Chapter 18
[A/N: I've changed a certain detail regarding Aoife's hairpin back in Ch. 7 because I suddenly changed my mind ¯\_(ツ)_/¯]
***
Slowly and surely, the once cold earth let signs of a new warmth enter. Even if it didn't feel that way when March is drawing to a close and April is making way. That also meant Fred and George's birthday was coming up. Ginny said their birthday was on the first of April. Aoife already knew. How can anyone not when they've always made it so obvious? Of all the days they could be born. At the same time, it was destined given their personality. It would be nice to give them both, yes both of them a gift.
Aoife thought on what to get them. Dad did like those muggle chocolate spreads use for toast or crepes. She made it to the Owlery and sent Dad a letter to deliver two mini containers of them and explained why. George caught her right after the snowy owl took off camouflaged completely into the white sky.
"Writing to your parents?"
"Something like that," the honey haired witch smiled when taking her seat on a stoney bench.
"Anything in particular?" George joined her.
She didn't give an answer. Except for a shrug. Not wanting to give anything away. Of course both didn't expect any presents. Not that they wanted any. Instead, they'd spend the entire day pranking people going all out than their usual pranks any other time. No exceptions on who the person is. Not that she ever fell into any of their pranks before. Oddly enough, they never even pranked her.
George glided his thumb along the ends of Aoife's lashes making her inch away blinking multiple times. Just for him to chortle in amusement. It's a reoccurring habit he's been doing whenever the opportunity deems fit. Aoife didn't mind, though he could give a polite warning.
"You have to stop doing that," she said pouting.
"Why?" inquired George. "It's fun."
The Ravenclaw witch sighed in defeat. "You have a curious definition of fun, if I may add."
"You most certainly may," George said in a mocked way a muggle University English professor would speak. Then leaned towards her for a kiss. Aoife slightly pulled away, but only for him to persist and push forward. Three months in and still timid around him.
Given this is her first ever relationship. And this is his too. Though he is more of the opposite of her when taking on the scenario, but less loose cannon than his twin if that makes any sense. Aoife did notice of the two, George is the more calmer and grounded one of the two. Even twins should balance each other out.
"And for the record," George continued. "You can't shy away from me forever."
"I'll take my chances," Aoife insisted. "I'll runaway somewhere far and away."
The ginger haired boy laughed even harder at his girlfriend's silly prospect. "I will find you. Even without a map that detects everyones every moves."
"Hmm, sounds like a threat," Aoife played along with his joke as she twirled his hair.
"On the contrary," George grinned. "It's more of a promise." Ending it all with a kiss, making the Ravenclaw scrunch up her face. In result the Gryffindor boy continued on laughing.
"What's so funny?" she asked.
"Oh, just everything," George told her. And it was true. In exchange, Aoife tapped his nose. Though it was spring, a chill in the air still lingered. She tugged onto her robes for any warmth it can offer. Her boyfriend took it upon himself to help in any way he can. "It's that cold for you?"
"You're a guy, so..." the honey blond let her words falter.
"So, that doesn't mean anything," said George amused.
Aoife nodded in agreement. "No," ending with a sigh.
All George can do was laugh at her antics. If he can even call it that. Maybe so, but in a cute way. He dug out from the pockets of his robes and pulled out a fist full of pear drops. "Want some?" he offered.
Aoife shook her head. "No thanks, I don't like sweets."
George, however didn't buy it. How can anyone not like sweets? It's near impossible to not even like them. "C'mon. Not even a little?"
"Nope, not even," she shrugged. Not even as a little kid. Maybe a tiny piece of a chocolate bar, but that's about it. Leaned more towards pastry items.
He still wasn't entirely convinced for her dislike for sweets. Even his mum likes them from time to time. So, George decided have a little prank and wave one particular gummy wrapped in bacon spread with peanut butter close to her face. "Come on. Just one bite. You know want some."
"George, please stop!" Aoife held her hands in from of face whilst fits of giggles escaped her lips. "I don't like it. It's making me gag."
The redhead pretended not to hear and continued on his antic. Until when she almost did having a gag reflex when an inkling of the treat touched her mouth, resulting a cough. That's when he actually decided to stop. Aoife really wasn't kidding. Thus watching her turn away with her back hunched, wiping off some tears.
"Shit! Aoife, I'm so sorry," George slouched down to her level, putting a hand over on her shoulder.
Aoife turned to face his after releasing a huge exhale. "It's okay, Georgie," she assured while wiping her nose dry. Her boyfriend sighed in relief. His little stunt was to put it bluntly, down right stupid.
"Thank you, Aoife," he said gratefully as taking her to a hug. She of course accepted. In the end, he didn't mean for any harm. It was all in the name of fun. She knew. Even though admittedly, things do tend to get carried away. "Please don't tell your parents."
"I won't," Aoife assured, playfully rolling her hazel eyes. Of course she won't tell Mum and Dad. It was a genuine accident. They don't need to know about it.
"Once again, thank you," George then drew her close to him and smothered her in kisses while in between thanking her multiple times.
"No problem, no problem, no problem," she held her hands back, but eventually wrapped her arms around him to kiss him back.
"Now that's more like it," George grinned like the Cheshire Cat.
Aoife's cheeks turned multiple shades of pink as gazing her eyes away from him. "Stop it."
"Never!" George exclaimed.
"Okay," Aoife admitted defeat. "You win."
A satisfied smirk replaced the Cheshire Cat grin. "That's more like it."
Just very grateful again, that the girl before him was quick to forgive and understand. He held onto tight and once more kissed the top of her head.
***
The sisters led everyone to the bakery once reaching Haven's Lot. Welcomed with scents of freshly baked bread and biscuits or as it's called cookies. Isaac dragged Aoife down to the displays of cakes and pastries. While the others find seating.
"Those are really good," he pointed at the mini black forest cakes.
"Red velvet is better," chimed in another voice.
The two blonds turned to see an auburn haired wizard standing in front of them. Andrew. Aoife avoided his eyes and repeatedly rubbing her arm. "Yeah, but they make your shit red, no?" joked Isaac.
Andrew made a half amused face at the crude statement. Clearly hiding how unfazed by it all he is. Even for Isaac that was over the top. Almost. "Watch yourself, Iz. You're in the presence of a lady."
Aoife was taken aback by the slight difference of attitude. Though tried not remain hopeful. This may be the second or third time he mentioned of her in passing. Isaac, on the other hand seemed unfazed. "I sure hope you aren't talking about yourself, Andy."
Andrew smirked slightly. "Keep hoping."
"Anyway," Issac changed the subject. "Aoife, what kind of cake you said you liked?"
"Blueberry lemon cake," replied Andrew before Aoife had a chance to. It definitely came to a pleasant surprise to Aoife he remembered, since she only mentioned it in one passing. He's right after all. It is her favorite. Ever since as a small child to now, she loved it.
"That's right," said Isaac pointing his index finger. "And -"
Both Aoife and Andrew narrowed their eyes at Isaac pausing looking at another direction. As if he may have seen something or someone. He peered over the entrance of the staff door. Searching for whatever it is that his had caught.
"Everything okay, Isaac?" Andrew spoke up.
Isaac shook his head. "Yeah, it's nothing. I just thought I - Never mind." Then proceeded to mumble something under his breath. Andrew didn't bother pressing further. Aoife casted Isaac a certain look, but he assured her everything is fine. She in response let it go. Whatever it is, he'll bring it up when it's just the two of them.
"I'll make the order," said Andrew. "What do you want, Isaac?"
"I'll take the crème brûlée," Isaac replied. Though Aoife noticed his mind seemed to be elsewhere. Andrew paid no mind and went to the register to place the orders.
"I'll just step out for some air," he continued, saying to no in particular.
Aoife followed him out. "Iz, is something wrong?"
The ash blond wizard smiled reassuringly. "No, no. It’s nothing. Just had a long workday, that's all."
"Okay," Aoife decided like Andrew not to press on further. Maybe it really is nothing and Isaac genuinely did have a long day.
They decided to stay out for a little while longer before heading back into the bakery. Even walk around for a bit. All seemed well until Isaac's blue eyes landed on a scene that changed his demeanor. His jaws tightened and fist clenched. Aoife followed his gaze and saw Nate. And with some guy. The pair appeared to be engaged in a rather happy conversation based on the smiles dressed on their faces. Nate played with that guy's hair, while he in return tugged on his waistcoat.
Isaac's face filled with mixed emotions molding into one. Hurt, anger, and possibly jealousy. "Let's go back," Aoife said softly, wrapping her arm around his.
Isaac nodded not saying a word. Neither said anything until they reentered the bakery. Everyone else except Magaly is already seated. As the remaining three were half way finishing their item
"Where's Magaly?" asked Isaac in a hopefully on his end a casual tone.
"With Vicente," Hazel shrugged, taking a bite of her quite way finished vanilla cake.
Her younger brother made no further reply, took his seat and started taking big spoon fulls of his crème brûlée.
Three pairs of eyes observed his very moves. Hazel in particular made a disgusted face. Andrew then decided to speak up. "I know I'll regret asking, but what happened?"
Isaac straight up sent him an icy stare. "None of your business." They all turned Aoife to see if she'd say anything, since she was with him. However, the honey blonde responded by shaking her head.
"I'm done," Isaac shot up from his seat, pushing the empty dish forward and exited out the bakery.
"Seriously," Hazel huffed. "What is his problem?"
"Just in one of his moods," Andrew replied. If there is anyone who's nonchalant or blasé about Isaac's attitude, it's him. Probably out of the others, he's the who dealt with it and handled it the most.
Everyone agreed upon silence to best not discuss anymore and eat their foods. Aoife played with the blueberries first before biting into the sliced decadent cake layered in buttercream frosting that melted gracefully in her mouth. "Either way," Dianne sighed finally breaking the silence. "I think it's best to turn in."
"I guess," Hazel reluctantly agreed as she and Dianne stood up at the same time. "Sorry your celebration didn't turn out well and cut short, Aoife."
"It's totally fine," Aoife assured. By now everyone finished their meal, and also assumed it's all been paid for. Once everyone was now outside, Isaac was nowhere to be found. Probably headed home already.
No one questioned it. Nor did they question Aoife on what really happened. Andrew turned to Hazel and Dianne. "Why don't you two head on, Aoife and I will hang here for while."
Aoife stood stiff. Wondering if she'd heard him correctly. Did her ears perhaps mistaken. Every other exchange between the two women was a complete blur. All she heard was gushing from Hazel and maybe a praise from Dianne.
"Is that all right with you, Aoife?" asked Hazel.
She brought herself back to reality. And replied without thinking of an answer. "Yeah, it's fine." Saying no would be awkward.
The last sentence spoken by her before Hazel and Dianne parted that their separate ways after one final exchange of words. Now leaving Aoife all alone with Andrew. The two started walking in no particular direction in mind in complete silence. This is their second time being alone. She didn't know what make of this, since he is the one who initiated it and all. But know it's better time to get it over and finally get a word or two out of him.
Aoife rubbed her arm and twiddle her fingers. This man who's been nothing, but avoidant and distant towards her for whatever reason. She had her theory, but had always put it in the back of her mind. It's now or never. Someone has to speak up. Guess Andrew had the same idea. There was a bookshop near by and a pathway to more restaurants. He leaned against a stone wall, arms crossed. No telling who will be the first to speak.
"So," he finally spoke. Aoife looked up at him as a reply, but then adverted her eyes away to another direction. Andrew continued when it was obvious she wouldn't say anything further. "I guess you already suspect. Or have been for a while."
In that moment, Aoife felt the world around came to a silent stop. No, no, no, no. It can't be, can it? Her hazel eyes widened as she swallowed hard. That was enough of a reply or at least a confirmation for Andrew.
"You're him," Aoife mustered up the courage to say. The elephant in the room finally addressed.
Andrew exhaled deeply. This was long overdue on both ends. And shouldn't have been dragged any longer than it should have. To put it bluntly. "I am. Your aunt Lavinia's boyfriend. Or should I say, was."
All these years she thought about him. Wondered where he was, if he was still alive and what really went down between him and Aunt Lavinia. And not just Mum and Dad , well mostly Dad bad mouthing about him at every given opportunity of mention.
"What really happened between you and Aunt Lavinia? Did you really cheat on her?" the witch kept her voice quiet.
"No," Andrew's voice almost wavered. If now she deserves to know what went down. The actual truth and not some twisted version that made him the bad guy. "I swear upon Merlin's green earth that's not what happened."
"Then what did?" Aoife's hazel eyes turned glassy. She had to know. Mum and Dad would always keep it hushed. If now, it's time to learn the whole truth. Or at least his side.
Andrew took time to process. It's been a long while that he had to revisit something he long since kept buried deep. Isaac did say even he doesn't know anything about his past. Until now, the wizard never opened up to anyone about it.
"Like many couples we had our setbacks," Andrew's voice still wavering. "It's because of the damn war, she and your dad were losing their family left and right, so she planned on seeing your dad. No one likes a 'blood traitor' even if they're not in the house that lives up to their stereotype."
"Then what happened?" Aoife's voice now lower than a whisper as she tried to keep a composure while taking the story in.
Andrew took a shaky breath as he continued. "I was also dealing with my own family issue, that I decided to break up with her. She profusely begged me not to, but I wouldn't budge, so she left me alone. A week has passed or so, and I already started to have doubts. Then my brother's girlfriend came over and chat me up and then out of nowhere, she kissed me. Unfortunately, time and luck weren’t on my side.
Lavinia walked in when it all happened. It was a mess. She refused to speak to me and brother's girlfriend twisted on what happened making me instigator. Lavinia left the following day, and that was the last time I ever saw her. I was ostracized from school that I decided to drop out and move somewhere far where no one will ever think to find me. My family went no contact with me and left for Australia so that's that."
Mum and Dad never told her any of this. She's only ever heard from their side, and not just some spoon feed version of others may have told them. Not realizing hot tears delicately streaming from her eyes until Andrew wiped them away. No wonder Mum and Dad wouldn't tell her. Or is this the version they don't know. They weren't told.
"I'm sorry," he said. There isn't much he can say. What happened, happened. All time turners are destroyed and even so, it'd still be risky. "And for the way I treated you."
"It's okay," Aoife rubbed her eyes dry. She herself couldn’t think of any other response. There were many things she wanted to say to him. Maybe some choice of unkind words. Except she didn't have it in her to. "Just why didn't you say anything sooner if you knew?"
"Because I didn't want to believe it," Andrew admitted. "This family were so kind to take me in. About twenty years here. In peace.”
"Until I came along and ruined it," Aoife stated, she genuinely feared she has.
Andrew dropped his mouth open in shock. That's the last thing she needs to hear after everything she's just learned. That couldn't be further from the truth. "Aoife, no. You didn't ruin anything," he assured. "And besides, the Goodwinds and Dianne really like you."
Aoife smiled a little at the mention. "Do you think she would've liked me?" A question not even she ever asked her parents, especially Dad.
"Oh, Aoife, she would've loved you to bits," Andrew told her. Aoife's small smile stretched out slightly. Finally got her answers. It didn't go the way she's ever excepted to. But at least now she can rest with that knowledge in mind.
"You look just like her," he continued after a few moments of silence.
"So I've heard," Aoife replied jokingly.
Andrew chuckled. Of course she'd hear this countless times. But what else is there to say between two strangers who have one mutual connection? Well, they're not strangers anymore. Or were they ever?
"Did you ever ..." Aoife's sentence faltered before she can gather the next thing she wanted to say. "Did you ever fell in love again?"
The auburn haired wizard's smile this time turned sad. "No," he said simply. "Don't feel the need to. And that's okay, and I'm okay."
Aoife just stared at him in great sadness. "Do you still love her?" Some part knows it to be true. Because his smile never left.
"Not a day passes by where I don't," he confirmed. Then his face turned somber. "Your parents are really dead, aren't they?"
Aoife nodded now in the same confirmation. Then before even realizing new set of tears leaked from her eyes. Andrew without hesitation took her in for a hug. She accepted. It stayed that way, until she calmed down and they pulled apart. "Can you tell me more about Aunt Lavinia?"
"Of course," said Andrew. Both decided in silence to head back home. A word that slowly crept its way about the Goodwinds residence. Any questions Aoife asked, Andrew would answer. Some fits of laughter were also exchanged all the way as they reached the doorstep.
The Goodwind siblings and Dianne watched in pleasant surprise when they watched the unlikely scene unfold in front of them. Two people who are finally in close proximity laughing with one another.
"This is an unlikely picture," pointed Isaac with a slight trace of humor in his voice. "Mind telling us what happened?"
Both Aoife and Andrew's faces matched his tone and face. The honey blonde witch hesitated at first until a reassuring nod Andrew washed away any fleet of worry.
"I do have a story to tell," Aoife twiddled her thumbs.
"And so do I," Andrew stepped in front of her.
Then family they came know all casted a rather confused look, but casted their signature smiles an okay indication that they're open to listen to the story both Aoife and Andrew have to tell. It was already evident that the Goodwinds and Dianne already considered these two lost people their own.