𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐒𝐀𝐖 | d. malfoy

eleven | the task

'DRACO?' ROSIE THOUGHT in the middle of her second task. Rosie had apparated, although the judges didn't know that, to the point where she knew everyone's loved ones were being held hostage. She thought she knew what to expect, but she didn't expect Draco to be the person who was closest to her and sent underwater. Not thinking to think about the situation underwater, she grabbed Draco and apparated back to dry land, where people started cheering. Not paying attention to the marvelling audience, Rosie turned her attention to a coughing Draco. "Draco?" she asked tentatively.

Draco looked at her silently, confused. For a second it seemed as if Draco was about to kiss her, but thought better of it as he stood up, cast a quick drying charm, and walked away from the Black Lake without any words.

"Wait!- Draco!- Wait! Come on, Draco!" Draco stopped walking and turned around violently.

"What, Rosie? What do you want me to say?" He started talking in a mocking falsetto. "Oh Rosie! You saved me from death! Thank you!" He sneered at her. Rosie was looking at him confusedly. What had she done wrong? "I told you I loved you and what did you do after that? You went to bloody Harry Potter and snogged him! You snogged him, Rosie. Admit it!"

Rosie was in tears, staring at her former best friend. "No, but- Draco!" He was already turning away from her, not wanting to hear her excuses. With no other choice, Rosie forcefully shoved his shoulders around to make him face her. In a low voice, Rosie almost growled. "You don't understand. I love you very much. But it's a platonic love. And if you'd look closer, you'd notice yours is too." And promptly kissed him. Hard.

Draco was clearly perplexed at this gesture, but decided to play along and kiss her back. It was what he wanted after all, wasn't it? After a long while, the two pulled apart, panting. "That was weird." Draco pointed out.

"Lovely observation Draco." Rosie drawled. "You see my point? A romantic relationship between us," she gestured at the space between the two of them. "Would never work. Like, ever. There are some best friends who are meant to be romantically involved, but even if we are soulmates, it's platonic, Draco. You know it. I know it. It's best to go back to the way we were." Draco nodded numbly. He didn't agree of course, he just realized with one big shock. He was totally, completely, hopelessly in love with Rosie.

--

The next months went quickly. Rosie and Draco became close again, much to the dismay of the Golden Trio and Rosie kept sassing Professor Snape.

"Feudestin, page 467." Rosie looked up to face her professor. Her eyes were innocent.

"But, Severus," she started as Snape started growling. "How must I turn to page four hundred yadda yadda if my nails aren't dry? I've just painted them, professor."

"5 points from Gryffindor."

"I'm a Slyth- "

"You think I care?" Rosie saw him struggling not to smile. He obviously only does this to amuse himself.

Aha, here's the little poke in my mind 'hello, professor. I see you enjoy using Legilimency.'

'For your information, Feudestin, I do indeed do this to amuse myself, but don't go around telling everyone, you imbecile. It'll ruin my reputation.'

'Of course, of course. I'm glad we're friends now, Severus.'

'I never said- '

'Oh but, you must've meant it, if you're trusting me with maintaining your reputation.'

'Oh whatever~'

'Professor, everyone is looking at us weird.'

'Fine, fine. Whatever. I am your friend.' Rosie smiled in her head, 'wait, wait, I meant I am NOT- '