Chapter 9
He said, yes. He actually said, yes! Aoife was practically on cloud nine since. Hell, more like cloud twenty. Whenever the coast was clear of anyone to neither watch nor listen, the Ravenclaw witch who was so often in her own little world would practice a little waltz or better yet sing a song. It's the very song Dad taught her. Aunt Lavinia used to love the song.
And she's right. There's something about the song.
The burst of excitement, the witch used one of the school's owl to deliver a letter she's written to her parents. Well, mostly to Mum. Letting know she's going to the Yule Ball with him. Still felt like a dream in process on whether or not it's actually true.
When the tawny owl was no longer in sight, Aoife carried on the singing as if in her own world, the softness of her voice carried:
"Mother of the summer fields, goddess of the silver moon. Join with us as power builds, dance with us our witch's rune."
No audience of her own, which she actually preferred it to be. It's different when you're with a group. A solo act on the other hand, all eyes are on you instead of each performer at the same time.
"Father of the summer dew, hunter of the winter snows. With open arms we welcome you, dance with us as power grows. Dance with us our witch's rune."
Repeating those words in continuation, but when she neared ground level, the words slowly blended into a hum. Aoife carried it so casually that she herself wouldn't notice. Soon even the humming came to a halt as she reached ground level and there were people out in the open corridors. Words filled the hallway with talk of the Yule Ball. Girls chatting on what they're going to wear, who they're going with. Safe to say everyone was excited.
Almost the entire student body had dates. Almost. When a certain somebody approached her. A boy from Gryffindor.
"Hey," he greeted all overly pompous in the face.
Aoife frowned knowing where this is about to head. "Hi."
"You got a date? 'Cause I know a bloke who happens to be available," he stated in trace of arrogance. Positively thinking she'd say, yes.
"I'm sorry, but I already have date," said Aoife politely. "But thanks for the offer."
The boy cracked in response. "Don't say that. Except a yes, and I'm all yours."
Aoife took a step back. "As I said, I'm already going with someone."
The Gryffindor didn't seem to buy it. Probably due to his ego. "Come on, Ravenclaw. It's one simple word," he stated. "Y-E-"
"What part of no, do you not understand, McLaggen?" a scowling George suddenly barged in and got right behind Aoife. "She has a date, whether you like it or not. So, leave her alone!"
McLaggen, as his name suggests appeared unfazed by the tone remark instead sneered. "And you're the supposed date?"
"Fortunately, yes," George mirrored the same apathetic feature as the other boy. "Now kindly leave her alone!"
He then took Aoife's wrist and dragged her away. Leaving the fellow Gryffindor at their dust. She's never seen him annoyed or agitated, but guess even McLaggen can make even the most easygoing of people that way. An unfortunate talent he has come to possess. Good thing though no further persuasion on his end.
"He wasn't bothering you all too much, was he?" George asked once they were out from the clear and both able to relax.
Aoife shook her head in reassurance. "I'm just glad you came in on time. I don't know what I would've done had you not come. He's such a skeeze."
George chuckled as he caressed her hand with his thumb. "Happy to have come to the rescue. Can't let anyone steal my date. Not even a popular international Quidditch star can take you away from me."
The Ravenclaw witch blushed and pursed her lips together. "For the record, even if I didn't have a date for the Ball, I would've lied that I already have a date."
In return George used his other hand's forefinger to imitate a thinking expression. "And I suppose that's the part where I still come in and save you."
Aoife shyly adverted her gaze away. "I hope so."
"I know so," George gave his trademark toothy grin. "And I'm sorry, I never got your name."
"It's Aoife," she told him.
At least safe to say now both are in a first name bases. For him that is. In this very moment, neither aware of how slowly, but surely they were inching towards to one another. Or how much in proximity they're gaining.
"Aoife," George repeated as if it were a foreign tongue. "That's really pretty."
"Th-thanks," Aoife stammered and it was not just from the cold.
Their bodies were getting more close on suspicious level if an outsider were to view. George himself may be unaware, but Aoife tensed up when the senses kicked in and their faces are almost in contact. She was never this close to him before. Never came into imagine this. Not even dream-wise.
"Now I can prove to Fred I'm not in fact making shit up," George said.
"Why would he think that?" Aoife asked.
"I don't know," George shrugged.
Her face and his were practically touching at this point. Was he going to what she thought he was going to? When she felt his lips just about brushing on hers, Aoife's breath hitched as she pulled away.
"I should go."
A tiny laugh surpassed from George's lips. "You're leaving so soon?"
"I'm tired," Aoife told him. His hands still holding onto hers.
"All right then," George let go her. "You may go, but don't think I'm letting that happen again at the Ball."
"I'll keep that in mind," the last thing she said before scurrying off to the Ravenclaw Common Room. Her pulse beating in rapid speed. As Aoife stared out into the cloudy starless night sky, that one scene replayed in her head. And this was definitely not her imagination.
~~~
The girls in the shared fourth year dormitory huddled in the mirrors, adding finishing touches to their hair and makeup. Then each of them heading out one by one. Aoife had her hair in a milkmaid braid, leaving front of the hair frame her face. Her jewelry, a matching pearl set that complimented the sage green dress.
"Aoife, you look so pretty!" Padma gushed; who had her black hair in a fishtail braid, speckled with glitter and donning a teal lehenga decorated in gold sequenced embroidery.
"Thanks, Padma. And so do you," Aoife replied. "I hope our makeup will be able to last throughout the night."
Padma sighed. "Same, but having oily skin, I don't think that'll happen."
"I get you," Aoife agreed. She too had oily skin that at the end of the day her face is shiny as a crystal ball. "One positive note, it's winter. So we shouldn't have much of an issue."
Padma giggled as she applied some of her lipstick. "Can't say the same for Parvati, since she has dry skin. This time of the year is brutal for her. But whatever."
Aoife made sure her lashes were well curled. Just a mere flick of the wand. Perks of having long lashes; just like Dad. The Braithwaites as he would put it had long lashes that a girl would kill for. Of course it was all meant in a harmless joke.
"Just how is Ron Weasley by the way?" Padma asked. She was his date to the Ball. They never really had much of an interaction at all, despite being in some of the classes together in past four years.
Aoife tried to be tactful yet honest as she can with her answer. "He can be a bit dense sometimes and stubborn unnecessarily so. Other than that, he is really nice."
Padma made a sour face. "And if the date doesn't go well?"
She could've gone with Anthony. If only that girl from Hufflepuff hadn't asked him. Practically crashing into their table in the Great Hall. The whole scene was comical, but she asked in air of confidence, though a sliver of nervousness stood. Anthony being the good, polite guy he is, accepted.
"You shouldn't have a problem," Aoife assured. "You can just snag one of the Beauxbatons boys. I heard a group of them are going solo."
"Plan B it is," Padma declared. She stood up making sure last minute touches are in place. "I should meet up my sister. You coming?"
"You go on ahead," said Aoife. "I'll catch up."
Padma then left the dormitory, leaving the blonde the last one remaining. She heaved a sigh then too headed out. Leaving the Ravenclaw Common Room almost empty. Except for the underclassmen watched with envy at anyone in fancy gowns and suits.
George should be by the corridor that leads to the Great Hall. Each step that's taken, her apprehension grew. She's going with him. She's actually going with him. Aoife reached down to the main floor. There he stood, waiting for her. His lips curved upwards once he spotted her. Completely in awe as she gained closer. Aoife's chest tightened. Not every day to be stared at this way by your crush. In his own mind, he thought she looked like a princess out of a Children's fairytale book.
"Hi," Aoife greeted softly.
"Heyyy," George returned; his mouth still agape.
"What is it?" she asked timidly.
The tall ginger's face flushed this time around. He shook his head, waving off any unnerving feelings that were maybe coming his way. "We should probably go inside. Fred and Angelina are waiting for us."
"Okay," Aoife replied.
George took her hand and lead themselves to the Great Hall. The usual rows of tables gone to make room for the dancing and an ensemble for the band. But the enchanted night sky remained and usual warmth color replaced by the icy wintry blue wonderland and tiny fairy lights added to the touch around the trees and other assortments of plants and wreaths.
"It's beautiful," Aoife commented.
"You're beautiful," her date responded.
As if it were any more possible for this boy to make her cheeks go pinker than it already is. "Stop it," she avoided the eye contact.
"Never!" George declared. "I'll shout it out loud on top of a cliff if I have to."
"What will you shout on top of a cliff?" in came Fred and by his side a tall pretty girl who Aoife knew also played Quidditch alongside the twins.
Sneering at his twin, George responded, "Nothing that concerns you."
Fred rolled his eyes. "Ookayy." To Aoife: "So, how much did he pay you to be his date?"
"Fred!" the girl scolded as Aoife held George back just when he was about to attack his brother and calm him down. "Let's all calm down."
"Hmph! Just consider yourself lucky there are too many witnesses here," George retaliated; almost plastering on an animated villain of a smile.
"Oh, Georgie. You know I don't buy into your threats," Fred tapped his brother's nose, while George scrunched up his face, inching away.
The girl huffed in an exaggerated manner. Possibly has a lot of experience over the years dealing with them. She stepped forward to take Aoife away from the mess. "Welcome to the chaos. I'm Angelina by the way."
"Aoife," returning the pleasantry.
Angelina snuck in a glance to see the brothers still going at it. "On second thought, we dance together if the two terrors end up killing each other?"
"Not a chance, Angie," George quickly linked his arm with Aoife's before she had a chance herself to reply. "The girl is mine."
"Duly noted," Angelina stated. "Anyway, might as well form around the crowd now, since the Triwizard Champions are about to make their entrance."
"Whatever you say, boss," Fred retorted.
A crowd did form as the Triwizard Champions made their entrance. Each with a date of their own. Cedric and Cho made the first entrance appearing like a happy couple. Followed by Fleur looked elegant and pointed as ever. Then there's Viktor Krum in an unusual clean cut appearance and with him was Hermione; who was really dolled up in her periwinkle dress and her hair styled in a fancy knot.
"Wow, can't believe that's Hermione," Angelina told Aoife.
"She really is pretty," Aoife agreed.
Harry then came in with Padma's twin sister, Parvati, also wearing the same designed lehenga, but in magenta. The girl was taking everything with stride, while Harry looked like he much rather be elsewhere.
"Ahh, poor git," commented Fred.
"Be nice," Angelina scowled at him.
Fred just shrugged; an indication, he said what he said. Even a scowl from her was unbothered. Then like everyone else, shifted his attention back to the Triwizard Champions about perform the first dance as Professor Flitwick composed his ensemble. The professors then and other students began to step into the dance floor. Including Ginny and Neville. Aoife noticed the twins eyeing intently at the boy. Making sure he doesn't try anything funny on their sister.
Aoife and Angelina exchanged glances in silent communication that can only be understood by girls. They shared a nod and brought their dates to the dance floor. Thankfully, the boys obliged. This is a Ball after all. Everyone's here to have fun. George placed his hands around Aoife's waist. At first she was taken aback, but loosen up quickly as they swayed to the string of the cellos and violins.
In unison the boys lifted the girls in the air and spun them around and brought back on the ground. One point in, George accidentally stepped on Aoife's toes.
"Owwch," she winced in pain.
"Oh! Sorry, sorry," he apologized.
"It's okay," Aoife assured with smile.
George returned back the same in relief. After all, it was only an accident. The boy has never danced before. Then the ensemble came to a halt as The Weird Sisters performed Do the Hippogriff.
At that moment, the entire student body went crazy; screaming and jumping in the air. Aoife tried her best to hold in her laughter when George showed off his goofy dance moves. Though it may have been intentional. Fred and Angelina on the other hand were dancing exuberantly, that everyone else around terrified had to scurry away from them.
Aoife tried to hold onto George, so she won't get crushed by them. "Oi, watch it!" he shouted over the music at the pair while moving her to safety.
Of course they didn't care. It's a dance, so no harm in going a little wild. Even Professor Flitwick crowed surfed with the help of a group of kids. The blonde still clung onto her date, however. One of the good reasons why she detested crowds.
"It's okay, you're okay," he assured. "I won't anything happen to you. I promise."
He meant it. She at moment was able to let her guard down to let loose and enjoy the dance. Probably the only dance Hogwarts or any other wizarding school will ever have.
Right before the next dance was about to start, Angelina came by and placed a hand on Aoife's shoulder.
"Fred and I are getting food," she said. "All this dancing has made me parched.”
"Sure," replied George. To Aoife: "What do you say?"
"Let's go," Aoife agreed.
The three made way to the tables displaying many assortments of food and drinks. Fred and George immediately went for the butterbeer.
When George offered Aoife some, she politely declined. "No thank you."
"Don't like butterbeer?" Angelina took a sip of hers.
"It's not that," explained Aoife. "I'm had a bad reaction to the drink while at Hogsmeade last year. I broke out in hives and had a bad rash. So Madame Pomfrey advised that I steer clear from the drink that it could have an ingredient I'm allergic to."
"Oh, that's a downer," Fred took a huge gulp. "At least more for me."
Angelina rolled her eyes. "As tasty as they are, just one diabetes in a cup is plenty for me."
Everyone laughed. It's agreed upon that the drink is a little bit too sweet. Even more than a three layered cake. Aside from the drinks, Aoife scanned any of the foods that were okay for her to eat. The ratatouille looked mouth watering.
"Aoife, wait," Ginny came by and took a bite of the dish. "It's good."
"Thanks, Ginny," Aoife then served herself the ratatouille.
"Another food restriction?" George jokingly arched a brow.
"Vegetarian," she explained.
George nodded, "Hmm."
"Not so common in the wizarding world," Angelina took a bite of her pasta dish.
"Anyway," Fred faked a yawn and directed at Neville. "You having fun with our sister, Longbottom?"
Poor Neville was sputtering mixed sentences. Of course a big brother has to appear intimidating towards any boy his sister is with. Regardless of the relationship.
"Nah relax, Neville," Fred waved off. "You're cool. 'Cause if it were any other boy..."
George finished off by muttering incoherent words due shoving a handful of after dinner mints in his mouth.
"Boys!" Angelina shouted.
At the same time Ginny shouted their names and threatening to tell their mum. Aoife slowly walked away from the scene and helped herself to some of the mints. Chewy, she thought.
George soon joined her side as Fred and Ginny quarreled. "Want to go back and dance?" he shoved another handful of mints in his mouth. "It's a slow song now and I promise not step on any toes this time. "
"Okay," Aoife agreed.
Everyone else then joined the pair to the dance floor. Whatever happened at the food bar was quickly forgotten. The dancers idly got lost as The Weird Sisters sang Magic Works. Aoife composed her stiff body to relax. Still can't believe she's dancing with him in the Great Hall. George twirled Aoife and brought her against his chest. Then leaned into her face.
Aoife let out a tiny gasp and inched away. Merlin's Beard! He really is, isn't he?
The redhead quickly shook his head. "Sorry about that."
"Nothing to apologize for," she assured him. "It's easy to get lost in music, I suppose."
George gave a genuine smile. "Why don't we go somewhere more quiet, so we can talk? This scene is starting to get old."
Aoife hesitant at first, but obliged straight on. "Umm… yeah, okay."
The pair walked out of the Great Hall as it was nearly empty at this point. Fred and Angelina were nowhere to be seen either. As they dashed out into the corridors, a fuming Hermione came into the scene. Thinking the obvious she and Ron may have gotten to another one of their sparring.
Not wanting to get in the middle of her "issues", George took Aoife by the hand, dragging her away up the stairs. Letting silly giggles pass through their lips.
"Hey, where are you taking her?" Hermione demanded.
"Are you her mother?" George shot back.
Not bothering to even wait for her response, George led Aoife all the way up to the cold dark room of the Astronomy Tower.
"Much better, isn't it?" he said.
Aoife nodded.
"A lot better than a crowd," George continued.
The blonde witch walked up to the face of the open clock as her date followed. Viewing out to the night sky displayed a sliver of clouds cascading around the moon, while snow descended down to the earth.
"Look at that," George pointed at the moon. "Not exactly full, but still bright as a light bulb."
"Mmhm," Aoife said quietly.
Silence lasted for a moment in between. When George leaned close to her. Aoife felt his slightly chapped lips against her soft ones. Her initial first reaction was to moved away as letting out a soft inaudible gasp. But it's now or never, and let the whole thing take its course. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him back as he the same placed one hand on her face and the other on the small of her back.
Both now in their own little world in this moment of time. Without a worry if a student or staff might come in. Or even the cold atmosphere of the room. Neither cared anymore.
"I think ..." began Aoife once they broke out from the kiss.
"You think what?" asked George.
"I think we should stay here a little while longer," the witch told him.
The wizard's lips curved up as he cupped her chin. "Couldn't agree more."
And kissed her once more in the icy night as snow continued to fall heavily from the heavens with each passing second.
___
A/N:
Song Credit: Witch's Rune by S.J. Tucker, which Aoife was singing in beginning of the chapter