A/N: I didn't lie, I told you Chapter 21 was finished, and lo! Here she is. I appreciate the warm welcome back, undeserved as it was! Some of you commented on some weird formatting (wasn't me!) and minor math mistakes in the chapter previous, so I've gone back and corrected them. Thanks! :)

Chapter 21 - The List

Katie returned home from the Burrow that night partly happy, partly concerned. Happy because Oliver and her friends had a fantastic time together, and because it seemed that Ange and Alicia were on good, if still awkward terms. But her conversation with Alicia continued to niggle at the back of her mind a week later:

"So, how's your team shadowing gig really treating you?" Katie asked as soon as they had a minute alone. "Find anything out that you'd like to tell your best friend? Weaknesses I can exploit, perhaps?" she winked.

"None of that, Katie Bell. Play fair. What would Oliver say?"

"Oliver would say, 'TELL ME EVERYTHING YOU KNOW!'"

Alicia laughed. "I'm enjoying the work, truly. Most teams have been a lot of fun to cover. Not to mention very easy on the eyes. I've got a few fan girl photographs, and I guess it's the next best thing to playing."

"And Kai?"

"Kai? He's good, I think." Alicia smiled into her mug of chocolate. "He owls sometimes."

"About what?" Katie grinned.

"Work stuff, coffee invite here and there..."

"That's so great! Ugh, he is dreamy."

"He's just lonely, being an import and all. I'm keeping things professional, you know. There's just a lot going on."

"Like?"

"I just told you!"

"You've told me nothing. I know you, don't think you've been gone long enough that I can't tell when you're hiding something. Also give yourself some credit. You're gorgeous, and I think Kai knows that too. He has eyes, you know. Big, sea blue ones..."

"Oh, Katie, you know I can't go around assuming - or spreading rumors, for that matter, before they're backed by anything substantial."

"Rumors? Have you found something out with those Extendable Ears George gave you?"

"The industry is very small, you know. Any leaked information could be traceable... back to me!"

"I'm not going to mail Rita Skeeter if you tell me," Katie huffed.

"I know. And I trust you. But I don't know that the intel I have is sound. And I've acquired most of it from eavesdropping, but I don't know if I've pieced it together properly. At least, not yet."

"Is this about the trades? How did you even manage to listen in on these conversations?"

Alicia checked about them to ensure no one was listening. "It was a matter of luck and timing, really. After I did my job shadowing the players, I stuck around a bit near the offices. Never mind how I did it... but I've got a list."

"Of... Dates? Names?"

"Yeah. It's my list, really. Of names I've collected. So far key players - Greg Cotton, Fin Quigley, Aladair Maddock... Lenny Campbell, even. People their teams would never dream of trading off, but for some reason, putting these players out of their lineups is being discussed. Like, I heard the Magpies' management say they wanted to bench Maddock. Maddock!"

"But that makes no sense! He's their star player! Was he part of the trade deal? Is this still about the trades?"

Alicia paused for a beat. "Do not tell Oliver, okay, Katie? I really -"

"I won't," Katie began.

"I could get into serious trouble for this." Alicia waited until Katie nodded before she continued. "Right. As you know, I got wind of this at the Gala, when I heard some rumors about big switch-ups in the new season. So I've managed to eavesdrop on a few separate franchise management teams discussing certain... demands, I think? Not all the teams I shadowed, but some. I don't know if they've been in touch with one another. But they're seriously discussing adjusting their lineups. They were talking trades, or terminations, or pay-outs. To what end, I'm still uncertain."

"And is my team a part of this? Or Puddlemere?"

Alicia shrugged. "Not that I've heard. But it seems to me - I can't really say, but my first guess is that somebody wields a lot of power over the League. Because I don't think they're internal initiatives. At the very least, it could be a serious request from outside, and it's a big enough deal that these teams need to address it. But I don't think they're going to take these requests seriously."

"What do you mean? The Commission is the only authority I know of, besides individual owners. They wouldn't do something like this. Especially if they won't profit from it." Katie began pacing. "Is someone trying to buy players out? I don't think that's even feasible this close to the kick-off of the season proper. It's too late to make impractical changes as that -"

"That's a good point. From the fighting I've overheard, nobody actually wants to let their star players go."

"It's idiotic. What if... they're being coerced? But by whom?"

"I haven't figured it out either, okay? This is why I didn't want to tell you. But at the same time I know you won't leave me alone about it. Also, I'm afraid that if this is really a thing, you or Ol might get affected somehow. Directly or otherwise."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Not that I know. I'm hardly inclined to write an exposé on the matter... yet. I don't think anyone else at the Prophet is aware of anything. I mean, the article mention was just to stir up some controversy, but I felt it was worth investigating. I was only supposed to make write-ups - PR, really, on these teams. I'm just such a snoop. It could be nothing. I don't even think these teams have alerted the authorities."

"Wait. The authorities? The Ministry could get involved?" Katie asked incredulously. "You think it could get that bad?"

Alicia shrugged, choosing not to divulge more.

"Leesh, be careful. What if you get in trouble?"

"Let's hope not, yeah?"

"You should stop."

"What, and miss out?"

"Don't put yourself in danger. Just let it play out. Think of it this way. If anything happens, you at least have a head start. I'll let you know if I find anything out, but until then, just stick with your shadowing gig, yeah?"

"I suppose you're right."

Katie had sworn to keep things quiet, but she was dying to know what was going on. Especially if her team or Oliver's was involved somehow. Christmas had come and gone - she'd spent with her parents, and snuck some time in with Oliver. But that was before he visited his folks in Scotland, and she'd only gotten a note that morning that he was back. In all that time, she still had not learned anything new. She'd seen neither hair nor hide of Lara recently, and Coach King did not deign to talk about anything outside their training agenda. She hadn't discussed a thing with Oliver either, but it was getting more and more difficult to bite her tongue.

With the holiday break giving pause to their training sessions, she was veritably going mad with secrets to keep and nothing to do about them. The house elves had sensed her ennui, and had gone so far as to voluntarily choreograph an interpretative dance routine that involved simultaneously tossing china, polishing Quaffles, and banging upon cooking pots. She was not certain if she was more amused or alarmed that they'd gone to such creative lengths to entertain her. This is why she decided she'd bother Bruna, who had come back the night before from her yuletide vacation in Germany.

"Hi, Bru!" Katie barged in on the Keeper, who fortunately had just finished getting dressed.

"Gah!" Bruna whirled around. "You startled me."

"Sorry. How was home?"

"I, er, it was nice, we had some, uh." Bruna fumbled with the clasp on her skirt.

"You alright, Bru?" Katie asked. "Did I come at a bad time?"

"Not at all!" Bruna flushed. Katie frowned at her frazzled teammate. Bruna smoothed her dress nervously and said, "I'm actually glad you're here. I don't know what I've done, Katie. I've gone and introduced Sean to my family over the hols."

"Whoa, what!"

"I'm an idiot. It was a snap decision... he took a Portkey, stopped by for lunch, and uh."

"Uh?"

"They loved him. Arse over tit for the bastard."

"Bru, that's great!" Katie beamed at her. But when Bruna only grimaced, she backtracked. "So what's the matter?"

"I've just got a date. With Sean."

"And that's a bad thing because...?"

"It's not, not really." Bruna took a breath. "He wants me to meet her tonight. Beatrice."

Katie gasped. "Wow! Well... It's only fair, I guess."

"I guess." Bruna echoed. "But it's different. Parents... they're people we grow up and away from. A serious relationship is just one of those things that they'd have to accept as part of that process. But kids? His daughter is a part of him. We've only been serious again for what, two months? And she's so young, still. I'm so nervous. If she and I don't connect... it's make or break, Katie. What if... I botch it up? I've never really had to deal with kids-"

"Oh, Bru." Katie put her hands on her rambling friend's arms and gave her a light shake. "Oliver's told me about her. She sounds like an amazing child. And if you want it, too, then I think there's nothing you should be afraid of. You are ready. And don't forget: if you add it all up, you've been together for quite a while."

Bruna pondered this. "Hey, Katie? I wouldn't ask if it didn't mean a lot to me. You're great with Vanna's boys, so... Would you maybe come along with me to meet her? Beatrice, I mean."

Katie took a moment and said, "I'd be glad to. Was she going to come with you, though?"

"No," Bruna admitted sheepishly. "It's more of a meet and greet. I'm terrified that if I stay too long, then something will inevitably go wrong."

"Negativity doesn't suit you, Bru."

"Please, Kates. If things go well... well, at least Sean and I can talk about tomorrow's plans over dinner."

"So if she's not coming along on your date, did you want me to watch her?"

"Oh, but that's the best part! Sean's asked Wood to babysit."

Perfect!

"Wood. I need you to babysit for me."

"What?" Oliver looked up from polishing his beloved broom. He'd done a meticulous job of drying it and coating it with the Moroccan Whizzbee wax Katie had given him to protect it from the elements. A broom, he could care for. But a child? "Is that why you agreed to go flying with me today? Child care is not exactly my area of expertise."

"I did you a favor out of the kindness of my heart. Now see here, Wood," Flanner begain somberly. "I've witnessed you handle Phil and Neil when they threatened to brawl over peanuts. I've even seen you wrench Dora off tabletops a few times when she was piss drunk. If that doesn't qualify you to wrangle raging Hippogriffs, I think it at least warrants you some trust in the baby girl department. I want Bruna to meet her tonight before our date, but my mum's busy for afterwards. I already told Bru it was taken care of."

Oliver snorted. Assuming berk. "Aren't I honored, then."

"Come on! Bea adores you. All you need to do is feed her dinner and tuck her in bed. She doesn't even need a story! I promise we'll be home early."

"So you're doing it. The, um. It."

"Is that a yes?"

Oliver sighed. "Alright, mate. The things I do for you."

"I LOVE you!" Flanner planted a triumphant kiss on Oliver's cheek and stepped out the door. "Be at my place at seven!"

"Say please," Oliver hollered at his retreating form.

"Please, and thank you, and belated Happy Christmas!"

"Do I look okay?" Bruna twirled in her delicate green dress.

"Bru, you look gorgeous." Katie was decidedly more dressed down in a simple short skirt, a sweater, and thermal tights.

"Where's everyone headed tonight?" Wilda poked her head into Bruna's dressing room.

"You won't like it, lady!" Katie replied indulgently.

"Is it a party? I filched some bourbon from my fat cousin's holiday stash!" Wilda waved the bottle excitedly and screwed the cap off.

"No can do," Katie laughed. "We're off to meet Sean Flanner's baby. Wanna come?"

"What? Yick," Wilda immediately wrinkled her nose.

"Katie!" Bruna grit out. "Wilds, don't tell anyone."

"Who'm I gonna tell? I don't want any part of that. In fact, count me out. Good luck, though." She took a swig from her bottle. "Later."

Bruna waitched Wilda's retreating form wistfully. "Easy for her to say."

"She's already half sloshed, don't listen to her. I'm sure you'll be great." Katie squeezed her hand. "Beatrice will love you, you'll see." The girls put their coats on and reached for the Portkey. "Ready? One, two, three."

"Now baby, there's somebody really important that I want you to meet tonight." Flanner fussed over his daughter's pajamas as Oliver looked on mildly. Sean was clearly nervous, and he made up for it by straightening every wrinkle he could find on his toddler's clothing.

"She looks perfect, mate," Oliver reassured him. "Geyser's going to adore her."

"What's Geyser?" asked Beatrice.

Flanner took a steadying breath. "Well, darling, after you, she's the girl Daddy loves the most."

"More than Quidditch too?" the child surveyed. Flanner affirmed this as fact. "You must love her a whole lot."

Flanner looked at her, and could only nod. Oliver could swear he'd seen Flanner's eyes glisten a little, but he looked away so it wouldn't be weird. "It's almost seven," he commented.

"So it is. Well, baby? Would that be okay with you?" Flanner asked. Beatrice giggled and gave him a thumbs up. "There's my number one girl. I love you."

"I love you, Daddy." She high fived him with both her tiny hands.

Just then a knock sounded on the door. "Uh, coming!" Flanner set Bea down on the counter beside Oliver, smoothed his hair, and opened the door. "Bruna."

"Hello, Sean," she murmured, letting him kiss her lightly on the lips.

"And hello, Katie." Flanner took her hand and kissed it, too.

"Kates - Katie?" Oliver called from inside. He walked out to greet her. "What are you doing here?" He took her in his embrace and kissed her warmly on the cheek. He pulled back when he realized they were being watched.

Bruna and Sean wore identical smirks on their faces. "This is weird, huh?" Sean asked, looping his arm around Bruna's waist.

"Trust me," she laughed softly. "I've seen much worse."

"Who's she?" a little voice piped up. The four adults looked down at the little blonde girl standing in the living room.

Momentarily dumbstruck, Sean ushered everyone in. "Where are my manners? Bruna," he took a deep breath. "I'd like you to meet my daughter, Beatrice. Bea? This is the lady I told you about. She's very important to me. Her name is Bruna. Bruna Geyser."

A look of strong emotion came over Bruna's face. Katie squeezed Oliver's hand. She could easily see that Bruna was immediately besotted with the child. Bruna bent down, and, looking to Sean for encouragement, stretched her hand out. "It's very nice to meet you. Your dad talks about you all the time." Bea took the child's hand in her own.

"She's really pretty, Daddy," the child whispered, not averting her gaze. Bruna looked like she might cry.

"Thank you. You're really pretty too, Beatrice." To Flanner, she mouthed, "She's perfect, Sean."

He only nodded, heart in his throat.

"I'm Bea."

"Well, Bea," Bruna's voice wavered, "I'd love to stay and get to know you, but you're all ready for bed. Sean?"

"Perhaps New Year's?" He looked hopeful. "Would you like that, darling?"

"Yes!" cheered Beatrice.

"New Year's then," agreed Bruna, giving Sean a meaningful look. "Bea, I'd like you to meet my friend. This is Katie. She'll be taking care of you tonight."

Bea looked up at Katie, and then at Oliver, whose hand rested lightly on her back. "It's your lady love!" she cried delightedly, making her father laugh.

"Sorry, I may have taught her that," Flanner smirked at Katie. "Baby, Bruna and I are going out to have dinner. You stay here with Uncle Oliver and..." he looked at Katie, "Do you mind if she calls you 'Auntie'?"

"Katie's fine," she laughed. "But you can call me anything you want," Katie told Beatrice.

"Aunt Katie," giggled Beatrice.

"Alright," Flanner concluded. "Don't you give Uncle Oliver and Aunt Katie a difficult time, okay? Bedtime is at?"

"Eight-thirty," Oliver answered. "Dinner's on the table. I've got an owl in case I need to reach you."

"Perfect."

"You've only told me about a hundred times."

"Thanks, mate. I owe you." Flanner took Bruna's hand, gave Beatrice a big, sloppy kiss, and Disapparated away with his date.

As Oliver got a little flame going in the hearth, Katie entered the living room Levitating two steaming mugs of tea and a smaller mug of warm, spiced milk. They'd just finished an easy dinner, over which they discussed their respective holidays with their families. Now the two were in the process of getting Bea into bed. "For you," she handed the toddler her milk. "I hope you like cinnamon!"

"Mmm," Bea sipped it, happy as could be.

"Are you tired yet?" Katie asked as she handed Oliver his mug. Oliver pulled her down on his lap, which was his favorite place to have her these days. Bea shook her head. "But it's past your bedtime!"

"I'm waiting for Daddy and Bruna," she said stubbornly. "Is Bruna going to be my mommy?"

Katie and Oliver exchanged looks. "You know," Oliver replied, "You could ask your father tomorrow. Do you want to play a game before bed?"

"Mmm, no. Sometimes Daddy lets me show him gymnastics." Then Bea said, "I'm too full. You gymnastics."

"Well," Oliver said wickedly, "Katie does something like gymnastics. It's called yoga."

"Captain," Katie warned.

"Show me!" Bea pressed.

Katie sighed, kicking her shoes off. "Alright, let's try it out." She assumed a standing position with her hands clasped before her. Beatrice stood beside her like a miniature Katie, copying her every move.

Katie swung her hands over her head, and swept them down to touch her toes. "Okay, now we're gonna step out like so," she kicked her feet out to a plank position. "And if you can, do a little pushup." The toddler giggled as she tried to imitate her. "That's pretty good!"

Oliver grinned lazily as he watched the two interact. Katie was so at ease around Bea, and he guessed she was great with kids in general. It was certainly too early for them to consider it, but...

"Do it, Uncle Oliver!" Bea called. Their heads were hanging between their arms, their hands planted on the ground, and their bottoms in the air and facing him.

"I'm not very bendy!" he apologized.

"Because he's stiff as a board. 'Cause he's Wood, get it?" Katie cackled. The joke was lost on the child.

"Besides," Oliver added, "The view is much nicer from here." He winked at Katie. "Alright there, Bell?"

"Shut it, Captain," Katie laughed, and she guided Beatrice through a couple more poses before the child sat down and proclaimed, "I'm tired."

"There she is," clapped Oliver, "Let's get you to bed." He picked Bea up and headed to her room. Katie straightened out her clothing before following them. She stood in the doorway, and watched.

"So what does your dad usually do when he tucks you in?" Oliver asked.

"Night light," Bea pointed at the lamp beside them. Oliver flicked his wand. "And then?"

"Daddy checks under my bed for scary things."

Oliver gamely followed suit. "Nothing here," he assured her.

"And then he shuts my windows."

"Check. What next?"

"Then he tucks me in and gives me a kiss." Oliver made her laugh by tucking the blanket into her sides, making her look like a Mexican burrito. "Like this?" he asked.

"No, Uncle Oliver!" she giggled. "Silly!"

"As long as you're warm. Now good night," he said, and he leaned in to kiss her forehead. She stopped his face with one small hand.

"Kiss is for Aunt Katie." She pointed at the doorway.

Katie blushed at having been caught watching. "Hmmm, maybe you can have just one," she played along.

"One it is," Oliver agreed, and gave Beatrice a big smooch on the cheek. "Good night, Bea."

"Good night," she yawned, and turned over to sleep.

Katie yawned too as Oliver came to join her and shut the door. "You're really good at this," she complimented him. "It's kind of sexy."

"You too, actually." He intertwined his fingers with hers and pulled her close. "We make a great team."

"Now I feel like I need to be tucked in," Katie murmured as she swung her legs over Oliver's as he got comfy on Flanner's couch.

"That can be arranged." He pulled the throw off the seat and enveloped them both within it.

"That's nice."

"Mm," he agreed, tracing circles on the small of her back.

Katie opened an eyelid and stared into the flame. "Say, Ol?"

"Yeah?"

"When does your practice resume?"

"Tomorrow, we've got training til the end of the year."

"Same here, then we'll have New Year's free."

"Why do you ask? Got something in mind?"

"Not really. I'm just not looking forward to it."

"You take that back, young lady, because now's not the time to be messing around." he snickered into her hair. "Season resumes on the third. And then I don't know when I'll see you next. Regardless, no lollygagging."

She poked him. "You aren't the boss of me. And for that, you shall commence the neck kisses."

He ignored her, teasing, "Nuh-uh. I should just tell your Coach about us. She'll show you who's boss."

"Ha ha. You wouldn't. Otherwise you'd really never see me again."

"Fair enough. I won't do it. But what's the matter?" He leaned in. "Winter's the absolute." Kiss. "Best." Kiss. "Season for training."

"Nice try, I know you hate it, too. I was just beginning to enjoy the peace of the holidays. And tomorrow seems too soon to get back to all the catfights."

"You aren't on bad terms with anyone, are you?" Oliver pulled back, concern etched on his features.

"No, no. You always assume the worst, Captain," Katie assuaged him. "But Wilda and Gwen have been at each other's necks for some time now. I can't say I'm excited to go back to being the victim of their - or Coach King's - misplaced wrath."

"Mm, I understand that. Nolan's had it in for Davies, too."

"But that's because Davies is a ponce. I rather thought Wilds and Gwen cared more about the team to let their differences interfere with our performance."

"Heh, women. Ow!" Oliver rubbed his chest from where Katie had smacked him hard.

"Now you take that back."

"You're not giving me much incentive, love," Oliver smirked. "Only joking. I haven't got much basis, you know. We've only got Dora, and she's the type of woman they name hurricanes after. If we traded her for, say, Griffiths, I don't know if we lads would be better off."

"Hah," Katie agreed. "As if that would ever happen." A beat. "Wait. Would you, though?"

"Would I?"

"Trade Fairfax for Wilds? Hypothetically."

Oliver tilted his head for a moment. "Y'know, now that you mention it, Griffiths wouldn't be a bad fit. I'll tell Phil Deverill immediately."

Katie furrowed a brow. "So it could happen?"

Oliver looked at her skeptically. "I was only joking. This deep into training? That's a big investment in the lineup we're practically throwing out. And besides, if there's anyone I'd trade Fairfax out for - and I don't even have the power to do that yeah? - I'd really rather have you," he said. She briefly toyed with the idea of asking him if he knew anything about the list Alicia mentioned, but then he started kissing her neck as she previously demanded. "I'm tired of talking Quidditch," he declared.

"Well, that's a first! Wait 'til the others hear."

"I'm sure they'll have a field day." He ran his fingers languidly over her stockinged legs, and right when Katie thought he'd reach beneath her skirt, he'd shift down towards her knees again. It was maddening.

She turned her head to claim his lips, and coaxed his teasing hand up her jumper. Oliver was always, always a gentleman, and while they'd previously agreed to take things slow for the sake of their careers, she wanted to feel that he was having just as difficult a time containing himself as she was. Was that so selfish?

She was beginning to feel the stirrings of both her arousal and his when thankfully (or not, depends how one looked at it), the Floo chimed. Cursing internally, she quickly moved off his lap to sit beside him instead.

"That'll be Flanner," said Oliver, clearing his throat as the blaze let Sean and Bruna into the living room. "You're early," he greeted the pair. "We just put Beatrice to bed."

"Well, that was an hour late. You're a bad influence, Wood," Flanner shook his hand. "I hope she wasn't much trouble?"

"Not at all. But as you can see, Katie here is tuckered out."

Katie rested her head on his shoulder, feigning fatigue. "You two have a good time?"

Bruna and Sean beamed at each other. And then Bruna took her hand from her coat pocket. On her finger was a gigantic diamond ring. "We're getting married!"

"WHAT!" Katie cried, tossing the throw off her body. She ran over to inspect the ring, and then embraced Bruna. "Congratulations!" They jumped around giddily.

Oliver shook Flanner's hand. "Well done, mate."

"Wait." Katie whirled around and slapped Oliver on the chest. "You knew?"

Oliver merely shrugged.

"Good man," Flanner grinned.

Bruna sniffled, tears threatening to fall. "I saw Beatrice tonight and I just... I hadn't even known her for five seconds but I knew we'd be okay. And I told Sean as much, and... Oh, Katie, I'm so happy!"

"And I wanted to propose before the season," interjected Sean. "Who knows when I would have had the time then? Not to mention, when Puddlemere creams Holyhead in the second round -"

"As if I would have said no," Bruna smiled at him.

"As if you'll beat us next time," Katie stuck her tongue out at the men. She turned to Bruna. "Tell me all about it tomorrow! Wait. How are you going to tell Coach?"

"Oh, hang Coach King! For now this is our secret, alright?"

"Witch's oath!"

"Well, Wood," Flanner clapped Oliver on the shoulder. "My fiancée and I are going to call it a night. Tomorrow we're visiting my parents with Bea. Might you escort your lovely lady home?"

"What about your clothes?" Katie asked.

"I already have a change of clothes here," Bruna admitted, blushing.

They said their goodbyes, and Oliver closed his hand around Katie's as they Apparated away.

"This is awesome," Katie sighed as they entered her bungalow together. She locked the door behind her and padded to her bedroom.

"They're a good fit," Oliver agreed, "And Beatrice has been longing for a mother figure. Bruna's perfect."

"I'm glad."

"So Kates," Oliver cleared his throat, following her into her room. She moved past him again and into her bathroom to clean up.

"Yeah?"

"You know the season resumes on the third, right?"

"Mmhmm?" She stuck a toothbrush in her mouth.

"I was wondering if you wanted to watch our first game. Pride of Portree."

"An' pick u' aww your thecreth? You thure?"

"And the Prides', as many as you'd like."

"Meaghang MgGormag'h a mean Keeperh. But not as duff as you." She rinsed.

"Who are you calling duff?" Oliver pretended to scoff.

"I meant 'tough'. But tickets are expensive, Ol," she tutted playfully.

"I'll get you some, of course. Best seats in the house."

"But the tabloids -"

"Glamours work, don't they?"

"And my training -"

"Your first game isn't til the sixth."

"What if I have practice?"

"At seven in the evening? Unlikely."

"How do you know all that? Stalker!" Katie stepped out of the bathroom all freshened up, and padded over to where he'd made himself comfortable on the bed.

"Avid fan," he corrected, placing his hands on her waist, his new favorite spot. His eyes then shifted from her face down to the slinky material that covered her torso. He had to stifle a moan. "This is new."

"Do you approve? It was a present from Miss Raul. Pajamas, he said."

"Stretched definition, I think. Was it a present to you? Or to me?"

"Well, I think we've both been very good lately."

"And would you have me stay to unwrap this?"

Katie grabbed her wand, and shuttered the windows and doors. "There's no way Bruna can barge in tonight. And this teddy's not very winter appropriate."

"I knew it. You just want me for my warm body."

"Pretty much," Katie laughed. "You in?"

Oliver looked down at his attire and transfigured his jeans to a much more suitable pair of flannel pants. "Let's do this cuddle business." He walked up to her and leaned in, and then marched past her before she could kiss him.

"Where are you going!"

"To get cleaned up, Kates," he chuckled at her flabbergasted expression. "Hygiene first." He made quick work of it, and came back out of the bathroom to find Katie sitting on her bed.

She got into her bed and joked, "So will you tuck me in again?"

Oliver flicked his wand and dimmed her lights. He got down to her floor. "Nothing scary under the bed."

"I would hope not."

"Just a few menacing dust bunnies."

"Don't insult the house elves. Bootsy would die of shame."

He climbed onto Katie's bed, moving his body over hers and leaning her back onto her pillows. Nestling himself between her thighs, he asked, "Tucked in, nice and warm?"

Katie moaned in approval, feeling his hardness grinding against her. "Where's my kiss?"

"Just one," Oliver compromised, and kissed her tenderly on the forehead. "Okay, maybe another." He touched her lips with his. Again, and again, and again.

A/N: Contemplating an M rating. You gotta let me know if you want it! Please review! :)