An Opposite is a Perfect Match (MC x Garreth Weasley)

The Letter

A/N Hi all! Just a bit of a small interlude after that last part. This wasn't my favorite chapter to write, mostly because it was very awkward. I will probably come back to revise and rewrite this one in the future though. 

I hope you enjoy!

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A few weeks later, Garreth and Rosaline were in potions together, though they sat at separate stations now. Things had remained comfortable between them, even if some of Garreth's longing looks were more than simply friendly. He seemed to be keeping his word, about taking a step back, for now.

It saddened Rosaline a little. She had truly enjoyed Garreth's company and his easy manner, but it seemed like this distance was something he wanted, or needed, in order to prove something to himself, and far be it from Rosaline to try and stand in his way. They were still friends, of course, it was hard to stop being Garreth's friend once you began after all, but she couldn't say she didn't miss the closeness they had shared for a little while.

And now, to make things even more complicated, she had received a letter from her grandfather regarding Garreth's concerns over the stock at J. Pippins Potions it read:

Dear Rosaline,

Thank you for alerting me to the questionable quality of the School's closest potions shop—J. Pippins you said? I recall the name, but I remember it being such a well-run shop I never thought to inspect it before deciding to move you to Hogwarts.

I sent a proxy to look over the place last week and they indeed reported that the quality and quantity of the shop's inventory was quite lacking. It is of great importance that we remedy this as quickly—and cordially—as possible. That being said, I am planning on moving the Family to the Ainsworth Estate for the Christmas Holidays so we might all go and see about this issue ourselves.

Before we do so, however, I would like to meet the young man who alerted you to the issue. I believe you said his name was Garreth Weasley? They are a good family; I am not surprised one of their ilk discovered what was going on.

Please prepare your friend to meet with your grandmother and I over Christmas break, along with one of his parents. It wouldn't do to interview the boy without some support after all. I will send another owl once I have more details regarding our travel.

With Love,

GrandPapa

The letter had arrived two days prior, another containing her Grandparents' travel had just arrived that morning and now Rosaline had no reason to put off telling Garreth. She wasn't worried about his reaction, but she also didn't want to interrupt his own plans for the Christmas break. She agonized over what she would say to him the entire class, her eyes glancing towards him as he concentrated on his own notes. She was lucky they were taking theory notes today. She might've blown something up otherwise.

She was able to catch him before he left the room, stopping him with a quick tap to his shoulder. "Garreth, could I have a moment?"

"Of course, Rosaline," the Gryffindor said brightly, "Anything for you. Walk with me?"

She explained things as best she could as they walked, trying to stay quiet as they walked through the halls. She wasn't discussing anything remotely secretive, but she still didn't want people to know about her business. She was a private person by nature, and that was only compounded by her family's political fame. "They'd like to speak with you and one of your parents around Christmas, if they could. If it won't interrupt your holiday, of course."

Garreth shook his head with his normal nonchalance despite the news, simply shrugging and looking down at her with a smile. "I'll send a letter to my parents tonight, but it shouldn't be an issue. I stay here Christmas usually anyway."

"And...your parents won't mind travelling?" Rosaline inquired. She really was concerned about upsetting Garreth or his family.

"Nah, especially if only one needs to make the trip. My Pops will probably come so Ma can stay with Emmeline—my sister."

"You...really aren't upset by this? At all?" She asked.

Garreth shook his head and shrugged. "What's there to be upset about? If anything, I am absolutely ecstatic! I mean, your grandfather is a legendary Potioneer. I'm lucky to breath the same air as him, let alone speak to him personally."

Rosaline chuckled and shook her head. She knew that Garreth looked up to grandfather, it wasn't a surprise given the boy's own passion towards the subject, and, in a way, that made the boy's idolization of her grandfather less irritating. Most people admired him for his political status, Garreth admired him for his skill and ability. It certainly made their conversations about him more interesting.

"I hope he lives up to the legend."

Garreth scoffed and stopped in front of the entrance to his next class. "If he's anything like you, I know he will."

And here they were again, in one of those moments where Garreth gazed down at her, such longing and affection shining in his eyes, smile wide and soft as he regarded her.

"Well," Rosaline said, glancing over Garreth's shoulder to see the room behind him filling with more students. "I suppose this is where I leave you." She smiled softly.

"Oh, right," Garreth said, shoulders drooping just a little. "I'll catch you later, Rosaline!" He recovered quickly and his smile brightened as he turned with a wave.

"Bye," Rosaline whispered, hand raised in farewell.