Chapter 2...In Which We Find Ourselves in a Very Damp Situation That is Rather Sticky Too and Al Does A Lot of Laughing (Which Is Very Annoying)

(1st September, 2027)

"It feels weird not being on the Hogwarts Express doesn't it?" I asked Rose and Al. Al had an arm thrown over his face and was flat on his back, sunbathing. Rose was lying on her stomach flicking through my journal still.

"You say that every year, Scorp." Al said, without removing his arm.

"But it is weird, I mean - Look - " I checked my wristwatch. "It left five minutes ago and you don't even care."

Rose rolled over and looked at me. "But we haven't been at Hogwarts for two years now and you're going to have to get used to it sometime."

"I know, I know. I guess I just really miss it."

She reached over and grabbed my hand. "Me too, but we still see everyone regularly and we've all got amazing jobs and today off and it is sunny." She beamed at me and I gazed down at her beautiful face, smiling.

"Listen to Rose, mate." Al advised from under his arm. "You know how smart she is."

Rose looked pleased, but a little embarrassed and instead of replying, reached for the journal. She hummed contentedly as she flicked through it then let out a peel of laughter.

"Oh Al! Listen to this."

I let my head flop onto my arms with a sigh.

(16th April, 2019)

I saw Rose soaking wet again today, on the way down to breakfast on the last day of the Easter holidays.

"-and so I told Luke that if he didn't remove his head from his arse before talking to me I was going to rip up that dumb poster of his, you know the one, with all those crazy guys in shorts kicking around a quaffle-"

"It's not a quaffle, it's a football." Luke said patiently, for at least the thousandth time. "And I've put a charm on it so you can't touch it Finnegan your hand will shrivel up and a large quantity of hair will sprout from each nostril."

Sean scowled and aimed a kick at Luke who dodged out of the way easily.

"Too slow, leprechaun." Luke jeered.

"Shut your mouth you babbling buffoon." Retorted Sean, pretending to punch Luke.

"Babbling buffoon, try saying that five times fast." I whispered to Al who grinned.

('Scorp, get to the interesting bit.' 'Sorry, Rose - just setting the scene')

"When you two have stopped behaving like a bunch of blithering idiots you'll see who's just arrived." Al said loudly, over the two bickering voices. Luke and Sean stopped arguing immediately and looked where Al was pointing. I looked too and let my mouth fall open.

Rose was walking down the last of the stairs with two of her friends who were laughing.

"Well, looky here." Sean turned to me and I hastily shut my mouth. Too late as usual, it occurred to me that my friends only seemed to get on well when ragging on me about Rose. Sean cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled, before I could stop him: "Hey! Rosie, come over here!"

She looked up and waved, before making her way over to us, friends in tow.

"Hey Sean, what's up?"

"The ceiling." He replied drolly and she laughed.

"Get a new line, that one's dead." Lisa declared punching her brother on the arm. He winced and rubbed the spot, pouting at his twin sister.

(Lisa and Sean always were violent - happy days. Happy days)

We stood for a time, laughing together, til eventually Al (as the most sensible of us all, yes Al - I did just call you sensible, don't die of shock or anything) suggested that we actually go into the Great Hall before all the food was gone.

We'd barely walked five steps towards the huge doors though when I heard a shriek and a splash. I spun on my heel and tried not to overbalance as I saw Peeves zooming away, cackling with mad laughter. Rose was stood in a puddle of water, entirely drenched from the water bombs Peeves had just dropped on her head.

I headed back towards her, trying not meet her eyes as when I did, I invariably ended up with my mouth hanging open. Also, I usually could only manage to say 'Argh' which isn't exactly the image I was going for. Anyway, I walked over to help her and failed to notice the very large puddle of water on the floor just in front of her. I was totally humiliated. Landing on your ass in front of the girl you love is never exactly fun.

She stuck out her hand and despite my mortification I managed to reach up and grab it. She hoisted me to my feet and let go of my hand.

"Thanks," I said awkwardly.

"Hey, no problem!" She replied brightly, beginning to wring out her hair. "What are friends for?"

"Yeah," I managed. "Friends..."

"You coming?" She asked, beginning to lead the way to the Great Hall.

"What?" I started and closed my mouth. "Yeah, of course."

Why do I always look such an idiot in front of her. Sometimes I honestly feel like banging my head against a brick wall. Though, on a more positive note, she did look very nice soaking wet.

(1st September, 2027)

"You pervert!" Rose squawked, leaning over to punch me on the arm. "You were totally checking me out when I was soaking wet!"

I held up my arms. "Guilty as charged."

"Just out of interest," Al mumbled sleepily, "Do I have to challenge you to a duel or anything for Rosie's honour over this journal."

I winced and put up a hand to protect my face. "Nope!" I squeaked. "Quick, Rose - read some more before your maniac cousin kills me!"

Rose had the gall to laugh.