Disclaimer: Everything recognizable belongs to JK Rowling.

FAIRNESS IS OVERRATED — CHAPTER ONE

When I was younger, Mum always had a habit of telling me, "Life isn't fair," when I would resort to proclaiming how miserable my existence had become.

She still did, but rarely nowadays. Over the years, I had actually grasped the fact that life did not occur on a balanced scale, and therefore learned to only say my beloved motto during times of dire need.

This was one of them.

I stared across the compartment to the wizard conveniently seated in front of me, truly unable understand what exactly I'd done to subject myself to this cruel and unusual punishment.

Okay, so maybe that was taking it a bit too far. Still, this arrangement had not been something I'd hoped for.

Against all hope, the enemy's voice reached my ears. "You didn't suddenly become mentally inept over the summer, did you? That's unfortunate, and to think I actually somewhat looked forward to beating you this year," he drawled lazily.

"I'm sure in your dreams you could," I informed him casually, as if we were discussing the weather (which I might add, was turning quite dismal—rainclouds and everything). I couldn't, however, refrain from narrowing my eyes as I caught sight of the shiny gold badge pinned against his polo shirt.

I swear the words Head Boy only glowed that brightly through magical means.

"Really Rose, you wound me," said Malfoy. I cringed as I heard him refer to me by my first name. He only did that because he knew how much it bothered me.

And it worked.

That's it. I was totally going to reject this position. There was no motivation like face-to-face encounters with the ever-so-charming Scorpius Malfoy.

"Oh and we both know you aren't going to give up Head Girl," he continued in the same disinterested vein. "So don't bother with the act."

It irked me how he knew this, therefore compelling me to childishly say, "I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm sure it just stems from the need to constantly hear your own shrilly voice."

Doing what he was best at, he ignored me. "I suppose I understand, though. Obviously, when matched with someone as intelligent and fit as myself, it's bound to bring out the worst in anyone." He paused. "Oh wait, but you're always like that. Guess there really is no hope for you," he said, eyeing me up and down.

Despite everything I believed in, I felt my face heat up. He smirked at my reaction.

Urgh. I was not one of his brainless fan girls. We were non-friends. No matter how traitorous my body was, I was resolved to not respond. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

I decided to train my eyes back on him—because avoiding eye contact made me appear embarrassed and would only confirm his suspicions—but no way was I going to talk.

So I resorted to scoping out the enemy, completely disregarding the fact that I'd known him for the past six years.

But come on. Hair that platinum-blond just begged the million-dollar question to be asked: was it even natural? And why was it so messy? It was worse than Al's, and that was saying something.

And . . . what was it those girls constantly raved about? Killer cheekbones? Chiselled features? Yeah right.

Aghh, why did I even care?

His smug voice interrupted my thoughts. "Checking me out, are we?"

"Being delusional again, are we?" I suppressed the urge to gag.

He continued to smirk.

I glared.

He raised his eyebrows.

I—

A dark brown owl flew in the window. It carried a letter with Hogwarts' crest.

Malfoy and I exchanged glances for a split second.

And both lunged for it. He won.

Smirking triumphantly, he dangled the letter above my head, just a tad too high for me to reach.

I glared at him as he abused his height; he knew how much I hated my shorter stature. "You cheated," I said accusingly.

"If that's what it takes for you to fall asleep at night . . ."

"The only way I can fall asleep is if my mind is devoid of thoughts of you," I snapped.

"Explains why you're such an insomniac, then."

I clenched my teeth. I was not going to dignify that comment with a response.

"And just how exactly was I 'cheating'?" His voice was a bit curious.

"You have an unfair advantage with your abnormally long arms."

Hmm. Maybe I should've thought that through beforehand.

"Honestly, Rose. You're making me blush. I know how much you adore my skills, but I'd appreciate if you could try to contain your enthusiasm, or at least keep it to a minimum," he smirked. "If that's not too difficult."

I rolled my eyes. "I'll try my best. Just open the letter."

This only broadened his smirk, but he obliged and did as I asked.

"'Ms. Weasley and Mr. Malfoy,'" he began. "'Congratulations once more on achieving the prestigious titles of Head students. As the leaders of the student body, you are expected to be role models for not only students younger than you, but your peers as well. Your first task is to address the Prefects. You will receive other paperwork to complete afterwards. I will speak to you both after the feast, and expect it all to be impeccably finished. I have complete confidence in your skills. Good luck, Professor McGonagall.'"

I wanted to pound my head against the wall. Paperwork? Every being on this planet despised that word.

If I had any doubts McGonagall was secretly attempting to kill me, they were all erased now.

Malfoy + Paperwork = Rose's Nightmare.

Malfoy stood up with a slight grimace. The only redeeming part of all this was that at least he had to suffer too.

I was beyond tired.

Let me tell you, Prefect meetings weren't all they're cracked up to be. And the allure of being Head Girl? A complete and total illusion.

I'd lost count of the idiotic questions a few of them seemed so intent on asking. It got to be so unbearable that I wasn't sure if they were really the same pointless questions—only through slightly different wording—or if it was my own mind playing tricks on me. I wasn't sure which I'd prefer, because it was just frightening! I thought these people were supposed to be smart.

Louis was no help either. He'd somehow snuck out half-way through the torture. Probably to hang out with Al. Traitor.

Malfoy had abandoned me as well. Well, he was present. Only behind a curtain in the corner keeping some constantly giggling blonde Hufflepuff girl company.

I'd never been so grateful to Mum for teaching me Muffliato than right then. I didn't fancy vomiting up all the breakfast Gran had prepared.

Anyhow, the extended hours spent with these extraordinarily intelligent people only served to prolong my time with Malfoy—which, of course, was just icing on the cake.

And then, we had to make patrol schedules and do all this other paperwork McGonagall had sent along. All before we'd even arrived at school!

Of course, I couldn't survive all the time with Malfoy—an endless cycle of smirking and sarcastic remarks made for a very unhappy Rose—and so I took refuge with Albus, naturally forcing him to fill out the paperwork with me.

Louis, coincidentally, had other business to take care of. Likely with that new girlfriend of his.

But no matter. Al and I had fun assigning Louis to patrol with Tim Corner, possibly the most arrogant wizard on the planet. Even Malfoy couldn't hold a candle to the . . . um, splendour, that was Corner.

(Well no, that was a lie. They were almost equal in this department, except Malfoy surpassed him just a tad.)

Seriously. Busy, busy day.

Now that I thought about it, I wasn't quite sure how I survived all that.

I hoped today wouldn't represent how the rest of my year would be like, because I definitely would not make it. I even fell asleep for a few minutes during the feast, and woke up with my head on Louis' shoulder.

Obviously, he didn't care.

His girlfriend, though—whole other story. She was absolutely livid. Like full-on fuming. I was a bit taken aback, really. The entire school knew we were related; did she think we were into incest? Honestly, I didn't even know why Louis was with her. He'd even admitted to me and Al that he didn't really like her. I guess she was pretty enough though.

Boys. I'll never understand them.

But anyway, McGonagall was now saying a few last words to us, and all I would have to do was escort the newbies to the Gryffindor common room, meet McGonagall, and then I would be home free!

"Now, before I release you all to your common rooms, I'd like to make an announcement. This year, our Head Girl and Boy will be none other than Rose Weasley and Scorpius Malfoy! Rose, Scorpius, I'm sure you'd both like to come up here and say a few words," she beamed.

The hall burst into applause, and many people cheered, including my cousins and friends. Of course, some, like Al and Louis, only cheered to contribute to my already fantastically cheerful mood.

I did not share such excitement.

Besides, didn't McGonagall see I was dead tired?

Clenching my teeth while forcing on a smile, I dragged my feet up to the front of the hall. I could see Malfoy doing the same; only he hid his irritability much better than I was sure I did.

We met right in front of the staff table; I quickly shot him a meaningful look as the din came to an abrupt stop.

"Hi everyone," I said with my best smile. "I'm Rose."

"And I'm Scorpius." He flashed a crooked smile at them and I swore some people swooned. It was ridiculous.

"For all of you who are familiar with this place," he continued in that same smooth manner of his. "We hope you had a great summer and it's great to see you back here." It was so strange to hear him speak, it sounded almost sincere.

"But for those who are new," I said, not to be outdone by Malfoy, "don't worry. You'll have an awesome time here. And never hesitate to ask for help if you need it."

Malfoy smirked. "Of course, we're always here to help."

I ignored him. "Anyway, it's getting late," I spoke the words I yearned to say since I first walked up here, "so I'm sure you're all eager to get to your rooms. Thank you and I look forward to seeing you guys this year."

Malfoy nodded. "Yeah, thanks a lot and hope to see you around," he said, adding a wink for good measure.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

Was it my imagination or did that girl really just faint into her bread pudding?

What a waste of a perfectly good dessert.

"Thank you, Rose and Scorpius," said McGonagall, allowing us to return to our seats.

She continued, "They are quite right, of course. It is getting late and you all must unpack and settle in." I beamed. "Classes start first thing tomorrow morning. Good night everyone. Prefects and Heads, please show your house members to your common rooms."

I stood up with Albus and Louis. "Get them in line, Weasley," I told Louis.

"So rude," he rolled his eyes. But he loved me and was too accustomed to my sometimes unpleasant behaviour and began rounding up the other Gryffindors anyway.

Al raised an eyebrow at me. "How's it going with Malfoy?"

"Like heaven," I replied sarcastically.

He smirked and swung an arm around me. "Glad to hear it." Oh the encouragement, thanks best friend. "Oh," his tone changed remarkably. "He didn't—er—by any chance mention anything about Quidditch, did he?"

I snorted. Really, Al, really?

Al was Gryffindor's Seeker and Captain. Malfoy was the same for Slytherin.

Naturally, they had a ginormous rivalry, though surprisingly, they were pretty decent to each other off the pitch. I'd never be able to understand it.

"He told me he'd share all his tactics with us. We'll discuss it all over crumpets and tea every Sunday. Don't forget to tell Louis. He'll be devastated if he's left out," I informed Al.

"Ah," nodded Al. "As expected, of course. I can't wait to ask Malfoy what he thinks about replacing my Keeper. I'm sure he'll have delightful opinions to share. Maybe he'll even have a few suggestions."

We looked at each other for a moment.

And burst into laughter.

We were still clutching to each other and laughing like maniacs when Louis found us.

"I leave for a couple of minutes, and the two of you completely lose your minds." Louis sighed sadly. "This'll be a fun letter to write home. I'd hoped this moment wouldn't arrive so soon."

"But—but crumpets!" I exclaimed.

"And tea!" added Al.

Louis nodded sympathetically.

I blamed it all on exhaustion. Paperwork overload.

"Come on," he pushed us towards the exit. "Wouldn't want to keep them all waiting."

We led them to Gryffindor Tower. Or rather, Louis led while Al and I followed with everyone else.

As we approached the portrait of the Fat Lady, a first year giggled and tapped my arm.

I looked over, smiling as I saw how angelic she seemed. "Oh hey, what's up?"

"I'm Madison," she said, quite self-importantly and irritatingly. "You're so lucky to be working with Scorpius Malfoy. That guy is so hot!"

I stared at her. Apparently appearances were very deceiving. I wasn't sure what was more alarming, the fact that these first years already thought like this, or that they had developed such bad taste at such an early age.

The future of magical kind was a frightening concept to imagine.

One thing was certain, though, Malfoy's fan club would have no trouble recruiting new misguided souls.

A/N: Thanks for reading and I really hope you'll leave a review. I know this concept has been done hundreds of times before, but I have lots of fresh ideas so I'd love to hear your thoughts on this first chapter.