Bludger
The following Sunday, Gianna started joining them for their usual Sunday breakfast. The group recently began sitting inside the restaurant due to the rapid temperature drop in early November.
Gianna arrived, her cheeks still flushed from the brisk walk, and the familiar group greeted her. Sitting beside Oliver, Aurora watched with quiet amusement as George subtly pulled out the chair beside him. A small but unmistakable smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he motioned Gianna over. “Here, take this one. Best seat in the house,” he said casually, though there was a hint of something more in his tone.
Across the table, Pansy quickly ensured Gianna felt fully included. “So, Gianna, how was the rest of your weekend?” Pansy asked, her tone friendly and engaging.
Gianna, appreciating the warm welcome, joined the conversation. “It was good, thanks! Quiet, but I needed it after the party.” Her eyes darted briefly to George, who was busy buttering his toast with an exaggerated focus as if trying not to look too interested in the conversation.
Fred, ever the joker, chimed in. “Quiet? Well, that’s not how I remember the party ending!
Aurora leaned back in her chair, enjoying the lively chatter and the subtle glances George kept throwing Gianna’s way. She caught Oliver’s eye, and he gave her a knowing smile, clearly having noticed the same thing. There was something undeniably sweet about how George acted, and it didn’t escape anyone’s attention.
Gianna caught Aurora’s eyes watching her, and with a soft smile, she asked, “Rory, can you explain to me again how you guys all became friends?”
Aurora's eyes darted around the cozy restaurant, memories flickering in her mind like old snapshots. It wasn’t often she was asked to recount her friendships, and the swirl of moments, both old and new, made her pause for a second to gather her thoughts.
"Well," she began, smiling as she pieced together the story, "Draco, Blaise, Theo, and Pansy were already close back at Hogwarts. They were this tight-knit group, always together. It wasn’t until later that Pansy really welcomed me into their circle. We weren’t friends from the beginning, but somewhere along the way, she decided I belonged. And, well, the five of us have been best friends ever since."
Her eyes flicked to Pansy, who gave her a wink of confirmation as if to say, "You’ve always fit right in."
"That was our core group for the longest time," Aurora continued, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "But things changed recently when I started working for the Cannons. I had this... rather unusual run-in with Oliver."
Sitting across from her, Oliver smirked as if he knew exactly what she was about to say. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms, waiting for her to finish the story.
"Let’s just say it involved a freak coffee accident," Aurora said, laughing as she remembered how frazzled she’d been at the time. "It wasn’t exactly the best introduction, but it left an impression."
Pansy giggled, clearly recalling how Aurora had ranted about the encounter afterward.
Aurora’s smile widened. "Then, a few nights later, I met Oliver again at a club. He was out with the twins, and I ended up buying him an espresso martini." She gave a small shrug, knowing it sounded ridiculous but also knowing that moment had sparked something between them. "And from there, it just... clicked. His group sort of melded with ours, and now here we are."
Blaise raised an eyebrow. "You bought Oliver an espresso martini?" he repeated, laughing. "That’s how it started?"
George chuckled along, but Fred leaned in with a grin. "You should’ve seen her! All confident, striding up to the bar like it was no big deal, saying, 'You got the drink I bought you?'"
Aurora rolled her eyes playfully, though she couldn’t help but laugh. "It was a good drink choice, given the situation!"
Gianna smiled warmly, listening with interest as the story unfolded. "That’s such a good meet-cute," she said, glancing at Oliver with a teasing smile. "That's the kind of story people tell their kids." She laughed. The lightness of her comment meant to be playful.
But the laughter didn’t echo back. The rest of the group fell silent, an awkward tension settling over the table as all eyes subtly darted between Oliver and Aurora. Gianna, still unaware of their relationship, hadn't realized she’d hit on something sensitive.
Aurora felt the weight of everyone’s gaze, her heart skipping a beat. Her eyes met Oliver’s, and for a fleeting moment, neither of them knew how to respond. They had been careful, trying to keep their relationship under wraps—especially in front of people like Gianna, who didn’t know the full story.
The silence hung for a few seconds too long, and Gianna’s smile faded as she noticed the shift in the atmosphere. Realizing something was off, she quickly backtracked. "Oh, I didn’t mean to—" She fumbled over her words, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I know you’re just friends, I mean, obviously, right? I’m sorry if I said something out of line."
Ever the quick thinker, Pansy immediately jumped in to break the tension. "Oh, Gianna, don’t worry," she said, her tone light and breezy as if trying to smooth things over. "You didn’t say anything wrong at all."
Draco leaned back in his chair, watching the scene unfold with a knowing smirk, but he kept quiet, letting Pansy handle the situation. Blaise and Theodore exchanged glances, but neither spoke, while Fred and George gave Oliver subtle looks, waiting to see how he’d react.
Oliver finally cleared his throat, flashing Gianna a reassuring smile. "It’s alright, Gianna. You didn’t say anything out of line." He glanced at Aurora as if silently asking if she wanted to address the elephant in the room or keep the pretense up a little longer.
Feeling the moment was unavoidable, Aurora gave a small nod, more to herself than anyone else. "Actually," she began, her voice steady, "Oliver and I are… more than just friends."
Her gaze softened as she spoke, looking at Oliver for a second longer before turning back to Gianna. "We’ve been seeing each other for a while now. We just haven’t really been… public about it yet."
“Oh, you guys are so good at hiding it. I had no idea, really,” Gianna continued, her voice warm with sincerity. She looked between Aurora and Oliver, a mix of surprise and admiration in her eyes. “Don't worry, your secret is completely safe with me,” she added with a reassuring smile, her previous awkwardness fading.
The tension that had once been thick in the air gradually melted away, replaced by the familiar ease of their usual banter. The table's atmosphere shifted back to normal, and everyone began to relax, the awkward moment now behind them.
Aurora, feeling a sense of relief, laughed lightly. "Thanks, Gianna. I appreciate that." She glanced around at the group, who had already begun picking up their earlier conversations as if nothing had happened.
“So, who’s headed back to our place after this?” Fred asked, his smirk directed squarely at Pansy before expanding to include the entire group. The mischievous gleam in his eyes made Pansy roll hers in response, though she couldn’t suppress a small, playful smile.
George, always in sync with his twin, leaned back in his chair, casually resting his arm along the back of Gianna’s chair. “Yeah, we’ve got some new tricks we’re working on,” he chimed in. “Could use a few extra sets of eyes—or hands, if you're feeling adventurous.”
Draco raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth lifting in amusement. "Testing your latest inventions on us again, Weasley? How generous of you."
Fred’s grin only widened, clearly pleased with the reaction. “Come on, Pans. You’re no fun unless you’re mid-transformation.”
Blaise, ever the instigator, leaned in with a teasing grin. “Pansy. What’s a little harmless fun? ”
Oliver glanced at Aurora, giving her a playful nudge. "What do you think? Fancy a bit of chaos at Fred and George’s?"
Aurora smiled, relieved the tension had passed. "Sure, why not? Besides, it’s always fun watching you get roped into their pranks."
"Hey now," Oliver chuckled, "I'm just trying to survive like the rest of you."
Theodore, who had been sipping his drink with a smirk on his face, finally chimed in. "Fine. As long as we’re not used as test subjects, I’m in."
Aurora had never been to the twin's place, but she knew it was over the top of the joke shop. She could only imagine it had a vibrant color scheme similar to theirs and their shop.
Aurora had never been to the twins’ place, though she’d heard plenty about it. The flat, located just above their wildly popular joke shop, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, was rumored to be just as chaotic as the store itself. Aurora could only imagine the vibrant color schemes and eccentric decor that likely mirrored the Weasley twins’ eccentric personalities.
As they all agreed to head over, Fred and George exchanged a quick, excited glance, clearly delighted by the prospect of getting the whole gang into their flat. They paid the bill, and soon, the group was winding through Diagon Alley, the air crisp and tinged with the lingering scent of pumpkin spice from the nearby cafés.
The group climbed the stairs behind the shop, and as they reached the flat, Aurora's imagination hadn't quite done the place justice. When they stepped inside, they were greeted by an explosion of color and organized chaos. The walls were adorned with posters of their top-selling products, and shelves were filled with prototypes, spare parts, and half-finished gadgets. The room had a lived-in yet whimsical feel, with quirky trinkets and mismatched furniture that somehow perfectly captured the Weasleys' spirit.
"Welcome to the madness!" Fred announced grandly, sweeping his arm out as if presenting the flat like it was some kind of exhibit.
George added, “Feel free to browse, but—” he paused for dramatic effect, “beware of anything that looks too tempting.”
Once everyone had settled into Fred and George’s vibrant flat, George clapped his hands together with a grin. “Alright, who’s up for a little game?”
Fred’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “How about a round of ‘Exploding Snap’ or—" He glanced at Draco, Blaise, and Theo, smirking, “—something with a bit more bite? What do you say to ‘Wizard’s Dare’? Loser has to try one of our new prototypes.”
Pansy raised an eyebrow, her tone dripping with skepticism. “Wizard’s Dare? Do I even want to know what kind of dares you’ve concocted?”
Fred grinned wider. “Oh, don’t worry. It’s mostly harmless… emphasis on mostly.”
George rummaged through a drawer, pulling out a small enchanted box that lit up when placed on the table. “Here’s how it works. You take turns spinning this spinner, and wherever it lands, you either choose ‘truth’ or ‘dare.’ If you refuse either, well… you get to be our guinea pig.”
Intrigued, they gathered around the coffee table. Fred gave the spinner a good flick, and it whirred to life, glowing as it circled before finally landing on Pansy.
“Truth or dare, Pansy?” Fred asked with a devilish grin.
Pansy gave a long, exaggerated sigh. “Alright, dare. Let’s get this over with.”
Fred leaned forward, eyes gleaming with mischief. “I dare you to—wear this,” he said, pulling out a ridiculous, brightly colored hat from behind the couch. It had long, floppy ears that wiggled whenever the wearer moved.
Pansy stared at the hat for a moment before breaking into laughter. “Fine,” she said, grabbing the hat and plopping it on her head. “But if this ruins my hair, I’ll hex you both.”
Fred and George chuckled in unison. “You look stunning,” Fred remarked with a wink.
Next, the spinner landed on Oliver. He smirked and chose dare. Fred, never missing an opportunity for a prank, dared him to attempt to juggle three of their enchanted Skiving Snackboxes—items that occasionally sprouted legs and tried to scurry away.
Oliver accepted, though it was clear he wasn’t much of a juggler. As soon as he tossed the first snack box into the air, it sprouted tiny legs and scuttled across the table. Chaos ensued as Oliver tried to wrangle the runaway boxes while everyone else howled with laughter. Even Aurora was wiping away tears, thoroughly amused.
The game continued, each person falling victim to increasingly ridiculous dares and cheeky truths. When it was Aurora’s turn, she chose truth, and Fred immediately asked, “Alright, Aurora. What’s the most embarrassing thing Oliver’s done in front of you?”
Aurora grinned at Oliver, who groaned and covered his face. “Oh, that’s easy,” she began. “That time he tripped over his own feet trying to impress me at a Quidditch practice and ended up face-first in the mud.”
The group burst into laughter again, and Oliver shook his head, laughing along. “I thought we’d agreed never to speak of that again!”
As the game continued, the spinner eventually landed on Gianna. She paused for a moment before smiling and saying, “Dare.”
George, leaning forward with a mischievous grin, wasted no time. “I dare you to—hold on.” He pretended to think for a moment, eyes glinting with humor, before finishing with, “—flirt with the person sitting directly to your left.”
Of course, it was George himself sitting to her left, and the whole group burst into chuckles. Gianna raised an eyebrow at the absurdity of the dare, but she wasn’t one to back down. She turned slightly toward him, a playful smirk on her lips.
“Oh, George,” she began, her voice mockingly dramatic, “you’ve simply enchanted me with your wit and charm. How could any woman resist the allure of your—let’s call it ‘unique’ fashion sense?” She gestured to his mismatched, brightly colored socks peeking out from under his trousers.
George, always quick with a comeback, played along, dramatically placing a hand on his chest. “Ah, Gianna, it’s my terrible secret—I dress to impress only the boldest of witches.” He winked at her, his grin widening. “Lucky for me, you’ve got excellent taste.”
Gianna laughed, shaking her head. “Oh, is that what we’re calling it? Bold taste? I was going to say ‘terrible,’ but bold works too.”
The group howled at their banter, and Fred gave George an exaggerated nudge. “Looks like Georgie’s finally met his match.”
As the group gathered after the game, Fred made his way over to where Pansy was sitting, his usual mischievous grin in place. “So, Pans,” he began casually, leaning against the back of her chair. I couldn’t help but notice that you were suspiciously quiet during that last round of truth or dare. Avoiding the spotlight, are we?”
Pansy raised an eyebrow, giving him a sidelong glance. “I don’t need to play childish games to keep things interesting, Weasley,” she retorted, a playful smirk tugging at her lips.
Fred chuckled, clearly enjoying the challenge. “Oh, I see. Too mature for our little pranks and dares, huh? Or maybe,” he lowered his voice conspiratorially, “you’re just afraid of what I might dare you to do?”
Pansy rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the smile creeping onto her face. “Afraid? Of you? Hardly. I just prefer to keep my dignity intact, unlike you and your chaotic twin.”
Fred feigned being wounded, dramatically clutching his chest. “Dignity? Pans, you wound me! I thought you enjoyed our chaos—just a little bit. Admit it, you’d be bored stiff without us keeping things lively.”
Pansy gave him a once-over, her smile widening. “You do make things... interesting. I’ll give you that, Weasley. But don’t get any ideas.”
Fred leaned in just a little closer, eyes twinkling with amusement. “Ideas? Me? Never. I’m just here to enjoy the company of a beautiful witch who thinks she’s above our fun, but deep down, she knows she’s not.”
Pansy couldn’t help but laugh at his persistence. “Flattery, Fred? I thought you’d come up with something more original by now. You're slipping.”
Fred’s grin didn’t falter. “Oh, trust me, Pans. I’ve got plenty more tricks up my sleeve. I’m just warming up.”
“Is that so?” Pansy replied, her tone teasing as she crossed her arms. “Let’s see you back up all that talk.”
Never one to back down from a challenge, Fred tilted his head, eyes bright with mischief. “Careful what you wish for, Pansy. I’ve got a whole arsenal of tricks—and if you’re lucky, I might even let you in on a few.”
Pansy leaned forward slightly, locking eyes with him. “Keep dreaming, Weasley. But I’ll admit, you’ve got my attention... for now.”
Fred’s smile widened as if her words were a victory in themselves. “That’s all I need.”
As they wrapped up for the night, George walked Gianna to the door. “You know,” he said with a grin, “I wasn’t kidding about you having excellent taste—especially if you choose to spend more time with us.”
As the evening went on, Fred and Pansy's playful banter became the background music to the group's ongoing chatter. Pansy, though pretending to be unaffected, couldn't help but be drawn into Fred's constant quips and charming smile. Meanwhile, George, ever observant, seemed to be subtly positioning himself closer to Gianna whenever the chance arose.
At one point, Gianna, laughing at something Draco had said, turned to find George standing behind her with a grin. "You always manage to sneak up on me," she said, giving him a mock-accusing look.
George feigned innocence, raising his hands. "Sneak? Me? I was just trying to get a better view of the room." He tilted his head, adding with a wink, "Though the view over here isn’t too bad either."
Gianna raised an eyebrow but smiled, clearly amused by his attempt. "Smooth, George. Very smooth. Do you use that line often?"
"Only when it works," George replied, leaning a little closer, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. "Which it seems to be."
Gianna rolled her eyes but was clearly flattered. "You Weasleys and your charm."
"I can't speak for Fred," George said with a sly smile, glancing over at his twin, who was still deep in conversation with Pansy, "but I like to think I’m the more refined twin."
Gianna laughed, her eyes sparkling as she shook her head. "Refined? I’ve seen you in action at your shop. You’re as chaotic as Fred, maybe more."
"Ah, but it’s controlled chaos," George quipped, leaning just a bit closer. "Besides, I’m only chaotic when I’m inspired."
Gianna tilted her head slightly, amusement in her gaze. "And what inspires you?"
George gave her a lopsided grin, his eyes locking with hers. "Good company. Maybe you’ll stick around more often to see what happens."
As the laughter from Fred and George’s antics filled the room, Oliver leaned closer to Aurora, his arm casually draped over the back of her chair. His voice was low, just for her. “You know,” he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement, “Fred’s not the only one who can charm his way into a conversation.”
Aurora gave him a sidelong glance, her lips curving into a smile. “Oh really? And what exactly are you trying to charm me into, Wood?”
Oliver chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Oh, nothing too devious,” he said, his tone light but his eyes held a warmth that made her pulse quicken. “Just making sure you’re having fun, is all. You looked like you could use a little distraction from all the Weasley chaos.”
Aurora playfully raised an eyebrow. “And you think you’re up for the challenge of distracting me?”
“Considering my track record,” Oliver said with a sly grin, leaning in just enough to close the space between them, “I’d say I’m doing a pretty good job already.”
Aurora’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she kept her composure. She tilted her head, pretending to consider it. “Hmm… I don’t know. You might have to try a little harder than that.”
Oliver chuckled, the sound deep and soft. “Is that a challenge?”
Aurora smirked, leaning in just enough so that their faces were mere inches apart. “Maybe it is.”
For a moment, the air between them seemed to crackle, their playful teasing blending with something deeper. Oliver’s gaze dropped briefly to her lips before returning to her eyes, and Aurora felt a thrill rush through her at the intensity of his look.
“Well,” he said in a voice that was almost a whisper, “I never back down from a challenge.”
Aurora’s heart raced as their banter turned more intimate. She could feel the warmth of his arm against her back, the way his hand brushed lightly against her shoulder. “Good,” she whispered back, her voice soft but teasing. “I wouldn’t want you to.”
The conversation around them continued, but at that moment, it was as if the rest of the group faded away. Aurora’s hand subtly brushed against his, their fingers briefly tangling before she pulled away, giving him a playful smirk.
Oliver’s grin widened. “Careful, Aurora. You keep teasing me like that, and I might just have to steal you away from the group.”
Aurora laughed softly, the sound full of mischief. “Maybe I’m waiting for you to try.”
Oliver’s eyes gleamed, his voice low as he leaned in just enough so that their foreheads nearly touched. “Then consider it done.”
Oliver and Aurora found a moment to step outside onto the small balcony overlooking the city. The cool night air was a welcome change from the warmth of the party.
Oliver leaned against the railing, looking out over the cityscape, and Aurora joined him, standing close enough that their shoulders brushed.
The chill of the evening was apparent, and Aurora hugged Oliver around the waist. He placed an arm around her, trying to keep them warm. They stood there enjoying each other's embrace and staring at the city lights. The quiet, dim city was vast in comparison to the bustling apartments behind them.
Oliver and Aurora had stressfu weeks when any of the Quidditch matches were home games. The pair who each put their heart and soul into their work found them selves very tired because of the added pressure of the home games.
Oliver and Aurora had endured a series of stressful weeks, particularly when any of the Quidditch matches were home games. Both of them poured their heart and soul into their work, but the added pressure of performing well in front of their home crowd left them feeling exhausted. Despite the strain, the presence of their friends at the games provided a small but significant comfort, bringing a sense of excitement and support.
Gianna, who was in her third season with the Cannons, was less nervous than her friends. She found solace in knowing her friends were there, cheering her on. Blaise and Draco’s prominent positions in their respective fields allowed the group to secure box seats right around the playing level. This proximity gave the friends an excellent view of the game and allowed them to support their team up close.
Aurora, who was more accustomed to the ground level, found herself struggling to follow the fast-paced action high above. The game’s strategies and plays were complex, and she often relied on Gianna to explain what was happening when neither of them was focused on aiding a player. Aurora could see that the Cannons were performing well despite her limited understanding. Oliver was making impressive saves, and the team was winning most of their games.
However, on this particular game day, Oliver was visibly anxious. He confided in Aurora in the locker room about his fears. The opposing team had been performing exceptionally well this season, and Oliver, who was known for his competitive spirit, dreaded losing, especially in front of his friends. The pressure was mounting, and he was deeply concerned about the possibility of a loss.
As the game began, it was closely contested, with both teams exchanging scores. Aurora, watching from the ground, felt a growing unease as she saw Oliver, high above, visibly tense. The game was intense, and Oliver’s frustration was palpable.
About 45 minutes into the match, Aurora was assisting another player who had injured his shoulder when a sudden gasp from the crowd caught her attention. She turned around just in time to see Oliver being struck by a bludger. Her heart sank as she watched him plummet towards the ground. When he hit the ground, he remained still, and panic surged through Aurora.
The coaches acted quickly, sending in another keeper to ensure the game wouldn’t slip away due to the lack of a player. Aurora’s instinct was to run to Oliver, but Gianna’s hand gripped her arm firmly. “You’re just a physical therapist,” Gianna said, her voice low but urgent. It was clear she was trying to prevent Aurora from revealing their personal connection to the public.
A male mediwizard arrived swiftly, expertly placing Oliver onto a gurney and rolling him into a nearby room. Gianna, determined to protect Aurora from the potential fallout, continued to hold Aurora’s arm tightly despite Aurora’s frantic pleas to be let go. After a tense moment, “He’s just a player to you right now.”
At that instant, the head therapist appeared, their stern gaze focused on the situation. “Gianna! Go aid Wood,” the therapist ordered. Gianna’s hand slipped from Aurora’s arm as he spoke.
“I think this could be a good time for Aurora to learn. Let her go aid Wood,” Gianna said confidently, her voice carrying a note of authority, one that she often had while working.
The therapist glanced between the two, assessing the urgency of the situation. “Fine, go quickly,” the therapist said, looking pointedly at Aurora.
Aurora, feeling a rush of adrenaline, moved at a pace just below a run. She burst through the door to find the male mediwizard performing a quick diagnostic with his wand, checking Oliver’s vitals. The room was a flurry of controlled activity, but the focus was solely on Oliver.
Oliver looked pale and unmoving, his face contorted in a way that made Aurora’s heart clench. She had to stop her voice from shaking as she approached the gurney. “What can I do to help?” she asked, trying to maintain composure as she reached the table where Oliver’s lifeless body lay.
The male mediwizard glanced up, his face set in a professional mask. “We need to assess his injuries and stabilize him first. You can assist by preparing the necessary potions and bandages,” he instructed, his voice calm yet urgent.
Aurora nodded, quickly moving to gather the required supplies from the nearby shelves. The room was filled with the sound of the mediwizard’s wand casting diagnostic spells and the soft clinking of potion vials. Aurora’s hands trembled slightly as she worked, but she forced herself to focus on the task at hand. Every moment felt stretched as she worked to support the medical team in their efforts to save Oliver.
As the minutes ticked by, Aurora’s hope for Oliver grew with each passing second. The weight of the situation bore down heavily on her, but she remained resolute, determined to do everything she could for the man she cared about deeply. Her thoughts were a jumbled mix of worry and fear, and she silently pleaded for Oliver’s recovery.
When the mediwizard and the other healers had finished their initial work and left the room, Aurora found herself alone with Oliver. Taking a deep breath, she made a conscious effort to steady her hands and calm her racing heart. She gently placed her hand on Oliver’s, her touch tender and full of unspoken affection. She could feel the faint warmth of his skin beneath her fingers and hoped it was a sign that he was still fighting.
Suddenly, the door burst open, and Aurora quickly withdrew her hand, her heart skipping a beat. She turned to see her friends—Fred, George, Pansy, Gianna, and the others—standing in the doorway. Relief washed over her, but the interruption momentarily flustered her. In an attempt to mask her emotions and busy herself, she hurriedly started rearranging the supplies and pretending to be absorbed in her work.
Fred’s eyes met hers, a mixture of concern and curiosity evident in his gaze. “How’s he doing?” he asked, his voice low and gentle.
Aurora glanced at the gurney, her expression a mix of hope and exhaustion. “The mediwizards are doing everything they can,” she said, her voice strained but steady. “We just have to wait and see.”
George stepped closer, his eyes shifting from Aurora to Oliver. “Is there anything we can do to help?”
Aurora shook her head, her eyes still on Oliver’s pale face. “Right now, just being here is helpful. I think it might be a while before we know anything for sure.”
Gianna walked to Oliver and began checking his vitals.
Fred approached Aurora, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “We’re here for you,” he said quietly. “If you need anything, just let us know.”
Aurora gave him a grateful smile, her eyes reflecting her anxiety. “Thank you, Fred. I really appreciate it.”
Pansy, who had been standing quietly with her arms crossed, finally spoke up. “You’ve been amazing tonight, Aurora. Just keep doing what you’re doing.”
Draco, leaning against the wall with a concerned expression, added, “We’ll stay here as long as it takes. Oliver’s a tough one; he’ll pull through.”
As Aurora and Gianna worked diligently over Oliver, ensuring his bones were set properly and healing, the room was a tight squeeze, filled with concerned friends. The air was thick with tension, and the atmosphere became more charged when a young mediwitch entered, her eyes widening at the sight of so many people in the small room.
Draco, always quick to take charge in tense situations, spoke up before the young witch could say anything. “What is his condition?” he asked, his tone authoritative and demanding.
The young mediwitch, clearly startled by the face in front of her, glanced nervously at Draco before responding. “Well, it seems he has broken several bones—”
Her explanation was abruptly cut off by Gianna, who had a sharp look in her eyes. “And who exactly reset these bones? It looks rushed and unfinished,” she demanded, her gaze unwavering as she scrutinized the mediwitch.
The young witch’s face paled further under Gianna’s scrutiny, and she hesitated. Theodore, his concern evident, interjected. “Bones can be fixed, but why hasn’t he woken up yet?” This was the first time Aurora had seen Theodore show such a genuine concern for Oliver.
The mediwitch, visibly trembling now, took a deep breath before responding. “He fell from a great height, so it's possible he’s suffering from a concussion.” Her eyes darted nervously around the room, recognizing the influential wizards and witches surrounding her.
Fred, his frustration palpable, chimed in with a sharp edge to his voice. “Possible? You don’t know for sure if he has a concussion.? He fell fifty feet straight to the ground. It’s common sense that he has one!” His anger was evident, and it was clear he felt a deep sense of urgency.
Pansy, ever the voice of reason and comfort, placed a soothing hand on Fred’s arm. “I’m sorry, dear. It’s just that Oliver is our dear friend, and we want to make sure he makes it through this without any complications.” Her gentle touch and calming words helped to diffuse Fred’s anger, and the mediwitch seemed to relax slightly.
George, usually more reserved, asked quietly, “When can he leave?”
The mediwitch, her nerves steadied by Pansy’s intervention, answered more calmly. “As soon as he wakes up, he can be discharged. We’ll give him a simple treatment plan to follow while he’s at home and recommend strong bed rest.”
Aurora, who had been silent up until now, finally spoke. “It could be hours before he wakes up. I’ve been monitoring his vitals every fifteen minutes, and there are no signs of him waking up yet.”
The mediwitch nodded, her tone more assured. “It’s possible that he could wake up within a few hours. The signs of waking up can often be rapid and might not show up on the vital signs immediately.”
The group collectively exhaled, their concern tempered by the mediwitch’s reassurances. They remained in the room, quietly waiting and offering support, their thoughts, and emotions a mixture of hope and apprehension as they anxiously awaited Oliver’s recovery.
The group had reached a silent consensus that they wouldn’t leave Oliver’s side, no matter how long it took for him to wake. Blaise, taking charge of the logistical details, had wandered around the small room, collecting chairs and arranging them so that everyone could be comfortably seated.
Aurora positioned her chair right beside Oliver’s bed, making sure her hand was gently resting on his. The contact provided her with a small measure of solace, a tangible connection to the man she cared about so deeply. Her gaze never strayed far from Oliver’s face, her eyes filled with a mix of worry and hope.
Pansy settled into a chair near Fred, noticing the tension in his posture. She leaned her head on his shoulder, offering him silent comfort. Her presence was a soothing balm, a reminder that even in the midst of this crisis, they were not alone.
Blaise, Draco, and Theodore took up seats against the wall, their conversation low and restrained. They discussed the situation in hushed tones, their expressions reflecting the gravity of the moment. The usual banter was absent, replaced by a serious discussion about Oliver’s condition and the implications for their friend.
Gianna positioned herself close to Oliver as well, her professional instinct guiding her actions. She wanted to be ready to assist at a moment’s notice if anything changed with his condition. George, sitting next to her, looked over with a concerned expression.
“Gianna, can you explain in detail what happened to Oliver?” George asked, his voice laced with both curiosity and concern.
Gianna nodded, her tone steady as she began to describe Oliver’s injuries. “From what I’ve seen, Oliver sustained multiple fractures from the impact. His bones were not set properly, which could complicate his recovery. Additionally, the height from which he fell means there’s a high risk of concussion, which we need to monitor closely. The mediwizard did what they could in the short time they had, but it’s important that we keep a close eye on him.”
As Gianna spoke, George listened intently, absorbing the details. His usual playful demeanor was replaced with a serious focus, reflecting the gravity of the situation. The room remained filled with quiet tension; each person lost in their thoughts as they waited for any sign of Oliver waking up.
Aurora’s attention remained firmly on Oliver, her mind racing with thoughts of what might be. She fought to keep her composure, her eyes periodically shifting to the clock on the wall, which now read a quarter to 3 in the morning. The night seemed to stretch endlessly, each second dragging on as she anxiously awaited any sign of Oliver’s recovery.
At one point, Oliver’s fingers twitched slightly. Aurora’s heart skipped a beat as she leaned closer, her eyes widening in hope. “Gianna, did you see that?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, almost as if speaking too loudly might break the fragile spell of hope.
Gianna’s eyes flicked toward Oliver, her expression intense and focused. “I did. It’s a good sign. His body might be starting to react to the treatment. We just need to be patient.”
Aurora’s gaze darted around the room, looking to share the good news with the others. She noticed Pansy had fallen fast asleep on Fred’s shoulder, Fred’s head resting lightly on Pansy’s. The sight of them, both exhausted yet comforted by each other’s presence, was a small comfort to Aurora.
She turned to the boys, who had also drifted into sleep against the wall. Draco, Blaise, and Theodore were slumped in their chairs, their exhaustion evident in the way they had given in to the demands of the long night.
It was now just Aurora, George, and Gianna awake in the small, cramped room. Aurora didn’t mind that everyone had fallen asleep; she understood the toll the night had taken on them all. The fact that her friends had chosen to stay rather than leave, despite the discomfort of the tight space, meant a lot to her. Their solidarity and support were tangible, even in the silent stillness of the room.
George, who had been quietly watching Oliver, finally spoke up in a soft voice. “It’s good to see some signs of improvement, even if they’re small. I’m sure he’ll wake up soon.”
Aurora nodded, her gaze shifting back to Oliver’s still form. “I hope so. I just want him to be okay. He’s been through so much, and I want to be there for him.”
As the clock inched closer to 4 am, Aurora’s fatigue began to blur the edges of her focus. However, she suddenly became alert when she noticed Oliver’s eyelids fluttering. Her heart raced with a mixture of hope and anxiety. Gianna, who had been sitting near George, who was now slumped and barely keeping his eyes open, noticed Aurora’s tension.
Gianna stood up from her seat with a determined look. She could see how exhausted Aurora was and recognized that this process had been especially hard on her. With a gentle, reassuring smile, she addressed Aurora, “Rory, why don’t you get some rest? I’ll check on Oliver. You need to recharge. Take my seat next to George; he looks like he has a shoulder you can rest on.”
Aurora, grateful for the opportunity to rest, agreed without hesitation. “Please, wake me up before Oliver fully wakes up,” she requested, her voice tinged with both exhaustion and gratitude.
Gianna nodded firmly. “Absolutely. I’ll make sure you’re the first to know. Rest easy.”
Aurora moved to Gianna’s seat, sinking into the chair beside George. As she settled in, she noticed George’s broad shoulder, which, despite the circumstances, seemed to offer a small measure of comfort. Gianna’s professionalism and selflessness were striking, especially given how late and trying the night had been. Aurora felt a deep sense of appreciation for her friend’s dedication and composure.
With a final glance at Oliver, who was slowly regaining consciousness, Aurora closed her eyes, allowing herself to drift into a much-needed rest. She trusted Gianna to keep her informed and hoped that Oliver would be more alert when she woke and on the path to recovery. As she began to relax into the chair, she was comforted by the thought that despite the trials of the night, her friends’ support would see them through.