A Chaser or a Keeper

by Pluto24

When Rose Ward (O/C) starts her first year at Hogwarts, she instantly attracts the attention of school heartthrob Edward Oliver. Join Rose over her school years at Hogwarts packed with adventure, friendships, romance, drama and heartache. A book merging characters and situations from Harry Potter and Twilight.

19. Misunderstandings

Misunderstandings

The school term quickly returned, and with it the gruelling routine of classes and homework. The work load became so severe that by Wednesday, Rose privately wondered how they had ever achieved a social life before the Christmas holiday. On the Thursday over breakfast, she started to write out a list. With Gryffindor's upcoming match against Hufflepuff looming, she knew that Quidditch practices were going to be mandatory ever night, and yet she still needed to choreograph two dances, the next competition round now only two weeks away. She took a deep sigh, her eyes burning with the pressure.

"Don't forgot the radio show." Ron chuckled as he peered over her shoulder.

"I don't need to practice that." Rose grumbled.

"No, but you do need to factor in the time it takes to do it." Ron pressed.

Rose sighed, writing down the radio show under Saturday.

"I'm going to have to work throughout breaks and lunchtimes." Rose groaned.

"Thats not that bad." Harry smiled. "I'm kind of in the same boat remember, at least you will have the company."

Rose nodded, her glum mood not improving. She looked down the table towards Edward, the concern that she wouldn't be seeing him as much as she would like quickly spiralling. As if knowing her thoughts, he looked up, his eyes looking concerned, a slight frown forming.

"You okay?" He mouthed.

Rose nodded, but her eyes betrayed her. Quickly turning her attention back to her list, she contemplated what was best.

"I think I'm going to have to give up the radio show." Rose muttered to herself.

"What?" Ron gasped, his mug hitting the table with force. "Why?"

"You fought so hard for it." Hermione agreed, "Please don't do anything rash, especially as the competition isn't forever."

"And Quidditch practices aren't normally as frequent as this either." Harry continued, "You've got this Rose."

Rose didn't answer as she stared at the piece of parchment held tightly in her hands, she should have known this was coming but the shock was still fuelling her worry. This list and all the homework combined into one big distraction away from Edward. Yes she would still be in his company for some of it.. but not alone.. not how they had been. She slowly rose from the table, dropping the uneaten toast back on the plate in front of her.

"I'm taking Smutz out." She muttered, turning quickly before they had time to ask anything.

Rose walked quickly past the house tables, eager to get away from everyone for a moment with just her thoughts. As she pushed the oak front doors open, the cold January air hit her lungs as she shut her eyes and inhaled deeply. A warm hand slotted into hers, gripping it comfortingly as the owners thumb rubbed soothing circles into the back of Rose's hand. "Ray?" He whispered. "What happened back there?"

Rose opened her eyes, Edwards calm face looking at her, his amber eyes focused.

"I panicked." Rose admitted.

"Why?" Edward soothed. "You've written a list, your got everything under control."

"My list doesn't leave anytime for us." Rose gulped, retrieving the list to show him.

"Oh Ray." Edward smiled, stroking her face with his spare hand. "Every one of these activities involves me, I'm even in the dance with you this time remember?" "Of course I remember." Rose frowned. "But apart from that one example, I have to share you with other people, most of which are still not aware of us being together."

"You don't want to share me?" Edward grinned, the amusement clear.

"Don't make fun of me." Rose winced. "I just don't want to start seeing the radio show as a waste of time, when I could be with you."

"I'm not laughing at you." Edward replied reassuringly. "I'm smiling because that is how I feel all the time."

He leaned his head against hers, kissing her softly on her lips, slowly breaking away he whispered;

"Shall I met you in the library for a lunchtime date?"

"How romantic." Rose grumbled, "But if it means spending another second with you, yes." "I'll see what I can do." Edward nodded, leaning in to kiss her again.

By the afternoon, Rose's mood had improved significantly. Not only had she been able to spend her breaks in Edward's company, but she had finished all the homework that had been set from the past three days. Now with only Thursday's and the afternoons lesson still to do, she was finally seeing the wood through the trees.

After a quick dinner, she followed Edward down towards the Quidditch pitch alone. Edward wanted to practice the manoeuvres he wanted to teach the rest of the team the following night, them working late into the night until the cold air became too much for Rose. But the work didn't stop there, beside the warm fire inside Edward's office, they started to plan the choreography they wanted to use for the show dance. They had decided to try and push as much variety of dance styles that they could, each style flowing from one to another to make a perfect routine. The routine itself was mostly fast, difficult to manoeuvre and needed to be extremely accurate. One of the lifts that Edward had to produce was so precise that Rose questioned that if he was human would it have been possible to pull off at all, his muscular arms holding Rose high into the air as he spun. As Edward lowered her slowly to the floor, she couldn't resist kissing him, it had been hours since they had last embraced and Rose felt like they had achieved as much as they could do for one night.

"Thank you." She whispered, her lips stroking his lips as she spoke.

Edward kissed her back, his tongue hungrily searching for hers as he lowered her into the armchair, his torso pushed deeply against hers. A small satisfied sigh escaped Rose's lips as Edward kissed her neck.

"Careful." She warned.

A chuckle escaped his lips as he kissed her jawbone, and then her bottom lip.

"As you wish." He grinned, kissing her once more.

They left the Quidditch office at three in the morning, neither realising that this would become a nightly occurrence. The night sky showcased the full moon and millions of stars in the sky, illuminating them both in cold white light.

"Jump on my back." Edward grinned, his eagerness clear.

"What?" Rose frowned, looking at him apprehensibly as if he were joking.

"My back." Edward chuckled. "I haven't been able to show you how fast I can run and this is a perfect opportunity."

Rose smiled, taking his hand in her own. She hadn't told him that she remembered all too clearly how fast she had made it to the hospital wing all those months ago, and she was pleased that he was eager to show off his natural talents instead of shying away from them.

"What?" Edward grinned curiously.

"Nothing." Rose replied, kissing his hand affectionally.

Releasing her hand from his, she walked behind him, jumping cleanly onto his back, her arm and legs quickly straddling him.

"Hold on." Edward said confidently. "And pull your hood up, its going to be a cold ten seconds."

He was right, the temperature quickly become horrendously cold as the wind thrashed against Rose's skin like millions of needles. But as soon as the cold became unbearable, it disappeared as the warmth of the inside hit them with force. Rose had kept her eyes open throughout it all, her brain not able to keep up with what her eyes could register, in less then thirty seconds they had made it back to the Portrait of the fat lady. Rose slid of his back, toppling into Edwards arms as her body struggled to register its surroundings.

"Rose?" Edward grinned. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." She replied breathlessly. "That was certainly a different experience."

Edwards grin curled into his crooked smile, he lowered Rose's hood, kissing her gently.

"You two should be in bed." Tutted the fat lady. "Not advancing on each other out in the dead of night."

"My Dear Lady." Edward grinned, turning in amusement away from Rose. "We have been out all night working on Quidditch manorveres, all harmless fun, I can reassure you." "That sounds like complete Poppycock if you ask me." The fat lady sniffed. "But speak the password and you may enter."

"Alnwick." Edward smiled innocently.

The fat lady grumbled as she swung open, her mutters audible as they walked through the portrait hole, it had appeared she had only just changed the password and was annoyed that Edward has guessed first time. Rose made sure not make eye contact with Edward as she bit her cheeks to stop herself laughing, after all she didn't want to seem rude nor smug. The common room was extremely inviting, with the warm embers in the fireplace still illuminating the room in an orange glow, Rose knew she should go upstairs and sleep, yet her feet stayed routed to the spot.

She felt a gentle kiss on the back of her neck, her eyes closing as the sensation relaxed her shoulders. She turned on the spot, her arms curling around Edwards neck.

"I should be encouraging you to sleep." Edward smiled sadly.

"Can't we just do what we have been doing?" Rose sighed.

Edward stroked her hair, leaning in to kiss her softly, before effortlessly picking her up and leading her over to the couch closest to the fire.

The familiar couch engulfed their bodies as Rose snuggled into Edwards chest. They had made this their temporary space since New Years wanting to respect other peoples privacy as well as gaining their own together. Edward would wait till Rose fell asleep before begrudgingly carrying her back to her own bed.

Edward stroked Rose's hair, his own eyes shut as he listened to her beating heart, the rhythm sending him into a relaxed trance. Rose too had her eyes shut as she breathed in Edward's smell, the lavender and honeysuckle quickly sending her into a light sleep.

Edward waited as long as he could, unwilling to move her as she slept peacefully in his arms, with one last kiss he carefully carried Rose to her dormitory, lowering Rose gently onto her bed.

"Stay." She mumbled as a small frown formed against her forehead.

"Ray." Edward purred, a small grin on his face. "Its nearly time to get up, I promise."

Slowly leaning over her, Edward gently kissed her forehead, her frown vanishing beneath his smooth lips.

"Sleep my darling." He whispered.

Walking carefully from the room, Edward sat back down on the still warm couch, his loneliness quickly making itself present. He leant his head against the back of the couch, breathing deeply in purposely, willing Rose's scent to burn in his throat. His mind now unconsciously ignoring the world around him, he focused his attention back on Rose's heartbeat, willing it to be the only noise he should care to hear. This was as close to sleep as he could hope for.

The next night Edward found himself again waiting for the small amount of time to pass, his mind focused again on the rhythm of one heartbeat. He breathed deeply in, his mind becoming quickly aware of two voices that he knew very well.. but what were they doing awake and out of bed? Their minds were swirling with curious excitement, and Edward quickly grasped to where they had both been and the reason for their mutual curiosity. Their heavy footsteps were unsubtly walking down the corridor, the noise making Edward visibly wince as he thought of how incautious they we being regardless of having Smutz as an excuse for their outing. The portrait door opened with a slow screech as invisible footsteps tapped through the tunnel at a quick pace, the sound of elegant paws following suit.

"Ron… Harry." Edward grinned, managing to pinpoint their location perfectly.

"Cheat." Ron grumbled, removing the cloak, revealing his dishevelled look for the first time.

"Hardly." Edward chuckled. "You didn't need inhuman ears to hear the pair of you."

"It's hard to stay together in such a small space." Ron protested.

"And with a dog too." Harry urged.

"I can sympathise." Edward agreed. "But out of curiosity, how were you going to explain Smutz to anyone whilst being invisible?" Edward asked curiously.

"Good point." Harry grinned. "I'm sure Dumbledore was thinking a similar thing."

"But at least Dumbledore knows about your special cloak Harry." Edward explained in warning. "There are others out there who wouldn't need an excuse to confiscate such a valuable item off you."

Edward looked sympathetic as he turned his attention cautiously away from Harry, conscious of the fact that he shouldn't have been the one to tell Harry that it was Dumbledore who had given him the cloak. Carefully pouring himself and the others a hot chocolate he smoothly changed the subject.

"So you found out the name of the magic mirror?" Edward addressed the room.

"We did." Harry grinned as he accepted the hot drink. "Its called 'The mirror of Erised.'"

Harry paused, curious to observe Edward's reaction, after a seconds pause he continued;

"But rest assured as you know, Dumbledore has warned us to not return to the room to find it. I now understand the reason why I got to see my parents and why Ron saw.."

"Why I saw all the successes I won't ever be able to achieve." Ron gulped glumly.

"Never say never." Edward replied encouragingly. "I believe it tells you what your heart desires yes?"

"Yes." Harry agreed "But that doesn't mean the mirror's reality will come true, after all both my parents are dead."

"But that doesn't mean you won't ever see them again Harry." Edward carefully explained. "It just means you have to wait a little while till you get to be reunited." Patting Harry's arm, Edward continued; "Ron's achievements however can be achieved a little more easily with determination and hard work."

Ron gulped nervously, his eyes surprised at Edward's confidence.

"And thats why the mirror is so dangerous." Harry understood.

"Like Dumbledore explained." Edward nodded. "You could easily waste away, waiting for that reality to happen instead of pursuing your goals in the real world. But do you really mean what you said? Are you really going to keep your promise and not try and find the mirror again?"

"Yes." Harry agreed.

"Good." Edward smiled warmly. "That is a relief."

"Oliver?" Ron asked, though Edward could hear his unspoken question clearly.

Edward sighed, looking at Ron curiously, his eyes showing the truth behind his unspoken words.

"I think you know what I would see Ron." Edward gulped.

Ron nodded, his head dipped in embarrassment.

"And what exactly would that be?" Rose asked, the apprehension clear.

"It would be you Ray." Edward answered in a way as if it were obvious. "But I would be human."

Rose frowned slightly at his words as she walked over to him. Scooping his hands in hers, she gripped them tightly as a frustrated sigh escaped her lips. "Thats funny." Rose answered carefully. "Because all I would see is our reflection - as we see it now." "Get a room." Ron muttered under his breath, his tone joking.

Turning her attention sharply his way, Rose's eyes sent Ron a clear message. They wouldn't have needed a separate room if Ron had listened to her the night before and had just gone to bed as advised.

"I know.. we know." Ron sighed. "You warned us."

"At least you won't be going back." Rose clipped, her tone too similar to her Grandmothers.

"I'll put the cloak away in my trunk." Harry promised.

Rose nodded curtly, but her shoulder did slightly relax.

"Why are you up so early?" Ron asked curiously.

"The school radio." Rose sighed. "Did you forget it was Saturday?"

"Yes!" Ron replied, his relief clear. "This means I can sleep! Forgive me, I won't be listening today, my bed calls."

"As does mine." Harry grinned, stretching his arms over his head.

"Shall I wake you up for lunch?" Rose asked, surprised.

"Can't you two just hang out with each other and let us sleep some more?" Ron groaned? "Hermione is only going to be reading through her backlog to find Flammel anyway." Rose chuckled, turning to look at Edward, his grin confirming her own thoughts.

"I think you can twist my arm." Rose agreed.

"Good." Ron yawned, "Now go, I need my beauty sleep."

Edward entwined his fingers through Rose's, leading her from the room and down the deserted corridor.

"I was surprised to see you so quickly." Edward admitted out loud. "With all the late nights we've been having lately, I thought you would have slept in this morning. I half imagined us having to do the radio show without you."

"After all the excitement I've been having." Rose smirked. "I'm surprised I'm sleeping at all."

Edward chuckled lightly, turning to look at her he paused their walking to touch her face.

"What am I going to do with you?" He whispered.

Rose leant in closer to him, her sweet breath hitting him softly as she pulled him towards her.

"Theres someone coming." Edward whispered, his tone showing his frustration.

Rose gently let go, her hands quickly dropping to her sides as she looked at him in longing. Turning away from him, she moved away so that they could continue to walk, now at at distance that friends would walk comfortably together. It wasn't long till they passed the 'culprit', an innocent Hufflepuff making her way back towards her common room, her head firmly down as she walked past.

"She didn't even look at us." Rose hissed.

"She was more observant then you give her credit for." Edward replied, his tone amused.

Slotting his hand back into hers, Rose turned to look back at the Hufflepuff girl, curious to what the girl had observed and why Edward was being so vague. Knowing that he was being tight lipped for a reason, Rose occupied the rest of the time it took to get to the Great Hall trying to get Edward to tell her his new secret. By the time they made it to the table, she was no nearer the truth, something that amused Edward even further.

"What would you like for breakfast today?" Edward asked curiously, sitting closely beside her.

"You can't just change the subject." Rose groaned.

"Yes I can." Edward grinned."Besides, I can't really tell you anything just yet."

"But you will tell me?" Rose asked adamantly.

"I will tell you everything you need to know, when it becomes relevant." Edward muttered silkily, he face very close to hers.

"Fine." Rose grinned triumphantly.

"So" Edward asked seriously. "What is it going to be? Bacon?… Tomatoes? Beans?"

"Hmmm, good questions" Rose contemplated, looking down the table at the various bowls and condiments. "Maybe… just some buttered crumpets?"

"That was a lot of thought just for some crumpets." Edward chuckled. "Are you not hungry?"

"No." Rose admitted. "Someone fed me a lot of chocolates throughout the night."

Edward grinned, his eyes sparkling as he replied; "Those unwanted Christmas presents have been far too fun to use up this year." Handing her a plate with two perfectly buttered crumpets and a cup of coffee, Edward looked at her carefully, his focus now purely on her.

"What?" Rose grinned, looking back at him eagerly.

"How do they taste?" Edward asked curiously.

"Perfect, thank you." Rose smirked, her eyes trying to read his actual thoughts,

"Good." Edward replied, his eyes unchanged.

"Is this a good time to interrupt?"

The voice came from their side, its tone awkward. Edward remained unmoved, his eyes still looking at Rose with such intenseness it was as if he believed that if he blinked, she would disappear. After a few quiet seconds of interrupted silence, it was Rose who turned to the speaker, aware of how long they had been silent.

"Sorry Lee." Rose grinned guiltily. "Take a seat."

Sitting down opposite the pair of them, Lee quickly brought out the relevant sacks of letters, his eyes not quite making eye contact with Edward.

"Where would you like to start?" Rose asked gently. "Or should we wait for Fred and George?"

"No, we can start." Lee agreed quickly, helping himself to a plateful of food. "So the first thing to address is that people are still writing in about Marietta."

Rose subtly gulped as she looked at the large pile of letters Lee was broadcasting in front of her.

"Your call Rose, after all it is your radio show but I think we should probably ignore the responses?" Lee continued unaware of her unease.

"I agree." Rose nodded. "People had their say last week and it would seem we have plenty of other letters to address."

"Any good ones this week?" Fred asked loudly, jogging down the long table to join them. "George won't be too long, he just needed to do a poo." "False alarm Fred." George announced, giving them a devious wink as he arrived beside them all. "It was just an unfortunate amount of gas. Oh bacon!"

Sitting down alongside Lee, George helped himself to a large pile of bacon and eggs, oblivious of the others amused smirks.

"Back to the task at hand." Lee muttered, shaking his head as he did so, "There are a lot of letters here that mention New Year's Eve." Lee paused. "I think we have plenty to work with this week but I think you should be the one to pick this weeks Weasley's whinge."

"Okay." Rose agreed, her tone curious.

Accepting the six letters off Lee, Rose skim read them, quickly realising that the themes were similar throughout them all.

"Lee, these are all about me." Rose frowned, passing the letters over to Edward.

"Yes, they are." Lee grinned. "All the Weasley's Whinge letters have you as their source this week."

"These too?" Fred asked pointing to the other letters on the table.

"Yep." Lee nodded. "Though those are just too juicy for radio." "How has Rose upset so many people?" George frowned.

"Rose hasn't upset anyone, well apart from Marietta." Lee smirked. "Quite the opposite in fact. She has become the most popular girl in school and isn't replying to her fan mail. These letters are some peoples last resorts to address Rose for advise on what to do." "Hello." Fred grinned, his eyebrows wagging. "Now we are talking."

Passing the letter over to George, he eagerly accepted.

"Ah this letter admirer was confused to your whereabouts at midnight." George continued. "They were hoping to-"

"Yes, thank you George." Rose shushed. "We have already read the letter remember?"

"What would you like to do?" Edward asked diplomatically.

"Curl up in a corner and refuse to go on air?" Rose muttered dryly.

Edward rubbed her arm comfortingly, his touch electrifying her arm instantly.

"Come on." He smiled gently. "I know you don't mean that." "How about cancelling Weasley's whinge?" Rose sighed.

"Hey why?" George protested. "We didn't do anything wrong."

"Because it was meant to be a bit if fun and now its getting personal." Rose answered honestly. "This urgently needs addressing. How come Edward's fans haven't done this?" "My worst 'fan' has remember." Edward smiled weakly.

Rose sighed, crossing her arm as she looked across the table at the others.

"I feel so uncomfortable making this about me." She muttered. "Is there anything else, have you kept ones from past week by any chance?"

"Nothing." Lee replied guiltily. "Most letters need help with something that has happened recently. If that time has an expiry date on it, I chuck them." Rose groaned, collapsing her head into her arms.

"Do you want me to pick a letter?"

Rose turned her head slightly to look at Fred.

"Are going to choose that rude one?"

"No." Fred said calmly. "I'm going to choose the one I think the listeners will respond well to."

"Okay." Rose agreed

"You sure?" Lee asked curiously.

"Yes." Rose nodded.

Fred re-read the letter in turn, screwing up the ones he deemed unsuitable, eventually he read the same letter over and over, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"This one." He said, nodding sensibly.

Standing from the table, he folded the letter in half before pocketing it. The others followed suit, following Fred from the table. With her hand quickly finding Edward's, they quickly made their way down the corridors to the classroom that hosted the radio. Knocking delicately on the door they heard Snape's bored voice drone "Your late" as the door opening by itself, willing them to enter. Shuffling into the dark room, they sat around the round table, facing one another as they quickly went through the order of the show and playlist.

The radio show was soon underway, the humour and relaxing music doing wonders for Rose's growing nerves. It was hard to believe that at any moment, the atmosphere would change with the letter now present on the table. With an apologetic glance, George leaned across, retrieved the letter and began to read. "This letter's subject heading is 'One glance.'" George announced, before clearing his throat;

"Dear Fred and George,

I have been a silent observer of Rose for a while now, amazed by her confidence in both style and attitude to life. I'm not ashamed to admit that I was enchanted by her confidence and her body in the latest round of the singing competition, and as a gay woman who hasn't announced publicly her sexual preferences yet, I was in awe of the message Rose was sending.

The headstrong confidence I saw that night was faltered slightly on New Years Eve, where I witnessed Rose being dragged about by both Cedric Diggory and Edward-Oliver Wood like she was some sort of possession, with neither of them letting her wonder alone for a second.

Both of these men could have any girl they choose and yet both school heartthrobs have constantly fought over Rose. Edward-Oliver in particular having turned down any girl thrown his way, has suddenly seemed entranced by the one girl everyone wants. But has thought to question Rose's own sexual preferences?

I watched Rose sing on New Year's Eve from the crowd bellow. She was staring down at me amongst the sea of heads and in that following moment I felt a warm shudder release itself from me. It was just one glance and yet in that moment she saw me and I saw her, the sadness in her eyes telling me a story. Her eyes, that look, has made it impossible for me to stop thinking about her, and I want her to be aware that if she is gay, that it is okay to be open and proud. Something that I, too need to do. After all, the way she looked at me that night, I believe that she might feel for me the way I feel for her.

Now to the point of me writing this letter. I wanted to address Rose herself if my perceptions are correct, to Edward, to see whether his somewhat controlling patterns are justified and to Fred and George whether you, yourselves are happy with the way Rose is treated by others?

Kind Regards,

Anonymous."

There was a silence for a moment before it was Rose who spoke up.

"Thank you anonymous. I know it its meant to be Fred and George that are meant to initially reply, but on this occasion I think it is best that I reply first." Rose replied gently. "Firstly, I wanted to say thank you. I am aware of how hard it is to put words and indeed your own feelings down in writing and hearing the lovely things you have said about me is truly heartwarming. It is also true that sometimes the attention I have received has been unwanted and unwelcome, sadly I am not the first and won't be the last female to have ever got negative attention. Having said this I must make it abundantly clear that I am not referring to Edward-Oliver.. or Cedric when I say this. They have always behaved like gentlemen around me and continue to do just that."

Rose paused, sighing slightly as she drew the mug towards her lips to take a sip of cold tea.

"I know you have directed a question to Edward, but I don't think it is appropriate on this occasion for him to have to defend himself, when others accused of the same aren't having to. I wasn't being controlled on New Years Eve, but I can understand why you perceived that to be the case.

Edward…" Rose smiled, looking at him as she spoke. "Edward was my knight in shining armour that evening. I wasn't the only one in the room to suffer the consequences of the spiked punch, and if it wasn't for Edwards constant physical support, I would have easily fallen face down on the floor."

"Your welcome." Edward smiled softly.

"God that punch was good." Fred added with a grin. "It was delicious and lethal."

"I thought it was horrific." Rose chuckled. "I'll stick to the bottled butter beer next time, but it does bring me onto the next point Anonymous made." "About you looking out into the crowd?" Lee asked knowingly.

"Yes." Rose nodded.

She paused again, trying to find the correct words before she spoke. She didn't want to hurt her feelings, especially when Rose knew she was looking at only Edward for the whole song.

"I was looking at you." Rose rushed, before briefly looking at Edward, who was looking at her very carefully. "I was looking at you, but not in the way you think I was." Rose took another sip of tea before continuing;

"My eyes were all blurred and your face just leapt out from the crowd. I'm sorry if there was a misinterpretation on my behalf."

"There is another thing you might want to address." Fred added quietly.

"There is?" Rose asked curiously.

"Well I would hate to speak for you." Edward replied diplomatically. "But you haven't answered Anonymous's question." "Oh." Rose responded as she realised what he meant. "I am not gay, nor am I currently single." She answered quickly.

"Smooth." Fred whispered.

"Not single." Lee sarcastically. "That should clear some contents for next week."

"There was no point sugar coating it." Rose responded, ignoring Lee's remark. "Really it should be no-ones business what my sexual orientation is, but the question was asked, so I responded." "True." Fred grinned. "And I would like to answer the question addressed to us if thats okay?"

"Shoot." Rose addressed.

"It was how the question was phrased… asking us if we are happy with the way you are treated? I have to admit, it has got my heckles up."

"Me too." George agreed. "It makes it sound like we have any right to be in control of you, which is contradictory of what the writer is trying to address." "Well are you?"

Everyone, even Snape looked up to look at Lee.

"Are we happy with what?" Fred replied, his eyes narrowing.

"Happy with how Rose is treated?"

"That depends on the situation." George responded. "I have seen Rose and others be treated appallingly in the past, the second round in the singing competition coming to mind. If however you are asking about New Years Eve, then yes. I felt no brotherly urges that evening more than usual."

"And vice versa." Rose smiled.

"I should also address for those wondering why we chose this letter in particular." Edward replied. "Lets just say that this week has sparked certain common themes."

"Yes." Rose pondered. "It has been very strange being the subject to my own whinge letter, and because the letter contained misunderstandings all round, I implore that the responses we get aren't about anyone in particular but actually how others have felt misrepresented in the past or maybe how you have felt uncomfortable in someone else's presence? These are important subjects thats shouldn't be shied away from."

"Thats a fantastic idea." George agreed. "Just remember to avoid naming others by name unless it cannot be helped. Its not nice to be put under the spotlight."

"The interrogation wasn't that bad." Edward chuckled. "But how about a song? Heres 'Edwyn Collins' A Girl Like You.' inspired by this weeks Weasley's Whinge."

The song began to play, giving them all the opportunity to relax a little now that the letter was over, but they instead stayed in mutual silence, all to aware of Snape who had been observing them more closely then usual. His scrutinising eyes focused on Rose in particular, his face didn't loosen his distain as the next hour went by, his eyes calculating every movement Rose made.

"What was his problem?" Rose asked Edward once they were out of earshot.

"He was curious about the spiked punch and was pretty certain it was Flint who did it." Edward grinned. "But mostly he was annoyed at the amount of attention you continue to get."

"It does seem to be an awful lot lately." Rose admitted. "But how come you were able to hear his thoughts all of a sudden?"

"How to delicately phrase this." Edward frowned. "Lets just say Snape's mind has several layers to it. The stuff he wants locked away, I unfortunately cannot enter, but his distain for certain individuals come through crystal clear."

"Wow." Rose grinned. "Should I feel honoured that I have naturally managed to get his heckles up?"

"Yes." Edward smirked. "But even you don't beat his resentment for Harry. That poor kid is doomed for the next seven years in his own Potions hell." "I've noticed." Rose agreed. "Any reason for his hatred to Harry?"

"Yes." Edward admitted. "That he leaves open, but maybe Harry should be the first to understand why?"

"I think thats fair." Rose agreed.

"I was expecting more of a fight." Edward grinned. "Especially after this morning."

"This morning you were being vague." Rose justified. "I don't want to pry when it comes to Harry, especially when I'm sure Harry will tell me in his own time."

Retrieving Smutz from the tower, Edward then led Rose to the Great Hall to collect some food items before taking her discreetly out into the quiet school grounds. Some snow was still visible on the ground, but the temperature had dropped significantly, making the ground icy underfoot. There had been no more footprint trails to follow since Edward's return, as if his mere presence had frightened the owner from repeating the journey to the forest.

"You've gone quiet." Edward observed, his smile showing his intrigue.

"I have." Rose agreed. "The letter bothered me more than I realised I guess."

"Other people are allowed to find you attractive." Edward replied. "Something, I myself have to remember."

"It wasn't that." Rose defended. "I'm frustrated how the letter addressed you."

"Well." Edward shrugged. "My actions have been pretty hit and miss. Yes on New Years I was on my best behaviour, but I was also your boyfriend at this point. Take my actions straight after you came out of hospital for example. They were nothing but possessive."

"Well in that instance you managed to make me extremely jealous." Rose grimaced. "Such an ugly emotion."

"The understanding that I had made you jealous fed my longing to be beside you for many nights that month." Edward smirked. "Through my frightened and resentful emotions, my thoughts would always go back to that one feeling. I was jealous of not being able to be near you and yet I knew you had some sort of feelings for me because you were jealous - of me. That in itself was comforting in a perverse way."

"Quite the self punishment." Rose agreed seriously, but there was a small smile present. "Have you any idea who sent me the letter? I think you know I haven't a clue who sent it to me." "Yes I do." Edward grinned. "But are you only wanting to know out of curiosity?"

"More so I can acknowledge her." Rose admitted guiltily. "Since she thinks I know who she looks like, I don't want to accidentally ignore her and hurt her feelings."

"Thats very kind of you." Edward whispered. "You are always looking after other peoples feelings first."

"Of course." Rose frowned. "Its not her fault that there has been a misunderstanding."

"Well then." Edward paused, his crooked smile visible. "It was the girl in the corridor earlier."

"Stop it! The observant Hufflepuff?" Rose quickly replied. "Is this why you didn't mention her intentions earlier? Was she intentionally in the corridor earlier?"

"Yes and yes." Edward admitted. "She felt she couldn't speak to you whilst I was around. I certainly got the impression she regretted the letter."

"Oh God." Rose groaned. "And then we read it outloud. Why didn't you stop us?"

"Because that thought was burrowed down deep in her thoughts." Edward sighed. "She needed to speak out about her sexuality and needed a safe space and platform to do it in. Hearing us all talk about her letter without judgement nor opinions on her orientation will now give her that strength to speak about it. I think that is more important then her small worry of you rejecting her." "I hope so." Rose agreed. "Now she knows that I am not gay, she might feel like she can talk more openly around me and you?"

"Maybe." Edward paused. "She does however not know that I am your boyfriend."

"We can't hide forever." Rose smiled weakly. "Were not even playing our game anymore." "Only because you cheated." Edward protested.

"Thats not true." Rose grinned. "But I have to say it was the best bet I have ever won."

"I hardly think seeing me in just my boxers is a worthy claim to victory." Edward grumbled.

"Really?" Rose asked seductively. "Then you won't mind doing it more often."

Edward ignored her comment, his facial expression showing that if he could blush, he would most defiantly be doing so.

They had arrived at their tree, though neither had communicated that this was their destination. Edward lowered his rucksack, unpacking a blanket and Hermione's fire jam jar.

"I thought she wouldn't mind." Edward replied Rose's unspoken question with a grin.

"Well since the cold doesn't effect you, I could easily say it was me who took it." Rose chuckled sitting down on the cool throw.

Placing a blanket around Rose's shoulders, Edward snuggled next to her, the blanket now covering him too.

"I might not get cold, but its a convenient excuse to get warm and sit close to you." Edward purred.

"Like you need an excuse." Rose chuckled.

Edward shot her a glance that could only be described as dangerous as he moved closer towards her, her heart quickly beating in her chest.

"Stop trying to dazzle me." Rose warned.

"Why?" Edward grinned.

"Because you know I can't resist." Rose admitted.

"That makes it even more tempting." Edward purred.

He kissed her slowly, each of his movements purposeful and delicate, the kiss so gentle that it was as if he was barely kissing her at all. A little sigh escaped Rose's lips and Edward was curious to whether it was frustration or enjoyment.

"Couldn't resist." He whispered, his lips stroking hers.

"Lost all your will power?" Rose managed to muster.

"Yes." Edward grinned, leaning in to kiss her again.

They stayed outside until the setting sun brought with it bitter dampness. Looking at Edward with frustrated eyes, Rose moved closer to him, slowly kissing him once more. Edward chuckled, picking her up with ease as they continued to embrace. He gently pulled away from her as he cast a spell to relieve all the items off the floor and into the rucksack. "Come on you." He smiled reassuringly. "Some time physically apart will do us some good."

"Do you believe that?" Rose smirked.

"Not really." Edward grinned. "But its worth a shot."

They walked back towards the castle, passing Professor Quirrell in the empty Entrance Hall.

"What a peculiar man." Edward frowned as they climbed the stairs.

"He is unique." Rose admitted. "But at least he is a patient teacher."

"True." Edward agreed. "He was legitimately just thinking about snow fairies just now. They don't even exist."

"Maybe they do." Rose insisted.

"Rose, I've been around for a century. Let me tell you, they don't."

Rose grinned, linking her fingers through Edward's

"Well don't tell Professor Quirrell that, okay?" Rose replied seriously.

No sooner had Rose and Edward appeared through the portrait hole did Parvati rush over with Lavender beside her.

"Rose, can I have a word?" Parvati asked enthusiastically, beckoning Rose over. "I think your costumes are ready."

"Really?" Rose grinned. "Thats incredible, especially as we still have over a week to go."

"Thank you." Parvati blushed. "I have the bulk of the designs finished, but I think some tweaks are needed. I need to see you dance in the costumes, we might need to do some alterations."

"Absolutely." Rose agreed. "We have Quidditch Practice tomorrow night, but if you can get a late pass off McGonagall to meet me on the pitch, we can do a practice run there. Its the only place that is big enough outside the hall, and at least its private. If you explain your reasoning I'm sure she will agree."

"Hopefully." Parvati gulped. "Lee made your set for 'Edge of Glory' in our Quidditch headquarters right?"

"The separate bits are in Edward's office." Rose replied. "But I think Lee will also be at the practice, he always tends to be."

The Quidditch practice that following evening wasn't as successful as it had been before. Though the snow had melted, it hadn't improved the temperature, thick droplets of rain falling from the sky with hail like force, making the mood of many of the players non existent. With days until the Quidditch game, the stress was clear in the atmosphere.

Fred and George in particular were beginning to be more testing as their tiredness became more apparent. The final straw was when Fred purposely knocked George off his broom with a bludger, George falling into the mud with a loud sqweltch. The action made Edward lose his temper, his anger evident as he picked George off the floor.

"Stop messing around." He roared looking around at the rest of the Gryffindors. "We can't have you doing this kind of thing when we play against Hufflepuff."

"Its just a bit of fun Oliver." Fred grumbled.

"We are neck and neck with Slytherin." Rose answered before Edward could. "If we beat Hufflepuff we will have more points then Slytherin at the same point. That hasn't happened in seven years." "And puts us in prime position for the House Cup." Angelina acknowledged.

"Yes." Rose replied. "So take Edward seriously. You guys have played against this team before. You don't need me to remind you that Diggory has a good reputation as a Captain and will be playing by the rules."

"Rules." George replied, batting his hand at Rose's words. "Rules were made to be broken."

"We don't break the rules of Quidditch." Edward warned. "Especially as we will specifically have to play as diplomatically as possible for the next game." "Why?" Alicia frowned.

Edward looked at Rose, who nodded subtly.

"Because Snape is refereeing this time around." Edward sighed.

"What?" Harry gasped, looking from Rose to Edward. "How… why?"

"Because he can." Edward replied curtly. "So heed my warning. Practice only the moves we have done and shown you, he will be docking points for us merely breathing. We play a clean game Saturday, okay?"

"Is this a bad time?" Parvati asked awkwardly, the whole team turning to see who it was. "You said seven-thirty right?"

"You are right on time." Edward sighed, his smile not quite reaching his stern eyes. "I know the dance practice was meant to be out here, but do you mind if we go inside?"

"Will there be enough space?" Parvati replied with a blush.

"I'll make sure there is." Edward replied gruffly. "These guys can help, they need to cool down after their workout this evening."

Ushering everyone into the warmth of the Gryffindor Quidditch headquarters, Edward promptly indicated for Parvati to stay in the area used for the team before matches.

"If we move the chairs from in here and put them in my office, Lee is there enough space for you to set up?" Edward asked politely.

"Plenty." Lee agreed.

"Okay then, everyone either move chairs or help Lee set up." Edward ordered.

Chairs were quickly transformed into their new location as Lee quickly ordered his stage set into place. Within minutes across the back wall was what closely looked like a New York apartment building, the fake bricks intricately painted with pretend windows. Lee had even added solid balconies made from the old Quidditch equipment, one of which he was currently standing in. "Its amazing Lee." Rose grinned. "I can't believe you managed to make this out of salvaged things."

"Thanks." Lee blushed. "Oli helped find a lot of the stuff, but there was one more thing you asked for right?"

"A Lamppost." Rose smiled. "But I can change the dance, it honestly isn't a.."

"Well." Lee grinned. "I've got one. It even lights up."

"How have you managed to do that?" Rose asked, her curiosity clear.

"Thats a need to know answer." Fred grinned. "And it will be returned once you have no more use for it."

"Okay." Rose replied unsure of what this meant. "So where have you been keeping it?"

"In here." George replied casually, pointing to the boys changing rooms, "Just tell us where you want it and we will do the rest." "Well." Rose thought carefully. "How stable will it be?"

"Very." Edward replied quickly. "Otherwise you're going nowhere near it."

"Okay then." Rose grinned. "How about here."

"No problem." Fred winked. "You go and get changed and we will get it."

Rose grinned her thanks, walking to the girls changing rooms with Pavarti beside her. Closing the door gently behind them, Rose turned quickly to Parvati.

"I've been looking forward to seeing these all day." She admitted.

"Really?" Parvati gushed. "I hope your not disappointed."

"I highly doubt it." Rose grinned.

"Are you okay if we stay to watch?" Angelina asked. "I understand if you don't want us to."

"Feedback is always welcome." Rose smiled, "You could always move some of the chairs back to sit on, there should be plenty of room."

"Here." Parvati announced, releasing a heavy breath.

She handed Rose a dress bag nervously, her eyes not quite meeting Rose's.

"Thanks." Rose replied quietly, gently accepting the outstretched package.

Inside was a black leather catsuit, the tight outfit oozing sexuality with the high heeled stilettoed boots stitched into the legs.

"Well?" Parvati whispered.

"I'm impressed." Rose grinned. "But i'm intrigued how I get into it."

"Thats where I come in." Parvati smiled.

Rose quickly threw her wet Quidditch clothes on the floor, balancing on Parvati and Alicia for support, they managed to slot Rose into the high boots. "Maybe you should do your shrinking spell now." Parvati giggled. "I'm only five foot."

"Angelina, would you mind?" Rose asked, pointing to her wand.

"It's alright, I know the spell." She grinned, pointing her own wand at Rose.

Rose suddenly shrunk five inches, the result making it easier for the others to help.

"The next step is for it to go over your head and for you to slot your arms in." Parvati smiled. "Treat this like a giant baby grow, we do the legs last, but this is the awkward bit."

It was a struggle to pull the material over Rose's head, the leather resisting against them. Eventually they managed to gain enough for Rose to wiggle her head through the gap, slotting her arms into the tight warm material.

"Couldn't you have designed the boots to be separate." Angelina panted.

"No." Rose protested quickly, "That would have ruined the look completely."

Parvati winked at Rose in thanks, before quickly getting to work on Rose's legs, using the 'repero' charm to sew Rose's leather seams together.

"There." She said proudly. "You are quite literally stitched in, taking the costume off will be quicker."

Rose turned to the mirror, the tight costume clinging to her, the low bust line revealing the right amount of cleavage. Parvati stood on the cloakroom stool, tying Rose's hair in a high ponytail with a scrap piece of leather.

"There." Parvati exclaimed. "Now lets see if you can dance in it."

The five girls walked out into the room , the rest of the Quidditch team and Lee waiting patiently. Rose couldn't help put release a grin at Edward's face, he approval at the outfit clearly displayed on his face. Lee had his saxophone to hand, his eyes darting from Rose to the instrument in quick bursts, but it was the lamppost that soon had Rose's attention, its warm glow the only light in the room.

"What version of the song would you like us to play?" Fred asked, pointing to the gramophone that usually lived in Edward's office.

"We have never done a run through." Lee answered eagerly.

"Rose never does." Angelina replied confidently. "I noticed this last time."

"You haven't practiced either song?" Parvati asked intrigued.

"No" Rose grinned "I know the songs well, and now that I am used to singing in her accent, I concentrate purely on the dance routine." "Well.. can we hear it?" Alicia asked curiously.

"I'm game if Lee is?" Rose nodded.

"I'm good." Lee grinned. "Just remember guys, it will look different when there are stage lights in position too."

"Yeah yeah." Angelina replied impatiently. "Get into positions guys, we haven't got long until curfew."

Lee sat on the edge of the bottom balcony, nodding to Rose that he was ready when she was. Rose walked to the lamppost reaching out to it with her left arm, she pulled her body away from it, noticing instantly that it was defiantly as sturdy as Edward had promised.

The music started with the heart beat rhythm pulsating. Rose turned around the lamppost, one heel locked against the lampposts pole. Once she had gone full circle, Rose quickly let go of the pole, dancing against the balcony beside Lee. As the song continued, Rose climbed further and further up the set dancing on each balcony like it was her own small stage. As Lee's saxophone sequence came into fruition, Rose had made her way back down to the balcony that was level with the lamppost, the music starting to pulsate alongside the saxophones solo. Now stood on the edge of the balcony, Rose elegantly jumped to the lamppost as she pole danced slowly around it before elegantly landing onto the floor, in time to sing once more. The last part of the song was fast and passionate, the movements quick and clean, as the song abruptly ended, Rose looked up to the small group intrigued to read their faces.

"Well?" She asked, taking a deep breath.

"How did you come up with that?" Angelina asked.

"Lady Gaga." Rose grinned. "She is one incredible Lady, I'm just trying to do her justice."

"I thought it was incredible." Parvati grinned. "And that outfit was perfect."

"Oh I agree." Katie nodded. "You were so on point Parvati!"

"Thank you." Parvati blushed. "Shall we change into the next one Rose?"

"Oh I can't wait!" Angelina agreed. "Need a hand again?"

"Hold on girls." Edward announced calmly. "Parvati has written permission to be here, but it is nearly curfew time."

"Spoil sport." Alicia muttered. "Can we please just stay a little longer."

"We have twenty minutes Oliver." Fred muttered. "Lets let our hair down a little, after all its good to involve everyone."

"Fine." Edward grumbled.

Rose gave him a subtle wink, before quickly leaving the room with the other girls. The catsuit was a lot easier to take off, Parvati quickly unstitching the garment.

"Here." She grinned, this time showing more confidence. "You said you wanted the polar opposite."

Parvati was holding a ruby red, long, flowing, plunge dress that had subtle slits cut into it to allow easy movement.

"Beautiful yet again." Rose replied proudly.

"Thank you." Parvati smiled. "I haven't got any shoes yet, I needed to see you dance first."

"We have so many dance styles in the dance, ballet slippers would probably be the most appropriate." Rose pondered. "But I'll leave the converses on for now."

The dress fitted perfectly, the satin material not quite transparent nor opaque. Entering the room again, Rose was surprised to see the set now gone along with the lamppost, the chairs too had been moved around three sides, as if it was a boxing match.

"I like the stage like this." Rose replied impressed.

"Maybe suggest it to Flitwick." Katie agreed. "It would make it more intermit then it has been."

"You ready?" Edward asked, he too had got changed into a white shirt, the last four buttons left open revealing his smooth muscular pecks.

"So you are the dance partner." Alicia grinned. "This gets even more curious by the second."

"Well I have already danced with Angelina." Edward shrugged casually. "What I want to know is are you going to sing along for the first time for this dance too?" "If you want me to." Rose replied as diplomatically as she could, a subtle crooked smile there.

"I do." Edward replied innocently.

"Well anyway." Fred coughed, gaining both their attention. "We have marked out in chalk the perimeter of the stage, Oliver mentioned that you both need as much space as possible."

"We do." Rose agreed.

Moving to the centre of the box Fred had marked out, Rose waited for Edward. They had agreed quickly that they needed to tell the story of the lyrics within the dance moves, the 'Romeo and Juliet' romance of the song displayed in their actions. To display this quickly for the audience to grasp, Edward was to stand closely behind Rose, his bowed head leaning against her shoulder in yearning. As Rose spoke the spoken words from the start of the song, she would flick her hand up as if to tell him to leave, the hand then being taken, marking the start of the dance. They began to do the quick step, this section of the song had no vocals, so they could show off their footwork, the style smoothly transitioning to the paso doble as Rose started to sing along to the quick pace. As Rose started the chorus ("You know that I love you boy") They changed to do the Cha- cha -cha, that style suiting the quick change of pace before changing again to the samba on the cue "Don't call my name." The second verse ran along the same theme as the first verse and chorus, with the American smooth and Argentine Tango being used (Edward's favourite) and contemporary and Salsa for the second chorus.

The third verse was slower then the others, with them doing a very slow rumba until the the third chorus changed the tempo yet again, with them doing Bhangra dancing and the jive until the final moments. Rose elegantly spun like a ballerina right into Edward's arms, looking clearly up at him her face grinning in triumph.

Edward was beaming from ear to ear, but he quickly dropped his embrace, coughing subtly to the room. Rose was breathing deeply, her heart pumping in her chest from the fast paced routine, but the eery silence quickly made her nervous.

"I will be better at doing that on the night." She quickly explained. "Its just after Quidditch practice as well, its been a tiring night."

The room remained quiet, as everyone stared at them, their features too cryptic to understand.

"Well.." Fred managed to mutter after stagnant seconds ate away. "One things for clear, its not just the House Cup that the Slytherin's are going to loose."

"You like it?" Rose grinned.

"Like it?" Lee responded. "Rose you and Oliver were on fire out there! I want to see it all over again."

Rose looked at Edward with a relieved grin, she had secretly been worried that her own biases towards Edward could have clouded her judgement.

"I think the converses work you know?" Parvati thought out loud. "Either that or you could do it barefoot?"

"I think your right." Rose grinned, her breathing getting back to normal. "How are we doing on time?"

"Were pushing it." Alicia acknowledged. "We should head back, we can continue this discussion back in the common room."

"I'll get changed as quickly as I can." Rose nodded.

"Take your time Rose, I'll walk you back." Edward replied reassuringly.

"Thats a good idea." Alicia grinned, her enthusiasm not subtle in the slightest. "Come on everyone, we all need to be on our best behaviours remember."

The rest of the group quickly disbursed out the door, leaving Rose and Edward alone. No sooner had the door shut behind them did Edward swoop Rose up into his arms, greedily kissing her on her lips. She eagerly excepted his embrace, rubbing her cold nose affectionally against his. Eventually Rose gently pulled away, looking at him with utter devotion.

"I need to go get changed." She sighed.

"Only if its to put the catsuit back on." Edward growled affectionately.

"No." Rose grinned. "But I do get to keep it."

"Even better." Edward purred. "My God, my jaw nearly hit the floor earlier."

"Did you not have a sneaky peak of them helping me into it?" Rose joked. "It does take the evocativeness out of it when it takes three to get it on." "No. I was concentrating thoroughly elsewhere." Edward replied. "I do like surprises when it comes to you remember."

"Has it spoilt seeing the solo dance then?" Rose asked curiously.

"No." Edward replied honestly. "Like Angelina said, I'm curious to how you come up with the styles and intrigued to see you preform."

Rose kissed him slowly, partly because she wanted to, but also the way Edward was looking at her in that moment was making her swoon and she was trying to hide her blush. Edward, feeling the heat from her skin chuckled darkly lowering Rose to the floor. Grateful to at least still have control of her legs, Rose made her way to the changing room, quickly returning with the two dress bags. "You okay if we run back to the castle?" Edward pondered. "It will cause less suspicion to why we have taken so long."

"Sure." Rose grinned, allowing Edward to pick her up singlehandedly.

They made it back to the common room promptly, the room still occupied by most students.

"Your back soon."Alicia acknowledged slightly astounded as Rose sat beside her, her eyes drifting to Edward and back to Rose.

"I was just getting changed." Rose reminded her, though she was grinning cheekily.

"Oh yeah." Alicia replied, her disappointment on Rose's behalf clear.

"I've spent my fair share of alone time with Edward the past few weeks." Rose winked.

"Another valid point." Alicia grinned. "You lucky sod." Rose chuckled darkly, unsure of how else to respond. "So I was thinking Rose, about your dance with Oliver." Angelina announced eagerly.

"What about my dance with Oliver?" Rose chuckled, saying Oliver felt so odd on her tongue.

"Well its like what Lee said, you guys were on fire, but I think you should have actual fire as your backdrop on stage."

"Parvati has spent our budget." Rose smiled, "But the idea is a good one."

"How about if you used the fire fonts from within the school?" Edward asked. "I'm sure McGonagall could easily transition them into place, and it would mean that you have spent no money." "Right." Angelina nodded. "And there was one another thing." "Just one?" Rose muttered, with a small smirk.

"Yes." Angelina scolded. "I think you should have a slight breeze whilst your doing you dialogue at the start of the dance. Just a small controlled one, but a breeze strong enough for your ponytail to blow backwards past Edward's shoulders."

"You've really put some thought into this haven't you?" Rose chuckled.

"Yes." Angelina grinned. "You were inspiring, what can I say."

"Well in that case." Rose gushed. "I will add them to the 'things to do list.'"

Rose grinned at Angelina's clear happiness, accepting the warm drink that Lee offered her, out the corner of her eye she could tell that Edward too was grinning. As she turned back she saw Harry, his face white as a sheet, drinking his coco quietly amongst the others.

"Harry?" Rose muttered guilty. She hadn't noticed earlier how quite he was, too absorbed in her own world to observe him properly.

"I'm fine." Harry gulped, producing a weak, unconvincing smile.

Rose scanned the room relieved to see Hermione and Ron on the opposite side playing wizard chess. She nudged Harry and indicated to the others, Harry nodded unenthusiastically as he stood. Linking her arm through his, she calmly walked him across the common room to the others.

"Alright?" Ron muttered without looking up from the board game.

Rose sat down beside Harry, looking at him with concern.

"We've had some news tonight." Rose began, looking between the three of them. "Snape's going to be refereeing the next Quidditch game."

"What?" Hermione gushed, her eyes snapping away from the game. "How- when - why?"

"We only know because of - Oliver." Harry sighed. "But we can guess the reasoning why, I just don't know how he has managed to do it." "Don't play." Ron urged.

"We don't have a back up Seeker." Rose replied.

"There is more to stake here then a game Rose." Hermione snapped.

"I don't disagree." Rose sighed. "But there is only so much Snape can do whilst the whole school is witness."

"Marietta managed to smash you face in without anyone seeing." Hermione urged.

"Thats not technically true." Rose muttered, noticing Edward visibly wince from across the room. "And you know full well that if I thought Harry was in any danger I wouldn't be okay with Harry playing."

"Then how are you going to protect him? Oliver certainly can't help when he is fixed at being thirty feet in the air." "For a start, I'm going to have that jam jar of fire." Rose replied. "I can easily throw that at the bastard."

"Language." Ron smirked.

"The other thing is Dumbledore is present at this game."

"He is?" Harry replied in relief.

"Yes." Rose soothed. "Which is how I could stay calm whilst delivering you the news."

Harry leant back in relief, the stress clearly leaving his face. Rose smiled as she looked down at Ron's rucksack, a box of Edward's Christmas treats sticking out the top. Rose leant down collecting four different sweets, holding them out in her hand for Harry to choose from.

"We all know chocolate makes us feel better." She smiled soothingly.

"Hey." Ron protested.

"They aren't even yours." Rose smirked.

"Oliver gave them to me." Ron urged.

Sending him a warning glance, Rose turned her attention back to Harry.

"Which one?" She asked a little more boisterously then before.

"I'll have the frog." Harry nodded, gingerly picking up the cardboard box from Rose.

"Good choice." Rose grinned, eating the orange truffle, a personal favourite.

"Oh my." Harry gasped, looking down at the character card in his hand.

"Dumbledore." Rose nodded. "Just like on the train."

"Exactly like on the train." Harry replied excitedly. "There was a reason I knew his name… knew Flammel's name. Its right here on this card!"

"You found Flammel." Rose grinned, looking at Hermione and then Ron excitedly.

Hermione eagerly accepted the small hexagonal card reading the information for herself.

"Oliver was right." Hermione sighed. "I do have the book, just not in that light reading section."

"How many 'light reading' sections do you have?" Ron asked in disgust. "And why you are so surprised Oliver is right I have no idea."

"Wait here." Hermione gushed, ignoring Ron entirely.

As they waited for Hermione, Rose casually looked around the room, all too aware of Edward's stare. As she looked she could see his warning eyes, he clearly wasn't happy that they were a step closer to the Hogwarts secret.

"Why don't you just casually come over here instead of sending me the deadly warning glance." Rose muttered subtly, so that to anyone else it looked like she was talking to Harry.

"What?" Harry politely asked, clearly confused.

Within seconds Edward appeared sitting next to Ron in Hermione's spot, Harry understanding instantly.

"We were going to discover it at some point or another." Rose announced smoothly.

"I know." Edward replied gravely.

"And it doesn't mean we know what the connection to the castle is." Ron urged.

"Actually, I think we do." Hermione explained, reappearing with a very large, extremely thick book.

"Light reading Hermione?" Rose asked in surprise.

"Well, early nights… interesting reads." Hermione blushed.

"But what does the book say?" Harry urged.

"To cut a long complicated section short, Nicolas Flammel is the creator of the 'Philosopher's Stone.'" Hermione replied.

Rose looked from Hermione to Edward, his face purposely blank.

"I'm not saying anything." He grumbled. "Not a single thing."

"Oh come on." Rose groaned. "Its not like we want to search for it, that would be ludicrous."

"Why, what is it?" Harry asked curiously "Glad someone else asked." Ron sighed.

"Honestly don't you two read?" Hermione replied exacerbated. "The Philosopher's stone is so valuable, no wonder it has been moved to the safety of Hogwarts. The stone can turn any metal into gold and grants any drinker of its source the 'Elixir of Life.'"

"Wow. And you Don't want to search for it Rose?" Ron replied in surprise. "We could be rich!"

"People have died trying to get it." Rose urged. "Look at what happened at Gringotts. There are many ways to make money in this world and that isn't one of them."

"Besides you would have to get past that dog to get to it." Harry insisted. "Something I have no desire to do again."

"Exactly." Rose sighed. "And immortality… well I've heard thats overrated."

Edward chuckled, all visible signs of distress etched from his perfect face.

"So now we know what the Castle is guarding, I guess we just have to keep a watchful eye on Snape." Harry sighed.

"Thats all we can do." Ron agreed. "At least he hasn't been outside in a while."

Edward nodded, a subtle frown forming once more.

"Maybe we should drop the subject for now." Rose replied carefully. "After all, we do have the game in three days."

The following days became more tense by the hour. In potions, Harry was clearly nervous with Snape thriving from the opportunity to make him as miserable as possible. Leaving the claustrophobic classroom with a pile of homework larger then he had ever requested, it was an odd feeling to know that even though they were going to have to work on the assignment for hours, it was at least away from Snape.

They slumped down on the uncomfortable wooden benches in the Great Hall, relieved that it was now at least the weekend. Helping herself to some chicken and mushroom soup, Rose dunked her bread in the warm liquid unenthusiastically.

"What did you expect, you chose the boring flavour." Cedric announced from behind. "The broccoli and stilton is the better choice by far."

"Truthfully I am going to have both." Rose explained. "Buts its not the food that has me feeling glum, its the amount of homework I have to do."

"Ahh." Cedric grinned. "Well if I can be of any help, I'm always here."

"Thank you." Rose smiled. "Are you going to take a seat?"

"No." Cedric grinned. "What would our neighbours think?"

"Your not still on about the Weasley's whinge letter are you?" Rose frowned. "I've already apologised-"

"As have I." Cedric urged. "But no, I meant the Quidditch match tomorrow."

"Edward isn't going to be concerned about me talking to you." Rose replied quietly.

"I think we both know that isn't true." Cedric smiled. "I'm also a Quidditch Captain, remember?"

"And I am his Vice." Rose replied. "And if you think you being here will bother Edward, why are you doing it?"

"Because I like walking on the wild side?" Cedric grinned. "And I like getting under Woods' skin even more." "Thats not very -"

"Gentlemanlike?" Edward replied.

"Well I was going to say nice, but sure." Rose agreed.

"What are you doing here Diggory?" Edward pressed. "It better be a good reason for you to be talking to my Vice Captain the day before we play your team." "I needed to give Rose a date." Cedric replied smoothly.

"A date?" Rose frowned.

"Yes, a date." Cedric grinned. "I know I said our duet was to be after the final for the singing competition, but there has been a cancellation." "Okay." Rose agreed. "So when are we looking?"

"Tonight."

"What?" Rose spluttered. "Cedric thats far too soon, and inappropriate."

"Agreed." Edward replied hastily.

"Well, if you don't do it, you forfeit." Cedric shrugged.

"Forfeit what?" Rose gushed. "Your the one who signed us up, not me."

"House points." Cedric grinned. "And from the looks of things, you could do with some."

Rose cursed under her breath, she didn't want to go back into the Gryffindors bad books, after all she had been there before and it wasn't pleasant. "Fine." Rose growled. "Whats the song."

"Ray?" Edward urged.

"Its a song." Rose replied gently. "And its not like we have anytime to practice, Cedric has lessons for a start."

"Oh I have no intentions of going to class this afternoon." Cedric grinned.

"Good for you but I have a mountain of homework to do." Rose warned. "And I'm not sacrificing any of my weekend to finish the workload, we are all busy tomorrow remember?"

Edward briefly smirked, the news that Rose wasn't giving him any practice time pleasing him.

"Fine, we will just have to come up with a plan this evening in the green room." Cedric shrugged. "Wear something nice, okay?"

Cedric turned on the spot, his smug expression making Edward's grimace obvious.

"You haven't mentioned the song!" Rose called out to Cedric

"I need to have some advantage." Cedric heckled back, his grin widening.

Rose growled under her breath, sitting hastily don't and chucking the roll that she was still clutching in her hand, her food suddenly even less appealing.

"Well… I could tell you." Edward purred from beside her. "But you don't like to cheat, remember?"

"Your right. I don't." Rose grumbled. "But why do I get the feeling you haven't told me the song as some sort of punishment?"

"Ray!" Edward replied defensively. "Why would you say that?"

"Because I think you know deep down that its sort of true." Rose frowned. "Its not like I want to do this. I'm already feeling like I'm always in the spotlight. I don't need to add this to my list."

"Then don't do it." Edward urged.

"Thats not fair on the rest of the house." Rose replied. "We are already in last position, lets not take another hit on the points." "That will all change tomorrow, when we win."

"If we win." Rose replied more softly this time.

Placing her hands in his under the table, she whispered;

"I love you." She smiled as she looked into his amber eyes. "And just remember that when I'm singing tonight. I have a feeling that the song is going to be awkward." Edward weakly smiled, his hands gripping hers even tighter.

"I wish I could kiss you right now." He muttered.

"We are hardly being subtle as it is." Rose sighed pulling away and giving herself a little distance from him.

"I'm going to head off to the library." Rose groaned.

"Okay." Edward nodded, his eyes seeping disappointment. "But can I offer one piece of advice before you go?"

"Yes?" Rose asked curiously.

"I can't believe I'm saying this…" Edward shuddered. "But when Cedric says wear something nice, he doesn't mean what I would deem nice."

"Go on?" Rose pressed.

"He is a typical teenager Rose." Edward smirked. "And you have many advantages."

"I'm meant to be working alongside him this evening." Rose grinned. "Not scare him."

"I'm just saying." Edward smiled. "Never underestimate yourself."

Rose stood from the table, a little more confident then before.

"I'll be seeing you later." Rose smiled reassuringly.

By the time Rose had made it to the library Hermione, Ron and Harry were on separate tables, books and parchment spread out with no spare inch of space visible. Placing herself on the now only vacant table, Rose unpacked her schoolbag, quickly finishing her charms homework from the day before. Now with only the potions homework to finish, she went to the potions section to search for anything she could find on antidotes, knowing full well that all the best books would be with her friends.

"Are you also looking for antidotes?" A nervous girl asked from behind Rose. "I've just finished with this one if it is of any help?"

Rose turned to meet the girl, recognising her as the girl who had written the Weasley's whinge letter instantly.

"Thank you." Rose replied pleasantly, accepting the thick book eagerly. "And thank you again for your letter."

"Oh that." The girl blushed. "It was just a misunderstanding."

"It was still heartwarming to know that someone had my back." Rose urged. "But I never got your name."

"Emma." She smiled warmly, extending her hand to Rose."

"Lovely to finally be able to put a name to a face Emma." Rose grinned.

"I hear your singing with Cedric tonight?" Emma asked curiously. "Was that planned?"

"News travels fast huh? But no it wasn't planned, I've only just found out myself." Rose replied honestly. "It was meant to have happened after the competition so that I wouldn't have to juggle too much."

"You do seem to be doing an awful lot." Emma agreed.

"Tell me about it." Rose sighed. "Which is why I'm getting potions out the way as quickly as possible, the git asked for a six foot essay and our handwriting can't exceed half an inch."

"Thats ridiculous." Emma agreed. "You don't even get taught how to make antidotes until the third year, but I might be able to help. Whats antidote is he wanting you to write about?"

"Bubotuber Pus." Rose smirked. "Anyone who doesn't comply will get cursed acne."

"Ouch," Emma shuddered. "You don't seem worried?"

"I'm making sure that I stick to the rules." Rose replied. "That essay is going to be preciously six foot in length and exactly half inch in writing. We all know he will measure ever word."

"Well, I've never had the cursed acne myself, but I know about it." Emma grinned.

"Excellent." Rose grinned, "I have chocolates to bribe you with?"

"Done deal." Emma nodded, retrieving a couple of other books off the shelf.

Emma was a great help, randomly getting books that Rose wouldn't have considered, adding to the list of things Rose could talk about. Soon the others joined their table to exchange books and sneakily eat the stash of chocolates Rose had put out for Emma. The hours ticked by slowly but their determination didn't falter. By half past four, Rose had written four and a half foot worth of work, her notes to what she needed to add carefully rolled up inside the parchment. She was almost done.

"I can't thank you enough." Rose sighed gratefully, as they all walked down the corridor. "I can honestly say, I couldn't have done it with you."

"Me too." Harry grinned. "I will be able to sleep a little better tonight now." "Good." Emma smiled with a slight blush. "I'll be rooting for you two tomorrow." "Won't you be supporting Hufflepuff?" Harry asked curiously.

"I'm an outsider." Emma shrugged. "Always have been, which is why I'm a great observer. You guys are the first people to talk to me in some time. Its been really nice to get to know you all, especially the famous Harry Potter. I was a little intimidated before."

"Of Harry?" Hermione laughed.

"Of you all." Emma nodded. "You all talk to some of the most intimidating people in the school, thats extremely impressive."

"Like who?" Ron chuckled.

"Your brothers for a start." Emma explained. "Edward - Oliver, Cedric, even Malfoy."

"Malfoy isn't intimidating, he's just annoying." Harry urged.

"The fact that your saying that proves my point more." Emma insisted.

"Well." Ron shrugged. "You can hang out with us anytime you need to, but you honestly don't need to be uneasy about Fred and George, they are softies." "Thanks." Emma nodded gratefully. "I'm happy in the library most days."

"Aren't we all." Hermione sighed. "But we mean it, if you ever need a friendly face…" "We have your back." Rose smiled.

Soon after Rose had to wave goodbye to the others, needing to go to the tower to collect her outfit for tonight. She still had no idea of what to wear, the lack of knowledge of the style of song playing at her unease. As she opened her wardrobe, Rose flicked through the dresses carefully, assessing each one. She retrieved one carefully from the hanger, holding it against her as she looked in the mirror, smiling to herself in satisfaction - Rose had thought this dress too daring for New years Eve, should this be the case now too? A small smile flickered across her lips, the fact that she was contemplating that as an answer made her realise what Edward had suggested earlier - yes this dress would do nicely.

The dress was a black, silk, vintage, ankle length dress that was minimalist but very sexy. With a thigh high split and thin spaghetti straps, the sweetheart neckline pushed Rose's cleavage subtly up. The necklace hung delicately against her skin, the diamonds sparkling against her chest. Under her bed she found some black open toe stilettos, which she slipped on with ease.

Rose knew she had run out of time, quickly retrieving the cloak from the floor and wrapping it around her for modesty and warmth. She walked quickly through the corridors, knocking on Flitwick's door eagerly.

"You're late." Cedric announced, opening the door wider for her.

"I'm sorry." Rose gushed. "But at least I'm here."

"We have half an hour to come up with a plan." Cedric grumbled, looking at his watch. "Have you already changed?"

"Yes." Rose admitted. "Hence my lateness. Have you?"

"Of course I have." Cedric frowned, "I'm not wearing uniform. "

Rose looked at Cedric properly for the first time, noticing that he was now wearing a tight black shirt and suit trousers.

"Sorry Cedric." Rose grinned. "Very handsome."

"And you?" Cedric asked curiously.

"Its a surprise." Rose smirked. "Now, what are we singing?"

"Kids, by Robbie and Kylie." Cedric grinned. "I wanted to sing it and was gutted I got voted off before I got the chance to."

"Shouldn't you have got Marietta to do it with you then?" Rose chuckled. "That is who she is currently singing."

"No, because Marietta can't sing." Cedric replied adamantly.

"Maybe." Rose shrugged. "She mimes so its hard to tell. I do have a problem with this song choice though. My voice is very different from Kylie's." "Thats okay." Cedric urged. "I want you to sing it like you."

Rose looked at him curiously, his own facial expressions hard for her to read.

"So what are your thoughts?" Rose prompted, her words clearly intrigued. "For our performance I mean."

"I haven't got a clue." Cedric grinned.

"Why are you looking so calm then?" Rose frowned but she was also smiling.

"The same reason your not worried. We know that your going to come up with something amazing."

Rose burrowed her frown even more, the frustration clear. Pushing her hand through her hair, she relaxed her shoulder shutting her eyes as she sang the song in her head. The pressure of time making itself clear, she opened her eyes to Cedric looking calmly back at her.

"We both know we have no time to practice a dance."

"Yes." Cedric nodded.

"So my suggestion is to start big and improvise using the lyrics to guide us from there."

"Go on." Cedric nodded eagerly.

Rose whispered her plan, her eyes darting around the room and back to the clock. They had five minutes, not even enough time to practice the song.

"Its time." Flitwick announced from the front of the room. "Everybody grab your things and follow me."

The walk down to the greenroom was more relaxed this time round due to the fact there was no competitiveness within the Houses, but it was just as silent. Walking beside Cedric, Rose kept glancing up at him, still surprised to see how calm he was, his face blank and focused. Once inside the greenroom, Flitwick explained the usual routine, informing Cedric and Rose that they would be preforming second and would need to listen out for their cue on the radio.

A fellow first year, Slytherin's Daphne Greengrass, moved towards the brown oak door ready to take to the stage. She was wearing a pretty green a-line dress, her hair tied in a topknot bun. She walked through the door with confidence, the crowd soon cheering their support.

"We should go now." Cedric muttered. "If we are going to make it to the Great Hall in time."

Rose nodded, signalling to Flitwick where they were going. They quietly left the Greenroom, running down the corridor towards the Entrance Hall, glad to hear Daphne still singing as they approached the doors.

Rose had suggested they did what she had done for Poker face, starting on the tables at this end of the room and slowly making their way to the stage. The more time they took to get to the destination the better, it would require less improvisation.

"You okay?" Cedric whispered.

"I'm fine." Rose nodded. "Just remember, there are no markers or stools to get us onto the table this time and we are doing it in darkness."

Cedric opened the door slightly, peering inside.

"Go for your House table, I'll go for mine." Cedric muttered with confidence. "There is a gap on both benches which will help with the leg up." "Okay." Rose nodded, rubbing her hands nervously.

"Its going to be alright Rose." Cedric smiled.

Rose weakly smiled, patting her cloak nervously.

"Are you going to wear that on stage." Cedric chuckled. "No." Rose scolded. "But its whats making me nervous." "Why?" Cedric grinned.

Rose didn't answer as Daphne's song came to an end. Instead she unhooked her cloak, the fabric floating to the floor. Rose refused to look at Cedric, he had gone very quiet, instead she silently entered the Great Hall, stepping onto the bench and standing on the table within seconds of entering the room. She had no idea if cedric had followed, if he was also now on the table and even when the music would start. The small murmurs around her gave her no comfort as she took her first position, her one hand on her hip and her other hopefully pointing towards Cedric.

The music started, with the lights moving instantly towards them, two spot lights now revealing Cedric and Rose to the crowd. There were a couple of gasps from the crowd as they both locked eyes with one another, the improvisation was about to begun.

Cedric and Rose moved and danced slowly down the two tables, using anything within reach as props or things to throw to one another, by the second chorus they inevitably made it to the stage. they shimmied together, both smiling and surprisingly having a fun time. For the final chorus in unison they jumped from the stage onto the other House tables, the Slytherins and Ravenclaws looking appalled and elated that they were now having front row seats to the performance. They marched down the tables confidently, timing the end of the song perfectly, finishing by ending up in the same poses as they had both started, slightly our of breath but pleased with themselves. The performance had been a success and it was clear that Cedric was ecstatic.

Rose slid of the table, the room again black. It was unclear whether she should go back to the greenroom or simply sit at the Gryffindor table but through the darkness the decision was made for her. Cedric grabbed her hand, pushing the oak door to the Entrance Hall confidently with his other.

"That was amazing!" He roared, his grin stretched from ear to ear. "We were amazing!"

"We weren't bad since we hadn't practiced it." Rose agreed.

"Think what we would be capable of if we did!" Cedric responded thoughtfully.

"I have no obligation to do it again." Rose smirked. "I have lived up to fulfilling my end of the deal."

"You certainly did." Cedric agreed. "Though wearing an outfit like that I could argue sabotage. I don't get you Ward, you don't want men to make comments about you and then you wear outfits like this."

Rose bent down and picked her cloak up from the floor, quickly fastening the clip around her neck.

"I don't know what you are trying to imply." Rose hissed. "But I recall you saying, wear something nice."

"I did." Cedric agreed. "But you have also made it clear recently that you don't like me giving you that sort of attention."

"I think you have missed my point." Rose frowned. "You can admire someone on how they look without making them uncomfortable. In the past you have made me feel that way."

"And now?" Cedric asked, moving a step closer.

"You should thank my boyfriend for the outfit choice." Rose whispered, gripping the cloak tighter.

"You're changing the subject." Cedric murmured.

"By reminding you that I have a boyfriend." Rose replied firmly. "And that in my mind, his opinion is the only one I care to hear."

"Then why have you put your cloak back on?" Cedric defended.

"Fine." Rose snapped, chucking the cloak to one side, her hands now on her hips defensively.

"Why are you keeping this boyfriend of yours a secret? If I were dating you, the whole school would know about it." Cedric frowned.

"Because most of the time, its nice having our privacy." Rose replied defensively.

"And you won't tell me at least?" Cedric frowned.

"I'm surprised that you of all people haven't worked it out." Rose snapped.

Cedric's frown deepened as he focused on his thoughts.

"No." Cedric replied confused, his brows burrowed. "No… Not him."

Rose looked at him patiently, her eyes intrigued to his answer.

"Anyone but him." Cedric gulped desperately. "Rose, are you dating Oliver Wood?"

Rose saw the anger behind Cedric's eyes as she walked with him back onto the stage beside the other contestants. He looked physically in pain and Rose couldn't help but feel a little guilty for his misery.

"A huge round of applause for tonights singers!" Flitwick announced to the room, "And for another Hogwarts first, can I personally thank Cedric Diggory and Rose Ward for their beautiful duet. Mingling with other Houses beside your own is extremely important and what a performance! Well done you two, especially as you will both be competing tomorrow! Each performer tonight gets two hundred house points for volunteering, you have all done an amazing job, thank you.

Please don't forget that next week is the semi final for the singing competition, the doors to the Great Hall will open at four for anyone who wants a front row seat. We are changing the layout of the room around, so arrive early to get as close to the stage as possible."

Flitwick subtly grinned at Rose, he had eagerly agreed to her idea of removing the House tables, and making it feel more like a concert then a presentation. Nodding her thanks, Rose quickly returned her attention back to Cedric, his eyes looking out at the crowd, his face looking fierce. Rose didn't need to know who he was directing his anger to, knowing full well Edward would no doubt be looking directly back.

As they left the stage, she urgently addressed his distain.

"Cedric." Rose hissed. "Cedric!"

"Why him?" Cedric urged, pulling his eyes away from Edward. "Why God damn him?"

"Why not him?" Rose replied defensively.

"Because he could have anyone here and has chose not to." Cedric urged. "He only wants you because everyone else does."

The words echoing the Weasley's Whinge letter too closely for Rose's liking, she glared at Cedric with distain.

"That." Rose paused, pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration. "Is so ridiculous, I can't believe those words have actually come out of your mouth. Shame on you repeating others words Cedric, when they can be reflected back to you also."

"Rose, wait!" Cedric urged.

"Goodnight Cedric." Rose replied plainly. "I'll see you tomorrow on the pitch."

Rose turned quickly away, walking down the steps to the side of the stage instead of going through the greenroom with the others. She looked at Edward, her face full of guilt and anger, frustrated that he had had to hear her entire dialogue with Cedric.

"Its okay Rose." He said instantly, he face composed and calm.

"No, it isn't." Rose muttered, sitting beside him her body facing outwards. "He was being a jerk."

"A jealous jerk." Edward agreed. "But he will get over it."

"I don't care." Rose replied angrily.

"Yes you do." Edward smiled. "And eventually he will realise he misses you as a friend too."

"Why are you so calm?" Rose asked. "Normally Cedric annoys you by simply being present."

"Because." Edward whispered in her ear. "I'm being very childish right now."

"How so?" Rose asked curiously, turning to meet his gaze.

"He knows you chose me. and that is a euphoric feeling."

Rose snorted, helping herself to Edward's untouched pumpkin juice.

Edward subtly stroked her exposed thigh, the light touch sending the electric pulsing sensation in every direction. Rose trembled from the touch, a sigh escaping her lips.

"Do you want to go over last minute Quidittch prep in my office?" Edward asked loudly, gaining attention from surrounding students.

"Yes." Rose replied carefully, her breathing nearly back to normal. "Yes, I think thats a very good idea."

Standing at the same time as Edward, Rose exchanged a knowing look. It was quite clear that Quidditch wasn't going to be mentioned once.