Chapter 4
Summer
Rose woke slowly to her new surroundings.
Pink overruled her vision and she had to smile. Ginny's room was small but had a nice view of the orchard where the Weasley's always play Quidditch in the summer.
There were a few posters on the wall of the Holyhead Harpies with one of the of Gwenog Jones their beater. But there were no way near as many poster as Ron had in his room.
Rose glanced around the room and saw that Hermione and Ginny where still a sleep. She turned over to try and get some more sleep but to no avail.
Giving up with a sigh she got up silently and went down the stairs.
Rose entered the kitchen to set herself a cup of tea but realized everything worked on magic and she couldn't do under aged magic yet.
Rose was about to scan the room and use her natural magic when the stove suddenly flickered on.
"Good morning honey, you're up early." Mrs. Weasley said surprised, she was followed by Mr. Weasley.
"It's a habit."
Something like anger flashed briefly across Mrs. Weasley's face. Rose knew it wasn't towards her.
Rose always saw a look of disapproval and anger on Mrs. Weasley's face when the upbringing of the Dursley's shone through.
"Did you want something, sweetie? Breakfast won't be for a few hours, the rest sleeps in. But I can prepare yours along with Arthur's."
"No, that's okay. I just wanted something to drink."
"What would you like to…"
"I think hot chocolate milk would be good." Mr. Weasley interrupted Mrs. Weasley. He said it while looking at Rose with piercing eyes. Remembering what happened yesterday, Rose realized that Mr. Weasley did see her panic attack. Great.
"Rose, could I have a moment?" Mr. Weasley continued.
Rose cringed internally, she had hoped that Mr. Weasley wouldn't act on it.
"Sure."
Mr. Weasley went outside.
The sun was rising to a clear sky, Rose could tell it would be a beautiful day.
When they had put enough distance between them and the house Mr. Weasley turned towards her with a concerned look on his face. He hesitated a moment.
"It's not my intention to put you on the spot, Rose. But I saw something yesterday and I'm concerned about you."
Rose could see the concern on his face, it was not a distant concern, like you saw with teachers or Dumbledore. It was not the concern you would show to a close friend, like Ron and Hermione. It wasn't even the concern you show a relative like she saw with Lupin.
No, the look on Mr. Weasley's face took Rose completely by surprise, she felt her heart swell at it and her throat tighten.
Mr. Weasley was looking at her like a father that is worried about his daughter. It was so unexpected and did so much more to Rose than the talk would do.
"Yesterday, when your uncle got angry and started shouting, it looked like… It looked like, you were having a panic attack. You completely froze, the fear in your eyes…" Mr. Weasley's voice trailed away. He seemed to need a moment to put his emotions in check before continuing.
"Are you treated well by your relatives? Do they hurt you?"
That question also took Rose by surprise. They didn't know?
"Professor Dumbledore didn't inform you?"
"Inform me about what?"
Rose sighed and started recounting the tale of what they uncovered last year.
Mr. Weasley stayed very quiet, although she could see he was restraining himself as good as possible. His posture became very stiff and his jaws were clenched.
"The last two weeks, I've… sometimes when I'm at a spot in the house where something happed it will trigger me into… a certain state, where I relive the events as if they were happening at that moment. Mostly it's uncle Vernon who triggers them, he looks a lot like her…"
Mr. Weasley blanched.
"Rose, I want you to know, you do not have to go back…"
"I know Mr. Weasley. I know there are other solutions, but I agree with Dumbledore, Voldemort is going to come back at some point, and the bloodwards can protect me when that moment comes. So, I do have to go back every summer, just for a short while."
Mr. Weasley nodded, understanding.
"You are a brave young woman, Rose. Your parents would have been proud."
Rose had to look away for a moment, blinking rapidly, avoiding the tears lurking behind her eyes.
"Rose, I just want you to know…"
Rose focused on Mr. Weasley once more, pure honesty in his eyes.
"If it is ever too much, if you ever can't bear it anymore, you have a home here. Me and Molly love to have you in our home, so never doubt or think you have nowhere to go."
Rose had to swallow hard at those words. She almost regretted telling Dumbledore she would go back each year. But she pulled herself together, it's only a few days and then she can come here.
Rose smiled widely at Mr. Weasley, putting all her gratitude in that smile. Mr. Weasley smiled back as well.
"Now, it's important you eat chocolate every day to get it out of your system. If you ever experience a panic attack in this house, I want you to come to me. Nobody will be in trouble, but we'll have to look into this. Okay?"
Rose nodded.
"Excellent! Now let's go back inside."
Mr. weasley had instantly turned back to his normal cheery self.
Rose was sitting in the sofa now, hot mug of chocolate milk in hand, looking outside. She felt strange after the conversation, like a weight was lifted from her shoulders. She felt more relaxed.
Strangely, she didn't feel as a guest anymore, she felt like she was home, and it warmed her heart.
Of course, that could be the chocolate. Rose took another sip.
"Hey…"
Rose tore her eyes away from the vast fields of green outside and looked up.
George was standing in front of her in his bathrobe.
"I just wanted to say sorry again. It was really stupid, we didn't think."
Rose didn't feel a trace of her fury from yesterday anymore. She smiled widely at George and patted the spot next to her.
"It's okay, I'm over it."
George seemed a bit phased at first but smiled back and sat down.
Rose got a playful grin.
"When where you guy's going to tell me about this great shop I've been hearing about?"
"Euhm… This summer?"
"Mission accomplished." Rose laughed quietly. "You really have to show me the stuff, you've been working on. I want to know it all."
George grinned widely.
"Yeah, we can…" George started enthusiastically.
"Rose, honey, there's a visitor for you." Mrs. Weasley said smiling.
A visitor?
Rose's eyes grew wide in surprise and a yelp escaped her lips.
"No, no, no… I'm not dressed yet."
Rose jumped up and bolted to the stairs, never seeing the hard line George's mouth formed.
Rose quickly washed up and got ready, making a lot of noise.
Hermione and Ginny woke to her running around frantically.
"What's going on?"
"Cedric's here! And I don't know what to wear!"
Both girls instantly sat up straight and looked at Rose tossing through her trunk.
"That dress."
Rose had just picked up a red, flowy summer dress that started with a nice V-neck and stopped right above her knees.
"This?"
"Definitively!" Both girls nodded.
Rose quickly got dresses and combed her hair with the magic brush, her hair became wavy, but it wasn't as effective as the past years, she really needed a new one.
When she was ready she turned to her friends.
"This okay?"
"You look amazing Rose." Ginny complimented.
"Don't keep him waiting." Hermione added with a big smile.
Rose's stomach fluttered and a smile got glued to her face. It felt like it would never go away again.
"Thanks!"
Rose darted down the stairs, feeling like she was floating, and when she exited the stairs she saw him.
He was sitting at the kitchen table, talking with Mrs. Weasley.
He looked… amazing. Rose was taken aback by his appearance for a moment.
Cedric always wore his hair a bit messy. Had he become even taller? He was wearing a dark blue T-shirt that fit tight around him, showing of his defined muscles.
He was smiling at Mrs. Weasley and Rose was mesmerized by it for a second.
George was sitting next to him, his mood seemed to have lessened.
Suddenly Cedric seemed to sense she was standing there. He turned towards her and he smiled widely. Rose woke from her daze and had to be careful not to run towards him but walk instead.
Cedric didn't need to though, within two long strides he was standing in front of her and she flung her arms around him.
Cedric chuckled and quickly folded his arms around her as well.
"Oh, god, I have missed you Rose." He whispered in her hair.
"I've missed you too." Rose muttered against his shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of rain.
He withdrew a bit and looked into her eyes, the liquid chocolate in them made Rose melt.
And then finally, their lips met.
Electricity ran through Rose's spine and she was utterly happy.
Someone coughed.
The kiss ended too soon and Cedric stepped back, taking her hand and giving a gentle squeeze. Rose's cheeks were flushed and she looked at Mrs. Weasley with a big smile plastered on her face.
Mrs. Weasley had a worried look on her face, it wasn't directed towards Rose however, it was directed towards the stairs.
Rose turned and was just in time to see Georges retreating back. After a few moments, they heard a door slam shut.
"What was that about?" Cedric wondered.
"I honestly have no idea. I've noticed him switching moods a lot lately. I'll have to ask Fred about it." Rose responded.
While she said that, a knot was created in her stomach, like she was missing something.
Mrs. Weasley cleared her throat.
"So, I've started breakfast, have you already eaten Cedric?"
Cedric cheeks flushed a little.
"I have to admit, I was in a bit of a hurry…"
Mrs. Weasley smiled.
"It's fine dear. Pull up a chair, the rest will be there shortly."
Rose and Cedric sat down at the table, next to each other, never releasing their hands.
Cedric was rubbing patterns in Rose's hand and her stomach fluttered again.
It didn't take long for the rest to join them.
Ginny and Hermione were smiling widely at Rose and Cedric. Bill and Charlie introduced themselves to Cedric and Charlie sat down next to him.
They started talking about Quidditch and Rose had to smile. Next was Ron, he still looked very sleepy but also had a frown on his face.
He sat down next to Rose and in front of Hermione.
"Hey Ron, what's going on with George?" Rose asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine. He came upstairs in a foul mood, it looked like he wanted to break everything in my room. I was about to ask what was going on but then Fred and him threw me out of my own room. Totally bonkers."
Ron shrugged and dug into the breakfast that was on the table. Taking some eggs and bacon on his plate.
Rose frowned, he sounds really pissed. It boggled her, he was fine this morning.
When everyone was halfway their plates, the twins finally joined.
Fred looked cheery and mingled into the conversations immediately, George looked blank.
He took some breakfast on his plate with a blank and neutral face.
During breakfast, George didn't utter a word and he didn't look at anyone.
Mrs. Weasley was constantly throwing glances towards him and then towards Rose. Rose hoped she wouldn't think that Rose had done something to make him so mad.
The first week at the burrow went by in a flash.
Cedric visited every day, hanging around with Rose, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Fred.
George had become distant and Rose's curiosity was never sated.
She had tried talking to Fred about it, but he had laughed it away. Told her he had gone mad from all the fumes while experimenting for their shop.
Ron was as confused as Rose.
Only Ginny and Hermione threw knowing looks at each other, but when Rose asked about it they told her they had no idea what was going on.
George rarely came out with them when they went swimming, that's right, Rose owns a few bathing suits now, or when they went out to play quidditch.
The week went by rather quickly and before she knew it, it was time to go to Cedric's place.
It was too much of a hassle to take the trunk so Mrs. Weasley gave her a bag to put some clothes into. Rose was wearing her bathing suit underneath some shorts and a green T-shirt.
Cedric had invited everyone to go swimming in the pond not far from his house.
Change of scenery and apparently, it had a swinging rope.
Everybody was coming this time, even George, although he was very silent.
Since they were with such a big group they couldn't apparate or side apparate in this case. So, they walked. Mr. Weasley accompanied them, he had some things to discuss with Cedric's dad.
It was a very long walk, Rose hoped that Cedric didn't have to do this every day, that his dad was side apparating him, because this distance was ridiculous.
They were joking around a lot until a house became visible at the horizon.
A forest stretched out behind it.
It was nothing like the Burrow, but didn't have anything in common with privet drive either.
The house was relatively simple and normal sized.
What stood out however, was how much glass there was. There were entire walls of glass.
It had to have a spectacular view on the forest, Rose was sure of it.
Rose saw that Cedric and his father were waiting in front of the house.
"Good morning Arthur!"
Cedric's father called joyfully.
"Good morning Amos!" Mr. Weasley said just as joyful.
Rose smiled widely at Cedric, he smiled right back. With a fluttering heart, Rose realized that smile was enough to brighten her whole day.
"Ah, Rose. How good to see you again!" Mr. Diggory said with a pleased look.
"Thank you for letting me stay in your home Mr. Diggory."
"It's a pleasure to have you Rose."
Mr. Diggory looked at the rest of the youngsters surrounding Rose.
"Are these all yours Arthur?"
"Only the redheads, except Rose but she certainly looks the part." Mr. Weasley laughed.
"This is Hermoine, a friend of Ron's, this is Ron, Fred, George and Ginny." Mr. Weasley pointed to everyone to introduce them.
"My two eldest, Bill and Charlie, stayed at home."
"Well, Rose does fit exactly in." Mr. Diggory laughed.
Rose looked around and they were right, she could easily be mistaken for a Weasley. Although she didn't have freckles like the rest, her fiery red hair fits right in. Rose smiled at that. Part of the family.
"Well Cedric, I leave them to you. Come Arthur, the rest has already arrived."
Mr. Weasley and Mr. Diggory went into the house.
Cedric smiled at all of them, but the biggest smile was for Rose.
Rose had to push back the urge to jump up and kiss him senseless, but they were careful around the rest. His first visit was their only slip up. After that they were always careful that they were alone when they kissed. Rose felt it was rude to do so with others around them and Cedric shared the same sentiment.
"So, follow me."
Cedric lead the way towards the forest. Rose walked quickly to be beside him and in reflex they intertwined their hands.
"I'm so happy you'll be staying with me this week." Cedric said. "I won't have to let you go for a whole week." He sounded genuinely happy about that.
"Please, you'll be happy to be rid of me at the end of the week." Rose said teasingly.
"Never." Cedric chuckled.
The group walked a while talking about a lot of nothings.
Until finally…
"Here we are."
They stepped out of the forest into a big clearing with a giant pond in the middle.
The sun had full access because of the clearing and Rose could imagine the water was nice and warm because of it.
"The last one in the water is a dunderhead!" she shouted and stripped herself quickly.
Everybody started stripping and as soon as Rose was done she bolted towards the water.
Taking a great leap and cannonballing into the water.
She never got the chance to see who was the dunderhead. By the time she resurfaced, everyone was in the water.
"What no broom this time?" Fred said with a laugh.
"I didn't bring it with me." Rose winked, Cedric looked confused.
"Two summer back we went swimming and we did a competition, most impressive jump into the water." Rose quickly explained. "They were being cocky so I used my broom. I won." Rose shrugged.
Cedric laughed at loud.
"Yes, and she is a master at watertag. We had to team up to get her." Fred added.
Ginny laughed.
"I remember. George finally caught her."
"Well, that I have to see." Cedric laughed.
"WATERTAG! Tag you're it." Ginny shouted and she tagged Fred and hurriedly swam away.
They chased each other through the water, filling the clearing with laughs.
Ginny had improved her game quite a bit, Ron couldn't take advantage of her anymore.
Hermione was surprisingly fast as well, but the two seekers, Cedric and Rose, never got tagged.
They high-fived each time they passed each other.
"Oh, come on!" Ron shouted when Rose deftly swam out of reach again. "I'm sick of you two always escaping!"
Rose stuck out her tongue to Ron.
"Swim faster! Then you'll catch me." She laughed.
"Worry not little brother…" George started, he had a whisper of a smile on his face.
"… we'll get them!" Fred finished.
"Swim, Cedric!" Rose screamed.
They deftly swam apart and started evading everyone, just like two years ago. Rose was having a blast.
She saw Cedric getting closed in by Ginny and Hermione.
"Look out!"
"Argh." Cedric let out a surprised cry when both girls collided with him and he went under water. She couldn't look long though because Fred and Ron were cornering her and she swam deftly out of the way. They were repeating the same move as last time and this time Rose dove underwater and was able to avoid George. When she came up again she let out a very happy laugh.
The boy's where grinning and continued the chase and Rose swam away all to happy.
Cedric didn't even bother, he was exhausted from avoiding everyone himself and was satisfied watching them from the edge of the pond. Laughing at the scene before him.
It took a while but Rose started getting tired and her movements became slower.
"Gotcha!"
Strong arms encased her suddenly. Rose was surprised at the strength of them, it was like she was locked in an iron cage.
She looked up to see who her captor was, it was George again.
Rose was surprised at their proximity, she could count every individual freckle on his face and feel his hot breath against her cheek. George smiled lightly and his eyes where burning with something Rose couldn't quite place.
This moment seemed to last an eternity and Rose felt confused.
"Good job!"
"Well done George!"
"Finally!"
Rose softly pushed George away to go back to the rest and just before she succeeded she tough he tightened his grip around her. But he gave way and Rose was released, surprised by the sudden chill on her skin. Had she imagined it?
Rose turned to the rest, who were smiling and laughing.
Except Cedric, he was swimming towards her with a frown on his face.
George got some more praise for catching Rose and he had a happy smile on his face, a smile Rose hadn't seen for a while.
Suddenly Rose was warm again, Cedric had reached her and pulled her towards him.
"You're like a fish you know? I thought they'd never catch you." He whispered in her ear.
Rose smiled widely up to him.
"I got tired."
"I can feel that, you're trembling. Want to rest at the shore?" Rose nodded.
They both swam back and left the water.
While Rose was getting out a towel to lay down on the grass, she glanced at George again. He still had that happy look on his face. Had he been bored this whole summer? Was he happy he'd won at a challenge?
"Hey! You're getting out?" Ron suddenly shouted.
"Yeah, just for a little, I'm tired."
Ron shrugged and the rest resumed their water games.
Cedric laid down next to her. He was so close, Rose could feel his body heat radiating from him.
It made her smile.
The sun was warming her skin pleasantly. A soft breeze cooling it down occasionally.
It took her a while but she felt a touch on her arm. It was like a whisper of a touch but it was very pleasant.
Rose slowly opened her eyes and looked directly in the molten chocolate eyes of Cedric.
There was a sweetness in them that made her heart swell.
"You fell asleep."
"Oh."
Cedric suddenly stopped with his soft caresses.
"Don't stop." Rose smiled. "It feels nice."
Cedric smiled back widely, affection in his face. He immediately continued stroking her arm softly.
"How long was I out?"
"I think about an hour."
"Oh." Rose was surprised she slept for so long.
"The rest have been resting for a half an hour or so. They're talking of getting back into the water."
Rose slowly sat up and looked around.
She saw more towels on the grass. Ginny and Hermione were still laying on them, chatting happily.
The twins and Ron were walking towards the pond again.
"Hmm." Rose sighed, Cedric's caresses were setting her arm ablaze. It felt so nice, so caring. She wanted to swim, but she didn't want the feeling of his kindness end.
Cedric scooted closer.
"Don't worry, you're staying with me for a week. We'll be able to do this a lot." He whispered in her ear. She felt his hot breath in her neck and suddenly her cheeks where burning.
She needed to cool down, like now.
"I'll hold you to that." She answered.
Cedric chuckled.
"Let's go."
He took her hand and they walked towards the lake.
"Hey you guys going in again?" Ginny asked.
"Yep."
"Cool." She jumped up and followed them.
Rose's eye fell on the swinging rope Cedric had been talking about and walked towards it.
"See you in the water." She winked at him and started climbing the tree to which the rope was attached.
When she was high enough she held the rope tightly and swung towards the water. When she was at the peak of the swing she let go, did a flip and landed in the water.
The water cooled down her skin immediately. The relief was so sudden, Rose hoped it wasn't a sign that she had a sunburn.
They played several more games in the water and the sun slowly started lowering with the sounds of laughter filling the air.
After the last game, which Ron lost, again, they decided to get out of the water.
Rose and Hermione where laughing at Ron's red face, teasing him because he lost.
They turned to leave the water when Rose suddenly felt two strong hands push her under water and keep her there.
The pond around her disappeared and she was at privet drive in the bathroom.
Marge was cackling loudly above her while her hands the size of saucers where bruising her shoulders keeping her under water in the tub.
This time Rose didn't freeze though. Panic rose at the tightening of her lungs in need of air and she started kicking her legs around her widely.
When the release of pressure didn't come, panic almost made her heart stop and a shockwave erupted from her body.
The pressure was finally gone and she pushed herself up gasping for air.
Immediately after her lungs filled with air she started looking for Marge.
But all she saw was the pond and her friend's shocked faces.
She started coughing loudly, tears flowing freely.
Cedric swam towards her with a panic-stricken look on his face.
"Are you completely bonkers!" A booming voice shouted across the lake the moment she was safely in his arms.
The furious voice hadn't come from Cedric, he was guiding her softly towards the edge of the water.
"She stunned me!"
"Of course she did, fucking idiot! Why did you do that?!"
"I was just messing around!"
"Did you forget what dad told us? Have you lost your mind!"
Rose's cheeks started burning at that. What dad told us? Did Mr. Weasley tell them something?
"I was just playing! Woh wo wo…"
Rose was finally at the edge and climbed out of the water. Still coughing, reaching for her neck, looking for soreness. But she had to remind herself that it hadn't been Marge. No bruises will appear on her skin.
Cedric quickly wrapped her in a towel and started rubbing her back.
Rose finally looked at the scene in the water.
George's face was completely red, indicating it had been him who had been shouting like a maniac.
He was currently holding his little brother by the neck.
Fred was looking at the scene with his mouth in a hard line, fury evident.
Hermione and Ginny where running towards Rose, worried looks on their faces.
"Let go of me!" Ron suddenly shouted.
Realization hit Rose like a train. Ron had pushed her under water, and everyone knew about her panic attacks. Mr. Weasley had told them.
"See how you like it!" George pushed him under.
"No!" Rose shrieked. "Let him go!" She got up, her heart clenching.
George immediately released Ron who was sputtering.
Rose started shaking and Cedric pulled her towards his chest.
"Are you okay?" Hermione asked softly.
"I'm fine, don't fuss over me." Rose answered quietly. Hermione and Ginny nodded and started packing her things. Even though she had said not to fuss she stayed very close to Cedric. The three brothers left the water and George stomped off to get his stuff.
Ron approached Rose hesitantly.
"Be careful of your next actions." Cedric said coldly, a warning shone through very clearly and Rose shivered.
"I'm sorry Rose, I wasn't thinking." Ron muttered, his face red in shame.
"It's okay Ron. No big deal."
Cedric pulled her even closer at those words and George scowled.
"No big deal she says." He muttered.
"What exactly did your dad warn you about?" Rose asked Ron.
Ron flushed even more.
"He… He told us you had been having panic attacks and we shouldn't be too forceful in our games. And if you had another one we should tell him."
"He warned us not to treat you like glass, he didn't want you to know we knew. You wouldn't want to be treated differently, but we shouldn't do anything you could see as threatening." Ginny clarified.
"Did he tell you why…?"
Ginny tilted her head.
"Something about the lingering effects of a dementor. You did almost get a dementor's kiss, it's normal that you have some side effects." Ginny explained.
Rose had very mixed feelings about this. She didn't really want them to know, for the reason Ginny just said, and because she didn't want to seem weak. But on the other hand, her heart was warmed from the concern Mr. Weasley had shown. Not only that, he made sure her fear of being treated differently was avoided. And he hadn't given away her secret, what she was seeing in these panic attacks.
Like a father would do. Rose realized in shock. This was the second time he had acted like a father and Rose had never felt so looked after.
"Let's go." Cedric muttered.
After gathering everything, they were off, back to Cedric's home.
The atmosphere was very tense. Ron was walking alone. Everyone was pissed at him and Rose felt sorry for him. She knew he hadn't meant anything by it. He shouldn't have to be so careful around her.
But every time she tried to walk next to him, Cedric guided her next to him again.
After her fourth attempt Rose was losing her patience.
"Oh, come on knock it off guys. He didn't mean anything by it." She snapped.
"Yeah, guys, it's not our little brothers fault he has no brains." George said with a hard edge that was far from humor.
Rose rolled her eyes and wanted to throw a retort but Cedric house came into view. Mr. Weasley and Mr. Diggory where sitting outside, enjoying a drink.
"Ah the youngsters have returned." Mr. Diggory said happily.
Mr. Weasley picked up on the tense mood.
"What happened?"
"Our brother is an idiot, that's what!" George snapped.
"That's enough!" Rose snapped right back. "He did it to me, I'm the only one who has a right to be mad at him and I'm not. So, cut it out!"
George turned away from her. Anger still behind his eyes, but he held his tongue.
Mr. Weasley frowned.
"Ron pushed me under water and it triggered something. He apologized, I'm fine and forgave him. End of story." Rose said calmly but decisively.
"I see." Mr. Weasley looked at his son with a trace of disappointment in his face.
"Maybe it's best to get them inside." Mr. Diggory suggested.
"It's fine Amos, we're going home. Come on, let's get walking."
"See you in a week Rose."
"Yeah see ya."
"Have fun!"
"Bye."
The Weasley's and Hermione left while Rose was guided inside with Cedric. Rose looked at their retreating forms and hoped they would give Ron too much of a hard time.
It was late in the evening and Rose was curled up in Cedric's arms. He was playing with her hair and Rose couldn't be any happier.
Because of the events at the pond, Rose hadn't had time to feel nervous to meet Mrs. Diggory.
Which was good because she would have had no reason to. Mrs. Diggory was a very sweet and understanding person. Rose was amazed at how much her personality matched Cedric's.
It was a very pleasant meal and nobody brought up what had happened at the pond.
Just before Mr. and Mrs. Diggory retreated to their room she had given Rose and Cedric a cup of hot chocolate and explained that Rose's things were already in her room.
It was the first time Rose had heard a bit of firmness in her voice.
No sleeping in the same room. Got it.
Rose had to chuckle at the memory.
"What's funny?" Cedric muttered.
"You're so much like your mother. Sweet, gentle, understanding, patient, but when you want a point to cross over your voices get the same kind of sharpness. Although yours is a lot sharper."
Cedric hummed happily.
"Why are you thinking about that?"
"Oh nothing, I was remembering how she was explaining where my room is."
Cedric chuckled too now. It vibrated through his chest towards Rose's back.
"No sleeping, in the same room, huh." Rose teased.
"I agree."
"You do?" Rose asked surprised.
"You'd be way to tempting, we wouldn't get any sleep."
Rose's cheeks burned at that.
"Besides, it's too early for that."
His voice didn't leave any room for argument.
"So, I'm tempting, huh?"
"You have no idea…" Cedric whispered in her ear and Rose shuddered.
"Hmm tempting for what?"
"You know what."
"Oh?" Rose turned and looked at Cedric. A sly grin spread across her face.
"For this?" She whispered only inches away from his lips.
Cedric groaned.
"Rose…" A warning.
One she happily chose to ignore. She made the last inches disappear and instantly felt his soft lips on hers. She let her hands slip in his hair, while completely turning towards him. Moving her lips with his made an electric feeling spread across her skin.
She had stumbled into a world filled with magic but this moment was the most magic of all to her.
A slow burning fire ignited in her core.
She sensed how Cedric was holding back, how he was only following her lead and even slowing down again.
Frustrated he wasn't feeling the same things as her, Rose threw herself even more into the kiss.
She licked his bottom lip and opened her mouth slightly. Cedric's lips parted and the moment their tongues met all his carefulness seemed to be thrown out of the window.
Cedric growled and pulled her closer towards him, turning their body's so Rose would be laying down with him on top of her. Their kiss deepened and Rose felt the air around them get hotter.
His lips left hers and started a trail from her mouth, to her neck, to her collarbone. Rose hummed and Cedric groaned before pulling away completely.
"What are you doing to me?" Cedric said hoarsely.
"Come back." Rose pouted.
"No."
Cedric sat up straight and got up.
"Aww. We were getting to the good part." Rose wined.
"You have no idea…" Cedric muttered quietly.
He picked up their mugs and put them in the kitchen.
"Let's go to bed."
He reached out to her and Rose tried to pull him into the sofa again. Cedric stood his ground however and she ended up pulling herself out of the sofa.
Before she could do anything he already left for the stairs.
"This is you." Cedric whispered.
"Oh, okay." Rose entered a fairly simple room. Just a bed with a nightstand and a light on it. The closet stood at the other end of the room. Simple, clean, just like a guestroom should be.
Rose turned towards Cedric but saw him leaving.
"Hey! Don't I get a goodnight kiss?"
Cedric turned back and gave her a chaste peck on the lips.
"Goodnight." He said smiling before he turned away towards his room. Leaving a very confused Rose behind.
Their week together passed fairly quickly.
They went swimming a lot, or just outside laying in the grass enjoying the sun on their skin.
Walking through the forest, hand in hand, and Rose had to admit to herself that it's quite addictive not to have to leave his side.
Spending every day together for the whole day was pure happiness for her.
The only thing that confused her to no end was that Cedric didn't let them stay up after his parents anymore. The moment they signaled they're going to sleep, Cedric gets up and suggests the same.
They didn't share another moment as the first night anymore and it worried Rose that he apparently hadn't enjoyed it as much as she did.
Another thing that troubled her was how he avoided his father the whole week.
Each time his father announced he wanted Cedric to help him that afternoon, Cedric was always ready with an excuse. Mainly plans that he had made with Rose. And when people from work were supposed to come over, he practically fled the scene with her.
Rose knew his father wanted Cedric to join the ministry and Cedric wanted anything but that. His dream was to become a teacher. He clearly hadn't talked to his father about that yet.
On the last day of her visit, Rose was hesitating if she should talk about it with his mom.
She had been very nice towards Rose and they talked a lot while cleaning up after lunch or dinner.
They were doing the dishes after lunch and Cedric and his father were waiting in the living room.
Rose was fighting an internal battle with herself.
Speak up, or say nothing.
It wasn't her place. She knew she didn't like it herself when people meddled with her affairs but she wanted Cedric to be happy.
"You're awfully silent today." Mrs. Diggory inquired, suddenly.
Rose looked at her with her troubles plainly on her face.
Mrs. Diggory smiled a gentle smile, creating wrinkles around her chocolate brown eyes. Her hair was long, thick, wavy and it fell on her shoulders.
"You want to talk about something but you're not sure it's your place to do so?" Mrs. Diggory guessed.
Rose silently nodded, amazed she pick up on that.
"It's about Cedric and his father, isn't it? You're wondering why Cedric always runs away from his father?"
Rose decided to take the leap.
"It's not that I'm wondering about it, I know why he does that." She said carefully.
Mrs. Diggory looked surprised for a second.
"I'm wondering if you do." Rose said softly.
"I have my suspicions." Mrs. Diggory said kindly. "He doesn't want to follow in his father's footsteps?"
"No."
"And he's afraid to disappoint him when he tells him."
"Yes."
Mrs. Diggory nodded.
"I though as much, I was going to talk to him about that."
Rose let out a sigh of relief. She knew, they were going to talk.
"Does he know what he wants to do?" Mrs. Diggory asked curiously.
Rose hesitated for a moment.
"He wants to be a teacher."
Mrs. Diggory smiled widely.
"That'll suit him perfectly." She said.
"That's what I though. He's so patient and understanding. He'll be the best teacher ever." Rose answered happily.
Mrs. Diggory smiled widely and reached out to Rose. Holding her hand and giving a gently squeeze.
"You truly care deeply for my son, don't you?"
"Very much so."
"I'm glad he has you."
Rose was very pleased with herself. She didn't meddle too much, but Cedric's mom knew what was going on now. She was going to talk to them and everything will turn out for the best. She was sure of it.
The rest of the day sadly went by in a flash and before Rose could take a breath it was already evening. She curled up like a ball in Cedric arms again. Mrs. Diggory was reading a book and Mr. Diggory was reading the newspaper.
Cedric was absently combing through her hair again when Mr. and Mrs. Diggory stood up to go to bed. Rose panicked and suddenly clung to Cedric like he was her safety vest.
She didn't want to say goodbye.
She'd miss his morning smile and goodnight kiss. The way they spent every minute of the day together. She didn't want to let go.
With a heavy heart, she was waiting for him to say they'd be going to bed as well.
But he didn't, and they left.
Rose's heart leaped.
"You still want to stay a bit?" Rose asked silently, afraid he'll change his mind.
"Somehow, I can't bring myself to let you go." He whispered into her hair.
That simple line was enough to fill her heart with joy.
"Me neither, I was afraid you'd want to end the night early again." Rose couldn't help but sound a bit hurt.
This made Cedric still his movements.
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing." Rose muttered.
Cedric turned her towards him looking straight into her eyes.
"Tell me." He whispered.
Rose shook her head. She was afraid for his reaction.
"Rose, you can tell me anything, talk to me."
"You've been ending the nights very early this week, I… you…"
"What?"
"I feel like you don't like kissing me anymore…" Rose blurted out.
Cedric's eyes widened in shock.
"It's okay… I'm just a little…"
"Oh, you're clueless, aren't you?" Cedric chuckled. That made Rose cheek flare up in embarrassment.
"Fine…" She wanted to pull away but he pulled her back and suddenly his lips were on hers.
Hungrily moving against her, his hand cupping her cheek. The other pulling her closer.
Rose's heart leaped.
She tightened her hold on his shirt and played with his hair.
Cedric nibbled her lower lip and Rose sucked in air in surprise. His tongue deftly found hers and Rose could feel her body heating up. A hunger taking over, kissing more urgently.
Her skin was on fire and she felt her magic coursing through her veins. Sizzling in the air.
Rose pressed herself closer to him and they seemed to want to melt together.
Softly lowering her on the sofa. The pressure of his body dizzying her.
Rose felt a little lightheaded, he started trailing kisses along her neck again and Rose's breath got stuck in her throat.
Her hand traced his chest and found a way under his shirt.
The moment her hand made contact with his skin, his lips disappeared.
Cedric sat up straight, out of breath, his hair disheveled and Rose noticed his eyes were black from his pupils being so wide.
"Damn it." Cedric muttered.
"Come back." Rose wined, just like last time.
"No." Cedric said decisively.
"But why, I thought it was nice…" Rose muttered, hurt clear in her voice again.
"Oh Rose, can't you see I'm trying to be considerate here? I'm trying to do good by you, but you're making it damned difficult for me." Cedric said hoarsely.
"What?" Rose said confused.
"It's not that I don't like kissing you, I like it too much." Cedric said with a look like he wanted a message to come across.
"How can you like it too much?" Rose said.
Cedric sighed and went through his hair.
He approached her again looking at her with a fire burning in his eyes. The kind of look that made Rose feel like she was in free fall.
"You're killing me Rose." Cedric groaned, while burying his face in her neck.
"Euhm."
"You know, kissing like that leads to other steps that are too early for us to make. And you're making it extremely difficult for me to keep holding back." He muttered while planting a kiss occasionally along her neck.
"Oh." The puzzle pieces suddenly clicked together and Rose felt her cheeks burning. Oh my god.
"OH." She exclaimed again.
"I'm sorry I'm such a weak creature." Cedric muttered again.
"So, kissing me is too good?"
"Yes."
"We should take it down a notch?"
"Yes, please."
"I can do that."
Cedric chuckled and softly kissed her lips again. This time Rose followed his lead. This kiss was so filled with sweetness she felt like she should be on a sugar high.
His affection shone through in these kisses and she felt like this was Cedric to his core.
When their lips parted, he looked at her with a wide smile.
"I can so live with this." Rose muttered and Cedric laughed out loud before their lips connected again.
I hope you guy's enjoyed!
Let me know what you think.
XXX D.
