A Chaser or a Keeper

by Pluto24

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

11. Another perfect Friday

Another Perfect Friday.

The bright sunrise cast its rays onto the bay windows of the dormitory, awaking Rose from her deep sleep. In her hast to sleep the night before, she had forgotten to shut her bed curtains, the bright light now reflecting off her face. She yawned, stretching her stiff body as she started to stir. Looking at Smutz, contently asleep on her bed, she smiled gratefully. After surviving the three headed dog last night, who was she to complain about a trivial thing such as tiredness.

Knowing that she was going to need the early start if she were to walk Smutz before double Potions, she quickly crept out of the bed and promptly showered.

As she returned to the common room, she noticed Harry and Ron waiting on a comfy sofa for her, their faces chiseled and tense.

"Hey." Rose sighed. "How did you both sleep?"

"Not too well." Harry replied. "My head was just swirling with questions."

"I can sympathise." Rose agreed. "It was certainly a night I won't be forgetting in a hurry. How was Neville this morning?"

"He is fine." Harry sighed "But he doesn't want to talk about anything that happened yesterday. The only thing he wants to remember is that you two are related to McGonagall."

"Thanks Peeves." Rose muttered bitterly. "But poor Neville, he had quite the day yesterday. It was one thing after another for him."

"How is your twin this morning?" Ron asked harshly.

Rose tutted, before rolling her eyes.

"I have no idea how Hermione is this morning as I haven't spoken to her since last night. The way I see it is that she has her opinions and I have mine."

"She hasn't spoken to you since last night?" Harry asked surprised.

"No she hasn't" Rose replied amused. "Though her looks have said enough. I think she didn't appreciate me telling her off."

"Well the shoe was on the other foot for once wasn't it." Ron retorted smugly.

Harry glanced at Rose. She was torn between agreeing with Ron and feeling bad for snapping. shrugging Harry rubbed her arm soothingly.

"I guess we will have to wait until she is ready to calm down." Harry replied thoughtfully.

"I guess your right." Rose agreed.

"Yeah well, I personally don't care." Ron shrugged. "Breakfast anyone?"

Sighing Rose nodded, having to accept that on this occasion Ron had a right to be angry. She followed him out the portrait hole silently, her thoughts preoccupying her mind. She can't remember arriving at breakfast, the journey a hypnotised memory. Automatically helping herself to the first items she came across, Rose seated herself gingerly next to Percy. A worried look from both Ron and Harry shot her way snapped her out of her musings. Clearly the confidence she had woken up with had now disappeared.

"Are you okay Rose?" Percy asked with a concerned frown.

"I'm fine." Rose replied quietly. "I just had a bad nights sleep, that's all."

Percy nodded, before continuing to eat his own large breakfast.

"Do you want anything else to eat?" Ron asked quietly.

"Not really." Rose mumbled. "I don't know what's happened, I was feeling fine.."

"You've gone into shock." Ron explained. "It happened to me about four thirty this morning, hence why I look like this."

"But I slept fine." Rose muttered.

"Something must of triggered it?" Harry asked thoughtfully. "You were fine until we mentioned Hermione."

"I guess." Rose shrugged. "I think I'm just disappointed in her."

"Me too." Harry sympathised. "But you didn't do anything wrong, I personally thought you stayed very calm."

"Thank you." Rose replied quietly.

"If I could just chip in for one moment." Percy offered from behind. "In my humble opinion Rose, you are always very fair in a fight. If someone has chose to rise against you, I would quite frankly call them a fool."

"Thank you Perc." Rose grinned, leaning into him gratefully.

"I know I don't know the circumstances. But don't dwell, they aren't worth it." Percy whispered.

Nodding shyly, Rose looked to Harry and Ron who were nodding in agreement. Pushing the dry toast away from her, surprised that she had managed to eat so much of it without acknowledgement, Rose poured herself another cup of coffee.

"To fresh starts." She said, cheering them all with their own mugs.

The orchestra of hoots and flutters soon arrived as the owls swept threw the open East Window. Now used to the occurrence happening every day, Rose was amused to hear the excited mutterings began to regurgitate louder and louder throughout the room. Looking curiously at Harry and Ron and then towards the commotion, they saw a parcel being carried through the sky by four birds. It was only the white snowy owl flying ahead of the flock of birds that indicated who the gift receiver might be.

"Is that Hedwig?" Rose wondered out loud.

"It can't be." Harry whispered. "Im not expecting anything."

The owls stopped short in front of Harry, the long parcel landing quietly on top of cereal bowls. As Harry peeled the twine off the owls legs, Hedwig landed softly on Harry's shoulder, patiently waiting for him to open her letter.

Once free, the four owls took off along with the other school birds, leaving Harry staring curiously at the parcel set before him. Hedwig dropped the letter into his open hands, gently nibbling at his ear.

"Thanks Hedwig." Harry whispered, handing her a piece of toast.

She hooted gratefully before elegantly stretching her wings and flying away.

There was a tag attached to the parcel, which Rose tore off and handed to Harry, she recognised the handwriting instantly.

"It says to open the letter before the parcel." Harry announced, reading aloud.

"Its from McGonagall." Rose said knowingly. "She has clearly asked you to do that for a reason."

Nodding, Harry quickly read the letter, his smile getting bigger and bigger.

"I think I understand why." Harry chuckled passing the note to Rose and Ron.

Quickly skimming her Grandmother's elegant hand, Rose paused and double took as she read the words 'Nimbus Two Thousand'.

"What?!" She gushed, instantly envious. "No way!"

"Yes way." Ron replied in shock. "I can't believe it."

Rose shook her head in amazement, before leaning in to finish reading the letter. Another round of playful jealously hit her as she read that Harry's night would be practicing Quidditch alongside Edward. Handing the note back to Harry she returned his contagious grin.

"Can we err go?" Harry asked desperately, indicating to the concealed broom.

"Sure! Rose said eagerly. "I'm really sorry Perc, we have to get ready for potions!"

"Oh." Percy replied shocked, unaware of what had been occurring. "Enjoy?"

"Thanks." Rose grinned, grabbing her last piece of toast.

Rushing quickly out of the hallway, they could all feel the intrigued eyes of curious students as they passed by. Trying to block Harry from view as they walked by, they jogged either side of him grateful when they arrived into the empty Entrance Hall.

"Where do you want to go?" Rose whispered.

"The common room is safest." Harry replied eagerly.

"Oliver's not going to be pleased by the interest this has had." Ron muttered thoughtfully.

"No. He isn't" Rose agreed. "Even more of a reason to get back to our House."

They rushed up the marble staircase, taking two steps at a time. They were midstep when they head the echoey drawl that could only be associated with Slytherin House.

"Not so fast Potter." Malfoy heckled.

The three of them spun around, shocked that he had the audacity to show his face so soon. Waiting for him to make his way up to them, Rose and Ron subtly moved closer to Harry, aware of the package still in Harry's hand.

"What do you want Malfoy?" Rose muttered rudely.

"I want a lot of things." He replied slimily, with a wink. "But I am intrigued to know how you are all still here?"

"What can I say." Rose answered bitterly. "Clearly we have outsmarted you twice."

Malfoy grinned stepping closer to Rose, her spine tingling with the uncomfortable distance she now shared with him. He looked at her desirably, his mouth twitching with his response. Ron unconsciously leant towards Rose in protection, revealing Harry's parcel in the process. Malfoy's eyebrow raised as he took in the shape of the parcel.

"You have a broom?" He hissed angrily.

"It's not just any broom." Ron interjected smugly. "It a Nimbus Two Thousand."

Taken a back by the news and clearly not expecting those words to come out of Ron's mouth, Malfoy sneered as he turned to Ron.

"I think you've clearly been mistaken there Weasley. Just because your family can't even afford a broom to sweep the flo-"

"Mr Malfoy!" Professor Flitwick interrupted, whilst walking towards them down the stairs. "I hope I haven't just caught you ridiculing another student? Because if I had, I would have to dock House points from you yet again this week."

"Oh no Professor." Malfoy answered in mock innocence. "But I am glad you are here. Harry Potter has somehow sneaked a broomstick into school and I'm certain first years aren't allowed to have one."

Malfoy shot Harry a smug sneer, before wiping his face sombrely towards Flitwick. Unaware of the silent boisterousness Flitwick instead was looking at the parcel excitedly.

"Ahh yes! The famous Nimbus Two Thousand." Flitwick nodded eagerly. "I've been hearing all about it over my morning porridge. Well done Potter, such a magnificent broom."

"But Sir!" Malfoy started.

"Move along Malfoy." Flitwick ushered. "I'm sure if you ask nicely, Potter will let you have a ride on it another time!"

Malfoy looked both disgusted and annoyed at the mere thought of having to ask Harry, the look making the three of them look away and bite their lips from laughing. As if he knew, Flitwick gave them a gentle wink before walking past Malfoy continuing down the stairs. No sooner was Flitwick out of earshot did the three of them burst into laughter, not intentionally meaning for it to be in Malfoy's face. Turning to leave him there in stunned silence, they continued to giggle all the way down the next corridor.

"I guess I should be thanking Malfoy for throwing the Remembrall." Harry chuckled, wiping a happy tear from his eye. "After all if it wasn't for that action I wouldn't…"

"Be getting presents for breaking school rules?" Hermione interjected. "Do you think you will be getting presents every time you do something stupid."

"No." Harry retorted with a red face. "Though you are giving me whiplash. Are you talking to us now or not?"

"Yes please don't decide you actually want to talk to us all of a sudden." Ron added sarcastically.

"And what about you Rose?" Hermione asked her face blotchy. "Going to add anything rudely onto the conversation today?"

"I'm sorry if you saw me coming across as rude yesterday Hermione." Rose replied diplomatically. "But I was just simply standing up for myself. You really don't help yourself in these situations by bossing people around."

"I think we remember different accounts from yesterday." Hermione muttered bitterly.

"I guess we do." Rose replied awkwardly.

Hermione released a deep breath, her pink face going a more deep red in colour. She shook her head in disappointment, before turning around in the opposite direction.

"Hermione." Rose called out, feeling instantly guilty.

"Come on!" Harry ushered kindly. "It's her problem to have remember? Let's hurry up and get this upstairs, we haven't got long until class starts."

Dumping the broom under the nearest Sofa, Rose guiltily looked at Smutz who had lifted his head from the armchair. Ignoring the temptation to go and fuss him, she retreated back out of the common room rushing down three floors to the dungeons. They were the last to arrive, making many of the other students turn their heads in their direction. Neville looked anxious but calmer then he did the night before, but he was the only friendly face. Between the three of them, they really had upset a few people the day before.

"What have we done?" Ron protested quietly.

"Well Harry has upset the other Gryffindors by not sharing his secret with them." Rose counted down. "Hermione hates all of us for numerous reasons, Neville is frightened we will put him in immediate danger again and the Slytherins just hate us full stop."

"Jesus." Ron answered with a sigh. "Another standard day then."

"Lets just get potions out the way." Harry muttered bitterly. "This day is going to drag."

Snape walked out into the corridor, the little conversation that was being held instantly stopped. Peering down under his hooked nose, he stood to the side of the door silently indicting with he outstretched arm for them to enter the room. The first half of potions did indeed go like Harry had predicted - it dragged. Instead of the usual lecture or practical they had got accustomed to, Snape instead made the write lengthly notes on how to cure boils and blisters. Growing impatient, Harry's leg after half an hour was bouncing with impatience, the action making all their writing wobbly. After the third time of nudging Harry, Rose ended up physically holding his leg down under the desk.

"Sorry" he breathed, aware of Snape's lingering presence.

"Its only four hours of your life Harry." She reminded him gently, carefully removing her grip.

By the end of class, they all had achy wrists and in some cases- ironically blisters. Not surprised by the outcome of the lengthily handwriting exercise, Snape callously suggested that if the blisters became a bother, that they should read their own notes to get the cure. With no mention of a homework assignment, the students all hastily rushed through the doors ready to embrace their homework free weekend. Harry was one of the first out the door, desperate to get upstairs as quickly as he could, it was only once Ron caught him up that they both realised Rose wasn't with them. Worried and confused as to what on earth she could be up to, they gingerly hovered by the entrance to the potion classroom.

Rose was stood by Snape's desk, a letter neatly folded in her hand.

"Professor Snape?" Rose asked gently.

"What is it Ward?" Snape replied curtly, not lifting his head away from his paperwork. "I know you have afternoons free and I can hardly believe you are wanting to spend it with me."

"I wanted to speak to you about the school radio." Rose addressed, matter of factly.

"There isn't one." Snape replied bluntly, standing from his desk.

He walked passed Rose, the conversation in his eyes clearly over.

"There isn't one because there isn't any equipment, or there isn't one because no-one wants to take responsibility?" Rose asked Snape's back.

"And why does either option effect you?" Snape hissed.

"Because I would like to take responsibility for it." Rose replied confidently.

"Thats absurd." Snape spun as he spoke. "You are a first year and have no idea the responsibility it takes in running such a science."

"Which is why I wanted to come to you with a proposition Sir."

Rose could see Ron manically shaking his head, his hands horizontally cutting the air.

"No!" He was mouthing. "NO!"

Ignoring Ron's agonising pleas, Rose took a step closer to Snape.

"I understand all of your points but I am not as naive as I sound." Rose protested. "I have thought this through seriously and have accumulated a plan to advertise the different positions available. By getting a variety of different students on board we would gain different tastes in music. We could also get a range of students from all houses entertaining the school, making it fair and open to all. My initial thought is to have someone over breakfast, between classes and weekends. But there is room for an evening broadcast too. I have worked on an initial slotted timetable of potential times for the radio to work and know that all these times could be filled with students from different year groups that have free periods on those set times."

Snape looked a little surprised by her prologue, quickly snapping back.

"And you would like to be one of those students?" He sneered condescendingly.

"I see no reason why a first year cannot handle doing it." Rose replied confidently."All I would ask of you is to teach someone your skills as radio manager so that you wouldn't need to waste your time on it."

"Is that so?" Snape snarled.

"Sir please?" Rose retorted, a little surprised. "At least support me on initially seeing who else might be interested?"

Snape stood facing her, a perplexed look on his face. He was waiting for her to flinch, look away or even blush but somehow Rose maintained her poker face. Keeping her eye contact calm with him, she held her ground, waiting for him to respond. Eventually Snape sighed in exacerbation, placing the textbooks down on the desk closest to her.

"Have you got the potential timetable to hand?"

"Yes Sir." Rose replied, promptly handing over the letter in her hand.

He ripped the letter open, skimming her detailed plan. Once he had clearly read the initial plan, she observed him deeply concentrate as he read it for a second time, focused on trying to find a flaw in her plan. When he couldn't, he folded the parchment up and placed it into his robes, his expression blank.

"You have until tomorrow afternoon to come up with a plan of action, as well as posters to advertise this ludicrous idea. If I see that it has the slightest bit of potential which I doubt, I will make an announcement tomorrow evening about it. You can audition like everyone else, and I am not reserving a place for you. I will maintain the managerial roll, do you understand?"

"Yes Sir." Rose answered seriously.

"You have until three thirty tomorrow afternoon. Now get out of my sight."

"Thank you." She whispered.

Rose promptly grabbed her bag as swiftly as she could, marching out the room and down the cool corridor, the two boys hot on her tail. It was only when they were out of earshot that Ron grabbed Rose's arm making her turn around.

"What the hell was that all about?!" He spluttered.

"Exactly what it sounds like!" Rose said with a grin. "Hogwart's is getting a school radio."

"Are you nuts?!" Ron answered. "When are you going to find time to do all of this?"

"I'll make time." Rose answered with a grin.

"But you're not guaranteed a slot?" Harry replied.

"True." Rose said with a shrug. "But I can't imagine we will have a ridiculous amount of people applying so I might get lucky. The key thing was to get him to agree to be the manager, that's a key role in itself and not something that can easily be done."

"Your saying you manipulated Snape in there?" Harry spluttered.

"Absolutely." Rose replied. "It was relatively easy too."

Slightly later to lunch than everyone else, everyone was still making their way through the large pile of sandwiches. Sitting down next to George and Fred, Rose dove straight into telling them about what had just occurred with Snape. With Lee eagerly listening to everything she was saying, he whooped when he heard that Snape had agreed to potentially go ahead.

"I can't believe you asked him and more importantly that he said yes!" Lee said admirably, his chin in his hand. "This is great, great news!"

"Potential good news." Rose replied with a grin. "I just need to come up with some poster drawings and a detailed action plan on how the interview process would work as well as how to keep it fair. The radio will need to maintain an equal number of students from each house."

"Do you want a hand with ideas?" Lee asked eagerly. "I have classes this afternoon but I'm free this evening."

"That would be great." Rose answered with a small smile. "I'll just design the posters whilst I wait for you."

"I won't keep you waiting too long." Lee replied with a wink. "Shall we meet down here for dinner together?"

"Yeah sure." Rose agreed. " I'll come down with Ron and Harry about-"

"I meant just you and me." Lee said with a strange smile attached to his face. "Unless they are doing the radio?"

"Oh." Rose whispered. She could see where this was heading."Well I guess we could have dinner together… to discuss ideas. Especially as Ron and Harry aren't interested."

"Fantastic." Lee said eagerly, embracing Rose in a very tight embrace. "You won't regret it."

Rose awkwardly looked at the twins, slightly cringing. How was she meant to let Lee down gently, especially in front of his friends. Fred was chewing his sandwich aggressively, looking at Lee with an inquisitive stare. The awkwardness didn't end there, Edward was also looking at Lee with an angry glare. Rose felt the tension way before Lee registered it. Meeting his friends faces, Lee gulped before confidently smiling at Rose. Promptly standing with confidence he looked straight at the twins with an arrogant smile.

"See you later Rose, it's a date!"

Before racing out into the Entrance Hall, before they had a chance to reply.

"What a strange guy." Rose muttered more to herself than anything, the comment bringing a small sad smile from Edward.

"I think he is getting ahead of himself in more ways than one there." Fred frowned, looking at Edward who nodded sharply.

"My thoughts exactly." Edward agreed in a monotone voice. "Harry I'll meet you in the Entrance Hall at six-thirty, bring your 'thing'."

Edward pushed from the side of table, collecting his rucksack quickly. Rose could tell there was something bothering him, she always felt a pang of sadness whenever his attitude turned sour. Edward left the table without a word, quickly walking away. Without thinking Rose rushed from the table, following him out into the corridor.

"Edward wait!" She shouted.

Edward quickly turned, walking back to her, his face pained.

"Please don't be upset with me." Rose whispered.

"I'm not." Edward replied honestly.

"Its not like you can help me anyway, your busy with Harry later." Rose explained in a made rush.

"Rose. I'm not upset with you." Edward replied cooly.

"Its just your mood completely changed back there and I… I don't know, I just don't want you to be angry with me."

"Rose." Edward sighed. "You are allowed to make your own decisions."

"Then why am I still left with the feeling I have done something wrong?" Rose protested.

Edward looked deeply into her eyes, the disappointment had still not disappeared. Knowing she was stopping him leaving Rose sighed, agitated that he wasn't being fully honest with her.

"I hope you have a good evening Edward, I know Harry has been looking forward to this all day." She whispered bitterly.

Edward paused as he turned away, cautiously looking into her violet eyes.

"Thank you." Edward replied quietly. "I look forward to telling you all about it sometime."

Edward nodded his goodbye, before promptly walking up the stairs in an impressive amount of time.

"Me too." Rose whispered sincerely.

"Oliver hold on!" George spoke, practically sprinting up the stairs. "Hey wait, WAIT!"

Rose watched as he maintained the distance between himself and Edward, relieved that at least he wasn't going to be alone. Before she could ask herself the question to where Fred's whereabouts were, she felt a one armed hug around her shoulders.

"Don't worry about him Rose, we will beat it out of him." Fred muttered gently.

"I'm not sure what I did wrong." Rose replied confused.

"You haven't done anything." Fred urged. "He just sensed our uncomfortableness with Lee, and in a way has acted like the big brother figure we do."

"Big brother figure?" Rose muttered.

"Yeah, over the Lee thing." Fred said knowingly.

"Hang on." Rose replied urgently. "I know what Lee was implying but you don't all seriously think that I..?"

"No." Fred grinned. "But that doesn't stop us all wanting to pound him."

"How could I have been so silly?" Rose whispered to herself more than Fred.

"Rose?" Fred asked curiously.

But she didn't answer, a deep blush forming as the humiliation started to brew as her past conversations with Edward started to add up. Was this why he was so keen to know that they were friends? Why he wanted her on the Quidditch team and why he couldn't tolerate Angelina's opinions? True, she had been cautious around him, aware of others prying eyes and not wanting herself to be humiliated with her emotions but still- The way he had looked at her at times, the heart stopping moments they had had alone together- surely he wasn't being a brotherly figure then?

"Rose?" Fred frowned. "Don't beat yourself up over this. We will sort it okay?"

She returned his gaze, looking at Fred carefully, unsure what to reply with.

"I just don't want Edward to be disappointed in me. The look he gave me just then was really difficult to look at." Rose sighed.

"I'll pass the message on." Fred answered knowingly. "And I know that if Edward could see your face right now, he would be mortified that he has made you feel this way."

"Just let him know, okay?" Rose pleaded.

Fred winked knowingly, rubbing her arm in a soothing fashion. Nodding her goodbye, Rose weakly smiled before returning to the Great Hall. Watching her shuffle her way back to the table unenthusiastically, Fred pondered that she wasn't quite giving him the full story. Looking from Rose to the stairwell where George and Edward were talking quietly, Fred quickly jogged up the stairs to join them.

It turned out that they weren't talking, or if they had been they had soon stopped upon Fred's arrival. Edward had his head turned away from them both, his teeth grinding. Looking at George, his face smooth but laced with worry, Fred could tell instantly that George had remained in silence, only able to mentally communicate with him.

"Look, we get it. Lee is a pain in the arse and we didn't like the situation downstairs either, but don't let it get you in a mood." Fred whispered. "Let us deal with him, he just naively thinks he has a chance here."

Fred stepped closer to his friend, his eyes never leaving him. Exhaling deeply Edward-Oliver pulled his eyes away from the window, looking at the twins with a look of deep resentment.

"Thats not what's troubling me." Edward muttered.

"Then what is it mate?" George asked in concern. "You've been acting weird all day."

Pausing, Edward clenched his fists, truly nervous on whether to continue. After a minute of silence, Edward decided to answer the lingering question.

"I'm worried that if I tell you, I will loose my two closest friends." He answered honestly.

"What on earth can be that serious? George replied abashed.

Fred didn't need an answer immediately, he could tell by his body language that this wasn't going to be easy for Edward-Oliver to say.

"How about we sit out Binns's lesson today?" Fred suggested matter of factly. "You have wagged it every week so far and he hasn't noticed. It will also leave Lee by himself which suits me right now."

"Excellent idea." George prompted.

Edward nodded silently, half dragged, half pulled down the nearest corridor. Numb and strongly exhausted, he allowed the twins to take control, eventually being lead into a vacant dark classroom. The tables and chairs already pushed to one side, the twins grabbed three chairs dragging them into the centre of the room, making a circle. Hovering behind their chairs they silently watched Edward pace the room, aware that at any moment he was about to vent.

"Why on earth would she think that I was disappointed in her?" He eventually muttered.

"Who? George asked carefully.

"Rose." Fred answered. "He has been reading my thoughts, as I've been processing my conversation that I had downstairs with her."

Edward walked over to the vacant seat, slumping down into it like a fragile old man.

"I'm such a hypocrite." He whispered.

The twins instantly sat down, their eyes level with Edwards bowed head. He was looking at the floor with utter resentment, afraid to look into his friends eyes.

"You were right what you said to her Fred. I hate the fact that she thinks that I am disappointed in her. But you were wrong with your assumptions. The way I acted today or any day hasn't been because I see her as a sister. I'm such a hypocrite and I can't bare it. You hate Lee liking Rose, I can feel the disgust that you both think. But I have those same feelings for her. I care about her, I feel attracted to her and when she is gone I yearn for her."

The words exploded out of his mouth like a bullet from a gun. Once he started, the words snowballed until everything he could quickly think of was out into the open. Unsure on whether he had actually spoken at human speed, the delay in the twins thoughts didn't help Edward's growing nerves. His knuckled clenched into tight fists, he remained his focus on the floor, his eyes picking up the micro dirt on the stone slabs.

"I think I need to apologise and hope that you can forgive me." Edward whispered hesitantly.

"And what exactly are we meant to forgive?" George asked in gentle confusion.

"For falling for Rose?" Edward replied abashed. "I fell for her instantly, which is so irresponsible of me. Its like I had no self control on my part. I wish I could have ignored my initial feelings, tried to ignore the temptation, but I have selfishly enjoyed every moment of her company and I have become addicted to it. I have no right to have these feelings and I am a hypocrite for hating Lee for wanting them. I am telling you not because I am going to express my feelings to her or to anyone else, but because I feel that I am betraying you both every time I think them."

He slumped into the chair again, his head stooped low into his chest. Knowing that their true feelings couldn't be hidden, he waited for the resentment to begin. But it never did.

Their minds strangely elated, the twins looked at one another with curious expressions, interested to whether the other thought the same. A quick smirk from one to the other gave them all the knowledge they needed- there was no hate or anger, just relief.

Slowly looking up at his friends, Edward couldn't help but frown at his own confusion. Why were their thoughts not angry?

"You look like an old man when you hold yourself like that." George acknowledged with a sad smile.

"I am an old man." Edward retorted, shutting his eyes in disgust.

"Oliver!" Fred sighed. "Stop doing this. Stop putting yourself down all the time."

"But-"

"But what? You fancy someone? That's a natural instinct that happens to everyone. You have confined in us something deeply personal, something that you have no control over. Did you seriously think we would be angry?"

"I've never felt this way about anyone before." Edward sighed. "For my kind, this infatuation isn't something that will go away. I know it sounds melodramatic but this is a permanent feeling that is here to stay, once you have bonded with someone you can't undue it. I'm terrified that the more I hang around Rose, the deeper this bond will become and this feeling I have will become love."

"But she might come to love you in return." George answered encouragingly. "You don't know how she feels."

"Trust me, if I could read her mind for just one hour, I wouldn't be half as tortured as I feel."

"I'm still confused by what's worrying you Edward?" Fred thought aloud.

"I'm frightened that she does return my affections." Edward answered sadly. "Because if she did, there would be no stopping me falling for her completely."

"And this would be a bad thing because?"

"Because of who I am." Edward snapped. "It would be ridiculously dangerous and selfish of me to absorb her in my life in such a way."

"Oli?" George whispered sadly.

"It's okay George." Edward replied knowingly. "You don't have to say it."

Silence filled the room, the twins thoughts battling to get through to Edward. Frustrated that they weren't even angry of his feelings towards Rose, a new form of resentment started to build in Edward's chest. Suddenly feeling more like an animal than he usually did, the twins heartbeats thudding too loudly to ignore, Edward stood to leave- feeling weirdly claustrophobic.

"Edward-Oliver." George scolded, placing his hand firmly on Edward's leg to stop him moving.

*I know you could crush my hand right now without even trying but please stay?*

Nodding silently, Edward respected the notion. Weakly smiling his gratitude, George calmly spoke, cutting through the silence;

"There was a time a mere three weeks ago when you thought you would never feel love in this way." George addressed. "And now you have fallen for one of the best people we know, and that's not us even being biased. But I will be honest, I think that you should tell her how you feel.. and if she happens to feel for you the same way, I honestly couldn't be happier for you both. If what you say is true, that she is your soulmate and this is a once in a lifetime experience- try and embrace this rollercoaster ride Oliver. Even the lower moments like when you get jealous of the other boys and their advances. It makes the moments when she talks to you even more worthwhile. All that I ask is, if you do become an item-"

"That you don't fuck it up." Fred continued with a mischievous grin.

George nodded with a smug grin.

"Couldn't have put it better myself." George agreed. "Just remember we are here for you, us being related to her doesn't matter - to a point."

*Just please keep some thoughts to yourself* Fred thought privately.

"How can you be so okay with me and my feelings but resent others?" Edward replied baffled, running a hand threw his messy hair.

"Thats easy to answer." George answered matter of factly. "You Oliver, are a gentleman. You don't need to be a mind reader sometimes to gather what others are thinking."

Fred chuckled darkly, thinking of some of the looks he had caught others giving Rose.

"I do have a question for you Oliver." Fred continued. "Now that we have confirmed that you can feel like a human when you do try, are you going to tell us why you were in such a bad mood this morning?"

"I wasn't in a mood this morning." Edward answered honestly.

The twins snorted, replaying in their heads how he had acted all morning. Grimacing even Edward couldn't deny how deflated he had indeed looked.

The three headed dog still clearly playing on his mind, his anxiousness for Rose hadn't been resolved by the fact he hadn't physically seen her until lunch. Not wanting to concern the twins over Rose and Ron's midnight adventure, especially when he was ninety-nine percent sure that they themselves would want to visit the beast if they knew of its whereabouts.

"Nothing, it's just been about Rose." He muttered, after all this was technically true.

"Just about Rose?" Fred said curiously.

"Yes." Edward agreed. "I didn't get to see her this morning and so I grew anxious."

"Oliver." Fred replied honestly. "Are you sure you haven't fallen head over heels for her? I mean, to miss someone so quickly…"

"What?" Edward remarked. "I can't have done, it's only been three weeks."

"I'm not so sure." George grinned. "You do seem beyond infatuated, you've changed."

Edward shook their thoughts off, not wanting to admit at how right their detailed observations seemed to be. Now that he had been honest with them it seemed ridiculous that no-one had picked up on his feelings towards Rose. The closest being Ron.

"Come on, let's go down to the stands and help you prepare for the Quidditch practice." Fred chuckled. "We will be able to sneak outside by now and just mess around with the Quaffle for a bit. Just don't worry about Lee. I can bet my life savings that Rose isn't interested in him in that way."

"How can you be so sure?" Edward asked with a curious smile.

"I've seen the way she talks to you Oli. I can just tell that she most definitely sees you and him differently" Fred said matter of factly. "Why else would she be so worried about you being disappointed in her?"

"We will however keep a close eye on Lee just incase he gets any inappropriate ideas." George interrupted quickly. "If it is just about the school radio, it should be innocent enough."

Edward looked at his friends individually, a feeling of great relief lifted from his shoulders.

"Thank you both, you truly are the best friends that anyone could ask for. I will never truly know how you are both so understanding of my feelings but thank you."

"Your welcome." Fred replied gently, nudging Edwards arm.

"There is just one thing that I just can't get my head around." George grinned, "She isn't a brunette?"

Edward returned his grin, the thought of Rose as a brunette far too tempting.

"Oh well, you can't have everything." He sighed jokingly.

/x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x/x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x

The posters were a perfect distraction for Rose, allowing her afternoon to go quickly. Settling on a simple poster with the four house emblems displayed in each corner, she thought it was clean, uncomplicated and elegant to look at. Happy with the responses she was already getting from her peers, she felt confident that it would do the job.

At five, she unenthusiastically made her way down to dinner feeling guilty about her lack of eagerness- after all Lee was technically only trying to help. When she arrived at the Great Hall, Lee was already there eagerly patting the chair next to him. Sighing inwardly, she tried her hardest to give a convincing smile, noticing with some disappointment that the twins and Edward were no where to be seen. Accepting the drink and plate of food he had already dished up for her, Rose dove straight into the discussion of the school radio. Paranoid slightly, she wanted to make sure that no-one would think that they were indeed on a date.

To give Lee a little credit, though slightly disappointed by the lack of romance, he did concentrate hard on new ideas. As they edited the potential timetable as they realised another flaw, they only stopped when the candle light became so dim that they couldn't read their notes. Sadly Karaoke Friday was about to start.

Looking around, Rose noticed that Harry had disappeared but the twins had now returned. Chuckling as she watched them flick peas at Ron, he in turn had decided to defend himself with an empty serving dish.

The room went black, the stage lighting displaying the table with just enough light for Rose to start tidying up their notes, placing them neatly back in her bag. Now forced to watch performance after performance of appalling lip syncing, Rose questioned whether this was ever going to get better. The distraction of the radio had made her brain not have to concentrate on Edward, but now that there was nothing to distract her thoughts, she felt the emptiness in her chest appear again. She felt silly admitting that she mentally felt happier if she managed to get something as simple as even eye contact off him. How foolish and pathetic she was. By the time the song contest had finished, with Ravenclaw being this weeks champions, Rose was ready for another early night. Noticing that Ron too looked drained after the evening before, she motioned for them to head up, Ron nodding in agreement.

"I'm heading up Lee, I've had one too many late nights recently I'm afraid." Rose said apologetically. "But thank you for all your help tonight, you've been really helpful, thanks!"

"But the night is young!" Lee protested. "I've hardly got to spend time with you."

"We see each other all the time." Rose replied.

"Yeah, normally in company." Lee muttered.

Rose frowned, staring at him awkwardly.

"Look Lee-" She began cautiously.

"Ready to head up?" Ron yawned dramatically, the notion making Rose jump.

"Yes." Rose sighed gratefully. "Night Lee."

She tapped his shoulder sympathetically as she walked past, knowing she had done the cowardly thing.

"What was all that about?" Ron chuckled, turning to look subtly at Lee. "He looks like a wounded animal."

"He just got the wrong idea of how tonight was going to go, that's all." Rose sighed. "But my knight in shining armour came at just the right moment."

"At your service." Ron chucked, giving her a one armed hug.

Rose awoke early the next morning, thinking of yet more things that needed to be added to her report. Knowing that the three-thirty deadline was going to be a push, she hopped quickly into the shower before promptly taking Smutz out.

On her return to the common room, Rose helped herself to a hot chocolate from the window sill to warm herself up. Placing herself in the nearest armchair to the fire she amerced herself, fully concentrating on her project at hand. The hot chocolate soon forgotten.

Rose scratched her head, trying to think of another way of getting music to be played in the corridors in-between class. The solution should have been obvious and yet it wasn't making itself clear.

There was a muffled voice from behind, the voice soft and gentle.

"Hmmm?" Rose replied distantly, not looking up from her work.

"I said, you really are dedicated to this radio project aren't you?"

Rose paused, dropping her quill down as she did do. She turned slowly round, Edward's kind face closer than she anticipated.

"Hi." She said quietly.

"Hi." Edward grinned. "Can I sit down next to you?"

"Sure." Rose agreed quickly.

He sat elegantly next to her, turning to give Rose his full attention yet again.

"Do you think that I am completely nuts for doing this?" Rose asked curiously.

"Only in the most complimentary of ways." Edward replied with a grin. "I think the radio is a really good idea, I just hope it hasn't been too stressful."

"Not so far." Rose admitted. "But ask me again after three-thirty. How did it go last night?"

"Harry is very talented." Edward answered with a grin. "With a bit of practice he could be better than Charlie."

"Really?!" Rose replied in surprise. "Now that would be impressive."

"I'm really confident that we could do well this year, if only we could start group practice soon. I just need another Chaser." Edward hinted. "Don't forget this Friday."

"I have it mentally reserved, don't worry." Rose answered with a grin. "But I did think that you would have put posters up, so people would actually know about the trials?"

"Angelina agreed to keep it on the low. I think even she doesn't want a repeat of last time." Edward sighed.

"At least you two are agreeing on something." Rose laughed.

"For now." Edward agreed with an eye roll. "How did it go yesterday with Lee?"

"We managed to get a lot of the organisational bits sorted." Rose answered diplomatically. "I just need to organise it all now into a simple essay to hand into Snape."

"Need a hand with the process?" Edward asked cautiously.

"Really?" Rose asked surprised. "This is the boring bit."

"It would be my pleasure, as long as you don't think I'm treading on toes." Edward replied smoothly.

"Honestly? I'm relieved." Rose said with a small smile. "I just have an inkling that Snape is going to turn around and say no anyway. That all of this will be for nothing."

"I bet he secretly wants this to work as much as you." Edward answered knowingly.

Rose looked at him with amused questioning.

"Another hunch there Edward?" She laughed.

"I keep telling you, I'm very good at reading people." He said with a grin.

"Too good most of the time." Rose muttered cheekily.

She chucked him a small pile of notes, shuffling closer to him so that they could share the paper. A couple of times Rose caught him looking at her instead of the task at hand, each time her heart doing summersaults in excitement. They worked well as a team, Edward categorising everything into a neat order whilst Rose started the lengthily essay.

"Do you need me to get you some breakfast?" Edward asked after a couple of hours work. "You must be starving."

"I'm okay." Rose smiled thankfully. "I'm weirdly enjoying myself and don't want to mess up the flow, I guess I can thank the company for that."

"I'm enjoying it too." Edward chuckled, whilst handing her the next note.

Half an hour later, they had come across a potential problem with the timetable. Deep in thought, they were muttering away to one another when a shadow loomed over their heads. Peering down at them, Lee was frowning his arms folded at his sides.

"What are you doing Oliver?" He hissed sulkily.

"Helping Rose out with the paperwork?" Edward replied in a confused manor, though Rose could see a slight grin at the corner of his mouth.

"Helping Rose out?" Lee snapped back. "You aren't even interested in the radio."

"And what gave you that impression?" Edward frowned.

"Because all you care about is Quidditch and you know it." Lee retorted.

"Thats simply not true." Edward answered calmly. "I never had the opportunity to help Rose before you so eagerly volunteered yourself yesterday. If however, you would like me to leave Lee I will do so, I don't want to make things awkward."

"I however don't want you to leave." Rose answered carefully.

Lee and Edward both turned round in shock as she continued;

"We can all work together! I really am grateful for all the help I can muster on this. Lee, I really can't thank you enough for all your help last night but Edward has also been a fantastic asset. He has even added in some really important factors that we had both overlooked." Rose explained.

"Good for Edward-Oliver" Lee replied bitterly.

Lee looked at Rose with a look of confused disappointment. Walking away shaking his head, he made his way out of the portrait hole muttering under his breath. Surprised by the turn of Lee's attitude, Rose remained fixated on the portrait hole for a few seconds before turning to Edward who was already observing her.

"Don't think I didn't miss that grin of yours Edward." Rose said sharply, looking down at the piece of parchment to see where they had got to.

"What grin?" Edward wondered innocently.

"The one that is still evident on your face?" Rose replied, not bothering to look up. "You were enjoying winding him up."

Edward smirk continued but he remained silent. Though she knew it already, he didn't want to admit out loud that she was right - he had indeed taken great pleasure in winding Lee up. His mood heightened when Rose asked him to stay, those simple words meant the world to him.

By eleven they had finally finished the proposal. Sat neatly folded on the coffee table with the poster design on top ready to hand in, they both relaxed into the sofa staring at the completed works. Grinning, Rose sighed as the sense of satisfaction hit her.

"Thank you." She said whilst looking at Edward to confirm that she meant it.

"You are more than welcome." He answered warmly, his own crooked smile present.

Making her way to the potions room at three that afternoon, Rose saw a note on the door telling her to make her way to the staff room. A little perplexed that there was even a staff room for the teachers to use, she luckily bumped into Percy who led her to the correct place. Knocking a couple of times and taking a step back, she looked at Percy with a nervous smile.

The door opened as Snape loomed into view.

"Ward." Snape announced with a bored voice. "Come in."

She once again looked at Percy, waving him a small goodbye as she entered the room.

The staffroom itself was a clean, open room with lots of natural light flooding through the windows. Like the Gryffindor common room there were comfy armchairs placed around the room but this furniture was more cared for, the deep royal blue fabric still looking brand new. In the corner to the right was a large bar displaying an array of drinks, from cocktail ingredients, to teas and coffees.

The room was surprisingly empty with only a handful of teachers present. Skimming the room subtly, Rose nervously gulped as she saw McGonagall. Dry martini in hand, her Grandmother was already giving her a questioning look, her open book left forgotten.

Not wanting to overstay her welcome, Rose followed Snape across the room, mentally scolding him when he sat in the armchair across from McGonagall. Sat with his elbows resting on each of the arm rests, he folded his hand together against his chest.

"Well?" He barked impatiently.

"I have the proposed idea for you Sir, along with the poster you asked for."

"Very well." He replied unimpressed. "I shall give it a brief read and if it is of significance I will propose a set date and time for applications. You may go."

Nodding at his words, Rose turned to leave the staffroom.

"Just one moment Ward." Professor McGonagall clipped. "I hope you aren't biting off more than you can chew already?"

"Not at all Professor." Rose replied a little surprised, moving closer to her. "I am just helping with the possibility of getting the school radio back."

"I see." McGonagall acknowledged with a small understanding smile. "And you feel you could do this as well as your other… hobbies?"

"Professor?" Rose asked confused.

"It was to my understanding that you are going to apply for the Quidditch team. Is this not so?"

"I was certainly going to apply for it yes." Rose agreed slowly. "But I can see no reason why I couldn't do both."

"Very well." Her Grandmother nodded.

"And when are these trials?" Snape asked curiously, not looking up from Rose's essay.

"Friday at three thirty." McGonagall replied. "Why?"

"I was just purely curious why Gryffindor was leaving it so late to get candidates." Snape remarked crisply.

"You are free to go now Rose." McGonagall explained with a hint of urgency.

Nodding politely at them both Rose quickly left the room, nervous that she might accidentally overhear something.

/x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x/x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x /x/x/x/x

"How did it go with Snape?" Ron asked quietly.

They were making their way down to dinner, exhausted after another jam-packed day. It was the first time that they had all really had a chance to speak in private.

"Not too bad I suppose." Rose replied honestly as she delved into detail telling him and Harry about what she had witnessed.

"Oh to be a fly on the wall in that situation!" Ron replied with a sarcastic sigh. "Absolute carnage."

"It was really awkward." Rose agreed, shaking her head. "Grandma's vein in her forehead was out."

"No! Not the vein." Ron cringed. "Snape is dead meat."

"Sadly I think he will be fine." Harry muttered. "But I do hope he likes your ideas, now you can focus your attention on Friday's tryouts."

"Thats true." Rose agreed with a nod. "I am envious that you just landed your position, I'm slightly dreading what the trials will hold."

"We will be there to support you though." Harry said with encouragement. "Besides walking silently back to the castle in silence with McGonagall was bad enough, even if she didn't have her vein."

"Your going to be at the trials?" Rose asked in surprise.

"Yes. Oliver wants the whole team there so he can see which new member works best with the squad."

"And I'll be there to show moral support." Ron continued with a nudge.

"I can't wait to see how we all play as a team." Harry said eagerly. "Did you know that Oliver has only every missed five goals the whole time he has been on the team?"

"Seriously?" Rose asked shocked. "That seems statistically impossible."

"No it's true, even Fred and George have said so. Apparently he is good at reading people." Harry said matter of factly.

Rose paused mid step. She had heard that phrase a lot recently.

"So I've heard." Rose replied carefully.

They were flagged down by Fred and George when they made it to the Great Hall. The twins with Lee next to them had Alicia, Angelina and Edward sat opposite. The six of them were already congregated tightly as a pack, so they waved their goodbyes and made their way further down the table. Sitting opposite Neville, Dean and Seamus they started talking about their day, agreeing to meet up as a group the following day.
Rose's spine tingled, the throbbing motion acting like a pulse. Slowly turning her head, Rose looked down the table towards Edward, surprised to see him still currently talking to the girls.

*Strange* Rose thought. *Normally that sensation means he is looking straight at me.*

She quickly looked away again, rejoining the conversation that she had quietly partaken in. Again the sensation was back, stronger than before. Rose quickly whipped around, not hesitating to look straight at Edward, who was now giving her a glowing smile. The look was mesmerising, making her intake a sharp breath as she became light headed. All she could do to regain control was to pull her eyes away from his, his eyes yearning for her to stay connected. Lost and immersed in her own thoughts, Rose hardly paid any attention to the conversation going on between Ron and Harry. Surprised when she looked down and saw an empty dirty plate, she quickly concluded that she hadn't even concentrated on her meal.

"…isn't that right Rose?" Ron laughed.

Rose shook herself slightly, snapping herself out of her daydream. Relieved that the others hadn't noticed her odd behaviour she blushed at how silly a simple thing such as a smile could do to control her like that.

"It is yes." Rose agreed confidently, looking at the other boys, holding their gaze.

"Really?!" Dean replied awe-struck. "Ron you dirty devil."

Rose nearly spluttered her pumpkin juice, what had she naively agreed to? Looking at Ron blankly, his ears began to climb redder and redder.

"That will teach you for not paying attention." He whispered.

Rose sighed, placing her head into her hand. Accepting the mug from Harry she began to stir her hot chocolate lazily, allowing the marshmallows to quickly melt. There was a loud unannounced 'ding' and Dumbledore rose promptly from his seat, causing the room to instantly fall into silence.

"Thank you." Dumbledore addressed to the room kindly. "I know that it is very unusual for me to make announcements at this time in the evening, but as you might not be aware of everything that is happening, it is my duty to let everyone know the what's and the where's.

I have had Professor Snape approach me earlier this evening with the exciting news that he has had the brilliant idea of bringing the school radio back. The radio in the past has been a true lifeline to the school community, allowing student to express their artistry whilst more importantly potentially influencing you all.

It has been a long time since this school has had a radio, broadcasting not only to ourselves but to the whole wizarding world. This is a unique opportunity for the talents of everyone in this room to express themselves and become hosts for all varieties of music and entertainment, throughout the day, seven days a week."

A gentle rumble of excitement simmered throughout the hall, as students started chatting excitedly amongst one another over what Dumbledore was saying. Looking across the table at Edward and then Lee, Rose raised her eyebrows encouragingly.

"I'm glad to hear that there is excitement about this." Dumbledore chuckled with a beaming smile. "This is an open invitation to anyone in this room. The auditions will happen with Professor Snape, this Friday at three-thirty in the dungeon classroom."

Rose's smile instantly vanished. She turned to the teachers table, meeting eyes with Snape whose eyes were flickering in amusement. He had done this on purpose, she was sure of it.

She rose from the table so quickly it was only the sharp thump as her palms hit the service of the table that she realised that she was even standing. She didn't look at anybody, hastily walking out the room to collect what little thoughts she could scramble round her head.

Three-thirty on Friday? The same time and the same date that she had already agreed to do the Quidditch trials Friday? This wasn't good.

Rose couldn't face the idea of seeing the disappointment that Edward would show. He had fought hard with Angelina to get her to even contemplate Rose applying for the team. Rose didn't want their arguments to be over nothing. But on the other hand, she herself had worked hard for several nights, the ideas surrounding the school radio hadn't just blossomed from the last forty-eight hours. Not that anyone knew or cared, Snape had just taken all the credit.

She pushed the oak doors open, letting the cold night air hit her in the face. Feeling the nudge of Smutz by her side she sat down on the cool stone steps, hugging her legs for comfort. Quietly from behind, Ron and Harry sat a step up from her, knowing she needed the silence. When she eventually looked she regretted it, their sympathetic faces hard to look at. After a while Ron put his arm around her his head leant against hers.

"Come on Rose let's go upstairs to bed." He murmured soothingly.

"Whats the time?" She replied quietly.

"Ten."

"We have been sitting here for two hours?!" She answered shocked.

"We did try and move you earlier but you were so lost in deep thought, we thought we would wait a little longer." Ron shrugged.

"I don't know what to do Ron." Rose replied bitterly, a slow tear grazing her cheek.

"Sleep on it." Ron suggested kindly. "You might see it differently in the morning and you don't need to decide until Friday anyway."

Sunday morning came and went, as did Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and yet Rose was still set with the impossible task of choosing. Though she was lucky enough to still see Edward around, Rose quickly noticed that he was purposely avoiding eye contact with her. The strange sensation of being treated like a stranger was more isolating than she cared admit. What made his avoidance the ever more frustrating was Rose knew why he was doing it. She knew he was keeping his distance so that she could make her own decision without feeling any pressure from him. She respected and resented him for it

As Thursday night approached, Ron and Harry dragged Rose out on a long dog walk, desperate to help her make sense of her predicament. After half an hour of weighing up the pros and the cons for each option, Rose ended up sat on the same cold stone step she had sat on the Saturday night. Deja vu present, she silently looking out towards the lake.

"Well?" Ron said gently. "I can tell that your plotting, you have your thinking face on."

"I'm still trying to think of a way of being in both places at once." Rose sighed.

"Rose, you know you can't." Ron sighed. "And I know I sound like a broken record, but this isn't the end of the world either."

"I know that." Rose agreed glumly, fidgeting with her fingers. "But I don't want to let anyone down."

"Who has said that you will be letting them down?" Ron answered angrily.

"No-one." Rose replied defensively. "But I am letting myself down either way. Every time I go over my choices my head says to do the radio, every time. Music is my passion, its what I love to do…"

"Why can I feel a but coming along?" Harry asked wisely.

"Because my heart has constantly said Quidditch." Rose sighed.

"Why?" Ron asked curiously. " I mean you do love playing it and you are good at it… but you are good at everything. What else in influencing that decision?"

"Nothing." Rose answered quietly, sinking her head into her resting hands. "I'm just stuck between a rock and a hard place."

"We could always flip a coin." Harry suggested with a smile.

"I might have to take you up on that." Rose muttered. "But I still have time to decide."

"Okay." Ron agreed.

He stood from the step standing in front of Rose.

"Just do me a favour?" Ron whispered.

"Sure?" Rose agreed.

"Don't let certain people be the reason you make your decision." He replied with a tap on his nose.

"I'm not Ron." Rose whispered back.

Nodding in understanding, Rose grabbed his outstretched hand, pulling herself up. Trying not to make eye contact with Ron, she knew a slight blush on her checks and on the back of her neck were now visible.

"Just think, this time tomorrow it will have all resolved itself." Ron confidently stated as they walked back up to the castle.

"Yeah." Rose agreed numbly.

Sitting under their oak tree surrounded in complete darkness, Edward had listened to every word. Reading both of the boys thoughts as he sat observing, Edward had grown more concerned for Rose's mental wellbeing.

Edward didn't want her to feel like she was letting him down, not caring about the Quidditch team in that moment. His anxiety rife, Edward wanted her to chose to come to the trials because he insecurely wanted her to choose him just like Ron had implied.

Not even Alice was of any comfort this week. Frustratingly Rose's swayed choices were giving Alice mental whiplash, her letters becoming more whiney by the day. In the end Edward begrudgingly had to accept that he was going to have to second guess Rose's poker face, frustrated that she hadn't given anything away to her friends. How could humans be so patient waiting? Edward deeply sighed, leaning against the tree for physical support. He felt drained and needed to hunt, the last few days being miserable. He really missed Rose's company and knew she missed his too. Repeating Ron's words in his mind, he calmed his own nerves down, reminding himself it was simply one more day. One more day until he could see the girl he wanted but couldn't have. One more day to see if she would choose him over the thing that she had worked so very hard for.

Friday morning's breakfast confirmed what Edward had been dreading. Ron cockily walked into the Hall alone, his thoughts oozing triumph that Rose had made her choice and that she was going to go with the radio.

So confident was Ron, that he told Harry and the twins the news loudly on her behalf, only pausing to guiltily looking at Edward once he had finished. It was hard for Edward to maintain his composed look as Ron announced the decision, desperate to vacate the table as quickly as possible without notice. The twins sending him nervous glances, he concentrated hard on his coffee cup, cautious of it possibly breaking.

"Where is Rose?" He managed to force out, surprised at how calm his voice sounded.

"She decided to skip breakfast, which is unlike her." Ron answered.

"Do you know where she is?" Edward asked.

"No." Ron answered diplomatically. "But even if I did Oliver, I wouldn't say. I don't want you to sway her decision."

"I wasn't planning to." Edward replied sincerely. "I respect her decision wholeheartedly."

Ron nodded his understanding, sadly looking at Edward apologetically. In truth, the lack of personal contact that Edward had with her this week had really starting to have an effect on his mood. He missed her, not just her scent or their conversations, but the way she laughed or gave him small glances. He just wanted to see her, even for the briefest of moments so that he could tell her that he was proud of her.

Ron and Harry quickly departed the table, their minds set on finding Rose. Knowing that she had already placed Smutz back in Gryffindor tower they placed their bets on finding Rose in the quiet cool passageway of the dungeons.

"There you are." Ron announced relieved. "Why are you down here so early?"

"I was trying to catch Professor Snape before class." Rose sighed. "But if he is down here, he isn't answering his office door."

"What do you need Professor Snape for?" Harry asked intrigued.

"I was going to ask a favour." Rose carefully answered.

"A favour from Snape?" Ron laughed.

"That does sound unwise." Harry agreed. "Why do you need a favour when your auditioning for the radio today anyway? Ron told us all over breakfast the good news."

"Told you wh-"

"Will you keep your excited voices to an absolute minimum." Snape drawled. Standing in the doorway to the classroom, he looked at them all with utter distain. "In fact, come inside now, so that no talking occurs at all. Potter hand out these list of ingredients from those two cabinets. Weasley get the 'Advanced potion making' books from my desk and Ward?"

"Yes Sir?" She asked politely.

"Sit down and shut up. I'm going to be seeing too much of you today anyhow."

She sat down, biting her tongue to control it. Staring at the book that Ron had gently placed in front of her she read the contents, page by page focusing carefully on controlling her anger.

The potions lesson itself didn't improve. The potion that they were working on needed their full concentration and as Rose was determined to get it spot on, it meant she couldn't quiz Ron on what he had said. Following the last instruction, which would hopefully make the cloudy grey mixture a vibrant orange, Rose carefully exhaled in relief as the clementine mixture glowed from within the cauldron.
With a flick of his wand, Snape cruelly got rid of her contents, looking at her callously as he passed. His wicked mood continued throughout the remains of the lesson. He relished docking house point after house point from the Gryffindors. The worst ones being when Neville breathed too loudly and when Seamus sneezed.

The clock tower chimed twelve outside, the subtle noise letting them know that the class was finally over. As Rose started to pack her equipment away, she contemplated how she was going to approach Snape, cautious of how it was going to sound. Sighing nervously, she waved at Harry and Ron to go on without her, mouthing the words 'I will meet you at lunch.'

"Professor?" Rose asked confidently, walking up to his desk.

"This is the second time in two weeks you have lingered here after class." Snape replied scathingly.

"Yes it is." Rose agreed politely. " But I wanted to talk to you about the auditions today."

"There is nothing to talk about." Snape replied snarkily. "Either you turn up and audition like everyone else or you don't get the opportunity to be involved."

"Sir, are you aware that Quidditch trials are also today at the same time?" Rose responded calmly.

"Isn't that a shame." Snape muttered sarcastically. "I guess you will have to make do with choosing."

"Well actually Sir I was going to ask if I could audition now." Rose asked politely. "I have my composed idea here with me and that way I wouldn't miss out on the trials later."

"No." Snape hissed cruelly.

"But Sir." Rose pleaded.

"Let me remind you of something here Ward. I am the teacher and you are the student and what I say goes." Snape uttered venomously, his face very close to hers. "I don't care that you have to make a pathetic decision here, but I am certainly not going to bend over backwards for you. Do I make myself clear."

"Crystal clear Sir." Rose replied with gritted teeth, looking into his pitch black beetle eyes with distain.

"Some teachers might think that you are special and talented Ward, but to me you are just another pathetic student." He seethed.

Rose stood, staring at him for a good five seconds, her mind processing the words he had just said to her. After what felt like a decade she turned, abashed that he had actually spoken to her which such hostility.

"Oh Ward? May I however make a suggestion?" He sneered.

Knowing it wasn't going to be good news, Rose cautiously turned to face him yet again.

"Sir?" Rose replied with difficulty.

"I think you wouldn't have passed today's auditions anyway, I can tell quite clearly you don't have what it takes. But I think signing yourself up for singalong Friday is a good idea. I somehow think that it would probably more appropriate for your 'talents'." He mocked.

Rose turned on her heel sharply, walking out the room without a moments more hesitation. She knew that speaking anything right now would be a dangerous game, and she couldn't risk Snape gaining more control by docking house points or giving her detention. Her brain exploding with different scenarios, she couldn't help imagining blowing Snape up with a conjuring spell or simply slapping him in the face. She was so overwhelmed with passionate anger that she walked directly into Professor Flitwick, knocking him straight to the floor.

"Oh Professor! I am so, so sorry." Rose cried with remorse. "Are you okay?"

Bending down to grab his arms and pull him back up, Rose checked him over and was glad to see that he was grinning.

"Not to worry! Not to worry! It happens surprisingly often, let me tell you. You were walking with such confidence there Miss Ward, somewhere important to be? My God are you okay child?"

"No Professor I'm not okay…" Rose paused, thinking over what he had just said. Looking into Flitwick's kind eyes, Rose gained an idea.

"Singalong Friday!" She muttered thoughtfully.

"Sorry Rose?" Flitwick asked gently.

"Professor Snape was suggesting that I signed up for singalong Friday Sir." Rose replied honestly. "I think subconsciously I was on my way to find you Professor."

"Me?!" Flitwick answered in surprise.

"Would I be able to sign up for it please?" Rose asked quickly.

Taking a deep breath in, she subtly breathed out again. The words were out now, there were was no turning back.

"Oooh!" Flitwick clapped his hands in glee "That is fabulous news! We don't get many first years volunteering, we normally have to wait for sing star battle for that. Now let me check the diary, ah yes! The next available date is the week after Halloween. Does that give you enough time to prepare?"

Not wanting to get distracted and find out what exactly sing star battle was, Rose quickly answered;

"Thats perfect Professor. Sign me up."

"Perfect." Flitwick beamed. "I will enquire nearer the time what song you would like to use, so that we can get everything sorted sound and stage wise."

"Actually Professor, would it be okay if I took things into my own hands? I haven't decided on the song yet, but was possibly considering using live music, possibly with the school orchestra?"

"As long as you are happy to take full responsibility, I wouldn't have a problem with that at all." Flitwick replied a little bemused. "Though be warned, as their conductor I can confirm that the orchestra can be pretty stubborn when learning different tunes. Speak to Ruth Fields a fellow Gryffindor, she will hopefully be able to help you."

With a small nod, Flitwick departed leaving Rose alone in the corridor.

Wanting to isolate herself off from the outside world for a while, Rose carefully avoided anymore interaction, getting to the girls dormitory unseen. Rushing over to her bed where the snoozing Schnauzer lay, she slowly stroked his ears, finally allowing the angry tears to fall from her face. Now that she was alone, she really had to consider her options. Her obstinate conversation with Snape had made the radio audition completely out of the question, there was no way Rose was putting herself through that hostility twice in one day. But what happened if she flopped the Quidditch trials now because of her low mood? Her mind after all was certainly not in the correct headspace and Edward had warned her to bring her 'A' game.

Rose rubbed her finger over her lips, contemplating what would make her feel relaxed. As she thought, the bed started to wobble slightly, Smutz's legs outstretched as he started to run in his sleep.

*Running.* Rose thought eagerly. *That might just do it.*

She hadn't run in ages and the fresh air would certainly help clear her head. Knowing it would also make her physically hyped for the afternoon of trials, she began rummaging in her chest of drawers eagerly. Pulling out a pair of charcoal grey workout leggings she threw on a peach sports bra and black running shoes. Grabbing the dog lead of her bedside table she gently shook Smutz, his chocolate eyes slowly opening.

"Dog walk?" She asked the suddenly eager Smutz.

The warmth of the late September air was perfect for her run, her hair taping her shoulder blades as it swayed in her high ponytail. Fuelled by her hatred for Snape it helped push her further forward. Smutz keeping pace with her all the way, she paused as she passed the oak tree she had sat at with Edward. The tree held good memories for her, and as she recollected that perfect Friday so knew she couldn't hold onto the anger. If she wanted to be as perfect as she could for Edward, she needed him to be her main focus. Pursuing her run, she ran around the lake, seeing Hagrid's hut in the distance. Quickening her pace slightly Rose knocked on Hagrid's door enthusiastically, relived when he answered quickly.

"Hi Hagrid." Rose announced slightly out of breath. "Would you mind looking after Smutz, I have Quidditch trials and didn't quite think this through."

"Not a problem!" Hagrid replied beaming. "I'll let him out back with Fang and bring him along to dinner. What time is ya trial?"

"Three thirty."

"Goodness me Rose, It's that time now!"Hagrid urged. "Don't worry about Smutz, just go!"

"Your a star, thank you Hagrid!" Rose thanked with a grin.

Handing the lead to Hagrid and giving Smutz a small fuss, Rose waved goodbye and turned towards the Quidditch stands.

"Good luck out there Rose!" Hagrid called after her.

She could see in the distance that there was crowd of around twenty students, congregating tightly around the entrance to the Gryffindor team's headquarters. Arriving at the back of the crowd, Rose couldn't seem to find a gap to potentially move forward unless she boldly walked around the edge of the other candidates. Realising that they had probably hemmed themselves in tactically to stop others getting to the front, she remained concealed, frustrated that even her height wasn't an advantage for once. Standing on tip toe, she could just about see over the sea of heads surprised to see that the Quidditch team still hadn't appeared.

Tempted to ask the group of boys in front of her what was going on, Rose raised her hand to tap the tall blonde boy on his shoulder when he turned to his neighbour. Quickly retracting her hand she instead eavesdropped on their closed conversation.

"I bet Wood is telling them to come out and assess us all." A tall blonde boy whispered knowingly. "They did this last time to hype us all up and cornered off, they cherrypick us one by one to take on any single member of the Quidditch team. When they think they have the best of the pick, we try and take on Wood."

"But I've heard he is impossible to beat?" The neighbour replied.

"The guy is a machine." The blonde boy responded. "I'm still going to try my best. Any man that can beat him will be in with a chance with the ladies, that's for sure."

They carried on chatting about techniques for a little while until the low mummer of the crowd died down, the door to the head quarters opening. Angelina appeared, a smug confident look on her face. Waving to some of her friends in the crowd she walked forward, the rest of the team waiting in a line behind. All dressed in red robes with golden trim, beige chinos and red converses, they waited patiently and in silence.

"Where's Wood?" The smaller neighbour inquired.

"I don't know, he came out with the others last time." The tall blonde answered. "He is probably combing his hair again no doubt, no-ones hair can naturally look that good."

Trying to stand on tip toe again, Rose's heart fluttered as she saw Edward coming out of the doorway of the headquarters. Wearing the same robes and entire as the others, the kit seemed to suit him on a completely different level. With a subtle silver Captain badge attached to his right peck, he walked around the the team, standing next to Angelina's right.

"Thank you all for coming." He said addressing the crowd, a stern, serious expression laced his angelic face. "In a few moments we will divide you all into smaller groups and we will go from there. I understand that some of you have done this before, so thank you for your patience."

Hearing Edward's in charge voice was strangely evocative, especially when she couldn't fully see his expressions. A space between the people in front shifted and Rose couldn't resist peeking another quick glance at Edward. She took an intake of surprised breath as she read his face, Edward looked strained, his eyes sad.

As Angelina did her part of the speech, Rose concentrated hard on Edward, viewing how he seemed to be in his own world, unenthusiastically staring at the floor. Quidditch was meant to be the most important thing to him and yet he seemed like he didn't want to be here at all. His body tensed as he looked over the crowd, an obvious sigh leaving him. Rose grimaced as he did so, worried what was bothering him. Convinced that he was purely anxious that he wouldn't find a decent Chaser today, the thought never dawned on her that his attitude was down to not knowing she was there.

"Okay." Edward announced boldly. "First of all, we need to divide you into two groups 'A' and 'B'. 'A's to left here with Angelina, and 'B's to the right to wait for me."

He moved towards the crowd unenthusiastically pointing to individuals muttering the letters to each person. His eyes remaining focused on the floor, he held himself like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. Watching him was becoming more painful by the moment, but Rose waited patiently, noticing the group soon dwindle down. Her breath becoming heavier the smaller the group got, she could feel the nervous butterflies fluttering in her belly the closer she got to him. Six students, five, she was so close now she could clearly make out his smooth voice.
There were now only three of them remaining, the tall blonde boy that had been standing in front, his neighbour and Rose.

"Last two?" Edward confirmed. "Just split yourselves up if you could gents."

Nodding the two boys parted ways revealing Rose. Edward looked up, taken aback by her presence, his stern face turning into the crocked smile Rose had been longing to see.

"Hey." He softly whispered. "You made it?"

He sounded so grateful and relived that Rose's heart thudded loudly in her chest, her eyes not wanted to part from his gaze.

"I made it." Rose agreed gently, matching his small smile. "Where would you like me to go?"

"Over here." Edward replied smoothly, not taking his eyes off her. "You'll be in my group on the right."

Nodding, Rose walked towards the 'B' group as Edward moved into the middle of the segregated groups to give them all the next set of instructions.

"We now have two teams of thirteen. The next task is to see how well you can throw and score. Angelina will take everyone on the left, to the left hand side of the Quidditch pitch and you will try and score against Fred. Everyone on my right, it is exactly the same process with me and George. Me and Angelina will analyse whilst you are playing and narrow you down to a smaller group. Madam Hooch has left the school broomsticks on the wall over there for anyone who hasn't got their own broom. Please grab one on you way past. Good luck everyone."

He then went over to Angelina to confirm the next steps that they were to take. Nodding her approval, they both walked in opposite directions to direct the first student in their two groups. Everyone started to walk in single file grabbing a broomstick as they walked by the wall. Angelina and Edward waited for both the groups to dwindle wanting to pick up the rear. Last in line and walking behind one of Angelina's girls, Rose couldn't resist giving a small wave to Harry, Fred and George as she passed, getting warm grins in return. Grabbing a battered school broom from the racket, she caught the radiant voice of Edward in her left ear.

"Thank you." He whispered gratefully.

Rose turned to look carefully at his face. She could see the relief and a sense of curiosity present.

"You really thought I had made up my mind completely one way didn't you?" Rose sighed.

"Ron certainly thought so this morning." Edward replied sadly.

"Well he shouldn't have said that on my behalf." Rose answered with a small smile.

"But you had worked so hard for the radio." He said gently.

"I did." Rose agreed with another nod and smile. "But in the end my head and my heart told me the same thing."

She smiled again, walking forward to regain the space between herself and the other contenders. Rose could tell that he was staring at her as they carried on walking onto the Quidditch pitch but she couldn't bring herself to look back at him. She needed to concentrate on this set assignment and not on what had happened over the last couple of hours. She could always answer his questions later.

George quickly ran up alongside the two of them making pace with their footsteps.

"Want me to head up there now Oli?" He asked Edward.

"If you could George." Edward replied smoothly. "I'll just make sure that they can actually fly first and we will be with you."

Even Rose couldn't resit looking at Edward after that comment. Turning to her left she was met with his signature crooked smile.

"What?" Rose asked in disbelief.

"You would be surprised. It happens every time." Edward chuckled.

Raising her eyebrows in disbelief, she nodded her good-bye as she stood on the lawn alongside the others. Observing what the others had already done, Rose placed the school broom on the floor.

"Can everyone get their brooms ready please." Edward asserted. Rose shut her eyes, loosing her shoulders and concentrated hard on the broom itself.

'Up!" She commanded.

The broom listened to her instantly, promptly allowing her to straddle the handle and get into the correct position.

"Perfect." Edward announced checking over the group as a whole. "Now starting with you Lawrence, can you kick off and fly towards George over there on the right. If you could leave about ten metres between yourselves and George so we can see how well you can throw that would be great. Once Lawrence has made it up there, can you all take it in turns waiting for the next one to arrive before taking off. That way we can observe you all individually."

Lawrence nodded, kicking off from the ground and smoothly glided towards George. The simple task soon proved that certain players were more confident than others, with one boy having a slight wobble and a couple of girls nearly falling off their brooms entirely. Inwardly mortified on their behalf, Rose couldn't quite belief their coquetry when they had to be rescued by Edward. Grabbing them by their waists and pulling them onto his own broom, he had to endure their flirtatious giggles, whilst doing the manoeuvre on both occasions flawlessly and effortlessly. Upon landing Edward quickly released himself from their hold, the girls both breathless, giddy and bright red in the face.

Rose steadied her already building nerves hoping that she never looked like that much of an imbecile when she talked to Edward. Slightly mortified that that was how Angelina saw her, she persuaded herself that if she did in fact act in this way, that Ron would have beaten it out of her by now. Her nerves now more steady, she settled on hoping that she didn't fuck up flying the school broom. She really didn't need Edward rescuing her.

"Thank you for coming to the Quidditch trials today." Edward muttered lukewarmly to the second girl. "But we need more confident flyers on the squad."

"But Angelina said I would be in with a chance." The girl gushed.

"A friend of hers?" Edward asked knowingly.

The girl nodded.

"She shouldn't have made promises she couldn't keep." Edward sighed. "Like I said thank you for coming."

Flagging for the next student to take to the skies, Edward caught Rose's eye as the second girl left looking rather gutted. Subtly shaking his head in disbelief, he smiled at Rose.

"Okay Rose you're next." Edward announced cautiously.

"Right." Rose nodded nervously. "Come on broom, listen to me."

Getting herself comfortable she looked at Edward, waiting for his command.

"You ready?" Edward asked seriously.

"Yes." Rose replied confidently.

"Good, when you are ready off you go. But don't worry, I'm more than happy to rescue you if you need me to."

Turning to scold him, she saw that he was already wearing a cheeky smile winking at her suggestively.

Rose kicked off the ground, determined to get into the sky before her blushed cheeks gave her away. Elegantly hooking her legs into the branch stirrups as she flew in the air, the school broom flew smoothly. Making her way to the nine other candidates with Edward hot on her tail, he overtook her as she slowed down to making his way to the front next to George. Now holding the Quaffle in his hand, Edward spoke in a staged voice so that they could hear him clearly through the air.

"The next stage is to see how comfortable you all are at not holding onto your broom. In my Quidditch practices, I get the Chasers to use a mixture of techniques and I need to know that I can trust you to be sensible and courageous enough to do some unusual styles. Can you all raise your hands off your brooms and into the air for me?"

"Are you crazy?" One boy shouted at Edward. "How will we balance?"

"I'm not asking it to be a smooth or perfect performance first time round but both your hands are very rarely on the broom handle at the same time in Quidditch. Think about it? You are either catching, holding or throwing the Quaffle. You need to be able to trust your instincts and your fellow players in this sport. With practice and determination you can control your balance through the core of your back."

"Forget about it." Another boy heckled. "I'm not taking a trip to hospital wing just so I can prove myself to you."

"Its a simple set of instructions Martin." George shouted back. "But please do bugger off if that's your attitude."

"Fine." Martin grumbled, turning swiftly from the sky.

"And then there were nine." Edward muttered.

There were more grumbles from some of the students as they muttered among themselves. Leaning over her broom to find out what the actual problem was, Rose couldn't particularly understand their unease. Surely they expected this? After all like Edward said, you couldn't hold a ball with both hands on your handle. Seeing that no-one else was volunteering to even try to take their hand off their broom Rose gritted her teeth, deliberately looking towards Edward and George and not at the ground far bellow. Pushing her feet against the metal stirrups to make sure that her legs where straight and firmly in place, she locked her knees, wedged them either side of the broom handle for stability. Sitting upright so that her back was polar straight, she stuck her arms out either side of her making sure she was balanced before slowly and gracefully raised them both into the air above her head. Caught in the middle of the rest of them complaining, Edward double took as he caught sight of Rose, grinning from ear to ear.

"If it is so impossible boys, why has Rose managed to do it first time?" Edward asked smugly. "How are you doing Rose? Feeling stable?"

"Its not too bad." Rose admitted. "It's just taking a little bit of concentration for now."

"It will do for a little while." Edward agreed reassuringly. "Do you think you could catch the Quaffle if I throw it to you?"

"I'll try!" Rose replied confidently.

Throwing the Quaffle neatly to her, Rose clasped her fingers around it as soon as she felt the leather touch her skin. Tucking the Quaffle under her right arm, she easily placed her left hand back on the broom handle for balance. Turning to the other players to see who wanted to have a go next, they all grimaced as they made eye contact, clearly not wanting to have a go themselves. Frowning, Rose turned back to Edward bemused.

"Perfection." Edward praised. "Now who wants to go next?"

"Looks like you don't have any takers there Oliver." George chuckled. "What they thought being a Chaser was going to undertake, I guess I'll never know."

"So it would seem." Edward sighed. "No takers Really? Well I'm afraid to say that if you don't even attempt to try this one technique then the trial for the rest of you is over. Thank you for popping by."

"You cannot be serious?!" The boy from the crowd earlier shouted angrily. "What sort of trial do you call that? It's not my fault that I'm not your girlfriend and therefore won't do everything that you say."

Rose visibly rolled her eyes, bemused by his childish remark. Not needing anyone to stand up for her own motives, she didn't hesitate replying;

"No." Rose quipped. "You didn't do what he said because you don't have the gumption it takes to become a Chaser."

"How dare you." The boy snapped. "I do to have what it takes."

"Then why won't you do this?" Rose asked smugly.

Throwing the ball for him to catch, the boy purposely ignored the Quaffle, watching the ball fall quickly to the ground bellow.

"You tricked me." He heckled.

"Yes William, she 'tricked' you." Edward chuckled with an eyeball. "She literally let you know when to catch the ball. You're not going to get opportunities like that on the Quidditch pitch, let me tell you."

"I would have to take my hands off the broom to catch the ball." He muttered.

"Ah yes." George answered wisely. "That age old problem, how to catch a Quaffle without the use of your hands. Come on mate, no one in their right mind would hire you, lets be honest."

"I demand a retrial too." Another boy heckled. "Its not fair it goes to Ward, she is a first year anyhow."

"I am doing exactly the same technique as Angelina is over there." Edward shouted. " So unless you boys take your hands off your broom handles right now your trial is over. Next time you want to question why I have chosen one person over another, think about what you have done to hinder my decision making."

Edward indicated for them all to leave, his arm pointing to the ground. They all left in silence, not one of them congratulating Rose for making the next step.

"I really wanted to have a go at being the keeper too." George shouted sarcastically after them all.

"Is that what it was like last time?" Rose asked astonished.

"No, we actually tried a lot harder to see what they were like at Quidditch last time." George grinned. "But we all decided that to save time we would basically do a normal training session and see who was up for Oliver's wacky tactics."

"They are hardly that wacky George." Edward sighed.

"Dude, you've just literally had them all refuse to do one simple task." George chucked. "We knew that you wouldn't have a problem with potentially falling off your broom though Rose, you're far too competitive to say no."

"Thanks… I think?" Rose grinned.

Edward chuckled too, clearly proud that she had gone along with his instructions.

"I'm just going to see how Angelina is getting along" Edward sighed. "I'll be right back." Directing the later to Rose.

"Want to play throw and catch?" George asked cheekily, once Edward had left

"As long as you play fair." Rose replied bemused.

"Like I wouldn't" George replied with an eyebrow wiggle, making Rose grin.

"George I have played with you long enough to know that you never play fair."

"Harsh, but true." George chuckled. "Let me just retrieve the Quaffle off the floor."

Diving down to the ground far bellow, George quickly returned, the ball in hand.

"Before we start, are you going to tell me what happened earlier with Snape?"

"In what sense?" Rose asked cautiously.

"In the sense that you were meant to meet Ron and Harry at Lunch and they haven't seen you since." George answered, throwing the ball gently to Rose. "Added to that, I know for a fact that you haven't eaten all day, which isn't like you at all."

"Oh in that sense." Rose replied sarcastically, catching the ball smoothly. "Well, I asked Snape if I could audition for the radio straight after class so that I could audition for both the radio and Quidditch."

"Thats brilliant news." George sighed in relief whilst catching the Quaffle. "How did the audition go?"

"I didn't have one." Rose replied matter of factly, catching the Quaffle that George had thrown slightly too high. "He told me I would have to choose."

"Sorry?" George asked confused.

"I didn't have an audition. But what I did get was free feedback from the dear Professor. He told me I was overhyped, untalented and nothing particularly special." Rose sighed bitterly, quoting Snape's words with her fingers. "So, after that riveting conversation I knew that I would rather be here supporting you guys, instead of selling my creative soul to the devil."

"What a twat." George replied resentfully, throwing the ball back to Rose.

"Agreed" Rose laughed bitterly. "The worst part was he sneered at me George. He said that I should sign up to do singalong Friday as that was more appropriate for my 'talent'."

"He said what!?" George uttered, dropping the Quaffle in surprise.

"You heard." Rose sighed.

"Please tell me you did something" George asked angrily. "Did you leave a stink bomb in his classroom? Poison his pumpkin juice? Leave a balding sweet on his desk?."

"Not quite no." Rose replied smiling slightly. "Though I do have something up my sleeve."

"As long as it isn't doing Karaoke Friday, I don't mind helping you concoct a plan." George replied jokingly, diving down to retrieve the Quaffle before Rose could give away that she had done exactly that.

"Is that really what happened this afternoon?"

She turned to see Edward, his face looking devastated on her behalf. He had clearly heard the whole conversation.

"In a summarised way yes." Rose replied. "But please don't worry. I can honestly say that he just made my decision a whole lot easier."

Edward narrowed his eyes, trying to see if she was telling him the whole truth.

"Edward." She replied calmly. "I'm fine."

He nodded, his shoulders relaxing as he read her truthful face.

"How did things go over there?" Rose asked, tactfully changing the subject.

"Angelina has also narrowed it down to one person." Edward replied, his eyes intensely reading her. "We have agreed to bring the whole Quidditch team together now so we can divide the team and play as if we are playing a match. Harry, Fred and George will play with the other candidate Jessica, whilst you will play with Alicia, Katie and Angelina. With the help of your team mates you will both try to score a goal, which I will be defending."
Okay." Rose replied in understanding.

"Ready to go?" George asked with sarcastic enthusiasm.

"Ladies first." Rose replied, extending her arm for him to go first.

"Why thank you." He grinned.

They flew in a triangle to the other side of the court where the rest of the team were waiting with Jessica. Looking at them all in turn, Rose couldn't resist a small smile when Harry mouthed 'Well done!'

"Nice to see you Rose." Angelina addressed her formally, nodding her head at Rose in politeness. "It will be interesting to see how well we work as a team."

"Thank you Angelina." Rose replied carefully. "I am also looking forward to seeing your Quidditch skills."

Edward exhaled slightly, clearly feeling the awkwardness that was slightly present in the air.

"Jessica, have the others explained what the next stage is?" Edward asked smoothly.

"Mmhmm" Jessica replied, nibbling her lips seductively at Edward.

"Okay.. great!" He replied, a slight wrinkle appearing on his nose. "I'll get into my Keeper position and await your throws."

"I don't know why we bother." Alicia muttered to Angelina.

"Because it is always worth an attempt Alicia." Angelina grinned, flicking her hair whist gazing after Edward.

"Okay!" Fred shouted, gaining all their attention. "As we have no Madam Hooch this time I will throw the ball into the air. It will then be a free for all to get to Quaffle first. As soon as either team get the Quaffle, we will attempt to play Quidditch as best we can. We have some some bibs here to make the two teams more obvious, Jessica which colour would you like to be?

"Blue." She replied confidently.

"Alright. Girls, here are your green ones."

Accepting a green bib off Alicia, Rose put it on looking around to see if the others were ready. Edward already in position by the goal posts, the two teams formed either side of Fred, waiting for him to act.

"Is everybody ready?" He shouted clearly. "Alright. Three - two - one!"

Fred punched the ball high into the air with an impressive amount of force, the Quaffle disappearing into a thick grey cloud. Cautiously on guard, Rose watched the ball slowly fall, quickly predicting the speed to which it was falling at. Hauling her broom upwards, she moved sharply at a right angle, travelling quickly towards the Quaffle before the others had even moved. Not that they lingered for long, the others now hot on her brooms tail, Rose followed the rapidly falling ball, hoping she wasn't misjudging when to collide with it. Pushing the broom closer to the ball she managed to grab the Quaffle, and hook it securely under her arm within ten seconds of Fred throwing it. The shock of actually retrieving the ball lasted a split second, before she beelined for Edward. Focus etched on her face, she wove under George and managed to neatly avoid Harry's right side pounce. With Fred close behind her she could predict that he was about to ambush an attack. Rose glanced to her right, noticing Angelina was open, without hesitation Rose threw the ball to Angelina, distracting Fred by sharply stopping. Angelina caught the ball instinctively, shocked that Rose would have the initiative to use a teammate. Nodding with a small smile Angelina dove forward, free to make an attempt at a goal.

"Nice try Ange." Edward laughed, throwing the Quaffle to George.

The next half an hour continued to be good fun as Rose and Jessica equally managing to get the Quaffle whilst working well with the rest of the Quidditch team. A couple of times Rose caught Jessica simply hand the ball over to Angelina, clearly intimidated by her on the Quidditch pitch. Something that made Fred curse loudly a few times.

"Stop handing her the ball Jessica, she isn't going to eat you!" He roared.

Guiltily nodding, she continued to play cautiously throwing the ball to the twins or Harry as soon as she gained the Quaffle. Having observed the other sides tactics, Rose quickly predicted what manoeuvre Fred was most likely going to take to next.

"Alicia, lay low in front of Fred." Rose whispered excitedly.

"Sure." Alicia agreed, clearly intrigued.

Both of them stalking him from underneath they followed him as he held onto the Quaffle. Taking her aim, Rose launched herself directly behind him, punching the Quaffle out of his grasp. There was a confused "Huh?"as the Quaffle smoothly fell into Alicia's outreached arms from bellow, her grin clearly visible. Rose giggled as he swore in fake annoyance, bemused that the plan had actually worked. Determined to get the Quaffle back, he headed straight after Alicia who quickly passed the ball to Katie who in turn passed it to Angelina. Angelina headed straight towards Edward, avoiding George's attack. About to take aim, her eyes focused on Edward, Harry appeared out of nowhere, blocking her shot. Angelina growled, not wanting to loose the ball at such a close distance to the goal posts. Glancing round for her team she noticed Rose was free, throwing the ball quickly her way. Rose caught the ball with one hand, her body at the perfect angle to take aim. Rose glanced at the goalposts throwing the ball at the middle hoop without hesitation. Not thinking too much about the outcome, the Quaffle spun in the air at a decent speed, the ball getting closer and closer to the hoop. All the players stopped, watching as Edward stayed still, nowhere near the Quaffle nor the targeted hoop, his eyes fixated instead on Rose.

"Oh my!" Angelina uttered, her words somehow drawing Edward back to reality.

His eyes snapped on the Quaffle, his pale fingertips reaching the ball just in time to bounce it off the metal edge of the hoop.

They all waited for Edward's instructions, curiously staring at his smooth poker face.

"Everyone on the ground." He shouted carefully.

"That was intense." Alicia grinned eagerly, landing next to Rose's side. "I honestly thought I was going to witness history then."

"I'm gutted I didn't succeed." Rose laughed bitterly.

"Don't be!" Alicia whispered. "After that performance, you have my vote. I thought you were good before, but my God you are just what we need."

Edward and Angelina were huddled closely, quickly communicating their own thoughts with one another.

"Does anybody actually want to carry on?" Angelina asked Edward loudly.

Edward pulled away from their huddle, looking at the group carefully.

"How are you both feeling?" Edward asked cautiously.

"Amazing" Jessica replied breathlessly.

"Good to hear." Edward replied diplomatically but not without a smirk. "Rose?"

"I'm fine." Rose replied amused.

"Good." Edward smiled, his eyes twinkling. "We won't be too long. I think there are some people waiting for you both over there. I'll come and find you."

"Okay." Jessica squeaked, the thought of Edward finding her clearly too exciting.

Nodding her understand to a perplexed Edward, Rose turned to see who she would recognise from the small crowd. The crowd mostly formed of the deselected candidates who thankfully didn't look too angry anymore Rose openly grinned as she saw Ron sat on a front row seat.

"Ron!" Rose announced eagerly beaming.

She hadn't realised until seeing him, how much she had missed him the last few hours.

"I went to the potions classroom and when I found Lee, he confirmed my suspicion. You weren't there!" Ron explained in a worried tone.

"I just needed some space." Rose replied giving him a hug. "Its been a pretty long day."

"It looks like you tackled the trials head on." Ron said proudly, looking up at the hoops impressed. "All these guys thought you were actually going to score just then."

"Thanks." Rose replied embarrassed, wrinkling her nose at the compliment.

"Rose?" Edward called gently from behind her. "We are ready when you are."

"Good luck." Ron grinned knowingly.

She walked towards the Quidditch team as Edward went to get Jessica. Their faces not giving anything away, she waited patiently for the others return. When Edward returned alone, Rose looked to the others wondering if they shared her confusion.

"Where's Jessica?" Rose asked curiously.

"We felt like she wasn't really one of us just yet." Katie replied.

"We knew that today was going to be tough." Angelina carried on. "But what none of us expected was for someone to blend in so well with the rest of the team and work so well."

Eyebrows raised in surprise at Angelina's words, Rose met her gaze and smiled at her in appreciation.

"Thank you." Rose acknowledged in true gratitude.

"Your more than welcome" Angelina replied quietly.

Subtly seeing Edward's own grateful face, she looked at the twins and Harry who were beaming.

"Katie, Alicia and myself would like to show you around the Gryffindor Headquarters if that's okay?" Angelina asked awkwardly. "Its all a lot of common sense really but it's good to know where the changing and shower rooms are."

Looking over to meet Fred, George and Edward's gaze, they smiled and nodded, giving her the okay. Knowing Angelina was trying to make new bridges from her past mistakes, Rose allowed Fred to take her broom as he approached.

"Thanks" she murmured to him.

"Your welcome." He whispered back with a wink.

Looking towards her new girl teammates, she grinned confidently as she addressed them all in turn.

"That would be lovely thank you."

Following the three girls back out towards the grounds, Rose briefly turned around as she walked, looking back at Edward who was looking encouragingly back at her. Once she was out of sight, Edward turned his attention on Harry and Ron.

"You guys can head off too if you like. Thank you for your help today Harry, it is greatly appreciated."

"Not a problem Oliver. Are you sure that you don't want a hand tidying up?" Harry asked guiltily.

"No, don't worry, I have my slaves to do it for me." Edward winked, looking over at the twins.

Waiting until they were left alone as the three of them, Edward started to gather up all the spare brooms with his wand. Purposefully avoiding their unanswered questions, it amused him that their curiosity couldn't wait five more minutes. Securely fastening the Quaffle back into its leather case, Edward rose from the ground, his tasks now complete.

"Well?!" Fred asked impatiently.

"Well what?" Edward replied innocently.

"You bloody well know what!" Fred muttered. "I know full well both me and George have been bombarding you with the same question since it happened."

"No." Edward answered with a grin.

"More that that Oliver! Details, we need details!" George insisted.

"Alright, alright!" Edward replied, amused. "No, I wasn't tempted to let Rose be the first to get the Quaffle past me. I might like her, but I still have my Hogwarts record to upkeep."

"Well from our angle it looked pretty close Oli. Another second and I'm sure that you would have scored a home goal. What happened exactly?" George asked curiously.

"I got distracted by looking at her." Edward replied awkwardly.

If he could have blushed at that moment, he certainly would have. The look the twins were giving him were scrutinising at best.

"What?" George replied shocked.

"Its hard to justify." Edward chuckled. "Usually when someone approaches I can hear where they are going to score, so I don't need need to particularly pay attention. But today I was focused on Rose so much that I had a human moment where I was just caught up in her world. The determination on her face caught me unawares and it was only when the Quaffle went past me that I snapped out of it."

"So you had to rely on your supernatural vampire instincts of slow motion and fast reflexes to defend your title?" Fred answered questioningly.

"Thats it in a nutshell" Edward grinned.

"She is going to keep you on your toes." George replied satisfactory. "If only she knew the power she has over you, you would be so screwed.

"Shoe successfully on the other foot." Fred joked. "Did you see Jessica earlier? That was embarrassing."

"You didn't see the two damsel's he rescued earlier." George chuckled. "I think their brains actually melted you know? How they forgot basic broom control, I will never know.

Edward sighed, his embarrassment clear;

"I hardly encourage it."

"Its your smouldering eyes Oli." Fred replied wisely.

"Is it now?" Edward grumbled.

"Oh shh." George chuckled. "Just because you want Rose to notice your smouldering eyes more often."

"She notices a bit too much as you know full well George." Edward muttered.

"She always has been an observer." Fred added wisely. "But you know what Oli? I think you enjoy her keeping you in check."

"I certainly never get used to her surprising me, that's for sure." Edward grinned. "I don't know what I did to get her to choose me, even if it was just Snape's hostility but you know what you two? Today has ended up being another perfect Friday."

At that precise moment, Rose was in Edward's office, comfortably sat in his Captain's chair, her legs stretched out onto his desk with her feet crossed. Grinning at her new teammates own cheeky grins, she sighed in relief.

"You know what girls?" She beamed. "Today as ended up perfect."