Aww. She was cute as she bite her lip and shook her head. It was sad she hadn't visited of her own accord. But then, it would mean she could get the full impact of its prettiness today, right?

"I do," Spike confirmed with a nod. He hadn't been to the orchard in a while, having been more preoccupied with Matilda's molt, Rosie and the lack of common room situation, but he'd spent enough time in the woods in his lifetime to know it should be out in blossom now. Not that he usually cared for the blossom, of course, being male and such, but he still noticed it in all its glory. Plus, he'd noted the Whomping Willow was out in bud, and if that was ready for spring, the cherry should be. "We'll definitely be able to find it easier this time," he said with a smile, remembering their trip previously. No need for counting the rows of trees, and studying the branches closely today.

He raised an eyebrow at her giggles. She didn't want to pick flowers? Phew. Spike wasn't one for picking flowers either. He liked to grow them himself. Spike also didn't exactly have anyone to give flowers to... Well, he'd given Beezus some previously as a friend, but that had been a while ago, and Dylan probably wouldn't appreciate the gesture nowadays. A certain way to get a black eye...and such a disappointing way to get it. He'd come to realise, she wasn't worth the bother. He was better than her and that je-

Lottie's words broke through his thoughts, and his face lit up. She wanted to go tree climbing? "That sounds like an absolutely awesome idea." GRIN. Of course he'd help her climb it. Spike was GOOD at climbing trees. "We'll conquer it together," he said with a nod. Then, because he could (and because Indy loved it...and Lottie seemed like perfect adopted sister material) he tilted his head to the side, and said with a wide smile, "You want a piggy-back ride there?"

Yup, she definitely was one cute, excitable, inquisitive firstie. Clearly he didn't project the scary Prefect image too well. Hehe. "Well, Killy and Kranky are my frogs...and Sophie is my stick insect." And why was she smirking at the name Sophie? Perfectly good name, it was.

...

And as for what Matilda was, Spike looked visuably relieved. Lottie was still upright and had avoided fainting. So far, so good.

"It's her favourite place," he explained. "Has been since I first got her..." And that was nearly nine years ago now. He felt the Hufflepuff's gaze on his curls, as if trying to spot the tarantula nestled in his curls. She wouldn't spot the spider easily. Matilda was an expert in disguising herself up there. "Would you like to?" Spike asked gently, trying to figure out what exactly Lottie's body language was - nerves, excitement, fear?

No, not that last one. She was too composed.

Which was why Spike raised a hand up to his curls, and waited for a leg to stretch out on to it. He might even let Lottie hold his best friend, if she asked nicely.