Before "hardcore fans" scream at me for not sticking directly to the book, I have stuck to certain scenes from the film adaptation as it flows better for when Harry meets certain Characters. Please don't hate me.
The Sorting Ceremony.
Silence surrounded the first years as they entered the Chamber of Reception. Professor McGonagall's presence had escalated the nervous ambience that had started to float heavily in the air. Standing in front of the group, her eyed flickered in observation, checking over every single pupil.
"Welcome to Hogwarts" She said proudly. "The start-of-term banquet will begin momentarily. Before the feast begins, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony here at Hogwarts. while you are here, your house will be like your family, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule breaking will lose points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup."
She paused slightly looking at the boy with the pale face who had moaned on the boat earlier. Ignorant to the Professor's harsh stare, he continued to mutter away to the very bulky looking boy next to him. As the silence began to eat away at the room, the pale faced boy looked up, blushing slightly when he made eye contact with Professor McGonagall's intimidating face. She tutted loudly, the noise bouncing off the stone walls exacerbating the awkward silence before continuing;
"The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I strongly suggest that you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting."
Her eyes flickering on Neville's wonky cloak, Ron's smudged nose and Harry's messy hair.
"I shall return when we are ready" said Professor McGonagall. "Please wait quietly."
And with that she left the chamber.
Inwardly panicking slightly, Rose looked down to slight relief when she noticed that her uniform was still looking as she had seen it on barely a few hours before. As she patted her sides, she felt the lumpy hat still in her pocket. Retrieving it with some apprehension, she looked at Ron and Harry who shared her look of unease. Undoing her messy bun, she ruffled her hair, loosening her blonde locks. Delicately placing the black hat on her head she turned to Ron and Harry to see if they required any help.
"How's my hair looking?" Harry whispered, the nerves clear in his voice.
"Your hair look fine Harry" Rose whispered back giving him an encouraging smile.
"Can you help me with the mark please" Ron grumbled, his stubbornness subsiding.
Rose managed to inwardly contain the smirk, as she retrieved a clean tissue from her cloak pocket. After a couple of awkward rubs against his nose she had managed to remove the dirt, even if was now a little red.
They turned to look at their peers around the room, the energy static with nervousness. Instinctively shuffling closer to Ron, Rose subtly looked around to see how everyone else was reacting. Many of the first years were looking down at the floor, too anxious to focus on their surroundings, but it was the pointy faced boy that made her double take. Cold harsh eyes fixed straight on Harry, it was the look of distain on his face that made Rose question his motives. Before Rose could ask Harry whether he knew the boy, he began to beeline towards the three of them a sly look to his pointy face. He wasn't coming over alone either, the same solid boy he was caught conversing with earlier hot on his tail with another even bigger boy flanking him. The rest of the first years seemed to part like the red sea, clearly sensing the importance he held for himself. The boy stood tall in front of Harry his eyes piercing him with his cold eyes. It looked like he was trying to read Harry's mind. The boy stayed quiet as he looked Harry up and down before quickly glanced at Ron, smirking as he did so. Rose frowned, what was he finding so mentally funny? It was then that he looked at her with his cold, ice blue unwelcoming eyes, so different from her own warm ocean blue. Their gaze held for a second as he took her in, a slight blush covering his pale cheeks before focusing his main attention back to Harry.
"I never got to catch your name back in Diagon Alley." He said with a slight smirk to the corner of his mouth. "Are the rumours true? Has Harry Potter come to Hogwarts?"
You could have heard an owl feather drop as every student now looked at Harry with bated breath. As they waited for him to confirm who he was, you could hear someone towards the back of the crowd whisper loudly;
"He cant be 'The' Harry Potter!?"
Harry kept calm as he faced the room, the eagerness that the students now showed had lost all timidness. Concerned for their friend, Ron and Rose however were looking at the pale boy with a mixture of annoyance and curiosity.
"Why do you care?" Ron demanded, scowling at the boy.
The boy stood taller, glaring at Ron with a look of contempt. He didn't look intimidating but the solid boys situated behind him did. One of them crunching their knuckles in warning.
"Oh please. With the state that you're in, I don't need an introduction to who you are…Weasley."
"And you are?" Clipped Rose, in a manor that reminded herself of McGonagall.
The way he had said 'Weasley' made Rose's stomach burn with anger.
"Malfoy, Draco Malfoy"
He answered smoothly with a wink, he reached out his hand for her to shake.
"Well that explains your social etiquette" Rose replied, ignoring his hand. There was suddenly a cold glint in her eyes giving him a clear warning.
Her comment and lack of handshake didn't seem to bother Malfoy. Subtly removing his hand back to his side he grinned at her with a smug smile.
"But you have heard of me?" He asked curiously.
Rose stayed silent, she didn't think it wise to confirm how she had unfortunately heard the Malfoy name before. As if knowing this, he glanced again at Ron seeing if he would give away any clues before turning to face Harry again.
"You'll soon see Potter that there are some wizarding family's that are better than others. Some have authority and some - follow it. Let me help you judge who is worth being around."
Malfoy glanced unsubtly at Ron's faded robes, making a disgusted tutting noise as he did so. "We wouldn't want you to fall in with the wrong crowd."
"I can judge a good person for myself thank you." Harry replied through gritted teeth, the look of distain evident on his face.
"Suit yourself." Malfoy said smoothly. "Crabbe, Goyle, we know when we have outstayed our welcome."
Malfoy raised his eyebrows at Harry, the look portraying for the first time how truly shocked Malfoy was that Harry had rejected his offer. Malfoy recovered quickly however turning to nod at Rose with a confident smile that transformed into a smirk when he reached Rons glare. As he turned on his heels, the other students yet again parted for them, not knowing whether to stare at Malfoy or the newly confirmed Harry Potter. Before they really had a chance to recover, the main door to the room opened and McGonagall glided through. As if knowing something had happened, she marched into the centre of the crowd, inspecting everybody from their body language to their uniform. Her eyes landed on Ron, whose ears were still red from Malfoy's comments. Ron gulped guiltily as he recognised the look McGonagall now wore. She knew something was up.
"I would like everybody to make a row of three please, in alphabetical order so that it flows neatly at the other end. Could Miss Abbot come forward and stand here on the left, Miss Bones in the middle and Miss Brown to the right. Can you all please your common sense and work out where in the line you need to go, speak amongst yourselves and work out the correct order."
Knowing they would be near the back, Ron, Rose and Harry made their way to the end of the crowd. They passed Neville, who seemed to be counting on his hands the alphabet. Rose prayed inwardly McGonagall wouldn't notice.
"Well, I guess we wait here whilst everyone else works out the order they need to be in." Ron muttered. "Though I am grateful that M and W are nowhere near each other."
"Neither are C and G and yet Mr Crabbe and Mr Goyle seem to not understand the task at hand." Rose smirked, understanding instantly what Ron was talking about. Luckily I can't imagine many people having a last name after W."
A snort was heard from their right. Turning to follow the sounds they saw a boy with his head leant against the stone wall. He was already looking at the pair of them with complete ease.
"You two will be next to me then." He told them smugly.
"Possibly?" Rose answered curiously, she was still uncertain why her initial comment deserved a snort. "Why? What's your last name?"
"Zabini."
Rose replied with a small understanding smile, realising that he would probably be the last student to be sorted. The boy rolled his shoulders back making one of them click, kicking against the wall to gather momentum he walked towards them both, a questioning gaze glossed over his feminine face.
"Are you both Weasley's?" He asked Rose, clearly unashamed of hearing the conversation held with Malfoy.
"No. My last name is Ward."
Zabini nodded in understanding.
"In that case - Ward, go on the left hand side. Weasley go in the middle."
He said it with an edge of arrogant authority. Rose and Ron subtly glanced at each other, Ron scowling at Zabini with a look of annoyance.
"Perfect." Rose replied with an amused smile. "Any luck finding who you are meant to be next to Harry?
"In front of you too, but these two want to be together" Harry answered his voice strained with his thumb pointed to a pair of twins.
The girls looked nervous. Holding hands and whispering fast to one another, they kept looking around suspiciously. Rose looked from the twins to Harry, confused at what he was trying to imply.
A small girl leaned around the side of Harry, a knowing look on her face;
"Its because I'm a T." The girl answered with slight amusement in her voice. "Lisa Turpia."
"I'm clearly being thick." Rose frowned. "Why is your name causing so much upset?"
"Because they thought they were going to walk in together." Lisa sighed. "The Patil twins were both next to Potter when I came down to find my correct place. Padma I think her name is, is meant to move to the line in front but they aren't happy to be separated."
"They really need to get a grip." Ron said, making Lisa's smile broaden.
Rose checked down the line to see if Goyle was still in the wrong setting, if he was this whole ordeal could be resolved. Unfortunately McGonagall had already made her way down the line confirming the right order was in place. Rose was appalled by how many students had tried to stick with their new found friends instead of following a simple instruction. So much so that by the time McGonagall reached the twins and barked at Padma to get in the right position, Rose had to bite her cheeks from laughing. Padma held a little bit of a lip wobble making McGonagall give the back row a bemused look.
"You are all finally ready. The sorting ceremony can begin. I ask that you all place your black hats on now, if you haven't already. All other instructions will be given when we are in front of the school. Pace yourselves and keep in line with your fellow students, follow me."
At her words, two large oak doors opened, leading into the Entrance Hall. You could see the side of the marble staircase dead ahead, with a suit of arms to the left hand side. The line of first years slowly moved following McGonagall through the doorway and turning right. Once out of the small room, the Entrance Hall felt intimidating in comparison, the large stone walls showing an impressive amount of portraiture. Rose briefly looked around trying to find her bearings from conversations she had had in the past with her cousins. Noticing the large door opposite the foot of the staircase she understood this to be the main door out into the grounds. McGonagall however paused to the left of the stairs outside a second set of oak doors that must lead to the Great Hall. Turning to make sure everyone was now present and still looking reasonably presentable she elegantly turned and pushed lightly on the thick doors. They opened slowly and silently revealing the first years for the first time the starlit midnight ceiling. Hung high from the ceiling were black flags with the Hogwarts emblem, the same as their ties. The stone walls were ablaze with large firepits, making the room instantly welcoming. Four long tables elongated the long room each holding students either side of them. The loud hum of chatter became non existent as McGonagall placed her first step into the room.
"Here we go!" Ron whispered nervously.
/x/x/x/x/x/x/x/x/x/
It always amused Edward how very 'human' people could be at times. How mass hysteria could envelope a room in seconds over something as bland as the Sorting ceremony. Now don't get Edward wrong, he understood why the Weasley's were all excited to see a sibling being sorted, but complete strangers? He would have thought that most people would want the ceremony to be over quickly, after all he could hear their rumbling bellies. But no, they seemed to actually look forward to meeting new people into their houses, how very obedient.
"Why does everyone seem to enjoy this sorting ceremony apart from me?" Edward muttered to the twins and Lee.
"Well I can't answer for the others, but I quite enjoy looking into their nervous faces as they pass us by for a start." Lee answered with a grin. "Surely you're amused by their thoughts?"
"I'm not evening going there." Edward answered dryly. "It would be like being smacked in the face by a brick wall of hormones."
"Sometimes I think your talent is wasted on you." Lee grinned cheekily. "You two have gone very quiet?"
Lee and Edward turned to look at the twins who's heads were turned towards the back of the room.
"I didn't realise they took the ceremony for Ron so seriously." Lee muttered to Edward.
"Neither did I." Edward agreed with a frown.
*I hope Rose is okay.*
The thought was faint, like it was an echo or a shadow of an older thought. Edward frowned as he looked down the table at the boy who had thought it. Percy wore the same worried look at the twins, he face full of concentration as he stared at the back of the room. Edward shook his head as he went over Percy's thought. No-one had ever mentioned a 'Rose' before, he must have misheard Percy after all the thought was eerily quiet… He must have said Ron.
The doors opened and McGonagall stepped elegantly into the room. Without turning to see if the first years would follow she walked slowly down the middle aisle, her eyes focused on the Sorting Stool ahead. Her thoughts were focused and clear, circulating over the rehearsed words she needed to say to the new students. Her mind knew the words like it was lyrics to an old song, allowing her mind to drift briefly for a second. The memory must have been from earlier that day. A boy with flaming red hair came into view:
*Ron*
Another image of a grubby nose came into view as she sighed in disbelief. The memory moved from Ron to a girl standing tall next to him. How he knew it was a girl he hd no idea as she was blury. It was as if someone was shining a bright light into his eyes, stopping him seeing her properly.
*Rose*
The thought was crisp and clear as a bell. The way McGonagall said the name was if she was saying a prayer for her. It was clear she was worried for them, and she felt that at times she was finding it difficult to keep her emotions from brewing to the surface in public.
Edward turned to look at Fred and George, a visible frown evident. Who was this Rose? Why hadn't they mentioned her before and why couldn't he see her in other peoples thoughts?
Edward started to search the crowd, trying to pick up on anyone called Rose or carried her thoughts. He needed to find more details about her and fast. His eagerness to find this mystery girl earned him the attention of Lee, who looked abashed by Edwards new enthusiasm for the first years.
Edward closed his eyes, trying to focus on just the first years thoughts and voices. Most of their thoughts were easy to ignore, made up of nervousness and apprehension. One girl named Hermione was talking to her neighbours about the sky ceiling, apparently she had read all about it Hogwarts a History. Edward smiled slightly as he read her neighbours mind; as much as she appreciated the facts she wished that Hermione would just shut up. His mind continued to filter down down the line of students until Edward's eyes landed on the back row. There was a bright light, like an enormous orb that seemed to obstruct this 'Rose' from view. Hesitantly Edward slowly opened his eyes, just in time for the last row to walk in front of where he was sat. The flowing long blonde hair caught his attention first, it was the way it perfectly framed her face. She wasn't nervous, that he could observe instantly as she beamed, taking in the atmosphere and sites of the room. Edward followed her gaze as he observed how she glowed, making the room seem that little bit brighter by just being in it. Edward shook his head physically, trying to snap his head out of this bizarre predicament. The aura she had surrounding her matched what he could see when he shut his eyes. She was beautiful, there was no denying it. Every single boy in the room had noticed her already, their thoughts making Edward's brain go into overdrive and leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. Guiltily Edward tried his hardest to get a read on her mind, wanting desperately to get to know and understand her before anyone else could; but the more he tried to focus on her the more resistance he got, like oil trying to escape water. Edward frowned again. How was he able to pick up on everyone else's thoughts but hers? He brushed the worry off for now, persuading himself that the room must be ecstatic with emotion. He would be able to hear her once the commotion had died down and he would try again. Edward could certainly hear her when she spoke out loud, her voice a very pleasant and welcome sound. Sharing a joke with Ron, you could tell by their body language that they were used to each other company. they were interacting too closely for new friends. Ron whispered something humorous to Rose making her really laugh out, the act instantly making Edwards smile.
*God* The thought to himself *Even her laugh was contagious.*
Edward carried on listening to the two of them joke as they walked down the aisle, he could hear them so clearly it was like being next to them. The way they bounced off each other was fascinating and a stark difference to the rest of the first years reaction to entering the room.
Now with just the back of their heads in sight, Edward focused on Ron's mind, hoping to see if he could jump into Rose's if he could find his. Focusing on blocking everyone else out, Edward stared straight into Ron's line of thought. The orb was back, blocking Rose from view. Edward sighed in frustration, desperate to get a clearer view of her.
"Thats Rose to the left of Ron." George whispered to Lee.
As if hearing George say her name, Rose turned to look straight in their direction. Her bright ocean blue eyes piercing Edward's mind with their intense stare. He took in an unneeded breath, the noise getting stuck in his throat. She wasn't looking at George or at Lee, she was looking at him, a small smile on her face as she stared purposely and questioningly at him. What was more unnerving was how she did it. She had managed to look at Edward through someone else's thoughts and by doing so, popped the bubble that was blocking Edward's path of site. He could now see her clearly through anyone.
"I don't recall you ever mentioning Rose before? Edward asked as causally as he could, eyebrows raised innocently.
"You clearly haven't been paying attention over the years then have you mate." Fred replied bluntly.
"They literally mentioned her on the train." Lee frowned.
"And in the carriage." George continued.
"And anytime we mention home." Fred added.
"And we all thought vampires were meant to have perfect memory." George whispered to the group jokingly.
"He was probably worried she would try and get his pants too and therefore blocked any thought of her." Fred joked.
Edward rolled his eyes, glad that he literally couldn't blush. He did however wonder how Fred would feel if he knew the rooms thoughts on Rose. Flicking through the crowd to get the best angle of Rose, Edward though relieved he could now see her crystal clear, couldn't help but get disappointed by the silent wall that continued to surround her.
"So is she also McGonagall's Grandchild?" Lee asked casually.
"She is." Fred said cautiously. "Why?"
"I'm just asking." Lee shrugged.
Like a mental rugby tackle, Edward nearly chocked on the image entered Lee's mind. The short film a little too detailed.
Fred and George looked at each other a look of brotherly disgust on their faces.
"You haven't even met Rose and your already thinking…"
"I wasn't even thinking of her in that way" Lee answered defensively
"Your thoughts say differently." Edward said smoothly
"Oh for fucks sake. Thanks Edward." Lee hissed angrily "Stay out of my head."
"And you can stay away from Rose!" Fred said stubbornly.
"You can't actually stop me from …"
"SSSSHHH!" Percy hissed, shooting an angry expression their way, his hands raised frustratingly. "The Ceremony is about to begin!"
/x/x/x/x/x/x/x/x/x/
As the pupils started being cast into the right houses, impatience started to grow as the crowd slowly dwindled down in size. Even though she now knew there was nothing she could do, Rose couldn't help the twinge of jealousy she got as Hermione Granger got put into Gryffindor. By the time Neville Longbottom had also been given Gryffindor, Rose was getting paranoid that there was only a certain amount of allocated Gryffindor places per year. The hat sorted through a large chunk of students without hesitation, in Malfoy's incident the hat had barely touched his hair. It was only when Padma Patil approached the stool, that the sorting hat yet again started to pause for a few seconds before confidently shouting;
"Ravenclaw!"
There was a loud round of applause and Padma walked confidently towards her fellow Ravenclaw's, giving her sister a confident wink as she passed. Parvati walked unquestionably up to the stool, waiting impatiently for the sorting hat.
"Gryffindor!"
Shit Rose thought, now there are defiantly not many spaces left. Rose suddenly felt Rons shoulder shaking, thinking he had started to cry she turned quickly in confusion to see Ron trying to hide his muffled chuckle. She looked at him with a curious stare, nudging his side gently.
"Sorry." He whispered. "Its just the irony of the fact that they are defiantly separated now."
It was quite clear that Parvati looked displeased by the result of bring put in Gryffindor, Rose thinking more ungrateful things towards her in another moment of jealousy.
"Harry Potter" McGonagall called out curtly.
The room became quiescent. Harry cautiously made his way up onto the platform, excepting the stool that McGonagall offered him. The only noise you could hear now were the students and teachers breathing as they watched Harry's every move. It was an odd situation to be in, now one of four remaining pupils waiting, viewing one of the most famous men in the history of wizardkind getting sorted. It wasn't what she was expecting when she woke up this morning that was sure. The hat now more clear due to the proximity, actually moved about on Harry's head with makeshift folds of fabric, forming into the shape of a mouth. It was somehow clearly communicating with Harry, as he was whispering responses back to the hat. Seconds turned into a good solid minute as the hat contemplated where to put Harry, before finally shouting out;
"GRYFFINDOR!"
The room erupted into loud applause, especially from the far left table where the Gryffindors where seated. Clapping and cheering along with the crowd, Rose quickly worked out the logistics. With four left to sort and Ron almost definitely being a Gryffindor, she was now unlikely to become one. She thought bizarrely that she would be more sad at the realisation, but she was comforted that Harry and Ron would at least be together and have each other.
"Ravenclaw!"
Lisa Turpia bounced off the stool, smiling with encouragement at Rose as she walked past to join the correct table.
"Rose Ward" McGonagall announced casually as if the name meant nothing to her.
Rose glanced at Ron who gulped and weakly smiled back. Walking up towards the front, she managed to stay composed and elegantly sat down on the stool, back straight. The whole school was looking at her, making her feel like she was under investigation for some sort of crime. McGonagall walked in front of her and they locked eyes for the first time. Rose smiled up at her Grandmother, whose eyes had raw emotion in them. Gently removing her black hat, the sorting hat was placed directly onto her head. McGonagall moved to her left and Rose decided to look straight ahead focusing on the closed oak doors.
"Why Hello there." A warm low voice muttered directly into her ears. "Interesting mind you have in here, such a fascinating way of seeing life. There is defiantly intelligence in here, and talent, oh yes there are many talents in here too. You have a lot of loyalty and love to give, but you aren't easily fooled either. Your mind in defiantly unusual and you could fit in anywhere, yes I can see that. Any house here at Hogwarts could quite easily become your home. It must be linked to you being a Metamorphmagus, blending in and yet always standing out. So, where shall we put you? Where to put you? Ahhh Yes! Of course! It's so obvious! How did I not see this before? Hold you breath and braise yourself for the announcement…."
"Gryffindor!"
Loud cheers erupted to Rose's right hand side, as she stood up beaming, all anxiety erased from her body. Taking the sorting hat off and handing it back to her Grandmother, she could see the absolute delight underneath the facade. She had done it.
Walking with confidence towards the Gryffindor table, she glanced down at her tie, which now instead of holding the Hogwarts crest, was a mustard yellow and red stripe, the Gryffindor colours. All the first year Gryffindors had congregated themselves in a block at the end of the table, but Percy waved her over with encouragement. He was beaming and quickly gave her a hug.
"Well done Rose." He said, clear happiness in his voice "I knew you had nothing to worry about."
She hugged him back and waved to the twins who did a celebratory dance for her, making her laugh. Giving Harry's shoulder a comforting squeeze, she sat next to him and turned, focusing on Ron whose name had just been called up. The hat had barely been on his head before it too shouted out;
"Gryffindor!"
Everyone on the table erupted into applause as Ron who was now slightly pink came and joined them sitting the other side of Rose, looking relived and pleased.
"For a moment I thought I wasn't going to make it." He said.
"For a moment I thought you weren't either." Rose replied. " I am however delighted that you are here buddy." Resting her head on his shoulder for a millisecond.
After Zabini had been sorted in Slytherin, McGonagall left the stool but picked the sorting hat up, clearing the space in front of the teachers table.
Rose looked along the teachers table a little surprised that she couldn't find Hagrid on it. Hoping that Smutz was behaving himself for Hagrid and that he wasn't the reason that Hagrid was now going to miss the feast.
A man stood up making the room again fall silent. Wearing half moon spectacles and purple and gold robes, his silvery beard was so long it tucked into his belt. He had a warmth to his eyes and though clearly quite old he stood like a man half of his age. Both his arms outstretched, smiling warmly to the room, this man could only be Professor Dumbledore.
"Welcome all of you to Hogwarts!" He announced with a strong voice. "I will have some announcements to make after dinner but I don't want to bore you with such silly things now. If you haven't got your hat on, please do so now, as we are about to sing the school anthem!"
There was a rustling sound as many students got out their black hats. A group of students got up quickly and gathered at the front of the Hall in front of the teachers table. A small Teacher also stood and jumped onto the stool McGonagall had left, facing the crowd.
"For those whose don't know the words I have them here. Please all pick a catchy tune that you can easily sing along to. If in doubt follow our fabulous frog choir who will help you out."
Coughing with encouragement, Dumbledore produced his wand and the lyrics appeared;
'Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts, Teach us something please, Whether we be old and bald Or young with scabby knees..'
The choir members stood smugly in front of the room, the air of self-righteousness surrounded them. Each pupil held a toad which sat on a cushion, something that was completely unnecessary. As the Choir started singing it was clear that their talent didn't quite match their confidence. With some harmonies being way too enthusiastic, the façade looked outdated at best. Wincing Rose turned towards Percy who was singing along, surprisingly enjoying himself. Everyone seemed to be trying to copy the choirs tune apart from the Weasley twins who had decided on the funeral march. She caught Freds eye and mouthed "what on earth?!" Making him laugh. As the song ended the Frog choir bowed looking very pleased with themselves and departed to their individual tables. Rose felt a knock at her hand and noticed a bit of parchment that had been screwed up into a ball. She unraveled it, but before she could begin to read it, Dumbledore had stood up again.
'Thank you again to the Frog Choir, who yet again have produced a memorable start to the term."
Rose couldn't help but feel that Dumbledore was being sarcastic.
"Now for the best bit, tuck in!"
At his announcement, the feast arrived with all the tables suddenly spread with large joints of meats, roasted and mashed vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, stuffings, gravies, and condiments. Waiting for the other first years to help themselves to the food, secretly still full from the sweet feast on the train, Rose looked down at the note recognising George's handwriting.
'Your face is a picture. I presume your'e not going to join the frog choir then?'
She looked down the table at the twins who were both looking at her grinning, wiggling their eyebrows in unison.
"No!" Mouthed Rose to them, getting a bigger grin out of them both. "You know full well they were crap."
Accepting the slotted spoon from Neville, she reached for the pile of buttered new potatoes. Before she even had a chance to finish loading a couple onto her plate, another note landed this time into her dinner.
'Thats a real shame, you would look really cool out there too.'
Biting her cheek so she didn't give away her amusement, she turned to Percy.
"Perc, can I borrow you quill please?"
"Hmm?" He said dreamily, looking into his bag; "sure, here you go."
Passing her his quill, Rose quickly wrote in an elegant hand;
'Bugger off.'
She threw it with force but it still neatly hit the back of Georges head, causing Fred and two other boys to laugh at Georges reaction. They all looked over at Rose, but she had already smoothly turned pretending to be in deep conversation with Ron and Harry. When she thought the coast was clear she looked back at the twins who now seemed to be bickering with one of the other boys. Eyebrow raised, she went to turn back around before she caught eyes with the other boy. His gaze instantly enticed her, engulfing her into a world where her only focus and source of distraction could now only be him. His warm almond shaped eyes, the colour of honey, displayed youth and innocence. Yet as Rose continued to gaze directly into them she couldn't help but feel like there was something about them that told her that he was wise beyond his years. His ebony skin, contrasted perfectly with his bronze hair that framed his face perfectly. Though you could tell that his hair naturally fell that way, it was almost too perfectly messy. The school uniform fit snuggly over his clearly well formed arms and torso. The shirt showing defined biceps and triceps. Rose would have been lying if she said she hadn't noticed how extremely attractive he was, even though the look he was giving her seemed unfriendly. He was studying her, that she could tell. His face torn between confusion and curious, as if at any moment he would shout out a question at her. Rose nibbled her bottom lip as the mental image of this made her want to laugh out loud, the motion making him smile, a small crooked smile just for her her. The smile made her stomach produce millions of butterflies, it was irroestiable and contagious. She couldn't help but smile back at him, grateful that she had some self control and that it was restrained. The outside world now seemed so unimportant to Rose, as they both communicated with their eyes, looking at the other with curious, nervous stares. What propelled Rose to continue was that neither one of them seemed perturbed by how long the eye contact had lasted. Before she could register what was happening the stranger physically sighed, his eyes pleading forgiveness. She blinked and he was gone, he had turned and looked away. Dazed momentarily, Rose soon released that she had missed a whole section of conversation within the first year group. How long had they stood there silently communicating for?
"My Dad's a muggle and my Mam's a witch, it was a shock for sure when he found out!"
A boy with a broad Northern Irish accent was speaking to the rest of the Gryffindors.
"When did you find out that you were a wizard?" Ron asked him.
"Mam worked it out pretty quickly, I managed to set the kitchen on fire when I was three without the help of matches."
Everyone giggled as the boy tucked into some chicken.
"Seamus Finnigan." The boy said with a grin; " Did you always know you were a witch?"
Seamus had turned to Rose, clearly wanting to involve her into the conversation. Ron who had been half way through wolfing down a second load of potato paused dramatically, placing his cutlery down in his mashed potato mountain. He looked sympathetically at Rose who was still sat, in deep thought next to him. Misreading her silence for awkwardness he turned to Seamus:
"Its complicated." Ron muttered, hoping to have the subject changed.
"Try me." Seamus replied, now looking intrigued.
"Its okay Ron, I'm not ashamed." Rose said with a smile, her hand touching his leg gently. She had finally caught up with the topic at hand.
All the first years were now looking at Rose with curiosity.
"My parents are Squibbs." Rose said looking at only Seamus calmly "So we weren't too sure if I had any magically ability to begin with."
"What's a squibb?" Harry asked Rose innocently.
"Glad someone else asked that question!" A boy sitting next to Seamus asked. "My Parents are Muggles, so I have no idea of the correct terminology for most things!"
"That's alright, I can appreciate that there is a lot of knew terminology for a lot of us." Rose replied kindly; " A squibb means-"
"It means her parents are from magical families but hold no magical gifts themselves, Dean." Hermione butted in.
Ron looked into the opposite direction growling in irritation. Again Rose placed her hand on his knee, she could tell that Hermione hadn't done it to be nasty.
"That must have been very difficult for you." Neville said shyly.
"I can be." Rose agreed with a small smile. "I have however grown up not knowing any differently. They are and will always be my wonderful parents and I wouldn't change them for anything. My Mum's sister has magic ability, so I have been brought up with magic since moving in with my Aunt and Uncle."
Rose nudged Ron in his side as she spoke smiling at him as she spoke of her fondness of his parents.
"Hang up, you live together?" Seamus asked looking from Ron to Rose dubiously. "And your related?!"
"Why?" Ron answered, with a questioning look.
"Its just you look completely different." Seamus started, staring at them both in disbelief. " I mean - completely- different."
Ron was now looking at Seamus with contempt.
"Just making conversation mate!" Seamus answered defensively, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
As if by utter coincidence, there was a loud snort from further up the table that was covered discreetly by a cough. Seamus and a few others looked up the table to find the culprit but whoever had done it had managed to compose themselves very quickly. Luckily the conversation promptly moved onto other topics, with the group chatting amongst themselves and Ron now recovered from his initial hostility. Parvati Patel who was sitting next to Lavender Brown, seemed like a new person now she was absent from her sister. The two girls kept flicking their hair and giggling hysterically with Seamus and Dean, even when their jokes weren't particularly funny.
The grand dinner was replaced with Strawberry, lime, raspberry and orange jellies, the towering desserts over a metre tall. The ice creams of every flavour, were also stacked high and didn't seem to be able to melt. Treacle tarts and Jam roly - polys were served alongside large pitchers of warm custard and cream. Hot chocolate, with dishes of marshmallows, flaked chocolate and whipped cream went in sets of two along the border of the desserts.
Helping herself to some warm treacle tart and cream and pouring herself and Ron a hot chocolate, Rose turned to Percy only to see he was suddenly in deep conversation with a ghost. A little stunned by the sudden presence she jumped, knocking Ron who turned to see what the matter was.
"Whooah its Nearly Headless Nick." Ron said mouth hanging open. "How cool is that!"
"That! That? I young man am a ghost, not a that!" The ghost said with a sniff. " And it's Sir Nicholas if you don't mind."
Looking slightly uncomfortable by the remark Ron muttered;
"Sorry Sir Nicholas"
The ghost nodded in acceptance. He clearly was used to the nickname even if he wasn't too keen on it. Sir Nicholas looked at the puddings and sighed in longing;
"Gosh that does look tasty."
"What happens if you eat anything?" Harry asked curiously " If you don't mind me asking that is."
"It just falls out I'm afraid." Nick replied "I tried it once, you get a slight taste and then it's gone. I would do it more often but Filtch doesn't like it."
"Filtch is the caretaker, isn't he?" Rose asked looking around the room "Is he the miserable scruffy man in the corner?"
Nick replied with a warm smile towards Rose.
"That's him" Nick agreed without taking his eyes off the table.
Filtch must have made a habit of staying in the same corner. He looked greasy, from his oily skin to his slippery black hair. He looked like he hadn't washed in months. His long scruffy overcoat, was covered in patches from botched sewing repairs and his leather boots worn back and faded. He was holding what looked on first inspection a baby until Rose looked closer and realised he was clenching a cat.
"Thats a cat?" Rose said surprised.
"Ha! Smutz is going to have fun playing with her." Ron said with a grin, "Look at her being held like that, it's embarrassing."
"Ahh don't be fooled." Percy said seriously "Mrs Norris is a horrible piece of work. Anywhere she goes, Fitch isn't too far away and she can smell trouble."
"Now this Smutz that you speak of, he wouldn't happen to be a dog now would he?" Sir Nicholas asked Rose.
"Why, yes he is!" Rose replied shocked.
"I thought so." Nick nodded in understanding before explaining. "I've just been with him in the Gryffindor common room. I have to say, he was very amused by me and wanted to play which was great fun. I have always been found of dogs. I left him once he was settled and asleep on the couch."
"That is such a relief to hear, thank you." Rose answered sincerely. "I was getting anxious to know where Smutz and Hagrid were."
"Nothing to worry about my dear friend, when Dumbledore does his speech I will go back upstairs and check on him again, just incase. Now I apologise for the briefness of our introduction but I must get acquainted with the other young Gryffindor folk before Dumbledore stands to do the announcements. So long young Gryffindors!"
They waved their goodbyes as he floated through the middle of the table to sit in-between Lavender and Hermione, who didn't look very pleased by the interruption.
"Harry I forgot to mention earlier, how exactly did you meet Draco Malfoy before?" Rose asked quietly.
"It was when I went to Diagon Alley with Hagrid" Harry sighed. "We were both getting measured for our robes by Madam Malkin but even then I knew he wasn't very nice. The strong opinions that came out of his mouth were pure toxicity and snobbery."
"Mmmm unfortunately none of his family seem to be the nicest of people." Rose replied diplomatically. "If their reputation has anything to go by."
"Twats." Ron muttered under his breath.
"I met met one of our teachers in the pub too. Professor Quirrell over there, the one with the turban on." Harry said nonchalantly.
They turned around to follow Harry's pointed finger. The gentleman in question looked timid and shy, his shoulder slumped over as if he was trying to make himself as small as possible. Upon his bald head was a purple turban, the colour the boldest decision he seemed to have made. He seemed to scan the room at all times, worried that something was about to jump out at him at any given moment.
"What is with that turban?!" Ron uttered in disgust. "This is one of our teachers? Looks like a right weirdo."
"Don't be so rude Ron." Percy snipped "That man has been through an awful lot over the years. He must believe this to be his new talisman as he certainly wasn't wearing it last year."
"So he usually wears strange objects to bring him luck?" Rose asked curiously.
"He has had many amulets and talismans over they years yes." Percy replied. "He is probably wearing it because he is having to sit next to Professor Snape. Listen to my advice strongly you three - that is a teacher you want to be on good terms with."
Nodding at Percy's words Rose looked back over, spotting who she presumed to be Professor Snape. Snape had slimy, jet black hair that had been scraped into a centre part in. His stern features were moulded over his thin gaunt face in such a way that made his nose look abnormally long like a coat hanger. If it wasn't for actually seeing a ghost that evening, Rose would have believed him to be dead. His whole body language made it clear even from a distance that he wasn't one to want conversation, which made the current situation the ever more peculiar. They could see Snape reluctantly in deep conversation with timid Professor Quirrell, neither man seeming to want to talk yet here they were replying promptly and fluidly. Suddenly Harry gasped loudly, reaching out and gripping his forehead in both hands. Snape's head shot up, looking directly over to where Harry now lay, his head still in his hands. Though it would be impossible for Snape to have heard Harry's moan, his beady black eyes which were still looking directly at Harry, showed pure loathing.
"Whats the Matter Harry?!" Seamus shouted in concern.
The other first years turned to stare too, making more people further along the table start to worry and point at Harry.
"It's just brain freeze." Rose said quickly but calmly. " You shouldn't have eaten your ice cream so fast Harry."
"Too smooth" Ron muttered under his breath, whilst looking in the other direction.
Luckily the others brought the excuse and turned back to their original conversations. Only Hermione seemed suspicious, starring from Rose to Harry with speculation.
"Thanks" Harry said gratefully.
"Has that happened before?" Rose replied, eyebrow raised in curiousness.
"No it hasn't… but I'm also not concerned." Harry said with confidence. "It was over as soon as it began."
Percy was looking at Harry worried, he was shaking his head in a manor very similar to his Mother;
"If it carries on you must go to the Hospital Wing." Percy said persistently. "There is no greater asset than great health."
"I promise I will." Harry agreed with a small smile of gratitude.
Percy nodded in conformation, before looking at Rose and Ron with a look of mild concern.
The room slowly started to quieten down to a more mellow hum with bellies now full of food and the hot chocolates working their magic. As if knowing it was nearly time for bed, Dumbledore stood once again with a warm friendly smile.
"Now that we have been fed and watered with scrumptious things, I have a few boring announcements to be made before we go off to bed. Firstly, may I remind you all, that the forbidden forest is completely out of bounds. This rule has been the same for over two centuries, yet some of you need more promptly reminding more than others-."
Dumbledore's eyes seemed to glisten and look briefly over to Fred and George before he continued;
"Secondly, Mr Filtch would like to remind you that no magic is tolerated outside of the classrooms or in the grounds without prior consent. He also wants to remind certain pupils that 'shall not be named' that he has been polishing his detention equipment all summer. I am sure that I speak on behalf of whole student body, when I say that we hope you enjoyed yourself whilst doing such a mundane task Mr Filtch-."
Again Dumbledore's eyes flickers to the twins, this time an obvious twitch in the corner of his mouth.
"Thirdly, Madame Hooch will be holding quidditch tryouts in two weeks time. Any relevant and important information will be passed onto the four Quidditch Captains in due course so please don't try and bribe them for information.
Anything else? Oh yes! Finally, the third floor corridor on the right hand side is completely out of bounds to everybody in this room under any circumstances known to man. Anyone who doesn't heed this vital warning that I am saying, will die a most painful death in complete agony."
Dumbledore's speech was said with such nonchalant clarity that a couple of students laughed out loud. Rose turned instantly to Ron and then to Harry to gauge their reactions, her own face confused and worried. They both looking slightly shocked by the casualness of the remark, but it was Percy's reaction that made the surrounding students listen.
"It isn't like Dumbledore to not keep even the Prefects informed. This has got to be a recent rule as he normally gives us all a justified reason for not doing something." Percy muttered, stroking his chin as he spoke in thought.
"So he was being serious?!" Rose asked aghast.
"Most defiantly." Percy agreed.
Dumbledore was waiting patiently at the front of the room watching the crowd, twiddling his thumbs therapeutically whilst rocking his feet up and down. He had obviously anticipated a pause in his speech after such dramatic news and was now waiting for the shock to wear off. Finally after a short while the last couple of students finished chatting and he raised his arms ready to continue.
"And with that my dear Students it is off to bed, as for tomorrow the learning begins! For first years and for those of you who have forgotten over the summer on how to find your common rooms your House Prefects will show you the way to the common rooms. Sweet dreams everyone!"
Percy puffed his chest out and jumped out of his seat eagerly. Rose presumed that he would now round them all up and march them out the room straight away, but he instead strolled past them all, heading directly towards the teachers table. Surprised by Percy's boldness and momentarily distracted, Rose hadn't seen the twins sneak up behind the three of them.
"Is there a reason why you two didn't want to come over and say hello?" Fred asked fake hurt laced in his voice. "Embarrassed by your older brothers are you?"
"I think it's because they have Harry Potter as a friend now and therefore we're not good enough?!" Betrayal now laced in George's voice.
"Its the hard truth, but I guess our ickle family members are all grown up." Fred sobbed dramatically. "I don't think I'm ready for their independence."
"Oh shut it." Ron grumbled boisterously "Come on Harry, I'm not in the mood for these two at the moment, they just want to wind me up."
Pushing himself off the table, he started to move towards Seamus and Dean.
"You coming Rose?" Harry grinned, waving a friendly goodbye to the twins.
"Naa, she tolerates them too much." Ron uttered over his shoulder.
"Charming!" Fred replied cockily. "I see his mood hasn't improved since earlier?"
"He's getting there" Rose sighed, swivelling around on the bench and standing up, becoming the same height as the twins. "I think he just needs an early night."
"I can hear you!" Ron heckled, folding his arms unimpressed.
Smiling cheekily back in response; Rose turned to the twins.
"To be honest I think I need an early night too. I'm so relieved that this day is nearly over. I didn't realise how tense I was until I started to relax."
"You looked great out there Rose" Fred replied nudging her arm affectionally. "Nobody would know it."
"And boy are we relieved that you made it into the Gryffindor club. You're the only one who can tell Ron to shut the fuck up without being verbally attacked." George added cheekily.
"I can still hear you!" Ron bellowed.
"And we don't care!" The twins said chimed together, grinning like Cheshire cats.
Sighing in fake despair, Rose looked from the twins to Ron in amusement. She was about to say her goodnights and go back to Ron when Fred caught her arm.
"Do you mind coming with us for a moment Rose, we have a couple of people we want to introduce to you."
Fred oddly was being mysteriously serious in his request. Intrigued Rose followed the twins down the Gryffindor table. They stopped in front of two boys who were still sitting, faced opposite each other. They were flicking a screwed up ball of parchment back and forth to each other, each in turn trying to block or get the ball over the table edge. Rose thought that the closest boy to her was a little too into the game as he kept muttering "Cheater" every time his goal was blocked.
"Lee, Oliver, this is our cousin Rose." George said cautiously.
The eager player turned out to be Lee who was the first to get up. His fingers speedily went through his dreadlocks at a rushed attempt to neaten and comb his hair. He looked Rose up and down, his jaw dropping slightly before going a little flushed in the face.
"Rose- hi…Its really nice to finally meet you… I mean these two talk about you all the time so I'm a bit…starstruck really!"
He leaned over clasping her left hand into a sweaty handshake. Rose could tell that he was nervous, his smile kept flickering as she shook his hand and his eyes kept looking down. Subtly wiping her hand on her leg after he had released her hold, she observed him for a few seconds before replying;
"It seems very unlike Fred and George to speak so highly of me all the time. I'm surprised they have spoken about me at all."
"Oh no, they are constantly talking about you in the most positive way, they really admire-"
"Lee, enough!" Fred butted in, putting his head in his hand looking mortified.
Rose looked from Fred to Lee to George, catching the odd look George was giving his friend. Going by George's body language he was finding Lee's behaviour more amusing then at Rose to show it was all in good humour he joked his tone dripped in heavy sarcasm;
"We only ever have nice things to say about our favourite cousin."
"Ah I see." Rose nodded in understanding "And that has nothing to do with the fact that I am your only cousin?"
There was a warm chuckle from the other side of the table. Lee had acted so strangely, that he had taken over everyone's attention and Rose had somewhat forgotten that there were indeed two people Fred and George wanted to introduce her to. She turned towards the other boy who had now also stood up. He was tall, the height matching Rose's exactly allowing her to see perfectly into his eyes. She took a subtle intake of breath as he smiled at Rose with a half crooked smile. She recognised him instantly as the owner of the hypnotising eyes from early. His eyes were even more irresistible at close range, drawing Rose deeper into a feeling of ecstasy. The perfect iris pools of melted Carmel seemed to command you to do as the owner demanded and Rose was frightened that there would be no hesitation on her behalf if it was asked of her. With some hesitation she was able to pull her eyes away momentarily, but pathetically it was only to admire his other features. His paleness suited him, that she had noticed earlier. The marble tones to his skin contrasting with his messy bronze hair. Now that she was standing opposite him she could see more ginger tones flickered into the bronze, and some golden flecks highlighted by the candlelight. Rose took a steady breath in, her heart skipping a beat as she now took all of him in. The aftershave he was wearing could only be described as heavenly. Cedar wood, lavender and honey accumulated together with cloves and cut grass. On anyone else the smell would be overpowering yet on him it seemed to blend into what made him, him.
*How could one person be this handsome?*
She thought, a subtle frown appearing on her brow. Smiling at her silliness, she composed herself and ejected herself with fake confidence. Moving closer to him, her knees a little wobbly with adrenaline she offered him her other hand that Lee hadn't shook early.
"Oliver was it?" She said gracefully, her eyes snapping back to his.
"Edward-Oliver." He replied smoothly. "But everyone calls me Oliver."
His voice made Rose's knees tremble as the velvety notes left his mouth. The shock of how incising his voice was, helped puncture the blow of his refusal to accept her hand. Her small smile slowly faded as she felt the weight of her own hand hovering in the small amount of space between them. Slowly Rose rescinded her hand back with a confused look and the overwhelming feeling of disappointment. Her heart beat flickered as she panicked, was she being too formal with him? His eyes widened slightly as his eyes again pleaded with her to understand. Rose bowed her head, trying to hide an embarrassed blush that was now forming on her cheeks. She went to turn away from his company when he gently reached out, holding her hand in a strong hold that silently told her to forgive his delayed response. The way his fingers slipped carelessly through hers it was less like an handshake and more of an embrace.
"It's nice to meet you Rose." He said sincerely, looking purposely into her eyes with friendly warmth.
A small shocked sigh escaped Rose's lips as their hands connected. A buzzing sensation had taken over her hand, and had started to trickle warmth up her arm. The feeling wasn't unpleasant and seemed to pulsate straight to her heart. Edward-Oliver was looking at her with curiosity, looking intensely into her eyes. The more she held onto his hard strong hand the more she didn't want to let go of his grip, the heat being like some sort of euphoria. She was curious to know if he could feel it too but he released her clasp prematurely, them both looking at the other quizzically. They stood there for a good minute in silence, both reading the others facial expressions.
"What are you thinking?" He muttered curiously, his voice not quite hiding the worry.
"I'm thinking about your name." Rose replied honestly.
"My name?" He replied curiously brushing an elegant hand through his bronze hair. "What's so interesting about my name?"
"The fact that it's double barrelled and yet everyone calls you Oliver."
"Oh I see." He smiled in understanding. "Well, my Father's name was also Edward. I go by Oliver mostly here and at home I am only ever referred to as Edward."
"When did your Father die?" Rose asked carefully.
Edward paused, looking at her in surprise. No one had really picked up on him using the past tense before. He took a breath in, accidentally inhaling her beautiful scent and pondered how to answer.
"He died a very long time ago."
Rose nodded, chewing her lip, not knowing whether she should vocally say what she was thinking.
"It's a shame you don't go by Edward more often." She said playfully, a kittenish smile on her lips.
"Now you really need to tell me what you are thinking?" Edward-Oliver chuckled, amusement laced in his voice. He was however returning her smile.
"You just look like an Edward to me. It suits you." Rose replied honestly and with confidence, still looking into his honey eyes.
Edward-Oliver looked pleasantly shocked, his eyebrows raised slightly as he addressed what she had said. After the briefest of moments his crooked smile appeared, and he yet again ruffled his hair as if embarrassed.
"Then can you call me Edward?" He asked sincerely.
Rose was expecting her heart to betray her at any second as she waited for her blush to sink in, but it never appeared. Matching his beaming smile she was surprised at how easy it was to hold a conversation with him. Both forgetting that they weren't actually alone, Fred's cough made them both look away from each other for the first time and in Rose's case jump. Lee was standing to the right of the twins looking mortified, whilst the twins looking intrigued and perplexed.
*'Can you call me Edward? What the absolute fuck? Has your brain melted too? *
George was looking at Edward like a Mother scolding her child but truth be told, Edward didn't know how to answer him. If he was being completely honest he wasn't too sure what had just happened himself, him acting for the first time - human. It was like George had just put it, his brain seemed to have completely melted. Lee was now more composed and ready for the apparent competition for Rose's attention. He was mentally shouting at Edward a mixture of insulates and threats, the notion humorous at best. Lee prepared himself to talk to Rose once more, his mouth poised ready to strike up conversation.
"So Rose, I was wonder.."
"Move out the way Lee!" Percy barked.
Percy had reappeared, clearly annoyed and needing to take his anger out on someone. It seemed he had just asked McGonagall for justification for the new third floor corridor rules but instead of obliging, she had snapped at him instead.
"Now boys, I would have thought that by now you would have remembered you way back to the common room." Percy said spitefully.
"Hahaha Perc! Always the comedian!" Fred said sarcastically; "We wanted to introduce Rose to OUR FRIENDS, but don't worry that you don't know what those are. Besides don't trouble yourself, we can show her the way to Gryffindor tower."
Percy seemed content in ignoring the insult, but the thought of Fred taking responsibility over another student was the most stupid thing he had ever heard.
"Absolutely not! She is a first year and my responsibility." Percy responded, shaking his head at Fred in contempt. "Come on Rose, follow me and join the other first years."
Rose waved her farewells, smiling amusingly at them all before following Percy. Her eyes lingered finally on Edward, his eyes twinkling at her acknowledgement. Subconsciously his eyes followed her as she left to join the rest of her friends, a slight ache protruding from his chest.
"You can call me Edward?!" George said a-gasped "What the hell was that about?!"
Edward was still looking in Roses direction, a small smile playing on his lips.
"I can't hear her thoughts" he muttered softly, the words more of a confession than an answer.
"What type of excuse is that." Snapped Fred.
He turned back to George for a moment, before his words truly sank in.
"Wait, what?! Are you sure?"
Fred read Edward's face carefully, before turning to George.
"Do you think this is because she is a Meta…"
"Keep that thought to yourself Fred." Edward interjected harshly, his eyes momentarily leaving Rose. "I've heard both your thoughts and know that she wants to keep that a family secret."
"But is it related?" George asked intrigued.
"Err hello? Want to divulge me into this little powwow? What are you lot talking about?" Lee asked in frustration, looking at them all in turn.
Lee's questions remained ignored as the others silently communicated their thoughts. Watching Rose leave the Great Hall Edward sighed, knowing now he had no excuse not to answer them. Lee's internal thoughts were getting more verbally aggressive by the minute.
"I don't think so." Edward sighed, his hand running through his hair making it even more perfectly messy. "Lets call it a night shall we?"
They made their way out the Great hall in silence but it didn't last long. By the time they had all slowly climbed the marble staircase Fred and George ended up walking promptly ahead with Lee attempting to distract him so that he wouldn't carry on with his questions. He had given up asking Edward mentally and had now started haranguing them all like a small child. Though the twins were physically distracted by Lee, Edward wasn't so easily fooled by their demeanour. Edward too didn't know how to feel, so many things had happened in such as small space of time. His heart, which until half an hour ago he thought was made of stone was all of a sudden present and making itself known. How daft that a complete stranger could suddenly overwhelm him with feelings, feeling he had never felt before even in life - so to suddenly feel lust or desire now after so long seemed impossible. She frightened him in away, the fact that she had managed to go undetected for so long and that she could keep secrets from him. It was a nervous thought to have to trust someone on face value for once and to hope they wouldn't lie. She intrigued him and he knew that she would inevitably be too addictive to resist. Edward sighed as he ruffled his hair, a habit he did when he was frustrated. He was desperate to get to know her better, but by doing so he might jeopardise his friendship with the twins. What if she worked out what he was? He would have to leave Hogwarts, he couldn't put his family at risk. Edward scoffed again as he weighed up his options. This was ridiculous, why would he risk everything for a girl he had spoken to for five minutes? She might just have spoken to him out of pure politeness for her cousins sake and here he was imagining his sister Rosalie's wrath at being exposed. He filled his mind with images of the painful summer he had just escaped from, hoping the agony of the long six weeks would distract his brain, but it didn't work. His thoughts slithered back to the handshake he had shared with Rose, his fingers twitching with the thought. When she touched him, his whole body glowed in warmth, he had long forgotten what the sensation of heat had felt like. The feeling was intoxicating. His mind played the scene over and over glad that his perfect memory could capture that special moment in such clarity. As he watched her body language, the way she looked at him and watched her face light up as their hands touched he realised something peculiar about her reaction. Rose hadn't flinched at Edward's coldness or the hardness of his skin, it was almost like she hadn't noticed it at all.
Fred started to slow down, aware that Edward was falling behind. With a quick check to make sure that Lee was still distracted by George, he slowed his pace waiting for Edward to meet him.
"Thoughts still on a certain someone?" Fred asked awkwardly.
"I'm afraid so." Edward sighed. "I've never felt more human."
Fred laughed, the easy sound slightly taking the edge of Edward's stress.
"Do you think not hearing Rose's thoughts is connected to the fact your mind seems to have blocked previous knowledge of her?" Fred whispered.
"It must be connected." Edward agreed. "It was quite an experience earlier seeing her for the first time."
Fred went quiet, an awkward thought appearing in his mind.
"I'm not going to stand here and pretend she isn't attractive." Edward replied to Fred's thought. "But I can appreciate that it is a touchy subject."
Fred nodded, his thoughts moving to past memories of Rose and how her physical appearance had changed so often as a younger child.
"Rose is really embarrassed about being a Metamorphmagus." Fred thought aloud. "We all had to get used to seeing a different Rose on any given day growing up. So to now have a steady consistent face that we all recognise as 'her' well… it makes us all a bit defensive."
"And she doesn't value her looks?" Edward asked carefully.
"She sometimes doesn't see who she is in the mirror." Fred agreed. "I think she understands she is attractive but doesn't see what other people necessarily see."
Edward nodded quietly secretly getting more angry with how the boys back in the Great Hall had mentally thought about her earlier. A judgement based purely on her looks instead of her personality. Even her smell, which ironically matched her name seemed irresistible, her scent of Rose petals, Vanilla and Cocoa Butter. Edward knew he wasn't the only one who had noticed her smell, Lee had nearly had a melt down when Rose spoke to him earlier, his mind becoming a scrambled mess. Even Seamus Finnegan fantasies were a close second.
"From what I have met of her so far she is a very confident, mature girl who seems to be able to keep all of you on your toes."
Edward continued, eager to hear more about her without making Fred awkward.
"Do you know she told her peers about her parents earlier unprovoked?"
"That doesn't surprise me." Fred smiled. "She honestly doesn't see the problem with them being Squibbs. If anything she is aware that she will probably be able to get away with a lot more at school because of it."
Edward grinned, knowing full well that Fred was only half joking.
"You be careful Oliver." Fred said with a sly smile.
They had reached the portrait hole, the fat lady portrait subtly guarding the entrance to Gryffindor tower.
"Be careful of what?" Edward answered amused.
"The opposite sex. They are all in there waiting for you, and my God they have waited enough for their Oliver time" Fred grinned cheekily.