An Educational Walk.
"Just give me two minutes." Rose pleaded.
They had arrived back at the common room to dump their bags and collect Smutz and Ron and Harry were eager to get lunch as soon as they could. Still sticky after the messy potions lesson, Rose however was desperate to get out of her school uniform.
"You have two minutes." Ron grumbled. "Then I am leaving without you."
Grinning her thanks, Rose rushed to the girls door, desperate to make the most of her time. Smutz hot on her tail, she eagerly pushed the door to the dormitory open, relieved to see the room completely empty. Shutting the dormitory door gently behind her, Rose sighed satisfied that her first week of school had finally come to an end. Dumping the contents of her schoolbag hastily on the bed, her potions book was tossed to one side with it landing with a satisfying thud on the floor. Exhaling again with relief, she fell back with her arms outstretched, landing onto the welcoming bed. The birds were tweeting outside basking in the late summer sunshine, a sure sign that the day was still warm. Not caring what she put on, Rose rolled over onto her side, pulling out the middle draw of her cabinet. Retrieving a light denim dungaree dress and grey turtleneck top she fumbled under the bed, feeling around for rough canvas. Grinning in satisfaction as she felt the coarse material, she pulled out her white low top converses. Dressing promptly, she threw her Ray-Ban wayfarers, Smutz's lead and sketch book in her now empty rucksack. Grabbing Smutz from off the bed, Rose rushed towards the common room, aware she had little or no time left with Ron's patience on a knife edge.
Opening the door hastily she was met by Hermione who looked shocked by the abruptness. It was her features however that showed how tired and upset she truly was.
"Hermione!" Rose asked worried. "Is everything okay?"
"Mmm hmm"
Hermiomie brushed past, her head bowed and eyes fixated on the floor.
"Hermione." Rose repeated, her hand outstretched, stopping Hermione from moving further away. "Its okay to be upset. What's not okay is not talking about your feelings. I don't like to think that you are by yourself."
"I'm fine." Hermione snapped, her face still looking away.
"Okay." Rose replied disappointed. "Just know you can always talk to me if you want to."
Gently closing the door behind her, Rose regretted leaving her instantly. There was a loud howl coming from the first year dormitory and Rose knew that Hermione had held back from crying in front of her. Rose slowly walked, torn between keeping her own friends company and trying to console a roommate. Convincing herself that Hermione did honestly want to be alone, Rose promised herself that she would find out from Neville whether he knew what the matter was.
She didn't have to wait long, Neville was already back in the common room, chatting to Ron and Harry.
"Gosh! You didn't have to stay long in hospital wing then?" Rose said warmly, approaching them all. "Glad to see that there was no permanent damage."
"Madame Pomfrey was a whiz! I was in there for two minutes, if that!" Neville said, with a slight red glow to his face.
"Really?" Rose said impressed. "What did she do?!"
"She just waved her wand over me." Neville explained matter of factly. "She made it look so easy, that even Professor Snape should have known how to do it, but I guess he can't know everything."
"Mmmm quite." Rose agreed politely, not looking at Ron and Harry.
They all knew full well that Snape probably did know the correct healing spell.
"Are coming down to lunch?" Rose asked Neville politely, wanting to change the subject away from potions.
"I might as well. My afternoon is going to be fixated on homework, I haven't started anything yet!" Neville shuddered.
"Its going to take more than an afternoon mate." Ron sympathised.
Making their way back downstairs, the four of them chattered about their first week and what they had found most interesting or traumatising. On the marble staircase they bumped into Seamus and Dean, who were a little too enthusiastic about it being the weekend. On a sugar high and unbearably hyperactive, by the time they had made it to the Gryffindor table, the boys were high on adrenaline and had even got Smutz worked up into a frenzy.
"I'm gonna make a pack lunch and sit outside with him" Rose muttered to Ron and Harry. "If he stays inside now, he isn't going to calm down."
"Do you want me to come with you?" Ron said slightly concerned.
"No, don't worry about it honestly." Rose said gently. "Enjoy 'boy time'. I'll just do some doodles or something whilst eating lunch then take him for a walk around the lake. I'll meet you at Hagrid's."
Ron snorted but nodded in understanding, before turning to lob a sweet at Dean's head. Rolling her eyes unimpressed, Rose turned to Harry muttering subtly;
"Can I ask a favour? I'd ask Ron, but he seems to have a vendetta against her… can you ask Neville subtly if everything is okay with Hermione. She was a little upset when I left the dormitory earlier."
"Sure, I'll ask him in a little bit." Harry agreed quietly.
"Thank you." Rose whispered gratefully, squeezing his arm.
Helping herself to some sandwiches, cake and fruit she threw them in her bag narrowly missing a sticky sweet by inches. Retrieving the dog bowl from under the bench, she got Smutz's attention tapping her leg for him to follow.
"Lets get out of here!" She said with a grin.
Tail wagging and legs bouncing alongside her, they made their way down the stone steps of the entrance to the castle. The lush green lawn was a welcome invitation, showcasing the lake and forest beyond.
The warm breeze made Rose's ponytail move gently in the wind, it was a refreshing lift to the strangely humid air. The quiet surroundings were instantly therapeutic the only sound were birds singing in the distance. Looking down at Smutz, who was looking right back at her, Rose contemplated where the best place was to have their picnic. Looking towards the direction of the lake, she noticed a single large tree.
"Come on boy." Rose whispered.
Tapping her leg to get Smutz's attention, they made their way towards the direction of the old oak tree. The branches were wide and thick, with broad leaves offering welcoming shade. Sitting down with the lake as her view, Rose placed the dog bowl down in the hopes that smutz would have a drink. Ignoring the bowl completely Smutz sat directly in front of Rose, giving her a hard stare as she tried to admire the view. After a few minutes he started to nudge Rose's arm, pushing his nose in-between her arm and side to get her attention. Rose knew his game, he wanted her to make eye contact. Slowly she moved her head so that she looked at him. Instantly his tail wagged enthusiastically, his head and eyes indicating towards the rucksack.
"You have your dog food here." Rose chuckled.
After a couple more nudges and harsh stares, Rose caved in. Reluctantly reaching for her rucksack, she opened the front pocket, finding the dog biscuits. There was an eager bark, Smutz pawing her leg insistently.
"Your acting like I don't feed you!" Rose responded, placing one biscuit on the floor in front of him.
Whist he was crunching up the first biscuit like a hoover, Rose threw the rest of them in different directions hoping that that would keep him entertained for a few minutes longer.
Retrieving her sketchbook and own lunch from her bag, Rose began to sketch quick line drawings of Smutz as he rushed around collecting the treats. She loved trying to capture his movements in her drawings, the way he galloped around and the way his ears flopped about. It was a challenge to get as much detail in as possible in a short amount of time, making some drawings more successful than others.
Once all the biscuits had been found, Smutz was instantly back at Rose's side. Looking very pleased with himself, he licked his beard triumphantly clearly wanting more treats.
"Sorry." Rose laughed, ruffling up his beard and eyebrows. "You've ate them all."
For a little while they sat in silence, Smutz content on basking in the sun. Drawing Smutz in his surroundings, Rose was now able to get a much more detailed drawing of him now that he was sitting still. Looking at her watch she noted that she only had an hour and a quarter to make it to Hagrid's on time. She would really need to hurry up. Reaching into her bag for an apple, Rose was just about to carry on her sketch when a gentle voice beside her made her jump.
"So you can draw too?"
Rose dropped the apple in shock, the fruit rolling towards the owner of the voice. A porcelain hand scooped the apple up, the ruby red apple contrasting beautifully with his alabaster white skin. Looking up to meet the owner of the hands, Rose couldn't resist the flutter of butterflies that had entered her stomach. Edward was standing relaxed, with his spare hand in his back jean pocket, a casual v neck white t shirt hugging his muscled torso.
Her breath very shaky, Rose nervously swallowed as she excepted the apple off him.
"Thank you" Rose paused…Are you implying that I can do other things?"
She looked amused, a challenging look in her eye.
"Well - I have heard through the grapevine that you can sing too." Edward answered smugly.
"Oh. Well that is defiantly just hearsay." Rose said replied promptly, biting into the apple.
"My resources say that it is the most beautiful voice that they have ever heard." Edward said knowingly. "And I would say that that that is a huge complement."
"You know the twins don't count right? Their biased views can't be considered as they are family and families always big up family talents."
"You know that's not true." Edward laughed.
"Ok, your right." Rose agreed seriously. "If I was an awful singer they wouldn't be giving me praise, but they are most defiantly over exaggerating my talents.
"I don't know." Edward replied wisely. "I'm getting the distinct impression that you're just being modest."
Rose let out a suppressed sigh, looking out towards the lake.
"Maybe." Rose eventually muttered bitterly.
Intrigued by her denial, Edward watched her for a few seconds more before continuing.
"Would it be okay if I joined you?"
"Sure." Rose said with a shrug. "But don't you have lessons this afternoon?"
"I do." Edward answered amused. "But I don't feel like attending today."
Raising her eyebrows, Rose lifted her sunglasses onto her head.
"Everything okay?" She asked concerned.
Edward elegantly perched down next to her, keeping a respectable distance. Leaning his head against the tree, he looked at her a little embarrassed, his own sigh escaping him.
"I've been in a terrible mood this week."
"Ive heard." Rose agreed, a cheeky smirk now present. "But if you're going to be in a mood, you might as well go the whole hog."
"You shouldn't encourage me." Edward laughed bitterly. "Apparently I have a fowl temper when I want to."
"Everyone does." Rose replied seriously. "But for heavens sake please never be in a fowl temper with me." Rose said jokingly, finishing off her apple and throwing it into the lake.
They sat in silence for a little while, watching the squid retrieve the apple core and then swim a lap of the lake slowly. Though it was quiet, it wasn't awkward. They were both content and at ease, enjoying the company.
Rose sighed as she checked her watch, the time frustratingly agreeing with her displeasure. Looking at Edward with apologetic eyes, Rose was the one who broke the silence first.
"I've got to go." She said sadly.
"Why?" Edward asked curiously.
" We have agreed to meet Hagrid at three, but I wanted to give Smutz a walk around the lake beforehand." Rose explained.
"Thats a decent walk."
"I know." Rose agreed. " But i've kind of been looking forward to it all week, and he needs the walk."
"We better start walking then." Edward said smiling.
"We?" Rose replied.
"Unless you wanted to walk by yourself?"
"No!" Rose urged. "No, not at all.. are you sure?"
"Absolutely." Edward replied adamantly.
Smiling back at him, Rose started to place everything back into the rucksack. Before she had finished zipping the bag shut, Edward had the bag over his shoulders insistent that he carried the heavy load. Something that Rose slightly protested about.
"Do you need a hand up?" Edward asked smugly, clearly aware his gentleman gestures made her awkward.
"No." Rose replied quickly, a glow forming on her neck.
Already mentally kicking herself for turning down the opportunity for him to hold her hand, she got to her feet elegantly and singlehandedly. Edward's smug smile still set in place, they slowly made their way to right.
The lake was extremely bright, the September sun bouncing direct light down upon it, making it glisten brightly. Grateful for the sunglasses, Rose turned to Edward, who was casually keeping pace with her.
"Can I ask you a question?" Rose asked curiously.
Edward turned, his eyebrows raised intrigued but his crooked grin present.
"You may." He replied amused.
"Why have you been in a mood this week?"
Edward sighed again, but he maintained his eye contact with Rose. He didn't look annoyed by her question but he did look torn. As if he were thinking on whether to be truthful or not.
"I didn't like hearing what I got told the other day." Edward answered seriously.
"I see." Rose nodded in understanding. "Would it be reasonable to presume that you have solved the problem at hand?
"In what way?" Edward asked intrigued.
"Edward, someone said something stupid to you five days ago and it's bothered you for this whole time? Its clearly hit a raw spot. So, have you been pondering around feeling sorry for yourself for five days or have you spent the time making a plan of action to prove this person wrong?"
Rose looked at him with smirk, observing how he would react. Edward's signature sideways smile was back in place, a small chuckle escaping his lips. Warmly looking at Rose in admiration he picked up a pebble, skimming it neatly across the lake.
"Have you always been this wise?" He asked amused.
"No." Rose said grinning. "And don't change the subject, you have me intrigued now."
"How about I'll tell you one day." Edward replied seriously.
"Fine." Rose replied stubbornly. "But I am going to hold you to that."
Edward grinned cheekily, showing off his pearly white straight teeth.
They carried on walking around the lake, talking about Hogwarts, the subjects and the teachers, with Rose telling Edward about the morning she had just had with Snape, properly making Edward belly laugh a couple of times.
"Rose is okay if ask you a question this time?" Edward asked nervously.
"Shoot." Rose said with a small smile.
"Are we friends?"
Edward had stopped walking, his face looked drained and cautious. Rose frowned in confusion, taken aback by the unexpected question.
"I thought we were… why?" Rose answered slightly puzzled.
Edward subtly relaxed, his features becoming slightly less chiselled.
"And are we friends because of Fred and George?"
Rose tilted her head, reading his body language very carefully.
"No." Rose said smoothly.
Edward nodded his understanding, turning to continue the walk.
"But I am glad they are friends with you." Rose spoke to his back.
Edward turned back around, a grave look on his face.
"Thank you." He said softly.
"Edward. I don't know if I'm presuming the wrong thing here, but if you have been in a mood for five days over something as simple as our friendship, you really are a narna brain."
"I can safely say that I have never been called a 'narna brain' before." Edward replied bemused.
Rose chuckled, reaching out and touching his arm affectionately, the touch instantly giving her an electric shock.
"I mean it." Rose said seriously. "If you have a question, you address me first okay?"
"Okay." Edward agreed, the remaining stress leaving his face. "Then I have another question."
"Oh no you don't." Rose replied cheekily. "I think you'll find it's my turn to ask a question Mr Wood."
Grinning at Rose's response, Edward nodded and gestured with his hand elegantly for her to continue.
"How did you really know I had History of Magic on Monday? And don't use the timetable excuse again." Rose said in mock scolding. "Its the one thing that's been niggling the back of my head all week."
Smiling whilst reading Rose's expressions and looking into her eyes, Edward could have very easily slipped and told her the exact truth there and then.
"Well, I would hate to be the cause of any niggling." He spoke smoothly. "I heard it from somebody, will that suffice?"
Rose's eyes narrowed as she looked deeply into his warm amber eyes.
"Yes." She responded honestly.
"But that was more vague than my first answer." Edward answered surprised.
"But this time I knew you were telling me the truth." Rose smirked, enjoying his shock and confusion.
She waited a few moments for Edward to recover be asking;
"So you had a question?"
She moved forward relocating Smutz off in the distance, before turning to wait for Edward to catch her up. He hadn't moved still thinking over her last comment.
"Edward?" Rose asked amused.
"Sorry, I was just trying to remember what I was going to ask you." Edward replied promptly.
"And have you remembered?" Rose chuckled.
"Yes. But it is more of a request than a question."
"Ok-ay?" Rose said intrigued.
"I have't asked you yet." Edward said jokingly.
Rose joke nudged him in response, noticing that not only did she get another electric shock but how hard he truly was. Edward must really work out for his muscles to be that firm, she thought. Looking slightly shocked by the casual physical contact, Edward recovered quickly making his face a controlled, relaxed mask.
"Can I see the sketches you did today?" He asked confidently.
"Oh." Rose replied in shock. The noise escaping her lips without control.
Edward watcher her curiously, waiting for her to answer him fully. Rose wiped her hands on her thighs nervously, chewing her lip in contemplation.
"The sketchbook is used as a release to me." Rose blushed. "So some of the drawings are more like expressions of passion more than drawings. It will look like a jumble of chaos I'm sure."
Edward simply nodded, clearly set on wanting to see. Rose gulped as she went over to stand behind him, her rucksack still on his back. Unzipping the bag she grabbed her book, running her finger over the embossed spine. Slowly zipping the bag back up apprehensively, she took a deep breath in. Edward's scent engulfed her with a large hit of honey, lavender and cut grass making her instantly light headed. Stumbling back slightly, Edward quickly turned, worry on his face.
"Are you okay?" He asked, grabbing both her arms to steady her.
"I'm fine." Rose replied quickly, clearly embarrassed. "I should have had a drink before leaving the table earlier, I haven't drank since breakfast and I think my brain needs hydrating."
"You narna brain." Edward sighed seriously, a slight curl to his lips.
Rose snorted as she shook her head. Placing her head in her hand to help with the dizziness, Edward cautiously got his wand out of his jean pocket.
Muttering quietly, aiming his wand at the grass, his wand produced a golden goblet filled with pumpkin juice and ice.
"Here." He soothed. "It should help."
"Thank you." Rose said quietly, accepting the goblet. "Are you not thirsty?"
"I'll be fine." He said reassuringly. "Please drink."
After the first two sips, Rose realised that she was indeed dehydrated. The refreshing sweet juice tingled her mouth and revitalised her tastebuds. Realising she was still holding her sketchbook, she gingerly gave Edward the book with a blush. Focusing purely on the drink, she hoped it would help with her embarrassment. They fell into silence as he slowly read through the pages.
"These are fantastic." Edward stated knowingly.
"Now you really are being too kind." Rose said, a slight pink tinge to her face as she spoke. "I wasn't even paying attention when I did these."
"Then I would like to see what you can do when you do try." Edward answered honestly.
Rose gave an embarrassed smile, siping from the goblet once more to recover from the look Edward was now giving her. Biting his lip curiously, Edward looked at her with slight hesitation before asking;
"So why don't you think you can sing?"
"I thought it was my turn for a question?" Rose answered stubbornly, replying with her eyebrow raised.
"I technically haven't had my question yet, the other was a request." Edward smirked, ruffling his messy hair.
"You asked if you could see my sketches, that is a question." Rose diverted quickly.
Edward laughed warmly, clearly enjoying Rose's savviness.
"Okay you caught me." Edward chuckled. "Its your turn."
"How about I grant you an answer as long as at some point I can ask two questions?" Rose asked cheekily.
Watching Edward for confirmation, she received a gentle nod with a confirmed agreement with his eyes.
Rose looked at him cautiously, truly frightened that the boy before her might soon scarper by her true identity.
"I know I can sing." Rose whispered quietly. But it doesn't count if I don't see it as my own voice."
"I don't understand." Edward responded gently.
Sighing, Rose removed her sunglasses placing them on her head. Shutting her eyes for a few moments, she had gone deathly pale. Rose opened her eyes, her violet irises piercing Edward. She was reading him and Edward could tell that her eyes were drinking every flicker of emotion he had. Forgetting to pretend to breath, Edward stayed motionless, dying to know what she was thinking.
"Rose?" Edward asked carefully.
"I don't know why I'm telling you this…" she paused looking at her shoes as she spoke. "But i'm a Metamorphmagus."
"Oh!"
So this was what the feeling of surprise felt like, Edward had nearly forgotten the sensation. He was guessing at all the things he expected her to say but he certainly wasn't anticipating her to tell him her deepest, darkest secret. Edward stood there amazed as he watched Rose cringe in embarrassment, like this was some sort of disease that she had.
"Why on earth do you think that being a Metamorphmagus is a bad thing?" Edward replied honestly, taking a step closer to her.
"It is a bad thing." Rose said quietly, still looking at the floor. "I have no idea what I am meant to look or sound like. All I have are photographs showing a past identity that is no longer here. I was a brunette toddler with green eyes, and now look at me? It just happened overnight. This appearance, this facade, this isn't me. It's just the shell I am stuck with, I'm not a true Ward."
Rose shock her head bitterly, clutching her sides as she hugged herself.
"And as for my voice? I've probably stolen that from somewhere in my past too."
"And this is why you say you can't sing?" Edward asked quietly.
"Metamorphmagus's are great impersonators." Rose muttered. "I must have seen this face of mine somewhere before for me to change into it. It must have been from a day out somewhere or from a photo in a magazine. The same with my voice, I don't think its coincidental that I've been compared to certain artists. I can't sing because it doesn't count if you've just stolen your voice from someone else. I'm just a freak" Rose uttered more to herself than anything, looking away from Edward.
Edwards hands twitched at his sides, desperate to reach out and lift Rose's head up. He wanted to look deeply into her beautiful eyes and tell her his truth, tell her everything, but knew he couldn't. All he could do is tell her that she wasn't a freak, wasn't strange, just a beautiful, brave, honest woman. Improvising he bent down so he could look up at her face, which still looked in pain.
"Your not a freak Rose." Edward said seriously, making her eyes make contact with his. "You are one amazing human being, do you know that? I know how much courage that must have taken, to tell me that, and I'm not going to tell anyone, I promise. I can however tell you that being a Metamorphmagus is a fantastic gift, and not only is nothing to be embarrassed about, but it is ridiculously cool. I might not have met the original Rose Ward, but I am certainly glad I have met this version. In time I think you will come to accept your voice, and when you do, I cannot wait to hear it."
A single tear ran slowly down her cheek as she gazed into his kind, honest eyes. She made a small, grateful smile and nodded, looking into his eyes to confirm that he was speaking the truth.
"I'm afraid I have ruined our walk" Rose snuffled, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "I made it far too serious."
"No you haven't. I have just got to learn more about you and believe me that is something I will treasure." Edward said warmly. "If you will believe me, I think that you have made this walk even better."
Rose snorted, clearly still embarrassed.
"Thank you." She said sincerely. "Now. Have you got any more questions?"
"I thought it was your turn." Edward answered, carefully bumping Rose's arm.
"I can't think of any for now. I'm going to save mine up for when I need them." Rose replied honestly.
"Okay so I owe you three answers." Edward agreed, tapping his head for a mental check. "Hmm my next question is a cheeky one."
"More cheeky than asking to basically look at a girls diary?" Rose joked.
She pointed at her sketchbook which was still in Edwards arm. Edward chuckled, handing the sketchbook, which she then placed back into her bag.
When she returned to his side, Edward had paused, his hands in the prayer position with his two index fingers pressed against his lips.
"Will you draw me a picture?"
He said is so quickly, Rose wasn't sure that she had caught what he had exactly said at first. Mulling over the sentence a few times in her head she cautiously asked him;
"You want me to draw you something?"
"Yes." Edward sighed, giving Rose a very seductive look.
"I'll think about it." Rose replied carefully, her stomach doing knots.
"That's all I can ask for." Edward grinned triumphantly, his hands placed together in front of him in thanks.
Their private walk was nearly over with Hagrid's Hut ahead of them in the distance. Knowing they only had a few minutes alone together, they both without knowledge had the same thought. How could they stop the walk from finishing so soon? Smiling at each other, they faced one another to say their goodbyes.
"Thank you for keeping me company, I really enjoyed our chat." Rose said to Edward with a smile, looking unusually sheepish.
"It was the best part of the my day." Edward replied sincerely. "Thank you for getting me out of that mood and for being so honest with me, you really don't know how much that means to me."
He nodded at Rose with a smile, before looking over her shoulder and nodding twice. Following Edward's gaze, Rose saw Ron and Harry lingering in Hagrid's vegetable patch starring back at them in owe. Bemused, Rose turned to say good-bye to Edward only to find that he had already started walking back to the castle. Sighing in disappointment, Rose shuffled unenthusiastically over to Harry and Ron.
"Walking with Oliver?" Ron stated, his eyebrows still raised.
"He found me eating my lunch and asked if he could tag along." Rose answered innocently.
"O-kay." Ron replied dubiously, "But I thought he was in a bad mood?"
"He was." Rose said with a small smile, thinking over the conversation she just had with him "But he is better now."
"Because you managed to get him out of it?" Ron said mockingly, fluttering his eyes in a poor imitation of Rose.
"Oh please! Like you have never been a mood?" Rose hissed dryly, sarcasm laced her voice.
"You might have a point." Ron replied grumpily, his eyes narrowed.
Looking at Harry in despair, Rose marched toward Hagrid's Hut, not waiting for Ron to catch her up. Knocking twice on Hagrid's door, she stepped back as they heard the loud booms of Fang's barks. Smutz retaliated, eagerly barking in return whilst jumping up the door desperate to see his friend. The door swung open and fang shot past them, returning to run a circle around Smutz who was jumping up barking playfully in return. They both ran off chasing each other, running in-between the pumpkins playing a game of tag.
"It looks like I didn't tire him out on my walk then" Rose muttered matter of factly.
"It seems to have made him worse!" Harry joked.
"Ahh leave em to it!" Hagrid beamed. "Its lovely to see you all, come in an have a cuppa tea."
Moving out of the way so that the three of them could come through his large doorway, The hut was a comfortable size, and extremely homely. All the windows were open to allow a fresh cool breeze to flow into the warm circular room. Pheasants and grouse were hung from the ceiling, scatted in some sort of decoration, with pots and pans lining the opposite wall in his open plan kitchen. Gesturing for them to sit on his bed for the lack of furniture, the three of them went over sitting comfortably onto it. Fang came bounding in, running straight for Ron.
"He is friendly onest!" Hagrid urgently pleaded, worry present in his voice.
"Don't worry, i'm used to dogs sniffing me." Ron replied bluntly, looking at Rose as he spoke.
Rolling her eyes obviously back, Rose looked at Harry who was silently chuckling. Noticing Hagrid beaming at all three of them, Harry proudly introduced them all.
"Pleased to finally meet you Hagrid." Rose said warmly.
"Likewise Rose." Hagrid said beaming. "Your cousins or in your case brothers Ron, certainly keep me on my toes!"
"We've heard this a lot." Ron muttered awkwardly. "Sorry bout that."
"Its not your fault Ron!" Hagrid replied chuckling. "Ere ave a rock cake."
They had a fabulous afternoon with Hagrid, telling him all about their first week at school. He was a very good audience "oohing" and "ahhing" at the perfecting moments, even calling Filtch " A Stupid Arse."
The only topic which they didn't agree on was unfortunately Snape. They tried to explain and give examples of how Snape seemed to have a vendetta with Harry but it was no use. Hagrid had now come up with so many excuses that it had started to come across as odd.
After a third cup of tea and a mountain of very hard rock cakes later, the conversation had luckily moved onto Ron's older brothers who had already left Hogwarts. It was lovely to hear Hagrid reminisce about Bill and Charlie, telling stories of what they were like as students. Hagrid was pleased to hear that Charlie had continued his passion with animals and had managed to get a career with Dragons.
"I bet he bloody loves that job." Hagrid said warmly, a gentle jealousy clearly present as he said it.
"He really does. But his burn scars are enough to put me off!" Ron said with a shudder.
A little gasp left Harry's mouth. Reaching over Rose, he grabbed 'The Daily Prophet' Newspaper which had been left on the coffee table.
"What is it Harry?" She asked perplexed.
"There was a break in at Gringotts, and it happened on my Birthday! Hagrid, we could have been there or we could have seen something!" Harry answered in disbelief.
"Oh did it?" Hagrid replied convincing no-one. " I adn't noticed that before… want another cuppa tea?"
It was extremely clear that Hagrid wanted the subject dropped instantly. He was offering them the tray of rock cakes, thrusting the tray at them individually. It would have been a threatening manner if it hadn't been for his tomato red face. Not wanting to ruin their lovely afternoon, they politely excepted, smiling and making short conversation for a further half an hour. At half past five, they waved goodbye to Hagrid, thanking him for the fantastic time. Waiting until they were out of ear shot, all three of them exploded in a bunch of questions.
"What was that all about?" Ron began, astonished. "You all picked up on it too didn't you?"
"If you're on about Hagrid avoiding my question about Gringotts and the vault, then yes, yes I did!" Harry agreed eagerly.
"What on earth happened when you went to the bank with Hagrid?" Rose asked curiously.
"Well we went to my vault to collect some of my money first." Harry replied thoughtfully. "But we also needed to go to another vault. Vault seven hundred and thirteen. Hagrid only picked up this tiny, dirty little package in there, it seriously didn't look like anything worth stealing. But when Hagrid said to keep what I had seen a secret, that it was 'Hogwarts business' I knew as soon as I saw that article earlier that it must be connected."
"You think that someone went on the exact same day to steal that tiny package?" Rose asked with her eyebrows raised.
"I mean its a big coincidence if it was, but you saw how Hagrid acted back there." Harry said seriously.
"Yes I did." Rose agreed, Ron eagerly nodding next to her. "And I couldn't help but notice how he kept on denying Snape really detesting you."
"Do you think he knows something about Snape that we don't?" Ron asked.
"I think he is being respectful because he is a teacher." Rose replied honestly.
"Either way, we know Hagrid is covering something up." Ron announced thoughtfully. "Now we just need to work out what."