A/N It's been a while - I'm sorry. I got a writer's block but after reading Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell my mind started working again just fine, better than just fine actually
Disclaimer I just borrow this fantastic Wizarding World from J.K. Rowling
"Rose it will not work so-"
"Adam stop being such a pessimist" I say as I climb up the tree. "This is perfect. We have worked on this plan for a long time now and it will not fail."
"No we have not Rose. You got this idea 20 minutes ago when you ate an apple flavoured lolly and I'm pretty sure this is your worst idea so far."
"Shh." I silent him. "All my ideas are great. Now shut up and play your part, I'm sure they'll come any moment now." I can't believe Adam doesn't trust my exceptional plans. Just because he got caught by Filch one time doesn't mean it is my plan there's anything wrong with. It still wonders me how he accomplished that, Filch must be in his 70s or 80s and lets just say he doesn't run much faster than a slug.
We've been going on for weeks now with different plans to make Aric and James bump into each other but somehow it has never turned out quite right. There's always someone in the way or no one shows up where we want them to be. But today I will succeed.
Sorpius POV
The Quidditch match against Gryffindor is coming up soon and I have to be ready. I've been going for runs as often as I can to keep myself in shape because this match I can not lose, no matter what. We lost big time last year and I can not let that happen again.
It's gotten colder now since it's November but the snow have not yet started to fall and I hope the clouds can keep their shit together until after the match, snowfall make Quidditch a hell of a lot harder.
When I see the apple tree close to the lake I slow down until I eventually stop under it to rest. I'm out of breath and I'm glad no one's around to see me in this shape, it's not something many have seen and I'd like to keep it that way.
I look up and see colour between the branches. Flaming red hair is on it's way down and fast, aiming in my direction.
"Fancy meeting you here Malfoy." Rose Weasley says from where she's straddling my stomach. "You sure are a real gentleman catching me like that, sacrificing yourself to keep me safe. I might actually cry." I can feel the anger boil inside of me but that's exactly what she wants and today I won't let her win. So I decide to do something unexpected.
"Yes my love, I'd really do anything for you." I place my hand at the nape of her neck and pull her face closer to mine. I smile when I see a hint of surprise in her eyes. But too soon it's gone.
She drag a finger along me cheekbone and down my neck. Her other hand is resting on my chest, I can feel the heat through my sweater. "I do love it when you call me love Malfoy. But I am terribly sorry but I was waiting for someone, your mate Aric to be exact." She push herself up in not the most elegant way. "Now leave." She doesn't wait for me to give her an answer or for me to stand up. She start pushing me down the small but steep hill I a few minutes ago walked up.
It feels as though I rolled for at least a few minutes. My head spins, my back hurts and I will return Weasley the favour.
Why would Weasley meet with Aric. I know for sure that it can't be anything romantic between them and if there were I wouldn't care. But there's been a rumour around the school lately which I can't ignore. They've hooked up but it just can't be. It doesn't make any sense but they have been spending more time together. It's not like a have thing for her it's just-
"Scorpius. Gather up and listen to me. You can't be like that out there, you've got to focus. We lost last year and I can't let that happen again and if you let the Quaffle in in any of the hoops I'm going to shave your head in your sleep. The same goes to every single one of you. Don't let me down but play fair. We are not going to play dirty like they did in the past. Yes Flint?"
"If you accidentally fly into one of the players and they may fall of it's not something like playing dirty right? My father-"
"That my fellow comrades is exactly what you can not do. Parents do not always know best. Now get your sweet rears out there!" We all run out to the middle of the pitch where Aric's going to shake hands with James Potter, captain of the Gryffindor team.
"The snakes sure seems to be in great shape today." Rose Weasley's voice is heard all over the pitch and stands. "And here comes the lions with with their new keeper Todd! Will we be calling him Todd Toad or just Todd after this match? I guess we have to see how he'll do! Ouch! You don't have to hit me. Of course we won't call you Todd Toad Todd!"
We intake our positions and the Quaffle is thrown in the air. The game has begun.
"And they are off! Weasley has got a hold the Quaffle and pass it to Jones who pass it back to Weasley who scores! Maybe we will see the snakes defeated again this year if you keep it up like that Malfoy." My cheeks flush and I know Aric's not pleased at the moment.
The match goes on like this. We score but Gryffindor's always one step ahead, and Rose keep comment which doesn't make it any easier. But we could still win if Aric catch the Snitch before Potter.
"Well well well, what do we have up there. If me eyes aren't mistaken I see Potter and Zabini tangled in each other. Is it love perhaps?" I look up and Weasley's right. They are tangled but they are to high to actually see what's happening.
I see a flash of something dark in the corner of my eye and fly as fast as I can to the unprotected hoop.
"Oh that must've been embarrassing for you Malfoy, letting the Quaffle in like that. Todd looks like a member of the teams competing in the League Cup compared to you." I'm not going to lie that one hurt. Bad. "Potter and Zabini is still close as two seeds in one shell and I think James enjoys it more than he's willing to admit. Oh wait, Zabini must have found the snitch because he is diving like a fucking penguin hunting for fish. You go get your fish Zabini! James can't be parted from his lover for too long it seems because he is not shortly after but he can't keep up with Zabini who's got it! ZABINI'S GOT THE FISH! I mean Snitch, he's got the Snitch!" Rose is jumping up and down, screaming like a madman and I can't help but smile. She really look ridiculous but who in their right mind would cheer for the opposite team. "Witches and wizards this match is over with Slytherin in the lead. Some of you will grief but I'll be where the party and firewhisky's at! It was a joke McGonagall, no need for violence. I take that back everyone, no firewhisky for those who's underage. And remember don't drink and fly. Good night!"
I've been following Rose around the school ever sense our encounter by the apple tree. At first I thought it was just my imagination but there's something she's up to, I'm sure of it.
She stands by a broom closet with a boy I've never seen before, but there's something familiar about him.
"We meet here tomorrow night and this time I'll make sure they get here, apparently that's something you're incapable of."
"You made me get caught by Filch." The boy answers looking grumpy.
"That was your payback? And it isn't my fault you got caught, I can't help if you're not clever enough."
"Rose you pushed me out of my hiding to save yourself and it was I who found it so don't give me shit about how I should have found my own place. You are cruel."
"No I am just smart Adam, maybe you should learn a thing or two from me."
"As if."
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
"That's what I thought. Now let's head to the Slytherin common room and show them dance skills that will put them all to shame."
I follow them back to the common room where the party's at full blast. At first I can't see Rose anywhere but I soon realize a circle's been created with her in the middle. And she dance like no one's watching. She dance so bad it becomes good. Aric is with her, dancing equally as bad – or good. Soon people begin to dance like them, absolutely mental and I lose sight of them. I won't dive into the dancing apes, even if I wanted to, I can't. Not without risking to get hit at least a few times and that's not something I'm ready to experience. I lived trough my sixteen years without been punched and I'd like it to stay that way. Instead I climb a sofa and get an almost perfect clear view of the room. It's not hard to spot them, or mostly just Aric's broad shoulders, where they stand by the wall too close to each other. I don't ask myself why I don't like it. Sometimes it's just easier to let certain things stay unquestioned, especially if they concern Rose Weasley making me feel weird.
Aric bend over closing the space between them and I find myself wishing that I was the one leaning closer toward her, that it was my lips meeting hers.
I take a seat on the sofa trying not to think about what I just witnessed. It is hard. When you've been thinking about something for a long time (in my case a couple of months) you can't just turn it of.
"You like her." It's the boy who was with Rose earlier.
"No-"
"You look at her with weird sparkly eyes though, I've watched you for quite a while. Don't you think I would notice if someone followed us everywhere we go? Don't worry she doesn't know anything about your stalking and if she did she would probably just be flattered. Anyhow the reason I talk to you is that I'd like to make you an offer." His eyes are so intense and it's impossible to look away. He looks a little bit like Rose, like there's a bit of insanity hiding behind those eyes of his. I nod. "You see, I like Zabini and Rose is on her way to ruin everything by making him fall for her. We team up secretly against her and try to get her attention away from him and we get both what we want. What do you say?"
"Okay." I must have gone mental.
"Great mate." He pat my back. "I hope you understand no one can know about this. Because if Rose finds out I'll be dead. We both will, because I'll find you and kill you before Rose does the same to me." I don't know if it's the eyes or his voice, or maybe the hand that's griping at my shoulder but I believe every word he says. And as if our conversation never occurred he disappears into the dancing crowd.
What have I done?