Chapter 13
Before any countdown of the weekend, it has come at the first stroke of sunrise. Many students were already looking forward to Hogsmeade. Even if it was on the first Saturday of next month. Afoie on the other hand, was anticipating her parents. That in her absentmindedness she swirled the bowl of porridge with the spoon.
"Aoife, are you all right?" Fleur asked genuinely. "You haven't touched your food. Did that boy do something?"
Aoife returned from her little daydream. "Oh no. He didn't do anything," almost finding humor that the quarter veela thought George may have done something to her. "I just miss my parents."
The second person she's told; the first being George of course.
Fleur's face soften in understanding. "I miss my parents too and my little sister, Gabrielle. That's why I've been writing to them."
"How are they?" Aoife asked.
"Oh, they're doing great," Fleur beamed. "My little sister, Gabrielle is very excited to come at the end of the year for the third task."
"Fleur, that's great!" Aoife replied. Genuinely happy for her. After all. It must be hard for the foreign students to stay home for the holidays. Everyone misses home. No matter how great or beautiful their school is.
"I know," Fleur smiled. "Still counting for the day to come."
Just when Aoife was about utter another reply, a paper crane flew by and landed in front of her. Wondering what it could be, maybe a letter. She carefully unfolded the paper crane. A note with a distinctive writing.
come out to the corridors now!
"What is that?" Fleur peered over her shoulder.
Without a response, Aoife made way out the Great Hall. Hoping it is who she thinks it is. Not even hear the calls from George, who for some reason was being held back by his brother and friend from tailing behind her.
Out in the corridor stood two tall familiar blonds. A pleasant surprise of a smile formed on her face as she rushed over to them.
"Mum, Dad?" Aoife's face brightened.
Both parents smiled back as her dad stretched out his arms. Aoife embraced him in a hug and he spun her around.
"My little girl."
"I am not a little girl," Aoife scrunched up her nose once Dad put her down.
"You are so, my dear Fifi," Dad retaliated. "Twenty-four or eighty-four, you'll always be my baby girl."
Mum laughed along. Like most parents, they'll always see their child as their baby. No matter the age.
"Come on, Tristan," Mum began. "I want to hear all about Fifi's Yule Ball date."
Dad made a face. "Well, I rather not."
Mum ignored her husband and adverted back to Aoife. "How was the Yule Ball?"
"It was magical," Aoife smiled widely.
The Braithwaites took their seats on one of benches by the open arched windows. Of course Aoife being sandwiched between her parents. Dad wrapped his arms around and brought him against his chest, while Mum held her hands. Just like when she was little.
"You really enjoyed, huh?" Mum inquired.
"I did," Aoife returned. "It must be the first time ever I've seen everyone so dressed up. So much like in those American muggle films where they go to prom."
Over the summer holidays Dad and Aoife would occasionally visit the muggle libraries whenever there is a film screening or even using a bit of magic to sneak into the cinema. Not ideal, but the muggles would never know. Perhaps it's best that way? Questionable maybe.
"Was he a good dancer?" Dad teased.
"He stepped on my toes a couple of times," pointed Aoife. "but other than that, he was good."
"Glad to hear you had a good time," said Mum. "And I assume you two are now..."
Aoife tried her best not to, but the hint of pink on her cheeks gave it away. Even if not, nothing would get past her parents. One doesn't need to be a seer to tell. Addition to the fact she's still shy around him. Given that it hasn't been that long at all. She is getting better each day and opening up to him little by little. Best of all George being kind and patient. Even when he gets a tiny bit carried away. What to expect from a Weasley?
"Aoife! Why'd you -"
Speaking of. George came rushing over appearing disheveled to the hair uncombed and a small slab of strawberry marmalade slathered on his cheek. His speech halted as soon as when the pair of eyes darted at him. Immediately he realized who these two people are. Unlike Aoife, both parents adorned light brown eyes, though the blonde hair was a shared physical trait.
"Uh, hi," George greeted awkwardly.
Aoife pointed the side of her cheek and then rubbing with her thumb. George caught on and wiped of the marmalade with his thumb, licked it off, then gave an awkward smile. Not exactly an ideal first impression you'd want to leave on your girlfriend's parents.
She got up to join his side and held his clammy to the touch hand.
"Mum, Dad," Aoife began. "This is George. George, these are my parents."
Her parents stood up to greet the boy. A courteous smile painted on their faces. Both George and Dad matching in height as Mum just about reached their shoulders and being a head taller than her.
"It's finally nice to meet you," Dad held out a hand.
"Umm likewise," George hesitantly shook hands with Aoife's dad. The usual confident redhead tried to hold himself together in front of these people. No one would anticipate he'd meet her parents this quickly. Most couples do meet the other's parents once they've been together for reasonable portion of time.
"Aoife has told us so much about you," Mum said finally.
"Did she now?" George smirked at Aoife.
Aoife trying not to blush replied, "She's only teasing."
"Well, good things I hope," George returned bashfully.
Like anyone else, he did hope the person he's now with would talk of good things about him to the people that loved her the most. Her parents. The people he wanted to leave a good impression on. Her dad especially.
"Most definitely good things," Mum assured him.
Aoife's dad then sighed. "And I guess this is the part where I say, 'hurt her, and I'll kill you'." Even an intimidating front that he kept a warm smile.
George gulped, but remained well composed. "I would never dream of it, Mr. Braithwaite, sir. I didn't even drink butterbeer because she's allergic."
Dad tried not to grin as seeing George acting like a deer in headlights. Knowing well enough he is protective of his daughter. Like any father would be. After what Aoife has told him, George does understand why.
"Mum, Dad," Aoife interjected before anything else can escalate any further. "I'd like for you to meet my friends."
"We'd love to," Mum replied.
Their daughter led them to the to the Great Hall. Even though breakfast time was finished, students still remained. From gossiping what not to playing games. Once they reached the Gryffindor table, Aoife began the introduction.
"Hey, everyone," she started. "These are my parents."
Tristan and Gracie Braithwaite politely smiled at their daughter's friends. Soon enough, Fleur also joined greetings the parents of her friend's parents. Twirling her hair at the father.
"Aoife, you never said your mum's a looker," commented Lee.
Aoife's dad made a face while her mum pursed her lips together. Both deciding to let it off as a comment from a teenage boy shouldn't matter.
"Should say the same for your dad," added Fleur.
Mum this time laughed as she nudged Dad. In truth, the couple is all around good looking. The Braithwaites never paid any frivolous mind to it. If somebody does compliment, they'll politely smile and say, 'thank you.' At least that's what Aoife's taught.
"Aoife, if you ever change your mind..." Fred's word faltered when earned a slap in the arm from Angelina.
"Kidding, Angie," Fred mocked in his usual cheeky way.
George, however wasn't the slightest amused, sent his identical loser brother a death glare almost charging at him with his hands balled up.
"Calm down, George," Ginny held his fist. Then in a lower whisper, "You don't want to make the wrong first impression on your girlfriend's parents."
She's right. Considering when the two people who love her the most is standing right here. George loosened up his tense body. Angelina knowing full well of Fred's humor didn't let it bother her. Though a proper scolding may come his way later on.
The younger Weasley twin smirked at Fred. "For your sake let's hope it really is a joke, Fred. 'Cause Aoife's only mine for the taking."
"We'll see," Fred singsonged teasingly.
***
While the others were grocery shopping, Isaac took Aoife to the candy shop. She did promise him after all. In reality the others were relieved to have the youngest Goodwind child in someone else's hair.
"Are you sure you don't want anything," Isaac asked Aoife a second time.
Just like Honeydukes, this sweet shop was just as colorful. Assortments of sweets and chocolates and walls full of loud elaborate colors and designs of streamers and live sized models of the sweets themselves.
"No, it's okay," said Aoife. "I don't really like sweets and candies."
Isaac displayed an incredulous look. "Blasphemy!"
"Yes really," Aoife insisted.
"But, but you must like something," Isaac inquired.
Aoife puckered her lips and tapped on the lower part. "Actually, I do like the chocolate covered fruit barks."
"Oh, I do think we have some over there," Isaac lead Aoife to a certain section of the shop.
As stated, there were assortments of chocolate covered fruit barks. Ranging from different types of chocolates, berries and other dried fruits, others even yoghurt. All neatly wrapped in a plastic bag tied up with a ribbon.
"See?" Isaac urged. "There's always something for someone."
"You told me," Aoife gave in jokingly.
Isaac freely shrugged then went over to another section that displayed some colored gummy eyeballs. Leaving her to decide on what she wants. Hmm, maybe the dark chocolate with peaches and cherries. There's also ones that are made with almond milk.
Quaint. Even Honeydukes didn't have any of these. Aoife took a couple from the shelves.
"It's one of our best sellers," someone said from behind.
A young man with perfect posture, medium brown toned complexion and dark features to match.
"Really?" was all Aoife said.
"Of course," he replied. "Real popular. Even with people who don't have ..." clears his throat. "food restrictions."
Unlike anyone else here having an Irish lilt of sort, he rather had the general Canadian dialect.
"That's good to know," Aoife returned.
The kind employee smiled back. "And forgive me if I'm using the wrong terminology, but are you English?"
Aoife couldn't help, but to surpass a laugh. "No worries, but yes. From Yorkshire to be exact."
"Ahh," the man nodded. "Had a great-great uncle from my mother's side. I think. Who lived in England for a short while, not exactly sure where." Ended the sentence with a shrug before continuing, "Then decided to come here from some or another."
Before Aoife can utter a reply, shouting from Isaac's came while frantic words out of another.
"Oh no," she said. "Isaac."
Both she and the man rushed over to see the commotion. It was that Nate guy again. On instinct, Aoife got in front of Isaac. "How many damn times do I have to tell you? Leave me alone!" he shouted over her.
Nate tried to defend himself, "If you just let me -"
"No! I don't want to hear it," Isaac interrupted.
"Isaac, please - "
"Sir!" stepped in the young employee. "I'm going to politely ask for you to leave. You're upsetting my customer. "Nate tried to protest, but the employee spoke over him.
"Please kindly leave before I call security."
Not making any further objections, Nate helplessly glanced at Isaac who is cowering behind the petite Aoife, head hung low. At the sight, he let a defeated sigh and barged out the shop. The kind employee made a face.
"Guess that's that," he said in hopes of breaking the awkwardness. "Why don't I ring you guys up or do you want to continue - "
"No, we're ready," Isaac spoke up.
The employee replied, "Alrighty then. Follow me."
Aoife and Isaac tailed behind the young man to the cash register.
"Thanks for what you did back there," said Aoife gratefully. "It was very nice of you."
"No problem," the man waved off. "Can't have a clientele in distress and - oh! I'm sorry. I haven't introduced myself. I'm Taj by the way."
Isaac struggled to form coherent words, so Aoife stepped up. "I'm Aoife and this is Isaac." she placed hand on his shoulder.
"Nice to meet you both," said Taj.
"Likewise," Isaac replied, cracking a smile.
Taj gave a sweet gaze back at Isaac as he bagged the purchased items. Aoife glanced at Isaac who already seemed taken and lost in a dreamlike state by the shop employee.
"Oh, you didn't scan the items," Isaac pointed.
Taj looked to either of his side. "You tell no one, and it's on the house. Considering the scene that just played out."
Isaac took the bagged items and smiled at Taj. "I won't say a word."
"Thanks a lot, Taj," Aoife said finally before the two headed out the door.
"No worries," Taj replied lastly.
Once they were outside, Isaac happily stared up at the crisp blue sky swirled with white clouds. Aoife casted a smirk at him.
"Wh-what?" Isaac stammered. Aoife didn't have to say anything when the light bulb above went on. "No! It's not like that. Besides, he's probably won't be interested or is already taken."
Aoife placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. To which made him feel a little bit better. Nate’s encounter didn't help with much of anything. That guy sure isn't giving up on his mission on acquiring the needed attention from Isaac at any given chance. Someone should really tell him off by this point if not done a long time ago.
"This stays just between the two of us?" asked Isaac.
"Of course," Aoife assured him.
The two already opened up to one another. At least for Aoife, she gave him the gist of it. Despite being not fully ready. As she isn't just yet comfortable to do so. Still it felt somewhat relieving to do so.
"Well," Isaac exhaled as his shoulders slumped. "I suppose we can check on the others now."
Aoife agreed went alongside Isaac to the grocery shop to find the others. The young witch still took in the atmosphere of this new to her place. Unlike Diagon Alley, this place was more spacious for more variety of shops. From clothing to odds and ends. Debatable that it's easy to get lost in this place if one's a child or new. Aoife made sure to stay close to her companion, so the latter doesn't happen. Just like the very first time in Diagon Alley with her parents or out in the muggle areas with Dad. Except this time no one to cling onto, but herself.
"You okay?" Isaac interrupted her thoughts.
"Everything's fine," she assured him; adding a smile as the icing of emphasis.
Isaac in response shoulder bumped her. The positive mood didn't last long when they happen to pass by Nate. Who had a pleading eye. Aoife gently pushed her companion forward, so an awkward exchange or a provoked outburst wouldn't take course.
Luckily, they reached the grocery shop without any more interference. Good. Just in time when the others have already paid for everything and just about exiting out. The sisters ran back for possible last minute purchases. Neither Dianne nor Andrew objected. As it could be a reoccurring thing. Isaac creased his eyebrows.
"Everything copacetic, Isaac?" asked Andrew. Not sure if it was in mockery or genuine concern. Maybe both.
"I don't know what that even means," his scowl grew deeper. Walking over to Dianne to retrieve a grocery bag. Then joining his sisters and Dianne tailing with him.
Reply back from Andrew may not have been said back. Him widening his eyes did speak volumes to a certain extent. Okay ...
In defense of it all, he doesn't know what went on in his absence. Didn't bother to ask either. Not Aoife expected him to. Right now, they were in at least in strange terms where is it's just civilized cohabitation of not much speaking to one another. A part of her wanted to ask what his problem was, but there never was a time deemed quite fit. Or it's just her extreme dislike of confrontation.
Without saying a single word, Aoife tailed out of the grocery shop and back to the stoney and grassy grounds of outside. She exhaled heavily.
Fresh air good. Fresh air is always good.