Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling, nor do I own Harry Potter. All ideas are my own.
To my complete and utter surprise, my date is going really well.
Anto is being nothing but the perfect gentlemen, flirty but not taking it too far, charming me with his wit, and is also showing a cheekier side to him that I didn't know he had. I'm really enjoying his company, I love when guys are kind but they have to have a bit of a rogue side to them, that they're prepared to take the piss out of me from time to time.
I suppose part of my humour is taking the mick out of people. It's got me into trouble on numerous occasions, where I've jokingly taken the piss out of someone, forgetting that many people don't see that as humour. Though that is my fault, sometimes I think it's obvious that I'm joking but it doesn't translate that way.
We make our way through the quaint little village, busy with swarming crowds of Hogwarts' students. Stopping off at Honeydukes, Anto buys me a cauldron cake as he knows they're my favourite, which we eat while walking down the cobblestoned street.
Hogsmeade weekends are some of my favourite weekends in the year. Quintessential British cottages crammed in tightly together, narrow one way streets that can only fit a certain amount of people, shadowy alleyways only lit at night by moonlight.
You can feel the buzz of excitement in the air, it's almost electric, no one wants to miss the first weekend, as Anto reminded me earlier, and now that I'm here I'm really glad I came.
He tries to take me into Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, which only opened in Hogsmeade a couple of years ago, a partner to the one in Diagon Alley. Since Zonko's shut, Hogsmeade was lacking a good joke store, much to the relief of the Professors' sick of confiscating forbidden objects from students returning from the village. Their relief was was short-lived however, when my Dad and Uncle George opened up right here in the centre of Hogsmeade.
My Dad quit being an Auror when Hugo and I were younger, choosing to stay at home and spend more time with us kids while my Mum was working in the Ministry. Over time, as we grew up and didn't need 24/7 attention anymore, he really started to miss the thrill from working, and then started helping George.
His job with George came about from really sad circumstances actually, however the story has a nice ending.
After my Uncle Fred was killed in the war, George realised after a while that he would have to change Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. It was only a minor grammar point, that of a misplaced apostrophe, but it symbolised everything that had been lost; his twin, a brother, a son, a friend, and for him it was too hard to change.
And so he left it as it was, the plan was that the shop would continue as Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes until about 8 years ago, when George decided he was finally ready to change it. Of course it would've been hard, but he saw it as a step in the right direction to help him come to terms with his twin's death. But then my Dad stepped in, and offered to help him, for which George was very grateful, and so the name never had to be changed and was left as it is, ensuring Fred's legacy still lives on.
There's a photo of the pair, just after quitting Hogwarts, opening the shop. They're both posing, lying across the ground outside the shop imitating model poses, before they both start laughing. It's one of my favourite photos of the two, they look so happy, regardless of the disaster that was emerging during that time.
You can see said disaster just by the background of the photo. Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes is a stark contrast to the rest of the dark gloom and doom of Diagon Alley.
My parents sometimes describe that time as scarier as the war itself, as it was the build up to it, not knowing what was coming or what lay ahead that made the anticipation so much greater.
I refuse to let Anto drag me into the shop, laughing and smiling so he knows I'm not angry with him for suggesting it. As soon as we step foot into that shop, I would never hear the end of it, it would be the nail in the coffin for my personal life at Christmas, all I'd ever be asked about is how my 'new boyfriend' is.
My family would probably love it if I dated Anto, they've met him numerous times when he's come to the Burrow and admire him dearly. I have actually heard my Grandma say before that he is 'ideal romantic potential', so I know they would be really happy for me; I just don't know if I'm prepared to take that step just yet, we're only on the first date, not at a meeting the family stage.
Our date is going so well, that when we sit in The Three Broomsticks after ordering our Butterbeers, and I realise that it's coming to an end, I'm actually really disappointed.
I said I would give Anto a chance, and I'm really glad I did, as I've really surprised myself today. Anto is looking very pleased with himself, so I can tell he knows I'm really enjoying my time with him. My mood has definitely improved since he practically had to drag me away from the courtyard earlier this morning, having just watched Belle nearly chew Malfoy's face off.
I haven't seen him since the courtyard, and something tells me that they probably never made it as far as Hogsmeade, but instead decided to make a date of it in his bedroom instead.
That unfamiliar sensation quickly returns for a second, but I bury it deep down inside of me. I still haven't worked out what it is, but I'm not letting it spoil my date, as I'm having a really good time.
We sit for about an hour, happily chatting away while sipping our Butterbeers, hidden in the comfort of the booths. I'm glad we're out of sight actually, as The Three Broomsticks is always packed on the first Hogsmeade weekend, and I don't fancy bumping into James and Fred while I'm on a date with their best mate.
I ask him what he wants to do after Hogwarts, and he says he thinks he'd like to go into Healing, which I'm surprised by for a second, but then completely understand why.
He has a very caring side to him, gentle and kind, knowing the right things to say, but can also be serious and sterner when the time is needed. I say how much I think he'd be great at it, and his eyes shine with affection. He grabs my hand, stroking my thumb softly, and for the first time I feel a slight flutter of butterflies in my stomach.
"I'm really glad you've agreed to this date Rose. I've liked you for a long time, but was always too scared to do anything about it."
"I'm glad you've asked Anto. I'm having a really lovely time"
I smile at him, to which he grins back at me.
Then he moves closer to me, stroking my hair, cupping my face and tucking a ringlet behind my ear.
"You're so beautiful Rose", he mutters, gazing at me intently, before quickly looking down at my lips and leaning in.
I don't realise what's going to happen until it does, our lips meet softly, with none of the intensity of two passionate lovers reconciling after a break up, and his other hand snakes around my waist, pulling me closer. The heat slowly begins to pick up, gentle caresses suddenly become more desperate, and I open my mouth to allow his tongue to slip inside.
We continue like this for about 5 minutes but then I'm suddenly aware that we're currently snogging in the middle of a pub, which my family often frequent, so I gently pull away, pressing one last kiss to his now swollen lips before sitting back and smiling up at him.
As first kisses go, it was a great kiss. My worry at the butterflies not being there has now dissipated, as all I want to is lean him and embrace him once more.
"I've been wanting to do that for longer than I care to admit", he laughs, his hand still caressing my hair.
I don't respond, but smile at him through long lashes, biting my lip, softly giggling.
His eyes flicker to my lips once more, but before he can do anything about it, Evelyna and Lucas saunter over to us.
"Hey guys!", Evelyna says cheerily, "How are you? What have you been up to?"
I haven't seen Evelyna this happy in a long time, so whatever Lucas has done to make it better, I'm very thankful for.
"Isn't it obvious Evie?", Lucas grins, looking down at her fondly.
"We've just been chatting Lucas, nothing more", I say, trying to stop myself from giggling.
I catch Anto winking at Lucas out of the corner of my eye, and Lucas just smirks back at me.
"Sure sure," he replies, "You know I might have believed you Rose if it weren't for the fact that your hair looks like a lion's mane".
I grab the back of my hair quickly, realising that my bun has undone itself, or rather that Anto undid it by accident. While not quite a lion's mane, my hair has definitely run wild, if I went to the toilets right now and saw myself I'm sure I'd look freshly kissed.
"Do you want to sit down guys?", I offer, scooting along to make space for them.
"No don't let us stop you Rosie", Evelyna says, giving me a knowing smile, "We better get going, it's nearly 2pm and Lucas agreed to play Quidditch with James.
Shit, I was meant to meet Victoire at 1:45pm. Ironically, seeing as this was my original get out of Azkaban card, I now don't want to leave, but I know I need to, I can't leave a hormonal pregnant woman in a pub by herself.
I quickly say goodbye to Evelyna and Lucas, having now realised the time, who leave, and I go to hug Anto goodbye, apologising profusely before Anto raises a finger and places it on my lips, silencing me.
"Relax Rosie, it's fine, you told me when we first met this morning that you had to meet her, remember?"
Did I? I clearly forgot about that but am relieved that he's been so understanding. He takes his hand away from my lips, places it on my cheek, and gives me another soft kiss.
When we break apart, it feels like someone is watching us from near the doorway. The door to the pub suddenly slams shut, startling me, making me jump. I turn to see, but to no avail, whoever was just there has clearly disappeared.
Finally leaving the pub, I notice something laying by a puddle. I don't know why I am so captivated by it, but I let it capture my attention, and bend down and pick it up anyway. It has clearly only just been dropped, as it's not wet like it would have been if it had been laying there for a while, after all, it was raining when we were in the pub and only stopped about 10 minutes ago.
Smooth black silk meets my hand, and holding it up to the light, I see the same crest that was printed on the back of Astoria's letter, glinting in the winter sun. It takes a minute for me to compute what this means, but then I realise. Malfoy.
When I meet Victoire in the Hog's Head, it is now very obvious to me that she is expecting. No matter how many big jumpers and long coats she wears to try and conceal her stomach, nothing can hide the fact that she is pregnant. Out of her normally slim frame protrudes a round bump, and what makes it even more evident is she keeps touching it in the middle of conversation.
She is now 20 weeks pregnant, and has still managed, surprisingly, to keep it from the rest of the family. It seems like she will be able to stick to the original plan of telling us all at Christmas. Apart from her parents, me and Al, and Grandma Molly, everyone else has been completely kept in the dark, but I think that has been managed by Victoire and Teddy staying at Shell Cottage.
They are another example of soulmates, childhood sweethearts who are engaged and having a baby. Their wedding is planned for the end of next summer, and all the female cousins are going to be bridesmaids, which just summaries the grandeur of this wedding.
We chat for a while about baby plans, wedding plans, Hogwarts etc, and she asks me lots of questions about Anto. I tell her what has just happened, and my initial hesitations, but insist that he's not my boyfriend, as after all, we have only gone on one date.
She seems happy for me, but I can tell she's also slightly confused. She reacts in the same way that Al did when I first told him I was going to the ball with Anto, he muttered something like "not what I expected".
I brush it off, and continue our conversation, telling her all about my detentions with Malfoy and those recent troubles, to which she gives me an interesting reply.
"You know Rosie, I always thought you might end up with Malfoy."
WHAT! What on earth is she talking about? One of my closest female cousins is telling me that she thought I would've ended up with my arch enemy - is this her baby brain finally talking?
It's one thing to hear that I should be with Malfoy from Rox and Dom, as I know with them it's harmless fun, but with Victoire I don't know what she means, I've never even heard her mention his name to me before.
"I'm just saying so because of the way I've seen you talk about them today", she says, clearly recognising my unasked question of what the fuck written on my face.
"When you've been talking about Anto, it's cute, don't get me wrong, but your heart doesn't seem completely in it. You're smiling and your eyes are glinting, but your voice carries too much sweetness that it makes me think you're trying to force yourself to like him. But with Malfoy, when you talk about Malfoy, your eyes burn, your face goes red, and your voice lights up with this intense hatred. Your heart is in it, you're more wrapped up with Malfoy than you believe. It seems more passionate, Rosie, whether you like it or not."
My mind is blank, I feel almost in a state of shock. I've just told my cousin about this amazing date I've been on, and she's telling me that I've got it all wrong? Numbness overcomes my body, and now make the mental decision that it's time to go.
She carries on gently, "I'm not saying this to hurt you Rose, nor confuse you, as I know you can't stand Malfoy. But I just mean that you should have the same fire with Anto that you do with Malfoy, even if you have that with for Malfoy for all the wrong reasons."
The thing is with Victoire, is she's able to tell me this because we are so close. I know she means well, and won't hold it against her, but her words have really made me think. I make it very clear that I'm not angry with her, smiling at her despite the fact it doesn't quite reach my eyes. Rising from my seat, I collect my things and go to give Victoire a hug, excusing myself.
She leaves, paying the bill which I'm grateful for seeing as I spent my pocket money on sweets and Butterbeer.
Her words impact me just in the way she's intended it. Yes, I really enjoyed my date with Anto, but that initial spark wasn't there to begin with. Yes, we get on well, but are we friends that just fancy each other, not friends that like each other and see it going somewhere.
I'm not sure if that makes sense. What I mean is, are we friends who just feel lust, or potential love? Thinking about it now, was it excitement over mine and Anto's first kiss, or just nervous butterflies?
And the idea that I'm 'passionate' with Malfoy is kind of true now I think about it. But it's not because I fancy him, want to rip his clothes off, or have a crush on him, but because he just has this way of winding me up, that makes my blood run hot and face go red. He knows what makes me tick, and knows exactly what to say to get me to explode.
I manage to make my way back to the castle without bumping into anyone. Good, all I want to do right now is bundle myself up in my duvet and go to sleep.
My day hasn't necessarily taken a turn for the worst, but it's just confused me slightly, I don't know what I want and if I really want to be with Anto.
All I need right now is a nap, my Mum always says that when I'm confused I need to sleep, and when I wake up it's like someone has pressed the reset button. It makes me think more clearly, which is what I need right now, as currently my thoughts are more jumbled than ever.
Climbing the steps of the Gryffindor tower, up to my dormitory, I am too wrapped up in my head to notice that the door is already slightly ajar, with the sound of giggling coming from inside.
Stepping in, eyes at my feet, I suddenly snap out of my reverie when I hear Belle shriek.
And all I see before me, is Belle straddling Malfoy, with both of them shirtless, Belle just in her bra, panting heavily. Belle has gone red, and climbs off of Malfoy quickly, throwing herself off almost, desperately looking for her shirt.
For the first time in her life, she shoots me an apologetic glance, clearly mortified at me walking in on them.
I'm suddenly blinded by tears, as if my day couldn't get any worse. I don't know why I want to start crying, and why this sets me off, but I think it was the shock, and the fact that this was the final straw for me today. I'd prepared myself to come home and get in bed, relief washing over me as I climbed the stairs, and then walk in on two of my least favourite people about to fuck.
Yes, that's why you're upset, I tell myself.
I can briefly make out Malfoy through blurry eyes, who just sits, staring at me intently, face blank except for a small smirk.
I realise that he's done this deliberately, he's seen me with Anto, and stalked off to my dorm to shag Belle, knowing that I'd come home and see him shagging my dorm mate. Spiteful dick. He's completely proven my point from the other day, that he just picks up girls and drops them whenever he feels like it.
But why would he do this? I can't work out what would possess him to do such a thing. Unless I'm overthinking it and he genuinely just wanted a shag, it seems too put together for me.
I think back to when he said "Enjoy your date", in detention. Clearly he didn't want me to, not that I would expect him to as why would he want to see me happy, and decided to do something that he knew would really piss me off. I shouldn't have let slip that him using and dropping girls bothers me so much, he's seen that weakness and capitalised upon it.
I just hope that he doesn't find out about my other weakness, one that only occurs when I'm around him. I make a mental note to myself that I'm never to let him know about it, and do the only thing that I can manage. I run.
My legs take me to the Room of Requirement, and I throw myself on the sofa, bundling myself under blankets and cry, finally letting all my tears run free. The room is quiet, so my sobs echo round and round, drowning me in the sound of my own misery.
About 2 hours later, the door opens, and footsteps tentatively make their way towards me.
I look up, and it's Al. He puts his arm around me, and I fall into his chest, all sniffly and snotty. Stroking my hair, he tries to calm me down, offering words of advice.
Oh how the tables have turned.
Chapter 11 is done! Hope you enjoy!
Like I said yesterday, I've been going back over old chapters and editing them, and I've found some awful spelling mistakes, so please accept my apologies!
Also don't be alarmed if the chapter names change, when I was looking over them other titles just felt better. I also feel like I might change the name of this story as a whole - so let me know what you think!
Next update will be tomorrow, Tuesday 25th May!