ari-archives

[ari-archives]

Habits

The Pogues were sitting down on the porch of the chateau, laughing and talking about their day. They finally got a moment of peace after the crazy day they just had. So, what better way to spend it than with each other? They were laughing at Pope’s recount of the day as he was standing and waving his hands around exasperatedly when he winced a little bit, lifting his arms.

“Woah, you good?” John B asked, worry laced in his tone. Everyone is a bit more alert in case Pope was injured and hadn’t told anyone.

“Oh yeah, yeah.” Pope dismissed with a wave of his hands. He went and sat down with the rest of the crew, who were watching him closely, asking for an explanation. “I just made y/n laugh too many times today, I think.”

Everyone understood. Well, almost everyone. Each and everyone started laughing to themselves as they have been a victim of this habit of yours.

“Yeah, you need to be careful around that girl when she thinks something is funny,” Kie added, now holding her shoulder, remembering the last time she and y/n had a laugh. “I think I still have the bruise she gave me last time because we were laughing so hard when JJ ate shit trying to jump over a fence.”

“Okay, there was no need to bring that up,” JJ grumbled, with everyone chuckling at the memory.

“That girl is small but has so much force in her. It’s unnatural.” John B added.

You see, after being friends with you for so many years, the Pogues have noticed quite a few of your habits. Your most infamous one is that you tend to hit or shove the person closest to you whenever you laugh. Most of the time, there’s no real damage. But occasionally, a Pogue might find themselves on the floor after getting pushed too far out or with a small bruise after someone almost made you pee your pants from making a good joke. No one has a problem with it. They know there’s no ill intent to your actions and find it cute, actually.

“I think everyone here can relate to Pope right now, " Sarah said, shaking her head with a smile. Everyone else nodded, agreeing with her—all except one.

Throughout this conversation, JJ tried to think if he had ever been on the opposite end of your habit. Nothing was coming up. He doesn’t know why, but he didn’t like it.

Okay, that was a lie.

JJ has been trying to hide it for a while now, but for the past few weeks, he has found himself looking at you longer than a friend should, being more protective of you than a friend should be if someone else comes too close, and even searching for you first whenever he walks into a room. For the past few weeks, he has been feeling something in the pit of his stomach whenever he hears you laugh or sees you smile, and he doesn’t know what to do about it. So, when his friends are discussing a collective experience with you that doesn’t involve him, he doesn’t like it. He even hates it.

JJ looks around before spotting you sitting at the end of the dock, leaning your back against a pillar, writing in your journal. That’s also another habit of yours that’s becoming more frequent. You write in your journal every time you can.

JJ excused himself from his friends and started to make his way to you. Everyone looked at each other in an unspoken conversation. What JJ doesn’t know is that as much as he has noticed his growing feelings for you, the others have noticed as well. Now and then, they’ll catch a stray glance here and a lingering touch there. Sarah and Kie played the idea of JJ having feelings for you once before just to see how you would react, but it was dismissed as soon as it was brought up. You had dismissed it fast. Too fast, Kie had thought. John B and Kie caught each other’s eye and couldn’t help but smile at one another. Both the best friends were happy that JJ was finally allowing himself to feel the love he deserved. JJ has always gotten the short end of the stick when it came to life, and both of them knew it. It was about damn time happiness came knocking at his door. All he has to do now is open it.

Immersed in your writing, you couldn’t help but be a little startled when you heard footsteps behind you. You smiled as JJ appeared in front of the blinding sun.

“Is that my pretty boy JJ Maybank?” You gasped, feigning a surprise, your nickname for him falling out of your lips. The sight made JJ’s heart almost leap out of his chest. He tried not to dwell on the fact that you called him your pretty boy, even though he liked that thought. He liked it a lot.

“When is that nickname gonna get discontinued?” JJ asked, pretending to hate it. Truth is, he doesn’t think he can hate anything you call him. He sat down across from you, leaning against the other pillar, stretching out his legs in front of him.

“You’re just way too pretty not to be reminded.” You pouted, earning a laugh from JJ.

“yeah... yeah.” JJ dismissed. “What are you doing out here being a loner?” He changes the subject quickly, hoping you don’t notice how more and more nervous he’s getting.

“Journaling.” You answered, holding up your journal to him.

“You’re always on that thing,” JJ said pointedly.

“Gotta keep the memories alive," you shrugged, answering him. JJ knew you would say that. That was your answer every time someone mentioned your journal. He loves it. It just shows that you love your time with everyone else as much as he does.

“Can I read it?” JJ asked, already knowing the answer. It’s always a no, but he asks it every time in case you suddenly give him a yes.

“Absolutely not.” You quickly answered, playfully squinting at him.

Yup. Called it. JJ had thought to himself.

“I don’t even know why you ask when you know what the answer is going to be.” You pointedly told JJ.

If you ask JJ, he’ll just say that he wanted to get to know your innermost thoughts. But if you ask him on a deeper level, he’ll say he wants to know you like no one has ever known you. He wants to see the world you never let anyone see. He selfishly wants something from you for himself. Reserved only for him and him only. But that’s only if you ask him.      

“You gotta say yes at some point.” JJ found himself saying. You gave a short laugh in response.

“Not a chance.” You poked your tongue at him and went back to your writing. JJ can’t help but keep his eyes locked on you. The sight seems like it’s from a movie. The sun hits your skin just right, creating this unbelievable glow around you, and the wind shifts your hair perfectly around your face, highlighting your features in the best way possible. He takes you in, studying you so you’ll be forever engraved in his mind, never to forget you. He couldn’t if he tried if he was being honest with himself.

“It’s becoming a habit now,” JJ said, still looking at you.

“I guess so.” You mindlessly said, not fully paying attention to him.

“Speaking of habits,” JJ started, remembering what he went here for in the first place.   “We were just talking about a violent habit of yours.” He finished with a teasing tone laced in his voice.

You stopped writing and looked up at JJ, confused, cocking your head to the side. “Violent habit?”

“You tend to hit or shove the person next to you if someone makes you laugh.” He barely had time to finish his explanation before you started to defend yourself.

“Oh my god, you guys are dramatic!” you exclaimed, rolling your eyes while making JJ laugh at the same time. “It’s a love tap at best. If you guys are weak, just say that. But don’t go blaming the innocent.” You finished, pointing at yourself. That made JJ laugh even more.

“The innocent?!” JJ cackled. “Everyone else back there would have to disagree with you.” He said, doubling over with laughter.

“Whatever. You guys suck.” You mumbled to yourself. “I never heard you complain.” You said towards him.

“Can’t complain about something that never happened to me,” JJ answered, shrugging.

“What do you mean?” You asked, confusion laced in your voice.

“I’ve never been a victim of that habit of yours.” He said truthfully. “Whenever you laugh around me, you always hit the closest thing that’s to you, but never me.” JJ sees you burrow your eyebrows. The gears in your mind turning to see if what JJ said was true.

“No way.” You concluded, shaking your head in the process. “I do it to everyone.”

“False,” JJ pointed. “Think about it.” He said this as a challenge to the girl in front of him.

You did. You thought back to the many times you had laughed with JJ and had laughed with the others. You remembered receiving playful complaints from the four other Pogues but never from JJ.

Well, shit. You thought. JJ was right.

“Huh.” You realized. “I guess I don’t.”

“See, I told you,” JJ said, scrunching his face at you playfully.

“I… guess I just make it a point not to.” You told him, although it seemed like you were telling yourself as well. JJ nodded to himself, looking down. He paused for a moment. He feels like he knows where this is going, but he doesn’t know if he’s ready for it.

“Why?” He finally asks, looking up at you. He’s scared. He’s scared of what your answer is going to be. He takes a shaky breath, waiting.

“I don’t know...” You started to think. “Because...” You stopped yourself, slowly realizing why you have been alienating JJ from your habit. You hadn’t meant to do it. You kind of just… did it subconsciously.

You slowly looked at JJ in the eyes, scared of how he’s going to react to the truth. The truth you just found out yourself. You know he hates it when people treat him differently because of it. Hates it when people look at him with pity when they find out about him. It wasn’t you treating him differently, though. And it definitely wasn’t pity. You just don’t know how to explain that to him correctly.

“Because of my dad?” He finished for you. The look he’s giving you breaks your heart.

“Yes.” You said, getting in front of the truth. JJ gave you a small smile, appreciating your honesty. You had always been honest with him. Always. Even when the truth would hurt him. That’s one of the things he loves about you. JJ stopped in thought.

Love. Holy shit. JJ realized. He loves you.

JJ focused back on you and saw a hint of panic in your eyes. You were looking down at your hands now, fidgeting with them. He needed to say something so you don’t start freaking out.

“I wouldn’t…” JJ started, trying to find his words. “I wouldn’t think anything of it if you did. I don’t think about it that way with the others, and I wouldn’t think about it that way with you. Especially you.”

You looked up at him. You didn’t want to read too much into the last thing he said, even though your heart jumped when he said it.

This isn’t about you. You thought. This is about JJ.

“I know you wouldn’t.” You responded, not being able to look at him in the eyes. “It’s just that…” You stopped yourself again, carefully trying to find the right words.

“I get enough hits from my dad, and you don’t want to add anymore?” JJ asked. You snapped your head at him. You found that he was smiling, trying to make a joke out of it. Your eyes started to sting.

“That’s not funny.” You told him softly but seriously. You could feel the tears pooling in your eyes, and JJ could see it, too. His smile quickly dropped from his face. He didn’t want to make you cry. That was the last thing he wanted from this conversation.

“Hey,” JJ scooted closer to you, taking your hands in his. “It’s okay. It was a joke.” He tried to comfort you, rubbing his thumb across your knuckles, never breaking eye contact with you.

“No, JJ, it’s not.” A stray tear falls down your cheek. JJ’s hand came up, patting the tear away with his fingers, careful not to ruin your makeup. The action makes you smile on the inside. Your heart is growing more and more bigger for him than you care to admit. Even when you’re talking about JJ’s pain, he still makes it a priority to comfort you. Because that’s JJ. That’s your pretty boy. You take his hand from your face and hold it before you continue to speak.

“I, more than anything, want to fix your situation.” You say, taking a deep breath. “But I can’t.” You closed your eyes for a moment before continuing. “So, when there’s a way for me to provide you comfort or even a safe place for you so you don’t have to feel what you feel when you’re with your dad, even if it’s temporary, I will do that for you. Because that’s the only way I can protect you.”

JJ blinked. Barely recognizing the words that just came out of your mouth. No one has ever thought that far to protect JJ before. I mean, yeah, the Pogues know about his situation, and they take care of him. He’s grateful for them. But it’s always been after the fact. It’s always been after he’s had a run-in with his dad that they take care of him. And there’s no problem with that; it’s just the reality of it. But you, you’re actively trying to protect him. You made it a point to be careful with your habit around him because you don’t want to unintentionally cause him more pain.

“-and I know it’s not enough. I know that.” You continued, returning him from his thoughts. Realizing what you just said, he was quick to interrupt you.

“Hey…” He said, grabbing your face with both of his hands, forcing you to look at him so there was no room for interpretation. “It’s enough. It’s more than enough.” You both just sat there, looking at each other. An unspoken understanding between you two.

JJ started to rub his thumb across your cheekbones, soothing your never-ending nerves. His eyes flicked towards your lips, causing you to take a slight short breath. You don’t know who leaned in first. But it didn’t matter once you felt his lips on yours. It was like a ray of light bursting through a cover of dark clouds. Never has anything felt more right to you than this. How could you not have realized this sooner? How could you have missed all the things JJ made you feel? He made you feel safe and protected. He made you feel seen and understood. He made you feel like you were on top of the world. JJ made you feel electric. And you’re mad at yourself for wasting so much time when everything you’ve ever wanted and needed had been right in front of you the whole time.

You’re an idiot. You thought to yourself.

Risks have always been a part of JJ’s life. It was second nature to him to take risks. He wasn’t scared of them. If anything, it fueled him. But he has never been more scared to take a risk in his life than right now, at this moment. He realized as soon as he put his lips on yours, everything was going to change. Was he ready for the aftermath? Were you? What if you didn’t feel the same? What if he made a mistake and ruined your friendship? What if he loses you? Oh god, he doesn’t even want to think about that. He can’t lose you. He won’t survive it.

Still occupied with his thoughts, he barely realizes that you started to kiss him back. And just like that, all the anxiety that was building around his heart washed away. Relief flooded all over his body, and that gave him the confidence to pull you closer and kiss you deeper, savoring the moment.

The new couple pulled away as they heard their best friends all cheering for them in the background. They’ve been feeling the tension for weeks and have grown impatient as to when either one of you would finally make a move. You and JJ started laughing, leaning your foreheads against one another, not entirely ready to let go of each other just yet.

“Safe to say our friends are okay with us breaking the no Pogue-on-Pogue mackin’ rule,” JJ says, smiling down at his new girlfriend.

Girlfriend. He thought. Y/n is my girlfriend. His smile grew bigger at the realization.

“You were never one for the rules anyway.” You say, rolling your eyes, laughing at him.

“I am who I am, baby.” He couldn’t help himself and went in for another kiss. It was short-lived, though, as he got interrupted again by John B. There had been many, many times when he wanted to punch John B in the throat, but this one takes the cake.

“Come on, you two! Quit mackin’ and eat dinner with us!” John B yelled from his porch.

“Can’t even do that because you keep interrupting!” JJ yelled back. All he got back was two middle fingers from John B, causing you to laugh.

Although JJ wanted to continue what they started, he relented and stood up, holding his hand out to help you do the same. You grabbed his hand, but not before remembering to grab your journal as he pulled you up. JJ leads you up the dock towards the chateau, holding your hand tightly in his. But right before you two were about to enter, he stopped you and made you face him.

“What is it?” You asked him.

“I just wanted to say thank you,” JJ stated. You cocked your head to the side, confused. “I didn’t get a chance to earlier.”

“For what?”

“For thinking of me enough to be mindful of your habit around me. Even though it wasn’t necessary, and I wouldn’t have thought any different if you didn’t.” JJ smiled at you. “No one has ever been that considerate of me before.”

You took your hand and pulled JJ down from the back of his neck to your lips. It was deep and short but just enough to get the message through. You have me, and you will always have me.

The two pulled back and headed inside towards their friends, who they call family, excited to start their new adventure with each other.

[ari-archives]

Win and Lose Pt. 2

Oliver finally got back to him room after a long night of practice. He and the new starter was just working on some drills. Since she’s new, Oliver thought to show her a little more attention to prepare her for the upcoming quidditch championship coming up. This year is the last chance to fulfill his dream of winning the quidditch cup for his house.

The practice went great, and Alicia got the hang of it quickly. Oliver felt good about the championship game. He can’t wait to tell you all about it later. After he showered, he changed into his pajamas and got into bed with the biggest smile on his face. He’s missed you a lot lately because he’s been busy with the team but, he knows he’s going to make it up to you after he wins. He’s going to shower you with so much affection you’ll be sick of him.

-

Oliver woke up with excitement in his whole body. He jumped out of bed and headed straight to his closet. He opened to find a suit with parchment attached to it. It red “One-year anniversary! Astronomy tower – 8PM. Don’t forget the bracelet!!” Oliver’s eyes widened. He forgot. HE FORGOT HIS ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY DATE.

He opened his side drawer and grabbed the bracelet he was supposed to gift to you last night. He rushed out the door nearly bumping into the twins. He didn’t miss the looks they gave each other before looking back at him. You must have come to the Gryffindor dorm to look for him. His heart aches just imagining how hurt you must’ve felt when he didn’t show up. He had to get to you. And fast.

He ran down the hallways not caring about the weird stairs he got. All he cared about was you. He was turning the corner to head to the Ravenclaw dorm when he almost bumped into you.

“Y/N!” He exclaimed. “I’m so sorry.”

“Hi Oliver.” You replied in a sad tone. His heart broke at the sound of it.

“Can we please talk?” Oliver begged.

“Yeah, I think we should.”

“Thank you! You don’t know how sorry I am the I forgot our annivers-“ The quidditch captain started.

“Let’s end it here Oliver.” You interrupted.

Oliver froze. Like his body and mind was unable to process what you just said.

“What?” He finally let out. He wasn’t sure whether he wanted you to repeat it.

“Look, I think our own priorities don’t align with each other. I prioritized you and our relationship, and you prioritized…Quidditich.” You explained. “I think it’s for the best.”

You tried to pass him and walk away but he grabbed your wrist to stop you. You finally looked into his eyes and saw tears threatening to fall. Yours mirror his in the process. It almost made you want to hug him and forget yesterday never happened. Almost.

“Y/N please. You know that’s not true. I love-“

“Do you know what I saw Oliver?” You said, not being able to hold back anymore. “I saw you having the time of your life, smiling and laughing at the Quidditch pitch with another girl. You spent our anniversary with someone else Oliver. Do you know how that makes me feel?”

“Leannan, you know she doesn’t mean anything. She’s just the new starter and I wanted to train her to be better for the championship.” Oliver tried to explain.

“That’s not the point Oliver!” You yelled ignoring the shocking faces of everyone around them. Whispers started going around as Hogwarts always deemed you and Oliver the perfect couple. Voted most likely to get married after graduating.

“The point is that you chose Quidditch over me... again. For the past month, you have been cutting our dates short or simply just ditching me whenever we get anytime together. But I have been so understanding because I know how much this game means to you. Because I love you and I’m willing to compromise one little month of my needs for you to achieve your dreams.” You blurted out, not planning on stopping there.

“I just asked you for one night Oliver. One stinking night for you to take a break and just enjoy the time we have spent together this past year. But you couldn’t even give me that. Instead, you stayed and played Quidditch and spent our anniversary with someone else.” You said defeated.

“I went to the pitch and planned to yell and scream at you for the whole Hogwarts to hear. But I saw that you had the biggest smile on your face doing what you love to do. I saw that there was no thought of me that night. No thought of your love for me. I deserve better than that Oliver. You broke my heart.” You pointed, tears streaming down her face at this point.

“Yes, you do Y/N. and I will give that to you. Please just give me another chance.” Oliver pleading, grabbing a hold of your hands. You pulled your hands, shaking your head.

Oliver can feel this is the end. He doesn’t want to believe it. He won’t believe it. You and him were supposed to be forever.

“I love you Y/N. More than anything in the world. You know this. I get that I messed up and I will make it up for you as long as it takes. Believe me Y/N, I love you.” Oliver expressed with his heart on his sleeve.

“That’s the thing Oliver. I don’t know if I believe that anymore.” You said, sadness pouring out in every word. “You can win your Quidditch cup now. You just lost me along the way.”

You didn’t let Oliver another word in before turning and walking away. It was the hardest thing she had ever had to do. But you had to put herself first. You loved Oliver, you just weren’t sure if he loved you the same way you loved him.

As for Oliver, he couldn’t help but just let the love of his life walk away from him. He messed up. He knows that. But so, help him he will get her back no matter how long it takes. He just has to prove to her that she is his number one priority. He made that mistake once, and he will never make that mistake again. Even if it means losing the quidditch cup.

[ari-archives]

Win and Lose Pt. 1

The night sky is beautiful. You were wearing a gorgeous black dress coming down to the middle of your shin. You were waiting for your boyfriend, Gryffindor quidditch captain, Oliver Wood. Tonight is your one-year anniversary and you two decided to celebrate with a candle night picnic in the astronomy tower looking up at the stars. You were so excited. You have never felt this way about anyone before. He really did make you feel like a princess in the most amazing way. You got everything ready since you knew he would be at practice all day. You don’t mind really, since he always makes time for you at the end of the day.

Although lately, you two haven’t really seen much of each other as he has been busy with trying to win the quidditch cup for Gryffindor. It has been his dream to win the quidditch cup since he first started at Hogwarts. You try to see him when you have free time in between your classes. You can almost always find him at the quidditch field running plays or at the library creating plays. You haven’t seen Oliver at all today, but you did remind him of your date planned yesterday before bed.

You looked at your set up one more time, making sure everything is just perfect for him. You charmed the candles to stay afloat high above your heads to set the mood. You got a large blanket and placed it on the floor with a basket full of you and Oliver’s favorite treats and sweets. Lying next to the basket is your gift for Oliver. You saved up your money and got him the newest and fastest broomstick in Hogsmeade. You were hoping for him to use it in the quidditch final for good luck. You tied one of your hair ribbons on the handle for good luck and to remind him that you’ll always be there to support him.

You checked your watch as you realized that Oliver should’ve arrived already. You thought that he was just running late as the boy had a million things running through his mind every day. You walked around aimlessly until you spotted a balcony that you can sit and just take in your surroundings. Looking to the ground, you see the beautiful grounds of Hogwarts. You look to the sky and see the most beautiful stars you have ever seen with the glowing moon. Not wanting to look at the stars too much without Oliver, you scooted your back to the wall on the side and laid out your legs in front of you. You closed your eyes, feeling the breeze dance across your cheeks. It felt nice just to be like this. It’s a nighttime full of peace and no worries. You only wish Oliver would hurry so you can spend it with him.

-

You were awakened with a snap of your neck. You must’ve fallen asleep while you were waiting for Oliver. You checked your watch and saw that an hour has passed. There was no sign that Oliver had come to the tower as the rest of your things remained untouched. You were starting to get worried. There was no way Oliver wouldn’t show up. What if something happened to Oliver? What if he’s hurt? What if he’s in trouble? Without thinking, you ran out of the tower and headed straight for the Gryffindor common room. Your eyes searched for any of his teammates. You found Fred and George sitting at one of the tables in the corner laughing. Probably plotting the next prank on the school.

“Have any of you seen Oliver?” You asked, walking towards them.

They looked at you shocked and gave you a once over. They knew it was your anniversary today. They have been teasing their captain about it all week. They didn’t get to do that today though as Oliver ran a strict practice today. He came up with a new drill and wanted everyone to learn and perfect it by the end of practice. If they didn’t know him any better, the team would’ve thought he was a mad man for those expectations. But because they did know him, they know that if done right, his drills would be amazing. So, they relented and did what the captain wanted.

“Last I seen him was at the quidditch field.” George answered.

“Yeah, he wanted to stay behind for a couple more minutes behind for extra practice.” Fred extended. “Did he not meet with you?”

“No.” You answered. “We were supposed to meet an hour ago, but he never showed. That’s why I’m worried.”

“Maybe checked the field?” George suggested. “He hasn’t come up here either.”

“Okay, Thank you both.”

“You’re welcome.” The twins said, in sync.

Walking through the corridor, you grew more and more worried. You were thinking of just all the ways he could’ve hurt himself trying out new tricks. As much as Oliver was brilliant, he was bold and stupid. He would put himself in harm’s way if it meant winning the cup. His were running through your mind, you finally reached the field. You heard the broom whooshing across the field. Matter of fact, two brooms.

Oliver was at the pitch practicing with newest starting member of their team. Alicia was her name you think. You haven’t met her yet. The longer you watched the pair the angrier you got.

Oliver forgot. He completely forgot your one-year anniversary for a late practice. You knew Quidditch was important to him, but weren’t you important to him too? You were about to shout his name when you heard his laugh bellow out along with his practicing partner. His smile is so wide, and he just looked like he was having the best time. Not a single thought in his head except quidditch. Not even a thought of you.

A tear fell to your cheek, but you quickly wiped it off before you start relentlessly crying. Pulling yourself together and gathering all the strength you can muster; you turned around and started headed back to your dorm room. It was obvious that Oliver prioritized quidditch more than anything. You always knew that deep down. You just hoped Oliver loved you as much as you loved him. You don’t know what’s going to happen with you and Oliver tomorrow. Right now, you’re just too upset and too tired to care. That’s a problem in the next morning.

Entering your dorm room, you quickly got out of your clothes and changed into your pajamas. You got in your bed with your mind heavy and your heart broken.

[ari-archives]

Decked Out In You

This is it.

This is the day Oliver has been waiting for. This is the day he is going to win the quidditch cup. The last couple years had some minor setbacks with magic stones, basilisks, and everything in between, but not this year. Well, almost. Turns out, Harry had to deal with some family problems that turned up unexpectedly that had Oliver flying out on the pitch from days on end to blow off some steam. Harry couldn’t go ONE year without anything happening. One year of peace was all he asked for.

But all was well when Harry went up to him and told him that everything was taken care of and that he was still able to play quidditch this year. Oliver fell to his knees thanking merlin for bringing his seeker back. He would never admit it, but he was almost to tears.

Oliver was eerily quiet at the quidditch changing tents. He sat at the front, facing his teammates, elbows on his knees, fingers locked, and head down. Fred and George looked at each other with confusion as they have never heard the captain so quiet before a game. Angelina looked worried and the silence was giving Katie anxiety. Harry was just sitting there, waiting for Oliver because he knew this was a big day for him. No one can really understand what he’s feeling right now.

Finally, Oliver looked at his team. They expected to see a cold, hard face to greet them. To their shock, Oliver was smiling at them. Pride evident in his eyes.

“There’s nothing else for me to say.” He started, getting shocked faces from his team. “You’ve all worked hard and tried your best in every game. That’s all I’ve ever asked from you. I’m proud of all of you.”

Now it was the team’s turn to be silent.

“Godric Oliver.” Katie Bell spoke up. Everyone looked at her. “That was the best speech you ever did.”

The Gryffindors all laughed together, reminiscing all of the long a agonizing speeches he did.

“Now let’s go out there and bring the cup back in Gryffindor hands!” He exclaimed, earning cheers from everyone else. They all grabbed their brooms and headed out.

Oliver was the last one out only to find his team just standing and staring at something. Looking in the same direction, he immediately spotted his girlfriend. He couldn’t believe his eyes. There you were, wearing his spare jersey with a black long-sleeved shirt underneath, black jeans, with red and gold socks over your ankles. His name has been painted on your cheeks- Oliver in red on the right, Wood in gold on the left. You wer also holding up a handmade sign with his last name and jersey number decorated in Gryffindor colors.

Oliver thought you couldn’t be more be more beautiful than you were, but you just proved him wrong. His house-pride girlfriend is wearing his house colors. Merlin, he loves you so much. He is so in love with you.

Oliver started walking towards you with a smile mirroring yours. As soon has he reaches you, he picks you up and spins you around. He’s so happy right now that he even ignores the teasing and whistling from his teammates. Nothing can bring him down from this.

Nothing.

“Look at you decked out in red and gold.” He said proudly, putting you down. “Looks good you, my love.”

“Nope. I’m just decked out in you.” You beamed at him, slightly waving your sign to him.

Oliver gave you another once over admiring how beautiful and stunning you are and just thinking how lucky he is to be with someone like you. He took your face in his hands and studied you before kissing your nose and then your lips.

“Thank you for this leannan.” He started. “This… means everything to me. You didn’t have to do this you know?”

“I know.” You answered. “But I love you and I wanted to.”

“I love you.” Oliver responded. “Merlin knows how much I love you.” Oliver leaned down, capturing you lips once again. This time with more passion, more needing… more love. You pulled away as the lack of air was starting to get to you. You stared at Oliver right into his deep brown eyes and can see that he’s nervous about today. He’s confident but you know, you can see, that there’s a hint of doubt in there.

“You are going to do great, and you are going to win.” You assured him. “Don’t think Ollie. Just play. Okay?”

“Okay.” He whispered, putting his forehead to yours. Hearing you say that made his heart feel lighter. It amazes him how easily you can make his worries go away. You calm him down but still excite him at the same time. He can’t really explain this feeling, but he knows he wants it forever and he wants it with you.

“You better go.” You told him, hearing Lee make his first announcements. Oliver nodded, giving you a quick kiss before heading back to his teammates.

“Hey Wood!” You called after him. He turned his head towards you along with the rest of his teammates. “Give those Slytherins hell.”

Oliver smirked and winked at you before mounting his broom and taking off to the pitch. He felt his teammate’s support as they rode behind him. He felt his house’s support as they cheered for the team. Most importantly, He felt your support as you’re seated next Hermione and Ron cheering the loudest out of anyone in the stands.

He will win the Quidditch cup tonight.

[ari-archives]

It's Only Fair

You're sitting down doing your homework at the quidditch stands while occasionally watching a “friendly” scrimmage game between Gryffindor and your house, Ravenclaw. Although some of the spectators watching as well would say it could be a little friendlier. You preferred to do your homework outdoors rather than inside as your dorm doesn’t stay quiet long enough for you to focus because your roommates tend to go in and out, and the library, although quiet, gets too stuffy after being there for so long. So, you chose the quidditch pitch. Something about the breeze and open view calms you down if you get too stressed about your grades or an upcoming test.

Though today you didn’t know that the pitch would be occupied. You don’t mind it as much as your best friend is on your house team and it's always nice to see her play. You see her gliding through the air laughing and smiling while teasing the Gryffindor team, making her lose her balance slightly, causing you to let out a scoff while shaking your head. That girl always gets distracted somehow.

Having taken a break long enough, you turn your attention back to your research on Newt Scamander, famed Magizoologist. Magical creatures aren’t really your thing as you find it quite boring. You're more in to Spells, potions, and everything in between to become a great Auror.

“WATCH OUT” you heard, taking you out of your thoughts.

Looking towards the direction of the voice, your eyes are met with a quaffle coming straight towards you. You didn’t have time to react so your best solution was to cower and cover your face with your thick book and hope for the best. Hopefully Madam Pomrey is able to put your face back together. What seemed like forever anticipating the painful hit, you were met with nothing but a gust of air. You peeked from the top of your book only to find a member of the Gryffindor team floating on his broom stick in front of you holding the quaffle that was about to dismember your face. You let out a big sigh of relief and you were beyond grateful for this stranger’s speedy reflexes.

“WATCH WHERE YOU AIM THIS THING WILL YOU?” He screamed before throwing the ball to the closest player. I see him shook his head before he turned towards me.

“You okay there lass? Sorry about that” He spoke, concern in his voice. Your eyes scanned his face trying to see if I knew his name or not. You didn’t. Although you did find him quite handsome.

“Yes.” You said, clearing your throat. “I’m okay”

He nodded, relief feeling his eyes.

“Good. Promise that won’t happen again.” He gave you a small smile before turning around ready to fly off with his teammates.

“wait!” You shouted, making him halt in his tracks. He turned to you with confusion written on his face. You stood up and walked down a few steps to get closer to him.

“What’s your name? You saved my life and I don’t even know your name.” You told him. He smiled at you, wider than the one he gave you before.

“Oliver. Oliver Wood.” He answered with a hint of pride.

“Thank you, Oliver Wood.” You smiled back at him.

“You’re very welcome.”

Sensing that the conversation is over, you gave him a nod and started heading back to your stuff.

“Seeing as you know my name,” he called after you. “I think it’s only fair I know yours.”

You looked back at him raising your eyebrows. He mimicked you tilting his head slightly, waiting for your answer.

“y/n y/l/n”

Though it didn’t seem possible, his smile widened hearing your name. You could almost see the glint in his eyes taking it in.

“y/n y/l/n” he repeated, as if it was something he wanted to remember “Beautiful name. Unfortunate we had to meet under these circumstances. Hopefully next time will be better.”

You shot him a questioning look, slightly impressed by his boldness.

“What makes you think there’s going to be a next time?” You questioned, teasing him a little bit.

He let out a chuckle glancing at his surroundings before looking back at you once more.

“Oh I’ll make sure of it lass. You have my word.” He smiled at you once more before flying off and returning to the pitch, leaving you there before you could argue.

Knowing there’s no point in trying to get another word in, you headed back to your seat to gather your books. You try to ignore the blush forming on your cheeks as you put your books in your bag. There’s no way you could focus on your research paper now that the Gryffindor quidditch player has filled your mind.

You feel the heat radiating off your cheeks on the back of your hand as you walk down the stands, not even fighting the smile that’s making its way onto your face. What you didn’t see though, was that a certain quidditch player has been watching you since he returned to his post with a smile mirroring yours, ecstatic that you felt the same way about your interaction.

[ari-archives]

Over Our Love

Oliver was standing outside the changing rooms with his teammates after just giving one of his long speeches about teamwork and victory and all the hard work they’ve done blah blah blah… At least that what it sounded like to most of his teammates. Particularly his fellow 7th years, having to hear his long-winded speeches more than anyone else on the team. After so many, they all start sounding alike.

Though his fellow Gryffindors get it. If they win this quidditch game, they’re in the finals for the cup. Which has been Oliver’s dream since he got on the team. Slytherin has won the cup seven years in a row, and he is determined to break that streak. They’re playing against Ravenclaw today. Not necessarily a hard opponent but it wouldn’t be too easy either. They have good chasers, and Ravenclaw’s seeker, Cho Chang, is a graceful flyer than most.

The players were just talking amongst themselves waiting for the call to head into the pitch. Oliver was standing outside seeming to be waiting for something as his eyes looked off to the side every now and then. Oliver and his girlfriend have a routine before every one of his games since they started dating. Y/N would greet him right outside the quidditch changing rooms, just right before they were to go on to wish him well and to give him a good luck kiss. But the girl was nowhere to be found.

“It’s almost time.” He thought. His anxiety growing more and more by the second. He needed to see her. He needed to feel her presence to put him at ease.

So, what if he’s playing against her house? That shouldn’t matter right? There’s no way she wouldn’t show up for him. She’s going to show up.

She has to.

After what seemed like a millionth time looking over, he finally spotted someone wearing blue and silver robes walking towards him. Oliver let out a sigh of relief. Worry leaving his body replaced with a kind of excitement and love that just makes your stomach flip. Oliver sees his beautiful girlfriend smile and wave at him as he heads towards her, meeting her halfway.

“You were cutting it a bit close there leannan” he said as his arms wrapped around your waist while yours automatically went around his shoulders, fingers intertwining behind his neck. His term of endearment, though you hear it quite often, doesn’t fail to give you butterflies.

“I’m sorry my love but I had to secure my seats at the Ravenclaw section with Pen” You answered with a small pout that you knew Oliver couldn’t resist. He studied your face just for a quick second before awarding you with his smile.

“That’s alright. You’re here now.” He assured, leaning down to get his long awaiting good luck kiss. It all would’ve been perfect had you not leaned away from him as his lips was just about to touch yours. He pulled back and you almost laughed at the shock and confusion written all over his face. He couldn’t believe you just deprived him of his kiss. His kiss he’s been waiting all day for. The audacity.

“You seriously didn’t think you were going to get a good luck kiss from me today, do you?” You asked. Your boyfriend didn’t say anything but just looked at you like your question was the dumbest question he has ever heard.

“Ollie, you’re playing against my house.” You explained. “Why would I want to wish you good luck?”

“Leannan, please don’t do this to me.” He whined.

“I’m sorry Ollie but I want you to lose.” You shrugged, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Oliver’s mouth opened wide in shock along with his eyes. He couldn’t believe you just said that.

“I can’t believe you just said that.” He let out. “How could you say that to your own boyfriend? The love of your life?”

“I can say it because the love of my life is trying to beat my house’s chance of getting the quidditch cup.”

“Are you seriously putting our houses over our love?” he asked, feigning hurt.

“Are YOU ready to put our love over our houses?”

Silence.

Damn.

You got him. You got him good.

“Leannan, pleeeaase don’t do this to me.” He whined again causing you to laugh at last resort attempt to win you over.

“You're really not going to give me my kiss?” Oliver asked again, wanting to be really sure.

Your fingers rubbed the nape of his neck providing little comfort as you shook your head no. He groaned placing his forehead on yours.

He looked at you again and asked, “Well if you’re not here to wish me good luck, then why are you here?”

“Well.. I know who my boyfriend is and just wanted to remind him to be safe and to please try to not get himself hurt too bad.” You answered, playfulness out of your eyes, now filled with worry.

“That’s very sweet of you. I’m sure he’ll appreciate that.” He said, giving you a reassuring smile.

“I’m serious Oliver.” His government name coming out of your mouth. “I know how you get. I want you to be able to achieve your dream, but it’s not worth it if you’re in the hospital wing as a result.”

Sensing the seriousness and worry on your tone, he conceded.

“Okay. Okay. I promise to be safe and to not get too injured.” He said, kissing your nose for extra assurance.

“Thank you.”

You both turn your head toward the Pitch as Lee started his announcements.

“You better go.” You told him, pushing him lightly away from you. “Go out there and suck.”

Instead of being offended he just gave you a smirk and started walking backwards towards his teammates.

“Last chance to give me my kiss angel.”

You glared at him playfully while shaking your head.

“I hope you lose.” You said in a sing song voice, finally turning around and walking away before you break your urges and actually give him his kiss. Instead of pretending to be offended, he just laughed to himself amazed at how competitive you truly are, even if you’re not on the quidditch team.

“Alright ladies, lads, and pals.” He turned around facing his quidditch team. “We have a game to win.” He flashed them with cocky smile and his team knew that he was in the Ollie Zone. A term you created when nothing can get in between Oliver and his victory.

The team walked into the tunnel leading out into the pitch, standing in their designated spots waiting for the door to open so they could fly out and greet the audience. Harry, overhearing the last seconds of the conversation between you and Oliver, couldn’t help but ask...

“Did I hear your girlfriend tell you ‘I hope you lose.’?”

Oliver looked at Harry smiling at him.

“My girl is very competitive Potter.” He explained, taking his broom, and putting it between his legs. Harry followed. “One of the many things I love about her.” Oliver concluded proudly.

Before Harry could question it even further, Lee announced Gryffindor’s entrance and the door opened letting Oliver fly out into the pitch with his teammates right behind him. As Oliver flies around the pitch going over the student sections, he slows down towards Ravenclaw finding his girlfriend right at the front row sending her a wink. She playfully sticks her tongue out him and he lets out a laugh flying over to his position in front of the goalpost. Oliver is determined to win this game. Especially now as payback because his girlfriend didn’t give him his good luck kiss.

You don’t ever want to mess with his kiss.

Never.