Ron.
"Vampire?" Ron muttered in confusion, the air of amusement in his voice. "Rose, are you actually having a nightmare?"
Rose slowly opening her eyes, the bright autumnal light of the hospital wing glaring back at her. She groggily looked around at her surroundings, relieved that she could finally move her body.
Her eyes finally found Ron, his tired face full of relief.
"Hey." She said croakily.
"Hey." Ron chuckled, moving closer to where she lay. "How are you feeling?"
"Sleepy." Rose smiled weakly. "Which sounds daft since that's all I've been doing."
"Your body has just repaired a jaw, nose and shoulder without magical aid. I think we can cut you a break." Ron replied seriously.
"Mmm." Rose responded thoughtfully. "That does sounds like a lot of breaks."
Ron jokingly rolled his eyes, muttering "You think?" Under his breath.
Ignoring the sarcasm, Rose watched his facial expressions, her heart growing heavy with concern. He really did look a mess.
"What?" Ron asked nervously.
"Nothing." Rose smiled softly, It's not like she could tell him how rough he looked. "Its just that I feel like I haven't seen you in ages." She admitted.
"You haven't" Ron replied seriously. "At least, not since Friday night."
"Though it feels like more right?"
"Under the circumstances we have found ourselves in yes." Ron admitted. "Even if I did technically get to see you play yesterday."
"Not that I really got to play much Quidditch." Rose said bitterly.
"You still managed to score the only goals." Ron replied reassuringly.
"Yeah." Rose scoffed, rolling her eyes. "About the only thing I managed to do right."
"Things were out of your control." Ron reminded her.
"Edward told me not to play." Rose admitted. "I just foolishly didn't see Marietta as a threat."
Rose's stomach churned as she addressed Edward by name, the physical discomfort must have been clear as Ron was now looking at her with concern.
"Rose?"
"I'm fine." She replied adamantly.
"I think none of us were expecting her to jump from tricking you in a contest to smashing your face in." Ron argued.
Rose sighed, looking at Ron and then down to her hands, feeling guilty that he presumed she was worried about Marietta and not in fact Edward.
"I don't even want to ask who won." Rose muttered bitterly.
"We did." Ron answered confidently. "Harry caught the snitch within moments of being back on his broom."
"Did you see what happened to Harry?" Rose shuddered.
"Harry is extremely lucky." Ron agreed with a glum grin. "He did want to be here, but he needed the rest. Hermione is with him to make sure he actually does."
"I honestly don't know how he managed to get back onto his broom." Rose sighed honestly. "When me and Fred were hovering underneath him I really feared the worst."
"As did we." Ron agreed. "That was until we helped him."
"You and Hermione helped Harry?" Rose asked confused.
"I was going to wait to tell you, but… Well to be honest I've been dying to tell you."
"Tell me what Ron?" Rose asked curiously.
"Well…" Ron replied, clearing his throat confidently. "When Harry's broom started to vibrate and thrash around like that, we knew it must have been tampered with somehow.
I asked Seamus for his binoculars and Hermione asked Lavender for hers and we started to scan the crowd for Malfoy."
Ron paused to look at Rose, her face concentrating on him intensely.
"It wasn't Malfoy." Ron explained. "It was Snape."
"Snape?" Rose whispered remorsefully.
"Yes." Ron agreed. "We caught him with his eyes fixed on Harry muttering under his breath."
"So what did you do?" Rose asked in intrigue.
"The only thing we could do." Ron admitted. "We tracked him down, snuck up behind him and set him on fire-"
"I'm sorry. What?!" Rose shouted slightly dumbstruck.
"Shhh let me finish!" Ron grinned. "We needed him to break his eye contact with Harry and the only thing we had on us was the jam jar fire."
Rose, still in shock couldn't reply, so Ron continued knowing she was listening intensely.
"We were in shock, of course. It isn't every day that you set your teacher on fire.
We realised that we had lingered for too long and a sense of panic over swept us. We turned and ran from the scene so quickly that we accidentally knocked poor Professor Quirrell over in the process.
I feel really bad as I couldn't stop to apologise out of fear of being caught so we had to just keep on running until we were back at our seats in the stands. It was only at this point that were able to turn our attention back towards the game and see that Harry had managed to get back on his broom and…"
"And?" Rose asked eagerly.
"And my heart stopped." Ron whispered. "The stands were eery in silence. You were crumpled in Oliver's arms with blood surrounding you everywhere. No-one had even noticed that Harry was holding the snitch.
You were unrecognisable Rose. It was only because of your hair colour that I knew it was you."
"Hey" Rose replied quietly, reaching out to stroke his forearm in comfort. "I thought you were okay now that you know I'm fine?"
"It thought I was." Ron admitted. "Its just the memory of seeing you like that. Everyone was acting like you were dead."
"I can't remember much of it." Rose replied reassuringly. "It all happened so quickly that luckily my mind has erased it."
"Good." Ron shuddered.
"I do remember half a conversation I overheard last night though." Rose admitted. "Am I right in believing that no-one has come forward to say that they witnessed Marietta?"
"Only Oliver." Ron sighed bitterly. "All the teachers were distracted by Snape dancing around trying to put out his flaming robes and everyone watching the game was fixated on Harry and his broom. Marietta chose her moment well."
"Which is remarkable for someone who doesn't even care if she gets caught."
Ron sighed in agreement, looking out the window he said distantly;
"Oliver managed to fly down and catch you so quickly, that by the time he landed, he didn't even wait around for the first aiders.
I could see the grief and worry on his face and all I could do is stand there and feel guilt. I know I have been bitter and rude towards him and that's got to change. He has always looked out for you and the way he responded to you yesterday showed how much he understood the horrendous pain you were in."
Rose paused before replying, she understood that the conversation had clearly been awkward for him to say and didn't want to rush her response. Ron didn't need to know how much pain she had been in, it would only add to his burden.
"It was nothing I couldn't deal with." Rose answered eventually, offering him a small sad smile.
Ron looked away from the window reading her carefully.
"Come, sit with me." Rose said soothingly.
Patting the bed, she embraced Ron in a comforting hug, his shoulders relaxing - the concern he had felt throughout the night soon disappearing.
"I don't think I say it as often as a should, but I really do love you Ron." She whispered.
"I love you too." He muttered back.
Rose leant her head onto his shoulder, which Ron reciprocated. Both absorbed contently in their own thoughts, in silence they stared out the window.
With nothing else to occupy her thoughts, Rose's contentment didn't last long as her mind soon returned to her nightmare - Edward's sunken face entering her mind, his mouth oozing with blood.
Apart from sing-along-Friday, Rose had never kept a secret from Ron no matter how small or insignificant it was. She wanted to tell Ron of her nightmares and what she thought they might mean but every time she tried to open her mouth her heart stopped her.
The continual battle behind her heart and her mind trickled from Rose's chest and up her throat, forming a hard guilty lump.
In a poor attempt to make herself feel better, she reminded her that she needed to remain cautious. If she was right about Edward being able to read minds, she couldn't tell Ron because if she did, what would happen? Edward would know that she had told Ron. She needed to protect Ron by keeping him naïve.
The lump in her throat throbbed knowingly. - This wasn't the only reason why Rose wasn't sharing her theories.
Rose desperately wanted Ron to like Edward and she was frightened. She knew Ron too well to know that if she did end up being right, he wouldn't understand.
She turned to look at Ron, smiling slightly at the realisation that he had fallen asleep. - He really hadn't slept well.
Staring at him in the warm light of the hospital wing, Rose grabbed her sketch book from her bag and started to sketch his portrait. It was a good distraction having to concentrate on just one thing, working so well that Rose was taken by surprise by Madame Pomfrey reentering the ward.
"I am glad to see you awake and looking so well Miss Ward. How are you feeling this morning?" Madam Pomfrey asked seriously
"I little sleepy." Rose admitted. "But I'm feeling back to normal, thank you."
"The sleep is just a side effect from the sedative. It will wear off throughout the day. I do however think I will keep you in as a a day patient until tonight just to be on the safe side." Madam Pomfrey admitted as she checked Rose's forehead with her hand. "Normal temperature, no bruising or broken bones, you are unsurprisingly completely healed. I can't emphasise enough how much you really do need your rest. If the amount of guests you have received already has anything to go by I can tell that won't happen in Gryffindor tower."
"How many guests have I had?" Rose asked in surprise.
"So far twelve." Madam Pomfrey said with slight disapproval. "None of them were deterred by the fact that you were unconscious, nor by the times throughout the night. Professor McGonagall was in just before Mr Weasley."
Looking sternly at Rose briefly, Madam Pomfrey turned to Ron before continuing;
"And Mr Weasley! You knew that your visiting hour finished an hour ago! There are others who want to be graced with Miss Ward's company."
Jumping awake Ron coughed and nodded in response;
"Right..I'll be on my way then."
"Ron." Rose paused, thinking how to delicately ask without causing suspicion. "Would you be able to get some books from the library for me?"
"From the library?" Ron grumbled. "Can't I just get Hermione to get one from the dormitory for you?"
"No." Rose replied bluntly. "I'm looking to read a book that I don't own."
"So a specific book." Ron nodded in understanding. "Genre please?"
"Anything with Vampires in." Rose asked casually with a forced innocent smile.
"Okay Vampires." Ron nodded again. "Hang on… Vampires? Has this got anything to do with your dream from earlier?"
"Its got everything to do with my dream from earlier." Rose agreed honestly. "Call it morbid curiosity."
"You do need something to entertain your time in here." Ron shrugged. "I'll get the books as quickly as I can.
Sighing with a small smile, Ron patted her arm before leaving promptly. - He could hear Madam Pomfrey returning with chocolate croissants and a hot chocolate.
"Chocolate is a fantastic remedy for many things." Madam Pomfrey answered Rose's curious stare. "And it will help make you feel more like yourself."
"What time exactly is it?" Rose asked curiously.
"Believe it or not, it's only seven thirty." Madam Pomfrey answered. "You have your next visitor in an hour if you are up for it?"
"The more the merrier, thank you." Rose replied gratefully, biting into the warm oozing croissant.
"Then I will bring them to you as soon as they arrive." Madam Pomfrey replied with a small smile "Mr Weasley brought you some clean clothes including some more pyjamas. He insisted that you would want to have some fresh things once you had awoken.
Showers are at the end of the ward on the right, if you feel up to getting out of bed."
Rose quickly finished her breakfast, realising quickly that it had been the first thing she had ate in over twenty-four hours. Making her way to the showers, she picked up the fresh pyjamas, grateful for Ron's simple thoughtfulness.
The shower was powerful and warm, the thick droplets landing on her, massaging her muscles. The feeling of the water not only refreshed her body, but it was rejuvenated her mind.
She acknowledged honestly that she wasn't allowed to be scared of Edward - She had after all wanted to know his secret.
Heading back to her bed after her shower, Rose was relieved to see that it was Hermione waiting for her. A large pile of books now beside her spare clothes.
"Hermione!" Rose grinned in relief. "I'm so pleased to see you.
Giving her a huge hug, Rose sat back on the bed, Hermione quickly joining her.
"How are you?" Rose asked fondly.
"Me?" Hermione asked in surprise. "Don't worry about me, for heavens sake Rose, how are you?"
"Its honestly like it never happened." Rose smiled, adjusting herself up on the bed. "Ron told me about what happened yesterday, I have to say I was impressed by the fire."
"He told you already?" Hermione shuddered in regret. "You've got to believe me Rose, it was the only option!"
"Hermione, I'm not judging you." Rose grinned. "It's not every day that you can say that you have set fire to a teacher AND got away with it."
"This is true." Hermione nodded seriously. "I can't believe that I defended him the other night. Even I have to admit that he must be behind the troll and the three headed dog."
"You weren't to know Hermione. We will all just have to put our heads together and theorise some more. Just maybe a little bit more seriously than we did before" Rose sighed bitterly.
"Is that why you need these books?" Hermione asked with intrigue. "Ron asked for me to come to the library with him and then just proceeded to throw books at me."
"He didn't explain why I wanted the books?" Rose asked curiously.
"No, he didn't." Hermione tutted.
"Well, the books have got nothing to do with the dog actually." Rose explained, feeling the anxiety and lumpy throat return.
"There are a good array of books here." Hermione stated, looking at the titles of the different books.
"Is there anything there that would suit a curiosity in vampires?" Rose asked embarrassed.
"There are a few books that mention them briefly." Hermione replied, not noticing Rose's slight blush. "But if it's just vampires that take your fancy, I suggest you read this one."
Hermione smiled, fumbling through the large pile until she came across a small, thick, purple bounded book, embedded with gold leaf.
'Blood Brothers: My Life Amongst the Vampires' written by Eldred Worple.
Rose gulped, her spine tingling as she gazed upon it.
"Sounds intriguing." Rose announced as casually as she could.
"He has written quite a few Magizoology books." Hermione answered knowledgeably. "They are all a little dated as they were written in the early 20th century, but if this book is anything like his others, all these other books will be irrelevant in comparison."
"Thanks Hermione." Rose smiled, accepting the book off her. "How come you haven't managed to read this one yet?"
"I've never come across it before." Hermione admitted. "It must be a popular read."
Rose nodded, stroking the cover of the book in her hands. With some hesitation she put the book down, her fingers yearning to turn the pages. With great difficulty she turned her focus away from the book, her eyes had lingered on the cover for too long.
"Rose. I can tell that your itching to start reading it."Hermione laughed. "I'm the same when I'm given a book, I'm not going to be offended. I am more than happy to sit here and read one of these other ones if you want the company?"
"Would you mind?" Rose replied in relief, the lump in her throat slimming in size slightly.
"Not at all." Hermione smiled.
Rose snatched the book eagerly, the small spine slotting between her thighs perfectly. On the back of the front cover was the library label, the stamping section blank apart from today's date.
"Rose?" Hermione asked, her tone worried.
"Ron seems to be the first person to check this book out?" Rose explained.
"Wizards donate books to the school library all the time." Hermione explained. "So though the book is old, it might have only just come in. It would explain why I haven't managed to read it yet."
Rose nodded her understanding, snuggling more comfortably in the pillow before picking the book back up.
By the time Hermione's visiting hour had come to an end, Rose had already got acquainted with many of Worple's vampire connections. It was a strange read. Worple had written the book from his own perspective in a documentary styled diary format, written over a ten year period from when he lived amongst different vampire covens.
Worple spoke about how his Vampire friends lived amongst muggles and wizards, how they hunted and ate and how they socialised and survived in the 20th century. He travelled all around the world to visit the different covens, and Rose could tell from his writing that he had a weary, but gentle fondness for them.
On more than one occasion the book confirmed something Rose had noticed about Edward, her heart pounding with excitement, yearning her to continue reading.
'Chapter 11: "Vegetarians"
In this chapter I travel to the United States of America, to meet two separate covens that haven't touched human blood in over a decade.
The Cullen and The Olympic covens share a passion for feeding off the blood of animals as they feel that feeding off human blood is inhumane.
These Vegetarian Vampires hold the same traits as one would expect from the more traditional Vampire as their strength and speed isn't altered by the inferior blood. It is only their eyes that show their different 'diet', their irises a piercing gold colour instead of the distinctive red. As the animal blood slowly drains from their system, their eyes darken to amber and then black when they become more hungry. This natural cycle subtly shows how their strength deteriorates before they must feed once again.
Vegetarian Vampires can also tolerate being around humans at close distance and can eat and drink human food. Though the later doesn't give them any sustenance, it has been paramount for their survival as it allows them to blend more easily in society.
The Cullen family:
In my many travels, I have never found a coven quite like the Cullens. Walking into their comfortable family home, I was quickly welcomed into the kitchen by Esme Cullen who wanted me to sample the freshly made pumpkin soup she had created just for me.
The love and care that had gone into the simple dish was astounding. She relished in the opportunity to play host and to make me as comfortable as she possible could - Even admitting to me on a later date that she heard the soup was indeed my favourite.
It was hard to believe of Esme's agonising past, her sweet demure showcasing how happy she now was.
I was soon introduced to her husband whilst I was finishing my second bowlful of soup. Carlisle had just come back from his day shift at the local hospital as a Doctor. (A muggle Healer.)
Carlisle's background is an intriguing one. Born in 1640 in London, England, Carlisle had spent the majority of his life on the continent of Europe before settling finally in the United States.
Carlisle explained how lonely and isolating the first two hundred years of his new life were. - He had tried to fit into other covens, but his dietary needs often offended them. With him constantly having to be on the move once his welcome had become stale, he became fixated on the idea of helping people.
Removing himself from coven life, Carlisle gained a degree as a Doctor, taking the brave decision to work amongst Muggles. He later on studied to become a Healer, which he now continues to do part time.
Carlisle was a support for both the muggle and wizarding community when the Spanish Influenza pandemic hit America. It was as his Doctor that Carlisle met Edward-Oliver.'
Rose paused, her spine tingling with the adrenaline. She knew she was about to uncover the truth but she was nervous. The genie was nearly out the bottle completely, and there was now no turning back.
'Edward-Oliver was one of many that was dying of Spanish influenza at the Chicago isolation hospital, where Carlisle explained that the wards were so packed that patients were left to die in corridors.
Edward-Oliver had come in with his Mother. They had recently lost Edward-Oliver's Father to the same disease and were now all alone.
Edward-Olivers's Mother could tell that Carlisle was different from the other Doctors. The two of them sharing a close bond of friendship over the coming days.
She told Carlisle that 'Her Edward' was also special. That he had gifts that others could only dream of. She went on to explain that Edward-Oliver had been invited to attend a special school for his gift, but her husband had forbid it. She knew she was dying, but she needed her son to survive. The night she died, she begged Carlisle do whatever he could do to keep Edward alive - So he did.
Once Carlisle bite Edward-Oliver, he had to move him quickly whilst he was still ridged in pain, the venom working from the inside out. The hospital was so overrun in the pandemic that Edward's body was easily lost in the system and Edward-Oliver Mason was marked as dead the following day.
I managed to visit the Chicago Cemetery before my arrival at the Cullens. Though this was an unusual way round to do things for most people, I felt that this was the way to mark the death of the Edward-Oliver I didn't know, before meeting the Edward who has been around ever since.
Staring at the imposing family crypt, with Edward-Oliver Senior and Elizabeth Mason names staring before me. I couldn't help but smile knowing that the space that had Edward- Oliver Junior Mason carved beneath was empty.
The special gift that Elizabeth Mason had been speaking of was of course Edward having the gift of being a wizard. His Father, frightened by the power that his son might have had over him, refused to let him go to Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, something that forever burdened her. Edward has however since been there.
Activities:
What I find most fascinating about the Cullens is just how human they are with their hobbies. Carlisle has hundreds of books on just about any topic whilst Esme has a fascination for architecture. It is young Edward however who steals the hobby Crown. With a keen interest in music, he has quite the hand at piano, creating his own music to the most astounding melodies-'
Rose lowered the book down. Her hands which were still gripping the edges of the book drenched in sweat. Breathing heavily out, she breathed quickly for a few moments before her breathing eased - She must have been holding her breath in for sometime without realising it.
There was no denying what she had just read, Edward was indeed a Vampire and a vegetarian one at that.
She stared down at the book again, a small frown forming on her brow. It perplexed her that the confirmation didn't frighten her, it concerned her. She felt deceived, now knowing she hardly knew him at all.
She had learnt in such as small space of time that he was American, wrote music and even played the piano but the fact that hadn't he told her these things when he knew how much music meant to her, bothered her.
His diet also explained another issue she had wanted to raise with him. His diet of feeding off animals explained why he had gone to the forbidden forest and why his eyes were back to normal the following morning.
Rose reread the section of his grave, it was a poignant point. It was strange to think that Edward was in fact meant to be dead.
"You look like you have seen a ghost, is everything okay?" A worried voice spoke from the end of her bed.
Turning her head, her eyes slowly went into focus, surprised to see that the voice in fact belonged to Cedric Diggory.
"Cedic.. Hi!" Rose replied slightly baffled.
She promptly snapped the book shut, the contents of her own detective work swallowed within it.
"I thought that I would check up on the wounded soldier, but you are looking absolutely radiant."
"Thats very kind of you." Rose replied sincerely. "How are you?"
"I'm doing very well thank you." Cedric smirked.
"Good..good…" Rose responded, feeling all of a sudden awkward in his presence.
He was staring a little too intently at her now and Rose suddenly felt uncomfortable in just her pyjamas.
"What are you reading there?" Cedric asked curiously, noticing the thick purple book in her hand.
"A book." Rose replied slightly too quickly, instantly regretting answering so soon.
"I can see that." He grinned. "Is it any good?"
"It's an interesting read, yes." Rose replied vaguely. "Though it is a required taste."
"Is it fact or fiction?" Cedric asked curiously, sitting on the edge of her bed.
"Fiction" Rose gulped.
"Really? I wouldn't have put you down as a novel lover." Cedric replied with a laugh.
"And what makes you say that?" Rose tutted.
"There is something about you Ward." Cedric smirked again. "I just can't imagine you becoming all gushy over a romantic leading character that doesn't exist, apart from on the pages in a book."
"Who said you need to be gushy to like novels?" Rose responded with raised eyebrows. "And these character don't just exist on the pages Cedric, they exist in the readers minds and sometimes in their hearts."
"It still doesn't make them real." Cedric justified.
"Of course it doesn't." Rose agreed. "But don't scoff at some of the best books out there just because they have love as its base. Some of the best works written by muggle or wizard have been written in the form of a novel. Look at Jane Austen or the Bronte sisters."
"I haven't read any of their work." Cedric shrugged with a sheepish grin.
"Then I suggest you try." Rose replied curtly. "You might surprise yourself and actually enjoy the 'gushy read.'"
"Mr Diggory!" Madam Pomfrey exclaimed in a shocked voice. "What do you think you are doing in here?!"
Cedric practically jumped out of his skin, standing promptly from the bed, he recovered quickly enough to answer;
"Visiting Miss Ward?" Cedric replied carefully.
"On what authority?" Madam Pomfrey urged.
"I don't understand?" Cedric replied, the confusion clear.
"This is hospital wing Mr Diggory not a common room. You cannot just come barging in here whenever you feel like it. We have standard visiting hours for a reason."
"Mr Wood didn't seem to need to stick to that rule yesterday." Cedric replied, a sour edge to his tone that didn't suit him.
"Mr Wood was helping me aid to Miss Ward." Clipped Madam Pomfrey. "And why I should have to explain myself to you I have no idea, ten points from Hufflepuff."
Any cockiness in Cedric's demeanour was now completely gone. He stood looking ashen and downtrodden, holding his head low to his chest.
"Since you are here now however, you may wait outside as Miss Ward will be discharged soon. If you could also let her official next visitor know this news it will save me some time."
Nodding at Madam Pomfrey, Cedric gave Rose a friendly grin and left without another word.
It was an awful thought Rose admitted to herself, but she really wished he would just go on without her. She wanted to finish reading the Cullen chapter before the distractions of the outside world intervened, the main one being Edward himself.
Inevitably every time Rose picked up the book to continue reading, Madam Pomfrey would either examine or require Rose to answer more questions, with Rose in the end packing the book securely in her rucksack, she begrudgingly knew it would have to wait until bedtime.
Half an hour after Cedric had left the hospital wing, Rose was discharged by Madame Pomfrey on the condition that she didn't overexert herself. Quickly changing in the t-shirt and jeans that Ron had packed for her, Rose quickly made her way to the exit.
Rose pushed open the heavy wooden hospital doors, surprised to see that it wasn't Cedric's face that she was met with first, but Edward's. Her shoulders instantly relaxed as she inhaled the comforting smell of Edward, her face still wearing her surprise.
"Hey." She murmured to him. It was clear in her tone that she was pleased to see him.
"Hey Ray." He replied huskily, his eyes intensely staring at her.
Edward sounded exactly as she remembered him to sound, his accent undefinable.
Rose didn't respond as she walked slowly towards him, her eyes locked on him and him alone. Standing in front of him now, his face the only thing that she could see, she stared at him intensely, relieved that the desired feelings that she had for him forty-eight hours ago had returned.
"Thank you." She managed to say meaningfully. "You went above and beyond of what was expected of you. You truly are a wonderful person Edward-Oliver."
Edward curtly nodded, tucking a piece of Rose's hair behind her ear.
"I would do anything for my Ray of Sunshine." He said proudly, his eyes glistening in passion.
Rose smiled, a deep blush glowing on her neck. Though she had heard him mutter the words yesterday, she hadn't connected before that that was the reason for her nickname.
They must have been staring at each other for a little too long as Cedric coughed in an attempt for attention before standing directly in front of Edward, the space between him and Rose now suffocating.
"Really?" Cedric said confidently. "I thought it was Angelina who was meant to be your golden girl?"
"Cedric, come on?" Edward said in a tone that held warning. "Rose has just come out the hospital wing and you are already spreading gossip."
"I didn't realise it was." Cedric asked smoothly. "Are you ready to go down to dinner Rose?"
Rose looked curiously at the two boys. - Something was going on.
"I could so with the food." Rose finally admitted.
"Then let's go get you some." Cedric smiled gently. "Though I have to admit, I am disappointed to see you out of your pyjamas."
Rose blushed deeply again, not knowing where to look. Holding her gaze on the floor she was relieved when she heard Edward scoff at the comment. Moving close behind her, Edward gently removed her school bag.
"I've got the bag Oliver." Cedric said confidently.
Removing the bag promptly from Edward's fingers, Cedric gracefully swung the rucksack over his shoulder.
"Sorry Rose." Edward breathed softly. "Would you mind giving me your hand."
Edward had been so careful in the way he had threaded her cardigan sleeve through Rose's right and left arms that she hadn't noticed him do it. Excepting his hands eagerly, he levered the remaining bits of the sleeves, pulling her hands through the two arm holes.
She hadn't realised how cold she had actually been until the woollen layer was hugging her skin. Surprised to see that it was indeed one of her own cardigans she exchanged another curious glance with him. Edward winked, his crooked smile set in place. His smile continued to grow as Rose turned to look back at Cedric who's own face was sour again.
"Sorry Cedric, I believe we are both ready to go now." Edward announced confidently.
"You could have just given Rose the cardigan to put on." Cedric scolded.
"I could." Edward admitted. "But where would the gentlemanliness be in that?"
"You don't always have to be the gentleman." Cedric muttered.
"You had already taken Rose's bag." Edward explained. "It was the least I could do."
"And Rose is right here." Rose muttered dryly. "Hearing this bickering conversation loud and clear."
She looked directly at Edward, her eyes silently telling him off. She felt justified in doing so. - After all he knew her far better than Cedric did and therefore in her eyes, he should have know better.
His face still smug, Edward gestured with his hand, leading Rose down the corridor with Cedric having to keeping up on their left.
The walk was in verbal silence, but Rose's heart was beating loudly in her chest, the new found knowledge that Edward would be able to hear her increased heart rate, not helping calm her pulse down. She could feel Edward's eyes intensely on her, the feeling making her feel slightly giddy.
She sighed slightly heavier than she anticipated, the noise gaining a raised eyebrow from Edward. She needed to ask him so many questions about her discoveries, but when was she going to get the right time to ask them?
*Edward?* she asked in her head.
Edward was now distracted by Cedric, his mouth twitching at something amusing.
*Edward I know your a mind reading Vampire.*
She sighed heavily in frustration, the notion again gaining a confused look from Edward. Waiting for him to look back towards the front Rose whispered;
"I have a theory."
So quietly it wasn't audible.
Edward's eyes narrowed slightly, the action so subtle that Rose nearly convinced herself that it hadn't happened at all. After an agonising second, Edward slowly turned to look at her, a questioning look in his eye.
Curious to how he was going to respond, Rose nodded eagerly for him to reply.
"So yesterday." Edward announced casually, clearing his throat nervously. "You wanted to talk to me. You seemed worried and upset. Was this because of the wild idea you had?"
Cedric's ears pricked at the sudden conversation, his eyes darting from Rose to Edward.
"I had a wild idea?" Rose replied curiously. "I don't remember saying those precise words."
"Sure you did." Edward said carefully. "I asked you what was worrying you and you said you were worried about something you had seen."
Rose frowned. What was Edward playing at? It was hardly like she could discuss her theories in front of Cedric. Contemplating how she could reply with her own cryptic message, she was momentarily distracted by Cedric who had started to chuckle bitterly.
"What's so funny?" Rose asked confused.
"Oliver is." Cedric chuckled. "He is subtly trying to find out if you caught him and Angelina at it or at least what you know about Angelina and himself. If the rumours around the school are true, they are the newest Hogwarts couple."
"Diggory if you think that me and Angelina are such a wild idea, why have you brought this up for a second time now?" Edward seethed. "I think you know that the rumour isn't true."
"Isn't it?" Cedric smirked. "You have been hanging around with her an awful lot."
"Because she is my vice captain." Edward urged. "I have been going back to all the team continuously over the past day to explain Rose's recovery."
"Neither of you have denied the rumour" Cedric continued. "I myself saw you this morning, Angelina was all over you."
"Angelina has been very upset over everything that has happened." Edward muttered bitterly. "She didn't cope very well seeing Rose the way she looked."
Rose looked at Edward guiltily, wondering how bad she had actually looked for others to be that traumatised.
"Would that also explain why you were too busy to see Rose this afternoon." Cedric asked curiously. "It's just you were seen hanging around the grounds with Angelina."
"I don't need to explain my actions to you Diggory." Edward growled.
"No you don't." Cedric agreed. "But maybe you should to Ray?"
"Don't you call her-"
"Enough." Rose said quietly.
Edward stopped instantly, moving closer to stand next to Rose, she looked at him carefully before turning to Cedric.
"I'm sorry Rose, I didn't mean to make you jealous." Cedric announced politely.
Rose couldn't help but blush, suddenly very conscious of the boy she liked standing close to her left hand side.
"I'm not jealous." Rose replied adamantly. "Edward can date however he likes and he doesn't need to explain or justify who he hangs around with. If I'm being honest, I just feel weird hearing of my teammates affections. It wasn't relevant to the discussion at hand."
Rose looked from Cedric to Edward, the awkwardness in the air stagnant.
"Isn't relevant." Cedric acknowledged smugly. "Did you hear that Oliver? Rose isn't even jealous."
Edward looked visibly upset, his eyes betraying his chiseled emotions. Cedric smirked again, his thoughts clearly bothering Edward further.
Rose's breathing had quickened, the confrontation accelerating her heart rate. The lump in her throat had also quickly reformed, the stress of the last couple of days suddenly mounting up.
She looked to the floor, unable to look at Edward. She had never been one to be jealous and she certainly didn't want to come across as the jealous kind now.
"Rose?" Edward asked, his tone slightly disappointed. "Rose, talk to me?"
Raising her eyes, she looked carefully into his golden eyes.
"I'm fine Edward." She insisted with confidence that was nonexistent.
Edward looked at her unconvinced, his eyes pleading with her to communicate her thoughts. Closing her eyes for a moment in concentration, she chewed her lip contemplating whether to continue.
"Talk to you about what?" Rose replied carefully.
"About your wild idea?" Edward prompted.
"My wild idea.." Rose paused briefly. "Well. I was wondering if I could practice a theory on Ron.."
"You want to practice your theory on Ron?" Edward replied suspiciously, the confusion evident.
"I don't want to involve Ron in the whole theory." Rose carefully responded. "But I do need some outside participation."
Edward's eyes narrowed once more, his mind clearly trying to calculate Rose's thought process.
"Good grief Oliver, are you really that paranoid about Quidditch matches" Cedric scoffed.
They both turned to Cedric curiously, his own face grinning like a hyena.
"Having my Quidditch ideas a close guarded secret has clearly worked in the past Diggory. As I seem to recall, we have beaten your team every time." Edward scolded.
Cedric's face stayed unchanged, he shrugged nonchalantly before responding;
"That may be true Wood, but I would trust Rose with any secret."
"As do I." Edward responded curtly.
"So this is about Ron?" Cedric dug in.
"Cedric I don't think-" Rose started
"If Rose wants to involve Ron, I trust her judgement." Edward hissed as he took a step towards Cedric.
Caught off guard by the sudden movement Cedric looked ashen faced, taking a step back. You didn't need to be able to read Cedric's mind to see that he had become absolutely petrified.
Instantly backing off, Edward looked mortified, his eyes moving from Cedric to Rose, the guilt and pain clear in his eyes. Rose shrugged subtly, giving him a reassuring, sympathetic smile, before checking Cedric who looked like he had recovered.
The walk down the marble steps was slow and awkward, with neither boy wanting to talk to the other. With Rose slightly ahead of them both, she was grateful that she didn't have to see the looks that they were giving one another.
Hearing the loud humming of chatter and laughter that was coming from the Great Hall, Rose quickened her pace, joining the small crowd waiting to enter the room.
As she entered the warm hall she skimmed the sea of heads at the Gryffindor table, hoping to catch sight of someone she knew. Her face lite up as she made eye contact with Harry, he eagerly waved and pointed to his side, indicating that there was space for her.
Rose waved back grinning, darting around a group of lingering students who were talking by the entrance doorway. As she moved she felt a slight tug on her cardigan sleeve, the notion gentle but purposeful. Rose slowly turned, realising that Edward was holding her arm. His gaze curious but nervous.
"Rose?" He muttered carefully.
"What is it Edward?" Rose asked curiously.
"I'm sorry for back there." Edward replied bitterly. "My testosterone got in the way."
"Your forgiven." Rose nodded curtly, slowly raising her gaze to meet his eyes.
Edward's hand still holding onto her arm, he politely nodded his head towards Cedric.
"I think he wants to have a private word." Edward announced stiffly.
Rose's eyes narrowed as she registered that something was bothering him. As Edward lowered his hand, Rose cautiously leant around him. Cedric was hovering in-between the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables, looking directly at the pair of them.
"You think that Cedric wants to have a word with me?" Rose asked carefully.
"He is looking right at us." Edward replied confidently.
Glancing at Edward once more, Rose frowned as she gazed into his eyes;
"I better see what he wants then."
Slowly retracing her steps back towards Cedric, Rose was sure that she could feel Edward's stare on her spine as she walked away, the feeling buzzing with intensity. As she approached Cedric, Rose couldn't help but notice that they were visible to the whole of the Great Hall, the amount of attention they were already drawing embarrassing.
Now with Cedric and Edward in her eye line, Rose paused beside Cedric her face curious.
"Everything okay Cedric?" Rose asked intriguingly.
Her eyes briefly looking back towards Edward.
"Yeah, it's just you wondered off back there." Cedric replied with amusement. "Here's your school bag."
"I guess I did." Rose nodded with a grin. "Thank you, I didn't release how hungry I was, I went into autopilot mode."
"Ah I see!" He chuckled in understanding. "I like a girl with a healthy appetite."
Rose blushed, stumped as how to reply. Cedric was being rather forward - again.
"Anyway." Cedric continued, oblivious to Rose's awkwardness. "I was wondering if you wanted to hang out again sometime."
"Oh." Rose responded with surprise, her blush deepening. "Hang around again like we did in the hospital wing?"
"Well I was hoping one of us didn't need to be in hospital for me to have to see you." He laughed, cupping her chin with his hand as he spoke.
Rose internally shuddered at the touch. The touch felt different from when Edward did it, the move intrusive, making her feel uncomfortable.
"I really wasn't expecting that." Rose managed to stutter.
"Well, I'm not one to hesitate if I know what I want." Cedric shrugged stepping even closer.
Rose could feel Edward's intense stare from over Cedric's shoulder, she was surprised Cedric hadn't reacted to it, realising quickly that Cedric clearly didn't care.
"Cedric.." Rose hesitated nervously.
She shook her head whilst subtly taking a tiny step backwards. The new space between them allowed her face to be free from his hold, the relief instantaneous.
"Have I given you the wrong impression?" Rose asked, her face full of worry. "I would hate for you to think you that I have been leading you on."
There was an obvious laugh from behind Cedric, covered up quickly into an unconvincing cough. Peering around Cedric slightly, Rose shot Edward a harsh glance, her mood suddenly turning sour. Edward was convincing no-one with his fake cough and it was clear Cedric had heard it too.
"I meant as a friend." Cedric smiled cooly. "Sorry for the misunderstanding."
"Oh Good!" Rose sighed in relief as she grabbed his arm in embarrassment. "I thought things were going to get awkward then, how silly of me. You know you don't have to ask permission to hang out with me? Just tag along anytime you want to, okay?"
Releasing his arm from the comforting hold, she could feel an embarrassed blush returning quickly.
"Of course I will." Cedric agreed, the forced smile still there. "And don't forget our other agreement. You owe me a duet Ward."
"Thats true." Rose grinned.
"Anyway I better find a space at the table before they are all gone." Cedric explained awkwardly.
"Sure." Rose agreed, with a small smile. "Thank you for visiting me today Cedric. It was very thoughtful of you."
Waving goodbye, she promptly walked away, still able to feel the heat from her embarrassment radiating off her.
Her eyes now locked on Edward, she wore her anger and disappointment clearly on her face as she walked directly towards him, the bemusement laced on his own face adding to her emotional fuel. It was clear he had been waiting for her, still standing where she had left him, his eyes never breaking contact from hers.
"Stop looking smug Edward." She snapped as she passed him. "You knew full well what Cedric was going to ask me, you practically forced that situation to happen."
"Prove it." Edward muttered seductively, easily keeping pace with Rose's broad steps.
"Be careful what you wish for Edward." Rose hissed. "You've just embarrassed me in front of the entire school and I am desperate to wipe that smirk off your face."
They both turned to look out towards the other house tables, all too aware that most students were subtly observing their interaction.
"I don't know what has happened since I've been in hospital, but I've never been one to follow rumours or dive straight into them." Rose announced boldly.
"And you think I do?" Edwards asked harshly.
"I don't know Edward." Rose replied honestly. "I'm still trying to work out why you just framed that situation."
"Everyone is allowed their shot of happiness." Edward defended.
Rose looked at him confused by his words.
"ROSE!"
The announcement so loud, it attracted more stares from other students. Jumping up at the site of Rose and embracing her into a strong hug, Angelina let go of Rose's neck, only to cling onto both her arms.
"Rose, how are you doing?" She asked confidently.
"I'm doing fine." Rose replied gratefully "I'm just glad to be out of the hospital wing."
"I bet" Angelina replied quickly, already not really paying attention "And Oli has been keeping us all updated on your progress, haven't you Oli? Angelina continued.
Moving over to Edward, Angelina put her arm round him shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze.
"That was very kind of him." Rose replied looking straight at Angelina, her tone sarcastic.
Angelina giggled, leaning her head confidently on his shoulder. Though she looked euphoric, Edward's face was painfully chiseled. Looking into his eyes boldly, Rose challenged him to confront her suspicions. This was all screaming towards what Cedric had mentioned earlier, the gossip becoming reality.
"I think I'm going to go sit with my friends now." Rose said distantly. "I haven't seen Harry since the game-"
"Gosh!" Angelina exclaimed. "You must have loads to talk about, especially since the pair of you won us the game. Oliver himself hasn't had time to celebrate the good news, he was a little distracted yesterday caring for you in the hospital wing. He is an absolute superstar, not even complaining that we didn't have a party to celebrate."
Angelina went onto rubbing Edward's chest, the notion slow and seductive.
"I'm sorry to have been such a burden for you Oliver." Rose said cooly. "I guess you can go celebrate with Angelina now with the knowledge of me out of hospital and no longer a cause for concern."
Edward looked at her harshly, clearly not liking her tone and use of name.
"I think you know full well I didn't see you as a burden." He muttered in disappointment.
"From where I stand, I'm struggling to understand what I know." Rose replied honestly, her eyes lingering on Angelina to insinuate her point.
It had became quite difficult to exchange conversation with Angelina whilst ignoring Edwards continual stare, his eyes daring her to make eye contact with him. With Angelina blissfully unaware of the friction that was now forming between Rose and Edward, she continued to lean further into him.
"I think I'm going to go." Rose said distantly.
"You did say before." Edward replied bitterly.
Looking at him with frowned confusion, Rose shook her head at him, not understanding how the course of the evening had led to this.
"Goodbye then." Rose announced aggressively, purposely walking into his shoulder as she passed.
"Rose?" Edward reprimanded. "That was hardly called for."
Shaking off Angelina's hold on him, he turned to look at Rose challengingly, his face again smug.
"For someone who keeps claiming that you don't listen to hearsay, your doing a fantastic job of circulating it." Rose uttered.
"I'm not doing it for the rumours." Edward replied cockily.
Rose paused, her confusion quickly turning to understanding.
"Are you doing this to try and make me jealous?" Rose hissed, her voice low and quiet.
"So what if I am?" Edward muttered seductively.
"Why?" Rose asked suspiciously.
"My testosterone got in the way." Edward replied slyly.
"You can't blame your hormones twice in one evening Edward, besides it's not going to work." Rose announced with confidence she internally didn't feel. "All your going to is lead Angelina down a rabbit hole again, and that's not fair on her."
Walking away from Edward before he could see her blush, she managed to escape talking to Fred and George as she walked by, grabbing their shoulders affectionally as she passed.
Finally making her way to Harry, Ron and Hermione she was mobbed by Smutz who was tied up to the closest table leg. Unclipping his lead she lifted him up into a hug, ruffling his head and breathing in his familiar smell.
"He has been fine." Ron laughed. "spoilt rotten by the whole common room actually."
"Oh don't over exaggerate Ron, Oliver has done most of the looking after." Harry chuckled.
"Ah Saint Oliver to the rescue." Rose muttered bitterly.
"Fallen out with him already?" Ron asked curiously. "He only saved your life yesterday."
"I may have momentarily chose to ignore that fact." Rose agreed, "This afternoon has just been bizarre."
Sitting down next to Harry, she enveloped him into a warm hug.
"Hey." She muttered into his shoulder.
"Hey." He answered back. "Its good to have you back."
"How's the last twenty-four hours been like?" Rose asked bitterly ."I've already been informed you didn't get the party you deserved."
"Oliver made it clear that there wasn't to be a party until you were part of it." Harry acknowledged. "Besides none of us wanted the party, we were all shaken up after what happened."
"I thought everyone was ecstatic that you caught the snitch?" Rose asked confused.
"Does it count as catching if I nearly swallowed it?" Harry replied.
"That's an unusual approach." Rose chuckled. "But I guess you did catch it regardless.
"That was the argument Angelina made to Hooch." Harry agreed. "Oliver had already taken you to the hospital."
"I see." Rose nodded in understanding.
Looking around at her friends she could see their solum faces, the air all of a sudden serious.
"Guys come on!" Rose muttered. "I'm fine. Its like it never happened."
"But it did happen." Harry uttered.
Grimacing at his words, Rose looked over to the Ravenclaw table, instantly finding Marietta amongst the crowd.
Casually in conversation with her friends, she was relaxed and happy, her actions not displaying the hurt and torment she showcased the day before.
Rose gulped as she gazed upon her, the memories of the day before coming back in thick, dramatic waves. Her hands started to sweat as her heartbeat raised to an alarming pace.
"Rose?" Hermione asked, her voice full of concern.
"I was semi conscious last night when Edward, Fred and George came to visit me." Rose whispered so quietly that they all had to move closer to hear. "Edward said something… he said that she was doing these things because she is jealous that I talk to him."
"Marietta is jealous that you talk to Edward?" Ron barked. "Is she a complete fruit loop?"
"I think she is just a nasty person Ron, who doesn't care for consequences." Hermione muttered. "But how does Oliver know thats what she is thinking?"
"Because…" Rose paused, her eyes flickering to Edward's observing eyes. "Because he overheard her saying it."
Rose couldn't help but notice Edward's shoulders relaxing.
"How very carless of her." Hermione responded, her tone astounded.
"I know." Rose agreed. "But her last words to me do make more sense now."
"What did she say?" Harry asked seriously.
"This is for stealing him." Rose answered distantly.
They sat in silence for a few moments, letting the words truly sink in.
"Oh Rose." Hermione finally spoke up. "I'm so sorry."
"Its fine." Rose replied bitterly.
"What do you want us to do?" Harry offered gently.
"Have my back, just like you have been doing." Rose smiled bitterly.
"Your a strong, young lady, you know that?" Ron stated confidently.
"Thanks Ron." Rose chuckled.
"Now that we have you smiling again, can I ask what on earth Cedric wanted?" Hermione asked in intrigue.
By the time Rose had filled the others in on everything that had happened since Cedric arriving at the hospital wing, the Sunday dinner and puddings had been cleared and the Great Hall has started to dwindle in numbers. Luckily the conversation had quickly moved onto what the others had done with their Sunday afternoon. As it had turned out, the three of them had visited Hagrid earlier that day and had brought up the three headed dog in conversation.
Hagrid in turn was so shocked at their knowledge of "Fluffy" had accidentally admitted that he was in fact the dogs owner.
"Your Kidding me?" Rose exclaimed. "He calls that 'thing' Fluffy?"
"No we are not." Ron answered sternly. "He even claimed the dog is really friendly."
"I bet he did." Rose muttered darkly. "Who wouldn't want a dog with three bloody heads."
"We also need to do some research on someone called Nicolas Flamel" Hermione chipped in enthusiastically. "Hagrid also accidentally mentioned his name."
"Nicolas Flamel?" Rose muttered curiously. "Why does that name ring a bell?"
"We all think we have heard the name somewhere before too." Harry agreed. "And we now know that whoever this guy is, "Fluffy" is guarding whatever belongs to him."
Rose sighed in disbelief. They had suddenly got a lot more information then they had intended to find, all of it swirling around the possibility of Snape and the security of Hogwarts.
Rose's spine began to tingle, the familiar feeling of Edward gazing upon her trickling down her back. The feeling gave her surprising comfort, even if she was still annoyed by his tricks.
Turning to look back she was surprised to see him deep in conversation with Angelina, his entire focus on her. Though Angelina had thankfully removed herself from Edward's body, her head was now in her hands, leaning towards him seductively. They looked good together Rose thought, the lump returning in her throat from earlier. She sometimes forgot how much attention Edward got from other girls, forgetting that he could easily have anyone he wanted. Rose had got so used to getting so lost in her conversations with him that she had somehow convinced herself that Edward might feel for her what she did for him.
*Shit* Rose muttered to herself.
Looking down at Smutz on the floor, Rose gulped, the lump in her throat growing. She didn't want to be jealous, this wasn't her. She wasn't one to resent other girls for talking to him and she certainly didn't want to associate her feelings with Marietta's.
She bitterly looked back up, her face showing the jealously she couldn't contain. In the briefest of seconds, Edward looked at her, the look of self-satisfied triumph on his face.
His eyes and attention now purely on Rose, he continued to stare, the smug look locked into place.
"How did you get on with that book Rose?"
"Book?" Rose repeated, her eyes moving away from Edward and Angelina and back to Hermione who had asked the question.
"Yes the book Ron got from the library? Did you find it useful?"
"It was very…educational." Rose smiled, her eyes flickering back to Edward's.
"Oh good." Hermione beamed. "I will have to borrow it once your done with it."
"Yeah sure." Rose replied distantly.
*Wait what?* Rose thought to herself. *You cant give Hermione the book, she would work the Cullen connection out in thirty seconds.*
Cursing to herself, Rose started to chew her lip. She didn't know whether she could hide this secret from her friends forever and whether she even wanted to. Glancing at Edward she could see that he had superficially returned to his conversation with Angelina, his eyes darting towards her every now and then. She needed to speak to Edward about this and soon.
"Ron?" Rose whispered leaning across the table to gain his attention.
"Yes?" He replied, leaning closer with his eyebrows raised. "Could you tell their conversation was boring me?"
"No." Rose laughed. "I just needed to ask a favour from you."
"Another one?" Ron moaned. "I have already been to the library for you once today."
"But this doesn't even require you to leave your seat." Rose justified. "And it will take a second tops."
"Okay." Ron agreed. "If it only takes that long, it would be cruel to say no."
"Thank you." Rose sighed "All I'm going to do is write something down on a piece of parchment. What I then want you to do is read it, but its of the utmost importance you don't read it out loud, okay?"
"Errr sure?" Ron frowned in confusion. "Can I ask why?"
"I'm just curious." Rose smiled confidently. "Lets just say it's a theory."
"Fine." Ron answered suspiciously "Lets do this."
"Thank you." Rose replied sincerely.
Leaning into her rucksack, Rose retrieved her quill and a small scrap piece of parchment. Glancing back at Ron who was staring at her curiously, Rose gulped as she looked down the empty parchment paper, tickling her chin with the quill in concentration.
After a couple seconds, the ideal thought came to her, with a small smile she wrote in a neat hand.
'Carlisle Cullen'
Folding the piece of parchment carefully in half, Rose pushed the parchment towards Ron before she had time to change her mind. Her heart was beating in her chest and breathing shaky, she waited impatiently for Ron to except the parchment.
Slowly reaching to collect the offering, Ron held the small piece of paper in-between his thumb and finger, staring at Rose curiously.
"Please Ron, just read it." Rose whispered anxiously.
Nodding, Ron opened the parchment, reading and re reading the two words written down upon it.
"I don't get it?" He announced out loud.
But his question would go unanswered.
Rose was staring at Edward, her face a mixture of relief and shock. What surprised Rose was that Edward's mask had slipped. He was staring back at her, his facial expressions imitating a rabbit caught in headlights.
"Told you I'd wipe that smirk off your face." She whispered so only he could hear.