Dragon Heartstrings

It was raining in Scotland. She could hear it, beating down on the windows. Rose had walked all the way to the back of the train. To a rounded room, with a large window going all around. Circling the room, underneath the window were deep purple velvet seats. She sat, running her hand along the cushions, and lay her head against the windowpane. It was almost dark. Listening to the rain, she closed her eyes. 

She wasn’t sure how long she had been sitting there, when she heard the door slide open. 

‘We’ll be there soon,’ Scorpius said. He was in his uniform too, shirt untucked and sticking out below his school jumper. 

‘Your tie is loose,’ she said flatly, turning away from him again.

He laughed lightly, walking over and sitting down next to her.

‘I usually use my wand, can never get it right normally,’ he told her.

She said nothing. Where were the girls? Could they not be bothered to follow her so they sent Scorpius Malfoy instead?

‘Fix it for me?’ he asked, interrupting her thoughts.

She turned around and made a face. 

‘You’re joking surely,’ she said incredulously.

He grinned back at her. ‘I knew you wouldn't,’ he said, undoing his tie and pulling out his wand.

‘It still looks shit,’ she said once he was done. 

She shook her head. Rose moved her body so she was sitting facing him, legs crossed. She reached over and undid the knot, starting over. She felt Scorpius still. He was watching her intently. She didn’t look at him, keeping her focus on his tie. 

‘There,’ she said once she was done. 

She began to move backwards but Scorpius took her hands, holding her in place. She stopped. Her breath hitched. She was only now realising how close they were sitting. They were inches apart. She let her eyes roam over his face. She had always thought his eyes were just grey, but up close she saw they had flecks of green in them. He had a light sprinkle of freckles over his nose, from his last few weeks of summer. She could probably count them if she tried. He was looking at her carefully.

‘They are looking for you by the way,’ he said finally, breaking her out of her trance.

‘Hmm?’ she said, confused.

‘Frankie and the others. They went checking up the front,’ he said, looking down. 

‘Oh,’ Rose said. ‘But you saw me go towards the back, didn’t you?’ she asked.

‘Yes,’ 

‘But you told them to go the other way?’

Scorpius paused. ‘Well I just didn’t say anything when they went the wrong way. So I didn’t lie,’ he said, letting go of her hands.

Rose stared at him. ‘Are you blushing?’ she asked, unable to stop the smile forming on her face. He looked away, she laughed.

‘It’s warm in here,’ he said, unconvincingly. 

‘I assumed they weren’t bothered,’ she said, uncrossing her legs and placing her feet on the floor. 

‘No they were. I shouldn't have said nothing. But I thought I should be the one to talk to you. I just thought. I - yeah,’

‘You just thought…?’

‘Well was the reason you stormed off…me?’

Rose scoffed. ‘Flatter yourself don’t you? And I didn’t storm off,’ she huffed, crossing her arms.

‘I do, and you did,’ he mocked. 

‘Take a day off,’ she said, blowing a stray hair off her face.

‘From what?’ he asked, offended.

‘Bothering me,’ she huffed.

‘Only when you do,’ he countered. 

‘Enough,’ she sighed. 

‘I have a proposition,’ he said.

‘A proposition?’ she asked intrigued despite herself. 

‘Yup,’ his playful manner had returned. 

‘Go on,’ she replied after a moment. 

‘Friends,’ 

‘Friends?’

‘Friends,’ he grinned.

She stared at him.

‘Explain yourself,’ she demanded. 

‘You and I. Rosalyn and Scorpius. Princess of Gryfindor and Slytherin’s Prince. Become friends,’ he sat back, still grinning at her.

‘Did you just call yourself a prince?’

‘I also called you a princess so allow it,’

‘Wow,’ she replied, uncrossing her arms and letting herself lean back into the seat. 

‘So?’

‘So. Let me just wrap my head around this, Prince Scorpius,’ she ignored his eye roll. ‘After six years of me versus you, of screaming matches, of competing for top of the class, our snide, smug little insults, and even tackles on the quidditch pitch. You?’ she paused, pointed at him. ‘Want to be friends?’ she asked, raising her eyebrows.

Scorpius nodded, ‘exactly. Call it a truce if you like’.

Rose said nothing. Something had definitely changed with her and Scorpius's relationship this summer, perhaps it had always been heading this way. She had some sort of feelings for him which she wasn’t ready to figure out just yet. But being friends? It certainly would make seventh year easier, and she couldn’t deny they did get on, when they took a break from winding each other up.

‘I suppose we do nearly all the same subjects. Our first names being side by side in the alphabet do force us to sit next to each other,’ she said slowly. ‘And we seem to have found ourselves with lots of mutual friends’.

‘Mmhm,’ he nodded solemnly, his face in mock seriousness.

‘Could be handy to have a study partner,’ she said, allowing herself to smile.

‘Maybe even a tutor,’ 

‘Don’t push it,’

‘Worth a try,’

‘Alright then,’ she said briskly, putting out her hand.

He shook it firmly, but didn’t let it go. ‘Friends?’ he asked.

‘Friends,’ she nodded.

Then, before she knew what was happening. He leant over and kissed her cheek.

‘Since we’re friends now,’ he said, ignoring the look on her face. ‘Gonna go find the lads,’ he got up and started towards the door. ‘See you friend,’ he winked at her and headed off up the corridor.

Rose sat there, frozen. She gaped at the door in disbelief. Cheek still tingling from where he had kissed her. What a twat, she thought. All this talk of friendship and he has the audacity to kiss her. She stood up and took a deep breath. They were friends now, she said to herself. If this was how he wanted to treat his friend, who was she to stop him? And she had every right to play along. Satisfied, she headed off to find the girls.

                                                                        *

She couldn’t find her friends on the train, and after seeing their carriage was empty she went looking for them on Hogsmeade Station.

The platform was packed with students. Rose’s height gave her an advantage, and she scanned the crowd. She saw Frankie, holding an umbrella, leading a line of first years towards the boats.

‘This way guys!’ she was calling. ‘Follow me - oh Rosie!’, Frankie gestured for her to come over. 

‘Hi, sorry, have you seen the girls?’ Rose called back, pushing through the crowd to get to her friend.

‘They’re in the line for the carriages, Sandy’s got your stuff. Here I’m sor-’ she began. Rose interrupted her.

‘No need, I was just cranky,’ she smiled at her and glanced at the line of patiently waiting first years. ‘Go on, I’ll see you inside,’ she turned towards the carriages when Frankie pushed the umbrella into her hands. Rose opened her mouth to object but Frankie was already leading the line in the opposite direction. 

She smiled to herself. Then she went off in the direction of the thestral-drawn carriages, holding the umbrella high above her, protecting her from the pouring rain. She spotted Sandy and Roxanne next to the lads, all huddled under their own umbrella.

‘You have my bag! Thank goodness,’ she said, standing next to them. Scorpius, Louis and Noah were crouching under Sandy’s umbrella, who was holding it just barely above her and Roxanne’s heads. Rose tapped Louis on the shoulder and lifted her umbrella higher, letting him and the other boys join her. 

‘Cheers,’ Scorpius smiled, standing next to her, raindrops clinging to his eyelashes. 

She leaned closer and whispered in his ear, ‘anything for a friend’. 

Scorpius' eyes widened for a second, but then he seemed to regain control of himself, and laughed, nudging her shoulder. 

They all piled onto a carriage, joining two Hufflepuff seventh years. They chatted to them for most of the journey. Rose smiled at Sandy, in an act of apology. She returned it, reassuring Rose that her outburst was forgotten. 

The entrance hall was warm, and they found their clothes and hair instantly dried once setting foot in it.

‘They could have taken frizz into account,’ Roxanne complained, trying to smooth down her hair. 

The great hall was already nearly full and everyone was busy taking their seats. Traditionally, people sat with their year groups for big feasts and celebrations. For every-day meals and other more random events students sat wherever. The girls parted ways with Scorpius, Louis and Noah, and went to sit at the end of the Gryfindor table, on the side closest to the door. 

‘Our last start of term feast,’ Sandy sighed wistfully.

‘Are you going to say that at every meal?’ Kit Fogarty, another Gryffindor seventh year asked, taking a seat next to Rose.

‘Yes I will Foggy,’ Sandy grinned. ‘Tomorrow morning you’ll be hearing “our last first monday of the year breakfast meal” ’. 

They all caught up while they waited for everyone else to take their seats. Soon, Frankie joined them, and the noise in the hall died down as they waited for the sorting ceremony to begin. 

‘They get smaller every year,’ Roxanne whispered, turning around to watch as the new students filed into the hall. 

The sorting ceremony was held by Professor McGonagal, who despite her older age, maintained a strict and tightly run ship, in relation to Gryffindor house, and Transfiguration classes. She had briefly stepped in as Headmistress for a few years, before handing the reins to Headmistress Florentina Alderton. The first years looked terrified listening to the Sorting Hat’s song. Rose watched as each student went forward, one by one, following their name being called. She thought back to her own sorting ceremony. She was so nervous. She had met Frankie on the train, and invited her to sit with her and Roxanne. They hadn’t met Sandy till she’d been assigned to their dorm. Rose’s mother had assured her no matter what house she was put in, that she and her father would be proud. She had also said it didn't even matter what house she was in, she could still mix with the others. Hermione had always promoted inter-house unity. Albus had been called before her, and she remembered the gasps of shock throughout the hall when the sorting hat shouted “Slytherin!”. Glancing over at him now, she saw him sitting with his back to her, next to Louis, across from the other two boys. She smiled to herself. Albus not being sorted into Gryffindor was the best thing for him. It gave him a chance to truly be himself. He didn’t have to be so worried about following in his father’s footsteps, or even living up to his brother’s reputation. 

She looked up at the ceiling. One of her favourite things about Hogwarts. It was still raining outside, she guessed it would remain that way for a few days. She delighted in the idea of sleeping in her four-poster bed tonight, the rain beating against the tower lulling her to sleep. 

‘Charles Zahn,’ McGonagall read out, folding the parchment and handing it to a prefect next to her. 

Once the sorting hat had assigned him to Ravenclaw, the noise in the room began to creep up again. 

‘I’m starving,’ she heard Sarah Egan say, a few seats down from her.

Once Headmistress Alderton stood up however, the hall quietened immediately. People sat up straighter. Alderton was young for a Headmistress. Well, she looked young anyway. Rose thought she couldn’t be older than her parents. Some students believed she had magically altered her appearance, to which Sandy would tell them that they were jealous and just didn’t like to see successful young women. Alderton was quite beautiful. She had a sort of ethereal glow. She was taller than Rose, although not by much. Her light, silver hair looked purple in certain lights. She usually wore it straight, letting it fall down her back, it reached to just below her knees. 

‘Good evening everyone,’ Alderton addressed the room in a sing-song voice. She wore long, draping, robes in a dark green. Along the sleeves were thick gold stitching, swirling around in obscure patterns across the material. Her pointed hat was a lush deep blue, with a velvet ribbon, bright red. Since Rose was in first year, she had witnessed Alderton wear many questionable robes. However she noticed that for both the start and end of year dinners, every year, she wore a combination of each of the house colours. 

‘Welcome to our new first years, and welcome back to the rest of ye. I won’t speak much for now, we shall all fill up on this magnificent feast, and I’ll speak to ye soon after,’ she smiled around warmly and clapped her hands. 

Immediately the barren tables were full of plates stacked high with every food considered necessary for a roast dinner. Bowls of roast potatoes, creamy mash, creamed leeks, buttery carrots and parsnips, brussels sprouts, stuffing and several plates of sliced roast chicken and ham. Rose hadn’t realised how hungry she was until now, and she began piling up her plate, going straight for every type of potato she could find. 

                                                                *

‘I think it’ll come down to Laurie Smith, and Jane Knight for chaser,’ Foggy said. Kit Fogarty had been one of the Gryffindor beaters since third year. 

‘True, bet half the house will try out though,’ Rose said distractedly. She was busy reaching for another slice of cake. There was always cake at Hogwarts meals, no matter the occasion. Tonight’s was one of her favourites, light, fluffy victoria sponge with thick layers of fresh cream and strawberries. 

‘Suppose, only one spot available though,’ Foggy replied, looking down the table, as if placing bets on candidates right at that moment. Tay Dadgar had graduated the year before, leaving her chaser’s spot free.

Rose wagged a finger at him. ‘Unless Redmond decides he wants to rejig the team. It’s not like we’re guaranteed a spot,’ she said, laughing at the look on his face. Rose had been on the team since second year, playing another one of their chasers. 

‘He’s not stupid. The team works too well together for him to have a reason to change it. But it will be hard to replace Tay,’ Kit replied somewhat sadly.

‘I’ve seen both Jane and Laurie play,’ Rose said, working out the skills of each person in her head. ‘They subbed a few matches before didn’t they?’

‘Mmhm,’ Kit nodded, taking a large gulp of sweet tea. 

‘Smith’s good. He comes from a quidditch family, both his parents were on their house teams in school. But he’s young, and immature, and actually he’s an ass. Not a team player. Lily told me he tried to take credit for her muggle studies project last year,’ Rose looked sideways along the table and spotted Laurie, flicking peas off his plate and into another girl's hair. Rose shuddered.

‘His parents were good players, especially his mother. They both played for their house,’ Kit said, following her gaze. His expression matched Rose’s.

‘How do you even know that?’

‘His mum and mine were in the same year,’ he explained.  

‘Jane’s good too. She plays differently though. You’d forget she’s a chaser. She plays like a seeker,’ Rose noted. 

People were beginning to get restless, tired from their journeys and eager to get back to their dorms. As if on cue, she saw Headmistress Alderton stand up again.

‘Well I hope everyone enjoyed their meals,’ she said earnestly, addressing the room. ‘Just a few announcements as usual, for our first day back, then I shall let us all go off to bed’.

Rose often switched off during the back to school speech. It was usually the same things as in previous years. The forest is strictly forbidden. A reminder to respect their prefects. Warnings about the staircases. She tuned in however, once she had heard the introductions of the head boy and girl. Anything important would be said after all the trivial stuff. 

‘I would like to inform you of a staff change this year. Our resident Care of Magical Creatures teacher, Professor Ventura, has been requested out in Brazil. So, this year will be covered by Professor Galdur,’ Alderton continued. 

Rose looked around in shock. Care of Magical Creatures was her favourite subject, by far. Her and Professor Ventura got on well. Leo Ventura was an old, greying wizard from Italy. He was covered in tattoos, he told Rose he got a tattoo for every new creature he encountered. He was short, barely reaching Rose’s shoulder, and his long hair was always tied up in a knot. He had travelled the world dealing with all sorts of creatures, and having gained enough experience, decided to settle down with a job at Hogwarts. He had previously worked with the Ministries of different countries, helping them care for unidentified magical creatures. She could only assume this was why he was called out to Brazil. She was sad to see him go, she should write to him, she thought to herself. Rose turned her attention back to Alderton. 

‘As it was short notice, Professor Galdur hasn’t arrived yet, but she has promised she’ll be here before the first lesson tomorrow. I can assure you with the strongest confidence that Professor Galdur will fit in well at Hogwarts,’ Alderton smiled brightly. ‘And now, I think that concludes our feast. First years please remain seated until a prefect comes to bring you to your common room. Everyone else, best behaviour now, set a good example for our new students,’ and with that, Headmistress Alderton whisked away. 

The girls were among the first to reach the common room.

‘ Fortis Magus ,’ she said, the portrait swung open. Frankie had told her the password before leaving to find the first years.

‘I don’t know how she’ll manage being a prefect in seventh year,’ Sandy said, sinking into an armchair beside the fire. Roxanne sat next to her, and Rose sat on the carpet, with her back to the fire.

‘You’ll be the only one with free time babe, me and Rosie have quidditch,’ Roxanne said, resting her head on her shoulder.

‘Excuse me I will not, I’ll be busy practising my commentator lines, and trying to learn all the team players names,’ Sandy said with a sly grin.

‘You didn’t!’ Roxanne shrieked.

‘I did,’ Sandy laughed, ‘I gave McGonagall my application earlier. She said she’d be delighted to give it to Hooch. Then she winked at me, as in actually winked ’. 

Sandy hit Rose with her outstretched foot. Rose jumped.

‘No congratulations? You’re the one who suggested I apply,’ Sandy said looking affronted. 

‘Sorry hun,’ Rose shook herself. ‘I’m just sad about Ventura. I’m delighted you’ll be commentator. Every match will have a full turnout’. 

‘Don’t worry Rosie,’ Sandy said, smiling kindly. ‘I bet Galdof will be just as good’.

‘Galdur actually,’ Roxanne whispered.

‘Shit sorry. Galdur,’ Sandy corrected. 

Rose sighed, unconvinced. The common room buzz was picking up now. Second years were striding over to the fire place. New found confidence from no longer being the youngest. 

‘Should we go down to the Commons? Once Frankie comes back?’ Sandy asked them, making a face at all the loud teenagers in the room. 

The Commons was an all house common room, for the fifth years and above. It was brought in over ten years ago. Alderton decided if they really wanted to promote inter-house inclusivity and relations, then they needed to have an inter-house common room. One room for the whole school did seem to be outrageous however. So it was decided that just the last three years would have access to it. The girls spent the majority of their free time there, joining the lads for studying, or playing cards in the evening time. 

‘Mmm I think we should debrief in our dorm,’ Rose said. She had enough to think about. She didn’t need to spend the evening with Scorpius after not having yet processed their conversation on the train. 

‘Oooh. Girls night, perfect,’ Sandy nodded. 

They headed upstairs to unpack their things once Frankie joined them. 

‘You were ages, what kept you?’ Rose asked, pulling her record player out from her trunk and setting it up.

‘I know sorry, I was chatting to Al,’ Frankie said. She was testing out the different pillows, trying to decide which one was the comfiest.

‘Rawr,’ Sandy said. She ducked to avoid the pillow thrown at her. 

‘Come on lets play Rummy,’ Roxanne said holding up several packs of cards.

The girls all agreed and soon they were set up. Sitting cross legged on the floor, thick, cosy blankets underneath them, hand knitted by Molly Weasley. Rose had lit the stove in the middle of the floor, and Frankie had made tea for them in their bright pink teapot. Sandy had requested Abba as the artist of the night, so Rose had put on her Abba Gold record. Roxanne rooted around in her bag and pulled out her stash of chocolate frogs from the train. They passed them around, talking and playing cards until the early hours of the morning. 

                                                                  *