HEEEEEYYYY! To all my amazing readers, I'm BAAAACKK! This is the Rose/Scorpius story I'd talked about back when I was finishing up The Years Between back in June. I announced at the end of that I was going to retire for awhile, and take the summer off. Well, that was a lie. I wrote the first 12 chapters of this story over the summer, and I am finally able to publish it. I'm hoping for updates each weekend, depending on how things go. But yeah. So basically, this is Rose and Scorpius's fifth year at Hogwarts. They've fought their way through the first four years. I'm pretty proud of it, so please let me know what you all think!
One more thing: I own ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Except the storyline, I guess, but it's a bit overused.
Chapter One: Back to Hogwarts
"Bye, Mum!" Rose Weasley called, leaning out the window as far as she could. "Bye, Dad!" Next to her, her younger brother Hugo waved also. Their mother, Hermione Weasley, raised her tear stained handkerchief in farewell. Their father, Ron Weasley, waved furiously back at them, his arm around their mother. Hugo rolled his brown eyes, but Rose didn't mind. At least their parents loved each other.
"Bye, Mum! See you, Dad!" Rose's cousin, Albus, hollered in her ear. Rose winced and hit him on the shoulder. "Ow!" he yelped. "What was that for?"
"For puncturing my eardrum," she retorted as their parents faded from view.
"I did not puncture your eardrum," Albus snapped, rolling his eyes. "There'd be blood flowing from your ears and you'd be screaming in pain by now."
"Oh, will you two shut it? We aren't even at Hogwarts yet," Lily, Albus's younger sister, moaned. "You're as bad as Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione."
"No we're not," Rose and Hugo said together. "Trust us." Lily just shook her head.
"Oh, come on, you lot, let's find a carriage," Molly complained. Her younger sister Lucy nodded, so Rose, Hugo, Lily, Albus, James, Molly, Lucy, Roxanne, Fred, Dominique, and Louis (all Weasleys except for Lily, Albus, and James) made their way down the train to the very last compartment.
Due to lack of space, the Hogwarts Express compartments had been magically enlarged to fit about 10 people. Even though there were 11 of them, all the Weasley and Potter children crammed themselves into one compartment. Once they'd all settled, Molly turned to her favorite cousin, Dominique Weasley.
"How bad are the O.W.L's, Dom? Dad said they're terrible, but Mum said they're quite easy if you study enough. But I figured I'd ask you, since Mum and Dad haven't taken O.W.L's since they were fifteen." Rose rolled her bright blue eyes.
"And we all know how long ago that was," Hugo added softly. Rose kicked him as the rest of their compartment burst out laughing.
"Hugo!" Rose reprimanded her brother. "You shouldn't say such things about Mum and Dad! They're wonderful parents, after all, and that's what counts!" Hugo just shook his head, sending his shaggy red hair flying, a smile on his face.
"Anyway, Rose," Dominique intervened hastily, "I know that you, at least, will study hard for them. I can't see you having any trouble passing them. I don't know why people complain so much, they aren't as terrible as everyone says. Don't worry. With your intellect, I highly doubt anyone will top you," she praised her cousin, smiling at her, chocolate eyes sparkling.
"Oh, there might be a Ravenclaw who can top me," Rose argued. "I'm a Gryffindor, and we're supposed to be brave and noble, not wise and good at school."
"Remember your mother, though, Rose," Lily interjected, flipping back her auburn hair. "On her Chocolate Frog card it describes her as 'The Brightest Witch of Her Age', but she was a Gryffindor, too."
"I know," Rose sighed, brushing her long, curly red hair over one shoulder. "But I'm still nervous for them."
"For the last time, Rose," Albus sighed, running his fingers through his jet-black hair. "Stop worrying. If anything, you ought to be concerned for me," he told her earnestly, though his green eyes were laughing. Rose giggled and played along.
"And why should I be worried about you, of all people?" she asked, her clear blue eyes sparkling with mirth.
"Because I'll be the one kicked out for not passing my O.W.L's," Albus said very seriously. Hugo bit his lip to keep from laughing, and Dominique smiled as she tucked a lock of her strawberry blond hair behind her ear.
"Of course," Rose replied without missing a beat, "Right after I become the next great prankster." The thought of Prefect Rose Weasley becoming a prankster sent everyone to the floor laughing, even Rose herself. When everyone had finally regained control of their laughter, the lunch cart rattled to a stop outside their compartment.
"Anything off the trolley, dears?" inquired the woman with short gray hair. Rose, Albus, and Roxanne all jumped up and went out into the corridor.
"Two Chocolate Frog packages and a Cauldron Cake," Albus requested, digging in his pockets and handing the woman seven Sickles. Roxanne got a couple of Pumpkin Pasties, and then it was Rose's turn.
"I'd like a bag of Bertie Bott's every flavor beans and a Chocolate Frog, please," she asked, smiling at the lady. As Rose handed over her gold and the woman retrieved the candy, a voice came from behind Rose.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Miss Suck-Up Weasley," drawled Scorpius Malfoy. Rose clenched her fists. If she had to make a list of the Most Annoying People at Hogwarts, Scorpius Malfoy would be on the top of that list.
"Scorpion," she replied.
"Oi!" he objected, and she grinned with triumph. "Geez, Weasley, you have to always put me down?" Rose rolled her eyes, still refusing to turn around.
"Yes, I do," she stated matter-of-factly, taking her purchases from the trolley woman with a word of thanks.
"Why? You're nice to her," Scorpius pointed out. Rose sighed.
"Because she's nice to me, whereas you, Malfoy, are the most annoying person on the planet!" she declared.
"I don't know about that, Weaselbee. I think you're more annoying," Scorpius protested from behind her.
"Right and you're Merlin," she snapped back, trying to open the door of the compartment one-handed.
"Maybe not, but I am as powerful-and as good looking," he added, and she could visualize his wink as she finally managed to get the door open.
"Just go away, Malfoy, alright?" she snapped, and then slammed the door in his face before he could argue. As she slammed the door shut, she saw him make a face at her before stalking off.
"What was that all about?" Lucy asked, her gray eyes cautious as Rose plopped back down in her seat, scowling.
"The most annoying person on the planet came to pay us a visit again," Rose replied, rolling her eyes and biting into her Chocolate Frog with more force than was really needed. "I swear the guy lives to annoy me."
"You never know, Rose," James said, his brown eyes serious. "Maybe he does." Rose stuck her tongue out at him, and her family laughed.
Rose Weasley and Scorpius Malfoy had been enemies since their first year. It had started out in academics, strangely enough. Once, Professor Longbottom, tired of Rose always knowing the answer, had asked for someone else to answer his question. And much to Rose's disgust, a blond Ravenclaw named Scorpius Malfoy had put up his hand and answered the question correctly. When Professor Longbottom wasn't looking, he smirked at her. Rose was infuriated, and from then on, things only escalated.
The two of them competed in everything. Best grades in class, House points, and (when they were old enough) at Quidditch. Rose had one-upped Scorpius last year when she'd caught the Snitch during the Quidditch final, securing a win for Gryffindor. Scorpius's dislike of her had only increased, it seemed. Not that Rose minded. She didn't like him anyway, that cocky Ravenclaw who thought he knew everything.
"Oi, Rosie! You paying attention?"
Hugo's voice cut through Rose's preoccupation. She snapped back into reality.
"Sorry, what?" she asked, and her cousins all snickered.
"James just finished a rant about what an arrogant pig Malfoy is," Fred informed her, a smile twitching at the edge of his face as he ruffled his red hair. Rose sat up straight and nodded in agreement.
"He absolutely is. I don't see what's so special about him. He's such a prat," Rose added in a self-satisfied tone. Dominique raised her eyebrows at Lily, who nodded in agreement, her hazel eyes laughing. Dominique smiled slightly and pulled out a book.
"Come on everyone, let's play Exploding Snap," James suggested. Everyone but Dominique agreed to join in, and by the time they arrived at Hogwarts, Albus had been declared Exploding Snap Champion, Lucy had been declared Biggest Loser, and Dominique had read three more chapters of her book. The Weasleys and Potters packed up all their stuff, making sure trunks were fastened and pets safely in their cage. Then they followed the crowd out onto the platform at Hogsmeade Station. As the frightened-looking first years followed an aged Hagrid down to the lake, Hugo, Louis, Rose, and Dominique made straight for a carriage, shivering slightly in the night air.
"How's your book, Dom?" Rose asked once everyone had gotten inside and the carriage had started to move forward.
"Oh, it's wonderful," Dominique gushed, her brown eyes shining. "It's about a mother-daughter book club, and it relates to me so much, even though it takes place in the Muggle world!"
"Oh, that sounds wonderful," Rose sighed dreamily, clasping her hands together under her chin. "Do tell!" And Dominique launched into a thorough explanation of the series. Louis and Hugo stared at each other, then began to talk about the Chudley Cannon's chances of winning against the Kenmare Kestrels.
The ride to the castle passed quickly, and in next to no time, the four cousins were leaping down from their carriage and hurrying out of the chilly night air into the entrance hall. Rose caught her breath as she entered, seeing the grand marble staircase and moving portraits. She loved Hogwarts, and was ever so excited to be back for her fifth year, even if that did mean O.W.L.'s and tough studying.
"Come on, Rosie!" Albus called from the other side of the hall. Rose gave a jolt and followed her cousins through another set of doors into the Great Hall.
The navy blue night sky sparkled with a thousand tiny, silver stars. Below, the four wooden tables were in perfect align, with the staff table up at the top of the hall, just as it always had been. Rose took her place at the Gryffindor table, smiling and waving to fellow fifth years across the Hall as she did so.
"I hope the first years hurry up," Fred complained loudly, massaging his stomach. "I'm starving!"
"Pig," Roxanne replied gently, poking him in the back to make him sit up. "They'll be here in a moment!" No sooner had she finished speaking than the door to the hall opened, and a group of pale-looking first years filed into the hall and stood in front of the staff table. Little Professor Flitwick dragged in the stool and placed a old, ragged hat atop it. For a split second, there was silence, and then the Hat broke into song.
"Oh you may not think I'm pretty, but don't judge on what you see.
I'll eat myself if you can find a smarter hat than me.
Oh, you can keep your bowlers black, your top hats sleek and tall.
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat, and I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your heard the Sorting Hat can't see.
So try me on and I will tell you where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart.
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart.
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal.
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil.
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw
If you've a ready mind
Where those of wit and learning
Will always find their kind.
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll meet your real friends.
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on!
Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"
The Hat finished its song and bowed to all four tables as Professor Flitwick pulled out a long scroll.
"When I call your name, please come forward and try on the Hat before you join your House," he squeaked. Rose and her cousins all watched, slightly disinterested, as he called the first name.
"Abringiman, Elizabeth!" A blond girl slowly walked out of line and to the Hat. She sat down, trembling. There was a moment's silence before-
"Ravenclaw!" the Hat called, and Elizabeth hurried off to join her sister at the Ravenclaw table. Rose zoned out for the majority of the Sorting(it really wasn't that interesting). She did come to in time to hear the last person called, however.
"Zabini, Marcus!"
"Slytherin!" the Hat shrieked, and Blaise Zabini's son swaggered off to join his older brothers. The Headmistress, Professor Cabot, had gotten to her feet.
"Welcome, welcome all, to another year at Hogwarts," she declared, beaming at the students. Rose caught James's eye and they both rolled their eyes simultaneously. The Headmistress was a very kind woman, but she had a tendency to treat all the students like five year olds.
"Before I trouble you with any announcements, I would like to invite you all to join in our Welcome Feast!" Professor Cabot concluded, and all of the male Potters and Weasleys cheered. Lily shook her head, and Rose rolled her eyes again. Through the crowd, she caught a glimpse of Dominique over at the Ravenclaw table. She was laughing at the lack of maturity the Potter and Weasley males displayed. Why, Rose didn't know. This was, after all, quite a common occurrence.
"Look!" Hugo gasped, lunging for the roast beef, "Food!"
"Merlin's beard, Hugo!" Rose exclaimed as he knocked over a jar of peppermint humbugs. "Have you no manners?" He grinned back at her, mouth full of food.
"Nope."
"Obviously," she retorted as Albus and Fred laughed.
"Lighten up, Rosie, and help yourself to some food," James chided, shoving a plate of ham toward her. Rose accepted it gracefully, and talk moved on.
"I think Dom might finally complete her goal of trying to read the entire library this year," Roxanne commented, her eyes on their cousin. Rose shrugged.
"It's possible, I guess. She's made it through at least three-quarters, and it's her last year here. I wouldn't put it past her," Rose sighed. "She makes me look like such an underachiever."
"An underachiever with the best grades of the year," Fred pointed out. Rose blushed, but smiled all the same.
"Ah, Rosie, don't fret. I'm sure you will fail your O.W.L's and have to stay behind an extra two years at Hogwarts just so you can get 'Outstanding' in all of them instead of 'Exceeds Expectations'," James said, his face perfectly straight. Everyone who'd heard him burst out laughing, and Rose was no exception.
"I wouldn't go that far, Potter," she chuckled, sipping her pumpkin juice. "Maybe just one extra year." Everyone laughed again, but not much more was said after that, for the desserts had appeared, and no one at Hogwarts could resist the elves' newfound recipe of pumpkin pie.
When at last the feast faded from the golden plates, the Headmistress got to her feet once more to address the Hall.
"I simply have a few start-of-term notices to give out," she informed the Hall. "Firstly, I must remind you that fifth years are taking their O.W.L's this year. No need to fret, I'm sure your teachers will help you be prepared. Quidditch tryouts for all Houses will be held this weekend. Anyone who wishes to play should ask their Team Captain when tryouts are. Well, I think that's all. Off to bed with you!"
Everyone in the Hall stands with a great scraping of chairs. Rose darted forward quickly to shepherd the first years out of the Hall and up the staircase. Thankfully, they made it to the marble staircase before any trouble started.
"Suck-Up Weasley," called a voice from right behind Rose. She gritted her teeth. Not him again!
"Piss off, Scorpion," she growled.
"Watch your language, Rosie," he chuckled pushing in front of her on his way to Ravenclaw Tower.
"Right and you're one to talk. Need I remind you of the incident last year?" she smirked at him, and he blushed, but the crowd swept him away before he could respond. Rose did a mental happy dance before turning back to the first years.
"Right this way, come on now, no need to be afraid!" They all followed her meekly up staircases, through doors, and down long corridors before finally arriving at Gryffindor Tower. The Fat Lady raised her head as they approached.
"Password?" she inquired of Rose.
"Unexpected," she replied smartly.
"Correct," the portrait said, and swung forward to admit the group. Rose climbed through last and stood in front of the first years.
"Welcome to Gryffindor Tower," she announced. "This is your home while you are in Hogwarts. Boys' dormitories are upstairs to your right, girls to your left. I suggest you all hurry to bed, because it's the first day of classes tomorrow, and believe me, you want to be awake for that." The first years quickly hurried off, and after making sure they all went the right way, Rose headed to her own dorm. None of the other girls were there yet, so Rose undressed quickly and got into her four poster.
She was fast asleep before her head hit the pillow. Who knew arguing with Scorpius Malfoy could be so tiring?
Sorry about the song - I tried to come up with something better, and it didn't work out. Anyways, please humor me and leave me a review? It would mean a lot! I'd give you a new chapter if you did! :)
Lovelovelove -D-