Chapter 52: Heads or Tails and Letters in Between

I busied myself by reading the Healing books my father had bought for me. Viktor left the wing saying he had matters to finish with my father and Uncle Alfonse. It probably concerned my decision of attending Hogwarts in September. An owl, a Hogwarts owl, had arrived, and I was astonished to see it was not addressed to me but to Viktor. Another was addressed to me. I left it unopened as I thought it would be better to open them together with Viktor.

Viktor Krum opened the door of the study. Ianthé was sitting on a big brown leather seat, still engrossed in reading Emergency Healing for Emergencies and taking notes on a long piece of parchment beside her.

"Busy?" he asked.

Ianthé looked up and put down her quill, "Not really, I was just taking notes and stuff… An owl came while you were gone…"

She handed him the envelope, "I also got one."

Viktor looked at the seal, "But this is from your school…"

"We'll open them together, okay? On the count of three…One, two, three…"

Viktor broke the seal and open the folded parchment inside.

Ianthé pulled out something from hers and her eyes enlarged, "No way…. No bleeding way…. This must some kind of sick joke!"

"So is mine," Viktor handed her his letter and Ianthé handed him a gold badge.

Dear Mr. Krum,

We are desperately seeking for anyone with experience in fighting the Dark Arts for the open application for the position as Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Your role, if you accept it, is very vital especially for the safety of the students who decided to attend Hogwarts this year.

Hoping for a positive response.

Hogwarts Headmistress,

Professor Minerva McGonagall

"And you had been made Head Girl?" Viktor looked at badge he was holding.

Ianthé nodded, "This is pretty confusing. I mean, I was not even made a prefect, and now this?"

"You haven't read your letter," Viktor pointed to the envelope on the floor.

Ianthé picked it up and opened the letter. She read aloud, "Dear Miss Herze, You have been chosen to be Head Girl of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The former Ravenclaw prefect by the name of Cho Chang reported to Professor Flitwick about the immediate concern you had shown for the safety of the younger students of the Ravenclaw House during the night when a number of Death Eaters infiltrated the castle. Professor Filius Flitwick mentioned your aptitude in all the subjects you took, especially in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, and my subject, Transfiguration. On the attached parchment are the listed responsibilities and duties assigned to the Head Girl and Boy. Congratulations, Hogwarts Headmistress Professor McGonagall."

Ianthé then looked at her fiancé, "What do you think?"

Viktor sat down, "I should accept. It would greatly help our cause… At least, we could be together one way or another…"

Ianthé snorted, "Well, remember the teacher-student policy…"

"At least, we could see each other everyday…"

Ianthé smiled and leaned on his shoulder, "You're right. You better owl McGonagall. I'll bet she will be thrilled… I wonder who the Transfiguration professor would be…"

"We should inform the rest of the family abut this…"

Ianthé got up, "You're probably right… I guess we should join them in dinner tonight…"

Viktor nodded.

"This is the perfect time to talk about the matters Viktor and I have discussed," Alexander Herze addressed to the table.

Ianthé's brows were furrowed. Viktor smiled at her widely.

"He, although already magically bound to my daughter and vice versa, formally asked for Théa's hand."

Uncle Alfonse clapped Viktor in the back, "Young man, you don't know what you're in for!"

Ianthé smiled at Viktor, her eyes twinkling, "Really? You did that?" she whispered.

"We have a slight problem, Alex," Viktor spoke up.

"Problem? I thought everything was already arranged?" Margeaux Herze asked.

"Théa had been made Head Girl."

The room exploded with cheers and congratulatory remarks to Ianthé.

"But Viktor was asked for the teaching position for Defense Against the Dark Arts position."

The room suddenly became quiet.

"Théa and I already talked about it. We both agreed it's for the best to accept the teaching position."

"That job is jinxed!" Uncle Alfonse mouthed.

"So, what are your plans now?" Ianthé's father asked.

"Ianthé would be safer with me in Hogwarts. We can protect the castle and the students. Théa planned to talk with a number of students who formed a group for Defense Against the Dark Arts during her fifth year. They will help me train the older students and protect the little ones. We can also make an escape plan for the students together with the Order."

Alexander Herze nodded, "That sounds like a good plan. What about the wedding?"

"Oh come on, Dad, I'm not going anywhere, so is Viktor. We can postpone it at least until the Christmas holidays…"

Ianthé's father smiled and nodded.

Margeaux Herze was still excited as her daughter is now Head Girl.

"Mum, who's going to go with me to Diagon Alley to buy my books and stuff?"

"Dear, we'll just order thru owl post…"

Ianthé nodded.

"If I remember it correctly, the Head Girl has a room of her own…. near the Professors' Wing…" Margeaux whispered.

Ianthé blushed, "Mum, stop it!"

"I'm just being realistic!"

"Shush, Mum!"

The mother and daughter continued their whispering as they left the dining room.

Ianthé woke up finding Viktor reading a thick book beside her. There were a lot of books scattered on the foot of their bed.

"What are you reading?"

"Just text books I will assign to my students…" he smiled at her and kissed her forehead.

"Darn…. Just don't assign too much homework, okay?"

"Don't worry, I won't. I think I'll take the practical approach in teaching."

"If you have problems, ask Remus. He was the professor of DADA during my third year. Brilliant too, might I add…. He also took the practical approach mostly…"

"I listed down a few things I will add. All the Dark Arts I learned in Durmstrang would at least be put to good use…"

"Thank Merlin you're good in English now than before…."

Viktor smiled.

"I wonder who the Transfiguration professor might be… Did McGonagall mention it in her reply letter?"

Viktor smiled secretly, "It's not in my position to tell you. You'll find out on the first day of classes…"

Ianthé huffed and got up, "I'll be in the shower."

"Hey!" Viktor got up quickly to follow her.

A snowy white owl flew near the garden and tapped on the tainted window. Ianthé opened the latch and the owl flew in.

"Aguamenti!" she pointed her wand to an empty saucer and placed it near the place where the owl has landed.

The owl hooted gratefully.

"Hey, I remember you…. Long trip was it?" Ianthé gently caressed the owl's soft down.

The owl hooted again and offered its leg.

Ianthé removed the letter attached.

Dear Ianthé,

We heard the news. Congrats. My boyfriend and I are planning to go on a holiday and see the roses you were raving about. I still don't know when. There, a Galleon for your thoughts.

Rune

"So that's why you're still here…" Ianthé caressed the owl again.

She got a quill and a small piece of parchment.

Dear Rune,

Thanks for the Galleon. I remember these … Anyways, I'll keep it as a souvenir. Your boyfriend finally came to his senses then? I heard you're still keeping that furry black dog with you wherever you go… Funny how your pet's hair seemed to stand up in different directions… I'll notify the hotel you will be staying in the capital. Tell your boyfriend it has the same first class accommodations and please do not frighten the room service. We wouldn't want a strike now, do we? Your boyfriend will be either floored or thankful when he learns about the new professor but I'm thrilled. Secrets are secrets. I guess I'm better in the not breaking hundreds of rules to pieces than you! No offense!

Ianthé

P.S. I'll take care of your boyfriend's cat, the one with the long ginger hair. She will bite but we'll manage…

Ianthé quickly dried the ink and rolled the letter. She tied it to the owl's leg.

"Be careful, okay? And be safe!"

The owl hooted and flew out of the house.

Ianthé pocketed the Galleon.