Chapter 11
If skipping breakfast were an option, Aoife and George would do so and maybe sneak into the kitchen later on. For now the pair rested their heads on top of each other in a half state of sleep. From time to time the boy caressed the girl's hand with his thumb.
Aoife raised her head up. "Can we go back inside? I don't want to come down with a cold."
"Yeah, let's," George agreed. "I think I'm coming down with something myself." And proceeded to sniffle horrifically. Realization hit his face when he remembered the pretty witch was still with him.
Aoife gave a reassuring smile. An indication that it didn't bother her and offered him a tissue. To which he accepted returning an awkward smile. He blew his nose as subtle and dainty as possible. Except, when you're George Weasley, those words don't exist in the dictionary.
After the embarrassment on George's part, the two made way back inside the castle hand in hand. More and more students started to come downstairs. A telling sign it must be time for breakfast. Later than usual today due last night where students and staff alike chose to sleep in.
"Happy Christmas, by the way," said George. "Well, post Happy Christmas."
Aoife lightly giggled. "Happy Christmas to you too, George."
The redheaded boy then reached something into the pocket of his coat. "I uhh want to give you something."
"Oh no, you don't have to," Aoife politely declined the offer, or at least tried to.
"But I want to," George insisted with a pouty face. In response to that, Aoife held out her hand playfully in mock defeat. Another indication of letting him give her whatever gift he has for her. George pulled out the black string tie he wore last night.
Surprising to herself, she let him take the middle section of her hair and tied a bow around. Had this been few weeks back, Aoife would've been too nervous to let him even touch a stitch of her. Now however, she is learning to be less shy and more easy around him.
"Hope you like it," he said sheepishly once he finished.
"I do," Aoife replied beaming, feeling the back of her head. "But I didn't get you anything."
The Gryffindor boy then stepped close to her if possible. "You already have," he tapped on his lower lip.
Aoife dropped her mouth open then closed it. Cheeky he is. No doubt about it. But she in response tapped his lower lip as well.
"Maybe later?" she said.
"Better keep your word, Aoife," George stated.
Aoife then raised a hand as if swearing under oath. "I promise."
They would've kissed right this very moment if it weren't for any of the people passing by. A group of Slytherins were no exception as they could no doubt be part of Malfoy's little clique. Of course these people had to direct sneers and jabs at the pair George being George, pulled Aoife into a rather sensual kiss. Licking the rose tinted lip balm off her lips, then gave a direct grin at Malfoy's suck-ups.
"Enjoying the show, loves?" he returned the jeer in the same manner as them.
Any smugness in the Slytherins had completely dropped as they now scurried away. Donning a now annoyed or emotionless expression. Clearly Malfoy's cronies didn't get the reaction they hoped they would. If anything the two learned not to give them any sort of satisfaction they deserve.
Aoife made a face at George. "They didn't even clap for us. How rude!"
"Some people, I swear don't even understand talent when they see it," George scoffed. "But I do hope the next one is more of a private screening."
He then wiggled his eyebrows. Aoife let out as gasp and playfully slapped his arm, making him to chuckle as pretending to shield himself. "Okay, maybe I deserved that."
Aoife shook her head as she linked her arm with George's. "Let's go into the Great Hall, I'm hungry."
"Or we can go back out," George suggested. "I'm in no rush to eat anything."
And in that second, his stomach growled loud enough to be heard a few meters away. The boy went red as the Gryffindor color.
"Let's go," Aoife slowly led him to the Great Hall. Breakfast won't last that long. As there are still things to do. Such as preparation for the next Triwizard task. Good thing no lessons were being held for the time being.
As they resumed, George had a pensive look to his face as his brows creased. "Hey, Aoife. Can I ask you something?"
Aoife herself paused to see what George wanted to tell her. "Sure, what is it?"
George sighed as he let out what he had to say. "I'm not scaring you off, am I? 'Cause I don't want to make you feel like I'm coming off too strong."
The Ravenclaw witch thought for a good second on how to answer his question. Then she said, "Rest assured you're not. However, this is all new to me, so I might shy away a little."
George now was able to relax. Any concerns he may have had completely vanished. "That makes me feel better," he started swinging their arms. "This is also new to me. And I promise to take it easy instead of going full on crazy."
"Okay, I like that," the cold air added pinkness to Aoife's cheeks, which complimented the coyness of her dreamy gaze.
George's stomach growled again causing him pretend cry. Just why oh why must this happen to him? "Yeah, let's go before my stomach decides to embarrass me anyway further than it already has."
Aoife pouted and rubbed his stomach in hopes it lessens his embarrassment. He proceeded by dragging her to the Great Hall. Just like last night, laughter escaped through their lips. Both ignoring the stares or even glares thrown by those who George happens to push past against. That didn't matter. Right a good bowl of warm porridge with diced honey crisp apples is calling his name.
***
After a good number of rounds to see which water droplet reaches the bottom of the window first, both Aoife and Isaac decided to close the game and take a much needed nap. The blond wizard himself thought it'd be a good way to empty out his mind. Aoife left his room shortly after. As entering her own room the first thing she took off the button down sweater, tossing it on the bed.
Then finally plopped into bed without getting under the blanket and let the heavy crash of the rain and thunder lull her to sleep.
Monday, she thought as slowly drifting to sleep. This is where it begins. The first of the summer month is almost drawing to a close. She's going to have to look after children that are in relation to Mrs. Bradbury. It's only a wonder how she even got a slot in this job. Nonetheless, Aoife is grateful.
As ordered by Dianne, the others didn't bother Aoife and Isaac. Even not as to listen in on their conversation. Andrew had no problem, though Hazel and Magaly had to be restraint a couple of times. Still on occasions, the four did check up on them once they knew the chatter died down. Each individually at certain times and being quiet as possible.
The young witch in a her half sleeping state couldn't tell if how much time has passed when she heard the faintest of sounds from the stairs and some muffled exchanged of words from a man and a woman. Aoife's ears couldn't even make out what the conversation was even about. Not exactly an argument or anything of that sort. Just the tone of it all one a stern voice, while the other reserved and steady.
Short while after, the two people walked back downstairs. At least one pair of feet descended below, while the other probably stayed behind. The second person opened the door to Aoife's room; however, the creaking of the floors strayed away for a second. Then the second person came back and draped a knitted throw blanket over her. In her sleeping state, Aoife clung onto the blanket. The creaking steps of the second person became faint to soundless.
~~~
At the first stroke of mid afternoon, Aoife fluttered her eyes open to find herself covered in the throw blanket. The rain since then decreased to more of a light shower. In that time, not once came to mind as to who put the blanket over her. Having completely no recollection as to someone draping the blanket over her.
Aoife rubbed her face off the sleep and silently yawned. She got up and sat, hugging her knees for a while. When she felt something fall right beside her. It was her hairpin. Aoife picked up the thing gave a good long stare. Almost in a daze
The person on the end knocked again. Harder. This time Aoife heard. "Come in," she said without taking her attention away. That not even noticing the door opened. Let alone who was standing by.
"Umm..." the voice fumbled. Aoife turned to see the person standing by the doorframe was Andrew. His demeanor seemed different than usual. There's more of a soft sympathetic gleam to him that appeared to be directed at her. "We're about to have lunch. You can join us at the dining room if you want. Or eat alone in your room."
"Okay," Aoife replied in a hushed voice.
Andrew nodded and left. Aoife afterwards went to the bathroom and rinsed her face, then cupped her hand to take the running water and swished in her mouth a couple of times.
As she exited out, Isaac himself came out from his slumber. He covered his mouth to yawn and put an arm around Aoife they walked down the stairs to the dining room. Surprisingly, her body didn't turn stiff. Maybe. Almost.
The table was already set. Andrew was the first one to notice them as they were exchanging some words.
"Isaac," he in a deadpan expression flicked his index finger at the blond wizard's arm.
Isaac mirroring Andrew's face took his arm off of Aoife's shoulder and pulled up a chair to take a seat.
"You had a good nap, Aoife?" asked Magaly, breaking the silence.
Nobody else seemed to have paid any mind to the scene. Not that it meant anything. Andrew moved his attention away as he served himself some food. Isaac appeared to not to give any care at all as he also served himself.
"I did actually," Aoife replied, helping herself to some rice and beans.
"That's good to hear," Dianne helped her to some roasted pumpkin and courgette or as it’s called here, zucchini and served the others fish fillet.
"Very much," Hazel took a bite of her fish. "Anyway, the rain thank heavens has stopped. So, after lunch we can all head out?"
All eyes were on the family caretaker. As if expecting an answer that could be a no. "We are out of bread and eggs," she spoke.
Isaac smiled. "I was getting pretty bored being cooped up in here."
Hazel huffed in disbelief. "You were practically sleeping the whole time."
"Must've been a good nap due to your snoring," Magaly added.
Isaac dropped his mouth open. "I do not snore!" He looked at Andrew for some support against his sisters.
Unfortunately for him, Andrew shrugged. "You sound like a motorboat."
The youngest Goodwind sibling leaned against his chair arms crossed, scowling. "Whatever! Andy, for your betrayal, you're paying the groceries today."
"Noted," Andrew replied nonchalantly. "Since you paid last time."
Isaac let out a throaty sigh, slapping a hand on his face. Possibly let down to the fact he couldn't get a rise out of Andrew. In some way, Aoife took notice. They did act like brothers towards one another.
"Then it's settled," said Dianne. "and Isaac, no buying treats."
Isaac pursed his lips and turned to Aoife for some support at the least. If anyone, please be from her.
Luckily for herself, whatever money was saved in her parents' vault in Gringotts. Hazel and Magaly were kind enough to take her to their very own version of the bank and converted the British wizarding currency to Canadian wizarding currency.
"I only have a few bits on me," she said to the fellow blond wizard.
"You're an angel," Isaac said happily.
Andrew made a face and rolled his eyes. No one except for Aoife was able to spot. That could be a good thing on his end at least. The auburn haired wizard really was good at being discreet. Again, a good thing? He reached for some of the roasted vegetables. As his sleeves pulled up, Aoife could see his tattoos. They were different specs of stars on his wrist. It was the first time she got to actually get a good sight of it.
Wonder if he has any other tattoos.
"I suppose we can go now," Magaly looked at the window as if expecting another shower. "It's supposed to rain again tonight."
"Then let's get a move on," said Isaac impatiently.
"Finish your meal first, Isaac," Dianne told him.
Isaac didn't object, but did as told. "Maybe if I'm lucky, all you can get struck by heat lightening," he mumbled to himself. Even though he was sure everyone has heard. "Except you of course, Aoife."
Aoife chuckled. "Actually I wouldn't mind being struck by heat lightning."
"You know what?" Isaac tapped his chin. "Me too. Count me in."
"Me three," Andrew joined in. "It'd be doing me a favor."
***
George led Aoife into the Great Hall. By this time, a good portion of the student body filled the place.
"Sit at the Gryffindor's table with me," he said.
"You sure?" Aoife asked.
"Absolutely," George gripped onto her hand tightly.
Aoife joined George at the Gryffindor table at the end where Fred, Angelina were seated. Fred still being in a sleeping state, rested his head on his girlfriend's shoulder. It's been a long night for everyone, no doubt.
Fred pulled his head up from Angelina's shoulder. "Well, well, well," he wiggled his brows.
"Morning to you too, sleeping ugly," the younger Weasley twin retorted when at the same time Aoife's face flushed shades of red. Luckily, she can excuse it for the cold weather.
The older Weasley twin stopped smiling. "You do realize we're identical, right?"
George mocked a confused face. "Yeah ... but I have better bone structures."
Fred scoffed and shook his head. "Whatever."
Normally, he'd come with a clever clap back. Due to his still tiredness state, nothing in his mind came. Everything's a blank at this time.
Ginny then came joining in. To George and Aoife: "So are you two like really together now?"
"Yes, we are," George brought her close to him.
The youngest Weasley sibling sighed, but went ahead with what she was going to say to her older brother. "I'm won't say the 'hurt her, and I'll kill you' line, since that's for her dad. But what I will say is -"
George not even the slightest bit fazed by Ginny's warning. Just in an older sibling fashion waved her away. Aoife went over to Ginny and held her hands.
"I'll be okay, Thank you."
Not to create a scene in the Great Hall for all to witness, Ginny patted Aoife's shoulder and joined back with Alicia and Katie. Lee was seen chatting up with a group of Beauxbatons girls.
"Well, that settles it," commented Angelina in hopes of a topic change. "Let's all calm down and enjoy breakfast."
"You calm down," joked Fred.
The Gryffindor chaser gave him a look. "Don't start with me, Frederick or else you're not getting any later on."
George diverted Aoife away from the duo and put an arm around her. Placing her on his lap and planted a kiss on her temple. "Welcome to the chaos. We hope you enjoy your stay."