Rose had stayed out too late in the library again. Cursing herself for an idiot, she gathered her books and parchment and quills and shoved them all into her bag, stomping out of the library in a fine snit. It was only when she'd stalked down several corridors did she realize she had no idea where she was.
Rose was a second year, and she knew the castle pretty well by now, but she'd never been here before. More importantly, she had no way of knowing how to get back.
She began to try and retrace her steps when she became aware of a beautiful sound gliding through the air.
Rose stopped in her tracks. She knew Hogwarts had a music room, but she'd never seen it- or had any reason to go there. Her mother had once shown her how to play the piano, but Rose had quickly grown bored with it. But now, she recognized the sound of someone tickling the ivories- and whoever was playing seemed to know exactly what they were doing.
Rose followed the sound, turning down a corridor to reveal a door that was firmly shut, and the music seemed to be wafting out from inside.
Rose stared at the door. Should she knock? Should she announce herself? Or should she just walk in?
The thing option seemed to be the best one, so Rose put down her bag, turned the doorknob, and slid into the room.
Scorpius Malfoy was sitting behind the large rosewood piano, his head bent over and his fingers flying across the keys. His face wore a look of blissful concentration.
As if he sensed her presence, Scorpius looked up, then quickly took his hands off the piano keys, cheeks flushing bright red.
"W- what're you doing here?" he stammered.
"I didn't realize I wasn't allowed to be here," Rose retorted, though smiling as she sat down on a low stool. "I didn't know you played."
"I- I- I don't, usually," Scorpius managed. "I just, you know, since I was here anyway, I'd just- but I don't really-"
"You're really good," Rose commented, her voice effectively shutting off Scorpius's babbling. "I like it. Why'd you stop?"
The flush in Scorpius's receded a little, leaving a delicate pink. "You really like it?"
"Yeah," Rose grinned. "I love piano music. I used to play a little when I was younger, but... I got bored trying to learn. Play some more."
Grinning, Scorpius obliged. This time, he played a jauntier tune, a light and swingy song that had Rose's foot tapping absently along to the rhythm. He finished with a great fanfare, and bowed at the waist. Rose clapped enthusiastically.
"You said you used to play?" Scorpius asked. He played with his fingers. "D'you still know how?"
"I guess so..." Rose said slowly. Scorpius patted the bench beside himself.
"Prove it."
Rose slid onto the bench, her face heating slightly. Scorpius gave her a sideways look.
"Er-what do you play?"
Blushing full-on now, Rose hesitantly touched the ivory keys. "I haven't played in years, really-"
"You never forget," Scorpius said softly. "Just start."
Rose touched one key, letting the note linger in the air. Another key. Another note. She started with her other hand. A simple tune silvered out of the piano.
"Not bad," Scorpius smiled. "Let me help."
He took the other side, and their fingers touched momentarily. Both went pink again, but shrugged it off. With the added set of hands, the music became ethereal.
"Wow," Rose whispered. "This is nice."
"Yeah."
No more words were necessary.
"If you like," Scorpius said, slightly hesitant, as the song ended. "If you like, I can teach you to play- really play."
"That sounds good. When?"
"Just like that? Wow. I didn't- ah. Erhmm... yeah, okay. When?"
"Dunno. Tommorow night, after curfew?"
"After curfew?"
"Yep." Rose's eyes twinkled mischievously. "What, you're scared?"
"No!"
"Prove it. Tomorrrow night, after curfew. Right here."
Scorpius grinned. "You're on."
