Saving Iris

Unexpected Visitors

A week later, the Great Hall was bustling with activity. Iris sat at the head table barely able to eat her breakfast. She felt as nervous as if she were the one playing in the match that day. She glanced over at Harry at the Gryffindor table, laughing and talking with his friends as though it were just another day.

"Excited about the game, Lauren?" Minerva said, leaning over towards the young witch.

Iris jumped and laughed nervously.

"I suppose I am," she said, picking at her food. "I've never seen Quidditch before, so I'm quite curious what it's actually like."

"It is quite fantastic," Professor McGonagall said.

At that moment a hush came across the hall, though it went completely unnoticed by Iris, who was too busy wondering about all the ways one could potentially get hurt playing Quidditch. McGonagall smiled as she noticed who was standing at the entrance.

"And it would appear as though you have a personal expert to guide you through the game."

Iris looked up from her plate, confused. It was then she noticed the growing whispers and giggles, and looked towards the other end of the Great Hall. Standing in the entrance was none other than Oliver, decked out in a pair of denims and a pullover. Her breath caught in her throat as she took in his easy smile, nearly not believing he was actually here.

As their eyes met, his smile broadened. He walked towards the head table with purpose, ignoring the excited chatter and nervous giggles as many a young witch swooned in his direction.

Iris was very near swooning herself, but managed to keep her wits about her, reminding herself for possibly the millionth time that they were friends. Though she was seriously doubting how much longer that lie would last.

God, how she missed him. What would it feel like to kiss him?

Wait. No. She had not just been thinking about kissing Oliver.

"Why, Mr. Wood, how good to see you," Professor McGonagall said as he reached the table far too soon.

Iris was still trying to knock herself out of her stupor.

"Likewise, Professor. It's good to be back at Hogwarts," he said, nodding his head to her.

But then he was back looking at Iris.

"Hullo, Red," he said.

Tingles broke out through her body and Iris blushed furiously, very aware of the looks they were getting. Bother, so much for keeping a low profile.

"Oliver," she said, attempting to keep some form of formality in front of the students.

"Hope ye dinnae mind me stoppin' by unannounced. I thought I'd like to see my old house in their first match today. And perhaps catch up a bit," he said, his grin widening.

"Not at all," Iris answered. "I could use a refresher on Quidditch."

"There's a bit of time before the match. Perhaps, you'd like to show Professor Baker around? She's still getting acclimated to the castle," Professor McGonagall suggested.

Iris shot her a glare for meddling, seeing right through her suggestion. But at the same time, she was too excited about the prospect of being alone with Oliver to be too angry.

"Of course, if ye're up for it?" he asked, directly his question to Iris.

"Of course," she said, standing.

Gossip be damned. She missed Oliver and would take this chance to spend time with him. She walked around the table and he offered her his arm, turning to lead her out of the hall.