Chapter 14
No one questioned on why Aoife was outside. One thing to thank Merlin for. The excuse being needing some air. Everyone proceeded to head back home. Just the way they came. And like before, Andrew helped her cross the tree trunk. She this time immediately let go of his hand once their feet touched the grass. Without raising any suspicion. No one even noticed. Safe to say, everyone's made it with pieces to spare.
That evening, it was Magaly's turn to cook the serving main dish tonight that evening. The menu being lemon chicken. Hazel heating up the leftover rice and beans, while Dianne prepared the salad. Leaving Aoife room to help herself to make some coconut chickpea curry. Isaac dared not hover over his Magaly. So, he peeked behind Aoife's shoulder to observe what she's cooking.
"Hmm, that smells good," he took a whiff of the spicy aroma. "Mind if we share?"
Before Aoife could utter a reply, Andrew moved the blond wizard out of the way. A half amused expression on his face. Surprisingly, he didn't object and help set the table.
Not that he was surprised, but Andrew asked anyway. In obvious telling something's up. Whatever that may be. "What's going on with you?"
"Nothing," said Isaac simply. If he hoped the blasé response won't arose suspicious from other wizard, he couldn't be more wrong. Aoife knew Andrew could smell his nonsense from a mile away.
"No really, what's up?" Andrew continued to inquire.
"Like I said, nothing," Isaac ruffled Andrews hair, which earned him a glare.
Aoife left her dish to simmer and replying to Isaac a simple nod. Andrew didn't bother asking any further. Not even unsurprisingly asking her for details as she walked past the two men and into the lounge. By now, no longer caring. Or at least tried not to. So, she grabbed a book from a shelf and started reading. A tattered copy of an old atlas with illustrations from the 1800s according to the publication date. On occasion, idly hummed to herself while turning the pages. Someone already placed a worn out yellowed bookmark in the middle of a mucky swamp chapter.
It was only then a certain tall auburn entered the lounge with both hands in his pockets and brows creased. Aoife sensed the figure when diverting away from the pages. The humming stopped. He appeared as if about to say something, but decided against it. Aoife carefully closed the book, bookmark never left its place. Without an utter, the honey haired witch placed back the atlas where it was originally stood in a gentle manner. Plenty of other books displayed, went for that one of all else.
Andrew about leave the room, but Aoife without thinking grabbed a hold of the back of his shirt. Both were taken aback by the act. She quickly held her hand up. Not knowing why it was even done in the first place. If anything, it's probably better without the presence of the others.
Aoife managed to mumble an inaudible apology, then went about her way. So much for asking him.
Stupid, coward, she said to herself. However, did make a promise to eventually get to the bottom of what his issue with her is. Not sure how long that will take.
***
While the visit was short lived, Mum and Dad promised to come visit again for Hogsmeade, which occurred the first week of January. So all she had to do was wait until then. That was good enough for Aoife. In all the fuss quickly leading up to closing of the year. Some of the older students of Ravenclaw were preparing for New Year's Eve. More private if understood the context. Wonder if the other houses were doing the same.
Of course they are! The Gryffindors, Fred and George no doubt.
Aoife found George alone. Surprisingly. But didn't give a single thought about it. She snuck up behind him and shoved the back of his head.
"Oi! What's the big i -" George scowled, then halted midway when he saw who the culprit was. A beautiful fairy right before his very eyes. Giving him a cheeky grin. "Aoife!"
"Sorry, it won't happen again," she said sincerely.
"No, no," he took her hands. "You did nothing wrong."
Aoife smiled shyly. "So, any plans for New Year's?"
"Well, in the Gryffindor's quarter, we're planning a little something," George began. "Sixth and seventh years only."
"I see," Aoife understood.
Of course the older students wanted to have some fun time. Without any interference of teachers or the younger students. In their perspective, it'll just ruin the fun. If it's like the muggle teen films, Aoife knew certain things that may be involved. However, not everything in a work of fiction sings true. Right?
"Hey, why don't you come?" George then suggested.
Aoife's face dropped in slight surprise, but then shook her head. "I don't want to intrude on anything."
The idea about being around older kids sounded intimidating. Sure she's been around George's brother and their friends. This is a different setting, however. An entire cluster of people.
"You aren't going to intrude at all," George assured her. "Besides, doesn't every girl wants to get kissed at midnight?"
The Ravenclaw girl casted her eyes away from him. Failing not to blush. "Maybe," she muttered shyly. "Depends on who she wants to get kissed by."
"So are you coming?" George asked again.
Once more, Aoife shook her head. Again, it'd be an uncomfortable new and unfamiliar setting for her. With a bunch of older students. People she doesn't even know. It just wouldn't be right.
"Oh, all right," George sighed. "But you don't know what you're missing."
"I think I'll live," Aoife teased back.
If anything, she much rather stay warm in the common room and watch the clock strike midnight. Maybe stay up late a little while longer then head to bed and sleep in late. That's what Aoife's and her parents done over the years.
"I'm sure you will," George tapped her nose.
~~~
Cold morning rays penetrated through the windows of the Ravenclaw Common Room. Aoife made sure to be quiet as a mouse when exiting out. He told her to meet him out the morning after. First day of a brand new year. Even on ground level, she tip-toed to the meeting spot as tugging onto her cloak.
There he was, standing tall. Aoife tugged onto the sleeves of his woolen jumper. George turned around with a warm smile. His hair casting a fiery glow from the sun's light. Didn't hesitate or wasted any time as he grabbed her face for a kiss. She in return draped her arms around him. Almost felt like they were the only two people in existence or in their own little world.
Once released from the kiss, George spoke. "Since I couldn't give you that midnight kiss, I thought the very first daylight of the new year would be okay?"
The redheaded boy smiled awkwardly.
"It's perfect," Aoife assured him. And it really was.
George sighed in relief. At the same time noticed Aoife wasn't wearing a scarf. Even though the two were inside Hogwarts grounds, the frosty air still found its way to send a chill down the spine.
"No scarf," he pointed more as a statement than a question.
"In the wash," Aoife explained.
That's when her boyfriend took matters into own hands when took off his Gryffindor scarf and wrapped it around her neck. "Can't let my girl catch a cold now, can I?" he said.
"But what about you," asked Aoife.
"I'll be fine," George now the one to assure her, while puffing out the turtle neck. "Besides red and gold looks good on you."
Aoife looked away shyly. "Stop it."
"Never!" George exclaimed. "I'll shout it out don't care if I wake up the whole damn school."
Fearing that he might actually will, she covered his mouth with her shaky hands. "If you dare lick them, I'll never speak to you again."
George gently moved her hands away. "I can't have that."
"Neither can I," Aoife agreed. "And I still think blue and bronze is the better combo."
"Is that so?" George arched an eyebrow.
"Aoife just giggled a response. "Happy New Year, George."
"Happy New Year, Aoife," George replied, bringing her close and she rested her head against his chest.
~~~
Aoife and her parents spent a quaint, peaceful day at Hogsmeade. Unfortunate for the family the time off is short lived due to the work schedule. But if it's the best they can do, they'll make the best of it. While George's parents didn't drop by, he was spending time with Fred and their friend circle.
"You really like this George boy, don't you?" asked Dad.
His daughter nodded blushing. "He's really nice to me."
"I can see that," Dad tugged on the Gryffindor scarf George let her keep. As per his mum sent the Weasley siblings a care package. Knitted scarves being one them.
Unlike most of the kids here, Aoife didn't have siblings to tease her about her crush or anything else along the lines for the matter. However, the girl had parents to fill in that role. And they were good as.
Mum tucked a lock Aoife's honey hair behind the ear. "We just don't want to see you get hurt, baby girl."
"He won't hurt me, Mum," she reassured both parents. "George is a really good guy. A bit loose cannon, but overall a good guy."
Dad sighed gently as he placed his hands on his daughter's shoulders. "A good guy he is, as your mum has said, we don't want you getting hurt. Because -"
Now Mum was the one to place a hand on her husband's shoulder. Aoife understood why. What the next set of words would be. It was a delicate topic for everyone. Dad, especially. Some things are hard to move on from. Even after how much time passes. It'll always be there.
"It's all right, Dad," Aoife carried on. "I'll be all right. I'm not Aunt Lavinia."
Dad smiled sadly, but he knew she was speaking the truth. "I know, Fifi poppet."
The constant comparison wasn't fair to their daughter or themselves. She is her own individual person after all. In addition to not naming her after her aunt. Both Tristin and Gracie didn't believe in such things. If Merlin allows it, even she'll one day surpass her aunt.
Any melancholic feeling washed away when the Braithwaites passed by a group of giggling Beauxbatons girls pointing and staring at her father. They paid no mind, though Mum couldn't help, but to smirk at Dad.
"They think you're cute," said Aoife.
"Am I not?" Dad said jokingly.
Mum rolled her eyes in the same manner. "Yes, you are."
"The handsomest of them all," Aoife added.
"See, Gracie?" Dad turned to his wife. "An elven prince in a fairytale."
Mum snorted. "She didn't say that."
"But she was for sure implying it," Dad countered back. "Context matters."
Merlin's green earth. Aoife sure did miss her parents. But was sure happy to spending this given time with them. Before class is back in session. And the next Hogsmeade will be in a while.
"So," Aoife said finally. "How about some baked goods from Rosa Lee's?"
***
Just half past midnight and the honey haired witch found herself awake. She got up and decided best for maybe a drink of water or a late night snack. As entering the kitchen, two voices can be heard. They sounded as if bickering between a parent and child. Aoife right away recognized them belonging to Dianne and Andrew. Though the dispute, the two kept it hushed as possible. Obvious courtesy for rest of the sleeping household.
"It's nothing like that," Andrew protested, defending himself.
"Then what is it?" Dianne said exasperated. "The poor girl thinks you despise her."
"I -" Andrew remained silent for a moment. Possibly gathering what he was going to say next. Or rather how to say it. "Like I said, it's nothing."
Dianne didn't bother hiding her frustration with the other wizard. "Then what is the problem? Tell me or else -" She paused midway when noticing the new person standing from behind the whole time. "Aoife, what are you doing up?"
Andrew also turned around. Softening his face.
"Just came down for a glass of water or some snack," the young witch said. Deciding best for their sake to pretend she didn't hear the conversation.
"Of course, dear," Dianne replied gently. "Come have a seat."
She did as asked and sat across from Andrew as always while Dianne prepared freshly cut apples sprinkled with cinnamon powder. Mum used to do the same. Sometimes even drizzling melted peanut butter.
"I usually use chili powder, but it's late at night," said Dianne.
"That's okay, Dianne," replied Andrew as taking a slice of a green apple.
Aoife followed after, taking a dainty bite of cinnamon covered apple. The kitchen filled the air with silence. With occasional crisp munching of sliced apples. Something did come to her mind as she studied him. Andrew noticed not a moment too soon, and she quickly turned away. Hopefully not flushed in the face. However, she didn't see the hint of a smirk on his face out of amusement.
She is going to get to the bottom of what his issue is. Maybe not now. But most definitely, hopefully when she can the nerve to even speak to him.
"Well, I think we should call it a night," said Dianne, breaking the silence and cleaning the plate it was empty. The other two agreed and followed along back upstairs.
As Aoife reached back to her room, Andrew looked like he wanted to say something. Instead he stopped himself from doing so.
"Goodnight, Aoife," he said.
"Goodnight, Andrew," she replied back. It felt strange to say his name. At the same time it didn't.
The auburn haired wizard let a tiny hint of a smile before making way to his room. Aoife hoped whatever he and Dianne discussed, he takes it to consideration. Though there was still a nagging part in her mind that made her have a certain thought about him.
Then again, what if she's wrong?