Finally an update! I'd like to apologize for that. I haven't really got an excuse either. I've just been rather lazy. For those of you who are also reading my James/OC fic Scars, it will be updated soon, I've got the next chapter about halfway finished. I've been even worse about that one. Oh, and be forewarned, language ahead! If you don't like cursing, turn away now! It's only one f bomb, so I'm not going to bump the rating up. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!
A week has passed since my first day at Salem, and I have to say, it has been the most awkward, get wrenching, energy draining week of my life. Classes were killer, though that was to be expected considering I was taking a full schedule of N.E.W.T level courses. Not only that, but Scorpius had made quite the habit of avoiding me. Although we often exchanged pleasantries when forced into a social setting, he tactfully avoided me when he could. We never sat at meals together, something we had done since shortly after the start of first year. We've found our own circle of friends within our house. Which reminds me, I have actually managed to make friends. Gavin and I have become closer this week, which has been a relief. He still smiles, a lot, although I've grown used to it, and it's a nice changed from Scorpius's cold politeness. He's told me he hails from Maine, although he has always dreamt of living farther south.
Gavin has also introduced me to his good friend, Niles Davis, a thick set, toweringly tall boy in our grade. He's got a peculiar sense of humor, and reminds me a lot of my cousin Fred Weasley. We've also become quite close. I actually got reacquainted with my roommates, blaming my obliviousness during our first encounter on the overwhelming sensation that came with the school. They all bought it, eager to meet me. I first spoke with Brielle St. Claire, a rather snobby girl with an aristocratic demeanor. She honestly reminds me of a Persian cat, she's got a squashed face and yet she still holds herself with regality. She's also a little plump. Needless to say, I don't think we will be close, although she seems rather nice, she noted verbally that my "untamed hair was homely and needed treatment". I promptly ignored her after that, pulling the locks from their up-do. She sneered. Brat.
Next came Jillian Abel, a petite girl, smaller than myself, with dirty-blonde hair and chocolate eyes. She was also pleasant, although she seemed to closely follow everything Brielle did and said. I figured we'd get along just fine, doubting we'd ever grow close. Finally came a girl named June Magpipe, someone who was just as enthusiastic about Quidditch as I was while lacking the necessary skill. I discovered this when I mentioned her surname was an English Quidditch team I despised, and she divulged that her uncle ran it and she despised him, so the feeling was mutual. June then shared that she was a triplet, and her parents had named her sister and brother July and August. I scrunched up my nose at this and she merely laughed, saying her youngest sister was name Sally.
So on this fine morning I found myself strolling toward the dining area for breakfast, formally known as the cafeteria. June was already gone from our dormitories when I awoke this morning, so I assumed she was already eating with Gavin and Niles. I entered the large room, my eyes already scanning for my new group of friends. The cafeteria resembled the great hall in no way, buffet styled food was lined around the walls and tables were scattered around the center of the room. We weren't split up into house tables, instead, students were free to eat with whom ever they pleased. It wasn't as cavernous as the great hall either, and I have grown to miss the enchanted ceiling. The place still felt magically, however, with the enchanted trays that floated around, fetching students their seconds at their request.
A few tables over I spotted June waving toward me happily, while Gavin and Niles chatted away. A smiled back, though as I did, her smile dropped, and she looked into the empty space behind me. I frowned, giving her a bemused look.
"Rose, can we talk?" Oh, Merlin. I turned toward the figure behind me, my eyes immediately identifying him by his platinum locks of hair. I forced a peculiar smile although Scorpius just started at me blankly, his voice unreadable.
"Of course," I responded numbly, nodding my head in affirmation. He himself nodded curtly, turning on his heel toward the hallway, expecting me to follow. I obliged to his non-verbal request, shooting a fleeting glance toward my small group of friends as they watched my retreating figure. Not looking where I was going, I managed to bump into Scorpius when he stopped abruptly. We both muttered a quick apology, Scorpius's brows furrowing and his jaw clenching as he looked at me.
I was honestly praying to Merlin that we were going to be friends again. I missed him; I missed his laughing, his genuine politeness, his crude, sarcastic humor. I missed our study sessions and our exchanging of notes, our Quidditch debates and our late nights at the burrow. Looking at his tense expression my heart nearly broke in two, my very core longing to be on good terms with Scorpius once again. I frowned, mentally scolding myself for my poor decision months ago. I was the cause of this rift in this relationship, not only did I come forth with news that could potential ruin our friendship, (which it did, mind you) I ignored him for months in shame. Whenever he visited Albus over summer holiday I holed up in my room, coming up with some lame ailment to avoid awkward encounters. And now Scorpius stood in front of me as though all those years of friendship never existed.
My lips curved into a frown as I watched my old mate carefully. He cleared his throat.
"You shouldn't harass Albus anymore—" Oh, that was what this was about. A few days ago I sent my lovely cousin a howler, hounding him from not disclosing to me that Scorpius was also going to attend Salem. That brat knew ever I told him why I was doing this program, and he didn't even bother to tell me that my problem was going to be following me to the United States. "—he was only being a good friend to me. I told him not to tell you,"
Wait. Wait a second.
"Did you know I was coming here to Salem?"
He looked a little surprised such a thought had occurred to me. Why else would he not want Al to know? Unless his intentions were similar to my own, and he was attempting to avoid another school year with me at Hogwarts. My heart sunk at such a thought.
"Rose—"
"Nevermind, forget I said it. I understand. I suppose I'll go mail Al an apology for him being a prat," I turned to leave.
"Wait, Rose, I interrupted your breakfast, you should eat,"
"I wasn't hungry anyway, I'll see you around Scorpius," His name tasted strangely bitter on my tongue, more than likely because I was a tad shaken up at the realization that my best mate was going to avoid me for a year. Yes, I was being hypocritical, but really. He was the one to cause me turmoil; he was the one who broke my heart. So sue me for causing him minor discomfort in my bold declaration.
"Rose, wait-!"
Ugh, I was already turning into an emotional wreck. Curse this bloke and the effect he has. I was already irritated by how much turmoil he was managing to cause for me. Throw on top of that the anger for his action and the complete and total rejection that was still lingering behind from months ago. Tears were brimming up along my eyelid and were threatening to fall, although I refused to display such emotion. I was strong. Swallowing my emotions, I turned on my heel, facing Scorpius with what I could assume was a wild glint in my eye.
His hands were shoved deep into his pockets, a habit I had noticed years ago, one he reserved for when he was swallowing his pride. He could barely meet my eyes, and I watched his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed.
"I know this sounds like rubbish, especially because you've been ignoring me—"
Oh, hey now. I was furious at this statement, I swear I could feel the steam radiating off my face. My cheeks were hot and no doubt red, unfortunately a trait I inherited from my father. I cut Scorpius off abruptly.
"I am not going to stand here and listen to you insult me, Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy." My voice was venom, and Scorpius didn't look too pleased that I had interrupted him. "You have also avoided me. The hostilities were mutual."
"I was going to suggest we put it aside us—"
"How tactless can you be? You had the audacity to blame this on me, and now you want us to put it aside us," Unfortunately, I had also inherited the infamous Weasley temper, and now my voice was rising to an unnatural level. I'm sure I sound like a shrew when I'm irked, although I'm glad I've never really been able to hear it myself. Any previous notions that we would return to being mates had flown out the window at this point, Scorpius also growing rather defensive.
Through the open doors I could see my new mates watching unabashedly, only Gavin looking as though he was preparing to intervene. If anything, the lack of support from my mates fueled my anger even more.
"If you stepped back for one second, you would see that this is your fault!" Scorpius's voice was rising, something that rarely ever happened. He was never temperamental like we Weasleys. Believe it or not, but he was usually quite tactful in his arguments, avoiding biting and demeaning insults. He was defensive, yes, highly defensive; he had once blamed that attribute on the years of abuse his family name had received. However, he usually spoke in a low deadly tone, and unfortunately for me, he was using it now. I honestly envied his level-headedness; Merlin only knew what was going to come flying out of my mouth.
"My fault? My fault? If anything go blame it on my ruddy cousin!" Only we knew the turn this argument was taking, and honestly, I really didn't want it to travel in the direction it was bound for.
"Merlin Rose, own up for your own actions for once in your pitiful life. Believe it or not, your family doesn't dictate your every action. So stop blaming them,"
Did I really blame my family that often? I thought I was rather justified in blaming Al, he had led me to believe—No, best not think of that now. Instead, my mind focused on the tears threatening to fall. My vision was greatly blurred now, and I could scarcely make out Scorpius's features. I believe he realized the impact of his words, and his face was softening ever to slightly.
"Rose—"
Thankfully, and outsider had finally decided to intervene, and I felt an arm reach around my back to my shoulder, pulling me in for a small hug.
"Is there a problem?" I couldn't decide whether I was mad or greatly relieved that Gavin had stepped in. A tear had finally leaked, and I felt it leave a damp path until it dripped off my chin. I shut my eyes tight, attempting to block any other stragglers. It wasn't working. I leaned into his embrace.
"Fuck off, Johnson, this doesn't concern you. Rose, please—" I was appalled at how brash Scorpius was being. I had never heard him be this rude.
"I do believe Rose is my friend, so then yes, it does concern me,"
I finally managed to muster up some courage. I pushed myself off Gavin slightly, my eyes opening and landing on Scorpius. Before I could speak my mind, Scorpius retaliated.
"Rose would never be mates with a git such as yourself,"
"Scorpius!" He flinched, finally realizing how brash he had become. However, it was too late. My eyes were narrowed dangerously, my eyes narrow slits. If looks could kill, I'd bet twenty galleons Scorpius would be hanging from the rafters.
"If anything, my tastes in mates has improved greatly, considering I used to be mates with you," I could tell that really hit home. His eyes darkened and his brows furrowed, one hand finding its way into the pocket of his trousers while the other ran haphazardly through his hair. His lips were curved in a tight frown, and once again, his eyes refused to meet my own.
"Rose, you can't possibly mean—"
"Fuck off, Malfoy,"
I hadn't used his surname since first year, nor have I ever used it with such a vulgar word. I flinched slightly at my own audacity, although my logic told me he deserved it. However, my adrenaline was beginning to simmer down, and there was no way in hell I was going to break in front of Scorpius. Before he could mutter another word I grabbed Gavin's wrist, who had been watching with his mouth agape, and pulled him away toward our first lesson. We still had quite some time before our class began, being Charms, and so we paused briefly before the arrival into the classroom. Gavin was still looking slightly frazzled.
"Quite the sailor's mouth, no?" He gave me a small smile, no doubt trying to lighten the mood. My mouth subconsciously twitched in retaliation before it broke into a small smile. His own smile widened at the sight of my own. I had to compliment his impeccable ability to turn my mind away from the tiff Scorpius and I had just taken part in.
"I'd never use that kind of language around my mum. Then again, I never really use it in the first place, so that usually isn't a problem," I chuckled softly and Gavin did the same, watching me out of the corner of his eye. It was quite peculiar, really, the looks he was giving me, however, I really didn't give it much thought.
"My mom used Scourgify once when I was seven and picked up a few choice words from my older brothers," He shuddered at the memory. I laughed at this, trying to visualize my own mother using Scourgify in Hugo or my own mouths. I could only imagine it tasted absolutely wretched. My nose scrunched up at the thought, and I added a rather vocal gag that had Gavin laughing with me. "It really was terrible; thank Merlin I never had to repeat it,"
"Hey, Gavin?" The laughter had died down and we were just watching each other.
"Yea, Rose?" He watched me carefully, obviously unsure of what I was going to say.
"I'd just like to say thanks for back there, really," I gave a small smile, hopefully emphasizing my gratitude. He smiled back rather genuinely.
"Hey, that's what friends are for, am I right?" Gavin pulled me in for a small hug, which surprised me, so I naturally let out a small squeak. Gavin no doubt heard, and as my face was pressed up against his chest, (like most blokes, he was much taller than I was) I felt his chest rumble with the low chuckles. My lips stretched into a wider smile—if that were even possible. In all honesty, Scorpius had near vanished from my thoughts, and I was relishing the new friendship between Gavin and myself.
To be completely honest, he was a superb bloke, and we had grown quite close in the week that has passed. I can also say that I feel closest to him than the other members of our group. Albus always did say I got along better with blokes. That being said, despite how rather, erm, fit he was, I was determined he and I remain just. I wasn't going to go fancy another one of my guy friends—who wasn't related—just to have it blow up dramatically in my face again. So, quite reluctantly, mind you, I pried myself from Gavin's grip, a smile on my face.
"Rose, if you don't mind my asking, what did happen between you and Scorpius?"
I was kind of hoping he wouldn't ask that question, it was a question I have been asking myself all summer. I do suppose it happened shortly after I came to terms with my emotions.
"Rosie, Rosie wait up!" I swiveled my head back, to see my cousin Albus weaving his way through the masses gathered in front of the great hall. My feet came to a halt to allow him to catch up, and by the time he was at my side he was panting heavily.
"Ro—Rose… You know—pant—how you fancy Scor—"
"Al! Do you want the entire population of Hogwarts to hear!" Merlin only knew how news traveled around the castle. I hastily grabbed his forearm and tugged him to a more secluded hallway. Thankfully, by the time we reached it he had caught his breath.
"Rose, I was talking to Scorpius earlier about who we fancy—"
"You told him I fancied him?" I all but screeched, my eyes frantically begging Albus to say it wasn't so.
"No! No Rose! Who Scorp and I fancy—"
"Merlin Al! Why didn't you say so?"
"I would have if you would let me finish!" He raised his voice and I shrunk back a little, biting my tongue.
"Thank you. Anyway, so we were talking about who we fancy, and after I went on about Alice—" his cheeks flushed red at this "—Well, he started on about this bird. And at first it was all things like: 'Oh, she's so smart, and gorgeous' and other rather vague descriptions. Well then he told me she had blue eyes,"
He paused as though this had some meaning to me, though my brows just furrowed. Was he insinuating-?
"And then he said she had red hair…" Al was beginning to smile, and suddenly it was dawning upon me. Out of all my female cousins, surprisingly only Lily, Molly, and I had red locks. And the two former had brown eyes. On top of that, I didn't really know of any other redheads roaming the castle so that could only mean…
"Al, you're only pulling my leg, right?" James did something similar when he and Fred discovered I fancied Declan Finnigan back in fifth year. They managed to recruit Scorpius and Albus into tricking me into thinking Declan fancied me back while they threatened to castrate him if he ever spoke to me again. My face was blank now, however, mentally praying my cousin wasn't jesting.
"Rosie, this is just what he told me. I have thought he's been oddly quiet around you lately. Really Rose, I think he does," Albus was grinning madly, I knew his dream was coming true. He had always had some notion that Scorpius and I were "meant for each other". For the longest time I thought it was just poppycock.
One day later and I was waiting for the arrival of my best mate. It was the day before summer vacation, and perhaps the last time I would be able to have a private conversation with Scorpius until the start of next term. No doubt my extended family would pry their noses into my business anytime we talked during vacation.
I was alerted of his approach by the snapping of a twig, my head acted on a reflex and whipped around. My blue eyes met his grey ones and he smiled warmly, pulling me into a hug.
"Hey-ho Rosie Posie, what's up?" My initial answer was muffled by his shirt, and I felt him laugh, that deep, genuine laugh as he pulled me from his grasp, his hands resting on my shoulders. "What was that Rosie?"
He always called me Rosie; I rarely remember an occasion when he just called me Rose. It was secretly my guilty pleasure, I usually never allowed anyone to create a variation of my name. However, now Al frequently uses it, he started back when I hadn't come to term with my feelings for Scorpius. Therefore I wasn't able to explain to him at the time why I only enjoyed it when Scorpius called me Rosie.
"Not much," I finally replied jovially, my thoughts concluding. "Do you mind talking?"
He gave me a peculiar look, however beckoned for me to take a seat beside him underneath the nearest tree. I obediently followed, positioning myself so I was able to face him. No chickening out now.
"I really don't know how to put this lightly," I began, swallowing hard as my mind scrambled to create a coherent English sentence. I was failing miserably, my nerves beginning to get the best of me. "Well… I—you see Scorpius…"
"Merlin Rosie, I haven't seen you this tongue tied since that first time I approached you in first year!" I smiled at the memory, although the smile quickly faded. I needed to concentrate.
"Scorp, ?" My speech was slurred and I topped off the jumble with a tone that made it sound like a question. I blushed furiously, burying my face in my hands.
"I'm sorry Rosie, I didn't quite get that, can you repeat it please?" Ugh, must he always be so composed and polite? I moved my hands from my face to speak again.
"Scorpius, I kind of fancy you?" The scarlet crept from my cheeks to the tip of my ears, the heat following it. He, however, just stared at me blankly, his mouth agape.
It was nerve-wracking, really, he silence was worst then anything he could have said. Tears started forming in my eyes as he looked away for a second, his eyes still wide with surprise. I began to stand, steadying myself against the tree as my vision blurred. I nodded numbly.
"Oh." I managed to say at first, as I took two steps backwards, distancing myself from the catastrophe that was unraveling. For a second his eyes flashed with almost a sense of recognition.
"I understand then, Scorpius. I'm sorry for dumping that on you. I should've kept it to myself," I forced a weak smile; though the tears, contradicted it as I felt them tumble over my eyelids.
"Rose-!" I honestly couldn't bring myself to hear the words that were inevitable and so like the coward I was, I turned on my heel and ran.
I had ignored Scorpius that entire summer too, successfully avoiding both him and Al whenever they came around my house. Whenever we gathered at the burrow, Uncle George snuck me some rather suggestive items from his store, although they allowed me to feign sick, and in turn my parents allowed me to stay home. Therefore, whenever I received a letter from Salem requesting me for their exchange program I jumped right on board, despite protests from my family. McGonagall even protested, although she told me I were to be Head Girl. Despite my dream, I was a coward, decided to run away rather than face my fears.
Funny how that turned out.
"Maybe another time, Gavin. It's really a rather long story," I finally answered, motioning for him to follow me into Charms as class was to begin soon.
"I understand. Hey, listen, Rose," I turned with my eyebrows raised, indicating I was listening.
"Me and the others were thinking of a nickname for you. We've all got our own of sorts,"
Like I said, I wasn't a huge nickname, but what better way to try and forget the only one I've ever had?
"That sounds like fun," I forced out, faking what I thought would be a rather genuine smile. Gavin seemed to buy it, he smiled back brightly.
"Flower!"
He said it as though it was the best thing since sliced bread. I had to say, they lacked creative license. However, I'd like to hear what they came up with for everyone else.
This is my longest chapter ever! Not by much, though, considering no matter how hard I try I always managed to hit right around the same area. Ha, anyway! I hope everyone enjoyed this installment. I quite like it myself, for once. Anyway, please review! I love reading everyone's comments!