Scorpius and Rose

Chapter 1 - Friendship

As the months pass, I heed my father's word and steer clear of Scorpius. A nod in the hall, slight acknowledgment that he is alive.

Then the bullies come. They flock to my red hair and freckles, teasing me. "Oh, look at the Weasley. Fish out of water," Every single bully is from Slytherin. Green robes, proud backs and chins. Fish becomes my nickname there.

One day I simply can't take it. Instead of doing homework, I sit on a couch in the Commons and bury my face in my knees. The couch shifts slightly to the left as someone sits next to me on it. I lift my face up and find myself looking into Scorpius's gray-blue eyes. I stare at him for a moment.

"I'm not supposed to talk to you. My Dad says." I say in a calm, measured voice. I wonder why I even said anything, and lower my face again, letting my hair cover my face.

He smiles slightly. "Father says not to pay any attention to the low born Weasleys. But Father's values aren't always right, besides, they don't have to know." I sit straight up, startled by his bold statement. "What's your wand?"he asks, not noticing my alarm."Like, what's the core and stuff."

"Willow. Thestral tail." I say slowly. Why is he asking me this? I consider ignoring him. Didn't I tell him I wasn't supposed to talk to him? Does he care about the rules at all?

He whistles, impressed. "Thestral tail, huh?"

"Yeah." I blink at him, slowly.

"You know, Thestral tail was used in the elder wand." He pokes me.

"Yeah, I know." I smile at him. Agh, what am I doing?

"So, what's wrong?" He studies me.

I swallow heavily, looking down. "It's nothing."

"Rose..." He says imploringly.

I bite my lip. "Okay," I allowed. "Wait, how do you know my name?"

He flushed, looking down at his feet. "Well, I, um.." he looks at me, biting his lip. "I just payed attention to you. You're not exactly a typical Ravenclaw."

I feel my ears burn a little. "Um.. thanks?" I say awkwardly, clearing my throat and looking away.

Scorpius pokes my arm again with a half-smile. "You were saying?"

I frown at him. "Why are you so determined to find out why I'm upset?"

"So you ARE upset!" He grins triumphantly.

A small bubble of pleasure builds inside me, and I fight back a smile with an irritated scowl. "I said nothing of the sort. Leave me alone."

"I will not." He says stubbornly. "Tell me what's wrong."

"Like you'd care what a fish like me has to say," I mumble.

He must hear me, because he scowls and says, "Is that why you're upset?"

"Is what why I'm upset?" I ask, avoiding his gaze.

"Don't play dumb with me. You're a Ravenclaw, for God's sake." Scorpius glares at me. "The Slytherins."

"Maybe," I mumble, not meeting his eyes. "I just-" I cut off with a sigh. "I just wish they'd leave me alone." Scorpius is silent for a moment. "They won't leave you alone."

"That's helpful," I say sarcastically.

Scorpius ignores me. "They won't leave you alone because they're bullies." He glances at me sidelong. "But I'll be here for you," he blurts, staring at his feet and turning bright red. "If you want me to," he adds.