It was free period, and Scorpius and Rose were sat outside, talking about Draco.
"So... Your Dad... Liked my Mum?" Rose wasn't sure whether to believe most of what Scorpius was saying or not.
"Well, I think so. But I dunno if he was completely sure..."
"And he did try to kill Harry?"
"Yes, but he said he didn't have a choice."
"What does that mean?"
"I don't know!" Scorpius insisted, as Rose asked the same questions again and again.
"Am I allowed to know all this?" Rose asked quietly.
"Uhm..." Scorpius wasn't really sure. It was a lot of information. But Rose seemed like someone you could trust. Someone who understood. Someone who is... Different.
"Probably." Scorpius made his answer blunt, as he had started to get wrapped up in his own thoughts. He was interrupted by...
"Rose! Why are you with him again?" Albus shouted at her.
Rose looked shocked, and turned around. "Is there a problem with talking to my friends?"
Scorpius looked at the girl sticking up for him... 'Friends'...
"A Malfoy? Remember what your Dad said?"
Rose was steaming by now. "Shut up! My Dad can't have complete control over every tiny thing I do! I talk to who I want!"
"Anyone except him! Come on, I need to talk to you!"
"NO!"
"Come on, Rose!"
She sighed and looked at Scorpius. "Thanks. I understand now. Too bad no-one else does." She glared at Albus before getting up to follow him.
Scorpius watched her leave and without thinking, followed after her. Staying close to walls, Scorpius crept slowly behind the two as they started talking.
"You know that Marley kid?" Albus started.
Rose seemed confused. "Yes. Why?"
"Well, turns out he likes you! So, I was thinking-"
"So you were thinking that you'd take control of my life and force me to do what you want me to? No! I'm not a puppet, Albus!"
Albus narrowed his eyes. "What?"
Rose folded her arms and gave her cousin a stern look.
"Oh. Is this about Scorpius? Rose, I'm doing what's best for you-"
"No you are NOT!" She screamed at Albus, who jumped back. "I should be able to talk to whoever I want!"
Albus was taken aback. "Those Malfoys don't sound like good people, Rosie..."
"STOP IT! You are being so judgemental! You can't just judge everyone on their mistakes! We're all actual people! Don't you screw up sometimes?"
Albus swallowed before yelling back. "I don't accidentally kill people! You'd have to be awfully clumsy to do that!"
"That doesn't mean Scorpius is anything like him! I'm sure he won't be a mass murderer when he's older, just because of one person under too much pressure."
"Why are we arguing? I just wanted you to talk to Marley-"
"Oh, Marley! Oh, so that should make it all okay. 'Marley Coal, his parents work for the ministry, so he's okay, I'll talk to him'. Since when are you two friends anyway? You're absolutely ridiculous, Albus Severus Potter, and you should be ashamed!" She stormed off around the corner, somehow missing Scorpius standing at the wall, smiling at everything she'd said.