Knitting
After a perfect dinner filled with laughter and quiet moments of connection, Oliver felt a strange mix of nerves and excitement as she ushered him toward her small bathroom. The room was cozy—cramped even—but it held a sense of privacy that their secret relationship so often lacked in the outside world. His pulse quickened as she hesitated, then finally asked the question that had been simmering in the back of her mind all evening: "Would you... like to take a shower with me?"
Oliver, still feeling the heat from their earlier lingering touches and the tension that had built throughout the night, barely hesitated before saying yes. His voice was calm, but his eyes betrayed the flicker of anticipation. They had agreed to take things slow, both aware that their relationship was delicate and full of newness, but Aurora seemed to test the boundaries of that unspoken agreement more often than not.
Not that Oliver minded. In fact, part of him welcomed it. He had been with only one woman in his life—Penelope—and the fading embers of that relationship left him feeling cold. Things had been unraveling between them for some time, and he could barely remember the last time they had been intimate. The idea of something fresh, something unburdened by the weight of the past, was both thrilling and terrifying.
Aurora closed the door softly behind them, her fingers lingering on the handle for just a moment as if debating whether to move forward. Then, with a determined flick of her wrist, she turned on the shower, twisting the knob until the water ran as hot as it would go. Within seconds, steam billowed through the small space, fogging up the mirror and filling the air with warmth. The sudden heat contrasted with the tension in the room, thickening the atmosphere with unspoken desire.
Oliver stood close behind her, his hand hovering near her waist but not quite touching. He could feel the pulse of anticipation running through him, but he kept it in check, mindful of their promise. Aurora turned, catching his gaze with a small, almost shy smile. The intimacy of the moment, heightened by the hiss of water and the swirling steam, felt electric.
Without a word, she reached for the hem of her shirt, peeling it off slowly, revealing smooth skin dampened by the humidity in the air. Oliver watched her; his breath caught in his throat, and for a moment, he wondered if this was still taking things slow or if they were crossing an invisible line. But as Aurora’s fingers reached for the buttons of his shirt, he knew there was no turning back.
"Are you sure?" he asked softly, his voice rough from the tension in his chest. He wanted to make sure, despite the energy pulsing between them, that she was truly comfortable.
Aurora paused, her hand resting lightly on his chest, her eyes searching his. "I’m sure," she whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of vulnerability and certainty.
With a nod, Oliver leaned down, capturing her lips in a slow, heated kiss that matched the warmth surrounding them. It wasn’t rushed or frantic but deliberate—an unspoken promise that they would still go at their own pace, even if that pace led them here, together. As their clothes fell to the floor, discarded in the haze of steam, they stepped into the shower, the hot water cascading over them, blurring the lines between passion and patience.
Oliver stood there for a moment in awe and couldn't help but just look at her.
The cramped space brought them even closer, skin brushing against the skin as they let the water wash away any lingering hesitation. Oliver traced a line down Aurora’s back, his touch gentle but firm, and for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to be fully present, lost in the moment.
Aurora leaned into him, her body molded against his, and as the water flowed over them, they shared not just heat but trust. It wasn’t about rushing to the next step or testing the limits; it was about finally letting go and allowing themselves to be vulnerable with one another, no matter how slowly or quickly they chose to move.
They stayed in the shower longer than they had planned. The water eventually cooled, but the warmth between them remained. It was a new beginning, one they hadn’t planned for but had chosen together.
Oliver stood there for a moment, completely in awe. The steam curled around Aurora’s silhouette, softening her edges like a dream made real. He couldn’t help but just look at her, his breath catching as if he had never truly seen her before. Her damp hair clung to her neck, framing her face in delicate strands, and her skin glistened under the soft light of the bathroom, kissed by the heat of the water.
There was something in the way she carried herself, a quiet strength mixed with vulnerability, that held him spellbound. He noticed the subtle rise and fall of her chest, the way her eyes shone with an unspoken invitation, and for a brief moment, Oliver forgot everything else—the Quidditch matches, the media pressure, even the lingering shadows of his past with Penelope.
Here, in this intimate moment, Aurora was all that mattered. She stood before him with quiet confidence, her gaze holding his, and it took all of Oliver’s willpower not to rush forward, to savor this perfect stillness. The curve of her lips, the soft arch of her back, the way her body seemed to glow in the warmth of the room—everything about her captivated him.
He realized, standing there in that hazy, steam-filled space, that it wasn’t just her beauty that left him speechless—it was the trust she was offering him, the unguarded vulnerability that made him feel like the luckiest man alive.
After their shower, Aurora and Oliver felt closer than ever. The evening had been more than just an intimate moment—it was a deep connection, a quiet understanding that neither of them had anticipated but both welcomed. As they lay together, wrapped in the warmth of each other's presence, they agreed that Oliver could stay the night. However, he’d have to leave early because the next day was Sunday, and the twins, Fred and George, were coming over for their new Sunday breakfast tradition. So, at six in the morning, Oliver slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Aurora. He stood for a moment, watching her sleep, her chest rising and falling in a soft rhythm. The peaceful look on her face made his heart swell.
Before heading out, Oliver decided to make a detour to a Muggle flower shop nearby. After picking up a bouquet of soft pink roses, he returned to Aurora’s apartment with a stealth that only a former Quidditch captain could muster. He placed the flowers on her bedside table, knowing she would understand without a card. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he took one last glance at her before quietly leaving.
When he finally arrived back at his own place, he couldn't help but let a small smile escape. Aurora, in such a short time, had already left her mark on his once bare and lonely home. There were small touches—light pink pillows on his couch, a couple of plants he didn’t remember agreeing to, and, of course, the purple knit blanket she had made. He couldn’t believe how much her presence had transformed the space into something that felt warm, lived-in.
With a few hours left before Fred and George were due to arrive, Oliver decided he could squeeze in a quick nap. He settled on the couch, pulling the purple blanket around him, feeling comforted by its warmth and the thought of Aurora. It didn’t take long for him to drift off, but when he woke up, it was with a start—he refused to let the twins catch him sleeping again after the last time they’d arrived early and found him snoring on the couch. He chuckled at the memory as he got up to fumble with his closet, picking out something to wear for the day.
Suddenly, he heard a burst from the fireplace, and the unmistakable voices of Fred and George filled the living room.
“Oli! We’re here!” Fred called out, his voice dripping with amusement.
“I’m in here getting dressed! Just have a seat; I’ll be right out,” Oliver bellowed back, quickly finishing up and heading to join them.
When he entered the living room, he found Fred draped in the purple blanket like a makeshift cape while George was examining the new decor with raised eyebrows.
“Did you decide to decorate?” George asked, pointing out the pillows and the little knick-knacks that had appeared around the room.
“Just wanted to add a homey feel,” Oliver replied, unable to suppress the smile that came with the mention of Aurora.
Fred, still wrapped in the blanket, strutted over dramatically before tossing it over Oliver’s shoulders. “Yeah, but isn’t this stuff a little girly? A purple blanket, light pink pillows... Oliver, if you ever bring a girl here, she’ll think you’re married.”
Oliver chuckled, shaking his head. “I don’t think that’s going to be an issue.”
Fred and George exchanged knowing glances, their grins widening. “Oh, so there is someone, huh?” George teased.
Oliver could feel the blush creeping up his neck, but he didn’t deny it. “Maybe. But it’s none of your business.”
George raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying Oliver’s reaction. “Well, whoever she is, she’s turning this place into a home. Good for you, mate.”
Oliver smiled softly, knowing the twins were right. Aurora wasn’t just adding a few decorative touches here and there; she was transforming the space into something warmer, cozier—somewhere he could truly belong. It was as if her presence seeped into the very walls, making everything feel lighter, more alive.
“Well, if you’ve found someone else, does this mean I can take a go at Aurora?” Fred quipped with a chuckle, his tone light, but Oliver could feel the underlying mischief.
For a split second, jealousy flared hot inside him. The idea of anyone, even Fred, pursuing Aurora made something tighten in his chest. He didn’t want the twins to find out after the fact Pansy had discovered the secret. So, forcing the jealousy down, Oliver plastered on a casual smile and said, “Sure, mate. I’d say give it a go.”
Fred, already grinning like a Cheshire cat, laughed even louder. “Oh, you’re too generous, Oli. Too generous! I think she might like me better anyway.”
George gave his brother a playful shove, but both of them were watching Oliver closely, trying to gauge his reaction. Oliver tried to play it cool, but the thought of Fred even joking about Aurora like that—tugged at something deep inside him. There was a part of him that didn’t want anyone else—even as a joke—claiming Aurora’s attention.
“Well,” Fred continued, “if she likes Quidditch players, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. We’ll see who she prefers.”
Oliver forced a laugh, but inwardly, he was already regretting letting Fred have his little joke. He wanted to protect what he and Aurora had, even if it was still so new, so secret. But now wasn’t the time to reveal the truth. Instead, he leaned into the banter, pretending Fred’s words didn’t bother him, though his heart told a different story.
“Go ahead, mate,” Oliver said, keeping his voice even. “Just don’t be too heartbroken when she shoots you down.”
Fred winked, clearly enjoying the game. “Oh, don’t worry. I can take rejection. Besides, something tells me her heart’s already spoken for.”
Oliver just shook his head, hoping the twins would let the subject drop before his true feelings became too obvious. But deep down, he knew the truth couldn’t stay hidden for long—not with Fred and George always poking and prodding for fun.
As the three boys arrived at their new Sunday breakfast spot, Oliver felt a wave of relief wash over him when he saw that only Pansy and Aurora were seated at the table. However, that relief was short-lived. Fred, with a mischievous grin, dashed ahead and claimed the seat next to Aurora, turning to face Oliver with a gleam in his eyes.
"Sorry, did you want this seat?" Fred grinned wickedly.
Oliver, refusing to rise to the bait, returned Fred’s grin. “Oh, the seating doesn’t mean anything to me.”
Despite his words, Oliver's stomach churned. He had wanted that seat—wanted to be close to Aurora. Seeing Fred right next to her, chatting away, felt like a warning of what was to come. He should’ve known Fred was planning something.
True to form, Fred began his interrogation. “Aurora, my love, I’m just dying to know something.” Fred’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Are you seeing anyone? Because I’d love to hang out with you sometime.”
Aurora’s face turned a bright shade of red, her words catching in her throat. Pansy, always quick on her feet, immediately jumped in, sensing Aurora’s discomfort. “Oh, Rory’s way too busy with work to be dating anyone right now. Especially someone with as much energy as you, Fred.”
Fred’s grin only widened. “Well, if that’s the case, I can wait. I’m a patient man. Maybe we can hang out as friends.” He shot a quick wink at Aurora. “I was just hoping someone could help me learn to knit. Any chance you know how to knit?”
Oliver instantly saw what Fred was doing. This was no innocent question—Fred was playing the long game, working his way toward a reveal Oliver wasn’t ready for. Desperate to change the subject, Oliver blurted out, “Work’s been really hard recently.”
Aurora turned to him, her brow furrowed in confusion. She was about to speak when Oliver shot her a pleading look, silently begging her to stay quiet. But George, now fully in on the joke, interrupted before Oliver could say anything more.
“Oliver, don’t be rude now. Aurora was just about to tell us whether she knows how to knit,” George said, smirking as he blocked Oliver’s attempt to derail the conversation.
Aurora, still blushing, smiled awkwardly. “I actually do know how to knit, but I rarely ever finish anything.” She glanced around the table, trying to downplay her nerves. “I could teach you, Fred, if that’s really what this is about.”
Oliver frantically gestured for Aurora to stop talking, but she missed his signals completely as the conversation continued.
Fred leaned in closer to Aurora, his grin widening. “Have you ever finished knitting anything, Aurora?”
Oliver’s heart sank—he knew what was coming. His head hit the table in defeat as he realized this was game over.
Aurora, oblivious to the trap, answered honestly. “Just one blanket. It’s huge.”
Fred’s eyes gleamed with triumph. “Oh, what color?”
Aurora, still completely unaware, smiled. “Purple.”
As soon as the word left her lips, Fred shot up from his chair, pointing at Oliver in triumph. “I knew it!”
Oliver sat there, face in his hands, trying to muster up some defense as Fred pointed at him, grinning from ear to ear. George, on the other hand, burst into laughter, clapping his brother on the back.
Aurora's eyes widened as the realization hit her, her hands flying up to cover her mouth. Her face turned a deep shade of pink, and she shot Oliver an apologetic look, clearly mortified that she'd unintentionally outed them. Oliver, meanwhile, felt the heat rising in his cheeks as he tried to maintain some level of composure.
Fred, never one to miss an opportunity, leaned back in his chair with a huge grin. "I knew it!" he crowed, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You two have been sneaking around, haven’t you?"
George, still laughing, shook his head. "Purple? Really, mate? It doesn’t even match your sofa! Come on, that should’ve been our first clue."
Fred sat back down, still looking incredibly pleased with himself. "Oh, we’re more than happy. So, tell us, Oli," he said, leaning in with a mock-serious expression. "How long have you and Aurora been secretly cozying up? Don’t hold back on the juicy details."
Oliver rubbed the back of his neck, feeling like a schoolboy caught sneaking into the broom closet. "It's... new," he admitted, searching for the right words. "We didn’t want to make a big deal out of it yet."
Fred, sensing Oliver’s discomfort, couldn’t resist pushing the envelope further. He leaned in even closer, lowering his voice dramatically. "So, what you're saying is... This is a little bit more than secret knitting buddies?" His grin was so wide it threatened to split his face.
Pansy, who had been quietly observing with a smug grin of her own, finally joined in. "Oh, they’re definitely more than knitting buddies," she said, her tone teasing. "I saw it with my own eyes the other night." She winked at Aurora, who was practically sinking into her chair at this point.
Aurora groaned softly, burying her face in her hands again. "Pansy, please," she mumbled, though a smile tugged at her lips despite the embarrassment.
"Care to elaborate, Pans?" George asked with a gleeful grin, his eyes darting between Oliver and Aurora.
Pansy took a slow sip of her tea, clearly relishing her role in this. "Let’s just say," she began, casting a playful glance at Oliver, "that the blanket wasn’t the only thing she left behind at his place."
Fred let out an exaggerated gasp, clapping his hands dramatically. "Oh-ho! So, it is serious!"
Oliver groaned, his face flushing even more. "Alright, alright. Enough," he said, throwing his hands up in mock surrender. "We’re just taking things slow, alright? Nothing scandalous here."
Aurora, peeking out from behind her hands, nodded quickly. "Yeah, slow," she echoed, though the bright red flush on her cheeks suggested otherwise.
Fred leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying every second of this. "Well, whatever pace you’re going at, mate, good for you. It’s about time you found someone. And honestly, you couldn’t have picked a better knitting buddy."
George nodded in agreement, still chuckling. "Yeah, if this turns into more blankets, we’ll need to start taking bets on when you two move in together."
Pansy raised her cup in a mock toast. "To secret knitting and purple blankets," she said with a smirk.
The twins joined in, both raising their mugs with cheeky grins. "Hear, hear!"
Oliver, still grinning despite the teasing, stood up and stretched dramatically. "Now that you all know, can I have my seat back?" He pointed to the chair Fred had claimed right next to Aurora.
Fred, arms crossed and wearing a defiant smirk, declared, “When you lie to your friends, mate, you face the consequences.” He waggled his eyebrows mischievously, making no move to relinquish the spot.
Oliver rolled his eyes, but the playful challenge in Fred’s tone made him smirk. "Consequences, huh? That’s rich coming from you," he said. "You’re the last person who should be talking about honesty, Fred."
Fred remained stubborn, patting the seat next to him with a dramatic flourish. "I think this one's for me today. You can sit over here," he said, motioning to the other side of the table with a flourish. "Aurora deserves someone who won’t lie about secret relationships. Isn’t that right, love?"
Aurora gave a helpless laugh, shaking her head. "I think you’re enjoying this way too much, Fred," she said but didn’t make a move to protest his antics. Her cheeks were still flushed with embarrassment from the revelation.
Just as the other three boys arrived at their outdoor table, Fred stood up and, with a mischievous grin, said, “I’ll remember this. You’ll owe me.”
Oliver quickly placed a hand on Aurora’s leg under the tablecloth, a gesture of reassurance and a silent promise. The three newcomers immediately sensed the change in the group's dynamic. There was an air of smug satisfaction from Fred and George and a noticeable flush on Aurora’s cheeks.
Theodore, looking slightly puzzled, leaned over to Blaise. "What’s going on?"
Blaise shrugged, his curiosity piqued. "No idea, but they’re all acting like they’re in on some secret."
Fred, still grinning like a cat who’d caught the canary, gestured toward Oliver and Aurora. "Our boy Oliver here has been holding out on us. He and Aurora have been having some secret late-night knitting lessons together."
Oliver shot daggers at Fred, silently hoping he could will the words back into Fred’s mouth. His face reddened as Fred’s revelation hung in the air.
"Knitting?" Draco repeated, raising an eyebrow and snorting in disbelief. "Is that what we’re calling it now?"
As the three newcomers settled into their seats, their curiosity was clearly piqued. Blaise spoke first, his voice tinged with jealousy. “Pansy, did you know about these secret knitting lessons?”
Pansy, who had been quietly enjoying the banter, shrugged with a teasing smile. “Unfortunately, Blaise, I walked in on some of their secret knitting myself.”
Blaise’s expression shifted from curiosity to hurt. “You didn’t even tell me? I thought we were friends.”
Pansy raised an eyebrow, her tone light but with a hint of defensiveness. “Well, Blaise, you’ve been preoccupied with other things. Besides, it wasn’t exactly my place to broadcast it.”
Theodore leaned forward, trying to piece together the story. “So, this is more than just knitting, then?”
Fred, clearly enjoying the chaos, leaned back and crossed his arms. “Oh, definitely. There’s a lot more going on than just yarn and needles. Seems like Oliver and Aurora have been up to quite a bit more than just a few late-night crafting sessions.”
Oliver, feeling cornered, let out a resigned sigh. “Alright, alright, you’ve had your fun. Can we just move on from the knitting lessons?”
The group’s laughter filled the air, mingling with the morning sunlight. Despite the teasing and the awkwardness, Oliver felt a sense of warmth and camaraderie. Aurora’s smile, although slightly embarrassed, was genuine, and Oliver couldn’t help but feel grateful for the friends who, despite their relentless teasing, were also supportive.
Now that all of their friends knew their secret and they were far from the prying eyes of the wizarding world, Oliver felt a wave of relief and happiness wash over him. The morning had unfolded with a mix of humor and camaraderie, and as the group’s chatter filled the air, Oliver found himself basking in the comfort of Aurora’s presence.
With a contented sigh, Oliver gently draped his arm around Aurora’s shoulder, pulling her close. Aurora leaned into the embrace, her head resting against his shoulder. The simple gesture of affection felt like a small victory, a symbol of their newfound openness and the connection they had been building.
As Fred, George, Draco, and the others continued their animated discussion, Oliver found himself only half-listening. His mind was elsewhere, filled with the joy of finally being able to express his feelings for Aurora openly. The laughter and conversation around him seemed to fade into the background as he savored the warmth of Aurora’s proximity.
Oliver’s attention drifted back to the lively conversation led by Pansy and the twins, now focused on the quickly approaching Halloween. The excitement in the air was palpable as Pansy’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.
“With you two helping me, there is no way I don't have the best Halloween party this year. We are sure to make the front page of the Prophet,” Pansy declared with a confident grin.
Her enthusiasm was contagious, and Oliver couldn't help but smile at Pansy's ambitious plans. He knew from past experience how extravagant and exclusive Pansy's Halloween parties could be. Every year, Penelope had grumbled about not receiving an invite, and this year, Oliver felt a twinge of satisfaction knowing he would be attending while Penelope would once again be left out. It was a small, personal victory that added to his current sense of contentment.
As Fred and George began discussing their contributions to the party, Oliver leaned in closer, intrigued by their ideas. “I can only begin to think of all the tricks we can leave around,” Fred started, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
“Oh, and don’t forget the enchanted decorations,” George chimed in. “We’ll need something that will make the entire room look like it’s alive. Floating pumpkins, whispering ghosts—maybe even a few surprise spells for the guests.”
Pansy’s eyes sparkled with delight. “I was thinking of incorporating some interactive elements this year. Perhaps a maze of enchanted hedges that changes every hour?”
Fred and George exchanged an impressed glance. “Now that sounds like a challenge worth tackling,” Fred said, rubbing his hands together. “And I’ve got a few ideas for spell-infused candy that will give everyone a little ‘trick’ along with their treat.”
Theodore cut in with a grimace, “All I know is I’m not drinking any of that shite you had out last year. It had me puking up rainbows for hours.”
Draco nodded in agreement, adding, “That’s something we can all agree on. Pansy has always had such a heavy hand with the liquor for these parties.”
Pansy threw her hands up in mock defense, a playful pout on her lips. “I just want to make sure everyone has fun! It’s all about the experience, right?”
Aurora chimed in, a teasing smile on her face. “I don’t know about you, Pansy, but sleeping next to my toilet bowl is not my idea of fun.”
The group erupted into laughter, the tension from earlier fading away. Pansy rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her amusement. “Fine, fine. I’ll dial it back this year. Maybe I’ll focus more on the food and decorations.”
Fred, ever the instigator, leaned in with a smirk. “Just remember, Pansy, no matter how much you tone down the liquor, you will always find a way to make it a memorable night.”
George nodded in agreement, his expression playful. “And we’ll make sure to keep Theodore away from any questionable concoctions.”
Pansy’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she met his gaze. “Careful now, Fred. You’re treading on dangerous ground.” She leaned in slightly, her smile widening. “And believe me, I know how to handle a bit of danger.”
Fred’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Treading on dangerous ground is what I do best,” he replied, his voice low and playful.
Seeing the exchange with a bemused smile, Oliver nudged Aurora and drew her attention to the flirtatious banter. “I think Freddy’s flirting,” he said, chuckling softly.
Aurora glanced over and raised an eyebrow. “Well, I wouldn’t tell him to get his hopes up. Pansy’s flirty with everyone.