A/N: I know it's been a while guys, but this chapter is extra super long, and juicy :) There is so much good stuff in this, I just felt awesome finishing it today. This has to be the longest thing I've written in my entire life, and it makes me so happy! I plan to continue it until graduation. So we're looking at roughly 20 chapters (25 chapters maximum). But there will be a sequel, I promise! I've already begun planning it. I had a plan for this one, but it changed so much that I had to redo it haha! This chapter was about 70% improvised, and that upsets me. But when I have good dreams about my stories, I like to include them! Particularly the Christmas dinner scene, and the Quidditch.
Anyways, thanks to all my lovely reviewers, you are what makes me continue :) Enjoy!
CHAPTER 16
The snow fell lightly all around the school as the first Quidditch match of the year loomed over the students. It was Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff, so Rose, Albus and Scorpius were spectators in this match, sitting amongst the other Ravenclaws. The Slytherins had decked themselves out in black, or on the rare occasion, yellow. But the Ravenclaws seemed very intermixed with the reds and yellows of support, being a very neutral house.
Allen McLaggen was first on the field, it seemed he was Captain of the Hufflepuff team now, as Rose had predicted. His team followed, several faces she recognized, while others were new to the team, considering the amount of seventh years they had had the year before. Faces that were familiar were fellow sixth years Isaac Collins and Kaleigh Barbary. And one of the beaters was a prefect, his name, she thought, was Walter, but he was announced simply as 'Randle'. 'Derwent', 'Hatton' and 'Wespurt' were the other members of the team.
Gryffindor soon followed. Rose waved at her family members. Originally it had been just Lily on the team, but her and the newest captain, Karen Roshan, convinced Dominique and Roxanne to try out, and they both secured spots on the team. As did 'Lennox', 'Preece', and last year's beater, Luke Hesledon.
Rose wore no team colors, although secretly she was rooting for Gryffindor. She cheered for both teams equally, but Albus would glare at her every time she cheered for a Hufflepuff goal. Isaac was a good keeper, but Lennox was clearly the better of the two, so for Hufflepuff to get a goal, it was a great deal. The score at this point was 70 to 20 in Gryffindor's favour.
The match was a long one, lasting nearly two hours until finally both seekers seemed to spot the snitch at the same time. Kaleigh and Brian, she learned was Preece's first name, seemed to be neck and neck, and either of them could catch it at this point.
It was a bludger hit with tremendous force that decided the fate of the game.
Kaleigh was no match for a bludger hit by Roxanne Weasley.
Gryffindor cheered as Brian circled the pitch, the snitch twitching in his outstretched hand, landing Gryffindor a win of 280 to 50.
Rose dragged Albus down to the pitch to congratulate their cousins on their win, Scorpius and Sarah followed behind.
They each hugged Lily, Dominique and Roxanne, and congratulated the rest of their team, before tying their scarves tighter and heading back up to the castle. It was nearly dinner time, and Rose, as usual, was complaining of her hunger.
"I mean, the least they could do is have a snack cart during the game. They can last days you know. What if the game went through dinner?"
Scorpius only rolled his eyes, while Albus agreed with her, only to shut her up.
They were some of the last to retreat into Hogwarts, as most didn't stay out in the cold much longer once the game had ended.
…
Sixth year was proving more difficult than the last. Rose spent much of her free time holed up in the Library, her nose glued into a book, furiously scripting notes onto parchment without taking a glance at it. Sometimes Albus, Sarah and/or Scorpius would join her, but she tended to stay until the very last second before curfew, and would be there an hour or so before breakfast. No one could match the grades she was receiving, but it was taking a toll on her body. Rose vowed after Christmas to knock a few hours off of the studying. She was already three months ahead in the homework anyways.
Albus was adamant on extra training. They finally had a replacement for Mandy. Elizabeth Morden, a fourth year, had to be one of the strongest girls he had ever seen, considering she was just shy of being fifteen years old. She got along great with the rest of the team, and he had to laugh when he realized how much of a crush Hugo had on the girl, and how oblivious to it both Elizabeth and Rose were. He'd keep this information to himself, for now.
Scorpius was finding the extra work in becoming an Unspeakable…unbearable. But he stuck through it. It turned out he wasn't the only one in his year interested. Both Lilah Derrick from Slytherin and Robert Finnigan from Gryffindor joined him several times in the extra lessons given by Professors Duke, Babbling, Corner and Binns. Each taught the necessary courses they would need for the Unspeakable program that would follow after seventh years.
Turns out, as they found, Sarah was interested in being a healer. She spent all of her extra time in either extra Potions lessons or hanging around Madam Pomfrey like the others who had the same idea for their future.
It was late November now. The Ravenclaw versus Slytherin game was fast approaching. They had just received the roster of this year's Slytherin team, and curious whom they would be up against, they quickly studied the list.
Rose felt her stomach plummet when she spotted William Dolohov's name on the list as a Beater. He must have been a new addition. Harold Snell the Keeper was captain this year, and it seemed he had wrangled himself a decent team for once. Tiny Peter Jugson as his Seeker, Eddie Baddock, Simon Ramkin and Roy Worple as chasers, and Henry Peterson was the other Beater. This would make for an interesting game.
The cold December morning bit into Rose's skin. She felt like large needles were stabbing into her flesh, and her mouth instantly dried from the cold.
"G-Guys h-how are w-we going to p-play in th-this?" Hugo asked through chattering teeth. His whole body was shaking through his shivers. "I w-won't be able t-to sit st-still on my b-broom with all of th-this sh-shivering!"
"Rose can use a few warming charms on you, that's all we can hope for," Scorpius tried hoping to calm him down.
Rose did as she was told, and he immediately began warming up. Sighing with the warmth finally re-entering his body, he stretched his stiff limbs. "Alright, I should be OK now. I'll be moving to keep warm anyways."
There was no snow, just the bitter wind and icy air that choked them once they exited the locker rooms. Warming charms had been placed over the stands so onlookers weren't uncomfortable. The Ravenclaw and Slytherin teams walked out onto the pitch, and it was obvious that the opposition had yet to think of using warming charms on themselves from the chattering coming from small Peter in the middle of the team.
Albus and Harold shook hands; Harold seeming to stare Albus down in what he thought was an intimidating sneer. But Albus only stared back stoically as if he barely noticed.
The teams mounted their brooms, the whistle was blown, and everyone took off.
Rose flew back and forth in front of the goals, frantically peering through the players to find the Quaffle, which she immediately locked her eyes on. Scorpius had it under his arm and was already racing to the Slytherin goal post.
Jacob and Lorcan were on his tail, Albus was zooming around the pitch already, trying to spot the snitch. Rose could see Hugo and Elizabeth each taking a swing at two Bludgers, aiming them both at the Slytherin keeper, Harold.
Both missed, unfortunately, but due to Harold's distraction, Scorpius slipped the Quaffle past him and Ravenclaw was up ten points. Rose grinned, giving a thumbs up to her teammates.
Jacob was desperately trying to get the Quaffle back from the scrawny fourth year chaser while Lorcan narrowly avoided another bludger. Rose continued to watch the game intently. Hours passed, and the game was completely one-sided, with Ravenclaw having seventy points, while Slytherin had none.
Rose laughed when she saw little Roy Worple the fourth year heading her way. He was so small, she was sure her teammate would have the Quaffle from him any second, and there was no way he would get it past her anyways.
She prepared herself for the obvious left goal he was taking as he faked right.
However, she was unprepared for the resounding crack into her side of a bludger as it tore into several of her ribs before speeding off.
Rose was even further unprepared for the second one hitting her square in the back, knocking her clear off of her broom, and sending her to the ground and total darkness, but not before she saw the smirking face of William Dolohov above her.
Both Albus and Scorpius stopped in mid-air as they saw their best friend plummet to the ground. Professor Wood managed to slow her decent and land her on a stretcher, but the seconds it took was enough distraction for Slytherin to get two goals. Without a Keeper they were doomed. This clearly had been Slytherin's plan from the beginning, as Rose was one of their star players.
"HUGO!" Albus cried, "TAKE KEEPER, WE ONLY NEED ONE BEATER RIGHT NOW!" His voice was somehow heard over the whistling winds. The younger Weasley nodded before zooming to his older sister's position that she had occupied only moments before. Scorpius had seen Hugo keep. He was decent, but wouldn't make a team solely on his keeper skills.
'WITH ROSE WEASLEY OUT OF THE GAME, CAPTAIN ALBUS POTTER INSTATES HER YOUNGER BROTHER, AND BEATER, HUGO WEASLEY AS KEEPER. WILL HE BE ABLE TO SAVE RAVENCLAW FROM A DEVASTATING LOSS?' The commentator's voice was heard by all above the whistling winds.
Hugo blanched at the pressure now on his shoulders, and unfortunately this seemed to take a toll on the younger Weasley.
An hour later found the game tied at one hundred and fifty. Being down a beater and good keeper was rough. But they managed. Albus was desperately searching out the snitch.
Thankfully it decided to show its wings minutes later, and Albus sighed with relief as his fingers clasped the metal ball into his fist.
The game had lasted nearly four hours. The crowd was exhausted, but not as tired as the team. Scorpius and Albus showered and changed as fast as possible, congratulated their teammates on a good win, and then hurried up to see Rose.
She was lying on a bed, her eyes closed and breathing deep.
"Don't worry boys; she'll be as good as new in a day or two. Honestly that girl has no luck; I should just reserve a bed in here for her." Madam Pomfrey shook her head, but a small smile was on her face nonetheless.
…
Christmas was fast approaching, and the train was leaving for the holidays the following morning. Rose had been released from the hospital wing a few days before, and she looked better than ever. She told the boys how it had been William to hit the Bludgers at her, attacking her from behind, catching her off guard as Worple had been about to score.
They wanted to take him down a few pegs, but Rose denied them the opportunity, forcing them to study with her and Sarah in the library for the rest of the night, no matter their complaints and protests.
They also had been allowed to begin Apparition training early as their twelve-week classes would begin after Christmas. Scorpius and Rose would be able to take the test, Albus, like his father, would have to wait until the summer term test.
They had a dodgy little man from the Ministry teaching them the importance of the Three D's (Honestly, we get it! One must be completely determined to reach one's destination, and move without haste, but with deliberation. He doesn't have to repeat it every ten seconds!). According to Rose's parents and Uncle Harry, the instructor's father had been just as adamant in their lessons years before. Her father also added a note to the letter, inserting some appropriate insults along the lines of dog-breath and dung-head; just some suggestions from his term.
Finally the holiday came. The train ride home had been long, yet uneventful. Scorpius was spending another Christmas with the Weasley/Potter/Lupin families, but this time staying with Albus. Sarah was, regretfully, staying with her father's family for the holiday.
Rose's parents still didn't know about her and Scorpius. Then again, there hadn't really been given any signs. They avoided any and all displays of affection except hugs, and they included Albus and Sarah in everything they did together. Hugo and Lily were growing suspicious, and Dominique had been dropping hints, but that was it as far as Rose could tell.
She hoped she could tell her family at the New Year's party, which Scorpius had promised to spend with his parents. That way he was out of harm's way, and she could easily escape to the Potter's home for the final two days of holidays if need be.
Rose sat in her bedroom, huddled in the corner of her bed with a blanket wrapped around her. Dinner wasn't for another half an hour, and Rose was enjoying a very good book.
A loud whoosh was heard downstairs, and Rose assumed someone had just Flooed to the house. Probably Aunt Ginny or Uncle Harry, heck, it could have been Albus and Scorpius for all she knew.
What she didn't expect was a sobbing Dominique to enter her room only seconds later and for her to collapse onto the bed beside her.
Rose had never seen Dominique cry. She was one of the strongest in the family besides Roxanne, who could be a real hard ball sometimes and could give her uncle Charlie a run for his money.
"Dom? Dom what's wrong?" Rose pulled her cousin into her arms and brushed the blonde hair from her face. Dominique was only a few months younger than Rose, but she had never come to Rose for advice at any point in time.
"R-Rose. I-I've d-done s-s-s-something awful. She's g-going to ha-hate me!" Dominique was wailing into Rose's arms.
"Dom, it can't be that bad. What did you do? Who's going to hate you?"
"V-Vicky, she'll n-never sp-speak to me ag-g-ain!" Rose cringed as her cousin blew her nose in her bedspread.
"Dom, I don't understand. What happened? Start from the beginning."
Dominique sat up, trying to calm her sobs, but only managed in subsiding them a little. "I have done the w-worst thing a sister c-could possibly ever d-do." Wiping her eyes, she sat up a little straighter, as if trying to gain the confidence to speak. "I – I – Rose I c-can't tell you."
Tears leaked from her eyes, and her face twisted in agony.
"Tell me Dom, I won't tell a soul, I swear. Witch's honour!" Rose crossed her fingers over her heart in a salute.
"Al-alright," Dominique took a deep breath, "I sl-slept with T-Teddy."
Rose blinked at her cousin. She was in shock, Dominique, her slightly younger cousin, had slept with Teddy? As in her pseudo-cousin? As in the boy who was eight years older than them, and had married Victoire only this past summer? Rose didn't understand.
"What?"
"You heard me. I sl-slept with Teddy. Granted, I'm p-pretty sure he doesn't even remember it, as it occurred a w-week before he married my di-dimwitted sister, and he was so d-drunk he couldn't even spell his own name on the sig-signature for the hotel room. But he had just had a huge f-fight with Vick and he didn't want to g-go home drunk."
"Dom, are you serious?"
"Yes Rose, I'm p-pretty sure I'm serious that I lost my vi-virginity to my older sister's fiancé the w-week before their wedding. And the idiotic bloke doesn't even r-remember anything about it. I'm just s-so thankful I never got pregnant. That w-would be horrible."
"And this isn't? Dom. Vicky doesn't know. She's your sister and you slept with her fiancé, now husband! You have to tell her. Vick's the forgiving kind; she'll understand that you guys were drunk – "
"I wasn't that drunk."
" – and that it was a mistake. Wait, what do you mean you weren't that drunk?"
"I mean I had had a total of one d-drink, and I was p-pretty much sober by the time we got to t-that hotel r-room."
"Dom, how could you? Your sister…"
"Rose, I know. I'm a horrible p-person. I'm a stupid sodding idiot! But I'd had a crush on him for years, I'm sur-surprised no one even noticed. I guess everyone was too focused on him and V-Vick to even notice me pining in the b-background. But anyways, he started kissing me once we reached the door, p-probably thought he was home and I was Vick, because next thing I knew, we were both in b-bed together, and he was moaning my sister's name. That's right, b-bloke couldn't even get the person he was sleeping with's n-name right. I had never been so upset in my life. I let him f-finish, and then I left after he fell asleep."
"Oh Dom, I wish I had any sort of advice. But the only thing I can think of is talk to Teddy first. He has to know if he doesn't already. Then you both have to talk to Victoire. And don't you dare let him control the conversation. It's your confession, not his. Vick will forgive him in the long-run, but sister's need to forgive each other first, and if she hears Teddy's side of the story first, well she may take a while to forgive you."
Dominique suddenly reached her arms around Rose and hugged her tightly. "Thanks Rose, I really n-needed you to set me straight. But I think I will at least wait until after Christmas, no n-need to ruin the holiday. And besides, I'll be back to school right after, so less awkwardness." She wiped the tears from her eyes and stood up.
"Oh, and Rose? Your mother said dinner was ready so you better get you and your brother downstairs."
Rose nodded, and gave her cousin one last reassuring hug before ushering her out the door and hunting down her brother in his bedroom.
Dinner was a quick affair, considering her father and brother could eat Rose and her mother under the table, regardless of the food type. Even Hermione's spicy chilli was no match for the Weasley boys as it was scarfed down, followed by seconds and thirds.
…
Christmas was spent at the Burrow once more; all of the family was to be there. Uncle Charlie had said he was bringing a surprise, and Rose was excited. Maybe her immature middle-aged uncle had finally found a girlfriend.
Rose and her Uncle Charlie spoke occasionally through the old compact mirror he had given her. She had kept it after their stay in Romania with him, and even though the trip had ended early, due to the arrival of Scorpius' grandfather, Rose had loved the country. Her, Albus and Scorpius were planning another trip there soon, perhaps as a graduation trip, but planned to invite Sarah this time.
Currently Rose, Albus and Scorpius were lounging in the second living room, where all of the Hogwarts-aged kids hung out. Lily and Hugo were talking furiously in a corner, Dominique and Roxanne were playing exploding snap in the center of the floor, Roxanne clearly winning from the amount of groans coming out of Dominique it was obvious. Lorcan and Lysander were trading chocolate frog cards with Louis, his now-prominent French accent was noticeable as the three argued over their trades, while Alice read in a chair by the fire place. The odd one out in the group was Thomas, who sat in the other chair by the fire, just staring at the logs.
Thomas, it seemed, fit in well with the Slytherins. Alice didn't mind, but his older brother Frank teased him a lot apparently, sending letters all term about what a disgrace he had turned out to be. According to some of the Slytherins, he now burned the letters without even opening them.
Rose, Albus and Scorpius occupied the only couch in the room. Albus and Scorpius were discussing Quidditch while Rose, like Alice, was reading. It was good to escape in a book once in a while, especially at a "Weasley" clan gathering.
Teddy and Victoire came in the room then, and Rose wasn't surprised to see Dominique tense, make an excuse and then leave. Rose wondered how Dominique planned to talk with them once New Years passed. She hoped she would follow her advice, and talk to Teddy first.
Then came a loud yell, announcing dinner was ready. Rose was upset; she had yet to see Uncle Charlie show up.
After sitting to the table, the sound of the front door opening could be heard. Molly Weasley the elder went to check on whom their last minute arrival was, and no one was surprised when there was a cry of "Charlie, my boy!"
There was surprise after the statement that followed, "Oh, and you've brought a girl. Wait…I know you!" A high pitched squeal followed, "Oh, dear, let me take your coats. Go on in now, everyone's waiting! Charlie, introduce her will you?"
Rose sat on the edge of her seat. Uncle Charlie was perhaps her favourite uncle, and he finally found a girlfriend for himself. It was so exciting! She wished he had told her sooner though, he hadn't mentioned her once.
It seemed Rose wasn't the only one excited, each person's eyes were glued to the entrance, waiting for the arrival of the mystery girl.
Charlie entered first, and then behind him strode in a girl with short blonde hair. Rose thought she was familiar, but she couldn't put a name to the girl. Uncle George perked up, a big smile on his face.
"Well go on then!" James prodded his uncle.
It was then that Charlie Weasley blushed.
"Hello everyone, this is my girlfriend, Verity Ridgebit. Some of you might…er…remember her."
"Verity!" George practically yelled after the introduction, standing up to give her a hug.
"Hi George," Verity said, a little shyer than Charlie was with the hello's, "Long time, no see."
"Well yes! It's been, what, ten years now?" George smiled down at the shorter girl.
A very audible cough was given by James, a clear sign that he wanted a better explanation.
Verity blushed, but George smiled. "Before the war, Verity worked in the shop. She was the first shop assistant we had. When the war came, we feared we wouldn't see her again, as she had to go into hiding. However, when the war was over, she came right back to work as if nothing had happened. Best assistant we ever had!"
"HEY!" Fred cried from the other end of the table.
"Oh hush Fred, you're my son. It doesn't count."
"Anyways, she worked with us for many years, even taking over when I took paternity leave for little Roxanne over here," he ruffled his grumbling daughter's hair. But when I came back, she just up and quit. Now why'd you do that?"
All eyes turned back to Verity.
"My dad needed me back home."
"Which is where?" probed James.
Uncle George glared at him.
"My dad is the current owner and supervisor of the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary. My grandfather, Harvey Ridgebit, established the area, but my dad runs it now. He needed help, so I offered."
"And that's where I found her," Charlie said, a big grin sliding onto his face.
A series of 'aww's went around the table as all the females looked on in romantic dreamy gazes. The guys however just sat there, the story not affecting them as much. Most were still in shock that Charlie had brought home a girl.
"Sit down! Sit down!" Molly Weasley burst into the room, shuffling everyone to their seats. Coincidently, Charlie and Verity were between Teddy and Victoire, and Bill and Fleur, directly across from Rose, Albus and Scorpius.
Dinner, like at Rose's house, was loud and raucous. Scorpius was finally getting used to the loud obnoxious family, and was quite enjoying himself. Verity was quite the joke teller, and had the three of them in stitches, plus surrounding family. Rose loved the way Charlie couldn't keep his eyes off of Verity the whole meal. She found it quite adorable, and was proud of her uncle.
Charlie, at least, wasn't the only one who had brought someone new along with him. Aunt Fleur's younger sister Gabrielle had a handsome French man on her arm, and cousin Lucy was sat beside a timid boy who had yet to speak the whole meal. He seemed to be taking everything in slowly, analysing every detail of every member of the family.
Another surprise guest was Mandy Carmichael, who was seated beside James, berating him for taunting Charlie on his new girlfriend.
Rose hadn't known Mandy had ever liked her cousin. She knew they were bitter rivals when it came to Quidditch, but honestly, Rose thought Mandy had liked Justin Flint. But she must have gotten over that crush, because at that moment, Ginny Potter was scolding her son for "public displays of affection", better known as snogging at the dinner table.
Albus only laughed at his older brother. He had known about James' crush, but had never thought his brother would act on it.
Grandpa Weasley carved the roast turkeys, there were six to feed the whole of the family. Other meal essentials were passed around, and eventually Rose was so full, she thought she would burst.
All heads turned when there was a tinkling sound, caused by a fork on a wine glass. Victoire smiled as she put the glass and fork down, and pulled Teddy up by his arm into a standing position.
Rose looked down at Dominique, who had paled.
"Everyone, we have an announcement to make!" Teddy said with excitement. Everyone looked at him expectantly. "Looks like there will be need for another chair at the Weasley table next year!"
"I'm pregnant!" Victoire beamed.
The table burst with congratulations, Rose watched with sadness though as Dominique hugged her sister, but completely blew off Teddy before leaving the room. Rose waited a few minutes before following.
Scorpius gazed after her in confusion, but Albus shook his head, signalling to leave the girls alone to their troubles.
After dinner, the family and guests mingled around the house, or headed up to bed. Anyone who was fourth year or below was banished to their bedrooms, leaving all of the older children to do what they wanted for the rest of the evening. Lily and Hugo complained as both were dragged upstairs, not wanting to go to bed just yet. Alice sat bouncing in a chair. This was the first year she was allowed to stay up later, and she reminded Lily and Hugo of the fact that this is their last year going to bed early.
Rose had sat out in the yard with Dominique for over an hour now as she cried into her arms.
"H-how am I sup-supposed to tell them now? It will ruin everything, and they'll hate me for not only telling the secret b-but for ruining their f-family!"
Twice this week Dominique had cried. Considering Rose had never seen her cry before, this was a big deal.
"You still love him, don't you?"
Dominique stared with shock at Rose, before wailing about how she was still in love with him, and now the last of her hopes had been tread on and thrown over a cliff.
Dominique may not cry, but she was well-known for being a drama queen.
"Look Dominique. We're Weasleys. Remember what Grams used to always say? S'long as our family is behind us, we can take on anything. It doesn't matter if some will hate you for what you've done. You have me, I promise. And if you have me, I can assure you Albus and Lily will back me up, as well as Hugo and James. That's a fair chunk of us right there. We're with you through thick and thin, I promise!"
"You mean it?" her voice was small, like a child's filled with hope.
"Of course Dom. We may not be the closest in the family, but you're family and that is all that matters. If you need me to kick Teddy in the nether regions for you, I can."
"Why are we kicking Teddy in the crotch?" Dom shrieked as Albus spoke from behind them.
"Albus! Don't sneak up on people! It's rude," Rose glared at her cousin.
"Seriously, what did Teddy do now?"
Rose looked at Dominique, hopefully giving her the confidence she needed. She needed to be able to tell others her side to the story, and it would have to start with Albus.
"I slept with Teddy," Dominique said with confidence, but the pain was evident in her voice. Albus stared at her in shock as she began to retell the story of what had happened the previous summer, every detail. When she had finished, Albus enveloped her in a hug.
Albus and Dominique had never been close; in fact, they barely spoke to each other. But she was still family, and that's what counted. "Don't worry Dom. It was still a very wrong thing to do, but Grams would say 'You've got your head straight, now just deal with the consequences.' I should know, it's what she said to me after she realized I had yet to tell my parents about my relationship with Sarah."
"You never told your parents?" Rose furrowed her brows, why would Albus keep that a secret.
"Like you can talk," Albus hissed back.
Dominique seemed to finally clue in, "Ah, so you and Scorpius are in a relationship!" she squealed. Rose tried to deny it, but her protests fell on empty ears. "How have you managed to keep that a secret for so long? I mean, if it were me, I would have dished about it to anyone who would listen!"
Rose looked at her cousin in confusion.
"Rose, please. You haven't noticed how many of the girls our age have crushes on him? Heck some even have plans to try to steal him from you!"
"But they don't know we are in a relationship. How could they plan to steal him from me?"
"Please, if they didn't know you were in a relationship, it was only obvious that something was going on between you, whether you were fuck-buddies, or just trying to hide something."
Rose scrunched her nose. The idea of sex was appealing, but she was definitely not ready for any of that any time soon. She would rather wait until after marriage if at all possible. Connie was right, she was a prude.
"Fine, we are in a relationship. Happy?"
"Yes I am!" this time it was Rose's turn to shriek as two arms snaked around her waist. Scorpius kissed her cheek lightly before sitting beside her.
Dominique grinned.
"Well now that that is out of the way, I'm going inside, probably to bed. Good night," Dominique sighed before yawning. Then she stood up and headed inside.
"Way to scare the pants off me Scorpius," Rose grumbled, but leaned against him. It had gotten a bit chilly out, and he was warm. She pulled Albus close to her other side so she was surrounded by two warm bodies. Sighing with content, she felt herself slowly drifting off to sleep, the scent of a completed turkey dinner still wafting out of the house behind them lulling her into a dream.
Scorpius woke her a few minutes later, complaining of the cold and wanting to go back inside, so the three picked themselves up and headed back into the Burrow.
Rose settled herself down by her Uncle Charlie in the old sitting room. They were the only two in their at this point. The fireplace crackled comfortingly, and Rose smiled with content.
"So when did you plan to tell me about Verity?" Rose asked, jealousy obvious in her voice, as well as hurt.
"Honestly Rosie, I was so afraid of getting anyone's approval, that it slipped my mind that you would be hurt by me not telling you first. I'm so sorry," he squeezed her shoulders lightly. "I also didn't even think she was going to come, and I didn't want to embarrass myself if she didn't show."
"It's OK Uncle Charlie, I forgive you," Rose smiled and hugged him back. "Now come on, I want all of the nitty gritty details!"
Charlie only rolled his eyes at his niece. This was typical curious Rose, and he knew if he didn't tell her, she would go to Verity herself.
"Well I first met her when she worked in the shop for George and Fred…"
...
Rose woke in her bed the next morning; unsure of how she had gotten there. She was still at the Burrow, as most had stayed the night.
Looking down, she was surprised to see herself in pyjamas as well. Shrugging her shoulders, she got up quietly, so as not to disturb the sleeping Dominique in the next bed over. Grabbing her clean clothes, hairbrush, and toothbrush, she made her way to the bathroom down the hall. Luckily, it was unoccupied.
One hot shower later found Rose eating breakfast with several other member of her family. Boxing Day was usually a quiet affair, where most family members would pack up and head home, the irony evident in the name of the holiday. The United Kingdom did not celebrate Boxing Day as a Bank Holiday, but the majority of the Wizarding World did, so the Weasley family happily stayed home on their paid extra holiday, although some were on call so they kept their shoes and cloaks near them in case.
There wasn't much of the family left; one by one they took their turns to either head home or elsewhere.
James and Mandy left early in the morning as Mandy had to return to Quidditch practice, the Scamanders were gone, as were the Longbottoms. Teddy and Victoire had left to celebrate their big news. Charlie and Verity had left to take their Portkey back to Romania. Aunt Angelina unfortunately was called back to work as an Unspeakable, so Uncle George took Roxanne home and sent Fred to clean their store. Uncle Percy had to return to his work with the Minister, so Aunt Audrey returned home with Molly and Lucy. Lucy's new boyfriend hadn't stayed the night, and Auntie Gabrielle and her beau left early this morning to return to France.
This left Albus and the rest of his family plus Scorpius, what was left of Dominique's family, and Rose's family.
Albus was scarfing down several eggs, while Lily scoffed at her older brother's piggish appetite. Scorpius only laughed, while Hugo mocked his older cousin by pointing out the yolk that had dripped down the side of his chin and onto his new shirt. Dominique only rolled her eyes while Louis just snickered behind his glass of orange juice.
Rose had always loved her younger cousin Louis. He was probably the simplest of their cousins, not being very extravagant or 'out there', he managed to keep to himself. Students were surprised when he spoke, considering he rarely did, and his mother's heritage was clearly evident in him as he spoke with a rich French accent, which neither Victoire nor Dominique had managed to pick up.
The fourteen year old had a light strawberry blonde hair that was an obvious combination of his mother's blonde and his father's Weasley red, and his tall lanky body replicated his father's and uncles' to near perfection.
Rose never understood why he had been sorted into Gryffindor. His personality was clearly that of a Hufflepuff, but Rose simply pushed that thought away. The Sorting Hat must have found some confidence in the boy to back up his decision.
Placing her dishes in the sink, she cleared up what was left of her breakfast and then headed upstairs to get dressed and clean herself up. She narrowly avoided Aunt Ginny and Uncle Harry's snog fest in the stairway, whistling at them suggestively as she briskly slipped past. Aunt Ginny only winked in response while Uncle Harry's cheeks tinged pink.
"Bit early for a snog, eh?" Rose grinned as she strode further down the hall back to the newest wing where her room was that she had shared with Dominique. Rose grabbed a sweater, her jacket, a hat and some gloves, planning to go on a walk through the garden. For winter, it was surprisingly a nice day outside, just chilly.
…
Rose tied a gold ribbon into her auburn curls to match the gold shiny dress she was wearing with her black stockings. Uncle Harry's New Years party began in fifteen minutes and she still wasn't waiting. Her parents waited anxiously downstairs for both her and Hugo to finish getting ready. Hugo was just being lazy, but Rose was being picky. Scorpius was planning to spend the night with his parents, but not for another hour, so she would hopefully see him before he left.
She needed a boost of confidence if she planned to go through with telling her parents about her relationship with Scorpius. It amazed her how she had been able to keep it a secret for so long, but then again, they didn't have a normal relationship anyways. Rose thought it was great how they didn't desperately need to be touching and feeling each other all of the time, and how they could easily sit in comfortable silence without the need to snog each other. In fact, they had only had one alone moment all of the holiday so far.
Finally Rose grabbed her black boots and a light jacket and met her parents downstairs. Hugo followed quickly behind, and a minute later they Flooed to the Potter's house.
Upon exiting the fireplace, Rose planned to immediately search out Scorpius and Albus. However, when she entered the home, having been the first of her family to go through the Floo, she found the house in disarray. Shouts were coming from every room, and a red jet of light skirted past her, singeing the tip of her nose. Rose immediately went into panic mode, and when her brother entered through the Floo, she pushed him back through, shouting about the situation to her parents. Fearing for her family, she transfigured the fireplace into a doll house, so they could not re-enter the home without Apparating to the end of the lane and walking in themselves, ensuring they would leave Hugo behind.
Rose dodged another jet of light, followed by another. Men and women in dark cloaks were firing spells at her family left, right and center. She could see several bodies on the floor, and she could feel worry set in. For now, she didn't know what to do. Uncle Harry was beside his wife, their three children behind them backed into a corner, but well defending themselves. Rose thought it best to aid them.
The four cloaked figures caught on quick that another witch had entered their fight, and immediately two turned to her, intending to finish her off. The taller one seemed to hesitate with surprise. Rose assumed he hadn't expected someone like her to be interrupting, a young, vulnerable witch that technically was not even allowed to use magic outside of Hogwarts for another month.
Rose held her own though, and immediately fired a stunning spell at his shocked face. His body stumbled, but he was strong and was barely affected. This threw Rose off slightly, but she countered with a body-bind, and sent the same spell at his partner, both fell over, stiff as boards.
When Rose turned, Uncle Harry had the other two bound and gagged.
"Albus, where's Scorpius?" Rose cried.
"He had to leave early, he sends his apologies. Unfortunately, it seems he's missed the fun!" Albus rushed to her side, Lily not far behind. James stood in a stupor of sorts. "James you dolt, go find Mandy!" He seemed to wake up then, and sped off towards the kitchen.
"Rose, where are your parents?" Uncle Harry asked.
"I was first to come through the Floo. When I saw what was going on, I pushed Hugo back through and warned my parents. I had to transfigure your fireplace into a doll house to prevent Hugo from coming back."
"I'm going to Apparate the younger kids to your home Rose. Lily, come with me, we need to find the others!" Aunt Ginny grabbed Lily's hand and dragged her away.
"What's happened Uncle?" Rose questioned Harry.
"Honestly I've no idea. One moment Grandmum Molly was telling a delightful story about Fred and George, Verity and their shop, the next we were under attack. There is only one possible means of entry into a home with this many protection spells, and I'm assuming you've already figured that much out, eh Rosie?"
"House-elves."
"Correct! Your parents seemed to have arrived, I would advise you to fill them in, and then either leave with the other kids, or help. Many have moved their fight into the garden. The rest are in the ball room!"
Uncle Harry ran off, and Rose dragged Albus to the door where Hermione and Ron had just rushed in. She quickly explained to them the situation.
"Go home Rosie, I'm not permitting you to fight!"
"I turn 17 next month dad, I'm staying!"
"Ronald, she's nearly 17, she's right. Darling be careful, OK?" Hermione hugged her daughter. "Remember, there's always Protego if you run out of spells!" Hermione knew her daughter would never run out of spells though.
Rose grabbed Albus' arm and dragged him to the Garden where the largest part of the battle seemed to be. Rose saw Aunt Ginny and Lily rounding up the younger kids; Louis, Roxanne, Lorcan, Lysander and Thomas. Quickly she dragged them past the perimeter where they all disappeared with an resounding crack. Rose sighed with relief.
Suddenly a blast of hot air knocked the pair off of their feet, sending them flying into the outside wall of the house. The impact knocked the wind out of them, and it took them a moment to recover. Albus was on his feet before Rose, and immediately sent a counter curse but missed.
He helped Rose to her feet quickly, and they dashed off towards Fred and Lucy, who were in a tangle with two hooded figures and a third, whose hood had come off, revealing a nasty looking mask. With two more helping, they easily finished off their three opponents.
Rose looked at Fred, his nose was bleeding and his shoulder looked like it was out of place.
"I can fix it!" Rose said, she pointed her wand at his nose and hissed Episkey. There was a crack, and Fred cried out in pain, but it had settled and healed. She quickly siphoned off the blood to clean him up. "Now the shoulder," Fred hesitated, but allowed her to grasp his upper arm and collar bone. "Three…two…one…" she grunted as she forced his bone back into place. Fred only groaned in response, but eventually his pain settled. He nodded at Rose, before grabbing Lucy's arm and running back inside.
A force slammed into Rose, and she felt herself fly across the lawn and into the fence. The wood snapped under the pressure, and she rolled for several meters before coming to a stop at the bottom of a hill.
"ROSE!" someone cried her name in the distance, but her body felt weak, and she couldn't even move her right arm.
Albus watched in horror as his cousin flew across his yard and into the next property, down over the hill. He called to his cousin, but moments later that same force attacked him. Luckily he only moved a meter or two from where he had been standing and had managed to stay upright.
The hooded culprit was advancing on him, and Albus searched desperately for his wand. Seconds later there was a snap, and Albus watched in horror as the man picked up his now broken wand.
"Oops," the man sneered before pointing his wand at Albus. Albus braced himself, but nothing came. Suddenly he fell forward, stiff as a board onto his face. Albus swivelled his head around, only to see James brandishing his wand in his direction a few feet away.
"Thanks," Albus said with disdain. He loved his brother, but now James would taunt him about how he saved his life and all.
Albus felt useless. He was now unarmed, and alone. He picked up his broken wand, and felt his eyes glisten as he felt the unicorn hair which was keeping the two halves together. His father was going to kill him.
Albus bent down and swiped the man's wand from his frozen hand. He needed something to defend himself. But first he had to check on Rose. Rushing over the hill, he advanced on the collapsed body of his cousin.
He prayed she wasn't dead, as Rose remained unmoving, and the scene felt altogether too familiar to him. Rolling her over, he let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. She was staring up at the sky and breathing hard.
"Al-Albus. I think I broke my right arm. And some ribs." Coughing, she tried to sit up, but winced as she moved herself.
"Here, I'll carry you."
Quidditch, luckily, had given him a bit more strength, and carrying Rose was no issue.
Turning back towards their house, he hoisted Rose a little higher in his arms, but nearly dropped her as he saw ten to fifteen cloaked figures advancing down the small hill towards them. With Rose barely able to move let alone defend herself, and Albus having someone else's wand, they may as well have been sitting ducks.
A/N: So? Like it? Love it? Let me know :)