Hey guyssss!

Missed me?

Sorry it feels like I've neglected you all for so long.

Thanks for the reviews guys, I love it when you tell me what you think/ what you think's going to happen (in which case I can laugh evilly to myself because I know what will happen) :D

So thanks to:
kchurchy85 for following, welcome!
ShadowKat78 ~ sorry about the cliffie... and good guess but not quite, though you'll know very soon! :)
Plucie (hey there again) ~ I'm working on the reasons, I had a few in my head and I'm starting to write bits ahead of time but I can't promise them quickly, so stick with me yeah? ;)
oh and if you like long you're going to love this!
As for the Greek thing... feeling a little ashamed, I read PJO for Merlin's sake! I should have realised, oh well... I'm keeping Iridis though I do quite like Arcus. Thanks for spotting it :)

Sassy Slytherin... Why hello there, liking the name~
sorry about the cliffie, and no, Scor wouldn't make a joke out of something like that, but we'll see what does happen in a sec!
I'm a little in love with Logan too, but we'll see how it all plans out. Oh and if you still want a little side story with him later on then definately remind me and I'll give it a go. Though, not something I'd do right now, it'd muddle me :P

Hope I can convert you to a Scorpianne shipper before then though *fingerscrossed*
And yes, thanks for pointing that out, I'm not sure if i changed it when i got the review but going to check in a sec, and will fix if i haven't already. Yes, I have some great snake friends, sorry though, it's just so easy to stereotype, but we'll see some more of you lot in this chapter, you can let me know what you think :)

Guest ~ You know who you are, thanks for the review! Glad you liked the chapter and it's lovely to hear you like the characters.

Thanks to you all for sticking with me and still reading, this is an extra long one, partly to make up for the fact that this update is a lot later than i thought it would be and partly because I couldn't find a good enough stopping point that left enough for a decent chapter. Hope you're all having a great 2014 so far :)

Don't get used to it, I can't manage them all this long! :P

Cookie x

(Let's have a little recap from the last chap shall we?)

He crooked his forefinger under her chin and guided it upwards to look at him. Merlin, she hated it when he did that. There was something about it…
Her thoughts trailed off and she focused on his shining grey eyes and predictable smirk. He reached forwards and brushed her hair behind her ear. The contact sent shivers down her spine. It was so soft, so caring.
He moved his face towards her slowly, tilting it ever-so-slightly, Roxanne was suddenly aware how empty the library was, now, just the two of them and the books, in the now dimmed light of the lamps. A soft glow reflected off his face, it was so inviting, she closed her eyes in anticipation, not entirely sure why, as his face neared hers, almost moving in slow motion.~

Chapter 15- The Almost-Kiss, Quidditch And A Big Brother

"I knew it!" Suddenly, Scor pulled back and grinned. "Those are mood earrings aren't they?"
Roxanne blinked in confusion; she cleared her throat, trying to get rid of the fog in her mind. "Uh yeah, why?"
"I think I've worked the colours out." He grinned triumphantly completely unaware that his actions had been misinterpreted. He continued, "They go red when you're embarrassed, but I wasn't sure till now."
She pulled her hair down, hiding them from further analysis. Her earrings would probably combust with the shade of red they must be now. She was such an idiot! She'd thought Scor was going to kiss her! Worse, she'd been about to let him; she'd wanted it to happen! Not only that but Roxanne had been stupid enough to believe Scor had wanted to kiss her, for a little moment she believed that the older boy in front of her was interested in her romantically. What was wrong with her?

Of course Scor hadn't wanted to kiss her; he'd been coming closer and tilting his head to look at her earrings, nothing more! Her overactive, ever-hopeful imagination had just made up the rest. Merlin, she couldn't believe it. She had never been more mortified; she just hoped this time he didn't work out why she was embarrassed, because she was sure, that would be a whole lot worse.

She laughed along with him, hoping to ease the tension she felt and was sure he had no idea of. She turned back to the desk and began to move papers around, collecting her work. She fake yawned as she did so, though she couldn't be further from tired, her heart had sped up when she'd thought Scor was going to kiss her and hadn't fully recovered yet. The butterflies in her stomach were still there fluttering hopefully. But why?
Why had she reacted like that? It was obvious she had wanted it to happen. But Scor was her friend, she didn't think of him like that. Did she?
Of course, she recognised him as good-looking, and charming and clever and funny and he had a great body and… she mentally slapped herself. Stop.
All that was obvious, she couldn't deny any of it. Pure fact, nothing more. She could say the same about Lorc and Ly!
But she was sure, she wouldn't have wanted to kiss either of them under the same circumstances. So why Scor? Did she like him in a more than platonic way? No, of course not. He was Scorpius. Just Scorpius.
She'd just been caught up in the moment. Sure, he flirted with her, and twisted her words into innuendo from time to time but that was just how he was. She didn't think it meant he liked her. Of course she didn't; she wasn't stupid. A guy like Scor could have any girl he wanted, he definitely wouldn't settle for her.
She shook her head, Roxanne-never-been-kissed-Weasley had gotten so excited about getting kissed, she didn't care it was her friend, who she didn't even like in that way. She'd been so caught up in the moment she'd believed somewhere that Scorpius had wanted to kiss her, that he was interested. That anyone was. She reasoned, that was the only possible explanation, she had just been carried away for no reason at all. Just a moment of mildly pathetic desperation. That was it. Nothing more.~

The following morning, Rox woke up with a strange feeling. She'd had the weirdest dream, Scorpius had been about to kiss her but then hadn't, she remembered feeling disappointed, sad even. Then she groaned. It hadn't been a dream; it was the library the night before. Ugh.
Just forget about it.
She chastised herself, mentally counting to three and pushing the night from her thoughts at the third number. It didn't work of course but, if she told herself to forget it enough times, maybe she could, for a while at least.
Just as she was about to fall back to sleep, Liv came barrelling through her curtains and jumped on her, full of energy.
"Guess what today is!?"
She groaned audibly under the added weight of her excited friend.
"I know for a fact it's a Saturday, so why the hell are you jumping all over me so early?"
"Because it's also Quidditch practice today! C'mon Roxy, Quidditch! Up, up, up!"
"Oh, yeah. Quidditch. Sure. Up."
She repeated half-heartedly, not that she wasn't excited, she just wanted a little more sleep. Her mind had been reeling the night before so going to sleep wasn't as instant as usual. She rolled over as best she could with Liv there and was met with a nudge from Iridis. Clearly, Liv wasn't the only one who wanted her up this morning. Reluctantly, Rox threw off the covers and walked to the shower.
Liv sat on her vacated bed and stroked Iridis with a smile, "Look boy, Mummy's got up"
The Parva seemed to understand her and vibrated with happiness, as if purring. Liv was sure he was more cat than dragon. ~

Rox and Liv entered the Great Hall for a light breakfast. They sat together, opposite the boys and discussed that morning's Quidditch session. After a while, they stood and left for the pitch, grabbing their other members on the way down the table. Soon, the Ravenclaw team were all together standing on the pitch but they had stopped before they reached the changing rooms because the Slytherin team were also on the grass, about to get ready too. Lysander stepped forwards towards the team and stood face to face with Erin. She wasn't the oldest or best player on the team but somehow made Captain. She stood with her chin up, metaphorically looking down at Ly, though Rox was sure if she was tall enough she'd be doing that too.

"This is our pitch today Scamander, beat it"
"Not a chance Neville, I booked it last week"
"I told you Erin" one of the Slytherins tried to interject from behind.
She turned to one of the chasers, Lyra Jarvis, if Roxanne remembered correctly, and told her to shut it. Almost as quickly she turned back to Lysander. Her chaser mimed swears behind her back, to the silent entertainment of the both teams.
"We're not leaving" Erin glared and Ly returned the eye contact just as fiercely, except his look held amusement.
"Fine, then you'll just have to watch us play, maybe you'll be able to learn something"
Ly smirked and the Ravenclaw team repressed sniggers behind him, Rox could even see some of the Slytherin team smile at the comment, as they watched Erin become more and more frustrated. Clearly, her team weren't as loyal as she would think.

For a second, her eyes locked with Logan's and he smiled at her, one she returned shyly. He mouthed something at her; watch this. He stepped forwards and came up behind Erin, whispering in her ear. She didn't break her glare with Ly but Rox recognised she had changed her mind about something. She could almost see the cogs whizzing in her head as she seemed to think over Logan's mystery suggestion.
She broke eye contact and turned to him, "You think so?"
"'Sup to you but yeah, consider it a friendly" he shrugged, playing it cool.
"Fine"
Erin turned back to the Ravenclaws. She glared at Ly as she spoke.
"Logan suggested we play a match instead." She paused increasing the intensity of the glare. "Don't worry, you don't have to bet anything, we hate taking from the less talented. That way we both use the pitch." Ly thought it over momentarily, turning briefly to check if his team were in agreement. They had all nodded their support.
"Oh, it's okay, we wouldn't dream of taking anything from you either. Except, we might take your pride when we win but you know…" he continued before she could object, " friendly match it is then, ten minute change and twenty minute warm up?" he held his hand out for her to shake.
She rolled her eyes at his comeback, but agreeing all the same, "Fine". She didn't shake his hand.~

Lysander did his best to help their new chaser feel confident within the thirty minutes they had before the start. The boy, Oliver Charles had looked nervous in the changing rooms and out on the pitch in his new uniform he just looked pale, almost sick. Rox remembered him from her team in the tryouts and had complete faith. He was small and new and inexperienced but he'd be fine, they had all started out that way.
She watched as Scor spoke to him one on one off to the side, slightly away from the team as they finished off the last of their stretches.

Rox was slightly stuck to her position, a small smile on her face as she couldn't help but keep watching Scorpius speaking to this young boy he had only just met. He managed to coax colour back into his face and as Ly called the team in, Scor even managed to get a toothy smile out of the boy before patting him on the shoulder and bringing him over. Rox turned away and moved closer in, jumping slightly as Scor's hands rested on her shoulders from behind. She subconsciously leant back a little towards him, seeking his comfort and solid chest without knowing it. Her ears showed no sign of emotion because she'd removed her earrings the evening before to avoid further embarrassment. However, had she been wearing them, they would have sparkled a soft green with comfort and content.

Ly's eyes fell on Rox with Scor standing behind her as he scanned the faces of his team, all huddled close. Some closer than others apparently. He noticed Scor had his hands on her shoulders. Ly smirked, it was as if being close to her wasn't enough, he had to have the contact and he wasn't even aware of it. Though from the looks of it, Roxanne seemed to relax back towards him, so maybe she needed that too. He looked away before it became obvious he was watching them. His observant gaze also fell on Liv and his brother who were the other people standing closer than necessary, they were shoulder to shoulder but Ly could see the way she titled to the side, resting on his twin, who smiled, sneaking glances down at Olivia when he thought no one was looking.
Ly wrapped up the game plan, eager to get started, he had seen his friends with their crushes moments ago, now it was time for him to spend some quality time with his one true love, Quidditch.~

Both teams shot of into the air as the quaffle was expelled from the chest, which had been charmed to happen after a slight delay. It was evident who the new team members were by the speed at which they kicked off. Oliver lagged slightly behind the rest of the Ravenclaws but made up for it with his quick recovery, seeming to know where to be in relation to Callie and Scor without much practice. From her high vantage point, Rox watched as the Slytherin chasers were first to the quaffle but Scor collided with one, causing them to drop it to Callie who waited below. Callie kept hold of it for as long as possible before she was intercepted by the snakes. She passed it to Scor, who instead of taking the shot, which Roxanne knew he could easily have made even from his distance, he passed it to Oliver to take.
Unfortunately for him, their keeper was also new which meant the snakes had upped their defence, by the time Rox realised this, she could only manage to shout half of his name before the bludger collided with his side.
Not being used to taking hits and staying on course yet, the new Eagle began to fall. Both Scor and Callie shot towards him but Scor made it first. He took the quaffle from his grasp and threw it upwards to Callie, non-verbally telling her to go on. He then drew level with Oliver, taking his broom handle and pulling it up out of its descent.
After a few seconds of help and encouragement from the brunette, Oliver managed to recover and continue with the game.
After three hours, Oliver, Liv, Callie and Scor had all been hit by bludgers, Rox had managed to stay unscathed so far, and expected to for the rest of the match seeing as she didn't plan to make any real moves for the snitch. The points were drawn and neither team had caught the it. Not that Roxanne hadn't seen it, she had and at a few points she'd feinted, to lead Erin in the opposite direction to allow the chasers to be the ones who worked the hardest. They had the new player so it was them who had to practice the most. Ly had told her this and she agreed, she wouldn't go for the snitch unless he told her to. She didn't mind though, she wanted to stay in the air for as long as possible today.

She scanned the pitch for a glimmer of gold and was met with nothing. She became distracted. The weather was beautiful, and she watched as the sun began to dip into the horizon, it was a little past midday. As she concentrated on the weather, distracted by the sky, Rox didn't notice Erin shout at Logan to take her out. She didn't notice Logan begin to refuse or Erin fly close enough to him to threaten to kick him off the team if he didn't. Had she noticed this, she might have been able to move before Logan curved the ball he hit. She might have been able to move before the bludger came round from her right and hit her square in the face.

Instant pain. And falling. Falling fast. Roxanne couldn't see anything other than the tears welling up in her eyes. She could hear nothing but the ringing in her ears and taste nothing but her own blood in her mouth. Somehow she managed a coherent thought, if she didn't pull up soon it would be a whole lot worse.

Seconds late, Scorpius watched in horror as the bludger sped towards Roxanne. He was too far away, in fact, no one was close enough to reach her before she hit the ground. She had been hovering so her hands weren't as tight to the broom as if she had been flying. The force knocked her backwards and she barely managed to grasp the handle. She took the broom round with her almost doing a half loop, instead of coming horizontal again she plummeted. Her hands remained on her broom, though from the looks of it she was flying blind, probably disorientated by the hit and the loop. He helplessly watched as she somehow managed to pull up at the last second, avoiding a hard crash but still scraping the ground as she instinctively rolled off her broom to minimise impact.

Roxanne lay there for what seemed like hours but was only a few seconds. Through the slits in her eyes she could see the sky. That beautiful blue sky she'd been so distracted by. Curse it. Within moments, the sky was replaced by a different blue, the stormy grey blue of Scor's eyes as he leant over her trying to assess where she was hurt.
"Where does it hurt Rox?"

Her team crowded round her and the Slytherins had also dismounted, standing off to the side respectfully. Erin cautioned Logan as he moved towards the injured girl. She warned him again, and he almost turned and told her where to shove it, a warning had on his shoulder from his teammates held him back.

Rox managed to mumble what sounded like everywhere and closed her eyes. Hoping darkness would take away her pain. It didn't. ~

The boys searched their memories for what to do next. They had to get her to the infirmary but couldn't move her in case she had broken something. Lorcan put her in a full body bind and he and Scor levitated her back to the castle and into the infirmary. It was quicker than conjuring a stretcher.

Madame Pomfrey hovered around them flapping about how irresponsible it was to try to move her themselves. Though once Lorcan removed the spell she admitted reluctantly it was the smartest thing to do. Bloody Ravenclaws, they heard her complain.
The boys were forced out of the room until Rox could be looked over and begun to be treated.~

After about thirty minutes, Madame Pomfrey opened the doors expecting only three boys but getting an entire Quidditch team. She allowed them in as Roxanne's condition wasn't all that serious. The girl had a concussion, a chipped tooth, a broken arm and a bruised back and eye but was otherwise fine.

When Roxanne watched the boys enter flanked by the entire team, she couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. As they neared her she tried to sit up more fully but with only one hand found it difficult. Seeing her struggle, Liv came forwards and helped her up, sitting on the end of her bed afterwards.

"You look rough Rox" Callie spoke as no one else did, they were all silently taking in her black eye, bandaged arm, and scraped skin.
She laughed revealing her chipped tooth and immediately dropped it when she saw them flinch at it.
"Oh yeah, Madame Pomfrey's going to fix that next" she saw their faces relax slightly though she knew they didn't mean to seem superficial.
If she was truthful, she had almost cried before Madame Pomfrey told her that her teeth were entirely fixable. Not that she was obsessed with her appearance but a chipped tooth really did change a face.
"Thanks for getting me here guys. I heard Madame Pomfrey moaning about my irresponsible friends"
"No problem" Ly replied in the place of his brother. "You know me, always up for saving a damsel in distress. I'm spectacularly good at it you know"
"Shame you weren't there a few seconds before, Ly. Would've loved not hitting the ground."
"Ah, well I'm sorry. You'd think carrying you here in my arms alone was enough."
Callie snorted.
"You know Cal, snorting isn't very lady like or attractive"
"Sorry Cap. Just my reaction to your bullshit, I can't help it"
The room laughed as they eased into more familiar grounds. Liv piped up, interrupting the arguing players, and told the actual 'rescue' story as well as her own version of what Rox's hit and fall looked like. It seemed a bit over the top, but Roxanne appreciated it nonetheless. Quidditch injuries always seemed to be a lot more action packed than reality. Which was really just a fast hard ball to the face followed by an even faster fall to the even harder ground. Hm, maybe Quidditch was a little dangerous.

When Liv was done Rox thanked them again, and tried to get them to leave.
"You guys should go back out there and train. You don't need me for that"
She felt guilty that they were all here for her when they should be playing. It was all her fault for not paying attention anyway.
"Nah it's okay. And anyway, Olly here..." Ly turned to the boy he'd just slung his arm over, "you don't mind if I call you Olly do you?" The boy barely shook his head before Ly turned back to Rox. "Where was I? Oh yes. Olly here kicked some serious snake butt this morning. A few more practices and we'll be good to play 'em for real. So don't worry, we'll let the Slytherins have today, but next time I'm not sharing" he conjured a chair and sat into it dramatically folding his arms to emphasise his point. Rox chuckled.~

The team sat with Rox for the next hour, just talking about players on other teams: who was new; who would be a threat. After a while, the other members began to leave, at the end of the hour, only Lorc, Ly, Liv and Scor remained. She thanked them again for helping her and staying with her but felt increasingly guilty about them being there with her when the day was so beautiful.
"I appreciate it guys. But seriously, you can go now. I'm sure you all have better things to do than sit here on a Saturday"
"Not really"
"Nah"
"Nope"
"No"
They grinned. She groaned.
"Why do you want us gone so bad?"
"It's not that I want you gone. I just don't want you all to stay"
"Uh huh" Liv raised an eyebrow. Making it clear how unclear she was being.
"Ugh. I feel bad okay, I got hit because I was distracted and now you're all here wasting your weekend because I wasn't paying attention"
"No Rox. You got hit because that idiot Williams hit a bludger at you. It's not even like you were diving to catch the snitch, there was no reason for it."
"I'm sure there was a reason" she half-mumbled, defending him to Lysander.
"No Rox there wasn't, beaters are meant to be strategic. You take out key players at key moments" Lorcan reasoned more calmly.
"He probably knew we'd all stop playing if you were hit." Lorcan began.
"They probably just wanted the pitch" Ly finished.
She looked up at her friends and her eyes lingered on Scorpius who was sitting silently, staring off into space. She noticed his hands clenching and unclenching in his lap. He was obviously paying attention.
"He wouldn't do that... Erin probably told him to"
"That's a shitty excuse" Ly said bluntly.
"Yeah but Erin's not your Captain, Ly"
"Look, it was my fault. So I don't blame him"
"Well we do" the twins replied simultaneously.

"Alright guys. You do, Rox doesn't, let's leave it at that. No more arguing" Liv interjected. She also agreed with the boys but wanted to have Rox's faith in her handsome Potions partner so hadn't said anything. She also wanted to support her friend, though if Rox asked her what she thought, she wouldn't lie.
Unfortunately for Liv, Rox did exactly that, ignoring her call for ending the argument she turned to her friend, "What do you think Liv?"
"I agree with you all. I mean, yeah Rox you were distracted but that's only the half of it. The other half was him. He was the one who hit the ball, and maybe he was ordered to, maybe he wasn't but at the end of the day, he didn't have to take the shot Rox, nor did he have to hit the ball at your face. He could have easily given you a nasty shoulder shot to put you out of action for a bit."

Rox pondered her friend's words and her heart sank a little. Liv was right but Rox was determined not to judge Logan until she saw him. She didn't want to get unnecessarily angry at him all over again. She turned to Scor next, he was still yet to speak. She didn't know why but the conversation just felt incomplete without the input of all of her friends. Or maybe she just wanted to know what he was thinking, though that wasn't a thought that crossed her mind.
"And, you. What do you think?"
He stayed still, not looking back at her.
"Scorpius" she prompted.
He turned to look at her again and she noticed his face was void of emotion; it was that blank expression he was so famous for. The one that the girls loved because it kept them guessing, because it made him mysterious. The one that Rox hated because it meant he didn't want to show her or tell something.
"It's not your fault Rox. I blame him. And I don't care if he was told to or not. None of us would do it if Ly told us to. You wouldn't do it either, not without a reason. We'd be kicked off the team first and you know that. And yes, it's a game we all play and technically it wasn't against the rules but it was a dirty shot. And unnecessary, you know that too. And I don't understand why you're defending him when it's been over two hours and he still hasn't come to apologise or see if you're okay."

What Scorpius didn't add was that seeing her face was painful because when he looked at her bruises and cuts he desperately wanted to inflict the same kind of pain on Williams. He was angry, and it was taking all his self-control not to go over and club Logan with his own bat.
The room was silent as each person knew Scor well enough to know that at the moment he was dangerous. Not to any of them, but they all hoped Logan didn't run into Scor before he calmed a little. Except Lysander, he'd be more than happy to help.

Before Rox could reply, the heavy oak doors opened at the end of the infirmary and in walked Logan Williams. Windswept, sweaty, slightly out of breath and still in his Quidditch uniform.

Rox's heart fluttered a little. He did look stunningly sexy, the uniform did him justice, emphasising his muscular frame. Then she remembered Scor's answer moments ago and worried that he may be about to be hurt.

She whispered to him urgently as the room increased in tension as he walked closer.
"Scorpius"
Scor didn't take his eyes off the boy but moved himself closer to Roxanne, he listened.
"Please, Scor. Don't..." she reached her hand out to stop him from moving.
She didn't have to finish. They both knew what she was asking. At the moment though, Scor felt like it was a big ask. Logan was being held up by Madame Pomfrey who had just intercepted him.
He caught her hand and gave it a little squeeze, he nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He stood and walked. Liv turned to Rox quickly, looking worried. She shook her head. He wouldn't do anything; she hoped.
Scor strode past Logan who had now passed Madame Pomfrey, he had his left fist clenched to the side and his right hand tight on his wand. Logan stopped and caught Scor's shoulder.
"No need to leave Malfoy"
"Oh, I assure you, there is" he replied, deadly calm, hands shaking.
Scor moved out of his hold and continued walking. He left the room and the door closed slowly behind him.

Logan walked over to Rox and smiled brightly as if nothing had happened. As if he hadn't just tried to antagonise Scorpius.
"What did you just say to him?"
"Nothing, Roxy. I just said thank you, for helping you after... you know"
"After you knocked her backwards and out of the sky?" Ly supplied, Logan turned to him.
"I didn't think the shot would connect. It wasn't supposed to hit her"
"Then you're an even worse beater than I thought"
Logan had nothing to say in return so ignored him and turned back to Rox.
"I'm sorry Roxy. Erin told me to take you out, she wanted you gone so we could have the pitch. I refused. She threatened to kick me off the team. You weren't supposed to get hurt. I misjudged it. Sorry"
He pulled out his wand and conjured flowers on her bedside table. They were Lilies, she hated Lilies. But she didn't say anything. He wasn't to know. He was just being sweet, he was trying.
"Thank you" she smiled at him.
"Oh, give me a break" Ly groaned and stood.
"I'll see you later okay, Rox."
He walked out and as he left he silently transfigured the lilies to sunflowers.

Lorcan and Liv both snorted outright. Liv moved closer to Roxanne, kissed her friend's cheek and left. After a few paces when she realised Lorcan hadn't moved she walked back and took his hand, leading him out of the room. The door shut and the Ravenclaw and the Slytherin were alone.~

Logan laughed awkwardly, "I take it he doesn't like lilies?"
She shrugged. "He doesn't mind them. It's me who doesn't like them"
"Oh, sorry."
"Don't worry about it. You weren't to know."
He came close to her and sat next to her bed. He took her uninjured hand between his own, "I really am sorry."
"It's okay, just a danger of the sport" he didn't look convinced. And he didn't believe she was either.
"So, what was the damage?"
"Broken arm, bruised back, concussion, black eye, a few scrapes oh and my tooth's chipped. Nothing I can't handle" she grinned. Showing off the gap in her teeth. Like her friends he flinched, but did look genuinely remorseful.
"I'm so sorry."
"Just stop apologising, okay?"
"Okay. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. Well I guess you're not really okay but, is there anything you need?"
"No I'm fine thanks."
"Is there anyone you want me to tell?"
"I imagine the Ravenclaw s told my other friends by now. I'm fine thanks"
"Not your brother?"
"Oh. Him? No, don't bother him with it, I'm sure he's busy, besides I'm okay"
"Alright, if you're sure."
"Yep" she replied, she decided to ask him again now that her friends were gone.
"So what did you actually say to Scorpius?"
"I just said he didn't have to leave"
"As innocently as that huh?" She raised an eyebrow, mocking him with a smile.
"Well it might've sounded a little different..." he admitted, mildly embarrassed.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Only if I can ask you something" he replied.
"Fine. Go on then."
"No you first"
"Why don't you like him? Scorpius I mean" she questioned, genuinely interested.
"I don't know him."
"Exactly, so why don't you like him?"
"I don't know really. I don't particularly like being glared at"
"He glared at you? When?"
"The Hall, when I came to say sorry"
"He was probably just hungry. You were in his seat"
"Hm, or maybe he was jealous"
"Of what?"
"Of me. Talking to you."
She rolled her eyes, but she wasn't annoyed. "I told you. We're just friends."
"Doesn't mean he doesn't like you" he laughed, couldn't she see it?
"He doesn't like me like that. I'm not his type. Trust me, I know him, he's just a little protective. He probably sees me as a sister."
"I suppose that would explain it. Logan dropped it, he was completely fine with her not realising Malfoy liked her, it would only ruin his chances after all, "My question now then?"
"Go ahead"
"Say a guy did like you, not Malfoy of course, since he doesn't. Another guy. A metaphorical guy. How would he let you know?"
"Well, clearly this metaphorical guy needs some help." she laughed at her own sentence, "How about just a simple date? He could whisk me away and we could walk off into an imaginary sunset"
Rox smiled, she didn't know where that answer had come from. She wanted to believe that Logan was her metaphor but couldn't quite yet. She didn't want to get her hopes up when this could just be some flirtatious conversion he had with all the girls, when it could just be a cruel joke. She couldn't understand why he'd be interested in her, over other girls. Especially the older, more beautiful girls that were in his year. Roxanne didn't want a repeat of last night. She didn't want to misread another situation ever again.

"Alright. I'll let my metaphorical friend know. I'm sure he'll get back to you" he smiled at her softly.
"Good" she smiled back.
"I've got to go now okay but I'll see you soon" he squeezed her hand one last time and slowly let go.
"Okay. Bye Logan" she called, sighing as the door shut behind him. It was getting late now and she was really hungry. Falling seemed to take a lot of energy. And now no one was here to distract her she felt alone. ~

After half an hour of amusing herself with conjured birds and charmed chairs, Roxanne couldn't take it anymore. She felt a little too weak to even summon something from her dorm. She stared at the clock on the wall. It didn't make a noise. The clock was silent. The room was silent. She was silent. It was the silence that bothered her the most, it wasn't just quiet, it was lonely, if that made sense. Last time she sat in a silence like this, it had been when Freddie had gone off to Hogwarts and her parents were working. Back then, she wasn't able to use magic so had just read. She'd tried to amuse herself with magic and she didn't even have books now. She should have asked someone to bring her some. So it was just her, the lonely silence and now memories of Freddie.
She called for Madame Pomfrey.
"Yes, Miss Weasley?"
"Do you think it would be okay for me to leave now?"
"Leave? Child you are concussed. What if you were to faint?"
"But really Maam I feel fine. I'll come right back if I feel dizzy or anything"
"Hm, I do hate to keep you in here unnecessarily, and really you are causing considerable traffic. Was a whole quidditch team really necessary, dear? You may leave so long as you promise to return tomorrow evening and at any point should you feel dizzy"
"I promise" she looked up at the witch sincerely.
"Fine, you may leave."
Roxanne shot out of the bed so fast she almost lost her footing. She turned to the disapproving look of Madame Pomfrey and smiled sheepishly. Madame Pomfrey withheld a smile, the girl reminded her of her father.
"I'll be careful"
"Hm, don't make me regret releasing you"
"You won't Maam." Roxanne rushed towards the exit.
"Miss Weasley? " she paused her good hand on the door.
"Yes?"
"Would you like your tooth fixed?"~

Roxanne sat in the Great Hall with her arm in a sling but thankfully her teeth and once bruised face were back to normal. She watched with amusement as Liv relayed the story of her injuries to the girls, it becoming grander and more exaggerated with each telling.

During the meal, Lucy and Hugo came over to see if she was okay. They admitted that it was Freddie who had asked them to come and told them she was hurt. When Roxanne asked why he hadn't come over himself, Hugo shrugged. But Lucy seemed to know more. Rox asked her more discreetly while her friends enjoyed desert.

"He's embarrassed about forgetting your birthday and can't face you at the moment-"
"What a load of sh-"
"Rox. He's sorry. He doesn't want to see you until he has something to give you. Like I said he's embarrassed. But he wanted to check you were okay. Oh and he also wants to know who hurt you."
Lucy laughed at the idea she was delivering messages for a grown brother who was too embarrassed to face his little sister. So much for Gryffindor bravery.
"Thanks Luce. But you can tell him, I'm not saying. If he wants to know he can ask me himself." She folded her arm over her sling, mocking defiance, earning a smile out of her cousin.
"Sure thing. Good to know you're okay, Rox. I'll see you later"
Rox looked over to the Gryffindor table and locked eyes with Freddie. He looked quickly down and she rolled her eyes smiling, how could she be angry at him? She loved him, even if he did forget her and her birthday. ~

She watched with a smirk as Lucy spoke to Freddie. His face dropped and James patted him on the back and pushed him up and out of his seat.
She smiled.
He walked over to her and she stood as he approached. He looked uncomfortable.
What an idiot.
When he reached her she just pulled him into a one-armed hug. With no words. He knew he was forgiven. His sister wouldn't forget but she forgave him.
He sat with her and immediately reached for the chocolate cake in front of him. She laughed.
"What?" He turned with cake already in his mouth.
"You eat like Uncle Ron" he swallowed quickly and protested.
"Do not"
"Sure you don't" she gestured to the half-eaten cake on his plate and the large forkful on the way to his mouth. He put his fork down.
Fred Weasley looked into the eyes of his little sister. They had always mirrored his own, but something about them was different, she had grown so much and he'd missed it. When had she gotten so big, so clever, so beautiful? His mum had asked how she was doing with her OWL levels and he hadn't even known she was doing any! What kind of brother was he?
"Look Rox. I'm sorry, I don't have an excuse really. I've just been a real shitty big brother and I can't change that. But I will be better. And…I'll never forget your birthday ever ever again." He stopped and watched as she pondered his apology.
"Good, because next time I hex you"
He grinned cheesily and pulled her in for another hug.
"Er, Freddie, my arm"
"Gosh Rox, I'm so sorry. Are you alright?" he jumped back, face full of concern.
"Yeah I'm fine now" she brushed his worry off.
"Speaking of your arm though... who am I having to beat up?" He joked but she could tell he would do it; especially if he was serious about the better brother thing. She remembered that time he got into a fight with a Muggle boy because he'd put mud in her hair. He was seven and probably hadn't grown out of it.
"You might be my big brother but you're not beating him up"
"Okay so it's a boy, huh?" Fred looked pleased with himself as if she'd let something slip.
"I was hit with a bludger, how many female beaters do you know Fred?" She asked sarcastically.
"Let's not be sexist Roxanne" he managed to retort. He gave up with her turning instead to the boys.
"Hey, Malfoy, Scamanders. Who hurt my little sister?"
From across her Ly and Scor and Lorc looked at each other then back to Fred. Roxanne shook her head but they ignored her.
"Logan Williams"
"Fifth year"
"Slytherin beater"
Fred moved to stand "Thanks guys"
"Oh no, you don't." She held him as best she could with her uninjured hand.
"I wouldn't let Scor do anything so you're not either"
Fred sat down looking at the boy across from him. "You were going to sort him out?"
"Yeah. You should have seen her earlier. Chipped tooth, black eye: the works."
"Scorpius!"
"What? Rox its true!"
"You didn't have to tell him." She spoke through gritted teeth, "You're making it worse."
"Oh, he won't do anything" Roxanne looked confused at his attitude, why was he so sure of it? He barely knew her brother.
Fred looked offended, "You don't know shit, Malfoy." She rolled her eyes, smiling, he hadn't changed, a little over-defensive, classic Weasley trait.
"Calm down, Weasley. I didn't mean you can't. Just you won't" he sat back and smirked a little.
"Oh" he smiled sheepishly, "Why?"
"Because she'll ask you not to and you won't be able to refuse" he looked at Rox who was beginning to blush and then back to Malfoy who had his gaze trained on her.
"So you really care about her, huh? Is there something I should know?" Scorpius blinked, snapping his attention back to Fred.
"Of course he cares about her. We all do" Ly supplied quickly nudging Lorcan who nodded quickly in agreement. Fred didn't seem to think anything of Ly's sudden interruption, if he was honest, he was almost waiting for the boys to start talking about magical creatures or do something, well…odd. Needless to say he didn't know much about Rox's friends yet.
"Well thanks for looking out for her" they nodded in response, turning their attention back to their food.

Fred sat down more fully and Rox turned to him, not needing to ask after Scorpius had spoken. He looked into her eyes and couldn't refuse either.
"Fine. I won't touch him."
"Fred..."
"Or hex him"
She raised a brow.
"Or curse him or hurt him or blow him up or transfigure him or get anyone else to"
She smiled but it dropped as he continued.
"But if I get products from dad he's a tester and you can't stop me"
She hugged him holding her injured arm carefully this time, a huge smile back on her face.
"Thanks Freddie. I've missed you"
"I've missed you too Roxy"

Told you it was long!
What did you think?
I didn't post it for a while because I just wasn't happy with Freddie, but it's done now and I hope you liked him too.
As always, I'd love to hear from you and know what you think, drop me a review!

Love Cookie xx