Hi guys! Sorry for the long hiatus. This chapter and the next one are parts of the story I've been envisioning since I started writing this story, i wanted to make sure they were perfect.
To be honest, I fell a little bit out of love with what I was writing. Luckily, you all are the sweetest with this story and left some really inspiring reviews that got me motivated again (it's silly, but sometimes even the smallest comment can mean so much)
This was originally meant to be one chapter, but it kept growing and growing, so it's split into two. The second part will be posted sooner than later… I hope!
So much love! xoxo
—-
Rose, It's Tom. You've got your contract signing tomorrow at 8. Can you make sure you've both read up on the termination clauses? I had Deils send over yesterday via post. Let me know if you didn't receive
GOLDEN TRIO CANCELS FINAL TOUR DATES; WSR YET TO COMMENT ON STATUS
-The Daily Prophet, March 23rd
Rose, this is Mina. I want to discuss outfits for their first public outing. The premiere for Le Contemps should be of great importance. Call me when you have a chance…
A HEAVENLY DUO: FRENCH SONGSTRESS ANGÈLE & GOLDEN BOY, SCORPIUS MALFOY MAKE A STUNNING ENTRANCE TOGETHER AT FRENCH PREMIERE
-The Daily Prophet, March 25th
Tom again, the paper dropped this morning. Did you see? Bigger than anything we thought. People love the pair. We're already getting interview requests. We want to push the drop of the tour dates. I'll call you later in the afternoon to discuss.
Rose? This is Lily. I just saw the paper. What the hell! Angèle? Scorpius? Since when did this happen? You've got some explaining to do…
SPOTTED AGAIN! OUR LATEST LOVE OBSESSION SHARES A MORNING PASTRY ON THE STREETS OF PARIS. READ MORE FOR 10 REASONS WHY WE CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF THIS COUPLE
-The Daily Prophet, March 30th
Mina here, Did you receive the rehearsal schedule? We've got the stage available from 7am-5pm today and tomorrow. We'll be running through the opening number and the duet, so everyone needs to be on time.
SCORPIUS MALFOY WALKS ARM IN ARM WITH GIRLFRIEND, ANGÈLE. CLOSE FRIENDS DISCLOSE: "THEY'RE IN LOVE!"
-Spellbound Times, April 2nd
Hey Rose, it's Madeleine. A woman named...Mina just called me about costuming for the upcoming shows. She said something about over seven changes? Call me back.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH OUR MOST DIVINE POP-STAR: ANGÈLE TELLS US WHY SHE BELIEVES SHE'S FINALLY FOUND THE ONE…
-Bewitched Weekly, April 10th
Are you coming home for dads birthday? Mum wants to know. This is Hugh by the way.
Hello Miss Weasley. This is Albert in booking at Warbeck Wireless. We'd love the opportunity to interview Scorpius while you're here in the states. Let us know if that's something you'd be interested in.
WEIRD SISTER RECORDS ANNOUNCE: ANGÈLE TO EXTEND TOUR; GOLDEN TRIO TO HEADLINE. TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
-Mystical Sound Magazine, April 11th
You've sold out the tour, Rose. The dates have been available for less than 24 hours and it's completely gone. Go out and celebrate with the boys. You all deserve it.
THE COUPLE THAT WORKS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER. SCORPIUS & ANGÈLE DISH ON THEIR UNCONVENTIONAL "OFFICE ROMANCE".
-Bewitched Weekly, April 15th
Rose, this is Mina. Angèle and I have arrived at the restaurant for the dinner date. Let us know your estimated time of arrival, as we'd like to have them make an entrance together.
Mina here! Are you available to talk? I had some thoughts about public appearances for when we travel to Italy. Did you receive the itinerary I sent over?
NOT-SO-GOLDEN EVENING OUT? ALBUS POTTER SEEN LATE LAST NIGHT CAUSING A BIT MORE THAN MISCHIEVOUS MAYHEM. SHOULD HIS FANS BE WORRIED?
-Spellbound Times, April 19th
Rose, it's Al. We can't get in the building- the crowd is totally insane. We're looping around the block. Can you send Emil or Rainsford down? It's honestly... Well, can you just send them? Thanks.
I WENT TO GOLDEN TRIO'S LATEST SHOW, SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO…JUST KIDDING! EVERYONE NEEDS TO SEE THIS AMAZING PERFORMANCE! (MY TOP 5 FAVORITE MOMENTS)
-Bruja With A Blog, April 23rd
Buongiorno, bella! Tom here. I've confirmed with Mina all your travel details. We're having Scorpius and Angèle meet with the Italy's current "it couple" before their show, this evening. Also, how's the progress with the album coming along? I wanted to talk to you about some sort of collaborative effort…
COUPLE GOALS: ANGÈLE AND NEW-BEAU, SCORPIUS MALFOY, STUN IN MATCHING ROBES AT LAST EVENING'S BARBAGE FUNDRAISER
-Bewitched Weekly, May 3rd
Hey...it's me. We got in really late from the gala. I'm going to crash at Angèle's... Don't wait up for me...
Rosie it's mum... Did Hugh ever get ahold of you? I know how forgetful that boy can be... Call me back, love... I haven't heard from you in a bit. Ed and Jane send big hugs.
LITIGIOUS AND SUPERSTITIOUS; WSR CRACKS DOWN ON TICKET SCALPERS FOR ANGÈLE 'GOLDEN TOUR' DUE TO INCREASING DEMAND
-Philosophers Stone, May 5th
Hey hun- it's Ginny. Congrats on the tour. Can you have Albus give me a ring? I know him and his father aren't exactly on speaking terms as of late, but he's got another thing coming if he thinks he can ignore his own mother. You're doing a great job, hun. Thanks for keeping my boy safe.
'TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT': ROSE WEASLEY SEEN DRAGGING COUSIN, ALBUS POTTER FROM MAGIA FASCINO LAST NIGHT AFTER AN EVENING OF PARTYING - SCORPIUS MALFOY, NO WHERE TO BE SEEN
-The Daily Prophet, May 10th
Rose. It's Lily. I know you're ignoring my calls and I don't like it. Talk to me. Please.
AMANTES DES ESPANIA; SCORPIUS & ANGÈLE SEEN LEAVING THEIR AMALFI HOTEL TOGETHER, HEADED TO EVENINGS PERFORMANCE
-Magia Magia, May 11th
Can we jump on a call with Mina later? This is Tom, by the way. We have some thoughts on the duet you're writing for Angèle and Scorpius...Hope Spain is treating you well.
Rosie, it's Mum again. I don't like to pry. But I came across one of those -horrid- magazines and I saw an article. You don't look well, my dear. You're working so hard and you've done such a good job...but- I'm worried. Please call me back.
A DUET FOR OUR DUO? WILL OUR FAVORITE PAIR BE RELEASING MUSIC ANY TIME SOON? SOURCES SAY…YES!
-Bewitched Weekly, May 11th
Rose, it's Mart- I'm with Al. I think- hey shit. I'm worried we may need uh- Healer...I'm. Can you come quick?
Hey- I heard about Al- I'm leaving the event early. Is he okay? Are you okay?
FALLEN FROM GRACE? ALBUS POTTER FOUND UNCONSCIOUS IN NIGHTCLUB - SOURCES SAY ILLICIT SUBSTANCES INVOLVED - HARRY POTTER HAS YET TO COMMENT
-The Daily Prophet, May 13th
Rose stared at the paper; her face emotionless. Her eyes felt glassy and vacant; her lids heavy. She was tired in a way she had never experienced before. A sharp crash of waves from the coast below caught her attention. Where was she? What day was it?
She glanced at the top of the paper currently gripped in her hand: May 13th…
She sighed. The last few months had bled into one another so quickly and chaotically, she barely had time to register what was happening. She was busier now than ever; their lives a ceaseless parade of performances, interviews, outings, events…
In a way, she was grateful to have Mina by her side in all of it. The older witch was a seasoned vet in this industry. A catastrophe to Rose, was a minor blip on Mina's radar. She had come to Rose's aide multiple times in their tour alongside one another. She was unrelentingly calculated, and admirably cool under pressure.
In another way, Rose doubted Mina would remain "cool" if anyone dared challenge her professional trajectory. All was just as well. Rose felt she would rather face a Basilik than stand up to Mina in any capacity. She was, truthfully, too exhausted.
They all were.
Days began early, nights went late. She no longer felt the same spark of energy she had when she used to watch them perform. Instead she saw the sunken lifelessness of Marty's drumming, the frail, manic charisma of Albus on stage, the vacant eyes of Scorpius - every time she looked at him. She was constantly fielding phone calls, scheduling interviews, shuttling them from one location to the next; she couldn't remember the last time she had a conversation of substance with any of them.
With anyone, really. She had managed a brief phone call with her mother two days prior; the point of which was mainly to prove Rose was -in fact- still alive. She had not managed to return Lily's calls…
She was so exhausted, and yet- she couldn't sleep. Every night was a fitful menagerie of nightmares. Oftentimes, it was her dream of the burrow; that bittersweet tune playing farther and farther away every time she would try to escape. Other times, something resembling an angry swarm of purple feathers would chase her through the streets of Paris. She didn't really want to read into that one.
Her appetite was gone. A once ravenous hunger was replaced by a small feeling of lead in her stomach that rarely ever went away. She attributed it to the rapid change of pace in their schedules. She didn't have time to eat.
She didn't want to admit it- but that same leadened feeling often had the inclination to expand every time she had the misfortune of witnessing Angèle and Scorpius interact candidly with one another.
That was the one thing that was obviously going very well- she guessed. The wizarding world was so charmed by the musical couple, it was almost overwhelming. They were the perfect performers; always quick to cast an adoring gaze in the direction of the other if a camera were near. He was always grabbing her hand, opening doors for her, singing of her praise whenever he was asked. She was always straightening his tie, kissing his cheek, reminding the world of how handsome he was. They were perfect.
Rose had known of his previous relationship before, but she had never been so abruptly privy to the likes of Scorpius Malfoy as a…boyfriend. She wondered what the two of them talked about on all those "dates"…
Did she know he wasn't a morning person? Did he tell her about his deathly fear of open water? Did she know about his Dad? Did they ever look at the moon together? Did she ever watch him breath while he slept?
It filled Rose with the most unfamiliar, twisted feeling.
A snore from across the room jolted her again. Albus was stretched on the couch adjacent to her; his wild, black hair protruding haphazardly from a thick, white bandage wrapped around his forehead.
Albus seemed to be the only one who wasn't suffering in terms of a lack of energy. The added fame and attention amplified his desire for excitement and indulgence. He was out every night; meeting with fans and allowing them to treat him with that intoxicating mix of obsession and adoration he craved.
It had managed to get him into some pretty sticky situations since the tour began. She was beginning to lose her patience with him…
-Like the cause of the aforementioned bandaged-head. She felt like she was losing him as much as she was losing herself. She felt like she barely knew her cousin these days. They used to be able to talk about anything…
She looked at the clock; her eyes dragging to where it was situated on the wall. 5:32am. She had not slept. After bringing Al back to the hotel, and the chaos of the evening had subdued, she felt her body was hot-wired in a way that made it impossible for her to drift to something even remotely resembling sleep.
Nothing felt right, these days. They were leaving for America tomorrow; something she had been almost exhaustingly anticipating. She should have been filled with excitement; filled with that bubbling hope of opportunity. Instead, she felt herself constantly fighting off the impulse to rip her own hair out.
She looked back down at the paper, realizing she had been clenching the parchment so tightly in her hands, it had begun to tear. She let go; her eyes drifting over the black and white images moving dizzyingly in front of her. Albus, motionless on the ground; swarms of party-goers crowding around him. Albus being hoisted away by security. Albus vomiting outside the establishment.
Rose felt the lead in her stomach harden; tossing the pages towards the other side of the table. She noticed the notebook she had taken out; it's contents a larger metaphor for her current emotional standing - empty.
On top of everything, she was meant to be writing song for the new album; the top priority being a duet for Angèle and Scorpius to sing. Tom had been on her about it almost every day.
A duet? For a couple in love? That was primary school for Rose. She had written hundreds of schmaltzy ballads, crafted thousands of dripping lyrics about "stars in eyes" and "hearts that beat", but now…
Right now, she had no words inside. Nothing to come out. She didn't know what was happening to her; only that she needed to figure it out…soon.
She pushed the notepad away as well, settling to lean her head against the cool marble of where she was sat at. She sighed again, closing her eyes and breathing.
Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder and she almost yelped. She raised her head, registering the presence in front of her.
"Sorry, I thought you might have fallen asleep out here…", Scorpius's voice was edged with the slight rasp of sleep.
She shook her head, "What are you doing awake?"
He was silent; moving towards the sink to fill a glass of water. "Don't sleep much these days…"
She rested a heavy head back on the palm of her hand. She willed the creeping voice within her to cease picking apart the absence in his voice. They had become so disconnected lately…
She felt his movement behind her as he reached to grab the paper she had earlier discarded.
"The devil works hard…", he said softly, almost to himself.
She looked up, "Hmm?"
He cracked a grin- it didn't reach his eyes. "but the Prophet works harder…"
She closed her eyes, shaking her head, "I don't want to talk about it…"
She heard the creak of a chair bend opposite to her. When she opened her eyes, he was sat across; his silhouette a blue-grey in the haze of the morning.
He was silently scanning the cover of the paper. Rose found herself using the brief moment to scan his unencumbered features; taking in the light purple of his under-eye, the slight scrag of an unshaven face, a deep furrowing of his brow. She was surprised to feel a lightness in her chest; a stark contrast to the anxious hammering that had taken over as of late.
He looked up, barely catching her curious gaze. He cleared his throat, "These pictures… They make it seem worse-"
"-I really don't want to talk about it…", her voice was soft. He nodded, understanding.
They were silent again. Rose felt her gaze continually drawn back to exploring the nuances of his countenance. They'd been kept even more at a distance the past months- he felt relatively like a stranger to her. They hadn't been alone with one another, save for a few passing moments, since that tense, awkward apology at the flat. Looking at him, in the mystic stillness of the early hours, felt like she was seeing him almost for the first time.
His gaze was fixated on the paper in front of him, but his eyes were motionless. She could see the inner-workings of his mind attempting to make sense of something -something she did not venture to guess the cause of.
"You're alright though…", his motionless eyes still did not leave the paper; his words framed more as a hopeful question.
She let out a breath; her voice catching in her throat. She continued to look at him, unable to form the words she knew she was supposed to say. Yes, I'm fine. All is well. Never better.
He looked back up; somewhat startled by her determined gaze on him. A tick of the clock, another crash of a wave. Their eyes were steadily fixated on one another. It could have been a second, it could have been an hour. The warm lightness in her chest was beginning to spread. She knew she needed to look away. She found herself unable to…
"You need a haircut…", she half-whispered; finally breaking their wordless conversation. Her eyes went towards the blonde hairs, now reaching too far down the nape of his neck.
He didn't say anything, he didn't even nod. He was still looking at her; sizing her up.
Suddenly, the light feeling was becoming too much- it was reaching too far. She got up from her chair.
"Coffee?", she was no longer looking at him; instead rifling through the cupboards for the bag of beans she had purchased the day prior. She heard the creak of a chair; half believing he had gotten up to leave the room.
She felt his presence along-side hers. He began to fill the kettle with water; wordlessly helping her.
They prepared the coffee together in silence. Rose had a thousand questions swimming in her head; every one of them without beginning or end. That's what her life felt like; one large, unintelligible question she could not seem to articulate.
After awhile, he spoke. "A haircut?"
There was a slight smile on his lips, but it -still- did not reach his eyes.
She nodded. He was leant against the counter; the coffee slowly dripping into it's carafe beside them.
"You don't like the shag? It's very Mick Jagger, I think…", He was teasing.
She bit her lip, "We'll set-up an appointment for you somewhere, when we're in the states…"
His eyes were cast down, "So you've officially retired from your career as a hairdresser?"
She smiled, "I like to think we've made it to a place professionally where me butchering your hair every two months of so, isn't exactly a necessity…"
He was quiet, "I always liked your work…very cutting edge."
She wrinkled her nose; her mind flitting suddenly to a time her hands had ran through his soft tufts of hair; a shearing spell haphazardly snipping the ends. She recalled a laughingly insincere apology for the mess she had made, Albus and Mart cackling in the background, the slight pink of Scorpius's cheek- the memory felt warm…and far away. Those times were so simple; they hadn't even realized.
His eyes were on her again; studying her. The feeling evoked was a strange one -almost unfamiliar.
The coffee was done.
"I think I'll see if someone on Angèle's team can cut it…", she busied herself with pouring. "I'm sure she's got someone on hand…"
"I'm sure."
She winced at the return of his vacant tone.
"How is our little super star these days?" The question rushed out of her mouth; the words jumbling over one another in an inauthentic way. Rose didn't know what compelled her to ask. She was even embarrassed by the slight edge her voice cast over the words "super star"
He shrugged; not externally registering the strained air of questioning. "Tired… Like all of us. She sleeps a lot. And cries a lot…"
"Cries!?"
Scorpius smiled slightly, "She cries all the time. Over everything. She's very…leaky"
Rose furrowed her brow, "Leaky?"
"She's just very emotional..", he countered, taking a sip form his coffee, "She'll see a dog she finds…I don't know- and she'll be inconsolable for hours… If she's not crying, she's on stage or she's sleeping…"
"Charming…", Rose sighed, taking a sip of her coffee. She didn't love the way his eyes sort of lit-up when recounting these details. If she didn't already regret her questioning, she definitely regretted it now.
Scorpius chuckled, "Very."
Another snore from Albus broke the silence between them. They both turned, watching to see if he would wake. He did not.
Scorpius noticed the notebook cast off to the edge of the table. He made a motion towards it with his mug, "I see the album's going well…"
Rose gave a lifeless little laugh, "I really, really don't want to talk about it…"
Scorpius nodded; somewhat transfixed by the empty notebook.
"I'm not dripping with inspiration these days…", she sighed, "Usually I write when I'm back home…"
He nodded again.
"Maybe I should try looking at some dogs…", she joked, lamely. "Would put me in a bit more of an…emotional headspace."
"You're…not a crier, are you?", he asked slowly, after a moment.
Rose shook her head, "More of a…rage-er"
Scorpius laughed, "Isn't it a bit of a thing? That you don't cry?"
"My mum's been very concerned about it…", she sighed. "Not since…"
She didn't finish her sentence. She didn't need to.
"Do you reckon you even remember how?"
She narrowed her eyes, "Are you a crier? I can't seem to recall even a bit of moisture protruding from those eyes…"
"Malfoy's don't cry. We suppress. Much more dignified.", He gave a slight smirk.
She smirked back, "Have you tried screaming? It's rather cathartic…"
He was silent, looking down at his almost empty mug.
"I cry, Weasley…", He rubbed at a coffee stain on the lip of his glass, still not looking up.
He opened his mouth, as if to speak, then shut it. He looked at her; an unreadable expression on his face, "It's very stoic. Only a single tear runs down my face -quite the ceremony."
He reached out and grabbed the empty mug from her hand. She laughed, but didn't quite feel it inside.
As if on cue, two distinct pops happened in the front room. Emil and Rainsford. 6am. Right on time. Her wand began to buzz aggressively on the table; the leadened feeling forming in her stomach.
She turned back to the sink; the fleeting moment of conversation feeling like something precious slipping quickly from her fingers. He was gone.
—-
"Why do we have to go to this?"
Rose's head swam. They were meant to have the evening prior to traveling to America off, to be able to pack and settle arrangements. However, due to Albus's little publicity stunt, they could waste no time in attempting to salvage his slightly crumbling reputation.
The morning had been a catastrophe of calls and meetings and reparations. Thankfully, their well-connected companion had been asked to make an appearance at the home of Franco Salavaro -an affluent and influential force in Spain's magical community.
Mina assured Tom there would be a multitude of press at the event, happy to capture a well-behaved and perfectly coherent pop-star.
If only she could make sure he stayed "well-behaved"…
"We have to go to this, because you decided last night would be a great opportunity to get piss-drunk in a foreign country and fall unconscious to the floor.. In a very public setting…"
Rose could practically taste the annoyance in her voice. Albus was silent. They were sat in a large ensuite- their stylist, Madeleine flying around him, taking measurements. Piles of fabric laid every where around.
"And..", she continued, "If you ever want the privilege of getting piss-drunk in public again, you will go to this event tonight, so the world can see what a good, little lad you are…"
Al huffed, "I said I was sorry… You know I've got a handle on things, Rosie… Last night was a fluke-"
Before she could answer, a bright voice could be heard calling her name from the hall adjacent.
"Rose! Qu'est-ce que tu penses?"
She heard the rustling of fabric and the pounding of footsteps. Angèle spun in front of her; her person a fluffy menagerie of green, purple and silver.
The theme of the party was Las Selva; The Jungle… It seemed Angèle was going as the entire rainforest.
"Qu'est-ce que tu penses, Rose? What do you think?", she beamed, her tiny frame bouncing with excitement.
She looked stunning. She always did.
"Incredible", sighed Rose, with a grin almost forced. "You're practically growing…"
Angèle looked at her with large, questioning eyes; her english not fully grasping Rose's joke.
"You are going as…?", she said after a moment, turning to Albus.
He huffed again, shaking his head "Oh…I don't know… A tree?"
"His suit will be evergreen-", interjected Madeleine, exasperatedly. "Tiny embroidered leaves, if you look closely…"
Albus rolled his eyes.
"We should have dressed him as a rock- covered in moss. That would be more aligned with his attitude", she teased, giving him a look through the mirror.
Angèle understood this time; her tinkling laughter bouncing off the walls. "You are…so funny, Rose…"
She bounced down on the couch next to her, "What will your…costume be? Oui?"
Rose shook her head, "Oh, I have to pack us… for tomorrow's trip. So much to do… Je suis desole…I'm sorry."
True to Scorpius's earlier sentiments in regards to her flippant feelings, the large brown of her eyes began to shine with the glass of fresh tears.
"You will not go?", she cried, grabbing Rose's hands in her own.
Rose stared bemusedly at the girl sat next to her, "Je suis desole…", she said again, shaking her head.
"Absolument pas!", she cried, getting up, "You must! You are always away. Never any fun. Come with, s'il vous plait!"
Rose opened her mouth, unsure of how to respond.
Scorpius appeared from the wings; half-dressed in his apparel for the evening. Rose found herself taking note of the way the deep, emerald suit brought out the loveliest shade of silver in his eyes…
"Don't you think dressing as a snake is a little too on the nose?", sneered Albus; catching a glimpse of the subtle shimmer of scales when Scorpius's costume would hit the light.
Scorpius turned to the mirror on the opposite wall; not bothering to look at his dark-haired friend. "Did Al not have his nap today? He seems rather tyrant-like…"
Angèle piped up again, "Scorpius, mon amie…"
Scorpius turned towards the couch where the two girls sat, a brow raised in question.
"Elle dit qu'elle ne va pas aller…", she grabbed Rose's hand again, squeezing it tightly. "Make her go! Please, please!"
The pair locked eyes for a moment. Rose could see a slight calibration happen. He turned back to the mirror; swinging a tie around his neck.
"Weasley, you're not coming?", His tone was indifferent.
She cleared her throat, her voice cracking. "Oh- no… There's a lot to be done before we leave… I wasn't planning on it."
Angèle's bottom lip began to quiver, "S'il vous plait? Scorpius, make her go. You have to make her…"
"Don't bother…", sighed Albus, "Rosie doesn't have any fun these days. She hasn't been out with us in weeks."
Rose glared at her cousin, "My apologies for being busy making your careers thrive…"
He was right, however. She usually loved parties; loved the energy, loved meeting new people, loved dancing…Loved it all. She didn't feel like fun these days. In fact, the thought of playing chaperone -if only for show- to the two lovebirds she was half charged with made going out practically unpalatable.
Albus turned to her, wincing slightly as a rogue pin lost it's path in his movement, "That came out wrong…Ouch- You should have fun. You should go."
"Al-", She started. She didn't know how to get out of it. Every excuse rattling through her brain would easily be met with an obvious solution. She didn't know how to explain to Albus, or any of them, that her rapid altering in personality had less to do with the enormity of her work-load and more to do with a deep-running fear that being surrounded by joyous celebration would make her haunting, twisted feelings unable to avoid.
"Al, I…", she stuttered, casting her eyes towards the ceiling above, the lamest of excuses falling from her lips. "I have nothing to wear…"
She could practically hear Madeleine's jaw drop.
Rose locked eyes with the bustling stylist, hoping to possibly convey her aversion to the event with the intensity of her gaze. "Maddy, you're busy! You're still finishing Albus's suit- and Marty… And- and…"
Madeleine did not pick up on the hint. In fact, she almost seemed offended. "Darling, I've made ballgowns in less time than you've got before this event…You think a little costumed gala is too much for me to handle?"
Rose sighed, "No- it's just, we've had no time to prepare anything. I wouldn't even know what to go as-"
"Papillon!", cried the girl to her right; her eyes finally drying themselves of the tears that had so easily sprung earlier. "Une…Butterfly!"
Al chimed in, "Oh- What about some sort of tropical bird, like a toucan…"
"A toucan..?", Rose asked dubiously; her mind flashing momentarily to a large, orange beak strapped to her face.
"Ooh- Le jaguar…", said Angèle, reaching for a bolt of fabric on the other side of the room, "Black velvet…"
Rose flushed, "Not exactly the jaguar type, I think…"
"Spider-monkey!", cried Albus.
"Parrot!"
"Elephant!"
"Une tigress…"
"Mart's already going as a Tiger…", sighed Rose, unable to help a grin at their antics.
"What about the moon..?" A voice called from the other side of the room.
Rose turned her gaze towards the emerald-clad boy, whose words had been spoken as if said without thinking. His unreadable expression was fixed on the mirror in front of him; fidgeting with the tie around his neck.
"The moon?", questioned Albus, his nose scrunching up in perplexity.
Scorpius cleared his throat, "The moon…Like, in the dark of the jungle; reflected against the- Well, shining on a river…Or something like that."
The room was silent.
"I think it's- It could be interesting…", his voice clipped. "The colors could look nice on Weasley."
"Oh…how beautiful…", sighed Angèle; the sentimental tremor of her voice returning. Rose, for the first time, felt her emotions begin to align scarily close to those of her melodramatic acquaintance.
Albus was not impressed.
"I still think you should be a spider-monkey…"
Madeleine began furiously sorting through fabrics, "No… I like that. I like that… We could put you in some deep blues…lots of movement…pleats…"
Her voice trailed off as she began to piece the gown together in her mind. Rose found herself unable to keep from looking over to Scorpius. What he had said was not anything other than passing inspiration, but Rose felt like she had just been submerged under water.
Madeleine turned to Albus; bolts of fabric in her arms. "You. Move. I'm done with your suit anyways". She turned to Rose, "You, come here. Lets see if she can make some magic happen…"
As Madeleine threw silky sheets of indigo and silvery tulle round Rose's body; Angèle enthusiastically chattering with excitement; Albus begrudgingly sat at the couch watching them. Rose found herself begin to feel something she had not felt in a long time.
it was a slight fluttering of the heart; the anticipation of the unknown. It was the first burst of air, first note of a song. It was the bubbling hope…of excitement.
—-
"You look bloody lovely, Rose!", cried Mart as they climbed into the car meant to drive them to the party.
She flushed. She did look bloody lovely, and she knew it. The dress Madeleine had made for her fell in shining waves. Every time she moved, it looked like her person was awash in a softly rippling body of water.
"Thanks Mart…", she laughed. She couldn't remember the last time she had really laughed. "You don't look so bad yourself… In fact… One could say you look Purr-fect."
She was referring to the orange and black striped robes he was currently sporting. Only someone like Marty could pull of a costume that egregious and manage to look sleek.
Albus groaned, but he was laughing too "Oh, I so regret begging you to come with us. That was awful…"
Angèle was beaming; the whole of her purple-y, leafy dress barely fitting in the long stretch of the car. "Perfect? What is so bad about 'perfect'?"
Scorpius leaned over, "Le son du chat en Anglais et "pur"…"
"Oh!", she cried; smiling even more, "Pur-fect…Rose, you are so funny."
Even the high of the gown couldn't keep Rose's stomach from dropping when she saw Angèle's small hand rest on the thigh of her amorous translator.
"Is everyone in?", a shrill voice called from outside of the car. Mina dipped her head in to the vehicle; her long, thin frame encased completely in black velvet. Panther. "I'm going to grab Rainsford and Emil and we'll be off…"
The door shut with a clamp. Suddenly, Angèle began to rifle through a bag buried deep within the recesses of her dress.
When she finally found the object of her desire; there was a small, bejeweled case -no larger than a seashell- resting in her lace-gloved hand.
"Is she gone?", She asked, looking through the window. Her voice held an excitable deviance Rose had yet to experience before.
She popped open the little case. Inside held a small pile of little, candied crystals, resting atop the soft pad of pink velvet. The little candies practically glittered in the soft light of the early evening.
"Let's take. Before she comes back.", The excitable deviance grew; her eyes shining with mirth. Albus reached forward immediately; grabbing one of the pieces and examining it in his palm.
Rose felt a momentary panic. "Woah- what is that?"
Angèle giggled, "Oh, it is not bad…I swear. Just relaxes, is all."
Rose's brow furrowed, "Um-"
"-Rose. Trust me. Regarde moi-", Angèle gazed at her; her dark eyes were charmed a brilliant lavender -to match the purple of her dress. Rose felt herself slightly hypnotized by them. "Tonight will be fun. Have fun. You look…Tu es si belle!"
She looked over just as Albus popped the little candy into his mouth, "Hmm…raspberry…"
The panic reached it's plateau as she saw Marty and Scorpius grab a candy each, as well. She checked herself; taking in exactly where she was. She was with her closest friends… on the way to a party…she looked divine…Why was she getting so hung up over nothing?
A loud parade of scrapes could be hear from the gravel outside; signaling the mounting arrival of their party companions.
"Hurry!", cried Angèle. She placed a candy in Rose's hand and shoved the little case back into her bag.
Rose scanned the car one last time. Albus had an urging smile. Marty had a vacant, shining expression. Angèle held pursed lips; her eyes crinkling with the joy of a shared secret.
She didn't want to admit it; but the thing that made her give-in, the thing that finally made her place the sugared crystal on her tongue and begin to start allowing herself to have fun, was when her eyes fell on Scorpius.
For the first time since their explosive argument on that fateful rooftop, she saw something other than expansive vacancy behind the silvery-blue of his eyes. She saw an underestimation; a challenge. It was as if he didn't really believe she'd actually do it.
"A votre santé.", She toasted; looking him dead in the eye.
—-
At first, she felt nothing. She believed, for half a moment, that things really had gotten lost in translation and she had merely consumed an innocuous piece of rock candy.
As the car slowly wound through the hills of the Spanish country-side; the sky began to darken. The deep, velvety skies washed over the car in a gentle silence; causing the parties inside to come to a comfortable peacefulness -even Mina submitted to the noiselessness.
Rose found her heart-beat begin to slow, the tips of her fingers feeling weightless and somewhat fuzzy. She felt she could almost drift to sleep, her body felt so entirely outside of itself; being gently rocked by the motion of the moving car.
Suddenly, she felt the lace-clad palm of Angèle, grip her own hand fiercely.
"It's starting…", she whispered in her ear; widening her large, lavender eyes with glee. "Etes prêt… Get ready."
Rose figured maybe it was working quicker on her; the soft feeling of calm she was currently enveloped in being something she was completely content with.
She turned to check on Albus, who had been uncharacteristically quiet the majority of the car ride, when the buzzing feeling in her fingers began to spread.
She felt it first traveling up her arms; delighted in the feeling of waves of soft, blue fabric encasing them. She felt the corners of her mouth move upwards, inexplicably; the lids of her eyes crinkling in a laugh bubbling beneath the surface.
Whatever she had given them, was not just for relaxing.
She locked eyes with Albus; the dark green of his eyes dancing in the low light. He gave her a small smile and a slow nod.
"I can hear music…", he said softly, closing his eyes. His fingers were tapping lightly against his knee; a composition all his own stemming from them.
"What was that?", Mina called from the back.
Albus blinked, "Music. Let's put on some music…"
Rose turned to Marty. He was gazing out the window; staring at the stars as if each one of them was the most incandescently beautiful thing he'd ever seen. She realized Angèle's hand was still tightly grasped in her own.
"We've almost arrived-", Mina called again, "Just passed the front gate. Is everyone ready?"
"You boys ready?", Rose heard her own voice call softly. Had her voice always been that gentle? She rather liked the sound of it…
"Ready as pie, Rosie-Posie…", giggled Albus, his cheeks turning pink.
Rose turned back to the front; moving to confer with Scorpius.
The world halted.
Her movements became a jellied slow-motion; every sense heightened, all at once. Every inhalation of breathe felt like a grand expanding inside of her; the space around her peripherals giving way to a softly pulsing light.
She could a hear a voice calling out; calling for her. But Rose was slowly sinking to the bottom of a slowly churning ocean. Was the voice above the waves? Was it next to her?
She was staring at him; taking in every detail of his person as if they were the answer to all life's questions. She felt she should look away. She wanted to look away.
She couldn't.
His gaze was planted firmly on the floor of the car. He seemed to be in a somewhat fixated trance. The voice from above the waves called again.
"Rose…You are hurting my hand…", a familiar, girlish sound whispered into her ear.
Rose was thankful for the momentary distraction; finally able to rip her stare from the boy in front of her. She felt the motion physically; as if someone had just yanked a lock of hair from her head.
"Sorry…", she whispered, extracting their clenched fingers.
Angèle giggled again, "Are you feeling..?"
Rose sighed, her eyes again pulling magnetically towards the boy sitting across from her. He, unfortunately, chose that exact moment to look back; locking eyes with her for the first time since the car ride began.
She could not speak. His wide eyes were transformed to the most intoxicating thing she had ever seen in her life. All she could hear was blood pounding in her ears. All could see were shimmering flecks of grey in the large expanse of his iris's. Her mouth felt dry.
The moment his gaze fell on her, she felt her entire body go into full sensory overdrive; the soft buzzing replaced by an electric current racing through every molecule in her system. She could feel the rising and falling of his chest; see the blood pumping through the veins of his neck. She could smell him.
What in the absolute hell had she just consumed?
"I guess so…", she heard herself whisper back. The pulsing orbs surrounding her began to grow, encasing her in an exquisite orchard of dancing light. For a brief moment, the orbs clouded everything but his intensely searching gaze; one that had yet to leave hers. He looked absolutely terrified.
The car halted suddenly. Rose began to register the clouding lights as camera's flashing outside. The roar of press outside came rushing in; the car now overpowered with noise and movement.
"Angèle, you leave with Scorpius- Rainsford is outside waiting to open the door for you", she heard Mina command from the back of the car.
Scorpius's eyes were still transfixed on her; hers on his. His expression was one she had yet to ever encounter; a strange mixture of freight and confusion. She was doing everything in her power to move even her eyes. They were both frozen in place.
"Scorpius!", cried Mina; her voice laced with a strained sort of exasperation, "Are you awake?"
He blinked slowly; swallowing deeply.
"Sorry…", she heard him say; finally tearing his eyes from hers. He moved towards the opening door; his gaze now on Angèle.
The euphoric sort of calm left as soon as his gaze did. She could feel herself be pulled as he made his way out of the car first; clasping hands with his lavender-eyed companion. Instead, it was replaced with a heavy pounding in her chest. She could feel the buzzing of her fingertips turn suddenly to razor-sharp pin-pricks. The car felt too hot. Her clothes felt weighted.
The world was suddenly in a place of darkened wrong. All she could do was breath, staring at the spot in the car where Scorpius was sat.
She felt Albus's hand grab hers.
"You're really feeling it, aren't you?", he asked in a low voice; a hint of a smile behind his green eyes. As the two of them exited the car together; Rose found herself encased in the slow, pulsing light of the photographers.
The darkness persisted. The lights she had found so pretty, became electric explosions; too bright in the dull of the evening. The voices were too loud. Albus's grip on her elbow became too tight. She felt herself pulled- drawn towards some invisible destination.
She felt something inside her yelling 'Just a little bit further! Keep looking!'
She found herself trying to see through the flashing lights; looking for something she could not name. Her panic was mounting; an anxiety ripping through her like she had never experienced. She felt she was about to burst. Was she going to make it inside? Was she going to have a meltdown right here? Right in front of everyone? What had she done?
Then, all at once, her searching ended. Her heart slowed; her lips parted. The world transformed instantly; giving way to that soft buzzing feeling she had earlier been privy to. She could feel the pulsing warmth; smell a heady cedar scent.
The haze of the flashing bulbs parted and she could see exactly what was was being guided towards. The realization caused her to stop dead in her tracks; her stomach dropping instantly. All she could see were a pair of haunting silver eyes, staring straight back at her; even more freighted than before.
What had they gotten themselves into?
—-
Honestly, every time I think about the two of them looking at each other; with so many years of unspoken tension brewing between them, I get a little swoon-y. I just love these two so much. They're so suppressed.
I would love to know what you guys think about this. Reviews truly make my whole day (and like I said earlier, some lovely reviews from you guys made me fall in love with this story again. It helps so much!)
The next chapter is going to be so. absolutely. pivotal. I can't wait to be able to share with you guys.
As always, here's a playlist of music that's gotten me through this angsty chapter.
Je Te Laisserai Des Mots - Patrick Wilson (listen to as you read through the collage of missed calls and newspaper headlines at the beginning, it perfectly captures Rose's growing feelings of emptiness)
Velvet Ring - Big Thief
These Days - Nico
It's Time To Wake Up Berlin 2023 - La Femme (If you want to press play as soon as Rose puts that piece of candy in her mouth and just let the music speak for itself, it's exactly how I imagined this scene being soundtracked. It's so magical and trippy. It's amazing)
The next chapter has such a massive playlist, I can't wait to share.
see you soon!
xoxoxo