he would not deign to play, and marched back inside to "inspect some cauldrons".

"Alright!" Bill rubbed his hands together. "Five on five. Rock-paper-scissors, winners versus losers. Since we're in the presence of professionals here, Katie and Wood cannot be on the same team."

"What!" Katie laughed.

"Nor can you play your respective positions."

"Can do," Oliver grinned amiably.

"No Beaters, this is strictly scrimmage and a Snitch chase. Let's go!"

Katie ended up losing the hand game against Oliver, and was placed on the same team as Charlie, George, Ginny, and Ron. Oliver, on the other hand, was teamed with Bill, Harry, Angelina, and Alicia.

"Let's go, adopted Weasley," Ginny high fived her. "We'd better win this!"

"I hope you're ready to get creamed," Katie taunted Oliver as Charlie slung an arm around her shoulders. "Again."

"I think I'll redeem myself this time around," he smirked.

They huddled with their respective teams: Katie was assigned Keeper, and Oliver was to play a Chaser. Her team assigned Charlie as Seeker, and Harry was to be his counterpart. A different frisson of excitement went up her arms as she made her way to the makeshift hoops. It was good to be playing with friends again.

Upon the release of the Snitch, the Quaffle was tossed up, and Ginny quickly made a grab for it. She flew past Oliver's defense and passed it to Ron. He fumbled it a little before flying towards the goalposts, which Bill was gamely blocking. Tossing it to George, Ron blocked off a goofy swipe by Oliver before George threw it to Ginny, allowing her to punch it in.

"Ten-zero!" Ginny triumphantly cried as she scored.

"Watch out, baby sister, because that's the only one you're getting past me!" Bill hollered at her retreating form.

"Well you need to try harder!"

Oliver grabbed the rebound, and he rallied Ange and Alicia to flank him as they made their way to Katie's goals. Katie missed it, but he deftly passed the Quaffle to Angelina as she barreled past George. Ange found herself blocked off by Ginny, who was all over her as she tried to find an opening. Looking around desperately, Angelina called to Alicia, who was by her side in under two seconds. A fake out and a pass later, and they scored past Katie, who was too busy inspecting their dynamic to make a proper attempt at a save.

"Ten all!" Bill hollered, and Katie couldn't help but smile as her two best friends tentatively high fived each other.

"Shoddy Keeping, Bell," Oliver heckled as she made to inbound the Quaffle. "You sure you play pro?"

"That was just a warm-up, Captain," she grinned, throwing the ball to an unprepared Ron. "Let's go!"

The game carried on for another hour or so, and Katie couldn't help but notice how athletic the Weasleys were. Even if Ron was a little on the awkward side, they could all play hard. She didn't mind sitting by the goalposts, but she knew that if she were playing Chaser, they'd each give her a run for her money. They weren't afraid to jostle one another to score. Oliver himself looked like he was having the time of his life, and he gave as good as he got. It was refreshing to see him truly having fun - too long had Katie only known him to take Quidditch seriously.

What surprised her the most, though, was how Ginny could play. She clearly dominated over the opposite team - it might have been that they were afraid to hurt her, but her mindset was obviously different. She banged into Bill and Oliver when she had to (and sometimes even when she didn't), on occasion so hard that Katie had to gasp and make sure she was alright. But thanks to Ginny, their team was up five goals - 140-90, and they showed no signs of slowing down.

"Wuhoo, go Gin!" Katie cheered on her female teammate as she got yet another goal past Oliver and Bill's defenses. She'd flown in after retrieving the ball from George, bounced it off Oliver's head, and zig-zagged past the laughing tandem of Alicia and Angelina to shove it powerfully into the rightmost hoop. Oliver himself was rather surprised that she pulled that maneuver past him.

"Did you see that?" he pointed. "You should go pro, Ginny!"

"Thanks!" she called, laughing. "Now close your fat mouth, Wood, or you'll catch nargles!"

"Nargles?"

"Ask Luna Lovegood!"

Just then, two blurs of mismatched robes zoomed past her to a point none of them could determine. Charlie and Harry knocked each other to get to the Snitch, until Charlie's broom sputtered a little, and Harry grabbed the golden ball to seal the victory.

"We won!" Oliver hollered, embracing Alicia and Angelina in a hug that soon turned awkward.

The group separated, and the men all moved to shake hands. "We won," Oliver repeated softly to Katie, shaking her hand smugly

"Well, it wasn't because I was a poor Keeper," Katie pretended to huff.

"No," he agreed. "You're a Keeper, alright."

She smiled, slapping him lightly on the chest. That was the oldest - and worst - Quidditch joke in the book.

"Are you all done? Dinner's ready!" Molly Weasley's Sonorus-ed voice boomed through the yard, and the Weasley gang raced inside.

"I'm hungry!"

"About time!"

"Let's go then," Oliver held out his hand. "Food waits for no man." Katie took it with a smile and walked in with him. But as they made to enter the threshold, they felt their feet lock into place.

The gang, already inside, grinned evilly at them. Unable to move, Katie didn't understand until Oliver looked up at the door's frame. Grinning, he swiftly stole a kiss, and whispered, "Mistletoe," ignoring everyone's hoots and catcalls.

Dinner for the most part went smoothly. Katie couldn't remember the last time she was in a room full of such boisterous, funny people. She laughed hard over Charlie and Bill's wild and far-fetched stories, and even over how Percy would deadpan over his very serious work with the Ministry. George shared how Ron was helping out at the joke shop, and Ginny bemoaned the fact that scout season was soon coming at Hogwarts. Oliver shared some of his tips and tricks, until Katie had to rein him in whenever he got a bit too excited. She couldn't help but notice, though, that Angelina and Alicia were both rather quiet on opposite ends of the table. Neither sat next to George, who was also far too silent next to Percy. This was something she didn't want to draw attention to until Arthur Weasley asked, "So, Alicia, my dear. We've all caught up well and good - what have you been up to lately?"

Alicia started for a moment upon everyone's scrutiny, and softly said, "Not much, Mr. Weasley. Just a bit of freelance writing here and there."

Katie could have sworn she heard George cough a little.

Bill interjected, "Research-related, I hope? Your paper on runic flight was really something, Leesh. I submitted it to my peers for evaluation, and you could really start a career with us if you wished."

Alicia blushed. "I, um, well, I've been more involved in sports journalism, actually. It's been really exciting."

"Oh! I hope your studies haven't been for nothing."

"Not at all," Alicia assured Bill. "I could return to it, maybe, someday. If I join the broom-making industry, for instance... Outdated, but it could be worth looking into..."

George only looked on impassively as Alicia began to babble, as did Angelina. Katie put down her utensils. "I'm really excited for the season to kick off in January. Alicia's following the Arrows, aren't you, Leesh?"

"Yeah, not just them. I've shadowed almost half the teams so far," her friend confirmed, suddenly more comfortable. Katie looked at her intently, but Alicia refused to meet her gaze.

After dinner, Oliver got up to take his leave. "It's been lovely, Weasleys," he said, and thanked them for their generous company. "Kates? Would you like to be escorted home?"

Katie looked at him, and then glanced back at her company. "You know, Ol, you go ahead."

He cocked his head. "If you're sure. Let me know when you get home, alright?"

She smiled at him, and he was off. "Leesh?" she turned back around. "A word?"

A/N: Please review :) Chapter 21 up next week - no lies because... it's finished! :O