My Teacher, Oliver

Chapter Three- Downpour

Oliver POV

 The beginning of the end is drawing near. With every passing hour the Gryffindor rooms are filling with luggage as the snack bowls in the common room materialize fresh treats. The life of Hogwarts, the students, are returning, and the school itself seems to be welcoming them. I tidy my belongings once again and lay out my quidditch gear. Broom use isn't allowed until Wednesday on the pitch but I plan to walk over after lunch to greet my old friend.

I take out Snapes lesson plan and look over the first two weeks. After familiarizing myself, primarily with the fifth year content, I look at the following two weeks. "I'll need to borrow the fifth years text book to prepare for this." Noting the time, I pull on a scarf and return to the dungeons. I reach the base of the stairs to find Filch and Snape conversing. " She started before I even got there! Cleaned all of the tables and helped me with the floor, no student but her would've ever done that I'm telling you Severus, that girl is amazing." I stop in shock, does Filch need his head checked? Why would he ever praise a student? If he had his way anyone caught after curfew would be locked in chains for the remainder of the year I walk on past them and into the potions classroom. After finding the textbook, I set it up on a table and plot out potential teaching strategies. It's different than my position as a keeper, in this game, the ball will always be in my hands.

"Wood, are you familiarizing yourself with the room again?" Snape questions, his voice bordering it's normal roughness. I jump in surprise, "Oh yes- trying to envision myself teaching. Figuring out how I want to arrange a lesson when I teach and yeah. Just figuring everything out..." I don't know why I sound nervous.

"Perhaps you would be more comfortable if you observed me teaching a few classes the week before you come in." Snape offers with a wry smile. "Yeah, that would help, thank you. Oh and could I borrow this textbook." " Yes Mr Wood, anything you think will assist you in this classroom you are free to take. Within reason of course, and I would appreciate a heads up if you need any ingredients. I double check them every day and detest it when anything disappears." "I understand Professor, thank you." Snape slinks off to complete some task or another. I take a seat at the table and begin reading the courses I'll be observing. I make a mental note to bring the book and some parchment for that time. Eventually the teasing sent of lunch wafts through the dungeon and excitement for my planned walk arises. I transfer the textbook to my quarters with a spell and speed walk to lunch.

As soon as I walk through the main doors, I see her. The girl from before, her warm brown hair cascades down her back as she attempts tie it in a loose half tail. She's sitting at the Hufflepuff table today so I can actually see her from my normal seat. I consider approaching her for only a moment before shaking the notion away. I don't want to scare her. She always seems to be alone, maybe she's shy. I saw her talking to Hagrid like an old friend but with his personality, anyone, maybe excluding a Malfoy, can talk to him easily.

When the food materializes, I focus my attention on finishing up quickly for my planned walk. I stare at her a little, just so I have the excuse of zoning out for my absence in conversation. Percy nudges me, "Why are you staring at Trancy?" I glance over to him, "Who?" "Rose Trancy, what are you staring at her for?" "Rose... How do you know who she is?" " I make it my business to know every person at the top of their class, and Trancy has been highest since the year she transferred from muggle schooling. She also lives on campus year round," Percy adds. "Muggle school How on earth did she manage that change?" "Astoundingly well apparently. She doesn't tell people why she was transferred, but I do know that McGonagall is her godparent."

The Quidditch pitch welcomes me as an old friend and I spin on my heel with childish glee. My imagination begins to plot future strategies and already I envision Harry diving through the air in pursuit of the snitch. I climb up the stairs of the stands and take a seat in the Gryffindor stands. The sound of thunder booms across the sky and before I can think another thought, the rain ambushes me. The thin canvas over the stands is no match for the pounding water. I slowly descend the stairs and consider my options. I think of taking shelter underneath the wooden stairs before my eyes catches the glimpse of a small building. It's a lot closer than Hagrids hut and ascending the incline to the school is out of the question.

When I step into the harsh onslaught, I'm forced to keep my head down. I pull my jumper over my head and confirm my location. I force one foot after the other and don't look up until I reach the delicate boarder of flowers. The house is small, cosy really, and a welcome sight in the soaking rain. I stumble on the front steps and breathe a breath of relief when the porch shelters me. Pots overwhelm every corner of the space, leaving only enough room for a swinging bench. Flowers erupt from their depths and vines wrap around the railings. I try the door knob for it to swing open without any resistance. Collapsing into the first chair I see, I pull my sweater off and tuck my head into my folded arms. I calm my breathing and, trembling from the cold, drift into a doze.