Chapter 16
Aoife tapped her lower lip whilst staring her closet to decide on what to wear for the date. In the end, she went with a pale blue gingham dress and an ivory jumper. After retouching her hair and makeup and satisfied with the overall result, Aoife made way to the Astronomy Tower.
Filch the Hogwarts caretaker was nowhere to be found. That's good for now. Aoife did see his cat, Mrs. Norris wandering about. Being an animal lover, the blonde witch couldn't resist the urge to crouch down and pet the feline. Mrs. Norris allowed and moved her head as to guide Aoife onto where to pet her.
"Now don't tell your human anything," said Aoife to Mrs. Norris before heading off to the Astronomy Tower.
Once she reached the top of the dimly lit tower, Angelina was already there, but not the twins. "Oh, hey, Aoife," greeted the Gryffindor chaser when she noticed the Ravenclaw girl.
"Hi, Angelina," Aoife greeted back with a smile. "Fred and George aren't here yet, I see."
"No," said Angelina. "Though between you and me, planning isn't their strongest suit."
Both girls began laughing at the statement. It could be agreed upon universally that the Weasley twins weren't planners, rather go with the flow type people. Possibility the trait can be of envy to some people. No worries, just poser it through.
"And what does that suppose to mean?" said a new voice belonging to Fred who was holding a blanket and picnic basket.
"You know exactly what I mean," Angelina shot back.
As the two were having another one of their rounds, George greeted Aoife with a hug and kiss. "And how's my girl doing?"
"She's doing good," Aoife shyly recoiled back.
"Ugh!" groaned Fred. "Get a room the pair of you."
Aoife's cheeks flushed as George gave a direct eye contact ready to tell his identical counterpart off. "What? So you and Angelina can have your own swell of a good time."
Fred stopped laughing. Angelina while not amused, but at least offered a smirk. "Maybe a double date isn't a good idea after all," she suggested."
"No, no," disagreed Fred. "We're still doing the double date. Georgie can't hide Aoife from us forever."
The younger twin brought his girlfriend close to him. "I sure as hell can try."
True, she hasn't properly met the people George is most closest to. Apart from Ginny and Ron. Just didn't get the right amount of time or opportunity to get to know them personally. So, this date or moment would be good time as any to do.
"Yeah, yeah," Fred waved off a dismissive hand. "Just help me set up."
George decided best not to talk back at Fred knowing well there won't be any end to it all. The brothers laid a blanket and set the picnic basket down. Angelina nudged at Aoife with a grin. Both girls observing and appreciating the effort of their boyfriends have put for Valentine's Day.
"Your table awaits, madams," said Fred in a terrible French accent. Obviously no table was laid in front of them, but no one else wanted to be a killjoy and ruin the atmosphere.
His brother followed taking Aoife's hand and helped her sit down and then sat close next to her. "It's not much, since we already had dinner and all."
"It's perfect," Aoife rested her head on his shoulder.
Fred set out the paper plates and napkins. George helped out not wanting to hear another talk from him and laid out the foods consisting of finger sandwiches, mini Shepard's pie and pumpkin pasties.
"And some sparkling cider to wash it down," Fred took out a green glass bottle.
"Is it alcoholic?" Angelina asked concerned.
If there was one rule to be strictly obeyed, it had to be no alcoholic beverage on the premises of school. "Pssh, no," Fred replied. "We'd get detention or expelled."
Angelina scoffed. In the six years she's known Fred and George, it's that their rule breaking tendencies can and will lead to trouble beyond exhaustion. "I thought you didn't care about any of that."
"We don't," George stated. "But that doesn't mean you and Aoife should as well."
"Okay," Angelina rolled her eyes. "Otherwise both you and your brother would be six feet under."
"Is that a promise?" Fred drew Angelina close to him causing her to gasp.
"Mark my words," Angelina kissed him.
George turned to Aoife and made a gagging gesture. The blonde stifled a laugh, so she smiled. Fred and Angelina were going at it to the point George had to clear his throat before they took too far. Fred yet has the nerve to tease brother.
"Yeah, yeah. We're ready," sighed Fred.
Aoife helped herself to some of the finger sandwiches layered with cucumbers and tomatoes spread with mustard. George followed by giving her pumpkin pasties and poured a cup of sparkling cider.
"There was no cream cheese and mayonnaise, so we used mustard instead," the younger Weasley twin explained.
"It's perfectly fine," Aoife reassured.
All agreed the sandwiches and pumpkin pasties were more than enough for after dinner snacks. The twins did went through a hopefully good enough effort for Angelina and Aoife. And the girls couldn't be more happier.
"I suppose we can use the time to get to know each other," said Angelina.
Fred snorted. "We do know each other."
"Not Aoife, no," Angelina pointed.
Couldn't argue on that, so Fred agreed. The Ravenclaw student is after all new to him and Angelina. "So, Aoife. Why don't you tell us about yourself?"
Aoife could never think of a direct answer with that question. What should she say? What is it they want to know? There's never a specific thing to ask for when that question comes up. Thankfully, it doesn't get around in class since the professors are all the same.
"What would you like to know?"
Fred held back. "Ooh, you got us there. Can't really think of a question myself."
Angelina then intervened. "Forgive Fred. He's a bit of a dunce at every chance he gets."
"Low blow, Angie," stated Fred in mocked offense.
"I rest my case," Angelina shrugged. By now she's unfazed by him.
Fred showing no signs of being fazed, pulled her into him. That the girl had no time to think or react. Just fortunate enough to see his stupid trademark grin that she hates to love so much. "I know another thing you can rest on."
George choked on his drink. Poor Fred. He knew where this was going to head and it's not going to be pretty. Aoife patted his back to ease him. The ginger returned a reassuring smile. An indication that he is fine.
"Is the food okay?" he asked while she took a bite of her sandwich.
"Mmhmm," replied Aoife, wiping off a thin trace of sauce from George's bottom lip.
If they were the only two people in the room, George would most definitely kiss her right now. Alas, he had hold himself back. Later onto the night once Fred and Angelina are out of sight. For now he can only put an arm around her while she rests her head on his shoulder. No moon tonight. If there was, it's covered by dark clouds. Even the stars were absent tonight in a blanket of darkness.
"There's a possibility of snow tomorrow," said Aoife to George.
"That will make the Second Task a bit challenging if this continues, no?" George wondered.
Aoife nudged her head against him. "Hopefully, it's either a sleet or if not, the snow is all gone by then."
George yawned. "Yeah. I do not look forward to stand for a certain period of time in the frosty air."
No one was. A crowd gathered together just staring at the outside of the lake. Waiting for something to happen and Merlin knows for how long.
"Quidditch is no different," pointed Angelina. "I think it's absolutely ridiculous to make us play in the rain. Guess someone catching pneumonia doesn't matter."
"I almost had it," Aoife added.
Recounting to last year during Gryffindor's game, everyone was present. Aoife though bundled up wasn't lucky. She had to be in bed rest for a week and a half. Madame Pomfrey was less than happy. Complaining about making students play in such a horrific day. Good thing she didn't catch pneumonia, but close to it. From that moment on, Aoife decided to be absent whenever a Quidditch match takes place during a bad weather.
"Shit! That's rough," commented Fred.
"It's fine," Aoife replied. "I'm okay now."
Not entirely fine for her parents when they visited. The obvious visible expression painted on their faces broadcasted it all. Dad was close to scolding Dumbledore for letting a game even take place. Why wasn't it canceled for another day? Fortunately, Mum stopped him from creating a scene.
George kissed Aoife's temple. Probably also agreeing in of the rare times how the rules here were so backwards. Fred also in the same bandwagon wouldn't have minded if Quidditch was postponed to another day on account of bad weather. What are the chances of getting struck by lightning?
"Anyway, Aoife," Fred continued. "Again. How did George here ever convince you to go out with him?"
The other twin in response threw a pumpkin pasty at him. Which by sheer chance, Fred caught and shoved the whole thing in his mouth. Ending with toothy smile filled with mushy residue.
"He didn't have to," Aoife held her boyfriend's hand which was able to calm him down. Not that he needed it. But it was a nice and needed gesture for him.
George gave a smug grin at his twin while his own girlfriend offered him a tissue. "I should be asking Angie the same question?"
"He didn't have to," Angelina repeated the same statement as Aoife. Then turned to Aoife: "But I'm starting to think we should have gone with a Beauxbatons boy."
Fred dropped his mouth open in pretend shock. "The audacity, woman."
Aoife able to contain any laughter, meekly turned to George while holding his hand. "No, I'm happy with my decision."
"That's right," George declared. "No one's getting a hair on her. She's all mine."
"Okay, Georgie," Fred sighed in mocked defeat, though still plastered a grin on his face. "We're both even now. Happy?"
George without a glance at Fred as his attention was all on Aoife said, "Very much."
***
For the rest of the day Aoife kept tabs on Dylan and Ari. The boys were as per Richelle allowed to interact with the other children. Mathematics lessons were taking place for children his age. Dylan was seated with his peers, while Ari was with his. Each child given a worksheet as an employee explained the exercise that must be completed.
Nothing like Hogwarts or any wizarding school for the matter. They're learning basic education muggle children obtain throughout their school career. Aoife herself learned, except she was homeschooled like the rest of her peers.
She monitored them at a pace and helping them whenever they were stuck on a problem. After maths, the boys headed for science and today's lesson was the life cycle of a butterfly. Aoife held out the glass jar that contained leaves and various plants. There was a fuzzy green specimen munching on tiny leaves.
"and what does a caterpillar turn into?" Aoife asked.
The boys took turns passing the glass jar. Ari not too keen at the close on the critter, let either his older brother or Aoife hold it.
"A butterfly," said Ari.
"And before a butterfly?" Aoife continued.
"Oh! I know!" Dylan exclaimed. "A chrysalis!"
Attention was caught people from other tables as they turned. Aoife placed a finger on the young boy's lips and his smiled widely. Luckily on their part, the rest of the children.
"Indoor voice, Dylan," Aoife told him sweetly.
"Sorry," the boy apologized."
Aoife ruffled his hair. "No worries. Just ease up on the excitement next time."
Dylan in return nodded vigorously. The three then adverted their attention back to the jar. There lay still the green critter and next to it was an elegantly wrapped in white sheet.
"Can you draw?" asked Ari out of the blue.
It's been a while since Aoife held anything that wasn't a quill or paper. She lost any urge or motivation to make art again. And it was only ever for fun. Each attempt only ended for the pencil of any variant color to be dropped in a thud. Aoife hasn't bothered after that.
"I used to," the honey haired witch answered truthfully.
"Can you draw for us now?" the younger brother then inquired.
Aoife hesitated for a moment. Not wanting to upset him and say no. "Well ..."
"Please?" both brothers in unison pleaded.
Ari even proceeded to bat his eyelashes. Aoife stifled a laugh. And decided to put those thoughts and feelings aside and make two little boys in front of her happy. They're more important right now.
"Yes," Aoife said finally. "Why not?"
Dylan and Ari cheered as quietly as they can. Remembering to tone down their voices. Apart from that, maybe this will be a good chance to get back into her world of art again. But she will take it slowly. Dad loved art, so she'll do it for him if not herself.
Once the class ended, Aoife led the brothers back out with a pencil and sketch pad in hand. Dad said getting out in nature was one good way to find some sort of inspiration. And she did have one thing in mind on what to draw.
"What are you going to draw?" asked Dylan.
Aoife gave a good amount of thought. Something that had a significant meaning to her. Which was going to be a good place to start. "Nightflowers," she told them finally.
"Nightflowers?" Ari parroted.
The blonde nodded. People either knew a little about them or have never heard of them. It wasn't one kind of flower. Rather an abundance or different kinds in different shapes and colors. "Flowers that bloom in the night," she explained as the three sat by the very same tree at the start of the day. Dylan and Ari sat on either side of Aoife watching her draw the nightflowers she spoke of. Dad told her about them.
"You're a lefty," Ari observed.
"Yes, I am," Aoife smiled at the little boy.
It isn't everyday someone will notice, when they do, they end up forgetting the next time around. One thing she didn't have in common with Aunt Lavinia. No one on either side of the family as far as she or her parents knew were.
Even in the wizarding world, something like this gets pointed out. To think it wouldn't be uncommon. Guess this is one of those things where the muggle and wizarding people blur together. Nonetheless if they coexist without that knowledge of the non-magic folks or their world. Who live in pure bliss as going about their lives.
"Caleb is a lefty too," Ari continued.
"He is," Dylan followed. "I forgot what it's called, but, but he draws in story books for writers."
"An illustrator," Aoife told him. Figuring the brothers must know Caleb the illustrator personally. Either a relative or a family friend of sort.
"He doesn't always come here," Dylan continued. "Sometimes he does, but he doesn't stay long."
"Hmm," hummed Aoife simply. "Sometimes grownups get busy or they just have other plans to do."
Dylan and Ari may have accepted the reasoning as they didn't push further on. Instead they watched Aoife continue on drawing her nightflowers and filling in shadows and spaces of details any flower can carry.
~~~
Until then the sun directed it was half past noon Richelle came over as her boys were having lunch. Mrs. Bradbury had Aoife join another classroom to observe the usual lessons brought amongst the other children in case a decision is placed on what to do with her position. These were older students who were learning upper maths such as multiplication and division. One girl didn't seem too happy.
She turned to Aoife for help. Not wanting to overstep any boundaries, Aoife to her best ability came to the girl's aide without much interference.
"What do we do first?" the honey blonde said.
The little girl stated her answer. "Start off on the ones column by multiplying the bottom number with the top one." She then proceeded on what to do next as she's working on each step of the problem until she got the answer.
"Is this the answer?" the girl asked.
Aoife gave a good look at the work. "Just about, yes. But I can't say anything, since it's up to your teacher."
"Okay," the girl nodded and went back to her work.
Before attending Hogwarts, Mum and Dad would rotate back and forth on the basic educations. By the time she was eleven she's full on ready for attending a magic school already knowing maths, science and english. Let's not forget how to read and write. On the weekends, her parents would take her on nature walks or see how the muggles go on about their daily lives.
They wanted her to be well-rounded. It's unfortunate most wizards choose to remain ignorant to the world of the non-wizarding people. Pureblood or not, Mum did believe with their ever growing machinery and technology, the muggles might as well one day triumph us all. The Braithwaites tried not to think about such scenario.
Dad would sometimes take her to muggle libraries for a movie screening or read their books. Of course if they were to go to an actual cinema, a little sneaking in never hurt to Mum's dismay. However, Dad always had a glamor spell of sort ready. Which meant they couldn't be seen by a muggle eye.
And in that blink of an eye, the clock already struck one. The children lined up in two rows and led by the teacher to their designated area. Leaving Aoife to be the last one out of the room.
Mrs. Bradbury just caught her on time before heading back to his routine. "So, how's the day going thus far, Miss Branson?"
"It's going, Mrs. Bradbury," Aoife replied.
The older witch before dug into the pocket of her trousers handed her a rusty gold key. "It's for the storage cabin straight down which is a good walk, so it's best if you apparate," she explained. "Mr. Goodwind told me to hand it to you if you want to have lunch there."
"Are you sure?" the younger witch hesitantly accepted the key.
"Why, of course," Mrs. Bradbury assured. "The late Mr. and Mrs. Goodwind were the benefactors of this establishment and that area partially belongs to them."
"I see," Aoife held onto the key in a balled up fist. "There isn't anyone else using the place?" Can never be too sure in case she isn't invading another person's space, especially when they're busy with their own activities.
Mrs. Bradbury thought for a while. "Well, except for my husband's godson, Caleb. Who uses that space some of the times for his work. Just the upstairs area. But no need to worry. His visits are very infrequent that I don't even know when or if he's come and left."
"I see," Aoife repeated. Not knowing what else to reply nor stating anything of the brothers briefly mentioning him. "He wouldn't mind?"
"Oh, no," Mrs. Bradbury waved off a hand. "He usually keeps to himself, but nonetheless. You enjoy your lunch."
Aoife with no further reply, except for a 'thank you', nodded and headed to the staff lunch room to grab her lunch. The others are already done and resumed back to the rest of their schedule. There's one thing to be seated alone in a room of strangers, who couldn't get herself to be acquainted with yet. Already they were conversing with one another. Not wanting to intrude, Aoife picked up her lunch from the fridge and made way to the that storage cabin.
She followed the direction Mrs. Bradbury pointed. A good walk which may be a fifteen to twenty minutes worth whilst humming to herself. Until for sure the cabin; a two story built that is appeared in sight. Aoife made no rush except to quicken her pace until reaching in front of the door. Without any hesitation, she went in and locked the door from behind.
Wonder if anyone else aside from Caleb has access to this place. As far as she knows, the Goodwinds, Andrew and Mrs. Bradbury only. This is a storage area for a reason. At the same time various of different items are neatly packed away and sealed in boxes. Aoife dared not touching a pinch on them. No displays of the usual kitchen room or even the toilet, except for a lounging area. And no connection of a floo network.
The honey blonde took a seat and began her lunch; pasta with pesto sauce and sliced cherry tomatoes. Don't think it needs to be heated up, but Aoife used her wand to warm it up just a smidge. She took notice of an open door upstairs which perked up the curiosity. Must be Caleb's workspace. A little exploring wouldn't hurt.
After finishing her meal, Aoife went straight to the open room. Should be fine just as long as nothing is touched. There her eyes laid upon array of art supplies and tools; ranging from sketch books, canvases to paints, quills and varied pencils. As promised, she dared not touch a spec of anything. If there's one thing about artists, it's they can tell if something has been moved even half an inch.
Aoife made way to the windows next where the lighting couldn't be better. Except for the fog of dust she collected when gliding her fingers along the glass. Not getting too distracted as the seconds float by. As the time displayed on the brown rustic wall indicated it's time to head back to The Santuary. Back downstairs and out. Making sure twice the door is locked and secured.
In perfect timing she reached the place greeted by Dylan and Ari who were playing alongside the other children.
"Will you read us the beast and its tail again?" asked Dylan.
"Why of course," Aoife replied with a smile.
The three now in their unofficial designated reading corner, the oak tree. Dylan and Ari as is huddled close to Aoife once again reading their favorite story. This time she took a notice of the illustrator's name on the front cover:
C.J. Samuelsen