(Untitled)

[mroliverwood]

Date: November 4th
Time: 2pm
Location: From Hogwarts to Oliver's cottage in Hogsmeade
Characters Involved: Oliver [& Wini] Wood, June Connors only
Rating: No higher than PG-13

Comments

[sightlesswolf]

Even if she hadn't assured Wood of her presence at the match, June would hardly have missed it. Gryffindor versus Slytherin, the first game of the year, with Katie and Oliver coaching - how could she have passed it up?

There was something terribly bittersweet about attending a Quidditch match. Being able to hear everything that went on, unable to see it, but with her own memories only too ready to fill in the blanks. Every memory just increased the intensity of her longing to play again, and until recently, that would have led inevitably to her private grief. Though she refused let a shadow be cast over her whole life because of it, that didn't mean it didn't hurt - and never more than when she was so close to what she'd lost.

But today it was different. Soon, so soon it made her throat ache to think about it, she was going to have it back. She would see again. By Christmas, Severus had promised her. She was going to see again. And by extension - run again. Fly again

[mroliverwood]

"Thanks," Oliver said, grinning. Wini started walking around and he reached out to take hold of her hand. Snape was bound to be around and he didn't want to be accused of being a bad father at the moment. "A win against Slytherin suggests a win for the house cup, doesn't it? We'll get it in Lupin's office this year. I'm sure of it." He exhaled as Wini tugged to go farther. "Winifred, say hello to June," The girl looked up at her father with a haughty expression, but since he let go of her hand, she looked over at June and took a step forward to tug on her trousers.

"'i," she said.

Oliver watched her carefully as he spoke to June. "Yes, well, it's good enough for the first game. We'll get better and then we're going to win. Did you see --" he paused. "We had an excellent offense, even if our defense wasn't the best. We'll do much better next time." A few extra practices never hurt anyone, did they

[sightlesswolf]

"Hi, Wini!" June responded to the small tugging by crouching down to smile in the child's direction. "Did you have fun watching the game?"

She noticed him rethink what he was about to say and felt odd. There was the familiar, tiny ache inside - but right on its heels came the new thought: By the next game I might be able to say 'yes'. 'Yes, I saw.' It still didn't seem real.

With a start she came back to herself, realizing Oliver was talking again. About Katie - did he really think she wouldn't want congratulations on a game well played? Well... maybe it would seem condescending, especially coming from him. Everyone knew Wood believed no match that ended in a loss was ever 'well played'. Much less a 'good' game

[mroliverwood]

"No," Wini said sulkily, turning her face and taking her hand out of June's.

"...She's been like that to most people lately," Oliver explained sheepishly. "Nothing personal, I promise. Ah, I guess it's the terrible twos or something. Wini hasn't really been herself." He reached down to pick her back up. "Alright then, Winifred. Into the carrier." She frowned at him and stamped her feet once, but he gave her a stern look and she, looking away from him, allowed him to pick her up. Oliver put the harness on himself as he talked with June, not realizing how ridiculous he probably looked with the thing on. But it was functional and allowed him to fly around with Wini on his broom (which could fit two adult passengers comfortably if need, but wasn't made to hold children