Sunbeams and a good friendship PV Cosmo Keith closed

@Haley Rose

Cosmo leapt from the train onto Marylebone station and glanced around, taking in the bustling crowds of tourists and locals alike; pushing and shoving to get wherever they needed. It was a little overwhelming for a short kid like Cosmo, and she turned around to face her mum for reassurance. Annabel smiled encouragingly and took Cosmo's hand as they both wound their way to where luggage was being handed out of the back carriage. After Cosmo's suitcase and cat carrier were collected Annabel hailed a taxi and Cosmo spent most of the ride staring out the window, watching buildings taller than she'd ever seen before pass by. Finally they were closing in on their destination and Annabel took a big breath, smiling fondly at her daughter.

"So are you ready honey? What last minute questions do you have?" That was something she always asked, not 'do you have any questions,' it was 'what questions?'. Sometimes Cosmo hated it, and sometimes she loved it, but either way she always ended up learning something she wouldn't have otherwise.

"Yup! All ready!" Cosmo took a moment and looked around, trying to think of any last worries. "I think we've already talked about everything, and Haley's lovely - if I need help I can always ask her," she gave her mum a smile and a hand squeeze, "I'll see you soon mum, stop fussing!"

"Okay, okay," Annabel held Cosmo's gaze for a moment before adding in a gentle voice, "maybe it would be a good idea to talk to Haley about Theo... I know you've said you're fine with it all, but sometimes you need to let your friends give you a little support, yeah?" Cosmo blinked several times to avoid rolling her eyes, and instead huffed out a small breath.

"Yeah, okay mum."

The taxi rolled up to Haley's house and Cosmo felt a little thrill pass through her. This would be her first time away from home except for Hogwarts, and she didn't really know what to expect. Her mum had said to bring a gift to show she was grateful to be staying, so Cosmo had compiled a collection of chocolates and baked some cookies fresh that morning. She hoped it would be enough. Annabel payed the driver while Cosmo gathered her stuff and made her way up the path to the front door. She almost couldn't ring the bell fast enough, and jumped up and down a few times while she waited for Haley or her parents to let her in. Finally her best friend's face appeared in front of her and she rushed forward, enveloping Haley in a tight hug; behaving as though the two girls hadn't seen each other in months. Annabel laughed at the two, and walked around them to greet Haley's mother and father.

"Hello! I'm Annabel Keith, Cosmo's mum. It's so lovely of you to have Cosmo here, I've heard so much about Haley," she smiled warmly as she talked to the two adults about logistics of picking Cosmo up, and exchanged phone numbers with them. Meanwhile Cosmo was chattering happily to Haley.

"I missed you! I know it's only been a couple of days but it's been weird not eating meals with you every day and getting to say goodnight before bed!"

Once the parent's finished their chatter Cosmo handed them her gift with a shy smile. "Here, I brought some food, thank you both for having me," she didn't often get nervous around new people but Haley was very important, which made Cosmo want Haley's parents to like her.

"I hope it's still okay that I brought Emerald?" she gestured to the small cat basket where Emerald sat quietly gazing out at everyone.

@Cosmo Keith

Haley couldn't think that fast before she had Cosmo in a tight hug. She wrapped her arms tightly around her friend and the two of them staggered backwards a bit. "I missed you too!" laughed Haley, she knew it was silly, after all it had only been a few days since they had last seen each other but she felt the same as Cosmo. As much as she loved her own room, she missed the late night conversations before bed. As the two hugged and greeted each other, Haley's parents grinned to themselves and turned to Cosmo's mother.

"Hello, I'm Stephanie Rose and this is my husband David." Haley's mother shook her hand in greeting before David did the same. "It's nice to meet you and especially Cosmo. Haley has told us so much and couldn't wait." Haley's father now took the word and looked to the two girls. It was clear from his expression that it made him happy to see his daughter so happy. The adults exchanged all the information with each other and chatted for a while.

Haley's father gratefully accepted the gifts from Cosmo, "That's very sweet of you Cosmo, thank you." He gave her a fatherly smile. "Of course." Haley's mother now spoke joyfully and knelt down to examine the cat. Just like Haley, she was very fond of animals and even though they didn't have any pets themselves, except for an owl, she was always happy when she met animals. "We have a big backyard and I'm sure Emerald will be able to enjoy it there."

Haley's parents said goodbye to Cosmo's mother and took the cookies and chocolate to the kitchen, giving the two girls their space until lunch would be served. Haley waited until Cosmo had said goodbye to her mother and meanwhile also knelt down to Emerald and said hello to her friend's cat.

"Okay, welcome to Rose's home," Haley now greeted Cosmo formally, spreading her arms as she spun around once. "Please follow me for today's tour." Haley now played the tourist guide and began to introduce Cosmo to the entire house. They walked to the left into the large living area. A high wall with many books stretched in the background, the piano was in one corner of the room and there was a cozy seating area in front of the fireplace. On the other side of the room was the dining area and through a large arch they entered the bright kitchen. There they went through the other opening that led back into the hallway. To the left they went out into the garden where Haley's parents were again sitting and talking. She led Cosmo back to the right down the hall to the front door. She picked up her bag and led Cosmo up the stairs with her. "Miss Keith, a guest room has been made up for you but you can also choose to move into my room." Haley looked over her shoulder and wiggled her eyebrows.

She showed her the bathroom, which was next to Haley's room, the guest room and would put Cosmo's bag there or take it with her to her room depending on her decision. Once there, Haley flopped down on her bed. "The tour is over." She laughed now and looked anxiously at Cosmo. She was curious what she would think of her room. It was filled with plants and there was a hanging chair in the corner. On the walls hung photos, records and other souvenirs. On one of the dressers was a record player and a collection of records.

Haley moved aside on her bed to make room for Cosmo, but the two didn't have much time to chat before they were called to lunch. In the garden was a round table, where all four would find place and on the table was a large pot with asparagus risotto, which smelled excellent.

The Room

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@Haley Rose

Cosmo's first impression of Haley's parents was a good one, and she smiled happily to herself when she realised that they seemed to like her her too. She gave her mother a big hug, and nuzzled her nose gently into the familiar smell of her cotton top. There was a slight twinge of sadness as Annabel drove away but Cosmo was quickly swept up in Haley's tour of the house, and any bad feelings were replaced with happy laughter. Haley was just so goofy, and her impression of a tour guide was truly impressive. As they travelled around Cosmo looked at everything in wonder, it was a gorgeous house, but also quite obviously a loved home. Each room was a delightful mix of beautiful design and homely comfort.

A delighted giggle escaped Cosmo when Haley called her miss Keith, and she decided to play along. "Why thank you, monsieur, I will happily bunk with you on this eve. However!" she whipped up her hand with a flourish and authoritative air, "if either one of us snores I shall readily vacate!" A wink was sent Haley's direction, and Cosmo followed her best friend into the bedroom.

Cosmo stopped dead, her mouth parted slightly. No one had told her you were allowed to bring plants indoors, and it was officially decided; this was her favourite room based on the pot plants alone. Back at home she and her mother were basically outside all day, and Annabel was notoriously forgetful when it came to watering plants so they all stayed in the vegetable garden. Once Cosmo finally recovered from seeing plants indoors, she took in the rest of the decorations and was just as impressed.

"Its gorgeous- I," she let out a big happy exhale and turned to Haley, seeing the anxiety written on her face she hurried to reassure her, "your room is almost as beautiful as you, and I would like to formally hire you to decorate for my wedding, thank you!" Cosmo grinned, flopping down next to Haley, marvelling at the soft blankets and fairy lights twinkling above. "I want to look at everything, all these adorable photos and the music, me and mum have grandpas old record player but this collection is so impressive!" Before Cosmo could do any more gushing both girls were called downstairs, but she vowed to look at everything after lunch and send at least 100 more compliments Haley's way.

Before sitting down with the Roses, Cosmo quickly darted off to where she had set Emerald down, and gently opened the basket lid. "Hey there buddy, this is our new home for the week!" she cooed, rubbing her fingers gently behind her kittens ears. "You can explore, but don't break any of their stuff because it's not ours," as a general rule Emerald was a very well behaved cat, and Cosmo didn't really have any concerns about her getting into trouble, but it still felt like a warning needed to be said. "Over there is the backyard, you're allowed outside and in, but no teasing their owl okay!" After Emerald had a good sniff around and Cosmo was content she had settled in, she went out to the garden with Emerald in toe, and sat next to Haley with a grin.

A few nerves started returning when she realised that small talk would probably be made, but they soon dissipated when Stephanie and David began talking. They had a way of making Cosmo feel comfortable and invited exactly like their daughter did, and as the meal progressed Cosmo began to notice a lot more of their similarities. Stephanie had shared her loving and caring nature with her daughter, and David his hair and accent. As soon as Cosmo tried the food she practically melted in her seat, it was the best risotto she had ever tried.

"OH my goodness, thank you so much for lunch, this is the yummiest thing I've ever had!" she exclaimed, before taking another big mouthful as politely as a hungry eleven year old could. Cosmo made sure to sing praises for the food a couple more times at least before the meal was over, and offered to help clear up but was shooed away by Stephanie, so she and Haley made their way back upstairs to sit and talk a little while.

Cosmo conducted a more thorough investigation of the room, asking little things here and there; learning about Haley's childhood through photos and stories. Once she was done she sighed and flung herself down on the floor, feeling full and warm and content.

"I can't believe our first year is really over," Cosmo lamented from by Haley's feet. "I mean in less than three months I will have known you a whole year!" she let out a distressed groan, and hauled herself up dramatically, leaning against Haley's legs and tilting her head backwards to look up at her friend. "Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have wanted to spend the year any other way and I love you, you're my best friend, but it went so quickly! In no time we'll be old grannies and I'll still be knitting for you, but you'll have more gifts from me than you'll know what to do with," Cosmo sat up suddenly and rummaged through her bag before producing a matching forest green beanie and scarf, "that reminds me, I have another set for you!" She tossed the gift into Haley's lap before leaning back into place and laying her head on Haley's knees, "don't ask me why I keep making them when it's the middle of summer," she laughed, looking up with a cheeky grin.

Beanie and Scarf

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@Cosmo Keith

Haley curiously examined her friend's cat, who was now cautiously exploring the new surroundings and garden. She absently stuffed the next fork into her mouth, "Mmhm," she agreed with Cosmo. It was delicious, as always. Haley's parents looked at the two girls with a smirk. "Thanks Cosmo, I did my best." Haley's father laughed. After dinner, the two girls wanted to help clean up, but were shooed away by Haley's mother. It only took a quick exchange of glances and the two ran back up the stairs to Haley's room.

Haley loved that Cosmo was so interested in the details and Haley's story and tried to answer her questions the best she could while putting on one of her father's records. "I don't know if you're familiar with Muggle music but this is Queen." And with those words she put the needle on the record and music filled the room. She knew exactly why she had chosen this record. She turned around and started singing in unison with Freddie.

"Ooh, you make me live
Whatever this world can give to me
It's you you're all I see
Ooh, you make me live now, honey
Ooh, you make me live"

She spun on her axis and danced her way to her bed before dropping onto it, her head hanging off the edge of the bed so that her head was next to Cosmo's, looking at her overhead and continued singing.

"Oh, you're the best friend that I ever had
I've been with you such a long time
You're my sunshine and I want you to know
That my feelings are true
I really love you
Oh, you're my best friend"

She started laughing and straightened up before all the blood would rush to her head and sat down on her bed, Cosmo leaning against her legs. Haley stroked her hair and took a strand which she started braiding while Cosmo started talking. When Cosmo put her head back Haley looked at her with a raised eyebrow at her words but started to smile. She put her face between her hands and poked the tip of her tongue against her nose. "I already can't wait to sit on the patio with you as Grannie." Haley laughed before examining the gift on her lap in wonder.

"Gosh I Iove it." Haley gushed in awe and pulled on the beanie. She loved it just as much as all the other things she had already knitted and would in the future. "In my favorite color, even." Haley was beyond thrilled, "Thank you so much." She thanked her best friend before pulling the beanie back off, "But yes, it's summer and far to warm." the readhead giggled, "But I will definitely pack it for fall."

Haley felt a little bad that she didn't have a gift for Cosmo but she wouldn't be Haley if she couldn't at least think of something small on the spur of the moment. She carefully lifted Cosmo's head and jumped off her bed and went to her shelf, where she reached for the Polaroid camera that she always had with her at Hogwarts too, but used far too infrequently. She sat down next to Cosmo, "One smile please." She said as she held the camera away from them both and pressed the shutter button. She took the small photo that was now coming out of the camera and let it develop.

It took a few minutes, once it was done she noted something with a pen and held it out to Cosmo. "Not as great as your gift, but this little memorie is for you." On the back, Haley had written "Cosmo & Haley. Summer Break 2021, Rose Manor."

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The afternoon passed much too quickly and soon they were sitting laughing together again at dinner.

That evening, the two girls lay together in Haley's bed. Hale had her legs stretched up against the wall and was looking at the ceiling while they talked about everything and nothing. She put her head to the side so she could now look at Cosmo.

"I have a favor to ask you." She now said a bit shyly before looking at the ceiling again. "You know I hate to lie, but I have to lie to my parents." Before Cosmo could say anything, Haley kept talking to explain everything to her. She hoped this would convince her to do this for her. "I need to see my grandfather but I can't let my parents know."

Then Haley started telling her everything, about how she had only known her grandfather since her first year at Hogwarts. That she had already visited him and lied to her parents about that too. That she had now come across letters from her mother's youth in which her grandfather had not left a good Impression and that Haley had to talk to him personally about it. She needed to know if it was all just a misunderstanding or if he really was that bad. And for that she needed the help of her best friend.

Haley Rose

Cosmo let the joys of the day seep into her bones; Haley spinning around and singing a completely adorable song which had made her half laugh and half cry, the photo that she now had tucked safely into a book in her bag, and the delightful dinner which had followed. It seemed that this might be the happiest day in Cosmo's life, and as she lay next to Haley with a full belly and happy heart she couldn't be more grateful to this girl who had brought so much joy to her throughout the year. So as soon as she asked for a favour Cosmo was ready, she would do anything for Haley. She listened quietly as the redhead explained about the box of letters she had opened with Simon, and the terrible secret they held. Once she was finished Cosmo turned and placed a gentle arm across Haley, providing comfort through touch as well as words.

"Of course I'll help you Haley, I'll do anything with you, I'm just so sorry that they let you and your Mum down so much, I can't imagine how strong your Mum had to be..." Cosmo paused, her mind flicking quickly between several plans she could imagine.

"So if you wan't me to lie to them I can do that, I could I've booked tickets for you to go see a movie and then we can actually go see your Grandparents, I know I want to be there for you as support, you shouldn't have to do this alone," she took in a small breath and puffed it out as a sigh, "but if you want to do it alone I'll understand, and I can stay and distract your parents for you." Cosmo knew that sometimes people needed to do things alone, but she really hoped Haley would let her come and be an emotional support if she needed it. She thought briefly about how to help her friend afterwards, because no matter what happened it would be draining.

"You know maybe we don't even have to lie! We could book movie tickets for afterwards so that you get to do something fun as well as something stressful, then you can have a couple of hours after talking to calm down before you come home, and we'll have tickets to show them and everything!" Cosmo was pretty pleased with herself for coming up with this plan, and gently nudged Haley to get her to look over, Cosmo's smile faded to show that she was genuine, and her eyes softened, offering reassurance.

"No matter what happens or what they say it will be okay though, you're still going to be strong and brave and smart, nothing they say can bring you down and even if it feels like it does I'll be right there," she tugged Haley close so she could squeeze her tight, and as Cosmo often did, she turned silly very quickly, "besides! No one gonna be allowed to hurt my best friend, I'll tickle them to death!" she leapt on top of Haley and pinned her arms down with her knees, tickling across her ribs and under her armpits, searching for at least one good shriek from the Gryffindor.

@Cosmo Keith

Haley doesn't know why she hadn't talked to Cosmo about it before, she knew she could talk to her about anything and the comfort she got from her was exactly what she needed. But it also felt like it was all just untrue as long as Haley didn't say it. She didn't want to replay it all, she didn't want to talk about it again and worry about what had happened in her family, but she had to face it and she needed her best friend's support to do so.

Haley smiled gently at Cosmo's words, of course she was helping her, it was Cosmo. She valued her support incredibly but she couldn't put Cosmo in danger. Haley didn't think it would be dangerous, but there was a small risk and she had to do this alone. As much as she liked having her best friend there, she couldn't accept this offer. "Thanks a million Cosmo." Replied Haley while pulling her into a hug. "But I have to go there alone." She revealed now while chewing on the inside of her lip. "But the movie theater plan is great. Maybe we can say I'll spend the weekend with you and we'll go to the movies on Sunday and then my mom can pick me up. And we'll actually go to the movies, of course, so they won't get suspicious and I can buy you a bag of popcorn as a thank you." Suggested Haley enthusiastically to her best friend, convinced of her plan.

"Aaaah!" Haley cried as Cosmo started tickling. She fought back for a while with all the strength she had left while laughing and eventually managed to throw Cosmo off her and now pushed her limbs down. "Now you're not laughing." Haley said with a playfully devilish smile and tickled Cosmo back until she quickly showed mercy though and let go of her friend. "Don't worry, if anyone tries to hurt me, I can fight back and Aiden is also on hand to assist me for sure." As she mentioned Aiden, Haley realized she had never told Cosmo about him before.

The two continued to lie on Haley's bed, chatting about everything and nothing while getting comfortable in her bed. It was already late at night when fatigue overcame them and they finally fell silent and their eyes fell shut. The next few days the two girls spent exploring the garden, Haley showing Cosmo more of her record collection and playing her something on the piano, while at the same time trying to teach her something about playing.

@Haley Rose

It was the third day of Cosmo's visit with the Roses, and she was having a spectacular time. The weather was lovely, and the company was lovelier, each day bringing fresh laughter and smiles. She could see where Haley got her sweet and charming nature, and being in the presence of three such people brought so much joy to the young girl, who was used to spending most of her time alone. It was only occasionally that Cosmo would become somber, either when she thought of the task Haley had ahead of her, or when she remembered that it wasn't just her mum waiting at home. Eventually she decided to talk to Haley about it, knowing her best friend would be able to help with even this.

They were sat side by side against a wall in a far corner of the garden. Branches arched above, sending down dappled cool light, and soft sounds of insects murmured from all around. It was one of the hottest days so far, and the girls licked at icy-poles in delight. A comfortable silence stretched between them as they relaxed after a busy morning of baking and a water fight that had lasted hours. Cosmo took a deep breath, looking out towards the bright sky and kicking her feet from side to side.

"So my mum has a new partner," she started. It had felt tremendously hard to utter the words, but now they were said it was almost like taking a cork out of a bottle. Cosmo could feel her emotions starting to well up and pour out. "His name is Theo, and he's really nice. He looks like someone took a bean and made them into a person," despite being upset Cosmo was still looking at the positives, and she erupted into giggles; startling a few birds from a nearby bush. "It is pretty strange though," she admitted, quieter now, "having grown up with only mum, and now there's someone else in the house with us. Kind of like he's an intruder..." it felt mean to say, but Haley was the person Cosmo trusted most in the whole world. If she could say it to anyone it would be Haley. Another silence stretched out, but much shorter this time.

"I just don't understand why mum didn't send me an owl!" the young gryffindor burst out finally. "I mean- I was so excited to come home and see Ruby again, for Ruby to meet Emerald, but instead it was just this big shock of meeting this new guy who's living in our house!" Cosmo felt the frustration make tears prick in the corners of her eyes, and she sniffled dejectedly. "I'm sorry I'm upset," she turned to look at Haley with a watery smile, "you're obviously the first person I've told."

@Cosmo Keith

The time with Cosmo flew by far too quickly and the end came closer and closer and every time Haley thought about it, it made her sad. But each time she quickly pushed the fact away again, because she wanted to make the best use of the time and so did the two best friends. They laughed together, they laughed a lot. They spent a lot of time outside in the beautiful weather, playing together, going on little adventures and talking about everything and nothing. Haley's parents also loved Cosmo already and it was clear to them after the first day why the two girls got along so well. It was as if the two had not searched for each other, but had found each other.

It was a warm noon and the two girls were sitting in a shady spot in the garden. Haley wiped a few drops of water from her forehead, still dripping from her wet hair from her messy bun, and licked her icy-poles. The two had already baked with her mother in the morning, then had a cooling water fight and now used the quiet moment to just relax. The two of them could just sit in silence and it wouldn't get weird or awkward and that's what Haley loved so much about this special friendship.

Just as Haley took between her fingers a small branch she had found on the ground, Cosmo broke the silence and as she uttered the first sentence the branch broke into two. Haley did not speak, but just looked at Cosmo as she continued to report. Theo, her mother's new partner. Everything seemed to be all right so far, Haley thought, but Cosmo continued. Haley knew her best friend and even if the things she said sounded positive, she quickly realised that there was more to it and she also knew that it would pour out of Cosmo at any moment.

There was another silence, Haley gave Cosmo another moment. She knew she would need it and then it came. All of a sudden, like the snap of the branch Haley had broken through. Haley looked apologetically at Cosmo and moved next to her and put her arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. "Don't apologise." She admonished Cosmo. It was the most normal thing to cry when you were upset about something and especially in front of your best friend. "And thank you, for your trust." Haley added. She appreciated Cosmo talking to her about something so personal.

"But first of all-" Haley began now, still holding her best friend, "What's wrong with your mum? No question, she's lovely but why did she let you get so wound up? I think an owl would have been the least of it too!" of course Haley would stand behind her best friend and so she agreed with her. But she would not leave it at that. She would try to give her a different perspective, after all she had already talked about Theo being nice.

"But maybe." Haley began, musing to herself a little before continuing. "Like you said, it's unusual for you. It's always been just the two of you. I'm sure it's unfamiliar for your mother too, right? In the end, maybe she just didn't know how best to proceed?" Haley voiced her thoughts, "Maybe she just didn't know any better. In any case, though, I'm sure she didn't do it out of ill will." She smiled at Cosmo now and wiped the tears from her face and moved back to the seat opposite her. "Ugh, it's too warm for physical contact." Haley joked now, trying to get Cosmo to laugh a little.

@Haley Rose

Haley was perfect when Cosmo explained about the situation back home. Pauses in all the right places, and carefully thought out, gentle words of encouragement. Of course she had been perfect, she was Haley, but still. Cosmo felt a calm settle down into her bones, she smiled at her best friend while advice was offered, and laughed when Haley joked about the heat. "Yes, far too hot for hugging! Eww get away from me stinky," there was love in the young gryffindors eyes as she joked along, and even minutes after her nose was still scrunched up in a delighted grin.

Not too long after, the girls were called inside and asked if they wanted to help with the trifle (which was really just an excuse to lick out the custard bowl together). And so the rest of the evening was spent with shrieks of laughter echoing through the Rose household as Haley and Cosmo chased one another around with fingers covered in cream or plotted together to jump out and scare David.

That night they lay side by side again, and Cosmo stared out the window to watch stars twinkle. Although every single muscle seemed to be sinking down into Haley's delightfully soft bed, she didn't want to sleep just yet. First, she let memories flutter through her mind, soft moments in time spent with her best friend. They came and came, most of first year spread out for Cosmo to look at, and as Haley's breathing evened out into soft sleep noises Cosmo felt a rush of gratitude spread through her limbs. Just before drifting off Cosmo turned and wrapped an arm securely over Haley's tummy, cuddling the other girl close.

The next day was just as beautiful as the rest, and the girls filled the morning with reading and dancing to Haley's records. Now it was just after lunch, and everyone sat idly chatting around the dining table when Cosmo decided to suggest something she and Annabel had done together many times. "I had an idea for tonight! Because it's so been so warm, and the stars are so gorgeous here..." it felt strange to ask something of Haley's parents instead of her own mother, but Cosmo pushed on despite feeling shy.

"Well I was thinking me and Haley could sleep outside under the stars? All we need is a camping mattress and blankets!" First Cosmo looked at Haley to double check that she liked this idea, but it definitely seemed like something that the other gryffindor would like. Once this was confirmed by Haley's expression, Cosmo hastily turned back to Stephanie and David, a hopeful grin in place.

Cuddles and trifle

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