Chapter 10 - Ups and Downs

                                    

                                          
"Did you get the tryouts sorted?" Rose asked, not looking up from the slice of toast she was buttering, as Scorpius sat down besides her. 
                          
"Yes," Scorpius sighed, his voice heavy. "They're tonight."
                          
Rose glanced at him surprised. "That early, what if no one turns up? You still have to tell everyone about it." 
                          
"Don't worry." He replied, taking a sip of pumpkin juice. "I will." 
                          
There was silence, except for the crunch of toast and Sia and Alex's chatter from further down the table. 
                          
"Where were you last night?" Scorpius asked after a while. "I couldn't find you when we got back and Jayce said he didn't know where you'd gone." 
                          
"Of course he didn't." Rose scoffed. "I went to bed."
                          
"That early?" 
                          
"I had nothing better to do. Jayce was busy talking to the 6th years, Libby had gone off to finish writing a letter, and I couldn't concentrate on my essay." 
                          
"You know Libby?" Scorpius asked, memories of his childhood flashing into his mind. 
                          
"Jayce introduced us last night." Was all Rose said before swinging her legs over the side of the bench and standing. "If you see him make sure he drinks some water and eats something, preferably eggs. At some point, He disappeared into the mirror room with several bottles of fire whiskey and Xander and a few others." 
                          
"Okay." Scorpius said, getting a clear understanding as to why he was missing from the breakfast table. Then, noting Indie's absence he asked, "Did Indie join them?" 
                          
"Probably."Rose said as she picked up her bag. "There was a strong smell of liqour in the dorm this morning but I just thought it was Isabelle. Well, I've got Ancient Runes now. See you in charms." 
                          
"Bye."
                          
"Yeah," Rose waved. "Bye." 
                          
Rose spun on her heel and began to walk off, the strap of her satchel grasped tightly in her hand. She only looked back at Scorpius once, he was taking a sip of pumpkin juice and turned to look at her from the corner of his eye. He nodded at her. Rose returned it, keeping her gaze trained on him for an extra moment, taking in his defined figure and tousled before averting her eyes and stolling towards the entrance hall. 
                          
Far too focused on her thoughts, Rose didn't notice James until she bumped into him, quite literally. Her mind focused on Scorpius, she didn't see him until his shoulder slamed into hers. "Ouch." She exclaimed, rubbing her shoulder. She looked behind her to see Fred and James sneering at her.
                          
"Watch it, Snake!" James spat, walking backwards so he could see her. 
                          
"You too." Rose said amused. Her eyes skimming the three first years that had to edge cautiously around him. 
                          
"Shut your mouth Snakey." James growled, his brown eyes flashing. Rose had seen that look before, when he dangled her upside down and threatened her but she was no longer 12-years-old. Instead of frightening her, like it had then, it only made her want to hurt him more.
                          
Fred smirked in agreement. "Yeah, I didn't know that being in Slytherin meant you had two left feet as well as a sharp tongue."
                          
"Yes,"Rose said sarcastically. She had a strong desire to slap Fred, (or shut him up, which ever was easier). She hated both boys, although James slightly more as his betrayal had hurt more. Her hatred for James was a deep, red, burning one, that made her want to set fire to the whole world, whereas with Fred it was more irritated and itching one, where no matter how hard they fought she just couldn't be satisfied.