Guess what's coming next chapter. THE BALL!
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Now on to the chapter!
Chapter 19
December 19th
Thursday
~oOo~
Books lined the walls from floor to ceiling. The windows that broke up the long lines of tomes allowed for the light of that Thursday morning to drift lazily in. The back corner of the library, though mostly used for studying and work was occupied today by five giggling and sometimes arguing girls.
"You can't have that hairstyle! I called it weeks ago!" Grace yelled across the table at Lizzy who was holding up a copy of Witch Weekly.
"Fine!" Lizzy threw the magazine back on the pile, "I'll just wear my hair down then!"
Mary frowned, "You can't do that. It would look all wrong with your dress."
Lizzy glared at Mary, "But my hair is too thick, there is no way it would stay up in any of these crazy updos."
"What about a wrapped braid? Like this?" Ashley held up another magazine from the stack.
Lizzy grabbed the magazine and studied the picture. She sighed, "That could work, but I don't have enough hair potion left to make my hair that smooth."
"You can borrow some of mine," Rose jumped in.
Mary wacked Rose with her notebook, "Oh no you don't! You'll need your entire supply to smooth out those untamable curls. Lizzy, you can borrow mine."
Though the girl sat back with a sigh and an unhappy look the issue seemed to be settled.
"Alright," Rose said, glancing at her watch before standing, "I've gotta get going."
Mary pouted as Rose moved to pack up her stuff. "But Ro, we haven't finished finalizing everything. Tomorrows' the Ball and everything needs to be perfect."
Rose smiled and shook her head at her friend. "Mary we have gone over everything about a hundred times. We'll all look gorgeous." She swung her bag over her shoulder, sending a wink along with it, "how could we not with you in charge."
Mary smirked, looking pleased and making shooing movements with her hands. "Fine go. And take your kiss ass remarks with you."
Rose blew her a kiss.
"Bye girls," Rose called, walking backwards and waving. She laughed when Lizzy made puppy eyes at her and mouthed, "Take me with you."
Smiling wide and feeling giddy, Rose walked through the stacks of books in the library, passing only a few students on her way from the back corner.
After about two hours of talking about nothing but hair and makeup for the Ball, Rose thought she'd be in a worse mood. But today she couldn't seem to shake this feeling of contentment she had, like everything was okay and she had nothing to worry about. It was odd, she had never felt so at ease, at least not at Hogwarts with school work and essays breathing down her neck.
That morning she had woken up after a good long nights rest to the sun casting its beams into the room causing everything to shine. It was a promise of what would no doubt be a beautiful sunny Thursday and Rose had just smiled. In two days she would see her family again and just the mere thought of all her family made her want to never stop smiling.
Rose ran her fingertips lightly over the spines of the books as she passed, breathing in the comforting scent of paper and ink, old books and leather bindings.
She stopped though as she came to the end of the row, looking around at the clusters of tables in the main sitting area, frowning when she didn't spot who she was looking for. There was a surprising amount of students in the library today, some doing some last minute studying but most sat around talking softly.
"Hey, we need to go so we aren't late. Where are you?" There was a moment's pause before suddenly Rose's vision was blocked by a pair of hands.
She stilled for a moment before chuckling.
"Guess who?" Rose twirled around, smiling when she was greeted by Scorpius's smiling face.
"Hey," she said, keeping her voice low, "did you get some work done?"
They started walking, passing by tables and chairs. "Yeah. Managed to get almost everything I need. I think I've finally caught up on History of Magic, who knew you could miss so much for only being gone a few days."
The doors to the Library shut softly behind them and they were greeted by the cold air of the halls. Rose shivered slightly wrapping her cloak more tightly around herself. "Well it doesn't help that you like to take your afternoon naps during that class does it? Maybe if you focused you wouldn't have to spend your Saturdays in the library." Rose said teasingly.
Scorpius mocked looking offended, "It's not my fault," he exclaimed, "It's so nice and warm in there and I swear professor Bins tries to put us to sleep. Anyway, why would I need to focus when I have a walking study guide right here."
Rose laughed.
Scorpius watched her as she chuckled, his eyes soft, his own smile present. "You seem happy today," he commented lightly, looking away.
Rose glanced over at him, her smile softening, "I am." She took a breath, "It's odd, I'm usually really anxious this time of year with the ball and all, but this year it just makes me feel... I don't know.. excited. I'm not stressing out about my dress or hair or anything. It's nice not to worry actually, not to plan everything out to the last detail, to leave somethings up in the air."
She looked over at Scorpius, "Never thought I'd say that."
He was smiling at her now, looking thoughtful, "You are just full of surprises aren't you?"
Rose smirked, "Glad you finally noticed."
They were quiet for a moment before Rose spoke again, "Anyway what do you think Healer Lynde wants with us today? It couldn't possibly be more training could it?" She groaned, "God I hope it's not more training."
Scorpius chuckled, "I don't think we'll be doing anything today. I think she just wants to get one last check-up in before we leave for the Holidays. You know, to make sure everything is okay."
They turned a corner and soon the Hospital wing was in view. "Well I for one will not be missing this place when we leave," Rose said and Scorpius chuckled as they pushed open the large glass doors.
Scorpius was right as it turned out, it was just a normal check-up. He went with Madam Pomfrey behind his curtain and Rose worked with Healer Lynde. It wasn't a long session, just the typical wand waving, questioning, and scribbling on clipboards.
"And that should be it for now." Rose nodded and shrugged on her cloak again, running her hand through her hair.
"Do I check out?" Rose asked.
The Healer smiled at the girl, "yes Rose you check out. Everything seems to be in order." The woman looked over her clipboard, scribbling a few things down before reading what she had written.
"Brilliant." Rose hopped to her feet, ready to get out of the white-walled room and back to enjoying her day.
"Not so fast Rose," Healer Lynde said looking up from the paper, motioning for her to sit again. "There's something I need to talk to you and Scorpius about."
Rose's smile and mood dropped for the first time that day, "But you just said everything was fine."
"Yes, I did. This is not something bad, Rose. I'll explain in a second."
Just then the curtain that separated Rose and Scorpius during their check-ups swished away and Rose was able to see the blonde again. She looked away quickly, feeling the slightest blush painting her checks at the sight of Scorpius. His hair which had been styled nicely before coming in was now messed up and a little wild looking. It looked good styled, but man did it look hot messed up.
"Take a seat Scorpius," the Healer said, motioning to the bed where Rose sat. "I have something to talk to you two about."
Rose rolled her eyes as Scorpius jumped over the bed and landed bouncing beside her.
Madam Pomfrey moved about behind them making her own notes about the visit.
"Now," Lynde said to get their attention again, "as you know over time the bond settles and relaxes allowing for the bonded to live a more normal life. As we have tested, you two are able to get significantly farther away from each other without discomfort than when you were newly bonded."
Rose nodded, already knowing this.
"But that is not the only thing that has relaxed over time," Lynde smiled brightly, her eyes dancing, "I am saying that as of today's scans of your bonded souls you should be, by all reasoning, able to make contact with others."
"What?!" Both Rose and Scorpius said together, staring at the Healer.
Rose looked over at Scorpius and met his gaze. They stared at each other for a moment then at Healer Lynde, then back at each other.
This was the best news she had all day. The one thing Rose had not gotten used to about the Bond was the inability to touch other people.
She had never known how much physical touch mattered until she couldn't do it anymore. It was torture being forced to sit at least a few feet away from friends or family to make sure she didn't brush shoulders or elbow anyone. She couldn't hug anyone or receive any hugs in return. The only person she could touch was Scorpius, and it wasn't the same. But that was over now!
"We really can touch other people now?" Her words were breathy and hopeful.
The Healer chuckled, "Yes, if the scans are right then you two should be able to make contact with whoever you like. However, I need to test it before you go and start hugging all your friends and whatnot."
Rose laughed and nodded, tears pricking at her eyes.
"Alright I'm going to hold out my hand and you will just lightly touch my fingers okay? Tell me if you feel any pain at all. It will most likely still be a little uncomfortable, and you won't be able to make contact for long periods of time but that will pass in a few days or a week at most. Right, whenever you're ready."
Healer Lynde held out her hand. Rose looked over at Scorpius again and found hopeful eyes. He smiled and nodded for her to go ahead. Rose hesitantly reached out with her own hand and after taking a breath gently touched her fingers to her Healer's.
There was a moment in which no one moved. Rose closed her eyes, focusing on her fingertips and where they were lightly making contact with Lynde's. She felt nothing, no pain or agony. Just the slightest discomfort and the smooth feel of her skin. Rose opened her eyes and smiled. Emboldened she moved her hand a little farther until she had the other woman's hand in her own, grasping it lightly then more firmly.
Rose laughed, "It works! Merlin, it really works!"
Scorpius bounced up and down on the bed next to her, letting out a delighted laugh. His side pressed against her and she could feel his laughter vibrating through his chest. The sound and feel of it made Rose laugh too, her eyes prickling with tears again.
She looked up at the Healer, matching the women's smile with one of her own. Rose shook the hand that was held in hers. "Thank you, Healer Lynde." She said softly, trying to tell the woman how much she appreciated all she had done for them in just a simple handshake and four words.
"Of course Rose."
Rose's eyes suddenly lit up, "I've gotta tell the girls! They were worried that we might get hurt at the dance from bumping into someone. Oh! Mary is going to be ecstatic!"
Scorpius nodded, "Albus will want to know too."
Healer Lynde laughed again, "Well you two are free to go." She paused suddenly and looked about, "oh Rose I almost forgot, I brought something for you." She stood from her seat and walked over to the side table where her bag was sitting. After digging around in it for a moment she pulled out a small stack of leather-bound books, all in varying sizes and shades of green. "Here," she said, passing over the books, "my mother's journals like you asked. Keep them as long as you like, just make sure to take care of them."
Rose took the books gingerly, staring wide-eyed at the beautiful covers. She bent and carefully slipped the books into her bag. "I'll take good care of them I promise. Thank you."
Healer Lynde merely waved her hand, "Don't mention it, Rose. Now go on you too. You're done. Have fun."
With that Rose jumped up from the bed and after sending a quick thank you to Madam Pomfrey she and Scorpius went in search of their friends.
~oOo~
The rest of the day turned into a spree of laughing and hugging, high-fiving and rugby tackles. When they ran into a small group of Gremlins and Scorpius told them the news, Rose had watched as Will and Augustine attacked Scorpius with claps on the back and bear hugs, while Eva and Annabel did some stupid handshake thing that was their group's version of the high-five.
Rose had found the girls almost immediately after leaving the Hospital wing and the squealing and hugs that had transpired from their meeting had lasted a long time.
But as the day went on and they found more and more of their friends and family to tell, they still couldn't seem to find Albus. The boy seemed to have disappeared into thin air.
They even ventured outside, and while it was sunny that day that didn't stop it from being almost unbearably cold. After about five minutes they had both conceded that Albus would most likely not be out in the snow.
The castle, though not quiet, was laid back today. Students wandered around the halls, going from place to place, some sat in the Great hall with friends, and some opted to stay in their common rooms.
Rose found it peaceful as she and Scorpius walked about, passing a few students now and then.
"Where do you think Al is?" Rose asked after wandering down the same hallway for a second time.
Scorpius shrugged, "I haven't a clue. I mean, we checked everywhere he normally hangs out. Do you know of anywhere else?"
"Nope."
Scorpius looked thoughtful. "If only I had the map."
Rose looked over at him, "James would let you just use it?"
Again he shrugged, "It's not supposed to be his solely. Mr. Potter gave it to Albus and James. And Lily of course but she has no use for it. Anyway, James just sort of took it for his own, he keeps it in his dorm and stuff but that doesn't mean he doesn't let us use it."
Rose nodded, frowning, "Where is James anyway? I haven't seen him all day either." Rose groaned, "great now I have two Potters that I'm worried about."
"Yeah about Albus, he's still acting weird isn't he?"
They turned a corner again, walking into a less brightly lit corridor. They were wandering about now with no real destination in mind.
"Yup, still being all elusive and whatnot."
It was Scorpius's turn to frown, "I'm getting worried. He's never done this before, just shut down and avoided everyone. It isn't like him. I'm starting to think this goes past being upset about Abby."
Rose hummed, "I honestly don't know."
They were silent for a little while, both just walking side by side down the halls. It was nice, just getting to chat and walk, not needing to do anything else.
Rose glanced over at Scorpius from time to time, always finding him looking somewhere else, his face calm.
Rose didn't know what had happened the other night when she had fallen asleep during his haircut, but she had a feeling Mary had talked to Scorpius. He seemed different, better, like he had figured things out. Whatever Mary had said or done Rose felt the need to thank her.
But it did leave Rose wondering what she had said.
It was probably something about the growing friendship between them. She was growing closer to Scorpius, and Rose didn't know what she wanted to do about it.
Rose was finding herself wanting to talk to Scorpius, to tell him things she never wanted to tell anyone but her closest friends and family. And even then maybe things she would never say to them. She found herself wanting to lean on him for support when she needed it. She found that while they had a lot of differences that they were also so much alike.
She thought maybe they were becoming true friends. And maybe they were even becoming best friends.
It was all so confusing in her mind. She wanted to be close to Scorpius but she also wanted to keep her distance. It was a balancing act that she knew she was losing. The more time she spent around him the more she wanted to be around him. Everything about him was drawing her in and she knew she was starting to let it. Every time she looked at him her stomach would flutter just a little and every time she found herself thinking about him she was smiling.
Rose found herself wondering what all this meant. Did this mean she liked him? That on some small level in her mind she was feeling something for Scorpius that wasn't just friendship?
Rose wasn't stupid, she had read enough about the bond to know that they were not supposed to be just friends, but up until this point, Rose had tried not to think about it. She hadn't trusted Scorpius or liked him not that long ago. How could she have gone from that to having feelings? She couldn't have, right?
But then Rose thought about the man she had grown to know over the last month and she could not deny that there was something there. She knew that there could be something between them if they wanted there to be. And Rose found herself not pushing the idea away as vigorously as she might once have.
Somewhere along the line, he had become her person, her best friend and though she didn't allow herself to think it, her soulmate.
The thoughts running through her head made Rose feel a little panicked.
She looked over at Scorpius again to find that he was still not looking at her.
Rose watched him for a moment, and for those few seconds, she allowed herself to think about what it would be like to be with him. He was sweet and gentle, he was funny and loud, he was a lot at times but he was also compassionate and cared. Rose knew that if they were ever anything more than friends that he would treat her well. Then Rose wondered why; just because they were good friends and she cared about him why did that mean they would date? A lot more then that went into wanting to date. Even if they both did want to, did that mean they should? Did she really want to? And as a small part of her wanted to say yes Rose found herself wondering what that meant.
They walked past old classroom after old classroom, either speaking still, Scorpius being completely unaware of the war waging in Rose's mind.
But as Rose looked over at Scorpius again from under her lashes she felt a jolt go through her when she saw he was already looking at her. She felt a smile pull at her lips and he smirked back, a small lock of hair falling into his face.
And that was when Rose decided that today was not the day to worry about these things. Because Scorpius was here with her now and they were happy. And besides all that, Rose had woken up today saying that she would take things in stride today and be happy for once and not worry. She had allowed herself five minutes of intense worry and now she was done.
Feeling brave and emboldened Rose did the one thing she knew she wanted to do. One thing that would make herself happy.
Scorpius looked over at her as Rose's hand slipped into his.
Rose merely smiled, pulling him slightly as they moved on down the hall, past students and paintings and everything else watching them. And in answer to his raised brow, Rose shrugged, "my hand was cold. I can let go if you want."
He held on tighter.
~oOo~
James' POV
James walked steadily down the hall, the torches flickered around him and the sounds of owls outside the walls were distant. Though it was chillingly cold James was not dressed very warmly, with only a light sweater on over his button up. Normally he would be freezing, but the dark-haired wizard found the biting cold calming.
He was heading back from the kitchen, where he had just eaten after missing dinner. He had missed lunch as well and his stomach had been complaining too much for him to ignore.
Though the house elves had been very kind and had given him anything he wanted, he hadn't managed to get down more than a sandwich and some water.
James was a mess. He missed his morning classes because he had woken up at four that morning, and when he couldn't fall asleep again had decided to go for a walk on the grounds. He had ended up walking for hours and hours. When he finally came back to himself it was too late for his classes.
He was also avoiding his friends. It seemed that whenever he saw them a certain blonde was always mixed into the group. It was becoming a habit now to jump behind students or duck into an alcove in order not to be seen. It was tiring and James found himself alone most of the time, which wasn't good for his overactive brain.
Running a hand through his hair, James realized that unless he wanted to get sick just before heading home for the holidays he might want to get out of the cold.
He had just turned the corner and started down the hall to the tower when he stopped in his tracks, eyes focused on the end of the hall.
He felt his breath grow faster and more ragged. His heart gave a painful beat in his chest and his feet felt glued to the floor. His mind seemed to go blank, everything that he had been thinking about and worrying over evaporated as he stared across the hall.
Will was there, sitting on the ground outside the Gryffindor common room, a thick black cloak thrown over his shoulders.
His head was tilted back against the wall, his arms resting on his bent knees, eyes closed.
James stood there for a moment, taking in the sight of him, trying not to notice the sharp jawline that was accentuated by the angle of his head or the soft curls that fell into his eyes.
James didn't know why Will was there sitting outside his house, but he had a feeling that he didn't want to. He knew that he had to move, to get out of there before Will noticed him. His legs, though they felt like jelly moved back a step. He tried to be quiet, but he must have made some noise for as he moved, eyes still trained on the end of the hall, for Will opened his eyes and tilted his head to the side, eyes locking with James's.
They stayed there for a moment, staring before a small smile pulled at lips James had tried so hard to get out of his mind.
"Hey."
Though it was just a simple word, a soft greeting, James found his mind going into overdrive trying to figure out if there was an underlying meaning behind it.
"What are you doing here?" James winced at how gruff and emotional his voice sounded. All the smoking he had been doing didn't help, and he cursed the fact that he couldn't sound unaffected by the sight of Will.
A frown appeared on Will's face and as he stood his eyes never left James's. "You sound terrible. Do you feel okay? Are you sick?"
James clenched his jaw as the young man in front of him took a few steps forward. "I asked you what you are doing here?"
Will's own jaw clenched and the flash of pain in his eyes did not go unnoticed. His gaze flicked to the side for a moment, "I came to check on you. I haven't seen you in a while and you missed all your classes this morning. I was worried."
The torches flicked dimly around them, adding to the unease between the two boys. "It's not your job to worry about me," James said lowly, eyes hard as they looked at Will.
Will shook his head, "Don't be like that. Please." His eyes pleaded with him, "we were friends before all this happened James. Good friends. I care about you and I miss being around you. Can we not move past this? Can we not be friends again?"
They were quiet for a moment, neither talking until James breathed deeply, "No, we can't."
Will took another step forward, coming closer than James would like, "Why not? James it doesn't have to be this way between us. We don't have to be distant and cold. I don't want that. You were one of my best friends before; is there no way for us to be that again?"
The moon hung low outside the window, it's pale light casting stripes of light on the floor and walls.
"How can you even ask that?" They had moved closer to each other, now standing only a few feet away.
"Because I think we are strong enough to get past this. Why can't we?"
Will looked elegant and regal in the moonlight. Half of his face was lit by the pale light while the other by the golden hue of the torches. It was like he was trying to draw James in just by being. Everything about him was calling out to James, screaming at him for ever giving Will up.
The hall was eerily quiet, not a sound was heard. It was like the world had hushed everything, demanding silence so it could hear what would happen next.
"You worried I'd make a move on you, didn't you?" Will's voice was quiet. "Worried that I will try and get you back. That's why you don't want to be around me?"
James didn't say anything to this. It wasn't that Will was right, rather that a part of James wanted that to be the reason instead of the real one. He knew why he couldn't stomach to be around Will if he couldn't have him. He knew without a doubt in his mind.
"James." Will moved closer yet again and James tried not to be affected by his closeness. He tried not to think about how easy it would be to reach out and touch Will, to run his hands through his hair and over his body. "Jamie listen to me."
Jamie. James felt a smile pull at his lips at the sound of the old nickname. It was what Will used to call him when they were hanging out. James hadn't heard that stupid nickname in far too long.
The memories it brought with it made him feel warm. It reminded him of a simpler time, of two people who just enjoyed being around each other. Who were friends that made stupid jokes and loved pulling pranks.
Will's eyes kept catching the light as he gazed at him, making them dance. "You don't have to worry about me coming onto you. I've accepted that you don't want this, I've made peace with it. I just miss being around you. And I know you've been avoiding the group because of me and I don't want that. You need your friends." Will took a breath, looking down for a moment, "And if you think that you can't or won't be friends with me again then I'll back down. I'll leave you alone and try to stay out of your way." He looked up again, eyes resolved, "even if that means I need to leave the Gremlins."
James felt his eyes widen, "What?!" Suddenly James forgot about things being awkward between them and took a step forward, "Will you adore the Gremlins. Why would you ever leave them?"
A small smile played across his lips, "Because I adore you more than any group. And if what you need to be happy again is to not see me around as much, then I'll do whatever I need to do. I just want you to be happy Jamie. I would love to stay in the Gremlins, I would love for us to move past this and be friends. I would love a lot of things." His eyes were soft and kind. Though he didn't say it, James could see the things he wanted to say, because they were things James himself wanted to say. But they both knew that if they went down that road, there was no getting out without heartbreak.
"No," James said softly, "no Will, don't leave the Gremlins, don't avoid me or the group." James couldn't stop himself from reaching out and pressing a firm hand on Will's chest, emphasizing his point. "I don't know if we can be friends but I don't want you out of my life, I don't want to not see you at meetings or when we all hang out together. It's really sweet of you to say all that but it's not right. I can't and won't ask you to give up things you love just to make me more comfortable. Because it wouldn't make me happy not seeing you." He took a breath. "I just need some time to work out my shit."
Will watched James for a moment before a smile pulled at his lips. His warm hand covered James' own as it rested on his chest, pulling it away and holding on to it for a moment. "Okay. I just... Can I ask one thing?"
James nodded.
"Are you alright? Really?"
James felt his heart warm. As much as he didn't want to care he did. Will being concerned for him, caring if he was okay, it made him happy.
"Yes, Will. I'm fine."
And James thought for the first time since that night in the Room of Requirement that maybe he really was fine. Or at least if not at the very moment, in time that he would be.
Will's smile spread, "Alright then. It's late, I'll let you get some sleep."
He turned to go, hand slipping for James'. James felt a pang go through his chest and in another second he was reaching out and grabbing Will's hand again, bringing him to a stop.
Before Will said anything, James was moving forward and without hesitation. He leaned up and pressed the softest of kisses to Will's check.
"Thank you for caring."
And with that James let go of Will's hand and moved away, turning and walking down the corridor towards the portrait of the fat lady. If he hadn't looked over his shoulder a moment later, eyes focused on Will who was still standing there smiling, James would have seen the movement in front of him.
He would have seen that the portrait hole door was open just the slightest. He also would have seen the wide startled bright green eyes staring out before they disappeared and the portrait closed softly.
