A/N: Thanks, thanks , thanks for reading and being so patient about it.
A)Ok, serious revelations are finally coming, in those three chapters (11 & 12 & 13)
B)Always awesome to hear opinions, especially now …. So just press that little button in the end of the page and REVIEW
C) This is a flash-forward Rose POV but it's planned to be rather small because the actual chapter will have to be large enough.
D) I own nothing , naturally , had it not been for J. K. Rowlings I would now be …really miserable, and you…well you'd probably be glad to be rid of me…
(Disclaimer…who would have guessed?)
Chapter 11
Miss Weasley,
Firstly I would like to apologize for the disturbance and discontentment that my letter might have caused to your family. However I believe you had requested , rather indirectly I have to admit, that you were informed of the progress of a certain matter that had been affecting both mine and your mentality. That is the reason I took the liberty of writing to you despite the not really friendly situation me and your parents are in.
So, I am very happy to tell you that my son has finally contacted us yesterday. Unfortunately it was simply a letter, but it was quite explanatory and though me and my wife , we're still sad about Scorpius' absence , I must confess we're significantly less worried. At this point may I suggest that you should feel the same way too?
Scorpius , in his letter, let us know he was in good health and had managed to take care of himself rather nicely. Nevertheless he said nothing of his present accommodation , but I believe he will be returning to Hogwarts in 5th of January as expected. He also confessed he was going through a bad situation which he refused to explain .
I know it will be too much to inquire whether you know anything about it. Yet, I know you are well-aware of the situation. So, I will just make the following request : 'Please, keep an eye on my son and if it is not too hard for you, be there for him, like I am unable to be.'
Once again sorry for bothering you and your family. I wish you a happy New Year. I would really appreciate it if you would be kind enough to give my respects to your father and mother. Furthermore I am grateful for your help in the crisis my family was and is going through.
Thank you again,
Respectfully,
Draco Malfoy
Rose blinked once or twice over the letter to make sure she had read correctly. Then she slowly re-read it just to be on the safe side. After some time, being sure that it was really Draco Malfoy who was writing, she stood up and begun walking up and down her little bedroom. 'That had been unexpected.' She thought and flickered a red curl of hair nervously. Of course she did remember how that man had been very kind when he visited at New Years , and how he had guessed how worried she was and promised to write in case he had news of Scorpius. However , she had not got her hopes up. She was sure the man would not bother to contact her in any account. Yet she had been mistaken. 'Wouldn't be the first time.' She admitted.
But soon the surprise from the man's letter was replaced by a feeling far more satisfying. Relief. He was ok. No matter he hated her guts… she was worried about him and had been panicked and sorrowful when she had found out he was missing.
As a result, now, she was truly, extremely, utterly relieved. He stomach finally returning to its usual spot in her belly instead of her throat that it had been resting for days now, making her sick and unable to eat a single thing.
And then a new feeling came to overshadow that happy sense. Just because the boy was fine that didn't mean things were over. On no account did it mean he was safe. He simply was returning to Hogwarts . No cheers there…
She made an effort to contain herself. She knew she was obliged to write back to the man. And besides she wanted to as well. He had been extremely nice, regardless of the past, so he actually deserved a kind reply.
She searched for a paper and her ink. She let her quill fly over the empty paper for some time before writing:
Dear Mr Malfoy,
To begin with, your letter was not at all disturbing. My parents send their best wishes for a Happy New Year and so do I . I would also like to say thanks for informing me about Scorpius, I honestly appreciate it.
It is true that I had been worried, although your son would hate to hear it. So please don't tell him. I am glad he wrote to you because I understand how scared you must have been. It is sad though that he decided not to visit. Yet, and take that as an appeal , don't be too mad at him. He might be cruel but he means well.
And, yes it is impossible for me to explain this situation. I am very sorry , please believe me. It is not that I don't want to, of course I do, but it is one of those things that would be more harmful if said out loud. I know that I am a bit vague, yet, there is no other way. I would be lying if I said everything is ok. There is indeed a problem that affects not only Scorpius life but mine as well
but I cannot speak of it.
To conclude, please except my sincere apologies for withholding information from you and be sure that I will do anything to help your son, although I might prove out to be the last person capable of doing so.
Thanks again and sorry,
Yours,
Rose Weasley
She sealed the envelope carefully and wrote the address in the back. Then she called her pet owl Muriel, named after an old aunt of her father's, and as Rose watched the aged owl flying she wondered what it would have been like if her family were friends with the Malfoys. Surely she would be forced to spend time with Scorpius . And her father would be praising him of his good marks instead of claiming that Draco Malfoy had bribed McGonagall for them . As for her mum , she would no longer laugh secretly every time Rose hexed the Gryffindor. Instead she would scold her for it.
And on the other hand, maybe, just maybe, he would not hate her as deeply as he did had their families not been rivals for ages. Who knows , perhaps he would actually admit she was as good as he was in school, had they been family friends rather than enemies, and he would never dare to call her a mudblood if that was the case.
But that wasn't the case , she snapped at herself to wake up . Draco Malfoy was no friend and nor was his arrogant, selfish, cocky son. Scorpius Malfoy avoided her family like they were the plague and he seriously hated her through and through. So why making silly speculations? Why was she even bothering to figure out what it would have been like? So what if otherwise they could be friends? Who cares whether elsewhere they would laugh with rather than at each other?
Alias, Alibi – Otherwise, Elsewhere
Scorpius slowly put on his red and golden pullover, then over it, his brand new crimson robe his mother had bought him . For a moment he hesitated, he turned his face at the large window of his dorm and checked the weather. 'All clear, hardly any clouds. Seems like a good day for Quidditch.' He thought relieved. He really did not wish for another thing to worry him. Apart from him and his friends being in danger that is.
He sighed and wore his guards.
His arm guards were a little ragged, he observed, but that was normal , he was a Beater after all and received millions of Bludgers in every game. Then he took his goggles and shoved them in his left pocket. Opening his closet he recovered his broom from where he had thrown it last time and hurried to the pitch.
It was a big day, one could easily tell from the enthusiastic smiles that shone on the faces of hyper-active teens. The match between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw was one really big event, not to mention the party following afterwards, in either the Gryffindor or –unlikely-the Ravenclaw Common Room.
The Head-Boy saw some fellow Gryffindors waving their hands his way, saying something that appeared like 'Kick Their Ravenclaw Arses' . He smiled and nodded, making an 'OK' gesture. When he was close to the pitch he met some Ravenclaw girls who, after approaching him , started whispering 'Good Luck's or 'We'll be cheering for you, but don't tell' s and 'You look awfully cute with your gear.' s . Scorpius considered laughing but regretted it. A bunch of girls that gave away their House to flirt with a boy was a tearful rather than a funny sight.
He shoved them past quickly , unwilling to put up with their giggles and admiring comments only to meet a significantly different type of people, making a significantly different type of comments. A group of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws who were walking to the pitch spotted him and begun sending gestures his way. One of them, whom the Head-Boy identified to be Peter Rosdent even said "Look it's the traitor's son! Hey, Malfoy! Ready to lose are ya? I wonder why McLaggen put him in the team in the first place… How much did your Death Eater dad paid to get you this place huh?"
Scorpius felt his blood boiling in his veins. He took a few steps towards the seventh year Hufflepuff who had spoken. Suddenly he sensed a strong hand taking hold of his arm and dragging him behind violently. He turned to see a back-haired boy at about his height rolling his eyes.
"What is your problem James?" He hissed under his breath, hardly containing his anger.
"The question is what is your problem, Scorpius? Going at Rosdent like that, here, where everyone can see you. You're the bloody Head-Boy so try and act like it will you?" The older Potter replied in the same way still not letting the blonde's arm.
"You heard him! I've had enough with their crap. Now they're gonna see how a Death Eater's son answers such comments." He made one last effort to be released as he said those words.
"Shut up and come on." James Potter finally let Scorpius go and pushed him to the direction of the pitch. But the Head-Boy crossed his arms and stood there still fuming.
"I think you really don't get it James." He highlighted each and every one of his words. "I'm not leaving! They'll get what they deserve for six years of insulting." He stated coldly sending a glare at the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws who continued the name-calling.
"Fine I agree we should punish them." James nodded calmly. "But not out here in the open cause it's gonna get us both in detention. No. Revenge will be well-planned and their surprise -not to mention fear- are going to be monumental." He exclaimed , looking as if he had an unexpected idea. Scorpius was suddenly alarmed. Potter's 'ideas' were never pleasant to the one being in their center-Scorpius knew this all too well. 'Oh! Wait a second. It's not me he wants to prank this time…' He realized and then smirked a devilish smirk.
"Well if that is the case…" Both Gryffindors smiled and turned to leave.
"So, ready for the match?" James asked after a while.
"Sure. And by the way I think I owe you a thanks." Scoprius muttered. Then came to realize Potter was no longer next to him. He was running towards something blue, brown and red that was coming their way and he was screaming wildly. " Roooooooosieeeeeeee! You're finally here. We are going to destroy you today!" The Head-Boy thought he even made a happy dance at his last sentence and had it not been his life-long enemy that he screamed at he would have been rolling on the snow laughing. But she was and Scorpius forbid himself to laugh , even though he wanted to. 'No!' He instructed . 'She is not your friend, you don't admire her, you don't think she is beautiful and you most certainly hate her guts.' He took a big breath and forgetting James he walked alone to the pitch. "No." He mouthed without wanting to.
*****************
"Rooooooosieeeeeeee!" Rose heard a familiar penetrating voice and looking up from her feet she saw James running her way screaming "You're finally here. We are going to destroy you today!" She smiled playfully at her cousin's comments .
"Dream on Jamie, dream on." She shouted and smirked his way. The seventh-year boy made a face hearing the nickname Grandma Weasley had given him years ago.
"Very funny Rose. Now seriously are ya ready?" Rose gaped at him slightly. It was beyond her how that boy managed to be perfectly ridiculous the one moment and all-matured up the other.
"What's that supposed to mean James?" She inquired rudely enough.
"Hey, Rose don't attack me that way! I just wanted to know if you're all good. You see with that prat of a Captain you've got and… you know…" He seemed lost for words for a singled minute. "seeing as last time we played a game together , it didn't turn out too well." He stared at his shoes and then the snow. Rose gaped at her cousin even more. Not at the first point he raised, no , surely not, she had been thinking of it since last week. How she was going to cooperate with someone she didn't trust or liked in order to win was a mystery to her too.
However what really surprised her was that James' limited brain managed to remember the incident with the Bludger and Malfoy back in September and furthermore that he was worried she might have been worried about that undoubtedly worrying fact. She laugh inwards at the way this was being formed in her head but then her inner smile fell making a sound. Suddenly she came to realize that Malfoy would have any chance in hell to finished what he had started last time during today's match. 'Crap! She thought. What if he actually tries to shove me again . I mean…He didn't seem very regretful last time.' She shivered.
"Oh, great James, I hadn't thought about this till now. Thanks for reminding me." She said sarcastically and walked past him to meet Will who was coming her way dragging Al behind her.
"Hey you guys ." She saluted and left them too to go and get ready in the changing rooms.
There she met the entire Ravenclaw team , who was waiting impatiently for something that Rose soon realized it was herself. Some of them complained about how she was always late but Xander or rather Davies –as she had decided to call him since he cheated on her- made no comment on the subject. 'He doesn't dare.' Rose interpreted , holding a smile back.
"Ok, fine I'm sorry . Can we now discuss the game plan?" The Head-Girl knew she had no right to be strict , seeing as she was the one late , yet , someone had to and judging by the fact that Davies was all grumpy and quiet at the moment that someone had to be her.
"Yes, fine, let's." Leo Skeeter agreed with a friendly smile that released some of the tension. Rose smiled back and continued.
"Erm, You and Tessa already have your plan right?" She asked less confidently.
"Yes, we do , don't we Tess?" He turned to watch his teammate who was biting her fingernails .
"Wha-? Oh yeah , we're good…I guess." She was close to tears now.
"Is she ok?" The redhead spoke to Leo who was looking at his fellow Beater worried.
"Sure, don't worry Rose, she's always stressed before games." He explained and proceeded to pat the girl at the back. Rose was quite stressed herself but could not help but admire how close the two Beaters were. Her uncle George always said that a Beater more than any other player has to have team spirit. Without it, he said, even a great Beater is lost. The two players need to be close to each other, understand each others moves rather than words cause they might have to communicate from the two corners of the pitch with thousands cheering or howling. And –Rose knew- uncle George was a great Beater, as was his brother Fred, whom she hadn't met , because he died trying to save everyone.
'Leo and Tessa are good Beaters too.' She pointed out to herself . ' And Will… she's actually very good. Wait , does that mean she communicates with the prick Malfoy?' Rose wondered. 'Never mind.' She finished.
"Well, then , Tessa you're all good I think and Vince did you get your extra practice?" She looked at a short black-haired boy that sat in one corner.
"Yeah , with Xander , today . We're ok . got the plan and all. Just …" he mumbled and then his voice was lost for good.
"Mandy's got a deal." Davies said for the first time that evening, but didn't dare to look at her.
"What?" She asked sharply and stared at Amanda Fleet expectantly.
"Nothing! It is nothing. Really!" Amanda added exasperated as everyone glared at her.
" She's into your brother. And she's the one making the attack today" Leo explained , getting back into the conversation. Rose signed and turned to the girl calmer now.
"Ok, Mandy , I believe you can contain yourself just for today, can't you?" The red-haired girl asked kindly and a bit sarcastically.
"Yes I can. Those two just keep telling me off about it." She accused pointing her finger at her fellow Chasers.
"Good. Problem solved. Now, Lin… Hey where's Lin?" Rose searched the room alarmed. Their third-year Seeker was the younger member of the team and Rose felt a little over-protective with her.
"She was freaked out and when she saw the Gryffindor team arriving she fleed." Vince explained and continued looking indifferent to Rose's great dismay.
"Merlin, and noone went after her? People!" She shouted making her way out of the changing rooms. When she was out in the cold she felt something missing from her. She scrutinized her body and found out she had forgotten her guards in the room. But, she decided not to go looking for them. Finding a Seeker was by far more serious. She tore the pitch apart with a scanning look and right there in some deserted terraces she found the little –according to Rose- girl. She slowly approached her.
"Hey Lin." The redhead said and smiled a bright smiled although inwards she cursed her luck and Merlin for what she had to put up with.
"Ro-Rose! What are you doing here?" The blonde slim girl asked a bit taken aback.
"I came to talk to you." Rose replied simply and sat next to the girl.
"I'm not going in Rose. I can't . I'm gonna make a fool of myself. I mean, I'm going against James Potter. I stand no chance." She half-said half-cried.
"Nonsense ! You wouldn't be in the team if you weren't good enough. As for James… He's my cousin and even I say he's stupid." Ok, Rose was lying but in difficult times like those she had to. Otherwise , the game would be canceled and he obnoxious cousins would have the chance to make a laugh about it afterwards. No! She wasn't going to let that happen.
"He isn't stupid!" The other girl protested. "He's smart and handsome and he plays better than anyone else." Lin hid her face in her hands.
"Oh, please don't tell me you are in love with someone from the other team too." The Head-Girl raised her hands in desperation.
"Why? You are too?" She inquired innocently but earned a killing look from the Keeper.
"The guys are my cousins!" She snapped at the third-year Seeker forgetting her friendly approach.
"Malfoy isn't." The poor soon-to-be-dead girl remarked.
"I am not in love with anyone, especially not Malfoy. Mandy is, with my brother. Happy now?" She explained and put her hands on her hips.
"Mandy's into Hugo?" Ha-ha-ha!" Eline Ruerag appeared to have forgotten her former fear and anxiety.
"I see you are as good as new Lin, so can we please go?" Rose pleaded the girl next to her. The other just nodded regaining herself and stood up.
They had just reached the pitch when Amy Jordan's voice sounded strong and excited over the cheers.
**************
(A/N: The game as it was described from Amy Jordan)
"Hello , everybody! It's a good evening for Quidditch right?" Amy Jordan said in a firm voiced that reminded the teachers of her father's.
"Now , let's see who's up first….And it is Gryffindor, The Ravies were a bit late, Merlin knows why…" Amy shot a smirk at Lin's way before proceeding.
"And we have, James Potter, Seeker as we all know –He never lets anyone forget it- . Then Hugo Weasley, Keeper, who's today playing against his sister who's also a Keeper. Luke Bownam, yes that's your name you-" Amy made a gesture to the guy that had just appeared and hearing his name begun waving at the crowd. Luke was Jordan's best mate so she was really into teasing him but a glare from The Headmistress stopped her from swearing.
"Well, next comes Freddie Weasley on his brand new…what is it? Oh ! A ThunderBolt2010. Nice one Fred." She gave the smiling boy a thumbs-up.
"And, wait, do I see blond? Of course. Mr Scorpius Malfoy at your service ladies. Am I right Scor? Beater, he is." She smiled at the blonde Head-Boy who had just entered.
"And last yet not least, Albus Potter and his brand new girlfriend. Who you might ask. Well, the all too well known Captain of the team, the one and only Will Mclaggen." She cheered herself at that.
"There they all are at their positions and now come the Ravies." Amy clapped her hand .
"First is –if I am not mistaken- Leo Skeeter , the Beater and is followed by the other Beater Tessa Wood. Go girl! Sorry Porfessor." She hurried to correct.
"After them we have the Captain of the Ravenclaw team , Alexander Davies. Some rather unpleasant rumors about him being –erm – not such a good boy were heard, but he seems to have grown out of them." Amy could not contain herself that time no matter how much McGonagall shouted.
"Right next to him there's Vince Rickett, a bit out of shape we heard and Mandy Fleet. A bit in love am I correct Mandy? Well, I'm sorry Professor but without the comments the game would be too boring." She was now speaking to McGonagall.
"Now who's left? Rose Weasley ! Unforgettable she is. Had it not been for her brother, I would say she's the best Keeper we have by far. Now he's just catching up with her, but still…" Amy clapped her hands at the red-haired girl that entered the pitch.
"And finally we have Eline Ruerag, the new Seeker of the Ravies. Welcome Lin." She waved a hand at the girl who looked ready to faint.
"Oh, right, the two Captains shake hands . How cute! And everyone is in his position. Good, let's start, Coach if you shall…" Professor Hooch signaled and the game begun. "All balls released and here we go."
"Ok, Vince has the quaffle, trying to clear his name I guess. He throws it to Davies , who throws it to Mandy and she…yes... she scores. Got it right over Hugo's head in the second hoop. The quaffle is on Al, who's just a bit too fast for Mandy, he passes it to Luke , but there comes Davies and takes it cleverly , he tries to score again for his team but fails. Hugo catches the ball and throws it back to Luke and he's got it this time. He flies a few meters above and – oh wait, Leo's sending the Bludger his way , but luckily for the guy, Scorpius comes fast and sends the Bludger right to McLaggen's bat." Amy was now all excited.
"While the quaffle goes to Fred who attempts -in vain- to score , Will turns the Bludger against Mandy who misses it by inches. Good Lord doesn't this team has Beaters?" Jordan shouted making vague gestures.
"Ok, the quaffle is on the Gryffindors again, Al to be exact. He cleverly avoids Davies and moves towards his cousin. Rose's all prepared, quite a Keeper she is. But… wow… what was that? Seems like Al let the quaffle go and Fred got it fast and scored. Gryffindor –Ravenclaw 10-10 people." Cheers from the Gryffindor pitch.
Some more time passed with Amy Jordan never closing her mouth for more than a second. Davies had scored two goals and Mandy four for Ravenclaw. On the other side Al had fooled his cousin three times, whereas Fred and Luke managed only one goal each to Rose's hoops. Most people were hit by a Bludger more than once but there were no big injuries.
"We're now reaching the middle of the game with Ravenclaw only ten points ahead. We just watched James hunting the Snitch down , but apparently he missed it for now. Better luck soon." She looked at the annoyed Seeker.
"The quaffle is now on Al, who throws it to Fred who is a few feet over the boy and catches the ball rapidly. A Bludger is going after Al, what for, Tessa?, He has already released the quaffle." Amy Jordan looked inquisitively at the Beater's direction. The Ravenclaw Beater seemed surprised too at the direction her bat leaded the ball. She shrugged at Amy.
"And yes the Bludger is out of the way, thanks to Will and the quaffle goes up in the air and Al catches it again . Wow! And it is quite a catch as well. He aims at the fourth hoop and- No! He is hit at the shoulder by a crazed Bludger. Ah, he's still on broom luckily- My, what a shot! It's ok Tessa you proved your point, you needn't be violent." Jordan looked back from where the ball had come to see the girl, yet noone was there. Tessa, who was now shouting something stood way above the level from where the Bludger came.
"What? Tessa we can't hear you . Please calm down. What? What did you say? A protest? No-no, I can't see, stop moving Tessa. A problem?" Amy was now standing up. She followed the girls scared gaze and she spotted the Bludger that was constantly changing directions with great speed and most importantly without anyone hitting it.
"Professor, I believe something is wrong with that Bludger." She managed to scream before a thunderous sound came from the fourth hoop.
*************
'Wow , that hit really destroyed Potter.' Scorpius thought and turned to see a worried Will flying near her boyfriend who was holding his shoulder.
The Head-Boy didn't care much for the guy but seeing as he had to stay close to the other Beater he flew behind her unwillingly.
He was almost at the third hoop when he heard Amy Jordan shouting something like 'A problem.' He looked at her stands only to see the black-haired girl jumping up and down, shouting. "I believe there is something wrong with that Bludger." Scorpius was now disturbed. Had the Slytherins stunned the Bludger again like last year? He wondered , but as his gaze met the brown ball , he realized that, that was not the case. Instead of staying rigid and motionless the Bludger was running fast around the pitch . Plus it was in fact changing its way without anyone touching it. First it went up then down then up again and just when everyone had gotten really dizzy the ball flew in an extremely fast pace his way. The blonde felt his heart hitting his chest hard like that Bludger was going to hit his head any moment.
Or not…
He watched as the ball changed its direction and left behind his back. Quickly he turned around and saw Will talking to Al. He thought of warning them but he observed relieved that the ball ignored them totally. He sighed, despite himself, but it was not time to celebrate just yet.
The mad Bludger seemed to crave the blue sky that laid beyond the pitch and was going for it. However there was just one last thing between her and her freedom and that was the fourth hoop and Weasley standing before it.
"Weasley!" He screamed in an alarmed voice, even he didn't recognize. 'Hell that bitch is absolutely deaf.' He gathered, getting more and more alarmed by every second that passed. The ball didn't try to avoid the redhead. Instead it aimed right at her back that was unprotected. 'That girl is not wearing guards.' He, then , observed. 'What is wrong with her ?!' He looked around him for help and instructions. In a glimpse he saw Potter still holding his shoulder and Will talking to him, too absorbed to pay attention to him. Hooch was on her broom but still far away. He looked back at Weasley who was only now turning towards the Bludger. She sensed the danger and moved fast to the left. The Gryffindor was now sure she had escaped.
However he was wrong to sigh, again. The Keeper might had moved and missed the impact, but that bewitched ball did not gave up. Scoprius then understood the truth. The ball wasn't aiming the free sky!
It was aiming the red-haired girl in front of the fourth hoop.
And as the Bludger turned again to attack her, he hesitated no more. Suddenly his decision was made. He knew he hated the girl. He didn't deny for one minute that helping her out was probably a big mistake. Risking his safety for her an even bigger one. Yet all he could see then was a girl with long red-hair and beautiful –frightened blue eyes. Yes! He could see. Not the looks but the inside that was reflected in them. Ray had warned him about it, but he didn't listen and there he was now unable to stop himself from seeing her. 'Crap, Crap, Crap!' He thought and before the last word registered in his mind he was next to the girl. At first he considered using his bat to send the ball away, but, the Bludger was too close to the Head-Girl. All he could do at the moment was pushing her away and placing himself before her.
And so he did. He expected to see the pitch coming near him, his broom leaving his hands and feet and the worried faces of the students.
He didn't. He only felt that great pain in every part of his body and then he saw black .
***************
"Rose! What the hell happened back there?" Rose did not move. Nothing in her complexion showed that she had heard the person . A brown-haired boy came close to her slowly but still no reaction.
She was standing there, in the middle of the infirmary , over the motionless body of someone familiar , completely still, like frozen. Ray hesitated slightly then as he realized her eyes were glowing with unshed tears he came closer and hugged her tightly.
The change was instant. From frozen and rigid Rose turned to shaking and sobbing. She placed her head in her friends shoulder and cried. She cried for a bunch of different reasons. She cried because she had almost being crushed by a crazy Bludger going for her specifically. She cried because her cousin Al had broken his arm. But most importantly she cried because , someone that despised her had risked his life to save her.
"What happened Rose? Tell me." Ray rubbed her back as he said those words and the girl seemed a bit soothed.
"He- He had seen the Bludger when noone else did and – he came in front of me and he pro- protected me. He fell Ray. From the broom, to an-an empty terrace and to the snow. Mrs Pomfrey said he had broken most of his bones." She looked with blood-shed eyes at her friend who had a serious face.
"Will he be ok Rose? You have to tell me!" He shook her shoulders violently, but she didn't seem to mind.
"You have no idea how it was Ray! No idea. He just fell lifeless to the snow and we got there to see him, Hooch and I, and he-he was all bloody and pale. I was sure then he had d-died." She kept on mumbling while being shaken by Ray.
"Yes, but is he going to be ok?" He stressed his words even more. She didn't reply, never casting him one glance.
"Yes, Mr Fairfax, he is." Sounded a calm voice from behind Ray. The Hufflepuff turned to see Madame Pomfrey checking on his friend.
"However I would suggest you stopped stirring Miss Weasley. She is in a shock now, so she can't really say much." She stated then took the girls hand and tried to make her sit in a bed. It was pointless. Rose simply refused to leave that place she was standing.
"Very well Miss, Let me just get you a chair and a tranquillizer ." The old woman said tentatively and left.
Ray approached the redhead once again, in a more understanding manner.
"He is going to be fine Rose. Don't you worry. Remember you despise him anyway. And so does he." He tried, but he had probably said the wrong thing because she glared at him.
"I know! But he didn't seem to think of that when I was in danger, so I'm not going to do so either." She stated more calm now and decisive.
"Ok. Then I'll sit here with you for as long as you wish to stay." He hugged her again and sat her on the chair Madame Pomfrey had brought some minutes ago.
"Here, drink that." He said and had one not known who he was talking to he would have thought it was a little child. She obediently drank the grey liquid and cuddled in the chair.
The Hufflepuff took a chair from the nearby table and placed it next to Rose's. So there they sat speechless for a long time until the boy decided to speak again, much later, when the sun had set and the moon was visible from the open windows of the old infirmary.
"Rose, you should go." Ray whispered and made an effort to stand up in his chair. The Head-Girl opened her eyes and looked at him surprised.
"No. I'm staying, you know I have to. Plus Madame Pomfrey wants me here in case I need more medicine. You should go, get some sleep –no – don't say no Ray . Go and bring him some clothes as well. The password is 'Alohomora' ." She whispered back softly and smiled a weak smile.
"Ok, I guess I could do that. Erm… Rose?" He was hesitant for a moment, then awkward . "If he wakes up while I'm gone, could you tell him I said sorry? Please?" He daren't look at her, so he just stood up and made his way out of the room.
Rose was all alone again. She turned her head back to its former position. The first thing she was able to see was the moon that shone bright. She realized she had never really observed the moon before and it seemed quite strange that she found that particular moment to do so.
The second thing was a ball of blonde hair over brown blankets. She felt like she was doing something bad so she looked away . If he was awake now he would probably have hexed her to next century for staring like that, not to mention made fun of her in every possible way.
'Then again , he is unconscious.' She counteracted herself . 'So how exactly would he know I'm looking? …He wouldn't .' She concluded and slowly looked at him once more.
He was all too peaceful when he was asleep. Rose was sure she had never seen him as tranquil as now. However she couldn't tell if she liked it or not. Having him conscious around her was a nightmare –sure- but him being in a bed in front of her half-dead was no fun either. No less torturing.
She was considering whether she preferred his face smirking or pale and his eyes ironic or closed for a long time till she felt her own eyes closing, her eyelids falling heavy on them and before she knew it she was asleep.
Hours passed in the old infirmary and over the two sleeping people in it.
"Rose .You still here?" Rose heard a far away voice and slowly and unwillingly opened her red eyes.
"Ray? Oh! Sorry I must have fallen asleep. What time is it?" She asked as she stretched her arms and yawned.
"About six." He said and the Ravenclaw looked at him quizzically for a moment.
"I couldn't sleep. So I came to bring the clothes you asked." The Hufflepuff confessed .
Rose stared at him for a moment and then smiled in comprehension. 'He really cares for that arse.' She admitted. She could never understand how such a cool guy like Ray would be friends –not to mention best mates- with a rude, smug, annoying prick like Malfoy. To her they were totally different. Ok they might have the same sense of humor, which was, none, but other than that they had nothing in common. 'Do I smell some jealousy, Rose?' An inner voice questioned. 'I don't know, maybe…' She acknowledged . 'It's just that …I mean… Look here it is. I just can't figure out how can a snobbish creature like Malfoy get to have such friends. That's all.' She let out a breath that didn't go unnoticed by Ray.
"You ok, Rose?" He asked worried, but received a sweet smiled that calmed him down.
"Yes, you don't have to worry about me too." She whispered.
"You can go now, if you want, I'm staying." Ray stated suggestively.
"Madame Pomfrey said he might wake up this morning. Maybe I should go." She looked thoughtful . It wasn't like she wanted to, she felt like she owned him to stay, but if Malfoy woke up and the first thing he saw was her face he would probably go back to a coma.
"Mr Fairfax. I see you couldn't keep yourself away from my infirmary for long." The old woman put her hands on her hips. "Anyway, the Headmistress wants to see you."
"What for?" Asked the brown-haired boy scandalized seeing as every time McGonagall asked for him was because he had pulled some huge prank on someone.
"I believe that since both Heads are somewhat busy for the time being, she wants you to lead the third-years to Hogsmeade." The Healer said calmly.
"What? But my best mate is hurt I have to stay here." The Hufflepuff objected hotly.
"I think , Sir , that your friend would appreciate it more if you did his duties rather than just stay here and watch him sleep." She stated in a clear voice and moved to check on Malfoy. "In addition, you don't have to worry, he's doing just fine. He'll probably come to soon. Which reminds me. If he does, could you please Miss Weasley tell him his parents came by?" She turned to Rose now.
"I- erm- I was hoping I could go and… you see he won't be too glad to see me here." The Head-Girl mumbled.
"I'm sorry Miss but I can't let you go just yet." Both teens sighed defeated.
Ray said goodbye and left the room sending killing looks to the Healer while doing so. Rose on the other hand sank to her armchair again. 'I should take this armchair to my dorm.' She thought as she made herself comfortable. 'I think it is the first time I spent so much time without speaking or walking and this chair is my only companion.' She laughed for the first time in what seemed to be ages.
"Wha- what are you laughing at?" Sounded a drowned voice not much louder than a whisper. 'Oh my God , oh my God ,oh my God.' Thought Rose terrified and yet happy.
**************
Scorpius didn't knew what had in fact happened to him. He remembered clearly how he had been hit by that Bludger and how he had felt that terrible pain descending from the chest and covering his entire body. He had recognized the feeling of the air slapping him and then all went black.
The next thing he knew was he was lying down somewhere and was absolutely numb. He tried to move his hands but found it impossible. No luck with his feet either. He slowly opened his eyes but closed them rapidly. What sort of light was that. He felt blinded. 'Ok, can someone turn the lights off?' He wanted to say but no sound came.
He then realized that not only he couldn't make sounds but he could hear either. 'What the…?' He swore inwards. 'Am I dead?' He wondered feeling a little worried. Now, normally someone who had just experienced a terrible accident and was trapped in an unknown place alone unable to speak, hear or move should have been more that desperate. However Scorpius wasn't. Not really. Of course having spent the last four years of his life waiting to die played a certain part in all this …
Some moments went by and nothing changed until finally something entered his mind awakening it. Something beautiful and reviving. Was it an image? No. He hadn't opened his eyes since that blinding light almost destroyed his retinas.
Then it had to be a sound. His brain cells were quickly activated. He focused on the sound and processed it. It was- a laugh? He stopped for a minute to enjoy it. It was a beautiful laugh, yet unknown to him. He let it roam his mind for a while and then he re-opened his eyes, hesitantly this time.
He was in the hospital Wing, he recognized it immediately cause he had been taken there for more than a million times during the past years, mostly after some fight with Weasley. Speaking of who… In a green armchair close to his bed stood all cuddled up his arch-enemy, laughing. Considering their status as rivals he should have hexed her to next century and back. But unfortunately no such thought crossed his half-numbed mind. He only watched as she sat on the armchair her knees close to her belly and her head resting at the back of the chair. Her red hair made a nice contrast with the green chair. He observed. Then realization dawned on him.
"What are you laughing at?" He thought and realized surprised that he had managed to speak. That earned an utterly surprised look from the girl on the armchair, 'Who absolutely despises me.' He reminded himself , because otherwise he would have to consider the possibility that she was actually happy he was awake.
"I-I …" She seemed lost for words as he scanned her with his gaze. "You're up!" She suddenly exclaimed and her face brightened significantly. In a blink of an eye Weasley was on her feet and she even took some steps towards him. Scorpius backed up as much as his broken bones allowed him and she noticed. The light slowly disappeared from her features and the blonde felt a pinch in the inside. Had he been elsewhere and under different circumstances he would have felt happy to make her sad. However now he just felt that strange disappointment.
"What happened Weasley?" He asked tired when she had stopped moving. The girl's cheeks flushed a bit and she looked at the window behind him for help.
"You sort of got hit by that ball, but I guess you already know that." She muttered , more to herself than to him. "Then you fell from your broom, landed on some deserted terraces, destroyed them and ended up on the ground." Scorpius looked amazed at his own capabilities of hurting himself.
"Oh!" He said dumbfounded and forgot for just a moment to look ironic and judgemental.
"Yeah." She confirmed absentmindedly. They half-looked at each other for sometime none of them daring to speak. Weasley was the first to break the silence.
"You're going to be fine, Madame Pomfrey said." She whispered. No answer came.
"But you'll have to stay away from the broom for some time." She added with an even lower voice.
Scorpius was determined not to talk to her. He wasn't sure if it was anger, because he almost died to save her arse , or shame , for… more or less the same reason. But whatever the reason, he had swore he wouldn't say one more word to her. No matter what. He would just wait for Madame Pomfrey, Felix or someone else he actually liked.
Yet he was meant to break his oath. Because even he, with his incredible powers of self-restraint, could not have stayed indifferent to the next thing she said.
Weasley looked at him intently for a second and adopting a more determined expression said. "I'm sorry, alright? For staying here while I knew you'd hate it. But I have an excuse. Madame Pomfrey said I couldn't leave and I…I thought 'what the fuck…I can keep an eye on him'. Plus , I have to say thanks haven't I ?" She had now folded her arms tightly.
Scorpius opened his eyes wide to make sure it was Weasley who had uttered the last words.
"You-you stayed here with me?" He finally spoke.
"So what if I did? Kill me." She snapped at his browsed face. "Thought I wouldn't advise it. I mean you'll have to let me live, now." She continued. "Otherwise , what would be the point of saving me?" She had raised her hands to the air exasperated.
"I guess there wouldn't be any." Scorpius admitted despite himself and then added a smirk, just for the sake of it. The girl was relieved.
"So for how long was I out?" He asked. 'Now that I've started talking I should just exploit it.
"Mmmm, since yesterday afternoon. And now it is half past six in the morning." She appeared to be counting. 'Wow! I really slept.' The blonde thought.
"Yes, you did." Replied the redhead nearby. 'Wait! I said that out loud? Damn.' He scolded himself and his injured reflexes. Then something new crossed his mind. 'Does that mean she stayed in that armchair all night?' He didn't know what to make of it. 'Should I be glad she actually considered me so important as to spent all night next to me?... Oh, well, that came out wrong.' He gave her half an eye and realized his thoughts made him feel uncomfortable. 'Then again, did she actually misunderstand his actions as a sign of him liking her? 'Big mistake, there .' Scorpius told himself , trying to forget the fact that he, too , had questioned his motives on the subject for a moment.
"Oh! I almost forgot. Ray was here. For hours. He wanted to stay more but he couldn't, McGonagall needed him, so he asked me to tell you, he is sorry." She explained expecting to see some reaction and Scorpius decided he didn't care enough to stop himself from grinning. At something good came out from all this.
"And ," The red-haired girl kept going , "Madame Pomfrey said your parents came late at night. I didn't see them cause I was asleep but they must have seen me." She seemed ashamed at what his parents must have thought. He thought of smirking but realized, so was he. Then his gaze fell at the little table near his bed. There amongst other things was a letter on which Scoprius recognized his father's handwriting. He picked it up and opened it not caring the despicable Weasley was watching.
'Scorpius,' His father wrote. 'Me and your mother were extremely scared when we heard of your accident. However Madame Pomfrey said you were going to be fine soon, as long as you listen to her instructions. So first of all I want to ask you to do whatever she says.
We are very sorry we couldn't stay for longer to see you but we promise we'll come back tomorrow. Besides, you seem to have your own private nurse.' The blonde flushed slightly at that. 'Your mum wants me to say she is very proud of your actions. I would have preferred it if you were a bit more of a coward in some cases, but I understand we see things differently. The hat didn't place you to Gryffindor for nothing I suppose. Anyway, take care and we'll see you soon. Your parents.' The boy smiled happily. He knew his dad had seen Weasley and had realized exactly who she was, but the fact that he hadn't mentioned a thing about it meant that he hadn't been very mad about it.
"Felix visited twice yesterday but didn't stay." Weasley's voice sounded, awakening Scorpius from his thoughts. "I guess seeing me here made him somewhat less willing to stay. So …sorry for that as well." Now she was blushing, he wasn't mistaken this time.
"What are you sorry about again?" He asked.
"Not leaving of course." She explained. "I wasn't in a shape to do so then." Scorpius decided he didn't want to know more about it.
He looked at his arch-enemy closely and a feeling of wonder flooded him. 'What kind of girl stays all night in the side of someone who she hates and then apologizes for disturbing?' He racked his brains but found no answer to it.
"Thanks." He said plainly and realized as he saw her smiling timidly that, had she not been who she was, had she been a simple girl, someone he didn't have to hate he would have stood up , caught her hand, dragged her on the bed and hugged her tightly. 'Such a girl would have deserved a hug.' He gathered and she smiled.
'Merlin. She's got to stop doing that. Otherwise…' He thought annoyed at his lack of constraint.
*************
A/N: Big chapter huh? My bigger until now.
It wasn't supposed to be that big , but I started writing and suddenly I couldn't stop.
I honestly hope you liked it because I was very excited about this one. Not to mention the next…
I wish there were more reviews , and I actually hope you'll review this one more cause it is a very important chapter.
The next one will be up soon but it is very likely that it will be smaller.
Thank you all again for reading , lots of love
Sarah