Aoife and the Druid's Wand

Chapter 3

"The Try-out"

After dinner, when most people had left the Great Hall Ceithlinn was still gathering all of her things. When she had reached the doors she saw Ron standing there.

He was pretending to be looking for something in his bag but was actually waiting to speak with her.

"This could be my chance to get that chocolate," Ceithlinn thought. Ginny had dared her something she absolutely could not resist.

She knew it was her chance because of the constant foreshadowing she had. Now that she thought of it. The foreshadowing was sometimes a nuisance.

"Hey, Ceith?" Ron asked as she approached with an armful of books.

"Yes?"

"Um...I uh...I think you should try out for Quidditch. I think you would be very good at it," Ron said quietly.

He noted the look of thoughtfulness on her beautiful face.

"You know? I think I will," she said after a moment.

"Thanks!"

Immediately after that, she very swiftly stood on her tip-toes and planted a light kiss on his cheek and as swiftly she bolted like a frightened horse before he could even realize what happened and react.

When she was out of sight Ron had finally gathered his wits and blushed a deep crimson and placed his hand to the cheek her perfect lips had kissed.

"Oh my god! What was that for!?" he thought, shocked.

~~~~~~

That night, Ceithinn's premonition came true. But Ron just could not see himself actually telling Ceithlinn that he liked her. So he decided to talk to a friend, the only one of his two best friends who could possibly understand his situation. Harry Potter.

~~~~~~

"She kissed you!?" Harry exclaimed.

"On the cheek," Ron said. Then he added, "Ginny thinks I should talk to her about this whole thing."

"Okay. What do you personally think? Do you think she likes you or not?"

"I don't know!" Ron whined.

"Are there any obvious clues? I mean, she doesn't seem like the type of girl who would suddenly kiss a guy if she were not totally sure of him."

"Well, there was breakfast. I noticed that when her premonition ended she looked shocked, and the whole time we were talking she was blushing slightly."

"Yes. There's that. But there's also the fact that her premonition was instigated by touching your fingers. And we are both very aware of the evidence her kissing you gave," Harry said.

"Umm...yes."

"Well I'm no mind reader but I find it pretty obvious that she likes you a lot."

"So what do I do?"

"That's for you to figure out."

"Hey! I thought you were gonna help me!"

But Harry had already walked away.

~~~~~~

A few weeks later a flier was put up in the Common room declaring that anyone who was not a first year could try out for the position of Chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. The paper said that try-outs would begin immediately after dinner.

Ceithlinn wanted to be one of the first ones there because she might have a better chance to make the team if she was prompt. To prepare, she used a temporary Shrinking Charm on her broom. Her broom was a well-kept Nimbus 2000. To make sure her Nimbus was sparkling she used her own broom-care kit.

Because of her anticipation the day just seemed to drag by very slowly. When it was finally time to go, Ceithlinn was very nervous. As she and Ginny walked towards the field she said, "I don't think I can do this."

"Of course you can! Don't you remember our very first flying lesson? You had never been on a broom before in your life and you were a natural! You also have a very good broom, you know?"

"Yes I do."

Then she did a very random thing and hugged her broom fiercely with a weird happy expression on her face.

"You are immensely strange," Ginny said.

"Yes!"

"Great, I have a nerdy insane person as my best friend. What is this world coming to!?"

They had reached the field and they saw that there was only a few people milling around waiting for the try-outs to start.

Ron and Harry were standing and talking over a clipboard. Ceithlinn figured that Ron was only there to help Harry with the decision. But according to Ron, that was only a minor reason. He knew that Harry, as the Captain, was perfectly capable on determining someone's talent.

About ten minutes later Harry declared that that was about all the people that were coming.

"Okay. We will start by separating you into groups of two to demonstrate your throwing and catching capabilities. But if you purposely do something cruel to get someone out, then I will throw you out. Any questions?"

No one had any so Harry continued, "Alright then mount your brooms and take one lap around the field."

The try-out went smoothly for Ceithlinn, although that could not be said for most of the other people. Some of the people had unfortunately tried to mess others up who were doing better than they. Yet, as Harry said, he would be able to spot foul play, and spot them he did. By the time it was nearly over Harry had narrowed it down to three; Ceithlinn, a third year boy, and a fourth year girl. They waited patiently for Harry and Ron to finish discussing with each other.

Ron whispered, "I truly hope that you did not kick Ceithlinn out because of me."

"No. I was not even thinking of your infatuation with each other."

"Well that's good, but who out of the three are you going to choose?"

"I have a notion but I would like to hear your opinions first."

"Ok then. I was going to say it before but...that boy would not be good for the position at all. True, he is better than most but not as good as that one girl, and then there's the comparison between the fourth year and Ceithlinn. Now this is not the crush talking but I personally think Ceithlinn is the one you are looking for."

"What are your reasons?"

"Well, Ceithlinn is very swift, coordinated, easily dodges objects, and is a good catch. But those are the unimportant things." Ron got a misted look and continued to speak, "She is perfect in every aspect, absolutely radiant is not nearly a good enough term. A goddess! A mystical ethereal goddess, with the most perfect personality! Her hair! Those eyes! One could get lost forever in those eyes."

"Alright lover boy, you are now completely off the subject. Although I am glad your judgement of her skills corresponds with my reasons for choosing her as our new Chaser."

"Really!? You're actually gonna pick her?"

"Yes," Harry said with no emotion shown.

"Then tell them now!"

"Ok, ok," Harry said while backing away from his love-struck friend.

To the three contestants he announced, "We have made our decision and we hope you will not take any offense if you were not chosen. This is a competitive sport, although I am sure you all are quite good we had to choose the best of the best." He looked at the two younger students and said, "I'm terribly sorry. Just know that my decision had nothing to do with your ages."

"So basically you are implying that I was the one you chose for Chaser," Ceithlinn stated.

"Yeah."

"Thank you," she said soberly.

The two younger students picked up their bags and walked off. Harry picked his up and hurried off without waiting for Ron. It was obvious to Ron that Harry was silently urging him to do something. Ceithlinn saw Ginny inching away and she realized the same thing. But she had used most of her bravery on the dare. So she busied herself by getting her things together.

When he saw her doing this he instantly knew that she would not make the first step. He could understand that. It was she who had daringly made the first move, now it was his turn. He waited until she had gathered everything up.

The moment this happened he called her name softly, still not sure of what to do.

"Yes?" she answered equally soft and shy.

Before she knew it Ron had taken three long strides, cupped her face with his hands and softly kissed her mouth. It seemed like a long wondrous moment before he stepped away and said breathlessly, "Just returning the gesture."

Before she could stop them the words: "Would you like to go with me to Hogsmeade our next trip?" came flowing speedily out.

"Sure. That would be great," her replied, shocked at her response. He had been eighty percent sure that she would slap him and run off.

Just like before, she said "thank you" and swiftly kissed him. But unlike before, this kiss was on the mouth.

Yet like before she dashed off. Although she called, "See you later!" over her shoulder as she ran.

~~~~~~

"Ooohhh what have I done?" Ceithlinn wailed as she sat on her bed.

"What do you mean 'what have I done'?" Ginny asked.

"Oh you know!"

"What? You mean that you think that it was a big mistake to ask my brother out?"

"Yes! Ginny! I don't have a clue what to do! I've never been on a date before!"

"Well, I can't help you there. Never been on a date before either. All I can tell you is that I am sure you can relax. I mean, my brother is easy to talk to as you may have noticed, talk about Quidditch. That will get him talking for hours."

But Ceithlinn was not comforted much. She asked, "But what will we do?"

"Go look in shops then stop by the Three Broomsticks for butterbeers and a nice chat."

"What kind of shops? I mean, what if one of us chooses a shop to go into that the other doesn't?"

"Which shops do you like to go in?"

"Hmmm...joke shops, Quidditch shops, candy shops, and of course book shops," Ceithlinn replied thoughtfully.

"Good. He likes all of those except the bookshops. Here's a piece of advice: Ceithlinn? You must control your craving for chocolate and other sugary things. We can't have you go into hyper-mode on a date. A first date at that."

"Hey Gin? Do you have any idea when the next trip to Hogsmeade is?"

"I overheard a couple of teachers saying that there is one scheduled on -Halloween."

"That's a few weeks from now. Maybe I should do something before then."

"Tutoring perhaps? I don't mean to be blunt, but Ron has never been a good student," Ginny said simply.

"Could you maybe hint at it?"

"Sure I'd be happy to!"

"Thanks Gin. Thanks a lot."

"No problem. That's what best friends are for."

~~~~~~

"No way! That would make me feel stupid. I mean, come on! She's a sixth year; I'm a seventh! Logically I know more than she does."

"Hmph! All right then smart guy. What are the ingredients in a Forgetful Potion?"

"Uh...I uh...forget."

"Oh please! That was soo first year!"

"Yeah? Well, you actually like Potions!"

"Uhuh. So you gonna do it?"

"Yeah."

"Great! Tomorrow after classes then."

"Fine."

Ron thought about it a bit. He came to the conclusion that tutoring was a good excuse to spend more time with Ceithlinn until their big date.

~~~~~~

The next day, Ron gathered his books and homework assignments and walked towards the table where Ceithlinn was busily scribbling on a sheet of parchment.

"I'm here. Ready to learn," he announced.

"Great. Why don't you drop your stuff there and we'll figure out what you need the most help with."

"Okay. But first I must ask you a question. Do you really expect to get much studying done?" he said with a wink.

"One thing you should really know about me is that I am like Hermione in the aspect of schoolwork being the highest priority. I am also very shy. But that is something everyone knows."

"You sure don't sound shy."

"Oh I'm terrified. Never dated before."

"You hide it well."

"Thank you. But you know nobody's perfect right?"

"Yeah I know. Just look at me. What makes you say that?"

"Quite a few people who don't know me well consider me a perfect know-it-all with absolutely no flaws. For instance; I may be your tutor but I can't help you in every subject."

"Why not?"

"Oh, because I absolutely suck at Potions. Your sister has been trying to help me for years, but I just don't get it."

"Me too."

"Now. Why don't we begin? We may start with my personal favorite subject, Divination."

"Of course all powerful Seer," Ron said as he made a mock bow from his seat.

"Oh please! I'm not all powerful! I have to be careful when using my power. When I receive a premonition, I have to let it run the course it set, if I try to bend it to see exactly what I want to see it could possibly kill me. Although I am able to get specific premonitions, the unexpected ones are the most powerful and the most dangerous. Also, when I use my power it drains a bit of energy. So logically, if I use my power continuously I would be weak as a kitten."

"So you do have weaknesses."

"That and I am absolutely petrified of spiders. Even dead ones."

After she said that Ron raised his eyebrows.

"I suppose it's a stupid fear, but..."

"No it's ok. Many people are scared of spiders."

To himself he thought, "Me including", but he would not tell her that.

A few hours of intense studying passed and Ceithlinn declared that that was enough.

As they both gathered their things Ron reminded her that their first Quidditch practice was the next evening. He asked, "You ready?"

"Oh yes. I have been waiting and dreaming about playing Quidditch for years."

"Then I'll see you tomorrow."

As she expected, Ron leaned down and kissed her sweetly. Though she expected it it was still what she would call "a shocker".

"Bye," Ceithlinn said as she walked up the stairs to her dorm room. Ron stayed for a few minutes looking in the direction she had gone and thought of her and the kisses they shared. He sighed happily and then made his own way up to his dormitory.

~~~~~~

At the first Quidditch practice Ceithlinn was received well by the team. Very well in fact. For it seemed that Ron was becoming bolder, for he had kissed her again. Although it was in public Ceithlinn decided she didn't mind. She liked his kisses.

The team decided to have practices every other day so Ceithlinn was very busy, and that could be tiring. Not mentioning the fact that the weather was getting worse.

Before she knew it the night before Halloween came. Tomorrow she would go on her first official date with Ron. But what with all the tutoring and the other time they spent together Ceithlinn was only slightly nervous. Even though the temptation was great, she would not spoil it by getting a premonition. She would be like everyone else who experiences a "first date".

~~~~~~

Next morning she met Ron at the entrance and they made their way to Hogsmeade.

"I've decided not to be the cruel person and drag you off to the bookstores. So why don't we go to Zonko's Joke Shop or to a candy shop? But just a forewarning, I'm on strict orders to control my chocolate craving, so if I start to lose it, drag me out quick."

He grinned and said, "No problem."

"On second thought, going to Honeyduke's might not be a good idea. I don't trust myself."

"What about that new Quidditch shop? You want to check that out?"

"Actually that sounds like a good idea. I have been running out of broom polish."

"Then we can start there."

The rest of the day went very well. They spent quite a bit of time in the Quidditch shop, goggling at the new and improved products. Then they spent time in Zonko's looking over the items for sale. They actually did venture a short stop in Honeyduke's, but Ron had to keep a tight hold on Ceithlinn to keep her from spending all her money on candy and to keep her from doing anything potentially embarrassing. An example would be plastering her face against the glass and drooling on it. Following that was a nice hot butterbeer in the in the Three Broomsticks. They told funny family stories and other light discussions.

At the end of the outing when they were back at the Gryffindor Common room they found it surprisingly empty. Ceithlinn made her way towards the girl's dorm. When she turned to tell him "thanks" she found that he was standing unnaturally close to her. Her heart began to race and she blushed with nervousness. "May I?" he asked. She replied stuttering, "sh-sure". He leaned down a bit and touched his mouth to hers. She responded eagerly, liking the taste of the kiss. She took the initiative and placed her arms around his neck, while he wrapped his arms around her and the kiss was deepened. It was a really long ten seconds before they broke.

"Wow," she breathed.

"You liked that?" he said, his mouth quirking a little.

"Uh huh," she said while nodding dumbly.

Then she put her arms around his neck again, gave him a firm kiss, then backed away while saying, "Thank you. I had fun. See you at the feast."

"See you."

They separated, dazed and oblivious to the shimmery shadow lurking in the corner.

~~~~~~

The Hall was lavishly decorated and the food was spectacular as always. Each House put on a small Halloween skit. The skits form Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff were all enormously funny. Yet only Slytherin's was quite spooky. Not everyone was in each House skit. Certainly Ceithlinn did not participate; she felt she would be sick if she acted in front of all those people. Surprisingly Ginny participated, and she was absolutely wonderful. Although she was just as shy as Ceithlinn, her shyness seemed to vanish when she acted. This she described to Ceithlinn when she walked back from the skit.

"I don't get it Ceith! I mean, I'm as shy as you, but when I was up there I was so sucked into my part that I totally forgot I was nervous."

"You're a natural! That was totally amazing! It's too bad that Hogwarts doesn't have a Drama class, otherwise you would excel at it."

"Wow! Thanks, I really appreciate it."

The feast finished and everyone was brimming with happiness and delicious food (not to mention loads of chocolate for Ceithlinn!).

Ceithlinn and the other girls prepared themselves for sleep. Most girls fell asleep the moment their heads hit the downy pillows. Yet Ceithlinn managed to stay awake long enough to glimpse the shimmery shadow that she had been oblivious to earlier that afternoon. She sleepily surmised that it was just a moonbeam from outside. Though at that same moment an October cloud covered the brightness of the crescent moon. Ceithlinn sank into a peaceful sleep; scenes of that day playing over in her dreams.