A lesson in walking((Cole))

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona quickly slipped into the Leaky Cauldron and breathed a sigh of relief to finally be away from muggles. They were starting to get on her nerves, which were strung tight as it was. She nodded toward the bartender who she had seen so often lately since she would take refuge in Diagon Alley. Fiona's fight with her father had reached the breaking point. She would not admit that she was wrong about the Dark Lord, even though she was beginning to realize that maybe what he was doing was right. She shook her head of the thought and sighed. The last fight with her father had nearly caused her to be kicked out of the manor. 'You've disgraced the family name!' the words of her father continued to ring in her ears. She was too bullheaded to admit that she was wrong, but her stubbornness was creating more problems for her. She sighed again as she took out her wand and tapped the brick leading to Diagon Alley.

Fiona walked through the archway and looked around the alley. It looked somewhat deserted in the morning hours and she sighed with relief. If there was something she didn't want it was to be around mudbloods and half-breeds. She walked down the alley looking for something to do. As usual she stopped in front of the display window where the latest broom stood. It was a smooth black broom with every stick in place. Fiona wanted nothing more than to have the Firebolt, but she didn't have that kind of money to spend and her parents wouldn't buy it for her. She smiled at the thought of flying and wished that she was zooming through the air on her Nimbus 2000.

Bringing her thoughts out of the clouds Fiona turned away from the window display and headed toward Gringott's Bank to take out some money. Fiona heard something behind her and turned with a start, but nothing was there. She continued walking without looking in front of her and before long she slammed into someone. She fell backward and held back the curse she wanted to say. She realized it was her fault from the go and muttered, "Sorry, wasn't watching." She quickly got to her feet and dusted off her clothes. As if her day wasn't bad enough she was now running into people. She felt stupid at the fact that she couldn't even walk without doing something wrong. She sighed again holding back the pain she was feeling emotionally. She looked up to see who the victim of her stupidity had been.

[Cole Waters]

Cole walked down the deserted streets of Diagon Alley. It was to early for to many people to be out. Cole took a sip of his milkshake and looked at the cover of Quidditch World Magazine. There was a picture of a team flying around with the headlines "Tips for beginners, Keepers on the Loose, and Teen Summer league." Cole put the magazine at his side and continued walking. Cole had got the magazine so he could read the article about himself in the summer league. Cole was one of the up and coming keepers and the most promising in the summer league. Cole smiled at the thought of being a professional quidditch player.

Cole looked around at the different shops. He was wearing a long sleeve black shirt and black pants. The weather was a little cool in the morning. As he walked he saw people start to come out of their houses and shops. Cole waked into Quality Quidditch Supplies to see if they had anything good. He didn't see anything he couldn't get from his dads quidditch store so he left. As he walked out into the street he felt someone run into him. He dropped his milkshake and jumped back. "Watch where you're going." he snapped at the girl. Then he noticed that it was a girl from his house. "Oh it's you." he said angrily.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona quickly apologized again to the boy she had walked into. All she needed was a run in with another Slytherin, especially since it was her fault. "I am sorry. I just wasn't watching," Fiona muttered again.

Fiona knew the boy was a couple years older than her and she didn't really need to start a fight right now. She was angry at his reaction to her for she had apologized as soon as it happened and that should have been good enough for him.

"Aye, it's me," Fiona said haughtily at his comment. She really was in no mood for any of this. Her morning seemed to be going from bad to worse and all Fiona wanted to do was get some money so she could go shopping, that at least would cheer her up if only for a few minutes. She looked back at the boy and tried to remember his name. If only she had taken the time to learn someone's name then she could be on her way once more.

Suddenly the words of her father ran through her mind once more and she could hear his voice, 'You've disgraced the family name!' Fiona tried to hold back her reaction, but a tear found its way to her eye and slowly slid down her cheek. She brushed it away quickly hoping that the boy had not seen it.

Fiona quickly recovered by scanning her memory and finally finding his name. "Cole, right?" she asked hesitantly. She looked at the magazine he held in his hand. A smile formed on her face and she motioned to the magazine, "I read that one already. The article on you didn't seem to do you justice." Fiona hoped that the compliment would divert any anger that he might have toward her.

[Cole Waters]

Cole looked down at Fiona with a face of disgust. "Aye it's me." he heard her say. Rage began to take over Cole thinking she was being a smartt alick. "Yeah well you need to watch where you are going and watch who you talk to like that." Cole said angirliy. Kicking the cup his milkshake had been in he looked at his clothes to see if he had gotten any on him. Luckily he hadn't. Then when he looked up at Fiona and saw a tear run down her face and her try to hide it. A wave of guilt and fear ran over him. He didn't want to get in trouble for making another kid cry. He also felt kinda bed she had said sorry. "Please don't cry." Cole said as he put his hands on her shoulders. "Im sory I didn't mean it."

Then when she started talking about quidditch Cole let go of her and smiled. "Thank god shes ok." he thought. Smililng down at her he listened to what she had to say about him. "Yeah I was kinda dissapointed myself but then again it was my first real article so Im not gonna complain much." Cole said laughing. Then he remembered the article he had seen about the new broom they were making. "Oh did you see the new article on the Firebolt SS? It's faster, lighter, and more durable. I don't know how they are gonna top the Firebolt thought it's awsome. I love mine." Cole said looking at the girl.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona felt Cole's hands on her shoulders trying to console her. She realized that he had seen the tear. "It's not about you. I've just had a bad morning." Fiona shrugged. A bad morning was putting it lightly, but Fiona ignored the voice of her father and listened to him talk about Quidditch.

Fiona smiled as Cole talked about the Firebolt SS. She read about it and it sounded awesome, of course she was still riding a Nimbus 2000. There was no way now that her parents would buy her Firebolt or Firebolt SS. "I still ride on my Nimbus 2000, but it's not like I need another broom. I haven't made the Quidditch team yet so there is no need for me to have a new broom. At least that's what my parents say." Fiona rolled her eyes as she talked about her parents. They didn't understand her and lately they were beginning to get strict. "Again I really am sorry for running into you. I can get you a new drink if you want?" Fiona motioned to his latest drink of which the contents was scattered along the street. Fiona hoped he would want a drink because she didn't want to be alone just then. She had enough money for food and drinks before she had to go to Gringotts. She watched him closely waiting for his answer.

[Cole Waters]

Cole looked down at Fiona and listened to her talk. "O OK. I mean I'm a mean guy but making another Slytherin cry just doesn't seem right." he said laughing. When she started to talk about the quidditch team and her parents Cole could tell that she didn't get along extremely well with them. He felt kinda bad because he had gotten his Firebolt when it first came out. All of his quidditch stuff was given to him by his parents. It didn't seem fair that her parents wouldn't give her anything. "I'm sure you will make the team." Cole said trying to cheer her up even though he had never seen her play. "What position do you play?" he asked curiously.

"Jut forget it every happened." Cole said when she said she was sorry. His soft side was beginning to show like it did sometimes. When she asked if she could buy him another drink he looked at her and said "Why sure." Cole smiled and started walking to wards the shop. Trying to think of a way to make Fiona feel better Cole thought of one. "Hey I have to stop at Quality Quiddich Supplies again and meet someone. Would you like to come along? I think you might like him it's the Owner of the Foul Mouth Falcons." Cole said smiling. He didn't know why but he was being really nice to Fiona. He guessed it was because his dad wasn't the nicest guy in the world either.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona blushed at the comment about a Slytherin crying. She had really hoped he hadn't noticed, but she just shrugged and continued with Quidditch. "I like playing chaser, but I'm not bad at being a seeker. I prefer scoring though," Fiona smiled. She was feeling a little better and couldn't help but enjoy the company that Cole gave her.

Fiona was even happier when he said she could buy him another drink. She really didn't want to be alone and this would be good. Fiona stopped dead when he mentioned stopping by Quality Quidditch Supplies and talking to the owner of Foul Mouth Falcons. "The...the owner?" Fiona asked a she stumbled over her words. She was going to meet the owner of the Foul Mouth Falcons. A smile broke across Fiona's face reaching all the way to her eyes. She was grateful that Cole was letting her come along, it meant a lot to her. "I'd love to go! I mean...I'd be honored," Fiona tried to rein in her excitement so she didn't sound immature. "Are you looking to join the team?" Fiona asked wondering why he had a meeting with the owner.

[Cole Waters]

Cole saw the look of delight on Fiona's face as he told her we would take her to meet the owner of the Falcons. Cole didn't know why but he felt good about making someone's day better. He shouldn't be like that. He isn't like that. Cole shook his head and began to walk towards a stand to get a drink. He looked at Fiona and said "Yea I'm joining the team when I get out of school. That is if I don't get an offer from Bulgaria. I would love to play for them. Or Ireland. That would make my life complete." Cole laughed at what he said and stopped at the drink stand. "I would like a chocolate frog milkshake." Cole said smiling.

While they waited for the man to bring them their drinks Cole looked at Fiona and said "So what do you want to do when you grow up? I mean when you get out of school." Cole looked at her as he waited for her answer. He like Fiona. As a friend. They just seemed to click as Friends so well.

(Sorry its short Ill make the next one better. Rping on 4 hours of sleep isn't good.)

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona listened intently to Cole as he talked about wanting to play for Bulgaria or Ireland. She smiled, Ireland was her favorite team, maybe it was just because she grew up there. "I'll have the same," Fiona said as they ordered their drinks. "Chocolate Frog milkshake sounds good." Fiona smiled a real smile, it had been the first time in a long time. Maybe her day wouldn't be so bad after all.

As they waited for their drinks Cole asked her what she planned on doing after Hogwarts. Fiona knew what her father planned for her to be, but Fiona defied him every minuted of everyday over it. She was unsure of what to say. "I never really thought about what I was going to do. My parents had my future planned ever since I was born. However, I don't want to follow that plan," Fiona sighed. This conversation was bringing up her row with her father again and Fiona didn't want to cry again. It would be a waste of time and energy.

They brought them their drinks and Fiona picked hers up and gave the woman behind the counter a galleon. Fiona looked at Cole and sighed. She wanted to tell Cole about her planned 'future,' but she knew it wasn't safe. No one was safe anymore around her. She had learned that earlier that morning. She sighed again, "Maybe I'll be a professor at Hogwarts. Or maybe an Auror." Fiona knew her parents would disown her if she became an Auror, maybe that's why the job actually appealed to her. She looked at Cole waiting for his reaction.

[Cole Waters]

Cole sat there and drank his milkshake as he listened to Fiona talk about her parents planing her future. Cole knew how that felt. "Yeah I know what you are saying. I love Quidditch but ever since I started playing and loving it my dad has always been pushing me to play and practice and I mean it's good that I have someone to push me but sometimes he goes to far." Cole said looking at her. Cole remembered the time that he messed up in a game when he was 12 and his dad stupefied him in anger. Cole shook his head at the memory and continued to look at Fiona as she spoke. As she told Cole she might be an Auror he winced at the thought.

Cole tried not to be rude but he had an appointment so he said "Ok it's about time that we get to Quality Quidditch Supplies." Cole started walking knowing Fiona would be right behind him. The streets were beginning to get a bit more crowded but not much. Ever since the Dark Lord came back people were afraid to leave their houses. Cole weaved through the few people checking behind him to make sure Fiona was behind him. Then he saw a head of blonde hair. Cole jerked his head back looking around for the hair. Then Cole spotted the person but to his disappointment it wasn't Dawn like he thought it was. For some reason he had been thinking of her more lately.

When they got to Quality Quidditch Supplies Cole opened the Door for Fiona and followed her in. Stepping in front of her Cole led her to the back of the store into a conference room. Waiting inside was a light haired man. He looked a little aged but stood up with a big smile and said "Cole, How are you? And who is this may I ask?" Cole shook the mans hand and said "Mr. Bollonsworth this is Fiona. I hope you don't mind that I brought her." The man smiled at Fiona and said "No of course not. Hello Fiona I'm James Bollonsworth."

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona noticed Cole's reaction when she talked about being an Auror. "I don't really want to, but it would definitely get my parents off my back if I said that to them," Fiona corrected his reaction. She didn't really want to be one, mainly because one day she might actually have to hunt down her own family and that was something she couldn't handle. Cole mentioned the meeting he had planned and she followed him from the table to Quality Quidditch Supplies.

"O'Reilly is my last name. Fiona O'Reilly. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Bollonsworth. The Foul Mouth Falcons are a good team," Fiona smiled as she shook his hand. She was excited to be meeting the owner of a good Quidditch team. She sat down in a chair as she tried to not feel like she was interrupting their meeting. Fiona took a drink of her milkshake as she listened to their conversation.

[Cole Waters]

Cole sat down in a chair across from James. Taking a sip of his milkshake he looked at James and said "So what do you want to talk to me about?" Cole looked into his eyes. He could tell James wanted something. "Well I know we have already discussed you playing for our minor league team after school." James said looking at Cole. "Well I dont know if you have heard but out starting keeper got pulled up to the pros. We weren't expecting that and it puts us at a loss." Cole looked at him and said "Then why don't you use the backup keeper Omar, I practiced with him remember. He's not bad." "He's 26 years old and he doesn't hold a candle to you Cole and you know that. I want to know if you will play for us this year." James said looking right into Cole's eyes.

Cole looked at him confused and said "I'm kinda young for that don't you think. My mom would never let me leave school and play." James smiled and said "But your dad said he would and he could talk your mom into it. You turn 17 in two months, after that it's your choice." Cole put down his milkshake and thought about it. It would be a big thing to leave school two years early and play. Cole didn't want to leave. He wanted to stay he wanted to be able to hang out with his Friends like Dawn. Then Cole had an Idea. "Your star chaser is injured if I'm not mistaken? This year isn't going to be a wining year for the minor league team so why take me out of school? I tell you what, let me stay in school for two more years and I will play with you after I graduate."

James looked sat there as if he was thinking real hard. "OK I can do that if you play the first game of the season with us, it's in a week. It's against the Lions and they are the worst team in the league we can't lose to them. I will pay you 50 galleons if you play." Cole looked at him and said "Make it 100 galleons and free tickets for some friends and I will play." James looked at him and said "Your breaking my balls Cole" Cole smiled and said "You know I'm worth it." James waved his wand and a piece of parchment appeared. Cole read it and signed it. "Nice doing business with you. We have practice tomorrow at 6 so be there." Then James appareted.

Cole looked at Fiona and said "Well that was interesting huh?"

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona sat in amazement as Mr. Bollonsworth asked Cole to play with them starting this year. She was worried he'd actually take the deal. She was just getting to know him and it seemed they could be friends. She didn't really want to give that up, but she also thought that it was an extraordinary opportunity for Cole.

Fiona was surprised when Cole turned it down and talked about playing in another year. He wouldn't be finishing school then, Fiona thought, but he would be there another year. That gave her plenty of time to hang out with him. She scolded herself at her own selfishness. Fiona was excited to hear that Cole would be playing the first game of the season this year though. She couldn't believe that it was actually going to work out for him. Fiona had watched him play and knew he was good, but it still amazed her that he was good enough to play in the minor leagues. Not just that, but for them to actually try to get him to play before he was out of school meant that he was one of the best keepers in the world.

"Well, that was interesting, huh?" Cole asked her. Fiona smiled. "That's a great opportunity for you. I can't believe it to tell you the truth. I've seen you play, but...man...you must be good!" Fiona was at a loss for words. She took a drink of her milkshake to make up for her quietness.

[Cole Waters]

Cole smiled at the reaction he got from Fiona. "Yea it is a great opportunity." Cole said smiling. He himself was more than excited to be able to play for the minor league team. This was exactly the start he needed to get into the pro's after school. Cole finished his milkshake and threw it into a waste basket next to the table. Standing up he looked at Fiona and said "You want to look around?" Cole didn't wait for her to answer but stood up and started to walk around. He was looking at the rack of brooms. Quality Quidditch Supplies carried alot of the racing brooms that were out but mostly were the cheaper versions. Most Wizards around there could only afford to buy the cheaper brooms.

Cole looked at Fiona and said "You said you are still riding a Nimbus 2000 right?" Cole frowned and said "If you ever decide to get a new broom come to my dad's shop outside of London. I can get you a discount." Cole smiled after he said this. He was in such a great mood from finding out he would be able to play. Then he remembered about the free tickets. He couldn't wait to tell Dawn. He had gotten the tickets for her so she could watch him play his first game. She of all people would understand his happiness. Looking at Fiona he said "So who's your favorite team?" Cole walked over tho the replica quidditch robes as he said this.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

'You want to look around,' Cole asked Fiona. Fiona nodded as she followed him. His mood seemed to have become even more cheerful. She smiled. She didn't think she'd ever have the same opportunity that Cole just got, but she shrugged it off. Quidditch was something she loved, but she could live without playing it. It was exciting enough just to watch.

"Yeah still riding my Nimbus. You'd really get me a discount at your dad's store?" Fiona asked. She was shocked that Cole was offering her such prizes. She was glad that she had run into him. If she hadn't then she would have probably never got to meet him and he seemed nice enough.

Fiona looked up at the replica Quidditch ropes. "That's my favorite team," she smiled as she pointed at the ropes. "I live in Ireland so it's my favorite team. I've been to several of their games and of course the World Cup a couple years back. It was awesome," Fiona smiled as she spoke. She remembered every moment of the game and she couldn't wait to see the next World Cup game. "And your favorite team is?"

[Cole Waters]

Cole laughed at Fiona's remark about him getting her a discount. "OK I'm going to let you in on a little secret. My dad gets the Firebolts and every other broom at factory price. Then he jacks the prices up in his store. That's how we make a profit. I got my Firebolt for factory price and I can do the same for you." Cole said smiling. That was how all quidditch stores worked, or at least thats how they should. Cole continued to smile as they walked through the store. When she pointed at the Irish robe Cole smiled. "Yea they are pretty good." Cole should have known that she liked Ireland, alot of people do. When she asked Cole who his favorite team is Cole gave her a funny look.

Pointing to a gray jersey with a falcon head on it Cole said "I thought it would have been obvious. I'm only playing for their minor league team" Cole laughed and looked up at the jersey. "Some day that's going to be my name on the back of that jersey. Someday I wont be able to walk down the street without being mobbed by kids for autographs. Someday my name will be mentioned as one of the best to play, and then even when I die I will be immortal." Cole said this staring at the jersey. Then he snapped back into reality and said "Sorry about that. Just all of this is getting me so hyped to play. I cant wait until my first game."

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona smiled at how sly Cole's dad seemed to be. Jacking up the prices of the brooms. It was smart and Fiona knew she'd like his dad. You have to milk them for every knut they have, Fiona thought.

She looked at the jersey's on the wall as Cole told her his favorite team. "I figured that, but you know some people who get asked to play minor league would play for any team that asked them even if it wasn't their favorite," Fiona smiled in embarrassment. She didn't want to look like a fool for not coming up with his favorite team.

Cole began to talk about Quidditch and she turned to look at him. There was a thirst in his eyes that Fiona hadn't noticed before. He was talking about being the best player ever and Fiona could feel the hope he had. It was amazing. She was smiling by the end of his speech as he looked over at her she quickly turned back to the jersey's. She thought it was probably rude to stare and didn't want to be caught. "That's really kind of inspiring," Fiona said after he finished. "I've only known that feeling once in my life." Fiona shrugged as she turned away from the jersey's and looked at little figurines of famous Quidditch players.

[Cole Waters]

Cole laughed at Fiona's remark about the minor leagues. "Yea I have to admit I would have played for any minor league team. I'm glad I'm playing for the hawks though." Cole said smiling. When she said that his speech was inspiring Cole could only laugh. "Yeah that's me the epitome of inspiration." Cole said frowning. He knew himself that the only inspiration he really gave people was to get up and leave the room because he was being to obnoxious. Cole didn't try to inspire people. He looked out for numero uno. He could care less about anyone. Then he thought that that wasn't true. He cared about Dawn. He had no idea why that thought kept coming through his head. He was friends with her but he seemed to think of her alot lately.

When Fiona said she had only felt that way about one thing Cole looked at her and raised an eyebrow. "And what was that?" he asked walking over to the figures. He picked up the figure of Victor Krum and placed it in his palm. The figure walked around flat footed and then fell to the ground. Cole picked it up and put it on the shelf. He looked at Fiona awaiting her answer.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona smiled when Cole laughed. It was good to see how happy he was. She envied him a little for having an offer to play in the minors. She would have given anything to be on the Slytherin House team let alone play for a minor or pro team. She watched Cole pick up Viktor Krum and she smiled when the little figurine fell face first. 'He really can't walk,' she thought.

Fiona was slightly surprised that Cole asked her about what it was that gave her the feeling of inspiration. She didn't know how Cole would feel about her answer, but she really didn't care. "Thinking about following my father's footsteps. I guess you could say that he inspires me so much that I want to follow after him," Fiona said. She was still having problems with her father, but she couldn't deny the feeling he would give her when he talked about her following after him. She remembered it as a child when she'd sit on his lap and he'd tell her stories about what he did.

Fiona looked from the figurine back up at Cole. She realized that her answer had been a bit cryptic, but she wasn't sure if it was a good thing to mention in a store where half-breeds and mudbloods could be eaves dropping. She glanced around the store trying to pinpoint exactly where they were, but shrugged as she waited for Cole's reply.