Bringing Back the Pixie

Daisy woke up early the next morning and crept out of bed, trying not to wake up John so she could have some time alone with her thoughts. She walked into the kitchen and put the coffee on, her thoughts brewing as well.

They were playing the Falcons tomorrow. And everyone was worried. Her team was concerned that she wouldn't be able to perform. Her family was terrified that she'd blow up half the stadium after one jab from Hardwick.

Even Daisy herself was worried she'd lose control mid-match, knowing that mind games, insults and lewd comments were Hardwick's favorite tactic. She was half-tempted to feign sickness and let the reserve play for her. But at the same time she knew she couldn't let down her team like that. They were expecting her play and praying that she'd be back in good form. She needed to find a way to get back on track.

Looking at a pile of fan letters sitting on the coffee table reminded her that she couldn't let her fans down either.

She took her mug and walked over to sofa. She sat down and looked at the various unopened letters, her brow furrowed. Her thoughts wandered to the many problems plaguing her life. It truly was baby steps. While going out and blowing things up at her parents' house made for good short-term relief, she still had to work on overall control. She was still freezing during practice whenever something would happen to Jamie, Remus or Alan. And still fighting to keep her temper in check.

Not to mention, she still hadn't felt John since that night at the party. She was beginning to wonder if it would ever come in. More and more, she worried that it had been someone else. Thankfully he hadn't asked about it, but she wasn't sure if she would be able to lie about it if he did.

"You're up early," John said as he stepped out of their bedroom, stretching and yawning. "Go for a run?" Daisy looked up at him. He smiled as he walked over, grabbed her cup and took a sip. Despite all the trouble they had been through, he still made butterflies flare up in her stomach whenever he looked at her like that.

"No, just couldn't sleep so decided to go ahead and get up," she said. "You can always get your own, you know." John chuckled, bent down and kissed her forehead.

"For some reason, yours always tastes better," he said, handing her mug back.

"Oh, so that's it," she said, rolling her eyes slightly as she stood. John placed his hands on her waist and pulled her closer.

"You worried about the match tomorrow?" he asked, his gaze shifting from flirting to concerned. Daisy sighed.

"A bit, yea. We all know how Hardwick likes to play. Wouldn't do if I ended up blasting him to Timbuktu during the game. Or blowing up the stadium," she said, looking back towards the window.

"Hey, look at me Daisy," he said softly. She looked up at him, her green eyes going stormy gray. "You got this. You know you're good. You've beaten him before."

"Not with the way I've been playing lately," she said. "The Prophet ran another piece about me last week that was pretty dire."

"You can't let it or anyone else get to you, Daisy. So you've had a rough couple of months. It's okay. It happens to the best of us. But we both know the same old Pixie is in there and you just need to relax and let her come out," he said. Daisy smiled up at him.

"You always know the right things to say," she said, stepping up on her tippy-toes to kiss him. He looked down at the table, noticing the unopened letters. "Still haven't read them yet?" Daisy looked down, her brow furrowed.

"I'm not sure I'm ready to face the disappointment," she said with a sigh.

"Just… go through them when you get a chance. You might be surprised," he said. She nodded and looked up at him.

"I will, but right now, I suggest we get ready or Coach'll skin both of us for being late." John chuckled and took the coffee mug from her hand.

"You can have the shower first," he said, with a cheeky grin. Daisy chuckled and shook her head, walking towards the bedroom.

"Oh, by the way, I'm meeting Mum for dinner tonight," she said. "So I won't be home until later."

"Tell her I said hi," John called after her.

"I will!"

Daisy sighed as she made her way through the crowded Alley to the restaurant where she said she'd meet her mother after practice. She had taken to morphing into someone else whenever she was out and about lately, not wanting to draw attention from disappointed fans or curious reporters.

While the day had started out on a hopeful note, practice had quickly gone downhill with Daisy taking four bludgers and then running into Cunningham while trying to squeeze in between him and Wright. Nilsson had been hoping they could finally return to his rather elaborate plays utilizing Daisy, but after the collision, he had them once again going over old plays that left Daisy out of the action. They hadn't been able to use the plays in quite a few matches.

The coach had given her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder as she left the pitch, but even he couldn't mask the worry in his eyes.

Daisy stopped just before stepping into the restaurant and dropped her disguise, then walked in through the doors.

It was her mother's new favorite and served Mediterranean cuisine. The inside was bright and had been charmed to appear as though diners were transported to the seaside. Along one wall, there appeared to be a balcony that overlooked the Mediterranean Sea, complete with a gentle breeze and the smell of salt water. Daisy looked around and finally saw her mother waving at her from one of the tables on the balcony. She walked over and dropped her bag to the floor, scooting in under the table with her foot so that it wouldn't trip anyone.

"How was practice?" Iris asked, smiling as Daisy sat.

"Rubbish," Daisy said glumly. "I still can't seem to hop back on. Coach keeps telling me that I'm just stuck in my head, but blimey, I can't seem to get out of it."

"You're putting too much pressure on yourself, Daisy," Iris said, concern etched on her face.

"Well, it's kind of hard not to. I've got Coach relying on me, and the team. And all the fans. Not to mention, I've got all the extra stuff and trying to keep myself in control but worrying that one snide comment from Hardwick and I'll cause his broom to explode," Daisy said quickly. She placed her elbows on the table and dropped her head onto her hands. "I just don't know if I'll ever get this."

"You will, Daisy," Iris said. "If I can get control of it, you can too."

"But how? It's not like I can sneak off to go blow things up whenever I start feeling stressed," Daisy said, sitting up as a server came to take their order. Once the witch had stepped away, Iris studied her daughter a moment before speaking.

"We just have to find your key to controlling it. For me… well, it was mostly because of your father," she said. Daisy's eyes widened.

"Da?"

"Well, I guess specifically love. Family," Iris said. Daisy rolled her eyes.

"Well, that hasn't been helping, has it?" she said. Iris chuckled.

"Daisy… someone once told me that love made me stronger. Through love, I would find the strength to control my gifts. And they were right. It wasn't falling in love with your father, but finding my family. Creating bonds. Because of that, I was able to find the strength in myself to control my magic," she said.

"So… finding Harry and Dad?" Daisy asked. Iris nodded, smiling. "Who told you that?"

Iris took a deep breath and focused her thoughts. Suddenly, Daisy was no longer sitting at the table in the restaurant, but standing in a large room. She vaguely recognized it as one of the upstairs suites in Harry's house. Sitting in two armchairs were her mother – albeit a much younger version – and a man she didn't recognize at first. It took her a moment before she realized she had seen him before, but only in photos. It was Teddy's dad.

"I'm… I'm starting to feel things. With Oliver," her mother said. Remus Lupin looked as though he was wondering why Iris was telling him this. "Not like that… just… With Harry and Lily, I could always feel them. I always knew when Harry was in danger. I'm… I'm starting to feel that with Oliver. When he goes out, I can sense him. I thought, I thought I could only do that with family. I'm not sure what this is or means. I shouldn't be able to do that."

Daisy crept closer to the two, unable to take her eyes off the man her brother was named for. He seemed tired and a bit rundown, but there was kindness and wisdom in his eyes.

"Perhaps your magic is evolving. It's protective in nature, so as you've grown closer to Oliver, it's expanded to include him as well," he said softly. Daisy was beginning to wonder why on earth they had given her brother Remus his name. The two were nothing alike.

"I'm not sure if that's such a good thing. He's always off doing various things for you… I don't know if I can keep myself together trying to protect him and Harry. It's bad enough that I always feel him. I… wonder if it wouldn't be better for me to leave on my own," Iris said. Daisy could hear the pain in her voice. She didn't want to leave – not really. But she thought it was the only thing to keep Harry and her dad safe.

Worry and fear painted every corner of her mother's face.

"I'm not sure that would be a good idea," Lupin said. "You cannot run from love, Iris. It is what makes you stronger."

"Are you sure you shouldn't be following your own advice?" Iris asked bluntly.

"Don't change the subject. This isn't about me," he said, his tone turning serious. Daisy imagined with that voice he must have been a good teacher. She'd of liked to have seen him wrangle the triplets.

"Ask yourself, what was it that helped you control yourself all this time?" he said. Iris frowned slightly as she chewed on her bottom lip. But then her expression softened. Daisy had no doubt she was thinking about her father and her cousin.

"You are stronger when you are with him. With Harry. With us. Running on your own will not make it easier to stay in control. It will weaken you. Love makes you stronger," he urged.

Iris looked towards the door and then back at Lupin, nodding.

"I'll think about it," she said. Lupin sighed and sat back in his chair, looking as though he wished he could somehow drill the point into her head. At that moment, Daisy's dad appeared in the door, grinning. Daisy was taken slightly aback by how much her brothers resembled him when he was younger.

"Well, that's fixed," he said as he walked into the room. Daisy watched her mother and it was almost like watching her transform into someone else. The tension seemed to melt from her body as the furrows in her forehead smoothed out and she seemed more at ease.

He really did have an effect on her.

Daisy blinked slightly and looked down, noticing her food had appeared. She looked over at her mother.

"So… love," Daisy said. "I still don't see how that helps me."

"You just need to find your key," Iris said. Daisy sighed.

"Easier said than done," she said sadly as she started picking at her food. "Some days I think I'll never get it."

"Well, you've gotten better at keeping shields up," Iris said. "That's a good start."

"Still can only manage a couple at once," Daisy said with a sigh.

"And you haven't destroyed anything in a couple weeks," Iris added.

"Only because I go to your place and blow up the quidditch pitch," Daisy said.

"But you haven't felt you've needed it as much," Iris said. "Just… think about it, Daisy. There must be something." Daisy looked down at her food, furrowing her brow. "When we're on the pitch, what is you think about?"

"Disappointing everyone. Hurting someone," she said. "Basically a lot of negative stuff."

"Maybe it's your fear that's holding you back," Iris said, looking at her daughter contemplatively. "It certainly held me back." Daisy looked up at her.

"But I can't just… stop being afraid," she said. "It's not that easy."

"I know," Iris said. She reached over and grabbed Daisy's hand. "Don't worry… we'll figure this out."

"I certainly hope so."

After dinner, Daisy found herself walking to her brothers' flat. She wasn't sure what led her there – she hadn't even realized where she was going until she was standing outside the building looking up at the balcony. Truth be told, she did miss living with her brothers and being around them. Alan trying to cheer her up and having sound advice. Jamie was always a good listener as well.

Hell, she was even starting to miss Remus – the old Remus, anyway.

"Fancy seeing you here, Pix. Kingfisher driving you barmy?" Alan asked with a grin as Daisy appeared in the flat. She laughed and fell onto the sofa next to him.

"No, just wanted to see my big brothers is all," she said. "Where's everyone?"

"Wills and Jamie went to get food. Think Remus is out with Laura," he said, changing the channel. "You hungry?"

"Nah, met Mum for dinner," she said. The fridge door swung open and two beers zoomed across the room. Daisy caught them and handed one to Alan.

"Really wish you would consider moving back. Jamie doesn't do fun things like that," Alan said. Daisy laughed.

"I don't know why. Makes life a lot more convenient," she said, popping the top off.

About that time, the door opened and slammed shut and Daisy could hear Wills and Jamie in the middle of a spirited debate over the next World Cup even though it was still two and half years away.

"I'm telling you, the Bulgarians will be brutal," Wills said.

"You said that last time and we ended up beating them in an hour," Jamie said, rolling his eyes. "Maybe you lot on the British team are just more fragile than us on the Scottish Team." Wills was about to launch into what would have been a long-winded rant until he looked over and saw Daisy on the sofa. His eyes lit up as his usual grin filled his face.

"Pix! What a lovely surprise! Please tell me you and Kingfisher broke up and you're moving back in. It's not the same without you here," he said. Daisy chuckled.

"No. I was nearby having dinner with Mum and thought I'd pop by," she said as Wills handed his bags of food to Jamie and dropped on the sofa next to her. Jamie sighed and walked over, placing the bags of takeout on the coffee table.

"One can only hope," Wills said. "Have a good chat with your mum, then?" Daisy sighed.

"Still can't seem to figure out the key to controlling my magic," she said.

"Thought you had that sorted. Didn't Mum start you on something new?" Jamie asked as he starting to pull boxes of food out of the bags.

"I can't very well blow up a bunch of things on the quidditch pitch every time I feel stressed out as much as I'd like to," she said wryly. "And I'm still holding back for some reason."

"Blowing up things on the pitch? Sounds fun," Wills commented. "Invite me next time."

"Could help with shields," Jamie said.

"I would love nothing more than to be shielded by you, Pix," Wills said grinning. Daisy laughed and rolled her eyes.

"I'm not so sure you'd like it once you see what goes down," Daisy said. "I almost didn't get them up fast enough last time and Dad had to deflect a bunch of shattered glass."

"I'm not worried. I know you wouldn't let anything happen to me," Wills replied. "You're too much in love with me to let me get hurt." Daisy chuckled and shook her head.

"You never know, I might let you get hurt just because you annoy me so much," she said.

"You wouldn't," Wills scoffed. The four laughed and settled into talk about upcoming matches, moving away from the touchy subject of Daisy's magic.

About 20 minutes later, the door opened and shut again and Remus walked in.

"Wasn't expecting you," he said upon seeing Daisy. Jamie and Alan glanced at her nervously.

"Thought I'd drop by and say hi," Daisy said, making an attempt to be civil. She didn't really want to destroy the apartment again, but she was also having a good time and not quite ready to leave just yet either. He nodded and walked to the fridge and grabbed a beer.

"Ready for the match tomorrow?" he asked, walking over. Jamie and Wills glanced at each and then back at Daisy, worried.

"I suppose," Daisy said with a sigh.

"I wouldn't be too upset if you got angry and decided to blow up Hardwick's broom," Remus said flopping down into the armchair. "I offer my services in getting you good and riled up beforehand, if it'll help." Jamie, Alan and Wills nervously watched Daisy, waiting to see how she would react. Daisy just shrugged.

"Could be fun… but I'd rather not do something that would land me in Azkaban," she said, smiling slightly. Remus nodded slowly.

"Best not," he said. "Can't save the world from prison, can we?"

An uneasy peace seemed to settle over the group as they continued chatting and eating. Jamie kept a close eye on Daisy, ready to step in if needed to protect Remus should he say something stupid. Wills kept a comforting arm around Daisy, though it was partially also so he could hold her back if she got upset.

It seemed as though the Woods were finally going to have a calm night.

Daisy found herself relaxing and laughing harder than she had in awhile. She couldn't help but smile at Remus, thinking maybe he had finally come around to his senses.

"So Mum thinks there's a key?" Alan asked, returning to the topic of controlling Daisy's magic. She nodded and looked at Jamie.

"What is it for you?" she asked. Jamie thought a moment.

"Obviously, it's Lila," Wills said, as though it were the most reasonable answer.

"Well, no. I mean, maybe it helps. But I think it's just because I have you lot" Jamie said, looking at his siblings. "Mum is probably onto something there – love and support and all."

"Family," Daisy said, looking down at her beer bottle, studying it with a frown.

"What's this, Pix? Not wishing you had a different family are you?" Remus asked. She glanced at him.

"Sometimes," she said, smiling slightly. "No, just… frustrating, is all. Jamie and Mum make it seem so simple and easy. But for me, it's not so simple." She then pushed off from the sofa and walked over to the balcony, stepping out.

The three men looked at Remus.

"What? I swear it wasn't me this time. You heard me – I've been trying to be nice!" he said. Jamie furrowed his brow and looked out at Daisy.

"Maybe it is you," he said, glancing back at Remus. "Maybe this tiff or whatever between you is what's been holding her back." Remus rolled his eyes.

"No, I'm not going to let you blame this on me. Whatever's going on, it's all on her," Remus said standing and walking towards the staircase to his room.

"Nice going, Jamie," Alan said. Wills looked out to the balcony, concern filling him. He stood and walked out.

"Pix?" he said softly. She turned and looked at him, smiling slightly.

"I'm fine, Wills," she said, turning back to the street.

"Are you sure about that?" he asked, stepping up to her side. Daisy sighed.

"Not really, I guess," she said. "Just… wish I could figure it out." Wills put his arm around her, pulling her close to her side. "Then maybe I'd stop messing up so much in practice and matches."

"Look, I can't really tell you what to do with these gifts. It's beyond me. But… I do know a thing or two about quidditch," he said. "You know what my favorite part of quidditch is?"

"Scoring? Both on and off the field?" Daisy said, smirking up at him. Wills chuckled.

"No. It's that very first moment when you step on the field. I close my eyes and just… take it all in. The sounds. The smells. That becomes my center," he said. Daisy looked up at him. "I reckon it used to be yours too." He looked down at her.

"It was. But that seems like such a long time ago," Daisy said, looking back out to the street.

"Stop thinking so much, Pix," Wills said. "And I know you've heard that a million times now and it's easier said than done. But… when you step out on that pitch tomorrow, close your eyes and just… take it in. Don't think about Hardwick. Don't think about winning. Just concentrate on one thing – you love playing quidditch. And you're good at it. You're best when you're not trying." Daisy thought for a moment and then nodded.

"I'll try," she said.

"Don't try, Pix. Don't even think about it. Just let your instincts take over," he replied. She laughed softly and looked up at him.

"Thanks, Wills."

"Anytime, Pix."

Later that night, Daisy found the apartment quiet when she got home. She could hear John snoring slightly from the bedroom and walked over to the sofa, still not quite ready to go to bed. She sat down and rubbed her face, then looked down at the pile of envelopes.

Cautiously, she reached down and picked up the top one, flipping it over so she could open it. She then pulled out the parchment and unfolded it, finding a picture done by a young child.

"Keep Ur Chin Up, Pixie! Ur Still the Bestest!" was scrawled in childish handwriting with a small figure with red hair flying around on a broom with a snitch in hand. She chuckled softly and put the picture down then reached for the next one.

This one was a letter from a young girl named Elizabeth – a third year at Hogwarts. She said Daisy inspired to her finally get over her fear of rejection and try out for her house team – which she made. The girl thanked her for being nice enough to stop and sign her poster and offer her flying advice over the summer after a match. She ended it by telling her she would be a fan no matter what the "stupid Prophet" said.

After about an hour, Daisy had gone through the entire pile and was sitting on the sofa with tears streaming down her cheeks. Every single one of them had been kind and encouraging. Little girls, little boys as well, teens and even some moms and dads – all of them telling her how much they look up to her, and not to give up, assuring her that she would always be their No. 1 favorite seeker.

"Pix? What's wrong?" John murmured as he stepped out of the bedroom, rubbing his eyes. "Heard you crying. Is everything okay?" He walked over and sat next to her, pulling her into his arms.

"Just… a bit overwhelmed. I finally looked through the letters," she said, resting her head on his shoulder. "They all… they're still there. They still look up to me. Why, I'll never understand, but they still care." John chuckled.

"Well, yea. You're their hero," he said as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"But why? I've been rubbish," she asked.

"I told you – you're just in a rough spot," he said, rubbing her arm. "You can't win everything. You'll get it back."

Daisy pushed back from him and looked John in the eye.

"But what if I don't? What if I never get control of my magic either?" she asked, her eyes wide and stormy gray. John took her face in his hands gently.

"Whether you become the top seeker in the League or never play another good match again or even if you end up blowing up the apartment tomorrow night, I'm still here for you. I'll still love you. I'm not going anywhere," he said seriously.

"But why?" Daisy asked again. John chuckled and kissed her.

"I mean, I can keep us up all night listing every single thing that I love about you, if you want," he said. "I know it's been rough and I haven't been the greatest boyfriend, but… I will always be here for you. Nothing will change that." Daisy nodded as he wiped some of her tears away with his thumb.

She looked down at the fan letters, her eyes starting to fill with tears again as she sighed.

"I've been pretty rotten too," she said softly. John pulled her to him again.

"You're going through a lot. It's understandable," he said. "But just know that you're not alone. You have me. You've got your family. And there's the team and Coach. You've even got Wills, though sometimes I'd rather you make him explode." Daisy chuckled softly as she wiped her cheeks. "And… you've got them. Your fans will always be there too." She sighed and nodded. She looked up at him then pressed her lips against his gently.

"Thanks," she said softly. "I needed that."

"What are boyfriends for?" he asked, causing her to laugh. Daisy then stood, pulling him up with her.

"Come on, we've got a match tomorrow. Time to get some rest," she said as she started towards the bedroom. "I'm eager to kick some Falcon ass." John chuckled.

"There's the Pixie we all know and love."

Another chapter! And... I actually pretty much finished the whole story today, which I wasn't expecting. I've got a pretty good idea how to get the next one started, though I still need to work out the details and the ending. I've got the big bad mostly figured out, just have to figure out what exactly is going on there. Sooo much planning...

I'm still kind of hung up on John... such a good guy really. Even despite everything...

Anyway, thanks for reading, following and reviewing!