Chapter 8: Fractures and Fault Lines
The new term at Hogwarts began with a chill in the air, and it wasn't just from the lingering winter frost. Word had spread like wildfire about the tension brewing in Slytherin, and by extension, between rose and scorpius. While rose had anticipated some level of backlash, the sudden escalation was more than she had prepared for.
Everywhere she went, whispers followed. In the Great Hall, in the corridors, even in class—eyes lingered on her and scorpius as if waiting for something to explode. It wasn't just gossip anymore; it was a storm of judgment and anticipation that weighed heavily on her heart.
One afternoon, as rose was heading back to the Gryffindor common room, Grant caught up with her, his expression troubled. "rose , you need to hear this. It's getting worse."
rose stopped, her stomach knotting. "What now?"
Grant sighed. "Theo and some of the other Slytherins are planning something serious. This isn't just teasing or rumors. They've been talking about confronting scorpius… publicly."
Panic flashed through her. "Why? What do they even hope to gain from it?"
"They think he's betraying Slytherin, rose . They want to send a message, to show him— and everyone else