The weeks passed and before they knew it Christmas was nearly upon them. Rose had given up trying to fit in with Gryffindor again and accepted the fact she would always be a loner to some extent. Because of this she didn't have many friends in her year. She took up the twins offer and moved into a spare room with its own common room that Fred and George showed her. Rose sat next to Fred and George for every meal. They enjoyed her company. Rose would often see Fred stealing glances at Hermione and couldn't help, but smile. "Hey Fred if you keep staring at her she's bound to notice," said Rose. Fred turned towards her a looked shocked. "Is it that obvious?" "Only to me, but I promise she will notice one day. Why not talk to her and let her know how you feel?"
Fred shook his head. "I can't my brother fancies her." Rose laughed and touched his shoulder. "Oh Fred, she likes Ron as nothing more than a brother I promise. She likes you whether she realizes it yet or not." Fred grinned and picked up his book bag. "Thanks Rose, I think I will go and talk to her." Fred walked down the table and started to talk to Hermione. It wasn't long before she was waving bye to Ron and Harry as she walked away with Fred. "So, Rose how did you know he liked Hermione. I'm the only person he has ever told," said George. She smiled and shook her head. "Some things are better left a secret George. Now we should head to class or we will be late." George shook his head and laughed. "Honestly, we still have fifteen minutes before breakfast is over and another five to get to class. If I didn't know better, I'd say you're Hermione."
"Maybe I am," she smiled. George looked at her before cracking a smile. "Well then that explains a lot. Shall we get to class then Miss Know-it-all," he said jokingly. The two walked off to class together. On the way, Fred caught up with the two of them and had a silly grin on his face. "So, I take it she likes you," said Rose. "Yes, I asked her out and she said yes. I can't believe it. Thank you Rose." Fred hugged her as she laughed. "It's alright sometimes people just need a little push."
The rest of the day went by quickly and Rose was sitting in her secret private dorm. After Rose had basically rejected her dorm mates she spent most of the time with the twins in her own quarters. She was sitting by the fireplace when she realized today was December 18th. Closing her book, she looked at the time 1 A.M. Harry would just be starting to have the dream. Putting her student robes on she quietly crept down the hall. After climbing several staircases, she reached Professor McGonagalls' private quarters. She had knocked and waited until the elder witch opened the door. Miss Black what is it?" "Professor please we need to get to Gryffindor tower." The look in her eyes held nothing but worry. Nodding Professor McGonagall tied her emerald green night robe and they quickly raced to the tower. "Mimbulus Mimbletonia," shouted McGonagall waking up the Fat Lady. Irritated she swung the door open and McGonagall raced after Rose as she sped up the boys' stairs to their dorms.
She opened the door to Ron and Harrys' dorm that they shared and saw Ron trying to wake Harry up. He saw Rose and the Professor standing there. "Rose? Professor McGonagall what are you doing here?" he asked. "Ron, you know very well why I would be here. Now move aside." Ron moved aside as Rose leaned over Harry. He heard her whisper a sorry before she slapped him across the face hard. This jolted him out of his fitful sleep. As he sat up he looked sick. Quickly she conjured up a waste basket and handed it to him. He leaned over a threw up. Once he finished cleaning out his insides he started babbling about Mr. Weasley. Ron and McGonagall were about to speak when Rose leveled with Harry. "Harry, I understand however you need to go see Professor Dumbledore and he will help you. "Ron, Professor McGonagall please take Harry to Dumbledore I will collect the other Weasley children." They looked at her confused but nodded as they helped Harry stand and took off down the stairs. Rose rushed into the seventh-year dorm and woke up the twins. "Rose what are you doing here?" asked Fred. "There isn't time to explain. Please get up and meet me down in the common room. I need to go wake Ginny.
The twins shared a look as she exited and got up, throwing on their robes they headed down to the common room. After a couple of minutes Ginny and Rose walked down the stairs. "What's going on?" asked Ginny. "I'm not sure Rose woke us up too," said George. "I need to bring you to Dumbledores' office and Ron is already there." The four of them headed off to the Headmasters office. On the way, they ran into Severus. "Ah Rose, I see you have collected the Weasley family. Professor Dumbledore has sent for me as well." Once they reached the Gargoyle that guarded the Headmasters' office it sprang to life as if it was expecting them. They all stepped onto the moving staircase and walked through the oak door when they reached the top. Inside was Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore along with Ron and Harry. "What's going on?" asked Ginny
"Dad has been attacked," said Ron. Rose heard the other three Weasley children gasp. Dumbledore turned around to look at the other children. I'm sending you all to Grimwald place now. I will have your things packed. Get ready to leave," said Dumbledore. The four children nodded as he grabbed a kettle from the shelf and pointed his want at it. "Portus." Now this will transport you to number twelve, but I must advise you to be careful. Rose you will go with them as well." Rose nodded and joined the Weasley children. "Professor what about me?" asked Harry. "Harry, you will go with Severus. It can't wait any longer this must be stopped."
Severus dragged Harry out of the office as the others were being directed to touch the kettle. He counted to three and suddenly they all felt a tug around their navel. As they went spinning through the air Rose just about lost her grip, but Fred caught hold of her hand. She smiled at him. Once they landed Sirius was in the hall waiting for the children. "Alright children I've been informed what has transpired this night and your beds are all made up for you. Rose you and Ginny will be sharing now," said Sirius. The five trudged up the stairs and crawled into bed. As Ginny crawled into bed she stared at Rose who had since fallen asleep. As sleep claimed Ginny her last thoughts of Harry.
Harry was in Snapes' private potions lab where he was trying to learn Occlumency. "Come on Potter, Concentrate," snarled Snape. "I'm trying sir, it just doesn't come as easy to me as it did for Sirius!" "Then try harder." They continued until Harry was breathing hard from exhaustion. Only when Harry was on the verge of passing out did Snape let him leave. Before he left he turned to look at Snape. "Professor I'll help find that thing you need to find." Harry high tailed out of there not waiting for a response. Harry went to sleep waiting for the morning where vacation could start, and he would see Ron again.
