Soultied

 First of September, 1995.

Quarter-to-eleven o’clock, AM.

 Rosalie was back on the Knight Bus, a begrudged Severus Snape next to her.

 “That platform doesn’t exist.”

 “Just like muggles think The Leaky Cauldron doesn’t exist?”

Rosalie gave him a weird look, and said nothing.

Bang.

The bus arrived at King’s Cross Station.

 “Not far.” Rosalie felt dizzy as they got off.

He said nothing, and walked through the station briskly.

Rosalie had a cart, filled with her school supplies and her personal belongings.

 “This is so weird.” He was staring at it. “Nobody notices.”

 “London.”

She nodded. “Checks out. You English, then?”

 “Obviously.”

They stopped at a brick wall.

 “Walk into the wall.”

 “Uhm. Are you crazy?”

He sighed. “Observe.”

Snape walked into the wall - quite literally. He had vanished.

 “What the fuck?”

She saw a few more people approaching, with carts. Ew.

She walked at the wall, before they saw her.

In a blink, she was at a whole other platform.

 “Oh, weird.” She was staring around. “Are they all magic, or something?”

He nodded, briefly. “On the train by eleven.”

With that, he walked directly into a fireplace, threw something down, and vanished.

 “Ew, weird.”

She looked around, walking forwards slightly.

I am so lost here.

 “Excuse me!” A voice said from behind her. She turned to see the same group as before, who had just entered.

 “Oh, I’m sorry.” She moved back.

The girl, who had spoken, regarded her. “Are you lost?”

 “Uhh. No? I just… don’t know where I am, yeah.” She laughed.

 “How old are you? You don’t look young enough to be a first year.”

Rosalie shrugged. “Fifteen, and I’m new, I guess. Got dragged here by some greasy man who works there.”

The boys next to her choked.

 “Do you mean Snape?” The ginger one stared.

She nodded, and the two boys started laughing.

 “I dunno what’s funny. His outfit was, to be honest with you.”

The girl stifled a laugh, and held out her hand proudly. “I’m Hermione. Hermione Granger. You’re in our year.”

 “Rosalie.” She took Hermione’s hand. “Uh. I can’t tell you my surname.”

 “Why?” The boy with black hair stared at her.

 “Well, I would’ve said my mother’s last name, but turns out she isn’t my mother and now I’m here. Weird couple of days. Who are you two?”

 “Ron Weasley.” The ginger boy grinned.

She looked at the other boy.

 “Harry Potter,” he said, giving her a thumbs up.

He seemed to be anticipating something.

 “Oh, cool names. Do you guys know where we’re going, or…?”

She then noticed that two of three of them had Prefect badges.

Great, they’d know.

 “Yes!” Hermione smiled at her. “Follow us.”

 Once they had settled into a train compartment, Rosalie was baffled.

 “The school’s a castle?”

 “Uh, yeah.”

 “Damn. I’ve been in many, but never been taught in one.”

Ron stared at her. “Why’ve you been in castles?”

 “I’m Welsh.” She blinked.

Hermione nodded. “That,” she said, “makes a lot of sense.”

The boys stared at her, and she frowned. “Honestly, don’t you two ever read? Wales has the most castles in Europe.”

Ron’s eyebrows raised. “Wicked.”

Rosalie looked at Hermione. “Listen, love, I’m not being funny, but you sound really posh. You posh or something?”

Harry smiled, and laughed slightly.

Hermione blushed. “Well, I-”

 “She really is.” Ron shook his head. “Mental, that one. Gets her face in a book for fun.”

Rosalie frowned. “So do I.”

 “Not another one.” Harry shook his head. “I don’t think we could handle another Hermione.”

Hermione hit him with a textbook. “Shut it.”

 “Ow, ‘Mione! What was that for?” Harry grumbled, rubbing his arm.

Hermione turned to her. “I do apologise for them.”

Rosalie shrugged. “No big deal. I have a question, though.”

The three of them looked at her.

 “What’s Quidditch? I bought a broomstick ‘cause it looked cool.”

 “Oh!” Hermione said, quickly, “Harry here plays Quidditch for the Gryffindor team.”

Rosalie watched him. He shrugged.

 “What the fuck is a Gryffindor?”

Hermione frowned. “Have you never read Hogwarts, A History?”

 “I literally learned I was a witch three days ago, calm down, love.”

Ron snickered.

 “Are you a muggle-born?” Harry watched her.

 “I don’t even know what that means.”

Hermione sighed. “There are four houses in Hogwarts. Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Us three are Gryffindors.”

 “Uhhuh.”

 “I’m a muggle-born. It means neither of your parents are magical.”

 “I’m a half-blood. Means there’s some muggle in the family, I guess.” Harry shrugged. “Never really thought about it.”

Ron blinked. “Pure blood, me. No muggles.”

 “Oh. I still haven’t a clue. I think my dad was a wizard? I dunno.” Rosalie shrugged.

Ron frowned. “Who is he, then?”

 “Ronald, you can’t just go and ask people who their dads are.” Hermione shot him a look.

 “Yeah, Ronald,” Harry said, grinning, “that’s offensive to people who don’t have dads.”

 “Shut up, Harry,” Ron said, laughing.

Rosalie coughed. “I have no idea who my parents are. Given to a relative when I was a year old, apparently.”

Hermione and Ron immediately glanced at Harry, who seemed puzzled.

 “Did I miss something?”

 “Oh.” Harry scratched his nose. “Just that I was, too.”

 “Uhhuh. What’s up with magical people leaving their kids?”

 “My parents were murdered. Do you not know that?” Harry stared at her.

Rosalie blinked. “Am I supposed to know who you are?”

Ron stifled a laugh, and Hermione nodded.

 “Harry is a bit of a-”

 “Shut up, Hermione.” Harry looked at her.

 “What, I wanna know!” Rosalie rolled her eyes.

 “Just give me this moment of normality,” Harry said, closing his eyes for a moment.

He’s really cute, I can’t lie.

Rosalie leaned over, poking his arm. “Come on,” she said, “I’m nosey.”

Harry looked at the two girls. “Fine, I guess.”

Hermione sighed. “As I was saying. Harry’s really well known in the Wizarding community.”

 “Famous, you mean.” Ron shrugged.

 “Oh. Cool. Why?” Rosalie frowned.

 “I killed Lord Voldemort when I was a year old. Turns out my mum and dad went that night, too.” Harry shrugged.

 “Who?”

Hermione sighed. “The most evil dark wizard of all time.”

Rosalie laughed, in disbelief. “Damn. Tough baby.”

Harry laughed. “Tough baby, sure.”

 “Apparently my mum’s dead, so I dunno. I was a year old, don’t remember well enough to tell you much.”

Harry nodded in agreement.

The other two watched them interact, whispering.

Rosalie stared at them. “What?”

 “Oh, nothing.” Hermione smiled.

 An hour had passed before the compartment door opened, two twins walked inside proudly, and sat down.

 “Talk of the train, you lot,” one said, casually.

 “Yeah, heard talk of a new girl.” The other stretched.

 “So, tell us,” the first said, looking at her.

 “What your name is.” The other finished the sentence.

Rosalie stared between them “Uh. Who the fuck are you two?”

Ron shook his head. “My older brothers. Fred, George, what do you want?”

 “Aye, lickle Ronniekins, don’t show off.”

 “Don’t know when you’re gonna regret it, yeah?” He patted Ron’s head.

She blinked. “I’m Rosalie.”

They seem fun.

 “Is that so?” The one she presumed was Fred spoke.

She nodded.

 “Ain’t that fun, Fred?” George nudged him. Guess I was right.

 “It is, George.” Fred grinned at him.

 “Uh.” She coughed.

 “Say, Rosalie,” George said, “you fun or what?”

 “Excuse me?” Rosalie raised an eyebrow.

Hermione coughed.

Fred rolled his eyes. “At least let her get sorted before you try chatting her up, George.”

 “I am not chatting her up.”

 “Yeah, you are.”

 “No, I am not!”

Rosalie groaned. “Ladies, please. Let’s not fight over me, yeah? I get I’m stunning, but there’s really no need for this.”

Fred and George glanced at each other, surprised. “Yeah, alright.”

Harry shook his head.

 “We’ll be off!” Fred jumped up.

 “We’ll see you.” George jumped up, too, and they both left.

Rosalie turned to Ron. “Your brothers are weird.”

He shrugged. “It’s my little sister you gotta be scared of. She-”

 “Talking about me, Ronald?”

A girl with the same hair as him walked by.

What’re the chances?

 “Oh, hi, Ginny,” Hermione smiled.

She waved, giving Harry a sweet smile.

She then saw Rosalie.

 “Who’re you?”

She shrugged. “Uh. Rosalie.”

The girl, Ginny, blinked. “Dunno you.”

 “That’s ‘cause I’m new, innit?” Rosalie smiled at her.

 “Ohh, makes sense. Anyway,” she looked around at Ron, “Mum told me to tell you that you forgot a pair of socks.”

Ron shrugged. “Whatever.”

She rolled her eyes. “That’s all. Bye. Bye, Harry!”

She closed the compartment door, and there was silence for a few minutes.

 “She so likes you.” Rosalie was staring at Harry.

Ron and Harry simultaneously choked.

 “Uh, what?” Harry looked concerned.

Rosalie looked at Hermione, who gave her a look.

 “Finally, someone else thinks the same,” Hermione said quietly to her.

Rosalie laughed.

 “She better not.” Ron was glaring at Harry.

 “Mate, relax. I’m not going out with her.”

 “Best not.”

Rosalie shook her head, trying not to laugh.

 Upon arrival at the castle (after what felt like years), the four of them walked up to a path, with carriages.

 “What are they?” Rosalie pointed at the ugliest looking… things she’d ever seen.

Harry had paused. “I dunno. I’ve never seen them before,” she said, quietly.

 “Uhh… What are you two looking at?”

Rosalie stared at Hermione, in disbelief. “They’re literally right there.”

 “Uh… sure.” Ron looked concerned.

They got into a carriage, and Rosalie recognised Ginny.

 “Hi again.” She looked at Hermione, who smiled.

 “Hi!” Ginny smiled at her.

Rosalie regarded the blonde girl next to her.

 “Who’re you?” Ron looked at her, too.

 “That is Loony Lov-” Hermione paused. “Luna Lovegood.”

Rosalie nodded. “Luna is a really pretty name.”

 “Oh, thank you! What’s yours?”

 “Rosalie.”

Luna nodded. “That’s beautiful. Reminds me of a flower.”

 “Mmm.” Rosalie had always thought of it that way.

 “What house do you think you’ll be in?” Ron looked at her.

 “Uh.” Rosalie shrugged. “Dunno. I’m pretty cool, so the best one, I’d hope.”

Ron coughed. “Not Slytherin, then.”

There were murmurs of agreement around the carriage.

 “Eh. Gryffindor, I guess. Just because you guys are.”

She paused.

 “Where do the actually smart people go?”

 “Ravenclaw,” Luna said, sweetly. “My house.”

Rosalie nodded. “Sounds fun. I don’t really care much.”

There was silence for a few minutes.

 “Do you guys like Hocus Pocus?” Rosalie looked around.

 “Yes.” Hermione looked up, instantly. “It’s a favourite of mine.”

 “Right?” Rosalie nodded, profusely. “Did you see the Toy Story premiere?”

Hermione grinned. “Yes! It was so good.”

 “Took me right back to when I was young, honestly.”

The others were watching them.

 “What on Earth are you talking about?” Ron frowned.

Harry blinked. “Muggle movies. I haven’t seen them.”

 “Uh.” Rosalie blinked. “Why not, babe?”

Harry shrugged, quietly. She noticed Hermione and Ron share a quick look.

 “Anyways. How much longer?”

 “Few minutes.” Hermione checked her watch.

 “Oh.” Rosalie sighed.

 They finally arrived at the castle, and Rosalie couldn’t have been more grateful.

They were walking in when an older woman stopped her. “Excuse me.”

 “Huh?”

The woman smiled at her, warmly. “Come with me.”

Rosalie looked at the others.

 “Probably about the sorting,” Hermione whispered. “Go on.”

Rosalie blinked, and hurried off after her.

 “Miss?” Rosalie looked at the woman.

 “Yes, dear?” The woman was Scottish.

 “Is this about my sorting, or?”

She nodded. “Yes. You are to be sorted after the first years.”

Rosalie blinked. “Oh. That’s embarrassing.”

The woman shook her head. “Nonsense.”

They walked in silence for a few moments.

 “How am I in the school if I don’t even know my own real name?”

The woman frowned slightly. “Oh. All in due time. Though, you may find out tonight,” she said, dryly.

 “Wha?”

 “In we go, now.” The woman led her into a small room.

 “What’s your name?”

The woman looked at her. “Professor McGonagall.”

 “Ohh.” Rosalie blinked. “That’s a very Scottish name, innit?”

McGonagall smiled. “It is, indeed.”

 “Why am I in here?”

She pointed at another set of doors. “They lead to the Great Hall. You will be brought in after the first years are finished with their sorting.”

 “Oh.”

 “You wait here. I’ll come collect you when I finish.” McGonagall smiled at her, and she left.

Rosalie waited a few minutes.

Then a few more.

She stared at the walls. There was a portrait of someone, and they seemed to be… watching her.

 “What’re you staring at?” The portrait barked, after a minute.

Rosalie jumped. “Shit, you talk too?”

 “Erm, yes.” The portrait stared at her. “Muggle raised?”

She nodded. “Makes sense.”

The door to the Great Hall opened slightly, and McGonagall peered around. “It’s time.”

Rosalie gulped, and walked in.

 There were hundreds of students, and they were all watching her.

After a quick scan of the room, she found the people from the train. She gave them a small smile and wave, which they returned.

She noticed that the teachers were all sitting at a separate table. She also noticed that Snape wasn’t there.

A few others had seemed to notice, because they were pointing at his empty seat.

Rosalie was led to a stool.

McGonagall cleared her throat nervously, as she looked at the last name on her list.

 “Snape, Rosalie.”

Rosalie froze.

It felt as though time had stood still. “I’m sorry, what the fuck?”

She glanced over at the students, who looked just as confused as she did.

Oh my God?

She glanced up at McGonagall, who watched her nervously.

After a few moments, Rosalie cautiously sat down, and a hat was placed on her head.

 “Ah. Snape. Didn’t think he had it in him to have a kid.”

What the fuck? Is a hat talking to me right now?

 “Yep.”

I must be fucking dreaming. This entire thing is a fever dream.

 “Nope. I see you are of a long Slytherin descent.”

Rosalie, to the observer, was frozen in place, frowning at the floor.

Okay, and?

 “You wouldn’t fare well in Slytherin.”

Okayy…?

 “Not a Hufflepuff.”

Okay.

“Hmmm.”

“Just get to the damn point, you stupid hat.” Rosalie groaned. A few students laughed, and nodded.

 “I see strong Ravenclaw traits in you.”

Because I like books? Wow. Sounds like a stereotype. Are you stereotyping me, hat?

 “I’ve heard enough.”

 “Gryffindor!”

The hat shouted this last part out to the rest of the room.

 “Oh. How wonderful,” Rosalie said sarcastically, as she walked over.

She sat down with the others she met, who were staring at her incredulously.

*

 “Snape?!”

They were sitting in their common room. Rosalie looked around - the room was lush and ornate. Oh, so this school is rich rich. Okay.

 “I’m literally just as confused as you are.” Rosalie stared at them.

Ron was shaking his head. “Oh, God. I feel so sorry for you.”

Rosalie sighed. “This is so fucking confusing.”

 “It’s no coincidence that he was absent.” Hermione spoke, quietly.

Rosalie pressed her lips together.

 “Look at Neville,” Harry mumbled.

Rosalie looked up, and saw a boy staring at her fearfully.

 “Wow. What’s he done, murdered someone?” Rosalie looked back at her classmates.

Ron shook his head. “Mate. Snape’s a dick. He’ll bully anything and everyone.”

Rosalie nodded. “Yeah, I gathered that when he told me he’d ditch me on the side of the street if I said another word.”

Harry nodded. “Sounds like him. He absolutely despises me. Calls me insolent and all sorts.”

A lot of people in the common room were watching her.

She stuck her tongue out at them. “I’m a celebrity, am I?” She called out.

Ron snickered. “You’d absolutely love my brothers.”

 “I met them. They seem amusing.” Rosalie turned back to them.

Hermione smiled, shaking her head. “You could… say that.”

 “Miss Snape.” Rosalie paused.

 “Uh.” She looked over. McGonagall was standing at the portrait hole.

The common room went quiet.

 “Yeah?”

 “Come with me, please.”

She looked at her classmates - Harry gave her a thumbs up.

 “Okay.” She walked out, giving her classmates a quick peace sign as she did so.

She followed McGonagall for a second.

 “What is up with that surname?” Rosalie frowned. “I’m assuming you knew about that?”

She said nothing for a moment, before she spoke quietly. “I’m not saying anything.”

 “It’s a coincidence, right? No way am I-”

Rosalie cut herself off. Was she? It would make sense as to why her “mother” was so… opposed… to seeing him.

She followed, in silence.

Students that walked the halls were staring at her.

 They reached a room in the dungeons.

McGonagall knocked.

 “Come in,” a voice drawled. Shit.

She opened the door, and they both entered.

Snape was standing facing away from the door, at a few bottles on his shelf.

 “Severus,” McGonagall said sweetly.

 “Thank you, Minerva. That will be all.”

 “Of course.” She nodded her head, smiled at Rosalie, and left.

 There was silence for a few minutes.

 “So, uh.” Rosalie tapped her foot, looking at the shelves. “What’s all this about?”

Snape inhaled deeply, and exhaled slowly. “Sit.” He didn’t look at her.

She tapped her foot more. “Nah. I’m standing here, thanks.”

He seemed to deflate. “I didn’t think I would see you again.”

Rosalie blinked. “What now?”

 “It does not take a genius to connect the story from a few days ago, to today.”

Oh shit? Shit fuck? What the fuck?

 “That mean you’re-”

 “Yes.”

There was silence.

 “Oh, ew.”

There was a moment, and Snape laughed slightly, shaking his head. He looked down.

 “This is ridiculous.”

 “Oh, I know!” Rosalie sighed. “A week ago, I was planning on going shopping with my-” she paused, “mother, for a friend’s sweet sixteenth. Now? Now I’m here, a witch, in a damn magic castle in Scotland, standing in a dingy little office that’s supposed to belong to my biological father?”

He froze for a moment, but she continued.

 “Oh, yes. Very ridiculous innit?”

There was silence for a few minutes.

 “Is there anything else, or…?” Rosalie looked towards the door.

Snape took a deep breath, and turned to face her.

Rosalie was surprised to find his eyes slightly puffy.

 “Do you have any questions, Rosalie?” He watched her.

She frowned. “If you’re my father,” she said, “who’s my real mother?”

He sighed. “A woman I briefly dated, after finishing Hogwarts.”

 “What happened to that, then?”

 “I would rather not say.”

Rosalie raised an eyebrow. “Oh, wow. Hiding things from me? Boo.”

Snape smiled slightly, and looked away.

There was a pause. “Am I supposed to refer to you as Professor now?”

He considered. “Yes.”

 “Wow. That’s bullying.”

He looked at her, confused. “What?”

She rolled her eyes. “I said, that’s bullying. Professor is an ugly name to call someone you’re related to.”

He frowned. “Do you have anything better, or what?”

 “Just Snape will do.”

 “That is literally your own surname.”

She paused. “Shit, you’re right.” She laughed.

He shook his head. “You are definitely not a Ravenclaw.”

 “Oh. The hat nearly put me in Ravenclaw. I told it off for stereotyping me because I like books, and it put me in Gryffindor instantly.”

 “Gryffindor?” He looked concerned. “Oh, no. That is very bad.”

 “What’s wrong with that?”

He shook his head. “Please don’t tell me you’ve met-”

 “Harry Potter?” She grinned at his pained expression.

 “Yes.”

 “Oh, yes. He’s very nice, I don’t know what you mean by being mean to him.”

Snape watched her. “I know him better than you do.”

 “Wow, this is abusive.” She put a hand on her chest, dramatically. “You know a student you teach better than your own child? How tragic for me.”

He coughed. “Well.”

 She watched him. “Am I supposed to call you my dad or some shit like that?”

He froze.

 “Uh.”

She raised an eyebrow, folding her arms. “I don’t entirely care much, honestly. Never had a father figure in my life.”

He frowned.

 “Depressing, right? All I’ve had are my, uh, mother’s shitty, abusive boyfriends. Abusive specifically towards me.”

He blinked. “Oh.”

 “Yeah.” She shrugged. “It’d be nice if you weren’t mean to me. You know, like you are with everyone else?”

He stared at her.

 “Why do you do that, anyway?”

 “You remind me of an old classmate.” He seemed annoyed at the thought of them.

 “Oh, yeah?” Rosalie tilted her head.

He sighed. “You’ll probably meet him eventually. Unfortunately.”

She sighed. “Aw, yeah. More men in my life. Just what I need,” she said, sarcastically.

He looked confused.

 “I’m not going into it.”

He nodded. “Okay.”

She pointed. “Do you have any questions, then? Before I bugger off to sleep, because I haven’t slept in a comfy bed for days.”

He froze for a moment. “Do you want me in your life any more than I am as a teacher?”

She tilted her head. “Sure, why not. Don’t really have any parental figures anymore, innit?”

He suddenly looked hopeful. “Really?”

 “Uhhuh.”

He nodded.

 “Listen, mate,” Rosalie said, yawning. “Loving the deep conversation and all, but I’m tired. We’ll continue this tomorrow, yeah?”

Snape watched her closely. “Right.”

She nodded, walking towards the door.

 “Rosalie.”

She paused, and turned around.

 “Huh?”

He paused. “Nothing. Sorry.”

 “Right.” She watched him for a moment.

 “Goodnight, mate,” she said, yawning again.

 “Goodnight, Rosalie.” He spoke quietly.

 First of September, 1995.

Ten o’clock, PM.

 “So he is your dad?”

Hermione watched her.

She was in her dormitory, and all of the other girls - Hermione, a girl with brown hair, a girl with an afro, and a girl with black hair - all watching her.

 “Uhh… yeah. Kind of weird, honestly. Not too bothered.”

 “What do you mean, not too bothered?” The brown haired girl stared at her.

 “What?”

 “You know he’s mean, right?”

Rosalie blinked at her. “What am I supposed to do about that, babe? Magic it away?”

The girl blinked. “Uhh.”

Hermione sighed. “Just wait until you meet Malfoy. We have Potions with the Slytherins.”

 “What about him?”

Hermione shook her head. “He’s always been Professor Snape’s favourite. He’s going to be so mad when he realises.”

The other girls laughed. “I see. He a bit of a twat, then?”

 “You could say that,” the girl with the afro said.

Hermione looked at her. “You don’t talk very much.”

The girl looked at her, witheringly. “Do you even know my name?”

 “Leah.”

She rolled her eyes. “Leah MacDonald, actually.”

Hermione nodded. “I know. Surnames are rather meaningless, though.”

The other two girls looked at Rosalie.

 “I’m Lavender,” the girl with brown hair said.

 “I’m Parvati.”

Rosalie smiled. “It’s nice to meet you guys.”

They nodded.

 “So, tell me about this Malfoy. Is he at least hot?”

The girls looked at eachother.

 “Uhh.” Hermione bit her lip. “I don’t know how to put it.”

 “He is,” Lavender whispered, “but he’s so rude I wouldn’t even consider it.”

Rosalie shrugged. “Whatever. I like bad boys,” she said, checking her nails.

The four of them were staring at her.

 “What?” Rosalie said, indignantly. “Can I not like them?”

Hermione rolled her eyes. “Bad boys are always going to break your heart, idiot,” She grabbed a book, and opened it. “Everyone knows that.”

 “So? They’re hot. Always great to have fun with.” Rosalie shrugged again.

Lavender stared at her. “How many boyfriends have you had?”
“Like, two, three? I don’t really count the third one. He was more of a friend with benefits type, if you catch my drift.”

Even Hermione looked up from her book to stare at her.

 “Uhh?”

 “Teach me your ways,” Lavender said. “I need to know. I’ve had a crush on this guy in our year for about a year now.”

Rosalie bit the inside of her cheek. “What’s his name?”

She glanced at Hermione. “Okay. It’s Ronald. I think he’s cute.”

Hermione turned to look at her, incredulously. “I beg your pardon?”

 “What?”

Hermione coughed. “Are my ears deceiving me, or did you just call Ronald cute?”

Rosalie snorted.

 “What? Can I not like him?”

Hermione raised her eyebrows. “I’m just saying, that is a very bad idea.” She looked back at her book.

 “Has nobody ever mentioned how fucking bright Harry’s eyes are?” Rosalie frowned slightly. “I felt like I was being stabbed every time he looked at me.”

 “Right?” Parvati looked over, smiling. “It’s insane. You know,” she started.

Lavender groaned. “Every time he’s mentioned.”

She rolled her eyes. “Shut up, Lav. Anyways,” Parvati looked at her, “did you know I went to the Yule Ball with him last year?”

Rosalie raised her eyebrows. “Wow, I don’t envy you at all,” she said, sarcastically.

Hermione snorted, closing her book. “Wow, you’re insane.”

 “What?” Rosalie rolled her eyes. “He’s definitely cute. Have you seen him? Solid eight out of ten at least.”

Hermione looked at her, perhaps even more incredulously.

 “He seems about as oblivious as any boy could get, though. You seen the way that Ginny looks at him?”

Immediately, all four girls agreed.

 “Absolutely.”

 “Literally since our second year,” Hermione sighed. “He’ll get it one day.”

 “Maybe.” Rosalie smiled. “You know what men are like. They’ll pick up on anything sexual instantly, but the moment it’s emotional? Nope. Not a clue.”

Hermione shook her head. “Unfortunately, yes, I do.”

Lavender stared at her. “You know?”

Hermione blinked. “I dated Krum last year. Didn’t you know?”

Parvati choked. “Krum? Viktor Krum? As in the one from Durmstrang?!”

Hermione nodded.

 “Damn. Get it, I guess.” Leah laid down, and turned away from them. “Night.”

A few goodnights were given.

 “Men suck.” Parvati sighed. “You know, Harry asked me to the ball and then didn’t even dance with me.”

 “God, that’s embarrassing for him.” Rosalie blinked. “You’re stunning, I cannot see why he wouldn’t.”

 “Awe, thank you!” She smiled.

Lavender nodded. “Ronald took her sister, and not me. Audacity.”

Rosalie shook her head. “Barbaric.”

Hermione sighed, laying down. “This is the longest conversation I’ve had in this dormitory.”

 “Yeah, Hermione.” Lavender sighed. “You, like, never talk to us.”

 “Literally never.” Parvati nodded.

 “I know,” Hermione shook her head, “I’m always so wrapped up in whatever the boys are doing. They’re literally always doing something stupid.”

 “They seem like the type to stick their hand in a fire,” Rosalie observed, “and ask why it’s hot.”

Hermione laughed. “Bang on exactly, especially Ron. They’re idiots. I’m not surprised they aren’t Ravenclaws.”

 “The sorting hat tried convincing me to be a Ravenclaw.” Rosalie rolled her eyes, and laid down.

 “How’d you convince it otherwise?”

 “Insulted it. Didn’t even mention this house, just put me here.”

Hermione smiled. “Yeah. Sounds about right.”

*

 Second of September, 1995.

Half-past-eight o’clock, AM.

 Rosalie found herself at the Gryffindor house table, eggs in front of her and a lot of eyes directed towards her.

 “How’d they get so much food?” She asked, to nobody in particular.

 “House elves,” Hermione said, wrinkling her nose in distaste.

Ron nudged Harry, who grinned. “You stopped spewing yet, ‘Mione?”

 “Shut up, Ronald, before I make you spew slugs again.”

 “I’d forgotten about that,” Ron said, queasily.

Rosalie blinked. “I have no idea what any of you are talking about.”

 “Blimey, you’ve missed so much,” Harry said, scrunching his nose to push his glasses up. “It’s crazy to think how much has happened.”

Rosalie frowned. “Fill me in, please?”

Hermione rubbed between her eyebrows. “Do you want the short story, or the long story?”

 “Uhh…” What? “The long story, I guess.”

The three of them glanced at each other. “We had better finish this, and head out. There’s a lot to go through,” Hermione sighed.

 “Mmm,” Rosalie said, through a bite of toast.

 “Are we doing anything today?” Ron glanced between Harry and Hermione.

Harry bit his lip. “No clue.”

 “Well, I haven’t any ideas,” Hermione shrugged.

She has really pretty hair.

 “You have really pretty hair,” Rosalie remarked.

Hermione smiled. “Oh, uhm, thank you.” She sounded genuine.

 “Yeah, Hermione,” Ron said, grinning at her.

 “Shut up, Ron, you sound like an idiot,” Harry said.

Damn.

 “So, looks like Professor Snape has a daughter, yeah?” A pretentious voice came from behind her.

Rosalie turned, to see the most pompous looking twat she’d ever seen.

 “Piss off, Malfoy,” Ron muttered.

 “I didn’t ask for you to speak, Weasley,” he sneered. The boy, Malfoy, looked back at her.

She regarded him coolly. “Can I help you, or are you just going to stand there and waste my time, mate?”

He looked taken aback for a moment, before resuming his haughty demeanour. “I came over to introduce myself. It’d be better for you to make some good friends at Hogwarts, who know what’s good for you.”

She laughed, incredulously. “You what?”

He frowned. “I’m saying that you don’t want to go making friends with the wrong sort, girl.”

 “This girl has a name, you jackass.” Rosalie curled her lip, her brows furrowed. She looked him up and down in disgust. “If you’ve come over here just to be a prick, you’ve got the wrong girl, mate.”

Rosalie heard a snicker or two behind her. It sounded like Ron and Harry, but she didn’t really know.

 “A pretty girl like you deserves better friends than these Gryffindors, yeah?”

Well, okay. He is kind of attractive, I’ll give him that.

Rosalie regarded him for a few more moments, tongue in cheek. “Okay, and?”

 “And what?” He said, irritably.

 “Why should I care? I don’t know you.”

He seemed surprised. “You don’t know me? Malfoy? Allow me to introduce myse-”

 “No thanks. Bye bye, now.” She turned away, back to her classmates.

There was a pause. “You’ll regret this, girl,” he said, walking away.

Hermione watched her, amused. “You’ve got guts talking to him like that,” she remarked.

 “He seems like a prat. Anyway, he’s not that attractive. I don’t know what you girls were talking about,” Rosalie yawned.

 “What?” Ron looked dumbfounded. “Malfoy, attractive? Are you mad?”

She shrugged. “He’s not ugly by far. Don’t know why people would go crazy over him, though.”

Harry blinked a few times. “Are we seriously having this conversation?”

 “Ooh, yeah, I do get your point,” Hermione said, ignoring them both. “Our year definitely got the short end of the stick when it comes to boys.”

 “Hey!” Ron said, indignantly. “I did not get the short stick.”

 “Well, I wouldn’t say that,” Rosalie said, eyeing the two boys for a moment.

Hermione snorted. “You’re crazy,” she said, smiling.

Ron was just staring at her. “Mental, she is,” he said, to Harry.

Harry was just staring into his pumpkin juice.

 “That shit’s minging,” Rosalie said, staring at his goblet.

Hermione watched her. “It’s not that bad,” she said, casually.

 “It bloody well is,” she said, indignantly. “How am I supposed to hydrate with just orange juice and minced fucking pumpkin?!”

Ron sighed. “You get used to it,” he said, dejectedly.

 “I miss Coke,” she groaned.

 “What’s that?” Ron said.

The three of them stared at him.

 “What?” he said, confused.

 “It’s pop, you moron,” Harry said, incredulously. “How can you not know what that is?”

Ron shook his head. “You muggle raised weirdos.”

 “Hey, be careful,” Rosalie said, pointing a fork at him half-menacingly. “You don’t want to get on my bad side, ginger.”

 “My name’s Ron,” he said, rolling his eyes, “and I’m not scared of a girl like you.”

Hermione watched him. “I’d be careful if I were you, Ronald.”

Harry shook his head. “You’re all mental.”

 “Okay, but I’m attractive.” Rosalie put her fork down, and smiled at them.

Hermione nodded. “You are pretty, yes. Much more so than… you know.”

Ron and Harry said nothing, but looked at eachother.

 “Is there a problem, boys?” Rosalie batted her eyelashes at them, playfully.

 “N-no,” Harry coughed. “Nothing.”

 “Yeah,” Ron echoed.

Rosalie glanced at Hermione, who was stifling a laugh. “Anyway,” she said, yawning. “I’m bored of this. Can we go and you guys can just… fill me in?”

They nodded.

 Second of September, 1995.

Nine o’clock, AM.

 “What the fuck.”

Rosalie, Hermione, Ron and Harry were sitting outside.

 “Yeah,” Hermione frowned. “It’s weird to think everything happened right under your nose and you didn’t even know.”

Rosalie shook her head. “Wait, wait, wait. You’re telling me that there was a whole werewolf in the school? For a year?”

 “Yep.”

 “Who just so happened to be best friends with a convicted murderer?”

Harry frowned. “Falsely accused,” he said, quickly.

Rosalie sighed. “Yes, I know that. My point is that it’s just a littleodd that the convict just so happened to be your godfather?”

Harry blinked. “Uh.”

 “To add,” Rosalie interrupted, “They also were best friends with your father?”

 “Uhm.”

Rosalie continued. “Then those two people who just so happened to know you as a baby ended up meeting you in the same year-”

 “Rosalie-” Hermione said, blinking.

 “And then,” Rosalie said, pressing on, “they just so happen to be after your best friend’s rat, who he had since before he even met you, and the rat is the guy who got your parents killed?”

 “Uh… yeah? Never really looked at it like that,” Harry said, frowning.

 “Oh, and then the next year, you unfairly have to compete in a stupid ass dangerous tournament and for what? What reason? Because the cup said so. The cup said so. This school is a mess. Not only that, but you won. You, as a scrawny little fourteen year old, won against a group of seventeen year olds. One of which fucking died.”

Harry pressed his lips together. “Yeah.”

She shook her head. “Then you have to deal with all of that shit. You killed him as a baby, and you were there when he came back?”

Harry glanced at Hermione and Ron, who seemed just as confused as him. “Yeah?”

 “My God, Harry,” she said, dumbfounded, “you really are the main character here.”

 “I mean…” Harry started.

Hermione cut in. “If they wrote a book series about your life, I’d read it.”

 “I wonder why they haven’t yet,” Ron laughed. “You know that’d go down horribly.”

 “Shut up,” Harry smiled.

 “No!” Ron said. “I’m right. The Prophet would-”

Rosalie gasped. “Harry Potter and the Twat Who Won’t Shut Up,” she exclaimed. “It’s an amazing book title. You’ll sell out instantly.”

 “Why are you hanging out with us again?” Harry joked. His words sounded mean, but he looked at her so casually and still made Rosalie want to look away.

She gasped again, mock offended. “Excuse you, mister chosen one,” she emphasised the last two words, “but I am here because I am hot and you two need to look better next to me.”

Hermione shook her head, smiling.

 “Is that it?” Ron eyed her.

 “No, dumbass. I’m here because you lot’re nice to me and quite frankly, I’d rather not be around nobs like that twat, Malfoy or some shit.”

 “Fair enough.”

Hermione frowned. “Say, Rosalie.”

 “Hm?” She looked over.

 “Do you know much about magic?

She shook her head. “Nah, I learned about it like… four, five days ago? Hardly an expert.”

Harry raised his eyebrows. “I can relate to that one.”

 “You’re literally one of the most powerful wizards of our generation, Harry,” Hermione said, rolling her eyes. “You’d ought to be grateful.”

 “Shut up, ‘Mione, we all know you’re number one most powerful.”

 “No, that’s definitely you,” she said, sighing.

He shook his head. “Nope, gotta be you.”

Rosalie glanced at Ron.

 “They do this often,” he mumbled to her.

Damn. “You two stop flirting for a minute.”

They looked at her. “What?”

 “You heard me!”

They both looked disgusted.

 “No,” Harry said. “Absolutely not.”

 “He is like my brother,” Hermione gagged.

Ron watched them both. “I think she had something to say, you know,”

 “Oh, yes. I’m very sorry,” Hermione said, coughing.

Harry watched her expectantly.

 “How do I know if I can even do magic?”

 “Where’s your wand?” Hermione asked, quickly.

 “Uhh.” Rosalie reached into her back pocket. “Here.”

Ron eyed the wand. “Pretty.”

 “Thanks?”

 “Anyways,” Hermione said, “let me show you one of the first charms we learned.”

 “It’s LeviOsa, not LeviosA,” Ron and Harry mumbled, instantly.

She shot them both a dirty look. “I think you’ll find my pronunciation of the word saved all three of our lives, you know.”

Ron shrugged. “Still sounded like an ass.”

 “Oh, shut up, Ronald, before I transfigure another club and hit you with it.”

Harry snickered.

 “Anyway.” She turned back to Rosalie. “See that leaf there?”

Rosalie blinked. “Yeah.”

 “I’ll show you what to do.” She cleared her throat, pointing her wand. “Wingardium Leviosa.”

The leaf started to levitate.

 “What the fuck.” Rosalie blinked. “Why is it floating?”

 “Magic, you moron,” Ron said.

Rosalie turned to him, staring. “Did you just call me a carrot?”

 “You what?” Ron looked confused.

 “Nothing,” she yawned. “Hermione, show me again?”

Hermione demonstrated, for a second time, how to make a leaf float.

 “Let me try,” Rosalie said, warily. She pointed her wand at the leaf, and blinked. “Uh… wingardium…?”

 “Leviosa,” Hermione said, helpfully.

 “Thanks, babe,” she said. “Wingardium Leviosa?”

The leaf floated for a moment.

 “I did magic, bitches!” Rosalie did a little dance. “I’m magical.”

 “You wouldn’t be here otherwise,” Ron said.

 “Shut up. Let me try again,” she said, pointing her wand at the leaf again. “Wingardium Leviosa!”

The leaf actually levitated this time. Rosalie tried moving it, and to her surprise, it worked. “Hey, I can move it.”

 “No shit,” Ron said.

She blinked at him, and moved the leaf to land on his face.

 “Hey, what was that for?” He tossed the leaf aside.

Hermione shook her head, mumbling something along the lines of “Honestly, Ronald.”

 “Hello, Harry,” a voice said.

Rosalie turned, to see a few girls with blue ties. Ravenclaw, wasn’t it?

 “Oh, hi, Cho.” Harry’s face turned red. “Did you, er… have a good summer?”

Oooh, I see.

One of the girls looked at him, weirdly. “Yeah, it was, uh… fine. Who’re you?” she added, nodding at Rosalie.

 “Rosalie.” She smiled at the girl, Cho, sweetly.

 “This your new girlfriend or something, Harry?” Cho frowned.

 “What? No!” Damn, didn’t have to sound so disgusted.

Rosalie shook her head. “Absolutely not. My father hates him.”

Ron coughed.

 “Father? Who-?”

She blinked, and it seemed to click. “Oh, you’re the new one that got sorted. I see. Professor Snape, yes.”

She paused for a moment, before turning back to Harry. “Anyway, uhm. I’ll see you around, yeah?”

 “Yeah!” Harry said, a little too enthusiastically. He cleared his throat, and added a more casual “Yeah.”

She blinked. “See you, then.”

Cho and her friends left.

 “You like her or something, Harry?” Rosalie asked, nonchalantly.

 “Uhhhhh.” Harry coughed.

 “I dunno why you’d say that,” Ron said, frowning. “She’s just a mate, yeah?”

Hermione shook her head. “Boys are so stupid,” she said to Rosalie.

 “Right? They don’t pick up on anything,” she whispered back.

 “What was that?” Ron looked defensive.

Rosalie watched him. “Nothing you need to know about.”

Harry cleared his throat. “I mean, uhm. What?”

Rosalie laughed. “You’re an idiot.”

 “Hey, you don’t get to call him that!” Ron pointed at her, accusatorily. “We don’t know you.”

 “Stop being a prat, Ron,” Hermione sighed. “You and I know well enough she’s nice.”

His lip curled. “With that for a father?”

Rosalie felt any form of expression leave her face as she regarded him, coldly.

She said nothing as she watched him.

 “I-” he said, after a few seconds. “This is ridiculous. You can’t sit here and expect me to be okay with this?”

 “Shut up, Ron,” Harry said, quietly, “you’re acting like a twat.”

Ron sighed, and glared at Rosalie.

Rosalie felt as though someone had kicked her in the stomach.

 “I don’t know what he’s done in his entirety, Ron,” she said, dully, “but I can assure you I am not him, nor do I even know him. Stop being a judgemental prat.”

He looked offended, but said nothing.

Hermione cleared her throat. “Anyway,” she said, sweetly, “I should think there’s quite a few reasons as to not have this conversation!”

Harry shrugged.

 “Yeah, whatevs.” Rosalie rolled her eyes.

 “What?” Ron frowned.

 “Talk to the hand, Ron, I don’t wanna hear it from you right now.” She put a hand in his direction.

 “Barmy,” Ron said to Harry, quietly.

 “Repeat that, babe.” Rosalie smiled at him.

His ears turned red, and he said nothing.

 “Why do you call people that?” Hermione asked her, interestedly.

 “Just do, you know? Everyone does.”

 “Nobody here does,” Hermione smiled.

Rosalie blinked. “Is everyone here a bunch of posh nobs or something?”

Ron gave a short laugh. “Yeah. It’s mental, everyone seems to have so much money or whatever.”

 “I’ve never met a muggle-raised student who didn’t have money,” Hermione mused.

 “Surprise surprise, babe, I’m right here.” Rosalie gave a small dance.

 “I mean, I grew up without it, in the muggle world. That count?” Harry frowned slightly.

Ron looked at him, incredulously. “Mate, you’re one of the richest students here.”

 “Is it?” Rosalie said, sarcastically. “I didn’t realise I was in the presence of such royalty, goodness.”

 “Shut up, we have enough to think about, what with-” Harry paused, running a hand through his hair anxiously. That was weirdly attractive.

It seemed as though there was something he wanted to say, but wasn’t.

 “Something on your mind, babes?” Rosalie eyed him.

He bit his lip. “I can’t tell you.” I can’t tell her about the Order.

What the fuck?

 “Why not?”
Hermione sighed. “Sworn to secrecy. I’m so sorry, maybe your father will tell you. He knows.”

 “Nah, this ain’t fair,” she sighed. “I feel left out now!”

 “We didn’t make the rules!” Ron groaned. “I’d tell you if I could, honest.”

Rosalie rolled her eyes. “I think,” she said, getting up, “I’m going to go find that guy and make him tell me everything.”

 Second of September, 1995.

Quarter-to-ten o’clock, AM.

 She had been wandering around the corridors for a short while, and felt completely lost.

Where was this stupid office? Rosalie couldn’t see herself ever learning her way around the castle. It was massive, far bigger than her secondary school was.

 “You seem lost,” a boy said, in a matter-of-fact tone.

 “Huh?” Rosalie looked at him. He seemed to be around the same age as herself. “A bit, yeah. Why?”

 “Well,” he said, with a smile, “I can take you.”

She noticed he was a Gryffindor. “Sure. I’m looking for, er… Professor Snape’s office?”

 “Oh, right. You’re you,” he said, as they walked. “My year. I’m Dean, by the way. Dean Thomas.”

 “Nice, nice.” She bit her lip. He’s actually really cute.

They walked in silence for a minute.

 “How the hell do you even know your way around here?”

He smiled. “You get used to it.”

Rosalie recognised the corridor they were in as the same as last night. “I see.”

They approached the familiar door.

 “Thank you, Dean,” she said, sincerely. “I really appreciate it, I’d be stuck wandering until lunch otherwise.”

 “Not a problem, love,” he said, rubbing his neck. “I’ll see you around, yeah?”

 “Yeah, definitely. Thanks again, babe,” she grinned at him.

She watched him walk away, triumphantly. Odd.

Rosalie turned towards the door, and after a few moments’ hesitation, knocked.

 “Come in.”

She opened the door slowly, and stepped inside.

 “Ah.” Snape watched her for a moment, before looking down at his papers. “To what do I owe?”

She closed the door behind her, and watched him, oddly. “I deserve a few explanations.”

 “Mmm?” He rifled through his papers, distractedly.

 “Who on Earth is Malfoy and why should I know him?”

He paused, and the corner of his lip curled up into a smirk. “Ah. I see you’ve met my favourite student.”

 “Wow. That’s your favourite student? That’s… quite sad, actually.”

He sighed, deeply. “As for how you’re supposed to know him… take a seat.”

She sat, but he didn’t look up.

 “The Malfoys are one of the oldest Wizarding families,” he said, “and one of the richest by far. The only other families I can think of with similar wealth are the since-extinct Peverells, and the Blacks.”

 “Oh. What’s that got to do with me?”

His lips thinned, into a line. “They are also extremely influential in the Wizarding world, making them… famous, in a way.”

 “Okay, I don’t know why he had to hit on me though.”

He looked up, sharply. “He what?”

 “Calm yourself, mate,” she said, with an incredulous smile. “I have a question.”

 “Yes?” He looked back down at his papers, irritated.

 “There’s something you and my classmates aren’t telling me, and I want to know.”

He frowned. “Yes?”

 “An Order of some kind.”

He froze. “How do you-?”

 “Don’t worry about it,” she said, quickly. “Can you just tell me?”

He slowly put down his quill. “I… just a moment.”

He pulled out his wand, and mumbled something. A slender, silvery animal emerged from the tip of the wand, and ran around the room for a moment, before disappearing.

 “What was that?” Rosalie blinked.

He didn’t look at her. “Patronus.”

 “That explains nothing.”

A silvery phoenix appeared in the room, flying near Snape’s head for a moment, before disappearing.

 “I see,” he said, sighing. “Come with me.”

 “That makes no sense. You wizards are weird.”

Rosalie followed him out of his office, and through the castle.

 “I think you’ll find it’s muggles that are strange,” he remarked, as they walked.

 “Not really. They’re pretty simple, actually - live each day with no magic.”

 He frowned. “That’s complicated, and absurd.”

 “Nah. What’s absurd is the ugly uniforms they expect us to wear. What do they mean, pointy hats?”

He gave a small, brief smile. In fact, it was so brief she could have thought she’d imagined it. “They have had that for a long time.”

 “I hate hats,” she sighed. “They make my hair greasy. I don’t like grease.”

He frowned for a moment. “Right.”

They approached a gargoyle made of stone.

 “Raspberry jam,” Snape drawled, and the gargoyle moved, making Rosalie jump.

They approached a set of spiral stairs.

 “Nah, I hate the stairs here. So many.” Rosalie groaned.

 “Maybe you’ll get some exercise, you need it,” he remarked.

 “Don’t be rude to me,” she snipped at him, coldly. “That is not a good idea.”

He gave a brief smile again. “Right, I do apologise,” he said, sarcastically.

They reached the top of the staircase, and approached a set of doors.

 “Fancy,” Rosalie mumbled.

Snape said nothing, and just knocked.

 “Enter,” a voice said.

Snape opened the doors, and they both walked in.

A man with a long grey beard watched them both, a twinkle in his eye. “Hello.”

 “Hi.” Rosalie blinked. “You the headmaster or something?”

He smiled at her. “Professor Dumbledore, at your service.” He bowed his head.

 “Dumbledore. You received my patronus, yes?” Snape sighed.

He nodded. “Indeed. You wish to tell Rosalie about the Order?”

Snape nodded, once.

 “Why is that, might I ask?” He watched him from above his crescent moon glasses.

 “She has the right to know.”

Dumbledore regarded them both for a moment. “Very well. Sit down.”

 “Do you have any questions?” Dumbledore looked at her.

 “Uh. In general, or specific to the conversation topic?”

He paused for a few seconds. “In general, I suppose.”

 “Is it possible to read people’s minds as a witch or wizard?”

He glanced at Snape, and back to her. “To be able to hear people’s thoughts?”

 “Yeah.”

 “Yes.” Snape looked at her, and spoke quietly. “To have the ability to enter one’s mind, one must either be trained or have the natural ability to do so.”

 “I think I do.” She shrugged.

 “What makes you think so?” Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled annoyingly at her.

She blinked. “I only knew that Order thing was a thing because - I think - I read someone’s thoughts.”

Snape paused.

 “I see you have passed down your ability, Severus,” Dumbledore said pleasantly. “How lovely.”

 “What?” Rosalie stared at him.

He sighed, and said nothing.

 “Any more questions, Rosalie?”

She looked back towards Dumbledore, and her mind raced.

 “Do I have to wear that ugly hat?”

He gave a small smile. “As is per the uniform’s policy, yes.”

She sighed.

 “If that is all.” He glanced up at Snape, who nodded. Snape swiftly got up, and made towards the door.

 “Sure. Why can’t we drink milk at breakfast?”

 “Have a nice day, you two,” Dumbledore smiled at them both.

Rosalie sighed. Boring.

 “I have always wondered that exact thing,” Snape mused, after the door closed.

 “Right, it’s so, like... barbaric.”

He didn’t say anything for a moment, and looked at the top of the staircase.

 “If that is all?”

 “I’m sorry?”

 “If that is all, I will let you go back to your… friends.” He started to walk down the staircase.

She followed. “I mean, sure. I’m fine either way, honestly. You know, it’s weird. I like you, even if you are mean.”

He paused, and she nearly walked into him.

 “Uh?” She coughed.

He said nothing, and just gave a sigh before continuing to walk.

Weird.

 “What’s Hogsmeade? I heard some of the kids talking about it.”

 “Oh, right.” He spoke in a near monotone drawl. “I’ll sort that out for you.”

 “Thanks, mate,” she smiled.

He stiffened. “Don’t call me that, please.”

 “Right, right. Got it.”

They reached the end of the staircase, and Snape checked his watch.

 “Eleven.”

Rosalie nodded.

He looked at her, oddly - as though he wanted to say something. “Right. Well.”

 “Yeah?”

He paused. “Have a nice afternoon.”

She coughed. “Yeah. See you, then.”

He swiftly walked away.

Rosalie blinked. What just happened?

Eh, whatever. Time to find my way to uh… the common room?

Rosalie walked in a random direction. I miss my music.

She started humming one of her favourite songs. She found it funny, and it’d always annoy the boys in her old secondary.

I need a boyfriend, she thought, after a minute. I bet a few of the boys here are leng.

She smiled to herself, humming.

 “Oi, you.”

She turned, and sighed. “Not you again.”

Malfoy watched her with a smirk.

 “Allow me to introduce myself, pretty,” he said, rolling his eyes.

She folded her arms, watching him, irritated. “Whatever.”

 “Draco Malfoy, Noble Heir to the house of-”

 “Okay.” She turned, and walked away.

He scoffed, and ran to catch up with her. “Okay? You don’t get to interrupt-”

 “Just did.” She smiled, looking ahead.

 “Okay, but-”

 “Shh.”

He sighed. “Don’t interrupt me.”

 “It’s kind of funny to see you get annoyed over it, though.”

He scowled for a moment. “What’s a guy gotta do to get a Hogsmeade date with a girl like you?”

 “Maybe don’t be a prat?” She smiled at him.

He blinked. “I am not a prat.”

 “Yeah, you are.”

 “Am not.”

She didn’t know where they were walking, they just were.

 “You really are, Malfoy. That’s not how you get a girlfriend.”

 “What would you know about girlfriends?”

She smiled, biting her lip. “Probably a lot more than you.”

He stared. “You’re lesbian?” He spoke incredulously.

 “Nah. I like men too, innit?”

He blinked. “Goddamn.”

She shrugged. “Not that big of a deal. You’re telling me a guy like you’s never tried a guy?”

 “I am not gay.”

 “Don’t knock it ‘till you try it, babe.” She looked over, and gave him a smile.

He blinked. “You are one of the strangest women I have ever come across.”

 “Ah, well, that’s a shame, innit, babe?”

He took a deep breath, his confident demeanour returning. “Go on a date with me, yeah?”

She put her tongue in her cheek for a moment, considering. “No.”

 “No? What do you mean, no?”

 “I mean, no.”

He scoffed. “Nobody says no to me.”

 “I just did. What’re you going to do about it?”

He watched her. “Your father’s the only reason I haven’t punched you right now.”

 “The same goes for you, Malfoy,” she said, cheerfully.

He sighed.

 “Why the bloody hell are you walking with Malfoy?” Ron shouted, from behind her.

They both turned to see Ron, Hermione, and Harry.

 “Hi, Ron. No clue.” She shrugged.

 “Weasley,” Malfoy sneered, “are you mad I stole your little girlfriend?”

She stared at him. “Remember what I just said about your father? I’m this close,” she pinched her fingers together, “to not caring and doing it anyway.”

He curled his lip. “Have it your way, then.”

 “Rosalie, come on,” Hermione said.

 “Fine.” She jokingly blew a kiss goodbye at an irate Malfoy, and rushed back to her classmates.

 “Why were you with him?” Hermione asked, as they left.

 “He was bugging me about going on a date with him.”

Ron stared. “Bloody hell. Talk about winning the lottery.”

 “Ronald, no!” Hermione looked abash.

 “You have a point,” Rosalie said, half jokingly. “He’s pretty rich, could get a necklace or two out of it.”

 “Rosalie!” Hermione seemed annoyed. “That is not why we date people.”

 “Oh, you’d know, yeah? Dating an athlete.”

Ron glared. “Shut up.”

 “That is not the same and you know it,” Hermione hissed. “It’s not my fault he was cute!”

Rosalie shook her head. “Okay, real talk. Was it big?”

Ron choked, and Harry went red.

Hermione laughed. “You are a character, my goodness.”

 “Genuine question!” Rosalie sighed.

 “I wouldn’t know,” she said, pointedly.

 “Oh, I see. Boring.” I’ll ask her later, she mused.

Harry blinked at her. “You sure know a lot.”

She shrugged in response. “Not that big of a deal.”

 “D’you reckon he’ll keep harassing you?” Ron asked.

Harry sighed. “He’ll keep on at it. I wonder why he’s obsessed with you?”

 “It’s obvious, Harry,” Hermione said, with a sigh. “She’s Professor Snape’s daughter, of course he would. It’s just extra Slytherin points.”

 “That, and I’m really hot.”

Hermione nodded. “You are, yes. You say it.”

 “What’re you laughing at?” Rosalie said to Ron, who snickered.

 “Nothing, nothing.”

She jabbed him in the chest, playfully.

Rosalie looked towards Harry, who was in his own head.

 “Earth to Harry Potter?” She said, moving to walk next to him, away from the others.

 “Huh? Oh,” he said, glumly. “Sorry.”

 “You always look so depressed, Harry,” Ron said. “Cheer up, mate.”

He sighed.

 “Yeah, Harry,” Hermione said, “there’s no reason to be this depressed. After all, you can’t stop Umbridge from being here, nor can you help not seeing-”

 “Alright, I get it.” Harry sighed.

Rosalie frowned, but said nothing.

 “No need to be rude, mate,” Ron said, defensively. “She’s right, you know.”

Harry sighed. I wish they’d just leave off it for a bit.

 “That hurt, Harry,” Hermione said, matter-of-factly.

Rosalie could see Harry getting annoyed.

 “Leave off it, he’s stressed enough,” she said, firmly.

 “You don’t even know us!” Ron said, indignantly.

 “Stop.”

Hermione sighed. “You’re right. I’m sorry, Harry.”

Ron paused for a few moments. “Yeah, sorry mate.”

Harry raised a hand, as if to say don’t worry about it.

I wish I didn’t have to explain myself. It sounded as though it was Harry’s thoughts again.

Relatable, she mused.

 “Where are we going?” Rosalie looked at the others.

 “Gryffindor common room, we’ll be there in a second.” Hermione looked straight ahead.

 “Oh.”

I feel like an intruder here.

I dunno what to even say to her.

 “I know about the Order, by the way.”

Ron stopped walking, and stared. “They actually told you?”

 “No shit, I have every right to know as you do.”

 “Oh, come off it. Both my parents? Your traitor of a father doesn’t get the same-”

Rosalie walked directly towards him, seeing red. “Don’t you fucking dare.”

 “Rosalie.” Hermione pulled her back. “Calm down, please?”

 “She’s crazy!” Ron shouted.

Harry looked between them both, silently.

 “Don’t be such an ass, Ron.” Hermione sighed.

 “Be that way.” Ron stormed up the corridor, and grumbled “Mimbulus mimbletonia,” at a portrait.

It swung open, and he stormed off.

 “Damn,” Rosalie said. “What’d I even do?”

 “He’s coming to terms with things,” Hermione said, slowly.

I’m coming to terms with him being an ass. Harry’s thoughts, again.

Rosalie stifled a laugh, which got her a weird look from Harry.

 “What? I think it’s funny,” she lied, “that so many people are bothered.”

Hermione shrugged. “It’s not as if our year has ever had a new student before. You joined during fifth year, too.”

 “Yeah, and?”

 “OWL year,” Harry said, quietly. “Good luck.”

Rosalie frowned. “Is that like, GCSE’s or something?”

Hermione bit her lip. “Not really, but also… kind of?”

 “I see…?” Rosalie did not see. She couldn’t see at all. In fact, she saw so badly that she may as well have been deemed legally blind at that moment.

You obviously don’t. It seemed as though Harry was eager to broadcast his thoughts.

 “Yeah, I do,” she said, idly.

 “What was that?” Hermione frowned.

Harry looked at her oddly.

 “I mean, I see,” she said, backtracking.

 “You said that, though?” Hermione looked confused. “Why did you feel the need to clarify?”

Rosalie licked her lips, anxiously. She glanced at Harry. “No reason.”

He looked confused, but said nothing.

I need to be more careful.

 “Are we going inside?” Rosalie quickly changed the subject.

 “Yeah,” Hermione said.

Harry nodded, and they followed.

He’s actually kind of really cute, though, Rosalie thought to herself, eyeing Harry. He’s not like, hot hot? But he’s hot? But cute. You know…? Who am I even talking to?

 “Quit staring,” he said, irritated.

Rosalie gave a wan smile. “Sorry, sorry. Zoned out for a second there.”

 “‘S fine.”

Hermione cleared her throat. “Mimbulus mimbletonia.”

The portrait hole swung open, and they climbed through.

I need to be careful about who’s thoughts I’m hearing. I’d rather not listen to weird teenage boys.

 “Oh, hello,” Ginny Weasley said, politely. “Hello, Harry.”

 “Hi!” Rosalie smiled at her.

Hermione greeted her, and Harry just smiled at her.

She’s really pretty, shit.

Harry, get out of my head. Or, rather, I get out of your head.

 “Quit staring at me, Rosalie,” Harry said.

 “Sorry.” She looked away, pointedly.

I’d hit that anyday.

Rosalie turned to see a boy - she thought he was around thirteen - watching her. Upon making eye contact, he looked away.

Shit. It’s almost as if she heard me, fuck.

Rosalie’s gaze lingered on him for a moment, before turning back to Hermione, who was discussing something menial with Ginny.

 “...OWLs are ridiculous. I envy you not having to do them this year,” she said, with a sigh.

 “Come off it, Hermione, you’ll do great. You’re super smart, everyone knows it.” Ginny rolled her eyes.

Hermione blushed slightly, perched on a table in front of Ginny. “Ooh, I don’t know… thank you, though…”

 “Wouldn’t it be really annoying if you could read people’s minds?” Rosalie perched on the edge of Ginny’s armchair, looking at them both.

Ginny groaned. “I would hate it. Always hearing people’s dumb opinions.”

 “Right? People don’t know how to keep their eyes to themselves, let alone their thoughts.” She glanced over at the boy again, who didn’t hear her. Good.

 “What makes you say so, Rosalie?” Hermione looked at her, interestedly.

 “Mmm, no reason,” she said, checking her nails.

 “You…” Ginny lowered her voice. “You can’t read minds, can you?”

Hermione laughed. “That’s impossible, don’t be ridiculous!”

Rosalie bit her lip. “No, I can’t. I would hate to be able to.”

 “Oh, I don’t know,” Hermone said, thinking. “It would be incredibly useful in battle.”

 “Of course you would say something like that,” Ginny joked.

Hermione smiled. “Well, yeah. My two best friends are idiots who constantly seem to have trouble following them.”

 “One of those idiots is my brother,” Ginny said, lightheartedly, “but I wholeheartedly agree. He’s a moron.”

 “He had a go at me,” Rosalie said, idly.

 “Why?” Ginny frowned.

She shrugged. “He insulted my father. What am I supposed to say?”

Ginny paused, watching her. “He’s a bad person.”

 “He’s also my father. Despite not knowing him, I have no reason to allow it. You know?”

Ginny nodded. “Good point.”

Hermione eyed her. “You really are a Gryffindor.”

 “Don’t say that around him, I think he would cry.” Rosalie smiled.

Ginny snorted. “God, yeah. He’d hate you.”

 “Doubt it. You know,” Rosalie lowered her voice, and leaned in towards them, “he got irritated real quick when he learned Malfoy had been hitting on me.”

Ginny gasped. “Oh, he didn’t!”

 “Yep.”

Hermione watched her, bemused. “To favour you over him? Gosh, he must care about you a lot.”

Rosalie frowned. “I don’t know. He seems so awkward when talking to me.”

Hermione sighed, exasperated. “That’s because there’s things he wants to say, idiot.”

 “Maybe I should read his mind,” Rosalie rolled her eyes.

Ginny laughed. “The day someone reads Snape’s mind is the day I die. Imagine. I wonder if he has a girlfriend.”

Rosalie shook her head. “He did. Evidently…”

Hermione scrunched her nose. “Yuck, I can’t imagine that at all.”

 “I don’t want to. Gross,” Ginny sighed. “I’m imagining it, ew, ew. Help. No. Please.”

Hermione burst out laughing. “Oh, no! That’s disgusting!”

Rosalie gagged. “That is my father,” she hissed.

 “And I’m the youngest of seven,” Ginny smiled. “You get used to the idea.”

 “No!” Rosalie gagged again. “It’s better when I imagine that with myself. Yuck, yuck.”

Hermione scrunched her nose again, laughing. “Absolutely not.”

Rosalie looked at Ginny, leaning back. “So you grew up around magic?”

 “Uhm… yes?” She looked confused.

 “So you don’t know Nirvana?” Rosalie looked incredulous.

 “No.”

Hermione gasped. “No way. I love them.”

 “You seem the type to listen to classical music,” Rosalie observed.

 “Absolutely not. Gosh, everyone sees me as such a boring person. I love pop music.”

 “Pop music is the best.”

Hermione nodded, fervently. “I love Madonna.”

 “Who is Madonna?” Ginny looked baffled.

Rosalie stared at her. “I don’t know you. This is ridiculous. How can you be a teenage girl in nineteen-ninety-five and not know Madonna?!”

Rosalie got up, and started dancing. “We are living in a material world,” She sang. “And I am a material girl. Pow!”

Ginny stared at her, incredulously. “You’re mental.”

 “What?” Rosalie shook her head. “Come on. Do you not have any sisters?”

 “No.”

Rosalie was gobsmacked. “Oh, absolutely not. You have,” she paused, “six brothers? I’m so sorry for you.”

She shrugged. “The closest I have to a sister is Hermione, honestly.”

Hermione blushed slightly. “Same goes, I’m an only child.”

Rosalie frowned, folding her arms. “I did have a brother, but I guess he was my cousin. Anyways, he got taken away by the social when I was twelve. Just started year eight, actually.”

Hermione blinked. “Why?”

 “Me mam didn’t feed him.” She spat the word. “If I can even call her that. Yeah, she weren’t a very good mam. Haven’t seen him since. Colin, his name is.”

 “Oh, uh.” Hermione frowned. “I’m sorry to hear it.”

 “Nah, don’t be. He’s supposed to be doing better now.” Rosalie shrugged it off.

 “You are the most carefree person I’ve ever met,” Ginny mused.

 “Nah. I just stopped giving a fuck.”

Hermione shook her head. “Well.”

 “What’re they doing?” Rosalie pointed towards Fred and George, who seemed to be selling something.

 “Oh for goodness’ sake,” Hermione said, “they’ve been doing this all morning. I did tell Ron to help talk to them with me-”

Ginny snorted again. “You think they’d listen to you and Ron? Ron, especially? Come off it. They don’t even listen to teachers.”

 “They ought to-” Hermione started.

 “Hermione,” Rosalie said, softly. “If they’re anything like me, they will laugh in your face.”

She huffed. “Okay, but that doesn’t mean they get to-”

 “Oh, God. Look at our timetable for tomorrow,” Ron said, loudly.

Rosalie looked over. He was showing Harry.

 “History of magic, double Potions, Divination and double Defence.”

Harry sighed. That’s so fucking boring.

Rosalie blinked, and looked away.

 “Oh, he’s right. Goodness,” Hermione said, sighing. “That’s awful.”

Rosalie frowned. “Potions?”

 “Oh, right. Yes. Professor Snape teaches it,” she said, looking over her timetable.

Fuck’s sake. “Okay. That’s not going to be awkward!” Rosalie said, sarcastically.

 “Cheer up, Rosalie,” Ginny said, grinning. “At least you don’t have to be taught by your parent.”

 “I wish fighting were allowed so I could slap you,” Rosalie said, half jokingly.

Ginny smiled. “I probably deserve it.”

 “Oh, you definitely do.” Rosalie rolled her eyes.

Hermione seemed to be lost in thought. Rosalie looked at her, with concern.

I wish I could be that confident.

Rosalie blinked, confused. Is that how you do it?

 “Earth to both of you?” Ginny sighed. “It’s nearly lunch.”

 “Do you reckon they’d have pizza?” Rosalie asked, hopefully.

Hermione shook her head, slowly. “No… No, I don’t think…”

Rosalie waited.

 “They don’t do pizza,” Hermione finally said.

 “Boo,” Rosalie groaned. “I can’t eat vegetables every day. Where’s the chippy when you want one?”

 “What’s that?” Ginny asked.

 “Chip shop,” Hermione said, idly. “I think we’d best go get something to eat, then I have revision to do.”

 “It’s your first full day back, are you mad?” Rosalie stared at her.

 “Never too early to start revising,” Hermione said, shortly. “I ought to have started last year, or over the summer… Best start now, though…”

Rosalie looked at Ginny, who shrugged.

 “Right.” Rosalie blinked. “Well, I think you’re absolutely mental for it, babe. No offence.”

 “None taken.” Hermione folded up her timetable and put it back into her pocket. “I do think we should go to eat. Are you two coming?”

Rosalie nodded, but Ginny shook her head.

 “No, I’ve got arrangements to sit with Luna… She wanted to tell me about something or other. I’m not sure.” She shrugged.

 “Alright, we’ll see you, yeah?” Hermione got up, and smiled.

 “Yeah, definitely.” Ginny stretched.

Rosalie followed Hermione. “Tara, love,” she said to a mildly confused Ginny, as they left.

 “What does that mean?” Hermione asked, confusedly.

 “It’s a goodbye, innit?” Rosalie cracked her knuckles. “I dunno, we just say it, yeah?”

Hermione frowned. “You and I are very different people.”

Rosalie shrugged. “I know, love. Sounds like you grew up in a nice area, yeah?”

 “Hampstead.” Hermione bit her lip. “It was… alright, I suppose.”

 “Oh, so you’re rich, is it?”

Hermione blushed. “It is to-do.”

Rosalie shook her head. “Nah, I grew up in a council estate, me. Cardiff, yeah?”

 “Oh, the capital. I thought it was quite nice there?”

 “Grangetown, love.”

Hermione smiled. “Sounds like my surname.”

 “Your surname annoying, though?”

 “Hm?”

Rosalie sighed. “It’s an absolute shithole, babe. Poor as hell, innit?”

 “Oh.” Hermione frowned.

 “I don’t even know what I did to be sent to some fancy ass private school, but whatevs.”

There was a pause for a few minutes.

 “Are there no like… clothes shops around here?”

Hermione shook her head. “Not that I know of.”

 “Damn. What I’d give for a new pair of jeans right now.”

Hermione regarded her. “We really are different.”

 “Okay, but at least you like Madonna.”

To Rosalie’s surprise, Hermione giggled. “Ooh, yes. I love her music, she inspires me so much.”

 “I wonder if she’s touring this summer?”

Hermione gasped. “I wish! Oh, what I wouldn’t give to see her live.”

Rosalie felt excitement bubble into her chest. “If she is, we should totally go.”

 “We live in different countries.”

 “So?” Rosalie laughed. “I can get a train - if I’m even staying in Wales.” She wondered if her father would like her to stay with him.

 “Oh my goodness, I would love that so much. I’ve never-” Hermione stopped.

 “Yeah?”

Hermione bit her lip. “I’ve never actually had a friend I can do that kind of stuff with,” she admitted.

 “Well, that’s just depressing. You’ve got me, babe.” Rosalie blew her a kiss.

Hermione caught it, laughing. “Ooh. You’ve no idea how happy that makes me!”

They entered the Great Hall, giggling and laughing to each other.

 “I so need a new handbag,” Rosalie said, rolling her eyes as they sat down.

 “I don’t really know where you would get one of those around here,” Hermione admitted. “Hogsmeade, yeah, maybe… I never got the chance to look.”

Lavender leaned over to them. “There is a clothes shop at Hogsmeade, but it’s mainly robes.”

Rosalie sighed. “How am I supposed to get my River Island fix?”

Lavender groaned. “Ugh, I know,” she said, sympathetically. “It’s absolutely barbaric. Like, I haven’t even had a chance to get a half decent haircut while at Hogwarts… at all. There’s a hairdresser’s there, but it’s not that good at all.”

Hermione sighed. “There’s only one time you can get a good one a year.”

 “I heard,” Parvati said, leaning forwards, “that there’s like… a black market for people who can do hair and nails in this school. Like, nobody can do them. Who has time for that?”

Rosalie smiled. “I can, somewhat.” She flashed her own glittery, black and pink nails at them.

 “Ooh, you did those? You’re so good,” Lavender said, enviously.

 “Leopard print,” Parvati said. “So chic.”

Hermione frowned. “You really oughtn’t have painted nails here…”

Rosalie sighed. “Come off it, Hermione. My nails being pink ain’t gonna stop me from being able to do magic.”

Hermione smiled. “Yeah, yeah. You aren’t even allowed nail polish in the school!”

 “...So?” Rosalie laughed. “That’s ridiculous. You’re telling me you don’t want your nails done?”

Hermione went to speak, but paused. “Well.”

Lavender laughed. “Do mine, please?”

 “Of course, darl. I have loads of colours.”

 “Do you have lavender?” Parvati giggled.

Lavender shoved her. “Shush, you.”

Rosalie shrugged. “Should do. I packed all of my nail polishes and makeup.”

Ron and Harry entered the Great Hall, and made their way over.

 “It’s an absolute pisstake I can’t use it all, though,” Rosalie continued.

 “Use what?” Harry asked, as he sat down in front of Hermione.

Ron sat on the other side of Hermione.

 “My makeup! It’s ridiculous how they expect me to not wear it. I feel naked, truly.”

Harry smiled slightly.

 “Personally,” Hermione said, with a sigh, “I don’t feel all that compelled to wear it. You shouldn’t, you don’t need it.”

 “I think you could do with some makeup, Hermione,” Ron said.

She ignored him. “You’re beautiful, you definitely don’t need it.”

Rosalie smiled. “Thank you, babe. Honest, neither do you. I just like having pink eyelids and lip gloss.”

Food appeared in front of them, making Rosalie jump. “Fuck!”

 “Language, babe,” Hermione said, idly.

 “Since when did you say that, ‘Mione?” Ron asked, picking up a chicken leg.

Hermione blushed. “Ooh, I don’t know. I must’ve picked it up.”

 “I say it a lot, innit? Why’s it matter?”

 “‘S annoying,” Ron grumbled.

 “You’ll have to cope, love,” Rosalie said, cheerfully. “Hermione, would you like me to do your nails?”

 “Oh, er…” Hermione frowned. “I really shouldn’t…”

 “We can remove it if you change your mind.”

Her face lit up. “Really? Ooh, go on, then.”

Ron and Harry looked at her, stunned.

 “What?” She said, irritably.

 “What’s gotten into you?” Harry asked.

 “Yeah, you never do makeup or anything.” Ron stared at her.

She looked incredulous. “You think I’m talking to you two about makeup?”

She glanced at Rosalie, who giggled. Hermione soon followed.

 “I think we’re losing her,” Ron said to Harry.

Harry shrugged.