April, 1995.
Daddy's Great Disappointment
In the latest scandal to rock the wizarding world, Rosalie "Rose" Nott (17), daughter of the upstanding legislator Mr. Wilfred Nott (69), has been unmasked as a two-faced socialite leading a double life. While she might parade around Hogwarts as a top student and Triwizard champion, our very own Rita Skeeter has left no stone unturned while looking into her scandalous escapades that have surely left Daddy dearest clutching the family pearls.
Rose, who touts an impressive ten OWLs and has dazzled her peers in the first two tasks of the Triwizard Tournament, has been caught with her impeccably polished shoes in the mud. Skeeter's sources reveal that this so-called "model student" has been cavorting with not one, but two infamous heartthrobs: the swoon-worthy Donaghan Tremlett of the Weird Sisters and the dashing Quidditch star Benjy Williams of Puddlemere United.
Throughout the summer of 1994, Rose and her notorious sidekick, Maggie Davies (16), embarked on a debauched tour of London's nightlife like two bowtruckles in a branch. Davies, whose own dreams of a Quidditch career were crushed by a Bludger earlier that spring, seems to have found solace in scandal.
An eyewitness from the The Hopping Pot recalls one particularly salacious evening: "Nott was draped over Benjy like a secondhand robe. They were making a scene—laughing too loudly, drinking too much. It was as if they wanted the whole world to know!"
Back at Hogwarts, the beautiful but "prickly" Rose has built up quite a reputation with many students describing her as possessing a mean streak. Natalie Travers (17), a fellow Slytherin and former friend, didn't mince her words. "Rose is a bully, plain and simple. She might look like a princess, but she's got the temper of a Hungarian Horntail. Everyone's scared to cross her because she's so unstable," Travers revealed with a shudder.
One has to wonder if the pressure of living up to her father's spotless reputation is the driving force behind her volatile behavior—or if there's a darker, more sinister side to Miss Nott that even Daddy can't control?
"Mr. Nott is absolutely mortified," a family friend disclosed. "He's spent his entire career building a reputation of integrity and now, thanks to that wild girl, it's being dragged through the mud."
Miss Nott and her current sweetheart, Slytherin's Chaser Graham Montague (16), refused to comment.
The dual existence—her public role as a brilliant student and Triwizard champion and her hidden life as a party girl and bully—paints a picture of a young witch teetering on the edge. As the Triwizard Tournament marches on, t he million-Galleon question remains: Will she maintain her squeaky-clean image and triumph, or will her scandalous behavior catch up with her, leading to a spectacular fall from grace?
One thing is certain: Rita Skeeter and the rest of us at the Daily Prophet will be here to report every detail.
After classes ended for the day, Rose sat beside Theo glaring at the spread of food in front of her. She hadn't touched a bite since she sat down, her mind fixated on the latest article. Her fingers drummed angrily on the table, and she clenched her jaw in silence.
Theo, ever the calm and composed one, leaned in close. "Rose, you need to relax. Letting it get to you will only make things worse."
Rose's eyes flashed as she turned to her brother. "Relax? How can I relax when that... that wile woman has plastered lies about me for the whole world to read? And I know exactly who told Natalie all about Tremlett and Benjy."
"Didn't you get eight OWLs?" Graham asked, sitting across from them, and tried to offer a comforting smile. "What I'm trying to say, better than having her write about a scandalous romance with Towler, right?"
But Rose wasn't in the mood to be humoured. She swiftly pushed her plate away, her appetite long gone. "People are idiots. They love to believe the worst."
Suddenly, Rose's eyes scanned the table for Natalie Travers. She was sitting on the opposite end of the table and laughing with Amelia, clearly enjoying herself. The sight only added fuel to Rose's anger.
Unable to contain herself any longer, Rose stood up abruptly. "I'm going to have a word with Natalie," she said, her voice steely.
Theo grabbed her wrist. "Don't give her the satisfaction."
But Rose shook off his grip and marched around the table towards Natalie. The hall seemed to quiet slightly as students scattered away. Natalie looked up, a smug smile stretched across her face.
"Enjoying yourself?" Rose spat, her voice low but menacing.
Natalie's smile widened. "Oh, Rose, don't be so dramatic. It's just a bit of fun."
"Fun? Dragging my name through the mud is fun for you?" Rose's voice was rising, drawing more attention around them.
Natalie feigned a look of concern. "Lies? It's hardly my fault that people talk."
Rose's hands clenched into fists at her sides and she turned to Amelia. "That was low, even for you."
Amelia looked uncomfortable but kept silent. Natalie, however, continued. "Maybe if you weren't so unstable, Rose, people wouldn't have so much to talk about. Isn't that right, Amelia?"
Before Rose could respond, Adrian Pucey stepped forward. "That's enough, Natalie." His voice was warning, with a surprising edge to it.
Rose turned to Pucey, shocked that he was coming to her defense. Natalie looked equally surprised but quickly masked it with a sneer. "You're defending her now?"
Pucey shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah, I am. Because unlike you, I don't get my kicks from making others miserable."
Amelia finally spoke. "Rose, I..."
Natalie's eyes narrowed and she grabbed Amelia by the wrist, dragging her away from the table. It was clear she had achieved her goal.
Rose felt a mixture of anger and gratitude as she turned to Pucey. "What was that?"
"Come on, everyone's looking," he said and she nodded and followed him as he walked out of the Great Hall.
They quickly walked up the stairs as the sun was setting. Before Rose could even register where he was leading them, they were suddenly in front of the sixth-floor boys' bathroom.
As they walked in, Rose couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. They hadn't even talked properly after she hit with her book multiple times in front of that exact bathroom.
Pucey took out his special cherry tobacco and began to pull out his pipe. "You shouldn't let them get to you," he said, lighting it and taking a long drag. "They're just looking for attention."
She leaned against the wall, crossing her arms. "I know, but it's hard not to care when everyone's reading it. My father's probably furious."
Pucey blew out a puff of smoke and handed the pipe to Rose. "I'm sure he knows better than to believe everything he reads."
Rose sighed. "I just hate that they're enjoying this so much. Amelia and Natalie… they're loving every minute of it."
He nodded. "Of course they are. They're trying to provoke you, and you're giving them exactly what they want."
Rose put her face into her hands. "Everyone must be laughing behind my back now."
"Not everyone. Not your brother, and not Graham."
"Thanks, Adrian. I appreciate it." Rose smiled weakly.
He nodded and took another drag from the pipe before passing it back to Rose. "Speaking of which, how's he doing?"
"He's doing okay. Why?" Rose glanced at the pipe, then back at Pucey.
He hesitated for a moment. "I've been meaning to talk to him. But… well, you know."
Rose raised an eyebrow. "Really? Then why didn't you?"
Pucey turned his head, looking uncharacteristically nervous. "I don't think it very... easy for him."
Her eyes softened. "For what it's worth, I think he still cares about you."
Pucey abruptly looked up at her. "It was pretty final the last time we talked."
She shook her head. "Fight for him them! Merlin's beard, Pucey. Life's to short for all that nonsense!"
"I guess we're both too stubborn." Pucey laughed.
Rose reached out and squeezed his hand. "Talk to him. Sort things out."
He looked up at her again. "Alright. I'll try."
They stood in silence for a moment, all the tension easing due to the tobacco taking effect on both of them. Rose felt a weight lifting off her shoulders. Maybe things weren't as bad as they seemed. She had her brother, she had Graham, and maybe even Pucey.
It was high time she stopped whining. She would certainly not let Natalie Travers best her and ruin the rest of her year.
The next day at breakfast Rose spotted their family owl and almost spilled pumpkin juice all over Graham's robes as she tried to retrieve the letter it was carrying. The owl screeched unpleasantly and bit her finger.
"Ow, you beast!" She shrieked as she put the wounded finger into her mouth. "Why does this bloody owl dislike me so much?"
Graham, who now held a good distance from her cup, rolled his eyes. "Have you considered that it might be because that poor thing has to fly to Romania and back every week?"
Rose stopped to think for a moment and frowned. "Well, I don't always send the same owl, I'm not completely heartless."
Graham snorted. "Clearly, this one disagrees. Or maybe he read the article?"
Graham's laugh was interrupted by a piece of bacon hitting him in the face. Rose tore off another large piece from her plate and offered it to the disgruntled owl. It eyed her warily before snatching the bacon and flying off with a satisfied hoot.
"Happy now?" Rose muttered as she unfolded the letter, her heart fluttering at the sight of Charlie's familiar handwriting.
Before she could read it, Graham nudged her. "Come on, now. We'll be late for class."
With a reluctant sigh, Rose tucked the letter away and followed Graham out of the Great Hall. The corridors were bustling with students hurrying to their classes, and Rose tried to push all thoughts about the letter out of her mind, although quite unsuccessfully.
The morning classes passed in a blur, and soon it was time for double Potions with Professor Snape. Rose entered the dungeon classroom with determination, today she was turning over a new leaf.
She took her seat beside Meredith, her new partner ever since Amelia dropped the class at the beginning of the year.
"Hello," Rose greeted her.
"Ready for antidotes?" Meredith asked, returning her smile.
"Definitely," Rose said, glad to have a partner who seemed unfazed by the gossip swirling around her.
As they began gathering the ingredients, Rose could feel Natalie and Amelia burning holes in their backs from across the room. She took a deep breath, focusing on the task at hand. Meredith was meticulous, carefully measuring out the ingredients and following the instructions to the letter.
"How's it looking?" Meredith asked, peering into the cauldron.
"I'd say good," Rose replied, adjusting the heat beneath the potion. "We should probably let it simmer and then add the poison."
They continued to work in companionable silence until the potion was complete. Meredith ladled a small sample into a vial, and they approached Professor Snape's desk together.
"Professor, we've finished," Rose said, handing him the vial.
Snape examined the antidote carefully before giving a curt nod. "Acceptable. You may clean up."
They cleaned up their area, and as the class began to file out, Snape called her name.
"Miss Nott, a word in my office."
Rose's stomach tightened. "Yes, Professor," she replied, following him to the office. She glanced back at Meredith, who gave her an encouraging smile.
Snape's office was as intimidating to say the least, filled with shelves of potion ingredients and dark, foreboding object. Rose stood nervously as Snape took a seat behind his desk.
"Sit down, Miss Nott," Snape said, gesturing to a chair opposite the desk.
Rose sat down, folding her hands in her lap. "Is something the matter, Professor?"
Snape's expression was stern, his dark eyes piercing through her. "While I am aware of the recent gossip circulation in the house, let me make one thing clear: I do not care about my students' private lives." His tone was sharp, almost disdainful. "However, I do care about their academic performance."
Rose swallowed, trying to maintain her composure although the thought that even Snape was aware of the article mortified her. "Yes, Professor. I understand."
Snape leaned back slightly, his gaze never leaving her. "Have you given any thought about your future?"
Rose hesitated. "I... I haven't decided."
A look of disappointment flickered across Snape's face. "Your work in my class used to be exemplary. But even with the assignment today, it has been... lacking." He paused, letting his words sink in. "At this rate, you wouldn't even qualify for the competition you nearly won last year."
The sting of his words hit her hard. She felt a mixture of shame and frustration. "I'm sorry, Professor. I can assure you it will not happen again."
Snape's expression remained stern. "Then start by thinking about your future. Do not let trivialities and deter you from your path."
Rose nodded. "I understand, Professor. Thank you for the advice."
Snape gave a curt nod. "You may go now."
Rose felt tears well up in her eyes as she left Snape's office. His harsh and stern advice struck a chord deep within her, making her feel even more vulnerable than she did before. She ran through the dungeon corridors, trying to keep her composure, but the tears threatened to spill over. Ignoring the curious looks from passing students, she headed straight for her dormitory, her heart pounding loudly in her chest.
She rushed into the bathroom, hoping to find a moment of solitude to collect herself, but as she pushed open the door, she found Amelia standing by the sink, her expression a mixture of surprise and concern.
As Rose turned to leave, but Amelia spoke up. "Wait, I want to talk."
Rose stopped, her back still turned to her. "I'm not in the mood, Amelia."
Amelia took a hesitant step forward. "I'm not here to fight. I want to apologize."
"Apologize?" The tears that had been threatening to fall finally spilled over, and Rose turned to face Amelia, her eyes blazing with anger and hurt. "You betrayed me! I thought we were friends!"
Amelia's eyes filled with tears as well. "I felt betrayed too, Rose. It felt like I wasn't good enough to be your friend anymore."
Rose's anger flared, her voice trembling with emotion. "Maybe you're right. With how you've been behaving, you're not good enough. How could you do this to me?"
"Stop it!" Amelia started crying openly, her shoulders shaking. "What would Maggie say?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Rose leaned in, her voice low and furious. "She would be most disappointed in you. As is Graham. You hurt him, Amelia. Do you have any idea how much you've hurt us both?"
Amelia sobbed, her tears mingling with the guilt and regret she felt. "I didn't mean to. I was just... I felt so left out. You were always with them, or busy with the letters, and I thought... I thought you didn't need me anymore."
"I needed you, Amelia. More than ever." Rose's anger wavered, replaced by a deep sadness.
Amelia wiped her tears, looking to the side. "I'm scared, Rose."
Rose's anger softened into confusion. "Scared? Of what?"
"Of everything!" Amelia cried and turned her to Rose, looking into the mirror. "Don't you see? Something is happening."
Rose had never felt more confused in her life. "I'm not following."
Amelia hesitated, then spoke in a trembling voice. "My parents are sending me strange letters. Natalie is constantly on about good and bad company. I don't know what they mean, but I'm afraid."
Rose felt a chill run down her spine. "Of what, Amelia?"
"I don't know." Amelia shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "They won't tell me."
Rose stared at her, her anger dissipating, replaced by a deep sense of unease. She didn't know what to make of it all. Rose turned away and left the bathroom, leaving Amelia to cry alone.
She wanted to scream, to cry, to punch something, but all she could do was keep walking, her mind swirling with a mix of anger, sadness, and fear. The halls seemed longer than ever, each step echoing her despair.
Finally reaching her dorm, Rose collapsed onto her bed, burying her face in her pillow. The tears came freely now, and she let them, feeling the full weight of everything she had been holding in. The betrayal, the rumors, Snape's disappointment, Amelia's fear—it all crashed over her like a wave, leaving her feeling utterly overwhelmed.
She thought about Maggie, about how she would have handled the situation. Maggie, with her unyielding strength and loyalty, would have stood by her no matter what. But Maggie was gone from her life, and Rose felt more alone than ever.
After what felt like hours, Rose sat up, wiping her eyes. Meredith has come in at some point and quietly went to bed. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions still swirling inside her. Then, suddenly as if a big light turned on in front of her, she remembered the Charlie's letter. She fumbled in her bag, pulling out the crumpled parchment, and carefully smoothed it out.
Unfolding it, she began to read.
Dear Rose,
Congratulations on beating another task! Ron tells me it was quite an ordeal.
As for the symbol you described, nothing comes to mind immediately, but I'll ask around and see if any of my colleagues recognize it. Dragon keepers have a way of collecting odd bits of knowledge here and there.
On a brighter note, I've been tracking a nest of Ukrainian Irons for the past few weeks. They're absolutely magnificent, it's a privilege to get to observe them. Spring has arrived here, and I wish you could see it, the wildflowers are blooming everywhere.
Take care of yourself, Rose. And although I'm sure you'll figure it out before then, maybe when I'm back in the country we could figure out the symbol over come drinks?
Love, Charlie
Rose hugged the letter tightly to her chest, feeling a wave of warmth wash over her. She felt a deep sense of calm, imagining the beauty of Romania and the awe-inspiring sight of the dragons. It served as a good reminder that there was a world beyond the walls of Hogwarts, one where they hopefully didn't read the Daily Prophet.
Clutching the letter, Rose lay back down on her bed. The tears had stopped, replaced by a quiet resolve. She closed her eyes, letting Charlie's words linger in her mind. As she drifted off to sleep, she felt a sense of peace.
That night, she dreamt of Cornwall, however without snakes and bright lights. Rose finally dreamt of home.
Rose stood in the owlery, the cool breeze shuffling her hair as she finished writing a letter to her father. She carefully rolled up the parchment, attaching it to the leg of a patient barn owl. Taking a deep breath, she whispered to the bird, "Take this to Wilfred Nott in Tehidy, and please, be swift." The owl hooted softly, then spread its wings and took off into the gray sky.
She turned to leave when a familiar, mocking voice echoed through the owlery. "Writing to one of your boyfriends?"
Rose spun around to see Natalie standing there, a smug grin on her face. "Trying to intercept my mail now, are you?" she asked, her voice filled with irritation.
Natalie took a few steps closer, her eyes glinting maliciously. "No need, you'll spill it out all by yourself just as quickly."
Rose snapped. "I'm tired of your games."
Natalie smirked. "Oh, but it's too much fun. But not if you're losing, is it?"
"Well I'm still a Champion, and you're a nobody," Rose hissed.
Natalie's eyes narrowed. "You deserve this."
Before Rose could react, Natalie raised her wand, and a sudden shriek cut through the tension. Both girls turned to see a younger student, wide-eyed and frightened. Natalie sneered at the girl. "Speak a word to anyone, Weasley, and I will hex your face off."
Realization hit Rose like a bolt of lightning. That was Ginny Weasley, Charlie's sister. Fury surged through her, and she acted purely out of instinct. She lunged forward, shoving Natalie against the cold stone wall. Natalie's wand clattered to the floor as Rose grabbed her by the collar of her robes.
"Touch her, and I will show you just how unstable I can be," Rose whispered, her eyes burning with anger.
Natalie's eyes widened in fear, but as Rose let go and turned to check on Ginny, Natalie picked her wand up, her face twisted with rage. "Densa—"
"Watch out!" Ginny's voice rang out in warning.
Rose spun back around just in time. With a quick flick of her wand, she silently cast spell. Natalie's screams echoed through the owlery as bat-shaped bogeys erupted from her face, flapping wildly around her.
"I'll get you expelled!" Natalie shrieked, her voice muffled by the flapping bats. She turned and fled the owlery, the bats still chasing her.
Ginny stared in amazement, her mouth slightly open. "Wicked! Can you teach me that?"
Rose felt a small, genuine smile tug at her lips for the first time in days. She pulled out her Charms book and carefully ripped out two pages detailing the hex, along with the incantation she had written in the margins. Handing them to Ginny, she said, "Here. I'm sure you'll manage just fine on your own. And there are plenty of practice targets around, like Natalie."
Ginny's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thank you."
"Anytime," Rose replied softly. "Be careful, though. Don't let any of the teachers catch you doing it."
Ginny nodded. "Got it."
Rose lingered for a moment, watching Ginny leave the owlery with a skip in her step. She sighed, turning to the open window, letting the cool breeze calm her. As she gazed out at the vast expanse of the grounds, she felt a spark of her old self. Rose vowed to herself that she would find a way to get herself back on top.
Even if it that was just for brief moment before something new came out to blow up her life. Like Natalie, reporting her to Snape.