Wood VS Diggory
The winter sunlight slowly trickled into Edward's office through the small window, casting a pale glow across the room. But Edward remained still, unwilling to disturb Rose. Deep in sleep, her slow, steady breaths made her look so peaceful, her stillness giving him the
perfect excuse to simply watch her. No words could ever capture how much he cherished her.
He knew, deep down, that last night could have ended in disaster. Some of Cedric's more venomous thoughts had slipped through, allowing Rose to finally hear them. Edward had never hidden his disapproval of Diggory, but for Rose's sake, he had tried to temper his
own reactions—at least to a degree. He was relieved, in hindsight, to have felt entirely human in that moment, comfortable enough to trust Rose to defend herself and to remain a dignified, silent observer in the background. If he hadn't had such confidence in her, he
might have succumbed to something far more primal. The thought of his old, selfish Vampire instincts resurfacing made him shudder.
Cedric would no doubt have much to say today, but Edward felt no remorse. In hindsight, he was grateful for his newfound control, because the rewards of the previous night were far too pleasurable to waste on Cedric's wounded pride.
They had barely stepped through the office doors before Edward had twisted Rose around, capturing her in a passionate kiss. The yearning, the comfort they had craved for hours, ignited beneath the press of his lips. Rose released a sharp intake of breath, her arms
locking around his neck as she pulled herself closer, her lips parting greedily for more.
"I love you." Edward whispered into Rose's hair. "I love you so much."
Rose kissed him slowly, her hands cupping his face as she rubbed his cheeks with her thumbs.
"I love you too." She grinned. "I'm so proud of how you dealt with that earlier, you really are remarkable."
Edward gulped, his head bowing against hers.
"I didn't do anything." Edward murmured.
"You know thats not true." Rose cooed, gently kissing him on the lips.
They made their way over to the sofa, Rose pulling Edward on top of her, her eyes looking at him adoringly.
How Edward willed for that night never to end. Every moment—every embrace, every pulse of pleasure, every intoxicating second of simply being with her, was something he wanted to etch into memory. This was all so new to him: the surging hormones, the thoughts,
the needs crackling through him like electricity. He couldn't stop touching Rose, and he knew she needed his touch just as much.
But as the hours stretched on and their caresses continued, Edward became increasingly aware that his presence alone wasn't enough—Rose needed sleep too. She would never admit it, of course; she was far too stubborn for that. But he had observed her enough to
know she functioned best with at least eight hours of rest, and they had long since passed that threshold.
In the early hours of the morning, he sighed in reluctant frustration as he suggested the last thing he wanted her to do—sleep. When Rose instantly agreed, he was both relieved and, admittedly, a little disappointed by her full cooperation.
Ignoring the relentless pull of his teenage hormones, Edward forced himself to lie beside her, simply holding her. How he managed to do this instead of giving in to the fire raging through him was beyond his own comprehension. His willpower had all but shattered the
moment she kissed him earlier. The way she looked at him at times made him insane, the kind of gaze that could make any man surrender to her command. And Edward knew all too well just how easily they could have gone too far.
The next few hours slowly went by, Edward enjoying lying beside her, snuggled close to her on the sofa warm and content in her company. It was hard to believe it had been merely weeks since she had become his, but Edward smiled triumphantly, gazing at the
necklace with satisfaction.
There was a light tap at the window, a light brown owl holding an envelope in her beak. Curious to why he would receive a letter at this hour, he carefully untangled himself from Rose's body knowing the sender would be Alice. Promptly opening the window, Edward took
the letter nervous to see if it was another warning like the other match day.
'Edward,
I'm sorry to interrupt, I wouldn't unless I thought it important.
I'm seeing that red headed lady again, the one I warned you about? She keeps coming into your future, but sometimes as a blonde too. This is difficult to write, but Edward it looks like you are with her? I can't fathom why this would happen but if this future does continue
on this set path, Rose will need all her friends around her including a boy called Cedric.'
The letter continued but Edward didn't want to read anymore. Throwing the contents onto the fire he watched it slowly burn as he pondered there ever being a future without Rose. Alice's visions were all over the place at the best of times, his short time with her at
Christmas had confirmed this. Rose's future was looped around Edward's so strongly now that there was no way there was an alternative outcome. Even Alice was adamant of this, so what was this vision revealing?
Rose sighed slightly, rolling over to reposition herself on the sofa, Edward's Quidditch cape which has been used as an improvised duvet falling to the floor. Edward caught it easily, promptly tucking it over Rose to keep her warm. Her peaceful body lay motionless, but
Edward continued to observe her, focusing his mind on purely listening to her beating heart and breathing.
"What are you thinking?" Edward mused, not expecting a response.
In the past, he had wished he could share her dreams, lie beside her, close his eyes and let her dreams become his own. But that was before Rose had spoken of her nightmares. If he could witness those, he would wake her in an instant. He had shuddered when Rose
described the featureless version of himself, the hollow figure that had guided her to the truth of what he was.
He watched a small smile appear on her face, unsure of whether this was a sign that she was indeed waking up. Though he couldn't wait for her to be conscious once more the selfish bit of him also didn't want her to wake - not just yet. Waking would mean that the day
would need to begin, and with it a new focus - winning the upcoming match.
The sunlight continued to slowly creep across the floor and couch, the orange light now covering Rose's entire frame. In the distance Edward became subtly aware of crunching footsteps and heavy breaths, the thoughts of one Weasley twin all to distinctive. Edward rose
from beside Rose, making his way to his desk. There was a light tap at the door, George trying to give the polite impression that they still had privacy.
"Its unlocked." Edward replied, his eyes not leaving Rose.
"Hey." George smiled weakly. "How are you?"
"Okay." Edward admitted honestly. "More okay then I thought I would be."
"That is understandable." George agreed. "I just thought I should give you the heads-up -the Diggory rumour about Rose has been completely quashed. The moment you both left, he started acting like a wounded animal."
"Good." Edward growled.
"But since no one has seen either of you since last night and given that it's unheard of you to skip to the prematch breakfast." George gulped. "I didn't want to invite more questions if you were both absent again."
"Thank you." Edward sighed. "Truthfully, I would have stayed here if I you hadn't come."
"We thought as much." George weakly smiled, his eyes drifting over to Rose.
"Your thoughts are amusing." Edward pondered aloud. "Most brothers when seeing their sibling alone with their boyfriend would be coming to a very different conclusion to what you are thinking."
"It's a good job I know you better then, isn't it?" George smirked. "I haven't forgotten your very 20th century way of thinking when it comes to relationship etiquette."
Edward snorted, he own grin matching George's. How long he could keep the gentleman facade up he had no idea, his willpower diminishing with each elongated kiss.
"So shall I wake her up or are you going to do the honours?" George mused.
"I'll do it." Edward replied quickly. "I'm not keen on the options your are currently considering."
"I wouldn't actually jump on her." George defended.
"Wouldn't you?" Edward queried, his confidence in the matter smug.
George didn't reply, his eyes now drawn back to Rose.
"It's going to be a long day for her." George sighed.
"It's going to be a long day for us all." Edward agreed.
Edward breathed slowly in, inhaling the comforting smell of turkish delight. Approaching her sleeping form, he crouched slowly to the floor, gently cupping her sleeping face.
"Rose?" He purred.
"Mmmm?" She replied groggily, her ocean eyes fluttering open into view. "Remind me I need an early night tonight."
"I will." Edward chuckled. "In your own bed too instead of that lumpy thing."
"It wasn't that lumpy." Rose sighed, stretching her arms out.
She smiled adoringly at Edward, wrapping his Quidditch cloak around her for warmth. Noticing George by the door she grinned awkwardly, unsure of what he thought of her being there.
"Morning" she gulped, her full attention now on George.
"Morning" George grinned back.
"If your'e here, does that mean its that late in the day already?" Rose groaned.
"I'm afraid so." George laughed. "Sorry to be the barer of bad news. I have literally left you enough time to arrive at breakfast without causing a suspicion amongst the team."
"I'm still wearing last nights dress." Rose gulped. "Is there time for me to go and change?"
"No" George mused. "And sadly I didn't have access to your wardrobe."
"You could always wear a spare gym outfit of mine." Edward suggested. "But the fit would be a little baggy on you."
"It would only draw light to the fact I have clearly been in your company all night." Rose grumbled. "And many would come to the wrong conclusion about both our morals"
"Wouldn't they just." George chuckled.
"I'll just stay here." Rose groaned, though the amusement was clear. "At least that way I can keep the rumours away."
George grinned, clearly finding the situation funny.
"Thats what happens when you're popular Rose." winking as he did so."We have five minutes until everyone is expected to be at breakfast, I'll head off now, Edward if you run, you'll overtake me anyhow."
"True" Edward weakly smiled, nodding his goodbye to George before turning his full attention back on Rose. "You need to eat breakfast, you hardly had any dinner as it is."
"I'll be fine." Rose smiled. "In truth I'm not that hungry."
"Regardless of whether you are feeling hungry or not, you still need to eat." Edward urged.
"Well." Rose paused, pulling on his t shirt and leading him into a slow kiss. "I guess, you will have to bring me something back then won't you?"
"Fine." Edward whispered against her lips. "We have a deal."
Kissing her again, he greedily found her tongue, the hours since their last long kiss feeling like days. Reminding himself that he needed to stay focused and remain the gentleman, he slowly pulled away.
"Where are my manors?" He apologised, getting a chuckle out of Rose.
Retrieving his wand out of his pocket, he produced a steaming mug of coffee, carefully handing it over to Rose.
"There." He sighed. "It's the least I can do."
"I'm going to be fine Edward." Rose replied reassuringly. "There are shower facilities here remember."
"I know." Edward nodded. "I just didn't want this day to start already."
"Well." Rose paused thoughtfully as she took a sip of her coffee. "What are you more nervous about, Snape or Cedric?"
"You." Edward replied honestly. "I will always worry something will happen to you."
"There are some things even out of your control." Rose replied calmly. "I'll be fine."
Edward nodded, his features drastically ageing him with his worry. Rose couldn't bare to see him in such pain, her arms reaching out to him instantly.
"Hey." Rose said firmly. "Look at me."
He slowly lifted his head to look at her, his eyes not quite focusing on hers.
"I will be fine." Rose repeated. "Marietta is nowhere near me."
"I know." Edward whispered.
With Alice's letter at the forefront of his mind, he pondered if something worse lay ahead, something beyond even Marietta. Rose studied his face carefully, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"Edward?"
He looked at her, his silence making her face look even more curious. There was no point pretending, she would know he was lying. He would tell her everything later - she had the right to know. Embracing her into a comforting hug, he was relieved when he felt her
muscles relax beneath his touch.
"I'll tell you later after the game." Edward promised.
"I'll hold you to that." Rose agreed, putting her hand on his chest for reassurance. "Now Go." She weakly smiled. "Otherwise George will be back at the castle before you."
Sighing, Edward kissed her briefly before disappearing around the corner. Now alone in Edward office, Rose sank onto the couch feeling a little deflated. She neatly folded Edward's Quidditch robes and placed it on his desk chair, then began tidying up anything that
might raise suspicion. The headquarters were eerily silent as Rose stepped towards the girls changing area, the sound of her solitary footsteps echoing through the empty rooms.
The changing room was warm, the fire already crackling, casting a soft glow on Rose and the neatly folded Quidditch kits, with the shower room directly ahead. Slipping out of her black dress, Rose welcomed the hot steam as it swirled around her, the warm water
offering a refreshing comfort. Her thoughts, however, drifted back to Edward. She worried about him. His concern for her well-being was so intense that it overshadowed the more problematic issues. She would be lying if she didn't admit that she too had hidden concerns
about riding a broom in public again today. But she reassured herself that it would be a different experience on her new broom. The second hand broom was more than capable of carrying her through the next few hours. Still, Snape refereeing today was a more pressing
issue. She had guaranteed Harry's safety, but what happened if Dumbledore didn't turn up? What would happen then?
We would forfeit the game.*
Rose sighed to herself, knowing that this would upset Edward. She hadn't asked him the night before, she had told him, knowing full well that there was no alternative. Harry was too important to risk over a Quidditch game, even if that meant Cedric winning the game.
Rose refocused on the water, her mind willing for that to be a distraction. Cedric, she had just pictured Cedric after trying to ignore his image for hours. After he had not only openly spoken so rudely about Edward but had chastised her for choosing him too. Rose had no
words she felt were worthy of addressing him today, and she was grateful that, as Vice Captain, she didn't need to speak nor shake his hand. She only hoped that, due to the other contestants' successful songs from the night before, her song with him would not be
played too often on the school radio.
She vowed that she would never again sing with Cedric Diggory.
Enough* Rose thought, her own mind stubbornly reminding her. *We will think of Cedric no more.*
She had been so lost in thought that Rose hadn't paid close attention to when she had got out the shower nor when she had got dressed. She had walked herself back to Edward's office seeking solace in the place that smelt most like him. He spent the most time in
here, more often than his own dormitory and Rose felt privileged that he wanted to share the space so freely with her.
"I'm back." Edward murmured softly, holding out an array of bakery items. "The others will be down shortly."
"How did you get away so fast?" Rose grinned, accepting the treats from him.
"I was diplomatic with the truth." Edward smiled. "I explained that I needed to get you breakfast as you were already here. I just didn't correct anyones thoughts when they presumed you were doing last minute things for today."
"Your mind reading skills do prevent us from doing a lot of the hard work." Rose chuckled. "How you kept the charade up with Angelina is impressive."
"I still do a lot of calculating." Edward tutted. "I just have an unfair advantage. But I still tried to have the minim amount of meetings with Angelina as possible. Something the team have already noticed I am doing more with you."
Rose smirked, licking the chocolate off her finger a little too slowly for Edward's already distracted mind. He was beside her instantly, his arms snaking around her waist pulling her towards him.
"Just watching you eat breakfast is driving me wild." He admitted with a growl, rubbing his nose against hers.
"You are the one who insisted I ate." Rose grinned, her eyes looking at him curiously. "And its not my fault its extremely messy to eat."
"I beg to differ." He replied enticingly. "The way you ate the croissant was purposely provocative."
Rose smirked, delicately finishing the croissant without any more mess.
"All done." Rose grinned. "I'll just go clean my teeth before everyone else arrives."
"Oh no you don't." Edward muttered the tone bewitching.
Pulling her even closer to him, he looked at her cheekily before gently licking the corner of her mouth, the action making Rose's knees buckle. Edward chuckled as her blush began to form, her embarrassment quickly shifted to sheer mortification.
"I didn't have a messy face." Rose scolded.
"Not to human eyes no." Edward admitted. "But for me, I couldn't turn down the opportunity to try chocolate that had your scent attached to it."
Rose's blush deepened, her mind addressing his coding words. Annoyed that her hammering heart and red cheeks were giving her away, she confidently looked at him before leaving the room;
"If you want to smother me in chocolate Edward, you only need to ask."
The taste of turkish delight and milk chocolate still on his tongue, Edward fantasised the idea of exactly what Rose had suggested. His eager thoughts quickly flashed with Rose's face changing, a red headed woman now in her place. The woman grinned at him
macabrely, before fleeting leaving suspicious footprints, where the two tied together? Edward's face faltered, he didn't want his fantasies quashed.
"Oh dear." Rose addressed, walking quickly to his side. "That is a serious face."
Edward looked up, relived to see her back so soon.
"I was imagining you coved in chocolate." He admitted.
"And that thought made you look worried?" Rose mused.
"Not at all." Edward answered reassuringly. "It was the thought afterwards that made me concerned, but its nothing I can't handle."
Rose continued to silently quiz him, her eyes reading his all too smooth features.
"What was the afterthought?" She asked suspiciously.
"It was about someone I should be keeping an eye on." Edward replied diplomatically.
"Is this about Harry?" Rose asked, all amusement gone. "Is he okay?"
"Harry is as well as to be expected." Edward replied reassuringly. "His thoughts are purely on preforming well and catching the snitch at the quickest opportunity."
"Good." Rose sighed. "Then who is is it? Or has this got something to do with what was concerning you earlier?"
"I thought we agreed to speak about that after the game." Edward replied seriously.
"We did until your face gave away that this is bothering you more than you would like to admit." Rose interjected.
"What I have to mention isn't relevant now." Edward replied calmly.
Rose's eyes narrowed further, her lips becoming thin.
"Edward."
"Ray?" Edward answered calmly. "Stop trying to read my mind."
"I wouldn't have to if you just answered me." Rose muttered.
Edward's mouth twitched slightly as he mused over whether to mention it or not.
"There is something else that has happened since I left you." Edward explained. "As before, the first can wait till after the game but this one is more pressing."
"Go on." Rose replied eagerly.
"The footprints have returned." Edward answered, his voice surprisingly calm. "I noticed them last night when we snuck out, but there are more today, quite fresh in fact."
"And where do they lead?" Rose asked in intrigue.
"Purely to the forest." Edward answered. "No where near Hagrid this time."
"Small mercies." Rose nodded.
"Maybe." Edward agreed.
"There is more?" Rose queried.
"Yes." Edward paused. "There was the smell of animal blood in the air."
"And that isn't normal?"
"No." Edward replied gingerly. "When I do it I drain the animal, and there are few animals within the forest that leave left overs. In this instance this was the distinctive and unique smell of a unicorn."
"A Unicorn?" Rose replied abashed.
"Yes." Edward agreed.
"But isn't that.."
"Condemning someone to a cursed life?" Edward answered knowingly.
"Yes." Rose gulped.
"Even I, who until recently would have described my life in such a way, would never slay such a creature." Edward admitted seriously. "Whoever is making these footsteps is more dangerous than I anticipated."
"Have you informed Dumbledore?" Rose whispered.
"I will do." Edward admitted. "But for now, can we please focus on Quidditch?"
Finishing the now cold cup of coffee from earlier, Rose walked beside Edward out of the office to await the others. They didn't need to wait too long, the majority of them dressed and seated, waiting for the meeting to begin. The team were all curious to hear the game
plan and what it entailed, especially in the aftermath of the day before, all of thump eager to try out the new moves and techniques which included the windsurf.
"Just keep a look out for your teammates." Edward ordered. " The sideways thumb indicates the windsurf, if you see the hand signal replicated you know both players are ready for the move."
Nodding their understanding the team murmured their enthusiasm. Smiling at Edward, he gave Rose a quick glance before continuing;
"All right everybody." Edward ordered aloud. "Have a good game today. Regardless of the outcome - Remember this love, it lasts for Quidditch, but sometimes is just hurts instead."
There was an enthusiastic cheer as everyone stood, gathering the gloves and hats for todays cooler game. Placing her own red and gold beanie on, Rose gathered her new gloves that she had retrieved for Christmas, grateful for the extra layer. Making her way over to
the wall where the brooms were kept, she skimmed her new broom handle before pulling it down from the wall. Feeling Edward's gaze upon her and knowing full well they were again alone, she slowly turned not surprised that his face was mere inches from her own. He
pinned her to the wall, his strong arms blocking her exit.
"Your team is waiting for you in the cold." Rose lightly scolded, her lips brushing against his from the lack of space he was giving her.
"I don't care." Edward replied honestly, his honey breath cocooning her as he caressed his mouth against hers.
"I thought." Rose whispered. "You wanted me to focus purely on Quidditch."
Edward growled, his tongue finding hers passionately.
"I am a bad distraction." He agreed, kissing her neck as he did so.
Rose sighed, her breath hitched from his unexpected kisses. A blush quickly forming, she released herself from his embrace, the smug look he was now wearing not helping the situation. Stumbling slightly as she walked away, she was relieved when the cold air hit her
face, the coolness refreshing her from the steamy interaction.
"Alright team." Edward announced his voice provocatively strong. "Into your positions."
Edward looked so serious, Rose found it hard to believe that she had been with him mere seconds before. Her blush still present it was slightly infuriating to observe Edward who looked so calm and collected. Carefully standing beside him as Vice Captain, she walked
alongside him through the side entrance in silence not trusting herself to look at him. The others followed behind in the correct positions arriving in the stands as one unit.
"Everyone ready?" Edward ordered. "Mount your brooms."
Following his orders they all got into their first positions. Edward kicked off from the floor elegantly gliding towards the pitch, Rose instantly following his lead keeping beside him. The rest of the team behind in the organised positions, the cold January air whipped around
them all as they circled the school arena waving at the fans stood in the high podiums. You could hear 'Centrefold' by J. Gelils Band faintly in the background over the loud roars from the crowd bellow. After two circuits of the pitch, Edward lowered his broom, the team
following his move. Elegantly dismounting their brooms in unison, they walked as a pack towards the Hufflepuff players. It was in moments like this that Rose was grateful that they had to position themselves as a mirror image to the opposite team, that she didn't have to
look at Cedric unless she wanted to. Now merely two metres away from the opposition Vice Captain she choose to keep her full attention on the boy with chocolate brown eyes, her attention making him gulp nervously at Rose's full attention.
"Gentleman." The cool, slippery voice of Snape could be heard from beside them. "I believe it is protocol to shake hands?"
It was Edward that took the first move, leaving his outstretched hand ready for Cedric to accept. After a few moments pause, Cedric accepted his grip limply, the move clear that he wanted to retract the embrace as soon as possible.
"How mature of you both." Snape quipped dryly. "Players take your positions and mount your brooms."
Retrieving the whistle that was cast around his neck, Snape held the Quaffle out in his hand.
"On the count of three. One - Two - Three."
The whistle blew, the noise shrill to their ears. It echoed around the stands, the auditorium now deathly silent. The players disbursed immediately, kicking off the ground flying in different directions, the air suddenly full of red and yellow players. Last to join the game,
dressed in his usual black robes Snape hovered cooly in the middle of the sky, his eyes fixed on the Quaffle.
It was Katie who grabbed the Quaffle first, her arm tightly hugging the awkward ball firmly to her chest. She soared off through the sky, the chasers from both teams hot on her broomtail. Rose glanced quickly towards Snape and then Edward, relieved that he was also
staring back at her. Quickly mouthing the words "Harry will be fine" Edward promptly turned his attention back towards the Chasers, the timing instinctive to the second Katie lost hold of the Quaffle. The Hufflepuff Chaser now in hold of the Quaffle threw it with force,
smacking it towards the direction of the hoops with his broomtail. Rose needn't have watched, she new full well Edward would save the goal, but she wanted to watch him, this now being the first game where she knew why he was able to save every goal. it was curious
to see how he reacted so humanly without needing to think about it, the act engrained into his role. From the way he was frowning slightly with concentration, to the way he looked relieved when the Quaffle was saved or even the slightly clumsy throw he did to Alicia,
Rose smiled fondly. It was never boring watching Edward, wishing for just a moment she could stay the spectator.
Rose propelled herself forward, weaving in and out of players to get as close to Alicia as she could, Alicia still the owner of the Quaffle. Noticing Rose hoovering slightly bellow her, Alicia threw her the ball, just as a Hufflepuff player lunged at her. Rose caught the Quaffle
with ease, steering the broom off course to avoid the influx of players now speeding towards her. There was a flicker of red out of the corner of Rose's right eye and Rose caught Katie blocking her side for protection.
"Take the Quaffle." Rose shouted. "I'll dive down to distract."
"Sure." Katie agreed, scooping the Quaffle under her own arm.
Rose halted suddenly, diving down towards the ground with speed and determination, arching the broom handle upwards just in time. There was a gasp from the crowd, it must have looked worse from the audience's view. Luckily the Hufflepuff players were still following
Rose, her move with Katie unnoticed, as they started to circle Rose in an attempt of an ambush, Lee's announcement to Katie's success made the Hufflepuff players desert Rose promptly, the look of annoyance clear.
"10 POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR!" Lee's ecstatic voice could be heard over the crowd as he celebrated the first score of the day.
The opposition beaters were now drawing closer, their frustration at the Chasers success now giving them a new found motivation. Fred and George had also come closer into the game, their bats ready to take aim at any given moment.
"Rose wait."
The voice of Cedric was coming from behind her, his broom quickly catching up with hers. Knowing full well who it was and wanting to get away immediately, Rose tried to gain height as quickly as possible. Now higher then most players beside Harry, she was annoyed
that he was still in close proximity.
"Cedric what are you doing?" Rose hissed. "We are currently in the middle of a Quidditch game."
"That is exactly what we are doing." Cedric replied innocently. "Playing Quidditch."
"Then I suggest you go back to being near Harry." Rose quipped. "There is no need for the opposition Seeker to interact with the opposition Chaser."
She didn't wait for an answer as she sped away with gritted teeth. How dare he speak to her after yesterday, especially when the whole school could play witness to their interactions. She wanted nothing to do with him, not unless he changed his opinion of Edward.
"Rose catch."
Taken off guard slightly, Rose caught the Quaffle automatically as she nodded her thanks to Alicia. Moving swiftly through the crowd she caught sight of Cedric flying parallel to her.
What on earth is he doing?*
Rose knew he wasn't on the prowl for the snitch. His body language, the way his eyes never left hers, made it clear he was focused solely on following her. Choosing to ignore him, Rose pushed forward, heading toward the goalposts with single-minded determination.
She needed to score quickly. She wanted to prove to Cedric that Gryffindor would beat his team, to show him that his actions had consequences, and, above all, that this time, she wasn't going to forgive him.
She was so close to the hoops, the adrenaline now filling her body with determination. Rose just needed to get a little closer, she wanted to make sure the goal was a guaranteed success. Loosening her grip on the handle of broom, she arched her right arm up with the
Quaffle, ready to take aim. She took a sturdy breath in, ready to throw the ball with force when her breathing hitched. Cedric had just swerved in front of her, his face smug that he now deterred her direction.
"What - do - you - think - you are doing?" Rose seethed, the anger clear on her face.
"Getting your attention." Cedric shouted back. "Blocking your path seems to be the only way to get you to look at me."
"You're doing an illegal move." Rose roared, looking around to see if Snape was witnessing the rule breaking.
The crowd from both sides of the stadium were yelling their shock and outrage, there was no reason for a Seeker to be blocking a Chaser, especially when they were clearly about to score.
"Your acting like a child." Rose hissed. "And in front of the whole school too. You really are an idiot."
Glancing round to gage where the other players were she clocked Angelina closest to her side. Rose balanced herself, now taking both hands off her broom, holding her spare hand out she gave Angelina the cue needed for the windsurf, relieved when Angelina promptly
gave her reply. She was ready. Rose didn't bother to wait around, conscious of the other Chasers, moving past Cedric with speed her mind was quickly back on the game.
Rose knew that Cedric would follow her, his broom once again close to hers. In those moments the only thing keeping Rose calm was the knowledge that the more Cedric pursued her, the more of a chance Harry had at catching the snitch. Slowing down slightly, Rose
allowed Angelina to overtake, taking the first step in the manoeuvre. it was now or never and Rose didn't want to wait for her nerves to kick in, letting go of the broom handle without hesitation. There was a audible yell from Cedric as Rose felt the grip of Angelina's
confident hand. Within moments, Rose was on the back of Angelina's broom, Cedric caught of guard by the sudden technique. They hurled towards the goals posts, Rose throwing the Quaffle neatly through the second hoop.
"Another ten points for Gryffindor!" Lee shouted passionately down the microphone.
"Yes Rose!" Angelina roared. "We are kicking their ass."
"For now." Rose grumbled. "Hopefully we can go back to playing by the rules."
She was surprised that Snape hadn't docked any points yet, not that she was complaining. She studied him as Angelina flew her back to her own broom surprised that he hadn't acknowledged the windsurf technique at all. Once safely back on her broom, Rose turned to
watch Snape once more. Ignoring the technique was one thing, but he hand't blown his whistle at Cedric either, so what was he doing? Snape was hovering low to the ground, his eyes seeming to be focused on one player only - Harry. Rose gulped, looking towards the
direction of Edward to see if he was concerned too. Relief washed over Rose as she noticed that Edward's attention was also on Harry but for clearly a different reason. Harry had dive bombed dramatically from eighty foot in the air his direction heading straight towards
the crowd bellow. There was a glimmer of gold subtly hovering over the students heads, the snitch dancing teasingly in the sky. Students and teachers started to point as Harry headed from one direction with Cedric coming from the other. From the angle Rose was
observing from it looked as if the two boys were going to collide with one another, neither one wanting to avoid crossing perfect paths with the snitch. Both teams Beaters changed their course from following the opposition Chasers, the four players flying with determined
accuracy to take shots at either player. One of the Hufflepuff beaters took aim at Harry, the Bludger missing his shoulder by millimetres. Undeterred Harry continued flying, allowing Fred to grab the Bludger. Fred took his aim, confidently hitting the Bludger with force, the
ball smacking into the side of Cedric's head. For a moment it looked like Cedric and Harry were embraced in an awkward hug before Cedric's broom halted to a spot, Cedric falling off the side off his broom like a skittle.
The atmosphere is the stadium went catastrophic, with everyone either cheering or protesting at that one move, Cedric lying still on the ground bellow.
There was a singular blast of the whistle, making the grounds turn to an eery silence, Snape now directing Edward and the Hufflepuff Vice Captain down.
Everyone hovered on the spot waiting for the verdict. It was clear that Edward remained calm, but his voice carried an unmistakable authority as he directly addressed Snape. Meanwhile Hufflepuff's Vice captain, used a flurry of hand signals, conveying his growing
frustration, the tension between the two palpable in the air. Minutes ticked by as all the players waited with bated breath, the only distraction when the first aiders came onto the pitch to summon Cedric's unconscious body onto a stretcher. The crowd began to get more
and more vocal, the noise overwhelming to hear even from the distance that Rose was at. After ten minutes of heated discussion, the three men departed separate ways neither of them looking like they had got the outcome they wanted.
"Sonorus" Snape uttered, his voice becoming loud and clear. "After much debate, it has been concluded that there has been no rule breaking."
There was a loud protest from the Hufflepuff crowd, the rumble sounding like a thunderstorm.
"I have however docked twenty points from Gryffindor, for Weasley's choice of aim." Snape sneered.
"What?" Rose shouted out loud, though she wasn't the only one to do so.
Turning around to look at her teammates, she reminded herself thats she still needed to be on her best behaviour, Snape was surely going to be onto them now more then before. The only chance Hufflepuff had at winning was either through shooting or getting revenge
on Harry, knowing that Edward's reputation as a Keeper was legendarily accurate, her nerves for Harry now doubled.
"All players back to base." Snape ordered, awkwardly catching the Quaffle. "Take your start positions."
Rose did as she was told, landing with ease back onto solid ground. Moving to stand beside Edward once again she was surprised to see how calm he was. He gave her a wink, the small smile looking somewhat smug.
"On my whistle." Snape barked impatiently.
"But Sir." Harry interrupted. "I ha-"
"Not now Potter." Snape spat, the irritation clear. " One-"
"But Sir!"
"TWO." Snape shouted. "THRE-"
"I CAUGHT THE SNITCH." Harry bellowed.
Snape had just placed the whistle to his lips, Harry's words stopping him in his tracks. His eyes led down to Harry's outreached hand, the golden snitch lying slightly battered within his grasp.
"When did this happen Potter?" Snape asked slowly, the resentment clear.
"Unfortunately just before Cedric got hit." Harry gulped.
"And you didn't think to mention this at the time?" Snape seethed.
"You were all a bit distracted with Cedric." Harry replied. "I didn't think it was the right time to bring it up."
"Its very suspicious that the one item that can win you the game, has also happened at the same time that the game nearly gets forfeited isn't it?" Snape jeered. "For all we know you caught this after Diggory's exit."
"But Harry can prove that it could only have happened whilst Diggory was also in the chase." Edward interrupted, his eyes sparkling with triumph.
"How?" Snape ordered.
"Because." Harry paused, looking at Edward instead of Snape. "Because of this."
He pointed to the snitch again, the one wing thicker than the other, Cedric's captain badge entangled into one of the golden feathers.
"When we nearly collided earlier, I grabbed hold of the snitch but I unfortunately grabbed Cedric's badge at the same time. We were so close to one another, it was honesty an accident."
Rose looked flabbergasted as she looked from Harry, to Snape and then back again. Snape looked distraught, his mind clearly trying to think of a way to make this not work in Harry's favour but after minutes of complete silence he blew his whistle for the final time.
"Gryffindor win!" He echoed to the stadium at large.
There was a huge cheer as Rose was swallowed up in a team hug, ecstatic that they had won and that no one had got hurt in the process. They were soon joined by Lee, Ron, Hermione and Smutz, all of them eager to share in the celebrations with the team.
"Shall we all take the celebrations into the headquarters?" Hermione suggested. "Snape is looking like he is ready to murder somebody."
"Good suggestion Hermione." Edward agreed. "I'll meet you all in there."
Nodding his goodbye he gave Rose a subtle wink before striding in the opposite direction as quickly as possible.
"What was that about?" Ron asked curiously.
"I only half know." Rose answered with a frown. "But I do know he is off to talk to Dumbledore."
"About?" Harry and Hermione asked in unison.
"The footprints." Rose answered.
Noticing Lee and Katie observing them curiously, Rose indicated for them to follow the others to stop the suspicious glances. Whispering to the three of them what she had been told by Edward that morning, she watched her friends reactions, cringing slightly when they
reacted exactly like how she felt.
"This is getting out of control." Ron shuddered. "You can't take Smutz outside Rose its too dangerous."
"I was worried you would say something like that." Rose murmured.
"Ron is right though Rose. Whoever is doing this is clearly capable of doing anything to get to that stone. If you were accidentally in the wrong place at the wrong time…." Harry shuddered.
"Your right." Rose agreed. "Edward will have to go out with Smutz instead."
"I thought we were going to have to argue to get you to agree." Ron chuckled.
"I'm too exhausted to argue." Rose grinned. "And even I'm not that stubborn."
Edward quickly arrived by their side, his departure going unnoticed by the rest of the team. Hanging their broomsticks up on the wall they were joined by McGonagall who wanted to briefly congratulate them all on their win.
"I know this is the first match where you have all been present to celebrate your victory after a game." She smiled fondly to them all. "So I will keep my speech short and sweet by saying well done to you all. You all played superbly out there today, even if some of you
were more brutal then others."
Smirking at Fred slightly she turned to Edward as she was leaving;
"Oh Mr Wood, there are a few ladies outside the door waiting for you. You might want to tell them to shimmy along, it is after all January and they aren't wearing many layers."
Grinning to him as she departed, Edward gave Rose a brief glance.
"Poor Oliver." Katie grinned, handing Rose and the others a butter beer. "Happens every time."
"His fans?" Hermione asked knowingly.
"Yes." Katie agreed. "Normally Marietta is at the front of the queue apart from last time because she… well you know."
"How can I forget." Rose acknowledged. "And Edward was far too busy caring for me to greet her after the game."
"She still had the nerve to turn up." Alicia announced. "When Fred and George saw her they were fuming."
Edward came back into the room his body language stiff, the look of annoyance on his face. Handing him a butter beer Rose gently smiled at him, her silent way of letting him know everything was okay. He looked at her, his features instantly relaxing.
"Thank you." He whispered almost sheepishly.
"She was out there wasn't she." Rose answered nervously.
"She was." Edward nodded. "The others I can ignore, especially how they are dressed in these weather conditions, but Marietta is on another level."
"I think she will never take no as an option." Rose admitted. "She will always be a constant present in our lives."
Though the comment was meant to made as a joke, Edward shivered his harsh appearance returning.
"What did I say?" Rose asked with trepidation.
"It wasn't what you said." Edward replied, his desperation clear. "Its got everything to do with what I promised to tell you earlier."
"Okay." Rose nodded, her own anxiousness now clear. "And just to reiterate this has also got something to do with Marietta?"
"I don't know." Edward answered honestly.
"Edward, Rose?" Alicia asked curiously. " We are going to head back to the castle to get ready for the after party, you coming?"
"In a moment." Rose smiled gently. "Edward and I just need a second alone if thats okay?"
"Sure." Katie smiled gingerly. "Take your time."
"We will be quick, I promise." Rose chuckled, waving them all off.
Following Edward into his office, she excepted the new butter beer as she sat down on the sofa next to him waiting for him to begin.
"I don't know where to start." Edward confessed.
"How about with Dumbledore" Rose replied soothingly.
"Okay." Edward nodded. "He was slightly repulsed by my findings and wants me to go to the forest on a nightly routine." He sighed. "I'm one of few people he can rely on to go in and out of the forest unscathed. I will only do it however once you are asleep."
"You being invincible doesn't make me feel any better about you going into the forest alone." Rose admitted.
"You don't have a problem with me going in there to hunt." Edward smiled weakly.
"Only because neither of us have a choice." Rose scathed.
"I think most people would frown upon me eating like a traditional vampire, would they not?" Edward sighed.
"Possibly." Rose smirked.
Looking into his warm amber eyes, she could see he was more relaxed now then before. Taking another swig of the beer, she took his spare hand, the tingling spasming up her arm with heated electricity.
"Can I ask what you were saying to Snape? Rose asked curiously.
"You may." Edward smiled. "I simply pointed out that the Beaters have no obligation to aim for any particular area of the body and that their job is to get rid of any player that is a threat to their team. I didn't however mention that I too thought Fred's shot at Cedric was
slightly brutal in its approach."
"It was a fabulous shot." Rose mused.
"It was." Edward chuckled. "Diggory's Vice Captain was also pretty useless at coming up with a counterargument. I reminded him that his Beaters were present to do the same to Harry and he had nothing to reply with. By this point I was also aware that Harry had
already caught the snitch so I just had to hope that Snape would have to agree that we hadn't broken any Quidditch rules. When he told me I had to forfeit the twenty points for Fred's choice of aim I decided it was wise to reluctantly accept, if it was Hooch I would have
pursued arguing but Snape is a loose cannon."
"You played the annoyed Captain very well." Rose grinned.
"Oh I was still annoyed." Edward chuckled. "Every point counts in Quidditch."
Rose chuckled as she took a swig of the butter beer, the cool liquid refreshing her sudden thirst. Slightly apprehensively she looked at Edward before asking;
"And Marietta?"
Edward didn't say anything, his hand gripping Rose's slightly tighter for a moment, with his spare hand he entwined his fingerss in a lock of her hair, his face contemplating the answer.
"The answer to my trepidation is in Alice's letters." Edward replied eventually, his nervousness clear. "She warned me about a redhead associated with me and you a while ago, but this same female has been mentioned again."
"The only redheads I know here are the Weasley's." Rose answered truthfully. "But I guess they are also all men. My Mum and Aunt Molly are ginger, as is Ginny. Do you think it could be one of them?"
"No, I don't." Edward sighed. "Partly because she never gets the face so she can't identify them, but partly because of the note that she sent earlier this morning."
"Go on." Rose whispered encouragingly.
"This redhead Alice has seen is also now appearing as a blonde in her visions too." Edward paused. "And in one of our possible futures, it appears that I am with them."
"Oh." Rose replied, her stomach dropping at his words. "And your worried that this future might come true?"
"No." Edward replied, a slight repulse to his tone. "I'm worried how it might appear that way."
"It is a tad ironic since it was you who once said a human love is feeble."
"Rose, I am not going to-"
Rose put her finger to his lips before slowly kissing him. Feeling his lips part carefully from under her own, she placed his hand over her beating heart so that he could feel her steady beat.
"I know that you love me." Rose said warmly. "And I think your gut is right to presume Marietta is involved somehow regardless of the hair colour. Lets just let Alice monitor things and not dwell on the future."
"Thank you." Edward nodded, giving her a soft kiss.
"I will always be grateful for you telling me the truth, no matter how difficult it is to hear." Rose smiled weakly.
"There was something else that Alice wrote." Edward admitted. "She warned me to not get in the way of your friendship with Cedric. If the future she sees does become a reality, you will need his friendship."
Rose studied his features, aware that Edward could have easily kept this to himself.
"Maybe I don't want to be friends with Cedric." She whispered honestly.
"You don't have to be his friend at the moment. "Edward replied calmly. "But don't you think you should still do the right thing and visit him in hospital wing?"
Rose turned to look at Edward in surprise, her expression confused.
"No, why?" She responded her tone firm.
"Because he visited you." Edward justified.
"And?" Rose shrugged. "He only did that because he had a crush on me."
"He did it because you meant something to him." Edward admitted. "But yes, the other bit is also true."
Rose snorted bitterly, taking another swig of beer.
"Think about it." Edward replied with reassurance. "He will be there until after breakfast tomorrow so you have time. I just don't want you to regret not doing something later on down the line."
"You're too good to him." Rose replied quietly.
"I'm really not." Edward grinned, rubbing soothing circles on her cheek with his thumb. "I just care about you and I don't want you pushing people away because of me."
"That is not what has happened here." Rose sighed.
"But, it could become a big wedge." Edward smiled. "I think we both know Fred aimed for his head on purpose."
Rose chuckled darkly;
"We do." She agreed.
"Bloody idiot." Edward chuckled, taking a swig from his own beer. "I will have to remember to thank him."
Rose leant into his shoulder, subtly taking in a deep breath of his scent.
"What are you thinking?" Edward purred.
"I don't want to go to the hospital." Rose admitted. "I don't want to go, as I don't know what to say. I'm too angry to talk to him and I feel like shouting at him would be inappropriate behaviour towards somebody currently in a hospital bed."
"You don't have to shout." Edward chuckled.
"I don't even want to look at him." Rose whispered.
"Do you know why he approached you on the pitch?" Edward asked.
"Because he is an imbecile?" Rose answered.
"No." Edward chuckled. "He wanted to talk to you and knew the only way he could do that was in public."
"He chose his timing well." Rose tutted.
"That even I can't understand." Edward admitted. "He seemed to not realise you were going to shoot."
"Like I said, an imbecile." Rose shrugged.
"Ray." Edward replied, giving her a hug. "I honestly would love nothing more than for you to hate Cedric, honestly I cannot express how selfish a Vampire can be, but I think you need to hear him out."
"Why can't you just tell me and save me an unnecessary conversation?" Rose asked.
"This morning, I wouldn't argue with you." Edward admitted. "But I think in your own stubbornness you need to hear it out of the horses mouth."
"Fine."
"You agree so easily?" Edward replied surprised.
"Because I know you are possibly right." Rose sighed.
"Just slightly?" Edward purred.
"Yes." Rose nodded. "Though I still see him as an imbecile."
Sighing she stood up begrudgingly.
"Would you like me to walk you to the hospital?" Edward asked.
"No." Rose replied calmly. "I need to address my thoughts and you will be too much of a distraction."
"In that case." Edward replied, standing and embracing her tightly. "I will give you a good luck kiss and see you at the party."
"You sound so enthusiastic about that party." Rose grinned.
"As I always am." Edward admitted. "I will be lingering out of sight until I know you are there."
"I will be as quick as I can." Rose replied reassuringly.
Edward leant his head against hers, stroking her nose with his own.
"Don't be too long." Edward whispered longingly, kissing her delicately on her lips.
Rose leaned in deeper to his touch, wrapping her arms around his neck in a tight embrace.
"Wish me luck." She grumbled, realising her hold on him.
"Good luck." Edward chuckled, kissing her one last time on her forehead.
Now standing outside the entrance to hospital wing, Rose knocked on the door, her patience wearing thinner by the second. Relived that Madam Pomfrey arrived promptly, she was ushered quickly into the cool ward.
"Miss Ward." Madam Pomfrey addressed warmly. "Are you here to see Mr Diggory?"
"Only if that suits you Madam Pomfrey." Rose gushed, half hoping that it would be inconvenient.
"Well I do like the visiting hours to be at certain times as you well know." Madam Pomfrey responded. "But as you asked so politely and didn't presume, I can accommodate ten minutes, just don't tell your peers. I have had to turn away quite a few female students this
past hour."
"RIght." Rose managed to respond. "Thank you Madam Pomfrey, I will be as quick as I can."
"He is on the far end on the left." She nodded curtly. "Ten minutes Miss Ward."
Rose nodded her goodbye, promptly walking down the small ward until she arrived at the only occupied bed. There was Cedric, looking out of the window, his face innocent and calm. Coughing awkwardly to gain his attention, Rose waited impatiently for his response.
"Rose!" Cedric exclaimed, sitting up instantly from his bed. "Please - sit."
Gesturing to the end of his bed, Rose instead sat awkwardly in the guest chair beside it, automatically looking down at her Quidditch kit instead of the patient beside her. Rose didn't know what to say, the awkward words getting caught up in her throat every time she
tried to begin to speak.
"Rose I need to apologise." Cedric addressed to the silence. "I've wanted to do it since last night but I couldn't find you."
Rose stayed silent. The only indication that she was listening were her eyes, which had moved their focus to stare at his hands.
"I think I need to be completely honest with you." Cedric gulped. "I have been completely besotted with you ever since I heard you sing and I have made it my mission to make you notice me. But by doing so I have been rude to your friends, your family and your boy-
your boyfriend." Cedric Paused, his hands twisting around each other. "I haven't been listening to you, you have always been honest with me and made it clear that we would always be friends and nothing more and my own vanity.. my own driven ideas of what I wanted
with you had made me blind to the fact that you have always only wanted Oliver's love. I have treated him with discontent and I wish I hadn't said those words to you yesterday, they were cruel and untrue. Can you… will you forgive me?"
"I don't know what to say." Rose replied, her eyes finally meeting his.
"I want us to remain friends." Cedric begged. "The thought of you hating me outstrips the pain of not being with you. The thought of you not speaking to me ever again frightens me."
The pain was clear on his face and Rose knew he was speaking the truth in every word.
"I can't be friends with someone who can speak so ill of someone I care so deeply for." Rose addressed, her own hurt clear.
"I'm not saying I can switch my feelings for you off overnight." Cedric agreed. "But I can't blame Oliver for you being attracted to him and not me. I was civil to him before you were on the scene, we had a mutual hatred to the hysteria some of the girls have for us. Though
we have never spoken about it, we both knew the other felt the same way."
Rose smiled bitterly, knowing full well the depth of the mass hysteria that happened at Hogwarts.
"And I'm also sorry for earlier." Cedric continued. "I don't know what came over me on the pitch, all my thoughts suddenly were occupied on the one thought of apologising to you."
"You are a fool Cedric." Rose tutted. "Its hardy like we could have held a conversation like we are now fifty foot in the air."
"No." Cedric smiled weakly. "I honestly just wanted to get your attention. This however has worked out better, even if it meant getting a bang on the head to achieve it."
"I'm sure Fred is feeling just as guilty." Rose replied cooly.
"I think we both know he isn't sorry in the slightest" Cedric grimaced. "I had managed to piss of his best friend and relation at the same time, which is pretty impressive isn't it?"
"The great thing about Fred and George is that they don't hold grudges for too long." Rose shrugged. "After today, it will be water under the bridge."
"And you?" Cedric asked nervously. "Do you forgive.. me?" Cedric asked, his body language tense.
"Let's just say I'm less angry with you then I was an hour ago." Rose replied with more warmth to her voice.
"I'm fine with that." Cedric nodded as Rose stood from the chair. "Thank you."
"For what?" Rose asked, her confusion obvious.
"For coming even though I wouldn't have blamed you for not doing so."
"It was Edward's idea, not mine." Rose admitted.
"Did you tell him about yesterday?" Cedric asked, the shame present.
"No, I didn't." Rose replied; after all it wasn't lying.
Cedric didn't reply, his facial expressions giving away his confusion clearly.
"Thank him for me?" Cedric gulped eventually, the words clearly difficult to say.
"You can thank him yourself." Rose replied with a small smile. "He doesn't bite you know."
Leaving Cedric minutes later, Rose waved a small goodbye leaving him with his own pondering thoughts. She was in no mad rush to make it back to the common room, knowing that it would be hours before she could talk openly with Edward. Taking the longer route
back to Gryffindor tower she eventually made it back to the portrait hole where she could clearly hear the music blaring from the other side of the wall. Looking down at her watch, she was surprised to see the time was still late afternoon, the party clearly already into full
swing.
The portrait hole opened, the music vibrating off the tunnel wall, the smell of food and drink strong in the air.
"Rose!" Alicia screamed with enthusiasm. "Get your ass over here girl."
Rose grinned sheepishly, walking over to Alicia who was already wearing a spaghetti strap dress,
"I need to get changed." Rose responded, "You are looking extremely elegant compared to me in my muddy squad kit."
"Phhh!" Angelina responded joining the conversation, knocking her hand down like it didn't matter. "Who cares?"
"That's easy for you to say when you are also wearing a beautiful dress." Rose replied with a wink.
Angelina grinned, a blush forming at the compliment.
"Come on." She replied bashfully. "I think we both know no one cares what you are wearing."
"I agree." Alicia sheepishly smiled. "Oliver is looking at you." She whispered.
Rose turned slowly until she found him. Edward was alone leaning against the wall, sipping a beer in a casual shirt, his eyes looking straight at Rose.
"Like I said." Rose gushed. "Its probably the fact that I am still in the Quidditch kit. I really should get changed."
"I don't know Rose." Alicia disagreed."I've never seen Oliver stare at someone like this before."
Rose didn't know what to say, relived that Lee was coming round with shots she helped herself to one, grateful for the distraction.
"Is this alcoholic?" Rose exclaimed, the fiery warmth hitting her chest.
"It is." Angelina agreed.
"Which leads me onto another intriguing thing." Alicia added. "Oliver never participates in our after match parties and yet here we all are."
"You think I've turned Edward into a drinker?" Rose mused.
"I think he is joining in more because of your presence." Alicia acknowledged. "And I don't think thats a bad thing."
Rose chuckled darkly, making her exit at the next song whilst the girls choose to sing along. Finding Ron and Harry beside Fred and George, Rose was about to inquire where Hermione was when Harry explained her unanswered question.
"She is in the library along with Percy and Neville."
"Seriously." Rose grinned, "Percy didn't want to monitor this?"
"He might have misplaced his prefect badge and is currently looking for it." Fred shrugged.
Nodding, Rose turned her attention to George, noticing he was putting Harry's snitch on the notice board proudly on display.
"Hang on…" Rose announced.
"Don't draw attention." Fred grinned. "We want to see how long it will take for him to notice."
Staring between the twins, Rose couldn't believe the audacity to steal Percy's badge in a poor attempt to imitate Cedric's Captain badge from earlier.
"You can sometimes be really wicked." Rose grinned, helping herself to another shot.
The shots kept on freely flowing and soon Rose felt the fuzzy feeling she had felt on New years eve. She didn't know if it was the alcohol talking or whether she felt like she had been disciplined enough, but either way Rose felt like she had spent enough time without him
by her side. She knew that at least Alicia would be observing them both more then usual, but that didn't put her off making her way over to him. Edward was still perched against the same bit of wall observing her. A new bottle of beer in his hand.
"You took your time." He replied soothingly.
"I'm sorry." Rose grinned sheepishly. "I'm just trying to cover all bases and not look suspicious."
"How do you think thats holding up for you?" Edward smirked.
"Well." Rose sighed, leaning beside him against the wall. "Alicia is growing steadily suspicious."
"Everyone is." Edward agreed, his tone reassuringly calm.
"But they weren't suspicious before Christmas?"
"I would phrase it more that they were curious." Edward grinned. "But they do seem to have picked up on our body language a lot more recently."
Rose sighed, excepting another shot from Fred as he walked past. Clinking her glass against Edward's she looked at him curiously.
"How was the hospital wing?" Edward asked cautiously.
"it went okay." Rose admitted. "Though he realises he isn't in my good books still."
"I think that is punishment enough." Edward replied, a slight crooked smile present. "I know for a fact that if the roles were reversed I would be completely crushed."
"Well then." Rose grinned back, "You will just have to make sure you keep in my good books then."
"Being in your good books is always my number one concern. Why even just now whilst you were visiting Diggory I finished your potions homework from yesterday so you wouldn't have to. Its exactly 6 foot in length just like he requested."
"You have forged my handwriting?" Rose asked a little bewildered.
"Its easy when you have eyes as articulate as mine." Edward winked. "He will never know."
"Good." Rose chuckled. "Or your going to have a very spotty girlfriend. But thank you, I was fretting when it was going to get finished. Now I know at least the next two evenings are free to be with you."
"You know what?" Edward pondered.
"No, what?" Rose smiled back.
"I'm ready for everyone to know." Edward replied confidently. "I don't want to have to keep sneaking around to be around you. if I want to hold your hand or stroke you hair, or kiss you, I want to be able to just do it, not wait."
"Are you sure?" Rose grinned. "There is no turning back."
"More then sure." Edward nodded. "I have a plan, just follow my lead."
Before Rose had any time to ask what he was going to do, Edward was already over on the other side of the common room. Accepting the small glass Lee now offered her, he exclaimed that they were going to do a round of toasts.
The room became quiet as the Gryffindor's all waited for Edward to make his speech, Rose was looking at him with slight apprehension, surely he wasn't going to announce their relationship to the whole of Gryffindor house?
"I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for their amazing performances out there on the pitch today." Edward grinned triumphantly. "To Gryffindor."
"To Gryffindor!"
The whole room toasted as they drank the sharp alcoholic shot, the aniseed tasting syrup slightly burning as it touched Rose's lips and trickled down her throat. Observing Edward, she noticed he too was now taking shots. Excepting another shot from Lee, he
announced;
"To Oliver." Lee roared. "For getting us one step closer to the house cup!"
"To Oliver." They all repeated including Rose, Edward jokingly scowling at her as she did so.
"To Rose." Angelina beamed. "For keeping her cool earlier and for pulling off the windsurf so casually."
"To Rose." The room repeated.
The group again took another shot, each member of the team getting a mention to how well they had played.
"And finally to Fred for his impeccable timing and fantastic aim!" George grinned.
"To Fred!" They all cheered.
The final shots were finished, the bottles empty and the strong liquid clearly having an effect on most of the students. With the music now on full volume once more, the room was getting more claustrophobic now that the sky was dark outside. Without hesitation Fred and
George disappeared out of the portrait hole with the promise of more booze and food.
"Those shots were strong." Ron managed to mutter, his speech a little slowed.
"Ron?" Rose grinned. "Ron are you drunk?"
"I think so." Ron grinned back. "How about you?"
"Well. I'm not sober.. but i'm not drunk." Rose confessed. "I think my gift might be burning the alcohol off more quickly then you?"
"Makes sense." Ron nodded. "I think I am going to go to bed."
"Night." Rose chuckled, tapping his back as he passed.
Watching him stumble his way to the portrait hole Harry caught her attention.
"I'll go and check on him." He mouthed, quickly following Ron through the door.
Fred and George had returned with food and drinks, their school rucksacks rammed with fire whiskeys, wines and beer.
"Where on earth did you get these from?" Rose replied abashed accepting a glass of wine off Fred.
"Staff room." Fred shrugged nonchalantly. "Did you know they leave it unlocked?"
"I didn't." Rose chuckled.
"Neither did they until just now." Edward explained, taking a beer from George.
Intensely looking at her, Edward's eye contact didn't go unnoticed this time by Katie who whispered immediately to Alicia.
"Are you going to communicate your plan with me?" Rose asked cheekily.
"Well." Edward debated. "Since most of the squad doesn't realise my special resilience to alcohol, am I safe to presume that I can play drunk Edward for a little bit?
"You want to play drunk Edward?" Rose repeated.
"Its allowing me to get way with looking at you an awful lot this evening." Edward admitted. "And standing closer to you then I normally would either."
Edward grinned at her, the look nothing but seductive, his face closer then he would ever normally be in public.
Rose took a sip of her wine, a blush now covering her cheeks. Edward was wearing his signature crooked smile, clearly enjoying winding Rose up.
"Lets play a party game." Katie volunteered, a slight twinkle in her eye.
There were lots of suggestions, as people shouted out various things they could play with a large group of people.
"Oh lord" Rose whispered to Edward "They aren't suggesting truth or dare again are they?"
"No." Edward admitted a smirk present.
"Then what?" Rose demanded.
"That would be cheating." Edward grinned, taking another swig from his beer.
Finishing the bottle he placed it on the table, skilfully spinning the bottle clockwise in a controlled manor.
Rose gulped as she watched Katie clock Edward's move, as she retrieved the bottle, the look of curiosity was clear on her face.
"I think we have our game choice." She giggled. "Anyone for spin the bottle?"
There was a steady influx of girls and boys volunteering to play. After a few rounds there were only a handful of students now not participating in the game. A low murmur began to hum around the room as people demanded that Rose and Edward joined the circle, two of
the last remaining people still not participating.
"Have we got anymore gentleman that can volunteer their mouths please? Katie grinned, her eyes looking from the twins to Edward hopefully.
"I will." Edward shrugged, gaining the shocked attention from everyone.
Sitting next to Lee in the circle, Edward accepted the bottle off a slightly shaky Alicia.
"Anyone else joining the latest round?" Alicia asked unsubtly.
A little awkwardly, Rose made her way into the circle the only space now vacant between Matilda Pudge and Angelina.
"Well this is going to get interesting." Angelina mused.
Rose didn't answer, her eyes focused only on Alicia.
"The rules of the game are simple." Alicia confirmed. "No use of magic is allowed, you simply spin the bottle and whoever it lands on, you have to kiss."
"I understand." Edward replied calmly.
"Okay then." Alicia nodded amazed. "Whenever you are ready Oliver."
Moving to the centre of the ring, Edward placed the bottle down, the transparent object still in his grasp. Edward spun the bottle with skilful speed, the object spinning with blurred momentum onto the floor. Round and round the brown bottle went, the momentum not
slowing as the seconds ticked by. Edward's face was confident as he too watched the bottle, it was clear that he knew where the bottle would stop. Slower and slower the bottle span, the detailed label becoming more into focus. With a final roll the bottle stopped, the
neck end directly in front of Rose.
"How - did you?" Katie begun to ask, but her question was lost with Alicia's new question.
"You know what you need to do." Alicia replied in a squeak.
Edward smirked. Standing from his space within the circle, he walked confidently in front of Rose offering her his hand to pull her up. Looking at her questioningly for just a second, Edward placed his left hand gently on her chin as he led her into a gentle kiss. Rose
closed her eyes, her mouth locking around his as his tongue found hers. The kiss was slow and steady, Edward in full control over how long it would last. Overly aware of the whole of Gryffindor house watching them, Rose held onto Edward as his intense kisses made
her concentration deteriorate. Though it felt like the kiss was over before it began, Rose was grateful that she still had her self control. With a subtle twinkle to his eye Edward pulled away from her hold, taking a short step back away from her.
The room was extremely quiet, everyone in awe at what they had just witnessed. Glad that she wasn't blushing from all the attention, Rose now didn't know whether to continue to look Edward or to make eye contact with Alicia.
"Well that was a good first kiss." Alicia breathed, her face between awestruck and jealous. "Who wants to go next?"
Edward's smirk grew indicating with Rose to follow his lead. As the game continued without them, Edward led Rose further into the dimly lit corner of the common room, away from curious eyes and hushed whispers. The crackling firelight cast flickering shadows on the
walls, making the space feel more intimate, more theirs. His hand lingered at her waist, his thumb tracing small circles against her hip, as if grounding himself in the moment.
"Well that was one way to announce our relationship." Rose murmured, tilting her head up at him, amusement dancing in violet eyes. "Though you should have played by the rules and not cheated."
"I didn't cheat." Edward smirked. "I just used my Vampire skills when the rules didn't suit me."
"And do you think anyone suspected you accurate spinning skills?" Rose chuckled.
"No." Edward grinned. "At the moment they think i'm acting like a typical teenager."
"Do they now." Rose replied amused. "But I am curious, would you have ever played that game a month ago?"
"If you were in the room yes." Edward nodded. "I would have gambled a lot of money to get an opportunity to kiss you even once."
"Even if I didn't want to kiss you back?" Rose asked with a crooked smile.
"I would have asked first." Edward admitted. "My confidence back there was purely down to knowing you would indeed accept my kiss and you got to admit it." he murmured, his lips ghosting over her temple. "You liked it."
Rose rolled her eyes, but the heat rising in her cheeks betrayed her. "It wasn't the worst first kiss."
Edward chuckled, his grip on her tightening just slightly. "That's not exactly a glowing review."
She smirked, pretending to consider her words. "It was… memorable."
He huffed a quiet laugh before shifting, his forehead resting against hers. The sounds of the common room felt distant now, the chatter, the laughter, the spin of the bottle—it all blurred into the background. For the first time in weeks, it was just them. No expectations, no
complications. Just Edward and Rose.
Putting his arm around her waist, Edward pulled her into a long deep kiss, his tongue greedily finding hers.
There was the sound of someone clearing their throat, shattering the moment.
They turned to see Fred, George by his side leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed, an amused glint in both their eyes. "Hate to interrupt whatever this is, but you two are being talked about. A lot."
Rose groaned, burying her face in Edward's chest for just a moment before straightening. "Of course we are."
Fred smirked. "What did you expect? You just gave half of Gryffindor a heart attack. I mean, Edward-Oliver, participating in spin the bottle for the first time ever and then abandoning the game after for one girl?" He whistled. "You're making history, mate."
Edward rolled his eyes, but Rose could feel the way his hand tightened protectively around hers. He didn't care what they thought. And for once, neither did she.
"Let them talk," Edward said simply, his gaze returning to Rose's. "Now everyone knows I'm exactly where I want to be."