The Mask You Wear

by porcelaindecay03

There is something strange about Rose Potter. Could it be the trauma from witnessing her parents' murder & separation from her brother, Harry? Her sheltered but wealthy upbringing in wizarding America? Or perhaps the Legilimency she was born with? Whatever it is there's no denying that Rose is far from normal & from what a Potter should be. Could she be hiding something sinister?

8. La Pura Vida

DISCLAIMER: All HP Wizarding World Characters mentioned belong to JK Rowling. Cassandra Warrington and Evan Rosier Jr. are OC but have HP wizarding surnames which, again, also belong to the Wizarding World.

Chapter Warning: Heavy Teen Partying, Drinking and Smoking, Sexual Themes & Situations Btwn Minors, and Strong Language.

AUGUST 21ST, 1993 -MALAGA, SPAIN - EVENING

Dinner that night had been fortunately less eventful but nonetheless very awkward. After the very uncomfortable run-in with Lucius, Rose had decided that enough of herself had been exposed to the Malfoys for the evening. So she donned on a sheer, black cardigan over the sunflower-print, black halter, mini dress she wore in an attempt to evade the vulnerability she felt under a certain set of icy eyes. It did not do much for as the second that Rose walked into the luxurious dining room, those eyes follow her arising the feeling once again. One brief glance at Mrs. Malfoy, however, was enough to replace that with embarrassment and uneasiness.

You've done nothing wrong, the voice had said soothingly as Rose took a seat. Nonetheless, she avoided her eye.

The scene Narcissa had walked in on was still fresh on her mind, Rose could tell by the subtle but palpable emotions of hostility and distrust coursing through the older witch. Thankfully, the incident had not been shared with her own parents although that did little to clear the cloud of discomfort. In fact, it now felt as if she had a dirty, little secret with the Malfoys, and the strawberries Lucius had sent to her room only worked to heighten that.

Fortunately, Draco provided the distraction Rose needed to cease dwelling on the incident for now. Now that he knew her power's true ability he put it to use by communicating his witty and flirtatious thoughts to her right under their parent's noses.

'You look exquisite, Rose,' He had thought, admiring her from across the table. 'Although, I prefer you in that little bikini so much more.'

The look that followed stirred a flighty sensation in her stomach but Rose only replied with a small, coy smile. However, she did not hold back from admiring how irresistible he looked dressed in an Italian-cut, emerald green suit that he wore with a white shirt slightly opened from the top.

'Stop it, pervert,' Draco had thought smugly as he threw Rose's own words at her upon feeling and seeing her eyes roam over him.

In response, she shot him back his own signature smirk.

Dinner had been brought out by more house-elves who served several types of meat, vegetable, and seafood tapas; paella dishes, and freshly-baked bread loaves. Although the food was exquisite, Rose continued to find herself far too preoccupied with Draco to really savor it nor eat as much as she usually would, a fact that wasn't made easier after the effects of her family's wine, which she and Draco were both permitted to have a glass, kicked in.

Rose could feel the bitterness and warmth of the sickly, sweet drink ascend to her cheeks as she forced herself to remain aware of the topic of discussion at the dinner table while Draco strained to contain his hormones. Despite his best efforts, he could not avoid looking at her nor push back the image of her in the bikini or the feeling of her bare, skin against his hands.

She did her best to ignore his thoughts and allow him some privacy to what was simply normal teenage behavior as she knew very well from the collective minds of the Ilvermorny male students. It was also not the first time that Rose had caught the attention of one, or even several boys, who had entertained thoughts similar and even worse than Draco's. However, it was the first time that Rose cared and responded to it.

These feelings were so new to Rose that it felt as if something deep within her had awoken after years of being dormant. Now she understood her former's classmates' obsession with everything sexual; she could not keep her thoughts off Draco and she enjoyed knowing that he could not keep her off his.

"Rose?"

Isabella's voice finally interrupted the thoughts although, unfortunately, it meant that Rose had stopped paying attention to the conversation.

"I'm sorry," said Rose quickly turning her gaze away from the tempting blond to look at the adults. "I totally blanked."

Her mother shot her a disapproving look and mentally warned her to behave appropriately.

"It's quite alright, Rose," said Lucius with subtle amusement from his seat at the head of the table. "I was saying how you must consider joining the Hogwarts dueling team. It's unfortunate that we have failed to compete in the Championship for almost fifty years now, it's quite the embarrassment but perhaps you can change that."

Rose could feel herself light up at the topic of dueling and while it was true that Hogwarts had failed to advance past the preliminaries last winter, she was excited to get back into the arena. She had been so close to winning but Hiro was a ruthless, skilled, and far more experienced duelist. Still, she had proved to be a force to be reckoned with, however, she could never be satisfied until she won first place. This had to be the year, there was no way she could return and not win this time. It was all or nothing although there was the offputting challenge of competing against her former diligently-trained teammates on an opposing and less skilled team.

You can change that. The voice assured.

"If they'll have me on the team then I'd love to represent Hogwarts!" Rose replied nonetheless.

Lucius smiled, "Have you thought of applying those impressive dueling skills to a future career?" he inquired. "With the O.W.L's this year for you, it must be something you have considered."

"I'm holding out hope on that one," interjected Rodrigo. "Rosie would make an excellent Auror, as you said, she certainly has the skills. We were as surprised by her nonverbal magic as everyone else! All it would take is one owl to secure a spot at the top Auror academy in North America, although I'm sure all the top academies in the world will be inviting her to attend should she choose to pursue that route. Alas, my wife does not share this sentiment."

"It's a very honorable but dangerous profession," explained Isabella. "However, as a mother, I dread the thought of having to worry over my child each time she leaves for work. I had enough of that when Rodrigo was still active in the field."

"I quite agree," said Narcissa supportingly.

"Well..." Rose began feeling tense at the topic of her future plans and the impending exams. "I have considered it but I also like the sound of Healing Magic. It's really interesting to me, particularly the potions aspect of it. Either that or Alchemy."

The Malfoy patriarch continued to smile not taking his eyes off her, "In that case, you're very fortunate, Hogwarts has one of the best Potions Masters, Professor Severus Snape."

"He's a brilliant Potions Master," commented Narcissa with clear praise. "The youngest professor in Hogwarts history, such a waste of talent if you ask me, he could have made a fortune if he had capitalized on his craft. Alas, he is a true artist however, I am sure supplying valuable knowledge and practice to the young minds of our future is beyond rewarding. He's also the Head of Slytherin and a close family friend of ours for years."

"He's an excellent teacher and Head of House," Draco had offered reassuringly to Rose. "Stern and very no-nonsense but a genius."

That certainly explained the difficult assigned summer readings and essays on advanced potions she had completed prior to this trip. Although Draco's words had meant to be reassuring about the teaching standards, they also sparked a slight fear of this unknown Professor Snape. Rose could only hope that she would do well enough in his class and that this stern, no-nonsense teaching method was simply a "tough-love" approach however the brisk image in Draco's mind of a tall and rather menacingly man dressed entirely in black did little to support that theory.

"That's good to hear," said Rodrigo. "Rosie needs a good challenge for whatever she decides to pursue. We're not worried, there's not a potion, spell, hex, or curse out there she can't master," he proclaimed proudly.

Rose felt herself flush with clear embarrassment recalling both losses at the potions competition and the Championship.

Narcissa smiled warmly at her father's assessment, "Then you'll do wonderfully in his class, dear." she said amiably although Rose could still feel the insincerity laced in her tone.

Look at her directly, you have nothing to fear from her.

Rose did as she was told, "I'm looking forward to his class," she replied brightly

"I'm sure you will be a wonderful addition," remarked Lucius. However, Rose did not fail to notice the brief exchange of amused, knowing looks between the older Malfoys. It was driving her insane not knowing what they were thinking yet being painfully aware that she could break right through each of their mental shields if she really wanted to.

It's too great a risk. They'll feel you.

There was no arguing with that, Rose could not risk getting caught infiltrating their minds, her father would lose it and permanently ground her. For now, she would have to wait and compile as much information on them as possible, and what better source than their very willingly and very hormonal, teenage son.

---

The first weekend in Malaga they all visited an old charming, private wizarding vineyard operated by stern-looking Spanish goblins dressed in rich tailored suits. The adults went off to partake in the wine tasting while the two teenagers set off to go Abraxan riding.

The weather was hot and sunny once again and Rose was glad that their riding boots, breeches, and shirts had been charmed to keep them cool as the Spanish summer heat burned down with intensity. When they arrived at the stables, the giant horses had flapped their enormous wings in anticipation as Draco and Rose approached to mount them assisted by the worker elves.

They galloped happily and raced each other across the vast green, sunny fields surrounding the vineyard both teens expertly steering and commanding their Abraxan as both had grown up attending riding lessons. However, when Draco suggested taking the Abraxans into the air Rose had refused instantly.

"Why not?" He had asked. "It's the best part!"

"If you wanna risk falling to your death, then sure, it is the best part," Rose had retorted back defensively recalling all her past failed attempts to take flight, Abraxan or broom.

Draco had looked puzzled as he contemplated her answer before quickly arriving at the correct conclusion, "Are you afraid of flying?"

"No!" Rose had shot back. "More like scared of falling from dangerous heights."

The information had surprised him as he had been convinced that flying came naturally to a Potter much to her annoyance.

"You're a bloody Potter!" he exclaimed incredulously as he laughed. "How are you afraid of heights?"

Rose only responded by sticking out her tongue, inwardly cursing her family's reputation as naturally-skilled flyers and Quidditch players. Draco laughed again at her response but, nonetheless, kept his own Abraxan on the ground, dropping the subject completely correctly sensing the sensitivity of it.

Rose had to admit, despite his arrogance, and bouts of immaturity, she was growing to be very comfortable around Draco. After dinner the first night, their parents had ventured out to the wizarding side of the city giving Draco and Rose a few more hours before bed to pick up where they had left off that evening.

Surprisingly, Rose discovered that despite being younger, Draco was easy to talk to, interesting, and very intelligent. She also discovered that she had plenty in common with him than she initially thought. They both shared a love for dueling, he had asked so many questions about the Championship and had listened with great interest as she recounted the excitement and anticipation before each duel, the adrenaline that had fueled each round, and the glitz and glamour of interviews, parties, photoshoots, and sponsorships.

Potions was another interest they shared, Draco was also among the top of his class in that subject second only to Harry's friend, Hermione. He confided that Alchemy was also an interest of his albeit one he could never pursue as his role as the Malfoy heir required him to take a more political route.

Both of them had also been raised as an only child by a wealthy wizarding family. Unlike her, Draco had been brought up to think that his Pureblood status placed him in some sort of royal position above those of lesser magical blood. However, there was a small side of him that had remained uncorrupted by the prejudice and hatred instilled by Purebloods ideals. All the abhorrence and anger aside, he was very considerate, kind, and welcoming.

He had marveled at her ability to easily perform nonverbal spells, a skill Rose had confessed to spending hours, days, and weeks privately practicing, applying all directives and corrections given to her by the voice in her mind until she achieved her first nonverbal spell. This last part, of course, she omitted.

However, what she liked best about the blond was his acceptance and comfortability regarding her Legilimency. In fact, he continued to use it to secretly communicate with Rose around the adults. However, he was very careful with the thoughts that entered his mind whenever he was around her. A few times Rose had caught bits regarding Harry and the Dark Lord but they had been quickly pushed away to be replaced with arbitrary thoughts. Regardless, Rose enjoyed being around him, she could be herself without worrying about him becoming angry with her for listening to his thoughts, and, truth be told, she was attracted to him as much as he was to her. These new feelings were so alien to Rose, never had she felt any interest or attraction, romantic or otherwise, toward another person until Draco Malfoy strutted into her life and awoke these sensations within her.

Nothing can come of it. The voice had reminded her. It's better not to get attached.

'I know, he's an underclassman.' She had mentally replied to him.

But he is someone useful. He corrected. Indulge him if you like, but do not forget who he really is.

That she certainly couldn't do for as much as she enjoyed him she had seen enough of his mind to know that he was every bit as arrogant, prejudiced, and vindictive as Harry had described. Yet for some reason, she couldn't bring herself to dislike him, after all, he had been nothing but civil and charming toward her. Admittedly, he had been initially charming in order to gain her friendship to spite Harry but his intentions had changed overnight, he really liked her and wanted to know her, all of her and Rose had taken advantage of that keenness.

During that weekend, Draco had filled her in on the last two years at Hogwarts with far greater detail than Harry had ever offered in his letters. Through him she learned more about Ron Weasley and his impressively large family full of gingers; of Hermione Granger, the annoying 'Know-It-All' from a No-Maj family who beat Draco in every exam; of the opening of Chamber of Secrets last term; and of Dumbledore's favoritism towards Gryffindor House. He had bitterly recounted an incident at the end of his first year when Dumbledore had made everyone believe Slytherin had won the House Cup only to take away the title at the last moment and give it to Gryffindor by awarding Harry and his friends' last-minute points, for what was essentially, breaking the rules.

Rose had felt an intense loathing from Draco as he had recounted these details. Strangely, she sympathized because she could see that despite his feelings of animosity, Draco greatly envied the friendship between Harry and his friends. He had never had anything like that.

There had been a short memory of the time Draco had offered his friendship to Harry that had flashed through his mind. Harry's rejection and the humiliation Draco had felt after had sealed the hate. The fame, popularity, admiration, and leniency surrounding her brother had only added fuel to the fire.

Such weakness to be troubled by such trifles. The voice had commented.

Rose did find it a little pathetic but could not bring herself to judge the Malfoy heir too harshly for just as she had seen the darkness in his mind she had also seen the good and vulnerable. Draco was a pleaser albeit only to those who mattered in his eyes but nonetheless, he sought praise from his authority figures and admiration from his peers even from those he considered beneath him. This fixation only plagued him with self-doubt and anxiety particularly after arriving at Hogwarts and witnessing that praise and admiration he desperately craved given to Harry who never sought them. The rage and envy had built at being overlooked, underestimated, and even disliked by his peers, his teachers, and, most importantly, by his father.

Lucius was another reason Rose could not condemn Draco, their relationship was certainly a complicated one. She hated to imagine what having Lucius as a father would entail, plenty of fear and insecurities for starters based on what she had picked up on. The man was undoubtfully terrifying therefore Rose could not blame his son for fearing and respecting him much less when she couldn't even bring herself to look him in the eye since their own encounter.

The uneasiness she felt around Mr. Malfoy had not subsided causing her to purposely avoid being near or alone with the wizard. Their interactions were reserved for polite conversation during meals and tea. However, whenever they were around each other Rose could sense his gaze on her. She had caught him looking particularly pleased whenever she and Draco interacted and it made her nervous to not know what thoughts he found so entertaining.

The families returned to the villa Sunday morning and that afternoon Rose, Draco, and their mothers took off for the city to visit a popular, wizarding, shopping district. While Mrs. Malfoy and Isabella had quickly become friends, the blond witch's demeanor remained the same around the younger witch. Although her feeble Occlumency hid her thoughts, the apprehension was palpable particularly when it came to the friendship forming rapidly between her son and Rose.

That evening upon returning from their shopping excursion, with several elves lugging numerous shopping bags, they were greeted with interesting news at dinner when Rodrigo and Lucius had joined them.

"The Spanish Minister of Magic has invited us to a gala in my honor," Rodrigo announced to everyone. "It will be held in Madrid tomorrow night and he has extended his invitation to Tuesday so we can join him at his country club." He then looked to Draco and Rose. "Unfortunately, the event and the club are for adults only. Normally, I would decline such an invitation that requires me to leave my daughter behind. However, Lucius has reassured me of the safety and security spells placed around the villa and with part of our security force remaining behind, I feel that the children can stay here while we attend to the minister."

Rose couldn't believe what she was hearing! Her father was actually suggesting leaving them alone for two days! If Rose didn't know her father's mind well she would suspect someone had placed him under the Imperius Curse.

"Corazon," began Isabella hesitantly. "Are you sure that's a good idea? This is supposed to be a family vacation and they're just children, they can't stay alone." Instantly, Rose could hear Isabella's dread at the thought of leaving her teenage daughter alone overnight and unsupervised with a teenage boy. Rose tried not to show anticipation at her mother's thoughts.

"It's the Spanish minister, amor, we must keep our foreign relations strong for our country and our English friends," he explained sounding more like a politician than a father or husband. "It's only two days, they'll be fine."

"What if they need us?" asked Narcissa looking at Rodrigo then at her husband, she was clearly on Isabella's side.

"Or something happens?" Isabella added, thinking of Sirius Black.

"There will be constant supervision from my servants." Lucius had reassured both mothers. "I assure you they will be instructed to make the children's safety their top priority while we are away. In the unlikely event that something should occur, we will be notified immediately and the children will be Disapparated at once to a safe house."

The two mothers looked at each other unconvinced and visibly worried but knew it was a lost battle with both husbands in agreement with each other.

"What will we do while you are all gone for two days?" Rose asked.

"Your father's guards can take you anywhere in the city as long as it's a safe and approved area. My servants can accommodate any need you may have." Lucius replied. "Also, our close family friends, the Flints, are here on holiday with their son, Marcus. He has invited you and Draco on a trip aboard their family yacht tomorrow. I believe some of Draco's friends will also be there. It's a perfect chance to become acquainted with a few more of your new schoolmates."

---

AUGUST 23RD, 1993 - MALAGA, SPAIN - MIDDAY

The adults left for Madrid at noon leaving the two teens behind with six guards and the villa's staff of house-elves. Rose had spent most of the morning carefully selecting her outfit only to become frustrated when she realized how much floral print she owned. Up to this point in her young life, Isabella had a strong say on the clothes she wore which Rose had not minded. After all her mother was one of the most stylish witches Rose had ever met and she adored buying the latest designer trends for her daughter. However, her mother's style was elegant, light, and very feminine and that wasn't the image she wanted to convey to Draco's friends.

With such a limited selection she finally decided on a white, spaghetti-strapped sundress with a red rose print worn over her bikini and paired with golden strapped sandals. The mesh cover-up had been stuffed into her beach tote and she was internally debating whether to wear it or not. Once the outfit had been settled on it took Rose a few minutes more to be ready. Thankfully, before departing Isabella had placed the beauty charms on Rose's makeup and styling charms on her hair so the young witch had worn it down in perfect beach waves.

She now sat in the extended backseat of the car next to Draco, who looked handsome in a pair of dark blue shorts, a white lightweight button-down shirt, and dark sneakers. As the car began the journey, Rose couldn't help but feel anxious at the thought of meeting Draco's friends. There was no room for errors, she had to make a strong, positive impression but the thought of the type of friends that Draco had was causing her anxiety and self-doubt to rise. The Flints were part of the Sacred Twenty-Eight and any friends that they would have wouldn't be less than Half-Blood. Draco's friends were also all in Slytherin and Rose had read about the old rivalry with Gryffindor, which dated back to the Founders themselves, to expect biases against the daughter and sister of famous Gryffindors.

The Flint's yacht was located in Costa del Sol and when they arrived at the marina Rose was in awe by the beauty of its beaches and the way it glistened in the bright hot sunlight. This is what she had wanted to see, what she had loved, and missed most of California.

To her relief, they parted with the guards, who informed them that they would be waiting in the parking area before stepping onto the docks. They passed rows of luxury yachts and sailboats before stopping at a three-deck, fly-bridge yacht with gold lettering along the hull that spelled La Pura Vida (The Pure Life). When they boarded the stern they were greeted by a tall, muscular, and dark-haired teenage boy wearing black swimming shorts and a mischievous smirk. His heavy-lidded, dark eyes instantly fell on his classmate's companion and, much to Rose's discomfort traveled over the rest of her body.

'She's even better in person! I can't wait to see what she's hiding under that dress.' He thought however, he only smiled crookedly before introducing himself.

Taking her hand in his own large and calloused one and bringing it to his lips, the older boy placed a moist kiss on her knuckles. "Marcus Flint, seventh-year, Slytherin Quidditch Captain. It's an honor, Rose Potter." Marcus winked at her as he took the opportunity to once again look her up and down.

His accent was heavy and fast so Rose had to pay close attention to him. Physically, he was rugged with a brutish appearance yet nonetheless built. Rose instantly sensed maliciousness, arrogance, and perversion in him, particularly when looking at her. It made her uneasy and she instinctively held onto Draco's arm as they followed Marcus upstairs to the main deck. The disarranged inner monologues of several people became increasingly audible as Rose walked through a sliding glass door into a luxurious interior salon where she left the tote she brought. Without faces and voices to match Rose could not distinguish the babble so she did her best to ignore it. She rejoined the boys and followed them to the upper level and onto the aft deck where a group of chatty teenagers, already in swimsuits, sat together on a large, impeccably white lounge bench that encircled a circular white table.

"Oi, look who's here!" shouted Marcus as they approached the group which consisted of several boys and three girls.

Everyone turned and all eyes instantly fell onto the famous newcomer they had heard and read about these past months. Instantly the babble became coherent but Rose could not match the inner voices to their owners until she heard their voices.

'That's her!'

'Another golden bloody Gryffindor. The cup will never be ours again.'

'I wonder if she can read all of our thoughts at once?'

'Wasn't she a redhead?'

'Decent tits, let's see that arse.'

'Merlin, she's beautiful!'

'What's Draco doing with her?'

'She's fit!'

'Really? Rose patterns?'

'Looks just like her filthy, mudblood mother!'

Everything came hurling so quickly and loudly at Rose that she felt momentarily lightheaded and overwhelmed at the rush of mixed thoughts and emotions entering her mind simultaneously.

Collect yourself. You're used to this. The voice instructed.

She listened and forced herself to focus on Marcus, who was going around introducing the group to her

"These skinny shit virgins are Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini, third years like Draco," he said pointing to the two younger boys of the group, who ignored the jab, nodded and smiled at Rose. There were no ill-mannered thoughts with the two boys although both did find her physically alluring.

Marcus continued onto a cute, lanky sandy-haired boy. "That twat's Terence Higgs, sixth year, and next to him is Adrian Pucey, fifth year and one of my Chasers," Marcus explained of the tall, brown-haired pale boy who smirked as he was introduced. However, the first boy, Terence, shot her a strong glare that made Rose uncomfortable at the detestation she felt from him.

'I can't believe Malfoy brought her here. The stupid prat won't be looking so cozy with her once she ditches him for the righteous Gryffindors.'

Rose felt her temper flare at the audacity of this boy, who up until two seconds ago hadn't known her to even make up any assumptions. Her anger quickly subsided by the warm and congenial thoughts of the very pretty, brown-skinned girl with long, Fulani braids wearing a colorful bikini whom Marcus introduced next.

"That bird next to him is Zoe Arrington, fifth-year," he stated with no insult or mocking remark for he actually held respect and attraction for her.

"Hey, Potter!" greeted Zoe brightly and cheerfully, giving her a small, quick wave. Rose smiled back and returned the gesture relieved at the friendliness from her as she was the first girl to be introduced. However, the same could not be said for the larger, round-faced girl Marcus rounded on next.

She was clearly younger, around Draco's age, pale with freckles and shoulder-length, mousy hair. Unlike the rest, she was fully clothed in a plain, white t-shirt and dark denim shorts.

"That fatty's ol' Millie Bulstrode!" Marcus sniggering at his own jab.

"Marcus!" scolded Zoe irritability, "Quit being a twat!"

"What?" he retorted thinking nothing of his nasty comment. "It's just a joke."

It wasn't a joke, Rose saw it all in his mind. Marcus thought very little of this girl. In fact, she repulsed him and had only invited her as a formality enforced by his father as she was a Bulstrode.

Millicent burned with embarrassment and anger but said nothing aloud in her defense. However, her mind screamed insults and abuse at Marcus that Rose found fitting although wasted yet there was anger directed at her too.

'Fuckin tosser, not in front of Potter!' Millicent thought. 'Bet they all want to shag her. She looks like a slut so I bet they all will. Good, I hope she catches a nasty disease. As long as she keeps her filthy, half-breed hands off Draco!'

Rose breathed in deeply as her sympathy for the girl outweighed any ill feelings,

"There's a fine line between joking and being a total dick," Rose stated instead, everyone laughed with the exception of Marcus and Millicent, the latter who glared offensively her way.

The comment caused a new wave of thoughts that were now, thankfully, more distinguishable.

'She's a cheeky, little girl.'

That was Marcus.

"Ugh, spare me from the new self-righteous Gryffin-whore."

Terence.

'Why would she think I need her to stand up for me?!'

Millicent

Rose ignored it.

Marcus shrugged and rolled his eyes dismissively, "Whatever." he shrugged off before pointing at a set of blonde identical twins named Miles and Kevin Bletchley. " They're my Beaters," he explained which certainly accounted for their large, thuggish size. There wasn't much going on in either of their minds except the thought of undressing Rose but regardless it was apparent that the extent of their brain activity was limited to tits, asses, and Quidditch.

Nonetheless, they smiled smugly and greeted Rose before Marcus moved on to an extremely handsome, dark-haired boy. When her eyes fell on him Rose's stomach fluttered furiously and she immediately felt her cheeks warm.

He was the most gorgeous boy she had ever seen! To simply say that he was handsome was an absurd understatement, he was absolute physical perfection! His body was athletic, toned, and muscular. His skin was fair-toned and flawless contrasting beautifully against the ebony hair that was casually pushed back on his head. His lips were full and light pink and his eyes a dazzling cerulean.

"This pretty cunt here is Evan Rosier, my Keeper," Marcus said nodding towards him.

'Rosier!'

Rose had read about the Rosiers, the family was the most infamous of the Sacred Twenty-Eight largely due to their strict adherence to Pureblood marriage traditions and, most notably, their involvement in the last two wizarding wars. The latter of which both worked to bring the family's downfall as Vinda Rosier had loyally and publicly followed Grindelwald and, her son, Evan Rosier Sr. died a known Death Eater.

Well, more like he had been killed resisting his own arrest during the height of the First War consequently leaving his wife and young son to endure the public scandal and Ministry-led investigation alone. As a result of the family's consecutive roles in the last two great wars, the Rosier name had fallen from grace however, it still held respect and fear. Somehow the Rosiers had retained their great wealth and it was rumored that they still held political influence through 'anonymous' donations and unproven blackmail.

It was public knowledge that a Rosier was someone to be on guard around and distrust. However, when Rose looked at Evan she felt no malice, no evil, or vile perversions. His physical beauty was equally matched by his mind. Like most straight boys and men, he found her absolutely beautiful and breath-taking but unlike the others, his thoughts weren't rooted in carnal desires but from deep admiration and pure attraction.

Evan Rosier II smiled and stood revealing an impressively chiseled torso with an accompanying six-pack that rivaled that of a Greek god. Rose tried not to stare too intently as he extended one strong hand to her. Without hesitation, she took it immediately experiencing an electrifying and pulsating sensation at his touch!

Those flutters were out of control now and had been joined by an acceleration in her chest.

"It's a pleasure, Rose," Evan said smoothly in a refined, upper-class accent causing her to melt internally at the sound of her name on his lips.

She continued to shake his hand, her heart racing so fast now that it impaired her to focus properly on formulating a sentence.

The pleasure is all mine, Evan. The voice sounded inside her mind.

"The pleasure is all mine, Evan, "Rose repeated aloud in a sweet and polite manner.

"Cassandra Warrington," came the sultry, cold voice belonging to a very beautiful and slender blonde girl with amazing breasts wearing a little string, white bikini. She had been sitting next to Evan and now stood towering three inches over Rose. Casually, she proceeded to place herself between them breaking their grip on each other.

Rose couldn't help but feel inadequate, short, and stocky standing next to her.

"It's a pleasure, Potter." she smiled feigning politeness before adding. "I'm also Evan's girlfriend, we're both fifth-year Slytherins, Prefects." At this, she wrapped an arm around Evan's bicep and placed a kiss on his jawline to further emphasize her role and territory.

'Stay away from my boyfriend, Half-Breed!' Her mind screamed.

'Great.' Thought Rose sarcastically.

Pay her no mind. Stand with confidence.

"That's my twin brother, Cassius, fifth-year obviously." Cassandra continued pointing over at a large but muscular, blonde boy who, despite his size, had a very soft and endearing face.

"Nice to meet you," replied Rose politely to the twins refusing to let her emotions toward Cassandra betray her.

Only Cassius' smile had been genuine, "Nice to meet you too, Rose." he said brightly as he had been excited to meet her.

"Let's sit down, Rose. Move over you lot!" said Draco.

The group scooted over making room for them to slide down the long bench, Draco sat first followed by Rose and, unfortunately, Marcus. She couldn't help but dislike her host. The thoughts and feelings he had when he first saw her, the comments he made about his own friends, and Millicent had set Rose's firm opinion of him. She disliked him and felt apprehensive around him which he didn't alleviate by intentionally moving so close to her that his leg pushed against her own. She instinctively scooted closer to Draco, bumping slightly with his shoulder, and was instantly hit by the sudden flow of thoughts that came racing at her once more.

'Wonder how friendly Draco has gotten with Potter's sister? Can't wait to see the look on his stupid face!'

'C'mon, Potter, let me get into those sweet knickers. She'll be the ultimate prized shag!

'Why is she so close to Draco? Does Pansy know she's with him?'

'Is Marcus really going to try shagging Potter's sister?"

'Why are they even bothering? It's not like Gryffindor's new celebrity will want anything to do with us once we're in school.'

'Fucking Marcus, piece of troll shit!'

'She looks so uncomfortable.'

'She's not pretty at all! Why are these desperate, lonely wanks looking at her!'

It all came at once again and while Rose had gotten accustomed to this in Ilvermorny, surrounded by hundreds of students, the sensation was still overwhelming physically and mentally. It was one of the reasons she preferred solitude although it never lasted long with classes, meals, and team practices to attend so she dealt with it by doing her best to ignore it. However, she had not been among a large crowd since her arrival in England, therefore this sudden surge caused her to feel disoriented. To add to the discomfort and disorientation, their inner voices reflected their accents yet they were all different making it difficult for Rose to properly decipher. She closed her eyes and subconsciously brought a hand to her temple.

"What's wrong, Potter?" Marcus inquired. "We haven't even had a round yet!"

"I'm fine," Rose replied opening her eyes and forcing herself to adjust to the noise in her surroundings. "You all just think too loud and too...British." She explained unable to think of a proper way to explain herself.

The mention of her ability reminded the Slytherins of its powers and instantly the uncomfortable, self-awareness of their thoughts settled in.

'Oh shit! Has she been listening to our thoughts all along?!'

'Don't think of him. Don't think of him. Don't think of him.'

'Right, the little slut thinks she's so special because she's a Legilimens. Bet that's how she got so far in the Championship!'

"Can't you can control it?" asked the boy named Blaise, giving Rose someone to focus on.

Lie! The voice ordered.

"Yes." Rose lied obediently. "I hardly ever listen in, most of the time I can't even make it out especially with a lot of people around. I have to really focus on a person to hear them and make direct eye contact too."

The last part was partially true for Rose was very adept at finding specific inner voices therefore she only needed to concentrate hard on the person whose voice she was searching for. Eye contact, however, played no part except when it came to memory sharing and mind invasion.

"How are we to trust you?" Cassandra demanded coolly. "How can we be sure you're not in our heads right now?"

A Malfoy-inspired smirk formed on Rose's face, "You can't," she said simply feigning the same polite tone she had given.

A few of them sniggered impressed at the slyness in her reply.

"Relax, Warrington," said Draco to the other blonde. "There are better things to listen to than your inner ramblings about Rosier's biceps."

Cassandra raised an elegant, thin eyebrow and feigned a sweet smile as she stared at both of them noting their interaction, "How's the holiday been, Draco? It's so kind of your father to be hosting the Ambassador's family. I bet you two have had a fun time getting to know each other. By the way, have you heard from Pansy this summer? I'm surprised she did not receive an invitation considering how close you two were last term."

'Pansy?'

Draco shot her a warning look, mentally objecting at her mention of this Pansy.

'Shut the fuck up, Warrington!' He mentally shouted.

A girlfriend, the voice deduced for her. Doesn't appear as if he's serious about her.

Rose made a mental note to ask Draco about this Pansy later as she focused on what Cassandra had implied. However, Rose did not need her power to know what she meant which had been met with sniggers from the group of Slytherins with the exception of Millicent who was fuming with jealousy.

She likes Draco.

The voice was right per usual as Rose could feel the longing Millicent deeply felt to be the one on holiday with him, in his home so close to him.

"How about a drink then, Potter?" Marcus piped up interrupting her thoughts, "That ought to help quiet things down up there," he said gently tapping Rose's temple with a finger. She had to exercise great control not to slap his hand away.

"Sure," she replied before she could really think it through, her mind still lingering on Cassandra's petty implication and Marcus' lack of personal boundaries and decency. She inwardly cursed herself as she was not allowed to drink alcohol the exception being only ever under her parent's permission and supervision. But it was too late, she couldn't back out now and risk these Slytherins thinking she was a square.

Marcus smirked wickedly, "Elf!" he called out and with an instant pop a dirty, old house-elf appeared. "Bring a round for everyone," he ordered and after the elf disappeared he turned back to Rose. "By the way Potter, welcome back."

"Thanks, you can just call me 'Rose'," she replied trying her best to ignore his lewd thoughts that were willingly pouring into her mind.

"Feel good to be back, Rose?" asked Cassius Warrington curiously. "England's everything you remember?"

Rose smiled at him, "I don't know." she answered honestly. "It's been so long I really don't remember it well."

"It really has, hasn't it?" said Cassandra smiling in the same fake way as before. She held on to Evan's hand while her long legs draped protectively over his lap. "You can't tell you're English at all, you sound so ...American."

'More like a tacky, tone-deaf banshee.' She thought to herself.

Rose did not like her and with each passing second that dislike grew. Now that there was a voice to match to the mind, Rose knew that it had been Cassandra thinking those nasty things about Rose and her mother, Lily, the minute she had stepped into sight. The girl had been instantly jealous, mean, and angry at the way Evan and the rest of the boys had looked at Rose as she was the one used to receiving admiration and inciting jealousy.

'Filthy, American, Half-Breed Slut!" Cassandra practically screamed it yet avoided direct eye contact with Rose. 'I bet she thinks she's better than all of us because she's a Potter and because she's lived in 'L.A.' and can do some basic nonverbal spells. Just look at these idiots showering her with attention, I bet she's enjoying it, the ugly little slut!'

Rose had to control herself from responding aloud.

"I guess that does tend to happen when you spend most of your life there," She replied instead with a hint of sarcasm that only Draco detected.

"True all-American girl, then?" said Cassius.

Rose smiled at him, "Almost, my adoptive mother is Colombian and my adoptive father's family has lived in California for generations but they're of Mexican descent so I grew up with those traditions too."

"I do love the exotic!" Marcus interjected gleefully. "But you're more than just that, aren't you, love? Teen Witch USA cover girl, Dueling Championship finalist, potions extraordinaire, and the sweetheart of the wizarding world!"

"Don't forget the new Gryffindor princess!" added Miles Bletchley. "You look very...athletic, Potter." He smirked arrogantly as he looked her over entertaining thoughts of physically and sexually dominating her. "Should we expect to see you on the Quidditch pitch?"

Rose had been expecting someone to ask this question sooner or later.

"Dueling requires athleticism as much as Quidditch, perhaps more since we don't rely on brooms for speed and agility so I consistently train to stay in shape," she answered factly.

"Bollocks!" exclaimed Kevin Bletchley at once, "I'd love to see some of those fat dueling tossers dodge our bludgers when they can't even dodge a simple Stunning spell."

Everyone laughed except Rose who was now nervous and disappointed with the little respect the dueling team held among its own schoolmates. It was such a stark and alarming contrast to the Ilvermorny team, who were treated with praise and reverence by the entire student body. However, Rose was not prepared for what was said next.

"That's what happens when Mudbloods are allowed to join," said Marcus simply. "Start training with Mudbloods don't be surprised when you start dueling like one. Even one weak link is enough to bring down the entire team and those dueling fucks have several Mudbloods! You won't find riffraff like that anywhere near Slytherin!"

Several of them smirked but no one said a word as they stared in Rose's direction waiting for her reaction half expecting her to angrily defend the No-Maj-borns Marcus had just insulted.

But she said nothing.

It wasn't the time or place and it was very obviously a test. Well, Rose was not going to give them the satisfaction they yearned from the reaction they all expected, not that she would have reacted that way anyway, so she stared in Marcus' direction waiting for him to continue.

"You're better off joining the Gryffindor Quidditch team if you enjoy real action," remarked Marcus amusingly, her lack of reaction had truly intrigued him. "I'd love to see you what you bring to the pitch."

Rose kept herself from rolling her eyes, "I actually don't play Quidditch," she finally revealed keen to put an end to all their assumptions. "What's with everyone assuming I'll be in Gryffindor, anyway?"

Once again, everyone laughed and even Millicent gave a small giggle.

"The Potters have been in Gryffindor for centuries leading up to your parents and brother," explained Zoe. "But they're just being dicks because Gryffindor has beat us in everything since your brother arrived. Also, Slytherin and Gryffindor have been rivals since the beginning. It's a bit of tradition to give each other shit. Aren't there any House rivalries in Ilvermorny?"

Rose nodded, "Just your average and friendly, inter-house competition but nothing as intense as this sounds."

"What's intense is the favoritism Gryffindor receives from Dumbledore!" snapped Terence who up to that point had remained quiet but observing. "We're just the fucking 'bad' House because You-Know-Who was a Slytherin so, of course, we're all evil by association. I'm surprised the old cunt hasn't come to rescue you from the big, bad, evil Slytherins." He then turned on Draco, " I don't know why you even brought her here, Malfoy. All of you are fooling yourselves if you think she's going to be so fucking chummy with any of us once she's surrounded by her kind."

Everyone was speechless and taken aback at this sudden hostility which only matched the look Terence was giving her. Rose was at a total loss of words not expecting Terence to express the hateful thoughts he had been harboring since she arrived. It was now more than evident that he hated her. He really hated her. He hated her privilege, her wealth, and the publicity and fame surrounding her name. He had also been done an injustice that he blamed on Harry and, for some reason, on Rose as well.

How was their school drama and House reputation her fault exactly? How dare he whine about anything being unfair when Rose had lost her real parents and had been robbed of the rest of her family and life because of the Dark Lord!

She glared at Terence and he glared right back.

Bitch! His mind shot at her, loud and demanding. I hope you heard that!

In that painfully prolonged second, Rose considered letting the insult slide to continue her pretense however, that was mentally chucked out the window upon hearing a soft giggle coming from Cassandra.

'About time someone said it,' the blonde witch thought smugly, entertained, and completely oblivious to the sharp look Evan was giving her.

"I did," Rose answered the hostile Slytherin boy, the corner of her lips turning up into a smirk from the approval she felt coming from her internal friend.

"Good!" Terence answered sharply with a sneer. 'I wanted you to!' He continued mentally, 'And just between us if your dear adoptive daddy wasn't the American ambassador you would have never been invited here! So don't think you can just strut in here, arm-in-arm with Pureblood aristocracy, and take this from us, filthy Half-Breed!''

Whatever she was taking from Terence and whoever the rest were, Rose did not care she had had enough of this boy's unwarranted hostility and ridiculous assumptions that had started before she had even spoken two words to him. If he wanted a real reason to hate her Rose would gladly give him one!

Closer and closer her eyes inched their way to meet his, the adrenaline fueled her body as the urge to rip her way into Terence's mind beckoned her in. She wanted to hurt him, to savagely claw her way into his inviting temporal lobe and make him feel and hear terrible things. It had been years since that day when he had shown her how but Rose had never forgotten his instructions.

Push past the memories and force yourself in deeper! He had instructed then. Imagine the pain you want him to feel and the horrors you want him to see and hear. Now feel your anger, Rose! Let it fuel your power!

Her pupils were upon Terence's own, Rose could feel his opened, unguarded mind practically pulling her in, and just as she was about to brutally push her way through the first few reels of memories the voice sounded in her own mind.

No, no, Rose,' he said firmly but gently, she at once averted her gaze. There will be a time and place for this but this is not it. We'll take care of him later, there's no need to ruin the party now.

Conceding Rose felt the once-powerful adrenaline diminish and with that became painfully aware of the nine pairs of eyes watching this interaction with a mixture of confusion, shock, and anticipation. Besides her, Draco shifted uncomfortably but said nothing to uplift the heavy awkward silence that had settled upon the once lively group.

Finally, someone spoke up.

"Relax, mate, it's not that bad and it's not her fault either," Evan said to Terrence, besides him Cassandra looked bothered that he had gone to her defense. Regardless, Evan turned to Rose and continued. "So Rose, you were in House Thunderbird, right?" he asked keen on redirecting the conversation back to its previous easy state and unknowingly restarting the fluttering sensation in her core.

"Yea," she replied instantly willing herself to forget Terence by focusing on the fact that Evan had taken the time to read her cover features including a Teen Witch USA copy he had secretly burrowed from his younger cousin. Rose tried not to smile too wide as he recalled the information he read about her in his memory.

"And that's the equivalent of..?" asked Cassandra disinterested but, nonetheless, eager to insert herself in the conversation.

Rose shrugged, "The Ilvermorny sorting is based on the individual as a whole, not on personality traits as yours does. They say Thunderbird represents a person's soul and that it favors those with who love adventure, are naturally curious and a little daring."

Terence laughed with a snort "Sounds like fuckin' Gryffindor to me."

They all chuckled and nodded while Rose tried her best to seem unbothered by keeping her expression neutral.

"Practically everything that makes one," Marcus added grinning wickedly," but isn't she just the most interesting little Gryffindor you've met?"

He then moved closer to her, staring rather creepily into her eyes. "What do you say you and I go have some daring adventures of our own?"

'I'll satisfy that curiosity of yours, love,' he thought willing her to hear him and picturing her naked and laid out before him with his own head between her legs.

Rose wanted to shove him away but before she could even rouse a reply the house-elf reappeared carrying a tray of clear liquid in shot glasses. With a snap of the creature's fingers, the glasses went flying to their prospective drinker and remained stationary levitating near them.

"We'll be leaving now, Master Marcus!" informed the elf before he was dismissed, and soon after Rose felt the yacht move as it passively made its way away from the harbour.

"A toast!" exclaimed Marcus finally moving away from Rose to stand up, shot glass in hand, prompting everyone to grab their own however they remained sitting.

"To Rose Potter!" He joyfully exclaimed much to her embarrassment and Cassandra's, Terence's, and Millicent's intense annoyance. "Our very own GIRL Who Lived! Thank you for gracing us, snakes, with your presence for tomorrow we shall hex each other in the corridors but today we drink as friends and hopefully take part in some well-earned depravity- I'm looking at you two Bletchley fucks!" he said pointing at the smirking twins then once again turned to Rose. "With that said on all our behalves, we'd like to say, welcome home, Miss Potter."

He raised his drink along with everyone else and Rose followed along imitating the group as they brought the shot glass to their lips, tilted their heads back, and downed the alcohol in one single gulp. The grimace that followed was almost impossible to fight back as the bitter, burning liquid passed down her throat but she knew some of her distaste had translated to her face.

'Merlin's ball, this is awful! How can people like drinking this!' She thought.

The voice chuckled, It's an acquired taste.

'Ugh, disgusting!"

Next to her, Draco was doing a far better job of hiding his own distaste. She turned to him and smiled, holding in her laughter, as she released her glass, which disappeared into the air. Draco smiled back knowing she had heard him and with the alcohol working its way through her inexperienced system Rose could not fight back the giggle that escaped her. He laughed too and Rose instinctively placed her hand on his knee.

"Did that tequila do you in already?" inquired Marcus amusingly as he curiously watched the interaction between his younger housemate and guest. "Pick it out just for you, Potter. Figured you may prefer it, Miss Vega."

Rose rolled her eyes at the stereotypes her parents constantly faced back home more so in the No-Maj world where racial discrimination and prejudice existed."I suppose you'll be serving tacos and burritos too?" she added sarcastically although, truthfully, she would not turn her nose up at her favorite street foods.

"For you anything, senorita!" Marcus laughed. "But I'll do you one better."

He reached into the pocket of his shorts and took out, what Rose presumed to be, a long, hand-rolled cigarette.

"Spliff?" he asked much to her confusion although everyone else was excited. She concentrated briefly on their thoughts until she confirmed what this cigarette really was.

"Weed?" Rose asked looking down at the rolled cylinder between Marcus' fingers.

"What's wrong, Potter, never seen weed before?" Adrian asked smirking teasingly. "They don't have it in L.A.?"

Rose rolled her eyes, "We have everything in L.A. and I have seen it. I use to help out in my school's greenhouse where it was kept and I've used it in healing potions."

"But you've never smoked it and gotten high?" asked Cassandra clearly enjoying that she had one up over Rose.

She hadn't.

Although the magical world utilized magical cannabis for medicinal potions, remedies, and rituals as well as for adult consumption; it was against wizarding law to be consumed by minors. The plant could only be handled by underage wizards and witches for academics under strict supervision as its psychoactive effect could potentially trigger accidental magic. The chances of this happening were based on one's ability to control their magic which meant that the younger one was the more probability existed of losing control.

"No, I haven't," answered Rose coolly.

"A virgin!" Marcus exclaimed obnoxiously. "Don't worry Potter, I'll pop your cherry." he said reaching for his wand, which had been laying on the table and used "Incendio!" to light the end of the joint. "Maybe later I can pop the one between those sweet legs, keep it consistent with the same bloke, eh?" he added winking at her as he began puffing on the other end.

'Gods, he is disgusting!" she thought and was clearly not the only one.

"Marcus, don't be sick!" shot Zoe visibly repulsed by the boy's lack of decency.

"What?" asked Marcus as if there had been nothing wrong with what he had said. "She can bloody hear our thoughts! What's the point of hiding anything, ya?" he defended simply.

"That doesn't mean you can just say every sick thought in your mind, mate," Evan remarked. "It's bad enough she has to hear it without you opening your sodding mouth."

"You're right, babe," said Cassandra adoringly as she lovingly pushed back Evan's ebony hair then looked over at Marcus. "You should have that conversation in private with Rose." She then looked directly at Rose's hand that had stayed on Draco's knee and smirked, "Assuming Draco allows it."

Rose pulled her hand back suddenly aware that she had kept it there but before she could think of a clever response Marcus cut in.

"Enough with the talk, you boring fucks!" he exclaimed as he sucked on the lit joint and blew out the smoke expertly over their heads. "Here, Potter," he said passing it to her. "Top quality magical cannabis right here imported straight from the magical mountains of Mexico."

Rose carefully took the joint from Marcus feeling her nerves rattling in her body. She had seen people back in California and Ilvermorny smoke cigarettes and weed before, her own father smoked when he had the occasional cigar but they had all made it look easy. Still, it was too late to back down now.

Bringing the joint to her lips, she inhaled the fumes from the magical plant slowly into her lungs and was instantly overcome by an aggressive coughing fit that caused her to expel the smoke all at once. The group erupted in laughter, particularly Marcus. Rose covered her mouth desperately trying to control the cough as she felt her face burn hot and a sudden numbing warmth and fogginess that was spreading all over her body and head fast.

"Virgin, no more!" Marcus laughed obnoxiously loud as the coughing and laughter began to cease. "Well just as far as this one goes. My offer still stands for the real one, love."

"How can you be so sure someone's a virgin, anyway?" asked Blaise, besides him Draco took the joint from Rose inhaling and exhaling the smoke easily although a small cough did escape him.

"Call it my 'power'," Marcus answered arrogantly.

"You're so full of troll shit, Flint." Draco retorted passing the joint to Blaise.

Everyone laughed except Marcus who smirked.

"Really, Malfoy? Because I can tell you've never had your little cock sucked off," he remarked back laughing at his own comment along with the Bletchley twins. Draco rolled his eyes but, nonetheless, remained silent and angrily cursing Marcus' nasty comment regarding his inexperience in his mind. She felt the embarrassment as he hoped that she had not heard him.

Marcus wasn't done, however, "Whereas I? Well, we all remember the last end-of-term party and that sweet little Ravenclaw bird. Evan, Cassius, you remember! You two walked in!"

"You were in our dormitory," Evan reminded him none too amused.

"Yea, mate," said Cassius equally bothered. "On my bed! Can't get the image of your pale, bony arse plowing into that poor girl out of my mind. I've considered Obliviating meself!"

Marcus laughed and leaned back against the backrest, "Not my fault you liked what you saw, Warrington. But just so you know I don't swing that way, sorry love."

'Gods was he annoying!'

"Does anything intelligent ever come out of your mouth or do you always act like a fucking regurgitating toilet?" Rose exclaimed impulsively. Sober she might have not said this but now her mind was clouded by the mixture of new and unknown substances taken in such close proximity that had put all social nerves at ease.

Everyone laughed including Cassandra and, surprisingly, Terence. Zoe, who had been in the middle of her turn with the joint, was overcome by a combination of laughter and cough.

Marcus smirked grotesquely, "Elf!" he yelled startling Rose. The elf appeared instantly, "Bring another round!"

---

EARLY AFTERNOON

Rose felt good.

The joint had traveled a few times around the group and after the second round of shots, Marcus ordered more drinks and instructed for the food to be brought out. When the elf asked Rose what she would be drinking she froze too high and tipsy to recall a drink name so Marcus took the liberty of ordering her a strawberry margarita on the rocks. Admittingly, the margarita was much tastier and easier to drink than the shots had been and she was surprised to find out that Marcus was right! The mixture of pot and alcohol had quieted her mind by distorting the waves of inner voices that would usually rush out from her companions. Unfortunately, or perhaps, fortunately, it had also silenced the voice.

Rose relished in the silence that she had never known until now.

So this was what it was like to be like everyone else.

Soon the yacht was cruising steadily along the magnificent Mediterranean coast as they indulged in weed, liquor, and a buffet of hors d'oeuvres, fancy cheeses, cured meats, and fruit dessert platters. Rose had happily helped herself to shrimp cocktails that came served in shot glasses and fruit kebobs finding herself unbelievably hungry all of a sudden.

The atmosphere had loosened up as the illicit substances worked their way through them; they joked, laughed, and chatted merrily about the upcoming term and exams. After learning that Rose had to be secluded for all quizzes and exams, including the O.W.L's, she had excused herself to the bathroom to change out of her sundress and relieve herself as the margarita and shots worked through her surprisingly quick.

Once in the sparkling white bathroom located inside the main deck, Rose stood in her bikini staring at her reflection suddenly realizing how tipsy and high she actually was. This was new to her and without the voice to guide her, there was nothing she could do now but ride it out alone. However, it didn't feel so bad. She was relaxed and the faint distorted noises in her head were growing fainter and fainter. She went to tie the cover around her hips but stopped to examine the curves of her body.

Did she really need to feel insecure when she knew what boys and men thought of her?

Was there even any merit to her insecurities?

Why shouldn't she love and show off how she looked?

Why should she hide it when she looked good?

Besides neither Cassandra nor Zoe were wearing covers.

She may not be tall and thin with amazing, perky round boobs like the blonde Slytherin girl but Rose had a curvy and toned body. She thought back to the look on Draco's face when she had approached him wearing the bikini on their first day together and how he had wanted her.

"Fuck it!" she muttered under her breath stuffing her dress and cover into the tote then stepping out so suddenly she almost collided with none other than Evan Rosier.

"Oh!" she exclaimed startled.

"Sorry!" Evan apologized smiling handsomely as he took in the sight of her, "Didn't know you were in this one."

A small faint wave of thought sounded in Rose's mind but the distortion made it impossible to understand a single syllable. If she could have thought of a time when she desperately wanted her power to reveal anyone's mind, it definitely was now with Evan. Fate, of course, had another plan and so now she would have to handle this as anyone 'normal' would.

"You're fine, I'm done anyway," Rose replied unable to resist smiling as they turned to walk around each other which brought them close and face-to-face in the narrow hallway. He was so tall and very shirtless, his defined torso made Rose feel nervous and excited especially as he was so close to her own exposed skin.

Rose tried her best to not come closer however with the swaying of the yacht and in her semi-intoxicated state, she lost her balance and collided with Evan's chest. His back hit the door frame behind him yet he had been quick to react and catch her.

His arms wrapped tightly around Rose, securing and steadying her in his firm yet gentle hold. Rose looked up at him and met those bright, blue eyes, for a fraction of a second, she could swear she felt his hands wound tighter, pressing her close to his warm body. However, she did not miss the quick glance at her lips and down her chest. Unfortunately, her reaction was too immediate for the moment to have lingered.

"Shit! Sorry!" She exclaimed trying her best to regain footing and gently pushing herself away from him when she finally did. She couldn't help but momentarily revel at how warm and firm his chest felt against her hands.

"You okay?" Evan asked concerned as he released his hold on her but, nonetheless, kept his hands on her waist.

"Yea," she felt the heat rise to her cheeks once more and wished her power would return so she could know what he was thinking. "Just really tipsy and stoned. This fucking boat doesn't help."

Evan laughed and gently pulled back his hands running one through his hair as he smiled, "We usually have these parties in one of our summer homes so there's room for more people. This year was Marcus' turn and I can only presume he wanted to impress you and keep the party exclusive."

Rose rolled her eyes and chuckled softly as she shook her head.

"Sorry about that lot giving you a hard time, especially Cass, she can be a bit intense," Evan explained apologetically. "Don't take anything they say personally. They don't trust newcomers easily plus they're sure you'll hate us once we're all at Hogwarts. I suppose you knew that already though."

Rose smiled, "It's alright not everyone thinks that."

He smiled handsomely again. "Good." he paused. "You know, I agree with what you said about Dueling requiring more athleticism than Quidditch."

"Really?" she asked her heart skipping a beat inwardly cursing herself for sounding so eager. "Aren't you on the Slytherin Quidditch team?"

"Yea," he nodded. "I'm also on the Dueling team but I'm absolute rubbish compared to you. I was at the preliminaries, you probably don't remember me, but I watched you duel Beaufort. You were fucking brilliant! Never seen someone move so fast! It's a damn shame I missed out on the nonverbal magic although I did hear it on the wireless. You're bloody amazing, Potter!"

Quickly Rose tried to recall Evan from last winter's preliminaries but couldn't.

She had been too nervous and concerned with her own performances and strategies as she was determined to accumulate as many individual points as possible to retain her spot. As the Hogwarts team hadn't advanced past the preliminaries since 1978 none of the teams had been concerned with paying them any mind beyond who they had to duel. Rose had watched a few of her teammates duel their team but none of them had been Evan. Rose, herself, had only taken part in two matches against Beauxbatons and Uagadou before Ilvermorny amassed enough points between its duelists to take one of the six spots in the second league. To their misfortune, Hogwarts and Koldovstoretz were eliminated therefore, Rose never got a chance to see or duel Evan.

However, he had watched her duel!

He had listened in on the duels she took part in during the finals!

He had been impressed by her ability to perform nonverbal magic!

He had called her brilliant and amazing!

Also, the mere fact that he enjoyed dueling enough to be on the team and that he agreed with her assessment about Dueling vs. Quidditch gave Rose even more cause to feel elated.

"You know, we could really use the youngest dueling finalist on our team. Of course, one could argue that you've always belonged to Hogwarts." Evan said smugly. "We hold tryouts at the start of term, you should come although you're a sure shoo-in."

Rose could feel the rising heat in her cheeks but she was unable to think of a response to his praise with the cleverness she had recently adopted around Draco.

"Ok," she said still smiling secretly admiring the cupid's bow of his top lip that she had failed to notice before.

He didn't say anything back and she couldn't think of anything else to add so they stood there staring at each other for what was surely a few seconds that felt like a painfully awkward eternity.

"I hope to see more of you at school even if you are a bloody Gryffindor," Evan finally said lightly.

The flutters in her stomach were flapping furiously now more than ever, which could be from the booze or not. Rose didn't know but she did know that she needed to say something, anything...now!

"I better go back before Marcus spikes my drink," she joked cringing inwardly.

Evan nodded, "You should, wouldn't put it past the sick fuck." He said then added seriously, "Be careful around him. I know you can hold your own but he can be...unpredictable."

"Don't worry," Rose assured as she began to slowly turn to leave."He's as loud in his head as he is in person. Probably more! If he tries anything I'll see it coming a mile away."

"It's really cool that you can do that," Evan commented before she could turn away. "You probably hate having to hear every sick and boring thought that people have but it has to come in use!"

Rose shrugged nonchalantly, "It has its advantages."

Now he smirked devilishly and Rose wanted nothing more than to feel those lips against her own, "There's a bet between some of the lads on which House you'll be sorted into."

"Is there?"

"Marcus has 80 galleons on Gryffindor. Adrian wagered 60 on Ravenclaw, Cassius is throwing away 30 on Hufflepuff, for some stupid reason, and the Bletchley twins each have 40 on Gryffindor."

Rose laughed amusingly, "What about you, did you place a bet on me?"

Even while inebriated and without her power, Rose could tell her choice of words had the same effect on Evan as when she had tried this method on Draco.

"I wasn't confident to place one but now I may have to match Marcus."

"Really?" she smirked raising an eyebrow in perfect imitation of Draco although the effect was vastly different coming from her. "Let me guess, Gryffindor too?"

"Definitely not," he said shaking his head then, in a smooth, low voice, added, "I believe we'll be seeing each other in the dungeons."

Dear Merlin, did she want to jump his bones! But he was unavailable and she wouldn't put it past Cassandra to throw her overboard so all she could do was smile and leave with the final word.

"Let's hope you're a better gambler than duelist," Rose replied playfully.

He laughed heartily and shot her another smirk.

Rose then turned to walk down the corridor, smiling at the private and rather intimate encounter that had just occurred.

Once she reached the aft deck a sudden, larger wave of distorted and fuzzy thoughts came rushing at Rose as she rejoined the group. Although she couldn't decipher what they were saying she could sense lust, intrigue, annoyance, jealousy, judgment, and scrutiny as she took her previous seat between Draco, who had changed into his swimming shorts, and Marcus, who looked at her hungrily. Rose tried not to focus on the warped foreign thoughts so she ordered a second margarita for assistance.

After Evan returned to a dotting Cassandra, another joint was introduced by Marcus.

"I have to ask," began Marcus as he took a long drink of Firewhiskey after passing the joint to Rose. "Do you remember the Dark Lord at all?"

The reaction was immediate, all chatter ceased and a seriousness fell among the once lively group as the implication of Marcus' question sank in. Rose, who had been in the middle of an inhale, almost fell into another coughing fit as her mind froze and her already accelerated heart rate sped up even faster sending a wave of chills down her body. She had only ever spoken of the Dark Lord to the mind Healers during her time in treatment and even during those sessions the topic had been treated with most sensitivity as her memory of that night was terribly fragmented. Now, this boy was placing her in the spotlight for his own sick fascination and amusement and her impairment put her at a disadvantage.

"Marcus, c'mon!" Zoe spoke up bothered. "You can't just ask that!"

"What?!" asked Marcus ignorantly, completely oblivious to his tactless question, "Don't tell me you lot aren't curious to know what the Dark Lord looked like!"

"You're out of line, Flint!" Evan cut in angrily.

"Shut it, Rosier! No one's talking to you, go back to your bint!" Marcus spat back earning the finger from Cassandra.

"It's fine, Evan," said Rose finally exhaling the smoke before answering. "Sorry to disappoint you, Flint, but I don't remember him or much of that night."

"You don't remember anything?" asked Cassius keenly as Rose passed the joint to Draco restarting the previous rotation.

The entire group was hanging onto her every word now.

"I remember loud noises like explosions and green light and... screaming. A lot of green light and screaming." Rose answered more to herself than her peers as she stared straight ahead focused on her recollection. Apart from the few flashbacks. Rose hadn't purposely thought of that night in years choosing to apply the Healers treatment rules on leaving past trauma behind to rest and now here she was revisiting those broken memories for these strangers. Why was she suddenly sharing this? It had to be the booze and weed.

"Whoa," said Cassius quietly as everyone stared at Rose with a mixture of horror, indifference, fascination, sympathy, and shock.

For a few moments, no one said anything the only sound coming from Kevin as he sucked on the joint and the waves of water that hit the yacht.

Finally, Marcus broke the silence, "Well, that certainly dampened the mood. Come on, kids!" he exclaimed clapping his hands together then lit an actual cigarette from a case he pulled from his pocket, and with a wave of his wand, loud electronic music began playing. "Last chance for some summer debauchery!" he tilted his head up, exhaling the smoke then turn to them.

"LET'S FUCKING PARTY!"

---

MID-AFTERNOON

Rose felt really good.

The second margarita had gone down much easier and faster than the first.

The third drink of the day was a Spanish cocktail called agua de Valencia that had been recommended by Zoe. The drink looked like orange juice and was served to the girls in large wine glasses garnished with a small thin orange slice. It tasted acidic yet was sweet, tart but the alcohol was tolerable. In fact, Rose couldn't really taste the alcohol anymore and she didn't know if that was a good thing or not but she was in no state to dwell.

The joint seemed to be never-ending, either that or they had already worked their way through several. Whatever the case was, Rose had lost count of how many times it had been passed to her but was glad that she no longer fell victim to coughing fits.

When the yacht came to a stop in the waters, Zoe stood up and rounded on Rose.

"Come on, California!" She had cried out, grabbing her hand and pulling her onto her feet. She led her down to the swim deck where they both jumped into the cool waters followed closely by the boys and Cassandra. The water felt marvelous around her and despite her inebriated state Rose was able to stay afloat watching and laughing with the others as Marcus howled loudly before jumping off the top deck into the water.

They swam, dived, and jumped off the deck for a while acting more like the children they actually were than the adults they all desperately wanted to be. Rose was quickly taking a liking to Zoe, Adrian, Blaise, Theo, and Cassius as they were the most welcoming and genuine of the group. Cassandra, however, continued guarding Evan as they floated near them, occasionally Rose snuck glances their way and felt jealousy for the first time upon seeing the girl practically suck his face. Of course, being the doting boyfriend that he was, Evan had eyes for only Cassandra although Rose had caught him looking her way more than once.

Terence had chosen not to partake instead he sat on the deck alone only speaking to his friends as they swam by. He wasn't the only one that had opted out for Rose also noticed that Millicent was completely absent. She gave them no further thought, however, as their hostility would have certainly dampened the fun atmosphere.

Before they reboarded another yacht full of a number of Beauxbatons' students sailed by prompting Marcus to invited several girls onboard with the promise of alcohol and weed. When they got back to the aft deck everyone quickly toweled dried themselves before resuming the party. Marcus once again ordered a round of shots and drinks for the newcomers.

The third shot of the day was what finally brought complete silence to Rose's mind. She felt so fucking good and happy now. It was happiness unlike she had ever felt before, everything seemed so easy now, alcohol and drugs had made things easy. There was no need to worry about first impressions, things had gone so well and she was having the most fun she had ever experienced in her short, tragic life.

Quickly, she downed the remainder of the orange cocktail, which must have been charmed to stay cool, and subconsciously began swaying her hips and moving her body to the pulsating beat of the electronic music.

Dancing had always come naturally to her, it was pleasurable and Rose loved getting lost in a good song. She had grown up in a household that valued and loved the art of dance as it was an important part of her adoptive parent's cultures. Therefore the Vegas had ensured Rose mastered every traditional American and Latin American dance. However, her real lessons began a year earlier on a trip to Cartagena where Rose's older witch cousins had taught her how to move her body more sensually, it was a new way of dancing and disapproved by most parents but it was all the rage in Latin America. Of course, there had also been various school dances and illicit common room parties in Ilvermorny that had contributed to the skill.

A pair of soft hands gripped her waist causing her to jump only to find that Zoe had joined her. The two girls moved sensually as they turned to face the other. Zoe then gripped Rose tightly by the hips, bringing her close. Both girls laughed loudly as they threw their arms overhead bopping their hips back and forth to the beat.

"FUCK YEA!" came a loud shout and they were soon joined in by the rest of the group.

Rose could feel several bodies dancing closely beside her, the close skin-to-skin contact failing to bother her or really take notice. Glancing around she could see Evan and Cassandra dancing closely with each other nearby and Draco was with one of the Beauxbatons girls behind her. In her drunken and accelerated state, it was difficult to make out the rest of the half-naked bodies surrounding her.

"Let me in on this!" came Marcus's loud voice followed by his body appearing between her and Zoe.

If she had been sober Rose would have rejected his attempt to dance so closely but she was too drunk and having too much fun to care. Not a single thought had entered her mind since the drinks took effect and the absence of that commotion was bliss. The only noise she could hear was the blaring music so she continued to dance strategically moving her hips so she could turn away from the boy.

However, Marcus took the opportunity to turn away from Zoe, unaware to Rose until she felt his rough hands on her hips pulling her so close that her butt pushed up against his pelvis. Yet, she kept dancing!

What was wrong with her? He disgusted her yet she was enjoying the proximity, the movement, the sensation, and the feeling of his hands as they gripped her skin tighter before moving to wrap around her waist pressing her even closer to his body.

There was a hard stiffness rubbing against her bottom and when he breathed down the hot breath carrying the stench of cigarettes and liquor hit her hard. Suddenly Rose felt sick with herself for dancing this way with Marcus but, more pressingly, she felt she was actually going to be sick!

She needed to find a bathroom quick!

Pulling away from the older boy, she walked away without a word toward the stairs leading down to the main deck.

"Hey! Where are you going?!" demanded Marcus grabbing a hold of her arm before she could attempt her descent. Rose pulled away from him, he had no right touching her or demanding to know anything of her and she could not deal with his shit right now. The entire world was swaying, the boat didn't make moving around easier and the deafening music was preventing her from focusing on making it safely to the bathroom before she could succumb to her sickness.

"Bathroom!" she replied loudly keen on shaking him off. She impressed herself on how she managed to get a word out without becoming ill all over the creep which was not an unappealing idea if it didn't involve humiliating herself in front of everyone else. Without another word to him, she turned away and carefully made her way down the steps holding on tightly to the railing and forcing her legs to stay steady and upright. Somehow she managed to step onto the main deck without accident or injury.

Everything was moving fast and all of it was unfamiliar but with great determination, Rose managed to remember her way to the bathroom. However, when she hastily tried to turn the knob she found it locked.

"Let me in! I'm going to hurl!" she called out banging her fist on the door knowing that any minute now her stomach would spill out its contents.

No answer came.

She banged loudly several more times but the door remained locked with no answer.

"Fuck you!" she shouted angrily at whoever hid behind the door.

Desperately Rose looked around and noticed a carpeted staircase at the end of the hall that led to a lower level and remembered that Evan had implied at a second bathroom. Taking her chances, she staggered down the steps and found herself in a circular hall containing three opened doors leading into separate bedrooms. Identifying the master suite by the large, king-size bed, she ran in praying to Merlin that it would include a private bathroom and sure enough it did.

Rose slammed the door shut behind her and as she ran to kneel at the toilet, the lid and seat sprang open as if knowing her intention. She fell to her knees in front of the bowl, grabbed her hair back, opened her mouth, and finally granted her stomach the relief it was begging.

A gush of crimson liquid with chunks of undigested food shot from her mouth splashing into the toilet water and grossly onto her face as well. The scent of strawberry, orange, shrimp, cocktail sauce, alcohol, and the repugnant smell of vomit filled the room and burned her nostrils but nothing compared to the terrible, acidic taste it left in the back of her throat.

Rose had always hated throwing up but no previous time could compare to this. It was violent and it just kept coming out without end.

When was this going to stop?

Could she possibly die from this?

Finally after what seemed like several long minutes, particularly those spent painfully dry heaving, Rose felt as if her stomach had reached some kind of state of relief. She flushed away the sick, wiped her face with toilet paper then slowly turned away coming to sit with her back against the hard, marble wall. She pulled her knees to her chest, closing her eyes as she rested her head on her folded arms trying desperately to ignore the sickening movements of the yacht.

How had she gotten here?

Why did she drink past her limit?

It was too late for regrets, somehow she needed to hold herself together. Where was the voice when she needed it? The alcohol had silenced it just as it had suppressed her Legilimency. While she had enjoyed the normalcy of a quiet mind, she now longed for the comfort of her secret guide and advisor.

Who would have thought that she actually missed being crazy?

Rose laughed then gave a slow groan as the yacht swayed back and forth. What she would give to be back in the Malfoy's home at this second, preferably in her bedroom on the soft, cozy bed as opposed to the cold, hard bathroom floor she presently sat on half-naked, drunk, and away from land.

A sudden knock pulled Rose away from her thoughts although she did not budge nor looked up.

"Rose?" came Draco's voice from behind the door.

Rose groaned again, "Yea?" she croaked out weakly, raising her head.

"I'm coming in," he replied with concern in his tone most likely from hearing the tremor in her voice.

"I'm fine. Don't!" she protested thinking of the embarrassment but it went overruled. Draco let himself in and upon taking notice of her on the floor he smiled sympathetically. He walked over, staggering as he did then slid down the wall to sit beside her. He tilted his head against the tiles but said nothing. It was eerily strange to not be privy to his thoughts and only see his gray eyes when they both turned to look at the other. Rose hoped that he was not trying to mentally communicate with her now lest he discovers the effect of alcohol on her.

After a few more seconds of more silence, Rose finally spoke.

"You didn't have to come after me. That Spanish girl looked like she was enjoying herself."

"I promised your father I'd look after you," Draco replied simply. "Done bit of a shit job, haven't I? You're a fucking mess, Potter."

Rose couldn't help but laugh.

"First time drinking?" he asked grinning.

"Is it that obvious?" she replied. "Why aren't you as drunk as I am?"

Draco chuckled, "I can hold my liquor better."

"Aren't you Mister Cool," Rose countered. "Bet all the girls in your year are just dying to feel your alcoholic breath against their necks."

"Are you?" he inquired raising an eyebrow.

Rose smirked, "I'm not in your year."

"Good, I prefer older women."

Rose laughed and playfully gave his thigh a light slap before an easy silence once again settled between them as they drunkenly looked into each other's eyes.

"Why are you so nice to me?" Rose asked without thinking but, nonetheless, curious.

Draco laughed, "Do you really wanna know?"

"I wouldn't ask if I didn't."

He gave a deep sigh and shrugged, "I dunno, you don't treat me as if I'm some evil, little snob. You listen and you don't judge and perhaps it's because I know you can see in my head that I don't need to pretend around you. Funny thing is you shouldn't want to be my friend, your brother hates me, his friends and all the bloody teachers hate me and everyone fucking worships the ground he walks on. And you...you're his sister, you're a Potter and I'm a Malfoy. We're supposed to be enemies but you don't see that, do you? You see more than just a former Death Eater's son when you look at me."

There it was!

In his drunken state, he had slipped and, in doing so, gave Rose the confirmation she had already suspected regarding his father. However, she pretended to have overlooked it, quickly tucking away the information and willing herself to remember it later as she was overcome by sympathy. If anyone knew what it was like to receive treatment based on one's family name and reputation it was Rose.

"Draco," she began softly, gently resting her hand on his thigh. "There's also more to you than just being a Malfoy. It's just a name not who you are. Potter, Vega, Malfoy - whatever- we're more than our family names. It's just a fuckin' name."

In the short time that she had known Draco she had not seen a true smile from him as the one he wore now. There was a brief and slight sparkle in his eyes as he looked at her before gently placing his hand over her own and giving it a light squeeze.

"You know," Rose began as he tenderly stroked the top of her hand with his thumb."Maybe if you didn't try so hard to be such a prejudiced Pureblood asshole people wouldn't look at you the way they do. You and Harry could even be friends," she blurted out unable to contain herself knowing too much of him from his own thoughts. "You're a good friend, Draco Malfoy. A good person and more people need to see that. You may pretend to act cold and evil but you don't fool me. First off, you can't fool me because I can see everything in your head!" she laughed.

"Fucking Salazar, you are pissed drunk, Potter!" remarked Draco as laughter overtook him too.

"I am very drunk but I'm also very right!"

He smiled and shook his head, "C'mon Potter, let's get off this cold fucking floor. There's no reason to stay here when there's a perfectly comfortable bed out there."

He stood and offered her a hand to help her onto her feet. First, they stopped at the sink so Rose could rinse out her mouth and wet her face with cool water before stepping out into the quiet spacious bedroom. Draco then led her over to the enormous bed where she allowed her body to fall into its soft and firm comfort.

She watched as Draco quickly climbed over her to lay at her side and he too relaxed. Looking up, Rose saw their reflection on the mirror placed over the bed and tried her best not to look at herself.

There was nothing now but the soft muffled sound of the engine and the silence that was once again very much welcomed now that Draco was with her. Now, she could calmly focus on getting sober, and perhaps a short nap would quicken the process.

However, there was something hard underneath her pillow causing her discomfort and when Rose instinctively reached under she pulled out a small, red, leather-bound book.

"The Secrets of Sex Magick'," she read aloud immediately catching Draco's attention.

Without thinking, Rose opened the book and was greeted by a graphic magical illustration of a naked couple laying in the middle of a large pentagram surrounded by red and black candles. The witch was on top of the wizard; his head between her legs and her mouth wrapped around his penis moving up and down its length as the wizard's tongue rubbed along the opening of her sex. Rose felt heat pool in her stomach and a sudden awareness of how close Draco was to her. She glanced at him and saw that his attention was on the picture so she proceeded to flip through the pages.

A variety of moving sex positions and rituals involving vaginal, oral, and -to her shock- anal flashed through their view.

"Holy Merlin," muttered Rose upon coming onto a page depicting the naked wizard taking the witch anally from behind. She flipped the pages again and this time came upon the illustrated witch with her mouth on the wizard's ass, rubbing and probing her tongue into his opening while using a hand to stroke his length. "I didn't know you could even do that!"

Rose looked over to Draco and glanced down at his swimming shorts where, sure enough, the pitched fabric over his crotch gave away his erection. He noticed her eyes and looked down attempting to hide his stiffness by shifting his legs which only proved to be unsuccessful. He looked at her and they both erupted into a fit of laughter.

"I feel like shit," Rose stated as the laughter finally subsided. Carelessly she disposed of the explicit book by tossing it over the side of the bed where it landed somewhere on the carpeted floor with a soft thud.

Draco looked over sympathetically and smiled, "It'll pass."

Would it? Rose really hoped it would hurry, throwing up had only provided temporary relief for the world was still spinning around her. The bed was the only stationary object apart from themselves and it gave her such a sickening sensation. She closed her eyes to save herself from the dizziness although that did nothing to soothe the feeling.

Rose turned over onto her side to face Draco and extended a hand between them, "Hold my hand, Draco. I need something to hold onto."

He obliged without hesitation or question, turning to her and entwining his slender fingers with her own.

Just like that Rose fell into an eerie daze, she couldn't sleep but she also couldn't bring herself to open her eyes much less stand so she stayed where she was.

It wasn't so bad where she was after all.

.

AN: So I know Purebloods are supposed to hate everything Muggle but I'm convinced that they still liked living the good life such as owning expensive luxury yachts and estates. Since there's no canonical evidence to say otherwise I'm just going to roll with it!

Also, the decision to have cannabis in the story is due to it being the early 90s when there was a large surge in international drug trafficking. Also, I am convinced wizards used the plant itself in potions.

I really enjoyed writing out the interactions between the Slytherins and I hope I was able to do them justice. Hope y'all enjoyed!