Scorpius smirked, clearly enjoying Rose’s less-than-pleasant manner. ‘Isn’t it obvious, Rose?’ He leaned a little closer, so close that his expensive cologne filled her nostrils and made her momentarily dizzy. She instinctively took a step back, folding her arms protectively across her chest, her eyes alert and threatening. She swallowed, attempting to form coherent thoughts in her mind once again. ‘How many times must I tell you that I am not interested?’ She said, though her voice sounded less menacing than she would have liked.

She was so caught up in her own little world that she did not notice the quiet snapping of the door as another figure entered her moment of peace. He watched her in the shadows, his face set into stone, his arms folded across his chest, his body rigid. His blue eyes were illuminated by the soft glow of the moon, and all that could be seen in his half-concealed expression was indecision. Rose hummed her favourite tune again, running a hand through her soft, dark hair. Scorpius stepped out of the shadows, his face rid of all emotion.

Startled, Rose whipped around and took in his tall figure. Her eyes fell upon the book, and she nodded. It was the book she needed.

“Do you want it?”

Rose nodded again.

“If I give it to you, what do I get in return?” Scorpius asked, sly and cunning.

Rose glared, suddenly finding her voice again. “The best you’ll get from me, Scorpius, is a thank you.” She was angry again – angry and no longer upset or confused – about the night before. Seeing him standing before her, smirking in the arrogant way that he did, made her blood boil.