The Cannons

Oliver’s other senses gradually returned to him before his eyes opened. He was enveloped in a soft murmur of voices—the low, comforting tones of Fred and George and a more intimate conversation between Gianna and Aurora. Though his brain was still foggy and not fully operational, the soothing rhythm of their voices provided a strange sense of reassurance. The smell of fresh coffee wafted through the room, mingling with the metallic tang of blood that lingered in his mouth.

His body ached all over, his bones felt like they were on fire, and a pounding headache made it difficult for him to concentrate. He could feel the warmth of a soft hand enveloping his own, adding a small measure of comfort amidst the pain. As his eyes fluttered open, he was initially met with a blinding brightness. Oliver's first instinct was that this injury was worse than any he had experienced before.

The light and the pounding in his head made it hard to focus. He attempted to speak, but when he opened his mouth, no sound emerged. Frustrated and exhausted, he let his eyes fall shut again, his head drooping to the side. The surrounding murmurs grew louder, and he could hear his friends moving closer, their presence a comforting, if distant, sound.

He made another effort, trying to call out Aurora’s name. “Auro—” he rasped, but his voice was barely a whisper.

Suddenly, he felt a gentle squeeze on his hand, and he forced his eyes open once more. This time, the figures around him began to come into clearer focus. His friends' faces came into view—Fred, George, Pansy, Draco, Theodore, and Blaise, all of them gathered around him with expressions of concern and relief.

Aurora was closest to him, her face a mixture of worry and hope. The sight of all his friends there, their unwavering support evident in their eyes, brought a flicker of warmth to Oliver’s heart amidst his discomfort. Despite the lingering pain and fog in his mind, the knowledge that he was surrounded by the people who cared for him gave him a renewed sense of strength.

Oliver tried to sit up, but as soon as he moved, he felt a firm but gentle pressure on his shoulder. He looked up to see Gianna’s face, her lips moving quickly as she gestured for him to stay put. Her expression was a mix of concern and authority, and Oliver understood that she was insisting he remain lying down for now.

He let his head fall back against the pillow, his gaze shifting to Aurora. Her face was a canvas of relief and joy, tears glistening in her eyes. Her soft, tearful smile was the most comforting sight amidst the haze of pain and disorientation.

When Oliver managed to speak, his voice was raspy but filled with a playful undertone. “You thought you could get rid of me that easy?”

Aurora’s face brightened with a mixture of amusement and emotion. Before Oliver could react further, she threw her arms around him in a tight embrace. The suddenness and intensity of her hug caused a jolt of pain through his aching body, but he welcomed it, wrapping his arms around her in return.

“Oliver, don’t you ever scare us like that again,” Aurora whispered, her voice trembling.

Despite the discomfort, Oliver found reassurance in the embrace. He could see the relieved expressions on the faces of the other witches and wizards in the room. All of them visibly relaxed now that Oliver was awake and somewhat responsive. Their presence was a reassuring reminder of the support he had, even in the midst of the most challenging moments.
Oliver had started to feel more like himself as the mediwitch confirmed he could go home, with the condition that he stay in bed for a while. Though the news was a relief, the idea of being confined to bed wasn't particularly thrilling. The group, still buzzing with the relief of seeing Oliver awake, decided to gather at his place for breakfast, which was now a Sunday tradition they didn’t want to miss.

Aurora had transformed Oliver’s home into a welcoming space for their large group. Her touch had made it a cozy haven with comfortable seating and a warm ambiance that perfectly suited their needs.

George, ever the resourceful one, took it upon himself to conjure one of the chairs in Oliver’s living room into a makeshift bed. This allowed Oliver to be with everyone while still keeping comfortable and properly resting. Fred and Pansy had ventured out to the Red Ram to pick up breakfast, ensuring that their meal would be a hearty one.

As the group settled into the cozy living room, the quiet hum of the Muggle television added a sense of calm to the space. The movie played softly in the background, blending with the sound of relaxed breathing and occasional quiet conversations. The exhaustion from the long night was evident—dark circles under eyes, slouched postures—but the mood was far lighter now, buoyed by Oliver's recovery and the company of friends.

Aurora, noticing the group’s fatigue, had suggested putting on something lighthearted, hoping to distract them from their worries and help everyone unwind. She had set up the Muggle television for Oliver a few weeks ago, and now it had become a staple of their quiet moments together. It was one of her little ways of bringing a touch of normalcy and comfort into their otherwise hectic lives.

Gianna, who had been vigilant throughout the night, keeping a close watch on Oliver, finally succumbed to her exhaustion. She had refused to rest until she was certain he was stable, but now, the toll of the sleepless hours caught up with her. As she curled up on the couch, her head resting against George's shoulder, she quickly drifted into a deep sleep. George, who had been quietly observing her exhaustion, didn’t hesitate to wrap an arm around her and pulled her closer, ensuring she was comfortable. His face softened as he watched her sleep, and he gave a gentle smile, clearly enjoying the moment.

Fred and Pansy entered the room with bright smiles, their arms full of steaming boxes of breakfast from the Red Ram. The scent of eggs, sausages, and pastries wafted through the room, immediately lifting everyone’s spirits. Fred, always the joker, beamed at the sight of the group lounging comfortably.

“We brought enough to feed an army!” Fred announced with his usual enthusiasm, setting the boxes down with a flourish. “So no excuses, dig in!”

Pansy smiled warmly, placing a hand on Fred’s shoulder as she finished setting up the food. “Oliver, we thought you’d appreciate a real meal after everything. You must be starving.”

Oliver, who hadn’t realized how hungry he was until the smell hit him, looked up with a grateful grin. “Starving is an understatement,” he admitted, his eyes scanning the spread. When Aurora offered to make him a plate, he nodded eagerly. “A bit of everything, if you don’t mind.”

As Aurora carefully filled a plate for Oliver, he noticed her preparing another one for George. She kept her movements slow and quiet so as not to disturb Gianna, who was still fast asleep against him. Oliver watched Aurora with a soft expression, appreciating her thoughtfulness not just toward him but toward all their friends.

“She really was amazing last night,” Aurora whispered to Oliver as she handed him his plate. Her eyes flickered toward Gianna and George, her gratitude evident. “She never left your side.”

Oliver smiled and took a bite of his food, the warmth of the moment settling over him. "I owe her and you," he said quietly, his voice filled with emotion. "I’m lucky to have all of you."

During the following week, the Weasley twins spent a lot of time with Oliver, keeping him company while Aurora was away at work. Their laughter and lively antics filled Oliver’s home, providing much-needed distractions from his bed rest. However, as Thursday approached—the night Oliver usually cooked dinner for Aurora, Pansy, and most recently Gianna as well—he began to feel a subtle shift in the dynamics of their friend group.

Aurora had suggested that instead of the usual dinner at home, the girls could go out for the evening since Oliver was still recovering and unable to cook. She proposed that the twins stay with him for dinner instead. While Oliver appreciated the idea, there was a part of him that longed to cook for the girls as he had before. He secretly planned the meals in his head, thinking about the different dishes he would have prepared, remembering how much they always appreciated his efforts. It wasn't just about the food—it was about the shared moments, the warmth, and the way they made him feel like part of something special.

As Aurora prepared for her night out with Pansy and Gianna, she got ready at Oliver’s place, as she’d been doing for the past week. She’d practically moved in to be by his side, ensuring he had everything he needed. The twins, always helpful, took this opportunity to go out and fetch dinner for the boys.

“You know, if you or the boys need anything, I am just one Floo away,” Aurora reminded Oliver, her voice gentle yet firm, as she slipped into the living room, dressed for dinner. She seemed hesitant to leave him despite his reassurances that he was recovering well.

Oliver chuckled, looking up from the bed George had conjured in the living room for him. “Rory, I’ve been hurt plenty of times before. It's not even the first time I've been knocked out of the air by a bludger.”

Aurora crossed the room, her expression softening as she knelt beside him. “I don’t care if you get hurt a hundred times—each time, I’ll care just as much.” She smiled, leaning down to kiss him gently, a gesture filled with love and concern.

Just then, the door swung open, and the twins returned, arms laden with food. The scent of freshly made takeaway filled the room as they strode in with wide grins.

Fred immediately chimed in, “We’ve got a feast, mate! You’ll be eating like a king tonight.”

Aurora turned to them, her hands on her hips in mock seriousness. “Now, you two better be on your best behavior. When I come home tonight, Oliver better still be in one piece, got it?”

The twins exchanged mischievous glances, George raising an eyebrow in playful defiance. “Us? Misbehave? Never,” he said with an innocent grin, though the twinkle in his eye suggested otherwise.

Fred chimed in, “Don’t worry, Aurora, we’ll treat him like royalty. Or, you know, something close to that.”

Aurora rolled her eyes but smiled warmly. She knew that despite their jokes, the twins would take good care of Oliver. After one last lingering glance at him, she gathered her things, kissed him on the forehead, and headed out the door, leaving the boys to their night.

The twins spread out the containers of food across the living room table, revealing a feast far larger than what three people could possibly eat. Oliver couldn’t help but be amazed at how much they’d ordered, though he knew Fred and George well enough to expect they'd devour most of it. The familiar aromas from The Three Broomsticks filled the room, a comforting reminder of their shared past.

Fred, as usual, took charge of the situation, piling a plate high with food and handing it to Oliver. “Eat up, mate. Gotta keep you in fighting shape if you want back on that broom soon.”

As the evening went on, the twins made themselves comfortable, flipping through channels on Oliver's Muggle television. It had quickly become a staple of their hangouts, especially for Fred, who provided his own comedic commentary on everything they watched. Between mouthfuls of food and jokes, the room filled with laughter and familiarity.

Amidst the banter, George’s tone shifted slightly. He glanced at Oliver, his voice more thoughtful than usual. “You know, it’s not just the food. I’ve really missed this. Feels a lot like old times, back at Hogwarts.”

Oliver nodded, feeling a twinge of nostalgia. “Yeah, I’ve missed it too. Life has a way of getting ahead of you. Before you know it, months have gone by, and you barely notice.”

Fred, never one to stay serious for long, chimed in with a grin. “Busy’s an understatement. You’ve got Quidditch, the Cannons actually winning matches, and then there’s everything with Aurora. You’ve got it all worked out, haven’t you?”

Oliver chuckled, though there was a touch of sincerity in his voice. “She’s been incredible. I don’t know what I’d do without her. Sticking by me through this whole injury, even moving in for the week. I’m lucky to have her.”

George smirked, leaning forward slightly. “Sounds like you’re sorted, mate.”

Oliver, not one to miss a chance to tease, shot back. “You’re one to talk, George. I saw you with Gianna on Sunday—you practically invited her to sit in your lap.”

Fred, already halfway through his drink, burst out laughing, almost choking at the thought. “Oh, don’t even start! Georgie here was blushing redder than a Gryffindor scarf!”

George, flustered but grinning, shrugged. “Alright, alright, maybe I like her a bit. What’s wrong with that?”

Fred, still grinning, leaned back and crossed his arms. “Not a thing, mate. Just don’t pretend you’re not completely smitten.”

Fred's laughter echoed in the room as George playfully turned the tables. “And you, Fred? You’d kiss the ground Pansy walks on if she so much as hinted at it.”

Fred shot him a mock-offended look, raising his hands in defense, but the grin tugging at his lips betrayed him. “Oi! It’s not like that... well, maybe a little,” he confessed, chuckling along with his brother.

Oliver, sitting back with a knowing smile, joined in. “You know, when I first met Gianna, I thought, ‘This girl is perfect for George.’ But Fred? You and Pansy? Never would have guessed that one.”

Fred let out another laugh, shrugging. “What can I say? I like to keep people on their toes. Full of surprises, me.” His eyes sparkled with mischief, but there was a hint of sincerity underneath. “I’m not sure it’s going to go anywhere, but I do like the flirty banter we’ve got going on right now. It’s fun, y’know?”

George, however, wasn’t having any of the lightheartedness when it came to Gianna. He leaned forward, his expression a little more serious. “Count me out of that,” he said, cutting in. “I’d like to have more than just flirty banter with Gianna. I want a real chance at something... more.”

Oliver glanced at George, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. It wasn’t often that George got serious, especially about matters of the heart, but Oliver knew this was different. “So you’re really thinking of taking it further, then?”

George nodded slowly, a small, thoughtful smile on his face. “Yeah, I am. I mean, I don’t know. It just feels right. I don’t want to rush it, but I also don’t want to stay in that weird in-between stage forever.”

Fred clapped his brother on the shoulder, his grin softening into something more genuine. “Well, good for you, mate. Gianna’s great, and she’s clearly fond of you too.”

George smiled, though there was still a hint of nervousness in his expression. “Yeah, I just hope it’s not all in my head, y’know?”

Oliver, watching the exchange between the two brothers, couldn’t help but feel a swell of appreciation for the bond they shared. Even though Fred and George had always been jokers, they had each other’s backs when it mattered most. And right now, it was clear George needed Fred’s support.

“You’re overthinking it, mate,” Oliver said, breaking the brief silence. “Gianna’s not the type to play games. If she’s spending time with you, it’s because she wants to.”

Fred nodded in agreement. “Exactly. Just be yourself, George. It’s what got you this far with her, and it’s what’ll take things further. Besides, you’re not bad company.”

George let out a small laugh, the tension easing from his shoulders. “Yeah, maybe you’re right.”

Fred leaned back, a satisfied grin on his face. “See? Easy as that. You’ll be planning a fancy date before you know it.”

“And what about you, Fred?” Oliver asked, raising an eyebrow. “What’s your next move with Pansy?”

Fred sighed dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. “Oh, you know me. I’ll keep being my charming self and see where it goes. I like where we are right now, though. Pansy’s fun, and we’ve got a good thing going. No need to mess with it—yet.”

Oliver smirked, knowing that Fred wasn’t the type to sit still for long when it came to romantic pursuits. But he also knew Pansy had a way of keeping Fred on his toes, which was probably why Fred liked her so much.

As the evening wore on, the conversation drifted back to Quidditch and work, but the undercurrent of their discussions about relationships lingered in the air. Oliver couldn’t help but think about how much things had changed for all of them. They weren’t kids at Hogwarts anymore—life was moving on, and with it, their friendships were evolving too.

As the night deepened, the trio found themselves surrounded by the warmth of their shared stories, laughter, and food. The Three Broomsticks' meal was nearly polished off, with plates now scattered across the coffee table. The gentle hum of the television playing some old Muggle film added a layer of background noise, though none of them were really watching.

Fred reclined back into the couch, hands resting on his stomach, clearly satisfied from the feast. “Merlin’s beard, I haven’t eaten like that in ages. Aurora’s going to kill me for leaving the place in this state.”

Oliver chuckled, still lying on the makeshift bed. “She’s gotten used to it, I think. Between you two and me, this place barely stays clean for more than a few days.”

George, still lounging near the TV, glanced over at Oliver. “Speaking of Aurora, how are you feeling about the whole thing? You two are getting pretty serious now, aren’t you?”

There was a brief silence as Oliver thought about his answer. Things had indeed gotten serious between him and Aurora. Her practically moving in while he recovered had felt natural, and he couldn’t deny how much he enjoyed having her around. But seriousness came with its own set of expectations, and that weighed on him at times.

“I guess we are,” Oliver said slowly. “It’s funny, really. When I was with Penelope, all I wanted to do was play Quidditch. Now that I have Quidditch, all I want is Aurora.

Fred raised an eyebrow. “And that’s a bad thing?”

Oliver shook his head. “No, it’s not. It’s just… new. I’m not used to it. Quidditch was always the one constant for me. Now I’ve got Aurora, and I’m thinking about stuff I never thought I’d care about—like whether I’m giving her enough of my time or what life looks like beyond the next season.”

Fred quipped his cheeky grin back in place. “So what’s the next step for the famous Oliver Wood? Once you’re back on your feet, are we talking engagement rings and house shopping?”

Oliver laughed, shaking his head. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We have only been together for two months. Engagement rings are really a three-month endeavor.”

George leaned forward, intrigued, his expression curious but lighthearted. "You’re not serious about the three-month rule, are you?"

Oliver chuckled, shaking his head. "No, no. But you know what I mean. Things are moving fast, but it’s not like I’m rushing down the aisle just yet. We’re still figuring each other out."

Fred smirked, leaning back into the couch. "Mate, you’re already halfway there. She’s practically moved in. Next thing you know, you’ll be picking out wallpaper and arguing over couch cushions."

Oliver rubbed his face with a laugh, but there was a thoughtful look in his eyes. "Honestly, I wouldn’t mind. I think with Penelope, everything felt... scripted. Like there was this path we were supposed to follow—graduate, get a job, settle down. She had it all planned out, and Quidditch just didn’t fit into that. With Aurora, it’s not like that. She doesn’t pressure me to be anyone but myself."

Fred snorted. "Sounds like you’ve finally found someone who lets you be a Quidditch-obsessed lunatic and still sticks around."

Oliver grinned. "Exactly. She’s got her own life, you know? She’s got her job and her friends, and she doesn’t expect me to drop everything for her. But at the same time, she’s... there. Like, really there. Every step of the way."

George nodded, a knowing smile creeping onto his face. "That’s a big difference, mate. It’s the difference between someone who’s along for the ride and someone who’s in the driver's seat with you."

"Exactly," Oliver agreed, his voice softening. "When she moved in while I was recovering, it wasn’t because she felt obligated. She wanted to be there, to help. And it wasn’t just about me needing her —it was about us being together. I didn’t feel like a burden."

Oliver smiled, but there was a hint of vulnerability in his expression. "I am, but it’s also a little terrifying. You know how focused I’ve always been on QQuidditch, but I didn’t think I had room for anything else. So I removed it from my life to be with penelope. But now that she’s here, it’s like... I’m starting to wonder if maybe there’s more to life than just the game."

George leaned back, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "That’s the thing about finding someone who really gets you. They make you see things differently, make you think about what’s important outside of just what you’ve always known."

Fred chimed in with a playful smirk. "Well, if you’re already thinking that, Ollie, it sounds like you’re a goner. Might as well start looking at engagement rings now."

Oliver laughed, though a part of him seemed to take Fred’s words to heart. "Like I said, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’re still figuring things out. But yeah... it feels different this time.”

Just as Oliver was lost in thought, George stretched, letting out a yawn. “Right, I think that’s enough deep talk for one night. I’m going to crash here. This sofa is calling my name.”

Fred grinned. “Me too. I’m not moving an inch. Plus, if Aurora comes back and finds us all passed out, it’ll be a nice surprise for her.”

Oliver rolled his eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “You two are hopeless.”

George was already settling in, draping a blanket over himself. “Yeah, but you love us.”

Fred, equally comfortable, shot Oliver a wink. “And don’t you forget it.”

As the twins made themselves comfortable, Oliver felt a sense of peace wash over him. They might be a bit of a handful, but Fred and George were family, and their presence made everything feel a little more bearable. With them here, even the toughest moments seemed a bit easier.

Oliver lay back down, staring at the ceiling, his mind drifting. The exhaustion from the day was finally catching up to him. Tomorrow would be another step in his recovery, another day of balancing life, Quidditch, Aurora, and the future. But for now, surrounded by the people who mattered most, everything felt right.

Slowly, his eyes fluttered shut, and the quiet hum of the television lulled him into sleep.