XV
Time passes by so quickly, 3 weeks had passed, and suddenly N.E.W.T is just a few days away. For that long also Oliver tries to get Naire out of his mind. It didn't work out very well, though. But he tries hard to concentrate on N.E.W.T. his leg has recovered, and he's very happy about it because it means that he can play at the next match.
The same thing happens to Naire. But the difference is that she's not trying to avoid him. She continues with making him a friend, and that makes him suffer even more. She realizes something strange about the way he acted, but she tries to ignore it. But that's not for her to worry about, she thought.
Actually there's other thing that bothers her so much. It's about his father. Lately she's been receiving letter from him almost every other day. The letters didn't say anything in particular, just the things that a father would wrote to his daughter. But it worries her so much, because it's not usual for him to do so. She's worried that there's something that her father hiding from her. It could be anything. Unfortunately, there is nobody that she can talk to. The only family she has left is her father. No uncle, no aunt, no cousins to talk to. She tries to push the worries out of her mind. She needs to concentrate on N.E.W.T.
The day has come. All the 7th years are nervous about it. N.E.W.T will goes for a week. After a long and hard works, finally it's over. Everybody is very happy and anxious about the result. The result will come out in two weeks, at the very end of semester, after the last Quidditch match.
One day before the match everybody is talking about the Quidditch match. It will be Gryffindor against Slytherin. The winner of the match will get the Quidditch cup for sure. That is why everybody is so excited about it. Everybody hopes, except for the Slytherins, that Gryffindor will win the cup. Actually, they don't care who wins as long as it's not Slytherin.
"Hey Oliver! We have to kick their sorry butt!" George said. "Tomorrow will be their doomsday!" Fred said spitting his breakfast accidentally from his mouth. "Eww. you're disgusting, Fred! Eat your breakfast properly!" Alicia snapped at him. "Sorry bout that, my love!" Fred apologies. "Whatever!" Alicia said.
"Please calm down for a while, students!" Dumbledore said rising from his seat. "Thank you. For Ms. Mutsuki, please come to my office.. I need to have a talk with you" he continued.
Oliver can see Naire puzzled face, but she quickly follows Dumbledore to his office. Oliver's eye follows her steps.
"Ehem. I thought you're over it" Angelina said sarcastically. "I'm just wondering why Dumbledore wants to see her, that's all" Oliver said to her.
After breakfast, Oliver walks to his next class. He was whistling when suddenly he hears a voice. It's the voice of someone crying. Out of curiosity, he searches for the voice. He enters one of the empty class hoping to find the source of the crying voice.
"Is someone there?" he asked.
The crying stops, but he can still here someone's breathing heavily.
"Are you okay?" he asked again walking to the front of the class.
To his surprise, he finds Naire sitting on the floor behind the front table with head buried in her knees.
"Naire! Are you okay?" he asked her, worried. "No I'm not okay. please leave me alone" she said under her tears. "I'm not leaving you until you tell me what's going on" he insisted. "Please, Oliver! I just want to be alone!" she sobbed. "But it's dangerous for you to be here alone at this stage. you could easily passed out without anybody knowing, or even kill yourself" he said taking a sit next to her, trying to joke. "It's not funny, Oliver" she said. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. I was hoping you could cheer up a little" he apologies. "How can I cheer up on something like this. how can I?" she screamed hysterically. "Okay, you can't .. but I don't what's this all about. Tell me and I'll try to help you. I'm your friend, right?" he said trying to calm her down. "You've been avoiding me for the last month. are you sure you're still my friend?" she asked coldly. "I'm sorry bout that, but now I'm here" he said. "My life is over." she said slowly. "Is it something that Dumbledore said before when he called you to his office?" he asked. "Yes" she answered. "Whatever it is, we'll find a way to solve it!" he said. "It can't be done, Oliver. It's something that doesn't have a solve for it" she said. "What is it then?" he asked again. "Don't push me here, Oliver.. " she starts to cry again. "don't cry Naire. please tell me what's going on, I want to help!" he insisted. "My father.. He died yesterday" she said with tears falling down from her eyes. "What?" he asked uncertain of what he heard. "My father passed away Oliver, and there's nothing you can do about that" she said. "I'm so sorry Naire. I'm very sorry" he said embracing her in his arms. "I don't know what to do Oliver. I have nobody in this world now!" she cries on his shoulder. "You have me.sshh. cry as much as you want. This shoulder is yours to cry on" he said, gently caressing her.
She cries and cries for hours. Through the hours, he stays there, giving his broad shoulders for her to cry on. Until it reaches the top of her strength, she fell asleep still in his arm. He stares at her soaked beautiful voice. Seeing her like this makes him want to hold her forever. He felt very sad of what has happened to her, he knew that her father was the last family member she has. He remembered the night on the cave where she told him everything about her mother. At that time she cried too, but not as much as now. He looks at her peaceful face and stroke her cheeks gently to wipes her tears.
"And what do you think you're doing here Mr. Wood if I may know?" McGonagall voice suddenly appears. "I'm sorry Professor, but." he tried to explain. "Is that Ms. Mutsuki in your arms?" she asked again rising her voice. "Well, yes. but you see." he said but was cut again by McGonagall. "It's very inappropriate for you two to be here, in my class!" she starts to get very angry. "Please, Professor.. let me explain" he begged. "Okay, I'll hear your explanation" she said. "Here's the story.I'm on my to my first subject when I heard a sobbing sound. I entered your class and found Naire crying hard here. I tried to comfort her, but she started to get hysterical, so I held her. And then she started to tell what was this all about. It turned out that she was crying because of her father's death" he explain briefly. "Oh God, I should have guess it! Is she alright now?" McGonagall asked with concern. "She calmed down Professor. in fact, she's sleeping now. It must have been very tiring to cry for hours" he said. "Poor child! It's good that you're here, Mr. Wood. She'd probably did something that will harm herself out of frustration" she said. "Thank you for understanding Professor" he smiled weakly. "Nonsense! Now help take to bring this poor girl to the hospital wing. I believe you're strong enough to carry her Mr. Wood" she said. "That won't be a problem" he said. "Well, we must hurry then" she said walking to the door.
He lifted her and carries her in his well-built arms all the way to hospital wing.
"Poppy, we need a bed for Ms. Mutsuki" said McGonagall entering the hospital wing. "My goodness! What happen?" asked Madam Pomfrey. "It's a long story. Please hurry Poppy" said McGonagall. "Put her here" said Madam Pomfrey opening the sheet on one bed. "Place her carefully, Mr. Wood" said McGonagall to Oliver.
They stood in their place while Madam Pomfrey examines Naire.
"Nothing serious I suppose. She just seem very exhausted" explain Madam Pomfrey. "Good then. I better go find Albus, he needs to know" said McGonagall with relieve. "You can go now, Mr. Wood. She'll be alright in my hand" said Madam Pomfrey. "Can I just stay here with her?" Oliver asked hopefully. "I don't see harm in it, Poppy" said McGonagall supporting him. "Well, okay then. But please try not to make any sound, Mr. Wood. She needs to rest" said Madam Pomfrey. "Thank you" he smiled.
After Madam Pomfrey gives Naire her medication, she left them alone. Oliver takes her small hand in his. He looks at her gently, praying the she'll be better. After a while, he can hear someone's coming.
"How is she, Mr. Wood?" Dumbledore asked him. "She's sleeping, Professor" he said. "If you're tired, you can go back to your common room, Mr. Wood. You don't need to go to your next classes" Dumbledore said again. "I'm fine. I want to stay here" he said. "It seems that you care a lot for her" said Dumbledore smiling. "I care for her more than anything in this world, Professor" he said. "I can see that. I believe she has told you everything" "Yes Professor" "And of course you knew her complicated situation now. She's alone now, there's no family to take care of her" said Dumbledore. "She still has friends" "I know that, Mr. Wood. But she needs more than friendships. she needs home, shelter, and protection after her graduation. If only she's still in 1st years, she won't be facing this trouble" explained Dumbledore. "Are there any solutions, Sir?" asked Oliver. "That's for me to find, Mr. Wood. All you can do now is to support her, because it seems that you're the only one who knew about this. This morning after I told her the news, she told me not to tell anyone, because she doesn't want anybody to know" said Dumbledore. "I understand. When is the funeral?" "Tomorrow. She'll be going tomorrow morning by train. Her good neighbour has taken care of the preparation" said Dumbledore. "Will she be going alone?" "You can ask her when she's awake. now I have to go. I will inform all the teachers whose class you've missed for today" "Thank you Sir!" "Anytime, my boy. now take care of her" Said Dumbledore leaving the hospital wing.
He stays there for hours till the night comes. He hasn't eaten properly, because all he eats was some crackers that Madam Pomfrey gave him. He was about to fall asleep when suddenly he felt a touch on his head. He quickly looks at the point where Naire is. And there she is, fully awake.
"Thank God you're awake, Naire!" he said happily. "How long have I been sleeping?" she asked weakly. "Almost 10 hours" he said looking at his wristwatch. "And how long have you been here?" she asked again. "Almost 10 hours" he smiled. "You crazy. You should go back to your common room" she smiled. "I'll go, but after you answer my question" he said. "Okay, what is it?" she said. "Are you feeling okay?" he asked. "Honestly? No" she answered. "How do you feel?" he asked again. "I feel like I've been hit by a train. I feel like I want to die" she said. "Don't say that. You have to be strong. You're father must have hoped for that also" he said. "Thank you Oliver. can you do me a favour?" she asked. "Anything" he said. "Can you please keep this a secret? I don't want anybody to know" she said. "Sure, I won't say a word" he smiled. "Thank you" "Hmm. Dumbledore told me that you will be going to the funeral tomorrow, can I come with you?" he asked carefully. "Aren't you forgetting something, Oliver?" "What?" "Tomorrow is the match. In case you forgot, you'll be playing against Slytherin" she said. "Shoot, I forgot!" he hit his head with his hand. "I appreciate your intention, but I can go alone" she said. "If only I can postpone the match, I'll go with you. You need someone to stand there by your side at the funeral" he said. "That's very sweet of you, Oliver. But I'll be fine, don't worry" she said. "Are you sure? You can always ask Dumbledore to go with you?" he said. "Yes, I'm sure. Now go! Save your energy for tomorrow. I want you to kick those ugly Slytherins' butt!" she said. "As you wish, my lady!" he bowed. "Bye, I'll see you in two days" she said. "Bye!" he said.
He smiles all the way back o the common room. When he enters the room, the whole team is waiting there, waiting for his explanation.
"Where have you been?" "You've missed practise!" "Are you okay?" "Are you sick or what?" "Whoa. one by one! He stopped them. "You better have a very good excuse, or I'll kill you!" said Fred and George. "Sorry to disappoint you, but I don't have any excuses. All I can say is, don't worry, I'm ready for tomorrow, and now I want to sleep" he explained. "But, Oliver! We've been searching for you whole day! You even missed all of your classes!" Angelina said. "What's going on?" asked Harry. "I cant' tell, I'm sorry. Why don't we just go take a rest to save energies for tomorrow? Better than being here and arguing. Goodnight!" he said walking to the boys' dorm. "I don't know why he's acting so strange. But he better be good tomorrow, or else!" said George.
The next morning everybody is so excited about the match. At breakfast, the main topic of the conversation is nothing but the match. Everybody is so ecstatic also because all the classes for today were cancelled, unless the match is over before the last class. The match will start in the morning, unlike any other matches before that started after classes were over.
After breakfast is over, they all walk to the field, ready to watch the last match of the semester. Both team are now getting ready at the changing room.
"Do you hear the roaring sound out there? It means that they're here to watch us win!" Said Oliver to the team. "So, I say that we go out there, crush the Slytherins, and go back with the cup in our hand!" he continued. "Yeaahh!" the whole team roared. "Le'ts go then" he said.
When the Gryffindor team appears at the field, everybody is cheering, except for the Slytherins. The got up on their broom and fly to the middle. Madam Hooch is ready to start the game.
"Everybody ready on their position. I will throw the Quaffle and the match will start after I blow the whistle. Ready?" she said.
She throws the Quaffle and blows the whistle. Both team are now moving.
SPINNET GETS HOLD ON THE QUAFFLE, AND SHE PASSED IT TO JOHNSON. SHE PASSED IT BACK TO SPINNET AND. WHOA.. IT SEEMS THE CHASER FROM SLYTHERIN, WHICH I DON'T KNOW HIS NAME, IS A LITTLE BIT BRUTAL. HE POSESSED THE QUAFFLE AND THROW IT BACK AND FORT TO THE OTHER CHASER. THEY BOTH RUNNING.. OOPS.. FLYING I MEAN, TO THE HOOPS. WOOD IS READY, AND THEY GIVE A SHOT. YEAH. GOOD SAVE FROM WOOD, THE KEEPER AS WELL AS THE CAPTAIN OF THE GRYFFINDOR LION. THE QUAFFLE NOW IS ON BELL'S BEAUTIFUL HANDS; SHE PASSED IT ON TO SPINNET. WATCH OUT FOR THE BLUGDER! GOOD SAVE FROM THE WEASLEYS. WHOA, GOOD FLYING. GRYFFINDOR STILL ON THE RUN WITH THE QUAFFLE. SPINNET PASSED IT ON TO JOHNSON. JOHNSON IS FLYING FAST.. VERY FAST TO THE HOOPS.. SHE GIVES A SHOT AND. YEEAAAAAAHHHHH.. TEN POINTS FOR GRYFFINDOR! Lee as the commentator yelled followed by the roaring sound from the audients.
POTTER IS STILL SEARCHING FOR THE SNICTH FOLLOWED CLOSELY BY MALFOY. NO SIGHTS OF IT.. NOWW BACK TO THE GAME, IT SEEMS NOW THAT SLYTHERIN IS PLAYING MORE BRUTAL. HEY! YOU JUST CAN'T KNOCK HER DOWN LIKE THAT! Lee shouted to the buff Slytherin's chaser that just tried to knock Alicia down.
NO PENALTY FOR THAT, UNFORTUNATELY. OOPSS THAT'S A VERY CLOSE SHOT! THANK YOU FOR WOOD THAT HAS SAVED THE HOOP AGAIN. JOHNSON IS HOLDING THE QUAFFLE TIGHT IN HER ARMS, I WISH I WAS THAT LUCKY, HAHA! NOW SHE PASSED IT ON TO BELL. SHE DUCKED FROM THE BLUGDER AND FLY TO THE HOOPS. THE BLUGDER IS NOW FLYING TOWARDS HER AGAIN, THIS TIME FRED WEASLEY IS THERE TO SAVE HER. WHOA.. ANOTHER BLUDGER. OH MAN, THEY ARE WORKING HARD AREN'T THEY? SHE THROWS THE QUAFFLE TO SPINNET WHO THROW IT TO ONE OF THE HOOPS.. YEAAAAAHHHHH! WOOHOOOO. ANOTHER GOAL FOR GRYFFINDOR! 20 TO 0 NOW.. The crowd roared again.
STIILL NO SIGN OF THE SNITCH. NO WAIT, THERE'S A GOLDEN THINGY FLYING ACROSS POTTER EYES! POTTER CHASED IT FOLLOWED AGAIN BY MALFOY, WHO OBVIOUSLY CAN'T DO MORE THAN FOLLOWING OUR GREAT POTTER. WHOA.. THAT'S A NASTY THING TO DO! MALFOY TRIED TO KNOCK POTTER DOWN, BUT HE'S BACK ON HIS BROOM.. NOW MALFOY IS IN POTTER FRONT. POTTER RISEN THE SPEED OF HIS BROOM.. THEY'RE SIDE TO SIDE NOW! THE SNITCH IS STILL FLYING WILD. OH NO, SLYTHERIN HAS SCORED 10 POINTS! IT'S 20 TO 10 NOW! BACK TO POTTER AND MALFOY.. THEY'RE STILL CHASING THE SNITCH. BUT POTTER'S BROOM IS TO FAST FOR MALFOY'S! HE STRETCH HIS RIGHT HAND.. HE. YAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY! HE CAUGHT THE SNITCH! POTTER HAS CAUGHT THE SNITCH! GRYFFINDOR WIINNN!!! THEY WIN THE QUIDDITCH CUP! Lee screamed on the top of his lungs.
"We win! We win!" Fred chanted.
All the Gryffindors cheered, the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs joined them while the team members hug each other, jumping up and down. To everybody surprise, Oliver, who's suppose to be the most ecstatic person, is leaving the field in such hurry.
"Hey, what's wrong with him?" the crowd questioned.
Oliver runs to where Dumbledore seated.
"Congratulation Mr. Wood! You did a fine job!" Dumbledore congratulated Oliver when he sees him standing in front of him. "Thank you Professor! But I need to speak with you! It's very important!" he said. "What is it you want to talk about, Mr. Wood?" asked Dumbledore. "Can you give me permission to go to Naire's father funeral?" he asked, surprising Dumbledore. "My my, and why do you want to do that?" asked Dumbledore. "Because I want to be there, I have to be there!" he insisted. "I'm afraid you can't Mr. Wood. It's to far by train. Ms. Mutsuki herself has leaved very early in the morning, at 4 am if you want to know" explained Dumbledore. "But, Professor. I have to be there!" he insisted again.
After some times of arguing, finally Dumbledore gave the permission.
"You have a very strong will, Mr. Wood! I don't know why are you doing this, but I think I can guess" Dumbledore smiled to him. "Thank You Sir! Thank you very much. now if you can tell me where it is, I'm going now!" he said. "Be patient my son! Clean yourself, prepare your things, and then meet me at my office. The password is 'Blue whale'. Now go!" Dumbledore ordered him.
Oliver does everything Dumbledore told him as fast as he could. He was ready with everything when his friends stopped him.
"Oliver, where are you going?" asked Harry. "Yeah, we're having celebration here. We have won the Quidditch Cup!" said Hermione. "I'm sorry guys, but I have to go now! Bye!" he runs leaving them confused. "Man, he's getting strange everyday!" said Fred. "But aren't you worry? I mean, he never acted like that. I'm afraid something has happened" said Angelina concerned. "He'll talk to us when he's ready, I guess" said Alicia.
He reaches Dumbledore office and quickly says the password.
"I'm ready to go, Professor!" he said. "Good! I'm ready, too. We'll be going with floo powders" said Dumbledore. "We?" he asked. "Yes, I'm going too. Now, come stand beside me, we'll use the floo powder at one time, together" said Dumbledore holding the powder in his hand. "But where are we going to appear?" he asked again. "An old friend of mine house. She's an old lady, a witch. She live on the same street where Ms. Mutsuki lives. There's a lot of Japanese people live there" Dumbledore explained. "Okay then, let's go!" he said.
In matter of seconds, they disappear and reappeared in the old lady house. Oliver can see her waiting for them.
"This is Mrs. Matsumoto, Oliver" Dumbledore introduced her to him. "Ooh.. what a handsome young man you are! What is your name, dear?" she asked Oliver. "Oliver Wood, ma'am" he answered. "I once knew a man like you in my youth. he's not as tall as you, but ." she started to talk. "Forgive us Matsumoto, but we have to go now. We're running out of time" Dumbledore cut her talking. "Oh no, no. don't apologize! I don't mean to stopped you here" she said and walked them to the front door and opens it. "Can you see the white house over there? It's their house" she said pointing in to a direction.
Oliver follows her direction and sees a small but beautiful white house with no fences.
"Arigato gozaimas, Matsumoto!" Dumbledore thanked her in Japanese.
They walk to Naire's house. When they're about to knock the front door, suddenly it opens.
"Professor Dumbledore! Oliver! What are you doing here?" she said completely shocked. "Good day Ms. Mutsuki. We're here to attend the funeral" said Dumbledore. "I'm very surprised to see you here, Sir! And you, Oliver. why are you here? Don't you have a match to play?" she asked. "It's finished.. and we won" he smiled. "Really? But how come? It's only 11 am" she asked again. "The match was held this morning Ms. Mutsuki. I can see you're about to leave, where are you going?" Dumbledore asked. "I was about to go to where my father will be cremated, Sir" she said. "Cremated?" Oliver asked. "Yes, it's a Japanese custom. When people died, their body will be cremated" she explained. "Oh, I see" Oliver nodded. "Now now, we're here not to disturb her. Are you going there alone, dear?" Dumbledore asked. "Yes, Sir" she answered. "Mr. Wood will accompany you. And as for me.." He stopped when a big grey owl flying towards them landed on his shoulder.
Dumbledore opens the letter that the owl brought. He read it and after he finished he folds it.
"And as for me.. I have to go back to Hogwarts" he continued. "Is there something wrong, Professor?" Oliver asked him. "No no. it is just a minor problem. But they need me there. So, I will leave you here Mr. Wood. I will wait for you to the latest, tomorrow. Take a train from King's Cross, as usual, platform 9 ¾ . Forgive me for being here in such a short time, Ms. Mutsuki. My condolence is for you" he explained. "Thank you Professor, I really appreciated it" she said. "Take care of her, Mr. Wood. I will be going now!" before Oliver could say anything, Dumbledore disapparated from where he was standing.
"So. are you alright?" Oliver asked. "I'm fine, thanks" she smiled. "So we're going now?" he asked. "Yes" she said walking to the garage.
The garage door opens and revealed what was inside. It's a blue motorbike.
"You ride a motorbike?" he asked in amazement. "Why? Is it hard to believe?" she asked bringing the bike out. "Well, I never imagined you riding one, because.you're a girl" he said. "You're just being sexist!" she said punching his shoulder. "Hey! You hurt me" he said pretending to hurt. "You deserved it" she said. "Ouch!" he smiled. "Come on, we have to hurry. jump in the back" she told him. "Hey, come to think of. aren't you underage to ride this?" he asked. "Well, yes. but it has been charmed, so every time a cop wants to stop me, he suddenly would feel the biggest urge to go to the bathroom" she laughs. "It's the first I saw you laughing for today" he said.
She just smiled.
"Hey, why don't I take the drivers seat, and you hop in the back. My treat!" he offered a suggestion. "Are you sure?" "Positively sure, come on" he jumped in the front. "Okay then" she followed him in the back. "Hold on tight! You show me the way, okay?" he said starting the engine.
She wraps her arms around his waist as they move through the street. He smiles, enjoying this rare moment as the air breezes to his face. She wraps her arms more tightly along with the speed he increases.
"Oliver" she said softly. "Yes?" "I'm glad that you're here" she said. "Me too" he smiled. "And I'm glad that it was you that helped me yesterday" she said again.
He doesn't answered, he just smiles.
Back in Hogwarts, all the Gryffindors are wondering where is Oliver. He disappeared after the game, and nobody have seen him anywhere. They're having a small party in the common room and of course they're hoping for their captain to be there.
"Where is he?" Harry asked. "I have no idea. the last time I saw him was when he left the field after the game" said Ron. "I better go search for him" said Angelina. "Hey, Ange. don't go now! I'm sure he'll be back soon. Just wait here" said Alicia. "Maybe he's busy with something else" said George smiling. "Or someone" Fred continued. "Don't worry, he's a big boy" said Katie. "I know, but I'm going to ask McGonagall anyway.. maybe he's sick and in the hospital wing or something" she said walking to the portrait hole.
They decided to let Angelina to worry about him, and continue the party.
In the Ravenclaw's common room, Naire's friends are searching for her.
"I can't found her everywhere!" Said the frustrated Jessica. "Calm down, Jess. Maybe she has something important to do" said Sandy trying to clam her down. "But we've been looking for her since morning! She was not in her bed when we woke up!" said Jessica. "Maybe we can try to ask Ethan. Maybe he knows where she is" Sandy suggested. "Do you think she's with him?" "Maybe, there's a possibility" "I doubt it. this is Naire we're talking about. She won't wake up very early in the morning just to see Ethan! Well, if it's Oliver, there's a possibility" "There's no harm to try. let's go find him" Sandy drags Jessica out. "If she's not with him, he'll be more panicked then us knowing that she's missing!" said Jessica.
They reach the Hufflepuff portrait and stood there, realizing that they don't know the password. Suddenly the portrait swing opens.
"Hey, what are you doing here?" asked a Hufflepuff girl who walks out from the hole. "Hmm.. we're here looking for Ethan. Can you tell him that we're here? It's very important!" said Jessica. "Okay! Ethan Anderton, right? And you are?" she asked. "Just tell him that we're Naire's friends" Sandy said quickly. "Okay, wait here" she said going back inside the portrait.
After some times of waiting, the portrait swings open again and the girl is back with Ethan.
"Hi! So.. what's up?" he asked them. "I don't know where to start. why don't you ask him, Jess" Sandy said to Jessica. "Hey! It's your idea to come up here! You ask him" Jessica said. "Oh alright! We're here to ask you something" said Sandy. "Okay, what is it about?" he said. "It seems that he doesn't know a thing! Maybe we should go. he'll be furious if he finds out!" whispered Jessica in Sandy's ear. "Is it something to do with Naire?" he asked starting to get worry. "We're here now, we might as well tell him" said Sandy. "Okay.. you tell him then" said Jessica. "Well Ethan, you're right. It has something to do with Naire" Sandy said to him. "So what is it then? Is she alright?" he asked. "Well, that's the problem. we don't know if she's alright or not, because she's missing" Sandy said to him. What? You're joking right?" he shouted. "I'm afraid we're not. the last time we saw her was last night before bedtime. and we haven't seen her since that" explained Jessica. "And we thought she's with you. Apparently not" said Sandy. "How could this happen? We must tell Dumbledore!" he said running through the hall. "We better follow him" said Jessica.
They both follow him to Dumbledore's office. On the way they bumped into McGonagall.
"God gracious! Why are you running like that?" McGonagall shout. "I'm sorry, Professor! But I need to see Professor Dumbledore, immediately!" said Ethan. "And why is that?" she asked folding her arms on her chest. "It's Naire, Professor! She's been missing since morning.. we couldn't find her anywhere" said Sandy. "Naire? Oh.. Ms. Mutsuki! I'm sure she's fine. No need to worry about that!" she said. "But, Professor!" Jessica said. "Ah.. no but my child. I told you not to worry, now run along!" she said again. "Professor McGonagall!" shouted Angelina from across the hallway. "Oh, what's wrong with teenagers these days? Do they have to yell like a five years old?" she said to herself. "What is it Ms. Johnson?" she asked her. "I was wondering. have you seen Oliver, Professor?" asked Angelina. "Mr. Wood? No I haven't.. but I'm sure he's fine" she said smiling. "Well, I haven't seen him since the match, and I'm afraid he might be sick" Angelina said again. "He's fine Ms. Johnson. Now all of you. go back to your common room or anywhere but here. I'm very busy!" said Mcgonagall leaving them. "But Professor!" they all call her but she ignores them.
They all stood silent and look at each other.
"So, why are you here?" Angelina asked them. "Naire is missing, and we went to search for her. And what are you doing here?" Said Jessica. "I'm looking for Oliver, he's been missing also" said Angelina. "Well, don't you think it's a bit odd that 2 person is missing in one day" said Sandy. "Yes. Oliver and." said Angelina. "Naire!" Jessica finished.
They both gasped at stare at each other.
"Do you think.?" Angelina said. "Are we thinking the same thing here?" Jessica asked confused. "Could be. but I don't know" Angelina said. "Hey, I don't understand what are you talking about!" Sandy shouted. "We better not talk about this here." Jessica said looking at the silent Ethan. "I have to go" he said slowly leaving them.
They all can see the hurt on his face. Both Jessica and Angelina felt guilty for bringing up the idea to his face.
"Oh boy, I smell trouble!" Jessica said slowly. "I still don't understand what are you talking about!" Sandy squealed. "I think we need to have a chat" Angelina said to Jessica and Sandy. "I think so, too" Jessica agreed.
Time passes by so quickly, 3 weeks had passed, and suddenly N.E.W.T is just a few days away. For that long also Oliver tries to get Naire out of his mind. It didn't work out very well, though. But he tries hard to concentrate on N.E.W.T. his leg has recovered, and he's very happy about it because it means that he can play at the next match.
The same thing happens to Naire. But the difference is that she's not trying to avoid him. She continues with making him a friend, and that makes him suffer even more. She realizes something strange about the way he acted, but she tries to ignore it. But that's not for her to worry about, she thought.
Actually there's other thing that bothers her so much. It's about his father. Lately she's been receiving letter from him almost every other day. The letters didn't say anything in particular, just the things that a father would wrote to his daughter. But it worries her so much, because it's not usual for him to do so. She's worried that there's something that her father hiding from her. It could be anything. Unfortunately, there is nobody that she can talk to. The only family she has left is her father. No uncle, no aunt, no cousins to talk to. She tries to push the worries out of her mind. She needs to concentrate on N.E.W.T.
The day has come. All the 7th years are nervous about it. N.E.W.T will goes for a week. After a long and hard works, finally it's over. Everybody is very happy and anxious about the result. The result will come out in two weeks, at the very end of semester, after the last Quidditch match.
One day before the match everybody is talking about the Quidditch match. It will be Gryffindor against Slytherin. The winner of the match will get the Quidditch cup for sure. That is why everybody is so excited about it. Everybody hopes, except for the Slytherins, that Gryffindor will win the cup. Actually, they don't care who wins as long as it's not Slytherin.
"Hey Oliver! We have to kick their sorry butt!" George said. "Tomorrow will be their doomsday!" Fred said spitting his breakfast accidentally from his mouth. "Eww. you're disgusting, Fred! Eat your breakfast properly!" Alicia snapped at him. "Sorry bout that, my love!" Fred apologies. "Whatever!" Alicia said.
"Please calm down for a while, students!" Dumbledore said rising from his seat. "Thank you. For Ms. Mutsuki, please come to my office.. I need to have a talk with you" he continued.
Oliver can see Naire puzzled face, but she quickly follows Dumbledore to his office. Oliver's eye follows her steps.
"Ehem. I thought you're over it" Angelina said sarcastically. "I'm just wondering why Dumbledore wants to see her, that's all" Oliver said to her.
After breakfast, Oliver walks to his next class. He was whistling when suddenly he hears a voice. It's the voice of someone crying. Out of curiosity, he searches for the voice. He enters one of the empty class hoping to find the source of the crying voice.
"Is someone there?" he asked.
The crying stops, but he can still here someone's breathing heavily.
"Are you okay?" he asked again walking to the front of the class.
To his surprise, he finds Naire sitting on the floor behind the front table with head buried in her knees.
"Naire! Are you okay?" he asked her, worried. "No I'm not okay. please leave me alone" she said under her tears. "I'm not leaving you until you tell me what's going on" he insisted. "Please, Oliver! I just want to be alone!" she sobbed. "But it's dangerous for you to be here alone at this stage. you could easily passed out without anybody knowing, or even kill yourself" he said taking a sit next to her, trying to joke. "It's not funny, Oliver" she said. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. I was hoping you could cheer up a little" he apologies. "How can I cheer up on something like this. how can I?" she screamed hysterically. "Okay, you can't .. but I don't what's this all about. Tell me and I'll try to help you. I'm your friend, right?" he said trying to calm her down. "You've been avoiding me for the last month. are you sure you're still my friend?" she asked coldly. "I'm sorry bout that, but now I'm here" he said. "My life is over." she said slowly. "Is it something that Dumbledore said before when he called you to his office?" he asked. "Yes" she answered. "Whatever it is, we'll find a way to solve it!" he said. "It can't be done, Oliver. It's something that doesn't have a solve for it" she said. "What is it then?" he asked again. "Don't push me here, Oliver.. " she starts to cry again. "don't cry Naire. please tell me what's going on, I want to help!" he insisted. "My father.. He died yesterday" she said with tears falling down from her eyes. "What?" he asked uncertain of what he heard. "My father passed away Oliver, and there's nothing you can do about that" she said. "I'm so sorry Naire. I'm very sorry" he said embracing her in his arms. "I don't know what to do Oliver. I have nobody in this world now!" she cries on his shoulder. "You have me.sshh. cry as much as you want. This shoulder is yours to cry on" he said, gently caressing her.
She cries and cries for hours. Through the hours, he stays there, giving his broad shoulders for her to cry on. Until it reaches the top of her strength, she fell asleep still in his arm. He stares at her soaked beautiful voice. Seeing her like this makes him want to hold her forever. He felt very sad of what has happened to her, he knew that her father was the last family member she has. He remembered the night on the cave where she told him everything about her mother. At that time she cried too, but not as much as now. He looks at her peaceful face and stroke her cheeks gently to wipes her tears.
"And what do you think you're doing here Mr. Wood if I may know?" McGonagall voice suddenly appears. "I'm sorry Professor, but." he tried to explain. "Is that Ms. Mutsuki in your arms?" she asked again rising her voice. "Well, yes. but you see." he said but was cut again by McGonagall. "It's very inappropriate for you two to be here, in my class!" she starts to get very angry. "Please, Professor.. let me explain" he begged. "Okay, I'll hear your explanation" she said. "Here's the story.I'm on my to my first subject when I heard a sobbing sound. I entered your class and found Naire crying hard here. I tried to comfort her, but she started to get hysterical, so I held her. And then she started to tell what was this all about. It turned out that she was crying because of her father's death" he explain briefly. "Oh God, I should have guess it! Is she alright now?" McGonagall asked with concern. "She calmed down Professor. in fact, she's sleeping now. It must have been very tiring to cry for hours" he said. "Poor child! It's good that you're here, Mr. Wood. She'd probably did something that will harm herself out of frustration" she said. "Thank you for understanding Professor" he smiled weakly. "Nonsense! Now help take to bring this poor girl to the hospital wing. I believe you're strong enough to carry her Mr. Wood" she said. "That won't be a problem" he said. "Well, we must hurry then" she said walking to the door.
He lifted her and carries her in his well-built arms all the way to hospital wing.
"Poppy, we need a bed for Ms. Mutsuki" said McGonagall entering the hospital wing. "My goodness! What happen?" asked Madam Pomfrey. "It's a long story. Please hurry Poppy" said McGonagall. "Put her here" said Madam Pomfrey opening the sheet on one bed. "Place her carefully, Mr. Wood" said McGonagall to Oliver.
They stood in their place while Madam Pomfrey examines Naire.
"Nothing serious I suppose. She just seem very exhausted" explain Madam Pomfrey. "Good then. I better go find Albus, he needs to know" said McGonagall with relieve. "You can go now, Mr. Wood. She'll be alright in my hand" said Madam Pomfrey. "Can I just stay here with her?" Oliver asked hopefully. "I don't see harm in it, Poppy" said McGonagall supporting him. "Well, okay then. But please try not to make any sound, Mr. Wood. She needs to rest" said Madam Pomfrey. "Thank you" he smiled.
After Madam Pomfrey gives Naire her medication, she left them alone. Oliver takes her small hand in his. He looks at her gently, praying the she'll be better. After a while, he can hear someone's coming.
"How is she, Mr. Wood?" Dumbledore asked him. "She's sleeping, Professor" he said. "If you're tired, you can go back to your common room, Mr. Wood. You don't need to go to your next classes" Dumbledore said again. "I'm fine. I want to stay here" he said. "It seems that you care a lot for her" said Dumbledore smiling. "I care for her more than anything in this world, Professor" he said. "I can see that. I believe she has told you everything" "Yes Professor" "And of course you knew her complicated situation now. She's alone now, there's no family to take care of her" said Dumbledore. "She still has friends" "I know that, Mr. Wood. But she needs more than friendships. she needs home, shelter, and protection after her graduation. If only she's still in 1st years, she won't be facing this trouble" explained Dumbledore. "Are there any solutions, Sir?" asked Oliver. "That's for me to find, Mr. Wood. All you can do now is to support her, because it seems that you're the only one who knew about this. This morning after I told her the news, she told me not to tell anyone, because she doesn't want anybody to know" said Dumbledore. "I understand. When is the funeral?" "Tomorrow. She'll be going tomorrow morning by train. Her good neighbour has taken care of the preparation" said Dumbledore. "Will she be going alone?" "You can ask her when she's awake. now I have to go. I will inform all the teachers whose class you've missed for today" "Thank you Sir!" "Anytime, my boy. now take care of her" Said Dumbledore leaving the hospital wing.
He stays there for hours till the night comes. He hasn't eaten properly, because all he eats was some crackers that Madam Pomfrey gave him. He was about to fall asleep when suddenly he felt a touch on his head. He quickly looks at the point where Naire is. And there she is, fully awake.
"Thank God you're awake, Naire!" he said happily. "How long have I been sleeping?" she asked weakly. "Almost 10 hours" he said looking at his wristwatch. "And how long have you been here?" she asked again. "Almost 10 hours" he smiled. "You crazy. You should go back to your common room" she smiled. "I'll go, but after you answer my question" he said. "Okay, what is it?" she said. "Are you feeling okay?" he asked. "Honestly? No" she answered. "How do you feel?" he asked again. "I feel like I've been hit by a train. I feel like I want to die" she said. "Don't say that. You have to be strong. You're father must have hoped for that also" he said. "Thank you Oliver. can you do me a favour?" she asked. "Anything" he said. "Can you please keep this a secret? I don't want anybody to know" she said. "Sure, I won't say a word" he smiled. "Thank you" "Hmm. Dumbledore told me that you will be going to the funeral tomorrow, can I come with you?" he asked carefully. "Aren't you forgetting something, Oliver?" "What?" "Tomorrow is the match. In case you forgot, you'll be playing against Slytherin" she said. "Shoot, I forgot!" he hit his head with his hand. "I appreciate your intention, but I can go alone" she said. "If only I can postpone the match, I'll go with you. You need someone to stand there by your side at the funeral" he said. "That's very sweet of you, Oliver. But I'll be fine, don't worry" she said. "Are you sure? You can always ask Dumbledore to go with you?" he said. "Yes, I'm sure. Now go! Save your energy for tomorrow. I want you to kick those ugly Slytherins' butt!" she said. "As you wish, my lady!" he bowed. "Bye, I'll see you in two days" she said. "Bye!" he said.
He smiles all the way back o the common room. When he enters the room, the whole team is waiting there, waiting for his explanation.
"Where have you been?" "You've missed practise!" "Are you okay?" "Are you sick or what?" "Whoa. one by one! He stopped them. "You better have a very good excuse, or I'll kill you!" said Fred and George. "Sorry to disappoint you, but I don't have any excuses. All I can say is, don't worry, I'm ready for tomorrow, and now I want to sleep" he explained. "But, Oliver! We've been searching for you whole day! You even missed all of your classes!" Angelina said. "What's going on?" asked Harry. "I cant' tell, I'm sorry. Why don't we just go take a rest to save energies for tomorrow? Better than being here and arguing. Goodnight!" he said walking to the boys' dorm. "I don't know why he's acting so strange. But he better be good tomorrow, or else!" said George.
The next morning everybody is so excited about the match. At breakfast, the main topic of the conversation is nothing but the match. Everybody is so ecstatic also because all the classes for today were cancelled, unless the match is over before the last class. The match will start in the morning, unlike any other matches before that started after classes were over.
After breakfast is over, they all walk to the field, ready to watch the last match of the semester. Both team are now getting ready at the changing room.
"Do you hear the roaring sound out there? It means that they're here to watch us win!" Said Oliver to the team. "So, I say that we go out there, crush the Slytherins, and go back with the cup in our hand!" he continued. "Yeaahh!" the whole team roared. "Le'ts go then" he said.
When the Gryffindor team appears at the field, everybody is cheering, except for the Slytherins. The got up on their broom and fly to the middle. Madam Hooch is ready to start the game.
"Everybody ready on their position. I will throw the Quaffle and the match will start after I blow the whistle. Ready?" she said.
She throws the Quaffle and blows the whistle. Both team are now moving.
SPINNET GETS HOLD ON THE QUAFFLE, AND SHE PASSED IT TO JOHNSON. SHE PASSED IT BACK TO SPINNET AND. WHOA.. IT SEEMS THE CHASER FROM SLYTHERIN, WHICH I DON'T KNOW HIS NAME, IS A LITTLE BIT BRUTAL. HE POSESSED THE QUAFFLE AND THROW IT BACK AND FORT TO THE OTHER CHASER. THEY BOTH RUNNING.. OOPS.. FLYING I MEAN, TO THE HOOPS. WOOD IS READY, AND THEY GIVE A SHOT. YEAH. GOOD SAVE FROM WOOD, THE KEEPER AS WELL AS THE CAPTAIN OF THE GRYFFINDOR LION. THE QUAFFLE NOW IS ON BELL'S BEAUTIFUL HANDS; SHE PASSED IT ON TO SPINNET. WATCH OUT FOR THE BLUGDER! GOOD SAVE FROM THE WEASLEYS. WHOA, GOOD FLYING. GRYFFINDOR STILL ON THE RUN WITH THE QUAFFLE. SPINNET PASSED IT ON TO JOHNSON. JOHNSON IS FLYING FAST.. VERY FAST TO THE HOOPS.. SHE GIVES A SHOT AND. YEEAAAAAAHHHHH.. TEN POINTS FOR GRYFFINDOR! Lee as the commentator yelled followed by the roaring sound from the audients.
POTTER IS STILL SEARCHING FOR THE SNICTH FOLLOWED CLOSELY BY MALFOY. NO SIGHTS OF IT.. NOWW BACK TO THE GAME, IT SEEMS NOW THAT SLYTHERIN IS PLAYING MORE BRUTAL. HEY! YOU JUST CAN'T KNOCK HER DOWN LIKE THAT! Lee shouted to the buff Slytherin's chaser that just tried to knock Alicia down.
NO PENALTY FOR THAT, UNFORTUNATELY. OOPSS THAT'S A VERY CLOSE SHOT! THANK YOU FOR WOOD THAT HAS SAVED THE HOOP AGAIN. JOHNSON IS HOLDING THE QUAFFLE TIGHT IN HER ARMS, I WISH I WAS THAT LUCKY, HAHA! NOW SHE PASSED IT ON TO BELL. SHE DUCKED FROM THE BLUGDER AND FLY TO THE HOOPS. THE BLUGDER IS NOW FLYING TOWARDS HER AGAIN, THIS TIME FRED WEASLEY IS THERE TO SAVE HER. WHOA.. ANOTHER BLUDGER. OH MAN, THEY ARE WORKING HARD AREN'T THEY? SHE THROWS THE QUAFFLE TO SPINNET WHO THROW IT TO ONE OF THE HOOPS.. YEAAAAAHHHHH! WOOHOOOO. ANOTHER GOAL FOR GRYFFINDOR! 20 TO 0 NOW.. The crowd roared again.
STIILL NO SIGN OF THE SNITCH. NO WAIT, THERE'S A GOLDEN THINGY FLYING ACROSS POTTER EYES! POTTER CHASED IT FOLLOWED AGAIN BY MALFOY, WHO OBVIOUSLY CAN'T DO MORE THAN FOLLOWING OUR GREAT POTTER. WHOA.. THAT'S A NASTY THING TO DO! MALFOY TRIED TO KNOCK POTTER DOWN, BUT HE'S BACK ON HIS BROOM.. NOW MALFOY IS IN POTTER FRONT. POTTER RISEN THE SPEED OF HIS BROOM.. THEY'RE SIDE TO SIDE NOW! THE SNITCH IS STILL FLYING WILD. OH NO, SLYTHERIN HAS SCORED 10 POINTS! IT'S 20 TO 10 NOW! BACK TO POTTER AND MALFOY.. THEY'RE STILL CHASING THE SNITCH. BUT POTTER'S BROOM IS TO FAST FOR MALFOY'S! HE STRETCH HIS RIGHT HAND.. HE. YAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY! HE CAUGHT THE SNITCH! POTTER HAS CAUGHT THE SNITCH! GRYFFINDOR WIINNN!!! THEY WIN THE QUIDDITCH CUP! Lee screamed on the top of his lungs.
"We win! We win!" Fred chanted.
All the Gryffindors cheered, the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs joined them while the team members hug each other, jumping up and down. To everybody surprise, Oliver, who's suppose to be the most ecstatic person, is leaving the field in such hurry.
"Hey, what's wrong with him?" the crowd questioned.
Oliver runs to where Dumbledore seated.
"Congratulation Mr. Wood! You did a fine job!" Dumbledore congratulated Oliver when he sees him standing in front of him. "Thank you Professor! But I need to speak with you! It's very important!" he said. "What is it you want to talk about, Mr. Wood?" asked Dumbledore. "Can you give me permission to go to Naire's father funeral?" he asked, surprising Dumbledore. "My my, and why do you want to do that?" asked Dumbledore. "Because I want to be there, I have to be there!" he insisted. "I'm afraid you can't Mr. Wood. It's to far by train. Ms. Mutsuki herself has leaved very early in the morning, at 4 am if you want to know" explained Dumbledore. "But, Professor. I have to be there!" he insisted again.
After some times of arguing, finally Dumbledore gave the permission.
"You have a very strong will, Mr. Wood! I don't know why are you doing this, but I think I can guess" Dumbledore smiled to him. "Thank You Sir! Thank you very much. now if you can tell me where it is, I'm going now!" he said. "Be patient my son! Clean yourself, prepare your things, and then meet me at my office. The password is 'Blue whale'. Now go!" Dumbledore ordered him.
Oliver does everything Dumbledore told him as fast as he could. He was ready with everything when his friends stopped him.
"Oliver, where are you going?" asked Harry. "Yeah, we're having celebration here. We have won the Quidditch Cup!" said Hermione. "I'm sorry guys, but I have to go now! Bye!" he runs leaving them confused. "Man, he's getting strange everyday!" said Fred. "But aren't you worry? I mean, he never acted like that. I'm afraid something has happened" said Angelina concerned. "He'll talk to us when he's ready, I guess" said Alicia.
He reaches Dumbledore office and quickly says the password.
"I'm ready to go, Professor!" he said. "Good! I'm ready, too. We'll be going with floo powders" said Dumbledore. "We?" he asked. "Yes, I'm going too. Now, come stand beside me, we'll use the floo powder at one time, together" said Dumbledore holding the powder in his hand. "But where are we going to appear?" he asked again. "An old friend of mine house. She's an old lady, a witch. She live on the same street where Ms. Mutsuki lives. There's a lot of Japanese people live there" Dumbledore explained. "Okay then, let's go!" he said.
In matter of seconds, they disappear and reappeared in the old lady house. Oliver can see her waiting for them.
"This is Mrs. Matsumoto, Oliver" Dumbledore introduced her to him. "Ooh.. what a handsome young man you are! What is your name, dear?" she asked Oliver. "Oliver Wood, ma'am" he answered. "I once knew a man like you in my youth. he's not as tall as you, but ." she started to talk. "Forgive us Matsumoto, but we have to go now. We're running out of time" Dumbledore cut her talking. "Oh no, no. don't apologize! I don't mean to stopped you here" she said and walked them to the front door and opens it. "Can you see the white house over there? It's their house" she said pointing in to a direction.
Oliver follows her direction and sees a small but beautiful white house with no fences.
"Arigato gozaimas, Matsumoto!" Dumbledore thanked her in Japanese.
They walk to Naire's house. When they're about to knock the front door, suddenly it opens.
"Professor Dumbledore! Oliver! What are you doing here?" she said completely shocked. "Good day Ms. Mutsuki. We're here to attend the funeral" said Dumbledore. "I'm very surprised to see you here, Sir! And you, Oliver. why are you here? Don't you have a match to play?" she asked. "It's finished.. and we won" he smiled. "Really? But how come? It's only 11 am" she asked again. "The match was held this morning Ms. Mutsuki. I can see you're about to leave, where are you going?" Dumbledore asked. "I was about to go to where my father will be cremated, Sir" she said. "Cremated?" Oliver asked. "Yes, it's a Japanese custom. When people died, their body will be cremated" she explained. "Oh, I see" Oliver nodded. "Now now, we're here not to disturb her. Are you going there alone, dear?" Dumbledore asked. "Yes, Sir" she answered. "Mr. Wood will accompany you. And as for me.." He stopped when a big grey owl flying towards them landed on his shoulder.
Dumbledore opens the letter that the owl brought. He read it and after he finished he folds it.
"And as for me.. I have to go back to Hogwarts" he continued. "Is there something wrong, Professor?" Oliver asked him. "No no. it is just a minor problem. But they need me there. So, I will leave you here Mr. Wood. I will wait for you to the latest, tomorrow. Take a train from King's Cross, as usual, platform 9 ¾ . Forgive me for being here in such a short time, Ms. Mutsuki. My condolence is for you" he explained. "Thank you Professor, I really appreciated it" she said. "Take care of her, Mr. Wood. I will be going now!" before Oliver could say anything, Dumbledore disapparated from where he was standing.
"So. are you alright?" Oliver asked. "I'm fine, thanks" she smiled. "So we're going now?" he asked. "Yes" she said walking to the garage.
The garage door opens and revealed what was inside. It's a blue motorbike.
"You ride a motorbike?" he asked in amazement. "Why? Is it hard to believe?" she asked bringing the bike out. "Well, I never imagined you riding one, because.you're a girl" he said. "You're just being sexist!" she said punching his shoulder. "Hey! You hurt me" he said pretending to hurt. "You deserved it" she said. "Ouch!" he smiled. "Come on, we have to hurry. jump in the back" she told him. "Hey, come to think of. aren't you underage to ride this?" he asked. "Well, yes. but it has been charmed, so every time a cop wants to stop me, he suddenly would feel the biggest urge to go to the bathroom" she laughs. "It's the first I saw you laughing for today" he said.
She just smiled.
"Hey, why don't I take the drivers seat, and you hop in the back. My treat!" he offered a suggestion. "Are you sure?" "Positively sure, come on" he jumped in the front. "Okay then" she followed him in the back. "Hold on tight! You show me the way, okay?" he said starting the engine.
She wraps her arms around his waist as they move through the street. He smiles, enjoying this rare moment as the air breezes to his face. She wraps her arms more tightly along with the speed he increases.
"Oliver" she said softly. "Yes?" "I'm glad that you're here" she said. "Me too" he smiled. "And I'm glad that it was you that helped me yesterday" she said again.
He doesn't answered, he just smiles.
Back in Hogwarts, all the Gryffindors are wondering where is Oliver. He disappeared after the game, and nobody have seen him anywhere. They're having a small party in the common room and of course they're hoping for their captain to be there.
"Where is he?" Harry asked. "I have no idea. the last time I saw him was when he left the field after the game" said Ron. "I better go search for him" said Angelina. "Hey, Ange. don't go now! I'm sure he'll be back soon. Just wait here" said Alicia. "Maybe he's busy with something else" said George smiling. "Or someone" Fred continued. "Don't worry, he's a big boy" said Katie. "I know, but I'm going to ask McGonagall anyway.. maybe he's sick and in the hospital wing or something" she said walking to the portrait hole.
They decided to let Angelina to worry about him, and continue the party.
In the Ravenclaw's common room, Naire's friends are searching for her.
"I can't found her everywhere!" Said the frustrated Jessica. "Calm down, Jess. Maybe she has something important to do" said Sandy trying to clam her down. "But we've been looking for her since morning! She was not in her bed when we woke up!" said Jessica. "Maybe we can try to ask Ethan. Maybe he knows where she is" Sandy suggested. "Do you think she's with him?" "Maybe, there's a possibility" "I doubt it. this is Naire we're talking about. She won't wake up very early in the morning just to see Ethan! Well, if it's Oliver, there's a possibility" "There's no harm to try. let's go find him" Sandy drags Jessica out. "If she's not with him, he'll be more panicked then us knowing that she's missing!" said Jessica.
They reach the Hufflepuff portrait and stood there, realizing that they don't know the password. Suddenly the portrait swing opens.
"Hey, what are you doing here?" asked a Hufflepuff girl who walks out from the hole. "Hmm.. we're here looking for Ethan. Can you tell him that we're here? It's very important!" said Jessica. "Okay! Ethan Anderton, right? And you are?" she asked. "Just tell him that we're Naire's friends" Sandy said quickly. "Okay, wait here" she said going back inside the portrait.
After some times of waiting, the portrait swings open again and the girl is back with Ethan.
"Hi! So.. what's up?" he asked them. "I don't know where to start. why don't you ask him, Jess" Sandy said to Jessica. "Hey! It's your idea to come up here! You ask him" Jessica said. "Oh alright! We're here to ask you something" said Sandy. "Okay, what is it about?" he said. "It seems that he doesn't know a thing! Maybe we should go. he'll be furious if he finds out!" whispered Jessica in Sandy's ear. "Is it something to do with Naire?" he asked starting to get worry. "We're here now, we might as well tell him" said Sandy. "Okay.. you tell him then" said Jessica. "Well Ethan, you're right. It has something to do with Naire" Sandy said to him. "So what is it then? Is she alright?" he asked. "Well, that's the problem. we don't know if she's alright or not, because she's missing" Sandy said to him. What? You're joking right?" he shouted. "I'm afraid we're not. the last time we saw her was last night before bedtime. and we haven't seen her since that" explained Jessica. "And we thought she's with you. Apparently not" said Sandy. "How could this happen? We must tell Dumbledore!" he said running through the hall. "We better follow him" said Jessica.
They both follow him to Dumbledore's office. On the way they bumped into McGonagall.
"God gracious! Why are you running like that?" McGonagall shout. "I'm sorry, Professor! But I need to see Professor Dumbledore, immediately!" said Ethan. "And why is that?" she asked folding her arms on her chest. "It's Naire, Professor! She's been missing since morning.. we couldn't find her anywhere" said Sandy. "Naire? Oh.. Ms. Mutsuki! I'm sure she's fine. No need to worry about that!" she said. "But, Professor!" Jessica said. "Ah.. no but my child. I told you not to worry, now run along!" she said again. "Professor McGonagall!" shouted Angelina from across the hallway. "Oh, what's wrong with teenagers these days? Do they have to yell like a five years old?" she said to herself. "What is it Ms. Johnson?" she asked her. "I was wondering. have you seen Oliver, Professor?" asked Angelina. "Mr. Wood? No I haven't.. but I'm sure he's fine" she said smiling. "Well, I haven't seen him since the match, and I'm afraid he might be sick" Angelina said again. "He's fine Ms. Johnson. Now all of you. go back to your common room or anywhere but here. I'm very busy!" said Mcgonagall leaving them. "But Professor!" they all call her but she ignores them.
They all stood silent and look at each other.
"So, why are you here?" Angelina asked them. "Naire is missing, and we went to search for her. And what are you doing here?" Said Jessica. "I'm looking for Oliver, he's been missing also" said Angelina. "Well, don't you think it's a bit odd that 2 person is missing in one day" said Sandy. "Yes. Oliver and." said Angelina. "Naire!" Jessica finished.
They both gasped at stare at each other.
"Do you think.?" Angelina said. "Are we thinking the same thing here?" Jessica asked confused. "Could be. but I don't know" Angelina said. "Hey, I don't understand what are you talking about!" Sandy shouted. "We better not talk about this here." Jessica said looking at the silent Ethan. "I have to go" he said slowly leaving them.
They all can see the hurt on his face. Both Jessica and Angelina felt guilty for bringing up the idea to his face.
"Oh boy, I smell trouble!" Jessica said slowly. "I still don't understand what are you talking about!" Sandy squealed. "I think we need to have a chat" Angelina said to Jessica and Sandy. "I think so, too" Jessica agreed.