Complicated

Chapter 8: The Party

Rose's POV

I watched as Kathy, Nova, and Roxy all laughed across from me at the dining table.

It's like I'm not even there. Like I'm invisible.

But I get it, Hugo and I are Granger siblings, but Cierra, Kathy, and Ric are the Granger siblings. We're cousins. But the Granger-Malfoys have always just been more popular than we have ever been. Maybe it's because we're quieter. Excuse me if I think making small talk over stupid crap is unnecessary.

I mean, it shouldn't be that way. My parents were two-thirds of the golden trio for merlin's sake.

Everyone knows my parents, they're in our lessons, history books, even in some paintings, but no one seems to remember either of us exist. More me than Hugo though, Hugo at least has Ric & Al. Of course, Auntie Mal is also in the history books, and Uncle Draco as well, but they aren't as prominent as the Golden Trio. And no one. Absolutely no one, is as prominent as my best friend's father: Harry Potter. Lily gained popularity from that, but she kept that popularity from having the bubbly, sassy personality she has.

"What do you think?" I suddenly felt Kathy's hand on mine and looked at her, confused.

"I'm sorry, what?" I asked.

"What do you think about us hosting a party? It would be mostly Ravenclaw, obviously, but our friends could be there too. Are you down?" Kathy asked me and I shrugged. You are going to do whatever you want anyway.

"Sure. Sounds fun." I faked a smile and returned my attention to my herbology textbook again.

"Rose." Kathy called and I sighed, looking up at her again.

"What is it?"

"Come." She tugged at my hand and I begrudgingly closed my textbook and followed her out of the dining hall.

"What's wrong, Kathy?" I asked her.

"I came to ask you the same thing." What? "It's just... I've noticed you've been a bit down, what's wrong? Do you need anything? Any help with someone?" So suddenly you're concerned.

"I'm fine."

"No. You're not. You're my cousin, Rose, I can tell."

"So now I'm your cousin?"

She frowned. "What? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Haven't you noticed, Katherine? Whenever we're alone or at each other's houses, sure we talk to each other, but as soon as we're back here I become nonexistent. I'm so tired of it. I don't need you to do a grand gesture or anything, it'd just be nice if I felt like I wasn't sitting at our table alone."

"You're not. We sit right across from you."

"It doesn't feel like that. It feels like you barely even acknowledge I'm there."

"Rose—"

"It's fine. Honest. Whatever. Just don't pretend you care." I started to walk away but she grabbed my arm and held me in place.

"Stop. I do care. I'm sorry, I just get distracted sometimes. Sorry for being such a bitch to you, I genuinely didn't mean to be." Woah. An apology. From Katherine. She is much nicer than her siblings. I sighed and nodded. There's no use being mad or even arguing with any of the Malfoys, especially not with one of the twins.

"It's alright." I told her and she reached over to hug me tightly.

"Now, let's go plan this thing." She said, swinging an arm around my shoulders and walking over to the dining table.