It had been a week since Scorpius Malfoy saw Rose Weasley- Head Girl and all around dignified person- stub her toe on the couch and curse like a sailor. Since the encounter, he noticed she seemed more aware of his presence. Or maybe he was just reading too much into things and projecting his stupid crush on her.

I'm a stupid git. I've got to stop mooning over her- he thought, walking to the Herbology greenhouse, just as Al came and slung his arm over his shoulder saying," Hey mate, why were you muttering to yourself like a nutter just now?"

Great. Now, everyone thinks the Head Boy is a loon, thought Scorpius replying drily, "Says the only 7th year bloke willing to not only admit his penchant for pygmy puffs but also petition to make them the mascot of Hogwarts." The whole school knew of Albus' obsession with pygmy puffs. It had raised more than a few eyebrows- and even merited a column on the gossip rag Witch Weekly.

"Hey! Pygmy Puffs are wonderful creatures. And I almost won that petition. The girls were all for it.", said Albus with a wink. Scorpius just rolled his eyes, knowing more than a few girls gushed about how sensitive and how in touch with his feelings Albus was. Git.

They filed into the greenhouse , taking a seat at the back. "Today I'll be assigning groups for your end of term project. And, No, none of you can object to my decision," announced Professor Neville to a loud round of groans and protests."There are three members in a group such that your collective brains are enough to do well",continued Neville genially before he started rattling off the names.

"Albus Potter, Aditya Patel and Jessica Green"

"Judy Campbell, Joseph …."

Scorpius zoned out for a while watching the devil's snare moving too close to him for comfort before he heard,"…pius Malfoy and Cindy Williams."

No, No, No, No way. This cannot be happening, thought Scorpius as he recoiled at the thought of having to spend the entire year working with the crazy bird. Cindy Williams was obsessed with Scorpius ever since he saved her from drowning in the lake two years ago. She even tried bribing his roommates for strands of his hair and his toothbrush. Which sane person does that?

Even now, she was making a beeline straight for him, like a predator with her eyes set on her prey. Why did the slytherins have to have herbology with the gryffindors? , thought Scorpius raising his eyes heavenward hoping for a miracle.

No such luck.

"Scorpius! Can you believe it? Now, we get to spend an entire year working together. Isn't that just perfect?", cried Cindy shrilly, latching on to his arm for dear life.

"Uh-huh….Yeah….sounds like fun, "muttered Scorpius trying to pry her arm off his in vain. For such a little thing- 5'2"- if that-she was surprisingly strong. He caught sight of Albus trying not to laugh at his plight and failing. Traitor.

Just then he heard Rose's voice to his right," So, I guess we'll all be working together then." She was eyeing Cindy's stranglehold strangely.

"What?", managed Scorpius stupidly.

"Neville called out our names? The three of us have to work together? Ring any bells?", she bit out, a tad impatiently.

"That's all right, Scorpius. Don't worry. She won't come between us spending time together.", Cindy said smiling brightly at Scorpius before narrowing her eyes at Rose.

Rose, to her credit, just ignored her antics and said, "We'll have to decide on a time and place to meet weekly for the project if we want it done in time. I was thinking the Head's common room on every Friday at 6?"

"NO!", cried Scorpius," We can't have it at the Head's Common room. Nobody else is allowed there. Headmistress McGonnagal's orders remember?" He sent pleading eyes Rose's way, hoping she'd understand the danger she was putting him in.

Apparently not. "But..", she began to say before Scorpius cut her off," Excuse us Cindy. I just have to talk to Rose for a moment…umm…Urgent Head's business… I just remembered…sorry." He grabbed Rose and pulled her off to the side,"What do you think you're doing? You can't let that nutter within 100 feet of my common room, forget about giving her the password and inviting her in. She'll never leave.", he whisper-shouted at her.

"Let go of my arm", said Rose coldly. Scorpius looked down and let it go in a hurry, immediately turning sheepish, "oh…sorry..I-..just..she",he stammered before deciding to shut up.

"Okay, now tell me why you're so freaked out by her. She seems nice, pretty too", said Rose evenly, looking Scorpius in the eye.

Scorpius looked back at her like she just sprouted four horns and was covered in pustules. He made a strangled noise in the back of his throat.

Albus came bounding over to join them. "So mate, I overheard everything and decided to help you out.", he said taking charge of the situation for Scorpius-who was still in shock. "Rose, Cindy Williams is Scorp's living is a stalker. Crazy bird fancies herself in love with him. All because he had to be all noble and save her from drowning. She has a shrine dedicated to him and is head of his fan club-which really does exist by the way. She would keep vials of his blood in storage if she could. If you'd pay attention to all the gossip Louis heaps on you, then you'd know this by now."

"You're serious?", Rose said with the appropriate look of horror on her face. Mutely, Scorpius nodded. Then, clearing his throat and finding his voice he pleaded,"let's keep the meetings at the library. Far,far away from my bedroom. And she'll have to keep quiet there so our hearing will be intact."

Rose grinned widely at that,"Her voice is a little high, isn't it?". "A little?", replied Scorpius,grinning back at her and noticing how rare it was to see the Head Girl so carefree. She should smile more often, he thought ,quickly followed by, Merlin, she's gorgeous.

The moment was broken by Cindy clearing her throat obnoxiously,"Ahem."

Scorpius cursed and headed back but not before Rose flashed another smile at him. Maybe this won't be so bad after all, he thought grinning.