Rose Weasley and the Sneaking Slytherin

Rose Weasley and the Sneaking Slytherin

"The Talk"

"Thank Merlin you only had one shot of it. I always knew you were smart like your mum, but even I didn't know to stop after one."

A somewhat green Albus was puttering slowly along with the rest of the Gryffindor team, save Finnigan who was passed out in the sand, oblivious to the crab inching up his leg.

"Alright team, land!" Once they all reached the beach, he went on. "New rule. No more Firewhiskey this week. I know it's our break and all, and we should be relaxing, but I certainly don't feel relaxed. Nothing stronger than Butterbeer for the remainder of the trip."

His comments were met with mild grumbling, but they were mostly the result of the previous evening.

As the teammates dispersed (just missing an impressive leap from Finnigan when the crab made it into his swim trunks), Al was able to talk to Rose privately.

"So what happened to you last night? You weren't around for ages, and then you stomp in and throw back the first glass someone hands you. That's not like you. What gives?"

"Someone just royally pissed me off is all. No big deal. It's over now."

"It wouldn't happen to have been a certain Slytherin?" He stepped back as Rose rounded on him; he had seen the move with his aunt and uncle. "Nothing by it, I've just noticed that he gets under your skin better than anyone we know. Competing in classes for the top mark, racing against each other for the Snitch... it makes sense that he drives you crazy."

You have no idea.

"So go on and curse him or kiss him, just make up your mind already."

"WHAT?!?" Rose blushed as several onlookers from the beach turned towards the commotion. She whispered fiercely, "What are you on about? It's not like that, we're not even mates!"

"Look Rosie, you don't have to keep secrets from me, we're cousins. What's with the cute little nickname? If that isn't flirting, than I don't know flirting."

"Maybe you don't, you git, remember that Tamira Vane incident?"

"Oi, don't remind me and DON'T change the subject. What does Rosetta mean?"

Rose sighed. "It's silly, really. We have Runes together, of course, and I happen to be excellent in that course if I say so myself. I am a natural at translations." She turned to Al, who looked thoroughly perplexed. "It's a reference to something we learned in Muggle Studies. As a metaphor, a Rosetta Stone is a critical key to a process of decryption or translation of a difficult problem. It's meant to be flattering, I suppose, but also remind me of what a dork I am."

Albus laughed, and Rose wiped away the grin she hadn't felt forming.

"Oh cousin, you are in so deep! He obviously fancies you!" His mood sobered as they walked along the beach, and he asked, "Is this just because of yours and my dad?"

Rose didn't answer, though she bristled a bit.

"I wish desperately that I could tell you no, Al, but... well let's just say that when it comes to the Malfoys, my dad can be a bit of a... well--"

"Twat?"

Rose giggled, "Well yes, but it was not the word I was looking for. And it isn't only that. You've heard their stories about his dad and granddad. What if Scorpius turns out like that? His family history is darker than anyone we know. Sure, he is charming and proper, and he maintains a courteous disposition, but who's to say? What if it isn't him? What if it doesn't last?"

"Cousin, this isn't Runes class. Stop trying to translate everything. And despite your denial, you know him better than to think that of him. I know you like to calculate risks, but you still have to take them sometimes, right?"

Rose turned to face him. "Just why exactly are you pushing this? What do you care?" She smiled and teased, "Won't this affect your Quidditch season, Potter?"

His expression remained the same, as he looked at her and quite genuinely said, "I hope you know that your happiness is much more important to me than a game, Rose."

Her eyes watered a bit at his warm statement. Sometimes Al can be quite a gentleman.

"Even if it is the best game ever," he added with a twinkle in his eye.

Ah, there's my cousin again.

She looked out over the waves. Rose wasn't normally one for drama, but she couldn't help but feel like she was being tossed around on those waves. Seventeen can be very tumultuous, she thought. Especially when your heart is involved.

RW and the SS Chapter 03 3