CHAPTER 8- Wardsworth's Miss Perfect
It took a lot of hard work, patience, and sweat just to be able to talk to the students from Salem and Lexington. Most of the Hogwarts students became a little bit scared when they read from The Daily Prophet that Salem and Lexington students were powerful beings beyond description and that they chose the ones that they would talk to. But luckily, in a fateful morning like no other, one Salem student approached Hermione and talked to her. They began a conversation that led to them introducing each others' friends. It was really a good sight to see that all the schools were getting along so well. Unfortunately, students from Wardsworth didn't seem so friendly. They were often so distant from all the other school. Most of them were seen together and never apart. It has already been three weeks since they arrived, and yet none of them seemed to want to talk to other students.
Somehow, the other schools felt that Wardsworth wasn't exactly trained to be congenial. They would just look away whenever a pack of Wardsworth students passed by, for fear of being harmed by them. Fred and George were right, Wardsworth students are scary. They even creep the ghosts residing inside Hogwarts. Nearly-headless Nick once told Harry's bunch that the history of Wardsworth was far too dark for authors to write in books. He said that every corner inside the Wardsworth Conservatory contained a dangerous trap that could instantly kill an outsider and that Wardsworth was the most dangerous magical school known to all. From then on, the students were convinced that Wardsworth students were not ones to mess with, but not everyone. Of course Harry, Hermione, and Ron were not convinced of the rumors that had been spreading around. Once, they tried to talk to a student from Wardsworth but they were only pulled back by Neville. But they didn't give up. They tried and tried everyday, only to be stopped by their fellow Gryffindors.
Ron suddenly lost his patience on them one day and just shouted at them. Hermione seemed annoyed by the attitude of her classmates that she just rolled her eyes when Ron exploded his anger. Harry, on the other hand, started observing their new professor's manner. For the past few weeks, Oliver seemed so cheerful and peppy. He would greet every single person he passes by; he even greeted Professor Snape in a cheerful manner. This was surprising to Harry. Oliver wasn't exactly this euphoric towards everything in the world, but as of now, he looked so ecstatic about everything. And then one Saturday, as students lazily relaxed on the Pitch, a certain hooded figure was seen sitting at the far corner of the great green meadow. The Gryffindors of Harry's year decided to spend that day catching up with Oliver on some details about Puddlemere United. As they all crowded Oliver's usual spot on the Pitch, Hermione noticed that Oliver wasn't paying much attention to the questions that he's been asked. He looked rather disturbed about something.
Hermione continued to observe him, and soon enough, Harry and Ron did as well. They looked at how Oliver never seemed to look the questioner directly in the eye when he answers. His eyes seemed to linger about somewhere around the Pitch. Harry watched as he answered another question, and still, he didn't look at the questioner directly in the eye. Ron nudged Harry's shoulder. Harry looked at Ron making an indication about Oliver. Harry and Hermione looked at Oliver and noticed that he looked as if he'd rather be somewhere else. His movements were uneasy. He developed a mannerism of tapping his fingers on his knees. He looked so uneasy and uncomfortable.
"I wonder what's bothering him. He seems so perturbed about something," Hermione uttered worriedly.
"He keeps looking at the back, just around there somewhere," Ron said.
"But where?" Harry asked.
They all looked up at Oliver again and slowly followed his gaze as he looked at the back. Bingo! They finally found what, or more correctly who, he was looking at the whole time. There sitting at the far corner of the Pitch was a hooded figure. Hermione quickly distinguished the figure to be feminine. She was reading a book and was surrounded by a group of Wardsworth students; obviously proving that she's from Wardsworth. The students around appeared to be guarding her. They were a group of boys and girls scrambled around her; they just stood there talking to one another.
"It's a girl. It's just a girl. For goodness sake! Why do men always act like a fool towards a girl? This is ridiculous! Oliver is not one who will act like a fool just because of a girl," Hermione said exasperatedly.
"That's it? That easy?" Ron asked, a little bit confused at what was going on.
"I don't think we've solved this riddle yet, Ron. Hermione's right. Oliver is not one who would make a fool of himself just because of a girl. I mean, think about it. Oliver Wood may not be that popular like Lockhart, but his image towards women are, well, he's a public icon. Many students here at Hogwarts, even from the other schools, are rumored to have a crush on him. So, it's already proven that he has a celebrity status already forged. I wonder just what it is about that girl that creates madness to our Quidditch History professor," Harry pondered loudly.
"You guys up for another mystery solving?" Ron asked.
"Why not? It's been a long time since we've had a mystery here in Hogwarts," Hermione willingly answered.
"I think it's time to play spies again," Harry stated.
By the time lunch had arrived, the three had officially started their mission. They cautiously followed Oliver as he made his way into the castle. They followed him closely but warily, as not to lose him. When they reached the Entrance Hall instead of entering the Great Hall, Oliver kept going until he reached the Gryffindor Common Room. He stopped abruptly before the Portrait and then took another route towards the Library. Just as he was closing in on the Library he stopped again and turned towards his right. Harry looked at what he was looking and saw a group Wardsworth students walking towards Oliver. Oliver just stood there and stared at the figure walking in the middle of the group. Harry noticed it to be the hooded girl from the Pitch. When the Wardsworth students finally passed by Oliver, the girl stopped just beside him. She looked at him from under her hood. Oliver looked back and smiled. He nodded and then left, returning back to the Great Hall. After they realized that the coast was clear, Harry, Ron, and Hermione came out from their hiding place.
"That was helpful. What was that all about?" Ron asked as they walked back towards the Great Hall.
"I think that was kind of confusing. I don't get what all that was about," Hermione said.
"I don't get it either. I think we should just get over this and go straight to where we will get definite answers," Harry motioned.
"You're right. I don't think I can follow Oliver again like that if he just goes to a corner where those creepy Wardsworth students are hanging out," Ron stated.
"So, what's our plan then, Harry?" Hermione asked him.
"Guys, it's time for Interrogation 101," Harry answered with a look of determination.
The three of them decided that it was better if they did their interrogation just after dinner. So, they rounded up a lot to help them on interrogating their new teacher. Surprisingly, a lot of students were also curious at the mysterious behavior of their teacher, so they happily joined in. Harry told them to meet up at the Common Room at exactly 6:30, because Oliver usually settled at the Common Room by seven. They had just about enough time to discuss what they were going to do.
After lunch, Ron bid goodbye to Harry and Hermione because he wanted to go see Lavender. The two laughed as they discussed how their precious Ronald was slowly becoming a man. They walked around the school grounds just to feel the fresh new day. They stopped by the grassy fields, not far from Hagrid's Hut, and sat down. Hermione took in the scent of the flowers and the air around them. Harry just sat there and watched his best friend admire the sweet things in life. I am sixteen and I admit it now. Draco is right, this is the 21st century. I don't think Hermione will act differently towards me if I tell her the 'obvious' truth that I like her. But where do I start?
"Harry, may I ask you something?" Hermione's voice was heard.
"What is it?" Harry asked.
"The Ball, have you asked out someone yet?"
"The Ball? I haven't really thought about that."
"Well, I think you should find a date soon. Things are far different now, Harry. Everyone would want to know the identity of the lucky girl who caught the attention of their famous 'hero'."
"The pressure is building I see."
"Why? A little too much for you to handle?"
"Too, too much, 'Mione."
"Don't worry. You'll get used to it."
"I guess. So, Viktor asked you to the Ball?"
"Uhm, Harry, about that. I need to tell you something."
"What's that?
"Viktor has a girlfriend."
"What! How…? But… you…"
"No, Harry, there was nothing from the start. It was just pure friendship. We were getting to know each other's lives. We just wanted to make friends with each other."
"So all this time you never told us about this? We thought you two were actually an item. I mean, he was jealous of me!"
"We're not. We're just good friends. And about that, well, he was jealous of you, in some extent. I think it was that time when he thought he had a crush on me."
"Well, that's one mystery revealed. What are planning now?"
"Viktor just asked me if I could help him find the perfect gift for her; it's her birthday this coming Monday."
"Oh, so that's what you two have been talking about."
"Yes."
"That's good. At least now Pansy Parkinson will stop accusing you of using a love potion."
"Yes, isn't that nice? This year is turning out to be the best year ever."
"Hermione, I want to ask you something."
"Whatever could that be, Harry?"
"Well, since Viktor is out of the way, would you… would you be so kind enough… kind enough to do me the honor of… escorting you to the Ball?"
Hermione was silenced. She looked away first and then looked back at Harry's face. She took in what was painted in Harry's eyes. He was serious. He really meant it. I can't believe that Harry just said that. Why would he say that? Oh, no. I can't do this. He's my… oh, please! I just can't keep hiding behind the shadows forever. If he's taking a step then I should too.
"Harry, this is… I didn't expect you to ask me."
"I know. I'm sorry for startling you. I can wait until you're ready to reject me formally."
"What makes you think I'd reject you?"
"I just have a hunch that you will."
"Harry, for all the years you've known me, you still don't know me well enough, do you?"
"I guess I need more time."
"Well, I don't think this is the right time for that realization."
"It's alright, Hermione. I understand."
"No, you don't. Honestly, Harry! You can be just as clueless as Ron sometimes."
"I think it's contagious. So, do I get my answer now?"
"Yes."
"And?"
"Yes."
"Yes, yes, yes. Yes! Yes!"
"Stop repeating the word."
"Alright, I'm sorry. But, thanks - for accepting. I know it's the lamest invitation you have receive, but I'm just no good at this kind of thing."
"It's okay, Harry. I kind of found it charming."
"Thanks."
"Oh, and Harry, please, before we announce it to the whole school, try to first find a way in restraining your fans. I'd rather die in the clutches of evil than from the scary hands of your fan club."
"I'll see what I can do."
"Oh, and another thing, Harry, I think you should go talk to Cho."
"Talk to her? Why?"
"I think it's about time you have closure with each other. I've realized that you still haven't spoken to her since Cedric, well, came back to life. I never imagined myself to ever say something as incredible as that."
"Alright, I'll talk to her. You're right. We do need to sort things out, at least before she leaves Hogwarts."
"That's good."
"Hey, I think we'd better go. It's starting to get dark. I think it's going to rain."
"I think so too. Let's go. We better go look for Ron. We still have to discuss about the plan. We still don't have one. How are we going to tell the guys about it if we haven't concocted any?"
"You're right. Let's get a move on then."
Dinner came quickly. Soon, it was 6:30 and a group of Gryffindors were to be seen having a meeting inside their Common Room. They had already decided on what to do. When Oliver arrives at the Common Room at precisely 7:00, straight from his rounds, Seamus and Dean would be pretending to run into him by the curb towards their Common Room. They would casually join him and when they enter the Portrait Hole, Ginny would be coming down running from the Girls' Dormitory pretending to look for Wood. Then Neville would join them in their conversation, whilst Lavender and Parvati will loudly talk about the Wardsworth students. This will give the Trio the chance to look inside Wood's seemingly peculiar bag that he carried everywhere. While Wood is talking to Ginny and Neville, Seamus and Dean would join them just to take his mind off of anything, and when Oliver hears what Lavender and Parvati are talking about, he would, assuming, join them as well. Then as he would listen intently to what they were saying, the rest would block Oliver's vision from his bag, giving the Trio more time to rummage through it. They would look inside of it to find any clue about who the girl was, and when they are done, they would signal Lavender to end the conversation so that they could begin with the interrogation.
Everything went smoothly. After a short while of diversion, Oliver was sitting on a chair in the middle of the room surrounded by eager faces of his students. The Trio managed to find a piece of parchment inside Oliver's bag that said something about looking after a girl. The note was from a guy named Edward Henson. Harry thought that the name sounded familiar, yet he couldn't put his mind to it.
"What is this? Interrogation?" Oliver asked, astounded.
"Technically, that's a yes," Ginny answered for the group.
"Let me guess, this was all planned by none other than the famous Trio," Oliver said, gazing towards his three famous students.
"That would also be a yes," answered Seamus.
"Alright, let's get on with it. What do want?"
"Not much, just answer one question for us," Ron said.
"What's that?"
"Who is she?" Hermione asked.
"She? Who are you pertaining to?" Oliver asked, his face evident of confusion.
"Her," Ron said, pointing at a picture that was on his hand.
Oliver was silent. He looked at the faces of his students then towards the picture that he assumed was taken by Colin Creevey. He was confused at what they were doing. Then it hit him! He remembered his days as a sixteen year old. How ever did I get myself into this situation is beyond me.I can not believe that I fell for such a ridiculous act!
"Guys, guys, is that all? Alright, if you really want to find out who she is, wait just a moment."
"Why? Where are you going?"
"Just wait here and you'll get your answer soon."
Oliver walked past them and got out of the Portrait Hole. A few minutes passed and the group was still patiently waiting for Oliver's return. Suddenly, the Hole opened and in came Oliver with the hooded girl right in tow. The group fell stiff and tensed. They were so nervous. How could Oliver bring a Wardsworth student inside their room?
Oliver accompanied her to the sofa and whispered something in her ear. She nodded and rested on the sofa, her gaze at the group. Oliver looked back towards his students and smiled broadly, not minding that he obviously looked rather peculiar at that moment. He stood up straight and glanced once more towards the girl beside him before looking back at them.
"So, guys, you want your answer, right?" he finally said, looking at his students with a big smile on his face. "Alright then. I'd like to introduce to you the mysterious girl you have all been dying to meet. This is Harriotte Henson, daughter of the Duke of Epingworth."
The group was shocked. They weren't expecting that the hooded figure was actually a duke's daughter. The girl suddenly let down her hood. The group's eyes grew wide as the girl finally let her face be seen to all. It was a particularly interesting sight to see as the famous Trio and their fellow trouble-making friends all fell silent as the face before them bore of familiarity.
Harriotte stood up as Oliver extended his hand towards her. She looked at him with a small smile on her face, not wanting to divert her eyes away. Oliver gave her a somewhat mischievous wink before motioning for her to look at his students. It was most probably a request for her to introduce herself to them.
"Are you guys going to just stand there or are you going to introduce yourselves?" Oliver asked, chuckling at the sight before him and Harriotte.
The group was suddenly brought back to reality at the sound of his voice. The boys all scrambled to look as presentable as possible, whilst the girls tried to fix their hairs. When all was done, they stood in a straight line in front of the two. Harry noticed that no one dared to come forth and introduce himself, so he braved the odds and came up to her.
"Uhm, hello, Miss Henson, my name's Harry," he stuttered, putting out his hands to shake hers.
"You must be Mr. Harry Potter," she said.
"Y- Yes, Miss Henson."
"Please, call me Harriotte. It's nice to meet you. I've heard plenty of stories about you. On behalf of my Father's people, I thank you for saving us."
"You're welcome, Your Grace. But if I may, I hope I am not out of bounds here, but, I am terribly, terribly surprised that you are here. Of course, it is not a terrible thing for you to be here. It's just that... Well, now I do understand what that note we found inside Oliver's bag meant."
"You rummaged through my bag? So that was why you were not present when I was having a rather interesting discussion with your friends here," Oliver interjected, making Harry smile at him sheepishly
From then on the rest started introducing themselves. Harriotte was smiling the whole time. She was so nice and friendly, not like the stories that had been spreading around. She was far different from what the rumors had said about Wardsworth students.
"Oliver, why didn't you tell us that you knew someone from Wardsworth?" Lavender asked.
"You never asked. Besides, I didn't want to invade in her privacy," he answered.
"But, Oliver, how do you know her?" Hermione curiously asked.
"Well, you see, there is something that the Headmaster didn't tell you during the Feast."
"What could he possibly not tell us?" Ginny sarcastically asked, knowing full well that the Headmaster have always remained secretive.
"Wardsworth is bearing with them the presence of the member of a royal family. Therefore, they must act as a pact in order to protect her. That is why most of the Wardsworth students are in groups because they are protecting someone. Given this responsibility, Wardsworth students were determined to not disappoint their superiority, that is why they never had time to make friends," Harriotte answered.
"Because they felt that they were burdened with such a big obligation, Wardsworth students never thought of anything else but making sure that they would fulfill their duty. This started the speculations. It is true that Wardsworth is mysterious, that is because they never have time to socialize. They are dedicated in fulfilling their duties," Oliver continued.
"They are saddled with their determination to protect me that is why they don't socialize anymore. I feel so guilty that I am the reason why our school is being rumored as a dark school. If I were to be asked, I don't think this kind of protection is necessary. Hogwarts is a safe place. I don't think I would be harmed here," Harriotte finished.
"So that's the reason why you guys always go on groups. Good thing you told us," Dean said.
"But, you still haven't answered the question - how do you know her, Oliver?" Hermione asked again.
"I know her because…" Oliver started, but was interrupted.
"He knows me because I am his fiancé. We were engaged the day we were born. It was an arrangement between our families," Harriotte continued.
"ENGAGED!" they all screamed.
"Please, lower your voices. Yes, it is true. D o not be so surprised. It is common in our family line to be engaged at such an early age," Harriotte explained.
"But, still, you're alright with this?" Ginny asked.
"It's alright with us. Throughout the years, we've grown to know each other. And eventually, I guess you could say that, well, we learned to love each other. In a manner of speaking, that is," Oliver said.
"That's so romantic," Lavender and Parvati said.
"So, do you guys have anymore questions?" Oliver asked.
"Yeah, uhm, could you ask your classmates to be less creepy?" Ron frankly asked.
"Do not worry. From this day forth, Wardsworth students will not be that alarming anymore. I will talk to them about this. I promise," Harriotte said.
"Well, now that that's settled, I had better take Harriotte back to her quarters. It's getting late. You guys go to bed now," Oliver said, taking Harriotte's hand and leading her towards the Hole.
"It was nice to meet you all. Thank you for your time. Good evening," Harriotte said as she bowed down towards them and exited through the Hole.
"Wow! I never thought I'd ever live to know a royalty," Neville said to the guys as they went up the stairs.
"She's so pretty. She's perfect," Lavender told Parvati as they went up the stairs to the Girls' Dormitory.
"Bloody shocking, mate! I wasn't expecting that!" Ron said. "Oliver has hit it big time!"
"Well, she is Wardsworth's Miss Perfect," Hermione stated.
"Oliver's really lucky. Well, they both are," Harry said.
"Well, we better go to bed then. I'll see you two tomorrow. Goodnight," Hermione said, waving at them.
"Let's go, Harry. I'm getting sleepy."
Harry looked back at the Portrait Hole. He was so happy for Oliver. It was really unexpected, but he's really glad that this whole mystery is over. He walked up the stairs and disappeared through the dark. Something tells me that there are more surprises installed for us this year.