A/N: I'm not dead. This wasn't abandoned. I've been busy. I'm a nurse and COVID sucks. Dialogue is hard. I still have no Beta.
Things are gonna start steering way far away from the canon plot after this chapter. I just needed to get us to Hogwarts.
vii- Wrong Way on A One Way Track
"Harry, I'm sure Rose will be fine! Please try to have some supper." Molly Weasley stated as she was bustling around the dinner table, picking up empty plates from several of her older children who had already finished. Harry sat glumly looking at his plate of Sheppard's pie, mashing the peas into the perfectly whipped potatoes.
"I told her to 'blow up a cauldron' before she left. What if I wished this on her by accident?"
"Oi, but the message said someone else blew up the cauldron! Not Rose. She was only staying in the hospital wing for observation tonight. I reckon if it were really bad, Madam Pomfrey would have sent her right over to St. Mungo's." Ron comforted knowingly and stuffed a third buttered bun into his mouth.
"Let's play a game of exploding snap, that will get your mind on to something different." Ginny piped up behind the boys. "I bet I wallop you this time." Ginny's smile was infectious, and Harry gave a small one back despite himself.
-
"May I have my backpack back, or are you afraid I keep a boggart in there?" Rosalie petulantly glared at Severus.
He visibly cringed. Rose was still sore with him, and she had every right to be. Fear had broken through his mental walls built by his Occlumency. Fear of seeing her in an injured state and then later fear that he had delivered Potter right into the hands of a Death Eater, and thus completely failing his promise to Lily to protect her son. With his emotions completely running amok, he lashed out. He needed to rein in his feelings and build back up the wall. To do that effectively, he needed to step away from Pip, no matter how much it killed him on the inside.
He handed her the ruck and she swiftly dove in deep, her arms and head disappearing. She brought back out a spare set of clothing to rush behind a curtain to change.
"I don't know why I am doing this. Not like you didn't see everything last night anyhow."
"I didn't ask you to disrobe." He stated curtly, crossed his arms and turned his back to the curtain, even though he couldn't see anything. It just seemed appropriate, and everything just felt awkward after last night "Madam Pomfrey said you are released for home."
She was next to him a moment later, donned in trainers, jeans and a purple t-shirt printed with a crystal ball, the white text swirling in the crystal read "Spoilers." She had done her best to comb her hair, which was still chopped and jagged at strange angles. Only her hands remained in bandages. She gripped her staff tightly despite the gauze and probable discomfort.
"Well, alright then." He watched her walk into the fireplace. "Goodbye, Severus." She stood in the floo and hesitated. For a fleeting moment, a look of conflict flittered across her face. "The Burrow" she quietly muttered, and she was away in a bright green flame.
"Goodbye." Snape turned to leave and spotted something on the bed that Rose had just vacated. An old, well-loved Slytherin Green jumper.
"Damn it."
"Rose, It's not that bad! It will grow back out." Harry watched Rose fuss with her now cropped cut. This was the shortest it had ever been. She huffed and blew a raspberry towards the mirror. "I think you look fetching with a short cut!" Harry gave a grin he hoped looked charming
Rose turned to look at him with narrow eyes "Powers, I'm in trouble when you start dating." She sighed. "Are you all packed? Ready to go? Hedwig on her way to meet you?"
"Yes, yes and Yes." He said as he hopped up from the sofa. "We should hurry, though. I don't want to miss the train… Unless the Fiat can fly?"
"I'll feed you to the giant squid if you even think about it."
They apparated to Kings Cross, grabbed a trolley and were through to the platform just in time to hear "All Aboard!"
"Go! Behave. Write me." Rose gave him a hug that lingered for more then a moment. It was the first time Harry had anyone really see him off at the platform. Although the get-to-know you part of the summer had been weird, he'd rather liked the warm feeling of having an adult to count on. The day was gloomy with a London rain, but nothing could dampen Harry's mood. He smiled to himself as he found the compartment Ron and Hermione sat in. A sleeping figure in the corner by the window snored lightly. He caught sight of Rose through the window with a smile that did not reach her eyes and waved his goodbye.
Rosalie loitered on the platform for a while after the end of the train was far out of sight. A niggle of anxiety swelling deep in her gut. Surely Harry was safe. Black wouldn't be stupid enough to attack a full train load of students in broad daylight. The ministry had sent letters to families stating there would be boosted security while the man hunt continued. As the last puff of steam and smoke from the train dissipated into the air, she thought back to her one and only ride towards the castle.
A small girl bounced on the balls of her feet as the train car loaded. Her smile so big her face may crack. She followed the two older children to a compartment nearer to the front of the train and took a seat closest to the window. She'd never been to Scotland and was excited to see all the scenery they would pass by. Even the dreariness of the day's weather couldn't dampen her mood. Lily and Sev had told her what to expect when they arrive; the boats across the lake, the amazing welcome feast in the enchanted Great Hall, The gathering of the first years for the weird old hat that sings in your ear.
"Lil, where do you think I will go? What house?" Her eyes raced back and forth with the window.
"Hnmmm, Maybe Ravenclaw. You're clever enough, that's for sure."
"She'll be in Gryffindor with you. I don't doubt it" Severus stated, his attention in a charms text.
The compartment door opened showing a messy haired boy with glasses and a lopsided smile. Behind him peering over his shoulder, raven hair, black kohl around his eyes and a toothy grin that spoke trouble.
"Evans! Still hanging out with Snivellus I, see?"
Snape hid his face further into his book. His beak of a nose nearly touching the page as his hands shook with anger. Rose knew he was biting his tongue to not retort back.
"Who's the hobbit? Didja just leave the Shire? You're a regular Gandalf the Grey with the staff, huh? Ha ha!" the raven-hair asked as he started chewing on a wooden toothpick. Rose narrowed her eyes at the stranger, if looks could kill. "She your little sister, Snivellus? Another little garden snake in the making?" the messy haired kid giggled beside him.
At this, Severus looked up, eyes glaring. A hex laid heavy on his lips still unsaid.
"What if I was, you prat? What's it to you?" Rose glared up at them her staff gripped tightly in her hands.
"Rosalie, don't." Lily held a hand up to the girl. "Potter, Black, go find a broom stick and sit on it sideways." She slammed the compartment door in their face. The boy she called Black drew a little heart on the glass partition and winked at Rose as they giggled down the car length.
"Ew. Who were they?" Rose squinted after them.
"A couple of Gryffindorks we do not get on with." Severus was staring down at his hands now, looking sullen. Lily glared indignantly at him.
Rose crinkled her nose with disgust as she sat back in her seat.
The exchange was soon forgotten when the sweet trolley came through. She had her first fizzing wizzbee and all three of them indulged in a couple of chocolate frogs.
"What is a "Herpo the Foul?" Rosalie asked through a mouth full of chocolate. "He looks a right mess." She turned the collectors card from her chocolate frog over in her hand. Lilly laughed out loud.
Arriving at the station, Rose was separated from her companions to be rounded up into the little boats. A cheerful bearded giant man nearly treads on her as she loaded into the little gondola and apologized profusely as his cheeks pinked from embarrassment. Absolute awe spread across all the first year's faces as the castle lights grew in their view. Rose's heart pounded in her chest as the group was presented to a stern looking woman in green tartan robes. Her face said she wasn't one for games or folly, but her eyes that peered over the rims of silver spectacles held a certain soft fondness to them.
"'ere they are, Pr'fessor. Kids, this be deputy 'ed mistress McGonagall."
"Thank you, Hagrid. Follow me, children. We will enter the Great Hall and the Sorting Ceremony can begin." She didn't smile as she turned down a hall staring at a large yellowing parchment in her hands.
The students followed her like little ducklings. There were little more than a dozen firsties this year and they had split into two straight lines. Visions of the children's book, Madeline, sprung into Rose's head as she brought up the rear. The deputy headmistress stopped abruptly in front of two massive wooden doors and turned to address the small group again.
"There now. There are four houses. Gryffindor, Ravenclaw…" She went on to explain the sort, the hat, the houses. Rose's head was swimming now as the giant doors opened to the grandest room she had ever witnessed. Although Lilly and Severus had tried to describe the wonder of the Great Hall's ceiling, nothing could prepare her for the first time seeing it up close. They walked in their two straight lines down the center of the four color-coded tables. Lily gave a small, excited wave and smile as she clambered by, still bringing up the rear, and still getting use to her staff being always by her side.
The first name was called, and the hat sprung to life as it was placed on the first head. A Gryffindor! Then a Hufflepuff! A cocky looking blonde boy strutted to the stool when McGonagall called for 'Lockhart' and caused quite a stir when the hat sat on his head for quite a while. Murmurs were heard through the quiet room. When the hat finally screeched "Ravenclaw!" a small applause rang out as the sandy haired boy peacocked over to the blue table. There were only three children left to be sorted. A little boy was called up. He was sorted into Gryffindor.
"Novack, Rosalie!"
Rose scampered up to the stool. Her feet didn't touch the ground, so she crossed her ankles to keep from swinging them in nervousness as the hat was placed on her head.
Nothing happened.
No sing song voice. No humming. No hemming and hawing. Silence and her own racing heartbeat rang in her ears for what felt like eons.
"Oh no." she thought "They made a mistake! I'm not really a witch! This is just like when the wands wouldn't work at old Olivander's! I'll get sent home! Mom will say "I told you so!" and make me go back to Madame Laurent's Academy of Etiquette for Fine Young Ladies!" She could feel her face grow hot in panic. Oh, God. Ballet until she was old and fat and couldn't pirouette anymore!
"Oh, my dear, you will be going to a charms class, but not in a finishing school…"
The Hat speaks.
"I was simply taking my time reading into you, Rosalie Udile Novack.'
Ugh, it knew her middle name. She scrunched her nose at the thought
'Your magic core is so quiet and deep it is no wonder you require a staff as a conduit. Hnm, oh yes, but it is there! Waiting to wake up. I see there is much to you. So, so much. There is an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and the wherewithal to put it all to use. You will go to the ends of the earth for the people you deem worthy of your care. Although there is bravery boiling in the depths of your person, it may need a kick in the pants to bring it to the surface. By far the strongest feeling in you is doubt; Doubt that you belong, that you deserve to be in this room and a ferociousness to prove otherwise if only to yourself. I know where you need to be. It has been so very long since I have sorted a child without any duplicity…The path ahead of you is clearly forged, and my dear little one, it will not be the most pleasant. You, however, already have all the tools you need to get the job done..."
"What do you mean, Mister Hat?"
Rose was unaware of the numerous of sets of eyes on her now. The Hall was deathly silent as the seconds ticked away well towards 6 minutes. Little by little, murmurs began to sift through the seated ranks of children at their long tables. Professor McGonagall stood by her face drawn into a tight look of consideration. Of course, this would happen while the headmaster was away! Two hat stalls in one sort! The poor dear child under the large flop of a hat looked to be on the verge of exploding, and Minerva couldn't fathom what the hold up was! She had met the wee lass herself over the summer to explain to her muggle parents what the letter from the owl had meant for their daughter, only to be surprised to see a bubbly Lily Evans well on her way into molding her baby cousin. Certainly, the lass was to be one of her little lions in the end!
Severus overheard a few hushed comments from his table.
"Novack? There aren't any pureblood families with the name Novack, are there?"
"No. I heard she is a relation to one of the Gryffindors. Let them have her."
"I bet you two knuts, she's Hufflepuff fodder."
"I bet you three knuts the hat sends her arse home on the train! No one takes this long. She has to be a mudblood."
Amongst the whispers Lily caught eyes with Severus across the room, both exchanging concerned faces. Something was wrong. Rose's face that had been beet red was now a ghostly pale as the hat continued his one-sided conversation.
"How does the old adage go? Though she be but little, she is fierce… hnmm, Better be…"
"Slytherin!"
Rose pulled herself out of her daydream and headed for home. She should try to nap before her night shift. Immediately, she felt strangely lonely with Harry's absence. The house was too still. She frowned at the image of Eglantine moping by the front window, looking for her boy who scratches her just in the right place.
"He'll be back, Eggy. It will all be alright."
Rose had just stashed her wool coat in her locker when Marina came into the break room with an uncharacteristic look of anxiety on her pudgy face
"Rosie, there is a firecall for you… from Hogwarts. They wouldn't tell me anything, only to fetch you."
Rose attempted to keep her composure as panic rushed into her belly. He'd only been gone 8 hours.
"Mari, would you transfer it to the tabletop, please. I'll take the call in here."
She locked the door behind Mari's retreating form and tried to stop her brain from thinking worse case scenario, that Black had nabbed him. Taking a few deep breaths and attempting to wall off the anxiety in her mind, she sat down at a small table in the back corner of the break room. On the table sat a large metal bowl containing a neat stack of lava rocks. The tabletop fire was used mostly to send calls to family members updating them on their little one's status while on the ward or to consult with other colleagues regarding treatment plans. The pile of rocks self-ignited with red flames and then switched to emerald green as the call was sent through.
A familiar, albeit aged and perhaps worn out, face appeared through the flames.
"Doctor Novack, I presume? My, it seems strange to see you go by that title." Her tone wasn't snide. She actually looked rather pleased
"Professor McGonagall." She nodded. "What's happened?"
"There was an incident on the train this afternoon. He's alright, I promise! I don't suppose you've heard the news of the dementors being dispatched to search for Sirius Black around the school grounds, have you? No. I suppose not. It was a nasty surprise for the staff here, tonight, as well. So, it seems the train was stopped for a security sweep by the vile creatures shortly before arriving in Hogsmeade. Mr. Potter had an… encounter. He's fine, but he had a rather strong reaction to the dementor and briefly passed out. Luckily a staff member was on board and was able to repel it away from the children and Harry recovered quite quickly. Since you are the boy's guardian now, I thought you should be… notified…before the owl post is sent out to parents tomorrow."
Rose stared into the flames, past Minerva's terse looking face. "I should have never let him get on that train. What am I doing here, professor? Nothing but trouble finds this poor kid." Her conversation with Severus echoed in her mind; that danger will always find him.
"Minerva, please. And you are doing the best you can with what you find yourself with, Doctor Novack. Keeping up with Potter is difficult but I assure you, he looks happier and healthier coming into the school year than I can remember in the past. He spoke fondly of you in the infirmary as Poppy examined him." She smiled.
Rose nodded, bolstered by her old professor's encouragement. If anyone had been kind towards her while in Hogwarts, it was unexpectedly the lion's head of house. "Please call me Rosalie. I'm tempted to bring him home, wrap him in bubble wrap and tutor him myself. The amount if incidents that have happened in the school are, well, more then concerning! I'm sure the headmaster is doing his best. Harry would hate me for taking him away from his friends. He'd never forgive me. May I speak with him?"
Before Minerva could answer, banging and yelling were heard beyond the edge of the flames on Rose's side.
"Novack, there's a level one trauma heading in right now! 6 casualties known, 3 of them coming to the floor! I need everyone on deck!"
"Dr. Novack, go. I'll arrange a call tomorrow with Potter. Duty Calls." Minerva watched Rosalie nod once in acknowledgement and set her features into a stone mask as her form faded and the flames extinguished.
Rosalie's team was able to treat and stabilize two children that night. They were passengers of a minivan that was ripped through by a drunk driver. The youngest, a child of 3, was unable to be saved. Rose's heart was heavy from the weight of the day and even Albert stayed silent for once.
Hermione and Ron watched in mild disgust as Harry placed two pieces of bread on his plate, one slathered in strawberry jam, one with an abnormal amount of peanut butter, then a hand full of crush potato crisps on each slice and smashed it all up together.
"What the bloody hell is that mate?" Ron looked aghast.
"It's called a PB&J" Harry took a big bite. "Rose makes 'em like this. It's sweet and salty and soft n crunchy all at the same time. I like 'em."
Hermione smiled that soft knowing smile she's always had. "Do you miss her a bit, Rose? I know you've never really missed your relatives after summer hols."
Harry nodded, peanut butter and soft bread stuck to the roof of his mouth. He took a large swallow of pumpkin juice. "I do." He shrugged. "It's still a little weird, but she's very nice. Maybe a little strict sometimes, but that's alright. And I get some space, 'cause she works weird shifts at the hospital. She didn't know my dad very well, but she talks about mum all the time. It's nice to hear little things that have nothing to do with that Holloween. Oh, and she knew Professor Snape too. My mum, Rose and he all lived in the same town as kids. He was grumpy then too."
"I have a hard time believing that Snape was ever a kid!" exclaimed Ron
"Well speaking of, we have our first potion's lesson after lunch, but I'm going to get ahead start on my Arithmancy essay." Hermione began to stash an amazing number of books and parchments into her ruck. "See you in class. Don't be late!" she sent a warning glare to both boys.
Ron looked suspiciously after Hermione's retreating form. "How many classes is she taking this term? Something's fishy about that."
"She likes class." Harry shrugged You're worried she's up to something?"
"I'm worried she's up to something and WE aren't involved." Ron snatched a pumpkin pasty from the tray in the center of the table and shook it towards Harry before taking a bite.
Harry shook his head, wiped the crumbs from his hands and pulled his textbook closer to him on the table. "I don't want to be involved with anything. I just want a quiet year. No Dark Wizards. No giant monsters. Just me, with my head down, getting decent marks in my classes. Last thing I want is Rosalie thinking I'm a troublemaker and giving me back to Aunt Petunia…." He mumbled as he took notes on a scrap piece of parchment.
"She wouldn't do that!" Ron exclaimed, then made a look of contemplation. "Would she?" Harry shrugged, not looking Ron in the face. That question lived in the back of his mind all the time. "What are you doing?! Are you reading ahead in Potions?!" Ron flipped the cover of the text Harry had been coping from over and then back. He looked incredulously at his friend. "Who Are you, and what did you do to Harry Potter?!"
Harry did chuckle at this. "Rose lives, eats and breaths healing potions. No, seriously, she has 4 or 5 cauldrons going in the kitchen most of the time. She will only use her own stuff at work. I helped her a lot last month with brewing. She told me if I don't raise my marks to an E this term after all the extra we've done, she'll hang me up by my ankles and dip me in a vat of flobberworm mucus! I'm not taking a chance that she was only joking."
"She knows Snape is our professor, right? You could brew something blindfolded perfectly and he'd still give you a Dreadful and take points on top of it!"
"She knows we don't get a long." Harry began to pack up. "I promised I'd keep my head down. Any trouble in Snape's class is not coming from me this time. He thinks I'm a golden boy, right? I'll show him just how golden I can be." A sly little grin played across Harry's face as they began the trek to the dungeons.