Year 5
“Alright, it should be…that one!” “George, if you press into me one more time-” “Sorry!” While you were happy to join the twins and Ron in getting Harry, you were still attempting to wake up, shuffling as you avoid George’s lanky arm from digging into your side agin. Ron had mentioned Harry not receiving any of the letters he’d sent, but when Mr. Weasley mentioned that Harry received a letter for using magic, the twins began their scheming before ultimately deciding it would be best to just gather Harry. “He could be locked in a dungeon!” “Could be starved, too! Surrounded by rats!” Thus brought you into the predicament now, Fred parking the floating car infront of Harry’s…what?
“Is his window barred?!” You frantically whisper to George as Ron peaks out the car’s window, Harry still dressed in his pajamas with a shocked expression. “Hi, Harry!” Harry smiles immediately, the shock still evident in his voice. “Ron? Fred, George, Y/N? What are you all doing here?” “Rescuing you, of course! Now, come on, get your trunk!” As Harry packs his trunk and closes it shut, Ron puts the hook on a bar as Fred puts the car into drive. “You better stand back!” It takes one tug before the bars snap off the foundation of the house, you wincing at the loud commotion it makes. “Oh, no, make it quick Harry!” Fred pops the trunk open after reversing the car, Harry going to place his trunk in it when you hear a man yell from behind a door. “Go on, go on!” Ron opens the passenger car door, grabbing Hedwig’s cage as you and George watch nervously at the scene as Harry finally goes to latch onto Ron. “Petunia, he’s escaping!”
You’re all grabbing hold of Harry as the man grabs hold of Harry’s ankle, a wicked game of tug and war as he continues yelling. “Oh, no boy! You and that bloody pigeon aren’t going anywhere!” You, George and Ron all yell “Drive!’ before Fred is pulling the stick back into gear, the car taking off making the man fall out the window. You laugh at the sight, the car driving off into the night as the screams of the family fade away. The car eases effortlessly through the air as you all take deep breaths before Ron leans forward to Harry. “By the way, Harry, happy birthday!’
The ride back is easy you find, though the hard part is sneaking back in. Harry looks around as your all pulling off your jackets, attempting to not make a sound as Ron picks up a bisquit on the table. “It’s not much, but it’s home.” You bite your tongue, being told the exact same thing when you first had shown up here when Harry speaks up. “I think it’s brilliant.” Smiling tenderly at his words, you ruffle his already wild hair as Molly suddenly appears. “Where HAVE you been?!” You all immediately freeze at the sight of her appearance, wincing at the inevitable lecture you’re about to endure. “Harry, how wonderful to see you dear. And good morning, my dear.” She gives you both a warm smile, and while you’re thankful she isn’t upset with you helping them, you know it won’t stop you from still getting the spiel. “Bed’s empty! No note, car gone, you could’ve died! You could’ve been seen! Of course, I don’t blame you Harry, dear, and I appreciate you watching over them, love.” Head slightly lowered apologetically, you don’t dare mutter a word as Ron fumbles over his.
“They were starving him, Mum! There were bars on his windows!’ She points a finger at him. “Well you best hope I don’t put bars on your window Ronald Weasley! C’mon, Harry, time for a spot of breakfast.” You share wide eyes with the twins before ultimately holding back snickers as you find your ways to the dining table, you cheerfully greeting Percy as he greets you in return. Bantering ensues as Arthur eventually joins the table, the lot of you eating before Errol slams into the window. It never ceases to make you giggle as Percy collects the post before handing out each of your letters, all collectively scanning the list before Molly is bidding you all to get ready for Diagon Alley.
~
After gathering all the supplies you need and successfully avoiding Gilderoy Lockheart, not quite trusting the arrogance he carries, you say goodbye to a tearful Molly after promising to watch out for all of her children before stepping onto the platform. The twins nudge you playfully out of their way as they speed past you, probably aiming to find their friend Lee Jordan as you search for your long-time friend. You can’t believe it’s his sixth year, and while you still have two years left with him, it’s hard to believe how much time has flyed by. You catch Hermoine, Neville, a long haired blond girl you don’t recall meeting and Ginny sitting in a compartment together as you excitedly wave at them, cheerful waves being thrown back at you. Guessing Ron and Harry haven’t made it back to the train yet, you continue forward before you find the compartment you were looking for. A smile immediately forms, you opening the compartment quickly as you step inside to find a dozen gameplans stretched out. “Oh, wow, been planning in my absence Wood?” Oliver jumps at your voice, a light flush pulling to his face as he goes to clear parchments out of your way. “Sorry, Lass! Got a bit distracted.”
Setting Pearl down, you flick open her cage to give her head a few strokes before the spot next to Oliver is clear and you giddily sit down. Closing her cage, you turn to face your best friend before pulling him into the tightest embrace you can muster. “You won’t believe how summer ended! Harry’s family are bloody mental, I tell you- woah!” He doesn’t say a word in confusion as you look him up and down with an observant eye, before standing up. “Ollie, stand up, I don’t believe it!” He amusedly stands as you dramatically groan, flopping back down into the plush. “Merlin, and here I was thinking it was just the twins, everyone is taller than me now! What, did you grow the extra inches in spite of me?” He laughs at that, shrugging in response. “Not my fault you lack in that department, Leannan.”
His eyes widen at the nickname, horror dawning on him as your eyes shift to him. “Huh, you’ve called me that before, what does it mean? It’s Scottish, right? Better not mean gnome, you big oaf.” He chuckles humorlessly as you begin to go back into your heated spiel of how much you loathe Harry’s family. “Bars on his window, Ollie! Godric knows what else they have done to the poor…poor…is that?” He follows your gaze to the window, finding nothing but familiar scenery beyond it. “What is’t, lass?” Eyebrows still furrowed, you shake your head in acceptance. “Nothing, I suppose. Anyways, tell me about these game plans! Godric knows I’ll hear the complaints about it from Katie and Angeline, anyways.”
~
“Congratulations, Ginny! Your mum is gonna be so proud.” Ginny flushes from her spot on the bench at the attention, Hermoine still looking around for the duo. “I didn’t see them on the train, either. Where could they possibly be?” Reaching out and squeezing Hermoine’s hand, you shoot her a reassuring look as she squeezes back. “They probably are just lost somewhere, always up to trouble like another duo I know.” The twins both flick a piece of bread crumb at you, you leaning into Oliver’s side as you dodge them skillfully. While you tried to be optimistic, you had noticed they weren’t on the train either, the worry from earlier slightly continuing to grow. As the feast draws to a close, you all clamber up from your seats as you begin to head to your common rooms, the frown on your face deepening.
“Lass, what is it? Is it about Ron and Harry?” Biting your lip, you weigh the pro’s and con’s before remembering he’s your best friend, and you tell him everything anyways. “Oliver, back on the train, I thought I saw the car- the same car I was telling you we drove to get Harry, but it made no sense. Arthur should’ve been driving back home with Molly at that point, how could it be with the train?” Wringing your hands, your lips quirk to the side as you watch Oliver contemplate what you said. “It might be nothing, they could’ve gotten sick from Diagon Alley, maybe…”
“I heard that they were expelled for crashing a flying car!-”
Your head whips around in horror at some random young-years gossiping, stopping in your tracks. Oliver pauses as well, his face instantly paling the same time yours does. You are instantly holding his hand and dragging him down the corridor, searching for two pairs of red hair while you curse out loudly. “Those bloody idiots!”
~
While you didn’t catch them as soon as you wanted to, you spot the red and messy black hair when you enter the Great Hall for lunch and immediately whack the back of their heads, the both of them crying out. “Bloody hell! What was that for!” Sitting down next to an highly amused Oliver, you grab a green apple from the table as you glare at them. “Your mum made me swear that you’d be safe under my watch, and the first thing you do? Make me break that promise!” Ron mumbles something to Harry while continuing wrapping his broken wand before you turn to Oliver, having him explaining add ons to the new regime he had created over summer.
“Ron, is that your owl?”
You’re giggling as Errol crashes into a bowl, crisps flying as you watch Ron pick up the letter in his mouth before your head tilts at the red color of the envelope. Red? “Oh no!” A boy you’ve seen hang around Harry and Ron smiles next to you, Seamus you think, him leaning forward into the table. “Look everyone! Weasley’s got himself a Howler!” You glance at Oliver in confusion while laughter is heard from the nearby tables, Neville looking over to Ron. “Go on Ron! I ignored one from my gran once…it was horrible.” Rons face pales each second as he nervously flips open the envelope, everyone silent as they wait in anticipation.
“RONALD WEASLEY!” Wincing as you easily put together what a Howler is, you are suddenly very thankful you never had the privilege to learn about it nor have ever received one from your own parents. “HOW DARE YOU STEAL THAT CAR?! I AM ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED! YOUR FATHER’S NOW FACING AN INQUIRY AT WORK, AND IT’S ENTIRELY YOUR FAULT. IF YOU PUT ANOTHER TOE OUT OF LINE, WE’LL BRING YOU STRAIGHT HOME! Oh, and Ginny dear, congratulations on making Gryffindor. Your father and I are so proud.” The letter faces Ron once more before sticking it’s tongue out at him and blowing, before ripping itself into shreds after. Huffing out in bafflement, you catch the twins the same time they look at you before you’re doubling over in another fit of giggles.
~
Scarfing down a buttered piece of toast, you rub your eyes tiredly as you walk across the courtyard before spotting two heads with red and wild brown hair. Grinning, you sneak up behind them before placing a hand on their shoulders, Ron yelping at the intrusion. “Relax, Ronald! Just saying hi to my favorite second years. What are you up to?” Hermoine happily accepts the role of explaining a shared assignment they were catching up on, you filling in occasionally on observations for each of their papers as you sit next to them.
You had been studying for the upcoming O.W.L.S in your already limited spare time, exhaustion weighing on you in more ways than one. This was the first time you’d managed to give yourself a break, happy that you were able to spend it with your ‘kidos.’ Reading over Ron’s notes and making occasional suggestions, you spot out of the corner of your eye signature red and yellow hued uniforms, nudging Ron and Hermoine as the group draw closer. You’re about to shout a greeting to the team when a group of green robes flick past you, the three of you instantly on edge. You’re thankful it’s mostly quiet so that you can hear what they are saying, already scowling at Marcus’s presence. “Where you think you’re going, Flint?” Marcus stares back at Oliver with a smirk, robes flickering behind him. “Quidditch practice.” Oliver stops right in front of him. “I booked the pitch for Gryffindor today.” “Easy, Wood, I’ve got a note.”
You can see Oliver’s tense posture from where you sit, a frown forming on your face as you set Ron’s notes down on the stone bench. “Uh oh, I smell trouble.” Standing up, the three of you make your way to the two groups as you watch Oliver read a scroll, obviously annoyed at the predicament. “I, Professor Severus Snape, hereby give the Slytherins permission to practice today- going to need ta’train their new seeker.” He lazily drops his hands, raising his eyebrow at Flint. “You’ve got a new Seeker. Who?”
Instantly scoffing to yourself as Draco Mafloy emerges from the group of green, Harry steps up as Draco smirks at him. “Malfoy?” “That’s right. And that’s not all that’s new this year.” Collectively glancing down, Ron gasps beside you as you observe the sleek, deep black brooms in every Slytherin’s hand. “Those are Nimbus 2001’s! How did you get those?” “A gift from Draco’s father.” Marcus spares you a wicked glance as you glower at him, feeling for your wand in your pocket just in case. “You see Weasley, unlike some, my father can afford the best.” “Atleast no one on the Gryffindor team had to buy their way in. They got in on pure talent.” A spark of pride shoots through you at her words, proud of her courage and enjoyed at Malfoy’s heated glare. “No one asked your opinion, you filthy little mudblood.” Your eyes shoot to Oliver’s, anger filling you as he shoots back a comforting expression, the meaning clear. ‘Stand down, lass.’
“You’ll pay for that one, Malfoy. Eat slugs!” A spark of yellowish-green shoots from Ron’s broken wand before he’s shot back, you and Hermoine gasping as you run to help him up. You’re kneeling down into the grass, wincing at his green face as Oliver hovers from behind you in careful assessment. “You okay, Ron?” He rolls over, you standing up to give him space as Harry takes your place in the grass, Ron mumbling with his mouth closed. “Say something!” Colin nudges you into Oliver’s side the exact moment Ron spits out a slug, you gagging loudly with Angelina and Alicia. A flash is heard next to you as you’re gripping Oliver’s arm, the first year Colin ecstatic. “Can you turn him around, Harry!” “No, Collin, get out of the way! Let’s take him to Hagrids.”
Turning pale as Ron spits out another slug, you close your eyes as a flash of nausea waves over you at the sound of his wheezing before he’s taken away by Ron and Hermoine. Looking up at Oliver who looks as equally queasy, you exhale deeply as the Slytherin’s cackle in the background. “Guess Quidditch practice is cancelled, huh?” “Aye.”
~
“Wooooooh!” Hermoine grins up at you mid-cheer, you pulling her into your side as your both watching the Gryffindor versus Slytherin match. Wind whips at your loose hair, scarf flying in the wind as a beater zooms past you. Cheering out, you catch Wood gracefully blocking the Quaffle from entering the loop before he’s knocking into another player in the fit of chaos. Gryffindor is losing so far, but you are hopeful that Harry will be able to turn it around as you grip onto the securing bar infront of you. Ron yells something at Hermoine when you catch a Slytherin knock into Wood, wincing as it sends the both of them tumbling, knowing he’ll definitely be sore from it later. “Another goal for Slytherin! They leave Gryffindor 90 to 30.” Wringing your hands in in nervous adrenaline, you stop the movement as you watch a bludger aim directly for Harry, making him have to swerve out of it’s way.
“Ron, that’s not normal, is it?” The three of you watch the scene carefully, Oliver shouting something out to Harry before the bludger knocks into his broom. You scream out as it breaks off a sixth of his broom, Oliver being sent into several rotations as Harry flees from the rogue Bludgers direction. Ron looks terrified, leaning over the support beam as his pink from the chill face pales.“Definetly not normal! I’ll stop it.” You’re thankful when Hermoine shoves his wand down, worried that he’d end up making the Bludger somehow faster in his attempt. “No! Even with a proper wand it’s too risky, you could hit Harry!”
The three of you watch in fear as Harry swerves every way around, eventually following Draco into the beams supporting the pitch’s foundation as the other players continue with the Quaffle. There’s several moments where the mop of messy black hair is gone when slicked back blond is shot up, Draco launching into the air off his broom and onto his bum. Snorting out loud at the sight, you can’t stop the laugh at that one before Hermoine shreaks beside you, Ron wheezing out a ‘he got hit!’ as you focus back on Harry. He’s reaching out, looking close to catching it before he tumbles off his broom, and rolls into the sand below. Everyone falls silent, waiting with bated breath before you’re nudging the duo. “Let’s go, kids.”
“Harry Potter has caught the snitch! Gryffindor wins!”
You’re racing across the pitch as Harry continues to avoid the smashing bludger, Hermoine whipping out her wand and yelling out a spell that makes the Bludger explode in small bursts of flame. You find Oliver floating above you, concern etched on his features as you watch Lockheart make the bones in Harry’s arm vanish. Gagging into your hands as he continuously pulls Harry’s noodle-like-arm, you can only follow the Quidditch players to the hospital ward while Oliver rants heatedly to you the entire way up. “Unbelievable. Can’t believe my luck that I used my old broom today, that nasty bludger broke it easily! Hardly a fair game, even if we won.” You nod at each word he expresses, reaching out and squeezing his hand in a form of comfort which you don’t see makes him flush instantly, him eventually squeezing yours in return.
~
“I can mend bones in a heartbeat, but growing them back?” Your leaning into Oliver’s side, your nose scrunching in distaste as you watch Madame Pomfrey pour Skele-Grow into a glass for Harry. “You’re in for a rough night, Potter. Regrowing bones is a nasty business.” You all jump back as Harry spits out the liquid, George and Fred groaning in disgust next to you as they narrowly avoid the spittle. “Well what did you expect, Pumpkin juice?!” Madam Pomfrey dismisses you all as Harry has to stay the night, everyone rambling to each other as you fall into step with Oliver. “I told you that Lockheart was no good, no teacher in their right mind would take that precaution!” Noticing that Oliver hides a wince as someone grazes his side, you bite your lip in contemplation as you continue to follow Oliver up the stairs. When he goes to pause in front of your dorm, you continue leading him past it and up. “Aye, Lass, what are ya’ doing?” Leading him past several more rooms, you continue climbing up the stairs before you find his dorm and unlock the door with a flick of your wand.
Pulling him in, you point at the bed as you roll up your sleeves carefully and toss your wand onto his bed. “Here, let me try out something. Take off your robe for me?” He’s thankful the chill from the previous game has him flushed as you would’ve noticed it immediately otherwise, him slowly removing the robe as you kneel behind him on his bed. “Still as messy as ever, Wood. What would your Mum say?” There’s shuffling behind him as you place his robe to the side, his hands tense as they grab the quilt under him. “Probably that I need to be clean like’ya. What else is new?” He hears you snort behind him, muttering a spell before your hands are on his shoulders.
He jumps at the contact as you pat them, a confused hum sounding out from behind. “I just warmed my hands, surely they aren’t that cold? Here, tell me if I need to go harder or slower.” Stretching your hand out, you dig your thumbs in between the muscles of his upper back that have him melting under your touch. He’d be embarrassed if it didn’t feel so good, the early mornings and grueling regime he had created causing several sore spots and knots in his body. And when your finger digs right there….
You’re so thankful that he can’t look at you when your face heats automatically at the sound of his deep groans, especially as his head droops down when your fingers dig into the skin on his neck in circular motions. The idea of giving him a massage would’ve made you fluster if your concern for his wellbeing didn’t triumph every other emotion, though each noise he makes sets off another butterfly that has you lightheaded. “Mmn, Lass, where did you-?” “I’ve been visiting Madam Pomfrey occasionally to get mini healing lessons, where she taught me pressure points to help when…” Hands freezing, you snap out of it before continuing the motions, him considering your words as your fingers spread lightly underneath his Quidditch sweater to press into meat of his trapezious ridge.
That one makes him hiss instantly, you pulling your hands from the sweater instantly in fear you dug too deep. “Sorry, sorry! Was that too much?” His head shakes quickly, rolling his shoulders back as your hands hesitantly find their way back to the spot. “N-no, it was good. You’re good.” His skin is smooth and warm under your hands, you continuing the motions that have him making sinful grunts, though you feel the knots and tension in his back and shoulders decreasing with each timed set of pressure. As time draws on, you eventually feel that the gesture is getting far too intimate for your tastes, envy making you sour that you can’t do this for him outside of being a ‘good’ friend. Sliping a hand up, you slide it into his hair and fluff it up into a mess before getting off his bed. “Alright you tosser, make sure you take it easy for atleast the next several hours. I’ll go and head out, don’t want a lecture from Prefect Perfect Percy.” Dramatically anunciating the nickname, you squeeze Oliver’s hand as you send a wink his way before you’re exiting the room, leaving behind a very dazed and disoriented, blushy Oliver.
~
“Gather around! Gather around.”
Your conversation with the twins and Oliver is cut off short, your nose scrunching in distaste as you turn around and face Lockheart. You still harbor resentment for him making Harry go through the process of regrowing bones on top of being an arrogant professor regardless, thankful that you don’t have to take DATDA with him.
“Now, can everyone see me? Can you all hear me? Excellent. In the light of dark events of recent weeks, Professor Dumbledore has granted me permission to start this little dueling club to train you all up in case you ever need to defend yourselves, as I myself have done so on countless occasions.” Rolling your eyes, you cross your arms as you shift your weight to one foot while Lockheart takes off his one sided robe before tossing it into the crowd. Scoffing at the girls sighing dreamily near you, you mumble in discontent as Oliver snickers next to you, crossing his own arms. “Let me introduce my assistant…Professor Snape!” Instantly smacking Fred’s chest, you watch in delight as Snape nonchalantly walks across the platform. “Now I don’t want any of you youngsters to worry, you’ll still have your potions master when I’m through with him.” His eyes survey the crowd before they lock onto yours, him sending you a wink. “Never fear.”
Your hands grip your arms tighter as your eye twitches, hoping Snape hexes him to the moon and back. Everyone watches as they get into the dueling positions, bowing to each other, turning to take five steps and-
“One. Two. Three.” “Expelliarmus!” You watch in glee as Lockheart is thrown back with a streak of gold lighting, students gasping all around you. “Do you think he is alright?” Oliver is biting his lip in a pathetic attempt to not laugh as you’re chuckling into your hand, Ron leaning into her. “Who cares?” “An excellent idea to show them that, Professor Snape, but if you don’t mind me saying, it was pretty obvious what you were about to do, and if I had wanted to stop you, it would have been only too easy.”
Snickering as Snape calls him out for not showing you all how to block spells first, Lockheart squirms as he surveys the crowd once more. “Let’s have a volunteer pair! Potter, Weasley, how about you?” “Weasley’s wand causes devastation with the simplest spells. We’ll be sending Potter to the hospital wing in a matchbox. Might I suggest someone from my own house?” You pat Ron’s shoulder in an attempt at comfort as Harry walks up to the platform. “Malfoy, perhaps?”
A simple tug at Oliver’s sleeve and he’s leaning down, both of you intently watching the scene as they fall into dueling positions. “If it’s anything like Quidditch, we know which seeker will win.” Oliver huffs in amusement as they listen to Lockheart’s instructions, waiting for the count of three. “One. Two.” “Everte Statum!” Jaw dropping, you watch as Harry is flung back in several rotations with a spell you’re all too familiar with. “Rictusempra!” Draco is flown back, landing on his arse as you, the twins and Oliver laugh to yourselves. “Imagine if Marcus responded with that!” Stepping on George’s foot playfully, he yelps as Snape shoves Draco forward. “I said disarm only!” “Serpensortia!” A snake shoots out of Draco’s wand, everyone gasping in fear. You’re instantly stepping backwards into Oliver as Snape moves to get rid of the snake, before Lockheart says he can handle it.
By tossing it into the bloody air.
It lands back down with a snarl, sliding towards a student as Oliver tugs your hand to pull you back with him and the rest of the students. Everyone can only watch in fear and shock as Harry starts to speak in a slithery jumble of consonants, the snake turning to face Harry before Snape makes it vanish with a flick of his wand. “What are you playing at!” Harry glances at around, noticing a mix of reactions as you and Hermoine share a look. That can’t be any good.
~
“Woah, Mione’! You alright?” Fixing your robe, you look down in concern at a very serious-looking Hermoine who had nearly knocked you over in a rush. “Sorry, one moment!” You decidedly hurry to follow after her into the library, watching as she searches the shelves before pulling out a thick book and all but slams it onto a free table. She flips half way through the book, flipping a few pages before finding one that has a print of a snake in the middle surrounded by words before-
Eyes widening in shock, you gape as she tears the page out of the book, before her head flicks across the table. “Y/N! Do you have a quill on you?!” Blinking, you hurriedly reach into your robe and give her your quill, her instantly dipping it before writing something on the yellowed paper. “Mione’, while I’d normally be proud that you did something against the rules, I’m a bit concerned now.” Hermoine finally took a deep breath, looking as if she ran a marathon, before she slides the paper to you. “I’m telling you this because I trust you. The thing that petrified Colin and all the others, it was this.” She taps the name as you read it quickly, eyebrows furrowing as you absorb the information. “A basilisk? Godric, what other kinds of messed up secrets does Hogwarts have?!” It all fits, you realize, as you finally put the pieces together. “Wait, but how are the others not dead then? You die once you meet it’s eyes, right?” She is folding the paper before rapidly crushing it into her fists in a hurry as you shove the book back in it’s place on the shelf, the both of you sprinting out the libraries doors. “They didn’t- they saw a reflection of it’s eyes! It all makes- wait, stop!” You stop instantly at her words before you turn the corner, looking at her wide eyed. “Do you have a mirror?” Huffing, you pat your pockets knowing you absolutely do not have a mirror before you spot Percy’s girlfriend walking down the hall. “Oh, yes! Penelope, do you have a mirror on you?!”
She notices you and Hermoine’s presence, nodding as she pulls one from inside her black and blue robes as you take it, thanking her. Hermoine takes it from your outstretched hands, holding it out in front of her as Penelope frowns. “Er, what are you-? Wait, what is-”
You all look at the mirror the same time as Hermoine’s hand tilts, the three of you staring at a reflected pair of beady, yellow slitted eyes.
~
“All right, listen up. We play our game and Hufflepuff doesn’t stand a chance. We’re stronger, quicker and smarter.” Oliver leads the Gryffindor team through the tent, grabbing hold of his broom as Fred pitches in. “And not to mention they’re dead scared that Harry’ll petrify them if they fly anywhere near him.” Oliver nods his head, brushing aside a curtain. “Well, that too…Professor McGonagall.” She walks up to him, holding a carefully rolled parchment while looking slightly pale. “This match has been cancelled.”
Oliver’s eyebrows furrow, eyes following the parchment. “They can’t cancel Quidditch!” “Silence, Wood.” She seems to pause, however, before looking at his team. “You all will go to Gryffindor tower, now. Potter, Wood-” As the team leaves, occasionally glancing over their shoulders, Oliver and Harry stare at Minerva in concern. “You two and I will find Mr. Weasley. There’s something you three have to see.” As McGonagall leads them the entirety of the way in silence, they can only shoot each other confused looks as they step through the corridors before McGonagall finds Ron. The three of them are lead to the entrance of the hospital wing, and Olivers anxiety is nearing ready to burst. Harry and Ron, sure, they always get into trouble. But why him?
“I warn you. This could be a wee bit of a shock.” As they pass a few pulled-close curtains, Oliver noting one having someone with blond hair that looks similar to Percy’s girlfriend, and draw nearer to two beds being looked over by Pomfrey, their eyes widen in fear as they take in the sight of you and Hermoine frozen in place. Your hand is reached out as your lips are slightly parted in fear, seemingly afraid for someone while Hermoine has a hand stretched out, looking as if it was holding something. “They were found near the library, along with this.” McGonagall holds up a mirror, the light from the ceiling reflecting off the surface. “Does it mean anything to any of you?” Ron and Harry shake their heads, eyes still focused on Hermoine while Oliver can only stare at you in shock.
~
“Could I have your attention, please?” Oliver can barely focus on her words, legs bouncing as he sits in his seat. Percy is blocking his view of her anyways, but he can’t find it in him to care. “Because of recent events, these new rules will be put into effect immediately. All students will return to their house common rooms by 6:00 every evening. All students will be escorted to each lesson by a teacher. No exceptions. I must tell you this, unless the culprit behind these attacks is caught, it is likely the school will close.”
The room is silent as McGonagall disappears, before the room is filled with whispers that turn into chatter. “It’s because of the Chamber of Secrets!” “Or better yet, Harry Potter!” “Y/N Everest was after Colin, right?” “Hermoine Granger is gone now too, do you think..?” “His own best friend! That seems mental!” “As mental as that first year, or a cat?!” Oliver slams his hand on the table, storming past each of the stuttering young years and barrels up to the stairs, the team startled at the sight. Angelina and Lee Jordan send Fred and George a sympathetic look, both of the twins slightly shaken as the news is played out.
~
“All students are to return to their house dormitories at once! All teachers to the second floor corridor immediately.”
Tossing the final pieces of scrap parchment into the waste bin, Oliver hollowly sits on his bed and surveys his section of the room. Each of his school work is sorted neatly, gameplans made for Quidditch sorted into their respective places as his clothes are folded and carefully tucked into the trunk, ready to be pulled and used. Neat and tidy for once, like you always reprimanded him. When Percy enters the room, downcast as he has probably learned about his girlfriend, he’s actually proud of Oliver for having finally made the room look presentable. A compliment rests on his tongue if not for the dead look Oliver carried. Biting it back, Percy says ‘goodnight’ instead, flickering the lamp off as Oliver leant back into the bed sheets. Crossing his arms behind his head, he glances at the portrait next to his bed, you and his younger self smiling wide.
He falls asleep holding it tightly to his chest.
~
Inhaling the scent of the Great Hall, you are in great spirits as you walk side by side with Hermoine from the hospital wing. Your O.W.L.S. are done, exams are cancelled, the year is nearly over and you get to see your friends after being apparently petrified for 23 days. Squeezing Hermoine’s hand, she beams at you as Sir Nicholas greets the both of you as you enter the Great Hall. “Hermoine! Y/N! Welcome back.” As Hermoine greets him, you’re looking around the room and taking in each familiar face with a content smile. “Harry, look! It’s Hermoine!”
Giggling as you watch her sprint down, you walk behind her as she launches herself into Harry’s arms before you hear silverware clank against the table. Oliver shoots up from the table, frozen in place as you smirk at him. You open your mouth to make a joke before he’s pulling you into a tight embrace, arms tugging around your waist and pulling you even further into him. Face flushing, you wrap your arms around his neck and push your head into his chest, happy to be with him after so long. “Hi, Ollie.” You don’t think he had planned on letting go any time soon before you hear two loud scoffs, Oliver letting you go only then as you face the twins. “Couldn’t bear to listen to us anymore, huh?” “A simple “bugger off” would’ve been fine! No need to get petrified on our account!” You sit in the open spot next to Oliver, sticking your tongue out at them as Hermoine sits next to you.
Dumbledore’s words pass by in a blur, you too focused on silently whispering to Oliver about what happened when the door’s are opened by Hagrid. “The owl that delivered my release papers got all lost and confused. Some ruddy bird named Eroll.” You snort out loud at that, Ron’s face paling a few seats down. As Hagrid talks to the golden trio, you feel Oliver squeezing your hand from under the table, you shooting him a beaming smile. “There’s not Hogwarts without you, Hagrid.” As Harry hugs Hagrid tightly and the entire room begins to clap for Hagrid, you’re only saddened by the fact that you missed so much time with the people you truly love.
~
Head leaned against Oliver’s shoulder, you watch as the last of the few stragglers tear through the common room, ‘accio’ thrown around several times as students try to find lost belongings. Snickering as you flick your wand once more, the pocket watch a 4th year was about to find is slid across the floor and underneath a table, Oliver snorting next to you. “Really, lass?” Sighing, you flick your wrist before levitating the pocket watch over to the fourth year, them sighing in relief as they thank you. Fitting your wand back into your robe, you wince as you remember the envelope that sits like a dead weight in it.
Leaning forward, you take it out your robe before Oliver’s eyes flicker to the open envelope, his face darkening visibly at the sight. You place a grounding hand on his shoulder, taking your wand back out as you flick it into the fire in the dying fireplace. “It’s alright, Ollie. It’s just them saying they want me to stay home this summer, probably an attempt at reconciling. Too bad I’m being forced to spend it with my best friends.” The smile you send him makes him relax slightly, you nudging his shoulder with yours. “I’m going to wait until they are asleep, usually around 10 o’clock, to just to grab a few items by floo before I come back to the Weasley’s. And no, don’t give me that look, I’ll be fine on my own. After that, you have me till the start of school.” Oliver nods, only slightly off put as he rolls the sleeves of his jumper up his arm, you’re about to lean back on him before a toffee is thrown at the back of your head, you yelping.
Grinning at the twins, you throw the toffee back at them before they start to talk to you about summer plans and potential mischief the three of you could cause. Oliver watches with his head propped on a hand, arm leaning against the couch, momentarily letting himself drop all worries and fears. It’s just an in and out, he repeats to himself as he bids you goodbye in a tight embrace. In and out, as he waves a goodbye at you before his parents find him. A week passes by, his parents ecstatic to see “their other favorite child” as they word it, essentially restless as they sit around waiting for your eventual arrival. Weeks and weeks pass by, before a month.
You don’t come.