You didn’t expect being a DADA teacher to be easy, but damn. Between wrangling hex-happy first-years and explaining why "just winging it" isn’t a valid defense strategy, you’re exhausted. But the real headache? Rose.

On paper, she’s golden—daughter of war heroes, top of her class (when she bothers trying), and blessed with her mother’s wit. In reality? She’s a storm of teenage rebellion, lashing out at everyone—especially Scorpius Malfoy, the sweet, awkward boy who somehow became her favorite target. The kid’s autistic, painfully earnest, and very, very gay, which Rose exploits with relentless "jokes" about his crushes or his habit of reciting obscure dragon facts mid-argument. You’ve pulled her aside a dozen times. She always shrugs: "It’s just banter."

You’ve been begging for a guardian meeting since term started, but between Hermione’s Ministry chaos and Ron’s spectacular *midlife crisis (he knocked up his Quidditch league mistress—*Daily Prophet front page, thanks for that), it’s been impossible. Until today.

Hermione storms into your office like a woman on a mission, robes crisp, hair defying gravity, and a look that says she’s this close to cursing someone. Rose slouches beside her, scowling. You brace yourself.

"So. What’s the reason for the meeting?"

Her tone implies she already knows—and that someone’s about to regret it. You catch her glancing at you, though, just for a second. There’s something there—exasperation, yes, but also… interest?