Summertime

Chapter 4: Coming Out

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Oliver Wood to NN: May 6, 1997

It has been exactly two years today and I still cannot believe that you are gone. Your family never accepted your sexuality and suspected everybody in the crime of "turning you to the bad side", so I could never visit your grave. The only thing I can do is to write these letters. I wish I could hope that one day you will read them.

You were my first lover. You were hard, cruel, reckless, and brave. You were supposed to be cunning and sly. Salazar only knows why you've been sorted to Slytherin. You never took care of the usual precautions and you were never good at Charms either. Nor was I, but there was this one particular Charm that I mastered quite quickly. Even still, it was not quick enough for our first time, so I asked Him to help me. Did you know that? Did you guess that? I was dying from shame, but He -patient and understanding as usual- prepared the Charm. He should have guessed why I needed it but he never said anything about the entire matter. With His help, we had our first time; though, I dreamed about Him while I was with you. Our relationship was hard and cruel. I loved you. I hated you. You wanted to prove to me your superiority - to show me who you were and who I was. I was afraid of you and I tried to avoid you, but sex turned out to be like a drug and I became addicted to it. You were the only one who knew about me, about my attraction to other boys, and about my love for Him. You were the only one who seemed to understand me. You enjoyed the power this knowledge gave you.

At some point we broke. I initiated this, as our twisted relationship turned unbearable for me. But despite this, you continued to be the only one whom I could confide in. When you died, there was nothing else left for me to do but to write letters; letters that no one has ever read.

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Daily Prophet: May 12, 1997 By: Leo Quirke

"Puddlemere" vs. "Cannons" 160 - 0

Last Saturday in Yorkshire, the League champions, Puddlemere United, played against the Chudley Cannons, struggling at the moment for tenth in the placement. Puddlemere expected an easy game and the majority of their players came from the reserve; the only exceptions being Oliver Wood (Keeper) and Celestinne Hammond (Beater). The Cannons on the other hand, reminded the audience that this team was the League Cup champions 21 times in the past.

For most of the game, the Cannons were in possession, but the impeccable skills of Wood prevented them from scoring. The only goal of Puddlemere (Andie Yates, 34) came after the penalty against the Cannons. The winner of this game was totally unexpected as almost three hours later the score remained on 10-0. However, one more hour later Puddlemere reserve Seeker (Millicent Swan) noticed the snitch and in an amazing dive caught it.

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Diary of Percy Weasley: May 11, 1997

Yesterday Puddlemere played in Yorkshire. I told Mum and Dad that I had loads of work to be done (which is true and which is why I'm at the office today, on a Sunday) and instead went to the Quidditch game; I haven't seen one for ages. I always had the fear that showing up at the game and supporting one of the teams might be inappropriate for a Ministry official.

Bullshit. I always had a fear, but this had nothing to do with being seen in public. I was afraid to see Him. I knew that He would be there, and I was afraid things would spiral out of control. So, I bought the cheapest ticket -"with restricted vision" -as the cash-witch said in order to listen to the game, but avoid watching. Despite this I still managed to catch a glimpse of Him. He was marvelous...

I could spend hours just daydreaming about Him and ranting in my diary, but work has to be done. There is a report regarding mice tails being imported as rat tails and the matter has to be investigated.

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Caroline Brown to Jessica Quirke: May 20, 1997

Dear Jessica,

Today was the happiest day of my life! After Mum and Dad picked me up from Mrs. Mallik's we decided to have some ice cream at Florean's. There it happened. OLIVER WOOD entered the parlour with a redheaded man. I wanted to go over and ask Oliver to sign a napkin for me, but Mum said that it would be impolite as he was busy. So, I had to wait and suffer through Mum's comments on my behaviour - you do not eye people like that, Carry! When we ordered milk shakes, a big eagle owl landed on their table and delivered a note to the redhead. He stood up immediately and after saying something to Oliver, Disapparated. Oliver remained there alone and no longer seemed to be busy, so I decided to try to approach him with a napkin again, but Mum asked me about Mrs. Mallik and I had to answer her. After a couple of minutes I turned to look at Oliver's table again but he was already gone. It was such a pity, don't you think?

Love,

Carry

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Daily Prophet: May 21, 1997 By: Sandra Wilcox

Double suicide in Verona

The body of missing British wizard 'M.' was discovered last night in Verona. M., a young wizard of one of the most prominent British Wizarding families, went missing last Saturday. His body was discovered in one of the old cemeteries of Verona along with the body of a young Italian. The one with whom M. was rumored to be having an affair with. In a letter found nearby, the lovers explained that the suicide was their only escape as their families were not ready to accept their relationship. International Magical Cooperation Department took care of returning the body of M. to the UK.

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Witch Weekly: May 26, 1997: Advertisement

Every witch knows how important her hair can be in the difficult but entertaining job of seduction. What every witch is not aware of though, is that with the new Kettering's "Quick Queen" hair potion, you can easily change not only your hair color and its length, but also twist your locks into coils or ringlets! You will never need anything else in order to look absolutely stunning! With just one bottle of the Quick Queen potion, you can be the queen of the evening! For less than two galleons you can charm the wizard of your dreams! Available only in Kettering beauty shops.

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Oliver Wood to NN: May 28, 1997

You will not believe it! I talked to Him, but that wasn't the only thing we did...

It started two weeks ago, on the Saturday when we played the Cannons in Yorkshire. The game was not the greatest game that we've played and quite boring, but that didn't really matter as I spotted Him amongst the crowd. When the game was over I tried to find Him, but he was nowhere to be seen. I wanted to write to him but I didn't dare, so the following Monday I went to the Ministry. He seemed to be shocked by my sudden appearance in his office, but I convinced Him to come with me to Florean's. He always had quite a sweet tooth. There we spent two hours talking about nothing.

The day afterwards the story was repeated. On Thursday night we went to Pizza Paolo, and Friday it was to the Chinese restaurant downtown. After that we met almost every evening, still mostly talking about nothing. A week ago, on May 20, when we were discussing Quidditch (Can you imagine Him talking about Quidditch? He appears to know a lot, but just never shows it), he was suddenly summoned to the Ministry. M. committed suicide in Italy and He had to take care of the required administration.

M. You knew him. You played on the same team. He always seemed to be quite sly and cunning but I met him only on the pitch...

Then we didn't see each other for more than a week, until today, in fact.

He was terribly sad. Even new Florean's ice-cream flavors had no effect on him. After a long silence, He started talking about M. and his lover and about how they struggled for their love and about how they might have lost, but how they tried. He had to say it, to unburden His heart.

Suddenly He stopped, stood up, and said that he'd better go, and that He was terribly sorry for spoiling my evening. I answered that He never could have spoiled my evening. Then it happened. I said that I enjoyed every moment with Him, that I lived for one meeting another, and... that I loved Him and had loved Him for years. I told him that I would understand if He couldn't return my feelings, and that I was probably wrong in declaring my love to Him when his mind was preoccupied with M.'s death. You could never imagine what he did after that.

He stood up and kissed me. Luckily, the parlour was almost empty at that time of the day. After that breath taking kiss he Disapparated without a word.

For a couple of moments I had been the happiest man in the universe and now I'm even not sure if all of this wasn't just another dream.

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"Witch Weekly" June 9, 1997: "Chatting with Charlotte Charming"

Here comes our monthly list of the most eligible bachelors of the United Kingdom. Remember to owl us and we'll include the wizard of your dreams in the list!

In the first place: Quidditch star Oliver Wood! His broad shoulders and even broader smile has conquered the hearts of thousands of witches. He is the most popular wizard of May leading with more than 200 votes.

The famous artist Roger Davies is in second position with 149 votes. Last month Roger announced his engagement with Penelope Clearwater, so this might be his last month in our list. Roger's presence lingered on the list for six months before finally claiming the top position in February.

130 witches voted for the cool curse-breaker Bill Weasley! There are other treasures in Gringotts besides money.

Mysterious Potions master Severus Snape is slightly behind his former student. 127 ladies had chosen him and are dreaming about brewing complicated potions together.

Finally we have our Discovery of the Month! His name is Stan Shunpike. Last month Stan announced that after the successful career at Wizarding Transportation, he has accepted the invitation of the Wizarding Wireless Network. Starting next week we would hear his sexy voice on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in "Stan's Secrets". Even if the Secrets are not yet in the air, he already provided us with one of them: how did he manage to charm 112 witches in no time?

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Diary of Percy Weasley: June 12, 1997

Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver.

Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver.

Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver.

Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver.

Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver. Oliver.

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"Financial Floo": June 14, 1997. By: Matilda Bradshaw

It was another disappointing week in the market. The markets were high on Monday and Tuesday morning but fell on Tuesday afternoon as the Salomas group announced negative growth expectations.

This trend remained dominant during the entire week despite the efforts of Gringotts and the Ministry of Magic to stimulate the economic activity. The JKR index continues to move lower, losing this week 172.3 points. The majority of the shares are experiencing weakness as the share holders continue in massive selling. The most notable moves this week were: Gladrags Wizardwere Ltd. (+12.84), Nimbus Inc. (+8.54), Salomas Inc. (-6.12) and Kettering Ltd. (-16.25).

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Mails and Miller All-Stars Agency: June 20, 1997

To: Mr. Thomas W. Lloyd West

Editor in Chief "Playwitch"

Mr. Oliver Wood, Photo session

OC: OW-73/1997

Dear Mr. Lloyd West,

We regret to inform you that Mr. Oliver Wood will not be able to participate in the nude photo session proposed in your June 11 letter. Mr. Wood has a significant number of Quidditch activities planned during the summer period as well as family obligations that prohibit him from accepting your invitation.

Yours sincerely,

Duncan Miller

Mr. Wood's agent

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From: Thomas Lloyd West

To: Michael Knight

Date: June 22

Confidential

Internal Memo

Mike,

These turtles from "Mails and Miller" turned down the entire Wood initiative. The bloke, meanwhile, is again on the top of Charlotte's monthly list. We have to do something about it. Take this as your July project - I want him on the cover of our August number at the latest. Go to his games, check his friends, and convince him. We need these photos. All the expenses will be covered.

Thomas

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Percy Weasley to Penelope Clearwater: July 2, 1997

Dear Penny,

Ibiza is a dream! The Upper Town (Dalt Vila) is amazing! Could you imagine that the noble houses with patios and Gothic windows remain as one of the main tourist attractions in Europe? I'm enjoying every moment of the stay here. We have climbed the cathedral's belfry and Oliver took me on a night flight on his broom. The view was unforgettable.

Tomorrow we are going to the local Museo Arquelogico. The lady in our hotel told us that some really old wizarding artifacts are exhibited there. Muggles call them Punic art and I think I've seen a book on the topic in Flourish & Blotts.

Percy

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Kevin Kettering to Anthony Kettering, Head of Kettering Ltd.:

Confidential

Anthony, July 5, 1997

If the rumors were true, then the young Weasley should be appointed as the new Head of the International Magical Cooperation. I do not need to remind you that He is the one responsible for the rat tails business. Make your conclusions, brother.

Kevin

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Percy Weasley to Mrs. Molly Weasley: the Burrow: July 15, 1997

Dear Mum,

I have forgotten to ask you- What shall I give Penny and Roger? I mean, he is an artist and she is so clever that I'm almost lost. And the gift's supposed to be for the both of them...

Percy

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Michael Knight to his wife Erica Mann:

Dear Erica, July 16, 1997

I'm still in Spain. The local newspaper asked for some pictures of their new celebrity, a young torero witch. Thomas doesn't suspect anything. As long as he covers my expenses, I do not really care to update him on my "extra-curricular activities".

Yesterday I received an owl from Jeff. Old Kettering is desperately looking for some fishy stuff on the young Weasley and Jeff asked if I had something. I played a bit around as if I didn't get the drift; you know, there are many young Weasleys around. The point is that the pictures of Wood I got for Thomas involved a young Weasley. The young Weasley, to be precise. Kettering promises a fortune but wants the entire set.

If I sell the pictures to him, how shall I then fool Thomas? If I do not give the pictures to him, then I'll never ever again get a session with PlayWitch. If that happens, how will we pay back the debt to Darkholme? If I give them to him, I still wouldn't be able to pay the debt, for he pays much less.

Damned if you do and damned if you don't. I will be back in Britain on Monday.

Mike

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From: Michael Knight

To: Thomas Lloyd West

Date: July 22

Dear Thomas,

I met Wood in Spain and succeeded in persuading him. The pictures are attached. Wood asked for the payment to be done via his new agent, Ms. Erica Mann. You can contact her at Mann and Manning, Sports agency POB 318 Aberdeen.

Mike

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Oliver Wood to Percy Weasley: July 28, 1997

Perce! Up to a nice love session? Celestinne is in Greece and she left me the keys to her apartment! Meet me at 7 p.m. at Florean's.

Oliver

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Oliver Wood to NN: August 1, 1997

It is hard to write today, but you are the only one whom can I confide in, as I've said before. The liaison that was so important to me has been completed. Percy doesn't appear to be serious about our relationship, and I don't want any more lies.

During this past summer, "the summer of our love" - as he used to call it, I have not been the only person he loved. I cannot blame him. Presumably, he still constantly attempts to turn "the right way": marry a nice girl, settle down, and have a lot of redheaded children. He tried it once with Penelope. It didn't work, despite the fact that they both really tried hard. They are still friends today.

He didn't get the hint. He still goes around - one girl here and another one there; one on Penny's wedding, one in Paris; one kiss here, one shag there. Blondes. He has a thing for blondes. I am not blond and I am not ever going to be blond. On top of that, I do not want to spend my life as second fiddle! What kind of future is this - him, his wife, their lovely children, and once a month there's a "business trip" to have sex with me in some half-star hotel? As if it even matters whether it would be a five-star hotel suite!

Now I know why he declined my invitation last week. He said that he had a lot of work to be done as he is now the Head of the Office. He always had "a lot of work to be done", but we could just meet and talk, you know? And that week, the only week when we had a place to meet as Celestinne was in Greece, he refused. I wanted him madly. I have not had sex since Ibiza! I tried helping myself with this matter but I cannot. It is too painful, as I am again, beginning to imagine him - which is the last thing I want now.

Witch Weekly's Most Popular Wizard of May writes a letter to his dead ex-lover, because his current ex-lover preferred a girl above him. I could get any girl! Any!

But I do not need them. And he doesn't need me.

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Diary of Percy Weasley: August 3, 1997

I have a bad feeling. He must have seen this damned article in the Witch Weekly. I was not really impressed. Bill told me long ago that they write any crap they can just to make people buy it. "Heart-breaker"? Me?! But He, He might have believed this Charlotte Charming. How could He? He knows me and should know how much I love him. I sent Him an owl today; He will understand everything. It is just a matter of hours.

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Percy Weasley to Oliver Wood: August 15, 1997

Dear Oliver,

It was great to hear that you have been selected to play for England.

I believe in you, in your abilities, in your cleverness, and I also hope that you will understand me when I say 'I love you', Oliver for I cannot say anything more.

Percy

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Diary of Percy Weasley: August 21, 1997

Everything is my fault. Oliver must have been desperate. I should have known that He would be too proud to show how deeply He was hurt. I should have known.

It is weird, but I'm almost happy to have been receiving these anonymous letters. They remind me that we've been together and that Ibiza wasn't just a dream. I do not have His love anymore, but I still have a memory of our love and I'll cherish it forever.

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Oliver Wood to NN: August 24, 1997

I'm confused, Marcus, I'm so confused. Could it be that all of those girls that Percy has been dating are nothing more than a bit of gossip from WItch Weekly that has been blown out of proportion by my vivid imagination? Could it be that he is suffering as badly as I am?

I am not going to think about it now. The game is tomorrow and I'd better repeat some of the moves Bruce mentioned yesterday.

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Diary of Percy Weasley: August 26, 1997

I'm in prison. Tomorrow they will discover that my behaviour during the riots was less than appropriate and that I should be fired. Such a great ending for my Ministry career! I'll be known as "not only as the youngest Head of the International Cooperation, but also the most stupid". Whoever wrote these letters, they must be happy now. I've done everything I could with my own hands - there wasn't even a need to publish the Ibiza photos.

Ibiza. Oliver was here. Before we separated, He muttered "I'm so sorry, Percy" all the time. I do not know whether he really meant that.

I'm still glad that I've found him amongst the chaos. Oliver was devastated, pained, and drunk. I hadn't seen Him in more than a month and I couldn't resist the temptation to kiss Him. Though, I'm not sure if He even noticed.

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Molly Weasley to Oliver Wood: September 5, 1997

Oliver,

Percy informed us about your relationship. He doesn't know that I'm writing to you.

Oliver, how could you take advantage of him at this moment? Now, when he is so fragile? How could you convince him that he loves you and that you are his one true love?

Oliver, how could you do it? If you really loved him you would never have done it. Percy is in any state to withstand another emotional shock when he comes back to his senses and discovers what you have made him to believe.

I have to ask you to refrain from visiting the Burrow.

Molly Weasley

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Ginny Weasley to Mrs. Weasley: September 7, 1997

Dear Mum,

Your letter stunned me. Why did you ask Oliver to stop seeing Percy? We need to give all of the support we can. Oliver is Percy's anchor in this life, his shoulder to cry on, his friend to confide in, his partner to love and to be loved by. It is such good news that they decided to move in together! Both of us know that Percy cannot stay any longer at the Burrow and that he will be mocked at the Residence. Or would you rather their story to end like the one of poor Montague and his Italian lover?

I felt, no- I knew that they have been in love for months now. So, who knows how long Percy has struggled against himself! Finally, when his love is requited, you, so desperate to see all of us as the One Big Happy Weasley Family, shatter his heart to pieces? Sometimes I simply do not understand you, Mum.

Love,

Ginny

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Arthur Weasley to Percy Weasley and Oliver Wood: September 11, 1997

Dear Percy and Oliver,

Please forgive your mother for her letter. She was only trying to protect you. She might need some time to get used to the idea of her third son living with a wizard, but she will get over it. Oliver: you are and will always be welcome at the Burrow.

I also have some good news from the Ministry. It is not official yet, but Lisa - the spokeswitch- leaked this to me: the infamous investigation is over and you can return to your position on Monday.

Would you (both of you) like to celebrate this event together with us on Sunday?

We will be pleased to see you around 4 pm. Bill, Charlie, and the twins have promised to come and Molly wrote to Dumbledore for special permission for Ron and Ginny.

I also hope that the new Quidditch season will be very successful for Oliver and that we will have more chances to see his brilliant skills on the pitch.

Arthur Weasley

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Diary of Percy Weasley: September 12, 1997

Today the suspension against me is officially over. I can return to the Ministry on Monday. I have to admit that this investigation nightmare has taught me one important thing: there are many prominent and prevailing things in the world such as my career at the Ministry, among other matters, but being with Oliver is much more important than all of them put together. I'm a fully qualified wizard and I can find some other job, but what will I need it for if Oliver is not with me?

Today we talked about announcing our relationship. Duncan, Oliver's agent, owled yesterday to say that Leo Quirke from the Prophet is interested in an interview. Oliver thinks that this might be a good opportunity. Leo appears to be serious about retaining respect for His privacy. Duncan was not over-enthusiastic about the interview, but agreed that Quirke is the best way to do this if Oliver really wants to come out.

Coming out can solve Oliver's trouble with the faked PlayWitch photos. At least he can claim that they are fake. He showed me them and I could compare with the reality. Oliver is much more beautiful than the bloke whose body was used there. I also can gain from the interview as the "anonymous" letters -I suspect that some guys from the hair potions business are behind them- will become useless. We can even kiss for Leo's cameramen. Am I becoming an exhibitionist?

Dad was a bit furious with me for not saying to him a word about the letters and is not really happy about the interview for the Prophet. But he said that the best we can do is to make decisions on our own. He also said that there are more than enough bigots at the Ministry, so they might make my life more difficult if ever I'd like to get further than Head of the Department. In any case, at the moment I have a contract for three years and I have a funny feeling that after three more years at the Ministry I will willingly look for something more than just paperwork.

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