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.

17. Christmas

Christmas

Exhausted Rose's eyes began to close, the heaviness of her lids impossible to fight off. Quickly falling into a dreamless, deep sleep she was awoken what felt like moments later by her alarm.

Retaliating quickly, she promptly smacked the noisy object, before lying back down against her pillow.

"Not now." She whispered pleadingly. "I really do need more sleep."

Begrudgingly rolling over to look at the clock, she sighed as she read the correct time. It was inevitable that she was going to have to get up if she was going to get ready in time for the radio.

She stared up at the canopy of her bed, gulping guilty as she became more aware of her surroundings. Her heart plummeting by the second, she inwardly cursed to herself -She had not only let Edward go but she did so with an unfair ultimation.

With a frustrated groan Rose got up, fussing Smutz on the way to the shower. Her hair now washed, and her muscles more relaxed Rose instinctively dressed into the outfit she wore the night before knowing Edward's smell would engulf her.

It was only as she made her way back to her bed that Rose noticed the neat note that Hermione had left there.

'I couldn't wake you, you needed the sleep.

We need to get back on track finding Nicholas Flamel, can you organise library visits over the holiday?

Hermione x'

Rose sighed again, the familiar lump of guilt arising. She had been so caught up in her on/off relationship with Edward that she hadn't even thought to make the time to wish Hermione a Merry Christmas - she was a terrible friend.

Pocketing the note, she mentally promised Hermione that she would to speak to Harry and Ron later that evening. Turning to Smutz who was pretending to be asleep she quietly picked up his lead.

"Come on boy." She whispered. "Lets just get through today first."

Making their way downstairs for an early morning breakfast, Rose was relieved to see Lee, George and Fred already tucking into their large English breakfasts.

"Morning everybody." Rose announced with enthusiasm she didn't feel. "What's the plan for todays show?"

Sitting down next to Lee, she helped herself to some bacon and eggs.

"Oh no you don't." Fred interjected. "I want to hear about last night and your not avoiding my questions this time around."

"What burning questions do you need to ask this early on in the morning?" Rose gulped nervously.

"Ones that involve you and Oliver." George continued.

"We overheard Angelina." Lee explained awkwardly. "She seemed quite insistent that you two were an item."

"I see." Rose replied. "Because we were holding hands."

"So you admit it!" Fred insisted boisterously.

"We were." Rose admitted. "And then we went down to dinner together."

"So everything Angelina mentioned did happen." George exclaimed with some surprise to Fred and Lee.

"It was all quite innocent." Rose agreed.

"Nothing involving Edward-Oliver and handholding is innocent behaviour." Fred replied harshly. "And I know that's not all that happened."

"Excuse me?" Rose scoffed, her fist clenching as she tried not to blush.

"Ever since that last Quidditch practice, you've both been acting weird." George replied honestly.

"How have I?" Rose persisted.

"For starters you forgave Oliver more easily than if we had done that to you." Fred winked.

"Is that so?" Rose smirked.

"And your forever replying to our questions with questions." George chuckled. "Its getting to be quite infuriating."

"I can't help it when I feel interrogated all the time." Rose answered honestly. "Your never normally this suspicious."

"Shall we change the topic onto more pressing matters?" Lee hastily muttered to the twins.

The twins pulled their own eyes away from Rose, silently accepting the pile of open letters.

"It's been a slow week for Weasley's Whinge advice." Lee explained. "We have spent the last 20 minutes flicking through fan mail."

"Its normally a lot longer than that." Rose joked. "Edward normally has his own dedicated pile."

"This is his pile this week." Lee replied, pointed to a decent pile that had been hidden to the right. "But this week your fans have been the most popular."

"My fan-mail?" Rose replied surprised, her eyebrows raised.

"You did strut on stage in your underwear Rose, you were bound to turn some heads." Fred tutted.

"Well, where is your fan mail then?" Rose retorted with a blush.

Lee spat his tea across the room, grinning at Rose with some amusement, he muttered; "Did you want to read some?"

"No." Rose replied curtly.

"Good job really." George joked, "We have been reading them out loud and some have been really quite juicy."

Accepting the chosen Weasley Whinge letters from Lee, Rose jokingly scowled at George before pushing her empty plate to the side.

"Time to head up." She sighed. "Let's hope that Snape is in a good mood today."

Snape was indeed in a good mood when they arrived in the quiet studio, his smirk all to visible as he slated the Gryffindor's for being one minute late.

"There is no time for a run-through of the show." He muttered gleefully.

"But Sir!" Lee protested.

"No buts Jordan." Snape hissed. "Set up and shut up."

Moving in silence, they set up the room so that they could face one another. Sitting down next to Lee and opposite the twins, Edward's spare chair beside her cruelly reminded her of his absence.

"You ready?" Lee asked checking the time.

Pulling her observation away from Edward's vacant seat, Rose subtly nodded at Lee whilst the twins gave their thumbs up.

Lee counted down with his hand, their show jingle suddenly playing as his finger count made it to zero - they were now live on air.

"And a very good morning to you all on this freezing cold, festive December morning." Rose announced smoothly. "Whether your listening on the Hogwarts express on your way home, still snuggled up in bed, or currently listening to us somewhere in your home, welcome all!

On todays show, we have the usual tunes that have inspired us all this week as well some old school classics. But to start things off, we have Weasley's whinge. What have you got for us today boys?"

"Well Rose, today we have not one but TWO letters for you." Fred said eagerly.

"Two? My goodness... you do spoil us!" Rose chuckled.

"And don't you know it" George replied with a wink. "And here goes letter number one;

'Dear Fred and George,

Please can you help?

I don't know what to do. At the moment I hate school and often wonder whether I would be better off going back home and be school educated.

Every day I wake up and feel sick of the thought of what the day will bring as some of the girls in my House bully me. What started as verbal bullying has now started to become more physical, even if it is just being pushed.

I feel lost, alone, and without a way of finding it stopping.

From Anonymous"

"Well first of all thank you Anonymous for taking the time to write such a difficult letter to us all." George said seriously. "It is very brave of you to do so."

"And we personally want to beat the daylights out of whoever is doing this to you." Fred added.

"You have my greatest sympathies Anonymous." Rose added. "I have been in a similar situation recently and it's horrible. My advice would be to hold you head up high and ignore these horrible comments, they are usually made from jealousy."

"What about the physical bullying though?" Lee muttered in disgust. "This needs to be addressed quickly."

"It does." Rose agreed. "Anonymous, we don't know your House for obvious reasons but I plead with you to go to your Head of House and talk to them. If they aren't approachable, get another Head involved, they are here for a reason." Rose said sternly.

"I feel if Oliver were here he would give you some really sound advice." Fred continued. "But what I can say is this will get better. Don't give up, things will get better with time."

"So do you think you can help Anonymous?" Rose asked " Write to Weasley's Whinge and we will read your feedback in the next show after Christmas."

"Up next, another letter but first a classic" Lee announced.

Instantly the sounds of 'The Isley Brothers - This little heart of mine' played over the airwaves, allowing the group a few minutes of undisturbed discussion.

"Well that was a tough one to start with." Rose muttered.

"It was." Fred agreed. "Both letters are from Ravenclaw this week and I'm really hoping they aren't connected."

"Why do you say that?" Rose muttered.

"Its just the second letter." Fred shrugged. "Something about it is off, its the reason we did two letters this week."

"I see." Rose nodded thoughtfully. "At least we all know Flitwick is approachable and will listen to their concerns."

"Unlike him." George agreed in a whisper, looking carefully over to Snape in the corner.

The music subtly came to a close allowing Lee bring everyone's focus back to the task at hand.

"That was "My little heart of mine" by The Isley Brothers" Lee announced "Which beautifully fits our next letter, take it away Fred."

"Thank you Lee." Free grinned before continuing;

"Dear Fred and George,

I am in desperate need of your advice and I am confident that it is with you two the the answer can be found.

I am passionately involved with a guy from a different House. WIth our whirlwind romance consistently involving a 'hard to get' attitude.

At the start of this year, my darling decided to keep me on my toes by ignoring me in public and has instead spent the last couple of months trying to make me jealous. As much as I usually enjoy our mind games, I can't hide anymore how much him spending time with that silly girl has vexed me.

I have sent him multiple messages that I am not a fan of this "distraction" and have continued to remind him in many different ways of how much I love him. But recently I feel like my attempts seem to be in vein- it only seems to make him angry for some reason.

As for the parasite, she has been seen less frequently with my Darling so I have again become hopeful that we can finally be together. I am also praying that you choose for my letter to be the one you read before Christmas, as I hope that my Christmas wish will come true. Afterall I don't know what I would do if he didn't choose me.

Anonymous x"

Rose's eyes suddenly widened as she looked at Fred and George in disgust.

"MARIETTA" She mouthed, her distain clear.

Fred and George looked at each other, their unease clear. Lee though shocked, knew that someone needed to say something quickly, they had afterall gone silent on air.

"First of all "Anonymous", you should be putting all your effort into forgetting Oliver and moving on." Lee announced aggressively.

"Other names for the guy are available by the way." Fred blurted out. "Clearly got Oliver on your brain- haven't you Lee?"

There was a whack from under the table.

"Ouch" Lee groaned. "Yes… silly me."

"But I do agree with what Lee said." George announced. "Why put all your effort into trying to get a guy who clearly likes someone else to fall for you? There has to be someone else out there for you more suited to make you happy? This guy clearly doesn't want you affection, shouldn't you be happy that he is content with someone else?"

"Its also not healthy to think in such a way." Fred continued. "Its possessive and stalkerish."

"Anything you want to add Rose? Lee asked.

"Me?" Rose replied, her tone astounded."I don't think there is any sensible advice that I could offer the owner of this letter."

"Why don't you try?" George asked calmly.

Adjusting her seat, so that she became more comfortable, Rose awkwardly cleared her throat as she looked directly at George.

"Sure." She began. "You have spoken about love several times in your letter and I think from my own perspective of what love is, what you are in fact describing isn't love but mere fantasy."

Pausing to take sip of water, Rose couldn't help but suddenly smirk at the irony of the situation.

"But incase, I haven't explained my point of view very well, let me elaborate." Rose continued. "Love is a very strong emotion that you can't really use unless you truly know the person. Even if you feel you know this guy, maybe you should ask yourself how well do you REALLY know him?

For example. Walking past someone in the corridor and following them around all day doesn't count as you hanging around together, nor does violence or threats count as innocent ways of communicating. Though my advice and opinions may be coming across as harsh or unfair, I am simply trying to think of advice that hasn't just been repeating any helpful tips that the others have already said."

"And if responders do think your being overly critical?" Fred smirked.

"Then I would justify that I have read this letter and come to the conclusion that the sender has been misreading 'her Darlings' signs of communication as affection when it hasn't. Most people wont lead others on intentionally."

"Wise words indeed." George added. "So its over to you Dear Listeners. Do you also think Anonymous needs to get a grip and move on? Send us an owl and we will read your replies next week on Weasley's whinge."

The next song was promptly played, making their conversations again private.

"I'm so sorry Rose, we didn't connect the dots." Fred groaned. "We all just thought she was oddly passionate."

"Its not your fault." Rose sighed, reaching across the table to grip his hand. "Like you said, there was a reason why you felt the letter was 'off'."

"We should have name and shamed her on the radio." Lee muttered. "That would have embarrassed her."

"Yes unlike your slip up mentioning Oliver, you bloody idiot." Fred responded, shaking his head.

"I don't know what happened, I really don't." Lee chuckled. "I know he will be listening too."

Rose's grin faltered slightly at Lee's words. What was Edward going to think of the letter or Rose's reaction?

Her mind still distracted by Marietta's letter, Rose was surprised to look up to see the next DJ knocking on the door. What had felt like mere moments had actually been two hours.

"I'm afraid our time is nearly up on today's show." Rose announced in surprise. "But before we go, can I just say a huge thank you for all the lovely messages that continue to come in about the singing competition, they have all been so lovely and really mean a lot to me.

For all those off Hogwarts grounds, remember that Rachel plays the competition live from her radio show on relevant Fridays from six pm. As always a huge thank you to Lee, Fred and George for their help in todays show and may I be the first to wish every single listener a very Merry Christmas. Peter will be with you after the Hogwarts news. BYYYE!"

"Another successful show!" George grinned, cracking his knuckles. "And with it being the holidays, no homework!"

"Lucky you." Rose tutted. "We have a ridiculous pile to get through, I think an afternoon in the library awaits."

"I think they are thinking the same thing." Lee chuckled, pointing to the door where Ron and Harry were waving, books clearly in hand.

"Joy." Rose sighed sarcastically, waving her goodbyes as she walked towards the exit.

A few hours had passed and they had completed all of the potions homework and most of the transfiguration.

"How much more are we going to do?" Sighed Ron as he scratched his eyes in tiredness.

"I guess that depends on whether you have done your history of magic and defensive against the dark arts essay yet?" Rose muttered.

"Have you?" Harry retorted.

"I did it as soon as they assigned it." Rose replied. "I just wanted to get them over with."

"Oh God, I completely forgot about them!" Ron sighed heavily. "I really thought we were nearly there!"

"We are." Harry said encouragingly. "We just need to write another half a piece of parchment of McGonagall's."

"I'm already writing as big as I think I can get away with." Grumbled Ron.

"I tell you what. I will give you my history of magic to help you and we can do the rest of the homework tomorrow IF you finish everything in front of you." Rose said warmly. "Then we have everything out the way."

"Thank you." Ron muttered rubbing his forehead. "I just wanted to finish everything before Christmas Eve, but I know that's looking impossible."

"Whilst you guys finish up I'm going to have a look around." Rose whispered. "Hermione wanted us to continue the search for Nicholas."

"We have searched everywhere." Harry groaned. "Every single relevant book and the guy isn't mentioned once."

"I know." Rose agreed. "But we haven't been in the restricted section yet."

"But Rose, it's restricted for a reason."

"I understand that, thank you Ron." Rose answered with an eye roll. "I just want to see what obstacles have been put in place to stop you getting into it."

Silently standing, Rose walked quietly across the room, pausing behind the end of a case of books. Peering cautiously around the corner, she looked up at the black metal gates right in front of her. Near the ceiling in elegant gold leaf, read the words. "Restricted section."

Rose looked quickly around, making sure the coast was clear she darted towards the metal gates, her hand outreached towards the handle.

"And where do you think you are going Miss Ward?" Madam Pince barked.

Slowly turning on the spot, and subtly withdrawing her hand, Rose quietly replied;

"Nowhere Madam Pince."

"Then I suggest you go back to your table and study." She hissed. "I don't want to catch you anywhere near here again do you understand me?"

"Yes Madame Pince" Rose mumbled.

Making her way back to the table, Rose nodded bitterly to herself in understanding. She now knew there was no need for magical deterrents to stop them getting into the restricted section. Not when Madame Pince was around.

Sitting back down next to Ron, Rose playfully turned towards him, lightly smacking the back of his head - he had afterall been sniggering loudly at Rose's failed attempt.

"Shut it Ron." She muttered with a smirk. "Or I wont share my History of magic homework with you."

Ron's smile instantly faded into a half serious glare.

"Fine." He snipped.

"Put your handbags away both." Harry muttered jokingly. "Did you see anything worth mentioning Rose?"

"Yes." Rose paused smugly. "Have either of you noticed that there isn't any charm work or defence in place to stop you going in?" Rose replied.

"Only because your mentioning it." Harry responded as he peered over to gaze at the restricted section. "So if we managed to get to the library without Pince being here we could theoretically have a look through the books."

"I believe so." Rose agreed.

"It cant be that simple.. can it?" Ron asked puzzled.

"Nobody said it was going to be easy Ron." Harry retorted. "For a start, the only time we can get to the library without Pince being here is at night, when Flitch is on high alert."

"And don't forget that some of the books could be booby trapped." Rose added wisely. "For them to be restricted they could contain some really dark content."

"So I guess my question is, when are we going to return to gain access." Ron added eagerly.

"Lets get Christmas out the way first." Harry sighed. "Homework - Christmas - restricted section."

"Sounds perfect." Rose agreed. "How about you Ron?"

"Go and get your History of magic scroll." Ron sighed. "I'm going to do an all nighter and get this all out the way."

When Rose awoke on the morning of Christmas Eve, she found that Smutz was sat as close to her side as he could, curled up into a ball and lightly shivering. Scooping him up and tucking him under her quilt until his shivering stopped and all she could hear was the soft purr of his breathing, Rose stroked his silky fur in therapeutic rhythmic patterns. She hated waking up at the moment, it was in this short time when she was truly alone that her mind had nothing else to focus on apart from Edward.

She stoked smutz's velvet ears as she pondered her second kiss with Edward, his look of surprise, his admiring gaze afterwards, the taste of honey and musk that was left on her lips as she pulled away from his… would it have been so bad to have been in limbo? To have had these heart skipping flirts with Edward, with no strings attached and no consequences to their actions?

Smutz sighed deeply and stretched, clearly somewhere between a deep sleep and snoozing. Rose smiled bitterly at her pet, his contentment simple and innocent. He was happy as long as he had company and warmth, such a simple existence and yet it wasn't too dissimilar from her own wants. The company and electric buzz she got from Edward was addictive and she would be lying if she didn't admit that she desperately craved it already. Rose pulled her gaze away from Smutz, she needed to get up, detract herself from Edward and the world she created when he was around. She had done it yesterday, she could do it again.

Leaving Smutz to sleep in the warm duvet, Rose jumped quickly out of bed, throwing on a jumper as quick as she could to help her adjust to the cold.

Pouring herself a warm hot chocolate from the jug by the window, she gently shut the door behind her. As she entered the common room, she saw Ron working hard at one of smaller tables by the fireside. The calmness of the room seemed so magical with the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree and roaring fire.

"Hey." Rose whispered gently so she wouldn't make him jump. "How much more is there to do?"

"Three inches." Ron moaned. "My brains melted and I cannot think of anything else to mention."

"Here, let me read through it, you never know I might think of something." Rose replied.

"Is that hot chocolate?" Ron asked enviously. "Where on earth did you get that?"

"You are joking right?" Rose asked in bewilderment. When she realised that he was indeed not joking, she replied; "The water jugs in the common room and dormitories change to hot chocolate at night time… shows how many early starts you've had."

"And how many late night excursions with Oliver you've had." Ron retorted.

Rose paused mid read, her fingers gripping the parchment a little tighter then needed.

"Sorry that was uncalled for." Ron gulped.

Rose smiled, looking up over the top of the essay.

"Its okay Ron." Rose replied with a small smile. "I'm not going to pretend that the past hasn't happened."

Ron nodded a sympathetic smile.

"Here have my hot chocolate whilst I read." Rose said warmly. "I'll grab another once I've finished."

Ron grabbed her drink eagerly, the warm liquid relaxing him instantly.

"Your not going to believe this Ron, but you have spoken about everything that you could have done." Rose said impressed.

"But what am I going to do about the three inches then?" Ron said desperately.

"Is this your final bit of homework?" Rose asked curiously.

"Yes?" Ron said confused.

"Then I wouldn't worry about it" Rose said with a grin. "You've gone over the asked amount by two inches already."

"No Quirrell asked for seventeen inches, I've written it right here."

"Thats a twelve Ron." Rose said carefully. "I think in your tiredness you skim read."

Ron grabbed his notes and sighed relief at the confirmation.

"Well thank goodness for that." He said in relief. "I did it Rose, I actually did it! Before it's properly Christmas Eve too."

"Satisfying isn't it?" Rose laughed.

"It really bloody well is! What do you want to do today?"

Pouring herself another hot chocolate Rose went and sat beside Ron, leaning her head on his shoulder. He reached out and gave her a one armed hug as they sipped their hot drinks.

"You know even when I'm spitting mad with you, I still love you right?" Ron mumbled.

"I know." Rose whispered seriously. "And vice versa."

"I know." Ron agreed.

Eventually Rose made her way back to the common room to shower and change, Smutz was now awake, giving Rose a hard stare as she entered the room.

"Shall we take you for a walk?" Rose whispered softly.

The word made Smutz instantly jump from the bed excitedly. Nodding in understanding, Rose put on her ugg boots and thick parka coat. The others were waiting for her in the common room, and had been discussing what to do.

"Ron I'm going to take Smutz out.…I think he needs to go."

"We will come with you Rose." Lee said eagerly. "Fred has gone to grab bacon sandwiches."

"Oh okay." Rose replied with surprise, casting Ron a questioning gaze.

"We are thinking about going ice skating." Ron explained.

"Right." Rose replied with even more confusion. "But we don't own ice-skates?"

"Lee says he knows a spell that will transfigure your own shoes into some." Ron responded dubiously.

"He better not ruin these." Rose said seriously. "You know how long I had to save up for them."

"For muggle shoes too." Ron replied baffled. "Yes, it still astounds me."

Tutting, Rose lead the group from the common room out into the frosty December air. The school lawns were laid with fluffy white snow. The only marks in the snow from were Hagrid and Fang had made their way to the school for breakfast and then returned to their hut.

Rose bent down to let Smutz off the lead, watching him sprint off in the direction of the lake. As she stood, she felt the sensation of someone staring at her, her spine sending her the warning sign. Cautiously turning in the direction of the sensation Rose's eyebrow raised when her eyes met with Lee's guilty glance. The look he wore was a similar sight, the look of lustful longing and pain, like he had a million things to say yet had no way of explaining them.

Knowing they had been staring for an unusual amount of time Rose subtly waved, her smile sympathetic and small. She had no idea what Lee was thinking, but she knew from Edward's past reactions that Lee might have been suppressing certain feelings. Luckily Lee broke the eye contact first, his blush clear as he looked away.

Now unsure on whether to join the rest of the group, she walked away from her friends, following a trail of footprints she hadn't noticed before. She suddenly stopped in her tracks, the other set of footprints had appeared out of nowhere leading in a perfect straight line all the way to the forbidden forest which was still half a mile away. There was something odd about the footprints, they were too neat, too controlled. The footwear was also a strange choice for an outing in the snow to a forest that was still out of bounds to everyone. It was clearly a male shoe, from the size and indentation, a similar shape to what a brogue shoe would leave. As Rose examined it more closely she felt Harry's presence from beside her.

"What is it Rose?" He murmured seriously. "The trail suddenly starts here of all places."

"That's what perplexed me." Rose agreed, excepting the bacon roll Harry had just handed her. "Its like they levitated out of the sky."

"Wizards can't aporate in Hogwarts grounds can they?" Harry asked.

"No they can't." Rose replied. "So they must have either flown here or landed here somehow, but the footprints are positioned as if they were already walking?"

"Arry, Rose! What are ya doin?" Hagrid bellowed from his Cabin in the distance.

They watched him march quickly through the snow, approaching them in less than a minute.

"Ah you've found the mysterious footprints too."

"You've seen them before Hagrid?" Harry asked intrigued.

"Only since the snow." Hagrid muttered. "But there's not a night that goes by where they don't just appear from one direction or another.

"And are they always wearing the same shoe?" Rose inquired.

"Why yeah, yeah they are." Hagrid agreed confused. "Why?"

"Because they are a suit shoe Hagrid." Rose said confidently. "Which means its most likely an adult male… its a teacher!"

"Your not still on about Snape now are ya?" Hagrid moaned. "Rose I already told ya…"

"Who else could it be Hagrid?" Harry whispered seriously. "It couldn't be a student, if you've seen them that frequently."

Hagrid didn't answer, shaking his head in exasperation.

"Come by for tea when ya get cold okay?" He said seriously. "Are ya goin to skate on the lake?"

"That's the plan." Harry nodded.

"Leave Smutz with me." Hagrid prompted. "He will be happier in the warm with Fang."

"Thanks Hagrid." Rose smiled.

"And don't worry about the footprints you two, its nothin' I cant handle."

Rose and Harry looked at each other before waving goodbye to Hagrid. As they returned to the group they subtly explained to Ron what they had just seen. As they turned to point Ron in the direction of the footprints they saw Hagrid brushing the snowy prints with his pink umbrella, the evidence removed before their eyes.

"You don't think they were Oliver's footprints do you?" Ron whispered.

"No I don't." Rose said seriously. "If Edward wanted to hide his prints he would be smarter than this. This is the act of someone who doesn't realise they are being watched."

"Why is Hagrid hiding the footprints for them?" Ron sighed.

"I think he is frightened Ron." Rose replied. "And sometimes when something unnerves you, you hide the evidence as then it doesn't exist to you anymore either."

"Ready to Ice skate?" Lee asked enthusiastically holding up a pair of gleaming ice-skates.

Though he was acting normal again, Rose couldn't help but notice that he wasn't quite looking at her.

"Sure" Rose nodded with a weak smile, accepting the skates from Lee.

They had now been joined by Katie, Angelina and Alicia who were nervously wobbling on the ice. Lee confidently transfigured their shoes into ice-skates and before long they were all sliding and falling on the Hogwarts black lake.

"Where do you think the squid is?" Ron asked as he wobbled around Fred.

"Why mention something like that when we are directly in the middle of the lake!" Harry shouted at him. "What is wrong with you?"

"I was just thinking!" Ron laughed out loud.

Wobbly at first, Rose was now confidently gliding across the ice, zig zagging around her friends. Fred and George were also more confident than the others, they were chasing each other across the ice and throwing snow at each other when they got into close range. By three, the light levels had started to drop and the coldness of the day had really started to set in. Stiff and cold they all made their way over to Hagrid's to collect Smutz and except the hot tea that he made for them all in his bucket sized mugs. Hagrid offered them all a mince pie which they politely excepted. Each mince pie was as big as their palms, though they were more crunchy then they had anticipated.

Hagrid's stove was giving off a radiant heat which made the atmosphere feel instantly cosy and relaxing, a welcome contrast to the howling wind and snow filled sky outside. Hagrid had brought a Christmas tree for himself from outside and had decorated it with baubles made from different feathers of owl, pheasant and grouse. As she stared at his tree, the overwhelming feeling of it being Christmas hit Rose like a tone of bricks. Butterflies filled her stomach as she felt the warm excitement fill her with joy. She looked from face to face as she looked around the room, watching Fang and Smutz curled out in front of the fire, the mutual joy like ecstasy in the air.

"A pet dragon?! No you can't be serious Hagrid!" Alicia shrieked, a giggle which filled the air.

"Why ever not?" Hagrid grumbled. "They are bootiful creatures."

The yell from Alicia made Rose jump out of her daydream.

"Did you say Dragon Hagrid?" Rose asked amused?

"I did." Hagrid said shiftily "And don' give me that look Rose, I know you an the rest off your family ere are biased towards Dragons."

"Whys that?" Harry whispered to Rose.

"Because Ron's older brother Charlie works with them." Rose muttered. "He is currently working in Romania which is why Aunt Molly and Uncle Arthur have gone out there this Christmas."

"Charlie respects Dragons Hagrid." Ron said confidently.

"He is just sensible enough to not want his beard set on fire." George chuckled.

The conversation changed quickly after this with the talks changing to Christmas dinner the next day.

"Jumpin gargoyles look at the time!" Hagrid roared, shooting out of his seat and making everyone jump with his voice. "Were gonna miss the Christmas Eve feast if we don't leave soon!"

Ushering them up as quickly as he could, he escorted them to his front door. Hagrid seemed visibly nervous, as he turned his hut lights out one by one. As his hand gripping his lit lantern tightly, he turned to the others;

"And Lumos your wands an' all." He muttered. "Its pitch black outside now."

Indicating to Rose to open the door, she turned the handle, ready to fight the cold. Her eyes glancing down so that she could carefully walk onto the snow, she silently gasped;

"Hagrid." Rose whispered. "Hagrid…there are more footprints."

"Where?" He barked in shock.

He trundled over to where she was standing, looking over her head in the direction she was staring.

"But they start right outside the door." Hagrid frowned.

He was right. The footsteps began outside his porch, and then moved with a sharp right through the pumpkin patch which lead straight to the forest. The angle at which they started would mean that either they were produced by leaving the huts front door or..

"They were on the roof?!" Ron hissed. "Has this happened before Hagrid?"

"Never." Hagrid replied in confusion.

"Hagrid we need to get up there and.. what is it Harry?"

The light tap from Harry made her quickly swallow her words. She followed his gaze over to the rest of the party who were now all staring at the four of them in confusion and intrigue.

"Another time." Rose grumbled, "Lets get to dinner… LUMOS"

As she stepped out into the freezing darkness with Smutz, the fresh snow crunched underneath her boots. The bitterness of the wind soon had her shivering, the warmth of the hut had left quicker than she had anticipated. She spun to aim her wand light onto Hagrid's roof and sure enough there was an indentation of someone landing there.

"What was all that about?" George hissed.

He had followed Rose outside alongside Ron, he face serious.

"There have been sightings of footprints." Rose answered honestly, she didn't need them acting more suspicious with her.

"Is that it?" George replied, looking from the roof to Rose's wand arm.

"Yes." Rose responded innocently.

"That's a broom landing, if your wondering." George said seriously.

"Excuse me?" Rose replied sharply.

"The snow that's missing on the roof? It's from where someone has dismounted their broom. But why they landed there beats me, its not like our conversations were that interesting!" George chuckled.

He jogged back to Fred and the girls leaving their conversation private once more.

"That would explain why the footprints suddenly appear." Ron whispered.

"It does." Rose nodded. "But why would Snape want to land on Hagrid's roof? No wonder Hagrid is nervous."

"I don't know." Harry replied seriously. " But I would happily bet my nimbus two thousand that it has something to do with vault 713 at Gringotts."

The Christmas Eve feast was spectacular in presentation and taste. The candles that lit the room and hung from the Christmas trees twinkled warmth and each table had been adorned with wreaths, holly garlands and more colourful candles. Unlike during school time the tables were mingled with children from all school houses chatting with one another having a fantastic time. The Teachers table, though crowded like it always was seemed more relaxed this evening, with even some of the Teachers coming down to chat amongst the students once the feast had finished. Instead of heading back to the common room, with the majority of the Gryffindors, Rose waved goodbye to the others to take Smutz out one last time. Dancing on the spot to keep warm, she daydreamed of bed with the inviting warmth and comfort she knew it offered. She could feel a niggling feeling on her spine, the notion telling her there was someone standing behind her. Taking a deep breath and gripping her wand which was in her pocket, Rose spun round quickly, it could afterall not be Lee.

"Ron you frightened me." She gushed, clutching her hand on her chest.

"You thought I would let you be out here by yourself?" He accused.

"Well no… not really." Rose admitted. "I was only going to be a few minutes and thought I could catch you up."

"If Hagrid is worried then you should be too." Ron whispered.

"But Snape is still inside!" Rose chuckled. "The worst thing currently out here is the darkness."

Ron rolled his eyes but looked more relaxed.

"Lets get back inside." Rose smiled. "Its time for bed and I'm knackered."

The corridors were quiet, the only noise the faint sound of Christmas carols being sung by some Hogwarts ghosts in the distance. It was a peaceful sound, and suited the atmosphere the castle portrayed.

"Are you going to pounce on me and wake me up like you always do?" Ron asked bashfully.

"The way you are asking that is as if you would be disappointed if I didn't do it?" Rose lightly laughed.

"That's because deep down I would be." Ron grinned back.

"I knew it." Rose sighed in satisfaction. "All these years you have moaned and moaned and all along, you have loved it!"

"I only moan when you wake me up at the crack of dawn." Ron justified.

"I've never got you up at the crack of dawn." Rose huffed. "But how does seven-thirty sound to you?"

"Not a minute before Rose." Ron replied sternly.

"Then we have a deal Weasley." Rose grinned.

The portrait hole swung open and they entered the busy common room.

"I need sleep." Rose muttered to Ron. "I'm socialised out for one day."

"Sweet dreams Rose." Ron grinned. "Just remember seven-thirty."

Grinning, she pecked his cheek and waved her goodbyes to the other Gryffindors before heading into the dormitory. It was a strange feeling to be alone in such a large room. Rose looked down at Smutz whose tail was wagging slowly in anticipation.

"Bed, bed boy." Rose whispered tapping her bed in encouragement.

Within a minute of her head hitting the pillow she was fast asleep.

It was Smutz's beard tickling her face that awoke Rose. Her heavy, sleepy eyes refusing to open at first. Slowly her lids opened to Smutz's face looking intensely back at hers.

"Hey." She said groggily.

Wiping the corner of her eyes on her pyjama sleeve, she stretched and checked her watch for the time. It was seven twenty-seven.

"AHH good boy!" Rose grinned, petting his head enthusiastically. "Lets go wake Ron up."

Still in her pyjamas she rushed out of the empty dormitory, Smutz quick on her heels. Opening the door to the boys dormitory stairs she promptly slowed down and slowly opened the door which held the first year boys. The door creaked open in an agonisingly loud noise making Rose wince. Luckily it didn't seem to bother any of the boys who were still snoring comfortably from behind their bed curtains. Creeping with controlled large steps, Rose made it to Ron's bed within moments. She looked down at Smutz and then at her watch, she had fifteen seconds until it was bang on seven thirty. Counting down in her head she drew his curtains. Ten tic - Who knew Harry snored so loudly? Nine tic - Smutz was ready to jump, his back arched and legs stiff. Eight tic - Deep breath in. Seven tic - It does seem a bit of shame to wake Ron, he looks so peaceful… Six tic… four tic…. "You ready?" Rose whispered to Smutz, the Schnauzer blinking his response.

"ITS CHRISTMASSSSSS" Rose roared, as Ron jumped awake.

She fell on his bed in hysterics, giggling at his reaction.

"Bloody hell Rose." Ron mumbled. "When I said wake me up I didn't mean give me a heart attack in the process."

Rose chuckled darkly before grinning at his serious face.

"Common Ron, you can't be in a mood with me." Rose murmured.

"But the rest of us can" Seamus muttered. "What the hell were you thinking there Rose?"

"I'm sorry Seamus." Rose replied with a twitch of humour still present. "Chocolate frog?"

Seamus promptly opened his curtain and came over to accept the offer.

"How do you know those are chocolate frogs?" He asked bemused, the parcel still left unwrapped by Rose.

"Because they are from Percy… he always gives us chocolate frogs." Rose grinned, opening the gift and offering him the first frog.

The other boys had somewhat reluctantly opened their own bed curtains now, with Rose throwing them all a chocolate frog as her way of an apology. Noticing Harry rubbing his eyes awake Rose jumped from Rons bed to give him a quick hug.

"Merry Christmas Harry!" She said warmly.

"Merry Christmas Rose." Harry grinned back.

"How funny that they knew to bring your presents here." Ron commented.

"They did?" Rose replied surprised. "I thought I was offering everyone one of your chocolate frogs!"

The other boys chuckled, opening their own presents and chatting amongst themselves. Rose caught sight of Harry all of sudden his face full of shock.

"What's the matter Harry?" Rose asked quietly in a worried tone.

"Oh Nothing." Harry gulped a small smile.

"Yes there is." Rose disagreed, she squatted next to his knees so she could look up at his face.

"Its just… I've never had presents before and look…I have a whole pile of them!"

"Oh." Rose responded, surprised that this was true. "Well in that case, I'm glad we get to share with you- Your first proper Christmas." Rose grinned. "And from the looks of things, you even have a traditional Molly Weasley gift too."

Rose pointed to a rather lumpy parcel that was partially hidden under some other boxes.

"Your Mum shouldn't have Ron." Harry blushed.

"Wait till you see it first." Ron muttered turning a deeper red.

They all opened Aunt Molly and Uncle Arthurs present together. Harry got a deep green jumper with a snitch embroidered onto it, Ron a maroon jumper with his initial a shade of gold and Rose a cherry red jumper with a Schnauzer.

"This jumpier is amazing!" Rose announced. "Look at the detail! Your Mum has outdone herself!"

"It even looks like Smutz" Ron laughed. "We have a joint present here too, want to open it?"

"Sure." Rose replied, accepting the small rectangular present from Ron.

There was a tag attached:

"To Ron and Rose,

To help inspire you on the radio.

Merry Christmas to you both,

Love Mum (Auntie Molly) and Dad (Uncle Arthur)

Rose looked at Ron intrigued, before promptly ripping the wrapping paper. The object was bright sunshine yellow, with black buttons along the edge. Large letters at the top read 'Sony' and along the bottom it read 'Walkman sports'.

"What on earth is a Sony?" Ron asked abashed.

"I have no idea?!" Rose replied. "Do you think your Dad got it from one of his raids?"

"Its defiantly some sort of Muggle object." Ron agreed.

"Lets have a look?" Harry offered intrigued.

Rose threw the object at Harry who caught it single handedly with ease.

"Ah" He said knowingly. "My cousin Dudley has one of these."

"What is it?" Rose asked impatiently.

"It plays music through cassettes."

"Cass-ettes?" Ron said slowly.

"Yes these." Harry replied opening the side of the walkman and retrieving a clear rectangle with two circles missing. "But your missing head phones, it won't work without head phones unless we use magic."

"What do headphones do Harry?" Rose asked confused. "Uncle Arthur has told us about phones and even shown us a jinxed one once. They are quite big… how would it work?"

"Headphones are tiny." Harry chuckled. "They fit in your ear and sound comes out of them."

"Ingenious!" Rose replied back. "We just need to wait until next Christmas to get some and then we can actually use it!"

"It is a pity." Harry agreed. "But these in the Muggle world are worth a lot of money, your Uncle was fortunate to find one."

"Bless him." Rose turned to Ron as she said it. "I hope he doesn't get into trouble at work?"

"Naaa he will be fine." Ron responded.

They opened up the rest of their family presents, even receiving a pair of head phones from Bill, and some cassettes from Charlie and Rose's parents. They now had a good array of music including Jeff Buckley, Jimi Hendrix, Abba and some random mixed tapes. Fred and George had given them some delicious treats and Hermione a couple of books. Ron had brought Rose a blue tweed purse with a Schnauzer subtly in the corner and Harry had given Rose new Quidditch gloves.

"You are just itching to listen to some music aren't you?" Ron chuckled.

"I am." Rose agreed stroking the walkman fondly. "But I can wait to walk Smutz later."

The room was scattered in different coloured wrapping paper, the floor completely covered. As they started to tidy up the contents, Rose noticed an unwrapped present to the side of Harry's bed, the wrapping paper a deep midnight blue.

"You've missed one Harry!" Rose announced, handing over the parcel.

A tag read:

'Your father left this in my possession before he died.

It is time it was returned to you.

Use it well.

A Very Merry Christmas to you.'

"There isn't a name?" Harry replied perplexed, feeling the light squidgy present.

"We will see you guys later, we want some grub." Seamus muttered as he and Dean left the three of them alone.

"Perfect timing." Harry spoke once the door was shut. "I didn't want an audience."

"It seems peculiar that someone gave you a present yet not give you their name." Rose replied nervously. "Do you think you should open it?"

"I'll do it carefully." Harry agreed.

He gently opened the ribbon that held the parcel together. As the paper naturally unfolded in his hands, they could all see a silver cloak neatly folded.

"Oh!" Harry exclaimed.

"Oh Harry!" Rose replied shocked. "Harry I think that's…"

"An invisibility cloak?" Ron interrupted. "But it can't be? They are extremely rare…. unheard of in fact."

"You need to try it on Harry!" Rose urged.

"Okay.." Harry agreed, standing up and floating the cloak over his shoulders.

Instantly his entire body disappeared, his head floating in mid air. The shock of being correct made both Ron and Rose shoot up, their mouths open.

"I'm invisible!" Harry chocked. "Like - completely see through."

"I can't believe it." Rose exclaimed shaking her head. "You have actually got an invisibility cloak… you will have to be so careful with this!"

"No one should know about this." Ron agreed. "If this got into the wrong hands."

"Precisely." Rose continued. "However I have had a sudden thought."

"Go on?" Harry asked.

"Well.. it is naughty… but it looks like we have found our way to get into the restricted section."

"Excellent." Ron agreed.

Harry had only just taken the cloak carefully off and placed in neatly under his bed when Fred and George bursted into the room.

"Merry Crimbo one and all!" Fred boomed.

"Rose your in here!" George grinned pointing to his feet. "Brilliant socks thanks!"

"Your welcome" Rose laughed. "I thought you would appreciate them."

"Why aren't you all wearing your jumpers?" Fred asked "We are looking extremely fashionable in ours."

"You do?" Ron asked sarcastically.

"But why are you wearing George's and George wearing yours?" Rose asked curiously.

"Doesn't miss a trick does she?" George grinned.

"No she doesn't" Fred winked.

"What's all the noise about? Percy exclaimed running hard and loudly down the stairs outside the door. "I swear I heard a girls voice? Good god Rose what are you doing in here? This is the boys dormitory! Just because you wont get jinxed coming in doesn't mean you should! Out! Out! Everyone out!"

"Honestly Percy… what a kill joy! Would you seriously want poor old Rose here to open her presents all by herself? What a heartless cousin you are." Fred began

"So cruel…so unfeeling." George agreed.

"Now come on Percy, put your Weasley jumper on and link arms, its family time!"

Fred and George proceeded to lifting Percy off the ground, carrying him smoothly from of the room.

"Shall we follow them?" Harry laughed

"Sure" Rose shrugged, throwing her jumper on over the top of her pyjamas.

They were meant to have gone back upstairs to get changed between Breakfast and Lunch, but they were having too much fun to make time to move. The food was outstanding, with gammons, turkeys, ducks and geese dishes with both mashed and roasted potatoes, parsnips, red cabbage, carrots, sprouts with chestnuts, Yorkshire puddings and stuffing. Gravy boats were scattered everywhere with cranberry and bread sauce alined next to them. The decorations had changed today, with snow cascading down for the ceiling, the flakes warm to the touch. Wreathes hung mid air and candelabras stood behind the tables, making the room feel snugger than usual. There was a small break between the lunch and puddings, which was spent talking with their Grandmother who was sitting next to a very merry Hagrid. She gave them all 10 Galleons which was placed subtly in a red envelope. In return Percy handed her a circular box, a gift from all her Grandchildren. It was a new hat made from her own families tartan, a costly item which had taken months to find.

The desserts and puddings didn't disappoint. Not only did they have the traditional Christmas puddings and mince pies but they were treated to some usual favourites such as treacle tarts, chocolate bombs and jam roll poly. Stuffed and feeling rather sluggish, Rose and the others slowly made their way back to Gryffindor tower to finally get changed.

On her return to the empty dormitory, Rose instantly noticed a long neatly wrapped parcel that was tied together with perfect string bows at the foot of her bed. Gingerly walking over to it, she twisted it around in her hands to see if it had a tag - but there was nothing. Slowly untying each of the perfectly tied bows, she gently removed the paper.

She was holding a racing broom. A little marked in places, the thick broom handle read 'Cleansweep Nine' in bold black letters. Though surprised by the generous gift, it was the note rolled around the handle that was giving her nervous butterflies. Unfolding the parchment hastily she quickly read;

'Dear Ray,

I couldn't have you give me such a special gift for Christmas without giving you something in return.

I know it's no where near as spectacular as what you gave me, but I can't have you ride a school broom indefinitely. You are not allowed to tell me off over the matter either as this is actually Rosalie's old broom, so no money has been spent or wasted.

See you after the holidays,

Your friend,

Edward.'

Rose engulfed a deflated breath of disappointment. Edward had come to his decision within days and yet couldn't even tell her in person.

She wiped the warm tears from her cheeks as she screwed the note up into a frustrated ball. Sitting stiffly on the edge of her bed she looked bitterly at her new broom and the hidden messages the gift ment.

After a short while, the tears slowed to a controlled pace, her hand still tightly gripping the scrunched note.

"Come on Rose." She whispered to herself. "It's Christmas for Christ's sake. Get up!"

Throwing the note down beside her, she made herself promise that she would ponder it no more for that evening.

Standing gracefully, she semi petted the broomstick fondly before changing into warm clothes.

"What took you so long?" Ron muttered as she joined them back downstairs. "The others have already headed outside, and Percy has already snuck back in-"

Ron stopped mid sentence, his amused face suddenly weary.

"Rose?" He said knowingly, his arm outstretched and touching hers. " What's happened?"

"I found another present." Rose said quietly, zipping up her puffer coat.

"What was it?" Harry asked curiously.

"A racing broom." Rose answered plainly. "A Cleansweep Nine."

"Same as Fred and George." Ron frowned. "But surely that's a fantastic present?"

"It is." Rose agreed quietly.

"And it was Oliver who gave it you?" Harry asked cautiously.

"Yes." Rose sighed.

"Tell us what's getting you down then?" Ron asked, his tone worried. "You've just received a Christmas present from the guy of your dreams. What can be that bad?"

Rose looked up from the floor, her face tight and withdrawn.

"If I tell you, I don't want us all talking about it for the rest of the evening okay?" She whispered sternly. "We except it for what it is and move on."

"Sure." Harry nodded. "If that's what you want."

"It is." Rose nodded.

"Then what is it?" Ron asked.

"Edward just wants to be friends." Rose answered promptly.

"What?!" Ron shouted a little too loudly. "He can't be serious?"

"Ron." Rose pleaded, her eyes starting to water. "I promised myself that I wouldn't let it spoil my Christmas."

"Shame he didn't think about that." Harry muttered. "But we will mention it no more."

Moving closer to Rose, he engulfed her into a big hug.

"Are you sure you want to go out snowballing?" He asked warmly. "We could always just play wizards chess."

"That actually sounds perfect." Rose sighed.

Curling up onto the couch, Rose and Harry teamed up in an attempt to beat Ron at wizards chess. They were concentrating so hard that they didn't notice the others come back in from outside, nore the turkey sandwiches and hot chocolates that they brought back with them.

"Check mate." Ron grinned smugly. "Care for another game?"

"How about a different game?" Angelina announced to the group.

"What are you thinking?" Fred inquired groggily, lifting his sleepy head off the armrest of his chair.

"Truth or dare." She smirked.

"Really Angelina?" George chuckled. "How old are you?"

"It's just a bit of harmless fun George." Angelina giggled.

"Your on." Alicia responded. "Who's going to go first?"

"I will." Fred replied. "I need to wake up."

"Truth or dare?" Angelina eagerly pounced.

"Dare, duh." Fred chuckled.

"Okay." Angelina contemplated. " I dare you to kiss someone."

"Alright." Fred agreed, before turning to Rose and kissing her on the cheek.

"That doesn't count!" Angelina groaned.

"Yes it does." Fred smirked. "The devil is in the details Ange. Be more specific."

"Fine." She snapped, her face serious.

The game continued with Lee flashing his bum and Alicia trying to put as many snacks in her mouth as possible. Once nearly everyone who wanted to play had been selected, Angelina looked around the group, her smirk widening as she caught sight of Rose.

"Oh I don't know." Angelina replied unconvincingly. "How about Rose?"

There was something in the way she had so promptly said her name that made Rose instantly suspicious. Exchanging a nervous glance with Fred, she turned back to Angelina.

"Who said I was playing?" Rose replied jokingly but the underlined suspicion was clear.

"Well I just didn't put you down as too CHICKEN to play along." Angelina shrugged innocently.

"Oh please." Rose responded crisply with a dramatic eye roll . "After walking out in my underwear, anything you suggest would be a piece of cake. Truth please."

Angelina's grin flickered ever so slightly, like she wasn't expecting Rose to fall for her plan quite so quickly.

"Our first truth." She whispered excitedly. "Lumos."

Her wand shining brightly, she held it under her chin for dramatic effect, her features becoming shadowy.

"What to ask?" She muttered, her fingers drumming against the table.

Her acting was unconvincing to anyone watching, and Rose couldn't help but find the amusement behind it. Looking around the couches to observe the others, Rose was surprised to see how intrigued they all seemed to be.

"What to ask?" Angelina repeated, nibbling her lips as she continued to ponder. "That's it, I've got it everyone! Rose Ward... Are you in love with Oliver Wood?" She asked dramatically.

Her wand instantly pointed to Rose, shining her light on her like she was being questioned in interrogation.

"Ange please?!"

It was George that answered. His tone hard and aghast.

"I am entitled to ask whatever question I fancy asking." Angelina replied defensively. "The games hardly going to be fun if the questions aren't and I have been precise with my questioning have I not Fred?"

"But you have wasted your one question." Rose answered calmly, before Fred could answer.

The twins both quickly glanced at Rose, a small unsurprised nod exchanged between them all.

The relaxed atmosphere of the common room was now subtly laced with apprehension. Katie and Alicia were looking straight at Angelina, worried about how she would react. Lee was looking out of the window his face full of disappointment and hurt.

"Wasted it? Angelina scoffed. "And how may I ask have I wasted it?"

"There is no denying I have feelings for him." Rose replied. "You yourself has seen me with him and have told others of our antics. Why ask a question you already know the answer to?"

"Because I need to hear you say the words." Angelina hissed. "I still feel bound to him even though I have tried to let him go. It's the only way I can move on, knowing he is taken, knowing it is impossible to be together."

"I love him." Rose whispered. "But that doesn't mean we are together."

Angelina looked stunned for a moment, before she swallowed her frustration and stared at Rose with a cold blank expression.

"In that case, can I have your word that you will not act on your emotions in the future?" Angelina whispered, the hurt evident in her voice.

"My emotions?" Rose retorted. "You think what I have with Edward is some sort of game that we are playing?"

"Why else wouldn't you be public with your affairs with him? It's hardly fair."

"Be careful Angelina" Alicia hissed. "Don't push Rose away over this."

"Why isn't she being honest then?" Angelina snapped. "I let him go for her and she's just flirting with the idea of being with him?"

"It's really none of your business."

The sound was more of a growl and came from the shadows. It was Lee.

"And you have already asked your one question." George agreed, his tone not too dissimilar. "Its someone else's turn to be quizzed."

Angelina quickly whipped her arm out to silence everyone, her features angry.

"Will you act on your emotions in the future?" She repeated.

The awkwardness was audible, and Rose couldn't move her pitiful gaze from Angelina. She wanted to tell her that she wouldn't be with Edward not because she didn't want to but because it was his choice, his decision, but she couldn't. Instead she chose the cowardly option, she chose hope.

"I will not commit to an answer, just to suit you Angelina." Rose whispered.

Angelina growled in frustration, stamping her foot and folding her arms aggressively. She sat there staring at Rose sulkily, as Rose stared back in calm disappointment.

Her breaths becoming heavy from the intimidation, Rose continued to look at Angelina pitifully, the room now in dead silence.

"Come on Rose, you can hang out in our dormitory for a bit." Ron whispered in her ear, as he half lifted her from her seat, baring her weight.

"I was only having a bit of fun." Angelina fiercely muttered. "Its not my fault if you lot can't handle a joke."

"Oh we are all having a ball." Fred muttered aggressively, ruffling his ginger hair in frustration. "And to be quite honest Angelina, it is you who cant handle a children's game. Ron, I'm coming to join you. Lee, George you coming?"

"I think I will stay down here for a bit." Lee mumbled quietly, not taking his eyes away from the window.

"Suit yourself." George replied plainly. "Coming Fred."

Leaving the third years to ponder in the own thoughts, the Weasleys' and Harry pushed Rose out of the common room. Finally making it to Ron's bedside, the boys all sat on the edge of the bed, looking at Rose cautiously as she paced the room.

"Does Oliver know how you feel Rose?" George eventually asked his nervousness clearly heard.

"Yes." Rose nodded quietly.

"And?" Fred replied instantly, shaking Rose frantically.

"We kissed." Rose replied with a tired sigh, pinching the end of her nose as Fred exhaled in shock.

"When?" Fred asked eagerly.

"After the last Qudditch practice and more recently after the competition."

"You've kissed him more than once?" Fred whispered, clearly impressed.

"He actually did it." George announced, directing his words to Fred. "He showed that he can be human and have a vulnerable side!"

"Things are suddenly making so much more sense." Fred sighed. "I presume he panicked and ran, hence why you have been avoiding our questions?"

"Yes." Rose whispered bitterly. "But I can't help but feel like I pushed him away."

"What makes you say that?"

"I told him that I didn't want to pretend." Rose gulped. "I told him that either we try and have a go at taking the next steps into having a relationship together or we part as friends."

"Good for you Rose." George replied, his eyes only showing worry.

"Please don't be concerned George." Rose responded. "He sent me a note today saying we are just friends."

"But back there you-"

"Back there I was being childish." Rose admitted. "And I didn't want to tell a whole group of people that I had been recently rejected."

"Oh Rose." Fred sighed. "He cares about you deeply."

"I know." Rose smiled bitterly. "Its not every day you get a second hand broom for Christmas."

"He would have brought you a brand new one if he thought he could get away with it." Fred joked.

"Thank goodness he knows me better then." Rose blushed. After a moments pause she asked "Do you think Angelina will be okay?"

"At the moment I don't care." Ron muttered getting a laugh out of Harry. "Can you imagine how she would have reacted if she found out you had both kissed?!"

"Well its a good job she isn't ever going to find out." Rose replied. "I really thought she had got over him, but hearing her say that she is bound to him is just so..."

"Dramatic?" Harry suggested.

"It's frightening." Rose whispered. "Marrietta, Angelina... Who else feels tied to Edward even though he has always kept them at arm's length? I've never had these boundaries before, he has always lured me in. What am I meant to do now he has set that boundary for me?"

"Rose." George sighed, leaning over to hold her hand. "You have something they don't have."

"I know." Rose nodded. "He can't hear my thoughts."

"No its not that." George smirked. "You still don't realise how vunerable you make him."

Rose glanced briefly at George, his words making her think instantly of the words "soul mate".

"Keep your head up." Fred continued. "We know him, and I'm sure he will be kicking himself right now. Ignore the letter, and wait until he returns to get your answers."

"Right." Rose nodded, perching on the end of the bed among the others.

"You look shattered Rose." Harry whispered in her ear.

"I feel it." Rose smiled. "Its been a long month."

Slowly standing she hugged the boys individually, before picking up the Walkman and headphones off Ron's bed.

"I presume I'm okay taking these?" Rose asked wearily.

"Of course." Ron agreed. "I think they were given with you in mind."

Rose weakly smiled as she turned to face all her extended family.

"I love you all so very much." She whispered gratefully, before turning on her heel, Smutz close to her side.

Her own dormitory was eery compared to the one she had just left, the only welcoming sight, the crackling fire which had been lit for her own benefit. The howling wind was audiable, making the windows rattle as it brushed against the side of the glass.

"Do you need me to take you out?" Rose whispered to Smutz guiltily.

Instantly Smutz leapt onto her bed, nudging the blanket with his nose and curling undeath the surface of the warm material so that only his nose was visible.

"I'll take that as a no then." Rose bitterly smiled, as she curled up next to him on the bed.

Placing the headphones over her ears and pressing down on the triangle button that Harry had shown her to use, Fleetwood Mac's rumours album instantly started playing "I don't want to know".

Staring up at the ceiling of her bed poster bed, Rose started to count the knots in the wood. Even over the top of the headphones she could hear the wind violently thrashing against the windows, the weather matching her feelings of resentment and anger. Now that she was alone once more she had nothing to distract her away from todays new information. Tomorrow was only going to lead to awkwardness between herself and Angelia, if she didn't apologise - she had afterall used her pent up frustration with Edward to wind Angelina up. Angelia had much of a right as anyone to fancy Edward, and it wasn't up to Rose to dictate others emotions.

She sighed heavily as she rolled away from Smutz, regretting the move instantly as she embraced a hard uncomfortable barrier - the broomstick. She stroked the object with trepidation, a curious frown engrained onto her forehead. She had not owned something as valuable as this before, regardless of her not being the original ower. Yet she didn't feel compelled to keep it - not after what it came to represent. Friends didn't give gifts like this, they gave books or sweets. This gift represented justification and bribery - like Edward's note was justified because the gift was so extravagant.

Suddenly unable to even contemplate sleep, Rose scoured the floor for the wrapping paper Edward had used to wrap the broom up in, relived to find it near her bedside table. Neatly tying the bows in the same places that he had originally tied them, she left the broom on Lavender's vacant bed, drawing the curtains so that she would no longer have to look at it. It was quite literally now out of site, now hopefully she could now sleep and have it out of mind. With Fleetwood Mac still calmly playing in her ears, she listened to the worlds most famous breakup album, the words consoling her emptiness, as the hours slowly ticked by.

Only aware that she had fallen asleep at all by the surprise of Smutz's wet nose nudging her elbow enthusiastically. Rose groggily rolled over, her eyes still half shut.

"What's the matter Smutz?" She yawned.

Smutz pawed her this time, the action urgent and abrupt.

"You need the toilet?" Rose answered knowingly. "Of course you do, its been hours."

Her mind still half asleep, Rose managed to gingerly put her ugg boots on over the top of her pyjamas, throwing on her parker somewhat more hastily as Smutz started to scratch at the door aggressively.

"I'm being as quick as I can." Rose hissed.

Half glancing at the window in passing, she noted that at least the wind and snow had stopped for now. The colour of the sky which was an inky blue colour, meant that dawn was only half an hour away.

She paused as she stepped into the corridor, should she go get Ron? After all the footprints hadn't miraculously stopped just because it was Christmas.

Looking down at the eagily awaiting Schnauzer, she convinced herself that this was no different than when she went out at night.

"Come on then." Rose spoke aloud, tapping her leg.

Smutz bolted out of the dormitory at such speed, that Rose was grateful she was holding onto the lead tightly. Through the common room and down through the corridor he sprinted with Rose struggling to keep up with Smutz's pace. He was galloping so fast that by the time they had made it to the marble staircase, Rose scooped him up for his own safety incase he accidentally got the wrong staircase. His feet back on solid ground once more, Smutz wiggled out of Rose's grip and again sped towards the entrance to the castle, his paws scratching impatiently at the oak front door.

"Okay boy I get it." Rose replied patiently, bending down to unclip his lead before unbolting the front door.

The stiff door slowly opened, but Smutz enthusiastically squeezed through the smallest of gaps.

"Oh bye Smutz!" Rose called out sarcastically, as she continued to shut the door to keep the warmth in the castle.

The day was still dark, the winter moon still present in the sky and Rose slightly shivered as she peered out in the hopes of seeing Smutz.

"Lumos" Rose muttered, her wand instantly giving her the light she needed.

Putting her wand near the floor, she could see Smutz's paw prints clearly in the snow. As she continued to follow his trail she prayed they were the only tracks she would find.

Smutz's paw prints headed straight towards the forbidden forrest, skirting around its edge before turning towards the lake. Rose gulped nervously, if he did indeed enter the forest, she couldn't pursue following him. Quickening her pace slightly, Rose continued to follow his prints, only stopping as she observed his hesitation. He seemed to have gone round in circles a few times, like he was hunting or following a smell, the prints merging together as he repeated the action. Rose moved her wand light further afield, curious to where Smutz had gone.

She looked back to the floor, noticing instantly a thick fog gliding across the floor beneath her.

"Smutz." Rose called out. "Smutz its time to head back now."

A desperate sigh parted from her lips as she looked around, now struggling to see the floor at all. Her wand light bounced off the surface of the fog making it impossible to see Smutz's paw prints.

"Nox." She whispered, her wand light disappearing instantly.

Roses's senses instantly heightened. Crouching low to floor, she wafted the air with her hand, the fog shifting enough for her to see the paw prints. She crept cautiously as she followed the trail back along the edge of the lake, her mind focused on only finding Smutz.

The sunrise began to subtly appear through the fog, orange light bouncing off the haze making the light feel more immense and secluded then before. As Rose scoured the floor, she couldn't help but feel protected in her own apricot bubble, the Earth was still, the only noise the subtle noise of the owlery far away.

The tranquil feeling didn't last long as a new noise could now be heard. The distinct noise of human footsteps in the snow were crystal clear, and Rose wasn't moving. Frozen in fear, it was in those agonising moments that Rose remembered it. Remembered that inkling feeling she had had in her head when she had those dreams a month ago. That Deja vu sensation that she had been in this situation before.

Rose shut her eyes tightly, she needed to ignore her instincts and focus on Smutz. Slowly opening her eyes, she turned slightly to her right, her spine tingling from the accustomed sensation, the feeling she normally got around Vampires. Rose gulped, her eyes now faintly seeing it through the fog. There just like in her dreams was the shadow, distant at first, but its actions were clear- it was heading straight towards her.

She released a shaky breath. Fate, it would seem had lead her to this moment and she secretly prayed That Smutz's intuition to bring her here wasn't wrong. Her legs firmly glued to the spot, she gripped her hands into tight balls as she watched the stranger move closer.

The apricot fog swirled as a light wind rolled the fog, parting the floor and surrounding area from its once sheltered bubble. But Rose's eyes didn't falter from the figure, his frame and face now instantly recognisable.

Rose let out a light gasp, her eyes stinging from her refusal to blink. Her heart was thumping at one hundred miles an hour as she took in his beauty. It had only been a few days since she had last seen him, yet her mind had been unforgivingly inaccurate.

Now that he was closer, Rose could see Smutz close to his side. Relief washed over her, yet her legs still refused to budge, her nails now digging into the palms of her hands.

She watched him curiously as he stood before her, intrigued to why he was there at all. His note at the forefront of her mind, she watched him patiently, as his concerned honey eyes met hers.

"Why are you here?" She eventually asked, the tone crisp but calm.

"I needed to see you for myself." Edward whispered. "To make sure your okay."

"I'm as well as I can be." Rose replied honestly. "Though I would be lying if I did't admit that I am disappointed."

"Because of the note?" Edward asked.

"Because of the contents of the note in particular, and the timing of it was cruel." Rose snipped.

"Ray," Edward croaked.

Rose shut her eyes, attempting to block out the pleading behind his eyes. She needed to stay strong, he had afterall broken her heart.

"If you were that concerned about my welfare, you should have told me in person." Rose muttered, "Instead you chose a cowards way out."

"Will you please let me explain myself." Edward whispered. "I promise you, I didn't mean to hurt you."

Now directly in front of her, he reached out and touched her cheek with his warm tingling hand, the notion making Rose's eyes open as she gazed directly into his honeycomb eyes.

"Lets walk." Rose agreed, moving her head away from his touch. "I have to admit, I'm intrigued to hear your explanation." She added cooly.

"Okay." Edward nodded, guiding her through the fog with his arm.

They walked in silence, their crunching footsteps the only noise. A couple of times, Rose glanced at Edward, curious to why he hadn't started speaking, each time noticing how visibly nervous he seemed, from his lip nibbling down to his scrunched fists.

Eventually they arrived at their tree, the memories of their passionate kiss now in both their minds.

"Why have you brought me here Edward?" Rose asked curiously.

"Because this is where our joint story began." Edward replied. "It was less than a week ago and yet it feels like months since I held you, kissed you..."

He broke away, his head shaking sadly.

"I left you here the night of our last conversation." Edward started again. "You had just given me a great ultimatum and that final kiss left me with no hesitation to what my choice was going to be. My lips were screaming at me to turn you around and kiss you again, yet I knew I needed to give us both space to think, and that upon my return we would be inseparable.

But as soon as I left the castle grounds I knew I had made a mistake." Edward sighed. "Caught up between leaving you and disappointing my family I prayed that if I sent you a note explaining my intentions that you would hopefully forgive me.

So I arrive back home and I am quickly informed that we are vacationing in America for the holidays. Alice had already packed my bag for me and I was back out the door as quickly as I had arrived through it."

"That must have been difficult for you." Rose retorted dryly.

"It was." Edward replied seriously. "The further I travelled away from you, the more isolated and unsociable I became. I was a half opaque version of myself like I had left a bit of myself here with you... like my soul was missing."

"Your soul?" Rose replied surprised, moving a fragment closer to him out of curiosity.

"Yes my soul." Edward admitted. "I can't explain it better then that - I wasn't fully there."

"I've known that feeling too." Rose admitted in a whisper.

"Soulmates are bound to each other." Edward smiled shyly. "And being away from each other causes agonies that others won't understand or comprehend."

Rose quietly nodded her understanding, watching Edward carefully as he continued;

"So we arrive back in the States, to our holiday homes just outside Seattle." Edward paused. "And in my hand I have your present, the only thing that I have that bonds me to you in that moment. I'm counting down the hours in my head, adamant to keep my promise and wait until Christmas so much so that it becomes my one focus. And yet in the back of my mind I can't ignore my family's mutual thoughts of concern. To them its plainly clear that I don't want to be there and some family members even voicing mentally that I had shouldn't have bothered returning at all."

"Rosalie?" Rose interrupted curiously.

"Indeed." Edward replied, a tug of a smile showing. "Which leads me onto your Christmas gift."

"I don't want it." Rose blurted.

The surprise that Edward showed quickly turned to a chuckle.

"What's so funny." Rose blushed. "Surely you would know that I wouldn't accept such as gift."

"I did" Edward smiled. "But I actually meant the gift you gave me."

"It was just a little-" Rose began

"It was the most phenomenal gift you could have given me." Edward purred affectionately. "It was an invitation into your head, yet the work itself was truly exquisite."

"Thank you." Rose blushed.

Edward grinned warmly, nudging her affectionately.

"In my original note, the broom was a loan until I could find you the gift I always intended to give."

"In your original note?" Rose whispered uncertainly.

"Yes." Edward agreed." Unfortunately it was only yesterday that I uncovered the truth that Rosalie had switched my note for hers. Alice had a vision of your truth and dare fiasco with Angelina over Christmas dinner and the rest revealed itself through a moment of Rosalie's lapsed control."

"Your family can block things from you?"

"Only if they try very hard, and they can't continue it forever. I'm secretly impressed Rosalie could keep it from me from one continent to the other."

"And Rosalie has similar handwriting to you?" Rose pressed "It did after all look like yours."

"To a human eye maybe." Edward replied truthfully.

Edward looked at her calmly, glad to acknowledge that she did seem to believe him.

"What did your note say?" Rose whispered, the words almost unaudiable.

"It was a signed pledge of my devotion to you." Edward confessed. "That though I wasn't with you physically, I wanted you to be aware that you were in control of my heart, body and soul. I said that I love you Rose Ward, and that I choose to have a life with you and would always choose you."

Rose watched him carefully, noting how his body language had again become deflated, showing his vulnerability. Not knowing what to say, she slowly reached for his face with a shaky hand, gently placing her hand on his warm cheek. Edward sighed heavily, leaning into her touch, the relief that quickly spread across his features obvious.

"You travelled all the way back from America to tell me that?" Rose whispered gently.

"Luckily I don't suffer from jetlag." Edward smiled shyly.

"Its still a long time to ponder." Rose added.

"I've been fretting." Edward admitted. "Especially since Alice's vision."

"It was just a stupid game." Rose grimaced. "And I'm going to apologise to Angelina for the part I played in it."

"What? -" Edward began to protest.

Rose placed her hand gently on his chest, the notion instantly stopping Edward in his tracks.

"Because even through your own biasedness you can admit I was floored in my actions."

"No." Edward replied promptly. "You were diplomatic with the truth, a skill I, myself am great at."

"Think you are good at." Rose replied smugly.

Edward grinned, he spare hand stroking her face fondly.

"I've really missed you." Edward admitted, leaning his head against hers.

Rose leaned into his touch, not realising till this moment, now she was relaxed by his presence how angry she had been until now. Looking up, she gently cupped his face, feeling his sweet breath against her skin.

"What are you thinking?" He murmured.

Rose thought for a moment, glad that her opinions and thoughts didn't have an audience.

"I'm thinking many things." Rose admitted. "I'm concerned that you upset your family leaving so soon, that Rosalie hates me before evening getting to know me. I'm scared of Angelina and Marietta and anyone else who thinks I'm unworthy of being with you but mostly I'm.."

She broke off, realising Edward's eyes looking sadder the more she spoke.

"Ray?" He murmured, his voice concerned.

She looked at him, her face sincere and calm.

"But mostly my thoughts are consumed by you." Rose whispered honestly.

Edward's features relaxed into a relieved smile, stroking her arm affectionately, he embraced her in a comforting hug, the tingling touch warming Rose's entire body instantly.

"Am I allowed to kiss you now?" He murmured seductively into her ear.

Rose maintained her composure, slowly moving her head so that their lips were nearly touching.

"That depends." She replied confidently.

"On what?" He replied curiously, his lips stroking against hers as he answered.

"On whether I get to keep the broom afterall?" She grinned, her nose stroking his flirtatiously.

Edward bowed his head, planting a delicate kiss on Roses's lips. The soft kiss was interrupted by Edward gently nibbling on her lips playfully, before he kissed her once again.

"That question doesn't even need answering." He purred, kissing her delicately once more.

As he slowly pulled himself away, his eyes looked at Rose in yearning.

"Take your time Edward." Rose whispered patiently, "We go at your pace."

Edward nodded, his nose stroking hers affectionately.

"We've been going at my pace all week." Edward whispered huskily. "I know i'm in control."

"I trust you." Rose replied, her heart beating heavily in her chest,

"I know." Edward grinned seductively. "Which is why I want to pin you to that tree again."

Puling her towards him with enthusiastic force, his lips hungrily found hers as he lifted Rose onto his hips, her legs elegantly snaking around them in a confident grip. Moving steadily backwards, Rose soon found that her back was being supported by the trunk of the tree, Edward's body snugly against hers. His tongue slowly stroking the roof of her mouth, Edward slowly controlled each movement only pausing to allow Rose to breath. Eventually it was Rose who pulled away, her breathing hitched and heartbeat thumping likes drum.

"I've gone light-headed" Rose gushed, her hands on Edward's shoulders for support.

Edward stroked her face, her eyes closing at his soothing touch.

"We will just need to practice breathing more." Edward whispered smugly.

"Shhh." Rose jokingly scowled. "No need to act so superior."

Edward chuckled, lifting her chin gently before kissing her softly once more.

"Edward?" Rose whispered.

"Mmm?" He replied, his fingers stroking her face affectionately.

"What did you mean by the broom being a loan?" Rose asked curiously.

Edward grinned cheekily, the amusement clear to see.

"I was curious to when you would bring this up." He explained. "Afterall nothing seems to get past you, so inevitably you were eventually going to remember my statement."

Rose raised her eyebrow, she couldn't deny his accuracy.

"I've always had a gift in mind." Edward explained. "But in reality I knew I would have to wait, because of where it is located."

"I see." Rose nodded. "Hence the loan."

"Yes." Edward grinned. "It was also part of the reason I didn't protest too much about going back to America."

Knowing he had her full attention now, Edward carefully lowered her onto the floor. Kneeling in front of her on both knees he carefully rummaged in his inside pocket. He smiled delicately at her as he carefully produced a beautifully wrapped rectangular box.

"What - is - it?" Rose asked slowly, the suspicion clear.

"Its the Christmas present you should have got." Edward replied calmly. "You'll have to open it, if you want to truly know."

She hesitantly accepted the box, slowly untying the golden bow as if it were booby-trapped. As the ribbon fell silently to the floor she carefully unfolded the corner of the wrapping paper revealing a velvet shallow box. She glanced up at Edward, his hands pushed against his nose in the prayer position, his expression nervous. Gulping subtly, Rose removed the rest of the paper, the heavy box now resting in the palm of her left hand. Embossed in gold leaf the lid read 'Bailey, Banks & Biddle' though faded due to age, it was clear that it was still extremely valuable.

She didn't want to look at Edward, aware that he would be reading her every move. Cautiously opening the lid, sat against the backdrop of more purple velvet was a stunning vintage necklace. Crafted with meticulous detail, the pendant featured a shimmering white star made up of seven sparkling diamonds set within an elegantly engraved platinum gold framework of intertwining art nouveau stylised lines.

Rose let out a shaky breath, her eyes daren't blink incase the necklace should disappear. She knew full well that the cost of this necklace was more valuable then all her belongings put together and yet all she could do was grip the box tighter in her hand.

"My Father got this commissioned for my Mother many Christmas's ago." Edward explained softly, lifting Rose's head up so that she had no choice but to look into his eyes.

Taking her spare hand he traced it over the surface of the necklace as he continued;

"The setting represents a Evenstar, which is an old term for the evening star in astronomy denoting the planet venus. My Father's pet name for my Mother was Evenstar, hence the physical representation within the pendant. Behind the star is in an infinity loop representing endless love."

A small lump had started to form in Rose's throat, making it difficult for her to articulate an answer. Her eyes yet again focused on the beauty of the necklace, Edward mistook her silence as distaste.

"I know its very dated.." He began to explain.

"Its beautiful." Rose sighed, kneeling her head against his chest.

"You like it?" Edward sighed in relief.

"I love it." Rose agreed. "Its the most beautiful piece of jewellery I have ever seen."

"And yet I sense a but in there somewhere?" Edward whispered, kissing the top of her head affectionately.

"If you knew I would turn down a broom, why on earth do you think I would accept this highly valuable family heirloom."

"Because it has cost me nothing." Edward whispered gently. "This necklace has been in my possession for so long, kept in a box unappreciated and unloved in my old wardrobe collecting dust. This necklace isn't just a valuable family heirloom, it was made and given with love as its source and I truly believe you are its true owner now. You will be doing the necklace a service for wearing it and I am in no doubt that my Mother would be agreeing with my intentions."

Rose gave Edward a warm smile, holding her hand out she gingerly stroked the large diamonds fondly.

"And you have wanted to give this to me for a while?" Rose murmured.

"Yes." Edward admitted. "Within days of knowing you."

"I'm terrified to let it out of my sight or even contemplate taking it off." Rose answered honestly. "But it isn't afterall casual daywear."

"This type of necklace shouldn't not be worn." Edward explained calmly. "I'm sure after a few days of wearing it, it will feel natural."

"You think?" Rose replied unconvinced.

"Trust me." Edward smiled. "Though the necklace was originally designed for another, its intention still shines through for us. This is our physical representation of my internal love for you from an immortal being to a mortal being."

Edward unhooked the necklace from the box, placing the weighted necklace around her neck. It hung perfectly between her collarbone and cleavage, sparkling magically in the dawns light. Edward placed his hand over the pendant, his face full of pride and relief. After a few moments Edward moved his hand, his fingertips now tracing Rose's cleavage. Rose cupped his face, slowly kissing him, her tongue stoking his mouth seductively. Edward let out a soft purr as his spare hand eagerly gripped her waist, Pulling her body on top of his. Now completely on top of him, Rose started to kiss his neck, slowly making her way down to his collarbone. The smell that was radiating off him was heightening her own arousal and made it difficult for her to keep the steady pace she was determined to have. Unbuttoning the buttons on his shirt, she carefully started to kiss his chest, his chiseled pecks spasming as she did so.

"Don't stop." Edward groaned, his honey eyes looking at her adoringly.

"We have to stop somewhere." Rose whispered, her groin well aware of a lump present underneath her.

He slowly sat up, his face close to hers, his expression was too tempting to reason with.

"Why do we have to stop?" He asked with an eyebrow raised.

"Because I'm suddenly aware that though you look incredible as you always do, I am still in my pajamas."

"Your point being?" Edward replied with a devilish smile. "I can help remove them from you if you want?"

"My point." Rose explained, though now with a blush. "Was maybe we should continue this once back at the castle?"

"But I've got you all to myself here." Edward sighed.

"I know." Rose grinned, cupping his face and kissing him affectionately. "But we really will go too far if we don't have the company of others to rein us in."

Edward huffed as Rose slowly buttoned his shirt back up, the notion making Rose smirk. Kissing his neck as she stood from him, he grabbed both her hands to stop her moving.

"Do we have to go?" He begged.

"We do." Rose chuckled. "But to make it more fun, why don't we keep our relationship a secret from those who dont already know."

"Why is that more fun?" Edward asked, his tone mortified.

"Because.." Rose purred, pulling Edward up to his feet, her arms wrapping around his neck seductively. "I bet you wont be able to resist." Rose grinned.

"Oh yeah?" Edward replied cockily.

"In fact I'm so confident that you will fail that i'm confident in playing our own version of truth or dare." Rose whispered.

"Your on." Edward agreed, his lips stroking hers as he spoke. "But I warn you Ward, I play dirty when I want to win."

"So do I." Rose agreed, slowly licking his lips with her tongue.