I'm a Good Snake (Harry Potter Fan Fiction) | Book 1

Eleven

Everyone was laughing, finding humor in the pins being handed around. Rosalie still didn't know what was on them, but it wasn't something of interest at the moment as she studied by her lonesome in the grassy courtyard. Two younger students ran by her, whizzing the pins in their hands and giggling at their new items. The motion from them was enough for Rosalie to glance up and see what the commotion was about.

Potter stinks.

"Well, that's new for those outside of Slytherin..." she'd mumble behind her scarf.

Rosalie glanced around and saw one animate, changing to the message of "Support Cedric" for a time and then reverting back. Most currently wearing them were her fellow Slytherins and then Hufflepuffs as well. The commotion continued for a bit until someone nudged Rosalie's shoulder from behind.

"Hufflepuff to Slytherin, we band together to take down Potter!" Riley spoke with excitement.

Rosalie turned her head and glanced at the girl, a bit frustrated with how loud Riley had shouted at her. "It's really not that deep..."

A whine escaped the dirty blonde's mouth as she tugged on Rosalie's cloak. "Come on... Wear it! I have one on too!" Her brown eyes locked with Rosalie's as no response came and she continued with her onslaught of excuses for the Slytherin to wear one. "It's a chance to crap on Potter instead of him being idolized. Aren't you also tired of him making every year some bloody issue?"

The brunette rolled her eyes before extending a hand up and flat for Riley. The girl placed a pin in Rosalie's palm and hopped slightly in excitement. "Just because I'm taking one doesn't mean I'll wear it all the time."

"Still, it helps show the numbers of people supporting Cedric! He's an awesome prefect and just amazing," Riley spoke with a singsong tone.

At that moment, a commotion of many yellow-clad students caught Rosalie's eye. She'd spot the tall brunette champion most of Hogwarts was rooting for. He was being tossed around by friends as they showed off the badges they had. Even Riley had glanced over and wore a large grin on her face upon seeing Cedric.

"He's gorgeous, isn't he?" Riley asked Rosalie.

"For societal beauty, yes," Rosalie spoke. "But not attractive in my eyes."

"Oh shut it! You like him too!" A giggle emanated from Riley as she went to lean on Rosalie and hug the girl. "No one can escape his trap."

The two continued on with the conversation, Rosalie mostly being silent as she looked back down at her book. If only Riley would leave her alone. The girl was mad with wanting to talk about boys she found attractive. It was the main subject whenever the two were together.

"Say, who do you like best anyways, Rosalie?" Riley asked from her new spot, sitting at the base of the courtyard tree next to Rosalie.

The curly-haired girl glanced straightforwardly and shut her book, zoning out on Cedric and his friends goofing off on a nearby bench. "I've told you before. And I'd like it if you'd stop flirting with him too."

"Who?"

"Martyn."

Riley went silent and Rosalie looked over at the Hufflepuff. The girl seemed surprised.

"I assumed you got over him when I kissed him last year."

"Excuse me?" Rosalie's eyes grew slightly and her tone changed to irritation. "No. I was pissed off and had the bloody right to be too. You knew my feelings for him, and you kissing him then is not going to change that. Respect that I like him and you constantly shoving your face into his isn't okay at all." She then went to stand up and sidestep as she saw Harry and Cedric coming past. Rosalie's eyes looked at Riley one more time. "Best bet that if you try and screw over my relationship with him that I will retaliate back."

"Is that a threat?"

Rosalie didn't listen as she walked off. Never did she want to confront that way, but the buildup of Riley's annoyance and constant hammering on multiple boys pissed her off.

"Bloody bugger... She will get what's coming to her."

Rosalie started to exit the courtyard before hearing the feud beginning between her housemate and Harry. And while she didn't care for the two, their rivalry entertained many. She'd wait by one of the columns, seeing the two verbally argue before Professor Moody intervened.

"Wait what?" Rosalie slid over the railing and hurried up with others to the scene, seeing how Draco had shrunk down. "Oh, this is going to be a great story for everyone else..."

---

"I still can't believe that," Henry spoke before biting into a hard-boiled egg.

"It's true. Was quite funny seeing Malfoy get put down Goyle's pants too. One of his goonies was terrified. Best thing yet to see," Rosalie replied.

Mail began to drop from the owls up above, Pluto tossing one down to Rosalie as it competed for space with the Wilcher family owl up above. Heidi snatched the letter their barn owl dropped, sticking her tongue out at Henry as she sat back down and began to open it.

"Man, you guys get mail and I don't. Those owls are rude," Martyn commented with a laugh.

"I bet your parents will send so many gifts once your bird is feeling better," Henry said with a clap on Martyn's back.

The two exchanged a smile before looking back at their Slytherin companions, since those two currently held all the mail.

"What did mum and dad write?" Henry asked. 

"Henry and Heidi, we hope everything is going well and that you are making new friends this year with students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. Please write to us soon, especially Henry, as we miss you two. Love, Mum and Dad." Heidi glanced up at Henry and smiled. "You're forgetting to write to them?"

"Shut it!" Henry tried to snatch the letter.

Rosalie read hers in silence, taking in what her parents had said.

"Rosalie,

We have found a dress to your liking. Expect it a few days after this one. Hopefully, your time is going well, and Riley isn't troubling you as much as she did this year. And start asking someone to the ball, never too early to ask! If you're still too scared to ask Martyn, even as a friend, maybe ask your new friends, Leonid and Neculai, to be your date. Make strong bonds!

Love, Mum and Dad."

After reading it, she folded the paper up and tucked it in her robe's inside pocket.

"Where's Riley?" Heidi's question made Rosalie perk up.

"She said she wasn't feeling well. Rather sleep in before this first task today," Henry spoke.

"If she's sick, shouldn't she stay in bed to rest? I don't want her spreading the illness to any of us," Rosalie commented.

Martyn nodded his head. "That is true, but I think everyone wants to watch the Triwizard Tournament, even if they're ill."

Rosalie twisted and contorted her lips, mulling over the thought of seeing Riley again after their incident just the day before. 

Maybe... She should refresh on discreet jinxes and hexes before the first task begins. Just in case she had to keep Riley in check.