Wow. It's been a long, long time; sorry about that. My writing is probably very different now (thanks, degree!) and I'm not sure what my original idea for the storyline was, but I'm going to give it a go – I'd love it if you continued to read it!
"Miss Weasley?" A voice mere inches above her bent head startles Rose, who had been transfixed in the minutiae of her new Defence Against the Dark Arts book.
"Yes?" Rose responds, looking directly at the boy standing in front of her. She doesn't recognise him, but he looks a few years younger than herself. He's probably a fourth year, Sorted in the year before Rose became a prefect and made it her duty to know the name of every new first year.
He swallows, and Rose can immediately tell he's nervous. He's shaking, his brow is sweaty and he isn't making eye contact. Whether he's nervous because he's speaking to her or because he's done something wrong, she's not sure.
"Um, Professor McGonagall would like to see you. In her office. The Transfiguration office, I mean. Not the Head's office. Erm, yeah, she wants to see you straight away."
Rose smiles, and places her hand on the boy's shoulder. It's a struggle – being short vertically, her arms are almost twig-length – but she just about manages to touch his shoulder before he moves away. "Thanks, er…"
"Rory. Rory McAllister, miss."
"Thanks, Rory. But you don't need to call me miss – Rose is fine."
"No problem, mi—Rose."
He's gone before she can say another word, so Rose turns back to her desk, placing her book and notebook back into her bag. She's immediately thinking of everything she's done over the past two days, wondering what she's managed to do wrong on the train or on the first day of term. It's period two on the second day, yes, but she's got a free period – unless, perhaps, she's misread her timetable? Or has McGonagall found out about her tardy arrival on the 1st, and wants to berate her about her failures as a Head Girl?
One thing she knows it definitely isn't about is Scorpius. Despite his rude, catty comments in the initial stages of the train journey, he had managed to refrain himself from anything further, and she had done the same. She wanted to be professional, to show that she was – is – the right choice to be Head Girl, and she was perfectly aware that arguing with her counterpart was counterproductive to that end. They had even managed to be cordial as they led their first years to the safety of the Ravenclaw Common Room, followed by an uneasy silence as they scouted the floors of Hogwarts for lost first years.
There had been absolutely no interaction on the first official day of term: whilst they shared the same classes, day one was always introductory, with no need for class discussions.
Quickly, Rose walks from the library towards the Transfiguration office, thankful that she's already on the right floor. With her sense of direction, moving staircases had never been her strong point – something which had been the focus of many of Malfoy's jokes when he discovered this in third year.
As she approaches the office, her heart sinks. Maybe this is about Scorpius.
Because he's outside McGonagall's office, leaning against the stone wall in what Rose can only imagine is an attempt at a sultry pose. Though, she has to admit, if she was attracted to him in the slightest, it would be a successful attempt. With his bone structure, styled messy hair, and bright blue eyes, Scorpius Malfoy would fit in perfectly as Witch's Weekly's newest male model.
When he hears her approach, Scorpius looks up, a bitter grin on his face. "Ah, so you've made it, Rosie-Posie. I've heard that we're here to discuss your failings as Head Girl on the train."
Rose blushes, her cheeks turning as flaming red as her hair. In all honesty, she was expecting this barb, so she retorts quickly with, "oh really? Because the boy who asked me to come down here told me that McGonagall said that she can't allow a boy with chlamydia to be Head Boy. What would the parents say?" She smiles sweetly, in the way that her brother describes as a more bitter version of actress Lavender Brown's expression.
Scowling, Scorpius shakes his head. "Nah, it's definitely about your lack of professional conduct. Rumour has it that I'm even going to be allowed to pick my new Head Girl. It'll definitely have to be someone with a brain of course, though it wouldn't hurt if they were easy on the eyes – something you're just…not."
Before Rose can respond, their esteemed teacher steps out into the corridor, her expression stern. "Professional conduct is clearly something you are both lacking in, Mr Malfoy. Perhaps you will make Hogwarts history and be the first Head Boy and Girl to be impeached in your first week. Now enter before you waste any more of my time."
Gulping, Rose follows Scorpius into Professor McGonagall's office, curious about two things. The first - and most pressing – was obviously the reason why she had been summoned here with Scorpius. However, the second was more about the reason they were in this office.
Professor McGonagall had been Headmistress of Hogwarts for twenty-six years now, since the Battle of Hogwarts – she had taught Rose's mum, just as she had taught pretty much every living Weasley and Potter. Though she had taken a step back from teaching, she continued to teach some N.E.W.T classes, and offered career guidance to fifth years. However, Rose is completely aware that McGonagall teaches classes on a Thursday and a Friday – and today is Wednesday. So why this discussion is happening in the Transfiguration office, well, that's a mystery which needs solving.
As soon as both Rose and Scorpius are sat down, McGonagall begins. "There are a variety of reasons why I have called you here today, and each one is worthy of your full attention. In this room – or, rather, with me – I will not tolerate the mud you usually sling at one another. You are both adults in our world, and you will show toleration and compassion for one another. Is this understood?"
Together, Rose and Scorpius chorus, "Yes, Professor."
Pleased she has got her message across, McGonagall smiles, leaning back in her seat. "Ginger newt?" She offers, using her wand to proffer a tin of biscuits to the pair of them. "Go on, they won't hurt you. Your uncle had the same expression on his face when offered a biscuit, Weasley, and he's still walking. I assume he is, anyway, as there hasn't been a national alert."
Rose blushes at the mention of her uncle, but takes a biscuit anyway. She's never been a big fan of ginger, but politeness is key with McGonagall. If she says something, you do it.
As Scorpius takes his biscuit, Rose takes the opportunity to look around the office. In the years since she started at Hogwarts, the office hasn't changed a bit. The same Muggle portraits of east England lie on the walls (an inquisitive first year Rose had to ask why the paintings didn't move), the bookcase remains neat and tidy (and probably in alphabetical order), and the antique desk is as clear from paperwork as ever. This is McGonagall's office through and through, and Rose wonders whether this is the reason she has summoned the pair of them to here. The Headmistress's office, though equally neat and impressive in nature, lacks the same connection to McGonagall.
"So, matter number one. I have a question for the pair of you. What do you think your role entails?"
As her mouth is full of biscuit, Rose decides to wait for Scorpius to speak first. After all, he doesn't normally have a problem spouting off a load of bullshit that sounds relatively plausible.
However, he's silent. Whether he's paying her back for his assistance on the train or whether he really doesn't know what to say, Rose isn't sure, but it's clear that it's down to her.
She hurries down her mouthful of biscuit before speaking. "I, er, well I think that it's a bit simplistic to say that we're just role models – what does that even mean?" Rose begins, stalling a little. She's aware that McGonagall is very much conscious of this fact, and so does her best to be concise and clear when she continues. "So I would say that this role involves having a physical presence in all areas of the school, doing our best to promote unity between the houses. It involves taking an interest in school events, so turning up to Quidditch matches, but also to chess tournaments and that sort of thing, being present at homework club…but also offering advice, showing that we're human, and that the key values that we want to promote are universal to all."
Rose is very aware that she's rambled when she was trying to be concise, but she couldn't help herself. She's wanted this role from the moment that she became a Prefect, and when she's passionate about something, she's never been very good at controlling her mouth.
McGonagall nods her 'I'm vaguely impressed with you' nod, one that Rose had come to know well during her time at the school. "Anything to add, Mr Malfoy?"
Rose turns her head to look at Scorpius, who is looking directly at McGonagall. She can't tell if he's impressed, if he thinks she's just rambled, or if he actually listened to what he said. Not that she cares though. Obviously.
"Er, no, nothing to add – I agree with Rose, the key values are definitely important."
McGonagall snorts, a noise which startles both Rose and Scorpius; in all their years, they had never heard her make such a noise. "I really ought to have recorded this moment. I think this is the very first time I have personally witnessed the pair of you agreeing with one another. But whilst everything you have said is correct, there is one vital element which you have neglected to mention. Any ideas?"
Rose wracks her brain, trying to firstly remember what she said but also to see if there's anything glaringly obvious that she's missed. But she can't think of everything – nothing else is jumping out as being 'this is what a Head Boy and Girl would do.'
"Teamwork! You must work as a team to be successful as the Head Boy and Girl," McGonagall clarifies. "Being realistic, you are final years; your studies must be a priority. It would almost impossible for the both of you to attend every single match, to patrol the corridors every single evening. That is why you have the prefects – but it is also why there are two of you. To succeed at N.E.W.T level is difficult enough."
Now that McGonagall has said it, it's extremely obvious that teamwork was the thing missing from Rose's answer. It's something integral to every single Head Boy and Girl duo that she's come across – yet how will she manage it with Scorpius? How will they be able to present a united front when they agree on exactly one thing?
As if she can read Rose's mind – which she probably doesn't need to, as Rose's face is pretty much an open book – McGonagall continues. "I don't expect the pair of you to become the best of friends because of this role – that would require more than a miracle, I'm sure. But you must be cordial, and accept the other's help. You are in this role together, after all."
"It's also why you both have an extra free period – this one, in fact. Where your fellow seventh years are receiving career guidance, I expect the pair of you to use this hour to plan your week out. Where will you go, what will you do together, how will you split your workload? It is also an opportunity to plan announcements, unlike the spur of the moment greeting to your prefects on the train."
"And if we can't work together?"
Rose is surprised to hear Scorpius ask this. Whilst she's desperate to know the answer, realistically, she knows that it's not going to be what she wants to hear.
"The real world does not permit you to decide who you work with, Mr Malfoy. You will work with people you detest – and they may very well be your boss. You will work together, and you will provide the students of Hogwarts with role models they seek to emulate. If you feel you cannot cope with this, then I am afraid that you will be unable to cope with working life." Professor McGonagall's tone is sharp, and though Scorpius asked the question, Rose can tell that the answer is directed at her, too.
"I'm sure we'll be absolutely fine with it, Professor," Rose says, hoping that this will help placate their teacher. "Is there anything else you feel we ought to know?" She's not entirely sure if this is pushing it a bit too far, but hopefully McGonagall will appreciate her attempt to direct the conversation out of these murky waters.
Scorpius turns to look at her briefly, and mutters a word which Rose can only assume is, "thanks." Though why she deserves thanks, Rose isn't entirely sure.
"There is one task I would like you to complete before I am wholly confident that you will be able to work together for this year," McGonagall states, with a twinkle in her eye that Rose cannot remember seeing before. "It is a tradition which started with Lily Evans and James Potter, oh, forty years ago, when they found themselves in a similar predicament to yourselves.
"I would like you to both take a moment and think deeply about the other. After one minute, I will ask you both to say one thing that you like about the other. One thing. I'm sure you can cope with this." Her tone is patronising, but Rose can't get beyond the idea that she has to compliment Malfoy. To his face.
Turning to look at her counterpart, she can see that he's as flummoxed as she is. Never in her wildest dreams did Rose expect to come to Professor McGonagall's office and be asked to compliment Scorpius Malfoy. It's just something that isn't done, a Weasley complimenting a Malfoy. Well, not this Weasley.
They're ten seconds into the minute, and Rose has absolutely no idea what to say. Should she compliment his hair, or is that too basic? Can she say something about the fact that he's good at Quidditch, or would McGonagall consider that cheating?
It's now forty seconds, and from one quick glance at Scorpius she can tell that he's struggling too. He's biting his lip, which is something he only does when he thinks nobody's watching him, and he's tapping his hand on his knee. If she had the time, she'd try and figure out which rhythm it is that he's playing, but she doesn't because it's now fifty seconds and she can't think of anything to say.
"Time's up. Mr Malfoy, if you please."
Rose is thanking the stars that she doesn't have to go first, that she can work out what to say based on what he says, that she's got an extra few seconds to think about it – but what Scorpius says blows her away.
"One thing I like about Rose Weasley is…her integrity. When she believes in something, she'll wholeheartedly back that view, and she won't stab someone in the back. It shows that she's a true friend."
He's been nicer than she thought he could have ever been. Whether or not he's being genuine is another question, but that's not up for negotiation at the moment.
"One thing I like about Scorpius Malfoy is the way that he doesn't change for other people. No matter what people think of him, what preconceptions they impose upon him, he doesn't change his values, or his personality."
Shyly, Rose turns her head to look at Scorpius more openly, and is surprised to see him looking right back at her. For the first time in a long, long time, she's looking at a Scorpius who has no malice or scorn in his expression when he looks at her; it's as if he's a different person.
But then he turns away again, and Rose can't tell if it was an illusion.
"Well, you've exceeded my expectations there – excellent answers," McGonagall states, waving her wand. The lid springs back on the discarded biscuit tin, before it moves back to its original home. "One final point before you both leave. This is my final year in charge of Hogwarts – it's high time for me to hand over to another generation, and I'm sure the world is waiting for another instalment of Minerva McGonagall's Transfiguration Tips."
"Professor!" Rose exclaims, unable to help herself. "I'm sorry, but it just…"
"I have worked at this school since before your grandparents attended, Miss Weasley. I think it's time for someone from a younger generation to take over, don't you think?" McGonagall responds. "Now, it's almost break time, and I have a meeting to attend in the other office in ten minutes. You may leave."
Hastily, Rose and Scorpius stand up, with neither of them entirely sure what to say. Should they offer congratulations, condolences or no opinion on the fact that their Headmistress was (finally) retiring?
As they reached the door, Rose ahead of Scorpius, McGonagall calls after them, "I would appreciate it if you kept my retirement a secret from the students. Do not let me down this year, for it is difficult to repair the reputation of the Head Boys and Girls of my tenure as Headmistress when that tenure is over."
Neither Rose nor Scorpius speak as they exit the room, though the message has been received loud and clear: mess up, and you not only destroy your reputation but McGonagall's.
As the door swings shut, Scorpius lets out an audible breath, and grins at Rose. It's a grin of teeth and too-bright eyes – an expression directed at Rose all too often.
"Look at that, Rosie-Posie, you managed to be professional for an entire ten minutes – I'm almost impressed," he drawls, causing Rose to roll her eyes.
She won't respond, though. They've barely left McGonagall's office: she won't succumb to his comments just yet.
"You heard her, Malfoy. It's her last year, so we're going to make damn sure that we're the best Head Boy and Girl that this school has seen in the last ten years."
"Well that's not going to be hard, given the majority of them have been Weasleys or Potters, and look how they turned out."
Rose has to admit, he has a point. Teddy Lupin started the Potter-Weasley-Lupin Head Boy/Girl trend of this generation, and scandal abounded when he was caught cheating on his girlfriend with cousin Victoire. Drama continued with Victoire at the helm, before Roxanne used her position to help her brother with his illegal drugs business. This had been nothing in comparison to James Potter, however, who everyone admitted should never have been allowed to be Head Boy.
"We're going to buck the trend, Malfoy. We'll just about manage to work together, I'm sure," Rose retorts, determined to maintain positive. She might hate just about all of Malfoy's guts, but she was going to make sure that she was his biggest fan in public. Well, maybe not biggest fan. But someone who tolerated him, sure.
Scorpius turns to head in the opposite direction, shaking his head. "We'll see about that, Weasley. At least if I want to bury you, you're a good foot and a half shorter than the average girl, so it'll save me a lot of effort."
As she too turns to depart the Transfiguration corridor, Rose realises something. For almost fifteen minutes, they managed to be cordial to one another.
Maybe this Head Boy and Girl thing might have a hope in hell of working out, after all.
Thanks for reading! If you've got any suggestions for what I can incorporate, let me know!