Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
5. A Matter of Manners
Rose waves out the window until the platform disappears into a cloud of steam, then turns around and sits down next to Albus, sighing.
"Want to play Exploding Snap?" Al offers, as James bursts back into the compartment dragging Cousin Fred and a gang of his friends.
"Not here, kiddies," James announces. "Go make friends with the other firsties." He unceremoniously shoves Al and Rose out of the compartment and slams the door in their faces.
"Your brother is so rude!" Rose huffs, straightening her robes. She marches down the train with Al following behind, stopping at a compartment with only one occupant.
"Let's sit here, Al, I'm sure she's lonely," Rose says. Al raises a brow, but follows when she steps in and announces, "I'm Rose and this is my cousin Albus." Turning around in time to catch Al's grimace at the use of his first name, she adds, "We can play Exploding Snap now, all three of us." She's sure this girl just needs some companionship, and in her mind she imagines them becoming the best of friends, just like her parents and Uncle Harry, who also met on the train in their first year. Then the girl opens her mouth and sends all of Rose's dreams crashing into the ground.
"Excuse me," she states coolly, "but I don't recall inviting you into my compartment. Nor did I ever give any indication that I wanted to join in whatever activity you two are pursuing." Rose sputters in shock, both at her unwelcoming attitude and the strength of her steely gaze. She's pretty, in a gothic sort of way, and something in her features reminds Rose of her cousins Dominique and Victoire, though this girl's hair is as dark as theirs is blonde.
"Well, pardon me for trying to be friendly!" she finally returns, a beat too late for the comeback to be truly effective. The girl arches one brow and waves the book in her hand indolently.
"I'm busy, in case you didn't notice. Go be friendly elsewhere," she says dismissively. Rose gasps in outrage before hauling Al out and slamming the compartment door. A glance back shows her that the girl is absorbed in her book, as if she hasn't even noticed their departure.