On Saturday morning, the girls and I decided to head to the shopping centre to find pretty dresses to wear that night to Eric's party.
"Remember, Priya," Sophie warned in the car. "One dress too revealing and your ass will be shipped back to a shrine in India."
"Very funny, Soph," Priya rolled her eyes.
"I still don't understand why I'm stuck driving you lot," said Ben as he pulled onto the highway.
"Because, you're the real champion," I said. Ben snorted.
I had asked Ben to drive us when Mum got a call from the Ministry and had to leave immediately. Ben, of course, grumbled and complained but he pulled his shiny grey sedan into my driveway not more than fifteen minutes later. Merlin, did I ever love that boy.
I sat in passenger while the other three were in the back and when I turned around to chat with them, they kept making eyes at Ben and I. I wondered if he noticed. Sophie sarcastically called us mum and dad when I reminded her that wearing a seatbelt was important and Ben affirmed it. But only because he didn't want to be fined by the traffic police.
The car ride was filled with chatter about tonight's party and before we knew it, we'd arrived at the shopping centre. To my sheer horror, it was the same one Scorpius had brought me too. As Ben drove across the lot towards the front, past that familiar coffee shop, I could only think of Scorpius asking me to get out of the car at the cafe. I wish I had gotten out then and called my mum. If I'd been smarter, I wouldn't be struggling to hide my bruises and my tears.
The girls all thanked Ben for the ride and got out of the car. I sat still and quiet in my seat as I recalled being pulled into a small dark storage cupboard and not knowing what Malfoy was going to do with me. There had been a moment where I'd wondered if he would strangle me or beat me to a pulp.
"Rosie?" said Ben, snapping his fingers at me.
"Huh?" I said, startled.
"Aren't you going to get out? The girls are waiting for you," he said pointing to the three of them motioning for me to get a move on.
"Yes, I-I suppose I am..." I said in a small voice.
"Are you quite alright?" Ben asked.
I bit my lip and nodded.
Ben didn't look convinced, "Are you sure? If you don't feel like shopping, I could take you out for some ice cream and we can talk—"
"No. " I quickly said. I didn't want to talk about anything. Especially not Malfoy. I didn't want to relive the events. "I should go," I said quietly. "Thanks for the ride, Benny. I'm very grateful."
I undid my seatbelt and just as I was about to get out of the car, Ben took my hand. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yes, of course," I lied, gently pulling it pack. I tried to put on my best smile, "I need to find a dress. I can't wait for tonight!"
Ben chuckled, "I can't wait to see it."
And with that, I got out and we all waved him goodbye before he drove away.
"So what were you and Ben talking about?!" Emma gushed once we were inside.
"Nothing," I shrugged.
"Oh it was definitely something! You two are adorable!" Said Priya.
I shrugged though I couldn't help but smile. I guess Ben was kind of cute.
All thoughts fled my mind as soon as we entered the first flashy department store. Emma and Priya went straight for the rack of new arrivals while Sophie and I quietly looked through the sale section. I had some Christmas money left over from Nana and Papa but I didn't want to spend so much for one silly party. Emma and Priya, who'd brought their parents' credit cards, couldn't seem to agree.
"Hey, Soph, I've been meaning to ask, how are things with Louis?" I said as I skimmed through a rack of dresses.
"Louis? Oh, things are okay I suppose. I mean, we haven't really seen each other lately," She said as she pulled out a short, black dress.
"That's pretty!" I said. "So are you two taking a break?"
"I don't know, I guess I've just been busy working," she shrugged. "You know I try to take as many shifts as I can in the summer."
I nodded. "Where are you working this summer?"
"An apothecary in Diagon Alley," she said. "I get free beauty potions. Remind me to get you a few sample bottles."
"Thanks!" I said. "Anyway, Louis talked to me about you."
Sophie looked up at me, "He did?"
"He feels like you're pulling away," I said.
Sophie sighed, "It's not like I want to."
"Work isn't the only reason, is it?" I said, knowingly.
Sophie fidgeted with the hangers before sighing. "It's hard to explain..."
"You know you can trust me," I assured her.
"Of course, I know that," Sophie said. "It's just...remember how I'd been talking to Adam Bryce from Ravenclaw back in May?"
"I do," I said. "But you guys never went out."
"Yes! He was just beating around the bush with me because he was still hung up on his muggle ex-girlfriend. They'd broken up on Easter."
"I see," I said, unsure. "Go on."
Sophie bit her lip, "Well...Kylie Montague and Olivia Quirke suggested I pursue Louis to spite Adam. So he'd get jealous and finally realise he likes me."
Kylie Montague was a chaser for Slytherin and Olivia Quirke, a sweet Ravenclaw. How Sophie had so many friends around the school, I had no idea.
I clicked my tongue slightly annoyed. "You're playing with Louis's feelings?" I asked.
"No! No!" she quickly said. "I don't care about Adam anymore! I've come to care about Louis. Truly, I really like him but I'm afraid he'll find out."
I sighed, "He will eventually. The sooner you tell him, the better."
Sophie's lip quivered, "He'll hate me."
"Only if he finds out from someone else," I said gently. "Just come clean. You'll have a better chance at patching things up."
"Do you think he'll end it...us?" She asked nervously.
"I really can't say but there's only one way to find out," I said. "But he will hear you out. I know that."
Sophie nodded. "You're right. I'll talk to him tonight," she said, looking determined as ever.
"Tonight? Are you sure? Tonight is the party..."
Sophie nodded. "I want to do it as soon as possible. You're right, there's no use adding to the lie."
I took her hand and gave it a gentle, encouraging squeeze. "Everything will work out. Let me know if I can do anything to help."
Sophie nodded. I reminded her we needed to look the best for tonight's party, which meant enough talking and more shopping.
Emma was the first one to find a dress. She finally found one that didn't remind her of her sudden weight gain, a loose style dress and towering high heels. She was a little wobbly and we were all concerned that she wouldn't be able to walk in them tonight but she insisted these were the ones.
Priya was the second one to make a purchase. Her dress was far too revealing for my taste and her heels were just as high as Emma's. I was not very skilled at walking in heels so I wondered if I should just wear flat shoes. I'd be the only one, probably. After they paid, we went to another store where Sophie and I searched for clothes for ourselves while the other two flirted with sales assistants. After failing to find anything, we decided to move on.
As we window-shopped, a subtle glimmer of gold in a window caught my eye and I rushed into the store. It was a short, dress with full sleeves that fell off the shoulders and pronounced my curves in all the right ways. But what I really fell in love with was the subtle gold shimmer all throughout the fabric. I felt like I was glowing!
"This is the one!" I gushed.
"You look beautiful!" Sophie exclaimed.
"Your collarbones! And your hips! And everything! I'm in love!" Emma sighed.
"If I was Eric I'd have your clothes off like this!" Priya snapped her fingers and laughed.
I blushed bright pink and brushed off the compliments.
Soon after, Emma and Priya began to sulk as they went through dresses at this store while Sophie and I shopped. It became quite clear that they regretted their hasty, and expensive, purchases. My dress was on sale, to my pleasant surprise, and the last piece in my size. Emma and Priya tried to convince me to buy high heels with it since I was such a small girl, but I refused to risk tripping over my own feet and embarrassing myself so I purchased a pretty pair of the pointy shoes with the tiniest heel. Sophie also found herself a short, red dress at this store and a pair of practical black heels. The girls kept convincing me I'd look like a dwarf tonight since I had already a petite frame but I refused to budge. An image of me falling at Eric's feet, quite literally, just about did it for me.
Once we'd done all our shopping, Mum picked us up. The girls, save for Priya, came to my house and the three of us took turns bathing in my washroom before painting our nails and styling our hair. When Sophie was in the shower, I decided it was the perfect time to break the news of Al and Arielle to Emma.
"I don't really care," She shrugged. "I should have expected it. He's out of my league. I'm way to ugly—"
"Oh Emma!" I rolled my eyes. "Quit feeling sorry for yourself. You're such a drama queen."
Emma threw a cushion at me and we proceeded to do our makeup for the party.
…
I left my long, auburn tresses down in their natural curly waves. My makeup was also subtle since I didn't want to scare Eric. I grew more excited as the sky darkened and we put on our finishing touches.
"Guys, hurry up", I said as I took one last look at myself. Sophie was just putting on her red lipstick and Emma was adding holding spray to her straightened, brown hair.
"Sophie, Louis is going to faint when he sees you," I sighed, envying how beautifully she carried herself.
Sophie bit her lip and nodded.
"Rose, I still think you should wear high heels," Emma said. "You'll look like an elf compared to all the other girls."
"I can't walk properly," I said. "I don't want to make a fool of myself in front of our entire school."
"So how are we getting there again?" Sophie asked.
"James is driving us, he should be here soon," I said.
And soon enough my phone started to ring and it was James and he was waiting outside.
We quickly said our goodbyes to my parents and I promised not to be out too late before I followed the girls as they rushed out the door. James's car was parked in my driveway and I could see Albus sitting in passenger next to him.
"Oh no!" Emma said in a hushed tone.
"Don't be dramatic, Em!" Sophie rolled her eyes.
We were walking towards the back seats when Al rolled down his window. "Damn!" he said looking at us. "You girls look good!"
Emma opened the back door and we saw Fred sitting in the back.
"Shit! There are three of you?" Said James. "We thought there would only be two so we brought Fred with us."
"It's okay," I said. "Sophie, Em, you guys get in."
"What about you?" Sophie asked.
"I could come back for you," James said.
I nodded, "Sure. I'm okay with that."
"Rose, why don't you go, I'll wait," Sophie offered.
"Don't worry about it," I shrugged and smiled. "Go ahead."
"I've an idea," said James. "I'll call Ben, he'll come get you."
Al agreed. "Plus, it's only him and his brother Max. I'm sure they'll have room in their car for one more.
"He won't mind?" Asked Sophie.
"He won't mind picking up Rose. Trust me," James said as he dialed Ben on his mobile. "It'll take too long for us to go there, and drop you lot off and for me to come back here and take Rose there again." He said as he held the phone to his ear. "Hello, buddy?" He said. "I need you to do something," he paused. "Can you come get Rose. We thought it would just be her and Emma, so we picked Fred up too," James paused again. "Can you? Thanks, man, I owe you one." He paused again and then laughed before ending the conversation.
He turned to me. "Rose, you'd be okay with Ben coming to get you?"
"Yes of course!" I said.
"He won't be long," James assured me.
"We can always just kick Fred out and make him wait," Al said laughing.
"I wouldn't mind, really," said Fred.
"Are you sure, Rose?" said Sophie. "I could wait."
"Guys, it's fine. Ben will be here soon. Go on!" I urged them. They said goodbye to me and James pulled the car out of the driveway before driving away.
The noise of the car's engine disappeared as James and company drove farther away. My street was very quiet tonight so I went as sat on the porch swing with only the sound of crickets in my ear. As I waited for Ben, my phone started ringing. I felt the air knocked out of my lungs when I recognized the number.
Malfoy.
Why was Malfoy calling me? I cancelled the call immediately but it didn't stop my heart from beating rapidly. Was I frightened? I looked around me. It was dark and quiet on my street and I was alone. There was a slight wind in the air and I could hear the croaking of crickets. One of the streetlights kept flickering, which made me nervous for some unexplained reason.
It was the horrific memories of the dark storage room that made me so jumpy. Why did he have to call me? As if taking over my dreams and thoughts wasn't enough. Would I ever be able to hear his name without having my body stiffen and my mind open to the memories like floodgates? Trembling I went back inside my house. My parents asked me what I was still doing here so I explained the situation to them. Why I suddenly felt uneasy on my own front lawn, I could not explain.
I tried to lock all thoughts of Malfoy in a corner of my mind. I was not sure how I would go back to school with him there and in my classes but I'd figure that out when I get there. Right now, tonight, I needed to forget him. I needed to forget everything that happened that Sunday and focus on myself. On my summer, and on Eric. I needed to get Eric's attention. Somehow. I wanted him to talk to me, get to know me. Unfortunately I'd have to be more interesting. I suppose I'll wing it. My phone started ringing again and to my relief, it was Ben. I hurried outside to greet him and sure enough, there was Ben's grey Lexus.
"Holy crap!" Ben took and sharp breath when I opened the door of the passenger seat.
"Hi, Ben," I smiled sheepishly as I got in.
"How've you been?" He asked as I put on my seatbelt.
"Great! Thanks for coming to get me."
"Don't mention it," he smiled as we got on the road to Eric's. "You look amazing."
"Thanks," I laughed shyly.
"Looks like my chauffeuring was worth it," he joked.
I felt my face flush.
"Looking to impress anyone, Rosie?" He teased me.
"None of your business!" I jokingly flicked his shoulder.
"So you are! Come on, tell me who!"
"You don't need to know!" I laughed.
"What house is he in? Is he Gryffindor? Is he in your year?" He asked
"Ben! Stop asking questions!" I lightly whacked him on the arm.
"Fine! No need to assault me!" he said.
I stopped. "You don't know what assault is," I said.
"Whatever," he laughed.
I didn't say anything and Ben became quiet for a moment.
"So who is it?" He suddenly asked.
I shook my head.
Ben grinned sheepishly. "Tell me!"
"You!" I suddenly said trying to hold back my laughter. "It's you, okay?! Happy?!"
"Oh come on, Rose, be serious," He said.
"I am serious. I can't stop thinking about you," I put on a fake smile. "You're my star!"
"Well, I wouldn't blame you. Have you met me? " He said cockily. "But come on, Rose. Tell me who you've got your eye on."
"I'm telling you, it's you, Benny. You're so damn sexy I dream about you every night!"
"Ha ha," he rolled his eyes. "You're so funny. Ten points to Gryffindor."
"I know. I can't help it".
"Trust me, you would never have to dress up for me," he suddenly said and we grew quiet for a bit.
"So how many people are coming?" I chirped up.
"Eric said close to a hundred were invited. All the sixth years and seventh years plus some fifth years."
"How far is his house?"
"Not far now," Ben said as he turned into lots of narrow streets and roads.
"Where's Max? I thought he'd be with you?" I asked looking at the back.
"He's already there with his friend Danny Hooper," said Ben.
We finally arrived at a great white bungalow swarming with people I recognized trying to get in.
"His house is very nice!" I said.
"His dad was a World Cup Keeper, what do you expect?" Ben chuckled.
We heard the bombarding music as soon as we got out of the car and under the lights of Eric's massive front lawn, I couldn't help but notice how handsome Ben looked. Tall and built like a Gryffindor beater should be. I'd never seen him dressed like this, in a button-down with his sleeves rolled up just like...
Just like Scorpius.
"Let's go in," Ben said, pulling me out of my trance.
"Yeah," I said quietly as we walked towards Eric's front porch together.
"Well, well, well! Look who's here," We heard a shrill voice. Both Ben and I turned around to see dear Dominique, ever the enchantress, and certainly looking like one.
"Dominique," Ben said, coldly.
Dominique swayed her way over to us. "Ben, you look…dashing," she said, touching his shoulder.
"You don't look bad yourself," he said callously, stepping away from her. I noticed how perfect my cousin looked with her fitted dress and silvery-blond hair. She towered over me in those heels and I suddenly wished I'd worn some as well. Everyone would tower over me tonight. I'd be lucky if I got noticed at all let alone by Eric.
"What are you two doing together?" She demanded before giving us a smile that seemed plastered on.
"Explain to me why I should bother to answer your question," Countered Ben through gritted teeth.
Dominique shot us a look and snarled, "You don't have to. I don't fucking care. I just couldn't believe you'd be with her."
"Again, none of your concern," Ben said as he took hold of my hand before turning to me. "Come on, love, we're missing the party." With that he led me away to the front porch where we laughed at how we'd fooled Dominique.
We entered the large house and the blaring of music hit me like drums beating in my ears. I looked around at the large crowd and wondered how I'd ever spot Emma or Sophie here. But I forgot all about them when I saw a handsome male heading towards us with a red cup in his hand.
"It's Eric!" I squealed to Ben.
"Rose?" Eric said, surprised. I watched him take in the length of me and I felt my entire body burn. I was flushing. I'd never been examined so thoroughly by a man...maybe Malfoy but he was always scrutinizing. "You look hot...like amazing!" Eric said.
I knew I was blushing a bright crimson color. Eric Wood had just called me hot. "Yo-You're house...is, um, very nice," I said, looking around. Merlin, I was pathetic.
Suddenly, Ben cleared his throat. I seemed to have forgotten he was standing next to me.
"Where's James?" Ben asked with a frown.
"James is somewhere causing trouble," said Eric with a chuckle.
"What do you mean?" I asked curiously.
"Remember Sandra Towler?" said Eric.
"Yeah, she's in our house in your year. She's friends with Dom", I said. "Wasn't James dating her last year?"
"He was," Eric said, laughing, "And now, he's off upstairs hooking up with her sister!"
"That fifth year Gryffindor?" I asked.
"yup," Eric chuckled. "And Al and Arielle are missing in action too."
"Arielle and Sonia are friends with my cousin Roxie, maybe she knows where they are," I shrugged.
"Who cares?!" Eric laughed. "Let's get some drinks!"
I giggled. God, I was so embarrassing.
Ben eyed us. "I'm going to go look for Fred and Donny," he said before leaving.
Once Ben was gone, Eric turned to me. "Not going to lie, I was looking forward to seeing you tonight," he said.
"You were?" I said, feeling my heart flutter. Maybe my feelings weren't as one sided as I thought.
Eric smiled and took a gulp of his drink. "Yeah, I wanted to dan—"
Suddenly we heard a bang and bits of powdered dry wall from the ceiling crumbled down on our heads.
"HOLY SHIT!" Yelled Eric. "Oh Merlin! I'm sorry, Rose. I've got to go upstairs and make sure no one's fucking setting off dungbombs in my parents' room! I'll be back," he said and with that he darted towards the staircase.
I was standing all by myself now, trying to spot my friends. I saw Donny and Alayna sharing kisses in a love seat in the corner. I definitely did not want to intrude there.
I also saw Fred flirting with a Ravenclaw girl and Mark trying to grind with another. I tried to look for Emma or Sophie. I assumed Priya would be too busy dancing or too drunk to have a coherent conversation.
I began to push my way through the crowd. The light in the room was dimmer now and Eric had some sort of charm that made coloured lights reflect from everywhere. It was harder to spot my friends now. I was struggling my way out of a group of rowdy seventh years asking me to dance when suddenly I heard a voice. It was a deep growling voice and one so unfortunately familiar.
"Miss me, flower?"
I grew still in my spot, my heart beating almost as loud as the bass. I turned immediately, searching for the owner of the voice.
My head shot in every direction. I could feel my throat dry, my spit caught in it as realisation dawned on me.
Malfoy.
"Rose."
It was him. He was here...But where was he?
"Rose!"
No! He wouldn't dare!
"Hey, Rose!"
Suddenly I felt my arms being pulled.
No! Not again! I shut my eyes and shrieked.
"Damn it, Rose! It's us!" I turned around and opened my eyes to find Ricky Coote, Zach Riches, and Nick Longbottom, all Gryffindors in my year staring at me startled.
"Are you fucking okay, woman?!" said, Ricky.
"You look like you saw a ghost," said Zach.
"We didn't mean to scare you. We just thought to save you from the crowd," said Nick.
"I'm...I'm sorry," I said, taking deep breaths. I needed to get a grip! He wasn't here. It had been in my head! If he were here I would've seen his car outside. Someone would have mentioned it. He just wasn't here. He couldn't be.
But what if he was? Everyone was here so why wouldn't he be? And why did I care? Even if he was, it shouldn't concern, upset or bother me. I needed to go about my business like I didn't know him at all. I had to forget everything. He was nothing to me...yet back there, for a single moment, I thought I'd felt my heart beat in strange anticipation.
I didn't know if it was my desire for closure or my need to have the last word but a small part of me wanted to see his face here, see his twinkling grey eyes. But then what? What would I do then? What would I say to him?
I had to put him out of my mind so I turned to the boys and I tried to greet them properly. They looked at me warily at first but soon the conversation became easy.
"So how's your summer been?" Zach asked me.
"It's been fun," I said with as much enthusiasm as I could muster.
"Really? What have you been doing?" He asked.
"I've been...I...ah," What have I been doing? "Just, ah, hanging out with friends...you know?"
"Sounds fun," Zach smiled.
Bloody hell, I needed a drink.
We watched two Ravenclaw girls, Olivia Quirke and Macy Bradley, from our class approach and greet us.
"So, are you lot having a good time?" Nick asked the girls with a slight pink to his cheeks.
"No!" said Macy. "Everyone here seems to have someone to snog except me."
"Well, I'm always available," Ricky Coote nudged her.
"In your dreams, Coote!" She rolled her eyes. She exchanged a look with her friend Olivia Quirke and then slightly jerked her head in Coote's direction, making the other girl blush.
"Hey, Ricky, want to come with me to get more drinks?" Olivia asked rather shyly but Ricky happily obliged.
Once they were gone, Macy turned to us, "She's got a thing for him." She took a sip of her drink, "So did you hear about your cousin, Rose? He's hooking up with his ex-girlfriend's little sister!"
"Yeah, I did," I said, wondering whether James was going to be the centre of Hogwarts gossip again as per usual.
"That's awkward. Ugh, gross!" Nick said.
Zach nudged him, "You realise his little brother's with your little sister right now?"
Nick choked on his beer and Zach had to stifle back a laugh.
"Look who just arrived," said Macy, looking beyond my shoulder. We turned to see three 7th year ladies enter. The pretty Slytherin queen Missy Jones, followed by Nina Flint and Veronica Crabbe. I didn't know her but I knew she and Dominique had a strong rivalry between them. If both of them were here tonight, trouble would surely brew.
Just then, Eric appeared at the entrance and I watched him pull her in for a hug. I felt a slight pang of jealousy. Eric wasn't that excited to see me. Soon after, a seventh year Slytherin who I knew to be called Todd Nott, arrived and they all disappeared into the party. I watched as Eric shut his front door and turned around, his eyes locking with mine. I quickly looked away, embarrassed. I was all but stalking him. Eric smiled and made his way over to where I was standing with my friends.
"Enjoying your selves?" he asked us.
"Sure!" said Macy.
"Great party, mate," said Zach.
"Yeah, yeah," mumbled Nick.
"Feel free to grab more drinks," said Eric. He turned to Nick. "Hey, man, you know your little sister's gone. I thought she was upstairs with Al but the two have left," he sniggered.
"Yeah, I fucking know! Everybody's gone out of their way to make sure of it!"
Macy rolled her eyes, "Come on Long-butt, you need more firewhisky." I watched her grab his sleeve and pull him away. Zach followed after them and it was just Eric and I now.
"Rose, I've been waiting to dance with you all night," Eric asked, taking my hand.
I gulped, nervous yet excited. Eric had never been so forward before! I didn't protest though. He led me to the dance floor in the centre of the room and snaked his hands around my waist.
We started moving with the rhythm. Suddenly he pulled me closer and I jerked forward, almost colliding with his chest.
He was craning his head down to keep our eyes locked. I couldn't do it though. I was too nervous and confused for eye contact so I looked at his chest. I stared at the tiniest piece of thread coming out from the weaving in the button of his button-down shirt. I could feel his hand roaming my waist and lower back and felt the heat and stench of sweat envelope me. It wasn't as romantic as I'd thought.
"You're so tiny," he muttered into my hair before pressing me closer and grinding his hips against mine.
I couldn't say I had danced like this before. I looked around the dance floor. Everyone was pressed against each other. I didn't like the feeling of someone pressed against me. I pulled back slightly.
Looking around, I spotted Priya. She was dancing with 6th year Hufflepuff, Jared Stebbins, her back pressed against his front. I also saw Mark Pucey grinding with a girl from his house, Monica Bletchley. Everyone was doing it. Everyone seemed to like it. I also saw Jacob McDougal, the sixth year Lily liked, making out on the dance floor with Nicole Boot, his on-again-off-again girlfriend. I made a mental note to break it to Lily that her Jacob dreams were not so promising.
I had been trying so hard to concentrate on anything other than the man who had his hands all over me that I hadn't noticed when those hands had slid below to my hips and then behind to cup my bum. He gave a squeeze, startling me out of my thoughts.
"Eric!" I pulled his hands off my ass and back on my waist. "Eric, what are you—"
"I've never noticed how sexy you are," he whispered in a low voice in my ear. He lowered his head and I felt his lips on my shoulder and neck, so close that I could smell the firewhiskey in his breath. I was feeling very much overwhelmed. I shut my eyes and tried to take a deep breath. This was normal. All sixteen year olds kissed like this. All of a sudden, I heard a husky voice in my ear.
"I wouldn't hurt you, angel."
My eyes widened and I looked up at Eric. That wasn't Eric was it? He was too busy latching his mouth to my skin. I tried to look around. Who was that? Where had that voice come from? Even above the music I could hear him like he was right next to me. There was only one man that called me 'angel'. One awful man who was taunting me. That was it! He was trying to scare me! That's why he had called earlier, I was sure of it. To make sure I'd be here tonight.
I felt the tiny droplets of sweat travel down my temple. It was too hot here. I felt suffocated. I needed air! Eric was still mauling at me. His hands were certainly back on my posterior!
"Eric stop...stop it," I said.
Eric groaned in my hair, "Merlin, I wanna take you in that plump little ass of yours."
"Eric!" I gasped. "Let go, seriously," I said, as I broke free of him.
He finally backed away and I broke through the crowd. I didn't know where I was going but I just needed air. I rushed out through the kitchen and into the vast back yard. There were people out here as well but at least there was oxygen!
I saw Sandra Towler who's boyfriend had been stolen by her little sister. She didn't look too devastated as she flirted with a seventh year Slytherin I recognized as Dominique's former lover, Tyler Higgs. I also saw Missy and Todd flirting and she kept touching his arm. Oh God I hated this! I hated the pretenses and the flirting and everyone just vying for attention! I needed a break. I needed to get myself out of here. And that's when I heard the sound of bellowing engine, like a group of cars racing by at maximum speed. A whole bunch of people had heard it too and some excitedly made their way to the front of the house. I was caught in the crowd and I heard several voices.
"That sounds like his car," someone said.
"That's his style."
"He's here."
"Let's go see him," some girls giggled.
I was so confused to I turned to the first person I saw. "Excuse me, who's here?"
"Malfoy of course!"
Malfoy? Scorpius Malfoy? Oh Merlin, no! Oh, please, no! Please don't let him be here! I can't be near him. I don't want to be in the same house as him! Why was this happening to me? I can't stay here anymore. I had to get away from here. I didn't want to be near Malfoy again. Not ever! I felt like the memories of that Sunday were flashing through my head like I was there again, in that tiny storage room. I felt like I was going to be pushed again to the ground, stepped on, have my arms twisted, threatened. Oh please, don't do this to me again, I begged of the universe.
I had to find a way to get out of here. I could feel my entire body burn so I grabbed two cups of fruit punch off the table and headed to a corner behind the shed and downed the full cups in one go each. It tasted kind of funny but I didn't care. It was refreshing. I stayed behind the shed, leaning my back against the wooden wall and tilted my head up. I took a couple of deep breaths and stared up at the clear sky, counting stars until I could collect myself enough to go home. But how would I get home? Would Ben drive me home? Or at least apparate me?
Just then I heard the noise of chatter and laughter grow louder against the faint music from inside the house, as if it wasn't already loud enough. I turned to look around the shed and sure enough there was a group of young people I'd never seen before. They were all filing in to the backyard and in the centre of their group was none other than Scorpius Malfoy. I groaned. Why couldn't he have just gone in the house where the party was? Why the hell was he back here?
I watched as Malfoy's little group of friends went inside the house through the back and Malfoy took a seat by the pool. I also saw Sandra Towler strut over the refreshments table and bring a drink for him. I wanted to throw up when she plopped her stupid arse on his lap. He only glanced at her for a moment before nudging her off, albeit gently. A few of the other girls, like Nina Flint and Veronica Crabbe sat around him and they all chatted like they were the best of chums. Ryla Vane even joined them and animatedly greeted Scorpius with a kiss to his cheeks. He smiled politely. God I hated that. That he could smile and be polite to all of these girls that strutted before him. He saved the cruelty for me. Why didn't any of the other girls get pushed around, and threatened and basically called a whore? It wasn't fair…God I hated that even now my eyes were tearing up. I needed to get out of here before Malfoy saw me. There was no way I was going to let him cause a scene here in front of our entire school!
When Missy and Todd reappeared and took seats next to Scorpius, Sandra and Ryla immediately got up to leave. Scorpius was busy chatting with his Slytherin friends and in this crowd, I could definitely get away unnoticed. So I snuck around the corner of the shed and headed for the small narrow pathway on the other side of the house, not the side where Scorpius had come from. I saw trash bags and a blue box full of scrap paper. There were also empty cartons that once held beer cans and empty bottles of Tequila, according to the labels. I walked around the garbage and lawn mower and shovels, keeping sure to stay as close to the fence as I could. But with my luck, it was inevitable that I trip and fall, even in a goddamn pair of kitten heels. I looked down and saw I had tripped on a stupid broken shard of glass that looked a lot more dangerous than one would think. I saw one of the empty liquor bottles had fallen from the pile and broken on the cement pathway. I carefully picked it up and debated where to place this so no one else might trip on it. I'd even scraped my knees on the walkway. Goddamn it! I was just about to place the shard of glass behind the garbage bag when I suddenly heard a deep, low voice chiding me.
"Careful…you don't want to get hurt now, do you?"
My knees shook as I slowly turned around.
"M-Malfoy," I breathed.
"Angel," he greeted me back with one of those knowing smiles that never really reach the eyes. "Surely you've got better things to do than sort through garbage."
"Wh-What do you want, Malfoy?"
He was standing there, examining me with a curious look on his face, in a dark grey dress shirt and black slacks, his sleeves rolled up and his hands in his pant pockets.
"'Malfoy'?" He took a step closer to me. "Must we be so formal now? We have…history."
"We don't…" I insisted. I didn't want to have anything with him, let alone history. "Wh-why are you here?"
Malfoy looked amused, "Well I spotted a head of brilliant red hair sneaking behind the house and I thought to say hello."
My eyes widened. How did he recognize me so well in the dark?
Malfoy chuckled, "Why do you look like a deer caught in my headlights? You haven't been up to mischief have you, flower?"
I could feel my blood boil. How dare he goad me like that?! I knew he was doing it on purpose to push my buttons but goddamn it, I still hated it!
I gritted my teeth, "I swear to god, Malfoy, I'll hit—"
"Are you…threatening me?" He chuckled. He stepped even closer, backing me up to the brick wall, our chests brushing against each other's at every breath too deep. He placed his hand on the wall next to my head, making me feel as small as a mouse. He leaned closer and tilted his head down before brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. He brought his mouth next to my ear and growled, "I don't like being threatened very much."
I wanted to yell but I'd lost my voice. Why did he make me such a wimp? He shouldn't be allowed to hurt me and then take such liberties with my body and my personal space. No way was I going to let him hurt me again. Not if I could hurt him first. I had to hurt him. I had to make him feel pain so he'd know how it feels. But dear Merlin, he was so physically superior. Stronger, taller, bigger. Suddenly I remembered the broken glass in my hand and without thinking, I swung for his face. To my horror, his reflexes were much too fast and he caught my wrist in midair.
"That wasn't very nice," he said through gritted teeth, squeezing my bony wrist angrily.
"Ow, stop it! Let me go!" I cried out, struggling to pull my hand back. I tried to keep the broken glass in my hand but he was grasping me so tightly. "You're hurting me!" I whimpered. He glared at me and wrestled the shard out of my hand. That's when I saw the red stains on it and he followed my gaze. He scowled at first but then his eyes slowly softened and his grip on me slackened.
"You've hurt yourself, angel," he whispered, looking down at the blood in my palm.
I blinked back tears, and retorted. "Why do you care?!"
Malfoy shot me a look.
I thought I'd burst into flames.
"Just leave me alone…" I begged, whispering. "Please! I've not told anyone anything…you have nothing to worry about."
Malfoy was now shooting daggers at me with his eyes but he didn't say a word. He was muttering something under his breath. He took hold of my wrist and pried my injured palm open with his other hand. Stunned, I watched him put his lips to my palm. He was kissing my bloody palm! He was mental! As if that wasn't enough, he slowly licked my blood off his lips. I thought I was going to vomit at the sight!
"And I thought you only looked delicious," he said in a low grumble. He looked down at my hands and I followed his gaze. The blood was gone and not the slightest trace of a scar was left! He'd healed them by magic. "There are other uses for such pretty hands, flower," he smirked.
I jerked my hands back and glared at him. He took a step back so I turned and walked straight past him, bumping him in the chest. I headed for the front of the house but I could swear I heard a quiet, rumbling laugh coming from his direction.
I wrapped my arms around my self and tried not to cry but I couldn't help my teary eyes. I picked up my pace and headed for the front of the house. There were less people here, just a couple seventh years out for a smoke. It smelled worse than cigarettes usually did so I headed for the front door to go back in. Maybe I could sneak into the bathroom or something and call Ben. I had my head down the entire time so as I was about to go in the house, I bumped into someone's chest, almost falling.
"Rose, I'm so sorry!" I looked up at the surprised face of Al's friend Lance Vaisey. With him was Damien who immediately noticed my teary face and asked about it.
"Holy hell, are you alright? What happened to your knees?" He asked.
"I…I fell," I tried a half-hearted laugh.
"You should put some antiseptic on that," suggested Damien. "Come inside, I can do it for you," he offered.
I smiled at Damien but he only reminded me of what Scorpius had said about us. Scorpius could never be half the gentleman Damien was.
"I'd appreciate that very much," I said, and wiped my eyes.
Lance nodded too, "come, I'll show you guys to the medicine cabinet."
Damien and I followed Lance inside the house where the music was still blaring and the stench of sweat was as strong as ever. He led us upstairs where there was a fairly lesser crowd and into one of the bedrooms. Aside from the usual things, there were quidditch posters everywhere, a messy desk and a television with a gaming set among other things.
"This is Eric's room," said Lance. "No one's allowed in here so you can have some privacy to clean up."
I nodded and muttered a 'thank you'.
"Are you sure you're okay, you look shaken up," said Lance.
"Yeah, yeah; I'm embarrassed about my fall," I tried to smile.
"Alright," said Lance with a small smile before turning to Damien. "There's a first aid kit in the bathroom."
Damien nodded and Lance left the room. Damien then proceeded to lock the door behind him. "I'm sure you don't want anyone barging in," he clarified.
"I have to use the loo," I told Damien before heading into the bathroom and locking the door.
There wasn't a single scar on my cut palm but when I pulled my sleeve up a little, I saw a new reddish purple bruise was forming on my wrist. I turned on the loud exhaust fan and burst into tears. Another one, another stupid bruise. I hated myself for bruising so easily. I hated that my stupid skin couldn't handle a little rough play. This was my fault. I let Malfoy do this to me. After a couple of minutes, I washed my face; not caring that I'd washed away all my makeup too. Once I felt clean and fresh, I went back into the room where Damien was sitting on the bed and playing with his phone.
He got up and went into the bathroom to retrieve the first aid kit and I politely sat on the bed and waited for him.
"Gosh, that's a dirty fall you had," said Damien.
I snorted. "I tripped on a piece of broken glass."
Damien nodded and poured some antiseptic on a piece of cotton before dabbing it at my knees. My right knee looked worse than the left so he bandaged it up too.
"Thank you, Damien," I said in a quiet voice.
"Don't mention it, Rose," he said.
Without another word, he got up and headed back into the bathroom to put the first aid kit away and wash up.
"I'm so sorry you had to see me like that," I said, fidgeting with my thumbs.
"There's nothing to be sorry about. It happens to the best of us," he laughed lightly. "Come, let's go get some ice."
I nodded and he unlocked the door and led me out the room. I hadn't noticed then but across the hall, a pair of hard, steel grey eyes had been watching me.
…
Damien and I reunited with Lance in the kitchen. He was standing with Eric, talking, and when they saw us, Eric turned to me.
"Are you alright, Rose?" He said. "Lance told me what happened. I'm so sorry this place is so littered."
"It's okay, Eric. It's not your fault," I said. He pulled out an ice pack from the freezer and handed it to me. "Thanks," I said.
Eric nodded, "let me know if you need anything else."
I thought for a moment, "Actually would it be okay if I hung out upstairs for bit? So I can ice my knees?"
"Of course, let me walk you there," he said.
I nodded and said good-bye to the other too, making sure to thank Damien again. Eric walked me upstairs with his hand placed lightly on the small of my back. If I cringed, I didn't let it show. Once we were in his room, I sat on his chair and placed the ice pack on my left knee. He stood there watching me with his hands in his pockets. I saw him open his mouth a few times to say something but he stopped before he could start.
"Rose, I'm…I'm really sorry," he finally said.
I looked at him, "I told you it's not your—"
"No, not about that. I'm sorry for earlier…when we were dancing. That was really inappropriate."
I bit my lip and nodded but I didn't say anything. I didn't want to discuss it further.
"Well," he said awkwardly. "I'm going to go back downstairs. Let me know if you need anything. Feel free to lock the door behind me. I'll knock if I need to come in."
"Okay," I said. "Thanks again. For letting me stay here."
"Yeah, no problem," he said. He stared at me for a moment before leaving and I locked the door once he was gone.
I wanted to be alone. I didn't want to be here anymore but I didn't know how to go home. My parents were probably asleep by now since I was supposed to have James drive me home. They wouldn't trust anyone other than my cousins James or Fred to drop me home anyway. Maybe I could ask one of the two to side-along apparate me. Both were still new at side-alongs though. This entire night had been horrible. I couldn't find my friends, Eric had been such a fail, the boys had seen me cry, and worst of all, Damien had to patch me up. God I was such a loser. Actually that wasn't even the worst of it. I'd been harassed by Malfoy again and as per usual, I was left physically and emotionally injured. The only good thing had been Eric's apology. He'd been so lousy but at least he realised it. I heard a knock on the door and got up to open it, thinking it was Eric.
So imagine my surprise when I saw a large and tall dark blond man filling the doorframe with a crooked smile on his malicious face.
"Surprise," he said dryly.
I immediately tried to shut the door in his face but he put his foot in the way and forced himself in. I yelled but I didn't think anyone heard me. I looked over his shoulder and the only people I spotted were the ones I didn't recognize.
I backed up and Malfoy shut the door behind him. He undid his top button and looked around the room. "Merlin, is it hot in this house or what," he muttered.
"What do you want, you bastard?!" I yelled.
Malfoy shot me a look. "Savage," he noted.
"You're an animal!" I pulled up my sleeve and waved my bruised wrist in his face. "That's savage!"
He moved closer to me, coiled his arm around my waist, and jerked me forward against him. He took my bruised hand, grasping it below the bruised part and brought it closer to examine. I tried to push at his chest with my free hand but he held me firmly against himself. I looked at his face; he was frowning as he stared at my bruise, which was turning purple. But I wasn't the only one with a bruise. Upon closer inspection, I saw he had one for himself on his cheek I hadn't seen it before but it was a greenish yellow, like my older bruises on my upper arm. And the coarse, dark blond-light brown, stubble on his face covered it. I wondered who gave him that bruise. I wish it had been me.
"You're just a delicate little thing aren't you, flower?" He growled.
"Let me go," I said.
"Not just yet," he said looking down at my face curiously. "You look different…turns out your eyelashes are more red than black," he chuckled darkly.
"What the hell do you want, you oaf?! Why are you here?!" I yelled angrily.
Malfoy's face hardened and his arm around my waist tightened, bringing me so close that I could smell the liquor and mint in his breath, and the sandalwood and musk on his body. He brought his face down closer to mine and said through gritted teeth, "I want to know why every fucking male at Hogwarts is making rounds to this bedroom with you tonight."
I blinked.
My palm collided with his face.
I didn't know how it happened. I had never slapped anyone! But Malfoy was crossing lines and when that sunk in, I was glad I did it.
Except the look on his face was one of rage. A look I had come to know so well. He pushed me back and I fell on the bed. He climbed above me and I tried to cover my self with my arms but he pinned my wrists down.
"N-no! No, Malfoy!" I cried out, the tears streaming down my face. He was going to hurt me, I knew it!
He brought his face down closer to mine and growled, "That little stunt you just pulled. I'll let that one go." And this his voice lowered, "But if I see Zabini or any of the other fuckers enter this room again, I will rip their dicks off with my bare hands and watch them bleed to their fucking graves."
I started sobbing, "It's not what you think I swear!"
"And what am I thinking, Angel?" he said in a dangerous yet gentle tone.
"Please, Scorpius…Damien was just bandaging my knees!"
Malfoy lowered his eyelids and groaned, "I do like hearing the sound of my name on your lips."
He stared at me again, like he was searching my face. "Please, Malfoy…" I pleaded. He lifted himself off of me and watched me as I quickly sat up and scrambled away to the side of the bed against the wall.
After a moment, Malfoy sighed and stood up. He put his hand in his pocket, looking for something. He pulled out whatever it was and held it out to me.
"You dropped this outside, near the recycling bin," he said.
It was my cellphone! When had I lost this? I didn't even realise it! I wiped my tears and snatched my phone out of his hands. Scorpius watched me put it back inside my little purse; I pulled a piece of Kleenex out and wiped my face. I could feel Malfoy's eyes on me the entire time. They'd softened considerably but I wasn't going to take any chances with him.
I quickly got off the bed and towards the door but he was standing in the way. "Please, c-can I go?" I said in a meek voice.
Malfoy reached his hand out to finger one of my dark red stands of hair and nodded, stepping aside. I hurried to the door and upon opening it, I saw a very angry Louis Weasley looking back at me with blood shot eyes and a bottle of liquor in his hand.