Chapter 6: Ugly
Winter must have been coming early that year. For the rest of the train ride, the Hogwarts Express sped through the Scottish Highlands, shaking and clattering against the abrasive wind. Chill swept in through the crevices of the old train, and Rose and Alice huddled together in the compartment, sipping on warm butterscotch cocoa drinks.
Since the Prefects meeting, the boys had made themselves scarce on the train. Rose wasn't complaining. She could have used several lifetimes away from Scorpius and not missed him one bit. The biting edge of his cold hands was still remembered, and she almost felt a pang in her shoulders as she recalled them firmly grasping her to keep her from leaving.
She hadn't been entirely truthful to her friend when Alice asked how the meeting went. "Uneventful," Rose said, trying her best to keep her face devoid of any emotion.
Alice raised her eyebrows. Rose sighed, knowing that Alice would smell the lie on her soon enough. "Professor Tulis basically threatened Scorpius and I," She choked out. "It was mortifying. She said if we didn't get along, she would punish us."
Alice's eyes were wide. "Punish you how?" She asked.
"She didn't say. Although hitting children is not allowed at Hogwarts, cleaning every inch of her dreadful classroom or venturing into the depths of the Great Lake to collect swagwamps aren't totally out of the question, I'm sure." Rose recollected some of her past punishments from the Professor and shuddered.
Alice shivered, no doubt imagining the cold, black water of the Great Lake and the hands of merpeople grasping at her legs. "You have to make peace with him, Rosie." Alice stated. "It's the only way."
Rose looked away from her friend, not yet ready to admit what she had agreed to with the Malfoy boy.
Albus and Scorpius threw open the door of the compartment, laughing raucously. "Here's to Scorpius and Rose's few last hours of freedom before they have to be subjected to their priestly duties!" Albus said, slapping his blond friend on the back roughly.
"You act like we are dead, or going to die, or something," Scorpius said, looking amusedly at his friend.
"I'm sure Rose would rather be dead than heed Professor Tulis' warning," Albus said, wiggling his eyebrows at Rose and Scorpius.
Rose hopped up from her seat. "You told Albus?" She scolded the Malfoy boy, holding her hot mug in her hands for emotional support.
"You told Alice right away, didn't you?" Scorpius sneered. He stepped closer, closing the distance between them in just one stride of his long legs. Rose grasped onto her mug tighter, fearing she would drop it. "I bet you didn't even tell them about our little agreement." Scorpius said quietly.
Alice's eyes flicked between Scorpius to Rose rapidly, as if she was watching the most riveting sitcom on TV. "What agreement?" She demanded.
Rose scowled at Scorpius. He ruined absolutely everything. She couldn't even sit in peace and drink nice warm cups of cocoa without him making everything insufferable.
But the Malfoy boy refused to say a word. He stared at Rose triumphantly, forcing her to explain to her friends exactly what she had meant.
She cleared her throat, turning to face Albus and Alice. "Scorpius and I decided to leave our disagreements in the past," she stated strongly, her own voice sounding forgein to her. "...for now." She eyed Scorpius, and he was still smirking triumphantly.
Rose so wished she had something to snap in half right now. Maybe later, when she was alone in her room, she would break something, or punch something, or —
"That is, until Rose realizes she can't stand me anymore and lashes out." Scorpius amended. Which was sure to happen, Rose thought.
"I can't stand you right now," She said through gritted teeth, forcing a very fake smile in his direction.
"I'm just happy to be the focus of your attention," Scorpius said, a little too seriously.
Rose almost hit him then. Had it not been for the hot drink in her hands, the shiny Prefect badge on her chest, and the sound of her cousins approaching the compartment door, she would have.
"I'm going to need something stronger than this if I'm going to survive this year," Rose mumbled into her cup of cocoa.
"Why don't I get you some nice Talisman, friend?" Scorpius said to her in a sugar-sweet tone. He was referring to the vermouth-like liquor that glowed in a wide variety of colors. It was an expensive wizard type of spirit, hard to find, but apparently Scorpius' distant relatives made the stuff. At least, that was his explanation as to why he always seemed to have a vial on hand.
"You're being too kind," Rose quipped back. "Asshole," she mumbled quietly, hoping he could hear her.
Scorpius cackled with laughter. "Indeed, I am."
Rose attempted to stay far away from Scorpius during the following hours. She way trying to enjoy her time before the Prefect duties kicked in the following morning.
Rose, Alice, Lily, and Dominique all squeezed onto a boat to sail across the Great Lake together for another year at the glorious magical castle. The lanterns glowed a soft ember hue down on them, and, giddy with delight, the cousins/friends stood in a circle talking the ride away. The cool air blew their hair around as the small wooden boat glided through the great black waters.
Rose huffed as she carried her suitcase as well as the cat carrier into the dark hallway of the castle. She took in a deep breath, smelling the air, which was tinted with the dusk of old books and the rainy scent most old stone buildings seemed to have. Merlin, had she missed this place. Her cat mewed lightly, as if agreeing with her thoughts.
The sorting moved quickly, the hundred or so First Years beaming with delight as the old crumpled hat called out their forever houses. Rose smiled, remembering the pride that swelled in her heart as the sorting hat called out the house that both her parents had been sorted into. Every single Gryffindor that joined the large table was greeted with raucous, happy shouts from the Wesley-Potter Clan.
For a moment, Rose's eyes glanced at Scorpius, who was seated right between Albus and Fred. A sour expression blanched his face as yet another young Gryffindor was called to join their house's table.
For the first time, Rose realized that the sorting may not have been an entirely happy event for Scorpius. Of the long line of Malfoy's that had been sorted into Slytherin, many had risen to greatness, and even infamy. Out of all great names that emerged from Hogwarts over the years, Malfoy was one that was particularly associated with the serpentine house. Rose gulped as she realized she had never known her parents to be truly disappointed in her. What had Draco, Scorpius' father, thought, when his only son was sorted into his very own rival house?
Rose glanced down at the maroon and gold table runner, which depicted glowing forms of lions. There was a time in her life when she could hardly believe she had been sorted into the house known to occupy great heroes and heroines.
She felt a tug then, almost an urge to say something to him, but as soon as she was about to lean over Albus and speak a word, the headmaster stood and addressed the students.
The headmaster, her own Uncle Percy Weasley, made his address to the students with that same bland tone he always had carried. Ever since his brother Fred's death, he had partially refused to show at family gatherings, finding the sight of his remaining brother to be abhorrent.
Several of the Weasley kids mocked Percy's speech as he made it, but Rose sat silently and respectfully as her Uncle droned on.
"And on a final note, please be aware that the waters of the Great Lake have grown increasingly dangerous as Professor Longbottom has discovered a new invasive species within its depths. Please be advised, The Great Lake is off limits for the time being, until further notice. Thank you, students, and you may retire to your dormitories for the rest of the night."
Her cousins and friends were extremely excited to get back to their dormitories. They were all bubbling with excited chatter as they stood and began their trek towards the magical moving staircases. Alice grasped her friend's arm and gave it a tight squeeze. "Rose, I will miss you so very much this year in the dorm."
Rose smiled faintly at her oldest friend. "You can come have sleepovers with me in the Prefect dormitory any time, Alice." She stated earnestly.
Momentarily, Alice's eyes flickered back to the platinum haired figure that was looming not too far away from the two girls. She cleared her throat pointedly. "You sure it will be alright…? With…?"
Rose shook her head. "I don't care if he's uncomfortable with you staying with me, besides, I'll cast a silencing charm on my room so he wouldn't be able to hear us making fun of him," Rose said, giggling.
Alice smiled, reassured. "Alright well…maybe tomorrow night. I have to unpack my things in my own room first!"
Rose nodded as her friend made off with the rest of the Potters and Weasleys towards the Gryffindor dormitories.
The Prefect dormitories were on the same floor as the Gryffindor dormitories, only they were long stretches of hallway connected by a common room just for the Prefects. Rose had only visited the Prefects common room one other time; it was during the Yule ball of her third year, when she had to help her then-Prefect with the zipper of her dress.
The common room had hardly changed at all since she'd seen it last. Large, glowing chandeliers illuminated with soft glowing yellow candles lit the room. Red carpets and cozy wooden paneled walls enveloped the space. A chesnut coffee table was surrounded by several lazy boy chairs and soft, cushiony couches. Tapestries depicting famous witches and wizards through the centuries hung on the walls, next to rows and rows of bookshelves lined with gorgeous illuminated texts. On the far most wall, a grand fireplace made from stone burned warmly.
Four hallways branched off of each wall, each with their own house crest pinned to the door frame above. Rose stilled as she looked at the corridor that clearly belonged to Gryffindor, wondering if she would have to choose her own room, or if the house elves had already chosen for her by placing her bags.
"And who might you be, pretty one?" a soft, feminine voice cooed from her right hand side.
Rose jumped back in horror, only to realize the woman speaking was a portrait rimmed in a fine golden frame.
"I…I'm Rose Weasley," she stated.
"Ah, yes," the portrait loomed, her glistening black hair appearing all so lifelike. "Your father was Head Boy. And might I say, you are the spitting image of him. And gorgeous, as well."
Rose laughed nervously. She didn't know how she felt about a sentient portrait right outside her bedroom.
"She is, isn't she?" Scorpius boomed from behind her.
Rose neary tripped on the elaborate carpet. When the hell had he stuck up behind her? She hadn't even heard the door close.
The portrait's eyes widened in surprise. "Well, I don't need you to tell me – you're a Malfoy, that is to be sure! And you are prefect of Gryffindor as well? How delicious!"
Rose grimaced, noting to herself that she would have to look up the history of that sordid portrait at a later date. "Excuse me, but I must be finding my way to bed –"
Scorpius quickly jogged up so he was right next to Rose. "Rose wait - I wanted to tell you – I've been reading –"
"You can read?" Rose teased, a chip to her voice. She had had enough of the Malfoy boy today. She just wanted to be in her bed.
"Yes, and you can actually eat with utensils, I know! I was surprised when I saw you do it at dinner tonight too."
They stood for a moment, glowering at each other, and Rose was once again aware that he was so close to her she could feel his breath. "I'm going to bed. Now." She finally stated, storming off.
Sure enough, her things were placed in the room furthest down the hallway, which meant that every morning when she awoke, she would have to walk past Scorpius' door. How lovely.
The room was quite spacious, much more so than any of her other dormitories in the past. The beautiful, four poster bed was on the farthest wall. Right next to it was a large paned window, the stoop below it large enough for someone to sit on. In the opposite corner, a large chestnut writing desk stood with a comfy chair. Rose took in a deep breath, pleasantly surprised to find that the dusty smell of books and castle remained just as she had remembered. Immediately, Rose moved to unlock Pangur Ban from her cage, and the little grey cat mewed gratefully. Rose patted the large, cushiony bed, letting her pet know that it was okay to nest there.
Rose began to unpack her things, listening as the wind outside turned into a soft patter of rain. She laid out her brush, her bathing robe, her fuzzy slippers, and her bralette along with her soft pajama shorts. She placed them all in her bathing tote, and whispered a soft coo to Pangur Ban as she left the quiet room.
Walking out into the hallway, she immediately heard a bit of noise coming from the common room. The other Prefects had arrived, then, and were all mingling amongst themselves. Tonight was not a night Rose felt like being social, so she made her way into the room as quietly as possible. One or two heads turned as she entered, but mostly, everyone just went back to talking amongst themselves.
The main Prefects bathroom was very grand, made entirely from stone and marble, there was a large bathtub in the center and several gorgeous sinks surrounding. Rose sighed, wishing so badly that she could take a nice bath, but it was far too risky that someone would come barging in. Instead, she made her way towards the showers and secured herself a stall.
The bathroom had the pleasant smell of bleach and chlorine, and the rain still plinked outside as Rose turned a gilded knob to the hottest setting. Gingerly, she stepped in the hot stream of water, her muscles aching in pleasure as it soothed her to her core. Yes, it was so easy to forget about everything, Scorpius, his glowering eyes, his neck, his hands on her shoulders, how annoying he was, when the water was streaming down her face. Rose flattened her locks with her hands, massaging her usual vanilla rose shampoo into the heavy strands of hair. She massaged her freckled skin with frothy body wash and reveled in the pleasant smells that were so familiar and comforting.
Now, and only now, could she let herself truly reflect on the events of the day. Friends, she thought, with Scorpius Malfoy. A soft groan left her lips. What was with him, practically begging her to agree to his terms? And then, later, he tried to talk to her about what book he was reading? Why was he acting as though he had never called her cold, vile, insufferable, ugly…
Rose remembered all too well. The Yule Ball last year. Her mother had bought her a brand new dress, which was a lovely powder blue color. The sleeves were made of delicate gossamer, the skirts billowed down in elegant streams that parted to show half of her long, freckled and dainty legs. She had bedecked her braided hair with pearls, and wore a pearl necklace along with pearl earrings. It was the prettiest she had felt in her entire life, and on top of it all, she was going to the ball with Albert Willowsworth from Ravenclaw. She didn't know how the night could have gotten any better. Well, until Scorpius saw her.
She remembered walking into the room where Albus and Scorpius had been waiting for the rest of their friends to come down. She smiled brightly at Albus, who was smiling right back at her, looking strapping in his emerald green robes. Fred and Lily complimented her dress, and Dominique helped her fix a lock that had fallen out of place.
When she turned to see Scorpius, an overwhelming sense of embarrassment hit her. He looked as though he was about to throw up. He steeled his gaze, meeting hers emotionlessly.
"What's with the long face, Malfoy?" she bit out.
"It's nothing." He said, his lips tight.
Rose could recall, perhaps she had pushed him too far that night. Once everyone had eaten, danced several dances, and Rose and Albert even held hands for two long seconds as their dance finished, she still caught Scorpius looking at her with that same solemn expression. "What is it, you twat?" she remembered demanding from him.
"It's nothing, leave me be."
"It's kind of hard to leave you be when you're antagonizing me with your staring." She quipped. She walked towards him, her ears hot with embarrassment as she realized he must have been making fun of her the whole night. "You must get some sick kind of satisfaction from making fun of me, what are you, a sadist?" They had been standing in the courtyard outside of the ballroom, away from the other family members, but still she could barely see Albus peek one green eye past the door to observe them.
Okay, maybe she went a little too far. Scorpius lifted his nose up at her in disdain. "I'm certainly not, and I'm certainly not stooping so low as to pull an Albert and fawn all over you while you parade around in that muddled mess of fabric."
Rose gawked at him, feeling quite as though she had been slapped in the face. "I'm not simply allowing Albert to fawn all over me, he wants to because he thinks I'm pretty," she bit out.
Scorpius' face contorted again, clearly not liking what he was hearing. "Pretty ugly, in that carnival dress."
The courtyard was silent. Rose could hardly believe her ears. Somewhere between the heat rising to her ears and the thumping in her chest, tears started to sting at her eyes. This was supposed to be a happy day. She was supposed to look pretty. She managed to turn away from him before a sob broke from her mouth. She ran, straight into the ballroom and out into the corridor. She could hear footsteps chasing her, whose they were, she didn't care.
She could still feel the stinging ache in her throat as she remembered that night as she stood in the scalding shower nearly a year later. She had grown so much since then, and yet her hatred for the Malfoy boy increased, and the wound had never healed. She had been too ashamed to speak to Albert after that night, and he slowly began to lose interest in her. Nearly a month later, she entered Hogsmeade to find him holding hands with a younger girl from Hufflepuff.
Rose slipped out of the shower, her skin glistening with the warm water. Outside of the decadent bathroom she heard laughter from the other prefects as they talked and gathered. The incident at last years Yule Ball still fresh in her mind, she went to slip on her comfortable bralette and pajama shorts. Suddenly, the door of the bathroom opened and laughter sounded from outside.
Rose moved to cover her indecent parts, only to see Gertrude standing there, snickering at her.
"Geez, Rose, a little bit of a scandalous outfit for bed, no?" she sneered. "Who are you trying to impress?"
Rose rolled her eyes at the Slytherin girl. "These are surprisingly comfortable, I'll have you know." she replied curtly, giving Gertrude no satisfaction in her expression.
Gertrude scoffed, skimming one elegantly long hand down one of the gorgeous marble sinks. Gertrude was very beautiful, with jet black hair, tan skin, amber eyes, and a tall, slim figure. She looked just like some of the models Rose's mother sometimes had laying around from the Muggle fashion companies she subscribed to.
Gerturde sighed, obviously wanting to nag Rose further. "I'm thinking about asking Scorpius to the Yule Ball this year, what do you think about that?" Rose froze in her slippers, glancing up to the fancy mirror at her plain, makeup-less face. She hoped her heart wasn't beating loudly enough for Gertrude to hear.
"Do whatever you want," She said, "Although I'm sure he would be a crappy date." Rose imagined the two of them together, and she couldn't deny; they would make an attractive pair. Her mind wandered to imagining Gertrude's hands running through Scorpius' almost-white hair before she could stop the thought. For some reason, Rose paled at the imaginary situation.
Gertrude snorted. "To you, perhaps. But my mother has been petitioning his family since I was a young girl. They seek an arrangement with the Malfoys."
What the heck? This wasn't the 17th century anymore.
"Apparently if Crabbe and Malfoy bloodlines came together, it would result in very powerful descendants. Isn't that lovely?"
Suddenly, Rose realized what Gertrude was doing. She was posturing; she was trying to scare Rose away. She saw her as a threat to what she wanted, and that was Scorpius.
Rose openly laughed. "You don't have to worry about me getting in your way, Gertrude," Rose said. "I hate Scorpius with every fiber of my being, and I wouldn't stop you from dating him."
Gertrude sneered once again. It wasn't very attractive on her. "Didn't think so." Gertrude turned on her heel, leaving the bathroom as quickly as she had entered. Why on earth would Gertrude see Rose as a threat? Scorpius had never shown any interest in her, and what was more, Rose hadn't, either. Perhaps she's afraid of me murdering her future husband, Rose thought, amusedly.
Eventually, Rose left the bathroom, finding that most of the Prefects had cleared out of the common area and everyone was turning off the lights. She made way to her bedroom, where she quickly shut the door and tore off her robe. She turned around, signing and getting ready to take a look at her chambers again –
What she saw caused her to fall backwards, slipping with one slippered foot and hitting her head on the sharp corner of the window stoop. Just before she could stop herself, a scream escaped her lips.
What had she seen? There was a woman, sitting at her writing desk.
A woman who was glowing.
The world went dark, and no thoughts left her head as she descended to the ground, the last squeak from her scream trapped inside that dormitory.