The Decision | Oliver Wood

Chapter two

THE CLASS is finally dismissed after what feels like decades. Usually Potions is one of my favourite classes, but I was so embarrassed about me being late that I couldn't focus at all. To top that off, Professor Snape gave us a 4 pages 'essay' to write on the Befuddlement Draught potion for tomorrows class. I understand clearly now, when people say the 6th year is one of the most difficult years.

Since we're still in late August, the weather is still warm so I decide to go outside and write my essay. I go up from the Hufflepuff dormitory, located in the basement, up and outside by one of the trees in the yard. I can feel the wind flow through my robe as I walk and the late summer breeze in my face. When I arrive outside, I spot a couple of owls on their way back to the Owlery, some with a letter tied around their feet. I sit down on the ground, leaning my back up against the tree and take out my book and quill. Just as I open the book, I hear a voice.

"Good afternoon Ms. Upperfield. Lovely weather today, wouldn't you say?". I look up, to spot the new Defense against the dark arts teacher, Gilderoy Lockhart. "It was about this time of year I fought off the Banshee with the laughing potion" he continues, and makes a very charming giggle. To be honest, I've never understood why all the girls are so crazy about him. Of course he's very charming with outstanding achievements and wonderfully good-looking, especially for his age, but come on. Most girls in this school aren't even legally old enough to be dating him. 

"It really is. How's your day been Professor Lockhart?" I say, just to be polite.

"I fought off a dozen of pixies today. Those second year students were all frightened, but I saved them all from a potential death. Interesting story actually, this reminds me of the time I-" he begins, but I have to interrupt him.

"I would love to listen to your story professor Lockhart, but I really have to write this essay. It's due tomorrow and I haven't begun yet". I feel kind of bad for interrupting him, especially because he's a teacher. If he was Professor Snape, I would be lying on the ground right about now, dead. 

"Very well, I understand. School comes first. If you ever want to talk about the Dark Creatures, my office door is always open". He winks at me, and I smile and thank him and he wanders away. I don't know if I should be concerned about him potentially flirting with me, a minor, or if that just is his personality, but right now I don't have time to think it through.

I dip my quill in the ink I placed on the grass and begin to write:

'A Befuddlement Draught is a potion which causes the drinker to become belligerent and reckless. The ingredients needed to craft this potion is listed:

 I) Scurvy grass

II) Lovage

III) Sneezewort

Add the different ingredients and begin by stirring clockwise two tim-' 

"Excuse me?". A voice interrupts my concentration. A familiar voice. I look up to see none other than Oliver Wood. I stare at him speechless. SAY SOMETHING AURELIA. ANYTHING.

"I was just wondering if you've seen Harry Potter?" he says with his scottish accent flowing through the words.

"Umm.. I..". I can't even talk, I'm so surprised by him even being here, talking to me. He just looks down at me, waiting for my answer.

"N..No sorry. I can help you look if you want?" I finally say. He closes his eyes, obviously annoyed, and puts his hands on his eyes. 

"We're supposed to go to the Quidditch practise, and he's nowhere to be seen. If you see him, tell him that we're looking for him, will you?". He looks directly in my eyes, and I can see every single shade of brown and green color in his eyes.

"Sure" I go, still baffled. 

"Thanks". And then he walk away. A dot of ink drop from my quill to the paper and leaves a stain. But it doesn't really matter; at least not for now. Because I just spoke to Oliver Wood.