Chapter 8
Mrs. Bradbury unlike any run of the mill interviewer didn't have a notebook in hand for jotting down notes. If interviews do go as the one taking course right now. Has anyone else signed up or is she the only one? Aoife tried her best to cover up any signals showcasing apprehension that may appear.
"All right, Miss Branson," Mrs. Bradbury began. "I see you have volunteered in Flourish & Blotts for the summer and worked in a joke shop too?"
"That's correct, ma'am," Aoife confirmed. Both were true. Mum and Dad had her volunteer for the entire summer before 6th year. Then there's Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, which she decided to help George with. Alongside the assistance of Ron, while he was training to be an Auror. Ron is the one who gave the good reference, and Aoife's forever grateful of it.
"Your references are also positively received," Mrs. Bradbury skimmed through her resumé. "Do you have any experiences working with children?"
"Most of the customers I've handled were young children," Aoife stated. "Both shops, yes. The joke shop especially, since most of the patrons are children, or Hogwarts students if you must."
"I see," Mrs. Bradbury said. "And I assume when you were dealing with children, you also had to deal with the parents. Tell me, has there ever been a tight situation you had to face.
Aoife thought carefully for this question. This could take some moment to process the right words. "To a certain extent, yes. When a particular book is out of stock or complaints from parents over the merchandise their child has bought."
"And is there any reason you decided to leave your old job," the woman continued.
There it was. The question. Aoife had to be careful with this one. "I wanted to branch out and explore new options and fields."
Mrs. Bradbury after another thorough observation, placed Aoife's resumé on the table. She sighed heavily. "It's not every day I do this, Miss Branson. But I would like to give you a trial run. If you're up for that is.
"Yes, definitely," Aoife sat up straight, covering up her surprise. At the same time, a pleasant sense of relief washed through her.
The two witches stood up. "So, as a rundown, I'll tell you what is needed from you," said Mrs. Bradbury. "My is niece is coming back from the States. She has two children that can take into. Somewhat handful, the two. Though nothing you've done before. We'll start Monday and discuss plans from there."
"Yes, ma'am!" Aoife replied; hopefully, not too excitedly. She followed Mrs. Bradbury towards the door to the open classroom-like area, there waited Andrew. He actually waited for her. Not that she didn't think he would, but at least thought he'd wait outside.
"Mr. Mazur," Mrs. Bradbury began. "Didn't think you'd still be here."
"She still hasn't familiarized herself with the area well enough yet," Andrew stated as if it were the most matter of fact thing in the world.
True, Aoife hasn't. While by memory she can recognize said places, she wasn't yet comfortable to walk from one destination to the other alone. Even the daily walks with Hazel and Magaly. Though to a considerable amount, Aoife was able to manage herself. Sometimes in the company of Dianne.
"That's very kind of you, Mr. Mazur," said Mrs. Bradbury. "She must be fortunate to have happen to stumble upon you and the Goodwinds."
The auburn haired wizard replied a curt nod. Can't say what he's exactly thinking based on the uncertain expression on his face. Fortunately, he decided not to converse on the topic any further. "Well, we should be heading off."
Not sure if he directed it to her or Mrs. Bradbury, Aoife rejoined Andrew regardless. The two made way to the exit and to reveal to the outer side Isaac with umbrellas in hand; with his being obviously open. "Can't let the two of you get wet," he gave Andrew the closed one. "It's really coming down."
Andrew murmured a thanks as he took the umbrella from Isaac. While Aoife at a standstill on who to share with. "Aoife, we can share," Isaac offered as the other man stepped out to open his.
Aoife got under the umbrella with Isaac. Then gave her attention back to Mrs. Bradbury. "Thank you for having me, Mrs. Bradbury."
Mrs. Bradbury smiled, to which made both Isaac and Andrew arch their brows. Taken it must be rare for the older witch to do so. A full one at that. "No problem, Miss Branson. I'm looking forward to Monday."
"Later, Mrs. Bradbury," Isaac said lastly before the three headed out into the pouring rain.
Andrew made a head start. Just enough space in between that he won't be able to hear any conversations exchanged between the two could be having.
"Was he nice to you?" Isaac asked.
Aoife glanced at the back of Andrew. "He was," recounting the last bit that happened seconds before the interview. "Not much of a talker - At least not with me."
Isaac snorted. "Nah, he's all right. Just has a huge chip on his shoulder ... I think." Then the blond wizard went silent for a moment, pursing his lips together. "You know - for the years I've known him, I don't think I exactly know anything about him. If that makes any sense."
Aoife too herself went into a state of thought. "I believe so," she said. "Has he never spoken about his life back home?"
Thunder loomed at last word as Isaac creased his brow. "No, not really," adding a shrug. "All I know is, he had some dispute with his parents. It must've been hellish bad if they kicked him out. He never elaborated further. I don't even know what his school life was like. If he had friends or a sweetheart even."
"I see," Aoife turned her eyes back to Andrew who was now a good feet away. "He never said anything much then."
"No," Isaac sighed. "He doesn't like talking about it, I suppose, so we left it at that. Though it hasn't stopped Hazel and Magaly from making conspiracies out of his 'mysterious past'."
The two blonds exchanged smiles at one another over the statement. However, Aoife couldn't help but to wonder about his supposed past. "And what about you, Miss Branson?" Isaac broke her thoughts. "Are you also going to keep us in the dark with yours?"
A simple giggle surpassed through Aoife's lips as she shook her head. "Well, it's something I'm not fully ready to talk about yet."
Isaac nodded in indication he understands. "Well, whenever you're ready, we're here."
"Thanks, Isaac," said Aoife gratefully. She really was indeed grateful. Maybe one day she can talk about it all. Just not sure when that one day will be. Or maybe just like Andrew, she'll keep it all hidden.
Isaac's smile stretched broadly. "Hey, no prob -"
"Isaac!" someone excitedly shouted his name all of a sudden.
"lem," the blond wizard finished. His smile then dropped at the sight of the person who called his name. A young man with soft black/brown waves and same slight above average height like him. His demeanor completely changed in an instant. "Nate."
Aoife could sense some uneasy tension between the two young men. This can't be good. Even Andrew who most likely seen the exhibition just now rushed back over.
"So, you must be the Goodwinds' new housemate," Nate directed towards her.
Isaac, however shot an icy blue glare at him. "Who she is, isn't your business. Anything associated with me is no longer your concern."
A scowl plastered on Isaac as he strode off, leaving Aoife before she had time to react. Luckily, Andrew was quick to cover her with his umbrella. But not without giving Nate a glare of his own. "Give it up already, Nate," was all he said to him before leading Aoife away. Leaving the other wizard behind. Alone in the rain.
A curious part of Aoife wanted to ask who that guy was, and why Isaac seems to have a strong dislike for him. But she knew it didn't appear appropriate right now. Not even daring to sneak a look back. As they are a good distance away. All she can gather was, maybe Isaac has a dispute of his own.
***
Safe to say to say, Harry won the First Task. Well, he tied with Viktor Krum. But that didn't matter to Gryffindors as they went crazy over his victory. At least a good amount of people are on his side. Even some of the Ravenclaws; for the most part. Everything's in full swing. Not just so, because as another huge announcement has been made.
The Yule Ball
That's right! Not everyday that there's a school dance. Aoife knew it! This explains Mum's giddiness and the dress shopping. Of bloody course! Professor Flitwick had two of the older students demonstrating a dance. They flowed naturally as the music flowed, Aoife observed. Figures, as the two students also happen to be dating.
"So does that mean we really dance with someone?" Padma Patil, who sat beside Aoife said.
Aoife blushed at the prospect. "I - I believe so. Why? Have someone in mind?" Adding a little tone of teasing at the end. It's no secret the girl fancied Anthony Goldstein.
"I don't know," Padma also blushed while sneaking a peak at Anthony talking to another student.
The couple demonstrating the dance seemed to be in their own little world or as if they're the only two people on earth. Music fades into silence, and they share a kiss. Not just a simple peck, mind you. It's full blown snogging.
"Get a room, you two!" someone shouted.
They broke out of the kiss, grinning ear to ear at the student who shouted. The guy still wrappedaroundhisgirlfriend's waist shot back, "Don't worry, Talbot. This will be you too with whoever your unfortunate date is."
Other students broke out in hysterics as Talbot sank down in his seat sulking. That Professor Flitwick had to calm the room down. Once the everyone eventually quieted, the practice session began. There was one prominent thing that lingered on Aoife's mind.
With each passing day lead up to the Yule Ball. Every student left and right were practicing their dance. Some already had dates. Others getting their dresses ready and clean. Aoife wondered whether or not if George already has a date. He's bound to no doubt about it. Someone ashandsome as he is.
~~~
"Instead of whining about it , why don't you ask the poor bloke yourself?" Aoife walked in on Terry Boot say to a girl one day.
"Do guys like that?" the girl asked.
Another boy joined in on the conversation. "I think I speak for all guys when I say, absobloodylutely!"
The two boys high-fived each other. An obvious agreement of both.
It had nothing to do with her, but something like a chord struck inside. Maybe like that girl, she herself can ask George. Can never hurt to try, right? Aoife walked out of the Common Room and into the corridors of Hogwarts in search of him. Now or never. Worst case scenario, he can either decline because he's not interested or already is going with someone. Never know unless you try.
She found him then and there, leaning against the concrete wall. This is good for now. Aoife's palms grew sweatier with each step taken.
'No, I can't', Aoife turned around. But turned back to him taking another step only to turn around again. 'Maybe I'll ask tomorrow.'
No! Aoife turned back to his direction once again. Just do it. He's just a boy; not a blood sucking vampire. Then again, you don't have to talk to a vampire. Have to ask him sooner or later and no stalling. Well ... here goes nothing. Aoife released a huge exhaled and then gently tapped his shoulder. When George noticed, he greeted a warm smile.
"Hey, there," he said kindly.
"Hi," Aoife twiddled her thumbs; eyeing on the ground then at him. "I was wondering if you haven't already, but it's fine if you don't want to ... Would you like to the Yule Ball together?"
There! She's said it - Aoife finally asked the boy she's been crushing on since ever. And a sigh or relief to spare. Can't say the same for her thumbs as they were still twiddling. It also happens to be the most words she's ever said to him.
George laughed at just how shy and cute the blonde witch was, but gave his answer nonetheless. "Of course I'll go with you."
"Really?" Aoife hoped her ears didn't mistaken her.
"Really," George put his hands on her shoulders. His soft brown eyes meeting her light hazel ones. "I'd - erm love to go with you."
His hands slowly slipping off and held on to her own. This time the ginger haired boy's very own cheeks also went shades of pink. "I'll see you then?"
"I'll see you then," Aoife finally freed her hands from his that slowly slipped away. Then she heading back to the Ravenclaw Common Room to catch a breath. Hands shaking and all.
What Aoife didn't know was George smiled to himself as he watched her sprint away with honey blonde threads flowing from behind. She made full speed into the bed of her dormitory, not hearing the calls of her peers. Then making a crash landing into the bed and clutching onto her blankie. Replaying the whole entire scene in her head as if it were all a dream.