The Hufflepuff Princess

Chapter 46: Water Wrestling and Simple Lies

Morning:

Rose awoke before all of them, the usual cruel laugh echoing in her brain, her heart jolted her awake with a sharp sting of fear. She looked around the room, Merlin was heard speaking to what sounded like a few owls just outside. Rose exited her bed, making it neat before she yawned and began to change her clothes. She was dressed in a comfortable jumper, as the days were slightly cooler now in the week before September. She walks down the steps noticing the owls all create a hush, however she is surprised to see quite a few owls. Some she recognizes, such as a lovely owl from Narcissa, Dobby's former mistress. She smiled as she saw a few others, an owl from Neveile Longbottom, another from Blaise Zambini, one with two letters from Vincent Crabbe and Greggory Goyle, one with the Slytherin boy she helped, a tiny owl from Hannah Abbot, and of course, one from Ginny weasley. She even smiled seeing the familiar owl Hedwig, who was apparently chatting with Merlin, who was looking rather thrilled to see all of the owls. There was a few who had left letters for Cedric, but Rose began to collect each of them.

"Thank you, I'll talk to them on the train." Each owl had been released of their burden before one by one they flew off. Soon Merlin was left to Narcissa's owl, the only one who stayed. Rose smiled as she asked Merlin to bring parchment and a pen, he was too happy to help. Rose sat down and opened her first, it had beautiful and elegant handwriting, something Rose wanted to be like.

Dear Rose,

It does sound rather interesting, of course, in the wizarding world, we can wave a wand and clean things. I know you will be headed to Hogwarts soon, so I hope you have a wonderful year. You said you were excited for Hogsmeed, I remember my first time there. I recommend getting Butterbeer. It's delicious, especially warm butterbeer in the cold winter visits. Be warned, there may be a few boys that will mess with you now that you're a young lady.

I've enclosed some perfume, and some beauty spells. Including pain potions, even though I'm sure muggles have some way to prevent pain. Don't be afraid to write to me, I happened to be brilliant in Divination. I mean, I did grow up in a family where we named kids after constellations. Please tell me more about flower symbolization, I've always adored flowers.

Sincerely,

Narcissa

Rose smiled brightly as she took her quill and began to write back to her. The elegant charm of Narcissa caused her to sit straighter. She wrote as Merlin watched her as she would pause in thought.

Dear Narcissa,

Butterbeer is rather odd to name a drink. Is it savory like butter? I hope not. My mother and father warned me about boys. Father told me to avoid them, while Mum told me to enjoy myself. Thank you for the gifts.

Some flowers have multiple symbolisms by color. Like roses. I hope to meet you one day, we can talk about flowers and divination all the time. It is cool to hear about the constellation names! A person in my year is named Draco…

Rose paused as she felt her heart twinge as she thought about Draco. She still felt pain from the memory of Draco calling her a mudblood. Even if Cedric tried to tell her he was wrong, it hurt. Still, she knew it was something she couldn't help.

He's named after Draconus I bet. Promise to write if I ever need help with Divination.

Love,

Rose Park

Rose placed her letter in the envelope and thanked the owl who flew away after it was secure. Soon Rose began to read each letter from her friends, the slytherin boy was nervous about Transfiguration becoming more difficult, and explained he already got all of his school supplies. Hannah was talking about how she was learning new hairstyling spells from her mother, and even learned a few muggle techniques. Rose laughed as she read over Gregory's who was complaining about how small his robes had gotten over the summer. Vincent was calling Gregory a whale before saying he was too. They both were looking forward to Hogsmeed, asking if they could all get butterbeer together on the trip. Rose couldn't help but laugh as she thought about her friends from Slytherin, she was popular due to her being friends with the Slytherin House. It had a nasty reputation, but Rose knew everyone deserves kindness. Not to mention, she was the only non-slytherin friend to most of them apart from the 1st years she vouched for last year. She opened Nevilie's letter next.

Dear Rosè,

Can you believe it? We are going into our third year. Now we have even more classes, Merlin have mercy on me. Gran told me that Divination is easy, so fingers crossed. I hear that our professor is a seer, I hope she doesn't see anything in my future! Maybe I'm stumbling or something. I wish we could drop potions, Snape always scared me, hopefully you'll be in my Potions class. Having you there will make it easier. Have you gotten your books yet? Our Magical Creatures book is rather horrifying. Anyway, I hope you stay safe.

Neville Longbottom

Rose laughed gently as she folded it and placed it in her enchanted bag. She was rather happy that she did charm it, now that she had more space in it. Moving on to Harry's letter.

Rose,

Marge was horrible. I casted accidental magic on her and now I'm in Diagon alley, long story. I'm safe at the leaky cauldron, I sent Hedwig. I think she likes Merlin. I saw Cedric Diggory at your house, did you go to his place? Aunt Petunia had been off since you left. She was muttering about some plan having a stepping stone, who knows. Also, will you be coming to Diagon alley? If you are, we should meet up! I finished my essays, what about the fire charm? I don't think I would like that.

Hope to see you,

Harry Potter

Rose was rather confused, how did Harry cast magic and then go to Diagon Alley? Rose began to wonder this aloud, but shrugged, deciding she should finish reading the letter from Blaise, who rarely ever wrote to her this summer.

Dear Rose,

Thanks for the muggle photos. It's interesting that they don't move, I thought the owl had messed it up on the flight. Your family looks rather interesting. Sorry I haven't written to you, Mother has been courting husband number five I believe. We've been in Italy most of the summer. I have something for you when I see you, how are you doing? I'm excited for potions, we need to set up a study group. Third year will only get harder. Keep in touch, see you on the train.

Blaise Zambini

Rose laughed as she nodded, "No wonder I haven't heard from him." Blaise was a slytherin, one of the only Slytherins who didn't really care about blood liniage. They had met her first year at Hogwarts, and only just became friends last year. She had to admit she was thankful for Blaise, for they never cared about any gossip like Alice, nor did they only talk about quidditch to fill space. They were a calming presence, and she was grateful for it. Soon Rose was listening for Cedric's snores to quiet as she made tea and coffee for Mr. and Mrs. Diggory. Mrs. Diggory came down first, dressed in a simple blouse and jeans as she smiled at her.

"Alright dear? You're up rather early." Rose smiled at her, shame creeping into her heart as she lied easily even if it was a small one, "Oh yes. I'm rather excited for this year. Wizarding villages, and new courses." Rose rambled as she thought about this year, "I mean… no where is safer than Hogwarts, for the most part." But Rose couldn't help but think about the Basilisk again, Merlin oohed as she blinked back to reality. Mrs. Diggory smiled softly, "It's alright dear." Mrs. Diggory gently patted her hand, "I know you're nervous. It's going to be different now, and not just because you're older. You've been through a lot dear, if you need anyone let me know. You're like my daughter, don't worry about bothering me." Rose smiled softly as she squeezed her hands, "Thank you."