I wake up and marvel in the warmth snuggled up close to me before opening my eyes. I look at Lavender and she's more beautiful to me like this than any other moment I've ever seen her.

Reaching up to softly move the hair out of her face, I see the sweet, innocent expression on her face. It's as if she doesn't have a care in the world. I'd give anything if I could keep that look on her face all the time.
( Read more... )

It feels like I only went to sleep moments ago. I look over to the clock and try to remember what time I finally made it bed. My memories of last night come rolling back like the Hogwarts Express.

Wayne

Last night I did one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. It was something I've never done before and never want to do again. I had to tell Wayne that Hannah, the witch he loved, was dead.
( Read more... )

I touch down on the pitch after another gruesome practice. I'm so tired and ache all over. It's all I can do to make it to the change rooms for a nice relaxing shower.
( Read more... )

Today was our first full day of practice in France as the English National Team. I haven't trained this long or hard in a long time. Everything is different here. It's not just the obvious stuff like the food and language. It's the feelings here. The game itself has a completely different energy about it here. That's why we're here to practice before I first Cup game on Saturday.
( Read more... )

It's been two weeks and two days since the attack on Phoenix House and since Lavender fell into a coma. I miss her so much. Everyday it gets harder for me to keep the hope of her full recovery.
( Read more... )

Justin just left and didn't say where he was going but I suspect he's off to see Susan. I gather up a heavy bag of baby items I'll need to take Liam out for the day. I had envisioned our first outing as father and son to be to the park or somewhere like that, not to a hospital but...
( Read more... )

I get to St Mungo's and run in as fast as I can with the children. The desk nurse sees us and our grimy clothes and the bubblehead charms still on the Liam and Kaylee. She makes some kind of announcement then runs over asking what happened. I tell them of the attack at Phoenix House and the fire.

Suddenly medical personnel are running everywhere and asking me all sorts of questions about Liam and Kaylee's medical histories. I don't know this stuff. Just help them!
( Read more... )

I didn't think we'd ever get away from Phoenix house tonight. It's my first overnight trip with Liam and I'm really excited about it. Liam seems to be too but that also could be from the chocolate frogs I let him have as soon as we got out from under Susan's watchful eye.
( Read more )

I realize as soon as I wake that I have to hurry to get to Quidditch practice. I groan as I sit up and feel the aches and pains from all those weeks of not working out or practicing. There was probably something I could have done to help stay in shape a little so I didn't have to hurt so much now. Nest time, which I hope there isn't a next time, I'll know to keep up some kind of exercising.
( Read more )

I'm visiting Justin today. It's the first chance I've had since hearing he was alive.

I see Katie Bell as I'm entering the familiar hallways and ask her how Ron and Justin are. She tells me they are stable but non-responsive. Katie also says it is good for Justin to hear familiar voices. No one is sure if he hears or not but it would be good for him if he does.
( Read more )

It has been one of those weeks. The kind where you want to run away and change your name. The kind of week that has you questioning your every move and word. When you wonder if it's worth it and deep down, you believe it's not. That's the week I've had.
( Read more )

The pain has become so unbearable that I've completely stopped my workout routines.

I noticed it when I was dressing for dinner Monday night. The pain was so intense my chest felt like it was on fire. Deciding it was a pulled muscle, I tried to move gingerly and forgo any more workouts until it was better.
( Read more )

Last night was very interesting. That's the only word I can think of for the whole evening. What started as a planned date to get to know someone ended up being two dates and a new date of convenience.
( Read more )

This is going to be a bad day. All the signs are pointing in that direction.

A summons arrived requesting my presence with the team management scheduled for this afternoon. I hope it's not to discuss my performance in the game on Saturday against the Wimbourne Wasps. After reading it, I know it is going to be a bad day.
( Read more )

We always meet at a small little bistro we found years ago. The food and service is not the best but it's quiet with an intimate atmosphere. Somewhere we can really be ourselves that most paparazzi won't follow.
( Read more )

I blew off my follow-up appointment with Katie this morning. My mind just hasn't been in the right place this last week. What's more, it may be a good idea to keep my distance form her after that article linking us together. I'm fine anyway; she did a wonderful job taking care of me.
( Musings continued )

The day's bright morning light awakes me but the warmth is absent. Getting out of bed feels as a chore not only because of my injury but also because the flat's empty, cold, and quiet. Too quiet. It's a life of half existence now. Existing out of necessity not want.

I make my way to the kitchen. I should eat but the desire and will are not there. Clearing my thoughts by roughly scrubbing my face with my hands, I decide to release some tension. I purposefully divert my gaze from Lavender's belongings that I placed at the door yesterday after days of no communication.
( more illusions )

"You take care of yourself now, Captain. I didn't patch up your cracked ribs and the damage they caused for you to come back here anytime soon." Katie is standing in the door trying to sound calm and commanding but I can tell there's a touch of nervousness in her eyes like I'm about to give her twenty laps around the pitch or something. I've still got it.
( going home )

We have a game today against the Chudley Cannons. I get up and get ready so I can order breakfast at the Three Broomsticks before going to the stadium. Eating is not easy the day of the game but I always force myself to eat something. I know, from experience, Madam Rosmerta has my game schedule memorized and will humiliate me by sending food to the changing rooms if I skip it. Sometimes it's nice to feel mothered but it can be embarrassing.
( game day )

It feels good to back to practicing again and getting out of this flat. It wasn't all bad. Although I was sick, it was nice to have Lavender look after me. Even if she did try to kill me with undercooked chicken.
( more )

I feel awful. I raise my head slightly and let it fall back to my pillow.

I have aches and pains all over. My knees, my lower back, my shoulders. I just hurt and I feel blah. I'm freezing and have a comforter, quilt, and blanket on top of me. I'm wearing socks which I never wear to bed. I'm not going to be sick.
( continued )

It's been a week since Lavender left. It's quiet around here. Too quiet. Even Wronski is getting bored and flying off a lot. I guess I'm not the best of company right now.

The flat is dark again as the sun drops behind the trees off in the distance. It's been dark a lot. I just don't see the sense in turning on any lights. It's my normal Christmas routine - watch Quidditch games, drink, order take out, drink, stay away from holiday stuff, and drink. May not be the ideal holiday scene for most but it's been mine for a long time.
( more Christmas cheer )

I walk around Diagon Alley for a while just window shopping. I mind is sorting through everything that has happened.

( At home... )

I owl Amethyst for confirmation two hours before the reservation time. I'm very nervous about this meeting.

I start getting ready for my meeting with Pansy early. It wouldn't do to show up late, inappropriately dressed, or out of sorts in any way. I wear my white silk button down shirt and dress trousers.
( lunch continued... )

Why do witches take so bloody long to get ready?

It's not like Lavender isn't stunning everyday. What else can she do herself? I lay on her bed waiting until she finally decides to grace me with her presence.
( concert continued... )

Lavender and I have been living together for a few weeks now. It's not all been smooth sailing but it's not been too terrible either.

This morning started off real pleasant. I woke up completely on my own. There were no alarm clocks no pecking owls and no women beating on my door and screaming like a banshee. No this morning started off quite delightful. Who would have ever thought that it could all change so drastically and quickly?
( article aftermath )

Coach calls an end to practice. Finally. It's been a long day. It's been a long week.
( week continued )

Oh my head! At least I'm in a bed. I wonder where I ended up last night. Wait there's an arm across me. It's not mine, or is it? No not hairy enough to be mine. Maybe if I open one eye, I might catch a glimpse of who I went home with.
( continued... )

I'm tired after my Christmas shopping, well window shopping actually, but I hurriedly dress for my night on the town with some of the team and reserves.
( night )

I can't believe I was gone for three weeks.

It all started so normally. I got up, dressed, ate, and did my morning work out. I then continued to shower and dress for Quidditch practice. Upon my arrival at the pitch, I was informed that we were scheduled for a Portkey for a week long practice in Australia against the Woollongong Warriors. Their famous animosity with the Thundelarra Thunderers and legendary violent performances were not understated. I learned that the hard way by taking a Bludger to the head and waking up in a hospital a week later. It brings back memories from my first season with the Hogwarts' Gryffindor Quidditch team.

( continue... )

My name is Oliver Wood. I am the Starting Keeper for Puddlemere United and hopefully the next England National Team. Many people think being a professional Quidditch star is glamorous. Well, they are right. People treat me with a great deal of respect and rush to meet my every whim. This includes the women. They are plentiful and I get to be as choosy as I want. Playing Quidditch is hard and a few perks is not a crime. Money, fame, and women are not the reasons I play. I love the game. I eat, sleep and breathe Quidditch. I don’t understand why some can’t see its value.
( Read more... )