(Author's note: Two updates in two days — aren't you lucky? On a more serious note, I know there's always been some discrepancy and confusion about Katie's age, so in this story, she's two years younger than Oliver. Thanks for reading!)
In the days that followed Katie's appearance in The Daily Prophet with Lee's cousin, Oliver found himself explaining the status of their relationship to nosy people itching to know if they broke up. He even had to assure his mother that the story and photo were lies, and that he and Katie were still happily together.
Though the photo had become an irksome topic of discussion, Oliver made it a point to not be upset by it. He felt bad that the incident had bothered Katie so much and didn't want her to think he was also bothered by it.
Hoping the entire story would blow over by the end of the week, Oliver focused hard on training for Puddlemere United's next match against the Chudley Cannons. As he sat in the locker room after a particularly grueling practice, Demelza Robbins, the team's head of public relations, poked her head inside.
"Wood!" she called out. "A word, please!"
Oliver sighed. Demelza had made it a point to push him into numerous media campaigns lately, and the volume of work was becoming tiring.
"Yeah?" Oliver said as he exited the locker room to speak with Demelza in the hallway.
"I booked an interview for you with Witch Weekly," Demelza said. "I think it'll be good for you to show your personal side a bit. Plus it'll generate some buzz before the campaign from your photo shoot in Japan is published next month."
Oliver sighed again. "All right, when?"
"Your interview's scheduled for next Friday. But there's something else."
Oliver knew better than to heave another sigh, but the temptation was staggering. "Okay, what?" he asked instead.
"They want your girlfriend to be in on the interview, too."
"Katie?"
"Yes. If Katie's still your girlfriend."
"She is."
"All right then, it's settled."
"Wait, but what do they want with Katie?"
"They thought it'd be nice to talk to you both about your relationship. They could print the interview just before Valentine's Day. That's a hot issue, a great chance for publicity. The two of you can tell them all about your love story."
"Does she have to?" Oliver asked. "What if she doesn't want to? The Prophet's already been printing some nasty lies about her."
Demeleza shrugged, clearly bored with the conversation's turn. "Tell her it's a nice opportunity to set the story straight."
"You're barking mad, no way," Katie said when Oliver proposed the interview over dinner the next night.
"I know it's stupid, but I don't really get much choice in these things," Oliver explained. "They've been working hard to make me the face of the team for some reason, so they don't really ask, they just tell me to do these things."
Katie rolled her eyes. "First off, don't act like you don't know why you're the face of the team. There's a trio of women ogling you from the corner table right now," she said. "Second, it's fine if they want you to do interviews, but why me? There's nothing interesting about me beyond the fact that I'm your girlfriend."
It was Oliver's turn to appear annoyed. "First off," he said, echoing Katie's words and tone, "There are plenty of interesting things about you and you know that. Besides, maybe we can figure out a way to have fun with it. That's partly why you agreed to all of this to begin with, right? We don't have to take it too seriously, we just have to be convincing."
"But how do we know they'll be honest and fair?" Katie questioned. "After all the shit The Prophet's pulled, I'm not inclined to believe Witch Weekly's any better. They print all kinds of nonsense."
"Because you know the reporter who will be doing the story. We both do. I've already reached out to her and she's excited to catch up with us. She's promised to write an honest article."
"Who?"
"Parvati Patil."
Katie smiled. Though Parvati had been younger than her, she'd always liked the fellow Gryffindor during their Hogwarts days. Parvati had always been one of Gryffindor's go-to sources for gossip, so becoming a reporter seemed like a natural fit.
"All right," Katie finally agreed. "I'll do it."
The pair agreed to meet Parvati at Witch Weekly's offices in Diagon Alley, on the second floor above Twilfitt and Tattings clothing shop.
Alicia squealed when Katie told her about the interview and insisted she do Katie's makeup. She also helped Katie pick out a nice skirt and trendy jacket to wear with some heeled boots.
"You look sexy," Alicia had declared. "Like you're confident but not trying too hard. It's perfect."
"Ready?" Oliver asked Katie as they approached the stairwell to the Witch Weekly offices. Katie shrugged and took his arm.
The offices were trendier than others throughout Diagon Alley and the Ministry of Magic. White marble tile floors lined the corridors and floral wallpaper covered every room.
"Erm, hi," Katie greeted the receptionist. "We're Katie Bell and Oliver Wood. We're here to meet Parvati Patil."
"I know who you are!" the receptionist squealed excitedly. Katie noticed the woman eyeing Oliver with enthusiasm and cleared her throat. "Oh right! Parvati. I'll go get her."
Katie snorted once the woman disappeared. "Is there any place where you don't have fans?" she mused. Oliver shrugged.
"Remember, we have to be convincing," he said. "Sell the hell out of our story."
Katie nodded in understanding. Her plan was to simply tell the same story she'd been using any time someone asked about their relationship: she'd had a crush on Oliver back at Hogwarts and was elated when he finally asked her out.
Katie slipped a hand into Oliver's and glanced sideways at him as the sound of high heels could be heard clacking down the corridor.
"You're here!" Parvati's familiar smile greeted them. "I can't believe I really get to interview my old housemates."
"It's good to see you," Katie said honestly as she allowed Parvati to pull her into a hug. "We're glad someone we trust is doing this story on us."
"How could I not?" Parvati gushed. "My two former housemates dating? One's a quidditch star and one's working for the league offices? It's a perfect love story, which is my specialty! Now come join me in my office. I'm all set up for you."
Parvati's office was neatly decorated and Katie noticed pictures of some of their old classmates lining the walls. She smiled as she spotted a photo of Parvati and Ginny Potter, with Fred making lewd gestures in the background.
"Come, sit!" Parvati said, motioning Katie and Oliver to a plush couch. She waved her wand to pour three cups of tea on the coffee table before taking a seat in a lone chair across from them.
Katie sat, crossing and uncrossing her legs nervously. Oliver noticed this and rested a hand lightly on her knee, hoping she'd calm her nerves.
"So how are you?" Parvati asked merrily. "You know, other than being the Wizarding World's hottest couple. Can I just say, I was so excited when you two first went public with your relationship. You would've been the cutest couple back at Hogwarts, but I'm glad you got together now."
"Oh, er, thanks," Katie laughed. "I guess it just took us a little time."
"Better late than never," Parvati agreed. They briefly discussed Parvati's life as she revealed she had recently started dating former Gryffindor Dean Thomas. "I guess you two aren't the only ones to kindle a flame with someone from the past," she giggled as she flicked her wand and a notebook and quill floated toward her.
"So before we get started, some context," Parvati continued. "We're aiming to run this story the week of Valentine's Day. We thought it'd be the perfect timing for the two of you to provide a glimpse into your adorable relationship, so we'll talk about how you met — though I obviously already know — how you got together, what it's like dating in the spotlight and any other spicy details you want to provide."
It was Oliver's turn to shift uncomfortably in his seat. Most interviews he did were about quidditch and his career, maybe a few questions about his childhood. This was entirely different and he hoped Katie could lead the way for the two of them, partly because he didn't know what to say, and partly because he didn't want to say anything Katie wouldn't be comfortable with.
Katie seemed to sense Oliver's discomfort as she nodded politely at Parvati. "Of course, ask away."
The trio chatted for about an hour before Parvati's questions eventually shifted to them reminiscing from their Hogwarts days. They were laughing over a memory about Ron Weasley at the Yule Ball when the receptionist poked her head in the office.
"Parvati, the photo team is ready for Katie and Oliver now," she said.
Katie blinked. "Photo team?"
"Yes!" Parvati gushed. "Didn't anyone tell you? We're doing a photo shoot with you two. This is going to be the cover story."
"But I didn't bring anything to wear, or any makeup-" Katie started in a panic. Judging by Oliver's confused expression, he hadn't been aware of the photo shoot either.
"Oh, no worries," Parvati said kindly as she steered Katie and Oliver back toward the corridor. "We've got everything here for you. We'll take good care of you."
Katie had nearly forgotten about the Witch Weekly article by the time it published the Monday before Valentine's Day. She was lounging in bed that morning when Alicia burst into her room with a copy of the magazine in hand.
"It's here!" Alicia squealed. "It's here and you look amazing!"
"Huh?"
Alicia tossed the magazine to Katie, who caught it and eyed the cover. She had to admit, she was pleased with how she looked. The cover featured a bold headline that read, "From Hogwarts to happily ever after? Inside Oliver Wood's romance" over a photo of Katie and Oliver. They stood, turned slightly toward each other as they held hands and smiled at one another.
"You two look fabulous!" Alicia clapped. "Those Witch Weekly stylists did amazing! I hope they let you keep that dress!"
Katie hastily flipped through the magazine's pages until she landed on a center spread with more photos. In one photo, Oliver was carrying her, bridal-style, and they were kissing in another. Katie didn't remember posing for the final photo, in which she was laughing as Oliver had an arm hooked around her waist.
"You both look so in love!" Alicia said dreamily. Katie rolled her eyes and proceeded to read:
If you ask Oliver Wood about quidditch, you'll need a good three hours before you can get a word in. The 24-year-old Puddlemere United Keeper has loved the game since childhood, having led his school team to one championship in four years as captain of the Gryffindor team during his Hogwarts days before beginning his professional career.
But there's another love that Wood has known since his teenage years — Katie Bell.
Although the pair only began dating in the fall, they've known each other half their lives. They first met at Hogwarts, where Wood was a few years senior to Bell. Both were Gryffindors and Wood eventually became Bell's quidditch captain. They spent their school days as teammates and friends with overlapping social circles, but now the two are making up for lost time.
"I always had a bit of a crush on Oliver," Bell, 22, told Witch Weekly's Parvati Patil. "Back at Hogwarts, a lot of girls fancied him, so I never thought I had much of a chance. Plus, he was too wrapped up in quidditch to notice."
Wood couldn't help but agree. "It's true," he admitted. "I don't think I really dated anyone until my sixth year at Hogwarts and none of my relationships lasted very long anyway. All I cared about was winning the quidditch cup."
Wood's focus remains on winning, as Puddlemere United is currently second in the British and Irish League standings, but now he's brought Bell along for the ride.
"I think it's been easy for me to understand Oliver's devotion to quidditch because I've always known that about him," Bell said. "He's always been obsessed and I get it — I love quidditch, too. When we started dating, I already knew that quidditch is his first love. I'm not trying to compete with that, I'm merely trying to build a life with Oliver that accommodates that."
Bell and Wood remained friends following their Hogwarts days, as Wood's teammate, Chaser Angelina Johnson, is one of Bell's closest friends. Wood can't pinpoint the exact moment when he fell for Bell, but says he's glad he took a chance on asking her out.
"I mean, I've always been attracted to her," Wood explained. "But it's hard when you've been friends with someone for so long. It can be scary to cross that line with them, especially if you're unsure they even want you to do so. …I guess I just decided that Katie was too brilliant to not take a chance on."
Bell, who works for the Ministry of Magic's Department of Magical Games and Sports, is chasing her own career dreams. She hopes to someday run the department, but says she's happy to simply be involved working in sports.
"She could've played quidditch professionally," Wood added.
"I was stunned speechless," Bell recalled of the first time Wood asked her on a date. "It sort of came out of nowhere and by that point, I had completely dismissed the notion of us ever getting together."
One casual date morphed into the pair spending most of their free time together. They're often seen grabbing breakfast at Luchino Caffe or trying London's trendy new spots for dinner. Despite Wood's busy training schedule, he says he makes it a point to set aside time for their relationship.
"A few years ago, I wouldn't have done that. All I wanted was to focus on quidditch and nothing else, no distractions. Now…" — Wood hesitated to glance at Bell with a smile — "Now, everything has changed."
The leap from friends to lovers wasn't difficult, the couple agreed. Wood noted that having a foundation of friendship was actually good for them.
"It reduced the awkward 'getting-to-know-you' stage," he explained. "We were able to just dive right into things."
That remark caused Bell to giggle, but she vowed to remain tight-lipped on the steamier side of their relationship. "Let's just say we had no hesitations in diving right in," she said coyly.
"Still, it is a bit odd to step back and realize how things are so different yet still the same," Bell added. "It's like, we already had all these memories together as teammates and friends. Now, we're building new ones that I don't think either of us could ever have imagined. One day you're studying Potions with someone, then jump forward some years and you're waking up next to them."
"It's funny, how you think you've gotten to know someone so well because you've known them for years," Wood noted. "Then, when you fall in love with them, you get to discover an entirely new part of them."
The couple is still learning to navigate life in the spotlight. Wood, who became the league's youngest Keeper upon his promotion two seasons ago, says it's been an adjustment.
"I was getting used to the attention about my quidditch career," he said. "But all of the attention on my personal life has been a bit shocking."
Witch Weekly named Wood to its Hottest Bachelors list in the fall, but the handsome Keeper has generated buzz from fans since his rookie year.
"It's been bizarre. I really didn't expect it. I guess I still don't really get it," Wood said.
Though Bell has had a few public run-ins with some of Wood's female fans, she says she's learned to ignore them for the most part.
"It's been wild," she laughed. "But I mean, just look at him. I get it. It's still been an adjustment and some of the fans are a bit bold, but it's all in good fun. We make it work."
Bell and Wood possess a chemistry that somehow manages to simultaneously sizzle while making onlookers smile. Bell keeps them laughing while Wood is attentive and caring. Bell is snarky while Wood is more of the strong, silent type. They're endearing, yet sexy; silly, yet serious.
Though the two are clearly mad about each other, the mention of marriage sends both Bell and Wood into a fit of laughter.
"I mean, maybe someday," Bell giggled. "But we're in no rush for anything. Oliver's focused on quidditch and I've got plans for myself. We respect that about each other and we're just enjoying the journey together."
Katie exhaled in relief, as if she'd been holding her breath the entire time she was reading the article. Parvati had been true to her word and had written only about the things they discussed. Still, Katie was in disbelief that she and Oliver were really gracing the cover of Witch Weekly.
Alicia took the magazine from her and gazed at it again with a giddy grin. "A sizzling chemistry," Alicia quoted dramatically. "See? Even Parvati noticed."
"Parvati is paid to write things like that," Katie noted. "I'm just glad she didn't lie like The Prophet does."
"What's there to lie about?" Alicia teased. "Everyone knows you and Wood are in love."
Across town, Oliver strolled into the Puddlemere United locker rooms, where he was met by a smirking Angelina.
"What is it?" Oliver sighed. He'd known Angelina far too long and her smirk always meant something facetious.
"Have you seen the Witch Weekly article?" Angelina asked. "Sounds like you and Katie are real lovebirds."
Oliver shrugged. "Katie did a brilliant job at selling it," he said. "She said all the right things without saying too much."
"You said some pretty interesting things too." Angelina's smirk was looking borderline menacing. "Such as that talk about being in love."
"That was the entire point of the article," Oliver pointed out, but Angelina merely shrugged.
"I'm just saying, the two of you have become awfully convincing. If I didn't know better, I'd say you're enjoying this a bit too much."
From across the locker room, Trent Healy made eye contact with Oliver and looked away. Oliver couldn't help but match Angelina's smirk as he blinked at her with a newfound smugness.
"You're right, maybe we are."