So, I was thinking. Looks like there's pretty much no way I can sum up the rest of this story in only two chapters! More like three, or four hahah – so this is not the second to last chapter. So you have that to look forward to! Thanks sooo much for all the reviews so far! You guys are legends. I was actually so overwhelmed! But, I have to say - if you can favourite/alert it, then you can review it! (:
Okay – I know I haven't updated in about ten years! But I've been in a School production and had like zero time for anything, then my Mum went to Vanatu and got stuck in the earthquake etc, so that was a bit of a worry. But its alllgood now (: and I'm soooo sorry – I know how annoyed I get at other authors who don't update!– So I'm really really sorry :)
So hopefully this update will live up to the expectations/make up for everything! I must say this is THE hardest chapter I've written! But like I say – I hope you like it annnnd pleeeease pleeeease review? Thanks! X
3 3 3 goes out to these people:
Draora Moss,Arianna Elizabeth Jackson,callmedaynuhh,Marciabarcia,MaryandMerlin,Mrs. Rose Malfoy,Roselyn Weasley,LittleMissGiggles'94',Avanell,Koolness,Soccergirl0809, my arrt buddy: busypants, emmmmmma - I know who you were!,MissingMommy,
AshxMisty4Eva, iceiceice :), Cindy-Lu Hu,Kelsthereader annnd Lauren.
Shout out to the Cast of Earnest - if you ever read this/To Courtney - cause I know you are/wiilll.
To the friends my characters are based on..
And CatrinaBoFi. Legend. Xx
End of ridiculously long AN.
Scorpius
This was perfect.
I had woken up with Rose Weasley in my arms.
The unattainable Rose Weasley.
We had fallen asleep on the couch after we talked, about everything.
I just hoped that when she woke up, she wouldn't think it was a dream, again . . . that would be an interesting experience, I would definitely be cursed in some way or other.
I sighed, looking down at her perfect face. So at peace, so cute, so sweet and the best part, she was all mine. I smiled, I could stay like this for as long as I liked.
But it was short lived, her eyes flickered open slowly, and she stretched her arms.
What do I say to her? I've never woken up with anyone in my arms! Let alone someone whom I was at war with a few days ago. What if she does forget? Oh crap! What am I going to do? She yawned and her eyes opened fully and I was ready to get my head bitten off.
She met my eyes for a fraction of a second then smiled.
"Good morning Scorpius."
"Merry Christmas, Rose."
I sighed.
"Do you wanna go down to breakfast?"
"Sure. I'll just go change." She said giggling, gesturing down to her ball dress.
I smiled. "I think you should go down like that." I said, smirking slightly.
"What, with my amazing morning hair?"
"You're beautiful Rose."
She looked at me through her eyelashes and tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear.
"You know I think I prefer it when you criticise how I look." She said, sounding more like herself.
"I knew you had a thing for bad boys!" I smirked triumphantly.
"No, it's not that. I just don't know how to act around you when you say stuff like that."
"Well, what if I were to say that I like you're morning hair?" I questioned moving slightly closer to her, "It's perfect without you even trying. And you're smile just makes me want to-"
I didn't get to finish that sentence. I was a tad distracted by Rose doing exactly what her smile makes me want to do.
Kiss her – and I was.
We broke apart, and I saw she was frowning.
"What's wrong?" I suddenly felt panicked – my heart was already beating, but it seemed to speed up even more.
"We have to keep this a secret. But you knew that, right?"
"Why do we have to keep it a secret?" My face now mirroring her frown.
"Well at least until I write a letter to Dad – explaining it all. Cause otherwise he's gonna get some exaggerated version of our relationship from Hugo, Al or Lily, and he'll either-"
"You're going to put this into a letter?" I asked, now sitting down on the couch.
I smirked slightly, "Dear Dad, last night after the Ball I confessed my love to Scorpius Malfoy, you know Draco's son, Al's friend? Yeah, well anyway we proceeded to snog each other senseless, then we fell asleep on the couch-"
She pushed me playfully.
"Hmm, maybe you're right…"
"I'm always right Rosie."
She rolled her eyes and joined me on the couch.
"So what are we going to do?" She looked at me hopefully, before resting her head on my shoulder lightly.
My arm naturally snaked around her waist, pulling her closer.
"We'll tell him in person. We'll tell everyone in person. But for now, it can be our little secret."
I looked down at her, and she smiled back.
"We'll have to act like we hate each other." She said arching her eyebrow.
"Yeah," I say nodding, "but that's not that difficult."
That earned me another whack.
"Hey! You know I was kidding."
"Whatever Malfoy," she said standing up quickly and giving my shoulder a quick pat "I'll see you at breakfast." And then she walked towards her room, turned around at the door and winked at me.
I waved back.
I love my life.
Albus
"You realise you could lose your captaincy, don't you Potter?"
"I do." I said nodding; I did know that could happen.
And it could totally stuff up all my plans for the future, but yeah. This is my choice this time. The right one I hope.
"Very well then. I commend you on this. Thank-you for your honesty. I will naturally be writing to your parents about this, and as I say you could lose you're title."
"Thank-you Professor McGonagall," I said standing up to leave, "Will you inform Gryffindor for me?"
"Certainly."
I took this as my cue to leave.
"Off to the dungeon." I muttered to myself, ignoring the strange looks I was getting from a random little first year – William something I think.
Caitlin
"That was a good night!"
"Yeah, it was." I said, rubbing my head. I swear I can still hear the thumping of the bass.
"And Hugo and Alice are, you know a thing now."
"Right, thanks for the update Josh."
He shrugged, and I sipped my hot chocolate. It was ten am and we were pretty much the only people at our Table or in our year in fact. . .
"You're not getting what I'm saying." He said, patting my shoulder absentmindedly as he heaped more sugar into his coffee.
"Got enough sugar?" I ask raising my eyebrows.
"Stop changing the subject." He said frowning. "Hugo is with Alice, as in, you should really give Al a chance."
I spat out my drink.
"Since when do you call Al, Al?"
"We talked, at the ball." He said shrugging. "By the way, do you know how Rose is?"
"I hope she's okay. Scorpius seems to have that under control though." I said, raising my eyebrows.
"Yeah, he does." He said absentmindedly and I returned to my breakfast, groaning when I heard the morning post arrive.
"But, Caitlin." said Josh so suddenly that I put my elbow in the butter.
He looked at me like I was a physco – which I really am, I should be in bed right now!
"He thinks you hate him, which you clearly don't. I mean you just need to-"
"Why is everyone giving everyone advice!" I put down my piece of toast. "You're hardly a relationship expert Josh! You refused to talk to Rose just because she didn't like you."
"Yeah, well that was my mistake."
"That's right." I say nodding confidently. "It was."
"And I totally regret it." He said.
I nodded grabbing my third piece of toast – and I'm not fortunate enough to have the 'Weasley' excuse for eating a lot . . .
"So you should." I say nodding once again.
"And this could be yours."
"What?"
"This could be your mistake Caitlin. Not giving him another chance. Just think about it, alright?" He said returning to his breakfast.
Damn you Josh Thomas and your wise words. Damn you Oliver Wood for bringing me up to love Quidditch too much. Damn you Albus Potter for being so forgivable.
Damn you Caitlin Wood for being so stubborn. But for some reason, I just feel like I can't let this go.
"Merry Christmas, by the way," said Josh smiling.
"Oh yeah, seasons greetings." I say sarcastically downing some hot chocolate. Smiling in relief as Rose joined us at the table.
Rose
"Good morning!" I said, trying to sound as normal as possible and avoid smiling at Scorpius's smirk at me from the other side of the Hall. That boy!
"Happy Christmas!" said Josie, joining us all at the table.
No Bailey though… Interesting.
As if she read my mind, Caitlin spoke.
"Where's Bailey Jos?"
She shrugged. "So Rose, spill!"
"About what?" I asked, please don't ask about Scorpius . . .
"On how good a date Tom was – obviously!"
"I – uh." I swallowed avoiding Caitlin's eye.
"He's a pathetic little prick!" interjected Josh. I shot him a smile and he nodded back. What did he know? Ah well it doesn't even matter. That's all over now.
"How're things with you Caitlin? I haven't talked to you in ages!"
"It feels like it, doesn't it?" she said sighing. Josie leaned across me to get the strawberry jam. "Things are good."
She didn't sound convincing at all. I looked to Josie to see if she'd picked it up – but she really hadn't.
Bloody hell.
"I'm just going to go get everyone's presents." Caitlin said standing up abruptly, and avoiding my eye.
"Bye." I say, semi-confused.
Josie didn't even look up from her toast.
My eyes flicked up to meet Scorpius's again. He was sitting by Zabini, but there was no Albus in sight.
Weird. Al wouldn't miss a meal for, well, anything really.
"Hey Rose."
I looked up to see who it was that brought me out of my thoughts to see Hugo looking super pleased with himself. Then again, that probably had something to do with Alice holding his hand beside him.
"Hey Hug, hey Alice."
Alice smiled warmly as they sat opposite me.
Something caught my eye across the hall. Scorpius was leaving.
"I'm going to the Library." I said, standing abruptly just like Caitlin had.
Private secret snog session here I come…
Albus
"Bloody hell!"
The cauldron I was currently trying to make a potion in was boiling over.
That was not mentioned in the exercise book! And this is why I gave up potions last year. . .
So, you may ask, why am I here? Well, it is a bit stupid really and melodramatic. But I was trying to get rid of that bloody book Uncle Ron gave me.
So, you know, the most logical thing to do is dissolve it in a potion, right?
Yeah, I know it sounds stupid, but five minutes ago when I put the book into the potion I felt good. Like it was gone forever.
But then it started bubbling…
Which is why I'm here now.
I mean I shouldn't even be down here. A) I don't do potions, and B) its Christmas.
But here I am. Making a huge mess.
Think, think Al.
What would Rose do?
Aha!
"Aguamenti." I say pointing my wand at the bubbles.
BOOF!
Bad move. That seemed to have made the bubbles double, and expand.
"Oh crap! What the Hell?"
Yes I know I'm talking to myself, but I don't know what to do! Whats the simple cleaning spell again?
Then it hit me.
"Scourgify" I said, once again waving my wand – eyes shut this time though.
I peered through my fingers to see, the bubbles had disappeared.
In a split moment's decision I sped up the stairs and out of there.
I just hope the dungeon doesn't blow up or anything . . . That would be unfortunate.
Josie
"Bailey?" I called out as I walked through the common room.
I hadn't given him his Christmas present yet.
"Bailey?" I called louder.
"Josie?"
"Bailey!" I said turning around.
"Hey babe." He said grinning at me stupidly.
"Where've you been?" I asked frowning.
"Oh, just up at the Owlery. I'm sorry hun, but your present hasn't arrived yet. Even though I pre-ordered it and everything."
"Oh." I said surprised. "That's fine. Here's yours though."
I handed it to him. And he put his arm around my shoulder. I sighed.
Something had changed.
Caitlin
"Has anyone seen Albus?" I asked stepping through the portrait into the Common Room.
Josh's head snapped up from his Quidditch magazine.
"A-ha! So you're looking for him?"
"Maybe." I said, scanning the room for anyone who might know his whereabouts.
"He's probably on the pitch." said Josh knowingly. I nodded and turned to go back through, but felt a little tap on my arm.
"Excuse me?" came a timid little voice.
I turned around, and saw a small messy-haired boy… almost a mini-Al…
"He's in the dungeons." he said knowingly.
I frowned. Albus doesn't take potions.
"Are you sure about that, um, sorry I don't know you're name."
"William. And yes, I heard him mention it earlier."
"Okay then. Thank-you." I said, shaking my head slightly as I made my exit.
I headed for the dungeons, passing Josie and Bailey and things looked, well if I'm being honest, kind of awkward between them. Strange, I know!
And finally I made it down the stairs. But which room? There were several dungeon classrooms as far as I knew.
I tried the first door. Locked.
Guess it's not that one then. I moved to the next door, which swung open straight away.
"Al?" I called peering around the corner.
I started to cough. There was a bit of smoke – but no Al.
There was however, a large cauldron in the middle of the room. That was where the smoke seemed to be coming from.
And of course I went over to see what it was slash what was in it.
Maybe this was what Al had been doing? I mean, not that he does potions or anything... that would be kinda random… but he is pretty strange, sometimes anyway.
I peered over into the cauldron. Whatever he'd been making in there hadn't gone well. There was weird purply liquid splashed up the sides, but there was something at the bottom of it all that caught my eye.
A book?
I reached in and pulled it out, wiping my hands on my jeans as I tried to get the gunk off me, then off the book.
The title was finally visible – and I was shocked.
"Twelve failsafe ways to charm witches." I read out loud, giggling slightly, before opening the cover.
'Albus S. Potter' was scribbled on the inside.
I flicked to the page with its corner folded down, as I began to walk up and out of the stairs.
I nearly walked into a wall at one point.
That point being how to get a girl you're already friends with.
Let her win at something. Do something memorable.
Oh Albus Potter.
I shut the book quickly and shoved it in my bag – I think I need to do a bit of thinking before dinner tonight.
Rose
I actually didn't know where Scorpius was going, but I had a feeling about the Library.
Naturally I headed for the back area, where I normally study, and where the books on more advanced magic were shelved.
"Well hello Miss Weasley."
"Scorpius!" I squawked, turning around and almost whacking him in the face.
"Shhhh," he said, clearly amused. He squeezed my hands in a comforting way, before releasing them straight away - remebering we were in public.
"Uh, Rose." He said really loudly, as I raised my eyebrows.
"Yes Scorpius?"
A coulpe of Third Years glanced at us from across the room.
"I need you're help getting a book from the restricted section." He pointed so obviously it as comical. I nodded cottoning on. "You're very clever so you should be able to find it." He said very clearly as if adressing a toddler.
"Oh yes, Scorpius. I'm sure you're incapable." A Fifth Year snorted. "I suppose I could help you find it."
He smiled and I followed him into the restricted section, closing the door behind me carefully.
When I turned around, strong arms pushed me up against the nearest bookshelf - entirely out of sight from the rest of the library.
"You didn't have to make me sound so . . . useless."
"You didn't have to talk to me like I was two."
He tilted his head considering it, before leaning in and planting his lips upon mine. The effect was just a good as I remembered, fireworks and pure passion. I would never get bored of this.
He pushed himself even closer to me, causing a few books to knock onto the floor as I smiled slightly.
"Uh-e-excuse me?"
I attempted to push away from Scorpius - someone had seen us, but all I managed to do was to topple onto the floor - Scorpius ontop of me.
He rolled off and I finally saw who interrupted us.
"I-I'm sorry," he began nervously, "Its just Madam Pince let me in. You see I'm only a First Year - but I'm doing Second Year Potions."
Both Scorpius and I nodded, as I tried to tidy up my hair, and he adjusted his tie.
"Whats your name sweetie?" I asked, batting my eyelashes.
This could not get out. I avoided Scorpius's eye. We did look quite . . . interesting sprawled out on the floor.
"It's William."
I smiled and nodded. "Yes I know who you are, Gryffindor right?" I said looking at his tie.
He beamed at me.
"Well William, can you keep a secret?"
He nodded still smiling. I looked at Scorpius, and whispered loudly to William.
"Well, the truth is, this is a Charms experiment, but we're not supposed to start till next term. So I'd appreciate it if you didn't spread it around that we've started already. Other Sudents might t hink we're cheating!"
He nodded vigourously, and I saw Scorpius look away - shaking in silent laughter.
"I got it." He said, heading for the door. "But next time, maybe you should do you're experiments a little quieter."
I took one look at Scorpius and we burst into an uncontrollable fit of laughter.
Later on that Evening
Josh
Because of that big celebration/Ball we had last night, it's just a small feast tonight. Which is fine with me. But, all my friends – except Rose, seem to have gone mental.
Josie and Bailey are okay I guess, I just sense that there's something weird going on between them. As in awkward silences and not talking to anyone. Awkward . . .
Caitlin ditched dinner to go and read 'some book' she said, but I know she'll be back later. Likes food too much…
Mariah's decided to, well, ignore me I guess, I mean we aren't actually that close so I don't mind that much and so has Lisa (they're so tight they do that you see) and that means I'm pretty much a loner – except for Rose. Who is currently looking at her plate expectantly.
"Where've you been all day Rose?" I asked bored.
"Oh a-nowhere." She said looking down.
I ignored the curiosity I felt at this statement and I stood up slowly.
"What are you doing?" She asked frowning, "feast hasn't started yet." She gestured to her still empty plate.
"Come on." I say gripping her upper arm and pulling her up. "We're going."
"I – what? No Josh! I need my food." She said seriously as I finally dragged her away from the bench.
"Relax. We're still going to eat – we're just eating at a different table." I said steering her towards the other side of the hall.
We were getting a few strange looks – but I don't really care, at all.
We passed the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw table and Rose tugged on my arm.
"Why are we heading for the Slytherin's?"
I shrugged as we approached Al and his mates, Zabini and Malfoy.
"Don't worry," I whisper, "You don't have to sit by Malfoy."
She smirked slightly at this comment and nodded swiftly.
We were behind Al, just as Malfoy spoke.
"Well, well, well, Thomas, Weasley", woah, major emphasis on Rose's name. And totally unnecessary! "To what to we humble Slytherin's owe this pleasure?" He asked sarcastically.
Al however grinned at the both of us. "Nothing like a bit of house unity at Christmas! Eh guys?" And he patted the seat next to him.
Rose
In a totally unexpected move, Josh has pulled me over to the Slytherin table. Not that I mind obviously – but his new friendship with Al is blossoming fast!
I watched as Al invited Josh to sit next to him – leaving me to sit between Dane Zabini and well, my boyfriend.
This ought to be fun.
I swiftly walked around the table (Scorpius and Dane were opposite Al and Josh), as Al quirked an eyebrow at me, and Josh pulled what looked like it was supposed to be an apologetic face.
"You're not planning on sitting next to me are you Weasel?" Asked Scorpius as I approached the space between him and Dane.
"Don't worry ferret-boy, I won't sit too close – besides," I lowered my voice to a whisper as I watched his lip twitch slightly, "everyone knows you smell bad."
Zabini laughed and Scorpius shot him a look – he managed to pass it off as a cough.
I sat down opposite two bewildered boys.
"But – I thought since the ball, you two had…cooled off?" Asked Josh.
"Some things never change." Said Scorpius smirking.
"Couldn't agree with you more Malfoy." I said, settling comfortably into the seat and resting my arm on the table.
"Ah!" I said suddenly – jumping out of my skin as Scorpius's hand rested on my thigh.
Quickly I tried to turn my face passably calm – but all the boys were frowning at me.
"Are you okay Rosie?" asked Al.
I nodded, my breath catching in my throat as Scorpius's finger twitched slightly. I'll get him later for this! I glanced at him quickly to see him looking completely indifferent, before catching my eye quickly.
That boy was going to be the end of me, I knew it.
But why did he have to be so . . . oh, I can't even explain it!
"What is it now Weasley? Some more of you're crazy antics? You really are a Physco – you know that?"
I smiled sarcastically, my heart still beating fast in my chest.
"And you really need to get yourself some breath mints, I can smell you're breath from here!"
His eyes were glittering and his grip tightened on my leg – causing me to shiver slightly, and Josh to frown at me.
But his hand remained in its position, thankfully.
Josh looked at Al and they both shrugged. I winked at Scorpius subtly as the others were distracted.
"Attention students." I averted my attention to the Staff table, McGonagall was addressing us.
"Before we begin the Christmas Feast – I have an announcement of sorts." I groaned and avoided Scorpius's eye – I'm just really hungry! But also distracted, as although I was wearing thick woollen tights I could feel the heat of Scorpius's palm on my leg.
"Due to a turn of events, it is my unfortunate duty to inform you all that Gryffindor did not in fact win the Quidditch Cup this year," I saw the majority of the Gryffindor table stand up in an angry haze of red. She held up her hands for silence, as I finally located Caitlin in the crowd. She must've just arrived, but she looked surprisingly calm. She must be about to blow . . . "There will be a re-match tomorrow, between Slytherin and Gryffindor houses." There was another uproar.
Students around us started talking. Scorpius removed his hand from my leg and started discussing the lack of training they had had in the last few weeks with Al, while a frown began to crease in my forehead, that was right – we'd had no training whatsoever!
"Silence!" Said McGonagall and the hall did indeed fall silent. "It is short notice, but to my own knowledge all members of both teams are currently at Hogwarts, and as Quidditch season ended only a few weeks ago, it seems that it is – ehm, 'now or never'."
"But why do we need a rematch?" Piped up a Gryffindor.
I thought everyone knew that Al had well…done what he did… He pretty much announced it at the party, but I guess people could've forgotten, or not taken him seriously…
I saw McGonagall and Al exchange a look – Al nodded.
So it had been his idea, this rematch.
"Mr Potter – captain of the Slytherin team," She added unnecessarily – Al was unmistakable, "Has admitted to – not playing truthfully, and thus affecting the result of the final game."
Wow. That took guts. I glanced up to Al – smiling at him as he hung his head slightly. I saw Josh looking at him reproachfully – perhaps their friendship was short-lived? Scorpius too was smiling at Al, but from what I could see the majority of the Hall was either in a state of shock or whispering hurriedly.
"Why did you cheat to make them win?" I heard someone call at Al.
"Yeah Potter, what's that all about?"
Al opened his mouth to reply. But McGonagall started to talk again.
"I would ask you all to refrain from blaming Mr Potter – or harassing him in any way, he will suffer the consequences of his actions."
I reached out and grabbed Al's hand – squeezing it affectionately.
"Let the feast begin."
I sighed in relief as the rest of the Hall seemed momentarily distracted.
I shot Al an encouraging look and he smiled briefly, before helping himself to some steak and kidney pie.
I sighed and looked at Scorpius.
He took me by surprise and leaned in to whisper something to me. I pulled back – until I saw that in fact no-one was paying any attention to us.
"Do I really smell?" He asked sounding concerned.
I burst out laughing, shaking my head madly. He too quirked a grin, Albus's head snapped up enthusiastically and he knocked his pumpkin juice over – unable to hold back his laughter as well.
Before we knew it the majority of the Slytherin table was laughing – sounds crazy I know, but it really eased the tension.
I glanced at Al. He was grinning ear to ear – discussing new tactics with Scorpius.
He was back.
Caitlin
"Goodnight Caitlin." Called Mariah.
"'night." I said pulling my curtains and reaching for the book I was going to read again, before bed.
I couldn't help but smile at the scrawly handwriting, and the bent pages.
A rematch tomorrow?
All I can say is, Slytherin: Bring it.
Clutching the book to my chest I rolled over.
I don't hate you Al.
I really don't.