Author's Note: Hope you like this chapter. Not much yet but I hope you'd review. :)

Chapter 2
Nostalgia and Silence

The chilly November air nipped at his face as he stood before the grand iron gates of the entrance to the castle. He looked up at the towering and massive stone building shielded by high walls and immediately, a rush of nostalgia overcame him. The castle might look eerie and lonely but to Oliver, the castle looked and felt so welcoming. It had been his home for seven years after all.

"Mr Wood?" a wheezy voice called out, bringing Oliver out of his reverie. He looked at the owner of the voice and was not surprised to see Filch standing at the gate with an oil lamp held out in front of him. He saw the huge cat just behind Filch and couldn't help but remember all the games and pranks that he and his friends had played on Filch and his pet.

Oliver nodded politely at the old man who responded with what Oliver thought was a feeble attempt at a smile and proceeded to follow him into the castle. The walk up into the castle was a quiet one except for the occasional mews of Mrs Norris and Oliver took the opportunity to be lost again in his own thoughts. It had been a week since the nasty quidditch incident and he was still in a dazed state about his suspension and his "punishment". He was still angry but he couldn't help but feel a little bit of anticipation about being back in Hogwarts and on the Quidditch field where he found his true passion.

They ascended a flight of stone steps that Oliver knew only too well led to the Great Hall.

"Professor McGonogall has arranged for you to have dinner first. You should go in now, lad. You'll find your trunk in your room," said Filch but Oliver couldn't process anything the man was saying. He was too busy taking in the sight of all the students rushing in and out of the Great Hall with their robes flaring behind them and suddenly, he felt the biggest wave of nostalgia hit him. He was too wrapped up in his emotions that he didn't notice Professor McGonogall beside him. It was only when she cleared her throat that he did took notice.

"Professor McGonogall," he greeted, slightly surprised.

"Pleasant evening, Mr Wood," she replied with a surprisingly warm smile. "You arrived just in time for dinner, young man. Shall we?"

"Of course, madam," said Oliver politely as led her into the Great Hall. It felt awkward to be entering the hall through the faculty entrance and was greatly relieved by his old Head of House leading him. The uncertainty and doubt slowly washed away though when he entered and was greeted by words of welcome and warm smiles from the rest of the faculty. He was surprised to see that most of his old teachers were still there, even old Professor Flitwick but he saw several new faces as well. Professor McGonogall had showed him his seat and he reached it but not without getting a rather strong pat on the back by none other than the jolly half-giant, Hagrid.

He took his seat between who he remembered had taught him Arithmancy, Professor Vector and a young witch that he didn't yet know. He settled in his seat, clearing his throat to rid himself of the anxiety he was feeling and then, he didn't even know how it had happened but suddenly he realized that the hall was buzzing loudly with whispers and chatters and all eyes were on him. He looked around uncertainly and cleared his throat once again.

"Thought you might have been used to it," said the young witch beside him. He looked at her as she took a sip of pumpkin juice and he thought she was rather pretty with her bright blue eyes and dark, curly hair.

"I beg your pardon?" he asked, confused.

She gestured towards the body of students in front of them and smiled.

"Being stared at and talked about," she explained. "Thought you might have been used to it, being one of the most famous quidditch players out there today."

He was about to reply when he heard a rather loud exclamation from one of the students.

"Is that Oliver Wood? Oh my god!" followed by a loud series of squeals and cheers from the students. He cringed (not visibly, he hoped) at this and he shifted a little in his seat.

"Oh, you must excuse the ladies, Mr Wood," said Professor Vector apologetically with a smile. "You are a very handsome athlete after all." He forced a smile at his old professor and the young lady beside him laughed amusedly.

"Yes, you are the Oliver Wood after all," she piped with a smile. "You'll get used to it, don't worry. I'm Aryana Powler, Muggle Studies teacher."

She held out her hand and Oliver took it without hesitation. He opened his mouth to introduce himself but was waved off.

"Don't bother," she said with a smile. "I already know you, remember?

Oliver smiled but before he could take the conversation (if it even was one) further, Professor McGonogall was on her feet, her mouth pursed into one straight line. It didn't take long for the students to notice her threatening stance and silence and soon, the hall was relatively quiet.

"Good evening, students," said the Headmistress, her eyes sternly looking over each and every house. "I take it from all the commotion you've caused that you have taken notice of the new member of our faculty," she glanced at Oliver, "Mr Oliver Wood here will be teaching flying lessons to all first years and quidditch lessons for the second and third years. Your lesson schedules will be posted as early as tomorrow morning."

The headmistress wasn't even finished speaking when an excited chatter immediately spread through the hall.

Dinner was finally over after what seemed to be forever and Oliver just wanted to get away from the watchful eyes of all the students. He said his good nights to the others after asking the directions to his room and quickly left the Great Hall.

He nodded in greeting to a group of girls that were giggling and smiling at him and this only served to make him walk faster. He crossed a hallway and decided to take a walk around the castle before settling in to bed. He needed to walk out the stress that was building up in him and he hadn't even started working yet.

The part of the castle he was walking in was quiet and cold and he was plenty grateful for the peace. He put his hands into his pockets and his thoughts began drifting to the recent chaos his life was in and suddenly, he was regretting the quietness of the corridors. He let out a sigh of frustration as he headed towards the faculty chambers. It was going to be one hell of a year ahead of him.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling.