Year 1 - Late Fall early Winter
Days after their conversation the night of the sorting ceremony, Rose and Albus made amends. Both realized that no matter what house they belonged to, family came first. The friendship between Scorpius and Albus seemed to have taken off, the two having been inseparable since day one. Rose, however, had taken a standoffish attitude. At the moment she felt neither pro - Scorpius nor against him.
Rose wasn't sure whether to put it down to luck or bad luck that she had most classes together with Al and Scorpius.
The two often seemed to get into trouble and when they had discussions they didn't hesitate to involve Rose.
As was the case during potions today.
"I'm sure Rose agrees with me, don't you Rose?"
"Please don't involve me in your silly discussions."
"Miss Granger-Weasley, is this lesson not to your liking?" Professor Hawkins looks at Rose with a critical eye.
"Sorry Professor, I was momentarily distracted. It won't happen again." she says as she casts an angry look at Scorpius and Albus.
Hogwarts library
The last few weeks have flown by. In true Granger fashion, Rose has immediately started studying and taking notes during classes.
Rose has found a spot in the library to quietly go over her notes when she hears the chair shift next to her. Someone takes a seat.
She looks up from her notes. "Scorpius." she says curtly and continues with her school work.
" Hi.." Scorpius hesitates ".. may I ask you for a favor."
Rose looks at him skeptically "And that favor includes?"
"I'm terrible at potions and I was wondering if you could tutor me, but only if you want to of course"
"If you took a little more time to pay attention in class instead of scheming with Albus about who to fool next time, you might have a better grasp of the technique."
"Please Rose, I don't know who else to ask. You're the best in our class." he begs. Now that's sheer flattery and she knows it.
Rose hesitates to answer, not sure if this is such a good idea.
Scorpius keeps on going.
"I promise I will always be on time and pay attention and .."
" Yes "
" .. and I will.. wait what did you say"
" I said 'Yes'. I will tutor you. But you better make sure I won't regret this, my time is precious and I have plenty of prep for the exams coming up. I'm not here for playtime, Scorpius."
The brightest smile is on Scorpius' face.
"Thank Rose, you're the best!" Scorpius plants a kiss on Rose's cheek and in a whirlwind he's gone.
For a moment she is completely confused by the interaction that has just taken place. And then she slowly raises her hand to her cheek, a tingling sensation lingers.
In the following weeks, Scorpius tries to keep his promise as best he can. He keeps on arriving in the library in the nick of time.
Rose tolerates his tardiness until one day he doesn't show up at all.
"Where is that boy?" Rose mumbles, visibly annoyed. She has been waiting for him for 20 minutes now.
Sighing, she gathers her things and prepares to leave the library when the doors suddenly slam open. Several students look up in annoyance.
A breathless Scorpius rushes over to Rose. "I'm so so sorry, Albus had.." he starts.
"Keep your apologies to yourself Scorpius." Rose takes her bag and leaves for the Gryffindor common room.
Hogwarts Great Hall
Later that day, Rose is sitting at the Gryffindor table in the great hall.
She puts a fork of mashed potatoes in her mouth and listens in on the conversation her housemates next to her are having.
"Did you see Potter fly through the air during Hooches class?"
"Surprised he didn't break more bones after such a high fall. He really isn't like his father at all is he?"
"He is lucky that Malfoy kid was just able to help break the fall, so the damage was fairly limited."
Rose swallows, she suddenly feels really bad. She looks over to the Slytherin table and sees Albus sitting next to Scorpius with a sling around his arm. Her eyes suddenly meet Scorpius's and he quickly looks away before speaking to Albus.
Albus stands up, Scorpius tries to grab his arm and fails.
Rose sees Albus walking towards her and he takes a seat next to her.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"If you should be mad at anyone, it's me, Rosie. He had to carry me halfway through the castle to get to Madam Pomfrey. It's my fault he didn't get to you in time."
"Why didn't he say anything then?"
"You barely gave the poor lad 0.3 seconds to come up with an explanation. He's very sorry, you know. If it wasn't for Scorp I would have broken a lot more bones than just my forearm. By the way, Skele-Gro tastes vile."
Rose nods understandingly.
"I'm relieved you're okay. Tell him 'tomorrow at 4'."
"Be gentle with him Rosie, he's trying his best."
Albus rubs her shoulder and shuffles back to the Slytherin table. He bows down to whisper something in Scorpius' ear.
Scorpius turns to look at Rose across the Great Hall and mouths "Thank you".
Christmas is coming soon and Rose is eager to see her family again. The train has just arrived in Kings Cross and everyone is dragging their bags off the train to meet their parents.
"I'll see you at grandma and grandpa's, Rosie!" Albus waves and he's gone.
Rose tries to get her bag off the rack, but it seems to have caught on something. "Do you need help?" Before she can answer Scorpius leans over her to untie the loop on her bag.
"Yes, thanks. Do you have plans for Christmas, Scorpius?"
He hands over her bag.
"Yes, I'm going to Switzerland with my parents for a few days and then Al invited me to his house for New Year's Eve."
"Oh, I'll see you there then. I hope you have a good time in Switzerland."
"Mom isn't feeling well so I'm glad I got some time with her."
Rosie doesn't immediately dare ask what's wrong with his mother. She feels this is a rather personal thing to ask about.
She take her bag from Scorpius and prepares to get off.
"Wish her well, I'll see you soon."
"Rose."
"Yes?"
Scorpius leans towards her and gives her a soft kiss on her cheek.
"Merry Christmas"
"You too.." she says flustered as she gets off the train.
This was the second time Scorpius had kissed her. She wasn't sure what to make of this.
Was she reading too much into it? The Christmas break may have come at just the right time. Spending some time with her family would do her good.