The Education of Oliver Wood

Attempt at Amends

Emmie wasn't sure how long she stood in front of the door, telling herself to knock. She had been brimming with confidence all week - and when she left the flat earlier - but now that she was at her brother's place, she couldn't help but think that perhaps this was a horrible idea. Sure it sounded good when she had first thought it. And even yesterday.

But now that she was staring at Alex's door, she couldn't help but remember the look of anger on his face. How he toss the tray of food across the room before kicking her out. Merlin, would he even answer the door?

There was only one way to find out.

"You can do this," she murmured to herself, raising her hand and knocking a few times.

Never mind that Alex had never responded to any of her owls and the fact her parents had suggested she wait a bit longer before trying to talk to him again. She was already here so might as well give it a go. Gulping, she stepped back and waited. Fear that he wouldn't answer started coursing through her, though she immediately shoved it aside.

She was Emmie MacKenzie. She could talk to her bloody brother. She may have given up on Oliver, but she wasn't giving up on Alex.

After a minute, the door opened.

Alex just stood there, leaning on his cane as he stared at her, neither making any move nor saying anything, his expression unreadable. While it wasn't much, Emmie took it as a good start as she smiled weakly. It was better than him slamming the door in her face.

"What are ye doin' here?" he finally asked. He clearly wasn't happy, but at least he didn't look angry.

"We need to talk," Emmie said, willing her voice to stay calm. "Please."

"I cannae, Emmie," he said, the tension clear in his jaw as he started to shut the door, a painful expression painting his features.

Emmie reached out and stopped the door, locking eyes with him.

"This has gone on long enough," she said firmly, pushing the door open and walking in, a spurt of strength coming from somewhere – perhaps she had an inner Gryffindor after all.

She walked into the living room and then whirled around to face him as he hobbled in after her, a stern expression on her face as she crossed her arms in front of her.

"Ye are my only brother, Alex MacKenzie. I've lost too many people because of this damn war and I'm no about to lose ye, too."

He didn't respond, only stared at her. Emmie could feel the tears already pricking at her eyes.

"I ken it's my fault," she said, her voice cracking a bit. "And ye have no idea how sorry I am... I should have... I... that day..." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to center herself, then opened them once she regained control of her words. "I need to make this right. I'm no so sure how to do that, but I want to, Alex. If it's helpin' with yer physical therapy, or if ye want me to move in and help around here. I'll even quit quidditch, if that's what it takes."

A stunned look appeared as Alex continued to stare at her, not speaking. He finally rubbed his face and moved over to the sofa, stiffly lowering himself down on it before looking up at her.

"Dinnae quit. That's ridiculous," he said. "Why would I want ye to quit?"

"Because... every time quidditch comes up, ye go mental. And I get it. I ken why ye must hate me. It is because of me that ye might not be able to play again-"

"Christ's sake, I dinnae hate ye, Em," he interrupted softly, though there was a note of disbelief in his voice. "Where did ye get that mince? I've never hated ye... never even truly been angry with ye. I chose to jump in front of that curse. I ken what I was doin'..."