Hi guys! I know, I'm back so fast. This is a super short chapter (really more of a filler), but it's important. Plus, I already have the next chapter written (yay!) and it's pretty intense. So please let me know what you think and review, favorite, and follow. Thanks! :)

And when I see the curve of the earth in your willow eyes

I'm a rocketeer

Coming home after all these years at the speed of light

And suddenly you're there

Like a pearl in the palm of the universe

Your unlikely skies

Filing up my eyes

You come as a surprise

"You Got Me" Ingrid Michaelson

Rose could not believe that it was the week before Winter break. The first half of the year had gone by so quickly despite everything that had happened to her.

The last month and a half had especially flown by, after that afternoon with Teddy and Victoire and Scorpius. Rose, of course, had seen Scorpius around but they hadn't really discussed what happened. She was a little freaked out when she saw that purple mark after their game of exploding snap, but when Rose saw him the next morning at breakfast, the mark was gone. As if it was never there. She tried to ask him about it, but he immediately changed the subject, indicating there was no way he was going to talk about it. So Rose let it go, but she couldn't get it out of her mind. She even went to the restricted section of the library, but she couldn't find anything there. Emily was no help either. When Rose asked her, she claimed she had no idea, but Rose knew that Emily was hiding something.

Victoire's stomach was starting to get bigger. Rose constantly told her she was glowing, and it wasn't a lie. However, her cravings were getting a little odd for Rose's tastes. Peanut butter and pickles, ketchup and ice cream were just a few of the strange combinations. But Teddy was so helpful and would run down to the Kitchens whenever Vic was the slightest bit hungry.

Since Rose only had one week left before most of the students left for break, she had a lot of grading to do. She had given exams and papers to all of her classes within the past week, so that left Rose with a pile up of papers to read and grade.

This year would be especially different since she wouldn't be home for Christmas. The professors needed to stay at Hogwarts to supervise the students who weren't going home for the holidays. However, Rose, Teddy, and Vic would go to the burrow the day after Christmas for the Weasley family celebrations where everyone would be there. Rose was excited to see her family since she hadn't seen them, excluding Albus, since she left for Hogwarts in August. There was nothing compared to a Weasley celebration, with Grandma Molly's cooking and Uncle George's pranks. But she still had a little over a week until this, so Rose had to stay focused.

Rose was in her office grading her third year's exams when she heard a knock on the door.

"Come in," she said, not tearing her eyes from the exam in front of her.

"Uh, hi," Scorpius said, feeling a little awkward being in Rose's office.

"Oh, Scorpius. How can I help you?" Rose pushed her papers aside, inviting Scorpius to sit down.

"I came to talk to you about Mitchell Laurence. I believe you, too, have him in class."

Yes, Rose had Mitchell Laurence, a sixth year Slytherin, in class. But why would Scorpius need to discuss Mitchell with her? Oh wait. Now Rose was remembering a discussion she had with Mr. Laurence about a month into the school year.

"I want to work on an additional project that involves both Charms and Ancient Runes. In order to do this, I think I would need to meet with you and Professor Malfoy, together, at least once a week; however, I think the more time we are all together, the better."

"Well, you see, Professor, I like both you and Professor Malfoy very much. And in the time I've been in both of your classes, I've come to the conclusion that you and Professor Malfoy are very compatible. So, I thought if I said I wanted to work on a project that involved both of your subjects, I could push you two to realize how good you'd be together. You know, romantically."

Oh no.

"What about Mitchell Laurence?" Rose asked, but she had a feeling she knew the answer.

"He approached me about working on a joint Charms and Ancient Runes project. It seems he is quite fascinated both of our subjects and thought this would be a good idea to combine his interests."

"And?" Rose urged him to continue. This would be when Scorpius said he discovered Laurence's ulterior motives and took House points off and gave him detention.

"And? And I think it's a great idea." Wait what? He thought it was a great idea?

What the bloody hell was wrong with him? How did he not see that the only reason Laurence wanted to do this project just to get the two of them together? How could Scorpius see so many things, but he couldn't see this?

"I just think it's great that a student is showing so much interest that he would do extra work outside of class to learn more about Ancient Runes and Charms," Scorpius said, breaking Rose away from the thoughts she was having. "What do you think?"

How was she supposed to tell Scorpius this? That a student was conspiring to get them together. There was no good way to explain this to him. Anyway she tried to phrase it in her head came out wrong. Rose was stuck.

"Rose?" Scorpius said hesitantly, wondering why she hadn't responded.

And then Rose said the one thing she really shouldn't have said.

"I think it's a great idea."

"Oh, good! Do you have any ideas for the project?" Scorpius asked.

Rose shook her head no, unable to speak.

"Oh okay," Scorpius replied. "Well, I have some runes Mr. Laurence could translate that I believe are old charm spells. After he translates them, he could work on the spells themselves. What do you think?"

"I think that's a wonderful idea," Rose said, trying to keep a smile on her face. What had she done?

"Great! Why don't I get Mr. Laurence now and we can explain this all to him."

Rose nodded as Scorpius left to get Mitchell. Rose could not believe this was happening. How did Scorpius not see the truth; and more importantly, how could Rose not tell him? Scorpius was so oblivious, and that was so unlike him. But then it hit Rose: Scorpius didn't see Mitchell's real motive because he was so excited that a student was so fascinated with Ancient Runes. Scorpius was happy that Mitchell was willing to go out of his way to challenge himself because it meant he was doing his job right. In that moment Rose could see how much Scorpius cared for his students and that was the most attractive thing she had ever seen.

While she was waiting for Scorpius to come back with Mitchell, Rose thought it would be best to write another letter to Lily. They hadn't spoken in a while, and Rose knew that Lily was busy at her job. But still, she just wanted to hear from Lily and she couldn't wait to see her soon. Even though she never told Lily about the kiss she shared with Scorpius. And she wasn't going to tell her.

Dear Lily,

How are things going? Is work still super busy? Ohh how was Paris? That must have been AMAZING! Sorry for all the questions. I just hope things are going well with you.

Things here at Hogwarts are great! The students are so wonderful and I really can't believe this is my job; I'm so lucky. Okay, well sometimes some of the students can be a pain, but still. I can't complain. Speaking of students, you'll never believe what this sixth year is trying to do. He's trying to get Scorpius and I together! Ridiculous, right? (Please don't answer that question because I think I know what your response is). But seriously I can't believe it.

Did I ever tell you about what happened when I was playing exploding snap with Teddy and Scorpius? It happened a while ago, but it was weird. Anyway, we were playing exploding snap and Scorpius's palm got burnt. And you think it'd be fine, right? But instead he got a huge purple mark on his hand like I'd never seen before. It was so strange! And the next day, the mark was gone. I tried to ask him about it, but he just changed the subject. I've tried to figure it out, but I can't! Do you have any ideas?

Besides that, things are going well with Scorpius. I'm glad we can be normal around each other. Really, things are good. Nothing weird has happened, despite what you may think. So ha. And please stop sending Emily letters and addressing it to "fellow member of the Get Rose and Scorpius Together Club!" You're just egging her on and WHAT IF SOMEONE ELSE SAW YOUR LETTER?! I do have somewhat of a reputation to uphold, you know!

See you soon!

Rose

Part of Rose did want to tell Lily about the kiss and how she's felt since then, but she figured the best way to put it all in the past was to ignore it completely. Scorpius was sweet and kind, but that didn't really matter. She didn't have feelings for him, despite what Lily and Emily said. Telling Lily every detail of her life would only give Lily more refutation against her.

Scorpius then knocked on the door and entered with Mitchell in tow. Rose folded her letter and put it in her pile, noting she needed to send it after this was over.

"Okay, Professor Weasley, I've brought Mr. Laurence so we can discuss his project. Would you like to explain it?"

"No, Professor Malfoy, you can do the honors," Rose said. Rose gave Mitchell a look that said I know I said I would never allow you to do this project but if you say anything to Professor Malfoy you are dead meat.

"So, Mr. Laurence, the idea was that you could work on translating some runes, which I believe to be some old charms. Then you could work with Professor Weasley on those. What do you think?"

"Umm…" Mitchell began, "it seems like a lot, but as long as I can meet with both of you, together, during break I should be okay." Mitchell had a grin on his face, thinking his plan was coming to fruition.

"Will you be staying at Hogwarts during break?" Scorpius asked. Mitchell nodded. "This all sounds good to me. Professor Weasley?"

"Yes this sounds like a plan. However, since the project first focuses on Ancient Runes and then Charms, I'm not sure it's really necessary for both Professor Malfoy and I to be there together," Rose said. Scorpius gave her a confused look while Mitchell knew exactly what she was doing.

"I understand what you're saying, Professor Weasley," Mitchell said with a gleam in his eyes. "However, I really think I could benefit from having both of you there. Besides, it's difficult to know how much progress I'll make and I think it'd be better to have both with me."

"I have to agree with Mr. Laurence," Scorpius said. Damn him. This was Rose's only way out and she blew it. "So, why don't we meet in the library every other day during break, and then we can reduce our meetings to once a week when classes start up again. Any questions?" Mitchell shook his head, indicating he understood. "Okay then. I have some papers to grade, but I guess I'll see you both tomorrow. Mr. Laurence, Rose," he said, leaving the room and shutting the door on the way out.

"Professor Weasley," Mitchell said. "I'm confused. When I came to you about this, you didn't approve o because you know I'm only doing it to try to get you and Professor Malfoy together. So why are you okay with it now when you said no a couple months ago?"

Rose took a deep breath, not knowing what to say to her student since she barely knew herself.

"First off, Mr. Laurence, I'm still thinking about taking off house points for going to Professor Malfoy when you knew I said. And don't get me wrong, I know your ulterior motives. So I guess I have to say try your best to get us together, because I know it won't work. And I know how much work this project entails. So good luck."

"You're doing what?" Emily asked, very confused and shocked.

"I told you a little about this student before. He said that he wanted to do a joint Charms and Ancient Rune project, but really he just wants to get Scorpius and I together."

It was currently snowing out, and Rose and Emily decided to take a walk. Rose had always been a fan of the snow ever since she was a little girl. Although it was quite cold, Rose didn't mind. She enjoyed seeing snow on the ground and being able to step on it. It was a feeling unlike many.

"And you're okay with being involved in this massive project despite knowing what this student is actually trying to do?" Emily questioned.

"Yeah," Rose chuckled. "I mean Scorpius is really excited about the project, and I know the student won't be successful in his ultimate goal, obviously. So there's no harm or anything."

"What. The. Hell. Are. You. Doing?" Emily practically yelled, punctuating every word.

"What do you mean?"

"Rose Weasley, you are the biggest enigma I have ever met! You continue to say that you don't have feelings for Scorpius, and that you want to interact with him as little as possible, but then you do stuff like this! Why would you put so much time into helping this student who doesn't care about the actual project at all if you have no interest in Scorpius?"

"Look. I've told you how I feel about Scorpius and it's not gonna change. So that's why I find the whole thing so funny!"

Rose knew she wasn't really making sense, but she didn't know what else to say. She was telling Emily the truth (or at least what she believed).

"Rose, you're blind if you don't see what's between you and Scorpius. You two used to date, and not that long ago you kissed. You can lie all you want, but I'm not believing you," Emily said, grasping Rose's hand and squeezing it.

"Em, I swear. There is nothing between Scorpius and I."

"He must've hurt you badly for you not to see it."

Rose looked towards the ground, not sure of what to say.

"Yeah, he did. We might have only been 17, but I was destroyed when he ended things."

Emily sighed, not knowing how to get through to Rose. Maybe she just wouldn't be able to.

"I think he's changed, Rose. I mean he's kind and intelligent, and he just can't stop smiling when you're around. I think you make him better. And I think he makes you better, too."

"Emily Elaine Farrell, you're insane!" And not wanting to listen to her anymore, Rose picked up some snow from the ground and threw it at Emily, hoping it would hit her square in the chest. Not being great at throwing, it hit Emily right in the face. Emily screamed before starting to giggle.

"Rose, I am going to kill you!" Emily made a snow ball and threw it at Rose. Rose retreated behind a bench, grabbing more snow to retaliate. Emily did the same, hoping to beat Rose once and for all. When both of them kept missing the other, not being good at actually throwing the snowballs, they subsided into a laughing fit. They were two grown women, engaged in a snowball fight. And yet, it had been the most fun they'd had in weeks.

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