Chapter Three - The Night in the Hall
A few days had passed, and Oliver was still dateless. He and Jen hadn't spoken to each other about it at all, and his gut was telling him it was probably too late already. Christensen was quick with Jen - taking every moment in between classes and such to speak with her. Oliver and Jen were walking back to the Common Room from their last class before dinner when they saw a crowd formed around the portrait.
"What's going on?" Percy said in perfect Head Boy-ness.
"Don't tell me all of you have forgotten the password!" Jen sighed, and the two officers made their way to the portrait. There they saw it. Slashed. The Lady wasn't there at all - it was just empty. "I'm getting the Professor." Jen immediately said, running off in the direction of Professor McGonagall's office.
"What the bloody hell!" Oliver said. "Who would do this?" He asked, and a few moments later, many of the professors, including Professor Dumbledore, arrived at the scene. Dumbledore examined the area for a second or two, then spoke.
"To the Great Hall. Immediately." He commanded, and the packs of students began leaving the area.
"Who could have done this, Albus?" McGonagall asked. "This is absolutely horrid."
"We'll have to talk to the students...we might have to send them home, Minerva." Dumbledore said, clearly not happy. Percy, Jen, and Oliver were guiding the students to the Hall - and Dumbledore's sentence was the last one they heard.
"Dear god..." Jen gasped, suddenly stopping.
"What is it, Jen?" Oliver said, concern evident in his eyes.
"It could've been...it could've been Black." She said, thinking for a while, then dismissing the thought. "But no...how could he have gotten in? It's impossible." She said, smiling. They continued to walk, though Oliver still glanced at her every other while.
"If you think about it, it isn't impossible at all." Percy glanced at them. He was 100% serious.
"And that is what is going to make everyone get scared out of their wits." Oliver said.
As all of the students ate their dinner and waited for the professors to return, rumors instantly began spreading through the Great Hall. Some had said was Black...others said it was just a prank by Peeves...nobody truly knew the truth. Everything was just speculation until Professor Dumbledore entered the Hall.
"Students! It has come to my knowledge that there is a threat to the lives of Hogwarts students. Someone tried to break into the Gryffindor Common Room - and when the lady in the portrait refused to let that person enter - that person became violent. The other professors and I are currently conducting a thorough search of the castle, and we have found it safest that all of the students will sleep here in the hall tonight." He announced.
"Just great." Oliver muttered to Jen. "We have to sleep in one room with the Slytherins."
"I don't want to think about it, Oliver." Jen replied.
"Now," Dumbledore continued. "I'm leaving the Head Boy and Girl in charge, and it is eight o'clock...so...lights out at eleven. And you'll be needing these." He said. He snapped his fingers and instantly, the tables moved to the side of the room and all the students were standing in the middle, with squashy purple sleeping bags scattered everywhere. "Goodnight, everyone." He said, and he motioned Percy and Jen over to give them some instructions. "You two are in charge of 278 students. Please make sure you take care of them. If problems come up, use the summoning spell...you know...Accio." Dumbledore said. "I won't fly into your hand," he paused, smiling at Percy and Jen's reaction, "but I'll sense it, and I'll be back immediately." He finished.
"We understand, Professor." Percy nodded, and Dumbledore left. Students immediately began taking sleeping bags, and found good spots for them to sleep. Mostly, the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were closest to each other, and the Ravenclaws and Slytherins were near each other.
"Oh, Oliver?" Jen asked. "Could you get two sleeping bags for Percy and me?"
"Sure." Oliver replied, taking three (the other one for him, of course), and he walked over to Jen to ask her where they wanted it. Just as he was about to speak, a first year Slytherin, Elliot Macnair, gave her a piece of parchment and she read it. Immediately, Oliver could see the disgusted reaction on her face, and he dropped the sleeping bags. "What is it Jen?"
"Pig....that pig!" She said, clearly pissed off. She handed the parchment to Oliver and he read the surprisingly neat handwriting.
Miss McNeill,
Care to share a sleeping bag with me? You won't regret it.
"Who sent this!?" Oliver said as his blood began boiling.
"Look for the pig in Slytherin robes looking at me funny." She replied. He looked around, and Marcus Flint, a seventh year like them, was suggestively grinning at her.
"That good-for-nothing...I'll fix this right here and right now! I ought to kick his bloody arse!" He said as he stormed towards Flint. Jen's hand gripped his arm and he stopped, turned around, and looked at her.
"Just ignore him, Oliver. I don't want it to get worse. Please." She said. "Just drop it."
"Jen...I swear to god...if you get anything like that again or worse...I'll have to go to Azkaban for what I'd do to that piece of..."
Jen helped Oliver take the three sleeping bags to a spot near the wall and they sat down on one. "Oliver...come on...relax...please...I don't want you to get in trouble...it's okay..." She said, trying to calm him.
"Okay." He sighed. "But I swear Jen....if he ever does this again - you tell me. Do not hide it from me...okay?"
"Okay." She replied, and he let out another sigh before gently kissing her forehead.
"The last thing I want to happen is anything dangerous involving you, Jen."
"Which is why you're my best friend." She smiled, and for someone in Oliver's position, that would have been the worst thing to hear. "Well...I'll see you later...I have to make rounds....and I'll let Percy go to the Slytherin side." She assured him. He nodded and she left, immediately telling off some Hufflepuff students because they were noisy. Oliver decided to start a paper for potions class, and after a few hours, he heard Percy announcing lights off in fifteen minutes. He kept his things and tried to feel for a comfy spot in the exceptionally cushy sleeping bag. Percy and Jen walked over to where their two sleeping bags were.
"Jen, go on. Get some sleep. I'll handle this." Percy said. "It's okay, really."
"Are you sure? I mean, we could take shifts."
"Get into bed, Jen. I'll be fine...believe me...if anything happens, you'll hear me." Percy laughed. Jen smiled back at him.
"Okay..." She said, and she got into her sleeping bag right beside Oliver. After a few more hushed whispers and conversations, the lights went out, and the only light in the room was from the glistening ghosts. Every now and then, you could see Percy from the light, telling off students or simply walking around, making sure everything was okay.
"Goodnight, Jen. See you tomorrow." Oliver smiled. "Just slap me or something if you need help. I'm right beside you." He laughed.
"I will. Don't worry." She smiled. "Goodnight, Oliver." She said as she kissed his cheek and slid into her sleeping bag. Oliver couldn't sleep. He was thinking about so many different things. Sirius Black, the school, and then there was Jen. Flint sending her that letter...he wanted to beat Flint to a nice pulp...and then he thought about Jen again. Every other while the ghosts' illumination permitted him to have a glimpse of her, sound asleep.
Another day is going by I'm thinking about you all the time But you're out there And I'm here waiting
I'd do anything...just to hold you in my arms......
I'd do anything...just to fall asleep with you.......
I close my eyes and all I see is you I close my eyes I try to sleep I can't forget you...... And I'd do anything for you....
- I'd Do Anything - Simple Plan -
Oliver's eyes opened. He was slightly irritated by the sound of movement beside him.
"Ol...Oliver....?" She said, peeking out of her sleeping bag. He unzipped his sleeping bag and gently moved her closer to him. They were now both sitting up, leaning against the wall.
"What happened?" He asked as he gave her a hug.
"I...I was asleep..." She whispered. "Then I woke up...just a while ago...because...I felt something brush against my neck. I thought it was nothing...then I felt it again...and it brushed against me lower...against my chest...it was weird...and I couldn't get to sleep...I feel very uncomfortable right now..."
"I am going to kill him...." Oliver said as a rage began burning in him. Percy walked over to them.
"What's going on?" He asked.
"Flint...touched Jen...the wrong way..." Oliver said, his voice choking up.
"He couldn't have....he's all the way at the other side of the room. I would've seen him come over here." Percy said, rubbing Jen's back a bit, trying to comfort her.
"He could've used an invisibility cloak or something." Oliver said.
"I would've seen him disappear, and see his sleeping bag move. It didn't. The Slytherins are all the way on the other side with the Ravenclaws and we're way over here with the Hufflepuffs." Percy replied.
"Who else would've done it, Perce? He sent her an invitation to share his sleeping bag with her." Oliver asked in a loud whisper, the type that would get everyone say "SHHHH!" if you were in a library. Luckily, everyone was asleep..so they hadn't heard a thing.
"I don't know, Oliver...I don't know." Percy sighed. They both looked at Jen and realized that she had fallen asleep. "I'll keep looking around, okay?" Percy asked, and Oliver nodded. Percy stood up and strode away. Oliver gingerly moved her into his sleeping bag which they were sitting on. He tucked her in and sat beside her, leaning against the wall and keeping vigil at her side.
Oliver woke up with a ray of light shining on his face. He looked at his watch. 0530. He looked at Jen and she was fast asleep. He looked around the whole Hall. Fast asleep. Even Percy was in his sleeping bag out cold. He glanced at the head table then back in front of him, and a pair of feet were now standing in front of him.
"Professor Dumbledore! Sir! You scared me..." Oliver said, surprised at the sudden appearance.
"It's a Saturday, Mr Wood. Sleep in. I'll let you all stay here as long as you want." Dumbledore smiled. "I know you've been awake the whole night...watching over Ms McNeill." He said, glancing at Jen. "Mr Weasley told me of the incident and we are looking into it immediately."
"Thank you sir." Oliver said, bowing his head. "How about Black, sir? Was he found?"
"Nobody was found in the castle." The old wizard replied. "You are all safe." He smiled. "Go on. Sleep."
"Yes sir." Oliver said, glancing out the window. He turned back and Dumbledore was at the Head table. He got into Jen's sleeping bag (since she was in his) and almost immediately fell asleep.
Jen stirred and opened her eyes. She almost screamed to see that Oliver's face was a mere three inches away from hers. Her left arm was entwined with Oliver's right. She sat up, and Oliver woke up as well. He sat up and placed his arm around her shoulders.
"What is it?" He asked. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." She smiled. "What time is it?" She didn't want to talk about what happened.
He checked his watch and looked back at her again. "It's 0947." He replied.
"You still gonna sleep?"
"Nah." He said, jumping up and out of bed. They seemed to be the only students awake at the time. He held out his hand to her and she took it. They rolled up the sleeping bags and picked up their things. As Jen straightened out her very very wrinkled robes, Professor McGonagall walked into the Hall. The two strode over to her.
"G'morning, professor." Oliver said.
"Good day, Professor McGonagall." Jen added afterwards.
"Good morning you two. Professor Dumbledore said he is allowing a sleep- in." She smiled.
"We couldn't get back to sleep." Jen said.
"I see." McGonagall said, almost eyeing them suspiciously. "Well, you may return to Gryffindor tower now. It's safe." She said. "Then come down for some breakfast."
"Yes professor." They nodded, and they walked to the Tower. They arrived at the Portrait - which wasn't the Fat Lady at all. "Good day young students! I am Sir Cadogan, at your service." The painting of a knight said.
"Where's the Fat Lady?"
"Doesn't want to come back to work. Scared out of her wits. Of all the paintings, only I had the courage to stand guard here." The painting proudly exclaimed. "Wait...what do we have here? Lovebirds?" The painting said, looking at them. "You!" Cadogan said, pointing to Oliver. "Never, ever, ever leave her alone...you have to defend her." The painting instructed. The two looked at each other and were sort of blushing.
"...right..." Oliver said, shaking his head. He gave the password and Cadogan swung open.
"You two lovebirds be careful!" Cadogan said before he swung shut.
"We have to get that painting changed right away." Oliver sighed.
"I'll put that in my report." Jen smiled. "I'm gonna take a shower, okay?" She said.
"Yeah, sure. I will too. Meet you here so we can go to breakfast together?" He offered.
"Sure thing." She smiled. She walked into her dormitory, got her towel and clothes, walked to the bathroom and took a shower. She came out in a burgundy turtleneck sweater and khaki pants. She walked back into her dorm, which was still empty, and used a magic spell she learned from her mum that dried hair. She swept it up in a ponytail and walked down into the common room, which was filling with half-awake disgruntled Gryffindors.
"That Cadogan is nuts....crazy....what is he doing here..." Was what she heard among the complaints. She looked around and saw Oliver in one of the cushy seats by the fireplace. His hair was nice and gelled and he was wearing a black button down shirt. He stood up once he caught sight of her and smiled.
"Ready for brunch?" He asked. She looked at herself and realized that she was in slippers.
"No. Obviously not." She laughed at herself. "Go on ahead. I'll catch up." She said.
"It isn't safe to..."
"I'll go with Emmie and the twins." She smiled. "And save me a seat."
A few days had passed, and Oliver was still dateless. He and Jen hadn't spoken to each other about it at all, and his gut was telling him it was probably too late already. Christensen was quick with Jen - taking every moment in between classes and such to speak with her. Oliver and Jen were walking back to the Common Room from their last class before dinner when they saw a crowd formed around the portrait.
"What's going on?" Percy said in perfect Head Boy-ness.
"Don't tell me all of you have forgotten the password!" Jen sighed, and the two officers made their way to the portrait. There they saw it. Slashed. The Lady wasn't there at all - it was just empty. "I'm getting the Professor." Jen immediately said, running off in the direction of Professor McGonagall's office.
"What the bloody hell!" Oliver said. "Who would do this?" He asked, and a few moments later, many of the professors, including Professor Dumbledore, arrived at the scene. Dumbledore examined the area for a second or two, then spoke.
"To the Great Hall. Immediately." He commanded, and the packs of students began leaving the area.
"Who could have done this, Albus?" McGonagall asked. "This is absolutely horrid."
"We'll have to talk to the students...we might have to send them home, Minerva." Dumbledore said, clearly not happy. Percy, Jen, and Oliver were guiding the students to the Hall - and Dumbledore's sentence was the last one they heard.
"Dear god..." Jen gasped, suddenly stopping.
"What is it, Jen?" Oliver said, concern evident in his eyes.
"It could've been...it could've been Black." She said, thinking for a while, then dismissing the thought. "But no...how could he have gotten in? It's impossible." She said, smiling. They continued to walk, though Oliver still glanced at her every other while.
"If you think about it, it isn't impossible at all." Percy glanced at them. He was 100% serious.
"And that is what is going to make everyone get scared out of their wits." Oliver said.
As all of the students ate their dinner and waited for the professors to return, rumors instantly began spreading through the Great Hall. Some had said was Black...others said it was just a prank by Peeves...nobody truly knew the truth. Everything was just speculation until Professor Dumbledore entered the Hall.
"Students! It has come to my knowledge that there is a threat to the lives of Hogwarts students. Someone tried to break into the Gryffindor Common Room - and when the lady in the portrait refused to let that person enter - that person became violent. The other professors and I are currently conducting a thorough search of the castle, and we have found it safest that all of the students will sleep here in the hall tonight." He announced.
"Just great." Oliver muttered to Jen. "We have to sleep in one room with the Slytherins."
"I don't want to think about it, Oliver." Jen replied.
"Now," Dumbledore continued. "I'm leaving the Head Boy and Girl in charge, and it is eight o'clock...so...lights out at eleven. And you'll be needing these." He said. He snapped his fingers and instantly, the tables moved to the side of the room and all the students were standing in the middle, with squashy purple sleeping bags scattered everywhere. "Goodnight, everyone." He said, and he motioned Percy and Jen over to give them some instructions. "You two are in charge of 278 students. Please make sure you take care of them. If problems come up, use the summoning spell...you know...Accio." Dumbledore said. "I won't fly into your hand," he paused, smiling at Percy and Jen's reaction, "but I'll sense it, and I'll be back immediately." He finished.
"We understand, Professor." Percy nodded, and Dumbledore left. Students immediately began taking sleeping bags, and found good spots for them to sleep. Mostly, the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were closest to each other, and the Ravenclaws and Slytherins were near each other.
"Oh, Oliver?" Jen asked. "Could you get two sleeping bags for Percy and me?"
"Sure." Oliver replied, taking three (the other one for him, of course), and he walked over to Jen to ask her where they wanted it. Just as he was about to speak, a first year Slytherin, Elliot Macnair, gave her a piece of parchment and she read it. Immediately, Oliver could see the disgusted reaction on her face, and he dropped the sleeping bags. "What is it Jen?"
"Pig....that pig!" She said, clearly pissed off. She handed the parchment to Oliver and he read the surprisingly neat handwriting.
Miss McNeill,
Care to share a sleeping bag with me? You won't regret it.
"Who sent this!?" Oliver said as his blood began boiling.
"Look for the pig in Slytherin robes looking at me funny." She replied. He looked around, and Marcus Flint, a seventh year like them, was suggestively grinning at her.
"That good-for-nothing...I'll fix this right here and right now! I ought to kick his bloody arse!" He said as he stormed towards Flint. Jen's hand gripped his arm and he stopped, turned around, and looked at her.
"Just ignore him, Oliver. I don't want it to get worse. Please." She said. "Just drop it."
"Jen...I swear to god...if you get anything like that again or worse...I'll have to go to Azkaban for what I'd do to that piece of..."
Jen helped Oliver take the three sleeping bags to a spot near the wall and they sat down on one. "Oliver...come on...relax...please...I don't want you to get in trouble...it's okay..." She said, trying to calm him.
"Okay." He sighed. "But I swear Jen....if he ever does this again - you tell me. Do not hide it from me...okay?"
"Okay." She replied, and he let out another sigh before gently kissing her forehead.
"The last thing I want to happen is anything dangerous involving you, Jen."
"Which is why you're my best friend." She smiled, and for someone in Oliver's position, that would have been the worst thing to hear. "Well...I'll see you later...I have to make rounds....and I'll let Percy go to the Slytherin side." She assured him. He nodded and she left, immediately telling off some Hufflepuff students because they were noisy. Oliver decided to start a paper for potions class, and after a few hours, he heard Percy announcing lights off in fifteen minutes. He kept his things and tried to feel for a comfy spot in the exceptionally cushy sleeping bag. Percy and Jen walked over to where their two sleeping bags were.
"Jen, go on. Get some sleep. I'll handle this." Percy said. "It's okay, really."
"Are you sure? I mean, we could take shifts."
"Get into bed, Jen. I'll be fine...believe me...if anything happens, you'll hear me." Percy laughed. Jen smiled back at him.
"Okay..." She said, and she got into her sleeping bag right beside Oliver. After a few more hushed whispers and conversations, the lights went out, and the only light in the room was from the glistening ghosts. Every now and then, you could see Percy from the light, telling off students or simply walking around, making sure everything was okay.
"Goodnight, Jen. See you tomorrow." Oliver smiled. "Just slap me or something if you need help. I'm right beside you." He laughed.
"I will. Don't worry." She smiled. "Goodnight, Oliver." She said as she kissed his cheek and slid into her sleeping bag. Oliver couldn't sleep. He was thinking about so many different things. Sirius Black, the school, and then there was Jen. Flint sending her that letter...he wanted to beat Flint to a nice pulp...and then he thought about Jen again. Every other while the ghosts' illumination permitted him to have a glimpse of her, sound asleep.
Another day is going by I'm thinking about you all the time But you're out there And I'm here waiting
I'd do anything...just to hold you in my arms......
I'd do anything...just to fall asleep with you.......
I close my eyes and all I see is you I close my eyes I try to sleep I can't forget you...... And I'd do anything for you....
- I'd Do Anything - Simple Plan -
Oliver's eyes opened. He was slightly irritated by the sound of movement beside him.
"Ol...Oliver....?" She said, peeking out of her sleeping bag. He unzipped his sleeping bag and gently moved her closer to him. They were now both sitting up, leaning against the wall.
"What happened?" He asked as he gave her a hug.
"I...I was asleep..." She whispered. "Then I woke up...just a while ago...because...I felt something brush against my neck. I thought it was nothing...then I felt it again...and it brushed against me lower...against my chest...it was weird...and I couldn't get to sleep...I feel very uncomfortable right now..."
"I am going to kill him...." Oliver said as a rage began burning in him. Percy walked over to them.
"What's going on?" He asked.
"Flint...touched Jen...the wrong way..." Oliver said, his voice choking up.
"He couldn't have....he's all the way at the other side of the room. I would've seen him come over here." Percy said, rubbing Jen's back a bit, trying to comfort her.
"He could've used an invisibility cloak or something." Oliver said.
"I would've seen him disappear, and see his sleeping bag move. It didn't. The Slytherins are all the way on the other side with the Ravenclaws and we're way over here with the Hufflepuffs." Percy replied.
"Who else would've done it, Perce? He sent her an invitation to share his sleeping bag with her." Oliver asked in a loud whisper, the type that would get everyone say "SHHHH!" if you were in a library. Luckily, everyone was asleep..so they hadn't heard a thing.
"I don't know, Oliver...I don't know." Percy sighed. They both looked at Jen and realized that she had fallen asleep. "I'll keep looking around, okay?" Percy asked, and Oliver nodded. Percy stood up and strode away. Oliver gingerly moved her into his sleeping bag which they were sitting on. He tucked her in and sat beside her, leaning against the wall and keeping vigil at her side.
Oliver woke up with a ray of light shining on his face. He looked at his watch. 0530. He looked at Jen and she was fast asleep. He looked around the whole Hall. Fast asleep. Even Percy was in his sleeping bag out cold. He glanced at the head table then back in front of him, and a pair of feet were now standing in front of him.
"Professor Dumbledore! Sir! You scared me..." Oliver said, surprised at the sudden appearance.
"It's a Saturday, Mr Wood. Sleep in. I'll let you all stay here as long as you want." Dumbledore smiled. "I know you've been awake the whole night...watching over Ms McNeill." He said, glancing at Jen. "Mr Weasley told me of the incident and we are looking into it immediately."
"Thank you sir." Oliver said, bowing his head. "How about Black, sir? Was he found?"
"Nobody was found in the castle." The old wizard replied. "You are all safe." He smiled. "Go on. Sleep."
"Yes sir." Oliver said, glancing out the window. He turned back and Dumbledore was at the Head table. He got into Jen's sleeping bag (since she was in his) and almost immediately fell asleep.
Jen stirred and opened her eyes. She almost screamed to see that Oliver's face was a mere three inches away from hers. Her left arm was entwined with Oliver's right. She sat up, and Oliver woke up as well. He sat up and placed his arm around her shoulders.
"What is it?" He asked. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." She smiled. "What time is it?" She didn't want to talk about what happened.
He checked his watch and looked back at her again. "It's 0947." He replied.
"You still gonna sleep?"
"Nah." He said, jumping up and out of bed. They seemed to be the only students awake at the time. He held out his hand to her and she took it. They rolled up the sleeping bags and picked up their things. As Jen straightened out her very very wrinkled robes, Professor McGonagall walked into the Hall. The two strode over to her.
"G'morning, professor." Oliver said.
"Good day, Professor McGonagall." Jen added afterwards.
"Good morning you two. Professor Dumbledore said he is allowing a sleep- in." She smiled.
"We couldn't get back to sleep." Jen said.
"I see." McGonagall said, almost eyeing them suspiciously. "Well, you may return to Gryffindor tower now. It's safe." She said. "Then come down for some breakfast."
"Yes professor." They nodded, and they walked to the Tower. They arrived at the Portrait - which wasn't the Fat Lady at all. "Good day young students! I am Sir Cadogan, at your service." The painting of a knight said.
"Where's the Fat Lady?"
"Doesn't want to come back to work. Scared out of her wits. Of all the paintings, only I had the courage to stand guard here." The painting proudly exclaimed. "Wait...what do we have here? Lovebirds?" The painting said, looking at them. "You!" Cadogan said, pointing to Oliver. "Never, ever, ever leave her alone...you have to defend her." The painting instructed. The two looked at each other and were sort of blushing.
"...right..." Oliver said, shaking his head. He gave the password and Cadogan swung open.
"You two lovebirds be careful!" Cadogan said before he swung shut.
"We have to get that painting changed right away." Oliver sighed.
"I'll put that in my report." Jen smiled. "I'm gonna take a shower, okay?" She said.
"Yeah, sure. I will too. Meet you here so we can go to breakfast together?" He offered.
"Sure thing." She smiled. She walked into her dormitory, got her towel and clothes, walked to the bathroom and took a shower. She came out in a burgundy turtleneck sweater and khaki pants. She walked back into her dorm, which was still empty, and used a magic spell she learned from her mum that dried hair. She swept it up in a ponytail and walked down into the common room, which was filling with half-awake disgruntled Gryffindors.
"That Cadogan is nuts....crazy....what is he doing here..." Was what she heard among the complaints. She looked around and saw Oliver in one of the cushy seats by the fireplace. His hair was nice and gelled and he was wearing a black button down shirt. He stood up once he caught sight of her and smiled.
"Ready for brunch?" He asked. She looked at herself and realized that she was in slippers.
"No. Obviously not." She laughed at herself. "Go on ahead. I'll catch up." She said.
"It isn't safe to..."
"I'll go with Emmie and the twins." She smiled. "And save me a seat."