Year 3

The winter air was crisp and cold as the Hogwarts Express pulled into King's Cross Station. Students bundled up in their warmest cloaks, excited for the prospect of a joyful Christmas break. Among them was Albus Potter, who couldn't seem to wait to reunite with his family.

"Come on, Rosie, we better get going," Albus called, his breath forming small clouds in the frigid air.

Rosie hurriedly gathered her belongings, glancing around the compartment to make sure nothing was forgotten. She shot Albus a grateful smile as he headed off towards the platform, disappearing into the bustling crowd of students and parents.

As Rose struggled with her trunk, Scorpius Malfoy stepped in to help. "Let me get that for you, Rose."

"Thanks, Scorpius," Rosie said, relieved for the assistance. Together, they maneuvered the trunk down the narrow aisle of the train.

Once they were on the platform, Scorpius cleared his throat, looking somewhat hesitant.

"Hey, Rose, I wanted to talk to you about something."

Rose looked at him with a curious expression. "What's on your mind?"

He took a deep breath, his grey eyes steady. "The Potters have invited me to spend Christmas Eve with them. I know you and your family will be there also. I wanted to make sure it was okay with you."

A warm smile spread across Rose's face. "Of course, Scorpius! I'm sure they'd be thrilled to have you. And so am I, for that matter."

Scorpius' relief was palpable, and he smiled in return. "Thank you, Rosie. That means a lot to me."

They made their way through the station, talking and laughing as they went. The anticipation of the holiday filled the air, and Rosie couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness wash over her.

As they stood a small distance away from the Weasleys, a comfortable silence settled between them. The air seemed to hum with anticipation, the promise of festivities and shared moments of warmth.

As they said their goodbyes, Scorpius turned to Rose, his expression softening.

"Rose," he began, a hint of nervousness in his voice, "I just wanted to say how much I've enjoyed getting to know you over these past few years. You're a truly amazing person."

Her heart warmed at his words, and she looked into his eyes with sincerity. "You're pretty amazing yourself, Scorpius. I'm really glad we've become friends."

Before she could say another word, Scorpius surprised her with a gentle kiss on the cheek. Rosie's heart skipped a beat, and she felt a warm flush rise to her cheeks. She quickly composed herself, cupping her cheek in surprise.

They stood there for a moment, the weight of the unspoken lingering between them.

"Goodbye, Rose," Scorpius said, a slight smile on his lips.

"Goodbye, Scorpius," she replied, her voice tinged with a mixture of surprise and warmth.

Then Scorpius turned and made his way towards the exit, leaving Rose to join her family.

As she walked towards the Weasley's, Rose couldn't help but replay the moment in her mind. The softness of his lips against her cheek, the warmth that seemed to linger. It was a small gesture, but one that left her heart beating just a little faster.

The promise of Christmas Eve felt more enchanting than ever, and Rose couldn't help but wonder what the holiday would bring.

The Potter house was a picture of festive cheer. The scent of freshly cut pine mingled with the aroma of roasting chestnuts, and the twinkling lights adorned every corner. The fireplace crackled merrily, casting a warm glow across the room.

Rose Weasley stood by the window, taking in the enchanting scene. She couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for being surrounded by her extended family on this special day.

As the snow gently fell outside, she felt a deep contentment settle within her.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" came a voice from behind her.

Rose turned to see Albus standing there, a soft smile on his face. "It really is, Al. Your house always feels like a second home."

Albus nodded in agreement. "It's hard not to love this place during the holidays."

The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air as the Weasley and Potter clans gathered around the enormous Christmas tree, exchanging gifts and stories. Rose glanced over at Scorpius, who was engaged in a lively conversation with James and Lily.

Turning back to Albus, she leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Al, has Scorpius ever mentioned anything about fancying someone at school?"

Albus raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "Fancying someone, Rosie? Really?"

Rose shrugged, a mischievous grin on her face. "Well, you never know. He might have a secret admirer."

Albus let out a chuckle. "Trust me, Rosie, girls are the last thing on Scorpius's mind. He's too focused on Quidditch and his studies. Besides, he'd probably turn bright red at the mere suggestion of romance."

Rose couldn't help but laugh at the mental image of Scorpius blushing furiously. "You might be right, Al. He does seem rather dedicated to his pursuits."

As the evening wore on, the festivities reached their peak. The Weasleys and Potters gathered around the table, feasting on a delectable spread of holiday delicacies. The room was alive with joy and merriment, the echoes of laughter bouncing off the walls.

Later, as the family settled in front of the roaring fire, exchanging stories and reminiscing about past Christmases, Rose couldn't shake the playful curiosity that had sparked her earlier question. She stole a glance at Scorpius, who was engrossed in conversation with Hugo.

Albus sat beside her, his voice low as he leaned in to whisper, "You really are quite the detective, Rosie."

She grinned, a twinkle in her eye. "Well, you never know when love might come knocking, even for someone as dedicated as Scorpius."

Albus chuckled, a warmth in his gaze. "True enough, Rose. But for now, let's just enjoy this moment with our family."

Rose Weasley sat on a plush couch, her eyes twinkling as she watched her cousins excitedly open their presents. Her own gifts lay at the foot of the tree, patiently waiting their turn.

"Albus," Scorpius called, handing him a mug of butterbeer. "Your mum asked me to pass this along."

Albus accepted the drink with a grin. "Thanks, Scorpius. She always knows just how to warm a person up."

Scorpius scanned the room, his gaze eventually landing on Rose. She looked radiant in the soft Christmas lights, her laughter contagious as she joined in the festivities.

Albus nudged Scorpius playfully, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You know, Rose asked me if you fancy anyone at school."

Scorpius took a sip of his butterbeer and promptly choked on it. Albus patted him on the back, chuckling.

"Steady there, mate. I didn't think it'd be that shocking."

Scorpius cleared his throat, his cheeks tinged with pink. "I...I don't know what you're talking about, Albus. Rose must have been mistaken."

Albus raised an eyebrow, his smile growing wider. "Mistaken, huh? Well, you can tell her that yourself."

Scorpius tried to maintain composure, but his heart raced. He knew there was a deeper truth to Albus' jest. Still, he couldn't bring himself to admit it, not in this moment.

Meanwhile, Rose, engrossed in her conversation with Hugo, overheard fragments of their exchange. Her heart sank, the unspoken words lingering in the air like a bitter aftertaste. She masked her hurt with a forced smile, determined not to let her emotions show. Rising from the couch, she excused herself, claiming she needed some fresh air. The cold night air bit at her cheeks as she stood alone in the garden, gazing up at the star-lit sky. She took a deep breath, willing herself to push aside the ache that throbbed in her chest.

When the time came for the Weasleys to return home, the farewells were quick and polite. Rose hugged each member of the Potter family, including Scorpius, with a distant smile.

"Take care, Scorpius," she said softly, her eyes not quite meeting his.

"You too, Rose," he replied, his voice equally subdued.

And with that, the holiday chapter came to an end, leaving behind unspoken words and a sense of melancholy.