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Fortune_Cookie · 10-13-2005, 11:07 PM

The story you're about to read involves broken friendships, romance, suspense, and Oliver Wood!

The time period it is set in is Harry's third year at Hogwarts (PoA). Just to make it clearer.

*Note* This story was also posted on another fan fiction website.

The cool, autumn breeze swept my black hair back as I jumped off the carriage to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. How good it felt to be back at school! My family was too preoccupied with the death of my brother that had I received little attention. The long, summer months had crawled past and I had been counting down the days to when they would come to an end.

“Great to be back, isn’t it, Grace?” Leanne, my best friend, said to me as if she were reading my thoughts. A grin spread across her face.

“Definitely,” I agreed. “Hopefully this time won’t be as traumatic as last year. I want to end my seventh year well.” Shuddering, my mind recalled how one of our students, Ginny, was almost killed. As usual, the famous Harry Potter had come to the rescue, but that year must have been the scariest of all.

Leanne nodded thoughtfully. We made our way through the throngs of students towards our old school, which stood, towering above us in the daylight. My eyes scanned the beautiful blue sky and green foliage. I could feel the magic surround me in the air.

Little did we know how much change this year would make in our personal lives.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“The feast was especially good this year!” I remarked to Leanne as we stepped into the crowded Gryffindor common room. Everything was exactly the same as I had remembered. The worn but comfortable chairs faced the fire, which was now crackling with flames dancing about.

I glanced at Leanne. Her green eyes were focused intently on something among the mass of students. “What are you staring at?” I inquired, craning my neck to spot what was capturing her interest.

“Shh!” Leanne hissed, putting a finger to her lips. “I don’t want him to know that I’m looking at him!” She giggled and continued staring in the same direction.

My eyes widened. “Oh…who’s the lucky guy?” I teased, my hazel eyes twinkling mischievously. Leanne always had someone of interest on her mind. My job as her best friend was to be her support. Of course, I had to find out who her crush was first.

Leanne moved closer to me and whispered in my ear, “He’s over there; Fred Weasley. Isn’t he fantastic?” Her eyes gleamed.

I had to stifle laughter. Leanne had an interest in, of all people, Fred Weasley? Sure, he was charming and funny, but perhaps was too immature for someone like Leanne. Turning to my friend once more, I had found that she was no longer at my side. I noticed her inching ever so slightly towards Fred.

Chuckling to myself, I stole up the winding staircase leading to the girls’ dormitories. No one was in the room. My bags were already set neatly on my bed. I quickly washed my face in the washroom. How refreshing the water was against my skin!

Outside in the common room, I could hear the bustle of people chatting away. Laughter floated into my room. A feeling of rejection crept over me. I had never been part of the “popular” crowd. It’s not that I really longed to be popular, but I didn’t want to be an outcast either. Sighing, I closed my eyes and lay down on my bed.

The door creaked open, letting the loud noises from downstairs meet my ears. I quickly sat up to see who it was.

Please post your comments!

I know this is a slower start, but the next chapter will be more interesting. Thanks!

allucha · 10-15-2005, 01:17 AM

this is a good start so far, its set the scene, i like it. keep it up.
post when you can

Fortune_Cookie · 10-16-2005, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allucha

this is a good start so far, its set the scene, i like it. keep it up.
post when you can

Thanks, allucha! The next post should be up soon...around Tuesday or so...

Fortune_Cookie · 10-18-2005, 11:25 PM

Oops...I accidentally lied. This post isn't going to be very exciting. But I promis the next chapter will be...because we'll meet Oliver Wood!

Leanne stood at the door. She strolled to my bedside. “Grace,” she started, “Can you come with me to the Quidditch practice tomorrow?” Gazing at me eagerly, she awaited my answer.

I cocked an eyebrow playfully. “Why?”

My friend sighed with impatience. “What other reason than to see Fred? He’s really amazing when it comes to Quidditch.” Her eyes pleaded me to say yes.

It’s so fun keeping her in suspense, I thought to myself, smiling. “And you need me to see Fred with you?”

Rolling her eyes, Leanne batted me with a pillow. “Come on! Just this once!” A whine tugged at the end of her voice. She pretended to pout and crossed her arms.

I laugh. “Aw, poor Leanne. It’s so fun taunting you. Loosen up! Of course I’ll come with you; what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t?” Taking my pillow back, I propped it behind me.

The corners of her mouth turned up. “Thanks so much, Grace! I don’t know what I’d do without you.” She freshened up and climbed into her own bed, which happened to be the one right next to mine.

“Goodnight, Leanne.” I snuggled down into my covers, surrounded by warmth.

“Goodnight, Grace,” she replied. “Who knows? Tomorrow at the practice you might meet someone!”

Snorting, my eyelids closed and I muttered,” Yeah, right.” I soon drifted to the land of dreams, unaware that what Leanne said was to come true.

allucha · 10-19-2005, 06:31 PM

good post, the next post sounds like it will be good, post when you have time

dans_girl37 · 10-22-2005, 03:20 PM

Ohhhhhhhhhh Ahhhhhhhhhh lol. hello I'm a new reader and my name is Jess!!
Just love ur ff so far please keep wirting and post soon!
Hugs from Jess

Fortune_Cookie · 10-22-2005, 10:21 PM

Thanks so much, dans_girl37 and allucha! I'm glad I have a new reader...I was wondering if I'd ever get anyone else to read my fanfic!

THe next chapter is coming...tomorrow.

dans_girl37 · 10-23-2005, 07:35 AM

Kool cant wait!!

Fortune_Cookie · 10-23-2005, 11:35 PM

“Hurry up! We’re going to miss the practice!” Leanne said anxiously. She threw her books down on her bed and ran a brush through her hair to make it stay down.

“Alright, alright,” I grumbled and put my schoolbooks away. “I’m ready.”

“Okay, let’s go then.” Leanne gave me a suppressed grin and briskly walked towards the door. I was close on her heels.

We nearly jogged to the Quidditch practice, where Fred, George, Harry, and Oliver were zooming around on their brooms, obviously waiting for their other teammates to arrive. They were scarlet blurs against the sky.

“Remember, look casual,” I reminded Leanne. “Don’t run up there so eagerly.”

She nodded and took a deep breath. “Nothing to worry about,” she told herself. With one final flick of her auburn hair, Leanne made her way calmly to the sidelines of the stadium. As she sat down, no one seemed to notice her. I dismissed the thought as soon as it came to my mind; they were probably too engrossed in flying that they didn’t notice a single person watching.

Soon the other team members appeared on their slick brooms. All of them gathered around Oliver Wood, the captain. “This isn’t an official practice; it’s just to get used to flying again. You can never start training too early, right?” He grinned at the nods of agreement.

I found myself making my way towards Leanne, still sitting on the sidelines. She would cheer and encourage each person as they zipped past us. My eyes flicked from player to player. Wow, they sure are fast! I thought to myself. Rays of sunshine shone down on my cream complexion.

For some unfathomable reason, my eyes kept resting on Oliver. Something about him made my heart beat faster; maybe it was his deep brown eyes, his determined set jaw, his well-built body, or that fire of enthusiasm behind his eyes—I don’t know.

Catching myself staring, I quickly made myself snap out of it. But he did have nice features. I mean, who could miss them? They seemed so flawless, so- Okay, Grace! Stop! I told myself. Get a grip, girl!

Beside me, Leanne seemed to be in a whole different world. Her eyes were unfocused and dreamy. She didn’t move either.

I sighed in exasperation and waved my hand in front of her face. “Leanne? Hello? Is anyone in there?”

Jerking out of her “trance”, Leanne’s eyes came back to focus. “Oh…sorry, Grace. I think I was daydreaming or something. Crazy what the sun can do to you, eh?” She grinned and turned her attention back on the field, where the players where landing and dismounting their brooms on the short, green grass.

“That’s all for today, everyone.” Oliver was addressing the team again. He ran a hand through his hair. “Let’s schedule the next warm-up for tomorrow, alright? I’ll book the stadium. Again, you don’t have to come if you have pressing arrangements, but it would really help out the team. That’s all I have to say. See you tomorrow!”

All of the team members scattered their own ways; the girls dashed into the change room, Harry examined the condition of his broomstick, and the rest of the boys started to clean up the Quidditch equipment.

“Hey, Leanne!” Fred waved to my friend, who immediately turned pink. “Come over and talk to us!” The many freckles on his nose seemed to stand out even more in the sunshine.

“I’ll be back,” Leanne told me and gave me a quick smile before making her way over to the Weasley boys.

My smile soon faded into a bored line. How awkward, I thought. Now I was just sitting on the sidelines by myself with nothing to do.

Suddenly, a small, golden haze hurtled towards me. Oliver and Harry were in its pursuit. Without knowing what I was doing, I instantaneously shot out my arm and grabbed it. Opening my hand, I found that inside my palm was a tiny, fluttering orb—the snitch!

That's it for now, please tell me what you thought of it!

allucha · 10-23-2005, 11:37 PM

another good post, liking the way you described it.

Fortune_Cookie · 10-23-2005, 11:39 PM

Wow, you read that fast

Thanks!

dans_girl37 · 10-24-2005, 08:00 AM

Wow that was great. Oh know but does that mean that Harry will be replaced. Lovin ur ff!!
Hugs from Jess

Fortune_Cookie · 10-28-2005, 12:55 AM

Thanks for your compliments, Jess! *returns the hug* lol

More of the story:

The two boys ran towards me. “Hey…Grace, isn’t it?” Oliver asked me.

I nodded, unsure of what to say. Trying not to blush, I handed him the snitch. “Uh, I guess you wanted this.”

Oliver’s eyes widened. “You caught this just now, didn’t you?”

Nodding again, I finally found one word to say. “Yup.” I could feel the color rush to my cheeks. Great, just great, I contemplated.

“Wow!” Oliver exclaimed. His eyes grew even larger. Oh, those beautiful brown pools! He turned his six-foot frame towards Harry. “Her reflexes are just about as good as yours, eh, Harry? That girl’s a natural. She could be our back-up seeker if you get hurt.”

A slight scowl swept over Harry’s face, but it was soon gone. “Yeah…sure.” His mouth twitched, then he forced a small smile.

Trying to be friendly, I smiled back. He sure seemed envious. Who could blame him? If I were the star seeker of my team, I wouldn’t appreciate my captain telling me that some other girl was just about as good as me.

An uncomfortable moment passed. To break the silence, Oliver commanded, “Harry, would you mind putting this snitch and the rest of the bludgers away for me?” Harry hastily walked away.

My eyes followed him down the field, a look of uncertainty on my face. Oliver noticed this and laughed. “Don’t worry, he’s not usually like that. He’s naturally a nice guy. I guess I shouldn’t have compared you two.” He shrugged and gave me a crooked grin.

All I could do was bob my head in agreement. I didn’t trust myself to speak. No way was I going to mess up my speech in front of the Quidditch captain!

“What are you doing here, anyway?” Oliver inquired pleasantly, intently looking into my eyes. I’ll admit that my stomach erupted in butterflies, however small the incident.

Finally the words formed on my tongue, much to my relief. “I came here with my friend, Leanne. She’s the one talking to Fred.” I glanced over Oliver’s shoulder. Flirting would be closer to the mark to what Leanne and Fred were doing. Laughter hovered in the air over them.

“About what I said before, would you consider training as our back-up seeker?” Oliver requested. He lowered his voice and bent his head closer to mine. I could feel his warm breath on my face. “You see, Harry has a--uh-- habit of getting into trouble. Someone like you to be there just in case would really ease my mind.” Straightening up again, he assured me, “I’m sure that you’ll be allowed to join, there’s hardly a need to ask; that is, if it’s something you’d like to do. Are you up to the challenge?”

dans_girl37 · 10-28-2005, 06:57 AM

Very very cool!!! I cant wait to see there realationship come along. PAMS.
*Gives Fortune_Cookie another hug* lol
From Jess.
PS Just wandering wats ur first name that i can call you by!

Fortune_Cookie · 10-29-2005, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dans_girl37

Very very cool!!! I cant wait to see there realationship come along. PAMS.
*Gives Fortune_Cookie another hug* lol
From Jess.
PS Just wandering wats ur first name that i can call you by!

Thanks!

lol You can just call me Uni...that's my nickname, from like, as long as I can remember. That's why it' so kiddish, but it stuck, so ya.

allucha · 10-29-2005, 05:53 PM

great update
harrys habit of trouble, tut tut.
post when ya can

dans_girl37 · 10-30-2005, 01:18 AM

Cool thanks Uni please post more soon I really love ur FF.
Hugs from Jess

Fortune_Cookie · 10-30-2005, 03:59 PM

Thanks so much, both of you. I'll post soon...but I really want another new reader!

allucha · 10-30-2005, 11:47 PM

no problemo, we can wait

dans_girl37 · 10-31-2005, 05:42 AM

Yes we can wait. ^^

Mrs Felton · 10-31-2005, 04:56 PM

Heyllo, I love ur fic. It's awesome. PAMS

~Laura~

Fortune_Cookie · 11-01-2005, 12:20 AM

Yay! Another reader! I was waiting for one. Thanks allucha, jess, and mrs felton! Thanks for waiting too; school's quite stressful for me right now. Here's the next chapter; it's a bit longer than the others:

Glowing with pleasure, I nodded eagerly. “Yeah; I’d be honored to help out the team. Would I come to all the practices and warm-ups?” My heart grew lighter and lighter with the very thought.

“Yup. The thing is, do you have a broom?” He asked with concern etched on his face.

I shook my head, my heart plummeting. Would this mean I wouldn’t be able to play? My palms became sweaty. I didn’t want this opportunity go down the drain.

“Hmm…” Oliver thought for a moment, and then his face brightened. “I’m sure there’s an extra broom that you can use. It might just be a Cleansweep, but that’s better than nothing.” His face broke into a dazzling smile.

Oliver stretched his hand out to mine and grasped it in a firm handshake. I felt warmth shoot up my arm. He gazed at me and beamed. “Welcome to the team.”

*

The hustle and bustle of students making their way through the hall met my ears. Each person was trying in vain to get to class on time. Digging into my bag, I pulled out my schedule. My next and last class of the day was with Professor Binns. I moaned and stuffed the paper back into my laden bag. Leanne had decided to take Divination instead, so I was alone.

Finally, I reached the classroom and hastily dumped my books on a table at the back of the class, where I usually sat. Soon after I had organized myself, I felt a light tap on my shoulder. Turning around, I noticed that it was Oliver.

“Hey,” he greeted. “Do you mind if I sit beside you?”

“No problem.” I shifted my body and possessions over so that he’d have enough room on the table. Inside, the butterflies were fluttering like crazy. Not sure of what to do, I took out a quill and started doodling. This is how I liked to spend class; drawing all sorts of things from animals to Muggle items I’d seen.

Leaning over, Oliver glanced at my pictures. “You’re pretty good! Do you always draw during class?” He took out what looked like a thick folder.

“Yeah, I always do, especially in Professor Binns’ classes,” I replied and continued to sketch a cat with a toad. I loved it when I could make things come alive on a blank sheet of paper.

“I like to draw too, but mostly Quidditch stuff,” Oliver told me. He pulled out a few pieces of paper from the folder.

My mouth fell open. Every page had a different broom drawn on it. What astonished me was how real the objects appeared. The broom handle was beautifully shaded to give it a smooth impression. “Wow,” I murmured to him. “These are so remarkable!”

Oliver slid the artwork back into the folder because Professor Binns cleared his throat, which signaled that the class was about to begin. His eyelids seemed to be half closed as he talked in a droning voice. The dull lecture began.

I resumed sketching my pictures, but my thoughts kept skipping back to Oliver and his illustrations. If only I could depict an object so clearly and full of detail! Shifting my eyes slightly to Oliver’s paper, I saw that he was also drawing with quick movements of his quill.

Noticing me glancing over, Oliver smiled and wrote some words on the corner of his paper. I craned my neck a little to read, Are you coming to the warm-up today?

I discretely wrote “yes” on the top corner of my page.

The class consisted of writing short notes to each other discussing Quidditch practice. Fortunately, Professor Binns was not aware of the lack of attention (like usual). Actually, Oliver and I may have been one of the few students who were awake for the speech. Most of our peers had their heads on the desks or were nodding off.

The period was over at last. We quickly rushed out of the room to get ready for the warm-up. Leanne was in our room when I sprinted up the stairs.

“How was class?” she asked, sitting down on her bed and carelessly taking all her homework out.

“Good,” I breathed and unloaded my heavy bag hurriedly. I scrounged around in my suitcase for something to tie my hair up.

Leanne eyed me. “Do you have time to talk? I have to tell you something important.”

“Look, I have to go to the warm-up for Quidditch. I’ll be back in an hour or so. Why don’t we chat then?” I suggested offhandedly. “I don’t have time at the moment.”

Hurt flickered over Leanne’s normally cheerful face. Pulling off a slightly rejected smile, she nodded slowly. “Alright, then. Can you come back right after you’re done? It’s something I can’t wait to tell you.”

“Uh, sure,” I agreed. “See you later!” With that, I dashed down the stairs, almost tripping over my own feet.

dans_girl37 · 11-01-2005, 06:09 AM

That was an awesome post. I really wanna know what Leanne has to say though.
I cant wait to read a lot more. You a really good writer.
Hug and more Hugs from Jess

allucha · 11-02-2005, 12:12 AM

great post, worth the wait. I wonder what leanne wants to say, cool post.
take your time, we'll be here later

Fortune_Cookie · 11-04-2005, 02:36 AM

Thanks so much, you're the best readers in the world!

I'm currently studying for science (since my grade is floundering and I need to get it up) so I won't be able to post for a few more days. Bear with me!

I'll post it this weekend.

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