"Well, well, well Madame Rosaline" I looked up across the buffet table to see my old school friend, Scorpius Malfoy. Even from afar he was towering over me in his emerald green dress robes. "Long time no speak" he smiled his typical half smile as he spoke.
"Scorpius Malfoy, wow" I smiled back at him. I was distracted by his now longer blonde hair that made his oval face and green eyes more pronounced than I remembered. His pale skin contrasted perfectly against his robes which all contributed to me finding myself moderately speechless. "Hey" I managed
"How are you?"
"I'm okay, I've never been the biggest fan of weddings" I sighed. It was perfect timing that a fellow bridesmaid ran past giggling with wizard on her arm. I drank, true; I was never thattype of girl to be stumbling around drunk with a stranger on my arm.
"Yeah, a lot of people who don't really care for one another slapping on a smile" I laughed, he was adding to the reasons why I wasn't exactly impressed to be here. Especially when everyone I'd seen so far had asked me where my date was.
"I heard you had trails with Chudley Cannons?"
"That was two years ago"
"Well I'm only in contact with a few friends" I shrugged guiltily
"I got a position, I went from substitute to player" he said with a half-smile, "but I had a fall and I rethought my choices"
"Wow! I never even knew I'm so sorry"
"Don't be. I was torn between becoming a healer or a qudditch player, I had my decision made"
"So you're a healer?" I asked, I was always surprised to remember the brains Scorpius had.
"Not yet, dad's got me an internship position until I can apply for training next year"
"That must be amazing" I mused. For me I'd struggled with being a healer or a curse breaker. I'd chosen curse breaker as my grades were more suited to said position and I was always amazed by Uncle Bill's stories. However these days I was really missing regular human contact.
"Albus said you were a curse breaker?"
"Yes, it's been fun"
"What brings you back to the UK?" I noticed his voice was a lot deeper than I remembered
"The wedding, Grandma Weasley would of executed me herself if I hadn't come home and Vic would have revived me to kill me herself! That's without considering the rest of my family." It was Victoire and Teddy's wedding day after many long years of dating. They'd chosen to travel after Victoire had left school. Then came the surprise arrival of Logan Remus Bill and Camille Fleur. It took them time to find stable jobs to put on the lavish event they wanted with their intertwined family and friends. We quickly walked through the crowd to a deserted table at the back of the marque.
"Ah the dreaded Weasley temper, I think you may have inherited that" he replied. His half smile to the left brought me back to the young boy I had known, and sometimes despised, he hadn't changed. Especially when I felt a bread roll hit my head as he tested my reaction, strangely I wasn't that annoyed, I just returned the same piece at his smug face. Yes, this probably wasn't wedding etiquette but no one was paying attention.
"How did we fall out of contact ey?" he said, watching the twins running their grandparents around the dance floor.
"It's easier to stay in contact at school, isn't it?" I said, leaning on my hand and following his eyes to the twins.
"I guess" he paused. He directed my eye contact back to his eyes "we always got on so well"
"Sometimes people grow apart, they grow up" I smiled at him.
"A little but I've got to keep my youth" he laughed. He lounged back in his chair maintain eye contact with his light green eyes. I doubted whatever youth he had lost was a bad thing as he had developed in to such a good looking adult. It was hard to believe he was the same person.
"Rosie!" shouted Albus as he came to join us "I see you've met up with Scorpius, he always asks after you, you know" he said excitedly. I looked at Albus' face I saw how his latest hair style may have been influenced by Scorpius' making me smile to myself. Almost as much as the fact Scorpius asked after me even in the time we'd been apart.
"Oh really?" I grinned, trying to imitate his smirk in the most patronizing manor. His face wasn't as composed as usual and his pale cheeks were slightly invaded by a red glow. Oh how fun.
"Fleur's looking for you, it's time for the wedding party photos" said Albus. Scorpius face displayed a conflicting mix of displeasure and gratitude as I walked off with a wave.
"Rose!" said Victoire in her beautiful gown. The gown was her mother's which had been passed down. We had all fawned over the dress growing up, even me the tom boy of the children. Victoire vela heritage radiated through her even more than ever.
"Where have you been!" she said more demanding than ever, but she quickly hugged me. I was quickly directed in to position for the photos. It's fair to say that fitting every single person related to Victoire in to a photo was a task. As boredom took over I gazed around everyone as they smiled for the photographer. I spotted Teddy stood by his best man, Harry, and his twins. I couldn't help but wonder if he felt lonely by comparison but I guess it now officially made us all family. He had always been part of our family as everyone insisted on him attending every family event.
"Is there any particular reason why Scorpius can't take his eyes off you?" whispered Victoire discreetly. I looked back to see where he was "don't look! Jeez have I taught you anything about how to act around boys?" she sighed at me as usual. "You look amazing and he's looking okay, don't screw this up Miss-I'm-single-because-I'm-to-fussy" I laughed in response. She was right. Victoire had been the big sister I'd never had and as my mother also wasn't particularly in to make up or anything girly Victoire took me under her wing. It helped that she was several years older as the several years older and she always gave the best advice.
"It's nothing, were friends"
"Oh yes, didn't you just catch me staring at my friend?" she raised her eyebrows.
"Were not even friends he's just getting used to seeing me again and he's probably staring at you" I gestured my hands at her dress
"Look at you, this is the first time in years I've managed to get you in to a dress and make up you look even better than ever" she said, pushing a stray strand of hair behind my ear. I did feel good. I wish I could deny it, but I did. When I looked at myself in the mirror before we left I was happy with my appearance and that's something that doesn't happen often. The cream dresses didn't clash with my skin tone, which was now almost one big freckle due to my sun exposure, or hair colour, that was a dark red almost aubun shade in a bun I'd never be able to repeat.
"Victoire, today's been beautiful and you even more so"
"Oui oui, I've heard that a thousand times today now please honour my request as the bride and talk to Scorpius!" she demanded, pulling me in to an embrace.
"Thanks for everything, you've been the best friend I could have asked for" she raised her eyebrows at me in response. It was if she was accusing me of delaying.
"I want all the gory details as soon as I'm back "as she let go of me "go." I had no idea where to go exactly but I was ordered away so I stepped awkwardly aside.
"You look beautiful!" said my mother as she grabbed my arm. "Now your father and I will be heading home soon, I wanted to say goodbye okay?" she sighed and hugged me. "Your father's had a little too much alcohol tonight and I don't want to have stories like the ones I heard of his uncle Billius about him" she laughed a little. "Now I know Hugo's of age but please keep an eye on him" she said directing my attention to my dad, brother and uncle Harry drinking champagne all looking rather delirious. I laughed at the sight as I could tell she had a point.
"I'll see you soon mum, love you" I said in goodbye before a rather intoxicated Albus grabbed my arm
"Rose, Rosiee some friends from school together they all want to see you. Remember Aria? Aria misses you too" he pulled me away. I was grateful to spot Scorpious sat at the table with Aria as now Victoire couldn't scold me. I sat in the spare seat and picked up a glass as the several of us sat down around the table.
"Rose, Rose remember that time you swum in the black lake!?" giggled Aria, it was as if it was the funniest thing ever. It reminded me why we'd fallen out of contact, Aria had always enjoyed alcohol more than the rest of us and was always slightly abrasive. I looked over at my friend Everly who seemed to have the same thought even though slightly intoxicated herself.
"How've you been Aria?" I asked politely.
"I'm good; I'm working in the Hogshead right now"
"Oh wow, I'll have to pop in soon"
"Yes yes, Victoire and I have stayed friends we should too!" I smiled kindly. I did miss her sometimes.
"Rose, can I take your hand for a dance?" I heard the deep voice of Scorpius. His tone was calm but I got the feeling he was eager to get away as if wanting to forget he'd dated the older girl. I knew this was my chance to take Victoire's advice and I nodded in agreement. He placed his arm around me as we walked to the still crowded dance floor.
"I'm sorry, if I seem impolite and probably snobby but I don't like being around drunk people when I'm not" I understood. Standing next to him reinforced how much he'd grown since I'd seen him, my head was now just below his shoulder where as we used to be close in height. The arm on my waist was strong, almost powerful but not controlling and his aftershave alone could make me dizzy. He held out his hand which I took and we danced surrounded by the other guests. Okay I'm not dancer but with his guidance everything went well.
"This takes me back" he smiled showing all his perfect teeth. "Me teaching you how to dance before you're date for Yule ball" I laughed and cringed at how over excited I'd been. My date turned out to be a jerk as I laughed he took the chance to spin me around.
"I seem to remember your date wasn't so impressed you were spending your free time teaching me" I grinned, "or you came to my rescue when I was upset after Artro got drunk" I said with a grimace in memory.
"Well Albus instigated your saving I was just helping" he laughed. He was right I could picture them charging towards Artro with their wands brandished in his direction. Scorpious for once was the more sensible one or at least the one with the brains not to get caught dulling in the great hall. He politely proceeded to tell him to never speak to me again unless he wanted himself and James to get involved. Scorpius may have bravery but James had skill to rival anyone. Arto knew this and had just enough sense to leave after calling me a derogatory name.
"Well soon as James told my parents they had basically the same reaction" I recalled. Dad threatened to kill him and mum tried to calm down but was glad to hear I could defend myself, even if my entourage hadn't intervened. She referred to some of her unpleasant dating experiences in school which sounded strangely familiar. It was safe to say men are jerks. But this man with his arms around me, had never been a jerk per say. Childish, hyperactive and annoying yes, definitely. But he'd never done something to hurt me and as I felt him pull me in tighter I was enchanted by his eyes. I found myself getting closer to his lips as I forgot everyone around me. He span me around again and I felt the wet of a drink being spilled down me. Red wine on a cream dress for Merlin's sake! You've got to be kidding, fuck.
"I'm so sorry!" mumbled Fred's girlfriend Trudy. She stood with shaking hands and an empty glass as I felt the wine soak through to my skin. I couldn't help but scream as I was pulled away from Scorpius, everyone's eyes seemed to follow me as I ran away surrounded by guests offering to help me. I was so wound up by the whole humiliating experience when I finally got to my Grandma.
"Darling let me" she performed a household charm I had never managed to master. "Listen, if you get the dress sent to me I'll have it all sorted" she sighed. Her gaze flicked behind me and leaned in to my ear. "Now there's a young man behind you who I believe will look after you, let him" she smiled with a grin full of wisdom. She had apparently developed throughout the years, along with her death stare. I smiled and hugged her I loved my Grandmother dearly and almost always had the best advice she was also the second person who had suggested this tonight. I looked back and saw Scorpius waiting behind me slightly awkwardly as if unsure whether or not to wait. He was clearly close enough to listen and I was just anticipating his smug reaction.
"I'll look after her Mrs Weasley" he smiled his warmest smile. That smile really caught me off guard and I found myself melting a little too. I stood up and he slipped his arm around me which helped me keep my composure.
"Now to get your brother home!" she said rolling her eyes. "Arthur go and find him" she ordered my Grancher.
"Side along apparition to my flat?" I asked. He nodded in agreement as we walked out of the boundaries of the venue where we could apperate.
As we entered my flat I found myself rather taken aback by the fact Scorpius was at my home. I rarely ever had anyone I wasn't relate to here let alone a boy! A young man I had in fact not seen in years. Weird.
"So how do you manage to keep a flat here if you're mainly Merlin knows where?" he asked curiously.
"Well my Grandmother left me money after she passed and it's been enough to keep this place" I gestured to the small flat. "My job gives me expenses so I'm able to afford my flat there too, it's rather doable" I explained.
"And they say the Malfoy's are notorious with their money" he laughed. He was clearly nosing around the small flat as I left him to sit on my couch for me too change.
"Yeah it looks like I'm living in a manor" I shouted through the door. I stood in my room trying to pick out something to wear. There's a guy in my flat I feel like it should be something maybe…sexy? But that isn't me! Ah where is my Victoire when I need her? I laughed to myself. I pulled out an oversized muggle shirt of a band my mother loved and a pair of shorts and then let down my hair. I packed up my dress before entering the lounge area where Scorpius was sat. I went to find Roamie and attached the parcel of my dress and note to my Grandmother and let him out through my third story flat.
"So" I said, rather shyly sitting by his side. "Are you working tomorrow?" I continued awkwardly.
"My internship is only Monday to Friday, how long will you be you off for?"
"I've got a week left" I paused "a week full of bribery to stay here" he laughed.
"My mum would kill me if I ever moved from the England"
"Lucky your brains keep you here"
"Ah yes, the joys of being a Ravenclaw amongst Slytherin's they expect you to do well"
"Your dad's a healer though?"
"Yeah, even more pressure to do as well if not better than him in the long run" I nodded. Understandably both my parents were war heroes who had progressed in their prospective careers to top positions a lot was expected of me. "My brains and love of qudditch are probably the only reason my granddad didn't disown me" he laughed rather sycophantically "well that and my grandmother"
"Well...I've heard great things about your grandmother" I smiled sympathetically, she actually saved my uncle Harry and by progression a majority of my family. He smiled the smile that just reached his half left cheek was on his face again.
"Well there's always a white sheep in every generation of pure blood." I had known Scorpious long enough to realise he this probably wasn't just a backhand comment but in reference to his Grandmother's Black heritage before he added. "Well maybe three in hers." From what I knew Teddy's mother and uncle Harry's godfather had been disowned from the Black's where as his grandmother had escaped this fate as when she became a white sheep the Black line had ended.
"Families ey?" I sighed "there's no escaping the Weasley clang"
"Tell me about it, or the Potter's. He threatened me once when he thought I fancied you"
"You fancied me?" I poked my tongue out back at him, just assuming he meant James.
"I said when he thoughtI fancied you" Scorpius was a smug idiot as he returned the tongue. He proceeded to yawn which then in turn returned. We were both worn out as we sat with one another in the early hours of the morning. It had been a long night and one thing was for certain I would not be wearing heels any time soon. I moaned in pain as I massaged my sore feet. As I looked back up Scorpius was passed out on the sofa. Well that's that I thought smiling I grabbed him a blanket and some pillows.
I watched his sleeping body his scruffy hair that still had the usual sleek quality. His eyelids hiding the pale green beneath. He yawned highlighting the strong jaw line reminding me of the muscles underneath the blanket and I found myself biting my lip. I pulled myself away and to my bedroom where I lay down and in seconds I was asleep.
