Because everyone always has to write at least one more Rose/Scorpius fic, right? ;) This idea came to me when I re-read HPDH for the 6h time. At least. I stopped counting long ago. x3

"You're kidding me, Albus! You got me a book again, didn't you? Just like the year before, and the year before...and the year before. Heck, even at my funeral, you'll probably drop a book in my coffin titled "83 Ways you Could have Lived Longer."

I shoved the present back into Albus's hands, not even bothering to open it. There was no way I would be able to fake a surprised smile and an ecstatic "Thank you!" this time when I ripped the wrappings off. After three years of receiving books from my best friend as birthday presents, there were somethings you just couldn't hide anymore.

"Just give it to Rose, okay? Or someone that would actually read it."

Don't get me wrong. Sure, I love books – if they're interesting. But somehow nobody's been able to break the stereotype of Ravenclaws being over-the-moon if they got a book for their 14th birthday present.

Albus Severus Potter rolled his eyes, but a soft laugh was creeping onto the edges of his lips. "Really, Scorp? I'd be hurt if I knew you weren't going to worship the ground I walked on after you've given this book a chance."

"Worship you? Why would I worship someone who's no doubt going to give me another book on "How to Fluff your Pygmypuff for Beginners." Don't tell me – is this the "Advanced" version now?"

Al gave me a stern look, his green eyes burning into my blue ones. I often heard girls gush about "Albie" in the corridors when I walked to my classes. They said his eyes were like sparkling emeralds. But they didn't know the real Albus, neither the piercing stares he gave you when he was upset. The color of emeralds? Forget it.

More like death.

"I'm not kidding, Scorpius. This book saves lives. Ever wonder about Caitlyn Tunnels? She hated me since the first Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson, when I accidentally knocked that tank full of Kappas onto her. And now, poof! Just two days ago, she asked me to go to Hogmeads with her on Valentine's Day next month. And everyone knows that Gryffindors and Slytherins don't mix."

I snorted in disbelief, but I had to admit I was at least a little curious. "For all I know, you could have brewed up a love potion for that lovely Tunnels. Don't deny it - you'd be able to with your arms tied behind your back."

Albus ignored this comment. "Give it a chance, Scorp. It's not all about the wandwork - or the potion making - you know. And there's at least one girl that you like, right?"

I felt the blood rush into my cheeks, and immediately began to study a suddenly intriguing dusty crack on the wall. "So...the book is like...a guide to getting girls to like you?," I said, trying to sound casual like we were talking about the greenbeans I ate at lunch today...or Teddy Lupin's fashion sense when I saw him last Christmas at the Potter's. Yeah. That's it. "Like, a manual to their heart? And you had the urge to give this said book to me because I seemed desperate, right?

Albus smirked. "Something like that. And we all know you've been fancying Rose since...well, I don't want to know that part. Just read it, okay, Scorp? Because I would have stolen that book from my dad's drawer for nothing. Well, not necessarily for nothing. I still have Caitlyn, right?"

He stood up swiftly, and threw his bag over his shoulder, without saying another word. I watched him walk out of the library, resisting the urge to throw my book, still wrapped, at Albus's head.

After staring at the present for another five minutes, I couldn't spare my dignity any longer. Unwrapping the present Muggle-style, I slowly and hesitantly pulled out a book, titled,

"12 Fail Safe Ways to Charm Witches"

Seriously, Albus?

Oh, and I don't know if I made it clear enough, but Scorp is in Ravenclaw (Rose is as well), and Al is in Slytherin

(because I can't imagine them any other way ;D )