Off the Pitch

Chapter 15: Ottery St Catchpole

I woke up the next morning to a knocking sound. I opened my eyes and tried to adjust to the brightness. I then noticed a gray owl pecking the window and jumped out of bed. My balance was still a bit off from last night, forcing me to hold on to the frame of my bed for a few seconds before walking to the window and letting the owl in. 

I smiled as the gorgeous bird flew onto my bed and dropped the letter he was carrying. I had recognized the owl immediately: it was my grandfather's beloved pet. I sat on my bed and opened the letter. The owl gently nibbled my finger as I petted it while reading what my grandfather had written: 

Hello, dear

I'm glad you liked the dress – I wish I could have seen how beautiful you looked. 
Everything is just fine here in Canada, thank you for asking. 
Hope you are doing well, I will see you soon. 

Love, 
Grandpa

I smiled and held the letter against my chest before storing it in the drawer of my nightstand. I heard a knock on the door. 

"Hey", Hermione said as she opened the door carefully: "Are you awake?" 

"Yeah", I whispered, "but the others are still sleeping. What's up?" 

"Ron just asked me to come and tell you that you'll be leaving in an hour." 

"Oh, okay. Thanks!" I gave her a smile and she left, closing the door quietly. I tiptoed to my trunk and started gathering everything that I needed with me to the Weasley's – oh, and to Canada. After packing I dragged the trunk down the stairs and into the common room. 

"Are you moving to ours?" George joked when he saw my baggage. 

"Oh, shut it", I smiled at him: "Where's Oliver?" 

"Probably hungover in his bed", Fred shrugged. 

I heard the painting swing back and turned around to see who was coming. 

"Morning, guys", Wood stepped into the room with his broom in his hand: "Are you leaving?" 

"Yeah", I nodded and then knitted my brows: "Where have you been?" 

"Have you seen the weather?" Wood asked and gestured towards the window: "Perfect for flying." 

I laughed and shook my head: "You are one of a kind." 

Oliver opened his arms wide and I went in for a hug. He wrapped his arms around me and placed a kiss on my forehead. 

"Please write when you're away", he said. 

"I'm going to miss you", I mumbled into his shoulder. Fred and George were gagging behind us. Oliver let go of me: 

"Alright, have a great Christmas." 

"You too", I smiled and stole a kiss. Fred pretended to vomit and George looked at the ceiling, whistling negligently. 

Percy bashed into the room. Behind him was a pissed off Ron.