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hermygirl · 06-16-2011, 01:41 AM

~ The Heart Never Lies ~

This is Nia Newtington's story.
An exploration into the world after Hogwarts, and my first venture into FanFiction.

Ad caelestia sequere. Reach for the stars.

Thank you to the people whose characters appear in what follows. For letting me borrow them, and for encouraging me to write this.
You know who you are, and without them, Nia wouldn't be who she is today.

Other credit:
Title ~ courtesy of the McFly song of the same name.

Chapter List

1. Home for the Summer
2. Getting Back to It
3. Getting the Crew Together
4. The Hole Inside
5. Best Friends Reunited

~***~

1. Home for the Summer

Nia had barely said a word on returning from Kings’ Cross. Just like she’d avoided saying much on the train home to the others in her compartment. The other Prefects. Raiden. On opening the front door, she levitated her trunk upstairs, dumped it quite literally in the middle of her bedroom floor and slumped onto her bed. The waft of freshly baked cookies from the kitchen didn’t even cause a reaction, nor did the rather noisy appearance of younger brother Nathaniel from the lounge. The young boy’s excitement at his sister’s return was soon followed by disappointment in the lack of response. Alina frowned slightly, unsure what the cause of it was; Nia usually had time for at least a smile in the boy’s direction. She pulled Nathaniel away, with a promise he could help her ice the first batch of cookies when they were cool enough. Some things, she had decided a couple of summers ago, were best left to her children to sort out themselves. She was close enough with her daughter that Nia would come talk to her if she wanted to, but otherwise Nia would be quite able to sort herself out. And to be fair, that was probably the problem. Finally being free from Hogwarts, and having to face the big scary world out there. Deciding what to do, taking control. Alina had been like that once.

Upstairs, Nia had finally made the effort to move from her bed. Apparently she’d being doing some thinking during the long journeys, and she had now a determined look on her face, her turquoise eyes both shining excitedly and deadly serious. It was very much reminiscent of the look she wore as Ravenclaw Captain, leading her team out on to the pitch. Thrilled at the thought of the game, but well aware of the task ahead. The lid of her trunk had been opened, and she was crouched nearby, carefully holding two letters in her hands. Two letters that had been safely hidden in her trunk for a while, and she’d been trying not to think about too much so could concentrate on her NEWTs. Falling back to lean against the end of her bed, Nia reread them both slowly, blonde hair falling across her face. She tucked her fringe back behind her ear, before looking up at the pictures plastered across her noticeboard. She could be one of them, with some work. A lot of work. She was distinctly out of form with the school Quidditch season having been cancelled in favour of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. A small lump formed in her throat as she thought about it, and not just for the lack of flying. She ran her fingers through her hair, not wanting to think about what had happened towards the end of term with the ball. She tried to swallow the lump away, and instead focus on the letters in her hand. One from the Holyhead Harpies. The other from the Ballycastle Bats. Offers for trials in a month’s time. And now, having sat her exams and fed up of thinking what might have happened, she had some clarity. With a smile, she put the letters on her bed, and rummaged hurriedly through her trunk.

“Dad!” she called, a few minutes later. The cropped jeans and open blouse she’d worn home were laid neatly across her bed, and she was in her Ravenclaw quidditch robes. “Daaaad!” she called again, not hearing any movement downstairs, nor any sort of reply. She ran downstairs, and, as was her usual custom, jumped the bottom two steps, landing with a dull thud. Poking her head into the lounge, she finally acknowledged her little brother, who was now sat in front of the television. “Mucky pup,” she said with a chuckle, noticing the amount of icing around his face. “You’d better have actually put some on a cookie for me, and not just on your nose!” Nathaniel looked up, grinning at his sibling. “I’m saving that bit,” he answered her, sticking out his tongue and attempting to lick off some of the excess icing. As he did so, Nia glanced further round the door to see what he was watching. “Nice choice,” she murmured at his choice of Disney film. Nathaniel beamed at her, before his face turned serious. “No nicking any of the cookies. Only the ones I tell you.” Nia laughed, taking that to mean he’d decorated them all specially. Or had at least attempted to, even if they all looked completely splodgy and like some kind of icing monster had attacked them. “Sure thing,” she answered with a wink.

“You wanted me?” a deep voice asked from archway that lead into the dining room. Nia looked up, to see her father hurriedly finishing off a cookie before Nathaniel’s attention turned back away from the television. He gave her knowingly guilty look as he brushed the crumbs away. “I assume I need to go get changed?” he asked, raising a dark eyebrow at her attire. Nia nodded slowly, biting her lip. “If you don’t mind...” He shook his head, and with a grin headed off to go put on something a tad more suitable for flying. Running her fingers through her hair, the look of determination crossed Nia’s face once more. “See ya later, kid,” she said to her brother, before heading out into the garden.

It was time for this Eagle to fly once more.

HaRoHeGiNeLu · 06-19-2011, 08:32 PM

IT'S NIAAAA!!!!!

*flails about*

*camps out for the neeeext parts

*

D.A Forever · 06-19-2011, 09:30 PM

Eeeeep! I love charrie stories

This is AWESOME. I was sad when Nia graduated (I remember her as a first year still!), so I'm glad to see you're writing her a story.

Incredible writing <3

hermygirl · 06-24-2011, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HaRoHeGiNeLu

IT'S NIAAAA!!!!!

*flails about*

*camps out for the neeeext parts

*

Hehehe. You're cuuuute.

*squishes you*

Quote:

Originally Posted by D.A Forever

Eeeeep! I love charrie stories

This is AWESOME. I was sad when Nia graduated (I remember her as a first year still!), so I'm glad to see you're writing her a story.

Incredible writing <3

Awww, thankies! I didn't really realise she was known outside of Ravvie circles, so it means a lot that you remember her as a firstie

I hope you enjoy following what she does next!

...next chapter coming up...

hermygirl · 06-24-2011, 07:48 PM

2. Getting Back To It

“Dinnertime!” Alina called from the kitchen. Nia glanced down at the open window from which her mother had appeared, before looking back up to her dad. “One more go?” she asked him, her eyes almost pleading. Theo gave his daughter a knowing smile. She was certainly dedicated to her cause, and he was not going to stand in her way. Truth be told, he was quite enjoying this bonding time. It had been a while. “One. And only one,” he replied. “Whatever the outcome. We’re not going to let dinner spoil.” Nia nodded, and her eyes narrowed as she refocused. Taking the quaffle that had been resting in her lap, she tossed it lightly to Theo with her left hand, before feinting downwards and zig-zagging across to take a pass back into her right. She repeated the move back to her left side, before taking a quick but hard shot at the apple tree that was marked with a single chalked circle about the diameter of a golf ball. As the quaffle accurately hit the mark, a small cloud of chalk dust could be seen against the dark bark. For the first time all session, Nia smiled. Theo gave his daughter a nod and wink, before heading towards the ground.

Hovering in the air, Nia looked around the garden beneath her before watching her dad go into the house. She knew he would be supportive of her attempt to go Pro, and would help her in every way he could, even if he would probably prefer it if she went to the Bats. Theodore Newtington III was a bit of a legend at the Ballycastle Bats, as a former record-making Keeper for them. Nia, of course, was trying out for Chaser, even if she had been one of Ravenclaw’s best all rounders. She wasn’t half bad in front of the hoops herself, and in her younger years at Hogwarts had even been pretty terrifying with the beater’s bat. But Chaser was where her both her heart and biggest talent lied. A natural left-hander, which was always pretty handy offensively, she’d also been known at Hogwarts for her tactical awareness. Though both of those had apparently suffered in her time away from the pitch. Tonight, she’d been distinctly off form. And with only a month to go until she needed to blow away those selectors, she needed to be better. Much better.

Returning to the ground, Nia dismounted her broom, and pulled her wand from her robes. With a quick flick, the protective charms over the garden were removed. It was one of Alina’s only stipulations about the family playing Quidditch in the garden - that her homegrown salad and tomatoes wouldn’t get damaged. Luckily a few simple charms solved that problem, and Alina’s tomatoes were looking as red and juicy as ever, as were the strawberries. Pushing open the back door into the kitchen, Nia could smell dinner, and immediately knew what it was, even with the lingering smell of cookies. She grinned as she approached the table. Sat steaming on the kitchen table was a big dish of Alina’s homemade macaroni cheese, with a pile of crispy bacon stacked in the centre. Nia’s favourite since she was a kid, and one of the recipes she always missed whilst away. The House Elves were good cooks, but nothing could beat Alina’s macaroni cheese.

Stomach rumbling, Nia spooned a large portion on to her plate. Adding some bacon pieces, she then slipped into her usual seat at the table. The rest of the family had already started, and Nia dipped in too. “So, how’s it going?” Alina asked her daughter, with a quick glance towards her husband. Theo just gave a knowing look, and Nia just wrinkled her face into a not-quite frown. She shouldn’t have expected any different, really. Nia was always hard on herself and would probably be worse with the sort of pressure these tryouts would bring after a year forced out of the sport. And Alina didn’t know what else had been occupying Nia’s mind recently. “You’ll get back into it quickly enough,” she said with a supportive smile. Nia gave a small nod, before looking at her parents thoughtfully. An idea had popped into her head.

“Could I invite some friends over? To, you know, help out a bit?” she asked, her eyes hopeful. It was quite a few friends, after all. More like a whole team.

HaRoHeGiNeLu · 06-25-2011, 05:33 AM

1. I am NOT cute. *eyes you*

2. My User CP didn't inform me you updated.

*reads*

*wiggles*
I feel like Ellie might've gotten her drive from Nia.

We miss her.

And that last line? Epic.

*roasts marshmallows*

hermygirl · 07-02-2011, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HaRoHeGiNeLu

1. I am NOT cute. *eyes you*

2. My User CP didn't inform me you updated.

*reads*

*wiggles*
I feel like Ellie might've gotten her drive from Nia.

We miss her.

And that last line? Epic.

*roasts marshmallows*

1. You so areeee. *eyes you back*

2. Er...I can poke youuuu? But you've already read the first few chapters anyway!

You could say Nia is a litte too determined. Definitely a perfectionist...though I guess that drive to be the best she can is what's got her this far into her career? Nia is proud of her Ellie...especially if she's kinda inspired her ^____^

Hehe. I love that line. It's just...I dunno, sums up Nia's Captaincy in a way? Everyone working together.

*steals a gloopy toasted marshmallow*

hermygirl · 07-04-2011, 07:06 PM

3. Getting the Crew Together

Sat at one of the tables outside Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour, Nia gently pushed up the sleeve of her cardigan to check her watch. There was still another five minutes until the agreed meeting time, but Nia was getting edgy and slightly nervous about her plan. All of them had responded to her owl, so that was promising of course, even if two couldn’t actually make it today. But then she hadn’t really mentioned much, mainly meeting up for some ice cream in Diagon Alley and then hinting at the possibility of helping her out a bit. And despite the appeal of her buying them all ice cream, they might have better things to do with the weeks of their summer holiday that followed - like sleep, for example, or going to the seaside and building sandcastles. She sipped her drink, and glanced down the street once more. It was a lovely summer’s day out, and Nia had seized the opportunity to sit at a table outside. Not that she had been lacking in seeing the sunshine recently, having spent most daylight hours in the garden, but there was something altogether more special when sat outside on a gorgeous sunny day. Especially when it involved ice cream and good friends.

She was about to return to aimlessly twiddling her thumbs, when she caught sight of a familiar shade of red hair. A smile spread across Nia’s lips, and she gave the girl a wave. Standing up to give her a hug, Nia suddenly found herself tackled back into her chair by a rather overenthusiastic Ellie. “Miss me?” she asked with a light chuckle and a wink, as Ellie clung to the older girl’s neck. “Blimey, it’s only been a week!”

“A loooooong week,” Ellie replied, beaming at her former Captain. Nia couldn’t help but grin back, the enthusiasm contagious.

“Still only a week though...” she said with a knowing roll of her eyes. Probably more to cover up how much she was going to miss - no, already missed - everyone. Quidditch at Hogwarts had been a massive part of her life. Her teamies even more so.

“So, you gotten up to anything exciting ov-” She didn’t quite finish asking about how Ellie had spent her long week, as the sound of heavy breathing from behind caught her attention. Following Ellie’s dubious gaze, Nia slowly looked round. It seemed the enigma known as Jacob was approaching.

“Giant. Flying. Laughing. Hot Dogs,” he said on eventual arrival at their table. Each word was punctuated with a breath, and Nia eyed him curiously. She blinked at him a few times, before deciding it was simpler just to shrug.

“Hi Jacob,” she said with a slightly perplexed look at Ellie. Ellie seemed to be doing a good job of ignoring the whole episode, so obviously wasn’t following to know what was up either. Ah well.

It seemed there was more to it than giant hotdogs, however. After a few seconds bent over to catch his breath, Jacob looked back up at the two girls. “That Horrible Mustard, That Evil Ketchup, That Menacing Relish,” he uttered, his gaze jumping round all over the place. Between the two girls, up, down, behind, back to the girls. “So Much Sauerkraut.” Nia eyed him, biting her lip. The boy continued, continuing to look twitchy. “So. Much. Sauerkraut.”

After a quick glance around, Nia shook her head lightly. “No sauerkraut here, matey,” she replied, her voice just managing to sound vaguely reassuring over her confusement at quite why Jacob was so obsessed over condiments. “I mean, I know the range of ice cream here is diverse, but I don’t think it’s quite that diverse.” Ewwww. Pickled cabbage icecream? It just didn’t bear thinking about.

Thankfully, a distraction from that thought arrived in the form of JD. “Heya,” she greeted warmly, scooting her chair across to make a little bit more space for him to manoeuvre around the table. Well, she assumed he wanted to sit next to Ellie. He returned the smile with a wink, before doing that awkward thing of partly going for a hug, but stopping just short as he thought better of it. Standing up with a small shake of her head, Nia pulled him into a quick hug instead. Whether it was helping his embarrassment, she wasn’t sure, but she wanted a hug. She didn’t want things to change just because she’d graduated now.

“How ye doing, Nia?” JD asked, as he pulled up a new chair.

“Not bad,” she replied, wondering if he was intending to look awkwardly at the gap between her and Ellie. Ellie herself had shifted her posture away from him, slouching back from the table. Had something happened between them at the end of term she didn’t know about? She could have quite easily missed something, given the dark place her mind had occupied when she hadn’t been concentrating on her NEWTs.

Taking a sip of her drink, Nia sat up, before resting her hands lightly on the table in front of her. “So, I know I invited you here under the pretence of ice-cream,” she started. “But before we get to that, I want to ask you all to help me with something.” She paused, nervous though she knew she shouldn’t be. It was enough time, however, to see the curiosity spread across Ellie’s face and for the young girl to sit up attentively, totally ready for whatever Nia had to say.

“You’d have to come over to mine for a few days in the next couple of weeks or so,” Nia explained mysteriously. “To help me focus. And practice. And you’d all be welcome to stay over.” She smiled, not quite wanting to give it all away yet. Almost building up the same excitement she’d kept to herself for so long...enjoying the moment she’d missed through being wrapped up in something else. And anyway, they were all Ravenclaws. It shouldn’t be too difficult to guess, should it?

JD spoke first. “Practice session? Fer what?” He too, was now curious. “Quidditch?” Nia stayed quiet, watching the other two. Amusement played on her lips. Ellie had taken to just staring at her, whilst Jacob finally plopped himself down into a chair and leant forward.

“Help?” he asked. “Would you like to be a tad more specific as to what we will be helping with?” Ellie nodded vigorously. “Elaborate. Go on.”

Nia took another deliberately slow sip of her drink. JD had got it, of course, but she couldn’t help but laugh at the others’ eagerness. “Definitely Quidditch,” she said with a grin. “What else would it be? Flobberworm racing?” She shook her head with a roll of her eyes.

“Hey!” Jacob quickly retorted. “Don’t diss flobberworm races...those things can get intense.” With the serious look on his face, Nia wasn’t going to disagree. She knew what he was like with a beaters’ bat in hand, for one.

“Obviously, we’ve not played properly for a year...and...” She faltered momentarily. She hadn’t told anyone outside her family, and to be fair they’d just guessed. And whilst she couldn’t think of a better group of people to know first officially, perhaps except Raiden, it made the whole thing seem more daunting. She really did only have three weeks. And they’ll all want to know how she got on. What if she failed? “And, well, I need to get my eye back in. Big time.” She gave them a small smile. “You saw me doing fitness stuff at school, but nothing is quite as good as actually being in the air under pressure, practicing. And I need to be on top form, if I want to impress the selectors.” Finally, she broke into a broad smile to break the news. “I’ve been offered tryouts for the Bats’ and the Harpies’ Reserve Teams.”

“Oh Nia!” Ellie shrieked, launching herself at Nia for the second time that day. Seemingly Ellie didn’t require a broom to fly at her former Captain. Any kind of excitement was enough. Nia laughed, and as a result, jiggled the younger girl up and down on her lap.

“It’s only tryouts,” she insisted, worried that Ellie might have got herself a little over-excited. Nia really didn’t want to get everyone’s hopes up. She just knew she needed to people to fully test her skills before the day to give her the best possible chance. “It doesn’t mean I’ll get in straight away. Getting into a Pro team is notoriously hard. But the experience will be good.”

Had Raiden been there, he would probably be telling her off for not being confident in herself. And the fact that she had some awesome teammates that absolutely wouldn’t let her get away with being rusty. And that she’d work so hard it’d be impossible for the selectors not to pick her. She could almost hear his voice in her head. Almost. Because this was Nia, who only ever showed self-assurance when actually in the air.

It turned out she didn’t need Raiden to give her a boost. These three were more than enough. “And ye were on about me not having confidence,” JD commented, giving her a pointed look. Ellie nodded. “They want you. You’ll be fantastic. And you’ll make it.”

Nia nodded, suddenly overwhelmed by their support. She bit her lip, unsure what to say. As always though, it was Jacob who punctuated the moment, finally catching up with the conversation so far. “So, you don’t think you’ll get on...so you’ve sort sought the help of amazing Quidditch players? Nah, can’t help you there.” Nia snorted, a grin spreading across her lips.

“So, you’ll come hit some bludgers at me to help?” Nia clarified. In unison, her teamies nodded.

“Anytime,” Ellie said with a wicked grin.

“...so who’s for some ice cream...?”

Thanks to Nina, Andy and Liz for the original scene, and letting me use a bit of artistic licence to make it fit here ^____^

HaRoHeGiNeLu · 07-05-2011, 07:13 AM

*wiggles*

I LOVE Jacob. Sosososososososo much.

And I saw Raiden's name in there. Yep.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermygirl

1. You so areeee. *eyes you back*

2. Er...I can poke youuuu? But you've already read the first few chapters anyway!

You could say Nia is a litte too determined. Definitely a perfectionist...though I guess that drive to be the best she can is what's got her this far into her career? Nia is proud of her Ellie...especially if she's kinda inspired her ^____^

Hehe. I love that line. It's just...I dunno, sums up Nia's Captaincy in a way? Everyone working together.

*steals a gloopy toasted marshmallow*

1. Noooooot.

2. It did it again!! And soooo? Heh. XD

As far as Quidditch goes, at least, that's Ellie.
She soooo looks up to Nia.

Totally.

TeafortheSoul · 07-19-2011, 12:54 AM

Aww. *bookmarks*

Cela says that she'd so cheer for Nia anytime.

hermygirl · 07-19-2011, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HaRoHeGiNeLu

*wiggles*

I LOVE Jacob. Sosososososososo much.

And I saw Raiden's name in there. Yep.

1. Noooooot.

2. It did it again!! And soooo? Heh. XD

As far as Quidditch goes, at least, that's Ellie.
She soooo looks up to Nia.

Totally.

Jacob is a legend. He amuses me and Nia soooo much.

Raiden?

There's a bit more of him coming up...we likes the next chapter. Though it's kinda sad too :/

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tegz

Aww. *bookmarks*

Cela says that she'd so cheer for Nia anytime.

Awwww, yay for Cela! With blue pom-poms and everything? Or dark green. Or black. Depending where Nia ends up...

And the next chapter is coming, honest. This afternoon, most likely

hermygirl · 07-19-2011, 02:03 PM

4. The Hole Inside

Dear Raiden,

I hope this message finds you well. With everything at the end of term, I never got round to telling you...

Nia’s hand hovered above the paper. For all the fact she wanted to write this, the words wouldn’t flow. Was it right to even think about sending this letter? A blob of navy blue ink fell from her quill, and she gently blotted it with some tissue so she wouldn’t smudge it further with her hand. Sigh. She brushed a stray lock of hair back behind her ear, before retrieving it to fiddle with. One of those habits she had when thinking. Or over-thinking, as the case may be.

...to telling you that for once I’m following my heart. Surprising, I know, but it did take me a while to decide quite what to do. Thank you for giving me some confidence to go for what I truly want, and a desire to do what’s right.

She paused to reread what little she’d written. Atlas, Nia’s tawny owl, hooted impatiently from the window sill, a nod towards the previous attempts to start this letter already littering up her usually immaculate desk. “Go hunt,” she said to him softly, a wry smile on her lips. This was proving to be a hard task. Atlas would no doubt return before her writing was complete.

I miss you.

Her quill hovered once more, her hand shaking. The ghost of a tear appeared in the corner of her eye.

There’s an emptiness to my day without your banter. The way you know me so well, and can read me like a book. The flush of colour you always bring to my cheeks. The warmth I felt inside when you hugged me. The yang to my yin. I miss them, and I miss you.

She rubbed her now dry lips together. Those last words, a reference to the ball. Where it’d been all so right. And then all gone so wrong. Where this had all begun, and where Nia had fallen for not only one of her closest friends, but someone who wasn’t hers to have. The tear rolled down her cheek, and dropped on to the page. She wiped it away quickly.

I’m sorry, though I’m sure you already know that.

Anyway, I’m trying out for two Pro teams next month. I got offers from the Bats’ and Harpies’ reserve teams. I’m not sure I ever got round to telling you. My Ravenclaw teamies are coming round next week to help me brush up, and before well, everything, I’d been hoping you might come too. We spoke about one day getting the chance to play together, and you would be welcome to stay and see a bit of my world. Somehow, I figure now isn’t the right time. I wish it could be.

Nia let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. This...wasn’t quite what she’d planned on writing.

But thank you, for giving me the strength to follow my heart. I didn’t know it’d lead here. But for the moment, my heart is focused on getting me into the world of Professional Quidditch. Fingers crossed, huh?

Another tear threatened, and Nia swallowed.

I hope things haven’t been too difficult. Sorry. I truely can’t say it enough.

Joahae.

Nia x

She read it back through with a frown. She couldn’t decide whether she was happy with it or not. For the moment, it didn’t matter - Atlas wasn’t back. She put it into the envelope anyway, more so she couldn’t read it through again, and found herself addressing the envelope too. Laying it on her desk, Nia eyed the envelope for a few moments, before pushing back her chair and heading out of the room.

***

She’d sent the letter, eventually. She’d tried just stuffing it in her journal, but it had still managed to haunt her. His name written on the outside, in her own flowing but neat writing. She couldn’t bear throwing it away, not with what it contained. And thus, one evening of staring at it, and Atlas staring at her wistfully, wanting to go fly somewhere useful, she’d finally done it. She’d stood at her window to watch it slowly disappear into the distance. To wherever Raiden was, and to where her heart wasn’t supposed to belong.

And it didn’t. From now on, her heart belonged to Quidditch.

hermygirl · 08-03-2011, 11:30 AM

5. Best Friends Reunited

Dressed in her favourite dusky pink skort and lemon short-sleeved t-shirt, Nia skipped lightly down the stairs and headed for the kitchen. There she flicked the switch on the electric kettle (Alina was insistent on using Muggle appliances, so her side of the family felt at home too) and reached the jar of coffee down from the cupboard. She tapped her fingers lightly on the work surface, bopping gently to the music she was listening to. Finally the water began to boil merrily, and she made herself a milky coffee and grabbed a cookie from the tin on the side. A few of Nathaniel’s sticky iced efforts remained, but Nia opted for one of the new batch of chocolate and pecan cookies that had survived Alina’s colleagues. It was a rarity that Alina’s cookies came home from work as they were the ever popular choice for morning break, but it was the summer, so maybe there were fewer people in the office as people were on vacation. Whatever the reason, Nia certainly didn’t mind.

A smile on her face, she paused in the kitchen doorway to change track on her music player, before heading into the lounge. There was a bounce in her step, and an excitement in her eyes. It was a recognisable look, one common to many a Ravenclaw, that implied having a selfish ‘me’ moment with either a brand new or preferred book. It was sitting there on the side table, tattered from the number of times it’d been read in the past. A perennial favourite, Nia had pulled it off her well stocked bookshelf the night she’d come home. Since then, she’d been dipping in and out of it’s pages between practice, unpacking and family time. It was a great way to spend a few spare moments in another world.

Sinking into the the sofa, Nia placed her coffee safely on the floor and swung her legs up as if she were reclining on a chaise long. Nibbling the edge of the cookie, she opened to her last page, and laid her bookmark carefully in her lap. Nathaniel had made it for her a couple of years ago, and it was the one she’d used ever since. Wriggling to get comfortable, Nia drifted to a far away land...

POP!

A young woman appeared, dressed in fashionable yet decently casual Muggle clothes. She wore a youthful expression on her dainty face, and her chestnut eyes glimmered as she set down her bag and gazed round the room. It didn’t take her long to spy Nia, lounged on the couch, and completely oblivious to the real world around her and more importantly, to who had arrived. Amused, the person trotted right over to the sofa, and plopped down at the feet of her friend. She was tempted to tickle them but refrained, instead waiting for that ‘Surprise!’ moment she was sure was coming.

Reaching for her coffee, Nia glanced over her book to see a figure in the corner of her eye. She gave a little frown, as everyone was meant to be out. Alina was at work and Theo had taken Nathaniel to the park. She gently tugged her earphones out, and turned to look properly. “You’re back ear-”

She stopped short, as she realised who had snuck in on her. A grin spread across her face, and she dropped her book on the floor to engulf her friend in a tight hug. “Miss Becca Parker, sneaking in on me like that,” she scolded, though laughter was evident in her voice. An equally excited grin had soon spread across Becca’s face, and she gave Nia a firm hug in return.

“Sneaking in? I don’t know I’d call it that. I was merely stopping by. Making myself at home.” Yes, that was a much better way of putting it. “In any case,” Becca continued, “The fact that I could arrive and your house and sit next to you for such an extended period of time... Nia, a horrid murderer could’ve entered your home and that could’ve been the end for you. You wouldn’t have even since it coming because of those.” She gestured to the earbuds in Nia’s lap. “How irresponsible of you. You. Could. Have. Died.” And with that said, Becca pulled her best I’m extremely serious and disappointed in you right now face.

Nia was trying to look serious in return, and maybe even slightly apologetic, but she couldn’t stop a hint of a smile flicker across her lips at Becca’s expression. In fact, at Becca's mention of a murderer, she might have even rolled her eyes. “You don’t have to be quite so dramatic, girly,” Nia replied shaking her head, even if it was probably true. “And anyway, the music wasn’t that loud. You could’ve poked me or something.”

With that, Nia pulled away from her friend to look at her properly, pondering if Ravenclaw's main party-starter and cake thrower had changed any. “We need to talk more exciting things,” she said, changing the topic. Her turquoise eyes twinkled, full of enthusiasm. “How are you? It’s been forever! I’m so glad you could comeeeee!”

Squeeee!

“I’ve been pretty good!” Becca replied, amusement playing on her lips at Nia’s torrent of excited words. “For my first year out of school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I considered Quidditch, being a professional musician, and a professional football player.” Nia nodded, understanding her friend’s dilemma. They were all good and fun things to do. “I think I’ve finally made my decision,” Becca continued, pausing to analyse Nia’s reaction - to see if the younger girl had guessed. Nia hadn’t, though was hopeful the former Claw keeper had fancied a shot at the Harpies or Bats too. That would be amazingly awesome, but somehow she didn’t feel it was the case.

“I’ve started training to join the women’s national football team.”

Nia reached over and hugged Becca excitedly. “The national football team? KeepKeep, that’s awesome! When can I come see you play?” Becca laughed, shrugging the last question off. She only just started training, afterall, and Nia knew full well what that meant.

“I thought it seemed kind of silly to return to the Muggle world after seven years at Hogwarts, but I just feel like it's my calling. I still have time to change my mind, I suppose. I've briefly considered working at the Ministry or opening a Quidditch shop. I... well, I'm just really rubbish at making decisions. I enjoy being a free spirit. This whole 'real world' thing kind of wigs me out.” Nia just grinned, glad her friend had found something she really wanted to do.

“It doesn’t mean to say you’re leaving the magic world.” She gestured around the room. A fair bit of Muggle stuff could be spotted from Alina’s side of the family. She’d always been brought up with the best of both, and she thoroughly appreciated the opportunities that had given her. “I think it’s great you’re not letting that stand in the way. You can open a Quidditch shop whenever, but you need to do this whilst you’re at the top of your game.” Becca nodded. Nia was full of wisdom and positive thoughts, as always. “How about you, though?” she asked. “What have you been doing? Where's your life going, CaptCapt?”

Nia looked thoughtful. “I’ve been doing okay, I guess.” She pulled a face. “Last term was kinda mixed. No Quidditch and all. I’m not sure I like being grounded.” She rubbed her lips together, and tilted her head to the side. “As for where I’m going, that depends on what happens in two weeks time.”

She smiled mysteriously. “How about some cookies and milk, and I’ll tell you about it?”

“COOKIE?” Becca had risen to her feet. “You don’t have to ask me twice.”