Chapter 20

"I missed. I can't believe I missed it." He leaned back with a flushed face. One that was shared with Rose.

In the split second he leaned to kiss her, Rose moved her face to see the proper details of the initials once more, not expecting to feel something warm on her cheek, let alone lips.

The atmosphere felt close to suffocating gas.

She could still feel the warmth on her cheek, but she refused to bring her fingers to trace over it. Fearing it might make things different.

She was yet to figure out how Fred's single act had changed their view of each other.

Shortly after, their eyes met and both received a sheepy smile, taking note of each other's red face.

"S-sorry," Fred apologised softly, feeling embarrassed by the awkwardness he caused.

Rose shook her head and began writing, "You have nothing to apologise for, it was nice."

Fred gave a large grin. Feeling the atmosphere lighten, he scooted closer to her, tracing over the cravings as well.

"Do you know what all these are? I can't make them out," he confessed.

"Maybe you should borrow Harry's glasses," she arched her brow.

"Maybe then he won't go snooping around where he shouldn't," Fred snapped back, frowning his brows.

Rose looked at Fred taken aback by the anger in his voice. She's never seen that side of him.

He cleared his throat. "I got Ron to tell me," he paused briefly, "I heard about McGonagall being your guardian," he finally met her eyes to see her expression. He slumped his shoulders in defeat, sighing. "I didn't plan to say anything Rose, but I'm not particular happy with Harry for obvious reasons," he justified himself causing Rose to nod.

"I'm not sure how he found out," she wrote. It was picking at the back of her brain. If Hermione didn't say anything, he must've saw the permission slip himself. "But it was in my trunk the whole time."

"Never mind that. If you choose to talk to him again, I'm sure he'll confess. If not, I'll bring it out of him."

Rose shook her head, "That's okay." She gave him a quick look, "Pranking your own teammate would not go well with McGonagall."

"I'm sure Professor would let it slide if she ever found out," Fred spoke out before squinting his eyes at the craved initials once again. "Can you make them out?"

Like a loop turn, they started at the beginning.

She wrote down her page, parallel to the cravings on the leg.

J.P L.E L.E L.E

P.P

R.L

S.B A.S

C.B I.A I.B

R.B

"How did you know about this?"

"My uncle and father would always tell me about their school days, and I heard stories about this. I wanted to see if it was true." In truth she briefly heard it once, but she wanted to see a glimpse of their memories before things got dangerous for them. She had heard many stories growing up, but she still felt like she barely knew them. "If only I could visit more often."

"Do you think the rumours of this house were started by them?"

She shrugged her shoulders.

"What house were your uncle and father in?"

"Gryffindor. My mother was in Slytherin."

"Really?" He wasn't expecting Rose to mention her mother. "What was she like?"

"Clumsy."

He would've spat out his butterbeer if he asked that question in the Three Broomsticks. "Rose," he exclaimed. "You shouldn't say that about your mum." He knew he'd get a bloody whooping if his mother heard him say that.

"Apparently it was true," she wrote, placing the notebook down on her lap to write more. "Smart too, knowledgeable in about everything."

"Do you remember her?"

"No. I remember very little about her. I know she kept her hair short after school, but in her photos, she had long hair, lighter than mine. Main thing I can remember is that she would make pumpkin pasties and she liked blue stained roses."

"Is that why you like pumpkin pasties?"

"Yes, it reminds me of her." She smiled looking at her words, sensing Fred looking at her she continued. "She was quite fond of Halloween, so it is bittersweet."

"Bittersweet?"

"She passed away twelve years ago on Halloween."

He was lost for words.

He did say he would lend an ear whenever she was ready to talk, but he wasn't expecting it to be now. And certainly not about her mother. She was quite secretive about it, maybe she's opening after being in the same house as her.

Either way, Fred was glad she was talking about her inner thoughts.

Opening was a good sign.

Right?

"I'm sorry -I'm sorry for your loss Rose."

"I didn't tell you so you could apologise," she wrote, before using her right hand to pull her cheek in an attempt to make a funny face.

He gave a small smile, "Let me be there for you."

"You're always there for me so thank you," she wrote before getting up to stretch her legs. She looked at Fred who had a blank expression on his face. She waved her hand in his face bringing him back to reality.

"S-sorry," he said flustered, getting up.

THUD

"Bloody hell," Fred groaned, rubbing his head.

He forgot he was under the piano. He slowly got up, leaving his hand on his injury, "I know you're laughing Rose, it's not funny."

Oh, but it was to the little Slytherin.

"Things like this happen," she began.

"We will not tell my brother this," he gave a knowing look, hovering her notebook as she wrote.

"Which-."

"You know which one."

If she could, she would've been laughing harder. The clenching in her abdomen was intense.

"Your clumsy moment is safe with me."

"Rose!"

She stuck out her tongue before smiling. She headed towards the door and he followed.

"Maybe it was a good thing it was the cheek."

It wasn't long before they could see the village a few feet from them. They were lucky to not have been caught coming from the house.

"Do you mind if I go find Hermione?" she relaxed her shoulders, "I should send a thank you letter to her parents. I do like this notebook"

"Sure," he gave a small smile. "Want me to help you find her?"

She shook her head before she gave him a quick hug, she soon waved before disappearing from his view leaving him to his thoughts.

More so letting him wither in his thoughts on how he didn't get the chance to return the hug he received.

The warmth faded as fast as it appeared.

Instead of searching for Hermione, Rose decided to take a small detour into the woods. The lie rolled off her quill, she didn't want to alarm Fred on where she was going. The sunlight shed light to the path she was on, in no time she was greeted by black wolves. Wolves that looked similar to Prissy, the ones that were there on the night Harry and Ron confronted Aragog while Rose was in detention. They all soon surrounded Rose with their tails wagging, "I've missed you too."

After what felt like seconds, Rose was greeted by an unexpected person.

One she hasn't been close to in a while.

Hermione and Ron met Harry back in the Gryffindor common room telling him the adventures along with bringing him sweets amongst other things minus butterbeer.

The Broomsticks have yet to consider take away orders.

Of course, Harry filled his best friends with what went down in Professor Lupin's office aside from Prissy's origin. Though, he did find the information peculiar.

Why would Lupin tell Harry that?

Perhaps Prissy was there during his school time in Hogwarts?

Or did he know who her parents were?

Could he have been one himself?

Let's hope time reveals all.

"Harry, I don't think Snape would have tried to poison Professor Lupin in front of you," Hermione concluded. The trio were reaching the Great Hall, still discussing the topic at hand. Upon getting to their seats they walked past the candle-filled pumpkins amongst other Halloween decorations, though they spotted someone who hasn't made an appearance in a while.

There sitting at the Slytherin table was their plus one to the trio. Today was full of surprises, it seems Rose even agreed to attending the feast, giving herself constant pinches throughout the night. Though, she wasn't sitting with her classmates, more so her seniors.

Better yet, the seniors of her house.

It has been a full two months since Rose had entered the Great Hall for dinner. She had every intention to eat in the kitchen until a certain prefect decided to do their job and drag her to the Hall by a Professor's 'request'.

We can guess who is who.

If not, re-writing is in order.

"Could you quit pinching yourself," Farley huffed.

"I could, but no," she wrote before continuing her light pinching on her right arm.

"Well get used to it, no more meals in the kitchen," Farley muttered. "Also, how do you get into the kitchen?"

"Good question," one of Farley's friends spoke aloud. Rose had been found by Farley on the stairs heading to the fruit bowl portrait. She then proceeded to drag the third year to sit with her and her friends. More so a tight group of people no one messed with.

Everyone wanted to have their skin attached to their body during their years in Hogwarts.

Wouldn't you?

"You've been here for seven years and you still don't know how to get to the kitchen?"

"Oh, shut it, Rose," she rolled her eyes before continuing to eat her food. At that moment a red-haired boy came dashing through. "It seems someone is late, I wonder why," the prefect nudged the girl knowingly.

The rest of the dinner went by as smooth as it could've been. Majority took a while to realise Rose had joined the table after many weeks, the rumours from earlier that day took over but not as strong due to the food being served.

Though both Rose and Fred were unaware of the gossip brewing about the two.

Soon enough, Rose was dragged by Harriet and she sat with her roommates for the rest of the night, evidently sitting next to Malfoy. Much like her first day but the atmosphere seemed more hostile than expected for which she tried her best to ignore.

"The dementors send their love Potter!" said Draco as Rose throws a dinner roll at him which ultimately fell in Nott's soup. Draco looked at her unamused while she shrugged her shoulders. Nott being how he was, was not in the best of mood to have additional foods added to his menu, though Zabini found amusement in it but refused to show it. During the time, Greengrass gave a sweet smile to Rose while Parkinson kept softly chatting to Bulstrode.

It was a more peaceful Halloween night compared to the previous years.

Let's not jinx it.

"You can use my pockets if you need more room," he whispered causing her to freeze. She had thought she was subtle enough, but forgot she was sitting next to someone who was much taller than her. She didn't think she was going to get much sleep tonight, so she was subtly stuffing her pockets with pumpkin pasties, like she's done in the past. She shook her head before continuing, not realising someone else was doing the same as her.

Not far from Rose's seat were the trio. They did laugh at the throwing of the dinner roll, but it was almost a bittersweet moment, a reminder what the future Halloween celebrations would be in the Hall. Would they be considered the four ever again?

As the trio made their way to their common room and eventually find out about the uninvited visitor. Rose, however, was waddling slowly like a penguin for her crime not to be known. She didn't want anything to fall out of her pockets.

"Walking slowly like that will cause suspicion." Rose stopped and slowly turned to greet the Slytherin Prince. "Better walk faster Baby Gryffindor," he gently nudged her shoulder and they walked in sync. It wasn't long before they reached the stone wall. "Empty your pockets and come back here," he whispered. He too had pocketed pumpkin pasties and subtly passed them along to her.

A Malfoy being soft, how rare.

She creased her brows but nonverbally agreed and headed to her room. At this point the pasties were ready to spill over. If she was living in the wild, she would've been well stocked for the winter.

Like a rat, she was able to go and come back without being seen.

She crept into her room unnoticed, stashing her food away.

Priscila soundless asleep spread across the bed.

Nothing new.

By the time she left the common room, many Slytherin's were heading inside. The looks she was receiving were mixed but it was out of her hands. Absently walking, she was pulled aside by no other than the blondie.

"We should probably go now," Draco began to walk, making Rose trot behind him.

"Where are we going? It's getting late," she shoved her board in his face, not caring if it hit him.

"Watch it," he frowned. "We're going to get a check-up," his eyes glanced at her ear before they reached her own.

"Can't we go tomorrow?" She huffed. "I really want another pumpkin pasty."

"Pasties can wait."

"I didn't even say that out loud," she showed him the board.

"You didn't need to, it's written on your face," he cocked his smile into a smirk causing her to roll her eyes. "Now let's go."

Walking through the hallways at night was something Rose would do alone, it was a new feeling to be accompanied by a boy. Perhaps it was this boy in particular that made the feelings foreign to her.

"Where are you two off to?" They both looked a head to see their DADA teacher approaching them.

"We're going to get our check-up," Draco said bluntly.

Lupin put his hands up, "I'm afraid that will have to wai-"

"Madam Pomfrey already knows," he folded his arms unamused.

"All students are to be heading to the Great Hall," Lupin ignored the hostility and looked at Rose, worried for how she would react. "The teachers will be conducting a search of the castle after all the students are in the hall."

"Why do the teachers need to search the castle?"

"Because Sirius Black might still be here."

Rose held her breath as her eyes grew wide. The rest of the words that left the Professor's mouth was deaf to her ear.

Sirius Black

Does he really look like the photos in the newspaper?

What happened to his smile?

Questions of him surrounded her mind until the touch of her uncle broke them. "Let's go," he said softly.

Though Malfoy didn't like the closeness between Rose and the professor, he wasn't going to argue about heading to the Great Hall where everyone was.

As she headed to the entrance, she didn't spare a glance to McGonagall or any of the others as they closed the doors behind her. She was lost in thought until Greengrass snapped her fingers at her.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"She's fine Greengrass," Malfoy said sternly.

"Chill Malfoy, I was just asking. I was going to ask Rose if we could sit together at breakfast tomorrow," she looked between the two who showed no response, "or maybe another time is better?"

"Sounds good," Rose wrote and returned the smile shown on the other Slytherin's face.

"I-I'll join too. Whenever that is," Malfoy he scratched his head. Rose just shrugged not really knowing what to do. It was a big change for her. It was about time she had to get used to sitting at the Slytherin table.

"Did you want to sit with Parkinson and me for the night?" The open gesture would seem harmless but after last year, Rose wasn't sure on what would happen in the future.

Though luck was on her side as her talkative roommate came to her rescue. "Hey, I was looking for you, I saved you a sleeping bag next to mine," Harriet said.

"Oh, I'll see you next time," Greengrass gave a small wave before heading back to her own dormmates.

The last three stood there in silence until Harriet oh so kindly cleared her throat.

"I'll see you tomorrow Baby Gryffindor," he muttered before catching Harriet's eyes, "for the check-up. Meet me at the wall when you're ready"

She nodded, "Good night," she wrote.

"Night," he slowly disappeared into the crowd of students who were trying to pick where to sleep.

"Come on, we found a good spot for us four," she gave a small smile leading Rose the way. "Your letter is sticking out Rose, better put that in properly," she whispered, gesturing with her eyes.

Rose followed said eyes, picking up the letter and quickly flipping it. "Uncle Moony must've placed it."

"Is that where you disappeared to? To get a letter?" Alice said loudly.

"I swear one day Alice, that loudness of yours will put you in a whole heap of trouble," Harriet muttered before sitting on her sleeping bag.

"Sorry," she whispered before following her cousin. Rose did the same unbeknownst to the looks the young Slytherins received.

The rest of the night was a blur, from the first years gossiping to Gryffindor telling the story of how Black scared off the fat lady. Rose had heard all, but the process of such information made the girl stare at the ceiling wide eyed. There was no way she could sleep.

Around three in the morning Dumbledore arrived to check on the students. The conversation between him and Percy had was not only eavesdropped by the trio but Rose too. Though for Rose, memories of her reoccurring dream took over her mind. During that time, Snape and Dumbledore spoke not far from her sleeping bag.

"I do not believe someone from inside this castle would have let Black enter, no matter their age or relation," Dumbledore looked at Rose one last time, being fully aware she was awake before heading to the entrance leaving Snape to his thoughts before he too, left the hall.

All Rose could think about was Sirius Black then her thoughts, again drifted to the night in the woods.

It would always end with herself holding her throat for dear life.

Whether it was due to the body heat in the hall, her thoughts or the sleeping bag itself, it was too hot for Rose to handle. She could slowly feel the bile creeping up. She instantly got to her feet dashing to the entrance of the hall. She made it past Head Boy Weasley, running down the hallway to the nearest girls' bathroom.

She wasn't as discreet reaching the restroom, but she did lock herself in the stall in an attempt to be discreet emptying her stomach contents. Usually she was able to predict when her weak stomach would give out but not this time.

After a few minutes she flushed and headed to the sink to wash up.

"So," she paused, "how long?"

Rose wasn't surprised by the voice. After all, Professor Snape did ask her to watch over her.

The little flower tapped the mirror for which Farley didn't quite get.

Rose didn't have her board with her, so she wrote with her finger.

"Since the boggart. Should've guessed as much, it was a werewolf wasn't it?" Farley had her arms folded and feet crossed at the ankle, leaning on a pillar behind the girl. "People thought you were a werewolf, but Dumbledore wouldn't let a werewolf study in Hogwarts."

"Despite the minor headaches on the full moon, I'm not quite like Uncle Remus." Rose shook her head.

"Maybe you will sleep better in your own bed?"

"I haven't slept in my own bed since I started to live here," Rose slightly nodded and followed Farley out of the bathroom.

"You're lucky Percy told me and not another prefect," she whispered. "I'm sorry that you think you need to hide this. Let's get you to sleep."

It wasn't long before Rose was back in her dorm room. Priscilla curled by her side and Rose continued to gaze. With no tiredness in the last ten minutes she decided to pull out the letter that her uncle so subtly sneaked into her jacket.

She knew it was an important letter because at the back on the bottom right was a small rose drawn in blue ink. It was her mother's way of saying to listen here and now and that everything would be okay.

My dear Rose,

I wonder how old you are when reading this.

You're currently 3 months sleeping on your father's chest. He too, is sleeping.

You resemble him a lot in behavioural stance but appearance wise I will always say that you look like me. I know you're only 3 months now, but your father and I bicker over you a lot.

In a cheeky way.

This past week we have been trying to track down my best friend. I am worried about her, but she had a second sight moment not long before you were conceived. We're hoping to find more information. I even asked Severus, but he has yet to update me on his findings.

The Wizarding War is taking a toll but knowing that you need a future is making us fight.

We need to keep you protected at all cost.
I can only guess you'll be reading this repeatedly in the future.

You have been blessed with my grace.

Figured out what that means yet?

You have our hearts,

Love, your mother.

Before Rose had time to process the letter, her eyes fluttered and her dreams, more so memories took over.

She walked into the forest, wind blowing the fallen leaves across her path. The full moon shining in the starless sky.

She took the time to admire it, despite the headaches it sometimes gives her.

A howl was heard bringing her back to reality. "He's catching up to me."

Barefooted, she ran further into the heart of the forest. A pounding headache erupted her thoughts. Steps could be heard, gaining behind her. "I don't know where to go." Tripping over her foot, she still continued.

The sound of crushing leaves ringing in her ears.

Frightened to look she ran faster, ignoring the ache in her feet. Not looking ahead, she tripped. Before she could get up, she knew it was over, seeing a large shadow in her view.

She slowly turned to see the one she feared cowering over her with a sinister smile.

All she could do was scream while he howled.

He let out a nasty snarl as he was an inch from her face. Her cries became mute as tears flowed down her face.

No one could save her now.

The beast slashed her throat and upper body, causing her to cough out blood. He roamed around her until she stopped shaking.

Dashed off out of sight thinking he has done his deed.

All she could do was hold onto her throat as she saw the retreating werewolf flee, all black fur.

Her eye shot open, but her body stayed still, like some mornings she stared into nothing until she could move her body. Slowly she got up, not having the urge to dash to the bathroom, Rose was almost not certain of what she should do next.

Before long she went to the common room but didn't expect it to be crowded.

"Did you sneak out to sleep in your own bed?" Harriet wiggled her brows. Rose nudged her elbow at her. "I'm kidding," she giggled. "Are you going for your check-up?"

"Not yet," she wrote, "Maybe after breakfast is over."

"Heading to the Great Hall?" The two roommates turned towards the voice. Who other than Greengrass to ask such a question.

Such a persistent Greengrass.

She may not be the only one.

"Are we heading to the Great Hall?" Harriet asked Rose.

"I think we are," she wrote.

"Awesome, let me join you," Alice jumped in smiling, "it'll be the four of us."

Rose and Harriet looked at each other.

What are their true intentions?

The Great Hall was as lively as can be. Who wouldn't be happy with a three-day weekend? Perhaps not a certain Gryffindor but you can't please everyone. As expected, the gossip spreading through the hall was of Sirius Black, any other gossip arising was deemed miniscule and therefore not mentioned.

But it would eventually arise.

It was just a matter of when.

Breakfast at the Great Hall for Rose was a new experience, but somehow enjoyable. The company wasn't what she was expecting but it was something she needed. A certain blondie didn't join them for breakfast, maybe he went back to sleep, who knows.

"I haven't seen you here in a while, Rose." Right behind her was no other than the Gryffindor who wouldn't like a day away from classes.

"Morning Hermione."

"Morning Rose, h-how was your sleep?"

"The same."

"How was yesterday?" At this point Rose could feel eyes on her flush face.

"I'll tell you later today?"

"Maybe after I eat?"

"Yes! I got a letter for your parents; I'll meet you by the Portrait?"

"Better be careful, portrait of Sir Cadogan and his grey pony replaced the fat lady's until, you know," she said quietly.

She nodded, at this point she really wanted her notebook and quill. Her fingers were chalk white.

Literally.

"I'll go and get it now and meet you either back here or there," she wrote before getting on her feet.

"Okay." At this point, the girls were in their own world, ignoring the stares from the boys and anyone else.

As Rose got to her feet, she was bombarded by her company.

"You, you should stay a little longer Rose," Greengrass said nervously.

"Yeah, let's all go back together, I'm still eating," Alice joined in, slowly chewing her food.

"You're eating like a Queen. When have you eaten this slowly?" Harriet spoke aloud, not caring if she offended her own cousin. "Why are you eating slowly?"

"I'm savouring the taste."

"You eat the same thing every day. Rose do what you have to do, we'll catch up with you later," Harriet smiled.

"I-I can go with you," Greengrass stood up, ready to follow.

"I'm okay, I'll be back here soon." Rose quickly dashed before Greengrass could join her. Not that she didn't mind her company, but she did feel like something was up.

It wasn't long, before she was at the stone wall. Within a few minutes of staying aimlessly did she get to enter. The common room wasn't as crowded compared to before. She could see students studying, chatting and even noticed Parkinson by the fire which was odd. She would always complain about the sparks the fire created.

She headed to her room with a familiar scent hitting her nose. Thinking it was a phantom scent she continued her way. Once she retrieved the letter with Priscilla did the scent hit her like a spell rebounded on her. She quickly walked further into the common room to see Parkinson and Bulstrode crouching by the fireplace with her craved box.

The box of letters.