Cat And Mouse - Familia Primum: Book Five

New Year. New Valentine?

**New Year's Eve**

Tonight is the Wood's New Year's Eve party. The whole house sleeps in a little later to better stay awake through midnight.

When Alithia does wake, it's ten AM. She slips on a pair of sweatpants and a tank top, and throws her hair up into messy bun. At least until it's time to get ready for the party.

Oliver, Mrs. Wood, and Alithia spend the day together. Mrs. Wood shows off all of the family photo albums. From her wedding album, to little Oliver, all the way through the newly added Christmas pictures of Oliver and Alithia on the cruise ship.

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Alithia heads up to take a long, hot bubble bath. Once done, she lotions up, then slips on her undergarments and lace thigh high stockings with garter belt. She pulls on the short black dress, with circle skirt and fitted bodice that Mr. and Mrs. Wood gave her for Christmas. The back and cap sleeves are made lace. She wore red lace high heeled pumps, and black lace with red corset string up gloves. She clipped on the silver heart necklace Ginny got her for Christmas, and wore a glittery, nocturnal cat eye makeup, with a shimmery lip gloss.

She glanced at the clock on the wall, quarter to eight PM. Time to go.

She stood at the top of the grand marble staircase to see that some people had arrived early. Oliver was in the center of the room, talking to an elderly woman with graying hair. She hugged him and kissed his cheek multiple times before letting him go. Alithia giggles slightly, then begins descending the stairs.

As the click clacking of her heels resonates through the room, all eyes looked up to her one by one, Oliver's last. His mouth fell agape as he gazed upon his beautiful girlfriend.

As Alithia reaches the bottom step, Oliver moves forward, taking her hand in his and placing a light kiss upon it.

"You look absolutely devine, Alithia."

"You look pretty dashing yourself." Alithia said as she pulled him close by his tie, then placing chaste kiss upon his lips.

"Alithia, this is my grandmother." Oliver said as he led Alithia over to the elderly woman he was speaking with earlier.

"She's a beauty, Oliver. You'll want to hang on to this one. I can tell."

"Oh, thank you ma'am."

"No need to thank me for speaking the truth. Now, I'm going to go speak with your mother, Oliver. you two have a magnificent time." She waved as she walked away.

Throughout the night, Alithia met many of the people there. Majority being family, some worked in the same department as Mr. Wood at the ministry.

"Five... Four... Three... Two... One!!! Happy New Year!!" The mass amount of shouting ran throughout the hall. People began clinking their glasses of champagne together as they toasted the new year. Alithia and Oliver clinked their glasses together, sipped their champagne, then set their glasses down as they kissed one another.

Their first kiss of the new year.

Oliver placed one hand on the small of Alithia's back, the other upon her cheek. Alithia tangled her fingers in Oliver's too short hair.

At around half past midnight, people began to start leaving. Once everybody was gone, the Wood's and Alithia helped the house elves to clean up. That is until Margaret kicked them out, telling them to go to bed and she would finish.

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"Thank you so much for having me over for break, Mr. and Mrs. Wood."

"It was lovely to have you, dear." Mrs. Wood said as the two hugged. Mr. Wood shook Alithia's hand.

"Mum! Dad!"

"Oh, sweetheart! Did you have fun?"

"Yes, mum. It was great."

"Good to hear. Have fun at school now, okay?"

"Okay, mum. Love you both. Bye!" Alithia hugged both of her parents tight before boarding the train to head back to Hogwarts.

**Valentine's Day**

Alithia and Oliver went to Quality Quidditch Supplies, then Honeydukes, and finally The Three Broomsticks.

Madam Rosmerta set the pub up to be a teenage girls fantasy Valentine's Day date. The lighting was set low, with a red hue. Candles and chocolates adorned every table.

Oliver pulled Alithia's chair out for her. They ordered a delicious lunch, spending the rest of the afternoon laughing together.

Before leaving, Alithia went to the loo. When she came out she saw a sight she never thought she would ever have to see again.

Mia and Oliver. Kissing once again.

"You complete arse, Oliver Wood!" Alithia shouted then stormed out of the pub.

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Alithia laid on a blanket out on the Quidditch pitch. Tears stained her cheeks as she stared up at the brightly lit stars.

She laid there for hours until Oliver found her.

"Alithia! She kissed me!"

Alithia grabbed ahold of her blanket and stood.

"I don't want to hear it, Oliver. I've had enough." With that she turned and began walking back to the castle.

"Listen to me, Alithia! I do not EVER want to kiss her. Do you hear me? I love you! "

"You mean that?"

"Of course, It was always you. Never her, Ali. Since the moment I met you I have loved you, and only you."

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For jumping to conclu-" Oliver cut her off with a kiss.

"I love you, Oliver." They laid the blanket back out, Alithia fell asleep while they stargazed together.

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