Off the Pitch

Chapter 20: Bitten

January was filled with classes, schoolwork, Quidditch and more schoolwork. Before I noticed, it was already February. Much to Oliver's worry, he still hadn't fully recovered from his cold. One Saturday afternoon, three weeks out from our match against Slytherin, I marched up to his dorm and pulled him out of bed. 

"Come on", I said: "Get dressed, we're going now." 

"Where?" he frowned as he pulled on a pair of trousers. 

"I'll tell you on the way." 

I guided him through the corridors and staircases. 

"I'm not stupid, by the way", I said to him and picked up my pace. 

"I'd disagree", Oliver smiled: "What do you mean?" 

"I've noticed you've been sneaking out", I shook my head: "To the pitch." 

"I have not–", he started, but noticed my serious expression: "Fine, a few times, but how else am I supposed to play in three weeks?" 

"No wonder your flu hasn't got better!" I snapped. 

"Okay, mom", Oliver scowled: "Hold on..." 

He stopped in the middle of the corridor. I tried to keep him moving, but he was stronger than me and didn't budge. He frowned at me: 

"Where are you taking me?"

"I told you, you'll find out soon enough", I said: "Now come on!" 

"Amelia", he shook his head: "I know you're taking me to Madam Pomfrey's." 

I opened my mouth to say something, but was taken aback by Oliver's expression. He looked genuinely mad. 

"Oliver, wait", I coaxed as he ripped his hand out of my grip and turned around. 

"I've told you a hundred times", he said over his shoulder: "I don't need to go to the Hospital Wing." 

"Please", I said quietly: "I'd have less to worry about if–" 

"I didn't ask you to take care of me!" he raised his voice and turned to face me. 

"I know you didn't!" I started to heat up: "But you are so damn stubborn and all you care about is Quidditch and–" 

"Is that what you think?" he scorned. I looked at him and sighed. 

"No", I mumbled: "No, it isn't. I'm sorry." 

"Yeah, I thought so", he turned on his heel and walked away. I stood there for a while before walking back to the Gryffindor Tower. I decided to go and apologize to him right away – I know I was in the wrong for forcing him to Madam Pomfrey's. 

"Hey", George waved his hand as I walked into the common room: "What happened? Wood looked mad." 

I exhaled loudly and crashed onto the sofa. 

"I thought it'd be best if I took him to the Hospital Wing", I sighed: "But he didn't agree." 

"What, you thought you'd just drag him there by the sleeve?" Fred let out a laugh. 

"That's practically what I did", I covered my face with my hands: "Ugh, I'm so stupid!" 

"He knows you did it out of love", George tried comforting me: "He'll come around." 

"I sure hope so", I pouted: "He just doesn't know what's best for him." 

"I know you care about him", Fred said, "but maybe let him do what he wants."