Chapter 43
Now…
“It seems like you were going to handle your first year as captain then,” His therapist smiled kindly at him.
Oliver shrugged, “I think I did okay, it helped that Potter turned out to be an amazing Seeker. If he didn’t have the whole destiny thing going for him maybe he would’ve gone pro.”
“Interesting that you still focus on the professional side of things even after everything you’ve been through.”
Oliver tensed, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
His therapist met his gaze evenly, “Just an observation, is all. Please continue.”
Then…
Oliver was getting worried. He hadn’t seen Charlie all day, not even in the common room and dinner was fast approaching. He wanted to tell him about finding the new Gryffindor Seeker and how fantastic Harry Potter already was. More importantly, he wanted to make sure Charlie was even alive.
His search led him to the library, surprised to see that it was quite full even on the first day of school. A lot of the students that he saw looked to be about Charlie and Bill’s ages or older. Was O.W.L. year really that bad? He shuddered as he stared down the aisles and at students flipping feverishly through textbooks and notes. Was this really his future in a couple of years?
Finally, he found Charlie hunched over a pile of parchment and books, looking tired and confused. “Charlie…? Have you been in here since classes ended?”
He blinked at Oliver, almost like he was waking up from a dream or a nightmare. “Ollie. What do you mean it can’t possibly be that late.”
Oliver cleared his throat nervously. “It’s nearly time for dinner. I don’t think you’ve eaten anything today Charlie.”
Charlie sighed, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his eyes. “No, I haven’t. I’ve been trying to get started on all of this work they already gave us.”
“Well, there’s only one more day and then it’s the weekend. Surely you can get some of it done over the weekend? You need to eat Charlie.” Oliver told him sternly.
Charlie sighed, looking at his pile of work hopelessly. “They’re probably just going to give us more. But, I did make a small dent in it…and I’m starving.”
Oliver grinned, “Let’s head down then. I can help you with all of this.”
The two of them began cramming everything into Charlie’s well worn school bag. The poor thing looked like it was ready to split in half from the sheer amount of supplies it was now holding. “So, how was your first day?” Charlie asked, as they began to descend the stairs to dinner.
Oliver brightened, remembering the news he had wanted to share. “We’ve got a new Seeker! McGonagall actually hand picked him,” Oliver added sheepishly.
Charlie’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really? McGonagall found somebody? Are they actually decent though?”
Oliver laughed, “Better than decent, they’d give you a run for your money. Keep it under wraps until practices start, but it’s Harry Potter. The kid’s a natural.”
“Wow that’s incredible Oliver. Sounds like you’re going to have a great team and hopefully a great season,” Charlie looked happy but also wistful.
“We already were a great team with you leading us,” Oliver told him, giving him a nudge.
Charlie smiled, “Thanks Ollie, but I think I made the right decision. This year might kill me.”
They were just outside the Great Hall, the smell of food and the sound of chatter and silverware on plates alerting them. “You can do it. I’ll help in any way I can, you know.”
“I appreciate it.” Charlie gave his arm a squeeze and they entered the hall together, their shoulders almost brushing.
“Whoops!” Three Slytherins pushed between them as they exited the Great Hall, causing Charlie’s bag to spill its contents on the floor.
Oliver and Charlie glared at them as they passed, and his heart sank when he saw that Marcus brought up the rear. Marcus at least gave Oliver a guilty look, before continuing on with his friends. But, he discreetly slipped a small piece of parchment paper into Oliver’s hand as he brushed past them.
This did not go unnoticed by Charlie of course. “I can’t believe you’re still seeing him,” Charlie grumbled, squatting down to pick up his belongings.
“That wasn’t his fault,” Oliver replied defensively.
“He didn’t exactly prevent it though, did he? Or say anything to his friends?” Charlie retorted.
“Are we going to argue about him every time you happen to see him? That’ll make for a really long year don’t you think?” Oliver replied tersely, handing Charlie one of his textbooks.
Charlie sighed, “Whatever. I’m too hungry to argue right now, let’s eat.”
Oliver inwardly rolled his eyes. So now Charlie was going to focus on his hunger, conveniently changing the subject. Oliver unrolled the piece of parchment paper, brows furrowing as he read the message.
‘Meet in the bathroom please?’
“I’ll be right back, have to go to the bathroom,” Oliver told Charlie. They had found spots at the Gryffindor table but it would have to wait a few more minutes.
Charlie snorted, “Funny how you suddenly have to even though we just walked by them a few minutes ago.”
“You’re kind of a jerk when you’re hungry,” Oliver said, gritting his teeth. He turned on his heel and walked back out of the Great Hall and towards the bathrooms.
Unsurprisingly, Marcus stood awkwardly by the sinks when he entered. “Sorry about my friends, and for the secrecy, I wish it didn’t have to be this way.”
Oliver, still freshly frustrated with Charlie, was in no mood for this. “It doesn’t have to be a secret, you know that right? People can know that we’re friends. I don’t understand the problem.”
Marcus looked at him pleadingly. “You know my friends and father have certain…standards of me.”
Oliver laughed harshly. “Oh that’s right, I’m not good enough for you and your stupid pureblood obsessed family and friends. This is ridiculous! No one has to know we’re you know, more than friends, it’d be fine if they knew we were friends Marcus!”
“I’m sorry Oliver I just can’t! I’m doing the best I can I swear.”
Oliver felt bad then, looking at how upset Marcus looked. “Sorry, it’s just…difficult with all the secrecy and hiding out in literally the bathrooms and Ancient Runes.”
“But we’re still studying tomorrow right? In the library?” Marcus asked hopefully.
“Well, I’m definitely not studying here so yeah, it better be in the library.” Oliver snapped at him, and instantly regretted it.
Marcus looked away, his green eyes looking despondent. “I just wanted to know how your first day went is all, but I’ll see you tomorrow in class and then in the library.”
Before Oliver could apologize, Marcus left the bathroom, leaving Oliver standing there alone, wondering how his day had ended in not one, but two arguments.