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Chapter Text

Rosemary Abbott was the Hero of Hogwarts, and little was known about her.

From the wealthy pure-blood Abbott family, Rosemary Abbott was quietly raised at home, away from the prying eyes of the wizarding world. Her parents had all but accepted she would live as a Squib and were preparing to abandon her to the Muggle world, when everything changed.

Rosemary's powers emerged suddenly and in full-force and destiny took a wild and wonderful turn: she entered Hogwarts as a fifth year and ended the year as a hero.

Her parents were overjoyed at her dazzling entrance into the wizarding world and immediately began seeking marriage prospects. The Abbott family upheld the tradition of betrothals during adolescence to ensure wholesome familial alliances and a secure and bright future post-Hogwarts. With little time left and a short list of pure-blood suitors, their prayers were answered when, out of the blue, they received a letter from none other than Marisol Gaunt, matron of House Gaunt.

Although loathed to have such a rebellious and disappointing son as Ominis, Mrs. Gaunt had one unshakeable goal: the continuation of the Gaunt bloodline. As soon as the news of the Hero of Hogwarts graced the pages of the Daily Prophet, she had her answer. It did not matter to her that Rosemary had once been a Squib - her worthless son could finally serve a purpose.

The letter arrived as the Abbotts were wracking their brains as to what to do. They had not needed to think about marriages since their middle child, Angelica, had married Parry Longbottom four years ago, back when Rosemary had yet to show a hint of magical ability. Clover Abbott, the eldest, had married Elizabeth Avery even earlier. So, finding a match for Angelica had been easy, thanks to Hogwarts and Elizabeth's extensive connections. Historically, the Abbott family married pure, but truth be told, they cared more about social standing than blood status. And what could be purer and more prestigious than the lofty Gaunt name?

After reading the letter, they responded at once and agreed to move forward with plans to arrange a marriage for the two after graduation.

Rosemary was not consulted.

Only a month before returning to Hogwarts, her parents broke the news over dinner, without ceremony.

"Rosemary," her father, Atticus Abbott, cleared his throat. "Do you by chance know of the Gaunt boy in your year at Hogwarts?"

Rosemary froze. Her father never asked about her friends, he had barely even asked about her school adventures last year, preferring to read them in the Daily Prophet.

"Yes, Ominis Gaunt. He's a friend of mine."

"Is he? Splendid to hear it." Her father returned to his meal, saying no more.

She glanced at her mother, Flora Abbott, who had also paused and was now watching the two of them closely.

"He must be a nice boy then?" Her mother asked.

"Yes," Rosemary answered, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. They were working up to something, she could feel it. "Why are you asking about Ominis all of a sudden?"

"Since you asked," Her father readily put down his fork and knife. "We are in the process of arranging a marriage for the two of you after you graduate Hogwarts. It is effective immediately, so you may call yourselves 'betrothed' from now on."

"I dare say that is such a relief to hear." Her mother chimed in, a hand to her heart. "I was so worried you might return from Hogwarts with some unsuitable romantic attachment. I remember what it was like, being a beautiful, pure-blood student. Luckily, I met your father so early on and our parents were in such happy agreement." She reached across and squeezed her husband's hand affectionately.

Rosemary could only blink.

What. Was. Happening?

Marriage? She had only had magic for a year, and they already wanted to marry her off?

To Ominis of all people?

Not that Ominis was a bad person - far from it. Though they had had a rocky beginning he had quickly become a calm and logical voice in the mayhem of last year. Still, she supposed she should have expected something like this. It was, after all, the exact same thing her parents had done for Clover and Angelica.

But Ominis?

"How did...?" She started but could not seem to finish her sentence, still in shock from the sudden announcement. "How...?"

"Simple enough. Marisol Gaunt proposed it, and we accepted." Her father said as a matter of fact.

"Your future mother-in-law." Her mother added brightly.

Rosemary let out an exasperated noise, not knowing where to start with them. Of course they had not asked her. And of course, she knew who Marisol Gaunt was. But to refer to her as 'future-mother-in-law' already?

"Excuse me, I need some air." Rosemary left the dining room as quickly as she could, heading straight for the front door.

Their house-elf, Bon, deftly opened it for her and followed her out.

"I don't need an escort, Bon, but thank you." Rosemary said over her shoulder.

"Miss Rosemary, it might not be Bon's place to say, but Bon is happy to hear Mr. Ominis Gaunt will be joining the Abbott family."

Rosemary paused to look at him. "Why would you say that?"

"Because Miss is a caring and gentle soul. And Bon has heard things - terrible things about the Gaunt Manor. Things Bon dares not repeat. But Mr. Ominis is not like the rest of his family. That is why Bon is happy. Someday, Bon hopes to meet the young Gaunt."

Rosemary was curious then, "Do you hear things from other house-elves? Is that how you know about those...'terrible things?'" She knew only a little about what Bon was referring to from what Ominis and Sebastian had already told her, but she did not want to think what else there could be.

"Yes. That is also how Bon kept the Master and Mistress informed of Miss Rosemary's time at Hogwarts. Deek had many nice things to say. It made Bon proud."

Rosemary smiled despite herself. So that was how her parents had known what she was doing at school, not just through the Daily Prophet, but through Deek, too. In a way, it was a comfort to know they might care more than they let on.

"Thank you, Bon. I'll keep that in mind."

In the weeks that followed the abrupt announcement, all Rosemary could think of to write Ominis was a short letter asking if he knew. And his reply was simply: "Yes."

She poured her heart into a long letter to Angelica, her happily married sister, but all she did was agree that their parents knew best. Talking to her friends felt wrong until she had spoken to Ominis face-to-face.

So, by the time September finally arrived, Rosemary was a bundle of nerves just waiting to be ironed out. She anxiously wrung her hands while waiting on the platform of 9¾ for Ominis...and her school friends, but mainly Ominis. What she did not expect was a sudden influx of people, recognizing her from the Daily Prophet, greeting her, wanting to shake her hand, etc. She could not handle the overwhelming throng and politely, but quickly, ducked into the nearest train carriage. She then rushed into the first available compartment and shut the door tightly behind her.

Taking a few deep breaths to steady herself, she finally turned to find none other than Ominis, sitting stick straight in the seat with his wand out and glowing red.

"Ominis!" Rosemary all but shouted in surprise. "How did you...when did you...?" Then belatedly she realized he might not recognize her voice at this point. "It's me, Rosemary."

"Yes, I knew it was you the moment you entered. You have a very...distinct smell."

"I do?" She turned her head to the side to discretely sniff herself. "Nothing bad I hope."

"Not unless you find the scent of rosemary to be repulsive."

"What? Do I really smell like rosemary? You've got to be joking."

"So gullible." He muttered under a very, very small smile.

Rosemary laughed nervously and could not help the sudden shyness that reddened her cheeks.

"Um, Ominis," She began but Ominis instantly raised his hand to silence her.

"Not here, please. We will talk later when we won't be in danger of others walking in on our conversation."

He was right, of course. There would be a better time, she conceded and quietly took the seat opposite him.

Now that she had a full view of him, she could not help but notice the subtle difference in his features from when they had parted only a few months ago. Ominis was still as pristine as ever, already wearing their school robes with his Slytherin green silk tie perfectly in place. But what really stood out was the loss of his boyishly-round cheeks in favor of a sharpness in his cheekbones and jaw that had not been there before. And his eyes...there was a darkness surrounding them that hinted at a tiredness that went beyond a lack of sleep.

Rosemary thought back to what Bon had said about 'terrible things' happening at the Gaunt Manor. She closed her eyes at the thought. Poor Ominis, what had his summer been like since he no longer had the refuge of the Sallow home to run to?

"How was your first summer back home?" She had to ask.

"Please, don't ask." He waved away the question. "I'm simply happy to be back on this train bound for Hogwarts and away from that house."

Rosemary leaned in to say more but was interrupted by the compartment door sliding open with a sudden CRACK, making her jump almost a foot in the air.

"Rosemary! Ominis!" Poppy Sweeting smiled exuberantly and waved someone over from down the corridor. "I found them! They're in this one!" She piled in with her luggage and dropped it to give Rosemary a hug as she stood. "I've missed you both so much!"

"Poppy! It's good to see you, too!" Rosemary gave her an extra squeeze in her hug. "Can I help you with your bags?" She did not wait for a reply and hoisted a small suitcase in the overhead shelf.

"There you are." Natty appeared in the doorway and both Rosemary and Poppy chorused, "Natty!"

"You Hufflepuffs, do you all greet the same way?" Ominis chuckled to himself.

"Is this where the party is?" Garreth popped his head in, grinning from ear to ear.

"Garreth!" All the girls sang together this time, making both Garreth and Ominis laugh.

With the arrival of more people, it seemed only right to Rosemary that she change her seat to be next to Ominis. It was not because they were betrothed now, she told herself, but because Ominis remained one of her closest friends at Hogwarts. Next to Sebastian, that is, but he was not going to be on the train to Hogwarts as he stayed in Feldcroft over the summer.

The trip on the Hogwarts Express was exactly the medicine Rosemary needed for her soul. Good friends, good jokes, light-hearted feelings, lovely moments.

When they finally arrived at Hogwarts Station, Rosemary was shocked to discover yet another one of Ominis's new traits. His height. He stood to help get suitcases down from the top shelf and Rosemary nearly toppled at the sight of him towering over her.

"Really, did someone cast a Herbivicus Charm on you? How did you get so tall?"

"Wouldn't you like to know? What are you," Ominis put a hand atop her head and compared her height to just below his chin. "Right about there? You have a lot of catching up to do, I'm afraid."

Rosemary let out a nervous laugh and patted her hair where the feeling of Ominis's touch lingered. What was wrong with her? Last year she had been too busy to notice anyone, romantically that is, and suddenly now that she was not chasing Ashwinders and Loyalists, she was noticing touches of all things...

When the last of their friends left the train compartment, Ominis said in a low voice, "Are you able to meet me at the Undercroft tonight after the Sorting feast?"

"Yes, I would like that very much." Rosemary beamed.

"As would I. See you then." He said, his words suddenly clipped as he hastened out the doorway. Her smile faded as she watched him go. Maybe he was feeling nervous, too. Parting as friends but reuniting as fiancés could understandably do that. But maybe there was something else he was nervous about. Whatever it was she hoped they could clear the air between them.

As soon as Rosemary had the Hogwarts porter vanish her luggage to her common room, she pulled out her broom that had been secreted in her magically extended pocket and took off into the evening sky.

Oh, how she had missed flying, the wind in her hair, the freedom ahead of her and the security of knowing she could outrun anything that was chasing her. She made one glorious 'welcome home' lap around Hogwarts and landed in the garden that topped the Hufflepuff common room. She decided to enter the Great Hall through the side entrance instead of the main entrance as it could be less crowded that way. And she was right.

No one seemed to notice her creep in the side entrance, no one except for a certain Slytherin boy who was watching for her. Sebastian got up from his place next to Ominis at the Slytherin table and made his way wordlessly to intercept Rosemary.

"Sebastian!" Rosemary greeted him warmly when she saw him. Although they had parted ways under less-than-ideal circumstances, Rosemary still agreed to keep Sebastian's dark secrets to herself and continued correspondence with him over the summer break. However, Rosemary had noted a distinct lack of information concerning his sister in his letters. She would have to ask about that later.

"It's good to see you. You are looking well." She observed he too had grown quite a bit since they last saw each other. "The summer seems to have done you good."

"I might say the same for you. Something is different about you; did you change your hair?" He reached out and tucked a stray strand behind her ear. Realization hit her and she reached up to find her hair was an absolute mess from flying around Hogwarts.

"Oh, you." She chided him as she reorganized her hair to braid it quickly while they talked. "And here I thought you were trying to give me a compliment."

"Ha! Why would I do a thing like that? Besides, the wind-swept-look was a nice touch."

"Anyway, tell me your news already. I can feel it in my bones you have a secret you have been keeping from our letters." She said as she tied a ribbon to the end of her long braid.

"What? How did you know I was keeping something?"

"Out with it."

"Alright, alright." He laughed and turned to wave someone over. "Get ready for the shock of your life."

The crowd of students around them was thick but Rosemary could see someone carving a path towards them. Then as the last of the students parted, Rosemary saw a lovely brunette girl she almost did not recognize without a sickly haze surrounding her.

"Anne!" Rosemary exclaimed and went to hug her. "You're here! How? How is it possible?" She was almost in tears as she kept hugging her.

"It was you! You defeated Victor Rookwood, and it turned out to be his blood-curse!"

"I would have gotten rid of him ages ago if I had known that's how the curse could be broken." Sebastian lamented.

"Yes, well..." Anne held Rosemary back so she could look at her in the eyes. "It took me a while to realize what had happened. Then after visiting St. Mungo's to confirm the curse was gone and I was making a full recovery, I decided it was time to come back to Hogwarts and home."

"This is going to be an exciting year with you here now." Rosemary smiled.

"Hopefully not as 'exciting' as the last year. I could go for a 'warm and cozy' year, if I'm honest."

"I like the sound of that." Rosemary said and noticed the lights dimming, the sorting ceremony would be starting any second now. "Best get back to your table. We will talk later, I'm sure."

Anne nodded and headed back, but Sebastian lingered a moment longer seemingly readying himself to say something but thought better of it and followed his sister. Rosemary wondered at his behavior briefly before going to the Hufflepuff table where Poppy Sweeting and Adelaide Oakes had saved her a seat between them.

Chapter Text

Oh, how Rosemary had missed the feasts at Hogwarts.

Everywhere she looked, dishes overflowed with her favorite things. The Hufflepuff table boasted more sweets and hearty meats than any other, and if there was ever a reason she belonged in her house more, it was because of the food.

But all too soon, the feast ended, and Rosemary quietly slipped away, eager to meet Ominis in the Undercroft to finally get the clarity she so craved.

She discreetly broke off from the stream of students headed to their dormitories and made her way down a quiet corridor. On the way there, she heard footsteps behind her and turned, expecting Ominis to be the one following her.

It was not. It was Sebastian.

"Sebastian, what are you doing here?" Rosemary asked, startled.

"I could ask you the same thing." He said with a half-smile. "Getting into mischief your first night back? I know we are kindred spirits, but that seems bold, even by my standards."

Rosemary laughed nervously. She did not want to tell him she was meeting Ominis, especially if it meant Sebastian might insist on coming along.

"Just a walk down memory lane. I've missed Hogwarts and all its secrets."

"Anne missed it too. She'll want to go exploring again. It was her favorite pastime, aside from beating us at Gobstones." He rubbed the back of his neck, then added, "Do you want some company?"

Rosemary held up her hands to gently decline, but Sebastian stepped closer.

"Listen, I wanted to apologize again. For everything last year. I wasn't myself and I promise, this year will be different. I will be different.

She stilled as he reached for her hand.

"I know we wrote letters, but it felt like you were putting distance between the words. Maybe it was just me, but I wanted to make sure."

Rosemary's heart sank a little. He looked so sincere. She had distanced herself in a way. Not out of cruelty, but necessity. She would have to take a harsher stand against the use of Dark Arts, just like Ominis, she could not condone the use of it ever again.

"Your letters made it sound like you've been reflecting." She said gently. "Trying to turn over a new leaf. And... I forgave you a long time ago, Sebastian."

She patted the hand that held hers. "Any distance you felt, it was just the miles between us, not anything else."

"Thank you." His shoulders relaxed. "Friends?"

"Friends." She echoed with a smile.

The sound of footsteps broke the moment and they turned to see Ominis approaching with his wand glowing like a beacon in front of him.

"Ominis, out for a stroll too?" Sebastian called.

Ominis stopped short, confusion flickering across his face. "Sebastian?"

"Seems everyone had the same idea." Sebastian said. "I found Rosemary wandering here as well."

"Yes, well...I was heading to the Undercroft." Ominis said slowly, but Sebastian jumped in.

"Great! I'll join you."

Ominis shook his head. "Not tonight, Sebastian. I need to speak to Rosemary. I'll meet you later in the common room."

Rosemary winced. She had not meant to be so obvious about their meeting. Still, there was no use denying it now.

Sebastian looked at her, questioning.

"It's alright." Rosemary encouraged him. "We will catch up later, Sebastian."

Sebastian stalked away without another word.

As soon as he disappeared, Rosemary joined Ominis. "Shall we?"

"We shall." He said, and led the way.

Memories of last year washed over Rosemary the moment they stepped through the doorway of the Undercroft. Practicing spells, secret portals, arguments she had had with the boys...and then that final, haunting moment when she and Ominis decided Sebastian's fate. The memory made her shiver.

"Are you cold?" Ominis asked, lighting the braziers with Confringo.

Rosemary noticed for the first time how empty the space was. She conjured a cozy couch and two armchairs she had vanished from her house and made a sitting area near the entrance.

"There. Much better. Why did we never furnish this place before?" She asked.

"I suppose because we only came here to practice spells and play Gobstones, not sit around talking." Ominis said as he settled into a chair. "This is nice. You didn't steal these, did you?"

"How dare you." She teased back. "I would have you know they're from my sister's old room. She hasn't visited since she married, so they were just collecting dust." Rosemary curled up on the couch, finding the familiarity comforting. She had thought to put them in the Room of Requirement to give it a cozier feel. But here was good, too.

"I didn't know you had a sister."

"And a brother. Clover's the oldest, Angelica's in the middle. Both are married and live in London."

"I assume they married pure as well?" A note of bitterness seeped into his voice.

"Yes..." Rosemary hesitated as she studied Ominis. "But it happened naturally for them. They married right after graduating Hogwarts. It's a bit of an Abbott family tradition. My parents did the same."

Ominis sighed and rubbed his forehead, searching carefully for the right words. "Rosemary...I'm sorry. But this arrangement between our families, it can't happen."

Rosemary startled at the suddenness of the subject. "What? Why not?"

"It's not you. You're...incredible. But I decided a long time ago – I'll never marry. Never have children. I detest my family and all they stand for and can think of no sweeter revenge than killing the bloodline they hope to continue with me."

The finality in his voice hit her hard in the chest.

Poor Ominis, to make a decision like that...he must have endured so much worse than Crucio.

Rosemary shook her head. She did not want to think of the horrors. Instead, she thought of the sadness of his position. To never know a loving family, to never have that special someone to lean on and be on your side, to never be held and cherished and told everything will be alright. He was condemning himself to solitude, to walk a dark and lonely path forever. It was a tragedy unfolding right in front of her and she could do nothing about it.

An unbidden tear slipped down her cheek and she quickly dashed it away. Ominis would not want pity. And she was nothing if not a loyal friend.

"I understand, Ominis." She said as gently as she could, trying not to let her emotions show. "What should we do then?"

He considered for a moment and said, "I think it would be best if you write to your parents. Tell them you can't go through with it. Use any excuse you want."

Rosemary cringed. She half expected that, but hoped he might volunteer to tell his family instead. Her parents would probably double down if they thought she was rejecting such a prestigious match. But Rosemary knew Ominis must have his reasons for not wanting to contact his parents.

"I'll see what I can do."

Rosemary tossed and turned all night over how to write the message to her parents.

There was a distant feeling of simply not wanting to write her parents. They had rarely forced her to do anything. Before her powers surfaced, the only thing they had forced her to do was stay home. Squibs were essentially a blight on a family's reputation and because of that, Rosemary was not allowed to leave the house or even attend her siblings' weddings for fear the wizarding community would find out the Abbotts' shameful secret.

Maybe that was why, over the past few weeks, she had warmed to the idea of the engagement. Sure, arranged marriages seemed a bit archaic but she could do so much worse than being engaged to Ominis. He was smart, handsome, and witty. One of her dearest friends. It did not seem like such a terrible fate.

Rosemary buried her face in her pillow to soak up her silent tears.

It was not fair to Ominis though, to pressure him into something he did not want, no matter how much she might have wanted it.

What a Hufflepuff she was, worrying more about fairness than her own feelings.

Still, one thought stuck stubbornly to the back of her mind: what if this arrangement could save him from the very family he hated? What if this was the one chance he had to escape them?

But, in the morning, she sent the message.

Rosemary decided to go about the day as if nothing had happened. Professor Weasley asked to see her as soon as humanly possible and Rosemary obliged.

"Miss Abbott, so good to see you again. I trust you had a pleasant summer break and thought about your future career path while you were home?" Professor Weasley motioned Rosemary into her office at the back of the Transfiguration classroom. Rosemary entered and sat in the chair opposite Professor Weasley's desk.

"I haven't thought too much of it yet." In fact, she had not thought of it at all. She had buried herself in Muggle novels for most of the summer but she was not about to admit to that.

"Well, your O.W.L results suggest you have an affinity towards Potions, Herbology, Charms, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Not surprising, all things considered. Based on that, and your...extracurricular activities last year, it would seem you are well suited for being an Auror or an Officer in Magical Law Enforcement."

Rosemary blinked in surprise. An Auror? She had not dared imagine a future that ambitious.

Professor Weasley's demeanor turned sharp. "That said, there will be no traipsing all over the Highlands like you did last year, Miss Abbott. No chasing poachers, no hunting down goblin Loyalists. The Ministry swept the region clean over the summer. So do try to enjoy a normal term."

Rosemary nodded meekly. "Yes, Professor. I'm looking forward to it."

"Very good. Then here is your class schedule. Since you are a sixth year, you may change the classes as you see fit but these are my recommendations based on your O.W.Ls." She handed over the parchment, then leaned back, fingers steepled under her chin as she grinned at Rosemary.

"Oh, and a little owl told me you and Ominis Gaunt are betrothed. Is that right?"

Rosemary's eyes widened in utter shock. "Professor, please...don't breathe a word of that to anyone."

"Why ever not? It is a perfectly natural thing between pure-blood families."

"Please," She begged. "I can't have anyone finding out right now." Then a horrifying thought hit her, "Do...do all the professors know?"

Professor Weasley nodded. "I dare say it was quite the topic during our staff meeting before term started. It's also why most of your classes include Ominis. Shall I tell the other professors that mum's the word?"

After securing all but an Unbreakable Vow from Professor Weasley, Rosemary finally made her way to breakfast. Food and friends would make her feel immeasurably better.

And Rosemary was right.

Just the sight of the Hufflepuff table piled with buttery scones, fresh fruit, and sizzling bacon made her giddy as she made a beeline for her spot between Poppy and Adelaide. They chatted about their new class schedules between bites of food.

At the sound of a sharp ahem at the Owl Lectern, everyone turned to see Professor Black start tapping his wand for attention.

"Students, students, I have an announcement to make." He paused for dramatic effect. "The Ministry of Magic has finally accepted my request for a proper Healer from St. Mungo's to join us at Hogwarts. With this, I feel we are well prepared for...the return of Quidditch!"

The Great Hall erupted in cheers. Students were hugging, jumping out of their seats, and all out screaming for joy at the news. Rosemary joined in the excitement at her table as this would be the first year she would get to see a Quidditch game being played.

"Rosemary? Where is Rosemary Abbott?" It was Isaac Cooper, a tall, handsome seventh-year Hufflepuff, sifting quickly through their table to look for her. He stopped and talked briefly to one student and then another as he moved closer to her end of the table.

"Over here!" Rosemary raised her hand as she stood and Isaac bolted to her.

"Rosemary! Excellent. I'm getting the Hufflepuff Quidditch team together. I'll send you an owl once we get a time slot for tryouts."

"Wait, what do you mean? I've never played Quidditch before. Why would I -."

Isaac waved her off. "Doesn't matter. I saw your name on the Time Trial leaderboard last year. You're the only Hufflepuff in the top five who can give Imelda Reyes a run for her money. All you need to do is get me that Snitch. Don't say no."

Then he was gone, on to the next teammate prospect.

"Well, well, well, it looks like this is going to be a different kind of exciting year for you." Poppy commented when Rosemary sat back down.

"You have no idea..." Rosemary muttered into her tea, her thoughts lighting on Ominis. "I guess this is the kind of normal we all were hoping for, huh?"

"I'll take it." Adelaide said, looking longingly after Isaac Cooper. "I missed Quidditch so much last year."

Poppy hummed her agreement.

Rosemary's first class was Potions and true to Professor Weasley's word, Ominis was there.

"Rosemary!" Sebastian called. He was sitting with Ominis at a potions table already, with one available seat.

"Thanks for saving me a seat." Rosemary beamed.

"Who else would we let sit with us?" Ominis replied.

Professor Sharp walked into the classroom and took one look at the students already seated and shook his head.

"Absolutely not." He demanded. "Students cannot sit with their partners from last year. Everyone, switch seats." Then muttered; "I'm not about to let all the troublemakers sit together..."

Rosemary's heart sank. She was looking forward to sitting with Ominis and Sebastian but she supposed she could sit with them in another class. She caught a glimpse of Ominis frowning as he moved tables as well.

"Rosemary, always a pleasure." Garreth Weasley greeted her as she took a seat at his table.

"Garreth," Rosemary nodded to him and saw none other than Sacharissa Tugwood sit down with them. Her blaze of deep crimson hair was eye-catching. "Sacharissa, it's nice to see you again. Did you do something to your hair? I thought it was purple..."

"It was. I changed it to crimson for the summer. Isn't it pretty?" She stroked her hair lovingly. "But I'm thinking of changing it for the fall. What should I change it to? I was thinking a nice blonde to go with our house color. Or...Rosemary, what color is your hair exactly? I can't tell if it's light red or...pink? That must be a trick of the light."

"No, no trick of the light. My sister likes to call it 'strawberry blonde' but it's pink. The Abbotts are famous for it, pink hair, blue eyes." She fluttered her lashes for emphasis.

"And red hair for the Weasleys." Garreth chimed in. "What color hair do you think our kids would have if we got married, Rosemary?" A sly grin spread across his face, waiting for Rosemary's answer.

"I guess we'll never know." She grinned back sweetly and Garreth mimed a dramatic wound to the heart.

Potions class was an introduction to the Laughing Potion, which Garreth was overly enthusiastic about and Rosemary had a good guess as to why.

"What poor soul are you planning on using this on?" Rosemary whispered to him while they were brewing the concoction.

"Never you mind." He whispered back with a look behind him to see if Sharp was nearby. "What you should be asking is 'what will Garreth mix it with for a bit of fun?'"

"I'm so happy I'm not a Gryffindor. I can't imagine what it's like having you for a housemate."

"Pure bliss." He retorted, his lips curling up in a smile. "You'll wish we were housemates once Quidditch starts. We throw the best victory parties. Unlike you prudes in Hufflepuff. What do you do for a good time? Tea time and early to bed?"

A laugh slipped out before she could stop it with a hand to her mouth.

"Sampling the draught, Miss Abbott?" Sharp asked from across the room.

She raised a hand in apology at him and stole a glance around the room to find Ominis at the table next to hers, his head tilted as if listening.

After class she waited for Ominis and Sebastian at the door.

"What do you boys have for next class?" Rosemary asked as she joined the two.

"Charms." They said in unison.

"Oh dear, when did you two start sounding like chummy Hufflepuffs?"

"It's all your fault." Sebastian pointed an accusing finger at Rosemary.

"There are worse influences." Ominis deadpanned. "I wouldn't have minded being sorted into Hufflepuff. I've heard the tea time is excellent."

Chapter Text

It didn't take long for Rosemary's parents to reply.

At lunch that same day, an owl dropped the letter almost directly into her pumpkin juice. Thankfully, she caught it right before it landed.

"Nice catch." Sebastian said.

"Thanks." Rosemary curled her fingers around the message, her heart fluttered anxiously at what fate her parents might have sealed inside. "I'll be right back." She excused herself from the Slytherin table where she had been sitting with Ominis and the Sallow twins discussing Quidditch.

She walked to the fireplace and opened the letter once she made sure no one was nearby to read.

Darling,

What on earth has happened to make you want to cancel the engagement so suddenly? Even if the two of you are only friends, love can grow between you as time passes. Don't give up just yet.

Since you did not give specifics, we can only guess as to what happened. But we want to support you as well and if you really feel it necessary, then we have a different proposal for you:

We will not cancel your engagement. However, if you find a more suitable candidate, then we will cancel the agreement with the Gaunts in favor of the new suitor.

That is the way of things after all. We are the ones who pay the dowry, so we hold the power of the final say. Please remember that and do not fret.

Your Parents

Rosemary carefully folded the letter as she thought about the contents. It was better than anything she could have hoped for. They had not stubbornly refused like she thought they would, but they had not canceled the engagement outright. Which meant she was still engaged to Ominis, for now. That thought alone both warmed and chilled her. Being attached to Ominis by an invisible thread was comforting, in a way. She was not alone; she was in the same boat as him. But if word got out that they were engaged before she could figure out a different arrangement, she would be mortified. Might as well drink a Draught of Living Death and sleep until the next century.

She slipped the letter into her pocket and went back to the Slytherin table.

"Everything alright?" Sebastian asked when Rosemary sat back down next to him.

"Just a note from my parents." Rosemary said hoping Ominis would catch her meaning. Ominis straightened in his seat and took a sip of his tea.

He understood.

"Sebastian, are you planning on trying out for the Slytherin team?" Rosemary changed the subject before anyone asked more questions.

"Of course!" He laughed as if she should know it already.

"Why 'of course?' What am I missing?"

"Sebastian was a Beater." Ominis offered.

"Well that makes a lot of sense." Rosemary looked at Sebastian in a whole new light. "I didn't know you played Quidditch. I'm sad I didn't get to see you play last year."

"You didn't miss much..." He began and Anne scoffed.

"Didn't miss much? Rosie, do you remember why Professor Black canceled Quidditch in the first place?"

"Something about someone getting hurt during a game?"

"Yes, exactly. That 'someone' being a member of the Twenty-Eight and that 'something' happened to be my brother, knocking him clean off his broom."

"Oooooh..." Rosemary covered her mouth and looked to Sebastian.

"He was fine!" Sebastian said defensively. "Even Nurse Blainey said it was barely a sprain." He paused and then lowered his voice. "Although he really did have it coming. He was playing like an idiot."

Anne reached over and flicked him on the forehead.

"Hey!" Sebastian touched the spot tenderly.

"That's for getting Quidditch canceled." Anne said. "Belatedly deserved."

"Did I hear you are planning to go to tryouts, too, Rosemary?" Ominis asked.

Rosemary was taken aback. "How did you hear about that?"

"I am blind, not deaf."

"I know but, I was talking about it with Isaac Cooper at my table, way over there."

"What?" Anne perked up. "You were talking to Isaac Cooper?"

"Yes..." Rosemary hedged, not understanding why Anne looked so excited. "He was getting a bunch of people to sign up for tryouts."

"Oh, thank God I didn't miss his final year here." Anne clapped her hands together in silent prayer.

"What's gotten into her?" Rosemary asked Sebastian.

Sebastian rolled his eyes, annoyed at being asked. "He's the captain of the Hufflepuff Quidditch team."

"He's much more than that." Anne piped up. "He's magic to watch on a broom. Truly. It doesn't matter what team he plays for, all us girls adore him."

"False." Imelda joined the conversation out of nowhere. "It takes more than a pretty face and a way with a broom to be a good team captain. Some of us care about that sort of thing, you know."

"No one asked you, Imelda." Anne playfully stuck out her tongue.

Imelda just shook her head. "Tryouts are tomorrow after lunch, Sebastian."

As they left the Great Hall, Rosemary let the twins walk ahead of her and reached out to touch Ominis's arm, grabbing his attention. She drew as close as she dared to whisper to him. "Meet me at the Undercroft." He only nodded in response. Rosemary told the twins she would see them later and took off before they had time to question where she was going.

She took the long way around to the Undercroft to ensure no one was following her. She let herself in and made herself comfortable as she waited for Ominis. She took out the letter from her parents and reread it, thinking about what she would say.

Somehow, Ominis must have known about the dowry and her parents holding all the power in the agreement. That must have been why he suggested talking to her parents first. How had he known?

She heard the passage open then and stood to greet Ominis.

"Ominis." Rosemary approached him and they met in the middle.

"What did your parents say?" His face was tense, looking as though he were ready to fight about something.

"They said they won't cancel the engagement unless there is a better suitor." She hated the way it sounded. They were offering her a choice, but only on their terms. Either way, she had to marry.

"So, you need to find someone else to take my place?" He sneered sardonically. "They probably want you to pick a pure-blood."

"It's not necessary but I think they would prefer it." Rosemary clarified, looking at him strangely. "You made this kind of comment before, about pure-bloods..."

"Yes, because I find the practice heinous. Muggle-borns, Half-bloods, Pure-bloods. It shouldn't matter."

"You really should have been sorted into Hufflepuff." Rosemary murmured.

"And don't I know it. But don't change the subject. If they want a pure-blood, then what about Garreth? You two seemed awfully friendly in Potions." His tone turned accusatory.

"I - I don't...He's not..." Rosemary was caught off guard. Garreth was nice and all. "But he's not..." You. She was alarmed she had such a thought. Had she really almost said that? Her face flamed, even the tips of her ears turned red. She was never so happy that he could not see her reaction, it would be all the more embarrassing.

"Yes, I know the Weasleys are blood-traitors but he still qualifies." Ominis said in a maddeningly casual way. Rosemary shook her head; she could not take it.

"Ominis, it's not about that!" She squeezed her eyes shut and just said it: "He's not you!"

There was a stunned silence that seemed to stretch on and on. Finally, Rosemary opened her eyes to look at Ominis. He seemed shocked.

"What do you mean?" He asked slowly.

"I mean..." She paused, searching for words, then drew a steadying breath to prepare herself. She did not want to tell him like this but there was no other way to make him understand her hesitation. "I like you. You're my best friend. You're kind, witty, and caring. And I want you to know I heard what you said about why you don't want to get married and it broke my heart. You're...you're dooming yourself, Ominis. If there is anyone who deserves love and tenderness, it's you! Please, let me be that for you, let me be by your side. Please..." Her voice cracked as a tear rolled down her cheek.

"You don't want this." He said gently. "My family is not well. They are sick and twisted and I don't want you anywhere near them." His expression turned pained as he heard the tears in her voice. He reached out to find her face wet with tears too. He wiped them away, his thumb gliding over her cheek, memorizing its shape. "You are good and sweet." His voice was low, almost a whisper. "Always so concerned with helping and protecting others. Let someone else protect you for once. 'Hero of Hogwarts' or not, my family would only taint you with their darkness."

"How did you do it then?" Rosemary asked through her tears, something in her pushed her to be braver than she felt. Her desperation tinged her voice. "How did you come out of that house the person you are? You are a beautiful person, inside and out. Darkness touched you and you ran from it. I know you are pure and innocent under that stoic strength of yours. You've proven it time and time again."

"No, you're wrong." He bristled. "I'm as guilty as the worst of my family." He let his hand drop from her face. "Find someone else, Rosemary."

And just like that, he was gone. The iron gate slamming shut behind him – splitting her heart in two.

After he left, Rosemary let the wracking sobs she had been holding back take her. She had not cried like that since Professor Fig died in front of her. The bitter regret, the helplessness – it all came rushing back. The loss of a great man because she had not been strong enough. It was happening all over again; except this time, it was Ominis. She wanted to save him but, she could not. He would not let her.

Rosemary had two classes left that she wished she could skip. Rosemary knew how her face must look, all blotchy and swollen from crying. She splashed some cold water on her face and chalked it up to a good nap, if anyone asked.

Ominis was in only one other class that day, Herbology. But he was easy enough to avoid in the greenhouse, for the time being, until Rosemary could sort out her feelings.

Professor Garlick was a dear, sensing something was off with Rosemary, and held her back after class to give her a cup of her favorite chamomile tea, in true Hufflepuff fashion. Rosemary expected nothing less of her Head-of-House.

Rosemary finished her classes for the day and in a very un-Rosemary-move, decided to skip dinner in favor of a little evening flying.

Imelda, thankfully, left the Time Trial up around Hogwarts and she used it to practice racing on her broom, determined to beat the next person's time on the leaderboard. After the sixth try, she finally beat the time and made it to second place on the board.

Rosemary sat on her broom, high above the lake, catching her breath when she noticed someone on a broom flying towards her in the twilight. She leaned into her broom and sped to meet whoever it was. Once she got close enough, she realized it was Sebastian.

"Sebastian!" She called and twirled in a loop around him in greeting. Sebastian followed suit and twirled in the same direction, making a dance of loops and spirals in the air. They smiled at each other as they ended their dance.

"So, this is where you've been. We were wondering where you went."

"We?" Rosemary asked.

"Anne, Ominis, and I. We didn't see you at dinner and got worried something had happened. It's not like you to skip meals. Now I see you're getting warmed up for tryouts tomorrow. Clever girl, wish I had thought of that before it got too dark."

"Really, if you're going for 'Beater' though, how much practice on the Time Trials would really be useful for you?"

"You're right, maybe maneuvering like we were just doing would be better. For practice of course." He grinned and fell backwards with his broom in a graceful backflip. Rosemary laughed and followed, doing her own flips and loops around his as they made a spiraling circle around Hogwarts. They came to a stop near the boathouse. The lake beneath them glistened like glass, and for a moment, everything was still.

Both were breathless but Sebastian reached in his pocket and held something out for Rosemary.

"What's this?" She asked and took the folded parchment, then froze.

It was her parents' letter.

She must have dropped it in the Undercroft.

Rosemary looked to Sebastian in horror.

"Did you read this?" She asked, heat rushing to her face.

Sebastian nodded. "I did."

She covered her face with her free hand, embarrassment washing over her. "Then you know."

"Yes, I do."

"Please," She whispered from under her hand. "Please don't tell anyone."

"Rosemary, look at me." He pulled down her hand from her face, and locked eyes with her. "You know me, I can keep a secret. Don't worry, it's safe with me."

"Thank you," She said, the tight coil of tension eased only slightly, "Did you say anything to Ominis?"

"No, I figured it was your letter so I should talk to you first."

Rosemary breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. Please don't let on. If he tells you himself, fine. But otherwise, please-."

"Yes, I understand, Rosemary. No need to beg." He cut her off. "If I have to hear one more please, I might just fall off my broom. But really, I knew something was going on, you were both acting strange. Especially after lunch today. What happened?"

Rosemary could not hold it in any longer. Sebastian was indeed a close confidant, he had kept every secret she ever told him, not even Ominis knew of her ability to use Ancient Magic until the last.

So, she told him everything.

Even about Ominis's reasons for rejecting her, to which Sebastian made a face.

"Are you sure he said all that?"

"Yes, I have thought of little else since he told me. Why do you ask?"

"Well, for one it doesn't sound like him and for two..." He hesitated, not sure if he should say it or not.

"Go on."

"He likes you." He admitted. "Granted, he hasn't said as much but I've known him since our first year. Remember all those times last year where he listened to you over me? And when you walk into the room, he somehow can sense you like a sunflower senses the sun. And then at dinner today he kept asking me...well, more like demanding, that I go find you when you didn't show."

Sebastian's words filled Rosemary with little fluttery feelings. Ominis did care, she knew that, and it felt good to know how much.

"But, that doesn't prove he likes me. Friends care; best friends care even more." Her thoughts drifted to memories of Ominis, softening his voice around her, teasing her without even trying to hide his smile, choosing to sit with her in classes instead of with Sebastian when there were only tables for two. It all proved something soft and sweet was between them. But not enough for him to want to marry her.

Sebastian threw his hands up in defeat. "Fine, fine, don't believe me. But, I..." He suddenly shook his head, thinking better of what he was about to say. "Anyway, I'm glad you told me your secret. If I can be of any help, let me know. Maybe I can talk to Ominis about-."

"No no no, don't do that! He might suspect you know." Rosemary cut him off.

"Well, then what are you going to do about it?"

Rosemary let out a slow breath as she thought. Maybe she should simply let her feelings for Ominis go. He was not going to pursue her. He had said it himself: 'Find someone else.'

"Maybe the best thing I can do for him is to stay his friend. Treat him like I always have. I wish I could do more, though." She lamented, sagging on her broomstick, looking beaten.

"I'm sorry, Rosemary." Sebastian said, watching her carefully. "How about I take you back to your common room. You look like you could use some rest."

Chapter Text

Sebastian had been right; a good night's sleep had her feeling mended and almost as good as new in the morning. A hearty breakfast and a large cup of tea, she was sure, would finish the job and give her a brighter outlook on things. Skipping dinner, the night before had probably made things worse, if she was honest with herself. What had she been thinking?

"What were you thinking?" Adelaide asked at breakfast, echoing her thoughts. She and Poppy watched in amazement as Rosemary cleaned her plate and still had room for toast and jam. "At very least you could have stopped by the kitchens before coming back last night. The house-elves would have given you a snack if you would have asked, you know."

"It's fine." Rosemary said and took a sip of tea. "Besides, I finally got to second place on the Time Trial, did you see?"

"We didn't have to," Poppy said. "You should have heard the screech Imelda let out at dinner. Apparently, she charmed a map of the Time Trials to list all current rankings and heard a ping when you moved up a spot. It was exciting! The whole Hufflepuff table cheered for you."

Rosemary's heart warmed at the thought. "Aww, that's so sweet." She said and realized that must have been how Sebastian knew where to find her last night.

Her first class of the day was Defense Against the Dark Arts, one of her favorites next to Potions and Charms. She saw Ominis leaving the Great Hall and decided to buck up her courage and walk with him.

"Ominis, do you have Defense Against the Dark Arts class now, too?" She asked as she got closer.

"Yes, of course. Care to walk with me?" He asked, not a trace of yesterday's tension remained and Rosemary understood, if that was how he wanted it, then that is what she would do too.

Then he did something she never thought he would do: he offered her his arm. Rosemary blinked.

"It's easier to walk and talk like this, wouldn't you say?" He said, sensing her hesitation.

She agreed and took his arm, relieved he could not see the blush on her cheeks.

Professor Hecat greeted the class as she walked in from her office at the back of the classroom.

"Good morning, sixth-years! You all must have done well on your O.W.Ls to get into this class and I expected nothing less of the students I see today." Hecat beamed around the room, her eyes lighting on Rosemary for a second longer than the rest.

"We will begin by learning a very important but very difficult defensive maneuver called 'Collison.' I hope you are all up to the task." Hecat went about explaining the mechanics of the maneuver all hinged on speed and a quick offensive spell. "Spells cannot collide if they are opposites, such as an offensive and defensive spell. They must both be offensive and they both must be cast roughly at the same time. Rosemary, would you help me demonstrate?"

Hecat went about conjuring a duelists' table in the center of the room while Rosemary, alarmed at being called first, scrambled to make sense of what she should do. She knew generally what Hecat was talking about, she had experienced the strange phenomenon of her spell colliding only a handful of times. So, when she stepped up on the table, she readied her wand with a spell in mind and waited patiently.

"I will cast, and I want you to try and cast at the same time. This is all about perception. Are you ready?" Hecat readied her wand, pausing to make sure Rosemary was watching. "Expelliarmas!"

"Expelliarmas!" Rosemary reacted a second too late and her wand flew from her hand.

"Once more, try to react as soon as you see your opponent's mouth open or move their wand." Hecat instructed.

Rosemary nodded and bent down to accept her wand from Poppy who was gracious enough to retrieve it for her.

"Ready?" Hecat asked. They both slipped into ready position.

"Expellia- -!" Hecat began and Rosemary instantly echoed, "Expelliarmas!"

Their spells collided in the air, the two red lines of the spells blazed as they pushed at each other, residue falling like foam to the floor. Rosemary held her wand with both hands then as she continued to cast, it felt as though she were both pulling and pushing at the same time.

"Excellent!" Hecat called. "Then we will drop the spells together in three, two, one!" She pulled her wand back as Rosemary did the same, ending the spell harmlessly.

"I think we will continue this class outside as we will need more room for you all to practice and so I don't have to spend all day cleaning up residue from the spells." She said, eyeing the foam on the dualist table. "The Flying Class lawn should be available, you may all head there and start practicing with your partner. Let's see, that will be...Poppy and Natty, Everett and Leander, Rosemary and Ominis..." Hecat gave Rosemary a knowing look as she continued to pair up the students.

Rosemary froze at the look.

She had forgotten, Professor Weasley had told her all the professors knew of the engagement. So far none had even hinted at knowing as was her request to Professor Weasley. Hecat, she realized, must be a bit of a romantic. Great.

The students took the Floo Flame to the Flying Class Lawn and started pairing off, leaving enough space between each pair to practice their duel in the grass.

As they were taking their places, Rosemary realized, this was the first time she would duel Ominis. She had fought beside him before, but never against him. She was curious to see how he compared to Sebastian's fighting style, whom she knew favored Confringo.

"Ominis, do you want to know what I'm casting or would you like to be surprised?" She asked as she turned in place to face him.

"Surprise me." He grinned and got into the ready position.

Rosemary mirrored his position and asked "Ready- -?" No sooner had the word left her mouth, then Ominis cast, "Levioso!"

"Ah!" She shouted as she flew into the air.

"Surprise." He said mischievously.

After a few seconds the effects of Levioso wore off and she dropped to the ground and stumbled back into position. "Oh, I see how it is. Let's go, Gaunt."

This time she did not bother asking if he was ready.

"Expelliarmas!" She said, to which Ominis immediately cast "Levioso!"

The spells collided in a flash of red and yellow. Ominis held his wand arm straight as he continued to cast, then began twisting it. Rosemary could feel his spell getting stronger, pushing her back, into the dirt. She held on to her wand with both hands and pushed the spell harder, leaning into it.

"Let's break in three, two, one!" Ominis shouted and both let go of their spell at the same time.

"That was great!" Rosemary said as she wiped the sweat from her brow. "I've never seen that technique before. How did you make the spell stronger like that?"

"Once the spells connect, hold your arm straight and twist your wand – like this." He demonstrated once more. His hand deftly twisting his wand.

Rosemary practiced the gesture.

"Ready to try again?" Ominis asked.

"Alright!" Rosemary went back to her position, eager to try the new technique.

"Expelliarmas!" and "Levioso." Were cast at almost the same time. The spells collided and this time Rosemary straightened her arm and slowly twisted her wrist. Ominis did the same, and she could feel the spell pushing harder against her own. She held her wand with two hands then and twisted it the other way. Ominis gritted his teeth as the spell physically pushed him backwards.

"Break away in three, two, one!" Rosemary shouted and they ended their spells.

"Nicely done." Ominis said flexing and shaking out his wand hand. "You're a quick learner; I'll give you that."

"Thanks," Rosemary said, walking forward to join him. Feeling confident they had practiced enough. "I'm surprised you never joined Crossed Wands. You're an excellent duelist."

"I didn't think it would be very fair...for them."

Rosemary scoffed in mock offense. "I'm the reigning Crossed Wands Champion; I'll have you know."

"And I just taught you a lesson on technique. You're welcome, by the way." Ominis crossed his arms, clearly enjoying himself.

"Then let's put it to the test, right now. Hecat isn't here yet. No one would notice a little dueling amongst the students who are practicing. What do you say?" Rosemary felt almost giddy. She had not had a duel for sport since last year and this lesson had scratched an itch she did not know she had.

"Alright then, but we stop when Hecat arrives. Can't have her knowing the odds if I ever do participate in Crossed Wands."

Rosemary blinked. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, didn't you know? Hecat and some of the other professors make bets on who will win. It may be unsanctioned but it's still entertainment."

Rosemary was about to say something when Hecat popped up at the Floo Flame.

"Oh no, there's Hecat..." Rosemary grumbled. "But this isn't over. You owe me a proper duel later."

"Would you like it if I joined Crossed Wands this year?" He asked, and Rosemary eyed him at his choice of words.

"Yes, I would actually. Then I can wipe the floor with that smug face of yours."

"You can certainly try."

After lunch, Rosemary found herself on a broomstick, completing timed tasks for the Hufflepuff tryouts. When Isaac Cooper finally brought out the Snitch for her to practice with, she marveled at the little golden devise.

"Looks pretty now, but you'll be sick of it by the end of the season." Isaac warned and threw it into the air. "Let's see how fast you really are, Abbott."

He did not have to tell her twice.

She jumped into the air on her broom and tore after it, thankful it was a sunny day and the sunlight glinted like a beacon off the Snitch's golden body. The problem was it did not move in straight lines and Rosemary had a hard time maneuvering after it. It took her a good three minutes to catch it but she caught it none the less.

She brought it back to Isaac who was chatting with another seventh-year Hufflepuff, Edwin Stone, and not paying any attention to her. "Of course you can give it a try. But I'm going to be honest, your track record for the last season of Quidditch wasn't great." Isaac turned and noticed Rosemary then and introduced Edwin. "Edwin was the last seeker for Hufflepuff. Now that you two have competition, maybe we'll see some real speed."

Once Rosemary and Edwin were ready, Isaac blew his whistle and threw the Snitch skyward. Rosemary and Edwin took off after it, flying parallel with each other. When the Snitch made a quick left Edwin ran into Rosemary as he made the sharp turn, nearly toppling off her broom.

"Out of the way!" He growled at her, not bothering to look as he sped past.

Honestly, Rosemary had not been trying that hard during the tryouts, thinking she was just filling a slot on the team because there was no one else.

Well now, there was someone else.

And he was a complete jerk.

She was not going to have a person like that representing Hufflepuff.

Not at all.

She leaned into her broom and maneuvered around Edwin like the dance she had done with Sebastian. Edwin, caught off guard by the strange movements around him, became distracted.

"What are you doing?" He spat, taking his eyes off the Snitch. That was all the opening she needed and she pretended to fly straight at him, then shot upward at the last second, soaring over his head. He swiveled to avoid total collision and fought to maintain his seat. Meanwhile, Rosemary readjusted her path and zoomed after the Snitch, catching it a moment later.

Once they were back on the ground, Rosemary proudly handed over the Snitch to Isaac who gave her an impressed appraisal. "Nice work, Abbott. I don't know what I was expecting but it definitely wasn't that."

"What the blazes was that?" Edwin landed and stormed up to the two.

Isaac stepped in front of Rosemary, protectively.

"I demand a retry!" Edwin shouted, still glaring at Rosemary over Isaac's shoulder.

"She won fairly." Isaac said, holding his arm out to stop Edwin from passing him.

"Fairly? I nearly fell off my broom!"

"Yes, she almost did too, after you ran into her. She at least didn't touch you." Isaac pointed out. "I've made my decision; the Seeker position will go to Abbott. Sorry, Stone, but I can't have a spoil-sport on the team."

Chapter Text

POV – Ominis

Why did it have to be Rosemary?

His parents could have chosen anyone else for an arranged marriage, and he would have been thrilled to throw it back in their faces, defying them as he always did.

What was the worst they could do that had not already been done? Even they had limits to their cruelty.

He supposed the reason they chose her was obvious: her place in one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight pure-blood families, and the prestige of being the Hero of Hogwarts. His father loved nothing more than hobnobbing with influential people. Had Vicious Gaunt discussed the match with Professor Black over one of their dinners? Surely, they must have since that was all anyone could talk about for weeks since Rosemary started making headlines in the Daily Prophet.

Ominis said 'no' to his father out of habit when he announced the engagement.

"Yes, you will." Vicious Gaunt had growled. "You need to at least carry on the family name, or you are less than worthless to us."

"I need do no such thing, Father. You have Marvolo. He is more than willing to carry on the family name without me."

"Marvolo..." His father said the name in revulsion. "He may have inherited Salazar Slytherin's ideals, but not his intellect. I cannot entrust our great legacy to such a blasted moonmind. But even he knows to do his duty. He will be marrying your cousin, Melphina, this fall."

Bile rose in Ominis's throat. The Gaunt tradition of cousin-marriage was one of the worst among their many twisted legacies. He supposed he should be grateful he had been spared that horror as Melphina was their only cousin.

"Who is it then?" Ominis had asked. "Who have you arranged a marriage with?"

It did not matter what name his father gave; his answer would still be no. But he was curious.

"A Miss Rosemary Abbott." Vicious said slowly, savoring every syllable. "Made quite the name for herself already at Hogwarts. No doubt you've heard of her. And from what I have seen in the Prophet, she is a veritable beauty. Though I don't suppose that matters to you." He laughed cruelly at his own joke. "The Gaunt line would do well with that one."

Ominis's pulse thundered in his ears. He knew that tone. His father wanted this.

How dare he even speak her name.

He clenched his fists.

Of all the people in the world, of all the girls they could have chosen, he had to say the one name Ominis could not stop thinking about.

The Gaunt line would do well with that one.

No.

Rosemary was nothing like the Gaunts and would never be. Her achievements would not be theirs. Her beauty would not be theirs. Her children would not be theirs.

How dare his father try to claim her.

"No." Ominis had said through gritted teeth. "You cannot force me to marry. I refuse."

He had to save her from this wretched arrangement. Get her as far away from his family as possible.

"How about we make a deal then?" Ominis had heard the sinister smile in his voice. "Either you marry the pure-blood girl, or you finish Salazar Slytherin's noble work. The Chamber calls to you, I know it does. As does that monster in the walls-."

"Then why didn't you do it?" Ominis had snapped. "You went to Hogwarts too."

"It was never the right time." Vicious had sniffed. "Besides, you are the perfect heir. You can control the beast inside the Chamber."

"Not this again." Ominis had muttered, turning to leave the study.

"You've been given a gift!" His father had yelled after him.

Once he got to his room, Ominis pressed the heels of his palms to his eyes. A single tear slipped down his cheek.

He had spent his whole life fighting them. Rebelling against their every command, every expectation. He still had not forgiven himself for the one time he had relented and cast Crucio. And now here he was again. So close to relenting.

Because this time, they had found his one weakness.

How had they known?

Had they used Legilimency without him realizing it?

No, that was not possible, it had to be some horrible coincidence.

He wiped the tear away and straightened his attire. He had to steel himself. He would not give them what they wanted.

That was that.

It had been easy to start building walls in his mind after that. Slowly ridding himself of thoughts about her. It helped that she was not there.

But all it took was her to come crashing through the train compartment door to wreck all his efforts. He struggled with himself the entire ride to Hogwarts. But it was too easy to fall back into his banter with her. Her friendship was warm. Familiar. Soft, like the scent of her skin. He could not fathom pushing her away, when all he wanted was to draw her closer.

And then...she told him she liked him.

The beautiful words he had once hoped to hear landed like misplayed notes on a piano. His heart ached when he had to tell her to cancel the engagement. To give up. Move on. Find someone else.

It had been the hardest thing he had ever done.

Afterward, he had hidden himself in his bed, and refused to talk to Sebastian, even when his friend came looking for him. He could not risk Sebastian reading the truth in his voice. Sebastian was smart. He would figure it out, and he would push.

Silence, Ominis found, was the best at hiding things.

Rosemary, somehow, had let her mask slip only slightly. He could hear the waver in her voice during Herbology. He knew she was hurting. Thankfully, Professor Garlick had picked up on it too and offered the comfort Ominis could not.

Then, at dinner, she had not come at all. And it had nearly driven him mad.

Was she crying somewhere alone? Doing something reckless? Sebastian would know how to find her...

And then, she was right as rain. Back to her normal, warm, and sunny self. As if nothing had happened.

She was just...Rosemary.

And that, at least, was a relief. She would be alright.

Ominis, however, knew he would carry the wound of what could have been forever.

Chapter Text

It was the end of their first full week back at Hogwarts. The castle was nearly empty as students fled the indoors for outdoor adventures, especially to Hogsmeade for their long-awaited Butterbeers and Honeydukes' sweets. Rosemary and her friends were no exceptions.

Their cares seemed to melt away with each step they took down the wooded path toward the village.

"So, where to first?" Rosemary asked excitedly, linking arms with Anne as they approached the gate.

"Honeydukes." Sebastian replied without hesitation. "I'm in dire need of sweets if I'm going to survive another week of Binns's class."

"I second that." Ominis added. "I missed having a pocket full of snacks."

"I tell you what I missed - playing the Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Bean game." Anne said. "Did you lot even play it once last year while I was gone?"

"I don't think we had time." Sebastian scratched his head. "There was just too much going on."

"What's the game?" Rosemary asked.

Anne gasped. "Oh no, no, no. This won't do. We need to fix this immediately. I think at least four boxes of beans should do the trick. To Honeydukes!" Anne pointed the way and dragged Rosemary forward.

"Why do I get the feeling I should have brought more galleons?" Rosemary laughed.

After finishing their shopping, and several parcels of sweets heavier, they were headed toward the Three Broomsticks when something - or rather, someone - caught Rosemary's eye.

"It's a house-elf." Rosemary murmured, stopping in the middle of the street. She peered down the alleyway, where a small figure swept the pavement outside a boarded-up shop. From behind, the house-elf looked vaguely familiar; gray, straw-like hair, drooping ears, and even a tartan outfit like Bon's. But, of course, it was not Bon. Why would her own family's elf be sweeping an alley in Hogsmeade?

But still, she was curious why a house-elf was outside at all, they normally stayed indoors, hence the name.

"I'll be right back." She said distractedly. "You lot can go on ahead."

"What are you doing?" Ominis asked, but Rosemary was already walking down the alley.

The others followed.

"Hello!" Rosemary greeted. The house-elf jumped, dropping her broom in fright. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you."

"No need to apologize, Miss. Penny was too focused on closing up the shop, Penny did not notice you." A surprisingly high voice rang out and Rosemary gaped. The house-elf turned and she realized, it was a female house-elf. Rosemary had only ever seen male house-elves before and now she was even more intrigued.

"Then are you the house-elf to this shop?" Rosemary asked, observing the shop in question. The boards over the windows and door gave it a haunted look, the flaking paint did not help either.

"Why yes! Penny's mistress lets the shop space and Penny comes with the shop to help the new tenant with their business." Penny smiled warmly up at Rosemary.

"What? Wasn't there a new shop here just a few months ago?" Sebastian piped up. "Some sort of a knick-knack shop if I remember right."

"That's right!" Penny nodded. "But Penny's mistress has such a hard time letting the shop, she's decided to sell it, and Penny with it, rotten bad luck with the last few tenants..." Penny suddenly gasped and covered her mouth, shaking her head.

"Are you alright?" Rosemary asked, holding out her hands, ready to help the house-elf if need be.

"Yes," Penny said as she let out her breath. "Penny is fine. Sometimes Penny simply needs to stop talking so much." Penny looked into Rosemary's eyes then and seemed to see something there. "Pardon Penny for asking, but would you be interested in owning your own shop – and a house-elf to help you with it?"

Rosemary was taken a back. Own a shop? The idea had never crossed her mind. But suddenly, it sounded absolutely brilliant.

"It would be wonderful to have a place to sell things and someone to help!" Rosemary's imagination took off. She had such a large collection of enchanted and antique clothes from all over the Highlands. Surely someone would want them. Mr. Hill at Gladrags never took older styles, but there had to be a market for magically woven vintage attire.

"Now wait a minute," Ominis stepped in. "Something about this seems off."

"Great!" Penny said, ignoring Ominis completely. "You just need to speak with Cassandra Mason. She's the owner of the shop." Penny clapped her large hands together happily. "Oh, Penny does hope you buy the shop. Although it may not look it, Penny is very good at shop-keeping and getting the best prices for items. It will be no work at all for you once you get the shop up and running!"

"If you are so good at shop-keeping then why does the shop look so rundown?" Sebastian asked, eyeing the storefront.

"That was not Penny's doing. The previous tenants were not...um...able to manage well and left in a bit of a hurry." She gasped again, holding her mouth and looking from one shocked student to the next. Slowly she let out her breath. "Penny is perfectly capable of cleaning and managing a shop. Just leave it to Penny."

"Rosemary, I don't think-." Ominis started, but was cut off by Rosemary.

"And where might I find Cassandra Mason?" She asked, focused on Penny.

"She lives in the house behind Honeydukes. She should be at home today if you want to talk to her now." Penny pointed up the alleyway.

"Thank you so much." Rosemary smiled and bid the house-elf farewell, heading off in the direction of Cassandra Mason's house.

"Rosemary, you can't be seriously thinking of buying a shop." Ominis said, catching up to her. "That house-elf was suspicious. For all we know she could have sabotaged those previous tenants."

"Oh Ominis, no need to jump to conclusions. Penny seems like a sweet little house-elf to me." Penny had reminded her very much of her beloved Bon. What luck to find another sweet-tempered house-elf.

"I'm with Ominis." Sebastian said. "But I think we should talk to Cassandra Mason anyway, maybe she's the suspicious one and not the house-elf."

"What? No, that's not what I meant!" Ominis tried to say.

"This is exciting." Anne commented as she took out a Chocolate Wand from her parcel and unwrapped it. "I can't wait to meet this Cassandra person." She nibbled the end of the wand, looking quite entertained.

Sure enough, behind Honeydukes stood a cozy house, and a witch in a tall, pointed hat emerged just as they approached.

"Excuse me, are you Madam Mason?" Rosemary asked.

"Yes, I am. Who might you be?"

"My name is Rosemary Abbott. I just spoke to Penny and she said you are selling your shop?"

"I am. Are you interested in purchasing the shop? Penny does come with it."

"I might be. How much are you selling it for?"

Cassandra's lips curled into a small smile before she quickly composed herself.

"Pardon me for asking this but...aren't you a little young to be owning a shop? I mean, you are students at Hogwarts, aren't you?" She eyed their school robes.

"Yes, but that doesn't matter, does it?" Rosemary waved away her concern. "I have the money. What's the price?"

"What?" Sebastian asked, startled. "I thought you were penniless after Honeydukes..."

"One thousand galleons."

Anne bit off a large piece of her Chocolate Wand, clearly enjoying the show.

"That is a good price. I'll return with my coin purse." Rosemary said farewell to Cassandra and strode back down the path towards the Three Broomsticks. "Time for a Butterbeer and fish and chips, I think."

"Please tell us this is a joke." Ominis said as they all took a seat at their usual table near the fireplace in the Three Broomsticks. "You're not seriously buying a shop, are you?"

"It's not a joke. I have some ideas of what to do with it." Rosemary replied with a dreamy smile.

"Do you also have the galleons for it? Because that's what's needed..." Sebastian flagged down Sirona Ryan.

"It's the same price as a good broomstick, Sebastian. I can't believe what a steal that is. Owning my own shop and house-elf...and no Gladrags gatekeeping my stock? Can you imagine the possibilities?" Rosemary propped her elbows on the table and cradled her head in her hands as she thought about it.

"And that price isn't suspicious to you at all?" Ominis asked, exasperated.

Rosemary closed her eyes and sighed. "Of course it's suspicious. But now it's a mystery. And I have to solve it."

"Not every mystery needs to be solved." Ominis groaned.

"This one does." Anne said, finishing off her Chocolate Wand.

Sirona arrived to take their orders.

"It's good to see you all back again." She said warmly. "It's been so quiet since the Ministry cleared out the poachers. I thought I'd expire from boredom."

"We were always up to something weren't we?" Rosemary mused.

"What do you mean were?" Ominis muttered.

After lunch, Rosemary went quickly to dip into her stash of galleons she kept in the Room of Requirement and returned to Cassandra Mason's house.

"One thousand galleons." She said, handing over the coin purse.

"Quite prompt! I thought it would take you a while to sort it all out." Cassandra slipped the coin purse into her extended pocket. "Now, I didn't have time to clear out the back of the shop. My late husband left a few things in the large trunk there. Would you mind bringing them to me when you get a chance? I'd be ever so grateful."

"Of course." Rosemary agreed. "I'd be happy to."

"Splendid. I'll take care of the paperwork immediately. Pleasure doing business with you, Rosemary."

And just like that, Rosemary was the owner of a shop in Hogsmeade.

Rosemary walked back to the Three Broomsticks where Anne, Sebastian, and Ominis were playing the Bertie Bott's game at their table.

"Right where I left you." Rosemary smiled, sliding into the seat next to Ominis.

"How did it go?" Anne asked.

"Everything's done! I bought the shop." Rosemary could not contain the glee that bubbled up.

"One more round of Butterbeers, Sirona!" Sebastian called. "Celebrations are in order."

"All that's left is to clean up the place, bring over my trunks of antique clothes, and return Cassandra's things."

Ominis stiffened. "What things?"

"She said her late husband left some belongings in a trunk in the back." Rosemary said and thanked Sirona as she brought them their Butterbeers.

"I still think she is being suspicious. She could've gone back for it herself at any time."

Rosemary took a slow sip of her Butterbeer, watching Ominis over the rim of her mug.

"You know, I missed this side of you." She said.

Omini startled at the sudden change of subject. "What side?"

"This mother hen side. Always trying to keep us out of trouble."

"More like a mother snake." Sebastian quipped. "The lad's got fangs."

"I like 'mother hen.' Sounds warmer. Cozier." Rosemary mused. "And will cluck at you until you feel good and guilty."

Anne laughed. "Why didn't I see it before? Ominis, you are absolutely a mother hen!"

"This is ridiculous." Ominis muttered. "'Is it so wrong to want to keep you lot out of certain danger?"

Rosemary glanced at him. He was protective. More than she gave him credit for. Maybe that's all he was trying to do by pushing her away.

The thought made her heart flutter for a moment before she squashed the feeling. She was not supposed to feel that anymore.

Rosemary sighed and changed the subject.

"Well, if you are so concerned, you can help me move my things to the shop. You can act as my guard dog if you prefer that to mother hen?"

"It's an improvement." He admitted and agreed to help her.

"A guard dog for Rosemary?" Sebastian snorted. "After she took down Rookwood and Ranrok? Please. I can't think of a person who needs protection less."

Chapter Text

Something Rosemary had not considered when she invited Ominis to help was that all her trunks of antique clothing were in the Room of Requirement, a place she had never told anyone about, not even Sebastian.

After Sebastian and Anne bowed out of the "manual labor" portion of the afternoon, Rosemary and Ominis took the Floo Flame back to Hogwarts.

"The Astronomy Tower?" Ominis asked, puzzled. "I thought your trunks were in your dorm?"

"My normal ones are." She replied. "But not these. I kept all the clothing I found last year in... a special place."

"The Undercroft?" He guessed. "I don't recall anything new in there besides the couch and chairs you smuggled in."

"No, not there." Rosemary stepped around him and came to a halt across from the tapestry of the trolls. "Promise you won't breathe a word of this to anyone?"

Ominis furrowed his brows in deep confusion but agreed. "You have my word."

Rosemary tapped her wand on the wall, and a large, ornate door materialized.

"Did... did a door just appear out of nowhere?" Ominis asked, raising his wand instinctively to scan the change.

Rosemary opened the door and lead the way inside.

"Have you ever heard of the Room of Requirement?" She asked, as they walked down the corridor.

"Of course. It's a legend at Hogwarts. Don't tell me – this is it?"

The corridor opened into a sprawling study that Rosemary had cultivated. It looked just as she had left it. Dark wood, cozy lighting, bookshelves in every corner. The vivariums still glowed faintly, and her trunks were stacked in a pyramid in one corner.

"It reminds me a little of my father's study." She said fondly. "Only roomier. Professor Weasley gave me access to the Room because I started school so late – she wanted to give me a place to study and practice in peace."

Ominis turned slowly in place, wand raised. "This is amazing."

"Would you like to check out the vivariums?"

"The what?"

"Vivariums. The Room created magical habitats for the creatures I rescued from poachers last year. They are truly magnificent."

"I'm not sure I've even heard the word." He admitted.

"Then come this way." Rosemary led the way through the doorway of a small greenhouse and Ominis followed her a little hesitantly, not sure what he was getting himself into.

The air shifted as they passed through the portal. Then everything brightened into a springlike meadow blanketed with soft grass and wildflowers. Warm sunshine kissed her cheeks and she hummed in pleasure. This vivarium was her favorite.

She let out a low whistle to alert the creatures of her arrival.

A white and black mooncalf popped up from the meadow and bleated. Moments later, three more joined it and bounded together towards Rosemary in a blur of limbs and joy.

"Hello, darlings! Did you miss me?" She asked, crouching to greet them. "Ominis, come meet the mooncalves!" She called over her shoulder.

He approached hesitantly, wand out.

"Here." She said gently, guiding his hand. She tried not to notice the tingle that ran through her fingers at the touch.

A curious mooncalf sniffed Ominis's hand, then bumped its head into it.

He flinched, then relaxed as he felt its silky fur slide easily through his fingers. Rosemary smiled. This was the most at ease she had seen him all day.

"Do you only keep mooncalves?" He asked as he moved on to pet another purple mooncalf that was rubbing its head on his knee, begging for attention.

"There are others." Rosemary scanned the field. "The jobberknolls are nesting near the trees. And...ah – there they are."

Two orange-bangled kneazles padded through the tall grass and blinked up at her in greeting. Between them bounced a fluffy golden kitten.

"Oh, Pompom!" Rosemary squealed, scooping her up. "You've grown up so much!" She nuzzled the purring kitten as she carried her to Ominis.

"Hold out your arms." Rosemary instructed.

Ominis complied, and she placed Pompom in his grasp. He held her uncertainly until Pompom sniffed his hand and started to lick it.

He chuckled softly and adjusted her against his chest. "I feel like I'm back in Beasts Class."

"You're a natural." Rosemary noted. "Do you have pets at home?"

"Yes, and no. My brother Marvolo keeps snakes. But it feels odd to call something a 'pet' when I can hear it speak."

Rosmary hummed in agreement. "I could see how that might be strange. I wonder what Pompom would say if she could talk." Rosemary scratched the kitten's chin and she began to purr.

"I imagine she is quite happy to meet you again." He said quietly.

Something in his tone made her heart flutter.

Did he mean her? That he was glad to meet her again too?

She swallowed. Yes, of course, because they were friends. Just friends. Friends missed friends.

"Oh my, is that the time?" Rosemary asked suddenly, glancing around despite the lack of any clock. "We'd better get those trunks moved before dinner."

"Wouldn't want to miss dinner, now, would we?" Ominis smiled to himself as he let Pompom down.

"Indeed not."

Once they made their way out of the greenhouse vivarium, Rosemary saw Deek standing in the study of the Room of Requirement, waiting for her.

"Deek!" Rosemary greeted him. "Thank you for taking such good care of the Room and the creatures. They are thriving."

"Miss Rosemary, always a pleasure. And Deek sees you have brought a friend with you." The house-elf looked expectantly at Ominis.

"Yes, this is Ominis Gaunt, he is a good friend of mine." She stepped aside. "Ominis, this is Deek, he is a Hogwarts house-elf who helps me care for the Room of Requirement. He is very knowledgeable."

"Oh, Miss." Deek blushed. "You are too kind."

Ominis nodded. "Glad to meet you, Deek."

"It is good to meet you as well, Mr. Gaunt. Deek has heard much about you." Deek sent a knowing look to Rosemary and she blanched. Bon must have told him something.

Ominis cocked his head and asked, "Do you know our house-elf, Sully?"

"Yes, of course. Deek and Sully have been friends since your father was a student here."

Rosemary could see where the conversation was going and thought quickly to change the subject.

"Deek, I was wondering, how would you suggest I move my trunks over to my shop in Hogsmeade?"

"Miss has a shop?" Deek brightened. "That is wonderful news!"

"Yes. Now I finally have a use for all these old things. I couldn't bring myself to throw them out – they're beautiful, and some are enchanted, though I haven't catalogued them..."

"Very well." Deek said and pointed to the trunks in the corner. "Since there are quite a number of items in the trunks, you will only be able to vanish a few at a time and conjure them later. It is good you brought a friend to help." Deek's knowing gaze was back and Rosemary shook her head at him.

Please don't mention the engagement. Her eyes told him.

Deek's eyes filled with an understanding and then sadness. He looked between her and Ominis, a question written on his face. Are things not going well?

Rosemary closed her eyes and gave a subtle shake of her head. No.

Deek put his large fists on his hips, looking disgruntled. Rosemary was shocked to see such an emotion from Deek, but also slightly amused. Was he a romantic, too?

"Thank you for the advice, Deek. We will get started." Rosemary said and headed for the trunks.

She went about vanishing them one by one but only was able to vanish three before her wand sparked in protest. It would hold no more. Ominis followed her example and he too could only hold three.

They headed back to the shop via the Floo Flame and saw Penny still outside, sweeping the front steps.

"Penny," Rosemary called. "I spoke with Madam Mason. I bought the shop!"

"Oh, Penny is so happy to hear it! Penny was hoping you would be the one to buy the shop." She smiled serenely and looked back at the boarded-up door and windows. "The shop needs a good fixing up, but with your help, we can have this shop ready in no time." She snapped her fingers and the boards vanished. "Right this way."

Rosemary and Ominis followed Penny inside, but Rosemary got one look at the interior and stopped in her tracks.

Ominis bumped into her and grabbed her shoulders to steady them both.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"It's a wreck!" She stared. Shelves toppled. Items scattered across the floor. Trunks overturned. Curtains shredded. "Penny, what happened here?" Rosemary asked, turning to the elf.

Penny wrung her hands."Well, you see, the last tenant left in a bit of a rush and – oh!" She clapped a hand over her mouth. "Penny nearly said too much again. Best to tidy up! Using Reparo should get the job done faster."

Rosemary hesitated.

"Rosemary..." Ominis warned, tension rolling off him in waves.

"I know. Let's just clean up first."

She raised her wand and cast Reparo. Shelves righted themselves. Items returned to their places. Curtains mended themselves back together. Slowly the shop became tidy – although a little sparse.

"All done, Penny." She said. "I brought a few trunks to start-."

"Oh! Thank you for reminding Penny." Penny reached into her pocket and held out a key to Rosemary. "This unlocks the trunk in the back. Mistress asked Penny to give it to you. Master Mason's old things are inside."

Rosemary took the key and considered it. It was a large skeleton key which probably meant the trunk would be large too. She would unload her own trunks before trying to vanish it. She did not need to open the thing herself. Madam Mason could do that.

Rosemary found her way to the back room of the shop and there it was, a large dark wooden chest, not a trunk like Penny had said. Ominis appeared in the doorway behind her.

"Something's wrong." He said, his wand's red light was pulsing faster than normal. "I can feel it. Something dark."

"You can sense that?" She asked.

"It's easy if you've grown up around it." He tapped the chest with his wand. Nothing happened.

Rosemary went about conjuring her trunks and stacking them neatly on the other side of the storage room.

"I'll just vanish it, and deliver it to Madam Mason." Rosemary said and cast the Vanishing Charm on it – but her wand sparked in protest. She hissed and shook out her hand. "I'll try again." She cast it once more. This time, her wand burned her hand. She dropped it in surprise.

"Are you alright?" Ominis asked, taking a step toward her, and sensed her wand on the ground. He bent and picked it up for her.

"I think the chest is spelled against vanishing? My wand has never reacted like that before." Rosemary accepted her wand and examined it. Maybe there was too much inside the chest to vanish it.

"I'll open it and take a look." Rosemary said as she pulled out the key.

"Wait-!" Ominis said a moment too late. Rosemary had already opened the chest and peered inside.

"There's nothing...oh wait a ladder just appeared. It's not a chest at all. It leads to a cellar." She felt the top rung; it was solid enough.

"I'll go first." Ominis moved her hand aside and swung his leg over the edge, finding the ladder rung with the toe of his shoe.

Rosemary felt conflicted as she watched him descend. It did not feel right to let him go first; she was the one who insisted on opening the chest. But he was being protective...and her pulse quickened at that thought.

She swallowed. Hopefully, there was nothing dangerous waiting down there.

Chapter Text

Rosemary climbed down after him, watching below her as he stepped off and away from the ladder before she finished climbing down as well.

Rosemary surveyed the cellar once they reached the bottom. It had barrels on shelves that lined the walls just like the outside of her common room.

"Just barrels." Rosemary followed Ominis as he still took the lead, navigating effortlessly through the dim cellar. Rosemary cast Lumos and noticed a door at the back of the cellar. "Should we try the door?"

"I don't like this. The darkness I feel is concentrated behind that door." Ominis held a hand out to block Rosemary from going further. "Let's go back. You can tell Madam Mason to come collect her own items if she wants them so badly." He turned back, catching Rosemary's arm and pulling her with him.

"Ominis! Don't you think we should-?" Rosemary gasped and yanked him to a halt.

"Mannequins." She breathed.

Five wooden mannequins stood directly in their path, blocking the route back to the ladder, frozen in place.

"Bombarda!" Rosemary threw the blaze of fire at them and they exploded instantly.

"Let's get out of here." Ominis continued back the way they had come but stopped when he could not sense the ladder. "Where's the ladder?"

Rosemary cast Lumos again and searched; the ladder had vanished, and so had the opening in the ceiling.

They were trapped.

Her heartbeat hammered in her ears at the realization. What had she gotten them into? She searched again, but there were no doors of any kind, save for the one at the back of the cellar.

"I guess we have no choice..." Rosemary admitted. Honestly, she was not as nervous as she had been a year ago. Going through the Keepers' trials and never knowing what lay on the other side of each doorway, or portal, made a situation like this one old hat for her. However, this was not a trial, this was something dark and strange. "We'll just have to keep our wits about us."

"Fine." He said, clearly uneasy about the situation as he kept adjusting and turning his wand in his hand.

Rosemary took the lead and went straight for the door and opened it without hesitation, ready to take on whatever was in there.

It was a storage room of a sort. Filled with more lifeless wooden mannequins and boxes. Rosemary cast a critical eye on the mannequins, not sure how the other ones had snuck up behind them before, but was not about to let them do it again. Ominis followed close behind, wand at the ready.

"Revelio!" Rosemary cast the revealing charm and saw a jack-in-the-box toy in the far corner give off a faint blue glow. "What's a toy like this doing down here?" She walked to it and reached out to touch it.

"There's a -." Ominis started to say, but as soon as Rosemary touched the toy, everything went black.

"What did you say, Ominis?" She asked, and cast Lumos.

"Ominis?" She panicked when the light from her wand blinked on but Ominis was nowhere to be seen. "Ominis!" She turned around and around, searching the darkness, hoping she had simply overlooked him.

It's ok. She thought, trying to calm her nerves. I was separated from Professor Fig in the dark hall of pillars. If I could get through that, I can get through this. I'll get him back.

She took a steadying breath and realized she was in a corridor with a door at the other end. Rosemary began to run for it and was instantly shoved aside as someone flew past her towards the door, laughing gleefully.

A glowing being, she noted, resembling Peeves - the Poltergeist.

"Oh, goody! Someone to play with! Come come, it will be such wonderful fun!" The Poltergeist flew through the door at the other end. "For me at least." His voice could be heard, echoing through the corridor.

Rosemary ran for it, the door opened wide when she got closer and slammed shut behind her. She followed a set of stairs down into another hallway, where at every turn, an object or cloud of bats flew past her.

Narrowly missing her as she ran.

Finally, she came to a set of doors that needed to be puzzled open. Puzzles, she knew meant there was something to be gained from all of this. Perhaps the Poltergeist was not just looking for someone to torment, or in his words 'play with.'"

Once she understood the puzzle and opened the doors, she gained entry to a grand foyer with piles of human-shaped bones littering a dried-up fountain at its center.

A turned over arm chair suddenly floated high up into the air and the Poltergeist appeared, reclining leisurely in it.

"Ooooh! You've come so far so quickly! No need to rush, we have plenty of time to play. My name is Fastidio-."

"Get to the point, ghost! What is it you want?" Rosemary seethed.

"Goodness me, what fun would that be? I encourage you to enjoy my playground! Tell everyone about it...if you survive that is." He vanished then and the armchair went hurtling towards Rosemary. She threw herself out of the way before it crashed on the spot she was standing only a moment ago.

"I'm not going to play your games!" She shouted into the empty foyer.

"Oh but you will..." Fastidio's voice echoed menacingly. "Your friend is already playing on one of my playgrounds, you might as well play on the other, since you want to be quick about it. And if you make it to the end, well we might be able to come to an arrangement, I do want your shop to succeed after all."

A door opened to the side and Rosemary looked back and forth. Really what other option did she have?

She bucked up her courage and hurried to her only choice. A series of puzzles awaited her just inside the doorway. After each puzzle was completed, she ended up battling troops of mannequins walking mechanically towards her with their arms outstretched towards her neck. Incendio worked wonders on the wooden beings and reduced them to nothing but kindling.

Finally, after she completed the grueling playground, she found herself back in the grand foyer. A figure in Hogwart's robes came out of a doorway from the opposite end.

"Ominis!" Rosemary sprinted towards him and he ran towards her voice as well.

"Rosemary! Are you alright?" He grabbed hold of her outstretched arms as soon as they met. "You're not hurt?"

"I'm fine. I-." Rosemary began but was cut off by the large door at the top of the landing suddenly swinging open.

"Guess he's not quite done with us." She muttered and made to go but Ominis held her still.

"We need to stick together this time. Here, hold my wand-arm. He shouldn't be able to tear us apart if we are holding on to each other." He let go and offered his arm to her. She took it, happy he thought of such a thing.

As quick as they could, they made it through the large doorway and down a strange and crumbling pathway to a dark and misty cemetery. She wondered briefly if they were going to have to fight inferi but the thought was soon squashed when she saw the piles of mannequins laying about.

"Finally!" Fastidio popped into view right in front of them. Rosemary's grip on Ominis's sleeve tightened. "You've solved my puzzles so quickly and so far, you both have traversed my little dungeon relatively unscathed. Now I suppose you want to leave and never return, leaving old Fastidio all alone with no one to play with. Say, that gives me a good idea..." Fastidio swirled around the two, watching them greedily. "If you can best me at my own game, and give me unfettered access to your shop say one day a month to have my fun...I'll sign a contract with you. How's that?" He came close then, lending Rosemary an ear.

"We shall see about that." Rosemary could not help the curl of her lip as she spoke to him. She was tired of his nonsense and just wanted to get out of there as fast as humanly possible.

"Then let's begin!" Fastidio danced away and disappeared.

Suddenly the piles of mannequins collected into one gigantic mannequin that made to step on Ominis and Rosemary.

"Run!" Rosemary shouted to Ominis and bolted to the right. They separated just in time before the mannequin could crush them. Ominis fired Confringo at the monster over and over, chipping away at the hundreds of mannequins that made up the monster.

Rosemary could feel her Ancient Magic tingling, waiting at her finger tips, ready to be released. She flung her wand skywards and pulled down a mighty force, blasting the monster apart.

Rosemary saw Ominis stumble in the aftershock of the force and she went immediately to him.

"What was that?" He shouted to her over the din of Fastidio's cries of outrage.

"I'll explain later!" She yelled back not wanting to explain Ancient Magic where Fastidio might hear.

"Not fair! Not fair! You can't use that...that...whatever that is!" Fastidio whined and made a new monster with the remaining mannequins.

"Who says I can't?" Rosemary yelled back and reached up with her wand again and pulled down another quaking force that shattered the monster to pieces.

"Fine! Fine! I give up. You win! But under protest!" Fastidio said, crossing his arms and looking away from Rosemary in a huff.

"And what of the deal and the contract you said you would sign?" Rosemary asked.

Fastidio held his pose for just a moment before realizing his precious deal was on the line. "Alright, here's the deal. I won't bother your store but one day a month to cause a little mischief. Otherwise, I leave the customers be, but just give me that one day. That's all I need." He begged; his hands clasped in front of him.

Rosemary made a show of thinking about his offer. He seemed to like theatrics. "I will agree to your contract, with one small addendum of my own."

"Oh? And what might that be?" He asked.

"To make sure I have a successful and thriving shop, would you agree to only causing chaos after nine o'clock in the evening?"

Fastidio hummed in thought. "Very well, but let's make that two nights a month instead of one."

"Fair enough. We are agreed." Rosemary nodded to him.

"Oh goody goody! I knew I was right about you! Pleasure doing business with you! I have to say, Cassandra did a wonderful job finding the perfect playmate." Fastidio clapped his hands and Rosemary blinked at the sudden shift in scenery.

She and Ominis were back in the storage room of her shop.

"I knew it." Ominis fumed. "I knew it had something to do with that Cassandra Mason. This is all her doing." He kicked open the door to the shop and entered to find Penny, standing in the midst of the shop wringing her hands anxiously.

"Thank goodness you are back, Penny was beginning to worry!"

"You! You knew what was in there, and you told Rosemary nothing! Not even a warning!" Ominis shouted at her.

"Please, forgive Penny! Penny was forbidden to say anything!" She cried, her large green eyes filling with tears.

"Forbidden?" Rosemary asked. "What do you mean? I'm the owner of this shop, aren't I? You shouldn't be forbidden unless I say so."

Penny nodded vigorously. "Penny is confused too. Penny thought that if you bought the shop, you would be the new owner. But the shop and Penny are not bonded to you, Penny still feels the bond with Mistress Mason."

"That conniving little witch!" Ominis was already halfway out the front door with Rosemary close behind.

"Get Officer Singer!" Penny shouted after them. "She will know what to do!"

With that advice, Ominis and Rosemary did exactly that; they found Officer Singer patrolling Hogsmeade square and told her everything. Amongst the greater details, Officer Singer could not quite get over the fact that Madam Mason had sold her shop to a student of all people. Ominis had a few choice words to say about that as well and Rosemary found it refreshing not to have to defend her own honor for once.

"Right then." Office Singer straightened her uniform. "Let's go have a chat with Cassandra Mason and get this cleared up."

They trooped up to Madam Mason's house together and Officer Singer knocked on her door.

"Why hello, Ruth." Cassandra opened the door, a saccharine smile plastered on her face. "What a pleasant surprise. I see you have met my new tenant."

"That's not what I heard, Cassandra. Rosemary here says you sold her your shop and house-elf and left her a nasty surprise inside." Officer Singer said.

"I see, what an unfortunate misunderstanding. Won't you come inside and we can discuss it further?" Cassandra opened her front door wide and ushered the group in. As they entered her sitting area, Rosemary noticed a frame on her wall with a long canvas draped over it. She eyed it curiously.

"I knew, I shouldn't have trusted a student with my shop." Cassandra began, as she made her way across the room to the canvas-covered frame.

"What are you-." Office Singer was about to reach for her wand when Cassandra swept the canvas aside to reveal a portrait of Gorgan woman. Both Officer Singer and Rosemary could not resist glancing at the picture, but even just a glance was enough to petrify them.

Ominis however had no such qualms as he was blind and the effect was negated.

"You dare try to use such cheap tricks?" Ominis shouted at Cassandra and immediately cast Stupify on her, but to no avail. She blocked and tried to cast Glacius on him but he too cast Confringo at the same time, just like Rosemary and he had practiced in their mock duel. The spells collided and both Cassandra and Ominis were locked together in a fierce stand-off.

Although Rosemary was petrified, she could still see the duel taking place around her, and prayed the effects of the Gorgon painting would wear off soon.

Ominis straightened and twisted his wand arm, sending a powerful current down the spell's line and pushing Cassandra into the wall. Then with his free hand, he reached out and grabbed the first thing his hand landed on, a steaming teapot, and hurled it, hot contents and all, at Cassandra. It hit the wall right next to Cassandra's head, hot tea and ceramic pieces splattering her face, breaking her concentration. Ominis's spell broke free and smashed into Cassandra, setting her clothing ablaze and knocking her to the floor.

"Petrificus Totalus!" Ominis cast the body-freezing curse on her before she could even think of her next move. She lay completely petrified, her clothing still burning. He sniffed in derision at her burning form. Good, let her suffer.

Ominis found Officer Singer's form and went about casting Finite Incantatem on her and then on Rosemary to end their petrified state.

Officer Singer cast Incarcerous on Cassandra who also seemed to enjoy the sight of her burning form for a moment before putting out the flames on her clothes.

"I always wondered why that shop couldn't keep a tenant for very long. A haunted dungeon never even crossed my mind. Thank you for this." Officer Singer pointed her wand at the still petrified form of Cassandra. "She will be signing ownership of the shop and the elf over to you immediately, Rosemary, on her way to Azkaban. No need to worry about her. But you might want to check on that house-elf before you go back to Hogwarts, she must be worried sick at this point."

Ominis and Rosemary left Officer Singer to it and headed straight for the shop.

Penny cried happy tears when Rosemary told her what happened with Cassandra. "Penny is relieved! Penny will work extra hard for such a kind new owner!"

Rosemary was relieved that all had turned out well, but it still did not sit right with her that the house-elf had been forced to do such a terrible thing over and over again to who knew how many unsuspecting tenants just because her mistress had willed it.

"No need, Penny. You have been through enough." Rosemary went to her trunks in the backroom and opened the top one. She pulled out a lovely little sunhat that looked like it would suit Penny nicely and presented it to Penny. "Please take this, and be free."

Penny stared, wide-eyed at the hat in her hands and took it hesitantly, not sure this was really happening or if she was dreaming. "Penny? A...a free elf?"

"You deserve it." Rosemary took the hat gently from her hands and placed it on Penny's head.

"Thank you!" Penny held Rosemary's hands in hers and smiled brightly up at her. "Of course, Penny will be staying on and managing your shop for you."

Rosemary protested and Penny just shook her head. "This is what Penny has always wanted to do, to run a shop with a friend here in Hogsmeade. Penny can think of no greater joy."

Rosemary relented with a sigh and after insisting on paying her, Penny and Rosemary settled on a fair wage for the elf.

While Rosemary gave some instructions for Penny about the shop, Ominis conjured the trunks he was holding in the backroom of the shop and then left Penny to it.

The moment they left the shop and the door closed behind them; Rosemary sagged where she stood. Exhaustion and relief hit her hard now that it was over. She reached out for Ominis, steadying herself with a hand on his shoulder – and suddenly he turned and gently pulled her into an embrace.

They held each other like that for a long moment, the tender physical touch soothing their frayed nerves. It was not until Ominis broke away from the hug that Rosemary realized just how much she had needed that, and the loss of it felt startlingly lonely.

"I'm sorry. I...I shouldn't have done that." Ominis whispered. He stepped away from her and began walking toward the Floo Flame.

"Ominis, wait." Rosemary's words stopped him in his tracks, but he did not turn to her. Words stuck in her throat. She did not want that moment to end. She wanted him to keep holding her, comforting her. She had not been held in so long, even by her parents. "We worked well together, didn't we?" She grasped at anything to say, to keep him from leaving.

"Yes," He said quietly. "We make a good team."

Rosemary swallowed nervously. They would make a good couple, too. She could see it. If only he would-.

"But that's all we can be." Ominis startled her out of her thoughts. "Let's end this here, Rosemary. It has been a long day. Have a good evening." His voice was low, as if forcing distance into every word. With that, he strode quickly down the street, vanishing immediately once he reached the Floo Flame

Chapter Text

After all that had happened, Rosemary was mentally, physically, and emotionally drained to the core. A dark corner of her mind felt comfortable and she decided the best thing she could do for herself was go to bed and hide there until she felt better. Her roommates, Adelaide and Poppy worried over her and tried to get her to come to dinner. Food would certainly help, but Rosemary begged off. She would see Ominis there, and she felt too freshly snubbed to bear it, so she snuggled in deeper under her covers.

She fell asleep like that and did not wake until Adelaide and Poppy came back from dinner. The mouth-watering aroma of cooked meat roused her, her stomach growled in response. She popped her head out from under her blanket and saw Adelaide and Poppy each with a plate of food in hand. They laughed at the sight of her instant reaction and chatted with her about the healing properties of food, all while Rosemary happily inhaled everything but the plates.

"You ladies really didn't need to bring me food though. I would have gotten something from the kitchen if I really needed to." Rosemary said, stacking her plates on the chest of drawers next to her bed. "But thank you."

"My Gran always says, 'Fight your frownies with brownies.'" Poppy giggled at the memory. "So, far it's the best way I have found to feel better when I'm down."

"I like your Gran. She sounds very knowledgeable. And I think there really was a brownie somewhere in that pile of food." Rosemary patted her stomach. "No more frownies for me, I promise."

"Good to hear it." Adelaide smiled. "Can't have our newest Seeker being anything but in tip-top shape for our first match on Wednesday."

"Oh Adelaide, and here I thought you were just being a good friend." Rosemary teased.

"I am!" Adelaide countered defensively. "But also, I want us to win our first match of the season. It's against Gryffindor, you know. I can't have Leander Prewett walking around with an even bigger ego if they win."

"I didn't know Leander was on the team. Who else?" Rosemary asked.

"Well, besides Leander, the guys from our year are Garreth Weasley and Eric Northcott."

"Garreth, too? I'll have to give him a hard time in potions then, maybe shake him up before we have our match." Rosemary grinned wickedly at Adelaide.

"That's the spirit! Go get'em!" Adelaide's laugh was contagious and they all ended up laughing together. The warm moment with her friends healed something within Rosemary and suddenly she did not feel the need for that dark corner that lurked in her mind. She still felt the rejection from Ominis like a papercut in saltwater, but she knew she should have expected it. He did not want to be anything more than friends and she really had to come to peace with it.

Friends. She repeated to herself. Just friends.

Monday came around all too quickly and Rosemary found herself looking forward to potions class. Aside from brewing the Elixir to Induce Euphoria Professor Sharp had them practicing, Garreth was working on his own concoction as usual.

"Look, I just want to see if I can tweak it a bit." Garreth explained to Rosemary as he dumped a handful of Sopophorous Beans in his cauldron. "I am nothing if not a good potioneer and if I can adjust the ingredients just right, I might be able to make it more of an Elixir to Induce Melancholy or some such rot. What emotion should we go for?"

"Why not make it even more euphoric? That might be easier than figuring out which ingredient makes one sad?" Rosemary looked dubiously at the cauldron, wondering how he was going to test the effects.

"Ah yes, but where is the challenge in that?"

"Oh, it's a challenge you are looking for then?"

"I like a good challenge too, but not with emotions." Sacharissa moved closer to the two as they chatted over Garreth's cauldron. "Why not make it something like 'Elixir to Induce Sparkles?' And have tiny fireworks explode over your head? That sounds lovely to me."

"Hmm, you might be on to something there, Tugwood." Garreth threw a few porcupines quills in, considered the cauldron for a few seconds then threw in five more. "There, that should do it. Hand me that ladle, would you, Rosemary?"

"Hey, how come I'm 'Tugwood' and Rosemary is 'Rosemary?'" Sacharissa complained.

"Ask your parents, not me." Garreth fired back.

Rosemary handed him the ladle and he began to stir. Garreth glanced at Rosemary and cleared his throat. "I heard a rumor about something that happened over the weekend in Hogsmeade."

"Yeah?" Rosemary watched him stir, not catching his meaning.

"About you buying a shop?"

"Oh," Rosemary let out a nervous laugh, wondering where and what exactly he had heard about it. "Yeah, it was a good price and I couldn't pass up the opportunity, you know?"

"I know exactly what you mean. Would you like a stock of my special brews to sell? We could split the profits, seventy-thirty?"

"Seventy-thirty?" Rosemary opened her mouth in mock outrage. "After all the effort I put into setting up that shop?"

"Fine, fine, sixty-forty, but that's my final offer. I can't make it for free, you know."

"What if I help you gather the ingredients?" Rosemary suggested. "Then we can make it an even fifty-fifty, right?"

"Want to help me brew it, too?" Garreth waggled his eyebrows at her. "I'll drop it forty-sixty then."

"Might as well just brew it myself at that point." She laughed and pointed to his cauldron. "I think you over-stirred."

Garreth leaned over the cauldron to see the sunny liquid turn orange and emit steam in spirals. "I meant for it to do that. Care to try my Elixir to Induce Melancholy?"

Professor Sharp appeared behind him and took one look at the caldron and grimaced. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." He warned and took Garreth's ladle. Sharp conjured a small potted plant on the table and ladled the potion into the soil. The plant shook and then began rocking in a spiral. "It's a Dizziness Draught. Euphoria can turn dizzy if over stirred."

"Makes sense." Garreth said. "At least it didn't explode this time."

After potions class, Rosemary decided to wait for Ominis and Sebastian again to walk to Charms together. She was going to be a big girl and recommit to being a good friend to Ominis, and Sebastian, too.

No more feelings. She repeated the mantra like a shield against her own heart.

"Hello, boys." She pushed herself off the wall outside Potions once she saw them. "Can I walk with you to Charms?"

"Of course, Hero of Hogsmeade." Sebastian smiled. "Ominis told us about what happened at the shop."

"I was wondering how people knew what happened in Hogsmeade. So, it was you, Ominis."

"Not like it would have stayed a secret for long. I'm sure the Daily Prophet will be onto it soon. If they haven't already started publishing the story." Ominis shrugged.

"Rosemary!" Samantha Dale ran up, slightly out of breath. "So, glad I caught you. Professor Weasley wants to see you before your next class."

Garreth waltzed out of Potions at that same moment and perked his ears up at the mention of his aunt. "Ah, Aunt Mathilda. I'm off to her class myself. Shall I walk you there, Rosemary?"

"Why not?" Rosemary said and joined Garreth, looking back regretfully at Sebastian and Ominis as she left. Sebastian waved at Rosemary and turned to whisper something to Ominis.

"What do you think my aunt wants to talk to you about?" Garreth asked as they walked.

"Who knows? Maybe my activities this past weekend." She sighed. Professor Weasley had told her not to go traipsing around the Highlands, but she never said anything about activities in Hogsmeade. "There aren't any rules about students owning shops, right?"

"Absolutely not. And I would know. Although, my business isn't exactly over the counter, if you know what I mean."

Rosemary hummed in understanding. "Maybe she's going to warn me against doing business with you."

"Aunt Mathilda may have her eye on me, but she doesn't have ears everywhere. No way she heard us discussing business in Potions...unless Sharp overheard and told her somehow." Garreth considered. "Although she might be looking for a way to give you detention so you can't play in the Quidditch match. You wouldn't know it from looking at her, but she is a strong Gryffindor supporter."

"She wouldn't really, would she? What a cheap move. Gryffindor must be desperate." Rosemary teased.

"Don't be so sure. Ruby Wiel is our Seeker."

"Ruby..." Rosemary tried to remember where she had heard that name before. It sounded so familiar. And then it hit her. "You mean Ruby Wiel? The number one place holder in the Time Trials?"

"That's the one. Doesn't matter how good of a Chaser I am, as long as we have Ruby, we'll be celebrating in the common room every week." Garreth dropped his voice. "If you help me with brewing, I'll split the profits from my sales during Victory Nights fifty-fifty, promise."

The Transfiguration students were just starting to arrive at Professor Weasley's class when Rosemary walked in with Garreth. The professor saw her right away and gestured her to her office in the back corner.

Rosemary walked in and Professor Weasley closed the door behind her.

"Congratulations are in order, Miss Abbott." Professor Weasley held her hands pleasantly in front of her and smiled. "Officer Singer informed me of what transpired over the weekend and said we at Hogwarts should be proud to have such students as you and Ominis Gaunt. I'll be awarding one hundred points to both Hufflepuff and Slytherin for such acts of service...and daring. But please, I beg you to keep these situations at a minimum."

"I understand, Professor. I didn't actually go looking for this, it just sort of...came across my path."

"Yes, well, all things considered, Officer Singer is now thinking seriously about recommending you and Mr. Gaunt to the Ministry of Magic for Auror or Law Enforcement Training."

Rosemary looked at her blankly. "What does that mean exactly?"

"It means that she wants to deputize you two, even if you are only sixth-year students." Professor Weasley sniffed disapprovingly. "I do not recommend it since you still have much to learn, but it seems neither I nor Officer Singer can stop you from taking justice into your own hands. I believe that is why she wants to deputize you."

Rosemary held up her hands and shook her head. "No, I don't think I am interested in being an Auror or Law Enforcement."

"Ah, so you have given your future some thought after all."

"It's more of a feeling than a thought. I'm simply not interested."

Rosemary thought through her conversation with Professor Weasley the rest of the day. She felt it in her bones that being an Auror or an Officer would not suit her well at all. Last year had been a wild ride for her and in some ways, she missed the thrill of diving head first into a Loyalist camp, but for the most part she was happier to not have to root out evil daily. Maybe owning a shop was enough of a job.

"Well, did you give Garreth a hard time?" Adelaide asked Rosemary when she sat down to dinner.

"Ah, I forgot!" Rosemary playfully smacked her forehead. "But I got some juicy information from him. Did you know the Gryffindor Seeker is Ruby Wiel?"

"What! Oh no..." Adelaide jumped up from her seat and scurried along the Hufflepuff table. Rosemary watched as Adelaide found someone and gestured frantically at the Gryffindor table. A second later, Isaac Cooper jumped up from his seat and followed Adelaide back towards Rosemary.

"Rosemary," Isaac said. "Tomorrow you are going to skip team practice."

"What? Why?"

"I need you to focus on being fast. You must beat Ruby's time. Run the Time Trial around Hogwarts as many times at it takes. That's the best practice you can do." Isaac had a determined glint in his eyes that scared her just a little. But he was the team captain and she decided that he probably knew best so she agreed.

After lunch, Rosemary was on her way out of the Great Hall and was about to head to her common room for her Herbology book, when Sebastian called to her. She turned and saw Sebastian with Anne and Ominis in tow.

She practically skipped over to them, greeting Anne with a hug.

"We should have made friends with Hufflepuffs a long time ago." Anne said and hugged her back. "You're so affectionate."

Sebastian gave Anne a look of total disgust and separated the two. "You're a Slytherin. Get a hold of yourself." Then angled Rosemary out of reach of Anne and stepped between them. "Anyway, Rosie, did you hear? We are starting Crossed Wands this week. Lucan wants to know if you are in or not?"

"Of course, I am! What about you lot?" She asked, wondering if Ominis in particular was going to join after their discussion last week during DADA.

"Anne said she would if I'm her partner." Sebastian said and poked Anne in the shoulder. "Just remember, I can't carry you the whole way, Lucan will probably breakup all pairs at the end and make them fight each other."

"Carry me? How dare you." Anne smacked Sebastian's hand away and crossed her arms. "I guess we shall see who is carrying whom, shan't we?"

"Ominis?" Rosemary asked, trying not to sound too hopeful.

He looked conflicted for only a moment. "Yes, I'm joining this year."

Anne's mouth dropped open in shock.

Sebastian nearly choked. "Excuse me? You're what?"

"I'm joining Crossed Wands this year."

Sebastian was flabbergasted, stumbling on his words. "I...how...when...WHY all of a sudden? I've been trying to get you to join for years!" Sebastian cut a look to Rosemary. "It was you, wasn't it?"

"What? I did nothing!" She put her hands up defensively, trying to hide her growing smile.

"You did something. I know it." Sebastian muttered. "Why is it always you who changes his mind? Can't I be the one to change his mind just once?"

"No. And stop talking like I'm not here."

Anne sidled up to Sebastian. "Always?"

"Always. You wouldn't believe all the things she's talked him into doing." He shared a look with his twin.

"Hey, what did I just say?" Ominis's face grew flushed and Rosemary had a hard time believing she was seeing him blush for the first time ever.

"Fine, then tell me why. Why this year of all years?" Sebastian put his hands on his hips.

"Rosemary asked me to." Ominis readily admitted. Rosemary fought the urge to point out that he was the one who suggested that he join, not her.

"I knew it! I knew it!" Sebastian looked as though he was about to strangle someone if he could only get his hands on him. But then he released his hands and took a deep, calming breath and said evenly, "Thank you for admitting it. I can now move on with my life knowing who gets preferential treatment from you in any given situation. And you." He pointed an accusing finger at Rosemary. "Prepare for battle."

Rosemary only pressed her lips together to keep from laughing as she watched him pretend to stomp off in a huff with Anne. What fun this was going to be. She had only dueled Sebastian once and that was the first time they had met in DADA so long ago, and she knew he had held back then.

"I'll be your partner if you want. Going up against Sebastian isn't much of a challenge but against both him and Anne would be formidable." Ominis said, surprising Rosemary with his offer. She narrowed her eyes at him, wondering what his game was. Yes, they made a good team back in Hogsmeade, but he had pulled back from her after that. Wanting some sort of distance between them. She did not expect he would want to be teamed up with her so soon after that.

"There you go suggesting things again. Are you going to tell them later that it was me who wanted to be partnered with you?"

Ominis hesitated, visibly confused. "What?"

"I didn't ask you to join Crossed Wands. You were the one who asked if I would like you to."

"And then you agreed that you wanted me to." He said, with infuriating calm.

"That's not the same as me asking you." She snapped, more flustered than she would like to admit.

"Semantics."

"No..."

"Look, do you want to be my partner or not?" He crossed his arms, a corner of his mouth quirked up in a sarcastic grin.

"Fine. I accept." She huffed. "But under duress. Don't go telling Sebastian that I asked you to be my partner. He might turn into my mortal enemy if you go flaunting a lie like that in front of him again."

"Now, why would I do a thing like that? I never flaunt." His sarcastic grin turned into a full-on smug smile, daring her to deny it.

Outraged at his audacity, Rosemary was rendered speechless. All she could do was "Hmph!" in indignation as she turned on her heel. His quiet laughter followed her all the way to the Hufflepuff common room.

Chapter Text

Why was Ominis like this?

That night Rosemary had tossed and turned in her bed, overthinking Ominis's actions.

Really, she didn't understand the game he was playing and she knew if she could only puzzle it out, maybe she could find some peace.

She decided to make a mental list of facts.

1. He does not want to marry her.

2. He wants her to find someone else to marry.

3. He is her friend. Only that.

4. Agreed they make a good team.

5. He hugged her, but immediately took it back.

6. Teases her...but also teases friends.

Ah, she thought, he really is just treating me like his other friends. He teases them mercilessly, too. He is so sarcastic...sometimes it is hard to decide what is real and what is just a joke.

She hugged her blankets to her tightly, thinking back to the way he had hugged her in Hogsmeade. It felt like he had really needed a hug, just like she did. But maybe he had just lost his head for a moment and really did regret crossing some sort of line with her. He had let her hold his arm on multiple occasions now, was that the line or did he regret that too?

She closed her eyes as #1, #2, and #3 on her mental list made the answers to everything glaringly obvious. Why was it so hard to think of Ominis as just a friend after she had spent an entire year thinking of him as exactly that?

She had had no time last year. None at all. Every time she blinked, the season would change.

Now she had much more time on her hands but also an engagement looming over her head. She wished she could just say no, tell her family to cancel it so she did not have to choose anyone at this point. She was only seventeen after all. But then where would that leave her? Would her family disown her like they had been ready to do had she stayed a Squib into adulthood? She could not let that happen.

Rosemary would just have to find someone else. Someone who hopefully was not as confusing as Ominis Gaunt.

Easier said than done though as Rosemary was in constant proximity of Ominis thanks to Professor Weasley's meddling in her class schedule. She could not help but be drawn to him. Especially since Ominis continued to sit near her, like in her Defense Against the Dark Arts class. They sat at the same table together, practicing their nonverbal spell work on a feather and Rosemary could not stop glancing over at Ominis. How could she throw away her feelings for him when he was just so eye-catchingly pretty to look at? Even his cloudy blue-grey eyes were lovely to-.

Thunk! She stopped the thought with a gentle slap to her forehead. Stop that. She told herself. Focus!

"Problem, Miss Abbott?" Professor Hecat called from the front of the class.

Rosemary colored at being called out but recovered quickly. "No, Professor. Just trying to focus..."

"Yes, I see that." Hecat glanced from her to Ominis but thankfully did not say what Rosemary knew was on her mind. Instead, she drew a breath and started rambling on about how nonverbal spells were difficult at first but once you trained your mind to concentrate, it would become as easy as a thought and a flick of your wand. "So, practice, practice, practice." She said.

And practice she did.

After lunch, she threw herself into beating Ruby Wiel's time in the Time Trial around Hogwarts. Staying busy was the best way she could think of to keep her mind off...situations. Rosemary even enlisted Adelaide's help for her practice. When she needed a break from running the Time Trail, Adelaide would throw a ball as hard as she could for Rosemary to fly after and catch before it hit the ground. Adelaide said she was more than happy to help if it would give Hufflepuff any sort of advantage in the game. As Adelaide seemed to be an avid Quidditch devotee, Rosemary asked her for her critique of Rosemary's flying style, if she had any advice. Even though Adelaide was not much of a flyer herself, she did know what good technique looked like and gave Rosemary a few pointers.

"It's almost dinner time, Rosemary!" Adelaide yelled up to her from her position on the ground at the Quidditch Pitch. "It's now or never!"

Quidditch practice had finished moments before, some of her team mates were milling about and Isaac Cooper made his way over to have a look at the leader board for the Time Trial. Rosemary waited in the air with baited breath as she knew what he was going to say when he saw her time.

She watched him nod when he saw the results and jogged over to where Adelaide stood. Poor Adelaide struggled a little to keep standing on her weak knees at the sight of him coming towards her.

"Nice work, Rosemary!" He clapped encouragingly. "It's less than a second's difference. You can beat it! Give it one more go!" She was surprised at his encouragement, but thankful. He was a good captain and must know when his team needed a boost of confidence. Even though she had been at it for hours, she felt it in her bones - she could do this.

She triggered the countdown and blasted off at zero. She zoomed through the course, doing her best to clip as many edges of the hoops as she could and making her path to the next hoop as straight as possible. Rosemary's heart thundered in her chest as she went careening through the finish line almost crashing into the grass as she came to a sharp stop to look back at her time.

Ruby's time: 1:32:08

Rosemary's time: 1:32:07

She shrieked in excitement! She had done it! FINALLY!

Rosemary jumped back on her broom and sped for the Quidditch Pitch, rolling, and twirling in the air in celebration.

She crested the top of the Quidditch stands and saw Adelaide, Isaac, and her remaining teammates already cheering and celebrating. They cheered louder once they saw her speed to them from over the stands, surrounding her when she landed.

They celebrated in true Hufflepuff fashion, they enthusiastically hugged all around, loudly chanted their Hufflepuff cheer song, and walked together to the Great Hall for dinner. Not even caring that they all were sweaty and dirty from practice.

They burst through the doors in the Great Hall, Rosemary arm-in-arm with Adelaide on one side and Isaac on the other. They were greeted by an eruption of cheers from the Hufflepuff table. They must have already heard the news from Imelda. A crush of Hufflepuff students came to clap Rosemary on the back and congratulate her as she made her way to the table. She beamed, thanking them as she passed. By the time she finally got to sit down at her table she was pretty sure she was glowing from happiness.

The Hufflepuff table was buzzing with excited chatter over the new prospects for the first Quidditch match. Out of the corner of her eye, Rosemary saw a troop of green and black clad students headed her way up the aisle between the tables.

She turned to see Imelda leading the way, followed by Sebastian, Anne, and Ominis.

"Congratulations are in order, Rosemary." Imelda said in her usual no-nonsense tone. She held out her hand to Rosemary who stood and clasped her hand in a friendly handshake. "Make sure to beat them to a pulp tomorrow. It would be a big blow to Gryffindor's morale to lose to Hufflepuff in their first game back. They might not recover by the time they play us." Imelda gave her a hearty pat-pat on her shoulder and then turned and left the way she came, parting the other Slytherins in her wake.

"What she said." Sebastian stepped forward and shook her hand in congratulations as well.

"What is this?" Anne batted Sebastian's hand out of the way. "That's no way to congratulate a Hufflepuff. Watch and learn." She pulled Rosemary into a hug. Rosemary laughed as Anne pulled away and then grabbed Ominis. "Now your turn. Do it properly, Ominis."

Rosemary swallowed back the sudden awkwardness she felt and immediately pulled Ominis in for a hug to get the moment over and done with. She knew he probably felt just as awkward as her, and maybe was even relieved that the moment passed quickly.

"Good luck tomorrow." Ominis said as she pulled away from him.

"Thanks." Was all she could say and waved to the Slytherins as they made their way back to their table.

"Fraternizing with the enemy teams, I see." Adelaide said to Rosemary once she sat back down. "Next thing you know – oh goodness Garreth Weasley is coming over, too." She jerked her chin for Rosemary to look. And sure enough, Garreth was coming up the other end of the aisle.

"Just had to go ruin the odds, didn't you?" Garreth approached and clapped her on the shoulder.

"I couldn't let you feel too good about your prospects now, could I?" Rosemary smiled up at him. He answered with a smile of his own.

"Yes, yes, now shoo back to your own table, Weasley." Adelaide waved him away playfully.

Garreth laughed. "See you on the pitch tomorrow!" He called as he went back to his table.

The next day, tensions were high for Hogwarts' first Quidditch Game Day of the season. Rosemary could practically taste the anticipation in the air all morning. Everyone she passed in the halls seemed to be talking about the Quidditch game. In the Great Hall as well, students were showing their house pride with face paints, and red or yellow sweaters. The other houses, Slytherin and Ravenclaw, were mostly wearing their regular robes since their houses were not the ones competing that day.

On her way to her table, Rosemary could not help glancing at the Slytherins to see if by chance her friends were wearing her colors. But not even a spot of yellow could be seen at their table. She changed course and went straight to their table to give them a hard time.

"Well, well, well, I see Hufflepuff support only goes so far with you three." She said as she pushed Sebastian and Ominis apart so she could sit between them. "Couldn't even wear a yellow scarf? Nothing?"

"Rosemary, you should know how it is for us. Imelda would likely incinerate even the smallest yellow, red, or even blue bauble we tried to wear." Sebastian said.

"But don't worry, we are rooting for you all the way." Anne encouraged. "I'd wear yellow if I could."

"Bothering Imelda sounds like a sport in itself." Ominis mused. "I wouldn't mind testing the theory, if only someone would find me something yellow."

Rosemary was struck with a sudden idea and reached for her tie. "You are in luck! You can wear my Hufflepuff tie, if you like?" She untied it and held it out to Ominis. "Just, don't let it get too singed."

Ominis swallowed and then slowly loosened his Slytherin green tie and pulled it off. "Would you mind?" He gestured to his collar.

Her heart skipped a beat as she reached around his neck to tie it as neatly as she could.

"There. Yellow next to green doesn't look half bad." She said, tightening it gently into place.

"Rosemary!" Isaac Cooper called as he made his way down the aisle, a few of the Hufflepuff team following behind him. He stopped when he reached her, and noticed the yellow tie on Ominis. "Recruiting supporters I see. Clever. We're headed to the changing rooms at the pitch, hurry up or we are going to be late."

"Alright, I'm coming." Rosemary extracted herself from the Slytherin table. She waved to her friends and turned to follow Isaac. But just as she walked away, she could hear Sebastian say faintly: "I didn't think you had a death-wish, Ominis." That made her smile.

The Quidditch Pitch was much more daunting than it had ever seemed to Rosemary before.

It had been such a lonesome specter. Sitting quietly in the crook of the hill, waiting for students to practice their Quidditch moves or start a Time Trial. But now it was alive and roaring with an audience the size of the entire school. Rosemary tried to catch her breath as she followed her teammates as they flew out onto the pitch, the wind catching her long braid and blowing it past her shoulder.

"It's going to be a rough game if the wind keeps up like this." She could barely hear Isaac over the cheers of the student body. "Keep your movements tight and fast." He shouted to them, the wind already pushing their brooms this way and that. "Follow me around and then stop at the center."

Rosemary could see Isaac was making a showcase for them as he flew down, close to the stands, waving to the blur of an audience as they made a large circle around the entire pitch before arriving at the center.

Then it was the Gryffindor team's turn to enter. They entered the same way, their red robes whipping in the wind as they made their showcase as well. When they came to a stop, the team spread out, matching position for position as a mirror image of how the Hufflepuffs were situated. Rosemary caught sight of Garreth in his red Chaser uniform and nodded at him. He grinned and nodded back. From just past him a petite blonde girl appeared and flew to Rosemary's position, her eyes critically sizing Rosemary up.

"You must be Ruby Wiel?" Rosemary asked, not quite believing she had been mentally racing against a child all this time. She had not pictured what Ruby looked like before but it was not a little girl.

"In the flesh! Nice to finally put a name to a face, huh?" She sneered. "I didn't know so many people would get so worked up over the leader board. I only did the Time Trial once myself. Apparently, some people are just born gifted flyers." She shrugged nonchalantly. "Maybe I should have actually put some effort into it. Given you more of a challenge."

Rosemary's jaw slackened. This little girl...

Suddenly Rosemary was not feeling so confident.

Professor Kogawa came out onto the pitch, said a few words that Rosemary could not concentrate on in the slightest and then released the Snitch and the Bludgers, both went zooming in all directions. And then the Quaffle was suddenly in the air and Rosemary only blinked and the rest of the team was gone. She soared up as high and out of the way as she could get.

From up above the pitch her vantage point was incredible. She watched as the Quaffle was passed from person to person, her teammates dodging and rolling away from Bludgers, the most eye-catching of whom was Isaac Cooper.

Anne had been right; he was magic to watch. He played Chaser and every one of his moves seemed calculated, smooth, almost perfect, and dare she say...even beautiful. The way he pulled his broom around to make a hard turn...Rosemary pulled at the collar of her uniform, suddenly feeling too warm.

A Gryffindor player broke from the scenery and came speeding towards Rosemary. She gripped her broomstick harder as she noticed it was Ruby headed her way.

"Sitting this one out, are you?" She asked as she languidly slid to a stop next to Rosemary.

"Just waiting." Rosemary said evenly, unwilling to match Ruby's attitude. "What year are you anyway?"

"Couldn't you tell? I'm a fourth-year."

"I see." Rosemary said, not seeing at all. Ruby was talking down to her as if their ages were reversed. Rosemary watched her out of her periphery, Ruby was wiggling on her broom, the movement having nothing to do with the windy weather pushing their brooms around like boats on a tide.

"What do you say to a little race while we are waiting? I know you must be eager to check your speed next to the real Ruby Wiel, right?" Her eyes gleamed with something Rosemary could not quite place.

'The real Ruby Wiel?' What was this girl's game? "Fine." She said, "What are the conditions?"

"Circle the pitch, whoever flies fastest for ten seconds without getting tagged on the shoulder, wins."

"Alright then." Rosemary nodded, and no sooner had the words left her mouth then Ruby took off. "Hey!" Rosemary leaned into her broom and took off after her.

She followed Ruby down, mentally keeping count. Predictably, Ruby turned and followed the line right between the pitch and the stands. In the seconds it took her to turn, Rosemary met her right after the turn was complete and tagged her shoulder, earning an outraged cry from Ruby as Rosemary sped away.

A Bludger went careening by and Rosemary dodged in time, Ruby rolled but kept hot on her heels. Ruby caught up once they turned in the curve of the pitch and tagged Rosemary a little harder than was necessary, causing her to lose balance and speed.

Rosemary zoomed after her but saw something glint gold out of the corner of her eye. She changed directions as fast as she could and glanced everywhere for the elusive Snitch. She was flying low at almost the center of the pitch. She knew she saw it come this way and then suddenly another glint not far off, near the goal posts.

"Get the Snitch!" A male voice yelled behind her, but she did not turn to see who it was, she was focused on where she had last seen the Snitch.

Then she saw it. Right underneath the middle goal post.

She jerked her broom into position and sped for it. Then three things happened at exactly the same time. One, Ruby caught up with her from her left side matching her speed for speed. Two, the Gryffindor Keeper saw them but only one second after knocking the Quaffle out of his path. Three, the Quaffle was knocked right into their path.

Rosemary and Ruby had to break to dodge the Quaffle. Unfortunately for Rosemary she dodged exactly as Garreth made for the Quaffle and the next thing they knew - CRASH!

The collision left them fumbling with limbs and brooms trying to make sense of what was what before they hit the ground, hard. Rosemary landed heavily on Garreth who had taken the brunt force of the landing. He let out a grunt of pain. The crowd reacted to the collision with a sharp "Ooooooo!"

"Garreth! Are you alright?" Rosemary sat up; she could not feel any pain although she noticed two of her fingers seemed bent at odd angles in her gloves.

"I think I...heard my...ribs pop." He struggled to say between pained breaths. Then he got a look at Rosemary hovering over him, concern in her eyes. His expression softened. "Getting crushed...by a beautiful Seeker...isn't that worst way...to go." He tried a laugh but he winced instead.

Kogawa blew her whistle to pause the game and a witch in a gown much like Nurse Blainey's came rushing onto the pitch.

"Alright, what do we have here?" She asked, quickly assessing Garreth's condition first. He hissed in pain as she lifted his shirt and prodded his side, noting the immediate bruising there.

"Broken ribs, I think." She said and pulled out her wand, holding it firmly against Garreth's side. "Episkey."

Rosemary watched as the bruising disappeared and something seemed to shift back into place under his freckled skin. Rosemary had never seen healing magic up close in personal, it was surprising to see it work so fast.

"Come see me in the Hospital Wing after the match to make sure it heals properly." The Healer turned her attention on Rosemary. "How about you?" Rosemary did not even have to lift her right hand for her to already see the mangled fingers in her lap. "Uh-oh, let's put that to rights, too." She lifted Rosemary's hand and pointed her wand at one finger at a time, casting Episkey on each. Rosemary felt a sudden hot then cold sensation and watched as the fingers untwisted, and fit themselves back together like a puzzle right in front of Rosemary's curious eyes.

The Healer felt them, making sure they were straight. "Good as new."

Rosemary flexed her hand, amazed at the transformation. "Thank you, Madam." She said to the Healer, unsure of what to call her.

"Madam Mulberry. I'm the new Healer at Hogwarts. Now let's get you back to your game."

Chapter Text

The game restarted and this time Rosemary came up with a strategy.

She had thought at the beginning that she only needed to catch the Snitch. She had not thought about what to do about the other Seeker. But now an idea was brewing.

She circled the pitch almost lazily, keeping out of the way of the other players, but watching and waiting for her perfect opportunity. Sure enough, Ruby could not stand waiting on her own and came to fly next to Rosemary.

"Bored with looking for the Snitch already?" Rosemary asked.

"How did you know? I'm ready for our game again, a few broken fingers didn't scare you off, did it?"

"I thought you'd never ask." Rosemary smiled to herself – Ruby had taken the bait. She tagged Ruby on the shoulder and sped away, dipping down into the deep trench between the stands and the pitch. She made a show of jumping out of the trench as Ruby followed closely behind and tagged her. Ruby flew back into the trench and Rosemary smiled to herself again. Ruby was following the example nicely. They tagged each other back and forth, Rosemary tried to not make it too easy for Ruby to catch her, all while she was keeping her eye out for the Snitch.

Rosemary did not have to wait long before something went buzzing past her ear. Her head snapped to the side, seeing the Snitch take off for a Hufflepuff stand. She waited one second for Ruby to dip back into the trench and then she took off, leaving Ruby out of sight.

She sped to where she last saw the Snitch and she could hear the Hufflepuff audience nearest her screaming, "It went up! It went up!" So up she went up, and there it was, hovering high above. Rosemary's eyes locked onto it and she leaned hard into her broom, faintly she could hear someone screeching, but she did not look. She zoomed after it and snatched it before the Snitch could make any more sudden moves.

Rosemary raised the Snitch up high, showing she had caught it. The audience roared, Kogawa blew her whistle and ended the match, but Rosemary had no chance to relish the moment as she caught sight of a very angry Ruby speeding her way. She decided to run for safety. Who knew what that little spit-fire would do?

Rosemary flew straight to Professor Kogawa and handed her the Snitch. A second later, Ruby slid to a stop next to her, fuming, but saying nothing. As soon as Kogawa's back was turned to announce the final score, Ruby leaned in.

"I see what you did there. Very clever, but that will not work a second time. This means war, Abbott." She hissed.

Rosemary only gave her a warm smile. "It was a good game, Ruby. I look forward to our next match."

All Ruby could do was blink. She had not been expecting niceties. And that's how Rosemary left her, looking stunned as she disappeared within the fold of her teammates' group hug.

"I knew you would make an excellent Seeker." Isaac patted her shoulder. "Thanks for proving me right."

"Thanks for believing in me." Rosemary beamed at him, enjoying the hugs and excitement of her team.

"Rosemary Abbott?" A female voice called over the din. It was Madam Mulberry. She waved Rosemary over. "You and Garreth Weasley will come to the Hospital Wing with me now, so I can check on your injuries. Let's make haste so you can get back to the festivities."

They followed Madam Mulberry to the Hospital Wing, chatting the whole time about the game, and Ruby Wiel.

"You could have warned me about Ruby, you know?" Rosemary said, climbing the stairs to the Hospital Wing.

"I thought I already did?" Garreth looked confused.

"Not about that. I mean about her being a fourth-year."

"Got a nice shock, did you? She's a feisty one. The little ones always are." He reached out and ruffled her hair.

"What are you doing?" She pushed his hand away, straightening her hair as best as she could. "I'm not little – and I'm certainly not feisty."

"I beg to differ." He held his hand up over her head as a measure and brought it to the top of his shoulder. "See? Little."

"Alright, you two, enough of that. You, sit on this bed, and you, sit on that bed. I will be with you both in a moment." Madam Mulberry gestured to two open beds once they arrived at the Hospital Wing.

Rosemary had only been to the Hospital Wing a handful of times, but never as a patient. This was a relatively new experience for her and she decided to soak it in. She watched as Madam Mulberry attended Garreth, making special note of the way she checked and cared for him. Rosemary liked the idea of caring for someone, finding even a tiny problem, and healing it straight away. 'Good as new.' As Madam Mulberry had said with satisfaction after she fixed her fingers.

When Madam Mulberry was finished with Garreth, she moved on to Rosemary.

"Right, now let's make sure those fingers healed straight." Madam Mulberry pulled off Rosemary's glove and checked her fingers. "This one needs a little help." She said and without warning, pulled on her finger and popped it into place.

"Wow, how did you know it was out of place? Even I didn't know..." Rosemary said flexing her fingers.

"Must have been all that adrenaline then. Wouldn't have caught the Snitch without it, I'm sure." Madam Mulberry smiled and patted her hand kindly. "You are free to go now, dear."

Rosemary hesitated. She wanted to ask her about being a Healer, but realized this was not an appropriate time since other students and some of her teammates were starting to walk in. She decided she would come back another time.

Victory Night was a completely foreign concept to Rosemary. She had not known what to expect since she had never been to any social parties before in her life, but what was more, it was held in her own common room where the house rules she had seen as solid and unbreakable were in fact bent for just the one special night. One rule that was bent to the point of breaking was the rule about guests. Rosemary found herself in the midst of all house colors in the Hufflepuff common room.

Only a handful of the Gryffindors deigned to participate in the festivities, and true to nature Rosemary saw Garreth amongst them.

"Of course you came." Rosemary said as he walked in.

"I can't pass up an opportunity for a party, especially in a common room I haven't seen in ages." Garreth took in the atmosphere with its hanging plants and warm lighting. "Still as cozy as ever, but a severe lack of furniture. Must have gotten rid of the clutter to make room for the dancing later."

"Dancing?" Rosemary had wondered about the rearrangement but assumed it was to make room for more people. "What kind of dancing are we talking about here?"

"Why the Hufflepuff Jig of course. I've only seen it once myself during the one Victory Night Hufflepuff had many moons ago."

"Hmm...I suppose we aren't famous for being competitive now are we?" She mused, remembering what Imelda had said about a morale blow if Hufflepuff won against Gryffindor.

"No," Garreth agreed, giving her a side-eyed grin. "But you seem to be changing all that. Couldn't let Ruby have anything, could you?"

"What...me?" Rosemary was taken aback; she had not thought about it that way. She had just been following along with what was asked of her. Isaac asked her to be first in the Time Trials, and she did it. Isaac asked her to get the Snitch, and she did it. "You make me sound awful when you put it like that..."

"No, no, no it's not like that." Garreth backtracked at her disheartened tone. "I was just teasing. Anyway, between you and Isaac Cooper now, Hufflepuff seems like a force to be reckoned with. Hopefully we will see more Victory Nights here."

"Oh, and that's another thing," Rosemary was reminded of something he had said a while back in Potions. "You mentioned something about working on your latest brew for Victory Night. So, where is it? Are we going to get to try it tonight?"

Garreth shook his head. "Sadly, it still needs some work before it is ready to make its grand debut. Can't have a subpar brew to my name. I'd never live it down! But," He pivoted and inclined his head towards her. "If you were to help me brew it, I'm sure it could be done faster. My offer still stands, we could split the profit, fifty-fifty. What do you say?"

"Why do I get the feeling that would be a bad idea? Your experiments in Potions Class have gone from explosive to downright scary." Rosemary could not help teasing him back. He was so fun to play with.

"Well, now I'm offended." He crossed his arms over his chest dramatically. "Fine, don't help me then. It's probably better I don't have a goody-two-shoes Hufflepuff part of the brewing process anyway, you'd probably be scandalized by what I put in there and make me throw out the entire batch."

"Then, do I need to be worried about a certain someone spiking the refreshments tonight?" Isaac Cooper asked as he appeared next to Rosemary.

"No, sir!" Garreth raised his hands as if already caught. "Search me, I brought nothing, I swear."

"Glad to hear it. Weasley, was it?" Isaac smirked and held out a hand to him.

"Right you are. Garreth Weasley." He said, all too eager to shake his hand.

"You play Chaser, right? You play a good game. Sorry to see you were injured in that collision between you and Rosemary. It looked painful."

"It could have been worse." Garreth could not help sneaking a look at Rosemary, who blushed a little at the sudden recollection of what Garreth had said to her right after it happened.

"Right. Well, I'm glad to see you are doing fine now. Rosemary," Isaac turned his full attention to her, all but dismissing Garreth. "I came over to see if you would like to learn the Hufflepuff Jig with the rest before we get the dance started?"

Rosemary lit up. "Oh! Yes, I would." She had never learned to dance anything before and was eager to try it. "Garreth, do you want to learn, too?"

Garreth glanced from Rosemary to Isaac and back. "Uh...no, I'm not much for dancing jigs. I'll just enjoy the show. Besides, there's someone I need to speak with. I'll see you later." Garreth patted her shoulder and made his way quickly to another group of students.

What was that about? Rosemary wondered briefly before Isaac offered his arm, recapturing her attention.

"Shall we?" He asked, smiling expectantly down at her.

Rosemary could not help but melt a bit at his smile. Now she really understood why he had so many female admirers, he was especially handsome when he smiled.

"We shall." She said with a shy smile of her own and accepted his arm.

That night was one of the happiest in Rosemary's memory. She never knew dancing could be so much fun. Especially with the always jubilant Hufflepuff crowd, the mood was infectious and everyone was reluctant to leave by curfew. The only downside to the evening was that Rosemary had not seen hide-nor-hair of the Sallows and Ominis. Maybe Slytherins were not the dancing type...

The next day, Rosemary got an owl from Lucan Brattleby about the schedule for Crossed Wands, the first round of duels being that afternoon.

The twins and Ominis were already there when she arrived at the Clock Tower, a few other groups were standing in clusters as well.

"Looks like a decent size turn-out this year for Crossed Wands. Are we waiting on any others?" Rosemary asked as she approached them.

They all turned to her but Sebastian spoke first.

"A few more, I think. No one is going it alone for the first rounds either, so it's going to be a Battle Royale if there ever was one."

"The anticipation is killing me." Anne said, shuffling from foot to foot. "Do you think we are going to stick with the same partners the whole time or is Lucan going to mix that up too?"

"Probably stick with the same partners until the last round, then split us up." Sebastian commented. "Why? You see someone else you want to be partners with all of a sudden?"

"Well, I had no idea that Ominis was going to join. If I had known, I would have asked him to be my partner instead." Anne said as a matter of fact.

"What? You would pick him over your own brother? I'm wounded!"

"Oh, don't be like that! You know Ominis could hang you up by your shoe laces if he wanted to. I'm just trying to survive."

"Suddenly I'm feeling pretty good about this alliance." Rosemary said to Ominis.

"Speaking of which," Ominis said, motioning her to walk away from the twins with him. "I hope you don't mind, but for the first round - I am planning on holding back and having you do most of the work in the matches. Is that alright with you?"

Rosemary looked confused. "Is there a reason you want to hold back like that?"

"Partly because I want the element of surprise on my side when it comes time to dueling alone."

"What's the other part?"

"Because I like the idea of messing up the odds for Hecat and Sharp's little betting game." He grinned and pointed up. Rosemary looked up but saw nothing but the walkways and rafters above their heads. "I can hear them talking up there right now."

Rosemary stared at him in disbelief. "How do you do that? Do you have a special potion you drink to get enhanced hearing or something?"

"I'm blind, not deaf."

"Yes, you said that already but that doesn't explain how you can hear things others can't. Like how you could hear my conversation with someone at the Hufflepuff table from the Slytherin table, and now you can hear a conversation between people I can't even see."

He shrugged. "I guess being blind has made my other senses a little more heightened than others."

"That's putting it mildly." Rosemary muttered, wondering what else he could hear or how far his hearing range actually was. But she shook her head, they were getting off topic. They needed to talk strategy before the matches started. "Anyway, I'll be honest, I'm a little disappointed we won't get to fight as a proper team if you are going to hold back."

Ominis thought about it for a moment and said, "Then how about we do this: I'll focus on breaking their shields for you so you are free to focus on striking."

Rosemary considered that strategy. She really did hate taking the time to break shields before strikes. No shields meant she could make short work of the competitors. "Deal."

The strategy worked like a dream.

Most of their matches had teams of students who would simply try to keep the fight one on one. But Rosemary and Ominis focused all their energy on taking down one student together, ignoring the others until each one was defeated. It was not until they were up against Sebastian and Anne that things changed. The twins had been watching their strategy and used it themselves. At first, they focused all their strikes at Rosemary, thinking she was the weaker of the two, they were sadly mistaken and unfortunately turned to striking Ominis too late in the match for it to matter. Rosemary and Ominis ended up winning the first round of Crossed Wands together.

"Congratulations you two." Lucan shook their hands after their final match with Anne and Sebastian. "I already knew you were the one to beat this year, Rosemary, since you were last year's champion. But I didn't think you would have a partner this time around. And Ominis Gaunt of all people! I'm glad to have the chance to finally see you in a duel, Gaunt. I dare say you will both have targets on your backs from here on."

Rosemary smiled and put a hand up for him to stop. "Oh, Lucan, you say the sweetest things." She teased. "But I am looking forward to the next round. When should we expect to hear from you?"

"We will be doing this a little differently from last year. So, be prepared, it's going to take a bit longer than last time."

"Why? What's different?"

"This year we have decided to merge the Crossed Wands year groups together and find the school wide champion amongst the fifth, sixth, and seventh-years. What do you think?" Lucan looked eagerly between Rosemary and Ominis.

"Sounds exciting!" Rosemary liked the idea of dueling a seventh-year.

"I thought you might say that. The top six students from today's round will go on to fight in a tournament with the top six students from the other Crossed Wands years. Takes a lot of scheduling but don't worry, we should have the Championship final by the end of autumn." Rosemary and Ominis took their leave as other students approached Lucan.

Rosemary stole a glance at Ominis's pensive expression. "Regretting joining Crossed Wands already?"

"No, not at all. I was just thinking what a shame it is that we only got to partner up this one round. Sounds like the next rounds will all be on our own."

"We do make a good pair." She said offhandedly and then realized what she said, "I - I mean, as a team."

"Yes, I know what you meant." He gave her a placating smile and then turned serious. "By the way, did Professor Weasley talk to you about Officer Singer, too?"

"You mean about how she wants to recommend us for Law Enforcement or the like? Yes, she did. Are you thinking about it?"

"I am. We should be thinking about our futures in our sixth year anyway and I'll be honest, being an Auror has crossed my mind a few times."

"Because you are good at combat?" She guessed.

"Among other things, yes. I'm not sure how much you really want to know, but because my family members are the way they are, I had to learn how to defend myself from a very young age. My brother, in particular, can be...merciless. It would be nice to put my skills to good use in the defense against the dark arts." He tilted his head towards her. "You would probably do well as an Auror, if that's what you wanted."

She pressed her lips together in thought but shook her head. "I might be good at combat, and it's fun to compete in Crossed Wands, but I don't know if it's something I could see myself doing every day. I'm exploring other ideas at the moment."

"Really?" He asked in disbelief. "I figured you'd jump at the chance to legally haul criminals to Azkaban by the cartful. What happened?"

Rosemary thought back to Professor Fig. Something had changed in her after his death, maybe more than she was ready to admit. He had quite literally opened her world and was the one to teach her the first spells she had ever used in her life. She had grown powerful under his tutelage and even helped her learn more about Ancient Magic even though he was not a wielder. And now he was gone, because of her. A chapter in her life ended just as abruptly as it had started.

"I don't think I'm ready to choose just yet. Before last year, I didn't know much beyond my front door and my library at home. And then last year happened and that forced me to be...well...the 'Hero of Hogwarts.' Now this year I finally feel free to find what it is I really want." She looked at him then and saw a shadow over his features.

"You told me, a long time ago, you grew up thinking you were a Squib-."

"Ominis, let's go get some fresh air." Rosemary cut him off before he could say more where others might overhear. She took his arm and led him to the Clock Tower Courtyard where there were only a few students milling about. "It's better to talk out here, I think."

"Rosemary," Ominis took her hand off his arm and held it for a moment. "If I know anything about pureblood families, it's that they don't take kindly to Squibs in the bloodline."

Rosemary let out a soft sigh, watching his hand in hers. "No, they don't do they?"

"What did your family do?" He asked tersely, capturing her attention at once. Was he angry?

"Nothing." She said flatly. "Usually, children start showing magical abilities around ten years old, right? Well, when I didn't, and continued to not show any signs, they went about their lives as if I didn't exist. Maybe that way it would be easier to disown me once I turned eighteen. They didn't let me outside for fear someone would see me and ask questions, so I had to stay home. I couldn't even attend my brother's or sister's wedding. But they didn't hurt me, if that's what you are asking."

"There are more ways to hurt someone than with fists and spells." Ominis's voice was tight, his jaw clenched in quiet fury. Rosemary examined his features carefully. He was angry for her, possibly even worried for her, she could see it in the creases between his brows. It was endearing to Rosemary to see him catch all that from just a few snip-its of information she had told him long ago. He was a good listener after all and this proved to her that he really was a caring friend.

Rosemary patted his hand that still held hers. "It's ok now, Ominis. I'm fine. I got my magical abilities in the end. And now I'm here with good friends like you and endless possibilities."

Ominis realized then that he was still holding her hand and quickly released it.

"Then, what are you thinking about doing?" Ominis asked as he distractedly straightened his robes.

"Who knows, maybe I will keep the shop and sell whatever treasures I come across in my adventures. Or..." Rosemary thought about Madam Mulberry. "Maybe I could set up shop as a village Healer."

He let out a soft laugh. "A Healer. I should have guessed as much. Sometimes I forget that you are a Hufflepuff to the bone. If it's not a job related to nature then it's a job related to nurture."

Rosemary's thoughts warmed at the sentiment. 'A job related to nurture' sounded nice.

Later that day she went directly to Madam Mulberry in the Hospital Wing and talked to her about becoming a Healer. Madam Mulberry was so elated to have a student express such interest, that she went ahead and taught Rosemary Episkey as her first healing spell.

Chapter Text

Once the weekend finally rolled around, Rosemary blazed a trail to her shop in Hogsmeade. She had not heard one peep from Penny the whole week and was curious how things were going.

As soon as she rounded the corner, the difference to the store front was startling. It looked...beautiful! Like something out of a dream. And it was pink – nearly the same soft shade as her hair.

Rosemary walked in and a tinkling chime sounded as she entered. "Welcome in-!" Penny gasped when she realized who it was. "Oh! Mistress you are here! Penny is so happy to see you!" Penny hopped off her stool from behind the counter and hurried to Rosemary.

Rosemary smiled but shook her head. "You don't need to be that formal, Penny. You are free, you can call me 'Rosemary' now."

"Oh no, Penny couldn't do that. But if you insist Penny will call you 'Miss Rosemary' from now on."

"Good." Rosemary looked about the shop and made impressed noises. When she had first set eyes on the interior it had been a hodge podge of clutter and rubble, not to mention the dreary atmosphere. It was obvious the house-elf had been very hard at work for the past week as it was nearly unrecognizable. The hardwood floors were shined to a sparkle, the walls were painted the same lovely pink as the exterior and there were decorative mirrors in all shapes and sizes scattered around the shop, giving it a luxurious effect. Penny had cleared out the clutter and only had familiar-looking treasures on display on tables and clothing racks.

"Wow, look what you've done with the place. Penny, it's amazing!" Rosemary perused the display table nearest her with an array of hats and gloves that she had forgotten all about.

"I'm so glad Miss Rosemary approves. Do you like the color, too?"

"Yes, I do. Why pink though?"

"Your hair gave me the inspiration. Miss Rosemary is such a bright person and your hair color is so eye-catching, I thought it would suit the shop well. And it has!" Penny rushed back to the register and brought Rosemary the ledger. "We have already made a large profit this week! Customers really seem to like the unique quality of the items. Penny tells everyone the items are reclaimed from magical ruins and hidden places. It makes the shop sound very mysterious! There have been several witches and wizards who came in who were pleasantly surprised to find interesting enchantments on some of the items."

Rosemary was more than impressed as she flipped through the ledger. Penny had very neatly recorded every sale with a short description of each item sold...which was quite a number!

"Excellent work, Penny! Do you need me to bring more stock to sell?"

"Not at all. Those trunks in the back are so full of things, it might take Penny a month just to sell one trunk full!"

"Well, that's good, then I can focus on other things and not go 'traipsing around the Highlands' as one of my professors says. But do send word to me if you are running low, or need anything, I'm just at the school." Rosemary handed the ledger back to Penny who took it and held it preciously to her.

"Actually, Miss Rosemary, something did happen while you were away." She began. "Penny hopes it will be alright with you."

"Go on." Rosemary encouraged her, wondering if it had something to do with the Poltergeist.

"A few days ago, a reporter from the Daily Prophet came by. He was curious about the story he had heard about Cassandra Mason and you and wondered if Penny would give him more to the story so he could write about it."

"And did you?"

"Penny thought it would be good publicity for the shop and for you, so Penny answered all his questions." Penny looked up at her, curious if she had done the right thing.

Rosemary could not remember the last time she had read the Daily Prophet and wondered if the story had already been published. "I suppose that's alright. I'm glad they at least got their information from a reliable source. I think I'll pay a visit to the Daily Prophet newsstand and see about the story."

Rosemary bid Penny goodbye and went straight to Hogsmeade Square.

"Daily Prophet!" The lady at the newsstand shouted. She saw Rosemary approach and blinked a few times. "Oh, my word. Are you – Rosemary Abbott?"

"Yes, that's me," Rosemary hedged, apprehensive of such a greeting. "I was wondering-."

"Oh! Oh...I um...can you..." The lady suddenly began searching for something behind her newsstand. Then she popped back up with a thick roll of newspapers and untied them. "Would you mind signing these? I've been such a big supporter of yours ever since you started showing up in the Daily Prophet." She laid the roll out flat on top of the current issues and produced a quill.

Rosemary picked up the top issue. It was from the troll attack on Hogsmeade at the beginning of last year. She skimmed the story where it mentioned several Hogsmeade residents helping, including her and Sebastian. Rosemary leafed through some of the other issues in the pile. Rookwood Castle Purged. Poacher Camps Raided. Rumored Dragon Fighting Ring – Dragon Set Free. Rookwood and Abbott Face-off. Harlow to Azkaban. Hero of Hogwarts - Ranrok Defeated. The last one had a large drawing of herself poised with her wand above her head in mid-strike inked on the front page. She could not remember ever posing for anyone to draw her and wondered how they had caught her likeness so well.

"Who drew this picture here?"

"It is good, isn't it? The Daily Prophet hires only the best artists and journalists and I think this one was done by our own local correspondent who also wrote the piece. There's his name – Mr. Cillian Hawksworth." The lady pointed to the print under the title.

Rosemary hummed to herself and wondered if this was the reporter who had spoken to Penny as well. "Where shall I sign then?" she asked, and took the quill.

After signing the papers, Rosemary asked the lady's name. "I'm Jemima Collins. It's a pleasure to meet you in person, Miss Abbott." They shook hands and Rosemary smiled. She had not known she was in so many issues.

"Do you happen to keep some of the back issues?" She asked.

"Some of the more popular issues I keep in storage, just in case. Why, is there one you are looking for?"

"I wouldn't mind getting these same copies, if you have them..." Rosemary tapped the pile she had just signed. "And I was wondering if you have any recent issues from maybe this past week that had a story about Cassandra Mason?"

"Of course I do!" Miss Collins knelt behind her stand again and produced several copies. "This one here is from Monday, it talks about why Cassandra Mason was carted off to Azkaban and mentions you as well. This one came out yesterday and has a story about Cassandra and you from a house-elf's perspective. The one from yesterday also mentions the first Quidditch game back at Hogwarts and, of course, you are in that one as well!" Miss Collins giggled sheepishly and admitted, "I've been rereading these, that's why I have them back here. Would you mind signing these as well?"

Miss Collins retrieved the issues Rosemary had asked for while Rosemary went about signing the newer copies. Then she asked Miss Collins where she might find Mr. Hawksworth.

"Oh, he might be anywhere. But his favorite place is the Three Broomsticks, probably because of all the rumors that can be heard there. If you're looking for him, he usually wears a bowtie and round spectacles."

Rosemary thanked her kindly and paid for her copies, then headed off in the direction of the Three Broomsticks.

More than anything, Rosemary was curious about who this person was. How had he written about her so many times and even drawn her with such precision but she had never even heard of him before?

She walked into the Three Broomsticks and immediately saw almost a dozen people she knew. It was the weekend after all and the best and favorite place for most students to visit was the Three Broomsticks.

Rosemary was so happy to see so many friends, she hardly knew what to do with herself. She made her way through the room, greeting Natty, Poppy, Adelaide, and a few Ravenclaws along the way, before finally spotting the Slytherins in their usual spot by the fireplace.

"Saving the best for last?" Sebastian asked as Rosemary finally arrived at their table.

Rosemary smiled. "Is this going to be where I find you lot every Saturday?"

"Might as well carve our names into this table. It's ours." Anne said and got a look at the papers in Rosemary's hand. "Did you get a job as a news seller now?"

"Oh, these." Rosemary put them down on the table. "The newsstand lady gave me the back copies of all the Daily Prophets that had news articles with me in them. This one has you in it, too, Sebastian." Rosemary handed him the troll attack issue. "And this one is the most recent, about the Cassandra Mason story." Rosemary pointed to the one with Cassandra Mason's mugshot on it. "I haven't read any of them. I only heard about the one with me defeating Ranrok."

Anne picked up the latest one and perused the article. "This one mentions you, Ominis."

"What?" Ominis sat up straighter and held out his hand for the paper. Anne offered it to him and he took out his wand and scanned it. "I never thought I would make it into print one day." He said, sounding surprised.

"I guess there is a first time for everyone." Rosemary said absently as she looked at the mugshot of Cassandra Mason, somehow glad she could share the spotlight. "You were the one who took her down after all. Not me. Did it say that in the article?"

"Yes, there was a quote from Officer Singer about him. She sounded impressed." Anne smiled and patted Ominis on the back, her hand lingering there. "Job well done!"

Rosemary could not help watching Anne's hand on Ominis's back. Somehow, that small gesture sent a jolt through her chest. She was not sure why – it was innocent enough – but it left her with an unwelcome ache. She glanced away, looking back at the other patrons. Suddenly, her eyes caught on someone. Bowtie. Round spectacles.

"I'll be right back." Rosemary excused herself and made a beeline straight for the man sitting only a few tables away, another man was seated with him. "Excuse me." Rosemary approached carefully. "Are you-?"

"Well, look who it is!" The man with the bowtie recognized Rosemary in an instant. "Rosemary Abbott, as I live and breathe." He stood and offered his hand. "Cillian Hawksworth."

Rosemary automatically gave him her hand, but she couldn't stop staring at him. He looked familiar...

"Mr. Hawksworth, have we met before? I feel like I have seen you somewhere..."

"Why, yes, you have." He said cheerily. "I was wondering if you might remember me. I got into a bit of a scrape with some spiders and you happened upon me and gave me a Wiggenweld Potion."

"That's it!" Rosemary said in relief, the memory surfacing as she looked at him. "You were wandering around some ruins, right?"

"Correct!" He said, pleased as punch she remembered him. "I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself sooner but the life of a journalist never stops."

"No apologizes necessary. But I am glad to finally meet the person who has been writing about me and drawing me so well. How ever did you draw that picture of me?"

"Oh, that." Mr. Hawksworth laughed nervously at the compliment. "It's silly really, I hope you won't mind too much. But I went up to the school one day for an interview with Professor Weasley. I saw you playing Summoner's Court outside on the lawn. That pose was simply perfect. I'm a quick sketch artist so it only took a moment. I added the details from memory later."

"That's amazing! The Daily Prophet really does hire the best." She said and noticed the other man at the table. "I'm sorry for the interruption. I'll be on my way then. Nice meet you."

She began to turn back but stopped when Mr. Hawksworth said, "Actually, I think you might like to meet this gentleman, too."

Rosemary looked at the gentleman one more time. He had a lopsided hat on and wore suspenders over a worn-out shirt. What kind of business could he have with a journalist?

Mr. Hawksworth introduced Rosemary to Crispin Dunne then and mentioned that she was a local hero.

"Forgive me. But aren't you a student?" Mr. Dunne asked in disbelief.

"I am." Rosemary nodded, wondering what all this was about.

"Miss Abbott here may well be a student but she might be able to help you out. Just tell her what you told me." Mr. Hawksworth encouraged Mr. Dunne.

Mr. Dunne still seemed skeptical but told his story anyway. "I trade in the surrounding hamlets and do most of my business in Aranshire. It's a lovely hamlet but recently it's become overrun with spiders of all things! They are everywhere and abnormally aggressive. I'm concerned about my customers there but it appears that most of the residents have already fled to safety. It's my friend Mary I worry about. I haven't heard a word from her and I'm afraid she might be trapped in her cottage."

"That sounds awful. Have you tried going to her cottage?" Rosemary asked.

"I would if I could but I have a crippling fear of spiders..." He cringed at the thought.

Rosemary glanced at Mr. Hawksworth. Clearly, Mr. Dunne had turned to Hawksworth for publicity – but that wasn't the same as alerting the proper authorities.

"Have you contacted Officer Singer or even the Ministry?" Rosemary tried not to make it sound like she was judging him.

"Yes, of course. Obviously, I'm reaching out to anyone who will listen." He gestured between Mr. Hawksworth and Rosemary. "But evidently the Ministry has their hands full with who knows what so, this poor little hamlet must fend for itself. It's maddening."

"Did you say Aranshire?" Sebastian popped in from behind Rosemary. "I grew up there. Who is this 'Mary' person?"

"Mary Portman. She lives in the cottage next to the Floo Flame. Do you know her?" Mr. Dunne asked.

"No, but I'm...familiar with that house." Sebastian swallowed and glanced at Rosemary. "I think we might be able to help." Rosemary forced a smile, even as guilt twisted in her gut. She had only just promised Professor Weasley she was done with heroics, and here she was getting into the middle of yet another one.

"We?" Mr. Dunne seemed shocked. "I'm sorry but I'm having a hard time believing students could handle this situation. It really is terrible, spiderwebs all over the hamlet..."

"We'll see what we can do." Sebastian smirked, knowingly using Rosemary's infamous phrase when agreeing to help people.

Chapter Text

"I cannot believe this is happening again. If every Saturday is going to turn into a death-defying adventure, I'm locking you all in the Undercroft every weekend to play Gobstones and Bertie Bott's instead." Ominis grumbled, trailing behind Rosemary, Anne, and Sebastian as they approached the Floo Flame.

"Those games are just as risky, especially the way Sebastian plays." Anne quipped. "Besides, this feels a bit more personal. It's where we grew up."

"Fine by me." Rosemary said. "You two can take the fame and the responsibility for this excursion, especially when Professor Weasley asks."

"You're not going to help?" Sebastian looked at her in confusion.

"No, no. Of course I'll help. But you're the one who made the promise to Mr. Dunne to 'see what we can do.' So, when Professor Weasley asks, I'll tell her I was simply tagging along to make sure you didn't get yourself killed. Deal?"

"Did I miss something?" Sebastian paused at the Floo Flame. "Why are you so concerned with what Professor Weasley thinks all of a sudden?"

Rosemary let out a frustrated sigh. "Look, she's told me to stop these sorts of things repeatedly and I even told her at the beginning of the year that I wanted a normal school life this time around. Last weekend was a fluke but this was unavoidable and there is no way to hide it since Mr. Hawksworth already knows about it. He's going to be ready to publish the news as soon as we get back from Aranshire. All I'm asking is for you to be on the headline and not me."

"Alright, alright." Sebastian shrugged. "You'd better be careful though; you are starting to sound like Ominis."

"It's about time someone did. I can't be the only voice of reason in this group." Ominis muttered.

They took the Floo Flame directly to Aranshire, and immediately realized the gravity of the situation. The entire hamlet was swathed in thick spiderwebs. From around the square, a swarm of spiders sensed them and came charging.

Confringo and Incendio lit the area with fire and fury.

Rosemary was grateful she was not alone. Clearing the hamlet solo would have cost her time and several Wiggenweld potions. The four of them worked efficiently, blasting webs and flushing out spiders until the area was clear.

"Well, that's most of the webs taken care of." Rosemary said. "Which one is Mary Portman's cottage?"

Sebastian pointed to a cozy A-frame home near the Floo Flame. "This one." He said, stopping in front of it. "It hasn't changed at all."

"This was our childhood home." Anne clarified, her voice soft. "We lived here with our parents before they died."

"Then this must've been where it happened..." Ominis said somberly.

Rosemary knew the Sallows had lost their parents at a young age, but she had never asked for details, out of politeness, mostly. Now, it felt like she needed to know.

She stepped closer to Ominis and whispered, "What happened?"

"Their parents were professors. They were doing research in the cellar. There was a defect in one of the lamps down there...they both passed away while Sebastian and Anne were sleeping." Ominis said without lowering his voice. Apparently, it wasn't as sensitive a subject as she had thought.

"We didn't even know until Uncle Solomon woke us up the next morning." Anne's voice caught at the mention of Solomon. "It was awful, he got us out so quickly, we barely packed anything."

"We haven't been back since." Sebastian said, still staring at the door. "It will be strange to see it all again." He stepped forward and knocked. No answer. He knocked louder. Still no answer. He tried the door handle. Locked.

"Alohamora." He said with a flick of his wand. A soft click and the door creaked open.

They stepped inside to find a cramped living room – and stopped cold. A giant spiderweb covered the back wall. In the center of it, wrapped in silk, was a human-sized bundle.

"I guess we know what happened to Mary Portman." Sebastian said grimly.

Anne cringed, and Ominis stepped in front of Rosemary, shielding her.

Rosemary blinked in surprise at the back of his robes. Was he...protecting her?

She cleared her throat. "We should still look around. A concentration of spiders like this usually means there's a nest nearby."

"Wait." Sebastian noticed a letter on a desk in front of him. He picked it up and read it. "Well, this explains everything." He handed it to Anne. "Looks like Mary was breeding spiders for profit. This letter is to someone called 'H' – probably a buyer. She was collecting venom to sell."

"Victim of her own greed." Anne said sadly, setting the letter down. She touched the chair beside the desk. "I remember Mother sitting here every afternoon, writing her correspondence."

Sebastian nodded; eyes distant. "I'm going to check upstairs...see if anything's changed."

As he ascended the steps, Ominis turned to Rosemary. "Let's leave them to it." He murmured. She agreed, and they stepped back outside.

"I think I know who the buyer was." Rosemary said as they stood outside.

"Why am I not surprised?" Ominis asked.

Rosemary chuckled at that. "It could have been Theophilus Harlow from the Rookwood Gang. And if that is the case, it makes sense no one's come to collect. He's been rotting in Azkaban since spring."

Ominis nodded. "I've been wondering about Dunne, too. He's supposed to be her friend, and yet he knew nothing? You think he might have known what she was doing?"

Rosemary frowned. "Maybe. And the fact that the Ministry and Officer Singer didn't respond? That could mean he never actually reached out."

"We should have gone to Officer Singer ourselves." Ominis muttered. "Made sure he wasn't lying."

"Well, if you want, you could head back to Hogsmeade and check now." Rosemary suggested. "I'll stay here."

Ominis looked horrified. "And leave you all to fend for yourselves in a spider-infested cellar? Not a chance."

"Might I remind you that you left me to 'fend for myself' in a cave full of inferi last year while you ran to get Professor Black?"

"Yes, and look how that turned out."

Rosemary paused, letting the memory flash through her mind. Confronting Sebastian, Solomon arriving, destroying the relic, Solomon fighting Sebastian and Rosemary, and then...Sebastian casting Avada Kedavra on Solomon. "I'm not sure you could have stopped what happened, Ominis." She said gently.

"Maybe not. But I'm not leaving. That's final." He crossed his arms, unwavering.

Rosemary smiled. "You know, last year, I had to do these sorts of things alone and wished I had companions. Even when I had help, I worried about keeping everyone safe. So, even if you don't like these situations...I'm glad you're here with me."

Ominis's eyebrows lifted in surprise. His mouth opened slightly, but no words came out.

Just then, the cottage door crashed open.

"You're not going to believe this!" Sebastian burst out, waving a thick journal. "We were upstairs and I remembered how our parents used to hide books under the rug, so I checked, and look!" He held it up triumphantly. "Private journals. Turns out our parents were researching blood curses."

"Blood curses?" Ominis looked stunned. "But that's illegal."

"Exactly. So, I skimmed through the journals and guess who they talked to about their research..."

"Oh no." Ominis said. "Not Solomon."

"Yes, Solomon." Sebastian continued. "I always thought it was strange how he claimed I never knew when to stop, just like Father..."

"To be fair...you don't." Ominis interjected.

"Not the point!" Sebastian snapped. "The point is...I think Solomon did something. Maybe he warned Father to stop, and when he didn't...maybe he sabotaged him."

"We don't know that." Anne said firmly, stepping outside. "That's a serious accusation."

"We never had a funeral." Sebastian pressed. "He sold the house with all the furniture. He even knew what killed them before anyone else. Doesn't that seem strange?"

Anne hugged her arms around herself. "He just wanted to spare us the trauma. We were kids."

"He always criticized Father, Anne. Always."

Anne hesitated. "That's true...but still."

"I need to see the cellar." Sebastian said. "There might be more."

"What exactly are you hoping to find?" Ominis asked.

"I don't know. But I'll know it when I see it."

Before heading down, Rosemary made sure to give everyone a healthy helping of her Wiggenweld potions she always kept in her extended pockets. Her talk with Ominis reminded her of her tendency to over-protect her companions and it would be a small relief to know they were already well provided for.

They opened the cellar doors behind the cottage. The steep stairs led into a dank, decaying space. The further they went, the worse the air smelled. Shelves lined the crumbling walls, packed with crates and cloudy bottles of mysterious substances.

"I don't ever remember coming down here." Anne said.

"Me either." Sebastian agreed. "But Mother and Father must have left something down here."

Each alcove they passed was filled with nothing but rubble and scorched wood.

"You think Solomon burned their research?" Sebastian asked.

"Would you stop assuming the worst?" Anne smacked his back.

At the very end of the hallway, they found a hole in the stone wall. It had been blasted open and then haphazardly reinforced with wooden beams.

"This looks promising." Sebastian commented and stepped through.

A gaping hole in the stone floor greeted them in the next room, a wooden ladder leaning on the edge - the only indication they were indeed headed in the right direction.

Sebastian, Anne and Rosemary peered down into the hole. It was deep but near the bottom they could see light from a lantern and crates near the ladder's end.

"I'll go first." Sebastian said and tested the ladder before beginning the climb down. Anne followed. Rosemary guided Ominis, then climbed down after him.

Once they reached the bottom, Rosemary was struck dumb at the sight before them. She had expected a large study or another hallway of rooms, but not an expansive cave.

"This is going to take ages to search." Sebastian muttered, his head swiveling back and forth, trying to take it all in. "Let's split up and-."

"No." Ominis said flatly. "No splitting up."

Sebastian groaned. "Fine. The long way it is."

They had not gone far into the cave when the scurrying of spiders echoed from all directions. Rosemary saw them first, crawling down the walls towards them and sounded the alarm.

They sprang into action. But as they fought, they realized the spiders could also burrow up from beneath their feet, surprising them multiple times. Still, the group fought bravely, casting in rhythm: Bombarda to clear nearby clusters, Confringo to destroy egg sacs, Diffindo for the larger spiders, and Incendio on repeat to keep the skittering ankle-biters at bay.

Eventually, they found an area sectioned off from the rest of the cave and entered. Chests and crates lined the walls, and two tables against the back wall held lanterns, scattered papers, journals, and inkpots. Sebastian, Anne, and Rosemary began sifting through the contents while Ominis monitored the entrance, making sure nothing walked in on them.

Rosemary found Mary Portman's journal, ledger, and some letters from buyers, and receipts of payment. Anne sifted through the books and found not only volumes on spiders but also texts on containment spells and a few on curses that felt oddly out of place.

But it was Sebastian who found what he had been searching for.

"These journals are in Father's handwriting." He said, pulling out tome after tome from one of the chests.

Anne knelt by the pile of books; one journal stood out among the rest.

"I remember this one." Anne picked up a crimson-red leather diary with gold filigree. "This one was Mother's. She kept it with her wherever she went in that little pocket on her belt."

Anne opened it. The pages fluttered to the last entry. Her eyes widened as she scanned the words.

"Sebastian." Anne's face grew pale and she looked up at him, a chill shivered over her skin.

"What is it?" He asked, drawing closer. Ominis turned toward them at once.

Anne read aloud:

We've tried everything we can think of, but the curse will not shift. The only theory we haven't tested is killing the curse-maker. Perhaps the one afflicted must do it, or perhaps anyone can. But we would only have one chance. And if we're wrong, I'll still be cursed...and without my husband. I don't know if I could carry on either way. We'll need to talk to Solomon...

Anne's voice broke. "Father...he put a blood curse on Mother. For research."

She began to sob, and Sebastian immediately pulled her into his arms. "All of this for some stupid research!" She wailed and clutched at Sebastian.

Sebastian held her close, grief straining his features. "And Solomon...he must have covered it all up."

The sight hit Rosemary in the chest. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around the twins, joining their embrace. To her surprise, Ominis did the same, placing a steadying hand on Anne's back.

The moment passed and Anne and Sebastian decided to incinerate the boxes left behind by their parents. Forever closing the door they once thought they wanted to open.

"I'm ready to get out of here." Anne sniffed and wiped the last of her tears away.

"Same, but we should finish clearing out the spiders before we go." Sebastian walked to the opening of the study and peered out. "Looks like there is one last blocked area up ahead."

"Lead the way." Rosemary said and noticed Ominis's frown deepen. "Ready?"

"If we must..." He muttered, and followed.

They blasted through the blockade – disturbing a nest so massive it turned Rosemary's blood cold at the sight. A sea of spiders came pouring forth, a mass of eyes and legs.

Their practiced rhythm kicked in, clearing the smaller ones efficiently, but soon the ground began to quake and then came...the giants.

Rosemary's heart pounded at the sight of the massive spiders towering over the rest.

"Ominis! You and I will take the big ones!" Rosemary shouted over the din of spiders screeching. "Sebastian, Anne – keep the rest off us!"

It was their Crossed Wands strategy, and they fell into it with ease. Ominis followed Rosemary's strikes, while the twins cleared the rabble.

Rosemary picked out the largest spider and pulled her Ancient down hard on top of it with such force it was instantly obliterated in a crack of lightning.

She kept targeting the largest spiders, one after the next and blasting them into nothing but ashes.

"We're almost done! Keep going!" She called, adrenaline pushing her forward. But when she raised her wand for the final strike, she felt...nothing. Her well of Ancient Magic had run dry.

"Oh no..." She breathed, trying to compensate with basic strikes. But out of the corner of her eye, something huge moved behind Ominis.

"No! Ominis, behind you!"

Ominis and the twins whirled, as a monstrous spider, the mother, lurched toward them. Rosemary kept her focus on the other giant spider, and between each strike, she kept reaching for the Ancient Magic, hoping it had filled enough for her to use.

"I'm out of potions! I can't hold them much longer!" Anne screamed, alarming Rosemary at the rate she had used up all her potions.

"Focus on the mother! I'll cover you!" Rosemary turned, freezing the giant spider with Glacius, then slowing the swarm with Arresto Momentum. She needed time. Time to finish them. Time to build back her Ancient Magic.

Then it happened.

The mother spider reared up, coming down hard on Anne before she had time to cast Protego, sending Anne flying.

"Anne!" Sebastian shouted, moving quickly to cover her body, firing spells as he shielded her.

Ominis held firm, still focused on the mother.

Rosemary felt the tingle of Ancient Magic sizzle across her skin and knew she finally had enough energy for one good strike. She reached up and pulled down the powerful strike on top of the mother, but it was not enough.

The mother reared back, sensing her time growing short, and came down right on top of all three of them.

Rosemary was thrown through the air, crashing into a stone pillar.

Dazed but not unconscious, she saw Sebastian still casting weakly, Ominis raising to his feet, disoriented. But the giant frozen spider had thawed, and others were breaking free of their enchantments.

Time slowed.

Rosemary saw the giant spider rear back to strike Ominis – his back turned to it.

"Ominis! Behind you!" She yelled as she realized he was focused on attacking the spiders nearest her. She scrambled to her feet. Smaller spiders swarmed her, tearing at her robes as she cast Incendio to get them out of her way.

Ominis lifted his wand too late and the giant spider descended on him, crushing him to the ground.

"No!" Rosemary screamed, sprinting to him. She only had time to spare him one glance – still breathing – before the giant spider lunged at her.

Fangs tore across her face and chest. She shrieked in pain as venom seared her skin. With a cry of rage, she blasted it with Bombarda, sending it hurtling away from her.

Fire surged through her.

Everyone was down and she needed to hurry before things got worse.

Rosemary struck hard and fast, blasting Incendio and Confringo on repeat, burning away the last of the swarm.

Finally, she felt the familiar tingle of Ancient Magic and hurled it at the giant spider, obliterating it in a crash of chaotic lightning.

Then all was quiet.

The battle was over.

She staggered first to Sebastian. He was barely sitting up.

"Sebastian, take this. I only have a few left." Rosemary breathlessly pressed a Wiggenweld potion to his lips.

He drank it greedily and she helped him stand. "Are you ok? Anything broken?" Her breathing was short.

"No. I'll live. Anne..." He went straight to his sister and collapsed beside her on the ground.

Rosemary followed quickly and knelt down next to Anne, putting a hand under her head – and felt something warm and wet underneath...

"Oh no..." She whispered and uncorked another potion. "Please, Anne. Drink this."

Anne's eyes fluttered open as the liquid passed her lips. Relief flooded Rosemary.

"It's going to be okay. How's your head?"

"It hurts." Anne said, reaching up. Rosemary quickly cast Episkey where she touched.

"Ah!" Anne winced but her expression cleared as she realized the pain was ebbing away. "Oh, it feels better now."

"Good." Rosemary said and got shakily to her feet. "Ominis!"

She rushed on trembling legs to where he lay. Her vision blurred, and suddenly she realized she could only see out of one eye. She touched her face but could not make sense out of the sensation. She focused instead on Ominis.

He lay on his side, red stained his dark blonde hair.

"Sebastian! Help me!" Rosemary called, her heart thundering in her chest.

She turned him onto his back and fumbled for her last potion. Her fingers refused to grip the cork properly. Sebastian arrived and propped Ominis up. Anne knelt next to him.

Rosemary pushed the potion into Anne's hand. "Give this to him."

Ominis did not wake up as quickly as Anne had, but color began to return to his face as Anne fed him the potion.

Rosemary cast Episkey on the wound at his temple.

His fingers twitched and his hand flitted to his shoulder.

"Ominis?" Rosemary asked. "Are you hurt there?"

"My shoulder..." he groaned.

She pointed her wand, casting Episkey again. He cried out – then stilled.

"The pain's gone." He said in surprise.

"You're alright!" Rosemary breathed a sigh of relief. She wiped her wet forehead – and her hand came away covered in something red.

Too much red...

"I think I..." She began, but the words never came out. The world tilted. Then everything went black.

Chapter Text

The darkness was soft.

Warmth wrapped Rosemary's body and she felt good. Whole. Safe.

This was a different sort of darkness than the dark corner her mind sometimes wandered to when her heart was broken.

This darkness felt like sleep.

The soft warmth that surrounded her held her firmly – rendering her unable to move.

"How is she?" She heard a familiar voice ask. Male. Gentle tone. Ominis.

"Hasn't moved an inch." A woman's voice remarked. Less familiar. Older. "I changed her dressings this morning. Her wounds are healing but the spider venom took a toll on her. It's possible she will have some scars on her chest and face. We will have to wait until she wakes up to find out if she can still use her left eye. I don't know the extent of the damage the venom caused there. I trust you will keep all that to yourself, young man. I only told you since Professor Weasley explained your...unique situation to me."

Must be Madam Mulberry. Rosemary thought. Professor Weasley said only the staff knew of their arranged marriage. Which also meant she was safe in the Hospital Wing at Hogwarts.

"Yes, I understand. Thank you." Ominis said in all politeness. She heard something scrape across the floor near her and a moment later something warm found her arm and drifted down to clasp her hand. A thrill ran through her as she realized he was holding her hand. She wished she could squeeze his hand back, anything to let him know she was here. But she could not move a muscle. Not even her eyes would open.

Rosemary did not know how long they stayed like that; she was just happy knowing he was spending so long simply holding her hand. Eventually Madam Mulberry came back. She held her wrist, taking her pulse and then replaced her hand on the bed.

"Her pulse seems a little quicker than normal. I think she knows you're here. You can talk to her if you like. We Healers believe that in this state, most patients can hear even if they can't respond." Madam Mulberry paused and then said. "Don't worry, no one else is here to hear you if you would like to say something to her. I will make sure you aren't disturbed." She heard the sound of footsteps walking away and a door shutting.

Ominis let out a slow breath and cleared his throat, letting go of her hand.

Rosemary wished Madam Mulberry had kept her thoughts about her awareness to herself. Maybe Ominis would have kept on holding her hand thinking she would not know.

She felt her body give a frustrated huff, which surprised herself and Ominis both.

"Rosemary?" He asked, his hand going to hers again, confused if she really was awake or not. When she did not respond, he settled back in his chair. "You must be happy to have someone come visit you after being here for two days already. Madam Mulberry only let me in since I've been pestering her for information and I guess now Professor Weasley said something to her..." His voice drifted to a contemplative stop. "I think Madam Mulberry is trying to keep your privacy while you heal. From what she's told me the damage was...well, I suppose you heard her, too. Sebastian and Anne described what you looked like only after you fainted. They didn't even notice something was wrong with you until then. I gave them an earful about being selfish prats... How could they not notice a gaping wound on your face or even your clothes torn to shreds? Don't worry, I put my robe over you so no one could see anything when we brought you to the Hospital Wing. Not an easy feat to get you out of that cellar, but we managed. Both Professor Weasley and Professor Black are livid. Not at you though, I told them you had come along just to make sure no one got killed. I can't believe how true that statement you made turned out to be. Anyway, now students are not allowed to go anywhere off Hogwarts grounds except to Hogsmeade and only then under a staff member's watchful eye. Which is probably the only thing the professors have ever agreed on."

Ominis turned her hand over and felt for her pulse along her wrist. "Rosemary?" He asked and kept his fingers on her pulse. "You really can hear me, can't you?" He paused, still checking her pulse. "I understand what Madam Mulberry meant now. Your pulse does seem to quicken when I talk to you. I'll keep talking if that makes you happy." He thought about that for a while and said, "I know you don't like being alone. Neither do I, if I'm being honest...which I guess is why I'm always around the twins or you. I'll try coming to visit you more often until you wake up."

True to his word, he did continue to visit throughout the day. She could time her day based on his visits. He made it a daily habit to visit before breakfast to check if she was awake yet, then after lunch to talk about classes, and then right before dinner to keep her updated about the gossip or goings on of the school day.

Madam Mulberry was also adamant about keeping her privacy and still refused to let others come visit her, keeping a curtain around her bed so other patients could not even catch a glimpse of her. On several occasions she heard friends of hers trying to visit. Her roommates for one tried to visit a few times. Garreth tried to get in several times claiming some malady but could not sneak anything past the watchful eye of Madam Mulberry. But the most surprising visitor of all was none other than Isaac Cooper. He tried to visit many times in fact, but gave up and started bringing biweekly flowers for her bedside table instead. Rosemary could not be too sure what kind of flowers they were but they smelled lovely and delicate. Ominis did not take too kindly to the flowers and kept moving them away every time he visited, which made her wonder if he did not like flowers or if he was jealous someone brought her flowers. She wished she could tease him about it.

Rosemary missed several games of Quidditch while in a coma, but Ominis kept her apprised of each victory and loss. Apparently, Isaac had no choice but to accept Edwin Stone as Seeker while she was in recovery and things were not going well. Hufflepuff did win a few games but not due to the Seeker. Slytherin was doing very well in the rankings and Ominis said it had everything to do with Imelda and Sebastian. Rosemary was proud of their team as if it were her own.

Rosemary began to lose track of time after starting the third week of being in a coma. The darkness was endless and maddening at times, not being able to know if it was day or night or whether she was dreaming or aware. She wanted to wake up more than anything and struggled to force herself to even open her eyes. But the best she could ever do was her body showing some strange emotion that she had zero control over. Sometimes she would sigh, hum, whimper, or grunt depending how intensely she felt about something. It was completely embarrassing but it seemed to make Ominis happy whenever he could hear her reaction to something he said in such a manner.

At some point Madam Mulberry finally approached Ominis about her situation during one of his evening visits.

"Well, Mr. Gaunt, I have some good news and I have some bad news. Which would you like first?"

"Good news, please." He said, anticipation lacing his words.

"Alright. The good news is Miss Abbott's wounds have healed nicely. The wound on her face did leave a long scar from over her left eyebrow, down to about the middle of her left cheek. The scar on her chest is not as evident because it wasn't as deep as the one on her face. I checked her eye as best as I could. I don't see that there is anything the matter with it but like I said we won't know for sure until she wakes up."

"That is all very good news." Ominis agreed.

"Now for the bad news, I'm afraid." Madam Mulberry took a deep breath before going on, obviously not wanting to say it but having to say it none the less. "The fact is, I can't keep Miss Abbott here for the foreseeable future. The school has a policy about serious injuries being sent to St. Mungo's and although her injuries have healed nicely, she still has not woken up. Which means her injury might be more severe than even I know." Madam Mulberry sounded sad. "I have contacted her parents about what they would have me do and they have informed me that if she has not woken up by the end of the week, we will indeed move her to St. Mungo's to continue recovery there."

There was a stunned silence. Rosemary wondered briefly if Ominis was still breathing.

"I suppose there is nothing I can do about that since it's the school policy and all. When would you have her moved exactly?"

"Friday."

"Friday? That's tomorrow..."

"Yes, I have contacted St. Mungo's already and they will send a transport to take her directly there in the morning if she has not awoken by then."

Rosemary heard Ominis make a discontented noise in his throat, "Then I will go too, to make sure she gets settled properly."

"Mr. Gaunt, you cannot leave school grounds without one of the staff, remember?"

"Then come with us."

"I cannot leave my post at Hogwarts unattended, Mr. Gaunt, surely you understand that."

"Then I will find someone else to come with me, Professor Black if I must." His voice grew angry.

"Mr. Gaunt, the St. Mungo's transport is perfectly safe. You do not need to worry-."

"It's not about that." He snapped. "It's about leaving Rosemary alone and with strangers. I cannot have that. How do I know they won't leave her alone for long periods of time? How do I know there will be someone to talk to her who is kind and amiable? How do I know that she will be taken care of properly? I don't." Rosemary recognized the scary tone of voice he was using was the same as when they had first met outside the Undercroft. She wondered if Madam Mulberry was as scared now as Rosemary had been back then. "I will be going with her one way or another and nothing you say will dissuade me."

"Alright, Mr. Gaunt." She said gently. "I understand. No need to get upset. Please enjoy the remainder of your visit. Visiting hours will be ending soon." Madam Mulberry rushed away, closing the curtain quickly behind her.

Rosemary felt Ominis lean his elbows into the side of the bed and sighed heavily, the sound muffled in his hands.

"Rosemary," He whispered, something sounded strained in his voice. "Please wake up. I didn't want to ask you to wake up before you're ready, but now...now they are going to take you away. What am I supposed to do? Even as your fiancé I can't make them keep you here. Please wake up. I don't know what I'm going to do if I...if I can't..." He took a shuddering breath and stopped himself from continuing that thought. Instead, he picked up her hand and pressed it to his cheek. Something wet slipped down her hand and she realized with a jolt that he was crying. "Please, Rosemary."

She involuntarily let out a soft whimper and his only response was his hands tightening around hers.

That night she struggled against herself as hard as she could. She was determined that the darkness was not going to hold her anymore and she would not be leaving Hogwarts. Ominis wanted her to stay, and so she would. That was that.

In the morning, Madam Mulberry went about her routine of collecting breakfast trays for herself and her overnight patients. She went from bed to bed gently waking her two patients who had minor illnesses and giving them their trays and then out of habit, Madam Mulberry went to softly touch Rosemary to make sure she knew it was morning.

It was lucky that Madam Mulberry did not in fact have a breakfast tray in her hand when she touched Rosemary, because as soon as she did, Rosemary's eyes flew open.

Madam Mulberry gasped in shock and toppled over onto the floor. "Oh, my word!"

Ever so slowly, Rosemary wiggled her fingers, then her toes, then moved her arms and discovered she could gradually push herself up into a sitting position.

"Miss Abbott!" Madam Mulberry tottered to a stand and was next to her in an instant. She fussed over her patient, asking all manner of questions about her health and how she felt.

"I feel fine." Rosemary said, her voice was raspy and sluggish from disuse.

"And you can see?" Madam Mulberry got her a glass of water for her throat immediately.

Rosemary blinked and weakly held up one hand over one eye and then the other. "I can see, perfectly." She smiled faintly; her cheeks unfamiliar with the motion.

"Oh my stars! Oh my...!" Madam Mulberry was so happy she did not know what to do with herself. "Do you think you can eat? I'll get you your tray." She said without waiting for a response and bustled away.

Rosemary looked around as if she was seeing for the first time. No more darkness, she could see everything. The curtain around her bed, the sun streaming through the window behind her, the chamomile flowers in the vase next to her. She turned and let her legs dangle over the edge of the bed, feeling returning to her legs and feet as she kicked them lazily.

The Hospital Wing door opened and Madam Mulberry could be heard. "Oh, Mr. Gaunt! Come in quickly!"

"What? What is it?" He sounded worried at first. Rosemary heard their footsteps rushing towards her. She looked back as the curtain opened and Ominis stepped in, taller than she remembered and more beautiful too, or maybe that was because she was so happy to finally see him.

"Ominis." She smiled as she said his name.

He halted in his tracks, not believing his ears. "Rosemary?" His wand outstretched, sensing her.

"I'm here." Rosemary held out her hand to him, not daring to stand yet. He nearly dropped his wand as he realized at last that she was awake. He rushed to her, catching her hand then moving quickly to her shoulders, then cupping her face in his hands to feel her smile. "I'm here." She reassured him, bringing her hands up, holding on to his forearms as he held her face.

"I missed you." He whispered and pressed his forehead to hers, their noses bumping. "I missed you so much. I came to visit you every day hoping you would wake up and talk to me. I never gave up hope." He cringed against the memories. "I was so worried last night - what if you didn't wake up and they took you away? I didn't want you to go." He sat next to her and gathered her into his arms. Holding her tightly to him at the thought of someone taking her away. Rosemary wrapped her arms around him too, relishing the feeling of being held by him. Was this a beautiful dream?

"I know. I heard you. I heard everything." She whispered back. "Thank you for not giving up on me and not leaving me all alone. It was so dark, Ominis, all I could do was listen. Your visits every day kept me going."

"So, we were right." He brightened at the thought. "You really could hear Madam Mulberry and me. I wondered, sometimes when you would make noises, if you were dreaming or reacting to what I said."

"Reacting." She laughed, the muscles she used to laugh protested and she winced, pulling back from Ominis.

"Are you feeling alright?" He asked, reluctantly letting her go but keeping hold of her arms. Was he worried she might fly away?

She hummed to herself as she made a quick assessment "Everything feels weak and a little sore. Maybe from not moving a muscle for such a long time?"

"Of course it does!" Madam Mulberry said as she brought in Rosemary's breakfast tray. "It might take some time to recover your strength after not moving for three weeks, but daily exercise is key. Now, back in bed with you, you may have your breakfast here. Also, it may have escaped your notice but you are wearing only a hospital gown, Miss Abbott."

It had in fact escaped Rosemary's notice and she blushed a deep crimson as she slowly crawled back under her blanket. The gown was thin and tied together with only strings in the back. She knew full well that Ominis could not have known either but it was still mortifying all the same. Ominis stood and helped pull the blanket over her as she settled, then found his usual chair next to her bedside and sat.

"Unfortunately your clothes that you came in here with had to be destroyed since they were beyond repair. So, I took the liberty of contacting your Head-of-House and your roommates to let them know you would be discharged today and they should bring a change of clothes for you. Now, Mr. Gaunt, I know you are just as excited about Miss Abbott's recovery as I am...if not more." She said as she eyed Ominis's proximity to Rosemary. "But if you don't head down to breakfast now, you will miss it entirely."

It took some convincing but eventually Ominis agreed to head down to breakfast with the promise he would be right back since he planned to skip all his classes that day.

While Rosemary enjoyed her first proper breakfast in bed, she let her mind drift to Ominis.

Something about her coma had changed him. He had held her hand freely every time he visited, even hugged her just now and if she remembered right - referred to himself as her fiancé only last night. Was he changing his mind towards her or was this simply another side of him that he was finally letting her see? Either way – she liked it.

She held her tea carefully as she sipped and considered her previous commitment of treating him like a friend. Maybe if he was letting her see this new side of him...he might finally let her be more.

She could only hope.

Chapter Text

Professor Garlick and her roommates, Poppy and Adelaide, descended on the Hospital Wing right after breakfast in a fine sweat to see Rosemary.

Poppy, and especially Adelaide, burst into tears the moment they saw Rosemary and hugged her so tightly she thought her ribs might break.

"We were so worried!" Adelaide wiped her tears away. "Madam Mulberry wouldn't even let us see you and only said that you needed time to heal and recover!"

"We found out what happened through the Daily Prophet though. There was an article about the spider infestation in Aranshire and it talked about students from Hogwarts going to handle it. They didn't name names, which is unusual for the Daily Prophet but they did mention that the students sustained injuries. Honestly, it sounded like the Daily Prophet wanted to point fingers at the Ministry for not doing something first. Everyone here guessed what happened after that because you were missing from classes and when it came to light that you saved the other students before yourself...well..." Poppy smiled and patted Rosemary's cheeks proudly.

"You made us proud, Rosemary. We feel honored to have such a loyal Hufflepuff among us." Professor Garlick beamed, her eyes flitting to the flowers next to Rosemary. "I see Isaac Cooper has been bringing you chamomiles."

Everyone looked at the delicate little flowers. Adelaide and Poppy exchanged a glance with each other.

"How did you know they were from Isaac?" Rosemary asked.

"Because he came to me and asked what your favorite flower is. I don't know for certain but I told him your favorite tea is chamomile so you might like the flower as well. What do you think, was it alright?"

"More than alright! I could smell them even in a coma." Rosemary said, thinking back to the lovely scent that helped her feel relaxed even in the darkness.

"A coma?" Adelaide asked, concern in her voice. "We didn't know it was that serious..."

"Healer-patient confidentiality, I'm afraid." Madam Mulberry said as she approached the group. "But Rosemary will need help from her friends now to get back to her old self. Being in a coma has weakened her considerably."

"Oh no, that means you won't be able to be Seeker for Wednesday's Quidditch game?" Adelaide asked Rosemary who laughed.

"I haven't even tried walking yet!"

"Well, let's be about it then and get you dressed." Madam Mulberry bustled the visitors away while Rosemary was left to get dressed behind the curtain.

It felt strange to slide back into her Hogwarts uniform after being in such a loose and thin hospital gown for so long.

She put on her clothes slowly while leaning heavily on the side of the bed. But once she put on her Hufflepuff robe she felt as though her last piece of armor had slipped into place and she could conquer the world. The feeling only lasted a moment, before she took her first step and almost crumpled to the floor. She caught herself on the bed and eased herself down.

"Um...Madam Mulberry?" She called uncertainly.

She could hear other voices outside the curtain now and wondered who else was there.

Madam Mulberry swept the curtain aside and to Rosemary's surprise, Ominis was with her.

"Miss Abbott, are you alright?" She went to Rosemary and checked her pulse for a moment.

"I'm having trouble standing."

"Naturally, I expected you would feel like a newborn unicorn foal. It will take time. Meanwhile, I have a cane available for you to use while you recover your strength." Madam Mulberry left to retrieve the cane.

Ominis stepped forward and held out his hands to her. "You have most of your classes with me anyway, so I will take you everywhere you need to go."

"Really? You are going to be my escort?" She was amazed by his generosity. "I think you underestimate the commitment. I am a very busy girl after all." She smirked, ready to jump back into teasing him. She took his hands and pulled herself up.

"And where exactly are you planning to go? Have some trolls to hunt down? Raiding any poacher camps this week?"

Rosemary pursed her lips. "Well, I guess I'll be a little less busy than usual."

"Glad to hear it."

Madam Mulberry returned with the cane and between Ominis and the cane's help, Rosemary felt fortified enough to take her first steps.

Professor Garlick, Poppy, and Adelaide were waiting at the front of the Hospital Wing. Poppy and Adelaide gasped when they saw Rosemary making her way slowly towards them...on the arm of Ominis no less. They were not sure which they felt more dumbfounded by; the fact that she was so weak to walk like that, or her companion. But once she got closer, they realized something else that was equally as startling...the scar that now slashed her beautiful face.

"Oh Rosemary, your scar..." Adelaide felt like crying again. "I didn't notice it before because your hair was down...I'm so sorry."

Rosemary blinked in surprise. She had completely forgotten about the scar and had not even looked in a mirror since waking up. She let go of Ominis' arm to touch her face, feeling the tender, newly healed skin on the left side around her eye.

"Is it really that bad?" She asked self-consciously.

Poppy slapped Adelaide's shoulder. "Could you be more insensitive? It's really not that bad. It's just a new look." She reassured Rosemary. "You look tougher now. Less like a fluffy pink powder puff. More like a pink powder puff that could punch someone in the face."

Ominis sputtered a cough, trying to hide his laugh. Rosemary blushed fiercely, staring at Poppy in all astonishment. "Since when was I a 'pink powder puff?' I've never heard you use that phrase."

"Might as well have just called her a pink Puffskein." Adelaide chided Poppy, merriment in her eyes.

Poppy slapped her shoulder again, playfully this time.

The bell sounded the start of the first classes of the day and Professor Garlick, Poppy and Adelaide all hugged Rosemary goodbye as they headed off to their respective classes.

"What's first on your busy schedule, Pink Powder Puff?" Ominis grinned.

"Oh no, don't you start..."

Having been sedentary for far too long, Rosemary was in desperate need of a good walk outside. She was severely out of touch with how the season had already shifted into deep autumn as well. The last she remembered; the leaves had barely begun to change color but now there were already leafless trees dotting the landscape.

The crisp, peppery air filled her lungs as soon as they arrived at the Flying Class Lawn via the Floo Flame. Ominis gathered her hand and draped it over his arm before proceeding down the path towards the fountain in the middle of the grounds. Rosemary's heart fluttered and she was glad this moment was hers alone as there was no one outside to witness their stroll. Progress was slow but there were plenty of benches around the large fountain to stop and rest at, of which Ominis encouraged her regularly to rest, concerned she would over-tire herself. But Rosemary was determined and he resigned himself to simply walk with her while offering support.

"I hope you aren't trying to get stronger thinking you can play Seeker for Wednesday's game." Ominis said finally guessing at her motives for pushing herself.

"What ever made you think that?" Rosemary tried but failed to sound nonchalant.

"Because Adelaide Oakes came to visit you first thing. I'm sure she must have said something to you about it. Hufflepuff is not in good shape."

"She did mention it, and I guess I would be lying if I said it wasn't part of my motivation. I remember you told me Edwin Stone is the Interim Seeker. He's...not exactly a good Hufflepuff representative."

"No need to sugar-coat it. Anne gives me commentary about the games and Sebastian gives me other details about what happens between the players that the spectators don't really catch. Stone should have gone for Beater with the way he handles himself in the games. Entirely too aggressive if you ask me. Is he that way in your common room, too?"

"I don't really see much of the seventh years in our dorm. I've always assumed they were too busy studying for their N.E.W.T.s. But I don't know that I have met another Hufflepuff as aggressive as him, he nearly knocked me off my broom during tryouts."

Rosemary spied Ominis clench his jaw at the statement and smiled to herself. "But if you think I shouldn't push myself to take back my position, then I won't."

"No, and don't let anyone persuade you otherwise. I know you will turn the world upside-down if someone simply asked you to." He made the comment casually but Rosemary was shocked at how keenly aware of her traits he was. It reminded her of something he said only last night.

"Is that why you said you didn't want to ask me to wake up until last night?"

Ominis paused in their walk. "You...you remember all that?"

"Yes, of course. There was little else for me to do but listen and wait for you to visit me."

Ominis raised his eyebrows in surprise. "If I would have known that I would have insisted on camping out in the Hospital Wing with you."

Rosemary scoffed. "Don't pretend. You wouldn't have really."

"The thought crossed my mind. I was already spending most of my time there during the day."

They continued walking but Rosemary grew silent as she thought over his visits with her.

"Ominis..." She hedged. "Why did you...I mean why were you so set on not leaving me alone? Even now that I'm awake, you seem reluctant to be away from me."

Ominis frowned in thought. "It's something you mentioned before. Last year was lonely since you had to do most of those terrifying things by yourself. And then you told me your family treated you like you didn't exist, forcing you into solitude for years, if my guess is right. I know better than anyone that being alone is one of the worst feelings in the world." He said, giving more gravity to the feeling than she had felt. "Aside from my Aunt Noctua, my family only felt the need to 'educate' me about duty, dark arts, and our family traditions. Beyond that, I was essentially raised by my aunt and our house-elf, Sully. I am nothing to my parents except a name on the family tree. My aunt suddenly disappeared soon after my magic abilities surfaced and I was left to the whims of my cruel family for a time. Hogwarts and the Sallows were my saving graces. They gave me friendship, and a refuge. And I was reminded what I was missing in my life." Ominis took a cleansing breath, not wishing to dwell on his own background any more than that. "Suffice it to say, I wanted to make sure you were well and taken care of. The power I still hold as your fiancé at least afforded me that. But once I learned you might be able to hear me in that state, well..." He sniffed derisively. "I'm the only one who could come to visit you. And you can't expect a good friend who is also in your debt to not rise to the occasion."

"So, you are just paying a debt?" Rosemary could feel cracks in her heart, ready to break at his next words.

His face fell. "No, I...It wasn't just...what I meant was..." Flustered, Ominis scratched the back of his head with his wand-hand. "It was more than that." He admitted and paused to search for better words but quickly gave up. "I said it before, but it is still true...I missed you. Just like during the school break I missed you then, too. That's why I wrote to you so much."

"Except near the end..." She gently pointed out.

"Yes, except that." He acknowledged. "But being near you feels like sitting next to a fire on a cold winter day. So warm and bright...How can I help but miss you when you're not around?"

Rosemary thrilled at his words. That is all she wanted to hear. He had wanted to stay near her because he missed her, and maybe even cared for her. She squeezed his arm and leaned her head on his shoulder, however briefly.

"I missed interacting with you." She confessed. "There were so many times when you were talking that I wanted to reply. Or tease you about something. It was maddening not to be able to even lift a finger."

"Tease me? About what?"

Rosemary grinned mischievously; she had waited too long for this moment. "Why did you move my flowers, Ominis?"

"What?"

"I know you moved my flowers. Every time you came to visit, you put them somewhere else."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't you?" Rosemary's eyes twinkled as she studied his reaction. "Maybe you don't like the smell of roses?"

"They weren't roses." He snapped, giving himself away in an instant. He clicked his tongue when he realized what he had done.

"Aha! So, what was the reason, Ominis?" She pressed. "Didn't like the smell? Or maybe you didn't like the sender? Hmm?"

"Ridiculous..." Ominis muttered. "People weren't supposed to be visiting you anyway..." He said defensively.

"No one else was visiting me. Madam Mulberry was the one who put the flowers by my bedside."

"Oh, Madam Mulberry gave you those flowers? I thought it was from someone else."

"I didn't say they were from Madam Mulberry." Rosemary tried to hide the glee in her voice. She was enjoying herself too much.

"Anyway, I think it's almost time for classes to let out. Let's go pick up your assignments from the professors." He immediately steered them back towards the Floo Flame, on a mission to get as far from the subject of the flower sender as possible.

Chapter Text

It was a painstaking process to get around Hogwarts, especially in the middle of class changes. The corridors were not just crowded; they were extra crowded because of Rosemary. She might have been flattered by all the hugs and well-wishes from friends, if not for the equal number of students who stopped to stare. It reminded her that she still had not seen her own face and wondered if it was because of her scar or something else entirely...maybe the cane?

Rosemary begged for a stop at the girls' bathroom to check a mirror.

The face that stared back at her looked like a stranger. Her most prominent feature had always been her pastel-pink braid that draped neatly over her shoulder. Now...maybe she would have to wear her hair down.

She undid her hair into unbraided waves and finger-combed it into place to hang jauntily over the left side of her face. It would have to do, at least until the angry redness of the scar faded.

When she emerged, Ominis was waiting patiently against the wall, his wand glowing red at the crook of his crossed arms.

"Rosemary?" He asked.

"Yes, it's me." She walked carefully to him. "I think I'm ready to attempt the climb to Professor Ronan's classroom..."

"Something's different." Ominis straightened himself from the wall and held his wand out towards her. Was he scanning her? "You changed something."

"Just my hair. How did you know that?"

"I can sense shapes with my wand. Your shape changed."

"Really? I never knew..." She trailed off as she ran back through her memories trying to decide if there were any moments she thought he could not sense something but actually could. She grimaced, there were a few, but she would rather drink Garreth's mystery brew than ask.

"So, why the change?"

"Oh, it's silly. Don't worry about it." She said dismissively and held her hand out to him. "Let's go."

Ominis was not clueless. Far from it.

Although he was blind, his perception of the world was on par, if not better than other's. He could sense things others could only dream of. And what he never told anyone was how his wand really worked. It was not only shapes he could sense with his wand, it was auras.

As he had no concept of colors, he attributed each aura he came across as different forms of light that radiated off people or objects. People with ill intentions or cursed objects appeared as dark, swirling clouds to him. Sebastian was a chaotic thunderstorm last year and had worried Ominis immensely. But now with Anne healed, Sebastian glowed calmly like a distant star.

Most students were exactly that to Ominis, glowing stars. Some, brighter or slightly darker than others. But none as bright and shining as Rosemary. She was the sun.

Except when she returned from the bathroom, she was a glowing moon.

Something had dampened her spirit.

He let it go for now; it was only a matter of time before he figured out what was bothering her.

By lunchtime, Rosemary was about ready to crawl back to the Hospital Wing and sleep until spring. How had she managed running around Hogwarts and the Highlands nonstop?

"You can rest after lunch; you need to eat first." Mother Ominis all but dragged her to the Great Hall.

"Fine. A quick biscuit and tea should be enough."

"No. You need to eat a proper meal." Ominis insisted. "Do I need to get the Hufflepuffs involved with feeding you?"

Rosemary let out a long-suffering sigh.

The Hufflepuffs would probably hold her down and force feed her chicken legs and mashed potatoes and anything else on the table if they had their way. They were the House of Food after all. Normally she would be alright with that...but she was too tired...

"Alright, alright. Make me a plate and I'll eat it." She conceded crankily, leaning more heavily on his arm than usual.

As soon as the doors to the Great Hall opened, Ominis carefully guided her towards the Slytherin table where she could already see several Slytherins catch sight of them and stand.

Sebastian was the first to call out. "It's about time! We were wondering when -."

"Rosemary!" A male voice shouted from across the hall.

Ominis stiffened.

Rosemary turned to see Isaac Cooper making his way swiftly toward them from the Hufflepuff table. He raced up to her and in a showy display of strength, picked her up by the waist and swung her around as if she weighed no more than a broomstick.

Caught quite off guard and having been suddenly parted from her cane and Ominis's support, Rosemary had no choice but to cling tightly to his arms.

"I'm sorry, I'm just so happy to see you!" He said as he set her back on her feet, his smile almost blinding as his eyes drank her in. His smile was infectious and Rosemary found herself smiling, too. "How are you feeling now? Are you alright?" She watched as his eyes stopped briefly on the left side of her face; a wash of concern drew his brows up at the sight.

She fought the urge to hide her scar with a hand. "I-I just woke up today so-."

"She's too weak to play Quidditch this week, if that's what you're asking." Ominis appeared and separated the two as he put her cane back in her hand.

"Oh, I see." Isaac said as he took in the cane. "It must have been worse than I thought."

"Yes, but I'm on the mend." Rosemary said encouragingly, still not wanting to let her captain down. "Thank you for the flowers."

Isaac brightened. "Did you like them? I wasn't sure what to bring you but I felt you needed something since no one could be there for you."

"I was there." Ominis said without hesitation. Pride in his tone.

Rosemary's eyes widened and darted to Ominis. What. Was. He. Doing?

Isaac looked at Ominis, clearly confused.

But before anyone could say more, Garreth arrived.

"Glad to see the spiders couldn't keep you down for long." He said, giving her an attagirl pat on the shoulder.

"Garreth, how did you know?" Rosemary said in shock.

"Please." He scoffed. "No one can keep a secret in this place, at least not from me. I have my sources."

The group dissipated soon after that as lunch was almost over.

Sebastian and Anne peppered Rosemary with questions about her coma and regaled her with their harrowing adventure to get her out of the cellar and back to Hogwarts.

Through trial and error, they figured out they could put Rosemary on a large crate they had found in the spider nest and between the three of them, levitated the crate up to the first floor of the cellar. Ominis was at the top of the ladder and cast Accio on the crate, while Sebastian and Anne were at the bottom and cast Wingardium Leviosa while climbing the ladder to continue the levitation charm. That way they could control the speed of the ascension. Once at the top, Sebastian piggy-backed Rosemary and Ominis gave Anne and Sebastian a thorough tongue-lashing the entire way to the Hospital Wing.

"The tongue-lashing was honestly the scariest part." Sebastian said.

"Sure. Not the girl bleeding out on your back..." Ominis grumbled.

"It was a joke, man, calm down." Sebastian snapped back.

"The bleeding was the scariest for me." Anne admitted. "I wish I had learned Episkey before that. I tried to remember how you did it and teach myself along the way but it was no good. I know it now. I asked Madam Mulberry to teach me after she set you to rights."

Rosemary was touched by their story. She hugged Anne tightly. "You all worked so hard. I'm so grateful."

"I'm glad you are all better." Anne whispered into her hair as she hugged her back. "Thanks for everything you did for us, too. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been there. I'm just sorry we couldn't take care of you the same way you took care of us."

Rosemary pulled back to look at her. "You did take care of me. I'm here, aren't I?"

"Yes..." Anne said, finally catching a glimpse at the scar half hidden under her hair.

Rosemary noticed her stare and turned back to her plate so Anne could not see it.

"Rosemary..." Anne got up from the table and pulled her friend along with her. She supported her as she secreted themselves next to the hearth, well away from the Slytherin table and listening ears. "Tell me how you're really doing. You don't seem like yourself."

The warmth of Anne's presence unlocked something in her heart. She hugged Anne again and let her tears go as she explained how weak and vulnerable she felt now. How everyone seemed to be staring at her out of pity. If she had only been stronger, she could have cast Protego on herself, or gotten out of the way. But no, she had gotten this scar from her own stupidity, her own distraction.

Anne shook her head. "You've got it all wrong. People aren't staring out of pity. They see what you survived. You got that scar fighting off Acromantulas. Do you know how many students could've done that?"

Anne gently tucked Rosemary's hair behind her ears, exposing her face fully.

"This is a badge of courage, Rosemary. You should wear it with pride."

Rosemary smiled through her tears. "Thank you for those words."

Anne hugged her again, then went about wiping away her tears and straightening Rosemary's appearance. "Can't have our 'Hero of Hogwarts' throwing a pity party now, can we? We've got a Crossed Wands tournament next Friday, and we have work to do to get you back up to snuff."

Over the weekend, Anne, Sebastian and Ominis helped Rosemary train in the Undercroft. They worked on spells, dueling reflexes, and Rosemary's pile of missed assignments. Her stamina was slow to recover but Ominis was excellent at recognizing when she was in need of a break.

During one such rest, Rosemary awoke from a nap on the sofa to find herself curled against Ominis, his cheek resting gently on her hair, his arm around her. She smiled to herself and felt this was a moment she would remember forever.

By Monday, she was back to classes. Garreth pestered her with questions about spider venom. Sacharissa, on the other hand, was curious about her scar and what potions Madam Mulberry had used for it.

Rosemary was dragging her feet by mid-morning. She grumbled about needing a nap, but Ominis and Sebastian pushed her to keep going.

Professor Garlick, thankfully, let her work at her seat during Herbology, brought her chamomile tea and spoiled her outrageously.

Despite Ominis's relentless fussing; ensuring she ate, exercised, and worked diligently – Rosemary was secretly touched by his dedication. He escorted her after every class, always offering his arm. Even when she felt strong enough to walk with just the cane, he never left her side.

When Wednesday arrived, Rosemary felt bold enough to leave the cane behind. Maybe it was because she felt excited about it being her first Quidditch game day where she could sit and enjoy being a spectator for once.

The day's match was between Slytherin and Ravenclaw.

Her only dilemma was; where to sit? Should she sit with her own house? Or with the Slytherins, since she was with Ominis and Anne? The decision was made for her as they led her straight to the Slytherin section. No questions asked.

The game began with a thunderous cheer for Slytherin. Their opening was a green hurricane of players flying at top speed. Rosemary beamed as she spotted Imelda and Sebastian in action. She was looking forward to seeing what they could do.

As the game started, Anne indeed offered her own commentary for Ominis's benefit but Rosemary found it valuable for her as well.

"Anne, you're brilliant at explaining the game. I feel like I'm getting a lesson on Quidditch." Rosemary said.

"Maybe I should apply to be a kind of announcer for the game?"

"It couldn't hurt. You could use that Amplification Charm so everyone could hear you." Ominis suggested.

"I think I'll talk to Kogawa after the game." Anne said, seeming pleased and went back to commenting on the game with renewed vigor.

About a half hour into the game, Ruby Wiel popped up out of nowhere beside Rosemary.

"Look at you finally showing up to a game. I thought maybe you were going to be gone forever. Got a bit intimidated from my threat of war, did you?" Ruby grinned wickedly at Rosemary, her eyes sparkling with anticipation of a fight. Ominis turned his head at the sound of a new person and Rosemary caught a glimpse of his upper lip twitch as if smelling something rotten.

"Nice to see you, too, Ruby." Rosemary said, refusing to rise to her baiting. "Have you been well?"

"Oh, stop with that." Ruby swatted the niceties away. "Just when exactly are you coming back to the game? I'm not that scary, am I? Did Cooper kick you off the team because you couldn't beat my new records on the Time Trials? I may have been a little over zealous with the last one." She giggled at her own fortune.

Both Ominis and Anne were now silently listening to Ruby. Rosemary could feel the tension from them swelling like a gathering wave and she scrambled to think of anything to say before they both came crashing down on little Ruby.

"No, no, I've been in the Hospital Wing for the past few weeks after an injury. But I'm getting better. I take it you've missed me then?"

"Ugh, you have no idea. That troll they replaced you with is no fun at all. So serious. And he just chases after me the whole game. Not like our fun game of tag we played last time. Now give me a date already so I can start planning our next game."

Rosemary was touched that her opposition would want her back so much even though she beat her last time. She was about to say "As soon as possible." But before she could even open her mouth, Ominis cut in.

"She will recover when she recovers and not before."

Ruby's critical eyes darted to Ominis and raked him from head to toe. "Who are you?"

"These are my best friends, Ominis Gaunt and Anne Sallow." Rosemary gestured, watching both Anne and Ominis straighten at being mentioned.

"What gloomy names, no wonder you're in Slytherin."

Rosemary grimaced at her words but went on undeterred. "This is Ruby Wiel, the Gryffindor Seeker."

"Yes, we know all about this little spitfire." Anne said with a smirk. "Had a bit of a hard time handling Jasper Higgs though, didn't you?"

Ruby bristled. "I had a cold."

"Sure you did." Anne said dryly. "So maybe you'll understand our Rosemary needs some time to be at her best, hmm?"

Ruby shifted focus and got a good look at Rosemary. "You look alright to me...apart from that beauty of a gash. What happened, Stone attack you for your spot on the team?"

Rosemary let out an involuntary laugh at the thought. It never occurred to her before, but that sounded entirely possible. "No, this came from an Acromantula."

"Acromantula?" She said in disbelief. "What are you sixth-years doing around Acromantulas? Don't tell me we have those in the sixth-year Beasts Class?"

"Anyway, I hope we get to play again soon." Rosemary said congenially, waving at her, hoping Ruby would take the hint so she could get back to enjoying the game.

"Yes, hurry up and get well soon. I think the next Hufflepuff game is next week...but at very least you must get better by our next match." Ruby waved and left without a second glance.

"What a treasure she is..." Anne muttered once Ruby was out of sight. "I was about a heartbeat away from casting Silencio on her."

"You and me both." Ominis grumbled.

"She certainly loves baiting people." Rosemary observed and turned to Anne. "What happened between her and...Jasper Higgs, was it?"

"Yes, he's the Slytherin Seeker." Anne pointed up to the Slytherin player making lazy infinity signs in the air, waiting for the Snitch to show. "He got Ruby all annoyed and confused in the last game, so much so she didn't know when he was going after the Snitch or just pretending to. Good strategy, by the way."

"Good to know for when I play Slytherin next, too." Rosemary gave Anne a cheeky wink.

"Oh, you." Anne blushed and batted a hand at her.

Chapter Text

The Quidditch game ended in a wild flourish when Jasper Higgs, the Slytherin Seeker, caught the Snitch from right behind the Ravenclaw Seeker's back.

Anne did indeed run off to chat with Professor Kogawa when the game was over, leaving Ominis and Rosemary behind to navigate the stands a little more carefully. Once they reached the bottom, Anne was headed their way.

"Done with Kogawa already?" Rosemary asked.

"She said she liked the idea and would give it some thought."

"That's good." Rosemary said distractedly as she spied a group of Hufflepuffs over Anne's shoulder. "I'll see you two tomorrow. Give Sebastian and Imelda my congrat-." She tried to let go of Ominis's arm to walk towards the Hufflepuffs, but Ominis held fast to her and pulled her gently back to his side.

"Oh no, you'll be coming with us." Ominis said and led the way down the path towards the castle.

"That's right, we have plans." Anne looped her arm in Rosemary's, sandwiching her between the two Slytherins.

"But where are we going?" Rosemary asked, confused about why she needed two escorts. "And you don't need to hold me so tightly. I can walk without a cane now."

"You still need to work on your stamina." Ominis readjusted her hand so it would lay languidly in the crook of his arm instead of crushed to his side. "Our Victory Night will be perfect for that."

"Don't tell me the Slytherins do jigs all night long, too." Rosemary sagged a bit at the thought. "I love jigs but I don't think I'm ready for that."

Anne cleared her throat and put on a posh accent. "Darling, of course not. We would never stoop to something as plebian as a jig. We waltz the night away and sample the finest hors d'oeuvres house-elves have to offer."

Rosemary looked back and forth between the two to decide if they were joking or not. "Do I need to dress up for this? It sounds fancy." Ominis said nothing as he was trying to keep a straight face.

"No, but waltzing does occur, darling." Anne continued in the accent. "We must practice it somewhere besides society balls! Can't have our skills getting rusty from lack of use while at school, you know."

Rosemary laughed; the accent tickled her more than Anne readily knew since it was the same overly posh accent as Rosemary's mother's.

As they walked into Slytherin's common room, Rosemary marveled at the grand, dark beauty of it all.

"Sometimes I forget you've never been here before." Anne commented. "You seem almost Slytherin yourself with how much a part of our group you are."

Rosemary smiled and shrugged. "Too many friends in one house can do that for a person. I almost wish I was a Slytherin, your common room is so soothing..." She noticed the windows at the far end and did a double take. "Are those windows..."

"It has an underwater view of the lake. Want a closer look?" Anne went ahead and pulled the troop along to the windows.

Rosemary was about ready to ask if she could switch houses for the windows alone once they drew up close to them. Anne talked about the windows for a bit and Ominis leaned down to whisper into Rosemary's ear. "You don't see Nerida Roberts anywhere around, do you?"

Rosemary looked about behind them, there were groups of students starting to filter in but none were Nerida. "No, why?"

"I'm going to show you something." Ominis reached out with his wand and tapped five times on the window panes and then hit the window with one basic cast.

Alarmed, Rosemary grabbed his wand-hand to stop him.

"What are you doing?" She hissed at him.

"Don't worry, the windows won't break. Just wait..." Ominis said, not bothering to shake off her hand. He cocked his head to listen and Rosemary found herself listening too. A low rumbling sound could be heard and the fish near the window swam away in a blur of motion. She shrank away from the window on impulse, but Ominis held an arm out behind her to prevent her from missing this. The next second something large struck the window from outside. Rosemary nearly fell over from the sudden impact that shook the walls.

"What was that?" Rosemary half shrieked.

"The giant squid in the lake. Someone trained it to respond to knocking on the window a certain way."

Once her heart started beating normally again Rosemary thought to ask: "And what about Nerida? Is she afraid of the squid or something?"

"Oh goodness." Anne rolled her eyes. "She's so focused on merpeople, I'm surprised she even has time to think of the squid. She says it's a wild beast and shouldn't be trained or interacted with by humans. But, just between us, that creature would do just about anything for a good piece of toast."

Rosemary had to laugh, everyone had their weaknesses, even a squid.

Moments later, the Quidditch crowd came thundering in uproariously with their victorious team in tow. The furniture was vanished to make room for the evening's events, just as Hufflepuff's common room had been cleared out for festivities. But, instead of the merry sounds of a jaunty jig being played, the piano that had been playing gracefully by itself in the corner was suddenly accompanied by the elegant tones of a cello and a violin.

Rosemary watched as Slytherin students of varying years began to mingle around the central space of the common room, seemingly waiting for the first pairs to start the dance.

"Who are they waiting for exactly?" Rosemary whispered to Ominis and Anne.

"Usually, the stars of the show today." Ominis said. "That would be Imelda, Sebastian, and Jasper, if I remember right."

"Imelda makes Sebastian dance with her for the first dance because he's co-captain..." Anne remarked and then turned to Ominis. "Who do you think Jasper will pair up with?"

Ominis worked his jaw as he thought about that. "Maybe Priscilla Wakefield's sister, Eudora. I heard her talking about her father the other day at breakfast. Apparently, he signed on as head coach of the Appleby Arrows this year. Jasper likes all things Quidditch related and even though Eudora isn't on the team, at least she is a seventh-year with a Quidditch family."

"Ah, that's right. I forgot they're part of a Quidditch family. You'd never know it from Pricilla. She's always knee deep in potions."

A cheer went up as Sebastian and Imelda finally came into view with Jasper right behind them. Sebastian held out his hand to Imelda who took his hand and in typical Imelda-fashion spun herself expertly into a ready waltz. The students cheered again at their debonair attitude and Rosemary was pleasantly surprised how easy and exciting she and Sebastian made the dance look.

"I didn't know Sebastian could dance like that." Rosemary commented.

Anne puffed herself up. "That's all thanks to me." She smiled proudly. "I love the waltz. Ever since Ominis taught us one summer in Feldcroft, I've made these boys practice with me any chance I got. Apart from playing Gobstones that is."

"I wish I knew how to waltz. It looks even better than the Hufflepuff jig."

"Oh dear, not this again." Anne put on her posh accent again and pushed Ominis towards Rosemary. "I beg you, Ominis, get this witch some class!"

Ominis awkwardly obliged and took Rosemary to a quieter part of the common room to teach her the steps. But as Rosemary was an eager learner, and Ominis was a skilled partner, she learned quickly under his tutelage and they were soon joining the others on the main dance floor. Rosemary thrilled at the whirl of the dance. It felt as though she was flying again, except instead of holding on to her broom, she was holding onto Ominis. He held her properly at her shoulder blade with one hand and held the other aloft with his wand clasped between their joined palms.

His hold made her feel safe and strangely protected as his lead was perfectly navigated, making sure they would not bump into other couples. Although she was constantly on his arm the whole of the day, something about being held in such a manner while twirling about did not just make her heart flutter, it made it soar.

Everything seemed right in the world, Ominis was hers and she was his...at least until the music ended and he bowed and reverted to their arm in arm position.

She mentally rolled her eyes at herself. Here she was feeling sad the dancing had ended but he was still giving her his arm for support.

Really, Rosemary. She thought. Be grateful he is not pushing you away again.

There was a brief interlude to allow everyone a chance at refreshments before beginning again. Many of the students disappeared to change out of their robes as well, Ominis and Anne included. It was the first time since the morning she was on her own and walking around properly without even a cane. She could not help feeling proud of herself for making such strides in her recovery. She circled the table of refreshments with confidence, not even noticing who else was near until someone approached her.

"I thought I saw pink hair swirling around the dance floor." Came a voice from behind her as Rosemary picked up a hors d'oeuvre. She turned to see none other than Jasper Higgs standing tall, arms crossed with a slight smirk on his pretty face.

"Rosemary Abbott, if I'm not mistaken? Jasper Higgs." He said by way of introduction and held out his hand to her. She shook his hand politely but regretted it almost instantly as he did not let go when he was supposed to. "What's the Hufflepuff Seeker doing at a Slytherin victory party anyway?"

"I'm not the current Seeker." She pointed out, trying to let her hand drop naturally but found it stuck in his grip.

"Yes, it's a shame we never met on the pitch before Stone took your spot. Suits me just fine since he's an oafish prat, isn't he? But I thought at least you would give me a challenge since you made such a good show with little Ruby Wiel. I heard you're recovering from some injury or other. Sorry to hear that. But the question is, when will you return to the game?"

"Ruby just asked me the same question not an hour ago." She said, finally pulling her hand free of his grasp. "I'll recover when I recover." Ominis's line resounded in her head, helping her feel braver than she was at the moment. Jasper had an intense quality about him that made him more intimidating than Ruby's fiery nature. Maybe it was the fact that he was a tall seventh-year and not a tiny fourth-year.

Jasper considered her with an appraising eye as though she were marketable goods. He drew closer to her and she fought the urge to step away from him. "Tell you what, since I'm sick to death of that bore of a Seeker, I'll give you some training advice from one Seeker to another..."

He trailed off as the music started up again, signaling that the respite was over and the next dance would be starting soon.

"Let's discuss this further over a dance." He held out his hand to her again. "Shall we?"

She eyed the offending hand but curiosity over what his advice would be won out and she reluctantly accepted it.

A wicked grin spread across his face as he pulled her onto the dance floor.

Rosemary warily followed, unsure what she had just gotten herself into.

Jasper, not waiting for Rosemary to ready herself, swooped his arm under hers, his hand finding the small of her back and catching her to him. He quickly snatched up her other hand in his and immediately spun her into the dance. Rosemary barely had time to grasp his shoulder to hold herself steady.

"Reflexes need work." Jasper commented as they waltzed about with the other couples. "And your carriage is slower than I thought. Are you sure you're a Seeker?"

Rosemary bristled. She was already tired of this buffoon. "I didn't ask for a critique. Are you going to give me advice or not?

He let out a condescending chuckle. "Certainly. I'm customizing my training advice as I assess your current condition." His arrogant smile was back. "Stone may be brainless, but he's fast. I'll give him that. Speed is the most important quality of a Seeker."

"Oh really? Then why haven't I seen your name on the Time Trials' board?"

"The Time Trials are beneath me. I already know I would be in first place if I felt like playing that silly game. Fortunately, for you and Ruby, I have better things to do with my time."

"Such as studying for your N.E.W.T.s?"

"Such as tendering my application to Puddlemere United. Scouts have already started showing up at Quidditch matches here."

He seemed rather full of himself for having only Quidditch to think about. "I see." Rosemary said, deliberately sounding unimpressed.

"Not interested in the scouts then? Good. All the better for me. But if I'm going to shine for them, I must have some decent competition and that's where you come in." The dance called for him to turn her slowly, and as he did, she caught a glimpse of Ominis and Anne waltzing nearby and wished she was dancing with Ominis instead. When she finally came back to Jasper, he repositioned his hand on her back but slightly lower than it had been. Rosemary had had enough and physically lifted his arm so he had no choice but to place his hand higher on her back. "Something tells me playing against you will be highly entertaining." Amusement danced in his eyes as he gazed down at her.

"Well, at the rate you are disclosing training methods, I'd say I'll be playing again when I'm sixty."

"Now, now, don't pout. I said I would give you advice and I will. You'll have to forgive me for drawing it out a bit since I'm dearly enjoying our dance, my first partner wasn't half this diverting."

With that, Rosemary decided she was done, she wasn't about to let this pond scum enjoy her company anymore. She would get her advice from Imelda if she had to squeeze it out of her like a snake. Rosemary dropped her arms and stopped right in the middle of their dance and began walking away.

"Don't be like that..." Jasper caught her hand, pulling her back to him. He swung her back into his waltz and held her a bit more tightly to him as to not let her leave so easily again. "I'll get to the point then if you are in such a hurry. This is a secret trick of the trade so you must keep it to yourself, don't go running to tell Ruby Wiel all about it, understand?" He glanced about before lowering his lips to her ear as they danced. "When you are practicing, have someone else on the broom with you. Then you will get used to the weight. What do you think will happen once you take that weight off?"

Rosemary's eyes widened. "You fly faster."

"You fly faster." He repeated as he drew away from her ear to look at her. "I would offer to be that someone on the broom with you, but of course, you are my competition, so do with that information what you will."

Blessedly the song ended soon after that and she bowed quickly before making a beeline back to Ominis and Anne. She breathed a sigh of relief when she was back in their company. Safe at last.

"Everything alright?" Ominis held out a hand to her as he sensed her mood when she approached.

"I can see why Ruby had a hard time with Jasper." She said as she took Ominis's proffered hand, letting the warmth from him soothe her nerves.

"What happened?" Ominis and Anne said at the same time, in the exact same territorial tone.

"Oh..." She said with a huff, not wanting to relive the memory of his grasping hands but also not wanting to say anything truly terrible about him, at least out loud. "He's a bit...much."

"Describe 'much.'" Ominis said.

"Well, I doubt he was that handsy with Ruby, but still-." Rosemary began but Ominis cut her off.

"He what?" Ominis's expression darkened into a scowl. "You mean he touched you inappropriately?"

"Not exactly, it was just a lot of touching and grabbing for someone I didn't know. Or maybe that's how some people dance?"

"I saw you two dancing." Anne piped up. "He did seem awfully close to you for a waltz. And I don't think I've seen him smile like that...ever."

"Where is he?" Ominis twitched his wand back and forth, scanning for Jasper.

"It's alright, Ominis. It's not a big deal." Rosemary said.

"I just want to have a chat with him is all." Ominis suddenly spotted him across the room at the refreshment table. With his wand trained on him, he started after him, but Rosemary, who was still attached to his hand, pulled him back.

"Ominis, no." She said firmly. "Please don't."

"Not to worry, darling. I'll only be a moment. Anne." Ominis handed Rosemary's hand to Anne to take.

Anne took charge of Rosemary, going a step further and wrapping her into a side hug, holding her in place as Ominis strode away, intent in his steps.

"It's really not necessary." Rosemary went on, watching Ominis walk directly to Jasper and have a word with him. They were too far away for Rosemary to hear them but she could see Ominis speaking with that infamously scary expression of his.

"You don't understand, Rosie. Slytherins have a certain way of handling matters." Anne explained.

Rosemary caught her breath when she saw Ominis flick his wand underneath Jasper's chin and press it into his throat. Jasper blinked in surprise and put his hands up in surrender, he winced as he tried to speak with Ominis's wand jammed into his jugular. Others were starting to stare, but Ominis made quick work of the conversation and was back by Rosemary's side in a matter of seconds. Rosemary glanced back at Jasper who was rubbing his neck and sending dark looks their way.

"He won't be doing that again." Ominis said flatly. The music started to play again and students rushed to get their partners for the next dance. "Shall we?" Ominis held his hand out to Rosemary, who readily took it. Being with Ominis felt like the safest place in the world right at that moment.

She was right, of course. No one bothered them as they danced, except for Sebastian who demanded to have the next dance since he only just realized Rosemary was there.

When it was Sebastian's turn, they discussed Quidditch practice and training at length while they danced. She asked him about the idea of training with added weight to gain speed. He agreed it sounded like a good strategy and offered to be the person she flew with for the first time back on her broom.

She instantly accepted his offer as now she was itching to have a fly after all the waltzing she had been doing. They agreed on meeting up the next day after classes.

After her dance with Sebastian, Rosemary was bone tired to the point her legs felt ready to buckle beneath her.

"What did you do to poor Rosemary?" Anne asked Sebastian when he brought back a sluggish Rosemary to the group.

"Maybe it was all the turns that did her in." Sebastian offered, setting Rosemary down on a sofa that was pushed against the wall.

"I'm tired is all. Will you lot let me leave yet? I have a cup of tea and a bed calling my name."

"There should be one dance left." Ominis said and sure enough the music started up again as if on cue. "Come on, darling. Last one, I promise." He held his hand out to her and how was she supposed to refuse her fiancé when he was calling her 'darling' this and 'darling' that all of a sudden? Bolstered by 'darling' power, she bucked up her resolve and took his hand.

As the last dance began, Rosemary noticed a marked difference between her first few waltzes with Ominis and this one. The first ones had a zeal about them that made her feel exhilarated and alive. But this one...

He was being careful with her. He held her a little closer, his arm cradled her back as they danced. He kept them in the center of the dance floor making slow circles so as not to get in the way of the faster couples. And he did not dare turn her once even though the dance called for it several times.

"Ominis, are you babying me?" Rosemary teased.

"Isn't that what mother hens are supposed to do?" He commented, referring to what she had called him on their first trip to Hogsmeade that year.

"Mmm..." She mused. "Now that I think of it; Sebastian was right. You are more of a 'mother snake' after all."

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"You, sticking your wand into Jasper's neck."

"Oh that. I suppose you could call it 'being a mother snake' if you want. I call it 'giving a warning.'"

"What kind of warning was it anyway?"

"Never you mind." He smiled as he distracted her with a sudden turn.

The turn caught her off guard and she felt the tiredness in her legs without Ominis's support.

Ominis realized his mistake as soon as she came back to him and apologized.

"After the dance, I'll escort you back to your common room." He said, holding her preciously against him as they danced.

Rosemary held on to his shoulder a little closer, too, hiding her smile. "If you insist."

Chapter Text

Rosemary said goodbye to her Slytherin friends and offered one last congratulations to Imelda and Sebastian before heading to Hufflepuff House. They could have taken the easy way back via Floo Flame, but Ominis encouraged her to walk with him all the way there. Not because he wanted to spend more time with her or anything. It was for her endurance. Strictly that.

The Grand Staircase was dim and quiet as they made their way slowly along. They talked in hushed tones as not to disturb the portraits around them, but as they talked, Rosemary was mulling over her current predicament with Ominis in the back of her mind.

She did not want to break whatever spell had been cast over him by bringing up the topic...but wasn't he acting contrary to what he said he wanted? Didn't he want her to move on and find someone to replace him as her fiancé?

And yet...

He was always by her side.

Escorting her. Helping her. Constantly touching her. Letting her hold his arm. Holding her hand. Calling her 'darling.'

She dearly wanted to know; had he changed his mind somewhere along the line? Did he want to be hers as much as she wanted to be his? Surely, this is not how friends behaved towards each other.

When they came to the landing for the Great Hall, Rosemary finally gathered her courage.

"Ominis...why did you suddenly start calling me 'darling?'"

Ominis slowed his steps.

He hesitated.

"It...it's just an expression. Among friends. Anne called you that earlier too."

Rosemary's heart sank. "Yes, but she was joking. You were being..." She instantly regretted the words. "Never mind." She muttered, retreating into silence.

I should have kept my mouth shut. She thought. He probably did not mean anything by it. Now I've ruined everything...

Ominis felt her pull away, not physically, but emotionally, and the shift unsettled him. He had not realized he had been calling her that and hid his embarrassment with an easy excuse. But hearing the hurt in her voice, her quick dismissal of her own feelings, made something ache inside him.

Before he could find the words to fix it, his wand picked up a presence. He stopped, listening intently.

There, he could hear someone trying to control their breathing, maybe from recent exertion. He scanned the area with his wand and finally found an aura up ahead near the Grand Staircase's Floo Flame. He recognized it as Jasper's, his aura was a strange mix of swirling light and dark clouds that could only mean he was scheming.

"Ominis? Is something wrong?" Rosemary asked, confused about his tense expression.

"Someone is spying on us." He whispered.

Rosemary cast Revelio and sure enough she saw a figure outlined in red around the corner from them.

Red meant danger.

Her heart thudded with instinctive alarm. She raised her wand, but Ominis blocked her with his arm.

"I think I know who it is." He said, jaw tightening. "Stay here."

"Who?" Rosemary asked but Ominis was already moving closer.

He rounded the corner.

Sure enough, Jasper Higgs was leaning against the wall trying to seem casual. But Ominis knew better.

"Ominis Gaunt. Didn't expect you to be out this late." Jasper said as he pushed off the wall.

"What are you doing here, Higgs?"

"I could ask you the same question, but I don't care. Let's stay out of each other's businesses, shall we?"

"Gladly. As long as your business has nothing to do with my business."

"How would I know that?"

"Simple. You tell me what you are doing here and I'll be on my way if it has nothing to do with me."

"Fine. I'm waiting for someone. Not you. Now be about your business, Gaunt."

"You wouldn't happen to be waiting for a pink-haired friend of mine, would you?"

"How would you know what color her hair is?"

"Levioso."

Jasper let out a yelp as he was propelled into the air.

"I told you already to stay away from her." Ominis's wand sensed Jasper pull his wand out. "Expelliarmas" He spat. Jasper's wand went flying. "Apparently, I wasn't clear enough. Flipendo." Jasper flipped upside down in mid-air.

"I got it! Just let me down already!" Jasper yelled.

"I don't think so. Flipendo." Jasper flipped right side up again. "When I give you a warning, it is never empty. Flipendo. It will always have a consequence if ignored. Flipendo. Next time you even think about Rosemary...Flipendo...I sincerely hope you remember my warning. Flipendo. And maybe even the word Flipendo. Have I made myself clear enough yet?"

Jasper shook his head to dispel the dizziness and nausea that threatened to overtake him.

"Crystal." He managed to say. Ominis flicked his wand to let Jasper down. He stumbled as his jellified legs could not make sense of solid ground.

Ominis found Jasper's wand near his feet and kicked it back to him. "Maybe you should try learning how to handle more than just a broomstick."

With that Jasper snatched up his wand and fled through the Floo Flame.

Once Ominis sensed he was gone, he called to Rosemary. "He's gone now."

Rosemary stepped out. "Ominis, that was brilliant!" She laughed. "I'm surprised you didn't use Confringo to at least singe his eyebrows off."

"Lucky for him I stopped at making him a little dizzy. If he'd touched you, it would've been worse."

Rosemary melted at the thought of him defending her, but remembered; it was only as a friend.

"You needn't go that far..." She began.

Ominis interrupted her to say; "Of course I need to. I would never let anything happen to you."

Her heart swelled with gratitude and she stepped forward and hugged him tightly.

He froze for a moment, his feelings warring inside him. But the warmth and gentleness of her hug pulled at his heartstrings and he folded her into his arms, pressing his cheek against hers, and inhaling her sweet scent, memorizing it so he could keep it with him forever.

Rosemary held him as long as she dared. She did not want him to pull away again like he had in Hogsmeade. She could not bear it if that happened a second time. So this time, she let go first. As she did, she impulsively kissed his cheek and whispered, "Thank you."

Whatever was left of the wall Ominis had tried to build between them suddenly came crashing down the moment she tried to pull away.

Ominis could not let her go.

Not this time.

He drew her back in, one hand reached up to find the curve of her neck and gently guided her to him.

Their lips met and Rosemary's eyes closed at the touch of her first kiss.

The kiss was soft – tender and reverent. Ominis kissed her slowly, savoring her and every second that passed. She was heaven to kiss. So sweet and gentle. And then when she kissed him back...he felt weak. He moved his hands up, into her hair, drawing her deeper into their kiss.

Pure bliss ran through Rosemary's veins like thousands of tiny butterflies. Her hands curled into his robes, holding him tightly, wanting the moment to last for a lifetime.

Moments later they both pulled apart, breathless with happiness. Ominis could not help kissing her one more time, lingering there as he felt her smile against his lips.

Everything felt right in the world. Except for the fact they were out past curfew and needed to get to their respective common rooms quickly.

They hurried down the stairway to Hufflepuff House, sharing quiet laughs as they went. Just before Rosemary went inside, Ominis held her close and drew her in for one last kiss.

"Good night." He whispered against her lips.

"Good night." She whispered back, smiling shyly as they parted.

She was going to have lovely dreams that night, she was sure of it.

Although she slept well, Rosemary woke as sore as she could be. All that dancing and exercise from the day before had her considering getting her cane back out.

She was more than happy to find Ominis waiting for her as usual outside her common room, right where she left him the night before. They acted shy of each other at first. The newness of whatever it was they were made them more self-conscious than they had ever been around each other.

Were they courting? Accepting the engagement? Or just two fools who had kissed?

Considering what a disaster talking to Ominis about the 'darling' business was, Rosemary was not eager to clarify whatever was happening between them now. She would not ruin what she had.

Rosemary sat with the Slytherins as she usually did with Ominis as her escort. Ominis sat at her right and Sebastian suddenly plopped down on her left.

"Rosemary, I have to talk to you..." He surveyed the table, looking for someone. "You don't see Imelda around, do you?"

Rosemary made a cursory scan but did not see her.

"Alright, remember what I said about helping you with flying?" He whispered. "I'll still help you but we must practice somewhere Imelda isn't going to find us. If she hears I'm helping a rival team's Seeker practice, I'll be hexed into next week."

"Hmm." Rosemary thought about that. "That's going to be tricky. Especially since we can't leave Hogwarts without a staff member..." As she said it, an idea came to her. "I know where we can meet."

"And you're sure Imelda won't happen upon us?"

"Yes, just meet me on the seventh floor of the Astronomy Tower."

"We can't fly around the Astronomy Tower, that's too visible. Imelda will see us immediately."

"That's not what I said. Just trust me and come alone."

Sebastian nodded and then looked past her at Ominis. "What about this guy? Are you going to be bringing him?"

Rosemary had not thought of that. She was sure she could get around fine without his support, but not having him around seemed almost unnatural. "Ominis, do you want to come with us? It's...uh...in that room where I keep my luggage." She said, hoping he would understand the need for being cryptic.

"Flying...in a storage room?" Sebastian asked in disbelief.

Rosemary shushed him, and whispered, "Ominis has been there, so he already knows."

Sebastian eyed Ominis and Rosemary. "This sounds strange."

"You walked straight into the Scriptorium without a second thought and this is what worries you?" Ominis replied dryly.

Sebastian barked a laugh. "Alright, alright, fair point. I'll be there."

After classes, Rosemary went to fetch her favorite broom from her bedroom and discovered it missing. She wracked her brain trying to remember where she had left it, when it hit her...it had been in the extended pocket in her robes the day they went to Aranshire, and Madam Mulberry told her she had destroyed her clothes since they were beyond repair.

Rosemary felt like crying. That was her very first broom she ever bought from Albie Weekes at Spintwitches. The Ember Dash had been with her through all her trials and tribulations last year. Now it felt like she had lost a dear friend. Maybe she could buy another Ember Dash from Mr. Weekes?

She shook her head, that was silly, she had several other brooms she had collected from her adventures tucked into her trunks somewhere. She would look once she got to the Room of Requirement.

Faithfully, Ominis escorted her to the seventh floor of the Astronomy Tower where they met Sebastian – who stumbled back in shock when Rosemary revealed the door to the Room of Requirement.

"This is incredible!" Sebastian exclaimed, immediately exploring Rosemary's version of the Room, taking in the potion tables, loom, pots of plants, and finally asking about the vivariums. Rosemary explained that they were special habitats for her rescued magical creatures, but when Sebastian attempted to climb the stairs to visit the vivariums on the second floor, Rosemary instantly discouraged it.

"Those hold the...um...more dangerous creatures." Rosemary said in half-truth. They did not need to know that, apart from the graphorns and hippogriffs, she also had a phoenix and a breeding pair of unicorns. That knowledge was strictly between her and Deek.

"We can use the greenhouse vivarium down here for flying." She pointed to the small glass structure on the ground floor. "Let me find a broom..." Rosemary went to the mountain of trunks in the corner and began sifting through one trunk after another, but to no avail. "Huh..." She frowned. "Where did all my brooms go? I had about five in here. I'm sure of it."

"That's alright, I brought mine." Sebastian said, unbothered by Rosemary's predicament.

Rosemary chewed on her lower lip as she showed Sebastian and Ominis to the greenhouse vivarium. How was she going to play Quidditch without a broom? She already experienced the well-worn and slightly faulty school brooms from her first flying lessons. She could not possibly use one of those for her first match back.

Rosemary distractedly introduced the creatures to Sebastian. Ominis, already familiar with the creatures, went over to pet the kneazles, particularly little Pompom who wound herself around his ankles affectionately.

After Sebastian made a few well-meaning jokes about Hufflepuffs and their beast-loving tendancies, he took out his trusty Night Dancer broom and told Rosemary to hop on.

"I've never ridden with another person before." She admitted. "How do we do this?"

Sebastian considered Rosemary for a moment. "How about for your first time back on the broom, you can sit in front and I will make sure to hold you on and help you navigate with the extra weight?"

Rosemary agreed and straddled the broom's seat which, to her surprise, was cushioned quite nicely and rather comfortable even though it was awkward to share. Sebastian being much taller than her, leaned over her frame to grab the broomstick beside her grip. A second later, they were in the air.

Familiarity washed over Rosemary as they made a slow spiral up and up. Oh, how she missed flying. Sebastian was fully in control of the broom but Rosemary was already itching to try her hand at flying with the added weight.

"Can I?" She asked as she shifted her grip on the broomstick, ready to go.

"Really? You don't need more time to adjust?"

"This is easier than walking." She laughed, urging the broom to pivot left then right in easy motions, testing the weight.

"Alright then, don't let me stop you." Sebastian let go of the broomstick and moved to hold Rosemary around her waist. "Mind if I hold you like this?" He asked.

Rosemary startled at the sudden touch. "Um...yeah that's fine." She tried to sound casual about it but it was a little awkward even though it did feel more comfortable on the broom. She glanced at where Ominis was standing on the ground. His wand was out and tracking their every movement. She wondered briefly what he was thinking, if he could sense them and their positions on the broom.

With cautious ease, she began to fly gentle circles around the vivarium. Once she felt steadier, she increased her speed, pivoting sharply, and drawing imaginary shapes. Sebastian gave advice where needed, and she soaked it up eagerly.

"Do you want to try that dance we did at the beginning of the year?" Sebastian asked. "I think you might be able to handle the loops if you can go fast enough."

Rosemary remembered the swirling, looping dance they had done around Hogwarts right before she told Sebastian about her engagement. Now that she had something to compare it to, it felt like they had waltzed in mid-air.

"Hold on tight then!" She smiled and leaned into the broom. Sebastian hugged her tightly as they spun and twirled in the air. Rosemary shot straight up, high into the air and twisted as they spiraled down, pulling up only a meter from the ground as the grand finale.

Rosemary landed and Sebastian whooped as he jumped off the broom. "You still got it!" They laughed and Ominis walked over to meet them.

"Ominis, would you like a go?" Rosemary asked, still sitting on the broom.

"No, Ominis hates flying." Sebastian answered, waving off the question.

Ominis tilted his head. "I never said that."

"What?" Sebastian asked in disbelief. "But you always say 'no' whenever I ask." As he said it, Rosemary saw Sebastian's expression clear. He looked between Rosemary and Ominis and nodded. "Ah...it's this again, is it? Always picking Rosemary over me, huh?" He scoffed. "Fine, let's see how you do, then. Off you go." Sebastian shooed Ominis onto the broom.

Rosemary giggled as Ominis approached the broom. He tried to hide his smirk, but it was no use, he was clearly enjoying the back-and-forth.

She helped him into the seat behind her. "You can hold onto me like Sebastian did. It's more comfortable that way." Rosemary said, guiding his hands around her midsection.

"You held her like this, did you?" Ominis shot at Sebastian.

"What else do I hold onto when she flips the broom upside down?" Sebastian laughed.

"Upside-?" Ominis started.

"Here we go!" Rosemary yelled, cutting him off.

With a burst of speed, they rocketed into the sky. Ominis yelled in surprise, holding on for dear life. Rosemary shrieked with wicked laughter, the two of them whooshing across the meadow in a blur.

After a swift loop around the pond, she made a slow, spiraling descent and landed neatly beside Sebastian.

"What a witch, eh Ominis?" Sebastian said as he watched them land. "I heard that evil cackle from here."

Rosemary set their feet on the ground carefully, making sure Ominis was not going to fall over. He stood there, stunned for a long moment, gathering his wits.

"Can you at least warn me next time?" He asked, voice pitched slightly higher than usual.

"What?" Sebastian shouted in outrage. "This is ridiculous! If I pulled something like that, I would never hear the end of it! Give me back my broom!" He demanded, holding his hand out to Rosemary.

Rosemary gave him a wicked grin instead. "Not going to be my passenger anymore?"

"Absolutely not!" Sebastian exclaimed, wrenching his broom out of her hands. "You can get your own broom and your own added weight somewhere else from now on!" He turned to leave, then stopped short. "How do I get out of here?"

"You can exit through that funny-looking cave over there. Just keep walking and it will take you to the Room." She pointed, a smile still playing on her lips. As she watched him go, she sighed. "I guess we better get going, too." She said to Ominis. "No real point staying here if I don't have a broom to practice with."

"Maybe you can ask one of the professors to escort you to Spintwitches this weekend."

Rosemary wrinkled her nose at the suggestion. It seemed like such a hassle to ask the professors for anything of the sort since she was the reason for the excursion restrictions. She knew the Floo Flames would not work for travel outside of Hogwarts anymore and really, she just wanted to visit Penny to see if her brooms were in the trunks at the shop...

As she thought it, she heard a strange rumbling, like the sound of rolling thunder. Confused, Ominis turned, wand raised, trying to pinpoint the source. The creatures seemed wary of the sound as well, sending most of them running for cover.

After a few moments, the rumbling faded and was replaced with a soft tinkling chime as if something was politely asking for attention.

"Over there." Ominis pointed with his wand toward a rocky outcropping at the edge of the meadow.

They approached carefully, and Rosemary discovered the narrow cave that had once been there, now had a short stairway leading up to what looked like a slanted cellar door. The doorway made the most delightful sound of bells once they came close. Happy to be noticed, Rosemary supposed.

"Shall we see what's on the other side?" Rosemary asked eagerly.

Ominis was wary of the thing but if Rosemary was adamant about exploring, who was he to stop her? "If we must..." He said, offering her his hand.

Chapter Text

Rosemary and Ominis pushed through the cellar doors into the golden glow of evening. A familiar park spread out before them with pretty trees and a scenic view of Hogwarts in the distance.

"Is this...?" Rosemary started and turned around in wide-eyed wonder. Sure enough, the place they had just exited was a cellar attached to a pink building.

"That's my shop! We are in Hogsmeade!" Rosemary told Ominis.

"Don't sound too excited." He warned, pulling his hood over his head. "We're not supposed to be here."

"Oh...right." She cast Disillusionment on herself and Ominis followed suit.

They circled around the front of the shop and slipped inside unnoticed. Once safely behind the closed door, they dropped their charms. Penny, seemingly unfazed by their sudden appearance or the Disillusionment, greeted them with a curtsy.

"Miss Rosemary!" She beamed. "It's been such a long time. Penny was starting to worry you'd become too busy at school..." Penny trailed off as she got a good look at Rosemary. "Oh my, Miss Rosemary, what happened to you?"

Rosemary realized she was staring at her scar and self-consciously waved the question away.

"Don't worry about that. There are new restrictions about students leaving Hogwarts, so I must make my visit quick. First thing is first...Penny, did you happen to see any brooms in the trunks I brought over?"

"Why, yes! There were several of them. Beautiful things."

"Good. I'll just be taking them then." Rosemary started for the storage room in the back but Penny let out a strangled cry that stopped her in her tracks.

"Penny is sorry, Miss! Was Penny not supposed to sell them?" She began wringing her hands in distress.

Rosemary's heart felt sick with disappointment. "You sold them? All of them?"

"Of course, Penny did! They were of such unique stock; Penny couldn't keep them on the shelf."

Rosemary could not fault Penny, after all, she had not told her not to sell them. The only consolation she had was that at least she would have the funds now to buy a brand-new broom from Albie Weekes.

She asked Penny for the ledger. When she opened it her eyes nearly popped out of her head at the prices Penny had sold some of the items for. "Penny! How did you get these prices? Five hundred for a coat? Three hundred for a hat? How?"

"It's the charms. Some of these items have very complicated and powerful charms, Miss. If anything, Penny is giving a discount for the items sold here." Penny puffed up her chest with pride. "How did Penny do?"

"You did extremely well, Penny!" Rosemary looked over the totals for each week and made some quick calculations. "Goodness..." She could not believe the total and calculated it once more. At the rate the shop was doing business and the number of items she still had, she was pretty sure she would be set for life. "I think I'll go shopping now." Rosemary said with a stunned laugh. Penny informed her of the bank account she had opened for Rosemary to deposit the earnings from the shop.

"But, Miss, did you bring a guardian?" Penny asked, looking between her and Ominis.

"No, I came here by...other means." Rosemary not feeling the need to go into detail about the portal in the cellar behind the shop.

"Then don't go into any other shops or the bank. Penny heard that most shops and places that students go in Hogsmeade had charms placed on the doors to monitor for unescorted students. Our shop is alright though because students don't normally come here...aside from yourself, Miss."

"Hmm." Rosemary considered that and then looked at Penny. Surely the school was not monitoring elves doing business for students. "Penny, would you mind doing some shopping for me?"

Delighted, Penny listened as Rosemary asked her to visit Spintwitches and buy an Ember Dash, or the newest version of it. The elf scampered off, leaving Rosemary and Ominis alone in the quiet shop.

She returned just fifteen minutes later. "Penny has brought the latest model for you!" Penny presented a sleek broom with a smooth seat and a green tail. "It is called the Sky Scythe. Mr. Weekes said the Ember Dash is sold out since it was last year's model. He said this is the latest and greatest design he has yet to make, but also the most expensive. Penny didn't think Miss would mind about the price."

Although Rosemary was disappointed about not replacing her Ember Dash, this new broom looked like it could outfly a dragon itself. "It has a good grippy handle, too." She assessed. "I don't know what my teammates will think of it having a green tail though."

"Maybe you will just have to play for Slytherin and replace Jasper Higgs as Seeker." Mused Ominis.

"Ha! Wouldn't that beat all?"

Rosemary and Ominis ran back to the safety of the vivarium and closed the cellar doors tight. Rosemary expected the Room to vanish the portal, but it stayed put. She guessed the Room saw more of a need for it than she currently knew, so she had the Room make a lock for the doors.

"Want to test out the new broom with me?" Rosemary asked Ominis as she made her way out of the cave with the broom in hand.

Ominis hesitated. "Why don't you see how fast it can go first...on your own."

A sly smile spread on Rosemary's face. "Awww, darling, did I scare you before?"

Ominis's cheeks went beet red at her words. "No!" He insisted and turned away, sensing the temperature in his face rising.

He was not about to tell her what the word 'darling' did to him either.

He began walking towards the meadow where the creatures were running freely.

Rosemary jumped on her new broom and followed him at a hover. "I was only playing. I promise I won't do it again. Cross my heart." She drew an X over her heart but Ominis swatted her away from him as though she was a fly.

She laughed good-naturedly and flew away, enjoying the feel of the broom and the lightness in her heart.

The broom felt wonderful. She could already feel the difference between her old broom and this one. The handling felt as though she was a smooth stone gliding over a glass lake. And the speed...she had no choice but to go hurtling through the air. She did a few sharp maneuvers and then spotted Ominis standing in the middle of the meadow.

Rosemary grinned and decided to test just how perceptive his wand really was.

She soared high above him, then circled back, gliding silently behind. But before she got close, his wand snapped toward her.

"What are you doing back there?" He asked, brow raised.

"Catching the Snitch." She called and swooped low, circling him tighter and tighter before darting close enough to kiss his cheek, then zoomed away, laughing as she went.

Ominis flinched and held his cheek in shock as if he had been struck. Once he realized it was a kiss and she was getting away, he decided enough was enough. "Accio broom!" He shouted.

Rosemary closed her eyes and held on tightly to the broom as it was yanked back toward Ominis. Once he sensed she was close, he cast Arresto Momentum and both Rosemary and her broom were frozen in mid-air.

Everything, seemed to slow as though sinking through water. Even her eyelids resisted her attempt to open them. When she did manage, she found Ominis's face inches from her own.

"That's enough teasing for one day." Ominis said, a light warning in his tone.

He reached up and gently pulled her down through the air, one arm under her knees and the other around her back, cradling her to him.

"Finite."

The spell lifted and gravity returned. The broom landed heavily in the tall grass and Rosemary's full weight bore down on Ominis. Rosemary clung to him, catching her breath, her arms wrapping instinctively around his shoulders.

"No more teasing today." She breathed. "I promise."

She let her gaze drift freely up to his eyes and marveled at how the artificial sun of the vivarium caught there, making them dazzle like blue starbursts.

Ominis felt her breath fan on his cheek and his thoughts clouded. Now that he had tasted her soft kisses, it was all he seemed to think about. Her nearness was intoxicating and he found himself leaning his head down following the trace of her breath.

Rosemary took the gesture as the invitation it was and boldly closed the space between them, tipping her chin up to meet his lips.

The kiss was slow and sweet. Rosemary's hand drifted up Ominis's neck to his cheek. She cupped his face as they deepened the kiss, lips parting - tentative at first as though asking for permission. She tilted for a better angle, and he followed willingly...until finally he had to break it, too overwhelmed to continue holding her in such a way.

Ominis carefully brought her back down to earth, steadying her on her feet.

They awkwardly made a show of searching for Rosemary's broom in the tall grass, both sporting a healthy blush on their cheeks.

Although there was a sun in the vivarium, it was unfortunately always set to the four o'clock position in the sky, making it impossible to tell the time. Once they emerged from the Room, Rosemary took in the dark corridors of the castle and was horrified to realize they had missed dinner.

Rosemary's stomach growled in protest. She wasn't about to let either of them starve.

"Is this really allowed?" Ominis asked as she led him toward the painting in the hallway near the Hufflepuff common room.

"Of course it is." Rosemary tickled the pear in the painting until it squirmed with laughter and transformed into a doorknob. "Us Hufflepuffs duck in here all the time for a snack."

She pushed the painting open and stepped through the doorway into the kitchen.

The aroma of simmering stew in the gigantic cauldron in the back of the kitchen made Rosemary's stomach growl again.

"Is that the sound of a hungry Hufflepuff Pip hears?" An ancient-looking house-elf popped up from behind a mound of apples. "We can't have students walking around hungry." He snapped his fingers and a plate appeared in front of him. Food floated from all directions to the plate and gathered haphazardly at its center.

"One more plate for my friend, too, please." Rosemary said, accepting the plate.

"Certainly." Pip said with a nod, snapping his fingers for a second plate."

They summoned a pair of stools to an unused prep counter and tucked in.

As Ominis took his first bite, he could not help but wonder how, in such a short span of time, he'd met so many house-elves, all thanks to Rosemary.

"How are you this friendly with so many house-elves?" He asked casually.

The question caught her off-guard. She paused in thought.

"I'm not sure, really. I never thought about it before." She eyed him curiously. "Are you not friendly with house-elves?"

"No, it's not like that." He said quickly. "I'm very close to my house-elves. Most pure-blood children are. House-elves are basically built in nannies."

"Oh, I didn't know that was a common thing." Rosemary said, a little embarrassed to admit to her ignorance.

"I assume that was the case for you then?"

"Yes, Bon raised me and my siblings." Rosemary thought back on her early childhood fondly but remembered belatedly that he was her only caregiver for a good portion of her life leading up to when they finally discovered her magical abilities. "I'm thankful even when my parents thought I was a Squib, our house-elves still looked after me. I think it was because Bon was trying to explain how house-elf magic worked that it finally awakened my abilities. I tried snapping my fingers like him one day and suddenly books started flying off the shelves. It was the happiest mess I ever made." She grinned at the memory. "The Hogwarts letter came that same day."

Ominis heard the smile in her voice and smiled too. "That sounds...wonderfully chaotic."

"How did you discover your magical abilities?" She asked, slicing the roast on her plate.

"Do you remember I told you I was very close with my Aunt Noctua?" He asked. "Before I had my abilities, she was gracious enough to take me traveling with her whenever she would go abroad. And she did so, often. She saved me from having to spend too much of my formative years under the influence of my family that way. We went to Scotland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain...all over. As you can imagine, I didn't have a wand to navigate back then, just a cane. Well, sometimes I would misplace my cane and I would have to resort to feeling my way around to find it. One such time I found what I thought was my cane but it turned out to be my aunt's wand and the moment I took hold of it; it summoned my cane and it collided with my head. I was dazed and a bit confused about what had just happened and that is how my aunt found me, with her wand in one hand and my cane in the other."

Rosemary choked on a laugh as she was trying to eat. Once she regained her composure, she cleared her throat and apologized for laughing.

"Don't be." Ominis said in good-natured amusement. "It was a good thing it happened at that time and place or I wouldn't have the wand I have now. We were in Germany at the time and my aunt insisted on taking me to a famous local wandmaker. Apparently he is famous all over Europe like Ollivander is famous here. He knew as soon as we walked into his shop what I needed. He took my cane and then asked me to touch three different boxes. One box I touched began to radiate warmth. He said there was a phoenix feather inside and I should come back the next day for my wand. So, we came back the next day and the wandmaker had made my cane into a wand."

"That's very different from how Mr. Ollivander does things." Rosemary commented.

"So, I have heard. I asked that wandmaker why he used my cane to make my wand, and he said the pine wood of the cane had a deep connection to me. It was a rather endearing thought..." He could feel his wand warming the inside of his sleeve as he spoke. Was it happy to hear its story being told? Ominis pulled the wand out, holding it lightly in his hand and in response the wand revealed Rosemary's aura was dimming quickly. Which meant her stamina was waning.

"I suppose we should head back to our common rooms." He reluctantly stood and sent his plate to the washing fountain in the far corner which was still piled with students' plates from dinner.

"Yes, it's getting late." Rosemary yawned and began to stand when she heard the portrait open behind them.

Several Hufflepuff students wandered in, looking for night time snacks, and among them were Poppy and Adelaide.

"Rosemary! We were wondering where you got to." Poppy called.

"I went flying." She smiled, returning her plate. "I got so caught up; I lost track of time. And I couldn't miss a meal now, could I?"

"Certainly not!" Adelaide agreed, rushing over to give Rosemary a hug. "I'm so happy you are feeling well enough to fly. Does that mean you might actually get to play in the next match on Wednesday?"

"I'll keep working on it but I think chances are high. It felt good to fly." Rosemary gestured to Ominis. "Ominis was helping me test out a new training technique."

"Oh, was he?" Adelaide gave a knowing glance to Poppy. Both turned to Rosemary with wry smiles.

Rosemary's flushed scarlet. "Well, anyway, I'll be heading to bed now." She stammered, completely forgetting that both girls were her roommates.

Back at her room she was just settling into bed with a cup of chamomile tea when both roommates came waltzing in.

"So, are you going to tell us what's going on with you and Ominis Gaunt?" Adelaide asked as she took off her robe to hang it up.

"And don't say he is 'just a good friend.'" Poppy said. "You're good friends with everyone."

"I'm not good friends with everyone." Rosemary admitted as she sipped her tea. She could name a few people who hated her guts at the moment.

"You know what I mean." Poppy said. "You've always been friendly with the Slytherins but it seems like you and Ominis are extra close. And why was he the only one who could visit you in the Hospital Wing?"

"Oh, right! I've been wondering the same thing!" Adelaide interjected.

Rosemary remembered hearing Madam Mulberry repeating a well-worn excuse to friends when they came by to visit her and decided to use that. "Madam Mulberry was protecting my privacy while I recovered. Ominis was the only one who couldn't actually see how bad it was."

"Well, that does make sense..." Poppy mumbled to herself. "But still, he's attached to you almost all day long now. Did something happen between you two?"

Rosemary rolled her tea around in her mouth, considering what to say. Admitting she had a crush on Ominis and having given her first kiss to him would only have disastrous effects. Poppy and Adelaide would expect things of their relationship. They might even whisper about it to others.

But what if...

What if she did have it all wrong?

If this all fell apart in the end...then she would rather face the heartbreak quietly.

She swallowed her tea as she made her decision.

"He really is just helping me out." She said, "He came to visit me regularly and talked to me a lot while I was in a coma. So maybe he feels some sense of responsibility for me now that I'm awake or maybe he is only being close to me out of habit."

As the words left her lips, they clicked together like puzzle pieces. Maybe that was all it was.

"Fine, fine, whatever you say, dear." Adelaide rolled her eyes and sighed. "It would be so nice if one of us could find a boyfriend this year. Then we could all have some nice juicy gossip to chew on."

"And who do you have your eye on, Adelaide?" Rosemary asked, eager to deflect.

"As if you have to ask...I only have eyes for Isaac Cooper."

"Oh no, now you've done it." Poppy accused Rosemary.

Rosemary sat up straighter in her bed. "Why? What did I do?"

"It's alright, Poppy. Really, I'm fine. I know I'm not the only one who fancies him. And of course he wouldn't notice someone like me. Especially since I have nothing to do with Quidditch besides being a supporter. But a girl can dream, can't she?" She donned her nightgown and sighed herself into bed. She looked dreamily at Rosemary. "Helping you at practice was the closest I've ever been to him. It was heaven."

An idea sparked and Rosemary asked: "Would you like to help again sometime? I need someone to ride tandem with me on my broom while I train."

Adelaide lit up. "Would I? Of course, yes!" She threw off her covers and launched herself at Rosemary.

"Careful - my tea!" Rosemary held her tea aloft as she was ferociously hugged. The tea sloshed a bit but the saucer caught most of it.

"Sorry!" Adelaide giggled, returning to her bed with a grin.

Rosemary laughed to herself as she shook off the tea that had gotten on her hand. "What about you, Poppy? Any boys on the horizon?"

"None. I had a crush on Sebastian for a while but...have you noticed since Quidditch restarted, he's been with Imelda a lot more than usual?"

"Because they are captain and co-captain." Rosemary said. She did not see anything strange about that.

"Mmmm I think there is more to it than that." Poppy insisted. "Even though she's not one of your kindred spirits in Slytherin, every time I see her, she's usually accompanied by Sebastian."

Rosemary considered that. "He does mention her a lot...but it's all Quidditch related. They danced together at the Slytherin Victory Night but only because they are captain and co-captain. I think that's all there is to it."

"You were at the Slytherin's Victory Night?" Adelaide asked, scandalized.

Rosemary blinked. "Is that not allowed?"

Adelaide sputtered but caught herself. "Well, no, it is allowed. But why would you want to go to another house's..." She paused as she realized who she was speaking to. "Oh, that's right. I forget sometimes that you are friends with everyone."

Rosemary gave her a look. "Why do both of you keep saying that?"

Adelaide crossed her arms. "Name one house you don't have friends in."

"Ravencl- no wait, there is Amit and Samantha...and Everett." Rosemary backtracked, "Anyway there are people I am definitely not friends with. Even in our own house. So, you can't go saying I'm friends with everyone. It's simply not true."

"Alright then, 'practically everyone.' Is that better? And who are you 'definitely not' friends with?" Adelaide asked.

"Edwin Stone for one." Rosemary counted off a finger. "Ruby Wiel for two." She counted off another finger. "And Jasper Higgs for three."

"Seekers." Adelaide noted. "And what did Jasper do? You didn't even get the chance to play Slytherin yet. How are you already 'not friends' with him?"

"Oh..." Rosemary thought back to the Victory Night and how it eventually led to her first kiss. She would have to be careful with what she said about the situation with Jasper. "I met him at the Victory Night and we...didn't get along."

"I've heard he is a bit pompous about Quidditch. A bunch of girls find his arrogance charming and fawn all over him because he's a pretty Seeker. I much prefer Isaac, he's so kind and a good leader." Adelaide went starry-eyed and silent.

"You see what I mean? This is what talk of Isaac Cooper does to her." Poppy said and pulled her covers up. She pointed her wand at the light next to her bed. "Nox."

Chapter Text

Bright and early Friday morning at breakfast, Rosemary was rudely reminded of her commitments when an owl from Lucan delivered his letter straight to her plate of toast.

She groaned. "The Crossed Wands Tournament is today? I can't believe I forgot!"

She rubbed her temple, regretting both how hard she had pushed herself the day before – and how late she had stayed up afterward. Her limbs already ached, and the sun was not even warm in the sky yet.

Worse still, she had a mountain of unfinished assignments waiting for her, leaving no time to rest.

Ominis was suspiciously quiet about the whole matter. He knew full well that he was partially to blame. He had not been his usual nagging self, for obvious, selfish reasons. He had relished her closeness a little too much, shirking what he saw as his duty to her well-being. He tried to make up for it by helping Rosemary with her assignments as best as he could, but he could not help notice her fading aura as the day went on.

"You know, you don't have to participate in the tournament. It's not like it's a required class." Ominis said as they entered the Viaduct Courtyard.

"I know, but it's fun to have a duel that's not a life and death situation or even for learning purposes." Rosemary observed the other students mingling about the courtyard, waiting for the tournament to start. "Isn't it a bit exciting?"

"I suppose." He conceded. "But you are already exhausted and you haven't even had your first duel."

"Oh, don't mind that. I've decided it's no big deal if I win or lose. It will be fun to see who's actually the strongest in the upper years. Unlike last year when the tournament was just among our own year."

Rosemary spotted Lucan near the center of the courtyard, scribbling furiously in his book.

"I wonder why Lucan chose the Viaduct Courtyard for the tournament this year. I thought the whole point of having Crossed Wands in the Clock Tower was because it's unsanctioned."

"I heard it's because Hecat and Sharp insisted." Ominis said. "Better vantage points. Easier to ward. Less chance of the audience catching a stray spell."

"And the courtyard is perfect for spectators." Sebastian appeared out of nowhere with Anne in tow. "I mean, look at it. Doesn't this feel like a Quidditch Pitch?"

Rosemary nodded in agreement. "So much for trying to keep it secret though. I think half the school is here."

"Participants, please come forward so I can get you properly registered!" Lucan called.

Their group made their way to Lucan and he spotted them.

"Glad you all are here." Lucan said and lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Don't tell anyone but you're my favorite year to win. Don't let me down." He whispered as he scribbled down their names in his book.

"How many galleons have you got riding on us, Lucan?" Sebastian whispered back.

Lucan's eyes twinkled but did not reply. Instead, he turned and held his wand to his throat to amplify his voice. "If the observers would kindly stand behind the colonnade. Participants, gather near me. We'll begin shortly."

Students filtered out, leaving twelve competitors in the center of the courtyard.

To Rosemary's surprise, Isaac Cooper and Edwin Stone were among the seventh-year participants. Isaac looked equally as surprised to see her.

"Rosemary! I didn't know you were part of Crossed Wands, too." Isaac said as he relocated closer to her. She noticed Ominis stiffen beside her but ignored it. Maybe he was worried Isaac would try to pick her up again.

"It seems Crossed Wands keeps its secrets well." Rosemary replied with a smile. "At least until now."

"Wait a minute! This can't be right." Edwin Stone stalked over to Lucan and jabbed a finger in Rosemary's direction. "She's killed people. You can't let her participate in duels."

A hush fell over the courtyard.

"What's it to you, Stone?" Sebastian asked, stepping up. "Worried Rosemary might end you right here?"

"Exactly! She might let loose a Killing Curse for all we know."

The accusation made everyone pause. Rosemary schooled her expression. She did not dare glance at Sebastian, Ominis, or Anne. She could only imagine how hard it was for them to hide their reactions too.

Thankfully, Lucan stepped in.

"As you know, this an honor-based dueling club. We don't aim to kill. And while we are technically unsanctioned, Professor Hecat has provided official warding for this event, including protections against dangerous curses."

"I never took you for the scared type, Stone." Isaac said with a smirk. "Guess you'll have to win the old fashion way."

A few snickers rippled through the group, but Edwin glared at Rosemary as though willing her to combust on the spot.

Lucan cleared his throat. "Anyway, we will start with randomized matchups." He held out his book, which leapt out of his hand and began to shake in mid-air. A second later pages exploded out of the book flying up to piece themselves together as one large floating poster. It fluttered once and ink scrawled across the surface, arranging names into pairs with elegant lines connecting them.

"There you have it! Everyone, find your match and we will start with the first names on the left."

Rosemary scanned the list. Her opponent was a seventh-year she did not know. Hers was the last match on the roster, which meant she could rest while everyone else fought for their rank.

Ominis and Sebastian were paired with fifth-years. Their duels were quick, clean, and barely broke a sweat.

Anne, however, had the misfortune of facing her heartthrob. She was far too flustered to focus and Isaac won the match with nary a scratch on him.

That left Edwin and the other seventh-year paired up with the last two fifth-years. They could not say it was an unfair match since it had been randomized, it only seemed so since the fifth-years folded quickly.

Finally, it was Rosemary's turn.

A hush fell over the courtyard as she stepped forward.

She wondered which infamous battle the students were picturing her fighting in their minds - the Troll in Hogsmeade? Poachers in the Highlands? Victor Rookwood? Ranrok? Whatever it was, she knew it did not compare to the seventh-year before her. And that was alright, since she was just there to have fun.

That is why she had set her own rule: no Ancient Magic. It made things too easy – and drained her stamina, more than she liked, and today she needed every ounce if she was going to make it through all the rounds in the tournament.

Unfortunately, her opponent seemed determined to make a name for herself by defeating The Hero of Hogwarts. She fought hard, with relentless shielding and rapid combos. Rosemary was tempted, more than once, to end it with Ancient Magic, but she did not. She found her rhythm, breaking shields, landing devastating spells where she could, and trying her best to conserve her energy.

Eventually, the other girl surrendered.

The audience cheered and out of the corner of her eye, she saw Hecat and Sharp in a dark corner of the colonnade share a meaningful glance.

As she returned to her friends, they all reached out to her at once in congratulations.

"My goodness." Rosemary sagged into their group hug. "I'll make Hufflepuffs of you lot yet."

Anne tried to make a quip about her match with the Hunk of Hufflepuff, but it was completely derailed by Ominis suddenly asking; "Are you alright?"

Only then did Rosemary realize she was clinging heavily to his arm.

"Oh, uh..." She forced herself to straighten, pulling her hand away. She did not even want to admit to herself that the seventh-year had taken a lot more out of her than she guessed. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you."

Ominis was not fooled. Her aura could not hide the truth. She was almost completely drained of energy. He wanted to tell her to forget about the tournament, to go back to her dorm and rest, but he knew she would not. She would stay until she won or was defeated. He could only hope that he would be the one matched with her in the next round so he could go easy on her and let her leave with her dignity.

Lucan tapped the poster again and the remaining names swirled into the center and slowly were drawn out into pairs.

Ominis versus the seventh-year.

Sebastian versus Isaac.

Rosemary versus Edwin.

Ominis, Sebastian, and Isaac all erupted at the pairing of Rosemary and Edwin.

"Gentlemen, please! There is nothing I can do!" Lucan pleaded with them. "The matchups are random. Everyone is fairly matched. It would be unfair of me to change it or make an exception. So, let them duel."

And that was that.

Ominis and the seventh-year went first.

He could feel a marked difference between the fifth-year he had dueled and the seventh-year. The seventh-year was stronger and faster and understood how to shield better, but compared to Ominis's brother's and father's fighting styles, the seventh-year barely held a candle to what he usually had to contend with. The duel lasted a grand total of three minutes, before the seventh-year surrendered.

Sebastian and Isaac were next.

It was clear from the start that Sebastian was not holding back with Isaac. Maybe he was eager to show up the older boy, maybe he was making up for what Anne had lacked in her duel. Either way, Isaac matched Sebastian's pace and almost looked like a mentor waiting for his student to learn something. He was gracious enough to drag the duel out a bit but eventually he had to end things and brought Sebastian to his knees. They exchanged pleasantries and shook hands like the gentlemen duelists they were.

A buzz ran through the crowd of students as the long-awaited match between Edwin and Rosemary was about to begin. The two Hufflepuff Seekers that, rumor had it, had bad blood between them. The anticipation was tangible.

Rosemary stood as Lucan called for her and Edwin to take their positions.

"Give him hell." Sebastian whispered as she passed. "And maybe a taste of that thing that only you can do. It will make a good show." He winked at her, referring to Ancient Magic.

Rosemary chewed on her lower lip as she took position. Maybe...just this once...

"Don't think I'm going to go easy on you just because you're a girl." Edwin sneered. "I know you fight dirty."

Her lip curled. Well, if he knew it already...then she was going to enjoy this.

As soon as Lucan's whistle blew, they were at each other's throats.

Both did not even bother casting shields on themselves as they were too busy throwing offensive spells to care. Despite them being almost lethal with one another, it was the type of intense match that kept the audience guessing, wondering, waiting for one small slip up...

Rosemary felt her stamina dropping fast, her wand arm was getting tired of the rapid fire. She had to think of something. If she reached for her Ancient Magic now, she could not be sure he would go down with one hit. He was a lot stronger than she had originally guessed, almost on par with a forest troll. Funnily enough, the comparison suited him perfectly. He would at least require two hits of Ancient Magic, and she was sure she only had one in her.

She threw Diffindo at Edwin almost at the same time he cast Confringo, which caused the spells to crash into each other and dissipate but it reminded Rosemary of how to cause a collision. Then she decided, she might as well put on that good show Sebastian was hoping for and go out with a bang if she must.

The next moment, Edwin hurled Bombarda at her and she was ready with a Bombarda of her own. The two spells collided in a furious red stream of power. Edwin rocked a bit at the sudden collision, not having expected that move at all, but quickly strengthened his arm and pushed back against it. Rosemary held her wand with two hands and twisted it like Ominis had shown her to do. Power coursed down the line and pushed Edwin back. But only slightly. Not to be outdone in a show of strength, Edwin seemed to draw energy from deep within him and push against the spell as hard as he could. Rosemary could not take the enormous amount of power he sent back and buckled under the weight of the spell and took the full force of the Bombarda, sending her careening into the stone steps behind her.

She did not have time to register the pain of crashing into stone and instead of reaching for her Wiggenweld potion, she reached for her Ancient Magic.

Enough was enough.

She lifted her wand high above her head, calling the force of her Ancient Magic and pulled it down as hard as she could with the last dregs of energy she had...

But nothing happened.

She could feel the force shatter against the impenetrable ward that encased the courtyard.

Edwin did not miss a beat, sensing the end was near and threw every spell he could at her until she lifted her hands in surrender.

Chapter Text

Rosemary was not angry about losing. In fact, after she got a few Wiggenweld potions in her, she felt absolutely certain that was the best duel she had ever had.

Remembering her dueling manners, she dusted herself off and strode straight to Edwin to shake his hand.

"Good duel, Edwin. We were quite well matched." She gave him one of her warmest smiles. "That's the first time I've ever lost a duel."

Edwin was so stunned by her bright attitude towards him, he was rendered speechless as he returned her handshake. He was expecting her to sulk as some girls did after losing and paint him as a bad guy. But she was...smiling? He could not quite comprehend it.

"Good duel." He finally echoed, shaking her hand dumbly.

Meanwhile, across the courtyard, there was a fierce battle between Ominis, Isaac, and Lucan over who was going to face Edwin in the next round. Both boys were livid and wanted the chance to tear Edwin apart after Rosemary's defeat. Lucan kept insisting the matches were randomized, but they were not having that.

Eventually, Lucan gave up and suggested they could all duel together for a grand finale if that would shut them up.

It did.

Lucan gathered the three remaining participants in the center of the courtyard. He could tell just from looking at them what was going to happen in the match. Isaac had his arms crossed, his eyes burning holes into Edwin. Ominis seemed utterly disgusted by even standing near Edwin. And Edwin...was smiling, of all things.

"What's the matter, Cooper? Sore that I beat your little girlfriend or that you didn't get a chance to play her?" Edwin taunted.

Ominis's grip tightened around his wand. If only Lucan would blow the whistle already...

"Can't you tell? This is my excited face. I've been waiting for a chance to put you in your place since the beginning of the year." Isaac replied coolly.

"Gentlemen," Lucan interrupted. "To your marks."

All three turned and found their places in the courtyard, standing at an equal distance from each other.

"Ready?" Lucan called.

They dropped into dueling stances.

Lucan blew the whistle.

Isaac and Ominis immediately turned on Edwin. It was not every man for himself, it was a calculated two-on-one. Edwin targeted Ominis first, mistaking his blindness for weakness.

He could not have been more wrong.

Ominis knew all he had to do was collide their spells together, hold Edwin firmly through the collision and let Isaac do the rest.

The strategy worked perfectly.

Edwin could not let go of his spell that was trapped in the collision or he would be hit by Ominis's powerful Diffindo. And he could not defend himself against Isaac except to drink the last of his Wiggenweld potion and hope for the best.

At the last moment, Edwin decided to try a different strategy at the expense of letting go of his spell and trying to shield before Diffindo hit, but he was not fast enough. The spell knocked him sideways and Isaac and Ominis crushed him under the weight of a flurry of spells, giving him a taste of what he had done to Rosemary. Edwin was forced to surrender and was promptly dragged out of the courtyard to safety.

With Edwin gone, Ominis and Isaac turned on each other.

Their camaraderie vanished in an instant.

The audience buzzed around Rosemary and the twins. This duel felt different. Everyone could see from their expressions and the ferocity at which they were casting that the two boys were genuinely attacking each other with everything they had.

"Have you ever seen Ominis like this?" Anne whispered to Sebastian.

"No. Have you?"

Anne shook her head, not taking her eyes off Ominis. "I hate to say this, but I think he's been hiding this from us."

"Hiding what?" Sebastian asked, brow furrowed.

"His strength. We've dueled him dozens of times and I never saw this."

Rosemary nodded unconsciously. She had sensed it too. Ominis had deferred to her in the team duels, saying he did not want to show his hand in front of Hecat. Now she wondered if there had been more to the story.

Isaac was the first to slip up in the duel. The rate at which he shielded himself was slowing. Desperately, he changed strategies and went on the defense instead of continuing with intense offense.

Rosemary clicked her tongue at the noted change. Bad idea. If she was his opponent she would-.

As if reading her thoughts, Ominis bypassed the shield entirely and cast Levioso on Isaac, followed immediately by a quick Depulso. Isaac slammed into a column and stumbled to his feet like a champion. But he was not fast enough.

Ominis expelled Isaac's wand clear across the courtyard. Then, in a show of mercy, simply waited in the attack position, wand trained on Isaac.

Checkmate.

Lucan raised his arm. "Winner; Ominis Gaunt!"

Cheers erupted. Students flooded the courtyard to congratulate Ominis and console Isaac. Rosemary and the twins made their way to Ominis. Sebastian clapped him on the back while both Anne and Rosemary wrapped him in a group hug.

Once he had his wand back, Isaac approached Ominis with his hand outstretched.

"Congratulations, mate. You fought well." Isaac said, only a hint of disappointment in his voice.

Ominis held out his hand as well and they shook hands congenially. "You too. Good duel."

"Good duel." Isaac echoed. His eyes flicked to Rosemary before turning away, melting into the crowd of seventh-year students who were waiting behind him. Rosemary made a note to offer her condolences later at Quidditch practice.

"I feel like we need our own Crossed Wands Victory Night to celebrate." Anne said brightly.

"No, thanks." Rosemary yawned. "I don't have the energy for dancing. But I could go for a Butterbeer."

"Here here." Sebastian said and spotted Lucan talking to Hecat. "I bet Lucan is collecting his earnings. HEY LUCAN! HOW MUCH DID YOU WIN?" He shouted across the courtyard.

Lucan glanced over but ignored him.

"Uh-oh." Sebastian muttered. "That's his serious business face." Just as he said it, Lucan and Hecat finished their conversation and walked toward their little group.

"Congratulations, Mr. Gaunt, on becoming school champion." Professor Hecat said. "You were quite the dark horse. I'll admit, I had my money on Miss Abbott here, but I didn't consider you must still be recovering?" Hecat asked Rosemary directly.

"Yes, Professor. I tried to make a good show of it anyway."

"Ever the Hufflepuff, I see. Hardworking to the core." Hecat cleared her throat to change the subject. "I would have a word with you, in private. It will only take a moment..." Hecat led the way and Rosemary followed her through to the terrace that overlooked the Black Lake. Far from any eavesdroppers.

Once they were alone, Hecat asked in a low voice; "What crashed into my ward?"

The blunt question caught Rosemary off guard.

"Did Professor Fig ever mention the assignments he gave me last year?" Rosemary hedged.

"He didn't get into specifics, but from what I could piece together; you were involved in something both Rookwood and Ranrok wanted. Something beneath Hogwarts. Is that what hit my ward?"

"No, Professor. But I promised to keep certain details a secret. All I can really tell you is that it is a special kind of magic...that very few can wield." Even saying that much made Rosemary upset at herself. She should have given Hecat the roundabout like she had with Professor Weasley all those times. But something about Hecat being a former Unspeakable made it feel a little safer to shed some light on the subject.

"And you felt you could wield it here and no one would know what hit them?"

"It was worth a shot." Rosemary shrugged; a smile played on her lips at her choice of words.

Hecat caught the jest and eyed Rosemary with a new perspective. "Very astute of you. It might have worked if my ward had been weaker or you hadn't been so exhausted. Even in your weakened state, you are formidable. That's why I wanted a word. Have you considered your career path?"

"I was thinking of becoming a healer-."

"A healer? Ha! With your talent for martial magic? Absolutely not. Wipe that thought out of your head this instant." Hecat demanded. "Ruth Singer has been after Professor Weasley for weeks about you and Mr. Gaunt apprenticing in Law Enforcement. Possibly even Auror training."

Rosemary opened her mouth to argue, but Hecat plowed on.

"However, I would take it a step further. Seeing as how you have some...specialty that cannot be named at present. I think you should go on to be an Unspeakable. Like I was. I can put in a good word for you as can all your professors. There wouldn't be any fame or glory, but you already have that in spades, what more could you want?"

Rosemary's mind reeled. An Unspeakable?

"Think about it." Hecat said. "My door is always open." With that, she turned and strode away.

Rosemary stared at the empty space she left behind. An Unspeakable? Surely not...

Soon enough, Rosemary was called back. The students who lingered had convinced Sharp and Hecat to chaperone them to the Three Broomsticks for a celebratory Butterbeer.

Sirona Ryan was thrilled to host such a crowd. She toasted Ominis herself as the Crossed Wands School Champion.

Rosemary and her Slytherins finally found their way to their usual table by the fireplace. They discussed their duels at length over their Butterbeers.

"It seems the secret to winning is having better stamina than the other person." Anne said.

"Only if you follow the rules." Ominis pointed out. "Real combat has none."

Rosemary nodded. "That's true. I remember when you threw that teapot at Cassandra Moon to break her concentration. You won't see that move in Crossed Wands."

They all burst into laughter and toasted the teapot.

"I suppose our real-life experiences are over now that we're grounded from leaving Hogwarts." Sebastian lamented. "I hope we don't get rusty."

"Planning on dueling professionally?" Rosemary asked.

"No, but I heard it's not a bad skill to have for Curse-Breakers." Sebastian said as he looked at his mug of Butterbeer. "With everything that happened last year and all that research I did to try to break Anne's curse...it just feels like the natural thing to do. And Professor Weasley talks about her travels as a Curse-Breaker all the time. It would be a dream to finally get out of Feldcroft. See the world. You know."

Anne stared at him for a moment, appalled. "But you didn't break my curse, did you?"

Rosemary's eyes went wide and she leaned back in her seat with her Butterbeer in hand, safely out of harm's way.

"But I gained research skills."

"Sure, to find stuff that no one has seen or touched in centuries. And got them promptly destroyed, might I add. Did you even stop to think what finding Salazar Slytherin's spell book could do for the wizarding world at large? All that knowledge...it could have been given to historians to study. But no. Now it's nothing but a burnt pile of ash." Anne fumed.

"Because I was looking for a cure for you!" Sebastian interjected. "That's got to count for something!"

"You really think Salazar Slytherin wanted to cure curses?" Anne shot back.

Ominis raised a hand. "I, for one, am glad it's gone. That book was dangerous."

"Well said, Ominis." Sebastian commented and took a swig of his Butterbeer, swallowed, and said. "Now would probably be a good time to tell you that I copied some parts of the book down..."

"You what?"

Rosemary laughed, then jolted as a house-elf appeared at her elbow.

"Miss Rosemary." Penny whispered.

Rosemary put a hand to her chest to calm her skittering heartbeat. "Penny! You startled me."

"Penny heard students were here and hoped you might be one of them. Could Penny speak with you?"

Rosemary excused herself and followed Penny upstairs to a quiet corner.

"Penny is sorry to trouble you..." Penny wrung her shaking hands. "But does Miss have a place for Penny to stay? Penny has been sleeping in an old crate in the shop's storage room, but the poltergeist destroys Penny's crate when he is out."

Rosemary's heart broke at Penny's words. "Of course, Penny! I will find you some place safe to stay. I'm sorry I didn't think about where you would live once you were free."

"Penny has never met another free-elf before, so this is new for Penny too."

Rosemary crossed her arms in thought. Where would be some place safe but close to the shop?

Then it hit her; maybe there was a way to make a living space in the vivarium that was attached to her shop's cellar?

"I think I have a solution. Can you meet me at the cellar in the back of the shop in an hour?" Rosemary asked.

Penny nodded gratefully and vanished.

Rosemary went back down to her friends to finish her Butterbeer and fended off questions about the elf, saying she was there on business.

Ominis silently sipped his Butterbeer, having heard their entire conversation. Admirable as her intentions were, he worried she was stretching herself too thin, yet again.

Once they all returned to Hogwarts, Rosemary went to her dormitory to "rest" before dinner. But really, she only stayed in her common room briefly before taking the Floo directly to the Room of Requirement. The Desk of Description sat in the corner next to the greenhouse vivarium, her Field Guide lay closed atop it.

She touched it reverently. It had been her constant companion last year as she struggled to keep up with all the knowledge a fifth-year should know...and then some. She leafed through pages of places and descriptions she had written down; sure she had hidden away a certain spellcraft somewhere in the folds.

Finally, she landed on a loose parchment she had haphazardly stuffed into the book. She pulled it out and unfolded the creased edges to reveal a spellcraft on how to construct a cottage. The method seemed simple enough although it would require a gigantic number of moonstones to conjure all the parts and pieces...maybe if she added a bit of Ancient Magic into the mix, it would not cost quite so much. She had seen Isadora Morganach and some of the other Keepers in pensive memories using Ancient Magic for transfiguration to construct great marvels of architecture, surely, she could use it to make a simple cottage.

Inside the greenhouse vivarium, she shooed the beasts away from the grass field and began the tedious task of constructing the cottage.

Little by little the cottage came together. Stones bubbled up from the earth to form the foundations, walls, and hearth within. Wood floors and doors slammed into place and formed rafters and finally a thatched roof crowned the cottage.

Rosemary mopped her brow and stepped back to admire it. It was not bad for her first try. It looked so cozy, she almost wanted to move in herself. But no, it was for Penny...

Rosemary ducked into the little cave near the cottage and unlocked the cellar door.

Penny was waiting just outside and curiously watched Rosemary pop her head out like a ground hog and gestured her to follow.

Penny gasped at the sight of the vivarium, and when Rosemary introduced the cottage there as hers, she shook her head vehemently.

"This is too much! Penny only needs a barrel..."

"You are a house-elf." Rosemary smiled. "This can be your house. At least until I graduate. Then we will figure something else out."

Penny burst into grateful tears and hugged her tightly.

When Rosemary finally left the Room, exhaustion settled deep in her bones. She barely had enough energy to grab a quick bite from the kitchens before heading straight to her dorm to collapse into bed.

Thank God it was Friday.

Chapter Text

Rosemary was a hibernating bear.

Poppy and Adelaide tried to rouse her out of bed on Saturday morning but to no avail. Rosemary would simply not budge. Even an owl dropping a letter from Ominis directly on her head was merely swatted away as she turned in her bed and fell back asleep.

"Well, at least she moved." Poppy said. "Then we know she didn't fall back into another coma."

"Is that possible? Should we get Madam Mulberry?" Adelaide panicked.

Poppy sniffed. "No, she'll wake up when she is good and ready. But I do think we should tell her Slytherin friends she's out cold...especially since they are trying to contact her." Poppy picked up the note from Ominis, examined it, but did not open it. She went to her desk and scribbled a quick note to Ominis and sent it off with her owl.

The owl did not have far to go, as it found Ominis waiting just outside the Hufflepuff common room entrance.

The flap of wings gave Ominis enough warning. He held out his hand and the letter dropped into his palm. He opened the letter and scanned it with his wand.

So, she was sleeping and could not be disturbed.

She had already missed breakfast and lunch. Was she going to be sleeping all day? Rosemary must have been more exhausted than what her aura had led him to believe. He could only wonder what more she had done for the house-elf after they had parted ways.

He ran a hand over his face. He should have insisted she rest instead of pushing herself too far. But if he had said anything, he would have had to admit how he knew – how he had overheard her conversation with Penny, despite being so far away. It was a secret he was not ready to share. One of many secrets with origins stemming from his wand.

Ominis knew his wand was special, but he had not known just how special until he started sharing some information about it with Sebastian, who was shocked at not only its abilities but how near-sentient it was.

It seemed to be aware. Aware of objects, sounds, people, and even emotions. It warned him, guided him, helped him listen beyond the usual range of human hearing. He could even tell when it liked someone.

And it liked Rosemary.

Maybe that was why it always sensed her aura as a bright, shining sun. Or maybe that was just the way she was? It was hard to say.

But he could not tell her any of this. Not after how self-conscious she had felt when he had once revealed he could sense her shape. She did not even have to tell him how embarrassed she was, his wand could sense that, too.

If only he could tell her a great many things.

Ominis left and headed to the Hospital Wing. Madam Mulberry greeted him as she poured herself some tea.

"Mr. Gaunt, it is nice to see you again. Is everything well with you?" She asked, casting an assessing eye over him.

"I wanted to talk to you about Rosemary." He started. Madam Mulberry stood and ushered him into her office where they could talk privately. "She is walking fine now, without a cane or anyone's help. But her stamina is still a problem and I don't know how to help her recover it."

Madam Mulberry listened carefully and turned to consider her medicine cabinet. "She was in a coma for three whole weeks. That's not nothing. Recovery takes time. However, it sounds like she is far ahead of schedule if she is already walking around without a cane. What else has she been doing?"

Ominis hesitated, then told her the truth: they had helped her with schoolwork, dueling, flying, and she even participated in a tournament.

Madam Mulberry raised her brows. "That's much more than a person who just woke up from a coma should be doing. She's a Hufflepuff, isn't she? Hardworking to a fault. You must be careful not to let her burn herself out."

Ominis cringed. That was exactly what he was afraid of. He pulled out the note from Poppy and showed it to Madam Mulberry.

"I see." Madam Mulberry opened her medicine cabinet and selected a small vial of a red liquid. "This is a Healing Potion. Not to be confused with a Wiggenweld Potion, which is for injuries. This is for general health and stamina recovery. It will help her feel less tired." She placed the vial in his hand and asked him to bring Rosemary around sometime soon for a checkup.

Once Ominis left, Madam Mulberry returned to her tea and wondered if she would see more betrothed students like Ominis and Rosemary at Hogwarts or if this was a rare occurrence. Well, whether it was common or not, she was surprised to see how genuinely caring one was for the other. It was a refreshing romance to warm her old heartstrings.

Ominis wrapped up the vial and sent it along with a note to Poppy.

Poppy showed the note to Adelaide.

"Are we sure they aren't courting?" Adelaide whispered.

"I can't be sure. Rosemary said they're just friends. But if that's true then we need to be better friends. He's showing us up." Poppy smirked. "I've got an idea."

With Professor Garlick's permission, the two girls made a quick trip to Honeydukes.

By the time they returned, they found Rosemary sitting up in bed, head leaned back over the edge of the headboard, still looking exhausted.

"Where have you two been?" She slurred; her voice thick with sleep.

"Finishing your get-well-soon package." Adelaide said as she handed a flat square box to her.

"Chocolate eggs? How did you know these are my favorites?"

"Lucky guess." Poppy grinned. "They reminded me of the dragon egg we rescued."

Rosemary warmed at the memory and the gesture. She got up and gave them both hugs and offered to share the chocolates.

"Oh, and Ominis sent you a Healing Potion." Poppy handed her the vial. "I think he's worried about you. You might want to write back before he breaks down the common room door."

Rosemary laughed, brushing off the joke. "He wouldn't do that."

Adelaide pursed her lips and made a sound of disagreement, looking pointedly at the unopened letter that Ominis had sent earlier, still waiting on Rosemary's cluttered desk.

Rosemary followed her gaze and went to her desk to open the letter.

"Oh!" Rosemary exclaimed as she read the letter. "He's been waiting outside!"

She put the letter down and uncorked the vial, throwing the liquid down her throat as quickly as she could. The relief was instant. The fog cleared from her mind; energy tingled through her veins.

Poppy and Adelaide watched in shock as Rosemary flew about the room, getting dressed and gathering her study materials.

"I think we have our Seeker back." Adelaide whispered to Poppy.

Rosemary was out the door and down the stairs in seconds. When the entrance opened, she found Ominis pacing beside the barrels.

"Ominis!" She called and rushed to him. Ominis turned in surprise but smiled with visible relief when she clasped his hand. "I just saw your note. I didn't know you would be waiting here for me on a Saturday. I would have tried to wake up sooner if I had known..."

"It's a force of habit to come here and wait for you." He said, turning away to hide the blush warming his cheeks. "Did the Healing Potion help?"

"Brilliantly. Thank you for that." She caught his blush before he turned and smiled to herself. "You didn't have to go out of your way to get it for me though. I'm building up my endurance, remember?" Rosemary playfully pulled him along as they started walking down the corridor to the stairs, heading for the library.

"Madam Mulberry said not to overwork yourself."

"Oh? And who was it who pushed me to walk around all week long?"

"That's physical exercise, not magical. What you experienced is magical exhaustion, you might have experienced it before. Even I slept much longer than usual after the Aranshire spider escapade. Part of you being in a coma for so long could have had something to do with that, too."

"Hmm, I didn't think about that. I thought it was all because of the venom." She said off-handedly.

Ominis pulled back on her hand, making her stop and face him. "Promise me you won't go running off on some fool's errand again. I don't know how you get yourself into all these dangerous situations, but it has to stop. You don't have to be the hero."

"Well, I won't be running off to do much of anything since we are grounded." Rosemary said lightly and turned to climb the stairs again but Ominis held her firm.

"Rosemary, I'm serious. I regret not doing more to stop Sebastian last year. Granted that was a different situation, but being in dangerous situations that can easily be avoided is the same. Especially now that your stamina isn't what it was..."

Rosemary prickled at the insinuation that she was weak and came to her own defense. "I'm working on it."

"I know you are." He said gently, sensing her frustration. "I'm simply asking you to take care of yourself first now instead of throwing yourself into things because someone asked you to."

She had heard him mention that before. "It's not a bad thing to want to help people."

"It is when it comes at the expense of your own health."

Rosemary eyed him, suspicious that he might have figured out that she had helped Penny after returning from Hogsmeade. But it did not matter, deep down she knew he was right, she did seem to have a problem saying 'no' to requests of her. And if she was honest with herself, she really had over-exerted herself to help Penny.

"I understand. It's hard for me to say 'no.'" She said at length. "But I will try my best to stop saying 'yes' to everything."

Ominis finally let out a breath he did not realize he was holding. It was not a promise but at least she would try.

He squeezed her hand. "Now, where are we going?"

"To the library, of course."

"What? Why?"

"Did you forget about the mountain of assignments I still have to do?"

"Oh that." A mischievous grin spread on his face. "Can I say 'no?'"

"No."

The weekend flew by in a whirlwind of finished assignments and flying practice.

Rosemary did not dare take Ominis back to the vivarium for fear he might notice Penny's cottage. Instead, she practiced flying with him around Hogwarts, which turned out better than she had hoped. Hogwarts Castle had so many bridges to fly over and under and spires to weave around – it was perfect for practicing maneuvers. She felt a little sorry for Ominis though as she thought he might become too dizzy and asked him repeatedly if he was alright.

Ominis on the other hand was not as concerned with her flying as he was about keeping his seat and altogether too conscious of how he was holding onto Rosemary. Was he holding her too tight? Was she comfortable with his arms around her waist? He was glad he was holding her from behind so she could not see the blush on his cheeks. It was heaven and hell. So, when she said she would fly with Adelaide at Monday's Quidditch practice, he felt both relieved and disappointed.

"Why all of a sudden?" Ominis asked, trying not to sound petulant. "Am I not enough dead weight?"

"Don't be like that." Rosemary laughed, stowing her broom in her extended pocket. "It's a bit of a favor to Adelaide. Don't tell her I told you, but she really fancies Isaac Cooper."

"Not much of a secret." Ominis scoffed. "Most girls fancy the Quidditch players. Particularly Cooper, for whatever reason."

"Now that you mention it, it is the Quidditch players, isn't it? Poppy had a crush on Sebastian, too. Sometimes I forget that he is on a Quidditch team..."

"Wait, Poppy Sweeting? Your roommate?"

Rosemary hesitated. "Yes?"

Ominis chuckled to himself. "Just wait until I tell Sebastian. Oh, this will be good."

"Why? What am I missing?"

"Sebastian liked Poppy for years. Couldn't ever get up the nerve to actually talk to her. Bungled his chances every single time. Poor chap."

"Well, for goodness' sake, don't tell him now."

"Why not?"

"Isn't he courting Imelda?"

Ominis burst into a full-blown belly-laugh that echoed off the castle walls.

"What?" She asked defensively. "Isn't he?"

Ominis wiped the moisture from the corners of his eyes. "That would be rich if it was true."

"He's not? Are you sure?"

"I think my best friend would tell me if he started courting for the first time in his life."

"So? You haven't told him about our engagement..." Rosemary blurted and winced, instantly regretting bringing it up.

Ominis went quiet. "That's true." He finally said. "I guess I should ask since we all seem to be keeping secrets."

"Yes, do. Then tell me what you find out." She said in a rush to bury the mention of their engagement. Rosemary glanced at him, uneasy. Maybe if she avoided the topic long enough, they would just stay engaged by default.

They walked in silence up the path toward the Beasts classroom until Ominis abruptly asked, "What about you, Rosemary? Do you have someone you fancy?"

Rosemary's heart jumped into her throat and she had to catch herself from stumbling off the path.

"I, um..." Had she not told him already that she liked him? She gave him her first kiss; didn't that mean anything to him? "I...thought you knew?"

"Don't tell me you like Isaac Cooper, too?" He asked, half joking but half hoping she would be enraged at the thought and tell him what he wanted to hear.

"What?" She shrieked. She was about to ask if he was serious but then she got a look at his expression. Ominis was grinning, pleased with her reaction.

Rosemary sniffed; she knew what he was up to. Two could play that game.

"How did you figure it out so fast?" She asked with the same energy as her shriek, trying to mask her change of tactics.

Ominis's face fell. "What, really?"

"I guess there's no denying it now." Rosemary sighed dramatically. "I hope at least Adelaide doesn't notice. I want to give her a fighting chance before I swoop in and catch him for myself." She stole a glance at Ominis's appalled expression and gleefully continued. "I mean all the girls are right about him. He is devastatingly handsome with that dark hair and those heavenly blue eyes. Not to mention how sweet and caring he is. Do you remember he brought me flowers in the Hospital Wing? Such a gentleman."

Ominis grumbled, "Flowers, indeed."

"Do you think he likes me? What a romantic story we could tell our children..."

"Children?" Ominis snapped. "He's a rake!"

"Rake? Why, whatever do you mean, Ominis?"

"You mean besides the fact that he's got half the girls of Hogwarts swooning over him? He's a no-name pure-blood. Your parents would-."

"That's not what I heard." Rosemary cut him off. "I heard he's from one of the oldest Quidditch families of Europe." She had not actually heard that at all. She was making it up just to see what Ominis would do.

"Merlin's Beard. You can't really be thinking about him as your prospect..."

Rosemary remembered then of a scene from a novel she had read over the summer and decided to act it out. She stopped and threw the back of her hand to her brow. "So, what if I am? We could be destined for greatness! And all you care about is money? How dare you! He is everything to me! You shan't keep us apart with your scheming ways, Mother - I mean Ominis."

Ominis choked and suddenly burst into laughter.

"Two belly-laughs in one day, Ominis? I pray you don't injure yourself." Rosemary said, still gripped by her sudden flair for the dramatic. "Let us make haste before our dinner grows cold and we are left with food unfit for Puffskeins."

He swallowed back his laughter and regained his composure. "Rosemary."

She turned, sensing the shift in his demeanor.

"I was serious before. We all keep secrets. But you and I...I think we should be honest with each other."

The playfulness drained from her spirit and was replaced with a sense of dread. She had been avoiding this conversation for far too long and now it had finally caught up to her.

"What do you want to know exactly?" She asked, summoning her courage to be honest.

"Is there someone you like?"

"Are you asking because you don't know, or because you want to hear me say it again?"

"Again? You mean you were serious about Isaac Cooper?"

"Goodness, Ominis! Would you stop talking about Isaac Cooper?"

"Then if not him then who is your prospect?"

"My prospect?" She recoiled at the word. She thought he was joking when he had said the word only minutes ago. But he really was serious. And it was all as she feared, her first kiss had meant nothing to him. She was supposed to move on regardless.

"Yes, considering I never would have paired Imelda and Sebastian together, maybe you have a secret crush on Leander that I don't know about either."

Well now he was just being absurd. Her and Leander? Ridiculous.

"No. There's no one." She said dismissively and continued up the path.

Ominis tailed her, unwilling to let the subject drop, not when he was this close. What else did he have to do to get her to admit what he already knew to be true. "Yes, there is. I can sense it."

"You can sense it?" She whirled on him. "What can you sense? How my heart races when I'm around him? How I want to touch him every chance I get? How I can't seem to stay away from him no matter how hard I try? And I don't. I don't try at all. Because I don't want to be away from him. He makes me happy and he makes me feel whole and sometimes a little nervous because I don't know when I will wake up from this dream to find someone else in his place. And I don't want that. So, if I must be stuck in this limbo to stay with him, then so be it. Because that's where I want to be. With him. Can you sense all of that?" She asked, breathless from her tirade.

Ominis smiled to himself at her words. "Yes. Because I feel the same." He reached out a hand to her, waiting.

Confused, she slowly slipped her hand in his.

"I want to be with you, too." He whispered. "More than anything."

He pulled her into his arms, pressing her against his chest. She could hear his heart racing and she froze, stunned by the sudden turn of events. She pulled back to look up at him.

"But...what about-?"

"I'm conflicted." He reached up to hold her face carefully and she could feel his hands trembling. "If I give into my selfishness and keep you by my side...what if you get hurt? I couldn't live with myself. That's what I fear the most. You are safer without me."

"I disagree." Rosemary responded instantly, seeing her opportunity clear as day. "We are stronger together than apart. Hogwarts is safe. We have time to grow here - to plan. Please, Ominis." She pleaded in a whisper. "Can we try?"

He could not say 'no.' Probably because he did not want to say 'no' anymore. But the problem was he could not whole-heartedly say 'yes' either. The only response he could muster was to give in to the kiss that was waiting between them. He leaned down, capturing her mouth with his.

She blinked in surprise as she expected him to say something first, but happily reciprocated the kiss, slipping her arms around him to pull him closer. His fingers trailed along the delicate skin of her neck as he deepened the kiss, willing her to understand the emotions he did not dare convey in words.

She was everything to him. She was the sun that breaks the storm. She was the warmth that he wanted to follow forever.

If only he could.

Chapter Text

On Monday morning, Rosemary's heart felt so light and happy she thought she would burst into sunbeams. Everything felt right in the world. She no longer felt like just a friend to Ominis, but someone he truly wanted to be with.

His fiancée.

She danced down her common room stairs to find Ominis waiting at the entrance for her, as had become his habit, and she greeted him with a cheerful good morning kiss before they headed off to the Great Hall for breakfast, smiling and chatting the whole way.

"What happened to you?" Garreth asked Rosemary as they sat down for Potions Class. "You look like you're glowing."

"Did you make some sort of glowing potion?" Sacharissa noticed too. "Maybe if we work on it a bit, we can get it to make one glow like a candle. No need for Lumos."

Rosemary looked down at herself, but she was not glowing, at least not that she could see. "I have no idea what you are talking about. But that's not a bad idea, Sacharissa."

"I know. I've always liked appearance potions. What do you think of my new hair color? I was trying to get it pink like yours." Sacharissa fluffed her pink locks and Rosemary smiled. Imitation, she had heard, was the sincerest form of flattery.

"It looks just like it!" Rosemary walked around the potions table to compare her braid to Sacharissa's hair. "Almost the exact same shade, too. You certainly have an eye for color."

"Oh, speaking of color. I was working on this after we talked last week." Sacharissa pulled a vial from her extended pocket. "It's a modified Essence of Dittany. It's supposed to help heal scars. I got Madam Mulberry's help with modifying it to make it a little stronger. Go on, give it a try." She pushed the vial into her hand and Rosemary examined it.

"It looks alright...have you tested it out?"

"No, but Madam Mulberry said the contents aren't harmful and would be alright in a stronger dose."

Rosemary glanced at Garreth who was watching intently. "Give it a go." He encouraged.

With that, Rosemary uncorked the vial and took a swig of it. She felt a warm rush spread from the top of her head to her toes and when the feeling passed, she looked to Garreth and Sacharissa. "Well?"

Both nodded.

"Better. The scar doesn't look as angry now." Sacharissa said, coming close to scrutinize the scar. "Just pink."

Professor Sharp came out of his office at that exact moment and saw Rosemary and Sacharissa standing close together. "Oh no, don't tell me the pink hair is contagious." He said and gave their table a wide berth for the remainder of class.

By the time Quidditch Practice rolled around, Rosemary was sure that Ominis would be tired of escorting her everywhere. But to her surprise he insisted on walking her and Adelaide to the pitch, even going as far as joining their conversation about Quidditch and the other players. Once they arrived at the pitch, Ominis made himself comfortable in the stands as she and Adelaide walked across the grass to where the Hufflepuff team was gathered.

"There she is." Edwin called, spotting Rosemary first. "We were wondering if you'd show or not." He handed a coin to Isaac, who pocketed it and grinned at Rosemary.

"Thanks for making it to practice." Isaac said, then glanced at Adelaide. He made a few announcements to the team before sending everyone else off to practice. He motioned Edwin and Rosemary to come closer. "Now that we have Crossed Wands behind us, I think it's time we all bury the hatchet. Right, Edwin?" Isaac looked pointedly at Edwin who reluctantly nodded. "We are going to see how Rosemary handles practice and if she does well then, Edwin, we will make you a backup player for all positions. Sound good?"

Edwin perked up at the suggestion. "Sounds great. And no hard feelings, Rosemary. You fought well at Crossed Wands."

"You did too, Edwin." Rosemary was happy to hear she could finally put their rivalry to rest and held out a hand to him. He shook it congenially then walked off to practice Beater tactics, leaving Isaac and Rosemary standing alone.

"Are you feeling alright now?" Isaac asked, looking concerned. "What with being in a coma and then walking around with an armored escort..." He glanced towards the stands where Ominis sat. "I'm sure Crossed Wands didn't help anything either."

Rosemary waved away his concern. "I'm fine. And I've been meaning to congratulate you on coming in second place. You were quite formidable."

"Thanks. Honestly, I was hoping to duel you. I heard you were the reigning champ for your class last year. I'm sorry you got taken down by someone like Edwin. You didn't deserve that."

She shrugged. "It's just a game. It was fun though. I'm glad I could give someone else a chance at glory."

"Well, there's not much glory in getting beaten by a younger year than you. Ominis Gaunt lives up to his name, doesn't he?"

"Yes, Ominis isn't to be taken lightly." She agreed, feeling the heavy truth in that statement. He was stronger than she knew and then some, she was sure of that.

Isaac rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly seeming awkward about something. "Are you two..." He began to ask but cleared his throat and focused on Adelaide. "Who is your friend?"

Rosemary lit up at the mention of her roommate and quickly called Adelaide over to introduce them. The two exchanged pleasantries and Rosemary explained her training strategy to Isaac who nodded with approval and sent them off to practice.

Adelaide was a novice at flying but she knew how to hang on well enough. Rosemary took it slowly for only a moment before Adelaide prodded her to go faster. Soon enough she was showing her roommate how the Time Trial worked and practicing quick maneuvers around the pitch. Before they knew it, practice was over and it was time to head back for dinner.

"That was great!" Rosemary stowed her broom in her extended pocket and wiped the sweat from her brow. "What do you think? Did I scare you too much?"

"Not at all! it was thrilling. I wouldn't mind coming back to help you practice again." Adelaide peeked around Rosemary to get a look at Isaac who was talking with some of the other team mates. "And thanks for the introduction. He's even more handsome up close, don't you think?"

Rosemary laughed but looked up to Ominis's spot in the stands, only to find him missing. Rosemary straightened as she searched for him. "Did you see where-?"

Adelaide elbowed her in the side, "He's coming over here!" She hissed and Rosemary turned to see Isaac approaching.

"Looks like you haven't lost your touch." He said. "Do you think you're ready for the game this Wednesday?"

"Definitely! We'll see if the new training pays off..."

"It already has. You're faster than Edwin by far. But keep up the practice. You're going to need it against Slytherin."

"Slytherin?" The color drained from Rosemary's face. Her first game back was going to be against Jasper.

"Is something wrong?" Isaac stepped forward but stopped when a hand slipped around Rosemary's shoulder.

"Don't worry, Darling." Ominis appeared next to her and gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Jasper will behave himself if he knows what's good for him."

Rosemary brightened at seeing Ominis. He had guessed right about her thoughts but she was not about to let the worry get the better of her. "I'm not worried about him." She said to him and then clarified to Isaac. "I have several friends in Slytherin, so it's going to be an interesting game."

"I see." Isaac said his gaze flicking to Ominis's hand on her shoulder. "I'll look forward to it then."

With that, they took their leave, and although Rosemary was happy to have Ominis's arm around her shoulders, she had a sneaking suspicion about why it remained there as they walked off the pitch.

Wednesday arrived in the blink of an eye – far too quickly for Rosemary's liking. She wished she could have talked strategy with Sebastian or Imelda, but in the name of good sportsmanship, she refrained. Ominis, however, had no such qualms.

"Feel free to make him never want to play Quidditch again." Ominis encouraged as they walked up the hill to the Quidditch pitch.

Rosemary laughed. "How should I do that exactly?"

"Ram into him if he gets too close. Pretend it's an accident. That would work wonders."

"You can't be serious."

"No, he is." Anne chimed in. "It's in the rulebook. Seekers are allowed to bump into each other. I read the official rules since I need to know the terms for all the fouls and such if I'm going to be the announcer."

"The announcer?" Rosemary almost shrieked. "You didn't tell me you are going to be the announcer!"

"Did I not?" Anne looked confused. "I guess I forgot who I told and who I didn't. Sorry about that. Anyway, Kogawa said I could give it a try this game and even taught me the Amplifying Charm to make my voice louder. It's called Sonorus. I used it on Sebastian and scared the life out of him. It was brilliant."

When they arrived at the pitch, Anne headed off to meet with Kogawa, and Rosemary turned toward the locker room, only to be stopped by Ominis.

"I forgot." He said and pulled something out of his pocket, handing it to Rosemary. "Could you tie this for me?"

Rosemary found a yellow and black striped Hufflepuff tie in her hand and remembered she had given hers to him at the beginning of the year. Her heart swelled at the thought of him holding on to something of hers.

"Are you sure you want to wear it to a game against your own house? Imelda might murder you."

"I believe there was a threat like that last time, but alas, nothing came of it. I'm willing to tempt fate again." Ominis smirked and pulled off his own green and silver striped tie.

Rosemary cleared her throat. "Um...you will have to lean down a bit. I can't reach-."

Ominis leaned forward suddenly, very close to her face. She turned scarlet and glanced about. They were in the stairwell with no one in sight. Rosemary pressed her lips together to suppress her smile and quickly threaded the tie under his collar and tied it neatly. When she was finished, Ominis reached up to find her face and planted a quick kiss at the corner of her mouth. "Good luck." He whispered and headed up the stairs, leaving her stunned.

"Why, Ominis Gaunt." She whispered in mock outrage. "You scoundrel."

She could hear him laughing to himself.

When the game started, Rosemary felt an immediate lightness to her broom. She took off to run laps around the pitch just to see how fast she could go, leaving Jasper far behind. That was fine by her, if she could, she would make sure Jasper had zero chances to get close. Although she liked the idea of Ominis's, she would prefer no-contact with the pond scum if she could help it.

As she flew, she kept catching glimpses of a spot of pink somewhere in the stands. Maybe Sacharissa was in the crowd somewhere, which surprised her since she never seemed like the type to be interested in Quidditch. Rosemary stopped for only a moment to look for the spot of pink to satisfy her curiosity when Jasper finally caught up to her.

"Looks like my training tip helped." Jasper said as he hovered to a stop next to her. "You should be grateful."

"And you should be grateful I didn't tell Imelda you helped me." Rosemary retorted, still looking for the glimpse of pink.

Jasper leaned closer, "I can handle Imelda. But I think it's you who can't handle me, seeing as how you sent your boyfriend to threaten me."

"I didn't send anyone to do anything." She said, turning her full focus on him. "I just happen to know good people who have my back." Behind Jasper, Rosemary saw a flash of gold. She snapped to attention and soared up and over Jasper's head, leaving him disoriented by her sudden move. But not for long.

Rosemary flew towards where she had seen the gold glint but it had readily disappeared. She heard Jasper approaching behind her and decided to keep going. She did not want to interact with him any more than she absolutely had to.

Rosemary ran a lap or two again around the pitch, making sure to stay out of the other players' way but still looking for the Snitch. Sebastian caught her eye and she heard Imelda shout at him. "This is a game! Do your job, Sallow!" To which Sebastian half-heartedly hit a Bludger towards her, but she easily dodged it. It was a warning shot; he probably was not going to go easy on her next time.

Rosemary sped away; she needed to tell Isaac about the Slytherins' strategy. She found him following the Quaffle on the other side of the pitch.

"Ten points to Hufflepuff!" Anne's voice rang out.

Rosemary made a beeline to Isaac who was waiting for the Slytherin Keeper to throw the Quaffle.

"They're targeting me with the Bludger!" She shouted as she made a circle around him.

Isaac locked eyes with her and nodded. "Got it!"

The Quaffle was released and he was off again. She soared upwards, making sure to stay out of reach of anyone while watching Isaac. He sidled close to one of the Hufflepuff Beaters, to give him the message. He needed to watch her back.

A bit of gold flashed in Rosemary's periphery and she raced towards it. She did not have a chance to look for Jasper, she had to focus on the Snitch. The sooner she caught it the sooner she could finish the game and- THERE IT WENT!

Rosemary locked onto the little golden ball. It was hovering near the Hufflepuff goal posts. She leaned so far into her broomstick she was almost parallel with it. Flying at a breakneck speed, she did not dare focus on anything else and went straight for the Snitch.

It darted to the left and so did she, a split second later a Bludger went whizzing passed her head, so close she felt it brush her hair.

"Get that Beater off her!" She recognized Isaac's voice as he shouted to someone.

Rosemary swerved along the curve of the pitch and followed the Snitch as it careened into the middle of the players. Rosemary dropped down below the tangle of players but never took her eyes off the Snitch. It took a sharp turn and headed towards the Slytherin goal posts.

Jasper had maneuvered around the side of the tangle of players and was now closing in on Rosemary's periphery. Without taking her eyes off the Snitch, she guided her broom onto a collision course with Jasper. Unfortunately, his periphery was as good as hers and he knew what she was doing. At the last second, he maneuvered out of the way of ramming force from her, making her slightly disoriented when she did not make contact. A Bludger shot passed her again, this time it was aimed at her back but went wide when she failed to collide with Jasper. Rosemary looked back to see Sebastian trailing behind her, readying his bat.

She quickly found Jasper not far away and instead of following him immediately, she practiced evasive maneuvers so Sebastian could not get a clear shot at her. She could see the Snitch just in front of Jasper but she could feel the Snitch was due for another sudden turn soon and tried to predict its route.

She took the gamble and went left to hopefully intercept the Snitch.

The Snitch did turn suddenly and the two Seekers were headed directly for each other.

Rosemary held her breath, and at the last minute pulled up at an impossible angle. Both Jasper and Sebastian slammed into each other mid-air and went tumbling to the ground. Kogawa was so stunned at the collision; she forgot for a moment that she needed to call for a time out. By the time she reached for her whistle, Rosemary had caught the Snitch!

The roar from the crowd was deafening. Rosemary held the golden Snitch aloft for all to see as she descended to the pitch feeling every bit like a queen.

Her Hufflepuff teammates instantly enveloped her, laughing and cheering. Isaac was beaming when he got to her.

"I knew you could do it!" He shouted and bent down to lift her onto his shoulder. She perched there awkwardly for only a moment but then realized it was necessary since all the Hufflepuff students were rushing onto the pitch singing their Hufflepuff House chant.

Sitting high up on Isaac's shoulder, Rosemary could also see Madam Mulberry and Professor Kogawa tending to Sebastian and Jasper. Sebastian had a bloody nose that Madam Mulberry was cleaning up and Jasper was rubbing his shoulder, looking pitiful.

After a little while the excited Hufflepuffs finally started filtering off the pitch. Rosemary joined her team as they walked together but once they exited the pitch, that elusive spot of pink caught her eye once again and she stopped cold.

There, standing tall next to Professor Black, was her father, Atticus Abbott, pink hair, and all. And to her even greater surprise was her mother, Flora Abbott, hanging on her father's arm looking regal in a Hufflepuff yellow and black dress that went with her golden hair perfectly.

Chapter Text

"Rosemary Abbott. Come here, please." Professor Black called.

Apprehension filled her from head to toe. Did something happen? Her parents usually never bothered with her unless there was some big news.

Rosemary bade her teammates farewell as she extracted herself from the group and promised to catch up with them later.

"Is everything alright?" Isaac whispered as she passed.

"Yes, my parents just came to check on me." She tried to give him a reassuring smile but the look on his face made her think he did not believe her. He hesitated but left with the rest of the team.

Rosemary approached the adults and her mother came to wrap her in an overly affectionate hug.

"My darling, you did wonderfully! Who knew you had such a talent for flying." She kissed her temple and stepped back to look at her. She watched her mother's expression falter as she took in the scar. "Goodness me, Rosemary, what have you done to your face?"

Rosemary wondered what exactly they had been told about her health. Didn't they know about the Acromantula? Surely, they must have known at least that much since they were informed about her being in a coma for three weeks.

"It's nothing, Mother. A parting gift from the Acromantula who put me in a coma."

"Perhaps we should move this chat indoors, as it looks like rain." Professor Black cut in smoothly.

"Righto, old boy." Her father said. "I say it is good to be back. Seems like only yesterday-."

"Ominis Gaunt." Professor Black interrupted, raising his voice toward the entryway. The small group turned to see Ominis standing just inside, waiting. "Your presence has been requested as well. Do come along."

"Oh!" Her mother exclaimed, pressing a hand to her necklace at the sight of Ominis. "Is this the young man you're-."

"Yes," Rosemary cut her mother off quickly before she could say anything about the engagement. "This is Ominis."

On cue, Ominis came forward and gave a respectful bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Ominis Gaunt." He held a hand out and Mrs. Abbott daintily placed her hand in his, clearly charmed.

"Such lovely manners." Mrs. Abbott whispered to Rosemary, just loud enough for Ominis to hear. "The pleasure is mine, darling. I'm Rosemary's mother, Flora Abbott. And this is my husband, Atticus. It is good to finally meet you in person."

Atticus stepped forward and shook Ominis's hand.

"That's a good grip, my boy. Pleasure to meet you. Now, let's be about dinner before it's unfit for Puffskeins."

Ominis blanched slightly as he recognized Rosemary's familiar phrase.

They walked the now deserted path to Hogwarts. Mrs. Abbott opted to walk arm-in-arm with Mr. Abbott while conversing with Professor Black, and Rosemary naturally fell into step next to Ominis. He held his arm out to her and she took it gratefully.

"What's all this about?" He whispered to her as they trailed behind the adults.

"I have no idea. I didn't even know they were coming." She whispered back.

"Should I be worried?"

"I am. They don't usually seek me out unless there is something big happening."

Ominis was silent for a moment then said, "They didn't come when you were in a coma. Or when you woke up. That's big."

"Not big enough I guess." Rosemary would have been sad at her own statement if it had been about anyone else. But these were her parents. She was used to their selfishness. Mrs. Abbott had not asked about her scar because she was worried about her. She asked because it interfered with perfection.

Professor Black ushered them into a private dining room next to the Great Hall which was usually reserved for guests.

All through dinner Mr. and Mrs. Abbott conversed lightly with Professor Black about family and current events. Clover and Angelica were doing well in their marriages. Clover had gotten a promotion at his job at the Ministry because of his research related to Mallowsweet. Angelica was being a dutiful wife and was now expecting a baby in the coming spring.

Ominis and Rosemary ate their meal in silence, simply listening to the adults chatter away. Although Ominis knew this was normal protocol for children at the dinner table, he was not used to Rosemary being so silent. What was more disconcerting was her aura, it was a dim, swirling cloud - she was anxious.

"The food here certainly hasn't changed at all. Just as I remember." Mr. Abbott said, seeming pleased as he wiped his mouth with his napkin and placed it on the table, signifying the end of the meal. Both Mrs. Abbott and Rosemary followed his gesture immediately, something Rosemary was trained to do whether she was done with her own meal or not. "Now, Phineus, let us discuss the wedding invitation and what shall be done with the children."

Ominis choked on his tea and Rosemary gaped at her father. What wedding?

"Ah, yes, the Gaunt wedding." Black set his tea down. "After careful consideration I have decided that I will accompany the children to the Gaunt Manor but as I will be staying in London after the nuptials, they must return to Hogwarts on their own. As you may be aware, Professor Weasley and I have placed a ban on students leaving the castle grounds by themselves so I will need to lift this ban if they are to ride back on the Hogwarts Express unaccompanied. Given Miss Abbott's penchant for getting into trouble, she will need to promise to control herself." He directed the last words at Rosemary. "Or the ban may become permanent."

Her parents turned to look at Rosemary who blushed at the accusation. She looked down at her hands in her lap but quietly made the promise to Professor Black.

"There now. All that's left to do is to reply to the invitation and then we may all proceed to the wedding." Mrs. Abbott smiled primly and sighed. "I do love a good wedding."

Rosemary's curiosity got the better of her and she cleared her throat for attention. "Pardon me, but whose wedding are we attending?"

"Why, Marvolo Gaunt's wedding, of course." Mrs. Abbott tittered. "He is to be married on Halloween to Melphina Gaunt. Vicious and Marisol Gaunt have invited us to the wedding since we are future relations, after all, and felt this would be the perfect occasion for our first meeting. Rosemary, darling, you will need to look your best to make a good impression. I will have a dress made for you from Madam Estrella's Dress Shop and have it sent to you here. Bon will take your measurements before we leave. Ominis, dear, I assume your parents will be sending you proper attire as well?"

Rosemary perked up at the mention of Bon. Was Bon here?

"Yes, ma'am. I have already received my dress robes." Ominis said in all politeness. Rosemary eyed him. Why hadn't he told her about the wedding? Maybe he had not known she was invited.

"Excellent." Mrs. Abbott replied and turned to Professor Black. "Phineus, where might I bring Rosemary so I can have Bon take her measurements?"

Professor Black directed them to a small meeting room off to the side of the Great Hall that was little more than a closet. Once Rosemary and Mrs. Abbott were shut inside, Mrs. Abbott called for Bon who popped into view immediately.

"Bon!" Rosemary smiled brightly at the house-elf and went to hug his tiny frame. Bon received her warmly.

"Miss Rosemary, it is good to see you well. Bon was worried when we heard you had taken ill from that Acromantula attack. You were very brave, Miss. Bon heard you saved your friends before succumbing to the venom. Bon is ever so proud of you." He patted her hand preciously.

"As we all are, of course." Mrs. Abbott offered, not to be outdone by her house-elf. "Anyway, Bon, do take Rosemary's measurements for Madam Estrella. She shall have the grandest dress for her first meeting with the Gaunts."

Bon bowed to her request and asked Rosemary to remove her outerwear so he could take the measurements properly.

As Rosemary began to shed the layers, Mrs. Abbott found a chair and sat. "Now that we are alone, we can finally have some girl-talk." She perched on the edge of the chair, leaning towards Rosemary. "It seems you and Ominis are quite close. I take it you're no longer considering ending the engagement?"

"Um..." It was a deeply complicated question but the best she could do was say; "Not at the moment, no."

"Not at the moment?" Mrs. Abbott snickered at her. "My dear, have you seen him? He reminds me a bit of your father at his age. So handsome. And those manners? I don't know that I have ever met a young man with such manners as him. Is it because he's blind that you felt like ending the engagement? I dare say if it wasn't for the way his eyes are, I never would have guessed. He carries himself quite well."

"Miss Rosemary doesn't mind about such things, do you, Miss?" Bon interjected.

"Certainly not." She said, wishing she could expound on all the things she liked about Ominis, but she knew if she said any more, her parents might rescind the offer they made in their letter not long ago. What a complicated web she was in...

"What a good Hufflepuff you are." Her mother said. "I too had all sorts of friends during my time at Hogwarts. Makes me proud that you take after me in that way. After Hogwarts it might be wise to send you to Felicity's Finishing School. Who knows, with the Gaunt status behind you, you might become the queen of the Wizarding Society at the rate you are going. Just be careful not to get into any more trouble. Prestige is one thing, scars are another."

"There can be prestige in scars, too. They are badges of bravery, are they not?" Rosemary countered, remembering how Anne had encouraged her.

"Unfortunately, not in today's society." Mrs. Abbott said looking Rosemary over. "But in your case, I suppose it doesn't matter since your fiancé is blind."

Rosemary gritted her teeth against the creative insult. How dare she...

Bon felt the immediate shift in Rosemary's countenance and rushed to bring peace.

"Miss Rosemary is a beautiful person inside and out. So is Mr. Ominis. They certainly make a lovely couple." He said kindly as he finished the measurements. "There. All done."

Rosemary smiled gratefully to Bon. As always, he understood her best. "Thank you, Bon."

Soon it was time for the Abbotts to head back to London and Mrs. Abbott made a great show of hugging Rosemary and Ominis goodbye before they left.

"I'm looking forward to seeing you both at the wedding!" She said and entered the Thestral-pulled carriage. Mr. Abbott shook hands with Professor Black and Ominis and chucked Rosemary under the chin before following his wife into the carriage. The coachman cracked the whip and they were off. Flying away into the clouds.

Professor Black turned on his heel, and marched back into Hogwarts without even a glance back at Rosemary and Ominis.

Rosemary stood, staring up at where the carriage disappeared into the dark clouds above. Her thoughts a mess.

Ominis found her hand and placed it on his arm. "Where shall we go to talk?"

Rosemary was silent for a long moment before deciding, "Let's go to the Room of Requirement. I have a tea table set up in my greenroom."

"Of course you do." He said, eager to hear the smile in her voice again.

The greenroom housed all of Rosemary's potted plants she had acquired through various means. Aside from the plants she normally used for potions, she had a few plants she used to make her own tea. Chamomile was her favorite calming tea, lavender was her second favorite for added calm, mint for stomachaches, and a small tea plant for making black tea.

She directed Ominis to a sitting area she had made next to the bay of floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out at the scenery from her greenhouse vivarium.

Ominis took a seat while Rosemary set to work waving her wand around to get the tea service started. The tea kettle began boiling water and the teacups extracted themselves from the cupboard and floated to their places on the tea table.

"What tea would you like?" Rosemary asked, listing off the teas she had available.

"I usually have Black tea, but Chamomile is fine. I think we both need it."

"You read my mind." She said and quietly busied herself getting the tea to steep and then straining it.

Ominis waited patiently, watching her aura to see if it would brighten at all. But as she finished pouring the tea and placing the cup back in front of him, he noticed her aura fade even further.

"Are you alright, darling?" He asked, holding out his hand to her. She smiled at seeing his outstretched hand and took it. He squeezed her delicate fingers and rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand in comforting circles.

"Talk to me, Rosemary. Tell me what's wrong."

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Too much had happened that day, she did not even know where to begin or how to sort out all the things she was feeling. But she did know she was grateful for Ominis being there through every part of it.

"Thank you for your support today, Ominis."

"Support? What did I do? I didn't do anything as grand as winning the game for Hufflepuff."

"Well, it might seem like nothing, but to me, your support is everything."

"Because I'm your fiancé?"

"Because you're my best friend." She clarified. "And maybe because you're my fiancé, too."

He smiled at that. "But you still haven't told me what's wrong."

Rosemary thought about it for a little while and then said, "I really wasn't expecting my parents to be here."

Ominis nodded. "I wasn't expecting you and your parents to be invited to my brother's wedding."

They were both quiet for a long moment as they sipped their tea. Rosemary swirled her tea in her teacup and decided to look at the bright side of it all. "You know, it's the first wedding I've ever been invited to."

"I'm sorry my brother's wedding will be your first." He grimaced at the thought. "But can I be honest?"

"Hmm?" She hummed as she sipped her tea.

"I wish you wouldn't go."

She sputtered and set down her teacup with a clatter. "What? Why?"

"It's my family, Rosemary. The best way to deal with them is by doing the opposite of whatever it is they want."

So that was it. He preferred being a rebel. "You mean like not accepting our engagement?" She asked. "They want you to marry, so naturally you don't want to? Is that it? Doesn't matter who it was on the other end of the engagement? You would have said 'no' even if it was Grace Pinch-Smedley?"

"I would have said 'no' especially if it was Grace Pinch-Smedley." He said. "It's you I had trouble saying 'no' to."

"Me?" Rosemary paused at this new information. "You mean...you didn't want to say 'no' to me?"

"Rosemary..." She had figured out too much, but he supposed it was too late to try to hide his feelings now. "You know I like you." He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.

"Yes, but you've never said it out loud." She said, her heart fluttering, hoping for more of whatever this was.

"Then what about you? How did you feel when you found out I was your fiancé?"

"Of course, I was surprised! But you should know...I didn't dislike the idea. We've been through so much together already but I never had time to actually think about my feelings towards you until they told me we were engaged."

"And?"

Rosemary blushed. "You already know I like you as more than just a friend."

"It's nice to hear it. As many times as you want to tell me." He said and meant it. He paused as he rubbed his thumb over her fingers. "But, Rosemary, I meant what I said. That I don't want you to go to the wedding. It's not a wise idea."

"Why not? It sounds like it's going to be a grand affair if Professor Black is deigning to go."

"Professor Black is one of my father's oldest and closest friends. And you should know pure-bloods of the Twenty-Eight are usually invited to each other's functions. But also, Professor Black isn't marrying into the Gaunt family. He is treated differently than you will be."

"Then they would treat me like my parents treat me? Like a child who should be seen and not heard?"

"Worse. Much worse. That's why I don't want you to go. Think of any excuse you want."

"Are you going?"

Ominis's lip twitched as though smelling something foul. "Yes, unfortunately."

"Then what could they possibly do to me with you there? You even admitted we make a great team and I was serious before too; we are stronger together than apart."

"Rosemary..."

"Ominis." She countered. "Why go alone anyway? I thought you hated being alone."

Ominis let out a long-suffering sigh. She was right, of course. But he also hated the idea of bringing her within touching distance of his family. He wanted to wrap her up like a snake and strike at anyone who got too close.

"That's true. But tell me why you are so adamant about going? You told me only the other day that you wanted to grow and plan in the safety of Hogwarts. Now you are talking about doing the exact opposite."

Rosemary pressed her lips together. Yes, she had said as much. But then her parents came and-.

"Is this all because you've never been to a wedding before?"

Rosemary cleared her throat and hid her mouth in her teacup. "Maybe."

"Rosemary!"

Her temper suddenly flared at the sound of his raised voice. Rosemary put her teacup down hard. "You don't understand, Ominis. How could you? You grew up traveling all over the world. The only places I got to travel to when I was little was to my family's country estate in Kent. And then after ten years old I was shut up in the London townhouse for five whole years, with only house-elves for company. Do you know what that kind of isolation does to a person? I wasn't allowed to meet anyone but direct family. Ever. Hogwarts has been the only social experience I have ever had where I can make friends and interact with people. So, excuse me if I would like some real-world experience that's not killing something or raiding poacher camps."

He probably thought she was being ridiculous but she did not care. She uprooted heaven and earth for everyone else and all she was asking was to go to a wedding in a pretty dress.

Speaking of new experiences, this was a new one for Ominis.

He had never been on the receiving end of Rosemary's anger before. He did not think it possible for her to get truly angry. Upset, yes. Bothered, certainly. But never angry. She was always so amiable, took insults in strides, even when fighting or dueling she never fought with anger - he would know. And it bothered him that he was the one to bring this out in her. Not Jasper, not Sebastian, and not even her mother who rightly should have received her anger for insulting her - yes, he had heard their conversation through the door while Bon took measurements.

"Alright," He said, placatingly. "Alright, if it means that much to you, you can go with me. But be warned, this might not go the way you think it will. It never does with my parents."

Chapter Text

The two weeks leading up to Halloween were the busiest Rosemary had ever experienced. Midterms threatened to crush her soul as the tests were much harder for the upper classmen than what she had faced in fifth-year. On top of that, there were two more Quidditch games against Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. The Gryffindor game was especially enjoyable since toying with Ruby had become something of a sport in itself. And even though she ended up winning the games for Hufflepuff, Rosemary found herself skipping the Hufflepuff Victory Nights in favor of an evening tea with Ominis in the Room of Requirement.

Ominis, on the other hand, wished time itself would stand still so the dreaded day of the wedding would not come. Every passing day was a nail in a coffin. Although he tried to put on a brave face and not let Rosemary notice his anxiety over the impending meeting of the two families, he knew she could tell something was off but stopped asking him about it after his insistence that everything was fine. How could he explain that a wedding between Sacred Twenty-Eight pure-bloods was not a fairytale like she might be imagining? It was politics, rituals, traditions – none of which were good things in the hands of the Gaunts. But she had her heart set on it and he was committed to trying to make things work between them.

A few days before the wedding, a large, expensive-looking box was delivered to Rosemary's room. Her roommates were all a-flutter about what it could be and were just as shocked as Rosemary when the box was opened to reveal a gorgeous ivory dress with sky-blue accents. When Rosemary held the bodice to herself for her roommates to see, they both commented how well it complimented her hair and eyes.

"But why did your parents send you such a dress? Surely, we won't have any occasions to wear it here. Or is it a sort of Halloween costume?" Adelaide asked and started guessing at some costume it could be used for.

Rosemary laughed at some of the ideas. "It's for a wedding I'm going to with...my parents." She said, omitting key details.

"A wedding? I didn't know we could leave school for weddings." Poppy mused. "Who's getting married anyway? Anyone we know?"

"I didn't know we could leave either." Rosemary said and decided she could be truthful for the most part. "It's Ominis's brother's wedding. Some Sacred Twenty-Eight families were invited from the school, including Professor Black, so we are traveling as a group to London on Halloween."

They did not need to know it was just the three of them.

Poppy nodded at the explanation. "Sometimes I forget you're one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. You really don't act like them at all. If you did, you'd probably be in Slytherin."

"Really? How do they usually act?" Rosemary asked, genuinely curious as she was not the sort to base her opinions off blood-status.

Poppy crossed her arms as she thought. "It's the air of entitlement and perfection about them. Professor Black is the textbook example. He acts like a king, doesn't he? Ominis seems more down to earth than most but you, if it wasn't for your family name and pink hair, I would have guessed you were a Muggle-born. And I mean no offense in that."

"None taken. But do explain." Rosemary encouraged as she sat on her bed and listened with rapt attention.

"It's hard to put into words..." Poppy said, looking to Adelaide for help.

"It's because you seem so new to the Wizarding World. Probably because of your upbringing..." Adelaide said, alluding to her former squib status but not wanting to use the sensitive term. "I think because of that you are like a sponge, soaking up every piece of information and experience as fast as you can. Muggle-borns are like that. Usually, they end up in Gryffindor for their blind bravery or Ravenclaw for their thirst for knowledge. Maybe you were put in Hufflepuff because your work ethic?"

"Or because of my family. The Abbotts have always been in Hufflepuff. Even my mother was a Hufflepuff but that was mostly because of her love of plants."

The qualities of a Hufflepuff was a topic the trio could talk about for hours, and did, even while Rosemary asked them for help in trying on her dress. It fit her like a glove, and was the first proper dress that was made for her and not a hand-me-down of her sister's or something she found in the ruins of a castle. It made her feel confident and elegant and she could not wait to appear in it at the wedding, hanging on Ominis's arm.

On the morning of the wedding, Rosemary woke up early to prepare. She asked Sacharissa for help with her hair and makeup since Rosemary was clueless about what to do. Sacharissa was beyond ready to help since she had been secretly aching to play with Rosemary's hair for a long time. She opted for an elaborate braided updo since she insisted Rosemary's signature single braid would not do for such an occasion. When Sacharissa was finished, she and her roommates marveled at how mature she looked. Rosemary was surprised to see how much she looked like her sister, except a little more dangerous with the scar over her left eye.

The girls walked her down the stairs to the common room to see her off. The group caught the eye of several Hufflepuffs who were lounging in the common room, including Isaac Cooper. Rosemary saw him watching her and waved at him, feeling every bit like a queen bidding farewell to her subjects.

Rosemary took the Floo Flame to the North Exit where she was supposed to meet Ominis, and Professor Black. She arrived to find a Thestral-pulled carriage waiting at the exit just like the one her parents had. Then she heard a soft pop behind her.

She turned as a tall young man arrived via Floo and gasped once she realized who it was.

Ominis Gaunt stood before her in a formal ivory suit, pristine and elegant. A knee length cape with a high collar and sky-blue silk lining was draped over one shoulder and only added to the regal air he exuded.

He was nothing less than a prince.

"Goodness, Ominis. I didn't know we were going to a coronation." She said in greeting. "And here I thought I was overdressed."

He came to stand next to her. "Yes, my family does enjoy being as ostentatious as possible. I expected nothing less for my brother's wedding. Does everything look straight? Sebastian helped me with it but I can't be sure if he got it all right." He touched his sky-blue silk cravat self-consciously.

Rosemary looked him over. "You're perfect." She said, a note of wistfulness in her voice. The statement made him smile.

"And," Rosemary came closer to check the colors in her dress to his suit. "It seems that someone has given us matching colors to wear."

"Matching?" He asked.

"My dress has the same colors as your suit. Ivory and sky-blue."

"Blue?" He made a face. "Did we suddenly become Ravenclaws overnight?"

"Bite your tongue."

Professor Black appeared with a soft pop then and saw the two joking. "Alright, enough pawing each other. Let's be off." He clapped his hands for them to move along into the carriage.

The coachman opened the door and handed Rosemary inside. She sat a little uncertainly by the far window, suddenly remembering the last time she was in a Thestral-pulled carriage. She soothed herself with the thought that no one was going to be sending dragons after her. She was just going to a wedding. That was all.

"Is this your carriage, Professor?" She asked as everyone settled in, Ominis sat next to her and Professor Black sat opposite the young couple.

"It certainly is! Grand, isn't it? It was passed down from my great-great-grandfather. Still as solid as the day it was made." He said and continued to ramble on about his special family heirlooms as they took off into the sky. Rosemary realized that Professor Black mostly liked the sound of his own voice and at some point, was not even paying attention to them as he seemed to be talking to his reflection in the window. Rosemary felt the freedom to let her mind wander as she too looked out the window at the puffs of low clouds passing by and the occasional patch of scenery below.

It was a long ride to London, but it felt like only a moment to Rosemary. Before she knew it, they were already landing. As they descended from the clouds, she could see a large estate materialize from the mist. Rosemary guessed the mist was a cloaking charm of some sort to keep Muggles from happening upon it. The carriage bumped a bit upon landing and then bounced along the gravel drive through an imposing front gate with iron snakes up each side.

Rosemary had envisioned an estate about the size of the Abbotts' country manor in Kent, not modest but not imperial either. But as she took in the grounds leading up to the manor and how it only grew as they approached, this was so much more than she had guessed.

This was a palace.

"Is this even in London?" Rosemary asked Ominis, wide-eyed.

"Just south of it. Not far at all. One of the hearths is connected to the Floo Network, so when we leave, we can go directly to King's Cross."

"Leaving isn't the issue. I just...I wasn't expecting it to be so grand." She murmured.

"What did you expect? A great lineage like the Gaunts to live in a hovel?" Professor Black chuckled to himself. "You should see the Black Manor..."

She barely heard him as they pulled to a stop in front of the manor. Guests were already arriving, dressed in opulent finery. A woman in a deep green velvet dress with a pack of children running around her approached the carriage.

"That will be my wife, Ursula and our children." Professor Black stood and extracted himself from the carriage to greet his family.

"Rosemary." Ominis said and held his hand out to her. Rosemary took his hand and he squeezed it. "Whatever happens, do not leave my side. Not even for a moment. Do you understand?"

Rosemary took in his grave expression and nodded. "Of course."

He stepped out first and extended a hand to help Rosemary down. She took it and as she descended from the carriage she heard a sharp gasp.

"Is that Rosemary Abbott?" Came a woman's voice. Rosemary looked up to see Ursula Black lingering near the carriage with her husband. Professor Black beamed.

"Yes, Miss Rosemary Abbott, this is my wife, Ursula. And Ursula, you remember Mr. Ominis Gaunt?"

"Of course. How could I forget dear Ominis." Ursula smiled kindly to Ominis then turned her full attention on Rosemary. "But Miss Abbott has been quite the topic among the Twenty-Eight. I feel as if I know you already, dear." She held her hand out to Rosemary in greeting.

Rosemary grasped her hand gently. "A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Black. And these are your children?"

"Why, yes!" Mrs. Black immediately started listing off the children within her orbit but Rosemary did not hear much of it as Ominis suddenly moved closer to her, placing a hand at her back. She was confused about the protective gesture until she noticed several striking figures standing at the top of the stairs in front of the entry way. Two of whom were her parents. The other two...

One was a towering, sallow-skinned gentleman with long, unbound black hair and a black mustache. He reminded Rosemary of a description of a vampire. She wondered if he smiled would she see elongated fangs?

The other was a regal woman with elegantly styled dark blonde hair and features so strikingly similar to Ominis that Rosemary was transfixed. She felt as though she was looking up at a queen. A very beautiful, but very dangerous queen.

"Ah, Vicious!" Professor Black ascended the stairs with surprising speed, shaking Mr. Gaunt's hand while congratulating him on the wedding of his son. "Marisol." He acknowledged Mrs. Gaunt with a kiss to the hand and turned to gesture for his traveling party to come forward. "May I present, Miss Rosemary Abbott?"

Ominis offered his arm to Rosemary who took it gratefully and held her breath as they ascended the stairs. Rosemary mentally berated herself for not thinking of how to present herself before this.

Should she be the Hero of Hogwarts – a strong and confident young woman, or should she be what she had always been to her parents – a quiet shadow of a girl? She made eye contact with them once more as she alighted the last step. Hadn't they chosen her to be Ominis's fiancée because of her name and her status? If that was so, then she would show them exactly who they were letting into their family.

"It is an honor to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Gaunt." She said with a smile and emulated the same small bow that Ominis had given to her parents upon their meeting.

When she lifted her head, she met Mrs. Gaunt's assessing gaze once more. Her eyes were of a piercing blue quality and Rosemary had to wonder if Ominis had not been born blind, would his eyes have looked the same?

"So, this is the famous Hero of Hogwarts we have heard so much about?" Mrs. Gaunt directed her question to Professor Black.

"Yes, she is an exemplary student as well. A paragon of pure-blood perfection, if I may say so." Professor Black said.

"I dare say that is high praise coming from you, Phineus. It does a mother's heart good to hear such things of her son's future bride." Then Mrs. Gaunt did something Rosemary never would have expected in a thousand years and broke rank from the adults to take Rosemary's other arm in a show of solidarity. Leaning close so only Rosemary, and Ominis, could hear, she whispered, "I believe I have chosen well." She straightened and gave a dismissive wave to the others. "Let us go inside and finish greeting our guests!" She said to all and then to Rosemary she said, "There are quite a few people eager to meet you, my dear."

And it was true.

Rosemary's head spun at the seemingly endless parade of people Mrs. Gaunt brought her around to meet in the grand foyer. Each time they greeted a new person, Ominis received a polite acknowledgement followed by surprised chatter about meeting the Rosemary Abbott. Rosemary tried not to let the talk go to her head, but how could it not? The wizarding community at large seemed to like her, accept her, and want her. She had done something to make herself seen, and not just at Hogwarts, but by the Twenty-Eight, the top echelon of their society.

For a moment, Rosemary forgot that they were at a wedding as it seemed the guests were only interested in meeting and conversing with her, the headlining pure-blood and soon-to-be-Gaunt.

But the groom of the day had not forgotten.

At some point, Marvolo noticed the great lack of guests in the study, where he was holding his reception. Fuming, he lumbered his way to the front parlor where Melphina was holding her reception. He entered to find only a scant few guests twittering around Melphina who was about to head upstairs to get ready for the wedding ceremony.

"Where is everyone?" He demanded of Melphina.

Melphina Gaunt, a quiet and mousy young lady by nature, only shook her head.

He bellowed for Sully, one of the house-elves.

The elf popped in next to Marvolo. "Yes, sir?" He asked, looking wary already.

"Where in blazes are all the guests?" He boomed.

"Why, they are all being greeted in the grand foyer, sir."

"Greeted." Marvolo grumbled. "They should be greeting me, not the other way 'round." He continued to grumble all the way to the grand foyer. He entered from the west wing of the house onto the landing that led to the grand staircase, and overlooked the grand foyer. His eyes bulged at the sight of the sea of guests that congregated there.

It might have been his elevation over the guests, or the fact that he was wearing the most expensive set of robes money could buy, or because he felt the name of Gaunt was something akin to royalty – that he imagined himself a king and rapped his wand on the railing for everyone's attention.

All turned at the sound to see Marvolo Gaunt on the landing above, who seemed so eerily monkey-like in his proportions, with his broad-shoulders and longish arms, that it was hard to look away.

"Hello, to you all!" He shouted in the best imitation of his father's accent as he could muster. "Welcome to my wedding! It is good to have-." He stopped as his gaze fell on something pink in the crowd. Pink? He had specifically ordered all guests to wear green or white. Who would dare-?

He spotted her. She was at the center of the grand foyer. A pretty thing – stylish and young. Marvolo's quick eyes took in the rest of the scene; Mother was at her side, as was Baby Brother. Wait a minute, why was everyone crowded around her? Even Father was only paces away.

"What's going on here?" He immediately turned and thundered down the grand staircase to the ground floor. "Why is everyone here and not in my reception room? Who is this?" He pointed his wand at the girl as he approached.

Ominis stepped in front of Rosemary, readying his wand for a fight.

Their mother placed a steady hand on Ominis's arm. "Let me handle it."

She looked at Marvolo then and said, "This is our most esteemed guest today. Naturally, we had to greet her properly."

"This little pink girl? How esteemed could she possibly be? This is the wedding of a Gaunt!"

"Not only is she the Hero of Hogwarts-." His mother started but he quickly interrupted her.

"What do I care of heroes?"

"But she is also your brother's fiancée." She went on.

Ominis winced at her words.

"Fiancée?" Marvolo paused to put the puzzle pieces together. His brother had a fiancée. That meant two things. 1. Ominis would carry on the family name – and worse, would lay claim to Salazar's locket. 2. To marry into the Gaunt family, the girl must be of a richly pure-blooded family to rival his own.

He eyed her. She was rather pretty. Far prettier than Melphina. But then why did he have to marry the mousey Melphina? Ominis was blind, what did he care for looks? Marvolo had thought there was only one option for him, no other pure-bloods would do other than the only female Gaunt cousin. Well, if that was not the case, then he did not see the reason why he should be stuck with Melphina while his brother got the pretty one.

"Why wasn't she offered to me first?" He barked. "I'm the eldest! I should get first pick! Let Baby Brother have Melphina!"

"Marvolo." His father's dark tone gave him pause.

The room fell silent.

"Let us discuss this in private."

"And why should we? I want to-."

"Now." Vicious Gaunt would hear no more from his moonmind son. He walked past his wife, son, and future-daughter-in-law and wanted very much to grab Marvolo by the scruff of his neck but for appearances' sake, he grabbed the groom by his shoulder, squeezing painfully as he steered him back towards the stairs. "Marisol. Ominis. Come." He called back.

Mrs. Gaunt patted Rosemary's hand encouragingly. "Why don't you stay with your parents, dear? We will return shortly." She let go and took Ominis's other arm. "Come along, darling."

"Mother, I-."

"Don't argue. Just come along."

Something in her voice told him there was another reason he should go with her. He was loathed to leave Rosemary, but he supposed she would be alright if all the villains of the house were collected in the same room, far from her.

The Gaunts moved to the vacated study and shut the door behind them.

"What is wrong with you?" Vicious turned on Marvolo, pulling out his wand and levitating him into the air by his throat. "In front of every guest? You might as well make an advertisement in the Daily Prophet that you are the greatest moonmind of them all. You ungrateful little worm!" He sent Marvolo flying across the room into a sofa that barely kept its feet on the ground on impact.

"What does it matter what they think?" Marvolo spat as he rose, unphased by the violence of his father. "I am the eldest. I am entitled to-."

Vicious switched to Parseltongue in case anyone was eavesdropping. "You are the eldest son; therefore, you must marry another Gaunt! My brother did. My father before him. Melphina is my brother's only child. It's you're duty!"

"Darling, not in Parseltongue..." Marisol warned, partly because she could not understand the snake language, as she was not of Gaunt blood, but also because Vicious never seemed to understand how Marvolo seemed to draw strength when it was spoken.

"Then I can marry both! There's no law that says I can't!" Marvolo hissed in Parseltongue.

Ominis pinched the bridge of his nose. This was the most absurd conversation he had ever heard. "You can't be serious." He said in English, refusing to lower himself to the snake language. "What is this really about?"

"You can't have the locket!" Marvolo aimed his vitriol at Ominis. "You sneaky little demon. You said you had no interest in marrying!"

"That's it?" Ominis shot back. "You're worried about the locket? Take it! I don't want the cursed thing!"

Marvolo faltered. Ominis did not give up on fights this easily. He narrowed his eyes.

"You say that now. But what's to stop you from claiming your birthright once you marry her? Do I need to teach you a lesson like I taught her?"

"I said, I don't want it! Your greed cost us our sister-!"

"Because she tried to claim what was mine too..." Marvolo sneered.

"Enough!" Vicious bellowed, slamming his fist against the mantal of the fireplace. He would not allow the loss of his precious daughter to be used as a pawn in their game.

Say what you would about Vicious Gaunt, but he did love his children, in his own twisted way. And he could not abide the loss of one, even if one had committed a great sin. It was a secret their family had kept for many years and would continue to keep. Marvolo had been punished, albeit in private rather than having the shame of being sent to Azkaban as a black mark on their great lineage.

"Marvolo, it has already been decided - Ominis will relinquish the locket. But since reason isn't reaching you. I propose a challenge."

Ominis stiffened.

Nothing good ever came from his father's challenges. They were punishments disguised as sport.

"Ominis." Vicious pronounced his name slowly. "I am intrigued by your fiancée. Everything I have heard of her suggests that she is a very powerful and capable witch. And yet I find it hard to believe such a little thing, from Hufflepuff House of all places, could take down a dark wizard like Victor Rookwood and a small goblin rebellion. I would like to see a demonstration of her power. And I think a duel would be the perfect way to go about it."

Ominis's blood ran cold. "You want her to duel me?"

"No," Vicious smiled cruelly. "I want her to duel Marvolo."

Ominis gritted his teeth. He had to play his cards right. Marvolo was already itching for a fight, and likely Vicious's words were already planting violent ideas in his head. Marvolo hated anyone who was 'better' than him or had more than him and would make anyone pay the price for making him feel lesser.

"For what purpose?" He asked carefully.

"If she defeats your brother, then Marvolo will accept the marriage and inheritance without protest."

"And if I win?" Marvolo asked, a dark eagerness in his voice.

"Then we will...renegotiate the terms of the wedding today."

Dread gripped Ominis. What terms? He did not know what was at stake.

Marvolo didn't understand either – but the sound of it pleased him.

Only Marisol understood.

She smiled to herself.

Today was going to be a very good day.

Chapter Text

Before the Gaunts left the study, Vicious suddenly wrenched Ominis's wand from his hand and cast Silencio on him.

"To keep things fair." As he put it.

Ominis reached toward where he remembered his mother's aura had been.

"It's alright, darling. Mother's here." Marisol took his hand gently. He started searching her sleeves for a wand, but they were suspiciously empty.

"I'm sorry. Your father insisted. I can't undo the spell until after the duel. Please, understand." Her voice was remorseful but Ominis was desperate. He was trapped in silence, blind and voiceless, unable to sense or protect the one person he needed to. Rosemary did not know the truth – not the darkest parts. Not that it was Marvolo who had used Crucio on him as a child. Not that his family used the Dark Arts as casually as they used cutlery. And certainly not that Marvolo had no qualms about using an Unforgivable in public.

He tried to pace, his usual method of calming himself, but he couldn't even orient himself in the room.

"Ominis, calm down." Marisol urged. "I'll guide you. The duel will be in the Fountain Courtyard since the Gazebo Garden is already set up for the wedding."

He did not care where the duel was. All he could think about was how to warn Rosemary...and how she would feel when she realized he would not be by her side. This was truly a new type of torture he never fathomed from his family.

Meanwhile, Rosemary's anxiety spiked the moment Ominis was led away. Her parents helped her navigate the social aspects of being the sudden focal point of an entire room, but she kept glancing towards the stairs, searching for a glimpse of dark blond hair or the red glow of his wand. It was not until Mr. Gaunt reappeared with only Marvolo in tow that she truly felt the makings of fear.

Where was Ominis? He had told her to never leave his side for a moment. Should she have insisted on going with him no matter what? Maybe so...

Mr. Gaunt stepped up to the landing banister and raised his arms.

"My dear guests, the wedding will commence shortly, but first you are in for a special treat. A bit of light entertainment, if you will, before the main event. Please join us in the Fountain Courtyard."

The crowd murmured in delight as they made their way to the Fountain Courtyard. Rosemary followed along, her stomach in knots. She passed the grand staircase, and froze when she heard someone call her name.

"Miss Abbott, a word, if you will." Mr. Gaunt gestured for her to come closer. Her parents tried to follow but Mr. Gaunt discouraged it. "I have a matter to discuss with Rosemary." He said, which seemed to suffice to the Abbotts and they continued along with the other guests.

"My dear," Mr. Gaunt came to stand next to Rosemary, leaning over to offer her his arm as any gentleman would. Instinct screamed at her to run, but she forced a smile and accepted it, curious – and wary. He let the last of the guests pass by before starting a leisurely pace to follow the crowd. "I do apologize for my eldest son's outburst earlier. He was quite overcome by your beauty that he simply forgot himself. Isn't that right, Marvolo?"

Marvolo, who was following behind them, gave a guttural grunt in response.

Mr. Gaunt continued, his voice dripping with practiced charm. "We thought a small diversion might be just the thing to clear the air before the ceremony. I've heard you are quite the accomplished duelist, is that correct?"

Rosemary blinked. "Yes, but do you mean that you want me to-."

"To duel Marvolo." He supplied graciously. "We have all heard so much of your escapades and victories, we, as well as Marvolo, are eager to see what the Hero of Hogwarts can do. I'm sure you wouldn't deny us a good show, now, would you? Especially on such an auspicious day as today."

Even though she had never been to a wedding, she was quite sure they did not include duels with the groom before the wedding.

"Where is Ominis?" She needed to ask him what to do.

"He is waiting in the courtyard with the other guests. Do let us make haste. After the wedding there is to be a grand feast and I am sure everyone is starting to feel peckish."

"I - I need to speak to Ominis first." Rosemary insisted and attempted to let go of Mr. Gaunt's arm, but his hand tightened over hers, preventing her from leaving.

"Look there," He said as they exited onto a terrace overlooking the Fountain Courtyard. "Ominis is standing with his mother to the left of the fountain. You see? All is well." Mr. Gaunt was moving at a speed Ruby Wiel would have rivaled. They reached the courtyard ground and panic set in.

"Mr. Gaunt, I must-." She tried again but was cut off as Mr. Gaunt loudly announced that the entertainment was none other than a duel between the illustrious Rosemary Abbott and his dear son, Marvolo.

Her heart thundered in her chest as the crowd of guests cheered. She was not ready for this. She was in a fitted dress that she was sure would tear with too much movement. Maybe she could transfigure her clothes...

She reached into her sleeve for her wand and Mr. Gaunt stopped her hand again.

"There is only one rule we have for this duel." His voice was low so only she and Marvolo could hear him. "No Killing Curse." He pronounced slowly. "Do you understand me?" Mr. Gaunt stared pointedly at Marvolo, who nodded, and then at Rosemary. "Show us what you're made of, my dear."

He led them into position, Marvolo to the right of the fountain, and Rosemary to the left. Her hand trembled as she drew her wand. She did not know what to make of this duel, even the one rule sounded odd. But she knew her best bet was to hold back at first to see what Marvolo would throw at her, and then she would decide how to handle the duel.

Rosemary thought to transfigure her dress, but as she readied the outfit in her mind, her eyes suddenly found Ominis in the crowd. He was not facing towards her. His head was cocked to the side, listening, rather than sensing her. Why was he...

Then she noticed with frightening clarity that he did not have his wand. Where was his wand? He always had it out to sense things. Even when he was in the stands while she played Quidditch, he had his wand out, blinking red.

What was going on?

"Ready? Begin!" Mr. Gaunt's voice shouted.

An abrupt sense of urgency made her throw up her shield instantly. Something red bounced off her shield as she turned quickly to face Marvolo. She tripped slightly on the skirt of her dress but caught herself. Her mind reeled as she tried to remember if she heard him say what spell he threw at her. Another red spell was flung at her and she shielded just in time, but only just as she realized he was casting non-verbal spells. How was she supposed to gage how to act in the duel if she did not know what he was casting?

With every spell he threw at her, Marvolo got angrier and angrier. Why was she only shielding? This was no fun at all. Is this what passed for a 'Hero' these days?

"Come on, 'Hero!' Do something!" He taunted and started throwing spell after spell in rapid fire at her.

Rosemary finally felt the rhythm in his casting and decided to match it with a cast block cast block method.

"Is that all?" Marvolo laughed. "We might as well end it here before our guests perish from boredom!" He knocked her spell out of the way and then pulled back to send a crackling red spell at her.

She blocked it easily but she heard several guests in the crowd gasp as though they recognized the spell.

Rosemary wracked her brain to think of what spell he could have thrown that was red and crackling. Had she ever seen one like that before?

And then it hit her.

In the Scriptorium, Sebastian had cast Crucio on her.

It was both red and crackling.

The realization transported her back in time to when she fought Victor Rookwood. He was ruthless and brutal in his attack as his aim was undoubtedly to end her. But that was different than now. She did not need to fight for her life in a duel, but she certainly was not going to let the likes of Marvolo Gaunt get away with casting an Unforgivable at her. Wedding day or no, she was going to make him pay.

She gritted her teeth, feeling that familiar tingle course through her veins. She reached up without a second thought and pulled down her Ancient Magic as hard as she could, right on top of Marvolo.

The Ancient Magic slammed him to the ground.

Several onlookers screamed.

Rosemary did not care though. The sight of Marvolo on the ground filled her with a deep-seated pleasure. Was Marvolo the reason for Ominis's severe aversion to Dark Magic? Was Marvolo the reason why Ominis was so good at fighting? Some part of it could certainly be his father. She was willing to bet with how Mr. Gaunt so readily threw her into the ring with Marvolo, that he did the same thing with the two brothers, often.

Marvolo tried to get up, but Rosemary threw everything she had at him, making sure he stayed down. Relentlessly, she pummeled him with spells until she could feel the tingle of her Ancient Magic call to her again and she released it. But this time the Ancient Magic must have been in a playful mood, for instead of the crash of lightning she was expecting, a shockwave burst out of her wand causing Marvolo to levitate, then twist and turn until –

POP!

A plump brown chicken landed on the ground.

"BOK!" Chicken Marvolo squawked and ran in circles, not knowing what to do with himself.

The crowd roared with laughter at the sight of the confused chicken-groom. Rosemary could not help but laugh, too. Served him right.

She slowed him with Arresto Momentum and went to grab him by his scrawny chicken-neck. She lifted him up and whispered, "Don't try me again."

She could not be sure he understood since there was no intelligence in those beady black eyes, so she tapped his chicken-head with her wand. "Finite Incantatem." She dropped him to the ground as the chicken turned back into the monkeyish man.

Marvolo sputtered while on his knees and pulled a chicken feather from his mouth, not noticing Rosemary standing so close. She slipped her wand under the crook of his jaw and he froze.

"Checkmate." She said, looking down her nose at him.

The crowd cheered.

Mr. Gaunt applauded, shouting; "Brava!"

Rosemary could hear shouts of "Good show!" and "Well done!" but she did not move. She did not trust the look in Marvolo's eyes. He sneered up at her, loathing in every heavy breath he took. She had made an utter fool out of him on his wedding day.

"Rosemary, darling!" Her mother's voice called. At last, Rosemary looked up to see her mother and father headed towards her. Her mother was smiling with open arms.

Rosemary relaxed then, finally feeling the duel was properly over and sheathed her wand back up her sleeve. She made her way to meet her parents when something slammed into her from behind. Pain blistered up her spine making her crumple to the ground in agony. She curled in on herself, screaming as her only means of relief.

Distantly she felt someone covering her, holding her, repeating her name. She did not know who, as she could not focus or open her eyes against the pain.

But she did recognize the pain – as Crucio.

Chapter Text

It was all going according to plan.

Vicious Gaunt did his best to steel his expression, pressing his lips into a thin line to keep a smile from spreading. He acted as any dominant figure should in such a situation and petrified his son with Petrificus Totalus, ending the onslaught of the Cruciatus Curse on the unfortunate girl.

The girl's mother was already on the ground with her, holding her and rocking her like a child. Ominis had appeared as well, his hands trembling as he stroked Rosemary's hair, stricken with worry.

Perfect. Exactly the show Vicious had hoped for.

Several guests rushed to his side, foremost among them was the Minister of Magic himself, Faris Spavin, and the Chief Warlock, Luther Patt.

"Vicious! What is the meaning of this?" Faris demanded as he stamped his cane on the ground in agitation. "The Cruciatus Curse? In full view of officials and the Twenty-Eight? Is he mad?"

Of course, Spavin was not a fool. He knew most of the Twenty-Eight dabbled in the Unforgiveable Curses. The difference was they kept their use private.

Still, everyone had to play their part, did they not?

Vicious dramatically put a hand to his forehead. "I don't know what has come over him. This was supposed to be a friendly duel, meant to show off my future daughter-in-law's talents. I never imagined he would..."

He trailed off, casting a meaningful glance down at Rosemary, who was slowly regaining consciousness as her mother administered a Wiggenweld Potion. Ominis was murmuring reassurances to both her and Mrs. Abbott. He was surprisingly gentle to them, a side Vicious had never seen.

"Yes, of course you wouldn't." Phineus Black cut in, stepping beside Vicious with theatrical indignation. "But the real question is, what is to be done? This has certainly soured the flavor of today's events."

"Indubitably!" Spavin harumphed. "I've half a mind to summon a carriage to Azkaban this instant!"

Well, that would not do.

"Minister, please." Vicious said with exaggerated humility. "He is my firstborn son. The Gaunt family is already dwindling. We cannot afford to lose him."

"You have Ominis. He seems fit enough to carry on the line." Luther Patt offered, ever the mediator. But Vicious knew how to handle these men. Both Spavin and Luther were purebloods who would bend to the will of the Twenty-Eight with the slightest pressure.

"Yes, but Ominis is already engaged, as you have seen. It would be unfair to break that bond and force him to marry a cousin who offers little but the family name. Because that is what will happen if Marvolo is sent to Azkaban."

"They're a famous couple at Hogwarts, as well." Phineas added. "A perfect pureblood pedigree for all to see."

"Hmm, I see." Luther nodded. "Still, some form of punishment must be given. And it must carry weight – this was public use of an Unforgiveable."

"Of course, Luther. I understand." Vicious made a show of deep consideration, but in truth, he knew exactly what he wanted. "Allow him to marry Melphina first. Then...a life-term of confinement. Far from polite society. That would be punishment enough, wouldn't you say, Minister?"

Spavin squinted. "Aye, that might suffice. What say you, Patt?"

Luther hesitated. "Depends where the confinement will be. It can't be a comfortable estate like the Gaunt Manor."

"Certainly not." Vicious placated and kept his expression as grave as possible. "My late brother's country house would serve well. It is very remote. No wizarding families or towns for miles. Quite miserable, really. It's in a place called Little Hangleton."

Luther nodded. "Alright then. We will verify the location and ward the area so Marvolo cannot leave. His wife may come and go freely, of course."

"That is more than Marvolo deserves." Vicious replied, placing a hand over his heart and bowing his head. Now, he just needed to get the boy married and sent off. After that, he and Marisol would finally enjoy peace and quiet for the first time in twenty years.

Rosemary was escorted away by Sully the house-elf, to recover in a guest room rather than attend the wedding. Ominis had his wand back and anxiously followed behind Rosemary and her mother, ill-at-ease with the turn of events.

He had heard the entire conversation between his father and the officials. He knew his father enjoyed creative punishments, but this...this must have been something that his father had planned for a long time. It all happened seamlessly and too fast to be a coincidence. It was all a script.

And Vicious had used Rosemary to get what he wanted. She was nothing but a tool to him.

Salazar Slytherin would be proud.

And for what? To send his son far away so he did not have to deal with his nonsense anymore? Probably.

In some sick way, Ominis understood. Marvolo was violent, volatile, and depraved - even as a child. It was part of the reason Ominis was sent to be raised by his aunt Noctua. Then there was the forbidden topic of his sister. He did not remember anything of her since she passed away when he was very young but what he did remember was that her passing was shrouded in mystery and to this day his parents were not entirely sure it had been an accident. In his father's twisted mind this could be his long-awaited revenge for any number of offenses.

Ominis loosened his cravat, it was suddenly getting hard to breathe. He could not shake the thought that now that Marvolo was dealt with; Ominis was next and his father would use Rosemary to punish him, too. Or even worse, to hold over his head now that his father could see how much he cared for Rosemary...

Ominis stayed outside in the hallway, guarding the guest room while he paced.

He needed to think.

Inside the guest room, Rosemary slowly blinked away the mental fog and realized with a jolt that she was sitting at a vanity. Her mother and a house-elf were busily getting her cleaned up with Scourgify.

"Serves me right for picking ivory." Her mother was muttering as she cast the cleaning spell over and over on the stubborn dirt stains. "I thought it would pair well with Ominis's outfit and make you look heavenly." She sighed as she gave up. "Ah well, I'll send you something even lovelier for the Yule Ball."

The house-elf patted Rosemary's hand. "Is Miss feeling better now?" He asked, looking hopeful.

Rosemary smiled at him faintly. "Yes, my nerves are worn out though. I could do with a rest." It felt akin to what magical exhaustion felt like and she wondered if she would fall asleep now, would she wake up in two or three days? "You wouldn't happen to have any Healing Potions around would you...?" She trailed off, certain she had heard the elf's name somewhere before.

"Sully, Miss." He supplied with a bow. "Sully will fetch one for you now." He disappeared in a snap.

"Now, for your hair, darling." Her mother clicked her tongue as she touched the bird's nest on her head. "I can't recreate the hairstyle you had but I can at least brush it out." She began untying the coils of braids that were frayed and falling apart and tamed the hair with a comb.

Rosemary looked at her mother in the mirror. Was she really unphased by what had just occurred outside? Or was she that good at hiding her emotions?

"Mother..." She said, catching her attention through the mirror. Her mother found her looking and stopped.

"Darling." She patted her shoulder encouragingly. "It's going to be alright. These things do happen from time to time. I'm sure you have handled much worse than Crucio if the scar on your eye is any indication."

Rosemary blinked in shock.

"What do you mean, 'these things do happen'? I've had poachers trying to cast Crucio on me...but at a wedding?"

"No, darling, not about that. I mean accidents in society. You must learn to handle them with poise, no matter what happens." She continued combing, as though the incident had merely been a spilled cup of tea. "I think Felicity's Finishing School would do you good after Hogwarts. It can help you better understand your place in society and the etiquette it requires."

Before Rosemary could respond to this outrageous speech, two things happened at once: Sully popped back in with a red vial in hand, and Ominis burst through the door.

"Rosemary, we are leaving." He demanded in his scary voice.

He stalked directly to her and held out his hand. Startled, she took it instinctively.

"But what about dinner-?"

"Now."

He pulled her to her feet and swept her from the room. Sully scrambled to press the potion into her hand as she passed.

"Ominis!" She stumbled in her heeled boots "At least slow down!"

He slowed down a fraction but did not stop until they reached the Floo hearth.

Ominis stowed his wand and transferred her hand to the crook of his arm.

"Don't let go." He commanded and stepped into the hearth, grabbed a handful of Floo Powder and said, "King's Cross Station."

They were instantly swallowed up by the green flames and transported to the hidden hearth at the station.

"You will have to guide me until we get to the train." He said, having lost his scary tone somewhere along the way. Rosemary understood. There were Muggles everywhere and they had to do their best to blend in. They entered the station and Rosemary saw the ticket counters up ahead.

"Is the Ministry's ticket counter at the far left, or right?" She asked.

"Right."

Rosemary pulled Ominis along to the counter at the far right where a man wearing a normal train employee uniform was sitting. The attendant took one look at them and began preparing the tickets.

"Express to Hogsmeade?"

"Yes, how did you-?" She began to ask.

"The clothes." He said flatly. "You both are about twenty years behind the fashion. And you might want to transfigure your hair. No one has pink hair in the Muggle world." He stamped the tickets with gusto and handed them to her. "Better hurry. The train leaves in five minutes."

They rushed to Platform 9¾, arriving just in time for the conductor to call them all aboard.

They found an empty compartment easily and Rosemary collapsed onto the seat, completely spent. To her surprise, Ominis took the seat opposite her.

She expected him to sit beside her, but she supposed he was letting her have space to relax.

Rosemary pulled out the red vial and drank it as the train began chugging down the track, back towards the safety of Hogwarts. A refreshing sigh escaped her lips as the effects of the draught washed over her and she felt normal again.

Both sat in silence for a long time. The events of the day weighing heavy on their minds. Rosemary stared out the window, watching the city scenery change quickly to a sprawling countryside. At some point, the gentle rocking of the train lulled Rosemary into a dreamless sleep.

She did not know how long she had slept, but when she woke, she found herself lying across the seat, Ominis's cape draped over her.

She smiled at the gesture and looked up to find Ominis sitting with his back against the window, his legs stretched out across his seat, a pensive expression on his face.

At the sound of Rosemary stirring, he turned his head in her direction.

"Are you awake?" He asked, his voice neutral.

"Yes," Rosemary sat up and folded the cape in her lap. "How long was I asleep?"

"A few hours at least." He waved a dismissive hand. "If you're feeling better, I think we need to talk."

His neutral tone bothered her; it spoke of something decided and final.

"Alright..."

"This isn't going to work." He said, "This arrangement. Surely, you saw how easy it was for them to tear us apart and use us for their gain."

Ominis explained everything – his father's scheme, the punishment, the exile.

"They stop at nothing, Rosemary. Now you understand why I don't want to get married? Anyone tied to me will be used...or crushed."

"Ominis, I know what happened wasn't...ideal-."

"Ideal? It was a disaster! I don't know why I thought you could handle them. You couldn't even defend yourself against Crucio."

She stiffened at the accusation. "I thought the duel was over. I didn't know he would-."

"You let your guard down. You, of all people."

Her temper flared. "That wasn't a poacher camp, Ominis. It was a wedding. I didn't expect to be attacked with Crucio at a wedding. Why didn't you warn me?"

"Not all witches and wizards stand on decorum. You would know that if you hadn't been so sheltered."

The words struck like a slap.

"You don't mean that."

"But I do."

Her breath caught. "Ominis..." A note of betrayal slipped into her tone.

"I can't be there to protect you everywhere you go, Rosemary. I can't be there to tell you how the wizarding world works beyond the walls of your manor or Hogwarts. You've grown up with a soft house-elf who gave you fairytales to read. Well, this is not a fairytale, it's a nightmare I don't want you to be part of."

Undeterred by his words, she pressed on. "Now that I know - I can handle it. You know I can. I'm the Hero of Hogwarts-."

"Were." He corrected. "You were the Hero of Hogwarts. Not anymore. You are a shadow of what you were. You could have decimated Marvolo, but instead you turned him into a chicken. You didn't show strength, you showed a comedy, a circus act. That's what you are now."

A painful shock echoed in her heart.

"That was low." She whispered.

"Don't tempt me to go lower."

"I thought that's what was expected! It was supposed to be a light-hearted duel, a lark, nothing serious. Marvolo is the one who made it serious. He's the one who-."

"And look where it's gotten you."

She blinked at the suddenness of his statement. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're soft and you're weak because of the people around you. You only do things because someone wants you to do it." Ominis paused to let his statement sink in and then continued a different line of attack, "It's a good thing you don't want to be an Auror after all, you wouldn't last one day."

"That's an outright lie and you know it." She shot back. "Why are you attacking me like this? This isn't you."

"This is me; you saw this on the first day we met. I can be just as horrible as the rest of my family, if not worse because I have to be."

She shook her head, refusing to believe his words. "Ominis, I know you. You are only saying these things to push me away because you want to protect me. But this isn't the way. We are stronger together. Together we could-."

"Stop dreaming, Rosemary!" He shouted over her. "Whatever fantasy you have – it's over. Find someone else already and stop wasting both of our time."

Rosemary stared at him wordlessly. Her nerves were humming and she wanted to fight, to scream, to tell him this was wrong, he was wrong. But Ominis had that cold countenance he saved for when he was livid. He was not going to change his mind.

This was it then.

He was drawing the line, as clearly and deeply as possible.

She closed her eyes as she felt the last strands of hope she was holding onto, break.

Her heart gave a painful squeeze at the sudden loss. A hot tear slipped down her cheek, and she was grateful he could not see how much he had hurt her.

Now there was only one thing left she could do, and that was to gather her dignity and take her leave.

No goodbye felt necessary.

It was simply time for her to go.

She silently stood and opened the door to the train compartment and exited. Without a backward glance, she let the door click shut behind her.

It was done.

Chapter Text

The moment the train rolled into Hogsmeade Station; Rosemary was gone. She did not want to return to Hogwarts in the state she was in, even if it was late in the evening. She felt unkempt; body and soul. She feared as soon as she saw her roommates, everything would come spilling out. Ominis. The wedding. Crucio. All of it. So, instead of heading directly to the castle, she went to her shop in Hogsmeade and took the shortcut in the cellar to her vivarium.

She did not know exactly why her feet had carried her there - until she saw the little cottage sitting cozy and warm amid the peaceful grass field. Then, she knew.

She knocked softly on the door. Penny answered almost immediately.

The elf took one look at Rosemary - her mussed hair, her watery-eyes, her dirt-stained dress – and opened her arms to her without a word. Rosemary crumpled to her knees to accept the hug and began to sob.

Penny patted her back soothingly as Rosemary cried about her troubles. The poor dear had been through so much in just one day. Penny encouraged her to come inside and made her comfortable on the sofa near the hearth. Penny got her a cup of chamomile tea while Rosemary continued to pour out her heartache to the elf. It was not long before the calming tea and the warmth of the fire eased Rosemary's nerves and she drifted into slumber.

Penny quietly removed the cup from her hands and covered her with a blanket. She was not one to judge her young mistress – but she was one to seek counsel. And she knew exactly where to go.

The vivarium had two exits. Penny had once explored the strange watery cave on the other side of the meadow and through it - she had stumbled upon the Room of Requirement, and Deek. After a thorough interrogation and some mutual understanding, the two elves had come to regard each other as neighbors.

Penny made her way to the Room and found Deek in the greenroom, tending to the plants.

"Deek," She said gently. "Penny would have a word."

He turned to see her standing uncertainly to one side of the doorway.

"Penny? Is something the matter?"

"It is Miss Rosemary. Many things have gone amiss for her today. Penny thought someone at Hogwarts should know she is staying with Penny tonight, and not returning to her dorm. In case someone is looking for her..."

Deek's expression turned grave. "Yes. Deek will inform Professor Weasley that she is safe." He was about to snap his fingers but paused. "Did she say what happened?"

Penny hesitated. "Does Deek know Sully of House Gaunt?"

Deek nodded in understanding. "Say no more. Deek will speak to Sully."

House-elves had clever ways to get around talking about things they were not supposed to. Deek, ever the pillar of house-elf society, thanks to his status as a Hogwarts elf, reached out to Sully, then to Bon, and finally to Scrope, Professor Black's elf. It did not take long for the full story of the day to emerge. Once he had the facts, he went directly to Professor Weasley and relayed the news to her – just in time, too. She had been about to search Hufflepuff House for her missing student.

Professor Weasley reeled from the report and shook her head. Why was it always Rosemary Abbott? She should have never listened to Professor Black about lifting the ban on students leaving unaccompanied, though she supposed this time it had happened in full view of her parents...

Still, what more could she possibly do to keep her students safe?

A sad thought occurred to Professor Weasley as she settled into her bed for the night: what would this incident do to relations between the Abbotts and the Gaunts? And more importantly, what had it done to Rosemary and Ominis?

She made a mental note to bring it up at the next staff tea.

The next morning Penny babied Rosemary as if she was the young ward she never had. Sometimes Penny forgot that her mistress was just a girl of seventeen and still had so much growing up to do. Although she had already gone through so much at such a young age, she was just now experiencing her first heartbreak. Penny remembered her previous mistress Cassandra Mason not shedding a single tear when her husband passed and yet here was Rosemary, her eyes swollen from crying. Poor thing.

"It will be alright, Miss Rosemary." Penny murmured, stroking her hair as Rosemary rested her head in her lap. "Penny knows it hurts now, but little by little the wound in your heart will heal."

"I know, Penny." She sniffed. "I just wish it didn't have to be like this. I know he didn't mean the things he said..."

"Such hurtful things." Penny tsked. "Loved ones should never say such things."

Another tear slipped down Rosemary's cheek. The loyalty she had felt toward Ominis was quickly crumbling after their fight. She did not want to let it go. But the more she tried to understand his side, the more betrayed she felt.

"You're right." She said quietly. "But what do I do now? He was my best friend. I'm used to seeing him every day, talking with him, touching him. He's in nearly all my classes. How do I even start to move on? I've gotten so used to seeing him a certain way..."

Penny began making little braids in Rosemary's hair as she thought.

To elves, loyalty was a simple matter: you either belonged to someone or you did not. Even as a free elf, Penny still felt she belonged to Rosemary.

"As Penny sees it," She said carefully. "Mr. Ominis has made you a free elf...in a painful way. You do not owe him your loyalty anymore. Consider your bond broken."

Rosemary sat up slowly. She did not like the thought of breaking her 'bond' with Ominis. But maybe Penny was right. If she was going to have any hope of moving on to someone else, she would have to bury her feelings for him completely.

Her fingers brushed something silky next to her and she looked down to see the sky-blue silk lining of Ominis's cape peeking out from under her skirt.

"Oh," Rosemary said as she pulled it free. "I forgot to give him back his cape."

"Perfect." Penny said, "Make him a free elf, too."

Rosemary clenched her jaw, but she knew it was necessary.

She carefully folded the cape and sent it with an owl back to Ominis.

Moments later, the owl returned with no note – just a small bundle with familiar colors.

Her Hufflepuff tie.

Chapter Text

Rosemary stayed with Penny all day Sunday. Deek had been good enough to deliver a set of her school robes to the Room so she could recover away from prying eyes. She knew she would eventually have to face her roommates and explain her absence, but for now, she was grateful for the peace. The extra time gave her the space to decide what to say and how to wear the mask of normalcy when she returned.

Monday morning came and Rosemary bucked herself up to have a normal breakfast in the Great Hall.

She did not hesitate after she entered the Great Hall, she did not look towards the Slytherin table, she walked straight to the Hufflepuff table and sat next to Poppy and Adelaide.

"Rosemary! Where did you come from?" Poppy asked at the same time Adelaide asked, "Where have you been? We were worried about you!"

Rosemary gave them her best smile and grabbed a plate to start piling food on. "Sorry about that. Did you know the ban on students leaving the grounds was lifted?"

"Yes!" Adelaide said. "We went to Hogsmeade for Halloween and had a Butterbeer."

"But where have you been? We thought you would be back by Halloween night." Poppy searched Rosemary's face.

"Well, after I got back from London, I stopped by my shop to see Penny. It's been ages since I've seen her because of the ban." Rosemary took a normal sip of her tea and continued her very edited but truthful story. "We had so much to catch up on, I ended up staying with her the whole weekend."

Adelaide nodded as she turned her attention back to breakfast, satisfied. But Poppy was still watching her.

"And how was your first wedding? Was it everything you dreamed it would be?"

Rosemary took a large bite of toast to give her time to think. "It was...lavish. Lots of guests." She tried to think of small details she could work with but was saved as Poppy stepped in.

"Kind of boring, huh?" Poppy supplied. "My cousin got married over the summer and we just watched them exchange vows and ate dinner and that was it." She gave her a weak smile. "I didn't want to say it before since you looked so excited, but weddings really aren't such a big deal."

"Yeah, you're right." Rosemary said, congenially and decided it was finally time she could safely turn the attention away from herself. "How was Halloween?" She asked and was happy when both Poppy and Adelaide began talking over each other to explain the events of their fun and very normal Halloween night.

After breakfast came Potions.

Normally Rosemary went with Ominis and Sebastian but Rosemary decided it would be best if she went with Sacharissa. Sacharissa, who normally walked to Potions by herself, was thrilled to have company and the two talked about hair and makeup all the way to class.

To stop herself from looking or letting her thoughts drift towards Ominis, Rosemary decided to keep her focus on others. Sacharissa ended up redoing Rosemary's hair at their table before Potions started and Garreth balked when he arrived on the scene.

"Don't tell me you're going to do my hair next. I know it might be tempting but please, stay away from my luscious locks, ladies." He said, holding a ladle up in mock defense.

They all laughed, a nice normal laugh.

Charms Class was much of the same.

Rosemary normally sat with Ominis and Sebastian, but to circumvent the predicament that would put her in, she struck up a conversation with Natty before class about wandless magic which was supposed to be the topic of the day's lesson. Natty could have talked endlessly about the differences between wand and wandless magic and so it seemed only natural they sit together to discuss the topic further. Rosemary genuinely enjoyed Natty's enthusiasm and the topic was intriguing enough that it sparked her own interest. Keeping her mind well away from the Slytherins sitting across the room.

Her strategy worked like a charm. Focusing on others did help Rosemary handle the day and keep her mind from drifting to places it should not. Studying also seemed to help, so when she found herself without anyone to focus on, she turned to her books.

It was only when it was time to go to bed and the lights were out in her room, that painful thoughts of Ominis finally crept into the dark corners of her mind and she had to cast Quietus to muffle her sobs.

On Tuesday, she followed the same plan. Be normal. Stick close to friends. Don't look his way.

But Defense Against the Dark Arts class forced her hand.

The class was full, meaning every seat was filled and Rosemary could not get away with sliding in next to Poppy or Natty without them noticing that she was not sitting in her normal seat, next to Ominis.

Normal. She had to act normal. Or as normal as she could.

Ominis was already seated at their table and was focusing on scanning a textbook in front of him with his wand.

Rosemary's heart thudded painfully in her chest the closer she got to Ominis. But she had to do it. She slid onto the bench and pulled out her own textbook to focus on instead of the nearness of her estranged fiancé.

Neither acknowledged the other.

To Rosemary's dismay, Professor Hecat – who clearly knew something - abandoned her planned lesson for a lecture on Unforgiveable Curses. Rosemary sat stiff as a board at the mention of Crucio. Ominis was equally as still.

Thankfully, Professor Hecat spared her from pair work of any sort, but she could tell Professor Hecat was watching her a little more carefully than usual and she would have to figure something else out by next class.

The moment that class was finished, Ominis stood and exited without a word. In a way, Rosemary was grateful he did not linger and tempt her to say something to him or have her be the one to leave first. But she did have to endure the curious looks of the other students as she busied herself in gathering her textbook and parchment then decided at the last minute to make it look like she needed to speak to Hecat.

Which, she supposed she did.

"Professor," Rosemary said as she approached Hecat. "Could I speak with you in your office?"

Hecat's sharp eyes caught everything, but she graciously nodded and gestured inside.

Rosemary entered and stood uncertainly next to Hecat's desk while she closed the door behind her.

"What would you like to discuss, Miss Abbott?" Hecat asked as she made her way around to the other side of her desk. "How to cast the Cruciatus Curse, per chance? Or how to stop it?"

Rosemary took a steadying breath. "You know, don't you? About what happened at the Gaunt Wedding?"

Hecat's brows lifted slightly at Rosemary's directness.

"Yes. I dare say the entire staff knows now that Professor Black is back." Hecat tilted her chin, amused. "I heard you put on quite the show before the incident. I expected no less from a Crossed Wands champion." She attempted an encouraging smile at Rosemary but noticed immediately that Rosemary only stared at her gravely. "What happened afterwards was...unfortunate. My lesson today was a reminder of the weight of those curses, and the responsibility that comes with them."

"Thank you." Rosemary said flatly. "But I came to ask about something else."

Hecat nodded for her to continue.

"Would you...shuffle the seating arrangements next class?"

Rosemary watched as understanding flitted over Hecat's features as well as several questions, but she only nodded. "I'll see what I can do."

Unfortunately, it was already too late.

Rumors had been circling since Sunday, but the DADA class confirmed it. There was a rift between Rosemary and Ominis. Speculations abounded – had they been a couple? Was it a breakup? A friendship turned sour?

The answer did not matter. The conclusion was the same: Rosemary and Ominis were no longer seen together. At all.

It was a mercy that the whispers around the castle did not reach Rosemary's ears until the day of Quidditch practice when she was walking up the hill with Adelaide to the pitch.

Adelaide cleared her throat. "So, Rosemary, I haven't seen much of Ominis these days. He usually joins us for practice..."

"He's been busy." Rosemary replied quickly, focusing on the path ahead.

"Is everything alright between you two?"

Obviously not, but she could not say that. "I'm busy too. I've neglected too many things."

"What things? You've done more in two months than the rest of us do in a year."

"But you already know what you want to do after you graduate. I don't. I have studying to do and...things to figure out."

"Things like your relationship with Ominis?"

Rosemary stopped walking. "What are you-?"

"Everyone knows something happened. You've been avoiding each other all week." Adelaide pressed. "You can tell me. Me and Poppy – we wouldn't say a word to anyone. And talking about it is better than keeping it stuffed inside."

Rosemary was tempted to break character. She wanted to be understood and stop hiding her true emotions. But that was a slippery slope and she knew, just like with Penny, if she let herself tell one truth then all the truth would spill out.

Rosemary swallowed her resolve. "Really...people have too much time on their hands. I'm fine, Adelaide. I'm too busy to worry about boys."

Adelaide sighed. "Well, that's a relief I must say." And continued up the path as if nothing happened.

"Wait. Why is that a relief?" Rosemary rushed to catch up with her.

Adelaide practically skipped the rest of the way. "I'm just glad I don't have to worry about you is all."

Rosemary had no idea what that meant, but if it ended the conversation, that was enough.

Quidditch practice was the perfect distraction for Rosemary. Flying made her feel light. Free. Normal. And when Adelaide screamed with laughter behind her as they raced through the sky, Rosemary could not help but smile.

After practice, Isaac called her aside.

"I heard that the other Seekers caught on to your weight training strategy..." He nodded toward Jasper who was already flying around the pitch with a pretty Slytherin girl on his broom.

Rosemary shrugged. "It wasn't my idea to begin with. I got it from Jasper."

"Even so, I have a slightly better strategy. But only slightly. We can try it out a bit later, maybe after dinner when no one is on the pitch?" He tapped a secretive finger to his lips. "I wouldn't want the other Seekers to catch wind of it."

Rosemary smiled and exchanged a look with Adelaide who looked positively giddy. "That would be great! We will meet you back here after dinner."

"No need to bring your friend." He said to Rosemary and then looked past her to Adelaide. "Sorry, but we won't need you for this strategy."

Adelaide looked crestfallen, but nodded. "It's alright. I'll be here whenever Rosemary and the team need me."

Isaac praised her for her loyalty to the team and bade them farewell, his gaze lingering on Rosemary as they parted ways.

Rosemary did not think anything of Isaac's request but Adelaide could not stop thinking about it. She and the rest of Isaac's fanbase knew he was stubbornly single and had many guesses as to why. But Adelaide knew he was waiting for the right one to show up and then everything would fall into place. She had hoped that it would be love at first sight for her – Adelaide would step forward out of the sea of faces and he would see her and that would be it. But when that did not happen, she thought maybe he was the kind of guy who needed to warm up to a girl first. She would not mind a slow burn romance.

All through dinner she secretly speculated what he and Rosemary were going to do on the pitch. Maybe it had nothing to do with Quidditch at all and he wanted to talk to Rosemary in private about Adelaide or plan something. A girl could dream, couldn't she?

Meanwhile, Rosemary was happy to have something else to occupy her time and her mind. She did her best to focus on her friends and not glance toward the Slytherin table. She was getting better at that.

As soon as she finished dinner, she looked for Isaac to walk with to the pitch, but he was strangely absent. She shrugged it off but as she made her way to the side exit, someone joined her. It was Sebastian.

"Rosemary, we need to talk." He whispered as he closed the door behind them.

"Hi to you too, Sebastian."

"Please, let me tell Anne about your engagement to Ominis. I can't take it anymore."

Rosemary's eyebrows creased. "Why, what's happened?"

"She's acting strange. Giggly. I think she's trying to flirt with Ominis. Maybe it was that outfit he wore to the wedding, but please...I need to warn her."

Rosemary closed her eyes against the wave of jealousy that washed over her. She had no right to feel jealous, not when Ominis so soundly rejected her. "The engagement doesn't matter anymore, Sebastian."

Sebastian looked startled. "I know you two had a fight, but come one. Anyone can see you belong together."

Panic prickled her nerves. "If you tell your sister and somehow it gets out that we are engaged, it will ruin my prospects."

"Prospects?" Sebastian narrowed his eyes. "Don't tell me you really want to dissolve what's between you-."

"It's not my choice, Sebastian! It's never been my choice!" She hissed at him, trying not to yell but the hysteria was creeping into her voice. "He's reminded me yet again that he doesn't want to marry. It's all about him and what he wants, and apparently that's not me. So, it's up to me to find someone else to marry or risk my parents disowning me completely. If that happens, I will be truly alone." Her voice cracked with emotion. "I don't want to be alone again, Sebastian. I can't be alone again. It's too painful."

"I get it." Sebastian's expression softened. "Of course, I understand not wanting to be alone. But you should know...they've kissed before."

Rosemary stared at him. "...What?"

"Anne and Ominis. It was years ago, maybe when we were about thirteen or fourteen. From what Anne told me she was just curious and Ominis admitted later that he had a crush. But then Anne got cursed and things sort of came to a natural end. Then you came along. And he's never been the same since."

Unbidden, the image of Ominis and Anne kissing played out in her mind and Rosemary shook her head to dispel it. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"Number one; guys who have had long term crushes have most certainly thought about marriage before. And knowing what I know about Ominis, he absolutely does not want to be alone either. That brings me to Number Two; Ominis is lying through his teeth. Whatever he said, he didn't mean it. He loves you. I know it. I've seen it with my own two eyes. Maybe he's lying because he thinks it's the only way to keep you safe."

"I know he's lying. But I also know he doesn't love me." Rosemary's heart broke at her own words. "He wouldn't have said what he said if he did."

A scary thought occurred to her then and she decided to give voice to it so Sebastian might leave her alone. "Maybe he just wants me out of the way so he can pursue Anne now that she isn't sick anymore."

Sebastian's mouth fell open in shock.

"And might I remind you that I've kept your secret." Rosemary said with grim finality. "So please do me the favor of keeping mine."

Without another word, she jumped on her broom and flew to the Quidditch pitch.

Chapter Text

Rosemary's thoughts were a mess as she flew to the pitch. She did not know what to think any more. But she knew if she thought too hard about it now, she would only end up crying and she absolutely could not cry in front of her team captain.

"It doesn't matter." She told herself. "None of it matters."

She locked the thoughts away, plastered on a convincing smile, and crested the Quidditch pitch.

Isaac was waiting near the center and walked to meet her when she landed.

"So," She said, aiming for a light, teasing tone. "What's this slightly better strategy of yours?"

"Me." He smirked.

"Excuse me?"

"There is no denying weight training improves speed and maneuverability." Isaac said as a matter of fact. "But I've noticed all the Seekers training with a girl as their partner."

Not at first. She wanted to say, but decided it was best not to mention Ominis.

"My point is, I can help you train from now on. Let's see if it gives you an edge."

Rosemary considered Isaac. He was roughly Ominis's height but broader in the chest and arms – athletically built and certainly heavier than Adelaide.

"Alright," She said at last. "Let's try it."

Isaac smiled at her and she quickly averted her eyes although she was not sure why. Instead, she focused on holding her broom steady as she mounted first. Isaac swung on behind her.

"How should I hold on?" He asked.

"Around the waist is fine." She said, trying to sound casual even though her face flushed with color.

Isaac placed his hands lightly on her sides, so lightly that she had to glance down to check they were even there. It was a far cry from Adelaide's rib-crushing grip. Maybe he held her like that because he did not need to hold tightly. Quidditch players did not rely on both hands to fly after all.

She kicked off the ground with him, but the broom sank under the added weight.

"Goodness!" She gasped, pushing the broom harder. "Are your shoes made of lead?"

"Mind your manners." He laughed into her ear.

Rosemary brought the broom back down to the ground and spoke to him over her shoulder. "If you're going to help then help. I can't handle all this dead weight."

"Fair enough." Isaac readily accepted her request and bent over her frame as Sebastian had on her first time back on a broom. His hands settled around her own grip on the broom and his breath tickled her ear at how close he was.

"How is this?" He asked as he guided the broom into the air with more ease than she had.

"Better." She swallowed, ignoring the little butterflies that flitted across her skin where he touched. She took control of the broom but she could still tell he was adding his strength to the broom so he was not too heavy for her.

Little by little as she soared around the pitch, she could feel him letting go. Finally, after twilight faded to black, he let go completely and she was fully in control. She tried her signature loops and spirals and his hands gripped her waist suddenly.

She laughed at the reaction. "Did I scare you?"

"Just surprised." He answered evenly, "I didn't expect you to be ready to do those yet."

Rosemary landed softly and wiped her brow. "That'll take some getting used to but I think you're right. The extra weight helps."

"Good." Isaac dismounted beside her and looked up at the sky. Rosemary followed his gaze. The stars were starting to come out one by one.

"So..." He said, still looking up. "Where is your boyfriend these days? Haven't seen him around lately."

Her heart stuttered. "If you mean Ominis...he's not my boyfriend." Which was true, he was her fiancé.

"Really?" Isaac angled his head down to look at her. "I thought you two were inseparable. Did something happen?"

Rosemary met his gaze and saw something she was not expecting to find there; hope. He was hoping for something. But what, she could not say. She did not want to share her private pain, so she deflected.

"Isaac Cooper," she said, donning a bright fake smile. "Are you listening to gossip?"

"What? No. I just..." He caught himself and let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "Anyway, it's getting late. Since your usual escort is missing, can I walk you back?" He offered his arm.

Rosemary looked at his arm and then back at him. "I don't need an escort, you know."

"Oh, but I think you do." He boldly took her hand and looped it through his arm. "What kind of captain would I be if I let my Seeker walk around unprotection? I hear Jasper Higgs has a chip on his shoulder about you. Worse than the one Edwin had."

"So, you do listen to gossip." Rosemary laughed. "Whatever shall I do with a gossipy captain?"

They talked all the way back to their common room and separated at the bottom of the girls' dorm stairs that the boys were not allowed to ascend. When she got to her room, Adelaide was waiting and readily pounced on her.

She peppered Rosemary with questions and was severely disappointed when Rosemary informed her it was just practice and with the new strategy, she would not be needing Adelaide's help anymore. Adelaide threw herself onto her bed in despair.

As an apology, Rosemary made her a cup of chamomile and lavender tea of her own blend and a cookie from the kitchen. The tea did wonders to improve her roommate's mood and Rosemary decided to get more from the Room to have on hand.

She took the Floo Flame to the Room and as soon as she walked into the greenroom, she felt the weight of the emotions she had left there.

The tea table, where she had taken tea with Ominis many times, sat lonely in the bay window. Golden light streamed in from the artificial outdoors, casting a nostalgic glow over the table. Rosemary's heart gave a painful squeeze at the scene and she went to touch the table as though to comfort it. As though it, too, missed Ominis.

The need to cry suddenly overwhelmed her and she sat heavily in the chair and buried her face in her hands. The tears came fast.

She missed him.

She missed his friendship, his voice, his presence, how safe she felt around him, how easy it was to just be when he was next to her.

Would she ever feel like that again?

With someone else?

She doubted it.

Sebastian's words echoed in her head – Anne and Ominis kissed before. The betrayal burned fresh.

"No. Stop it." Rosemary told herself through her tears. "Don't think about it. Let it go or you will lose your mind." She took a shaky breath and wiped away the last of her tears. "You. Will. Heal." She stood, steadied herself, and collected the tea she had come for.

The following week, Rosemary threw herself into her routine.

If she was not in class, she was in the library. If she was not in the library, she was eating with friends. If she was not in the Great Hall, she was flying laps at the pitch.

She did her best not to notice Ominis in any room. She avoided looking at Anne and Sebastian too. Just until she healed more, she told herself.

At Quidditch practice Isaac was not always available to fly with her, so he set Edwin to the task. Edwin was almost the same height and weight as Isaac which made Rosemary wonder at how he had ever thought the Seeker position would be a good fit for him. Flying with Edwin was particularly uncomfortable for Rosemary as he would get motion sick almost every time she would practice quick maneuvers. Flying with Isaac was a dream in comparison as he anticipated her moves and held his seat well.

"Have you always been skilled with a broom?" She asked Isaac one evening after she finished spiraling through the air. "I barely feel you hanging on."

"I've been flying ever since my magic came in." He said proudly. "I had a broom before I owned a wand. Both my parents were professional Quidditch players, so that is probably where I get it from."

"Really?" Rosemary turned slightly. "I never knew! What teams did your parents play for?"

"My mum played Seeker for the Montrose Magpies and my dad played Chaser for Pride of Portree. They are both retired now, of course, but my dad writes for the Quidditch column in the Daily Prophet."

"Quite the legacy." She commented. "No wonder you're such a good player - and captain."

"You really think so?" He asked, his tone warm.

"Of course I do!" She landed the broom on the pitch with much more grace than before and Isaac noticed.

"You're getting better with the extra weight." He dismounted. "Our next game is on Friday against Ravenclaw. Do you need more practice before then?"

"I think I'm ready." She said as something nagged at her mind. She was forgetting something special about the coming Friday.

After practice, she pulled out her planner from her pocket and flipped to November.

There, in a footnote she had written down ages ago for that Friday, read; "Happy Birthday, Ominis!"

Chapter Text

Rosemary was torn about what to do.

To her, birthdays were important to remember since hers was always overlooked.

December birthdays had an odd way of slipping through the cracks of people's minds and even more so for the birthdays around Christmas.

Rosemary's birthday was December 26th.

Her name had very nearly been "Holly" but her father felt it was too "on the nose" for a baby born the day after Christmas and insisted on another plant name. But even though the name "Rosemary" meant "remembrance" in the language of flowers, she was continually forgotten by her family and only given gifts on Christmas, never her birthday.

So, what was she to do about Ominis's birthday? Should she break her silence towards him and wish him a happy birthday like the kind person she was? Or continue to ignore his existence like he seemed to want?

It took her until Thursday to decide what to do. In the end, she knew it was better to remember a birthday then to be forgotten.

She went to the Room of Requirement to write the simple birthday note and emboss it with wax so he could feel the design and the letters with his fingers and not just scan it with his wand as he did. She cringed at all effort she was putting into this little thing that probably would get thrown away. But she did it anyway. Then she went to her tea collection and made a tea blend that she knew he liked and put it in a small bag. It was not much but she hoped it would give him warm thoughts.

Rosemary wrapped the card and the tea together in a small package with a string and stared at it in her hands for a long time. She hated this feeling of uncertainty but after this she really would let him go.

It was time.

"Miss Rosemary. Deek was hoping to find you here." Deek rounded the corner to the greenroom and scurried over to her. "Deek has a favor to ask."

"Of course, Deek." Rosemary gave Deek her full attention. "What do you need?"

"Do you recall Deek's former master?"

Rosemary thought back to the story he had told her about the terrible poacher who lost his life trying to catch a Pheonix. "Yes, I remember the story."

"Well, Deek's former master had another house-elf named Tobbs who Deek is good friends with. When the master died, Deek was sent to Hogwarts but Tobbs was not so lucky and was sent to a new master. His new master owns a business and needs a steady supply of Leech Juice for the products he sells. He keeps Tobbs in a cave to collect Leech Juice for him. When Tobbs doesn't bring him enough, he punishes him, quite severely."

Rosemary grimaced. She could not stand hearing about the mistreatment of house-elves. They were such gentle beings...

"I'm sorry to hear that, Deek. Is there something I can do?"

"Yes." He nodded. "Deek hasn't heard from Tobbs in a long time and Deek is worried something may have happened to him. Deek was wondering, since the ban on students leaving the grounds has been lifted, would you mind checking on Deek's old friend? The cave is not far from here."

"I would be happy to check on your friend. But I'm afraid it will have to wait until the weekend."

"At your earliest convenience is fine, Miss Rosemary."

"Thank you, Deek. Where is the cave at?"

"It is west of Upper Hogsfield, just inside the Forbidden Forest. I'll mark it on your map. It's called Spinners Cavern."

The name caught Rosemary's attention. "Spinners Cavern...wouldn't happen to have spiders, would it?"

"Unfortunately, yes, it is infested with spiders. Poor Tobbs is petrified of the creatures, which makes it all the worse that he was put there."

Rosemary rubbed the scar over her eye. Maybe if she brought enough Wiggenweld Potions and a load of Anti-venom this time, it would not be so bad. She would have to stock up.

The next morning, bright and early she decided to send her small package to Ominis via owl instead of giving it to him directly. As she watched the owl fly away with the package, she breathed out a soft sigh as she knew it was finished. That was the last contact she would ever have with Ominis Gaunt since she knew better than to hope for a reply.

It was in the afternoon while she was walking up the hill with her teammates that Anne of all people came running up to her.

"Rosemary! Are you ready for the game?" Anne asked as she sidled up and held onto Rosemary's arm to keep pace.

Rosemary was a little unnerved to see Anne but plastered a smile on her face and acted as she normally did with her. "Absolutely. I hope you're fast enough to keep up commentary."

"Oh, don't you worry about me. I even talk in my sleep. I got you covered." Anne patted Rosemary's arm encouragingly. "I've missed you lately. Have you been well?"

Rosemary had expected her to ask something like that and she didn't miss a beat. "I've missed you too, Anne. I'm sorry I have been so busy."

"That's alright, I understand. I heard you've been extra busy with Quidditch. Honestly, I don't blame you." She whispered the last part which made Rosemary look at her in question. Anne nodded in the direction of Isaac Cooper who was leading the team up the hill. Rosemary shook her head and had to laugh. Sometimes she forgot Isaac was the school heartthrob.

"Oh, and I wanted to say 'thank you' for the tea. Did you really blend it yourself?"

Rosemary blinked in confusion. She had not given her any tea. "What tea?"

"The tea you sent Ominis. He shared it with me and Sebastian. It tasted like black tea with...something else I couldn't quite put my finger on."

"Lavender." Rosemary supplied, not knowing how to feel about him sharing her gift with others. But what right did she have to care? She supposed it was better than him simply throwing it away. "Well, I'm glad everyone enjoyed it at least."

"At least? It was great! Can you make more?" She asked hopefully.

"Sure." Rosemary's expression relaxed. "I'll make some just for you."

Isaac's strategy worked even better than anticipated. The Ravenclaw's Seeker did not stand a chance against Rosemary's speed. The best part of it was the game was over before anyone got too cold.

Rosemary was not used to attending Victory Night anymore and honestly did not feel merry enough to dance jigs. But she forced herself to at least make an appearance at the beginning, have a pumpkin juice and then feign fatigue and disappear up to her room. She thought back to Garreth's description of a Hufflepuff Victory Night being a tea party and an early night – and oh how much she wished he was right.

On Saturday, Rosemary was excited for her new adventure.

It had been a while since she had been out in the Highlands, flying, exploring, causing mayhem. Before she left Hogwarts, she made sure to stop by the Hospital Wing and ask Madam Mulberry for a few vials of Anti-Venom.

"Just to have on hand." She said but Madam Mulberry was wary of that look in Rosemary's eye.

"Don't get into too much trouble." Madam Mulberry warned as she handed the vials to Rosemary. "Do be careful."

"Don't worry." Rosemary smiled at her, but Madam Mulberry was not convinced and did in-fact worry.

Rosemary took the Floo Flame to Upper Hogsfield and followed Deek's directions by broom the rest of the way. The cavern was not hard to find as it was marked by an overabundance of signs warning about spiders. She hesitated at the entrance and called into the darkness, "Tobbs?"

No one answered.

Rosemary swallowed and rubbed her scarred brow. She did not need to be afraid. She had faced much worse than spiders. So, with a deep breath she bucked herself up and stepped inside.

Not far into the cave she found a small encampment, the perfect size for an elf to comfortably work in. A lantern was burning bright on a low table and Rosemary noticed a note next to it. It was a letter to Tobbs from his master, threatening severe punishment if he did not meet the next week's quota. Rosemary almost dropped the letter when she saw the name at the bottom; Seamus Rookwood.

What were the odds he was related to Victor Rookwood? He must live in the area if he was getting his supplies from this cave.

Rosemary made note of the product name as well; Seamus's Shrinking Solution and decided she would look into this master later.

"Tobbs?" She continued to call for the elf as she made her way slowly through the cavern. It was a bit of a maze and the nests of spiders she kept running into were not helping her progress any faster. Tobbs had left notes for his master along the way encouraging him to wait for Tobbs at the entrance as it was too dangerous for humans to go deeper. The notes did not deter Rosemary in the slightest though and only served as good markers to let her know she was going the right way.

Once she was a fair way in, she misjudged an incline ahead of her and went skidding down the steep, rocky slope, landing right in the middle of a nest of spiders with one of the largest Acromantulas she had ever seen.

Rosemary threw everything she had at the lot of them and focused her Ancient Magic hits entirely on the Acromantula. Thankfully, she did not have to fight for long as the Ancient Magic devastated the Acromantula and it blew apart in flaming glory - taking out the remaining spiders, as well.

Victoriously, Rosemary plied herself with a Wiggenweld Potion after the battle, but paused when she heard something.

"Hello?"

It was a small voice but she heard it clear as a bell.

"Hello?" She answered. "Tobbs? Is that you?"

"Yes! I'm here!"

Rosemary threw the potion down her throat and followed the voice. It was coming from a narrow opening at the back of the cave. She shimmied her way through it and when she came out the other side, she saw the elf, sitting placidly against some camp clutter, a fire barely warming his bones. Light streamed through a large hole from above where water dripped steadily into a drop-off behind Tobbs's camp.

The elf looked up at her weakly and smiled gently. "Oh, Miss? What are you doing down here? It's dangerous." He wheezed and clutched his chest with one hand as he coughed thickly.

"Tobbs? Are you alright? Here..." Rosemary quickly knelt in front of the elf and held up a Wiggenweld Potion to his mouth. "Take this."

The house-elf began to protest but Rosemary wrestled the vial into his mouth, making him drink it.

"No, Miss! Tobbs cannot! The master has forbidden Tobbs-." Tobbs tried to spit out the potion but it had already gone down his throat. "Now Tobbs must punish himself." He wailed, tears spilling down his sunken cheeks.

"Later." Rosemary said firmly, knowing a thing or two about house-elf loopholes. "First you must tell me, did a spider attack you?"

"Yes, but-." He began but that was all Rosemary needed to know before surprising him with a vial of Anti-venom down his throat as well. He spluttered and coughed.

She patted him on the back. "I'm sorry for forcing these potions on you, Tobbs, but we must get you well again. I'm a friend of Deek's and he sent me here because he was worried about your wellbeing."

He gave one final cough and looked up into Rosemary's eyes, seeing gentleness and concern there. "That is very kind of Deek to send you. But it would have been better if you would have let Tobbs succumb to the venom. Now Tobbs must..." He covered his face with his large hands and began to cry harder, the sobs wracking his thin body.

"Tobbs, none of this is your fault. You didn't take the potions; I forced them on you. You don't need to punish yourself in that case." She took his hands and held them gently in her own. Tobbs looked in surprise at the strange gesture and did not know what to do with himself. "How about I help you gather Leech Juice? It's not hard to come by around the Black Lake. I could-."

"What is the meaning of this?" A male voice thundered from behind Rosemary, causing her to almost jump out of her skin. She turned quickly to see a man who could have been Victor Rookwood's twin. A younger and much skinnier version of him but still he held a strong resemblance. "Tobbs! Why did I have to come all the way down here only to find you relaxing by a fire?" He continued. "And who's this?" He pointed his wand directly at Rosemary. She put her hands up but kept her wand in one hand.

"Sir," Rosemary said carefully and stood. "My name is Rosemary Abbott; I found your elf here half dead. I was simply trying to-."

"Trying to steal my servant, were you? And what else where you doing in my cave? This is mine, didn't you know? I own this cave. 'Trespassers Beware.' It says so outside. So, get out!" He pulled back and threw a spell at Rosemary, which she blocked instantly.

"Look, sir. I meant no harm." Rosemary stepped back, keeping Tobbs behind her.

"I SAID GET OUT!" He yelled, his face going red with rage. He pulled back once more and started firing spell after spell at Rosemary. She blocked every spell he threw at her but did not fire back.

He was not a poacher, he was not a Loyalist, this was not a duel, she was in his cave, she did not have a right to be there or hurt him, she would have to run for it. Rosemary made a break for the cave opening behind him at the same moment that he sent a green spell her way that missed her entirely.

A green spell.

The only green spell she knew was...Avada Kedavra.

Her lungs forgot how to breathe at the realization.

"Not all witches and wizards stand on decorum." Ominis had said.

He was right.

She whirled around to face Seamus Rookwood. "Petrificus Totalus!" She shouted at the same time he cast a second Avada Kedavra at her.

Their spells collided in a burst of light. Rosemary held her wand firmly, feeling the effects of the weight training, she had worked so hard on. She was stronger now and she sent that strength as far down the spell's warring line as hard as she could. Seamus buckled under the weight of the spell, panicking at the unexpected power of the young girl. He tried to push back against the spell but he was no duelist and lost control of the spell, releasing his hold on it. Rosemary's Petrificus Totalus hit him hard in the chest, sending him flying backward.

Over the ledge.

Chapter Text

Rosemary and Tobbs rushed to the edge of the drop-off, staring down in stunned silence at the body of Seamus Rookwood, splayed across the craggy rocks at the bottom.

"Do you think he's...?" Rosemary tried to ask Tobbs and he nodded.

"Tobbs felt the bond break." He said flatly. "He's gone."

Rosemary's eyes went wide. He was dead. She had killed him.

It was not the first time. She had done it many times in fact, but they were all known dark wizards, poachers, Loyalists, beings with marks on their heads. This person, Seamus Rookwood, was no wanted man. And she was not supposed to be there.

Rosemary and Tobbs looked at each other. Silently conveying the gravity of the situation between them.

"What should we do now?" Rosemary asked.

"Tobbs must report the death of the master to the local officials." Tobbs stated. "Tobbs's former master died in a similar way. The officials came to the scene and did an investigation. Then after they determined it was an accident, Deek and Tobbs were sent to the Ministry to be reassigned."

"Then I will go with you to report it to Officer Singer."

"But Miss, what will you do? You were the one who-."

"I will be honest." Rosemary insisted, she knew it was self-defense. Surely, whoever would investigate would see that, too. "He attacked me. And tried to use Avada Kedavra on me, twice. You saw that, right?"

"Yes, Tobbs did."

"Good, then you can serve as my witness." She said, "Just be truthful and we will have nothing to fear."

"Except for being reassigned to another cruel master." Tobbs lamented. "Tobbs is always unlucky."

Rosemary frowned but patted his shoulder encouragingly. "I'll see what I can do."

The two traveled together all the way back to Hogsmeade and found Officer Singer at her usual post in the square.

"Oh no. Now what?" Officer Singer grumbled as she saw Rosemary approaching with a twig of an elf at her side.

Rosemary spoke first, starting from the very beginning of the story when Deek had asked her to check on his friend and ending with the death of Tobbs's master.

Ruth Singer listened carefully to her story, and tried not to pass her own judgment as Rosemary spoke, although it was already clear to her that Seamus Rookwood had overreacted, and if it was true that he had used Avada Kedavra on Rosemary Abbott, then that was a serious crime in itself. She listened to Tobbs as well and was relieved to hear the same version of events. Unbonded house-elves were typically reliable witnesses in trials as they had no limits set on them any longer from their previous masters.

"Alright, if that is everything, then I will start the investigation process with my colleague from Cragcroft. But before that, I will take you both to Hogwarts as we need to speak to Professor Weasley about the matter, and get permission to bring Deek as a witness to the Ministry as well."

"So, there is to be a trial?" Rosemary's pulse pounded in her ears. The situation was getting more serious by the second.

"Very likely so." Officer Singer said.

Mathilda Weasley was not surprised in the least when Rosemary walked into her office with Officer Singer and a house-elf in tow.

"Miss Abbott, this is Saturday. Is getting into trouble your favorite hobby?" She sighed and looked at Ruth Singer. "What did she do now?"

Rosemary watched Professor Weasley's face grow more and more somber as Officer Singer explained the situation. "If all is as straight forward as it seems, the investigation should be finished by the end of the day, and an immediate trial will be called by the Ministry since Seamus Rookwood was the sole-heir of Rookwood Castle, and this trial will determine what to do with his assets."

After Officer Singer left, Professor Weasley decided to keep Rosemary apart from the rest of the students for the night, in one of the empty staff apartments, so as not to cause any unnecessary gossip around the school. Rosemary was dually prohibited from contacting anyone and simply told to rest while she waited to be called for.

Once Sunday dawned, Rosemary went to meet the Ministry transport at the front gate.

When she arrived at the front gate, she saw several people already waiting for her by the Thestral-pulled carriage. Professor Weasley, Deek, Tobbs...and Ominis.

Confused, Rosemary asked, "Ominis, what are you doing here?"

"He has been summoned as well." Professor Weasley answered for him. "Since you are an underage witch and are betrothed; your parents, fiancé and your fiancé's parents are considered your guardians and must be brought to the trial, too."

Alarmed at the sudden turn of events, Rosemary was speechless. How had she gone from taking care of business by herself for the whole of last year, not even seeing her parents once the entire time she had been involved with subduing Ranrok and Rookwood, to having a thousand people being involved?

They boarded the carriage in quick succession and they were off to London.

Rosemary had a lot to think about on the way. She had not known even her fiancé and his family were counted as her guardians, too. She thought back to all the times Ominis had accompanied her on some adventure - when she fought against the poltergeist in her shop and Cassandra Mason, when they went to Aranshire and exterminated the spiders. Had he gone with her all those times because he wanted to help her or because it was his duty as her guardian?

She had to wonder.

About halfway through the journey Professor Weasley talked about etiquette in the trial and what was to be expected.

"Remember to stay calm. Only speak when they ask you a question. And it's very important to say only the truth. Otherwise, the falsehood alarm will go off and we don't want that."

"I have no reason to lie." Rosemary commented.

"They might try to upset you or get you to lie about something to get a certain reaction out of you. But do your best to stay calm and tell the truth and everything should be fine."

The carriage landed on a city street where it bounced along until it came to a stop in front of a narrow building squashed between a flower shop and a bakery. The narrow building was only as wide as the first-floor door and only two stories tall. A large letter M was painted prettily on the door's fogged glass standing of course for the Ministry of Magic.

Their group followed behind Professor Weasley who seemed to know exactly what to do. She opened the door to what looked like a large closet and instructed everyone to come in and shut the door. Once everyone stepped inside Deek closed the door and turned the lock in a strange way. The scene behind the fogged glass on the door shifted and turned dark.

Deek opened the door again, this time to a long atrium with a vaulted peacock-blue ceiling with golden lights shining upward, giving off the illusion of the glow of a city at night. A circular desk, the same dark wood as the flooring, sat in front of them with two receptionists waiting to direct visitors.

"Madam Weasley," One receptionist, wearing an emerald green dress with an M embroidered on her lapel, stood in greeting, her voice echoed slightly in the large space. "So nice to see you, again. And you brought your charges I see." She looked expectantly at the students.

"Yes, Miss Rosemary Abbot and Mr. Ominis Gaunt." Professor Weasley introduced them. "We are here for the-."

"The hearing, of course!" The receptionist eagerly took a parchment from her desk and offered it to Professor Weasley. "Everyone has been talking about it. Go down to level ten and you will be in Courtroom Five. Good luck, Miss Abbott. I cannot wait to hear about your next exploits in the Daily Prophet." She tapped her wand on a golden bell on her desk and a little golden bird jumped out of it and flew down the atrium, leaving a shining line in its wake to be followed.

"Just like my Charmed Compass." Rosemary commented to Professor Weasley as they followed the line.

"Where do you think we got the idea from?" Professor Weasley grinned at her.

When they arrived at Courtroom Five, all the parents were standing outside the doors, waiting for them.

It seemed they all had color coordinated with each other and wore somber greys, making them look like a collective storm cloud. A stark contrast to the elegant Hufflepuff-yellow formal school uniform Rosemary was in. Even Ominis's Slytherin-green formal school uniform seemed to fit the parents' tone and made Rosemary feel like the only optimistic one of the bunch.

The parents greeted Professor Weasley first as was proper protocol, meanwhile Rosemary prepared herself for the show ahead of her.

With how they all parted ways at the wedding, she was determined to show them she was someone who commanded respect, not a fluffy pink puffskein to play with.

Ominis was greeted next, as he was older. He greeted everyone with formal grace but nothing else. When it was Rosemary's turn, all the parents seemed softer towards her as if handling something fragile. She was unprepared for this greeting and ended up following Ominis's example.

When it was Mrs. Abbott's turn to greet Rosemary, she drew her into a hug and whispered close to her ear, "I thought we agreed no more trouble?"

Rosemary was tempted to lower herself for her mother but she remembered the last thing her mother had said to her at the Gaunt Manor and she whispered back, "These things do happen."

Mrs. Abbott pulled back from the hug and looked questioningly into Rosemary's eyes. This was a different Rosemary...

The doors opened to the courtroom and the families were called to enter.

The Gaunts went first as they were the highest ranking of the Twenty-Eight. Then the Abbotts followed them and took their seats at the front of the circular courtroom pews. Then Professor Weasley went next and stood beside an ornate wooden chair at the center of the courtroom. Then it was Rosemary and Ominis's turn. They were expected to enter together as they were a betrothed couple.

Ominis did not hesitate and held his arm out to her. It was a familiar gesture, and one that Rosemary dearly missed, but she knew there was no feeling behind it. She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm and held him as lightly as she could.

"I'm sorry you got dragged into this." She whispered to him as they began to walk down the aisle.

Ominis's expression was stone still. "It's what is expected of the fiancé." He whispered back.

Her heart broke at his words. "Right." She acknowledged softly. It was all the confirmation she needed. He was not there because he wanted to be. He was not allowing her to hold his arm because he wanted to support her. He was simply fulfilling a duty. A duty that he told her weeks ago to give to someone else.

Rosemary squeezed her eyes shut, pushing her feelings down and focusing on what it was she needed to do right now. When she opened her eyes, she straightened her posture and held her head up high, letting her powerful mask slide into place. She would not let it slip again. She was Rosemary Abbott, Hero of Hogwarts, slayer of dark wizards, survivor of worse than this. She could do this.

Ominis took her to the ornate wooden chair at the center of the courtroom and left her there to sit with his parents.

Rosemary looked up at the rows and rows of wizards and witches in their plum-colored robes and funny looking hats. She felt small looking up at them like that but she knew this is probably what they wanted someone on trial to feel.

The sound of a gavel knocking against a podium could be heard and an older male voice said, "This trial of Rosemary Abbott under suspicion of conspiracy of murder has now come to order! Everyone be seated!"

Conspiracy? Rosemary's ears caught on the word. What did that have to do with anything?

Faris Spavin, Minister of Magic, knocked the gavel once more and seated himself at the high podium in front of Rosemary.

"Miss Rosemary Abbott." He said in his gravelly voice. "You have come forward of your own volition and admitted to causing the death of one Seamus Rookwood, is that correct?"

"Yes, sir." She said.

"Please tell the court about the events surrounding said death."

Rosemary took a deep breath to steady herself and remembered to hold her head high. There was no wrong doing, she was innocent.

Rosemary began her story with Deek and made sure the court understood she was simply checking on his friend and that all her actions were reasonable, including saving the elf, and defending herself from the Killing Curse.

Once she was finished with her story, a wizard with round spectacles in plum-robes raised a hand.

"And when was it that you discovered the name of the elf's master?" He asked.

Rosemary thought back, "There were letters all along the cave's path. Some were from Tobbs to his master, that is how I found the elf. I followed the letters. And one of the letters was from the master to Tobbs. That is when I learned his name. It was at the bottom of the letter."

"You claim you didn't know his name before entering the cave, is that correct?"

"That is correct, sir."

"How convenient." The wizard commented. "And why exactly did you enter a cave that was labeled "Trespassers Beware" and "No Trespassing?"

Rosemary froze at the question. "I...I didn't see those signs when I went in. I saw many signs outside the cave but they all looked to be warning against spiders."

The court was silent as they all seemed to be waiting for something. But nothing happened and so the wizard with the spectacles continued.

"You told the court that upon finding the elf, Tobbs, that you administered both a Wiggenweld Potion and an Anti-venom against the will of said elf, is that correct?"

"Yes, that is correct."

"And what was the reason for his refusal to take said remedies?"

"He said his master had forbidden him from taking remedies."

"That must have upset you? A master punishing his elf in such a way..."

Rosemary hesitated at the strange question. Any normal person would be upset by such abuse. Wouldn't they?

"The punishment seemed extreme."

"But it was the master's wish for his elf. Why did you ignore his wishes?"

"I am not a house elf. He is not my master." Rosemary snapped but remembered herself too late and tried to backtrack. "Tobbs was dying."

"What if that was the will of his master? To let his servant die?"

"Mr. Harper, what is the point of your questions?" Professor Weasley interjected. "Any reasonable person would give a dying being some sort of relief if they could help them."

"Miss Rosemary," Mr. Harper continued, ignoring Professor Weasley entirely. "Are you not aware that aiding or persuading another person's house-elf in any way can be considered theft?"

Rosemary's mouth went dry. Was there such a rule? She looked up at Professor Weasley who only nodded at her to continue.

"No," She said haltingly. "I was not aware of that."

"Minister Spavin!" Mr. Harper stood to be heard. "The court calls the elf, Tobbs, to be questioned."

"You may step down, Miss Abbott." Minister Spavin instructed and then called Tobbs to be seated on the ornate chair.

Tobbs came forward from his seat in the spectator pews and Rosemary took his place next to Deek instead of sitting with her parents or even Ominis.

"Tobbs," Mr. Harper said. "Please explain your side of the story starting when you first saw Rosemary Abbott."

Tobbs did his best to recount every detail he could remember, which was a lot more in depth than Rosemary's own memory. He spoke of details she was not even aware of, but only a house-elf would notice. He particularly highlighted the fact that she had not treated him like a servant at all, but as a friend would.

"Tobbs, you claim she treated you as a friend. Did that make you feel beholden to her in any way?"

"Not at all. Tobbs is a good elf and Tobbs obeys the master's every word."

"But Miss Rosemary encouraged you not to discipline yourself. That would be disobeying your master."

"She did not say that. When Tobbs told her about the punishment for disobedience, at first, she told Tobbs; "Later." And then she reminded Tobbs of the circumstances, Tobbs had not disobeyed, therefore there would be no punishment."

Mr. Harper pursed his lips in annoyance. "Tell us what happened when Mr. Rookwood arrived."

Tobbs explained the scene of his master's arrival, his accusations, Rosemary's attempt at being understood.

"So, Mr. Rookwood accused Miss Abbott of trying to steal his servant and trespassing in his cave, is that correct?"

"Yes, sir."

Mr. Harper turned to Minister Spavin. "Minister, the court has heard from Mr. Rookwood's own elf that he believed that Miss Abbott was trying to steal from him. Not only his servant, but possibly anything inside the cave, which was his own private property. This is a reasonable case for him to use self-defense."

"It is not!" Tobbs crawled up on the ornate wooden chair and stood as tall as he could to be heard. "Master told Miss Rosemary to leave and he cast the first spell! And when she tried to run away, he attacked her with the Killing Curse!"

Minister Spavin leaned forward, gripping the edges of his podium. "Are you telling the court that Miss Rosemary Abbott, who is a well-known and skilled duelist – ran away from a fight?"

"Yes, sir! She didn't try to fight back!" Tobbs cried. "She only blocked his spells and ran!"

"But how in the world did the man end up dead if she was only blocking?" Minister Spavin spluttered.

"Miss Rosemary's Petrificus Totalus and Master's Killing Curse met." Tobbs put his index fingers together for illustration. "Master let go of his spell first and Miss Rosemary's spell was too powerful and caused Master to fly backwards when it hit him. There was a drop-off not far behind him..."

There was an eruption of chatter amongst the court and Minister Spavin had to hit his gavel on the podium to get silence.

"I shall call Officer Singer to the stand!" He bellowed and Officer Singer opened the courtroom door right on cue.

Tobbs went to sit next to Rosemary while Officer Singer took a seat on the ornate wooden chair.

"Officer Ruth Singer, you have investigated the scene of the events. What have you discovered there?"

"Minister, I went directly to the scene after Rosemary Abbott and the elf, Tobbs reported the event to me. I found Mr. Seamus Rookwood exactly where and how they described he would be, untouched and petrified with the spell Petrificus Totalus at the bottom of a drop-off. He most certainly died upon impact after falling from such a height. And it is in my professional opinion that if the drop-off had not been there and he would have simply fallen to the ground, as one would after being hit with such a spell, he would not have died."

Minister Spavin nodded gravely. "And you believe Miss Rosemary Abbott is powerful enough to send a grown man flying over a drop-off with said simple spell?"

"I have seen Rosemary Abbott take down a troll, Minister. She is not weak. And one more thing..." Officer Singer reached inside of her uniform and produced a sleek, dark brown wand. "This is Mr. Rookwood's wand he had in his hand when I found his body. I discovered upon using the Prior Incantato spell on it, that the last spell he cast on it was in fact the Killing Curse."

She cast the spell on the wand.

The wand shook for a moment and then produced a beam of light with images floating within the beam. It showed Rookwood casting the Killing Curse as Rosemary cast the Petrificus Totalus, their spells connecting, then Rookwood shaking and buckling under the weight of the collision and then being thrown back, and back, and...the image faded and the wand went still.

With that the Minister called a recess to the trial as the court deliberated on the verdict in the private wing behind the courtroom.

As they waited, Professor Weasley and Officer Singer came to sit with Rosemary and the elves.

"Don't worry." Officer Singer whispered to Rosemary. "The evidence speaks for itself."

Rosemary nodded in thanks but did not say a word. It felt like the longest wait of her life but it only took about half an hour for the court to decide and reenter the courtroom.

"All rise for the verdict!" Minister Spavin pounded his gavel on the podium and stayed standing as well.

"In the case of Rosemary Abbott under suspicion of conspiracy of murder, we find the defendant, not guilty!"

Rosemary closed her eyes and breathed out a shaky sigh of relief.

"The court has determined the death of one Seamus Rookwood to be accidental. Caused by the reasonable self-defense of one Rosemary Abbott against the threat of Rookwood's use of the Killing Curse."

Professor Weasley put an encouraging arm around Rosemary who stood beside her.

"Furthermore!" Minister Spavin blustered. "As the Unforgivable Curse was confirmed to be used by Seamus Rookwood, who is the last of the line of the Feldcroft Rookwoods and has no designated successor; all properties, businesses, and assets owned by Seamus Rookwood will now be transferred to Rosemary Abbott in compensation." Without further ado, the Minister took a large stamp from his desk, inked, and stamped it with authority on the parchment in front of him, declaring the end of the court proceedings.

Chapter Text

Rosemary was in shock.

Even as the courtroom swirled around her - people coming to congratulate her and introduce themselves to her and talking about the case - she merely went through the motions. She smiled and said the right things, but behind her eyes, she was somewhere far away.

Was this real? Or some strange fever dream? How had a murder case resulted in an inheritance?

She watched from the background of her own mind as witches and wizards came to greet her, speaking animatedly about articles they had read, gushing about finally meeting the real Rosemary Abbott and on and on it went.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spied Minister Spavin hobble down from the podium to meet Vicious Gaunt and Atticus Abbott. They shook hands amiably, speaking in hushed tones. The Minister held a long parchment tied with a red ribbon and pointed to it while conversing with them.

Inwardly, Rosemary narrowed her eyes at the exchange. She knew the three were friendly - the Minister had visited the Abbott estate on occasion, though she had never been introduced. But something about this moment struck her as...too familiar. Too casual.

Come to think of it, the entire proceedings had felt off. The public attention. The warmth of the court. The swift conclusion. Was this how justice worked for everyone?

Suddenly Ominis's voice from their fight on the train echoed in her head: "I can't be there to tell you how the wizarding world works..."

Maybe she was rather sheltered...but she still felt strange about it all. She would talk to Professor Weasley on the way back about her thoughts.

Moments later, the Minister himself presented the rolled parchment to her. He untied it with a flourish and revealed its contents: the official hearing decree and inheritance transfer notice with the court's red seal stamped at the bottom.

"The Ministry will be in touch within the week to ensure the transfer is completed properly." Spavin said, retying the ribbon around the parchment and handing it to her. "Do try to stay out of trouble until then, child."

Rosemary gave a mirthless laugh. If only she could...

It took some effort to extract themselves from the courtroom but Professor Weasley was insistent – they had to return to Hogwarts before nightfall. It was a school night, after all.

Before they departed, they said their goodbyes to their parents. The Abbotts expected Rosemary to give them the court decree "for safe-keeping," but Rosemary refused, saying it was hers so she would take responsibility for it.

Professor Weasley supported her without hesitation, and that was the end of it.

Once they were safely back in their carriage, there was a contemplative silence that settled over the group.

Rosemary watched out the window as the London scenery faded quickly into the fog below them and then there was nothing but clouds to see.

"You must be relieved things turned out in your favor, Miss Abbott." Professor Weasley said at long last.

Rosemary turned away from the window and readily met her eyes.

"Professor...did anything about the trial seem strange to you?"

Professor Weasley pursed her lips in thought. "In what way?"

"Well for one, does the court normally award victims of Unforgivables compensations?" Rosemary held the decree up.

"Not usually. But your case was unique. Unprecedented, really. That's likely why it was expedited."

"It had nothing to do with me being Rosemary Abbott, right?"

Professor Weasley considered her for a moment before asking, "Do you feel you received special treatment?"

"Yes." She said without hesitation. "If my roommate Poppy were in my place, I doubt the entire court would have come to chat with her. Or that the Minister himself would hand her the decree. Isn't any of that odd to you?"

"That is true. She's not constantly in any sensational news." Professor Weasley's eyes twinkled in jest. "And she is not one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. That alone gives you access most witches can only dream of."

"And that's...fair?"

"No," Weasley admitted. "But it's how our society works. And since you are Rosemary Abbott, I suggest preparing for the Daily Prophet to have a field day with this. I dare say not everyone will be happy with the outcome of today's trial."

Rosemary frowned. "What makes you say that?"

"Mr. Harper." Professor Weasley clarified. "Do you remember his line of questions?"

Rosemary thought back. "He seemed to be accusing me of trying to steal Tobbs."

"Yes, that is part of it. Do you remember when he asked you about when you learned about the master's name?"

"And I told him I didn't know it until after I entered the cave."

"Right." Professor Weasley sighed. "It seems that he believes you are taking revenge on the House of Rookwood. You killed Victor Rookwood and sent his associate to Azkaban. Then killed Victor Rookwood's little brother, the sole-heir to the Feldcroft Rookwood fortune, in self-defense and took the entire estate for yourself. Do you see how it looks now?"

"Harper thinks you baited Seamus into attacking you so you could claim self-defense and take his fortune." Ominis explained.

Rosemary startled at Ominis's sudden participation. She thought he wanted nothing to do with any of this.

"And, you think others will come to that same conclusion?" Rosemary asked, ignoring Ominis and directing her question to Professor Weasley.

"And possibly come after you. I would not put it past the other branches of the Rookwood family. They may not be part of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, but they are a well-known line of purebloods, and take pride in their lineage."

"I see." Rosemary hummed to herself. Things were getting complicated. "So what do I do?"

"Stay close to Hogwarts for now." Professor Weasley suggested. "And don't go anywhere alone."

"I'll see what I can do." Rosemary could not help using her infamous line with Professor Weasley who grinned back at her in response.

They landed at Hogwarts just as the sun began to dip below the mountains.

Professor Weasley and Deek departed first, leaving Rosemary, Ominis and Tobbs standing by the front gate.

Rosemary turned to leave without a word.

"Rosemary," Ominis called to her and she stopped to look back at him.

"Yes?" She asked, keeping her tone neutral.

"You were right to be suspicious about the special treatment." He said, walking closer. "I overheard our fathers and Minister Spavin talking. I think they arranged the transfer beforehand. Spavin said it only took a little convincing, and the court fell in line."

Rosemary turned to him; brows furrowed. "Why would they do that?"

"Your gain is their gain. Your reputation is their reputation. Your castle...is now their castle. Everything you are, they'll claim as theirs."

Rosemary nodded in understanding. "That must be why my parents tried to insist on keeping the decree."

"To take ownership." Ominis said. "You're still seventeen and unmarried. Legally, everything of yours is theirs."

"What about when I turn eighteen?"

"As long as the property is in your name, you should retain full control. You did the right thing keeping the decree. I think Professor Weasley knew it, too."

"I'm grateful for her." She hesitated, then added, "And to you. I know you didn't want to be there, but...thank you." She said with finality and tried to leave.

"Rosemary..." Ominis held his hand out to stop her but she kept going. "Rosemary, wait."

She paused but did not turn around. She did not want to look at him anymore. Ignoring him had been her only saving grace on their trip. But now she had to act like nothing was wrong, like it did not hurt to talk to him.

Ominis came to stand next to her. He wished he could rectify her misunderstanding.

He did want to be there. He wanted to be everywhere she was. But it was better this way. It was better she thought he did not care. It would be easier for her to move on if she had nothing to hold on to. But it felt so wrong not to give her some kind word. They had been best friends after all. They shared so much of their souls with one another. Even now it was hard not to notice the pain she was trying to hide from him.

In the end, he could only think of one safe thing to say to her; "Thank you for the tea."

Rosemary blinked, caught off guard.

The mention of the tea reminded her that he had shared his gift with Anne. Was he rubbing her nose in the fact that he might be moving on?

No. She chided herself. Don't be petty. Don't be jealous. You gave it freely. You don't get to resent what he did with it.

"I'm glad you and the Sallows enjoyed it." She said evenly. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I need to get Tobbs settled before dinner." And without a backwards glance, she carried on down the path toward the castle with Tobbs hiding in her shadow.

Chapter Text

She did not get Tobbs settled before dinner.

In fact, Rosemary missed dinner altogether as one thing led to another and she found herself making a new cottage in the greenhouse vivarium for Tobbs and then introducing him to Penny as her new neighbor, and explaining what had happened over the weekend.

By the time she was done, it was already late in the evening and she had to eat alone in the kitchens. Poppy and Adelaide were already dressed for bed when she finally made it to their room, and had to explain herself all over again since they had not seen her since she left for Upper Hogsfield early Saturday morning.

It was good that she caught them before they went to bed because in the morning Hogwarts was in chaos.

Rosemary had made front page news. Again.

The Daily Prophet article was mostly factual, cut-and-dry information that the writer clearly sourced from the court documents, except for a few quotes from Mr. Harper that echoed what both Professor Weasley and Ominis had warned her about.

Rumors started spreading around the school about Rosemary hunting down the Rookwoods and how unfair it was that she should inherit all that wealth and a castle to boot because someone shot a Killing Curse at her.

Thankfully, her supporters outweighed the skeptics and the rumors were quickly squashed since both Rookwood brothers had cast Killing Curses at her, and both lost their lives instead. She was 'the victor' as they cleverly put it, and everyone got what the deserved in the end.

Halfway through the week, a letter arrived.

The Ministry would be sending an official to Rookwood Castle on Thursday to complete the transfer of ownership and assets.

Rosemary took the letter to Professor Weasley, and to ask her to accompany her since she had told Rosemary not to venture out on her own, but sadly Professor Weasley had to decline due to class time restraints.

"Why not ask your friend Sebastian Sallow to go with you? He's from Feldcroft, is he not?" She suggested.

Although her last conversation with Sebastian had ended on a bad note, Rosemary did not have many options and found him easily in the Great Hall at lunch time. She supposed she could also ask Anne, but if she was honest with herself, she did not know what to do if the topic of Ominis came up.

Sebastian was a safer choice.

Instead of going up to the Slytherin table, Rosemary did her best to catch Sebastian's attention without alerting Anne or Ominis. Sebastian noticed her staring at him from across the room and she gestured for him to come with her. He extracted himself from the table and followed her to the alcove in the back of the Great Hall where no one usually went.

"Well, if it isn't the Queen of Feldcroft." He bowed with a flourish of his hands. "And what can thine humble servant do for thee?"

Rosemary could not help but giggle. "I'm glad to see you haven't lost your sense of humor. Does that mean you've forgiven me?"

"Not exactly, but I'm feeling generous at the moment." He crossed his arms, putting his smug smile back in place. "What did you want to talk about?"

"I need someone to come with me to Feldcroft. The Ministry is sending someone to meet me at Rookwood Castle and Professor Weasley doesn't want me to go out alone." Rosemary smiled sheepishly at him. "Would you want to come with me?"

Sebastian thought for a moment and then a wicked grin spread across his face. "Normally, I would love to. But I'm in a fight with Ominis right now and I could use some leverage. So, I'm going to do you one better..." Sebastian put his arm around Rosemary's neck to bring her in close as he turned her around to look at the Hufflepuff table. "You know who else is from Feldcroft who would love to accompany you?"

Rosemary blinked in confusion. She had no idea what he was on about and had not known there was another student at Hogwarts from Feldcroft. "Who?"

"Isaac Cooper." He pointed at the Hufflepuff table and Rosemary had to squint, but sure enough, Isaac Cooper was there, sending glances their way.

He saw Sebastian point at him and he leaned backward to point at himself with a questioning look on his face.

Sebastian nodded at him and gestured for him to come over.

Isaac was there in a flash.

"Rosemary, Sallow." He said in greeting. "Did you need something?"

"Cooper! Lady Rosemary here requires an escort to Feldcroft on official business. I, alas, am indisposed. But you, good sir, seem to be just the knight she needs for such an auspicious occasion." His eyes twinkled with mirth and mischief. "Might you be up to the task?"

Isaac smiled warmly at Rosemary. "I'd be happy to. When do you want to go?"

His smile was infectious and Rosemary found herself mirroring it. "After lunch, if it's alright with you?"

"Fine by me. I'll meet you at the South Entrance?"

Rosemary agreed and everyone went back to their respective places in the Great Hall.

When Sebastian returned to his seat at the Slytherin table he found Ominis looking more annoyed than usual.

"Was that really necessary?" Ominis snapped at Sebastian.

"You tell me." Sebastian grinned into his cup of pumpkin juice. "You're the one leaving her out to dry. I'm just being a good friend. Helping her out. Is there something wrong with that?"

Ominis's lip curled into a sneer. "Isaac Cooper?"

"What? Should I have picked Jasper Higgs to go with her instead?"

"Sebastian." Ominis warned. "I told you to leave it be. None of this concerns you."

"What do you mean 'it doesn't concern me?' I'm her friend just as much as I'm yours. I care about both of you, and you're being a right moonmind."

"Can we not do this here?" Ominis said as he stood to leave.

Sebastian searched about the table. No one was within earshot of them. "And where should we do this exactly?"

"No where. I'm tired of arguing with you about this. Just drop it." Ominis said over his shoulder and stormed off to the nearest Floo Flame.

How had Rosemary gotten Sebastian to stay quiet for so long? What started as a simple question the other night about how Rosemary knew he had shared the tea with the Sallows, somehow turned into an argument about his secret engagement.

It was a relief not to have to walk on egg shells around Sebastian anymore, he could be candid in a way he could not before. Unfortunately, Sebastian was making up for lost time, berating him now that the floodgates were open. Well, at least Ominis could get a reprieve from Sebastian for a while where he was going...

He took the Floo Flame to Slytherin's common room to make sure he was not followed, and then took it directly to Rookwood Castle.

After lunch, Rosemary went to meet Isaac at the South Entrance. He was already there waiting for her when she arrived.

"Why did you want to meet here? We can take the Floo Flame directly to Feldcroft, can't we?" Rosemary asked as she walked up to him.

He watched her approach. "Yes, but why travel by Flame when we can race brooms? It is not that far if we are going fast." He took out his broom from the extended pocket in his robe and mounted it. "Aren't you curious who will win?"

She gave a derisive laugh as she already knew she would be the winner, Chasers had nothing on the speed of Seekers. "Have some tricks up your sleeve, do you? Sure, let's race." She took out her broom as well and came to stand next Isaac.

"Ready? Set...go!" Isaac shouted and they kicked off the ground at the same time. They sped high over the trees and against the chilly, late-autumn wind. They wove across each other's path like a dance and Rosemary was pleasantly surprised that Isaac could keep up with her. Rookwood Castle loomed in front of them in no time and Rosemary landed first, followed immediately by Isaac who had to skid to a stop so as not to crash into her.

"I see you've been...keeping your Seeker talents...a secret." Rosemary was breathless from their race.

Isaac let out a breathy laugh and wiped his brow. "Not much chance...to give the old...broom some speed."

They stowed their brooms in their pockets and began their walk around to the front gate of the Castle where Rosemary assumed the person from the Ministry would be.

"This place brings back a lot of memories." Rosemary said as she examined the crumbling outer walls. "Ah, if I remember right, the front gate is barricaded. If we want to go in, we will have to go over the wall."

"You've been inside?" Isaac asked, not seeming very surprised.

"Once." She remembered raiding the castle of its occupants in order to get to Charles Rookwood's trial in the basement. "Have you ever been inside?"

"Never." He said instantly. "It's always been an enigma just sitting here on the hill. Everyone was too scared to even approach it because of Victor Rookwood. He's held it for decades but only used it for the last year or so before he died."

Rosemary was astonished he knew even that much about it. "Have you lived in Feldcroft long?"

"Born and raised." He said proudly. "I'll take you to see my house later if you like? My mum should be home."

Rosemary warmed at the cozy idea. "That would be lovely."

As they rounded the corner, they could hear spells being cast and people shouting.

Rosemary whipped out her wand and was about to tell Isaac to look out when he suddenly charged in front of her, wand already positioned to strike.

"Stand down, I say!" A wizard, who looked to be no older than twenty, in smart blue robes and an M embroidered on his lapel, shouted at two others who continued to strike at him. It was all he could do to simply block them.

"Petrificus Totalus!" Rosemary cast at one of the attackers, catching them unaware. Isaac cast at the other. The attackers both froze into statues in mid-cast.

"Incarcerous!" Shouted the wizard and thin ropes tangled around both attackers, who tumbled awkwardly to the ground.

"I'll have to learn that spell one of these days." Rosemary joked to the Ministry wizard as he came to test the ropes.

"Ah, pink hair." The wizard noted as he took in her appearance. "You must be Rosemary Abbott? I'm Evren Fletcher, from the Ministry. Thanks ever so much for the help. I'm not used to active combat...as you might have noticed."

"Ravenclaw?" Isaac asked as he came to stand next to Rosemary.

"Why yes! How did you know?" Mr. Fletcher brightened.

"Wild guess." He said, "Your robes gave it away." Rosemary gave him a surreptitious look; Isaac was being kind since the man was obviously cut from the same material as Amit Thakkar.

"Hmm yes, very astute of you." Mr. Fletcher adjusted his robes and preciously dusted them off. "I'll take care of these two later. In the meantime, I have come to impart the deed and all assets of Rookwood Castle to you, Miss Abbott." He dipped a hand into his robe and took out a large scroll that he held in two hands and bowed as he presented it to Rosemary.

Rosemary was taken aback by the gesture. Such theatrics...

She took the scroll, feeling strangely regal. "Thank you, Mr. Fletcher."

"Shall we then?" Mr. Fletcher stood and gestured towards the front gate.

"You want to go inside?" She asked.

"Of course! The document mentions a house-elf as one of the many assets of the estate. And I need to assess the current condition of the rest of the property as part of the transfer process. Although we might need to find another way inside." He continued to mumble to himself as he looked about the front entrance.

"The house-elf Tobbs is back at Hogwarts right now; shall I send for him?" Rosemary asked.

"No, no, not that one. This house-elf is bound to Rookwood Castle itself. She has been serving the owners here for about a century. She goes by an animal name of some sort. 'Cat' I think...or was it 'Dog?'"

"Cat?" Rosemary repeated the name and at that very moment, as if summoned, a small elf with the perkiest, pointiest ears Rosemary had ever seen, popped into view.

"You called?" She asked in a tiny, sweet voice.

"Well, that explains the name..." Mr. Fletcher mumbled as he took in the elf's appearance. "Cat, we would like entrance to the Castle."

"Miss? You are Cat's new master, yes?" She looked hopefully at Rosemary, ignoring Mr. Fletcher completely. "Cat feels the bond with you."

"Yes," Rosemary crouched down as she would with Bon sometimes when they were sharing secrets. "You can call me Miss Rosemary. It is a pleasure to meet you, Cat." She held out a hand to greet the elf.

Cat looked pleasantly confused. She could already tell this was a different sort of master, using kind words and even offering a hand to her. She had seen handshakes between humans before but somehow it seemed too intimate for the elf. She knew she had to do something though so she took the human's hand in both her own and simply held it.

"Cat looks forward to serving you for a long time, Miss Rosemary."

"Thank you, Cat." Rosemary smiled at her and stood. "Do you think you can clear the entry way so we can use the front entrance?"

"Of course, Miss Rosemary!" She went to snap her fingers but paused as she remembered something. "But, Cat must warn you. There are a few of the previous master's friends inside."

"You mean, Seamus Rookwood's friends?" Rosemary asked, hopefully.

"No, they are Master Victor's friends. Master Seamus only came here once and was driven away by Master Victor's friends."

"Oh dear." Mr. Fletcher lamented. "I knew I should have summoned Officer Singer. I'll do that now..."

While they waited for Ruth Singer, Mr. Fletcher conferred with Rosemary about the extent of the estate she was inheriting. Cat, meanwhile, cleared away the rubble at the entrance and readied the gate to be opened. It did not take long for Officer Singer to apparate to Rookwood Castle, and once she arrived, she greeted Rosemary as always; "What is it now, Miss Abbott?" She sighed.

After hearing a brief explanation at what was going on and having a look at the apprehended attackers still on the ground, Officer Singer took out her wand and said, "I wish you would let me deputize you already so I don't have to deal with these occurrences all the time. It's getting to be a bit much at this point." She gestured at the front gate. "Shall we apprehend the fellows inside together or do you want me to do all your dirty work from now on?"

When they entered through the gates, Rosemary had the strange feeling of walking back in time to when she was there with Professor Fig. The goblin tents still stood exactly where she remembered them, although a little worse for wear now. The castle was still crumbling in the exact spots she remembered. But this time the front door to the castle itself looked like it was in working order.

"They have taken up residence in the lower part of the castle, where the giant hole the digger made is." Cat explained.

"What an odd place to stay. Why would they take up residence there of all places?" Rosemary remembered the area well. It was nothing but rubble with a destroyed repository sitting in a crater.

"They've been digging for something, Miss. Cat heard them talking many times about finding leftover magic."

"What on earth does that mean?" Mr. Fletcher asked.

Rosemary knew.

They were hoping to find more Ancient Magic. If the repository was still glowing red, that might be what was giving them hope of power.

"And, how many are there?" Rosemary asked.

"Five humans and one goblin." Cat looked especially anxious when she mentioned the goblin.

"A goblin?" Officer Singer asked in confusion, "I thought we cleared out all the Loyalists in the area..." She huffed, "Looks like we will be in for a battle then. Mr. Fletcher, you might want to sit this one out. Rosemary, who is this?" Officer Singer pointed at Isaac.

"This is Isaac Cooper. He's a seventh-year. I needed someone to come with me since Professor Weasley thought it best not to venture out alone anymore. He's also a skilled duelist from Crossed Wands." Isaac smiled at the introduction and nodded to Officer Singer in greeting.

"Good choice for an escort then." Officer Singer gave Rosemary a knowing grin, then became serious, "We will focus on apprehending. We might have to wear them down, but try focusing on Petrificus Totalus, Arresto Momentum, and Incarcerous. I'll cart everyone to Azkaban once we're done."

Officer Singer taught the two students the Incarcerous spell and then they were ready.

Rosemary asked Cat to show Mr. Fletcher around so he could work on assessing the castle while the rest of them took care of the intruders.

She and Isaac followed behind Officer Singer who entered the newly cleared front door in a cavalier manner. The grand foyer was as Rosemary remembered, partially ruined and on the verge of crumbling everywhere she looked.

"Not much of an inheritance." Officer Singer mumbled to Rosemary. "You'd probably be better off leveling the place and selling the land."

Rosemary wondered what Charles Rookwood's portrait would have to say about that. She made a mental note to talk to him later.

As they quietly headed down into the lower level a sudden sound of a clanging bell could be heard from down below them.

"Oh no," Officer Singer complained. "We must have tripped a security charm. Wands at the ready, kids, they'll be waiting for us."

They plunged ahead into the open space at the bottom of the incline and sure enough several people began firing at them from behind pillars as soon as they came into view. Officer Singer and Isaac looked for cover while Rosemary, who was used to aggressive offense, stood bravely out front.

"Rosemary, take cover!" Officer Singer yelled to her from behind a fallen pillar.

"I'll take their focus! You keep firing!" She yelled back, continuing to block and strike as fast as she could.

"Well, well! What do we have here?" A gravelly voice shouted from behind the drained repository. Rosemary took a quick glance to see a goblin with a scruffy beard swagger into view. "Rosemary Abbott, as I live and breathe. I was hoping to get a chance to repay you for what you did to Ranrok!" He let out a maniacal laugh as the gauntlets and pauldrons he was wearing began glowing a terrifying red.

Rosemary's eyes flared at the sight. How had he gathered Ancient Magic? Was the repository here not empty?

"Rosemary! That's Belgruff the Bludgeoner, Ranrok's right hand! Be careful!" Officer Singer shouted over the sound of spells crashing against shields.

That was fine by Rosemary. Belgruff was probably on a wanted poster somewhere – which meant she did not need to hold back with him.

She reached up right away and pulled down an Ancient Magic lightning strike so hard she thought the castle would cave in around them.

Everyone stopped their onslaught at the jarring force and looked.

But to Rosemary's amazement, Belgruff seemed only slightly disoriented. He shook off his shock and pointed his glowing red finger at her and shot a red beam of power at her. She blocked it and the beam scattered like sparks from a fire.

It was a long time since she had fought Ranrok but the memory of the fight deep below Hogwarts came back to her in stunning clarity. Rosemary could at least be thankful that Belgruff did not seem to have enough power to turn into a chaotic energy dragon but she knew if she did not work quickly, something worse could happen with that magic in the hands of an angry goblin.

"Get her!" Belgruff yelled to the Ashwinders who began throwing everything they had at her.

"Rosemary!" Officer Singer and Isaac called, worried about her. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Isaac run towards her. She blocked the strikes one after another and yelled back, "Don't worry about me! Just focus on the Ashwinders! I'll take Belgruff!"

The Ashwinders, though not very strong, were aggressive and continually pelted Rosemary with spell after spell when they were not blocking. Rosemary thankfully had enough energy stored to hit Belgruff two more times with an Ancient Magic lightning strike, both hitting as hard as the first.

Officer Singer and Isaac moved to insert themselves between Rosemary and the Ashwinders to try to create a natural shield, but the Ashwinders kept moving to get better angles to strike. It was all Officer Singer and Isaac could do to focus their efforts on one person at a time.

But as they worked, they started noticing extra spells being cast from elsewhere. Officer Singer wondered if Mr. Fletcher had come to help and was casting from a hiding place. Isaac, on the other hand, thought it might be another intruder lurking in the dark, biding his time by helping them take down the competition before turning on them when they were finished. Rosemary was altogether too busy trying to manage her health, blocking, and striking to notice anything else.

One by one the Ashwinders were petrified and subdued until there were two Ashwinders left, while Belgruff was still hanging on...but only just.

Rosemary guessed he was only one Ancient Magic strike away from being completely decimated. But she could feel the pull in her soul that meant she was dangerously close to needing her last Wiggenweld potion.

"Just one last strike, and then you will have a chance to take the potion." She told herself.

Finally with her last cast, she felt the tingle of Ancient Magic and pulled it down as hard as she could on top of Belgruff. The lightning struck him in a flash of brilliant, chaotic red and blue energy which left nothing behind but flecks of embers.

With Belgruff gone, Rosemary reached for her Wiggenweld potion and downed the green liquid. It was in that moment that a stray Expelliarmas from one of the Ashwinders caught Rosemary unaware, sending her wand skittering away from her.

"No!" She threw herself after it, but not before the other Ashwinder summoned the wand and in the blink of an eye...snapped it in two.

Chapter Text

In the frozen moment after her wand snapped, Rosemary could only watch as the two pieces tumbled to the ground.

She did not feel the next few seconds. She only vaguely registered Officer Singer and Isaac closing ranks in front of her as they continued their duel against the two Ashwinders.

Then something strange happened that she could not explain – a blue Protego shield flared around her. She blinked in surprise. Isaac and Officer Singer were both too busy to be casting a shield on her.

She looked at her hands, confused. Had she cast it on herself? Surely not...she was not good at wandless magic. Rosemary turned to see if Mr. Fletcher or Cat was nearby. Maybe they had-.

Something moved out of the corner of her eye and she snapped her head in its direction. But she saw nothing but crumbling stone pillars and shadows. Must have been a trick of the light...

"Finally!" Officer Singer breathed a sigh of relief as the last Ashwinder was petrified. "I haven't had a fight like that since the poacher raids earlier this year." She went to check on the ropes on each petrified Ashwinder while Isaac carefully picked up the pieces of Rosemary's wand and brought them back to her.

"Are you alright?" He asked as he held them out to her.

"Oh..." Rosemary felt her heart break at the sight of her dear wand, broken beyond repair. She took the two pieces, one in each hand, but where she used to feel a connection with the wood and the dragon heartstring within...now she felt nothing. It was as good as a fallen twig to her.

"I'm so sorry." Isaac said, seeing the look in her eyes. "I'll take you to Ollivander's right away." He moved to her side and put a steadying hand on her back to guide her towards the exit but Officer Singer stopped them.

"Mr. Ollivander isn't in Hogsmeade this week." She said, "He's in London, trading supplies with his son's shop in Diagon Alley. He said he would be back on Friday or Saturday. If you want, I'll send him a message about your predicament. Maybe he can come back sooner..."

"I'll be your knight for as long as you need." Isaac offered, wrapping his arm protectively around Rosemary's shoulders.

Rosemary managed a smile, but it did not reach her eyes. "The school has some second-hand wands I'm sure I can use until then." She remembered the first wand Professor Fig let her borrow was from Hogwarts. She would have to ask Professor Weasley about it.

"Good idea." Officer Singer nodded. "I'll let you know when Mr. Ollivander is back." Officer Singer thanked the students for their help, and in no time at all, an Azkaban transport came to take the last dregs of the Ashwinders away.

Mr. Fletcher finished his business quickly as well, eager to leave the dangerous area and the experience far behind him.

The sun was starting to descend over the sea but Rosemary still had one last thing to take care.

"Cat." Rosemary summoned the elf. Cat popped into view instantly. "Are there any other people who come up to the castle?"

"Sometimes." Cat said. "After Master Ernest died, no one visited except to do research, that is until Master Victor and his friends and the goblins began digging for things."

Rosemary nodded, thinking of Miriam Fig who lost her life researching Ancient Magic in this very location. But something else was tickling the back of her mind...

"Cat, did you cast Protego on me after I lost my wand?"

"You lost your wand, Miss?" Cat looked truly shocked.

"I guess it wasn't you then..." Rosemary surmised from her reaction.

"Someone cast Protego on you?" Isaac looked puzzled. "Someone was helping us fight too, but I didn't see anyone." The small group paused to look about their surroundings. Was someone still lurking about the castle?

"I think you should come with me now, Cat." Rosemary said, a chill running up her spine. "I can't imagine what life has been like for you here with no master taking proper care of you."

"It is alright, Miss. Master Ernest bade Cat to stay and look after the castle, particularly Master Charles's old study. Cat has kept it safe for many years." She said proudly.

Rosemary smiled down at her. Indeed, that was the only part of the castle that was left untouched by the Ashwinders and the Loyalists. And thank goodness for that, otherwise she was sure she would not have finished the Keepers' trials those many moons ago.

Rosemary and Isaac waited while Cat gathered her things and then set off to Feldcroft. Isaac was determined to have Rosemary stop by his house to meet his mum, saying they would have much in common since they were both Seekers.

"But be warned, my whole family are proud Gryffindors, so the house is decorated in their colors."

"Black sheep of the family, were you?" Rosemary teased.

"I just didn't want to be in the same dorm as my brothers."

"So, you chose the warm and cozy Hufflepuff House?"

"It's proximity to the kitchens may have had something to do with it."

The Cooper residence was tucked behind Mr. Ndiaye's shop in the center of the village. A quaint little house, much like the Sallows' cottage, with a large field next to it for farming. Rosemary recognized the field instantly as the one she had helped fight goblins in. Thankfully, the field had been empty at the time or she would have felt bad destroying their vegetable garden.

Isaac rapped a quick knock on the door before entering the house.

"Isaac!" Came a shriek from the kitchen. "What are you doing home?"

"Well, 'Hello' to you too, Mum." Isaac laughed as he went straight to hug his mother, who was standing next to a steaming black cauldron in the hearth. "Something smells good. What's cooking?"

"Did you smell it all the way from Hogwarts? Why are you-?" His mother froze as she spotted the girl standing in the doorway. "Oh! You brought a friend?"

Isaac's mother was a small woman, about the same physique as Ruby Wiel, with short, dark brown hair, the same color as Isaac's.

"Mum, this is Rosemary Abbott. She's a sixth-year in Hufflepuff. Rosemary, this is my mum, Marygold Cooper."

Rosemary stepped over the threshold and gave Mrs. Cooper a bow, the same bow she was used to giving the members of the Twenty-Eight, and reached out her hands in greeting. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Cooper." She said with a smile.

Mrs. Cooper was stunned, having never been greeted in such a fashion, and belatedly reached out to clasp Rosemary's hands in hers. "Well, this is a surprise. Isaac never brings girls home. You could have told me." She turned sharply on Isaac.

"There wasn't much time for that, Mum. Rosemary needed someone to go with her to Feldcroft. She's the new owner of Rookwood Castle."

Mrs. Cooper was speechless as she put a hand to her heart.

Between him, Rosemary, and several bowls of beefy stew, they enlightened Mrs. Cooper of the extent of Rosemary's colorful and lengthy history up to the present day.

To Rosemary's surprise, Isaac already knew more about her than she had expected. Had he been reading about her or was he really a gossip?

"You poor dear." Mrs. Cooper said at last, shaking her head. "To think those horrid Ashwinders would do such a thing as to snap someone's wand. I didn't think they could sink any lower. Isaac, you must take good care of dear Rosemary until she gets a new wand."

"Don't worry, Mum. I will." He smiled at Rosemary and winked. WINKED. Rosemary could not believe what she was seeing and looked away quickly at anything else, a sudden blush creeping up her neck.

"Is that a picture of your family?" She asked, trying to deflect.

"Why, yes, it is!" Mrs. Cooper bubbled with pride. "The lady is me of course, and the gentleman in the chair is my husband, William. Then the young man in the middle is my eldest son, Aaron, he is a Keeper for Pride of Portree. Isaac is in the other chair - this was a few years ago when he had a different hairstyle. And the one in the hat and cape is my middle son, Elliot. He is a travel writer for the Daily Prophet. Always off somewhere exotic."

"It's a charming family you have." Rosemary thought about their names and wondered if they had a theme to them like in her own family. Isaac Cooper. William Cooper. Aaron Cooper. Elliot Cooper. "How interesting...did you mean to choose all double-letter names?"

"Caught that did you?" Mrs. Cooper beamed. "Yes, it's a tradition passed down from William's grandmother. She was obsessed with double-letter names. Named her children that way, her pets, her garden gnomes..."

Rosemary laughed at the mention of garden gnomes. "Why did she like double-letter names so much?"

"Oh, it's because she's from the -."

"The Cooper family." Isaac interrupted suddenly. "There are already double-letters in 'Cooper' and her name was 'Anna,' so you get the idea." He stood abruptly and gathered the empty bowls and spoons and put them in the sink saying, "Mum, I just realized what time it is. We need to get back for curfew. Thanks for dinner." He kissed the top of her head and ushered Rosemary out the door.

"You're welcome to bring back Rosemary anytime!" Mrs. Cooper called after them as she stood waving from the warm glow of the front door.

They took the Floo Flame back to their common room. Rosemary waited until Isaac disappeared into his dorm before using the Floo Flame again to head to the Room of Requirement. There, she introduced Cat to the greenhouse vivarium's house-elf community. Without a wand, Rosemary could not make a new cottage for Cat, so she asked Penny if she could stay with her for the time being.

Penny was delighted and accepted immediately. Tobbs welcomed her warmly too and the three elves set about redistributing tasks as was the custom of house-elves to show camaraderie.

"Miss Rosemary," Penny said, turning to her. "There is another wand Penny found in one of your trunks. Penny thought it was put in by mistake and set it aside. Shall Penny fetch it for you?"

Rosemary remembered the wand Penny was referring to. It was a special wand she had had Mr. Ollivander make to channel Ancient Magic. "Ah that one. Yes, you can fetch it, but it doesn't work like a regular wand. It was made without a proper core."

Penny left and returned promptly with the wand in its case.

Rosemary opened it and took out the beautiful wand inside. She felt the tingle of Ancient Magic respond to the wand but she did not feel the usual connection she had with her other wand. It felt...hollow.

She gave it a try anyway with a basic cast at the ground but not even a spark emanated from the wand.

She shook her head. "It's as I thought. It won't work the same. I'll have to wait to borrow a wand from Professor Weasley in the morning." Rosemary replaced the wand in its case and shut it firmly.

"Why wait?" Penny asked, vanishing the case with a snap of her fingers. "You can use wandless magic, can't you?"

"Yes, but I'm not very good at it."

Penny smiled. "Then let's practice together."

Chapter Text

All three elves took it upon themselves to teach Rosemary the basics of wandless magic. Elf magic was shockingly simple – just a focused thought and a snap of the fingers. For Rosemary, however, it produced chaotic versions of whatever she intended.

She reverted to using her forefinger as a 'wand,' like Professor Ronen and Natty had taught her, and found it easier to aim that way, but the magic seemed significantly weaker than what a wand or a snap of her fingers would produce.

Rosemary huffed in frustration. Well, at least she felt less like a novice at wandless magic and could confidently Accio her wand with a snap if anyone expelled it again.

It was late by the time she left the greenhouse vivarium, but before going back to her common room she remembered she promised Anne she would make her more tea.

As she made her way to the greenroom, she heard an echo of footsteps somewhere behind her. Rosemary turned quickly at the sound and it stopped.

"Hello?" She called, but there was no response.

She tried to cast Revelio with her finger but the effect was weak. After a few seconds of silence she crept to the greenroom, glancing over her shoulder and straining her ears.

With her wand broken, the absence of its comfort made her feel afraid and on edge. She darted to her potted plants and grabbed a small Chinese Chomping Cabbage - it was better than nothing. Should she call the elves? Tobbs and Cat would come instantly, since they were bonded to her, but elves were not built for combat...

The sound of footsteps returned, quieter now. Someone was sneaking towards her.

Rosemary hid herself behind the potions table by the entrance and waited there until the footsteps came closer and then she jumped out, ready to hurl the cabbage at whoever it was, only to see... a familiar shape in the dull silvery outline of a Disillusionment Charm.

"Ominis?" She guessed.

The magic melted away. And there he stood.

Her breath caught at the sight of him, surprised at his appearance in more ways than one. He looked slightly disheveled as though he had been on a long journey. She probably looked the same if she was honest with herself. But Rosemary was certain this was the first time she had ever seen his perfectly slicked back hair mussed and falling over one side of his brow. It gave him a more mature look.

"What on earth are you doing here?" She asked, still gripping the cabbage like a weapon.

He raised his hands, his wand in one. "I come in peace." He joked.

Rosemary put the cabbage away. "Don't tell me you're here for tea at this hour."

"Well, I won't say 'no' to a cup of tea." He chuckled awkwardly and scratched the back of his head, embarrassed at being caught. "But truthfully...I've been following you." He said haltingly.

"Following me?" She blinked. "Why?"

"I heard you were heading to Feldcroft. I...I wanted to make sure there wasn't another Seamus Rookwood incident."

Rosemary was stunned by his honesty. She had not expected him to admit to something like that. But as she thought about it, those small mysteries of the day suddenly made sense. Isaac said he thought someone was helping them during the fight. And the Protego charm that had shielded her? Of course. It had been Ominis.

"You were at the fight in the castle, weren't you?" She asked.

He nodded. "I'm sorry about your wand."

She looked away, swallowing. "It's alright. Maybe I'll find a better one at Ollivander's."

"Being without a wand can be difficult. Shall I escort you until you get a new one?"

The offer caught her off guard. It sounded so casual. Familiar.

Too familiar.

Somehow, they had slipped back into their old rhythm, talking like friends, as if nothing had happened. But everything had. She could feel the cracks still raw beneath the surface of her calm.

"No. It's alright." She said, quietly rebuilding the walls around her heart. "Isaac already said he would be my escort for the time being."

He knew it already, but it had not stopped him from hoping.

Ominis inclined his head. "Right. Isaac."

He had not meant to sound bitter. But of all people...

Ominis did not trust Isaac Copper. There was something about him – the way he was always close by, or lurking near Rosemary. She probably had not noticed, but Ominis did. He could sense his presence like a dark shadow. But he could not tell Rosemary that. He needed a better excuse to warn her, something more concrete than a gut instinct. There must be something...

Although it was awkward, Rosemary asked Ominis if he would like some loose-leaf tea to take back with him since she was already making the special tea blend for Anne. Ominis accepted without hesitation and took the seat she directed him to.

They fell into a guarded but cordial conversation about the day's events while Rosemary measured and mixed. Ominis was careful not to let Rosemary know how much he already knew of her goings-on – even the fact that he had followed her to Isaac's house and eavesdropped from the garden.

But even though he already knew most of what she was talking about, it was nice to sit and talk with her all the same. He could not tell her how much he had missed her - every day being a new level of torture for him by simply being in the same room with her and not able to touch her, talk to her, feel the warmth of her attention on him. It was an odd thing to admit but he could feel it when she smiled, like sun on skin. And he craved it.

Too soon she finished the blend and she handed him two pouches brimming with the delightful scent of black tea and lavender.

"Would you mind being my owl and delivering one to Anne?" Rosemary asked with practiced neutrality.

Ominis tucked the pouches into his robe. "You don't have to avoid Anne, you know. She really misses you."

Rosemary shook her head. "It's better this way. She's too perceptive...and I'm not great at hiding my feelings right now."

He wondered what feelings she meant. But he did not press and agreed Anne was entirely too perceptive for her own good.

It was by some miracle that Anne had not already guessed the secret Sebastian was keeping for them. She probably thought Sebastian was trying to keep his relationship with Imelda a secret.

After cleaning up, Rosemary declined his offer to walk her back and said she would simply take the Floo Flame directly to her common room.

Then that was that. A quick 'take care' and then his sun was gone. Taking all her warmth and light with her.

The next morning, Rosemary discovered just how seriously Isaac took his 'knight' duties.

As soon as she came down the dormitory stairs, there he was, waiting to escort her to breakfast.

Adelaide and Poppy were speechless over the new addition to their small group at the table. Adelaide kept darting curious glances at Rosemary as she and Isaac recounted what happened at the Rookwood Castle.

"Oh, so Isaac is escorting you because you don't have a wand?" Adelaide asked.

"Yes," Rosemary said. "There was some concern about a target being on my head because of the inheritance."

Adelaide scoffed. "But this is Hogwarts...there aren't any Ashwinders lurking in the corridors, are there?"

"There could be students related to the Rookwood family. Best to be cautious." Isaac said smoothly with a crooked smile at Adelaide that made her eyes widen.

Rosemary caught Adelaide's reaction and pressed her lips together to hide her smile. Maybe she could have a talk with Isaac about Adelaide now that they had become closer.

After breakfast, Isaac took Rosemary to her Arithmancy class, which thankfully did not require a wand. They talked briefly about going together to Professor Weasley afterward since neither had a class next.

While they talked, some of Rosemary's classmates shot them curious looks as they passed by to head into class. Rosemary did not think much of it until she was seated in Arithmancy and she could hear the whispers flitting around the room. She saw several girls peek at her and quickly look away to whisper something to their friends.

Rosemary was sitting with Natty and she finally leaned over to her and asked, "Do I have something on my face?"

Natty looked at her. "No, why?"

"I get the feeling that everyone is looking at me."

"Probably because they are." Natty said with held back amusement in her voice.

"What for?"

Natty rolled her eyes. "We all saw you. Standing outside with Isaac Cooper."

"Alright...but why all the whispering?"

"Look, it's not me who is whispering. But I imagine they are wondering if you are courting Isaac now."

"Just because we were standing together?"

"Have you ever seen Isaac Cooper standing around with a girl?"

Rosemary had to think about that. "Only the ones on our Quidditch team. But...he's our captain."

Natty pursed her lips and hummed. "Is this Quidditch?"

"Well no. But truly, it's not like that. He's just helping me out."

Natty nodded. "I believe you. But others might not. He's quite popular, you know."

When class was finished, Rosemary lingered to be the last to leave, hoping to avoid attention, but it backfired. Isaac was waiting right outside the classroom - which had inadvertently drawn a small crowd of female admirers.

Rosemary froze inside the doorway at the sight.

Isaac saw her and smiled, but she subtly shook her head and pointed down the hall.

He nodded in understanding and waited until she had quietly slipped away before extracting himself.

He found her hiding in the stairwell near the Floo Flame.

"Is that normal for you?" She asked when she saw him.

"You mean the crowd of girls?" He grinned. "Yeah. It can be a bit much."

"Is that why I never see you hanging around anywhere?"

"Noticed that, did you?" Isaac laughed. "I've learned not to sit still for too long. Our dorm is the only safe place I can relax in the open."

"And on the pitch." Rosemary pointed out.

"True. Not many girls are brave enough to approach me there."

They took the Floo Flame to Professor Weasley's classroom and this time Rosemary was careful not to accept Isaac's arm.

Professor Weasley welcomed them in and listened with no surprise as they told her what happened on their trip to Rookwood Castle.

"Well, I'm certainly glad you followed my advice and took a friend with you. Who knows what might have happened if you had gone alone." Professor Weasley summoned a large case, which glided from a shelf and landed on her desk.

"These are the wands we have for such occasions." She said as she lifted the lid. Several green Olivander wand cases sat neatly in a row inside. Professor Weasley picked up the first one. "This, I believe, was the one Professor Fig let you borrow." She held it out to Rosemary, but before she could take it, some of the cases began to shake.

"What on earth..." Professor Weasley muttered as she opened the shaking wand case in her hand.

The wand inside was shaking in its place.

Rosemary recognized it like an old friend and reached for it. It jumped into her hand once she was near enough.

All the other cases went still once the wand settled in Rosemary's hand.

It felt good to have a wand in her hand again, although she could already tell the feeling was slightly different from her old one. The connection to the core felt loose and slightly unstable, but it was there all the same.

"I should not be surprised at anything when it comes to you. But somehow, I always am." Professor Weasley said as she sent away the case of wands. "I won't pretend to know what all that was about, so do let Mr. Ollivander know what happened. I'm sure he will be fascinated."

Rosemary and Isaac went to the Transfiguration Courtyard afterwards to test out the wand. The stone statue on the east side was perfect for target practice for the destructive Diffindo and then Reparo afterwards.

"How does it feel?" Isaac asked.

"Not as strong as mine was but it will do." Rosemary replied and then a strange thought occurred to her that the wand could somehow hear her and made a quiet apology for any offense.

"Now I'm curious what a second-hand wand feels like. Do you mind if I try?"

Rosemary offered him the wand and he made to accept it but the wand had other ideas and zapped his fingers.

Isaac recoiled, shaking off the feeling. "What was that?"

Alarmed at the wand's reaction, Rosemary examined it. Maybe she really had offended it?

"Just one more thing to ask Mr. Ollivander when I see him."

"Guess I'll have to stick with you until then. I can't have you wandering around with a faulty wand now, can I?"

Rosemary gave him a look. "It's hardly faulty." She cast Lumos non-verbally to prove her point. "Besides, we are old friends, it won't let me down."

"Still, it's better to be safe than sorry, right?" He crossed his arms with a satisfied smirk.

"Well, I won't say 'no' to company while I'm out and about. I think Professor Weasley would roll me into an open grave herself if I tried to leave the grounds alone ever again. But truly, you don't need to escort me around Hogwarts anymore. I'll be fine." The surreptitious looks she was getting from girls just for walking down the hall with Isaac was already wearing on her nerves.

Isaac studied her expression. "The fan girls spooked you, didn't they?"

Surprised, Rosemary straightened. Was she that easy to read? "What? Of course not..." She looked away as a blush bloomed on her cheeks. She would have to work on schooling her expressions better.

"Don't worry, they are harmless. Besides, you have me to protect you. What could possibly happen?"

"I'm not worried about what they will do. It's what they'll say that has me bothered. I think they are getting the wrong impression."

"About us?" He seemed to warm to the idea. "They are probably saying the same thing they said when you were walking around the school on Gaunt's arm."

She knew there had been some talk about her and Ominis, but she assumed it was all meaningless since everyone knew they were close friends. "Ah, that's right...you are gossip monger, aren't you? What did they say, oh gossip king?"

He huffed a laugh, but did not deny the accusation. "That you two were courting."

Rosemary cringed. "I guess I need to be more careful with whom I walk with then. Which is why..." She took a deliberate step away. "We can go our separate ways here before the wrong idea sticks."

Isaac watched her, amused at her attempt to draw a line between them.

"And why would we do that?" He said, stepping forward and casually wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Where is your next class? I'll take you there." He steered them in the direction of the Central Hall.

"But Isaac...!" Rosemary began to protest but he only laughed, hearing none of it.

Chapter Text

Rosemary had not meant to spend every waking moment with Isaac that weekend. It simply...happened. Isaac kept finding reason after reason to stay with her. And somehow each excuse flowed seamlessly into the next.

"Going to the Great Hall for breakfast? Me, too. I'll escort you."

"Let's practice flying at the Time Trials."

"What about the Irondale course? Afterwards we can have lunch with my mum. She makes the best Shepherd's pie on the weekend."

"Before we go back, do you want to check out that troll Mum mentioned near the castle?"

They decimated the troll together. Then returned to Hogwarts and ended up studying in the library side-by-side and going to dinner in the Great Hall, too.

Adelaide and Poppy did not complain, especially not Adelaide, who seemed positively giddy to be seated beside Isaac at the Hufflepuff table. But the rumors swirling around them were weighing heavy on their minds.

At the first opportunity, they whisked Rosemary off to the bathroom to have a chat.

"Really! We aren't courting!" Rosemary gestured wildly in her frustration. "I knew everyone would get the wrong idea."

"Well, what are we supposed to think?" Adelaide huffed. "Isaac Cooper never hangs out with girls. Ever. And he has been seen with you for days on end! Days. Rosemary. What do you think that means?"

"I know exactly what it looks like. But please believe me when I say it's not like that!"

Adelaide eyed her skeptically. Poppy, however, relented.

"Alright, alright, we believe you. But it is a sudden shift. First you were always with Ominis, and then he disappeared, and now Isaac's always around. What happened to Ominis anyway?"

Rosemary sighed. "We...had a fight. I'd rather not go into the details. But Professor Weasley told me not to wander around alone anymore after the Rookwood nonsense, so...naturally..."

"Naturally she'd send the second-place Crossed Wands champion to be your escort since the first-place winner and you are in a fight." Poppy supplied.

Rosemary blinked at the easy explanation Poppy had for it. Even though it was not true, it made a decent excuse.

"He does make a good escort." She said without affirming the lie.

"Naturally." Adelaide harrumphed as she brushed past her. "But just remember; you are too busy to be thinking about boys."

"Right." Rosemary laughed awkwardly as Adelaide left the bathroom first. Poppy looked as though she wanted to say more but ended up following Adelaide out.

The next morning at breakfast, the owls brought the morning post just as Rosemary was about to leave the table for the library.

A letter dropped in front of her baring her parents' gold wax seal. Her stomach dropped at the sight of it and she quickly extracted herself from her group to find somewhere private to read it.

Darling,

We are writing to inform you that we have begun planning for your engagement party with the Gaunts. We have not set a date yet, but we feel early summer would suit us all quite well. Angelica will have her baby in April, so if we plan for June, it should not overlap with any major events. Do write back as soon as you can to let us know your thoughts.

Also, Madam Estrella is finishing your dress for the Yule Ball and it is simply divine.

Expect a pretty parcel in the next few weeks.

Love, Your Parents

Rosemary's pulse thundered in her ears.

They were already planning the engagement party! Even though June was seven months away, that did not give her much time to find someone else. And her parents wanted an answer about the date soon.

She put her face in her hand. What was she going to do?

Well, the first thing she knew she had to do was burn the letter. She could not risk anyone stumbling upon it like Sebastian had. She went back down to the Great Hall and threw it in the first blazing fireplace she saw. As she watched it burn, someone approached her from behind.

"Rosemary." Poppy whispered, "What are you doing?"

"Getting rid of the evidence."

"Ah, a note from your parents?"

"How'd you know?"

"I'd do the same if I ever got a note from mine."

Rosemary nodded, never taking her eyes off the burning paper, making sure it was destroyed.

Poppy cleared her throat and asked, "Would you mind if I went with you to visit Highwing today?"

Rosemary accepted without hesitation. It had been too long since they had spent time together - just the two of them. With Adelaide sleeping in and Isaac meeting her later at the library, the timing was perfect.

They made their way to the Room of Requirement, heading for the second-floor seaside vivarium, when Poppy stopped her.

"Actually," She admitted softly. "I just wanted to talk to you in private. This was the only place I could think of."

"Rosemary smiled. "I thought as much. Want some tea while we chat? Maybe 'visiting Highwing' can be our secret code for tea time."

They giggled as they veered toward the greenroom. Rosemary prepared the tea while Poppy took a seat.

Once they had their first sip of tea, Poppy finally let her words spill out.

"I think Isaac likes you." She said plainly. "And I think you should go for him."

Rosemary spluttered into her cup. "What?"

"I'm serious! I can tell you are holding back for Adelaide's sake. But Adelaide's not getting anywhere with him. No one is - except you. So, don't worry about anyone else and just go for it."

"I don't think I could. Wouldn't that feel like a betrayal to Adelaide?"

"Not at all." Poppy sipped her tea. "Besides, I think this obsession she has for him is a bit much. Isaac isn't hers. I mean really, the guy barely even knows her name."

"Well, that's true."

"And if she gives you any grief about it, I'll give her a piece of my mind. Alright?"

Rosemary considered Isaac. He was kind, and gentle. He had thoughtfully brought her chamomile flowers when she was in a coma. He seemed to always be looking out for her on and off the pitch. And not to mention how tall and handsome he was...

In terms of potential suitors, he seemed like the best choice. Not that there were many others to choose from that she was close to. Garreth would be fun but, he did not seem to take anything but potion-making seriously. Sebastian felt more like a brother than anything else. So, that meant Isaac was her only choice.

Bolstered by Poppy's encouragement, Rosemary found Isaac at their usual spot in the library and took her seat beside him. He smiled and shifted to make room for her at the table.

All while they whispered and studied together, Rosemary wondered how to go about asking him if he liked her.

Unbidden, her thoughts turned to Ominis. Maybe it would be easier if she pictured Ominis in Isaac's place? She missed his gentle touches and the easy closeness between them. Without a second thought, Rosemary reached out to touch Isaac's hand as she replied to something he said.

Isaac watched her hand on his while she spoke. His eyes snapped up to hers, searching.

Rosemary smiled.

And that was all the invitation he needed.

In a gesture so smooth, he raised her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to it.

"I've wanted to do that for a long time." He whispered against her skin.

"To kiss my hand?"

"To kiss you."

Rosemary's heart did a somersault as he began to lean closer, his gaze intent on her mouth-

CRASH.

A heap of books tumbled off a nearby shelf.

Startled, they both leapt to their feet at the commotion.

Peeves popped into view and shouted in his irritatingly merry voice; "Causing a ruckus in the library? In detention, you soon will be!"

Thankfully, they were able to convince Miss Scribner of their innocence by pinning the whole thing on Peeves. But after seeing the way Miss Scribner twittered and simpered over Isaac as they conversed, Rosemary was pretty sure he would have been able to get away with anything if he only smiled at the aged librarian – and she said as much to Isaac.

"It's my special brand of magic, what can I say?" He said as they left the library together.

"Well, whatever it is, you might want to ease up on the dosage for the entire school."

"You may be right. But where is the fun in that?"

"Oh, I see. You like all the girls swooning over you."

"It has its perks, but it does have one small problem."

"And what's that?"

"It doesn't work on girls I like."

Rosemary raised a brow. "I'm guessing there aren't many of those then?"

"Just one."

"Imelda Reyes?"

"I'm talking about you."

He stopped her with a gentle grasp of his hand. "Rosemary...I like you. A lot. Even before we met. It was when your name first appeared on the Time Trial leaderboards. You were the first Hufflepuff I've ever seen make the top five and I thought 'she must be something special.' And I was right."

"It's the double letters in 'Abbott,' isn't it?" She quipped, trying to lighten the heaviness she suddenly felt.

"It's so much more than that." Isaac went on, undeterred. "It's you. You're strong, and brave, and probably the sweetest girl I know. I don't care what was going on between you and Gaunt before. I only hope I can be the one beside you now."

"Isaac..." They were honeyed words, and ones that made her feel seen in so many ways. But her heart ached.

"Please, say yes." He searched her eyes, desperate for the word.

She held his gaze for a long moment. She knew he was not the one her heart wanted. But he was the one she could move on with. Her 'someone else.' And maybe her heart would open to him, in time.

"Alright."

Chapter Text

Isaac's smile the next morning was brighter than any Rosemary had seen before – like he had been saving the best just for her.

She found him waiting at the bottom of the dorm stairs for her – beaming so brightly – it was hard to look at him directly without squinting. He smiled as he insisted on escorting her wherever she went, claiming every ounce of her attention as they walked together. He smiled as they sat together to eat in the Great Hall - only paying the briefest acknowledgment to her friends. He smiled even as he reluctantly let her go for her Potions class but assured her that he would pick her up when class was finished.

"Merlin's Beard, Rosemary. What have you done to Isaac Cooper? Did you give him a love potion or something?" Garreth asked as he entered Potions Class right behind Rosemary.

Rosemary looked at him aghast. "I would never!"

"Then what?" He asked but was pushed aside by Sacharissa who was all a-flutter.

"Rosemary, is it true you and Isaac Cooper are courting? Everyone saw the way Isaac was looking at you in the common room this morning and at breakfast."

"Well..." Rosemary blushed a deep crimson. She was so used to hiding the truth it felt strange to admit it. "Yes, we are courting."

A sudden crash of glass came from the other side of the classroom.

Rosemary turned at the sound to see Ominis holding a shattered glass vial, looking stunned as Sebastian and Amit helped remove the glass shards from his hand. Her heart lurched at the sight of his wounded hand – but the timing of the broken glass felt odd. Had he overheard her or was it a mere coincidence?

At the end of class, Isaac was true to his word and Rosemary found him leaning against the wall, waiting for her. He pushed off the wall as soon as he saw her and was swiftly by her side, taking her hand in his instead of letting her hold his arm as usual.

"Where to next?" He asked, his bright smile dazzling her.

She was about to respond when she noticed his smile fade as he focused on something behind her. She followed his gaze and saw Ominis and Sebastian walking out of the classroom doorway.

"I didn't know you had class with Gaunt." He said, still watching Ominis walk away.

"Yes, he is in several of my classes. As is Sebastian and-."

"He's not making you feel uncomfortable, is he?"

Rosemary blinked in confusion. "No, why would he?"

"That's good." He said and kissed her hand without warning. The public display of affection made her blush and glance about to see other students watching them. "Shall we go?" He asked.

"Please..." She whispered.

After classes that day, they headed to Ollivander's. As soon as they left the castle grounds Rosemary let out an involuntary sigh of relief. Isaac's small but very noticeable displays of affection were already starting to wear on her. The stolen, secret moments she had shared with Ominis, although brief, seemed more genuine and real than what Isaac was doing. They had not even been courting a full day and already he had kissed her hand, her cheek, and hugged her in full view of God and everyone.

"Have you ever courted anyone before, Isaac?" She asked as they walked up the path to Hogsmeade.

"Never."

"Never even fancied anyone?"

"Not really, no. There always seemed to be more important things to think about. Quidditch and studying have been my life for so long. And girls...well...to put it nicely; I never saw myself with anyone until you came along."

She smiled to herself. In a way, she understood then why he was lavishing affection on her. He was like an untapped well, brimming with love to give.

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they walked. "You should smile like that more often, you're so beautiful..." He tried to pull her closer to nuzzle her cheek but she batted him away.

"Oh, stop that." She said in a teasing tone but hoped he really would stop as it gave her a sudden flashback to Jasper being overly handsy at the Slytherin's Victory Night.

When they finally reached Ollivander's, Rosemary poured out her wild tale to Mr. Ollivander who stood listening with rapt attention.

"Yes, I had heard from Officer Singer about some of your goings-on. My goodness what a tangled web you have yourself in, young lady. And to lose your wand on top of everything else." He shook his head and clicked his tongue at the tragedy. "I remember your wand was made of Cherrywood and a dragon heartstring core. A lethal combination in your hands, if I do say so myself. Let us see if we can find you another suitable companion..." Mr. Ollivander turned to his shelves and as Rosemary drew closer, several of the wand boxes began to shake, exactly like the ones in Professor Weasley's office had.

"Why are they shaking?" She asked.

Mr. Ollivander tapped his mouth in thought as he observed the strange behavior. "Could be any number of reasons. But let's give a few a try."

He pulled out some of the shaking boxes and a few boxes that were still. Rosemary tried a shaking wand first and then a non-shaking wand and noticed a marked difference between the two. The shaking one seemed stronger and better suited to her. In fact, every shaking wand she tried seemed to work well with her, but it was not until she held a sleek, white, Aspen wand with another dragon heartstring that she truly felt a deep connection. Rosemary felt the warmth travel up her arm. It felt...right. Powerful. Solid. Capable.

"Aspen, I thought as much." Mr. Ollivander chuckled to himself. "That's a dueling wand if there ever was one. It must have recognized your penchant for martial magic."

"How would it know that?" Rosemary asked.

"Wands have a way of sensing these things. You would be shocked how sensitive and perceptive some wands are, some can be almost sentient."

"Almost sentient." Rosemary repeated, remembering the same phrase uttered by Sebastian when he described Ominis's wand.

"Yes, the owners of those types of wands are particularly terrifying, in my opinion."

"Terrifying? How so?"

"Their connection to their wand is unparallelled. Some might even say they share a mental bond. Could you imagine what that would mean? That goes beyond normal non-verbal capabilities."

Rosemary nodded and dearly wished she could ask Ominis about his wand. But she knew that was not her place. Not anymore at least.

She paid and thanked Mr. Olivander for her new wand and left with Isaac who suggested a Butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks to celebrate her new acquisition and to have their first official date.

Meanwhile, back at Hogwarts, Sebastian had been combing the castle for his best friend and finally found him buried deep under a pile of books at a desk in the library.

"I knew you studied, but never like this." Sebastian said as he came to stand next to Ominis's hunched over form.

"I'm busy, Sebastian." Ominis waved a dismissive hand at him.

"I see that." Sebastian eyed the books next to Ominis. "Famous Purebloods? Ancient Lineages? Have a history report due or what?"

"Yes, I'm researching Sebastian Sallow, the greatest buffoon of all time."

"That will be hard to find, considering that title belongs to you. I think Isaac Cooper would agree if he wasn't so busy enjoying his spoils."

"'Spoils' is possibly the worst thing you could call her." He muttered. "Now, either leave or sit down and help me." Ominis offered him a book titled 'Great Families of Scotland.'

Sebastian took the tome and casually flipped through it. "What exactly are you looking for in here?"

"Anything about the Rookwood family. Particularly their family tree."

"The Rookwoods? Why them?"

"Just curious."

Sebastian grinned as he watched Ominis scan the book with his wand. "Just curious...about who else might be out to get Rosemary's new found fortune?"

Ominis said nothing as he continued to scan.

"Seems to me that isn't your job anymore, is it?"

Ominis's temper flared and he turned on Sebastian. "What's it to you, Sebastian? If I explain anything you just go and complicate matters. This is why Rosemary and I thought it best to keep our business private."

"Alright fine, I admit I did complicate things by throwing Cooper at Rosemary but that was for your own good, Ominis. You used to be the voice of reason but I can see now that it's my turn to save you from this path of destruction because, Merlin's teeth - you've gone mad! How could you give up Rosemary 'Hero of Hogwarts' Abbott? If there is one girl in this entire world who could take on your family, it's her!"

"I don't want her to take them on! It kills me to think that I would put her in such peril just to be together. You weren't at my brother's wedding, Sebastian! You know nothing!"

"Well, I do know that any lad here would be lucky to have her even look side-ways at him. If I still had a chance with her, I'd-." Sebastian nearly swallowed his tongue when Ominis suddenly shoved his wand under his chin to silence him.

"Don't you dare finish that thought." Ominis warned.

Sebastian pushed the wand away with his own wand. "And why not? You know, for a guy who is forcing his fiancée to find someone else, you sure are sensitive about her doing exactly that."

"I don't have time for this." Ominis let out a frustrated huff and sat back down to his books. "Even if it is as only her friend, I want to help keep her safe. As any good friend would."

"Now that, I can agree with." Sebastian took another glance at the thick book in his hand. Weighed it, then cocked his head to the side as he considered something. "You know...I think there might be a place here that has exactly what you are looking for."

"What are you talking about?"

"Ever heard of the Quill of Acceptance and the Book of Admittance?"

"Yes, but what does..." Ominis paused in thought. "Do you think there might be family records with the Book of Admittance?"

"I'd bet my lunch on it."

Ominis nodded and then stopped. "But there's no way we can go there. I know it's locked away so no one can interfere with Hogwarts admissions. The room might not have been entered since the founders-." Sebastian set down his book in a rush and grabbed Ominis by the arm, pulling him along as he made his way to a Floo Flame.

"Sebastian, what are you doing?" Ominis stumbled after Sebastian.

"Finding a way into that room."

"Sebastian, no!"

"Oh, come on. I've been good this year, haven't I? We haven't gone poking around Hogwarts even once this entire school year and now you are going to deny me this? It's for a good cause, too! I already have a good idea how to get in."

"Well...alright. But you have to promise not to-."

"Yes, yes, I promise not to get us caught." Sebastian said as they both disappeared through the Floo Flame.

With Sebastian's expert snooping skills, he was able to find his way into Professor Black's office through the balcony and locate the key for the Room of Admittance. The Room was across the entrance from Professor Black's office and once they figured out the complicated locking mechanism over the door, they entered to find the Quill of Acceptance busily scratching away in the Book of Admittance on a pedestal in the center of the circular room. All around them were stacks of books, some with decade labels on them.

The boys got to work on sorting through the books and found several books on wizarding family trees.

"Looks like the Quill keeps notes of its own." Sebastian flipped through one of the books and found his own family tree. "Up to date, too. Here's me and Anne at the bottom of the Sallow tree. The Quill even made a mark next to Mum's name with her maiden name." He flipped to another section of the book to follow his mother's family tree. "And there she is, it has her married name noted on this side. Wow, I didn't know her family comes from-."

"Sebastian, I hate to break up the reunion but we need to hurry. Find the Rookwood family tree so we can copy it and get out of here before we get caught." Ominis took out a roll of parchment from his robe and worked a charm on it to copy writing.

"Right." Sebastian flipped to the 'R' section to find Rookwood. "Ah, here it is. Rookwood. Very old line. Lots of branches."

"We want the 'Feldcroft' branch, if we can find it..."

"Feldcroft." Sebastian repeated, searching the lines. "Yes, looks like Charles Rookwood was the one who started the Feldcroft Rookwood line. Rosemary mentioned he was one of the Keepers and a Professor here."

"Who are the recent descendants?"

Sebastian followed the line with his finger to the bottom. "Victor and Seamus. They were direct descendants...no other siblings, or uncles, but-." He stopped on a name a few places up from the bottom of the line. "Oh."

"Oh? What's 'oh?'" Ominis asked, fully alert at the note in Sebastian's voice.

Sebastian scrambled for another book of family trees and flipped to the 'C' section to find the name. "Oh...no."

"'Oh no' what?" Ominis urged.

"Victor Rookwood's great-aunt is...Isaac Cooper's great-grandmother."

Chapter Text

Ominis was running out of patience.

He had tried to catch Rosemary alone all week, but it was becoming increasingly evident that Isaac was intent on monopolizing every spare moment she had.

The parchment he had used to copy the family tree was burning a hole in his pocket, so finally he turned to Sebastian for help.

Sebastian, ever the one with a mind for schemes, suggested to Imelda that they were long over-due for a meeting between the Quidditch captains. Imelda, who never passed up the opportunity to complain about team conduct, called for a meeting that very day after dinner.

Isaac reluctantly left Rosemary when dinner was over but promised to find her later in their common room.

Rosemary on the other hand was secretly relieved to have a moment to breath air that was not constantly filled with Isaac and decided to take a walk or maybe a broom ride around Hogwarts by herself for the first time in days.

As she stepped through the side exit of the Great Hall, she heard footsteps behind her. She cringed as she thought it might be Isaac, changing his mind and ditching the meeting to reattach himself to her side.

"Rosemary..." Came a soft voice she had not expected to hear.

She turned to see Ominis walking toward her. "I need to talk to you."

"Yes?" She hedged as she came to a stop next to a large stone pillar.

"It's about Isaac. I found out something that you need to know." He reached into his robe and pulled out the rolled parchment. "Isaac is related to the Rookwoods."

She blinked, not even registering the parchment in his hand. "What?"

"Through his great-grandmother. She was a Rookwood."

Rosemary shook her head as a thousand questions burst into her mind at once. None the least of which was; "Why are you doing research on Isaac Cooper?"

Now that he could finally talk to Rosemary, Ominis could not stop himself from letting all of his thoughts spill out.

"I always thought his situation was odd. Whenever I stayed with the Sallows' over the summer, he was in Feldcroft as well. It didn't add up. Why would a large, well-off family be living in a tiny cottage in Feldcroft of all places? I thought maybe it was a family home...but after I found out about his ancestory, it all makes sense now." Ominis twirled the parchment around in his hand for emphasis. "His great-grandmother was a Feldcroft Rookwood. That's why he's there."

"The double letter obsession..." Rosemary murmured, remembering the naming tradition. It all connected. She refocused on Ominis sharply. "But that doesn't explain why you were going out of your way to research him."

Ominis shrugged. He knew it was too late to hide the truth from her. "I was trying to look out for you. Someone has to. I was researching the Rookwoods to see if anyone might contest your inheritance. That's when I found Isaac. He could be pursuing you because you now own the estate-."

"No." She cut in abruptly. "This is none of your concern anymore."

He faltered as she continued.

"You made it clear to me on the train that you didn't care who I moved on to as long as it wasn't you. Do you know how hard I've tried to-." she bit back her words before she could let all of her feelings slip out. "And now all of a sudden you feel like you can critique my choices? I would expect that of a friend but you gave that position up with everything else, didn't you?" Frustrated, she turned to walk away, but Ominis moved quickly, stepping in front of her and planting his hand against the pillar, blocking her path.

"Rosemary." He said firmly. "I didn't mean for you to move on to someone who could be dangerous."

She bristled. "That's not your decision to make!" Ominis was close, too close, and the proximity made her heart stutter but she held her ground.

"Thanks for the information." She said coldly. "But I'll handle my own affairs. You don't have to feel obligated to 'look out for me' or whatever it is you think you're doing."

"Rosemary..." He tried to soften his tone, but it was too late.

"I don't want to hear anymore." She pushed his arm out of her way. "Let's stay out of each other's business from now on. You're free to pursue whomever you want, and so am I. Goodbye, Ominis." She said with finality and walked out to the terrace and jumped onto her broom, leaving Ominis standing there, baffled.

"Pursue whomever I want?" He repeated under his breath. "What on earth is she talking about?"

He remembered specifically telling her that he would not marry anyone. It had been a white-lie, of course, but where had she gotten the idea he wanted someone else?

Then a thought occurred to him and he sneered. "Sebastian..."

It did not take him long to find Sebastian back in the Slytherin common room, reading in front of the fire, as was his normal habit after a long day.

"What did you say to Rosemary about me?" Ominis demanded.

"I have said quite a lot. You'll have to be more specific. And how did it go? Did you tell her about Isaac?" Sebastian casually turned the page of his book.

"Yes, and she told me we should stay out of each other's business. She also said I was free to 'pursue whomever I wanted.'"

"Wow. I'm proud of her. She finally stood up to you."

"Whose side are you on exactly?"

"No one's, this is purely a spectator sport."

"But what is she talking about? I told her I wasn't interested in marrying."

"Mate, that's a bold-faced lie, and we all know it. Especially me. I told her about you and Anne."

"You what!" Ominis gripped his wand tightly to restrain himself from strangling Sebastian. "How much did you tell her?"

"Everything. She deserves to know, don't you think?"

Ominis slumped heavily onto the sofa beside Sebastian's arm chair and rested his head on the back of the sofa, reflecting on what a mess he had made. After a few moments, he finally said, "Yes, I suppose you are right. I have gone about this all wrong, haven't I?"

"Yup."

"Then what should I have said?"

"I love you. Let's get married."

"Sebastian..."

"No, really." Sebastian snapped his book shut and sat up straight to talk to his friend with more fervor. "I know you are worried your family has something up their sleeves about this whole arrangement, but once you are both eighteen, what can they do? They can't legally make you do anything after that. You can elope if you feel so strongly about them not being involved. Or just go with it, come what may, and deal with it like the strong people I know you two are." Sebastian sat back and chuckled to himself. "Honestly, with the way trouble seems to find Rosemary, it would be better to fight beside her than to try and protect her from the side-lines, don't you think?"

"Of course, but she hates me now. And she is courting Isaac 'the Leech' Cooper."

"Then win her back. You're still her fiancé, aren't you?"

"Yes, but..." Ominis was quiet as he thought over the situation. It seemed almost hopeless at this point and he did not know if he could trust himself to do the right thing anymore. He dragged his hands down his face, then turned to his friend. "What do you think I should do?"

"Oh, I'm so glad you asked!" Sebastian tossed his book on the end table and leaned closer to Ominis. "I have some ideas that I know someone will write a romance about some day." He laughed to himself and checked his surroundings before lowering his voice and telling Ominis his plan.

Meanwhile, Rosemary was still reeling from her fight with Ominis.

She desperately needed some time to herself, so she hid away in the Room of Requirement where only the elves would find her.

Unfortunately, it was while she was feeding the creatures and thinking things over in the greenhouse vivarium that Penny also had some concerns to discuss with her.

"Penny noticed a tidy sum of money is missing from your bank account at Gringotts. Penny thought maybe you had taken the money out but when Penny asked to look at the records of withdrawal, it had a 'Flora Abbott' listed. Isn't that your mother?"

Rosemary looked confused. "Yes, but I never told her I had a bank account or gave her access to it...did I?"

"Penny thought that, too. So, Penny asked how Mrs. Abbott was able to receive the money and the teller said that guardians of a witch or wizard are allowed access upon producing the necessary documents."

"So, my parents...and possibly even the Gaunts all have access to my bank account?" Rosemary put a hand to her forehead at the overwhelming thought. "Why would my parents need to...wait." Rosemary looked at Penny aghast. "How much money did my mother take out?"

"About 5,000 galleons."

Rosemary blinked. Her Sky Scythe broom, one of the most expensive brooms on the market, was the same price.

"Why would my mother need to dip into my bank account for that?" It was a strange price to take for sure, and Rosemary knew her parents were not paupers, so why?

"Thank you for catching that, Penny. I think it's best to close my bank account and keep the money in a private place for now. It's appalling to think such a range of people have access to my money."

"Yes, Penny thought you might want that. Everything is in a lockbox in the kitchen of Penny's cottage now. Along with all your deeds."

"All of my...deeds?" Rosemary repeated, confused again. "I have the deeds to the Rockwood Castle and Spinners' Cave in my dorm room..."

"These were deeds to properties in Feldcroft." Penny tried to clarify, but seeing as it was not ringing any bells for Rosemary she continued, "Maybe we could show them to Cat. She might know what they are."

Rosemary called for Cat who popped in next to her instantly.

Penny retrieved the deeds and showed them to Cat.

"Yes, these are all the buildings you own on your land."

"How much land would that be aside from the castle?" Rosemary asked.

"All of it."

"All of...?"

"All of Feldcroft. The whole town is on your land. The castle. The homes. The fields. Master Victor received rent payments from all the tenants but when Master Seamus took over, he failed to evict Master Victor's friends from the castle and they collected the rent instead. Now, it's yours." Cat informed her.

Rosemary was so dazed from the news she had to sit down in the grass. The whole town...was hers. And she could collect rent, too! How had no one told her?

An owl swooped overhead and dropped a note in her lap. She picked it up and saw it was from Isaac.

I'm waiting for you in the common room. Where are you?

Yours, Isaac

She still was not sure how to feel about Isaac or ALL the recent revelations, so she wrote a simple note back saying she was staying with her house-elves for the weekend to take care of business and would not be back until Sunday night. She thought that would give her enough time to sort things out.

But she was wrong. So. Very. Wrong.

Chapter Text

When Sunday night inevitably arrived, Rosemary waited until the last possible moment to Floo into her common room, then bolted up the dorm stairs to avoid anyone waiting for her. But in the morning, Isaac was already waiting at the bottom of the staircase.

"There you are." A relieved smile played on his lips when he saw her appear. "I was starting to think you weren't going to show up for school." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head. "My busy businesswoman."

It was a sweet gesture, one that she might have enjoyed if she was not already analyzing his every move for ulterior motives.

"Isaac, please..." She said, gently pushing him off.

Undeterred, he captured her hands in his. "Did I ever tell you I love it when you say my name?"

The sound of someone gagging behind them broke the moment and they turned to see Adelaide descending the stairs with a look of disgust on her face. Poppy was next to her.

"Isn't it a bit early for you lovebirds to be preening each other?" Adelaide muttered as she pushed past them. "Give it a rest or get a room already."

Poppy only winked at Rosemary and followed Adelaide to breakfast.

"Option two sounds good to me." Isaac whispered into Rosemary's ear and she flinched at the feeling.

"Goodness! Would you stop?" She gave him a look as she rubbed her tingling ear. "Let's just get to breakfast. I'm starving."

"Yes, ma'am." He teased as he trailed after her.

By the end of the day, Rosemary had had enough of Isaac's overtly affectionate gestures towards her. Was he making up for lost time from over the weekend? Whatever the reason was, she still needed to talk to him about the Rookwood matter and dreaded the moment she would inevitably have to talk to him alone.

After Rosemary's Herbology class was finished, she waited until everyone had left the classroom before gathering her things to leave as well, soaking up the last few seconds of solitude. But it was abruptly ended when Isaac entered the classroom, looking for her.

"All finished?" Isaac asked as he made his way down to her and held out his hand. "Ready to go?"

Annoyed by the fact that he had intruded into her classroom, her sanctuary, she decided she needed to get something off her chest before she exploded. She shook her head at him and refused to take his hand. "No, there is something that's been on my mind."

"Ah, I thought there might be something. You've been rather distant today."

"Distant? I can't even turn around without you being right there, all the time."

"Alright, so you want some space. Is that it?"

"Some space would be nice but no, that's not it." She said, and picked her words carefully before she spoke. "When were you going to tell me you're related to the Rookwoods?"

A muscle worked in his jaw and it took a moment for him to respond. "Eventually. The timing never seemed right." He stepped closer to her. "My clever girl. How did you figure it out?" He reached for her braid that was draped over her shoulder and languidly played with it.

She ignored the shiver that went down her spine at the touch, not taking her eyes off him. "I have my ways."

"But it doesn't matter, does it? I'm not really a Rookwood."

"But you're related to them. Don't you feel something for what I did to Victor and Seamus?"

"No." He said simply. "Whatever happened to them, they had coming. And I will let you in on a little secret." He leaned closer and dropped his voice to a whisper. "There is a reason why I got so good at dueling."

"And why is that?"

"It was my dream to challenge Victor one day and run him out of Feldcroft. I'm sure the Sallows felt the same way. They let me practice in the summer on the dueling dummies they kept in their garden. Then when you killed Victor, I thought things might get better and my family might inherit the estate, but that was a long shot, and we all forgot about Seamus." He gave a low laugh. "Sometimes I wish I could have been there when you took them down. I still can't believe you did all that and more by yourself. My strong girl..."

He cupped her face and leaned down to kiss her, but she turned her head sharply and he kissed her cheek instead.

He pulled back to look her in the eyes. "Why won't you let me kiss you? We've been courting for a week. Is it that you don't trust me?"

"A kiss is special, Isaac." She pulled his hands away from her face. "It doesn't matter how long we've been courting. It shouldn't be given away so frivolously." Rosemary turned toward the stairs, but Isaac moved to block her path.

"Alright, I'll be honest." He said, enjoying the way she glared up at him. "I didn't take notice of you because of the Time Trial leader boards. It was because of the article in the Daily Prophet, about how you were kidnapped by Victor and then you killed him. I like a girl who can fight, and I especially like this feisty side of yours." He chucked her under the chin, and she smacked his hand away. He grinned. "Of course, the fact that you inherited the entire estate is impressive, but I think you know I liked you well before all that. How is that for honesty?"

Just then, the classroom door opened and Ominis stood at the top of the stairs, his wand trained on the couple at the bottom. Unexpected relief washed over Rosemary at the sight of him.

"Excuse me, I believe I left my book in here." He said, casually walking between the two as he went back to his herbology table and made a show of searching the area.

Rosemary knew there was no book, Ominis was always careful to keep track of his things. But Isaac did not know that, and she saw an opportunity suddenly present itself.

"I'll help you, Ominis." She quickly made her way to him. "I wanted to talk to you about our project for class, anyway. Isaac," Rosemary looked over her shoulder. "I'll meet you later for dinner."

Isaac hesitated, clearly suspicious, but eventually left.

As soon as the door closed, Rosemary let out a quiet sigh then almost jumped out of her skin as she realized Ominis was standing right beside her.

"Are you alright?" Ominis asked, worry in his tone. He waited patiently for her answer and did not make any moves to touch her which she found refreshing after dealing with Isaac's touchiness.

She relaxed and looked back at the classroom door to make sure it was shut.

"Yes, I'm fine. Thanks for stepping in when you did. He can be a bit...much." She said and realized too late she should not be talking about Isaac to Ominis. "You don't have to stay. I can-."

"I know it's not my business," Ominis said, cutting her off. "But I'm glad to hear he's not seeking revenge for Rookwood's sake."

Rosemary winced, remembering what she said during their fight. "You were right to tell me what you found out about him. I'm sorry I got so upset at you. I thought you were meddling and really, you were just being a good friend. Like you are being right now."

Ominis's heart clenched at the word 'friend.' He wanted to be so much more than her friend. To protect her and keep her safe from the likes of Isaac Cooper. He wanted her to call him 'fiancé' again and not just when they were alone. Ominis bowed his head to hide his guilt at pushing her to find someone else to take his place.

Baby steps. He reminded himself. It will take baby steps to win her back.

"Also, did you hear from your parents about the engagement party?" She asked.

He started at the sudden change of subject. "Engagement party?"

"I guess you didn't know. My mother wrote me about it last week and said they are planning for it sometime in June."

"They are already planning our engagement party?"

Rosemary misread his surprise and hurried to reassure him. "Don't worry! I wrote my mother today about cancelling the engagement. I told her I was courting someone else but didn't tell her who yet. At very least I stopped the planning process for now."

Ominis reeled at all the information. This was so much worse than he could have imagined. Rosemary had already taken steps to canceling their engagement.

Rosemary blinked in confusion. "I thought you would be relieved?"

"Relieved?" Was all he could say. He did not even know where to begin to explain or...

"I hope your parents won't be too angry with you." She said, trying to understand what he might be feeling.

"My parents..." He repeated slowly and then stopped for a moment as a thought occurred to him. "My parents! I-I have to go!" He said and bolted out of the classroom.

Rosemary watched him disappear through the door and frowned. "I hope they don't send him a howler."

Ominis rushed to his dorm and seized his special quill. As he began scribbling a letter to his parents, Sebastian walked in.

"Are you getting to work on writing love letters like I told you?"

"No, I just thought of something even better." Ominis said, handing Sebastian the letter to read when he was done.

Sebastian lifted his eyebrows as he read. "Are you sure you want to get your parents involved in this?"

"I don't have a choice. Rosemary said she contacted her mother about cancelling the engagement."

Sebastian hummed in understanding. "Well, in that case; do what you must." He gave the letter back to Ominis. "I like the way you call it a 'lover's spat' in the letter. I'm sure they will be able to help on their end."

Anne entered their dorm room, catching the last part of the conversation and scoffed. "If you would just talk to her, this could all be over in an instant. Why are you boys wasting time coming up with something elaborate?"

"It's called 'romance,' Anne." Sebastian looked back at her in annoyance. "This is why you aren't courting anyone. You have no sense of romance."

"Oh, and I suppose you do? Where was your 'sense of romance' when you were trying to work up the nerve to talk to Poppy? And don't even get me started on Imelda."

"Leave Imelda out of this. She's simply not the romantic type."

"She's a force of nature." Ominis muttered.

"She's a force of nature that happened to me! I had no way of stopping her!" Sebastian defended himself.

"Or will." Ominis added.

"That, too." Sebastian readily agreed. "Anyway, my point is – I have all of this knowledge that is going to waste."

"Knowledge from reading romance novels, most likely." Anne commented as she shut the door behind her. "But honestly why are you boys brewing something elaborate and not just talking to her?"

"Because your brother is an idiot." Ominis deadpanned.

"Tell me something I don't know." Anne deadpanned right back.

"Hey, why are you two ganging up on me?" Sebastian fumed. "Might I remind you both who made this mess in the first place and told a certain someone every lie in the book to make her give up on him? Meanwhile, it was me who was the honest one. I tried talking to her-."

"Ah, so that's why you think honesty isn't going to work anymore. Now she can't tell which one is a lie and which one is the truth." Anne nodded.

Sebastian hesitated at her words. "Well, that does make sense when you put it like that. But we don't think she took the honesty quite that way." He scratched his head, embarrassed to admit it.

"Why? What way do you think she took it?" Anne asked, confused what she was missing.

Ominis covered his face with his hands and let out a frustrated sigh. "Sebastian told Rosemary you and I kissed a long time ago and used that as an example to show her I was lying about not wanting to get married."

Anne made a horrified gasp.

"You didn't!" She stared at Sebastian in disbelief. "You moonmind! You didn't just break her heart with that honesty; you shattered it into a thousand pieces! She probably thinks-... oh goodness. Now I understand why she's been so distant with me lately. And oh!" Anne gripped her hair as she remembered more. "I can't believe I told her about sharing the tea she sent for your birthday, Ominis! Poor, Rosemary! What she must have been feeling...and then she even offered to make me more tea!" She wailed. "Oh, I just want to go give her a hug!"

"That's probably the last thing she wants right now." Ominis said. "From anyone."

Sebastian rolled his eyes. "Unfortunately, that's partly my fault as well."

"What is?" Anne asked.

"Cooper."

Anne hesitated. "You...you mean...you're the one who got Isaac Cooper and Rosemary together?"

"Partly."

She put her hands on her hips. "Well, why didn't you 'partly' think of your dear, sweet, sister who has fancied Isaac for an age?" Anne fumed.

"Because I wanted to use Cooper to make Ominis jealous and get him to sweep Rosemary off her feet!"

"Would you just write a novel already! Merlin's beard, you didn't need to go that far!" Anne clicked her tongue. "Now you've ruined him for the rest of us."

"It's better that way." Ominis said. "It seems he is more interested in girls who don't like him."

"How do you know that?" Sebastian asked.

"I heard him talking to Rosemary. He mentioned that he liked her feisty side the best and she's been doing nothing but pushing him away."

Sebastian nodded. "Ah. No wonder he never fancied any of the hundreds of girls that fawn over him. That's not what he likes. There's no challenge."

"Ruined. Absolutely ruined." Anne sighed.

Chapter Text

In the weeks following their confrontation in the Herbology classroom, Rosemary and Isaac had become a spectacle for the drama-hungry students of Hogwarts. Everywhere Rosemary went, Isaac was there, buzzing around her like a bee.

Rosemary, on the other hand, was doing her best to settle into her role as being as nonchalant towards Isaac as possible and occasionally snapping at him if he became too forward with her.

Students began placing bets on when the two would break up or how long they would last. Rosemary herself wondered how long she should keep the relationship going and began looking forward to the day Isaac would graduate. After that she could pretend to keep courting him, send him an occasional letter to keep up the farse, until she was finished with school and by then she would simply break things off naturally.

It was in those moments, when she was hiding in the girls' bathroom for some solitude, that she thought being disowned from her family would not be such a bad thing. Especially when, after Penny had closed her bank account, her mother sent her a message, along with a large, expensive-looking box, detailing how Rosemary needed to start paying her way now that she was a wealthy land owner. She explained that the money she had taken from Rosemary's account paid for her dress for the wedding and the Yule Ball dress inside the fancy box. Madam Estrella was far from cheap.

When Rosemary untied the satin ribbon on the box, it opened to reveal a dazzling, golden gown that stole the breath from her and her roommates alike. The gold fabric shimmered as it moved, highlighting the delicate, sparkling gems that dusted the bodice and melted into the molten layers of the billowing skirts below. The neckline dipped modestly but elegantly, and the off-shoulder sleeves suggested grandeur. Rosemary held the dress up to herself as Poppy circled the dress in awe and Adelaide could not help but touch the shimmering fabric.

"I don't think I have ever seen gold fabric like this." Poppy said. "It's very unique."

"You sure know how to out-shine your competition." Adelaide murmured.

"I'm not trying to out-shine anyone." Rosemary said. "Are you two staying for the Yule Ball?"

Poppy sighed. "This dress makes me wish I was, but I'm spending Christmas with Grandmother."

"Uncle Rowland is taking me to Paris for the holidays." Adelaide said with a smile.

"I'm going to miss you both." Rosemary said, already lonely at the prospect of an empty room.

"What are you talking about? You won't have time to miss us." Poppy teased. "You're so busy these days at your shop and have your hands full with Isaac - and your secret admirer."

"Secret admirer?" Adelaide perked up.

Poppy crossed her arms. "I've half a mind not to tell you, since you've been so mean to Rosemary lately."

"I haven't been that mean, have I? I was just ignoring you for a bit because of Isaac." Adelaide looked remorsefully at Rosemary. "It's hard to see you two together sometimes..."

Rosemary shook her head. "I don't blame you. I wouldn't want to see someone with the guy I like either."

"But we are friends and we should be happy for one another." Poppy shook her finger at Adelaide.

"Anyway," Adelaide batted Poppy's finger out of her face. "Tell me more about the secret admirer already."

Rosemary smiled. "Well, it's not much but I get a letter every few days from someone. I don't know who it is, since they don't sign their name, but they write a sweet poem or send flowers or even one time they sent me a box of chocolate." Rosemary thought fondly of the chocolate box her admirer had once sent her, now repurposed to hold all her treasures in her desk drawer.

Poppy giggled. "And the owl always makes the delivery right in front of Isaac. His face turns beet red!"

"Oh my! Do you have any idea who it could be?" Adelaide asked.

Rosemary shook her head. "No clue. It could be anyone. But it must be someone who knows me well enough to send me my favorite things like chocolate dragon eggs and flowers with secret messages."

"Flowers with secret messages?" Adelaide asked.

"There is a muggle book that became popular amongst young witches, when my mother was little, called The Language and Poetry of Flowers. It has a meaning for every plant you can think of and people would give flowers or arrangements based on those meanings as a kind of secret message to the recipient. My mother was obsessed with that book since her name is Flora. She named me and my siblings plant names with those meanings behind them, too."

"What's 'Poppy' mean?" Poppy asked.

"I'll get the book." Rosemary went to her desk and found the thin book and opened it. "Depends on the color but if you are talking about the scarlet poppy it means 'fantastic extravagance.'"

"So, what was the last secret flower message you got?" Adelaide asked.

"Here." Rosemary pulled open the drawer where she kept her keepsakes and took the folded note from the top. She carefully unfolded the parchment to reveal a handful of pink peach blossoms. "It means "I am your captive' or 'I am yours.'" She said with affection.

Poppy and Adelaide sighed dreamily.

"Where would the admirer even find peach blossoms?" Adelaide asked.

"You know that pink tree behind the Floo Flame right outside the Herbology Classroom?"

"That's a peach blossom?" Adelaide was shocked at the discovery.

"It seems my admirer knows the greenhouse well. I really wish I knew who it was." Rosemary said wistfully.

"Would you break up with Isaac if you found out who it is?" Adelaide asked, trying but failing to hide the hope in her voice.

"I might just!" Rosemary laughed, but even though she played it off as a joke, the question resounded in her head every time she received something new from her admirer.

When winter break arrived, Rosemary tearfully saw her friends off on the train to London. She almost wished she could go with them, but all that waited for her in London was an empty house, as her parents would be vacationing somewhere exotic, as they always did from Christmas until February.

Most of the seventh-year students were staying over the winter break to study and attend their last Yule Ball. Only half of the sixth-year students stayed for their first Yule Ball, and the ones who did stay had plenty of drama of their own. Everyone was in a tizzy over who they were going to take to the Ball – except Rosemary, who was obviously going with Isaac. But that did not stop girls from asking Isaac, hoping he would follow Jasper Higg's scandalous example. Apparently, Jasper was setting a trend for the boys to take multiple girls to the dance instead of just one. But Isaac was no such man and would not hear of taking anyone but Rosemary which was...a small comfort.

In the days leading up to Christmas and the Yule Ball, Rosemary convinced Isaac they both needed time to do their Christmas shopping on their own. Isaac agreed and said he would stay with his family on Christmas Eve and return on Christmas Day.

With the air of freedom about her, Rosemary felt as light as a feather and floated here and there in Hogsmeade buying all her friends Christmas gifts.

After a successful trip to Honeydukes, Rosemary stopped at Steepley & Sons for tea time. As she sipped her tea, an owl flew in and gingerly dropped a tiny box on Rosemary's table. Rosemary set her teacup down and scooped up the box to read the tag that was tied on it.

Happy Early Birthday

It was not signed but Rosemary knew it was from her secret admirer. She stared at the words for a long time. Her secret admirer somehow knew it was her birthday soon and was thoughtful enough not to call it a Christmas present. Very few people ever separated the two occasions, and the fact that her secret admirer had - filled her with warmth.

She opened the box and gasped. Inside, on a velvet cushion, lay a golden rose pendant. She pulled it out and a long gold necklace followed behind it. Rosemary marveled at the detail of the carved flower on the pendant. Although it was cast in gold and she had no way of knowing what color to associate with it, Rosemary knew the typical sentiment behind the rose was 'love and affection' and took it to mean as such. She put the necklace on and smiled as she admired how it glistened around her neck.

Fortified and feeling extra bright, she bounced along to finish her shopping. She even bought presents for the Slytherins who had been almost invisible for the past few weeks.

For Sebastian she bought the Chronicles of Merlin which came in a four-volume set. For Anne she thought she might like an outfit from her own shop and went to pay Penny a visit. With the elf's help, she found what Penny called "Riding Attire" with a smart looking rose-colored jacket that Rosemary thought would suit Anne's complexion nicely. Penny took the clothes to be wrapped up and while Rosemary was considering what to get Ominis she noticed Penny doing something to Anne's jacket.

"What are you doing, Penny?"

"Penny is removing the charm on this jacket. Whomever had it before charmed it to glow when worn."

"Ah, yes, that would be a bit bothersome. You did a good job detecting it."

"Indeed. Penny has gotten quite good at seeing charms on clothing. You would be amazed at all the different kinds of charms people have thought to put on clothes."

Rosemary lifted her eyebrows. "Really? What's the most shocking one you have seen?"

Penny paused in thought and then looked Rosemary over.

"You have a charm on your necklace." She said.

"Do you like it? It's a rose." Rosemary held the pendant out to Penny to see closely.

"No, Penny means there is a charm - an enchantment placed on your necklace." She tried to clarify.

"An enchantment?" Rosemary asked as she looked down at the necklace. "What kind? Nothing bad I hope?"

"No..." Penny said as she squinted at it. "It's a tracking charm. Whoever gave this to you will know where you are at all times."

"Oh." Rosemary thought about her secret admirer and their motives for placing such a charm on the necklace. Was it sweet, or creepy that they knew where she was?

"Would you like Penny to remove the charm?"

"No. You can leave it. But thank you for telling me it was there."

Rosemary went about perusing her shop while Penny finished removing the charm and wrapping the package when her eyes fell on a set of handkerchiefs and a thought occurred to her. Maybe she could charm something special for Ominis...

Rosemary asked Penny to wrap up the handkerchiefs too, and headed straight for the cellar behind her shop. She greeted Tobbs and Cat as she exited the small cave in the greenhouse vivarium and asked if they had any Kneazle fur on hand. To Rosemary's delight, they showed her their great pile of fur they had gathered. It seemed a bit excessive to have so much stockpiled though and she instructed the elves to take the excess creature products to Penny so she could sell it.

The enchanted loom was sitting peacefully in the corner of the Room of Requirement when Rosemary walked in and it shivered awake when it realized she was nearby.

"Hello, old friend." Rosemary said to it. "We have some work to do today."

The beater on the loom shifted back and forth in response and seemed excited for whatever Rosemary had planned.

One by one, Rosemary fed the handkerchiefs into the loom and wove in a strong Protego Shielding enchantment to each one. It was not the same as casting Protego on someone, like Ominis had done for her when he had secretly followed her, but it would decrease any damage taken from others. She doubted he would know the enchantment was there, so to make it seem special she added a gold embroidered 'O' for 'Ominis' to the corner surrounded by a green laurel – which meant 'glory and honor' in the language of flowers. Lastly, she went to her greenroom to gather ingredients for one final touch; a charm for each handkerchief to forever smell like his favorite tea.

When she was done, she smiled in satisfaction at her handy-work and hoped Ominis would like it.

On Christmas Eve, Rosemary spent her day wrapping and sending her gifts off from the comfort of her dorm room. In the evening, there was a knock at her door. Sacharissa smiled when Rosemary opened the door and thanked her for the Christmas present Rosemary had just sent her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were here or I would have handed it to you myself." Rosemary said.

"That's alright." Sacharissa giggled. "I've been busy working on my own Christmas gifts. Can I give you yours now?" She held out a potion bottle with sparkling silver liquid inside.

"Oh my! What is it?" Rosemary stared at it in wonder, watching the mesmerizing liquid.

"I've been perfecting my hair color changing potions this year and I think I finally got it right. All you have to do is put something with the color you want to change your hair to inside the bottle, shake it a bit, and then wash your hair with the potion."

"That's amazing! You've really outdone yourself, Sacharissa. Should we try it out tonight?"

"If you want! But I should warn you, it is permanent until your hair grows out."

"If it works as well as you claim, I'll just keep a lock of my hair to change it back if I feel like it."

"Perfect! What color should we change our hair to for Christmas? Green? Red?"

"Gold might be nice." Rosemary said, thinking about her Yule Ball dress.

"You mean blonde? A natural blonde is hard to get right. I tried putting in straw but it came out looking waxy."

"I might have something that could work. Wait here. I'll be right back." Rosemary went back to the Room and visited the swamp vivarium to find her shiny unicorn named Prince to ask him for a hair. He was kind enough to give one of his golden strands after Rosemary gave him a good brushing. When she got back to her dorm, Sacharissa eyes bugged when she saw what Rosemary had.

"Is that...a unicorn hair?"

Rosemary just smiled. "Happy Christmas, Sacharissa."

Sacharissa laughed. "Happy Christmas indeed!"

Rosemary and Sacharissa spent the evening helping each other apply the potion and rinsing it in the bathroom sinks.

They squealed when they saw their hair in the mirror.

"It turned out so well! Just look at that luster!" Sacharissa kept stroking her silky hair with her fingers. "Unicorn hair! Who knew!"

Rosemary could barely recognize herself in the mirror. The pale golden hair made them look like ethereal beings. "My goodness, Sacharissa, I think you should start selling this immediately. Do you want to sell it at my shop until you get your own? I'll only take a small cut of the profit."

"Really? That would be great! I'll get you a stock of it as soon as I can."

"A pleasure doing business with you." Rosemary and Sacharissa laughed as they shook hands.

Chapter Text

On Christmas Day, Rosemary awoke to find a modest pile of presents at the foot of her bed. Not wanting to open them alone, she went to Sacharissa's room. Sacharissa, whose roommates had also gone home for the holidays, lit up with joy at having company. They sat cross-legged on the floor, opening gifts and drinking hot chocolate to their hearts' content.

Rosemary was delighted at the assortment of chocolates and treats from friends: Poppy's grandmother's homemade truffles, Adelaide's parcel of fresh croissants (which she shared with Sacharissa for breakfast) and packages of sweets from Anne and Sebastian.

As she set aside the last present, she realized with a pang of disappointment that she had not received anything from Ominis. Not even a card.

Maybe his parents were angrier with him than she had thought? She had not heard anything about his parents' reaction and in fact, now that she thought of it...her parents had not said anything either. Her mother had not mentioned the cancelled engagement in the letter she had sent with the dress box. Things were all rather quiet. Almost suspiciously so. Had they not received her letter?

The matter swirled around her like a dark cloud until she and Sacharissa left for lunch and then she was preoccupied by an entirely different matter.

Most students were used to Sacharissa's ever-changing hair color and would not take much notice of her even if she turned it bright blue. It was only when she turned her hair pink like Rosemary's that she got a big reaction. Students did double takes for weeks afterwards thinking she was Rosemary and were shocked when it turned out she was not. She loved the extra drama it created when even Isaac Cooper was fooled several times and approached her with a touch on her shoulder by mistake.

Now as they walked arm-in-arm to lunch in the Great Hall, students were dumbstruck as they watched what looked like twin Veelas float past.

"There's nothing stuck to my face, right?" Rosemary whispered, a little unnerved by the response.

"It's the hair." Sacharissa whispered gleefully. "I don't think I could have asked for a better advertisement for my potion. I'll be a millionaire by Easter!"

Rosemary giggled despite herself. And sure enough, no sooner had they sat down at the Hufflepuff table than the Headgirl approached them with a furrowed brow.

"Sacharissa Tugwood," She said as she got closer and realization dawned on her face. "I should have known you would change your hair for Christmas. And what a spectacular color!"

Other students began to gather to see what was happening and Sacharissa took the opportunity to talk about her hair potion. While she was busy, Rosemary filled her plate with the Christmas feast in front of them and stole a glance at the Slytherin table. But none of her friends were there. Even Imelda was missing.

She shrugged it off. It seemed many students were enjoying a quiet Christmas in their dorms. It was as she was looking about at the students who had come out for lunch that she noticed Isaac sitting with his friends at the other end of their table.

He had not noticed her at all.

Well, that was alright with her. She could savor her food without him watching her every bite.

But word traveled fast around the Great Hall that Sacharissa Tugwood and Rosemary Abbott had changed their hair color and it was only a matter of minutes before Isaac heard the news and found her.

"Happy Christmas, darling." He said, sliding in close and kissing her cheek. "What made you decide to change your hair color?"

"Happy Christmas to you too, Isaac." She said, trying not to show how annoyed she was at being found so soon. "It's a gift from Sacharissa. I think it turned out lovely." She looked down at the length of hair covering her shoulder like a shawl of pale gold silk.

"You're gorgeous no matter what you do." He combed his fingers through her hair, letting the silky strands slip through his fingers like sand in an hourglass. "But it is a beautiful color on you."

The way he was playing with her hair made an involuntary sigh of pleasure escape her lips. Encouraged, Isaac leaned closer and whispered in her ear. "You're even more alluring with your hair down, you know."

"Isaac, I'm trying to eat." Rosemary nudged him away with her elbow.

He grinned and went on to tell her how much he missed her while they were apart.

"My brother Elliott got engaged and brought his fiancée to meet everyone. I was so jealous and wished I had you there to show off, too. How about I bring you with me next time we have a family function?"

Rosemary thought back to Marvolo's wedding and wondered if Ominis had been proud to show her off at all before everything ended in disaster. The memory left an aching feeling in her heart and suddenly she was not so hungry anymore.

"I think the turkey is making me sleepy. I'll go rest before the Ball." She said, extracting herself from the bench.

"I'll join you." Isaac said and followed her. "Maybe we can find a sofa in the common room for a Christmas cuddle." He grabbed her hand and wrapped it around his arm as they walked.

Rosemary begged off and successfully made it to her room for a well-earned nap.

She awoke hours later to someone knocking on her door. It was Sacharissa again and this time she had brought her own dress for the Yule Ball and asked to get ready together. Rosemary happily agreed and Sacharissa taught her how to do her make-up and shape her eyebrows. They took turns doing each other's hair but to Rosemary's dismay – Sacharissa insisted on only braiding the top half of her hair, saying she looked more angelic with her hair that way. All Rosemary could do was agree and be thankful while secretly dreading Isaac's inevitable attempts to play with her hair.

Finally, the moment arrived and Rosemary descended the steps to the common room feeling every bit like a celestial being descending to Earth in such an ethereal dress.

Isaac was utterly stunned at the sight of her and forgot how to speak or even what to do once Rosemary was in front of him.

She held out her golden gloved hand to him but when he simply continued staring at her, she cleared her throat to bring him back to his senses.

"My lady." He managed as he kissed her hand. Then, without warning, he swept her into his arms.

"Isaac! My dress!" She gripped his shoulder while she tried to keep her skirt from billowing up.

He laughed as he spun around, forcing her to hold onto him with both hands.

"Don't worry. I've got you." He smiled down at her as she glared back at him.

"Just put me down, please."

"And why would I do that? Besides I have always wanted to try carrying you through a Floo Flame."

Rosemary's eyes went wide. "No, don't!"

But it was too late. They vanished in a swirl of green flame.

They arrived at the Great Hall without incident and Isaac stood triumphant, still holding a flustered Rosemary princess-style. A crowd of students were standing outside the Great Hall doors, waiting for the Yule Ball to officially open - all of whom saw Isaac and Rosemary's arrival. A few of Isaac's friends approached him with slaps on the back and marveled at his dramatic entrance. Rosemary blushed fiercely at still being held through this ordeal.

"Put. Me. Down." She whispered through gritted teeth.

"Where's my 'please?'" He whispered back. But when she said 'please' he only shook his head. "Not that kind." He said and turned his cheek towards her.

She gave him a withering look but leaned closer to place a kiss on his cheek. Isaac grinned and turned his face at the last second.

Their lips met.

Gasps, sighs, and raucous cheers erupted from the students around them.

Mortified, Rosemary pulled back and covered her face in humiliation. Isaac, still beaming, set her on her feet.

"It was worth it." He whispered as he stood back to his full height next to her.

She could not look at him. How could he do that, especially in front of the entire school? She felt like bursting into angry tears right there and then but she swallowed it as best she could since others were still watching.

Finally, the doors to the Great Hall opened and magical music began to play - inviting them inside to dance.

As the rest of the students filtered through the doors, Rosemary had half a mind to turn around and go back to her room. Her heart still thudded heavily with embarrassment.

When it was their turn to walk through the doors, Isaac tried to offer his arm to her but Rosemary crossed her arms instead.

"Don't be like that, darling." Isaac moved closer and tipped her chin to look at him. "You're just so beautiful, I can't help myself."

She jerked her chin away and drew her wand from her glove. "Try that again and nobody will be able to help you."

Isaac's smile only grew as his eyes flitted from her wand to her eyes. "Whatever you say, Your Majesty." He held out his hand and she watched his eyes for a moment before putting her wand back in her glove and taking his hand.

They walked through the doors of the Great Hall and Rosemary's perspective changed dramatically as she took in the room. Thousands of glowing crystals seemed to drip from the starry night ceiling giving the whole hall a feeling of being suspended in space. Circular tables were set up along the sides of the hall swathed in midnight-blue tablecloths, glittering with golden constellations. Each table was piled with its own Christmas feast.

Rosemary's stomach rumbled, but Isaac chuckled. "Not yet, darling. Dancing is first."

Rosemary's heart sank but now at least she had some motivation to dance with Isaac. Dance, then eat.

The unmanned quartet struck up their starting chords from where the owl lectern usually stood and students started taking their positions on the dance floor.

"Would you look at that." Isaac said as they took their places. Rosemary followed his gaze and saw Jasper Higgs entering with a girl on each arm and a gaggle of girls trailing behind. All of them wore some shade of green, including Jasper who was wearing a green waistcoat to match.

Rosemary looked about them at the surrounding couples and realized with dismay that each one wore matching colors.

"Don't worry," Isaac said, pulling her closer. "We don't need to match. Everyone knows you're mine anyway." The music began and he swung her into a waltz.

As they danced, Rosemary became exceedingly grateful that at very least, Isaac was a good dancer and she did not have to worry about him stepping all over her dress and her feet. During their second dance she became aware of a familiar figure passing back and forth out of the corner of her eyes.

She caught a glimpse of Sebastian with his hair combed back like a proper gentleman, leading Imelda around the dance floor like the queen she was with her hair braided like a crown around her head.

Rosemary smiled at how lovely Imelda looked while she gazed up at Sebastian. She never would have thought Imelda would look that way at anyone.

And then a couple waltzed past and Rosemary's heart nearly stopped as she recognized the dark-blond boy she had secretly been hoping to see for days.

Ominis spun past with perfect grace and poise in his dapper black formal robes but as he turned, she saw his partner.

Anne.

She was the picture of elegance in her black silk dress with glittering gems trailing down the back like stars in the Milky Way. And what was worse; she was looking up at Ominis the way Imelda was looking at Sebastian – with stars in her eyes.

Rosemary stumbled but Isaac caught her.

"Are you alright?" He asked, holding her carefully as they continued to dance.

"I – I think I need to sit down." She said, her vision narrowing quickly as though she might faint. The music faded into a muffled pounding in her ears and all she could do was hold on to Isaac while he moved her to a seat at the closest table.

Once she sat down, she leaned an elbow on the table for support and Isaac checked for a fever with the back of his hand to her forehead.

"You seem a little warm. Wait here and I'll get some Moonstone Punch." He said, and left quickly for the refreshment table.

With Isaac gone, she turned back to look at Ominis and Anne to make sure what she was seeing was real. She remembered seeing them dance at the Victory Night like it was their job; expertly navigating the dancefloor with an almost business-like air.

But now...

Something was different.

They were holding each other closer, with an easy intimacy. Anne was saying something to him with a coy smile on her face and he was responding with a laugh and a beaming smile of his own.

When had Anne ever acted coy? Especially to Ominis who she always seemed to treat like a brother.

She remembered what Sebastian told her about Anne and Ominis being each other's first kiss. And out of hurt, she had made a wild accusation that Ominis had lied to Rosemary because he wanted to be with Anne now that she was cured.

She had not meant it though.

She had only meant to shock Sebastian into leaving her alone about the topic.

It was not real.

How could it be? Ominis had leaned into their relationship, although briefly, until he claimed to be protecting Rosemary by breaking things off.

He – he did not want to be with anyone.

Right?

While Rosemary was watching the dancing couple, she saw Anne look her way over Ominis's shoulder and lift her hand in greeting. Rosemary waved back before she could stop herself.

"Who are you waving to?" Isaac asked as he returned with two crystal goblets filled with a purple pearlescent liquid. The music ended as he handed a goblet to her.

Rosemary startled at his sudden presence. "Oh, uh...just some friends." She took the goblet and drank deeply of the purple punch that turned out to be far more delicious than she had thought.

"Rosemary! There you are!" Anne called and Rosemary choked on the punch. She turned to see Anne stroll up to them, her hand curled affectionately around Ominis's arm. "I almost didn't recognize you with your new hair color! We thought maybe you hadn't stayed for Christmas when we didn't see you at first. But your dress! It's magnificent!"

Rosemary swallowed her nerves as best she could and plastered a smile on her face. "Not as gorgeous as yours. It suits the theme of the Yule Ball so well. And –." She was about to compliment Ominis's robes out of politeness but stopped as she realized with a jolt that his waistcoat was gold. And not only was it the same color as her dress, it looked to be made of the exact same shimmering fabric, too. Rosemary cut her eyes to Isaac who had not seemed to put two and two together yet.

Anne noticed Rosemary's hesitation and stepped in. "But where are my manners? Isaac Cooper, you look even more dashing than usual. Would you mind being my partner for the next dance? It seems Rosemary can spare you while she takes refreshment."

"I couldn't possibly-." Isaac began.

"I saw what a fine dancer you are and might even rival Ominis. Shall we put it to the test?" Anne's eyes twinkled as she held out a hand for him to take.

Spurred on by competition, Isaac readily agreed and spun her onto the dancefloor.

Now that the two were alone, an awkward silence descended between Rosemary and Ominis. She had so much to say. So much to ask. But none of it mattered—not when one thought echoed louder than the rest: he doesn't want you.

Her heart gave a painful squeeze at the thought and she winced. She was going to have to keep things light, casual, and friendly if she had any hopes of getting through this evening without bursting into tears.

With one last swig of her punch, she let her Hufflepuff mask fall into place.

"Are you having a happy Christmas?" She asked at the same time Ominis asked, "How are you feeling?"

The moment cracked the tension between the two and they both laughed sheepishly.

Ominis was the first to recover and said, "Yes, but I've been looking forward to the Yule Ball the most."

"I can see why." She said as she watched Anne waltz with Isaac. "This is much more exciting than a Victory Night in the common room."

"That depends entirely on who you are with." Ominis said, keeping the meaning purposefully vague. He cleared his throat and tried his earlier question. "Are you feeling alright? Your stamina should have recovered from your coma by now."

She stiffened at the insinuation. "My stamina is fine, thank you."

"Oh, then I suppose you can still dance the waltz adequately enough?"

"Adequately enough!?"

"Yes, I think a proper examination is in order." He held out his hand to her. "Shall we?"

She eyed his outstretched hand. "You know, you could've just asked." She placed her hand in his and he pulled her into his arms and smiled.

"What would be the fun in that?" He asked as he led her onto the dancefloor.

It was hard for Rosemary to concentrate on anything while they danced besides the feel of Ominis's hand holding hers, so gentle, so unlike Isaac's. Isaac was always so pushy and demanding with his affections. If only he could be soft and tender like Ominis, then maybe one day she could develop feelings for Isaac...

But in the meantime, she would enjoy this one last chance to be held by the boy she loved.

Chapter Text

Ominis could not remember what he had planned to say to Rosemary. Nothing else seemed to matter now that he had her in his arms. Her warmth seeped into his skin. Her scent of chamomile wafted around him in comforting waves. She followed his lead with every gentle guide of his hand. She was his while they danced and he could not be happier.

How had he ever thought he could give her up?

He had missed her more than he had thought possible - and he had poured every ounce of that yearning into his anonymous letters. Every flower Sebastian and Anne had helped him pick, every carefully written poem, every gift he sent. Everything had had a deep meaning he desperately hoped she would understand.

Had she guessed who they were from yet?

"I can tell you got my Christmas present." Rosemary finally said, breaking the silence over them as the dance song began to fade and they gradually came to a stop. "The tea scent isn't too strong, I hope?"

"No, it's perfect." Ominis reached inside his robe and slipped the handkerchief out of his pocket. "I especially like the 'O' you embroidered on them so Sebastian won't try to steal them." He ran his thumb over the corner where he could feel the raised embroidery.

Rosemary smiled, her heart aching at the sight of him holding the gift she had worked so hard on.

"I'm glad you-."

"Rosemary!" Isaac's angry voice sliced through the moment.

Her attention snapped up to see Isaac moving quickly through the crowd of couples, a sour expression on his face.

She had never seen him look angry – but he was now. And she could already guess why. Isaac did not seem to handle competition well, especially when it came to Ominis. It probably would not help matters if he noticed Ominis's waistcoat color either...

Rosemary moved to stand in front of Ominis to block Isaac's view of the gold waistcoat when she felt a gentle hand rest on her shoulder.

"You don't need to do that." Ominis said and stepped around her before she had the chance to react.

Rosemary watched as Isaac's gaze caught on Ominis's waistcoat – then flared with fury.

"Rosemary. I would like a word with you." Isaac said through a clenched, saccharine smile.

He held out a hand to her but instead of taking it, Rosemary just sighed and walked past him towards the side door of the Great Hall. If they were going to have 'a word,' it would be best if no one could hear them.

Isaac shot Ominis a venomous look, even though he knew Ominis could not see it, and followed Rosemary.

Ominis moved to the side of the room, keeping track of Rosemary and Isaac's auras as they made their way outside.

"Well?" Anne asked, approaching Ominis from behind. "Did you tell her?"

"No." Ominis grumbled as he kept his attention on the auras, Rosemary's was a simmering flame and Isaac's was an angry thunder storm. Ominis needed to move quickly so he could hear better.

"Ominis! I did some of my best work to get you time alone with her and you-!"

"I couldn't think, alright?" He snapped at her. "It's been weeks since I've been around her and nothing felt right to say. Now quiet down, I'm trying to hear what they are talking about."

Ominis situated himself next to the door in such a way that his wand-heightened sense of hearing could pick up the conversation outside. "Pretend like you are talking to me." He told Anne so she could give him a cover for being there.

"...he's blind, Isaac, of course he doesn't know what color his waistcoat is. How could he possibly know that it matches my dress? Besides, didn't you say we didn't need to match? That everyone knew I was 'yours' anyway?" Rosemary's voice sounded tired and annoyed.

"I'm sure he has his ways. He did it on purpose. I'm sure of it. And don't go dancing with anyone but me from now on."

"And why not? I can dance with my friends if I want. You don't own me."

"I may not own you, but you are mine, all the same, so you should-."

"I should what?" Rosemary's voice rose suddenly. "I don't know what right you think you have over me but I'm tired of you thinking I should do and be whatever it is you want. I'm not one of your fangirls who will fall all over herself to make you happy, so if you don't like the way I am, then just leave."

Ominis smiled to himself. That's my girl.

"My feisty fox, of course I'm not going to leave..."

"Isaac, stop it." She said firmly, her aura pushed his away from her.

"How can I? You're so beautiful when you're mad." Ominis could hear the smile in his voice and was ready to rip the door off its hinges, but in the next moment he heard Rosemary let loose a Bombarda that knocked Isaac back – but not too far since he blocked with Protego almost instantly, as though he knew it was coming.

"Alright, alright," Isaac said, amusement in his tone. "I'll give you some space if that's what you want. But don't take too long. It's cold out here." Isaac's aura walked towards the Great Hall and Ominis turned to drag Anne with him, away from the door.

Seconds later, Isaac returned and promptly found a group of his friends to talk to, not noticing Ominis dart out the closing door.

Rosemary walked briskly down the sloping path outside, her blood still boiling. With every gently glowing stained-glass window she passed, she contemplated cracking one open and smuggling herself back into the Hufflepuff common room.

Why did she have to do this?

Why did she have to stay with Isaac? Just to help Ominis escape a future he did not want – so he could be with the girl he did want?

She sat heavily on a cold stone bench that looked toward the raised gazebo in the center of the garden.

That's right.

It had all been for him.

Because he did not want her.

A hot tear slipped down her cheek.

Anne.

He had wanted Anne all along.

And Rosemary...had only been in the way.

Another tear slipped down her cheek and she dashed it away.

Well, at least she would not be leaving Ominis alone like she had thought. He would marry his childhood sweetheart and they could live in Feldcroft, far away from his family and be as snug as Puffskeins in a pile of jumpers. Maybe she would even give them a discount on their rent once the happy couple moved in.

She laughed at herself through the puddles of tears in her eyes. Even though Ominis had lied to her and made her turn heaven and earth over for him...she could not bring herself to hate him.

Rosemary sniffled and was about to catch the rest of her tears with the back of her gloved-hand when she noticed an outstretched hand next to her, holding a handkerchief with the letter 'O' embroidered on it.

She looked up to see Ominis standing there with a pained expression on his face.

"Oh, Ominis - I didn't see you there." She straightened herself up and dabbed away the remaining tears with her own gloved-hand. "I'm fine, I don't need the handkerchief." She cleared her throat, pretending she really was fine. "You should get back to Anne. I'm sure she is wondering where you are."

"No," Ominis said as he sat down beside her. "I'm right where I should be. And you don't need to pretend you're fine. I know the truth. Even if you don't tell me."

Rosemary looked down at her tear-stained gloves. "I can't keep a secret from you, can I?" She dared a glance at him. "Did you know your waistcoat matches my dress?"

He grinned. "I'm blind. How would I know that?"

"I guess maybe it's my mother's doing." She said, missing the sarcasm in his tone completely. "She did the same thing with our outfits for the wedding, but I don't suppose you remember that."

"I do remember. Which is why I asked my parents to find out the color of your dress and match our outfits again."

Rosemary cocked her head to the side, not understanding. "You? You planned our Yule Ball outfits even as far back as the wedding?"

"No, I planned that a few weeks ago."

Now she was thoroughly confused. "Why would you do that?"

"Because I like driving Isaac insane with jealousy. He knows he doesn't deserve you. You're too good for him and he's scared. Every time you get something from your secret admirer, he panics thinking someone is about to steal you from him."

Rosemary's mouth opened and closed as she tried to form words. "Ominis...how...?"

Ominis ignored the question and kept going. "And he's right to be scared. Because anyone lucky enough to be with you should be counting their lucky stars and praying they never lose you."

Rosemary shook her head, finally thinking straight. "Obviously not everyone sees it that way. You didn't."

"Because I am blind, in more ways than one." Ominis said, hoping she could hear his sincerity. "Rosemary, I was such a fool-."

"Ominis, you really don't need to say these things. If this is coming from pity or maybe some kind of guilt..."

"You think I'm saying these things out of pity?" He asked in disbelief.

"I saw you with Anne. The way you were dancing together." Rosemary's voice cracked with emotion. "You both looked so happy. And I'm glad for you. But I don't need you pretending you felt something for me just because you might be sorry for -."

Ominis held up a hand to stop her. "You have it all wrong." He said and noticed in that tiny moment of silence that he could hear her shaky breaths catch in the chill night air. Without a second thought he shrugged off his outer robe and found her shoulder to guide it around her and wrap her in its warmth.

His nearness and care made Rosemary's heart ache and she desperately wished this moment would never end.

Ominis sensed the shift in her aura and softened his tone to match what he thought she needed.

"Rosemary, let me explain..." He said and his hand moved almost on its own, reaching to cup her face. He needed to feel her, to read her expression beneath his fingertips. But the moment he touched her cheek, all of his feelings rushed to the surface, everything he had repressed for so long urged him to lean forward.

And before he knew it, their lips met.

The space between them simply vanished in the breath of a moment and her soft mouth felt like home. Gentle, familiar, and filled with everything they had not said.

Rosemary responded before her mind could catch up, her hands reached up over his shoulders as he deepened the kiss, slow and aching. She could not resist the feeling. It was the pull of old gravity, the kind that lived in muscle memory and her broken heart. His fingers slid up her neck, threading gently into her hair, drawing her closer to him.

"What are you doing?" A voice shattered the moment and they broke apart.

Rosemary covered her mouth, stunned at what had just happened and who was staring at her only a short distance away.

Isaac.

Ominis stood and turned to face Isaac, effectively hiding Rosemary behind him.

"What does it look like?" He asked, a hint of smugness in his tone.

"You little worm!" Isaac closed the distance between them in an instant and grabbed Ominis roughly by the lapels. "I should beat you senseless. Then maybe you would learn to stay away from her!"

Rosemary shot up to pry his fists away. "Isaac! Stop!"

"And why would I do that?" Ominis asked Isaac. "It seems to me you don't remember who won Crossed Wands. I'd think twice about threatening me."

"And what if you didn't have your precious wand, huh? Think you'd still win?"

"Yes." Ominis smirked. "Because either way – Rosemary still won't be yours."

Isaac froze. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Color drained from Rosemary's face as she realized too late what Ominis was about to say. "Ominis-!"

"Because she is my fiancée." Ominis said.

Isaac let go of Ominis's lapels and took a step back, staring at him and then at Rosemary in disbelief.

"Is that true?" Isaac asked Rosemary, his voice low.

Rosemary could not answer. Her lips refused to move.

"Rosemary!" Isaac shouted.

"Ominis, why would you-?" She tried to ask but Ominis interjected.

"It's true. Ask any professor. They all know we are engaged."

Rosemary let out a strangled sound.

Isaac was very still as he watched Ominis for a long moment.

Then, at length he said, "And yet Rosemary chose me. I'm the one with her now. How do you explain that?"

The question made Rosemary feel so bone-tired and embarrassed she wished she could simply crawl into the deepest darkest hole and never come out. "I can't do this anymore." She began to shake her head.

Both boys snapped their attention to her.

"There is too much to explain and too much...there is just too much." Rosemary said and without a second thought, picked up her skirts and made her way swiftly back up to the castle.

The boys scrambled after her but she was faster. She threw open the Great Hall doors and in the blink of an eye - vanished into the Floo Flame.

Chapter Text

The problem with Floo Flames was there was no way of telling where a person had gone. Unfortunately for Rosemary, Isaac knew her well enough to correctly guess where she had fled and appeared in the Hufflepuff common room mere seconds after her.

"Rosemary, wait." Isaac finally caught up to her and grabbed her hand just as she tried to climb the dormitory stairs. She wrenched her hand out of his grip and kept going.

With intention, Isaac set one foot on the staircase leading up to the girls' dorm, knowing full well the staircase was charmed to turn into a slide if a boy tried to climb it. Rosemary, unaware of this enchantment, lost her footing and fell backwards – straight into Isaac's waiting arms.

"Why didn't you tell me you had a fiancé?" He asked, not caring who saw or overheard their conversation.

Rosemary twisted out of his grasp, flustered. "It's complicated."

"What's complicated about it? You're either going to marry him or you're not."

"It's...an arrangement between our families." She started.

"Which means you don't love him. Right?"

"No, I..." Her throat tightened. It was unbearable that she was admitting it for the first time to him of all people. "I do love him." Guilt and shame pressed hard on her soul, making her wince from the weight of it.

"Then why lead me on like this?" Isaac's voice cracked with betrayal. "Why did you agree to court me when you were already his? What is it that you can't explain?"

He was growing louder – angrier – with every question. Rosemary could see her housemates glancing over, curiosity piqued.

"Not here, Isaac. Can we talk somewhere else?"

"No more running away! I deserve an explanation! Don't I?" Isaac's expression was as furious as a wild Graphorn's.

"You do!" She agreed quickly, trying to defuse him. "But not in front of everyone-."

"Fine." He grabbed her hand and pulled her through the common room and into the corridor outside the entrance. Once the door sealed behind them, he dropped her hand, crossed his arms, and waited.

"Explain."

She exhaled shakily. "It - it wasn't my intention-."

"To cheat on your fiancé with me?"

"It wasn't cheating!" She snapped, then lowered her voice. "I told you, it's complicated."

"Yes, you keep saying that, but nothing I've heard so far justifies the reason. It's an arranged marriage. You love him." He ticked off on his fingers. "What else am I missing?"

The shame she had carried for months threatened to crush her already broken heart and Rosemary hid her face in her hands as she finally admitted; "He didn't want me." She choked on a sob as tears flooded her eyes. "He didn't want me..."

"I said to 'find someone else.' Not that I didn't want you. That's different." Came a voice from down the corridor.

Rosemary looked up.

"Ominis?" Her breath caught at the sight of him standing at the end of the corridor, waiting.

"You son of a-!" Isaac lunged toward him, but Rosemary leapt forward, seizing his arm.

"No! Don't!"

He looked back at her, eyes full of fire. "What am I...some pawn in your lovers' game?" He sneered. "I'm done with this."

Isaac pulled free of her grasp, cast one, final, burning glance between them, and added, "I hope he breaks your heart."

With that, he opened the entrance to the common room and disappeared into the sea of stunned Hufflepuff students beyond.

Rosemary's heart plummeted as she realized every one of them had overheard. Her worst fear had come true.

The door thudded closed. She turned this way and that in her mortification, unable to think of what she should do. Then she caught sight of Ominis again.

"Ominis, why?" She breathed. "Why, after everything we've been through? You pushed me away, lied to me, and broke my heart again and again! I thought...I thought..." She gasped as a sob overtook her.

Ominis was in front of her in an instant, taking her hands in his and held them as tightly as he dared, making sure she would not try to run away again before he could finally say all he needed to say.

"Darling, don't cry." He said gently. "It's all my fault. What I said back then was true, my family is sick and twisted - you saw that for yourself. You can't blame me for wanting to save you – to get you as far away from them as I could. Please believe me when I say I did it all to try to keep you safe. I lied about not wanting to get married because I thought it would be easier for you to let me go. And I thought I could handle letting you go. But I couldn't. I've liked you...loved you for so long. You are everything I have ever wanted. Someone kind, caring, and affectionate. You are a treasure that I want to cherish, always. And I hated that our engagement started with my parents. I know what they see when they look at you. They see you as nothing more than a name and a power to be wielded. But I won't let them use you. You were right all along. We're stronger together and I'm sorry it took me so long to realize – as long as I have you, nothing else matters."

He lifted her hands to his lips to kiss. "I love you, Rosemary. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Rosemary's heart was so full of happiness, she thought she would burst at any moment. The misunderstandings and heartbroken moments suddenly vanished - she felt healed in those words.

A joyful laugh escaped her lips and she threw her arms around him. He wrapped his arms around her too, holding her to him as though he would never let her go again.

"I love you, too!" She cried as he squeezed her tightly.

"Are you still wearing my robe?" He asked, pulling back suddenly to feel her shoulders.

"Yes, why?"

Ominis felt down to the pocket at the waist and pulled out a small blue velvet box the size of his palm.

He opened it to reveal a large, round emerald surrounded by tiny triangle diamonds on a gold band.

"This was my Aunt Noctua's ring. I had my parents send it to me so I could do this properly."

Without further ado Ominis took a step back and carefully got down on one knee in front of her.

"Rosemary Abbott, will you marry me? Marry me for me, and not because of the arrangement?" His expression turned imploring as he held the ring up to her.

"Yes!" She cried without hesitation and pulled Ominis back to his feet to embrace him again.

"Awwwwwwww!" Came the sweet exclamation of dozens of students from behind the common room door.

Rosemary and Ominis laughed in embarrassment and turned to the door. It opened wide and a crowd of Hufflepuffs cheered at the sight of them.

The news of Rosemary and Ominis's love story spread like wildfire around not only the school but into Hogsmeade and into the ear of Cillian Hawksworth, who found the continued saga of Rosemary Abbott far more interesting than the current piece he was writing on Madam Snelling's newly developed mustache paste.

Being personally acquainted with Rosemary, Mr. Hawksworth saw no issue in seeking an immediate interview.

The very next day, the Daily Prophet ran a full-page feature; Abbott and Gaunt: Arranged Marriage Turns True Love. Although some of the more colorful parts of their tumultuous story were swept under a rug labeled "misunderstandings," Mr. Hawksworth decided to write it as a heartwarming journey of young love which many readers found exceptionally wholesome.

"Well, he certainly knows how to captivate his readers." Sebastian commented at breakfast on New Year's Eve as he set the Daily Prophet down. "You two might even become a thing of legend if you play your romantic cards right."

"Better get on with writing that book before someone else does." Anne added dryly, biting into her toast.

"You have my blessing since you orchestrated most of it." Rosemary laughed.

"Most of it?" Ominis was taken aback. "I'll have you know Sebastian was responsible for nearly all of the plot twists. If it wasn't for him throwing Isaac at you and making you misunderstand my relationship with Anne, we would have gotten back together a lot sooner."

"Maybe so." Sebastian agreed without shame. "But where would the romance be without some love letters and a little jealousy thrown in the mix?"

"I did like the love letters." Rosemary smiled as she leaned her head on Ominis's shoulder. "They were so sweet. I was about ready to throw it all away just to meet that secret admirer. Especially after you gave me this necklace as a birthday present and not a Christmas present." She said, touching the necklace affectionately.

"I didn't know you got her a rose necklace, too." Anne peered over the table at it. "How ever did you get it? It doesn't look like something you could get in Hogsmeade."

"My parents." Ominis said. "After I told them about our 'lover's spat,' they had no qualms with helping at whatever the cost to make sure Rosemary and I stayed together." He turned his head toward Rosemary. "I have my own theories about why they want you to be their daughter-in-law so badly...but to get you back, I figured I would worry about that later." He picked up her hand with the engagement ring on it and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles.

"So, give us the theories already." Sebastian said through a mouth full of eggs. "As your official biographer and romance author, I need to know."

"I'd like to know as well." Rosemary sat up straight to sip her tea.

Ominis nodded. "Alright. But mind you this is all just a theory." He took a deep breath to gather his thoughts. "The surface reason is obvious since my parents prefer keeping company with pure-blooded, prestigious, and wealthy people. Since Rosemary has all of that in spades, how could they not want her as their daughter-in-law? But beyond that, I did some digging of my own with the help of my house-elf, Sully. He told me that our house-elves have been instructed to cut costs when my parents are not entertaining anyone."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Sebastian asked.

"My parents have never cut costs in their lives. They prefer living as lavishly as possible. So, when Sully told me that, I asked him for a full account of our assets...secretly of course. And what he reported is that our resources have been severely depleted in the last few years because of their lifestyle."

"So, you think your parents are mainly after my dowry?" Rosemary asked.

"Yes, but more than that." Ominis said. "Now that you have your own stream of income from your store and the Rookwood estate...it's possible they can claim a percentage of that now and when you become part of the Gaunt family."

"Because they are considered my guardians..." Rosemary said as she put two and two together.

"I heard them talking quietly with Minister Spavin at your trial about it. I think that's why they pushed so hard for Minister Spavin to give you all of the Rookwood inheritance as compensation."

Rosemary put her teacup down. "It makes sense. I only found out recently myself that any one of my guardians can get full access to my bank account at Gringotts without my permission. I didn't fully grasp all the ramifications of that until just now. But thankfully I have already closed my account and hidden away all my assets so only I have access to everything."

"I hope that your house-elves aren't the ones who hid them away. If they are, your family can still make them do their bidding as long as you are still an Abbott." Ominis said.

Rosemary frowned at the thought. "I didn't think about that. But no, it was Penny who hid everything away. She's a free-elf so no one can touch her."

Ominis did not like the way Rosemary's aura began to fade and decided it was time to lighten the mood. "We can talk about how to fix the loopholes later. Meanwhile, I think we have some celebrating to do."

And indeed, they did. They gathered their closest friends who were still at the school for a small New Year's party and rang in the new year at The Three Broomsticks with a Butterbeer and a toast to love and new beginnings.

After the rest of the student body returned to Hogwarts, Ominis and Rosemary habitually retreated to the Room of Requirement when the flood of well-wishers, who had all read the article in the Daily Prophet, became too much.

It was in one of those moments when they found themselves alone in the greenroom, having tea, that Rosemary finally found the courage to ask Ominis about his secrets.

"What do you want to know?" Ominis asked when they settled at the tea table.

"I want to know about your wand." Rosemary said. "I want to know everything there is to know about it. I've always been curious about how it works and how you sense things through it."

"Alright, I might as well tell you." Ominis smiled as he unsheathed his wand from his sleeve. "But I will warn you, you might not like what you hear."

"I think I can handle it. Now just tell me already." Rosemary urged.

"Well, as you already know, I can sense shapes through my wand. It shows me locations of objects and people, but it can't give me finer details such as colors, textures, facial expressions, and so on. I have to figure all that out myself."

"Yes, when you asked about why I changed my shape that one time, it was because I put my hair down to hide the scar over my eye. I didn't want people to notice it."

"Just so you know, I can't detect things like that so it doesn't matter to me."

She smiled. "I know you like me for me and not what I look like."

"More than that. Something else I can sense is your aura."

Rosemary blinked. "My what?"

"I can sense people's auras. Their mood or their feeling gives off a kind of...I don't know how else to describe it but maybe a radiance? I can tell a lot from someone's aura – sometimes even what they are thinking. The other thing is I can sense the auras through walls or barriers of some sort. But only to a certain distance."

"Hmm..." Rosemary considered what he said. "It sounds a little like what I see through Revelio. I see objects that might have a special enchantment on it or make out if a person has ill-intentions towards me or not based on if they have a red ring around them or another color. Maybe that's something like what your wand uses to show you auras?"

"It's possible." Ominis said and held out his hand for her to take, which she did. "Something else you should know is that your aura has always stood out to me, even from the first time I met you. For lack of a better term, it's brighter than anyone's I have ever met. I don't know if that's because you are such a kind and bright person in general, or for another reason, but I knew since the beginning that you were someone special."

Rosemary harumphed at that. "It didn't stop you from yelling at me for being in the Undercroft."

"And how would you feel if you found some stranger walking around your Room of Requirement?"

Rosemary remembered the fearful feeling of hearing someone walking around the Room before discovering it had only been Ominis secretly following her. "Very disorienting, I imagine."

"Quite." He agreed.

"Ah and I have a...sort of random question about your wand." Rosemary said, remembering a conversation she had with Mr. Ollivander. "I noticed you don't have to command your wand to do certain things. Is it non-verbal magic you use or...is it a kind of mental bond?"

Ominis had to think about that for a long moment. He had never considered the connection between himself and his wand as anything but a natural bond. He thought everyone had a similar connection to their wand.

"Maybe it is a little of both. As soon as I touch it, the wand reveals the world to me through heightened hearing or detecting shapes but I don't have to think of a spell to do it, it just does it."

"Oh my. I see..." Rosemary said with a held back smile in her tone.

"Why? Is that strange?"

"Mr. Ollivander thinks someone who wields a wand like that is absolutely terrifying."

He smiled at that. "Well, I am 'ominous' after all."

They both laughed at his pun and Ominis reveled in how bright Rosemary's aura glowed to the point of sparkling. He leaned closer to her, attracted to her warmth from over the table. With a smile, she leaned closer to him as well and put a hand up to trace his features with a finger.

"I think you like me, Ominis Gaunt."

"Whatever gave you that impression?"

She giggled at his tease but answered honestly. "You sent me a gold rose necklace."

"It wasn't the ring that gave it away? I'm shocked."

Rosemary playfully shook her head. "I know your little secret you hid on my necklace."

"Oh, you saw that did you?"

"I can guess why you put the tracking charm on my necklace, but I'd rather hear you say it."

"That's not exactly the function you think it is."

"Oh? Then what is it for?"

"It is so I can sense you no matter where you are. With or without my wand, I will always be able to find your aura as long as you wear that necklace."

Rosemary thought back to the duel at Marvolo's wedding. She had been surprised when Ominis admitted he was wandless at the time and was completely in the dark in the audience, only relying on his mother's words and the reaction of the crowd around him to know what was happening during the duel. She realized he must have been more affected by that moment than she had first guessed.

"Ah, I misspoke then." She said, a grin playing on her lips. "I think you love me."

"I'm glad we cleared that up."

Chapter Text

Through the month of January, Rosemary and Ominis were far busier than anticipated.

Beyond what they were learning in class, Ominis was determined to find a way to protect Rosemary not only physically but legally. Ominis knew once he and Rosemary were married, his parents would not stop at just the dowry payment. And with what Rosemary had told him about her mother dipping into her bank account and saying she needed to "pay her way" – what would stop her parents from insisting that Rosemary pay her own dowry and then some to the Gaunts?

Nothing but the law.

So, while Ominis focused on studying law, Rosemary finally settled on a goal of her own. She felt that holding onto Rookwood Castle and its lands were too much of a liability for them both. It had already caused enough trouble, and she had no desire for more.

Ever the businesswoman, she decided to put her Ancient Magic to proper use by rebuilding Rookwood Castle, hoping one day to sell it for a fortune. So, with the help of Charles Rookwood's portrait, she practiced wielding her Ancient Magic for creation instead of destruction.

Before either of them realized it, February had arrived, bringing with it the restart of the Quidditch season.

With everything else on her plate, Rosemary had almost forgotten about being a Seeker until Imelda mentioned training to Sebastian at the Slytherin table.

"Should I just quit?" Rosemary asked Ominis once they were alone. "I haven't seen Isaac hardly at all except sometimes when he passes by in the hall."

"Whatever you want to do is fine by me. I think he knows enough now to steer clear of you entirely. My guess is if you do decide to continue being Seeker, he will give you the cold shoulder and as little attention as possible."

"How do you know that?"

"Well, heartbroken people tend to act that way..." Ominis said as he gave her a knowing kiss on the forehead.

And Ominis was right. After Adelaide begged her to keep on being Seeker, Rosemary found that Isaac's attitude towards her was as cold as ice. He didn't even spare her a glance at practice, much less a word in her general direction, which was honestly refreshing for Rosemary. Her role in the game was solitary anyway and she was more than happy to be left alone to deal with Ruby, Jasper, or Daniel (the Ravenclaw Seeker) as she saw fit.

Isaac's performance on the other hand was sloppier than she had ever seen. He missed goals and failed to pass on multiple occasions which led everyone to wonder if he was going to fail at being scouted for a professional Quidditch team as well.

Rosemary felt a little guilty as she knew the reason why his performance was waning. Everyone did, thanks to that article. Ominis, however, did not feel an ounce of guilt since he knew what kind of man Isaac was. But as the games came and went, Ominis could tell from Isaac's aura that he was not happy that Rosemary was the one carrying the team to victory every time. Isaac was no longer the hero and that reason mixed dangerously with the humiliation of a very public breakup.

Because Ominis expected Isaac's emotions to reach a boiling point soon, he stayed a little closer to Rosemary than usual.

"It's going to be boring for you." Rosemary complained as she wrapped a Hufflepuff scarf around her neck. "Honestly, I don't think Charles will teach me anything if you are around."

"Tell him I'll keep my eyes closed the whole time." Ominis smiled at his own jest.

"Ominis..." She had to laugh at him and shook her head.

"Alright, how about I follow you under the Disillusionment charm and hide outside his study? He won't even know I'm there."

"Really...I can take care of myself just fine. I don't need an escort anymore."

"Where have I heard that before? Professor Weasley and Officer Singer would beg to differ. I'm not taking any chances." He crossed his arms in front of him, resolute.

She sighed. "If you insist. But I hope you brought your law book or something to do. I'd hate for you to waste your time waiting for me."

"Being with you could never be a waste of my time."

"You know what I mean." She blushed and tugged at his sleeve as a signal that she was ready to go.

They traveled by Floo Flame directly to Rookwood Castle, but upon arrival, Ominis immediately cast the Disillusionment charm. He had his own reasons for following Rosemary at a distance under the charm, but not knowing the range of Charles Rookwood's portrait made for a pretty excuse. He did not want to alert Rosemary to the presence of another person he sensed just yet.

Unbothered, Rosemary continued on into Rookwood Castle, dispelling the security ward she had had Cat help her place to keep out any unwelcome guests. She led the way, assuming Ominis was the one she heard following behind her as she walked through the partly dilapidated grand foyer of the castle. It was not until she felt his presence at her back that she finally acknowledged him.

"You're too close." She whispered to him without turning. "Charles might hear you."

"Petrificus Totalus."

She spun around at the icy sound of the spell and gasped.

Isaac Cooper stood frozen behind her, his outstretched hand mere inches from her arm.

Rosemary stumbled back at the sight of him and Ominis materialized out of the corner of her eye.

"I thought he might make a move if he saw you were alone." Ominis said as he approached, scanning Isaac with his wand, sizing him up. "I guess Hufflepuff house suits you after all if you are going to creep around like a weasel." Ominis flicked Isaac on the forehead with his wand to dispel Petrificus Totalus.

Isaac caught his breath as if he had been holding it. He shook off the stiff feeling from his limbs and took a step back from Ominis and Rosemary. "At least I've always known what I've wanted, unlike the both of you."

"What are you doing here, Isaac?" Rosemary asked, his nearness to her brought back unpleasant memories that she wished would stay buried.

"I could ask you the same question. Did you come to play queen in your castle, Rosemary?" Isaac sneered at her. "You can't get enough of lording over everyone at Hogwarts and humiliating me on top of everything else?"

Ominis trained his wand directly under Isaac's chin. "Think carefully about your next words, Cooper."

Isaac's jaw tightened. "Oh, I intend to." His voice was low and venomous, dripping with restrained rage. "Shall we speak plainly for once? You two play the part of the tragic lovers so well, the blind noble boy and the 'Hero of Hogwarts.' Don't you ever get tired of the lies?"

Confused, Rosemary narrowed her eyes at him. "What are you talking about?"

"You," Isaac sneered. "Everything comes so easily to you. The minute you got to Hogwarts everyone knew who you were. I had to earn my place. I worked hard to make sure everyone knew my name. And yet you do some fancy footwork and get a Daily Prophet journalist eating out of the palm of your hand and suddenly everyone is singing your praises."

"Defeating Ranrok was not 'fancy footwork!'"

"And who's to say you actually did all that? Seems to me it's pretty convenient that you and your precious Professor Fig went down there and only one of you came back. Between a seasoned wizard like the professor and a novice fifth-year student - I find it suspicious that it was only you who lived to tell the tale that no one else saw."

"You think I would lie about something like that?"

"Why not? Keeps the attention on you. But one thing I don't understand is why you wouldn't want the world to know that you were engaged to Ominis Gaunt from the very beginning. As far as I can tell with the story in the Prophet, it's just another grand ploy to get more attention. Ah!" Isaac tapped his head in sudden understanding. "It wasn't juicy enough, was it? Who would look twice at a story about another pure-blood couple getting engaged? You needed something more - someone more to spice up the story, right? Who better than the heartthrob, Hufflepuff captain? You used me."

"It wasn't like that at all, Isaac. Ominis didn't want to get married. I needed to find someone else to take over my engagement and-."

"Spare me the details. I already heard the whole sob story from the article."

"I'm sorry, Isaac." Rosemary tried to continue. "I never meant to-."

"Humiliate me?" He snapped. "Drag my name through the mud? Tear apart my reputation just to get back with your fiancé in the end? Never mind that I actually liked you. Did you even hesitate a little to go running back to the guy who threw you away?"

"How could I?" She shouted. "Ominis may have tried to throw me away but it was you who drove me back to him yourself. You didn't love me; you just wanted a trophy."

"Oh so I suppose it's my fault you agreed to court me in the first place? If I remember right, you were the one who said 'if you don't like the way I am then leave.' You could have left at any time. But oh wait, that's right...you couldn't. Because you needed me." He smirked as the last sentence left his lips. He enjoyed that fact a little too much for Rosemary's liking.

Isaac's eyes darted to Ominis, who stood silently at her side, unwavering.

"And you," Isaac growled. "You always looked down on the rest of us. Pretending to be some kind of prince with Salazar Slytherin's blood running through your veins. You think you can swoop in and steal Rosemary back just because you changed your mind?"

Ominis lifted his chin. "No. I had to work hard to get her back and prove my love for her. Unlike you, who never cared about her or saw her for who she is. You only saw what she could do for you."

Isaac's breathing quickened. "Don't pretend like you're better than me."

"I don't have to pretend." Ominis said coldly. "The fact is, you never had Rosemary's heart, Cooper. And you couldn't stand the moment she stopped pretending otherwise."

That broke something.

Isaac's wand was in his hand in a flash. "Bombarda!"

The blast hit the archway behind Ominis, cracking the stone with a thunderous boom. Debris rained down around them.

"Isaac, stop!" Rosemary flung up a shield just in time.

But Isaac did not stop. He threw Confringo at the support beams overhead. The walls of Rookwood Castle groaned and shuddered as the ceiling began to crumble.

Ominis reached for Rosemary. "He's going to bring it down on us!"

"How many lives did you two have to ruin to get all of this?" Isaac shouted over the chaos. "To build your perfect fairytale? Is this what you wanted?" He turned and let loose another Bombarda, determined to reduce the castle to rubble. The second floor collapsed over the entryway, effectively blocking them all in.

Panicked, Rosemary searched wildly for a way out before catching sight of the door behind them at the bottom of the stairs, leading down into the castle. She grabbed Ominis's hand and pulled him after her. "This way!" She shouted.

Isaac stood amidst the quaking castle, eyes burning with fury.

"You don't get to have a happy ending!" He aimed one last Confringo over their heads as they ran through the door just as the ceiling came crashing down behind them.

Rosemary and Ominis went sprawling across the floor from the blast.

The floor rumbled and shook beneath them.

There was no time to waste on pain.

Rosemary peeled herself off the floor and shakily got to her feet. Ominis was a little slower as he had lost his grip on his wand from the blast. "Wand!" He Accioed it instantly back to his hand and got to his feet.

"Rosemary...?" He asked as he reached out for her to take his hand.

"I'm alright." She said, holding his hand as she took in their surroundings. Everything was falling to pieces around them. The skylight that had been across from the stairs, was now caved in as well. "We...maybe we can follow the old Goblin tracks Ranrok made through here. Follow me." Rosemary led Ominis quickly through the large tunnel leading to the room with the glowing repository.

"Goblin tracks? That doesn't sound-." Ominis began but stumbled as Rosemary came to a sudden stop. "What's wrong?" He asked, on high alert.

She stared at where the Goblin tracks had once led, down into the bowels of the earth. "It's gone! The tunnel...it's caved in, too!"

Ominis scanned the area with his wand, turning this way and that. "There! Where does that lead?" He pointed to the dimly lit corridor off to the side.

"Charles's study. But there is no way out through there..." Rosemary said as she wracked her brain for another way.

"We have to try. At least we can tell Charles to get help." They moved together down the corridor and into the cozy study that was surprisingly well preserved from the destruction around them.

"Rosemary!" Charles Rookwood yelled from his portrait once the couple came into view. "What is happening to my castle?"

"It's Isaac Cooper! He trapped us inside and is tearing the castle apart!" Rosemary rushed to stand in front of his portrait with Ominis.

"Good heavens! Didn't you say he was one of my descendants? Why are they all determined to destroy my legacy?"

"Professor, we don't have much time. Can you go to the portraits in Hogwarts and get help? Find the professors. Tell them what is happening." Ominis urged.

"Yes, of course. I'll go right away." Charles made to leave the portrait but before he was out of view, Rosemary had a sudden thought.

"Professor! Wait!" Charles paused and looked back through the portrait at Rosemary. "The trial! The portal to the trial! Can you open it for us?"

Charles glanced at Ominis. "Only an Ancient Magic wielder can enter, I can't-."

"We don't have time for the rules! Ominis knows about my Ancient Magic abilities already. He can keep a secret. But we must find a way out of here or we'll be buried alive! It's the only way!"

As if in response, the ceiling started to tremble and small rocks and debris began to fall.

"Alright, alright. I'll open the portal but this must be kept secret. You can't tell anyone that you escaped this way."

"Understood. Thank you, professor." Rosemary said in relief.

Charles pointed to the far wall and Rosemary sensed Ancient Magic stirring there. She grabbed Ominis's hand.

"Follow me." She said and stepped over the Ancient Magic hotspot to activate the portal. The ornate archway shimmered into view in front of her and Rosemary led the way into the wall of churning, liquid magic.

And then...

There was silence.

Stillness.

Gone was the chaos, the rumble of collapsing stone.

The peace and quiet that surrounded them in the Ancient Magic chamber was almost deafening.

Nothing fell from the ceiling. Nothing moved. The danger had been erased.

For a moment, there was only the sound of their heavy breathing. The hazy blue light of the chamber made it seem like they had walked into a soothing limbo, somewhere safe but temporary.

The ground beneath Rosemary's feet was perfectly solid but her legs trembled from the weight of all that had happened in such a short amount of time. Her knees buckled and she slumped to the floor in a puddle of shock.

Ominis followed her down, equally dazed at the turn of events.

They sat in the quiet, a heartbeat stretching into two, then ten. Rosemary turned to look behind them at where they had stepped through the portal. But there was no sign of the archway anymore. Just a solid wall.

"Are you alright?" Ominis asked, feeling for her hand, then up to her shoulder and her back. She was there, breathing, warm. "Are you hurt?"

"I'm alright. Shaken, but alright. You?" Shaken was right. Ominis could feel her trembling under his touch. Or was that him? He could not tell.

"We're alive. That's what matters." He admitted.

A horrifying thought passed over Rosemary as she remembered Isaac's face, twisted with rage as he raised his wand one final time.

"Do you think...do you think Isaac is still alive?"

Ominis did not answer right away. He reached up and touched a tender place on his cheekbone where he had hit the floor following the blast that collapsed the doorway. "I don't know." He said finally. "With the way he was bringing the castle down around our ears..."

He did not have to finish the sentence. They both knew. Isaac might have survived, gotten himself out in time. But then again, he might have been too blinded by rage to make sense of what was happening. Either way, Isaac had meant to kill them.

"I never thought he'd do that." Rosemary's voice cracked.

"He chose this." Ominis snapped, then caught himself. He exhaled. "He sounded like a madman at the end. He wasn't Isaac. Not really."

Rosemary looked down at their joined hands. At some point he had found hers, fingers laced together. Maybe she had reached for him first, she did not remember. Only that it felt like the only thing tethering her to earth at that moment.

"What should we do now?" She asked. "If we go for help, they might think I antagonized or killed yet another Rookwood descendant."

Ominis was quiet. His brow furrowed, and she could feel it, the churning of his thoughts, the tightening of his grip.

"Charles knows what happened." He said eventually. "He's sure to get help for his castle, at very least. He'll pass along what you told him."

She hesitated and considered Charles. "But he's only a portrait, what if the castle collapsed and damaged his frame before he could say anything?"

Ominis's silence stretched longer this time. "Someone will come to investigate all the commotion at the castle. They're bound to find the wreckage. And your roommates know where you go on Saturdays so when someone comes by to tell you the news...and they don't find you..."

"They might think I'm dead." She finished his thought, her breathing hitched. "Goodness, I should go tell them right away-!" She made to get up from the floor.

"We could leave it that way." He said suddenly, pulling her hand toward him so she would not run off. "We could...we could use all of this to start over. If everyone thinks we're dead, then there won't be anyone chasing us. No trial. No threats. No families trying to use us."

Her heart beat wildly at the prospects. "You want to disappear?"

"I want to live." He said, fire in his tone. "With you."

She paused. Her mind scrambled for a reason not to, but nothing came. It could be the perfect solution to all their problems...except for one tiny thing.

"What about our friends?" She asked.

Ominis bowed his head. "They'll mourn us. Sebastian will finally have a tragic end to that romance he's been talking about."

The thought made Rosemary laugh, dispelling the tension in the air.

Then slowly, a thought occurred to her. All of her money was hidden away in the Room of Requirement. They could make their way there to retrieve it through the secret routes she knew by heart. And although the elves were all free now, she trusted they would not tell a soul if they saw them coming or going.

She lifted her chin.

"Alright. If we do this...we do it properly." She cupped his face. "We will start over. Somewhere far away, where no one knows our names, or even change our names if we need to. Become someone else entirely."

"We could travel." Ominis suggested. "I can take you to all the places you've only read about."

"The sky is the limit!" She smiled brightly and kissed him. His breath caught and he reached to pull her closer. "But wherever we go, whatever we do, we will do it together." She said.

"Together." Ominis echoed and leaned in to kiss her softly, enjoying for the first time the true feeling of hope.

Chapter Text

Daily Prophet Headline – Tragedy at Rookwood Castle: Three Lives Lost in Collapse

Written By Cillian Hawksworth

It has been one week since the incident at Rookwood Castle drew public interest in more ways than one and investigations into the mysterious collapse have finally come to a grim conclusion.

Professors at Hogwarts were the first to be alerted to the disaster by the portrait of Charles Rookwood - a former professor himself - moments before the collapse. Unfortunately, his frame was destroyed in the ensuing cave-in, cutting communications off completely before he could provide further information.

Both Professors and Aurors arrived at the scene shortly thereafter and through considerable effort discovered the body of Isaac Cooper – a seventh-year student at Hogwarts and Hufflepuff's Quidditch captain – beneath the rubble in the castle's grand foyer. Officials confirmed that Prior Incantato was performed on Cooper's wand to reveal the final spell he cast was a powerful Blasting Curse, aimed at the ceiling above a fleeing couple, later identified as Rosemary Abbott and Ominis Gaunt. Investigators believe this triggered the fatal cave-in that ultimately claimed Cooper's life.

Despite exhaustive search efforts, the remains of Abbott and Gaunt could not be recovered. Only a Hufflepuff scarf and a handkerchief with the initial 'O' were found in a lower corridor beneath the foyer where it is thought the engaged couple attempted to escape. Officials now presume that they became trapped and perished deep below the castle in the collapse.

Abbott and Gaunt were counted among the brightest and most beloved students of their generation. Rosemary Abbott, widely known as the 'Hero of Hogwarts,' earned the title through her instrumental role in dismantling poaching rings and helping to quell last year's goblin uprising. She was a gifted witch, a steadfast friend, and an inspiration to many.

Her companion and fiancé, Ominis Gaunt – a descendant of Salazar Slytherin's - has long been considered one of the most principled and diligent students of his year. Though private by nature, those close to him describe a young man of deep conviction and unwavering loyalty.

What began as a mysterious collapse has now become a tragedy mourned across the wizarding world.

Funeral arrangements for Isaac Cooper will be private, at his family's request. A memorial service for Rosemary Abbott and Ominis Gaunt will be held at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry next week, where Headmaster Black and Deputy Headmistress Weasley are both expected to speak.

The Ministry of Magic has officially closed its investigation, concluding the collapse to be a tragic accident as a result of unstable and reckless spellwork. Still, many questions linger on the circumstances surrounding the incident – questions that may never be resolved, now that Rookwood Castle and its secrets have been sealed away forever.

_

After making the decision to fake their deaths and runaway, Rosemary and Ominis exited the trial through the Map Chamber – deep below Hogwarts and took the Floo Flame directly to the Room of Requirement. They hid there just long enough to gather what they needed with the help of the elves who went about Hogwarts and Hogsmeade unnoticed in their tasks.

Penny got Rosemary and Ominis the hair color changing potions that Sacharissa had supplied the shop to disguise their appearances as well as tailored some of the clothes in the trunks to their sizes.

Meanwhile Rosemary filled out documents and backdated them to prove that Penny had legal authority over Rosemary's assets in case her parents or other guardians tried to swoop in and take possession of her properties now that she was legally 'dead.'

Because all of Rosemary's house-elves were free, they decided amongst themselves what they wanted to do in the circumstance.

Penny and Cat decided to stay behind to manage the shop and Rosemary's properties - acting as executors of Rosemary's 'will.' Cat went right away to the residents of Feldcroft to sell them their leases and worked on liquidating all properties in a matter of weeks.

Tobbs decided to stay in Rosemary and Ominis's employ and accompanied them on their travels as a valet of a sort and managed all communications between themselves and Penny and Cat.

Once Rosemary and Ominis left their hiding place at Hogwarts they went straight to a place Rosemary had only read about in muggle novels called 'Gretna Green' in Scotland, which was famous for runaway marriages. When it was time to give the 'blacksmith priest' their names for the marriage license and proceedings, they both decided then and there to leave their names behind.

And from that point on they lived happily ever after - as someone else.