Soultied

 Fourth of September, 1995.

Ten-to-five o’clock, PM.

 “You have detentions with her too?” Rosalie asked Harry.

They were both walking to Umbridge’s office.

 “Yeah, she told me I was a liar. Everyone keeps saying it, it’s ridiculous.”

 “Well, I don’t think you’re a liar, Harry.”

He smiled. “Thanks, that means a lot these days.”

They walked in silence for a minute.

 “You know,” Rosalie said, “I have no idea what to expect here. They made us write lines in highschool.”

 “Lucky,” Harry said, darkly. “Last detention I remember doing was in the Forbidden Forest. Nearly died.”

Rosalie blinked. “You really are the main character here.”

 “I… guess?” Harry shrugged. “I’d rather not be. You seem better suited for that sort of thing.”

 “Oh, pfft, come off it,” Rosalie laughed. “Nobody is reading a book where I’m the main character.”

 “I would! You’re actually funny.” Harry smiled.

 “Sure.”

Harry laughed, slightly. “Umbridge’s face after you walked out… It was hilarious. She was so mad.”

 “Oh, well. Shouldn’t be ugly and maybe I wouldn’t’ve!” Rosalie laughed more.

Harry sighed. “I hope it’s lines.”

 “I wouldn’t normally agree, but I’d rather not die today.” Rosalie shrugged.

He watched her. “What do you even do in a muggle comprehensive for classes?”

 “Uhm. Maths, English, Science. We did Welsh, too. I did pick Drama and Music, though.”

 “Oh, right. I wonder why they don’t teach that kind of stuff here.”

Rosalie sighed. “No idea, are we just expected to know everything?”

 “No clue.”

They turned a corner, and saw Umbridge waiting for them both.

 “Oh, fuck,” Rosalie said, quietly.

Harry sighed. Got that one right.

 “Good evening,” Umbridge said sweetly, as they approached. “Come inside, come inside.”

They entered the room, and Rosalie gagged. “Oh my God, it’s hideous.”

 “Quiet now,” Umbridge said. “Sit.”

She pointed to two desks side by side, in the corner of the room.

She glanced at Harry, who shrugged. They both sat down.

 “You will be writing lines today,” Umbridge said. Harry visibly sighed with relief. He went to take out his quill, but was quickly interrupted.

 “No need to use your quills,” she said, with a smile, “I think you will both find that I have given you both very special quills. No need for ink.”

Rosalie blinked, and glanced at Harry - who seemed just as confused.

 “Now, Miss Snape,” she said, “I would like you to write… I must not interrupt. Mr. Potter, I would like for you to write… I must not tell lies. There will be no need to talk.”

Rosalie stared at her. “For how long?”

 “There will be no need to talk,” Umbridge said.

Rosalie stared at her as she sat down at her desk, and glanced at Harry.

This is ridiculous, she thought to herself, and had no problem in mouthing it behind her hand.

He rolled his eyes. Better than the forest, he mouthed back. Anything but that.

Rosalie looked down at her paper, and picked up the quill. If there’s no need for ink, it’ll work like a pen, right?

She started to write with the seemingly magical red ink, and gasped.

On her right forearm, she felt searing pain. Lifting up her sleeve, she saw “I must not interrupt.” written on it, in her own handwriting.

She looked up at Umbridge, who watched them both, sweetly.

She felt a pain in her chest. She didn’t really think much of it - she’d been having weird pains like that since June.

Turning to Harry, she realised he had the same problem with his hand.

You crazy son of a bitch.

 “Yes?” She said, looking at them both.

 “Nothing,” Harry said.

Rosalie glared at her, looking her up and down. I won’t break, you asshole.

She continued to write, ignoring the pain in her arm. Truly, she already knew how it felt. This was nothing. This woman wouldn’t break her at all.

Glancing over at Harry, she could see he was clearly thinking the same thing.

 This continued for several hours, the both of them continuing to write. Rosalie felt as though she was going to throw a fit. How dare she? They had ought to tell somebody, but who? McGonagall? She was their head of house, after all - surely she should be able to do something about it?

It dawned on her. Your own father is in the school building. You can talk to him.

Would he really be able to do anything? Probably not, she thought with an internal sigh, but that’s not going to stop me from saying something.

Would he even care? That was the question that made Rosalie pause. Why wouldn’t he care?He’s my father, isn’t he?

He had also left Rosalie to be brutally abused by his own relative for nearly fifteen years. What difference would this make to him?

I should go to McGonagall.

 “Mr. Potter, come here,” she said, softly.

Rosalie didn’t stop writing - she didn’t want the bitch to think she was a baby, after all. She’d already had that reputation in the past, she didn’t want it here.

That’s such a childish thing to think. You need to grow up a bit, Rosalie.

 “Hand,” she said. Harry stuck his hand out, and she shook her head.

 “Not much of an impression, I see. We can come back tomorrow, yes?”

He said nothing, and left the room.

 “Miss Snape,” she said. “Here.”

Rosalie stood up, and walked over to her.

 “Arm.”

Rosalie watched her, defiantly.

 “Your arm.”

Rosalie rolled up her sleeve and shoved her arm out, where Umbridge took it.

 “Not much of an impression here, either. We have tomorrow, don’t we?”

Rosalie snatched her arm back and glared at Umbridge. “I don’t know, babe, do we?”

Umbridge gave her a toothy smile. “You may leave.”

Rosalie said “tch”, before exiting the room.

Harry was waiting for her a little while down the corridor, and she walked with him.

 “It’s gotta be past midnight,” Harry said, quietly.

 “I know. Are you alright?”

He sighed. “Yeah, you?”

 “Never been better,” she said, sarcastically. “She’s a right bitch, what’s she think she’s playing at?”

 “I don’t know,” he said, quietly. “I’ve not had time for homework.”

 “You actually need it, too,” Rosalie said.

 “I know.”

They walked in silence for a few minutes.

 “We should tell someone about it,” Rosalie said.

Harry stared at her. “She’d know we cared. Are you mental?”

Rosalie frowned. “I get where you’re coming from, honestly - but it’s literally abuse. You know, she’d get done in the muggle world.”

 “Okay, but she’s with the Ministry,” Harry hissed. “We can’t do anything.”

 “You say that like you’ve not faced the most evil wizard of all time, what? Twice?”

 “Three times,” he said, quietly.

She sighed. “See? You’re being ridiculous.”

 “I just don’t want to tell anyone,” he said, irritably. “Nobody would care.”

 “Are you out of your mind?” Rosalie exclaimed.

 “Shh.”

She rolled her eyes. “Sorry, but my point still stands. You’ve met McGonagall, haven’t you?”

 “Duh.”

 “Well, she’d obviously care.”

Harry frowned. “I just… don’t want to.”

 “Well, I do, and if that means ignoring what you have to say, then so be it. I’m not letting my arm get cut open any more than I already did.”

Harry paused, and looked at her. “What?”

 “Nothing. My point is-” Rosalie said, quickly.

 “No,” Harry interrupted, “what did you just say?”

Rosalie stared at him. “Nothing.”

 “Can I see your arm?”

Rosalie frowned. “Why?”

 “I want to see how badly she hurt you.”

With a sigh, Rosalie rolled up her sleeve and showed him. The cuts were clear, and bleeding bright red.

Harry took a deep breath. Rosalie felt a sharp pain in her chest again, and looked away for a moment, regaining her composure before Harry noticed.

A moment passed, where Harry was looking at her arm, an unreadable expression on his face.

 “Can I see your hand?” Rosalie asked, quietly.

Harry, after a moments’ hesitation, showed her.

His hand was in a similar state.

 “We should probably clean that up,” she said, quietly.

He shrugged. “I’m not going to Pomfrey.”

 “Who?”

 “Healer,” he said, offhandedly. “I’d rather not go to her about it.”

Rosalie blinked. “I literally have a first aid kit in my trunk.”

 “Why?” Harry stared at her, incredulously.

 “Because… I don’t know? I always travel with one. I always took one to school, too.”

 “Oh.” Harry shrugged. “Sure. Wouldn’t hurt.”

Rosalie rolled her sleeve back down, painfully aware of her robes sticking to the cuts.

They arrived at the common room. “Mimbulus mimbletonia,” Harry said, quietly.

The portrait swung open, and they climbed through.

 “Listen, Harry,” Rosalie said, quietly, “I think it’s best if we tell someone.”

 “I don’t want to be the one to go and say it.” Harry shrugged. “She’ll know she got the better of me.”

 “Well, I will, then. I don’t care what she thinks,” Rosalie said, irritated.

They looked around the common room - everyone seemed to be upstairs, asleep.

 “I’ll be back in a second, you wait there, babe,” Rosalie said, before running up to her dormitory quietly.

She opened the door, and found her classmates asleep. She tip-toed to her bed, opened her trunk, and rifled through it before finding her things.

Quietly, she closed her trunk and walked back downstairs to find Harry looking out of the window.

 “Come here,” she said, quietly, as she sat down.

Harry begrudgingly walked over and sat next to her.

 “Give me your hand.”

He looked at her weirdly, before holding his hand out.

 “You remind me of Hermione,” he said, as she tended to his cuts.

 “I just care about you,” she said, offhandedly.

Harry blinked. “You do?”

 “No shit. Why would I get myself into trouble just to defend you if I didn’t, dumbass?”

Harry paused, and smiled. “Right.”

 “There,” she said, finishing up. “Should be a lot more healed by tomorrow.”

 “Thanks,” he said, genuinely. “I really appreciate it.”

She smiled. “No problem.” Rosalie went to do her own arm.

Harry watched as she tended to her own cuts. “You’re used to doing that, huh?”

 “Forget I mentioned anything like that. Please?” Rosalie looked up at him.

He nodded. “Right, sorry.”

 “It’s okay,” she smiled, as she finished up on herself.

She pocketed the rest of her things, and then paused.

 “Maybe we should…?” Harry gestured towards the stairs.

 “Yeah,” Rosalie said, idly. She looked back up at him to see him watching her. “Can I help?”

Harry blinked. “Oh, er. I dunno.” I could literally kiss you right now and nobody would have to know. Wait, what? That’s a weird thought, ew.

 “I’m gonna tell McGonagall about both of us tomorrow, Harry,” Rosalie said, gently. “I don’t want to be quiet about this.”

Harry bowed his head and sighed, before looking back up. “Yeah, I guess. I dunno, what can they do?”

 “Surely remove her from the school, right? Even the Headmaster-”

Harry frowned.

 “Huh? Do you not… like him?” Rosalie asked, curiously.

Harry shook his head, dismissively. “It’s nothing.” He’s been ignoring me all summer…

 “Right. Well, uhm…” Rosalie watched him, biting the inside of her cheek nervously. He has really pretty eyes.

 “Er.” Harry stared at her.

Rosalie licked her lips anxiously. “Uh. We should probably…”

She realised that she was once again close to Harry. This is literally the second time today.

 “Oh, there you two a-” Ron was on the staircase, and was staring at the two of them in disbelief.

Rosalie jumped back, quickly. “Oh, hi, Ron!” She said, casually.

He stared at them both. “Am I interrupting something?”
“No, blimey, I was, er… about to go to bed, actually.” Harry glanced at Rosalie. “Goodnight.”

She smiled at them both. “Goodnight, you two.”

Ron stared at her, and followed Harry up the stairs, mumbling something to him incredulously.

Rosalie sighed. Every time.

Why did she want to kiss him? He was cute. She knew he was cute, that was obvious. Was that it, though?

Of course it is, she thought. Don’t be ridiculous. You just met him, who doesn’t want to kiss a cute guy they just met?

The idea that there might be more to it seemed ridiculous. He’s a celebrity, Rosalie thought to herself, dizzyingly. What girl wouldn’t want to kiss him?

She frowned. If a girl that actually liked him saw, they’d hate me.

Like Ginny.

She coughed. Ginny was supposed to be her friend - she at least thought so, anyway. That’d be breaking girl code rule number one, how could she even think of it?

 “No,” she mumbled to herself, standing up, “I can’t.”

She walked towards the stairs towards the girl’s dormitories. What if I can?

She pushed the thought away. As much as she wanted to have at least some fun in Hogwarts, she knew she couldn’t touch Harry. She couldn’t do that to Ginny.

She walked up the stairs, and pondered. Who could she mess around with? Ron?

The thought made her gag. I can’t do that to Lavender, either.

She frowned as she opened the dormitory door, quietly. Malfoy seems into me.

The idea of it made her want to cry. He’s so annoying, but he’s into me. Maybe if I let him take me on a date sometime, it won’t be so bad.

Rosalie changed into her pyjamas, taking care to not hurt her arm. What if I were to ask one of the girls out on a date?

She scoffed mentally, as she laid down in bed. Everyone here seems so backwards. I know Ginny’s bi - I’m not supposed to, but whatever. She’s into Harry, I can’t do that, either.

She frowned. Luna’s supposed to be queer.

She smiled. I barely know her. Maybe I just… won’t. I have other things to do.

The idea of not having someone in her life made her uncomfortable. She’d always had a partner, or someone to message late at night, anyway; not having someone here felt more wrong than she could think.

She sighed, quietly. Focus. I have something to tell McGonagall tomorrow.

She paused, and a sinking feeling came to her chest. I don’t know if I’m going to tell… him.

She turned onto her side. I want to be able to talk to him about things, right? He said he cares about me.

Today has been a long day.

Finally, Rosalie fell asleep.

*

 Fifth of September, 1995.

Half-past-five o’clock, AM.

 Rosalie awoke with a start. She wasn’t feeling all that well - she chalked it up to the stress of the night prior, though.

She sighed as she got up, knowing what she had to do that day. Stupid Hogwarts. Stupid, stupid magic school. Why can’t I go back to my own school?

She went through her trunk, taking her shampoo, conditioner, etc. before going to shower.

I’m sick of this school. She scrubbed her hair, letting the hot water ease her muscles.

After her shower finished, and she was dried, she looked in the mirror to brush her teeth. I want to go home. The food here is ass.

She got dressed. These robes are so ugly. Why can’t I wear a dress?

At least the uniform under it is kind of cute. She looked at herself in the mirror, before hitching her skirt up a few centimetres higher. It looks better this way.

She looked at her handbag. It was black, with gold straps - but worn. I really need a new one.

She bit her lip, looking at her dormmates, who were still asleep. Why do I always wake up so early? She glanced at her trunk, and decided to actually wear makeup that day.

For the next twenty minutes, Rosalie spent as much effort as she physically could making her makeup seem natural enough that she wouldn’t be apprehended for it. She didn’t have the strength to argue with anyone that day.

 “Good morning,” Hermione finally yawned, around half past six. By this point, Hermione was the last one to wake up in the room.

Rosalie looked up from her spot on the floor in front of the mirror, to smile at her. “Morning, babe,” she said. “Sleep well?”

 “Yeah.” Hermione rubbed her eye, and paused. “Is that makeup?”

Rosalie smiled, touching up her lip gloss. “Yeah.”

Hermione looked at her, enviously. “You know, we aren’t allowed to wear much of it.”

 “Okay, but nobody can actually tell unless they’re up close. It’s so natural,” Rosalie said, sarcastically.

 “Sure,” Hermione said, with a sigh. “I wish I had the confidence.”

 “For?” Rosalie turned to look at her again.

Hermione nodded towards the makeup. “To wear that, of course.”

Rosalie tilted her head. “I can put some on you, you know.”

Hermione’s eyes widened. “Oh, but you shouldn’t…”

 “Haven’t you ever had someone do it before?”

She shook her head. “I’ve never worn it out, no.”

Rosalie smiled. “Go get ready, if there’s time I’ll do some for you.”

Despite her prior refusal, Hermione shrieked and rushed to the bathroom.

Rosalie sat and waited. She took her sketchpad from her bag and doodled in it with pencils - something that the Hogwarts professors didn’t seem to grasp, apparently - until Hermione came back.

 “Oh, what are you drawing?” Hermione asked.

Rosalie blushed, and closed the book. “Oh, nothing. Do you want me to…?”

Hermione grinned. “Sure.”

 “Come here, then,” she said, putting her drawing stuff down.

Hermione sat, excitedly. “I’ve never had someone do my makeup before.”

 “First things first,” Rosalie said, before taking some of her lip balm and putting it on Hermione.

She blushed, and giggled. “This is so weird.”

 “You’ll get used to it,” Rosalie said, as she took her blush and dotted some on Hermione’s cheeks, before blending it out.

 “Oh, I hope it’s not too bright,” Hermione said, worriedly.

 “You’ll be fine,” Rosalie said. “It’s natural.”

Hermione sighed. “Ooh, I’m trusting you here.”

Rosalie smiled, taking her eyeshadows. “Do you want any?”

 “Erm, if there’s something natural?”

Rosalie eyed her skin tone for a moment, and nodded. “I have browns.”

She dusted a deep brown over Hermione’s eyelids with a smaller brush.

“Can I see?” Hermione said.

 “When I’m done. Mascara?”

Hermione giggled. “Ooh, go on, then!”

 “Stay still, then. Look up!”

Rosalie gave her a small amount of mascara.

 “And now, lips.”

Rosalie took her lip gloss, and applied it onto her lips. “Done.”

Hermione glanced in the mirror, and giggled. “It looks…”

 “You’re a stunner, babe,” Rosalie said, putting her makeup back into her bag - except for her lip gloss, which she pocketed. “Trust.”

Hermione clapped. “Ooh, it looks lovely. I wonder what the boys will say?”

Rosalie rolled her eyes. “If they even notice.”

 “Yeah,” Hermione laughed. “Ooh, I’m so happy right now. I don’t know how to describe it, thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Rosalie put her makeup bags back into her trunk. “It’s okay, babe. I need to do my hair, actually.”

 “Ooh, how are you going to do it?” The Hermione in front of Rosalie was not the same one she met on the train. That Hermione was straightforward and matter-of-fact about everything - This one was fun, giggly, and happy.

 “I’m thinking a high ponytail. Are you going to do yours up, or leave it down?”

 “I always leave it down,” Hermione admitted, “I don’t know what I’m doing.”

 “Want me to do it?” Rosalie smiled.

Hermione’s eyes lit up. “Oh, you wouldn’t! I’d love that.”

Rosalie went back over to her, and brushed her hair gently. “I love your hair, it’s beautiful.”

 “It’s so frizzy all the time.”

 “It’s still really pretty, you know! Can I try something?”

 “Ooh, of course.” Hermione smiled.

Rosalie rushed back to her trunk, and took out a small bottle she hadn’t long put away.

 “Leave in conditioner?” Hermione asked. “My mum uses that sometimes. I’ve never seen a point.”

 “Just watch.” Rosalie took a small amount, and started scrunching and twirling Hermione’s hair. Soon enough, the complete frizz turned into much less frizzy curls.

 “You are a magician!” Hermione gasped.

Rosalie blinked. “We’re in Hogwarts.”

 “Ooh, yeah, I forgot,” Hermione giggled.

Rosalie took the top half of Hermione’s hair, tying it into a bun. She left the front two parts - she just preferred how it looked.

 “I am a completely different person.” Hermione stared at the mirror. “I love it. You do your hair!”

Rosalie knelt in front of the mirror herself, detangling it and tying it into a high ponytail, again leaving hair in the front.

Hermione shrieked. “We’re going to be late to breakfast! It’s nearly half past seven!”

Rosalie choked. “Okay, okay. Give me a second!”

She put her stuff back in her trunk, and rushed out of the dormitory after Hermione.

 “What’ve you done to her?” Ron asked, as they reached the Great Hall.

Truly, they looked good next to each other, in Rosalie’s honest opinion.

 “What?” Rosalie asked, innocently.

 “Hermione looks pretty,” he said, bluntly.

 “She always does, shut up.”

Harry looked up from his toast. “You look lovely, ‘Mione.”

 “Ooh, thank you, both!” Hermione giggled.

Rosalie watched Hermione, and her chest fluttered slightly. She’s so beautiful.

 “What have we got first today?” Ron asked.

 “Charms,” Hermione said, as she poured herself a bowl of cereal.

Ron groaned.

Rosalie glanced at Harry, with mild concern. He was staring at his hand.

 “Are you alright, Harry?” Hermione asked.

Harry glanced up at her, briefly. “Yeah, fine?”

Ron, however, was staring at her, as though she were a whole new person.

 “Can I help, Ronald?” She asked.

 “Blimey, Hermione, I didn’t know you could look like that.”

She blushed slightly, looking at her cereal. “Ooh, I didn’t either. Thank Rosalie!”

Lavender looked over, enviously. “Your hair is so pretty, Hermione,” she said.

Hermione smiled. “Thank you.”

 “I wish I could do my hair like that. I’ve never had a chance!”

Rosalie shook her head. “Muggle comprehensive gets boring after a while. You find things to do, see.”

Rosalie rubbed her forearm, idly, while Lavender turned back to Parvati.

 “Is your arm okay, Rosalie?” Hermione asked, concerned.

Harry looked up, and Rosalie caught his eye. Please don’t tell them.

 “Uh, yeah, I’m fine, babe. Don’t worry about it.” She smiled at Hermione, who looked at the two of them oddly.

However, she said nothing.

 “You’re not eating,” Hermione said, after a few minutes of silence.

 “Oh, shit, you’re right. I forgot about food, not gonna lie,” Rosalie said. Truth be told, she despised eating. It was just mentally painful for her to do. She didn’t really know why, nor did she want to think about it.

 “Harry, aren’t there Keeper tryouts on Friday?” Ron asked him.

Harry looked up at him. “Yeah, why?”

 “Because, er… I was thinking of… you know…”

Harry blinked. “Were you thinking about trying out for the team?”

Ron looked embarrassed. “Yeah. It’s stupid, I know…”

 “That’s excellent,” Harry said, with a smile that confused Rosalie, “I’d love to play Quidditch with you, mate. You’re always a good Keeper when we play at the Burrow.”

Ron smiled with relief. “You think?”

 “Yeah, mate!”

The two of them talked excitedly while Rosalie glanced at Hermione, perplexed.

She shrugged, and smiled. “I can’t get over how nice the makeup looks. Ooh, I just realised, I’m going to have wiped away all of the lip gloss by eating!”

 “I have more, babe, don’t worry.” Rosalie laughed.

McGonagall walked past, and Rosalie came back to a harsh reality with a start. “Just a sec, babe,” she said to Hermione, and followed after McGonagall.

 “Excuse me, Professor?”

McGonagall turned. “Hello.”

 “I’m awfully sorry to interrupt whatever it is you’re doing, right, but can we chat?”

She seemed surprised. “Of course. Come with me.”

Rosalie glanced over at her friends. Her and Harry made eye contact, and he gave her a weird look. I hope she doesn’t make it everyone’s business.

 “Coming,” she said, following McGonagall. Her shoes made tippity-tap sounds on the stone as she ran, a noise she quite liked.

 “What is it?” McGonagall asked, as they exited the main hall.

 “Can I talk to you about it in… private?”

She seemed even more surprised, but nodded. “Of course.”

The two walked in silence, Rosalie rubbing her arm, nervously. Am I about to tell her about it? Can she even do anything?

 “Come along,” McGonagall said, opening the door to her office and holding it open for Rosalie.

 “Thank you,” she said, quietly.

McGonagall gestured at a seat, and sat down herself, waiting.

Rosalie stared at her lap. She felt a wave of nervousness wash over her - one she hadn’t really felt in front of a teacher since she was twelve, and Colin had just been taken.

 “I just wanted to talk to you about the detention I did last night.”

McGonagall raised her eyebrows. “Is that so?”

 “Yeah.” She couldn’t quite bring herself to talk casually - she was too scared. Scared of what? She didn’t really know. “We wrote lines, see.”

 “A tame punishment, is it not?”

 “Not really. You see, she had these… quills…”

McGonagall suddenly looked interested. “Do go on.”

Rosalie gulped. “The quills, they… didn’t use ink.”

McGonagall’s eyes widened. “What did they use?” She asked, quietly.

Rosalie pulled up her sleeve, to show the cuts. “Blood, Professor.”

McGonagall took a sharp intake of breath. “Was it just you there, Rosalie?” She asked, gently.

Rosalie’s lips pressed together. “No,” she said, nearly silently.

 “Pardon?”

 “No,” Rosalie said, louder. “I was not alone in serving my detention last night.”

McGonagall looked angry. “Tell me, who was with you?”

 “Harry Potter, Professor,” she said, quietly. She looked down again.

 “You wait here, dear. Thank you for telling me,” she said, before rushing out of her office.

All Rosalie could hear after the door closed was the clock ticking. She started to count them, to give her brain something to do, to distract herself from crying.

One, two, three, four, five…

She started to think about how her father had nearly cried when she hugged him. Surely, she thought, he must care about me, right? Should I tell him?

Fifty-three, fifty-four, fifty-five…

Surely, there had to be more to Hogwarts than this. This waiting felt like torture, she couldn’t take it.

She started to daydream about things she could do here, in a school filled with magic.

Quidditch? She thought about it. They flew on brooms, didn’t they? Why couldn’t she? She wanted to play sports again, like she did back at home. She owned a broom, for goodness’ sake. Why shouldn’t she learn how to fly? Harry knew how. Hell, Harry could teach her, if she asked kindly enough.

She liked the sound of that…

Two hundred and eighty, two hundred and eighty three…

 “I do apologise for keeping you waiting for so long, Rosalie,” McGonagall said apologetically, as she came back into her office.

Behind her, an unamused Harry.

 “Sit, Mr. Potter.”

He sat, and looked at Rosalie, who sighed.

 “I can presume you know why you are here?” She asked, gently.

He nodded.

 “Can I see what-”

He stuck out his hand, not looking at her. I don’t want to be here right now.

 “Oh.” She looked at his hand. “Oh, dear. I see.”

She paused for a few minutes.

 “Did you say she will be taking you both for another detention tonight?”

 “Yes,” Rosalie said. “We are.”

 “I see. I shall… talk to Professor Dumbledore about this. Thank you for bringing this to my attention,” she said, gently. “I’ll do my best to ensure this does not happen again.”

Rosalie nodded.

 “You’re both free to leave.”

Harry stood up, picking up his backpack and slinging it over his shoulder.

 “Thank you, Professor,” Rosalie said, politely.

 “Yeah, thanks,” Harry mumbled.

McGonagall nodded to them, and they both left the room.

 “What’d you do that for?” Harry shouted, once they had reached a quiet corner.

Rosalie stared at him. “What?”

 “You could’ve talked about it without throwing my name into it,” Harry spat.

Rosalie’s eyes filled with tears. “I-”

 “Save it. I don’t want to hear it. Because of you, Umbridge is going to think I’m-”

 “I don’t care,” Rosalie exclaimed, turning to him. “I don’t care if one teacher thinks you’re weak or something.”

She lowered her voice. “I’m not going to sit and let my friend and myself be abused by some narcissistic bitch, got it? She literally knew anyway, I dunno why you’re blowing up on me.”

Harry stared at her. “You’re acting-”

 “Childish? Because you definitely are,” Rosalie said, jabbing him in the chest. “So what if I told her about it? Are you really going to throw a fucking tantrum, like a child?”

Harry blinked. “I-”

 “To add,” Rosalie said, standing up straight, “I think you’re being ungrateful.”

 “Ungrateful?” He shouted. “I’m not going to thank you for being stupid and-”

 “Is there a problem here?” A snide voice asked from behind them.

Rosalie looked around, and her heart sank. Snape watched them both, coldly.

 “No,” Harry said, coolly. “None at all.”

 “You do an awful job at making it seem so,” Snape drawled.

Rosalie watched him, curiously.

 “Well, there isn’t,” Harry said, irritably.

Snape looked around for anybody watching before he glared at Harry.

 “If you insult her…” Snape said, “one more time… I am going to hex you into oblivion… Do you understand?”

Harry stared at him, his eyes wide.

Rosalie sighed. “Can we please not-”

 “Quiet.” Snape didn’t look at her, he was focused on Harry, a newfound hatred in his eyes. “I will personally ensure that the rest of your time here is as painful as I can.”

 “You don’t do that already?” Harry asked him, annoyed.

Snape glared even more. “Just because you are a celebrity, does not mean you get to be an insolent brat, Potter.”

 “I’m doing nothing of the sort. You’re being rude to-.”

 “Both of you, literally shut up,” Rosalie groaned, leaning against the wall.

Snape finally looked at her, and straightened himself.

 “You’re both acting like kids. Shut up. God, I hate boys,” she mumbled.

Harry blinked, and Snape gave Harry a withering look before sweeping away, wordlessly.

 “Do you really hate me?” Harry quietly asked her, after a few moments.

 “What? No,” Rosalie shook her head. “No, I don’t.”

Harry cleared his throat, awkwardly. “Listen, I-”

 “Save it,” she said, looking at him. “I don’t hate you, but I am mad at you. Just because you’re annoyed, does not mean you can take it out on me. Quite frankly, I am too. Just a month ago I was at an all girl’s sleepover, making out with my ex, and now I’m here and I do not want to deal with your bullshit, babe.”

Harry blinked. “I’m sorry.”

She smiled, wanly. “Don’t worry about it, let’s just forget about it, yeah?”

He nodded.

She leaned against the wall, and watched him for a moment.

 “We have Charms to go to,” she said, before turning and walking.

 “Do you even know where you’re going?” Harry asked, from behind her.

She paused, and turned. “No clue, babe,” she said, laughing.

He laughed, and jogged up to her, before they walked together.

 “Where’d you two go?”

Hermione and Ron were waiting by the door for them.

 “Erm,” Harry said, rubbing his neck. “I’m not gonna tell you right now.”

They looked towards Rosalie, who shrugged.

 “Hermione, babe,” Rosalie said, “your lipgloss has come off.”

 “I know,” she said, with a sigh.

 “I’ll retouch it.” Rosalie took out the gloss and, bending down slightly, reapplied it for Hermione, who watched her through her lashes.

Ron watched, mouth agape.

 “What?” Hermione said, irritably.

 “Nothing,” he said, slowly.

He looked over at Harry, who had a similar reaction.

Rosalie looked at Hermione, and giggled. Surprisingly, Hermione did the same, a small blush appearing over her cheeks.

 “Should we go in?” Ron asked.

Hermione nodded. “Gosh, yes, we should.”

The four of them entered the classroom, and Rosalie felt eyes on them - specifically Hermione. Of course, she thought to herself, she looks different today.

They sat down, and Rosalie felt excited. Actual charms!

 “Wow, Hermione,” A girl across the row - Parvati’s twin sister - said, “you look so different today. It really suits you, you know.”

 “Ooh, thank you so much!” Hermione blushed and smiled next to her.

 “Who did that for you?”

Hermione giggled. “Rosalie did,” she said.

The girl looked to her. “Oh, you’re the new girl. Parvati told me about you. I’m Padma, her sister.”

Rosalie smiled at the girl. “Wow, you look exactly like your sister. Weird coincidence.”

She laughed. “I know, right?”

 “That’s a compliment, by the way, you’re both stunning. I have no idea how Hogwarts doesn’t crumble with how much beauty you both put into it!”

Padma smiled. “Aww, thank you so much!”

Parvati, who sat next to her, shook her head with a smile and mumbled something to Padma.

 “How can you talk to people so easily?” Hermione asked her.

Rosalie shrugged. “I… don’t know. I just do.”

 “I find it impossible. People are so confusing,” Hermione said, quietly.

 “Hey, you’re talking to me, and you met me a few days ago,” Rosalie smiled.

Hermione smiled back. “I suppose so!”

Rosalie paused for a moment. “Hey, Hermione, do you have a laptop?”

 “Yeah, I do.”

Rosalie bit her lip. “I’ll have to get your email, so we can chat outside of school. What do you reckon?”

Hermione nodded. “Sounds great.”
The door opened, and the shortest man Rosalie had ever seen walked in. She stared at him, and he hopped up onto a stool up front.

 “Good morning, everyone!” He said, squeakily. “Wands out!”

Rosalie continued to stare at him, unmoving.

He took his own wand out. “You’re all doing your OWLs this year, that means lots of practise!”

Rosalie blinked, and he noticed her wandless.

 “Oh, wand out, Miss…?” He blinked at her.

She coughed. “Uh, Snape,” she said, quietly. She felt more eyes on her, and bowed her head.

 “Oh, right! Right. I’ll be with you in a moment!” He said, before looking back to the rest of the class.

 “Right,” Rosalie said, under her breath.

 “Today we will be covering anti-theft spells. Does anyone know what they do?”

Hermione raised her hand, nearly knocking out Rosalie, who giggled, in the process.

 “Yes, Miss Granger?”

 “The anti-theft spell is a charm designed to protect one’s belongings from theft or summoning by an unwanted person.”

 “Excellent, five points to Gryffindor.” Hermione beamed, and looked at Rosalie, who gave her a thumbs up. “Does anyone know the incantation?”

Hermione once again threw her hand in the air - Rosalie only managed to duck away in time.

 “Yes, Miss Granger?”

 “Serva Materia,” she said.

The Professor nodded enthusiastically. “Excellent, excellent! Another five points to Gryffindor.”

Hermione smiled, pulling a piece of hair from her lip gloss.

 “You will be working in pairs,” he squeaked, “to accurately defend your quills! Take it in turns, off you go!”

Rosalie looked towards Ron and Harry, who were now discussing something completely irrelevant to the charm. Typical boys.

 “Ah, yes, yes, hello! Welcome to Hogwarts, albeit a little late,” the Professor said, walking up to her. “I am Professor Flitwick.”

 “Good morning,” Rosalie said, politely.

 “You too, you too, do you know anything about charms?”

Rosalie smiled, awkwardly. “Uhm, not really. I know one, thanks to this one,” she said, nodding backwards at Hermione.

 “Oh, brilliant, which one?”

 “The levitation charm.”

Ron and Harry, again, mumbled at the same time, “It’s LeviOsa, not LeviosA.”

Rosalie snorted, much to Hermione’s apparent distaste.

 “Right, well,” Flitwick said, ignoring the two laughing boys, “can you demonstrate for me?”

 “Sure, I guess.” Rosalie took her quill, and put it on the table. She held her wand and aimed it at the quill.

 “Do I have to say it out loud?”

 “Nonverbal spells are quite difficult, they aren’t usually taught until NEWT level-”

Rosalie shrugged, and concentrated on the quill. Wingardium Leviosa, she thought to herself, and to her surprise the quill floated for a moment.

 “Oh, you’re one talented witch!” Flitwick cried, punching the air. “It is an honour to teach you! Can you do it normally, please?”

She felt a few eyes on her, and looked around. “Sure. Wingardium Leviosa, I guess.”

The quill floated, and she aimed it to land on Ron’s head.

 “What was that for?” Ron said, smiling. “Take your stupid quill, Rosalie.” He threw it on the table, laughing.

She laughed, and Flitwick seemed impressed. “For a beginner, you have quite a lot of skill! I am impressed, yes I am! We have so much to cover, practise more and see me after class!”

Rosalie watched him scurry off, saying “ooh, how delightful!” to himself.

 “Rosalie, you can do nonverbal spells?” Hermione asked, impressed.

 “I dunno?” Rosalie shrugged.

Ron stared at her, mouth agape. “Is there anything you can’t do?”

 “I dunno, be happy? Potions, actually. I’m a bit shit at it, you know.”

Ron snickered. “Go float your quill or something, I dunno.”

Rosalie wanted to hit him with the quill, but he sat diagonally from her - that’d be too awkward. “Whatevs, Ron.”

 “Can you try it nonverbally again?” Hermione asked, curiously.

 “I dunno, I can try.” She pointed her wand at the quill, and concentrated on it.

She imagined it floating, and to her immense surprise, it started to move.

Wingardium Leviosa, she thought, and after a moment it floated, immobile.

 “You’re a powerful witch,” Hermione observed. “Nice.”

 “You have competition, Hermione,” Harry said, turning around.

Hermione blushed. “Oh, shut up. You and I know well that it’s you who has competition here!”

 “It’s definitely you, Hermione.”

Hermione shook her head. “It is not!”

Harry nodded, defiantly. “It definitely is you!”

 “Can we save the flirting for another time, please?” Rosalie said, leaning forwards.

Ron half-snorted. “Yeah, I have charms to ignore.”

Harry and Hermione again looked disgusted. “Ew.”

 “Hermione, do you want help with this spell?” Rosalie asked.

Hermione watched her. “Do you know the summoning spell?”

 “No.”

 “It’s Accio. Watch,” she said, picking up her own wand and pointing at Rosalie’s quill. “Accio.”

The quill zoomed towards her.

 “Hey, that’s sick,” Rosalie said, amazed. “Let me try.”

Rosalie pointed her wand at the quill. “Accio!”

The quill zoomed towards her.

 “Oh my God. I feel like a God. This is amazing.”

Hermione laughed. “It does feel like that at first.”

 “What was the actual spell you’re supposed to be doing again?”

Hermione casually said “Accio,” taking the quill and placing it on the table.

 “Observe,” she said, and cleared her throat. “Serva Materia.”

The quill did nothing, but Hermione seemed satisfied.

 “Now you try summoning it,” Hermione said.

Rosalie frowned. “Accio.”

The quill didn’t move.

 “Hey, that’s great and all, but that’s my quill!” Rosalie laughed. “I want my quill back.”

 “Oh, right.” Hermione said. “Reverte.”

The quill, again, did nothing.

 “Accio,” Rosalie said, and the quill once again zoomed towards her.

 “Excellent work, Miss Granger!” Flitwick cried, from across the room. “And to you, Miss Snape, for such excellent progress so quickly! Five points to the both of you, yes indeed!”

Rosalie looked at Hermione, and smiled. Hermione beamed right back at her.

 “You wanted to speak to me, Professor?” Rosalie smiled at Flitwick, who seemed eager.

 “Yes, yes!” Her classmates were slowly exiting the room. “I must say, Miss Snape, that your ability in this class reminds me strongly of your father at your age.”

Rosalie watched him. “You taught him?”

 “Yes!”

 “Good God, how old are you?” Rosalie blinked. “Sorry mate, that was rude.”

Flitwick laughed. “Not to worry, wizards do tend to live a lot longer than muggles. I digress! I just wanted to compliment your talents,” he said, eyes shining. “It has been a few years since a talent like this entered my classroom for the first time, the last of which being Miss Granger,” he said.

 “Oh, that’s actually really nice of you to say. I’m sure she’d love to hear that,” Rosalie smiled.

 “Oh, yes, indeed. Hurry along now, you needn’t be late.”

Rosalie checked her timetable. “I am free next class.”

 “Oh! Well, I have a class anyway. Have a nice day, you!”

 “You too. Thanks again, mate,” Rosalie said, waving as she tippity-tapped out of the room.

Hermione eyed her. “What’d he say?”

 “Just complimented my skills, I guess,” Rosalie said, with a smile. “Said I was as good as you.”

 “Ooh, that’s…” Hermione grinned.

Ron shrugged. “Nonverbal’s hard. I can’t do it.”

 “Neither,” Harry said, quietly.

Hermione turned to Harry, as they walked towards the common room. “Were you going to tell us something earlier?”

Harry waved a hand, dismissively. Rosalie noticed it was the other hand. “Don’t worry about it, ‘Mione.” I’m not ready.

 “Rosalie?”

 “If Harry’s not saying anything, neither am I,” Rosalie shrugged.

Ron looked at her. “You really are a Gryffindor,” he said, in awe.

She shrugged. “I have no idea what the other houses are.”

 “Hufflepuffs are kind, loyal, very… down to Earth people,” Hermione said.

 “Ravenclaws are smart,” Harry said, “and value that fact, a lot. Never debate with one. You will lose.”

Rosalie frowned. “Don’t underestimate how stubborn I am.”

Harry shrugged.

 “And Slytherins are pricks!” Ron said, joyfully.

Hermione tapped his arm. “Not all Slytherins are bad!”

 “Yeah, like who?”

Hermione paused. “None that I know, but it’s ridiculous to think that many little Slytherin first years know anything like that.”

 “Good point.”

Hermione sighed. “Slytherins are sly, cunning, and know how to get their own way. Usually pretty smart, but… not always.”

Rosalie frowned. “What’s Gryffindor?”

Hermione smiled. “The home of the bravest, most noble people.”

 “That sounds pompous as fuck.”

Ron guffawed. “It does, but that’s the point, I guess. Godrick was a bit of a twat, eh?”

 “Ronald, we are not defaming the founder of our own house in the castle.”

 “Oh, right.”

 “Anyway,” Hermione continued, “Gryffindors will fight for what they believe in, and are generally very stubborn, like you said.”

 “Oh, yeah, that tracks,” Rosalie smiled. “You cannot tell me no without a fight.”

Harry shook his head. “I know.”

 “You do?” Hermione asked, curiously.

 “You two fight or something?” Ron asked.

Rosalie glanced at Harry. “Nah. It’s just obvious, innit?”

They arrived at and entered the common room, to be met with the near deafening sounds of Fred and George Weasley’s presence.

 “Oh my God,” Hermione whispered, “they’re insane.”

Fred and George were dancing on a table, while - Rosalie presumed - a classmate of theirs sang really badly. There was applause, laughter, and some shouting.

 “Oh my God,” Rosalie echoed, before grinning, “this is amazing.”

Ron stared at her. “Don’t tell me you’re another one like my sister?”

 “I love Ginny!” Rosalie did a small dance near her friends. “I wonder if she’s in class.”

 “No, look. There she is,” Hermione pointed. Ginny was one of the few people closest to their table, clapping along.

 “This is amazing. Absolutely bril,” Rosalie said, happily.

Harry blinked. “I have a headache already.”

 “Hey, you four!” Ginny had noticed them, and was waving them over.

 “I really ought to put a stop to this,” Hermione mumbled as they walked over.

 “Hey, babe!” Rosalie started dancing next to her, to which Ginny responded by dancing along.

 “Hiya, love, you doing alright?”

 “Yeah, you?”

 “Of course.” Ginny danced happily.

Rosalie felt three pairs of eyes staring at her incredulously, and she turned to look at them. “Why not join in?”

Harry blinked. “No.”

 “Come on,” Hermione said, reaching to grab her arm. “This is ridiculous!”

Rosalie moved her arm away. “Nope!” She danced around Ginny. “Having fun right now.”

 “You’re like a child,” Ron laughed.

 “I am not!”

 “Yeah, you are!”

Ginny shook her head. “Leave her alone, right?”

 “You’re mad if you think I’m listening to you, Ginny,” Ron said. “I am your older brother!”

 “And I’m your little sister, so shut it!”

Rosalie felt a pang in her chest. She missed her brother, even if he wasn’t her actual brother.

 “Oh, now you look depressed. You alright?” Ginny noticed she had stopped dancing, and had stopped herself.

 “Yep. I just realised how tired I am,” Rosalie half-lied. “Gonna sit down.”

 “Alright!” Ginny continued to dance as Rosalie made her way back to her friends.

Harry stared at her. “You’re crazy.”

 “Crazy for boys, innit?” She said, winking jokingly.

Ron shook his head. “You and Hermione are polar opposites, she’s literally never liked a guy.”

Rosalie glanced at Hermione, who started to giggle.

Rosalie burst into laughter. “Yeah, okay, Ron. Whatever you say.”

 “What? What’d I say?” Ron stared at them, incredulously.

Harry blinked. “My God, Ron, you’re so oblivious. Even I could see it,” he said.

Hermione rolled her eyes, and Harry sat down in an armchair.

Rosalie perched on the side of the armchair.

Hermione frowned slightly, but sat on a loveseat quietly.

Ron plopped himself next to her. “I still don’t understand what I’m supposed to have noticed.”

Hermione sighed. “Ron, you know I literally had a boyfriend last year, right?”

 “What?” Ron stared at her. “You? Boyfriend? How-?”

 “Oh, thank you, Ronald, for that very lovely reaction,” she said, sarcastically. “I dated Viktor Krum.”

 “I thought he was just your date to the Yule Ball?”

Hermione scoffed. “Oh, come off it. I broke up with him ‘cause he used me for sex.”

Harry and Ron had the same reaction - an opened mouthed stare. “What?”

 “Ugh, I know, right? Men are so annoying,” Rosalie said, checking her nails. “God, I need to repaint these.”

Harry and Ron looked between the both of them.

 “This is why I’ve given up on boyfriends for now,” Hermione said. “I know a boy or two I’d ask out, but… yikes!”

Rosalie giggled, knowingly. “Yeah, same here. I don’t really know them well, but my God they are hot.”

Ron and Harry both looked incredibly confused.

 “I’m so confused,” Ron said. “You’re telling me that you’ve both dated people and have just… given up? I get Rosalie, but Hermione?”

 “Why is that a surprise, Ronald?” Hermione asked, irritably.

 “I dunno, I just-”

Harry shook his head. “Digging your own grave, mate.”

Rosalie smiled. “Yeah. I’ve given up on boys. Boyfriends are weird, mate. They generally just wanna kiss you and fuck you, but when it comes to actually loving you they’re gone.”

Harry looked at her weirdly.

 “Honestly, good for you,” Hermione said, stretching.

 “What about girls?” Ron said, in a desperate attempt to relate to the conversation.

 “I like girls. Thing is, no girls like me, so…”

Ron shook his head. “I can relate, honestly.”

Rosalie glanced at Hermione who smiled. “Whatever you say, Ron,” Rosalie giggled.

 “What? Who has a crush on me?” Ron looked interested.

 “Nobody does, you moron,” Hermione said, quickly.

 “Oh. That’s disappointing.”

Rosalie looked at Hermione oddly. Does she fancy Ron? That would make so much sense.

 “I can’t say the same,” Harry said. “Tons of girls like me, but they don’t, you know… like me.”

Rosalie nodded. “I see why.”

Ron stared at her. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Hermione shook her head. “Idiot, he’s basically a celebrity. Sorry to say it, Harry,” she added, “but majority of girls would be desperate to get with a celebrity.”

 “They would,” Rosalie agreed.

Harry looked at her. Is that how she… sees me? Just a celebrity?

 “I think it’s ridiculous, though,” Rosalie added, yawning. “Why would someone go out of their way to try and do a celebrity? Sounds pretty boring. You literally have no clue if they’re good in bed or not, so why bother?”

Ron laughed. “You’re funny, you.”

 “Thanks, mate,” Rosalie said, smiling.

Hermione laughed quietly. “You’re right. If I were to date someone famous or popular at all, it’d be because I liked them as a person. Evidently,” she said, gesturing.

 “Oh, was Viktor popular, then?”

Hermione smiled. “With women, yes.”

Ron shook his head. “And men,” he said, quietly.

Hermione ignored him. “I really do think that famous people deserve better with their partners instead of someone who’s idolised them at all.”

Rosalie did her best not to glance over at Ginny, and succeeded. Hermione is brutal. “Yeah, I get you. I don’t see the big deal.”

Harry had been watching their conversation, a small smile growing. “You lot are mad, I’d never date a celebrity.”

 “It’d only make you more famous, babe,” Rosalie said, casually.

 “If that’s even possible,” Hermione added.

Harry stared between them both. “I still wouldn’t, even if it didn’t. Imagine trying to convince someone you weren’t trying to get with them, or like… I don’t know, kiss them, just because they were famous, after they had people act like it for years.” Harry’s gaze lingered on Rosalie a fraction of a second longer.

Rosalie nodded. “That would be difficult, wouldn’t it?”

Hermione looked between the two of them. “Is there…?”

Rosalie looked confused, but smiled. “Pardon?”

 “Blimey,” Ron said, looking between the two of them, “I haven’t forgotten, you know.”

Rosalie’s eyes widened, and she pointedly looked away. “Shut up, Ron.” She saw Harry do the same.

 “What am I missing here?” Hermione asked, interestedly.

 “Walked in on them nearly snogging, didn’t I?” Ron said, quietly.

She gasped, and giggled.

Rosalie felt her face go red. “Shut up.”

 “What’d you tell her for, Ron?” Harry said, irritated.

Hermione giggled. “I won’t tell anyone!”

 “Tell anyone what?” Ginny walked over. “We having a gossip, yeah?”

 “It’s really none of your business, Ginny,” Hermione said, still smiling.

 “Well, excuse you,” Ginny said, annoyed.

 “I didn’t mean to be rude, I’m sorry,” Hermione sighed.

Ron shook his head. “Nah, you won’t believe this. I only went and found-”

 “Nothing.” Harry glared at him.

Rosalie looked away, and Ginny watched them.

 “Oh, I see,” she said, coolly. “You lot don’t need to hide things from me, you know.”

 “I found them nearly snogging!” Ron said, quietly. “Can you believe-”

 “Oh.” Ginny’s face looked almost stony for a moment, before she smiled. “That’s great to hear. Won’t tell, yeah?”

She stalked off.

Hermione hit him.

 “What was that for?” He shouted.

 “Why are you telling people their business?” Hermione hissed. “Especially not Ginny!” She added, in a lower voice.

 “Why not?” Ron whispered.

Hermione glanced at Harry, who seemed equally as confused.

 “Forget it,” she said. She looked at Rosalie, who rolled her eyes.

 “For the record,” Rosalie said, “I have not kissed anyone in the castle. Yet.”

 “Yet.” Hermione laughed. “You are something.”

 “Nothing if not honest, babe,” she said, checking her nails again. “Ugh, I’m gonna go get my nail kit. I can’t stand looking at these, I’ll be back.”

She sauntered off up the stairs, and felt eyes directed at her.

Moreso at her ass.

Once reaching her dormitory, she found Lavender and Parvati whispering to each other.

 “Hi, girls,” she said, as she went to her trunk.

 “Oh, hi!” Lavender said, innocently. “We were just talking about you, actually.”

 “Yeah?” Rosalie found her nail kit. “What about?”

Lavender smiled, sweetly. “Finished taking people’s boyfriends yet?”

Rosalie turned to her, incredulously. “What?”

 “You heard me,” she said, coolly.

Rosalie laughed. “You’re actually mental. Who’s boyfriend have I stolen?”

 “Ginny’s, you slag.”

 “They’re not dating though?”

Lavender gave her a dirty look. “Ginny said they were. I dunno why you’re trying to get with him anyways, he’s a huge liar.”

 “Take that back, you whore,” Rosalie said.

 “What the fuck did you just call me?” Lavender said, standing up.

Rosalie ran out of the dorm, giggling as Lavender chased her.

 “What on Earth-?” Hermione said, as the chaos came down the stairs.

 “Stop stealing people’s fucking boyfriends, you slag!” Lavender grabbed her, and slapped her across the face.

 “Hermione, hold this, won’t you?” She chucked the nail kit, slung her bag near the chair and threw her hair up. “We’re about to go, is it?”

 “Yeah, you bitch. Don’t fucking call me a whore.” Lavender went to hit her, but Rosalie grabbed her hair and dragged it.

 “Don’t call me a slag,” she said, slapping her across the face. “You’ve literally no idea what you’re on about, dumbass whore.”

Lavender swiped at her, but Rosalie threw her down and started hitting her in the face.

 “Shut the fuck up,” Rosalie said. “Ugly ass bitch. Can’t even handle a few slaps, is it?”

There was a crowd watching, including a shrieking Hermione (“Stop it!”), and a laughing Ron.

 “You’re a skank,” Lavender said, pushing Rosalie off of her. She brushed her clothes down, and stared at her.

 “Yeah, alright, maybe next time ask the goddamn boy if anything happened before going off at me, you bitch,” Rosalie said.

Lavender had a few cuts on her face, but was mainly bruised. Rosalie, however, had a few bruises - and a chipped nail.

 “Look at what you fucking did,” Rosalie said, showing her the nail. “I spent ages doing these a few weeks ago. Dumbass.”

Lavender smirked. “Boyfriend stealers don’t get nice nails.”

 “People who’ve never had them clearly don’t,” Rosalie said, staring at hers.

Lavender frowned. “Well, I just haven’t told him how I feel yet!”

 “I could right now, and embarrass you in front of everyone, yeah?” Rosalie grinned.

 “Fuck, no, don’t.”

 “Then apologise, you cunt.” She’s brutal, what on Earth?

Lavender glared at her. “Fine. I’m sorry.”

Rosalie grinned. “You don’t sound it, babe,” she giggled.

Lavender huffed. “I’m sorry,” she said, quietly.

Rosalie smiled, and walked back over to her extremely shocked friends.

 “What the fuck?” Ron asked.

 “Don’t even know, apparently someone’s been lying about their relationship status,” she said, loudly.

Ginny stared at her, silently.

 “What do you mean?” Harry asked. “Why the hell did you just-?”

 “Miss Brown. Miss Snape. Come with me, now.” McGonagall shouted.

Ah, shit. Forgot about her. “Yeah, alright. Mind my bag, won’t you?” Rosalie said to her friends, smiling.

Harry nodded slowly, and Rosalie hopped up to McGonagall. “Hi again.”

 “Both of you. Now.” She sounded angry.

Rosalie followed, taking down her hair and fluffing it up as she did. Lavender glared at her.

She realised, as they followed McGonagall, that Lavender had managed to make her arm bleed again.

 “In, at once.”

They entered McGonagall’s office, and they both sat.

 “I heard of fighting in the common room. Explain yourselves.”

 “Basically, right-” Rosalie went to explain, but Lavender interrupted.

 “She stole my mate’s boyfriend. What am I meant to do?!”

 “Don’t interrupt me,” Rosalie said, warningly.

McGonagall’s lips thinned. “Miss Snape,” she said, as an indication to speak.

 “It was self defence,” Rosalie said, with a sigh. “Ask anyone who saw it, they’ll tell you. She chased me and hit me, not to mention spreading rumours about me.”

McGonagall watched her. “Miss Brown?”

 “Yeah, I did go to hit her first, Professor, but she deserved it. You see, Ginny-”

 “I don’t care,” she said, a fiery glint in her eye. “However much you dislike another student, you do not have to fight, nor play chase. This is not a playground, nor is it a boxing ring!”

Rosalie stared at Lavender, who seemed to crumble. “I’m sorry, Professor,” she said, nearly crying. “Please don’t give me a detention!”

What a fucking baby, oh my God.

 “I am going to give you both detentions, yes.”

 “Why me? What’d I do? I already have detention tonight!” Rosalie said, incredulously.

 “Oh, absolutely not. Go and get Parvati, then! See what she says.”

McGonagall stared at her, and walked out of the room briskly.

 “I cannot believe this,” Rosalie said, laughing. “It’s like comp all over again.”

 “You’re a whore,” Lavender said. “No wonder Ginny hates you now.”

 “I literally did nothing,” Rosalie said. “What’d she say I did?”

 “Fucked her boyfriend!” Lavender glared.

Rosalie shook her head. “Who even?”

 “Harry, obviously.”

Rosalie laughed. “I never even kissed him, and they’re not dating. I dunno where you got that from, but whatever.”

Lavender stared at her. “They aren’t?”

 “No, you fucking dumbass. If they were, I’d leave him alone.”

The door opened, and Parvati followed McGonagall in the room, quietly.

 “Care to explain, then, babe?” Rosalie asked.

Parvati looked at the both of them. “I don’t want to be involved in this.”

 “Was Lavender or was she not talking about me before I came in?” Rosalie asked.

Parvati paused, before sighing deeply. “Yeah, I was telling her to shut up.”

 “Thank you.” Rosalie turned back to McGonagall, who eyed the three of them.

 “Thank you, Miss Patil,” she said. “Did you witness the fight?”

 “Yeah,” she said.

McGonagall sighed. “Did you see who hit first?”

 “I did.”

 “Who?” She sounded impatient.

Lavender stared at Parvati, but she seemed irritated. “Lavender did, Professor.”

Rosalie looked at Lavender, who seemed dejected.

 “That sorts it, don’t it?” Rosalie asked.

 “Not quite.”

Rosalie groaned. I miss my friends.

 “Miss Brown, why?” McGonagall stared at her. “This is out of character for you.”

 “Professor, I… don’t know.” She bowed her head. “I’m sorry for the way I behaved. This is why I’m not a prefect,” she said, tearing up.

Rosalie glanced at Parvati, who seemed to be bored.

 “Very well. Miss Brown, I will see you in my office this evening for detention. Twenty points will be taken from Gryffindor for this behaviour, as much as I hate to say it.”

Lavender gasped. “What? Twenty? Professor, please-”

 “You may go. Miss Snape, a word?”

Oh, yeah. “Sure.”

Rosalie watched the two of them leave, and rubbed her arm, idly.

 “I have talked with Professor Dumbledore,” she said. Ugh.

 “Yeah? What’d he say?”

 “Your detention tonight is to be spent with him,” she said, briskly.

Rosalie blinked. “Harry?”

 “With him, also.” She sighed. “Make him aware, please?”

 “Sure. That it?”

McGonagall eyed her. “I have a question for you.”

 “Yep?”

The older woman watched her. “Are you going to tell Professor Snape about all of these incidents?”

Rosalie coughed. “Well, uh. I dunno. I want to, but, you know… I barely know him, you know? It’s kind of awkward.”

McGonagall nodded. “I see, I see.”

 “If that’s all?” Rosalie went to get up and go towards the door.

She watched Rosalie for a moment. “I knew you when you were a baby, you know.”

 “Oh, great. Are we being soppy or something now?” Rosalie said, jokingly, as she turned around.

McGonagall smiled. “You’ve grown up well.”

 “Oh, uh, thanks.” Rosalie shrugged.

She nodded. “You may leave.”

 “Have a nice one, Professor,” she said.

Rosalie walked back to the common room.

 “Do you have detention?” Hermione asked her immediately.

 “No,” Rosalie said, “I defended myself, see.”

 “Phew!”

Ginny glared at her as she walked in, and Rosalie noticed her.

 “Oh, hi, Ginny!” She said, sweetly. “You and I have some talking to do, babe.”

 “We do not.” Ginny turned away from her.

Ron stared. “Wha-?”

 “Come sit, let’s talk,” Rosalie said, and sat on the armchair next to Harry’s.

The two of them followed Rosalie back to their spot, silently.

 “Basically,” Rosalie said quietly, before she heard a loud voice.

 “I hope she’s not talking about me over there,” Lavender said.

 “Oh for fuck’s sake,” Rosalie said, looking over. “Shut it, before you get another detention, innit?”

Ron laughed, and Lavender looked put out.

 “Basically, right,” Rosalie said, picking up her nail kit from the table and opening it, “someone lied about dating Harry and told Lavender I stole him from her.”

Harry stared, perplexed. “What?”

 “I know! She told her that we fucked,” Rosalie said, casually.

Harry choked, and went red. “I’m sorry, what? Us? What- When? How? What?” I didn’t even think of doing that! What-?

Ron laughed. “You got yourself a stalker, mate,” he said.

Hermione looked invested. “But who?”

Rosalie lowered her voice. “Ginny did.”

 “What?” Ron stared at her, mouth agape. “You’re joking!”

 “Oh my goodness,” Hermione covered her mouth, a large smile of disbelief washing over her face. “And then what?”

 “I went up for my nail shit, didn’t I?” Rosalie held up her hand; she was currently removing old nail polish. “Found her talking about me, and she basically said what was up.”

Harry stared in disbelief. “I’m sorry, what?”

 “Basically they fought about you, mate,” Ron said, incredulously. “Women are bizarre.”

 “Shut up, Ronald,” Hermione said, “I’m interested. So she chased you down the stairs?”

 “Well, she called me a slag, and I’m not having that, am I?” Rosalie quietly said, and she looked through her nail polishes. “Called her a whore, and she couldn’t handle it apparently. Chased me all down the stairs and went for me.”

Hermione laughed, in disbelief. “Oh, that’s shocking.”

 “I’m still confused as to why-” Harry started, before Ron cut him off.

 “She’s been obsessed with you since, like, forever, mate,” he said, quietly. “It’s not that big of a surprise.”

 “She has?” Harry blinked.

 “Even I figured that one out, babe. Hermione, should I go for the baby blue or the baby pink?”

 “Alternate between them,” Hermione said.

 “Thanks.” Rosalie went to pick up the two colours.

Harry shook his head. “My God. I have no clue what to say right now.” He seemed to be floored.

 “You didn’t do anything with my sister, right?” Ron asked him.

 “God, no!” Harry stared at him, in disbelief. “She’s like my little sister,” he said, quietly. “That’s disgusting.”

Ron sighed in relief. “Thank God.”

 “Hermione, wanna match nails with me?”

 “Ooh, go on, then!”

 “When mine dries.”

Harry sighed. “I’m too tired for this. If someone else fights over me…”

 “I’ll fight Cho next,” Rosalie quietly said, jokingly.

Harry quickly looked at her. “Huh, what?”

 “You heard me, babe,” she said, idly, waiting for her nails to dry.

Ron laughed. “That’ll be the day. She’s the Ravenclaw seeker, she’s played sports for years.”

 “I took martial arts for about ten years, and played sports all through school,” Rosalie said, taking Hermione’s hand to paint her nails.

 “Oh, damn,” Ron said. “Impressive.”

Harry stared at her. “You don’t look like a sports player.”

 “Neither do you, trust me.”

Hermione giggled. “That’s so mean.”

 “No, it’s true,” Harry said, sighing. “I just… I mean, wow. Why’d you fight over me?”

 “Technically the fight was about you, not over you, but yes. I did it because I was right,” Rosalie said, switching to Hermione’s other hand.

Ron shook his head. “You’re mad. I haven’t forgotten about you nearly snogging him the other night,” he quietly said.

Harry looked away, but Rosalie shrugged. “Yeah, I know. Painfully aware, love,” she said.

Harry sat, in disbelief. I barely even know her.Huh?

 “They look great,” Hermione said, admiring her nails.

 “The ones that alternate have swapped, see,” Rosalie said, putting her hand next to Hermione’s.

 “Oooh, that’s so pretty. Thank you!” Hermione grinned.

Rosalie smiled. “Anytime, love.”

 Fifth of September, 1995.

Five-minutes-to-five o’clock, PM.

 Harry and Rosalie made their way to the Headmaster’s office. Harry seemed highly irritated by this, and Rosalie didn’t know why.

 “I’d rather be doing Umbridge’s lines than this,” Harry grumbled.

 “I wouldn’t, she’s insane,” Rosalie replied.

Harry said nothing.

They approached the staircase, and Harry glared at the gargoyle.

 “Uhm… lemon drop?” Harry guessed. The gargoyle, of course, did not move.

 “Raspberry jam,” Rosalie said, and it jumped.

 “How’d you know that?” Harry asked, as they walked upstairs.

 “I was here a few days ago.”

He frowned. “Oh, about what?”

 “They explained the Order to me.”

He coughed. “Oh, shit. Right, forgot you knew about that.”

She laughed.

They reached the top of the stairs, and Harry hung back.

She gave him a look, and knocked on the door.

 “Come in,” a voice said.

They both entered, and once again Rosalie was faced with the oldest man she had ever seen.

 “What’s up?” Rosalie said, giving him an awkward finger gun.

Harry stared at her.

Dumbledore smiled. “I am afraid I am not up to date with you youngsters and your slang. What is up, Rosalie?” He asked.

She looked up. “Uh…” she pointed. “That is.”

He chuckled. “Sit, both of you.”

Rosalie noticed he refused to look at Harry, and looked at him questioningly. He shrugged, annoyed.

 “As no prior arrangements were able to be made for tonight’s detention,” Dumbledore said, standing from his desk and looking at a shelf, “you will be with me, instead.”

 “Doing what?” Rosalie asked.

 “Ah, well. You see, I hadn’t thought that far ahead.”

Rosalie glanced at Harry, confused. “Then… Why are we here?”

 “Because you both have upset the wrong person.” He turned to face them both, looking at his desk. “I wanted to speak with you about it.”

 “Oh, is this that ministry related bullshit again?”

Rosalie paused. “Oh, shit, I swore. Sorry.”

Dumbledore smiled, but continued. “This is a pressing matter, I do hope you understand. Too many wrongdoings as students can and will eventually lead to my expulsion from the Hogwarts staff.”

Rosalie blinked. “So I shouldn’t have fought earlier?”

 “I beg your pardon?” Dumbledore looked at her.

 “Nothing. I said nothing, didn’t I, Harry?”

Harry shrugged, staring directly at Dumbledore.

Dumbledore chose to ignore him. “As for the detention… Let’s see… Reasoning…?”

He looked at his papers, and chuckled slightly. “Rosalie, you’d ought to know better than to leave a lesson without permission.”

 “Not when she insulted what seems to be a perfectly good man simply for being a werewolf. How’s that even his fault? It’s ridiculous,” she said, coolly.

Dumbledore paused, and then smiled. “I see. As for calling Professor Umbridge a toad…?” There was a hint of laughter in his voice.

 “Same reason. She cannot be talking,” Rosalie smiled.

Harry was still staring directly at Dumbledor, pure anger in his eyes. It scared Rosalie, if she was honest.

 “Punishments… yes, here, I have an idea…” Dumbledore looked up. “Go to your common room. There will be no punishments tonight.”

Rosalie looked at Harry happily, but he was still staring silently as Dumbledore.

Dumbledore paused, and turned away.

Rosalie cleared her throat. “So am I the only one noticing how bloody awkward it is in here right now, or…?”

Dumbledore ignored her, too.

 “I’m guessing there’s some things both of you need to talk through that I am not involved in,” she said, slowly.

 “Shut up, Rosalie,” Harry said, shortly.

She stared at him. “Don’t start this again, mate, I already had a fight today.”

 “Enough of that.” Dumbledore didn’t look at them.

 “Can I leave, or…?”

He nodded.

 “Bril. Coming, Harry?”

Harry glared at Dumbledore’s back, before standing up. “Sure.”

Rosalie walked towards the door. “See you, then.”

 “Farewell.”

As they left the office, Harry sighed.

 “What was that about?” Rosalie asked, as they walked down the stairs.

Harry waited until they were away from the gargoyle to speak. “I can’t believe him. He’s been ignoring me for months. I’m sick of being treated like a child,” Harry said.

 “You’re acting like one right now,” Rosalie said, half jokingly.

He rounded on her. “You don’t get to say shit to me right now. I’ve lost one of my friends because of you.” He turned and walked away.

 “Me?” Rosalie caught up with him. “In case you haven’t noticed, Harry, I’m not the one who fucking lied about shit.”

 “I wish you had never come here. I wish I’d never met you.” He didn’t look at her.

 “What the fuck?” Rosalie walked next to him. “I’ve done nothing to you, don’t take your bullshit anger out on me.”

 “If you didn’t confuse me so much, a lot of shit would be easier,” he said, hotly. “Ginny’s refusing to speak to me right now and it’s your fault.”

 “How is it my fault that she lied about dating you to get Lavender to fucking hate me?”

Harry ignored her.

 “You’re acting like a prick,” she said. “Nobody likes pricks.”

 “Well, nobody likes you.” He turned to her, stopping in his tracks. “Nobody in Gryffindor actually wants you there. You belong in Slytherin, like the rest of them.”

 “You what, mate?” Rosalie stared at him. She was only a few inches shorter than him, causing them to be nearly eye level.

 “I said what I said. Nobody in Gryffindor wants you there,” Harry spat. “You’re ruining friendships, you’re changing Hermione-”

 “Oh, get over yourself,” Rosalie shouted. “I’m not changing anyone. I’m just treating her like a human fucking being instead of a walking, talking fucking dictionary. Did you ever consider that? That I’m involving her with my life and not just treating her like an accessory?”

Harry stared at her, and turned to walk away.

Rosalie followed him. “I’m not giving over, you know. You might hate me, so does Ginny, so does Lavender. Does that constitute everyone in Gryffindor?”

Harry said nothing.

 “Well, does it?”

 “No,” he said, shortly.

Rosalie sighed. “Well, then.”

Harry said nothing as they walked.

Rosalie was pissed. She planned to tell Hermione about the argument - why wouldn’t she? Hermione was, in her eyes, perfect. Of course she had to tell her.

 “Are you going to apologise?” Rosalie said.

Harry said nothing to her. Of course, she thought to herself, egotistical fifteen year old boys think they’re right one hundred percent of the time.

They arrived at the portrait hole. Harry opened it, and Rosalie climbed in a few moments later.

 “Oh, you two are back early,” Hermione said, happily, “did he let you go early?”

 “Yeah,” Harry said, sitting down, “he did.”

Rosalie stood and watched him, her arms folded.

 “Rosalie, you coming to sit down?” Hermione asked her, patting the seat next to her.

She stared at the two boys, who were pointedly ignoring her. “No, I think I’m going upstairs.” She walked up to her dormitory, annoyed.

Thankfully, this time, there were no dormmates to annoy her.

She flung herself on her bed, drawing the curtains, and cried.

 “Rosalie?” Hermione opened the door, and sounded concerned. “Rosalie, are you alright?”

 “No,” she said, “I am not.”

Hermione peered around the curtain, and sat on the bed, readjusting it. “What happened?”

 “Harry was being such a dick to me,” Rosalie said, through tears. “I didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t know why he’s being an ass.”

Hermione sighed. “What happened?”

Rosalie told her everything. The annoyance leaving Dumbledore’s office, the fight, what he said…

 “What on Earth? That doesn’t sound like Harry at all,” Hermione said.

 “No, and it hurt and I don’t know what I did wrong. Do you hate me?”

Hermione stared at her. “No, of course I don’t. I’m lucky to have met you! You’re the friend I always needed, silly,” she said, reaching out and squeezing Rosalie’s hand.

 “Both of the boys are ignoring me, or being mean, and I don’t know why. I’m doing my best, I don’t know what happened.”

Hermione sighed again. “Harry is annoyed because it’s about him, and Ron’s annoyed because it’s his sister. They’re both being ridiculous.”

 “I don’t know, Hermione,” Rosalie said, quietly, “he said I’ve been confusing him, but I’ve been just as confused.”

 “Why?”

She sobbed. “Every time I’m alone with him, I’m just… drawn to him. I don’t know what it is! I just like his laugh, and his smile, and my God I love his eyes… I just think about kissing him every time we’re together, you know? It’s so confusing.”

She looked up at Hermione, to see her staring at her, smiling.

 “What?”

Hermione shook her head. “You have a crush on him.”

 “I do not!”

 “Yeah, you do. I’m not stupid.”

Rosalie frowned. “I don’t know him, though.”

 “Crushes don’t always make sense,” Hermione said, sighing.

 “That just makes it even worse,” Rosalie said, in a wobbly voice. “Are they mean to everyone new they meet?”

Hermione rubbed the bridge of her nose. “They bullied me when we first came to Hogwarts. Made fun of me for not having any friends, and for the way I talk.”

Rosalie stared, in disgust. “And you’re friends with them?”

Hermione shrugged. “They’ve changed since.”

 “Clearly,” Rosalie said, off-handedly.

Hermione watched her. 

 “You know, Harry and I argued earlier, too,” she said.

Hermione frowned. “Yeah?”

 “Yeah, and guess who happened to walk past right as Harry called me stupid?”

Hermione paused, and then gasped. “Oh, no!”

 “Yeah, Snape did. He threatened to hex Harry and make his life hell if he dared to do that again.”

 “And he still did?” Hermione asked, incredulously.

Rosalie sat up, and giggled. “I know, right? What a dumbass.”

Hermione smiled, and shook her head. “Well, I’ll be damned. You were absolutely right.”

 “Huh?”

 “They seem like the type to put their hand in fire and wonder why it hurts,” Hermione replied. “What you said before, remember?”

 “Oh, yeah. That still holds true.”

 “It always has.” Hermione laughed.

Rosalie watched her. “You love them, though.”

She sighed. “I do, honestly. They’re family. Harry’s like my brother.”

 “And Ron?” Rosalie asked, with a small smile.

Hermione went pink, and looked away.

 “You like Ron,” Rosalie said, quietly.

 “Shhh!”

Rosalie giggled. “Unlike him, I can keep secrets. Not a word from me, babe.”

 “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

 “I appreciate you, babe.” Rosalie leaned forwards and grabbed Hermione for a hug, which she gratefully received back.

 “I haven’t heard that in a while,” she laughed, shakily. “Everyone just assumes that I’m the weird looking book girl with two dumb best friends. Nobody ever thinks to ask me to join them for, you know… Girly things.”

Rosalie smiled. “I’d rather ask nobody else.”

 An hour or so later, Hermione and a cleaned up Rosalie emerged from the dormitory.

 “Hi, Hermione,” Harry said.

 “Yeah, hiya, Hermione.” Ron didn’t look up, he was doing homework.

She stared at them both, expectantly.

 “What?” Harry said, irritably.

 “You are both acting like children.” She folded her arms, and stood in a manner that was uncannily similar to Rosalie’s - defiant.

 “Why do you care?” Ron asked. He looked up at her, and seemed taken aback for a moment.

Her anger was calm and collected, and judging by Ron’s reaction - this was unlike her. Rosalie wondered if she really had made an impact on Hermione.

 “I care because you’re both being horrible to someone you’re supposed to be friends with.”

 “Blimey, Hermione, just because you’ve gone all best friends with her, doesn’t mean we have to.” Ron seemed annoyed.

 “No, but neither of you have to ignore her existence. She’s done nothing wrong.” Hermione stood up straight - despite being three inches taller than her, even Rosalie felt intimidated by this girl.

 “She’s ruined stuff,” Harry said, not looking at Hermione. “It’s not my fault she had to go and stick her nose in other people’s business.”

Rosalie felt white hot anger bubble up inside of her, and she stared at Harry, coldly.

He didn’t look at her, but he did shift in his seat. Why is she staring at me?

 “You’re both acting like bullies.” Hermione glared at them both.

Ron looked at her. “What’s gotten into you? Normally you hate Slytherins.”

 “I am not a Slytherin, if you haven’t noticed,” Rosalie said, but Ron ignored her entirely.

 “Normally, I hate bullies, but try as I might right now I can’t bring myself to dislike you both so much. However, I don’t like either of you right now.”

They both stared at her. “What?”

 “I dislike the both of you right now, and I’m disappointed. I expected better from people who are supposed to be my best friends.”

Harry and Ron glanced at each other.

 “Okay,” Ron said, defiantly, “why should I care?”

Hermione glared at him. “Come on, Rosalie,” she said.

Rosalie followed her, handbag in hand.

 “I genuinely can’t believe they’re acting so childish,” Hermione said, after the portrait swung closed behind them. “I expected this sort of thing from them in second year, not when we’re all coming up sixteen.”

 “When is your birthday, Hermione?” Rosalie asked, curiously.

Hermione eyed her. “Nineteenth of this month.”

 “Ooh, that’s so close!” Rosalie smiled. “What’re you doing for it?”

Hermione sighed. “I dunno, I never really do anything.”

 “Do the boys even remember?” Rosalie watched her.

 “Yeah, Ron sometimes forgets but that’s just Ron. I don’t think he remembers his own birthday, honestly.”

Rosalie watched her. “Well, how am I supposed to even get you a present if we’re all locked here?”

Hermione smiled. “You don’t need to get me a present, Rosalie.”

 “Okay, but I want to, innit?”

 “I suppose. You can owl for one.”

Rosalie blinked. “I ain’t got an owl.”

 “There are school owls,” Hermione said, gently. “Do you want to see?”

 “Owls? Fuck yeah, I love animals.”

Hermione laughed, and turned a corner.

 “I don’t know how you don’t get lost here,” Rosalie said after a few minutes.

She shrugged. “I’ve been here for four years. You actually get used to it pretty quickly.”

 “Do you?”

She nodded.

Rosalie watched her, with admiration. “You’re a bloody genius.”

 “So are you, Rosalie,” Hermione said looking at her nails. “They’re so pretty!”

 “I love that they match.” Rosalie put her hand next to Hermione’s, giggling.

Hermione smiled at her.

Upon arriving at the Owlery, Rosalie was floored. “Oh my God. Why are there so many birds?”

A snowy white owl flew down to Hermione, who she gave head scratches to. “There are a lot of students.”

 “Who’s owl is that?”

 “Harry’s,” Hermione said, offhandedly. “Her name is Hedwig.”

Rosalie nodded. “Do you have an owl?”

Hedwig flew off. “No, I have a cat. Crookshanks.”

Rosalie smiled. “Where is he?”

 “He’s been out and about lately, but he’s fine.” Hermione shook her head.

Rosalie smiled. “I wish I had a pet.”

Hermione watched her. “Why don’t you have one?”

 “I didn’t know it was an option, honestly.” She shrugged.

 “Oh. Is there anywhere else you’d like me to show you to?”

 “The library,” Rosalie said, quickly.

Hermione watched her, and nodded. “Sure.”

Rosalie followed Hermione out of the owlery with a tippity-tap again.

 “Do you like reading, Rosalie?” Hermione asked.

Rosalie paused. I don’t wanna seem like a nerd again, play it cool. “Yeah, do you?”

 “Ooh, I love it.” Oh, good, we’re safe here. Great.

 “Me too, I just don’t wanna seem… you know.”

Hermione watched her. “Yeah, I do know. I’ve had a bad reputation for my love of reading and learning and whatnot.”

 “I did in my old highschool.” Rosalie sighed. “Decided it was a good idea for a fresh start, you know?”

 “Yeah.” Hermione smiled. “I wish I could erase people’s memories of me before fifth year.”

 “Then you wouldn’t have had a boyfriend.”

Hermione giggled. “That’s not a bad thing.”

They walked, giggling to each other about something or other.

 “Is there any particular reason why you two might be wandering around the corridors right before dinner?”

Rosalie looked behind her, and rolled her eyes. Snape was behind them.

 “Are you stalking me or something?” She said, jokingly.

He gave the briefest of smiles, so briefly Rosalie thought she could have imagined it. “No, it is just hard to not hear and investigate such loud conversation.”

 “Oh.” Rosalie glanced at Hermione, who was stifling a laugh.

 “Is there something you find funny, Miss Granger?” He turned to her.

Rosalie had to resist the urge to laugh as she composed herself.

 “N-no,” Hermione said, before bursting into a fit of giggles.

Rosalie soon followed suit.

 “What is funny?” He demanded. “Why are you laughing?”

Rosalie couldn’t breathe, and clung onto Hermione for support. “I don’t know.”

He stared at the two of them, confused. For some reason, this only made the two of them laugh even more, until Rosalie choked.

 “I’m fine,” she wheezed, coughing.

Hermione tried to help her up through giggles.

Snape mumbled something, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

 “What was that?” Rosalie said, coughing. Somehow, she had managed to half compose herself.

 “Nothing of importance. I ask again, why are you two away from the Great Hall when dinner is about to start?”
“It’s dinner?” Rosalie asked, surprised.

He raised an eyebrow, slowly. “Yes?”

He paused. “You are supposed to be in detention, no?”

His eyes glanced at her arm for a moment, and she paused, glancing at Hermione.

 “Uh… Dumbledore let us leave,” Rosalie said.

He nodded, slowly. “I see. A word, if you wouldn’t mind.”

Rosalie glanced at Hermione again, who smiled at her. “I’ll see you later, yeah?”

 “Sure,” Hermione smiled, waving her colourful fingernails at her. “See you later!”

Rosalie waved back, and Snape eyed their nails.

 “Coloured nails are not permitted in Hogwarts,” he said, as Hermione turned the corner.

 “Oh, that’s a shame,” she said, jokingly.

 “Come with me.” He swept in the same direction he came.

Did he come looking for me or something?

Rosalie followed him, curiously.

He walked to his office, opening the door.

Rosalie entered, silently. Fuck shit.

Snape looked at her for a second, before sighing.

 “I hear you got into a fight today,” he said, sitting at his desk and rifling through papers.

 “How’d you-?”

 “Professor McGonagall came to inform me, of course.”

She giggled. “Oh. Well, she deserved it.”

He looked up. “However much we think someone deserves it, we do not hit them.”

 “She went for me first. Self defence, you know?” She sat down in front of him, leaning back in her seat.

He watched her. “What exactly happened?”

 “Why’re you asking?” Rosalie asked, curiously.

He blinked. “Curiosity.”

She sighed. “Basically, right, I was only going up the dormitory for something, right, and I see Lavender talking to Parvati, so I say hi, yeah?” She spoke fast. “She turns to me and says I’m a boyfriend stealing slag-”

 “Language,” he said, mildly amused.

 “Well, I have to recount it accurately, don’t I?”

He leaned back in his chair, eyebrows raised. “Do go on.”

 “Yeah, so basically I’m there like, what? And she says it again so I’m like, shut the fuck up you whore, and she-”

 “You called her a what?”

 “A whore.”

He looked at the ceiling, exasperated. “Continue.”

 “So she’s basically like, what the fuck did you just call me, then chases me down the stairs while I’m just there pissing myself laughing, because honestly it was funny.”

 “Uhhuh.” He didn’t look at her.

 “So she’s screaming as she chases me into the common room, stay away from people’s boyfriends, you slag-”

 “And why did she say that, specifically?” He seemed annoyed.

 “Cause I was nearly about to kiss someone and-”

He looked at her. “Who?”

 “Irrelevant. Anyway-”

 “Rosalie,” he said, “I asked who.”

She rolled her eyes. “Harry, obviously. As I was-”

He stared at her, and put his face into his hands. “Oh dear God. No, no. You’re making a mistake there.”

 “I gathered. Can I continue?”

He sighed, deeply. “Continue.”

 “So I’m basically there like, I haven’t gone near anyone’s boyfriend you bitch, and she’s just screaming at me and goes to hit me.”

 “Uhhuh.”

 “I chuck my stuff to Hermione, and batter her, innit?”

He looked up, a mix of amusement and bemusement on his face. “And then?”

 “Then she gives up and calls me a skank. Who even says that?!” Rosalie was laughing again.

He shook his head. “I’m assuming Professor McGonagall intervened at this point?”

 “Yeah.”

He nodded. “My God.”

 “Huh?”

 “My child is the epitome of a Gryffindor. This is embarrassing,” he said, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

 “Why?”

 “I am the Head of Slytherin.”

Rosalie nodded. “Okay.”

He watched her. “I wanted to talk to you about something else.”

She paused. “Oh.”

 “Last night’s detention with Professor Umbridge.”

 “I saw that one coming,” she said, with a sigh.

He shook his head. “If something like that happens again, I want you to tell me.”

 “It was past midnight,” Rosalie started, but he stopped her.

 “Any time. I want to know.” He seemed distressed, something Rosalie wasn’t expecting.

She nodded, slowly. “I understand.”

He looked back at his papers, quietly. He seemed to be looking through them, as though wondering what to say.

Rosalie paused. “Uh.”

He didn’t look up. “Mmhmm?”

 “How has your day been?” She asked, in an attempt to make some kind of conversation.

He paused, and looked up, confused. “Why?”

 “Curiosity,” she said, looking at him.

He paused, and then smiled in disbelief, shaking his head. “My day has been as mediocre as any other day is, was, and will ever be.”

She looked at him, oddly. “Right.”

 “Yourself?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

Rosalie considered this. “It has been… an emotional rollercoaster,” she said, casually.

He watched her, waiting.

 “I’m not telling you about all of it. You’ll kill someone.”

He blinked, and looked at the ceiling, exasperated. “You do not know that.”

 “Oh, but I do,” She smiled.

He looked at her, an odd expression on his face. “Did Potter do something again?” He asked, quietly.

Rosalie coughed. “No, he didn’t.”

 “You are a bad liar,” he sighed.

 “Fuck’s sake,” she mumbled.

He watched her.

 “Fine. Yeah, it was him, but don’t go killing him or making his life harder, yeah?”

He sighed. “I cannot promise that.”

 “You’re gonna have to.” She looked squarely at him, irritated.

He met her gaze evenly, before sighing. “Fine.”

 “Right, so. After we’re let out of detention with Dumbledore, he blows up on me, right?”

Snape watched her, a neutral expression on his face. “Yes?”

 “Yeah, and he’s all like, why the fuck did you make me lose my friend, you’re changing Hermione-”

 “I have noticed somewhat of a difference with Miss Granger,” Snape remarked, coolly. “She wore makeup today. I have not once-”

 “Yes, I know, I put it on her,” Rosalie said, quickly.

He looked mildly amused. “I see. Continue.”

 “Right, yeah, so I’m like, I’ve done nothing you dumbass, I’m treating her like a human, and obviously it’s not my fault some bitch got jealous that I-”

 “Who?”

 “Ginny Weasley,” she said, giggling. “I couldn’t believe it myself. You know she told people they were dating because she was jealous?”

He looked amused. “Oh, wow.”

 “Yeah, she told everyone I fucked her boyfriend and I’m obviously there like, I’ve not even kissed anyone in the castle yet, and she just ignores-”

 “Yet,” he remarked, his eyebrows raised. 

He waved a hand, dismissively. “Not important. Harry basically, while having a go at me was like, nobody in Gryffindor likes you, nobody wants you, you belong in Slytherin, and I’m obviously there like, obviously not? Like, have you met Hermione? We get on so well, like. The fact that he thought to even say that to me after I fixed him up and got him out of those stupid abusive detentions is ridiculous.”

Snape stared at her. “The ungrateful brat. I’d ought to-”

 “No, you don’t, sorry to say. You promised you wouldn’t do or say anything to him.”

He stared at her. “I don’t like him.”

 “Yeah, and I don’t know what he did to you, but we’ll make up eventually. Boys don’t stay mad at me,” she said, yawning.

Snape shook his head. “You are insane.”

 “I’m realistic, innit? Boys are dumb and I’m hot. What am I meant to do?”

He put his head in his hands. “I am the wrong person to be telling this to.”

Rosalie laughed. “Girl’s gotta do what she’s gotta do, innit? Oh my God, you’re the Head of Slytherin. That means you work with that Malfoy, right?”

He nodded, slowly.

 “Ferret boy,” Rosalie said, before giggling.

Snape unsuccessfully held back a smile. “What about him?”

 “He’s obsessed with me,” Rosalie said, sitting comfortably. “He keeps asking me on dates and honestly I’m just this,” she pinched her fingers close, “close to just saying yes to get him to shut up.”

Snape stared at her. “So he’s harassing you?”

Rosalie laughed. “Literally yes. It’s embarrassing for him. He thinks I care about-”

The door knocked. “Professor Snape?”

Malfoy’s voice.

Snape looked to her, and she shrugged. “Come in,” he said.

The door opened, and Malfoy stepped inside. He noticed Rosalie, and paused.

 “Good evening,” Snape said, evenly, “how may I help?”

Malfoy looked between the two of them - Rosalie had turned in her chair to look at him.

 “Should I come back later?” He asked.

 “No,” Rosalie said, coolly, “I don’t care. Only if you want me to leave, obviously.”

Snape watched the two of them, with mild interest.

 “Oh, well I, er…” Malfoy stumbled over his words.

 “You’ve lost all the confidence you had yesterday,” Rosalie said, teasingly.

He glared at her pointedly, and she rolled her eyes. “Yeah, whatever. Do you want me to go or not?”

Malfoy coughed. “I, er…”

 “Answer the question,” Snape said, evenly. “I don’t have time to wait.”

 “Yeah, I’d like to speak to you… alone. About, uh… you know…” Malfoy pulled his sleeve down, nervously.

Snape looked at him for a moment, and nodded. “Indeed.”

She jumped from her chair, taking her handbag. “I’ll be off!”

Snape nodded once, and Malfoy stared at her.

 “See you both in class. Take care, you!” She said, waving at Snape as she left.

 “Take care,” she heard him say quietly, as the door closed.

Rosalie walked for a minute before realised she had no idea where she was going.

 “Oh,” she said, annoyed. She continued to walk, idly.

I wonder what I’m gonna do about Harry and Ron. Am I gonna have to listen to Lavender being bitchy in the dormie?

That was the worst thought of all.

Rosalie realised her shoes were making the noise again, and started tap dancing down the hall. I love this sound.

She felt a pair of eyes watching her, curiously. She looked up to see Harry staring at her.

 “Oh, you.” She stopped dancing, and span to face him properly.

He watched her, a weird expression on his face. “I was looking for you.”

 “Were you? Wow, cool, why do I care?”

Harry looked annoyed. “I came to apologise, actually,” he said.

 “Oh.” Rosalie watched him. “I thought it was dinner?”

 “It is, but I couldn’t stop thinking about… what I said.” Harry looked at his shoes, awkwardly.

 “Oh.” Rosalie cleared her throat. “Are you going back to dinner, or…?”

 “No, I’m going to the common room.”

 “I’ll come, I guess. Not hungry,” Rosalie lied.

He shrugged, and started walking.

She followed him, awkwardly. “Nice weather we’re having.”

He laughed, in disbelief. “You’re mental.”

 “And you’re an idiot, what’s your point?”

He slowed his walking. “Listen, Rosalie, I… I’m sorry, honestly.”

She shrugged. “It’s fine.”

Stop it. “No, it isn’t.” He stopped, and turned to her. “I said stuff I didn’t mean, and it was… hurtful. You deserve better from your friends, you’re a good person.” Harry looked away.

 “Everyone makes mistakes,” she shrugged. “I’m still pissed, but I’m not a child. You’ve obviously got shit going on, I’m not taking it personally.”

Harry stared at her, incredulously. “That’s it?”

 “Huh?” She looked up at him, curiously.

 “There’s no… shouting, or whatever? No silence?”

Rosalie blinked. “Is that how you guys deal with shit here?”

 “Yeah?”

She shook her head. “Fuck, no. I’m nearly sixteen, not six.”

 “Oh…” He frowned. “Well, what is it?”

 “I forgive you, idiot. Don’t reckon my father will, though.”

Harry stared at her. “Why did you tell him?”

 “He asked!”

Harry groaned.

 “Don’t worry, I made him promise not to do anything.” Rosalie smiled. “I think that’d piss me off more.”

 “Oh.” He watched her. “Why?”

 “Why what?”

Harry frowned. “Why would that-”

Rosalie felt her face go warm, and she shifted her weight to her other foot. “Because I care about you, silly,” she interrupted, quickly.

 “Oh.” Harry’s cheeks tinted red, and he turned away. “Even after-?”

 “Yeah, dumbass. Let’s not chat here.” He nodded, and continued to walk.

Rosalie followed him again, slinging her handbag onto her shoulder lazily.

 Fifth of September, 1995.

Half-past-eight o’clock, PM.

 “What, so that was just… that?”

Hermione was staring between the two of them.

Rosalie shrugged. “I don’t care enough, I’m tired.”

Harry said nothing.

 “You’re mad, mate,” Ron said, staring at Harry. “It’s because of her-”

 “Shut up, Ron,” Harry said, quietly. “She didn’t do anything wrong.”

Ron scoffed. “Yeah, right. You only say that because-”

 “Because what, Ron?” Hermione turned to glare at him.

Now, despite only coming up to his shoulders, her gaze made him falter. “Hermione…”

Rosalie cut in. “This is ridiculous. Are you guys fifteen or what?”

Ron turned to glare at her. “Don’t speak to me, freak.”

 “Okay, you fucking moron,” Rosalie said, with a smile. He’ll never know.

 “Did I ask for your opinion?”

 “I don’t remember fucking caring,” Rosalie folded her arms, defiantly.

 “Now hang on just a second-” Harry said, before being cut off by Hermione.

 “All three of you shut up,” she said. “My God. I’m tired of this. Rosalie didn’t do anything wrong, I have no clue why you’re obsessed with being right all the time, Ron.”

Ron stared at her. “I am always right.”

Harry hit him over the head with a piece of paper. “No, you’re not. Neither of us are here, but at least I can actually apologise for it.”

Ron groaned. “Fine. I’m sorry.”

Rosalie rolled her eyes. “This is ridiculous, I’m just going to bed. She got up in a huff.

 “Goodnight,” Harry said, quietly.

Rosalie turned to look at him, and for just one moment, the world around her faded. She saw him, and only him, and nothing else mattered. She felt her heartbeat quicken as she saw his face.

 “Goodnight,” she said, sweetly. “To all three of you.”

She turned back, and walked towards the stairs.

Rosalie stumbled, hitting her elbow on the stairs. “Owww.”

Ron guffawed, and got shut up immediately by Hermione.

 “Are you alright?” She asked, walking over.

Rosalie nodded. “Yeah, just a… nerve hit, I think. Ugh.”

 “Eck, I know the feeling,” Hermione said, sympathetically.

Harry stared at her, and Rosalie blinked at him.

 “You good?” He asked her, from across the room.

She gave him a thumbs up, and got up. “I’m great!” She said. “Absolutely wonderful. Just what I needed today,” she grumbled, walking upstairs.

When she did enter the dormitory, she saw Lavender, Parvati and Leah there already, each doing their own thing. Leah gave her a wave as she entered, to which Rosalie happily returned.

 “Oh,” Lavender said to Parvati, who groaned exasperatedly. “It’s her.”

Rosalie glared at her, took her pyjamas, and went to go shower. I’ve had enough of this today. My second shower today but I literally do not care.

She folded up her clothes neatly, and stepped into the shower, pulling the curtain closed behind her. She let the hot water wash her stresses away, thinking about the day she’d had as she did so.

So, I fight with Harry twice, get told I’m unwanted, then he apologises, Ron still hates me, I got into a fight with Lavender, Ginny doesn’t like me ‘cause she’s jealous of me… Rosalie washed her hair. What. A. Day. Hopefully tomorrow is less stressful, I have Potions. That can’t be… too bad, right? Nothing can really happen.

Rosalie finished her shower, and got ready for bed.

When she arrived in the dormitory, she saw Hermione looking through her own things.

 “Oh, hi, babe,” Rosalie said, yawning.

Hermione smiled. “Hiya. Don’t happen to have makeup remover, do you?” She blushed.

 “Think I left it in the bathroom, feel free to use it.” She got into bed, and Hermione giggled.

 “Thank you.”

As soon as Hermione dashed out of the room, Rosalie fell asleep.