Coming Home (Connor)

[Amara Elizabeth Anne Alexia]

The rain trickled slowly down the cab windows as it drove through the Scottish countryside. Having been away for most of the summer, Mara had almost forgotten how beautiful it really was. The rolling fields and towering trees that lined the horizon's edge made this muggle transportation worth the ten pounds to get to her real home. Sure they shared no true blood ties to her family but they were more of a family to her than her actual one. The Wood Family; the sweetest most humble pure blooded family she knew. Her own was distant in one part and corrupt on the other. Mara had never truly had a normal childhood then again she wasn't exactly normal.

Her mother being the corrupt one from her new husband and his dark ways and her father being distant from everyone he was supposed to hold dear to him. The only member of her family who truly enjoyed her and her company was her grandmother whom she had just spent the majority of her summer with. The elder woman lived all alone in a little ranch house just set back far enough in the woods to make it secluded. It was a log home made of the local timber that surrounded the back and sides of the building. It housed a large barn on the right side of the property along with an arena and a wood full of trails. Her grandmother had always encouraged Mara to care for the four legged friends she shared her land with and naturally being the girl she was, Amara complied.

The slight bump at the end of the Wood’s drive brought Amara’s thoughts back to her head and she shifted in her seat eager to see the large white house now in view. A smile crept to her face as she seen the two story family home where she truly felt safe. She could not wait to see everyone who lived within the foundation before her. Oliver Wood; Connor’s dad and the only real father Mara knew. He had always treated her as one of his daughters he even taught her the ins and outs of Quidditch which was now an active sport for Amara back at school. Alicia Wood formerly Spinnet until she married Oliver. She was rather gorgeous and was another quidditch fan within the house. Even though she wasn’t home all that often her home cooking when she was home was to die for. The eldest Wood boy Westley was always the quidditch crazy clown like his father and it was always a pleasure to see him and the youngest sibling Chloe especially to practise a good game of quidditch. However the greatest in her mind of the household was Connor. Even though he was a year younger than her he was the most protective of her. They were what some would comment inseparable, which was fine with her since it was nice to actually be close to someone unlike her and her siblings.

As the cab pulled to a halt at the end of the drive Amara felt her belly get slightly knotted as she thought of seeing her family again. Last time they had seen each other at the end of school she looked a little different. Her hair for instance was almost to her bottom and a mass of curls and her face normally plain and tomboyish was completely transformed. She pulled at the French style cap on her head to reveal her now short blonde hair that stopped just at her shoulders. She closed her eyes a moment to take a breath before opening the door and stepping a foot onto the paved driveway. Her lashes were painted black along with a soft yet striking pink color that accented her ocean blue eyes. Her lips were glossy and wet looking and her cheeks held a brush of pink blush as she looked up at the house. This was home!

She turned about and received her bags from the driver and handed him the ten pounds it cost to get here before thanking him with a smile. She watched as he got into the cab and turned away driving off in a cloud of dust. She turned back once again to the white house and began to walk up the wooden stairs and onto the porch. As she reached the door handle she hesitated before turning the knob and pushing the door open. It was quiet at first glance as she continued forwards into the house. She allowed the door to shut behind her and instantly hung her hat on the coat rack along with removing her black heeled boots and scarf from about her neck. She peered into the living room and then down the hall to the kitchen before testing her voice.

“Hello. Is anybody home?” she called out as she finished unbuttoning her coat and placed it too on the coat rack. She tucked her short hair back behind her ears and fiddled with her gold chain around her neck. “Oli? Chloe?” she continued to call and then sighed figuring they weren’t home. She walked down the hardwood hallway finding her way to the kitchen and intently pouring herself something to drink.

[Connor Oliver Wood]

Connor had just pulled on the last of his socks as he heard the front door click. He had not heard the doorbell or any vehicles so he was curious as to who might have appeared in his house. Slowly he stood and brushed his chocolate brown hair from his eyes as he crossed his room in a mere two strides. He turned the knob and opened his bedroom door in time to hear the familiar voice calling through the house. ‘Oli? Chloe?’ he smiled at the voice that called his nickname out and he made his way down the hall before proceeding down the stair way.

As he reached the bottom he looked about seeing the leather boots and fancy jacket hanging on the coat rack. He smiled to himself swinging himself around on the banister before following the steps down the hardwood hallways towards the kitchen. He stopped in the entrance seeing the pretty girl drinking from one of his family glasses with a grin on his handsome face.

"Now who is this pretty creature in my kitchen?” he teased and started towards her with a grin. He hugged her from behind and kissed her cheek with a smirk before releasing her from his grip. He lifted his hands to brush her short blonde hair aside and raised a brow in amusement.

“And what is this? I can’t tease you about your mane being as long as your horses” he grinned looking her over once more. As he moved around her to look her in the face, his mouth fell open slightly in shock. He could not believe his eyes at the makeup that was painted on his best friends face. It looked fine but on her it looked odd.

“What are you wearing?” he scuffed and grabbed her drinking glass finishing it off in a gulp. “You do know that you actually look like a girl now. I mean you aren’t just a girl but you actually look like one.” He smiled and set the glass on the counter with a clink.

“All ready for school on Monday? The train leaves tomorrow at 11 am” he stated matter of factly.

[Amara Elizabeth Anne Alexia]

The cold water hitting her dry throat was instant relief and she allowed her lashes to slip shut; enjoying the cool feeling. She glanced out the back window as she drank her water, eyeing the vast backyard or also called the Wood family quidditch pitch. She still remembered the first time they got her to play a game with them. She was fourteen and only three weeks after her stepfather had attacked her. Oliver had insisted she take over for Alicia as seeker so she could get dinner ready which of course Amara complied after some coaxing. She mounted one of the old brooms they had lying around and hovered in the air a moment or two trying to get used to the feeling of being off the ground. At first she had assumed it would be terrifying but after she began to move around a bit she realized that was not the case. Needless to say the outcome of the game ended in her favour. Then again an instant one hundred fifty points, fifteen minutes into the game will do that. It was that day Oliver insisted she try out for Seeker when she started Hogwarts and to this day that was what she did.

Her daydream faded as she felt a set of large arms engulf her tiny frame and she smiled hearing the familiar voice that matched the welcomed warmth. ‘Who is this pretty creature in my kitchen?’ the words made her smile wider and she giggled lightly at the kiss he placed on her cheek. They had always been close. Close enough that many mistook them for a couple. She felt his arms move away and brush the short length of her blonde hair and she bit her lip nervously as he teased her about not having length anymore.

“Does it look horrid?” she asked as he moved around to look at her. She waited for a reply but only saw his hanging jaw and the next words that caused her to blush lightly. ‘You do know that you actually look like a girl now. I mean you aren’t just a girl but you actually look like one.’ She raised a brow and hit him playfully in the arm.

“Thank you for that enlightening moment I was well aware of my feminism but does it look bad? I’ve spent a good part of the summer trying to get this right. After all I’m going into my sixth year and as President of the events club I want to look my best!” she added quickly as he stole her water and finished it. She shook her head with a grin as he set it down and continued to listen to his next words about being ready for school. She cleared her throat and looked sideways with a nervous fidget of her necklace. A little habit of hers she had done as long as she could remember.

“Yeah about that. I was actually hoping that maybe you’d take me today. I was so busy with the horses all summer I didn’t remember to even go shopping for anything.” She looked at him with a small smile and gave a shrug of her shoulders.

“Please!”

[Connor Oliver Wood]

Connor looked her over once more at her question and shook his head at her. Honestly it looked fantastic but he wasn’t about to tell her that cause then she’d get all dolled up all the time and the last thing he wanted was a bunch of jock, staring her up and down. He shrugged his shoulders casually and gave a small crinkle to his lips before nodding.

“It looks fine. I guess I’m not used to it yet is all. I mean you went to your grandmother’s a tomboy rock star who likes horses and came back a girly girl who likes horses. It’s a big step for me” he teased and ran a hand through her hair. It was nice. He definitely liked her short blonde hair better than the long but then again it could be the gunk all on her face also that had him unable to keep his eyes off of her.

“It looks great. The student body is going to have a hard time focusing on the events and the posters if you’re the one featured in them.” He grinned and sent his focus to her toying with the gold chain around her neck. She was nervous! One thing he learned and quick about Mara was her habits and her motions when she got nervous. First she’d bite her lower lip and bring a bit of pink into her cheeks, followed by the constant fidgeting of her necklace and the charms upon it. He shook his head and listened to her continue to tell him that she had yet to go shopping for her school stuff and that she wanted him to go with her that day. He turned and looked at the clock and then back at her in surprise.

“You’re serious?! It’s already three o’clock and you don’t have anything? No books no nothing?” he ran a hand over his face and through his hair before glancing at his family clock. Parents were still at work and Westley was at his friends talking about Quidditch no doubt. He sighed and nodded his head.

“Alright let’s go. What do you need and where are we going anyways?” he asked curiously walking over and grabbing her Hogwarts list from their stacks. “I mean we don’t have long to do this so we’re travelling by floo powder obviously.”

[Amara Elizabeth Anne Alexia]

His words about her appearance made her feel a bit more at ease with herself now. She offered him a smile of thanks and kissed his cheek lightly. He had always been one to help calm her down. Whether it was over a lost quidditch game or a boy or even her appearance he was always there to make her feel better and boost her moral that much more. She was truly glad to have such a good friend like Connor was.

“Thanks Oli” she smiled using his nickname to thank him. She remained still and watched as he began to answer her question of going shopping causing her to instantly drop her chain back to the hollow of her neck and clap her hands together excited. Thankfully she didn’t figure he’d say no.

“Oh thank you thank you thank you!” she said excitedly and tapped her jeans pocket lightly. “I had some money wired to my Gran’s just in case. I knew you’d come with me which is why I have a surprise for you once we finish the necessities.” She smiled and turned on her heel, hurrying over to look at the Hogwarts list.

• Advanced Potions Level 6
  
• How to Charm the Pants off you (Advanced lvl 6)
  
• We Put The ‘Erb’ in ‘Herbology’ (Advanced lvl 6)
  
• Advanced Transfiguration for N.E.W.T. Prep
  
• Reach for the Stars (Advanced astronomy)
  
• Defense Against the Dark Arts (Standard Edition)
  
• Magical Creatures for the Advanced Level 6

Other

• Box of LEVEL A6 Potions Ingredients
  
• Parchment
  
• Inks (Blue, Black, Red)

She sighed and handed the list back to Connor with a shrug. She knew this stuff would be a cinch to get especially since they always orders lots of inventory about the time that students are getting ready to go back to school. She grinned and rubbed her neck before leaning back against the counter.

“I also need to get some broom polish and some new robes. Not to mention I seen this really nice shirt in a flyer the other day but it’s at Twilfit and Tattings. Oh and they finally have the new quill set out. This year it’s a pink set!” she grinned and grabbed his hand. “Well what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” she smiled and led him to the fireplace in the living room and reached up for a handful of floo powder. She wasn’t a huge fan of travelling this way but it was her own fault for waiting last minute for this. She cleared her throat and waited for Connor to grab a handful before tossing her own hand of dust into the fire.

“Diagon Alley” she said clearly and closed her eyes waiting for the hook to take its hold of her and whisk her away.

[Connor Oliver Wood]

Connor’s eyes and face lit up at the kiss she delivered to his cheek. She had always had this effect on him which was probably why half of Hogwarts assumed they were together. He watched as she became excited to his agreement and clap her hands causing him to smile once more. He did like pleasing her and keeping her happy. The use of his old nickname brought a warm feeling throughout his body. It had been a long summer and he had never realised just how much he had missed her until now.

“My pleasure. At least we might actually get to do something together before we leave for Hogwarts.” He was about to look over the list when she snatched it and began reading it herself. He was wondering if she had looked it over at all before she left. He read it over her shoulder, which was rather easy seeing that he was taller than she was. His eyes skimmed her books and supplies and raised a brow at her.

“You’re seriously taking all advanced classes? You know I thought we talked about not over doing it again this year. Last year you nearly dropped from fatigue you know how you get. I can’t catch you all over the castle. I mean seriously Mars Bar, your taking seven advanced classes, your president of events; your name was on the quidditch list once again, you’re in the choir. I think maybe you should give up something. Between all of this and the practising your vocals how do you expect to eat or sleep or study! You’re going to wear yourself out!” he preached not caring how father like he sounded. He was concerned. He knew how much Amara overdid things.

He heard her continue to list off things she wanted and the second the words Twilfit & Tattings left her lips he grimaced. “Woah, woah, woah. You know I’m not going into that store and since when do you shop at the Malfoy’s store. You hate Malfoy remember? Arrogant, tenacious ass, Need I say more?” he never got to complain more as she pulled him towards the fireplace. He seen her grab a handful of chalklike powder and say Diagon Alley which he too quickly followed. He felt the hook just behind his navel and the tug which sent him spinning. It was when his feet finally landed on the ground from the master fireplace in Diagon alley that he stood and held his stomach a moment as he felt nauseous. He waited before speaking and stepping out into the fresh air.

“I hate floo powder.”

[Amara Elizabeth Anne Alexia]

She listened to him drone on and on about overdoing things, a spiel she had heard several different times by several different people last year alone. She wasn’t over doing it, not really, I mean sure she had a lot of things on her plate but that came with being so involved in school. So she missed the odd meal or two or pulled a couple all nighters. It’s not like it would kill her.

“Oh Connor you worry too much. I’ll be fine! I only have six advanced classes since Dada is a little harder than I expected and I pulled off quidditch and choir last year besides choir can work my vocals just as easy as you can.” She said matter of factly before he started on Twilfit and Tattings. True it was Malfoy’s store and also true Malfoy was a git but that shirt was gorgeous. It was a pink and white halter that tied around the neck. It was fitted and it allowed her back to be open with the exception of the tassels from the strings that hung down. She would deal with Malfoy for that shirt.

“Oh come on Oli it’s only Malfoy. Besides he’s probably not working at the shop today and I just want to get that shirt and get out! I’ll give you your present when we get back!!” she persuaded as he followed her to the fire place. She preceded in stating the place and being jerked through the transporter to the main channel of Diagon Alley; stepping out and waiting for Connor. As he appeared and grabbed her stomach she smiled and shook her head.

“You get sick way too easily!” she smirked and pointed to the bookstore. “I’ll get the books and you grab the rest of the ingredients on the list. We’ll meet back here as soon as we get them and meet back here to get the shirt and go home.” She planned and before she allowed him to answer she was headed for the book store. As she entered the quiet Borgin and Blokes she proceeded instantly to the advanced section and began pulling her books off the shelf. She grabbed the final book and proceeded to the cash to pay.

After filling out the forms to have her books transferred to Hogwarts she proceeded to return to the arranged meeting place to meet up with Connor. She glanced at the giant clock on Gringotts building and seen that had taken her almost an hour to get everything she needed. She rubbed her eyes and let a small yawn escape her lush pink lips as she crossed her arms waiting for Connor.

[Connor Oliver Wood]

As she pulled him forward towards the fireplace he shook his head and rolled his eyes. She never took this issue as serious as she should. It was always others worrying about her while she put everyone else above her own health. He sighed and followed her through the floo network to Diagon Alley.

After allowing the sickness to subside he was quick to follow Mara into the center of the creepy quietness of the wizarding shopping district. He listened to her words as she rushed through them and before he could even get a word in edgewise she was gone. He shook his head with a smile as she disappeared to the bookstore and reached into his pocket grabbing her list of supplies and rereading it.

Folding the parchment back up and placing it in his pocket he hurried around to the places required to get the things on the list along with the broom polish and her special pink quill set. He shook his head with a laugh as the clerk gave him an off look about buying a pink set but he shrugged it off and glanced down at his watch. AN HOUR! He quickly purchased the supplies and hurried to the center of Diagon Alley where he told Mara he would meet her.

“Sorry I’m late. I got distracted with your giant shopping list” he teased and nudged her gently. “Ok so we can get this dumb Malfoy shirt and leave? I mean I do not want to be around when he walks into that store. So you scoot and get it and I’ll stay outside and stand guard!” he crossed his arms and looked around not wanting to meet up with Malfoy already.

[Amara Elizabeth Anne Alexia]

As Connor showed up and began to apologise about being late which she was quick to brush off. She knew he wasn’t purposely late so she wasn’t about to make a big deal out of nothing. However when he mentioned not going into the store she shook her head.

“Oh Oli I’m telling you. Malfoy will be too busy preparing for school tomorrow besides it won’t take me long. I’ll be right back.” She grinned and hurried inside Twilfit and Tattings going straight to the rack holding her greatly desired shirt and snatched it up in a blink of her eye. She hurried to the counter and paid the required galleons for the designer shirt before exiting the store with a smile on her face.

“See no big deal! Now let’s get this stuff home and get you your gift. I think you’ll like it.” She smiled grabbing his hand and leading him back to the main floo networks. She tossed in her floo powder along with Connors and with yet another hook and a tug she was reeled into the white home of the Woods. She smiled as she landed along with all the belongings before offering a now once more sick Connor a word of sympathy. She set down her shirt and grabbed her wand from her belt giving it a wave and muttering the Accio spell.

A large hard case guitar box came zooming towards them. She reached out and grabbed the handle with a smile and held it out to Connor with a smile at the look on his face. She knew he had wanted a new guitar for some time now but he was greatly under funded with the Wood’s current delay in making ends meat. She opened the case with an excited grin in his direction, revealing the electric blue guitar to him.

“Well what do you think?” she asked seeing the shock on his face. “Well come on big boy try it out”