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Author: Heliona Story: Wood & Wild Rating: Teens Setting: Pre-HBP Status: WIP Reviews: 0 Words: 37,132
Yes, this is it; the long awaited scene is coming up! Oh, and this chapter is dedicated to Loriel and Kyizi, who have been very patient about it getting finished! I've finally done it! Woohoo! A/N 1: Arnel mentioned some confusion over Eloise Midgen. She thought that the way I'd written it, Eloise is in seventh year. Actually, I hadn't thought what year she was in, just that she was in Hufflepuff, so you, the reader, can make up your own mind which year you want her to be in! Troy Summers, however, is in seventh. A/N 2: In this chapter you'll discover that Ginny can take or leave flying. I wrote this before it was discovered that Ginny was a fantastic flier. My reasoning was that Ginny had been around flying all her life and just wanted to be a little different. ~*~*~*~*~ The rest of the week passed normally. Ancient Runes was alternately incredibly boring, and actually quite interesting. Audrey said that Professor Trelawney (she took Divination when Joe, Oliver, and Fiona had Ancient Runes) was as vague and barmy as ever. In fact, she had predicted that Eloise Midgen, of Hufflepuff, and Troy Summers, who was Sally's younger brother, were to be killed in the next few weeks by a swarm of butterflies. Sally, who had overheard Audrey saying this, stopped to say, "It wouldn't surprise me if Troy did. He's very accident prone." Troy was a seventh year Hufflepuff, although he was one of the youngest in their year while Sally was the oldest. Last year he had managed to knock his front teeth out by walking into a piece of armour. Defence Against the Dark Arts was as interesting and difficult as ever. Professor Lupin was pushing them hard, but everyone genuinely liked him. Even all the Slytherins had to complain about him was the state of his clothes. On Friday evening, Fiona was just about to close her book and leave the common room to go to bed, when she heard Harry Potter and Ron Weasley talking behind her. They couldn't see her, because the back of the chair was facing them, and Fiona heard Harry ask, "Are you going to try out for Keeper, Ron?" Obviously, they had seen her notice. "No," came the reply. "I'm going to wait until next year when Wood's gone, and try out for the real team. I don't want to jinx it." "I suppose. I haven't heard anyone talking about trying out, anyway," Harry said. "I've heard Fiona works everyone as hard as Oliver does, though, so you're probably right in wanting another year's rest." Their voices faded as they moved away. Fiona stood up and walked up the stairs to bed. She wasn't bothered whether anyone tried out tomorrow, but the fact that people were waiting until the position was vacant on the First team rankled her. She worked hard for the Reserves, and barely anyone noticed, bar her team members, and a few of the other Quidditch players. Fiona went to sleep, dreaming of playing in the Quidditch World Cup, and saving the day for Scotland. She woke up very early, and stretched. Turning over to look out the window, she could see a clear blue sky, without a cloud in it. Fiona sprung out of bed, full of energy. Today was the day she was going to start Reserve training again, and she was looking forward to it. She opened the window, and stuck her hand out, to get a feel for the temperature. It was going to be a hot day. Fiona grinned. What a perfect day for an Indian summer to start. She dug around in her trunk, looking for suitable clothes. Finally, she pulled out a pair of cut-off denim shorts, which were a dark red, and a strappy dark red top. It had a rampant lion on the front of it, made out of gold glitter. Fiona had seen it in a Muggle shop and, thinking it was perfect for a Gryffindor to wear, she'd bought it. Pulling on some shoes, she grabbed her broom and raced down the stairs. She got to the Quidditch pitch before anyone else had arrived, and mounted her broom, determined to have a fly around the goalposts. She had just done a 'loop the loop' when she saw the rest of the team making its way down the hill. Flying to the ground, she landed in front of them as they reached the pitch. Fiona grinned. They were all looking tired and out-of-sorts. "Good to see you all again, looking as you usually do," she greeted them. "Now, I don't know how much flying you did over the holidays. Of course, that depends on where you lived, but I hope you managed to get some in. However much it was, though, we're going to be working extra hard this year," she paused for the requisite groans, "because soon there will be places open on both the Reserves and the First team." Everyone shuffled their feet, holding onto their brooms as though they were going to fall over. Even Joe was looking tired, despite following Fiona to bed early the previous night. "Well, come on, what are you waiting for? It's a lovely day. Get on those brooms and warm up!" Fiona said, crossing her arms. The team was about to mount their brooms when a voice called out behind them, "Fiona!" It was Oliver. He was striding towards them, a fierce look on his face. Fiona schooled her expression into blankness, and admired him as he walked towards her. He was wearing jeans and a white t-shirt that fitted him perfectly, accentuating the muscles that were honed due to years of playing Quidditch. "Yes, Oliver?" she asked sweetly. "What are you doing?" Fiona looked round her. "I would've thought that was pretty obvious. I'm about to start Reserve practice." "Well, you can't," Oliver said. "Why not?" Fiona demanded. "Because you're not wearing anything. You can't play Quidditch like that!" Oliver returned, his eyes flashing. "Oliver, you know I've flown wearing less. Remember your birthday? We went flying over that lake? I was only wearing a bikini then," Fiona retorted, adding in her mind, and you were only wearing a pair of swimming trunks. Oliver's eyes glazed over slightly, and then he shook his head. "I don't care. Here," he began to take his shirt off. "Oliver!" Fiona put out her hands to stop him, trying to ignore the giggles of her female team mates. "What do you think you're doing?" "You're going to cover yourself up!" "I think she looks fine, myself," Joe put in. Oliver turned to glare at him, and Fiona sighed. "Everyone, get on your brooms and warm up. Joe, take charge. Oliver and I are going to talk." Joe nodded, and winked at her behind Oliver's back. He mouthed, "Good luck," at her, and then flew into the air, barking orders. Fiona dragged Oliver behind the broom shed. "What has got into you? I'm perfectly decent. It's a lovely day. If I wore more, I'd boil." Oliver's eyes travelled down her body and up again, and Fiona shivered at the look he was giving her. She was about to say something, when he opened his mouth and said, "I'm not going to win this argument, am I?" Fiona shook her head, and smiled softly. "Sorry, you're not. And what were you thinking, taking your shirt off in front of my team?" "You don't want your Beaters to be so distracted that you get hit on the head by a Bludger, do you?" Oliver returned. Fiona rolled her eyes. "I also want my Chasers, apart from Joe, I don't think he's turned on by you, to be able to concentrate enough to score!" "Fine, but just let me do one little thing, okay?" Oliver asked. Fiona looked at him suspiciously, but agreed. Oliver got out his wand and pointed it at Fiona's chest. "Animatus," he said, and the lion opened its mouth and roared. "Cool," Fiona said. "But, why?" Oliver grinned. "Just to put off anyone." He winked, and then pointed upward. "Now get up there and start practice. Fiona rolled her eyes, and saluted. "Yes, boss." She took the team through another warming up exercise, and then brought them down to the ground for a little rest. Joe noticed her lion moving, and asked, "Did you know your lion moves?" Fiona nodded. "Oliver charmed it for me." "I bet he did," Joe muttered, attempting to poke it. "Hey!" he shouted. "It scratched me." He held out his hand to show a long red mark on it. Fiona looked at the wound, and then at the lion. "What did you do that for?" It had a distinctly smug look on its face. "What's up?" Oliver asked, walking over from where he had been talking to the other Chasers. "The lion scratched Joe." Fiona pointed to Joe's hand. "I think he's a little testy," Oliver said, peering at him. Fiona was a little disconcerted by everyone staring at her chest. She had a feeling that that wasn't what Oliver had intended. "He just needs to be tickled, like any other cat," Oliver concluded, and proceeded to do so. "Here, under its chin." Fiona choked as Oliver reached out his hand, and began tickling the 'lion' under its chin. Admittedly, it did work, the lion began to purr, and curled up happily, but Fiona felt slightly faint from Oliver's touch. "O-Oli-Oliver!" she managed to get out. She didn't dare move, for fear his hand would move somewhere else by accident. The look on Joe's face was priceless. He was doing his best not to burst out laughing. "What?" Oliver asked, his attention on the lion. "It's not just the lion you're 'tickling'," Fiona pointed out, her teeth gritted. Oliver suddenly sprung back, as though Fiona had become a swarm of bees. "S-sorry," he stuttered, his face going bright red. "That's okay," Fiona answered quietly, her face as red as his. Joe gave up then, and howled with laughter. "Oh, God, your faces. The look!" Oliver and Fiona didn't say anything or look at each other at all; instead they stared at the ground and shuffling their feet. Finally, Fiona managed to get her composure back, and took a deep breath. "Right, that's enough rest. Come on, back in the air. We've got work to do." She ignored Oliver for the moment. She didn't think she could look him in the eye without blushing furiously. Oliver frowned as Fiona studiously ignored him. Maybe she didn't like him at all. "Fiona," he said quietly. "I'm sorry about that; I guess I just got carried away." Fiona shook her head. "It's okay, I understand. But next time you get carried away, try and make it somewhere slightly more private." She grinned as he turned red again, and knew that she herself was slightly pink too. "Your sister's here," he pointed out, quickly changing the subject as Morna and Ginny walked onto the pitch. "What do you think she's here for?" Fiona frowned. "Probably to try out for the Keeper position. She does know we're not going to be here next year, and she's not that bad, actually." "What about Ginny?" Oliver asked. "I don't know. I've never heard any of the Weasley boys mention whether she played Quidditch or not. I would figure her for a Chaser, though," Fiona answered. She watched them as they approached, and then turned to Oliver. "For goodness sake, Oliver, get on a broom and get flying. I know that's what you want to do. You might as well take over practice for a minute, while I talk to these two." Oliver grinned, and bowed. "As you wish." He put out his arm, and said, "Accio broom." His broom came flying towards him from the open window of his dorm. "Show off," Fiona muttered after him as he flew into the air. "So," she turned to Morna and Ginny, "what do you two want?" Morna straightened up, and said, "I'm here to try out for Keeper." Her voice brooked no challenge. Fiona nodded, and Morna seemed upset that there was no protest. "I thought as much. What about you, Ginny? Do you fly?" The redhead shook her head. "Not well enough to try out. I do fly a bit; having so many brothers will do that to you, but I don't want to try out. I just came to support, and to get some fresh air." "Okay, well, there's always time, if you change your mind," Fiona Morna's head came up and she said, "I can play against anyone." "Don't think just because you're the only one here for Keeper and you're my sister, you'll get the position," Fiona warned. "Because you won't. You have to impress me and the Chasers you're playing against. I'd rather not have a Reserve Keeper next year, than one that's playing half-hearted." "Don't worry, I won't hold back," Morna shot back. She got on her broom and kicked off hard, flying fiercely towards the goal hoops where Oliver was. Fiona grinned. Ginny shook her head. "You've really riled her up, now. I feel a bit sorry for those Chasers." Fiona laughed. "Don't worry, they'll handle her. I just wanted her to play her best, and she needs to be mad to do that at the moment. After I'm done with her, she won't, but she hasn't had the experience yet. Say, do you want to have a fly around, there are plenty of spare brooms." Ginny nodded. "That'd be good. But where should I go to stay out of the way?" Fiona pointed skyward. "Just stick close to Oliver. Once I'm up there, he'll just be observing again, so you might get a running commentary as well." Ginny grinned, and made her way towards the broom shed, while Fiona took to the air. She flew to where Oliver was hovering, and told him, "I'm going to be playing Seeker during this, so can you keep an eye on everyone? Also, Ginny's going to fly up and keep you company." Oliver nodded. "Good luck." Fiona flew over the gold hoops, and called her team together. "Right, same as usual. Mary, Joe, Pat, you're going to try and score. Aidan, Will, keep the Bludgers off everyone's backs. We've got a new Keeper today, Morna. You might recognise her. Unfortunately, we share the same genes. Don't go easy on her; she knows what she's doing. Our illustrious Captain Oliver has suggested that I try playing as Seeker. This means that I won't be paying as much attention to you as usual. So, if he calls out anything, listen to him as much as you do me. Ready, everyone?" The team nodded, and she whistled to Oliver, who was holding onto the Quidditch Ball Box. He opened it and let the Snitch and the Bludgers go. Mary caught the Quaffle as he threw it up in the air, and the game was on. Fiona kept her eyes peeled for the Snitch, and saw it on several occasions, but always managed to miss it. Sometimes she would fly up to Oliver and talk to him for a few minutes, and then return to the game, but overall, she kept out of it, and let the players play. She finally managed to catch the Snitch, and called the game over. The rest of them flew slowly to the ground, sweat dripping off them. Oliver looked at them pointedly, but said nothing, leaving it to Fiona to point out how unfit they were. "If we're going to win overall this year, we're going to have to buck up," she told them. The Reserve teams of each of the four Houses played each other in the same way as the First teams did, a small Cup, not nearly as impressive as the one Oliver was hoping to win, being at stake. "For once we have a full team, so there are no excuses. Get working out, people. See you next time." She watched as they all trudged up the hill to the castle, and she took Morna aside. "Okay, you're on the team. But, I want to change the position you play in." "What? Is that so you can still play Keeper?" Morna looked outraged. "You shouldn't do that, you know. It's not morally right." "Morna, chill out," Fiona said, coolly. "Actually, yes, it is so I can play Keeper. I want to win, and currently, I'm the best Keeper this Reserve team has. Also, I think you'd be better off playing as a Seeker." "Seeker?" Morna's eyes went wide. Seeker was the most illustrious position in Quidditch, and the most dangerous. "I'd love to be a Seeker, but why? You were okay as one." Trust Morna to want to play Seeker. She always did like flirting with danger, Fiona thought. "I think you could be better. Your eyes and reflexes are as sharp as your mind, and that's what we need," Fiona told her. "So, get yourself into the mind frame of a Seeker. Maybe you could talk to Harry. That might help." Morna shook her head. "I couldn't talk to Harry. Besides, Ginny would kill me." Fiona laughed, and looked ahead to where the Weasley girl was walking with Oliver. "I don't think she would, but fair enough. And don't forget all you've learnt as a Keeper; that will come in handy when you're playing as a Seeker." "You like everyone to be able to play more than one position, don't you?" Morna asked. Fiona nodded. "It is helpful, especially if you are a Reserve." She looked thoughtfully at Morna, assessing her. "I think you'd be a pretty good Chaser, as well. I think I may have to give you extra lessons." Morna groaned. "Why me?" "Because, you're by far the youngest on the team, and will last the longest. I want to hear about you making the First team, which you won't be able to do as Seeker, since Harry's only a year older than you. As Keeper or Chaser, however, you stand a much better chance." She decided not to mention the fact that Ron Weasley would be attempting to secure the Keeper position. "Okay, I get that. Can we eat now?" Morna asked, her green eyes weary. Her sister laughed. "Yes, eat, drink, and be merry. Just keep yourself fit!" she called after Morna as she ran off to drag Ginny to the Great Hall. "Well?" Oliver asked. "I'm going to groom her into being a Seeker and a Chaser as well," Fiona told him. "You're not doing that because she's your sister, and you think you can push her harder than anyone else, are you?" "Don't be daft, of course not. I just think that Morna is a good all-round player and I want to hone her abilities while she's still young enough not to get into a niche," Fiona replied. Oliver smiled. "Okay, good enough for me. Now let's grab something to eat, I'm starving." Fiona laughed as she climbed the steps to the entrance. "You're always hungry." ~*~*~*~*~ The next few weeks passed quickly, taken up with lots of homework and Reserve Quidditch practice. Joe especially had a busy schedule, since he liked to spend as much time as he could with Margaret as well. He good-naturedly withstood the teasing he got about her, and refrained from pointing out that he was the only one of the four who was attached. Most of the time. On their way back from Astronomy one night, Fiona commented to Oliver, "They look so great together, don't they?" Oliver looked ahead to where Joe and Margaret were walking, hand in hand, talking quietly. He looked back at Fiona, who had a wistful look on her face. Oliver was once again struck by jealousy. Joe was his best friend, apart from Fiona, but he couldn't help be jealous of the relationship the two had. Sometimes he wondered why they had never got together. Oliver hoped that it was because of him, but he knew it was wishful thinking. "Yeah, I suppose they do. They suit each other." He watched Fiona's face carefully, looking for any sign. Fiona grinned. "Like a hand and a glove, they fit together," she sing-songed. "I'm glad he's finally managed to find someone who eclipses me." Her eyes twinkled cheerfully. "Well, that shouldn't be too hard," Oliver couldn't resist teasing, his heart lighter. The joyous look on Fiona's face couldn't not be real. "Hey, cheeky sod!" Fiona pushed him down a couple of stairs. Oliver grabbed on to her, and they ended up running down the rest of the stairs together, pushing past Joe and Margaret. ~*~*~*~*~ Joe shook his head despairingly. "Honestly, those pair; they're a nightmare." "A match made in heaven, you mean," Margaret corrected, her eyes shining. "You do realise we have to get them together, don't you?" Joe groaned. "Not you, too. Audrey and I have given up on them totally. They'll realise it one day." Margaret nodded, her shiny black hair falling in front of her face, prompting Joe to brush it aside gently with his long fingers. She blushed, and then put a light kiss on his hand, before saying, "I just think they might need a little nudging. An odd hint here and there." Joe became thoughtful. "You reckon it would work? I don't know. Those two can be really thick sometimes." Margaret smiled. "It's Fiona's birthday soon, isn't it?" "Yeah, third week in October. I know just what I'm going to get her, too. She'll love it," Joe enthused, his face glowing. "But does Oliver know?" Margaret asked. Joe shook his head. "I don't know. He's not mentioned anything. He won't forget, he remembers things like that. How he'll outdo what he got her last year, though, I don't know. Specially since her birthday's before the first Hogsmeade visit." "What was it?" Margaret asked, curious. "You know that necklace she's always wearing?" Joe inquired. "The three gold hoops?" Margaret nodded. "What are they? I've wondered that, but keep forgetting to ask her about it." "They're the Quidditch goal hoops," Joe explained. Margaret laughed. "Trust Oliver to give her something to do with Quidditch." Joe grinned. "I know, but she loved it. You should have seen the way her face lit up. But, if you insist, I'll ask him what he's getting her this year." Margaret smiled. "Of course I insist. I want to see them happy. And maybe you should point out that this will be the last year he'll see her. That might jerk him into reality." Joe's face became very sombre. "I'm trying not to think about it. I don't know what's going to happen to us. I mean, us four; me, Fiona, Oliver, and Audrey, have always been a set. It's scary." "I know. But, whatever you end up doing, you'll keep in touch with each other," Margaret reassured him. They reached the bottom of the stairs. "Time to go our separate ways and go to bed." She yawned loudly. "I don't know why I'm still doing Astronomy," she said, her turquoise eyes twinkling merrily. "Oh, really?" Joe asked archly, kissing her on the lips. "It's not the thought of being in the dark with a gorgeous guy, is it?" "Who? You mean Stuart?" she asked innocently, smiling against his lips. "No, besides, I think Audrey's taken him. There's no one I'm interested in." "Nah, she goes for older men. And, no one at all?" "Huh uh." Margaret shook her head. "Well, maybe. There's this cute Irishman…" "An Irishman?" Joe asked. "You gotta look out for them, me luv. Once they turn on the charm, you've had it." "Don't I know it!" Margaret grinned. "I'd really better go now, sweetheart. I'll see you tomorrow. Sleep well." "I will. Dreaming of you," Joe replied, kissing her again before she left to head to her common room. Joe gave the Fat Lady the password, and entered the common room with a grin on his face. Fiona, Audrey, and Oliver were waiting for him, smiling. "What?" Joe asked suspiciously. "Oh nothing," Audrey replied innocently. "Just the goofy look on your face," Fiona added. "Hey, I'm in love, give me a break," Joe retorted. "It's not my fault you're all so ugly no one will have you! Apart from you, Fiona, of course. I know you're not going out with anyone because no one can compare to me." Fiona laughed, and got up from where she was sitting beside Oliver. She hugged Joe fiercely, and said, "We're just happy for you, that's all. She's a great girl. The only problem is that we hardly ever see you anymore." Oliver stood up. "She's right. You should have chosen someone in Gryffindor." Then he looked thoughtful. "Not that there's much of a choice," he added, grinning. "Hey!" Audrey and Fiona protested. Oliver laughed, and put an arm around each of them. "You two are the exceptions to the rule. Although, Audrey, you've said you won't go out with anyone our age, so you're out of the running." "And, what about me?" Fiona asked, hands on her hips. Audrey and Joe stopped laughing, and silently waited on Oliver's answer. Oliver blushed slightly, and finally managed to say, "Well, you've never expressed an interest in any guy, so I figured you wouldn't start now." "Excuse me, but what about our lovely Joe here?" Fiona inquired. "I express interest in him every day, and where has it got me? Exactly nowhere!" Her eyes twinkled as she pretended to be put out. "Actually, Fiona, why haven't you ever thought about going out with anyone?" Joe asked innocently. Fiona glared at him, the flaring of her temper enhancing the green in her hazel eyes. "Never you mind," she said, about to storm off. "No, why haven't you, Fiona?" Oliver asked, unsure as to whether he wanted to hear the answer. She's about to confess her undying love for Percy or someone else who doesn't reciprocate it, I just know it. Although whoever couldn't reciprocate mustn't have eyes in their head. Whoa, Oliver, stop it, she's just a friend, he told himself. A gorgeous friend with a very sexy body, another inner voice added. Oliver managed to quash the thoughts long enough to hear Fiona's answer. Fiona took a deep breath, and for a moment Joe thought she was going to confess all. He should have realised that Fiona always had an answer ready. Her mind was sharper than she made it out to be. "Because I've always been too busy with Quidditch. I mean, honestly, who's going to go out with a girl who spends all her spare time playing Quidditch?" "And who's probably better than him as well," Audrey added. "You know what men are like." "Excuse me?" Joe asked, chagrined. "What about us?" He pointed at himself and Oliver. "Who said you were men?" Fiona quipped, and turned away from them, sending a grateful look at Audrey. "I'm off to bed. I need my sleep. If you two are going to stay up, please don't talk too loudly." "Hmph," Joe snorted, and followed them to the staircases. Oliver followed behind slowly, his mind spinning. So she thinks no guy would go out with her because she plays Quidditch. Hell, I'd go out with her because she plays Quidditch. And I wouldn't care if she was better than me. I wouldn't care at all. Oliver shook his head, and chased all thoughts of Fiona that weren't platonic out of his head. Speaking of Quidditch, I'd better call the team together. Fiona's been working so hard, she's showing me up. It was with thoughts of Quidditch tactics running through his head that Oliver finally managed to go to sleep. Joe lay in the next bed, listening to Oliver as his breathing slowed. Joe smiled, thinking back upon the conversation they'd just had. Hopefully it had made Oliver think. As Fiona and Audrey undressed quietly, Fiona whispered across to her friend, "Thanks, Aud, I really owe you one. I could have killed Joe when he asked me that. In fact, I think I might anyway." Audrey laughed quietly. "It's okay. Joe was going to press you about it, I think. I didn't think it was the time for it. And you should think of something to get Joe back. Life's been a little too quiet around here. You and Oliver haven't been up to your usual tricks." Fiona grinned, even though Audrey couldn't see it. "You're right. We might have to put our heads together. Can't go letting our reputations come under debate. Still, I wonder what was up with Joe." Audrey smiled to herself. She knew exactly what was up with Joe, and quite frankly, she approved of it. She just didn't think that after midnight in the common room was the best time or place to start nudging Fiona and Oliver together. "Good night, Fiona. Gotta be up bright and early for Divination." "Don't know why you're complaining," Fiona grumbled as she climbed into bed. "You can fall asleep in Divination and still get good marks. After all, you're better at the subject than Professor Trelawney. I, however, have to be wide awake and concentrating for Ancient Runes." "Well, if you will take these subjects," Audrey returned, yawning. "Now, stop moaning, and go to sleep." "Yes, boss. God, you're getting as bad as Oliver," Fiona murmured. "Don't insult me like that!" Audrey said, aghast. "Besides, my broom skills aren't nearly as good as his, wouldn't you say?" Fiona groaned, and refrained from replying, instead turning over, showing her back to Audrey. "Don't want to hear another word about brooms, Quidditch, Oliver, or any other guy for at least seven hours," she mumbled from underneath her duvet. Audrey smiled. "As you wish." She snuggled down, and fell into a deep sleep where a Muggle adventurer saved her several times from impossible situations in a way that always ended in numerous breathtaking kisses.
Come along to Oliver and Fiona's Quidditch Practice, for discussion and new updates of Wood & Wild. The more the merrier.
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