Author's Note:
Written for the nextgen_drabble challenge on Livejournal.
"I dare you."
With those three words, Rose grabbed her plate and goblet, and marched over to where Scorpius Malfoy sat. As usual, he was alone, using his book as a shield.
"Hullo. I'm Rose Weasley. Mind if I sit here?"
Surprised, Scorpius stared at her. When he didn't say no, Rose chirped, "Thanks," and sat down across from him.
She chatted nervously about school, about their House, about the book he was reading, and even about the unseasonably warm weather until he began to thaw.
I dare you.
The words were stark against the piece of parchment. Checking once again to be certain she had the time right, Rose slipped the note into the pocket of her jeans and opened her bedroom window. With one last look over her shoulder - for she was still certain that her parents would come bursting through the door at any moment - she hopped on her broom and took off into the night.
She found Scorpius easily enough, his pale blond hair shining in the moonlight. It had been his idea, to do this because they could and because they shouldn't.
"I was worried you wouldn't come," he said, smiling at her as he held up a Snitch. "Fancy a match?"
"I dare you."
Her heart having found its way into her throat, Rose was shocked when she didn't trip over the words.
This late night skinny dip was the end result of weeks of midnight meetings. It had been miserably hot the past few days and the water had looked so cool and inviting. She couldn't remember now which one of them had suggested they go for a swim; just how wonderful it had sounded and the charge she had felt as she slipped out of her clothes and into the water.
Eyes on her, Scorpius moved closer, his body brushing against hers causing her to draw a sharp breath. She held it, unable to exhale, to relax, when he was so close and she was still waiting.
Then he kissed her.