This is War (The Quidditch Pitch 'Three'quel) An Oliver Wood Love Story

Epilogue

Well... this is it. The final chapter of my Serena Carrow Trilogy. This is hard. I have been working on this series for 4 years and Serena has become a part of me. Yes, it was very hard killing her off and I hope you understand that it HAD to happen. Oliver had to learn a valuable lesson and there was just no room for her in the wonderful world that JK Rowling created. Harry Potter has always been the star, not Serena Carrow. I hope you all enjoy and I'm sorry if I've disappointed you. Just know, it will all end up okay.

NOTE: I'm sorry if the timeline doesn't match up, I've been working on this story for 4 years as I said so if I'm off, please forgive me.

One Year Later

Voldemort was dead. The battle was over. Oliver Wood stepped through the rubble and debris of the crumbling castle he once called home. It seemed everyone would be happy, that there would be cheering, but there was nothing but silence. Faces of students, staff, parents... and everyone really, were white as ghosts. They were dirty, they were injured, but they all were comforting each other. It was finally over.

Oliver walked outside of the castle to the front entrance of the school. He was bleeding from his lip, had bad cuts above his eyebrow and he could swear that his wrist was broken, but at this point it didn't matter. Nothing mattered. He couldn't think about anything, other than Serena.

He was tormented and damaged. The past year, since Serena's death he has felt no happiness. A Dementor would fly passed him without even noticing him, because there was no happiness to feed off of. The only reason he hadn't taken his own life was because he had to see Voldemort die in the end. He needed his revenge and for all of this to be over. Voldemort was the reason Serena was dead. He was the reason Serena's family was dead. He was the reason for a whole lot of things.

Oliver walked across the bridge and looked down at the ground 100 feet below him. He considered just tossing himself off. It would be over so quickly. His inched his feet closer to the edge. So close that if the wind suddenly picked up, he would be blown right off. He closed his eyes and thought of Serena's beautiful face.

"I love you," he whispered. "We'll be together soon baby."

Oliver leaned forward, about to fall, but his body was pulled back by a pair of hands. He was suddenly enraged. He was going to do it, he HAD to do it, and someone had stopped him.

He turned and he was face to face with George Weasley. His hair was matted and dirty. His clothes were torn and his eyes were puffy and red. He had been crying... hard. Fred was dead.

Oliver saw the hurt on his face and related it to his own. He pulled his old teammate and friend into a hug. The both of them suddenly had tears running down their faces.

"I know, mate," said George, as they broke apart. "I know it hurts. But you MUST go on."

Oliver looked down, listening to George's words carefully.

"Serena doesn't want you to die. She sacrificed herself to save you. To save the world. She was one of the noblest people I had ever met in my life and killing yourself is showing no respect for her. I know you loved her. I know you miss her, but this is not the answer."

"I'm sorry, George," said Oliver. "About Fred."

"We must live our lives. For Fred and Serena."

Oliver knew George was right. Life is for the alive and there is no life after death. There is nothing and Oliver had to admit at that moment, he was not afraid to die, but he was afraid that even death would not bring him and Serena together again.

Oliver nodded his head and the both of them turned and walked back towards the castle. He would always love Serena and he wasn't sure he would ever stop loving her. After everything they've been through together, it still wasn't enough and he was mad about it. They were supposed to spend forever together. It wasn't supposed to end like this. But, he knew he had to keep going. For Serena. Oliver wasn't sure if he'd ever find love again, but he also knew that time would heal him. There would still be a scar over his heart, but he was open to letting someone in again. It's what Serena would want.

***

Harry Potter & Ginny Weasley's Wedding, 3 years later

Oliver had almost decided not to go. He didn't want to see two people so happily in love knowing that he once had it and it slipped away. But, he wanted to be there to support his old teammate and the man who had saved the Wizarding world. The Ceremony was beautiful and for a moment, he had been so happy for Harry and Ginny that Serena hadn't crossed his mind. But during the reception, the though of her had creeped back in. Seeing all of his old classmates and friends had brought back all of the memories. The good and the bad.

Oliver sat next to George and Angelina Johnson. They were getting married soon. George didn't seem so sad anymore. He was happy for him. Oliver sipped on his Firewhiskey and watched happy people dance and enjoy themselves at the reception. He had scanned the room, looking for more people he recognized, when a blonde girl with wavy hair caught his eye. Maggie.

Maggie made eye contact with Oliver, gave him a small smile and stood up from her seat and walked towards him.

"Hi, Oliver," she said weakly.

"Maggie," he said.

"I – how – how are you?"

Oliver shrugged his shoulders. "I'm holding in there."

She sat down next to his and rubbed her hand on his back. "I know. I miss her more than anything too."

Seeing Serena's best friend wasn't as hard as he thought it was going to be. She was a part of Serena and talking to her was calming. It was nice speaking to her. It sparked something inside of him and for the first time, he wasn't mourning Serena but rather celebrating her life.

Oliver and Maggie chatted all night. He found out that she was no longer with her boyfriend Josh. They even danced together near the end of the night and guests were leaving.

"I should be leaving soon," said Maggie.

"Can I see you again?" asked Oliver.

Maggie looked shocked. "Oh, Oliver. I don't know if that's a good idea."

"Why not?"

"You were married to my best friend. I could never betray her like that."

"Yeah... you're right. I'm sorry." He turned away from her feeling stupid he even asked that. He didn't even ask because he wanted to be with her, he asked because it was nice being with a friend. Being with someone who loved Serena as much as he did. But he could understand where she got the wrong idea.

"But maybe..." began Maggie. Oliver turned back around. "We could be friends. I know we were never really friends but, we both cared for the same person very much and I think she'd like that."

Oliver smiled. "I agree."

2 Years Later

Oliver and Maggie found solace within each other's company. Oliver would never stop loving Serena and Maggie understood that. That's why he needed her. They fell in love with each other, built on the foundation of love that Serena had for the both of them. A very wise man once said: "Do not pity the dead. Pity the living, and above all those who live without love." Oliver and Maggie could both say that Serena never lived without love. She did not die in vain and her memory will forever live on within the both of them. There is no love after death. There is only until death do us part. Oliver knew he couldn't hold onto Serena forever and that's okay. Serena would always hold a special place in their hearts. She would never truly be gone, as those we love never are. Serena taught Oliver how to love in ways he never thought possible. He found love in an unexpected place and he was grateful for everything he learned from Serena. He was glad that he was able to find love again, especially with someone who understands everything he has been through. He would make this work. He was moving on. He was finally happy again.

THE END