Chapter 15
Every last drop of Christmas decorations were now taken down. An indication the holiday season has come to a close. Which means back to resume in the usual order of business. Though it was still very much gloomy out. Even in midst of day, the earth stood dark silence.
"Why the long face?" he draped an arm over her shoulder.
"Post holiday blues, I suppose," Aoife replied.
Always dreaded wondering what comes after all the festivities end for the year until next time. Sure there are other events to look forward to. It just didn't sing the same. The world outside now an icy dead silence. That's what Dad would say when wandering the muggle streets of London or Yorkshire.
George sighed sympathetically. "I hate that feeling."
The pair eyed around their school as it is now bare without the decorations. Which then travelled out to the wet grey slush slowly melting to the ground. There is however, another possible chance of snow. So, that's something to look forward to at least. Aoife tugged on her uniform robes when a gust of the frosty air entered inside the premise. George took her into his arms and draped his own robes around her.
A group of first year students merely stared, but the redheaded boy wasn't having any of it. Still didn't meant he wasn't going have some sort of fun. "Fuck you staring at?"
In response, the young group scurried away, causing George to chuckle.
"Be nice," Aoife pulled away.
"Aren't I ever?" George held her hand. Again. The little spat wasn't meant to come out as mean spirited or of malice. Rather in mockery.
The Ravenclaw witch slyly shook her head. If anything, those who didn't knew the twins well enough would agree George is the slightly nicer and more levelheaded of the two. Whatever one started, the one always finishes up the loose ends in a clean slate.
"Very," she replied.
Her boyfriend in return pulled her close to him. "Anyway. How was your Hogsmeade day with your parents?"
Aoife spent the whole trip with them and only them. Mum and Dad were able get that extra time off from work just to be with her. While George was spending the day with Fred and their friends.
"I loved it," she replied. "Something I really needed."
"Hmm," George responded a nod. "And I take it that your parents don't exactly like me?"
Her parents, Dad mostly was a bit aloof and standoffish with him upon first meeting. Mum did do best to kind towards him. At the same time keeping a watchful hawk eye on him. In hindsight, George didn't exactly make an ideal first impression on Tristan and Gracie Braithwaite.
"They don't dislike you," Aoife assured him. Then she lowered her eyes upon the next sentence. "They're just protective of their one and only girl."
The last bit was her parroting their words. Remembering her dad was less than amused with Fred's slight flirting with Aoife. However, her father kept a calm collected composure. With the ever so help from his wife who shot a warning eye at the slightly older twin. Being their one and only child, certain jokes won't fly well.
"I understand," said George. "We're the same way with Ginny. Then again, I pity the poor fool who ends up marrying her."
The Ravenclaw witch gently pulled away from her Gryffindor boyfriend. "Georgie."
"What?" George in an innocent manner pulled her back in for a kiss.
Aoife pulled away yet again covering his mouth. "I'll be late for class."
"Fine," the boy heaved an exaggerated sigh. "But you owe me a kiss later."
"We'll see," Aoife teased back to her pouting boyfriend. Still holding his hand slowly slipping away as she walked off to her first class of the day.
George watched with adoring eyes as his honey haired girlfriend disappeared into sea of students. Given her height, she blend right in. Aoife turned right back to see if she can still catch a sight of him. She doesn't. Even in his tall stature and flaming hair, he is too now lost in the crowd. Either no longer in sight of other, Aoife can see the rest of the student body is less than enthusiastic about returning to class.
"Class is now back in session," groaned Ginny who joined her side with Luna right by her tail. They too like the rest of the student body were headed for their first class of the day.
"I know," returned Aoife in the same energy.
"At least there's the second task to forward too," Ginny said trying to at least lighten the mood.
"Which is a month away," added Luna.
The second task was said to be taken place at the Black Lake. Aoife was surprised to be honest that it's being held while the weather is still very cold. They could've waited at least when temperature rises in the warmer months.
"Don't remind me," Ginny huffed. "Anyway, what's your first class of the day, Aoife?"
"Transfiguration," Aoife said. "You?"
"Potions," Luna replied simply.
Both her and Ginny had the class together. The Gryffindor girl wasn't too thrilled. It's no secret Snape is the least favorite teacher amongst students. Well, any student who isn't Slytherin that is. Aoife always wondered why is he even a professor if he seems to hate his job? Then again, it could be for a power trip for all she knows.
"Hang in there," Aoife caressed Ginny's hand. "You'll live."
Ginny smiled back. "Thanks. Anyway, Hopkins makes the class at least bearable."
Reed Hopkins, a fellow Ravenclaw boy from their year was bit of a to put it politely, a smart Alec. At the same time a class clown. From what Ginny and Luna told her, he only ever acts up in Snape's class.
"Here's to a speedy day," Aoife added the final note.
The three girls went their respective ways as the corridor in no time flat started to clear out. No one wants or needs to get in trouble the first day back.
"You're late, Miss Braithwaite," joked Ron, pointing at her.
Luckily for him, Aoife surpassed a soft laugh as she sat next to Hermione. Understanding his humor. More of the Weasley humor as proclaimed. "Ron, quit scaring her," scolded the bushy haired witch. "She's perfectly on time."
"It's okay, Hermione," assured Aoife. "He's just having fun."
"Yeah, Hermione," Ron said smugly. "I'm just having fun. Lighten up, will you?"
Aoife and Harry exchanged glances as the bickering duo decided to have another go at one another. Sometimes Aoife wondered if their constant bickering is just their version of flirtation. The world outside of them may never know or might have a divided opinion on the matter.
Every couple or seemingly couple is different one suppose.
***
"Good morning, Miss Branson," greeted Mrs Bradbury.
Monday came quickly than expected. It's common for those who work or in school. Aoife tried not to anticipate too much of the day, so any nerves don't make an unwelcome visit. It's not like she's not too familiarized with. Those were voluntary jobs. This her first official job. Hopefully.
"Good morning, Mrs. Bradbury," Aoife replied politely.
The Goodwinds and Andrew had their own tasks to do. Leaving Aoife on her own. Isaac has assured her, she'll be fine. Aoife took those words deeply and prayed to herself that everything will go smoothly.
"I trust you had a good weekend?" the older woman who was a head taller asked.
"I have," Aoife nodded.
Over the weekend, everyone did the best they can to prepare Aoife. Even Andrew under the watchful eye of Dianne gave a few pointers. These are kids still too young to attend school. Then there are the older ones staying during the summer holidays. Aoife didn't have to deal with those kids, since they stay in a separate area. More qualified educators monitor them.
Aoife's eye scanned around her surroundings as Mrs. Bradbury gave a tour of the Sanctuary. This place is much bigger than it leads out to be from the outside. Magaly did say it was to trick muggles from going in. However, they couldn't even if they wanted to. One step closer, and they'll remember a certain task they have to do. Just like if one happen to stumble upon when the Quidditch World Cup were to take place in a certain location.
"and here is where the students usually stay," Mrs. Bradbury guided her upstairs. "They usually keep to themselves practicing their magic, but again, they are heavily monitored."
Children four through ten come here, since their parents are busy with work and don't have the time to provide at least some formal type of education before heading off to learn magic.
The older witch led the younger one back downstairs where there were a cluster of children and other employees attending to them. Aoife managed to catch Isaac's eye when he waved at her. She waved back, then her attention back to Mrs. Bradbury now leading her back outside.
"My niece should be here any moment now," she said. "So, you'll be on probation for at least six months."
"Yes, ma'am," said Aoife. Wondering if Fred and George ever did the same with their employees. Maybe not and they just hired anybody if deemed fit. Even Aurors maybe went through a trial period to see if or how qualified they are.
"Then there's lunch," Mrs. Bradbury continued. "Twelve o'clock lunch is already filled out, so that leaves one."
"It's fine, Mrs. Bradbury," assured Aoife. The Goodwind siblings and Andrew all have lunch at twelve, and she knew no other employee would be willing to switch out their lunch for some trivial to them reason. Dad did once say one o'clock lunch is just as good if not better. It makes the last half of the work day go by quicker.
"Good," Mrs. Bradbury smiled.
"Aunt Carolyn," called a woman from a distance slowly approaching her way. She shared the same brunette hair as Mrs. Bradbury, except let down that reached the nape of her neck. Height wise she was shorter than Mrs. Bradbury, but taller than Aoife. Two little boys huddled behind her.
"Richelle," the older woman responded.
"Is this her?" Richelle observed Aoife in carful scrutiny. "She's awfully young."
Mrs. Bradbury dismissed the tone of concern. "Do you not trust my judgement?" Richelle stayed silent as her aunt continued. "Besides, I know for sure your boys will be more at ease with Miss Branson here."
"Oh, all right," Richelle huffed. Knowing there's no point in a counter argument with Mrs. Bradbury. She pushed her boys forward. "Please do take care of them. They're a handful, but still my kids."
"I will, ma'am," Aoife stated. Unsure if the woman shared the same surname as her aunt.
"And for the record, you can just call me, Richelle," the woman said. "As I hate formalities and strongly think they're extremely outdated."
Mrs. Bradbury shook her head in disapproval, but placed no objection. She placed a comforting hand on Aoife's shoulder as Richelle once more nudged her two sons forward.
Aoife kneeled down to their level to appear less intimidating. Without thinking, she smiled softly and stretched out an arm. Not thinking if it would accomplish anything. The younger boy went first and his older brother. Both brothers proceeded in making a beeline and engulfed the honey blonde witch in a tight hug.
***
As anticipated, the month of February came by quick. Many students were looking forward to the Second Task. Harry and possibly the other Triwizard Champions were figuring out the given riddle from the egg. Aoife didn't know about the boys, but Fleur had figured it out the first moment.
"It's obvious when you think about it," she said and has shared the riddle with Aoife making her promise not to help the other contenders.
"It is," Aoife agreed. Being a Ravenclaw, they had to be exceptional at riddles.
"So anyway. You have any plans for Valentine's Day?" Fleur then asked Aoife.
Aoife thought for a second. "Nothing extraordinary, I don't think. George and I are just going to do something small or double date with his brother and his girlfriend."
"That's nice," Fleur sincerely said. "Nothing for me this year."
"You're not going with Roger Davies?" asked Aoife.
The older blonde girl shook her head. "He's nice and all ..."
"But ...?" the younger blonde inquired.
Fleur sighed. "I can't be with someone who practically drools over me given that I am part veela. I get that it has an effect on men, but I'm still a person. I don't need to be ogled at like some lovesick puppy."
Aoife couldn't imagine what the veelas would often go through. It's one thing to be regular girl, even a muggle to go through such things. Veelas however, it's in their nature to have the power to entice men. Ron was right about Fleur being one. Hermione one the other hand, shut down the theory. More so due to her jealousy of him eyeing on another girl.
"Don't fret about it, Fleur," Aoife placed a hand on hers. "I'm positive there's plenty people out there beyond these walls."
Fleur smiled at the statement. "If you say so."
She also refrained from saying anything else. Not wanting to hurt the younger girl. Not that she had any plans to. As unfortunately, the veela is amongst her family, friends and classmates is known for being extra blunt or sharp-tongued. That usually makes her come off as insensitive to those who don't know her well.
Just as Aoife was about say something, someone snaked around her arm. By this time, she already knew it would be none other than George Weasley.
"Excuse me. Mind if I borrow her for a bit?"
"Go right ahead," Fleur shrugged, but sneaked a knowing smirk at Aoife. "Just bring her back on time."
Without any delay, George pulled Aoife away from the Great Hall and to a more secluded area. The corridors or outside wasn't exactly it. However, since there is less people, it would have to do for now. That's one of the downside of attending Hogwarts. Little to no privacy.
"Hey," Aoife said timidly.
"Hey yourself," George responded. "So, got any plans for Valentine's?"
"No," Aoife said jokingly. "No one's asked me as of now."
The redhead lead her against a wall. Making sure she stayed well put. "Consider this your lucky day, Miss Braithwaite. I know a bloke who happens to be available."
"Rudolph Valentino?" Aoife asked in pretend innocence.
"Who?" George narrowed his eyes.
Aoife shook her head. "No one."
"Great," George exclaimed dismissing the previous statement. "So, does a double date with Fred and Angelina sound all right to you?"
"It's completely fine," his girlfriend replied. "If it's okay with you."
Her boyfriend can't help but to chuckle. "Then it's settled."
No Hogsmeade for some time. And Valentine's Day this year fell on a Tuesday. Then maybe it'll be after the class day. Depending on what time the date will take place, Aoife will have to make sure to finish her homework on time.
"Then it's settled," Aoife repeated, twirling George's hair with her finger as their foreheads met.
***
Aoife started off the day leading the boys, Dylan and Ari to a smaller classroom that had children their age. One of the boys, Dylan with the dirty blond hair tugged on the skirt of her dress.
"Yes, Dylan?" she said kindly.
"Can we read outside?" the little boy asked with wide doe-y brown eyes.
"Of course," replied Aoife. Richelle did state there was no harm in it. Also giving permission taking them outside of the Sanctuary within a mile stretch. "You and Ari can pick out the books."
And so, the two brothers happily picked out books they wanted for her to read and piling them up on her hands. Each had a certain theme of landing on the eerie side. Once the brothers were satisfied on what books to be read, all three headed outside to the park area. Aoife was able to pick out a quiet spot to read. They spend the daylight hour reading books. One in particular Dylan and Ari loved the most was about a beast in the wild and its tail. The book was the scariest side of them all, which didn't seem to faze them, rather fascinate more than necessary.
"And what happens if we get the beast's tail?" Dylan asked while Ari rested on top of her back.
"Many things can happen, and don't want to make him angry," Aoife gave a fair, but kind warning.
"How come?" the older boy's grin stretched far as a cartoon character.
The young witch gestured her head, showcasing contemplation. "Or else he'll get you!" Aoife then grabbed onto the boy in which caused him and his brother in a fit of giggles.
"Will we really get us?" Dylan asked, terrified.
"No," Aoife assured, shaking her head. "It's only a make believe story."
Dylan sighed in relief. As most young children would be. They love scary stories, at the same time terrified of them. Somehow always ask for more in the end.
"Do you know about l'homme malade?" then asked Ari, the younger brunet boy.
"Hmm, no," Aoife pondered. "Who's that?" In her very limited knowledge of French, courtesy of Fleur. She knew what that translated to.
Ari paced around little bit as he explained. "Our aunty from Quebec told us a story about him. They say he's sickly pale as the moon. Hair like silk and eyes that glow like a cat's in the dark."
"You don't say," Aoife chuckled.
"It's true," Ari like any child insisted. "He only comes out at night and when he sees you alone, he'll catch you! And then suck your blood." The younger brother grabbed the blonde witch's shoulders and pretended to bite her neck while making a hissing sound effect from his throat.
"Quite a story," commented Aoife as both brothers giggled.
"Do you like it?" Ari asked with shinning eyes that were a darker brown than his brother's.
"It's my new favorite," Aoife told him.
Safe to say Dylan and Ari were happy with the statement. Even more so that sort far the interaction was smooth sailing between everyone. Aoife was more intrigued by the illustrations of wild beast. The artist has captured the dark atmosphere of the outside and the dim forest. Especially the lack of colors used made up for the story giving the true essence of an eerie vibe.
"Can we the beast and its tail again?" asked Ari.
"Of course, " said Aoife.
Dylan and Ari huddled closer to Aoife as she once more read them the story. This time she paid close attention to the art work of this illustrator as she glided her hand across the pages. The beast as the story depicted was only or maybe a spirit. But no one has ever concluded to determine that.