So I know a lot of people are turned off by Ron and Hermione not being together, but I know exactly where I'm going with it so you gotta trust me on this, guys!
Thanks for the reviews :) If you didn't know... I love reviews :)
Chapter 4
"Home sweet home," Dad says as he, Hugo and I walk into our house that we've been gone from for what seems like years.
Its a small, completely Muggle-looking house from the outside, but inside its got facilities like a library and some weird tunnel-chute thing where we dump our laundry that goes from the bathroom to the basement. Mum was all into magical remodeling and she got as far as making a crazy staircase that leads onto the roof before she up and left two years ago. Our Free Elf Dory runs the place with an iron fist, so its practically sparkling when we enter.
"Welcome back!" squeaks Dory.
She's wearing her favourite bright blue overalls, reminding me of the Muggle cartoon the Smurfs.
"It's good to be back," Dad says. "Too much Weasley time drives me a bit mad."
He's been his cheery self ever since we left. I don't know how he can be so happy when his wife is sleeping with some yuppie. Of course, he doesn't know that I know. And Hugo hasn't a clue.
"Did you miss us, Dory?" Hugo says as he dumps his stuff in the foyer.
"Very much, little Sir," Dory says. Hugo hates being called that, but I find it hilarious as he's now taller than me.
"Do you mind?" Hugo asks, indicating his luggage.
"You are such a lazy git," I tell him.
"No fair, it's not like I can use magic like you," Hugo says. He's got a point.
Dory obliges, snapping her fingers causing the trunks to disappear and - I assume - reappear in his room.
I start to levitate my trunk when Dory says, "You have visitors."
My trunk crashes to the ground.
"What?"
Dad's face goes serious and he starts marching towards the living room.
"In the library," Dory provides.
He changes course. Hugo and I exchange surprised glances (inside I'm full of dread) and start after him.
The 'library' is really just a small study, but it's full of books in wooden cases right up to the ceiling. When I was little Mum used to read to me all the time, letting me choose a book from our extensive collection. When I grew too old to be read to I used to spend hours on the squashy chairs reading anything and everything - from textbooks to Muggle novels. That is, until Mum left. I haven't been in there since.
She's there, with him, in the middle of the room. They turn when we approach. She looks the same; brown hair in a bun, sensible blazer and skirt, and that eternal worry crease in between her brows.
"Hermione," Dad says first.
"Ron," says Mum. "Oh, um… This is Jeff."
An awkward silence fills the room. Jeff meets all of my expectations; he's a suave businessman type - everything my dad is not. He's got slicked back black hair, flecked quite handsomely with grey, and he greets us with an all-American smile. I hate him already.
"Hello," Jeff says.
"Hi," says Dad. He doesn't shake his hand or anything, thank God.
I sneak a glance at Hugo, who's looking thoroughly confused.
"Rose, Hugo," Mum says. I meet her gaze and try to telepathically convey just how shit I am feeling.
"Mum?" Hugo says. He sounds so torn I just want to hug him.
Mum rushes forward and embraces him. "I've missed you so much."
Hugo's still trying to figure out what's going on and he hugs her back rather absently. Then Mum moves to hug me, but I step back from her, eyeing her warily. She looks hurt. Good.
"Rose," she says in a pleading voice.
"Long time no see, mother," I say acerbically.
"I think I'll go wait outside," Jeff intones in a drawling accent.
"You do that, Jeff," I snap at him.
"Rose!" says Mum.
He meets my eyes, shocked, then ducks his head and quickly leaves the room.
"What the fuck, Mum?" I say when he's gone.
"Rose," Mum says again, but in the warning tone she used to use when I was a kid and I had accidentally set a pot plant alight.
"Who is that?" asks Hugo.
Mum looks at him, then at Dad, as if asking for help. He shrugs as if to say, 'it's your problem'.
"Jeff is a friend of mine," Mum says. I snort.
"Boyfriend?" Hugo asks.
Dad is behind him looking distinctly uncomfortable.
"Well, I wouldn't call it boyfriend. But yes, we're seeing each other."
Hugo takes a moment to process this. "But- but what about-?" He looks helplessly at Dad.
Mum looks beside herself. She places her hands on Hugo's shoulders, and says to him seriously, "Your father and I are no longer together, darling."
I can't help but watch Dad while she says this. I can almost see his heart breaking.
"You are such a bitch," I tell her, then stalk off down the corridor and out of the house.
I'm outside, and Jeff turns towards me with a wary smile.
"Go home, Jeff. There's no place for you here." My voice comes out stronger than I am feeling at the moment.
Jeff doesn't blink an eye. "Rose, right?" As if he doesn't know. "Rose, your mother and I like each other very much-" I almost hurl, "-and I wanted to come meet the two people she talks about the most, you and Hugo. I know this must be awkward for you but I have a feeling we're going to be seeing a lot more of each other so let's just try to get along, huh? For her sake."
I stare at him incredulously. "Are you daft? You are a phase she's going through, got it? You don't understand, she and my dad have been through hell and back, and if you think you can just waltz in with your stupid gelled hair and come in between them that easily then you are sorely mistaken."
"Rose Charlotte Weasley!" I hear Mum's voice behind me. "Apologise to Jeff at once!"
I whip around, my anger spiking again, and say, "I will not. I can't believe you have a boyfriend - oh, sorry, been 'seeing someone'. Going to study, my arse. Have you just been screwing around?"
Her hand comes out of nowhere and slaps me across the cheek.
"Hey!" Dad shouts, and he puts himself between me and Mum.
Everyone stands still in shocked silence. I stare back at her, my face burning, stunned. She's never hit me before. A small voice in my head tells me I probably deserved it, but whatever, I'm too mad to care.
She looks angry at first, but as I stand there with my hand over my cheek the anger drains away and she just looks worried and full of guilt.
"Rose…" she begins.
I step around Dad, shoving him aside. "Stop. Just stop, Mum. When you first left I was hurt. We all were. I knew you were getting bored with your job, but I never knew you were getting bored with us-" she opens her mouth to argue back, but I hold up a hand to shush her, "-but I thought you'd come home soon. And now you show up with him…"
Jeff, much to my satisfaction, is shifting uncomfortably. Hugo looks like he's going to cry.
"Just come home, Mum," I hear myself saying. My voice is thick from the lump in my throat.
Mum looks shattered. "Oh, Rose…"
She steps towards me, but I pointedly take a step back from her again. I don't want her hugs, or her sympathy. I just want my life back to the way is was, when we were a happy little Weasley family like all the others.
"Just go, then," I say.
"Please, Rose…"
"Go back to America. You can't just come back like this and expect everyone to be okay with it. I am not okay with this."
She's got tears in her eyes now, but I stare stonily back at her. Dad doesn't say a word.
"Okay, I'll do what you want-" I want to scream at her. This is not what I want. "-But I'll be back soon, okay? I love you, honey. I love both of you."
She reaches a hand towards Hugo, who, like me, avoids it. Her face kind of scrunches up, and Jeff comes forward and leads her away from us. They leave down the drive, his arm around he.
Hugo heads back towards our house, violently kicking over the little wooden hippogriff sculpture we've got near the garden on the way. It clatters over the concrete. Dad squeezes my shoulder, then goes after Hugo.
I continue staring down the now empty driveway. I feel like screaming. Like destroying. Like burning something to the ground.
xxxxxxxxxx
For the past ten years or so, every New Years Eve, Harry Potter throws a party at his mansion. The normally quiet seaside cove in Devon is transformed into a glittering mass of people, music, champagne, and fireworks. It used to just be the extended family, plus a few close friends like the Longbottoms and the Scamanders. In recent years its turned into quite the 'place-to-be' for important witches and wizards in the wizarding community; Headmistress Wiggan comes, several Magistrates from the Ministry, and even the Minister for Magic himself, Kingsley Shacklebolt. There are famous warlocks, sometimes popular authors - basically whoever Harry Potter deals with and ends up inviting.
I'm currently standing in the high-ceilinged hallway, watching people come through the front door, waiting. Almost every person stops to admire the elaborate crystal chandelier above before heading to the large adjacent ballroom done up in festive twinkling fairy lights.
The Potters have hired a bunch of Free Elves for the night, and they're roaming about the guests holding silver platters of drinks and nibbles. I grab a glass of champagne as one passes me and take a sip. The bubbles go up my nose, and I know this is probably a bad idea (the last time I had champagne I ended up fracturing my femur) but down a gulp regardless. I just want to forget about everything tonight.
I spot a mass of crazy blonde curls bobbing in between a group of warlocks that have just entered Potter Manor. I smile and head towards her. "Melody!" I call out.
Melody Pope turns and grins when she sees me. She lugs her trunk along and we stop in the middle of the hall.
"You look so nice!" she exclaims.
"Thanks," I say. I'm in a flowy black dress that's dreary (to match my mood) but sophisticated. I also managed to tame my wild hair into a sleek bun, and despite my doubtful application skills, even put some make up on for the night.
I'm about to say she does, too, but she's wearing what seems to be a beige burlap sack overlaid with about a million multicoloured bead necklaces. Her blonde hair is a mess of wild curls, and along with a set of wide pale blue eyes, she gives off the impression of someone who's a few cards short of a deck. I smile. I've missed my best friend.
"Did your parents leave today?" I ask.
"Yesterday. They were terribly excited. It almost made me want to go with them." We look at each other for a moment, then crack up laughing.
Mr and Mrs Pope have gone to spend New Years on a nudist colony in Argentina, so I invited Melody to come to the Potter's, then stay at mine until we go back to Hogwarts. While she's quite the hippy herself, she's no match for the freedoms her parents embrace.
"I'm glad you're here," I tell her.
She looks at me funny, sensing the weight behind those words, but I say quickly, "I'll tell you later."
She nods and we go put her trunk upstairs in a guest room I'm staying in. I almost expect her to change her outfit, but she simply brushes out her hair (which only serves to make it bigger) and says that she's ready, and we go back downstairs into the ballroom.
"Wow, the Potters really know how to throw a party," she says.
"They sure do."
There's a live band in one corner, and the whole room sparkles from the floating fairy lights that cover the ceiling. I spot Dominique near us, looking stunning in a floor length purple gown and flirting with a handsome wizard I don't recognise, and Roxanne is downing some champagne with Albus over by the drinks table.
"Looking for someone?" asks Melody.
"Hmmm?"
For a moment I think she's implying I'm looking for Scorpius (which I most definitely am not), but then I remember I haven't told her about him. I haven't told anyone.
"Your energy is all off. Have you been meditating?"
Melody tried to teach me some meditation exercises last summer. Needless to say it did not go well - I'm way too impatient to sit with my eyes closed while I'm still awake.
"I actually haven't been doing them recently," I confide to her.
Melody tuts, and starts going on about how she's been doing this new-age yoga thats doing wonders for her zen or something. I nod along to her rambling.
A plate of mince savouries pass by and I manage to swipe two. Melody doesn't even glance at them. I don't think she'll be eating much tonight; I doubt Uncle Harry knows what tofu is.
"Ooooh, is that Victoire?" Melody gushes.
Of all the embarrassing things Melody does, which most of the time I couldn't care less about, being a fan of Victoire Weasley and her cute 'pop-magic' flavour of songs tops the list. I look over to where Melody is pointing to see Victoire in all her golden-haired glory involved in what looks to be a heated discussion with Teddy. His back is turned to us, but I have full view of Victoire's face; her usually cool manner has been overtaken by a distraught expression, and she's talking fervently with her hands. Then, suddenly, Teddy storms off. Victoire doesn't call after him.
"I wonder what they were talking about," Melody says.
"Nothing good," I reply.
Maybe something good for you, says the little voice in the back of my head. I push the thought, and that hope, aside.
"Have you seen Lucy?" Lily says as she rushes up to me, breathless. She spares a glance at Melody and gives her a quick grimace which serves as a smile.
"No I haven't."
"Ugh! She should be here by now. They're here!" Lily looks around the room on her tip toes, her eyes looking a bit crazy.
"Who's here?"
"The French boys!"
Oh, no. Fleur's sister is here with her two handsome sons. There's obviously more Veela on that side as their children are positively radiant, if a little snooty.
"Lily, that's disgusting. They're your cousins."
"Not- blood- related!" she says. Then she scurries off to find Lucy.
I honestly worry for that girl.
We end up in a conversation with Luna Scamander, who looks even more kooky than Melody in bright yellow dressrobes and some sort of crepe contraption in her hair. Melody finds her fascinating and takes in everything she says as the absolute truth; I tune out their conversation on Bogswarts and how to get rid of them from your sleeping quarters.
"How's Lorcan and Lysander?" I ask her when there's a lull in their conversation.
Luna lights up. "They're great. We went on an expedition to the Amazon Jungle to study Grusprouts. We caught a few spider-lillies as well."
"That sounds marvelous," I say.
I doubt Lorcan and Lysander found it 'marvelous', though. They're always complaining about how they get dragged along on these outlandish adventures that lead nowhere. If it was me, I'd love to see the Amazon.
Then Melody asks about Grusprouts and off they go again.
I see Lorcan and Lysander near the wall of the ballroom. They seem to be playing a game with Hugo that involves punching each other in the arm. I swear they are not a good influence on my brother.
Luna eventually excuses herself to go talk to Harry, and Melody and I end up wandering over to the table full of curious drinks where Roxanne and Albus are. I catch Roxanne giving Melody's odd attire a critical once-over, which immediately makes me annoyed at her. I place my empty champagne flute down and ladle some bright green liquid into a goblet.
"What is this?" I ask, sniffing it.
"It's swamp weed," says Albus.
"Are you supposed to drink it?" I say, alarmed.
"It's punch," Roxanne says.
"Whatever," I huff, and down a big gulp. It definitely tastes much better than swamp weed.
Melody helps herself, too ("Swamp weed is organic") and we both sip from our goblets while watching a bunch of dwarves do a weird leg-crossing dance across the floor. I half-listen to Roxanne go on about being jealous of Freddy who's away in Europe, and how she always has to spend New Years with her parents.
Then she says, "Look at those two!" and we all turn to where she's pointing, towards James and Greta Longbottom chatting near the great fireplace at the end of the room.
"Oh, James, you're so fit and good at Quidditch," Albus says in a high-pitched voice as Greta says something, playing with her long blonde braid.
"Oh Greta, I want to lick your face," Roxanne says in a deep voice as James leans in to whisper something in her ear.
"Hehehehehe!" Albus squeals madly. "Oh, James. I think your brother is better looking, but you'll do."
"Hey, isn't that Aunt Hermione?" Roxanne says suddenly.
My attention immediately snaps back to her. "Where?"
Then I see her, looking beautiful in a lilac dress, hair tamed into sleek brown curls. Jeff is not with her.
"Rose?" Melody says, seeing my face.
"I'm just going to get some air," I say quickly, and before any of them can reply I'm already weaving around people and ducking out of the ballroom before Mum can see me.
I walk down the hall and end up in the kitchens which is bustling with house-elves. They mutter about me being in the way as I walk through them towards the little alcove built into the side of the enormous kitchen where there's a granite benchtop and a row of plush stools. My heart leaps when I see Teddy sitting at one of them.
He's slumped forward, and he's got a bottle of wine gripped in one hand.
"Teddy?" I say hesitantly.
He looks up at me, and even from here I can tell he's drunk.
"Oh, hey, Rose."
I perch myself on a stool next to his. "You alright?" I ask.
He smiles, but it looks like its causing him physical pain to do so. "I will be."
"I saw you two talking," I tell him.
"Mmmm. So if you haven't guessed, we're broken up now."
I shake my head. "You were too good for her, anyway."
Teddy laughs at this - a loud, drunken laugh. "Me? Too good for the superstar Victoire? Get outta here," he says, flapping a hand at me, almost hitting me in the face.
I shrink back. Okay, he's plastered.
"I'm serious," I say. "She took you for granted. I doubt she's ever going to meet anyone as understanding as you."
Teddy looks sad, and says, "It's because I was too understanding. She told me I'm too nice."
Have I mentioned I think Victoire is an obnoxious cow?
"There's no such thing," I say. And then, to my horror, I blurt out, "I think you're perfect."
I want to die.
Teddy goes incredibly serious, then. He looks at me, eyes slightly unfocused. "You think so?"
I'm falling into his dreamy eyes - hazel today - and say, "Yes." Might as well stand by what I said. I've got nothing to lose, right?
"God, you're beautiful," Teddy says.
My heart races and I feel hot and flustered. I can't stop the blush creeping up. "Thanks," I say, looking down at my hands.
Teddy starts leaning towards me, and I can't believe this is actually happening. Our noses are almost touching and he's looking into my eyes. I close mine and then close the distance between us. His lips are soft. I almost jump when I feel his hand on my thigh. He deepens the kiss, and I can taste the wine on his breath. My heart is soaring and I feel lightheaded.
We break away and the first thing he says is, "Holy shit."
I'm about to say something when I spot the back of a familiar blonde head over Teddy's shoulder leaving the kitchen. Holy shit.
"I'm sorry," Teddy says quickly, taking his hand off my leg as if he's been burnt. "Oh, God, I'm sorry, Rose."
He's leaning against the bench now and refusing to look at me.
I'm not quite sure what to say. 'It's okay'? But won't that mean he did something wrong, when to me it felt so right?
Instead I say, "I have to go."
I scamper off the stool and rush after Scorpius. He is not telling my family I snogged Teddy Lupin.